#penn is the only public university that is

[philosopherking1887]

Um... have those RAs *not* been fired? I would not trust any of them to come within 20 feet of a Jewish student, let alone handle their personal problems -- including the one who claims to be Jewish.

"[L]ate last month Rutgers required its RAs, whose job is to supervise students living in on-campus housing, to participate in a “bystander intervention” course aimed at training them to identify antisemitism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Several of the RAs, however, abruptly left the session after a Jewish speaker explained that Hamas’s antisemitism and desire to destroy the world’s only Jewish state precipitated the Oct. 7 massacre, which resulted in the largest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust.

The paper added that the RAs took issue with the program’s citing a definition of antisemitism offered by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). After walking out, they reportedly contacted Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), which proceeded to author, on the RAs’ behalf, a series of Instagram posts denouncing the antisemitism trainings as racist and upholding white supremacy.

"The mandated training program organized by the Office of Residence Life requires RAs to learn about DEI, restorative justice, community engagement, and more — all of these are inspired by Indigenous practices meant to unpack systems of white supremacy,” SJP said. “On the contrary, this specific session worked to perpetuate Zionism, racism, and white supremacy.”

SJP’s post included comments from the RAs who involved them in the controversy. One of them, who claimed to be Jewish, said, “I am tired of the word antisemitism being used to talk over genocide, I am tired of antisemitism being inflated.” The RA added, “I fear that when the Nazis and radicals come once again for the Jews that no one will believe us … it will be your fault.”

Another who took issue with the Israeli nationality of one of the course’s presenters said, “One of the facilitators even identified as ‘Israeli’ and made mention of this multiple times. He justified his authority on the topic by citing his 12 plus years spent in ’48 Palestine, going so far as to call ‘Israel’ [sic] a ‘beautiful land.'”

A milieu of extreme anti-Zionism at the school has resulted in at least one death threat against the life of a Jewish student since Oct. 7. In November, a local news outlet reported, freshman Matthew Skorny, 19, called for the murder of a fraternity member he identified as an Israeli, saying on the popular social media forum YikYak, “To all the pro-Palestinian ralliers [sic] … Go kill him.”

Similar incidents at Rutgers have occured frequently. In the past few years, the school’s AEPi fraternity house has been vandalized three times. In one incident, in April 2022, on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, a caravan of participants from a SJP rally drove there, shouting antisemitic slurs and spitting in the direction of fraternity members. Four days later, before Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, the house was egged during a 24-hour reading of the names of Holocaust victims.

In March, the US House Committee on Education and the Workforce launched an investigation of Rutgers’ handling of antisemitism, responding to complaints that it has, for years, allowed an open season of hate against Jewish students."

[swap-tech-enterprise]

Public Relations Internship Part A, Customer Swap Stories #2

My name is Michael and I am currently a junior public relations major at Penn State.

When the university announced they partnered with Swap Tech Enterprise (STE) and launched the “Semester in Their Shoes” program, I knew that I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. I would spend the semester in the body of a recent graduate working full time in the public relations field letting me see the day to day life of someone who works in public relations looked like. While participating in the program, the work assigned to you would equate to some of the classes I should be taking but can’t while part of the program, so not only was I gaining real world experience in the field, but I also wouldn’t be missing any credits and would still get to graduate on time. As for the person I would be swapping with, they would get to spend a couple of months living my life and having a break for all the work they had to do. 

Once applications for the program opened I immediately applied in hopes to spend my spring semester working in Public Relations. After months of waiting to hear back, I finally received the email informing me that I was accepted and matched with someone for the swap. I was so excited I could barely contain my excitement in the days leading up to the swap. Finally, the day arrived and I headed down to the STE Swap Bank as instructed. I informed them that I was participating in the program through my school and they quickly gave me a run down of who I would be swapping with other information that I would need to know before the swap. After receiving all the information, the Swap Technician took me to the swap room and began prepping me for the swap. As they counted down, I was so excited that I didn’t even realize I lost consciousness once the Swap Tech’s countdown hit 0. As I opened my eyes, I noticed I was in a different room and knew the swap had worked. However, as I stood up from the bed, something was wrong. Looking down at my hands I noticed they were showing signs of aging, which shouldn’t be the case since I was supposed to be swapping with a recent graduate. I brought my hands to my chest and noticed that I was showing signs of aging as well as my body looked like it hadn’t stepped foot in a gym in years. I quickly ran to the mirror and was shocked by the face looking back at me. It wasn’t the face of a 24 year old recent graduate but that of what I could assume was a 50-55 year old man. 

Turns out that Chris, the manager of the public relations team I was joining couldn’t secure any volunteers for the swap, so he elected to step up instead. I started demanding that they swap me back now, but per the terms of the contract I signed when applying for the program, it stated that if no recent grad volunteers could be available, the head of the team could step up in their place. Upset with the circumstances, I reluctantly got dressed and headed to Chris’s apartment in Midtown, as I was now going to be living at his place in New York until the end of the spring semester in May.  I quickly took a picture and sent it to my parents, as they wanted to be updated once I was settled in.

To say my parents were shocked was an understatement, but they also knew the terms I agreed too when applying for the program and told to stick it out as May would come soon enough and I could get back to my body. They also told me they’d keep a close eye on Chris in my body to make sure he didn’t do anything I would regret after the swap so that calmed my nerves a bit. Figuring I had nothing better to do, I prepped for my first day on the job tomorrow. What should be an exciting time in my life has now been ruined and all I can do now is finish what I signed up for. God, May can’t come quick enough! 

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Bret Stephens

Precisely the same logic applies to Israel’s other conflicts, above all with Hezbollah. The brilliance of the pager/walkie-talkie strike in Lebanon has done more to restore Israel’s regional reputation than 11 months of relative restraint and tit-for-tat reprisals against enemies to the north. A similar lesson will also have to be given to the Houthis, especially since the Biden administration seems incapable of doing so. “Who Dares, Wins,” the motto (borrowed from the British) of Israel’s special forces, should be the motto for the Jewish state as a whole. The path out of loneliness is always a path of action.

What about American Jews?

The resurgence of anti-Semitism in the United States has begun to force a fundamental rethink of the way in which at least some American Jews contemplate their place in society: I call them “October 8 Jews”—those who woke up the day after the attack with a clear understanding of who our friends are not. Those Jews include the donors who revolted at the idea of continuing to give money to Harvard, Penn, Brown, or Columbia; who are investing heavily in new educational institutions that adhere to classically liberal values; who are calling out the DEI/anti-racism com- plex for being the anti-Semitism incubator that it is; who are breaking out of the stale orthodoxies of traditional media; who are investing all of their philanthropic energies in strengthening Jewish life.

They are the vanguard, but we are only at the beginning. So many institutions in American life that were once welcoming places for American Jews have turned bad: elite private schools; human-rights organizations; the literary world; social work; Mideast-studies departments; public-school curriculums—the list is long. In every one of these fields or institutions, October 8 Jews have a clear choice: Reject, reform, or reinvent them. What’s no longer possible is to pretend that what we have now is acceptable, or that indifference and inaction are viable options.

Just as the Bush administration spoke of a “whole of government effort” after September 11, 2001, we need a “whole of American Jewry” effort after October 7: to make high-quality Jewish day-school education available and affordable to every Jewish family that wants one; to cut off all giving to colleges and universities that are hostile to open and vibrant Jewish life and Zionist expression; to create a new ecosystem of literary prizes, faculty chairs, “genius awards,” and grants that reward and celebrate true merit; to fund and tell stories on large and small screens that richly and empathically explore the Jewish experience; to deepen American ties to Israel through corporate and academic partnerships; to expose and shut down the opaque and potentially illicit networks that fund and support the anti-Israel student protests.

