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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

8 common mistakes to avoid when cooking with wood.
From Dr Smoke of SmokinLicious® Gourmet Wood Products
We are approaching that exciting time of the year when just about all of North America can start to enjoy cooking outdoors again! Make it the best outdoor cooking season yet by learning the steps to using wood for cooking and grilling successfully, avoiding the trademark pitfalls that sink those outdoor meals.

#1: Don’t Soak the Wood Chips or Chunks

The goal when you cook on outdoor equipment is to maintain a stable temperature for the cooking process. This ensures that your foods cook evenly and have a pleasant flavor from the cooking process. When you add wet wood products to coals, you stimulate a “cool down” effect to those coals which translates to fluctuating temperature. Energy is expended to steam off the water from the wood and bring the coals back up to temperature. Even when you add wet wood product to a gas or electric assisted unit, you still use up energy for temperature control, requiring more energy to generate steam to dry the wood. Always apply wood products dry whether directly to charcoal, to the flavor bars/diffusers of an LP grill or in a smoker box, smoking tube, or disposable pan.

There is a time when wet wood is preferred. If you are going to do a traditional hot smoking technique on a food item that will take more than a few hours, and you don’t want to constantly replenish the wood chips, you can do a “two-pan” set up of wood. Using disposable foil pans, add dry wood chips to both and place under the food grates. Pour enough warm water into one pan to cover the wood pieces. Leave the other pan dry. By the time the dry wood product has combusted completely, the water in the “wet” pan set up will have dried up (steamed off) making the wood ideal to start smoking. This is a great way to keep the wood flavoring the food the whole cook time without having to constantly feed wood.

#2: Don’t Add a Lot of Wood

Likely the biggest mistake made when cooking with wood is to add too much. I always tell cooks to view the wood as another ingredient in the overall dish and have a tempered hand. Smoke is a vapor that contains very small particles of organic compounds with certain compounds that contain the actual flavoring imparted from wood. As a plant material, these flavonoids, when combusted, can be quite bold. Always start with about 6–8 ounces of wood product and only replenish when the wood has reduced to 1/3 its size. Replenishment is only needed to get the full cooking time completed.

#3: Don’t Measure Flavor Infusion By the Quantity of Smoke

It will take another article to explain the differences in smoke by color so let’s stick to the basics. As I mentioned above, smoke vapor particles are quite small and are known to be attracted to moist surfaces. With most equipment on the market today, materials used in construction ensure an efficient set up so air does not escape other than out the intended vents. Don’t add wood to the equipment just because you don’t see smoke. The best smoke vapor is barely visible and has a blue tint to it. Rest assured, the wood is doing its job even if you don’t see a lot of smoke. You certainly should smell the aroma of the wood as it combusts.

#4: Stop Peaking When Your Smoking or Indirect Cooking

I know it’s hard to keep to this rule but you must stop opening the grill hood or smoker lid and looking! Proper oxygen flow, a balance between intake of air and exhaust damper or vent, is critical to keep everything you grill, smoke or wood-fire tasting good. If you’re using wood on a traditional charcoal smoker or kettle style grill, then you shouldn’t be checking anything — water pan, charcoal level, wood combustion — until at least a couple of hours have passed. And for those units that have a charcoal access door, you can cause a temperature differential when you expose the hot coals to a flood of air as well as cause ash to become air born if windy. No one likes ash on their foods! Limit the amount of time you lift the lid.

#5: Pick the Right Moisture Level for the Cooking Technique

For most wood-fired cooking techniques, a moisture level of between 15–25% is ideal. That level will allow you to hot smoke either via direct method (heat/smoke directly under the food) or indirect method (food placed to the side without direct heat under), produce smoke vapor on the gas grill using the diffusers/flavor bars or a smoker box, and do direct fire cooking. For ember or coal cooking, I prefer to see a wood with a moisture level around 15%, as that will allow the wood to combust faster and produce the bed of coals needed for this type of cooking. If the wood is too dry, say below 10%, you simply are using something designed for a maximum amount of heat output so that wood should be reserved for campfire cooking or direct hot searing. Remember, moisture means there is water in the wood. It takes some time to evaporate the water out which is how the wood will last longer during cooking.

#6: Hardwoods Only

Without question, the type of wood as well as the species is critical for a successful wood cooking event. ONLY use hardwoods! That means no pine, redwood, spruce, fir, cypress, cedar, or hemlock. Softwoods contain a greater percentage of sap which translates into unpleasant flavors when you cook. Additionally, many of these softwoods can trigger reactions to the digestive track which make many people sick. Also, stick to hardwoods that have been tested for cooking. Favorites include: apple, beech, hickory, pecan, oak, cherry, peach, maple, alder, ash, mesquite, walnut ( ).

#7: Build a Hot Fire

Many equipment manufacturers include a charcoal basket or grate for the charcoal and wood to sit on. This is done for a very specific reason; wood needs oxygen to generate heat. If wood product sits in ash, it won’t burn consistently and cleanly. This can result in soot coating your foods. Also, don’t build a huge fire. A small fire that can ignite unlit charcoal and wood is the ideal and produces the best temperature control and flavor.

#8: Balance Everything

Don’t simply purchased grilling, smoking, or cooking wood and throw it on the fire without thinking about how you want the dish to taste. If you’re using sweeter ingredients, than pick a hardwood that has a bit more boldness to it like ash, beech, hickory or oak. Fruity ingredients to the food doesn’t translate to using a fruity wood. Remember, taste is aroma so any wood fire you use for cooking should smell pleasant and enticing.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’re on the way to having one of the best outdoor cooking seasons ever when everyone wants to always gather at your house!

From Dr Smoke of SmokinLicious® Gourmet Wood Products

Dr Smoke

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Take a very simple fruit and turn it into a culinary delight by adding smoke to it.
Smoking Bananas

Banana’s peak season is from January thru April but you can enjoy this fruit anytime of the year! Although you’ve likely enjoyed most of your bananas raw, they are one fruit that works exceptionally well in all types of recipes, from breads, puddings, smoothies, cookies, and muffins, their sweet undertone makes them ideal as a dessert item. With a light, creamy flavor you’ll find bananas are compatible with so many other ingredients like dark and white chocolate, coconut, blueberries, caramel, ginger, honey, sugar, vanilla, and many nuts. The best part, is they work in recipes whether ripe, under ripe, or overripe! The level of ripeness determines what you do with it.

In this series, we’re going to use the Gourmia® hand held food smoker with Minuto® Chips in Size 8 from SmokinLicious® Gourmet Wood Products to get the perfect level of smoke using this quick, easy method. No spending hours over a traditional smoker and taking the risk of your bananas turning to mush! Get ready for a new flavor to your traditional banana for drinks, breakfast items, and desserts.

I’ll be using the Gourmia® hand held food smoker for this series, but any similar unit will work fine. In addition, you will need a cookie sheet, a food storage bag large enough to go over the cookie sheet or you can use plastic wrap, bananas — any variety will do, SmokinLicious® Minuto® Chips in either size #6, #8 or #10, and a lighter or kitchen torch. When selecting your bananas, look for evenly colored yellow bananas flecked with tiny brown specks which indicates ripeness. Avoid those with any visible blemishes as that usually indicates the fruit is bruised.

Be sure you are doing the smoking process in a well ventilated area or even outside. Kitchen hoods work great!

A good rule of thumb prior to starting your smoking process is to be sure everything is in working order. Check the batteries of your hand held food smoker and the butane level of your lighter. You’ll also need a few tablespoons of SmokinLicious® Gourmet Wood Products Minuto® Wood Chips. I’m going to use Cherry today for a fruity pairing with the banana.

Attach the smoking tube to the hand held unit and have a lighter at the ready. It is important not to over stuff the bowl of the hand held smoker with chips as a little goes a long way. Now, place the Minuto® wood chips in the bowl of the unit.

As I want to get good wood flavor to the bananas, I am peeling them and cutting them in 2 inch pieces as the recipe I plan to use them in will require smaller segments. I then place the cut pieces on the sheet pan, and then secure a food storage bag or plastic wrap over the pan. Be sure you’re able to draw in the end of the bag as if you’re going to tie it off with a twist tie. The ability to cinch off the bag is what will ensure that the smoke vapor produced is trapped within the food bag and infuses each piece. If using plastic wrap, leave one end loose so you can insert the smoking tube. The length of time you leave the smoke vapor in the bag or under the plastic wrap will determine the strength of the flavor. I plan to incorporate dark chocolate, coconut and nuts with my smoked banana so I will be filling the bag with smoke vapor and allowing it to dissipate on its own. Remember, you have control of when you release the smoke so timing is up to you!

I turn on the Gourmia® hand held food smoker and lite the Minuto® wood chips. Once I have enough smoke into the bag, I will shut the unit off, remove the tubing, and seal the bag using a cable tie or tighten the wrap around the sheet pan. Can it get any easier than that? This will let you see just how long smoke vapor can last in a contained area.

