Newbie Writers! ? Blog Archive ? Emma's Corner

Horrified.

Alarmed.

Shocked.

Appalled.

Disgusted.

Well, you get the idea. I?m almost too ashamed to admit my problem, but as the ?ever-so-wise? Dr Phil says, ?You can?t change what you don?t acknowledge.?

I dream in text speak.

There, I said it. That?s right, a few nights ago I awoke from a dream to the awful realisation that I had been conversing throughout my dream in LOLs, LMAOs, BRBs and L8Rs. And not the actual words ?laugh out loud?, ?laugh my arse off?, etc., I dream-laughed by speaking the words ?Loll? and ?l?mouw? (or ?l?mayo?) with a smile on my face.

I tried to convince myself that since my subconscious mind was the one guilty of this deplorable act, I shouldn?t be held accountable. Unfortunately, it didn?t end there?

Obsessing over my newly discovered failing, I came to a second, even more horrifying conclusion: I sometimes think in text speak too! If I?m remembering a funny little moment or planning something I?m going to say to someone, I may go beyond having a quiet chuckle to myself, and silently utter that atrocious word:?l?o?l?l.

Thank goodness it hasn?t seeped into my writing (yet!) But I am finding a little shiver runs down my spine whenever I use ?text speak? in an actual text message, informal email or instant message. Sadly, no matter how hard I try I can?t seem to use social media without them, or their evil cousin ? the emoticon .

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Emma is a freelance editor and writer who got her start at Newbie Writers two years ago. In her previous career she was an accountant, but escaped the numbers game to envelop herself in the literary world.

Emma?s Exceptional Editing & Proofreading
info@exceptionalediting.com.au
www.exceptionalediting.com.au
Follow me on Twitter: @EEEandP

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Cagereaders rant about Jason Miller?s retirement, Brock Lesnar?s UFC 146 appearance and more

It's Reader Rants, when Cagereaders' opinions get center stage. They had plenty to talk about this week. Jason "Mayhem" Miller moving on from MMA, Antonio Silva's bloody face, Brock Lesnar's rumored return and Wanderlei Silva's comments about Vitor Belfort's broken hand all had tons of discussion on the Cagewriter Facebook page. If you want to be featured in a future Reader Rants, like Cagewriter on Facebook and comment on the stories that show up in your newstream.

Jason "Mayhem" Miller was dismissed from the UFC, and then he decided to retire. You all had very different views on him.

He's probably not worth the money he commanded. He's a recognizable face to put in against up-and-comers, but for a longtime veteran, that's probably not exactly what Dana White and co. are looking for. I've never had a problem with his walkouts and craziness, though. He's a showman. Put a camera on him in any situation and he likely to act crazy. -- John Wilcox

I think Dana has always had it in for him... Cut him after going the distance with GSP, when GSP was something special and finished fighters. His Bisping performance was terrible, sure but for Dana to call it the most lopsided fight ever is a joke. His performance against C.B. "lay and pray" Dollaway looked better on his feet than I've seen him in a while but blew out his knee. White has given other fighters much more of a chance than he gave Miller. I hope he's not done as I for one would love to see one last Miller-Kennedy fight. -- Will Howard

Cagereaders were moved by the large amount of blood in the Silva bout.

That doc should've stopped that fight. The ref should've stopped that fight. Dana and the fans got blood hungry in this match, and that kinda thing is what is keeping the UFC from becoming a more accepted sanctioned sport. -- Tobyus Sanchezo

Brock Lesnar's appearance at UFC 146 got tongues wagging, and as usual, the big guy inspired strong opinions.

He isn't an MMA fighter. He is a big dude who can push around smaller dudes. His skill level should be showcased to idiots who love fake wrestling. He don't deserve a UFC paycheck. -- Philip Erwin

Yeah, but make him earn marquee fights. Maybe put him as an early fight on Fox against someone like Nelson or Struve. -- Aaron Roy

I was surprised to hear this. I don't see him doing well. His intimidating aura is gone, and everyone knows if he gets punched in the mouth he's done. His size and speed can help him win against some guys, but I don't see him competing for the title again. -- Josh Farris

Wanderlei Silva ripped Vitor Belfort for breaking his hand and pulling out of UFC 147, which surprised Cagereaders.

