Waterboarding is torture. That's the word from Christopher Hitchens. He is the writer who was asked if he would be a waterboarding victim for Vanity Fair.
His hands were bound and his face covered as he was led into the room. He was given a code word to say that would immediately stop the demonstration. He was also given to pieces of metal to drop the second that it all became bearable.
In less than a minute, these were flung to the ground.
I found the video hard to watch and cannot comprehend how one person could do this to another human being.
My article, with the link to the disturbing video, are here.
April 29, 2009
Geocities Extinction Iminent Yahoo Says
Geocities was the #1 webhosting company of the 1990's. Many successful sites and organizations got their start on the free services provided by Geocities.
First the company was called Beverly Hills Internet, then Geospaces, Geocities and finally Yahoo Geocities. Sure, there were growing pains. But the dedicated homesteaders took it all in stride.
Now, over a decade later, Yahoo is pulling the plug. The company indicates that it is no longer profitable to maintain the service.
Free webhosting is going the way of the dinosaur. Blogs are easier to use, updated more often and have a higher profit margin.
As this article points out, Geocities will certainly be missed.
First the company was called Beverly Hills Internet, then Geospaces, Geocities and finally Yahoo Geocities. Sure, there were growing pains. But the dedicated homesteaders took it all in stride.
Now, over a decade later, Yahoo is pulling the plug. The company indicates that it is no longer profitable to maintain the service.
Free webhosting is going the way of the dinosaur. Blogs are easier to use, updated more often and have a higher profit margin.
As this article points out, Geocities will certainly be missed.
April 28, 2009
Fun Summer Jobs for Knoxville Youth and Students
There are some neat places to work in Knoxville. I recently wrote an article that researched several fun summer job opportunities. The list is primary geared to kids and college students. When it comes to fun ways to make summer money our town is no slacker.
Take a look at the link below. It will help you (or your teen) get started on your summer job search.
Knoxville Summer Jobs
Take a look at the link below. It will help you (or your teen) get started on your summer job search.
Knoxville Summer Jobs
Remember the Swine Flu Vaccination in 1976?
Swine flu dominates the news. Many people are becoming obsessed with the daily coverage. A Google map has been created, WHO has raised the pandemic warning level. People are wondering if this is the time to panic.
I remember similar interest surrounding swine flu in 1976. My family and I stood in the at (I think) it was the mall. This would have been West Town. As a kid, getting a shot was not on my priority list.
Here's a link to the article I wrote about the Swine Flu. Fortunately, the swine flu scare in 1976 was the epidemic or pandemic that never happened. Dare we hope for only mild cases or almost zero transmission again?
Swine Flu Link
I remember similar interest surrounding swine flu in 1976. My family and I stood in the at (I think) it was the mall. This would have been West Town. As a kid, getting a shot was not on my priority list.
Here's a link to the article I wrote about the Swine Flu. Fortunately, the swine flu scare in 1976 was the epidemic or pandemic that never happened. Dare we hope for only mild cases or almost zero transmission again?
Swine Flu Link
April 20, 2009
DNA Dog Breed Testing Says that Tomlin is....
Finally our wait is over. Through dog breed DNA testing we now know what kind of dog we’ve got. It turns out that Tomlin is not a Norwegian Elkhound, Australian Shepherd, Malamute or a German Shepherd mix. In fact he’s not a shepherd of any kind.
He’s a Siberian Husky mixed with Chow Chow, Golden Retriever and a couple of other breeds.
Having this information is a relief to us. If he was in fact an Australian Shepherd we were going to have to possibly re-home him to another family. It would be hard to take him on vacations or expect him to stay confined for long.
Blog readers know that Tomlin is a service dog in training for our daughter. The problem is that an Australian Shepherd is ill-suited for a college dorm or an apartment. They like to run and need lots of space. Huskies like to run too. But for them, a couple of long walks each will satisfy them.
Basically, it was important to us that we find out what kind of dog Tomlin is (besides loveable). To do that, we turned to DDC Veterinary. They do all sorts of dog breed DNA testing as well as testing for equine, avian and feline.
DDC Veterinary had an impressive database. It was the largest that I looked at. Plus, the testing was simple.