This is a partial list, but you get the point. If we don’t want to wind up alone, we cannot afford to stand still, think small, or look back. The questions are no longer “Who betrayed us?” or “Why is the world this way?” They are “What do we do now?” and “How soon can we get it done?”

Israel and the Jewish people aren’t alone—yet. Ensuring that we never wind up alone is going to take courage, work, nerve. And a demand for respect.

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

is public transit on gallifrey decent? or is having a public transit system that runs on time and is well-maintained an impossibility beyond what even the time lords can achieve?

There's only one public transport system in the known universe that runs on time, which is the 138 bus from Westcliff to Broadmire Village in a rural county in England. It runs twice per week on a Tuesday and Friday at 10 am, and has been doing so on time and without fail for 34 years. It allows Mrs. Penn of Ipplefarm Road to retrieve her weekly shopping and attend bingo in the Broadmire town hall.

Despite continued observations, the secret to the 138's punctuality is unknown to all sentient lifeforms. Many thinkers of the Universe believe if we were to crack the secret of the 138, perhaps we might enter a new age of enlightenment.

aka Absolutely no idea and can't even make a guess, but you'd really hope so, wouldn't you?

Any purple text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →😆Jokes |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Ron Kapeas

Published: Jan 8, 2024

JTA — In a speech marking Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, Rep. Ritchie Torres likened protesters who have celebrated Hamas’s October 7 massacres to white people in the Jim Crow era who celebrated after the lynching of Black people.

“I was profoundly shaken not only by October 7, but by the aftermath,” Torres, a Black Bronx Democrat, said Friday in a speech at Central Synagogue, a prominent Reform congregation in midtown Manhattan. “I found it utterly horrifying. To see fellow Americans openly cheering and celebrating the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. And for me, the aftermath of October 7 revealed a barbarity of the American heart that reminded me of an earlier and darker time in our nation’s history, a time when the public mobs of Jim Crow would openly celebrate the lynching of African Americans.”

Protests have proliferated since October 7, when Hamas terrorists murdered some 1,200 people, kidnapped around 240 and brutalized thousands more in an invasion from Gaza. They have grown as Israel has waged a war in Gaza to eliminate the terror group, and especially as casualties mounted: So far, close to 25,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which does not differentiate between fighters and non-combatants and is also believed to tally civilians killed by errant rockets fired by terror groups.

A number of the protests have decried the October 7 violence on Israelis, but others have skated over the initial massacres or have embraced Hamas and described its atrocities as resistance.

Torres, a member of the progressive caucus in Congress, has garnered a reputation as an unstinting supporter of Israel. He has duked it out online with fellow progressives in debates over Israel, a dynamic that has only intensified since October 7. Torres is heavily funded by AIPAC and donors aligned with the pro-Israel lobby, and spoke at a massive rally for Israel in Washington on November 14.

In his speech, Torres alluded to the controversies that assailed elite universities after the presidents of Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania told Congress that calls to commit genocide against Jews did not necessarily violate the schools’ codes of conduct. The ensuing uproar drove Harvard’s and Penn’s presidents to resign.

“What we’ve seen in the aftermath of October 7, is appalling silence and indifference and cowardice from so called leaders in our society from institutions that we once respected and admired,” he said. “And if we as a society cannot bring ourselves to condemn the murder of innocents with moral clarity, then we must ask, what are we becoming as a society? What does that reveal about the depths of antisemitism in the American soul?”

I had the honor of delivering the annual MLK sermon at Central Synagogue.  My speech touches on a range of topics and themes: October 7th, Jim Crow, Leo Frank, MLK, Elie Wiesel, silence, indifference, moral clarity, nonviolence, Israel, Am Yisrael Chai, Hatikvah, and hope. pic.twitter.com/stxqxzgyLi — Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) January 16, 2024

Central is a locus for some of the city’s wealthiest liberal Jewish families, many of whom are also firm supporters of Israel. Dr. Shonni Silverberg, the synagogue president, introduced Torres as a champion of progressive priorities as well as an advocate for Israel, and noted that he is the first openly LGBTQ representative elected from the Bronx.

“Ritchie remains steadfastly focused on the priorities of his South Bronx constituents, expanding access to safe and affordable housing, rebuilding New York economically and ensuring that no child goes hungry and that all receive a good education,” she said. “But he has also shown himself both in and out of Congress to be a great friend of the American Jewish community and Israel.”

--

==

I was shocked, but not surprised. Shocked at how openly, how loudly and how quickly pro-Hamas, pro-terrorism supporters emerged from their Postcolonial Studies, Gender Studies, Intersectional Feminism Studies and other fraudulent sewers in the ivory towers long before Israel ever fired a shot back.

I was not surprised, however, since antisemitism is a cornerstone of Intersectionality, as I posted about more than two years ago:

I naïvely expected that they'd go, "whoa, we didn't mean it like that, that's not what we were after," the standard No True Scotman tactic to distance their enlightened antisemitism from the antisemitism of murderous Islamic jihadists.

But they went the other way and leaned into it, cheering it on, while others tried to gaslight everyone with the usual array of denials that they weren't saying what they were openly saying, and that anyway, if they were saying it, that's not what they meant.

[beardedmrbean]

Some of the same hard leftists who have been on the forefront in denying free speech rights to those deemed politically incorrect have now begun to champion the First Amendment in defense of those who advocate the killing of Jews.

Among the worst offenders is Harvard's President Claudine Gay, who for years—both as dean of the faculty and as president of Harvard—has championed the idea that it is more important for students to feel safe, and not have their ideas challenged, than for free expression to be allowed on campus. The bureaucracy through which this notion operates is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), which punishes microaggressions and other forms of speech that certain students claim makes them feel unsafe. The entire woke progressive movement rests on restricting expression that alienates or upsets protected minorities.

In her disastrous testimony in front of Congress, President Gay swore under oath that we at Harvard "embrace a commitment to free expression." If only that were so. For years now Harvard has been suppressing expression deemed by some to be politically incorrect, as reflected by its last-place ranking among American universities in protecting free speech by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Lectures have been canceled because of content some deemed offensive. Students have been reprimanded for microaggressions. Acceptances have been rescinded for allegedly racist or sexist speech engaged in by high school students. A former president—Lawrence Summers—was forced to resign over comments about women in engineering. An atmosphere of intimidation has permeated the campus. Freedom of expression was dying a slow death at the university whose motto is "Veritas" but whose actions have suggested "Pravda."

Then suddenly, following the barbarous Hamas attacks of October 7 and the flurry of antisemitic rhetoric immediately following them, the same groups that denied free speech to those who criticize minorities protected by DEI have discovered the First Amendment as a protection for those who are calling for the death of Jews.

"Free speech for me, but not for thee" has been the unspoken mantra of the hard Left. Or, more specifically, "freedom of speech to make Jews feel unsafe but not to make favored minorities uncomfortable."

There are two principled responses universities may take to this unequal application of freedom of expression. The first, and the one which I personally prefer, is to allow total free speech consistent with the First Amendment on all campuses. This would permit advocacy, but not incitement, against all and any groups. This pure and equal approach to the First Amendment is what the Supreme Court has demanded of the government in most circumstances. It allowed Nazis to march in Skokie, Illinois, and communists to advocate the overthrow of the government. It does not allow direct and immediate incitement to violence. The line between advocacy and incitement has been a difficult one to draw since the Supreme Court mandated that distinction. But it is the law, in theory if not always in practice.

