I couldn’t find much (anything) about the racial make up of Giethoorn, but I think that’s because it’s understood that everyone’s Dutch.
This little Dutch town in the Netherlands is so picturesque and lazy looking. Simply divine! I’d love to visit.
Giethoorn is called the Venice of the Netherlands because about 7.5 km of canals run through the little village. Some 50 little wooden bridges span the canals.
The 13th-century village has rivers and canals instead of streets. At rush hour, about the only traffic you'll encounter is villagers in push boats, taking their sheep out to pasture. Fanfare, a popular Dutch movie, was filmed here in 1958, and the town seems to have modeled itself to reflect the movie's vibrant, friendly spirit: the houses have massive gardens bursting with pink, yellow, and white tulips, and almost everyone sailing by calls out hello.
It was founded around 1230 when fugitives coming from the Mediterranian regions settled there. They found a lot of horns of wild goats there that had probably died in the big flood of St Elisabeth in 1170, and therefore they called the settlement Geytenhorn (horn of goats), later it became Geythorn and now it's called Giethoorn.
All traffic has to go over the water, and it is done in so-called "punters", they are 'whisper-boats' for they are driven by an electric motor, so they practically do not disturb the peace and quiet in this scenic little village. The canal is only about 1 meter deep.
POPULATION 2,500
The water’s brown, but I’m used to the Galveston beaches.
In times of doubt and uncertainty, many Americans turn to self-help books in search of encouragement, guidance and self-affirmation. The positive self-statements suggested in these books, such as "I am a lovable person" or "I will succeed," are designed to lift a person's low self-esteem and push them into positive action.
According to a recent study in Psychological Science, however, these statements can actually have the opposite effect.
Psychologists Joanne V. Wood and John W. Lee from the University of Waterloo, and W.Q. Elaine Perunovic from the University of New Brunswick, found that individuals with low self-esteem actually felt worse about themselves after repeating positive self-statements.
The researchers asked participants with low self-esteem and high self-esteem to repeat the self-help book phrase "I am a lovable person." The psychologists then measured the participants' moods and their momentary feelings about themselves. As it turned out, the individuals with low self-esteem felt worse after repeating the positive self-statement compared to another low self-esteem group who did not repeat the self-statement. The individuals with high self-esteem felt better after repeating the positive self-statement--but only slightly.
In a follow-up study, the psychologists allowed the participants to list negative self-thoughts along with positive self-thoughts. They found that, paradoxically, low self-esteem participants' moods fared better when they were allowed to have negative thoughts than when they were asked to focus exclusively on affirmative thoughts.
The psychologists suggested that, like overly positive praise, unreasonably positive self-statements, such as "I accept myself completely," can provoke contradictory thoughts in individuals with low self-esteem. Such negative thoughts can overwhelm the positive thoughts. And, if people are instructed to focus exclusively on positive thoughts, they may find negative thoughts to be especially discouraging.
As the authors concluded, "Repeating positive self-statements may benefit certain people [such as individuals with high self-esteem] but backfire for the very people who need them the most."
Her constituents, for one, wanted to know, especially in Juneau, where she has struggled to win over residents.
"I think she owes it to Alaskans to tell us why," said state Sen. Dennis Egan, D-Juneau, the son of Alaska's first governor, Bill Egan.
Egan, hosting a 50th anniversary statehood ceremony, said he was disappointed Palin decided not to finish out her term, which was scheduled to end in 2010.
"It's sad she abandoned us at this critical time," said Egan, who was appointed by Palin to an open seat on the last day of the legislative session in April, after a protracted battle with Senate Democrats.
Palin's departure can't come soon enough for Laurel Carlton, a waitress at the Capital Cafe in the Baranof Hotel, where the city's political movers and shakers meet every morning before walking a few blocks to the Capitol.
"I think she has a game plan that's not Alaska, and hasn't been for awhile," Carlton said.
She noted Palin has a book deal, and seems headed for the national stage. "If you're really not going to stay and do your job every day, you should leave anyway, and so the sooner the better so somebody can step in and actually do the job," Carlton said.
And as far as Carlton is concerned, Palin doesn't need to explain why she's leaving.
"We don't care. We just want her gone," she said.
Why Do You Think she Quit?
A - Preparing to run for President in 2012? How stupid is that? B - A scandal is about to drop like Johnny Gill at the club? C - Pregnant? D - Getting her own (lame) talk show? E - Crazy White woman?
I've been reading about South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford and all I can really do is shake my head.
The story goes that the married father of four was "missing" for a week (including Father's Day weekend), and when he resurfaced he tearfully held a press conference admitting that he'd been holed up in Argentina with his mistress all the while. She'd better be smoking hot like fire but I guess that's not the point.
