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Posts Tagged ‘Buuf2’

Customising the Buuf2 Winterboard Theme

January 27, 2009

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already using Buuf2, the most distinctive, characterful theme available for the iPhone. Buuf2 is based on the icon set created by mattahan (see his deviantart page here), and was formatted for the iPhone by axero (see the modmyi forum thread here).

The purpose of this guide is to assist you in customising Buuf2 to your liking. Since the release of firmware 2.0 and the AppStore, the number of apps available for the iPhone has exploded. Trying to keep pace with the number of icons required would be a Herculean task; thankfully, modmyi users nmilsaps and golum have stepped up to fulfil many icon requests on the official thread, and axero incorporates their efforts into his updates when he gets a chance.

However, we are seeing an awful lot of icon requests that are repeats, or where there is already a perfectly suitable icon to use. I’m not going to put anyone down for this, though – it’s a measure of the popularity of this incredible theme. What I would like to do is to provide a little guidance on customising the icons yourself, in the hopes of taking some off the load off the theme creator and the guys on the modmyi forums – and to improve the Buuf2 user experience for all!

Icons is going to be the first and most important part of this guide – but I will get to other topics too, such as system graphics, sounds, wallpapers and so on.

Right, so you downloaded a new app from the AppStore, and now you want it to stop sticking out like a sore thumb on your springboard by applying a proper Buuf2-style icon. Well, the first thing you need to realise is that there probably already is one! Let’s go take a look. SSH into your iPhone, and navigate to /var/stash/Themes.xxxxxx/Buuf2.theme (the xxxxxx part will be different for every iPhone). See the Icons folder? I recommend you copy that to your PC. While you’re here, create another folder called Buuf2 Custom.theme, and create an Icons folder in there. This is where we’re going to put our custom icons.

Now that you’ve got the Buuf2 icons on your PC, have a browse through them and see if there’s an icon that suits your new app. There are over 750 icons at the time of writing (though many of them are repeats), and I’m willing to bet there’ll be something in there that will fit the bill, even if it’s not exactly what you were looking for. Got one? OK, now make a copy of it, and rename it with the exact app name that shows on your springboard. Copy the new icon into the icons folder in the Buuf2 Custom.theme we created.

OK, now on your iPhone, launch Winterboard. You should see that as well as Buuf2, you now have a Buuf2 Custom theme in the list. Drag it up the list so that it is above Buuf2, and select it so that it has a tick against it, like so:

Now, respring, and you should see your new icon! That was easy, eh?

At this point, a quick note on why I choose to create a Buuf2 Custom theme, rather than just placing custom icons in the existing Buuf2 theme. If you modify the existing theme, then when the official package on Cydia (or Installer – blech 😉 ) gets updated, the update will overwrite any changes you made. My way, you get to keep your own custom icons – plus whatever other customisations you may wish to make.

Alright, now what if you didn’t find an icon you liked enough in the existing icon set? OK, OK, I’m willing to admit this can happen. There are some pretty off-the-wall apps around, so it is always possible you couldn’t find one that suited well enough. Well, don’t worry just yet – there are a couple of things you need to check out before you post an icon request on the forum thread.

First, was there an icon that almost, but not quite, did the job? Or a couple of icons which, if combined, would be ideal? If so, post details with your icon request. It will save the guys with the icon-editing skills a lot of time if you give them something to work from.

Second, check out mattahan’s complete Buuf icon set (see here). Download it to your PC, extract the icons, and get browsing! Not everything from the full icon set has been ported to the iPhone version – yet. Again, if you find one you like, post details with your icon request and someone will convert it for you. (If you’re feeling brave, you can have a go at converting the icon yourself – any decent image editing program, such as Irfanview or GIMP, can re-size the image to the 60×60 pixels required for the iPhone springboard. However, the results may look a bit jaggy – I certainly don’t have the skills yet to make it look good enough!)

Thirdly, you can always – gulp – browse the thread on modmyi. Yes, I know it’s long, and people hate to search for stuff ;-). There’s a quick way to see if an icon has already been posted – in the New Skins / Themes Launches forum, click on the little paperclip by the Buuf2 thread – this will bring up a list of all the attachments (see below).

Buuf2 thread - view attachments

I tend to keep an eye on the thread, and any time an interesting-looking icon pops up, I save it for future use if necessary. You never know when you’re going to need a Buuf2-style barfing smiley icon.

Finally, you can have a go at creating an icon yourself. Now, you can’t just edit the icons in Paint you know – they have a transparent area, and Paint just screws that right up. So, you’ll need a ‘proper’ image editor. Luckily, there’s a free one that works well and won’t screw up the transparent areas – GIMP. There’s even a portable version you can install to a USB stick, so there’s no reason not to use it unless you have access to something more professional, like Photoshop (I don’t). Using GIMP, you can open up the icons, copy bits from one and paste them onto another, and generally mash things around until you have something that hopefully looks something like what you wanted, and not just a great big mess ;-). Again though, even if you’re not happy with your results, it can serve as an invaluable example for an icon request – “make a version of this that doesn’t suck, please!”. For some more detailed info on icon creation, nmilsaps posted some tips in the thread here and here.

OK, that’s about it for icons – here are a few extra tips on customising other aspects of the interface!

How to change the ringer volume level icons: put these into Buuf2 Custom.theme/Bundles/com.apple.springboard/

When launching the dialer, you may sometimes see a keypad screen with German text on it pop up briefly. This is just a loading screen – to change it to an English one, place the copy SIckbrain provided into Buuf2 Custom.theme/Bundles/com.apple.mobilephone/.

BiteSMS Buuf Balloons

SBSettings theme (I couldn’t get this to work terribly well with my setup, but I’m sure golum will update it).

Changing system sounds: I find the chime the iPhone makes when you plug it in too loud, when I’m coming to bed after my wife and dock it I’m always worried it’ll wake her up. So I changed it to make it quieter. Using Audacity (well, Audacity portable actually), I opened up the file Buuf2.theme/UISounds/beep-beep.caf, reduced the gain to -12dB or so, and saved it as a .caf file (note: to save as a .caf, go to Edit > Preferences > File Format tab, and change Uncompressed Export Format to CAF (I used 16 bit PCM). Put this file in your Buuf2 Custom theme, and hey presto, quieter charging tone!

Custom sliders: I have to say I’m not a huge fan of the Buuf2 slider icons. There’s a really cool slider theme on Cydia called Zipper Sliders (I think), however unfortunately it wasn’t working properly – I think something in the folder structure changed post-firmware 2.0, and the theme wasn’t updated properly. However, if you install the non-working theme, and copy the zip icons (can’t recall which folder they’re in, sorry) into Buuf2 Custom.theme/Bundles/com.apple.TelephonyUI, you’ll get the zippers I use. You can then un-install the non-working zippers theme.

How to change the text of the unlock-slider: create the folder path Buuf2 Custom.theme/Bundles/com.apple.springboard/en.lproj/. Copy the file SpringBoard.strings from Buuf2.theme/Bundles/com.apple.springboard/en.lproj/ into your new folder and double click the SpringBoard.strings file to edit it. When it opens in notepad, just change Buuf2 to whatever you like.

Some Russian users have packaged up a very comprehensive version of Buuf2, which skins just about everything – calendar, AppStore, Cydia, iPod, and so on. I like to keep my themes to the springboard really, so I haven’t applied it myself, but it does appear to have been very well done. You can get it here.

Wallpapers: Buuf2 has such a distinctive style, it’s kinda hard to find wallpapers that suit it well. You could do worse than to check out some more of mattahan’s excellent work on his deviantart page, of course 🙂

EDIT: I really should give credit to Hack That Phone for this excellent Winterboard tutorial, that taught me most of what I know about customising themes!


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What if Common Core Had Followed the Democratic Process?

On December 2, 2013, I posted a piece that focused on the governor-business hybrid nonprofit, Achieve, Inc. The post also included information on one of the “lead writers” of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Sue Pimentel.

I followed the post on December 3 with CCSS Validation Committee member Sandra Stotsky’s response to my post.

Based upon my CCSS investigations and resulting writings, I maintain that teacher involvement in CCSS development was both peripheral and cosmetic.

In the early morning on December 4, I had a comment on my initial post to the effect that I was wrong, that teachers were indeed a part of the CCSS developmental process. I ended the exchange with the following comment:

Here’s the true test:

Could teachers vote to not adopt CCSS in the first place?

No. It had been decided. Teachers were not “lead architects” and were not even in the work groups.

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Petrilli’s Hammer & the poverty has nothing to do with PISA argument

Mike Petrilli’s argument that poverty has nothing to do with PISA scores gets brilliantly hammered by Bruce Baker at School Finance 101.

School Finance 101

Mike Petrilli over at TB Fordham has made his case for why differences in national economic context do little to substantively explain variations in PISA scores.

He frames his argument in terms of Occam’s Razor, as if to sound well informed, deeply intellectual and setting the stage to share profound logical argument, summarized as follows:

“among competing hypotheses, the hypothesis with the fewest assumptions should be selected.”

Petrilli asserts that while some might perceive a modest association (actually, it’s pretty strong) between national economic context and average tested outcomes in math, for example… like this…

…that it is entirely illogical to assert that child poverty has anything to do with national aggregate differences in math performance at age 15.

