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Thanks to the C-SIG leaders

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Anonymous's picture

The C-SIG has come and gone in the blink of an eye and I will miss our weekly ride. We had what must have been 50 riders on our graduation ride and group 3 routinely had 17 - 21 on any given weekend. So thanks to the C-SIG leaders, Paul, Jim, Gary and Patricia (hope I got everyone) for the quality miles and a great intro to the season. And thanks also to the co-leaders of whom I only know a few by name, Elliot, Julie and Kevin. Thanks, guys!

Steve C

Anonymous's picture
Marc H (not verified)

I'm sure all of us would like to thank Paul, Gary, Patricia & Jim plus Julie, Eliot & Kevin and all the other co-leaders for shepherding us through the C-sig. They did a terrific job, especially when mapping routes and pacing rides to fit the disparate riding styles and goals of such a big group of people who are getting their introduction to club riding. But the pressure isn't off yet: where are we going on our re-union ride?!

Anonymous's picture
Rebecca Poole (not verified)
More thanks

Thanks to Patricia, Gary, Jim & Paul for all of their time and effort. Thanks too to Debbie & Chris, our fabulous and extremely patient co-leaders. To think that 10 weeks ago I was scared of cycling to the Park...

Anonymous's picture
lisa fishman (not verified)
Group Thanks

Our leaders definitely deserve the many thanks but the entire C-sig group also deserves a round of thanks for being such a friendly, supportive and cohesive group of riders. Thank you all for helping with the traffic ticket.
I checked w DMV- it should not be any points on my license but given that the cop did not clarify this on the violation code or traffic violation description I am going to pay it in person to make sure that it gets recorded as 'only' a biking offense. My luck, I would otherwise still get points.

cycling trips


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3-D IMAX film about a rock star tempted by the devil. Running time: 40 minutes. Rated PG (horror images, roller coaster sensations). At the Lincoln Square.

AN effective combination of computer-generated cartoon imagery, digital film of live actors and today’s amazing 3-D technology, Ben Stassen’s “Haunted Castle” looks great.

But like all films so far made for the giant-screen format it feels more like a technical exercise than a real movie. It may be that we’ll never get an IMAX-screen film that is more than an impressive gimmick until they can run for over an hour – or until someone makes an IMAX film using a script written for a normal movie.

It’s therefore rather telling that this, one of the more enjoyable 3-D films made for the giant-screen format, should have been attacked by the IMAX corporation for being excessively “violent.”

Because the one thing that all IMAX movies seem to have in common is a blandness so intense that it overwhelms even the most dramatic imagery.

It’s not that “Haunted Castle” escapes the IMAX curse – for some reason the format saps storytelling ability from anyone who works in it – but at least watching it doesn’t remind you of eating cardboard.

“Haunted Castle” is both no more and no less frightening than one of those Disney rides like “Pirates of the Caribbean” – an experience it closely resembles: It’s shot from the point of view of the main character who gets taken on a kind of roller coaster tour of a skeleton-filled castle.

Rock musician Johnny (Jasper Steverlinck) is summoned to a remote castle upon the death of his reclusive mother (Kyoko Baertsoen) – a rock star he hadn’t seen since he was 3 years old.

After being surrounded by moving suits of armor (who move rather less realistically than Ray Harryhausen’s clay figures of the ’70s) he is taken by the evil spirit Mephisto (Harry Shearer) to meet the devil, known here as Mr. D. (also voiced by Harry Shearer).

In a rather roundabout way, Mr. D. offers Johnny a spectacular career in return for his soul.

To help him make the decision, he doesn’t show him pictures of success’ rewards, but instead has Mephisto lead him on a kind of roller coaster ride around the gigantic basement below the castle, during which he sees lots of skeletons holding musical instruments.

There are some genuine visual thrills as Johnny’s little carriage ricochets along its track from one dungeon to another, but the story resolves itself in a disappointingly lame way.

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Southwest grounds 79 jets after fuselage scare

DALLAS — Southwest Airlines said today it grounded 79 Boeing 737 aircraft after one of its planes experienced a fuselage rupture and was forced to make an emergency landing in Arizona yesterday.

The airline expected to cancel about 300 flights today to accommodate inspection of the planes, and said passengers on other flights may experience delays.

The plane, which had 118 passengers and five crew members on board, was headed to Sacramento, Calif., from Phoenix, Ariz., when it experienced rapid depressurization and a gaping hole was visible in the cabin.

It was forced to land at Arizona’s Yuma Marine Corps Air Station/International Airport, touching down at around 4:00pm local time.

Passenger Shawana Malvin Redden told FOX News she heard a “loud bang,” and the plane suddenly became “really, really windy.”

“You never pay attention during the safety thing, so I wasn’t sure how to turn on the [oxygen] mask or put on the mask,” she said.

Another passenger, David Mathias, compared the situation to a disaster movie. “You don’t quite get what’s going on. You hear horrible noise, and then the bags come out and you’re like, c’mon, this can’t be happening,” he said. “You could tell that something was definitely wrong. You could tell the urgency in the staff.”

Redden praised the “amazing” flight attendants for keeping passengers calm throughout the situation. “Nobody freaked out on the flight,” she said. “There was one woman who got upset, but everybody stayed calm.”

The Dallas-based airline said Saturday it was working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the incident and would begin an “aggressive inspection effort” with Boeing engineers on the 79 aircraft over the next several days. Southwest originally announced that 81 of its 737s were being grounded before revising the number to 79.

“The safety of our customers and employees is our primary concern and we are grateful there were no serious injuries,” Southwest’s executive vice president Mike Van de Ven said. “We have launched personnel to Yuma to begin the investigation process with the NTSB, FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], and appropriate parties to determine the cause of the depressurization.”

The airline confirmed that Southwest Airlines Flight 812 was diverted to Yuma due to loss of pressurization in the cabin. “Upon safely landing in Yuma, the flight crew discovered a hole in the top of the aircraft,” a statement on its website said.

One flight attendant and at least one passenger were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

A passenger on the flight told local news station CBS13 there was a rapid descent before the crew announced the emergency landing.

“There was a hole in the fuselage about three feet long,” the woman, identified only as Cindy, said. “You could see the insulation and the wiring. You could see a tear the length of one of the ceiling panels.”

“It dropped pretty quick,” passenger Brenda Reese told KTXL. “I wanted to get home and hug my children, so it was scary.”

Another passenger told KCRA that you could “see daylight” through the hole in the ceiling of the plane.

The plane descended 16,000 feet in a minute, KCRA reported, citing tracking website

Southwest arranged for the aircraft passengers to be transported to Sacramento on Friday night, the airline added.

The 118 passengers on board the flight received a refund and apology from Southwest, and two free round-trip passes for future flights.

Meanwhile, passengers on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Little Rock, Ark., also suffered a scare Friday when the plane struck a flock of large cranes, KATV reported.

The impact occurred about 30 minutes before the plane was due to land. A passenger said the crew announced that the noise of impact had come from the plane’s landing gear.

No one was injured and the plane landed safely in Little Rock, but the birds — which can weigh up to 20 pounds each — caused damage to the plane’s fuselage, and dead cranes were embedded in the plane when it landed.

Another Friday flight, an American Airlines plane en route to Chicago, was forced to make an emergency landing in Dayton, Ohio, after four people became ill on board when the plane failed to pressurize properly.


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Exodus of Trump staffers may quell interest in White House ‘tell-alls’

Speaking of books, with so many people leaving the Trump White House, will publishers get tired of insider tales?

The law of supply and demand must kick in at some part, no? There are enough ex-Trumpers to fill bookshelves — but with all the gossip that’s already in the papers and on TV, will consumers demand more Donald dirt?

