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Personal experiences in an impersonal system: A call to amend Bowdoin’s response to sexual assault

May 13, 2017

This piece represents the opinion of the author.

I leapt into life at Bowdoin with force and vigor. I joined an a cappella group, auditioned for a musical, became a tour guide, went to parties and religiously attended office hours. My story is not unusual—nor is my experience with sexual assault at Bowdoin.

I first engaged with Bowdoin’s institutional response to sexual assault this year, two weeks prior to Spring Break. I have spent the last several weeks noticing some pieces of my identity as a hard working, (somewhat) anal-retentive student unravel and other pieces of myself emerge as more resilient than I could have imagined. I have attempted to reflect on my experience in bite-size pieces, in manageable frames of understanding that allow me to process selectively. While this experience has at times felt debilitating and emotional, it has come most naturally to process my experience by attempting to unpack the systems in which I operate, with which I am complicit, the systems which I represent as an employee of the admissions office here at the College. This is cathartic and part of my journey to sanity. This is also my attempt to promote and provoke a dialogue by attaching my name to an experience that is not at all unique but is nonetheless often hard to pin down as affecting people we know.

In Bowdoin’s 2016 survey on “experiences and attitudes about relationships and sex,” 14.5 percent of women reported sexual assault involving sex under “physical force, threats of physical force, or the inability to consent because of being passed out, asleep, or incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs.” In each class of 500 carefully selected students, around 36 women will be sexually assaulted, under Bowdoin’s definition, during their time here. This is not to say that these roughly 36 female students in each class are the only students who have experienced sexual assault during their time here, because, according to Bowdoin’s survey, the vast majority will not report the assault or seek resources on campus in the aftermath.

Bowdoin, like any institution, must necessarily respond to the insidious and systematic problems built into the framework of our patriarchal society and historically all-male college. Bowdoin faces the institutional problem of sexual assault and has attempted to craft a response. A response is necessary as a claim to legitimacy. It is also necessary as a practical, financially incentivized matter; the College couldn’t afford to lose 36 women in each class to disillusionment, mental health difficulties and to places that might place higher value on their bodies and experiences—that would be one very expensive and unsustainable institutional problem.

Bowdoin, like many institutions, has created hard and fixed rules which diffuse authority and responsibility across many administrators, effectively absolving any one individual of blame. Bowdoin has policies that state zero tolerance for violence, hazing, and academic dishonesty. These policies are imposed regardless of the popularity of the decision or whether they disproportionately impact certain demographics. These policies allow the College to blame cheating on students instead of departments that are systematically unclear about their expectations of academic honesty. They allow the College to blame violence on individuals instead of the racist slurs prompting the violence. The fixed rules create an abstract authority that is difficult to pinpoint and hold accountable, allowing the College to claim legitimacy as an honest and safe place. However, our policies are asymmetrical: while we mandate that athletic teams and College House officers attend serious meetings on hazing, and while each incoming first year must complete an online course on academic honesty, our programs on sexual assault are embarrassingly lax and often come in the form of one-time lectures (or plays).

Oh, but the resources! We are happy to connect you with Counseling Services, Health Services, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Title IX Coordinator, the Women’s Resource Center, or the Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. If these won’t do, we can connect you with peers in our student groups who will kindly point you to the aforementioned resources. Bowdoin diffuses the blame of sexual assault throughout a labyrinth of resources, which is not a reflection of the College’s concern for individual students but a claim to legitimacy, a compensatory program that appeases and sends the message that we are doing the best we can. It is worth noting that it falls on those who have been assaulted to seek out these resources. In my experience, after a lot of meetings with a lot of people, who all individually care for the students here immensely and for whom I am deeply grateful, I was left unsatisfied. I was asked, and left asking myself, “if this isn’t enough, what do I want?”

I want the asymmetrical policies amended. I want all incoming students to sign a social code with sexual assault explicitly mentioned. I want administrators who will not pass me off to the next “resource,” ticking boxes and checking watches. I want deans who show up on time to meetings, who do not coo bizarre and patronizing phrases like, “I can tell you still have a spark left in you.” I want a counseling center that is equipped to meet demand, that can see me more often than biweekly, that can match me with the counselor I request. Most of all, I want the College to engage in serious conversations about sexual assault and lay to rest the current discourse of awareness. No more analogies. No more talking about sex in terms of cupcakes, pizza or tea. No more “denim days”—I fail to see how wearing denim in support of sexual assault survivors constitutes anything other than cheap symbolism. Finally, I want my college to apologize for letting him in. I want my college to apologize for continuing to let people like him in.

I represent Bowdoin College by giving weekly campus tours, information sessions and working the admissions office front desk. I justify representing Bowdoin, whole-heartedly and honestly, by thinking about the fantastic individuals who choose to study, work or devote their professional lives to the students at this school and by reminding myself that it’s not better anywhere else. Ultimately, though, I represent an institution that, in my time of need, was unable to offer effective, meaningful support.

In recent weeks, I have sought to reassert my strength and power, which have been noticeably absent. How I chose to handle this reassertion felt representative of how I view myself. My problem didn’t feel like one appropriate for Bowdoin’s system of institutional redress, nor did it feel like a problem that Bowdoin would be willing to properly remedy for me. My problem feels too personal and too pressing for an institution whose circular policies disempower. Ultimately, I chose to speak to him myself, on my own terms. While this satisfied my own quest for control, I am deeply anxious knowing that this option is not available to the majority of women on campus who have faced similar experiences.

Isabel Udell is a member of the Class of 2019

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  1. Nate '20 says:

    I really liked this op-ed. It felt honest and vulnerable while also coming as a much needed reality check for Bowdoin. I appreciate it, and these are the two lines that really stuck with me:
    “They allow the College to blame violence on individuals instead of the racist slurs prompting the violence. ”
    “No more talking about sex in terms of cupcakes, pizza or tea.
    No more ‘denim days’—I fail to see how wearing denim in support of sexual assault survivors constitutes anything other than cheap symbolism.”

  2. fellowpolarbear says:

    Thank you! This is so important!

  3. Class of 2019 says:

    Udell writes, “I want all incoming students to sign a social code with sexual assault explicitly mentioned.”

    Did Udell sign the same social code that I did? The ninth stipulation of the Social Code prohibits “Failure to comply with any Bowdoin College policy including, but not limited to, the following specific ones:

    Bowdoin College Fraternity Membership Policy
    Bowdoin College Illegal Drugs Policy
    Bowdoin College Alcohol Policy
    Bowdoin College Noise Ordinance
    Bowdoin College Information Technology Use Policy and Copyright Policy
    Bowdoin College Residential Life Policies
    Bowdoin College Student Sexual Assault and Misconduct Policy
    Bowdoin College Sexual Harassment Policy
    Bowdoin College Hazing Policy
    Bowdoin College Policy on Discrimination
    Bowdoin College Facilities Management Policies”

    The “Bowdoin College Student Sexual Assault and Misconduct Policy” is 7,907 words long and, let me assure you, explicitly mentions sexual assault, and other types of gender-based and sexual violence. Why does Udell believe the social code she signed, as all other Bowdoin students do, did not include this policy?

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What are the benefits of membership in the California Federation?

  • Membership in the California Federation includes membership in a District, National, Regional and International organizations, all included in the dues.
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  • Opportunity to meet and collaborate with members from clubs in over 100 countries.
  • Opportunity to collaborate with the many partner organizations of BPW including several agencies of the United Nations.

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  • Members in good standing have paid their annual fees and support the aims and objectives of BPW.
  • They are encouraged to participate in the activities of their Club, District and State Federation, and have the opportunity to also work at the National, Regional and International levels.
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  • The Regional Conference is every three years and is held either in North America or in the Caribbean.
  • The International Federation holds its Congress every three years. The 2017 Congress will be in Cairo Egypt, the 2020 will be in Orlando, Florida – USA, and the 2023 will be in South America.

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18th Century

Book Review: The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose

This is a cross post from my book blog, The True Book Addict.

My thoughts:

Once again, I am fascinated and impressed with Rose’s knowledge of reincarnation.  By now, everyone knows about my interest and belief in the subject and I truly never tire of reading about it, whether it be in a fictional context or in non-fiction (although some may argue that it’s all fictional).  What I like about Rose’s portrayal of the subject is her incorporation of it with history, as well as the current events of the day.

In this book, the fourth installment in The Reincarnationist series, we are treated to ancient Egypt, another subject of endless fascination for me, and the culture’s use of fragrance as a link to past lives, particularly during the Ptolemaic period.  From there, we are whisked forward to present day China and the endless struggle between Tibet and the Chinese government to control the reincarnation of the next Dalai Lama.  As usual, there is mystery and intrigue, which adds a suspenseful element to the story.  For me though, the historical aspects of the story are sufficient to keep my interest.  Add in a bit of alchemy, and you have a well-rounded and interesting story of history, science, and mysticism.