That is, the various assumptions that must be made to accept this crazy assertion – that economic context matters in math performance – simply don’t hold water in…

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More on Failing Writing, and Students

Very interesting post on authentic writing by P.L. Thomas

radical eyes for equity

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, I taught English in the rural South Carolina high school I attended as a student. Many of those years, I taught Advanced Placement courses as part of my load (I taught all levels of English and usually sophomores and seniors) and was department chair.

Over the years, I worked hard to create an English department that served our students well. We made bold moves to provide all students in each grade the same literature textbooks (not different texts for different levels, as was the tradition, thus labeling students publicly) and to stop issuing to students grammar texts and vocabulary books (teachers retained classroom sets to use as they chose).

And a significant part of our English classes was the teaching of writing—having students write often and to produce multiple-draft essays. I stressed the need to end isolated grammar instruction (worksheets and textbook exercises) and urged…

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What is the real role for teachers in improving public education for all students?

I read a couple of posts recently which really highlight the critical role teachers have in improving public education for the students and communities that need it most. I have some experience with this – being a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools for a decade, being certified through an alternative certification program and having had some interesting interactions with some AstroTurf teacher groups at the Gates Foundation  Teacher Convening a couple of years ago.

Phil Cantor at Gates Foundation

At the Gates Foundation Teacher Convening… mostly attended by teachers associated from well funded corporate style AstroTurf Groups like E4E.

First a post about how philanthropies are funding AstroTurf organizations of teachers that push the neoliberal corporate style ed reform policies that are really destroying public education from the Public Education Justice Alliance of Minnesota

The neoliberals, corporate foundations, billionaires, and others looking to privatize our public schools work hard to sell their actions as that of local grassroots organizations whose only concerns are for the children, especially poor, urban, and minority children.  These astroturf groups have worked their way into every state, including Minnesota.  We have the well-financed MinnCAN and Students First among others, but in their efforts the corporate reformers keep running into the public school teachers and their unions who actually do care about ALL children.

These corporate “reformers” have long realized that if they are going to privatize the public schools, they must eliminate the the voice of the teachers, and the unions that protect their right to speak in defense of their students.  The “reformers” have had a great deal of success, convincing both Republican and Democratic politicians to pass legislation that weakens teacher unions and public education.  The push-back, however, has been growing steadily.  Led by rank-and-file members who have demanded more action from their own union leadership or have taken over the leadership as C.O.R.E. did in Chicago, teachers are calling out the corporate reformers for what they are – privatizers and union-busters.

The corporate reformers are feeling the heat, but they will not go away quietly.  A new strategy has evolved in recent years with the help of the “happy-face” of the corporate reformers – Teach for America (TFA).

E4E - Educators for Excellence LogoThe new strategy is to convince the public that teachers really do want the corporate reforms, but that it is actually their own unions that are keeping them silent.  It is a devious approach that can pit new teachers against veteran teachers.  These newer groups receiving money from Gates, the Waltons, and other corporate foundations are started and led, by mostly TFA alumni, and recruit heavily among TFA corp members and other younger teachers.

Many of the attendees at the Gates Teacher Convening I attended were with E4E and they railed against tenure and teacher pensions as destroying public education – basically spouting right wing think-tank talking points. Many of them only had a couple of years of experience teaching in charter schools but were well educated in public schools in wealthy suburban districts that have union teachers. Many of them seemed to swallow the corporate reform model very uncritically. When I went out for dinner with a couple of them and talked about the great pre-tenure teachers at my school that were fired because they spoke out too much on behalf of students they seemed to actually start to understand that some of the ideas they’d been fed might have some flaws in them. Many of these young idealistic teachers really do want to fight for social justice, but they’ve been co-opted into the corporate reform machine.

The other post that’s stuck in my head recently is about how teachers have actually been a force for social justice in public schools… and not just recently. The Chicago Teacher Revolt — of 1933 describes how teacher unions started – in part – with a social justice mission which is being revived today around the country.

On the eve before the Great Depression, what the NEA called “America’s great crisis”, Chicago’s teachers found themselves in a contradictory and uncomfortable position. Although their pay and working conditions were better than the blue collar workers in the city, their work in the classroom was becoming increasingly difficult. There had been a dramatic increase in Chicago public school students all through the 1920s which left the schools scrambling for funding.

Is Chicago killing public-ed

The question on this banner is as valid today as it was in 1933 – from http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/08/02/1116048/-The-Chicago-Teacher-Revolt-of-1933#

The schools were largely financed through property taxes, and powerful corporations, along with real estate interests, had been dodging taxes for decades. The system was plagued with corruption and mismanagement and by the late 1920s was bogged down in lawsuits, court actions and a business-led tax strike. To make matters worse, the appointed school board had become a cesspool of financial corruption, especially under the gangster-tainted reign of Mayor William Thompson, an ally of Al Capone.  By 1929, the year of the Wall Street stock market crash, Chicago was essentially broke.

The schools in the immigrant inner city neighborhoods often lacked libraries, playgrounds or even adequate toilet facilities. The children, many of whom had only an uncertain grasp of English, were herded into overcrowded grim looking classrooms that one educational analyst described as resembling “enlarged prison cells”. Schools in Chicago’s growing African American neighborhoods were plagued by overcrowding and poor facilities. African American teachers faced relentless racial discrimination.

Does this sound familiar? An appointed school board that supports business interests over students’? African American and immigrant children suffering from disinvestment? A “financial crisis” caused by financial manipulation and malpractice of elected officials? Teachers fighting to improve their working conditions because those are also students’ learning conditions? If you’re interested in more details about the history of corporate control of schools I strongly encourage you to read Dorothy Shipps’ book: School Reform, Corporate Style Chicago 1880-2000. Yup… this has been going on since the birth of public schools.

Unions started in order to act as a check on the monopoly power of the business elite that were running the city and the school district. Teacher unions are now one of the only forces that can continue to fight against the destruction of our public schools. Unions have not always held true to their social justice roots, but it’s time for us to nurture and grow that most crucial aspect of teacher unionism. We don’t need Gates and Walton funded AstroTurf groups. We need real public school teachers to continue to stand up and fight for their rights as teachers and to support our students and their parents as they fight for fair funding, democratic control and a truly equitable and excellent public school for every child in every community.

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It’s the Poverty Stupid – Why we can’t ignore poverty while trying to improve education… especially for those in poverty.

First published in The Urban Times

University of Texas physics professor Michael Marder has made a most eloquent case for changing the debate about education reform in the US with a series of images. He has, sometimes literally, connected the dots between socioeconomic factors and measures of student learning in a way that champions of education reform such as Bill Gates, Michelle Rhee and David Guggenheim do not.

If you saw Guggenheim’s wildly popular film “Waiting for Superman”, you’re familiar with the paradigm of these self-appointed reformers.

The simple version is:

1. Public schools are bad.
2. If public schools have to compete with each other for students they will improve.
3. Giving families choices between traditional public schools and charter schools will create that competition.
4. Standardized test scores are the only way to measure and compare schools so families can choose the best schools.
5. Students will move from failing bad public schools to successful good charter schools.
6. All students will be in great schools and the US will once again be the education powerhouse that it once was.

I’ll call this the ‘corporate reform model’ since it sees schools as actors in a free market that must compete for customers (students) by producing the best product (test scores.)

The dangerous idea that free market competition – the corporate model- is the solution to the apparent crisis in public education is an intuitively attractive one. Waiting for Superman used viewers’ heartstrings and a bit of creative license (inaccuracies and reenactments portrayed as real-life moments) to drive the point home. Superman fans came away from the film thanking their lucky stars that tough district leaders like Rhee stand up to greedy teachers unions. They can find hope in Bill Gates’ involvement since his money along with that of the Broad and Walton foundations will fund the bulk of the push for more standardized testing and the creation of more charter schools to force public schools to improve or die. The only problem with this view is that it’s not true.

SAT Scores vs. Poverty Rate

As poverty rates increase, SAT scores plummet.

Continue Reading about why education can’t cure poverty, but curing poverty will change education at TheUrbanTimes

Posted in Corporate Style Education Reform, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

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Well certainly not as far as the calendar is concerned, but school has started and the weather is cooling. I can also see it in the kinds of wildflowers that grow around here in Bucks County, PA. One of my favorites are the Marsh Mallows, a form of Hibiscus. They grow along a lake I frequent and are a great foreground element, accent element, or primary subject. In a recent outing I spent time watching 3 Kingbirds flitting around. At one point they were working their way through some pink Marsh Mallows (they also appear in red and white).

I visualized an image of one of these monochromatic birds among the flowers and began tracking one that had landed on the dried remains of last summer’s plants. I wanted the bird to stand against a clean, texture-free background and be framed by the colorful Hibiscus flowers. Morning light, diffused by clouds, was perfect. And a long lens (Canon EF 500mm f4.0 with a TC 1.4 made for an effective 700mm perspective), gave me the limited depth of field I required.

6 thoughts on “Summer’s End

  1. Good things come to those who chase them. You got all the things you were looking for, & for extra… the strong diagonal composition & the shape & “veins” of the petals mimicking the bird’s wings. Very nice image.

