3 Ring Binder

Does this ever happen to you? You pick up a Shakespeare play after not having read one in a while, and none of it makes sense to you? You step back, collect yourself knowing full well that you are intelligent enough to understand the language, particularly given that it is your own language and supported by the fact that you have actually understood Shakespeare in the past? This is how I feel slogging through laws, regulations, and executive orders. Now you can shake your head and think that there is no way to understand the impossibly convoluted language of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 . Or you can try to sharpen your legal ease reading skills, and move on to the provision of the TARP under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 . Then, with these in mind, or if you are very devoted, under your belt, you should next attempt President Obama's proposed budget . Of course, unlike the promise of a Shakespeare play where the reading becomes its own rewar...

To the Soure Reader by Robert Herrick (1591-1674) If thou dislik'st the piece thou light'st on first, Thinke that of all that I have writ the worst: But if thou read'st my booke unto the end, And still do'st this and that verse reprehend, O perverse man! if all disgustfull be, The extreame scabbe take thee and thine for me. Herrick's instructions to the reader near the beginning of his Hersperides , Volume I.

Renée Loth has written a good op/ed piece in today’s Globe entitled The Yoga Fatwa . (I know! I was shocked, too.) In it she describes not only the difference between Europe and America in their acceptance of different nationalities, but also points to how capitalism in America helps that integration in our borrowing from different cultures the “shiny items we choose to ornament our lives.” America's embrace of other nationalities may be part of its democratic character, but it's also accelerated by capitalism: Almost no artifact is too exotic or sacred to be repackaged into a hip new consumer good. I get a catalog in the mail that features sandalwood prayer beads, neti pots to clear the sinuses, and statues of (your choice) St. Anthony, the Buddha, or the Virgin of Guadalupe, conveniently sized for a home altar. She mentions religiously motivated violent behavior as a failure of assimilation and she counts it as a black mark on the “enlightenment ideals” of Europe; that our ow...

For those of you interested in Objectivism, the latest round-up can be found here . For those of you not interested in Objectivism, it can still be found here (as you are no doubt aware, it doesn’t go away because you don’t want to look at it ).

That's right. I practiced this diction exercise in chorus today! What? You were thinking that I could tap like that after three lessons? That'll take at least another three. Decades.

Look for it from a politician near you. That video was removed! But this one shows how Gibbs handled Santelli's complaint - by accusing him of not reading the plan.

I have started at least four posts of some substance and been sidetracked by one thing or another, so I've decided to let loose some of the linky love (TM) I have built up inside (or in the coffee mug on my desk if you prefer). Is it wrong to have a two year-old as my new fashion icon ? I don't care. She works that wig like nobody's business. I have fallen into another doggie-do pile. This time it's the Iditarod Dogsled Race! Check out all that is Iditarod on both the official website , and on the website of my friend and fellow homeschooler, Fiddler . We are still in the planning stages of constructing a giant wall map (thinking about using painter's tape) and then picking our mushers to follow. The race starts on March 7, so there's still time for you to prepare. Two new blogs have caught my eye - well, let's face it - I noticed because they stopped by my blog. Both bloggers seem to be just starting out, but had the serious good taste to link to my blog i...

Calling all my wonderfully geeky homeschool friends! I would now like to direct your attention to the center link! Straight from Kim's Play Place - it's new - it's fresh - it's bound to be cool - I present to you the very first..... Academy of Science and Technology Blog Carnival If you think you've got something to contribute - do it! I'll probably post, and possibly even host, at some point. Love to see you there.

This weekend my daughters and I went to see some turn-of-the-century summer cottages of some industrialist millionaires. The three homes we toured, The Breakers , The Elms , and The Marble House , were all incredibly impressive in their size and opulence, but we all agreed we'd do some things a little differently (like not emulate any of the King Louis' styles) and some things the same (open courtyards, loggias, huge bedrooms for the ladies, annunciator boxes to call the servants, gorgeous gardens, and lawn all the way to the ocean) if we owned these cottages. Some cottage industry notes: The Breakers, the summer cottage of Cornelius Vanderbilt II who ran the New York Central Railroad, and whose grandfather, Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt made his money by developing that railroad, occupies an acre in footprint, some of the wall panels are painted on platinum ; The Elms, built by Edward Berwind who made his money in the Pennsylvannia coal industry, unlike the other two mansions...

