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Making Sense of Screen Specifications on a Tablet
1 Comment / October 1, 2015 October 1, 2015
Modern tablets come in all shapes and sizes, starting as big phones and ending as medium sized laptops.
Perhaps the most important part of a tablet is its screen. It is simultaneously your input and output device, and nearly everything you use a tablet for revolves around its screen.
There is a lot of confusion about what makes a screen good or bad, and how to compare two different screens to understand their relative strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, whenever we encounter a bargain priced tablet, invariably the component that the manufacturer has made the biggest quality compromises on is the screen.
So, next time you're considering a tablet, here's what you need to know in order to understand if you're getting a 'good' or 'bad' screen.
You might think that bigger is always better. Certainly, when it comes to watching video, bigger is usually better. But for other purposes, the chances are you get to a point where making the screen larger starts to represent too much of a trade-off in terms of cost and size and weight.
The more portable you wish your tablet to be, the more important it becomes to keep some control over the size/weight of the device, and cost is always a factor to consider, too.
From a purely definitional point of view, it seems that the smallest screen you can expect to find on a tablet is probably a 6″ diagonal. Anything smaller than that and you're instead looking at large screened phones, or 'phablets' – cross-over devices that can't quite device if they are a tablet or a phone.
At the other end of screen sizes, it is rare to find tablets with larger than about 12.5″ on their diagonal. Apple's new iPad Pro has a 12.9″ screen and Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 has a 12″ screen.
Most screens are clustered in the 7″ to 10″ range. That might seem like a relatively small range of screen sizes, but diagonal measurements are deceptive. There's more than twice as much screen area on a 10″ diagonal screen as there is on a 7″ diagonal.
Which brings us to the next point.
How to Measure Screen Size
You might think this to be a ridiculous question to ask. Use a ruler, you say. If only it were that simple!
Historically, screens on televisions and computer monitors have always been measured by their diagonal size – this being quick and easy, because all screens had the same aspect ratio – the same proportion between height and width. So instead of quoting two measurements for height and width, it was easier to quote just one – oh yes, and the fact that the single number for the diagonal was larger than either of the other two numbers was probably viewed by the marketing people as an extra plus, too!
Early screens were also not completely square, which made it harder to measure the square inches of screen area. So a simple diagonal measurement was used everywhere.
This measurement continued into phones, although the screen sizes were so small (to start with) that a more important/relevant measure was often the screen's resolution in pixels rather than size.
When the first modern tablet – the iPad – was released, Apple chose to describe it in screen diagonal terms too (9.7″), although it was no longer an unambiguous measurement, because computer screens were changing from always being in the same aspect ratio/proportion, to coming out with assorted new shapes – wider than before.
Since then, there has been a 'free for all' in terms of screen aspect ratios (see below for a discussion on how much screen area is actually used), and the diagonal measurement no longer really tells you much at all. But, in an industry obsessed with change and leading edge innovation, the historical screen measurement has remained unchanged, even though it is now of much less value. Depending on the aspect ratios, a screen with a larger diagonal measurement than a different screen with a smaller diagonal measurement might actually have fewer square inches of screen area (and more, less, or the same number of pixels – another whole topic we discuss, below).
There's another problem with using diagonals to express screen size. As mentioned above, and assuming the same proportions on both screens, a 10″ diagonal screen has about 2.2 times as many square inches of screen area as does a 7″ diagonal screen, even though there's only a 50% increase in diagonal measurement. The change in diagonal measurement has a much larger impact on total screen size than you'd think.
So how should you measure screen size? We suggest two relevant measures. The most easily grasped one is to quote the number of square inches of screen area. A slightly more abstract one is to understand the actual width and height of the screen, rather than just the diagonal.
Unfortunately, these numbers are seldom provided, but can usually be calculated by dividing the screen resolution measurements by the PPI density. For example, a 1920 x 1080 screen with a 350 pixel per inch density would have dimensions of 5.5″ x 3.1″. Multiply those to determine an area of 16.9 sq inches. (The diagonal on this example would be 6.3″, in case you were wondering.)
More pixels are usually better than less pixels, but there comes a point of vanishing returns where you can't actually see any improvement in display quality by cramming more pixels onto the screen.
Tablets invariably describe the pixels on their screen in terms of how many pixels there are horizontally and vertically. That is good to know, and there are some minimums you don't want to go below.
In terms of absolute pixel counts, it is rare these days to see any tablet with a resolution of less than 1024 x 600; indeed, if you encounter a device with fewer pixels, don't buy it.
There are advantages to increase the pixel count to 1280 x 720, and then lesser advantages to keep growing it to 1920 x 1080, and then you start to tail off from that point with increasingly smaller benefit attached to more pixels.
The importance of the numbers quoted in the preceding paragraph is that 720P video uses 1280 x 720 pixels, so anything of that size or larger enables full 720P type HD video to be shown with no loss of picture information. The 1920 x 1080 number represents the 'full' 1080P resolution, so if your screen has that many pixels, you can get the added picture information contained in this format.
To put this all in context, a DVD typically offers 720 x 480 pixel resolution, and it is only a few years ago that they were thought to be of stunning high quality!
Any resolution video can display on any resolution screen, but if there are fewer pixels on the screen than in the video feed, you're going to be losing picture information. There won't be as much fine detail and clarity as if there were at least as many pixels on the screen as in the feed.
But there's another factor as well. Not just the total pixel count, but how close together (or far apart) they are. Which leads to :
Screen Pixel Density
Now for an interesting point. You can have three screens with the exact same number of pixels, but one looks very much better than the other two. To take an extreme example, lets say you have 3″, 6″ and 12″ screens, all with a 1800 x 1200 pixel count.
The 6″ screen would look mirror sharp and you could see the picture very clearly indeed, even if you got really close to the screen. The 3″ screen would also be very sharp, but unless you got a magnifying glass, it would simply be too small for you to clearly distinguish all the detail in the picture.
At the other end, the 12″ screen would look grainy. You could see the individual dots in the picture, and instead of smooth lines, you'd see slightly jagged edges. To look as good as the 6″ screen, you'd find yourself holding the screen further away from you, and that begs the question – if you're having to hold the 12″ screen uncomfortably far away, why not get the cheaper 6″ screen and hold it normally? (The answer to that question – if you are wanting to make a presentation to several people at the same time, they will necessarily be a bit further from the screen, so the larger size is useful then, even if not so useful as a personal device.)
What you've just experienced in this thought experiment is the concept of pixel density compared to total pixels and screen size. Pixel density, measured in pixels per inch (PPI) tells you how 'sharp' the image will be.
Opinions vary widely, as does the 'science' used to 'prove' the opinions, but in round figures, it is fair to say that anything with much more than about 300 pixels per inch starts to get so fine-grained that we can't see any extra detail, even at quite close distances. Once you start to go over 400 ppi, you are definitely into the realm of vanishing returns and are unlikely to see much improvement in picture quality. Perhaps surprisingly, one of the most demanding visual uses for a tablet is to display text, because of the very thin lines in normal text and the subtle varying thicknesses in the more readable (weighted with serif) fonts. We'd be happy to see 400 ppi used for text, which is starting to get in the same territory as laser printers. But for photos and video, 300 ppi is plenty.
How many ppi is too few? That depends on how close you'll be looking at the screen. For example, look at your television set. For example, I've a large 75″ diagonal set that gives a brilliant sharp picture. But it has a mere 30 ppi count. However, I watch the tv from across the room, so that is okay.
A regular computer monitor used to have in the order of 70 – 75 ppi, and these days probably has 90 – 110 ppi, but again, we look at these usually from a larger distance than a tablet, and also, for historical reasons, have come to instinctively accept poorer quality images on a computer monitor than we expect on a tablet.
Another example to help put things in perspective – the original iPads, when they came out in early 2010, had 132 ppi on their screens, and no-one complained, at the time, of them as being anything other than amazing! (Modern iPads have 264 ppi.)
So, rule of thumb time again. For a tablet, and noting how standards have improved since the iPad launched, we'll arbitrarily say that you should expect a minimum of 150 ppi, and can consider anything over 225 ppi as very good, anything over 300 ppi as excellent, and anything over 400 ppi as wasted.
How Much Screen is Actually Used?
Some apps on a tablet will flow to fill your screen, no matter what its shape and size. Others are defined and fixed in size.
As you surely know, you can vary the width and depth of a window to view a web page in, and these days modern web pages semi-automatically vary how they present their material to take best advantage of the page width available to them. You can use all your screen when viewing web pages, no matter what its size and shape.
But some other applications rely on a certain proportion between the height and width of the screen. This is obviously true when viewing photos – photos direct from a camera are sometimes in a ratio of 1.5:1, sometimes they are almost square (1:1), and sometimes wider than 1.5:1; and after they have been cropped, might have any size and shape at all.
Probably the most important aspect ratio consideration is if you are wanting to watch video on your screen. Old movies (think black and white) and television programs until the last decade or so were all filmed in what is called 'Academy' format; a 4:3 or 1.33:1 aspect ratio.
Movies then started becoming wider and wider, and growing to as much as a 2.5:1 aspect ratio before settling back to typically in a range between about 1.85:1 to 2.39:1. HDTV uses a 16:9 or 1.78:1 ratio.
If the aspect ratio of the video you are watching is not the same as the aspect ratio of the screen, you'll end up with black bars, either above and below the video if the video is wider than your screen, or on either side if it is squarer. A typical modern tablet with perhaps a 1.65:1 ratio would have side bars for older tv programs and top and bottom bars for modern wide screen movies.
So which is the 'best' aspect ratio for a tablet? Is Apple correct with its 1.33:1 ratio? Or are other companies, with their preference for wider screens, offering better choices?
It depends on the main use you'll have for the tablet, and also on its size. The smaller the tablet, the more precious each square inch of screen area becomes. The larger, the more readily you can afford to 'lose' a bit of screen space for some applications.
If watching movies and relatively modern tv shows is going to be a significant part of your tablet usage, and if you're looking for a smaller tablet, then we'd suggest getting a wider screened tablet, perhaps 1.6:1 or greater. But if you're considering a 10″ or larger tablet, then its aspect ratio isn't quite as essential, and a 1.33:1 ratio would be fine.
How Much Screen Do You Need?
As we started off by saying, the answer to this question unavoidably requires you to trade-off between screen size (bigger is better) and the unavoidable correlating factors – weight (less is better), overall tablet size (smaller is better) and cost (ummm, you can probably work that one out for yourself!).
To look at the extremes, it is probably obvious that a 6″ diagonal screen is better than a 3″ screen, and a 25″ diagonal screen is clearly a ridiculous size for a tablet. Where in the middle is the perfect size? Is there even such a thing as the perfect size?
Steve Jobs famously claimed, when launching the iPad, that there was indeed a perfect size for a tablet, which of course was the 9.7″ of the iPad he was releasing that day. But the 9.7″ iPad has seen its market share go steadily down and down, losing out to tablets of all different other screen sizes, and Apple itself, after Jobs' death, first released a smaller 7.9″ screen iPad Mini, and now are releasing a larger 12.9″ iPad Pro. Apple itself no longer believes there's one perfect size, and noting how the iPad Mini is thought to be selling in approximately equal numbers as the regular iPad, the market seems to agree.
Here is an interesting test for you to put size into perspective. Sit at the most comfortable distance from your normal computer monitor, and then hold up a tablet at its typical viewing distance and have it block the computer monitor. Is the tablet's screen (not the larger bezel around it) blocking more than the computer screen, or less than the computer screen, or about the same (or at least that part of the screen on which you typically have a normal sized window residing – my very big screens have multiple windows on them, you probably do the same thing)? Repeat the test, this time sitting at what would be an ideal distance from your television (assuming it to be an HD tv). Which takes up more viewing area this time – the tv or the tablet?
If you want to do a third test, compare the tablet screen to a typical page in a typical book. Although this is less important, it makes some small amount of sense to expect the tablet screen to be similar in size (or perhaps larger) than the print areas in the book (after eliminating much of the margins on the page, which are sort of similar to the bezel around the tablet screen).
If you haven't already bought a tablet, you can still do these experiments by cutting out some pieces of cardboard for the screen sizes of tablets you are considering.
If the tablet is consistently larger than your computer monitor and television screen and the books you read, then it is clearly sufficiently big for most purposes. If it is appreciably smaller, then you're going to be experiencing some compromises.
This is only one measure and one factor, but might help put screen sizes in perspective.
In general terms, we think the sweet spot is in the 8″ to 10″ range. 7″ devices are okay, but are going down to the far end of acceptable, and larger than 10″ devices are great, but the trade-offs start to become appreciable factors. At the limits, a 6″ device these days is more like a large phone than a tablet, and a 14″ device is more like a laptop than a tablet.
There are trends that will move the 'sweet spot' upwards in size over time. Bezel sizes can reduce, making more of the overall tablet size as screen and less as waste space. Weight and thickness will continue to reduce, reducing those limitations. Better manufacturing techniques will make it possible to make bigger screens with the necessary extraordinary number of pixels on them at affordable prices, and faster CPUs and GPUs will drive them. Improvements to both Android and iOS are already starting to allow multiple programs to be in separate simultaneous windows on the screen, which is a huge driver for 'needing' more screen space.
So we expect and eagerly look forward to continued growth in tablet screen sizes.
We suggest you select tablets with at least a 7″ screen, a 1024 x 600 resolution, and a 150 ppi density. Another inch or two of screen would be nice, an increase of resolution to more than 1280 x 720, and greater density to something over 200 ppi would also both be good.
The ideal screen is probably very close to the 9.7″ claimed by Steve Jobs, and the tradeoffs associated with larger screens are currently limiting factors as you start to grow above that size.
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Q: Nested fragments - handle rotation change I have FragmentA, and FragmentB inside FragmentA.
I'm trying to restore FragmentB instance after screen rotation.
Here's onCreate method of FragmentA:
private FragmentB fragmentB;