The beauty of this series is that you really can read the books without having read the earlier books.  I still have not read the first and second books in the series (although they are on my shelf), but I had no problem reading the third, The Hypnotist, and the fourth (this one) books as stand alone novels.  Rose is a talented author, with a gift for writing about a subject of whic she is clearly passionate.  I sincerely look forward to any and all future offerings from her, whether it be more books in this series, or a new set of books down the road.

About the book:

A sweeping and suspenseful tale of secrets, intrigue, and lovers separated by time, all connected through the mystical qualities of a perfume created in the days of Cleopatra–and lost for 2,000 years.

Jac L’Etoile has always been haunted by the past, her memories infused with the exotic scents that she grew up surrounded by as the heir to a storied French perfume company. In order to flee the pain of those remembrances–and of her mother’s suicide–she moved to America. Now, fourteen years later she and her brother have inherited the company along with it’s financial problems. But when Robbie hints at an earth-shattering discovery in the family archives and then suddenly goes missing–leaving a dead body in his wake–Jac is plunged into a world she thought she’d left behind.

Back in Paris to investigate her brother’s disappearance, Jac becomes haunted by the legend the House of L’Etoile has been espousing since 1799. Is there a scent that can unlock the mystery of reincarnation – or is it just another dream infused perfume?

The Book of Lost Fragrances fuses history, passion, and suspense, moving from Cleopatra’s Egypt and the terrors of revolutionary France to Tibet’s battle with China and the glamour of modern-day Paris. Jac’s quest for the ancient perfume someone is willing to kill for becomes the key to understanding her own troubled past.

Categories: 18th Century, Ancient Egypt, historical fiction, historical figures, history | Tags: | 1 Comment

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Ode to beautiful sun orchids

Salmon Sun Orchids (Thelymitra rubra).

Gently swaying in the breeze,

Your faces follow the warm sunlight.

With bright pink sparkled sepals you please,

You are a magnificent sight!

You are a feast to my eyes that you feed,

And, you fill my heart with wondrous delight.

Your simplicity and fragility are rare indeed,

And, to care and protect you is absolutely right!

Thank you sweet orchids for your beauty and ease,

You are certainly a pleasure, it is your birthright…

© 2017 Bridget Cameron

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Monthly Archives: April 2015

‘Montage Of Heck’ Review

Today was the day that I’ve been looking forward to for many months now, it was Montage of Heck day!

As a big Nirvana fan and a big Kurt Cobain fan in general, I had high expectations about the new documentary film directed by Brett Morgen, especially after seeing the 2-minute trailer online. It was safe to say that MoH did not disappoint in the slightest.

The first few minutes of the film concentrated on Nirvana’s performance at Reading Festival 1992, showing Kurt famously fall to the ground after singing the first couple of lines of hit US song at the time, ‘The Rose’. This shot of him lying on the Berkshire stage set the scene for the next couple of hours, there is no question about that.

Following a chronological structure of Cobain’s life, the film sees itself spanning in and out of Kurt’s drawings that have been brought to life, cartoon-make ups of himself recording on his tape recorder and never-before-seen footage of Cobain and wife, Courtney Love at their apartment during their heroine-fuelled period of romance, in which daughter Frances Bean Cobain was conceived.

These moments of art are treated with such care, the way you feel Kurt would have wanted them to be handled, even if some of the drawings are more than disturbing. I’m hoping I won’t have horrific nightmares tonight after seeing a foot come out of a pregnant woman’s stomach and viciously kick a man in head, and seeing a skeleton creating fire, but referred to in a way which suggests it is masturbating ferociously.

From saying all this though, this must have been what Kurt’s mind was like all the time. The stomach pains, the drugs and the rock n roll lifestyle does not help, but he was a troubled soul more than anything, and I believe that was the real message put across here to the general public.

There was the running theme throughout of Kurt despising humiliation and always striving for perfection with his art, constantly accompanied by the song choices depicting anger, such as ‘Breed’ and ‘Scentless Apprentice’. As well as this, the film often cuts to demonstrations of the writings in his famous journal, including diary-type expressions and song lyrics that are always being tweaked, and ultimately being perfected. Books have been published on these works before but showing them in the film that Kurt Cobain would have enjoyed if it weren’t for his passing is an even better reason.

I don’t want to give too much away, as it’s one of those films for the cult fans, and it doesn’t end how you’d expect it to!

I would give the film a strong 9 out of 10, purely for it being a truly special piece of cinema to view, and an incredibly devout insight into one of the worlds’ most talented musicians of the past life, and also, Brett Morgen favourited two of my tweets, so that’s an added bonus!

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Posted by on April 12, 2015 in Uncategorized

The Pipeline

Here cometh the last home stretch of my University experience for the next gruelling two months of hard work, stress, thinning hair, weight gain and inevitable angst. In order to celebrate the end, I’ll be doing a few things to write home about.

Starting with this coming Sunday, I’m going to Bristol to watch one of the first showings of the Brett Morgan documentary film, ‘Kurt Cobain: A Montage Of Heck’. I’ll be going with my good friend Richard, also a big Nirvana fan, and I expect to see something that’s nothing shy of brilliant. I can’t tell you how many goosebumps I embarrassingly received from viewing the trailer, so I might cry. It’s possible.

I’ve also got my 21st coming up, which I guess is a pretty big event. I’m going to see one of my favourite new bands, Slaves, again, in Bristol at the Thekla club. Exciting.

Other events include me and the rest of the Tone Radio lot covering the local Cheltenham festivals, such as Wychwood and 2000 Trees. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the bands there including Pulled Apart By Horses (big up the West Yorkshire crew) and Future Of The Left.

Summer is full of some other amazing national festivals, especially when you cross over to East Anglia and see that the remarkable Portishead are playing Latitude. The plan is get a day ticket, I don’t think I can miss this, it should be something quite special.

As well as Lats, Leeds Festival promises to be a cracker also, (if I have the money). Metallica, The Libertines, Tyler The Creator and Jamie T are my ‘ones to watch’ there.

Cheers all, I think I’ll post on Sunday my review of ‘Montage Of Heck’. So do look out for that.

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Posted by on April 10, 2015 in Uncategorized


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March 8, 2010 / 1:02 PM / in 8 years

Panasonic ties with Best Buy for 3D TV promotion

TOKYO (Reuters) - Panasonic Corp will launch its 3D televisions in the United States on Wednesday, and work with top U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy Co to promote the products, the Japanese electronics maker said.

The maker of Viera flat-panel TVs said it expects a 50-inch model to retail for $2,500, and aims to sell 500,000 3D TVs in the United States in the first year of their launch, half its annual global sales target.

Under the joint promotion, Best Buy will set up special sections at its retail outlets, where prospective customers can try out Panasonic’s 3D TVs.

Panasonic, the world’s No.4 flat TV maker behind Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, LG Electronics Inc and Sony Corp, holds high hopes for 3D TVs as it aims to turn its TV business profitable in the year starting April.

The sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar” and other recent titles have sparked massive interest in 3D movies, raising TV makers’ hopes for a strong debut of 3D models.

Shares in Panasonic closed up 2.8 percent at 1,307 yen on Monday, outperforming the Tokyo stock market’s electrical machinery index, which gained 2.1 percent.

Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Rupert Winchester

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January 19, 2012 / 1:07 PM / in 6 years

Original Oscar winner "Wings" soars again in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - While silent movie “The Artist” gathers steam ahead of the Oscars, the only other non-talking picture to win an Academy Award is getting a makeover as Hollywood falls back in love with the early days of cinema.

“Wings,” a World War I aerial dogfight epic made in 1927, won the first ever Oscar for best picture. Paramount Pictures, which is celebrating its centenary, has restored the classic silent action film and will present it with live organ accompaniment at the headquarters of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Wednesday, ahead of a Blu-ray release on January 24th.

William Wellman, a veteran World War I fighter pilot, directed “Wings,” giving 1927 audiences a view of the world most had never seen. With cameras affixed to the flimsy bi-planes, a crew of flyers created dogfights featuring death-defying aerial stunts that continue to amaze viewers today.

“The thing about ‘Wings’ that’s so exciting is that it was the ‘Avatar’ and the ‘Star Wars’ of its day. It was a state of the art action film,” said Academy archivist Randy Haberkamp.

Set in Hollywood during the advent of sound, “The Artist” is not the only new movie focusing on early cinema. Martin Scorsese’s 3D family film “Hugo” centers on French film pioneer Georges Melies, and in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” Owen Wilson plays a modern screenwriter time traveling back to the 1920s.

“I think the zeitgeist is the realization that silent films are not a dead art form because true cinema is a very visceral and visually-generated thing,” Haberkamp said.

