GEOSTRATEGIC DYNAMICS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

<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/AVvXsEgNcKRAZ7waNXC70LpZEaS3kz-jyxRrQ4P_H7G5R4FaGw2YASN9xD3jUgKAZU2Q_bdJiVLcPDoNPy5EOoyopgMtfVQEblg3pksBsY_Xwg9CU8jpuDBy2C76ojMfCdSWyXR3Et_u2ZkoTIKF/s1600/1-17-2012-8-10-27-AM-3175256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcKRAZ7waNXC70LpZEaS3kz-jyxRrQ4P_H7G5R4FaGw2YASN9xD3jUgKAZU2Q_bdJiVLcPDoNPy5EOoyopgMtfVQEblg3pksBsY_Xwg9CU8jpuDBy2C76ojMfCdSWyXR3Et_u2ZkoTIKF/s400/1-17-2012-8-10-27-AM-3175256.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SABRE RATTLING BETWEEN CYPRUS AND TURKEY</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Parallel to current saber rattling in the SOUTHERN ATLANTIC between BRITAIN and ARGENTINA, similar posturing can be observed in the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA between CYPRUS and TURKEY regarding recent gas and possible oil findings. Adding fuel to the fire is ISRAEL’S Prime Ministers State visit to CYPRUS. This comes at a time when CYPRUS frequently accused TURKEY of using "bullying behaviour" over the division of the island and recent natural gas finds. (See: <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/02/british-multiple-offensive.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/02/british-multiple-offensive.html</a>)<br />Gas production is set to climb in the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN following the discovery of huge offshore reserves that have sparked competing maritime claims involving TURKEY, CYPRUS, LEBANON and ISRAEL.<br /><br /><div style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TURKEYS SHOW OF FORCE IS AN ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE CYPRUS AND ISRAEL </b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYUoScBG1VNfpA-dzgOm18Q40hMZsfhpDxmJ2AJ242JrwUy3G4ylaT9I38wPRsH5KBRWmWgk0Pgxmx215_o62mWcqCdHuersw6HEANWB7K6dG6xf9PG6iMCETNoElCJf9CNkwvXwFPmU6/s1600/asadi_s20110908214936433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYUoScBG1VNfpA-dzgOm18Q40hMZsfhpDxmJ2AJ242JrwUy3G4ylaT9I38wPRsH5KBRWmWgk0Pgxmx215_o62mWcqCdHuersw6HEANWB7K6dG6xf9PG6iMCETNoElCJf9CNkwvXwFPmU6/s200/asadi_s20110908214936433.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>CYPRUS politicians told ISRAELI ARMY RADIO in an interview that TURKEY had held numerous and "provocative" military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean over the past few months. The show of force is an attempt to threaten CYPRUS and ISRAEL and try to discourage foreign companies from cooperating with the two countries in gas exploration and production. A totally unacceptable behaviour on the part of TURKEY and something CYPRUS condemns strongly. CYPRUS'S attempts to tap offshore hydrocarbon riches has angered Ankara, which challenges Nicosia's jurisdiction in searching for oil and gas.<br /><br /><div style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">CYPRUS AND ISRAEL TO BECOME MAJOR GAS EXPORTERS IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE </b></div><br />Texas-based NOBLE ENERGY, which is working with both CYPRUS and ISRAEL, reported an offshore gas prospect of between 5 trillion and 8 trillion cubic feet for CYPRUS, a find which could make it self-sufficient in the commodity for decades. Gas production is also set to soar in Israel and it could become a major exporter from finds that could last for the next 40 years.<br />NOBLE is working with ISRAEL'S DELEK ENERGY to develop the "TAMAR" field, with reserves estimated at 9.1 trillion cubic feet, and "LEVIATHAN" which is nearly twice as big.<br />The TURKISH CYPRIOTS and TURKEY, which invaded north CYPRUS in 1974 after a brief GREECE-inspired coup, plan retaliatory exploration in northern CYPRUS.<br />ISRAEL and CYPRUS have agreed their adjoining areas of maritime jurisdiction. TURKEY, which controls northern CYPRUS, disputes its border with CYPRUS and LEBANON, which is in a state of war with ISRAEL and has also not agreed on a joint border between the two.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">CYPRUS: GAS LICENCES BID LAUNCHED</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div>At the eve of the first ever ISRAELI State visit to the Island, CYPRUS announced the second licensing round for offshore exploration of hydrocarbons in its EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ), less than two months after the discovery of substantial natural gas deposits south of the island.<br />The notice invites licence applications to search for mineral deposits inside the island's 51,000 square kilometre EEZ. Twelve offshore blocks rimming the island's south are on offer for potential exploration and exploitation of oil and gas. Block 12 is currently under concession to Houston-based NOBLE ENERGY, which back in December said it discovered an estimated 5 to 8 trillion cubic feet there. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Block 12 lies close to where neighbouring ISRAEL has reported significant discoveries.</b><br /><br /><div style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE </b></div><br />Meanwhile CYPRUS officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce are currently in the final stages of negotiating a unitization agreement with ISRAEL. This would arrange gas prospects into discrete units, given that some of the CYPRIOT Prospects in the eastern Mediterranean border and/or overlap ISRAELI ones.<br /><br /><div style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ISRAEL TO STATION MILITARY JETS IN CYPRUS?</b></div><br />ISRAEL allegedly will use the first ever state visit to CYPRUS to sounding out the government over a request to station military jets at the ANDREAS PAPANDREOU airbase in PAPHOS, CYPRUS.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB-KTbGwIQDzqBaHKehIfxOYK-iNBJ879McRZMR0oiKZROlOOSJ4CvCMyQWnt0_OSiyxfUKMY1bcD6E2jyG7PCZeoLiYzZ8xBDR7d2rtbGtRuAzTHzhEgH8GGwfgdu8YhZOLwhlwuddbL/s1600/andreas-papandreou-ab-paphos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglB-KTbGwIQDzqBaHKehIfxOYK-iNBJ879McRZMR0oiKZROlOOSJ4CvCMyQWnt0_OSiyxfUKMY1bcD6E2jyG7PCZeoLiYzZ8xBDR7d2rtbGtRuAzTHzhEgH8GGwfgdu8YhZOLwhlwuddbL/s320/andreas-papandreou-ab-paphos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">ANDREAS PAPANDREOU airbase in PAPHOS, CYPRUS</span></td></tr></tbody></table> If these allegations prove accurate, the visit of ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to CYPRUS may coincide with a ground-breaking shake up of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">geostrategic dynamics</b> in the region.  It was not clear though if ISRAEL will request a permanent presence on the island or establishing a base that can provide logistical support to the ISRAELI AIR FORCE (IAF) during operations in the region.<br />As mentioned in previous postings, ISRAEL needs to search for alternative external bases in order to compensate for recent loss of military cooperation and strongholds in TURKEY because of TURKEYS sudden change of attitude towards ISRAEL. (See: <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/09/warmongerning-between-israel-and-turkey.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2011/09/warmongerning-between-israel-and-turkey.html</a> ) <br />Apparently ISRAEL and CYPRUS are seeking to strengthen defence ties as part of efforts to protect offshore oil and gas interests. CYPRUS and ISRAEL already signed two defence agreements in recent past.<br />CYPRUS seems keen to monitor the air space above its gas fields and increase navy patrols in its EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE with the help of ISRAEL and GREECE as it lacks an efficient air force of its own. ISRAEL on the other hand will be looking to find ways to counter potential threats from SYRIA and HEZBOLLAH against its offshore infrastructure.<br /><br /><div style="color: blue;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DIPLOMATIC DOORS NOT ENTIRELY CLOSED BETWEEN ISRAEL AND TURKEY</b></div><br />Interesting to note however is that at the same time diplomatic  relations between TURKEY and ISRAEL at an all times low, ISRAEL remains open to thawing its frosty relations with former military ally TURKEY and thus will likely invite TURKEY to participate in a large-scale international aerial drill to be hosted in ISRAEL in 2013. Economic relations between the two countries seems not have been effected by the dispute, as recent trade figures indicate. See: <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/01/see-no-evil-hear-no-evil.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/01/see-no-evil-hear-no-evil.html</a> <br />Furthermore TURKEY permitted the installation of a NATO anti missile radar on its border with Iran, the information of which will be made also available to the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Thus it will be interesting to see what impact the current geopolitical and strategic shift among key players in the region will have on friends and foes alike.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Parts of above article have been adopted from the Cyprus Mail </i></span>

GEOSTRATEGIC DYNAMICS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SABRE RATTLING BETWEEN CYPRUS AND TURKEY Parallel to current saber rattling in the SOUTHERN ATLANTIC between BRITAIN a...

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Focus on yourself first to find your federal job fit

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px; text-align: left;"><div class="cbmsnArticleImage" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/9g/ar5l4c7702bwrnb6b99g.gif?time=1/17/2012%204:40:38%20pm" /></div><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; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="cbArticle_lblHeadline">Focus on yourself first to find your federal job fit</span></h1></div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing</span></b></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">Applying for a job with the federal <a href="http://msn.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/government/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">government</a> can be a difficult and maddening ordeal that involves a long application process and a complex organizational structure. Federal job seekers are often told to take any federal position just to get their foot in the door. However, this advice is outdated and misleading.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">In their book, "<a href="http://www.bing.com/search?q=Find+Your+Federal+Job+Fit&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=msns07" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">Find Your Federal Job Fit</a>," Janet M. Ruck and Karol Taylor describe how to develop a career identity through a planning process that is designed to help individuals find the federal position that suits them best.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">To better understand your career identity, Ruck and Taylor say you must figure out why you work and what meaningful work is for you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">"Work is an extension of your place in the world, and ideally it expresses who you are," Ruck and Taylor say. "Can you identify what you are called to do in life? Usually characterized by a passion or a great yearning to pursue a field, discipline or venture, meaningful work and activities can sometimes make themselves known to you before you are aware of or identify them."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">After identifying your meaningful work, the authors suggest creating a personal mission statement and identifying your life purpose using some simple questions:</div><ul type="disc"><br /><li>What do you consider to be your best characteristics?</li><br /><li>How do you reveal these characteristics to others?</li><br /><li>What are some ways in which you would like to use these characteristics in your life and your work?</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">The next step to generating a career identity is to develop a personal brand, which can help you stand out from other federal job applicants. The personal brand, the <a href="http://msn.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/writing/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">authors</a> say, "reflects who you are and shows through your actions what you stand for. ... A personal brand is authentic and organic and emanates from who you are in reality. It is not contrived, forced or created, yet it must be cultivated, reinforced and nurtured."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Using your personal brand, create a statement that succinctly summarizes the qualities you possess that would be desirable for a federal position. Ruck and Taylor recommend these steps:</div><ul type="disc"><br /><li>Focus on a unique self-description.</li><br /><li>Describe what you do.</li><br /><li>Explain how you are unique.</li><br /><li>Describe your goal.</li></ul><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">When you've completed these exercises, you can consider them together to develop your career goal, which could point you toward your future federal career. Create a vision of where you want to work, what you want to do and how you can contribute to the job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">Finding a federal job doesn't have to be daunting; you can simplify the process by first focusing on yourself and developing your career identity.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><i>Lori Michelle Ryan is the Marketing Communications Specialist at JIST Publishing, America's Career Publisher. In this role, she helps job seekers, career changers, students and working professionals develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the job market and world of work.</i></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />

Focus on yourself first to find your federal job fit

Focus on yourself first to find your federal job fit Lori Michelle Ryan, JIST Publishing Applying for a job with the federal  government  ca...

