Fire Truck Twin

Advantages and Disadvantages of Twin Turbo Kits

The first gasoline powered car was invented by Karl Benz of Germany in 1885, and only 20 years later the first turbocharger was invented by Swiss engineer, Alfred Buchi. But unlike twin turbo kits of today, the first turbocharger was not intended for cars, but for large diesel engines on ships and airplanes. They were later used on diesel trucks, but it was not until the late 1970's that the first turbocharger was successfully used on a car. Any guesses what that was? You are correct if you said a Mercedes Benz!

Since then turbo's have been added to almost any type of car, many added later in the form of turbo and twin turbo kits. Many people think these types of kits are only for guys and gals who want souped up, high powered engines that make a lot of noise. But that is not necessarily true, there are advantages and disadvantages to these kits that anybody can consider.

Advantages

• If you need increased power, then it is available for you to use. Depending upon the kit and other add-ons, you can see up to a 40% increase in power. This can be really helpful for passing someone, going up long, steep roads, or if you live in a mountainous area.
• Decrease in emissions. Twin turbo kits use the exhaust (wasted energy), to create new energy (compressed air) to power the turbo. Essentially it is a form of recycling. By using the exhaust, instead of just spewing it out, you are decreasing your carbon emissions, which is good for the environment.
• With decreased emissions, and recycling the exhaust, you should see an increase in your gas milage, and that is always a plus! It has been estimated that you can get up to 20% better fuel economy. So you are getting both increased power and increased fuel efficiency.
• Twin turbo kits, since they have two turbochargers, reduces the lag time that it takes the turbine to spool up and be ready to function properly. Basically, this means that you can get up to turbo speeds quicker than a regular turbo charger.

Disadvantages

• They do not provide an immediate power boost when you step on the gas. It takes a moment for the boost to kick in, but as mentioned above, this amount of time is reduced with twin turbo kits. When the turbo engine does kick in, you may feel a lurch.
• If you have a fuel-injected engine, you may have to do other modifications to increase the fuel ratio to obtain the maximum benefit of the turbocharger. This may be necessary because sometimes in the fuel-injected engine, the system that controls the fuel to oxygen ration can malfunction and not provide enough fuel to the turbo engine. This does not always happen, but is good to be aware of as a first thing to check if you do not get the expected performance.

So, if you are thinking about turbo charging your car, consider the pros and cons when making you decision. But lets face it, if you have a four or six cylinder car, it would be really nice to power up hills and pass other cars, getting up to 1000hp out of your engine. Twin turbo kits could be the answer for you.

About the Author

MJ is a freelance writer for Clickshops, Inc. where you can find a great selection of twin turbo kits to boost the power of your engine at www.twinturbokits.com

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would this truck step on other trucks?

engine- 8.6 Liter V10 Twin-Turbodiesel
hp- 250 hp @ 1,500 rpm
torque- 1000 lbft @ 1,275 rpm
body- all steel panels with polymer hood and polymer roof
0-60 mph-4 seconds
tough stuff- aluminum and steel roo bar that can take 2 tons of force without crushing, engine encased to be water, fire, and sand resistant.
towing capacity- 40,000 lbs

its a good truck but that means more to be fixed. it should have more than 250 hp though.... my 5.9 360 has a little more than that... o-60 in 4 seconds i know turbo diesels are fast but they wont hit 0-60 for like 5 or 6 seconds.... unless something is done to the motor... and if its a 2500 or 3500 it will sink easily in a mud pit if thats what ur using it for. if not and ur using it for towing then go ahead and by it

ok heres my specs on my 5.9l 360 it is running currently around 330 horses maybe a lil less buti n that range at 335 ft lbs of torque

Surf Bedding Beach

Bali Beaches

There are a wide variety of different types of beaches in Bali from the energetic sports and activities beaches to gentle secluded coves to spend lazy afternoons chilling and enjoying the warm Indian ocean.