If you are thinking of dog breed DNA testing I wholeheartedly recommend DDC Veterinary. Find out more on the website at http://www.vetdnacenter.com
April 18, 2009
Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, TN
Cove Lake State Park in Caryville, Tennesse is one of the nicest state parks in our system. My family enjoys going there for a picnic or just to relax. On our last trip, I took extra photos and posted them. They're online at http://www.tinyurl.com/gaylesglimpses. I hope you enjoy them.
April 15, 2009
Cancun Campestre Strawberry Plains Carter You've Been Reviewed!
We're sorry but this restaurant is now closed.
Have you tried the new Cancun Campestre Mexican restaurant? It's in the Carter / Strawberry Plains area on Asheville in the former Helma's restaurant building.
I had the privilege of reviewing the new restaurant earlier this month. We were teased with a sign promising the restaurant for 3 long years. Was it worth the wait?
View photos and read the full restaurant review on the link below.
Cancun Campestre
Have you tried the new Cancun Campestre Mexican restaurant? It's in the Carter / Strawberry Plains area on Asheville in the former Helma's restaurant building.
I had the privilege of reviewing the new restaurant earlier this month. We were teased with a sign promising the restaurant for 3 long years. Was it worth the wait?
View photos and read the full restaurant review on the link below.
Cancun Campestre
April 13, 2009
Alaska Mission Trip Draws Closer
At this point, I'll be a basket case by June. The more the Alaska Missions Trip draws closer the more inspired I get.
Today I found the following URL. In case you want to be inspired too, I'm posting it here.
http://gbgm-umc.org/mission_programs/mp/6.20/mp.cfm?id=341
My hat is off to this lady for all the work she is doing. It's going to be a humbling, amazing experience to be working in this area for a week. I have so much to learn! I can't wait to get started.
Going on this trip seems surreal. A part of me genuinely can't believe it. Right after I was assaulted an opportunity like this would have looked like a far fetched fantasy.
Growing up, my reality was that going someplace like Alaska would have been great, for other people. It is not something that my family of origin would have believed in. My mother had a hard enough time coming to terms with the fact that I wanted to go to college. She would not have understood my desire for something more until later in her life.
That unwillingness to embrace life kept her locked in a cycle of unhappiness that lasted until right before she died.
Life is too short to waste it. I'm going to Alaska.
Is there something that you've been wanting to do? Don't wait.
Today I found the following URL. In case you want to be inspired too, I'm posting it here.
http://gbgm-umc.org/mission_programs/mp/6.20/mp.cfm?id=341
My hat is off to this lady for all the work she is doing. It's going to be a humbling, amazing experience to be working in this area for a week. I have so much to learn! I can't wait to get started.
Going on this trip seems surreal. A part of me genuinely can't believe it. Right after I was assaulted an opportunity like this would have looked like a far fetched fantasy.
Growing up, my reality was that going someplace like Alaska would have been great, for other people. It is not something that my family of origin would have believed in. My mother had a hard enough time coming to terms with the fact that I wanted to go to college. She would not have understood my desire for something more until later in her life.
That unwillingness to embrace life kept her locked in a cycle of unhappiness that lasted until right before she died.
Life is too short to waste it. I'm going to Alaska.
Is there something that you've been wanting to do? Don't wait.
April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday
Happy Easter Sunday! This is the day that Christians worldwide celebrate as the day that Christ rose from the dead.
Many places will celebrate with a sunrise Easter celebration. These often take place in cemeteries. Services are timed to coincide with daybreak. It is an age old tradition.
Afterward, some churches will host a traditional Easter egg hunt. There is no set day to hold an Easter egg hunt. Sometimes they are held on the Saturday before Easter or any time during the previous week.
Churches will also host their usual Sunday morning worship services with communion, a cantata performed by the choir or both.
Easter is a great day to begin attending church if you are not already doing so. It's also a great day to continue going if you are already involved in a worship service. Easter Sunday is a day of new beginnings and the promise of a future filled with hope.
I love Easter Sunday and hope you do too! May you enjoy this day and every day.
Happy Easter!
Many places will celebrate with a sunrise Easter celebration. These often take place in cemeteries. Services are timed to coincide with daybreak. It is an age old tradition.