In “Wings,” Richard Arlen played David Armstrong, a small-town kid with a taste for speed. Immune to the affection of Mary (Clara Bow), the girl next door, he is smitten by city girl Sylvia (Jobyna Ralston). His rival in romance is Jack Powell (Charles Rogers), heir to a fortune.

Volunteering for service, the two men become fast friends through their wartime experience. Early on, they meet Gary Cooper playing a doomed pilot in one of his first screen appearances, a role that catapulted him to stardom.

Budgeted at what was then a record-setting $2 million dollars, “Wings” wound up costing way over that amount while Wellman spent idle days waiting for clouds, which he claimed were needed to offset the planes against the background.

Due to his bickering with studio brass, Wellman was not invited to the 1929 Oscar ceremony even though the movie was a hit. Powered by public enthusiasm for Charles Lindbergh’s daring crossing of the Atlantic, “Wings” went on to become one of the top-grossing films of the decade.

Silent, black-and-white movie “The Artist”, directed by Frenchman Michel Hazanavicius, is unlikely to become a major box office blockbuster despite having won more than 40 awards, including three Golden Globes last Sunday.

But it is considered a front-runner for the best film Oscar in February, and it may represent a reexamination of cinema’s early roots in an era of dwindling movie goers.

“Through festivals and the availability of different kinds of materials on streaming and DVD release, I think people are experimenting with different types of films,” said Paramount archive vice-president Andrea Kalas.

“People listen to the Beatles and the latest thing, and maybe something similar is happening with film too, where we’re appreciating all sorts of different movies from different eras,” Kalas said.

Oddly, early film technique has become more relevant in the modern era where a proliferation of digital effects has resulted in spectacle-driven box office. Consequently, action scenes are becoming longer and dialogue scenes shorter.

“Most of the movies that we go to see now are based on action sequences,” said Haberkamp. “If you don’t know how to cut an action sequence, if you don’t know how to stage an action sequence, you don’t know too much. Frankly, that’s where the silent era really was phenomenal.”

With all the technical advancements through the years, not a lot has changed, according to Haberkamp. What continues to make cinema past and present a unique art form is the transposition of images and the ability to manipulate time and space.

“In the end, I don’t care whether it’s silent or sound I just care whether it’s compelling and well made,” he said. “I think that’s why there are so many people looking at silents going, ‘Wait a minute, there’s something going on here that is more than just a dated technology.'”

Editing by Jill Serjeant and Bob Tourtellotte

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2017 NBA draft: Grades for all 30 teams

Jordan Schultz

The NBA draft is a whirlwind of emotions for GMs, coaches, players and fans alike. This draft, in particular, featured an onslaught of top-heavy talent, as well as tangible value deep in the second round. Meanwhile, Paul George didn’t get traded – not yet, at least – but Jimmy Butler found himself on the move. And, yes, Lonzo Ball is officially a Los Angeles Laker. Time for Luke Walton to give him the keys and let him run.

With that in mind – and before we give LaVar Ball the microphone once more – let’s hand out draft grades for all 30 teams. At the very least, it’s never too early to assess Phil Jackson’s night.

Atlanta Hawks: B
John Collins is the first ACC player since fellow Demon Deacon Tim Duncan to average 19 points, nine rebounds and shoot 60 percent from the floor. Better yet, he had the single-highest player efficiency rating in the country last season. A phenomenal athlete, Collins must become a consistent 3-point threat. If he does, his presence inside and out could help him become one of the steals in this class. The Hawks missed badly in the second round with Tyler Dorsey. “Mr. March” had an epic NCAA tournament, but he lacks creativity off the bounce and doesn’t project well defensively, either.

Boston Celtics: A+
Jayson Tatum is the most polished offensive player in the draft – a legitimate three-level scorer who can further develop an already impressive post-up game as his body progresses. Fittingly, I’ve been told that Boston believes he can fit the Paul Pierce 2.0 mold. Tatum is significantly better than last year’s No. 3 pick – Jaylen Brown – though his defense remains a slight concern. In the second round, Danny Ainge hit on SMU’s Semi Ojeleye, a powerfully built, highly athletic pick-up truck. It doesn’t hurt, either, that Ojeleye knocked down over 42 percent of his 3-pointers as a junior. There is suddenly some duplicity on this roster, but the Celtics also got a lot better.

Brooklyn Nets: A
Jarrett Allen won’t do anything great, but he will do everything well. There is some Brook Lopez to his game, and his 7-foot-5 wingspan is a huge boon for a Nets team that craves a shot-blocker. At pick 22, Brooklyn gets a guy who will play 10 years in this league.

Charlotte Hornets: B
Malik Monk is an elite shooter and a big-time worker. He gets superior lift on his jump shot and one NBA executive gushed, “He’s the best shooter I’ve ever evaluated.” The reality, however, remains there are few 6-foot-3 two guards in this league. For a guy as athletically gifted as Monk – he jumped 42 inches at the combine – he doesn’t play all that big, nor does he get to the rim all that well. Interestingly enough, he was one of the premier finishers at the rim last year, but too often settled for 3-pointers and two-dribble pull-ups. Ultimately, Monk’s value to Charlotte – and to another small guard in Kemba Walker – will be determined by his ability to become a true combo guard. Is he someone who can create for others and become a microwave (e.g. Lou Williams), or is he merely an undersized, volume shooter?

The Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to the Timberwolves for a package that included the No. 7 pick. (AP)

Chicago Bulls: C+
The rebuilding process is officially underway in the Windy City.

This grade is more a knock dealing Jimmy Butler than anything else. Lauri Markkanen, to his credit, had a splendid freshman season in Tucson save for a limited stretch where he seemed to wear down. Not unlike Gonzaga product Zach Collins – who heads to Portland – that’s the question mark for the 19-year-old Finnish big man: Will his body hold up? Markkanen can really shoot it, though (42 percent on threes), and has an advanced low-post game that translates well. Chicago’s rebuilding project needed to start somewhere, and Markkanen makes a lot of sense. His 69 3-pointers last season were the most by a 7-footer in college basketball in the past 20 seasons, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

One silver lining is the addition of Zach LaVine – who recently gushed to me about how well his rehab was going – and has the ability to become a star in this league. Additionally, maybe we can see an uptick in Kris Dunn, last year’s fifth pick and a guy who struggled as a rookie.

Cleveland Cavaliers: NA
The Cavs didn’t make a pick in the draft.

Dallas Mavericks: A-
The Mavs scouted French teenager Frank Ntilikina more than anyone, but had to “settle” on Dennis Smith Jr. after the Knicks nabbed him at eight. Often compared to Eric Bledsoe or even Russell Westbrook, Smith is a sensational athlete (46-inch vertical) who can bully his way to the basket and finish through contact. To be sure, he’s not as technically sound as you’d like and will struggle to make the proper reads in pick-and-roll. However, Dallas desperately needed a point guard. As a playmaking dynamo, you won’t find anyone better than the 19-year-old Smith.

Denver Nuggets: C+
Tyler Lydon seemed to regress as a sophomore, showing little to no playmaking ability and a limited post game. The Nuggets are hoping he can be a Ryan Anderson clone, and in theory, it makes sense. Lydon stands 6-foot-9 and shot 40 percent from three during his two collegiate seasons. But he’s got to become significantly tougher and develop a one-dribble pull-up for that to happen. Neither is especially easy to achieve. The Nuggets salvaged their draft to a degree by nabbing Iowa State point guard Monte Morris. All he did was lead college basketball in assist-to-turnover ratio three out of four years.

Detroit Pistons: A+
The Pistons got an absolute stud in Duke’s Luke Kennard. The misconception around him has been that he’s merely a shooter. It couldn’t be further from the truth: Kennard, with his unparalleled footwork and shiftiness as a lefty, flourishes on and off the ball. He is a creative playmaker – one executive compared him to Manu Ginobili – who finishes well in the lane and will become an effective pick-and-roll guy in time. Perhaps best of all, Kennard converted 44 percent of his 3-pointers as a sophomore last season, displaying legitimate NBA range while doing so.

Golden State Warriors: A+
It’s just not fair. Jordan Bell is not only a major shot-blocker, but he can switch ball screens as well. Bell is a surprisingly effective passer who possesses just enough of a touch to not be a total liability offensively. Think of him as a Ben Wallace or maybe even Kenneth Faried-type to a degree: He’s an Energizer battery with an insatiable appetite for the glass. Huge win for the Warriors.

Houston Rockets: A
Isaiah Hartenstein is very intriguing, and a guy I’ve been tracking for quite some time. He can’t really shoot it yet, but he is a fluid, super active 7-footer who runs the floor well and has deft, light feet. Hartenstein says he wants to leave Europe and enter the NBA next season, which may or may not happen. As he further develops his body, the southpaw is a gifted prospect whose rare versatility cannot be ignored. Great value for the Rockets at 43.

