Grace in light of adversity

Vexed about what to eat? Here you go. #CHALLENGEACCOMPLISHED

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:24:06 -0400

Vexed about what to eat? Here you go.

#CHALLENGEACCOMPLISHED

"Meetings would be great if presenters brought someone along to play the standing bass and treated..."

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:42:59 -0400

““Meetings would be great if presenters brought someone along to play the standing bass and treated the info like beat poetry. Everyone just snaps their fingers after listening to the boss discuss sampling quotas.” -A. King”

2013 Knickerbocker Film Festival

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:31:12 -0400

2013 Knickerbocker Film Festival:

I forgot to mention I’ve been writing film reviews for a local website. Here’s my latest.

"I'm covered in beeeeeees!"

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 21:41:00 -0400

Actually I wasn’t. I just wanted to use that Eddie Izzard quote.

[Note: I started to write this post last fall on my inaugural trip out to my friend’s hives. I never finished it, but since winter came and went and I accompanied my friend out to his hives for the spring visit, I decided to turn this into a “then and now” piece.]

Brian, opening the first hive

I went to accompany my friend Brian to visit his hives and learn a little more about his beekeeping hobby. I’ve got two friends who are apiarists but the other lives in North Carolina, so it’s not as convenient to visit his.

The first thing you should know if you’ve never visited a beehive is to LISTEN TO THE APIARIST. They’ve studied, they know what they’re doing, they know what not to do. For the record, I did not get stung. That’s because I feared and respected the beekeeper, as well as the bees.

The second thing you should know is never walk directly in front of the hive’s “flight path”. Usually that’s the hole in front of the hive where the bees enter and exit the hive. I spent a good deal of our morning giving them a wide berth. Walking in front of a bee hive’s flight path will send the bees into “protect” mode, regardless of your intentions.

Flight path of one of the hives

If you follow at least these two rules, you’re golden. Don’t freak out.

Another rule of thumb is to not shower the morning of the outing (night before is fine). Don’t use soaps or perfumes because you don’t want the bees to be overly interested in your scent. They’re not interested in you, they’re completely focused on maintaining the hive and doing their job (unless….see “second thing you should know”).

Boo bee. (because it landed on my…it’s a pun. Work with me, people)

After donning his suit and helping me with my face guard and getting the smoke for the hives started we set out to check out the first hive. Brian prefers burlap as a means for smoking the bees.

Bee smoker with lit burlap

Beekeeping involves a lot of patience. You have to be slow and gentle, you have to be respectful of the bees personal space and it helps to have good tools. Bees seal the corners and insulate the hives with propolis, which is made from tree sap and other sources. It’s not edible, tastes a little of glue, and is malleable like a hard taffy. Propolis is used to seal the unused portions of the hives and small cracks. This is different from the beeswax that comprises the hive. Brian used a pry bar to separate the hive frames and scrape away the propolis to make the removal of the frames easier.

Propolis

I learned that depending on the size and shape of the cell that will determine what that cell is used for. Cells can range from nectar storage to honey storage and from larva to bee growth. Worker bee, the female bee, growth cells are flat. Drone, the male bee, cells are more bullet shaped. The queen cells are even larger and look more like the outside of a peanut.

Queen cell at the top center of the frame

The queen is the larger, amber colored bee in the center

Bees use different phermones to communicate with one another. The larva will set off a “feed me” phermone which teaches the worker bees to feed them until it’s time for them to be capped to complete the remainder of their growth. They can’t cap their own cells like butterflies can create their own chrysalis.

Workers capping off more worker larva cells

The worker bees create the cells which will become either a brood cell (for workers or drones) or a storage cell for food. They recycle the cells they use, cleaning out the old ones before they’re used again for whatever purpose was intended.

Capping off honey stores

The queen knows, by the size of the cell, whether or not to lay a fertilized egg (for a female worker bee) or an unfertilized egg (for a male drone). Drones do nothing in the hive except lay around and copulate with the queen. The female worker bees clean the nests, tend the brood and go out for honey. NEVER EVER say that you guys never have it easy.

