text:
Real World Testing an Old Lens Just for Fun. And because it was such a nice day outside.

It was in the seventies here today with bright sun and sparse clouds.
I've done my AF fine tuning with the AF lenses but I wanted to
get out, walk around and see how another lens I recently bought
actually performed.

I put the old, Ais Nikon 25-50mm f4.0 lens on the Nikon D7000 and went for a walk through
downtown. I used the camera on manual. I set the lens at f8.0 and the shutter speed to 1/250th with the ISO set to 100. Occasionally I strayed a bit. I shot a few wide open.
I shot a few in "A" mode with auto ISO but for the most part, as above.

The color is different than my newer lenses. So is the contrast rendering.
But the resolution is very high.
At f8.0 I suspect nearly every lens is beautiful.
That's all I cared about in my shooting today.

Sharp versus SHARP. Taking time to fine tune the AF performance on each camera.

I got lots and lots of great feedback on the last blog. The one about diffraction and sensor size. And one of the things that commenters drove home is that a lot of what we were discussing is theoretically interesting but that diffraction effects, as they impact sharpness, are just one part of an assemblage of "moving parts" in the practice of real world photography. Yes, you'll see an erosion of sharpness as you push past the diffraction limited f-stops of your cameras but for many, many users that degradation will be amply masked by many other factors, from lens performance to sloppy user habits. In effect, to worry about diffraction effects while hand holding a camera and shooting a landscape is a bit daft.

I've had a busy, busy year and when we get swamped we always tend to look for magic bullets and quick fixes rather than just taking a deep breath and remembering how to do stuff right. A couple of weeks ago I mulled over the acquisition of a D810 or a D750 in a non-essential search for low hanging, sharp fruit. But a glitch during my photography at the Zach Dress rehearsal of "A Christmas Carol" did wonders to snap my brain back into "optimization" mode.

So, what was the snafu? Well, I had tested the 18-140mm Nikon lens on both my D7100 and my new D7000 bodies and found it to be very sharp wide open. Being a bit lazy and optimistic I assumed that this meant both cameras were focusing correctly and, by extension, would focus all lenses hung off the front of them correctly. Right? My previous experiences with the D7100 using the 85mm and 50mm lenses wide open showed me that that camera was pretty nicely zero'd in. It turns out that not all was merry and bright with the newer/older D7000. I had used it with a 50mm before and found it to perform well wide open but this was not the case with the 85mm 1.8G.

At the start of the performance I had the 85mm on the D7000 and I didn't like what I saw when I spot checked the first few frames at the maximum magnification of the review screen on the back. It just wasn't rendering a sharp image! I exchanged lenses between the two cameras and instantly saw the sharpness I expected with the D7100+85mm combination. Grumble, grumble.

I spent all day Weds. post processing files from four different jobs and then, after dinner, I headed back into the studio to do billing and to read through comments here concerning my thoughts on diffraction. A couple comments about how many different factors effect sharpness really resonated with me and I decided that it was time to check the AF accuracy of all the lenses I have on the D7000.

There are probably many methods that could be superior to my autofocus check process but this is what I do. I printed out resolution charts and taped them to the wall. I worked at getting my camera parallel to the wall and my exposure just right. I tethered the camera to Nikon's capture software and I went into "test mode." I went into the camera menu and found the AF-fine tune controls. I used the conventional AF, watching through the finder to make sure the green confirmation lit came on during focus. I had the camera set for center focusing point, S-AF. Once the focus showed a lock I switched the lens and body to manual to lock in the focus and then hit the live view switch. Then I painstakingly set and checked the lens at ever point, from +20 to -20. I had my monitor set for 100%. At that magnification it was easy to see the differences.

Once I knew where the ballpark of sharp focus resided I spent a while refocusing with the AF and reconfirming the sharpest setting. Turns out that the worst culprit in the tool box is the 85mm f1.8 ON THAT BODY. It needs a -19 correction to focus correctly. I suspected some sort of camera issue but the 50mm f1.8 required only a minus 3 to be convincingly sharp.

That led me to suspect that something must be wrong with the lens itself. So I put the lens on the D7100 and tried the same tests and found that the 85mm is right on the money with no calibration on that camera. The mysteries of cameras and lenses.

Cutting to the chase I went ahead and did the same testing with all the AF Nikon lenses on both bodies and fine tuned the crap out of the whole system. While some lenses were pretty accurate at zero most needed + or - tweaks of five points (out of twenty possible on either side of zero) or less to be as sharp as they are ever going to be on either camera.

Doing this convinced me of three things. First, that I'd been too lazy about technical stuff recently and I could see, immediately, the effects of increased sharpness in the photographs I took during my post calibration test drives. Secondly, that if I'm going to worry about things like diffraction and sensor size it behooves me to zero out and optimize as many parts of the equation I have control over. And, third, that the cameras we have in hand are already great performers once we've taken the time to optimize them and use the best technique.

One bright or sad note (depending on your particular camera inventory) is that the majority of my lenses, in combination with the two bodies, could use a bit of tweaking to get my money's worth when it comes to sharpness.  I did spot check a few of my mirror less bodies and found no focusing issues that I could test for. I would jump in and enthusiastically say that there were "no" problems but the cameras don't give me the tools to actually check the point of highest sharpness as driven by the camera's AF systems so, in fact, we really don't know if the mirror less (mirror free!) camera actually are any better in this regard. Maybe a bit more research is needed.

Now, when I shoot my 85mm lens at it's highest non-diffraction limited f-stop I'm actually getting all of the benefits designed into the lens and camera system and I'm hopeful that I'll see globally improved results. A fixed up camera and lens system is a good defense against incipient camera lust and delivers the same benefit of washing and waxing your old car = it makes you happier with it all.

Just a thought if you've already put in a twelve hour day and you need something to do after dinner. A sharper system is a happier photographer?


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: text/html

WARC-Type: response

text:
• Are you forward-thinking, a business owner, manager, entrepreneur?
  • Do you feel you would benefit from having a professionally produced video to help attract your ideal customers?
  • Are you looking for true value for money?
  • Does your marketing need a boost to deliver the results you want?
  • Would you like your potential customers to clearly understand your products and services so you can win more business?
  • Would you like to use video marketing to drive more people to your website and convert into customers?

We think you’ll be interested in our services.

Video Marketing: Are You Doing It Right?Firstly, we help you make a short attention grabbing video. It quickly engages with your potential customers and cleverly invites them take action.

We help you create a video that inspires your audience to want more. We dot his by identifying and targeting your ideal customers.  We do this by age, location their industry and then put your video in front of them.

These potential customers watch your video, learn more about you and your services then simply click through to your website. They then have the opportunity to watch a longer video clearly explaining your business.

We’re achieving over 25% click through rates. This is fantastic when you consider the average click through rate of a Facebook ad is usually only 0.9%

By taking your ideal customer directly to your website, you maintain their focus, and show how your services match their needs. Inevitably they will be interested to find out more

and don’t forget…

It’s vitally important that once they’ve arrived on your website you take action.

Why not ask them for their email details via a data capture form, offer a free PDF download / incentive or simply ask for a call back.

See our packages for more detail.

If you’d like a further insight into our services you can give us a call and let us know what you would like to achieve. For a quick chat and advice call 01302 272056

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-143-72-160.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2018-22
operator: Common Crawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for May 2018
publisher: Common Crawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


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

text:
Virginia Public Health Association
Public Health is...

Connecting the voices of public health in Virginia

The Virginia Public Health Association is a 501(c)3 not for profit alliance of multi-disciplinary health professionals from the public and private sectors committed to improving the health of all Virginians. Founded in 1950, VAPHA represents the public’s interest in the health of all Virginia residents and is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association. The mission of the association is to improve the public’s health in Virginia by strengthening public health practice and promoting sound public health policy.

The Association is committed to actively forming new partnerships, ideas and initiatives and serving as a forum for all of the voices of public health in Virginia to be heard.

Join Us

VPHA has a long history and a new focus and energy. The aim of the Board of Directors is to grow this organization so that it can become a powerful presence and advocate for public health in our Commonwealth.

Become a Member >>

Upcoming Events

VA Public Health Jobs

03 May 2018 11:06 AM • Ashley Tharpe

© 2000-2014 Virginia Public Health Association (VAPHA) -- All Rights Reserved
VAPHA • Richmond, Virginia

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software


text:
Apply for Services

Since 1983, we have been teaching people who are visually impaired or blind how to adapt to their vision loss so that they may function independently in their environments.

Please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the online application or download and return the application to VRS of GA.  If you have already started this process, please click here to login to your account.
  2. Please complete the top portion of the doctor/medical information and release forms, sign both and distribute to your doctor. The doctor will then fax their reports to us.

In order to schedule a Low Vision Evaluation with us you need to have had a dilated eye examination within the past 2 years.  If you are totally blind, there will be no Low Vision Evaluation.

Once your paperwork has been received by our office, we will call you to schedule your appointment.  When you come to your appointment, please bring any magnifiers, glasses, glare control shades, or other aides you are currently using.

We are happy to answer your questions.
Please call us at 770-432-7280.

You may download the form here, complete and return to our office.

Font Resize
Apply Now


WARC-Truncated: length

text:
Worship Wednesdays #12

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I hope you’re enjoying this lovely week.

There will be some changes coming beginning next week. I am moving my blog from wordpress.com to wordpress.org. Basically that allows me to control my blog and content by choosing to self-host. This will allow me to grow and change as I see fit and truly own my content.