Afterward, some churches will host a traditional Easter egg hunt. There is no set day to hold an Easter egg hunt. Sometimes they are held on the Saturday before Easter or any time during the previous week.
Churches will also host their usual Sunday morning worship services with communion, a cantata performed by the choir or both.
Easter is a great day to begin attending church if you are not already doing so. It's also a great day to continue going if you are already involved in a worship service. Easter Sunday is a day of new beginnings and the promise of a future filled with hope.
I love Easter Sunday and hope you do too! May you enjoy this day and every day.
Happy Easter!
April 11, 2009
Parenting a College Student
Parenting a college student is tough. I know. I have two of them.
Some of my friends ask if my job isn't finished by now. This surprises me. At 40 (ish) there are times when I still wish I had my mom to talk to. Even though she didn't do a great job she was still my mom. That goes the same for Dad. This tells me that even though the job may change, you never really stop parenting.
Last week my oldest daughter just went out of state with college friends. She now reports that she is badly sunburned, has been to the doctor twice and had to be given steroids. Over the phone from thousands of miles away she's calling to ask what else can be done for the sunburn. I made suggestions and told her that I'm sorry she's hurt. What else can I do?
It's "only" a sunburn. In the grand scheme of things (cancer risk aside) it's a sunburn is minor. Next time, she'll listen better and actually use the sunscreen she took with her. It's a lesson learned that life had to teach.
But dealing with that lesson is a bit of parenting that I had to teach.
Thanks Mom and 2nd Mom!
If my daughter is reading this, here are some links for sunburn care.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sunburn
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sunburn/article_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964
Some of my friends ask if my job isn't finished by now. This surprises me. At 40 (ish) there are times when I still wish I had my mom to talk to. Even though she didn't do a great job she was still my mom. That goes the same for Dad. This tells me that even though the job may change, you never really stop parenting.
Last week my oldest daughter just went out of state with college friends. She now reports that she is badly sunburned, has been to the doctor twice and had to be given steroids. Over the phone from thousands of miles away she's calling to ask what else can be done for the sunburn. I made suggestions and told her that I'm sorry she's hurt. What else can I do?
It's "only" a sunburn. In the grand scheme of things (cancer risk aside) it's a sunburn is minor. Next time, she'll listen better and actually use the sunscreen she took with her. It's a lesson learned that life had to teach.
But dealing with that lesson is a bit of parenting that I had to teach.
Thanks Mom and 2nd Mom!
If my daughter is reading this, here are some links for sunburn care.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sunburn
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sunburn/article_em.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964
April 10, 2009
How Hard is it to Pick Up an Anniversary Cake?
Today is my anniversary. Hubby and I have been married 21 years. During this time, we have learned a lot from each other. Unfortunately, picking out an anniversary cake isn't one of them.Hubby and daughters went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. We had planned a nice steak dinner with baked potatoes and a nice salad. Since they were going to Wal-Mart anyway, I asked them to pick up a cake for our anniversary.
I told my oldest daughter to pick up a yellow cake. We also discussed cheesecake. The three of them knew that they were picking out an Anniversary cake. To go with our celebratory dinner, I was thinking of something with pretty decoration or an understated cheesecake.
What I got was the cake that you see in the photo. It is a chocolate birthday cake with a lemon yellow smiley face and sprinkles. Any 8 - 18 year old would have loved it!
In fact, this cake is identical to the one we got for our daughter's birthday two weeks ago.
Hubby and my daughters came in proudly bearing the cake. I looked at it and my face fell. It bore no resemblance to the anniversary cake that I had envisioned. In fact, in my mind, my anniversary cake bore no resemblance to a birthday cake at all. I thought about (and had asked for) a cheesecake or a yellow cake. I'd requested that it read "Happy Anniversary" or "Happy 21st" if icing flowers severely limited the writing space on the cake.
The cake placed before me was not on the list. There were no flowers. There was no "Happy Anniversary" or any other writing on the cake. Instead, there was this lemon yellow happy face staring up at me.
My family wanted me to cut the cake. So, I did. The first cut was right between the eyes.
Several years ago for mother's day Hubby bought me a fluorescent orange fish tank with electric blue gravel. The plastic plant was a bright lime green. Complimenting the tank was an orange goldfish.
