what european city do you belong in?

You Belong in London

You belong in London, but you belong in many cities... Hong Kong, San Francisco, Sidney. You fit in almost anywhere.And London is diverse and international enough to satisfy many of your tastes. From curry to Shakespeare, London (almost) has it all!

What European City Do You Belong In?

What European City Do You Belong In?

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

Founder of West Stanly Players directed many actors

By B.J. Drye, News Editor
CNHI News Service

Thursday, March 30, 2006— The man who influenced hundreds of aspiring young actors in Stanly County has died.James D. “Jim” Kennedy, the founder and director of West Stanly Players for nearly 30 years, died early Monday morning. He was 71.While arrangements were expected to be kept mostly private, a memorial program is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday in the theatre at West Stanly High School. Speakers will include former students and friends, including Wayne Sasser, Ken Eudy, John Rosenthal and Wes Tucker. Songs will be sung and memories of Kennedy shared.Tucker, who studied under Kennedy, took over as director of the Players upon Kennedy’s retirement in 1997.“Jim impacted many lives, through his teaching, his love of theatre and his general love of life,” Tucker said.“He will continue to impact many lives through those of us that were fortunate to share a little time with him on his journey.”Born Dec. 20, 1934, Kennedy was raised in Concord. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he would help restore communication lines in post-war Germany. Upon completion of his Air Force duty, Kennedy returned to North Carolina, where he would attend Wingate College and Wake Forest University. Majoring in history and theatre, he receive a bachelor of arts degree. He later attended Duke University Graduate School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he received his masters in education.An educator for 36 years, Kennedy began his teaching career at Locust and Stanfield Elementary schools. In addition to drama, he often coached football and baseball teams.During his reign as leader of the West Stanly Players from 1970 to 1997, Kennedy directed nearly 40 productions, many times producing three plays per year. He began with “Flowers For Algernon” in 1971.Musicals were often the chosen genre during Kennedy’s tenure, but other depictions of plays popularized on stage and film were also portrayed.Davee Troublefield, now a nationally known makeup artist based in Atlanta, called Kennedy “a great man who had a huge influence on my life.”“He recognized something in me that I did not even know was there and gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself through my talent,” said Troublefield, a 1997 graduate of West Stanly High.Troublefield was chosen for a role in “Fried Green Tomatoes” his freshman year.“This was a milestone in my life because it gave me not only confidence in myself, but a new found passion that has followed me to where I am today,” Troublefield said. “I give Jim much credit for his quick wit, vast knowledge of the theatre, and his passion for excellence. I have taken his passion for excellence and made it part of my whole life mission.“The West Stanly Players never put on a show under Jim’s direction that was anything less than perfect. From sets to costumes to lights, Jim paid close attention to detail and I find that a must in this industry.”Tucker reports that Kennedy never missed a West Stanly Players production in the 35 year history of the organization. “As his health declined over the past few months, he was upset at not being able to get out more, especially with the upcoming spring show,” Tucker said. “I like to think that now he will be able to be a part of it.”While he won’t be there physically, Tucker believes Kennedy will be smiling down from up above.Kennedy is survived by his wife, Jean, of Oakboro, sons Ashley York Kennedy and Byron Delane Kennedy, grandchildren and siblings.A dramatic scholarship fund has been set up in his name. Contributions may be sent to James D. Kennedy Dramatic Scholarship Fund, 29013 Jordan Pond, Albemarle, NC 28001.

Productions By Jim Kennedy·Flowers for Algernon (1971)·Picnic (1972)·Half a Six Pence (1973)·Our Town (1974)·Look Homeward Angel (1975)·Salute to Broadway (1975)Hello Dolly (1976)·Tea House of the August Moon (1977)·A Tribute to the King (Elvis) (1977)·The Wizard of Oz (1978)·Love is a Miracle (1979)·Music USA (1979)·Arsenic and Old Lace (1980)·West Stanly Players in Concert (1980)·The Pleasure of His Company (1981)·Sounds of Carolina (1981)·Elvis in Concert (1981)·Butterflies are Free (1982)·Of Mice and Men (1982)·Billboard's Best (1982)·Scrooge (1982)·Billboard's Best Act II (1983)·Grease (1984)·America in Song (1984)·A Tribute to Judy Garland (1984)·Beach Blast "85" (1985)Yesterday, Today & Forever concert (1985)·The King and I (1986)·Music Man (1987)·Mame (1988)·West Side Story (1989)·You Can't Take it with You (1990)·Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got the Will (1991)·Steel Magnolias (1992)·Summer Brave (1993)·Fried Green Tomatoes (1994)·The Curious Savage (1995)·On Borrowed Time (1996)·Crimes of the Heart (1997)