The First Amendment is not directly applicable to private universities and other non-governmental organizations. Universities remain free to impose speech codes and other limitations on free expression that they feel enhance the learning experience and the safety of students. Public universities have greater restrictions, but they too have some flexibility in adapting the First Amendment to the special needs of educational institutions.

If private universities, such as Harvard, MIT, and Penn decide not to adhere to the standards of the First Amendment and impose limitations on free speech, they should do so equally and without preference for some groups over others. Few universities, if any, satisfy that criteria. Most prefer certain minorities over others, as well as certain political views over others.

If Harvard had a history of applying a single standard, its president would have had an easy time answering the question of whether Harvard's rules prohibit the advocacy of genocide against the Jews. Here's what she would have been able to say: "under the standards Harvard has applied in the past, there is no doubt that calling for genocide against the Jews is a clear violation of Harvard rules." But she refused to acknowledge the truth—that Harvard has not embraced "a commitment to free expression" equally for all of its students and faculty.

It can be hoped that perhaps the Harvard Corporation's decision to retain President Gay will actually result in a change in its policies toward free speech. Perhaps Harvard will finally "embrace a commitment to free expression" for all. This may be wishful thinking, especially in light of the continuing influence of the DEI bureaucracy over who can say what about whom, without fear of university reprisal. But it is the right thing to do.

[severevoiddragon]

asking you all of the in character ask questions at once GO

WHUH- I'm only doing Callie for this or else I'll be here for hours.

"Asking me ALL the questions?! Wow! Okay, let's begin!"

Questions Here

When outside during the rain, do you use a raincoat, an umbrella, or something else? Do you enjoy rain?

"I sometimes use an umbrella or a coat, but I actually quite like the rain! There's been a few times I've been sat in the cemetery and I've been caught by the rain, it was actually quite fun. Mum wasn't too happy when I got back, though..."

Are you a good cook? Do you enjoy cooking? What's your favorite thing to cook?

"I'd say I'm below average? I can cook pasta and stir fry and that's about it! I like to make a fish pasta dish, that's got a creamy penne, salmon and prawns in! It's yummy!"

Do you prefer to take a shower during the morning or evening? Do you like taking baths? What's your favorite scent of shower gel?

"Definitely the evening, it takes me a while to come out of 'shower-mode'. Baths are fun, but it's a lot of energy to make a bath, so I don't have them that often! Oh, I really like lavender scent! Makes a nice and relaxing bath!"

Would you do something that someone told you not to do? Why? Is there someone you'd actually listen to more than everyone else?

"Of course not! They'd tell me not to for a good reason, right? Unless... Well, I guess if not doing something was going to hurt someone, then I'd do it... Oh absolutely Xavier! If it told me not to do something, I'd absolutely listen to it."

What will make you give up?

"I'd like to think I wouldn't give up but... I guess it's if someone got hurt, or something like that. I guess it links in with the last question you asked, but if X told me to stop, I'd definitely stop."

What kinds of books do you read? Do you have a lot of time to read?

"History books! Old journals of people long gone! Oh, and horror books, like Frankenstein or Jekyll & Hyde, and ones like that! I generally do have a lot, when I'm not working I'm usually reading... I don't have much else to do...."

What's your favorite kind of sport? Do you follow sports closely or don't care at all?

"Oh, this is a really hard one! I guess... Rugby? I watch X do it often, but I'm not really a sporty person. Xavier's good at it, though, and I enjoy watching him play!"

How often do you get sick? Do you stay at home when sick or do you end up going outside to, say, get some groceries? If you go outside, would you wear a mask?

"A lot... I don't have that good an immune system. I've had to stay at home a fair bit, so I just try to kind of... Push past it, and go in anyway. Why would I wear a mask...?*"

*Author's note: Covid-19 doesn't exist in this universe, so masks haven't come into popular use in Britain.

Do you have to wear a uniform somewhere? If yes, how do you feel about it? If no, what kind of uniform would you love to wear?

"Thankfully no! My school isn't one that has a uniform, which I'm really glad about. However, I do sort of wear a uniform, cause I wear the same style of outfit every day! I guess that's a kind of uniform I'd love to wear!"

How do you celebrate your accomplishments?

"Usually by getting a little treat for myself from a shop! Usually a snack or a candle or some more fairy lights, or - if it was a big accomplishment - a new book!"

What's your preferred way of getting somewhere - own car, public transport, a bicycle, or something else? How well do you follow the traffic rules?

"I can't drive, so that rules that one out. I like going by train, and walking places is fun, but I get tired pretty easily and my legs start to hurt quickly, so I usually use public transport. I'm going to bug X to drive me places once he gets his driver's license, shouldn't be too long now!"

What do you use to check what time it is?

"My phone or a clock!"

What would make you feel happy and loved?

"Someone going out of their way to listen to me infodump! Speaking of which, if you're still listening to me answer questions, why not check out @secrets-of-everwich which is my podcast!"

(Author's note: please do check out my writing if you're here and haven't already, since I've banished this under a cut hehe)

Do you believe in other dimensions?

"Maybe! It would be cool! Maybe there's a universe where I don't exist... Or maybe there's a universe where I'm a witch helping someone out as they brew potions!"

(Author's note: if you get that reference, you've been paying attention to my posts)

What kind of music do you mostly listen to? Do you know how to play an instrument, and if not, which one would you want to learn to play?

"I listen to a lot of goth music, my favourite is Siouxie and the Banshees, especially 'Trick or Treat'! I can play the flute, and a bit of the piano, but I think I'd like to learn more of piano to play some sheet music I found!"

Do you collect anything? Why?

"I don't think I do...?"

Author's Note: She collects fairy lights and Weird Old Trinkets, like the tape recorder. They do not realise this counts as a collection.

What's your go-to thing to drink? Do you prefer cold or hot drinks?

"I like hot chocolate! I usually drink blackcurrent squash, though, because it's a lot tastier than water!"

[yatescountyhistorycenter]

An insider's view of the Public Universal Friend

By Jonathan Monfiletto

A person identifying himself or herself only as “A Neighbor” and writing in the National Intelligencer newspaper, from Ontario County, New York on August 24, 1819, apparently had an insider’s view of the life of the Public Universal Friend and may have been present at the Friend’s death on July 1, 1819. Published from 1800 until 1870, the National Intelligencer was the first newspaper published in Washington, D.C., covering events around the nation’s capital and capturing news across the United States of America. On August 21, 1819 – according to A Neighbor, as I have been unable to find digitized editions of the Intelligencer – the newspaper ran the Penn Yan Herald’s July 6, 1819 obituary for the Friend. And, A Neighbor wrote to the newspaper (at the time, Ontario County encompassed the northern portion of what is now Yates County) to dispute some of the facts of the Herald’s obituary as printed in the Intelligencer.

Calling the Public Universal Friend by their birth name of Jemima Wilkinson, the Herald noted the Friend died “on Thursday last” of dropsy, nowadays known as congestive heart failure, at age 66. The Herald went on to describe what purportedly took place in the Friend’s final moments: “She, a few moments previous to her death, placed herself in her chappel [sic], and called in her disciples, one by one, and gave each a solemn admonition, then raised her hands and gave up the ghost. Thus the second wonder of the western country has made her final exit.” A Neighbor, however, contradicted this version of events.