At the time, I thought nothing would compare with that gift for tackiness. Now, I know otherwise.
In marriage, you never know what you are going to get. This doesn't just go for anniversaries. It goes for life itself. Life is never a "piece of cake".
Memories are made in any marriage. Some of those memories are moving. Others are supposed to be fun. For the rest of the time you just have to shake your head and go with the flow.
Want some birthday cake?
Want some birthday cake?
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Happy anniversary Hubby!
Hubby and I are joyfully celebrating our 21st anniversary today. We got married after a 2 year engagement. I was 20 at the time. Hubby was almost 2 years older. Of course, we thought we knew a lot and strove to make everything else work.
For the record, marriage is work. But it is worth the effort!
Positive role models were few while we were growing up. Both of us came from broken homes. My parents divorced when I was 5. Hubby's parents also split while he was in grammar school. I never saw friends parents have a happy anniversary either. This has partially fueled the fires to help us give our children better than we received.
Our strong faith in God has been the foundation of our marriage. He has given us love for each other, compassion and understanding. From time to time we've had the benefit of counseling. (Hey, both kids have special needs plus I am a sexual assault survivor! Who wouldn't need counseling? :0)
But through it all, God was there to glue us together.
I can't wait to see what the next 21 years brings!
Happy anniversary Hubby!
Hubby and I are joyfully celebrating our 21st anniversary today. We got married after a 2 year engagement. I was 20 at the time. Hubby was almost 2 years older. Of course, we thought we knew a lot and strove to make everything else work.
For the record, marriage is work. But it is worth the effort!
Positive role models were few while we were growing up. Both of us came from broken homes. My parents divorced when I was 5. Hubby's parents also split while he was in grammar school. I never saw friends parents have a happy anniversary either. This has partially fueled the fires to help us give our children better than we received.
Our strong faith in God has been the foundation of our marriage. He has given us love for each other, compassion and understanding. From time to time we've had the benefit of counseling. (Hey, both kids have special needs plus I am a sexual assault survivor! Who wouldn't need counseling? :0)
But through it all, God was there to glue us together.
I can't wait to see what the next 21 years brings!
Happy anniversary Hubby!
Why is it called Good Friday if Jesus Died?
Why is it called Good Friday if Jesus Died? Since people are asking, I thought I'd blog about it.
Good Friday is a religious day for Christians worldwide. It began, of course, on the day that Christ died on the cross. The ancient church began to celebrate this day from almost the very beginning.
The day is called Good Friday out of recognition of God's work of salvation for us as sinners. It is not called Good Friday everywhere. According to the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, the day is also called "Friday of Preparation", "Holy Friday","Great Friday", and "Friday of Mourning".
Traditional celebrations for Good Friday include evening or lunchtime services. This day is a period of preparation for Resurrection Sunday services on Easter morning.
Good Friday is a religious day for Christians worldwide. It began, of course, on the day that Christ died on the cross. The ancient church began to celebrate this day from almost the very beginning.
The day is called Good Friday out of recognition of God's work of salvation for us as sinners. It is not called Good Friday everywhere. According to the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, the day is also called "Friday of Preparation", "Holy Friday","Great Friday", and "Friday of Mourning".
Traditional celebrations for Good Friday include evening or lunchtime services. This day is a period of preparation for Resurrection Sunday services on Easter morning.
April 09, 2009
Knoxville Golf Courses
Recently, I had the opportunity to write about golf courses in the Knoxville area. I had never thought about how many of them that we have in the area. Too bad there was a word limit on the article!
Even though I've lived here all of my life Knoxville keeps surprising me. Our fair city is a joy to live or work in and it's a terrific vacation destination.
If you are interested in golf courses in Knoxville click the link below.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1616493/golf_courses_in_knoxville_tn.html?cat=14
Even though I've lived here all of my life Knoxville keeps surprising me. Our fair city is a joy to live or work in and it's a terrific vacation destination.
If you are interested in golf courses in Knoxville click the link below.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1616493/golf_courses_in_knoxville_tn.html?cat=14
April 06, 2009
New Blog for Alaska Missions Team!