...

@Override
public void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
    super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);

    getChildFragmentManager().executePendingTransactions();

    fragmentB = (FragmentB)
                getChildFragmentManager().findFragmentByTag(FragmentB.class.getSimpleName());

    if (fragmentB == null) {
        fragmentB = new FragmentB();

        getChildFragmentManager().beginTransaction()
                .add(R.id.paneLeft, fragmentB, FragmentB.class.getSimpleName())
                .commit();
    }
}

The problem is, findFragmentByTag always returns null, and I get two FragmentB's created on the screen  (one above the other).
Where is the problem?

A: Try using this instead:
getChildFragmentManager().beginTransaction().replace(R.id.paneLeft, fragmentB, FragmentB.class.getSimpleName());

A: It seems to work fine after changing getChildFragmentManager() to getFragmentManager(), but I have no idea why.
Is it an Android bug?

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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Wrap, Snap & Go for an effortless look and instant style. These Rhinestone Bracelets can be worn as a bracelet or a choker style necklace. Rhinestone colors are red, clear, & blue. Can wrap around wrist 1-2x depending on wrist size. 16" if worn as a choker style necklace.


I'm sure a lot of people (predominantly females) are eagerly anticipating the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie. It opens here just before Valentine's Day (how trite!). I'm not a fan of the books at all. I purchased all three from a flea market and proceeded to read the first. I managed to get about a third of the way through, and gave in. It wasn't the language, or the graphic nature of the content, it was the writing itself – absolutely abysmal. I've never read a published novel more poorly written. Yes, I did read some of the 'raunchy' bits so I understand the appeal, but for me it was honestly not worth ploughing through hundreds of pages of tripe to get the 'warm fuzzy feelings'. Give me Thomas Hardy any day! Hardy is to James what silk is to sandpaper. I also really like Daphne du Maurier, the Brontes, F. Scott Fitzgerald, etc.
There is perhaps a slight touch of jealousy in my feelings, because the Fifty Shades author E. L. James is undeniably successful in terms of book sales and a book being made into a film. However, I would personally not be proud to have produced writing of such poor quality, even if it was commercially popular.
Having said all that, I will see the movie; it may be better than the book – watch this space for a review!


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Q: HTML in textarea is not interpreted by chrome and mozilla? When setting the html for textarea, the line break <br/> works fine in IE
But in chrome and safari its comes at text.
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$('#txtMessage').html(msgText);

A: you should use .val():
$('#txtMessage').val(msgText.replace(/<br ?\/?>/g, "\n"));


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Strictly's Karen Clifton to 'drop surname' amid claims she is 'annoyed' with ex Kevin's romance with Stacey Dooley
Jenni McKnight
Karen Clifton is reportedly dropping her surname in a bid to cut ties with ex-husband Kevin once and for all, amid claims she is 'annoyed' over his blossoming romance with Stacey Dooley.
The Strictly star is believed to be returning to her maiden name, Karen Hauer, in time for the new series of the BBC One dance show.
According to reports, tensions reached an all-time high between the former couple after Kevin denied having feelings for journalist Stacey, who he won the show with in December last year.
"Karen confronted Kevin about his relationship with Stacey at the end of the last series but he was adamant it was purely platonic," a source told The Sun.
Read More: Louise Redknapp reveals she no longer speaks to former Strictly partner Kevin Clifton amid Stacey Dooley romance scandal
"Kevin and Stacey insist they only started dating officially this month but Karen is still annoyed he wasn't more honest about the situation.
"She had been considering changing her name for a while but this has cemented her decision.
"This is Kevin's business but she no longer wants to be linked to him. When the next series of Strictly starts she'll be known as Karen Hauer."
Karen and Kevin wed in 2015, but split in March last year and Karen has since been dating opera singer David Webb.
The dancer has so far stayed on good terms with Kevin following their split, and is yet to publicly comment on his new romance with Stacey.
Kevin even publicly wished his ex happy birthday on Saturday, commenting on a photo of Karen on Instagram as she celebrated turning 37.
He said, "'Happy birthday U. Have a wicked one."
Kevin's message came after he paid tribute to new 'girlfriend' Stacey, during a touching speech on the opening night of his new stage show Burn the Floor.
In the speech, Kevin admitted that he's struggled with 'upheaval' in his personal life.
He said, "In the last couple of years I've seen massive upheaval in my personal life and it hasn't always been easy.
"There have been a lot of things thrown at me. At times I've struggled. And the times I've struggled and I was in a bit of a rut I didn't know what to do.'
Speaking about the negative publicity surrounding his personal life, Kevin added, "It gets difficult and I'm not the best at dealing with it.
"But at that point Burn the Floor stepped in again and the producers gave me a call and said, "Why don't you come home." So it felt right and I came home.
"And thanks to Miss Stacey Dooley, I can finally say I'm the Strictly champion after six years of trying. It's a miracle."
Woman has contacted reps for Karen for comment.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Les Regulidae (du latin regulus, en référence à la calotte noire avec une raie centrale jaune orangée qui évoque une couronne royale) sont une famille de passereaux. Elle comprend les six espèces de roitelets, appartenant toutes au genre Regulus.

Leur aire de répartition couvre l' écozone néarctique (Amérique du Nord) et l' écozone paléarctique (de l'Europe et l'Afrique du Nord jusqu'en Sibérie et au Japon).

Position systématique
Autrefois classés dans la famille des Sylviidés, les roitelets sont maintenant considérés comme les seuls représentants de la famille des Régulidés.

Biologie

Avec une longueur de 8 à  et une masse de 5 à , ce sont les plus petits oiseaux d'Europe. Leur alimentation est basée essentiellement sur les insectes, les araignées, des œufs et des chenilles d'insectes. Leur nid suspendu à une branche de conifères ou d'arbuste présente une ouverture supérieure souvent invisible, car très réduite. L'incubation de 5 à 10 œufs dure 17 jours. Seule la femelle couve, mais les deux parents contribuent à l'élevage des jeunes pendant trois semaines.

Liste des espèces
D'après la classification de référence (version 5.2, 2015) du Congrès ornithologique international (ordre phylogénique) :
 Regulus ignicapilla – Roitelet à triple bandeau
 Regulus goodfellowi – Roitelet de Taïwan
 Regulus regulus – Roitelet huppé
 Regulus madeirensis – Roitelet de Madère
 Regulus satrapa – Roitelet à couronne dorée
 Regulus calendula – Roitelet à couronne rubis

Remarque
Du fait de sa petite taille, le Troglodyte mignon (Troglodytes troglodytes) est parfois confondu avec les roitelets.

Folklore
Le folklore du roitelet est très important en France. À la Saint-Étienne, le 26 décembre, avait lieu en Irlande la chasse rituelle du roitelet, en France c'était le premier ou dernier dimanche de décembre.

Même si c'est le plus petit et le plus faible des oiseaux, une légende fait de lui leur roi (roitelet veut dire littéralement « le petit roi »).
Un jour les oiseaux décidèrent de se choisir un roi à l'instar des mammifères qui avaient choisi le lion. Celui qui volerait le plus près du soleil serait élu roi. Le roitelet se cacha dans les plumes de l'aigle celui-ci cria son triomphe quand tous les autres oiseaux avaient abandonnés d'épuisement. Mais le petit roitelet sortit de sa cachette et vola un peu plus haut. Il avait ainsi gagné le titre de roi. Les autres oiseaux ayant honte d'avoir un roi aussi insignifiant refusèrent de le proclamer. C'est ainsi que l'aigle est devenu le roi des oiseaux et le roitelet est devenu le petit roi.

Dans certaines régions de France les paysans avaient parfois une dîme symbolique à payer au seigneur du coin ; un roitelet amené dans un char tiré par 4 bœufs. Ce roitelet était alors considéré comme l'oiseau le plus lourd et le plus gros du pays.

Il est possible que la Fête du Roi de l'Oiseau vienne de cette tradition de la chasse au roitelet. Le petit oiseau était l'un des attributs de Lugh et d'Apollon qui avaient comme autres attributs les armes de jet et l'arc. Le Lugh gallois montre son adresse au lancé de pierres en touchant un roitelet à son "genou", cela lui confère son nom Llew Llaw Gyffes c.à.d. "qui a la main rapide".

Notes et références

Voir aussi

Articles connexes
 Identification des oiseaux

Liens externes

Regulidae

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Xiaomi Redmi S2 is an upcoming smartphone by Xiaomi. The phone is reputed to accompany a 5.99-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 pixels by 1440 pixels. The smartphone is running with Android Oreo 8.1 and powered by Octa core, 2 GHz, Cortex A53 processor paired with 2 GB of RAM. The battery range is about 3080mAh and it was a non-removable battery.
The Xiaomi Redmi S2 is said to measure 160.73 × 77.26 × 8.10 (height × width × thickness) and weighs about 170.00 grams. The rear camera is rumored to this device is a 12MP camera with Flash and Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor supporting a resolution of 4000 x 3000 Pixels and the front snapper is powered by an Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor. The Front camera is said to be 16MP. The device also has the sensors including the Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope with the fingerprint sensor.
For Gaming and Graphical support, the device has got an Adreno 506 GPU. The device has an internal storage about 16GB with an option to expand up to 128GB. The Redmi S2 having the Wi-Fi connectivity with 802.11 b/g/n and having the Bluetooth v4.20. It also has 2 slots for Nano-SIM cards. The device comes with 4G LTE.
The Xiaomi Redmi S2 Price in India was expected to be Rs. 10499.