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Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library

<strong>Network Services Assistant</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Wilton Library</strong></span> seeks a part-time Network Services Assistant (two Sundays per month: 1-5 pm) to manage its Intranet, update website, cover help desk functions, set up audio/visual presentations and maintain equipment. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), web browsers, web-based email, and photo editing software. Duties include updating of Intranet and website, setting up/operating audio/visual equipment (computers, projectors, microphones, movies, etc.); providing exceptional help desk support for patrons and staff; updating and maintaining computers, iPads, Nooks, and Kindles; rebuilding computers and replacing/repairing peripherals as directed; and other assignments as required. Successful applicant will be eager to learn, flexible, creative, a team player, and have proven interpersonal and teaching skills, along with problem solving abilities. Position available immediately. Email resume and cover letter by <span style="color: red;">March 2, 2012</span>, to Mary Anne Mendola Franco, Head of Network Services, at <a href="mailto:mamfranco@wiltonlibrary.org">mamfranco@wiltonlibrary.org</a>. Wilton Library Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library

Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library seeks a part-time Network Services Assistant (two Sundays per month: 1-5 pm) to manage its In...

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Webmaster/Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library

<strong>Webmaster/Network Services Assistant</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Wilton Library</strong></span> seeks a full-time Webmaster/Network Services Assistant (Tues-Sat afternoon/evenings with full benefits) to manage its website, cover help desk functions, set up audio/visual presentations and maintain equipment. Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook), web browsers, web-based email, and photo editing software. Duties include daily updating of website, setting up/operating audio/visual equipment (computers, projectors, microphones, movies, etc.); providing exceptional help desk support for patrons and staff; updating and maintaining computers, iPads, Nooks, and Kindles; rebuilding computers and replacing/repairing peripherals as directed; and other assignments as required. Successful applicant will be eager to learn, flexible, creative, a team player, and have proven interpersonal and teaching skills, along with problem solving abilities. Position available immediately. Email resume and cover letter by <span style="color: red;">March 2, 2012</span>, to Mary Anne Mendola Franco, Head of Network Services, at <a href="mailto:mamfranco@wiltonlibrary.org">mamfranco@wiltonlibrary.org</a>. Wilton Library Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Webmaster/Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library

Webmaster/Network Services Assistant - Wilton Library seeks a full-time Webmaster/Network Services Assistant (Tues-Sat afternoon/evenings...

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Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library

<strong>Library Assistant</strong> - The Ora Mason Branch of the <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>West Haven Public Library</strong></span> seeks a part-time circulation assistant (16 hours per week) evenings, days and Saturdays. Under the direction of the Branch Manager, duties include: charge items in and out, answer telephone, assist patrons with library resources, patron registration and inquiries. Excellent customer service and computer skills are essential. High school diploma or equivalent required, prefer Bachelor’s degree and library experience. E-mail cover letter and resume no later than <span style="color: red;">February 29, 2012</span> to: Director, West Haven Public Library, 300 Elm St., West Haven, CT 06516 or <a href="mailto:dir@westhavenlibrary.org">dir@westhavenlibrary.org</a>. No telephone inquiries. EOE/MF.

Library Assistant - West Haven Public Library

Library Assistant - The Ora Mason Branch of the West Haven Public Library seeks a part-time circulation assistant (16 hours per week) even...

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Children’s Services Coordinator - Minor Memorial Library/Roxbury

<strong>Children’s Services Coordinator</strong> - The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Minor Memorial Library</strong></span> in Roxbury seeks an enthusiastic self-starter with college degree and experience working with pre-school and school-aged children to manage growing children’s department. Responsibilities include planning, presenting, and promoting children’s programs. Circulation duties are included. 20-30 hrs. per week including 2 Saturdays per month and 1 evening per week. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resume to Minor Memorial Library, P.O. Box 249, Roxbury, CT 06783.

Children’s Services Coordinator - Minor Memorial Library/Roxbury

Children’s Services Coordinator - The Minor Memorial Library in Roxbury seeks an enthusiastic self-starter with college degree and experi...

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Library Reference Assistant - Plainville Public Library

<strong>Library Reference Assistant</strong> - The Town of Plainville is searching for a Library Reference Assistant in our <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Plainville Public Library</strong></span>. This position is accountable for assisting the Library Director in providing reference and inter-library loan services to patrons. The position is a 35 hour work week with a starting salary $18.59 per hour plus benefits. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, the humanities or other related field; minimum of two years experience in relevant library work. Applications are available on the <a href="http://www.plainvillect.com/pages/page_content/town_departments_human%20resources.aspx" target="_blank">Town of Plainville website</a> and should be mailed to: The Town of Plainville, c/o Human Resources, One Central Square, Plainville, CT 06062. The position requires a knowledge of library science procedures and library classification systems. Considerable interpersonal skills, general clerical skills including typing; written and oral communication skills, and computer skills. Also, the ability to conduct and teach library research techniques, ability to organize, prioritize, and schedule work, and multi-task. Some other tasks will include: Representing the library at meetings regarding the development of regional library policies; reading book reviews and making recommendations on the purchase of new books; teaching groups and individuals how to use various library resources; covering the circulation desk as needed; general clerical duties; and related duties as necessary. The position will remain open until filled. EOE / M-F

Library Reference Assistant - Plainville Public Library

Library Reference Assistant - The Town of Plainville is searching for a Library Reference Assistant in our Plainville Public Library . Thi...

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Love Endures All Things

Dear Hilary,<br /><br />I am writing this letter to you to let you know that you <i>will </i>be okay.  I know right now it is hard to see that.  Trust me, it will get better.<br /><br />I know your heart has been broken by someone you least expected to break it.  You loved Joel with all of your heart and because of that, it hurts you so deeply right now to imagine a life without him. <br /><br />But Hilary, listen to me when I say this: <i>God has a plan for you.</i>  That plan is what is best for you, with or without Joel in your life.  Someday, your path will cross with someone else's again, and the two of you will walk together as one, and he will be the man for you.      <br /><br />I know that you're thinking, "But I don't want someone else. I only want Joel."  You might feel this way right now Hilary, but whatever is meant to be will be. <br /><br />Right now, you need to trust in God and His plan for you.  Sing His praises every day, because you do have a lot in your life to be thankful for.  Know that he is walking by your side every step of the way.  You might feel all alone, but trust me, that could not be further from the truth.  God is there with you every second of the day, through every tear you cry and every breath you take.  He is there holding you and telling you that you will be okay. <br /><br />Love never fails, Hilary.  So please, go love yourself in every way that you know how.  Love God and all He has done for you and will continue to do for you.  Hilary, the best is yet to come!<br /><br />Love,<br />Your future self

Love Endures All Things

Dear Hilary, I am writing this letter to you to let you know that you will be okay.  I know right now it is hard to see that.  Trust me, it ...

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green for very little green

Hey there! First things first, I want to thank everyone for their great comments, especially about the lampshades. I think they just might deserve different bases so I'm going to keep my eyes open. I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />With a 1st birthday party this weekend, our house is full of glue guns and pink. Everywhere pink. So, many things have fallen off my radar, but I did manage to finish one project on my list. A kick off project of sorts. But first a little background. I know what you're thinking, 'Oh great, another one of her stories.' I'll keep it brief, promise.<br /><br />We have the classic neglected master bedroom - full of left overs, after thoughts and general laziness. Finally the other day I decided I'd had enough. I'm sick and tired of it and I'm not gonna take it anymore! (imagine me doing my best Norma Ray) Its time to start the patching, painting, moving, reorganizing, and of course, shopping. But as this room is (supposed to be) my sanctuary, the thought of the upheaval makes me want to avoid it altogether.<br /><br />So I'm going with the 'What About Bob?' theory. Its all about the baby steps.<br /><br />Baby step 1 - empty the room. As we've established, it drives me bonkers to live in an 'empty' space, so nothing is more encouraging than seeing blank walls first thing every day. Mission accomplished. It is driving me nuts and I am <strike>annoyed</strike> encouraged.<br /><br />Baby step 2 - bring in some inspiration. I been dying for some kelly green...somewhere. Enter this mirror I picked up off the side of the road when I nabbed my now <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/p/before-after.html" target="_blank">yellow table</a>.<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/AVvXsEgDCIK_iD7dMMJL9bEVL5UgrcJVxmpSmIAwNT3pkQ6PvHnHdkOQ9dCfCV1MUr-zMTfseuURIHqiC6ordi7Xvrq154oup2Mf0YYrcyjJa9yBVNXWtXcldfK4EFa5CEyONqJhX04DBsMu2Dtc/s1600/P1283477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDCIK_iD7dMMJL9bEVL5UgrcJVxmpSmIAwNT3pkQ6PvHnHdkOQ9dCfCV1MUr-zMTfseuURIHqiC6ordi7Xvrq154oup2Mf0YYrcyjJa9yBVNXWtXcldfK4EFa5CEyONqJhX04DBsMu2Dtc/s640/P1283477.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It used to sit on top of the table, ala vanity, which is why there is that big honkin' bolt sticking out of the bottom. Luckily that screwed right out. A bit of sanding and paper to protect the mirror and it was ready for a can of love.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-15S62LPUKDLWzrP8iywUBu2cW3RKgRiSZArKbsIMzcMH-l0uxiMjtMpSOctTFH9E_AibPIG9ooNkjFW9hw-dhyphenhyphensshH891D6zvhtx4XXCn3-RSNQLqAa0GHFrPJ9GScFKhXz8jMzlfeZ/s1600/P2093715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-15S62LPUKDLWzrP8iywUBu2cW3RKgRiSZArKbsIMzcMH-l0uxiMjtMpSOctTFH9E_AibPIG9ooNkjFW9hw-dhyphenhyphensshH891D6zvhtx4XXCn3-RSNQLqAa0GHFrPJ9GScFKhXz8jMzlfeZ/s640/P2093715.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />After several light and even coats (a shout out to <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/a-giant-rooster-who-does-that/" target="_blank">Sherry</a>) I have a nice pop of inspiration.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq-E2nBmXCmhjnYuIn1OdDfmtpeVASjHklJfq9q9nZn1GJs4hkKCzBpwdNBOBS2o1xYho9Gu4ODTiJHKyt0saC_FDUkgEZ4ofg7TrGgwSuJ9aI8NjDhgl3AsLU8hyphenhyphendut38mLuWe3_M4xc/s1600/P2093706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsq-E2nBmXCmhjnYuIn1OdDfmtpeVASjHklJfq9q9nZn1GJs4hkKCzBpwdNBOBS2o1xYho9Gu4ODTiJHKyt0saC_FDUkgEZ4ofg7TrGgwSuJ9aI8NjDhgl3AsLU8hyphenhyphendut38mLuWe3_M4xc/s640/P2093706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX1raB_GAp7dO2O-AcSCFDaxFElvtdcBINRp4SWVx63hhV9l7nBqop_J7eSowKZZYAIavH27xFInTrkUpCd0Feftxp59ALP0FEX83GZFUPXcws52JpGyo_r1CEqe35aqMkxy8M_jrMOtc/s1600/P2294925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX1raB_GAp7dO2O-AcSCFDaxFElvtdcBINRp4SWVx63hhV9l7nBqop_J7eSowKZZYAIavH27xFInTrkUpCd0Feftxp59ALP0FEX83GZFUPXcws52JpGyo_r1CEqe35aqMkxy8M_jrMOtc/s640/P2294925.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh0hh7zdvxKI3IXeJl2siJEt-T-r1k_eN_PlLjbfhdtCvfVwIN6Zs2baCYXBmT2Uo_k3VONYWjJPFFWh8vbQpGGBTJ_4UNLrLUms46eFkhbcMQt3sxQaZrs7YFsO1Gwh-uuGKkCUmGuxQ/s1600/P2154080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh0hh7zdvxKI3IXeJl2siJEt-T-r1k_eN_PlLjbfhdtCvfVwIN6Zs2baCYXBmT2Uo_k3VONYWjJPFFWh8vbQpGGBTJ_4UNLrLUms46eFkhbcMQt3sxQaZrs7YFsO1Gwh-uuGKkCUmGuxQ/s640/P2154080.JPG" width="426" /></a></div> Notice the blank walls. And curtains already pulled down. And no, I'm not channeling Laura Ashley's green and lavender. That wall color is the next thing to go!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrS53xEQRLVFboUgXRJLWio_YKNPGRYfZ5-9Zpo308bZNYvZT7N9CE3TzGI2qrl_gkg4RMcL_06wXNY1y7X11v-rZ256r73wB3eANkS9N7-0Qu7AuUNlHtxOLpf2-1HJfd9-M1N8sxKXt/s1600/P2154086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrS53xEQRLVFboUgXRJLWio_YKNPGRYfZ5-9Zpo308bZNYvZT7N9CE3TzGI2qrl_gkg4RMcL_06wXNY1y7X11v-rZ256r73wB3eANkS9N7-0Qu7AuUNlHtxOLpf2-1HJfd9-M1N8sxKXt/s640/P2154086.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next up baby step 3 - paint the walls.<br /><br />Then create curtains, get new bedding, recycle some lamps, get stuff for the walls, figure out a bedskirt, find a rug...oy. I'll stop there. I need a cocktail.<br /><br />For now this bit of change will have to do. Its all about the baby steps.<br /><br />Have you started any major projects lately? Have any project anxiety? Something you've wanted to get started but can't bring yourself to pull the trigger on?

