News for today's 2018

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

12:44 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Have you ever thought why no mainstream media reports on the "Occupy Wall Street" protests, which is in its 6th day ?????</b><br /><br /><div style="color: red;"><b>Updated 27 September 2011  </b></div><b><span style="color: red;">with a link to</span></b><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/wall-street-protest-arrests-331/">http://rt.com/news/wall-street-protest-arrests-331/</a></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>which confirms my question</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrFQs5X-I1Y?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjJ9nEi6Qdw?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div>

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Have you ever thought why no mainstream media reports on the "Occupy Wall Street" protests, which is in its 6th day ????? Updated ...

Weigh In and Weekend Plans

11:10 AM Tukiyooo 0

I guess all that struggling didn't matter after all, because I dropped 1.8 lbs this week, bringing me back closer to my first 10 lbs loss!  I'll take it.<br /><br />Obviously you saw that this past week was definitely an "off" week for me.  I couldn't get the healthy living thing together.  Yesterday (Friday) I got myself started off on the right foot, however.  Since I missed my usual Wednesday WW meeting, I attended yesterday morning instead.  As it turns out, the lady leading Friday's meeting was the old leader I used to go to 2 years ago.  It's funny how people change in just 2 short years - she looked a lot different (in her clothing & hair style).  But, I was so pleased to discover that she had the Pumpkin Fluff recipe posted on the board at the front of the meeting room.  It was my lucky day!<br /><br />Why?  Well, I'm going to a party tonight to honor a friend of mine who will be getting married in just a few weeks.  My job was to make a dessert and so I thought I'd make the pumpkin fluff, but I knew I'd have to do some searching for the recipe because I couldn't remember where I put it.  I couldn't remember exactly what the pumpkin fluff was used for either.  All I could remember was the name, and that I wanted to do something fall-inspired.  And low and behold, there was the recipe at the front of the room :).  I will share this recipe with you this week - it is incredibly pumpkiny and so decadent.  I'll be using it as a fruit dip (it's so versatile, you can really use it any way you like) with cut up apples and pears and vanilla wafers.  I'll be sure to take pictures :).<br /><br />Since I love cooking, and felt like the fruit tray wouldn't be enough of a dessert, I also made an apple crisp, which I will also share the recipe for.  This crisp is meant to serve 12, but I'm going to try to cut it up a little smaller to make more serving sizes as well as a smaller Points+ value per serving.  I cannot wait to try this tonight with some fat free vanilla ice cream on top!<br /><br />Until the party begins, I'm going to continue cheering on my Nittany Lions who are playing Eastern Michigan today in Happy Valley.  WE ARE!

I guess all that struggling didn't matter after all, because I dropped 1.8 lbs this week, bringing me back closer to my first 10 lbs los...

Poetry sites that will get words flowing!