I applauded his wife for not being by his side during his bible quoting Press Conference of Confession. Hadn't we seen enough of those pathetic-stand-by-your man women already? Jenny Sanford was a breath of fresh strong air. I appreciated the message she was sending to her husband and to all women in similar situations.
Sanford said she discovered her husband's affair early this year after coming across a copy of a letter to the mistress in one of his files in the official governor's mansion. He had asked her to find some financial information, she said, not an unusual request considering her heavy involvement in his career.
She would not comment on what was in the letter except to say "enough to figure out an affair was going on."
Maybe he sent her to discover the information because he wanted out of the marriage and didn't know how to tell her. He assumed, I'm sure, that his wife had a backbone and would tell him to get to stepping after finding intimate correspondence to his mistress. Instead, she said she was willing to work on the marriage.
The first lady said she confronted her husband immediately, and he agreed to end the affair. She said she wasn't sure Friday whether he had done so.
"I guess that's what we will have to see. I believe he has," she said. "But he was down there for five days. I saw him yesterday and he is not staying here. We'll just see what kind of spirit of reconciliation he has himself."
"When I found out in January, we both indicated a willingness to continue working on the marriage, but there's not room for three people in a marriage," she said. "I've done everything in my power possibly to keep him from going to see her and to really make sure she was off the table, including asking him to leave."
Then, he comes home and tells everyone that he was with his mistress, quotes bible verses, says that his mistress is his soul mate BUT he will try to fall back in love with his wife. And she's still willing to hope for some handout "spirit of reconcilliation" from him?
B.S.
Here's my thing, if you're married and discover that your spouse has stomped on those sacred vows I don't feel you owe him anything more. God gives us all a pass to move on called "adultery". Some women take that pass and some women reject that pass. No one is perfect and I can understand forgiving a remorseful spouse, but I can not understand the logic behind sticking with a man who repeatedly breaks those vows and publicly embarrasses his wife by declaring his mistress as his "soul mate". Dueces need to be chunked.
The governor said he met Chapur in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, in 2001 after his final term in Congress and before his first term as governor. He said the two struck up an e-mail correspondence after meeting on a dance floor — a chance encounter during which he counseled her into the night about her failing marriage.
For the next seven-plus years, Sanford said, the two exchanged messages, sometimes sporadically.
In early 2009, after Jenny Sanford discovered the affair, the couple went into counseling. She has told The Associated Press that he asked her several times to visit the mistress and she refused.
But the governor claims he wanted to end the affair in person and, with his wife's permission, went to New York with a "trusted spiritual adviser" serving as chaperon. The three went to church and dinner together and parted ways the same night.
But he visited Chapur again in Argentina on June 18, the trip that brought the whole affair to light.
More news from the Sanford camp. Jenny Sanford, wife of the love sick Gov. has just broken silence, for the first time since Gov. Sanford's AP interview in which he disclosed multiple "line crossing" affairs with other women, and referred to his Argentinian mistress as his "soul mate." In it, she acknowledges that his actions were inexcusable, but says she is willing to forgive him.
At this point, Jenny's marriage is no longer sacred and her husband has over stepped all the boundaries. Sure, we all deserve forgiveness, but let's not be foolish here. I say let him be with his soul mate (and any other woman who he might "cross the line with" again). This will only free Jenny up for her soulmate.
I wish women could understand that there is no strength in withstanding humiliation, suffering, and mistreatment in a relationship. Sure, we all go through normal ups and downs, but when the downs include such serious violations as ongoing affairs (be those affairs intimate or "just physical"), all bets are off. There's only strength in loving yourself enough to surround yourself with those who feel—and show—the same. Her husband never loved her enough, and really, since he's quoting bible verses, that's the ONE thing a husband is REQUIRED to do. And love is an action word.
Beyoncé and Tina Knowles are looking to capitalize more on Sasha Fierce.Utilizing the name of the singer’s alter ego and third solo album, “I Am…Sasha Fierce,” the mother and daughter design team plans to launch a new junior apparel label, Sasha Fierce for Deréon, for back-to-school selling.
The collection, which is inspired by Beyoncé’s stage presence (she is on a world tour through November), includes a full range of sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry. Positioned to sit alongside the company’s Deréon junior label, which is similarly priced, the line has so far been picked up by department stores including Macy’s and Dillard’s and specialty stores Jimmy Jazz and Against All Odds.
I'd prefer a few good COLOR videos from Sasha Fierce.
Ving was waaay too into character (or drunk). Loved the Baby Boy skit at first.
Tevin Campbell, all grown up and drugged out.
Hey Tempest!
Taraji, looking good.
Is this Puff's new group? Just cancel all the plans. This is a failure just waiting.
NeYo and his hood gal (of the moment)
NeYo being brave.
