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Welcome to the Elucidations discussion board:
a place to share opinions and thoughts about any of the fine and performing arts, or family issues.

One of my grandpa's favorite sayings was, "You can learn something from anyone," and I heartily agree. Jump in and join us!


Eluci-girl courtesy S. Catron
Many thanks!


For the little ones:
Stanley - A Raindrop's Story
A children's story about overcoming struggles. Read it online with illustrations!


Visit my
Store!

** ** **

Check out my
Portfolio
at Writing.com
and get your own account free!

** ** **

Drop by my
Live Journal
where I ramble about the arts.

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Sign up to receive our newsletter!

..........www.booksforsoldiers.com - Donate used books, etc to servicemembers serving overseas

The American Red Cross


http://www.elucidations.us

Subject: I don't usually post jokes, etc. here, but this one is precious.


Author:
L
[ Edit | View ]

Date Posted: 03/28/02 10:08

A lesson in "heart" is my little 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time. She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in "field day"
- that's where they have lots of races and other competitive events. Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down,but before I could get a word out, she said "Daddy, I won two of the races!" I couldn't believe it! And then Sarah said, "I had an advantage." Ah. I knew it. I thought she must have been given a head start... some kind of
physical advantage. But again, before I could say anything, she said, "Daddy, I didn't get a head start... My advantage was I had to try harder!"

For those who love jokes (adults) -> The Mrak Attack

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Subject: The night of Dvorak


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 11/11/04 7:49

I went to Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra's concert with my mom yesterday. They opened with Don Jovanni K.527.(Mozart) and moved to Dvorak. They brought cello solist Ms.Kudo. The tiny young lady played so strong and wild! After 3 mevements of the cello concerto(B minor #104), they played Dvorak's "England"(The 8th symphony, G major #88). The flute and oboe were fantastic!

Because I play the piano, most my CDs are piano music such as Chopin. Now I became a fan of symphony, I'm going to listen more symphonies!

P.S
My mom was sleeping until timpani woke her up....LOLOL

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Subject: Info needed on watercolor Artist


Author:
liz
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Date Posted: 08/14/06 11:43

I aquired a water color of some Quail in a rock landscape at a auction.

It looks like the Artist is RH Nishima has any one hear of this artist or how I might go about finding something out about this artist.

Any help appreciated.

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Subject: Final Cover of the Newest!


Author:
LK Hunsaker
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Date Posted: 03/18/06 12:24




Read about it here:



[
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Replies:
  • Trying the link again: Click here to read about it (NT) -- LK Hunsaker -- sleepy from working so hard to get it done!, 03/18/06 12:26
Subject: Katrina Arts Relief


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 09/12/05 13:03




A writer in my self-publishing group (On Our Own) shared links for relief efforts in addition to the Red Cross drive. I thought they were appropriate to share here.

The American Library Association: www.ala.org
-- A Disaster Relief Fund has been established to receive monetary donations to assist libraries in Southeastern Louisiana.

American Booksellers Association: www.bookweb.org
-- A fund set up to assist independent booksellers affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Southern Arts Federation: www.southarts.org
-- A fund to assist arts organizations and artists in those Gulf Communities most devastated by Katrina.

-- -- --
(Please note that Elucidations.us has no connections to or responsibility for information on or actions taken by any of these sites.)

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Subject: Japanese artist of water color


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 06/20/05 6:35

I want to introduce my favorite water color artist, Chihiro Iwasaki. She left countless painting of children before she passed away 30 years ago. Unfortunate I couldn't find her good site, but maybe this works.

1.open Yahoo image
2.copy her name in Japanse and paste in the search box
3.and serch!

Here is her name... いわさき ちひろ

If this works, I will post more Japanese artists' names later. Well, good luck!!


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Subject: another art link


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 05/30/05 11:57


www.artchive.com

This one has a huge collection of famous art, along with a poster store to help support the site, and lots of art history articles!

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Subject: incredible murals


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 05/29/05 23:18


Unbelievable, really. Check them out:

Eric Grohe Murals

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Subject: Ode to my teenage daughter


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 04/28/05 5:01

When you were little,
you always said "I don't know."

When you were twelve,
you always said "I know, I know!"

When you were fifteen,
you always said "You don't know anything!"

Soon you will leave me,
and you'd say "I don't know who I am."

Come back home anytime,
I will tell you what I know......


This is my poem dedicate to my daughter. I'm sure you can relate to this. LOLOL (okay, I admit that I'm not good at poem.)