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Honey From the Tombs

Honey From the Tombs artwork
  • Arts & Crafts

Solo debut from the Stars co-leader is, like recent records from Jenny Lewis and Isobel Campbell, a country-tinged excursion by an indie singer-songwriter.

Did every mom-and-pop record store on earth simultaneously put all of their Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris discs in the bargain bin? Or maybe Jessica Simpson's performance in that Dukes of Hazzard movie was really more inspirational than it let on. Whatever the case, country-tinged excursions are rapidly becoming the en vogue move for female singer-songwriters in 2006. Everyone from Jenny Lewis and Isobel Campbell to Norah Jones and Michelle Branch have released twanging side projects in the past few months and now Broken Social Star Amy Millan is borrowing the low-brimmed straw hat with Honey From the Tombs, her solo debut. Even without all the de facto competition, though, the LP is a minor affair-- especially compared to the exuberant melodrama of Stars' 2004 triumph, Set Yourself on Fire. Apart from a handful of winning Broken Social Scene-assisted dream-pop gestures, Honey is an austere break-up album dominated by second-rate whiskey'n'tears-fueled backwoods banalities. Without the grit to make her twanging strums stick, Millan merely regurgitates country-folk's most obvious characteristics.

Members of a Toronto bluegrass band named Crazy Strings (seriously) accompany the singer on much of Honey, gently picking at banjos and mandolins. Several of the purely acoustic, drum-less tracks-- "Losin You", "Ruby II", "Baby I", "He Brings Out the Whiskey in Me"-- skip by interchangeably, all marked by a downtrodden, woe-is-me vibe that permeates the entire record. "Sometimes I feel like my only friend is a whiskey glass/ You know it don't stop the time but it helps it pass," Millan opines on the Jenny Whitley cover "Baby I", conjuring a particularly hackneyed sentiment. The abundance of such lazy, sophomoric turns of phrase makes some sense considering most of album's songs were written more than six years ago, but their relic status doesn't excuse such ruminations, which should have been either buried or improved at some point.

Putting its shortcomings into high relief are the album's three tracks recorded with BSS leaders Brendan Canning and Kevin Drew, which lusciously hint at the glossy pop of Millan's main gigs. More sophisticated both lyrically and sonically, "Skinny Boy", "Headsfull", and especially "Wayward and Parliament" embellish Millan's sensual, breathy coo with a perfect amount of unobtrusive atmospherics and lush reverb. Dreamlike and lingering, "Skinny Boy" is the album's best pop song, its palpable longing wrapped in chiming guitars and soothing cymbal crashes. Its take on the romantic cycle is nuanced as well, with the singer summing things up thusly: "Some love, some prostitution/ Some denial, some doubt, some dance." Meanwhile, "Wayward and Parliament" is an experimental anomaly that's more Brian Eno than Grand Ole Opry. Synths offer an ominous intro and are soon balanced by Millan's lullaby croon. Then, about midway through, the song takes a sharp turn into the absinthe ether as jungle drums, skulking bass, and a wafting trumpet evoke a righteously sinister air.

As "the girl in Stars," Millan offers a blurry feminine counterpart to co-lead Torquil Campbell's haughty theatrics, and together they skewer relationship dysfunction with wit and defiance. But there's little to match the brilliance of something like the poignant aftermath tale "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" here, as the Canadian songstress trolls the same subject matter while faltering amidst insular self-pity. Honey's more fleshed-out productions show Millan has the ability to be engaging on her own, but they are too scarce to make this album anything more than a humble footnote.

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Mourdock Doesn't Get the Full Akin After Rape Comment

With a tight race for Sen. Richard Lugar's (R-Ind.) seat in the balance, Republicans didn't appear ready to do a quick disowning of Richard Mourdock as they did with Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.).

There was some GOP condemnation of the Indiana state treasurer, some support, and more silence toward the party's Senate candidate in the wake of comments made at a Tuesday night debate.

Asked about abortion in the case of rape, Mourdock said, “I struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize life is that gift from God. And I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.”

The state Democratic Party quickly pushed out a video of the comment titled “Mourdock: God Intended Rape.” The Democrat running for the Lugar seat, Rep. Joe Donnelly, released his own statement: “The God I believe in and the God I know most Hoosiers believe in, does not intend for rape to happen — ever,” Donnelly said in a statement. “What Mr. Mourdock said is shocking, and it is stunning that he would be so disrespectful to survivors of rape.”

By this morning, Dems were off and running with the comment.

"I think it's clear that Mitt Romney, that many Republicans who are running office, including him -- including Mr Mourdock, have very extreme positions on issues that women care deeply about in this country, and that if they have the opportunity to be partners in the White House and in the Senate, that that's something women should have and will have concern about as they're going to the voting booths," Obama's traveling campaign press secretary, Jen Psaki, told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Iowa.

The Democratic National Committee tried to spin the brewing scandal toward Mitt Romney, noting that Mourdock is the only Senate candidate the presidential hopeful has endorsed on camera this election cycle besides Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

"To think that we've had three incidents this year with candidates, all Republicans, all men talking about rape as either, is it legitimate rape? In this case, is it ordained? And Mr. Walsh recently coming out with yet another comment about rape. So I mean there's a problem in the Republican Party," Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) said on MSNBC.

In addition to Akin's "legitimate rape" comment, she was referring to Pennsylvania Senate candidate Tom Smith, who made "less than artful" (in the words of his campaign) remarks about how pregnancy from rape is "similar" to when his daughter got pregnant out of wedlock, and Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) who, when asked about abortion if a woman's "life is at issue," said, “There is no such exception. With modern technology and science, you can’t find one instance.”

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee circulated an online petition calling on Romney to denounce Mourdock.

"Gov. Romney disagrees with Richard Mourdock, and Mr. Mourdock’s comments do not reflect Gov. Romney’s views," Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said in a statement. "We disagree on the policy regarding exceptions for rape and incest but still support him." The campaign has not asked Mourdock to pull a TV ad featuring Romney pitching for the Senate candidate.

Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) reportedly canceled plans to campaign with Mourdock. Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) quickly condemned the comments. Conservative Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who's running for governor, called on Mourdock to say sorry.

"I strongly disagree with the statement made by Richard Mourdock during last night's Senate debate," Pence said. "I urge him to apologize."

Pence's challenger, Democrat John R. Gregg, tried to spin the statement to questioning pro-life Pence's own stances on abortion exemptions.

Mourdock called a news conference today to try to tamp down the outcry, stressing he believes "life itself is the greatest gift that God can give us" and that he abhors violence.

"I'm a much more humble person this morning, because so many people mistook, twisted, came to misunderstand the points that I was trying to make," he said. "And if, because of the lack of clarity in my words, that they came away with an impression other than those that I stated a moment ago, that life is precious and that I abhor violence and I'm confident God abhors violence and rape, if they came away with any impression other than that, I truly regret it. I apologize if they came away."

Unlike Akin, though, the National Republican Senatorial Committee supported Mourdock the morning after.

"Richard and I, along with millions of Americans – including even Joe Donnelly – believe that life is a gift from God.  To try and construe his words as anything other than a restatement of that belief is irresponsible and ridiculous.  In fact, rather than condemning him for his position, as some in his party have when it’s come to Republicans, I commend Congressman Donnelly for his support of life," Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said in an NRSC statement today.


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Small Cap Omen? (10/9/2014)

There has been a lot of noise lately about small cap stocks underperforming their larger brethren. Sure enough, there is a perfect order to the hierarchy of returns on size ETFs in 2014 – the smaller they are the more they stink (Exhibit 1).

Exhibit 1 – YTD Performance by Market Cap

But just how unusual is that and what does it mean? Let’s look at historical performance patterns back to 1970 (Exhibit 2). Small caps had a period of massive outperformance from 1974 to 1983. Since then they have traded the lead back and forth. There are cyclical patterns that are obvious on the rolling performance charts below.

Exhibit 2 – Small Cap Relative to Large Cap

Breaking it down by decade (Exhibit 3) presents similarly mixed pattern. Small caps rocked it in 1970’s. They then did much better in the 2000’s as large companies worked off the tech bubble hangover. In the past 25 years (since 1990), the performance is exactly even albeit with slightly more volatility in the small cap.

Exhibit 3 – Average Returns by Decade

Ok, if these patterns are cyclical, can we make any predictions based on them? Exhibit 4 shows S&P 500 returns in the year following small cap underperformance of 5% or more. This metric “predicted” some of the biggest market drops including 2008 and 1974, but it “missed” several big ones. Furthermore, it also preceded some of the really good years for the S&P 500. In fact, the market was positive 71% of such years with an average return of 10%. Although, it should be noted that picking a random year since 1970 would have had a slightly better result.

Exhibit 4 – Market Returns After Years of Small Cap Underperformance

Like most things in the stock market, small cap underperformance is cyclical and quite common. There is no conclusive evidence that it has to lead to a big correction or end of the bull market. Perhaps the best we can say is: “2015 is likely to be a good year that is maybe possibly slightly less good than an average year”.

Data Note: Large Cap is represented by S&P 500, Small Cap is a spliced benchmark since Russell 2000 only goes back to 1980 (DFA US Small Cap Index 1970-1971, Ibbotson 1972-1979, Russell 2000 Index 1980-2014).

