On Wednesday, , an employee of the IT Human Resources firm Ceridian in Toronto, Ontario, was allegedly being laid off during a meeting with the branch manager. You can read about the story here.
The details are not clearly known yet as a publication ban exists within the court, but the media reports at the time speak to Li attacking the branch manager and stabbing the 32 year old manager with a sharp instrument multiple times. He then attacked three other employees before finally being subdued by other employees in the area.
If those other employees had not responded the way that they did, the results may have been much worse than the horrible situation that it already was.
Li is facing three counts of attempted murder, four counts of aggravated assault and four counts of assault with a weapon. It appears at the time of this writing that all of the victims will recover from their injuries.
We do not know the precise details of how the termination meeting was arranged, however it would seem that many safety practices were implemented, including holding the meeting in the HR Department and having several professionally trained Human Resource managers and other staffers in the immediate vicinity. Yet still the attack occurred.
This terrible incident reinforces the fact that you never actually know how an employee will respond to situations. And these are even situations which the business knew about and planned for in advance. It has all of the hallmarks of the situation concerning Richard Anderson on the day he was fired from his British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection position in Kamloops on October 15th, 2002.
What about those situations which the business does not know about and therefore cannot plan for? A perfect example is a domestic situation at home that is causing an employee stress and anxiety which then manifests itself in angry and violent outbursts in the workplace.
And what about those situations which arrive in your workplace from outside and have nothing actually to do with the employees who work there, except that they are suddenly the innocent victims?
We have seen enough of those types of incidences that we should be more prepared than we are.
What we need to do is to start paying more attention to our employees because when you sit down and think about it, how well do we really know them? What do they think of their safety while they are at work?
One tool I have discovered that really assists me in understanding the depth (or limit) of my knowledge about a person is the . I was introduced to this while I was taking my Masters in Leadership and Training at Royal Roads University.
For now, think about your own workplace. How safe is it? Are you providing as many tools as possible to help your employees adjust to change and stress effectively?
Please don't wait for the knife attack to find out.


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@interface DTScriptingTest : SenTestCase

- (void)testScanVariables;
- (void)testExpression;

@end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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CBSE CLASS 12 PHYSICS REVISION EXAM
1. When an object is placed between f and 2f of a concave mirror, would the image formed be (i) real or virtual and (ii) diminished or magnified ?
2. Draw a plot showing the variation of de Broglie wavelength of electron as a function of its K. E.
3. Why is the frequency of outgoing and incoming signals different in a mobile phone ?
4. A particle of mass 'm' and charge 'q' moving with velocity 'v' enters the region of uniform magnetic field at right angle to the direction of its motion. How does its kinetic energy get affected ?
5. Figure shows a current carrying solenoid moving towards a conducting loop. Find the direction of the current induced in the loop.
6. Distinguish between unpolarised and a linearly polarised light. Describe, with the help of a diagram, how unpolarised light gets linearly polarised by scattering
7. Why does white light disperse when passed through a glass prism ? Using lens maker's formula, show how the focal length of a given lens depends upon the colour of light incident on it.
8. Using the graph shown in the figure for stopping potential V/s the incident Frequency of photons, calculate Planck's constant.
9. Complete the following nuclear reactions :
If both the number of protons and neutrons in a nuclear reaction is conserved, in what way is mass converted into
energy (or vice verse) ? Explain giving one example.
10. Using the concept of drift velocity of charge carriers in a conductor, deduce the relationship between current density and resistivity of the conductor.
11. Define the following using suitable diagrams : (i) magnetic declination and (ii) angle of dip. In what direction will compass needle point when kept at the (i) poles and (ii)equator ?
12. Derive the expression for the magnetic energy stored in a solenoid in terms of magnetic field B, area A and length l of the solenoid carrying a steady current I.How does this magnetic energy per unit volume compare with the electrostatic Energy density stored in a parallel plate capacitor ?
13. A circuit containing an 80 mH inductor and a 250 µF capacitor in series connecte to a 240 V, 100 rad/s supply. The resistance of the circuit is negligible.(i) Obtain rms value of current.(ii) What is the total average power consumed by the circuit ?
14. Answer the following questions :
(i) Why is the thin ozone layer on top of the stratosphere crucial for human survival ? Identify to which a part of electromagnetic spectrum does this radiation belong and write one important application of the radiation.
(ii) Why are infrared waves referred to as heat waves ? How are they produced ?
What role do they play in maintaining the earth's warmth through the greenhouse effect ?
15. Define the term 'critical angle' for a pair of media.
A point source of monochromatic light 'S' is kept at the centre of the bottom of a cylinder of radius 15.0 cm. The cylinder contains water (refractive index 4/3) to a height of 7.0 cm. Draw the ray diagram and calculate the area of water surface through which the light emerges in air.
16. Which two of the following lenses L1, L2 and L3 will you select as objective and eyepiece for constructing best possible
(i) telescope (ii) microscope ? Give reason to support your answer.
17. Explain by drawing a suitable diagram that the interference pattern in a double slit is actually a superposition of single
slit diffraction from each slit. Write two basic features which distinguish the interference pattern from those seen in
a coherently illuminated single slit.
18. Distinguish between n-type and p-type semi-conductors on the basis of energy band diagrams. Compare their
conductivities at absolute zero temperature and at room temperature.
19. (a) Given a block diagram of a generalized communication system.
Identify the boxes 'X' and 'Y' and write their functions.
(b) Distinguish between "Point to Point" and "Broadcast" modes of communication
20. An electric dipole of dipole moment is placed in a uniform electric field .Obtainthe expression for the torque experienced by the dipole. Identify two pairs of perpendicular vectors in the expression.
21. (a) Two spherical conductors of radii R1 and R2 (R2 > R1) are charged. If they are connected by a conducting wire, find
out the ratio of the surface charge densities on them.
(b) A steady current flows in a metallic conductor of non-uniform cross-section. Which of these quantities is constant
along the conductor : current, current density, electric field, drift speed ?
22. In the two electric circuits shown in the figure, determine the readings of ideal ammeter (A) and the ideal voltmeter (V).
In the circuit shown in the figure, find the current through each resistor.
23. Ameen had been getting huge electricity bill for the past few months. He was upset about this. One day his friend Rohit, an electrical engineer by profession, visited hishouse. When he pointed out his anxiety about this to Rohit, his friend found that Ameen was using traditional incandescent lamps and using old fashioned air conditioner. In addition there was no proper earthing in the house. Rohit advised him to use CFL bulbs of 28 W instead of 1000 W – 220 V and also advised him to get proper earthing in the house. He made some useful suggestion and asked him to spread this message to his friends also.
(i) What qualities/values, in your opinion did Rohit possess ?
(ii) Why CFLs and LEDs are better than traditional incandescent lamps ?
(iii) In what way earthing reduces electricity bill ?
24. (a) Draw a schematic arrangement of Geiger-Marsden experiment showing the scattering of a-particles by a thin foil of gold. Why is it that most of the a-particles go right through the foil and only a small fraction gets scattered at large angles ?
Draw the trajectory of the a-particle in the coulomb field of a nucleus. What is the significance of impact parameter and what information can be obtained regarding the size of the nucleus ?
(b) Estimate the distance of closest approach to the nucleus (Z = 80) if a 7.7 MeV a-particle before it comes momentarily to rest and reverses its direction.
(a) Write two important limitations of Rutherford model which could not explain the observed features of atomic spectra.
How were these explained in Bohr's model of hydrogen atom ? Use the Rydberg formula to calculate the wavelength
of the Hα line. (Take R = 1.1 X107 m–1).
(b) Using Bohr's postulates, obtain the expression for the radius of the nth orbit in hydrogen atom.
25. (a) Figure shows the input waveform which is converted by a device 'X' into an output waveform. Name the device and explain its working using the proper circuit. Derive the expression for its voltage gain and power gain.
(b) Draw the transfer characteristic of a base biased transistor in CE configuration.Explain clearly which region of the curve
is used in an amplifier.
(a) Explain briefly, with the help of circuit diagram, the working of a full wave rectifier. Draw its input and output waveforms.
(b) Identify the logic gate equivalent to the circuit shown in the figure.Draw the truth table for all possible values of inputs A and B.
26. (a) Use Biot-Savart law to derive the expression for the magnetic field due to a circular coil of radius R having N turns at a point on the axis at a distance 'x' from its centre. Draw the magnetic field lines due to this coil.
b) A current 'I' enters a uniform circular loop of radius 'R' at point M and flows out at N as shown in the figure.Obtain the net magnetic field at the centre of the loop.
(a) Show how Biot-Savart law can be alternatively expressed in the form of Ampere's circuital law. Use this law to obtain the expression for the magnetic field inside a solenoid of length 'l', cross-sectional area 'A' having 'N' closely wound turn and carrying a steady current 'I'. Draw the magnetic field lines of a finite solenoid carrying current I.
(b) A straight horizontal conducting rod of length 0.45 m and mass 60 g is suspended by two vertical wires at its ends. A current of 5.0 A is set up in the rod through the wires.Find the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field which should be set up in order that the tension in the wire is zero.
Labels: CBSE