Filed under


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Before 2009's The Uninvited with Emily Browning (Sucker Punch, Ghost Ship), there was 1944's The Uninvited starring Ray Milland (The Lost Weekend, Panic in the Year Zero!, Dial M for Murder).

Sharing out this post from FourFingerWu's Kinja blog, as it's a classic haunted house story worth watching during the Halloween season, particularly for those of us that like the old-timey black and white stuff, as tame as it may be compared to modern fare.

From the link:

Whereas most 40's "ghost" movies portrayed phantoms, wraiths, and specters who would eventually stand revealed as a Nazi spy or the impossibly wealthy young heroine's avaricious uncle or some such thing, The Uninvited plays it completely straight, and even goes so far as to posit a house haunted by two ghosts— one of them good, the other evil, and the both of them squabbling fiercely over the fate of someone still living.

While it's too late to catch this one as the Svengoolie movie on MeTV, you can still catch it on October 23rd @ 10:00PM ET on TCM.


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Home BIG STORY Speak to me, not media: Naveen asks Odisha ruling party leaders

Speak to me, not media: Naveen asks Odisha ruling party leaders

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 30:

Amidst rift intensifying within Odisha’s ruling party with latest column written by BJD MP Bhartuhari Mahatab in an Odia daily, Party supremo Naveen Patnaik asked the leaders to discuss the issues with him instead of going to media.

“If senior leaders have anything negative to say, they should come to me with their complaints and not go to media”, Patnaik said on Mahatab’s second column.

Mahatab in his second column said that he has delivered his responsibilities assigned to him by party chief Naveen Patnaik.

Clarifying his first column published in his newspaper about crack in the party, Mahatab said that he had joined the Janata Dal after being sidelined in Congress in the year 1996. He was elected to Lok Sabha on BJD tickets and he had delivered his responsibilities well.

If the party supremo wants I will quit my responsibilities, he wrote in his second column titled “Dhwani Pratidhawni” in Prajatantra today.

Targeting BJD leaders Damodar Rout and Surjya Patro, he said that some leaders might not have taken the point raised by him in his previous column. They are trying to get the meaning in English.

Taking on Mahatab, BJD spokesperson Surjya Narayan Patro said, “We had suggested him to discuss the issue with party president Naveen Patnaik instead of expressing his views in media”.

“If our party workers are not working in the grass root level, how Mahatab won the elections five times? Nobody has voted him by his face, people have voted for Naveen Patnaik, he should remember it”, he said.

He also repeated Party Supremo’s version stating if Mahatab has something negative in his mind, can directly go to Naveen Patnaik.

Reacting to the editorial, he said, “As I don’t know Odia, whatever he has written in the newspaper you media people know it well”.

“But you go to the villages, you can know how the party is strong at the grass root level”, he told media.

“Cuttack MLA said that Mahatab has not performed his duties well as the PM in the recently concluded Zilla Parishad elections. Even he has not visited the constituency where he was given the highest number of votes. The party supremo has all the information about it. We have nothing to say what CM Patnaik will take action”, he said.

“As we are working at the ground level, Mahatab’s write up is creating trouble for us”, he said.

“It is personal opinion who will remain in the party or wish to quit it. As long as the party and Naveen Patnaik exist, the party leaders inspired by Biju Babu’s ideologies will work to win the 2019 elections”, Patro said.

Hitting out at the column, Cuttack (Barabati) legislator Debasish Samantaray asked, “How much Mahatab cooperated the party candidates during the recently held panchayat polls? Has he reviewed the poll results in Badamba Narasinghpur area where the party recorded the lowest number of votes?

“The MP, who never visits his own constituency, should never make such statement. Lakhs of voters and party workers have elected him to Lok Sabha. It is very sad if he could not make visit there and talking to media”

“I appeal to MP Mahatab to remain with the party leaders and he should make such statement in media”, he told media.

Earlier, Patro on his first column had asked Mahatab, how the party came to power five times if there was crack in the party.

Senior leader Dr Damodar Rout had also criticised Mahatab saying, “As he stays in Delhi, he could not know about BJD”.


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48-0833 - Countertop may cause Burns after Oven Use - 2019 Prime Time Tracer & Avenger Travel Trailers

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V534
Manufacturer Forest River, Inc.
Components EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected 22

Countertop may cause Burns after Oven Use

The hot countertop increases the risk of burn injuries.

Forest River, Inc. (Forest River) is recalling certain 2019 Prime Time Tracer and Avenger travel trailers equipped with a Greystone oven. These ovens may be missing a diverter which can cause the countertop to get extremely hot.

The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is expected to begin in September 2018. Owners may contact Prime Time customer service at 1-574-862-1025. Forest River's number for this recall is 48-0833.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall Acknowledgement

September 11, 2018

Download (PDF, 240KB)

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Tag Archives: drawing

Co-ordinate Grid Copy Pictures

The kids have looked at co-ordinates before and as we are working on Geometry at the moment it seemed like a good time to go back and revisit it.  But we have also been slowing down the learning activities this … Continue reading

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I’m the Gingerbread Man

There is something about the weather turning colder, kids asking for warm baked biscuits and suddenly my two are singing ” run run as fast as you can you can’t catch me I am the …………………….. man” (they insert whatever … Continue reading

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It’s Fun to draw Sea Creatures

My kids animal drawing books have been such a big hit with the kids and me (everyone needs some easy art activities where the kids can open a book up and follow the instructions without too much parent input – … Continue reading

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K&N Universal X-Stream Clamp On Air Filter 3'' Flange, 8'' x 6'' Base, 5'' Top, 6 1/2'' Height

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Tassie Trip Day 4: Devils @ Cradle

‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’, you hear that phrase thrown around all the time, but we are about to use it again …. yes, this was another of those once in a lifetime experiences that was truly amazing.

Devils@cradle is a wildlife conservation facility located in the world heritage wilderness area of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.  This great facility focuses on Tasmania’s three carnivorous marsupials, the Tasmanian Devil and the Eastern and Spotted-tail Quoll.

The sanctuary not only raises public awareness and much needed funds for these animals, but it forms part of a nation-wide captive breeding program for the Tasmanian Devil.

Their Field Monitoring Program collects data from within the Cradle Mountain area by use of remote cameras, road kill surveys, spotlight surveys and speaking with locals and visitors about their experiences and possible interactions.

The keepers at this facility are all very knowledgeable and passionate about the devils and are committed to ensuring the long-term survival of this unique species.

Both the Tasmanian Devil and the quoll are nocturnal creatures and quite shy and for this reason it’s actually quite uncommon to see one in the wild.

Tasmanian Devils are currently listed as a vulnerable species under the threatened species act.  There are numerous issues impacting the long-term outlook for the Devils, but one of the more severe factors is Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).

A lot of you will be aware of Devil Facial Tumour Disease, but for those of you who have not heard of this (particularly our overseas followers), this is a debilitating cancer which is so wide-spread that it’s affecting up to 50% of wild Tasmanian Devils.  The disease is characterised by the development of ulcerated tumours which appear around the jaws and head of the devil.  The disease is fatal and an affected devil will generally starve to death within 3-5 months.

DFTD is such a complex issue and there is no treatment or vaccine.  It appears that each tumour that is found is identical, with the same genetic code, which means that environmental stimulants can be ruled out and these tumours are being transferred directly between the individual devils.

One reason for this could be inbreeding and lack of genetic diversity of the devil population and this is resulting in the tumours ‘transplanting’ from one devil to another.  At this stage it is near impossible to control this and this is why places like ‘Devils @ Cradle’ are so important for the future preservation of this species.

One thing to keep in mind if visiting the sanctuary is to take a warm jacket!  The day we visited it was summer and we had been in shorts and t-shirts all day, but by the time we reached the sanctuary (which is around 850m above sea level) it was absolutely freezing and our change of clothes and jackets we took with us were greatly appreciated!