In addition, I am changing my design for the blog. My friend Erin Lauray is creating it for me as we speak and it will be uploaded on the new blog sometime next week. Keep your eye out for that! Make sure to follow on my facebook page or on twitter to keep up with the latest information.

I wanted to share a really great song by Jesus Culture that has been blessing and encouraging me lately. I hope you enjoy it – and may you be encouraged by it, too.

Jesus Culture – Come Away

Worship Wednesday #11

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I hope ya’ll are having a blessed and joy-filled day.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure which worship song(s) I wanted to share with you today.

But then I was perusing instagram yesterday, and found this gem:

{You can find Jessi’s blog & shop here}

So, you know I had to find out about this song. I don’t listen to a ton of Hillsong United music, but the ones I do like have AMAZING lyrics.

This song did not disappoint. Holy Spirit moved in on me quick when the song began playing from YouTube. It is such a beautiful picture of Peter walking on the water and how that applies in our lives currently. It is an encouragement to trust in Jesus in the toughest of times or situations. May it bless you today and encourage you to keep on keepin’ on in the faith.

worship wednesdays instagram

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.”

Hillsong United – Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

When Waiting Sucks

Sometimes waiting just sucks.

We are in the middle of a lot of changes in our home. With my new job, our schedule has turned upside down…and it has been (at times) a rough adjustment for all of us. My husband has had to take on additional responsibilities while I work for a couple of hours in the afternoons when Eden is home from school. It certainly has not been easy.

In addition, we have been feeling/wading our way through another season of frustration in waiting for the next step. It seems to come in waves for us – periods of peace and trust in Gods timing and plan, and periods of frustration and feeling like we will never make it to step 2.

But the Word of God, my sweet brothers & sisters in Christ and worship music have all been a great blessing/comfort to me.

I posted this pic the other day on my instagram….it definitely shows me that our waiting period is for a purpose. “…waiting time is never wasted time.” MAN – God was pointing a finger right at me with that one!!!

The She Reads Truth study in Nehemiah has had a profound impact on me. I think the book of Nehemiah is a preview of what is to come for my husband and I when we finally move to Arizona. It has blessed and encouraged me so much – and I am so thankful.

photo 3

And while I know in my head that everything will be alright – that God has a plan and is working it out as we speak. Sometimes waiting just plain old sucks – and I have to work through these seasons of frustration through Gods word and through prayer. I am reminded of a very important verse that gives me strength:

photo 4

I have to believe. God is good. Amen.

Living in Acceptance

Many of us have experienced some sort of relationship breaking apart. For many, that may be a once or twice in a lifetime occurrence. But for me…well, you could say this is a “thorn in my flesh” kind-of a thing.

What I mean is….abandonment & loss of relationship has been a running theme in my life. From losing relationships with precious & loved family members, to loss of friendships, to church friends and other friends de-friending me on facebook.…I have learned well what it means experience a loss of relationship. Some of these have been because I was in the wrong, some had nothing to do with me at all and others were from issues done to me.

Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud…” 2 Corinthians 12:7

But as I have aged, I have come into a place of acceptance of such things.

When I was in my mid-twenties, I was in therapy for some issues stemming from my parents divorce. One of the most profound things my therapist said to me at the beginning of my journey was, “You’re extremely angry now. But you must come to a place of acceptance in order to survive.” At the time I thought what she was saying was plain old ludicrous.

I mean….I was so mad that coming into acceptance of what was happening seemed like an IMPOSSIBLE task. But as I moved through the stages of loss and grief, I found my way into acceptance. Getting there was certainly a long journey, but living there? Another story altogether.

Living in acceptance means that you must daily forgive those who have wronged you, as well as yourself for those you have wronged.

Living in acceptance means you must fight the apathy and avoidance that seek to cut you off from authentic, vulnerable relationships.

Living in acceptance means you have to be willing to risk heartbreak and open yourself up to new relationships with others.

Living in acceptance means you must reject fear and embrace love.

I am not going to pretend that I get it right all the time. I honestly struggle with creating new friendships and relationships. I have been told by many people that I come off as cold, stand-offish and even bitchy when they first meet me (because of how nervous I get around people I don’t know and trust). I struggle with maintaining intimate relationships with those I love. I have a difficult time communicating how I really feel.

But God is faithful. He is using this time of acceptance as a means to grow me and use me for His glory. He is using my weaknesses as a means to bring others to Himself. And He is showing me it is okay to trust and rely on Him, and others.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

I am getting there.

A day in the life

Virtual Teaching intro

When I transitioned to teaching virtually a month ago, many began to come up to me and ask me what it is that I “do.”

Presumptively, many might think I sit around at my house all day in my PJs (OK – I admit, I do often spend my days in my yoga pants) and do nothing.

But truth be told – I am working harder than I have in a long time. But surprisingly, I feel LESS stressed than when I was teaching in the public school environment. Perhaps it is all of the support I get from the top (my principal) down (my peers). Maybe it is that I get to speak into the lives of individuals every day and (finally) have the time to focus on the one-on-one relationship building teaching brings.

Work Schedule

This is my weekly schedule. Every hour is planned to keep me focused and productive!

Virtual teaching involves more phone calling and interaction, grading papers, facilitating and less of a focus on lesson planning and classroom management. I spend most of my day helping students and parents and calling to check on new students. I do teach “live” a few times a month, for students’ required live collaboration lessons they must attend.

What is the best part of working from home?

The flexibility. I love that I can work on a schedule that isn’t bound by needing a substitute. I am able to be there more for my daughter during the day and can support her better. If she is sick, I can be there and still work effectively. If I want to attend an event at her school, I don’t have to rush out to my classroom. If I desire, I can travel to my mom’s house and still work, while spending time with family.

desk 2

Where I do most of my work – at my new desk! Thanks honey for getting it for me!

Do I miss the live, face-to-face interaction? Do I get bored? Am I lonely?

Truthfully – I do miss it some. I mostly miss the students I had to leave behind. But I am getting much more interaction and support working virtually.I am able to work and interact more with my colleagues in the virtual world than I ever did while I taught in the public school system. We communicate/chat on a daily basis and we are required to team and support each other. This fosters a sense of community and support, which I often felt was lacking in my previous job(s).

In order to be successful while working from home, you must be willing to stay to a strict schedule for yourself, and be flexible in meeting the needs of your students. One way I help stay out of a “rut” is by attending group get-togethers. Many virtual teachers live in my area and we meet weekly at Panera to work together. In addition, there is another group that meets monthly to go out to lunch. It is a nice way to fellowship and meet new co-workers (and see old friends!).

desk 3

What is a day in your life like?? Do you love what you do? What do you wish you could change?

Praying for you all today – thankful for you, too. 🙂

Worship Wednesday #9

As my work life has gotten quite busy these past few days, I have been reliant on the Lord now more than ever. The strength He has given me, the peace He has provided….it has been phenomenal. The precious friends who have graciously prayed for me as I sent frantic texts to them, asking for help….what a blessing.

worship wednesdays instagram

One of my favorite worship songs that we do at church is an amazing song written by Martin Smith, lead singer of Delirious?. It so touches my soul. It speaks of those struggling, who can find comfort in letting go and letting God take over. It speaks of a place of surrender.

I pray you are blessed by this song. Whatever you are going through, know He sees you. He has everything under control. You are loved.

Find Me In The River – Delirious?

Recent Events

This week is going to be pretty busy for me at work. I was just given about 90 new students that I have to call, discuss things with and then activate into the course. Each call takes about 7-10 minutes, so….you do the math. 🙂

I am really enjoying it, however. The people I work with are amazing, supportive and uplifting. My students and parents have been gracious and friendly (so far). Every question I didn’t know the answer to, I was able to find out and get back to them within the day, keeping them happy.

caryn pic 1

{Photo Credit: Caryn Recker}

As someone who hates being on the phone, I am not on the phone ALL THE TIME. And I know God is using this as a way to build up my communication skills. I feel this is necessary as I move into a role of church planting in the future. I have a difficult time communicating, especially with people I don’t know well or trust. I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment as I have moved forward into this new job. I know only God can do that, because I am massively uncomfortable talking on the phone, especially with people I do not know.

This week is going to be a big week – lots of phone calls, but also I have some great things upcoming:

  • Tuesday, I am getting some head-shots/photos taken by my good friend Adam. He lives in New Orleans and came home with his lovely wife to visit family, and agreed to do some shots for me. He recently opened his own design & production company. If you’re in the New Orleans area, check him out!
  • Wednesday, I get to go out to lunch with some co-workers who live in the Jacksonville area. Since we are virtual teachers, we most often work alone in our homes. FLVS teachers host get-togethers monthly so we can get out of the house and work together or just fellowship. I am looking forward to a great lunch and a nice time of meeting new co-workers!
  • Friday & Saturday my church is hosting a “Wounds that Heal” conference, led by Dr. Steve Seamands. He is going to be teaching about bringing our wounds, hurts and issues to the cross. If you’re in the Jacksonville, FL area, please come out. It is free! 🙂
  • My husband has been after me to begin writing music with him. I have felt God speaking to me about faith and trust for some time. Please pray for me, that I might be open to God’s voice and write down what He has to say (and not force something to happen).

If you think of it, please lift me (and my family) up in prayer this week. It is a busy week, and I want to make sure I balance my work and family time appropriately.

Thank you all for your continued support and love. How might I pray for you?? Please feel free to e-mail me with prayer requests, even if they are unspoken.