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Is an EIN Required For a Revocable Trust After Death?

by Amanda McMullen ; Updated April 19, 2017

Because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn't consider a grantor-owned revocable trust to be a separate taxable entity from its grantor, such a trust does not require an employer identification number (EIN) as long as its grantor is alive and well. However, the IRS will require a revocable trust to obtain an EIN if the grantor dies or become incapacitated. The IRS also requires revocable trusts that are not grantor owned to apply for this number.

Revocable Trusts and EINs

A revocable trust is a separate legal entity a grantor creates to hold assets until after his death. Placing the assets in a revocable trust allows them to pass directly to the grantor's heirs without going through probate court. A revocable trust qualifies as grantor owned if the grantor controls the trust and receives all of its income while alive. An EIN is a federal tax identification number that the IRS uses to identify business entities for tax purposes.

Death of the Grantor

Revocable trusts that are not grantor owned must have EINs both before and after the grantor's death. A grantor-owned revocable trust becomes irrevocable upon the death of the grantor, at which point it must obtain an EIN. The successor trustee can apply for this number after assuming his duties.

If the grantor of a grantor-owned revocable trust becomes incapacitated and is no longer able to serve as the trustee, the successor trustee assumes the duties. At this point, the IRS no longer considers the grantor and the trust to be the same taxable entity because the grantor is not controlling the trust's affairs. For this reason, a grantor-owned revocable trust must apply for an EIN when its grantor becomes incapacitated.

Obtaining an EIN

To obtain an EIN for a trust, the trustee must submit an application to the IRS. Trustees can submit applications online, by telephone or by fax. To complete the application, the trustee must list the responsible party's name and contact information and the legal name of the trust. He must also fill out basic information about the trust, such as its type and date of creation.

About the Author

Amanda McMullen is a freelancer who has been writing professionally since 2010. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics and a second bachelor's degree in integrated mathematics education.


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How Does PPO Insurance Work?

by Contributing Writer ; Updated July 27, 2017

PPO insurance is also known as Preferred Provider Organizations. It provides managed health care for customers. There are some limitations to this insurance such as the cost of the plans. Benefits of having a PPO plan include not being required to see your primary care physician to get a referral to a specialist and being able to see out-of-network specialists.

The benefits for having PPO Insurance is that you do not have to worry about needing to be restricted to seeing a set network of providers and referrals from a primary care physician. PPO does not require their policyholders to do this. A primary care physician is not required and there is no need for referrals for any specialized medical services. You can consult any specialist that you prefer.

Since PPO offers policyholders the most freedom, it has higher co-payments than other managed care plans. Customers may also need to pay a deductible, which can be very high. Even though you are able to use out-of-network providers, the cost of the visits may be very expensive and the out-of-pocket costs can also be high.


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Marks and Spencer’s Haul! (and amazing free gifts)

I’m seriously starting to love the M&S beauty hall.

As I have one so close to where I work it’s become a weekly thing that I go there, try out a few bits, and inevitably come away with a haul. This week I went in and found they had an amazing offer on and so felt compelled to share it!

The offer is spend £30 and get to chose five samples from a selection of about 15. There’s five sections, and you pick one from each and get a little goodie bag to take it all away in.marks and spencers free giftThe sections to choose from are:
– Anti aging must have
– New make up hero
– Super hair saviour
– Skincare favourite
– Cult classic

You can also take away with your bag a little leaflet that lists all the different samples (which is very handy if you want to pick what to get when you go back and get another haul another day!)dsc_0432It says find out more about the treats but really it’s just a one liner about the product and to find more about them I actually just ended up Googling them. rodial snake booster oil I’m very intrigued by this – which was on the anti aging must have shelf. This retails at £70 for 30ml at M&S and my sample size is 10ml! That’s a ridiculously generous sample size. This is actually a facial oil you wash with so it won’t be something I’ll be using daily but I’m looking forward to giving it a go.

Skyn Iceland is a brand I keep looking at every time I’m in M&S so I’m looking forward to trying the lip plumping gels. I have annoyingly small lips so I’m hoping they can do a bit of magic. Five pairs of the gels pads are £30 and you get two pairs in the sample so it’s well worth it. These were in the skincare favourite category so here’s hoping they impress! pk prep perfecting sprayThis PK Prep Perfecting Spray is another generous sample size as 125ml is £18.50 and this is a 50ml spray. It’s an all in one, including heat and UV protection so this will be going in my holiday toiletry box!

The cult classic was the Crabtree and Evelyn handcream. I’ve used this hand cream before and know it’s fantastic so I didn’t hesitate picking this up for my desk at work!pixi multibalm lip and cheekThis was the item I was most excited about grabbing my hands on. It’s very similar to a very old product I had and loved years ago from Superdrug. I can’t recall the name of the brand sadly. Anyway, this is 5.5g and the full size, priced at £12 is 6.5g so once again this is a massive sample size! I won’t be using it on my cheeks because anything other than powder on my cheeks breaks me out but I’m excited to try it as a lovely lip tint. The old one I had looked like this but on the lips just enhanced my natural colour, rather than it being full coverage, so I’m hoping this is the same.

As for what I bought to actually get the free gifts…dsc_0431The Living Proof curl enhancing styling mousse is an absolute bargain at the moment – just £6! A full review of that and the Eyeko mascara will be coming soon. The Stila is my all time favourite foundation ever (see my review here).

Have you been to one of the M&S beauty halls? If you have, let me know what you’ve picked up in the comments below!

Em x

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The Irrationalist

Local Author New Release: The Irrationalist

Andrew Pessin is a local Connecticut author with a brand new historical murder mystery based on real events: The Irrationalist

The Irrationalist

Paperback: 508 pages
Publisher: Open Books (May 23, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0998427446
ISBN-13: 978-0998427447
Buy on Amazon

The Irrationalist

An historical murder mystery based on real events.

Who would want to murder the world’s most famous philosopher?

Turns out: nearly everyone.

In 1649, Descartes was invited by the Queen of Sweden to become her Court Philosopher. Though he was the world’s leading philosopher, his life had by this point fallen apart. He was 53, penniless, living in exile in the United Provinces, alone. With much trepidation but not much choice, he arrived in Stockholm in mid-October.

Shortly thereafter he was dead.

Enter Adrien Baillet. A likeable misfit with a mysterious backstory, he arrives just as the French Ambassador desperately needs an impartial Frenchman to prove that Descartes died of natural causes.

But solving the mystery of Descartes’s death (Baillet soon learns) requires first solving the mystery of Descartes’s life, with all its dangerous secrets … None of it is easy, as nearly everyone is a suspect and no one can be trusted.

But Baillet somehow perseveres, surprising everyone as he figures it all out—all the way to the explosive end.

About Andrew Pessin:

Andrew PessinAndrew Pessin is Professor of Philosophy at Connecticut College, with degrees from Yale and Columbia—though he is most popular for his appearances as “The Genius” on the Late Show with David Letterman. Author of many academic articles and books, as well as four philosophy books, one textbook, and one audio course aimed at a general audience, his book, Uncommon Sense: The Strangest Ideas from the Smartest Philosophers, was named an “Outstanding Academic Title of 2013” by Choice. He has spent two decades teaching at liberal arts colleges in addition to speaking about philosophy to many non-philosophical audiences, so he has plenty of experience making philosophy entertaining, accessible, yet provocative and most of all fun. Recently he also published two novels. The Second Daughter, written under the pen name J. Jeffrey—read the novel to find out why the pen name!—was a Semi-Finalist in Literary Fiction at The Kindle Book Review Book awards, and he greatly enjoyed meeting (either in person or over Skype) with the many bookclubs that adopted it. His brand new novel, The Irrationalist, is based on the truly sad life and (possible) tragic murder of the famous philosopher and mathematician, René Descartes. In his spare time Pessin composes and can occasionally be coaxed to perform amusing philosophy songs.

Andrew will be happy to meet at any local book clubs!

Rebecca Skane

Rebecca Skane is the editor-in-chief for the Portsmouth Review. She holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and resides in Portsmouth, NH with her husband and two children. She is the founder of The Portsmouth Book Club which boasts over 1,000 members. She also doubles as a professional escapist.Her genres are scifi and fantasy, both adult and young adult - but she often reads outside of her preferred genres. You can follow her on GoodReads.Aside from her love of good books, she is a professional website developer, content editor, and SEO expert. You can visit her web design and development site at

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Limited Power of Attorney Tennessee Form – Adobe PDF

License / Price: Free
Version: Adobe PDF (.pdf)
File size: 673 b
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (17 votes, average: 3.06 out of 5)

A limited power of attorney document lets a resident choose someone else to handle a specific monetary related action(s) or decision(s) on their behalf. The person doing the representation, the ‘Agent’, must always perform all acts in the best interests and to the favor of the person being represented, the ‘Principal’.

The principal may choose the exact actions by selecting from the list of options on the form or by writing in themselves. The period for which the form will be valid, may be for;

  • A period of time
  • During any incarceration or deportation of the principal
  • At the time the objective is complete
  • Or at any other specific guidance made by the principal

There are two types of limited power of attorney forms to choose from;

  • Durable – Remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated
  • Non-Durable – Does not remain in effect if the principal should become incapacitated

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Business Relations Group

Meet Your Business Relations Group

Business Specialists are your single point of contact for consultation, information, and services provided by the Business Relations Group. Each Business Specialist is assigned an industry and is the expert for that industry.