Wassily Kandinsky (16 December 1866 – 13 December 1944) was an influential Russian painter and art theorist. He is credited with painting one of the first purely abstract works. Born in Moscow, Kandinsky spent his childhood in Odessa, where he graduated at Grekov Odessa Art school. He enrolled at the University of Moscow, studying law and economics. Successful in his profession—he was offered a professorship (chair of Roman Law) at the University of Dorpat—Kandinsky began painting studies (life-drawing, sketching and anatomy) at the age of 30. In 1896 Kandinsky settled in Munich, studying first at Anton Ažbe's private school and then at the Academy of Fine Arts. He returned to Moscow in 1914, after the outbreak of World War I. Kandinsky was unsympathetic to the official theories on art in Communist Moscow, and returned to Germany in 1921. There, he taught at the Bauhaus school of art and architecture from 1922 until the Nazis closed it in 1933. He then moved to France, where he lived for the rest of his life, becoming a French citizen in 1939 and producing some of his most prominent art. He died at Neuilly-sur-Seine in 1944.


text:
Q: Displaying BLOB images with PHP is resulting in random images being/not being displayed Have had a few websites where I am storing images as BLOBs. Recently my website is randomly displaying some, but not others.
The code works perfectly on my localhost, however when I upload to my server not all images are being displayed.
You can check my site (under development) here: http://claremark.ca/nobots/rr/products.php?item=lplast. It should be displafing images for all albums.
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.


If you had dined in at Nandos you will know what a Piri Piri Chicken (Nandos call it Peri Peri) is but for those who does not, it is a type of chicken dish marinated in chillies, herbs and lemon then flame grilled. One of the best chicken recipes you will ever encounter especially if you love hot dishes.
This wonderful recipe had originated in Africa using a type of birds eye chillies also called as the African devil. These type of chillies together with other herbs make the marinade so delicious. This great ingredient was discovered by the Portuguese on one of their expeditions in Africa, they found this chilli which was locally called as pili pili and started using it in their local dishes. The Portuguese then popularized it and later renamed it as piri piri, the rest was history. Nandos on the other hand commercialized it and was successful in that regard, in fact I would never had known this chicken marinade if not for Nandos, we loved their chicken as it is really tasty and it's a healthier alternative to fried chicken.
From Malaysia to New Zealand we are a big fan of this dish and since we love it we tried to make it at home using our own recipe, I don't know what Nandos really uses but this is my version and I can say that I got the flavours right.
In a blender add all of the ingredients except the chicken, blend until it forms a smooth paste.
Place in a glass container and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 days, this allows the flavours to develop.
Once the marinade is ready rub chicken pieces with it and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hrs.
Prepare a charcoal barbecue and cook the chicken regularly basting it with the remaining marinade. If you don't have charcoal barbecue you can oven grill it by baking chicken for 45 minutes on 180C then set to oven grill at 200C for 15 more minutes.
Grilled chicken is easy and delicious — great recipe.
This looks delicious. You really can never go wrong with a perfectly spiced and roasted/bbq chicken.
Sounds delicious! Always looking for new grilled chicken marinades.
What a great sounding seasoning for this chicken!
Looks really scrumptious! I first fell in love with the piri piri chicken @ Nando's but this looks even better!
The photo of the chicken leg is so inviting that I want to reach into the screen and bite into it. This is a great way to cook chicken and must try it soon. Thanks, and sarap, Raymund!
How long can we keep the sauce in the fridge?
Good question! I haven't tried storing them yet but the maximum I let them develop was 5 days.