Be upset if your opponent doesn't make weight, not breaks his hand in practice. Wandy must have been struck in the head too many times. -- David Feinblatt

This was a big fight in front of his countrymen. This was also his first fight in Brazil in 12 years, and I'm sure he wanted a big return. -- Sohrob Kohistani

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Naomi Judd gets her own call-in radio show

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) ? Naomi Judd's new limited-run SiriusXM radio talk show has no safety net and even the country star says with a laugh she isn't sure that's a great idea.

"If you've been at a press conference, you know I've said things I haven't thought of ? whoa," Judd said. "That's why they asked me. And there's no 5-second delay. I'm wandering the woods without a map."

Judd hopes "Think Twice," which starts its six-week run of hour-long Friday morning episodes June 8, will be a place the satellite radio network's 22 million subscribers can turn to for a free-form discussion of ideas and topics, from current events and politics to hot-button issues like abortion and evolution.

"I want people to think twice," Judd said in a phone interview. "That's why I came up with the title, because in today's culture, in this ADHD culture, people don't understand the real important stuff. I want people to be talking about this stuff at the water cooler, around the kitchen table. I may have a total brainiac on who's one of the most important people in the world, but I want to translate it for standard-issue folks because that's where my heart is. I want to tell them how this is affecting their everyday life."

First up, though, the 66-year-old Grammy winner will examine her own life and her relationship with daughter Ashley Judd. Mother and daughter will sit down together in front of a studio audience next Tuesday to tape the debut episode.

Judd's voice filled with emotion when she described her feelings about the interview. She said that though the two have spent time together since Ashley Judd published a memoir last year that placed stress on their relationship, they have not spoken about the book or the revelations that Ashley was sexually abused as a child, including by a family member.

When "All That is Bitter & Sweet" was published last year, Ashley Judd said she'd never told her mother of the abuse. Both Naomi Judd and her other daughter, duo partner Wynonna Judd, say they also suffered sexual abuse.

"I admit I'm a little nervous about doing it because this is the first time that Ashley and I have ever done anything together," Judd said. "And I'm going to ask her about what happened in our relationship ? whoa, I have to take a deep breath before that one."

Judd said she would also ask her daughter about her feelings over the recent cancellation of her television series "Missing" and her emotions watching her husband, three-time Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti race in the aftermath of the death of his close friend Dan Wheldon.

"I know she'll want to talk about her severe depression and share some ways that have gotten her to such a happy, stable place," Judd said. "But I think really it's probably going to be about our relationship because there's some ... Oh, boy."

Judd says she has now read "Bitter & Sweet." In the end, she said she felt it was her duty as a parent to read the book. Now she thinks the things she learned during the process can be instructive for parents who are dealing with similarly difficult issues.

"I had to take a deep breath before I opened the book and I read it by myself when I was in a good mood and had space and time," Judd said. "I knew I would probably be hollering out loud at certain things ? 'It didn't happen that way! I was there!' ? but (I was) acknowledging that anyone in a relationship has a completely different reality, and I wanted to know what my daughter's personal experiences and journeys were."

The remainder of the season will be live call-in shows that will be replayed Saturday morning. She's pulling her guest list from her personal rolodex, which is full of Nobel Prize winners and leaders in the science, medical and technology fields, deep thinkers and interesting people.

Guests already scheduled include National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis S. Collins and Dr. Helen Morrison, a forensic psychiatrist specializing in serial killers. And there's a handful of physicists she'd love to quiz.

Yes, physicists.

"I don't take vacations," Judd said. "I love the ocean, but I'm just not one to lie on the beach. So for three days I went up to Princeton for a seminar on quantum physics."

It's that sort of insatiable curiosity she wants to share with her listeners.

"I hope to blow away stereotypes," she said. "I'm not just a big-haired redhead country singer who dresses flamboyantly, has this wicked sense of humor and wears rhinestones. They have no idea about my underground secret life for 20 years."