James Delna Kennedy

James Delna Kennedy Mr. Kennedy passed away Monday, March 27, 2006 at his home in Charlotte, NC at the age of 71. The son of the late James Able Kennedy and Leora Myrtle Hinson Kennedy of Locust, NC, Jim was raised in Concord. After high school, he joined the Air Force in the early 50s and spent time in Germany restoring communication lines across the country. Upon finishing the Air Force, Jim returned to North Carolina and attended Wingate College and Wake Forest University, where he majored in History and Theatre, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later attended Duke University Graduate School and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he received his Masters in Education. Upon the completion of his undergraduate work, Jim moved to Stanly County and began a teaching career that would last 36 years. He began teaching at Stanfield and Locust Elementary schools, and then transferred to West Stanly High School in 1971, where he spent the rest of his career. Over the years, he taught numerous courses as well as coached football and baseball, but he will be best remembered for founding the popular West Stanly Players, the school's drama department. Jim was a deeply committed educator and theatre artist. He was gregarious, passionate and relentless in his pursuit of perfectionism in the classroom and in the theatre. He was most happy when he was working to help young people discover their own God-given potential and talents and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Through his teaching and work in the community, he made a lasting impact and will be remembered by students and colleagues alike. Jim was a talented athlete and enjoyed playing golf around the country. He was a deeply devoted father and husband, and will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he touched. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Kennedy, of Oakboro; his sons, Ashley York and Byron Delane Kennedy; their wives, Susanna Falk and Saowarak Makawatsakul; and his granddaughters, Philippa Falk Kennedy and Zoe Fahsai Kennedy. He is also survived by his siblings, Paul Kennedy, Martha Sparks, Betty June Howell, and Leona Kennedy. The family will receive friends at a memorial held in his name at West Stanly High School, Hwy. 24/27, Oakboro, NC on Saturday, April 1, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the James D. Kennedy Dramatic Scholarship Fund, 29013 Jordan Pond, Albemarle, NC 28001. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation Center is entrusted with the arrangements. Published in the Charlotte Observer on 3/30/2006.

remember life goes on? corky is in an awesome band!

i am totally hiring corky for my wedding!!! this band better never break up.
http://www.chrisburke.org/index.php

Ashford Rowan Westmoreland

Message from Tommy & Anna

He was born on March 24th at 12:37pm. He weighed eight pounds twelve ounces and was twenty inches long. He is a healthy beautiful boy that was ready to come into the world. Momma only had to push for an hour and there were no complications.

I was lucky enough to be able to be home for the delivery, but have to head back to Kuwait on the 30th since the only way I could extend my leave was if it was emergency leave. I should be home for good in August though and am looking forward to that day!

Tommy and Anna

karlyn's baby shower

look what kellie pickler wore to her prom!

if you dare! looks like stanly county just got even more frightening....

http://dlisted.blogspot.com/2006/03/what-kellie-pickler-wore-to-her-prom.html

How to spot a baby conservative

Whiny children, claims a new study, tend to grow up rigid and traditional. Future liberals, on the other hand ...

