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Saturday, July 05, 2003

Best of luck

Interesting,hopeful and nauseating article on an attempt at international solidarity work with a nascent independent Iraqi labor movement.

Friday, July 04, 2003

Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up

The man who founded the Love Unlimited Orchestra and recorded the indispensible songs "Your Sweetness Is My Weakness', 'I'm Qualified To Satisfy You" and "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe" and set the absolute gold standard for lovin' the ladies passed away this morning.

Barry White died at age 58 at his home in Los Angeles.

He is remembered here, here and here.

Union victory in healthcare

"On May 2 the Service Employees union and the United Nurses Association/Union of Health Care Professionals (an AFSCME affiliate) announced a neutrality agreement with Tenet, the nation's second largest for-profit health care corporation. The agreement allows the unions uncontested access to workers in 40 California hospitals and two in Florida.
In a period when newly organized workers frequently find themselves unable to leverage a first contract, the pact guarantees that management will sign a four-year "model contract" immediately after recognition."

This article from Labor Notes gets into the conflict between the California Nurses Association and a joint organizing project of AFSCME and SEIU. CNA had started organizing in some Tenet hospitals and got steamrolled by the larger unions. I say: tough shit. CNA touts itself as more militant and tries to compare the 8% raises to a 22% raise they got for somewhere. My guess is that they organized a rural hospital where wages were totally out of sync with industry standards. Great. Nice work. But it's dishonest to pitch that to newly organized workers in say, Los Angeles working in a healthcare chain with serious financial problems and say,"you got hosed." And anyway, CNA's rhetoric has always been more militant than their actions.

They also criticise the partnership agreement that puts a premium on stability and labor peace. Partnership agreements walk a fine line in cozying up to the boss, but let's not forget: labor peace is the goal. The purpose of labor strife is to produce peace on favorable terms.

I worked as a representative in the hospital division of SEIU Local 250 briefly about five years ago. When I left they represented around 40,000 healthcare workers in Northern California. Today they represent around 80,000. New organizing is incredibly resource intensive. Growth like that doesn't come without picking your battles strategically.

And growth like that is the only way out of Labor's current predicament.

Geeks to descend on Portland for "hacktivism" summit.

The world's first Geek Activism Summit hits Portland, Oregon July 8 as part of next week's Open Source Convention (OSCON) at the downtown Marriott Hotel.

From the Willamette Week:

"Like many ideas in the field of computer technology, geek activism is a fluid concept. But the basic premise is pretty simple. Along with hospitals, schools and roads, emerging nations need help building up their technological infrastructure--and that means geeks.
The summit is the brainchild of two mega-nerds: computer publisher Tim O'Reilly and hacktivism evangelist Ethan Zuckerman...
Three years ago, the Williams grad founded Geekcorps (, which dispatches volunteer nerds to countries such as Ghana, Armenia and Mongolia to help local entrepreneurs rev up their technical know-how. "I wanted to make sure people who said 'World Wide Web' were telling the truth," says Zuckerman.
In addition to getting systems up and running, hacktivists also try to nurture emerging nations' home-grown geeks. The University of Oregon's Network Startup Resource Center ( is trying to bring some nascent Afghani nerds to Eugene for a full-on initiation into the mysteries of geek lore. The Eugene group has also sent instructors to Uganda to train network administrators from across the African continent...
Zuckerman points out that geeks who participate in Open Source have activism in their blood. "For sure, they're political about one thing: freedom of speech, especially where it concerns intellectual property," he says. "They fight for the right to code whatever they want to code."

The challenge lies in getting Open Source believers focused on the Digital Divide. "Right now, I'd say there's more talent than there are cool projects to work on," Zuckerman says. "I think if we get the projects out there, lots of people will contribute."

Mobilizing geeks for global activism stands to have enormous impact. Open Source software is essential to grassroots Web development in poor countries. "Software piracy is rampant," says Joel Jaeggli, an engineer at NSRC. "People can get any commercial application they want, but they can't afford to get someone to answer their questions. For things like system maintenance and day-to-day operations, Open Source is the only option."

Hey Baby, it's the 4th of July

From Newsday:

"Baghdad, Iraq - The most senior Shia Muslim cleric in Iraq has issued a religious edict denouncing U.S. plans to appoint an Iraqi council to advise the occupation authority and draft a new constitution.

The fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani demands that Iraqis be allowed to vote for the council and to quickly rule themselves. The statement could pose a serious obstacle for Washington's plan to pick a panel of 25 to 30 Iraqis who would appoint government ministers, propose a constitution and be consulted on other major decisions...

Al-Sistani, who is the highest spiritual leader of the world's 170 million Shia Muslims, said a council handpicked by American administrator Paul Bremer was "fundamentally unacceptable."...
In his edict, al-Sistani stopped short of calling for a U.S. withdrawal, but he called on his followers not to cooperate with any constitutional panel that is not directly elected by the Iraqi people...

Bremer said elections were not possible because Iraq does not have an electoral law, a reliable census, voter registration records and any rules governing political parties. "Under the circumstances, we have moved rather quickly to create this council and to hand over some powers to the Iraqis," he said."

Somehow the Colonies elected a legitimate Continental Congress.

Sistani is right. There is no reason that a makeshift process cannot be put in place for the Iraqis to elect a Constitutional Convention. If you can appoint a 25 to 30 Iraqis to run the country, you can set up elections.

From the initial appointment of a general to head the non-occupation to using Saddam's palace as US HQ to parading Pentagon stooge Ahmad Chalabi around in order to put his name in the paper so people start getting used to him as an "iraqi leader" to allowing the looting of every hospital in the country to doing nothing to defend the National Museum (I know it mostly turned out alright - that's no excuse.) to the Oil Ministry being the only ministry building that wasn't sacked to .... I can't finish this thought. This stuff makes me so mad I'm not making sense anymore.

Hey there's a big new Ben Franklin bio out.

Oh yeah. The Bush administration has shown no aptitude for rebuilding civil society in Iraq. Given their record in the US it comes as no surprise. That's what I was trying to say.

Thursday, July 03, 2003

The Proletariat Marches Resolutely Forward

Lusty Lady becomes first worker-owned strip club

' "It's every man's fantasy," said dancer Donna Delinqua. "But it's true. I had to laugh the other day because there I was, on the phone, negotiating something, and I realized I was completely naked."
The women of the Lusty Lady, at 1033 Kearny St., are making history again. They were the first strip club in the country to unionize, joining the Service Employees International Union several years ago.
Now, they've bought the club and have become the first employee-owned strip joint in the nation...

...Miss Muffy, a 22-year-old from Oakland, said she dropped out of high school at age 15. But she logged onto the Internet and figured out how to write a legal contract. And then did it. "I think sometimes people just try to mystify their profession," she said, smiling, at a nearby coffee shop. "It didn't seem so difficult."

Ruby, a 22-year-old Betty Page look-alike, said there's talk of creating a Lusty Lady calendar, bringing in other merchandise. And marketing. "I'm thinking we ought to have underwear with a sign across the rear end that says " 'Look for the union label." '

This great. I've been following this story for years. There was a documentary in 2000 made by one of the dancers called "Live Nude Girls Unite". ( I went to one of their fundraisers back in maybe '97 in San Francisco when they were first organizing. It was in a bar and the women did a series of performances, playing guitar, poetry, interpretive dance, etc. Fun night. I'll tell you one thing. In negotiations, one thing the company wasn't raising as an issue was greater flexibility.

Thank you. Thank you very much. Now I have to catch a flight. I'm appearing in the Catskills tomorrow night.

Cost of War Clock

I picked this up from Tom Tomorrow.
It's simply astonishing.

Bush's war on criticism

WASHINGTON, DC-Citing the need to safeguard "America's most vital institutions and politicians" against potentially devastating attacks, President Bush asked Congress to sign off Monday on a $30 billion funding package to help fight the ongoing War On Criticism.

Dean outhawking the hawks?

From the AP:
Iraq war opponent Dean seeks Liberia intervention

Putting your ear to the ground in Iraq

The press continues to balance statements by Iraqi's that the continued fighting is spontaneous, organic and represents widespread sentiment with Administration assertions that it is organized, isolated and Baathist.

The closer to the ground the source is the scarier the news.
Check out this report from This American Life - fast forward to 42 mins
I know a posted this link earlier, but I didn't comment on it.

One part of the report covers a meeting of over 200 tribal sheikhs with veteran US diplomat Hume Horan. After Hume assures the sheikhs that everything is just okleydokely the meeting degenerates into one sheikhs after another venting from the floor.

A Sheikh who came to meeting loving America, loving George Bush was dissatisfied with the US response and moved by more disgruntled sheikhs calls for war. He characterizes his new position as the moderate one: Give the Americans one month and then declare war. That's the moderate position...amongst the powerful and influential tribal sheikhs. Nice.

Or here: Iraq's first female blogger:

Here's her entire first post.