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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You are here: Home / Profile Page / Data Source and Documentation for Quercus montana Willd. Printer-Friendly
Quercus montana Willd.
chestnut oak
Atwood, J.T., et al. 1973. Check list of Vermont plants. Vermont Botanical and Bird Club. VT Literature
Brown, R.G., and M.L. Brown. 1972. Woody plants of Maryland. Port City Press, Inc., Baltimore. MD Literature
Campbell, J., and M. Medley. 2012. The atlas of vascular plants in Kentucky. KY Literature
Campbell, Julian. Personal communication. KY Literature
Chester, E.W, B.E. Wofford, and R. Kral. 1997. Atlas of Tennessee vascular plants. Vol. 2. Miscellaneous Publication No. 13. Austin Peay State University, Clarksville. TN Literature
Chester, E.W., B.E. Wofford, R. Kral, H.R. DeSelm, and A.M. Evans. 1993. Atlas of Tennessee vascular plants. 2 vols. Center for Field Biology Miscellaneous Publication No. 9/13. Austin Peay State University, Clarksville. TN Literature
Clemants, Steven. Personal communication. NJ, NY Literature
Crovello, T.J., C.A. Keller, and J.T. Kartesz. 1983. The vascular plants of Indiana: A computer based checklist. University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame. IN Literature
Cullina, M.D., B. Connolly, B. Sorrie, and P. Somers. 2011. The vascular plants of Massachusetts: A county checklist, first revision. Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Westborough. MA Literature
D. Goldman 1545 (BH). Specimen at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. NY Specimen
Deam, C.C. 1940. Flora of Indiana. Wm.B. Burford Printing Co., Indianapolis. IN Literature
District of Columbia Natural Heritage Program. DC Literature
Domangue, B.E., and C.K. McMullen. 2013. Floristic survey of the vascular plants of Shenandoah County, Virginia. Castanea 78: 312-322. VA Literature
Dowhan, J.J. 1979. Preliminary checklist of the vascular flora of Connecticut (growing without cultivation). State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut, Natural Resources Center, Department of Environmental Protection. Hartford. CT Literature
Duncan, W.H., and J.T. Kartesz. 1981. Vascular flora of Georgia. University of Georgia Press, Athens. GA Literature
Endangered Species Protection Board. 1999. Endangered and threatened species list (20 October 2002). Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois. Literature
Furlow, J.J. 1991. The vascular flora of Ohio: Vol. 2, Part 1 - Dicotyledoneae: Saururaceae through Fabaceae. Unpublished. OH Literature
George, G.G. 1992. A synonymized checklist of the plants found growing in Rhode Island. Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. RI Literature
Glenn, S.D. (ed.). 2013. New York Metropolitan Flora database. New York Metropolitan Flora Project, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York. CT, NJ, NY Literature
Harvill, A.M., C.E. Stevens, and D.M.E. Ware. 1981. Atlas of the Virginia flora, Part II. Dicotyledons. Virginia Botanical Associates, Farmville. VA Literature
Haynes, R. 1990. A database of the Alabama flora. Unpublished. AL Literature
Hough, M.Y. 1978. New Jersey Wild Plants. Harmony Press, Harmony. NJ Literature
Jones, S.B., and N. Coile. 1988. The distribution of the vascular flora of Georgia. Herbarium, Department of Botany, Athens. GA Literature
Lowe, E.N. 1921. Plants of Mississippi. Mississippi State Geological Survey Bulletin No. 17. MS Literature
Magee, D. Flora of New England. Unpublished and undated. CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT Literature
Maine Natural Areas Program. 1999. Maine's rare, threatened, and endangered plants (20 October 2002). Maine Department of Conservation, Maine. Literature
Medley, M.E. 1993. An annotated catalogue of the known or reported vascular flora of Kentucky. University of Louisville, Louisville. KY Literature
Meyer, J. 1990. Chrysler Herbarium Checklist. Manuscript. NJ Literature
Mitchell, R.S. (ed.). 1986. A checklist of New York State plants. Contributions of a Flora of New York State, Checklist III. New York State Bulletin No. 458. New York State Museum, Albany. NY Literature
Mohlenbrock, R.H. 1986. Guide to the vascular flora of Illinois, rev. ed. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale and Edwardsville. IL Literature
Mohr., C. 1901. Plant life of Alabama. Contributions from the United States National Herbarium VI. AL Literature
New York Flora Association. 1990. Preliminary vouchered atlas of New York State flora, ed. 1. New York State Museum Institute, Albany. NY Literature
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1965. Atlas of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. Department of Botany Technical Bulletin No. 165. Chapel Hill. NC, SC Literature
Radford, A.E., H.E. Ahles, and C.R. Bell. 1968. Manual of the vascular flora of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. NC, SC Literature
Ralph, R.A. Checklist of the vascular plants of the Coastal Plain of Delaware. Unpublished and undated. University of Delaware Department of Biology. DE Literature
Rhoads, A.F., and W.M. Klein, Jr. 1993. The vascular flora of Pennsylvania. Annotated checklist and atlas. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia. PA Literature
Richards, C.D., F. Hyland, and L.M. Eastman. 1983. Revised check-list of the vascular plants of Maine. Bulletin of the Josselyn Botanical Society, No. 11. ME Literature
Seymour, F.C. 1969. The flora of New England. Charles E. Tuttle Company, Rutland. NH Literature
Sorrie, B.A. 1992. County checklist of Massachusetts plants. Unpublished. MA Literature
Strausbaugh, P.D., and E.L. Core. 1977. Flora of West Virginia, 2nd ed., 4 vols. West Virginia Bulletin, Morgantown. WV Literature
Tatnall, E. 1860. Catalogue of the phaenogamous and filicoid plants of New Castle County, Delaware. Wilmington Institute, Wilmington. DE Literature
Thomas, R.D., and C.M. Allen. 1993. Atlas of the vascular flora of Louisiana, vols. 1-3. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Natural Heritage Program, Fort Worth, TX. LA Literature
Thomas, R.D., and C.M. Allen. 1997. Atlas of the vascular flora of Louisiana, vols. 1-3 (Plus updates). Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Natural Heritage Program, Baton Rouge. LA Literature
Voss, E.G. 1985. Michigan flora. Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills. MI Literature
Weishaupt, C.G. 1971. Vascular plants of Ohio. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque. OH Literature
West Virginia county level data. WV Literature
Wherry, E.T., J.M. Fogg, and H.A. Wahl. 1979. Atlas of the flora of Pennsylvania. Morris Arboretum, Philadelphia. PA Literature
Wieland, R.G. 2004. County records of Mississippi collections (#5501-9869, 9/12/89 to 1/23/04) deposited at Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Herbarium (MMNS). Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Jackson. MS Literature


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Date of Birth: April 17th, 1988
Residence: Bedford, NY, USA
Car Number: 71
Race Team: Multimatic Motorsports Aston Martin Racing
Michael Marsal didn't grow up racing cars, but ever since his passion turned towards a profession, he has been flat out. After first getting the taste for speed behind the wheel of a formula car at Road America, Marsal moved up to drive a 911 in Porsche Club of America competition and quickly went from racer to winner, picking up trophies from tracks around the country.
Continuing to push his career forward, Marsal looked for the next step up the ladder and found it in Grand-Am. A one-off start on the streets of Trois-Rivieres in 2009 turned into a full-time ride with Turner Motorsport in 2010. Marsal impressed as he jumped to the top Grand Sport class, sharing driving duties with Joey Hand. The duo scored two wins and seven podium finishes, taking the championship battle to the very last lap of the season, ultimately finishing second in an outstanding rookie year.
2011 saw Marsal and Hand teamed up once again, but they didn't enjoy the same results. Marsal still took a lot out of the 2011 season, finishing races and continuing to develop his racecraft in the highly competitive category. He also showed well in his Rolex GT debut at Daytona, and was called up to Rolex action for Turner Motorsport as the team introduced the #93 machine later in the season.
2012 was a successful year for Michael, as he made his P1 prototype racing debut for Dyson Racing in the American Le Mans Series. Marsal won his first ALMS race at Baltimore with co-driver Eric Lux, and contested the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge series co-driving with Boris Said.
An avid BMW enthusiast and active Porsche racer in the PCA ranks, Marsal balances his on-track pursuits with his full-time studies. Marsal joined Multimatic Motorsports in 2013, co-driving the #71 Aston Martin Vantage V8 to six top-ten finishes with Tonis Kasemets.
Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelMarsal


Every year, hundreds of school children attend the Morton County Ag Day and this year's event will be Thursday, March 16th at the Burleigh County Extension office on East Bismarck Expressway.
This is an opportunity for children to have a hands on experience on the daily life of a working farm.
It also educates the children on where their food comes from. Some of the demonstrations include gardening, livestock, petting farm, puppet show and various projects including wood and welding.
The event is free event and open to all and is Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Here are scenes from last year's event.