green for very little green

Hey there! First things first, I want to thank everyone for their great comments, especially about the lampshades. I think they just might d...

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A Plan

<p align="left">I’m sure you’ve all seen this quote. It’s an oldie…but SO true! I wanted to fill you in on how I plan to meet my goals this month!</p> <p align="right"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="357" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/280771357988357425_BRZ1DOhG_c.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" width="250"></p> <p align="right"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/280771357988357425/">(source)</a></p> <p align="left">To recap here is a list of my goals for February. </p> <ol> <li>workout 4 days/week <li>attend every WW meeting (no excuses) <li>track daily <li>limit TV time to 1 hr/day <li>weigh 174 by 2.29.12 {lose 4lbs}</li></ol> <p>And here’s how I plan to meet those goals:</p> <p>I plan to workout on my lunch hour 2 days per week and then the other 2 days get in a workout after Adelyn is in bed in the evening. To workout on my lunch will require that I pack my workout bag and my lunch the night before. </p> <p>Attending my weekly Weight Watcher meeting is pretty self explanatory…but it’s easy to let meetings & other things fill in that time slot. Attending those weekly meetings is so important!</p> <p>Tracking is an area I struggle with…but I want to get better! My plan to keep my tracker out on the counter when I’m at home and on my desk when I’m at work. This will ensure it will always be on my mind when I go to eat something. </p> <p>Limiting TV time will be hard, I will admit. I like to sit on the couch and vegg. And yes I do believe we all need some time to do that. But…I can let it fill up too much of my time. I plan to make a list for the week of things I want to accomplish around the house and this will help me limit my TV time, but seeing those things that I need/want to get done. </p> <p>And finally to meet that weight loss goal for the month will be easy…if I can just stay on track with my first 4 goals!</p> <p><strong><em>What strategies to put into place to ensure that you will meet your goals?</em></strong></p>

A Plan

I’m sure you’ve all seen this quote. It’s an oldie…but SO true! I wanted to fill you in on how I plan to meet my goals this month! (source...

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My Take On Congregational Development: What I Said To The Diocese Of Idaho Convention

It is a sweeter thing for me to be here with you<br /> than most of you would imagine.<br />I may appear to be an alien visitor <br /> from that surrealistic din of iniquity, Las Vegas.<br />And so today I am -- but I was not always the prelate of depravity,<br /> the bishop of Sin City.<br /><br />In the late 70’s, I was a young lawyer who found his way to Boise.<br />It was around the time when Carol King was moving to Idaho City<br /> and the Braun Brothers were first singing Yankee Fork and Mass. Woman.<br />In those days, I was a lapsed Buddhist who didn’t believe in much of anything.<br />I had just wrapped a mantle of cynical despair around my heart<br /> as a way to get through life.<br /><br />But several things happened to break my dark philosophy.<br />One of the spiritual catalysts was a case I was defending.<br />It was a contract murder in small city in Western Idaho.<br />The state’s version of the facts included about half the town<br /> in a dark conspiracy.<br />My version of the case suspected the other half of the town<br /> in an even darker conspiracy. <br />I sometimes wondered if we were both right.<br />The pervasiveness of cruelty and corruption <br /> exceeded anything my cynicism had suspected.<br />Under the weight of that discovery, I needed something.<br />I didn’t know what it was but I knew I didn’t have it.<br />Today, I would say my life had entered into a grim chapter.<br />What I needed was a story big enough to contain such a chapter<br /> and still be, on the whole, beautiful.<br />I was to find that story in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />I found it at St. Michael’s Cathedral, corner of State and 8th street, Boise.<br />It wasn’t a quick or easy conversion.<br />I didn’t believe what I was hearing and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.<br />But I gave it a chance.<br /><br />I received the sacrament with not so much belief <br /> as a willingness to doubt my disbelief, to entertain a possibility.<br />Much that I heard rankled me.<br />But each day, I said the Prayer Book devotions.<br /> “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ<br /> for by his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope . . . .”<br />Like a scalpel, the words cut my mantle and I bled and I bled until I believed.<br /><br />Jim Dwyer was the Dean in those days.<br />Herb Runner was the resident good hearted sage.<br />Allen Dingell was the chancellor.<br />Judge Bail taught adult Sunday School.<br />Tudor Cushman instructed our children.<br />Each summer we sang campfire songs with the Zimlikas, the Manns, and others<br /> at Paradise Point.<br />.<br />The Episcopal Church in Idaho saved my life.<br />I was born here – through an at risk spiritual pregnancy,<br /> and an arduous labor.<br />So it is good for me to be in Pocatello with you.<br />Thank you for inviting me to come home this weekend.<br />Thank you for inviting me 30 years ago to come home to Christ.<br /><br />It has been 21 years since I was ordained in this diocese.<br />So perhaps I have come of age.<br />Perhaps I can offer some small lessons about Congregational Development.<br />The first is: when you think about Congregational Development,<br /> remember my story.<br />I don’t know who I would have become if you had not been here for me.<br />But you were here.<br />You were here because people loved the Church and served her.<br />They did not just love seeing the same faces every Sunday.<br />They loved the openness of the church doors.<br />They loved the porch light burning for lost souls.<br />They loved the witness for justice and the heart for mercy.<br />When I couldn’t see God, I saw them.<br />Congregational Development is a fancy term for loving the church.<br />We love her for the sake of the people who are here<br /> and the people who need to be, but don’t know it.<br /><br />The second thing I offer is more of a strategy for vitality.<br />Nevada elected me as bishop because <br /> I had been priest to a little church in Georgia<br /> that had about declined to the point of failure;<br /> but during my time there, they doubled in size, tripled in budget,<br /> and quadrupled in mission.<br />I didn’t make that happen, but I watched it up close<br /> and I can tell you the key.<br /><br /><br />So let me tell you what I learned in Georgia.<br />There is a sociological axiom about churches.<br />You’ve all heard it.<br />20% of the people do 80% of the work.<br /><br />In our passion for Baptismal Ministry we sometimes try to tinker with that.<br />We think we need 100% participation in everything.<br />For awhile I forgot the 20%/80% rule.<br />We have a congregation of 10 people <br /> in a small mining town in the Humboldt Mountains of Nevada.<br />I had all sorts of plans and programs to pump life into the place.<br />First they all had to take a basic discipleship class.<br />Then we were going to discern all their gifts and talents.<br /><br />Well, it didn’t happen.<br />They stayed stuck, and I got frustrated.<br />Then I counted the number of people in the congregation <br /> who had rolled up their sleeves to do the work of the church.<br />Can you guess? It was 2. They were doing just fine.<br />That’s when I remembered what I had learned in my little Georgia parish.<br /><br />Once the 20% / 80% balance is struck, it is impossible <br /> to add people to the outer edges of the congregation.<br />In the mystical physics of the church, <br /> we cannot extend the circumference too far beyond the central core.<br />The foundation will not bear it.<br />So the 20%/ 80% rule constrains us.<br /><br />But we can make it work for us.<br />This is precisely how we halted the decline of the church in Georgia<br /> and set it on a course toward vitality and growth.<br />Instead of doing all the work themselves, <br /> the inner core can gradually draw someone else into it.<br /><br />We have to be intentional and strategic to pull this off.<br />People in the 80% will not volunteer. They have to be invited, <br /> yea coaxed and lured, into the center.<br />There are two important things to remember <br /> as you invite people to the inner circle.<br /><br /><br /><br />First, you cannot draw in people who are on the outer edge <br /> – not the Christmas and Easter people.<br />Find the folks nearest to the core and bring them in just a little closer.<br /><br />The second point is tricky and paradoxical.<br />The people we want to recruit into the center<br /> will feel welcome there only<br /> if you can discover the actual need for their help.<br />But you have to invite them to do the things that give them joy,<br /> not the jobs you are trying to get out of.<br />We need people doing the ministries that feel authentic for them.<br />If we drive them like square pegs into round holes,<br /> both the church and member get hurt.<br />So first figure out what they enjoy doing or would enjoy doing;<br /> then figure out why your congregation needs it.<br /><br />When David Birney was here interviewing for the Bishop job,<br /> Becky Dwyer picked him up at the airport.<br />He asked her, “What can I do for the Diocese of Idaho.”<br />Becky replied, “I’m sure anything would be appreciated.”<br />That’s a good attitude to have toward whatever someone offers.<br />So we entice, we cajole, we beg to get another person or two <br /> to join the faithful 20%.<br />What happens next is not rational in a cause and effect way.<br />You may call it miracle or even magic.<br />I call it the mystical physics of the church.<br />If we can grow the core of the congregation, if in my church with 10 people <br /> – 2 of whom do all the work <br /> – if we could bring a 3rd person into the core <br /> -- the circumference will expand to preserve the 20% / 80% balance.<br />New members will come. I don’t know how or where from.<br />But they will come. <br />If we can draw a 3rd person into the core of our 10 person congregation,<br /> it will become a 15 person congregation.<br /><br />If you have 20 people doing the work in a 100 person congregation,<br /> add 2 to the core, it will become a 110 person congregation.<br />I can’t explain it; but God as my witness, I have seen it.<br />And once it starts, it tends to snowball.<br /><br />Now to do this effectively, we have to get our heads straight <br /> about the 80% of the congregation who don’t do much in the church.<br />They are not spiritual slackers.<br />Most of them have authentic Christian ministries in daily life and work.<br />If we guilt and pressure them into doing too much church work, <br /> we pull them away from their Godly calling <br /> and do them more harm than good.<br />So draw the folks who are already near the core just a few steps closer.<br />Let the people in the outer circles orbit as God calls them.<br /><br />Now two more vitally important footnotes:<br />First, if a church wants to thrive, not just survive, <br /> it has to be engaged in its community.<br />The town has to know you are there<br /> and that you are serving them.<br /><br />So adopt a highway, be tutors in a public school,<br /> host the meals on wheels program.<br />Do something visible for your town <br /> and sign the church’s name to it.<br />It is not enough that individual church members are good citizens.<br />The congregation needs to be a good citizen in its own name.<br /><br />Second, when you think of people outside the church walls,<br /> don’t look at them as sheep to be fleeced.<br />Don’t see a Sunday School teacher, a building and grounds chair,<br /> or a pledge unit.<br />See a person who needs Jesus and be Jesus for that person.<br /><br />If you love the Church – and I know you do –<br /> then you will tend and nurture her.<br />These a few pointers on how to do that well.<br /> <br />Thank you again. I am blessed to be with you.