Many of the beaches are palm fringed white sands with a tropical feel that you would expect to see in the movies while others are black due to the islands volcanic activity.

Some beaches are within very easy reach and actually make up part of the resort while others are off the beaten track and are a drive away.

Bali has many great beaches - good for swimming, surfing, or just lounging on the sand. Some beach hotels in Bali and villages provide daily clean up and grooming of beaches. Also, the quality of a beach can change drastically between seasons, depending on the location of the beach and the direction it faces.

Bali's beaches are best during the dry season, roughly April through October. During this period at beaches on the western coastal areas, erosion is minimal and the lack of wind or offshore winds keep the beaches clean and relatively calm.

During the wet season, onshore winds deposits flotsam and garbage on the west facing beaches and constant clean up is needed. In addition heavy rains can deposit run off around the beaches, particularly around run-off streams that flow into the ocean.

The east cost beaches of Sanur and Nusa Dua are less affected by seasonality, although the beach strip from the Melia Hotel to Nusa Dua Beach Hotel  in Nusa Dua experiences seasonal erosion in the winter, resulting in a very narrow strip of sand. The sand returns for the summer months.

The west facing beach from Canggu to Kuta can have rough surf and is known to have many rip currents and strong undertow. Safe swim areas are marked by flags and lifeguards are posted in some places but it is advised to keep an eye on the weak swimmers as the currents often change suddenly.

Mengiat  beach at Nusa Dua and Sanur beach areas are nice because there is an offshore reef that keeps heavy surf away from the beach.

 

Kuta Beach

If  it is an activity beach close to all amenities then Kuta beach is the one to head for as there is a wide variety of water activities available from this beach and surfing being one of the primary ones.

Parking is available all the way along the beach front and there are often extra activities and events held along the long wide walk way.

Parking can get cramped and swimming is dangerous for weaker swimmers as the rip curl and under currents are strong along this section of the shore so be aware of this when planning a day at the beach.

Along the beach front there is a wealth of activity from board and sports rental equipment to five star luxury hotels and sandwiches shops.

You can rent a sun bed and umbrella along certain sections of the beach but make sure that you get a good price for them the normal rate is around 50,000 IDR.

On the west cost of the island the resorts of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak are very busy to watch the sun go down.

There are often a wide variety of vendors on the beach offering every thing form a a relaxing massage and pedicure to sellers of beach wear and fresh fruit.

You must be careful along this section of beach as to pick pockets and bag snatches and exercise common sense when swimming and leaving your belongings unattended.

Kuta beach can often become a little crowded in high season and traffic very heavy to get to this part of the island through the bottle neck streets so make sure to leave plenty of time to allow for transit through Kuta and parking.

 

Nusa Dua Beach

The Nusa Dua peninsula is surrounded by some lovely beaches from long golden stretches of palm fringed beaches to more secluded coves at the bottom of cliffs.

Nusa Dua from Geger Temple is known as Mengiat Beach and Geger Beach. The most beautiful blue water, pristine white sand, minimal vendors.

Nusa Dua beach is a wide golden sandy beach stretching some 3 kilo meters from the blow hole and ancient temple at one end to the more secluded cliff at the other end.

As opposed to watching the sun go down on Jimbaran beach why not sip a cocktail and watch the moon rise on Nusa Dua beach or a lovely stroll along in the moon light while the crabs come to life scurrying up and down the beach is a sight not to miss.

Getting here is relatively easy just follow the signs and the surfers via the old wooden bridge and then to the wide flat car park that rolls onto the beach and you are there once you pay the 2000 rupiah to park.

Geger is one of the few beaches at which topless sunbathing is allowed.

There is are toilet facilities and sports hire along this stretch of the beach including hobby cats, canoes, peddle boats, and snorkel equipment.

There are a few beach bars and restaurants where you can get everything from fresh fish and satay to sandwiches and pizzas.

Sun beds and umbrellas are readily available on the beach and cost about 1,500 rupiah, although you will often be asked for more but it is widely acceptable to bargain.