"I know that one day there will be agreat revolution against the Americans and now we have the first seeds of that revolution . many Iraqi soldiers have demonstrated on june 18th in front of ORHA(the republican palace) claiming their rights of either having salaries or retired
Though this incident had been proceeded by many others , nevertheless, it is the first time like having a really organized activity , they where absolutely agitated or furious against the Americans . A convoy was trying to get inside ,one of the Americans got panic and started shooting at the masses ,two Iraqis got killed others wounded , terrible scarey scene . You have two sides each is inflicting the other great losses and its only the beginning . Did you know that at the beginning of the invasion everybody said it's a bless getting rid of Saddam Hussien but it turns to be an ever lasting curse,haw could they just go leaving the biggest oil reservoir in the region, they have planned to stay, accept it or not ,the staunting thing is what the people want naw (the return of Saddam the tyrant)!!! . When you think thoroughly about it you find it logical & reasonable ,during the past regime there were safety &work chances(money) BUT, THERE IS NO FREEDOM, naw there is freedom without safety or public services with very very mini work opportunities , so normally they prefer the past time of saddam. They just want to live their life that's all, they even start wishing if they were born in very poor country which doesn't draw anybody's attention. Naw we keep hearing news about incidents of Americans being missing or killed in different parts of Baghdad or other provinces ,also the Iraqi popular resistance movement have called other liberation movements abroad to come and work together for Iraq's liberation , sparks ,sparks, of big fire , why all that should happen ? All you have to do is forming a decent real government! Is that hard to be done ? or is it been postponed for some hidden reasons which we cant realized naw but maybe later on we can, only God knows."

What's especially disconcerting is that this is someone who: A) speaks, reads and writes English B) has access to the internet C) is motivated enough to blog. What's on the mind of the other 24.999 million other Iraqi's who don't fit this description?

Where's the left press on Iran?

Michael Leeden at the National Review is the only person who seems to think that the demonstrations in Iran are worth covering. Cheers.

Tuesday, July 01, 2003

Sully on Dean

I agree with Andrew Sullivan's assessment of Howard Dean's candidacy.

Although I doubt we agree on what an electable foreign policy would be for Dean.

All I knew was that Dean had opposed the war in Iraq. I thought Kerry's position that deposing SH militarily was a good thing, but that GW had blown the opportunity in alienating the rest of the world in process was more strategic (and closer to my own position).

So I went to Dean's site and read:Dean's current post on national security.

"I believed then and I believe now that removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq was a just cause. But not every just cause requires that we go to war, especially with inadequate planning and without maximum support.
The Bush administration led us into war without convincing evidence that an imminent threat existed, without a strategy for securing nuclear, chemical and biological materials, without a plan for financing reconstruction, and without a clue how to consolidate the peace or unite the Iraqi people in support of democracy.
Today we face three critical problems, all connected with the manner in which we prosecuted the war: the first is accounting for the weapons of mass destruction, vital because of the implications for our own security as well as for the integrity and credibility of the United States and its leaders in the eyes of the world.
There are three possibilities. As the search continues, substantial stocks of these weapons may be found. In that case, we will still need to know why our intelligence failed and did not lead us to them more rapidly.
The other possibilities are that they will never be found because they no longer exist; or that they will never be found because they have already been stolen or transferred to others.
In any case, we need to know the truth."

The document is internationalist and delibrative while being hawkish and muscular on Bush's weaknesses: The real pursuit of Al Queda and nation building in Afganistan and Iraq to make the US more secure. Initially, I thought Dean's stand on the war would be debilitating. I think as he moves into the limelight he'll be more careful to emphasize elements of his thinking that have broad appeal.(is that pandering?). He doesn't accuse the Admin of misleading on WMD's as Kerry has. At the same time I think as the Bush admin's vulnerability on the WMD intelligence and the degenerating situation in Iraq (This American Life - fast forward 42 mins in.) will erode the public's support for Bush's position.

Monday, June 30, 2003

Free expression in Iraq

The Memory Hole. Always on the case.

Burundi Beef Council: Please send beef

I've said it before. I'll say it again. Africa: that poor frickin' continent.

Brill on Ashcroft et al.

Nat Hentoff covers Steve Brill's new book "After". Hentoff's writing is kind of all over the place, but material covered on the Ashcroft Justice Department handling of the round up of Muslims after 9/11 is disconcerting to say the least. Though not so surprising.

"In the hours and days immediately following [the September 11] attacks, Attorney General John Ashcroft . . . directed that FBI and INS agents question anyone they could find with a Muslim-sounding name . . . in some areas . . . they simply looked for names in the phone book..."
"...As for the detainees' right to contact lawyers, Chertoff and the others in the room, reports Brill, knew that under INS rules, the prisoners "were entitled to call a lawyer from jail, but the lists the INS provided of available lawyers invariably had phone numbers that were not in service."
Brill adds that "according to one person who says he was there, someone in the room remarked that the government should not try too hard to make sure these people could contact lawyers. 'Let's not make it so they can get Johnnie Cochran on the phone,' another lawyer added."

UPDATE: 7 JULY 2003 More on the issues surrounding the detainees.

ON THE MEDIA: Detainees Anonymous
Since September 11th, the White House has done its best to keep secret the names of some 1200 people detained in the so-called 'War on Terrorism.' This week a Federal Appeals Court agreed with the Administration's argument that the secrecy is essential to national security. Jane Kirtley, the Director of the Silha Center at the University of Minnesota, joins Brooke to discuss the ruling.

So this is post one

So this is post one.

In the immortal if somewhat obscure words of Tim Cahill and Gary Sowerby: "Let's see what this baby will do."

Here's an excerpt of a conversation I had today with my interns about my Declaration of Principles that I was working for the blog:

Bernstein: You don't want to make any promises, Mr. Brazeau, that you don't want to keep.

Me: These will be kept. 'I'll provide the people of this planet with a daily blog that will
tell all the news honestly. I will also provide them...'

Jedediah: That's the second sentence you've started with 'I'.

Me: People are gonna know who's responsible. Now they're gonna get the truth in the
Blogonaut, quickly and simply and entertainingly and no special interests are gonna be
allowed to interfere with that truth. (continuing with the declaration) 'I will also provide
them with a fighting and tireless champion of their rights as citizens and as human beings.
Signed, Marc Louis Brazeau.'

Jedediah: I'd like to keep that particular piece of paper myself. I have a hunch it might
turn out to be something pretty important, a the Declaration of
Independence, and the Constitution, and my first report card at school.

Well Jedediah is a pain in my ass. Anyway, was just trying to say that I'll do my best to make this blog worth reading.

Let's take a look at the news today:

This from the Washington Post:
The Bush administration, intent on exempting U.S. citizens from prosecution by the
International Criminal Court, is drawing fresh accusations of diplomatic
heavy-handedness by threatening to cut off military aid to dozens of allies
that refuse to sign immunity deals with the United States...

It hardly seems fair, a Lithuanian government official said, to face an aid cutoff over the
international court issue despite "standing along with the United States in your fight
against terrorism and sending troops to Afghanistan and Iraq." Lithuania is one of seven
countries expected to join NATO next year and needs U.S. funding to upgrade its military.

Croatia has a more complex problem, a diplomat said yesterday. U.S. authorities for years
have been pressing the Zagreb government to surrender Croatians for war crimes prosecutions
at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. The issue is
politically divisive in a country where certain active political groups believe the matter
should be settled at home...

To press its point, the Bush administration threatened to shut down U.N. peacekeeping
missions worldwide until the United Nations provided immunity to Americans. The Security
Council granted the demand, then extended it for another year June 12. Secretary General
Kofi Annan criticized the resolution. France, Germany and Syria abstained, contending that
the exemption weakens the court."

How are we to accomplish nation building around the globe, organize a campaign against terrorism around the globe, negotiate peace around the globe, if we refuse citizenship amongst nations? The arrogance and myopia of the Bush administration astounds.

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Friday, August 2, 2013

I know I’ve mentioned all of Delaney’s quirky fears (dogs, china dolls, blood…) Well we can add “traveling dinosaur exhibit” to that list.

We decided to surprise Delaney with a last minute trip to Exploration Place. She goes there quite frequently with her Nana and Papa and she loves it. But that was before the Dinosaurs invaded it!

Photo 5

It was a very cool exhibit. They had actual fossils found in Kansas. You could visit with a paleontologist. And there were roaring, moving dinosaurs throughout. I could’ve taken some fabulous pictures, except I was carrying a terrified and crying 5 year old through the whole dang thing!! We really should’ve known better.

Photo 6

But once we left the dinosaurs, she had a ball!!

Photo 7 Photo 4Photo 12 Photo 13

If you live in Wichita, or nearby, you really need to see the dinosaur exhibit. It’s here until September. But please don’t invite Delaney to go with you. For your sake!!!

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January 16 2015

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Thursday, December 22, 2016

My teenage son, Chris, had terminal cancer, and we were reminiscing. "What is your favorite memory?" I had asked.

In his thirteen years of life he had enjoyed many privileges such as trips to theme parks, ski adventures, and Caribbean vacations. So his answer surprised me.

"When I was five, Mom, we sat under the Christmas tree and practiced my ABC's."

A tender moment in time—a mother and child enjoying the beauty of Christmas, and sharing a bit of learning.

It makes me think about Christ and his disciples. They walked many miles from town to town as Jesus preached to the crowds. But Jesus would eventually grow weary and gently gather his closest friends. Away from the crowds and excitement they enjoyed a rare and beautiful intimacy.

John 18:1: "When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it."

This is what my Chris had treasured most, our quiet time together.