Worship Wednesday #8

Since I am going through a season of transition while still waiting on the Lord for our future endeavors, I often find myself during the day feeling overwhelmed at frustrated. I don’t think that is uncommon, nor do I believe I should feel ashamed for feeling this way. I think this is apart of the process as God teaches me to trust Him and to rely on Him.

In the meantime, God has been using worship music (and His word) to bless me and to calm me as I move through this process and season of my life. One of my favorites lately has been “God I look to You”, sung by Jenn Johnson at Bethel Church in Redding, CA. I am linking a YouTube video below. Please take a listen. It will encourage you and bless you, especially those of you who are going through something similar.

worship wednesdays instagram

I pray God shows Himself to you today. I pray He uses you to be a blessing to others, too. Don’t forget to thank Him for who He is and what He is doing in your life! He is faithful! Hallelujah!

God, I Look To You – Bethel Music (feat. Jenn Johnson)

Rushing God’s Plan

My husband and I often get similar comments from folks when they find out that we have been called to church planting, especially since we were called way back in 2009 to Phoenix AZ. This is often what they say, “When are you leaving?” “Why are you still here?” “Do you think you jumped the gun a little bit?” and “I thought you guys were moving, what happened?”

Don’t get me wrong. I am not angry at these folks. They are well-meaning. But I think our culture has bought into something that concerns me. Many people in our area who get into church planting immediately begin fundraising, get involved with an organization to sponsor them, and within a year or two they have launched a church. We have seen SEVERAL churches who have sprung up this way in our area. And perhaps this is why people keep questioning my husband and me.

Psalm 73 23 24

It becomes very difficult to explain to people that WE WOULD LOVE to be there in AZ. My husband and I both feel our hearts pulled to the area and we would absolutely love nothing more than to drop everything and get on out there and begin ministering to those lovely folks in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

However, we both sense God asking us to wait. One of the major issues holding us back is our financial situation, particularly the fact that our home is currently upside down in the mortgage. (That means that we owe more than what it currently appraises at, so we’d have to essentially file for foreclosure or a short-sale in order to get out of our house payment.)

It would be easy to walk away. I could quit paying my mortgage tomorrow and find myself able to move to AZ in a heartbeat. It would be so easy. But my husband has had many conversations/prayers with the Lord and he believes God wants us to be honorable in our finances. That means we have to keep working hard at being financially responsible and wait on the Lord to bring us to a place where we are ready to move. Maybe that is in a year. Maybe it’s in five years. I don’t honestly know WHEN it will be.

{Photo Credit: @spolleys on Instagram}

I can predict. Give you an estimation. But ultimately I just don’t know. And the further along this path I go, I am more and more comfortable with that. It means I have to trust God. It means I cannot control this situation. It means that God has to lead me. It means I must have faith.

And I am okay with that.

I pray you are learning to trust God in your life. If you’re in a situation where you’re not sure when God is going to move or where God is going to lead you, it is okay. He has you in the palm of His hand.

God Is Up To Something…

Psalm 23

For those of you who read my blog, you may have noticed that I have been in and out lately. My new position as a virtual school teacher has kept me quite busy as I learn all new sorts of things and prepare to begin teaching new students at the end of this week. As I have been posting my day-to-day thoughts on facebook and twitter, I have been encouraged by some of my blogger friends to keep sharing what the Lord is teaching/showing me as I move through this process of transition.

The funny thing is, I feel like I have been in the process of change/transition for many years now. Ever since the call, my husband and I have been on a wonderful and scary journey with the Lord.

He has taught me so much about trust. About faith. About waiting on Him. And as I begin a new journey in my professional life, I once again find myself in a place of reliance on Him. Because honestly, I cannot do this new thing without His help and guidance.

The times where change is the toughest for me is when there is a large unknown factor….and that is when my phobia of the “fear of the unknown” often kicks into overdrive. As a teacher, this often occurs on the first day of school. Since I am beginning with a new group of students in an entirely new (to me) environment that is virtual school, if feels like the first day of school jitters times a million.

romans 8 31

Since I have had many experiences like this in the past, I know that I can trust God to carry me through. I will survive the first week or so of new students with difficult questions I may not be prepared to answer. I know He will guide me as a I learn new systems and will bring me into a place of holding onto His hand as I learn to form new relationships with colleagues, leadership, my students and their families.

The biggest goal I have for this new position is that I want a chance to be a light for Christ for my students and their families. I hope I can be someone they come to for help, not just for school issues but for other issues as well. I pray I am someone they can come to trust.

And most of all, I am believing that God will use this exciting (albeit complete scary right now) situation to further His kingdom and to bring me into a closer, deeper relationship with Him.

Thank you to those folks who have been thinking of me, lifting me up in prayer and for those who have encouraged me over these last few weeks. You are such a tremendous blessing to me. I can only pray my journey with Christ is an encouragement to you all. Keep pressing on into a deeper relationship with Him. He will use you. You are not alone. You are loved.

Director of The Malachi Network - Pastor of Avalon Beach Church "Rethinking Church, Releasing Leaders, Remaining Faithful"

A Blog Site for Biblical Insight

k r i s t a o n p u r p o s e

living life intentionally

Blissful and Domestic - Creating a Beautiful Life on Less

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

One Girl. One Thousand Dreams. (And growing!)

Green Plate Rule

Making healthy meals simple and fun for the whole family.

be forever lovely

be forever lovely, upon on all whom you heed, for we together yearn, the peace within that's freed. :: b.l.f. lund

A Royal Daughter

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

Modern Mrs. Darcy

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

erin lauray

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

Wholehearted Radiance

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

5OH Wifey

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.

Cassidy Robinson

a lifestyle blog

Offering encouragement & authenticity to women through God's word & worship music.


text:
Monday, August 31, 2009

Remind me not to get sick in Canada.

UK Times columnist Jeremy Clarkson vacationed in Canada recently. A friend and his son had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the socialist Canadian heathcare system.

Now tell me again why we should increase government control over healthcare.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Labour and the Lockerbie Bomber

When Scotland released the Lockerbie bomber, the UK Labour government made all sorts of noises that they did not approve at all, but that the decision was out of their hands.

Oh really. Although it may be oversimplifying the situation to say the Labour government directly approved the release, leaked letters indicate that at the very least the government relented and allowed for the release in return for Libyan oil.

My reason for commenting is I expect a firestorm against Labour for this. It appeared they were heading for a big defeat in the next election. No telling how bad it will be now. PM Gordon Brown may not last until then. And whether the Labour Party as we know it survives the election is an open question. Yes, I think the situation is now that bad for Labour.

Friday, August 28, 2009

ABC, NBC Refuse to Air Anti-Obamacare Ad

Having done their duty to prostitute themselves for Obama during The Messiah’s election campaign, the “mainstream” news media continue to do their duty for Obamacare, including stifling opposing views. ABC and NBC are refusing to air an ad opposing Obamacare. (NBC hints it might run the ad with alterations, but I’ll believe that when I see it.)

For ABC to block this ad as “partisan” is incredible. That from the network that ran a free infomercial for Obamacare from the White House. As Dick Morris, a past Clinton advisor noted: “It's the ultimate act of chutzpah because ABC is the network that turned itself over completely to Obama for a daylong propaganda fest about health care reform.”

The “mainstream” news media suppressed Obama’s leftist background during the election campaign. Now they are suppressing views opposing Obamacare.

Gosh, I thought the purpose of “news” was to inform us.

This makes me wonder if it is time to boycott Disney again. It owns ABC. . . . Well actually Obama does, but you know what I mean.

OUTRAGE: Successful NH Home-Schooled Girl Ordered to Attend Public Schools

Think those bad old days are long past when states ordered kids to attend public schools?

Think again.

A 10 year old New Hampshire girl has been ordered to attend public schools even though by any reasonable measure her home school education is going well. The reason? She and her education is too Christian.

In the process of renegotiating the terms of a parenting plan for the girl, the guardian ad litem involved in the case concluded, according to the court order, that the girl “appeared to reflect her mother’s rigidity on questions of faith” and that the girl’s interests “would be best served by exposure to a public school setting” and “different points of view at a time when she must begin to critically evaluate multiple systems of order to select, as a young adult, which of those systems will best suit her own needs.”

Marital Master Michael Garner reasoned that the girl’s “vigorous defense of her religious beliefs to [her] counselor suggests strongly that she has not had the opportunity to seriously consider any other point of view” and then recommended that the girl be ordered to enroll in a government school instead of being home-schooled. Judge Lucinda V. Sadler approved the recommendation and issued the order on July 14.

I am so outraged by this, it is a struggle to respond in coherent language. I will say that if this isn’t a blatant, arrogant violation of parental rights and of the First Amendment, then I don’t know what is.

I may say more when (if?) I calm down.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Brian McLaren Goes Muslim (or is it Episcopalian?)

Brian McLaren has announced that he is celebrating Ramadan this year. No, I am not joking.

Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting for spiritual renewal and purification. It commemorates the month during which Muslims believe Mohammed received the Quran through divine revelation . . .

Perhaps the biggest fraud ever foisted on mankind. So McLaren and his oh-so emergent friends will celebrate it!

This year, I, along with a few Christian friends (and perhaps others currently unknown to us will want to join in) will be joining Muslim friends in the fast which begins August 21. We are not doing so in order to become Muslims: we are deeply committed Christians.

Oh, yes. Deeply committed . . . . We hardly know what we are committed to. And saying the Faith is actually and objectively true is something we avoid like the plague, but we are deeeeeply committed.

But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them. Just as Jesus, a devout Jew, overcame religious prejudice and learned from a Syrophonecian woman and was inspired by her faith two thousand years ago (Matthew 15:21 ff, Mark 7:24 ff), . . .