As I see the bag start to clear of the smoke vapor, it’s time to release the cable tie and be ready to remove my smoked banana slices for my recipe. So, what do you do with smoked banana? What can you think of? Essentially any recipe that calls for banana can be considered for smoked banana. I’ll get you started with our upcoming series on Smoked Banana Double Bites that you’ll fall in love with. Oh, don’t forget, smoked bananas freeze exceptionally well so put some away for those days when you want something made with the sweet, creaminess of banana and you’ll have a great start.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

This article explores the items to consider when purchasing wood beyond price

We have your top things to consider when purchasing cooking wood!  We are getting closer to peak season in North America for outdoor cooking.  What a perfect time to start thinking about what you want to get out of your outdoor cooking time this year so you’ll be able to source the supplies you’ll need and feel confident in your decisions.  This includes the wood used for cooking.

There are many companies who offer woods for cooking in the United States.  We thought we’d assist you in determining the perfect fit for your needs based on what you’re looking for in the cooking wood as well as a match for your equipment.

Today, we are going to compare 7 popular cooking wood companies who may use the terms cooking woods, grilling woods, wood and BBQ, gourmet cooking woods, or BBQ products.  The comparison will include 9 key areas: Established date of the business, where the wood is harvested or sourced from, wood types offered, how the wood is sold, shipping costs, treatment process the wood is exposed to, packaging of the product, if bark is present, and primary claim made by the Company.   Following this listing, I will highlight any information that you may want to question further.

Our goal is to arm the purchaser with needed information to ensure that they are getting the perfect wood for the cooking technique(s) they plan to do.  Remember, there are different variables needed in a wood for different methods of wood-fired cooking which you can read about further in our blog Taste is Aroma (

Established: Unable to locate
Harvest: Local to S. Carolina
Wood Types: Cherry, White Oak, Apple, Hickory, Peach
Shipping: Charge
Product Sold By: Cubic feet for logs/pounds for chunks & chips
Wood Treatment Process: “Naturally cured”; denies kiln drying
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Burlap bags, ½ cord stacked split firewood or on a pallet
Claim: “Our cooking wood is locally harvested, freshly cut and naturally cured”

Notes: All species listed would be native to S. Carolina with Apple and Peach being orchard woods not necessarily forest woods.  Although some products are sold by the cubic foot which is the legal method of sale for the wood commodity, others are sold by weight.  “Naturally cured” implies air drying so the wood could have laid around for many months.

Established: 1992 under the name Cowboy Charcoal; purchased in 2015 by Duraflame, Inc.
Harvest: Unclear
Wood Types: Apple, Hickory, Mesquite
Shipping: Charge
Product Sold By: Cubic inches
Wood Treatment Process: Not specified
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Plastic bags, individual foil tins for chip product
Claim: Long standing charcoal manufacturer under various trade names

Notes: Apple would be an orchard wood rather than forest grown.  Mesquite is not native to TN and KY which are the manufacturing locations for the Company, thus, it’s likely these woods are imported into the states.  Plastic packaging implies the wood has a very low moisture level which would be in line with a charcoal manufacturing practice.

Established: Unable to locate
Harvest: Not specified
Wood Types: Apple, Cherry, Peach, Apricot, Red Oak, Post Oak, Maple, Hickory, Pecan, Pear, Grape, Plum, Alder, Mesquite, Sassafras
Shipping: Included in pricing
Product Sold By: Weight
Wood Treatment Process: “Naturally cured”
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Cartons
Claim: “The wood out of our valley contained more sugar and moisture than any other wood on the market.”

Notes: It is likely that the woods sources for sale are from areas outside of the state since many of the selections are not native to Colorado.  This implies that the Company is merely the seller and not directly involved with the manufacturing process.  Wood is sold by weight and is air dried as defined by the term “naturally cured”. Their claim to have woods that “have more sugar and moisture than any others on the market” cannot be validated as hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin composition are relative to the wood species.  Plus, they indicate that they “naturally cured” their woods which translates to air drying like you do for seasoning firewood to render out the moisture.

Established: 2005
Harvest: “Local wood cutters and farmers in Maine”
Wood Types: Acadian Oak, Black Cherry, DownEast Hickory, Golden Alder, Mountain Mesquite, North Atlantic Olive, Northern Beechnut, Northern White Cedar, Sugar Maple, Wild Apple
Shipping: Included in pricing
Product Sold By: Cubic Inches
Wood Treatment Process: Not specified other than “dried”
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Cartons, poly bags
Claim: “Our wood comes fresh from the many small woodlots and family farms in the nearby rural areas of coastal and central Maine”

Notes:  I assume that Acadian Oak is a reference to the oak coming from the Acadian forest in Maine while the name “DownEast Hickory” is the company’s nickname since there is no variety of Hickory by that name.  I am unclear on the references to North Atlantic Olive as I am aware of no olive trees per se that are native to Maine.  Again, Mesquite would not be native to the state of Maine given its poor tolerance to winter conditions.

Established: 2006?
Harvest: None specified – indicates they source woods from all over the USA
Wood Types: Alder, Almond, Hickory, Peach, Apple, Red Oak, Cherry, Pecan, Wine Barrel, Post Oak, Olive logs, Ash, Avocado, Citrus, Grape, Maple, Mesquite, Walnut
Shipping: Charge (note: delivered and stacked for firewood sold in S. California)
Product Sold By: Cubic feet
Wood Treatment Process: Not specified
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Plastic bags
Claim: “All Sharpe Gourmet Products are custom processed, packed & shipped from The Woodshed in Orange, California.  We search the U.S. for the best quality wood & package the finest chips, chunks and logs to enhance the flavor of your favorite foods!  We specialize in exotic, hard to find varieties!”

Notes: Since this Company is sourcing woods from all over, there is likely no consistency in the products moisture or overall condition.  It is also unclear who is completing the manufacturing of the wood into the chips, chunks, and logs.

Established: Unable to locate
Harvest: Within a few weeks of being sold but does not state where the wood’s origin is
Wood Types: Apple, Cherry, Hickory, Maple, Oak, Alder, Grape
Shipping: Included in pricing
Product Sold By: Cubic feet for chunks, weight for split logs, weight for chips
Wood Treatment Process: “heat treated to prevent mold”
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Plastic bags, shrink wrap, cartons
Claim: “Nearly 95% of all our products come from trees we have harvested within a few weeks of our products being sold. We have high quality and the freshest woods on the market.”

Notes: Although it certainly is possible to harvest fresh wood and heat treat it, as wood, when green can have as much as 50% water by weight, it would take a very long heating process to rid enough moisture from the wood to be able to package it stably in plastic bags.

Established: 1986 AS W W Wood Inc.
Harvest: Not specified
Wood Types: Apple, Alder, Hickory, Mesquite, Maple, Oak, Pecan, Orange, Peach, Jack Daniel’s
Shipping: Must be purchased at a partner location
Product Sold By: Liter, cubic feet
Wood Treatment Process: Under USDA-Protocol T-314-a.  Compliance Agreement Permit No. TDA-271
Bark On: Yes
Product Packaging: Plastic bags
Claim: “Business has grown from supplying Hickory and Mesquite wood to local barbequers to supplying the world with a multitude of wood flavors and BBQ related items”

Notes: This is a Texas based Company which means some of the species listed are not native to that state.  They likely source outside wood supply for the inventory.   Online purchases will dictate if shipping is included or is a separate charge based on the online business dealer selected.

Now you have the key list of points to compare to us- By Donna J. Grant, M.S., Wood Flavourist at SMOKINLICIOUS® GOURMET WOOD PRODUCTS.


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It's Never Too Late To Aspire Higher

August 19th, 2014 | SMWC

Woods Alumna Enrolls At 72 Years Young

By: Katie Shane

Tracy Thomas nursing student at SMWC
Tracy Thomas, nursing student at SMWC

For Tracy Thomas the old saying, “Age is just a number” are words to live by.

At 72 years young, the longtime nurse is entering into a new phase of life, as a student.

This week, Thomas will enroll at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in the new RN to BSN program with around 40 other licensed nurses.

While Thomas’ age may be shocking to some, she says it’s never too late to accomplish a goal.

“Why not at 70,” Thomas questions. “If I don’t reach my goal and I end up dead, so what? I’ve been putting one foot in front of the other for years! Everyone has a goal, and this is my goal.”

It’s a goal Thomas has had for years, specifically the goal of receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at The Woods.

As a young nursing student, Thomas graduated from The Indiana State Teachers College (now known as Indiana State University) in 1963 with a nursing certification. At that time, nurses did not earn a degree and took science classes at Union Hospital.

“We were called diploma nurses, we took classes at the university and then had on the job training through the hospital,” Thomas explains. “A few years after that I started talking about going back to school. The WED program opened up and I thought it was time I get my bachelor’s degree.”

Tracy Thomas at orientation
Tracy Thomas reviews her course schedule during orientation at SMWC

Continuing as a nurse at Union Hospital, Thomas enrolled in the Women's External Degree (WED) program at The Woods. She soon discovered the academic experience was unlike anything she had known before.

“They cared when you came to class, they cared what you thought, you got feedback from the professors. Women had a voice and they cared what we said and cared if we made it in the world, and it was an experience like coming home,” Thomas says with a smile. “It was wonderful.”

Thomas graduated with a liberal arts degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1975.

After graduating, Thomas says she made a promise to herself that she would get a bachelor’s degree in nursing if it ever was offered at The Woods.

She would have to wait nearly four decades, but finally that promise is becoming a reality.