From George Washington's Farewell Address which was more an open letter to the American people. As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is, to use it as sparingly as possible; avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it; avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burthen, which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims belongs to your representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should cooperate. To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be Revenue;...

Since I've been a little concerned about our ever decreasing savings and the soon to be shrinking value of the dollar, I've altered my investment strategy to counter those negatives. I've decided to start investing in something everyone needs: shoes. That's right. Shoes. I began small with the purchase of a single pair of these stunners from Dansko ! I've never owned a pair of Dansko shoes before, but I have to tell you that I am incredibly pleased with them. Sure they're clogs and I have some remnant clog snobbery from the 70s, but I love them! Apparently, as the name implies, these are professional clogs for women who stand or walk all day on the job. And I can understand why. They're so comfortable to wear and walk in, and, oh, did I mention fun? Red patent leather! It's true. I was only window shopping on our recent Girls Weekend and went into the store to look at the animal print and pony hair clogs (from Sanita ), but once I tried these on, I kn...

I found this new interesting list at My Own World . I like this list - it's way better than the one on the back of the cereal box urging my ten year-old to bungee jump before she's 18. The things I have done are highlighted in red. I like red. 1. Started your own blog (Hello!) 2. Slept under the stars 3. Played in a band (OLGB - Old Lady Girl Band, now, sadly, defunct, and The Muggles, our family band which broke up due to artistic differences after mastering Twinkle, Twinkle.) 4. Visited Hawaii 5. Watched a meteor shower 6. Given more than you can afford to charity 7. Been to Disneyland/world 8. Climbed a mountain (Don't ask my girlfriends about this. Let's just say I'm not very outdoorsy.) 9. Held a praying mantis 10. Sang a solo (really a duet with my then 8 year-old daughter, but I think it counts.) 11. Bungee jumped 12. Visited Paris* 13.Watched a lightning storm at sea (on the way back from Martha's Vineyard - spectacular!) 14. Taught yourself an art from...

Alexander Pope (21 May 1688 – 30 May 1744) Of the Nature and State of Man with respect to Himself, as an Individual. EPISTLE II. Part II. The two Principles of Man, Self-love and Reason, both necessary, v.53, etc. Self-love the stronger, and why, v.67, etc. Their end the same, v.81, etc. Two principles in human nature reign; Self-love to urge, and reason, to restrain; Nor this a good, nor that a bad we call, Each works its end, to move or govern all, And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all good; to their improper, ill. Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul; Reason’s comparing balance rules the whole. Man, but for that, no action could attend, And but for this, were active to no end: Fixed like a plant on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot; Or, meteor-like, flame lawless through the void, Destroying others, by himself destroyed. Most strength the moving principle requires; Active its task, it prompts, impels, inspires. Sedate and quiet the compari...

1. a moment alone 2. an evening with friends 3. a lifetime with the one you've chosen.

I found this at Kim’s Play Place , who found it at Harriet Tubman Agenda , who found it at The Headmistress , who found it at … Bold those you have read. Italicize those you intend to read. Alas, watching the movie doesn’t count. 1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (read with daughter) 2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien. 3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte 4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (I was introduced to it through an article in Boston Globe about its explosion in the UK.) 5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (had to read, loved the movie, loved the book) 6 The Bible (old Testament, bits of the New) 7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte (hated everyone in it) 8 1984 - George Orwell (school assignment) 9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman ( The Golden Compass only ) 10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens (high school assignment) 11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott (read as daughter read) 12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy 13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller (I'm guessing thi...

A fun word to say, probably not so fun to have unless it is voluntary . When you are a child, you can just compensate by ignoring the image from the weaker eye. But the problem doesn’t go away. Can you say Strabismus or Amblyopia ? Treatment when I was a child consisted of the judicious use of eye patches to help strengthen the weak eye, but it didn’t help socially (and the very thick bifocals on top of the patch only enhanced the aberration). My remaining thought about diplopia is that Foreigner was smart to use the more common term in its song title. I have to stop listening to the Oldies station in the car.