text:
Differences in attitudes to feeding post repair of Gastroschisis and development of a standardized feeding protocol
Donna Hobson1,
Kaye Spence ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1241-93031,2,
Amit Trivedi1,3 &
Gordon Thomas3,4
The purpose of this study was to examine differences in attitudes to feeding in neonates with Gastroschisis between clinical groups and to develop a standardized feeding protocol. Confusion, inconsistencies in practice and lack of evidence could be contributing to avoidable delays in the establishment of enteral feeds resulting in lengthy requirements for central venous access, dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), increased risk of sepsis, TPN related cholestasis and prolongation in length of hospital stay.
A national survey of clinicians (neonatologists, neonatal intensive care nurses and paediatric surgeons), looking after neonates with gastroschisis was undertaken to determine differences in feeding practice post repair. In addition, an audit of practice in one hospital was undertaken to examine variations in practices between clinicians. A feeding protocol was then developed using inputs from surgeons and neonatologists.
Gastric aspirates and residuals were typically used as indicators of feed readiness and feed tolerance; however, there was very little consistency within and between clinical groups in definitions of tolerance or intolerance of feeds and in how to initiate and progress feeds. A feeding protocol with clear definition of feed readiness and a clear pathway to progression of feeds was developed to help overcome these variations in practice with the possibility that this might reduce the length of stay (LOS) and have other secondary benefits. The protocol included early introduction of enteral feeds particularly direct breast or sucking feeds.
Wide differences in attitudes to feeding neonates post Gastroschsis repair exist and the need for a consistent protocolized approach was felt. The feeding protocol we developed requires a change of practice and further clinical trials are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect with an increasing incidence which is easily diagnosed in the antenatal period. It is thought to be the result of an ischemic event in utero involving bowel and other abdominal contents herniating through a weakness in the para-umbilical region [1]. It is postulated that prolonged contact of exposed bowel with amniotic fluid causes inflammatory changes damaging unprotected bowel resulting in the bowel becoming thickened and dilated. This exposure potentially producing an array of complications including bowel matting, volvulus, intestinal atresia and stenosis [2].
Gastroschisis occurs in 5 of 10,000 live births with a survival of greater than 90% however, there is often significant associated morbidity [3, 4]. Difficulties in commencing and progressing enteral feeds [5, 6], is well recognized in this group and this difficulty is thought to be due to the poor gut motility as a result of the bowel exposure and thickening. The delay in the establishment of enteral feeds often contributes to lengthy requirements for central venous access, dependence on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), small bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO), increased risk of sepsis and TPN related cholestasis. This can significantly prolong length of hospital stay [7, 8].
As there are 3 clinical groups making decisions on feeding, (neonatologists, neonatal nnurses and paediatric surgeons), differences in approach to feeding creates confusion and potentially conflict in the management of these infants. In addition, this perpetuates a culture of caution and delays in enteral feeding resulting in avoidable use of TPN and all the other issues associated with it. We could not find guidelines or protocols in the literature that addressed this or provided a pathway for feeding.
For these reasons our aims were to examine differences in attitudes to feeding in neonates with Gastroschisis between clinical groups in Australia and to develop a standardized feeding protocol. The protocol would provide surgeons, neonatologists and neonatal nurses with a standardized feeding pathway with several secondary benefits such as earlier suck feeds and potentially an earlier discharge on breastfeeds, with the ultimate aim of improved feeding enhancing weight gain and improving infant physical and mental developmental outcomes.
The research was undertaken in three parts; (i) a retrospective audit, (ii) a national on-line survey, and (iii) development of a feeding protocol. These three methods were utilised to ensure all the issues that could potentially lead to inconsistencies in feeding these infants were captured.
Retrospective unit audit
The retrospective audit was undertaken over a two-year period (2015–2016) of all infants (n-15) admitted to this surgical neonatal intensive care unit (sNICU) with Gastroschisis. The aim was to identify feeding patterns in two groups of infants, those with a primary repair and those who had a staged repair using a silo. At our institution, primary repair is performed only on neonates with uncomplicated Gastroschisis. Decision to pursue primary repair vs delayed staged repair using a silo was individualized by the surgeon looking after the neonate on that day. The unit-based clinical database was reviewed and data of multiple variables were collected. Information obtained from the audit was used to inform the questionnaire regarding variations in practice between the different disciplines of surgeons, neonatologists and neonatal nurses.
National on line survey
A questionnaire was developed based on literature specifically on Gastroschisis and feeding practices [1, 2, 7,8,9] (Additional file 1). The questionnaire sought opinion on individual clinician's practice concerning gastric aspirate volumes, time when feeds are commenced, replacement of gastric losses and gastric residuals once feeds had commenced, methods for progressing feeds, milk types, criteria for stopping feeds and methods of feeding such as tube or suck.
The survey was distributed online using Survey Monkey, SurveyMonkey Inc. San Mateo, California, USA to paediatric surgeons, neonatologists and experienced neonatal nurses working in sNICU across Australia and New Zealand. The distribution list was obtained from the Australia and New Zealand Neonatal Network database and a database of paediatric surgeons in Australia held by the this institution's Department of Surgery.
Development of feeding protocol
The protocol was developed by the neonatal nursing team with inputs and assistance from the neonatologists and paediatric surgeons. Survey analysis and literature search provided inputs into ill–understood issues such as gastric residuals, the safety of early enteric or trophic feeds, safe feed volumes, the progression of feeds and the safety of direct breastfeeds. Although there was very little gastroschisis specific literature on feeding, guidelines from other neonatal conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) helped in the development of the protocol. We adopted an approach that intentionally introduced feeds early and encouraged early direct breast or suck feeds. The protocol was constructed in four stages and two parts to enable some flexibility for slow feed tolerance without repeatedly discontinuing feeds. Specific items such as the use of gastric residuals to halt feeds, the timing of commencement of trophic feeds, recommended volumes and staged increases in volume, transition from tube to suck feeds and support for full breastfeeds were used in the design of the protocol.
The protocol was sent to the neontologists and paediatric surgeons for comment and then presented at their group meeting. Consensus was obtained before it was implemented (Fig. 1).
(Colour and Mono) Consensus process for development of feeding protocol
The identified outcomes to measure the potential success of the protocol were duration of TPN, length of central venous line (CVL) use, the time to initiate enteral feeds and time to establishment of full breast or enteral feeds. These were divided into primary and secondary outcomes (Tables 1 and 2).
Table 1 Positive outcome measures for pathway
Table 2 Potential Negative Outcomes
Statistical analyses of non-parametric tests for comparisons were performed using IBM SPSS, version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
National online survey
One hundred and ninety-nine on-line questionnaires were distributed in 2016 across Australia and New Zealand. Eighty-one were returned. Twenty surgeons 20 (25%), 33 neonatologists (41%) and 28 experienced neonatal nurses (35%) responded giving an overall response rate of 31%. Eighty-six percent of the respondents had worked with neonates for more than 5 years and 46% more than 10 years. Fifty-seven percent had looked after more than 5 infants with Gastroschisis in the past 12 months.
In the management of feeding of infants with Gastroschisis, current evidence and research (44%), tradition (30%) and personal opinion (12%) influenced the practice. Gastric aspirates were identified by 81% of respondents as an essential part of the management of Gastroschisis. When asked about the management of the volumes of gastric residuals the responses were varied with 44% stating aspirates should be discarded, 23% stating that only part of the aspirate should be returned and 9% stating that all of the aspirate should be returned. The volume returned varied among the practitioners. When examined by professional disciplines there was inconsistencies between the groups with neonatal nurses being more conservative in the volumes returned (Table 3). There were differences between the professional disciplines on the role of sucking to promote gastric motility with 79% of nurses and 30% of surgeons, indicating it did.
Table 3 Volume of gastric aspirates returned when on nil enteral feeds – preference by discipline
The opinions varied when it came to commencing trophic feeds. Once again there was variation between the professional disciplines (Table 4).
Table 4 Commencement of Trophic Feeds – preference by discipline
The opinions also differed in the preferred methods of delivery of feeding, grading up and reasons for cessation of feeding (Figs. 2, 3, 4). When asked if a structured feeding plan for the management of feeding infants with Gastroschisis may prevent unnecessary stop/start of feeds, 82% said yes.
(Colour and Mono) Preferred frequency for commencing feeds by discipline
(Colour and Mono) Preferred frequency of grading up feeds by discipline
(Colour and Mono) Reasons for ceasing feeds by discipline
Audit of practice in one unit