In 2014, the college began offering a new bachelor’s degree program for women and men who currently hold an associate’s degree and nursing license. The major is designed to enhance a nurse’s knowledge, skills and abilities while developing additional skills in critical thinking, writing, management and leadership.

For Thomas, the degree will not only enhance the skills she has honed during her career, but also provide her the chance to pursue a Master’s Degree, also through The Woods. Her ultimate goal is to share what she’s learned by becoming a teacher.

Marcia Miller, Professor of Nursing
Director and Professor of Nursing Marcia Miller talks to the new RN to BSN students at SMWC during orientation.

And having someone like Thomas either in the classroom or in front of the classroom is something Saint Mary-of-the-Woods welcomes. Director and Professor of Nursing Marcia Miller says Thomas will be a very positive aspect to the program.

“We feel that age is not a limit but an asset,” Miller says. “She brings great experience, leadership, maturity and passion… You talk about aspire higher, and she is an example of that. She has great ambition; we welcome her experience, and we think she has a lot to offer other nurses.”

And some of those other nurses have things that they can offer Thomas, including help easing her into classes almost forty years after the first time she graduated from The Woods. Thomas is the first to admit education has changed since the 1970s.

“Everyone is used to computers but not me,” Thomas says with a laugh. “There will be a learning curve. They told me I have to get a laptop, but I don’t want a laptop! But you know what; if you want to do it, you will do it… Is it going to be easy, well what is easy?”

It might not be easy, especially at 72 years old, but Thomas says she does know the support she’ll receive from faculty and staff at The Woods will make her degree more obtainable.

“I just hope that I can do it after 40 years of not being in school,” Thomas says. “But they will help me achieve my goal. That’s what they are there for; they care whether or not you accomplish your goals. Some universities sell education but you don’t get that impression that you are just another face here.”

It’ll be hard for Thomas to be just another face. Even before she enrolled in the RN to BSN program she was already being called an inspiration. She shakes off the attention, saying it’s her work that is the true inspiration.

“I don’t think that part of me is inspirational,” Thomas says. “I think when I go to a patient and I say to them, ‘I will be here for you every minute that I can, and I will be here on this journey, let me help you today. I care.’ Now that to me is how I am inspirational and that to me makes me happy and makes my job worthwhile.”

And it’s that passion and inspiration Thomas hopes to one day pass on to aspiring nurses at The Woods. But for now she’s looking forward to her new role as an aspiring student at a place she knows well.

“I’m excited,” Thomas says. “It feels like I have come home.”

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Monday, February 20, 2012

Former Students Discuss the SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency Program

The SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency Campus Program provides an opportunity for men and women who have a degree in music or a related area to pursue study in the field of music therapy. The course of study is tailored to meet the needs of each person who attends, and completion of the Equivalency Campus program enables students to be eligible to take the board certification examination that leads to the MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified) credential.

Individuals who have pursued music therapy as a career through the SMWC Equivalency Campus program have had interesting and diverse paths prior to attending Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. After gaining a Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Brenda Buchanan (’10) became excited about the career opportunities available in music therapy. Gloria Stearns-Bruner (’11) was a professional violinist for 20 years, and had always felt drawn to music’s healing powers. “At age 47 with 4 kids and an amazingly supportive husband, I left all my work and went back to school…with renewed inspiration and strength.” After spending several years as a music educator and Kindermusik teacher, Briana Priester (‘12) discovered her love for helping children with life skills through music. I knew that there was something bigger for me,” stated Priester.

Because of this valuable life experience that Equivalency Campus students bring to the classroom, the perspectives of traditional undergraduate students and instructors are enriched. “Sharing this learning with younger students was a great joy and there was a lot of exchange between us,” said Stearns-Bruner. “…I felt they valued my perspective.” Another aspect of the SMWC Equivalency Campus program is its nurturance of individual strengths and areas of need. “The time she [Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy] took to attend to my individual skills and needs in field work was invaluable. Boyle taught with deep understanding and commitment to produce the best, well rounded, creative and skilled music therapists,” said Stearns-Bruner, “The focus on self-care and awareness has been a very important aspect of the program and I see now how that is the core of being able to work successfully and effectively.”

For Priester, the student-instructor interaction was of upmost importance to her academic success. “As an older student, being able to be in an actual classroom was really important. At home, I had distractions… [and] the life experience of your professors is more valuable than the price of gas it takes to get from home to school!” The student-centered approach of the music therapy faculty allows Equivalency students to take exactly the classes they need. As expressed by Buchanan, SMWC offered the required courses which allowed me to apply for an internship… and did not require me to take unnecessary classes in order to complete my program.”

Those who have recently completed the SMWC Music Therapy Equivalency Campus program hope to impact the field of music therapy, their clients, and their communities in a variety of ways. “I want to do research,” said Buchanan, “as there is much that needs to be researched in order to help music therapy gain wider acceptance.” Priester spoke about the role she hopes to play in the lives of her clients. “We are all human, created as individuals to impact the lives of those around us. It is my sincerest hope that I can enable those I work with to lead their lives with dignity and purpose.”

Reflecting on her desires now as a board certified music therapist, Stearns-Bruner considered her impact on the community and the role that her education at SMWC continues to play in that process. “I hope to offer my clients a new way of clarifying their strengths and their ability to heal and be well. I hope to influence the community in understanding music therapy as a cutting edge, yet ancient healing profession that…makes our community safer, stronger and healthier. Completion of the Equivalency program has given me a sense of competence, confidence, and openness which has enabled me to give life to these hopes. I highly recommend this program for its well balanced, professional, and inspiring instruction, the caring and openness of other students and of course the absolutely wonderful setting of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College. ”

Interested in pursuing music therapy through our Equivalency CAMPUS program*?

All Equivalency Campus prospective students must complete a special student status application form and request an audition and interview through the Department of Music and Theatre. For more information, contact Sharon R. Boyle, Associate Professor of Music Therapy and Coordinator of Undergraduate Music Therapy ( and visit to set up an audition/interview.

Advice from previous Campus Equivalency students:

“First, be very clear that there is support for [your] hard work, both at home and at work. It takes a huge commitment of time and energy…[but] I became closer to all my children and husband because of the vibrancy and groundedness I was experiencing in this new path.” - Gloria Stearns-Bruner (’11)

“You should plan to be flexible.” - Brenda Buchanan (’10)

“Take risks. You will grow and develop as you need to with the support of fellow students and professors…so allow yourself the time to evolve.” - Briana Priester (’12)

Interested in pursuing music therapy through an Equivalency DISTANCE program?

Beginning in August 2012, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Music Therapy Distance Equivalency program will launch. The distance format requires prospective students to already have a degree in music. Please contact Dr. Tracy Richardson, Associate Professor of Music Therapy ( and/or visit for more information.

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Best of Smyrna Vinings 2010 â€“ American Cuisine â€“ Poll

The Smyrna Vinings community is home to several American cuisine restaurants, but which one is the best?

2010 results are in. Congratulations to all the restaurants that participated and particularly to our winner. Your favorite Smyrna Vinings American cuisine restaurant in 2010 is Crepe Revolution. I do want to give an an honorable mention to Soho, Atkins Park and Canoe. Way to go!

  • Crepe Revolution **2010 Winner**
  • Atkinâ€™s Park TavernÂ Â Â
  • Canoe
  • Soho
  • Garrisonâ€™s Broiler & Tap
  • Hooters
  • Houstonâ€™s
  • Howardâ€™s Restaurant
  • Kaysons Bar & Grille
  • Marlowâ€™s
  • McCrayâ€™s West Village Tavern
  • Big Chow Grill
  • River Room Restaurant & Tavern
  • The Village Cafe
  • Varnerâ€™s Restaurant & Tavern
  • Vinings Inn
  • Vittleâ€™s Restaurant


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Pure Evil Is Going To Rock Llanview.

Friday, December 30th, 2011

The town's power grid affects everyone's electricity, Madame Delphina gives John a warning, and when the lights go out in Llanview things will never be the same...

Pure Evil Is Going To Rock Llanview. image

As the lights flicker throughout Llanview…

At the mansion, Blair shows Todd the painting Tomas painted of her that Tea sent over. She throws it. Why would Tea think she'd ever want anything that Tomas touched? Blair whines about being gullible with men. Todd reminds her of the strong woman she used to be. 'She' wasn't a victim. Blair trashes the painting and asks Todd to spend New Year's with her. Downstairs, James shows Starr the "Jailbait" video. It went viral. Starr admits she allowed Rick to release the video in exchange for him dropping the lawsuit. How can Starr work with Rick after he blackmailed his brother? Starr defends Rick. James warns her not to trust him. Though they had plans, Starr wants to stay behind with Hope, who was afraid when the lights flickered. James thinks she's using Hope to get out of their date. Starr doesn't use her daughter and sends James away. He returns soon after and apologizes. James doesn't want to be the guy who holds her back. If Rick can get her to the V.I.P. section then he's all for it. They kiss. Later, Todd joins Blair on the patio, dressed in a tux. She lights a candle, writes 'Trusting the wrong man' on a piece of paper then burns it - like it never happened. Todd writes, 'Killing Victor, framing Tomas' then burns it. He feels better and leans in for a New Year's kiss… Blair kisses him back.