The theme to our songs in chorus this year is Musicals. I think there has been some stretching of what constitutes a musical, but for the most part, I have really been enjoying the music that the directors have chosen for us to sing. In light of the beautiful harmonies we were able to produce from the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as arranged by Mac Huff, I decided that I needed to watch Carousel , the musical from which it comes. We own it as part of a Costco packaging bonanza, but I had never seen it. That I could remember. Once I started watching it, I remembered why I hadn’t seen it. I had aborted the viewing early on during my first attempt. It is horrible! Sadly, it’s reported to be one of Oscar Hammerstein’s favorite collaborations with Richard Rodgers. Why? Because of its anti-hero, Billy Bigelow? Blech. From scene 1 (or maybe 2) the viewer is concerned about the safety of Shirley Jones’ character, Julie Johnson. “Run, honey, run!” I felt like sho...

1. The intensity of Count Almásy’s stare. 2. Kip’s wisdom and ability to make magic. 3. Hana. After a ten year hiatus, we watched it again last night. It's a damn fine movie.

As I was gone a black-berrying this afternoon, I found something so strange that I just had to add to my blog for my own future enjoyment. I like fashion. I like hats. I like dogs. Ergo... hairhats . Perhaps you've seen them before, if not, enjoy the odd whimsy. (For dog lovers, click on bottom row 1, 2, and 4. Frankly, I don't know what's so special about the bottom row second from right - that's about what my hair looks like every morning.) Update: I couldn't resist looking around the site, which is now called Nagi Noda , and I found these two lovely little pieces of video: LaForet Butterfly and a small love story about Alex & Juliet . Happy Valentine's Day.

Shoes ( especially patent leather ) Lipstick ( how to wear it ) Pens (I am a SAH homeschooler) And if I were truly fearless, hair (in which we should meet Christophe Robin who walks us through not the 100 Acre Wood, but how to get the best results from L'Oreal Paris haircoloring - but the link is wonky, sorry).

Would you be embarassed if your blog were the number one response to the Google search "Scottish terrier pees at WKC show, 2009"? Me neither.

As tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and as my Valentine is a passionate cook who loves his aromatics, I dedicate this poem by Carol Ann Duffy to him. Valentine Not a red rose or a satin heart. I give you an onion. It is a moon wrapped in brown paper. It promises light like the careful undressing of love. Here. It will blind you with tears like a lover. It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief. I am trying to be truthful. Not a cute card or a kissogram. I give you an onion. Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, possessive and faithful as we are, for as long as we are. Take it. Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding-ring, if you like. Lethal. Its scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife.

If we tried to suppress the expansion of the subprime market, do you think that would have gone over very well with the Congress? When it looked as though we were dealing with a major increase in home ownership, which is of unquestioned value to this society — would we have been able to do that? I doubt it. Alan Greenspan , discussing how despite the fact that he didn’t understand the complex derivative products of “easy money” mortgages, he couldn’t do anything to stop it. Why is home ownership of unquestioned value to this society? It may or may not be part of the American Dream. If it is, then it is possible only in an America where the ability to make something of yourself, no matter who you are, is not only a proud tradition, but more importantly, an ability which falls directly from our government's mandate to protect individual rights. And is the "home ownership" he speaks of the same as private property as protected by the government? Clearly not. The first is a g...

For Charles Building, crashing, receding, Compelled to build again; Water in its vast bowl, Containing the Origins of life, Is thus a model for mine.

NOW, I'm done.

Here are the group winners from the WKC Dog Show 2009 day two: Sporting #1 Sussex Spaniel (“Stump” – quite an appropriate name for its color and size) #2 Golden Retriever #3 English Setter #4 Labrador Retriever I missed half of the Sporting group because I have a real life. Okay, not so much more real than watching the dog show, but one in which I dance! In any case, I knew it was going to be a banner evening when my husband looked up long enough to blurt out, “That Cocker’s got a nice ASCOB !” Then he snickered and returned his attention to his laptop. Toy #1 Brussels Griffon (This is the breed with which I have fallen in love this year – it looks like a bat trying to be a Pug. He was attentive to his handler and totally adorable). #2 Pug #3 Possessed Hassock (Seriously. Have you seen this thing in motion ?) #4 Pomeranian I think Pomeranians are just adorable, but I found out that they were bred down from 20-30 lbs. sled dogs to 3-7 lbs. lap dogs. That made me kind of sad for som...