The tour we took part in was called ‘Dine with the Devil’ and this was a chance to have an up close and personal interaction with the devils in a small group – in our case, it was a personal tour for just the two of us!

We were supplied with a beautiful platter of Tasmanian salmon, cheese and crackers, olives, dip, wine and beers.

After spending time watching these cute little guys playing we had the unforgettable experience of meeting one of the young devils up close and patting her.

After a walk around the sanctuary grounds and learning a little more about the devils and quolls, it was time to feed the hungry devils and roast some marshmallows around the campfire.

These devils may be small, but they are strong, you wouldn’t believe the weight pulling on that rope.  We were stunned at just how quickly the devils devoured their meal aswell, all completely gone … fur, bones and all!

The tour ran for around 1 hour and we had a little extra time to watch the devils playing before and after the tour.

InformationYou can choose from Day Keeper Tours, After Dark Feeding Tours and of course, the Dine with the Devil tour that we did.

Website:  www.devilsatcradle.com

Email: info@devilsatcradle.com

Phone: 03 6492 1491

Address: 3950 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania

If you are interested in donating to this worthy cause, here is the link http://devilsatcradle.com/content.php?id=donations


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Saturday, November 7 • 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Life After Greenlight: Steam Panel One Year Later

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One year later our returning panel of guests talks about their experience being on Valve's Steam platform. The speakers will talk about life after Greenlight, having their games on Steam, finding successes and encountering challenges of selling games on the platform. This will also have Q&A with the panelists.

avatar for Ash Monif

Ash Monif

Previously graduate of Cogswell College, which at that time was the only school to get an accredited degree in game design, and earnestly applied myself to learn storytelling, digital art, project management, and game design. He then founded and led a team of students to build games... Read More →
avatar for Evan Todd

Evan Todd

Independent developer, Self-Employed
Evan is a one-man studio based in Columbus, Ohio. An avid Vim user and platform agnostic, Evan has worked on all kinds of software, including private clouds, transplant tracking software, mobile games, PC games, and virtual reality. Interests include minimalist running and weird... Read More →
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Howard Tsao

Howard Tsao is the Team Lead of Muse Games, an independent game studio located in New York City that exclusively uses Unity3D to develop across desktop and mobile platforms. Their projects include Guns of Icarus, a bad publisher and hurricane survivor, a multiple award winner, and... Read More →

Saturday November 7, 2015 2:30pm - 3:45pm
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Formative Assessment at Scale: Evaluating Peer Assessment at CU Boulder

Last Updated: 08/29/2016

Building on the Coursera MOOCs efforts, in Spring of 2015 the Academic Technology Design Team piloted technological and curricular aspects of calibrated peer assessment (CPR) implementation on campus. CPR tools allow faculty to train students as evaluators of peer work, distribute student work, facilitate exchange of feedback among students, and calculate student grades based on peer input. The project was chartered under the endorsement of Associate Vice Provost William Kuskin and The Director of the Center for STEM Learning Noah Finkelstein. After an exhaustive technology search and two thorough in-course pilots, the ATDT determined that there are no workable technology solutions available for campus at this time. The technologies that we assessed as options for this project include UCLA’s CPR, PeerStudio, UBC’s iPeer, Peer Assessment Tool in Coursera, Peer Assessment Tool in Canvas, and D2L Quizzes + Turnitin PeerMark Combo. The ATDT ended the pilot and recommended that OIT remain vigilant for new technologies that may meet this compelling learning need.


text:
Goals – the next day

i wake up early.  i lie there for a minute, trying to remember what’s different today.  Then it comes to me – oh.  Yes.  Oh.

I want to go to the bathroom, but i can barely get out of bed.  One ankle and one wrist are attached to the bed.  i could untie myself, theoretically, but i would not want the consequences of doing that without permission.  And theoretically, i could stand up, but i don’t want to take the chance of ending up on the floor on my ass.

“Hello?”  i call out, knowing that the video camera and the monitor are on, someone can hear me, but that’s no guarantee that they’ll answer.  “I need to – um, i need to pee.  Please.”

There is silence for a long moment.  Then The Voice – the disembodied voice of the monitor – says, “You may untie your wrist and use the pot at the end of the bed.  If you want to, your choice.”

i sigh.  Fuck.  i don’t want to use the pot.  i have to squat. They’ll watch me.  i hate that.  But if i don’t, they’re liable to leave me here til i have to do it, just to teach me a lesson.  Fine.

i roll over enough to use my right hand to take the rope off my left wrist.  i sit up, the rope on my ankle looks long enough to stand up easily, so i scoot to the side of the bed, put my right foot to the floor and let the left follow.  Yep, piece of cake.  And there’s the pot, right there in easy reach.  AND toilet paper.  It is clearly my lucky day.

i finish and am trying to decide what to do with the toilet paper when The Voice says, “Go ahead and unfasten your ankle now.  You can empty the pot yourself.”

Annoyed, but trying not to show it, i set myself free, carry the pot carefully to the bathroom, where i empty and wash it as i’ve been taught to do.  “Good girl!” and i could swear The Voice is laughing at me.

It is my master who opens the door, he walks in as if this is just another day.  “Good morning,” he says, kissing my mouth and pinching one nipple at the same time.  i’m delighted, despite myself.

“Kneel,” he says, just as casually as he’d said good morning.  The change of pace throws me, but just for a second.  Quickly, i kneel.

“Today, all of your activities will be monitored.  It will be a day of punishment, a day of self-improvement, and I hope it will be a day that you make progress on your goals.  I’ve scheduled you for body buffing today, you’ll be inspected tonight.  Is that clear?”

My mind is cloudy, this is a lot to take in, but i answer, “Yes, Master,” quickly.

He smiles then, and my heart beats faster – i know, that’s silly, but it does.  He reaches down to stroke my cheek.  “You are a good girl, you know,” he says.  “And I know you’ll do well today.  Make me proud.  I’ll see you tonight.”

“Yes, Master,” i say, and this time i say it knowing that i will do whatever tasks he’s assigned me today, with pleasure.  Ok, maybe not all with pleasure, but whole-heartedly.

He reaches down, offers me his hand to help me to my feet.  “Come here,” he says, “come bend over the spanking bench.  I’ll give you the first spanking of the day myself.  Yes, right here.”

i admit, i’m pleased he’s doing it himself, and i hope there’ll be an orgasm at the end of it too.  So i drape myself over the spanking bench, offering my ass quite willingly.

Five licks with the paddle later, i am rubbing my ass and resigned to a day with no orgasms.  My Master kisses me again, pinching both nipples this time, hard.  “Bye, baby,” he says.  “No orgasms, don’t forget.”  And he’s gone.

He has barely left the room when Jamie comes in.  She’s a trainer, and i assume she’s going to be in charge today.

“Hey,” she says, friendly enough.

“Hi,” i’m not sure whether to relax or be more anxious when she’s being this nice.

“Ready?  Have you showered yet?”  i shake my head, no, and she says, glancing at her phone, “That’s ok.  I see your Master gave you 5 with the paddle, but you have another 10 coming.  Back over the bench please.”

i am not nearly as enthusiastic this time, but not stupid either.  Obediently, back over the bench i go.  The paddle hurts like a mother, and Jamie is no slacker.  i am almost crying by the time she’s done.  But i can feel myself opening, my willingness to obey increasing every time the paddle lands on my ass.

“Ok,” she says with a sigh, as if this has been tougher on her than on me.  “Let me look at your schedule.  You’ve got exercise class next.  Get me your leash, we don’t want to be  late.”