Indiana Pacers: B
T.J. Leaf is a slight, but highly athletic four man whom the Pacers hope can play around franchise cornerstone Myles Turner. He displays a deft touch around the rim and the ability to step away out to 16 feet. The key for Leaf moving forward is to extend his range out to long distance, because he will be a defensive liability and he’s not especially creative with the ball in his hands. I like the Ike Anigbogu pick more, Leaf’s UCLA teammate whom Indiana drafted 47th overall. His knees scared teams off – which led him to slip this far – but he’s a physical specimen who can instantly compete defensively.

Los Angeles Clippers: A+
Regardless of where Chris Paul winds up, Jawun Evans is a nice find for the Clippers in the second round. He thrives in pick-and-roll and has a great pace to his game. Really, size is the only knock on the 6-foot, 185-pound guard. Evans, though, is a “professional” point guard who can really go. Don’t sleep on Sindarius Thornwell, either. He quietly earned SEC Player of the Year honors while leading South Carolina to the Final Four. He is a no-nonsense, throwback player who does everything well.

Los Angeles Lakers: A+
Lonzo Ball sees the floor better than any player I’ve ever evaluated. His 8.1 assists per 40 minutes ranked second out of all players in the draft. As a result, the fact that he didn’t run pick-and-roll in college is a non-starter. One question mark, though, is whether Ball has the necessary physicality to be a lead guard at this level. He doesn’t always embrace contact – see his meager performance against De’Aaron Fox in the NCAA tournament – and his funky shooting delivery may be a problem off the bounce. That being said, the 6-foot-6 Ball is the ideal fit for a Lakers team that wants to run and has the horses to do so: Brandon Ingram now and potentially Paul George down the road.

Don’t forget about the Josh Hart pick, either. Hart is a position-less basketball player and a flat-out winner. The Lakers needed a guy like him and the fact they were able to get him at 30 is another win. Kyle Kuzma is going to wind up being one of the guys we look back on in three years and wonder why he lasted this long. The former Utah standout and combine stud is a capable athlete and crafty finisher – he’s going to earn minutes as a rookie. Lastly, the Lakers added Indiana big man Thomas Bryant, who improved his vertical 13 inches in one year while also adding to his defensive arsenal.

Memphis Grizzlies: C
The Grizz didn’t have a first-rounder, and I question whether Dillon Brooks will last in this league. He’s got a limited wingspan and defensive ability. If he’s not making threes, he can’t be on the floor – and I don’t think he will make threes at this level. Bottom line: Is he athletic enough to make X-factor plays to offset his lack of skill?

Miami Heat: C-
Bam Adebayo helped himself by improving his jump shot during the predraft process, but what we saw on tape from his lone collegiate season is a broken release point that yielded little return. A terrific athlete with good hands, Bam will rim-run with the best of them, but his lack of offensive prowess presents a significant issue considering he isn’t a prolific shot-blocker, either.

Milwaukee Bucks: B-
D.J. Wilson made a massive jump from his sophomore to junior year, displaying a much improved body and overall floor game. Is he a great rebounder or passer? No. But at 17, the Bucks get a 6-foot-11 four man who can stretch the floor (37 percent on 3-pointers) and switch ball screens. The reduced grade here is because I liked John Collins a lot better, who was still available.

Minnesota Timberwolves: A+
What a great night for the Wolves. You just don’t get superstar players in their prime – not in this league and not via trade. Jimmy Butler is just that, and he’s a Tom Thibodeau favorite coming off a second-team All-NBA selection. He can play the two-man game with Karl-Anthony Towns, and help alleviate the defensive pressure from the perimeter. Minnesota also went out and got Creighton’s 7-footer Justin Patton, a very promising offensive player who will blend well next to Towns.

New Orleans Pelicans: C
Frank Jackson isn’t dissimilar from Malik Monk. Can Jackson be a combo guy? I’m not sure. He’s only 6-foot-3, and not to say he can’t run a team, but Duke didn’t ask him to do anything other than score during his lone season in Durham. The good news is that “Frank from Utah” is a high-character guy who will work at his craft.

New York Knicks: A+
Perhaps, it’s not a total dumpster fire within the Knicks’ front office. Kristaps Porzingis remains a Knick (thank goodness) and Frank Ntilikina has been a target of Phil Jackson for quite some time. At 6-foot-5 with a freakish 7-foot-1 wingspan, the 18-year-old possesses elite size for a point guard, along with the ability to consistently run a team. His professional stats aren’t gaudy, but look past it: Ntilikina can shoot it and will thrive running the triangle as a lead guard who doesn’t pound the ball. Damyean Dotson is a big-time athlete and 3-point shooter who will play right away.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B+
Terrance Ferguson is an elite athlete whom Russell Westbrook will enjoy playing with. Despite converting a measly 31 percent of his threes as a pro in Australia, Ferguson should become a prolific shooter at the NBA level. For a team that needed a 3-and-D guy, Ferguson is definitely that.

Orlando Magic: B-
Jonathan Isaac has a high ceiling – one executive told me he’s a “superstar” – but he’s a project. Teammates and coaches loved him and he wants to be great. I’m not sure he will ever be a super creative player offensively, but he’s got a refined shooting stroke with the ability to finish at the rim. Defensively, Isaac might be more intriguing than anyone in this whole draft. At 6-foot-11, he moves his feet really well and has the general dexterity to guard three positions as a pro. He should help Aaron Gordon’s growth as well. The Magic – who really needed a shooter after ranking 29th in 3-point shooting last season – also get bumped down a grade for reaching on Wesley Iwundu at 33, who is essentially a worse version of Gordon.

Philadelphia 76ers: A-
The 76ers were very disappointed upon not winning the lottery. The organization had zeroed in on Markelle Fultz early on and rightfully so. GM Bryan Colangelo gave up a lot to move up two spots, but Fultz is that special and his return of investment will pay dividends. Like Lonzo Ball, he possesses excellent size for a point guard. Unlike Ball, though, Fultz is a superior scorer who can play off the ball. His razor-sharp passing ability is a plus, as is his ability to push tempo. We still don’t know if Philly is fully committed to Ben Simmons as a point guard, but Fultz’s rare versatility blends in well. He can become a monster running screen-and-roll with Joel Embiid – a combination that should yield immediate results. Is the “process” finally over?

Phoenix Suns: A+
Josh Jackson is my favorite player in the draft. The fact that he fell into Phoenix’s lap at No. 4 is a gift. He is a nasty, defensive edge setter who will rebound and guard multiple spots. The Suns have a rising superstar in Devin Booker, whom Jackson will blend well with because he won’t be asked to score. As he improves his perimeter game, the Kawhi Leonard comparisons will only continue. Meanwhile, Davon Reed wasn’t the best player on the board, but he’s a classic 3-and-D guy who can fill a role off the bench immediately. He connected on 40 percent from three as a senior last year, while earning first-team ACC Defensive honors – hence the 7-foot wingspan. The Suns are thrilled to get him.

Portland Trail Blazers: A-
The Blazers wanted to create a trade package to move up and find someone exactly like Zach Collins. His body and low-post game certainly need work, but Collins fits the new-age NBA big man who can shoot it, rim-run and handle the ball. He’s a good fit next to Jusuf Nurkic, who is a true five man. Caleb Swanigan is a horse in the middle – a classic big man who will bang every night. The Purdue All-American has improved as a shooter (78 percent on free throws) and is just 20 years old, but questions persist about how his lack of foot speed will translate against high-level bigs.

Sacramento Kings: A+
The Kings kept the fifth pick with the hope of getting De’Aaron Fox, whom they fell in love with for a multitude of reasons. An elite perimeter defender, Fox is a relentless attacker who excels in transition with a full head of steam. Seven-footers Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere – also Kentucky products – will love playing with him because both can run the floor. The only real question mark around Fox is a shaky stroke. Per Synergy Sports Technology, he ranked in the 14th percentile last year for jump shooting. But he shot the ball much better in the AAU circuit, as well as during predraft workouts.

Additionally, adding Justin Jackson – a highly capable scorer – offsets the loss of Rudy Gay on the wing. Finally, how about Harry Giles? If not for knee problems, he may have been a top-three pick. With his medicals clearly checked out, the Kings got one of the most talented players in the whole class – at the discounted price of the 20th pick. Lastly, Frank Mason is a wonderful get early in the second. The AP Player of the Year at Kansas, he is the first player ever to win the award and not be selected in the first round. Mason, however, is a pit bull who can come in and spot start or provide valuable minutes as a reserve.

San Antonio Spurs: A
I like Derrick White a lot. Despite playing just one season at the Division I level, he proved the ability to play both backcourt spots. A consistent 3-point shooter at 39 percent, White wouldn’t have lasted to 29 if not for below-average athleticism. But the Spurs have Dejounte Murray for that, who is also extremely long. In terms of versatility and the capacity to play pick-and-roll – a staple of any Spurs offense – White is a really good fit.