___

Follow www.twitter.com/AP_Country for the latest country music news. And follow Entertainment Writer Chris Talbott at www.twitter.com/Chris_Talbott .

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College graduates: Six financial survival tips for the working world ...

Today?s twenty-somethings can have bright financial futures by following a few simple steps

MINNEAPOLIS ? Despite a turbulent job market and economy, if you are a recent college graduate, there is much to be optimistic about as you leave campus and head out into the real world. No one ever said life on your own would be easy, but post-graduate financial bliss can be a reality. These six tips from Thrivent Financial offer a starting point for recent graduates who are ready to put their education to work for a secure financial future.

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Get real about your paycheck

Compared to the minimum wage jobs you survived on through college, the annual earnings at your first post-graduate job may give you dollar-sign eyes. Don?t be fooled though; after taxes, benefits, living expenses and student loan payments, your remaining monthly spending money could amount to less than half of your gross income. Being realistic about your paycheck doesn?t mean you can?t have any fun, though. That new car may have to wait a while, but with smart budgeting you can still enjoy the finer things in life with a clear conscience.

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Your credit score matters

Thought you were done worrying about test scores? Think again. Whether you want to get an apartment, mortgage, car or a new job, your credit score says a lot about you and can make or break these important steps. Free credit reports are available at http://www.annualcreditreport.com, and for a small fee you can also obtain your credit score. Examine your report regularly for accuracy, and pay off any existing credit card debt as soon as possible. Credit card interest is wasted money, and outstanding debt can hurt your credit score.

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Look out for number one

After expenses and taxes, your paycheck may look too slim for comfort, but protecting your assets, health and income is worth the additional cost. If you have an apartment, renter?s insurance is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your possessions. Health insurance is also a must, whether you get it through your employer or stay on your parents plan. Your paycheck is worth protecting, too. Disability income insurance is not just for those with physically demanding jobs, as most beneficiaries are on disability from illness, not injury. Preparation for the unexpected comes at a small price considering the costs associated with the alternative.

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Save for the fun stuff

Again, being responsible with your finances doesn?t mean you can?t have any fun. You have worked hard to start your career, and deserve to reward yourself. The best way to spend smartly is simply to spend less than you have. Diligent saving allows for the occasional splurge without having to feel guilty or anxious about your decision to spend. Consider directly depositing a certain amount from your paycheck into a savings account for a ?fun fund.?

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Save for the grown-up stuff, too

Your parents? nagging may start to quiet now that you?ve graduated, but their retirement planning advice is worth listening to. Start investing now, you won?t regret it. As you barely scratch the surface of your career, retirement seems a long way off, but successful investors understand that the longer your assets remain invested, the greater their potential for growth. The cash you forfeit now will pale in comparison to the amount you?ll end up getting back at the end of your career if you start as early as possible.

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Don?t pass up free money

Many employers offer pretax savings through their retirement accounts. Because your retirement contributions come out before taxes, your taxable income is decreased, saving you money. For example, a $100 contribution from your earnings to a pretax retirement account would reduce your paycheck by only $75 if you?re in the 25 percent tax bracket. If your employer matches a percentage of your retirement contributions, it is wise to contribute the maximum amount of their match so as not to pass up on ?free money.?

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Money is just one of many aspects of adulthood that college graduates must meet head-on to start living independently. Personal finance may seem daunting, but don?t be discouraged. The above-mentioned tips boil down to common sense: spend less than you earn, stay protected through proper insurance, maintain good credit and save for the short and long-term, and you will be off to a great financial start in the next chapter of your life.

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About Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.5 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities. Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. Also, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-847-4836, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents of Thrivent Financial.

Bank products and trust services are offered through Thrivent Financial Bank, (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Insurance, securities, investment advisory services, and trust and investment management accounts are not deposits, are not guaranteed by Thrivent Financial Bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, and may go down in value.

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Fraud of the Day: Committing ID Fraud Behind Bars?