Roxy barges into the Buchanan Mansion and faces Gigi. She doesn't believe it's her and starts pulling at her ears, looking for scars. Rex confirms the DNA proved she's Gigi. When Gigi mourns for "Fraternity Row," Roxy realizes it's really her. She hugs Gigi and drags her away to get ready for the wedding. Bo arrives. Gigi hugs him on the way out. Bo helps Rex get ready. Matthew won't be at the wedding. He has some things to work out.

John takes a call from Natalie at the station and accepts her invitation to be her date at Rex's wedding. After he hangs up, Madame Delphina appears and warns that pure evil is going to rock Llanview to its core. She felt its presence when the lights flickered. John chalks it up to a brownout and mocks her. "You will be in the eye of the storm," she insists then gets another message. "Be prepared for the worst."

At Llanfair, Viki and Clint prepare for the wedding. Clint talks about having the heart of a manic. Viki thinks it only proves a heart is a muscle. It's the goodness in Clint that gives him his 'heart'. Nora arrives. Matthew's out of town with David and Dorian. When Roxy and Gigi appear, Nora says, "You look beautiful for a dead woman." Later, John and Rex arrive. Delphina appears, as the officiate, and tells John she hopes the wedding is over before all hell breaks loose. John joins Natalie, and Rex stands with Shane, as Gigi appears in her wedding dress. The wedding begins, as Delphina talks about all Rex and Gigi have overcome. Rex and Gigi exchange personal vows and reflect on their past. In tears, Rex vows to treasure their family forever. Gigi shares his tears and thanks Rex for bringing her back to life, literally. She'll always love him and their family. They light the unity candle then Delphina asks if anyone has any reason to object. Roxy insists she skip that part, due to what happened at the last wedding. Rex and Gigi are pronounced husband and wife. The lights flicker again… Later, as everyone in Llanview counts down the New Year, the power goes out. John takes a call and leaves for the station. Alone, Natalie sees someone in the dark and screams.

Delphina joins Rex, Gigi and Shane at the Buchanan Mansion. Rex wonders how he was getting the messages from Gigi when she was in a coma. Delphina warns them not to mess things up - the universe wanted them together. Delphina leaves and wonders if John's ready for what's to come. She did what she could and hopes everyone gets out alive. Back inside, Rex and Gigi dance by candlelight.

At the loft, Bo wants to toast to having their family back. Nora refuses the champagne. She's not feeling good and goes to bed. Later, Nora wakes up, finds Bo gone and screams when she sees someone standing in the shadows.

At the station, John explains to Bo that there was a breakout at Statesville. "Who's on the list?" Bo asks.

Back at the mansion, Starr answers the door and says, "It's you."

Llanview spoilers for the next One Life to Live:

Coming off the holiday, the show will be pre-empted.

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Define Good.

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

Jack believes the doctor is wrong, Nikki runs into Dylan and Stitch, and Sharon confesses her feelings to Nick.

Define Good. image

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In Georgia, Jack presses the doctor to agree that Phyllis is coming out of her coma, but he says it was involuntary movement and there's no change in her condition. Jack thinks he's wrong. He rejoins Phyllis.

At her house, Sharon blurts to Nick that she took matters into her own hands - she hopes he'll understand. She begins to talk about the anniversary of Cassie's death and him questioning Summer's paternity. Nick gets a message from Jack - Phyllis isn't out of her coma. Nick asks Sharon to continue. Sharon tells him she understands him in a way Avery couldn't. She confesses that she didn't think they were right for each other and was glad that they didn't marry. Nick asks how she took matters into her own hands. She says she made sure she was there for him and anticipated what he needed - like now. She moves in for a kiss. Nick jumps back. Sharon says she knows he's feeling it too - they're meant to be together. She dares him say he doesn't want her. Nick says they've been over for years. Sharon cries. Nick says she hasn't been herself, Noah's been concerned. She admits she's off her meds. Nick says she needs help. Sharon says he's right. "Just go." Nick holds her.

Nikki arrives at the station and remarks on Michael's situation to Paul. He asks what she's going to do about her son. She's still unsure whether to do - what if he doesn't know he was adopted? Paul thinks she'll handle it well. Christine arrives. Nikki goes. Paul and Chris kiss. Over lunch, they discuss Michael's case. Chris laments having to prosecute him. She asks about Nikki. Paul says she was looking for something she lost. They talk about having a honeymoon and planning a party. Chris notices Michael's file. Paul admits the shooting made him think about Ricky and talks about his regrets.

Dylan and Stitch play football in Chancellor Park. Stitch is glad Dylan will be talking to the VA therapist. He blames Chelsea. Dylan says he has to take responsibility for his actions too. Stitch says he saw Connor on rounds last night and remarks that Chelsea seemed glad to hear Dylan wasn't leaving town. Dylan admits he's been thinking about Avery. Nikki appears. Stitch calls out hello. Nikki joins them but acts hesitant and leaves quickly. Dylan assumes she blames him for Nick and Avery breaking up.

Adam finds Avery in her office where she's been thinking about Dylan. He's looking for Leslie, but gives Avery the paternity test results. He wants his name put on the birth certificate and her ex-boyfriend's name removed. Avery says she's not handling it. She asks if he'll seek full custody. They bicker as Avery advises him to be careful before making irreversible decisions. She thinks Chelsea still cares about him. Adam is skeptical. She reminds him how powerful it can be to lose a child together. Jack appears as Adam is leaving. Jack again urges Adam to make a fresh start. Jack tells Avery about Phyllis squeezing his hand when he mentioned Summer. Jack vows to bring up everything and everyone until she talks.

At the penthouse, Chelsea tells Chloe that the DNA test results confirmed Adam is Connor's father. Chloe asks if she's been working on Adam. Chelsea admits he's been working on her - doing everything right. Chloe scoffs at her falling for his act. Chelsea hopes it will all work out. Chloe tells Chelsea she's going to Delia's play with Kevin. She explains about joining him for Lauren's dinner, and how she couldn't say no to the play. She wants to take it slow. Chelsea says maybe there's hope for them...and for her and Dylan. Chloe thinks living with Adam makes it more difficult. Chelsea says she's putting Connor's needs first and wants a good relationship with Adam moving forward. Chloe says, "Define good." Chloe is talking about Adam being selfish when he arrives. Chloe leaves. Adam tells Chelsea they needs to discuss how things will be moving forward. Chelsea gets a call that the pediatric ophthalmologist can see Connor. They go.

Dylan finds Stitch at Crimson Lights. He tells him the VA therapist understands him and he'll go back. Stitch says the experiences are always with him too. He worries about getting a shock that will throw him back into the nightmare. Nikki appears on the patio. Stitch speaks to her on his way out. She walks over to Dylan, who asks if everything's okay.

Genoa City Spoilers for Tomorrow on The Young and the Restless:

Nikki tells Dylan, "Then I suppose in the natural order of things I owe you a confession."

Billy and Delia are in the car. He pulls up at Boulevard and tells her he'll be right back. She questions him leaving her there alone. He tells her, "You've got Dash."

Dash jumps out of the back seat of the car and takes off up the road.

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- Candace Young

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Thank you and God bless you, Jerry B.

It has been forever since my last post, but I felt the need to write about this and the thought of reporting this as a blurb as facebook made my stomach hurt. I couldn't mixing this in amongst reports of the latest shoe purchase, or what was good on tv (not much) or what I had for breakfast.

Last night, AA lost a wonderful guy and a man who carried the message of hope and recovery, literally, until he died.

Jerry B traveled from Wilmington, North Carolina to speak at an the first anniversary meeting for an AA group in Concord, NH. He had not been feeling well, but he didn't let that stop him- maybe he should have, I don't know. But what I do know is all the things Jerry said in years past that stayed with me. How he had the humility to talk about being 10 yrs sober, free from alcohol, but without a solution and suicidal.

People with the humility to share the stark reality of dry time without recovery saved my life. I was never tough enough to handle that kind of emotional pain without a drink, or some substitute, none of which worked all that well. I would hear Jerry, and be horrified initially, then steeped in gratitude when he shared how he had done the work known as the 12 steps and "recovered" from that seemingly hopeless condition of alcoholism.

Jerry had such humor, and such a genuine, down-to-earth way of putting things that made you know he was sharing actual experience and giving it to you straight, blended with a self-effacing humor that made it less painful for you to absorb.

I will never forget how Jerry described writing the names on his resentment list, described throwing his notebook across the room hundreds of times while writing that 4th step, and how he had exhausted all the names, and in telling his sponsor this, was asked. "what are the last two names on the list?"

Jerry replied, "Madonna and Jim Plunkett."

His sponsor replied, "You're done."

It was a hilarious, but poignant example of being thorough without getting too silly.

I will never forget the bleak picture Jerry painted of his suicidal depression, because it matched mine. I can't put into words how hope was born when I identified with the suffering, but saw that the man was now on a different plane, living a different life, and enjoying it, to boot.

It wasn't that exhaustive 4th step that had set Jerry free, he said, it was working with others. he talked about how he stayed depressed and enveloped in self, until "some poor bastard" asked him for help.

Upon working with the man, his depression lifted.