My Take On Congregational Development: What I Said To The Diocese Of Idaho Convention

It is a sweeter thing for me to be here with you than most of you would imagine. I may appear to be an alien visitor from that surrealisti...

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Debunking common job search myths

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px; text-align: left;"><div class="cbmsnArticleImage" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" src="http://emj.cbdr.com/artieimages/q7/ar5f30f6824j5x91q7q7.gif?time=12/12/2011%2010:30:22%20am" /></div><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; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="cbArticle_lblHeadline">Debunking common job search myths</span></h1></div></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;">We've all heard that a résumé shouldn't be longer than a single page. And that "It never hurts to apply," even to jobs that are a long shot. It seems as if everyone has at least a small nugget of job search wisdom to pass along.<br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">But rather than helping you, some of the advice you receive could be harming your chances of finding a new position. Job search myths -- like the "rule" about the one-page résumé -- have a habit of sticking around even though they're not true. Here are several that have been debunked:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You should keep your résumé to one page.</b><br />This job search myth is perhaps the oldest of the bunch. Even if it were true at some point, it certainly isn't now. Hiring <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/manager/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">managers</a> are much more interested in getting a true sense of your skills and experience than counting the number of pages you use. Although you don't want to ramble on unnecessarily, don't worry about going past the single-page mark if you need more space to list all of your professional accomplishments.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You shouldn't bother to send a cover letter.</b><br />Many job candidates think the cover letter is a thing of the past, especially since the vast majority of applications today are submitted online. But most hiring managers appreciate the introduction a cover letter provides. It also offers you an opportunity to expand upon one or two key points from your résumé, thereby strengthening your case for the job. Since fewer and fewer applicants are submitting a cover letter, a well-written one can help you stand out. If you are submitting your résumé as an attachment or uploading it to a database, use the email message as your cover letter.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You should consider only full-time employment opportunities.</b><br />It's a mistake to overlook <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/temporary/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">temporary</a> positions. These assignments can last for weeks or even months, providing a source of income and a chance to network and build new skills. In addition, an increasing number of employers are viewing temporary engagements as on-the-job auditions, evaluating a potential hire's fit for the role prior to extending a <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/full+time/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">full-time</a> offer.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You should apply for as many jobs as possible.</b><br />It's true you shouldn't pass up an opportunity you feel is right for you. But applying for openings that you have little true interest in or that have requirements you clearly cannot meet is a waste of time -- for both you and the hiring manager. Focus on positions that spark your interest and match your qualifications. Then, customize your application materials to show why you deserve to be considered.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You shouldn't bother looking for work during the holiday season or summer.</b><br />Sure, people are on vacation during these times of year. But as we all know, business never stops. Companies hire year-round -- even at the end of the year and during the summer. Don't put your job search on hold. Instead, realize that there's less competition from other job seekers, increasing the likelihood you're the one called in for an interview.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You shouldn't send an application unless a company has posted a job ad.</b><br />Every job seeker dreads hearing that his résumé will be "kept on file." So it's understandable that you want to be sure a company is hiring before putting in the time and effort necessary to submit a résumé and cover letter. Use your professional network to uncover opportunities that haven't been announced yet.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You should just cross your fingers after submitting a résumé.</b><br />Once you've sent in your résumé, the ball is completely in the hiring manager's court, right? Not necessarily. Don't be afraid to contact the employer after you've applied to reaffirm your interest in the position and explain why you're a good fit for the role. Employers sometimes need to be reminded of your qualifications. In fact, 81 percent of managers polled by Robert Half said <a href="http://accountemps.rhi.mediaroom.com/resume_follow_up" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">job candidates should follow up</a> within two weeks of applying for a job.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><b>You should take the first job offer you get.</b><br />In a tough job market, this is one myth that is partially, but not entirely, true. Take a step back before rushing to sign on the dotted line. If your situation allows, it could pay to be selective. Ask yourself if the opportunity fits your long-term career goals. Will it give you opportunities for advancement and professional development? If not, taking the job could mean missing out on one that does offer this potential.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><i>Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, visit <a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">http://www.roberthalf.com/</a>. For additional career advice, view our career bloopers video series at <a href="http://www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">www.roberthalf.com/dont-let-this-happen-to-you</a> or follow us on Twitter at<a href="http://www.twitter.com/roberthalf" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">www.twitter.com/roberthalf</a>.</i></div></div>

Debunking common job search myths

Debunking common job search myths We've all heard that a résumé shouldn't be longer than a single page. And that "It never hurt...

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Happy Valentine's Day!

