tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36496254931486414182024-03-18T21:21:08.066-07:00Stacy Green - Turning The PageI write about the creeps that prowl on the fringes of society. I blog about a little bit of everything!Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-61085851348373513012011-10-27T06:37:00.000-07:002011-10-27T06:38:19.654-07:00Thriller Thursday: Tuberculosis TerrorDon't forget to update your links and follow status to Turning The Page's new home. I'll be deleting this site soon!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/2011/10/28/thriller-thursday-tuberculosis-terror/">Thriller Thursday: Tuberculosis Terror</a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-35800610666713031932011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-21T06:02:33.793-07:00Thriller Thursday Welcomes Allison BrennanI'm excited to bring you my interview with Allison Brennan at the new blog. Please update your links and follow status so you don't miss updates. Thanks!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/2011/10/21/thriller-thursday-welcomes-allison-brennan/">New York Times Best Selling Author Allison Brennan talks plotting, being a writing mom, and how new authors need to approach the changing industry. </a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-62591828643994455652011-10-13T08:39:00.000-07:002011-10-13T08:40:56.900-07:00Thriller Thursday: Deepest Circle of HellDon't forget Turning The Page has moved! Please update your bookmarks, links, and follow status.<div><br /></div><div>Here's the link to today's <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/2011/10/14/thriller-thursday-the-deepest-circle-of-hell/">Thriller Thursday: The Deepest Circle of Hell</a></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-81128249011452710882011-10-10T06:43:00.001-07:002011-10-10T06:45:13.348-07:00Manic Monday: Old Lady Flips Me Off - A True StoryDon't forget Turning The Page Has MOVED. Please update your links and follow the new blog for updates. <div><br /></div><div>You can find today's Manic Monday post about <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/2011/10/11/manic-monday-old-lady-flips-me-off/">angry grandma's here</a>. </div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-50762816093417564362011-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:002011-10-08T07:45:00.656-07:00Saturday Mash-UpIn honor of the <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/2011/10/ive-moved.html">BIG MOVE</a>, I'm posting a special Saturday Mash-Up at the new blog. Some really funny and inspirational links included. Please stop by and update your links and follow me for updates. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/2011/10/09/special-saturday-mash-up-for-you/">Saturday Mash-Up at Turning The Page</a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-2069895040736694672011-10-06T12:35:00.000-07:002011-10-07T17:45:19.914-07:00I'VE MOVED!!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJFjijdyFz0cENfRmcEmvUiraVqaqdU3YMawA9t9-ShQYoACrk91lP_yx1rNdfnYaWxP_KRC2nP4138BYdndq4rMKVHQdRf-0ujH9vYJygXNKEzzRCR0a-3WQ64AISDhg-ECcvZtRpRk/s1600/moving-truck.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJFjijdyFz0cENfRmcEmvUiraVqaqdU3YMawA9t9-ShQYoACrk91lP_yx1rNdfnYaWxP_KRC2nP4138BYdndq4rMKVHQdRf-0ujH9vYJygXNKEzzRCR0a-3WQ64AISDhg-ECcvZtRpRk/s320/moving-truck.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660915919770889938" /></a><br />Hello all! After seeing how few responses the past few posts were getting and yet seeing the page view go up, I started investigating. Turns out a lot of people were having trouble leaving comments on Blogger, and I'm not the only one. So I finally bit the bullet and transferred the site to Wordpress. Still working out the kinks, but all the posts are there, including today's Thriller Thursday post. <div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Please come follow me at my new <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.com/">home</a></span></b>! </div><div><br /></div><div>http://stacygreenauthor.com/</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks!</div><div><br /></div><div>--Stacy</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-38798062736715432312011-10-05T11:50:00.001-07:002011-10-06T06:58:12.284-07:00Thriller Thursday: The Courtesy Due My Rank, a Civil War Murder<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymDbYjDepNL7DSDMj6ka3-pmwTwAxUNHM655onnykVw6E43b-BdX0QzuN3ilI5gd2l7ZJJD2VL9uzcJqnp5EbVr88OHUvUxIHBVUIIk7OaUuVvmsGVjh1sgxeecIPkqPsZ790tnDWIfA/s1600/470px-Jefferson_C._Davis.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymDbYjDepNL7DSDMj6ka3-pmwTwAxUNHM655onnykVw6E43b-BdX0QzuN3ilI5gd2l7ZJJD2VL9uzcJqnp5EbVr88OHUvUxIHBVUIIk7OaUuVvmsGVjh1sgxeecIPkqPsZ790tnDWIfA/s320/470px-Jefferson_C._Davis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660082533144746642" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>General Davis, Circa 1862.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Along with my love of suspense, true crime, and thrillers, Civil War history is another favorite, so today we're talking about a Civil War murder committed by Jefferson Davis.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">No, not THE Jefferson Davis, the one and only President of the Confederate States of America, but Jefferson C. Davis, an officer in the United States Army. Davis served in the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and the <a href="http://www.militarymuseum.org/Modoc1.html">Modoc War</a>. A proven soldier, Davis was inside the walls of Fort Sumter in 1861 when the rebels fired the first shots. A tenacious soldier, he was appointed Brigadier General of Volunteers in 1862. Despite his distinguished history, Davis is remembered for the similarity of his name to President Jefferson Davis and for murdering a superior officer during the Civil War.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In 1862, exhausted and emaciated, Davis left the Army on sick leave but returned to defend Cincinnati, Ohio. He soon found himself in Louisville, Kentucky reporting to Maj. General William Nelson.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Davis was a quiet man, but he was stubborn and known to have a temper. A biographer once described Davis as "aggressive, feisty, and confrontational with a fiery and combative spirit." Small and compact, Davis knew how to handle himself in a fight.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwkacm5zD-ILepTEburSOOCnY8-BxYjfZ_sAk45nBlQfsXo99irnZDv17ur5jLxlfpdv6msuzE0wc4ufgSBG-mNfEsZqmPqyQC9IHluYmblCihyphenhyphenSJ6JBbKBMJ1Dt9q0ZGhu9JpvLQ_ys/s1600/800px-William_Tecumseh_Sherman_and_staff_-_Brady-Handy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwkacm5zD-ILepTEburSOOCnY8-BxYjfZ_sAk45nBlQfsXo99irnZDv17ur5jLxlfpdv6msuzE0wc4ufgSBG-mNfEsZqmPqyQC9IHluYmblCihyphenhyphenSJ6JBbKBMJ1Dt9q0ZGhu9JpvLQ_ys/s320/800px-William_Tecumseh_Sherman_and_staff_-_Brady-Handy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660088780320794242" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Jefferson C. Davis, standing second from right, with General Sherman and his staff.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In contrast, Maj. General William Nelson was over six foot tall and weighed around 300 pounds—no small feat in the lean days of the Civil War. Four years older than Davis, Nelson had gotten his start as a midshipman in the Navy and then quickly rose to rank during the Civil War. Known to be a bully, Nelson had been nicknamed "Bull" during his Navy days. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXqduBUOumIz_KqhA2jvZcm02fpCamBh9ZEBlHjtfe4PcGY2JuswnZKmAIMiT-V1zy9760W-hn1MQk6hqweIVhol0iC0hg8MEEE3RgQy43Q3MwxZV6zu6f_UVZnzjYXHmESa3udM7fqw/s1600/Major+General+William+Nelson.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXqduBUOumIz_KqhA2jvZcm02fpCamBh9ZEBlHjtfe4PcGY2JuswnZKmAIMiT-V1zy9760W-hn1MQk6hqweIVhol0iC0hg8MEEE3RgQy43Q3MwxZV6zu6f_UVZnzjYXHmESa3udM7fqw/s320/Major+General+William+Nelson.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660091783697096354" style="cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 320px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Major General William Nelson.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Not exactly a match made in heaven.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px; ">Davis was an Indiana boy, and Nelson a staunch Kentuckian. The two states didn't get along, and Nelson often referred to Hoosiers as "poor trash." A veteran soldier, Davis resented reporting to a man who'd only recently been given command of troops. Nelson ordered Davis to organize and train the "home guard," an assignment Davis would have been insulted by.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">It didn't take long for the two men to clash. When Davis reported to Nelson at the Galt House, a fancy hotel serving as Army offices and Nelson's quarters, the Maj. General asked Davis for the number of troops gathered and how many weapons they needed. After only two days on the job, Davis later said he couldn't possibly have answered differently. Nelson was furious.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVdfirywNw2szXYzs6I9IbeoUIvkfpOUpF9PtQiNGejk2655pDN5I9FHp8YN_Niz52nwCYLT6cushcO_Zol7cVGsLcb-HOalK27YuCaYLQuZzqASGdQJvdYK7tWeLCZ6pi8dLTjyIFtM/s1600/General-James-b+fry.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVdfirywNw2szXYzs6I9IbeoUIvkfpOUpF9PtQiNGejk2655pDN5I9FHp8YN_Niz52nwCYLT6cushcO_Zol7cVGsLcb-HOalK27YuCaYLQuZzqASGdQJvdYK7tWeLCZ6pi8dLTjyIFtM/s320/General-James-b+fry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660100525483792386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Maj. General James B. Fry</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; ">Maj. General James. B. Fry witnessed Nelson rise and glared down his nose at the diminutive Davis. The following is his description of his encounter:</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"But you should know, I am disappointed in you, General Davis. I selected you for this duty because you are an officer in the regular Army, but I find I made a mistake.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Davis arose and remarked in a cool, deliberate manner:</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"'General Nelson, I am a regular soldier, and I demand the treatment due to me as a general officer...I demand from you the courtesy due my rank.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Nelson replied: 'I will treat you as you deserve. You have disappointed me. You have been unfaithful to the trust I have reposed in you, and I shall relieve you at once. You will proceed to Cincinnati and report to General Wright.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Davis said: 'You have no authority to order me.'</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i>"Nelson turned toward the Adj. General and said: 'Captain, if General Davis does not leave the city by nine o'clock tonight, give instructions to the Provost-Marshal to see that he shall be put across the Ohio!"</i></p><p style="text-align: justify; "><i><br /></i></p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; "></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Needless to say, egos were severely wounded and all hell was about to break loose. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">General Wright temporarily defused the situation, but when General Buell took over for Nelson, Wright sent Davis back to Ohio. Davis settled in and began planning an attack against rebels in Kentucky. On September 29, Davis entered Galt house to report. When Nelson arrived, Davis demanded an apology. Indiana Governor Oliver Morton and General Fry overheard the exchange.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_83egHK7ydK_pvOG0bBWwpLKIf1dVk-EVfEjs6cjxqMXidiSLBxHSdMuVraX55czWdzwccpWyH9JIhscs2tr3CpoMARRhtTuRdjD_sl7w7x5byz2_lFoBLsySLDY7gccMdhyphenhyphenszHW7EIg/s1600/Oliver_Hazard_Perry_Morton-230x300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_83egHK7ydK_pvOG0bBWwpLKIf1dVk-EVfEjs6cjxqMXidiSLBxHSdMuVraX55czWdzwccpWyH9JIhscs2tr3CpoMARRhtTuRdjD_sl7w7x5byz2_lFoBLsySLDY7gccMdhyphenhyphenszHW7EIg/s320/Oliver_Hazard_Perry_Morton-230x300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660101512216791026" style="cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Indiana Governor Oliver Morton</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; ">Fry said Nelson answered Davis's demand with a loud, "no!" and "said in a loud voice for all to hear, 'Go away, you damned puppy. I don't want anything to do with you!'"</p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Thoroughly insulted and embarrassed, Davis wadded up the paper he was holding and threw it in Nelson's face. Nelson slapped Davis with the back of his hand, made a nasty comment to Governor Morton, and stomped toward the staircase. Unbelievably, Davis took a pistol from a nearby friend, walked to within three feet of the towering Nelson and shot the unarmed general in the chest. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">According to witnesses, Nelson dragged himself up the stairs before collapsing. "Send for a clergyman," he gasped. "I wish to be baptized. I have been basely murdered."</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Davis was immediately arrested, but he insisted that while he wanted an apology, he had no intention of murdering Nelson. I'm not sure how you shoot a man point blank in the chest without intention, but I digress. Some officers screamed for Davis' immediate hanging. General Buell, an admirer of Nelson, called the act "a high crime and gross violation of military discipline. He intended to take quick action, but time was on Davis's side.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMkAJ-a6y4ZjiGPVwUYWwQXIe5g75hzHOMJ4iBgqEkyeCiNZK6h-Xh3nB_-9BY1g8xE-9cp7VCGjDyaB-ZconoJOzJLeCtwcaWSB2r05SNuvCEJded9a1hXhbI3SCGIgH6GfIuD3sfnY/s1600/Buell3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMkAJ-a6y4ZjiGPVwUYWwQXIe5g75hzHOMJ4iBgqEkyeCiNZK6h-Xh3nB_-9BY1g8xE-9cp7VCGjDyaB-ZconoJOzJLeCtwcaWSB2r05SNuvCEJded9a1hXhbI3SCGIgH6GfIuD3sfnY/s320/Buell3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660101335524855906" style="cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>General Buell</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Because time was short and quality officers in need, Buell didn't have the resources for a court marshall. He wanted Davis to be tried in Washington. Davis's friend Governor Morton lobbied on his behalf, and Davis was released with in a week. Some accounts also have General Wright coming to Davis's aid and gaining his release from prison. He escaped conviction because the Union Army was in desperate need for experienced field commanders, and within fourteen days of murdering Nelson, Davis received division command in the Army of the Cumberland. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-_66KhE3PWA-4VG3u-zr-91WsQS386WYlHEbnAvTyQsOgC2b0682BttR_vf5Ix_6-eEriOQKmK81jTwI_0XPwMSnEee2ORkCysfXk-CwqW7kzyR0R5eavfMB8qpdey756elI1ugGvq4/s1600/8605_117910649706.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-_66KhE3PWA-4VG3u-zr-91WsQS386WYlHEbnAvTyQsOgC2b0682BttR_vf5Ix_6-eEriOQKmK81jTwI_0XPwMSnEee2ORkCysfXk-CwqW7kzyR0R5eavfMB8qpdey756elI1ugGvq4/s320/8605_117910649706.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660100123186075682" style="cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>General Davis, circa 1865.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(54, 54, 54); line-height: 23px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Davis did receive a very tiny punishment for the murder: he never reached a rank higher than brigadier general of volunteers. He did earn a temporary promotion to major general of volunteers on August 8, 1864, then was appointed commanding officer of the XIV Corps, a post he retained until the end of the Civil War. </p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify; ">Controversy continued to surround Davis during the <a href="http://www.historynet.com/betrayal-at-ebenezer-creek.htm">Ebenezer Creek</a> passing. His racist attitude toward freed slaves was deplorable. On December 9, 1864, Davis ordered a bridge removed before the refugee slaves following his army could cross. Hundreds of slaves were either captured by Confederates or drowned in the Creek.</p><p style="text-align: justify; "><br /></p></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaoFiCTznobGCzKiMPPOf-2MKsUePqu3lt6IQPPuVWX8ODKlg8Fi6WOfAe8o2of0-mk67uGg23g1xCDxhFiUmKQ2KRno_s5UMeJhCl2tuE5USNCY2JYda7uNXTIF_OBOyV7Jwn85ykiM/s1600/image_resize.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaoFiCTznobGCzKiMPPOf-2MKsUePqu3lt6IQPPuVWX8ODKlg8Fi6WOfAe8o2of0-mk67uGg23g1xCDxhFiUmKQ2KRno_s5UMeJhCl2tuE5USNCY2JYda7uNXTIF_OBOyV7Jwn85ykiM/s1600/image_resize.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaoFiCTznobGCzKiMPPOf-2MKsUePqu3lt6IQPPuVWX8ODKlg8Fi6WOfAe8o2of0-mk67uGg23g1xCDxhFiUmKQ2KRno_s5UMeJhCl2tuE5USNCY2JYda7uNXTIF_OBOyV7Jwn85ykiM/s320/image_resize.php" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660092854498254994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px; " /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Davis with his staff in Washington D.C. in 1865</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Davis stayed in the Army after the war. He was the first commander of the Department of Alaska. True to his crusty nature, he forced the Russian settlers of <a href="http://www.sitka.com/">Sitka, Alaska</a> out of their homes because they were "needed for Americans." In the Modoc War, Davis's field prowess was an asset, resulting in the successful Battle of Dry Lake. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OCpdce16diL8hPPCpNeWM8lAn99J3wtTucHXmiEGS1n6XCIbUk-CSteRc2DJNBYsZnq2bj-nhbJnmD1TwMdHv3nQH9w6ghjA14S32oB6Tm6F6kgv09DxkFiT0OwvYQSUMnF9Pyxbg8g/s1600/Crown_Hill_Gate_064999pr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OCpdce16diL8hPPCpNeWM8lAn99J3wtTucHXmiEGS1n6XCIbUk-CSteRc2DJNBYsZnq2bj-nhbJnmD1TwMdHv3nQH9w6ghjA14S32oB6Tm6F6kgv09DxkFiT0OwvYQSUMnF9Pyxbg8g/s320/Crown_Hill_Gate_064999pr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660097513112062898" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px; " /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Crown Hill Gateway, Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Jefferson C. Davis died in 1879 at age 51 in Chicago. He was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana. Crown Hill is the place for Indiana's soldiers and celebrities, and it's a beautiful cemetery. On a personal note, my great-great grandfather Peter Fisher is buried at Crown Hill. He served in the Civil War, and we're lucky enough to have his Colt Revolver. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(220, 208, 207); "><img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/findagrave/photos/2001/222/davisjeffersonc.jpg" border="0" /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(220, 208, 207); "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><i>Jefferson C. Davis Grave Site, Crown Hill. Image credit <a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=mr&MRid=683">Seth Musselmen</a>.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(220, 208, 207); "><img src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/findagrave/photos/2001/222/davisjeffersonc2.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Clearly this was a case of egos and tempers out of control. In the days when gentlemanly conduct was highly valued, it's astounding Davis wasn't tried. Do you think General Davis should have served time for the murder, or did the needs of the Union Army outweigh justice?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-25238581159176108432011-10-05T06:40:00.000-07:002011-10-05T07:13:52.760-07:00#Row80 Round Four KickOff Check-In<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB4t03dCMV98t3xwQ8UOT0SKYIyo2zuWd59_uqaB8xn_KUHb_3ypExBGwwFcnwcGFOjhIQ98pMbRqPOeDQpEErtIaOaGbeOksMCLAwnEi6fHTpPLr4mbVceUh-sogfr3tmx2RVSJsyNo/s1600/goals_inspirational_funny_squirrel_poster_print-p228678273094678842ovqc_400.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRB4t03dCMV98t3xwQ8UOT0SKYIyo2zuWd59_uqaB8xn_KUHb_3ypExBGwwFcnwcGFOjhIQ98pMbRqPOeDQpEErtIaOaGbeOksMCLAwnEi6fHTpPLr4mbVceUh-sogfr3tmx2RVSJsyNo/s320/goals_inspirational_funny_squirrel_poster_print-p228678273094678842ovqc_400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660003262096051682" /></a>Happy #Row80 Day (<a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/blog/">click here if you don't know what Row80 is</a>)! It's the first check-in, and of course the party's going strong over at the #Row80 hashtag.</span><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA6Hb5IfblLG2EeWmGaeNyHsZTDNaD4KoEpfdPx8HG9Vi4iPCQ1rMNytcrEPSTiuh3KknSjWX5H-cWD8L6oMC5C3L8YMgNy2SZVIUpH0vlibW31q3dwE508Hc8AjJjcZRRCGIuIEbXR8/s1600/80shair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDA6Hb5IfblLG2EeWmGaeNyHsZTDNaD4KoEpfdPx8HG9Vi4iPCQ1rMNytcrEPSTiuh3KknSjWX5H-cWD8L6oMC5C3L8YMgNy2SZVIUpH0vlibW31q3dwE508Hc8AjJjcZRRCGIuIEbXR8/s320/80shair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660010512150275394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't have a recent photo for the <a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2011/10/04/rock-the-row-international-twitter-party-celebrating-row80-in-grand-style/">contest</a>, but I had to share this one. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Tell me those aren't some rockin' bangs. And the clarinet completes the coolness.</div><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">My week has gotten off to a slow start, but I knew it would. My parents were visiting so I didn't get much writing done, and that's okay. I did manage to get 500 words in on The Prophet last night, and I'm heading to library in a bit to write. I decided that getting out of the house might be a great way to be more focused on writing days. I <i>will</i> write 1000 words today.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">I'll also be working on a very cool Thriller Thursday post this afternoon.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">On the life side, today is day one with no pop (soda for you strange ones), and I'm back on my more strict eating schedule. We'll see how that goes. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">What about you? How's your first week of Row80 Round 4 going? Don't forget to stop over at the Twitter #Row80 hashtag to say hi. If you're new to Row80, introduce yourself! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEhqaPrLfP5CGp2MGoTYu_18vnVN37rczzK-eBH0ODsQvT0w7Io6sxRqPHRbz6Cgs5yTvHkeab56ppfg2p5GxFuMHB3hAOuDh3Ml_MK4IzE-78g6XfKduFoNwcloukPualG3sjEfD90s/s1600/funny-pictures-squirrel-is-ready-for-winter.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEhqaPrLfP5CGp2MGoTYu_18vnVN37rczzK-eBH0ODsQvT0w7Io6sxRqPHRbz6Cgs5yTvHkeab56ppfg2p5GxFuMHB3hAOuDh3Ml_MK4IzE-78g6XfKduFoNwcloukPualG3sjEfD90s/s320/funny-pictures-squirrel-is-ready-for-winter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660005311479576850" style="cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px; " /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This picture really has no tie-in to the post other than the squirrel theme. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">But it was too funny not to share!</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>In case you missed Monday's post, here are my Round 4 #Row80 Goals:</i></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Writing:</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Begin querying <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/p/novel.html" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(51, 102, 102); ">Light and Dark</a> by November 15. Some of this hinges on my final critique partner getting the time to read the MS, but I'm determined to have sent FIVE queries out by the end of Round 4.</span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Write a minimum 3000 words/week on my new suspense thriller, The Prophet. If I can manage that pace, the first draft will be about halfway complete by Christmas.</span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Continue to blog three times a week and work on spreading the word about Thriller Thursday. Those posts really tie into my genre, and I want to add focus to them.</span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Continue to support my blogging/writing friends on their individual journey's.</span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Life:</span></b></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Stick to my healthy eating schedule. Do a better job of watching my carbs.</span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Continue with yoga. Build workouts to at least four times a week.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Spend more time reading with my daughter.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Focus on the positive things in my life: friends, family, my chance to write.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Focus on the stuff I CAN change about myself instead of worrying about what I can't.</span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 15px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; text-align: left; "><br /></div></span></div></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-38429193463887389272011-10-02T19:09:00.000-07:002011-10-04T07:41:57.548-07:00Tempting Tuesday: Chicken Burgers?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glasbergen.com/diet-health-fitness-medical/?album=2&gallery=59&nggpage=13"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNhI_LLE3gPF4l5l5-UUg2435_mPLl83LSQaoydhX0wKuZ6iQMBjrrF4dO-UQuyW1D7AF1yXjFFgc-oyEa8hCjQCa3gtDN01J_sQ3dLZulTByy0Qw-sbKS109PVI7eInOWTtjpJk6zQbg/s320/toon_134.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659082608721415154" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My parents are visiting today, so Tempting Tuesday's going to be short and sweet. I bought a pound of ground chicken for a recipe and wound up not using it, so I had to come up with an alternative. I decided to try for a healthier burger, and the results were delicious!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Lb Ground Chicken</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 gloves minced garlic</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 Cups 2% sharp cheddar (or whatever cheese you like)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 Tsp basil to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">Red pepper sauce to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sea salt (real salt) to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 tsp Cookies all purpose seasoning</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sara Lee Mini-Buns (100 calories each)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Real butter with canola oil. I use the 50% less calorie kind</div><div style="text-align: left;">*real butter is healthier for you than margine. Just use less!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Tone's Garlic Bread Sprinkle with Cheese</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mix all together and make patties. Preheat oven to 350. Heat a non-stick skillet (or use your grill, just make sure to use cooking spray with either) and cook patties on each side for about eight minutes. It's easy to tell when the chicken is white and done. A lot of juice will cook out, and the outside of the patties will get a nice, crispy coating.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just before they're done, lightly butter each side of the bun and then season (lightly) with the Tone's Garlic Bread Sprinkle. Put on a cookie sheet and let the buns cook for 4-6 minutes, depending on your oven and how crisp you want them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Put it all together and enjoy! You can also add green onions and real bacon bits to the mix. I just didn't have any. For a nice side, try roasted cauliflower lightly coated in olive oil and seasoned with Cookie's all purpose, chili powder or curry. Bake until you can easily pierce with fork.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let me know what you think of the burgers. Do you have any good recipe's for ground chicken? I'm always on the lookout for something different!</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-53069066300516960342011-10-02T17:20:00.000-07:002011-10-03T06:57:04.730-07:00Manic Monday: Liebster Awards, Row80, and YOU!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bsAI8ouDC3ykaiR9Oi417AF3o5CIV0iRaYH0xChq5T0yy5MleuRpShAP5oNdzrU-2Ogv0P_f04WOAZ56GFGXD8UiH-sMSYNCg5Piez62DNDUUTQT9CwEdrh6f24KcpgJi2_AuhvvHEg/s1600/calvin+and+hobbes.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1bsAI8ouDC3ykaiR9Oi417AF3o5CIV0iRaYH0xChq5T0yy5MleuRpShAP5oNdzrU-2Ogv0P_f04WOAZ56GFGXD8UiH-sMSYNCg5Piez62DNDUUTQT9CwEdrh6f24KcpgJi2_AuhvvHEg/s320/calvin+and+hobbes.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659057509219830722" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. Our weather here was beautiful, and I got some serious plotting/writing done on The Prophet, so I'm happy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today's post is a Mish-Mash (to steal <a href="http://www.kellyhashway.com/">Kelly Hashway's</a> phrase). First, I have to give a huge thank you to the wonderful <a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/">Jenny Hansen</a> for bestowing me with the Liebster Award.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4SjkKW4fP4fwPulSUg3e6AfB1S8Qs-9XkOioM6LP19TZaD-iWStpIlTwDmPqL9zkZfhveRn7hq5wwdk5B6WeXGwpntsIicAlD_yxL5p-ZUxPuQiigC2YBLmxp5kPOc69DIUiEatdpok/s1600/liebsterblogaward.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4SjkKW4fP4fwPulSUg3e6AfB1S8Qs-9XkOioM6LP19TZaD-iWStpIlTwDmPqL9zkZfhveRn7hq5wwdk5B6WeXGwpntsIicAlD_yxL5p-ZUxPuQiigC2YBLmxp5kPOc69DIUiEatdpok/s320/liebsterblogaward.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659057560045532546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 74px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Liebster is German for "beloved person." Jenny said some very sweet things about me, and I'd like to return the favor. Jenny and her blog, <a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/">More Cowbell</a>, are always fun and positive. She's a fantastic cheerleader and a great teacher as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd like to give the Liebster to these blogging friends:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jessicarpatch.blogspot.com/">Jessica Patch</a>: Her blog is fun and uplifting, and she's always willing to help out a fellow writer. She recently signed with <a href="http://www.booksandsuch.biz/our-agents/meet-rachel/">Rachel Kent of Books and Such Literary</a>, so huge congrats!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jthomasross.wordpress.com/">J. Thomas Ross</a>: J is lucky enough to have access to some great conferences and writing groups, and she's always willing to share what she's learned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.donnagalanti.com/">Donna Galanti</a>: First off, HUGE CONGRATS to Donna for signing with Echelon Press. I'm so happy for her! I want to give her the Liebster because Donna was one of my first "writing" friends. She embraced me when I was just starting out and gave me a lot of great guidance. Her blog is always informative, and she has fun author interviews.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://wosushi.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/a-special-friday-inspiration-giving-back/">Amber West</a>: Amber not only posts great posts about which TV shows are worth your time, but she also has wonderful Friday Inspiration posts. She recently launched the #Gowithout campaign for charity, and I'm proud to take part.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, I want to mention two great bloggers that already have Liebsters. <a href="http://catierhodes.com/">Catie Rhodes</a> is my critique partner and friend. Her blog is one of my favorites, covering everything from cool 80s movies, Texas history, true crime, and freaky paranormal stories. <a href="http://tiffanyawhite.wordpress.com/">Tiffany White</a> is another blogging friend, and her blog (along with Amber West's) is the go-to place for finding great, new television shows. Thanks to these ladies for all their support!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKcFbIS7yN86cae7J-RfMfap-ZK0sk8fuKvA4S9DgZp1BvpeTIyRDdueN9ed-HkUTaeq7ZPQ5d_jHjBj_WNZIsg53SaUcvT640nMDpiKjR9-MNcACoEaSzG__K39IhwI4xglJotv8Co8/s1600/row80logocopy4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKcFbIS7yN86cae7J-RfMfap-ZK0sk8fuKvA4S9DgZp1BvpeTIyRDdueN9ed-HkUTaeq7ZPQ5d_jHjBj_WNZIsg53SaUcvT640nMDpiKjR9-MNcACoEaSzG__K39IhwI4xglJotv8Co8/s320/row80logocopy4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659068250900615298" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last but not least, it's almost time for the "Rock the ROW" Twitter party! On October 5th, the #Row hashtag will be THE place to be. Jenny Hansen has all the details <a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/rock-the-row-twitter-party-on-95/">here</a>. "Rock the Row" is our opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments from #Row80 Round 3, and it's also the kick off for Round 4. If you haven't taken part in Row80, I definitely encourage you to. It's a great way to stay motivated to reach your writing AND life goals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you don't know what #Row80 is, take a minute and check out <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/">Kait Nolan's post</a>. She's the brain behind #Row80.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Round 4 begins today, October 3rd, and runs through December 22. That's 80 days to get some serious work in. I went easy on myself in Round 3, so I'm upping the stakes this time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIqUBr6RChLvYPmO3jNPvteSDPJfDZDkNFecPXt4qZrkSXjE8vP3CtSgvjhXMg19p8URZIiGfYe_Zq_6NVzbqK4-YL_RbwMrYhwmbdUxSKLgAczvzXkCoXQv7153rVii-YqEFfddaoYI/s1600/1GoalSetting1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIqUBr6RChLvYPmO3jNPvteSDPJfDZDkNFecPXt4qZrkSXjE8vP3CtSgvjhXMg19p8URZIiGfYe_Zq_6NVzbqK4-YL_RbwMrYhwmbdUxSKLgAczvzXkCoXQv7153rVii-YqEFfddaoYI/s320/1GoalSetting1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659072320336605362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 244px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Yes, it's Calvin and Hobbs day at Turning The Page. :)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My Round 4 #Row80 Goals:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Writing:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Begin querying <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/p/novel.html">Light and Dark</a> by November 15. Some of this hinges on my final critique partner getting the time to read the MS, but I'm determined to have sent FIVE queries out by the end of Round 4.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Write a minimum 3000 words/week on my new suspense thriller, The Prophet. If I can manage that pace, the first draft will be about halfway complete by Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue to blog three times a week and work on spreading the word about Thriller Thursday. Those posts really tie into my genre, and I want to add focus to them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue to support my blogging/writing friends on their individual journey's.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Life: </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Stick to my healthy eating schedule. Do a better job of watching my carbs.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Continue with yoga. Build workouts to at least four times a week.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Spend more time reading with my daughter.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Focus on the positive things in my life: friends, family, my chance to write.