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* All Stories
* Featured
Parenting Through a Pandemic: Role Modeling and Self-Care
by Jared Posey
Parenting through the pandemic can be challenging. But, as Jared Posey writes, self-care is important not only for a parent's well-being but also for teaching children how to respond to crises they will face in the future. Pictured above, the author mows the lawn while his son plays. | Photo by Katie Posey
With all of the biohazard suits on the news, and members of society donning masks and gloves, and people spending considerable time around the house even though springtime is humming, it can be hard to give our children more answers than questions. I talked with Gregory May, the administrative director of adult and family services at Centerstone in Bloomington.
"COVID-19 has certainly disrupted the routine of everyone," May said. "And much of children's normal lives has come to a halt."
Standard schooling has been put on hold, and though summer break is approaching, many parents are exhausted from playing the role of teacher (as if they didn't have enough already). Furthermore, most childhood activities involve groups of others. Despite the reassurance of a soft reopening in Indiana, many of the usual outlets for kids won't be available for the near future. Normal is apparently a long way off, with possible future stay-at-home orders in the fall and beyond.
Parents can't shield their children from the stark images and grim realities brought on by the pandemic. Especially now, Posey writes, children still need us to show up in their lives. | Photo by Adam Nieścioruk on Unsplash
These grim realizations can make it hard to shield children from the stress they feel from many of us. Our anxiety is understandable when faced with the health concerns of loved ones, our own economic hardships, and a general feeling of uncertainty. Yet, as always, we are being watched by our children — and learned from. "While kids are often dismissed, they are definitely paying attention," May says. "They pay attention to everything."
Especially now, our children need us to show up in their lives and to convey the security and confidence that allows them to feel safe in the world. So what do we do? How do we keep the world together for those innocent souls that lean so heavily on us? For one, it may help to start by lowering our expectations. According to May, "This is a perfectly appropriate time for people just to survive."
Social media can make us feel like we should be thriving, even now, and in times like this that may be unreasonable. It's important that we meet ourselves where we are, and allow ourselves to process the emotions and difficulties of enduring this pandemic.
Amy Makice is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Bloomington Center for Connection, an organization that promotes social change through connection. She says the biggest allowance we can give ourselves as parents right now is "to be human. This is a scary time, and it's okay to be sad and scared and frustrated."
One thing about pandemics is they don't ask for our approval, and, by definition, they affect all of us. Life all of a sudden is very different, and this won't be a clean, linear process. We can only do our best. "My biggest goal right now is to help parents let go of whatever stress they're putting on themselves," Makice says. If we're to get through this crisis, we'll need to have heaps of empathy not just for our kids, but for ourselves too.
The importance of self-care
Parenting is a series of simple actions — making breakfast, answering questions, setting up crafts, playing in the yard, putting the kids to bed. However, anyone who has ever done it knows that it's not easy. Why? The constant nature of parenting can make it exhausting even on a good day. This has been intensified by parents doing much more, well, parenting.
Katie Posey does 'silly yoga' with her son. | Photo by Jared Posey
Thus, before we address the important work of tending to our kids, it is essential that we tend to ourselves. We will need extra resilience during this time, and, therefore, extra self-care. Makice recommends talking to other adults, reflecting and working through everything that's happening around us. This will help us listen when our kids need to express their own emotions and concerns. Also, she encourages parents to go outside, do some intentional breathing, take a hot shower, or get some exercise — anything to hit the reset button and come back slightly more refreshed.
How do we find the time? The same way we do the impossible of providing our kids with physical sustenance and emotional nurturing and still manage to keep the house clean (just kidding). We prioritize first what truly matters, and, just like our kids, we matter. If a partner can take the kid(s) while the other gets a break, great. If that's not an option, and you need to sit the kids in front of the television for 20 minutes while you recharge, you shouldn't guilt yourself over needing some help.
Otherwise, get the whole family involved. May emphasizes the importance of everyone going on walks or bike rides, playing outside, or any other ways to get active and produce endorphins that help to maintain a positive outlook. This is a time to get back to what matters, and what matters most is the relationships we have with others and the one we have with ourselves.
We still have a job to do
As challenging as it is to parent through a pandemic, one silver lining is that we have the opportunity to demonstrate for our kids how to face adversity. Remember: These are the kids who will be facing climate change and many untold realities in the wake of globalization and modernization. As Makice says, "We can shape their future experience, modeling the importance of community and public health — and that naturally extends to the health of the planet."
Play is how children largely process the world and their emotions, Posey writes. It is also a natural way to connect with kids and a powerful way for parents to de-stress. | Photo by Agung Pandit Wiguna from Pexels
Makice recommends that step one for overwhelmed parents be to "connect with your kids, whatever that looks like." As play is the most natural way to connect with kids and how they largely process the world and their emotions, it's a great place to start. In addition, it may be that we need to play as deeply as our children do.
Not only is connecting with our children through play, fun, and laughter an excellent way to meet their needs and fill their cups, it is also a powerful way we can de-stress, return to the present moment, and consider the possibility that we may not go insane during this pandemic. Playful Parenting, a book by Lawrence Cohen, is loaded with ideas to get your kids giggling. He recommends affectionate roughhousing, pretending to be completely incompetent, and making inanimate objects talk. (Warning: He often suggests making a complete fool of yourself.)
We are being challenged right now. However, in raising children in an imperfect world, we must find opportunities to be wise and loving parents, even in terrible circumstances. This is not going to be easy, but this challenge allows us the possibility to blaze trails for the future. May says this applies to not just parents but also role models and community members, and that we have the chance to "build that sense of community in a way we haven't had to before." Everyone needs to adapt in some ways, but we can keep that society intact — and even improve it — by how we live through this pandemic.
Our kids are predicted to face many more uncertainties and challenges than even we have had to encounter. How will they respond? Perhaps in the way we respond to times like now. They're watching. We as parents — and as people — must choose wisely, and let compassion, reason, and courage take the wheel. After all, says Makice, "Even as we isolate, we need each other."
In a world of technology and the internet, there have never been more resources available to kids and parents stuck at home.
Common Sense Media has resources for parents during a pandemic.
Waterford.org, a child-learning nonprofit, has a self-care guide for parents.
This Ars Technica article (with videos) helps with how to talk to kids about COVID-19.
Amy Makice will be maintaining a blog throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her insightful posts can be seen at the bottom of the Bloomington Center for Connection home page.
Dr. Laura Markham has a blog with practical advice for parents during the pandemic.
The Indiana Department of Education has compiled a database of resources for parents, teachers, and students.
If you need extra help during this time, please don't hesitate to contact a health professional:
Monroe Health America of Monroe County is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health through education, referral, and service.
Community Organizations (list by Monroe County Public Library)
Monroe County Mental Health Resources are listed on the website for the Monroe County prosecutor.
Bloomington Center for Connection is Amy Makice's website.
IU Health Behavioral Health Services lists resources offered by IU Health Bloomington.
Centerstone Bloomington offers a range of mental healthcare services.
Jared Posey was born and raised in Elwood, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University. He's interested in mindfulness, the food movement, conscious parenting, and connecting kids to nature. Jared created and ran an alumni interview series between Elwood High School and the Elwood Call-Leader. He has written for TAKE ROOT magazine and self-published a book called Will Work for Food: A Book of Inspiration, Poems, and Edible Action.
Amy Makice
Bloomington Center for Connection
Centerstone
child-learning
Dr. Laura Markham
Gregory May
Indiana Department of Education
IU Health Behavioral Health Services
IU Health Bloomington
Lawrence Cohen
Monroe Health America of Monroe County
Playful Parenting
"I was trying my best to impress a guy. So I came home one day and found two dead flies lying next to one another. I picked the two flies up, put them on paper, drew around them, and I've done it every day since. The guy never worked out." —Ali Beckman, in "Bugs Come to Life in Ali Beckman's So Fly Taxidermy" by Dason Anderson


Home - BerryCraft - Open Build Contest!
Hey Berrians, we know a lot of you have felt as though the build contests themes don't always fit your build style, so this year we wanted to start something new! A build contest where you can build whatever you want! We hope many of you will feel freer to build with this open themed contest. Good luck!
First place: a minimum of 250 berries.
Second place: a minimum of 150 berries.
Third place: a minimum of 75 berries.
2. Claim your plot by placing a sign on a corner block.
3. Follow the following guidelines and have fun!
1. Each plot can have as many participants as desired.
3. Players may go over the plotline as long as it does not conflict with other plots.
4. As always please follow general server rules.
2. Replacing blocks that have already been placed by the player to another block type.
3. A biome change for the entire plot.
4. World edit requests are up to the discretion of staff to fulfill, with your first two requests taking priority.
For additional information please contact an Event Team member.


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Injury is one of the main causes of burden of disease in Australia—in 2011, it was estimated that it accounted for 9% of the disease burden.
Information about the incidence of serious injury in Australia is estimated by analysing data about injury cases that were severe enough to require admission to hospital, along with information about people who died as a result of injury.
Overall, some population groups are more likely than others to experience serious injury that results in hospitalisation or death. Groups at higher risk include:
people aged 65 and over
people who live in remote areas of Australia.
Hospitalised injury
Hospitalised injuries can range from single fractures to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury that may result in lifelong disability. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2015 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, 7% of the main long-term health conditions experienced by the estimated 4.3 million Australians living with disability occurred as a result of injury or poisoning.
The rate of hospitalised injury has been rising slowly since 1999–00, even after adjusting for the changes in the profile of the Australian population over this period. About 1 in 6 injury cases are classified as 'high threat to life', which represent cases where the person is likely to experience persisting problems and ongoing needs for health care services.
Falls and transport crashes account for most hospitalised injury cases, but other common causes are intentional self-harm, assault, poisoning by pharmaceuticals, and burns.
Injury deaths
Injury remains a significant cause of death in Australia—between 1999–00 and 2012–13, around 8% of all deaths were injury-related, although age-standardised rates of injury death fell between 1999–00 and 2004–05, and have been relatively stable in recent years.
The most common causes of injury deaths are falls, intentional self-harm, and transport accidents. Other causes include homicide and violence, drowning and poisoning. Since 1999–00, there has been a fall in the rates of injury death related to transport accidents and homicide, but no change in the rates of death related to falls and suicide.
The AIHW produces regular reports on a range of injury-related topics that explore patterns of injury and trends over time.
Last updated 21/06/2017 v3.0
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text:
Сингеніт — рідкісний мінерал, водний сульфат калію й кальцію острівної будови.

Назва
Сингеніт був відкритий у 1871—1872 роках у Прикарпатті, яке на той момент входило до складу Австро-Угорської імперії. Асистент (а згодом і професор) університету в Празі К. Врба отримав зразки кристалів солей із Калуша для колекції музею університету. У 1872 році мінералог і кристалограф В. Зефарович описав ці зразки як новий мінеральний вид під назвою сингеніт (від , сингенез — подібний). Назва була дана через подібність мінералу за хімічним складом та іншими ознаками до полігаліту — водного сульфату калію, кальцію і магнію.

