Thursday, May 30, 2013

Liebster Award

 I was pleasantly shocked when Kaye George decided to honor me with the Liebster Award! It’s nice when someone recognizes another person’s monthly blog toil. Here’s the link to her place, and a HUGE THANK YOU, Kaye! http://travelswithkaye.blogspot.com/ (That was Rule number 1.)Rule number 2, answer 11 questions from her, list 11 random facts about myself, and make up 11 questions for the ones I nominate. It really isn’t that tough to do.  Actually, I did it one day when the students were taking a test. So it was easy.Liebster Award Rules:1. Thank the blogger who presented you with the Liebster Award, and link back to his or her blog.2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator; list 11 random facts about yourself, and create 11 questions for your nominees.3. Present the Liebster Award to 11 bloggers, who have blogs with 200 followers or less, whom you feel deserve to be noticed. Leave a comment on the blogs letting the owners know they have been chosen. (No tag backs.)4. Upload the Liebster Award image to your blog.OK, down to business with #2, 3,and 4!Eleven Questions from LD to me:...like your name? Yes.  I’m named after my great-grandma who came from Norway.  Barbara.  I think that’s kind of nice knowing that.  My middle name is Marie and is also the middle name of another grandma...living where you expect to live or move someday? I suspect that I’ll stay living in this town but not in this house.  I want to be closer to town....pets? We have had one for many years, but it died.  Now we don’t have one and that’s mainly because of all the deer in the area....neat or sloppy? We’re both neatniks....morning person or night? Definitely morning.  I fall asleep before the ten o’clock news....outside or inside? I’m a fair-weather person.  I do like being outside....giddy with happiness? That’s hard. I do but it’s usually having something to do with the grandkids or when someone really appreciates what I’ve done....glass half-empty or half-full? I think it’s half-full because there’s so much more to come in my life.  It just keeps getting better....favorite color? I like red and black, but don’t decorate with that.  I used to be in love with blue, and I guess I still am and will decorate with shades of blue....anyone else, now or in the future? I’ve never thought about that before.  I just want to be happy.  That’s all I ask for is happiness....greatest writer? I absolutely adore Little Women to this day so I’ll have to say, Louisa Mae Alcott, hands down.Eleven Random facts about myself:I was so shy as a kid, that I was scared of my own shadow.I went to beauty school right after high school and worked for just a couple years.  This was when haircuts were only a buck and a half.  Needless to say, I couldn’t make a living at the beauty shop.I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and really missed the large metro area when we moved to Bemidji.I graduated from Roosevelt High School, and our former governor graduated from the same school one year ahead of me.  He graduated with my brother.I never knew either of my grandma’s because both died before I was born.  My mother was raised by her aunt and uncle, whom I call Grandma and Grandpa.  I dearly loved them.My favorite place on earth is Minnehaha Falls.  I love the rushing waterfall.I love to dance.  My favorite song is Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.I have done an awful lot of research and can trace one branch of my family back to the 1500’s.  I am Norwegian and Swedish.  I love to plants, flowers, but don’t like to garden.  Actually, I don’t really like the putsiness of it.    10.  I spent one Christmas with my son who was in the army and stationed in Germany.  It was wonderful.  One night when we were in a pub, a couple of his friends came over and told me about their mom and family and how much they missed, ‘home’, over Christmas.  They also told me how special it was to have a ‘mom’ from ‘home’ to talk to.      11. I actually am tired of holidays.  I know that sounds like I’m a Scrooge, but I’m not, really.  I just want to enjoy a quiet holiday and enjoy my family without all the hoopla.      Eleven Questions for my recipients to answer:1.   Are you a solitary person?2.   Did you like to color as a kid?3.   What was your favorite outing as a kid?4.   First date—good or bad?5.   Favorite class in school?6.   Do you like change?7.   Where is your favorite place on earth?8.   Have you ever picked eggs or held a live chicken?9.   Have you ever built a snowman?10.  How many national parks have you visited?11.  Who is your favorite First Lady and why?Okay, this should be easy.  But no one-word answers. Details or explanations required.Here are my eleven choices for the Liebster Award:Doris McGraw  http://fivesevenfivepage.blogspot.comMichael Murphy http://blog.mjmurphy.comAmberly K Clowe  http://amberlykclowe.blogspot.comNancy Jardine  http://nancyjardine.blogspot.comWanita May http://wanitajump.wordpress.comUvi Poznansky  http://uviart.blogspot.comJohn Capraro  http://thewritelifeforme.blogspot.comJoanne Stewart  http://theheartofanempath.blogspot.comAnne Van http://annevanllll.blogspot.comDutch Henry http://dutchhenry.blogspot.comVonnie Davis  http://vintagevonnie.blogspot.comI have one request of my eleven award recipients. Even if you chose not to accept this award - meaning if you'd rather not do the questions, random facts, etc. - please take the time to visit at least a few of the other blogs listed here. We're all looking for readers and you might find a blog or two you really love.Of course, the same goes for anyone else who comes by.  Take a minute and check out a blog or two you haven't visited before. You never know who you'll find.
Source:http://bschlichting.blogspot.com/2013/04/liebster-award_19.html