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Subject: Hello Loraine


Author:
Sabaca
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Date Posted: 04/19/05 21:35

Hello and greetings from Ohio! Hope things are fine with you, it surely has been too long. I really like your poem, I used to write also and somewhere lost the drive. However, perhaps this would be a good way to increase quiet/meditation time.

Such wonderful memories of meeting you, Loraine!! Best always, Suzanne

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Subject: Laus Deo


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 01/ 8/05 16:58


High Atop the Washington Monument

One detail that is not mentioned in Washington D.C. tour guides is that there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc... This is worth a moment or two of your time. I was not aware of this historical information.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington D.C., are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean?

Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"

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Subject: For artists on the eve of the New Year


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 12/31/04 22:02

"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free."

Michelangelo

I'm a huge fan of Michelangelo and this quote is just too perfect. That's what we artists do, including all of the arts. We look underneath and find what's hiding within. So much of the beauty is in the carving process itself, as much as the beauty of the finished work.

On the eve of a new year, I would like to wish all those who drop in here a beautiful 2005, filled with lots of creativity and insight, love, laughter, and inner peace.

God Bless.



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Subject: The pledge of alligeancie


Author:
Heather
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Date Posted: 12/31/04 20:25

Hello, I just wanted to say that at my school two years ago the pledge of alligence was taken out,but eventualy I helped get it back, but only in my school. We can all pull together as a nation and have it put back in the rest of the schools too, by writing letters as I did, to the senates of the fifty states. Please help us by doing so.
Thank you so much, God bless you!

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Subject: A new poem by a "new" poet


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 10/25/03 21:11

A Toothache Among the Agony
Written by Ben Maxwell

The day was like any other;
I had gotten my braces the day before.
Grumbling as I staggered out of bed so early,
I had to get to biology by eight.

I sat through the droning that went on and on;
The pain in my teeth blocked out his voice.
Barely able to keep my eyes open,
All I could think of was solid food.

Scanning the cafeteria after class,
I hunted for something my teeth could take.
I settled on a soft blueberry muffin,
Surely I could deal with this.

I sat on some steps outside in the morning air
And took a slow, careful bite I had broken off.
Pain surged through my gums as I bit down;
Why me, I thought, everything bad happens to me.

I walked to my next class, political science--
Doing a pretty good job, feeling sorry for myself;
Thinking only of my own little life,
Oblivious to the events of America's morning.

When I sat down and the teacher came in,
He had news that changed my life forever.
I refused to let myself believe it--I wouldn't!
He turned on the news...America was under attack.

I clenched my eyes shut tight.
If only I could shut it out for long enough...
It would all go away--it wouldn't be true;
But eventually, reality must be faced.


I thought of everything I thought that morning;
Grumbling about getting up early,
Moaning about braces hurting my teeth,
And I felt my body burn with shame.

I made a pact with myself that day;
That I would embrace these feelings.
The pain in my teeth was a gift,
Because I was alive to feel something.

I would not grumble as I get out of bed;
There were people that would never do this again.
I would get up every morning because I can;
What other reason is there to get up?

This was a day that I will never forget;
The day that the World Trade Center fell,
And I finally rose--to be who I became.
I will get up everyday...for the ones who no longer can.

ゥOct 2003 Ben Maxwell

feel free to pass along with copyright notice :-)

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Subject: Iraq Memorial to American Soldiers


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 02/25/04 17:57


This picture of the statue below was made by an Iraqi artist named Kalat, who for years was forced by Saddam Hussein to make the many hundreds of bronze busts of Saddam that dotted Baghdad. This artist was so grateful that the Americans liberated his country, he melted 3 of the fallen Saddam heads and made a memorial statue dedicated to the American soldiers and their fallen comrades. Kalat worked on this night and day for several months. To the left of the kneeling soldier is a small Iraqi girl giving the soldier comfort as he mourns the loss of his comrade in arms. It is currently on display outside the palace that is now home to the 4th Infantry division. It will eventually be shipped and shown at the memorial museum in Fort Hood, Texas.






I checked on this before posting it here. It is true, backed by military sources. This is where I checked: Iraqi Sculptor's monument

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Subject: Music Website


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 12/10/04 22:19


I just found this and have to share!

Dallas Symphony Orchestra kids - www.dsokids.com

It's especially for kids - an orchestra site that includes games kids can play while learning about music. I spent a bit of time playing "Beethoven's Baseball"! Okay, maybe it's not just for kids ;-)

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Subject: Wow!! It is so light!