Майже в той самий час, у 1871—1872 роках, професор геометрії Віденського технічного університету Р. Нємчик передав для дослідження декілька зразків кристалів солей з Калуша мінералогу кристалографу Я. Румфу, який їх описав як новий мінеральний вид під назвою калушит теж у 1872 році. Різниця в часі досліджень мінералу і публікацій про нього в декілька місяців визначила пріоритет назви сингеніт.

Опис
Хімічна формула: K2Ca(SO4)2∙H2O. Містить (%): K2O — 28,6; CaO — 17,1; SO3 — 48,8; H2O — 5,5.

Сингонія моноклінна. Призматичний вид. Утворює призматичні, сплюснуті кристали, кристалічні кірочки і пластинчасті агрегати. Двійники зростаюься по {100}. Спайність по {110} і {100} досконала, по {010} ясна. Мінерал безбарвний, злегка жовтуватий, молочно-білий; прозорий до напівпрозорого. Блиск скляний. Злом раковистий. Частково розчиняється у воді.

Утворюється переважно в умовах невисоких температур (40°С — 70°С) як вторинний мінерал в результаті дії розчинів, збагачених KCl i K2SO4, на ангідритові й галітові солі. Сингеніт можна штучно отримати шляхом дії розчину K2SO4 на гіпс. Він також міститься у затверділому цементі, який має відносно значну кількість калію.

У структурі сингеніту, ланцюжки, сформовані поліедрами кальцію, зшиваються тетраедрами сульфатних груп у листи паралельні [100]. У просторі між листами розміщені катіони калію.

Розповсюдження
Сингеніт є досить рідкісним мінералом. Існують окремі рудопрояви є у Німеччині (Тюрінгія), Італії, Франції, Австралії, Ботсвані, Китаї (провінція Хубей) проте в прикарпатських соляних покладах (Калуш, Моршин, Стебник) він зустрічається відносно часто, де його знаходячись в асоціації з іншими мінералами — галітом, сильвіном, мірабілітом і глазеритом та гіпсом. Кристали сингеніту в прикарпатських родовищах досягають 3-5 см, а іноді 14 см завдовжки.

Зустрічається як продукт вулканічної діяльності у вигляді нальотів на лаві в кратері Халеахала (Гавайські острови), в порожнинах порід, утворених під час виверження Везувію в 1906 році, на Камчатці.

Також зустрічається в евапоритових відкладах як діагенетична фаза. Може асоціюватися і з біфосфамітом, афтиталітом, монетитом, , , брушитом.

Див. також
 Список мінералів

Примітки

Література

Посилання
  https://www.mindat.org/min-3856.html
  Syngenite on Mineralogy Database
  Syngenite on RRUFF , доступ до -файлу

Сульфати (мінерали)
Водні мінерали

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Harper County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of the 2010 census, the population was 3,685, making it the fourth-least populous county in Oklahoma. The county seat is Buffalo. It was created in 1907 from the northwestern part of Woodward County, and named for Oscar Green Harper, who was clerk of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention.

History

During the late 19th century, the area now known as Harper County was part of the Cherokee Outlet, reserved for use by the Cherokee Nation by treaties in 1828 and 1835, The U.S. government opened the outlet for settlement by non-Indians in 1893. The area was divided into counties after the formation of what is now the state of Oklahoma. Harper County was created in 1907. It was named for Oscar Green Harper, who was a local resident, school teacher, and served as clerk of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention.

The present county lay on several trails that were blazed during the 19th century. One of the most significant was the Fort Dodge to Camp Supply Military Trail.  It was used followed in 1868 by the U.S. Army's Seventh Cavalry, to move men and supplies to build Camp Supply (forerunner of the present town of Fort Supply, Oklahoma). The Great Western Trail (also known as the Dodge City Trail) was first used between South Texas and Fort Robinson, Nebraska, in 1874. The Cimarron Valley Turnpike Company built a bridge over the Cimarron River in 1908 to facilitate travel between Englewood, Kansas and Oklahoma.

A 1908 election was held to determine whether Buffalo or Doby Springs would become the county seat. Buffalo won the election. Doby Springs later ceased to be a town and is now a park in Buffalo. Other ghost towns in the county are Paruna, Flat, Avis, Readout, Cross, Alto, Cupid, and Stockholm.

Railroads first came to Harper County in 1912, when the Wichita Falls and Northwestern Railway, a subsidiary of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway (MK&T), built a line through Dunlap, May, Laverne, and Rosston. The locally owned Buffalo and Northwestern Railroad (B&NW), connected Buffalo with Waynoka in 1919–20. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway acquired the B&NW in 1920.  The MK&T line was abandoned in 1970.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which  is land and  (0.2%) is water. The county is drained by the Cimarron River and the Beaver River.

Major highways

  U.S. Highway 64
  U.S. Highway 183
  U.S. Highway 270
  U.S. Highway 283
  U.S. Highway 412
  State Highway 3
  State Highway 34
  State Highway 46
  State Highway 149

Adjacent counties
 Comanche County, Kansas (northeast)
 Woods County (east)
 Woodward County (southeast)
 Ellis County (south)
 Beaver County (west)
 Clark County, Kansas (northwest)

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,562 people, 1,509 households, and 1,030 families residing in the county.  The population density was 3 people per square mile (1/km2).  There were 1,863 housing units at an average density of 2 per square mile (1/km2).  The racial makeup of the county was 95.87% White, 0.03% Black or African American, 0.93% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.36% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races.  5.64% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,509 households, out of which 28.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% were married couples living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.70% were non-families. 29.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.  The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.30% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 25.20% from 45 to 64, and 21.70% who were 65 years of age or older.  The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 96.60 males.  For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,705, and the median income for a family was $40,907. Males had a median income of $27,896 versus $20,784 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,011.  About 7.10% of families and 10.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 4.00% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
At the presidential level, Harper County is one of the most overwhelmingly Republican counties in Oklahoma, with more than 85% of the vote going to the Republican candidate in each of the past four presidential elections. Democrats have not won the county at the presidential level since Harry Truman in 1948. This dominance is also reflected in the large voter registration advantage that Republicans have in the county.

Communities
 Buffalo (county seat)
 Doby Springs
 Laverne
 May
 Rosston
 Selman

See also
 National Register of Historic Places listings in Harper County, Oklahoma

References

External links
 Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture - Harper County
 Harper County Oklahoma Tourism Website
 Oklahoma Digital Maps: Digital Collections of Oklahoma and Indian Territory