Liebster Award Images

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Upton Furious

Upton Furious, Kate Upton is said to be furious at Victoria's Secret for using images of her in the latest catalog.The model, who shot to fame by landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated twice and being in viral videos, appears on the company's back cover wearing the mega-lingerie brand's black Body bra, but reports say the photos were used without her permission."Kate is not thrilled Victoria's Secret is using these photos. She is not contracted to work with Victoria's Secret and was not notified before the images, taken in 2011, were used," a source told the Daily Mail."The pictures are from 2011," another source told Page Six. "Kate's not currently contracted to work with Victoria's Secret, and they didn't contact her before they used these images."It all sounds a little bit odd, especially since the company blasted the curvaceous 20-year-old last year when VS booker Sophia Neophitou told the New York Times they would "never" use Upton for a Victoria's Secret show because her look was "too obvious.""She's like a footballer's wife, with the too-blond hair and that kind of face that anyone with enough money can go out and buy," Neophitou said.But Upton still seems to be good enough to have her likeness used in print materials?"The things that they're rejecting are things that I can't change," she said of her critics in the June 2013 issue of Vogue. "I can't change my bra size. They're natural! I can work out and I can stay healthy and motivated, but I can't change some things. I really just live my life. I love my body. It's what God gave me! I feel confident with myself, and if that inspires other women to feel confident with their bodies, great."The blond bombshell also told the mag that she'd like to start her own lingerie company.
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Upton Furious Images

Kate Upton Furious Over Victoria's Secret Photos - dBTechno
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Kate Upton furious at Victoria Secret for using old pictures - UPI.com
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Anne Upton and Furious after his 1978 Holiday Inns triumph
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Kate Upton wearing bikini by Beach Bunny
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The Best Twitter Accounts for BDPA Members