Identity fraud has taken a turn for the worse ? now potentially involving an act of murder. ?(It?s bad enough that identity fraud costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year and individuals countless dollars and hours in cleaning up the mess.? Now, someone?s identity may have cost him his life.) ?Today?s Fraud of the Day from The Tampa Tribune focuses on a defendant in a murder case, who now stands accused of stealing his alleged victim?s identity and using the information to file a phony tax refund request.

According to the article, authorities say that the defendant allegedly used the identity of the man, who he is accused of murdering, as well as the ?names, birth dates and Social Security numbers of three fellow inmates in a scheme to file fraudulent tax returns? while in jail awaiting trial on the murder charge.? The defendant allegedly provided the information to someone on the outside ?along with detailed information about how to commit tax fraud.?? The article also describes the problem ? what one deputy refers to as the ?epidemic? of identity fraud throughout Florida, specifically in Florida county jails. ?(It?s not just limited to Florida.)

The defendant, who is innocent until proven guilty, faces four charges of criminal use of personal identification.? This case marks the first time an inmate will face fraud charges for action allegedly conducted while in jail.? (Well?it?s been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.)? Authorities believe they detected the fraud before the defendant or his contacts on the outside were able to file the fake tax returns.? (Excellent work!)

Authorities are taking extra precautions to prevent fraud from happening behind bars, but with the intricate system the inmates have concocted, tackling the problem has been a real challenge. ?Plus, the article notes:? ?The law restricts information that the Internal Revenue Service can provide to law enforcement.? And there are legal limitations on bringing state charges.?? A new pilot program may offer some help.? The program enables identity theft victims to sign waivers allowing law enforcement access to information vital to finding the fraud perpetrators.

This article demonstrates that the problems of identity fraud and tax refund fraud in jails must be combated on three fronts:

1)????? With the inmates ? law enforcement must continue to do its part to prevent the inmates from committing fraud while in jail

2)????? At an intergovernmental legal/policy level ? by putting in place laws, policies and processes that enable law enforcement access to federal information, and

3)????? In the government programs themselves ? by leveraging identity verification and authentication tools to find the fraud before the checks are sent.

Just as there is no single way to commit the fraud, there is no single solution to solve the fraud problem.? But fraudsters aren?t the only ones who think through all the angles.? If the government programs that are the target of fraudsters work together with law enforcement, fraud can be stopped.

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Food and drink inspired by Mexico | The News Channel

Food and drink inspired by Mexico.

In our multicultural country, we?re fortunate to have cooking influences from around the globe. Mexican-style dishes, for example, are known for their lively flavours and variety of spices ? although Mexico is a large country and specialties do vary by region.

The following recipes for Spicy Chicken Enchiladas or the Mexican Tamale Casserole are not only delicious, but they create outstanding leftovers for taking to work or school for lunch the next day.

The recipes could be seen as more Tex-Mex, or based on a combination of Texan and Mexican cultures. They also have the addition of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses not traditionally found in true Mexican cooking.

Don?t be discouraged by the list of ingredients, as each recipe is easy to prepare and has a short cooking time. Using ingredients like a cooked deli chicken or leftover chicken helps cut down on prep time. Feel free to vary the amount of chili powder and chilies to reflect your family?s taste.

To top off these flavourful dishes, try the Mojito Iced Tea. A Mojito is a Cuban drink made with rum that becomes Mexican when made with tequila. Our twist creates a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that is simple to make ahead of time and enjoyable with almost any dish or on any occasion.