How does the Business Relations Group work with your business? Your Business Specialist will meet with you to:

1. Partner with you to conduct an in-depth analysis of your company’s unique workforce and hiring needs, resources and goals.
2. Next, your Business Specialist will prepare viable options and recommendations such as customized hiring events, candidate assessments, and possible grant participation.

3. As needed, your Business Specialist will help implement recommendations and follow through to ensure your success

To get started, call Nathan Cull at (719) 667-3814 or email:

Felicia Barbera serves as a Business Specialist with a focus on the Healthcare Industry. A 2013 graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership’s Community Leadership Program, Felicia studied International Politics at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and served in the United States Navy. After living abroad in Italy for many years teaching English as a Foreign Language to Italians, she returned to Colorado Springs and established a career in Real Estate. An officer for Toastmasters International, Felicia is an outstanding public speaker who enjoys sharing the message of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center with the World.

Robin Lovewell bio and picture Robin Lovewell serves as a Business Specialist with a focus on the IT, hospitality, tourism, non-profit, retail, services, and finance industries. Robin brings over six years of experience helping job seekers connect with employers. She was an integral part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at Fort Carson as well as Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Because of her experience in the TAP program, Robin utilizes her deep network of contacts in order to connect vital businesses in El Paso and Teller Counties with the Workforce Center’s work-ready job seekers. She is a graduate of the National Veterans’ Training Institute, University of Colorado, Denver. Robin is a proud military spouse with an appreciation for different cultures and new experiences after having lived in three overseas locations for a total of eight years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Spanish from San Diego State University

Photo of Darlene Wolford Darlene Wolford serves as a Business Technician with a focus on the Manufacturing, Construction, Trade, Transportation and Utilities industries. Darlene brings over thirty years of combined experience in customer service, human resources/business relations to the Business Relations Group. She has been with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center for nearly two years, most recently serving as a member of the Customer Service team, and was named the Pikes Peak Workforce Center’s Employee of the Year in 2016. Her professional experience includes work for a national retail pharmacy company in Human Resources, Training and Development. She is passionate about driving results through process and performance improvement and change management. Darlene possesses extensive experience in results-focused coaching and feedback, and managing and facilitating leadership training and advancement programs.

Photo of Nathan Cull Nathan Cull serves as a Business Technician with responsibility for directly supporting new employers as they open accounts and post job listings in our statewide jobs database, "". Nathan arranges all details to ensure successful employee Hiring Events and provides crucial support to the entire Business Relations Group. Nathan has more than 13 years of experience in customer service and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology from Colorado State University-Pueblo. Nathan prides himself on providing excellent customer service to all employers and job seekers.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by other job seekers.

Below are some frequently asked questions that other job seekers have had.

Why should I register with PPWFC?
The number one reason to use PPWFC's services is to find a job, or a better job. We offer many services for job seekers including automatic job matching from a statewide database, an on-site resource room with computers, fax machines, telephones and copy machines, various networking groups for job seekers of all skill levels, on-site job fairs and hiring events and workshops ranging from learning new computer skills to writing a new resume. And, best of all, all of our services are free of charge. To create an account in Connecting Colorado, the state database,
Who is eligible to register with PPWFC?
Any citizen or legal resident of the U.S., 14 years old and over is eligible to register with PPWFC.
If I already have an account in Connecting Colroado, do I need to update my account after I file an unemployment claim?
Yes, you must update your account in Connecting Colorado when filing an unemployment claim, regardless of your previous registration.
Please note that if you have previously registered with any workforce center in the state of Colorado, at any time, you will only be able to update your existing account. You will not be able to create a new account.

How do I get to PPWFC?
Directions:  Take the I-25, Garden of the Gods exit 146 and head west. Go west for about 1.6 miles; turn left into the El Paso County Citizens Service Center; park in the parking garage on the west side of the building; enter the building from the west across from the parking garage.  PPWFC is on the first floor in Suite 1107. Use the Metro Transit's website to determine the bus route to get to our new location (1675 Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907).  Simply enter your address (or where you are coming from) and where you are going; what time you'd like to depart; and it'll do the rest. Plan options will be given to you including fare cost; transfers needed; and when and where you'll be catching each leg of your trip!
What resources are available on-site at PPWFC?
PPWFC offers a variety of services to assist with your employment search. These services include 19 instructor-lead job seeker workshops to prepare you for future opportunities, a staffed, job seeker-focussed resource room with computers with internet access, fax machines, copiers, telephones and valuable job search manuals. Most importantly, an Adult Information Session where attendees are screened for eligibility to receive individual counseling for career discovery and job search assistance.
How can I get my High School Equivalency (GED)?
PPWFC offers pre testing and referral services for the High School Equivalency (GED).
1. Register with Connecting Colorado online or at PPWFC.
2. Attend a TABE Assessment session at PPWFC. TABE is the Test of Adult Basic Education, which determines your current skills level in reading and math. Registration is required. For dates and to register, please click here. If you have questions, please call 719-667-3750.
TABE is the Test of Adult Basic Education and will determine your current skills level in reading and math. No registration is required. If you have questions, please call 719-667-3750. 3. Based on the results of your TABE Assessment, you will be referred to take the High School Equivalency (GED) Practice test at PPWFC or to High School Equivalency (GED) training and testing programs in the Colorado Springs community. The TABE is administered prior to the High School Equivalency (GED) Practice test because it identifies specific skill areas that need improvement which assists us in the referral and placement process.
4. A packet of community resources for High School Equivalency (GED) testing and preparation is also available at the PPWFC front desk.

How do I apply for tuition assistance?
Grant funding for tuition assistance is available through PPWFC and the Workforce Innnovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for eligible El Paso andTeller county residents. To review specific eligibility requirements, visit our Funds for Training page on our web site.
Please note that educational programs must be approved through the Eligible Training Providers list and you must be registered with PPWFC to qualify for tuition assistance.

I forgot my password to Connecting Colorado, how can I reset it?
There are two ways to reset your password with Connecting Colorado.
1. On the Returning Job Seeker Login screen, click Forgot Password. You will be asked your security question and if answered correctly your password will be sent to the e-mail address on file with Connecting Colorado.
2. If you do not have an e-mail address or you do not receive the e-mail, call PPWFC at 719.667.3700. Our staff will gladly assist you with resetting your password.

How do I obtain proof of my Workforce Center registration?
Official proof of registration can only be obtained in person at the Citizens Service Center, 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 1107, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. You must have a valid photo ID.
How can I file an unemployment claim?
There are two ways to file an unemployment claim for the state of Colorado.
For an initial claim, please calll 1.866.422.0401 to speak with an unemployment customer service representative. If you call, please be prepared for an extended wait time on hold.
Or, you can file your claim online at

What is a valid job contact?
A valid job contact means you have completed specific job-search activities that may lead to a new job and that can be verified by the Division of Unemployment Insurance. Here are some examples of a single and appropriate job contact: - Submitting an online application or resume for a specific job. - Interviewing for a job or attending a second job interview. - Completing testing required by an employer for a job. - Submitting a paper application for a specific job and/or employer. Note 1: For every job contact, you must keep a verifiable list of: - The date of the activity or action taken (month, day, and year). - The type of job-search activity taken (for example, application, test, interview, etc.) - How you applied for the position (for example, online, in-person, submitted through a job board, e-mail, etc.). - The type of work you are seeking. - The person you contacted, along with a telephone number, email address, or other reliable contact information. Note 2: If you are a Colorado resident you must make 5 job contacts per week unless this has been officially changed by your local workforce center. If you live outside the state of Colorado you must make 3 job contacts per week. *Download a work-search log at
What additional resources are available in the Pikes Peak region to assist me in my job hunt?
To find additional community resources including the El Paso County Department of Human Services, the Colorado Department of Vocational rehabilitation and various community organizations, dial 2-1-1.


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John Hanson America’s First President!

Thought George Washington was the First President in America, right?  The constitution wasn’t signed until 1789.  So what did we do from 1776 to 1789?  Well the states were loosely organized under a simple form of National Government called the Articles of Confederation.  There really was no strong central government.

According to

“The Continental Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation during the Revolutionary War. The articles were written to give the colonies some sense of a unified government. Once the thirteen colonies became the thirteen states, however, each one began to act alone in its own best interest. A new governing document was needed in order for these new states to act together, to become a nation.

The Articles of Confederation became effective on March 1, 1781, after all thirteen states had ratified them. The Articles made the states and legislature supreme. There was no executive branch. Judicial functions were very limited.

The resulting government was weak. Efforts to make it stronger failed. A convention called in May 1787 to re-write the Articles decided to draft an entirely new Constitution.”

John Hanson was a merchant and public official from Maryland during the era of the American Revolution. After serving in a variety of roles for the Patriot cause in Maryland, in 1779 Hanson was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was elected by that body to be the President of the Continental Congress. At this time there was no executive branch, so in effect, Hanson was the first American President. He signed the Articles of Confederation in 1781 after Maryland finally joined the other states in ratifying them.  He was Born in  Port Tobacco, Maryland.  Route 50 in Maryland to Ocean City is named The John Hanson Highway.  Here’s the timelines from Wikipedia for his political career.