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Focus on the stuff I CAN change about myself instead of worrying about what I can't.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" >What about you? Will you be joining #Row80? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-9313376678390718632011-09-28T12:40:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:14:10.117-07:00Thriller Thursday: The Vampire of Sacramento<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMz8mmFperBhfuz0ON0VzfJRuTEw5l_S7XNEPVk4MNFgpy6zgpck5bzWWucRyUaLZV4sd_jaDItFmMnyc4wDKrj72IDvwjo1VUMrcsK2nJpfZ70m1GBL4DaAdVnC_fv5xX7zsQzgh6_s/s1600/Vampire+On+Funeral+-+Vampire+Girls+1+-+Magical+Pictures.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMz8mmFperBhfuz0ON0VzfJRuTEw5l_S7XNEPVk4MNFgpy6zgpck5bzWWucRyUaLZV4sd_jaDItFmMnyc4wDKrj72IDvwjo1VUMrcsK2nJpfZ70m1GBL4DaAdVnC_fv5xX7zsQzgh6_s/s320/Vampire+On+Funeral+-+Vampire+Girls+1+-+Magical+Pictures.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657502947306176738" /></a></div><br />Every rational person knows vampires aren't real. There are no undead cursed to walk the earth for eternity searching for their next victim. And delicious-smelling, sparkly vampires who don't feast on humans are certainly the stuff of an overactive imagination.<div><br /></div><div>But individuals with blood cravings do live among us. We just have a scientific term for them: cannibals. Of course there have been cultures that have accepted cannibalism, but we're not talking about those. Eating people is pretty taboo here in the States, but that didn't stop Richard Trenton Chase.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nicknamed "The Vampire of Sacramento," Richard Chase went on a month-long killing spree in December, 1977 that resulted in six deaths. Chase earned the creepy nicknamed because he drank his victim's blood and cannibalized their remains. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRj8oQVtRXKWJwSDOGLIQ5H25ycCHhUkwcYNZBRsGy4bj27DhKxidUO3lZw13Td5f_-X_ELOdCqwozmRFlZzYhXRqkqLy7YcwSmdI_V1gVDtOsHWLPyaRwkHkOUx6ke3dKGtXK2w5G_E/s1600/RichardTrentonChase.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRj8oQVtRXKWJwSDOGLIQ5H25ycCHhUkwcYNZBRsGy4bj27DhKxidUO3lZw13Td5f_-X_ELOdCqwozmRFlZzYhXRqkqLy7YcwSmdI_V1gVDtOsHWLPyaRwkHkOUx6ke3dKGtXK2w5G_E/s320/RichardTrentonChase.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657503064861124130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 186px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Richard Trenton Chase mugshot, 1978</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like many of history's horrific murderers, Chase claimed he was abused by his mother. His parents fought a lot and were divorced by the time he was twelve. By then, Chase exhibited the core ingredients of the MacDonald Triad (the behavioral characteristics associated with sociopaths) and was an alcoholic and drug abuser by the time he was in his teens. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase was a hypochondriac, worrying about his heart ceasing to beat or that someone had "stolen an artery." He held oranges to his head so the Vitamin C would be absorbed via the brain, and he also believed his cranial bones had separated and moved around. He shaved his head in order to watch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Throughout his life, Chase was terrified he would simply disappear. He believed the Nazi's, FBI, and space aliens were after him. The soap dish was his tormenters weapon of choice. Chase believed it held a secret poison that slowly turned his blood to powder. He knew only fresh blood could save him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase's roommates complained about his drug use and his love of walking around the apartment nude. He refused to move out, so they left and Chase was on his own. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like many sociopathic serial killers, Chase tortured animals, but he took it a step farther. He disemboweled the animals and ate them raw, often mixing the organs with Coke and making a gruesome milkshake. He believed eating the animals kept his heart from shrinking.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1SWB6qR0c-DRiMENC5o1pyC_InZz_0p5XYkYGBZiE_qkA2LSKSVlo7ltjegFmGnkCqobig8x1IL0AlDqBESNEnHGx9DbuWoVP5qnCcQ1sDVf2ehcBhAtjqh9YLVGTVagSFZlUaPqJ74/s1600/5b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1SWB6qR0c-DRiMENC5o1pyC_InZz_0p5XYkYGBZiE_qkA2LSKSVlo7ltjegFmGnkCqobig8x1IL0AlDqBESNEnHGx9DbuWoVP5qnCcQ1sDVf2ehcBhAtjqh9YLVGTVagSFZlUaPqJ74/s320/5b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657545397899185234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Blenders used by Chase.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In 1975, Chase injected rabbit blood and wound up in the hospital. The mental institution soon followed. He was discovered drinking blood of birds - their corpses were throw out of the window. Witty hospital staff dubbed him Dracula.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase had a strong addiction to blood. At the insituation, he stole blood from the therapy dog after stealing syringes from boxes left in the doctor's offices. He was also known to defecate himself and then paint with the feces. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Totally disgusted yet?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For some amazing reason, doctors decided Chase's was no longer a danger to society after a round of psychotropic drugs, and he was released in 1976 under the care of his mother. Evidently his mother thought she knew more than the doctors—she took him off the antipsychotic meds because the drugs made him "a zombie." She also got Chase his own apartment. Smart. In the months that followed, Chase refused to allow his mother to enter his apartment. She did nothing but continue to pay his rent.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Neighborhood pets, including his mother's cat, fell victim to Chase's bloodlust. Still, his animal blood-and-guts cocktails weren't enough to sustain him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase's first human sacrifice was discovered on Jan. 23, 1978. David Wallin returned to his North Sacramento home to discover his pregnant wife, Terry, murdered. Her torso was slit open; parts of her body had been eaten. Chase had used a yogurt container to drink Terry's blood. The only picture of <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=terry+wallin+richard+chase&um=1&hl=en&safe=off&biw=1331&bih=666&tbm=isch&tbnid=NdtMq8P6KUmSwM:&imgrefurl=http://www.documentingreality.com/forum/f10/victim-richard-trenton-chase-27033/&docid=02owYPVOQb1W-M&w=600&h=813&ei=yG2ETqm7FpDDsQL1s5S1Dw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=525&page=1&tbnh=147&tbnw=114&start=0&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0&tx=45&ty=50">Terry I could find was extremely graphic</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The FBI behavioral science unit was in its infancy, and police worked closely with the group to come up with a profile to catch the unknown killer. Robert Ressler and Russ Vorpagel sketched an eerily close likeness of Chase, dubbing the suspect a scrawny, young loner, unkempt, dirty, and unorganized, subsisting on someone else's money. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjAA6Qtnj7GWAezaNhJoQXyD_-DgJJ0WBq1a-KCnBf-bBI-hG2QzYGzlt4eH7aH96IBntXI9l35fpBYdj308YO0hxEwXOzY9ouZeSWz7p3n3IqIvNtBPKW7s663nDOVA6jYpOednqAsA/s1600/policesketch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjAA6Qtnj7GWAezaNhJoQXyD_-DgJJ0WBq1a-KCnBf-bBI-hG2QzYGzlt4eH7aH96IBntXI9l35fpBYdj308YO0hxEwXOzY9ouZeSWz7p3n3IqIvNtBPKW7s663nDOVA6jYpOednqAsA/s320/policesketch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657546766315848130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 175px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Police sketch of Chase (I couldn't verify if this was the one Ressler created). </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL0F2htOp9ztlooZhWNQOspKOd4DeFCV5YaWMZ5HrsTMOyUQ59e5W7TrHZVlBLKxxpTV294DkKNWboxy3o4WUG8g3oZZsKONC69ORvAMouYOEc3CBujSkR1406dULv2hhlBFvGTaQxlo/s1600/chase.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL0F2htOp9ztlooZhWNQOspKOd4DeFCV5YaWMZ5HrsTMOyUQ59e5W7TrHZVlBLKxxpTV294DkKNWboxy3o4WUG8g3oZZsKONC69ORvAMouYOEc3CBujSkR1406dULv2hhlBFvGTaQxlo/s320/chase.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657546960513777202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 229px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Chase 1971 Mug shot.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Accurate as the profile was, it didn't prevent further murders by Chase. Four days later, Evelyn Miroth, her friend Daniel Meredith, and Evelyn's son, Jason, were found shot with a .22 and slashed open. David was only six. Miroth's twenty-two-month old nephew David Ferreira had disappeared after being left in Evelyn's care that day. His crib contained a telltale bloodstain, and the baby's decapitated corpse was discovered four months later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRf6Q1h2fXmTgZtTjsdwxTWMNIMTZWsJxyDju85zlZkLnoR7amjmlR_4E8aTS-rW_PSI_-6aXLn9_gvaFlSOnBElZlqqjaP8HTwQHVjCrBbICZdxz4qLHMJxl-8AzBohIvFzb5a74J8M/s1600/evelyn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRf6Q1h2fXmTgZtTjsdwxTWMNIMTZWsJxyDju85zlZkLnoR7amjmlR_4E8aTS-rW_PSI_-6aXLn9_gvaFlSOnBElZlqqjaP8HTwQHVjCrBbICZdxz4qLHMJxl-8AzBohIvFzb5a74J8M/s320/evelyn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657547968509161762" style="cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 108px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Evelyn Miroth</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8xSFMz2b9HxhXZVcq5uHWyOFJ1WUx0YWuaLJzg-37JvihkdVmOgpUo6illF86Y4nhjKTGDFpZpEhX0qy_IzeHMU-bqRNnnm5iwOcYLAwY2ECbEHXmPeL86ZbQqCBt-CgiC3kuPanNs8/s1600/4e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8xSFMz2b9HxhXZVcq5uHWyOFJ1WUx0YWuaLJzg-37JvihkdVmOgpUo6illF86Y4nhjKTGDFpZpEhX0qy_IzeHMU-bqRNnnm5iwOcYLAwY2ECbEHXmPeL86ZbQqCBt-CgiC3kuPanNs8/s320/4e.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657548150628875410" style="cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 108px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Jason Miroth</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Evelyn lie naked on the bed, her legs open. Her abdomen had been slashed and her intestines pulled out. Two red-stained carving knives were nearby. Evelyne had been sodomized with the knife at least six times. Her neck had been severely slashed, and bloody ringlets on the carpet indicated the killer had again used something to collect blood. Several internal organs had been stabbed as well. The coroner later said this would help blood pool in the abdomen. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ressler and Vorpagel believed the killer would be disorganized, with clues pointing to psychosis. The crimes weren't planned, and the killer likely did very little to hide the evidence. He left footprints and fingerprints at the scenes and had probably been seen walking in daylight with bloody clothes. Because he'd walked to at least one crime scene, the FBI believed he lived in the vicinity of the crimes. They were also sure he would keep killing until caught.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MHxBKNDzRGGtkxUDhF_FPl8qa9kjVH-QJSco8oyx79vlbYEpN6LrAKXs10yFAaFrgbzGpcbq4oA4k6E7RldH40sXvkViion2htYxxORzVRVy2dItasVgQdVrh5d2OBeqHJUHlBAEhAc/s1600/4b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MHxBKNDzRGGtkxUDhF_FPl8qa9kjVH-QJSco8oyx79vlbYEpN6LrAKXs10yFAaFrgbzGpcbq4oA4k6E7RldH40sXvkViion2htYxxORzVRVy2dItasVgQdVrh5d2OBeqHJUHlBAEhAc/s320/4b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657768585646419314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Crime scene photo.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">A chance encounter turned out to be Chase's downfall. A young woman named Nancy Holen was shopping when a strange man approached her. He appeared confused, and Nancy tried to avoid him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Were you on the motorcycle when Kurt was killed?" the man asked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy was shocked. Ten years earlier, her boyfriend Kurt had been been killed on a motorcycle. Suddenly she noticed something familiar about the strange man. When he told her he was Rick Chase, she was shocked. She remembered Rick as a clean-cut, studious high school kid. The man before her was dirty, his clothes were stained, and he was agitated. She managed to get out of the store while Chase was distracted, but he followed her into the parking lot and asked for a ride. Nancy jumped into her car, rolled up the windows, locked the doors, and booked it out of the parking lot before he could stop her. When she saw the police sketch, she was positive Chase was the man police sought.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgWL2r2OKH9Qhg_mrtMQb_39QUhuYY22JC0xe62UfIS3jb5yNzHQd3SxOgINZAwdYEr3F2VxdFfehOVKioOcXZ7NykfjX6pZj7h93py3jmiPM7KPVa27TsBH0U_PoCVbY2pK2RfRYFdw/s1600/Richard-Trenton-Chase-270.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgWL2r2OKH9Qhg_mrtMQb_39QUhuYY22JC0xe62UfIS3jb5yNzHQd3SxOgINZAwdYEr3F2VxdFfehOVKioOcXZ7NykfjX6pZj7h93py3jmiPM7KPVa27TsBH0U_PoCVbY2pK2RfRYFdw/s320/Richard-Trenton-Chase-270.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657555723717647442" style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 202px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When Chase showed up on the police's radar, everything added up: the history of mental illness, the physical decline, his reliance on his mother. When Chase was apprehended, he wore an orange parka with blood stains on it. A .22 semiautomatic with bloodstains was taken from him, as well as Dan Meredith's wallet. Chase had been carrying a box when police grabbed him, and it contained bloodstained paper and rags. At the station, Chase admitted to killing dogs but refused to discuss the murders. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The search of Chase's apartment was horrifying. Nearly all of his possessions were stained with blood—including food and glasses. Small pieces of bone were found in the kitchen; the refrigerator held dishes with body parts. One container had human brain tissue. A blender was stained and reeked. Three pet collars were found but there were no animals to match. Pictures of human organs lay on a table along with newspaper ads selling dogs. The ads were circled. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A calendar had the inscription "today" on the dates of the Wallin and Miroth murders, and the same word was written on forty-four future dates.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt7eOY0MiwU2XRI8oFLv7vWPaOaZEkS02UO2bNbk2-92BoG8NwmjlljVdT3Esd8Ex2kPYEvR89JAh6lj1T7WFXoMenPhZEZlwlMWLBfKGmM5ATSTRzf_xFxfDclHItkmxvVupGrDVGb0/s1600/amd_vampire_killer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt7eOY0MiwU2XRI8oFLv7vWPaOaZEkS02UO2bNbk2-92BoG8NwmjlljVdT3Esd8Ex2kPYEvR89JAh6lj1T7WFXoMenPhZEZlwlMWLBfKGmM5ATSTRzf_xFxfDclHItkmxvVupGrDVGb0/s320/amd_vampire_killer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657542033944185714" style="cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Chase on his way to court.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase was eventually linked to another murder, the Dec. 29, 1977 drive-by of Ambrose Griffin. Chase confessed Griffin's was his first human victim. He said he chose his victims simply because their doors had been unlocked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Prosecutors wanted the death penalty, and the defense argued not guilty by reason of insanity. This is one time that defense might have an ounce of merit. I don't know how much Chase plotted in advance, but there's no doubt he neither understood or cared about the consequences of his actions. The jury agreed with the prosecution and found Chase guilty of six counts of murder. He was given the death sentence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Chase hid the anti-depressants offered to calm him, and on December 26, 1980, he committed suicide like a true coward.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In all my research of serial killers, Richard Trenton Chase is one of the very worst. I do believe he was in a different frame of mind than someone like Dahmer, who was much calculating and controlling. Had Chase been on meds and under careful care, his victims might have stood a chance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What do you think? Was Chase destined to be a killer? Would meds have helped? Is there really such a thing as not guilty by reason of insanity?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br /></p></span><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-33297083162266836522011-09-27T06:45:00.000-07:002011-09-27T07:06:43.387-07:00Tempting Tuesday: Going Without and Giving Back<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHe4XNz0O3Iz3CEXUcZxZzCcBt9WsMngDE8n6Ol7cmpN0C8_I8lY1IFlRgQUTF6__CeE13B_o_LsmCMomlAwL_ICRUAyCHDatLoThTLdo65_AhWUitVHZjAp6-Sw-E6tWhkKg5jH6AYdg/s1600/rak9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHe4XNz0O3Iz3CEXUcZxZzCcBt9WsMngDE8n6Ol7cmpN0C8_I8lY1IFlRgQUTF6__CeE13B_o_LsmCMomlAwL_ICRUAyCHDatLoThTLdo65_AhWUitVHZjAp6-Sw-E6tWhkKg5jH6AYdg/s320/rak9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657039551901636626" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>I found this pic by Googling random acts of kindness. It's too cute not to share.</i></span></div><br />Last Friday, the wonderful Amber West posted a challenge on her blog, <a href="http://wosushi.wordpress.com/2011/09/23/a-special-friday-inspiration-giving-back/">A Day Without Sushi</a>. What can you give up for the next few weeks in effort to donate to charity? The idea is giving up a daily pleasure in order to help those in need without breaking our budgets. Post about what you're giving up and which charity you're donating to. <div><br /></div><div>Amber took the time to put together the following list of charities that take text donations, but if you'd rather donate to a different group, no problem. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>CHARITIES THAT ACCEPT TEXT DONATIONS:</b></div><div><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><em>Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital</em>:<br /></span>Text <strong>KIDS</strong> to <strong>27722</strong> to give <strong>$10</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong></strong><em>Susan G. Komen – Breast Cancer</em>:<br />Text <strong>KOMEN</strong> to <strong>90999</strong> to give <strong>$10</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); "><i>Elisabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundatio</i></span></span></strong><strong><span class="Apple-style-span"><em style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); ">n</em><span class="Apple-style-span">:</span></span></strong></p><p>Text <strong>HIVFREE</strong> to <strong>90999</strong> to donate<strong> $5</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p> <p><em>The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children</em>:<br />Text <strong>NYSPCC</strong> to <strong>50555</strong> to donate <strong>$10</strong></p> <p><br /></p><p>Make sure you <a href="http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=107070&type=basic">link your blog here</a> as well. And if you don't have a blog but still want to donate, post a picture of whatever you're giving up on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #gowithout.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBp86mo1IQlL6KYeBTEJrMD_0JVnWC76xG3QPuD2GsCgjaQuzVjqAqmbxoMfbV-8SCx6hMvn3GYusPQT72f2hJv-JCTHhyphenhyphenDpcq9HFsCqMFRTd0nSSXR7H1QEdP1qcZKo09QuwMyXnyhM/s320/pop.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657038830787089122" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></p> <p>This week, I'm giving up something vital to my existence: my afternoon enormous Diet Mt. Dew and Special K protein bar. I need to cut back on the pop, and I'm spending about $3 a day on the two. By cutting them out, I can easily donate $10 or more to the <a href="https://donations.diabetes.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2540&2540.donation=form1">American Diabetes Association</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>What can you give up? I chose the ADA because my mother suffers from the disease. What charities are near and dear to your heart?</p><div><br /></div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-283855450116579592011-09-26T06:53:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:10:27.369-07:00Manic Monday: I Can't Make This Sh#T Up.<div style="text-align: left;">There's a sex toy for dogs. No, I'm not kidding. I was browsing the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/">Huffington Post's</a> "Stupid Products" section when I came across it.</div><div><br /></div><div>This has to be a joke, I thought. I turned to my trusty Google, and sure enough, it exist.</div><div><br /></div><div>Behold, the <a href="http://www.hotdollfordog.com/contenu.php?id_contenu=9&lang=2">Hotdoll</a>:</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZCN37ST22ky8HV61c5-HwtshGvSaSjKmKwqIKVz-1Fn254LkaK3LqjmWvPX2rXnCnZRE-dFoFDXej0VPBDZhsNJI3D2k1EORCRgEvLaqL_5fBoNUSvJqLnW37OPxxI70FrGgC4_NySo/s320/1%25281%2529.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 271px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656666729769281506" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/23/the-stupidest-pet-product_n_548146.html?ref=stupid-products#s83989&title=Hot_Doll_Sex">Huffington Post</a> has an illustrated version:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img class="sfajax_image" id="slide_image_6299" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/6299/slide_6299_83989_large.jpg?1317045148986" width="550" height="400" style="list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; margin-top: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: none !important; background-attachment: initial !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; cursor: pointer; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">The <a href="http://www.hotdollfordog.com/communaute.php?page=5&lang=2">Hotdoll site</a> has a lovely video naming the apparatus's attributes: curves, fluidity, contemporary, stability, and audacity. Why audacity? For it's back opening, of course. Like I said, I can't make this up. The Hotdoll is the first of its kind (imagine that!), created by the French for the maximum comfort of your pet. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">The Hotdoll is only 149 Euros, or 200 American dollars. What a steal! Best of all? You can get the spare silicon part for only $20 bucks. Cause you know your boy will wear it out after a while ...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOd0HWm1wi2vGe5kpSMeJh_46VzL-gtW8N0NOeV1vdcDXlHR_VfNbkqf1vyMx6xtl8IFCP36gWFLs_St6fpYbDREKdK-QKXe3mtMgkf7FiuzMJDn64uKJW5WZypVoTBlXXTwH8RJQ2mE/s1600/arrondi.php" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOd0HWm1wi2vGe5kpSMeJh_46VzL-gtW8N0NOeV1vdcDXlHR_VfNbkqf1vyMx6xtl8IFCP36gWFLs_St6fpYbDREKdK-QKXe3mtMgkf7FiuzMJDn64uKJW5WZypVoTBlXXTwH8RJQ2mE/s320/arrondi.php" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656668977481977634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">The spare part.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I would LOVE to know how many of these have been sold. The website has a community link with 20 customers listing their dogs and "companions," all with names, of course.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">What do you think? Too over the top? Are you laughing yet?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-27751194414265209362011-09-21T19:07:00.001-07:002011-09-22T06:01:16.968-07:00Thriller Thursday: America's Most Haunted Prison<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVN0KYAWCjbM30YOKFBWuly1P7ZmH0DgAsPOykP5q69eCVpjwiTjTYBjkPWlQ4NC0ytbFrTJpgJ_0w3vt0ZGTeB7t6cb6n8_6-BA4s3yLccbfDw8-sKF2gFgYJax_7N13TjZtfE7Yux8/s1600/eastern-state-pen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVN0KYAWCjbM30YOKFBWuly1P7ZmH0DgAsPOykP5q69eCVpjwiTjTYBjkPWlQ4NC0ytbFrTJpgJ_0w3vt0ZGTeB7t6cb6n8_6-BA4s3yLccbfDw8-sKF2gFgYJax_7N13TjZtfE7Yux8/s320/eastern-state-pen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655021950002245330" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Eastern State Penitentiary circa 1920.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the late eighteenth century, a group of powerful and determined Philadelphians met in Benjamin Franklin's home. Calling themselves "The Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons," the group set out to improve the miserable conditions of prisons in the United States and Europe. Dr. Benjamin Rush had the idea to build a true penitentiary, a building designed to create regret and penitence.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObDAdN3jCCXgCLkG0sdJNaQEyOogWqo_03m64IwfMgGMjVuvHKqaXccKyblVpdBhzD2FMIuvc24lUg7GBnkiZQUUb9uoArnUtrIsqcpUNztS5hVrGSVs8zOckJyue4AweJrRXT4nWIjU/s1600/front_gate.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObDAdN3jCCXgCLkG0sdJNaQEyOogWqo_03m64IwfMgGMjVuvHKqaXccKyblVpdBhzD2FMIuvc24lUg7GBnkiZQUUb9uoArnUtrIsqcpUNztS5hVrGSVs8zOckJyue4AweJrRXT4nWIjU/s320/front_gate.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655014319261656466" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Eastern State's front gate.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://easternstate.org/home">Eastern State Penitentiary</a> opened in 1829. Guided by the Quaker-inspired idea of isolation from other prisoners, the system was strict. Prisoners had a toilet, table, bunk, and Bible in their cells where they were locked in all but one hour a day. When they did leave, a black hood was shoved over their head to prevent distraction and interaction as well as knowledge of the massive building.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left; ">Many notorious criminals spent time behind Eastern State's walls, including <a href="http://www.chicagohs.org/history/capone.html">Al Capone</a> and bank robber Willie Sutton. Capone's time at ESP came shortly after the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and he claimed the ghost of victim Jimmy Clark visited him on his cell.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Naturally, Capone's cell differed from the other prisoner's.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><blockquote>"The whole room was suffused in the glow of a desk lamp which stood on a polished desk. On the once-grim walls of the penal chamber hung tasteful paintings, and the strains of a waltz were being emitted by a powerful cabinet radio receive of handsome design and fine finish." -- Philadelphia Public Ledger, August 20, 1929.</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5xb4GMrVTgCK54gDf2ZvHpcOATXHOKPZ3SRv_TaO3HqAMG_8Xk6Q9rhYSs7qEOrfhDMAC1K_5KPwGjOiIzXO1hn_JdUPYo8RNr8xfHamWPSq4haYTm5i3zv5TcAuTv1sq6KxF9t1pIg/s1600/Al_Capone%2527s_Cell_In_Eastern_State_Penitentiary.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5xb4GMrVTgCK54gDf2ZvHpcOATXHOKPZ3SRv_TaO3HqAMG_8Xk6Q9rhYSs7qEOrfhDMAC1K_5KPwGjOiIzXO1hn_JdUPYo8RNr8xfHamWPSq4haYTm5i3zv5TcAuTv1sq6KxF9t1pIg/s320/Al_Capone%2527s_Cell_In_Eastern_State_Penitentiary.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655004248110189666" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 199px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Capone's restored cell at ESP today.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Despite the supposed goal of better treatment and prison conditions, harsh punishments were often doled out at ESP.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Water Bath</b>: An inmate was dunked in ice-cold water and then hung from a wall for the night. This punishment was most popular during the winter months, and the water would freeze into a layer of ice on the inmate's skin before morning.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Mad Chair</b>: Given its name because a prisoner was likely to go mad before the punishment ended. Inmates were strapped to the chair so tightly with leather strips they couldn't make even the smallest movements. They were left for days, without food, until the circulation in their body nearly stopped.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBcqc8Q4Phvg8Bzvfec5XVXHvHhlAYWwSWKeYuuVH5ohbXqnIrlEbTC4aWMbyq9gPTbXkLjkAGPnvXrqQAtdZ8LnQBGscbRHH8o3AAuFZ5xjVmnUwnv5sPy7IKSJnj9Zk1-WdTVQ3UJQ/s1600/mad+chair.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBcqc8Q4Phvg8Bzvfec5XVXHvHhlAYWwSWKeYuuVH5ohbXqnIrlEbTC4aWMbyq9gPTbXkLjkAGPnvXrqQAtdZ8LnQBGscbRHH8o3AAuFZ5xjVmnUwnv5sPy7IKSJnj9Zk1-WdTVQ3UJQ/s320/mad+chair.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655021230334927394" style="cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 275px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Some argue this is simply a barber's chair; others insist it's Eastern's Mad Chair.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Iron Gag</b>: Designed for inmates who refused to obey the no communications policy. An iron collar was clamped onto the tongue of the inmate and then chained to his wrists, which were strapped high behind the back. Movement caused the tongue to tear and severe bleeding. Many died from loss of blood.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiSmy5AHr-JHty3d1RsIROL2aieWYL0sSc01uEthLgsy43wx7KGdBsoRNsJZxRCx1Evn3Di06De76eEmVbstmU0Yt1NI5witvdbmbbhEu_KhKQeYvIqcM19RPrWe-p6PE2IxCoc0z0RM/s1600/eastern9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiSmy5AHr-JHty3d1RsIROL2aieWYL0sSc01uEthLgsy43wx7KGdBsoRNsJZxRCx1Evn3Di06De76eEmVbstmU0Yt1NI5witvdbmbbhEu_KhKQeYvIqcM19RPrWe-p6PE2IxCoc0z0RM/s320/eastern9.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655021502099020946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 209px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Drawing of Eastern's Iron Gag </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The Hole</b>: Resting beneath Cell Block 14, the hole was a dark pit where inmates would remain for weeks with no light and very little air. Inmates tossed in received water and a slice of bread, which they'd have to fight the roaches for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eastern State closed its doors in 1971 after people began to question the effectiveness of solitary confinement, but many believe some sort of life still exists behind its now crumbling walls. As early as the 1940s, prisoners and guards alike reported visions and creepy experiences throughout the building. Between the violent criminals Eastern housed and the harsh punishments doled out, it's no wonder the place is alive with paranormal energy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the most commonly seen ghosts is an inmate who killed twenty-seven men during an attempted escape. Besides the random specters, strange sounds are heard on a regular basis.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS85BdjcgStlN67mKyhWk1axBfsQt2NwYM9cwkQT7VGhBbY2gag9pca7KLyJs_xkZINXel-ly79p2YpzTlnT1dz0W2pvrqkTo3qFcZ3pGug1jiC8kVQCBhEC92d-NxcAUFL53ps2elxM/s1600/cell+block+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimS85BdjcgStlN67mKyhWk1axBfsQt2NwYM9cwkQT7VGhBbY2gag9pca7KLyJs_xkZINXel-ly79p2YpzTlnT1dz0W2pvrqkTo3qFcZ3pGug1jiC8kVQCBhEC92d-NxcAUFL53ps2elxM/s320/cell+block+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655013707214052402" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Cell Block 4</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A major paranormal episode happened to a locksmith doing restoration work in Cell Block 4. He was struggling to remove a 140-year-old lock from the cell door when a powerful force overcame him, rooting the locksmith to the spot. According to the man, he was drawn to the negative energy that burst through the cell. Anguished faces appeared on the wall and distorted forms rushed through the cell block.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now a major tourist attraction, paranormal experiences at ESP are frequent occurrences. Voices, weeping, and tormented screams are heard while numerous shadows are seen darting in and out cells.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>"When my mother, my sister, and I visited in 2004, we caught not one, but two EVPS (electronic voice phenomenon—a disembodied voice that isn't audible to the naked ear, but can be heard via digital recording) in the exact same spot. We were up by ourselves on the stairs that lead to the catwalk, snapping a few photos when a voice came through sternly instructing us, "you don't have to take a damn picture." Just moments later, the same voice manifested again, this time forlornly stating, "I'm lonely..." - Blue Moon Ghost Hunters</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoYM-nnMUMKKObhuxeaLBQlDt3A5_yD4l9Xn07Gg-fkgHzSq0W9haTKHWxWi5wsmnWBfO2T0JrQgCjmmWrComNM-FnA34g2NDLXdzU5KgOo5yypfQbiYuGPr9QjVY3CyZhWhIFTv2-Jw/s1600/cellblock12.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoYM-nnMUMKKObhuxeaLBQlDt3A5_yD4l9Xn07Gg-fkgHzSq0W9haTKHWxWi5wsmnWBfO2T0JrQgCjmmWrComNM-FnA34g2NDLXdzU5KgOo5yypfQbiYuGPr9QjVY3CyZhWhIFTv2-Jw/s320/cellblock12.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655012305665705186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Cell Block 12, reported to have the most paranormal activity.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Active areas include Cellblock 12, where voices and raucous laughter can be heard, Cellblock 6, where shadowy figures are seen against the walls, and Cellblock 4. Footsteps have been heard in the corridors, and wailing is often emitted from the secluded cells.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2ppdVEIRZBC-tvRibovwRdyyrOvAJ3kHYtoJjYDgmhk7n2QR4iKv2ZjuF07mCuJBPDXfNMsFh9H9pDkyXyPt9_hWpNEu_zLb4HGBCFdPMzySOuMHs2sjpEMzGArXOazUoyb_NqwrNBo/s1600/Cell-Block-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2ppdVEIRZBC-tvRibovwRdyyrOvAJ3kHYtoJjYDgmhk7n2QR4iKv2ZjuF07mCuJBPDXfNMsFh9H9pDkyXyPt9_hWpNEu_zLb4HGBCFdPMzySOuMHs2sjpEMzGArXOazUoyb_NqwrNBo/s320/Cell-Block-6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655013191364209650" style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px; " /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Cell Block 6</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eastern State is a favorite spot for paranormal investigators. Ghost Hunters garnered some pretty creepy evidence a few years ago. If you want to see the guys exploring the prison, watch the whole video, but the good stuff starts at about 5:45.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oyyf2w8fu2Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eastern State takes full advantage of its frightening reputation by hosting <a href="http://easternstate.org/events">Terror Behind The Walls</a> - the ultimate Halloween haunted house. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eastern State is definitely on my list of possible haunted places to visit. What do you think? Is the evidence compelling? Would you be brave enough to embark on Terror Behind the Walls? Have you had any awesome paranormal experiences?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="http://catierhodes.com/">Catie Rhodes</a> for the idea of featuring Eastern State!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other ESP Links:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://americanpublichousereview.com/2009.10/eastern_state_penitentiary_philadelphia_pa/index.html">The Dark Side of Enlightenment - Eastern State</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://missioncreep.com/mw/estate.html">Eastern State Penitentiary - Black Hoods and Iron Gags</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-4961458513475041272011-09-20T06:51:00.000-07:002011-09-20T07:51:29.213-07:00Tempting Tuesday: Themes Songs To Love<div>I'm going to thoroughly date myself with this post, but that's okay. Remember the awesome 80s TV theme songs? Dramas weren't introduced by gritty, guitar based chordes (True Blood and Sopranos). They were as bold as their groundbreaking shows and commanded attention. My attention, anyway. Here are the ones that shaped my childhood and that I'll never forget. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>1. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_(TV_series)">Dallas</a> </b>1978-1991</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5CMA0iz1G8Qro2SVGqGtA9VpsEk1-oQ3Fv1VHdenkj-QaRq2Jtzij0Wm9v7zGdnRgZnVPKRR3SyB6ebnBLQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was only a year old when this show first aired. My parents watched it from the pilot, and the song is one of my earliest memories. My mom loves to tell the story of a four-year-old me running into the living room when the song came on the radio and telling her it was "Dallas, Mommy, Dallas!" I still love it, and it will always bring a smile to my face. Seriously, who doesn't remember wondering "Who Shot J.R.?" It was all my parents talked about that summer. T-shirts were printed with the slogans "Who Shot J.R.," and "I Shot J.R.," and the stunt helped popularize the idea of a television cliffhanger.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.hillstreetblues.tv/">Hill Street Blues</a></b> 1981-1987</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0U6WjwKvZ2U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of the first serial police dramas, Hill Street Blues has been ranked as one of T.V. Guide's Greatest T.V. Shows of All Time. To be honest, I don't remember the show that clearly, although I do remember the faces I see during the credits. I didn't watch this as faithfully as I did Dallas; all I cared about was the music in the opening credits. My parents would call me in from whatever I was doing to make sure I didn't miss it. It's still one of my favorites today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_House_on_the_Prairie_(TV_series)">Little House on the Prairie</a></b> 1974-1982</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ndsQ8hghi7M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I dearly loved this show. Laura was my hero, and the books triggered my love of reading and history. By the time I started watching, the show was nearly through its run, so I saw a lot of syndicated reruns. I remember driving my brother crazy because I had to watch it every time it was on. It's one of those themes you recognize on the first note, and it brings back a lot of great memories for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukes_of_Hazzard">Dukes of Hazzard</a></b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukes_of_Hazzard"> </a>1979-1985</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay, so this show certainly wasn't great television history, but who didn't love Bo and Luke constantly outsmarting evil, old Boss Hogg? I remember watching this show along with HeeHaw (remember that one?), and I can still hear Dad's funny laugh every time Boss got his.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyK7aoItHRqn72gtOzHV2EBPD4mAPTBpYMWcc8Vkp8sbODhFxTZlWD73eXq6XDzHsyHZ6CmOd5HaOJvnSZlxg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. </b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_And_South_Miniseries" style="font-weight: bold; ">North and South </a>1985, 1986 (I don't count the third one).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzltYM5LpoO7IEGDHFsZwc3JiBWYslH8KySaXfQJTwsPzOfoRugF7jGoioU-WAyKDeHw24QP3T1asztVN-bKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I saved the best for last. The North and South miniseries based on the John Jake novels is considered one of the best miniseries of all-time, and as much as I loved Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, he was born to play southern gentleman Orry Main. Composed by Bill Conti, the emotion of this theme song never fails to make me feel near the edge of tears. For me, it represents a time in American history that was full of change and heartache, and it was this miniseries that cemented my love of history and interest in the Civil War. No theme will surpass it in my mind.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What about you? Do you remember watching these shows? What were some of your favorite them songs?</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-9066116561352406442011-09-19T06:59:00.000-07:002011-09-19T07:24:53.673-07:00Manic Monday - Finding the Perfect Jeans<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJkAYY5AXB77h9X7VBh4yTtj31drm6Tq7YAt1-MiZCTo7SVdrr-bRrm9v3Kq_ezYw3A5J6-_WoVgX0Cb-gAIw5SWo6zz0IQT5put9KOzU_-XlSfrhhqZTYrTyuU-gttpqEjMVITbGTs/s1600/jeans.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJJkAYY5AXB77h9X7VBh4yTtj31drm6Tq7YAt1-MiZCTo7SVdrr-bRrm9v3Kq_ezYw3A5J6-_WoVgX0Cb-gAIw5SWo6zz0IQT5put9KOzU_-XlSfrhhqZTYrTyuU-gttpqEjMVITbGTs/s320/jeans.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654070240088154962" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First off, I would like to say my figure doesn't quite look like any of the women above. Picture a flatter butt and a belly with some extra sag thanks to the kid and being overweight for so long and you've got it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That said, why is it IMPOSSIBLE to find a perfect fitting pair of jeans? I thought once I got down to a size 10, my problem would choosing which awesomely-fitting pair to buy, not spending an hour in the dressing room trying to find one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My gut is my worst enemy. Despite the weight loss, I've got the belly flab. I'm working on it, but it's not going away overnight. Or in a few months, apparently. Since brands CANNOT unify their sizes, every pair is different. I've got a pair of Old Navy 10s that fit amazing in the legs, my butt looks great (for me), but the waist is too loose. A rare problem for me. Next are Levi's. They run small, so I wear a size larger. I've got a couple pair of their "perfect fit," with the new waistband, and they are comfortable, but far from perfect. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QdiqMT_EnKV60y8X2ODbpT0D9cBuIlNFyZnbsmlJVYGjlZWEd_yt8adGvQvfa57sOlIINJ3KI1rh7BhagquHQnBsArSmMCXCLiy69NnaeNQrlbagKFgt86XnOyPKuq_axX0qQftdp7A/s1600/too-tight-jeans-255.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QdiqMT_EnKV60y8X2ODbpT0D9cBuIlNFyZnbsmlJVYGjlZWEd_yt8adGvQvfa57sOlIINJ3KI1rh7BhagquHQnBsArSmMCXCLiy69NnaeNQrlbagKFgt86XnOyPKuq_axX0qQftdp7A/s320/too-tight-jeans-255.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654074119860045922" style="cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Not me. But every woman has been through this.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also run into the whole leg issue; half the time the ones that fit great in the waist are too long. I do have a pair of Gap Long and Leans that I found at Goodwill ( a great place to shop for jeans) that look pretty good. But they're still a bit loose.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And what is it with these low cut waists? It seems 90% of the jeans out there are like that. Doesn't the fashion industry realize the vast majority of us don't look like their models? That we have hips and have had kids, and those low cut THINGS make us spend all day hiking up our pants. And belts don't work, because getting them tight enough to keep the creepers up causes the dreaded muffin top syndrome.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKY7JbrrgxhCZH6uboaNnRXVQAXCLPW1jXP5NMVM-SDpf6zgWAX7KTBiCne3W51PR2IYZj71EQpSz-8PtX1GZWdSqT9uPQv3ppgIwfVNfr4HZvB-9cT-t8d3FT5z0mF-EM2QL2ygru_c/s1600/muffintop-46514.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoKY7JbrrgxhCZH6uboaNnRXVQAXCLPW1jXP5NMVM-SDpf6zgWAX7KTBiCne3W51PR2IYZj71EQpSz-8PtX1GZWdSqT9uPQv3ppgIwfVNfr4HZvB-9cT-t8d3FT5z0mF-EM2QL2ygru_c/s320/muffintop-46514.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654073579284380258" style="cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 196px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Muffin top, and not the yummy kind.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Of course, there are designer jeans like <a href="http://pzijeans.com/index.html">PZI</a> that claim to have the perfect jeans for women with curves. Translate: REAL WOMEN. Problem is, they're not available in every state and they're expensive. Who has $90 to spend on a pair of jeans? And if we do, you know it's that ONE special pair that you're terrified to wear because you might stain them. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Why can't anyone come up with a jean that fits comfortably without charging an entire week's worth (or more) of groceries? More importantly, it is impossible to come up with jeans that show your shape without cutting off your circulation and disappearing into your nether regions?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is there no hope for the perfect pair of women's jeans? Are we too picky, too self-conscious? Have you found the elusive pair?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-32508765357106183482011-09-18T07:08:00.001-07:002011-09-18T07:34:43.083-07:00Row 80 Check-In and Blogger Ball<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-width: initial; border-color: initial; "><a href="http://megwaiteclayton.com/1stbooks/shewrites-blogger-ball-7/"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://megwaiteclayton.com/1stbooks/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/mybookshelves.jpg" border="2" alt="Welcome to the SheWrites Blogger Ball!" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 2px; border-right-width: 2px; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(170, 170, 153); border-right-color: rgb(170, 170, 153); border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 153); border-left-color: rgb(170, 170, 153); " /></a></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>She Writes Blogger Ball</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">First off, welcome everyone from the She Writes Blogger Ball! I'm Stacy, a writing mom who blogs about anything that interests me. My speciality is "<a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/2011/09/thriller-thursday-sweet-face-of-pure.html">Thriller Thursday</a>," which features posts ranging from true crime to paranormal. As for the writing gig, I've completed my romantic suspense novel Light and Dark and I'm preparing to query while working on a new book, The Prophet. Hope you enjoy the blog!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span">ROW80</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">As we wind down this round of Row80, I have to thank all the participants who did such a great job of cheering each other on. There were days when I didn't want to write or felt completely behind, and it was wonderful to have the support of writing friends. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">These were my Row80 Goals:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>1) Edit/Rewrite at least one chapter a day of Light and Dark.<br /> ***First round edit to be completed by September 19.<br />2) Get outline and first 5000 words of The Prophet done.<br />3) Blog at least 3x a week and keep building my author platform.<br />4) Read, RT and comment on at least 5 blogs a day.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span">I'm happy to say I've achieved all of them. Light and Dark is in the second round of editing, and I'm still hoping to begin querying by November. I've worked really hard on The Prophet, and it's coming along nicely. I'm pretty excited about the things I have planned, and I've exceeded my writing goal for The Prophet by about 1500 words. As for blogging, I've stuck to three times a week and done pretty well on commenting/RTing. Overall, Row80 was a success for me, and I'm looking forward to round four.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span">For anyone who doesn't know what Row80 is, <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/about/">check it out here</a>. The next round is starting up soon!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span">My favorite blog posts this week:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://catierhodes.com/2011/09/16/one-mans-tale-of-vigilante-justice/">One Man's Tale of Vigilante Justice by Catie Rhodes</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(36, 16, 7); font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/coffee-snorting-video-clip-of-the-week-christian-panties/">Christian Panties by Jenny Hansen - absolutely hilarious</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://nataliehartford.com/2011/09/13/dear-santa%E2%80%A6i%E2%80%99d-like-the-new-hitch-stripper-pole/">Dear Santa, I'd like the NEW hitch stripper poll by Natalie Hartford - more hilarity</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://tiffanyawhite.wordpress.com/2011/09/16/friday-fabooolousness-%E2%80%93-a-writers-life-in-movies/">A Writer's Life in Movies by Tiffany A White</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How's your last Row80 week been? Do you have any great links to share?</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-89721756713246475212011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-15T07:00:16.165-07:00Thriller Thursday: The Sweet Face of Pure Evil<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWciVQsA83rIwyUPfW0RKRrfMQu0EqbWAqWbxfrw2yZetSGBcoysC2rnBNYGyV8o3Vhs_LwU3T5k0s1eSUvwqJVAql83ITZbiralNL-i0XIK-nVvONz6uJPXj1kfwC62ZFQqfOJ7Dl5s/s1600/marybell1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWciVQsA83rIwyUPfW0RKRrfMQu0EqbWAqWbxfrw2yZetSGBcoysC2rnBNYGyV8o3Vhs_LwU3T5k0s1eSUvwqJVAql83ITZbiralNL-i0XIK-nVvONz6uJPXj1kfwC62ZFQqfOJ7Dl5s/s320/marybell1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651875980737973490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 274px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Mary Bell in 1968, aged 10.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Look at that face. So sweet, almost cherubic. An innocent child, right? Wrong. Mary Bell murdered two toddlers when she was just ten years old, making her one of the youngest (if not the youngest) serial killers in history and a true psychopath.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mary Bell lived about 275 miles north of London in the small town of Scotswood. Her mother was a prostitute and her father unnamed, although he was thought to be Billy Bell, a known criminal. Family members would later claim Mary attempted to murder her mother several times as a child. Mary would also say she was a victim of sexual abuse and that her mother forced to her to have sex with men as a young child.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On May 25, 1968, just a day before her eleventh birthday, Mary strangled four-year-old Martin Brown and left his body in a condemned house. He small hands couldn't squeeze hard enough to leave marks, and the murder went unsolved.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCbMIsAYOH6XmVmR7S7INYiXgAkLKFP_AD8Hu4Q4wJH2c5W5aCnfJwLFAqKlZe9p81jSC9_MPABi52VwzQw_f2slsLfVPQbUrGf9_slHKtc7R93bWrQDpkuuYjTSWsCnOf6TVJhb9xB0/s1600/martinbrown.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvCbMIsAYOH6XmVmR7S7INYiXgAkLKFP_AD8Hu4Q4wJH2c5W5aCnfJwLFAqKlZe9p81jSC9_MPABi52VwzQw_f2slsLfVPQbUrGf9_slHKtc7R93bWrQDpkuuYjTSWsCnOf6TVJhb9xB0/s320/martinbrown.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651875994711650898" style="cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Martin Brown</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, in July, Mary decided she wanted to kill again. She chose three-year old Brian Howe as her victim and enlisted the help of her troubled friend, Norma. The little boy was found in an industrial area, covered with grass and weeds. A pair of scissors lay nearby. There were puncture marks on his thighs, his genitals partially skinned. Clumps of hair were missing. An "M" had been etched onto the boy's tummy with a razor blade.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>There was a terrible playfulness about it, a terrible gentleness if you like, and somehow the playfulness made it more, rather than less, terrifying. - Inspector James Dobson.</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lsaiREY1vQbGvpUjSbAgxjC171XieiXFIlsTnGWFwWBKuFFbnj3cBlQeULshWhN1FpIJlYPsZlBfbhrVFD6mUZga9_X60Y19k2Y-0H3D2JLzOFqCGzIv0YDQULlYx9-Za9k1J4IVeUo/s1600/brianhowe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lsaiREY1vQbGvpUjSbAgxjC171XieiXFIlsTnGWFwWBKuFFbnj3cBlQeULshWhN1FpIJlYPsZlBfbhrVFD6mUZga9_X60Y19k2Y-0H3D2JLzOFqCGzIv0YDQULlYx9-Za9k1J4IVeUo/s320/brianhowe.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651876000863700482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 260px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Brian Howe</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before Brian's body was discovered by police, Mary and Norma had offered to help the toddler's older sister Pat search for him, going so far as to take her into the industrial area where his body lay. Mary wanted the sister to find the boy's body, "because she wanted Pat Howe to have a shock," Norma later said. Pat insisted he wouldn't go that far from home and left. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Although she was barely eleven, Mary Bell immediately stood out to investigators, along with her friend Norma. Mary acted aloof while Norma was animated and excited, one authority said, "smiling as if it were a huge joke."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With investigators honing in on her, Mary's memory conveniently returned. She told investigator she saw a boy with Brian on the day he died. She claimed he hit the toddler for no reason, and that she had also seen the same boy playing with broken scissors. Even a calculating psychopath makes mistakes: the boy in question had been at the airport the day Brian died, and the scissors had been kept confidential. Mary described the scissors in detail, right down to their silver coloring and broken leg. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0flhpcd8QECaJu9i2f6jT_UxRaru74KbWqUoJuDXPGCchOuBr5SWJC2DsXQ3rJghAM5f-FJjTEegi_zoA5WavXmunZyBtCQZT_5PNWRhZ7YvaUrMPkGIDIF_zVFGRExPkdf893-RDgTI/s1600/scissors.