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Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

2 tbsp (25 mL) oil

1/2 cup (125 mL) diced onion

1/2 cup (125 mL) diced green bell pepper

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (114 mL) diced green chilies, undrained

1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder

1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne pepper

1 tsp (5 mL) paprika

1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin

1/2 tsp (2 mL) oregano, crumbled

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (1 mL) freshly ground pepper

1 can (680 mL) tomato sauce

1 cup (250 mL) plain yogurt

1 tbsp (15 mL) flour

1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped fresh cilantro

4 cups (1 L) cubed cooked chicken

8 flour tortillas (8 inch/20 cm)

2 cups (500 mL) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 375?F (190?C). To prepare enchilada sauce, heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper and garlic; saute for 2 minutes. Add next 8 ingredients (green chilies through pepper); cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, yogurt and flour; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in cilantro. Spread 1 cup (250 mL) enchilada sauce in bottom of a greased 9?13 inch (23?33 cm) baking dish; set aside. To prepare filling, combine chicken and 1 cup (250 mL) enchilada sauce. Spoon about 1/2 cup (125 mL) of filling down one side of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with 1 tbsp (15 mL) cheese. Roll up tortillas jelly-roll fashion and place, seam side down, in a single layer on top of enchilada sauce in baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Serves 6 to 8.

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Mexican Tamale Casserole

8 flour tortillas (8 inch/20 cm)

1 can (14 oz/398 mL) diced tomatoes

1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder

1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cumin

1 can (12 oz/341 mL) kernel corn, drained

1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped jalapeno pepper

1 cup (250 mL) diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup (125 mL) sliced green onions

1 can (19 oz/540 mL) black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

1/2 cup (125 mL) water

1 cup (250 mL) shredded cheddar cheese

sliced green onions

Cover bottom of a greased 9?13 inch (23?33 cm) casserole dish with 4 tortillas. Tortillas may need to be halved or quartered. Combine tomatoes, chili powder and cumin; spread over tortillas. Top tomatoes with next 6 ingredients (corn through cilantro) in order given. Pour water over top. Slice remaining 4 tortillas into 3/4 inch (2 cm) strips. Arrange strips evenly over top. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover casserole and bake at 400?F (200?C) for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and serve. Do not freeze. Serves 6 to 8.

Cook?s Note: Hot peppers cause severe skin and eye irritation. Wear rubber gloves when handling hot peppers and avoid touching any exposed skin.

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Mojito Iced Tea

If desired, rum or orange liqueur may be stirred in before serving.

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) fresh mint leaves, crushed

4 green tea bags

4 cups (1 L) boiling water

1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh lime juice

1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar

ice cubes

1 lime, thinly sliced

fresh mint leaves

Place 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) mint leaves and tea bags in a bowl. Add boiling water. Let steep for 8 minutes. Strain tea mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Stir in lime juice and sugar. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Serve over ice cubes. Garnish with lime slices and additional mint leaves. Serves 4.

Cook?s Note: To crush mint leaves, place them between the palms of your hands and use a twisting motion to crush the leaves.

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Related posts:

1. A Look At Mexican Food History
2. The History of Mexican Food
3. Chili Peppers in the Cuisine of Mexico
4. Chinese Food Recipes ? Cooking Techniques
5. Food Wishes.com: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

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NASA?s NuSTAR X-ray space telescope will hunt for black holes starting June 13

The new orbiting telescope will also be used to look for supernova explosions

On June 13, NASA's new orbiting telescope, the?Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR),?will launch into space so we can have a closer look at mysterious black holes and dazzling supernova explosions. The telescope will take off aboard a rocket from the?Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

NuSTAR has the capacity to detect high-energy X-rays and is the very first telescope to be able to do so. According to Caltech Pasadena's principal investigator,?Fiona Harrison, NuSTAR can take "images that are 10 times crisper and 100 times more sensitive" than any other X-ray telescope in existence.

The telescope will be used primarily to study how black holes form and grow, but NASA scientists also want to use it to catch a star within the Milky Way in the act of exploding?? a phenomenon known as a supernova.?It's been roughly a century since the last known supernova in our galaxy, but it's not completely impossible for one to happen within our lifetime ? in galaxies like ours, one star goes off every 30 years.

Closer to home, NuSTAR will be used to look at the sun so we can get a better understanding of its glowing atmosphere called the corona. Clearly, scientists aim to make good use of the telescope while it's in orbit, so we can expect a lot of varied, high-res images of space in the coming years.

[Image credit: NuSTAR/Caltech]
[via LA Times]

This article was written by Mariella Moon and originally approved on Tecca

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