A total of 15 infants with simple gastroschisis were included in the retrospective audit. Ten (66.6%) had a primary repair and five (44.4%) had a staged repair with a silo. Table 5 shows the demographic details and differences in feeding milestones between the groups. Gestational age and birth weight were similar for both groups. Median LOS for infants with a primary repair was shorter compared infants with a staged repair. Infants who had a staged repair took on average 10 days longer to commence feeds post-operatively, longer for their first suck feed, to achieve full enteral feeds and longer to achieve full suck feeds. Once enteral feeds were commenced the time taken to establish full enteral feeds were similar in both groups.
Table 5 Comparison between closure type for Gastroschisis
The audit found there were frequent changes made in feeding regimes that led to feeds being ceased or delayed due to concerns about feed tolerance. These concerns were often due to measuring aspirates and residuals which were inconsistent between staff within the shift or over a period of days.
Development of a Gastroschisis feeding pathway for implementation in a surgical NICU
There was uniform consensus between all groups that the protocol was needed and could help. Concerns were raised as there was a lack of literature and evidence to support a protocolized approach to feeding. The intentional early introduction of enteral feeds especially direct breast feeds was debated in an open forum that included all three clinical groups at one of their scheduled meetings. Some of the surgeons felt early adoption of oral feeds was important in facilitating faster recovery and gut motility A consensus was reached and the decision to implement the pathway was made. There was potential bias in this process as the discussion and eventual agreement was held in an open forum.
Feeds were to be commenced 24 h after abdominal wall closure providing the infant was breathing spontaneously. It was agreed that use of the pathway for an infant was at the discretion of the consulting surgeon and neonatologist and at this point should only be used for infants with uncomplicated Gastroschisis (Fig. 5). The pathway was designed in four stages of progression and measurable outcomes identified for each stage. These outcome measures were established to measure the success of implementing the protocol and these are shown in Table 1.
a and b (Colour) Gastroschisis Feeding Protocol
In addition negative outcomes were identified to enable a thorough evaluation of the protocol.
By undertaking an audit, we were able to identify inconsistencies in the local environment that led to the delay in the introduction of enteral feeds and the lack of sucking feeds being offered. Lack of clarity particularly about aspirates and residuals led to frequent changes in feeding regimes between nursing shifts. The survey of various clinicians across the country supported the inconsistencies found in one hospital.
This innovative feeding protocol that we developed for infants with Gastroschisis enables a standardized approach that bedside nurses looking after babies with Gastroschisis can follow. We believe this will facilitate faster progression to full sucking feeds and possibly earlier discharge. Previous reports that have used protocols have shown similar benefits but have been applied retrospectively to data cohorts and have been less specific [10]. Bulter et al. [11] demonstrated that a standardized feeding guideline within a surgical NICU for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants improved outcomes and reduced costs. It included enteral nutrition being initiated by 24 h of age and then advanced by following the feeding guidelines [11]. This guideline continued to rely on aspirates and residuals however a pathway was developed to guide their management and defined 'normal' and 'not normal' when measuring aspirates and residuals. While this study does not specifically discuss infants with Gastroschisis, it does address the inconsistencies of feeding practices within the surgical NICU. The implementation of the guideline stopped the variation in feeding practices improved feeding outcomes without any increase in complications for example, NEC, sepsis, line infections or mortality.
Our feeding protocol introduced a change in practice as it introduced tropic feeds earlier and supported advancement of feeds without focussing on gastric residuals. Moreover, intentional early introduction of sucking feeds was important in facilitation faster discharge [12,13,14]. A consensus approach that involved inputs from both surgeons and neonatologists helped ensure compliance.
The protocol (Fig. 5) is in two parts (A and B) which enables the clinicians to choose to deviate if there is vomiting or excessive gastric residuals. Once settled, the feeding regime continues where left off in Part A. This ensures progression of feeds rather than the regression that occurred previously. The protocol is currently being used in practice and is being evaluated against the outcome measures listed previously.
There were a few limitations of this study that need to be highlighted. The consensus process of open forum has the potential for bias due to possible coercion from individuals. The audit was only at a single site in the author's neonatal unit. To evaluate its' effectiveness, on-going research and testing of the protocol through undertaking a prospective observational study tracking success of implementation and measuring on-going outcomes would be an appropriate plan.
Wide differences in attitudes to feeding neonates post Gastroschsis repair exist and the need for a consistent protocolized approach was felt. The feeding protocol we developed requires a change of practice by introducing trophic feeds earlier and supports advancement of feeds without focussing on the gastric residuals and provides a pathway nurses, surgeons and neonatologists can use that standardizes how feeds are initiated and progressed with potentially beneficial results. Further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
CVL:
Central venous line
NEC:
Necrotising enterocolitis
SBBO:
Small bowel bacterial overgrowth
sNICU:
Surgical neonatal intensive care unit
TPN:
Total parenteral nutrition
VLBW:
Very low birth weight
D'Antonio F, Virgone C, Rizzo G, et al. Prenatal risk factors and outcomes in Gastroschisis: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2015;136:e159–69.
Overcash RT, DeUgarte DA, Stephenson ML, et al. Factors associated with Gastroschisis outcomes. ObstetGynecol. 2014;124:551–7.
Holland A, Walker K, Badawi N. Gastroschisis: an update. Pediatr Surg Int. 2010;26:871–8.
Lap CC, Brizot ML, Pistorius LR, et al. Outcome of isolated Gastroschisis; an international study, systematic review and meta-analysis. Early Hum Dev. 2016;103:209–18.
Khalil BA, Baath ME, Baillie CT, Turnock RR, Taylor N, Van Saene HF, et al. Infections in Gastroschisis: organisms and factors. Pediatr Surg Int. 2008;24:1031–5.
da Silva Alves FM, Miranda ME, de Aguiar MJ, Viana MC. Nutritional management and postoperative prognosis of newborns submitted to primary surgical repair of Gastroschisis. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2016;92:268–75.
Aljahdali A, Mohajerani N, Skarsgard ED, Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network. Effect of timing of enteral feeding on outcome in Gastroschisis. J Pediatr Surg. 2013;48:971–6.
Lemoine JB, Smith RR, White D. Got milk? Effects of early enteral feedings in patients with gastroschisis. Adv Neonatal Care. 2015;15:166–75.
Parker L, Torrazza RM, Li Y, Talaga E, Shuster J, Neu J. Aspiration and evaluation of gastric residuals in the neonatal intensive care unit: state of the science. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2015;29:51–9.
Savoie K, Bachier-Rodriguez M, Jones T, et al. Standardization of feeding advancement after neonatal gastrointestinal surgery: does it improve outcomes? Nutr Clin Pract. 2016;31:810–8.
Butler TJ, Szekely LJ, Grow JL. A standardized nutrition approach for very low birth weight neonates improves outcomes, reduces cost and is not associated with increased rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis or mortality. J Perinatol. 2013;33:851–7.
Gulack BC, Laughon MM, Clark RH, et al. Enteral feeding with human Milk decreases time to discharge in infants following Gastroschisis repair. J Pediatr. 2016;170:85–9.
Passaro RC, Savoie KB, Huang EY. Use of a Gastroschisis feeding guideline to improve standardization of care and patient outcomes at an urban Children's hospital. Nutr Clin Pract. 2018;33:545–52.
Thompson PJ, Walker K, Halliday R, Holland AJ, Trivedi A. Early enteral feeding following repair of gastroschisis is associated with shorter length of admission and better nutritional outcomes. J Clin Neonatol. 2017;6:231–5.
Caroline Karskens, audit officer for the provision of data for the audit of practice.
The lead author undertook this study as the Clinical Neonatal Nursing Research Fellowship. This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Grace Centre for Newborn Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
Donna Hobson, Kaye Spence & Amit Trivedi
Western Sydney University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
Kaye Spence
The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
Amit Trivedi & Gordon Thomas
Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia
Donna Hobson
Amit Trivedi
DH – original concept for the study, undertook national survey, audit of current practice, development of the protocol. KS – study design, audit of current practice, collation of results of the survey, results of the audit and survey, development of the protocol, preparation of the manuscript, final manuscript for submission. AT – study design, interpretation of results, development of protocol, preparation of manuscript, final manuscript for submission. GT – development of protocol, preparation of the manuscript, critical review of the manuscript, final manuscript for submission. All authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Correspondence to Kaye Spence.
This study was approved by the Sydney Children's Hospital Network Ethics Committee. Approval number: QIE-2015-06-01. No specific patient consent was deemed necessary as this study did not include patients and the audit data was obtained as part of a non-identifiable audit process.
No identifiable patient data or identified individual responses are used in this publication.
Gastroschisis and Feeding Questionnaire.
Hobson, D., Spence, K., Trivedi, A. et al. Differences in attitudes to feeding post repair of Gastroschisis and development of a standardized feeding protocol. BMC Pediatr 19, 475 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1858-z