And there we were, a mother and child, exploring the very basics of the written word in Englishthe alphabet. Laughing under the tree lights, pursing our lips, making exaggerated letter sounds, unknowingly we had created a cherished memory.

Wise beyond his years, our Chris had known what was important. He was drawn to the quiet moments of love.

This is also what our pastor says every Sunday when he speaks of developing our relationship with the Lord. "Spend quiet time each day in the word."

Dear readers, please don't forget that lesson during this busy holiday season. Find time to put away the electronics and turn off the TV for a while. Listen to the stories of your parents and grandparents. Laugh with your children and grandchildren. Give them each some individual time. And spend some quiet time with the Lord. Unwrap that blessed gift together.

Perhaps you have a loved one who is declining, and you may be enjoying your last Christmas together. Ask them about their favorite memories. Don't miss the chance to make one more.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Good Bye GS52!

If I didn't have enough of a reason to hate the Carlos Silva signing, I do now. It's not good enough for him to steal nearly $50 million from the Mariners -- noooooo. Now he goes and steals #52 from George. Ugh.

I will never ever ever call him "CS52".

//Wonders how good George would look in Orioles Orange...
///No, GS52 hasn't been traded, yet. At least I haven't heard anything, yet. I just can't call him "GS52" anymore without confusing even more people (and certainly "GS" looks a lot like "CS" so I don't want to even think about being misinterpreted...)...

Labels: , , ,

At 12/22/2007 3:20 PM, Anonymous elsid said...

It will now be FKAGS52, even thought that doesn't look that great either.

At 1/08/2008 11:30 PM, Anonymous Brent Schwartz said...

Paul, you got an email that i can use to reach you? We should meet up for fanfest.

sunbowlchamps2001 at yahoo dot com

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I attended The Creative Collective’s Web Wednesday event last week on Blogging and was inspired by the information the speakers shared.  I got chatting to one of the speakers, Annabel Candy, after the event and we discussed her book “Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps”.  I know that many of you have started blogs or are planning to, so I felt this would be the perfect resource for you. So if you are looking for a guide on how to blog successfully, Annabel’s book is for you.

In a nutshell, Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps teaches small business owners and writers how to effectively market or sell their products online through blogging. The clear tips and well thought out information is designed to save you time and money.

About the Author

Why should you take Annabel’s advice?

Annabel Candy has 15 years experience writing and designing for the internet and an MA Design for Interactive Media. She also has a background in journalism and six years teaching experience but she’s a writer, not a techie so the book is free of technical jargon.

Annabel set up a travel blog called Get In the Hot Spot two years ago which now has over 20,000 readers each month. Realising blogging was a powerful marketing tool she wrote Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps to help other small business owners and writers tap into the power of blogging.

The Format

The ebook is clearly laid out and divided into 12 chapters. It’s available for instant download and looks great on the iPad. Every chapter has thinking points and a check list so you won’t forget anything.

There’s a full list of blogging resources at the end of the book and a bonus chapter on motivation.

There’s also an audio book for those who want to listen instead of read.  I admit that I ‘listen’ to more books than I read as I get through more material that way.

The Content

Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps covers everything from designing your blog to writing content and promoting it. There are chapters on:

  • Topic and Goals
  • Branding
  • Planning Your Blog
  • Blog Set Up
  • Writing Static Content
  • Writing Blog Posts
  • Writing for the Web
  • Reality Check and Add Value
  • Blogging and Social Media
  • Online Networking
  • SEO, Statistics and Rating Progress
  • Guest Posting

This is a great introduction to blogging for new bloggers and bloggers who aren’t getting results from their blogs.

The chapters on content creation and formatting are essential reading – for every blogger!

The book will help you plan your blog to achieve your goals and come up with a detailed brief which you can give to a blog or web designer to make sure you get exactly what you need.

Annabel has had guest posts on Copyblogger, Problogger, Zen Habits and other popular blogs and she shares inside information on guest posting.

There’s no information on the technical side of setting up a blog. The book assumes either you can do that yourself or you’ll get someone to do it for you.  We can recommend other resources if you need help with this.

Final Thoughts

What really sets this book apart from the other blogging books is the lack of technical jargon and a realistic approach real business people will be able to understand and manage.

Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps

  • makes blogging accessible to non-technical people
  • will inspire and encourage you to get into blogging
  • will help you come up with a clear plan on how to make sure your blog achieves your goals
  • will make the process of writing blog content easy and fun

It also offers great value for money and comes with a guarantee so I recommend you check it out.

If you enjoy the book  – then share with your friends that are on the blogging journey too – or want to be ;-)

Click here to visit Successful Blogging in 12 Simple Steps.


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Monday, September 28, 2009

Weekly Report - Sep 28tht to Oct 2nd '09

Market reading went quite well last week. Let's hope we'll have another good week.

ES has sort of landed on Fib level where it could rebound softly. However selling pressure is now definitely there so we could aim lower again around 1030. The overall longer term trend is however still relatively bullish, so a continued period of hesitation is likely. We know that the weekly chart is pointing for a retracement to come but the exact trigger point isn't quite there yet on the daily chart.

TF shows a clearer picture as it has hit its target on 594. It is however still quite bearish. We'll therefore watch that 594 support level closely as it could trigger more selling and induce the retracement the 580s then maybe to around 555 in a couple of weeks. Again, TF has been leading lately, and could take ES down with it.

EURUSD: bearish right now.
The 1.464 is still test level which could be hit again as a resistance during the course of the day. On the downside, we'll check the Fib level around 1.454 but we have not indication of more than a minor retracement on the weekly chart. The trend is firmly up there despite being very overbought right now.

( posted 7:40 AM UK )


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Recipe number 173 is

3-Step Cheesecake

The ingredients are:
2 package Cheam cheese,softened (8oz) 1/2 cup Sugar 1/2 tsp Vanilla 2 Eggs 1 Graham-cracker crust,9"

The recipe yield is:
8 Servings

Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla at medium speed with electric mixer until well-blended. Pour into crust. Bake at 350'F. for 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Cool. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight, Makes 8 servings. NOTE: You can also use lighter Neufchatel-type cheese. Variations: For chocolate, melt four squares of semi-sweet baking chocolate; add after eggs and mix until blended. For candy version, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped candy bars on top of cake before baking. For pumpkin, add 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and a dash each of nutmeg and cloves in the first step. Then add eggs and proceed as directed.

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Recipe number 47990 is

Peanutty Squash

The ingredients are:
8 To 9 squash, thinly sliced 2 cup Medium white sauce - (recipe on cornstarch - box) 4 tbsp Grated cheese 1 cup Crushed, unsalted peanuts

The recipe yield is:
1 Casserole

Boil squash in a small amount of salted water for 5 minutes; drain. Put a layer of squash in a buttered casserole dish. Spread with white sauce and sprinkle with cheese and peanuts. Repeat layers, ending with peanuts. Bake at 350 F. for 1 hour. From vegan.zip at Michelle Stewart's SunShine PC Board in Pembroke Pines, FL. Source unknown. Formatted by Cathy Harned.

Casseroles; Grains; Vegetables; Vegetarian

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Recipe number 49772 is

Pizza Lovers' Soup

The ingredients are:
1 cup Water 1 cup Undiluted condensed chicken broth 1 cup Tomato juice 1 cup Peeled fresh or canned tomatoes, diced (with Juices) 1 small Onion, sliced 1 Bell pepper, chopped 1 Clove garlic, minced 3/4 tsp Dried basil 3/4 tsp Dried oregano 4 Thin rounds Italian bread, toasted 4 slice Part-skim-milk mozarella cheese (1 ounce each)

The recipe yield is:
6 Serving

Preheat oven to 400F. In a saucepan combine all ingredients except bread and cheese. Simmer for 30 minutes. Spoon into 4 oven-proof soup bowls. Float bread round in each bowl and top bread with cheese slices. Place bowls on baking tray and heat in oven until the cheese melts. Use oven mitts to remove and serve, cautioning diners about heat of bowls. Nutrients per bowl: Calories 222 Protein 14.7 grams Fat 6.0 grams Cholesterol 15.7 mg Fiber 2.6 grams Sodium 1042 mg [ MODERN MATURITY; Feb/March 1990 ] Posted by Fred Peters.

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Wednesday, 22 September 2010

Daily Promotion!

Here are some great Etsy shops that I'm promoting today:
Beautiful, unusual copper artwork from an award-winning Atlanta artist.
Very cute, original children's artwork, perfect for gifts.
A variety of hand crocheted items, great ideas for Halloween and Christmas gifts.
Lovely, intricate clay work from a Welsh Etsian.

Check them out and give them some Etsy love!

Tuesday, 14 September 2010

Back after Hiatus - New Banner Sets!

I'm back, with some new goodies. My new banner sets are only $2 - for a professionally designed banner and avatar! Here's an example - 'Butterfly':

These banners have been designed to fit the new shop layout, so no cutting off of the ends!

Click the banner above to go to the shop :)


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A Secret Weapon For Genf20 Plus Reviews

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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Be for Me, Like Rain

Be for Me, Like Rain (Wall Street, NYC. 2009. M.A Reilly)

The Rain

All night the sound had
come back again,
and again falls
this quiet, persistent rain.