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 12/10/04 7:30

Thank you so much! Now I don't need to wait 10 minutes to open this page. I was so busy and haven't check your new story, but I'm looking forward to read it.

A coulpe days ago,I started to read Finishing touch again. I came to the place....Jenna went to the garden with Alan. I will go back to read now, so I'm out!

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Subject: Books for Soldiers


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 11/24/04 21:00


I just found this site a few days ago:

Books for Soldiers

There are forums here where troops serving overseas can request books, dvds, magazines, etc and those who have them can donate them. Great idea :-) Maybe put a service member or two on your Christmas list this year!

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Subject: This is what I've always said about how necessary phonics are in learning to read!


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 09/27/04 20:18


From the book A Matter of Character - Inside the White House of George W. Bush by Ronald Kessler

Chapter 25: The CEO President, page 282:

"Traditionally, liberals have been the champions of the underdog. Yet, liberal politicians and educators were the ones who sneered at requiring regular reading tests in schools. They maintained that blacks and Hispanics, without the cultural advantages of whites, could be expected to fail reading tests. That attitude was what Bush called the 'soft bigotry of low expectations'. In Texas, Bush had proven them dead wrong. By introducing phonics and extra help, he brought the rate of third graders who could not read down from a scandalous 23% to less than 2%. As president, he {is/}was trying-despite resistance from Democratic politicians, education colleges, and teachers' unions- to do the same thing nationally. Rather than underfunding programs, as the Democrats maintained he was doing, since taking office he had increased federal spending on education by 49%. He saw children hurting....he rolled up his sleeves, immersed himself in the scientific evidence about how kids learn to read, and for the first time held schools and teachers accountable for using the only reading method proven to work-phonics...."

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Subject: Book Signing


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 08/27/04 12:29


Hi! I just wanted to announce my book signing tomorrow (August 28) for anyone in the area.

Click here for details.

I'll be signing "Finishing Touches." Also, get a preview of the novel I am currently working on in my writing.com portfolio:

Writing.com/authors/voxxylady

Have a Creative Day!


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Subject: MORE PICTURES PLEASE!


Author:
Nancy
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Date Posted: 08/23/04 16:39

I have been looking at this page hoping to see some nice paintings. Would love to see some of the work others are doing.

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Subject: I'm glad you liked my purple cat. No, that's not a representation of any real cat--just the one that lived in my imagination. Now he's out of there and onto canvas, and hanging in my bathroom.


Author:
Nancy
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Date Posted: 08/23/04 11:45


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Subject: Art pages update


Author:
Loraine
[ Edit | View ]

Date Posted: 08/10/04 14:02


We have a new featured artist/writer! I recently met a young artist on writing.com and was so impressed with her work, I asked if I could feature her here. Check out her page at:

Autumn Rose

I've also updated the Fine Arts Main Page by listing our featured artists and adding the great links that have been posted here on the board.

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Subject: A CAT


Author:
Nancy
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Date Posted: 08/12/04 13:13



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Subject: For little children


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 08/10/04 8:04

I was looking for children's art programs and found this cute site. www.unclefred.com/index.html This is perfect for my 5 years old. (and myself... LOL!)

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Subject: I use Painter 6 (but may upgrade soon) and a Wacom tablet. To paint imaginative things. Anybody else here do that?


Author:
Nancy
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Date Posted: 08/ 7/04 22:43


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Subject: Realistic pencil art


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 07/11/04 3:22

I was web surfing and found this site.
www.jdhaart.com
His drawings are like photopraph! He did everything I can't draw such as glass and water. I'm going to go back the site again and try to learn his technic.

By the way Loraine, I missed you so much!

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Subject: from a tired M.P.


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 07/ 7/04 21:18

[The following is an email that was sent to my cousin from a friend/mentor who is in Iraq with the Army Reserves. I have permission to post it in order to help get the word out about what is really going on. I edited out the place names for security reasons.]


Hello all,

I hope all is well with you and yours. For the most part I am doing fine; the summer is getting hotter; I am in need of a new hum-vee, and there is now a new government in charge of Iraqi's future. The weeks following my previous letter were as calm as I have seen up until the last half of June and then it seemed as though the storm intelligence was talking about broke almost over night. Old news I know but I want you to know we were ready for it. In the last three weeks my unit has seen more action than at any point you would care to name. During the time members of my unit have been ambushed, motored, hit by road side bombs and vehicle carried bombs, all due to the fact that the insurgents want to prevent the change over in power here. The fact that it took place two days early and without a hitch helped prevent what could have been a blood bath.