Oh yes. That Jewish bigot Jesus learned from the Syrophonecian women not to be so narrow-minded. How . . . Episcopalian.

we seek to learn from our Muslim sisters and brothers today. . .

We will seek to avoid being disrespectful or unfaithful to our own faith tradition . . .

Uh, McLaren, you’ve already blown it there even before you decided to go Muslim. But do carry on.

in our desire to be respectful to the faith tradition of our friends. For example, since the Bible teaches us the importance of fasting and being generous to the poor, we can participate as Christians in fidelity to the Bible as our Muslim friends do so in fidelity to the Quran.

Oh, I did not know the Bible encouraged joining in the worship of false gods. That’s a new one on me. Must be one of those wonderful contributions of the Emergent movement.

Our main purpose for participating will be our own spiritual growth, health, learning, and maturity . . .

So we will write off those parts of the Bible we don’t like as “metanarrative” and “story” and will participate in the worship of the biggest idol ever known to man. Sounds like a plan!

Matt Kennedy, I and others have wondered if the “Emerging Church” was just a trendy version of Libchurch and McLaren just another Liberal more hip than most.

I think we have our answer.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Women’s Ordination and Lay Women

Like, most of my good readers, I’ve long been aware of the damage women’s ordination has done to the church. (And, for the record, I object to how it has been pushed on the church more than the existence of WO itself.)

What I was not aware of is how women’s ordination has diminished laywomen ministers, particularly in the Episcopal Church. From a laywoman in TEC:

What we found offensive was the complete lack of respect for our own work and vocation on the part of the women who sought ordination and were committed to their own vocations as ordained ministers. Moreover, once ordination became available for women, most of us were no longer able to work in the church. The church’s clericalism saw to that.

Christopher Johnson has more.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Jordan Hylden on The Episcopal Church

It took a while for Jordan Hylden’s excellent article on The Episcopal Church post-General Convention to cross my radar. But it finally did thanks to Stand Firm. And, though it is over a month old now, I think it worthy of consideration and comment.

I particularly want to note two characteristics of, not just TEC leadership, but Libchurch leadership across the mainline denominations, two traits that Hylden nails:

1. Putting the opinion of modern (and post-modern) men above the teaching of scripture and tradition.

2. Dishonesty in so doing.

As for same-sex blessings, Bishop Christopher Epting, the church’s deputy for ecumenical and interreligious relations, has asserted that despite Resolution C056 the convention actually “did not authorize any public rites” for the blessing of same-sex unions and so did not, in fact, contravene the requests made by the global Anglican instruments of unity. It is notable that this argument was not even attempted by Bishop Jefferts Schori and Bonnie Anderson in their letter. The word game here in play is to insist that while they were asked not to authorize any churchwide rites, no one said anything about unleashing bishops to make and use rites on their own. In short, Bishop Epting’s argument not only fails on its own terms, but it is difficult even to take seriously.

All in all, one is left with the spectacle of the Episcopal Church’s leadership trying desperately to convince the Anglican communion and countless onlookers, by the artful use of lawyerly nuance and political hair-splitting, that they did not do what they did.

Such dishonesty should not surprise. Many (most?) TEC bishops lie every time they say the creed. Or they engage in the obfuscation covered by “we believe” – that we confess this is what the church believes (but not necessarily moi). If one can so lie about one’s faith – to the Lord Himself no less – one has already jettisoned basic honesty.

Of course, dishonesty breaks down trust, and the current situation in the Anglican Communion is no exception.

Arguably, this is the worst of all possible worlds. While one might wish that the church had not decided to leave behind biblical sexual norms, it is by now clear that this is the position of the great majority of Episcopal leadership. As such, there would have been genuine integrity in stating forthrightly that the Episcopal Church disagrees with its Anglican brothers and sisters, and that, out of their prayerful discernment and sense of God’s justice, they cannot comply with the Anglican world’s requests.

But that is not the path the Episcopal Church’s leaders have chosen. . . . Many Anglicans around the world no longer believe that they can trust the Episcopal Church to say what it means and do what it says, and the actions of the seventy-sixth General Convention, along with the present stance of church leadership, will almost certainly add fuel to the flame of Anglican discord and mistrust.

Although these are the two points that stand out to me, because they are so typical of Libchurches, Hylden has more to say. I commend to my readers the whole article which is accompanied by thoughtful exchanges between Hylden and his readers.

Corpus Christi Obamacare Protest

Saturday, I drove to Congressman Solomon (aka Solobama) Ortiz’s office in Corpus Christi, Texas to join a protest against Obamacare and against Ortiz’s support of it and unwillingness to hold a real town hall to listen to his constituents.

There was a good size crowd there. Those opposed to Obamacare outnumbered those in support by 4-to-1 or more. And that even though unions tried to get their people out. One teacher there I know, who is opposed to Obamacare, said he got an e-mail urging him to come out in support.

As for Obamacare “mobs” being organized “astroturf,” no one e-mailed or called me. I found out about the protest in the newspaper even though I’m more politically active than most. This protest was hardly the work of political operatives.

I’m pleased to report the protest was peaceful. There were a few vigorous discussions between the two sides, but nothing approaching violence as in other places. You may find a video of the protest here. But it’s not very exciting. No blood, smashing windows, silly street theater or burning flags. We’re not Leftists.

Well, I almost forgot to mention two or three Lefties supporting Obamacare were in silly white robes and white face.

The Corpus Christi rag coverage was a joke. No mention that those opposed to Obamacare greatly outnumbered those in support. And you almost have to read between the lines to figure out that we were also protesting against Ortiz and his refusal to hold a real town hall. Geez, it was at his office, and we chanted “Where’s Ortiz?” Put two and two together, “reporters”.

But it was nevertheless a successful protest. When one considers how conservatives historically are not the types to get out and protest in the streets, this and protests against Obamacare across the country are remarkable indeed.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Ted Kennedy, Democracy, and the Rule of Law

As you may have noticed, a recurring topic of this blog is how Democrats, among others, subvert democracy and the rule of law through rigging the political process by various means. I have particularly focused on election fraud.

But Democrats can be lot more creative than stuffing the ballot box. Exhibit A is Senator Ted Kennedy. You’ve got to hand it to the man – he is creative and shameless to the end. Hot Air sums up what I mean quite well:

During the time Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts, Senator John Kerry ran for President and looked at times that he might win. The state legislature, egged on by Kerry’s Senate partner Ted Kennedy, changed the law regarding the selection of a replacement Senator to require a state election, keeping Romney from the possibility of appointing — quelle horreur! — a Republican in Kerry’s place. Now that Ted Kennedy is perhaps too ill to continue, Kennedy now wants the law changed back, since there’s a Democrat in the governor’s chair.

By all means, it is more important to get and keep Democrats in power than to guard the integrity of our democracy. One must have one’s priorities. But Ted Kennedy’s priorities, as always, may be slightly out of whack.

The rule of law prevails because it’s seen by most as a fair, non-partisan measure of public behavior. There are good arguments to be made for both gubernatorial appointment and special elections as processes for filling mid-term vacancies in Congress. However, actions by a state legislature and demands by partisan hacks to keep going back and forth depending on the party registration of the Governor makes a mockery of the rule of law and underscores the fact that machine politics runs Massachusetts.

Well said. And similar things could be said for New Jersey, which blatantly violated state election laws by putting Frank Lautenberg on the ballot well after the last minute back in 2002. Heck, with Al Franken, Tim Johnson, and other illegitimate senators (not to mention numerous federal judges who ignore the Constitution), Democrats are well on the way to turning this whole country into a Democrat political machine, democracy be damned. So, by all means, let’s get yet another tainted Senator from Massachusetts while we’re at it.

[catches breath, wipes foam from mouth]

Ted Kennedy and friends have better watch themselves and their machine politics, however. Sometimes, it backfires.

Back in 1959, Texas, a one-party Democrat state back then, passed the LBJ Law. You see, Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson was running for president. so they decided to rig the situation by passing a law that allowed a man to run for either pres or vice-pres and for Senate.

Well, when LBJ was elected vice-president, the LBJ Law therefore created a Senate vacancy. So there was special election in 1961 . . . and John Tower became the first Republican since Reconstruction to be elected Senator from Texas. It was the first crack in Democrat one-party Texas.

So what goes around comes around. I hope the Democrat’s comeuppance comes at the ballot box as in 1961 Texas. I fear that contempt for the rule of law will instead inspire . . . more contempt for the rule of law.

God didn’t say “You reap what you sow” for nothing.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Obama: “We Are God’s Partners in Matters of Life and Death.”

The President who would say anything reportedly said this to a meeting of rabbis:

We are God’s partners in matters of life and death.

Given his rabid support of abortion practically to the point of infanticide, I think what he really meant was “We play God in matters of life and death.”

And that’s the royal “we” to you, by the way.

And You Think I Don’t Like Obama . . .

Some of my forbearing readers may think I’m a little too hard on Obama. But, heck, I’m a softy compared to Gerald Warner, an Englishman no less.

It would not even occur to me to call Obama “President Pantywaist”.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

William Murchison: The Ruinous Sixties

William Murchison is using the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock to reflect on the 1960’s. But unlike most, his reflections are not very groovy.

He quotes Richard Lyman, president of Stanford during the time, in lamenting the damage to rational discourse:

Rationality itself was widely scored in the 1960s and suffered setbacks. It has never entirely regained its place in its supposed Temple, the University.