KURT KLEINER
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Remember the whiny, insecure kid in nursery school, the one who always thought everyone was out to get him, and was always running to the teacher with complaints? Chances are he grew up to be a conservative.
At least, he did if he was one of 95 kids from the Berkeley area that social scientists have been tracking for the last 20 years. The confident, resilient, self-reliant kids mostly grew up to be liberals.
The study from the Journal of Research Into Personality isn't going to make the UC Berkeley professor who published it any friends on the right. Similar conclusions a few years ago from another academic saw him excoriated on right-wing blogs, and even led to a Congressional investigation into his research funding.
But the new results are worth a look. In the 1960s Jack Block and his wife and fellow professor Jeanne Block (now deceased) began tracking more than 100 nursery school kids as part of a general study of personality. The kids' personalities were rated at the time by teachers and assistants who had known them for months. There's no reason to think political bias skewed the ratings — the investigators were not looking at political orientation back then. Even if they had been, it's unlikely that 3- and 4-year-olds would have had much idea about their political leanings.
A few decades later, Block followed up with more surveys, looking again at personality, and this time at politics, too. The whiny kids tended to grow up conservative, and turned into rigid young adults who hewed closely to traditional gender roles and were uncomfortable with ambiguity.
The confident kids turned out liberal and were still hanging loose, turning into bright, non-conforming adults with wide interests. The girls were still outgoing, but the young men tended to turn a little introspective.
Block admits in his paper that liberal Berkeley is not representative of the whole country. But within his sample, he says, the results hold. He reasons that insecure kids look for the reassurance provided by tradition and authority, and find it in conservative politics. The more confident kids are eager to explore alternatives to the way things are, and find liberal politics more congenial.
In a society that values self-confidence and out-goingness, it's a mostly flattering picture for liberals. It also runs contrary to the American stereotype of wimpy liberals and strong conservatives.
Of course, if you're studying the psychology of politics, you shouldn't be surprised to get a political reaction. Similar work by John T. Jost of Stanford and colleagues in 2003 drew a political backlash. The researchers reviewed 44 years worth of studies into the psychology of conservatism, and concluded that people who are dogmatic, fearful, intolerant of ambiguity and uncertainty, and who crave order and structure are more likely to gravitate to conservatism. Critics branded it the "conservatives are crazy" study and accused the authors of a political bias.
Jost welcomed the new study, saying it lends support to his conclusions. But Jeff Greenberg, a social psychologist at the University of Arizona who was critical of Jost's study, was less impressed.
`I found (the Jack Block study) to be biased, shoddy work, poor science at best'
Jeff Greenberg University of Arizona
"I found it to be biased, shoddy work, poor science at best," he said of the Block study. He thinks insecure, defensive, rigid people can as easily gravitate to left-wing ideologies as right-wing ones. He suspects that in Communist China, those kinds of people would likely become fervid party members.
The results do raise some obvious questions. Are nursery school teachers in the conservative heartland cursed with classes filled with little proto-conservative whiners?
Or does an insecure little boy raised in Idaho or Alberta surrounded by conservatives turn instead to liberalism?
Or do the whiny kids grow up conservative along with the majority of their more confident peers, while only the kids with poor impulse control turn liberal?
Part of the answer is that personality is not the only factor that determines political leanings. For instance, there was a .27 correlation between being self-reliant in nursery school and being a liberal as an adult. Another way of saying it is that self-reliance predicts statistically about 7 per cent of the variance between kids who became liberal and those who became conservative. (If every self-reliant kid became a liberal and none became conservatives, it would predict 100 per cent of the variance). Seven per cent is fairly strong for social science, but it still leaves an awful lot of room for other influences, such as friends, family, education, personal experience and plain old intellect.
For conservatives whose feelings are still hurt, there is a more flattering way for them to look at the results. Even if they really did tend to be insecure complainers as kids, they might simply have recognized that the world is a scary, unfair place.
Their grown-up conclusion that the safest thing is to stick to tradition could well be the right one. As for their "rigidity," maybe that's just moral certainty.
The grown-up liberal men, on the other hand, with their introspection and recognition of complexity in the world, could be seen as self-indulgent and ineffectual.
Whether anyone's feelings are hurt or not, the work suggests that personality and emotions play a bigger role in our political leanings than we think. All of us, liberal or conservative, feel as though we've reached our political opinions by carefully weighing the evidence and exercising our best judgment. But it could be that all of that careful reasoning is just after-the-fact self-justification. What if personality forms our political outlook, with reason coming along behind, rationalizing after the fact?
It could be that whom we vote for has less to do with our judgments about tax policy or free trade or health care, and more with the personalities we've been stuck with since we were kids.
Kurt Kleiner is a Toronto-based freelance science writer. thanks toronto star!!