I want to wish you and your loved one{s} a <i>very </i><b style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Happy Valentine's Day</span></b>!  I hope you're enjoying this day that is dedicated to love - why <i>not </i>have a holiday dedicated to one of God's most wonderful gifts?<br /><br />I know some people do not enjoy this love-inspired day, but I do!  I love it, and I loved it even when I was single.<br /><br />Thanks to Pinterest, there are endless ideas for days like today.<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/AVvXsEgH6YllQU4Q47FzC2Ndp-44F_IPOxWI2Py3_D7W7CbxRwpkmtiBajSt-xlnVkl_YIR4co8qeZuCintP2mOCTXSaP-bNe3rJ5G6pk2N7FIZQbkRiN6HM62XkqX2tUa-vkPXDgogS9dbMsQY/s1600/valentine+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6YllQU4Q47FzC2Ndp-44F_IPOxWI2Py3_D7W7CbxRwpkmtiBajSt-xlnVkl_YIR4co8qeZuCintP2mOCTXSaP-bNe3rJ5G6pk2N7FIZQbkRiN6HM62XkqX2tUa-vkPXDgogS9dbMsQY/s400/valentine+breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel's breakfast from Saturday</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I really enjoy doing things for others, especially when I can put something together for them that is both something I know they'll like, but also allows me to exercise my creative muscles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT30UL-KL4kU6MpRgA6KBhjsGzAYS5yUZQumc_mmcav4APze2T3s_1i_-qD-UqMEntw0d4_TGW9CbjZGjpz6ErZQp-ynNbKp9Qvin4AGm4VuXJy-FoF9OTksS_mwB8La6e3jHL-nl5S6A/s1600/joel%2527s+valentine+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT30UL-KL4kU6MpRgA6KBhjsGzAYS5yUZQumc_mmcav4APze2T3s_1i_-qD-UqMEntw0d4_TGW9CbjZGjpz6ErZQp-ynNbKp9Qvin4AGm4VuXJy-FoF9OTksS_mwB8La6e3jHL-nl5S6A/s400/joel%2527s+valentine+gift.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><br />Joel surprisingly doesn't mind wearing boxers that have hearts on them.  Every year I buy him v-day themed undies and he always wears them throughout the entire year.  <span style="color: #999999;">{I almost always get them at Target - they always have cute ones!}  </span><br /><br />By the way, could there be a better gift for a fisherman on Valentine's Day? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y9H-pLldIX-vQeb3fo-OUuw5tz_kWEA20mJcKuBoa6HNQqOTPj2M3S8QoK1TpRo-bhWeVWIdDGIl7Im7NHH7AG3KonU5X3wJVy-fphxFJoSI31b5Q7BhlLOk0PAZh7GX01fs3pX8Q2w/s1600/joel%2527s+valentine+gift+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y9H-pLldIX-vQeb3fo-OUuw5tz_kWEA20mJcKuBoa6HNQqOTPj2M3S8QoK1TpRo-bhWeVWIdDGIl7Im7NHH7AG3KonU5X3wJVy-fphxFJoSI31b5Q7BhlLOk0PAZh7GX01fs3pX8Q2w/s400/joel%2527s+valentine+gift+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Then there are these cuties.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEETpHGeopq7UU96hFHCXzUvl0NFGlyXIuJD5xySz59AzMP6Wno-FutDvIWYv2ZHzQLoVeM_1Apkhn3SzQ6dwQDTmDkUNl-oxuH2niKvRYYQCIqdZ69gLC8TxMsHqFEcUIbqMxaWwbedk/s1600/ww+vday+cupcakes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEETpHGeopq7UU96hFHCXzUvl0NFGlyXIuJD5xySz59AzMP6Wno-FutDvIWYv2ZHzQLoVeM_1Apkhn3SzQ6dwQDTmDkUNl-oxuH2niKvRYYQCIqdZ69gLC8TxMsHqFEcUIbqMxaWwbedk/s400/ww+vday+cupcakes+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And friends, that's as far as it goes with these mini Weight Watchers Red Velvet Cupcakes {from the January 2012 issue}.  They sucked! Whole wheat flour really doesn't cut it when you're trying to achieve the goodness that is red velvet.  I think Joel said it well: "They taste like bread."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3gIqQksERfMm-Zii2Vba5Xj5EPgqFnsXgbgspTI6_JgY2MxaQUR3bdjWtaUekXPwvCdp696xmjlTJtnurEQ0lYo5P08WirK7QrqEbZ2k1lDR2MczwOY_GArsVt-V1mufq0V1hlIjvB0/s1600/ww+vday+cupcakes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3gIqQksERfMm-Zii2Vba5Xj5EPgqFnsXgbgspTI6_JgY2MxaQUR3bdjWtaUekXPwvCdp696xmjlTJtnurEQ0lYo5P08WirK7QrqEbZ2k1lDR2MczwOY_GArsVt-V1mufq0V1hlIjvB0/s400/ww+vday+cupcakes+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now this little gem on the other hand.... perfecto!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KgyNQL4EzwzFi6WVFvcH0jvm2Dom_dF5OqjWH1LklYawwm-ddwzNmwKiZrThyphenhyphen9yfH9233TKkuGrr5kDTmjbaNIW7uhQ7kks3wZfhClbAh_eENdB_RRkwccwHxaN5w60D93fiE4xv-VQ/s1600/red+velvet+cake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KgyNQL4EzwzFi6WVFvcH0jvm2Dom_dF5OqjWH1LklYawwm-ddwzNmwKiZrThyphenhyphen9yfH9233TKkuGrr5kDTmjbaNIW7uhQ7kks3wZfhClbAh_eENdB_RRkwccwHxaN5w60D93fiE4xv-VQ/s400/red+velvet+cake+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Adapted from the Better Homes & Gardens Breast Cancer cookbook <span style="color: #999999;">{and tweaked with advice from my gynecologist, who moonlights as a professional pastry chef!}</span>,  this Red Waldorf Cake was both dense <i>and </i>moist.  This is the<a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/12/weigh-in-weekly-goals-more-christmas.html" target="_blank"> same cake I made at Christmas time</a>, but that one was fairly dry.  After talking with my doctor, she informed me that red velvet is a tricky cake for which to achieve perfect moistness. But I'm proud to say I did.  This time I baked these in mini-heart shaped spring-form pans purchased at Target. The same batter used to make the previous cake, also made six personal heart-shaped cakes as well {taken to a friend's house for a dinner date}.  By the way, this cake is named Red Waldorf Cake because the Waldorf-Astoria hotel were the creators of what we know today as Red Velvet Cake.<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/AVvXsEgo9jmH2enPXs8OgmjeUorYb67GuXPXGpzm3exTO8VJ0CzB9Mevvr6yAjf4_rC1ENEwAeoq5C0SdH4kO_GJ1m908DTT0cuc4VlkeBzo5xCAooxj-vuP4Xoq5L1bfZsgrOxlzZ94IFWNlZU/s1600/red+velvet+cake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9jmH2enPXs8OgmjeUorYb67GuXPXGpzm3exTO8VJ0CzB9Mevvr6yAjf4_rC1ENEwAeoq5C0SdH4kO_GJ1m908DTT0cuc4VlkeBzo5xCAooxj-vuP4Xoq5L1bfZsgrOxlzZ94IFWNlZU/s400/red+velvet+cake+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Divine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b style="color: #674ea7;">How About That Weight Loss?</b><br /><br /><br />I had another successful weigh in last Friday, removing another 0.7 lbs for a total loss of 28.6 lbs!  Very exciting!<br /><br />It took a while to receive my goal "prizes" from the previous weigh in, but alas, they came!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccrorFteABsyVFbid9B8aaSxqUQdCkUaz7HQinB0G93LQcWN_cR08OkNImUdrcfWOjtGhCn_df_Uc0KIPeU89DMauc9q-nK6wNwq1_wPI9wyA9hThUQNwvWnd_AxZzOTOewT16qTLJjI/s1600/bracelet+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccrorFteABsyVFbid9B8aaSxqUQdCkUaz7HQinB0G93LQcWN_cR08OkNImUdrcfWOjtGhCn_df_Uc0KIPeU89DMauc9q-nK6wNwq1_wPI9wyA9hThUQNwvWnd_AxZzOTOewT16qTLJjI/s400/bracelet+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> She's really getting filled up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBLS7eX5mNEJFYLrEs2m4cCGba_Ox5iuH3-IJ5p-kthM9yba-pA5NMJ3LipnzpsrYJhMjHzVMhZnenBOP29HE9k9Jw2XDUcO_ecVYo3X0-21zPCgphQa4vUx3GUA9HYp5_uFxQ5y5AN4/s1600/bracelet+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBLS7eX5mNEJFYLrEs2m4cCGba_Ox5iuH3-IJ5p-kthM9yba-pA5NMJ3LipnzpsrYJhMjHzVMhZnenBOP29HE9k9Jw2XDUcO_ecVYo3X0-21zPCgphQa4vUx3GUA9HYp5_uFxQ5y5AN4/s400/bracelet+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Penn State one and the bead immediately to the right of it are the two new ones.   I love them both, and I'm so proud to be displaying my Alma Mater as part of my weight loss journey.  We are tough cookies, us Pennsylvanians :).  That is what the Penn State charm represents.  <br /><br />The jewelry hanger is proving to be an AMAZING purchase.  I should have taken a before picture of my dresser - it was a nightmare of tangled necklaces.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE0K7ISomYboBqopro2A0gscl9tnvUlCMdQ-JGp3zuvc8YBj1CKHT6pO-kU3SgqRBwIsUhxwhB97tYf76ka6W2XedgAcEZWFzH1RGnGlm64clRUeIqUvrE4jnoOfynymHLB85QUYVHfE/s1600/jewelry+hanger+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRE0K7ISomYboBqopro2A0gscl9tnvUlCMdQ-JGp3zuvc8YBj1CKHT6pO-kU3SgqRBwIsUhxwhB97tYf76ka6W2XedgAcEZWFzH1RGnGlm64clRUeIqUvrE4jnoOfynymHLB85QUYVHfE/s400/jewelry+hanger+3.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br />Not now!  Thanks to that little Etsy shop for this perfect jewelery organizer!<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/AVvXsEgF_iJB-9K29wF4-BTlDfy-BvJERhH8rsGcpxxq_ioLFTxwq1G3cKWViaGkNiKo_ZcMAkWT0LF8fKdrB9bMdIMyrwRZvXgg0xIe-vLgHrxeZUZegPzoIgUk2bqJn-blg0hBVVTi8mNr9vU/s1600/jewelry+hanger+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_iJB-9K29wF4-BTlDfy-BvJERhH8rsGcpxxq_ioLFTxwq1G3cKWViaGkNiKo_ZcMAkWT0LF8fKdrB9bMdIMyrwRZvXgg0xIe-vLgHrxeZUZegPzoIgUk2bqJn-blg0hBVVTi8mNr9vU/s400/jewelry+hanger+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">notice how some earrings don't have their mate.  Thank YOU Charles!</td></tr></tbody></table>I absolutely love this weight loss award.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIX4VdnpmJ3oX4nJmBLHEFjkPMvc0SClCUCuqWf-K2McO85mtV1zJxaqbDQ_BoY7PG-RzK16sgRmJdNNoqCmhf3twpxgzZAOfaOcvLIumkJPGNbMneWEPIqsCc2Wn8-UEtKL-42ZSL44/s1600/jewelry+hanger+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIX4VdnpmJ3oX4nJmBLHEFjkPMvc0SClCUCuqWf-K2McO85mtV1zJxaqbDQ_BoY7PG-RzK16sgRmJdNNoqCmhf3twpxgzZAOfaOcvLIumkJPGNbMneWEPIqsCc2Wn8-UEtKL-42ZSL44/s400/jewelry+hanger+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Other than all that, I'm still chugging away at school {again, why my posts are lacking!} and trying not to indulge too much in the V-day goodness.  As of today, I've only completed 1/2 workouts for the week.  While I don't like to let it go this long into the week, I had a very packed weekend and zero time to squeeze in both gym visits.  I plan to go either Wednesday or Thursday.  <br /><br />Happy Lovey-Love Day!

Better Homes and Gardens Breast Cancer Cookbook goals Inspiration Success Valentine's Day Happy Valentine's Day!

I want to wish you and your loved one{s} a very Happy Valentine's Day !  I hope you're enjoying this day that is dedicated to love -...

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Department Head, Children’s Services - Waterford Public Library

<strong>Department Head, Children’s Services</strong> - The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Waterford Public Library</strong></span> seeks a proven leader for the position of Children’s Services department head. The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for the management and administration of the collections, programs and services for children and young adults. S/he will be responsible for the training, supervision and evaluation of department staff and planning, presenting and evaluating all library programs for young people. Additionally, the children’s department head is part of the library’s management team. S/he must demonstrate knowledge of the mission of the public library in the 21st century, and have experience with and knowledge of children’s literature, programming and storytelling and creating community partnerships. Masters in Library Science plus 3 years library experience including one year of supervisory experience and a leadership role in children’s services. Starting salary $58,000 - $63,000. Excellent benefits. To apply, please send application (available at <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.waterfordct.org" href="http://www.waterfordct.org/" target="_blank">www.waterfordct.org</a> or by calling 860-444-5832), with letter expressing interest by <span style="color: red;">March 2, 2012</span> @ 3:00 p.m. to Director of Human Resources, Town of Waterford, 15 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT 06385. EOE.

Department Head, Children’s Services - Waterford Public Library

Department Head, Children’s Services - The Waterford Public Library seeks a proven leader for the position of Children’s Services departm...

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Part-Time Technical Services Assistant - The Brookfield Library

<strong>Part-Time Technical Services Assistant</strong> - The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Brookfield Library</strong></span>. Part time (15 hours/week) copy cataloger/technical services assistant at The Brookfield Library. Responsible for copy cataloging of all material for adults, teens, and children, maintaining bibliographic records in database, deletions of materials, and processing materials for circulation. May on occasion work at the Checkout Desk. May attend cataloging-related meetings at other libraries. Requirements: a working knowledge of MARC cataloging, current computer experience, strong keyboarding skills, knowledge of basic library methods, techniques and procedures, considerable ability to pay attention to detail, ability to lift/push medium to heavy weights (cartons of books or book carts filled with library materials). May supervise volunteers for book processing and mending. Qualifications: High school graduate plus two years of appropriate formal post-secondary school courses or the equivalent in practical experience. Current library experience with an automated system strongly preferred. The Brookfield Library is a member of Bibliomation, and uses Evergreen Open Source software. Preferred hours: 5 hours/day, three days/week. $14.50/hour to start. Apply by <span style="color: red;">2/27/2012</span> to Cathy Greenwood, Human Resources, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT 06804; <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:cgreenwood@brookfieldct.gov" href="mailto:cgreenwood@brookfieldct.gov">cgreenwood@brookfieldct.gov</a>.