I never forgot that. Though prior to this week I hadn't seen Jerry since he moved to North Carolina about 10 years ago, I never forgot his shared experience, his self-effacing humor or his dedication to carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Return of The Charms

What a great surprise I got the other day when I opened up my email to find a heads up from a friend alerting me to the reunion show taking place tomorrow night at The Middle East upstairs.

My all time favorite band, The Charms, is playing together for the first time in at least 3 years. Not only are they a great band, but the people are dedicated, hard-working, extremely talented musicians.

What I always loved best about The Charms was the energy they brought to each and every show. The crowd looked like they were having the time of their lives, and The Charms always looked like they were having twice as much fun as the crowd.

Describing The Charms: I don't like using other bands to describe a band, but if I had a gun to my head, I would say it's like Green Day stopped by to play behind the Gogos. They listened to ACDC on the way, and Ray Manzarek dropped in just as they were about to start with a Farfisa organ. They are garage-y rock, blended with driving pop/rock riffs and terrifically written lyrics.

I can't wait to see these guys, though they owe me nothing. I never had more fun with music than I had chasing these guys around the northeast. Every show was something special, and I am just grateful for the chance to see them one more time. I know it's going to be great.

The Charms play tomorrow night, July 9th at The Middle East upstairs in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I am driving down from Maine for this show, wouldn't miss it for the world.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

"Into the Wild" or "Lost and Found"

Haven't written in am embarrassingly long time. Oh well, let's move on. Just finished watching "Into the Wild" and all I can say "wow...ouch...wow...ouch...wow...ouch"

I closed out the viewing with a sob-fest.

For those who don't know, "Into the Wild" is movie Sean Penn directed based on the life of Chris McCandless, a guy who graduated near the top of his class at Emery University, was accepted to an Ivy League Law school, then gave all his savings away to charity, burned his identification and dropped out of society to engulf himself in nature.

He was turned off my dishonesty in his family, his father's illegitimate marriage to his mother (his father was still married to another woman, still had another son with her and denied him after Chris was born. There was violence in his home, control, and to call it dysfunctional would be an understatement, plus, I loathe that term now, it is so hackneyed.

He meets a lot of good people on his travels, and lives through some amazing adventures before eventually dying at the age of 24 from starvation in Alaska. Chris misidentified some roots as edible that were poisonous, weakened himself, and became unable to hunt for food. He was found dead in the bus he fashioned into his home by moose hunters two weeks after he passed away.

Chris, who until nearing death, forsook his birth name, re-naming himself "Alexander Supertramp", left behind journals of his thoughts and adventures. Before he died, he wrote and left for whoever might find him:

"I have had a happy life
and thank the Lord.
May God bless all!!"

This movie hit me in the gut, doubled me over, more than it might hit some because I know what it is like to be a lost young man. He couldn't reconcile life. The kid was a genius, but he could not grasp man's inhumanity to man, man's obsession with "things". I'm sure there was a good measure of self-loathing woven in based on his upbringing, and he did everything he could to distance himself from who he was and where he came from. He basically disowned his family, though he always loved his sister.

The main difference between me and Chris McCandless is my family. There were many times when it was so dark in my soul that death called out to me promising rest, and quietness of mind. It sounded better and better to me...except for my family and friends. Chris created a family of travelers and people he met on the road, but he never let them get too close. His fear of relationships, initiated years earlier when his family turned out to be a lie, spawned an insulation against letting anyone get too close, too deep.

Shortly before he died, Chris reflected on his short, though full life, and wrote in between the lines of what I believe was a Tolstoy novel, "HAPPINESS ONLY REAL WHEN SHARED".

Chris was lost, but not really. I think he found all the Truth he was capable of finding in this life in his quiet moments near the end of his life. In living the way he did, he impacted millions of people, through the book about his life, and this film. I've always thought that life is very short, whether it is 20 years or 100, it is a grain of sand in the endless flow of time. It's really more important to live boldly, to live well, to love all you can than it is to merely exist for what is really a pittance of time anyway., but seems "long" to us here on this plane.

Chris lived a day at a time, sapped everything he could out his short life, but he made me think of all the other lost souls out there, struggling through life, often dying a day at a time, an hour at a time, a minute at a time. What a sad way to spend the greatest gift of all- life.

The brutal combination of excruciating misery woven together with a bleak outlook that things could ever possibly change.

Keeping it together on the outside because that's all you think there is- keeping it together... the notion that things could ever actually BE okay is a fantasy. This was my mindset for years.

But I have a great family. I have great friends. They loved me enough to keep me afloat long enough to be found. Even though I was uncomfortable with being loved and still am to a degree, they, like God, just kept the faucet running, flowing so my own little pond didn't get totally stagnated and kill me.

Then one day, I awoke from a 30 year slumber. Slowly at first, wiping the sleepy-sandy things from my eyes, stumbling awkwardly out of an insulated life-coma. I staggered, but I staggered with purpose, tottering toward a still, small voice, and one day, not only was I not lost, but I was loaded with experience on how to find others.

"All who wander" may not be lost, but a helluva lot of us are.

Now it just looks like I am wandering to the untrained eye, but believe it or not... I know exactly what I am doing and where I am going.

I think a lot of us are afraid of what we'd find out if we ever got home. Wouldn't God, or whatever you understand to be god, be pissed that we were away for so long, and doing only God knows what? Isn't it just safer and sensible to stay lost at some point?

This makes me think of the parable of the Merciful Father from Luke. Whether or not you are feeling the Jesus, this is a beautiful story about the nature of God. Long story short, son gets half inheritance, takes off, blows said inheritance, and is destitute. He returns home, hoping his father will let him sleep in the barn with the servants and eat scraps, but all he does is turn onto the road home, and his father, who had been watching and waiting, praying and hping for the return of his son, RUNS down the road to meet him. the son walks shamefaced, a prepared apology in the wings to be recited, but he is muffled and his pleas for forgiveness muffled by the father literally mauling him, hugging and kissing him, throwing robes on the kid, new sandals on him, ordering servants around to throw a party.

This is the nature of God. He isn't interested in retribution, payment, score-keeping, or inflicting more shame via wagging fingers and furrowed brows. he simply loves the heck out of us. he is simply glad we are home.

I prepare my apologia for my life and failures, and God is too busy arranging decorations for my celebration to listen to it.

Geez, God, I really let ya down, I didn't do this, I missed that, I I I I I...

Meanwhile, He/She is pumped up that I showed up at all, that I remembered Him at all. he is riveted by the good I did do, which usually far outweighs the stuff I screwed up. More than that, he is celebrating me for exactly who I am at that very instant. the party is NOW, not tomorrow or in 10 years when I get to some arbitrary point of self-assumed, man made "success".

Today is the success. I am alive, well, healthy, happy, participating in life.

I imagine I can say one of two things when I die and meet my Maker, if that actually happens.

"I'm sorry."

"Thank You."

It is my hope that I say the latter. I don't want to bring down God's enthusiasm with any neg-head downer nonsense.

I think Chris McCandless got all that, but I think he got the part about "happiness only being real when shared" just a little too late. Because of him, maybe a few people will get it in this lifetime.

The best part about being lost is that when you find your way, you can others find theirs.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

A New Century, Buick, that is

Yesterday turned out far more promising than I expected. I picked up dad to go to the car lot where I bought my Camry. The guy there, Mike, is a guy I know and trust, a real decent character. dad had set aside the time on Saturday, so we went. It was a bit of a bad plan on my part as I knew they didn't have exactly what he was really looking for in stock.

Pop is only going to be driving locally for the most part, so he just needs an older model in decent shape to get around in. The cars there were all too knew- and expensive for dad's real needs in this case.

Dad insisted on wearing his freakin' slippers, in spite of an impending snow storm.

"J&^#$ Ch&@#$, we're not gonna be out all day, is it gonna snow this hour?"

I don't really have an argument prepared for a guy who wants to wear slippers in New England in December, so I stood there dumbfounded. It was about 25 degrees out, and I was pretty sure, the fall coat and slippers were going to be inadequate, but much like when dad used to berate me for not dressing properly as a kid, my pleas for winterizing his gear usually meet with strong opposition and turn any event into a row.

"Okay," I replied cheerily.

"I mean, I'm going to be in the car, for ^&%#$'s sake."

"Good point, dad," I agreed, demonstrating to myself that I am finally learning to wave the white flag when facing many cannon."

We arrived at the lot and strolled around a bit. dad hadn't foreseen the ice patches, puddles and icy downgrades when he opted for the slipper approach, so this led us to several circuitous routes top look at vehicles I knew he wouldn't be interested in.

He did get a kick out of a PT Cruiser (to Debbie's dismay and my delight) but it was a newer model, and even the 2005 was way too pricey for dad's purposes. My friend promised the best possible deal, but when we sat with the owner, a young kid named Edwin, I knew based on experience that it would be a circle jerk with a higher price than the best price, then we'd have to leave, the price would be lowered, we'd still leave, then there would be phone calls.

Sigh. I hate car lots.

Mike called me after we left, irritated with Edwin and apologetic. He said he knew the price was too high. It didn't matter, that wasn't the right fit for dad anyway, I assured him.

I dropped dad off and picked up a sub from Harry's Pizza. My sister Deb called me en route to Pine St. and told me they had a Buick dad might like at a local dealer. When she showed up, we took off to see it, but never made it there. Deb suggested we stop by J&S Motors- dad's usual mechanic. They had put all the cars inside for the storm except two, one of which was a Buick Century exactly like dad's car, sans dents and miscellaneous paint scrapes.