Drone cells (you can tell they’re more curved on top)

Bees are fascinating and industrious creatures. Every day we’re finding new benefits for what they can give us. It was recently discovered that nanoparticles of the component of bee toxin called melittin can break down the outer protein coat of HIV, thereby destroying it. Scientists have found that a component of propolis can inhibit prostate cancer, among other benefits. And this is above and beyond the benefits they provide us by pollinating our plants and making honey.

When we went out to the hives during the fall, it was mainly to check the hives to make sure they were producing, check on the queen, and make sure they had enough food for the winter. On a subsequent trip, Brian went out and removed a couple of frames to add a frame board feeder, which fits into the hive boxes and contains a sugar mix for the bees to feed on in case they run out of honey. There’s no flora for them to pollinate during the winter in the northeast, so this helps them to carry over through the winter. He also wrapped the hives with a protective insulating cover to further protect from the freezing cold.

This spring we went out to the hives and upon arriving, Brian noticed that one of the hives wasn’t looking very active. We opened it up and discovered that all the bees in the hive had died. We’re not sure why. Maybe the cold, maybe the queen died.

So sad…

We opened the other two hives and discovered scores of live bees but they were most likely bees from another neighboring hive who were stealing all the honey stores from the dead hives. There were no queens, no brood chambers. My friend will have to get new bees and a new queen and start all over again. It was quite sad and I felt bad for him. We went through the hives and cleaned them out as best we could and replaced the frames.

Robber bees

However, when he gets his new bees, he’s said that he’ll take me out and I’ll be able to learn firsthand how to introduce bees to a new hive. If the robber bees haven’t exhausted all the stores, it’ll be a good basis for the new bees to take over the existing hives. It’s been an interesting experience, getting to know about hive maintenance. I’m not fully confident to start my own hive, but I’m hoping maybe some time soon I will.

Music is my church...

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:21:32 -0400

…and I’ll tell you why.

Ever since I can remember as a child toddling around with my stuffed toy dog that had the radio in its belly, my life has revolved around music. Whether listening or singing or playing I’ve not gone a day without it.

I used to envy the sense of rapture and involvement that people get from church. Then I realized that I get that same feeling from listening to my favorite songs. That feeling where you’re so moved by the music that your soul lifts from your body nearly taking your corporal mass with it. The way the notes are put together, the words and meanings behind the lyrics, all take part in that overpowering feeling that I can only compare to when folks describe themselves as being “touched by the holy spirit.”

Being a music lover of many genres when someone asks me what my favorite song is I laugh and ask them, “How much time have you got? Because I don’t have just one.” However there are some that move me in such a way that my heart bursts with joy and love like the Immaculate Heart of Mary because they’re so good.

Some of these songs even sound like a stereotypical hymn. Here’s a playlist I made that you can listen to while you read my list:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHRTrHbZYRk&list=PLIZs9C7ch3dqoibXk1va3W75CdPp-Wlnr

• “Let It Ring”-Indigo Girls: This is a song about the acrimony of those who preach condemnation in God’s name and standing up to those folks saying, “Bring it, friend. Say what you will, I know my god loves me.”
• “Sailing”-Christopher Cross: Simply put, this is a song about finding peace and tranquility out on the ocean water. I’m a big fan of the ocean (and of sailing in general) so the song speaks to me. Plus, Cross’s voice is just so soothing.
• “Here Comes the Sun”-The Beatles: After months of bitter wind and cold and snow I have this song on my lips come spring time, or when I hope for springtime. It’s also a metaphor for hope and remaining a positive outlook when times are bad. Things will be better, and it’s all right.
• “Calling the Moon”-Dar Williams: A beautifully written song with lyrics like “I’ve poured this bottle of light from the sun” and “to tug at the seas and illumine the earth” that really make you visualize the loveliness of our nightly and important satellite.
• “Transit”-Richard Shindell: Shindell has said in interviews that this was just two songs he’d written and mashed together but I can’t express, without a long blog post of its own, how wonderful the imagery works and how well they married together. It’s an almost allegorical sermon on entitlement and humility, grace and forgiveness.
• “Tether”-Indigo Girls: I get choked up every time I hear this song. Especially when the music builds the crescendo and then stops for a split second and Amy and Emily harmonize the lyric “enduring love”. Something about that bit gets me every time. But this is about letting go of the fighting and working towards a common goal of making the world a better place. We’re all brothers here, the song seems to say. It’s incredibly written and says so much. “Find the hope that feeds you”

There are more songs out there that move me just as equally but this is a handful I wanted to share. And when my heart is empty and I feel that longing that people akin to being touched by the holy spirit, I listen to them and my heart is full again. And while I might not believe in your specific God, I feel the presence of some higher power through music.