Part-Time Technical Services Assistant - The Brookfield Library

Part-Time Technical Services Assistant - The Brookfield Library . Part time (15 hours/week) copy cataloger/technical services assistant a...

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happy valentine's day

However you choose to celebrate, or not celebrate, I hope you enjoy a little something sweet today!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEjnfyx2Yec-vwuV6ENjsvUBn_2hnKT8C4NK0ckVe3sEuBeKJ0kNzQ16MdUQdR0sLCTebzgRp5fIyUKnDMu6ShR7VePyhUjl1SnKPdLIxtPARDwBoKXjJGywM2vG4ePmPuTXVNZ8GxUmKW3f/s1600/6896205649257842.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfyx2Yec-vwuV6ENjsvUBn_2hnKT8C4NK0ckVe3sEuBeKJ0kNzQ16MdUQdR0sLCTebzgRp5fIyUKnDMu6ShR7VePyhUjl1SnKPdLIxtPARDwBoKXjJGywM2vG4ePmPuTXVNZ8GxUmKW3f/s400/6896205649257842.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/6896205649257842/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />

happy valentine's day

However you choose to celebrate, or not celebrate, I hope you enjoy a little something sweet today! Via Pinterest

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Exclusive Economic Zone

<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: #1c3448; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Kastelorizo - Mediterranean Flashpoint?</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VElIdMRD8XmfoZ7noZVjduvtGiJqnghmMupP9BBGmWtSItSkKLHgb4dVHOOqacEnAAy3z4ke43jO8vmdLeWyVcHa4Nlt2vsVAgRn37TUpOSZysVhB-zz-i9ixHHm2Z37uMO6gRWT3HiX/s1600/EEZ-greece-cyprus-israel-turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VElIdMRD8XmfoZ7noZVjduvtGiJqnghmMupP9BBGmWtSItSkKLHgb4dVHOOqacEnAAy3z4ke43jO8vmdLeWyVcHa4Nlt2vsVAgRn37TUpOSZysVhB-zz-i9ixHHm2Z37uMO6gRWT3HiX/s640/EEZ-greece-cyprus-israel-turkey.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18pt;"></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #1c3448; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;"></span></b><i>Originally <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/blogs/print/290295" target="_blank">published</a> in the National Review Online.</i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #1c3448; font-size: 18pt; letter-spacing: 0.5pt;">R</span></b>emember the name Kastelorizo; you heard it here first.<br /><br />It is the far-flung, easternmost island of Greece, 80 miles from Rhodes, 170 miles west of Cyprus, but just 1 mile off the coast of Turkey. Kastelorizo (in Greek, Καστελόριζο; or officially Megisti, Μεγίστη) is tiny, comprising just 5 square miles, plus some yet smaller, uninhabited islands. Its 430 inhabitants are way down from 10,000 in the late nineteenth century. The Lonely Planet travel Guide has picked it as one of the four best Greek islands (out of thousands) for diving and snorkeling. There’s no public transportation from nearby Anatolia, only from distant Rhodes by airplane or ferry.<br /><br />That Athens controls this wisp of land implies it could (but does not yet) claim an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Mediterranean Sea that reduces the Turkish EEZ to a fraction of what it would be were the island under Ankara’s control, as maps reproduced from the Cypriot newspaper <i>I Simerini</i>illustrate show. The top map shows the Greece claiming its full 200-nautical mile EEZ and controlling Kastelorizo EEZ (indicated by the red arrow); the bottom one shows the Greek EEZ minus Kastelorizo (indicated by the white arrow).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBrTJuQJaS1s-2YzZGEkfr-LHD1KWO5iLwXz4FVFsECSpjBbtOttSNasysHtfBAOIWFHOmikBgkHxGxCJiMBGBkVZqnsSz4jQ8mCCdczpc0_vG9aVdujCfln2uxVYsmv0eJXGRWaMW-Yr/s1600/kastelorizo-greece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBrTJuQJaS1s-2YzZGEkfr-LHD1KWO5iLwXz4FVFsECSpjBbtOttSNasysHtfBAOIWFHOmikBgkHxGxCJiMBGBkVZqnsSz4jQ8mCCdczpc0_vG9aVdujCfln2uxVYsmv0eJXGRWaMW-Yr/s640/kastelorizo-greece.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Were Athens to claim its full EEZ, Kastelorizo’s presence would make its EEZ contiguous with the EEZ of Cyprus, a factor with great import now, at a moment of massive off-shore gas and oil discoveries. Kastelorizo with an EEZ benefits the emerging Greece-Cyprus-Israel alliance by making it possible to transport either Cypriot and Israeli natural gas (via pipeline) or electricity (via cable) to Western Europe without Turkish permission. This has taken on special urgency since Nov. 4, when Turkey’s minister for energy, Taner Yıldız, announced that his government would not permit Israeli natural gas to transit Turkish territory; Ankara will likely also ban Cypriot exports.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling AKP party colleagues <a href="http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_08/03/2011_381954" target="_blank">accept Greek control</a> of Kastelorizo and its six nautical miles of territorial waters, but not more and certainly not its full EEZ rights. Indeed, in their eyes, Greek assertion of an EEZ constitutes a casus belli. By neutering Kastelorizo, Ankara can lay claim to large economic area in the Mediterranean and block cooperation among its adversaries. This is why the island could become a flashpoint.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Several developments point to AKP intimidation of Greece concerning Kastelorizo. First, in September, it authorized a Norwegian ship, the <a href="http://greece.greekreporter.com/2011/09/16/turkey-searches-for-oil-on-greek-continental-shelf/" target="_blank"><i>Bergen Surveyor</i></a>, accompanied by other sea craft, to begin prospecting for gas and oil south of Kastelorizo, including some of the island’s <a href="http://www.defencegreece.com/index.php/2011/09/turkey-is-planning-to-search-for-oil-in-kastelorizo/" target="_blank">continental shelf</a>. Second, Turkish <a href="http://www.defencenet.gr/defence/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23936&Itemid=139" target="_blank">warships</a> have trained with live ammunition between Rhodes and Kastelorizo. Finally, Turkish military aircraft four times in 2011 <a href="http://www.defencegreece.com/index.php/2011/11/overflight-of-turkish-rf-4s-over-kastelorizo/" target="_blank">overflew Kastelorizo</a> without permission, sometimes very low with reconnaissance aircraft.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This bellicosity fits a larger pattern. The AKP government, especially since it has took <a href="http://www.reuters.com/assets/print?aid=USTRE76S4NK20110729" target="_blank">full control of the armed forces</a> in late July, has shown <a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/20/turkeys-foreign-policy-in-free-fall/?page=1" target="_blank">increasing hostility</a> toward Cyprus, Israel, <a href="http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=265105" target="_blank">Syria</a>, and <a href="http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/27736-maliki-says-erdogan-provoking-iraqis" target="_blank">Iraq</a>. In addition, Ankara has long <a href="http://www.cyprus-mail.com/eu/eu-should-beware-ankaras-energy-game/20111204" target="_blank">denied Cyprus its EEZ</a>, so doing the same vis-à-vis Kastelorizo builds on an established policy. Indeed, the Turks’ brutal, <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305417980800088" target="_blank">napalm-assisted</a> 1974 conquest of the northern 36 percent of Cyprus set a precedent for seizing nearby island territory. Grabbing Kastelorizo would require about as much time as reading this article. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d9j71KATOjK0LmVVqRuXlumSowj4mhyphenhyphenadnxzXLbuy5BIKBfrIE0xfiruvYtcHFF6YBtdcd1UvJUCalA7YHr3zNMEE-KKTlwFNeaF15JFT1bTXgjCKf59F6Cq-qHOsyoQamrXvjBJsQo5/s1600/TuAF+formation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d9j71KATOjK0LmVVqRuXlumSowj4mhyphenhyphenadnxzXLbuy5BIKBfrIE0xfiruvYtcHFF6YBtdcd1UvJUCalA7YHr3zNMEE-KKTlwFNeaF15JFT1bTXgjCKf59F6Cq-qHOsyoQamrXvjBJsQo5/s320/TuAF+formation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So far, responses to heightened Turkish aggressiveness in the Mediterranean have focused on deterring Turkish feints toward gas and oil reserves in the Cypriot EEZ, with <a href="http://www.cyprus-mail.com/cyprus/navies-roam-eastern-med/20111018" target="_blank">navies</a> and statements from the United States and Russia backing the Republic of Cyprus’ right to exploit its <a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Cyprus-Offshore-gas-find-gets-investor-interest-2428549.php" target="_blank">economic resources</a>. Cypriot president <a href="http://www.cyprusnewsreport.com/?q=node/5084" target="_blank">Demetris Christofias</a> warned that if Ankara persists with its gunboat diplomacy, “there will be consequences which, for sure, will not be good.” Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister <a href="http://www.jta.org/news/article/2011/11/23/3090421/ayaklon-israel-will-defend-greek-oil-drilling-in-cyprus" target="_blank">Danny Ayalon</a> told the Greeks that “If anyone tries to challenge these drillings, we will meet those challenges” and his government <a href="http://www.todayszaman.com/news-263458-with-hezbollah-turkey-in-mind-israel-boosts-patrols-around-med-gas-fields.html" target="_blank">enhanced security</a> not only for its own maritime fields but also for drilling areas in Cypriot waters. On at least one occasion, <a href="http://www.haaretz.com/misc/article-print-page/report-israel-scrambles-iaf-warplanes-toward-turkish-ship-1.387407?trailingPath=2.169%2C2.216%2C2.217%2C" target="_blank">Israeli warplanes</a> have confronted Turkish ships.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Such clear signals of resolve are welcome. As the European Union pushes Greece to drill for hydrocarbons to find <a href="http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/8/48953" target="_blank">new sources of income</a>, it should also support Athens declaring its EEZ, reject AKP troublemaking vis-à-vis Kastelorizo, and clearly indicate the dire results for Turkey of any trouble-making toward an island now happily renowned for its diving and snorkeling.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Pipes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> (<a href="http://www.danielpipes.org/" target="_blank">DanielPipes.org</a>) is president of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. <i>© 2012 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved</i>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Exclusive Economic Zone

  Kastelorizo - Mediterranean Flashpoint? Originally published in the National Review Online. R emember the name Kastelorizo; you heard it ...

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Alternativ Meinung Oder Propaganda ?