BDPA members who are not using Twitter to market their chapter or business are missing out on a great opportunity. Twitter can also be a huge resource for BDPA members in the day-to-day operation of their chapter or business. However, BDPA members must know the right accounts to follow in order to benefit from all that Twitter can offer.Here are 10 Twitter accounts that every BDPA member should be sure to follow:TED Talks (1,630,325 followers)- @tedtalks - TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. TED Talks began as a simple attempt to share what happens at TED with the world. These online presentations give everyone on-demand access to the world's most inspiring voices. TED Talks have been viewed more than one billion times.Craig BrownCraig Brown (1,036,086 followers) - @craigbrownphd - Craig is the National BDPA vice president at the moment.  He is also the only nominee to become the National BDPA president for 2014-2015.  Craig has more Twitter followers than any other member in the history of BDPA.  Hopefully he will be able to translate his ability to attract support in Twitter with a similar ability to attract new members to BDPA in the coming weeks and months.  Craig is a remarkable IT thought leader and I encourage you to get to know him.Roland Martin (218,100 followers) - @rolandsmartin - Martin is managing editor for TV One; senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show; syndicated columnist for Creators Syndicate ... and most importantly to BDPA members is that he will be our keynote speaker at the 35th annual BDPA Technology Conference later this year in Washington DC. Martin is an unabashed champion for his fraternity and his favorite NFL team. Perhaps we can get him to be as much of a champion for BDPA programs, scholarships and services as well!Change The Equation (8,637 followers) - @changeequation - A non-partisan, CEO-led initiative to connect and align efforts to improve STEM learning in the United States. These folks seek to mobilize the business community to change the way that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning takes place in America. Don't you agree that BDPA members should be engaged in this initiative?BDPA Foundation (2,415 followers) - @bdpa - You didn't think that I was going to give a Top 10 list and not include my own Twitter account, did you? BDPA Foundation is one of the most active Twitter accounts focused on BDPA programs, scholarships and services. The tweets give updates on funding sources, grant proposals, BDPA accomplishments, college scholarships, corporate sponsors, career opportunities and much more. These tweets also prove to be very useful to others nonprofit professionals outside of the BDPA family as well. Blacks In Technology (1,974 followers) - @blkintechnology - The premier online community for Black techies. Membership is free and the camaraderie is priceless. Their motto is 'Bringing Unity to the Black IT Community'. One of the most outstanding ideas to come forth from these folks is the BIT Tech Digest - an online resource of technology information written entirely by Black technology professionals.Blerdology (761 followers)- @blerdology - 'Blerds' are Black Nerds. This twitter account is the Black tech social enterprise that fuels their ambitions, facilitates collaboration & makes blerd life more awesome. It is an outgrowth of the Blerdology website and I hope that we see more Blerds in BDPA over the coming weeks and months!BDPA Conference (235 followers) - @bdpa_conference - The annual BDPA Technology Conference has taken place since 1979. It is the largest gathering of African American information technology professionals in the world. All BDPA members should make the trip to this BDPA mecca at least once during their collegiate or professional career. These tweets keep you updated on scheduled workshops, plenary sessions, keynote speakers, corporate sponsors and so much more.BDPA Atlanta - @atlantabdpa (144 followers) - This chapter is fast-becoming a BDPA powerhouse.  They are the home of the defending national High School Computer Competition champions.  They put on some very powerful programs that serve as 'best practices' for the other 45 local chapters around the nation.  This chapter is focused and successful in a number of ways that should be admired by all BDPA members.  I strongly encourage all BDPA members to do themselves a favor ... follow this Twitter account right now!BDPA New York (87) - @bdpanewyork - BDPA New York is the 2-time defending 'Chapter of the Year'.  They don't have many Twitter followers ... but, they are very active in terms of programs and services to the IT community.  The chapter president, Renetta English, is one of the hardest working leaders in BDPA-Nation.  Show them some Twitter love ... they've earned it!Well, those are my Top 10 Twitter accounts that I think should be followed by all BDPA members. What do you think? Which Twitter accounts do you think are missing from this list? Which of these Twitter accounts do you co-sign as being truly worthy of our attention? I look forward to your comments!
Source:http://betf.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-best-twitter-accounts-for-bdpa.html

The Best Twitter Accounts for BDPA Members Images

BDPA Foundation: BDPA Chapters on Twitter
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BDPA Foundation: Grant Proposal: CIGNA Foundation (BDPA New York)
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bdpa education and technology foundation betf partnered with bdpa ...
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... twitter 34 % of marketers have generated leads using twitter and 20 %
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Monday, May 27, 2013