What am I to myself
that must be remembered,
insisted upon
so often? Is it

that never the ease,
even the hardness,
of rain falling
will have for me

something other than this,
something not so insistent—
am I to be locked in this
final uneasiness.

Love, if you love me,
lie next to me.
Be for me, like rain,
the getting out

of the tiredness, the fatuousness, the semi-
lust of intentional indifference.
Be wet
with a decent happiness.
Robert Creeley, “The Rain” from Selected Poems of Robert Creeley. Copyright © 1991 by the Regents of the University of California.

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Friday, July 18, 2014

How to Play Night Baseball

Birds in Field (M.A. Reilly. Iowa. 2010)

How to Play Night Baseball

 - Jonathan Holden

A pasture is best, freshly
mown so that by the time a grounder's
plowed through all that chewed, spit-out
grass to reach you, the ball
will be bruised with green kisses. Start
in the evening. Come
with a bad sunburn and smelling of chlorine,
water still crackling in your ears.
Play until the ball is khaki-
a movable piece of the twilight-
the girls' bare arms in the bleachers are pale,
and heat lightning jumps in the west. Play
until you can only see pop-ups,
and routine grounders get lost in
the sweet grass for extra bases.

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September 13, 2008

Kentucky's state of emergency

The governor has called a state of emergency in Kentucky. The reason, it turns out, has nothing to do with the reported fistfight in Paducah yesterday. Rather, Governor Beshear's goal is to prevent price gouging on gasoline as a result of Hurricane Ike's interrupting gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Last spring and over the summer, Louisville's gas prices were higher than those in South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio (as well as other states I didn't drive in and can't verify), and the rest of Kentucky. Our prices went up faster and stayed up longer than any state except perhaps California. This time a little effort to protect citizens seems appropriate.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Browse your fonts

Tonight Pete told us to browse our fonts. He said "font" enough times in a row during lecture that it started sounding funny--like a dirty word!

I'm really enjoying this class soooo much more than the database class. Only thing missing is Edward.

Tonight I learned to store relative paths to eliminate data source problems. When I save maps to 9.2 version for working on at home, the source settings don't transfer and I get annoying red exclamation marks on my layer titles.

We're also starting to do annotation, which is the best way to label features--but I have to remember it's a DATA FRAME feature--NOT a layer property.

More soon, I'm sure.

Edward said...

Awww, wish I could fonting be there and enjoy the fun. I do not miss the fonting tedium though. Font that all to hell. Very nice landslide map. If I live on one of those parcels, I would get the font outta there!

Marynell said...

tee hee.
you should see some of my classmates' maps! makes me look like a real amateur. I'm learning, tho.


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Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Putting the bang back into Chemistry

For many of a certain age, Chemistry at school conjures up images of flaring magnesium whizzing around a bowl of water, tests for hydrogen resulting in satisfying explosions and exciting reactions which result in a change of colour or, even better, an exothermic reaction!

But living in the decade of Health & Safety as we are, all that might be about to come to an end, as Mike Kent writes in the TES.

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Platonic Solids rock!

If you've not been following Marcus du Sautoy's The Story of Maths (on BBC 4), you've missed a treat. No, seriously!

Marcus du Sautoy's approach and delivery remind me of a rather less manic Adam Hart-Davis (who is himself a national treasure) and help to make the history of Mathematics not only interesting but informative as well.

And you can still watch the first episode here, and in the process find out more about Pythagoras' Theorem, Euclidean geometry and the Platonic solids. Or, alternatively, you could watch this clip here.

Of course, all of the mathematical advances mentioned above also get a mention in Match Wits with the Kids, along with a clear explanation. You can pick up your copy of the book here.

Monday, 13 October 2008

The Story of Maths

Have you ever wondered how a subject that is vital to our every day lives - even our very existence - ever came about? Without it there would be no physics, no chemistry, no statistics, no geometry, no cosmology, no commerce, no accurate means of time-keeping, no aviation... Need I go on?

Mathematics is the Empress of the Sciences. In an age of uncertainty, mathematics is the only discipline that generates knowledge that’s immutably, incontestably, and eternally true. But how did this most important of all intellectual disciplines develop through the ages?

Well, wonder no more. Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, is here to help and he has all the answers. Simply tune into BBC 4's new series The Story of Maths and you will be both amazed, intrigued and educated. What more could you want?

Saturday, 4 October 2008

How should British history be taught?

The shadow Schools Secretary Michael Gove has set the cat amongst the pigeons by attacking how history is taught. He believes that lessons should make pupils proud of our past, but the question is, is he right?

Well, in a multicultural society such as ours, this could be something of a challenge. There's plenty within the history of the British people that is horribly embarrassing or even downright shameful. However, equally, there have been some incredible moments and many glorious achievements.

This question has provoked the Independent newspaper to poll a number of well-known historians about what they consider to be the ten most important dates in British history. To see what the likes of Tristram Hunt, Dan Snow and Tracy Borman have to say on this matter, click here.

But what do you consider to be the 10 most important dates that children should know? Why not post your answer here, by replying to this post. And if you need reminding what sort of events could make your list, why not read the chapter on History in Match Wits with the Kids?

Friday, 3 October 2008

If you don’t use it, you lose it!

Susan Whelan, a world literatures feature writer based in Canada (as far as I can tell), has written a very comprehensive - not to say glowing - review about Match Wits with the Kids over at

Her review is from the point of view of an overseas reader and points at that in the current edition there is, naturally, a bias towards British History and Geography. However, she also points out that Match Wits gives readers an excellent General Knowledge overview. As she says, 'In the years between attending school and parenting a school-aged child many facts and details well-known during school years go astray' and that 'many adults have discovered the truth of the adage “If you don’t use it, you lose it”, struggling to recall information that was well known at the age of ten.'

If you would like to read more of Susan's review, particularly if you yourself at not based in the UK but have considered getting hold of a copy of Match Wits with the Kids, then click here.

Thursday, 2 October 2008

What is Myrrh Anyway? Released today!

Yes, it's like all your Christmases have come at once - What is Myrrh Anyway? is finally released today!

It should be in all good bookshops now or, failing that, you can buy it online.

And in case you're new to this blog and wondering where the title of the book comes from, click the video link below.


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Thursday, October 21, 2010

A Recursively Defined Sequence to Challenge Your Algebra Students

In continued tribute to Dr. Mandelbrot, here is a challenge problem for your Algebra 2 students which develops the ideas of iteration and recursively-defined sequences while providing technical skill practice.  From my own experience, even some of the strongest will trip over the details so don't be surprised if you get many different answers for the 5th term in part (c) below! We all know that current texts do not provide enough mechanical practice and this becomes more evident as our top students move into the advanced classes.

A sequence is defined as follows. Each term after the first is two less than three times the preceding term.

(a)  If the first term is 2, determine the 2nd through 5th terms.

(b) If the first term is 1, determine the 100th term. Explain.

(c) If the first term is x, determine simplified expressions in terms of x for the 2nd through 5th terms.  To help you verify your answers, the 5th term is 81x - 80. Show all steps clearly.  Compare your results with others in your group and resolve any discrepancies.

(d) Write a general expression for the nth term if the 1st term is x. It should work for all terms including the first! Explain your method. Proving your formula works for all n is optional.
Answer:  3^(n-1)x - (3^(n-1) - 1)
NOTE:  Students who have learned the formula for the nth term of a geometric sequence should recognize the first term in this answer! Help them to make the connection...

(e)  Extension:  Change the recursive relationship to: Each term after the first is three less than twice the preceding term.  Redo part (d) for this new sequence. The pattern is more challenging!
Ans:  2^(n-1)x - 3(2^(n-1) - 1)
NOTE: For the more advanced students, have them prove their "formula" by induction.

Final Comment: In what form do you think this kind of question would appear on the SATs and, yes, this topic is tested and has appeared!

"All Truth passes through Three Stages: First, it is Ridiculed... Second, it is Violently Opposed... Third, it is Accepted as being Self-Evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer (1778-1860)

"You've got to be taught To hate and fear, You've got to be taught from year to year, It's got to be drummed In your dear little ear. You've got to be carefully taught." --from South Pacific

Eric Jablow said...

I have a few comments, but one at a time. First, an infamous math puzzle.

The following riddle came up at a party once: Three sailors land a boat on an island; then, they gather coconuts for the rest of their voyage. When night falls, they prepare to sleep; they decide that each of them will keep watch for one-third of the night.

The first sailor stays up while the other two fall asleep. Now, these sailors have a somewhat peculiar sense of honor; the first decides to take and hide his share, so he takes the pile of coconuts, splits them into three equal piles with one left over, hides his third, and throws the one left over to a passing monkey.

When the second sailor takes his watch in the middle of the night, he too decides to take his share, and exactly the same thing happens; he splits the pile into three with one left over, hides his third, and gives the extra one to the monkey.

The third sailor in turn does exactly the same thing.

In the morning, the three sailors split the remaining pile, and toss the extra coconut to a passing monkey.

How many coconuts did they start out with?

The party-goers consider the question, and they make incorrect guesses. Finally, someone asks the mathematician who was watching the proceedings, and he says:

"There were -2 coconuts, of course."

"Each sailor throws one coconut to the monket, leaving -3.

(It's a red herring that the story has the sailor splitting the coconuts into three piles with one left over first).

"Then, the sailor hides his share of -1 coconut, leaving -2 again.