7:25 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>Submitted by Fiona Beal</em><br />One of the things I love doing with a class is writing poetry. The students come up with the most interesting ideas and words. Playing with words always gives me a thrill. There are so many free interactive sites available that can make the teacher’s task even easier, and the learners experience more memorable.    <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>1. ETTC (Educational Technology Training Centre) – Instant Poetry Forms</strong></span> <br /><a href="http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm" title="http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm">http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/newpoem.htm</a>  <br /><br />This is a really great poetry site but it can be used for so many other subjects as well. If you scroll down on the left you can preview some of the templates with samples. Students fill in the blanks with their own content and click “Create”.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4ZrflI0H6CR25WcqP6VYMRYrFkkrboKDQvfWeSJ39_netZYDKs0DLO_pbWpAl6DKAdq3div__zuBCCVaaWrYDWw8NN3wiBQJCGXR_OXKd_iOwQ-ey8B_jUwmmnjnUd5byoBMRQ5vdfw/s1600-h/ITC3.jpg"><img alt="ITC" border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5xZgzXsX6C-z34EOvAa-6BPr4hnH9UToPXrbu7pRVYdjJ52xBXHwxeDUGqu3Jpp8EhgzZC910qiiXPhZPkGsA_NpNi5dLc0ANckpGampS6ahlaYzIovt7wWCY1iSqKoAAluPW3CKzzM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ITC" width="242" /></a>  <br /><br />For example, here is one of their poem outlines:  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpnZzrfsO-rOvxohuAo0Hp8jaX42MgMaFJ68i0x7Cprj-SakPa2eiBEViwwBELJ_lA1is5JgdXlkMeFscXJYkjbwjtY4h4CYtyto8KpCmwvwwsbEhjGtWDiGwx3UWNKd7cWHQgwuQ3ZE/s1600-h/ETTC-sample4.jpg"><img alt="ETTC sample" border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7VX2WspgIg_LRD7FOCuLFtgTbj-0D3FwQuebvWWCTvAuxwWgmWBLwLKSuQQtawoJy8wmYY-M-fP5acP-6mN7P2j6Kl0-xefy6qW-5x7sD1WyWHGfmbf86SHKjxLK0HLpgkP-dQujVAGM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="ETTC sample" width="241" /></a>  <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>2. Giggle Poetry<br /></strong></span><a href="http://www.gigglepoetry.com/index.aspx" title="http://www.gigglepoetry.com/index.aspx">http://www.gigglepoetry.com/index.aspx</a>  <br />Giggle poetry is an award-winning poetry website with many different features, one of which allows students to fill in the missing words at the end of lines of poetry.This site is great for the younger students.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8-lJj_JE0B2GqthwaSUbzfgfIsxpZLR6e_NWGJC0BO1G1pp65cFV_vZKO3wO0dWasIg_Dukp_fu6TJnzyu7Z1weSWRiErevDRllTflCed4CYPeVPvY7bLeBz7P3w20PKmDoUxLVTaac/s1600-h/GIGGLE-POETRY2.jpg"><img alt="GIGGLE POETRY" border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YsTzkPaHn4aEwHBsBZLaiaHVNUVzQ3oieP-S9wjJKQ21ov6uus6GBiSv9Z0NJ4YS5snpneYmeMs8O8jW44PfrSLma8aMIE2uo6gHbs854RgmrCRFx6qT71wel6NA4Q6byYxhqirn7Ic/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="GIGGLE POETRY" width="244" /></a>  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><br />3. Piclits<br /></strong></span><a href="http://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx" title="http://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx">http://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx</a><br />  <br />I have referred to this site before in my post on 10 creative writing sites, but I love using it for poetry writing as well. It is also a great way to teach the different parts of speech and how they fit into the poem. The students start off by choosing a picture as a background that will suit the mood of the poem.  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpZGwdAZxD6dvlpNUGnwrlQQzNnMcPIQzAJzlCyIHLqAYupNa7YRT1LpOyvYHt_TPpcX5GoR3nVorAMWqjFIwgmUhWYOR08sPy0HjM72w01wQkzGBoHyX7ssl17ZUDU5DGSlOJjBDb8A/s1600-h/piclits-22.jpg"><img alt="piclits (2)" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx4qvQRZu2pURY02Abis2tFS4yq8FKyZQ4nuxevMgjwyBovtlTaZ_e6_vyO_thHrTz1IFHaKEYEdtfhEGVFAHp_QPbnW-4y6IVDjF-B5drGOImpq2kyYiYlyey3JpP_1IfYd3zyfhlVw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="piclits (2)" width="232" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQaUvfy3BBY7suEhx4c_mPFWXoUcT7UikLU2rJIbWiCo4egLFj44lsEehftPNoAtIHqiaYPmhkzUBx3TswZvpWicmInl241IHyuiRoOXhpzOrdJydk0BhvA3Bn_FfV-UDROd9X65VcH8/s1600-h/Picture22.png"><img alt="Picture2" border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9Wgdy3wjDwf9FZGFMbV5xi2DFySa6rPD6XCyx6FmaAeWO4ibI8Ck19h7APfo16WN_1qHxc_HLE9-9j85YS35AgyzZKDjUkr6B0SuNHzb7EKDxbZLTvbB-PRSyNEhtUn1Knn26pDNRtc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picture2" width="244" /></a>  <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>4. Shape poems<br /></strong></span><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/shape-poems-30044.html">http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/shape-poems-30044.html</a>  <br /><br />In this online tool, primary school students can select shapes from four different themes namely nature, school, sports, and celebrations. Within these themes, 19 different shapes are included. What I like about Read Write Web’s poetry sites is they include a lot of lesson ideas.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEQyOmuRjsdxHBzBD14qxnVOH3Eqy1I-IRAHCcqBt8PJYx4TO80X-TAtYfzERG7uqBlE6YlDAox6ipifHdWrDmKaWeot_4pCsRpZZXD9ZRPbdeqiuOclnnrVrOR1iuipeOD5gMOoZQgk/s1600-h/shape-poems4.jpg"><img alt="shape poems" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmzjwDmBc0SboiIovt2ZrSWLEKcknV1DeNK0mHtf2ID99HC5DiwQfSY_Gw0dc515FV2Ag7ixUAICn0Xyn-p0qoa1Haq7t6GncFCganpyzLiphZwxpuDux9suaKhlfkMme9Y_rhgBr3x8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="shape poems" width="290" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouK4gaJwp8Dn7FZnAwwQnMXiSz-r0m0Hm-PlmGdZdWVFLIT3-PZOPm5Hu-0afiWSlCs69rrMn65VBzM2K2IrEWzhzOVTH3EXJunAqMuTeqXdKUNt9qF2_abkOmB_GUYJ8fcpxINDos6s/s1600-h/soccer2.jpg"><img alt="soccer" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrIoKS9h_TmNn5-3By1Rn28R_ERcGGbvcsEEAIaIAK6hnF-NonSZJXmSNsZZroXLdvtLfSmlIzzEwfKSZJFj15KZx11xwKaBsezzqkM1BXyvjnEBHyeG3QVJZuUwJpiHbIzTkLAfGtb4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="soccer" width="224" /></a>  <br />  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>5. Acrostic poems </strong></span><a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/acrostic-poems-30045.html">http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/acrostic-poems-30045.html</a>  <br /><br />An acrostic poem uses the letters in a word to begin each line of the poem. All lines of the poem relate to or describe the main topic word.  In this interactive Read Write Web site you can choose your words.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTScW7sqQ5SksH-JRNw5Am9KjItOaHN1Y-pxdEqXAYLLC_eumH8fjNBwpVIQ2tGfz5XHYwRD3igHcsFF9pnqGgCsH1vR2btf9krJEjcqPVubk3d_cNUTYWgaw5nqMEWYJzVF20qdOlXIg/s1600-h/acrostic21.jpg"><img alt="acrostic" border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvT-o05moa8yT1wEaeeZARvnJIkSDyJDP8Kf-1e0NfWMh8_D-r7QxLxYWLwBoWhpR4qr4UpvpaYljjhOWz1DEumiYp0qIBrHJHdWsEgEAvfyeRQrSJyN7YPeRaP7JWjoNPHST586lRCw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="acrostic" width="244" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLkHW0qTiTQtT8PP7-XfGte9plsJQhriJ2apA2mciQLQaSECS8k0yeltcZyHNBEhedJdMF8Ugp8NNMKKOn6KmwXDZoK83wVp19kVl-nnYRUd061sHsIhRQ3XOZ5xwzo-MYAHv46mlEJI/s1600-h/acrostic22.jpg"><img alt="acrostic2" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uxLCSIAkos6FhxQvf695BCaWQmBlcWR_MXka_UwGkLXU2AAhbmhme9AHCLxxn8K7CXrjyys71SAvUU3oGOGiK7nwqFlfT54RJnF-06Qo03_dTLESEWyleJFwQUVpNG1FFC08Zz3s4dc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="acrostic2" width="244" /></a>  <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>6. Write a song-poem from PBS<br /></strong></span><a href="http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/offthecharts/webkaraoke.html" title="http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/offthecharts/webkaraoke.html">http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/offthecharts/webkaraoke.html</a>  <br /><br />This will appeal to the older students. They can write a poem by typing in the words, and then the interactive part of the programme will choose music for it.  <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0hQMXcqePjsNjWDFcOwL9QluJgL0pMmoF92dta1r0Xbaj4VPyB049QNRRCm7uDQF0fEqhvXOzeggF82YFqe1qr-XYCMsJ_r75w2e9bGSy4OLFH7-RjyZ9nmk3EdKXKiCnRdqAq9HEuk/s1600-h/web-karaoke2.jpg"><img alt="web karaoke" border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfcb3ulVS618w59QjlZKVD5QOdD7LT7r9Qy-hW393spjejZRe7fvCBQpCE1Y0ZLjClxgzAeNjvKtJWuwqP7oAKaqMA-y6PZe9IFi0DugCs2emYY7whgKlD6e0_vyr50VYHE8puM-CNtk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="web karaoke" width="244" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj22nC4MHenfTjG9URQi0w0f6ntoOJ2YZl_T3YULaoIx3d000708jIDhuE2bWs-Ff2BvZ5gsvHB1IjBUs4u5Nuyb58hirrkRNB1S82mOP1MomOSQ4pW86bD_7pmeNdMBcy5XL4QNJ1Wcg/s1600-h/pbs-22.jpg"><img alt="pbs-2" border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NaIXJyyn2ahkwDRR-YRfcldtolF1_m7d1tiwFuF9TWBRhvoz9Xx1YHNFLd5uBYJ1SH2SoSfq_xbeZvRY8SUEQsSFKwATseSgBPjlDywUOwk8qyTLdoqzP1sIvZuWnUCDU32Hfj9xmso/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="pbs-2" width="244" /></a>  <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>7. Poetry from pictures<br /></strong></span><a href="http://www.zoo-m.com/flickr-storm/">http://www.zoo-m.com/flickr-storm/</a><br /><br />What I like about this site is that you can type in a keyword and a whole lot of inspirational clips come up. Choose one as an inspiration to write a poem. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOgAAvWBWdXyjiicLrWPYJVwLuYLKjG133RtGP-JYqa0BN6n7syJyNCyvdE9s0Pyxc27Ra4DI9BVBRJktLzJviOQOFbY4z56RVau4_UTShjMr1keKNq3Hm8MeKShkqPkJgf1HG6Zsd7Q/s1600-h/flickr-storm6.jpg"><img alt="flickr-storm" border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSS1khocZpxPXHeGwxXdYMVYUo3oEegPeRfq-ykQDzyEfMzUpu2ZWQ9zMMmKBbEAHQ7paiRJ02xOmmi4prVPwxhbv_AIrIkk4lRwzAIQap1BUSqYKZkQB6InPUAbDcUPVujBkTYYq3hY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="flickr-storm" width="242" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>8. Poetry idea engine<br /></strong></span><a href="http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/poetry/flash_pie.htm">http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/poetry/flash_pie.htm</a><br /><br />This site takes you through four types of poetry in an engaging way. Cinquain, haiku, limerick and free verse. I find that the students love it because it teaches you about the type of poem in a fun noisy machine type of manner, and then helps you make your own.  <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK0H7qL8hyYGERbaJyRt9ABAx6ZoschqF-LRy_DoBM0wZ27WQCskB1uFlh5N52Yg1u3iMr5zfw5_fAw0Vn94GSO3gUBfOoJn49oi-ZVXI5U0ZQ3w6lkUtv2b4D-b2XPffDVuH0sgZXqM/s1600-h/poetry-engine2.png"><img alt="poetry engine" border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtw5AzE6o6akpkvzLv1j602Uk6gq5nZZrIdgluVlLsvyJjBTfLmA5n3Z5BHzG_qgSrzE0_tv1ND90LMFgax8R0n0NoZoHQmmjLQ7-PdXCnGBCAQLinjRUvCr0gpxLhxC9QwTie9cV46o/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="poetry engine" width="244" /></a><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQmMxM0d2_Z6jU2Gx2IT57m-knyoOdNq-BXx5PEN3k8dVff4blgdQDhsfaUGTVOGP41U2cXDfCNRgBdHpGoikbWFFVtXOcwSBbndo6vEGTzNp6vVLBXnt-wJp0ogLaFmAMXIuV5Z-Z5s/s1600-h/poetry-flash2.jpg"><img alt="poetry flash" border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDikjcGWnzPpk1ZZAmbu_L2w501abanLvSzGsr5cCOx5h6vS1ggIJhdGBjvPql1jciFf40xMg0aiGn1KUY3kFsjKpog4ZWrzK_RlTjsvfN6NFhmBrEPSLO36aO1eZCoh8dZ-NsPG3QgWc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="poetry flash" width="244" /></a><br />  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>9. Tag galaxy<br /></strong></span><a href="http://taggalaxy.de/">http://taggalaxy.de/</a>  <br /><br />This is quite an unusual but nevertheless inspiring application. First you choose your topic. e.g. books. A number of words appear on the page.  Then you choose your photos. This is certainly something different that a teacher can develop.<br /><br />  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sEmbODXix2wEGDUs9tcwIgh0tzDPsiBeS0LsdYjAT2kwxyIX24yTBOpCkzzKvOenzPiTQVbmblUCiNvBDk50Tpv9g6HFkVYL5rvwc2_0F8a6vj_wBSpHo7W1p830dDOJT_XcspnTZQo/s1600-h/tags3.jpg"><img alt="tags" border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wtQS8jvKknn4RfyvjnWIwDwAzdzlTGGwKECAtcJx1XJIG7l-YVl6YoxCCoRU-I-i1QUSqw8YdcVRx21Y-eRQnz0wbOv1nMoHkb8OsJAs8ovcl8gMsdC6AbLJjL28w2jAMwd3I9FDwj8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tags" width="305" /></a>  <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWttSVkbGrf31Dh9tQAcLP0WrTNsSXtP3IxE86ATATVBNAMEWJFHHbQyeW-RFZNkmRvh2GiipI0eaizGAwpuPicq3gVo88_HeGkuf8jp98qBfX9jKYLkT7BbZ_EVj3gYiENo0PKVxqZo/s1600-h/tag22.jpg"><img alt="tag2" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdwrnhz5CK7i490J-YMpaF8s05fX1eCmVeRu6OawzYeOb1bos4H80o7Wg0-_ixcrR-LUYAvfSLwS-02Yp49TVlZRQsoqzDvAfNvBCSya7sTevlPiQxo12zvc-yZo61ZtBeVAqrvenqLE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="tag2" width="242" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-iutlyAX9k_MMm84J-laHx5Ls7AXr3DexzAa2TOx7sHCuJLrRXynP6FbAuvResY8noripNCITIyoWSTDrzV1gVModQGgF754O-VuIs5vFfBfW_ziZDm4OVqi_aUtRS98ZBpfKky7oagE/s1600-h/books2.jpg"><img alt="books" border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivuE9rs9Zg0ObYB9apbXd4IxWgMx9_0EyAZboYCN_rSh0qsC0rCz3pRhP8z9pNdkbuvvJuIgmD4rDiZeom_ImnhFBFTkoMmypN4HKKNDqHjUtkM2pREimiqsbv_3tStrkLVLIO0Jx-Lsg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="books" width="244" /></a>  <br />  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>10. A poetry wiki<br /></strong></span><a href="http://thebunnies.wikispaces.com/POETRY">http://thebunnies.wikispaces.com/POETRY</a>  <br /><br />Here is a poetry wiki with an abundant supply of ideas.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeXm7rLTTncvYEBotMWbyFbi9QSM1QUdbUnE2Bubi_c1GDnDk_INVSUwlXa3S0y05KwPdtbCZBkueiwkA-IUVUd3M89FIVfionRk152Y1HfBCF5rO9NY6XnUcUcxisEcg0iyEji79_Kg/s1600-h/The-bunnies.2.jpg"><img alt="The bunnies." border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL7D7IU_uZlhq4tkRtLFHvvml7plf-MHMFmq-bP54LJH2orTFkHyDshmZ8xPkN4i8Qld4F7hKB63y-p4LUzMmhupYUyZAyjIcojka0hhz-SGVH6O_-w96yyOx4XWL6MMNorr0Wd51Qe8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="The bunnies." width="244" /></a>  </div>

Creative writing Literacy Poetry Poetry sites that will get words flowing!