Too Tired

Shygirl wrote a lovely post about being sleepy – you may want to read it here, because she says it so well.  All i could think was, “Oh!  Me too!!”

i don’t know why i’m so tired – i’m even waking up kind of tired, even when i get up at my normal time.  i wonder if part of it is not eating right?  Too many carbs?  Not enough exercise?  Feeling a bit trapped in my relationship, and in my home?  i dunno.

But today, i bring you this:

Don’t wait for someone

to bring you flowers,

plant your own garden,

decorate your own soul.

“How much did you get done today?”

His voice is gentle, not demanding at all, but i cringe.  “Um, i did the dishes and laundry and made the bed, and i even straightened up part of the utility room.”  Despite myself, my voice goes up in question at the end of that sentence.  Is that good enough? my voice asks.

He tilts his head, curious.  “Were those your assigned tasks today?”

Of course not, he already knows that.  i hang my head, i can’t look at him.  “N-no.  Sir.”

“What were you supposed to do?”

i can’t answer, the words are stuck in my throat, sudden tears in my eyes, not quite spilling over.

“This is really hard for you,” he says, matter-of-factly.  “Painful.”  i nod.  “That’s ok,” and his tone is brisk, “Of course it’s painful, you’re embarrassed and maybe even ashamed.  That’s ok. Come here.”

i move toward him, prepared to feel his arms around me, but that’s not his plan.  He puts his hands on my shoulders, turns me to face the wall.  “Hands against the wall, good, now take two steps back.  One more step.”

This leaves me leaning against the wall.  “Open your legs, yes like that, and put your ass out.”  Even as he says it, and as i obey, i hear his belt swish as he pulls it from the loops.  Shit.  i love the belt, but not like this, not without warm-up, not standing here naked in the public room leaning against the wall.

Not when he’s disappointed in me.

But no time to think about it, because the belt slashes through the air and lands, hard.  I cry out.  Again, and this time i try to tuck my butt under, try to move it away, even though i can’t.

“Put your ass out and don’t move it again,” he says.  This time the belt hits my upper thighs – i had not expected that and i squeal.

Hard, he’s hitting me hard, my ass is burning.  He pauses once, “This is painful,” he says, “You let me know when you’re ready to have a difficult conversation.”

“Now!” i say, “i’m ready now!”  But, “I don’t think so, not yet,” he says, and the belt continues to slash across my ass cheeks, landing on my sit spot and occasionally my upper thighs.  i don’t know how many times it lands before i move past the pain, accepting it, moving into submission.  Finally, welcoming it.

Each time the belt lands, raising welts, i feel a bit of resistance slip away.  i feel myself opening to him, my willingness building.  Crying a bit but no longer completely aware of pain, just aware of wanting his acceptance, wanting to please.

When he stops, i wait while his hands run over my ass, stroking the tender heat.  i whimper.

His hands between my legs, feeling the wetness there.  i moan and shudder.

His hands  moving around to my breasts, his body against my back, while he tugs on my nipples.  My nipples are already hard, he stretches them until i cry out.

He helps me stand upright, leads me to the center of the room, in front of the fireplace.  He motions to a spot in front of the big leather armchair, helps me settle on the floor.  He positions me on my knees, head to the floor, arms stretched out in front of me.

i hear him move away, walking around the room, ice clinking.  A drink, he’s getting himself something to drink.  i wait.

i hear him get seated in the chair in front of me, but he doesn’t acknowledge me.  i wait.  As i wait, i become calmer.  My heart rate slows, my thought are no longer racing.  i know i have fucked up, and this beating was not my punishment.  It was a release, designed to free me from the shame of my failure.

At last, and i don’t know if it has been minutes or hours, but at last, he says, “Are you ready to talk?”

“Yes, Sir,” i say, with some enthusiasm.

“Then sit up,” he says, “and let’s try not to make this difficult conversation any more painful than it needs to be.”

“Yes, Sir,” i sniff, sitting up carefully.

He hands me a kleenex.  “Blow your nose.  And then tell me what your task was today.”

i smile shyly.  “Yes, Sir.”

On your knees

“On your knees,” he says.

i do it quickly.  There has been talk lately of a training school, an idea that alternately excites and terrifies me – or maybe that’s the same thing.  But the thought inspires me to quick obedience.

Besides, i love to kneel at his feet.

He is naked under his robe, his cock in hand, already half erect.  “Closer,” he says impatiently, and i move forward, on my knees, til i am nestled between his thighs.  “Shall I let you suck my cock first?  Or should I let you feel my belt on your ass first?  Or maybe the ruler slapping your cunt is what you’re craving first tonight.”

I know those are not questions for me to answer.  i wait.  Wait and shiver with anticipation, any of those would be fine with me.  All of them would be a rare treat.  And there’s no guarantee that he won’t spank my pussy and leave me longing to taste his cock.

“Open your mouth,” he says.  i obey, opening it wide enough that it could take his cock if he chooses to put it in my mouth.

“Hover,” he says.

i lean forward, placing my mouth directly over his cock, just barely above the head, without allowing my lips to touch it.  Mouth open, poised, waiting for the next command.  He strokes himself a moment, and i feel my pussy throbbing.  i want so badly to taste him.

i think it’s crazy that i feel this way – what is it about being made to wait that drives me wild?  i don’t know, but he’s a Master of dragging it out, making me suffer.

“Put your tongue out,” he says.

He rests his cock on my tongue, but “Don’t move,” he says.  i can smell him, see a tiny drop of pre-cum on the head of his cock if i look cross-eyed down at it.  i can see the veins begin to throb and think that he won’t be able to wait much longer –

– when he suddenly pulls it back.  “No.  Not yet.  Rock back and present your pussy.”

It is not an easy position change, shifting from kneeling back on my heels to lying on my back with my knees pulled apart and up to my chest.  But i manage it not too badly, i think.

He pinches my pussy lips, “Look how wet you are!” he says.  i flush, my face and neck turning red.  i can see that he has the ruler in hand and i brace myself for what is coming.

The first whacks are gentle.  Right between my legs at first, landing sharply, then alternating – inside one thigh then the other.  i begin to squirm, but he laughs, “Hold still, girl, it hasn’t begun to hurt yet.”

And then it begins to feel good, i can feel the tension rising, and i know that i could cum.  Right now, i could cum from him whacking me with that damn ruler.  He must know it too, cause he stops.  Leaving me whimpering now from the loss of pain.

“Hush,” he says, “Bring that mouth up here so I can fuck it.”

Happily i kneel in front of him again.

“Open,” he says.

“Now take it.”  And with his hand on the back of my head, he pushes me down so his cock is buried deep in my throat, making me gag.  Before i can adjust to the assault, he pulls back, lifting my head off him, then pushes me back down.  i struggle to relax my throat, wanting to take him all.

He holds my head steady, pushes himself against the back of my throat, fucking my mouth while tears stream down my face.  “There you go, good girl,” he says.

And i am content.

i was wondering today when and how i began to think of myself as unfocused and disorganized.  No, wait, that’s not quite right, but i began to think of myself as “not focused enough,” and “not organized enough.”

i think that i’ve been missing the point.  i can be super focused and super organized ~ when i’m focusing on what other people need, and organizing things so that those goals can be met.  i don’t mean i’m super altruistic or unselfish or that i don’t think about my own needs.  That wouldn’t be accurate.

But my energies have been directed, mostly, to focusing on goals that other people have set for me and in organizing around those goals.  So once upon a time, long ago, i was in graduate school, and taking care of my kids , who were in elementary and middle school, and i was working  full-time and at least trying to be a good wife, although not always successfully.  i was organized and focused enough to do all that.

Juggling all those moving balls.  Wears me out now just to think about it.

But i mostly only do it when it’s somebody else’s balls.  (Stop that.  i am not talking about that kind of balls!  And you know it.)