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0flhpcd8QECaJu9i2f6jT_UxRaru74KbWqUoJuDXPGCchOuBr5SWJC2DsXQ3rJghAM5f-FJjTEegi_zoA5WavXmunZyBtCQZT_5PNWRhZ7YvaUrMPkGIDIF_zVFGRExPkdf893-RDgTI/s320/scissors.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651892758128557602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 273px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >The scissors Mary Bell used to mutilate Brian Howe. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On August 7th, Brian Howe was laid to rest. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">"Mary Bell was standing in front of the Howe's house when the coffin was brought out. I was, of course, watching her. And it was when I saw her there that I knew I dare not risk another day. She stood there, laughing. Laughing and rubbing her hands. I thought, My God, I've got to bring her in, she'll do another one." - Inspector Dobson.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div id="articlecontent" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 20px; "><p style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "></p></div></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">Dobson questioned Norma before Brian's funeral. The girl now said Mary told her she had killed Brian and showed her his body. Mary allegedly told Norma "I squeezed his neck and pushed up his lungs, that's how you kill them." Norma claimed that when Mary showed her the body, Mary stroked the dead boy's lips and said she had enjoyed killing him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Police picked Mary up, and Dobson said that while the child was weary, she kept her wits. Dobson tried a variety of tactics with Mary, hoping to entice the truth out of her. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I have reason to believe that when you were near the blocks with Norma, a man shouted at some children and you both ran away from where Brian was laying in the grass. This man will probably know you," Dobson said.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"He would have to have good eyesight."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Why would he need good eyesight?" Dobson asked.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Because he was...clever to see me when I wasn't there." Mary then said she was being brainwashed and that she was going home. Dobson refused and forged on. Mary held fast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I am making no statements. I have made lots of statements. It's always me you come for. Norma's a liar, she always tries to get me into trouble."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpe6QwoKkHskyvbZ7h-dkK5B_3TW6jlllj6sUPNBgly5pGeAUbkb7cYktYzvZxTH0g3BTHGmusmz4aHi-jvS8jHL4rcfho7yJA1Xq38A4Tic1b4ezk-49y-ei8boS6Cs9_tGNJ_vz6HY/s1600/5a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpe6QwoKkHskyvbZ7h-dkK5B_3TW6jlllj6sUPNBgly5pGeAUbkb7cYktYzvZxTH0g3BTHGmusmz4aHi-jvS8jHL4rcfho7yJA1Xq38A4Tic1b4ezk-49y-ei8boS6Cs9_tGNJ_vz6HY/s320/5a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651893386196860722" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 228px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Note written by Mary Bell after the murders, found at a nursery she and Norma broke into</span></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ignoring the nagging voice in the back of his head, Dobson allowed Mary to leave. He later brought her back to the station after getting more information from Norma.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Still cool under pressure, Mary finally admitted to being present when Brian died but implicated Norma as the actual murderer. Mary claimed she tried to pull Norma off the little boy, but that Norma screamed at her and kept strangling him. You can read <a href="http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/famous/bell/statement_3.html">Mary's full statement here. </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When Dobson told Mary she was being charged with the murder of Brian Howe, she reportedly said, "That's all right with me." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once she was incarcerated, stories of Mary's bizzarre behavior and abuse began to surface. Other children said she was a show off, and they didn't believe her when she went around claiming she was a murderer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">According to friends and family, Mary had pushed her cousin several feet off a ledge behind some sheds, leaving him bleeding from the head. She also attacked three girls at a daycare, with Norma in tow. One of the girls claimed Mary had squeezed her throat, asking "what happens if you choke someone, do they die?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNcRQqpzvBRabiW5jHH9AWYgShpOKeUIxqElNe30fAvbKrB1byEArDRY7mWrTm29XjBbVcVoGpbh6H0VkIYHzbmYHY6keOMqbBty_RrTNtofwadfqhqMH_U9Inhx-Z3j7PCmJZ8Q0xOw/s1600/clipping.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNcRQqpzvBRabiW5jHH9AWYgShpOKeUIxqElNe30fAvbKrB1byEArDRY7mWrTm29XjBbVcVoGpbh6H0VkIYHzbmYHY6keOMqbBty_RrTNtofwadfqhqMH_U9Inhx-Z3j7PCmJZ8Q0xOw/s320/clipping.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652583265011604738" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Headline during Mary Bell's trial.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mary was soon connected to Martin Brown's murder that had occurred months earlier. The three boys who had found the boys body remembered Mary and Norma squeezing through a broken section of boards to get into the house. Mary had brought Norma to show her the boy's body.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because police could find no signs of violence, the cause of death had been left open. But ice-cold Mary and Norma revelled in tormenting the boy's aunt, asking her if she missed Martin and if she cried for him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The girls didn't stop there. June Richardson, Martin's grieving mother, was also a target.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>"Mary smiled and asked to see Martin. I said, 'no pet, Martin is dead.' She turned round and said, 'Oh I know he's dead. I wanted to see him in his coffin.' She was still grinning. I was just speechless that such a young child should want to see a dead baby, and I just slammed the door on her."</blockquote></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYbpBsXU6f0dam6VfJGjSmPrDNVNywcrKfOrqVMl7cV42XbGIGHU3tILp5Cea2lUpwFQK9PxGKs0rn7_GhlEZt3VwM4lR8mT85AoiXXhY63RFl1x2pLEc4MB80q1Vpc9KbHPD6oF2Kfo/s1600/4a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYbpBsXU6f0dam6VfJGjSmPrDNVNywcrKfOrqVMl7cV42XbGIGHU3tILp5Cea2lUpwFQK9PxGKs0rn7_GhlEZt3VwM4lR8mT85AoiXXhY63RFl1x2pLEc4MB80q1Vpc9KbHPD6oF2Kfo/s320/4a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651887340893784642" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 252px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >June Richardson with a picture of Martin.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">At trial, the psychiatrist who had interviewed Mary said she exhibited the classic signs of psychopathy: she showed no remorse and was completely unemotional. Mary Bell was convicted of manslaughter while Norma was found not guilty and placed under psychiatric evaluation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have no idea how she only received manslaughter, but I can only assume it was because of her age.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The authorities had no idea what to do with an eleven-year-old murderer, so Mary spent the rest of her juvenile years floating from one institution to another. After the conviction, she continued to make headlines as her heartless and greedy mother sold stories about her to the press. In 1977, Mary escaped from Moore Open Court Prison, where she'd been since her transfer from a young offenders institution.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-fXvIeEbatHlN83RqlZM-qZ43ZewqiUZ4jsKuA15zELQ1DUlPNXjj0t0J_d5uxuaF21Y33g-KVX_C5FqR5zUGk985HQv2tKA_wa241V-CrX0RmUQsoiXq2QQnw1qRHPIwu3lPPWl8dA/s1600/marybelladult.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-fXvIeEbatHlN83RqlZM-qZ43ZewqiUZ4jsKuA15zELQ1DUlPNXjj0t0J_d5uxuaF21Y33g-KVX_C5FqR5zUGk985HQv2tKA_wa241V-CrX0RmUQsoiXq2QQnw1qRHPIwu3lPPWl8dA/s320/marybelladult.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651875986670142322" style="cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >Mary Bell at 16.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mary was released from prison in 1980 at the age of twenty-three, serving only twelve years for the murders of two helpless little boys. Even worse, she was granted anonymity, including a new name, to start a new life with her daughter (born in May, 1984). Their location was eventually discovered and the two had to escape the house under the cover of bed sheets. Yet another innocent child had been affected by Mary's hideous actions, but this time it was her own flesh and blood. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQFj9Qg9NeCOPzXUv9bcuowbOsinkAKX1Iu-6YMySn6-WC3yY6m8vww-Y9cCxXGWou6i3ebgU95mQRzH5e8QAaSJ7zer_fRdJahhE1uoOjTsjrdWNa9u8M2c5WI_3A350WbpK64RuOhQ/s1600/lastpicMary.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQFj9Qg9NeCOPzXUv9bcuowbOsinkAKX1Iu-6YMySn6-WC3yY6m8vww-Y9cCxXGWou6i3ebgU95mQRzH5e8QAaSJ7zer_fRdJahhE1uoOjTsjrdWNa9u8M2c5WI_3A350WbpK64RuOhQ/s320/lastpicMary.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651890864430495906" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 290px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Mary Bell in 1980 after her release.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mary and her daughter were supposed to lose their anonymity when the child turned 18. But to the heartbreak of the victim's families, Mary Bell succeeded in having her own anonymity and her daughter's extended for life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Brown and Howe families were devastated. Mary had not only served very little time for the double homicides, but she also made money with an autobiography and would now be able to hide behind her daughter for the rest of her life, effectively negating any accountability. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bell recently had a grandchild, and the order has been extended to include him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"A child is a blessing. She took my blessing and left me with grief for the rest of my life. I hope when she looks at this child she remembers the two she murdered. I will never see a grandchild from my son. I hope when she looks at this baby she realized what my family are missing out on because of what she has done." </div><div style="text-align: left;">-- June Richardson, mother of Martin Brown.</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can find much more of Mary's story <a href="http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/famous/bell/index_1.html">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In all my research of violent crimes, this has to be the worst. The chilling way Mary spoke of her victims and her utter lack of remorse is astounding. What do you think? Should she have served more time, and should she be allowed anonymity?</div></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-79111338356050371802011-09-13T07:41:00.000-07:002011-09-13T07:46:01.196-07:00Tempting Tuesday: Billy the Exterminator<div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMmaL3GUnFOyFJWQESQNh9RdllwzK6LJx2nyhBGgjTxHC-iB4kaLOTgP9jRu10Mj5GszaNllsSxiXKpHU6a_pRaFZqtVTFnhsCtondDX9prihy7H_KMfZHsz7bEqeuKBGgBvKn5X9MXk/s1600/billy-the-exterminator300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMmaL3GUnFOyFJWQESQNh9RdllwzK6LJx2nyhBGgjTxHC-iB4kaLOTgP9jRu10Mj5GszaNllsSxiXKpHU6a_pRaFZqtVTFnhsCtondDX9prihy7H_KMfZHsz7bEqeuKBGgBvKn5X9MXk/s320/billy-the-exterminator300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651842352768162786" style="cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Billy Bretherton</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Today's topic is about one of my favorite shows, <a href="http://www.aetv.com/billy-the-exterminator/">Billy the Exterminator on A&E</a>. He doesn't look like your average exterminator, does he? That's because he isn't. Billy is an animal lover, roach and wasp killer, family man, genius (yes, literally), and family man.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">He got his start on an episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe (another household favorite) and was eventually offered his own show featuring his pest control business, <a href="http://www.vexconinc.com/pests/">Vexcon</a>. Located near Shreveport, Louisiana, the business is a family affair. Although Billy and his brother Ricky are listed as the owners, their mom and dad run the office, and there's no doubt who's the boss: Donnie Bretherton, matriarch and somewhat control freak. She loves to get involved in younger son Ricky's love life and is constantly thwarting her husband's attempts to sneak out of the office to a job. He's had some health problems, including a heart attack, and she won't let him do much.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4nKSJYGDuAwnOmpyxFDzPzFxoVOsfkot5FzzTRDl6qkfGirBpgtkDL8YtlnqqQy3ppOLm2_CMyR6C-y8KeeuTgMUkQk7no-cBy8a3DF_S7Gykb_aVJnQ0D9PbXbWXAp-Xij4KXFC9to/s1600/billyexterminator.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4nKSJYGDuAwnOmpyxFDzPzFxoVOsfkot5FzzTRDl6qkfGirBpgtkDL8YtlnqqQy3ppOLm2_CMyR6C-y8KeeuTgMUkQk7no-cBy8a3DF_S7Gykb_aVJnQ0D9PbXbWXAp-Xij4KXFC9to/s320/billyexterminator.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651844260155527778" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 204px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>L-R: Ricky, Bill Sr., Donnie, and Billy.</i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Back to Billy. He's not just some backwoods rube running around with spiked hair and scary leather. He's educated, and according to his brother Ricky, his I.Q. is at genius level (as well as Ricky and Bill, Sr's.) Billy entered the Air Force in 1987 with dreams of law enforcement, but he tested so high in biology, science, and chemistry he was put into the field of entomology.</div><div style="text-align: left; "></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">When I found out [about being placed in entomology] I actually started bawling my head off when I called home to my Mom and Dad because I just joined the United States Air Force to be the Orkin Man and squish bugs. --Billy Bretherton</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left; "></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Although he was disappointed, Billy credits the Air Force with giving him stellar training in the field. After an honorable discharge, he spent five years working with the industry's leading entomologist. He furthered his expertise by studying at Purdue University, and then earning a masters certification for termite control at LSU. Billy is an expert in using organic, non-chemical procedures to rid his customers of unwanted pests. Vexcon is one of the only companies to use eugenol oil - an organic element that zaps the pests but doesn't hurt humans or animals.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vlGtvIq9KDfFMfPNAwl4ry2qKxoupT7MMTa1v9ts2-XWD-mXypjZkAIZCY05XG-TWtODnU0UgMiXgrLxIr3bx3YuPC_u-6fD1JfpvfG9nVxNgE-zbj4-2kqDyUnvJXTxLuj0hHW6gDQ/s320/billyrickycroc.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651841838679953090" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px; " /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Billy and Ricky going after a big alligator.</i></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">He started Vexcon with his father in 1996 and the business quickly grew. What I love about Billy is that you see how intelligent and compassionate he is on every job. He always relocates animals if at all possible, including alligators (although the state of Louisiana states that an alligator over five foot must be disposed off), bees, raccoons, foxes, possums, snakes...the list goes on.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Billy loves working with his younger brother Ricky, and many of the shows episodes feature the two of them going up against all sorts of creatures. Vexcon is known for its compassionate treatment of wild animals, but Billy always makes sure to explain to customers - especially kids, how dangerous and unpredictable wild animals can be.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmqQnbuHhaiiH30urt29Hbrp7q33bs16l6YUloo7Ax6QjcqfziQV0TWaI-zeM04Q8vaqwyvKJ9twfGViioNp7FdJucfqHUiZhHWclagf7PQITH_hu5JpIhxzE0GkvFHLZ7qGFnXWAaGs/s1600/billy-the-exterminator.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmqQnbuHhaiiH30urt29Hbrp7q33bs16l6YUloo7Ax6QjcqfziQV0TWaI-zeM04Q8vaqwyvKJ9twfGViioNp7FdJucfqHUiZhHWclagf7PQITH_hu5JpIhxzE0GkvFHLZ7qGFnXWAaGs/s320/billy-the-exterminator.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651854616462605826" style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Billy and Ricky relocating a skunk.</i></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">One of my favorite episodes is from Season 3. Last year, Billy and Ricky went down to the Gulf to see the oil spill for themselves. They were sickened by what they saw. A guide took them through some of the marsh areas where the oil was beginning to encroach, and a raccoon was in serious danger, with oil already on its fur. The guide told Billy he couldn't legally rescue it - the state was only focusing on birds and taking mammals was strictly prohibited. Billy couldn't leave the stranded animal, so without much equipment, he and Ricky caught the coon, and Billy took him to shore and the heat that went with saving the animal.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWGY-Yaldi8rNc_dvXp7pftYDkLHhTWNVfbULzh0jYCBD0CIl9HSqzwGC0A7YX1H36IDggHeyyJw3_XMuQ_7BMb3pnh8DXrXtNdrYHXX-iKCt8Y62ueyIyHLDyolNtz0WZBNN_HY7d4Q/s1600/billyandrickygulf.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWGY-Yaldi8rNc_dvXp7pftYDkLHhTWNVfbULzh0jYCBD0CIl9HSqzwGC0A7YX1H36IDggHeyyJw3_XMuQ_7BMb3pnh8DXrXtNdrYHXX-iKCt8Y62ueyIyHLDyolNtz0WZBNN_HY7d4Q/s320/billyandrickygulf.