1750: Hanson’s career in public service began in 1750, when he was appointed sheriff of Charles County.
1757: In 1757 he was elected to represent Charles County in the lower house of the Maryland General Assembly, where he served over the next twelve years, sitting on many important committees.
1774: When relations between Great Britain and the colonies became a crisis in 1774, Hanson became one of Frederick County’s leading Patriots.
1776: In June 1776, Hanson chaired the Frederick County meeting that urged provincial leaders in Annapolis to instruct Maryland’s delegates in the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain.
1781: When Congress received notice of this, Hanson joined Daniel Carroll in signing the Articles of Confederation on behalf of Maryland on March 1, 1781.
1781: On November 5, 1781, Congress elected Hanson as president of the Continental Congress (or “president of the Congress of the Confederacy” or “president of Congress”).

George Washington Resigns His Military Commission

George Washington’s Resignation

Grand Staircase

Washington Resigning His Commission, by Edwin White, 1858. MSA SC 1545-1112

“At the end of the Revolutionary War, many people in America and Europe thought Washington would retain the reins of power to become the leader of the new nation, or even king. When told by the American artist Benjamin West that Washington was going to resign, King George III of England said “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”

However, Washington had an abiding faith in the young nation and a deep desire to return to his beloved Mt. Vernon and private life as a farmer. Congress had assembled in Annapolis in late November and awaited the general’s arrival to resign his commission. He arrived on December 19 and immediately wrote to Congress to inquire as to how they actually wanted him to resign. A committee of Congress devised a ceremony that took place at noon on December 23. In the intervening days, Washington was feted with parties, balls and huzzas, including a gala ball on the night before the ceremony in the hall of the State House, where he danced with all the ladies.

On the day of the ceremony, Washington arrived at the State House where Congress was meeting in the Old Senate Chamber. When he entered the Chamber, the members remained seated, covered (with their hats on). In a short, emotional speech, Washington resigned his commission and then bowed to Congress. Only then did the members rise and remove their hats in a gesture of respect. As he left the Chamber to ride to Mt. Vernon in time to have his Christmas dinner at home, Washington handed his personal copy of his speech to a member of the committee. It is this copy that the state of Maryland has now acquired from a descendant of the member, in whose family it has remained since that day. The speech will be on display when the State House reopens in January 2009.”

This event was remarked on and celebrated through out the world because it marked the first time in history that a military leader of a revolution did not automatically install himself as leader of that nation.  And actually, the resignation speech handwritten by George Washington himself is now on display in the Statehouse.

Legislative Services: Regina Todd

Trip to Maryland State House

On December 30th,  my family was treated to a nearly private tour of the Maryland State House.  We learned a lot about Maryland history.  The  most important things were:

  1.  The Maryland State House actually served as the US Capitol for about one year from November 26, 1783 to August 13, 1784.
  2. George Washington Resigned his Military Commission at the end of the Revolutionary War inside the Maryland State House. (See George Washington Resigns His Military Commission)
  3. Maryland Actually had its own version of the Boston Tea Party. (See The Burning of the Peggy Stewart)
  4. John Hanson, a Marylander, was the first President under the articles of Confederation.  The Articles of Confederation were the guidelines for which the colonies/states interacted with each other before the Constitution was signed in 1789.

We would like to thank Maryland Legislative Services and Ms. Regina Todd for showing us around.

The Burning of the Peggy Stewart

Did you know Maryland also had a Revolutionary War Tea Party?

“The brigantine Peggy Stewart arrived in Annapolis, Maryland on Friday, October 14, 1774, laden with more than a ton of tea. The owners of the ship were Anthony Stewart and his father-in-law James Dick. The tax for the tea was quickly paid by Stewart, in violation of a non–importation agreement amongst local merchants. This was not the first time that Stewart and Dick paid a tax on imported British goods. The Anne Arundel County Committee decided that the tea should not be landed and called for a public meeting to determine the final fate of the cargo on Wednesday October 19, 1774.   Although the majority of the people at the meeting voted against violent measures, the minority members were determined to burn both the ship and the tea. Stewart finally consented to burn his own ship out of fear for his own life and concern that the mob might also burn his house. The burning of the Peggy Stewart was a seminal event in both Maryland’s and the colonies’ history prior to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. The following quote is from a letter written by Charles Yardley Turner read at the occasion of the unveiling of his painting.

In the center panel is Charles Carroll of Carrollton and Dr. Warfield “leader of the mob”. In the left panel wearing the white shirt sleeves is Anthony Stewart.  The right panel portrays a group of citizens near Anthony Stewart’s mansion.”

Reproduced under Fair Use from

Field Trip! Constitution Museum and Betsty Ross House Oct 13th, 2015

October 13, 2015

My family took a trip into Old Philadelphia to visit a couple of historic sites. First we went to the Constitution Museum. We had fun. I kept trying to vote, but the machine kept telling me I wasn’t allowed to vote since I am a girl. Of course, my family said it was funny watching me go to every voting station. I definitely remember which year women in Maryland were allowed to vote.  Women in Maryland were granted the right to vote by the passage of the 19th amendment on August 18, 1920.

I thought the signers gallery with life sized statues of was terrifying. I learned a lot about the signers and the dissenters. The dissenters had reasons for not approving the Constitution like slavery and they thought the Government was to strong and could overrun the States. It was an interesting way to view all the signers in one place. We have an ongoing project to learn about all the signers, I have the “Book of Signers” with bios of all of them. Come to think of it, we should have brought it so we could make some notes in the margins.

One of the docents (a person who who is kind of like a museum tour guide) made us turn around so we could appreciate an ORIGINAL signed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln signed with his full name Abraham Lincoln which was unusual. Apparently, he signed 45 copies in Philadelphia when he spoke at Independence Hall. Abraham Lincoln signed his name A. Lincoln most of the time.

We also got to visit Betsy Ross House, I had no idea she had three different husbands. Sewing the first American Flag was an act of Sedition or Treason to the English Crown. IF she had been caught she probably would have been executed. She must have been very brave because English troops lived in the house with her. She sewed the flag in her bedroom, but she could have been caught at any time. She is buried in the courtyard there which was strange because she never owned that home but instead rented space for her living quarters and her upholstery shop. Later in life she moved in with a relative. She was completely blind for the last three years of her life and moved in with a relative closeby.


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Great game! I think it is a great way to learn coding. My daughter and I both enjoyed it. Thank you for the coding lesson! :)

Thank you so much! I hope you'll also enjoy the new chapters as they come out! :)

I will thank you!

Pardon me, but I have some difficulties in installing the demo : a notification " This app can't run on your PC " showed when I tried to open the game.... could you help me with some instructions for the Windows version? (^_^")

Hey! Thanks for reaching out. I did some research on this, and it looks like some versions of Windows do this if they don't recognize the app or game. Here's a link I found that might help you:

(Edited 1 time)

Oh, I see... I'll try again, and thanks for the assistance (^_^)b

Edit : It seems that the OS for my laptop is 32-bit version and I can't enjoy the game till I update the Windows :')

Oh, I see! Thank you for telling us this! We should have made a 32-bit version, I apologize. Right now we are working on the next game update. I will upload a 32-bit version with the update so you can play. Sorry for the delay, and thank you again for letting us know!

really excited to see where this game goes

Thanks for taking the time to play! More chapters coming in February :)


text:
New York Lawmakers Introduce Sweeping Reforms to Use of Solitary Confinement in Prisons and Jails