Geger Beach, from Geger Cafe to Geger Temple. This part of the beach is used by seasonal seaweed farmers. At the far end against the hill is the Nusa Dua Beach Cafe, which also has a few rental beach chairs and get a more sheltered day at the beach with the cliff to explore and a shorter paddle out to the reef for the surfers in the party.

The beautiful sands of Mengiat Beach, to the north now has three beach cafes, serving food and beverage, and a currency exchange on the Geger side of the St Regis

It is quieter this side of the beach with fewer bars and activities it makes for a pleasant walk in the evening along to the temple and blow hole to the north.

 

Jimbaran Beach

At Jimbaran you can literally park up at the beach and you are there on the white sand.

It is pretty quiet during early afternoon however the beach springs to life around 4.30 with the restaurants setting up for the evening trade of people watching the sun go down.

The beach is accessible from the many cafes and bars some of which have beach loungers for the day and will allow you to use them free of charge as long as you buy a drink from them.

At the south end of the beach is the Four Seasons, with a private beach club and restaurant.

The beach directly in front of the Four Seasons is rocky and rough, not really suitable for swimming. The beach is more inviting 50 meters away towards the beach BBQ restaurants.

You can get Pizza and ice cream along from the BBQ restaurants and hire body boards and surf boards.

Life guards usually patrol this part of the beach too. It is advisable to bring some form of shoe to wear in the water as the coral washed up makes it difficult sometimes to enter the water.

The barbecue restaurants are great at night for fresh fish, Indonesian style served with local stemed vegetables and boiled rice with an array of different spicy sauces.

During the day the cafes serve drinks and simple Indonesian meals although are now catering more to western taste and you can also get bbq chicken and french fries in some of them.

Some of the big beach hotels groom and cleaned daily the beach in front of the section of their hotel and  provide comfortable chairs and a simple beach cafes.

The beach from the  north to the airport boundary is know as Kedonganan beach and is the the territory of a fishing village, a few fresh fish restaurants, and the local wholesale fish market.

Kedonganan beach is wide and sandy, but as a working beach is not suitable for relaxation. It provides a fascinating site in the morning when the fisherman land their catch and the market is at it is busiest

 

Sanur Beaches

This area is a favorite of many visitors and locals with it is old time feeling it has a seven km paved walkway along the beach front lined with bars restaurants and shops.

This area was one of the first developed tourist areas and is very popular with tourist and residents.

You can find many places renting out bicycles and is an excellent spot to take up an early morning run and walk while watching the sun coming up.

There are plenty of sun beds and places to stop and take a swim as the area has many breakwaters making it safe to swim and enjoy the white tropical sands and clear  blue sea.

A sun bed will cost around 20,000 IDR for the day and you have a choice of bars and restaurants to have a tasty lunch at.

Further along the cost to the Benoa region you will find the Bali yacht club and there is ample parking at this end of the stretch of coast just be careful not to park in the motor bike parking as you will get blocked in by thousands of bikes making it impossible to get out.

 

Benoa Beach Area

Here you will find predominately the sport recreation area and the boats and ferry that takes you to the surrounding islands of  Lombok, Lembongan and the Gilis on one side of the water way and the other home to the many small recreational boats to rent to para-glide, jet ski, dive or a simple banana ride over the crystal blue Indian ocean.

This section of the beach is wide and golden and has a several bars, restaurants and hotels.

This part of the coast runs from the Nusa Dua area and joins the Benoa area in a wide open water way north Nusa Dua beach area that ends eventually at the activity beach at Tanjung Benoa.

Here you can get a trip up the cost to turtle island and see the conservation that takes place of the turtles in Bali who in February are dug up as eggs from Sanur beach and taken to the island to hatch and live out the first months in safety and then released back to the wild in September.

Many of the companies offering the excursions and water sports will also offer a transport service, however parking is simple at the beach side.

The sea here is not really the place you would come to swim as there are many many small speed boats in the water.