It was immaculate inside. It was a 1998, with 123,000 or so on it- perfect for dad! It was also only 3,200 buckaroos, which was even better. I got the keys and drove it to Pine St top "surprise" dad. I am hoping to learn someday that dad isn't really all that fond of surprises. he was down the driveway, delivering candy to a neighbor. I waited for him to come up.

"What do you think, dad?" I said, expecting praise and perhaps even genuflection.

"It's fine," the old man mumbled, as if inspecting dish water to see if there was enough detergent mixed in.

"Get in dad!"

"No no no, I'm walking home," said the slippered one, as he navigated the ice up toward home.

"You like it?"

"Yeah yeah, I'll write him a check," he said as if stating the obvious.

Debbie made the mistake of asking dad if he liked the car again at home, which avalanched into what for me and Timmy would have been an hilarious tirade, but for Deb probably initiated trauma.

"Jes&%^ Ch@#$%, I love it, Debbie, it's perfect, it's gorgeous, it's the best f#$%@%# car I've ever seen."

I puzzled dad again today when I asked if he would perhaps like to drive it tomorrow before actually purchasing it.

"What the &$%# for?" he asked as if responding to the query- Would you like to dance around in a thong and dip your hat in pudding?

I hadn't really heard of someone buying a car without sitting in it when the car was, ya know, in front of them at some point.

"I 'm only going down town, I need to get around, CVS...&^#%$, I can COAST down there for &^$%^%$ sake. You drove it didn't you?"

"Yes, I did," I wisely played it straight, saving my smirky comments for the reproduction.

"All right then," he said, hoping I would some day have the intelligence of a lawn chair.

"Ok, dad," I said, editing the rest of it.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Dad's Car Finally Craps Out

Well, the beast served him well, in spite of my old man's fast, erratic, oblivious and somewhat generally dangerous driving, but dad's car is shot. The brakes went on him the other day on the way to a CVS run. Fortunately, it didn't happen on the way home, as the weight of the Whitman's samplers, excess toiletries (stockpiled for the grandchildren by all appearances) and stationery would like have had a similar on the Buick Century as the reaction to the payload of a trailer truck's cargo.

So yesterday I got a call from dad to help him take his car to the garage. After informing me that the brakes were gone, and he had stopped the vehicle by way of furious "pumping" of the brake pedal, he let me in on the plan to transport the auto.

"You can drive in front of me, and I'll go slow."

Okay... the man is 86, doesn't wear a seat belt, has no brakes, and a working definition of "slow" which roughly translates to: a rate of speed which allows pedestrians to dive to safety before impact.

"Geez, dad... what could possibly go wrong?" I wondered. The notion that he would be behind me, so I would likely be the car he collided with gave me zero comfort.

En route to dad's house for the old car transfer mission, I decided to sneak into the house, snag the keys and take the car in myself. I knew there would be repercussions, and I felt a little badly about leaving my step-mother Louise to handle my father's inevitable tantrum when I altered the plan, but I felt assured that even the fallout from this would be far lass traumatic than seeing dad's photo on FOX news as the latest nut to plow through a crowd of people, though the audio portion of the telecast probably would have provided some of the best Reality TV in history. I can only imagine dad's rendition of the story, complete with a description of an elderly woman he mowed down as a "moron doddling around with a walker in the road" whilst demanding she finance his car's repairs after being arrested for public stupidity.

It was a nice day, so I strolled back to Pine St., ready to face the fire. You had to see him to appreciate it, but here dad sits...on the couch, still wearing his hat and coat. The look on his face was priceless, I had seen it ten thousand times if I had seen it once. it said, quite unmistakenly, "why do I have to deal with morons?" Of course, the look was framed with the slightest hint of a smile.

"I have an explanation, dad."

The look didn't change, except the smile slowly disappeared. I explained I was worried about him cracking his ribs if the car wouldn't stop, or God forbid, if the airbag went off, it might kill him. he seemed to take it pretty well.

I said something like, "you look a little worried dad, you all right?"

Without missing a beat, and genuine concern he says, "Yeah, I was worried because some moron was driving my car around with no brakes."

To that I conceded that if anyone were qualified to drive that car without brakes, it was him. he hadn't threatened using the brakes in years.

To that we all had a pretty good laugh.

Today he got the word that it would cost more to fix than the car was worth. I looked for a suitable replacement, which dad would like in place by last Thursday, if possible.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Slow Going on re: the writing.

Well, I hit almost 19,000 words, but man is it slow-going lately. Something is going on. When I sit down to write, I become incredibly exhausted and can barely stay awake. I also have the constant droning that this isn't important, or won't be good.

Jenn Dlugos, who teaches the screen writing class I decided to take with my friend Dot, said this week that there is no such thing as writer's block, it is just "fear of writing something down because it won't be good enough."

I agree.

She also mentioned something I've heard many times, (but sometimes it is the 10,000th time I hear something that I "get it."

Jenn said, "all first drafts aren't good, but you can't edit a blank page."

Point taken. So I am telling myself that while I think all the stuff I am writing now is trash, I can always back and delete it or change things around. It is 5:40pm and I swear, I am passing out. I forced myself to write about 600 words yesterday and 700 or 800 today. Not much, but better than nothing. I am going to lay down, maybe snooze and see if I can write a wee bit more later.

I also went to a job fair today and liked a couple of the companies, but was appalled at some of the salaries. I am hoping to find something I love so I am not worried about the horrendous salary.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

I Heart New York

I Heart New York

So I headed to NYC today to see my pal MYQ Kaplan perform stand up for a comedy central taping. In the past, I have had success parking at a Metro Station in Connecticut and taking the train in from there, about an hour ride. I have been to NYC before, so I came prepared.

I was somewhat dreading having to be in New York at this particular point in time, marinating with obnoxious, gloating Yankee fans on the verge of another world title.

Remove all Red Sox paraphernalia from sight in vehicle- check

Scatter trash in backseat to reduce likelihood anyone would expect to find anything of value in vehicle- check.

Remove cash (except three bucks to make it look good) and credit cards (except expired BJ's card and an old library card) from wallet- check

Tape credit card to inner thigh- check

Put money in sock- check

Slip shiv inside right shirt sleeve- check

Hand sanitizer- check

Ready to rock- check.

The train ride was pretty mellow, but as we got closer to New York City and Grand Central Station, I could feel it- the presence of NYC. I would have to be on guard. I wisely had left any Red Sox and/or Patriots gear in Massachusetts, so I thought as long as I kept my head and didn't pronounce anything with an “r” in it, I cold pull this trip off safely.

Arriving at Grand Central, I walk with brisk purpose even though I had no idea where I was going. After covering several city blocks only to wind up back at that same spot, I approached the information booth carefully. Speaking to the clerk in broken english, I managed, “What freakin' train do ya take to 10th and 59th? The head gasket on my freakin' Camaro is pissing oil and my old lady tells me to take the freakin' train, if you can believe it.”

The clerk eyed me, but bought the act hook, line and sinker.

“Take the shuttle to Times Square, yeah, heh? Then the one train to 59th and 8th and ya can walk the two blocks.”

I grabbed my package and half grimaced like I had bad sausage earlier in the day- so far so good.

I hopped on the shuttle, but being unaware that it was one stop, back and forth, I ping ponged a couple times before I whispered to an elderly woman, “Is this Times Square?”

I proceeded to get on the one train, but again didn't realize it was only an express train and 59th street was the first stop. I went to 66th, then reversed direction and made it back to 59th in no time. Exiting the building, I noticed there was a 58th street running parallel to 60th street, but no 59th. Was it a trap? I wasn't sure, but it didn't look good. I asked a kid with a skateboard for directions to 59th street.

He fumbled around and brought up Columbus Avenue, so I figured he was from out of town or had sustained brain damage riding the skate board. He apologized and sat on a stone bench. I read the bottom of his skateboard which had his phone number and “if found please call.” I now saw my mistake. This kid was obviously from pout of town. No New Yorker would be fool enough to think a skateboard would actually returned if lost. Secondly, if you somehow misplace a skateboard, I might side with the Big Applers and refuse to reward such stupidity with a skateboard.

I found a policeman who informed me that 59th street ended before the station. He pointed me in the right direction. I am almost there, I am early, and as yet, no major mishaps or trouble. Walking toward 59th, I spotted a Philadelphia Phillies fan coming the other direction, brazenly wearing a Phillies hat. You had to admire those Phillies cats- absolutely fearless.

He had chewing tobacco in his lip and a bulge under is jacket that said AK47. I think it was a tad big for a saw off shotgun and too small to be an uzi or some sort of bazooka. He met my eyes as I gave the slightest nod from behind my cornea, visible only to another navigating through enemy territory. He returned the nod, but it was visible. I was filled with admiration as I thought, “you crazy bastard, you'll give me away.

I maintained my cover as I made my way toward Gerald Lynch Auditorium at John Jay College, where the taping was being held. I stopped for hot nuts on the way. I hate hot nuts and have actually never eaten hot nuts, but they help you blend in. The mistake I made last time was failure to discard the nuts
when they grew cold. No "real" New Yorker would ever let his/her nuts cool.