In response to this video, I comprised my happy list. Happy...

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:28:00 -0400

In response to this video, I comprised my happy list.

Happy List:

When I’m having a woeful day and the cat just KNOWS and comes to comfort.
Forming a connection with a new friend
When what I’m baking comes out peeeerrrrfect.
When my outbox is empty at the end of the day
Knowing that miles apart my friend and I are sharing a moment.
When an obscure song that’s been stuck in my head comes on the radio
Singing all the notes on key
The spiritual fulfillment I get out of 7 and 8
When a friend pays me a touching compliment like “your voice is comforting” or “your warmth is a beacon” and I choke up
Snuggling with a friend or a lover
Kissing
Getting a hand written letter or postcard in the mail
Stamping the sealing wax on the letters I send out
Making the last payment on something
Traveling (especially abroad)
Painting something that looks halfway decent even *I* like it.
Freshly clean house
Architecture
Art
Music
Singing while rocking babies to sleep
Ginger cookies topped with crème fraiche topped with lingonberries
Coming back from a meeting to find the latest chapter of @Henderzones has posted and I can read them all without waiting on the edge of my seat.

The list goes on….

Real talk: I actually poured syrup on my mother’s...

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:24:30 -0500

Real talk: I actually poured syrup on my mother’s turntable when I was two. She never let me forget it either. ::eyeroll::

When my friend tells me I only hate Valentine's Day because I have no one to share it with

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:23:04 -0500

myfriendsaremarried:

homedesigning: Sofa Ideas

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:13:22 -0500

homedesigning:

Sofa Ideas

homedesigning: (via Bachelor Pad Decorating Ideas) I think I...

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:56:41 -0500

homedesigning:

(via Bachelor Pad Decorating Ideas)

I think I just jizzed in my pants. Also, my great-grandmother had one of those trunk tables. Glad they’re “retro” again.

thekevinmarshall: dignified-and-old: Not as old as J.J....

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 23:31:38 -0500

thekevinmarshall:

dignified-and-old:

Not as old as J.J. Abrams’ bizarre love of lens flare though

Seriously, enough.

Modern Love?

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:12:00 -0500

Just remembered last night I dreamed a giant, dying turtle washed ashore. It was 2 stories high and a 100 feet long. We euthanized it and were cleaning it out of its shell so we could turn it into an interactive children’s playground. Gross. The internet says turtles represent “wisdom, faithfulness, longevity, and loyalty.” So am I scooping out old traditions to make room for new?

This got me thinking about some recent changes in my life. I’ve mostly been in long term relationships with times in between where I act like a playboy. As I get older I’m trying to push off that kind of behavior while making myself more appealing to potential partners. It’s hard to compete against women who wear their sexuality like a brightly colored cape (confession: I have done this. And recently. Not that I want to kinkshame anyone, but I’m a little ashamed of myself for being this way). However, it’s caused me to pause and reflect: what message is this sending to potential partners?

And it came to me that I have no idea how to date in this modern age. How do I make myself appealing as a lady while still making it known that I’m a highly sexual creature? Marilyn Monroe says, “Your clothes to be tight enough to show you’re a woman, but loose enough to show you’re a lady.” I see that as a metaphor. I don’t want to come off as prudish, but I want to be treated with respect. If I put on my dating profile that I’m a “lady in the street but a freak in the sheets” I still get the wolves pawing at my door. While the wolves are fun to play with and are a temporary ego boost, I’m done with that lifestyle and I want to attract a gentleman who can treat me as a “worthy consort and companion” as I’ve described it to others, but appreciate my libido in private.

I’ve tried the lady route and gotten guys who were put off by my deviant bedroom behavior because they were secretly ashamed I wasn’t the “kind of girl you bring home to mother” as the song goes. I’ve tried the deviant route and gotten guys were less serious about wanting to settle down with someone who is equally libidinous.