So this explains why ya girl from Mary Mary looked so swole. She's swole with child. Awwww.
Just don't do this Mario. Looks like he'd spit out sugar.
Times been hard, Loretta?
Oops, they got a bad shot of Jay. If I didn't honestly believe he was knocking Bey down, I'd question this photo.
Guy.
Oh please, Fornsworth.
Estelle, Big Chaka, and LeToya Luckett.
Lala and Carmelo still hanging in there.
Wonder what they talked about.
When we still thought Jamie would tear the house down.
Arsenio looking crazy.
Keyshia and Monica rocked the house! Keyshia is looking too mature, however. Monica's voice was NOT playing last night. Girl, come back with some good ish!!
New Edition looks great - they can move like young men, but their voices are a bit strained. I love New Edition!!
No Jamie did not say he needed "room for this BOA!" LOL!
Why is Tyra looking like Ciara?
Keri Hilson hit the stage... It's shaky. We're not looking at Ciara or Beyonce...
...BUT the tit pop was niiice. And the d*ck mic move was nice and dirty! Go Keri. She aint singing, and her attire is super comfortable (ode to Mike?), but her set is intereting and attention grabbing. Did Keri get a little thick, too? She's really giving her all. I appreciate that. The voice is weak, but she gets an A for effort.
Sing it NeYo! This is one of my favorite MJ songs and I'm glad NeYo kept everything so simple. I think he's not wearing his trademark hat out of respect for Mike. Do you NeYo.
MC Lite keep a job, don't she?
Is Anthony Anderson wearing a pink suit? Interesting.
Look at KeKe Palmer auditioning for something. Sing it girl.
F*ck it, I'll by some Ciroc.
Dang Tiny and Toya. Words escape me. I can't wait to see all the ghetto-fairtytales-come-true that these ladies are about to share with the world...
If I was 15 would I like Soulja Boy Tell Em?
Actually, I'm starting to like him now.
Where is Beyonce?
Chaka's neck looks uncomfortable.
LeToya Luckett is about 6 feet tall.
Estelle has such a cute voice. But any British accent would sound cute to me. I wonder how she sounds to a Brit...?
LeToya is SO Houston. (I'm shame, yet proud.)
Where is Bey?
Here she coooomees! Please don't bore us Bey!
Please tell me, oh Heavenly Father, that Beyonce is going to make us a put a ring on it soon. Amen.
Beyonce got that Dolly Parton waist, circa '85.
Uhm, Bey sounds fabulouzzzzzzzzzz. But WTFFFFFFFFFF is she wearing and where is Sasha??? This is not the Oscars!
We want Sasha! We want Sasha! We want Sasha!
Bey has a pregnant face.
No "Single Ladies"? No "Ego"? I'm real real mad. Damn near ready to turn off the tv. That was so (*&*&! LAME!!!!!!!!
Oh I wish this would really be a movie. "Skank Robbers" staring Shenehneh and Wanda. Bring it to theaters now!!
Mary Mary been eating good. Collard greens and steak every night. Bread pudding and cheese cake. That's my jam.
Queen Latifah looks much better in pants than in those long, bulky, out of character gowns she usually wears.
Michelle Nichols is absolutely lovely!
Tarji looks fantastic, tramp stamp and all. There was no way she could lose this award after the Oscars let her/us down. And hasn't she stepped her fashion game up?
Zoe is really tall.
Keri got her first award. Congrats. She's gorgeous.
Where are the fine men?
That's my sooooong! Independent Woman!
Heeey Fabulos...
I don't know how I feel about Keith Sweat. I know I don't need to see him on the stage.
Am I bored?
Whaaat? Ginuwine bought Sole out the house? Bear's calling her a "fat Mexican"...such a hater.
Guy...? Aaron Hall sounding tired as hell. Or is it ole $2 speakers having BET?
Aaron Hall looks like a 30 year old woman's dad.
Teddy Riley lookin like Musiq.
Was that Dawn in the audience with Puff? She looks great with the cut! But she'll never be a super star!
Sing it BBD! You can tell they haven't stopped performing.
BET's sound system SUCKS!!!
Ne Ne (Real Housewives of ATL) is an effing GLADIATOR up there!
Ciara doesn't have to put herself out there like this. Everybody doesn't have to pay tribute. Covering my ears. Ashanti could have done better. This woman can't sing AT ALL. Tiny could have done a better job. Khandi. Serena Williams. Anybody.
Did Paula Patton and Mike Epps shoot up backstage?
I don't like Keyshia's hair, but "Trust" is on repeat. Got me down for the women who keep trying with the thugs.
For a second, Monica looked like Trey Songz. What was that?
Sing that song ladies! Come all the way back Monica!! They sound terrific.