Middle East Geography Quiz

Click here to go the Quiz
It does not really score as you go so keep track of how many you miss and post in comments if you dare.
I was disappointed in myself since I have been to some of these countries but I sure did not get a perfect score especially with Africa!
If you need some remedial training in geography this is great site which has different levels and actually grades you as you go.

From Dlisted...It Better Not Be True!

Taylor Going Dark?!

On last week's American Idol Taylor Hicks and Ryan Seacrest joked that he was going to dye his hair dark and take away the grey! TMZ is reporting that beginning next week Taylor will start his slow transformation slowing taking out the grey to go dark.

Taylor is only 29, but bitch looks about 59. However, I think that grey hair actually makes his likeable. Besides that silvery grey takes away from his fugly face and that dark hair just shows us the obvious.

Dlisted

All I have to say is if Taylor does this he is a total sell-out and I will lose so much respect for him!

Johnny Cash’s first wife writing book

I Walked the Line’ is due to come out early next year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The first Mrs. Johnny Cash had a line to walk, too, and before she died last year she told about it in a book that will be published early next year.

“I Walked the Line,” by Vivian Liberto Distin, is slated to arrive Valentine’s Day 2007, it was announced Wednesday by Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster.

The book’s title plays off Cash’s hit song, “I Walk the Line,” which he wrote about Vivian. The same title was used for the recent Golden Globe-winning movie that focused on Cash’s romance with his second wife, singer June Carter Cash.

The book is based on thousands of letters exchanged by the couple before their marriage while he was overseas with the Air Force, co-writer Ann Sharpsteen said.

“The letters really reveal the real man, unclouded by drugs. Letters were his dreams, fears, a variety of subjects, fidelity, alcohol, faith. It’s like reading someone’s diary,” Sharpsteen said.

The couple divorced in 1966 after 13 years.

Kathy Cash, one of Johnny and Vivian’s daughters, said her mother visited her father in 2003 to tell him she wanted to do the book.

“He said, ‘Vivian, if anyone on this whole earth should write a book it should be you,”’ Kathy Cash said.

The book helped Distin find closure, her co-author said.

“She had never gotten over Johnny, so it was a journey of healing,” Sharpsteen said.

Cash died in 2003.

dlisted...my sentiments exactly

American Idol: I'm Over Kevin!

Last night American Idol's top 12 was cut down to 11. Melissa McGhee from Tampa, FL was given the axe. I wasn't surprised that she was given the boot, but I was extremely surprised that Ace Young and Lisa Tucker were in the bottom 3. I was hoping to see that dumb munchkin Kevin Covais there. Seriously, if you are voting for his ass...you are on crack! That piece of shit can't sing and he ain't sexy and he has a mouth on him! Seriously, Simon Cowell should've jumped onstage and beat his ass down for talking back to him on performance night. Kevin needs to go, so please don't vote for her ass!As for Melissa, there's a future for her in amateur porn. Expect to see her in an upcoming episode of Bang Bus.As for who I'm rooting for...I'd say Mandisa, Taylor and Elliot!

thanks http://dlisted.blogspot.com

Stanly County is just PLAIN SCARY!

Ok, so I found this about the Pickler and how Albemarle & North Stanly is just obsessed. They even have a video with the principal of North Stanly Joyce Steel. Was she not the assistant principal at West Stanly? It has been a long time but I do rememeber that name.



Kellie Pickler Sings on Local TV Talent Show

'A.I.' contestant proved she had the right stuff

By TMZ.COM STAFF

(Mar. 15, 4:30PM ET) -- TMZ has obtained video from a Charlotte, North Carolina TV talent competition in which Kellie Pickler was absolutely amazing. The show, 'Gimme the Mike' which airs on WSOC TV, aired in July 2005. Pickler sang 'Independence Day' and 'Stand By Your Man.' The three judges were blown away. Shockingly, although Pickler placed in the final five, she didn't win. (click here to watch video)

TMZ also obtained photos from Pickler's hometown of Albemarle, North Carolina, which clearly reveal just how insanely proud everyone is. (click here for photo gallery)

TMZ went to Albermarle and got the Kellie lowdown from residents. TMZ also scored pics from Kellie's yearbook -- suffice it to say, she was a cheerleader and proud of it.