Prideful Rizzoli thrilled by Wembley duty

Nicola Rizzoli will be unable to repeat his usual mantra ahead of Saturday's game between FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund. "Approach it as if it were the final of the UEFA Champions League," the Italian referee always says to himself before a match. This time, however, he really will be handling the top club fixture in world football.Nicola Rizzoli awaiting kick-off at Wembley (c) UEFAThe 41-year-old architect from Bologna is no stranger to the big occasion: he officiated at the inaugural UEFA Europa League final in 2010, an experience that he believes will help him at Wembley. "Absolutely, yes," he told UEFA.com. "Finals are always special."UEFA.com: How does it feel to have been selected for such a prestigious match?Nicola Rizzoli: I feel very proud, I am proud of what we have done and achieved on this long road to the final. It's the most important match at European level, and if I look back at the 24 years of my refereeing career, it's unbelievable to have made it to this point now.UEFA.com: How do you prepare mentally for such an occasion?Rizzoli: The same preparation applies for all matches, basically. I have always said, in all the matches I have refereed, even at youth level, that I have to approach it as if it were the final of the Champions League. And this coming Saturday I really will referee the Champions League final. It's motivation for me to prepare even better mentally.UEFA.com: Can your experience of refereeing the 2010 UEFA Europa League final help at Wembley?Rizzoli: Absolutely, yes. Finals are always special matches – they are not like other games, although they should be – but the experience you gain in a match like that helps you a lot, to understand how to handle the special tensions that are normal in a final.UEFA.com: What will you do in order for you and your team to enjoy the experience? Rizzoli: Trying to enjoy it is not always easy – concentrating makes you so careful about details, which can help you better evaluate certain situations, that you lose the real context. From when we come out of the tunnel until the moment we start the match, we must enjoy the spectacle and the event. We must look at the spectators, fans and supporters, all the beautiful things that football offers, and all the passion you can feel, because I'm sure that during the match we will be so focused and mindful of what is happening on the pitch.UEFA.com: Two German teams are in the final. Have you talked about this to any of your German colleagues?Rizzoli: Getting information is the most important thing when preparing for a match like this. I had already spoken to some German colleagues before it was known who would be refereeing the final, because I like to get information when I meet other officials. Of course, today we are lucky to be able to get all the information we want off the internet, so the teams have been studied and analysed.UEFA.com: How important is it to know how the teams play tactically?Rizzoli: It's fundamental, because it's the only way not to be taken by surprise. Knowing beforehand what could happen and having that information can help you anticipate certain situations. If you are taken by surprise in a situation then it can become difficult to judge in a correct way.UEFA.com: What kind of match do you expect?Rizzoli: It will be a game between two excellent teams who are both very physical, but at the same time involving coaches who make their sides play tactically very well. They each have coaches who know how to get the best out of their players, so I expect them to all play at the highest level, which will create a great spectacle.UEFA.com: Does the fact it is at Wembley make the final more special?Rizzoli: Wembley represents the history of football, even if it has been rebuilt and restructured. You breathe the history and the passion, just pure football. That is what I hope to feel when I'm in the dressing room and when we come out of the tunnel.UEFA.com: And lastly, how would you like to be remembered after the final?Rizzoli: I don't really want to be remembered. I hope they will just remember me when they read the name of the match referee. The stars are – and should be – the players. Don't remember me, that is better.Check out UEFA.com having vistited Rizzoli at home in their video!source: UEFA.com
Source:http://footballrefereeing.blogspot.com/2013/05/prideful-rizzoli-thrilled-by-wembley.html

Prideful Rizzoli thrilled by Wembley duty Images

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Copa Libertadores: Designaciones Vuelta Octavos-de-final (I)
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Final Supercopa Europa 1999/2000
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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Chicago Cubs

h1 a:hover {background-color:#888;color:#fff ! important;} div#emailbody table#itemcontentlist tr td div ul { list-style-type:square; padding-left:1em; } div#emailbody table#itemcontentlist tr td div blockquote { padding-left:6px; border-left: 6px solid #dadada; margin-left:1em; } div#emailbody table#itemcontentlist tr td div li { margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:1em; } table#itemcontentlist tr td a:link, table#itemcontentlist tr td a:visited, table#itemcontentlist tr td a:active, ul#summarylist li a { color:#000099; font-weight:bold; text-decoration:none; } img {border:none;} Chicago Cubs Hawks quiet talk of epic failure ... for now Reds' 5-2 victory stops Wood's streak of quality starts at 9 Rios keeps level-headed attitude during streak Cubs unpleasant present makes better future forever distant Francona has Indians headed in right direction Cubs starter Travis Wood pitches against the Reds.

Hawks quiet talk of epic failure ... for now

Posted:

Lou Piniella was probably sipping a cocktail somewhere Saturday night after watching baseball. Mike Keenan likely was already preparing for his new job as coach of the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk in Russia. Robin Ventura was keeping an even keel a...

Reds' 5-2 victory stops Wood's streak of quality starts at 9

Posted:

CINCINNATI — Much to the chagrin of Dusty Baker, Cubs pitcher Travis Wood was shaking hands and hugging some of his former Reds teammates a couple of hours before Saturday's game at Great American Ball Park. Though he likes Wood, the Reds...

Rios keeps level-headed attitude during streak

Posted:

When it comes to sustaining hitting streaks, Robin Ventura has been there, done that. The Sox manager had an NCAA-record 58-game hitting streak at Oklahoma State. Alex Rios entered Saturday night's 2-1 victory over the Marlins with an 18-game...

Cubs unpleasant present makes better future forever distant

Posted:

CINCINNATI — No one really is surprised the Cubs are where they are two months into the season, and it appears evident what's going to happen next. In Year 2 of the rebuild, the only questions remaining are who will be gone before August and how...

Francona has Indians headed in right direction

Posted:

Zach McAllister didn't appear out of nowhere for the Indians last September at U.S. Cellular Field. He was making his 25th big-league start, but he looked too good to have a 4.56 ERA. Turns out the six strong innings McAllister threw against the White...

Cubs starter Travis Wood pitches against the Reds.