I'm listening to Jamie Foxx big upping the black mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi, James Young, and all I can think is "he only got elected bc all the white people died off."
If I don't believe anyone else tonight, I believe that the Jacksons REALLY motivated and influenced the Wayans. Hey Marlon.
I love Bey, but I really wished Keyshia Cole had won the Best Female R&B Award. Look at Bey's butt pads. Beyonce, girl, you aint had junk like that since "Bootylicious". Girl... LOL
Look at Jay-Z, hitting the stage like Beyonce's not his lifeline to fame. Beyonce is the only one who knows the words to this...as we can see by the frequent shots of her looking at her old man. Is Beyonce done for the night?!?!
Thank God Jay's hair is cut! Wooo hoooo!
Death to Auto Tune. Death to old wack rappers. ha ha
Jamie Foxx on Bobby Brown and New Edition: "I guess it isn't love" LOL Last funny comment from him for the night. Bring back Mo'Nique. PAY HER.
Look at them clucks up top all excited about some screen time with Jamie Foxx at the BET Awards.
Everybody cheering Don Cornileus (sp?). No one cares even a little bit that he beat that white woman's ass. Don looks 60 and sounds 160.
We might see Don take his last breath on live tv.
Tevin Campbell's nails are fully brown.
Wait -- Tevin Campbell? For an O'Jays tribute? Couldn't he have sang an MJ song?! WTH? He can still sing, although not as well as I would have expected. Go girl.
Johnny Gill said, "this is for Eddie! I mean Mike!"
Eddie Murphy making Johnny Gill pluck his eyebrows.
Why Johnny always giving us cleavage?
Johnny Gill, Tyrese, and Trey Songs? What not Ginuwine?
I love Tyrese!!
It's a MIC, Johnny. Push back.
Oh Tyrese, I love you.
Trey Songz knew to just chill and let Ty and Johnny handle it. Bravo niggas!
Don aint done yet? Geez. Might as well be Stevie Wonder up there.
Who's butt is Eddie Levert waiting to kick?
BET does not have a 3 second delay rule in effect. They bleep the ish after it's said. So bootleg. Hilarious. Eddie cussed. LOL!
Look at the O-Jays, still doing it! MY favorite old time group. They should have done snippets however.
Hey Neicy! She makes me laugh on site. Fat as hell after the divorce... LOL
Neicy and Kim Coles are going to a midnight buffet after this.
I see you LisaRaye. Looking good girl!
Where is Chris Brown?
Where is Usher?
What kind of tribute is this?!?
Hey Idris. Hello. Oh Hello.
I love you Idis.
Speaking at the BET Awards has to be the one thing that Deborah Lee dreads doing each year. She sounds like she's about to pee on herself.
WHERE IS THE BIG TRIBUTE?!
Hey Alicia. Where is Swizz Beats?
What happened to Jamie?
Tiny. That walk to the stage was eternal. I'm tired of looking at her already. Might not catch Tiny and Toya. No shout out to Rihanna? Okaaaay.
I WANT to write about how fresh and beautiful Beyonce looks, but....:-(
Is Maxwell perfect?
"Pretty Wings" is mediocre, but Maxwell is the man.
To be fair, I'll watch "Tiny and Toya" to make my assessment of Toya'a personality, but from the preview it looks like Toya is slow...and Tiny looks like someone gave her a good right to the nose.
Upon first impression, I'd say that Drake is uber dorkey. I can definitely see the white.
And what's up with Drake's HAND? It keeps repeating some retardedly gay motion.
Drake doesn't walk? I did hear that he hurt his leg, but this bodes bad for his first public performance. This is absolutely weak.
Did Cash Money have to bring their daughters on stage as the back up dancers?
Janet looks amazing. Be strong my sister.
Monica's make up is flawless.
So, basically, no Chris Brown or Usher. And a boring Beyonce.
...to feed starving children. I'm not concerned that the speech is scripted or that she wasn't aware that kids go hungry in America. That baby been working....
I think, in his honor, we should all refrain from celeb gossip for a while.
My God, this is so sad.
We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.
Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.
A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived.
Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but they had no luck.
We're told one of the staff members at Jackson's home called 911.
LaToya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead.
Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.
I loooved Farrah Fawcett, and I'll be watching The Burning Bed tonight, but Micheal Jackson?
I love a person who takes on a challenge with gusto, but this song is way too big for Ashanti.
Of course, I had to find Stephanie Mills' original, great, fantastic version. She most definitely put her foot and a%% in the song. I wish talent still mattered. ~sigh~
I'm opinionated, and while I sometimes curtail my opinions, other times I don't - and won't. I'm cool though. Angelic on a good day.
Feel free to comment. I might take it personal; it'll only get interesting!