text:
import { connect } from 'react-redux';
import { doClaimYoutubeChannels, doUserFetch, doCheckYoutubeTransfer } from 'redux/actions/user';
import {
  selectYoutubeChannels,
  selectYouTubeImportVideosComplete,
  selectYouTubeImportPending,
  selectUserIsPending,
} from 'redux/selectors/user';
import YoutubeChannelList from './view';

const select = state => ({
  youtubeChannels: selectYoutubeChannels(state),
  youtubeImportPending: selectYouTubeImportPending(state),
  userFetchPending: selectUserIsPending(state),
  videosImported: selectYouTubeImportVideosComplete(state),
});

const perform = dispatch => ({
  claimChannels: () => dispatch(doClaimYoutubeChannels()),
  updateUser: () => dispatch(doUserFetch()),
  checkYoutubeTransfer: () => dispatch(doCheckYoutubeTransfer()),
});

export default connect(select, perform)(YoutubeChannelList);


NLRB Takes "Joint Employer" Ruling One Step Further - CUE, Inc.
Yes, it really happened. The NLRB is doing it's part to help keep Portland weird in a recent decision impacting several employers in the local medical marijuana business.
Three Portland-based organizations involved in the medical marijuana have been named as joint employers under the new NLRB joint employer standard after allegedly refusing to hire an applicant due his involvement in union organizing.
CRRH, THCF and Presto constitute a single employer, as well as a joint employer within the meaning of the Act, and has been an employer engaged in commerce within the meaning of Section 2(2), (6) and (7) of the Act. 2. By telling Matthew Marino that he couldn't hire him because he was a union member and supported the Union's unfair labor practice charge, and by refusing to hire Marino in August 2014 because of his membership in, and activities on behalf of, the Union, the Respondent violated Section 8(a)(1)(3)(4) of the Act.
Previous Post Five Things (out of 21) That You Don't Want Your Managers Doing Next Post Happy Holidays from CUE!