The new area we are operating in is near the Tigris river. The land here is amazingly fertile, considering it has been farmed for over 4000 years. Some of the farmers in my unit have said that with the right equipment and proper training the farms here could grow more than enough food to feed the whole country and even export some crops. There are some real pluses in having their river so close, the big one being water is a lot easier to come by for needs that don't need the water to be potable. And there is an amazing amount of vegetation located in a zone of about 10 to 15 miles on each side of the river. The only down side so far is the insect life here is now eating us alive from time to time.

The last two weeks have really come to help me understand the culture here in new ways (the rural culture at least; I am not as able to get a feel for the cities). For the most part 80% of the people I deal with are happy to see us and help us if they can. That is not to say they are always happy with what is going on, but they know we try to keep our interference down to a minimum. It's great, running down the roads and having kids wave at you as you go past (even though many of them are also begging for food or candy, which we have been known to give out when we can get away with it). Most of the people I have
spoken to are not happy with the United Nations playing a bigger role in the rebuilding of Iraq. This surprised me at first, but after talking with many people here, I have found out that this region was hit hard during the U.N. embargo, and that most of the food never made it to these people who were in need of it. They also feel the U.N. let them down after Saddam used vx gas on the Kurds, who are closely related to many of the people I have talked to. For the most part I have been impressed by the people and their hope for a better tommorow. I myself am not at all happy about the U.N. getting more involved here but that mainly stems back to some bad experiences I have had with them in the past. Plus all I have seen so far is lip service from them and other countries like France who want a piece of the pie (rebuilding pie) but don't want to put their butts on the line to earn it.

Life here at camp is slowly getting better all of the time. With each new day we work hard to make this place feel if not like home, at least as close as we can make it. The only real bad part right now is we have a local national generator. Which in truth breaks down almost every other day it seems like. Many of us would give a lot to have a big Cat power plant. At least then if it ever broke down we might be able to fix it our selves rather than waiting on a local contractor to come out and try to fix it. Better yet if it's like the last one I had, a little tlc and it will run forever. This is not to say the local gear is all bad but we have had a hard time finding a reliable one and someone who can fix it on a regular basis.

Well now for a little bit of what my life has been like over the last two weeks. I will not say the day I am about to describe is average or that it was the most exciting, but it is a day where you can get a feel for what it is like over here and how hard it is to do what we have to do. The morning dawned clear and sunny like most here. My team and I were gearing up for a convoy to ---- (---- is the name you will find on a map). Our mission was to provide convoy security and escort 2 protected packages to the Trop Medical Clinic and return same home. Our brief was normal for the time of day and where we were going. That is to say they said the bad guys had been active in the last 48 hours and we were to keep our eyes open and if seen capture or eliminate the threat. Nothing of note happened until about 30 min into our convoy. When we had just made the turn down a secondary road enroute to Anaconda, when about a half mile down the road just ahead of my gun truck a road side bomb went off (IED you may hear them referred to in the news). The first thing is, it happens so fast that you hardly have time to respond and almost everything you do is on auto pilot for the first 5 to 10 min. The bomb flashed, then the shock wave hit almost at the same time, then came the smoke-- it seemed to cover your vehicle in a split second. When you are driving through it, it feels as though a lifetime passes before you see daylight again. After what in reality was only 5 to 10 seconds but at the time it felt like a life time, we drove to the rally point and did a quick inspection of our vehicle. To our surprise there was almost no damage and except for a little temporary hearing loss we and our packages were unhurt. After setting up a secure zone we headed back on foot to look for secondary bombs and to see what was left of the first device. This stretch of road is on a wide open field with 4 or 5 houses, all deserted. We moved into each house in turn and cleared the road without finding another device, thank God. After we cleared the road we move back over to what was left of the bomb, and found out that we were luckier than we had any right to be. The bomb was made up of 2 "155" shells, one of which was an air burst (this is a type of shell that is fired by artillery and explodes 15 to 20 feet above the ground with little bomblets doing most of the damage). In this case the bomblets did not have time to activate before they hit the ground, which cut down on the damage that was done. We got even luckier on the second "155" shell: we found out later that the casing was bad and instead of the gun powder exploding it burned up like flash powder, causing nothing worse than the smoke we drove through. This whole process took about 45 min, then we remounted our convoy and head out. I am happy to say nothing else happened on the way to Anaconda. After arriving at the base we headed to the TMC and dropped off our packages for their medical care and we headed out to the PX and the REC tent to relax until we were called for a return trip. About 1pm we just finished playing a game at the rec tent when the red alert was sounded and we headed for the bunkers. Just after we hit the bunker, 5 mortar shells hit on the other side of the px, about 800 meters from where we were. I will be honest this is not the first mortar attack I have sat through, but it's the first one in a long time where I have gone to bunker when the alarm was sounded. Just last week the camp had been mortared and 4 people were killed, one of whom was just 24 hours from going home. For some reason it hit all of us hard and we promised to try not to let that happen to us. For we have become very complacent about stuff like that and now see the price that can be paid. So, after dusting our selves off we headed out to pick up our package and head back to camp. The ride home was in its own way as eventful as the ride there, but without all the danger. Just after crossing the river we came to a stop: another convoy had a little problem when a semi lost its payload and blocked the road for 2 hours. During this time we had to shut down the road. Well you can imagine the mess that this made. But in a way it was also nice, for we were able to do many good deeds, and meet many more local nationals. We helped treat some people who were sick and gave candy, food and water to the kids. The locals brought us tea and food, and we spent the next hour or so talking and trying to break down some of the barriers. All in all, I would say that the afternoon
talking with them and their kids is one I will remember for the rest of my life.