Submitted by Fiona Beal One of the things I love doing with a class is writing poetry. The students come up with the most interesting ideas ...

8 Ways to Negotiate for Job Perks

1:44 PM Anonymous 0

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><div class="cbmsnArticleImage" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/1g/ar5m0bx760sr64f01s1g.gif?time=3/8/2011%205:52:35%20pm" /></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Rachel Farrell, Special to CareerBuilder.com</span></b><br /></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In the past couple of years, the economy has thrown job seekers for a loop. But in the midst of job loss, high unemployment rates and long-term unemployment for thousands of job seekers, there have been the lucky few who have held on to their jobs for life -- well, professional life.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But now that the economy is improving, companies are concerned about keeping their top performers and attracting new ones. In order to retain their star talent, companies may be sweetening the pot with non-monetary benefits, according to a new Accountemps survey.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When chief financial officers were asked about the perks they plan to offer or are already offering, 29 percent said subsidized training and education topped the list. Twenty-four percent said flexible schedules, telecommuting and mentoring programs.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"On the heels of the recession, perks are a cost-effective way employers can reward and retain staff and attract new employees," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of <i>Human Resources Kit For Dummies</i>. "The most popular incentives are those that aid in career development and give employees some control over their work schedules."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The problem is, many job seekers and employees don't know how to negotiate for such perks -- they're only used to bargaining for money.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Many job seekers are tied to the notion that monetary compensation from a salary is the only factor to consider. What many fail to see is that there are many other benefits that hold 'monetary value' outside of what's directly reflected on a paycheck," says Tina Chen, vice president of operations for Employco USA, Inc. "Just because a company may not be flexible with salary negotiations doesn't mean that they are not willing to offer other extras in lieu of a higher salary. There are many 'perks' that can make up for the difference to make the workplace more attractive."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Some of these perks include but aren't limited to extra vacation time, flexible scheduling, continuing education benefits or tuition reimbursement. And sometimes, negotiating these perks can actually be better than negotiating for a higher salary, says Bill Driscoll, district president of Robert Half International.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Because perks typically are less costly, employers may have more flexibility to offer these benefits than a higher salary. Keeping this in mind, candidates may feel more comfortable asking for more perks than they do asking for more money," Driscoll says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">There are several reasons why employers may not be willing to pay you a higher salary, says Jean Baur, senior consultant, Lee Hecht Harrison and author of <i>Eliminated! Now What? Finding Your Way from Job-Loss Crisis to Career Resilience</i>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"It really has to do with company structure. A hiring manager can't bring in a middle manager at a higher salary than the senior managers, so asking for a sign-on bonus or additional vacation days may be more successful," she says. "It's often a lot easier to get an extra week of vacation than it is to raise the base salary by $10,000."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Additionally, there are instances when the worker's performance or skill sets don't merit a pay increase, says Driscoll.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Most employers want to make sure that salaries correspond to the employees' skill set and direct output versus meeting a 'demanded salary,'" adds Chen. "As more employers are becoming cognizant of hiring costs they want to make sure employees are delivering the level of work that is required and can exceed expectations. Employees have to prove that they are worth the asking price, so unless the employers feel they have seen exceptional work – chances are higher salaries will not be considered."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here are eight tips to help you negotiate for perks in lieu of a higher salary:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1. Be prepared for the discussion.</b> "Research current trends related to perks in your area and industry, and understand the types the employer is most likely to offer," Driscoll says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2. Cover your position.</b> "If you are negotiating for more vacation time, have a plan as to how your work will be covered in your absence," Chen says. "This will alleviate the headache of your employer having to scramble to fill the gap and make the absence less visible."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>3. Present a business case.</b> "Employees must be able to show how the perk they seek will help them meet not just their personal objectives but also benefit the company," Driscoll says. "For example, by attending a seminar on a new industry software application, you can help your colleagues get up to speed on the new technology more quickly."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>4. Stay employer focused. "</b>Before you ask for an item that will be beneficial to you, ask yourself how it will benefit the employer," says Chen. If you're asking for flex time so you can drop off and pick up your kids at school and would like to work 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, for example, try something like "Working 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. will also allow me to take the early phone calls that come through the reception desk, which generally go into the voicemail box. I can also accept the early packages that are delivered instead of having them being left at the front door where they can easily be stolen,'" Chen says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>5. Don't be demanding</b>. Remember you're asking for, not entitled to, more vacation or a sign-on bonus, Baur says. "Prioritize what's more important to you: is it money, flexibility, time off or health benefits -- then only ask for one or two things. This is not the time for a laundry list as that could make the employer not want to hire you. If you negotiate in a positive way and limit your requests, you won't lose the offer."<b></b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>6. Prepare a back-up plan.</b> "Negotiating requires flexibility and employees should have a second option in mind in case their first choice is denied," says Driscoll. "If your employer doesn't allow you to telecommute, for instance, you may be able to work from a satellite office closer to your home."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>7. Be knowledgeable. </b>Continuing education is not only beneficial for your personal growth but also to the company, Chen says. "If you want the company to pay for a course or seminar that you would like to attend – consider adding the following: 'I am really interested in attending this workers' compensation seminar on claim management. I feel by polishing up in this area I would be able to process the claims more effectively and minimize our exposure to pay on these claims.'"</div><b>8. Remain professional.</b> "No matter the response to your request, stay positive, and always try to end the discussion on a positive note. If your request is denied, ask your manager if there are specific steps you can take to earn the perk in the future," says Driscoll. </div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

8 Ways to Negotiate for Job Perks

Rachel Farrell, Special to CareerBuilder.com In the past couple of years, the economy has thrown job seekers for a loop. But in the midst of...

PALESTINE

5:02 AM Tukiyooo 0

<table id="article-table"><tbody><tr><td style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wNz6PcER8RPuQudBMIT_GoxXahDBvKEQAKOj1wLWj7BWbuiQDspyMFXvYkMRLQN_2WkNzUe0LGM_Ha4q9SLUQxmpEqiqggjgnHAj1B3ztgtYDUxtZ8Bw4fSVdQBYCGB1dQwet4kOah7L/s1600/IsraelMapReduction1922-mandate_for_palestine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wNz6PcER8RPuQudBMIT_GoxXahDBvKEQAKOj1wLWj7BWbuiQDspyMFXvYkMRLQN_2WkNzUe0LGM_Ha4q9SLUQxmpEqiqggjgnHAj1B3ztgtYDUxtZ8Bw4fSVdQBYCGB1dQwet4kOah7L/s400/IsraelMapReduction1922-mandate_for_palestine.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><h2 class="article-title"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Telling The UN Six Home Truths</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div></td>   <td align="right" rowspan="2"><a href="http://www.analyst-network.com/profile.php?user_id=65"><br /></a></td> </tr><tr>   <td class="pub-date" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Article by <b>David Singer</b>, Analyst for "International Analyst Network". </span></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td><td class="pub-date"><br /></td>  </tr><tr align="justify" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">   <td colspan="2"><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Article Republished with the permission of the Author.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">ISRAEL’S Prime Minister - BENJAMIN NETANYAHU - has announced his intention to address the</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY in NEW YORK this week in connection with the proposed application by the PLO for recognition of a PALESTINIAN ARAB STATE along the 1949 armistice lines.<br /><br />The terms of the proposed resolution remain a closely guarded secret. There still appears to be disagreement between PALESTINIAN ARAB leaders as to its final terms.<br /><br />However notwithstanding such uncertainty Mr. NETANYAHU announced at a press conference with visiting CZECH Prime Minister PETR NEČAS, that he will at the UNITED NATIONS<br />    </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">    "<b>Speak the truth to those who want to hear it</b>"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />There are at least six basic truths that need to be conveyed to the delegates of the 193 member states present who are charged with voting on any proposed resolution: <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">1.    Mr. NETANYAHU needs to repeat the following statement he made to the UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY on 11 December 1984 : <br />    </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> “Clearly, in EASTERN and WESTERN PALESTINE, there are only two peoples, the ARABS and the JEWS. Just as clearly, there are only two states in that area, JORDAN and ISRAEL. The ARAB STATE of JORDAN, containing some three million ARABS, does not allow a single JEW to live there. It also contains 4/5 of the territory originally allocated by this body’s predecessor, the League of Nations, for the JEWISH NATIONAL Home. The other State, ISRAEL, has a population of over four million, of which one sixth is ARAB. It contains less than 1/5 of the territory originally allocated to the Jews under the Mandate…. It cannot be said, therefore, that the Arabs of PALESTINE are lacking a state of their own. The demand for a second PALESTINIAN ARAB State in WESTERN PALESTINE, and a 22ND ARAB STATE in the world, is merely the latest attempt to push ISRAEL back into the hopelessly vulnerable armistice lines of 1949.”</span></div><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br />This still remains the strategy behind the current PLO application to the UN. <br /><br />The PALESTINIAN ARABS could have had their State in more than 90% of the territory situated within the 1949 armistice lines had they accepted either of the offers made by ISRAEL in 2001 or 2008. They want 100% to deny ISRAEL the security it needs - as was  recognized by the UN in Resolution 242 <br /><br />This message needs to be repeated - especially for the 34 member States who were not members of the UN when Mr. NETANYAHU made this speech.<br /><br />2.    The view often expressed in the UN that JEWISH settlements in the WEST BANK are illegal in international law ignores the fact that close settlement by Jews on West Bank land, including State lands and waste lands not required for public purposes was to be encouraged and is legally sanctioned by the Treaty of Sevres, article 6 of the Mandate for PALESTINE and article 80 of the UN Charter.<br /><br />Denying this vested legal right by unilaterally passing a resolution that seeks to negate the exercise of that right breaches article 80 of the UN Charter and is a denial of natural justice.<br /><br />3.     Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 are the only legally enforceable resolutions of the UNITED NATIONS binding on all parties to the JEWISH- ARAB conflict. <br /><br />These resolutions call for secure and recognized boundaries to be determined by the parties to the conflict. This can only be done in negotiations and not imposed unilaterally by any decision of either the General Assembly or the Security Council unless both Resolutions are repealed or amended.<br /><br />To do otherwise will bring the UNITED NATIONS into disrepute, cause it to lose its authority and render its future rulings and decisions without force or effect.<br /><br />4.    The 1947 UN Partition Plan called for the establishment of a JEWISH STATE and an ARAB STATE in the balance of the area of the BRITISH MANDATE still controlled by GREAT BRITAIN in 1947 - after 77% of the Mandated territory had been granted independence by GREAT BRITAIN in 1946 as an exclusively ARAB state and was renamed the HASHEMITE KINGDOM of TRANSJORDAN.<br /><br />The ARAB rejection of the UN partition proposal and the failure by the ARABS to create such a State between 1947-1967 must require the General Assembly to stipulate that recognition of any ARAB state in 2011 is conditional upon recognition of ISRAEL as the JEWISH state in the balance of the land contained in the 1947 Partition Plan.<br /><br />5.    The PLO Charter - article 2  - declares that PALESTINE within the boundaries it had during the BRITISH MANDATE is one indivisible territorial unit.<br /><br /> Until this clause is unequivocally and irrevocably deleted  from the Charter - the UN should not consider any application for recognition made by the PLO.<br /><br />6,    The MONTEVIDEO CONVENTION 1933 prevents any consideration of the current application - since the proposed state does not fulfill the requirements of the Convention setting out the conditions for a State to possess before it can make a declaration of statehood and then seek to be recognized.<br /><br /> The UN should be seeking to enforce international law not subvert it. <br /><br />The UN has learned from bitter experience in 1947 what can happen when the General Assembly proposes a solution to the JEWISH-ARAB conflict which one party accepts and  the other party rejects.<br /><br />Hopefully history will not be repeated in 2011. This will depend to a great degree on the final wording of any resolution. If it is not acceptable to both parties then violence and bloodshed is sure to follow. <br /><br />The UN really needs to decide whether international law or the law of the jungle is to prevail.<br /><br />Mr. NETANYAHU said in his press conference that the General Assembly is not "the place where Israel generally gets a reasonable hearing," but it was nonetheless important to present ISRAEL'S position. <br /><br />The real question is - will anyone be listening or have they already made up their minds?</span></td></tr></tbody></table>