The four group winners at the WKC Dog Show last night were those of Scottish descent and those with outrageous hairdos! Hounds #1 Scottish Deerhound #2 Irish Wolfhound (my personal favorite in this group) #3 Bloodhound (very nice) #4 Wirehaired Dachshund (hind legs collapse under her during rough turn by handler – didn’t seem to effect judging) The PBGV , which I usually don’t care for, should have made the first cut in my opinion. Fascinating tidbit: In addition to the legginess and narrower head, the American Foxhound differs from the English Foxhound in that the American is an individual hunting dog, where the English is a pack animal. So, there. Terriers #1 Scottish Terrier (My favorite in this group which is also a first for me) #2 Sealyham (ew.) #3 Norwich #4 Miniature Schnauzer Except for the top dog, my picks were not in line with the judge’s. I liked the Miniature Bull Terrier , the Smooth Fox Terrier , and the Parson Russell Terrier . Non-Sporting #1 Standard Poodle ...

I, sir, have always conceived – I believe those who proposed the Constitution conceived, and it is still more fully known, and more material to observe that those who ratified the Constitution conceived – that this is not an indefinite Government, deriving its powers from the general terms prefixed to the specified powers, but a limited Government, tied down to the specified powers which explain and define the general terms. The gentlemen who contend for a contrary doctrine are surely not aware of the consequences which flow from it, and which they must either admit or give up the doctrine. James Madison, Congressional Debate regarding “bounties” for cod fisherman, 1792. But what did he know?

Scouring the dusty lower level of my local library in a quest to read (and try to understand) more poetry, I found a book with COWBOY SONGS hand-lettered on the black spine in white ink. While I love cowboys, perhaps more than your average person, what made the book irresistible to me was the author’s name on the bottom of the spine, LOMAX. Immediately I was reminded of the recordings at the Library of Congress I found last spring searching for Songs of the Underground Railroad . Indeed, the book was first published in 1910 and last revised (the edition I borrowed) in 1938 is by the same Lomax family: John Avery Lomax , and Alan Lomax wrote the book, while John Avery and Ruby Terrill Lomax fielded the 1939 Southern States Recording Trip collected at the Library of Congress. I find old recordings very interesting to listen to, but the book, whose subtitle is "and other Frontier Ballads", is a much more concentrated effort at preserving an American literary art form – the cowb...

From the AKC The diminutive size and winsome expressions of Toy dogs illustrate the main function of this Group: to embody sheer delight. Don't let their tiny stature fool you, though - - many Toys are tough as nails. If you haven't yet experienced the barking of an angry Chihuahua, for example, well, just wait. Toy dogs will always be popular with city dwellers and people without much living space. They make ideal apartment dogs and terrific lap warmers on nippy nights. (Incidentally, small breeds may be found in every Group, not just the Toy Group. We advise everyone to seriously consider getting a small breed, when appropriate, if for no other reason than to minimize some of the problems inherent in canines such as shedding, creating messes and cost of care. And training aside, it's still easier to control a ten-pound dog than it is one ten times that size.) The toy group is a little tricky for me. I have a Pug, and this dog was definitely bred for human companionship (...

From the AKC Most hounds share the common ancestral trait of being used for hunting. Some use acute scenting powers to follow a trail. Others demonstrate a phenomenal gift of stamina as they relentlessly run down quarry. Beyond this, however, generalizations about hounds are hard to come by, since the Group encompasses quite a diverse lot. There are Pharaoh Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Afghans and Beagles, among others. Some hounds share the distinct ability to produce a unique sound known as baying. 1. The Harrier Developed in England to hunt hare in packs, Harriers must have all the attributes of a scenting pack hound. [They must appear] able to work tirelessly, no matter the terrain, for long periods. Running gear and scenting ability are particularly important features. I love English (larger heads) and American (longer legs) Foxhounds. This is really a smaller version of the English Foxhound, and they look incredibly well built. I’d want one of these, but for that “baying” thing. ...