Toronto Raptors: A+
OG Anunoby is just scratching the surface of his immense potential. Assuming the ACL continues to heal, he gives Toronto an uber-athletic 6-foot-8 forward who can guard three positions. Anunoby is a terrific kid with special, albeit very raw ability. He fits the bill of what the Raptors want as a high-character, defensive wizard.

Utah Jazz: C-
Donovan Mitchell’s meteoric rise up draft boards stemmed from a sensational combine performance, highlighted by a 40.5-inch vertical and otherworldly 6-foot-10 wingspan. The Jazz moved up 11 slots while trading Trey Lyles to get him. Mitchell is undoubtedly a hard-nosed kid who fits Utah’s DNA. My concern is with his somewhat meager production. He shot under 41 percent from the floor and just 35 percent from three. Plus, for a kid as explosive as he is, he only got to the line three times a game. Unless he drastically improves in these areas, Mitchell projects as an energy role player more than anything else. The pick I liked more was North Carolina’s Tony Bradley at 29. He is a Tristan Thompson-type whose rebounding prowess should translate well.

Washington Wizards: NA
The Wizards didn’t make a pick in the draft.

More NBA draft coverage from Yahoo Sports:

NBA draft winners and losers: Kings finally score big
NBA prospect loses millions by staying in school
Process pays off: Sixers take Fultz No. 1 overall
Troubling new report about Phil Jackson, Knicks


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Melania Trump Loves Pink — and She Wore the Color Again to the President’s D.C. Fundraiser

Melania Trump on Wednesday at a fundraiser. (Photo: billy_v_ via Instagram)

Melania Trump looked pretty in pink wearing a lace high-necked gown on Wednesday night at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. Despite being in New York hours earlier, the first lady showed up for the fundraiser, where her husband, President Trump, raised $10 million for his 2020 reelection campaign.

For the party, which brought out bigwig lobbyists and financiers, the first lady displayed her often-praised sense of fashion by putting her ongoing devotion to the color pink on display. From blush to fuchsia, the 47-year-old first lady has turned to the shade on many occasions.

Just on Saturday, FLOTUS wore a J. Mendel gown to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s wedding, where she almost outdid the bride.

That light pink piece featured similar effects as the Hervé Pierre dress that Melania wore to the Easter Egg Roll in April. However, she switched the Manolo Blahnik stiletto heels for matching flats for a more casual look.

First lady Melania Trump hosts the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House. (Photo: MediaPunch/AKM-GSI)

Melania doesn’t shy away from a stronger shade of the color. She sported a fuchsia gown in May during her visit to the Murabba Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Saudi Press Agency handout/Rex/Shutterstock

While abroad, the former model cut an elegant figure in a floor-length dress that incorporated a cape-style silhouette with structured shoulders and draped sleeves. Sparkling crystal detail around the high-necked collar pulled the look together.

In February she attended the Red Cross Gala at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. For the occasion, she opted for a hot pink curve-hugging gown with a V neckline. It was simple, but she accessorized with emerald and diamond earrings to make a statement.

Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

And who could possibly forget the ensemble she wore to a town hall debate in early October, featuring a $1,100 hot pink pussy-bow blouse from Gucci with matching pants?

Photo: Getty Images

It’s pretty clear what Melania’s favorite color is — can you see why?

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.


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Camp Jewell YMCA

Recreation Programs

Camp Fun, All Year Round!

Camp Jewell YMCA was designed as a year round facility and each year hosts thousands of Girl Scouts, Youth Group, and Adventure Guide participants. We provide a variety of recreational, educational, and adventure based programs to meet your needs all while having a healthy dose of fun. Our programs help build self-esteem, and leadership all within the framework of quality time together with friends.

We are proud to have long standing partnerships with many YMCA Adventure Guide programs as well as Girl Scout troops from New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts that take advantage of the different programs we have each season. Summer, Spring and Fall activities include horseback riding, hay rides, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, mountain boarding, rock climbing, kayaking, pottery, guitar, high ropes, hiking, fishing, soccer and many more! Winter activities include snow tubing, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice golf, broomball, cross-country skiing, candle making, arts & crafts, bbs, archery and other fun indoor programs. We even have our own snowmaking system! Camp Jewell YMCA is also home to two outdoor climbing walls. Mount Wood is located on main camp, while our larger climbing wall, Mount Meggido, is over 45 feet tall and can be found at Hide-A-Way Ranch.

We would love to talk with you about bringing your group to Camp Jewell YMCA. If you have questions or would like to check current availability please call us at 888.412.2267 or email

Contact Us


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Monday, January 6, 2014

Happy new year! Buy a car.

So that's it. Christmas is over and done with. The car manufacturers have stopped with their "give your entire family cars for christmas" advertising campaigns and now it's 2014. Awesome - it's the New Year New Car advertising blitz. Apparently, if you didn't buy your wife, partner, loved one, daughter or son a car for Christmas, you're a wicked, evil person. But you can redeem yourself, in the eyes of the car trade, by taking advantage of 'special offers' this New Year. Mercedes would like you to know they've held over their Christmas pricing just for you. Lexus have too, but only for 'well qualified buyers'.
Here's my question : does anyone, anywhere, ever pay full price for a car any more? I've been fortunate enough to have new cars for the last few that I've bought, and no matter what time of year, I've never paid full price - not even close. I can normally drive off with an out-the-door price that is well, WELL below the MSRP. And remember, the out-the-door price includes all the taxes and fees.
I wonder if any of the advertising or sales events that the car manufacturers have actually result in any more sales for them. Or do you think they just have to do these things to spend advertising budgets? For example I wonder if the Christmas sale and leasing offers result in any more sales than a wet week in April?
If you're in the market for a new car and you need to finance it, just sit it out until the car you're looking at appears with zero percent interest. It won't be more than 6 weeks until that happens. If you're in the market for a car right now, just go and buy one. Haggle the price, be sensible and you'll get a good deal from most places irrespective of what incentive or advertising is going on.
Lastly, bear in mind the old adage that "if it seems to good to be true, it probably is". The car trade is the home of that problem. Our local Subaru dealer had an advertising blitz in November last year where they were selling all new* cars at $8,000 off MSRP. The "NEW" was very big and the "*" was very small. The fine print was this: "new indicates vehicles that are new to our used inventory". In other words, they were selling used cars for less than the MSRP of new cars. Imagine that.

Mike Visser said...

I wonder if they set the MSRP artificially high and then just have "sales" (at the price they want to sell it at) all year except for a few weeks here and there. People feel like they are getting a good deal, dealers make their money and a bit extra profit on those few poor souls that pay actual MSRP.

Chris said...

The car prices are so messed up over here. Between MSRP, "Dealer Invoice" and all the other tricks, you can easily over-pay by $2000 or more if you just walk into a dealer unprepared. The new year and christmas sales drivers are just more tricks to try to get you to pay over the odds for the cars.

Paul said...

For the first time ever we were in the position that we could buy a new car last year. We had a trade in and I knew what it was worth so had a bottom line on what I'd accept for it. Long story short, we played two dealers off against each other and, by my estimate, saved about 5k off the sticker price of a 27k car.
I drove away quite happy.


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1705. Vonnegut in 1988

Sometimes  others are so clear.

Kurt Vonnegut’s 1988 Letter to the Future More Relevant Today Than Ever Before – EcoWatch

Ladies & Gentlemen of A.D. 2088:

It has been suggested that you might welcome words of wisdom from the past, and that several of us in the twentieth century should send you some. Do you know this advice from Polonius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true’? Or what about these instructions from St. John the Divine: ‘Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment has come’? The best advice from my own era for you or for just about anybody anytime, I guess, is a prayer first used by alcoholics who hoped to never take a drink again: ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.’

Our century hasn’t been as free with words of wisdom as some others, I think, because we were the first to get reliable information about the human situation: how many of us there were, how much food we could raise or gather, how fast we were reproducing, what made us sick, what made us die, how much damage we were doing to the air and water and topsoil on which most life forms depended, how violent and heartless nature can be, and on and on. Who could wax wise with so much bad news pouring in?

For me, the most paralyzing news was that Nature was no conservationist. It needed no help from us in taking the planet apart and putting it back together some different way, not necessarily improving it from the viewpoint of living things. It set fire to forests with lightning bolts. It paved vast tracts of arable land with lava, which could no more support life than big-city parking lots. It had in the past sent glaciers down from the North Pole to grind up major portions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Nor was there any reason to think that it wouldn’t do that again someday. At this very moment it is turning African farms to deserts, and can be expected to heave up tidal waves or shower down white-hot boulders from outer space at any time. It has not only exterminated exquisitely evolved species in a twinkling, but drained oceans and drowned continents as well. If people think Nature is their friend, then they sure don’t need an enemy.