 

Seminyak Beach Area

The seminyak area is a great place to go and chill and the beach or enjoy a nice meal while watching the sun go down.

The narrow streets can sometimes get a little crowded at peak times and parking can be difficult so allow time for this.

Stream empties into ocean near Seminyak/Batu Belig. During wet season, the stream is a major river!

Beach around "Kerobokan", but most know the area as Seminyak. Administrative areas on Bali are gerry mandered, so sometimes the official administrative name does not match the place name most visitors are aware of.

 

"Echo Beach" Canggu

Increased in popularity recently due to the vibe from the restaurants built on a cement seawall facing the ocean. Echo beach really isn't suitable as a swimming or relaxation beach, but has a solid reputation as a surf beach.

The beach is a bit rocky and the sand is blackish and the seawall on which the restaurants are built is not attractive. The surfing attracts a crowd of surfers and watchers, and it is enjoyable to watch the action from the seawall while enjoying the cuisine from the The Beach House or other warungs. The road to Echo beach has become very pitted and is in need of improvement.

North side of Echo Beach, a bit rocky however it is a great place to come and watch the sun going down and enjoy the early evening jazz.

This is a little bit off the beaten track and can get busy sometimes when surf is up!

 

Dreamland

This is a white sand beach which is very popular with surfers and  now has a  fully developed  hotel.

The old surf beach is gone, replaced with a 15,000 IDR parking lot. Apparently construction on another hotel, the Raffles is on hold due to the global recession.

However the Dreamlands complex has a great bar and pool over looking the beach and you can access the beach via a stair case descending down from the pool area.

On the beach are a few small warungs and bars offering local refreshments and surf hire, sun beds and umbrellas.

The climb down is a little steep but well worth it once you are on the beach with it is tropical white sand.

 

Balangan Beach

Next to Dreamland is Balangan Beach. Popular with surfers and not as well known as Dreamland. The feeling of this beach is almost Hawaiian.

There are a couple of bungalow style accommodations and most of the surf warungs from Dreamland have moved here. Almost no tourists. Access is a bit of a pain from the Nirmala Store intersection on Jl Uluwatu, but the road is paved.

Padang Padang beach follow on across the bay from Dreamlands and  this little beach is paradise on earth. It is both a surf beach and a great place to swim as it is sheltered by a reef so and ideal spot for the surfers and swimmers.

Parking is at the top of the beach and there is quiet a steep staircase down to the beach but the climb is well worth it.

On the beach there are a few warungs offering refreshments and sun beds and at the top is a pizza restaurant offering takeaways.

The shallow waters are ideal to swim and further out on the reef is a surfers paradise.

 

Bukit Beaches

Kutuh Beach access from the village of  Kutuh in the Bukit area through the rock quarries in center. Seaweed farmers are abundant in this area with it is white sand, privacy, and no tourists and is really different. No accommodations and no tourists. This is way Bali was 50 years ago.

"Green Bowl" accessible from the long stairway at the temple next to the closed Bali Cliff  hotel. Surfer beach, caves at the bottom of the stairs and monkeys living around near here. Great scenery and adventure. No accommodations. Really a surf spot.

 

Amed

This is on the north eastern coast of  Bali, is a great place to both swim (as there is no surf) and snorkel directly from the beach.

Some beaches aren't sand though, they can be coral or pebbles so shoes can be of benefit to get to the water. Amed is approximately a 2-3 hours drive from the south of Bali.

 

Lovina Beach

This beach is a narrow black sand beach with calm water. The beach is lined with a variety of relaxed restaurants. There are very few sun beds on the beach, and the beach is used by fisherman for their jukung.

You can rent a junket to go and see the wild dolphins that live along this section of the cost and it is well worth the early morning call to see the sun rise and watch these magnificent animals play in the wash of the boats.

Most boat owners offer the option to go and have breakfast and then come back to take you oput to the reef to snorkel in the clear blue waters.