PALESTINE

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Struggling...Part 2

1:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

And so Sunday, Monday and Tuesday has progressed terribly as well.   It's not because I've had the mentality of "Well, I screwed myself for  the week, might as well blow the rest of it off." No, I don't wake up  and plan to suck at WW for that day.  The problem is poor menu  planning.<br /><br /><i>(As a side note, we stopped at <a href="http://www.sheetz.com/">Sheetz</a> for breakfast on Sunday morning.  Check out how cute this Tabasco bottle is that they gave me with my Shmuffin.) </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09yhoqbZUxGgy7OWi8MwaWbq-oeySDRetoIVlBcA53moSf0PbdUiBnPfItGq6Gtrto0UnB3gp0c3WGb0QHOhPwbGry0R3FAz2cwfLX5MrbotQ5gvbrGFLF08kxobL5RBh766YhZ2RM0/s1600/Tabasco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn09yhoqbZUxGgy7OWi8MwaWbq-oeySDRetoIVlBcA53moSf0PbdUiBnPfItGq6Gtrto0UnB3gp0c3WGb0QHOhPwbGry0R3FAz2cwfLX5MrbotQ5gvbrGFLF08kxobL5RBh766YhZ2RM0/s400/Tabasco.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br />For example, after I got to work on Tuesday I  quickly jotted down a menu for the day.  Well, I didn't abide by the  menu.  First, I failed at <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/beck-diet-solution-week-3.html">Beck</a> and actually gave myself a Choice and ate  fries from Chick-fil-a (because I was craving Heinz), even though I had a healthy, homemade chicken  parmesan awaiting me in my office.  Even though I ate the fries, I knew I  still had the Points+ for it.  Then, I realized on the drive home from  work that I forgot to account for that smoothie I had in the morning.   Well that smoothie actually took away the graciousness of the Points+ I  thought I had for those fries.  So, basically I consumed all my Points+  by lunchtime Tuesday and I hadn't even eaten dinner!<br /><br />I know that when I do manage to plan out my meals, I'm completely successful on the Plan.  When I don't plan those meals, I often overeat either accidentally or on purpose and hence don't lose any weight or gain weight.  It is that simple.  Yet, it's not that simple.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagineannie.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/menu-planning-5-8.jpg?w=480&h=466" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://imagineannie.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/menu-planning-5-8.jpg?w=480&h=466" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imagineannie.wordpress.com/2009/05/08/menu-planning-the-end-of-a-suck-ulent-week/">Source</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Menu planning takes time.  Not only that, but I kind of find it to be a pain.  In the past, I've sat down to menu plan on a weekend for the upcoming week and it ends up taking me several hours to do it.  I have to pull a lot of the food out of my pantry to calculate the Points+ or even just so I can see what I have in stock, make grocery lists for what I need to make a complete meal, and then go get that food.  By the time it's all said and done I've spent a Saturday just meal planning and grocery shopping.  And to do that every single week? I don't see it happening.<br /><br />I've also tried meal planning one day at a time.  However, I don't like to grocery shop through the week, so if I meal plan on such short notice, I can see it leaving me in a bind in that I may not have all the ingredients for a meal on hand.<br /> <br /> Excuses. Excuses.<br /><br />If you construct a meal plan, what is your strategy?  Does anyone know of any meal plan/menu builders online that you find very useful?  Or do you have a binder or some type of notebook that is even better?  Please share your meal planning tips!!

Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watchers Struggling...Part 2

And so Sunday, Monday and Tuesday has progressed terribly as well. It's not because I've had the mentality of "Well, I screwe...