I had time to kill before the show. making my way up to a Starbucks. As I entered the establishment, I held the door for an elderly woman behind me.

Without thinking, I had blown my cover. The old broad read I was from out of town, but from the look of fear in my eyes and her years of savvy and experience, she rightly guessed Boston. She clicked her heel, and reflective of a James Bond flick, a sharp dagger protruded from the front of her right shoe. I got my foot up for the block and she swung it toward my knee, the poisonous tip inches from breaking the skin and injecting me with instant death.

I thrust downward at the crest of her ankle, relishing the crack which preceded her groan of agony. Feigning a downward swoon, she swung upward with the tip of her cane, also seemingly tipped with some sort of of poisonous substance. I barely evaded the cane assault, gripping the shaft and twisting it around, ending her attack by thrusting the javelin-like cane into her ribcage.

There were about forty people in the Starbucks, but luckily no one noticed as they were either retrieving or ordering lattes or focused on cell phone conversations.

I left the hag's now limp body on the floor and got in live for a beverage, trying to act natural. the next few patrons casually stepped over the cadaver and stood in line. I had maintained. I ordered small mocca with one pump of chocolate. When I went to pick up my order, I absently said, "thanks". You guessed it- cover blown. the barista dropped a pumpkin spice latte and hurdled the counter. I loosened the cover of my steaming latte, hurling toward the face of the charging coffeeman. buying myself a few seconds, I fled toward the door, hoping the old lady's body on the floor had not yet garnered attention.

As I wheeled around the corner, I reduced my pace to a steady gait, blending in with the foot traffic east on 59th street. I had escaped a fatal situation with ease. Perhaps a little too easy, I thought. Easing toward the theater, content to wait in the lobby at this point, I began to relax a bit the farther I got from the donnybrook in Starbucks.

With about a block to go, a heard a strange sound coming from a side street not much bigger than a narrow alley. It stopped me in my tracks. "Was that a baby crying?" I wondered. Curiosity and concern got the better of me and I headed down the slim side street to investigate. The sound seemed to be coming from behind a discarded cardboard box. I rounded the box and was stunned to see an abandoned baby carriage. The cries were consitent. As I closed on the carriage, a fluffy pink blanket appeared to cover the baby. As I peeled it back, I realized a moment too late that I had been set up.

A small tape recorder played the soft cries of a baby over and over. I did a double take as the baby sprang to its feet, not a baby at all, but rather a midget wielding a home made weapon. The angry dwarf lunged at me with the home-fashioned shank. The device appeared to be comprised of the handle of a pacifier attached to a bic pen welded to a toothbrush handle. The toothbrush had been melted down, then honed into a spike to form the business end of the weapon. I snapped to a bit late, as the thrust winged my cheek.

"I'm gonna send you back to beantown in a bawdy bag, punk."

I thrust forward a palm-heel to the forehead of the fake baby, rendering him unconscious. Using my latte napkin to pad the blood from my cheek, I quickly exited the alleyway and headed toward the theater.

The show came off without a hitch. At some point during the warm, I recalled George Constanza's strategy of looking annoyed to appear busy. I wondered if I could use the same strategy to blend in as a native New Yorker. As I walked to the train, I remembered all the incoveniences of the trip: not being able to park at the first train station I went to and having to find a second, not being allowed to sit in the library at John Jay Colege because I wasn't a student or police officer, the internet connection not working, no seats at Starbucks. I genuinely grew irritated as I thought about, adopting a tightness around my lips and stiffened brow. As I walked through Grand Central Station, I noticed the locals warming up to me, giving occasional nod.

I made it home in one piece, end of story.

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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Ill Repute from Oxnard

ILL REPUTE is an American hardcore punk band from Oxnard, California, formed in 1981.

They are noted for popularizing the "Nardcore" sound in the mid-1980s hardcore punk scene.

John P. - Vocals

Jim C. - Bass
Chuck S. - Drums
Tony C. - Guitar
Carl V. - Original Drummer

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By marketingb2b

Almost half of executives worldwide predict data analytics will result in an improved customer experience across the board, according to research from Forbes Insights and SAS. Forty-two per cent of respondents predict there will be a noticeable shift in their ability to deliver a superior customer experience two years from now.

Read the source article at B2B Marketing


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This category is for encyclopaedic or administrative topics about Enpsychlopedia.

Pages in category "Enpsychlopedia"

The following 2 pages are in this category, out of 2 total.

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Saturday, 14 June 2014

Why Every Individual On This Planet Should Keep and Bear Weapons

While this was taken off a tragic situation currently developing in a war-torn region, the point being made here is:

Mentally screwed people who kill unarmed, defenseless people do exist in this world, always has been, and always will be. Innocence is not an insurance against your right to life and property forcibly taken away from you.

The brainwashing that one should not defend oneself / resist (when one's right to property and life is threatened) up to and including deadly force runs deep in most parts of the world.

This has to change. The right to resist with force including deadly force to neutralize a threat to your individual rights and liberties is a Natural Law right for every individual, whether he/she is aware of it or not.


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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

My picture of texture is of my pencil. It has raised circles at the grip.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Delicate Thing

I chose this moth as my delicate item because I was outside looking for a flower to take a picture of and I found this moth, which is cooler than a flower.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Passion Project Update

I haven't really done anything since my last update whoops. I've been watching different behind the scenes of horror movies with gore in them to see how they do the effects. I have also looked up how different grades of makeup make a difference in quality. It turns out cheap makeup like dollar store lipstick is very good for adding depth to wounds; along with cheap black eyeliner because it smudges well. Even though you can get away with cheap makeup, realistic blood is worth the $10 because it's actually realistic unlike dollar store blood which doesn't show up well on wounds and only adds a shine.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Passion Project Update

               Okay this is is gonna be so cliché because I don't do formal things unless it involves dressing up but I'm doing my passion project on special effects makeup and so far my research is doing fairly good. I have found information to help me create realistic bullet wounds. I'm trying to figure out what I can use as tendons for the hand wound I'm planning on doing. Hopefully I'll be able to research rabid dog bites tomorrow. :)


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activator for Windows

August 2nd, 2015

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Microsoft has lately worked a … Download Now


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Home » » avast! Free Antivirus 8.0.1497 Download Link

avast! Free Antivirus 8.0.1497 Download Link

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Thursday, April 1, 2010

Airport Mania: First Flight

This game is said to be for kids but to me it is up to you if you said to be for kids or not. I am a player of this game so i decided to share it to you.

This game is an air controller game and exciting game(for me). The features of the game is to control the planes that are going to your airport and meet the needs and requirements before going to travel again.

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Dear Neighbor,

On January 23, 2012, the Solon deer slaughter will continue. The notorious USDA Wildlife Services (WS) will be shooting deer lured to bait. Solon is now known as the city who kills it's wildlife.  It is a town of politics without principle and science without humanity.

Solon leaders are once again dragging the reputation of the city of Solon into the gutter. USDA Wildlife Services litters the American landscape with deadly poisons and traps and often kills pets and endangered species. Between 2002-2006 Wildlife Services failed numerous federal audits. WS aerially shoots wolves and coyotes and their gunning program has caused ten human fatalities and 28 injuries. They are known to be environmentally abusive and unethical. No wonder WS likes to stay under the radar.

They spend over 100 million annually to kill more than one million animals. Americans foot the bill for this ineffective, wasteful, ecologically unsound and unethically indefensible agency. The Obama administration recently proposed a ten million dollar budget cut for USDA Wildlife Services. Costly and inhumane killing of our wildlife are wastes of tax dollars. And remember, if they aren't killing animals they aren't being paid.

Wildlife Services war on wildlife knows no bounds!

Not only do we need to get the federal government out of the wildlife exterminating business but out of Solon. An Open Public Records request in 2006 reveals a letter from USDA Wildlife Services to  Dave Hromco, wanting in on the deer killing gravy train. They asked to kill 300 deer, the same number targeted now. They have been waiting in the wings for this day.

From our friends in Solebury, PA whose town was invaded by WS to kill deer :
By Freda R. Savana -- The Intelligencer. An update on the deer culling operation Tuesday night angered about a dozen property owners who argued trapping the animals is inhumane and should be stopped. Dave Dubnanskui said, "a trap on a property there has upset passers-by who have seen a deer suffering in the small, fenced-in area. Deborah Ongara said she and her dog walked by the trap and witnessed the deer thrashing and screaming.

Reported in Mt. Lebanon, PA, where WS killed deer:
They have killed over 200 plus deer in two years. Just about every deer in our community. They shoot everything - does, fawns and bucks. They have been given permission to override all safety buffer zones, and shoot rifles in our small parks which are less than 100 yards wide, and surrounded by homes. They also shoot without notice to residents in the community.

From a 2008 news report in Mt. Lebanon, PA: When Micha Wolf walked out his front door to head to work March 7, he was saddened to see a dead deer lying in his Lindendale Dr. yard. There was a good size pool of blood about half a foot from his house. An interview with Mt. Lebanon residents revealed this. There is a conflict between USDA, Wildlife Services and the PA Game Commission, because the hunters don't want the USDA to kill all of "their" semi-tame deer. The USDA needs the PGC's approval to shoot deer in the suburbs, and to override safety ordinances. So typically the local government (councils), the USDA WS, and the PGC  (Ohio Division of Natural Resources) will allow the WS to come in if the local government will commit to letting bowhunters come in the following years.