"This happens three times in the night and once more in the morning. They started with -2 coconuts. and each one gets -1 coconut when they do the final split."

"But, they couldn't have collected a negative number of coconuts."

"You can add any multiple of 81 to the original number, and it will still work."

"Why 81?"

"Because 81 is 3^4. It can go through all the divisions and still stay a whole number."

(more later)

Eric Jablow said...

You see, fixed points are important. Fixed points of analytic functions and their iterates lead to Julia sets, and Julia sets lead to the Mandelbrot set. Look these up at MathWorld, please. The riddle I gave led to finding the fixed point of f(x) = 2/3 (x-1).

How would I introduce this to a HS student? I would lead quickly to part d, but I would make one slight notational change. When working with sequences like this, it is quite common to start indexing at 0. A power series is written as a_0 + a_1 (x-h) + a_2 (x-h)^2 + ...., and a sequence is b_0, b_1, ..., b_n, ....

So, let's look at properties held in common by all such sequences. Suppose sequences a_i and b_i satisfy the problem condition. Does the sequence (a_n + b_n) satisfy it? No: a_{n+1} + b_(n+1} = 3(a_n + b_n) - 4.

Does (a_n - b_n) satisfy it? No, but a_{n+1} - b_(n+1} = 3(a_n - b_n). That's an interesting relation all by itself, and easily solvable:

If a_n satisfies a_{n+1} = 3 a_n, then, a_n = 3^n a_0.
If a_0 = 0, then a_n = 0 for all n. Also, there is a sequence satisfying this rule with any value for a_0.

Note that this means that if two sequences a_n and b_n satisfy the recursion rule and a_0 = b_0, then the sequences are identical. All one need do is to find a single solution of the original recursion rule, and you can find all of them.

Does this remind any one of linear ODEs or linear systems of equations? Good.

So, is there the simplest of solutions for the original sequence, where c_0 = c_1 = c_2...? We find the fixed point of f(x) = 3x-2; it's 1. So, the sequence is of the form:

1 + b, 1 + 3b, 1 + 9b, ..., 1+3^n b, ......

The general solution is then

x=1+3^0 (x-1), 1+3^1 (x-1), ..., 1+3^n (x-1),....

Can we generalize this even more? Yes, with the hint of ODEs. This leads to the discrete calculus, which can be used to motivate differential calculus itself, but that will be in a later note.

Dave Marain said...

Thank you for taking us "beyond."
The fixed point is so critical as you indicated. I was going to add an additional part and ask the more inquiring students to consider the general linear recurrence relation a_n=m(a_n-1) +b. What value of a_0 produces a fixed point. Also, for what value of m is there no fixed point?

You have to remember that our Alg 2 students see little of this other than the composition of a function with itself.

Thanks again for enriching my activity and relating it to Dr. Mandelbrot. As usual you are my mentor!

Eric Jablow said...

I'm going to take my examples and notation from Concrete Mathematics, by Graham, Knuth, and Patashnik. That book is an extravagant source of examples and ideas that can be used at nearly every level of education, and it's beautifully typeset too.

The "finite calculus" or "discrete calculus" is an area of mathematics analogous to infinite calculus where one works with sequences and operators on them instead of functions and limits of difference quotients.

In calculus, you have the difference quotient: [f(x+h) - f(x)]/h. You take the limit as h goes to zero, and get the derivative of f. Most HS students aren't ready to see that.

But, what if you let h be 1? You get something you can apply to a sequence:

0, 1, 4, 9, 16, ..... transforms to:

1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ..... transforms to:

2, 2, 2, 2, 2,..... transforms to:

0, 0, 0, 0, 0, .....

If this process ever reaches all-zeroes, the original sequence came from a polynomial. Here, we started with a_n = n^2. And even if the differences do not end up vanishing, as long as they stay small this can be used for computation. This is what Babbage and Lovelace were doing with their Difference Engine in the 19th century, and what early computers (human and mechanical) spent most of their time doing.

For now on, I'll write sequences like functions; just remember that the domain is the nonnegative integers.

Let f(x) be a sequence. Then, ∆f(x) = f(x+1) - f(x). ∆ is the difference operator, analogous to the derivative operator. Similarly, there's a summation operator, similar to integration:

∑f(0) = 0,

∑f(1) = f(0),

∑f(2) = f(0) + f(1), etc.

Note that

∆(f + g) = ∆f + ∆g,

∆c = 0 (c constant),

∑(f + g) = ∑f + ∑g.

a) Verify that ∆∑f(x)= f(x) for all x.

b) Verify that ∑∆f(x)= f(x) - f(0) for all x.

Now, take the original problem:

f(x+1) = 3f(x) - 2.

f(x+1) - f(x) = 2f(x) - 2

∆f - 2f = -2

This looks like the differential equation

(*) f' - 2f = -2

That's an easy one to solve: the homogenous version

f' - 2f = 0 has solutions f(x) = c e^{2x}.

But, HS students won't understand that, so just ask what the solutions of

∆f - 2f = 0, or even

∆f - cf = 0 are.

Then, find a simple solution of the original equation (*). Best is to let f be a constant function.

Then, try to see what ∆ does to monomials, polynomials, and try to mimic the well-known formulas of differential calculus, even if the students don't know those.


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Friday, December 3, 2010

Odds and Evens Week of 12-1-10

  • Here's my most recent Twitter Problem of the Day:

How many 3-digit positive integers are there in which the absolute value of the difference of their hundreds' and units' digits equals 4?

For students: Reply on Twitter, Facebook or my email ( by 12-6-10.
For everyone else: Comments are always welcome but please hold off on solutions until 12-6-10. Thanks!

  • I've been contacted again by the Education Editor of Parent Paper magazine, a well-known publication here in North Jersey.  I was asked to write a piece on helping parents to help their children with schoolwork, particularly in math. I'm reprinting here in full since it will be most likely edited down to a few sentences. Most of the general suggestions are obvious but sometimes I feel that the obvious needs to be stated. I'm basing this on my experience with 7 children, 4 grandkids and over 30 foster children.
General Suggestions for Parents Helping Children With Assignments

  • TV, radio, music, any other distractions turned off when your child comes home after school.
  • Establish a consistent location where they will do their homework every day -- dining room table, coffee table -- preferably in the same room as parent until they are older
  • Establish a routine where the child takes out the assignment book, folders, etc., before their snack.  If you do it for them, they will come to depend on you for this.  Have them hand you their parent folder with all papers you're supposed to read, sign, etc.
  • It's up to you but I would allow the child to have their snack while they start their homework.  Be less concerned about the mess and remember, if they're not allowed to start homework until they 've finished their snack, I guarantee you that snack time will extend for longer and longer periods of time (even if you say the have to finish in 15 minutes!).
  • If they ask for help, ask them to read the directions out loud. If you then ask them what it means or what they are supposed to do, many children will reply something like, "I don't know. I don't get it. I can't do it!"  You know your child best. If you believe they are capable of the assignment, you can help them get started and then say you have to do something, but you'll be around if needed.
  • If you cannot make sense of what the assignment is, then ask them to explain it. If they can't, the issue may be they are not yet ready to neatly/clearly copy the assignment form the board. Address this with the teacher the following day.
  • Ask the teacher whether they prefer voicemail, email or face-to-face questions after or before school.  Ask them if it's ok if they occasionally email concerns.
  • Establish a "social" network of parents in the class - take the initiative!  Set up a class group on Facebook so that parents can help each other with clarifying assignments. Parents can routinely check in.  If electronic networking is not feasible, go back to the tried-and-true getting phone numbers from 2-3 other parents thus making a smaller network.  Trust me, you will need to use this often unless your child is mature, organized and responsible/independent, in which case you will be helping others!
  • Keep repeating to yourself the Golden Rule of Parenting: THE MORE YOU DO FOR YOUR CHILD, THE LESS HE/SHE WILL LEARN TO DO FOR HIM/HERSELF !!
Specific Suggestions for Math

  • Most children have more difficulty with the wording of the directions or of the problem than the math itself!  Try to break it down for them.
  • Don't be too quick to correct their mistakes. When checking over their work, try "I'm not sure about #5. Would you tell me what you did?" Most of the time they can correct their own errors!
  • It is important to become familiar with your child's math program.  You will probably already have heard about it through the grapevine, but you can find out what it is even before school starts by asking the office or leaving a message for the math specialist in the district.  Go to any meeting the school offers to introduce parents to the math program.
  • All new math programs come with extensive parent resource materials. You should receive these regularly but don't hesitate to go online and find them for yourself!
  • Be prepared to ask questions, but don't start tearing the program down b/c you've heard there are problems with it.  The program will not be changed in the current year no matter how parents may feel.
  • Recognize that every math program, whether more traditionally skill-based or reform-oriented (more problem-solving, projects, less drill) has its merits and its weaknesses. Whether you believe there is too much emphasis on basic facts (less likely!), or not enough, you can supplement with the myriad of resources on the web.
  • Don't be shy about asking the teacher for guidance with your child or with the math program itself.
  • Remember: MATH IS ALL AROUND US ALL THE TIME!  Ask your children lots of questions involving numbers and shapes around them. For example, "I need to cut up this square into two equal parts. I know an easy way (like this) but I think there's more than one way. Can you help me?"OR  "I have a riddle. What movie comes before Toy Story 1000?" OR Place four quarters on the table. "Can you give me a dollar?" Put coins back. "Can you give me a half dollar?" etc...
  • Never assume a concept is too hard for them. If simplified, they can often find a way.