10 Story Starter sites to get your students writing

4:28 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em>Submitted by Fiona Beal</em><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have you ever wondered how to get the reluctant writers in your class enthusiastic about writing? Nowadays with all the wonderful free applications available on the web a teacher doesn’t have to stress about this any more. (Please note that there is a link to a follow up post with more story starter sites under point 11 below.)<br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>1. Wallwisher</strong></span><br /><br />This is an idea I tried last year. Open a wallwisher page (<a href="http://wallwisher.com/">http://wallwisher.com</a>)  and ask the class to think of a good start to story. There are always those students who rise to the occasion and add their bit. Of course there are those who just sit and think during the whole exercise. Then, when everyone has added their ideas, let everyone choose one of the ideas and start writing!  This usually works well.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmAaQNlEA50CfVSW6LdrL5wEcznJWMlbswoD7Y0rl7UUqdx9_KgpjsZeMZk_lHdL7SwrFt0tDDaBZ7_cU23fpnIfF4d-skpmsyq1wlgbCeHpnK49OS37WtVLxlJuJa8Fk_GBs2kabqnA/s1600-h/wallwisher%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wallwisher" border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICbi7nzZci49LYXfOBmrwP9WimyKLNMsgC9K_BJQrzbMqQxG-LA_b05VxlAkpY1UgghoUUvbcWfWI_CVfeAS-0kqq1Ijf91HtL617m1jL6dQeqohcF9D3wRmw2qEk8sZjtAs2lUaW1oE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="wallwisher" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>2. The Story Starter Junior</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm" title="http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm">http://www.thestorystarter.com/jr.htm</a>)<br /><br />This site provides 729 story starters for kids and won an award in 2008. Every time you click on the story starter button a new idea appears. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaa5ch_UTO38nl1XNzIhI8JGCW9cwLyq3eEZXP2PB1DXh7fHLUOc1OjI4tjE9SF4LIIPfFxHoghHIOM6ifStTIe2Rgk2Lx7qqtvPF89kvnbs6BX9FQAUkg9Z2a454x2zdnPryi0s_M3E/s1600-h/storyStarterJr%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="storyStarterJr" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT4Yoo69dzK5worrCDpTCKU0CwvD2VJ3sDuSQS6620l9SH9XvAOd3Kxzx0Gur6KA53PHedPuRGPzUZvN4lIzWcWXmvZnhDsRby3nCBAk6uTdkdTFKN9uvKXk18aU2BIfB4BZOBrltpIw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyStarterJr" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>3. The Story Starter</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.thestorystarter.com/" title="http://www.thestorystarter.com/">http://www.thestorystarter.com/</a>)<br /><br />Here is it’s companion site which is for older students and adults. This one has over a milllion story starters. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqGn-zIU6YsonX1lOE5fjmw4re3aD-Hsb6mDTms1KA1gPQtJVyy9jra2egB2-A_BJf15Rb39Zzsgv0l_MZ7Fo41M_DcP2u_YPA16WtkisNGjqv33kctoXRcMvOy6vbi672bP93LPXuG4/s1600-h/st-st2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="st-st2" border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6yXXl3mI2AMltWoFOJwK0M2nGUZJxhbZeGF7ADuRh02M1AsOGjAZea3HxkkTwqcGnDBNrGcXo9zoUnq18Wzp90coIIC-42_Jk5h19SivsWU6920I3PdZqnw87a3YTXPp9n2hEu7EBQI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="st-st2" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>4. Creative Writing prompts</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/" title="http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/">http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/</a>)<br /><br />This is another site that has won an award. All you do is point to one of the 346 numbers and a box appears with a prompt. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4YU5UHgE6URru7dFp8U96vuYkQ_RDPAzt6eY1bA5vdqskDzv5fhPGyOokNJQ2xkl7mZvhjfhyphenhyphenVeicgovPwJImlbYXYRuuuabeOtse0us4lTKA0HvtVQlBDTVsudM2aCVN3pHyfytDbA/s1600-h/cr-wr-prompts%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="cr-wr-prompts" border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j2-j0wAYMeG1qI6OnmZFxFdnQ3tjevLfyWcFGuO8OpeHx19KQsO0r3u_RJiswf13mUK5jmYl9XdsAmYi0oV8NgQvlW4tAwDpnmOHinQNTY4MCXI5nNX1RejqCT2hs4M-0znlcYfDcQY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="cr-wr-prompts" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>5. The Storyboard Generator</strong></span> (<a href="http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive" title="http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive">http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard/interactive</a>)<br /><br />This site allows you to generate a play script. You choose your avator and a script idea, and then…who knows! All sorts of possibilities emerge. Try it and see.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLN79NmtIHVmMCR8Fizoh7fYQJnrhw89VWzt9Y3WRO5ZodTknlrR8DveBUv15lB2suDB2INa8Q4DUZTQNGXMcoa2LXSEeA2a7H_4b2qTbWveA7SXVvF-WKkeY-fom3bcLSPmjKfUx-Rac/s1600-h/storyboard%252520generator%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyboard generator" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckR1cXyIHCkoqUWbfcn3yglhfWjb14LrUYLsghdvdLaZJd-0NKMkHqMdK7572xs5BikcMx34xTgM25tsIk-3VKVjL5a3ovJYUSG4IaDC-H6SsI3zc1wSaDv3dzurJC7oHPnuCMb-92sw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyboard generator" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>6.  Fun Fairytale generator</strong></span>  (<a href="http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html" title="http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html">http://www.sistersgrimm.com/newsite/game.html</a>)<br /><br />This is a fun fairy-tale generator site that will capture the imagine of the daring younger learners. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf6rMCqzvy51EX-W-ws2BCu1ASS_2nZ3_HEWt_8r23sl9wVuc2XZde6TeZ0rFOn-kOHGMHa0K8pJTnq7_-tJ_m916bSwMPO9TAjelAVtAgZ6tUDwOYHQx5h7VJdXtYNDbf0VO96HMZsk/s1600-h/Fairytale%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Fairytale" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Zuv7Yon7OQaedsowmJP-KDuv-JBD5NL-0h8osQrua21KmOgef1NE2us_QUx5L4SSsXHcevjbNNydMS8jzEKQkw1AB_S6-gV7At_f3Pk98jgnmr8dtl0QIR7I0VCS56yKDA6f3ZhaErM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fairytale" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>7. A character generator</strong></span> (<a href="http://bit.ly/dnHLt" title="http://bit.ly/dnHLt">http://bit.ly/dnHLt</a>)<br /><br />This site supports Key Stage 1. You choose the type of clothes, hair and skin colour that you want your character to have.  Then you type on the notepad a sentence about your character. You can then click on the Print button at the top of the screen and your character and the sentence will be printed. The idea is to show it to the teacher and talk about who you have created. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP3orfJKWJ4iw2Cn7bSdu-XE0CAYpMH0gmTJc89wjPnVuyXKpv2wUSztEsYvZ_2XJ2tesPfWPakT8F9hyphenhyphenmA37uL5UcjsBM7l0kkCE3IfYipWMTIwktGTVhiStYfOwGUu0iFOWh0Ykqig/s1600-h/characters%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="characters" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRL6HyMm1ZTKcVIm2LFxd5vAGZm1szG8qgV0-wHTMG7Cs-8AYAsOGIVMACi9z2iP2PEZn2Qq0M2PLRAqyLP0_CLIVgliiAkTpcgAXS4nCRfyrO1acVtyFKgKu7cK4lXgafL8HueRdmPFY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="characters" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>8. Storyplant from the BBC</strong></span><br /><br />This will really appeal to the younger learner. A story guide takes one on a fascinating journey and helps the student to develop their story. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkYRCg9IDrAc4fRooVcOeXKUxEHIodOrQaix7vLJbdgabCY9vpDF1XJ7zCgeqDjU1PamjIEItD3E9sr4v90Ccgx6VB8Lu8k5euEQJcmoWN9SbZIaS6ZZm7Am4xE56FxsstJFPVsa5-fg/s1600-h/storyplant%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyplant" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FQdHInSMPlwmhtl4bBmVd5XiNDNIm7Elp3YM4Dutgba-oRVo6s6DeVGmGQx6MrQKc0nKmROWAju6NUUyLYX-4bF-fDJ-07jR8T3twNSloFzUXdl9prWz-xCbAauApya5HP6ax44IYGY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyplant" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_yg7-ZBP_tnI07owocLS5wF8FuRa6OmWuvuq7wKh9d59iWRu7Crk9nTxg3iOLUOlat2dark8UYPBBBov45as2rhXPFBw6tehW6A-b6ZfDMuUbiHmB9zkFqWiywH_0BperO4GYn3JCKU/s1600-h/storyplant2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="storyplant2" border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbc2C8KyfeMcUj-BwheiMmYWyZnAmZMOlaeq5iALh6E98n-Pw-VsalXJWqgZvIrQ5zYGIJnP7FvwRy1yzg14SSTeajzGC46Y97zinrJipqZBCH4T1Ug3qE-NaDYpH3E08BpkTbg31ZlAY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="storyplant2" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9.  Boomwriters</span></strong> (<a href="http://www.boomwriter.com/home/Schools">http://www.boomwriter.com/home/Schools</a>)<br /><br />This seems to be a site that you join – free to schools – and it takes you on a writing journey. It could be worth investigating!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mMLS0SBCkb0gnymdMuN-iIrzrgvMywKG00VmNP7HTAq0cXl2Q8dfutUhLlnL1PdUFlaAi1IEhe3G_mS0xa1nLyUTBGSHDUskFkp0mgCLGC-2g6fjGqtxxEhmGxjGBbWZVcefdZZeeYM/s1600-h/bbomwriters%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bbomwriters" border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0oTfLVCRvIEO1HVKd2AMUyf_m2f2TgVd0Jd7_HZTX7XbcBrfwC3KllyM8O8afWHmjX8Pje8St4ebsSuwgkC0Z-Zg-me2bp455haJfHXA9zmCJbgS-0kIQI3tspaKw0i-P90dKdLbg3Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bbomwriters" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>10. Inspiring ideas</strong></span> (<a href="http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/inspiringwriting.htm">http://www.ideastoinspire.co.uk/inspiringwriting.htm</a>)<br /><br />Just to finish off this looks worth exploring – 34 more ideas in a Google doc. <br />Click on the picture to be taken to the actual Google doc so that you can view all 34 ideas.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=ddf8kn4m_59zqzbv9gs&pli=1"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1n1dJ1YCidI732gVL6MdiAyjBsENDnHMYqpUQYkCodEIpO-6fKVLWoHwFGJqcgrutM5T77IoafQnX6CGq-ZI-1omt-Y8M4h2Wnn2yJp5P5l9QL46ZFjtL2VItWTGdG3VScOOZKLTAn4/s320/inspire.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>11. Even more..</b></span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This post is continued with another group of story starter sites. Visit <a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-story-starter-sites-to-inspire.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">More story starter sites to inspire your students to write</span></a></span><br />  </div></div>

Creative writing 10 Story Starter sites to get your students writing

Submitted by Fiona Beal Have you ever wondered how to get the reluctant writers in your class enthusiastic about writing? Nowadays with all ...

What about joining up with a project on Children’s Rights?

3:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />We have all heard of the UNICEF Children's Rights. This is such a topical subject and it is worth getting your class to learn more about children's rights around the world. This is one of the IEARN projects that Omashani Naidoo, the Operations Manager at SchoolNet South Africa has brought to my attention.  <br />Omashani says, "My friend Annie Flore is a coordinator of this project. This would really be a wonderful opportunity for SA learners to give their point of view and let other countries learn first-hand about our vast experiences in SA." <br /><ul><li><strong>Facilitator(s):</strong> <a href="http://media.iearn.org/user/12041">annie_flore_vergne_morgand</a><br /></li><li><strong>Country:</strong> France<br /></li><li><strong>Languages:</strong> English<br /></li><li><strong>Student Age Level:</strong> 12-14, 15-18<br /></li><li><strong>Dates:</strong> September 2011 to April 2012<br /></li><li><strong>Summary:</strong> Students will help to identify what they believe are the key rights of children while also exploring the rights defined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child<strong>. </strong></li>Here is a picture of the project details. Click on the picture to be taken to its location. </ul><div align="center"><a href="http://media.iearn.org/projects/childrens-rights"><img alt="project - children's rights" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lwv5wo1c0k_CBYyN9mi3T1s59_-j41PsxPj6mXWz9Rx6qt0V0CM0WHkUkVhMHC3Taq2JeI8OvOGa5KE5K9Dri2aSKvivywxLgO8m4prhHrMBxB43zECgHeJ4lY1qNcVHR-2LZX0Dpm8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="project - children's rights" width="320" /></a></div></div>

Collaboration Project-based learning What about joining up with a project on Children’s Rights?

We have all heard of the UNICEF Children's Rights. This is such a topical subject and it is worth getting your class to learn more about...