First, in his or her response, a letter titled “Of the Late Jemima Wilkinson” and addressed to Messrs. Gales & Seaton, A Neighbor noted the Friend did not die in Penn Yan but in Jerusalem, 12 miles from Penn Yan – according to A Neighbor – on the roads of the time. Using the Herald’s article, the Intelligencer may have used Penn Yan as a dateline on its article. From there, A Neighbor told a different story of the Friend’s illness and final moments: “She never had a chapel; I therefore conclude she did not exhort her disciples, one by one, in her chapel (emphasis in original) – but at her bed side, where she has for a year or more been confined most of the time by a most excruciating complaint; and where, on Saturday of each week, she collected the remnant of her followers, and exhorted them. Her complaint may have been a case of dropsy, but if so, it assumed very unusual symptoms.”

The Herald’s obituary stated, “Much curiosity has been excited since her departure. The roads leading to her mansion were for a few days after her death literally filled with crowds of people, who had been, or were going to see the Friend!” The Herald also noted the community had not yet learned whether the Friend would have a successor to lead their followers and whether the Society of Universal Friends would remain united without its head. The obituary described the Friend’s mansion – their third home in what is now Yates County, their second in the modern-day town of Jerusalem, and the only one still standing today – as “stands on a barren heath amidst the solitudes of the wilderness, at some distance from this settlement.”

A Neighbor differed on these statements as well: “Her mansion is on a hill – but not a barren heath – for the eye of man has rarely seen a more romantic and luxuriant prospect than is displayed from the Eastern front of this mansion. The roads leading to her dwelling are said to have been literally filled with crowds of people! This mighty concourse of people might possibly have amounted to 100 souls, including all her society and spectators, on the day that it was expected she would have been interred.”

A Neighbor claimed in his or her letter to have been a neighbor of the Friend for six years as well as a resident in the home of the Friend and the homes of their followers. In conversations with the Friend, A Neighbor attempted to understand their “peculiar tenets” and comprehend “a correct idea of her doctrines,” but this task was difficult because the Friend answered questions by quoting Bible verses and recounting their visions, “leaving me to draw inferences to suit myself.” A Neighbor concluded the Friend believed in millenarianism – a belief in the second coming of Jesus Christ to establish a thousand-year reign on Earth – and gathered a thousand followers into the wilderness of the New Jerusalem 25 years before. Similarly, to reports that the Friend professed to be the Messiah, A Neighbor asked questions of the Friend to discern the truth, only to receive responses of Bible verses and the Friend’s visions. Nevertheless, it seemed the Friend encouraged their followers to believe they acted upon the inspiration of Christ.

A Neighbor had first encountered the Society 18 years before; at that time, the Society was wealthy but since then had fallen out over disputes and litigation. “Many have deserted her; and a remnant only has remained with her to the last.” At one time, according to A Neighbor, the Friend had 3,000 or 4,000 followers – including men who left their wives and families and women and children who deserted their homes – settle with them in the New Jerusalem, “where it was believed all the elect were to gather together, under her protection and ministry, and the millennium to take place.”

The Intelligencer apparently responded to A Neighbor’s letter; since I haven’t been able to locate a digitized version of these Intelligencer editions, I haven’t been able to view either article published in this newspaper. A Neighbor responded to the Intelligencer’s response in the November 23, 1819 edition, noting the newspaper had responded to his or her first letter in the October 13, 1819 edition “with a critical review of my hasty communication of August last, copied from the Penn Yan Herald.” A Neighbor spent much of the second letter repeating and asserting his or her claims about the Friend that contradict the statements put forth by the Herald and the Intelligencer. This included describing the 14-square-foot room that served as the Friend’s chamber, in which they received visitors and followers during their ministry and at their death, but A Neighbor noted it was never called a chapel. Apparently challenged on the claim that the Friend had 3,000 to 4,000 followers, A Neighbor instead stated that was the total number of the Friend’s followers throughout New England and Pennsylvania, while the Society had 500 members in the New Jerusalem when A Neighbor became acquainted with it in 1795.

A Neighbor also both praised the Friend and criticized their detractors: “That a woman with hardly a common school education, in a country like the eastern and middle states, and among a people so generally well informed as the Yankees, and in the face of able ministers, should have been able to effect what she has evidently effected, is truly a wonder, and worthy of an investigation. A correct history of her life, ministry, and doctrines, could not fail to be highly interesting. Such an [sic] one I should be glad to see published by a competent hand. But the idle and malicious tales now going the rounds of our newspapers, are certainly unworthy of belief, as well as disgraceful to the presses which give them circulation.”

A Neighbor noted in the community there are “some among us who appear to believe that she was something more than human – the messenger of truth, divinely sent,” while others “paint her as a downright devil in petticoats – artful, abandoned, libidinous, and wicked.” A Neighbor believed both groups were wrong; A Neighbor believed the Friend themself was deceived and did believe themself to be inspired by Christ. “Her preaching was impressive, and calculated to produce a powerful effect on some minds. She inculcated good moral precepts, and was deeply read in Scripture, which seemed to be her ready and universal appeal on all questions addressed to her concerning religion,” A Neighbor wrote. “She was hospitable, social, and pleased to see strangers, and visitors were kindly received at her mansion, and treated with kindness, and freely discoursed with, if they demeaned themselves decently.”

A Neighbor closed this second letter by observing there were many people around New York State who had visited the Friend and been treated kindly by them and thus who knew the truth about who they were as a person versus the rumors and slander in the newspapers. A Neighbor also charged the Herald with “circulating such tales to her prejudice” and stated the newspaper should “feel a proper delicacy and forbearance on the subject.” Thus, A Neighbor provided an insider’s view of the life and times of the Public Universal Friend to the Penn Yan community and to an American audience.

[pennstateuniversitypress]

Q&A with John Bidwell

The author of The Declaration in Script and Print discusses Independence Day, the Declaration of Independence as an iconic document, and more.

Why do we celebrate independence on July 4th even though Congress voted for independence on July 2nd?

The date we have chosen for Independence Day depends on a document. By all rights we should be celebrating the day when the United States became an independent nation—July 2, 1776—when the Continental Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee’s resolution “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” John Adams predicted that July 2nd would be the national anniversary, a day marked with parades, bonfires, bell ringing, gun salutes, and “illuminations” of houses with candles in the windows. Adams was wrong, however, because he did not foresee the emotional impact of the official announcement, a broadside printed two days later with the title In Congress, July 4, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled. The date in the title is one reason why July 4th prevailed over July 2nd. But above all Americans cherished the text, an eloquent expression of fundamental rights based on principles of liberty, justice, and equality. Historians have traced its origins, its changing reputation, and its influence at home and abroad. I too have noted how it has been variously interpreted, but mainly I wish to show how it has been visualized, how it appeared in engravings, lithographs, and letterpress broadsides during the nineteenth century. I identify about two hundred prints and broadsides in The Declaration in Script and Print, expensive engravings suitable for framing as well as cheap stereotype keepsakes aimed at the bottom of the market. Starting with an innovative advertising campaign in 1816, I describe the merchandising tactics of artists, printers, and publishers who played on a surge of patriotic sentiment to promote their wares. In the same spirit, Penn State University Press has selected July 4th to be the release date for my book.

What was it that made the manuscript Declaration more inspiring to Americans than the printed version issued on July 4th?