And I heartily agree. The impulses of the Sixties did lasting damage to higher education and, therefore, to the West.

Murchison does not buy that peace and love crap, either:

Peace and love — mere dumb show; dish towel disguises for the awful passions hiding below, starting with the passion to have it — whatever "it" might be — all one's way, without reference to norms, traditions, dignity, tolerance, free speech, the received wisdom of the species.

Sums up the Sixties pretty well, no?

A personal reflection: I’ve more than once ruminated that if I were a youth in the Sixties, I would have been alienated from my own generation. Being a youth in the Seventies wasn’t all that great either, however. Bad music, bad politics, and hilariously bad clothing. It took me twenty more years to learn how to dress after my Seventies teenagehood. (And some may think I still don’t know how to dress.)

I would have been much more at home as a youth in the Eighties, which I think is an underrated decade mainly because the Lefty literati hate the conservative triumphs of the time. The Eighties were an excellent time for popular culture, at least compared to the previous three decades. And, yes, the politics were tolerable for a change.

Of course, the mainline churches never did grow out of the Sixties and Seventies.

Hat tip to TitusOneNine.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Victory: Speech Snitch Line Killed

(Yes, after working on the novel for a while, I decided to blog after all.)

I am gratified to report that the infamous White House speech snitch line ( is no more.

Methinks the White House discovered the hard way that many of us prefer an America that is American, not Orwellian. Americans, especially American bloggers and their readers, made this speech snitch line backfire on Obama. So his people quietly did away with it.

Kudos to those who gave the White House hell (and not a few defiant e-mails). This is a fine victory.

But it is only one victory. I am convinced this administration has a totalitarian streak that won’t go away until we make them go away in 2012. In the meantime, if you like your freedoms, you better fight for them.

The Final Draft Begins

I do not plan to make normal post today. Instead, I’m about to begin what I hope will be the final draft of my novel Pilot Point, about which I will say more in due time.

Your prayers are coveted.

Monday, August 17, 2009

More Cowards

Here is the most comprehensive list I’ve come across of congressmen who are not holding town halls this August recess.

Obviously, I cannot confirm whether every name on the list belongs there. Also, some congressmen, such as mine, Solomon Ortiz, are holding (And I’m being very charitable here.) more controlled forums such as conference calls.

Meanwhile, Sen. Barbara Boxer is not only being a coward, but a pompous jerk.

No Safe Place: The Big Problem for the Diocese of South Carolina

I won’t parse Bishop Lawrence’s address of last week. Nor will I question his integrity or orthodoxy, both of which are above reproach.

But I will agree with Texanglican when he nails the big problem for the Diocese of South Carolina or any other orthodox diocese remaining in the Episcopal Church:

Sadly absolutely nothing proposed in this new "middle way" will save DioSC in the long run. One day the worthy Bishop Lawrence will leave the scene and they will have to elect a new bishop. And as long as they remain under the Constitutions and Canons of TEC their new-bishop elect, whoever he is, will have to receive consents from a majority of the heretical leadership of TEC in order to be consecrated. Any plan DioSC adopts now that does not rapidly move toward departure from TEC will eventually spell their doom.

Indeed, just as any man who refuses to ordain women has a snowball’s chance of receiving the needed consents to become a bishop in the Episcopal Church, so is the day is coming when any uncompromisingly orthodox man will be unable to receive the needed consents. And the example of Lawrence’s laborious consent process confirms that day may be very near. For that reason alone (although there are numerous reasons), any diocese which hopes to remain orthodox in The Episcopal Church is either fooling themselves or relying on a prolonged miracle from the Lord – which is not unlike staying in the Niagara River upstream from a certain waterfall.

Methinks it wiser to pray for God’s protection . . . then get the heck out.

For, as I’ve said more than once, there is no safe place for the orthodox in The Episcopal Church.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Obama’s Brownshirts Attack Disabled Woman

Details here and here.

I hold Obama responsible. This sort of thing is a predicable outcome of him sending in the union goons and ACORN/Organizing for America brownshirts.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Cowards and “Evil-mongers”

A week ago, I asked out loud whether congressmen will duck having town halls. It turns out the answer in more and more cases is yes.

These two New Hampshire Democrat congressmen stand out. Neither Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter will hold town halls with constituents. Yet both will participate in a lefty blogger party. We see where their priorities lie.

More cowards, complete with lame excuses can be found here.

My congressman? Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) won’t hold a town hall. Instead, he will hold what sounds to me like little more than a tightly controlled conference call. It appears Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is engaging in the same tactic.

Reid, by the way, has dubbed town hall protesters “evil-mongers”.

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is another coward.

Due to spam comments, I will forthwith moderate comments.

I apologize if it takes a while for your comment to appear, but until we kill all spammers, I am afraid this is necessary.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Gulag UK: Max Headroom Comes True?

Back in the late 80’s, I was a big fan of Max Headroom. I still consider it one of the more brilliant series ever made for television.

One of the fun, yet sinister, quirks of the plot was that, “twenty minutes into the future,” all households were monitored through their TVs, which they were required to keep on at all times.

I considered Max Headroom just a fun bit of good science fiction until I read this:

The British government will force thousands of the "worst" families in the country to live with 24-hour CCTV surveillance in a bid to cut back on child abuse and neglect, the Children's Ministry has said. In the next two years the government plans to expand an existing family monitoring program from 2000 families to 20,000 at a total estimated cost of £400million.

Despite growing complaints that New Labour's new Britain has in the last ten years become the most spied upon nation in the world, ahead of even China, the Labour government announced late last month that 20,000 "problem families" who have run afoul of social services officials will be watched around the clock and subjected to surprise inspections by government agents.

Cranmer is among those who have noted that the UK is already the most spied upon nation in the world. When I studied there in 2007, it was remarkable how many of those little CCTV cameras were around. Heck, one report puts the current number at 4.3 million.

With elements of the Labour regime already marking down families and prospective families for not being politically correct and secular enough in their thought, one can only imagine how far this Max Headroom/Orwellian intrusion into homes can expand.

The sooner Britons cast off these totalitarians the better.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Gene Green, Hypocrite

This is rich. Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) is using photo ID to restrict participation in his town halls to 29th District residents. Now that is understandable. He wants only constituents there. I have no problem with that.

But how did he vote on requiring photo ID’s for federal elections, something slightly more important than town halls? No, of course.

Just like a Democrat to enable vote fraud. Hypocrite.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Rasmussen Poll: Big Numbers Against Obamacare

I wasn’t going to blog this morning, but a Rasmussen Poll just out blows away any attempts to downplay opposition to Obamacare. The headline number is that Americans likely to vote are opposed to Obama/Pelosicare by a 53-42 margin. But a closer look reveals the numbers are even worse (or better) than that:

More significantly, 44% of voters strongly oppose the health care reform effort versus 26% who strongly favor it. Intensity has been stronger among opponents of the plan since the debate began. . . .

Most notable, however, is the opposition among voters not affiliated with either party. Sixty-two percent (62%) of unaffiliated voters oppose the health care plan, and 51% are strongly opposed.

Of course, those unaffiliated or “independent” voters are highly important in swinging elections. Politicians who ignore them or even refuse to hold town halls to listen to them might want to start looking for other work.

Monday, August 10, 2009

An Important Tip for Conservative Protesters

Those who are protesting attempts to ram Obamacare down our throats are right to be angry and vocal. However, I have a very important tip that applies to protests against Leftism in general.

An old tactic of Leftists is to provoke, create, or even invent confrontation to make conservatives look bad. I experienced this first hand back in my Duke days, and it still goes on today. Some examples will illustrate this better than any explanation from me.

From a recent Raleigh anti-Obama protest:

Found it interesting how they send a agitator into our conservative groups. Then they say something really stupid or insulting, trying to get you angry and have cameras ready to get it on film. It was so obvious, we all started laughing and ignoring them. Then they started to get right in your face and asking bait questions.

That is textbook. Or in this photoessay from Denver, note the Leftists using bullhorns literally in the faces of conservative protesters:

Here comes our community organizer with his bullhorn. For the next half hour or more, he will chant “FREE HEALTH CARE NOW”, “YES WE CAN” etc. with his horn directed at the faces of the health care dissenters.

During the election, on September 17, 2008, at a campaign stop in Nevada, Obama said “I want you to argue with them (neighbors) and get in their face”. . .

This woman worked in tandem with the other organizer and blasted the same people from behind. These bullhorns are extremely powerful. I saw demonstrators repeatedly ask them to point their bullhorns away. This woman in particular responded by moving the bullhorn closer to a woman who complained of ear pain.

Also, other brownshirts tried to grab signs from conservatives. Really, these Leftists assaulted conservatives with impunity. Speaking of assault, yes, goons and brownshirts may assault you . . . and then blame you for it!

Now I do NOT want to scare you from protesting and making your voice heard. This is a time to stand up and be heard. That free speech is literally under attack makes it that much more important. But be aware that brownshirts may try their worst to provoke you and to make you look bad so that your efforts work against your good cause.

So please, even when under dire provocation, keep your cool. Keep your anger from even the appearance of anything violent or inappropriate.

And, yes, it may also be wise to have a cameraman or two to document your protest and brownshirt attacks on it.

Taking One for the Team

My Rector and his family are taking a well-deserved vacation. Since the Rector’s sons usually provide the acolytes, on Sunday I was called into duty to be the crucifer, chalice-bearer, etc. for the Assistant Rector, who was the celebrant.