16 job search errors you're probably making

1:43 PM Anonymous 0

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></i></b></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal arial, helvetica;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="tblContent"><tbody><tr id="trContent"><td align="center" class="cb_style tcContent" id="tcContent" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="cbArticleWrapper" style="background-color: white; text-align: left; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleContentWrapper" style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px; width: 750px;"><div class="cbArticleRight" style="width: 560px;"><div class="RXart" style="padding-right: 20px;"><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="margin-top: -30px;"><div class="hdr_org_bld" style="color: #ff6600; font: normal normal bold 18px/normal arial, helvetica;"><h1 id="articleHeadline" style="color: #ff7700; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></h1></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Rachel Farrell, special to CareerBuilder.com</span></b><br /></div><br /><div class="ArticleContent"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the years, hiring managers have born witness to every hiring, interviewing, résumé, cover letter and negotiation mistake there is.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You know what these blunders are. We've told you several times. Yet you (and hundreds of other job seekers) continue to make common job search mistakes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">From those who see your mistakes over and over, here are 16 common job search mistakes to avoid -- and some of them may surprise you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>1. You don't keep your options open</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Candidates tend to think that if they interview for a job they will get an offer, so they do not apply and interview for multiple positions," says Joanie Spain, director of public relations and career services, School of Advertising Art, a graphic design college.<i> </i>"They wait until one plays out completely, putting their job search on hold until knowing for sure they didn't get the offer."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"By having many more irons in the fire, you diversify the risk and disappointment that is inevitable when any single opportunity disappears," adds Roy Cohen, author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide: Success Secrets of a Career Coach."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"You also present yourself as a more passionate and energetic candidate. You're in the 'zone' -- a point where you're in the flow of information and ideas -- and that makes you more valuable."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>2. You turn up your nose at job descriptions</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Entry-level candidates are reluctant to apply for a position unless the job sounds like their 'dream job' or they have all qualifications listed," Spain says. "Rather than going on an interview to get more information, they base decisions about applying on the job description alone. They fail to see that all interview experience is good experience, or that, until there is an offer on the table, there is no decision to make."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>3. You haven't perfected the thank-you note</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Don't be too verbose with a thank-you note after an interview. Sending out a version of "War and Peace" can come across as desperate and needy for a job. However, sending a one or two sentence thank-you note comes across as flippant, not well thought-out and potentially shows indifference regarding the job to the employer," says Mike Barefoot, senior account manager at Red Zone Resources, a recruitment firm. "We encourage candidates to keep them to four to eight sentences."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>4. You don't check your references</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Always give out references that you've pre-screened. We sometimes see candidates give out references that were never checked with and the references feedback isn't always kind," Barefoot says. "Also, make sure they're predominantly managers. An occasional colleague is okay, but contemporaries and friends really don't carry that much weight in helping you land a position."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>5. You've got poor business acumen</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Managers are becoming more savvy and are taking candidates out to lunch for interviews. They want to see how you treat a restaurant staff and see the 'real' you. If you're rude to them or don't seem appreciative for their hard work to make your meal pleasurable, managers wonder how you'll treat contemporaries you work with," Barefoot says.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>6. You have a messy briefcase</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"A messy briefcase can imply the person is unorganized, messy and unprepared, and that their work will be less than optimal," says Ronald Kaufman, author of "Anatomy of Success." "Someone who is neat, clean, organized and prepared in all areas conveys they're serious about getting a job and working."<b><br />7. You discount temporary positions</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Many employers coming out of a recession want to hire on a temporary or temp- to perm- basis. We have already seen several contractors be offered permanent positions after they have proven themselves," says Jeffrey Weinstock, Esq. president, Rhodes & Weinstock, a recruiting firm. "Not only will the temporary position pay some bills, think of it as an audition for a potential perm position, or at least a way to get a good reference for another position."<br /><b>8. You have a bad attitude</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Poor attitudes come through in telephone calls and in interviews. If you are not positive, why would a potential employer want to hire you?" asks Weinstock. "It may take some time, but by being positive, by doing all the right things, by seeing each position as an opportunity, it will happen."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>9. You include too much work history</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Many job seekers over 40 think that they have to take their work history back to their first job out of college," says Cheryl E. Palmer, career coach and résumé writer. " All that is needed is the last 10-15 years of your work history."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>10. You use your work email address on your résumé</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Some people do not regularly check their personal email, so they use their employers' email instead," Palmer says. "This sends a negative message to potential employers that the job seekers will not hesitate to use their equipment for personal use."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>11. You take "no" as a final answer</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"No" usually only means "no" for that position, says Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO, Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, LTD.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"If you are rejected for a job you should send a thank-you note, thank the employer for the opportunity, and wish them well. No one does that. When the next opening comes around, he'll remember you," says Hurwitz.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>12. You lack tact</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Be determined without being pushy. Calling or emailing to ask about the status of your résumé or interview can be a double-edged sword," says Rod Hughes, director of communications, Oxford Communications. "A tactful follow up can place you top of mind with the hiring manager, while incessant calling or emailing can push your résumé right off the table."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>13. You don't search for yourself on the Internet</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Your would-be employer is probably going to look you up online, so you should know what is out there," says Amanda O'Brien, vice president of marketing, Hall Web Services. "Clean up what you can, check your privacy settings on social networks and if it is something you can't get down off the internet, you may want to consider talking to the company about it."  <b><br />14. You have a 'death by bullets' résumé</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Bullets are great but they need context. Keep them to one line, focused on a result and include a figure like a fact, percentage or number," says Adriana Llames, author of "Career Sudoku: 9 Ways to Win the Job Search Game." "Or, put the information in a short summary of the position."<b><br />15. You've got a scattered strategy</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">"Looking for a job in any industry and with two or three résumés is going to get the same result as the strategy: scattered," Llames says. "Job seekers with a clearly defined, focused and organized strategic approach to their job search end up with clear results -- and a new job."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>16. You think it's about you</b></div>It is not about you and your need for a job -- it is about the prospective employer and their need to run a successful business and make money, says Lori B. Rassas, employment attorney and author of "Employment Law: A Guide to Hiring, Managing and Firing for Employers and Employees."<br />"Many applicants mistakenly believe they will be an appealing candidate if they explain they will accept any type of job offer at any because they have been laid off, unemployed for an extended period of time, have children in college, or are having difficulty making the mortgage payments," she says. "Even if all of those circumstances are true, candidates need to craft a different message, focusing on how they can benefit the employer by saving them money, streamlining processes, creating additional sources of revenue and bringing overall value to the company."<br /><i>Rachel Farrell researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.</i> </div></div></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

16 job search errors you're probably making

Rachel Farrell, special to CareerBuilder.com Over the years, hiring managers have born witness to every hiring, interviewing, résumé, cover ...

Struggling... Part 1

1:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

After I reached my <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-first-10-pound-goal-has-been-met.html">first 10 lbs goal</a>, I felt unstoppable.  Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255.<br /><br />Then the following week <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/welcome-to-oa-meeting.html">I bombed with a lot of cookies and beer</a>, and the scale showed that failure very precisely the following Friday.<br /><br />Then I became extremely discouraged, and even though I wanted badly to come back strong from that week (and granted, my "week" isn't over yet until this Friday), I have yet to do that.<br /><br />Here is how my week has progressed so far:<br /><br /><b>Day 1:</b><br />Friday I traveled 2 hours to Joel's grandparents where I was to "enjoy" a home-cooked meal.  I dreaded this meal because I knew it was going to be his grandmother's famous mac 'n cheese.  I wanted to flat out say "No, I'll eat at home" so that I could ensure I started the weekend off right.  But in the past that has hurt his feelings by me not partaking in his family's meals, which has been due to me being on WW and the lack of food are both Points+ friendly and I actually like.  So, I tried to skimp on eating all day to save up for this meal.  My strategy would be to load up on the vegetables and have only a tiny amount of her famous dish, because afterall, I do not know the exact Points+ value and would have to estimate.<br /><br />Turns out the "meal" only consisted of the mac 'n cheese - nothing else.  Of course, I was aching for dinner by the time we ate it (close to 7:30 PM and I hadn't eaten since noon).   I had a lot of the mac 'n cheese people.. probably several cups worth.<br /><br />Great.  Good job Hilary.  Way to start that weekend off on the right foot!  So I told myself, "It's fine Hilary.  The carbs will do a body good come tomorrow [Saturday] for the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/09/first-annual-st-marys-county.html">septathalon</a>."  Ok fine.  Accept it and move on.<br /><br /><b>Day 2</b><br />Saturday we woke up and I had breakfast at the hotel: about a cup of corn flakes with skim milk and some seasoned potatoes.  I also had a fat free French vanilla cappuccino (from <a href="http://www.sheetz.com/">Sheetz</a> - yay!).  Not a <i>terrible </i>start to the day.<br /><br />I made it all the way through the 11 miles on the bike not feeling the least bit hungry.  But as we were driving back to the starting line for the run, I realized that it was well after noon and I should eat before doing what was supposed to be 6 miles.  So I had a <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough">cookie dough Larabar</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s1600/larabar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKsVDiG9sMr66RfwdmlIvTq15_yHCASCGsDf1JPBVdNbzoy2v0f0GTesvlws3fbJog-Kvxakxp65_gwhzrGSXYi7MnUEcKKUkhRDpjwjtQwBG-rSgecs-fdz1nJtyQHLBGZ6SOTqCdJM/s200/larabar.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />I did the 4 mile run/walk and returned extremely hungry.  I immediately ate a banana which didn't sit quite well with me.  So then I had another Larabar - it was either that or a muffin.  Turns out those Larabar's are very high in Points+: a whopping 6 Points+ for one!  So right then and there I had 12 Points+ invested, not to mention all that I ate for breakfast.  Still, in hindsight, it was not enough that I had screwed myself for the day, but that's exactly what I thought at the time.<br /><br />And so when we went to the post-race bbq, I was so hungry I was actually nauseous and I went to TOWN when we got there.  I ate a bunch of <a href="http://www.beanaturalchips.com/">bean chips</a>, several carrots with hummus, too many slices of gouda and cheddar cheese, a hamburger (with cheese), and a pumpkin cupcake.<br /><br />Great. Good job Hilary.  Way to undo all of that physical activity from today.

Weight Loss Challenges Struggling... Part 1

After I reached my first 10 lbs goal , I felt unstoppable. Finally, FINALLY, I was making progress past 255. Then the following week I bomb...