Some delegates were not able to vote for independence on July 4th. A week later they received the necessary authorization, which made it possible for everyone to sign a manuscript version of the Declaration, “fairly engrossed on parchment.” They signed it on August 2, 1776, and reaffirmed the unity of the United States by changing the title to: “In Congress, July 4, 1776. The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” The text is more or less the same as the broadside edition, but written out by hand it seems more tangible, personal, and distinctive. Beneath it are fifty-six autographs of Founding Fathers, each an act of patriotism representing courage, conviction, and a shared commitment to a righteous cause. Awestruck Americans could pick out the names of Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, and other heroes of the Revolution. While giving the first edition its due, they have looked at the August 2nd manuscript as a more meaningful and evocative expression of their history and ideals. Printmakers catered to public demand by publishing reproductions of the manuscript although often only the signatures were reproduced in facsimile. Some believed that the manuscript had been signed on July 4th, wishful thinking all the better to convey the drama of the moment.

How and when did the Declaration become an iconic document?

In 1816 the Philadelphia newspaper publisher John Binns issued subscription proposals for an engraving of the Declaration. He was the first to tell Americans about the iconic value of that document, for which he designed a pictorial scheme that would define a new genre of patriotic prints—the signatures in facsimile, the text adorned with portraits, allegorical vignettes, and a massive cordon of state seals. Other printmakers adapted his designs, some imitated them in pirated editions, and two opportunists reprinted the original edition on the occasion of the Centennial. While Binns’s print was in press, an itinerant writing master, Benjamin Owen Tyler, produced a calligraphic version with the signatures in facsimile but without illustrations. That too inspired a series of imitations and adaptations. Binns accused Tyler of plagiarizing his prospectus, and Tyler fought back by impugning his opponent’s patriotism in a newspaper war that publicized both of these trend-setting prints. More than seventy per cent of the Declaration prints and broadsides published during the nineteenth century were derived in whole or part, directly or indirectly, from these archetypal images.

Why would Americans prefer facsimiles of the Declaration to the original manuscript?

Perhaps it wasn’t so much a matter of preference as practicality. Americans have been able to view the original in Washington where it has been displayed at various times in the Patent Office, the State Department, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives. Huge crowds came to see it in Independence Hall during the Centennial. Many were disappointed to discover that it was in poor condition, the text illegible in places and the signatures almost entirely effaced. Printmakers helped to popularize the Declaration, but their invasive replicating techniques are partly to blame for ruining it. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams realized that the manuscript was in danger and commissioned a scrupulously accurate reproduction of the text and signatures, printed in a limited edition dated “July 4th. 1823.” Adams and his successors strictly controlled the distribution of the official facsimile until the end of the century. Meanwhile the condition of the manuscript went from bad to worse. In 1894 complaints about its continuing deterioration prompted government officials to take it down and lock it in a safe, where they kept it out of sight for thirty years. During that time the State Department facsimile was the only option for those who wanted to visualize the founding document. To this day we rely on it to show what the manuscript must have looked like when it was signed by the Founding Fathers: that is what we see in souvenirs, textbook illustrations, and the New York Times every year on July 4th, an iconic image of an essential text.

The Declaration in Script and Print: A Visual History of America’s Founding Document is now available from Penn State University Press. Learn more and order the book here: https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-09730-5.html. Take 30% off with discount code NR24.

[ashcadence]

Because I want to talk about it, here's basically an essay about what I think is one of the most interesting places in Pennsylvania.

Quehanna Wild Area is located beside the West Branch of the Susquehanna which is one of the oldest rivers in the world dating back to pangea at 300 million years old. Why nobody talks about this I have no idea.

The land that is now the wilds area was originally used to test nuclear jet engines for the Atoms for Peace project during the cold war. The bunkers and roads are still there to this day, and assuming the DCNR hasn't put new padlocks on the bunkers, you can crawl into them. I have crawled into them... (probably only slightly radioactive)

In 1993 the nuclear reactor in the area contaminated a good chunk of the forest and waterways, and cleanup efforts were put in place. The reactor was torn down in 2003. (Apparently two year old me enjoyed sitting on my grandparents' porch watching trucks haul out pieces of the reactor.) In 2006 the concrete at the sight was still contaminated above legal limits so they started tearing down the structure. I don't exactly know when the reactor site was opened officially to the public, I can't find that information. In 2011 DCNR the map still showed the are as restricted, but on the 2020 map it is no longer labeled as restricted. The first time I visited the reactor site was in 2020 and the guy I was dating at the time almost got bit by a rattlesnake there.

In 2009 the formally contaminated zones surrounding the reactor was opened to the public. However, as I said above, the sight of the reactor was not opened until much later.

Due to the waterways in the area it made it unsuitable to bury nuclear waste, however that didn't stop them from burying the waste. There are still sights where contaminated waste is buried littered throughout the wild area. It is fairly easy to spot these areas as it creates potholes due to the dirt settling.

There are still places that Penn State University recommends not going to, the former reactor sight being one of them despite not being a danger zone anymore. Have I gone there anyway? Yes, because it's definitely not the most radiation I've ever been exposed to. I would like to take a gieger counter there at some point though.

Also if y'all made it this far would you like more posts about contamination in Central Pennsylvania? Radioactive or otherwise? I've spent way to much time researching this topic because I find it very interesting.

[oftatteredwings]

⸻  PENN BADGLEY. HE/HIM / have you ever heard of MODERATION by florence + the machine, well, it describes ELLIOT JAMES to a tee! the 34 year old, and FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER was spotted browsing through the stalls at portobello road market last sunday, do you know them? would you say  HE is more chaotic or more PROFESSIONAL instead? anyway, they remind me of fake smiles, crayons and building blocks in his satchel that he definitely didn’t put there, a pile of dirty dishes in the sink and untucked shirts, maybe you’ll bump into them soon! 

time in notting hill ; 16 years

tw: abandonment

ABOUT.

Name: Elliot James Age: Thirty-four DoB: 1st March 1989 Occupation: Fashion Photographer Romantic/sexual orientation: Panromantic/pansexual Birthplace: Newburyport, New England, USA Current Location: Notting Hill, London, UK Time in Notting Hill: 16 years

Elliot was born in Newburyport, New England, the only child of Elizabeth Smith and Gary James – an author and a well respected surgeon. He lived the idyllic childhood, surrounded by friends and family, taking yearly vacations to Portland and Florida.

Money was no object for him while growing up and he soon realised with the backing of his parents, he could do anything that he wanted with his life.

Elliot didn’t really want all that much, though, nothing more than to explore the world around him and to understand how it worked. It was a big dream for such a small child, but one his mother was keen to encourage from day one, helping him embrace his passions.

By the age of fourteen, he picked up a keen interest in photography, and he spent his summer that year looking at everything with a fresh eye. His hobby wasn’t accepted quite as freely when he was in school and before long he became known as the weirdo with the camera, something he simply decided to ignore. Who needed friends, after all? Not that he didn’t have any, of course, but the company he kept was select at best. They were very close, a group of four who were inseparable during their high school years, and who Elliot still does his best to see a couple of times a year.

But with high school out of the way, his focus quickly became college and the fact he was considering moving away for a while. School had been a tiring experience and he was ready for something new, something far, far away. So when he was accepted into the Royal College of Art in London he knew he was on the right path.

Moving to London at the age of eighteen was a bit of reality check for Elliot. Having spent his entire life in one place and only ever vacationing in the States, moving to a different country took a lot of getting used to. But he loved it, every single second of it, embracing the new lifestyle he found for himself.

Moving into a Notting Hill flat with the help of his parents, he found himself a roommate shortly afterwards, and threw himself into university and finding a life for himself in this new city. The British capital city wasn’t a place he’d considered living until he’d discovered the course at the RCA, but he soon found it was the perfect place for him, especially the cosmopolitan attitude of Notting Hill.