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651841829794358578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 174px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Billy and Ricky looking at the destruction of the oil spill.</i></div><div style="text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left; "></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I'm not the only one in the house who loves Billy. Grace has declared her love for him. He and Justin Bieber are her boyfriends, and she's determined to be Billy for Halloween. I love the guy, but I'm not sure I want my five-year-old daughter running around the neighborhood looking like this:</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIJWhlXW7HHK2gYCXF32cMdh2qq5Ulp2mdISx373q2BzN2tc0t-7o-7Gj_6c3074rWtkp5UMl58CHoMVZ4-3tQPw7zp2y6FXXFC4wweb1O3ZfaHxVT8XicffuzmKD7Q7prj30-mIqtHE/s1600/costume.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIJWhlXW7HHK2gYCXF32cMdh2qq5Ulp2mdISx373q2BzN2tc0t-7o-7Gj_6c3074rWtkp5UMl58CHoMVZ4-3tQPw7zp2y6FXXFC4wweb1O3ZfaHxVT8XicffuzmKD7Q7prj30-mIqtHE/s320/costume.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651852070064050178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 120px; height: 160px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I couldn't get this link to convert, but take two minutes and watch <a href="http://www.aetv.com/billy-the-exterminator/video/index.jsp?bcpid=756130011001&bclid=6703668001&bctid=1147797438001">Billy explain how to capture a coyote without harming it</a>. He's got no interest in the traps that clamp down and seriously injure the animal's leg. He wants to relocate it, not hurt it.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Billy the Exterminator is on A&E, Tuesday at 10/9 central.</div><div><br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-83938237549686789722011-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:002011-09-12T07:56:50.682-07:00Manic Monday: Randomness and Awards<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgpLEt9Meet8zERw-bSFYeaejEQ9Twg8eB6_q2eFCCqbajvbTW9IzxexKBTuFGQcM5z8OUCMwp0MhQ2hZM5-W79xuBd9qShR9tEdk7H8iknv12MQ8YT6kKn96wz7dWRQLR2SN3TdLahQ/s1600/tagyouritn128625579542351150.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgpLEt9Meet8zERw-bSFYeaejEQ9Twg8eB6_q2eFCCqbajvbTW9IzxexKBTuFGQcM5z8OUCMwp0MhQ2hZM5-W79xuBd9qShR9tEdk7H8iknv12MQ8YT6kKn96wz7dWRQLR2SN3TdLahQ/s320/tagyouritn128625579542351150.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651479415389216114" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">I know the artist used the wrong form of "you're" in the pic. But it was too funny not to use.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; ">I've been tagged! <a href="http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/">Rachel Harrie</a> is hosting the Writer's Platform Building Campaign, and the wonderful <a href="http://tiffanyawhite.wordpress.com/">Tiffany White</a> has tagged me. </div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; ">Rules: You must be tagged by someone; list 10 random facts about yourself; tag four more people.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br />I don't know if I can come up with 10 random facts that are actually interesting, but here goes!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaetYdcf-blPAO_g7angnt_MeGNwJPnhSad3UOt3iN91yQcjJOuQMyNZx7OryA7kpeAOpWXek4ulDUB30AxJ0wH3BczEheZ7v57raI6RLtawhWOqBVcmUuIj7wg8DlHNqm6PTaxAYGqQ/s1600/jr.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaetYdcf-blPAO_g7angnt_MeGNwJPnhSad3UOt3iN91yQcjJOuQMyNZx7OryA7kpeAOpWXek4ulDUB30AxJ0wH3BczEheZ7v57raI6RLtawhWOqBVcmUuIj7wg8DlHNqm6PTaxAYGqQ/s320/jr.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651481147288137618" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 155px; " /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; ">1) The first TV shows I remember watching were Dallas and Hill Street Blues. I knew both the theme songs at the age of four. Guess that's where I get my love of dramatics and crime, lol.</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; ">2) I didn't watch Sesame Street until I was an adult and had my own child.</div><div style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; "><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">3) My earliest childhood memory is going under anesthesia to get tubes in my ears. I remember seeing myself cowering in a corner through a long tunnel. I was two.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTj7yQSoZRK46CaNMsdagiFART20_NMpBxMxAvSvVMgWRS6UaK1TbqDlfJk9bxxmc1Xc6TazbyoV057KslMHvdh1ofR3CxJdSCW5tqfMd4pzcpU02TEgAX-pLPuiyog7EkjUQfniojto/s1600/Little+House+On+The+Prairie-45.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTj7yQSoZRK46CaNMsdagiFART20_NMpBxMxAvSvVMgWRS6UaK1TbqDlfJk9bxxmc1Xc6TazbyoV057KslMHvdh1ofR3CxJdSCW5tqfMd4pzcpU02TEgAX-pLPuiyog7EkjUQfniojto/s320/Little+House+On+The+Prairie-45.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651481676227591746" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">4) I loved Little House on the Praire and used to pretend to be Laura Ingalls Wilder. I had old dresses my grandma gave me, and my aunt Donna even made me a calico skirt.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EkRWdF72aMdqC0kWANUT5DOgPoLMBdkjDS5q1q6GWhH4V9xOZTk3EZ0mwGOPYILgDXoFfq5IhimOsn93nD1TWba-kFioGrRrzYQyDNBebdhBGapO6LY9_CKPSwh_CISbhuI_W41wHnI/s1600/New-Kids-on-the-Block.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EkRWdF72aMdqC0kWANUT5DOgPoLMBdkjDS5q1q6GWhH4V9xOZTk3EZ0mwGOPYILgDXoFfq5IhimOsn93nD1TWba-kFioGrRrzYQyDNBebdhBGapO6LY9_CKPSwh_CISbhuI_W41wHnI/s320/New-Kids-on-the-Block.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651482530706573810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EkRWdF72aMdqC0kWANUT5DOgPoLMBdkjDS5q1q6GWhH4V9xOZTk3EZ0mwGOPYILgDXoFfq5IhimOsn93nD1TWba-kFioGrRrzYQyDNBebdhBGapO6LY9_CKPSwh_CISbhuI_W41wHnI/s1600/New-Kids-on-the-Block.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"> </a></span></div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">5) The first story I ever wrote was about New Kids on the Block. Don't laugh. I didn't know it was called fan fiction way back then. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">I still have the notebook, and the writing I thought was gold is pretty crappy. But hey, I was 12.<br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v3Zr8kHav96m46TTsav2WQeMwgoUjRsjlJPV9TrB7pVfsqG84c-fWwKhm6ycsuHk_7_YAAOYuDpJdGvwSyKrOr9rSScBSucir5E50OhvhQRg_nTCwqHKAHkx968nsBN9-mPlPoI2RDU/s320/63pointgame.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651479435461647538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 260px; " /></span></span></div></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">6) In 1986, my dad and I watched Michael Jordan score 63 points against the Celtics. I've been a diehard fan ever since. Bulls games were an event in our house, especially during the playoffs. Some of my best memories with my dad are watching those games. I was lucky enough to see Michael play twice, once in old Chicago Stadium (I actually have a piece of the old floor, a red section), and in Indianapolis.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWbzAqrRTECRqpbEg0j5zZJ5GmFXSBn2dgmIT2DEbky74senEPki0Z4NMXd9Sw7WyF00ek9O-GJWOP5gGIZhkq49KgfFO2S_aIU5zQE-0u0-6oUtzeVevC7ZGb5eKg1W-TkbptMGbR40/s320/Kirk_Cameron.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651479428751971442" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">7) My first Hollywood crush was Kirk Cameron. It was this poster that did it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh829DQQ_hL9QX4cVgjLcN2rX6tArakUuzMWs6kjM1oSk-G3WElcOJ7u2bcY2ZmFIUaPUiGYTS1wW-nQN6C7BGuxD_7dGy9H6iWr3hSZioVVJ2ioVml-_YNOrXmqelPgW5eec6P_O5yeYI/s1600/chris-003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh829DQQ_hL9QX4cVgjLcN2rX6tArakUuzMWs6kjM1oSk-G3WElcOJ7u2bcY2ZmFIUaPUiGYTS1wW-nQN6C7BGuxD_7dGy9H6iWr3hSZioVVJ2ioVml-_YNOrXmqelPgW5eec6P_O5yeYI/s320/chris-003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651482019830853330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px; " /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">8) My current celebrity crush is Chris Hemsworth. Seriously. Look at the man. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">9) I absolutely believe ghosts, spirits, etc. because of <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/2011/07/thriller-thursday-haunting-of-stacy.html">personal experience</a>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC879nIMw_n85B8Sl6hGP99fwn3lFswHOAajyt_d4hzlCNIU-P5CHoY2YOsgyeOS6XFxrF16woatCQVKS-GgJhqNY82DriI1oQdZuGgT5RoFKhG2IhgquoIMIBOdmsUqcPzQ0FfQnFNlk/s320/washington-d-c-dc193.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651479428841656370" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">10) The summer of my sophomore year of high school, our band and chorus traveled to Washington, D.C. I was chosen to participate in the daily wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Standing at the tomb hearing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbp-DPwQ_YI">Taps played</a> was one of the most moving moments of my life. The link is from this year and not my experience, but the ritual is the same. Our group walked the new wreath out to be exchanged with the old one.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Now, I get to tag four new bloggers and friends. This is tough because there are so many! <a href="http://catierhodes.com/">Catie Rhodes</a>, <a href="http://annieboreson.blogspot.com/">Annie Boreson</a>, <a href="http://www.kellyhashway.com/">Kelly Hashway</a>, and <a href="http://angelawallace.wordpress.com/">Angela Wallace</a>, you're up!</span></span></div></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-7815047929100691022011-09-11T11:04:00.000-07:002011-09-11T11:23:04.198-07:00Row80 Update and Remembrance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrK0LEskzRPnlM3gQpVjsHMVhR8KeEIY90AGOOxdFnWhgGsybJe_Gzl690BzZ5MF_gg0whWjUx46IhPmCu-8I4hoi7gJSTCHmM80TIMaoBXEH6aYt_j1HxYcofnvX-wt2HiKpc1QdXnQ/s1600/americanflag911.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrK0LEskzRPnlM3gQpVjsHMVhR8KeEIY90AGOOxdFnWhgGsybJe_Gzl690BzZ5MF_gg0whWjUx46IhPmCu-8I4hoi7gJSTCHmM80TIMaoBXEH6aYt_j1HxYcofnvX-wt2HiKpc1QdXnQ/s320/americanflag911.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651164759105405682" /></a>I debated about posting today. It seems insensitive to be blabbing about my mundane week and problems on a day like today. As I watched the memorial service this morning, I felt the same inability to grasp what had happened as I did ten years ago. <div><br /></div><div>I've never been to New York City. The tallest building I've seen is the Sears Tower, and I've never been in it. I simply can't fathom how big the Towers were or the power it took to bring them down. Despite watching the horrible videos several times, I still can't fathom what it was like to be near Ground Zero on that day. I can't imagine the sound, the smell, or the sheer terror everyone involved must have felt. I can't grasp the bravery of the firefighters, police, and port authority as they struggled to save lives without worrying about their own. Most of all, I cannot picture what it must have been like to be trapped in one of those buildings, racing down crowded stairwells full of smoke and wondering if you would make it out alive. And I certainly can't understand what it was like for the passengers on the plane as the hijackers took over and made their final descents. </div><div><br /></div><div>All I can do is empathize with the grieving families and pray for their continued recovery. I felt so sorry for those family members today as they ready off the names of the victims, especially the kids who never really got to know their parents. And yet I felt pride, too. Pride that these people had the strength to pick themselves up and move forward with their lives. I'm not sure I could have done it. God Bless each of them, and God Bless America.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you do nothing else today, take a moment to reflect on your life and be thankful for all the positives. Remember that it can all be taken away in an instant. No matter how easy it is, don't sweat the small stuff. Embrace life and move forward as those left behind on 9/11/01 have done.</div><div><br /></div><div>Row80 update:</div><div>Initial goals met.</div><div>Working on some edits for Light and Dark</div><div>Query Letter revised</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you all have a wonderful week and are doing well with your goals. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-17272231508284707332011-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:002011-09-08T08:17:54.583-07:00Thriller Thursday: Kitty Genovese and the Bystander Effect<span class="Apple-style-span"><blockquote></blockquote><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV43iMFB0g8x4ZG_vG3XWBT4s4ifF_s-iILFr-DDGDj_7GPK85aTti5_HboCqU0aji-Nlk5BrhYWr1hZkjV3h_62IjfxJX7GgGl8DD-RAQD3Wx8onzxk39uDXI0JbVqo76rMzcCIaJHM/s1600/1a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV43iMFB0g8x4ZG_vG3XWBT4s4ifF_s-iILFr-DDGDj_7GPK85aTti5_HboCqU0aji-Nlk5BrhYWr1hZkjV3h_62IjfxJX7GgGl8DD-RAQD3Wx8onzxk39uDXI0JbVqo76rMzcCIaJHM/s320/1a.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649989368813588722" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">On a dark spring morning in 1964, Catherine Susan Genovese arrived home from her job as a bar manager at Ev's Eleventh Hour Sports Bar in Queens. She parked about one hundred feet from her apartment door, located in an alley way at the back of the building. As she walked, she was approached by an unfamiliar African-American male. Genovese ran across the parking lot toward the front of her building, but the man quickly overtook her, stabbing Genovese twice in the back.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Stunned and in pain, Genovese's scream cut through the quiet night. "Oh my God, he stabbed me! Help me!" Several neighbors heard the cry but with the windows closed, only a few recognized it as a cry for help. A neighbor shouted at the attacker to leave the girl alone, and the man took off.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCsIzICXlLfVCQli9ZvtCIzm5X2yO-46wt1lLfqvQ8ENt2Qd3PmPeyx2vNur_jtLSD-sSR9fAWpIXUPpxWfq7E86idz-Dx74SSBBBv9iVEBa_DObeQkNJKvQvY6Z_aKqtO_4TDxBUoPo/s320/2b.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 99px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649991516845207442" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">The apartment on Austin Street, Queens</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span">.</span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 17px; "></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Irene Front heard Catherine's screams. "There was another shriek," she testified in court. "And she was lying down crying out."</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">The night was once again quiet, the only sound Catherine's sobbing as she struggled to her feet. Blood streaming from her wounds, Catherine staggered to the side of her building and fought for consciousness. Within five minutes, her attacker had returned and stabbed her again.</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">"I'm dying, I'm dying," Catherine cried out. Lights again flashed on, windows opened as tenants peered into the night. The attacker was spotted racing to a white Chevy Corvair and driving away.</span></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">From the sixth floor of the apartment building, Marjorie and Samual Kroshkin witnessed the attack from their window. </span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><blockquote><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">"I saw a man hurry to a car under my window," he said later. "He left and came back five minutes later and was looking around the area. "Mr. Koshkin wanted to call the police, but Mrs. Koshkin thought otherwise. "I didn't let him," she later said to the press. "I told him there must have been thirty calls already."</span></p></blockquote></span></span><p></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span>Another witness later said at trial that she heard a scream for help three different times. "I saw a girl lying dow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">n on the pavement with a man bending down over her, beating her."</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span>Determined to live, Catherine made her way to the rear of her building and tried to enter through a ba</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">ck door. It was locked. She slid along the wall until she reached a hallway leading to the second floor, but lost her footing and fell. The man returned.</span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 17px; "></p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="image_flr" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: 12px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; float: right; clear: both; "><div class="image_caption" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 3px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); ">.</div></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmILp4AwGAGxAjmZ4bEvDKkE4z1u4SbYJEwwbOEKUHJsvR4rgep_r1mZ49adX4cNsS61vqE_EDv-kSk8N1lW1h_YrRZmMA0F2qoIroeMz8gkyKwIED3wPRhFcGsqdInpEDnNHWa3zz20/s320/3b.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649994492017178962" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i> The alley where Catherine was stabbed.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I came back because I knew I'd not finished what I set out to do," the man later told cops. He searched for Catherine until he found her slumped in her own blood and semiconscious. He cut off her bra and panties and sexually assaulted her, then took $49 from her wallet.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Why would I throw money away?" He asked the court at trial.