Anyhow.  I don’t know.  Maybe i’m actually ok just the way i am – Mr. Rogers would think so, right?

i read this fascinating article that Jade from The Chrysanthemum and The Sword posted on Facebook.  It’s called You probably know to ask yourself, “What do I want?” Here’s a way better questionwhich is an awfully long title.  But it suggests:

A more interesting question, a question that perhaps you’ve never considered before, is what pain do you want in your life? What are you willing to struggle for? Because that seems to be a greater determinant of how our lives turn out.

So, i’d like to have a great body (for an old woman) but am apparently obviously not willing to exercise a whole lot more and eat a whole lot less to get there.  i’d like to be a famous author, but not enough to risk rejection by sending my work to a publisher.

The article says:

Everybody wants to have great sex and an awesome relationship—but not everyone is willing to go through the tough conversations, the awkward silences, the hurt feelings and the emotional psychodrama to get there. And so they settle.

That kind of makes me feel guilty (i do guilt really well, you know) and i think, do i just need to talk to MP more?  Then i remember the conversations we’ve had, and his health issues, and a bunch of other stuff, and i shrug off the guilt.

The article is worth reading, and has some truth to it, i think.  At the end, it says that it’s not just another “no pain, no gain” article, but it kind of seems like it is, to me.  But maybe what it means –

~~let me see if i can express this ~~

Does it mean that you should pick suffering that you enjoy? So even if you don’t succeed (and hard work and suffering DON’T always lead to success) you will enjoy the struggle you went through?

i don’t know.  i don’t think it’s saying that.  It seems like it’s saying if you haven’t achieved something it’s because you didn’t want the suffering you would have had to go through to get it.  When i put it that way, i don’t think it’s necessarily true.

Oh, hell, i don’t know.  It is an interesting article.  What do you think it’s saying?  My brain gets twisted when i try to sort through it.  Of course, maybe that’s because i keep waking up at 2:30 a.m. and not being able to go back to sleep.  That kinda sucks.

Pacific Islander businesswoman yawning at desk

But ultimately, i think my beliefs and my life experience are more aligned with Joseph Campbell, who says:

“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

“Here.”  He snaps his fingers and points to the floor at his feet.  “Crawl,” he says, with a hint of a smile.

i hesitate – just for a moment – but crawl?  Alan and Mindy are here!  It’s bad enough that i’m naked, and the only one naked.  Although, Mindy is barely dressed.  Still, a corset and a skirt, even a short one, is a lot better than naked with a butt plug.  And now he wants me to crawl over there?

i’ve paused too long, he raises one eyebrow and my heart rate speeds up, ok, yes, no, he doesn’t have to tell me twice.  i drop to all fours and begin to crawl.  Not in a scurry, but slowly, with some grace, in a way i know will please him.  Head up, but eyes down.

At his feet, i stop, rock back on my heels.  Classic first position, back straight, knees spread slightly, hands resting on my thighs, palms up.  He does not even glance at me, deep in conversation with Alan.  i keep my eyes down, not wanting to see the look on Mindy’s face.

i try to keep my mind clear, focused on my posture, but the words begin to penetrate.  “So,” my Master says, “Did you like the training school?”

“I did,” says Alan, laughing.  “I’m not sure Mindy did, not all of it anyhow, but she came back much more obedient.  And more pleasing.  I think it was worth it.  Plus, of course, they marked her for me.  Did you notice the one here, on her tit?”

“Oh, let me see!”  My Master leans forward, and i look too, trying to look up without anyone noticing.  But it’s ok, my Master motions to me, “Here, look at this,” he says.  “I think something like this might look nice on you.  My initial of course, and a different design.”

It is pretty.  The letter A in block capital and a woman, a nymph or a fairy beneath it, leafy green design around it.  Very pretty.  But.  But.

“Not just there,” says Alan.  “Show him, baby.”  i’m feeling bad for Mindy, but she looks happy enough as she pulls her skirt up on one side to show the same design on one ass cheek.  “And?” says Alan.

And she pulls her skirt up in front, raises one knee and turns her leg out from the hip so her inner thigh is exposed.  There it is, high up on the thigh, the same design.  “I thought about marking her cunt,” Alan says, “But decided i liked this better.”

Mindy continues to stand there, leg raised and bent, toe touching her other knee, like a ballet dancer.  And i realize she’s proud of it

It is a shock to realize that i might be too, if it were me.  i feel myself flush, and there’s a roaring in my ears that makes it hard to pay attention.  Do i want to be marked?  Am i insane?  But i can feel the attraction to it

A long moment, before Alan nods and Mindy puts her leg down.  My Master is looking at me curiously, and i wonder what my face is showing.  “That’s nice,” he says, still addressing Alan.  “Very nice.  But I’ve been wondering if branding wouldn’t be better.”

“Well, it’s more permanent, that’s for sure,” Alan says seriously.

i can’t breathe at all now, and i’m pretty sure my heart has stopped.  He’s kidding, i know he’s kidding, he wouldn’t do that.  Really, he wouldn’t.

“Not as pretty though,” he says, and now i’m hoping he wants me tattooed.  Clearly, i have lost my mind.  “Well, no need to decide now,” he adds.  “Do you  want to go out for dinner, or have something brought in?”  This question is addressed to Alan too, of course.

i quit listening, my mind wandering, thinking of all the questions i want to ask Mindy about the school she’d been sent to, and the tattoos.  i wonder if they hurt a lot.

My mind is jerked back to the room by the sudden pinch of my Master’s fingers on my right nipple, bringing tears to my eyes and making me gasp.  “Listening now?” he asks, releasing the nipple.  i can only nod.  “Then crawl into the bedroom and put on a skirt and top.  Heels.  Fix your hair and do your face, whatever you need to do to be ready to go out.  Ten  minutes before we walk out the door.   I’ll decide about whether or not to let you take the butt plug out once you’re dressed.  Clear?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Repeat it back to me.”

i smile, i can do this.  “i’m to – to crawl into the bedroom and put on a skirt and top. Do my hair and face.  Wear heels.  i’ve got ten minutes to be ready and you’ll decide about the butt plug when i’m dressed.”

“Good girl,” he says, and my whole body shivers with pleasure.  “Maybe I will just have you tattooed.  Now go.”

Crawling away from them is even worse than crawling toward him, but i search for grace and try to look like a cat and not an armadillo as i go.

Sunday Check-in 4-23-16

i went for a walk yesterday, and the day before, which was really nice.  There’s a park not too far away – ok, i have to drive to it – but it’s really nice.   And i played some music.

This:  (Sacred Spirit Drums; David and Steve Gordon)

And this:  (Squeeze Box; The Who)

And this:  (Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; Etta James)

…to name a few.  It was pretty lovely.  And i thought.  You know, about stuff.

i thought about how getting snatched up by a Dom – that moment when you  know you’re “in trouble” – is such a turn on.  The hand in your hair, or even the tone of voice, and suddenly i’m feeling all hot and wet.   Just thinking about it makes me wet.

But we know – the scientists tell us – that we get wet when we’re exposed to sex, when there’s a chance that sex is in the mix, we get wet.  Lubricated.  It’s a safety precaution that our bodies take.  So in case we get raped – we’re not going to get hurt as badly as we would if we were dry.

Like frigging chameleons change colors so they blend in.  Not because they’re just that cool; it’s a safety measure.

So that whole, “Oh, look, you like this, i can tell cause you’re so wet!”  That’s bullshit.  Yep.  Here’s one resource for that in Psychology Today.  The article itself is stupid, but the research is interesting.

On the other hand, why don’t we get wet for boring, vanilla sex?  i don’t know, but i don’t. Never have.  i just don’t.  Don’t know why, and don’t really care.*

But i love the thrill of submission.  Some people like roller coasters.  i like giving my power to some Dominant man.  Slipping down into that submissive mind space…  feeling my knees go weak, my body tingle… yes.  Just yes.