Now we had a small congregation and a good amount of consecrated wine. So after everyone had received, the Assistant Rector had quite a bit of port to down. He looked like he was suffering a bit as he consuming, so I whispered, “Let me know if you need some help.” And, indeed, he handed the chalice over to me and I helped out.

Now, we use good port, so I usually don’t mind downing a little extra. But, wow, this was too much. I didn’t get sick (or drunk), but it wasn’t a pleasant feeling either. You see, I have a good weakness in that once I get to a certain point of alcohol consumption (well before drunkenness), I and my body just do want anymore. (Yes, that helps keep me out of trouble.) And I pushed myself past that point rather quickly in helping my brother. I joked with people that I “took one for the team.”

Afterward, we discussed the origins of consuming all the wine after reception. My understanding now is that it is something both low and high church people have practiced. Low church, to avoid the leftovers being worshipped; high church, to avoid the leftovers being treated irreverently.

If anyone has further insight into this practice, please feel free to comment.

But both the Assistant Rector and I agree that a little less wine should be consecrated next time.

Two-Faced Obama

Not only is the Obama’s speech I noted Friday slightly chilling, it is incredibly two-faced. In the same speech, he says we should listen to each other and work together, only to later say, “I don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to just get out of the way . . .”

Check it out for yourself.

The man has no shame.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Obama: “I don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to just get out of the way…”

I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but our president is looking and sounding more like a speech-squelching totalitarian every day. Yesterday he said this:

I don’t want the folks who created the mess to do a lot of talking. I want them to just get out of the way so we can clean up the mess. I don’t mind cleaning up after them, but don’t do a lot of talking.

Watch it for yourself:

If this were in isolation, I would chalk it up to ill-advised rhetoric. But coming from a man who has just sent the brownshirts and goons to town halls and whose White House has urged people to snitch on free speech, this gives me the chills.

Hat tip to Hot Air.

Will Congressmen Duck Town Halls? (UPDATE: Yes)

Earlier this morning, I noted with alarm one tactic of dealing with citizens opposing Obamacare at town halls – send in the brownshirts and the goons.

Something else to watch for is a more passive, nay, cowardly tactic – ducking or not holding the town halls at all.

Now, I do not yet know whether any congressmen will engage in such cowardice. However, I did call Congressman Solomon Ortiz’s local office, and they said no August town halls for him are scheduled yet due to other commitments. The young gentleman on the phone did add that they may be added to the schedule later, but he did not sound very confident about that.

I am not jumping to conclusions, but I do find that strange.

Like I said, something to watch.

Sometimes I’m good. One congressman, Brad Miller (D-NC) indeed won’t hold town halls this recess. His office is using an alleged death threat as an excuse, but he did not have any town halls scheduled before the threat.

Methinks the real reason is:

(Communications director LuAnn) Canipe explained that Miller had no plans for a town hall before and won’t be holding any now, due to this event and the examples he’s already seen from the around the country: “Our point is, we’re not gonna be bullied into having a town hall so it can then be interrupted by the fake grassroots folks.”

So if you oppose Obama, you are not really “the people.” Just letting you know.

Like any Dear Leader with a totalitarian streak, Obama cannot abide “the people” standing up and opposing him on the nationalization of health care (and of just about everything else). That’s not on the Leftist script.

So he sends in the brownshirts and the union goons.

And the results are predictable and immediate. Town halls are stacked with the goons and brownshirts, and not so pliant citizens are locked out. And violence breaks out. Tampa and St. Louis are only the first instances and, sad to say, likely only a small taste of what is to come.

By the way, I warned you about this sort of thing on Inauguration Day.

A personal note: I understand if some of my good readers think I am being alarmist. And I do not presume to know whether Obama and his administration is totalitarian. But again and again, his administration is acting the way totalitarian regimes act. And our freedoms are under attack, very direct attack now. And that is reason for alarm.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Obama Wants You to Snitch on Free Speech!

I’ve more than once noted that the Obama Administration has a creepy totalitarian side to it. Well, here they go again. This time the White House blog in a now infamous post, urges people to report those who are saying “fishy” things about Obamacare. The speech snitch e-mail is if you wish to report me.

As you can imagine, some are having a bit of fun with this.

But it really is creepy, to say the least. Urging people to snitch on speech is the sort of thing totalitarian regimes do. And just exactly what will the White House do with a list of dissidents? Senator John Cornyn is right to call out Obama on this.

By the way, can you imagine the furor if Bush had a speech snitch e-mail address? The Lib/Left gave him grief when he urged people to report what might be terrorist activity, a far cry from political speech snitching. Where now is the Left’s outrage?

:crickets chirping:

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Americans are “on board” Obamacare. They really are . . . or not.

Democrats and Leftists can explain away the strong opposition to Obamacare all they want. But how to explain away this?:

American voters, by a 55 - 35 percent margin, are more worried that Congress will spend too much money and add to the deficit than it will not act to overhaul the health care system, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today. By a similar 57 - 37 percent margin, voters say health care reform should be dropped if it adds “significantly” to the deficit.

By a 72 - 21 percent margin, voters do not believe that President Barack Obama will keep his promise to overhaul the health care system without adding to the deficit, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University national poll finds.

American voters disapprove 52 - 39 percent of the way President Obama is handling health care, down from 46 - 42 percent approval July 1, with 60 - 34 percent disapproval from independent voters.

The numbers are overwhelming and a bit hard to argue with. No wonder Obama, Emanuel, and Pelosi tried to ram Obamacare through before Congressmen went home on recess to get an earful from constituents.

But those are just angry extremist mobs. The American people really are “on board” Obamacare, right? Right?

Smoking Gun: Obama Advocates “Single Payer . . . Universal Health Care”

When Obama tells you that he doesn’t want a government takeover of health care, he is lying, pure and simple. And his own words prove it.

Here is Obama from 2003:

The White House and its propaganda whores are throwing up a smoke screen to distract from Obama’s real agenda. Facts can be so annoying when you are attempting a power grab through lies.

MORE: Newsbusters has posted a good chronology of this spat.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Peaceful Muslims in Northern Nigeria

Peaceful Muslims have attacked Christians and police in Northern Nigeria the past few days.

That police stations, a prison and a customs post were attacked along with churches tell me that this is an attack on the whole society there, at least on those who aren’t peaceful Muslims.

Do join me in praying for the targets of these thugs.

MORE: I should add that the targets of these thugs likely include Muslims who aren’t as extremist as they. So do also pray for Muslims who really are peaceful.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Schori Teaches My Sunday School

Yes, I’m serious. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church herself taught my little REC Sunday School class. I guess 135 years away from the Episcopal Church is enough for her to let bygones be bygones.

During the week, I intended to teach on the Gospel lesson in which Jesus warns us to beware of false prophets in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15-21). I had a lesson prepared. And then I saw this:

Well, I had to change my lesson on the spot. Schori’s teaching is downright providential and taught the said Gospel lesson better than I could.

So I had my class watch the clip. Then, among other things, we noted the following:

1. How reasonable she sounds.
2. How she wears a collar and speaks in church just like a genuine Christian leader. The uninformed can be taken in by such things.
3. How she starts out with truth, i. e. Jesus did die for the whole world. God’s promises to the Jews indeed are not broken.
4. How she then uses that basis of truth on which Christians agree to veer in a completely different direction. Her departure is very subtle at first, but then accelerates.
5. If one is not very familiar with the basics of the faith, it is very easy to be taken in by such false teaching. Accordingly, the best way not to be taken in is to know the faith well. (I noted that those combating counterfeit money are trained by becoming familiar with real money.)
6. How her “fruit”, such as suing the faithful, is a good tip-off to her true colors.

Like I said, Presiding Bishop Schori taught my Sunday School class by illustrating the Gospel lesson very well.

And to think I once said that she shouldn’t even teach Sunday School. Mea culpa!

The Race is On!

It appears that after that Episcopal Church General Convention that did not lift the moratorium on gay bishops (Nudge, nudge! Say no more!), trendy dioceses can hardly wait to have more gay bishops. In fact, the race is on to be the first diocese with the first post-Robinson gay bishop. Minnesota and L. A., of course, are in the race, and who knows who else might join in.

One of the two gay L. A. candidates has even written on love triangles in the Bible. Now that is avant garde!

When it comes to being trendy, junior high kids have nothing on these people.


text:
Fox: Alliant RFPs will be out in August

The request for proposal for the 10-year, $65 billion Alliant contracts for governmentwide information technology services will be issued in August, according to Neal Fox, the General Services Administration's assistant commissioner for commercial acquisitions at the agency's Federal Supply Service.

Fox spoke today in Arlington, Va., at a conference held by the Coalition for Government Procurement, a nonprofit association of federal contractors.

GSA originally planned to issue the final RFPs at the end of July. The agency issued draft RFPs for the Alliant Full and Open contract and Alliant Small Business contract March 31. Industry comments on the draft RFPs were due June 3. GSA will issue the awards in summer 2006.

The Alliant Full and Open contract has a $50 billion ceiling, while the Alliant Small Business contract has a $15 billion ceiling. GSA will issue roughly 20 awards under Alliant Full and Open and 40 under the Alliant Small Business. The agency has stipulated that one-half of subcontracting dollars must go to small businesses under the Alliant Full and Open contract.

More information is available on the Alliant Web site.

Reader Comments

Please post your comments here. Comments are moderated, so they may not appear immediately after submitting. We will not post comments that we consider abusive or off-topic.

Please type the letters/numbers you see above

What is your e-mail address?

My e-mail address is:

Do you have a password?