Next year Solon intends on bringing in the bowhunters.
Over 3,000 residents voted NO to the continued bloodbath in our backyards. Though we were defeated at the polls we will not be deterred and we will not give up.

Remember, it is the job of council members to represent their constituents. Have they done that? They work for you. You voted them in and you can vote them out. The only Solon councilman to vote NO to the continued, senseless, cruel, deer slaughter was Rob Pelunis. The League of Humane Voters and Solon Deer commend him for his leadership, courage, conscience, ethics, and for holding the city of Solon to higher standards.

Animal advocacy translates into votes -- the only language politicians understand. They pay attention to groups like the League of Humane Voters (LOHV), because they know that our numbers translate into votes for them - or for their opponents. And when they're aware of our presence and our voting bloc they make what matters to us matter in Solon.

You can help the deer simply by joining our voting bloc. If you do nothing else to help stop the slaughter please make sure to register with LOHV's Solon voting bloc. You will show every council member and Mayor Drucker who is not interested in stopping the deer kill that they will not get your vote!
You will show that supporters for the deer are a landslide voting bloc and together we will demand fair representation in Solon.

Please  take one minute to join our voting bloc today. Vist and click on Join us now.

Thank you for your continued support,

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My Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center in Florida

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NASA Payload Specialist Samuel T. Durrance (Ph.D.) Speaks to ATX Participants

NASA Payload Specialist Samuel T. Durrance (Ph.D.) Speaks to ATX Participants

“Magic happens here,” NASA Payload Specialist Samuel T. Durrance (Ph.D.) told the Astronaut Training Experience participants during our orientation Saturday afternoon. He was referring to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. [Read more about Dr. Durrance in this post.]

On day three of my Chevy Tahoe Hybrid adventure the vehicle carried me to Florida’s Space Coast for an unforgettable experience. Despite the space shuttle program coming to an end, NASA is still training astronauts who will reach the International Space Station by hitching rides with the Russians. But don’t get excited. The Astronaut Training Experience (ATX) I engaged in wasn’t for an official mission rather it was a half-day hands-on crash course in what it takes to put a space shuttle mission together.

Space Shuttle Mission and Landing Simulator

Space Shuttle Mission and Landing Simulator

Do I Have the Right Stuff to Play on the NASA Team?

“This is launch control at Kennedy Space Center…this is the Public Affairs Officer. We are a few minutes away from restarting the countdown for STS- 311 heading for the International Space Station,” is what I read during our simulated space shuttle mission. By total randomness my job on this mission was Public Affairs Officer which isn’t too far from my “day job.”

The larger group of about 30 or so was broken down into smaller groups of about 10 or 11. Being the only solo traveler I was reassigned to another group to balance things out and our first task before the simulated mission was to practice landing a space shuttle and move the robotic arm to perform a task. We were to break up into pairs and since it was just me and no one to pair up with, I was tasked at manning two keypads and a joystick.

On a computer screen, we entered various codes and performed simulated activities. I suppose if I was a teenager who used a joystick for video games I would’ve done okay at these tasks but seeing it’s been more than 20 years since I’ve used a joystick, I ended up crashing the shuttle into the water, into a grove of trees and the Vehicle Assembly Building. Needless to say, I wasn’t selected as commander for our simulated mission.

Next, we toured the interior of a mock space shuttle capsule and seeing photos of the real shuttle’s interior, it was a pretty good simulation. Our simulated mission was next where we each had a station. Some were assigned to the space shuttle and others (like me) were in mission control, wore headsets and viewed various monitors, just like the real mission control.

Getting Physical During Astronaut Training Experience

Getting Physical During Astronaut Training Experience

Afterward, it was the physical hands-on experience: simulating a capsule out of control and experiencing weightlessness. Prone to motion sickness, and watching participants spin made me queasy, I opted out of the spinning experiment but did try the weightlessness. Fun stuff, although the harness gave me an awkward wedgie when climbing up and down the ladder with my arms.

Astronaut Training Experience Weightlessness

Astronaut Training Experience Weightlessness

ATX as a Solo Traveler

Honestly, this is the first attraction I’ve visited where I felt a little lonely. Everyone had at least another person and there wasn’t much interaction within the group. Having to do the computer exercise alone was a little frustrating a) because I had to do both jobs (hmm, sounds like my day job) b) the instructor was one of those who did things for you rather than you thinking for yourself, which really irritates me.  After the initial exercise, things got better.

I was also concerned I’d be the only one without kids and thankfully, this wasn’t the case. Most of the participants were adults, many older than me, and there were only a handful of kids (minimum participation age is 14-years-old). NASA is for everyone!

Meet and Greet with Astronaut during ATX

Meet and Greet with Astronaut during ATX

Nuts and Bolts of the Astronaut Training Experience

I participated in the afternoon program which meant a 1 p.m. check-in, 1:30 p.m. start with meet-and-greet with the astronaut, followed by training and graduation at about 6 p.m. (Yes, graduation with a certificate and signed photo of the astronaut we met.) All participants must wear the provided (and take home) golf shirt and name badge. Complimentary snacks and beverages are available throughout the program and complimentary lockers make it easy to store those items you don’t want to carry around. Taking photos and videos is permitted.

ATX is located at the Astronaut Hall of Fame and advance reservations are necessary. Participation includes admission into the hall of fame and discount in the gift shop (in which I utilized). The program is run by the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex concession company DNC Parks & Resorts.

Yay! Astronaut Training Experience Diploma

Yay! Astronaut Training Experience Diploma

Here’s a little trivia about me: a long, long time ago, the company I once worked for, TW Recreational Services (later acquired by Fred Harvey and name was changed to Amfac Parks & Resorts and now called Xanterra Parks & Resorts) managed the visitor complex. (I also submitted my resume to DNC about 10 years ago, they called for an interview but I already committed to another job. Only if…)

Would I do ATX again? Absolutely!

Where to Stay When Visiting the Kennedy Space Center

This trip to Florida’s Space Coast I stayed at the Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center (3655 Cheney Hwy., Titusville). Although it has exterior entries, the facility was clean, felt safe, ample parking, lovely looking pool, complimentary breakfast (included yummy biscuits and gravy and waffle station), and great value.

When I participated in the NASA Tweetup for STS-134 in April, I stayed at Royal Oak Golf Resort & Golf Club (2150 Country Club Dr., Titusville, Tel: 1-800-884-2150 or 321-269-4500). It offered a great rate, spacious accommodations and nice setting on a golf course. Rooms can’t be booked online so give them a call.

Astronaut Training Experience
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Tel: 1-866-737-5235
The half-day experience I participated in cost $145 plus tax.

Related post: “Meeting Astronaut Sam Durrance During Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center”

If the above video does not play click here.

Disclosure: My week’s use of this Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is a direct result of a blogging contest hosted by

Author: Solo Travel Girl

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led Jennifer Huber, aka: Solo Travel Girl, to a career path in tourism. She has worked in the tourism industry for more than 20 years including 10 years with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley and Everglades National Park. She currently lives in Southwest Florida, and maintains this travel blog with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely.

Share This Post On

  1. Meeting Astronaut Sam Durrance During the Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center, Florida | Solo Travel Girl - [...] can’t have an Astronaut Training Experience without a real live astronaut. After checking in for the attraction and reading…
  2. Astronaut Training Experience The Kennedy Space - [...] My Astronaut Training Experience at Kennedy Space Center in ... “Magic happens here,” NASA Payload Specialist Samuel T. Durrance…
  3. Smelly, Sticky and Sunburn: Seeing the Final Space Shuttle Launch | Solo Travel Girl - […] shuttle program’s final launch. That’s if I could have found a room. When I was in Florida’s Space Coast…

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Sunday, January 07, 2007

calculate your ecological food print!
take a minute to check it out:

I could believe how drastic my food foot print is! if i became vegan i would reduce my food print by 2 hectors... i don't know if i can manage to commit to that because i'm eating residence food, but i need to start choosing the vegitarian option more often.
after you take the quiz, if you go to the take action section you can see how much different changes in your life would reduce your footprint, it's really amazing.
Here are some relatively easy steps to take for example-

Walk, Bike, Carpool... (Drive Less)[r55][instance_uid]=1
Free Yourself From Junk Mail[r55][instance_uid]=4
Install Compact Fluorescents[r55][instance_uid]=5
Eat Less Feedlot Beef[r55][instance_uid]=2
Reduce Home Water Usage[r55][instance_uid]=8
Stop Sweating in the Winter[r55][instance_uid]=14
Inspire Your Friends[r55][instance_uid]=9

Cheers to a greener future!


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Born carefree into the history
Safe & steady guided by his ideas
You should know him by now
You hear him every day
But it's hard to remember
Those senses lie dormant and dwell

Mummy mister
Can't resist your
Muffin mixture
Or murder mysteries
Now/how would i know ?

Walk faster
Spit as the roads are crossed
It's all a disaster
Those rhymes were too easily tossed
All those thought-forms you know
Ruining your every night
But who would concieve them
Until it is spelled out so right?

Lyrics submitted by MooWasHere

Mantrick Muffin Stomp song meanings
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