He fell in love with the buildings, the people, everything that the area had to offer. Little did he know then, that he would soon be calling Notting Hill his home, the one place where he felt comfortable and welcome without question, that he’d be living there for over a decade with no interest in moving elsewhere.

Once university was over and done with, Elliot moved around the city, submitting his work to all the major publications, deciding that he wanted a job in fashion.

It took time for his work to be noticed, but within the space of five years, he became one of the most renowned young photographers in the city, working at the likes of Vogue, Elle and GQ, while side-lining as Burberry’s main photographer. His true passion would always be landscape, but he found he had a particular knack when it came to working with the models, not to mention spending time with them after hours at The Chiltern Firehouse.

That was when he met Annie and things soon changed. After a few brief flings during university, it was the first time he’d really put any effort into a relationship, the first time that he’d actually wanted to. But it wasn’t to last, nothing ever really did for Elliot when it came to relationships, and that was okay. He found joy in his work and for the most part, it was enough for him.

It wasn’t until years later that he really made an effort to try again and the one he ended up with, unbeknownst to him at first, was his previous girlfriends sister. When this came to light, he pulled away and things ended suddenly and bitterly. It was a breakup straight from a movie; lots of screaming, tears and swearing.

Six months ago she turned up on his doorstep with an almost 3-year-old Janey, informing him that she was his and it was his job to take care of her now. That was pretty much that. He’s been playing dad ever since.

Since then he’s taken several steps back from the fashion industry and put on his first exhibition. Sited in Shoreditch, seeing his work on display for all to enjoy is one of his proudest moments, not to mention a welcome distraction amongst the chaos that his life has become. He knows it won’t last, but for now, he’s happy, he’s content, and that really is all he needs.

WANTED CONNECTIONS.

- mother of his daughter/ex - her sister (because hey, chaos) - other random exes/hook-ups/whatevers - three close friends from home - his old uni flatmate - friends  - anyone who’s willing to help him through the chaos of fatherhood

[sakuraswordly]

Maya civilization created distinct artworks and fully developed complex writing system before Common Era. Their creativity was more advanced than many contemporary cultures of old world : Archaeologists have uncovered a wealth of information about Maya civilization through discoveries and deciphering of Maya art and writing. Deciphering of knowledge gained from these primary sources often results in scholars having to push back timeline of Maya inventions and achievements. A prime example is discovery of Maya writing from Pre-Classic period on stone near San Bartolo. Humidity in most of Maya areas wreaked havoc with their books, painted buildings, and artworks. So much seemed lost and then archaeologists started discovering beautifully painted murals and other art in deepest levels of Maya structures. Their habit of building new structures over and around older ones, often more than once, had done an excellent job of preservation in many cases. Maya art included stone, wood, clay, and stucco sculptures and decorations. Exquisite carvings and jewelry were made of wood, obsidian, jade, bone, shells, and stone. Action scenes were portrayed on slipped ceramic vessels, murals and reliefs. Artists made moldings, statuettes, portraits of rulers and more. Their tools included stones, obsidian and jade carving instruments, and paintbrushes. Paint for Maya art was made from pigment and water, bound with clay. Color pigment was obtained from berries, plants, fruits, ores and even insects. Special technique of Maya civilization for making “Maya blue”, a rich turquoise blue, was lost in 16th Century, sometime during Spanish conquest. Four cardinal directions were associated with colors by Maya civilization in Maya artworks: red for East; yellow for South; black for West; white for North. Favored colors were blue, representing water, wind and sky-gods and green representing vegetation and life. Only faint traces of magnificently bright colors are left on statues, monuments, temples, pyramids, houses and miscellaneous artifacts that are exposed to elements. Once archaeologists discovered hidden substructures above ground and excavated inside underground structures, they discovered well-preserved art and decorations going back throughout Maya eras. Scholars believe that royals employed full-time artists during some eras of Maya civilization. It is speculated that artists came exclusively from elite classes. Maya civilization decorated architecture with all kinds of art. A typical city center with its plazas and precision placed pyramids, adjacent buildings and monuments, were often plastered with stucco and painted red. Buildings and plazas were decorated with colorfully painted stone or stucco sculptures and sometimes murals. A chance discovery by a scuba diver in 1998 of an underwater Maya religious center led to archaeological investigations in 2007 of a sunken city in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. It is now named Samabaj, sometimes called Atlantis of Guatemala. It was a large religious center on an island in middle of lake before it was flooded, probably after a volcanic eruption. It is frozen in Maya Pre-classic time – un-looted, and undamaged by the elements, and one can only imagine what beautiful sculptures, pottery, and other wonderful art are yet to be discovered there. Several magnificent murals have been uncovered, excavated, and restored in this century alone. These murals were painted on walls of temples, public buildings, and houses. Bonampak murals depict scenes of daily life, war, ceremonies, mythology, and more in brilliant or muted colors and use excellent techniques that outlasted elements when protected. Calakmul murals include scenes from daily lives of commoners. Oldest San Bartolo murals discovered in 2001 depict scenes from mythology and royal court. They are dated to around 100 CE.

Photographer: Glyphs on red stele from Temple of Inscriptions, early Classic period, Tikal, Guatemala (Penn University Museum)

[pagebypagereviews]

Greg Iles Biography Greg Iles is a bestselling American author known for his gripping thrillers and mystery novels. With a talent for intricate plots and deep character development, Iles has captivated readers worldwide. Biography Attribute Details Name Greg Iles Birth Year 1960 Nationality American Residence Mississippi Profession Novelist Published Works Seventeen novels and one novella Genres Various Early Life Early Life of Greg Iles Greg Iles was born in Stuttgart, Germany, where his father ran the U.S. Embassy Medical Clinic. Though he was born overseas, Iles was raised in Natchez, Mississippi, a place that would profoundly influence his later works. Growing up in the South, Iles was exposed to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region, which often features prominently in his novels. He attended the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in 1983. After spending some time playing music in the band "Frankly Scarlet," Iles eventually settled back in Natchez. This town not only serves as his home but also as the setting for many of his critically acclaimed books, including the popular Penn Cage series. Family Greg Iles Family Information table width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Relation Name Information Father Jerry Iles Jerry Iles is the father of Greg Iles. Details about his profession or personal life are limited. Mother Betty Iles Betty Iles is the mother of Greg Iles. She passed away recently, as shared by Greg on social media. Sister Caroline Iles Caroline Iles is Greg's sister. She has been mentioned in various contexts but specific details are sparse. Sister Madeline Iles Madeline Iles is another sister of Greg Iles, though not much is publicly known about her. Brother Jeoff Iles Jeoff Iles is Greg's brother. Information about him is minimal in public records. Sister Carrie Iles Carrie Iles is also a sibling of Greg Iles. Details about her are limited in available sources. Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements Greg Iles Body Measurements table width: 50%; margin: 20px auto; border-collapse: collapse; th, td border: 1px solid #000; padding: 10px; text-align: center; th background-color: #f2f2f2; Greg Iles' Body Measurements Measurement Value Height Unknown Weight Unknown Other Body Measurements Unknown Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend Greg Iles - Relationship Information Greg Iles is currently married to Caroline Iles. They tied the knot in the year 1989. Caroline has been a significant part of Greg's life and has supported him through his career as a successful novelist. The couple resides in Natchez, Mississippi. There are no public records or confirmed details about any previous relationships or marriages of Greg Iles before his current marriage to Caroline Iles. Caroline Iles is known for her private nature and has largely stayed out of the public eye. She is deeply involved in her family life and has been a steady support for Greg through various phases of his career. Despite the spotlight on Greg, Caroline prefers to maintain a low profile, focusing on her family and personal endeavors. Career, Achievements And Controversies Greg Iles: Career, Achievements, and Controversies Greg Iles gained fame primarily as a best-selling novelist known for his intense and gripping thrillers. His popularity soared with the publication of his "Penn Cage" series, which resonated with readers for its complex characters and intricate plots. Iles' ability to weave historical elements into his narratives also earned him critical acclaim. Greg Iles started his career in a somewhat unconventional way. He initially spent several years as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter in the band Frankly Scarlet. After getting married, he left the band and focused on writing.