Anyhow.  i didn’t gain weight or lose weight this week.  i was fairly productive.  i walked a couple of times.  Got my hair colored.  Traveled a bit.  Took my cat to the vet.  Ate healthy and binged some.

i still exchange email with my old high-school friend – the one whose friend i dated for a while, way back when.  We’ve been emailing each other every day – or close to it – since the end of February.  It’s really casual.  He – we’ll call him DK – still seems like the guy i knew when he was 17.  Bad puns, and a sort of cynical pseudo-sophistication that was probably more impressive then than it is now.  But kind of sweet at the same time.

i remember feeling drawn to him in some way, back in those days.  He had what i thought of as a dark side and i’m always a bit pulled by that.  His friend was more light and earnest boy scout, although the friend had some amazing sexual skill.  He could finger fuck like nobody i’ve known before and hardly ever since.  (I can say that here, right?  My blog, sure i can.)

Anyhow.  After the friend left town to go away to college,  DK and i might have gone out a couple of times .  It didn’t work for me, but i’m not sure why anymore.  i remember some awkward groping in a dark car though and the realization that nope. not gonna work.

i still love it that every night, i get an email from him.  Every night for almost 2 months now.  i am a girl who loves that kind of consistency.

So today, i have this fantasy  that DK suddenly emails me and asks if i still like being spanked.  In the next 30 seconds, i imagine that i told him that all these years ago, and since then he has discovered that he’s really into dominance and …

That is SO not going to happen.  That is the stuff that Harlequin BDSM romances are made of, and i suppose i could work it into a story someday.  But not today.  And not for real.

However.  We are entering the Season of Good Times in my part of the world.  Lots of festivals and festivities and friends visiting.   My goal today?  To enjoy it without beating myself up too much for the things i’m not doing.  And to stay open to possibility.

*Actually, there’s another article that explores this concept in much more detail.  You can read it here.  i don’t have time to do it right now; that will have to be a post for a different day.


text:
For Yogis Who Spin When The Asana Isn’t Enuf…

So much has changed. Rather than resist, I’m going with things. Not a bad plan.A few months ago I felt physically stagnant. My asana practice wasn’t feeling the same and I was sluggish and slow. There was never any rule that I only has to practice asana, but I let all the activity fade away. I’m sure this happens to lots of yogis.

But yoga isn’t about asana. For me it’s about uniting movement and breathing in a way that allows me to be present and mindful. I’m not just talking about on my mat but as way of moving through the world.

A few months ago I went to Rush Cycling in Jersey City. The first class was killer and I felt exhausted and out of shape but also strong and inspired. My tapas was reignited. I fell in love. When I’m on that bike my legs burn, my heart pounds and I’m linked with my breathing in a way that feels dare I say almost transcendent. I know, that’s a whole lotta shit to put on a bike. But it’s true. Spin is yoga.

Not surprisingly, I feel more rounded in my asana practice even though it has significantly impacted my flexibility. Let me say that honestly. My ego has been affected because all the riding has impacted my my flexibility. Frankly, I think this is going to extend the life of my asana practice because I’m not able to hang out in my joints the way I used to. I’m not suggesting that’s a good thing. I’m just talking about the way I used to move. As I get older, I’m beginning to appreciate what my body needs to be strong and healthy. It may not mean slowing down but exploring what it means to be active inside my body. Growing older is a gift.

You Have More Left Than You Think

Fear can gently creep inside you. After spin today I realized I didn’t have much left in the tank. That’s a good thing. A few weeks ago I took a class that I thought was going to break me. And it did- but when it was over I still had a lot left. Because I was afraid I wouldn’t finish the class I held back. And for what? Because I’d feel embarrassed or failed? So the fuck what? I wouldn’t have killed me. Well maybe it would have- but I would have been dead, so there you go. I kid. A little. That dream you have? Go after it. That thing you’ve been putting off? Do it. Don’t stop.

Fuck fear.

You have more left inside than you think. Namaste.

Getting Older – Dog Yoga

One of the most important things I’ve ever done is become a pet owner. I rescued Dakota when she was six. That was eight years ago.
You know intellectually that dogs get older and will eventually die. In practice it fucking sucks. Dakota has been struggling and while it seems that she’s not going to die tomorrow, I’ve got to start thinking about those hard decisions pet owners must think about.

When is the right time to put her to sleep? Will I be able to tell? What if it’s too soon? Or worse what if I prolong her suffering.

Surprisingly (or not), my yoga practice has been a great comfort and useful. I’ve been more open than I usually am about my feelings of sadness and grief. I’ve talked about how I feel so bad for my dog losing control of her bladder and frustrated at cleaning up what seems to be an endless amount of pee. But by sharing I’ve had an outpouring of support, love and practical suggestions that have helped make both our lives more comfortable.
My asana practice has been a place that I allow myself to both let it all hang out and nurture my spirit (Special shout out to Angela Rauscher and Kaity Shanks for being my rocks the other day).
Daily sits have been challenging and relaxing depending upon how I slept. Mostly though, I’m in the moment. Dakota may not be able to understand how much her companionship means to me but she will be given so much love (endless treats and cheeseburgers) until it’s time for her to transition. It’s the best I can do and in my heart I know it’s enough.
This post is for the pet owners out there.
 I made myself a snowball

As perfect as can be.

I thought I’d keep it as a pet,

And let it sleep with me.

I made it some pajamas

And a pillow for it’s head.

Then last night it ran away,

But first – It wet the bed.

– Shel Silverstein

Rikers Island Yoga

This post is for the introverts. As much as the big personalities make themselves seen in a place like Rikers, I also see those that are quiet.

In the summer the city gets hot but it feels even hotter at Rikers. Despite the heat students asked if they could work on the core. This made me smile for a variety of reasons. First, it’s awesome to see students feel empowered enough to ask for something. This takes courage. Second, it was HOT and I can’t believe they were looking to get even sweatier. But who am I to argue with passion? I had planned on talking about compassion for the self but instead we discussed our inner fire. How do we light it? Honor it? How does it inspire us?
Miriam practiced with a peaceful determination. She didn’t chat during class but smiled at certain points and it seemed that she was looking inward. In side plank her leg floated in the air and in half-moon she smiled to herself as she explored her possibilities by lifting her hand. This was yoga in action. Half-moon was a way for Miriam to embrace the moment rather than getting the pose right. Miriam had touched her core and lit her inner fire.
So much happens in the boisterous conversations at Rikers but it was really Miriam’s inward reflection that moved me. Sometimes I feel guilty to witness such beauty. But because o know it’s not mine I’m able to let it go and hope that Miriam knows what a powerful spirit she is. Shout out to those who are quiet. Sometimes it’s not the loudest voice that gets heard,but the most sonorous.

Saturday Yoga – Dream Big Like The G.O.A.T.

Muhammad Ali Boxer (21) (

(photo via The Guardian)

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough” – G.O.A.T.

Dreaming big doesn’t have to be extravagant- it may scare you to dream of a day when you don’t wake up stressed. It may be scary to dream of a day when you do something that honors your true self. It may be a dream for you to speak your truth regardless of what others may think.

Let’s all dream big. Let’s sit with ourselves in stillness find out what makes us scared shitless and go after it anyway.