How do I arrive at that happy medium? What do I do with this gutted turtle shell of the traditional role of a wife and modernize it to my advantage?

Me: I'm trying to justify buying a bottle of 22-year Macallan.

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:37:23 -0500

Me: I'm trying to justify buying a bottle of 22-year Macallan.
My friend: It's 22-year Macallan.
Me: ...yes...
My friend: So the purchase justifies itself.
Me: I like the way you think.

nevver: Off the shoulder of Orion

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 23:17:15 -0500

nevver:

Off the shoulder of Orion

trail

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 03:59:05 -0500

“Sideways crying”

Tear that serpentines

over my nose and down my

upper lip. Deep thought.

I lay there and all the feelings come forth that my body can’t contain. The source pools and begins to flow down my nose then on top of my mouth. It traces along the baby fine hairs of my upper lip and I have a nanosecond of panic, “Is my nose bleeding?” It is not. I try to remember the last time I cried laying down and can’t remember ever having the tears flow over my mouth like that. Mostly they just drip off the tip of my nose onto the pillow, or into the tissue. This time I just smeared them on my face and let the salt and evaporation take its course.

I think of the course my life has taken, the things I have. The things I don’t have. Longings. Aspirations. The lack of fulfillment. The temporary reprieves given in the flashes of instances and flirtations. It’s not sufficient. I don’t know if it’s you I dream of or the idea. I need time to figure that out. But life is short. Minutes, precious. I don’t want to waste another idly waiting for epiphany.

nevver: Jack Kerouac, The Subterraneans

Sun, 16 Dec 2012 23:43:54 -0500

nevver:

Jack Kerouac, The Subterraneans

The Sessions-review

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 22:23:00 -0500

“I like to write poetry because it comes out of my soul. It helps me to say what I want more. It has a certain excitement that nothing else has”-Mark O’Brien.

In 1997, “Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O’Brien ” won an Academy Award for Documentary Short Subject. I wish I’d heard about this remarkable person then. But some of us are hearing about him now through a touching drama called “The Sessions” starring Helen Hunt and John Hawkes, written and directed by Ben Lewin, which is based on O’Brien’s life, essays and poetry.

Deadwood fans might remember John Hawkes (and Robin Weigert!). Hawkes does a marvelous job portraying O’Brien, his voice and cadence, his self-deprecating but not self-pitying sense of humor. And it has already been belabored, but Helen Hunt at 49…WOW. However, the point isn’t about her body or how much of it she shows in this film. The character of Cheryl is a great part and the Mark O’Brien’s story is relatable to all people, as she discusses here, regardless of ability or disability. We’re all fragile creatures, we all want the same thing and there is beauty in everything.

William H. Macy does very well as O’Brien’s priest and friend and is incredibly supportive of him, even beyond the tenets of the church, which I found surprising.

I came away from the film touched by this tender character, learning so many lessons that I can’t even articulate. The Sessions is very well written and I highly recommend it. And I also recommend checking out Jessica Yu’s documentary on Mark O’Brien, Breathing Lessons, which can be viewed here on snagfilms.com.

“Art is our way of creating the universe and making it sacred.”-Mark O’Brien.

True that.

Flight

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 23:04:04 -0500

Moviepass is a service that was recommended to me. It’s 29.99 a month for unlimited theater films (excluding 3D and IMAX, but that’s fine by me). You’re locked in for the first year, with a penalty for early cancelation, but after the first year, you can cancel without penalty. I feel a need to note this since I wasn’t aware of it until after I’d signed up. HOWEVER, it’s still a deal, even if you only see 3 films a month. I’m willing to give them my time. (And also track my savings, review the movies here, etc).

Having said that, tonight I went to see Robert Zemeckis’s “Flight” starring Denzel Washington. It’s about a pilot who fantastically lands an out of control airplane, saving the lives of many on board, only to deal with an inquiry after the fact because he was under the influence at the time.