Tuesday recap

11:16 PM Tukiyooo 0

<b>That stomach thing</b><br />I'm pretty sure the stomach bug I had was actually food poisoning from a nectarine or raw spinach that I ate Sunday morning. I could be wrong, but after reading about food poisoning it sounds like that was what happened. I don't think I was contagious. My husband didn't get sick (he didn't eat spinach or a nectarine).<br /><br />Today was much better and by this afternoon the only thing wrong with me was my broken wrist.<br /><br />Enough said about my health.<br /><br /><b>Shopping</b><br />About my crazy shopping trip yesterday where I tried on at least 30 pairs of pants. This was brought on by three weeks of watching several re-runs of "What Not to Wear" when I was home with my first cast. After gaining back almost fifty of my eighty pounds lost, I had become a What Not to Wear "before", a worst-dressed woman. I only worked three days last week and looked like a bum every day.<br /><br />For the past year I've barely bought any new clothes because I was going to lose thirty pounds, and get back into my size 10 and 12 clothes. That obviously didn't happen. If I did buy clothes they were of poor quality because this weight was just temporary. Just for the record, I really hate clothes shopping. It's like being tortured, especially shopping for pants.<br /><br />Somehow I seemed to skip size 14's on my way up and down the scale. I have several clothes in size 12, a few 10s, quite a few in size 16, but hardly anything in size 14. Not sure how that happened.<br /><br />I had planned to shop Saturday, but I didn't have time. Then you all know what happened Sunday.  I just felt a need to try to look semi-professional at work. It makes me feel better if my clothes fit me. <br /><br /><b>Terrible sad news</b><br />I saw someone today I hadn't seen in a few months. I knew they were diagnosed with cancer the last time I saw them. We had a long talk today. The cancer they have isn't a good cancer. I know all cancers are bad, but some are worse than others. This one has a very low survival rate. Not good odds.<br /><br />As they were talking to me, telling me they thought they were going to die, I thought I was going to burst into tears. It hurts even more because they're young with young children. It broke my heart.<br /><br />You just never know when the rug is going to be pulled out from under you on something like this. This person was leading a very healthy lifestyle, totally fit, not at all overweight, didn't drink or smoke, ate healthy food, then Bam!, you've got cancer. You have to wonder how cancer picks it's victims.<br /><br /><b>My exercise</b><br />I don't really exercise that much. Some people might think I'm an exercise machine, but I'm really just average. I go to the gym on most days (made it there this morning), some days I am an exercise machine, but most days (like today) I'm just average.<br /><br />My workouts burn calories, work my muscles, but a lot of the time, they're nothing spectacular. I usually spend an hour working out, 30 minutes cardio, 30 minutes weights (or less if it's upper body since only one arm these days). Sometimes I'll do more, occasionally a little less. I'll never quit working out unless I'm bed-bound or dead. It's part of what I've done for 3 1/2 years and what I plan on doing forever. Just saying though, it's not a big deal. I probably talk about it too much so I sound like some big exercising person. I'm not. Just normal.<br /><br />Also, I know I can do a million squats and lunges, and I'll never get slim hips and thighs. It's not my body type. Big hips, big thighs, that's me,even if I did weigh 135.<br /><br /><b>Last thought of the night</b><br />Good night and have a great Wednesday. :)

Tuesday recap

That stomach thing I'm pretty sure the stomach bug I had was actually food poisoning from a nectarine or raw spinach that I ate Sunday m...

Live From Quito 6 (Part B) The End

7:28 PM Tukiyooo 0

In addition to the dramatic resolution of the crisis in Ecuador Central and taking the first step toward a major restructuring of the church, we adopted a pastoral teaching on the environment, particularly about how environmental degradation hurts the poor. A lot of the education sessions had been preparing us for this. It is incumbent on us to share what we learn. A pastoral teaching is one way to do that.<br /><br />As I look back over my descriptions of this time with the House of Bishops, I see that I have missed much of the quality and feel of what has been happening. The missing pieces are obvious. I have not told you that we celebrated the Eucharist together every day, that we began each day with Morning Prayer followed by Bible Study, that we stopped in the middle of each day for Noonday Prayer, that we ended each day with Evening Prayer, or that we said Compline once. I did not tell you of the special prayers said at other times for people in need or the many prayers of thanksgiving. I did not tell you of the moments of silence for disaster victims, for family members who died this week, for bishops who died since our lasr meeting.<br /><br />Scripture, prayer, and sacraments were, as always, the supporting structure of all we did. Simply, we continued in the fellowship of the Apostles, the breaking of bread, and in the prayers..<br /><br />A bishop is a bishop not because of personal gifts and talents. Nor is it enough that a bishop be elected. A bishop has to be plugged into episcopacy. That starts when three or more bishops consecrate him or her. But it does not end there. The authentic exercise of episcopacy depends on connection to the gathered assembly of bishops. Each individual bishop represents this body, which is immensely wiser and holier than any of us could ever be on our own.

Live From Quito 6 (Part B) The End

In addition to the dramatic resolution of the crisis in Ecuador Central and taking the first step toward a major restructuring of the church...

Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake

2:50 PM Tukiyooo 0

I made this AWESOME milkshake on Monday for a lunchtime treat.  If you love vanilla milkshakes, you will be sure to love this amazingness.  This is <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/newsletters/raw/1255">Hungry Girl's version</a> of a vanilla milkshake, and I think I would honestly take this over the fast food version any day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.examiner.com/images/blog/EXID660/images/hungrygirl123.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>I snatched up this recipe from her Hungry Girl 1-2-3 cookbook.<br /><br />I thought for sure that the vanilla ice cream and vanilla soymilk alone would be enough to form a substantial vanilla flavor, but with the vanilla extract and vanilla powdered creamer there is no doubting what flavor this is.  It is incredibly vanilla-y & I loved every single ounce of it.  <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBC2N5kObMrl86hRjaBW0M-7vyIXg0CCmn6MdR-r6o4suTIFnzk7E2RI4eqNplwmpf9EAsfRE2NCTp2TNZgYPkjY5fOAAp2SyT9SUVVeksWcYFdmLM0mzdFkgmK8JRECRIj2He3Ojn8/s1600/Milkshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBC2N5kObMrl86hRjaBW0M-7vyIXg0CCmn6MdR-r6o4suTIFnzk7E2RI4eqNplwmpf9EAsfRE2NCTp2TNZgYPkjY5fOAAp2SyT9SUVVeksWcYFdmLM0mzdFkgmK8JRECRIj2He3Ojn8/s400/Milkshake.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Ordinarily I would be wondering how I could incorporate chocolate into this, which, of course, would not be difficult.  However, I loved it just the way it was - all vanilla, all the time.<br /><blockquote><b><u>Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake</u> - <i>4 Points+</i> </b><br /><i>Ingredients:</i><br /><ul><li>1/2 cup Breyers Double Churn Free Creamy Vanilla fat-free ice cream</li><li>1/2 cup light vanilla soymilk</li><li>1/2 tbsp. Coffee-mate Sugar Free French Vanilla powdered creamer</li><li>2 no-calorie sweetener packets (like Splenda or Truvia)</li><li>1/8 tsp. vanilla extract</li><li>1 cup crushed ice or 5 - 7 ice cubes</li><li>Optional: 2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip</li><li>Optional: maraschino cherry</li></ul><br /><i>Directions:</i><br />Place powdered creamer in a small dish, and add 1/2 tbsp. very hot water. Stir until powder dissolves, and then transfer mixture to a blender.<br /><br />Add all other ingredients except the Reddi-wip to the blender. Blend at high speed until completely mixed. Pour into your favorite glass and top with Reddi-wip. If you like, finish it off with a cherry!<br /><br />MAKES 1 SERVING</blockquote> Milkshakes/icecream are a huge weakness of mine.  Do you crave milkshakes too?

Weight Watcher Recipes Chilla in Vanilla Milkshake

I made this AWESOME milkshake on Monday for a lunchtime treat. If you love vanilla milkshakes, you will be sure to love this amazingness. ...

Live From Quito 6 (Part A)

2:13 PM Tukiyooo 0

The crisis in Ecuador Central was resolved today. The settlement is complicated but this is the crux of it: Bishop Ruiz, the Standing Committee, the Legal Representative, the Chancellor -- in short the entire diocesan leadership --  will resign, ceding  all authority to the Presiding Bishop until they can have a  convention to elect new leadership. Bp  Katharine has appointed Bp Victor Scantleberry to serve as interim bishop and oversee a process of reconciliation.<br /><br />Coming  to Quito was not easy. It was a long flight for many of us. Quito is the most dangerous airport in the world. One bishop was mugged yesterday. Today a bishop spouse was hospitalized with altitude sickness. A lot of us have been impaired to varying degrees by the altitude. But if our presence helped bring about this step toward peace, where before there were threats of violence, it was worth it. Though the crisis is past, the  troubles here did not begin recently and they will not be resolved soon. But this was a big step. We gave our friend Bishop Luiz Fernando Ruiz a standing ovation. We laid hands on him, his wife Tanya, and their baby for healing at the closing Eucharist. You can see the toll this ordeal has taken on them.<br /><br />Today the new Chief Operating Officer of the Episcopal Center (815), Bp Stacy Sauls, made  the case for a major restructuring of the the Church. We suffer from "death by governance" (Bishop Katharine). Up to 45% of the church budget goes to overhead. We have 75 standing commissions. He gave examples of ways to save millions of dollars from governance so we can redirect that money to mission and social ministries at the local level. We do not have a specific substantive proposal,but a proposed resolution for a special commission to create a restructuring plan to submit at a special convention. Note the point is not just to spend less. It is to redirect money and human resources from governance  to mission, from centralized to local, while streamlining the governing bodies of the Church.<br /><br />The same goals are behind our proposed canon to merge our two diocesan governing boards. Western Kansas and some other small, financially challenged dioceses are dong the same thing this year.

Live From Quito 6 (Part A)

The crisis in Ecuador Central was resolved today. The settlement is complicated but this is the crux of it: Bishop Ruiz, the Standing Commit...

Twenty pairs of pants later...