Rikers Island Yoga

rikers old 1930

Patty* was new to the dorm. With another quiet morning, I thought class would be light. When I asked if anyone wanted to practice she quietly raised her hand. I could see her hanging back seeing if anyone else would join her, when no one did she came out by herself. ‘I’ve worked out before but never done yoga, I don’t know what I’m doing.’ There was a hard shell around her, one I’ve seen a lot. It‘s necessary to survive the experience. I gave her a mat, blocks and bolster and told her that I would do some poses and she could do what felt right for her. I got a nod and we were off. Again I spoke about the stress response. It’s important. These women live in a state of stress every moment of every day, sometimes even while asleep. When I talk about how yoga may help that as well as the spirit, a compassionate determination rises up. Patty’s gentle movement inspired 6 others and another 3 watched. Conversation picked up. During a lull Patty burst out and said, ‘I was really shy when I first started class. It’s like being 5 at the playground all over again. But I like this’ Carmen*, another student said, ‘I’m glad you did, it’s what made me come over.’ Another said, ‘Yeah, me too.’ Others nodded in agreement. By the time we arrived at meditation Patty had to leave for medical but she looked at me and asked my name again. She’d heard it earlier but decided she was interested in knowing it. I get that. She also gave me her real name and said she’d see me next week.

She felt good.

After class there was more chatting than usual. And even though Patty had left class she was the catalyst. It only takes one. I saw her on my way out and she had her armor back on but she caught my eye and threw me a small nod. There isn’t a day that this work isn’t powerful. You hold the space. It’s not about you. You take care of yourself and your soul because this work demands it and you deserve it. But once in awhile a class can really crack your heart open and make you grateful.

This is yoga and it can quietly change the world.
May all beings be free from suffering.

Sunday Yoga

“I’m in no hurry: the sun and the moon aren’t, either.
Nobody goes faster than the legs they have.
If where I want to go is far away, I’m not there in an instant.”
― Alberto CaeiroThe Collected Poems of Alberto Caeiro

Sometimes it seems easier to not have time. It’s easier to not have time to be healthy. It’s faster to say ‘who has time to meditate or do yoga?’

I was like that. Moving so fast that I didn’t realize that slowing down would give me the time to reevaluate what was important. Sitting still gives me a chance to be in the thick of things even when it’s uncomfortable.

I love waking up much earlier than I need to. Laying in bed just before the sun comes up is precious. It’s time to be quiet with anything that needs attention. Sometimes it’s just nice to be with the silence of my busy Jersey City hood before the activity of the day.

Time…is on my side. Yes it is.

Namaste y’all.

Saturday Yoga

jk rowling quote

I’ve been thinking about my class yesterday at Rikers. After class a woman who had been watching asked me what yoga was all about. I told her that yoga is a way for me to unite my body and breathing so I can be in the moment. I told her that in many ways it saved my life, which is why I wanted to serve by teaching yoga to isolated communities.

‘Really? It saved your life?’ Her tone wasn’t suspicious but curious.

In that moment it really hit me. Yoga had saved and changed my life. Four years ago I was spiritually at rock bottom.

I had been shoving down feelings of loss over someone who had died.

I was avoiding feelings of confusion over my career.

I was scared to admit that as a full fledged adult I did’t have a fracking clue who I was outside of said career. I was disconnected from myself.

But yoga helped me connect. Now I get to teacher yoga teachers about teaching yoga inside prisons. I’m teaching yoga teachers about teaching therapeutics, mindfulness and trauma. Yoga led me to opening a massage therapy business. Yoga has given me the ability to speak to groups of people about getting and staying healthy through mindfulness and meditation.

Last week my friend Kathleen and I were catching up about yoga and life (which is thankfully these days the same thing). She said something like once you decide what you want to you just have to reach out and grab it.

I’m not saying that all I did was roll out my yoga mat and magically things rearranged. However, by being mindful and in the moment I had a better sense of who I was therefore making better decisions about following a path that honored me.

I’m grateful that I felt so miserable four years ago. Had I felt even a little bit better I would have taken another job and worked hard everyday without purpose. I know now that everything we do is on our own path to enlightenment if we are seeking a better way.

Happy Saturday.

Namaste y’all.

Rikers Island Yoga

Even flowers growing in rock crevices
Even flowers grow in rock crevices- via flickr

Had a small but mighty class on the fourth floor. Inspired by a class I took the previous evening, I invited everyone to explore moving in slow motion as a way to examine the body and breath. We gently lifted a knee and placed in back down to the floor flowing side to side with Thai Chi like movements. It was playful, challenging and fun. By the end of class everyone was ready for a deep relaxation. Bolsters were placed under knees and blocks were strategically placed for maximum comfort. And then…
Savasana Interuptus.
A CO called for medical and they had to leave for treatment. ‘Michelle’ (not her real name) said, ‘This is the best part! Ugh.’ Her friend new to class asked if they could do it quickly before lining up. But people were already making their way to the door.
‘You can’t do it fast, that’s the point. It takes time to get inside. You’ll see next week.’
I knew they had to dash but as they were rolling up their mats Michelle said, ‘When I get back I’ll do some relaxation on my bed. It’s kinda quiet there.’
Michelle empowered herself. She was going to make time to breathe whether class was happening or not.
That’s yoga. We don’t always get the class we want, but if we’re open we can find what we need.
Awwwww yeah.
Namaste y’all.


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A New Direction

As part of my vacation, I got to tour the Microsoft campus. I’ve written about this before, and I am still amazed at it’s beauty, function and generosity of service. Seriously, free coffee, tea, soda and milk? Healthy and cheap snacks? I’m sold!

More importantly though, I got to learn more about programming and application developement. My friend Sandy quickly summarized the difference between testing, developement and project management. I’ve know about the delegation of duties, but Sandy made them crystal clear. This quick summary helped me figure out exactly what I want from DePaul. I want to develop the skills to be a project manager.

I think it’s something I can do. Coding may not be my strong suit. Testing is not something I want to do full time. And yet, I think I can learn enough code to guide a project. I know I respond well to honest and direct feed back. I also have developed a skill set where I can work with damn near anybody. So I think this is what I need to focus on for DePaul.

4 thoughts on “A New Direction

  1. I test sw for a living…never believe what those developers say about us!! 😉

    In all seriousness, feel free to e-mail me about the software development world. And project managers rock…the only downside is when upper management has unrealistic expectations (when a person runs into politics). And congrats on taking a different direction.

  2. Mr. Man, project managers are in high demand in California, if my brother can be believed. The Dark Man would be pretty good at this as well due to his ability to speak with both programmers and, er, non-programmers. There’s the language of the individual departments and the language of the facilitator. If you can speak both, you’re set.

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Mike & Kimberly Lantz

Mike & Kimberly Lantz photo

Cell: Kim: (301) 536-1983 Mike: (301) 536-1999

23076 Three Notch Road, Suites 102-104
California, MD 20619

Kim and Mike Lantz have always had in interest in Real Estate and also in working together. Kim started her career in real estate years ago as an administrative assistant on a team in Southern Maryland but quickly worked her way up to become a top producing agent. Several years later, Mike started joining Kim on her appointments with clients. It quickly became clear they had the drive and ambition to work together in the real estate world.

Kim and Mike both enjoy the relationships they have built while working with clients and helping them with their real estate needs. Kim’s kindness and bubbly personality keeps the transaction positive and moving forward even when faced with those pesky issues that can sometimes pop up. Mike’s experience in the construction and mechanical world gives him the ability to really understand the structure and condition of houses. Kim and Mike each have that ‘entrepreneurial spirit” which drives them to be their absolute best. Their goal every day is to work in a warm professional atmosphere and to help, research, and ask questions so that their clients always enjoy the best possible outcome.

When deciding to work together as full-time agents, Kim and Mike decided RE/MAX One was the perfect fit for them. The level of care and professionalism they personally experienced with RE/MAX One confirmed for them that they are working with the right brokerage. With the help and support of RE/MAX One, Kim and Mike are confident that they will be able to deliver exceptional customer service to their clients throughout the home buying and selling process.

Outside of the office, Kim and Mike enjoy spending time together with their two daughters, going to car shows, cookouts and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Kim and Mike work out of our California Office.