Denzel gave a great performance (of course), though in spots I felt he was a little dry (no irony intended). Without giving too much away, the beginning does a great job of sucking you in and putting you right in the middle of the action. I’ll fly, but I do get nervous doing so and the film really brought out that fear to the point where my heart was pounding in my chest by the end of the scene. There are a few bits of levity, usually provided by the scenes where John Goodman is present, and Zemeckis uses music throughout the film rather keenly in various scenes in the film. (Nice touch in the elevator scene, by the way).

All told, I give it a B-. (Call me harsh, if you will. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the heck out of seeing this film). I also recommend that you see it in the theater as opposed to waiting for video. It’s worth the cost.

(or just sign up for moviepass and make it worth your while. see what I did there?)

OKC Random

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 01:34:36 -0500

Some guy just messaged me out of the blue for advice. I’m not sure why as he lives on the opposite coast from me. Not sure even how I came up in his feed. So I entertained him briefly because I wanted to see where he was going with this (I get trolled a lot). Then I felt like he was being sincere in his inquiry and decided to listen to him and talk him through his particular situation. I feel I was a little bossy and I rushed through it. I’m a horrible hypocrite and I’m good at giving advice but not taking it. :P

But he said it helped him. I hope it did. Good luck, random guy.

Hi, I have a question about relationships and just looking to chat with somebody for advice. Can you offer any?

I can try. But I should preface saying that any advice should be taken with a grain of salt

okay, fair enough
My ex girlfriend and I broke up and she wanted to remain friends, I was reluctant because I still had feelings for her, but eventually agreed.

That’s sometimes difficult

So I tried being friends because deep inside I really wanted to get back together with her
But now she’s started to date someone new. I pretended to be cool at first, but I just can’t take it anymore.
So yesterday I met up with her. And I had intentions to say goodbye and wish her and her new guy good luck. But I didn’t

I would distance myself, politely. Be honest and say, “I still have feelings for you and it’s difficult for me to maintain a friendship because of that. I think we should give each other some space until I can sort things out. Perhaps we can pick up the friendship later. “

Instead I told her that I still love her and that I wish we were still together. And that it hurts me that she’s dating someone else.
She was upset and a bit cold about it. Now I feel dejected and I feel like I lost my dignity by saying it.

What did she say to that?
No, you were just being honest
But you should probably distance yourself until you can sort your feelings out
I think people sometimes want to be friends after they’ve broken up because they think it’s the right thing to do
Sometimes it works
But sometimes it’s okay to say, “well, this didn’t work out but I wish you the best of luck” and part ways

I didn’t. But she wanted to because she can’t stand being alone.

and just be kind to one another in mixed company
then that’s something that she needs to work out for herself
but it’s not fair of her to be codependent on you in that manner

And I knew that once she found someone else she wouldn’t really need me

perhaps it’ll be easier to distance yourself now
hang out with friends, date other ladies

And I knew this would happen, And I hate myself for letting it happen

No, I hear you. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’ve been there
I learned from it

I’ve been doing that. But she’s always on my mind.

::nods::
I’m in a similar boat

And the thing is, she knew that I still loved her. I didn’t really have to say it

only we were never together, I just have feelings for someone that aren’t reciprocated and they’re with someone else
I just try to keep it platonic and be respectful of their relationship and date other people

And even after my declaration of love, she still thinks we’re friends and can hang out later.

<——hence the grain of salt with my advice
For your sake I would distance myself. She’s not being respectful of your feelings. It’s like she’s dangling her carrot in front of your heart. She may not mean to, it may be unintentional, but she needs to be aware that that’s how it may seem

Although, I can be wrong and she now doesn’t want to talk to me anymore. The thing is, I wanted to leave under my own terms.
I feel like such a sap.
Exactly!

doesn’t always work that way
and you’re not a sap
just a gentleman with feelings
we all suffer through disappoints in relationships
disappointments
and it takes time to let your heart mend

I shouldn’t have seen her. I should’ve just sent her a letter.

that might be a good idea too
just politely explain your feelings as tactfully as possible

that was my first choice
but I can’t do that now

well, you could, but that’s up to you.

[not] after I’ve said what I said

no, you could still. but that’s up to you
or do what feels comfortable
maybe ruminate on it for a week
then write
but don’t send it right away
see if you still mean what you say in the letter after a week, then send it.
and maybe do your own thing until you get your groove back
i’m sorry you’re hurting though
I know how it feels
you get past it eventually :)

Thanks

how long did you two date?

over a year

how long ago did y’all break up?