4:55 AM Tukiyooo 0

Around 3pm yesterday I finally started feeling better. A little bit nauseous if I I moved too fast or even thought about certain foods, but much more normal.<br /><br />Breakfast was an egg and Canadian bacon on a Thomas light muffin. Big mistake. It made me really sick (still makes me sick to think about it). Lunch was five low-salt saltines. Dinner was homemade chicken soup (leftovers). I went to bed hungry, but hunger beats nauseousness any day.<br /><br />Around 4 pm I tried to go to the gym, but only made it to the parking lot. I still didn't feel quite right, I was getting hot, sweaty flashes, then freezing cold. I decided it was probably a stupid idea to workout so I left.<br /><br />Then I decided to torture myself with a pants shopping trip to Macy's. My first trip into the dressing room with twenty pairs of pants (I could barely carry them all with one hand), and nothing fit right.<br /><br />I've noticed my fat has come back in different places this time. My hips and thighs seem bigger and my waist smaller. I've been this weight many times in my life, usually going up or coming down, but I don't remember having this problem of not being able to find pants that fit. 12's are too small and 14's are too big. I'm sort of wondering if it's my age. Gravity sucking everything down.<br /><br />I guess this means I need to do more lower body workouts, which are not my favorite. My old trainer told me everyone hates squats and lunges. You're working the really big muscles in the thighs and butt and it hurts. No kidding.<br /><br />I finally found two pairs of pants that fit me perfectly. This was on my third trip to the dressing room. By this time I was hot, sweaty, tired and a wee bit angry about trying on all these clothes and I didn't like anything. The brand that fit so well is Charter Club (I think it's a Macy's brand but not sure), and a style called Slim It Up. This is what is says on the tag: "Curves appear slimmer and firmer. Slim It Up with lockstitch control panels tummy appears flatter."<br /><br />I also bought three tops and a dress. I rarely wear dresses to work (or anywhere), but I think it would be fun to shock everyone with me in a dress.<br /><br />Almost 5 a.m. (yes, another bad night of sleep, up since 3:30 a.m.). I'm going to try the gym again, I feel better, just a little bit nauseous, but not terrible. No coffee this morning and no eggs (gross...what was I thinking?). Maybe saltines for breakfast. Then back to work today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Twenty pairs of pants later...

Around 3pm yesterday I finally started feeling better. A little bit nauseous if I I moved too fast or even thought about certain foods, but ...

Live From Quito 5: The Losses We Endure

10:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

Disasters have been a major theme of this House of Bishops. We heard from the bishops of Vermont and Albany about the flood, from the bishop of Western Missouri about the tornado, from the bishop of Texas about the drought and wildfires. It has been one hard year! They expressed their appreciation for the prayers and support of the rest of the church in helping them through these catastrophes.<br /><br />The Archbishop of Japan showed a DVD and gave a heartbreaking report of their  triple disaster -- earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear radiation. The bishop of Haiti updated us on the slow process of rebuilding their broken nation after that earthquake. He was deeply grateful for our support and to Bishop Katharine for her repeated visits to encourage and console the Haitian people.<br /><br />The bishops have been very solicitous for the people of Reno involved in the air crash. They assure us of their prayers.<br /><br />All of this is probably why I found tears in my eyes at today's Eucharist when we sang Thomas Dorsey's hymn written late one night in 1932 in an Atlanta hotel after he learned that his wife had died in childbirth and the child had died too while he was away.<br /><br />            "When the darkness appears and the night draws near<br />             When the day is past and gone<br />              At the river I stand<br />             Guide my feet, hold my hand<br />              Precious Lord take my hand, lead me home."

Live From Quito 5: The Losses We Endure

Disasters have been a major theme of this House of Bishops. We heard from the bishops of Vermont and Albany about the flood, from the bishop...

Live From Quito 4

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

Just a few highlights from today:  one of our guest bishops from  another church in the Anglican Communion told  us that once when he was a new bishop he asked his wife, "Did you ever in your wildest dreams imagine that I would be bishop of this diocese?" She replied, "Darling, in my wildest dreams, you do not appear."<br /><br />An English bishop  informed us of issues in the C of E including the upcoming Synod which will decide whether to admit women to the episcopacy. He indicated that many in England believe the discussion of the Anglican Covenant has been helpful but see no need to actually adopt the Covenant. He made no prediction of the outcome and did not say how he would vote. My prediction: we will endorse the core values in the first three sections of the covenant but not the sanctions in section four. I also predict not many other churches in the communion will sign on to the Covenant.<br /><br />The bishops from Liturgy & Music reported on the same sex blessing liturgy drafting process. Enormous work has been done. Massive input has been received. More revising is probably ahead. My opinion: this rite will be approved in some form. There will be controversy about it. But whether it is a bloody controversy depends on which book we put it in. If we do this in a way that effectively compels all dioceses to use the rite, there will be real crises in several dioceses that oppose it. If we do it in a way that authorizes but does not compel its use, it will be used by most dioceses, and the ones who oppose it can dissent in good conscience without a major crisis. There will be upset but we will get through it. I also predict that whatever rite we authorize will be imperfect. Both the rite and the theological supporting document will be revised after a few years of experience.<br /><br />We had reports and a panel discussion on the economic, environmental, and migration challenges facing our Episcopal Dioceses in Latin America. I was particularly struck to hear that restrictive immigration policies and deportations put people in a vulnerable situation. In that situation they become prey for sex traffickers. I had not made the connection between those two issues -- immigration and trafficking -- which are both major concerns in Nevada.

Live From Quito 4

Just a few highlights from today: one of our guest bishops from another church in the Anglican Communion told us that once when he was a ...

First Annual St Mary's County Septathalon

6:22 PM Tukiyooo 0

Over the weekend, Joel's brother, Nathanael, hosted a "septathalon" in honor of his 30th birthday.  It was held in St Mary's County, MD - down near the Chesapeake Bay.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuj1zPOOfsPzzRuq2r6dELMyRUDIlxsNnRiQvZa8wkRYba04r7hq44wa7KucXpgSTNfvyFVDxEy2t9Xu_kKDECjYm9OngIzjDVyR8Qx0DONFPYf20b22AD-xIWbyxJtJkDs-qxQvWL4/s1600/Septathalon+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzPuj1zPOOfsPzzRuq2r6dELMyRUDIlxsNnRiQvZa8wkRYba04r7hq44wa7KucXpgSTNfvyFVDxEy2t9Xu_kKDECjYm9OngIzjDVyR8Qx0DONFPYf20b22AD-xIWbyxJtJkDs-qxQvWL4/s400/Septathalon+007.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I snagged this pretty burnt heart on one of the dead trees near the river</td></tr></tbody></table>The Septathalon featured 7 events: yoga, swimming, biking, running, fishing, eating and drinking.  Not your average kind of sporting event :).<br /><br />I participated in 3 of the "main" events: yoga, biking and running.  Our yoga instruction was very quick - sort of a kick off to the entire event.  Once the guys (and 1 girl) finished with the swim, we started the 22 mile bike ride.  I actually only ended up doing 11 miles because it was pouring down rain and extremely hard to see, but I was really proud of myself for doing half of it.  I even felt really good after those 11 miles, I could have/would have kept going if not for the rain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsOJzhzgCOHgbnuu1HO_wVLGQbEZgr8fFIowl0QLAgZkkygAAjffJPWgEdWjvvKxWlhekyw-u7QT7rrdTob6YsQ1XTWSwOG0O6BDCnil1U3k2pWwBYqFnnAYQOIogazgxzdUZzGibqc/s1600/Septathalon+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIsOJzhzgCOHgbnuu1HO_wVLGQbEZgr8fFIowl0QLAgZkkygAAjffJPWgEdWjvvKxWlhekyw-u7QT7rrdTob6YsQ1XTWSwOG0O6BDCnil1U3k2pWwBYqFnnAYQOIogazgxzdUZzGibqc/s400/Septathalon+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">that's me in the background gearing up for the 11 miles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />After the bike ride, we proceeded to the 6 mile run.  After much convincing, Joel agreed to do the run with me.  We started off with a light jog and then had to walk for a bit because my hip started to hurt a little.  We made it 2 miles before we spotted Joel's brother running back to us, letting us know that the bar we were running to was closed (this was for the "drinking" part).  So, we just turned around and did 4 miles instead of the planned 6.  Joel and I both jogged for a little over 2 miles though - so I was very pleased with myself for that.<br /><br />I was <b>extremely proud</b> of myself for biking <i>and </i>walking/running.  Never have I ever biked 11 miles and ran/walked 4 all in the same day.  And by the way, Joel's brother did every single event in it's entirety.  Granted, he trained for the whole thing, but still - SO awesome!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6zISGHBMjjVE71CM7LReeuL8kLjsdUdjW6HxH9mefejp-NYDH8mNpQ7QTa1xOck-Dd7E4rVUbraeIGZWjjGPpgAncfUqLEkGRNyloUVdbKa74Ipd_Yv48gzXA_uhzrbNm4CGppEPCs/s1600/Septathalon+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ6zISGHBMjjVE71CM7LReeuL8kLjsdUdjW6HxH9mefejp-NYDH8mNpQ7QTa1xOck-Dd7E4rVUbraeIGZWjjGPpgAncfUqLEkGRNyloUVdbKa74Ipd_Yv48gzXA_uhzrbNm4CGppEPCs/s400/Septathalon+106.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />It wasn't long afterward that stiffness and soreness set in.  In fact, not only was I achy, but Joel and I both battled some serious stomach problems.  It put somewhat of a damper on the remainder of the day.  We ended up leaving the post-Septathalon BBQ early because of our stomach issues.  <br /><br />Still, I had a lot of fun on Saturday and I take so much pride in proving to myself that I was capable of doing these events, even if I am 256 pounds.

Exercise Septathalon First Annual St Mary's County Septathalon

Over the weekend, Joel's brother, Nathanael, hosted a "septathalon" in honor of his 30th birthday. It was held in St Mary'...