<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcYz7RS2eFcza1wBAvOW6jkSF0F7_MyntQRMrfhIUMX4fsC_XogpT6_86Vyu2G6OK92IntgrkdykFqWqU5Y87jUWdJ5K6cUoWd0Oz3hLJkWemNw4Qpeqi-0E4lYHy_5Dr9ZaVx3RtRlT9/s1600/labyrinthminatoaur2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcYz7RS2eFcza1wBAvOW6jkSF0F7_MyntQRMrfhIUMX4fsC_XogpT6_86Vyu2G6OK92IntgrkdykFqWqU5Y87jUWdJ5K6cUoWd0Oz3hLJkWemNw4Qpeqi-0E4lYHy_5Dr9ZaVx3RtRlT9/s400/labyrinthminatoaur2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span lang="DE-AT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Friedliche Demonstranten oder bewaffnete Terroristen?</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="DE-AT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">von Freeman</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="DE-AT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Es ist schon eine Unverschämtheit, mit welchem Eifer die westlichen Medien ein einseitiges Bild über Syrien zeigen. Es wird die übliche Propaganda verbreitet, das böse Regime von Assad geht brutal gegen harmlose Zivilisten vor. Im Unterton wird dann der Vorwurf erhoben, <i>"... und die ganze Welt schaut tatenlos zu</i>", um wieder die Zustimmung für einen neuen Krieg und Einmarsch zu bekommen. Die Gutmenschen lassen sich wieder täuschen und empören sich. Dabei handelt es sich um eine geplante Inszenierung wie im Film "Wag the Dog – Wenn der Schwanz mit dem Hund wedelt" über die Macht der Medienmanipulation.<br /><br />Wann verstehen wir endlich, es gibt einen Unterschied zwischen der Realität und wie die Realität dargestellt wird. Oder, was wirklich passiert und wie die Wirklichkeit über die Medien präsentiert wird. Man kann mit Videos, Fotos und einem entsprechenden Kommentar durch einen Moderator, jeden gewünschten Eindruck bei den Zuschauern hinterlassen, der aber nicht der Wahrheit entspricht.<br /><br />Wir haben es ja bei der ARD gesehen. Dort wurden Aufnahmen aus dem Irak von 2007 als aktuelle aus Syrien uns präsentiert. Alte Youtube-Videos wurden verwendet um uns zu täuschen. Ein gewaltsames Vorgehen gegen Drogenhändler im Irak wurde uns als ein Übergriff von syrischen Polizisten auf unschuldige Zivilisten verkauft. Ja die ARD macht so etwas und die anderen Medienanstalten auch. <br /><br />Es wird in den Medien laufend bewusst beschissen und dem Publikum ein falsches Bild gezeigt, um die Meinung in die gewünschte Richtung zu lenken. Die westlichen Medien haben nicht den Auftrag uns korrekt zu informieren, sondern uns zu manipulieren. Das Wort "Nachrichten" kommt von "nach etwas richten", also die Meinung des Empfängers wie gewünscht ausrichten.<br /><br />Kein Wort wir darüber gesagt, es handelt sich in Syrien wieder um bewaffnete vom Ausland gesteuerte Banden, welche gegen den Staat und gegen die syrische Bevölkerung Terror ausüben. Die westlichen Regierungen tun vordergründig so, wie wenn es um Menschenrechte und Frieden geht, während sie hinten rum mit ihren Geheimdiensten und Militär nützliche Idioten ausbilden, bewaffnen, einschleusen und einen Aufstand inszenieren, um eine unliebsame Regierung zu stürzen. Parallel dazu läuft der Propaganda-Skript.<br /><br />Auf dem Rafiq Hariri International Airport in Beirut haben die libanesischen Behörden den verdächtigen Inhalt eines Frachtflugzeugs beschlagnahmt. Darunter handelt es sich um grosse Mengen an US-Dollar, Waffen, Elektronik, Pässe und Kreditkarten. Die Maschine kam aus den USA und Brasilien. Es wird vermutet, die Ware sollte über den Libanon zu den in Syrien operierenden Rebellen gelangen. Die libanesische Regierung hat bestätigt, Waffenlieferungen gehen über die Grenze nach Syrien, trotz ihrer Versuche es zu verhindern. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="DE-AT" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span lang="DE-AT" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Die Liste der von der CIA durchgeführten Umstürze in Südamerika, Afrika, Asien und im Nahen und Mittleren Osten, die so abgelaufen sind ist endlos. Syrien ist wieder so ein Fall und im Iran genauso. Ihr müsst verstehen, damit will ich überhaupt nicht sagen, die angegriffenen Regierungen sind heilig. Nur, vom Ausland einen Umsturz durchzuführen, nur weil einem die Regierung nicht passt, ist völlig unakzeptabel. <br /><br />Wir würden uns auch jede Einmischung aus dem Ausland oder sogar die Entsendung bewaffneter Gruppen in unsere Länder die Terror ausüben, um unsere Regierungen zu stürzen, strengstens verbitten. Eine Veränderung muss grundsätzlich die Bevölkerung selber wollen und durchführen und es muss so friedlich wie möglich geschehen. Dazu braucht es keine "Hilfe" aus dem Ausland und von den NATO-Verbrechern schon gar nicht. <br /><br />Ich bin strikt gegen jede fremde Intervention und Einmischung in die internen Angelegenheiten eines Landes. Es geht um Selbstbestimmung und nicht Fremdbestimmung. <br /><br />Jetzt beurteilt selber, ob es sich bei den gezeigten Gruppen in den folgenden Fotos aus Syrien um friedliche Demonstranten oder bewaffnete Terroristen handelt. Wo haben sie die Gewehre, Munition und Panzerfäuste her? Wer versorgt sie mit Geld und Information? Für was benötigen sie diese Waffen? Doch nur um Terroranschläge zu verüben, die dann von der syrischen Regierung bekämpft werden müssen. Dabei werden auch Zivilisten betroffen, verletzt und getötet. Nur genau dieses Chaos will man verursachen, um es propagandistisch auszuschlachten und von außen eingreifen zu können.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span lang="DE-AT" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Alternativ Meinung Oder Propaganda ?

Friedliche Demonstranten oder bewaffnete Terroristen? von Freeman Es ist schon eine Unverschämtheit, mit welchem Eifer die westlichen Medien...

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A Month of "Vertigo," The Final Chapter