Posted:

Chicago Cubs v Cincinnati Reds You are subscribed to email updates from Chicago Cubs To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. Email delivery powered by Google Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610
Source:http://cpsotd.blogspot.com/2013/05/chicago-cubs_26.html

Chicago Cubs Images

chicago cubs Pictures, Photos & Images
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A May Thanksgiving

By Sarah CorrellAlmost everyone who enjoyed school had at least one class, and one teacher, that they really enjoyed.  For countless students in Indiana and across the country, these teachers are their agriculture teachers and FFA advisers. You can’t have one without the other, as FFA is a part of the agricultural education model.  Add in the supervised agricultural experience and the classroom and laboratory learning components of their jobs (more about that here), and agriculture teachers have a pretty full plate.  May 7th was National Teachers Day.  The theme this year was Thank a Teacher, and we would like to do just that.  Here is what a few agriculture students in Indiana had to say. “My FFA advisors are different from my other teachers because they are not only my teachers, but they are also my friends. It makes it easier as a student to work with advisors who are easy to get along with and are passionate about their job and the organization.” – Allie“My FFA advisors are different from my other teachers because they genuinely care about all of my endeavors. They are willing to help with anything, in or out of the classroom.” – Leah “My FFA advisors are great because they care about me as a person not just a student. Even though I have graduated, they still text and call me to check in and make sure I am doing good! I appreciate their continuous, active involvement in my life!”- Cameron“My FFA advisors are great because of their dedication to not only the organization, but also to their students. They have a passion for seeing us excel in every aspect of our lives. They have truly supported me in everything that I do and have inspired me to reach my goals.” – Mallarie It is not uncommon for my agriculture instructor to be at the school before 7 in the morning and to still be there at that same hour in the evening practicing with students.   His passion for success, growth, and, most of all, the growth of all students is something that is truly admired throughout the community and the state.  He is a true example of positive relationship building, hard work, compassion, and integrity.  When asked by current agricultural education students what made all of the long hours and Saturday work days worth it, he replied, “I have a file at home. It is full of letters from former students.  That’s what makes it worth it.” Allie, Leah, Cameron, Mallarie, I, and thousands of others like us certainly appreciate our agriculture teachers.  Who made a difference in your education?  Have you told them thank you?
Source:http://indianafamilyoffarmers.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-may-thanksgiving.html

A May Thanksgiving Images

May You All Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! |
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May Your Thanksgiving Be Blessed!
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pray your Thanksgiving Day will be filled with laughter, feasting ...
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... be like without horses Maggie May thanksgiving – A Demented Dame
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Sana Khan in kidnapping case

We learned that Salman Khan 'mental' co-star Sanaa Khan, who booked by the Navi Mumbai police to try to kidnap a 15-year-old girl, applied for anticipatory bail.Actress is expected to get anticipatory bail by Monday, after which she will talk about her side of the story.Her close friend Rajev Paul, who was with her in the house warm, which is in contact with it, she said, she's "told me that she had applied for bail proactive and hopefully get it on Monday, and I hope then people will know the real story."Salman took to micro-blogging site on Saturday to support his co-star. He tweeted: '@ BeingSalmanKhan: Sanaa weak, very sad. Let her famous 1 cm and then try n get publicity kilometers ones'.On April 30, the day Sanaa allegedly tried to kidnap the girl with her ​​cousin and his friends, was tweeted Sanaa she was in the position of the adventure and later even seen the movie."It's on the way back from the garden adventure that met the family," said Rajev, adding that "it was a mistake to them. And she told me that the family had harassed her and asked her for an amount of Rs 20 lakh. I" I told her to file a complaint counter. "
Source:http://techonzz.blogspot.com/2013/05/sana-khan-in-kidnapping-case.html

Sana Khan in kidnapping case Images

दबंग' की नई हिरोईन सना खान ...
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... comment tags mental salman khan sana khan sana khan kidnapping case
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lady of Salman Khan's upcoming film Mental directed by Sohail Khan ...
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Sanakhan wanted for Kidnapping
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THESE ARE THE VOYAGES: THERE BE WHALES HERE!