text:
Category Archives: Why I Still Love DC
The Features, Why I Still Love DC
By Tom Bridge 1:00 pm22 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Tom
Brookland Sign Mr.TinDC
When I started writing about DC more than ten years ago now, it was a reflex. I had decided that I was going to make the best of my time here, I decided that this was a place to love, and that I should love it here. And so I went out to find all the things I loved about DC. There were many of us at that old site that wrote because this city had made a personal connection with us, that it was a part of our makeup.
As We Love DC came into being, we were doing so at the curl of the wave that was a new DC. Adrian Fenty was Mayor, everyone was talking about how DC was changing, growing, building. The Williams administration, though decidedly unsexy, had made DC a place that could receive investment again, that could build a tax base that could increase services again. DC wasn't the inner city, DC was just the city.
The last ten years have been a major change for the city – not a change that's been just for the good, there's been a lot of DC history that's been swept out past the boundary stones – and it was exciting to be here and watch it happen. Old vacant storefronts became award-winning bars. Breweries appeared for the first time in almost a century. Industry was possible in a city that was largely focused around political capital, DC has proven, and those are the things that have excited me most about the last ten years. We make things here. We make beer. We make bikes. We even make weed now. We make things. We're not just an economy of accidental convenience, we're an economy of industry, of confluence, of vision.
Tags: brookland, Why I (Still) Love DC
By Jenn Larsen 1:00 pm21 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Jenn
Eat the Rich, DC oyster bar Jenn Larsen
At the end of 2013, I wrote what I thought was my ultimate love letter to DC, filled with the moments that had sustained me during my struggle with a life-threatening illness. It was a thank you to the city I'd lived in for over two decades, yet I also suspected, at the time, that it might be a farewell – not because I was losing that struggle, but because I thought I was moving. Of course, I was incorrect, life being a lesson in derailment and the power of creative disruption. My DC in 2013 turned out to be the penultimate love letter, and while I spent most of 2014 investigating another city, by the end of that year I was back where I started.
So here we are. DC, you still have me. And yet, the time to leave our beloved site has come to pass. So I find myself writing another love letter, one that's slightly bittersweet. But don't worry. I always rally by the end.
If there's any lesson I've learned over the past three years of incredible life change and regeneration, it's this: the story never ends. You may think you have come to the end of your journey, but it's only a chapter, or an act in a play that continues on and on. Just as cities never stop evolving, never stop rising, only to fall, and rise again. If not in actuality, then in the mind.
Maybe that's why there are so many discarded drafts of my Why I (Still) Love DC. They litter my mind, my desk, my laptop, piling up like sediment in an archeological site. Rather as my discarded selves litter the city itself, so many experiences, haunting this corner and then the next. I feel like Scheherazade, and worry that if I ever finish the tale, I'll lose my head.
I began to wonder if all the difficulty writing it meant that I no longer loved DC the way I used to, and frankly, yes, it's true. But isn't that as it should be, after so many years? Love's not an ever-fixed mark, no matter what Shakespeare said. He knew better, anyway. Love must change – always. Otherwise, it calcifies, and your city crumbles into dust.
There's a narrative to my love story that's already established here in other pieces at We Love DC. I moved here for the architecture. The cherry blossoms. The subculture politicos ignore. The fact that it wasn't New York or Boston, the other cities which courted me, but provided an escape from my New England youth. That DC was supposed to be just a way station on the way to London. That I didn't leave, because I unexpectedly fell in love, with its music scene, with its theaters and a thriving community of artists. Bought a house, brought it back to life. That was the first act. In another act, life went haywire. My heart stopped several times. I regenerated in many ways, but haunted my old life in others. I was poised to escape, but grounded in limbo. I wasn't as certain about my love anymore.
We'll talk about that chapter another time, somewhere else.
I could tell you about all my other selves wandering DC. Continue reading →
Tags: showcase, Why I (Still) Love DC, why I love dc
By Rachel Levitin 8:00 am08 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Rachel
Moon glow BrianMKA
The day-to-day existence I was living when We Love DC came into my life was one with little light. A darkness enveloped most thoughts I had at the time due to having lost my dad, dog, and two grandmothers all within the span of eight months. I had lost focus and direction. After having coffee with Jenn Larsen, one of the founding editors, I was persuaded to start writing for We Love DC. Finding my way into that world changed everything. The light was back. And I was ready for it.
Why do I still love DC? Because of what We Love DC brought to my life.
It took a few months for me to find my groove and re-establish my writing voice but coming from a place of feeling stranded, lost, and confused will do that to a person. In the Fall of 2009, We Love DC offered me an opportunity to utilize the skill sets I developed during my time studying journalism at American University.
But for me, We Love DC was never about having a byline or wearing a press pass. To me, We Love DC was a project that fostered my sense of self during a time of much needed self-discovery and mental preservation. I could write about any topic I wanted as long as I could compose a piece with passion, integrity, and facts. And the topic I was most passionate about was music.
Sold Out Kevin H.
It's no secret that music is the love of my life. We Love DC provided me countless opportunities to not only interview national touring acts that I've admired or kept track of for quite some time – like Rachael Yamagata, Tony Lucca, Megan Hilty (of Smash), Kris Allen (of American Idol), and Barry Manilow. But, even better than that, We Love DC presented the opportunity to live, breathe, and document the current state of the DC independent music scene. Continue reading →
Tags: Why I (Still) Love DC, why I love dc
Why I Still Love DC
By Rebecca 1:00 pm06 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Rebecca
Architect of the Capitol Mohamad
I came to our fair city a fresh faced, college graduate who knew only one thing about her move down here: I definitely did not want to work in politics. Thinking back I only vaguely recall who that girl was or what she was thinking, or even what made her happy. Despite twenty odd years under my belt, I was new to the world, and pretty much had zero life experiences to learn and grow from.
It's said that childhood and adolescence are the most formidable years of your life.
And while it's fruitless to argue that those years aren't important, for me my most formidable years, my 20s and early 30s, happened right here in DC. More profoundly put, I truly grew up in this city.
LilOne xmeeksx
The last 9 years here have had their ups and downs, their failures, their simple pleasures, their soul crushing, heart breaking events, their depressive episodes when I literally had to scrap myself off the floor, their serendipitous meetings, their triumphant fist in the air celebrations and a whole hell of lot of in-betweens.
At the center of it all is DC; its people, its culture, its evolution, its bars, its opportunities, its music, its heartbeat are all at the crux of this personal growth and discovery. Continue reading →
By fedward 1:00 pm03 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Fedward
You Are Here The Author
When I moved to the Washington area in 1998, it wasn't for any single good reason. I had a few reasons that added up to something, but I can't say my logic was in any way sound. Mostly I was 27 years old and felt like I'd exhausted my opportunities in my home town. I didn't have anything tying me down, and I figured I had enough connections here that I could make a go of it. When people asked me, I'd say that everyone else lived in DC for four years so I thought I'd give it a shot.
Silhouettes Some Guy
I had a friend who lived in a group house on the Hill, and she idly said she was thinking of moving out, but she needed a roommate. I told her I'd arrive in August, and she should find us a place to live. That first year we lived in a rented house in Crystal City, but a couple weeks after Metro's Columbia Heights station opened up I moved into an apartment a few blocks away, where I lived for ten of those four years.
First toast A Homeowner