<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">by The Lady Eve</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6XJQvDzJ_mQUq1AaToFJNSqPGXggVIXddj4xIgJSDv6M2GxhlEXqkEO1Hf0SqeZRkru1hPGKOdZjzz6Vn58KbF5jmKAPVDfqoX6nNy1iSjlXPRmwcDl7Uc3IP66pmwzu4v-VP96YqvR1/s1600/rooftop+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6XJQvDzJ_mQUq1AaToFJNSqPGXggVIXddj4xIgJSDv6M2GxhlEXqkEO1Hf0SqeZRkru1hPGKOdZjzz6Vn58KbF5jmKAPVDfqoX6nNy1iSjlXPRmwcDl7Uc3IP66pmwzu4v-VP96YqvR1/s1600/rooftop+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">It was 1948<i> </i>in post-war France<i> </i>when mystery writers Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac met for the first time at an awards ceremony for the <i>Prix du Roman d'Aventures</i>, a literary award for crime fiction. Narcejac received the prize that year and Boileau had taken the honor ten years earlier; in another two years they would become writing partners. Together the pair forged their own approach to the French mystery novel, placing new emphasis on character and suspense.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today their work is considered a hybrid of two genres: the traditional whodunit and <i>le roman noir</i> (thriller). <i>Le roman noir </i>of that era was influenced by crime writers like Hammett and novelists of the naturalist school like Emile Zola<i>, </i>but Boileau and Narcejac were more inspired by the likes of Edgar Allen Poe. </span><span style="font-size: small;">What most post-war French crime fiction did have in common was a dark vein of fatalism and, according to Michel Lebrun, another genre writer, Boileau-Narcejac’s work was marked by such persistent gloom that “...the hero, for them, should never wake up from his nightmare.”</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyyY5jQZia52HQnhPGb_HDu-rohFoK7RABqT1iz-rLw4BMUd8Chy2nwCAZw0x146hajGylYBoZ88ghOxvTPE82RV4S6OCpocBTCGI1rnmTQsnzihxAHf4gFqoLbxPGMMYiERYfrZpGo0j/s1600/les+diaboliques+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyyY5jQZia52HQnhPGb_HDu-rohFoK7RABqT1iz-rLw4BMUd8Chy2nwCAZw0x146hajGylYBoZ88ghOxvTPE82RV4S6OCpocBTCGI1rnmTQsnzihxAHf4gFqoLbxPGMMYiERYfrZpGo0j/s320/les+diaboliques+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Les Diaboliques</i> (1955)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">Their first novel was not immediately published, but their second, <i>Celle qui n'était plus</i>, was adapted to film by director Henri-Georges Clouzot. Re-titled <i>Les Diaboliques</i> and released in 1955, it became a suspense classic. The writing duo’s next book, <i>D’entre les morts</i> (<i>From Among the Dead</i>), appeared the same year. A moody psychological thriller, it tells the story of former police detective Roger Flavieres who agrees to help shipping magnate Paul Gevigne, a one-time college friend, by keeping an eye on the man's unstable wife Madeleine.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flavieres is a disaffected loner living in Paris at the outset of World War II. He broods endlessly, roams empty streets at night and listens to war reports on the wireless. He loathes Gevigne, envies him, and soon covets his elegant, morose wife to the point of fixation. Flavieres first meets Madeleine when he rescues her from a leap into the Seine. They form an off-balance alliance; he is bewitched by her and she calls him “my poor friend.” When one day she takes him to a remote church with a high tower and disappears up into the belfry, Flavieres is unable to follow. His detested lifelong acrophobia has paralyzed him on the steps. And then, through a window, he sees Madeleine’s body plummet to the ground. Before he flees the scene he laments, “Poor little Eurydice! She would never come back from the nothingness into which she had plunged.” Flavieres will next vanish into the war and out of the country, telling no one, not even Gevigne, what he has witnessed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This scenario would be re-envisioned and brought to life on film a few years later:</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GnpZN2HQ3OQ" width="560"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Paramount Pictures bought the rights to <i>D'entre les morts</i> for Alfred Hitchcock not long after it was published. The film went into production in 1957, a significant point in the director's career.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pWZxGpyw4_uZ0mI956sHNyjELjLyS47ju7nCb-slcWb5JaJ45AMwi0T81bnVxOCoENXqgecpU3ybkuKC5UHIG9AvjGvFC8GrjzFTcrrrvCEN0DkNJoYvB7ygkBjm6wNNr7TQ9FQBib7Q/s1600/Dial+M+For+Murder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pWZxGpyw4_uZ0mI956sHNyjELjLyS47ju7nCb-slcWb5JaJ45AMwi0T81bnVxOCoENXqgecpU3ybkuKC5UHIG9AvjGvFC8GrjzFTcrrrvCEN0DkNJoYvB7ygkBjm6wNNr7TQ9FQBib7Q/s320/Dial+M+For+Murder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dial M for Murder </i>(1953)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">Though<i> </i>Hitchcock's last three films of the 1940s had failed to attract audiences, he began the 1950s with a series of box office successes for Warner Bros. that reestablished his reputation.</span><i> Stage Fright</i> (1950) was respectably popular, <i>Strangers on a Train</i> (1951) was a rousing hit and <i>I Confess</i> (1952) achieved modest success. In 1953, Hitchcock unearthed his muse Grace Kelly and cast her for the first time - in <i>Dial M for Murder</i> (and 3-D). It was very popular. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1954 Lew Wasserman brokered a deal between Hitchcock and Paramount that virtually opened the skies<b> </b>for the director. He would be able to work independently, be granted production budgets far more robust than he'd known at Warners, and would own those films he both produced and directed. The films Hitchcock made for Paramount during the '50s comprise an oeuvre within his oeuvre: <i>Rear Window </i>(1954), <i>To Catch a Thief</i> (1955), <i>The Trouble with Harry</i> (1955), <i>The Man Who Knew Too Much</i> (1956) and <i>Vertigo</i> (1958). <i>North by Northwest</i> (1959) is also part of this collection though it was made for MGM.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAl7QHrcT5-pZCPJxoWZRnk85UVp3YxKvIb75Gi_nZ_W29R7XBsKSpjBIeMlRX1F6srwQOHcx5oz8NXbGw-D-rX3MNCAXYTew0Xt-b5k0o7v6hugchpZM51YKXabW_l-0A4WS9X2XoZ5x/s1600/the+man+who+knew+too+much.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAl7QHrcT5-pZCPJxoWZRnk85UVp3YxKvIb75Gi_nZ_W29R7XBsKSpjBIeMlRX1F6srwQOHcx5oz8NXbGw-D-rX3MNCAXYTew0Xt-b5k0o7v6hugchpZM51YKXabW_l-0A4WS9X2XoZ5x/s320/the+man+who+knew+too+much.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Man Who Knew Too Much </i>(1956)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">Granted free rein and big budgets, Hitchcock was able to operate both autonomously and lavishly. He was able to attract top stars as well as handpick his creative and technical team. Involved in most or all of these films were cinematographer Robert Burks, film editor George Tomasini, associate producer Herbert Coleman, </span><span style="font-size: small;">composer Bernard Herrmann</span><span style="font-size: small;"> and </span><span style="font-size: small;">costume designer Edith Head. </span><span style="font-size: small;">On <i>Vertigo</i>, legendary title sequence designer Saul Bass began the first of three collaborations with Hitchcock. </span><span style="font-size: small;">All of the Paramount films were shot in Technicolor and, beginning with <i>To Catch a Thief</i>, all were filmed in the VistaVision wide-screen format. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqk0Kd1rwOMQeTnwy17L8sHqgLI1Ql2yS5bti5s-t1ZZvDiI529pp2F8Kw9zvKLpz0TnJFB2Ew9aLk_ArUeMy6QZvjx2Ob0KYXhcx_hX9opEKKpScPjoxe_MYTPdZ7XqHntKMX6F_vofS/s1600/hitchcock+with+truffaut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqk0Kd1rwOMQeTnwy17L8sHqgLI1Ql2yS5bti5s-t1ZZvDiI529pp2F8Kw9zvKLpz0TnJFB2Ew9aLk_ArUeMy6QZvjx2Ob0KYXhcx_hX9opEKKpScPjoxe_MYTPdZ7XqHntKMX6F_vofS/s320/hitchcock+with+truffaut.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfred Hitchcock and Francois Truffaut</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">There was more. In 1955 <i>Alfred Hitchcock Presents </i>debuted on American television. Hitchcock became a popular TV personality as the series host who opened and closed each episode with dry wit and macabre humor. The series would run until 1962 and help to make him a wealthy man.<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> At the same time, Hitchcock’s reputation as a serious filmmaker was gaining momentum. In the summer of 1956 a month-long Hitchcock retrospective was held at the esteemed <i>Cinemath</i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">èque Fran</i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ç</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">aise</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> in Paris, and in September the influential French film journal <i>Cahiers du Cin</i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">éma</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> devoted an entire issue to his work. In France during the 1950s, the cinema of Alfred Hitchcock became a subject of deep and lengthy discussion. Eventually, the French view would make its way around the world.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And so it was that Alfred Hitchcock embarked on the film adaptation of <i>D'entre les morts </i>just as he arrived at the pinnacle of his career.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In 1940 Hitchcock had battled producer David O. Selznick for creative control on the 'picturization' of <i>Rebecca</i>. When he adapted Patricia Highsmith's <i>Strangers on a Train</i> to the screen in 1951 it was under a tight Warner Bros. budget. Regardless of power struggles and financial constraints both films became classics on the strength of Hitchcock's mastery of his medium. By the time he began the film he would christen <i>Vertigo</i>, Hitchcock had reached full maturity as an artist and possessed the resources and the control to conjure a wide-screen Technicolor dreamscape; a very personal expression of timeless themes.</span> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Familiar motifs surface in <i>Vertigo</i> - voyeurism, the lure of an exquisite blonde, a man wrongly accused. And though its plot is set in motion by a mystery and laced with tension, <i>Vertigo </i>was never intended to be a thriller or tale of suspense. Instead, Hitchcock conceived a meditation on desire and illusion, obsession and loss. Rather than "putting the audience through" nerve-jangling terror, he sweeps the viewer into an emotional tailspin.</span><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ko9QYkIFezs" width="560"></iframe></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Boileau-Narcejac's well-honed "suspense narrative" would provide the springboard for Hitchcock's imagination...</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52uVuchgoSD1-DF3AoY095lx65sfahAf8_ijIZ97HKskFhUJLOwMpwF45DRHLsVb-8yUaz40s1Oo8_kqr9ogQWmN_yGlulx9097norqtHDW0yBzd2agEej9blJYI6UoVDH6affVOh5NP-/s1600/Narcejac+Hitch+and+Boileau+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52uVuchgoSD1-DF3AoY095lx65sfahAf8_ijIZ97HKskFhUJLOwMpwF45DRHLsVb-8yUaz40s1Oo8_kqr9ogQWmN_yGlulx9097norqtHDW0yBzd2agEej9blJYI6UoVDH6affVOh5NP-/s320/Narcejac+Hitch+and+Boileau+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Narcejac, Alfred Hitchcock and Pierre Boileau</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Roger Flavieres returned to Paris after the war, he found that Gevigne had been killed in an air raid as he fled the police scrutiny that followed his wife's death. Even Madeleine's grave was blitzkrieged into oblivion. Despondent, Flavieres muses that when Madeleine plunged to her death, he died with her.  Then one day in a movie house he spies a woman in a newsreel who closely resembles her. He manages to locate this woman - Renee Solange, the mistress of a Marseille black marketeer. Flavieres, who has begun drinking steadily and is slowly losing his grip, pursues the woman and despite her denials, tries to bully her into admitting she is Madeleine. He manages to lure Renee away from her lover and then begins making her over in the image of Madeleine. Finally, distraught by Flavieres' incessant badgering, Renee breaks down. She insists she is not Madeleine but confesses she did impersonate her as part of a plot by her lover, Gevigne, to kill his wife for her money. Gevigne had relied on his old friend's well-known acrophobia when he chose Flavieres to be the dupe. But Flavieres had failed to play his part as witness to suicide and the scheme was ruined. Unhinged by her revelation and filled with rage as well as liquor, Flavieres strangles Renee to death. As the police are about to lead him away in handcuffs, he kisses Renee's forehead and whispers that he will wait for her.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span> <br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span id="goog_254110101"></span><span id="goog_254110102"></span><span id="goog_254110104"></span><span id="goog_254110105"></span>Keeping the novel's essential elements, its basic structure and plot, themes of obsession and destruction, the vague outlines of its principal characters, Hitchcock would re-imagine <i>D'entre les morts</i>. He would shape from it an allegory of aesthetically and technically meticulous images and sounds and with allusions to ancient myth, Medieval legend, 19th century philosophy and modern psychology. And he would endow Boileau-Narcejac's desolate tale with a romantic heart and an eternal soul.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">In transforming a genre piece into an enduring masterpiece, Hitchcock would also create a fascinating portrait of his own inner landscape; a work of art will always reveal the artist.  At the same time, much of <i>Vertigo</i>'s allure stems from its looking-glass effect upon the viewer. French New Wave icon Jean-Luc Godard, one of Hitchcock's great champions at </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Cahiers du Cin</i></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">éma</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, could have been contemplating <i>Vertigo</i> when he observed, "Art attracts us only by what it reveals of our most secret self."</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9e-Vjttcjz0u3clrMOAFRB_6trWax0atNXziYOeipMDV0zpxgvd5Z8RnpGZ8mApfS4EP2zb-ptOqTMFaMIFW4u6qbJwXGr-389cl7krU0wM7YwfeiTdrMhd-b0dL-0tYg4bjy8VzWnFl/s1600/the+end+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9e-Vjttcjz0u3clrMOAFRB_6trWax0atNXziYOeipMDV0zpxgvd5Z8RnpGZ8mApfS4EP2zb-ptOqTMFaMIFW4u6qbJwXGr-389cl7krU0wM7YwfeiTdrMhd-b0dL-0tYg4bjy8VzWnFl/s1600/the+end+2.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">  </span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">~</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A Month of VERTIGO</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> began on January 1 and, over the last month (plus), has featured a series of posts by 12 diverse and talented guest contributors - and me - on the subject of </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vertigo</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. Individually, we have scrutinized Alfred Hitchcock's great masterwork from nearly every conceivable angle. For a complete list of posts, <a href="http://eves-reel-life.blogspot.com/p/month-of-vertigo-schedule-of-bloggers.html" style="color: #990000;">click here</a>.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A Month of VERTIGO</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> has been a success far beyond anything I imagined when the idea first took hold. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My deepest gratitude goes out to all who have made it so - from guest bloggers and vloggers to commenters, tweeters, re-tweeters, Facebook friends and those who simply thought it was an interesting concept. A special nod to Dan Auiler whose very fine book, </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vertigo: The Making of a Hitchcock Classic</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, inspired me to read the English language edition of Boileau-Narcejac's novel (now simply called </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Vertigo)</span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> - which led to this blog event.</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>TLE</i></span></span></div>

A Month of Vertigo Alfred Hitchcock Pierre Boileau The Lady Eve (author) Thomas Narcejac Vertigo A Month of "Vertigo," The Final Chapter

by The Lady Eve It was 1948 in post-war France when mystery writers Pierre Boileau and Thomas Narcejac met for the first time at an awards...

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