Well, I hope I have not bored you too much. Till next we meet, I wish you all many safe and happy days.

BILL
AKA the tired M.P.

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Subject: In Honor of President Ronald Reagan 1911-2004


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 06/ 8/04 15:57


"Let's do what's right. The politics will take care of themselves."

"I believe America's greatest days are still ahead."
(speech given after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's)

"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall."


Rest in Peace, Mr. Reagan.


Join the living memorial here:
http://www.georgewbush.com/Reagan/

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Subject: Food for Thought


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 06/ 7/04 14:08

From "Man and His Symbols" by Carl Jung:

"Modern man does not understand how much his "rationalism . . . has put him at the mercy of the psychic "underworld". He has freed himself from "superstition" (or so he believes), but in the process he has lost his spiritual values to a positively dangerous degree. His moral and spiritual tradition has been disintegrated, and he is now paying the price for this break-up in world-wide disorientation and dissociation." Page 8

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Subject: My prejudice against Modern Classics...


Author:
kaori
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Date Posted: 05/29/04 1:24

I'm a classical music fan since I was young.I enjoy playing the piano now and then. But when I say classical music, I mean from Bach to Mahler. I foolishly judged that modern classics are not good enough for a long time ago. The last week, I sew the show called "Modern Classics showcase" (hope I'm right) on PBS. It was very refreshing, and soon I learned that I was so wrong about modern classics.

I'm the one who always say "ignorence leads to prejudice". This time I tasted my own medicine.

If you are intrested in this program, check your local PBS station. It showed around 3AM here. (okay,I fell in sleep on my couch and discovered this. LOL!)

Speaking of modern classics.... Loraine, did I tell you Eric Satie was also an artist? If you want to see his paintings log on to http:www.af.lu.se/~fogwall/satie.html

Hope everybody have a wonderful weekend!

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Subject: Operation Crayon


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 05/20/04 12:01

I just found this and thought it was appropriate to post here. Adoptaplatoon.com has a program called "Operation Crayon" where we can send donations of school supplies to our service members overseas who are working with area children to make sure they have the supplies they need to attend school. I think this is a wonderful thing! Educating the world's children and promoting good will with them will lead to a more peaceful future and enrich their lives. Not to mention that art and writing can be wonderful therapy.

Here's a flyer with an email address to find out how to donate:



This is a pdf file, so if you can't open it and want info, let me know ;-)

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Subject: America Needs Dirt


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 05/13/04 13:27


America Needs Dirt - click here to find out why.

Link will be added to the family page soon.



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Subject: The origins of April Fool's Day


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 04/ 1/04 16:46


"April Fool's Day is one of the most light hearted days of the year, yet it stems from a serious subject葉he adoption of a new calendar.

...In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated Jan. 1. Many countries, however, resisted the change. In fact, some European countries held out for centuries (Scotland until 1660; Germany, Denmark, and Norway until 1700; and England until 1752).

In 1564 France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted New Year's day to Jan. 1. However, many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day April 1.

Other people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false."

See the rest of the story here:
April Fool's Day has serious origins -- from infoplease.com

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Subject: Very nice!


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 03/23/04 18:49

I just checked your brand new page....It was very nice!! I won't be lost on your site anymore. LOL! And I start to understand the philosophy of your naked tree.