Forgot your password? Click here

  • Dive into our Contract Award database

    In an exclusive for WT Insider members, we are collecting all of the contract awards we cover into a database that you can sort by contractor, agency, value and other parameters. You can also download it into a spreadsheet. Our databases track awards back to 2013. Read More

  • Navigating the trends and issues of 2016 Nick Wakeman

    In our latest WT Insider Report, we pull together our best advice, insights and reporting on the trends and issues that will shape the market in 2016 and beyond. Read More

contracts DB

Washington Technology Daily

Sign up for our newsletter.

I agree to this site's Privacy Policy.


text:
Spanish Project Explores Energy & Material Recovery from Old Landfils

Landfill Mining Moves One Step Closer

In Spain Ferrovial Servicios has been running a project to determine just how soon energy and materials could be recovered from historic landfills.

Subscription required

You need an active subscription in order to access to the content of this page.

Features Digital Subscription Digital & Printed Subscription
€ 59 € 98

per year

per year,
international shipping

Subscribe now Subscribe now
Access content for registered users
Newsletter subscriptions included
View epaper archive
Access selected premium articles
Download magazine issues as PDF
Receive 6 printed issues per year


text:
Interlaken SAT/ACT prep – WaveLength SAT tutoring + test prep classes

I have nothing but good things to say. The classroom setting is great with a chill your professional classroom. I learned a lot and also different strategies to use on the SAT and ACT. Marlee and Matt really care how well I perform in and out of class. I would highly recommend WaveLength to my friends if they need help on this brutal SAT. Thank you so much for what both of you have done over the course of a month!


text:
Bethune College Undergraduate Admissions 2010 | Bethune-Cookman University Admissions 2010 | Bethune College Admissions Online Application Forms

Bethune-Cookman University is an institution filled with rich history and beloved traditions, and a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service. From its beginnings as a school for young African-American girls to its status as a University, with seven academic schools offering 35 undergraduate degree programs and a master’s degree in transformative leadership, B-CU has educated generations of lifelong learners and community leaders.
Undergraduate Admissions

Bethune-Cookman University seeks to enroll students with the potential and desire to further their intellectual, spiritual and social development. Each applicant is evaluated individually. Your academic performance at the high school level is extremely important. The University also considers the applicant’s character and personality as well as his or her ability and eagerness to achieve a college education.

Undergraduate Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission to Bethune-Cookman University, students must have satisfactorily completed an accredited high school curriculum with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Coursework at the high-school level should include the following, each with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0:
• four units of English
• three units of college preparatory math
• three units of natural sciences (at least one laboratory)
• three units of social sciences and history
• six academic electives

Application Procedures

All students applying to B-CU must submit the following credentials:

1. A completed application for admission, including a one page essay on one of four topics detailed in the application.

2. A $25 non-refundable application fee or official fee waiver form obtained from your guidance counselor

3. Official copies of transcript(s) including all high school academic experiences.

4. Standardized test results – SAT or ACT. Test scores should be forwarded directly to the University by using Bethune-Cookman’s CEEB code number, 5061; ACT code number, 0720.

While there is no stated minimum test score, candidates should have achieved scores near the national averages of college-bound students. The ACT English/Writing or SAT Writing sections are required for scholarship candidates.

5. Counselor’s recommendation form attached to the application.

Click Here For Bethune College B.A/B.Sc Admission 2011-2012 Forms

If you have questions, please ask below

Leave a Reply

If you have any questions headover to our forums

You can use these XHTML tags:   <acronym title="">


text:
New Twists and Turns Coming to 20th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Course

Discussion in 'Disney Corporate and General News' started by Wendy, May 17, 2012.

  1. Wendy

    Wendy Administrator Staff Member Administrator

    Jun 30, 2008
    Likes Received:
    Trophy Points:
    The countdown has begun to the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon on Jan. 13, 2013, and not surprisingly, our runDisney folks are hard at work putting their creative juices together to come up with some fun new twists for the race.

    So far they have added some special entertainment along the 20th mile to commemorate the 20th anniversary and added a post-race party at Downtown Disney. They are also working on the creation of a special 20th anniversary medal, which Iâ€™ll reveal later.

    But the latest development that I can share with you now involves some unique twists to the course. Hereâ€™s a hint: the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon is going to have some â€œhigh-speedâ€™â€™ elements that will knock this race â€œout of the ballpark.â€™â€™

    Check out this video for all of the new details about the fun enhancements to the 26.2-mile course that will go through the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks â€“ and a few other places you probably never dreamed about.

    If you want to get in on the fun, just sign up at for the marathon or any of the other family-oriented races taking place here during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna, Jan. 10-13.

Share This Page


text:
Harsha V. Madhyastha

Associate Professor
Computer Science and Engineering Division
University of Michigan

E-mail: harshavm x umich y edu (where x = AT and y = DOT)

Harsha V. Madhyastha's research spans the areas of distributed systems, networking, and security and privacy. Most of his work focuses on simplifying the development of and enabling the cost-effective deployment of performant, highly available, and privacy-preserving Internet-scale software services.

Many of the systems developed as part of his research have been widely used and have had significant impact. For example, WhyHigh has reduced latencies to Google by an order of magnitude for millions of users, the MyPageKeeper system for detecting social malware is in use by over 20,000 Facebook users, and Internet topology and performance data from the iPlane system has been used in research projects at over 100 institutions. His work has also received the IRTF's Applied Networking Research Prize and led to award papers at the USENIX NSDI, ACM SIGCOMM IMC, and IEEE CNS conferences.

His research has received support from the Army Research Office (ARO), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) agency, Amazon, VMware, multiple Google Faculty Research awards, a NetApp Faculty Fellowship, a Facebook Faculty Award, and an NSF CAREER award.

Publications | Press | Software and Datasets

Selected Recent Papers

Cloud Storage and Computing

Web Performance and Internet Routing

Security and Privacy

Software and Datasets

  • MyPageKeeper: Facebook app for efficient and scalable detection of social malware
  • Twitsper: Android app that enables private group messaging on Twitter
  • scc: Tool for identifying cost-effective storage configurations for cluster applications
  • Dataset of metrics that quantify the complexity of content on web pages
  • Dataset that characterizes latency-based redirection of client prefixes to Google's CDN
  • iPlane: Measurements and predictions of routes and performance metrics on Internet paths


text:
Windows Vista ISO Download (Bootable) 32 Bit 64 Bit

Windows Vista Free Download ISO 32 bit 64 bit. Here you can download full bootable official ISO of Windows Vista 32 bit and 64 bit just in a single click.

Windows Vista: Product Review:

Windows Vista often called as “Vista” is a major hit by Microsoft after XP, which requires a good amount of Random Access Memory to operate itself and to provide more security, stability and dynamic controls in comparison to Windows XP. Vista is considered as one of the mega project ever done by Microsoft as they had to meet the challenging demands of modern security and OS essentials. OS has made its place and warmly welcomed by whole PC industry even at the availability of BETA version. Loopholes in XP were evident and that has desperately demanded a versatile, stable and more secure operating system to cater Computing needs, hence Vista is all about something new to XP and that is mainly concerned with less frequent system crashes, multiple editions, built-in support options and above all the ever wanted stability. Have a check at Windows 7 All In One ISO.

OS is quite committed to offer more security connectivity to outer world, in comparison to its predecessors, further it has supported High quality visuals and a bit more of the resolution. Literally speaking, still Windows Vista (ISO) is not much adorable to OS enthusiasts as there are some major improvements in the OS industry and that are reflected by the presence of Windows 8 and Windows 10. Nevertheless, security center in Vista is well established and equipped with user guidance notes and realistically every hardware is pretty much in control to the adjustment of its usage by OS. Multiple editions are being introduced to deliver and perform respective functionalities. For an instance Home version is a basic one to fulfill Computing needs for simple usage, applications handling, browsing and games, while Enterprise and Ultimate edition’s are blessed with some serious improvements from XP, leading from catchy look, enhanced system performance, Tablet PC’s compatibility and commitment about some other important aspects of Business related and Entertainment features. If you are addicted to modern OS then have a look at Windows 10 All in One ISO.

Windows Vista ISO Download (Bootable) 32 Bit 64 Bit

If you are about a large organization or a professional in business, the Ultimate, Business or Enterprise are the perfect choices to be opted from. Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions are specially designed to meet Multimedia needs as well, and for that a good looking media center is there to provide all what it required for the entertainment purpose. Similarly something new and improved has also been added in the form of extensive security, networking and drive encryption. Vista is basically designed to provide advance features but with simplicity in usage and swiftness in performance. In comparison to older operating systems, definitely the vista is more serious about hardware requirement and demands a Gbit of RAM as well as a reasonable processor to perform its functions smoothly and hassle free.

Windows Vista ISO Download

If you are convinced with “Vista Abilities” crafted above or no, have a look at some other compelling features for the said OS which are arranged in a form of list below.

Windows Vista: Salient Features:

  1. A comprehensive OS for Computing and Gaming.
  2. Stable and comparatively secure.
  3. More control over the search options.
  4. Supported more media apps and programs.
  5. A major release by Microsoft.
  6. Availability in the form of multiple editions.
  7. Built-in technical support and help.
  8. Smoother in operations.
  9. Improved in security and connectivity.
  10. Supported well with 32 bit and 64 bit systems.
  11. Unlock more features by giving Vista a try.