1907 establishments in Oklahoma
Populated places established in 1907


Back in October 2016, the government did a deal (The Statement of Principles) with Heathrow (HAL), in which there are clauses implying it would bail out any costs to the airport, if it does not finally get government approval to expand. There is no end date for the agreement. Though the document states it is non-binding, the wording is ambiguous – a gold-mine for lawyers? Justine Greening revealed this massive risk to taxpayers in Parliament, (see video clip) saying Heathrow "have somehow managed to get a poisoned pill agreed by DfT that means the taxpayer has to cover all their costs if things go wrong. Isn't this the worst kind of nationalisation? The public sector and taxpayers bearing all the Heathrow downsides and risks but the private sector owning all of the upside and financial returns." The Statement of Principles says: "HAL reserves its rights (including but not limited to its rights to pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies (including cost recovery) available to it under law) in the event of: …. The withdrawal of the Government's support for aviation expansion for Heathrow Airport only after the Secretary of State has stated that HAL's Scheme is the scheme it prefers in accordance with paragraph 1 of Part 1." This was only mentioned in passing in the NPS. John McDonnell and Justine are seek urgent clarity of the clause, in order to give an opportunity for the issue to be discussed in the House of Commons before MPs vote on the NPS proposal – within 3 weeks.
The Government has agreed a deal with Heathrow that it will bail out any costs borne by the airport for its expansion if the Heathrow scheme does not proceed.
The withdrawal of the Government's support for aviation expansion for Heathrow Airport only after the Secretary of State has stated that HAL's Scheme is the scheme it prefers in accordance with paragraph 1 of Part 1." (1).
The agreement, signed in 2016 has no end date was only mentioned in passing in the National Policy Statement (NPS).
The NPS provides no detail or information from the statement of principles about any potential liabilities to the taxpayer, should the expansion not take place. The cost of the third runway is expected to total around £18bn, though it could be considerably higher once surface access improvements are taken in to account. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed yesterday that expansion will only take place if air quality limits can meet legal requirements (2).
The agreement was first raised in the House of Commons by Justine Greening MP (3), who questioned transport secretary Chris Grayling following the announcement of the Government's intention to support Heathrow expansion.
Mr Grayling made no attempt to answer the question but John McDonnell MP, also present in the chamber, later pressed Mr Grayling for more information on whether his department had made an assessment of the scale of financial liabilities taxpayers could be exposed to if the Government prefers an alternative scheme or withdraws its support for Heathrow expansion at a later date (4).
Following a further attempt to extrapolate more information about this massive liability at PMQs on Wednesday (5), Ms Greening then wrote to Chris Grayling to seek urgent clarity of the clause, in order to give an opportunity for the issue to be discussed in the House of Commons before MPs vote on the proposal (6).
Despite the NPS stating that the agreement is 'non-binding', the very existence of this written agreement could potentially be used by Heathrow in any future legal action against the Government (7).
The inclusion of this clause could explain why Heathrow have been spending large sums of money on the early stages of the scheme development prior to it being voted through Parliament. This represents a huge financial risk to taxpayers that has not been adequately explained or analysed in the Government's NPS.
"While it's broadly accepted that the whole process of selecting a site for extra capacity was only ever about Heathrow, this is a concession too far. We know there are doubts about Heathrow's ability to fund the project, but a bail out agreement for Heathrow is potentially a massive burden for taxpayers, and it needs to be disclosed.
"Perhaps it's little wonder that Heathrow has been spending money on expansion, as if it had nothing to lose, long before the government adopted it as policy. But while it's broadly accepted that the whole process of selecting a site for extra capacity was only ever about Heathrow, this is a concession too far. We know there are doubts about Heathrow's ability to fund the project, but any bail out agreement for Heathrow, however vague, is potentially a massive burden for taxpayers and it needs to be disclosed".
John McDonnell has highlighted the potential multimillion-pound cost to the taxpayer in the event that the government, including any future Labour administration, should change its mind on expansion.
In a letter to Grayling, he raised concerns over how much, if any, of the £14bn project would be publicly subsidised if Heathrow's plans for a third runway did not proceed.
McDonnell wrote: "There appears to be no end date to this agreement. This means that taxpayers could be left picking up a bill of multiple millions of pounds if the government does not proceed with developing the Heathrow north-west runway scheme.
– 2.1.6.2 the withdrawal of the Government's support for aviation expansion for Heathrow Airport (the "Airport") only after the Secretary of State has stated that HAL's Scheme is the scheme it prefers in accordance with paragraph 1 of Part 1 (Principles Relating to Key Areas of Scheme Development and Implementation).
An ex Cabinet minister today tore into Theresa May's plans to expand Heathrow Airport – warning that taxpayers could be left with a hefty bill if the project goes sour.
Justine Greening said the plans include a 'poison pill clause' which leaves the Government carrying all the risk of deal.
The ex Education Secretary, whose Putney constituency in west London is vehemently opposed to the third runway, confronted Mrs May about the plans in PMQs.
But the PM hit back – insisting the cost of the project will be funded by the private sector alone.
Mrs May is set to face a backbench rebellion when the plans to build a third runway are voted on in Parliament.
But Theresa May hit back – insisting the cost of the project will be funded by the private sector alone.
Raising the issue in PMQs, Ms Greening branded the project the 'worst kind of nationalisation'.
She said: 'Heathrow played an absolute blinder with the DFT (Department for transport) – they are a privately owned company that now has DFT policy to give them an active monopoly status.
'They have somehow managed to get a poison pill clause agreed by the DFT that means the taxpayer has to cover all their costs if things go wrong.
But Mrs May said the plans to build a third runway at the west London airport will bring much-needed jobs to the country.
She said: 'Yesterday's decision to support Heathrow expansion demonstrates this Governments commitment to delivering the jobs and major infrastructure that this country needs to thrive.
Meanwhile, Labour has hinted it could vote against the airport expansion plans.
A spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn said the party remained in favour of airport expansion in the south east, subject to four tests set out on the manifesto.
The spokesman would not be drawn on which of the tests – on noise, air quality, climate change and economic growth – was causing concern.
But he said Labour needed to see 'more detail' before deciding whether to back the Government version.
After the long-delayed airport expansion finally received Government approval the PM today said the plans will be brought to parliament to be voted on in a ' timely' fashion.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed yesterday that the third runway project had at last been given the green light. MPs will vote on the plans within three weeks.
The runway is expected to cost £14billion and be running by 2026. It will deliver at least 260,000 extra flights a year, giving Heathrow the capacity for dozens of new routes to trade hubs and tourist destinations.
Mr Grayling confirmed there would be a six-and-a-half-hour period at night when flights would be banned, to protect residents living in the flight path.
Up to £2.6billion will be spent by the airport on compensation for residents, noise insulation and improvements to the local area, he said.
He argued that the runway would provide an estimated £74billion boost to the economy over 60 years and better connect the UK to the world with an extra 16million long-haul seats available by 2040.
But a strong of Tory MPs, including Ms Greening and Richmond MP Zac Goldsmith, have been vocally opposed to the scheme.
THERESA MAY was yesterday warned taxpayers could be on the hook for BILLIONS over Heathrow Airport expansion.
Former Transport Secretary Justine Greening panned her own Government over a "poison pill" she claimed is buried in the small print of Tuesday's recommendation to back a third runway.
Justine Greening warned Theresa May that the Heathrow expansion could cost taxpayers billions. In a direct challenge in the Commons, Ms Greening – a bitter Heathrow opponent – asked the PM to explain a clause that allows the airport to recover costs if the project never eventually goes ahead.
Speaking during PMQs, Mrs May insisted Heathrow Airport Ltd would not have the right to claim any costs or losses should their scheme not proceed.
But in a 'Point of Order' afterwards, Ms Greening said No.10 had been "misinformed" by the Department for Transport.
A Government source last night insisted the statement of principles wasn't "legally binding".
Posted: Thursday, June 7th, 2018. Filed in General News, News about Airports, Recent News.


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Just wondering if an iphone peerblock was in the works. I just found the new torrent client for iphone - works like a champ.! Might be a good time to charge some $ for your fantastic program. Androids have had torrent clients for years and now that iphones do - this could be a worthwhile pursuit.
Currently, there is no PeerBlock for iPhone in the works.
Something like this would require an extensive port, since PeerBlock is currently Windows only. (Has a lot of Windows specific coding sprinkled throughout).
You can create an issue here - [code.google.com] With this suggestion.