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">He finished the job, stabbing Catherine to death, and then left the scene. The entire event lasted 32 minutes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Karl Ross, a neighbor on the second floor, finally called the police at about 3:50 a.m., but only after calling a friend and asking his opinion about what he should do. A squad car arrived within minutes and discovered Catherine's body. She'd been stabbed 17 times. A neighborhood canvas churned up 38 people who had heard or seensome part of the assault on Catherine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">38 people. 32 minutes. Anyone could have saved her. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">A myriad of excuses followed: one tenant thought it was a lover's quarrel, others were afraid, some women didn't want their husbands involved. Some claimed they couldn't see what was happening. One witness said he was too tired.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">The murder of Catherine "Kitty" Genovese was just one of many in NYC in 1964. It wasn't until the <i>New York Times</i> published "38 Who Saw Murder Didn't Call The Police" by Martin Gansberg that the killing became real news. Press flocked to the Kew</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">Gardens in Queens, the residential neighborhood where the murder had taken place. The witnesses were chewed up in the press, but many now claim the article was misleading. No neighbor witnessed the entire attack, as it was spread out over three different areas. But the fact remains that an early call to the police could have changed everything.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">Kitty's murder jumpstarted a new line of psychological research into the phenomenon known as the Bystander Effect. Experts found the probability of help is related to the number of bystanders; the more people watching, the less likely they are to intervene. In a world full of apathy and self-preservation, most people assume someone else will make the call or step in to help. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">Television was also blamed for the inaction.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "></span></span></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">"We underestimate the damage that these accumulated images do to the brain. The immediate effect can be delusional, equivalent to a sort of post-hypnotic suggestion. The witnesses became confused and paralyzed by the violence they witnessed outside their window. They were fascinated by the drama, by the action, and yet not entirely sure that what was taking place was actually happening." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; ">--Psychiatrist Ralph S. Banay</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px; "><br /></span></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_jQx_oR1bdAJRNiqCP60Ci0EVTkEly6pIBZbTbABUT4RKXgfhH_Z53QPbgdW4NL-vr6MwH80c8X4mtur2Q3vMjdCSB9L9T_khUj1BoxuwN6K_3NdQdzc4HLHzU0Du-mRwUSdD3u-xn4/s320/mosely.jpeg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 197px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650002732177790594" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><i>Winston Mosely</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The attacker was identified as Winston Moseley. He was later arrested in connection with burglary charges and confessed to the murder of Kitty Genovese and two others. His confession details the attack, and he stated his motivation was to kill a woman. He chose Kitty at random.</p></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Moseley showed no remorse and was given the death sentence. But in 1967, the New York Court of Appeals found that Moseley should have been able to argue he was medically insane at the sentencing hearing, and the sentence was reduce to life.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">During a 1968 trip to the hospital for surgery, Moseley attacked a guard and beat him, then took a bat and started swinging at those around him. He took five hostages, raping one in front of her husband. He was recaptured after a two-day manhunt. Moseley has been denied bail thirteen times. His next hearing is in November.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Kitty's murder is a sad representation of some of our worst traits: apathy and selfishness. What would you have done? Do you know of any other murders affected by the Bystander Effect.</p></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-58876749791176255202011-09-06T07:02:00.000-07:002011-09-06T08:15:36.205-07:00#Tempting Tuesday: Help With Some Fuzzy Critters<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_2vpu00xNVyi051RPxC6uggANonOEAf56-AxtQsSwwsv-6PwYsoi_8IbmJKgg2h5-8jo4pJ4KGq5hp793k_hO6cffbFXx-8hOGCrdOvcQ32kBhuRwEeyRcHev3rcYoTpcbtdaG6paMQ/s1600/cater2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_2vpu00xNVyi051RPxC6uggANonOEAf56-AxtQsSwwsv-6PwYsoi_8IbmJKgg2h5-8jo4pJ4KGq5hp793k_hO6cffbFXx-8hOGCrdOvcQ32kBhuRwEeyRcHev3rcYoTpcbtdaG6paMQ/s320/cater2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649247136929282658" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqmp0PI4YwWdQ_t8pHYojzTN6jTxqv8bccKiuWXAS9NyqutNyMaxHiHMPj37fJE0vWz78J4PlrO7rl8nWkLxxHsoQ-_KIAA0arTj4Y8AWGOxrLDJODEiE__UE800tKdOfL9K4OlBMOCI/s1600/cater1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqmp0PI4YwWdQ_t8pHYojzTN6jTxqv8bccKiuWXAS9NyqutNyMaxHiHMPj37fJE0vWz78J4PlrO7rl8nWkLxxHsoQ-_KIAA0arTj4Y8AWGOxrLDJODEiE__UE800tKdOfL9K4OlBMOCI/s320/cater1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649247008639224162" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I know I promised you some gre</span><span class="Apple-style-span">at recipes today, and those are coming. But I'm hoping some of you can help me. Grace collected three fuzzy caterpillars yesterday, and I'm trying to figure out what they are and how to care for them. I think they're a type of wooly bear that will turn into moths, but I'm not sure of the exact breed. Anyone know?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Now, onto the recipes!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-Z0lTZATBIIx19cOFelD2kce15NWGbKcs6GRl7XJIK3SfdLYSObJdkdqvulZGuZBAyLqWcfwQGzSqGZdvX7mG0Nvj5DkZkHWPeLe6CMscxg5SV_nias_6nZ6IjxgAruabPEThpgVBuY/s320/cooking.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649250736290559794" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Bacon Cheddar Burgers</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I was desperate for a different kind of burger that wasn't going to shoot up my calorie count, and this is what I found. Including the bun, they're about 450 calories and very filling.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1 pound ground beef</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 cup shredded 2% Cheddar cheese</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">2 tablespoons prepared horseradish</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 teaspoon pepper</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">1/2 cup real bacon bits</span></li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span">4 Sara Lee Mini Buns (these come in whole grain, multi-grain, wheat)</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Mix and cook on grill until done. I like to put a tiny bit of butter on the bread and heat up</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "><b><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "><b><br /></b></span></div>Italian Sausage and Peppers With Penne Pasta</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">This one isn't low calorie or carb, but you can get your veggies and using whole-grain pasta makes the dish healthier.<br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">2 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">1 lb Italian sausage</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">2 medium green and/or red peppers, cut into 2-inch strips</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">2 medium onions, thickly sliced (I usually use one - depends on your tastes)</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">1 (26 ounce) jar Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce or Prego® Organic Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">3/4 pound uncooked tube-shaped penne pasta, cooked and drained</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; line-height: 16px; ">Grated Parmesan cheese to taste</li></ul></div><div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; "><ol style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 16px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 16px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; list-style-type: decimal; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; line-height: 16px; "><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; ">Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until well browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.</span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; line-height: 16px; "><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; ">Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil. Add the peppers and onions and cook for 5 minutes.</span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; line-height: 16px; "><span class="plaincharacterwrap break" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; word-wrap: break-word; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; ">Stir the pasta sauce into the skillet. Heat to a boil. Return the sausage to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve over the pasta and sprinkle with cheese.</span></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">Enjoy!</span></div></div></span></span></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-2967525813007212012011-09-05T07:15:00.001-07:002011-09-05T07:21:18.692-07:00Manic Monday: Row80 Day Late, Dollar Short<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vG6HaxhN8zdjwj2qeKtoRnAT1KdMz83sR5oQwMsUFWm7SL17qAwF697MG7UttjcSd2QRHb4p0ncici4v2QP8281azkZLaIVApMAFs3efvHGG6H2B2LV6xLBe7rs0YU6XaNZExzygdb4/s1600/hilarious-babies01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vG6HaxhN8zdjwj2qeKtoRnAT1KdMz83sR5oQwMsUFWm7SL17qAwF697MG7UttjcSd2QRHb4p0ncici4v2QP8281azkZLaIVApMAFs3efvHGG6H2B2LV6xLBe7rs0YU6XaNZExzygdb4/s320/hilarious-babies01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648879098074375858" /></a>Not really a dollar short, but I had to use the cliche. My mother is visiting while dad's out of town, so I haven't been very productive since Thursday afternoon. I did get my edits back on the synopsis, query, and first pages of Light and Dark, and I'm really pleased with the comments and changes. I think I'm on track to start the query process in a month or two, if I can summon up the guts.<div><br /></div><div>As for The Prophet, I managed to meet my Row80 goals before Mom got here. I wanted to write the first 5000 words, and I'm just over 5500. Yay! I'm going to refocus tomorrow and hopefully get some serious writing done this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you've all had an amazing weekend and that your Labor Day is relaxing and fun. I'll be back tomorrow with some great recipes for Tempting Tuesday:)</div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649625493148641418.post-91120157558867793502011-09-01T06:34:00.000-07:002011-09-01T07:33:53.355-07:00Thriller Thursday: The Catacombs of Paris<span class="Apple-style-span">
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<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE-DjCwrga_voU6ar2m0hxOxtfdVvxqNb8OsnEq6sNSlmUtuGLU4kQOO-zmOFsavppmjD1cCf-B4sQjFBnhE_hYsjbSt7t_UHHLQWzgMqOQuPX_xGJsR_EdjP_pgt-Q8ZVsqrUOWLAYc/s1600/2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE-DjCwrga_voU6ar2m0hxOxtfdVvxqNb8OsnEq6sNSlmUtuGLU4kQOO-zmOFsavppmjD1cCf-B4sQjFBnhE_hYsjbSt7t_UHHLQWzgMqOQuPX_xGJsR_EdjP_pgt-Q8ZVsqrUOWLAYc/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647384410975172514" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Some of you know the storm drains of Las Vegas--an underground labyrinth of dark, dank flood channels doubling as housing for the city's homeless population--plays an important role in my novel <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/p/novel.html">Light and Dark</a>. Hidden tunnels have always fascinated me. History is full of them, but none are more famous than the Catacombs of Paris.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The official name for the macabre place is "les Carrieres de Paris," or The Quarries of Paris. The underground chamber once served as limestone quarries in the Roman era and was converted into burial ground near the end of the 18th century.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">18th century Paris was at the heart of the enlightenment. The city is bustling and the population is on the rise. Voltaire called the city "the whipped cream <span class="Apple-style-span">of Europe." But the place was dirty and stinky, and no social class went unaffected. Garbage littered the streets and provided a delicious fodder for the rats. Streets had open drains, and the sewers were filled </span><span class="Apple-style-span">with trash and human waste. The few public toilets were rare and us</span>ually overflowing. Disease ran rampant, and more people died than were born.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><blockquote>Victims of the black plaque, epidemics, starvations, of all the wars since the Middle Ages rest in the city's 200 cemeteries, piled up on several levels in the mass graves of the churches. Every day, new cadavers join the previous ones. Paris is flooded by the dead, the odor is unbearable. -- <a href="http://www.carrieres.explographies.com/indexus.htm">The Paris Catacombs</a></blockquote></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The entire city fought disease, but the Les Halles district was at the epicenter due to contamination caused by improper burials in church graveyards, particularly the Saints Innocents Cemetery, known as Les Innocents, (yes, the same one <a href="http://www.annerice.com/bookshelf-vampirelestat.html">Anne Rice used in the Vampire Lestat</a>). It had been used for nearly ten centuries and an estimated 80,000 cadavers were added during the last thirty years of the monarchy. In order to stave off the disease, city officials decided to remove the bones and house them in the abandoned quarries.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOJDwCMdFm7Uh-Al0LhwGbGRPkkZ8QFo2hrBqqpTJ43VqJOdOw9R88kInD8KwdwQ53zCtjt8HcT4l7ubIaAtHGtoteaBNEDTCMBKelo1AT6jcqGwI7uIZManfMByZKpMwZC9tx2lEBms/s320/mm15.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647390634259833634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Anonymous painting of Les Innocents.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The removal of the bones began in April, 1786. Work was done under the cover of night and chanting priests accompanied the procession. The quarries were used to collect the bones from all the cemeteries of Paris until 1814. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The catacombs began as a bone repository but in 1810, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis-%C3%89tienne_H%C3%A9ricart_de_Thury" title="Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(6, 69, 173); background-image: none; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; ">Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury</a> began renovations to transform the caverns in to a visitable internment. He directed the relocation of skulls and femurs in the arrangements seen today and used the tombstones and cemetery decorations brought over from the old graveyards to complement the walls of bones.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqJbikEb_kQID6Z8NEtKUsgqmZNWz0zEbffIwlr5rPLqdS7Su2dz5ZkKV4uwvexM5pGbEvFbiMQxWjZraoEk0M3mlw0VscnEccf3KmbW6qMAu7T6N-QeRQ-E5Y_cNBXlZlSYjdpbiAqU/s320/catacombs3.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647394997438361330" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Naturally legend and lore abound in the catacombs. Victor Hugo used his knowledge about the system in Les Miserables. The dead from the riots in the Place de Greve, the Hotel de Brienne, and Rue Meslee reside in the catacombs. Walls are decorated with graffiti dating back to the 18th century. During WW11, Parisian members of the French Resistance used the tunnel system to hide.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">
<br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">The underground system is a structural nightmare. The tunnels are carefully monitored and consolidation work continues. Because of the various safety issues, only a small portion of the quarries is open to the public. The system is complex and confusing. Some tunnels do have plaques indicating the name of the street above, but it's very easy to get lost among the bones. Although it's illegal to access the catacombs unescorted, secret entrances exist throughout the city. The system is accessible via the sewers, metro, and certain manholes. </p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">
<br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">And there are people who would love to explore the hidden system, myself included. As dark and sad as it may be, hundreds of years of history lies beneath the city of Paris. <a href="http://stacygreenauthor.blogspot.com/2011/07/manic-monday-interview-with-matt-obrien.html">Journalist Matt O'Brien and author of Beneath The Neon: Life and Death in the Las Vegas Tunnels, told me</a> the Quarries of Paris were high on his list to explore some day.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">
<br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.4em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; ">What about you? Would you venture underground to see the bones of the past?</p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); "><span class="Apple-style-span">
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<br /></span></div>Stacyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12032538079815607797noreply@blogger.com21