Reblogged from: Think Outside the Box

Press release from the New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement.
January 31, 10:30 am
New York — At a mid-morning press conference at Judson Memorial Church in Greenwich Village, New York legislators will join advocates, survivors of solitary confinement, and their families to announce the introduction of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act (A08588 / S06466).
Introduced in both the Assembly and the Senate, the pioneering bill is being hailed by supporters as the most comprehensive and progressive legislative response to date to the nationwide problem of solitary confinement in prisons and jails. As written, it would virtually eliminate a practice that has been increasingly denounced as both dangerous and torturous, while protecting the safety of incarcerated individuals and corrections officers.
According to Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry, who is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly, “New York State was a leader for the country in passing the 2008 SHU Exclusion Law, which keeps people with the most severe mental health needs out of solitary confinement. Now we must show the way forward again, ensuring that we provide safe, humane and effective alternatives to solitary for all people.”
“Solitary confinement makes people suffer without making our prisons safer. It is counter-productive as well as cruel,” said Senator Bill Perkins, the bill’s Senate sponsor. “Solitary harms not only those who endure it, but families, communities, and corrections staff as well.”
Currently, about 3,800 people are in Special Housing Units, or SHUs, with many more in other forms of isolated confinement in New York’s State prisons on any given day, held for 23 to 24 hours a day in cells smaller than the average parking space, alone or with one other person. More than 800 are in solitary confinement in New York City jails, along with hundreds more in local jails across the state.
New York isolates imprisoned people at levels well above the national average, and uses solitary to punish minor disciplinary violations. Five out of six sentences that result in placement in New York State’s SHUs are for non-violent conduct. Individuals are sent to the SHU on the word of prison staff, and may remain there for months, years, or even decades.
The HALT Solitary Confinement Act bans extreme isolation beyond 15 days–the limit advocated by UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Juan E. Méndez, among others. It also bars vulnerable populations from being placed in solitary at all–including youth, the elderly, pregnant women, LGBTI individuals, and those with physical or mental disabilities.
“No person should be put in solitary confinement except when they are a risk to  someone else,” said New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm. “As a major opponent of the practice, I have introduced three pieces of legislation into the City Council. I applaud the proposed state legislation that sets parameters on who can and who cannot be placed in solitary confinement and limits the amount of time they are forced to stay there.”
For those who present a serious threat to prison safety and need to be separated from the general population for longer periods of time, the legislation creates new Residential Rehabilitation Units (RRUs)–high-security units with substantial out-of-cell time, and programs aimed at addressing the underlying causes of behavioral problems.
“Isolation does not promote positive change in people; it only damages them,” said Jennifer J. Parish of the Urban Justice Center’s Mental Health Project. “By requiring treatment and programs for people who are separated from the prison population for serious misconduct, the legislation requires Corrections to emphasize rehabilitation over punishment and degradation.”
“The HALT Solitary Confinement Act recognizes that we need a fundamental transformation of how our public institutions address people’s needs and behaviors, both in our prisons and in our communities,” said Scott Paltrowitz of the Correctional Association of New York. “Rather than inhumane and ineffective punishment, deprivation, and isolation, HALT would provide people with greater support, programs, and treatment to help them thrive, and in turn make our prisons and our communities safer.”
Many of those represented at the press conference are members of the New York Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement (CAIC), which was instrumental in drafting the bill. CAIC unites advocates, concerned community members, lawyers, and individuals in the human rights, health, and faith communities throughout New York State with formerly incarcerated people and family members of currently incarcerated people.
“Solitary is torture on both sides of the prison walls,” said family member Donna Sorge-Ruiz, whose fiancé is currently in solitary. “Loved ones on the outside suffer right along with those in prison, every day that they endure this pain. It must stop!”
The widespread use of long-term solitary confinement has been under fire in recent years, in the face of increasing evidence that sensory deprivation, lack of normal human interaction, and extreme idleness can lead to severe psychological damage. Supporters of the bill also say that isolated confinement fails to address the underlying causes of problematic behavior, and often exacerbates that behavior as people deteriorate psychologically, physically, and socially.
In New York each year, nearly 2,000 people are released directly from extreme isolation to the streets, a practice that has been shown to increase recidivism rates.
“The damage done by solitary confinement is deep and permanent,” said solitary survivor Five Mualimm-ak. An activist with CAIC and the Campaign to End the New Jim Crow, Mualimm-ak spent five years in isolated confinement despite never having committed a violent act in prison. “Having humane alternatives will spare thousands of people the pain and suffering that extreme isolation causes–and the scars that they carry with them back into our communities.”
Several state prisons systems, including Maine, Mississippi, and Colorado, have significantly reduced the number of people they hold in solitary confinement, and have seen prison violence decrease as well. HALT takes reform a step further by also providing alternatives for the relatively small number of individuals who need to be separated from the general population for more than a few weeks. Advocates see the bill not only as a major step toward humane and evidence-based prison policies, but also as a model for change across the country.
“Article 5 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, states that ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment,’” said Laura Markle Downton of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture. “As people of faith, we recognize the use of solitary confinement in a prisons, jails and detention centers fundamentally violates this prohibition against torture. Now is the time for New York to lead the way in bringing an end to this human rights abuse plaguing our justice system nationally.”
“The HALT Solitary Confinement Act implements rational humane alternatives to the costly, ineffective, and abusive use of long-term solitary confinement in New York prisons and jails,” saidSarah Kerr of the Legal Aid Society’s Prisoners’ Rights Project. “The need for reform is well-documented and the time for change is now.”
Date/Time/ Location: Friday, January 31, 10:30 am
Judson Memorial Church, Meeting Room Balcony
55 Washington Square South (between Thompson and Sullivan Streets)
Assembly Member Jeffrion L. Aubry (D, 35th District, Queens), Assembly sponsor
Senator Bill Perkins (D, 30th District, Harlem), Senate sponsor
City Council Member Daniel Dromm (D, 25th District, Queens)
Five Mualimm-ak, survivor of solitary confinement in New York prisons and Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement
Jessica Casanova, aunt of individual currently in solitary and Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement
Scott Paltrowitz, Correctional Association of New York and Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement
Claire Deroche, National Religious Campaign Against Torture and Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement
Press Release
Fact Sheet on Solitary Confinement in New York State
Summary of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term (HALT) Solitary Confinement Act
Full Text of HALT Act (A08588 / S06466)
New York Voices from Solitary Confinement
“Solitary Confinement’s Invisible Scars,” op-ed by Five Mualimm-ak
Scott Paltrowitz, 212-254-5700,
Sarah Kerr, 212-577-3530,
Five Mualimm-ak, 646-294-8331,
#  #  #


text:
Passing the Mantle – July 26, 2015 – 2 Kings 2: 1 – 14

I don’t know that this is a familiar story. It is a fun story, but it is not often the text chosen for preaching. I think it is not often chosen, because we don’t want to think about a leader leaving those he has been teaching. When many of us think about Elijah, we think about his presence with Moses on the hilltop when Jesus is transformed before Peter, James and John.

Elijah was a great prophet of the Old Testament. He prophesied during the 9th century. He is the third great prophet of the Old Testament. His story comes after the work of prophets like Moses who led the Hebrew people into Canaan and after Samuel who anoints David King. Elijah is known as a miracle worker and has tough messages for the kings.

Elijah was the head of a school of prophets. When we come to 2 Kings, Elijah is going to the school to meet with the prophets. His close understudy, Elisha is with him. Elijah and Elisha leave Gilgal to go to the prophets’ school. Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, but he refuses. So, Elijah and Elisha go on to Bethel. Elijah prepares to leave and tells Elisha to stay with the prophets. He again refuses and the prophets tell Elisha that the Lord is going to take Elijah away. He tells them to be quiet.

Elijah and Elisha go on from Bethel to Jericho. There is another school of prophets in Jericho. Elijah asks Elisha to stay there and he again refuses. The prophets tell Elisha that the Lord is going to take Elijah. Elisha tells them to be quiet. Elijah and Elisha go on to the Jordan. 50 prophets from the school follow them to the Jordan.

Elijah rolls up his cloak or mantle and strikes the water of the Jordan with it. The water parts for Elijah and Elisha to walk across to the other side. There, on the dry ground, Elijah asks Elisha what he can do for him. Elisha asks that Elijah bequeath to him a double portion of his spirit, the spirit of miracles and prophesy. Elijah warns Elisha that he is asking for a gift that carries great burden. Then a chariot of fire and horses of fire come and swoop up Elijah into Heaven. After Elijah was taken up, Elisha rolled up Elijah’s cloak or mantle, struck the Jordan water with it and passed across to the dry ground on the other side.

There are 2 men in the Old Testament who do not die. The second man is Elijah who is taken up in a great wind of chariots and horses of fire. Does anyone know who the other man is? It is Enoch in Genesis 5: 24. The Bible says he “walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

Before God took up Elijah, God had prepared prophets to follow him and continue the work of prophesy. God had raised up Elisha and the other prophets in the school. God did not leave Israel without prophets and He will not leave the church without leaders.

I want to go 2 directions with this text. First, I know some of you are growing weary of leadership. I know some of you are wanting to move into new roles of mentoring rather than carrying the load of leader. Last year, we took a break to discern God’s vision for us. We didn’t take a break from the stuff we’ve been doing, but we took a break from doing new stuff. I know some of you are ready to take on a different role. There will come a time when you can.

During Advent, I prayed everyday a special prayer to the Archangel Gabriel that he add to the number of disciples in our fellowship. I was very pointed in that I didn’t pray for just more people. I asked for more disciples who would be workers and leaders. I couldn’t figure out why my prayers weren’t answered. I haven’t been able to figure out why we’re doing all this outreach and we’re not drawing in new people. All the church transformation programs that cost thousands of dollars or the latest books tell church leaders to become missional if they want to grow. We are very mission-minded.

I think you might have been praying the same way I had been. You too are asking for more people or more workers or more givers. But, we’re not growing the way we’d like to grow. This week the answer came to me. We are not called to receive disciples; we are called to make disciples. We’re not meant to just have more people in our crowd; we are called to bring more people into our community. We’re not just meant to have more people in worship; we’re called to bring more people into a life-transforming experience of Jesus.

So, I want us to start praying differently about growth. I want us to start praying for more people to be drawn to us so that we can make disciples of them. We have to be very sure to pray with the intention that we will make disciples of them. I am going to write a special prayer that I will pray every day asking God to draw people to us that we can make disciples of. I will share it with you in the newsletter next week and I am going to pray that prayer everyday while I am on Sabbatical.

That’s the second direction I want to go this morning. Sabbatical. I am able to take this time away, because God has raised up leaders within this congregation who can preach, teach, pray and visit while I am gone. I thank God for your gifts and thank you for your willingness to share your gifts with the congregation. I wanted to again talk to you about what Sabbatical is, what I will do while I’m gone, and what you can expect from me.