Contact Us Now


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Photo: Derrick Freske
Photo: Derrick Freske

Firefly 2017 Bigger than Ever

There’s never been a dearth of great talent at Firefly, as hundreds of musicians head out to Delaware’s Woodlands of Dover International Speedway every year to take part in one of the summer’s most exciting music festivals. But for the 2017 event, taking part June 15-18, organizers wanted to up the excitement even more.

“Our biggest thing is that we are going to have five headliners this year, as opposed to just three in the past,” says Stephanie Mezzano, Firefly’s vice president of operations and business development. “The talent is as strong as ever and there’s so many new experiences that will make this year’s festival the best-ever.”

The headliners are The Weeknd, Twenty One Pilots, Muse, Chance the Rapper and Bob Dylan—a collection of top acts that are in the musical stratosphere. Of course, those acts are just the tip of the iceberg. Musicians from all genres that will appeal to all ages will be performing throughout the four-day-festival, including favorites such as Flume, Weezer, Busta Rhymes, 30 Seconds To Mars, Dillon Francis and The Shins.

In total, there will be 140-plus bands on 11 Firefly stages this year, including The Rambler, a new roving stage for pop-up shows and a Toyota-branded Music Den Stage.

“What’s also exciting is that we are introducing ideas from our first ‘fan-curated’ poll, where concertgoers were able to go online and pick attractions, name eateries, choose merchandise and even design parts of the festival site,” Mezzano says. “Those changes include a multi-level patio with acoustic performances, more food trucks, and new experiences. People wanted more options, more exciting food, more cocktails and we paid attention to those wishes with some great offerings.”

Another difference this year is that the festival has gone cashless. Vendors will be accepting credit cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Wallet, or one can get a prepaid card at a convenience store and load it up ahead of time.

“The environment of Firefly is so amazing. As soon as artists take to the stage, they are surrounded by trees and all they see are thousands of fans and trees all around them in a beautiful landscape,” Mezzano says. “There’s 70,000 fans enjoying a relaxed summer weekend and there’s so much energy throughout the entire festival. Artists feed off that and that makes some incredible performances.”

Following her debut with her number one Spotify viral track “War Paint,” pop artist Fletcher (pictured above) will be making her first appearance at Firefly this week.

“Fans can expect good vibes, good music, and a really good time,” Fletcher says. “I want people to come, dance, sing along with me and just be present in the moment. It’s all positive vibes.”

The young singer was recently called the “Jennifer Lawrence of Music” by People Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly called her one of “10 artists who will rule 2017.” Still, she understands that many attendees probably don’t know her yet.

“My music has such an anthemic, feel-good vibe about it, so I think people will just be walking by and want to check out the set if they like what they hear,” she says. “I’m just excited to be in such a fun environment where good people come together for good music.”

Also on tap for its first Firefly appearance is the Philadelphia-bred sextet, Cold Roses, who will soon be releasing its second album, Escape to Anywhere.

“We’re definitely going to turn up the heat and bring the noise for this performance. Our set is during the ‘morning shift,’ so we need to make sure that we wake everyone up, get them boogying and feeling good,” says Rob Clancy, lead singer, guitar and songwriter for the band.

“We’ll be playing a handful of songs from our upcoming record, as well as songs from our previous record, No Silence In The City. We also may debut a brand new song that we have never played live yet.”

Although the band has played some smaller festivals, it’s never played to the magnitude of Firefly and all involved are really looking forward to the experience.

“It’s a little hard to comprehend that we’re playing the same festival as some of the greatest bands and musicians in the world,” Clancy says. “If you told me a year ago that we would be on the same festival as Bob Dylan, I probably would have fainted after giving you a hug.”

For more information about bands, tickets or the festival, visit here.

Firefly Festival: Dover International Speedway, Dover, Delaware;


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Teacher Preparation Program Pre-Assignment Training Fall 2018 Cohort Content Academy: ELAR: Writing - 012623
This session will provide an overview of the ELAR TEKS and best instructional practices for the classroom.

Audiences Teacher Certification Candidate,
21st Century Learning  Vision Article I - New Digital Learning Environment,   Vision Article II - New Learning Standards,   Vision Article III - Assessments for Learning,   Vision Article V - Organizational Transformation
Prerequisite/Special Notes Acceptance into the ESC Region 11 Teacher Preparation Program.

02167109/19/2018 05:30pm - 08:30pmESC Region 11
02167109/20/2018 05:30pm - 08:30pmESC Region 11
Fee   None
Credit Hours   06:00 hours of Teacher Certification Program
Presenter   LaVonia Nelson ESC Region 11
Seats Left   43

This session is closed for registrations.

If you require special arrangements or have special needs (such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired),
contact Melodie Wahlert at mwahlert@esc11.net or (817) 740-7535 at least three weeks prior to the training program date.

Related Workshops
Gifted/Talented Series: Creativity and Critical Thinking for Gifted/Talented Students
Gifted/Talented Series: Engaging Gifted Students by Adding Depth and Complexity
Gifted/Talented Series: Nature and Needs of GT Students
Region 11 Teaching Lab - Classroom Culture
Region 11 Teaching Lab - Critical Reading, Writing, and Speaking (all content areas)
Region 11 Teaching Lab - Demonstration of Learning
Region 11 Teaching Lab - Essentials for Impact
Region 11 Teaching Lab - High-Impact Questioning
Region 11 Teaching Lab - Lesson Design


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Fathers’ Feelings and Experience Related to their Wife/Partner’s Delivery in Northern Greece

Despina Sapountzi-Krepia*, 1, 2, Maria Lavdaniti1, Alexandra Dimitriadou1, Maria Psychogiou2, Markos Sgantzos3, Hong-Gu He4, Eythimios Faros5, Katri Vehviläinen-Julkunen2
1 Department of Nursing, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece
2 Department of Nursing Science, University of Kuopio, Finland
3 Department of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
4 Alice Lee Center for Nursing Studies, National University of Singapore, Singapore
5 Private Practice, Athens, Greece

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© Sapountzi-Krepia et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.

* Address correspondence to this author at the Nursing Department, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, PO Box 1456, TK 541 01, Thessaloniki, Greece; Tel/Fax: 0030 2310791501; E-mail: desapoun@yahoo.com

The study aims at exploring the feelings and the experience of fathers about their wife/partner’s delivery.

During the last decades birth attendance by fathers is a common phenomenon across many countries. Fathers’ birth attendance may evoke both positive and negative feelings.

The study was conducted in a city of Northern Greece. The sample consisted of 417 fathers whose wife/partner had given birth during the previous one week to one year. Data were collected using the Kuopio Instrument for Fathers (KIF).

Father’s feelings about their wife or partner were very positive as nearly all (82.1%) of the participants were proud to become fathers and agree that they felt love and were grateful to their wife/partner. However, half of the fathers felt anxious and nervous. 40.7% quite agree that the staff was very professional, that they trusted the staff (45%) and that they were grateful to the staff (38.8%). There is correlation between the “feelings related to the wife/partner” and education (r=0.156, p=0.0047), “being afraid during the preparatory visit at the obstetric hospital” (r=-0.238, p=0.009), and “anxiety during the preparatory visit” (r=0.295 p=0.005). The subscale “feelings related to the environment and staff” correlates with “usefulness of preparatory visit” (r=-0.223, p=0.004) and the subscale of “experiences related to delivery” correlates with “usefulness of preparatory visit” (r=-0.357, p=0.001).

Our results support the findings of previous studies, which indicated that birth attendance by fathers has evoked positive feelings about their wife/partner, the delivery, the staff and the hospital environment.

Keywords: Fathers, delivery, feelings, experiences, Greece, birth attendance, survey.