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Subject: Bootleg Beatles


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 03/21/04 11:00


We went to see the Bootleg Beatles last night, at the same theatre they came to last year, and wow, the place was absolutely packed this year! Word of mouth at its best :-) (It holds up to 600 people and had to have been close to capacity.)

The show was just incredible again, bringing people to their feet, with those in the open area in front of the stage crunched shoulder to shoulder. The Bootlegs were so appreciative of the reception they received as they began and all the way through. We took another couple with us and while our husbands were wandering around on the bottom floor, we were the first ones on our feet in the balcony section and got a wave and smile from "John" who then told the others on the "top shelf" to join us, lol.

For those in the US Northeast:
They are heading to Baltimore and New York next. Really, it's worth your time to get there!

I'll do a better review for the site soon :-)

www.bootlegbeatles.com

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Subject: Howdy!


Author:
Carrie
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Date Posted: 03/11/04 18:30

Hi Loraine- remember me? LOL I love how your site has turned out. That must have been so exciting to do all the art for Duncan's cd. I have just recently started drawing again. Now that Trace is older I have a little more spare time. It's been so long that I'm starting small and getting the hang of it again with charcoals and pastels. Has anyone here used the oil pastels? I have never tried them and wonder what they are like. Back to lurking everywhere!

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Subject: I Love Your Website


Author:
Steffi
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Date Posted: 03/11/04 17:37

HI LORAINE! Your site is E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T! I'm now a daily visitor! Your book (Finishing Touches), was awsome. I loved it! And I wrote a book report for my Sophomore English class on it. It made me motivated to read more books and start writing my own. I can't wait for the next one, the preview made me interested in reading more of it. Please give me a heads up when it comes out! Bye!

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Subject: Did you see this program?


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 03/ 9/04 16:41

Several month ago, I saw the program about before and after Reneissance art on TLC or Discovery. One artist started to use a mirror and traced the image on the paper, and many started to followed his techinc.....something like that.If you looked very carefully, most people were lefties in the pictures. Because he traced, all potions were correct and looked like 3 dimention. I saw only a half of it. I wish I could catch the rerun!

I drew a portrait by using "Upside down" technic today. I have to admit, it was wierd but worked! Thank you for the great links ladies!

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Subject: Do you know any good links?


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 03/ 8/04 2:22

I'm looking for the links about drawings.

*pencil
*pastel
*charcoal

Something of beginer's level will be nice. Thank you!
_
P.S. _!_!_ /
This is my computer graphic... (^o^)/
"A man with plaid pants." /-*-|
/ ###
# #
** **

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Subject: About Finishing Touches (Book report)


Author:
Kaori
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Date Posted: 03/ 5/04 2:38

Although I do understand English well enough to communicate, reading whole book can be a huge task just like clibming long long stairs. But this book was "escatator ride". The author discribed every possible things skillfuly and artisticaly. So I could draw the images of people, rooms etc in my head along the story. When I finished this book, I even had music could go with this book. I felt Jenna's deep love towards to Aaron from just feeding him, touching him, and little things she dose for him. I was sad and happy with Jenna whole time. My life has no resemblance with Jenna's life, but somehow I felt as if it is mine.

I want to send this quotes for the author.
"The only important thing in a book is the meaning it has for you" (by W.Somerset Maugham)
And I found some "meaning" for me from this book.

I'm so proud of this book, and calling this author as my friend, Loraine!

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Subject: Hi


Author:
Liz
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Date Posted: 02/28/04 19:03

Hey
I thought i would check the site for my self.
nice,liz

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Subject: Art therapy helps Iraqi children recover from war


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 01/27/04 22:19

"We believe in the inherent creativity and loving potential of all children," reads a poster drawn up for a small art exhibition of the school's paintings at a Baghdad hotel."

Read the whole article Here (will open a new window).

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Subject: A Beautiful Site


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 01/13/04 12:47


I just found this site with some help from a friend - thanks Kaori! It was started to be an antidote to all the negativity in the media: My Hero (This will open a new window.)

While you're there, check out the following article about an 11-yr-old poet:
http://www.myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=mattieStepanek

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Subject: FINISHING TOUCHES


Author:
Jude
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Date Posted: 01/ 5/04 13:57

I just wanted to say that I finished reading "Finishing Touches" and enjoyed every moment spent reading the book. It is a wonderful story that kept me turning the pages so I could get to the end! Congratulations on such a well written book. I can't wait to read your next book!!!