2 months ago

::nods::

and she started to date less than a week after we broke up
which offended me
and when that didn’t work

they say it takes half the life of a relationship to get over it. it may take a while

she started dating this new guy a couple of weeks later

depending on how emotionally involved you were
some people bounce back differently
when my last boyfriend and I broke up, it was my decision. The distance got to be much and we decided to end things on a high note and remain friends

I’m glad it worked for you.

and I still have feelings for him. I’ll always care for him. It’s only sometimes hard. But I work through it
I started dating casually not long after. Just to get out there and distract my mind
maybe that’s what she’s doing

maybe
I feel that now I’ve said what I said, it will only drive her closer to him

or maybe she wasn’t it in but wants to try to be with someone new.

because she said that I’m pushing her away with what I said.

well, you know what they say about horses and water
you’ve told her how you feel. you can’t expect her to respond the way you want her to

But she already knew it

you only have control over how you react to it

I guess I told her in all honesty how I felt because I thought it would be the last I’d see her.

being honest is always good.
my advice would be to say “now that I’ve told you how I feel and you’ve told me how you feel, maybe we should give each other space until our respective feelings are sorted out and can be friends later. Or accept the situation and wish each other luck “
But if it hurts your heart to be friends it’s not good to hang on

You have a right to be happy
and so does she

I feel like just not saying anything
I go back and forth

::nods::
well, do what you feel is right

thanks

but do what makes you happy. not being able to be with her isn’t making you happy

I feel so tired
no it’s not

so do good things for yourself to make you feel better. Learn something new

and i really need to get rid of this hope

try a new hobby
then when you feel better about yourself, meet some new ladies

but you have to feel better about yourself first or you’ll bring that sadness into the next relationship
what fun things do you like to do?

yes, I know
I tried to date but my heart wasn’t in it

for instance, when I moved I didn’t know anyone in the city that I moved to. I signed up for this site called meetup.com and saw that there were social groups in my area
platonic groups, people going bowling, going out to movies, etc
but you got out and did things
hang out with friends
when you’re ready you’ll get back in it
meanwhile, take care of yourself

I have friends, but

but?

I still feel lonely when I’m with them

::nods:: I get that
you could go and meet some new acquaintances. that might make you feel better
I had a friend take a cooking class at a local learning center/community college just for kicks. He enjoyed it
do something fun for yourself

I will try

I hope I helped some

yes you did.
you’re awesome

i’m glad. I hope it helps
It takes time
and patience
and it suuuuuuuucks so much sometimes during the interim

what’s your name?

but it gets better
You can call me Stray. :) I stay in internet non-specifics

okay, fair enough

just as a pre-caution
Please don’t be offended

Thanks stray

You’re welcome [his username] :)

I just wanted to thank you in person

I wish you well.

Thanks!!

Do something fun. Go shopping. Take a class. Delve into a hobby you already enjoy. Check out that meetup site and look for some fun social groups. They’ll just be distractions at first, but then after a while it may start to be less distraction and more fun and you’ll feel better about things
I would just let her be and distance yourself for a while
until you feel better about being her friend, if ever.
but you gotta take care of you, friend. :)
So take care.

Your vote counts

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:38:00 -0500

Hi! It’s me, here to play the numbers game to prove another point.

I was chastising a friend yesterday who wasn’t registered to vote, taking for granted that “I live in NY, my vote is cast regardless” and “I am comforted that my vote will be how NY votes anyway though.”

• 105,938,098 people voted for the 2012 presidential election

• 52,628,611 voted for Romney

• 53,309,487 voted for President Obama winning him both the popular AND the electoral votes needed to secure the presidency for a second term

This leaves a difference of 680,876. Seem like a lot?

According to The Straight Dope there are 19,355 “incorporated places” (cities or towns) in the United States.

On average, 35 people per town made a difference in their election results.

35 people per town. Think of how many people live in your town. Albany has 97,856 per the 2010 census.

Next time you take for granted that your vote doesn’t matter or doesn’t count, think again. It does.