I shall open with a claim that is non-standard, and probably a bit daft: I think that Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is the film out of all 12 Star Trek features that comes closest to the spirit of the TV show it's based on (okay, so Star Trek: Insurrection probably comes even closer, but for a much more dubious reason). "Are you mad? The time travel comedy with culture-shock jokes and whales? Is closest to the original series?", I could almost imagine you sputtering, if I thought you were an insane person who challenged the sanity of a blogger by shouting at your computer screen. Or if I didn't expect you to understand rhetorical gambits.But yes, that's exactly the one I'm referring to, and I think I can make it stick. Firstly: The Voyage Home is the only Star Trek movie where nobody dies (onscreen), and is the first in four tries that ends with the "hurray!" feeling that so many episodes of the show did: no dead Spocks, no exploded starships, just a big happy send-off. Secondly, comedy wasn't as rare in the TV series as it is in the movies: there were only two outright comic episodes that I can immediately recall, but the comic byplay between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy was much more an integral part of all but the most arch, serious episodes than it is in most of the films that aren't trying to make an active point of it; and the specific nature of the humor in this film bears quite a resemblance to the scattered moments of comedy in "The City on the Edge of Forever" (a time-travel episode that is largely not funny at all) and the overarching comedy in "A Piece of the Action" (one of the two overt comic episodes, set in a planet modeled after '20s gangland Chicago).Thirdly, and this is actually the most important part, The Voyage Home is a message movie unlike anything that the other eleven films even thought about touching, and that's something that happens a lot in the TV show; it being one of the most touching elements of Gene Roddenberry's rose-colored worldview that he could use his sci-fi adventure show not merely to comment on society (a privilege of science fiction above nearly all other genres), but to actively agitate for improving society. How many episodes of Star Trek were nothing but little morality plays in disguise! Frequently not even that much disguise; the planet of half-white, half-black people warring with the half-black, half-white people leaps to mind, what I'd refer to as an allegory about racism if the word "allegory" didn't imply at least a surface-level attempt to hide the subtext.So yes, The Voyage Home is the environmentalist Star Trek movie, the plea to stop and think about what we're doing to our planet: subjecting to the wrath of an alien probe 300 years hence that will destroy us for making humpback whales go extinct. Which, in a long line of profoundly silly bits of scientific nonsense peddled by the Star Trek franchise over nearly half a century, I'm not certain if anything is quite as boldly loopy as "a race of alien whales is in communication with terrestrial whales, and that is what whalesong is for". But the film means it so darn earnestly, and there had to be some way of getting us back to the Earth of 1986. Anyway, the film's environmental themes are woven into the script so cleanly, and tied so tightly in with more message-neutral dramatic concerns, that even at is most overt, the film never feels like it's giving up storytelling in order to lecture us. Take note, Stanley Kramers of the world! You can get just as much mileage and a whole lot more entertainment out of a laugh line like "Judging by the pollution content in the atmosphere, I believe we have arrived at the latter half of the 20th Century" as you can from breast-beating monologues.Anyway, The Voyage Home: after the events of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, the crew of the late U.S.S. Enterprise merely waits on the rehabilitation of the resurrected Spock (Leonard Nimoy) to head back to Earth and face trial for their acts of insubordination and sabotage; but as they idly cool their heels on Vulcan, Earth is under a strange kind of attack from a strange alien probe, a huge black cylinder with a small blue protuberance uttering an otherworldly noise and blanking out power in every station and ship it passes. Having set up shop above Earth's atmosphere, the probe is now vaporising the oceans, turning the planet into a cloud-locked hell. As the Enterprise crew returns on their commandeered Klingon Bird of Prey, they're able to determine that the probe's message is in fact identical to the songs of humpback whales, and from there it's easy to deduce that the probe is searching for a species that has been extinct for two hundred years. Obviously, then, the best solution is to go back to the 20th Century, when such animals were reasonably plentiful and bring a mating pair back to the 23rd Century to communicate with the alien vessel; obviously. But once arrived in Starfleet's future hometown of San Francisco in the film's release year of 1986, just getting