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Subject: For our Service Members


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 12/31/03 18:31


I was emailed this link long ago and just found it again:

We Support U

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Subject: ART GALLERY


Author:
ugur
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Date Posted: 12/ 1/03 12:24

Hi
Check out website
www.bazaarturkey.com

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Subject: The Seven Wonders


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 10/10/03 14:36


A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World."
Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one quiet student hadn't turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind
because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help."

The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:
1. to see
2. to hear
3. to touch
4. to taste
5. to feel
6. to laugh
7. and to love."

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.
The things we overlook as simple, ordinary & take for granted are truly wondrous!

A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man.

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Subject: It's been a lonnnng time since I lost sleep over a book...


Author:
Shirley
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Date Posted: 07/29/03 18:35

I'll admit I've had insomnia lately but, geesh!
Anyhoo, yesterday afternoon I purchased a paperback from the local drug store here in town. The book is "Between Friends" by Debbie Macomber. I'd never read any of her work but....suffice it to say THIS is definately a "can't put me down" book. I am IN LOVE with the two main characters...best friends, Jillian and Lesley. Jillian comes from a well-to-do family while Lesley comes from a struggling one. Both girl's lives take totally different paths, yet they remain staunch, close friends. Haven't finished it yet but I'm more then halfway finished and, like I said, just got it yesterday!
Okay, I'm hooked.
I'm already on the hunt for more Macomber books! Her books got dat personality thing goin' on!

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Subject: Honor


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 07/20/03 16:09

At Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC recently the Sergeant Major of the Army, Jack Tilley, was with a group of people visiting the wounded soldiers. He saw a Special Forces soldier who had lost his right hand and suffered severe wounds of his face and side of his body. The SMA wanted to honor him and show him respect without offending, but what can you say or do in such a situation that will encourage and uplift? How do you shake the right hand of a soldier who has none? He decided to act as
though the hand was not missing and gripped the soldier's wrist while speaking words of comfort and encouragement to him.

But there was another man in that group of visitors who had even brought his wife with him to visit the wounded who knew exactly what to do. This man reverently took the soldiers stump of a hand in both of his hands, bowed at the bedside and prayed for him. When he finished the prayer he stood up,bent over the soldier and kissed him on the head and told him that he loved him. What a powerful expression of love for one of our wounded heroes! And what a beautiful Christ-like example! What kind of a man
would do such a thing ? It was the wounded man's commander-in-Chief, George W. Bush, President of the United States.

This story was told by the SMA at a Soldiers Breakfast held at Red Arsenal, AL, and recorded by Chaplain James Henderson, stationed there. Pass it on...the press won't.

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Subject: interview with a musician (unsure of publication)


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 05/14/03 9:32

From a 1979 interview with Nick Gilder:

"Of course, the standard can be raised. There are so
many people who will listen to pop. There's no reason
why it should be any particular thing. Why do people
have this preoccupation with "Art" - that music is
"Art" within a particular thing; "Art" is a particular
thing? To me, pop is an art as much as anything. It has
as much to offer.
"But it's not treated as art, especially in this
country. They say that it's a second rate form of
expression, not to be taken seriously or viewed with
the same "respect" as they say, Led Zeppelin playing at
the Forum. Why shouldn't you go to the Forum and see
Nick Lowe or whoever? ..., give me the Bay City
Rollers. I don't care. Something different...."

(edited for a family-safe environment)

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Subject: The Most Gifted Students...


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 04/30/03 12:27


...are not necessarily the ones with all the A's. They may very well be the ones sitting in the back of the room hoping not to be called upon:

Identifying Gifted Students -brainconnection.com

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Subject: What is an American?


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 03/23/03 15:25

From an Australian dentist, after Pakistan offered a reward for any American killed:

What is an American?

An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them
chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to
enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan.

Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the
homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families. I've been told that the World
Trade Center victims were from at least 30 other countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself.

Because Americans are not a particular people from a
particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

Pass this around the World

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Subject: Does music increase intelligence??


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 03/ 4/03 23:38


Most everyone has heard of the Mozart Effect by now, but how true is it? Does listening to classical music increase intelligence? Researchers are now saying that Playing an instrument is more beneficial. Check out this article :-)

Does playing piano make you smarter?

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Subject: Extremely fascinating Parenting Research!


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 02/13/03 15:54


"... We all want to do the best for our children. And what I fear is happening is that we're leaping too far from the neuroscience to such things. I don't think there is any established videotape or CD or computer program or type of music to play that we've shown with any scientific backing to actually help our children.