  • And now for the latest offerings from my 3-year old grandson. The last time I posted his "muffin" comments, I had more views than from any math post in 3 years!
    • My daughter has been trying to get him to go to sleep without her staying in the room. She told him that his 3-yr old cousin, with whom he is very close, is getting big now. My daughter commented, "Her mommy reads her a story, gives her a goodnight hug and leaves." My grandson replied, "Do you think I could do that, mommy?" "Of course", my daughter replied, to which my grandson immediately came back with, "Ok, but not tonight!"
    • He is all boy, all the time.  Aggressive, loves contact sports and is becoming a rabid NY Giants football fan like his daddy.  He wears his Giants shirt on game day and can throw his little football with velocity.  After seeing him throw the football a couple of times like a pro the other day, she said, "Wow, you threw the football really well, twice." "No, mommy, only once", he replied. "Are you sure? I saw you throw it twice", my daughter asked.  "Yes, mommy, the other time was the highlights!"

"All Truth passes through Three Stages: First, it is Ridiculed... Second, it is Violently Opposed... Third, it is Accepted as being Self-Evident." - Arthur Schopenhauer (1778-1860)

You've got to be taught To hate and fear, You've got to be taught From year to year, It's got to be drummed In your dear little ear You've got to be carefully taught. --from South Pacific

1 comment:

clovis simard said...

Vous êtes cordialement invité à visiter mon blog.

Description : Mon Blog(, présente le développement mathématique de la conscience humaine.

Clovis Simard


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Monday, February 6, 2012

Dry eyes

I didn't go to bed last night until 01:00, slept very well woke up about 04:00 with my eyes very dry and sore again (this is all because of the lupus).
I am feeling a lot better today not coughing as much, so hopefully the cold is going.
I am still waiting to go into remission (from the lupus), which has happened for a few years before I was actually diagnosed as having lupus. I was told then I have ME (which is similar to lupus).
Today is a new day and tomorrow will be an even better day, thank you Lord.

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    Our offshore development centers are well-equipped with tools, technology, and skilled personnel to carry out challenging development activities. Our best practices and strict guidelines for application development and quality assurance involves frequent reviews, audits, and brainstorming sessions, which produces high quality deliverables. Our development methodology is based on the principles of agile software development processes but we are flexible enough to customize it based on the customer requirement.

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Best Green Screen Backgrounds and Kits of 2017

-Best Green Screen Photo and Video studio kits with lighting-

In this selection, I included some of the best green screen kits commonly known as chroma key backgrounds for various applications like photography, video and more. The green screen backgrounds present in this review also include basic lighting and accessories for an easy setup to get you up and running in no time.

No matter if you want to create your own best photo studio kit or just want to shoot YouTube videos on a green screen, I got you covered with kits ranging from affordable to expensive. The lighting and additional features of every kit start from basic to more complicated in order for you to pick the one that fit your needs best.

I also included green backdrops without any other accessories included if you want to save money and you are capable of setting the whole shooting environment by yourself.

Without further ado, let’s see which are the best green screen backgrounds with kits on the market at the moment.

-Best Green Screen Background Kit for the Money-

Three Prism 10×20′ 100% Cotton Muslin Backdrops and The Ravelli Full Size 10×12′ Background Stand Set

The first on our list is the Ravelli Set featuring three Prism Green Screen Backdrops. The whole set is composed of the stand, the backdrops, carrying bags for all the components and other small accessories for an easy secure of the backgrounds on the stand.

A good aspect of the 100% cotton material used in the manufacturing of the backgrounds is that it is heavier and will stand stiffer on the stand thus producing fewer wrinkles than other materials. The support is sturdy and simple to assemble without any help. This is great if you want to get up and running in no time.

The carrying bags are made of good quality materials which will probably last for long periods of time. The same with the backdrops and other accessories. I am not saying they are top of the line but for the money, this is probably the best green screen background kit.

While in this set you won’t receive any lighting it is still one of the best green screen background sets in the price range. If you want a complete set with lighting you can check out the one below.

-Best Complete Green Screen Background Kit-

LimoStudio Photo Video Studio Light Kit – Includes Chromakey Studio Background Screen (Green Black White)

If you want a kit that includes everything from the stand to the light diffusers and all the necessary accessories then you should definitely check out this LimoStudio green screen background kit.

It comes with three 6 X 9 muslin backdrops . The stand is very sturdy and it is made of heavy-duty materials, so steadiness will most definitely not represent a problem. While the carrying bags that come with this kit are made of premium materials which at first glance might seem heavy, they are actually surprisingly lightweight.

Along the light stands, and the umbrella lighting reflectors the company even included the lightbulbs so you won’t have to bother searching for additional accessories.

What I like the most about this kit is that most components are flexible and adjustable while of high-quality at the same time. You can make adjustments of the light head for an optimum light stream, height adjustments of the light stand and so on.

Again, I would recommend this kit to those who want something complete for creating a semi-professional photography or video studio. Besides this it also comes at a great price so

Excelvan Photography Photo Portrait Studio Continuous Lighting Kit 1250W Daylight Umbrella + Backdrop Support Stand (10×6.5 ft) + 3 Background (9×6 ft, White Black Green)

Another excellent green screen kit is this one, coming with a large variety of accessories at a good price.

The items are of reasonably good quality although I wouldn’t say anything in the package had a premium feel or look.

Among other things the kit includes:

  • Quality backdrop stand
  • Light stand
  • 33 inches umbrella
  • Pure white light bulbs
  • Three 9X6 feet muslin backdrops (green, black, white)

The only disadvantage with this kit is that not all components come with carrying bags, at least that is what I experienced. It probably varies from seller to seller but from what I know this kit lacks the carrying bags for the stand and accessories.

All in all this is a great kit for beginners or semi-professional which do not want to spend a lot of money on a standard green screen backdrop kit.

Prism Backdrops by Ravelli 10×20′ (9×18′ after pre-shrinkage) Chromakey Green Muslin Photo Video Backdrop Background 100% Cotton

If all you want is the green screen backdrop material then here you go. One of the finest quality backdrops I could find on the market coming at a reasonable price.

It is made out of 100% cotton and it offers great value for the money, especially if you can set the rest up by yourself without a dedicated stand and lighting.

Overall considering the material quality, the price, and the overall experience with this company I consider it one of the best green screen backgrounds.

Chromakey Green Screen Kit 800w Photo Video Lighting Kit 10×12

While at the beginning I didn’t like the idea of a single green backdrop. I started to like this kit after I have seen that the results are pretty good compared to other green screens which leak light and present various other drawbacks like build quality and stuff like that.

Of course, the Limo Studio Chroma Key kit might not be top of the line professional but I think it goes with the saying “only a bad workman blames his tools”. So I do not see why a professional photographer or video maker could not make good use of this kit.

Speaking of components, the following should be in the package, but these probably vary from one seller to another:

  • One 10X12 feet green background
  • Backdrop support stand
  • Two 33 inches umbrellas with light stands
  • Carrying bag for the backdrop
  • Light Bulbs and AC adapters

A good aspect of this kit is that the light bulbs included are very bright and the umbrellas let through an optimum amount of light for great results in both photography and videography.

That’s pretty much it. Is this the absolute best green screen background kit? Probably not. Is it at least one of the best ones in this price range. I would definitely say yes.

Square Perfect 4037 Professional Quality 10 x 13 Feet Chromakey Green Screen Muslin Backdrop

There is not much to say about this item. You might already own all the infrastructure and only need a green background to complete it, or you know you can make your own set by yourself. Either way, if you do not need all the accessories or stands from the previous kits then this chroma key background offers great quality for a reasonable price.

It is made out of pure cotton and it measures 10X13 feet.

Thanks for reading my review on the best green screen chroma key backgrounds and kits and see you next time for more comparisons, reviews, and selections!

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Ama Mazama

One Bad Mother Episode 218: Am I Failing At Letting My Kids Fail? Plus Educator Dr. Ama Mazama

One Bad Mother
Biz Ellis
Theresa Thorn
Dr. Ama Mazama

Biz wonders if we are incapable of letting our children solve their own problems and if this is why our children can’t actually problem solve! Theresa suggests maybe its less about ability and more about personality. What’s worse, stunting our children's development or having to accept they may be totally different than you? Both seem like a reason to hide in the bathroom. Plus Biz gets thumb tacky, Theresa takes cover and we talk to Temple University professor and mother Dr. Ama Mazama about the growing trend and reasoning behind home schooling for African American children.

Check out Dr. Mazama in The Atlantic piece by Jessica Huseman that brought her to our attention and pick up her book The Afrocentric Paradigm to learn more about her field of study.

Brooklyn: Tickets for One Bad Mother Live at The Bell House on Saturday October 14th are on sale now!

Los Angeles: Join us for One Bad Mother LIVE at the Bootleg Theater on Saturday August 26th! It's a matinee! Tickets on sale now!

Check out our book! You're Doing A Great Job!: 100 Ways You're Winning at Parenting!