Yesterday, we had a great meeting for the Alaska Missions Team. We're going with the LaFollette United Methodist Church. There is so much planning to be done. Still, lots of details need to be taken care of. I'm excited about the trip. There is just so very much that I get to learn. It's filled with the promise of lots of new experiences and opportunities to stretch my boundaries.
There are 5 different churches represented on the team! Getting the word out to so many people is always challenging. With the help of the internet it has now been easier than ever before to stay informed of all of our activities.
The Alaska Missions Team has a new blog. Check out our url at http://lafolletteumcmissions.blogspot.com You'll need to copy and paste it into your browser. We'll be adding to it as we go along.
Right now, the Alaska Missions Team blog has a few pictures. You'll also find clocks that tell the time here in LaFollette and in Alaska. This will make it easier for families to keep in touch with loved ones who are on the team.
Check out the blog and see what you think. Like the team from LaFollette United Methodist Church, it too is filled with the promise of new opportunities.
There are 5 different churches represented on the team! Getting the word out to so many people is always challenging. With the help of the internet it has now been easier than ever before to stay informed of all of our activities.
The Alaska Missions Team has a new blog. Check out our url at http://lafolletteumcmissions.blogspot.com You'll need to copy and paste it into your browser. We'll be adding to it as we go along.
Right now, the Alaska Missions Team blog has a few pictures. You'll also find clocks that tell the time here in LaFollette and in Alaska. This will make it easier for families to keep in touch with loved ones who are on the team.
Check out the blog and see what you think. Like the team from LaFollette United Methodist Church, it too is filled with the promise of new opportunities.
April 05, 2009
Bass Pro Shops Kodak Youve Been Reviewed Store Review
Would non-sportspeople like the Bass Pro Shop in Kodak? It features a breathtaking shopping environment, a wide selection of clothing, gear and products. You can buy a boat, a latte or a jacket.
On our visit the service at the Bass Pro Shop was good. Read more by clicking the link below.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/
On our visit the service at the Bass Pro Shop was good. Read more by clicking the link below.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/
Marble Slab Creamery at Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, TN
Have you read my review on the Marble Slab Creamery yet?
Hubby and I went to Kodak for down time the other day. We had a lot of fun visiting Bass Pro Shop. My goal was to find a tent for my trip to Alaska with my daughter.
We didn't have any luck so we decided to explore the shops at Bass Pro. I'm glad we did. Our visit to the Marble Slab Creamery was a treat. You'll have to read the review here.
Associated Content: Marble Slab Creamery
Hubby and I went to Kodak for down time the other day. We had a lot of fun visiting Bass Pro Shop. My goal was to find a tent for my trip to Alaska with my daughter.
We didn't have any luck so we decided to explore the shops at Bass Pro. I'm glad we did. Our visit to the Marble Slab Creamery was a treat. You'll have to read the review here.
Associated Content: Marble Slab Creamery
Great Italian Dinner!
We had a great time at the dinner last night! If you missed it you missed a treat. The fellowship and the entire experience was good. Look for more great opportunities for fun as the Alaska Missions Team works hard to raise funds.
April 02, 2009
Italian Dinner Fri.April 3 for Alaska Missions Trip
Come one, come all, you'll have a ball! Join us for dinner Friday night, April 3 at Jacksboro United Methodist Church. We're having an authentic Italian pasta dinner. The meatballs and sauce are homemade. The fellowship is fun. The cause is great.
After the dinner the church is showing a free rated-G movie. Diners are welcome to stay and enjoy the evening. The Italian dinner is only $6. You'll get pasta, meatballs, salad, drink and dessert. We hope you come!
All proceeds go toward the Alaska Missions Project. Our team will be installing windows and doing other work on the church parsonage. We'll be in Alaska for a week. Proceeds go toward costs of supplies and other expenses.
And yes, my daughter and I are still planning on driving. :0)
After the dinner the church is showing a free rated-G movie. Diners are welcome to stay and enjoy the evening. The Italian dinner is only $6. You'll get pasta, meatballs, salad, drink and dessert. We hope you come!
All proceeds go toward the Alaska Missions Project. Our team will be installing windows and doing other work on the church parsonage. We'll be in Alaska for a week. Proceeds go toward costs of supplies and other expenses.
And yes, my daughter and I are still planning on driving. :0)
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