Yes, and as you people a hundred years from now must know full well, and as your grandchildren will know even better: Nature is ruthless when it comes to matching the quantity of life in any given place at any given time to the quantity of nourishment available. So what have you and Nature done about overpopulation? Back here in 1988, we were seeing ourselves as a new sort of glacier, warm-blooded and clever, unstoppable, about to gobble up everything and then make love—and then double in size again.

On second thought, I am not sure I could bear to hear what you and Nature may have done about too many people for too small a food supply.

And here is a crazy idea I would like to try on you: Is it possible that we aimed rockets with hydrogen bomb warheads at each other, all set to go, in order to take our minds off the deeper problem—how cruelly Nature can be expected to treat us, Nature being Nature, in the by-and-by?

Now that we can discuss the mess we are in with some precision, I hope you have stopped choosing abysmally ignorant optimists for positions of leadership. They were useful only so long as nobody had a clue as to what was really going on—during the past seven million years or so. In my time they have been catastrophic as heads of sophisticated institutions with real work to do.

The sort of leaders we need now are not those who promise ultimate victory over Nature through perseverance in living as we do right now, but those with the courage and intelligence to present to the world what appears to be Nature’s stern but reasonable surrender terms:

Reduce and stabilize your population.
Stop poisoning the air, the water, and the topsoil.
Stop preparing for war and start dealing with your real problems.
Teach your kids, and yourselves, too, while you’re at it, how to inhabit a small planet without helping to kill it.
Stop thinking science can fix anything if you give it a trillion dollars.
Stop thinking your grandchildren will be OK no matter how wasteful or destructive you may be, since they can go to a nice new planet on a spaceship. That is really mean, and stupid.
And so on. Or else.
Am I too pessimistic about life a hundred years from now? Maybe I have spent too much time with scientists and not enough time with speechwriters for politicians. For all I know, even bag ladies and bag gentlemen will have their own personal helicopters or rocket belts in A.D. 2088. Nobody will have to leave home to go to work or school, or even stop watching television. Everybody will sit around all day punching the keys of computer terminals connected to everything there is, and sip orange drink through straws like the astronauts.

Kurt Vonnegut

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Food · Just For Fun · Life

Amaretto Cupcakes (Sponsored Post)

The other day I got an email asking if I wanted to do some more baking.

I’m never one to turn down cake – especially not the chance to try something new – so I said yes please and immediately went about finding a new recipe to try on the website.

Now I had kindly been sent a few baking goodies to help me on my way and one of these was a bottle of Almond Flavouring which is one of my favourites. I decided that I really wanted a recipe that used this so went about finding a suitable one and as luck would have it, the second thing listed on the new recipes for cupcakes page was ‘Amaretto Pineapple Cupcakes‘.

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I looooove Amaretto and just happen to have half a bottle in the drinks cupboard so my mind was quickly made up. I did however decide to omit the pineapple topping because, as divine as it sounded, it involved fresh cream and pineapple – neither of which I had. Instead I thought I would use the tube of blue icing I had also been sent to decorate them at the end.

It was a really simple recipe to follow (the only thing I did differently was to add a bit of pink food colouring to the mix because I like funky coloured cakes) and the cakes rose more evenly than pretty much any batch of cupcakes I’ve ever made before so I will definitely be using the recipe again (without the booze if they’re for kids, obviously…)

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Once they were cooled I set to work with the Designer Icing which was far easier than faffing with a piping bag and a much bolder colour than I have ever managed to produce in my own icing endeavours. I tried out all three piping nozzles and added some sprinkles and in the end had a very bright batch of cupcakes which tasted divine.

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I even let the kids have half of one each and was very disappointed when they gave them the thumbs up. Arthur was especially enthusiastic – I can see I’m going to have to keep guard over my Amaretto when he gets older…

One day I think I might try making them with the pineapple and whipped cream topping but for now, I am happy with my bright blue icing!

DISCLAIMER: I was sent a small selection of baking products and a recipe book in return for an honest post including links to the Baking Mad website. All opinions and images are my own and no other payment or incentive was offered – I meant it when I said I can’t say no to cake.

One thought on “Amaretto Cupcakes (Sponsored Post)

  1. Freaky coincidence: I landed on BakingMad when I was looking for a gluten free scone recipe a couple of days ago. I’m trying it this weekend as I’m official baker for a gluten free birthday tea party. I’m really impressed by their GF stuff, and these amaretto cupcakes look delish. It’s getting bookmarked for GF inspiration!

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21 Days to Beat Depression – Day 21 (FINAL DAY!)

Free Scripture booklet cover web“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12: 1 & 2

Jesus went through trials and difficult circumstances while He was living on earth as a man.  The cross was more than a trial and greater than an inconvenience.

The cross was pain!  It was suffering!  It was the greatest agony known to all of mankind.

How could Jesus endure the cross and the torment of the physical pain that was thrust upon Him?

He endured the cross, even though He despised the pain, because of the joy that was set in front of Him.  What was the joy that Jesus saw when He was on the cross?

What was the extraordinary joy that He kept His focus upon when the pain was nearly too much too bear?

The joy that gave Jesus the strength to carry on was you … and it was me.  We are His joy and He is our joy!

day 21Jesus knew that He had to die so that we could live … that was pure joy to Him!  Jesus knew that He had to be nailed on the cross so that we could be set free from pain, addictions and depression … that was indescribable joy to Him!

Jesus knew that His Body had to bear the pain of a horrific death so that we could be healed … and He counted that as pure joy!

Did Jesus like what He had to go through?  No … the Bible tells us that He despised it … but He did it because He named you “Joy”.

The only reason that we can experience joy during our tenure on earth is simply because we have Him!

1 – Today, would you write me an e-mail?  Write to me at carol@justjoyministries.com.  Let us know how “21 Days to Beat Depression!” has helped you.  Also, let us know how we can pray for you!

2 – Read through your “Thanksgiving in January and February!” journal.  Remind yourself about all of the things for which you are thankful.  Make one final entry today!  Today, list 10 things for which you are grateful.  #beatdepression!  Mine are

1 – All of you who have gone the distance in “21 Days to Beat Depression!”

2 – The opportunity to serve the Lord at this time in history.

3 – The Bible!

4 – Pandora and Spotify where I listen to great worship music!

5 – Unsweet iced tea with lemon

6 – A great team of women who work with Just Joy! Ministries.

7 – Blizzards, hot tea in beautiful mugs and books to read.

8 – The Holy Spirit!

9 – The view out my kitchen window.

10 – That joy has the power to demolish depression in Jesus’ Name!

I declare that the power of depression has been broken in my life!  From this day forward I will walk in the joy of His presence and in the power of the Holy Spirit!  I will live an abundant life this side of heaven!

“Dear Jesus, I thank You for the Bible.  I thank You for dying on the cross for my sins.  I thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to empower me to live a life of joy and purpose.  You are God and I will praise You all of my days!  I thank You for Your presence where there is always fullness of joy!  Amen.”

Coupon for day 21

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Pastors Shocked at New Findings: Christian Scriptures as Violent as Koran!

2012-559-VA--lighting-the-religious-violence-fuseIt always perplexes me how many Christians really know very little about their Holy Bible. I mean, it’s obvious that you have to ignore plenty of it in order to believe other parts, because there’s just no way to logically reconcile the contradictions. But for people so adamant that this book is the Ultimate Handbook of Life, the Universe, and Everything, they seem to be strangely ignorant of many things it contains.

I have an example, but first, a disclaimer and an apology.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to mock, attack, or accuse Christians as a whole group of being bad in any way. There are a lot of very good people who happen to be Christians, and most branches of the religion have re-imagined it to be something far better than what is actually found in the Bible. I can respect this; there actually is some great stuff in the Bible, and if you want to keep that and build a religion out of it while throwing out the evil bits, I fully support you.

Apology: I feel like I should be sorry for my faux click-bait title. It’s modeled after the article titles on many propaganda sites that my conservative friends share articles from. So if you think it’s silly or offensive…sorry. I just mean it to be ironic and satirical.

Now, the interesting stuff. I know a lot of Christians who like to pick out verses from the Koran that instruct Muslims to kill unbelievers. They try to invalidate the entire religion by the fact that it originated with a man who instructed violence. If that logic works on Muslims, then we have plenty of verses in the Bible that we can use to show how Christianity originated with a God who instructed horrific violence. It wasn’t just the flawed human prophets who said to kill unbelievers, it was the “Perfect God” himself.

Look at Deuteronomy 13:6-11, which mirrors passages from the Koran very nicely. I’m going to paraphrase, but you can look it up to assure yourself that it really does say this. Here we go: “If anyone in your family, or a close friend, entices you to worship other gods, do not listen to him, or have mercy on him. You shall kill him. You shall be the first to strike him, and then all the people shall join in and stone him to death, because he sought to draw you away from God. All of Israel shall fear, and never again do such a thing.”

Pretty straightforward: Kill the infidel, scare everyone into following God.