Seventeen years later, I'm a married homeowner and I have a different glib answer about why it would be impossible for me to leave: I can never live anywhere with fewer than three airports. Given the choice I'd never use any of them but National, but I'll fly out of Dulles or BWI if the itinerary is right.
Discovery 28 Me
But that doesn't really answer the question of why I (still) love DC.
When I came to DC I found a culture that didn't revolve around the business of government. My friends aren't lobbyists or politicians. I've come to know a few congressional staffers and lifetime feds over the years not because of their answer to the question "so what do you do," but because of the things they do when they're not on the Hill (drink, mostly). I know a few lawyers, but most of them continue to prove my belief that the happiest lawyers are former lawyers. Continue reading →
Essential DC, People, The Features, Where We Live, Why I Still Love DC
By Ben H. Rome 1:00 pm02 Apr 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Ben
DSC_0189 Ben R
Full disclosure: I really wanted to title this article "Why I (Still) Love DC: Take Two (or Ten)" but Jenn wouldn't let me. (Something about ruining the pattern or other such reasonable editorial argument.) If you're a long-time follower of We Love DC, you'll know I wrote a similarly titled piece back in 2013 after this site's fifth anniversary.
And then suddenly, here we are not two years later and the party's over.
Back in the fall, when it was discussed about putting the old gal to rest, I didn't really want to let it go. I'd hoped that a fresh generation, newer (or older) blood would pick up our baton, and sally forth. But alas–and unlike our lovely Congressmen and Senators on the Hill–our grand lady would not blather on about nothing, limping towards digital obscurity.
This will be my 647th and final post here at We Love DC. (And, for giggles, that's about half-a-million words.) I never thought I'd be saying good bye, both to our readers and to the site.
It's a bittersweet milestone for me, particularly.
1DSC_0335 Ben R
2015 marks ten years -half my married life!- since I moved to the Metro DC area. My wife and I escaped a wretched employment outlook in Pittsburgh when the International Spy Museum took a chance and hired me to help run their retail shop. Brenda Young, my manager at the time (and she's still there, I believe), was a true District resident from Capitol Heights and during our downtime in the office, would tell me all about this city and its secrets. Actually, considering where I worked and who I rubbed shoulders with on a frequent basis, I learned about a lot of secrets in the District…
Anyway, it was during my time there that I stumbled over Tom and his merry band of Metrobloggers. I applied to write, figuring I could bring a 'fresh-behind-the-ears' view to the team (only having been here two years at that point). I showed my bona fides and I was in.
And plunged straight into the depths of rebellion. Continue reading →
Tags: blogging, culture, dc, goodbye, museums, smithsonian, welovedc, Why I (Still) Love DC, why I love dc, writing
By Don 1:00 pm30 Mar 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Don
lunchtime vista Jen Morrissey
I confess: I looked at the other pieces my cohorts wrote so far before starting this, hoping they've give me something to rip off inspire my direction. For what it's worth, they helped me not at all.
This feels like writing about why I like air. For me the DC area just is, at this point. It's where I settled, somewhat accidentally, thirteen years ago. It's where I met so many good friends. It's where I met the woman who is now my spouse. It's where I became a dad. Turned forty. Died.
Just kidding about the last one. Would make a nice creepy short story though, wouldn't it?
Headless Michael T. Ruhl
But maybe I will die here, just hopefully not soon. It's hard to imagine going anywhere else. Before all those things above, this is just plain where I felt at home, and that hasn't diminished in the slightest. When new, cool things come along I think well of course; in the city I came here from I would think well of course when hearing about something crappy. DC is the place where I expect good things to happen, and they so often do.
Maybe that's the best indication of being in love. You look at the whole thing, warts and all, and can't help but smile. The minor flaws feel like quirks and the bigger things you think are worth living with or trying to improve.
I love DC for what it has been for me, is, and promises to be.
Red Sky over DC Nathan_A_Jones
By Patrick Pho 1:00 pm27 Mar 2015
Why I (Still) Love DC: Patrick
Bowling at the White House. Photo by author.
So, I have a hashtag. It's called #RageLikePho.
People have come to associate me with the hashtag to the point it's often mentioned in introductions to other people.
"This is Patrick, he has his own hashtag."
People ask to take "#RageLikePho photos" with me thinking the hashtag refers to the goofy yet on-trend face I tend to make when people take photos of me.
They are not entirely correct. The roots of #RageLikePho stem from a We Love DC writers meeting back in January of 2013, when we discussed content ideas and approach of writing stories that reflected each writer's own personality. A lot of regular features at We Love DC used a well-established pronoun-verb-object nomenclature: She/He Loves DC, We Love Music, We Love Drinks.
In a pizza-induced coma-like state, I started joking around about writing articles on the one good thing I can do: go out all night. I messed up the naming however and jokingly suggested a series of stories that recap my weekend benders and call it "Rage Like Pho."
Everyone laughed none the less.
A few days later I used it as a hashtag for the first time:
The rest is history.
When people ask me what #RageLikePho is I say it's more like a lifestyle than a face. You might think it means rampant drinking, dance parties, or streaking through the quad. While it does have some debaucherous overtures, I personally think #RageLikePho is about having a good time, but not in a Clarendon Bro kind of way.
All I really need are friends and a chill place to hang out in a neighborhood that gives us options to mix it up after awhile. I'm not a one-bar kind of guy. Luckily DC has always given me those options in the form of many diverse neighborhoods and experiences.
Bar hopping in Dupont? Jazz in the Garden? Bowling in the White House? For the past nine years now I've lived in the DMV and have been drawn to the combination of history, power, and urban life that is truly unique. Sure, Los Angeles or New York may be bigger and Portland or Austin maybe hipper but there isn't a place that has the right combination that DC has.
The District is my Goldilocks match in a world full of many great cities.
It's why I fell in love with DC nine years ago and I continue to love it today, whether I'm Raging Like Pho or not.
Tags: RageLikePho, Why I (Still) Love DC, why I love dc
By Jenn Larsen 4:06 pm23 Mar 2015
Retrospective: Why We (Still) Love DC
12-03-20 - Cherry Blossom - Pink Blossom mosley.brian
Since our founding in 2008, every writer who joined We Love DC was asked to pen a love letter to the city. Our original Why I Love DC series became a running manifesto for how we wanted to engage with our readership and our lives beyond the capitol. We were unabashedly cheerleading for the District, with no agenda other than to challenge the dominant opinion at the time that DC wasn't worthy of abiding love. The litany we fought against was: "It's a transient city;" "No one wants to stay here;" "It's just a political city;" "It's boring."
We felt differently. We still do. All those myths we set out to bust.
Over the subsequent years, we've asked nothing more of our writers than to speak the truth about their experiences living here, to be positive, and to write about what they loved. Now that we're winding down the site, it felt appropriate to ask alumni to revisit their Why I Love DC pieces and take their current pulse on the city's heartbeat.
While many of the articles written the first time around focused on what it meant to find yourself in love with a city unexpectedly, a city at the time maligned and misunderstood by many, our revisitation comes at a different time for DC. It seems almost overnight the District went from punchline to cool, but of course, it was a far more organic process than the hype would lead you to believe. Those of us who've directly experienced the waves from murder capital to millennial chic are thrilled by the District taking its rightful place as a cosmopolitan nexus, a gateway to the world, its beauty fully appreciated, while at the same time some can feel a conflicted nostalgia for those other days.
Like all great love affairs, it's complicated. That's what makes passion interesting.
So please join us as we launch our retrospection on Why I (Still) Love DC with articles by past writers over the next several days. Sift through the original Why I Love DC archive for some memory lane action. Join the dialogue #WhyIStillLoveDC and let everyone know your own pulse.
We're still curious. And that's as it should be.
DC Mythbusting: Metro Map to Scale