His debut novel, "Spandau Phoenix," was published in 1993 and established him as a formidable talent in the literary world. Some of his most popular works include: Spandau Phoenix (1993) The Quiet Game (1999) Natchez Burning (2014) The Bone Tree (2015) Mississippi Blood (2017) Greg Iles has received numerous accolades throughout his career. One of the most notable is his induction into the UM Alumni Association Hall of Fame, which is the highest annual alumni honor for outstanding contributions through good deeds, services, or achievements. His works have frequently topped best-seller lists, further cementing his status as a leading author in his genre. Greg Iles has faced some controversies over the years, although they have not significantly tarnished his reputation. One of the most notable incidents was a severe car accident in 2011, which nearly cost him his life and led to the delay of several projects, including the "Natchez Burning" trilogy. The accident and its aftermath were widely covered in the media and raised questions about his future as a writer. Despite this setback, Iles made a remarkable recovery and continued to produce best-selling novels. Greg Iles has had a remarkable career marked by best-selling novels, critical acclaim, and a dedicated fan base. While he has faced challenges and controversies, his resilience and talent have ensured his lasting success in the literary world. Faq FAQs about Greg Iles Greg Iles is an American author known for his suspenseful thrillers and mystery novels. He has written a number of bestsellers and is particularly famous for his Natchez Burning trilogy. Some of Greg Iles' most popular books include "Natchez Burning," "The Bone Tree," "Mississippi Blood," and "The Quiet Game." These books are part of his Penn Cage series, which has garnered a significant following. The Natchez Burning trilogy revolves around Penn Cage, a former prosecutor turned author and mayor of Natchez, Mississippi. The series delves into deep-seated racial tensions, historical crimes, and personal vendettas, weaving a complex narrative that spans decades. While Greg Iles has not won any major literary awards, he has achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. His books have frequently appeared on bestseller lists, and he has a dedicated fan base. You can find more information about Greg Iles on his official website, through his social media profiles, or by reading interviews and articles about his work. Additionally, his books are widely available in bookstores and online platforms.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

088 of 2024

Created by brelee

How have you been doing?

Pretty fine, except that I'm a bit tired. I'm having fun preparing for our trip.

Anything you're looking forward to?

Yeah, our vacation in Poland. Only a few days left.

Do you or anyone you know play the violin?

I know my sister can play some violin, but except her, no.

Do you have a nice view out of the closest window?

Nah, just our lame backyard XD

What is one of your favorite breakup songs?

I don't like love songs at all, with a few exceptions, and one would be Nu Wij Niet Meer Praten by Jaap Reesema & Pommelien Thijs.

Do you know anyone named Georgia or George?

Yea my name is a local variant of George if it counts.

What age did you learn how to ride a bike?

I was 3, for real. Never needed supporting wheels either.

Are you currently listening to music or watching TV?

Watching TV, it's one of my favourite TV shows.

What is your morning routine?

Morning meds, shower, food.

Are you someone who gets easily agitated by hearing someone chewing?

If they're obnoxious with it, then yes.

What was the last text you sent?

Something about our cat.

What did you last have to eat?

I just cooked a veggie soup and I'm eating it now.

What's your favorite kind of oatmeal/porridge?

Cooked on milk and flavoured with cinnamon and chocolate.

Have you ever ate a whole pizza in one sitting?

Nah, it's too much.

What are some things you are grateful for?

Having my life saved, being independent despite physical disability, my husband, my cat.

What's the last thing you done while outside?

We went to Melle to leave our teenager at his friend's.

How often do you do laundry?

Every week.

Have you already had your birthday this year?

Yeah, in April.

Last thing you done before this survey?

Cooking a soup.

Do you like sleeping with multiple pillows?

Yeah, I have three.

How many candles do you have in your bedroom?

A few, but not for lighting.

What emojis have you used the most here recently?

Probably the green heart.

What color is your favorite shirt?

Black, and it's a band t-shirt from Vildhjarta.

Do you currently smell food cooking?

Yup, because I just cooked.

If you were given $1,000 to spend at one store. What's your store of choice?

Electronics store, definitely.

How much sugar do you consume on a daily basis?

Not much. I don't like sweet things.

Do you have any ice cream in your freezer?

Yeah, quite a few. I don't even know which ones.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word "chaos"?

The Universe.

Do you own anything that has an animated character on it?

Yeah, a t-shirt with Marie from the Aristocats.

Have you used a microwave today?

No, not yet. Maybe after I come back home.

What's the last book you read?

Suicide Notes. Nothing unpredictable, though.

What's something that always makes you cringe?

Public displays of affection.

What's a word or phrase you say a lot?

Oioioi.

What's something that always makes you emotional?

Music. For real.

How many times have you changed clothes today?

Twice.

What's on your mind currently?

Our vacation. I have to do some final shopping.

In what ways have you changed over the past year?

I don't think I've changed much.

Do you really care about others opinions of you?

No, I don't. Life is too short for this.

What's your favorite pasta?

Penne. And two other ones, farfalle and one I don't remember the name of.

Do you currently see anything yellow?

Yeah, some cheese.

What song could you imagine playing in heaven and which one would be playing in hell?

In heaven, any of my favourite songs. In hell, Dance Monkey by Tones and I, because I hate this song.

What did you last try to do and failed?

Reaching for something and dropping it, lol at my hand.

Does your bathroom have a certain theme or color scheme?

Nah, it's just grey and white.

If you have Netflix or any streaming service.. what's your favorite shows to stream?

I have live TV apps, too, and I stream live.

Are you currently wearing anything red?

No, not at the moment.

What was the last thing that caught your eye while shopping?

Apple jenever lol.

What's a social media site you have no interest in?

All of them.

Have you ever tripped and fallen in a public place?

Many times lol. Happens to everyone, I guess.

When did you last buy a dairy product?

Today, we bought eggs and butter.

What's the last song you sang out loud?

I don't remember.

[deck-design-details]

Default Title

Extension Master Gardeners: Cultivating Knowledge and Community

Empowering Volunteers to Transform Communities

For over 50 years, the Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) program has been training volunteers across the nation who have a passion for horticulture and assisting with gardening education in their community. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs can be found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This work is supported in part by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s capacity funding.

What was established in 1973 in Washington state has grown to more than 77,000 experienced and 12,500 new Extension Master Gardeners.

EMG volunteers share their gardening knowledge by teaching workshops, managing demonstration and community gardens, speaking at events, and staffing garden information helplines. According to the most recent reports, the more than 89,000 EMG volunteers contributed 4.9 million hours in community volunteerism in 2023, valued at $157 million in donated time nationwide. These volunteers collectively reached 10 million people through their work.