The cost of a boat trip is around 50,000- 60,000 IDR per person.

The black sand beaches can feel dirty and the black sand absorbs heat, so its hard and hot on the feet.

Parking is easy at the beach side and access is flat.

However, the views from Lovina beach over to Java are spectacular and it's worth visiting for this reason alone. Lovina is on the northern coast of Bali and is approx a 3 hour drive from Kuta.

 

Candi Dasa

This is an unspoiled tourist spot on the east cost and is about a one and half hour drive from the airport.

Here the beaches are black and the tide very high at times so that the beach disappears.  A large wall has been constructed to combat the encroaching sea and aid the development of tourist attractions.

This is a place to enjoy a very relaxing, peaceful, romantic holiday. The night life is quiet mainly entailing dinning in the fine restaurants or there is a beer garden and rock cafe with the odd live band.

The shopping in this area is limited and you would be better taking a day trip to Kuta or Ubud.

Snorkeling and diving are very popular here as it is a snorkelers dream. You can rent the  equipment from most hotels.

Bali's eastern most port from where the ferry to Lombok leaves three times a day. The trip to Lombok takes about three hours and costs approx. 8000 - 12000 IDR..

Becoming a popular little stop over, Padangbai offers a few warung and losmen style accommodation as well as some fine snorkeling.

 

About the Author

Happy and healthy live forever,

Mata-Bali

Want to find blue teen bedding?

I want to find some blue teen bedding (single duvet and Pillow Case) for a girl, preferably with a surf/beach/swirls theme.

Bed Bath and Beyond carries the Roxy line of bedding.
JCP.com is another place with a good selection of bedding.

Kids Elizabeth Princess

One way to instill Godly principles in your children is to read them Christian books from an early age. Even babies and toddlers benefit from hearing God's truth on a daily basis, and colorful picture books are a great way to expose them to biblical principles.

As editor of Christian Children's Book Review, I see a lot of books published for children of Christian families. Some are ho-hum at best, but here are a few gems that no family should be without.

Adeline by Kathryn Rathke. In this delightful tale, a little girl who loves Valentine's Day learns a lesson about the ultimate Valentine: God. For kids 4 and up. (Baker Books, 2004)

Bible Animal Friends by Matt Mitter. With vivid illustrations, googly eyed animals, and rhyming text reminiscent of well-loved nursery rhymes, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers will love this volume. This book is a great way to start introducing Bible stories like Balaam and his donkey, the Egyptian plague, how ravens fed Elijah, and more. (Multnomah, 2007)

Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers by Joey Allen. This is actually a series of four books: The Scripture, The Gospel, The Trinity, and The Mission. Here is intelligent talk about what the Bible and specific Christian tenants are, explained in a way that young children (ages 3 to 7) can understand-and enjoy. (New Leaf Press, 2005)

God's Wisdom for Little Girls by Elizabeth George. If you have a girl, one of the key things you can teach her is what a Proverbs 31 woman is. George does an excellent job of explaining this important passage to 5 to 8 year old girls. (Harvest House Publishers, 2000)

I Can Talk with God by Debby Anderson. When it comes time to teach your children how to pray, this book is an excellent tool. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the truths of how to pray (and how God might answer) are told in an engaging, fun way. For kids 2 to 5. (Crossway Books, 2003)

I'd Be Your Hero and I'd Be Your Princess by Kathryn O'Brien. For children 4 to 8 years old, these books (one designed for boys, the other for girls) explain Godly characteristics and how important they are. I'd Be Your Princess won the Gold Medallion Book Award in recognition of excellence in evangelical Christian literature. (Standard, 2004 and 2005)

Little Girl's Bible Storybook and Little Boy's Bible Storybook by Carolyn Larsen are excellent choices for kids 6 to 9. Each tells Bible stories in an appealing fashion, and there are study sections throughout to help kids understand important biblical concepts. Best of all, there are ideas for parents on how to discuss these concepts with their children. (Baker Books, 1998)