text:
Less Than Reality
A reality TV blog with a touch of snark.
Crystal Harris Wants Her Dog With Hugh Hefner Back!
When their impending marriage dissolved, Crystal Harris and Hugh Hefner made a deal: Crystal keeps the ring and the car, and Hef takes the dog. Now, Crystal (who I believe has talked about auctioning off her ring) is after the dog, too.
If you recall, Crystal Harris walked out on Hugh Hefner shortly before their wedding. A TV special was being taped for Lifetime, tons of people were invited and a bunch of money was spent. Despite the fact that Crystal embarrassed Hef by walking out before their wedding, then trashing their sex life (or lack of) to Howard Stern, Hef let Crystal keep her engagement ring and the Bentley he'd given her. She also stepped out publicly with a new boyfriend shortly after their split, raising questions about how long she'd been, um, disinterested in her relationship with Hef.
Okay, so she screwed up. But she took it one step too far for Hef when she told him that she wants their dog, Charlie, for herself. Hef took to Twitter to share this with the world, and his ex-girlfriends were less than pleased. Both Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson tweeted in response, slamming Crystal for her selfishness. And frankly, I don't blame them. Hef and Crystal broke up several months ago, so what kind of dog-mother is Crystal to let her dog go for several months before deciding that she should be allowed to take him back? How entitled does she feel, when the only reason she's famous is because Hef put her on TV and almost married her...and even that is because he thought that was the way to keep her in his life! (Or at least that's the way I remember it.)
Crystal needs a reality check. She made a decision: keep the ring and the car (both of which were related to the failed marriage) but leave the dog (which was their shared pet regardless). She chose the bling. Now it's too late to go back, unless she's got proof that Hef's mistreating the dog, and I can bet that with all of the butlers and servers in the house, the dog's being treated better than Crystal is right now.
I understand that Crystal misses her dog, because that's a very respectable, human reaction. But to go back to Hef and demand her pet back when she's the one who screwed him over? Not so much. Who knows, though. Maybe this is just a publicity stunt on Crystal's part to remind people of her song Club Queen so she can make some cash.
at December 31, 2011 69 comments:
Labels: girls next door
Scott Disick Reportedly Wants to Leave Kourtney Kardashian
Scott Disick reportedly wants out of Kardashian-land. Rumor has it that he wants to move across the country and away from girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian, son Mason Disick and his and Kourtney's unborn child.
While Scott and Kourtney's tumultuous relationship may seem to be the reason for the split, I have another theory: Scott wants out of Kardashian-land now that the family is the subject of public ridicule and their popularity is sinking.
Between Kim's 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries, the accusations that the failing Kardashian Kollection from Sears is comprised of copy-cat fashion, the allegations that the Kardashians' companies use sweatshop labor and the ridiculous nail polish names in their new collection (Kim-pletely in Love, Listen to your Momager!), Scott probably wants out...and who can blame him?
I don't think there's any denying that Scott enjoyed the fame he got by being associated with the Kardashians. And he probably stayed with Kourtney as long as he did because of it. After all, he rakes in cash from the Kardashian TV shows, and I'm sure he makes loads of cash from other venues that wouldn't be available if not for the fame-whoring family. That being said, the Kardashian fame-meter is heading south, and Scott probably realizes that it's time to jump ship.
I think Scott can probably continue his television / media based work if he breaks away from the Kardashians now. He can probably host a daytime TV show or something. Eventually, if it works, he'll have his own identity aside from being a Kardashian groupie and will gain fame in his own right.
Scott seems to really care about his son and Kourtney, but the fact that his whole life is a reality TV show, and likely a soon to be failing one, can put a lot of pressure on him. I would never want to see a family break apart, but I can certainly understand Scott's concerns about remaining associated with one of America's most fame-whoring families.
at December 26, 2011 3 comments:
Labels: reality news
Toddlers and Tiaras: America's Ultimate Beauty Pageant
This week on Toddlers and Tiaras, we met AnnaBella, a girl with a sassy attitude. We also met Alexes, a blonde who's appalled by the idea of practicing for pageants. Additionally we were reunited with SamiJo, whose mom has since gotten a boob reduction so she too could compete in pageants and wants to be in a lingerie football league.
Before we met the pageant girls, we met Tonya Bailey, the pageant director of America's Ultimate Beauties in Texas. She brought up the idea that people criticize pageants for being abusive, but she said that the same can be said for girls in gymnastics...and those girls don't eat. She followed that with, "At least these girls get a Pixi Stick!" A flawed argument, for sure, but at least she was funny.
SamiJo's mom, Tricia, said she wanted a daughter so she could put her in pageants. She also wanted to name her America so she could be called Miss America. I'm not a huge fan of the name SamiJo, but the whole Miss America thing was a bit of a stretch, so I suppose the girl got lucky. I hate to say it (sort of), but I just don't see SamiJo as a pageant girl.
AnnaBella, despite the ridiculous capital letter in the middle of her name, was a cool kid. She was fun, spunky and seemed to actually want to be in pageants. Plus, despite her spunky personality, AnnaBella seemed to maintain a humble, normal personality. When describing her closet, she said she has a fab side (pageant wear) and a drab side (everything else). And, the girl actually likes wearing a flipper!
Alexes is a beautiful child, but she too fell victim to a badly spelled name. Her name, which seems to be pronounced like Alexis, looks like it's supposed to be pronounced in the way that I'd say more than one Alex...Alexes. Like, the es in the word trances or something. The girl was clearly in the running to be one of the 'I throw the most temper tantrums!' winners in all of Toddlers and Tiaras. The girl is smart, though - when mom tried to tell her that pageants are fun, she straight up told her no, they aren't.
The beauty competition was first. We were told that the judges were looking for a 'facially gifted' child - AKA a pretty girl. One of the judges told us that she was looking for a girl who she'd want to take home and put on a shelf.
Not to be without drama, SamiJo had a dress emergency. One of the sleeves on her dress wasn't properly attached and had to be removed. This, of course, was made into a big dramatic scene. SamiJo went first of the featured girls. I will admit - she had an adorable onstage personality. She jumped around but it was cute. Still, I don't think her facial beauty can measure up to some of the pageant girls.
Alexes was next. Her look and outfit were fantastic, but her onstage performance was atrocious. She did so mething that looked like a mini-hoedown with no personality on her face. Annabella followed and did perfect. She is poised, beautiful and has a flawless pageant personality. In my opinion, she'd be tough to beat in beauty.
American Wear was the next competition. SamiJo wore a dress that was not terribly flattering, in my opinion, and was too long. The length of the dress and her lack of focus (she's young - who can blame her?) caused her to fall onstage. She then fell again...and again. It was a mess. I do give mom Tricia credit - she was great to SamiJo afterwards and didn't blame her at all for the wardrobe malfunction. Alexes was dressed as Sandy from Grease. Her routine was adorable at first, although a three year old wearing red heels and a tight outfit was a bit disturbing. Unfortunately, Alexes got distracted by the spinning wheel on the side of her Shake Shack prop and spun it repeatedly. On a good note, her parents were also good about her less than stellar performance. AnnaBella, again, was awesome. She was Elvis and her performance was perfect.
Crowning
2 - 3 Year Old Division:
Divisional Queen: Brooke
Division Queen: Alyssa
Overall Titles:
American Wear: Alexes
Novice Supreme: Kiersten
Beauty Photo Supreme: SamiJo
Grand Supreme: Aishlynn
Ultimate Grand Supreme: AnnaBella - and she TOTALLY deserved it.
Labels: toddlers and tiaras
Tough Love Miami: Reunion Special
The Tough Love Miami reunion brought us back to the Tough Love girls eight months after the show was filmed.
Steve started by saying that Chasity had been less than honest and was first to hit the hot seat. He also called her out on her new boob job. We then saw the scene from Tough Love where Chasity said she'd stop go-go dancing. She said she's only danced twice since the show. She said her date from the show wasn't her boyfriend and can't control her, and she still aspires to be in Playboy. After that, Chasity's mom came onstage. Her mom, and Steve, called Chasity out because she wants to be a child psychologist, but she can't achieve that goal if she's been naked on the internet - she'll make herself impossible to hire.
Christine came next. She had a fake tattoo of date Frank's name on her arm. She finally seemed real on the reunion - not a pageant girl at all, but a girl with real feelings and emotions. Joann Ward said she wasn't sure where the relationship would go, and the girls seemed distrusting of Frank due to their rough patches. Frank, when he went onstage, said that once he and Christine got past some hurdles, their relationship became very solid. Christine then gave her promise ring to Frank.
Claudia was third. She's been dating a guy she met through a family member. He was in the audience and came on stage, and both Claudia and her date seemed to truly respect each other - Claudia even told her date she was in love with him and gave him her promise ring.
After being introduced as the girl who was desperate to settle down, Brigette was called to the hot seat. After boot camp, Anthony went to visit Brigette, and she realized it wouldn't work out. Anthony psychoanalyzed everything she did, called Brigette's mom if she didn't answer her phone, etc. While Anthony wasn't live in the studio, he was brought up live on video chat. Anthony tried to defend himself, and Brigette got mad - she said she was glad that Anthony was nowhere near her. She begged Steve to take him off the screen because he always degraded her. Brigette then asked for her promise ring back and Anthony said he'd mail it back. Brigette claimed that Anthony had an alternate personality for the cameras and was awful when offscreen. Brigette also said she has a new boyfriend now and they're taking it slow...and she realizes that things aren't perfect, but they are good.
Liz Richards was next...and if you recall, she wasn't on Tough Love Miami. She was on the second season of Tough Love. After a montage of her Tough Love experience, she came onstage looking completely different. She said she and her Tough Love date didn't last, but that was okay because she realized that her date wasn't what she wanted. She realized that you can put up a lot of criteria for a man, but criteria isn't what matters - it's finding someone who's right for you. She's also now married to a man named Andy and showed everyone that boot camp does work.
Avonte was next, and she said she's been supporting date Eric in his goal to become a singer. That being said, she's been dating, in her words, a few athletes. Eric was brought out next and told Avonte that he has nothing to prove by way of his career and actions. Joann said that Eric's a great guy and she has plenty of women for him. It sounded like Avonte was full of excuses for her actions, saying Eric lived too far away, yet she was non-exclusively dating an athlete in Denver. Arguments started until Joann stepped in...it seems like the girls were upset by Avonte's lack of improvement.
Next was Leilani, who's still with George. The pair does fight, and Joann said their fights seem superficial. George came out and the pair said that they're good for each other even though they fight. George has asked Leilani to move to Miami to be with him, but she says she's not ready.
Michelle went after Leilani. If you recall, she and date Sam did really well on the show, but things didn't seem to be so great when the reunion aired. Michelle got teary-eyed during her talk because while she was thrilled to be with Sam, she found out he had a girlfriend. He flew out to see Michelle, and while she wanted to be angry, she realized she really cared about him and forgave him. She said she still thinks about him all the time. As a surprise, Steve brought Sam out, and Michelle was shocked. Steve asked why Sam was there, and he said he wanted to see Michelle. He apologized and said he wants to spend more time with her. Michelle was really smart at this point - she asked Sam if she should believe him. He said his past relationship was over, and Steve offered to pay for the pair to have dinner. Michelle looked so happy. YEA Michelle!!!