Thank you to all our listeners who support the show as monthly members of Our sponsors this week are Rent The Runway and NatureBox. To save 25% off an Unlimited Rent The Runway subscription, visit or download the iPhone app and enter the code BADMOTHER at checkout. And, go to to get a free month of membership and 3 free snacks.

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Be sure to tell us at the top of your message whether you're leaving a genius moment, a fail, or a rant! Thanks!!

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Show Music
Opening theme: Summon the Rawk, Kevin MacLeod (
Ones and Zeros, Awesome, Beehive Sessions (, also avail on iTunes)
Mom Song, Adira Amram, Hot Jams For Teens (, avail on iTunes)
Telephone, Awesome, Beehive Sessions (, also avail on iTunes)
Closing music: Mama Blues, Cornbread Ted and the Butterbeans

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Whistleblower hotline: (213) 785-6098

Monday, May 17, 2010

Outtakes from CD 14: CLARTS Fund Transparency Held Hostage, Day 56 and other CD 14 News

Hola from the "Cut and Paste Republic of CD 14", where disregard for transparency and the pursuit of future payola is a daily endeavor.

We are at Day 56 of the "CLARTS Fund Transparency Held Hostage" and courtesy of Channel 4 News, we may now have some reasons why Councilman Jose Huizar, is refusing to provide The Voice Newspaper with documents pertaining to the past and current status of the CLARTS Fund ( ** link to view former Councilman Nick Pacheco's presentation on the CLARTS Fund).

It seems that Councilman Huizar is an traveling sort, who wants the taxpayers to foot the bill for his plush accommodations when he journeys back to his old college digs at Princeton University, to give a speech on Martin Luther King Day, El Salvador, Mexico or Washington D.C., to party with his old college pals.

Now for example, the fact that Councilman Huizar would give a speech at his former university, is not something that would cause us to label with the "breaking news moniker". But the fact that Councilman Huizar, thought that the taxpayers should pay for his "quickie to Princeton", is cause for further investigation. This thanks to the KNBC Channel Four report on him and his fellow council mates traveling follies.

Now Councilman Huizar, being the "pillar of ethics" that his paid spin crafters like "Coca Puffs" (Rick Coca) and "Papa Puffs" (Arturo Gonzalez), will attempt to promote to the uneducated masses, announced that he would reimbursed the taxpayers for the $3,000 and change, which was the cost of his Princeton adventures and roadies to El Salvador, Mexico and that party weekend in D.C. After all, it take an "visionary humanitarian" to donate excess city ambulances to your old haunts in Zacatecas, Mexico. (BTW, maybe Huizar should of donated one of those excess ambulances to Fire Station 16 in El Sereno, with staffing included?)

But for Councilman Huizar, the cost of his Princeton adventure on the MLK holiday weekend may cost more than the 3K plus, that Huizar will reimbursed the taxpayers.

The rank and file of the Los Angeles Police Department might want to note that Councilman Huizar stated during his MLK Day Speech that the LAPD actions during the "May Day Melee" were "unprovoked". (** link to see video excerpts of his speech).

This may come as news to the LAPD officers who injured by rocks and frozen water bottles, that were hurled in their direction, prior to the controversial reaction of LAPD on that day.

With Councilman Huizar facing a possible challenger for re election in 2011, it would not serve Councilman Huizar, to anger the rank and file officers of LAPD, thus risk losing the Police Protective League endorsement for his 2011 bid to further serve CD 14 in the City Council.

But then who wants someone who does not respect the rule of law, in regards to the California Public Records Act, and use of taypayers money for traveling junkets, to serve another four years at 200 Spring Street?

.... and BTW, were you going to use the CLARTS Fund, Councilman Huizar, to pay for your trips? Just wondering.

** According to our friend Jerry Sullivan at the Los Angeles Garment and Citizen Newspaper, Councilman Huizar may be facing some legal proceedings regarding his "pocket park project" at 9th and Hill in Downtown LA. Once again Councilman Huizar and this time state officials, risk a lawsuit over their collective denial to disclose financial data regarding Huizar's proposed park. This may cause some discomfort for Governor Arnold "Kennedy Republican" Schwartzenegger, who supposedly, espouses "openness", in regard to these types of financial dealings.

** Councilman Huizar continues his steadfast support of those dissident merchants at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, who think that their future support of Councilman Huizar's re-election, merits paying below market value rents for their inholdings.

** Nice of Councilman Huizar to consider the plight of the Los Angeles Youth Athletic Club, who lost their Lincoln Heights home, due to CD 1 Councilman Ed "Density" Reyes'es future vision for the Lincoln Heights Jail property, that LAYAC once called home. But it should be noted here that LAYAC was going to be relocated to the Hazard Park Armory in 2007, but Councilman Huizar and his "political papi", Mayor Antonio Parkervillar, had a future "Legacy in mind".

** Sidewalk street vendors in Councilman Huizar's Boyle Heights domain, are none too happy about their treatment at the hands of LAPD Hollenbeck's finest, but one must wonder how the permit paying businesses along Cesar Chavez Ave., feel about non-permit paying street vendors?

** The Eastern Group Publications has the official results from the recent Neighborhood Council Elections. We can now say that our Mayor Sam friend and all-around good guy Jose Aguilar, will become "Presidente" of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council. No word whether his Boyle Heights neighbor, Councilman Jose Huizar, has called to wish him well in his future endeavor.

** The CD 14 connected non-profit "Girls Today Women Tomorrow" was presented with a check for $325,000 by Councilman Jose Huizar, to help renovate their 'enpowerment center". This shows what benefits a "connected non-profit" in CD 14 can deride from having the councilman's wife as a former board member. One can bet that GTWT will kick in for Huizar in 2011.

Your thoughts.........

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Labels: ,

Anonymous Anonymous said:

You're as hung up on Jose Huizar as Mary Cummins is hung up on Zuma & Phil.

May 17, 2010 9:55 PM

Anonymous Anonymous said:

phil jennerjahn has another hilarious and delusional post about how great things are going on with the recall, and how he still thinks he's going ot win the primary.

I wrote to him to ask if he think she's going to win because of which of the following:

- Alienating your fellow Republicans?
- Not honoring your word to give the url back to Andion?
- Demeaning others?
- Failing to update us on the recall?

I predict Phil Jennerjahn will get no more than 10 votes. TEN votes. Not one more than that.

Whatever happens, he will be sure to sugar coat it and say he'd still have won were it not for Mary Cummins, Mayor Sam or Zuma Dogg.

May 17, 2010 10:01 PM

Anonymous Anonymous said:

I if CLARTs fund were ever used to pay for a loft at Union Station lofts. One said employee (francine) lives there for free.

May 18, 2010 12:02 AM

Anonymous Anonymous said:

This is as offensive as Alarcon using the Lopez Canyon Mitigation Fund to assist the frickin' union-sponsored diesel belching truck driving school in the middle of the Lopez Canyon Landfill. Guess Alarcon thinks its just great for the children of the area to have semi-trucks running up and down residential streets all day long.

May 18, 2010 10:12 AM

Anonymous Anonymous said:

Thanks Scott for putting out the truth. Huizar is trying to help his image saying he supports LAPD but too bad cops don't like. Here's another video the other candidate should use against Huizar. He's suppose to be an attorney yet he jumps to conclusions against LAPD without knowing the facts. Gang members in Ramona Gardens tell officers they have Huizar cell phone number and when they are stopped to call him.

Here's Huizar asking for a FBI investigation without knowing what actually happened. Come to find out this was a gang member who was shot by police.

May 18, 2010 10:50 AM

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Miss Coco: MBC's new office puppy

As a creative agency working with clients in the Animal Health and Pet industry, (MBC has won multiple Vet Marketing Awards), we have now added an additional piece to our agency's culture. Research shows that canine colleagues can improve staff productivity and wellbeing: a warm welcome to our new colleague, Miss Coco, the French Bulldog.

Abbey Thomas , one of our Senior designers is the proud mum of Coco, a 9-week old French bulldog. She has a play-pen next to her desk which allows a safe place for Coco to be during work time. She lets her come out, exercise and play with all of us after every nap. “I love bringing her to work. She is really calming and gives great cuddles. She really boosts the creative vibe in the studio. Not only is it good for us but great for her as well. Socialisation is really important for her at this young age and she is meeting lots of different people, experiencing new things and getting lots of attention….and treats!!!"

According to Reed.co.uk, about 8% of employees in the UK have canine colleagues. This practice has been going in the pet sector in companies like Mars Petcare, Pets at Home, Nestle Purina, Blue Cross Vets, Dogs Trust and Pets at Home. It's wonderful to be joining-in on the trend.

At MBC, we really love having Coco around. “As designers, we are always looking for a fresh "boost" of inspiration and I’ll go: ‘Right, I need some puppy love. And off I go to find Coco’,” says Adam Dhaliwal, Head of Artwork. “A few minutes later, I’m a different person.”

We all feel so lucky to have Coco join the team at MBC and we cannot wait to see her every day!

Ally Mansell-Cook
Ally Mansell-Cook

Always on the lookout to engage in Meaningful Bubbly Conversation. Might Be Cool if we have a chat- give us a call anytime to discuss your Business-Changing Creative initiatives!