Sabbatical is a Sabbath. In the Old Testament, Sabbath is the 7th day of the week. It is said that God worked for 6 days creating all of creation and rested on the 7th. We are all called to take a rest from our work. That 7th day, we are to devote to God and rest. God knows that we need a time to recharge and renew before a new week. God created within us a desire to worship and to connect with Him. On the 7th day, if we take the time to rest, we can have time to devote to God.

Sabbatical is an extended Sabbath after a period of work. Most Christian denominations afford their pastors a time of Sabbatical. It is typically 3 months after 5 – 7 years of service. I asked for 1 month after 3 years, because I knew you had not done a Sabbatical before. I think it is better for pastors to rest more frequently than for longer periods.

Sabbatical is not an extended vacation. I know there have been ministers in the past who have taken their 4 weeks of vacation consecutively during the summer. They go visit family or go the beach. I am not taking a 4 week vacation. I am not going to the beach or to visit my family. This month is a different type of rest than I get on vacation.

Like vacation, Sabbatical is a time for me to rest from the daily activities of ministry. But, it is also a time for me to reconnect to God in a time and space that doesn’t draw my attention back to the daily activities and demands of ministry. It is a time for me to explore new spiritual practices and restore other practices that help me strengthen my relationship with God. It is a time when I can clear my mind of the daily intercessions and focus my prayer life on receiving new inspiration and vision for leadership. If you have more questions about Sabbatical, ask Scott when he is here in 2 weeks. He just got back from Sabbatical and can give you his perspective.

During the month, I will be going to Black Mountain, North Carolina. We have rented a cabin there for me to stay in the woods for 3 weeks. I will be 8 minutes for the Disciples retreat center Christmount. I have been in contact with the retreat center about coming to visit for reading and devotion. There are several other retreat centers and camps nearby.

While I am away for 3 weeks of the time, I will be writing, studying, reading, and praying. I will continue that work at home during the last week of Sabbatical. As I said, I will be praying for our numerical growth so that we can have people among us to make disciples of. I will be praying for each of you. I will be praying for ways in which God would like to use me for leadership. I am taking with me several books and a list of books I’d like to purchase. I am not sure at this point if I will be reading ministry related books or renewing my love of reading by reading books for my own pleasure.

I will be writing a 30 day devotional called 30 New Days. I’ve talked about this before. It is a 30-day devotional following a 30-day New Testament reading plan. Each day will have a devotion based on a Scripture from that day’s reading. I will print the 30 day reading plan in the newsletter if you would like to read along with me next month. I am inspired by people’s stories so I will try to meet one new person each day whose story may inspire the devotion for that day. I will be studying some of the texts from the Bible reading for that day to write the devotion. When I return, I should have a rough draft of the devotional.

I am taking a little doll called Flat Sally with me. She is Flat Stanley’s friend. I will take her picture everyday with someone I’ve met or somewhere that I’ve been reading and studying, like the Black Mountain chapel at St. Arbucks. I’ll post her picture to Facebook everyday with an update of that day’s happenings. If you’re on Facebook, and haven’t already, send me a friend request so you can keep up with Flat Sally. If you’re not on Facebook, ask others who are about where Flat Sally has been and what she’s been up to.

Unlike Elijah who left Elisha, I will return to you. In the Sabbatical policy we adopted last year, I agreed to return to you if afforded the time of Sabbatical. The policy requires me to stay at least one year following Sabbatical. However, I have no plans of leaving anytime soon, so you’re stuck with me when I get back. Now, I’ll leave with you my stole, you might say my mantle. I will pick this up when I return, but leave it with you as a sign that I am going to return. Let it be a sign that I remain with you in prayer and spirit and that I trust your gifts for leadership while I am gone.

There is a responsive reading in your bulletin. I’ve asked Lisa Schultz, our board chairperson, to lead us in that litany. It is a time for us to say to one another that we are going to pray for each other and that I will return to you.

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text:
More misbehaving

Today was extra fun because of some students throwing little bits of linguini all over the class. Oh joy!

The teacher with whom I share a classroom is doing a cool project (relating to the sine and cosine) and among the art supplies was a package of uncooked linguini off to the side of the room today. A student thought it would be so funny to steal the linguini, break it into little bits and throw it at people whenever I had my back turned to them. What distresses me more is that this student is very bright and somewhat of a ring leader and so his behavior is immediately copied by others.

I made two of the students who I saw doing this sweep the floor after school. Parents notified.

One thought on “More misbehaving

  1. Oh, kids. Be thankful you don’t have to deal with spitballs (knock on wood!)
    I have definitely confiscated too many hollow pen spitball-shooters!

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text:
Friday, February 14, 2014

The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus), a species that lives at great depths and is rarely seen, has been voted the world's ugliest animal.

How rude!

The blobfish may be a little aesthetically challenged.

But only to human eyes.

I bet all the lady blogfish think he's very handsome.

Happy Valentine's Day.

MYCSunfish Fleet said...

That IS a lady Blobfish!

Tillerman said...

Really? How do you tell the gender of a blobfish?

For that matter, how do you tell the gender of a Sunfish? Are the males the ones with the bright colored sails?

Peter Belenky said...

The Hippopotamus

Behold the hippopotamus!
We laugh at how he looks to us,
And yet in moments dank and grim,
I wonder how we look to him.

Peace, peace, thou hippopotamus!
We really look all right to us,
As you no doubt delight the eye
Of other hippopotami.

Ogden Nash

O Docker said...

Nothing to add, but the typo in the fourth sentence is one of your better efforts.

Or is that one of your better lack of efforts?

We are all blogfish in a big cybersea.

Tillerman said...

Well spotted.

There are lots of lady blogfish at Never Sea Land.

Genie said...

I'm amazed that no-one has seen the resemblance between this fish and W C Fields.

Tillerman said...

Good point Genie. I was wondering why I kept expecting the blobfish to come out with some snide remark about women or children.

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text:
Get Ready For Your Executive Portrait

Websites, LinkedIn, brochures, press releases, company publications and other media all require a head shot of The Boss or relevant executive depending on the story.  This picture can carry a lot of meaning as it may be the first and possibly only visual representation of your company and values a new client or the public may have.  As they say “there’s never a second chance to make a first impression;”  approach the creation of this image with some care.

First of all, a definition: we are talking “chest up” shots here, not wider environmental or group images.  Generally your photographer will supply a background of a drape or seamless paper.

Gov. Jerry Brown

I never thought I’d be writing a column like Emily Post, but here are a few suggestions to help the executive prepare for a photo shoot:

1. What to wear:  Simple and classic are best for professional portraits.  Unless you are the late Steve Jobs, a suit and tie are your executive uniform.  Keep colors and patterns muted but some color in a tie adds flair.  Your clothes are the frame for your face but they also reflect taste and professionalism.

Female executives enjoy a bit more freedom but I recommend avoiding distracting jewelry and decolletage.  As an executive the goal is to transmit an image of competency, intelligence and authority.

It helps to bring an alternative jacket, tie or scarf to see how they work on camera.

2. Colors to avoid: pastels, greens if your complexion has yellow undertones as green can make skin tones appear sickly; avoid multi-colored and busy patterns and bright red as the principle color.  No white, beige or yellow shirts without a darker jacket.

If you have a very dark complexion the best way to drive your photographer into another profession is to wear all white as lighting then becomes very challenging.  In general unless you’re a bride or a doctor, don’t wear all white!

Susan Tellem, RN, APR

3. Grooming:  gentlemen, this is a close-up so have a fresh shave and check out those pesky nose hairs if you trend toward “shrubbery.”  Likewise, if you are prone to a 5 o’clock shadow at noon, schedule your session as early in the day as possible.  Just before your session assess your reflection in the executive washroom.

  4. Make up and retouching: if your skin is very oily or shiny both women and men can benefit from some subtle pressed powder.  Thinning or absent hair can be supported by a little powder of the appropriate  shade to harness shine.

Gov. Brown’s portrait has almost no back lighting.  This avoided a “hotspot” on the top of his head from the usual back light. His photographer positioned the Governor in front of a light background which supplied the needed separation.

Near-miracles of retouching can take place in PhotoShop or other software.  But If you have an unfortunate cold sore, razor burn or other prominent skin eruption, allow the photographer to carefully apply a dab of cover-up with a new sterile applicator or fresh cotton ball.  This can really help the final result.

If you have a “trademark” mole or other feature that might typically get the Photoshop axe, let your photographer know in advance of any editing how far you will go in image “improvement.”

Meg Whitman

4.  Scheduling your session:  Time is money and many executives are scheduled to the extreme.  Yet this photograph will be your “public face” for years on news releases, websites, social media and company brochures, right?  So, if possible, try to budget a good fifteen minutes to work with your professional photographer once the shooting technology and environment are ready to go.

5.  Posing and expression:  What is less natural or spontaneous than a frozen grin in front of a camera?  If possible, relax a bit and be open to a few variations in posing and expression.  Use the spirit of collaboration, that way you will have a good number of images to choose from after the session.

If you are working with a photographer for the first time, let him/her know what you like and don’t like about your image.  A little friendly banter can help lower the stress of a photo session and result in a representation of you that reflects both your professional status AND your humanity.

All of these suggestions work equally well for a video interview.   For fun and more great tips on executive portraits, check out Five Easy Steps to bad Headshots    Happy shooting!

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