around in a wholly alien culture proves to be challenge enough, to say nothing of using primitive technology to repair their horribly damaged ship (trips through time aren't a cakewalk, you know), and to build an enclosure for the whales that, at this point, haven't yet been found.Given its reputation as a fish-out-of-water comedy, broadly accessible to just about anybody (a reputation that made the film the highest grossing in the series, and the only one to break $100 million in box office receipts, until 2009's Star Trek; adjusted for inflation, it's still the series' third-highest grosser, and likely to remain that way), it's a little shocking to realise how long it takes until The Voyage Home finally warps to 1986, or starts to be funny. A full quarter of the movie is dedicated just to setting things up on Earth and re-introducing the characters - poorly; this might be the first Star Trek movie that baldly requires you to have seen at least the preceding two movies if not the whole show to have even vaguest idea of what's going on with this talk of katras, and mind-melds, and large portions of the first and third-act narrative. And this at least has the benefit of moving quickly and getting the stakes escalated fast. Almost too fast, and too escalated, perhaps, for the series' most self-consciously comic entry. But I am not one of the movie's five credited writers (including Nimoy, and Nicholas Meyer, returning the franchise's bosom after being offended at the mere existence of The Search for Spock), and they undoubtedly would not care about my opinion.Frankly, the 23rd Century parts of the movie are fine, nothing more, though Nimoy's directing is a great deal more focused than it was in the last film. It's quite apparent that what the filmmakers cared about most, and what they expect us to care about the most, was the central time-travel comedy; time-travel comedies being big business in the mid-'80s, what with the previous year's Back to the Future and all. And to the film's immeasurable credit, the 1986 sequences are all pretty great. Funny as heck, with its humor rooted (like nearly all great humor is) in the truth of the characters: funny to see Spock badly mangling an attempt to swear and use slang like a human, funny to see whiz-bang engineer Montgomery Scott (James Doohan, easily the best he is in any of the features) being sniffy and superior about 20th Century technology; funny to see Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) being the same way about medicine. Some of the jokes are lost to the Cold War; the bit about Chekhov (Walter Koenig) asking in battered English, "Where are the nooklear wessels" isn't nearly as clever when you have to remind yourself that a Russian asking about nukes in '86 would have a much different connotation than in the 2010s.The other, much less predictable reason that the 1986 material works is that it finally solves - for the only time in the film series - the consistent problem that Star Trek had with its ensemble: giving them all something to do. It's still, unquestionably, driven by Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock, hunting for whales and getting entangled with a local marine biologist (Catherine Hicks) - whom Kirk, in best Kirk fashion, promptly starts to hit on (the only time that happened in the movies, really, until the younger, sexier Kirk of the reboot). But every single character has at least one small chance to shine, to get a little comic moment all their own, even if it's just a few well-timed reaction shots in Uhura's (Nichelle Nichols) case.Nimoy, as director, is on much surer footing here: his instinct to let his castmates feel their way into the script rather than demanding they hew to it pays off substantially better than in The Search for Spock, and he's infinitely better at shaping comic moments than tragic ones (the shape of the rest of his limited directorial career bears that out). The tender moments that are here still work, but they're mostly Spock's own moments, suggesting that Nimoy was better at acting that kind of emotion than bringing it out in others.Anyway, there's not much room for sincerity; The Voyage Home is consciously a lark, trivialising its world-threatening conflict, ending with the happiest conclusion of any of the movies that point, and cramming in broad laughs along the way. Happily, its also a completely effective and well-made lark, a bit flimsy to be legitimately counted as "great" Star Trek, but aware enough of its characters and their attachments to each other and the audience that it's completely, undeniably "fun" Star Trek.Reviews in this seriesStar Trek: The Motion Picture (Wise, 1979)Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (Meyer, 1982)Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (Nimoy, 1984)Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (Nimoy, 1986)Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (Shatner, 1989)Star Trek (Abrams, 2009)Star Trek Into Darkness (Abrams, 2013)
Source:http://antagonie.blogspot.com/2013/05/these-are-voyages-there-be-whales-here.html