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Wednesday, 19 August 2015

New Responsive Website for Local Artist

Most of our time over the spring and "summer" has been taken up with setting up Foragers, our new small farm, however we have also been doing some web sites including one for local artist Jinty McKirdy.  Take a look.

No comments:

Post a Comment


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6 months ago

Three Fantastic Free Visitors Generation Methods

If they are interested in the thumbnail, curiosity will make them see the full video. But, have you at any time thought of video clip development? Can you relate to that, how easy it can be to create your own videos.

Create a item funnel.


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Student Groups| RTD | SIU

Southern Illinois University

College of Mass Communication and Media Arts

RREE group

Student Groups 26:46

Faculty Advisor: Jan Thompson

  • Emmy winning, student produced, magazine style news show shot and broadcast in HD
  • Provides hands on experience in production, post-production, and graphics work
  • Students of all majors welcome

Audio Engineering Society, Inc.

Faculty Advisors:  Jay Needham

  • Network with other members of the audio industry
  • Learn directly from recognized experts in the audio field
  • Participate in hands-on workshops and tutorials
  • Apply for scholarships and enter recording contests

Digital Dog Records

Faculty Advisor:  Jenny Johnson   Digital Dog Records Facebook Group

  • Student-run record label, which records and produces local music talents
  • Great opportunity for hands-on-experience
  • Developer and promoter of the Midwest Music Fest, unofficial Halloween Bash and other musical events that support the local music scene

Game Mechanics Research Studio

Faculty Advisor:  Reid Perkins-Buzo

We are a student group that promotes research and development of video games.  We have had presentations on various topics over the past 2 years including game history, emulation, game modding, machinima, game engines & design, programming embedded controllers for game design, growth in MMO gaming, interfacing games wtih motion sensing controls, and even briing in industry speakers through Skype sessions.  We cover a wide range of topics including:  Game design elements, Industry business trends, History, Interfacing, Reverse engineering, etc.

M.U.S.I.C. Musicians United in Southern Illinois Carbondale

Faculty Advisor:  Jenny Johnson

  • Music jamming and networking group of students
  • Opportunities include meeting and jamming with new musicians on a regular basis, where new collaborations are forged

National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)

Faculty Advisor:

  • Meets weekly and Sponsors speakers, workshops, field trips, social events, and in service projects
  • Largest association of journalists of color in the world and offers internship and scholarship opportunities

River Region Evening Edition - WSIU TV News

Faculty Advisors:  Rich Strong and Joey Helleny

  • Live student-produced half-hour newscast that airs on WSIU-TV Monday-Thursday at 5 p.m. when school is in session
  • Recipient of numerous national and state honors, including the IBA's Best Student TV Newscast in Illinios
  • Students perform all functions of a working TV newsroom and newscat under the direction of the news director and WSIU managers Darryl Moses and Abbi Hargrave with guidance from faculty advisor Joey Helleny.  Positions with hands-on experience include: reporter/photographer/ editor, producer, news and sports anchors, weathercaster, graphics artist, writer, video editor, sound technician, camera operator, and more
  • Volunteer and paid positions abailabel to all SIU students

Faculty Advisor:  HD Motyl

  • A student produced, multi-camera television series, originating from WSIU-TV's Studio A
  • Provides hands-on experience from directing to marketing
  • Currently in production are In Concert, a showcase of regional musical groups, and the Sketch Comedy Show, an original half-hour variety show

Students in Illinois News Broadcasters Associtaion (SINBA)

Faculty Advisor:  Joey Helleny

  • Affiliated with the Illinois News Broadcasters Association with carer interests in broadcast journalism
  • Hosts speakers and career development activities; field trips to stations

WIDB "The Revolution & the Remedy"

Contact:  Faculty Advisor:  James Wall

  • Operated and managed by students
  • Two seperate stations "The Revolution" alternative rock and "The Remedy" hip-hop R&B
  • WIDB gives practical experience in radio broadcasting
  • Listen live now over the Internet at

Other Student Opportunities in RTD

SIU Athletics Video Service

Contact:  618-453-1899

  • Produces over 70 live athletic events over 6 different sports
  • Works with ESPN, FSN, and other spors entities
  • Hands on training with camera operation, sports replay, and video switching
  • All majors welcome

WSIU FM Operation and Production

  • Brings NPR news and classical music to the community broadcasting 24 hrs. a day in 32 countries
  • Opportunities to learn how to operate on-air audio systems and daily productions
  • Student volunteers often lead to paid positions

Contact WSIU FM News Jeff Williams, 618-453-6101,

  • Produces 14 local news and sportcasts
  • Provides experience in writing, reporting, editing, and anchoring.  No experience necessary
  • Broadcasts globally

WSIU TV Production Crew

Contact WSIU production Abby Hargrave, 618-453-5888,

  • Production crew works in all facets of TV production
  • Consists of volunteer workers
  • Duties include: running cameras, graphics, and directing

WSIU TV Programming and On-Air Promotions Office

  • Offers paid and unpaid opportunities for students and also volunteer help
  • Prepare monthly porgram listing, assist with viewer calls, responsible for scripting, recording voiceovers, and organizing volunteer help


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Center for Social Entrepreneurship

at Middlebury

Ellen Martin

Ellen Martin, Co-founder, COO, SoJo

Untitled-47Ellen Martin is the co-founder and COO of SoJo – a social enterprise which supports educational institutions in designing and delivering social entrepreneurship programs on campus.  Prior to SoJo, Ellen worked on the Education and Engagement team at the MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, where she was responsible for the development of the Centre’s online knowledge hub and learning modules, and led the Centre’s learning events. In addition she has worked at several web-based nonprofit organizations, serving as the Interim Managing Editor of SocialFinance.ca and Educational Resource Developer at TakingITGlobal for Educators. Ellen has a BSocSc in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa.

Sites DOT MiddleburyThe Middlebury site network.


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Used Books @ MCSS Bookstore

To buy or sell used textbooks at the MCSS Bookstore, only during the following schedule:

Wed, Sept 6: 1pm-4pm

Thurs, Sept 7: 8:30am-4pm

Fri, Sept 8: 8:30am-12pm

Mon, Sept 11: 1pm-4pm

Wed, Sept 13: 1pm-4pm

Thurs, Sept 14: 8:30am-4pm

Fri, Sept 15: 8:30am-12pm

The Bookstore is open weekdays from 8:30am-4pm for everything else you need.


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Potholes in express lane for IPOs

Potholes in express lane for IPOs
By Jennifer Liberto @CNNMoney March 20, 2012: 6:23 PM ET

WASHINGTON (CNNMoney) — It was supposed to be a slam dunk.

But late Tuesday, it became unclear whether the Senate would agree to take up a House bill allowing more companies go public by bypassing audits and disclosures now required for investors.

Earlier this month, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill to roll back some rules that the Securities and Exchange Commission enforces on small and medium companies attempting to make an initial public offering.

The Senate had been expected to agree to limit debate and pass the House bill this week. If no changes are made, it was expected to go straight to President Obama who has indicated support for the measure.

However, the measure sparked concerned letters from investor groups, unions, consumer groups and even the head of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All of them say the bill could open the door for more failed IPOs and investor fraud.

On Tuesday, the Senate Democrats failed to muster enough votes to approve two key Democratic-backed changes to the House bill.

Some of those changes would have added investor protections back to the bill. One change would have extended funding for the Export-Import Bank, an agency that helps finance foreign purchases of U.S. exports.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid met with Democrats Tuesday afternoon to talk about support for moving forward on the House bill. A vote to limit debate and move forward is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

The House bill would relax SEC rules for small and medium-sized companies with less than $1 billion in gross revenue seeking to go public. The measure gives them up to five years, or until revenue tops $1 billion, to supply an independent audit and certain investor disclosures.

Some critics said the $1 billion is too high a threshold — some 80% of firms going public would be able to bypass disclosures.

The House bill would also exempt firms from nonbinding shareholder votes on executive pay and benefits packages, which just came as part of the Wall Street reform law. In the aftermath of the financial crisis, the law made it tougher for CEOs to reap bonuses tied to soaring stock prices — particularly when the company is over-leveraged and making risky bets.
Stocks: Retail investors ‘not in the game yet’

Critics, including the Council of Institutional Investors, said that easing the rules applied to far too many companies and could make investors wary of investing in them.

“A company (with a billion in revenues) has the resources to comply with disclosures,” said Jeff Mahoney, general counsel to the Council of Institutional Investors.

The bill would also allow companies to solicit investors — including the use of advertisements — when going public, which is currently prohibited. And it would allow them to raise money from larger numbers of small, less sophisticated investors.

Barbara Roper of the Consumer Federation of America warned the provision would make it easier for companies to take advantage of seniors, luring them to sink their retirement savings into an IPO.

“A retiree who has that nest egg isn’t necessarily a sophisticated investor and shouldn’t be speculating on private offerings,” Roper said.

The House bill would also allow what’s called “crowd funding,” allowing firms to bypass regulations to raise money from large pools of small investors by directly soliciting them over the Internet. Critics are concerned about the potential for fraud.

Republicans opposed proposed changes that would weaken the House bill.

Those pushing for more investor protections in the bill pointed to concerns penned by SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro. Schapiro warned in a letter last week that “too often, investors are the target of fraudulent schemes disguised as investment opportunities.”

— CNN’s Ted Barrett contributed to this story. To top of page