Little One, God Made You by Amy Warren Hilliker. I began reading this book to my daughter when she was an infant. Now she's two, and she still loves it! The text is extremely simple and establishes one important fact: God made you and loves you just the way you are. For children 4 and under. (Zonderkidz, 2004)

Little One's Bible Verses by Stephen Elkins is a superb way to introduce even the youngest babies to God's word. With sweet illustrations of children and babies, plus notable quotes from Psalms, this is an excellent first "Bible." (Broadman & Holman, 2003)

Parables Jesus Told by Ella K. Lindvall. In simple words and colorful images, this book retells five parables, ending each with a brief explanation of how to apply the story to real life. The book is designed for 4 to 8 year olds, but many younger children will enjoy it, too. (Moody Publishers, 2000) Sidney and Norman, the Tale of Two Pigs by Phil Vischer. Pigs Sidney and Norman are opposites. One is messy, the other neat. One seems to always succeed, the other never does. Then they both meet God. One pig learns that God loves him just the way he is, while the other learns that God loves everyone...even messy neighbors. (Tommy Nelson, 2006)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones is an ideal Bible for kids 4 to 8, detailing 43 stories from Genesis through Revelation. Each story in some way relates to Jesus and who he is, giving children the big picture of what God is all about. The text is engaging, as are the illustrations. (Zonderkidz, 2007)

The Lord is My Shepherd by Hans Wilhem. The greatness of this book is its simplicity. The text of Psalm 23-one of the most beautiful and comforting passages in the Bible-is paraphrased in kid-friendly language that clings closely to a modern translation. This book is another great way to introduce even the youngest children to the Word of God. For babies on up. (Scholastic, 2007)

Wait Until Then by Randy Alcorn. Any parent who wants to explain what happens to us when we die, how to deal with the death of a loved one, and how to cope with serious disappointment will want to read this book with their child. Beautifully written and illustrated, for kids 9 to 12. (Tyndale, 2007)

Will: God's Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh. Very few Christian books are targeted specifically to boys, so Will is a welcome addition. For 4 to 8 year olds, this book teaches children about the armor of God in a kid-friendly way. (Thomas Nelson, 2006)

Kristina Seleshanko is the editor of Christian Children's Book Review (http://www.ccbreview.blogspot.com), which won two Litty Awards in 2007 (Best Christian Litblogger and Best KidLit Litblogger). She's also the author of 16 books.

What do you name your baby after?

I always wanted to name my kids after royalty (it has that important, graceful sort of sound to the names), but people seem to think you should name babies after someone important to you, like your grandmother or someone.

I haven't ever been very "close" to someone, and the people I am reasonably close to, I don't like their names.

Would it be okay for me to name my children after Elizabeth I of England, Princess Grace, William I, and Alexander the Great? Kind of an overdose, I know, but I like it.
Lol... I never planned to add the "princess" or "queen" to them in reality. :]

I think it's cool, actually. Much nicer than fake princess names! I'm including a link to an article about that. It's mostly about the fake princess names, but there is a list of the names most commonly used by queens and princesses. I especially adore Eleanor, Jane, Matilda, and Antonia.

Twin Quilt Kid

Something I Said -- Nikki Giovanni, Country Of Lies Needs The Truth

Something I Said
Dwight Hobbes
Insight News archives
February 17, 2007

Anyone Black with a lick of sense honors our heritage the year ‘round and certainly doesn't wait for February to be serious about it. However, there is this to be said for Black History Month: White institutions that don't give a tinker's damn about us the rest of the time will put on the dog to show just how much they admire our political, social and cultural reality.

Accordingly, they will dive into deep pockets to sponsor events that ordinarily wouldn't happen. So, the public has the privilege seeing someone of such consequence as enduring icon Nikki Giovanni come to the Twin Cities.