Steve thanked the women for participating in his Tough Love boot camp, and let us know that there will, in fact, be another Tough Love boot camp in the future.
Labels: tough love
Guest Post: A Live Toddlers & Tiaras Experience
This is a very special post for Less Than Reality. It's written by guest blogger Oceane, who writes the Toddlers and Tiaras blog, and runs the online photo contest Child Beauty Queenz. Check out her sites and give this a read.
For anyone familiar with child beauty pageants, the Universal Royalty Beauty Pageant may ring a bell. It has been featured multiple times on Toddlers & Tiaras, and has had the 2 biggest child beauty queen competitors; Eden Wood and Makenzie Myers. Being an avid watcher of Toddlers & Tiaras and owner of the Tiara Toddlers blog, I couldn't resist watching the pageant myself. It was the National pageant and not far from my house, so I went with a couple of friends and observed.
Annette Hill, the director of Universal Royalty Pageant was very strict on the rules. It was being filmed for Toddlers & Tiaras and she wanted a good reputation, so she made sure everyone attending (including parents and siblings) were dressed formally, and there were no over-the-top (think Mia as Madonna , Maddy as Dolly Parton or Paisley as a prostitute) inappropriate outfits. There were a few families being filmed, one of them being Mia Spargo. I recognized a lot of girls from Toddlers & Tiaras such as Meaghan Jones, Kailia Deliz, Kayla Hatton, Brooke McClung, Chloe Stacy and Zanna Brewer. The three categories were beauty, celebrity wear and talent.
Kayla was fabulous. Age appropriate? Not quite. Zanna's outfit was a bit iffy as well but you could tell she loved pageants. In fact, just by looking at the girl's performances you can tell you likes the pageants and who don't. The question is; are pageants really like the ones we see on Toddlers & Tiaras? Decide for yourself, but here are a few things I saw.
Aishlynn's (another girl who was featured on T&T) mom was bad mouthing a lot of other contestants. I couldn't quite make out everything she was saying but there was a lot of gossiping going on between her and some other moms. In the adult division, one woman seemed to be more of a beginner. All around me I could hear people making fun of her. One girl who looked about the age of 8 had just finished her routine and went to find her mom. Her mom scolded her and told her she'd messed up, leaving the little girl in tears. Her father picked her up and told her she did a good job.
I saw almost all of the performances, but I was very surprised with the outcome. My pick for the ultimate would have been Zanna though she did not even receive a supreme title. The winner, once again was Meaghan. Funny how this is the third time she won the ultimate at Universal Royalty isn't it? Meaghan was good, but she wasn't the best. In my opinion (and many others) the pageant was rigged. Chloe only got cover model though she deserved another title. Kayla, who was fabulous for her age didn't supreme either.
Mia Spargo's parents were also unhappy with the outcome. Mia had once again won novice supreme but she only received a sash and money; no trophy, no crown and no teddy bear, which was guaranteed to come with her title. It seems a little sketchy that Meaghan always wins the ultimate at this pageant. What do I think? I think Annette Hill is brainwashing these moms. Annette has two daughters of her own who have never competed in pageants. Weird, isn't it? Annette makes tons of money off these moms with her pageant, and is well aware that pageants are a waste of money.
On top of this sketchy incident, last season showed Eden vs Makenzie. Both were nearly as good as each other. One judge preferred Eden, the other preferred Makenzie and the third liked both. Yet Eden won Grand Supreme and Makenzie got the lowest title. A bit strange, isn't it.
I can't speak for all pageants, but as far as Universal Royalty goes, I think it's rigged. The same girl can't win every time, especially when she isn't the best. This pageant will air on Toddlers & Tiaras in January or February, so be sure to watch it!
Toddlers and Tiaras: Island of Dreams Pageant
This week's pageant was the Island of Dreams pageant, a full glitz, tropical themed pageant in Michigan.
First up was mom Kelly and 23 month old Natalie. Kelly is addicted to winning pageants. She doesn't know if her daughter likes them, but Kelly certainly does.
At 23 months old, Natalie prepared for her first spray tan. She cried. Later, mom put Natalie's pageant outfit on and again, Natalie cried. I think you're seeing the pattern.
Second was mom Ally and daughter Samara. This was my favorite pair in the pageants. Mom loves heavy metal music, has lots of tattoos and used to sing in a Christian heavy metal band. Samara tends to place either very high or low in pageants because she doesn't have the typical pageant girl look, according to her mom.
Samara goes onstage herself at pageants, which is not the case for many girls in the two year old division. That being said, it doesn't mean mom wasn't nervous about it - Samara either acts great or does her "chookey moves," which is her way of saying weird movements.
Third was Cadence and grandma Debbie. Debbie's daughter and older granddaughter did pageants before Cadence did. Debbie is serious about pageants. She talks very matter-of-factly about them and makes it clear that to win, girls need everything from spray tans to heavy makeup to tons of practice.
Natalie went first in beauty. She did well...at first. Then, she fell forward with her butt towards the audience and started crying. Mom said that judges had already seen Natalie's personality, so the fall shouldn't hurt her score. I'm not sure I agree. Samara was next. She was adorable on stage. She had a genuine smile and showed a lot of personality. However, things went downhill when she started prancing around and doing her chookey moves. Cadence followed, but not without some pressure from grandma Debbie. Grandma's pressure must have worked because Cadence was perfectly poised. Grandma was still critical.
Next we saw Island Wear. As usual, Natalie cried. She had good reason - her costume was uncomfortable - but the crying seemed to become quite a habit with this girl. Fortunately, Natalie pulled it together when she was onstage. Samara, again, was adorable. Cadence kept her smile perfect onstage, but her routine felt a little rushed to me. She moved very quickly.
All girls were crowned at least at the princess level. The pageant tried something different: girls crowned as princesses could still be pulled for a supreme title.
0 - 23 Month Division:
Princesses: Mckenzie, Talia, Natalie
Queen: Jaylie
At this point, mom Kelly got angry and stormed out. She told her husband to leave the crown since she'd rather have no crown than a princess crown. I guess she missed the memo about placing for princess and still having the chance for a higher title. When Kelly was alerted of the titling process, she was appalled and didn't want to go back in.
2 Year Division:
Princesses: Cassie, Savannah, Samara
Queen: Lillian
7 - 8 Year Division:
Princesses: Isabella Jane and Gabby
Queen: Cadence (Grandma was upset that she didn't place higher.)
Supreme Titles:
Novice Supreme: Natalie (Fortunately, dad was still at the pageant with Natalie to bring her onstage.)
Grand Supreme: Samara (YEA Samara!)
Lowe's Pulls Ads from All American Muslim: My Reaction
If you go to Lowe's website, the slogan at the top is "never stop improving." Lowe's should take a cue from their own slogan and improve their attitude towards diversity.
Lowe's recently pulled their ads from the TLC show All American Muslim. However, the company claims to be committed to diversity and inclusion. This hardly matches up. Lowe's claims their decision to pull ads from All American Muslim was based on feedback from various groups. That being said, did they think their decision wouldn't cause more negative feedback?
I think Lowe's acted in a cowardly manner by pulling their ads from All American Muslim. Why? Because they were perfectly happy advertising on the show until people protested. Then, they were more than willing to pull their ads away from a show that portrays happy, normal American people. All American Muslim is a positive show. It's goal is to portray people who are living the American dream that happen to be Muslim. There's no doubt that there's still sensitivity from 9-11, but this show lets us know that many people of the Muslim faith are great people with strong moral values.
I'm not going to say I've watched much of the show, but I have watched some, and I enjoyed it. Plus, it's much more friendly than shows like Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Jersey Shore. Pulling ads from All American Muslim sends the completely wrong message to society when advertisers are clamoring for space on shows that are much more damaging to society.
I am 100% for All American Muslim being on TV, and I think Lowe's made a huge mistake by pulling their ads from the show.
Tough Love Miami Season Finale
On the season finale of Tough Love Miami, the girls had to decide what to do with their promise rings.
Needless to say, nerves were running high. Avonte wasn't sure what to do. Christine talked about what a big deal it is to give someone a ring. Brigette actually spoke rationally about relationships, showing what a long way she's come since the beginning of Tough Love boot camp.
Michelle, a fitness fanatic who used to be into bad boys, went first. Michelle told her date Sam that he's shown her what she really values from a relationship and thinks that he's incredible. She handed Sam her promise ring. Sam said it means a lot, then said the word "unfortunately," which made tensions run high. However, he followed it up by saying that it was unfortunate that he met Michelle so late in the competition and would love to see her again. (Go, Michelle!) Steve asked Michelle if she's ready for love, and she said that she is.
Chasity was second. She spoke to her date Al. First, though, she talked to Steve about who she is - which is more than just the dancer that she originally thought she was. Chasity made a great choice - she told Al that she wants to keep seeing him, but she's keeping her promise ring to remind herself of the changes she's made for herself, not for a man.
Leilani was third. She and her date George caught up and discussed the promise ring. Leilani gave George the promise ring and said it stands for real promises - she promised to make time to go and see George after boot camp. George was happy to accept the ring.
Next, a special guest was brought in: Claudia, who left boot camp early to address her past. She looked happy and let the girls know she was doing well.
Jane came up after Claudia. She admitted that boot camp meant a lot to her. She read a letter to the girls telling them that they are beautiful and how much they mean to her. After that, her date Allen came out. Remember, this was her boyfriend / hookup before she went to boot camp. Jane said she realized how much Allen wants to be with her, but kept the promise ring for herself. Still, she promised Allen that she wants to work on their relationship.
After Jane came Brigette. She was very torn on what to do with her promise ring: give it to date Anthony or keep it for herself. She noted that as soon as her turn to present the ring came, she knew what she had to do. Brigette began by thanking Anthony for sharing the journey with her, but said that she doesn't want to rush anything. She did give Anthony the ring, but with the promise of taking the relationship slowly.
Avonte followed, and Donald, the man who helped her grow as a person, came out of the limo to see her. She thanked him for allowing her to have an amazing journey at boot camp. Next, Eric came out as the person that Avonte connected with. She said that she's happy to have met Eric because he's a great match, and she's going to give Eric her promise ring because she believes in them.
Christine and date Frank were next. Christine complimented their connection and said that she initially didn't want to give Frank her ring. However, she did say that she could eventually see the pair giving each other real rings. She said she was going to keep her promise ring for her daughter. She showed Frank the book she's been keeping in which she wrote about their dates, and Frank said they'd need a lot more books for their future.
This was a great end to a great season of Tough Love Miami. Steve told the women that he was so pleased with all of them. He then thanked his mom, and Joanne also spoke to the women, telling them that they are special. And with that, Tough Love Miami concluded.
at December 12, 2011 1 comment:
Toddlers and Tiaras Season Premiere: Glitzmas!
Toddlers and Tiaras was back this week on TLC. The kids and moms on the show were as ridiculous as ever. For example, one mom compared pageants to dog shows, and a mom that had kids just to put them in pageants took pageant inspiration from drag shows.