Extension Master Gardeners also donated over 1 million pounds of produce to communities in need, estimated at $2.3 million in donations. In many states, EMG volunteers work garden helplines, answering questions from the public. The Extension Master Gardeners information helplines provide individuals with the opportunity to ask EMG volunteers gardening or landscaping questions and receive research-based answers specific to their location.

EMG Helpline Impacts

The University of Vermont Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program aims to develop and promote effective education and outreach programs to improve IPM practice. With the help of the Master Gardeners Helpline, 63% of helpline clients implemented the IPM strategies recommended and 61% reduced or avoided the use of pesticides, saving $137 per client on pesticide costs.

The Alabama Extension Master Gardeners Helpline answered over 168,000 garden questions, which totaled a reach of 311,253 public contacts, according to the 2022 Impact Report.

Penn State University Extension Master Gardeners answered over 3,000 questions related to garden planning, plant propagation, or plant selection. Ninety-four percent of hotline users found the information they received useful, according to the recent impact report.

The number of gardening questions to the Oregon State University “Ask Extension” service has grown almost 600% from 6,203 questions in 2019 to 41,676 in 2022. Master Gardener volunteers answered almost 90% of the questions in 2022.

These examples highlight the impact and value of Extension Master Gardener helplines in providing expert advice and guidance to gardeners across the country. From reducing pesticide use to promoting sustainable gardening practices, the knowledge and dedication of EMG volunteers have a tangible and positive effect on individuals and communities.

Cultivating Knowledge and Community

The Extension Master Gardeners program not only provides valuable resources and assistance to gardeners but also fosters a sense of community and connection. Through workshops, community gardens, and outreach events, EMG volunteers create spaces for learning, collaboration, and growth.

By sharing their expertise and passion for gardening, Extension Master Gardeners inspire and empower others to explore the world of horticulture. Whether it's teaching children about the importance of pollinators or helping individuals start their own vegetable gardens, these volunteers play a vital role in cultivating a culture of knowledge and sustainability.

The impact of the Extension Master Gardeners program extends far beyond the individual garden plots. By engaging with their communities, EMG volunteers contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of neighborhoods and cities. From beautifying public spaces to providing fresh produce to those in need, the work of Extension Master Gardeners has a ripple effect that reaches far and wide.

Looking Ahead

As the Extension Master Gardeners program continues to grow and evolve, there are exciting opportunities to further expand its impact. With the increasing interest in sustainable gardening practices and the growing need for food security, the expertise and dedication of EMG volunteers are more valuable than ever.

By continuing to educate and inspire gardeners, Extension Master Gardeners can help create a future where thriving gardens and vibrant communities go hand in hand. Through their tireless efforts and commitment to sharing knowledge, EMG volunteers are sowing the seeds of a greener, healthier, and more connected world.

The Extension Master Gardeners program has been a cornerstone of gardening education and community engagement for over 50 years. With their wealth of knowledge and passion for horticulture, EMG volunteers have made a significant impact on individuals, communities, and the environment.

From answering garden helpline questions to teaching workshops and managing community gardens, Extension Master Gardeners play a vital role in promoting sustainable gardening practices and fostering a sense of community. Their dedication and expertise empower others to explore the world of gardening and make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of those around them.

As the program continues to grow, the Extension Master Gardeners will undoubtedly continue to cultivate knowledge, community, and a greener future.

[coastal-garden-chronicles]

The Impact of Extension Master Gardeners: Empowering Communities through Horticultural Expertise

Cultivating Knowledge and Community Engagement

For over 50 years, the Extension Master Gardeners (EMG) program has been training volunteers across the nation who have a passion for horticulture and assisting with gardening education in their community. Today, Extension Master Gardener programs can be found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This work is supported in part by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s capacity funding.

What was established in 1973 in Washington state has grown to more than 77,000 experienced and 12,500 new Extension Master Gardeners.

EMG volunteers share their gardening knowledge by teaching workshops, managing demonstration and community gardens, speaking at events, and staffing garden information helplines. According to the most recent reports, the more than 89,000 EMG volunteers contributed 4.9 million hours in community volunteerism in 2023, valued at $157 million in donated time nationwide. These volunteers collectively reached 10 million people through their work.

Extension Master Gardeners also donated over 1 million pounds of produce to communities in need, estimated at $2.3 million in donations. In many states, EMG volunteers work garden helplines, answering questions from the public. The Extension Master Gardeners information helplines provide individuals with the opportunity to ask EMG volunteers gardening or landscaping questions and receive research-based answers specific to their location.

EMG Helpline Impacts

The University of Vermont Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program aims to develop and promote effective education and outreach programs to improve IPM practice. With the help of the Master Gardeners Helpline, 63% of helpline clients implemented the IPM strategies recommended and 61% reduced or avoided the use of pesticides, saving $137 per client on pesticide costs.

The Alabama Extension Master Gardeners Helpline answered over 168,000 garden questions, which totaled a reach of 311,253 public contacts, according to the 2022 Impact Report.

Penn State University Extension Master Gardeners answered over 3,000 questions related to garden planning, plant propagation, or plant selection. Ninety-four percent of hotline users found the information they received useful, according to the recent impact report.

The number of gardening questions to the Oregon State University “Ask Extension” service has grown almost 600% from 6,203 questions in 2019 to 41,676 in 2022. Master Gardener volunteers answered almost 90% of the questions in 2022.

Empowering Communities through Horticultural Expertise

The Extension Master Gardeners program has had a profound impact on communities across the nation. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, EMG volunteers have become a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance and assistance with their gardening endeavors.

Through the various helplines established by the Extension Master Gardeners, individuals have access to research-based information tailored to their specific location. This personalized approach ensures that individuals receive accurate and relevant advice, contributing to the overall success of their gardening projects.

The University of Vermont Integrated Pest Management program is a prime example of the positive impact the Extension Master Gardeners Helpline has had on the community. By implementing the IPM strategies recommended by EMG volunteers, helpline clients were able to reduce their reliance on pesticides and save money on pesticide costs. This not only benefits the individual gardeners but also has wider implications for the environment and public health.

In Alabama, the Extension Master Gardeners Helpline has been instrumental in providing gardening advice to a large number of individuals. By answering over 168,000 garden questions, the helpline reached a staggering 311,253 public contacts. This demonstrates the widespread demand for gardening information and the crucial role played by EMG volunteers in meeting this need.

Penn State University Extension Master Gardeners have also made a significant impact through their helpline service. By answering over 3,000 questions related to garden planning, plant propagation, and plant selection, these volunteers have empowered individuals to make informed decisions and achieve successful gardening outcomes. The high satisfaction rate of hotline users further underscores the value of the information provided by EMG volunteers.

The Oregon State University "Ask Extension" service has experienced a remarkable increase in the number of gardening questions received. With a growth of almost 600% from 6,203 questions in 2019 to 41,676 in 2022, it is clear that the Extension Master Gardeners' expertise is in high demand. Their ability to answer almost 90% of these questions demonstrates their commitment and dedication to helping individuals navigate the challenges of gardening.

The Extension Master Gardeners program has proven to be an invaluable resource for individuals and communities across the nation. Through their extensive knowledge and dedication, EMG volunteers have made a significant impact on gardening education, community engagement, and sustainable horticultural practices.

From teaching workshops and managing community gardens to answering questions on helplines, EMG volunteers have shared their expertise with millions of people. Their efforts have not only resulted in improved gardening practices but have also contributed to the well-being of individuals and communities.

The success of the Extension Master Gardeners program is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the importance of horticultural education. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly play a vital role in fostering a greener and more sustainable future.