“I meant to inspire thought and compassion, not fear.” — Marie Mason [Ms. Mason] was sentenced Thursday to 22 years in prison for a 1999 arson attack at Michigan State University’s Agriculture Hall that caused more than $1 million in damage. [She] admitted responsibility for another $3 million in damages caused in other acts of vandalism, including “destroying homes under construction in the Detroit area and Indiana and setting fire to two boats owned by a man who formerly raised minks,” Ms. Mason said she was acting on behalf of the Earth Liberation Front . For anyone who doubts the intent of the Environmentalist movement, you should check out the ELF. And should you be tempted to be lulled into complacency by thinking that they are only the “extremist” element, I urge you to look at some of the comments on original NYT Green Inc. blog article linked to her name above.

From the AKC The Herding Group , created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. All breeds share the fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals. A remarkable example is the low-set Corgi, perhaps one foot tall at the shoulders, that can drive a herd of cows many times its size to pasture by leaping and nipping at their heels. The vast majority of Herding dogs, as household pets, never cross paths with a farm animal. Nevertheless, pure instinct prompts many of these dogs to gently herd their owners, especially the children of the family. In general, these intelligent dogs make excellent companions and respond beautifully to training exercises. 1. Canaan Dog The Canaan Dog is a herding and flock guardian dog native to the Middle East. He is aloof with strangers, inquisitive, loyal and loving with his family. His medium-size, square body is without extremes, showing a clear, sharp outline. The Canaan Dog moves with...

We interrupt Dog Week to bring you this Public Service Announcement: No, this is not about a new dog crossbred between a Black and Tan and a Neopolitan Mastiff (although I’m sure that would be quite awful, not to mention saggy), this is about the pithy wisdom of earlier days, There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch . What happened to the people who used this expression? Those people who more than made up for what they lacked in grammatical understanding with simple economic understanding? The people who didn’t take, let alone expect , hand outs? Richard Maybury, in his book Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? explains simply the following terms whose definitions seem to have gone the way of TANSTAAFL. They have been lost to the quaint idea that was America. A welfare program is the practice of giving things to poor people. Modern governments also have welfare for rich people; that kind of welfare is called a subsidy . The way all governments, including the Roman government, get th...

From the AKC Non-sporting dogs are a diverse group. Here are sturdy animals with as different personalities and appearances as the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, French Bulldog, and Keeshond. Talk about differences in size, coat, and visage! Some, like the Schipperke and Tibetan Spaniel are uncommon sights in the average neighborhood. Others, however, like the Poodle and Lhasa Apso, have quite a large following. The breeds in the Non-Sporting Group are a varied collection in terms of size, coat, personality and overall appearance. 1. Poodle The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. He is also the only breed that comes in three size varieties. The stylish "Poodle clip" was designed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more efficiently. The patches of hair left on the body are meant to protect vital organs and joints which are susceptible to cold. I have to say that I've had first ha...

From the AKC Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Members of the Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise. 1. Brittany The Brittany was named for the French province where it originated… It is possible that native Brittany spaniels mated with English pointing dogs around 1900, intensifying their hunting prowess in the process. The Brittany is strong, quick and agile, requiring exercise and activity to occupy his body and mind. He is a happy and alert dog who possesses willing attitude. We call these dogs the “happy dogs”. If you’ve ever seen one in motion, you know exactly what I mean! Rescue 2. German Shorthaired Pointer A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthai...

From the AKC These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they're always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. 1. Border Terrier Alert, active and agile, the Border Terrier is willing to squeeze through narrow holes and sprint across any terrain to capture his quarry: the fox. This persistence made him an excellent working terrier back in England, and allows him to succeed in Earthdog , Obedience and Agilty trials today. I have one word for you here, too: Benji. I don’t care what the media says , the original Benji looks an awful lot like a purebred Border Terrier to me. I li...

From the AKC Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained. 1. Anatolian Shepherd Dog Developed to withstand Turkey's harsh climate, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog has evolved to endure the nomadic lifestyle of the shepherds. Loyalty, independence, and hardiness are the three factors most appreciated by fanciers of the breed. This is my new favorite dog breed. I saw my first Anatolian Shepherd Dog at the Dog Show (sadly, on TV) a few years back. It’s hardworking, noble-looking, an...