Windows Vista ISO (Bootable) 32 Bit 64 Bit

Windows Vista: Important Product Details:

  1. Product Nomenclature: Windows VISTA.
  2. Class: Operating Systems.
  3. Date for Upload: 14th of March 2016.
  4. Setup Name: Windows_Vista_Ultimate_SP2_32/64_Bit.iso
  5. Size for Setup: 2.50, 3.30 GBits respectively.
  6. Setup Type: Bootable ISO Images.
  7. Developers: Microsoft.
  8. Version: Free Trial.
  9. Compatibility:32 Bit, 64 Bit.
  10. System Requirements: 1 Ghz Processor, 1 GB RAM and 17 GB free Hard Disk Space.

Windows Vista ISO Download Free

Our Suggestion About Windows Vista:

Vista could be a good choice if you are not much impressed with today’s modern operating systems. It can provide a simple and faster platform to do multiple tasks simultaneously and with ease. If you are looking for an operating system that stands between XP and windows 7, then Vista would be an immaculate choice.

How to Download Windows Vista:

Individuals links are being provided to download Vista SP2 32 bit and 64 bit with high speed, All you need to opt for a required system architecture and hit download button.

                                                          32 Bit Windows Vista

                                                         64 Bit Windows 7 Vista

Last Updated By on March 14th, 2016 in Operating Systems

30 thoughts on “Windows Vista ISO Download (Bootable) 32 Bit 64 Bit

    1. There should be some problem with your Internet connection, its downloading. Even with bare Chrome/Firefox. Well Try it using Internet Download Manager.

      Thanks for your query.

  1. Hello is it run well? There is no problem about installs in vista or updates. I see many problems in net. Its important to me to download any update to set up my grafic card or others programs. Did you test this iso X64? Thanks anyway.

  2. Hi, I have a vista home basic 32bit version but my processor is Intel Pentium Dual CPU E2160 @ 1.8mhz, which i saw in Intel page – is 64bit, so is it possible to go to 64bit Vista home basic or else download key and if so will i lose all changes i have made, drivers, updates and so on and will computer run faster, or it is not possible and desirable??! Thanks!

  3. Souptik Abesh Singha

    - Edit

Add Comment


text:
What is Drupal?

Drupal is an open–source CMS platform, that drives many sites and apps, including some of the most important sites on the web for example – Economist.com and WhiteHouse.gov. It is taken care of by a global community of over 500,000 end users and programmers who frequently add fresh updates and also add the most advanced systems on the web.

You can employ Drupal to make any sort of website – a private blog, discussion board, a media site, an online shop, etc. Due to the multitude of available add–on modules and preconfigured web themes for feature–rich web sites, you’ll have a very good grounds for jump–starting your web site.

Drupal is a registered trademark of Dries Buytaert and shares no connection with Web Hosting and Server Store.

Drupal–Optimized Linux Hosting Services Services

Assuming that you’re looking for the easiest option to get started with your Drupal site then you have discovered the ideal place. At Web Hosting and Server Store we offer quick Drupal installation and setup for all of the Drupal Linux hosting services accounts. With each Drupal Linux hosting services account, it’ll be quite easy to select a new com domain for just $12.50, or move your current one – once again for no cost!

Web Hosting and Server Store’s Drupal Linux hosting services plans are safeguarded through a 99.9% service uptime guarantee plus a 99.9% network uptime guarantee. Every single Linux hosting services account provides infinite disk space, unlimited traffic and infinite MySQL storage. Plus, our tech support crew is ready to help 24/7. They have a 1–hour maximum reply time guarantee and most of the time answer back inside of 20 minutes.

A Point & Click Web Control Panel

For you to far better handle your site, each and every Drupal Linux hosting services offer incorporates Web Hosting and Server Store’s custom Web Control Panel. It’s made by us to function solely with Web Hosting and Server Store’s hosting platform. This gives it a critical advantage over other control panels – our Web Control Panel is substantially swifter and much more secure. Additionally, it allows you to simultaneously manage your domain name as well as your web sites.

In addition, with our Web Control Panel you’ll also find many entirely free tools and bonuses which can help you with your site. It will be simple to utilize our drag–n–drop File Manager, our all–inclusive E Mail Manager, our Domains Manager with multi–domain controls, our App Installer that enables you to easily set up more than 40 diverse web apps, our Web Site Accelerator Tools that can significantly boost the speed of your websites and much, much more.


text:
Lid, PS, round, Ø8cm, black

Product code
Order quantity

£23.60 /Box, 1000 pcs Excl. VAT

In stock
1 item

Black sip through lids for 12oz and 16oz disposable cardboard cups.

No spills on the way

These sturdy lids made of recyclable plastic (PS) fit all our 12oz and 16oz smooth and ripple walled cardboard cups. Your coffee, tea, hot chocolate or soup will be easy to carry with no risk of spills and will stay at the right temperature for longer.

White lids

These lids are also available in white.

Product code HP12STLB-A
Brand Neutraal
Colour Black
Shape Round
Material PS
Microwave safe No
Weights and measures
Diameter (cm) 8.0

Brand Neutraal

In addition to our extensive offering of existing and own brands we also supply an ample range of neutral products. These non-branded products can be found in our webshop under the ‘brand name’ Neutraal (neutral). Neutra(a)l products are available in virtually every product category, from cardboard boxes, disposables and cleaning materials to office articles, carrier bags, gift packaging and many more.

Quality and affordability
Our neutral range offers an exceptional combination of quality and affordability. You can be sure that the Neutraal products are priced as low as possible – you are not paying for a brand name! We can guarantee quality thanks to our own laboratory which tests every product and ensures compliance with various specifications and legal requirements. We have the necessary certifications to do this including ISO 9001, BRC-IoP, FSC and GS1 DAS.

Own printing
The Neutraal products are ... neutral, so as standard are not printed. This makes them ideal for use within your own packaging concept. If you opt for a larger quantity you can have the products printed exactly as you wish with your personal logo, text or image. Feel free to ask about the options.

No reviews yet.

Write a Review


text:
Brad Bird On The Value of Bringing Disney-level Quality to Hand-Drawn Animated Movies

Brad_Bird_Iron_Giant_Special_Edition_TrailerToonzone News reports on Brad Bird’s (The Director of The Iron Giant and The Incrediblesrecent Collider interview: Bird “thinks traditional, 2-D, hand-drawn animation is poised for a comeback, but the only way it can do so is if it breaks into different genres than the musical format that dominated it until the advent of CG.” Bird thinks traditional animation could do any genre, including an effective horror film:
Via Collider:

“[T]here’s never been a horror movie in animation executed at Disney-level quality and hand-drawn. I’m not talking about CG; I’m talking about hand-drawn, but it doesn’t take a lot to imagine how cool that would be. If you think of the scariest parts of Snow White or Pinocchio or Fantasia with Night on Bald Mountain, you could do something really scary in animation, and I think if you did it right, if you did it with all the art that Spielberg did Jaws, I think that it would be an amazing experience because there’s something intuitive about when people are drawing directly with their hands.”

Bird makes some interesting points in the interview, including praising Disney’s old practices, for theatrical hand drawn animation, of keeping together a cohesive production team from one film to the next in hand drawn animation:

The problem is that every time people have deviated from the Disney playbook in hand-drawn animation, they’ve done so with staff that are nowhere near Disney-level talent or Disney-level budgets. So you have things like Heavy Metal, which not all of them are great, but a couple of them are really interesting, but they didn’t have the money or the artists to pull them off at the level that maybe they should’ve been pulled off. Where as in live-action film there are all kinds of new films being done in different genres where people can really execute an idea at a top level. It’s just that animation rewards grooming a team and keeping a team in place. That’s why when studios try to emulate Disney on the quick-and-cheap they always fail, because Disney has refined their animation team over years, they have a history of it, people go to Disney and know that there’s going to be a job after the movie, there’s going to be another movie. And when you assemble animation teams the way you do a live-action film, you’re often struggling a bit to get a cohesive team together, so if you have a team that works well together, you’re hoping for another film so that you can refine the team.

There’s certainly validity to that outlook. Having said that, I think Bird is speaking on more of a feature-film tier of quality to require a groomed, cohesive Disney-level team to tackle a genre film. I don’t think the absence of a tight-knit, seasoned Disney level crew should preclude hand-drawn animated genre films from being produced. Given the outlets available to audiences these days with home video, rental services like Redbox, television, streaming services like Netflix, and digital download, among other avenues, I think the future yields more and more chances to see a variety of well-financed hand-drawn animated genre films. With the advent of and continued strength of crowd funding like Kickstarter, studio-financed films aren’t the only game in town to “execute an idea at a top level.”

Collider has their “full interview” with Brad Bird coming soon. Also coming soon? My graphic novel Intercept Now! Also, also coming soon is The Iron Giant: Signature Edition theatrical release, which hits cinemas on September 30th and October 4th via Fathom Events. If you haven’t seen the film before, you really should treat yourself and see it on big screen to get the best viewing experience possible. This is one of the best theatrically-released hand drawn animated films ever, and it was indeed produced with Disney-level animators, offering up some truly amazing and inspiring animation; not to mention some truly iconic character design and production design:

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Logo

You are commenting using your account. Log Out /  Change )

Google+ photo

You are commenting using your Google+ account. Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

There was an error retrieving images from Instagram. An attempt will be remade in a few minutes.

%d bloggers like this:


text:
Where have the listings gone?

News, announcements and discussions about Weight Weenies. (members, please do not start topics in here.)

Moderator: Moderator Team

Post Reply
Posts: 231
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 6:44 pm

by gilesharrison

Posts: 17
Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2010 11:02 pm

by dlpj

Ah! I was wondering why the Listing haven't been updated in a few years. I like this setup.

nice job!

Post Reply