Christians will, of course, say that this command was only for the Israelites, and the message of peace in the New Testament overrides it. You know, the message of Jesus who said “I do not come to bring peace, but a sword…to turn children against their parents…”, and “he who disregards even one letter of the law (the law of the prophets, i.e. the Torah, which includes Deuteronomy) will be least in the kingdom of heaven.” Honestly, I think the Muslims have a better argument for why their violent verses should no longer be followed, even though it’s very similar.

And besides, if the ten commandments still apply, if those verses that say “men who lie with a male as with a woman are an abomination” still apply, why not this passage from Deuteronomy? The chapter goes on to instruct them to slaughter and destroy an entire city if the people in it have been led astray, and it ends with an admonishment to “keep all his commandments, and do what is right in the sight of God.”

Since God never changes, and the New Testament repeats that you must keep all his commandments, we can conclude that it is right in the sight of God to kill unbelievers among your family and friends. We should also probably nuke Portland Oregon. Or is morality relative? Was it right four thousand years ago, but now it’s wrong? Why is the morality of an unchanging God so fickle? Christians like to accuse me of having relative morality with no foundation on anything solid, but “God says so” doesn’t seem to provide a solid foundation at all.

If you want to read more horrific Bible verses, there is no shortage of them. Not only does the Old Testament contain repeated instructions from God to kill unbelievers, adulterers, disrespectful children, women who can’t prove they’re virgins on their wedding night, and various other people, it also contains many passages where God detailed the horrific things he would do to the entire nation, including innocent babies, if they didn’t obey everything he said. He clearly says he’ll be angry, enraged, wrathful, and various other synonyms if the people don’t obey, and this will result in terrible suffering.

Christians like to claim that Islam is responsible for much more death throughout history than Christianity. After all, the Spanish Inquisition only killed a few thousand. I wonder if they’ve forgotten to factor in the most deadly Christian campaign of all time. Its leader said this: “We tolerate no one in our ranks who attacks the ideas of Christianity… in fact our movement is Christian.” He also wrote a book called Mein Kampf which contains this quote: “I am acting as the agent of our Creator. By fighting off the Jews, I am doing the Lord’s work.”

No wonder Christians fear for the future of America; they worship an angry and violent tyrant whose commands helped to inspire Adolf Hitler’s extermination of Jews. Contrary to popular belief, he was not inspired by Darwinism…in fact, books supporting the “false scientific enlightenment of primitive Darwinism” were banned in Nazi Germany, alongside anything that ridiculed or belittled the Christian religion.

Fortunately for us, this God is imaginary. Unfortunately for millions of people, his violent followers are not.

One response to “Pastors Shocked at New Findings: Christian Scriptures as Violent as Koran!

  1. Pingback: Pastors Shocked at New Findings: Christian Scriptures as Violent as Koran! | zoekend geloven·

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Happy 12/12/12! And A Life Update

Been a while since I posted here, eh?

I’ve been up to quite a bit. Got the job at Sephora and have been working there part time for a few weeks now. So now I am working two part time jobs in addition to working on my portfolio.

We’ve had our first snowfall here in the Princess City. I believe this is the first snow I’ve seen since I was about 7! Can you believe that! That was in Northern California on one of the family trips. We’re definitely not in Florida weather habits anymore!

Nah, just snow with a pink filter. Girly snow.

The kitties kept looking out the window at it. I don’t think they were sure what it was. Only one of them was ever allowed to go outside (after we adopted them fully, they had a feral momma) so for the buddy, Yuri, everything in the outside world is kind of foreign. Kira, his sister, is only used to a little bit of rain when she escaped in Florida for an evening. All the excitement either of them get now is looking out the window at all the bizarre Indiana weather.

Girly snow on tree branches.

It really built up over night, hence the night photos. The next day the inch or so we had mostly lasted until the early

I have finished the pink dress that I worked on for about a month off and on.

Here it is, just a quick picture. In January I’ll be using it in a photoshoot and it will be much better showcased. It’s going to be part of my portfolio, either as an experimentation or as a final piece.

Guys, not gonna lie, this was one of the most time consuming things I’ve ever made, not to mention one of the most material consuming things. But, my goodness, was it exciting when I finished! I’m not entirely sure how many yards of fabric went into this monster of a dress, but it’s got to be somewhere in the 20 yard range. I haven’t weighed the skirt but I have tried the whole getup on and after a while it is painful. I hope my poor model is strong enough to keep this on for however long it takes to get the shot.

This was also my first foray into hoop skirt making. I probably need to fix the one that’s being used right now because the joints where the end of the hoops meet are not stable and the waist tie is so narrow that it might hurt my model. I wasn’t thinking about the weight the hoop skirt would have to hold up when I was making it, not just in the weight of the hoops themselves (the piping that I used is sturdy and flexible, good for getting through doors, but it comes at the cost of being rather heavy) but the skirt as well. Once I fix the skirt I plan on making several other versions, like a bustle guy, for future dresses. Part of the fascination with the hoop skirts is the recent marathon of Gone With The Wind on AMC that I watched. Mah goodness are those dresses amazing. Impractical, but amazing.

But I shall have to set aside much of my art until after mid-January since I’ll be travelling and will have to live out of what I can fit into a carry-on, which isn’t very much. Much sketching will ensue, just not a lot of sewing. Half of my holiday will be spent in VA with the boyfriend’s family, so I’ll still have to deal with  the cold (and possible snow), but we’re driving there so I may be able to work on my smaller sewing, but once I hop that flight to FL I’ll be strictly pen and paper. So excited to see my family, this is the longest I have gone without seeing them (6 months!! Holy cow!) and my friends (the north is cold and lonely!!!).

So to end this update post, some link love, my favorites of the moment:

1. Favorite perfume: Tokyomilk’s Bulletproof – but beware, this will make you smell deliciously devious. Disclaimer: Doesn’t actually make you bulletproof, just makes you smell like a BAMF.

2. Favorite non-musical movie: The Fountain – took me a while, but I finally saw it and so happy I did! Love R.W. and H.J.

3. Favorite musical movie: The Devil’s Carnival – seriously, this is the best thing ever. Great songs, great characters, and a great theme around Aesop’s Fables.

4. Favorite musical artist: Kimbra – she’s amazing, especially if you hear some of her live stuff.

5. Favorite blog: Jessica Naomi – I think I’m a bit of a fangirl for this lady and she doesn’t even know it. She’s seems like such an old soul, she really lives life and shares it with the world in such an artistic way.

6. Favorite business guru: Maria Forleo – planning my business and this lady is so much fun as well as being very informative! Go girl, go!

7. Favorite TV show: Once Upon A Time – the costumes and characters are good enough for me, it doesn’t even need the great plot it has already.

8. Favorite book: The Annotated Brothers Grimm – did you know that Rumpelstiltskin has many names? Like Tom Tit Tot, Ricdin-Ricdon, Gilitrutt, Tambutoe, and Whuppity Stoorie?

Hope you’re having a great December thus far!

Craft Magic

Hello everyone!

I am a big crafter and the best community of crafters online, that I have found, is that of Craftster. Their forums are fantastic even though I’ve only been a bit of a lurker. I’ve finally taken the plunge and signed up for one of their craft swaps. Now, what exactly is a craft swap you say? It’s  exactly what it sounds like. Everyone who is interested signs up, an organizer pairs people up, and then they swap crafts (by mail)! Craft swaps are organized by topic or theme, something that all of the participants find interesting. I’ve signed up for the Doctor Who swap, since I am a rather large Whovian. I’ve looked at the galleries of past Who Swaps and I must say that I’m really excited by the range of possibilities.

Lolita is a big thing for me, so maybe I’ll make some Loli-Who things. Frilly bowties and TARDIS cuffs. That’s silly sounding… for now. I know that as soon as I make them, they’ll be ah-mazing. Oh silly ideas in my head that need to come out…

I guess I will know more when I get my partner about what I should make but I’m rather overwhelmed at the moment. Too many possibilities? Psh…. I do know that I will be learning how to write Circular Gallifreyan specifically for this. Not sure what it’s going to be on but I do know that it is going to be awesome. Any Whovians out there with some brilliant ideas I can steal?


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Whirl-Pak, white, 18 ounces, (540ml) 11.5cmx23cm, 2.5mm thick, 500 per box, write-on, by Nasco

White write-on strip to make sample identification easier and more convenient. It's easy to write on this white strip with an ordinary ballpoint pen, pencil, or felt tip marker. The ball point pen makes writing more legible and identification easier; ink stays on longer and there are no labels to come off. The paper-like finish virtually eliminates ink smearing, and provides a surface that will accept a variety of writing instruments. To assist in volume control, the top of the white strip can also be used as a fill line on the 2 oz. and 4 oz. bags. Fill lines are approximate.