This pageant was Southern Celebrity - New Jersey Glitzmas. The contestants had to dress in holiday colors for the Christmas theme, and the pageant was full glitz. According to the pageant director, many kids came from out of state for this New Jersey pageant, which doesn't surprise me.
Bob and Riley
First we met Katie, mom of Bob, 6, and Riley, 5, of Williamstown, NJ. Both participate in pageants. Riley had done over 75 pageants, but this would be her first glitz pageant. Bob also participates in pageants. In fact, Katie was disappointed when she found out she was having a boy because she wanted a pageant queen. Even though her first born was male, son Bob went through a phase where he wore dresses and insisted he was a girl.
Riley said that when she loses a pageant, her heart is very small and black. That's a bit intense for a five year old. Mom also had a strange attitude...she got mad when her husband told Riley to make funny faces because it takes her out of pageant mode.
Bob had a tail on the back of his hair, and mom Katie put beads on it. They plan to keep growing the tail until Bob's done with it, at which point it'll go into Katie's jewelry box. (This tail wasn't well received by the judges.)
The family took cues from drag queens, using learnings from drag shows to create pageant moves. The parents even took the kids to drag shows.
Before Riley went onstage for beauty, mom was clearly nervous because this was their first glitz pageant. However, Riley did great. She stumbled a little, and her moves weren't perfect, but she had a natural charm. Bob didn't seem to have the same natural talent of his sister...he looked a bit terrified and stared at his mom for direction.
Riley's Glitzmaswear was a mess. She looked like she had a great time and the judges smiled, but all she did was run back and forth across the stage. When Bob went on, he looked kind of crazy...and I think he was wearing the same costume as Riley wore.
Riley's talent was to do some hand movements while standing still in a cowboy outfit...it was hardly a talent. Bob did not do a talent. Alexis performed her talent after Riley to a Ru Paul song, and Katie was mad because her husband talked her into using a mainstream song, not one by an artist like Ru Paul.
Lauren, mom of Laila, 3, from Montebello, NY, was next. Mom said "Laila grew up doing pageants" which kind of ages the 3 year old. Lauren puts a high value on money - she pays for Laila to have the absolute best for her pageant appearances.
When Laila hit the stage for beauty, she had great poise for a three year old. Her moves were perfect and her pacing was great. That being said, her smile was a bit weak.
For Glitzmaswear, Laila dressed up as a Rockette. The outfit was cute, but a little too revealing for a three year old. She did great on stage, though, and looked like she had a fantastic time.
Laila's talent was ballet. She was really good, especially for a girl her age. Laila and mom made up the routine as they went along, and for an ad-hoc routine, it went really well. However, when she got offstage, Laila cried.
Anna-Maria, a 9 year old self-proclaimed drama queen, was next. She and mom Crystal are from Chester, PA. Anna-Maria is a genuinely beautiful girl. She also seems like she genuinely enjoys pageants.
Crystal's husband (Anna Maria's dad) doesn't think Anna Maria should be in pageants, and the pair even separated once because of the disagreement. Fortunately, they reconciled, but pageants still strain their relationship. Despite that, Anna Maria has everything she needs for pageants, even a coach named Ryann.
Anna-Maria faced some tough competition at the pageant: a girl, Maya, who looked very similar to her. They even wore the same color dress (white). Both Maya and Anna Maria did great - they were both very polished, although Anna was a bit sassier. It was noted that Anna may lose points for her dress not being a perfect cupcake style; it was a dress her mom designed.
Maya's Glitzmaswear was intense; she did a lot of gymnastic-type moves. Anna-Maria didn't have as much technical stuff, but her attitude and spirit were great. Unfortunately, she was negatively affected when the person who was supposed to throw snow on the stage didn't, and it made her routine messy.
Anna-Maria hula hooped for her talent. She did some tricks, but the routine didn't seem like it would make her stand out much. Especially against Maya, who did a crazy gymnastics routine.
3 Year Olds:
Celebrity Beauty: Courtney
Celebrity Division Queen: Amara
Contestants to come back for a higher title: Laila
Little Boys:
Celebrity Supreme King: Bob
Petite Miss:
Most Beautiful: Alexis
Talent: Alexis
Supreme Queen: Riley
Junior Miss:
Most Beautiful: Myah
Miss Personality: Anna-Maria
Celebrity Supreme Queen: Emily
Contestants to come back for a higher title: Myah and Anna-Maria
Supremes:
Talent Supreme: Anna-Maria
0-6 Grand Supreme: Laila
Ultimate Grand Supreme: Myah
I think Myah deserved Grand Supreme, although I also think Anna-Maria did great in the pageant.
The Week in Review: Michelle Duggar, Teen Mom 2 and Supernanny
Despite the fact that I was in the 'Michelle Duggar should stop having kids' camp, my sympathies go out to the Duggar family after Michelle's recent miscarriage. That being said, I hope Josie's premature birth and this occasion help Michelle and Jim Bob realize that 19 kids are enough. It's understandable to want a large family, but once your kids start having kids, it may be time to take a step back, enjoy the kids you have, and enjoy being a grandmother. Besides, the older kids are already raising the younger ones...at least give them a break. If the Duggars still don't believe in birth control, perhaps abstinence would be a good idea at this time.
Teen Mom 2 is back on MTV, and it's the same old stuff as last season. Kailyn dates Jordan, Leah and Corey are tumultuous, Jenelle dates Keiffer again and learns nothing, and Chelsea falls for Adam yet again. I'm sure the show will be on the air for many more seasons because people (myself included) keep watching, but it's so played out. I can't keep watching Jenelle fall for Keiffer and Chelsea fall for Adam.
I watched America's Supernanny, and it's hardly riveting...but I do like the supernanny that the show chose. Her name is Deborah Tillman, and she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to childcare. I like that she's got more attitude than the previous television nannies - she tells it like it is. That being said, the concept is so played out, and despite the fact that Lifetime tried to be edgy by featuring a lesbian family, a nanny show is still a nanny show, and it's hardly exciting.
Khloe Kardashian was sued for shoving a transgendered woman a few years ago. This isn't surprising, considering the Kardashians are hardly known for making great decisions, but Khloe's supposed to be the most rational, or so I thought. On another Kardashian note, I tried to see if I could look past the Kardashian name and like the Kardashian Kollection at Sears...and I can't. Super tacky, much like the Kardashians themselves. And, aside from that, they were accused of copying designs from actual designers, which only makes everything worse. Not kool, Kardashians.
Update: Khloe is now getting fertility treatments to have a baby. Good luck, Khloe!
Hulk Hogan and ex-wife Linda Bollea are still at war. Linda was given 70% of Hulk Hogan's assets in their divorce, per Perez Hilton, and claims that Hulk had frequent affairs with men. Hulk, of course, is mad about this and is trying to get Linda to shut up by way of a lawsuit. Classy, classy family.
Labels: 19 kids and counting, random, reality news, teen mom
Tough Love Miami: The Hot Seat Continues and The Cruises Begin
At the beginning of tonight's Tough Love Miami (12/4/11), we heard Christine's ex-husband tell us that the reason their marriage fell apart is because Christine cheated.
Upon hearing the video of Christine's ex Josh's confession, we finally saw some real emotion from Christine. She broke down. She started crying because she felt that Josh pushed her into the arms of another man. Christine said that her cheating was in part her fault, but part of it was Josh's fault for making her feel unwanted. Steve lectured Christine about how she should have ended the relationship with her husband before she cheated (since she was the one who filed for divorce in the end). Christine knew that she should have, but said her relationship moved too fast. She then cried about how she was supposed to be Mrs. Iowa (AKA a perfect beauty queen) and her life was really a mess.
After that confrontation, the mood immediately lightened because Steve told the girls that they'd be going on overnight dates...on a cruise to the Bahamas. Of course, no date is simple, and Steve gave each of the girls a mission for the cruise.
Brigette was told to analyze her thoughts for Anthony and where she wants the relationship to go.
Leilani was told to think about her relationship with George and if it can survive.
Christine was told to be forthcoming with Frank about her needs in a relationship.
Avonte was told to keep her guard down.
Chasity, who was going on the cruise with Al, was told to tell him what kind of relationship she wants.
Michelle was told that she would go on the cruise with Sam, who was not the bad boy she's used to.
Jane was told to try to resolve her feelings for Allen once and for all.
Here's what happened on the cruise:
Al made it clear to Chasity that he wanted to continue to see her, and she wanted the same, but Al wasn't opening up to her. Chasity began to talk to Al about what was bothering her, and he responded positively, strengthening their relationship.
Christine took her opportunity to open up to Frank. She explained what happened in her past relationship and what she needed. Frank was completely open to being the man Christine wanted.
Michelle and Sam went snorkeling and kayaking, and Michelle was committed to making this date better than their first, where her ex was present. And she did! Michelle and Sam shared a kiss, and later in the confessional, Michelle couldn't stop smiling. She told Sam about her past relationship issues, which he accepted, and decided that she wanted to move forward with him.
Avonte opened up and shared her feelings without being aggressive. However, she started to doubt her date because he didn't have a stable life plan. Later, she realized that her date could be a great guy for her, even if he doesn't have everything she originally wanted.
At first, Jane looked genuinely happy and enjoyed her time on the cruise with her date. However, later, Jane focused on the past and spent time dwelling on past problems. She later turned things around and discussed her desires in a healthy way. Jane was honest with herself - she kept an open mind about her relationship - but admitted it may not be what she wants.
Brigette and Anthony had a blast together at first, but then Brigette realized something - she doesn't know all she needs to know about Anthony. They may not be as compatible as she originally thought. She also realized she hadn't gotten to know basic facts about Anthony, and the relationship may have moved too fast. When Anthony talked about moving the relationship forward, Brigette realized she may have to pull back.
That was it for part one of the Tough Love season finale. Next week, the season will close up and we'll learn what happens with the girls' promise rings.
Hanson Is Coming Out With a Beer - MMMHop!
Isaac, Taylor and Zac Hanson, now several years away from their smash hit MMMBop and their childhood in the spotlight, are entering a new market...and this one's alcoholic.
The Hanson brothers, formerly known for their bubblegum pop music and being mistaken for girls, have decided to create an IPA beer for their now over-21 fans. The IPA, which will hit the market in 2012, will be called MMMHop. If you were a pre-teen or something like it in the 90's, you get the reference.
The fact that Hanson's coming out with a beer is surprising, and also surprising is the fact that they're willing to reference their first hit single in the name. I feel like they've come such a long way from being the MMMBop band. Now they are involved with charitable work, have toured with their much more grown-up music and have even branched out into non-Hanson-family ventures, like Taylor Hanson being a part of Tinted Windows. To be fair, though, calling the beer MMMHop will garner lots of media attention that it wouldn't get if it wasn't equated with Hanson. And, the guys say that it's all part of their Hanson brand building.
I wonder if the fact the beer is Hanson branded will help or hurt its sales. I'm sure Hanson fans will buy it because it's a Hanson beer, but will those who were appalled by MMMBop and I'll Be With You In Your Dreams be willing to take the plunge into a Hanson-branded product? Will grown men be embarrassed to drink the brew even if it's good? I guess only time will tell. I can tell you this - I can't stand beer and I'll definitely be giving MMMHop a try.
Check out Amazon for some Hanson memories:
Just a note in case any Hanson PR people read this: I'm a Hanson fan! I'd love to try the new beer and review it for the blog. I'll also have people who really like beer try it so we can all offer opinions. :) Email lessthanrealityblog@gmail.com.
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