THESE ARE THE VOYAGES: THERE BE WHALES HERE! Images

... Landing Whale Watching: The blue whales are here early this year
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Admiral! There be whales here! – Star Trek Movie Special #2, Star ...
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Star Trek The Marathon: There Be Whales Here! - CinemaBlend.com
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Beam Us Up to This Awesome Collection of Star Trek Fanart
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Saturday, May 25, 2013

White House China

George WashingtonIt's my understanding that Abigail Adams used whatever dishes were there, or what? I never did find that out, but there is a written note in her handwriting inviting a guest to one of the 'levees' as they were called. Dolley Madison's state china service was a hard-paste porcelain with gilt-relief. The plates were produced in 1814 at the Paris factory of Jean Nepomucene Hermann Nast.     After the War of 1812, with the White House burning, etc, the Monroes had to refurnish and redecorate. First Lady Mrs. Monroe decorated in the French style. She was the first to have White House china created solely for the presidential use. The placesettings were manufactured in Paris. She was also the first to have an eagle as part of the design with a red, white, and blue banner displaying the words, "E Pluribus Unum", the national motto. There are five vignettes inside of the dark red border, representing agriculture, strength, commerce, science and arts.James MonroeAbraham Lincoln    Another set wasn't ordered until the Polks moved in in 1845.  The service included a plain white design and gold trim, there is a shade of green border and a large flower in the center, like a pink wildflower.     Mary Lincoln knew how to spend money. She would put Madonna to shame, I think. It was her mission to spruce up the White House and make it special to the world. She gave it some much needed updating and redecorating all the way from the family living quarters to the kitchen. She purchased china that was solely made in America.  She was very socially active and conscience of what it should look like, assuming that they won the war. The purple-red border called 'Solerino", later known as "Royal Purple", gave way to the center American bald eagle, which appears as if it were flying through the clouds. The Coat of Arms displayed on the bald eagle is glorious.    When Mrs. Hayes moved in, she ordered the china to include the flora and fauna of North America as decoration. She used the same eagle and Coat of Arms motif for the center.     In 1892, First Lady Caroline Harrison wanted new china that would be "symbolic and meaningful to Americans." She also had the Coat of Arms in the center, designed a goldenrod and corn motif etched in gold around a wide band of blue. There are also 44 stars for the number of states in the union and the corn is symbolic of her home state of Indiana. Mrs. Harrison was the First Lady to begin gathering and storing remnants of former chinaware in the White House. She died before it's delivery.    First Lady Edith Roosevelt ordered Wedgeood china. It was white and highlighted the Great Seal of the United State for the first time. This was in the early 1900's.Harry Truman   Mrs. Wilson, Edith, chose Lenox, and it was in 1918. The china featured a deep ivory border surrounding a brighter ivory body and two bands of matte gold encrusted with stars, strips, and other motifs. The Seal of the president was raised in gold in the center of each piece. This was the first time that everyone at a State Dinner could eat off the same plate design plus it was decorated by American workmen.    First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt found that by the time she'd moved in, the dishes were largely depleted. She ordered Lenox, also, and the year was 1933. They included a border of 48 stars, the presidential seal in enamel colors on an ivory body.  President Roosevelt liked nautical objects, the stars were set against a band of marine blue. The inner band was complemented with golden roses and feathers, which was reminiscent of the Roosevelt crest.    The Truman's went through extensive renovations in the White House. First Lady Bess Truman ordered Lenox china in 1951. The pattern included a border of celadon green flanked by an etched gold band and a twenty-four karat gold rim on an ivory body. It included a raised gold presidential seal, surrounded by 48 gold stars.  After the war, President Harry S. Truman issued an executive order to standardize the seal; he had the head of the eagle turned toward the olive branch, representing peace, instead of toward the arrows, representing war.     First Lady Maimie Eisenhower only ordered service dinner plates to complete the set.    First Lady Lady Bird Johnson determined that new china was needed. Her china featured American wild flowers and was manufactured in the United States by Castleton China. She featured the eagle that was first designed for the Monroe china. The wildflowers feature flowers from throughout the United States. That lady sure loved her wildflowers!    First Lady Nancy Reagan was modeled after Woodrow Wilson's, featuring the seal in burnished gold on an ivory background with a border of scarlet. The service was manufactured by Lenox.Ronald Reagan   First Lady Hilary Clinton wanted to commemorate the 200 anniversary of the White House. The china included a border of pale, creamy yellow, rather than a brighter primary color, and images of the White House, instead of the customary seal. Each placesetting has a different pattern, with elements found in the various rooms of the White House.   First Lady Laura Bush ordered from Lenox, too.  She chose a soft green pattern due to its versatility and ability to coordinate with flowers. The pattern was inspired by Dolley Madison's dishware.  The smaller White House Magnolia Pattern is now distributed throughout the United States through DeVine Corporation, and this is what was used in their private All of this information came from Google.  If you want to read more or see pictures Google China Room and White House China. There's two great Wikipedia sites. The best pictures of all is this link: http://www.firstladies.org/documents/    Give that a try, hopefully it'll work. http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/furnighings/china.htm This one has beautiful pictures, too.George W. BushTruman china service 1967      
Source:http://bschlichting.blogspot.com/2013/03/white-house-china.html

White House China Images

Bill Clinton White House China | Hilary Clinton White House China
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WHITE HOUSE CHINA - WHITE HOUSE CHINA COLLECTION - JIMMY CARTER
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The Raleigh DeGeer Amyx Collection of White House China
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White House China, used for state dinners
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