Resins used in the extrusion of film for Whirl-Pak® Bags are FDA approved. Bags are manufactured in accordance with the requirements for manufacturers of single service containers for milk and milk products. Capacity is measured in fluid ounces when bag is closed and tab folded over three times. Volume and dimensions are approximate; bags should not be used at temperatures above 180°F (82°C).

To order this product, enter the quantity you wish to order in the QTY field and click the shopping cart icon. When finished, click My Shopping Cart to proceed to checkout or Continue Shopping to shop for more products.

Cat No. Description Price Curr UOM Qty
B01065WA Whirl-Pak, White, 18oz
Nasco, 500/bx, Write-on
$82.37 USD EA

Manufacturer Category Organism
Nasco: whirlpack sample bags

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Marit Judisch Breakfast/Silent Auction Benefit

Catalyst Supporting The Community

The Community Coming Together...

Catalyst Medical Center & Clinical Spa is humbled to support such a worthy cause. Marit Judisch, a young North Dakota girl, is undergoing a kidney transplant.

There is a fantastic benefit which includes a breakfast and silent auction to help support Marit and her medical expenses on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 9:00am to 1:00pm at the Hope American Legion in Hope, North Dakota.

Catalyst has donated a Luxe Microderm and Visia Complexion Analysis to the silent auction. Make sure to put in your bids and support Marit!

There will also be a free will donation at the event. If you can't attend but still want to help, you can make checks payable to:

Marit Judisch Benefit Fund

Dakota Heritage Bank

PO Box 158

Hope, ND 58046

If you have any questions contact Jessica Jacobsen (701) 866-9224. Let's all come together to support this wonderful member of our North Dakota community!

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Let us show you The Catalyst Difference. Schedule an appointment with Catalyst today to be pampered, relaxed, and feel beautiful.

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The radiant City of God

From “The Field Hospital of Twitter Followers” by Alessandro Gnocchi and Mario Palmaro:

Epistle Saint Conleth's Catholic Heritage Association Requiem for Members Kilcock County Kildare November 2012 Spiritan Cunningham CSSp some little, out of the way church there will be always be a priest who celebrates the Mass in a holy way;

stock-footage-old-lady-hands-holding-a-catholic-rosary-or-cucifix-and-praying-to-god-in-heaven-daily-traditionalin a little apartment a solitary old woman with unshakeable faith will say the Rosary;

7115024925_34dee443ca_min a hidden corner of a House of Divine Providence a Sister will look after a baby considered by all as having no worth.

Even when all seems lost, the Church, the City of God, continues to radiate its light on the City of Man.

In memory of Mario Palmaro, the great Italian traditional Catholic lawyer, bioethicist and professor, husband and father who went to the Lord a year ago today. Requiescat in pace.

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One Response to The radiant City of God

  1. GC says:

    This is lovely.

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Thread: OGL Book

  1. #1

    OGL Book

    I want to find a book for OpenGL that teaches really slowly, but explains everything in great detail. I've been looking on the internet, but everything is either too much theory, or not enough theory. Where I'm at right now is, I can make 3D objects, make simple transformations, and apply textures. I got enough to make 2D games, but I want to be able to make at least a simple 3D proggie.

    I know this has been asked several times, please don't eat me alive.

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2002

    i just looked on that site i pointed to and realized that it doesnt have any OpenGL books... sorry for the misdirection

    actually, i picked up a book called OpenGL Game Programming, by Kevin Hawkins and Dave Astle (in the game development series by prima ) and it was decent. it teaches from the basics so if you already have a good background with it, it may start off a little low for you, but it goes into some fairly advanced stuff so it would probably be worth your time...

    Last edited by ...; 07-31-2003 at 12:23 PM.
    I came up with a cool phrase to put down here, but i forgot it...

  3. #3
    &TH of undefined behavior Fordy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    I have OpenGL Game Programming and it's pretty good....for a more detailed book - OpenGL Programming Guide (or the Red Book as everyone calls it) by the OpenGL ARB.......that's an excellent book

  4. #4
    Student drdroid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2002
    Montreal, Quebec

    Opengl Programming Guide by the Opengl Architecture Review Board... It explains everything in basics and then gives the really specific/advanced stuff. The good thing is that it teaches the use of glut.h but not to the point where its specific to that. I've read pretty much the entire thing, I haven't yet seen anything bad about it. Though, if you get it I suggest at least above the third addition, that's what I have(I dunno if there's a newer version).

  5. #5
    I've read some of the blue and red books off the internet, they are pretty good.

    I guess I'll just have to sit and ponder at stuff a LOT longer than ever before.

    I'm sticking with 2D for the games I make, 3D for the tests I make . Unless I can find some kind of miracle book, that idiots like myself can understand .

    I'll check out that book by Kevin Hawkins, and see if it's any good. I wish we had a library around here that has books from past the DOS interrupt days. The newest book we have at our library on programming is "Teach yourself game programming in 21 days" by Andre Lamothe. I think it was printed in 1992 . I need to express my greatest gratitude for my parents for dragging me to this crappy place called Tennessee, where incest reigns king, next to ignorance, and general stupidity. It sucks. I think Indiana was in the top 5 states for education, and Tennessee is probably in the bottom 5. I miss indiana, and my old REAL friends, not these bastard hicks that only act like they're your friends.

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A Spring in Your Step

chiropractic fitness exercise

Regular Chiropractic Care and Freedom of Motion

Efficient and effective mobility is key to good spinal health and good health overall. Spinal mobility depends on interactions between adjacent vertebras, a complex array of small and large muscles, and ligaments that bind the vertebras together. Nerve irritation and soft tissue inflammation may disrupt the smooth biomechanics of normal spinal motion. Left uncorrected nerve irritation and soft tissue inflammation result in a vicious cycle of increasing biomechanical dysfunction, further loss of freedom of motion, and increasing pain.

Regular chiropractic care helps restore spinal mobility by focusing on the causes of biomechanical dysfunction. By analyzing sources of nerve interference and correcting spinal misalignments, regular chiropractic care optimizes spinal activities such as efficient mobility and weight-bearing. The resulting increased function reduces soft tissue inflammation and pain. Thus, regular chiropractic care helps reduce physiological stress. The overall benefits include improved freedom of motion, freedom of choice, and freedom of action.

We all know people who are light on their feet. Fred Astaire comes immediately to mind, as do tennis star Andy Roddick, the great Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter, and WNBA star Candace Parker. Closer to home, we may recognize similar combinations of grace and athleticism in a family member or friend. We may believe that such qualities are inborn and represent natural abilities. But each of us can develop comparable qualities of fluidity and ease of motion. We may not achieve the skill levels possessed by professional athletes, but we can acquire improved posture, greater balance, and heightened skills in day-to-day tasks requiring dexterity and coordination. In other words, we can all develop a spring in our step.

Such a springiness and lightness are the direct result of efficient biomechanical functioning of the spinal column and weight-bearing bones and joints including the pelvis and hips, knees, and ankles.1,2 Such efficient biomechanical functioning is innate, but these abilities are gradually lost as we grow up, encounter the stresses of life, and become more and more sedentary. Over time, our musculoskeletal system loses flexibility, dynamism, quickness, and the ability to respond to sudden changes in the environment. The overall result is an impression of stiffness and heaviness. Gracefulness is lost as soon as physical motion becomes conscious and planned, rather than instinctive and spontaneous. But these losses are not necessarily the inevitable accompaniment to growing up and getting older. The good news is that such lightness can be recovered. We can restore that spring to our step and, in fact, learn to turn back the clock.3

The great benefit is that the processes involved in reacquiring gracefulness, lightness, and springiness also lead directly to improved health and well-being. The primary action is to engage in regular, vigorous exercise. Any form of exercise, done consistently, will enhance biomechanical functioning. Your muscles learn how to dynamically support increasingly heavier loads against gravity. Proprioceptors, specialized nerve endings located in weight-bearing joints throughout the body, learn to rapidly respond to mechanical alterations in three-dimensional space. Your heart and lungs become more efficient as your body learns to adapt and respond to increasing physiological demands. You begin to lose weight as your daily desire for excess calories naturally decreases in response to a more physical lifestyle. In many ways, your body becomes much smarter and you soon find yourself noticing a certain ease, a certain economy of physical movement, as you go through your day.

The innate grace that begins to be recovered is the wellspring of the newfound spring in your step. As you continue to exercise and achieve your optimal weight, such physical ease perpetuates and becomes an integral component of your overall enhanced health and well-being.

  1. Iorio JA, et al: Biomechanics of Degenerative Spinal Disorders. Asian Spine J 10(2):377-384, 2016
  2. Du CF, et al: Biomechanical response of lumbar facet joints under follower preload: a finite element study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016 Mar 15;17(1):126. doi: 10.1186/s12891-016-0980-4
  3.  Huang ZY, et al: The location of Modic changes in the lumbar spine: a meta-analysis. Eur Spine J. 2016 Feb 25. [Epub ahead of print]

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