The more technical and more advanced the science becomes, often the more it leads us back to some very basic tenets of spending loving, quality time with our children. The brain is largely wired for social interaction and for bonding with caretakers. And sometimes it's even disappointing to people that, with all the science and all the advances the best advice we can give is things that our grandmother could have told us generations ago: to spend loving, quality time with our children. ... I think [it] probably does more harm than good for parents to be confronted with so many of these conflicting reports in the media without any scientific basis. ..."

from www.pbs.org - whole article is a great read!

Check out this article (different article, same site) about brain development in teenagers! Very highly recommended reading for all parents!! ->

Frontline article about teen brain development from PBS.Org

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Subject: Found on the Mrak Attack (www.voy.com/110313/)


Author:
Loraine
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Date Posted: 02/ 2/03 19:52

Heavenly Father,

Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious
moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student,balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not
getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment,knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will
be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all
humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

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Subject: From "Body and Soul" Magazine Jan/Feb 2003


Author:
L
[ Edit | View ]

Date Posted: 01/27/03 11:02

Cheryl Richardson interview by Elizabeth Phillips "New Year, New Rules"

Body & Soul: You recommend that self-care be everyone's top priority, going, so far as to say that if you don't, "you're always holding others at emotional gunpoint." Could you elaborate on that?

Cheryl Richardson: That quote from poet David White hits home to the underlying reason why we really need to make our self - our emotional, spiritual, and physical self - the priority. The truth is that when you're not honoring your self-care -- not taking time for the things that are important to you, not developing your inner life, not taking care of your physical health -- then you're always harboring some kind of resentment. [...] Suddenly we've got a nonstop inner critic in our heads, and then we wonder why we're so miserable.

Sources:
www.bodyandsoulmag.com
www.cherylrichardson.com

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Subject: From an interview with Mara Fox:


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 11/28/02 20:33


BC-RICH.COM: Got a message for fans out there?

MARA FOX: Express yourself. Everyone should have their own creative outlet. Blasting music someone else composed does not speak for you. It's wonderful if you enjoy it, but explore your own creativity, in whatever realm - whether it be music, or art, or writing, or science, or whatever. Do something really well and share it with the world, and never sacrifice your integrity.

source -- http://www.rocketcityrecords.com/marafox/mara-bcrichinterview.html or click HERE

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Subject: Take The Good!


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 10/30/02 11:02


I am just SO thrilled that such a deserving artist is finally getting some of the recognition he deserves that I'm posting about it again :-)

Duncan Faure's "Take the Good" is still - after I think 3 weeks now, the Number ONE seller at South Africa's major online music store:

http://www.oneworld.co.za

The CD is extremely high quality, with beautiful vocals and lyrics, fun and easy-going, peace-loving and very well produced. His best work ever, and he's had a lot of tremendous songs! The whole CD was written by Duncan Faure. No cover songs - none needed!

With the exchange rate, we can get it in the U.S. from the above site for only about $9.00! A real steal for a CD that will be a valuable part of any real music lover's collection!

Grab it now and post your review on his board:

Duncan Faure Message Board

"Take the good, take the bad, take the best you've ever had and make it last..."

For">http://www.geocities.com/lkhunsaker/ArtViews-music-lyrics.html>For more lyrics from the cd, click here

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Subject: Spiderman!


Author:
L
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Date Posted: 08/25/02 20:36


Wow! I went to see this movie several weeks ago and I'm already edgy for it to come out on video so I can buy it!

Honestly, I was lukewarm about spending the money to see it, as we very seldom go to the theater any more. But I was very pleasantly surprised. Not at all just a "guy flick", Spiderman keeps all ages entertained. Well, I wouldn't take children younger than nine, as there is some violence involved, and I'm picky about how much violence I allow my children to be exposed to. But I did take my nine-year-old son, my 13-yr-old daughter, and my mother-in-law, and we ALL enjoyed it!

It was very well written (a rarity recently, it seems), very well acted, and had some wonderfully real special effects that made an otherwise unbelievable movie fairly believable.

Definitely recommended, Spiderman will be an addition to our home video collection as soon as it hits the stores!

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Thanks for stopping in, and bring your friends along back with you :)
If you have an art/family related site, please post the url on my links page.

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
HD Thoreau


Never Forget

"Let it be love, let it be right for all the people in the world. Let it be right in the world tonight.
Starting with you, starting with me and everybody that we see, let it be right in the world tonight."
Duncan Faure
duncanfauremusic.com


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