80's Pop Icons Record New Duet

Gibson, Knight catch fire in recording studio
By TMZ.COM STAFF
(Mar. 16) -- Deborah Gibson is recording a new single with former New Kids on the Block star Jordan Knight, and TMZ was right there in the studio. Knight's new album, due out in May, will feature the duet, 'Didn't Mean to Say Goodbye.' Jordan caught some career heat after his appearance on VH1's 'The Surreal Life.' Gibson's star got brighter after appearing on 'Skating With Celebritites.'

The two met on tour 19 years ago during the height of their stardom.
Watch The Video @
www.tmz.com

'Surreal Life': Mrs. Brady Meets Mr. Jefferson

George Jefferson on VH1? Who woulda thunk it! But that's just what's happening when SHERMAN HEMSLEY, who was the star of "The Jeffersons," joins this season's group of celebs, who are moving on up to the sixth season "Surreal Life"'s mansion in the Hollywood Hills.

"I like to make people smile," says Sherman of his decision to take part in the series, premiering Sunday, March 19 at 9 p.m.

Sherman will be joined in the house by STEVE HARWELL of SMASHMOUTH, WHITESNAKE video vixen TAWNY KITAEN, C.C. DEVILLE from POISON, Playboy TV's cover girl, ANDREA LOWELL and actor/actress ALEXIS ARQUETTE.

Sherman isn't the only classic TV star taking part in the celebrity-o-rama. FLORENCE HENDERSON, best known to TV viewers as Mrs. Brady of "The Brady Bunch," will be a special guest star on each episode as the cast's full time advisor.

What many of Mrs. Brady's fans may not know is, in real life, the TV star is a hypnotherapist, who plans on using her skills to help the housemates make it through any emotional crisis that may come up during their stay.

This may be easier said than done, considering Alexis' opinion, "How in the hell do you open up all the skeletons in your closet to Florence Henderson?"

In the first episode, Florence weighs in on her first impression of several of the contestants: "I wasn't aware how shy and willing to stay in the background Sherman was," she opines as someone who has known him for years. And of Playmate Andrea, she comments, "My first impression of Andrea is how intelligent she is." Then Florence questions why Andrea feels it is necessary to take off her clothes for the camera.

"It is weird to be judged," the nudie cutie responds.

The group's first task, after making dinner and a getting a good night's sleep, is choosing an extra cast member from a pool of reality hunks, including a cast member from "Survivor," "Big Brother," "Real World," a WWE Tough Enough competitor and "American Idol" bad boy COREY CLARK. Who will they chose? Check out "Surreal Life" when it premieres this Sunday to find out.

For more sneak peeks at the sixth season of the VH1 series, tune in to tonight's ET.

ETonline

JD from INXS on the Bottom!

This post is from BornBoNY. He really wanted this posted to show JD of INXS on the bottom of this pile. He is finishing the patio out back so that is the only reason I am posting this for him!

Jessica Simpson Dumped by Adam Levine via Text Message

well it looks like adam levine pulled a kate!


According to The National Ledger, Star Magazine has a story detailing the break-up of Jessica Simpson and her rumoured rebound man Adam Levine of Maroon 5.
Adam Levine lets Jessica Simpson know it’s over – with a few short taps on his keypad that said "Really busy. Need Space." It all started when Levine blew-off their Valentine’s Day date as Jess pressured him for answers. It took a while to sink in and when it did, she told her best friend, "I just got dumped." And by text message, no less. Ouch! Not that Simpson will have trouble finding companionship. A source tells Star that she and British heartthrob Jude Law have been calling each other non-stop – even though they’re thousands of miles apart.
"Really Busy. Need Space." Ouch indeed! That has got to be one of the harshest brush-offs I've ever seen. And regardless of whether or not it works out with Jude Law (which I'm sure it won't), if Jessica keeps wearing see-through dresses like she is in these pictures, she really won't have a problem finding a new man.

http://www.egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/jessica-simpson/jessica-simpson-dumped-by-adam-levine-via-text-message-001002

StellarVoyages.com Family & Friends Cruise Countdown

Nina=Patrica Arquette

Nina=Patrica Arquette