Giovanni vaulted to national prominence in the early ‘70s when "A Dialogue: James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni" aired coast to coast over PBS television. She has been a revered literary figure ever since, and a firebrand figure of outspoken autonomy and inspiration to young women of all colors. She has written more than two dozen books, including volumes of poetry, children's books and collected essays. Titles include: Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgment, and Re:Creation, Those Who Ride the Night Winds, Blues: For All the Changes, Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea: Poems and Not Quite Poems and most recently, Acolytes, published in January by HarperCollins and On My Journey Now, published this month by Candlewick Press. Among her countless accolades are the Langston Hughes Award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters and the NAACP Image Award for Literature. Magazines from Essence and Mademoiselle to Ladies Home Journal have hailed her as Woman of the Year.

Presently, Giovanni is professor of English and the Gloria D. Smith Professor of Black Studies at Virginia Tech University. And she is in town February 28, delivering "Truth-Telling and the Need for Poetry," a speaking engagement to highlight the University of Minnesota's Black History Month and Women's History Month celebration at Ted Mann Concert Hall. It is sold out.

Nikki Giovanni's message at the address is, as she told Insight News, "We obviously need the truth. We're living in a country of lies."
Such straight talk has long been the articulate author's stock and trade. After all, writing historically is a vehicle for her grassroots activism, with her earliest poetry being informed by such Civil Rights Era struggles as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's crusade of protest and civil disobedience, and the Black Power Movement, which gave rise to such voices as Malcolm X, Stokley Carmichael and H. Rap Brown, along with the legendary agent for social change, the Black Panther Party.

Poetry not being quite a run of the mill means of personal expression, Giovanni speaks to why the medium is problematic for some: "Most people know the power and beauty of poetry. What happens a lot of times is that it gets taught poorly. Instead of reading a poem and [enjoying] how it makes you feel, many [instructors] say, ‘What do you think the poet meant?' When in fact the poet meant what the poet said." She goes on to add, "I like [today's] kids, by the way. Spoken Word is just huge. The Hip-Hop generation has taken poetry and made not just a telegraph out of it. It tells the truth. It tells the news. It has given them a way of communicating. It's wonderful what kids have done with poetry. We didn't used to have rich poets until Hip-Hop."

Among the current wordsmiths, she has praise for Queen Latifah and Zane. "These youngsters came through, I think it's fair to say, the doors that we opened." "We," of course, encompasses the likes of Giovanni, Amiri Baraka, Sonja Sanchez, Ntozake Shange and a roster of voices who themselves passed through a portal made possible by the groundbreaking Black Arts Movement. "They were able to do so much, once they got inside. This is good. It shows the creativity of Black Americans. And it shows, whatever you've got, you can do something with it."

In terms of the empowering cultural impetus, where do we go from here? "That I don't know. I'm not much of a prophet. It's been very gratifying to see the youngsters come through. I was just pleased as punch to see Kanye West on the cover of Time magazine. What's the future? I would imagine more of the same. I do know the planet is in need of the creativity of Black Americans. And we are up to that challenge. As we go forward, the Black experience will add more impact."

Far from subscribing to an ivory-tower aesthetic, she states that the art form is for everyone to enjoy and practice. "I think everybody sort of sneaks and writes poetry. My mother used to sneak and write poetry. And she wrote songs. But I don't think it was anything she was going to do anything with. Probably, most of us are ‘sneak poets.' The reality is, we all add our little bit of beauty, don't we?"

With regard to the layperson and professional alike, she reflects that "An artist has to follow his own or her own muse. It's his responsibility." In accord with the ‘a-hero-ain't-nothin'-but-a-sandwich' school of thought, Nikki Giovanni sums up, "An expression I really dislike — you're not a role model. You're an artist. What you have to be careful about is not being pushed into something you can't do. I'm a poet. My job is to [do that] and to have good manners and have good sense. I don't have to run for president. I don't have to find a cure for cancer. I should just write poetry and continue to grow from that. When we look from 1619 to 2007, the Black experience has been constant growth."

About the Author

Coming: "Angels Don't Really Fly" EP by Dwight Hobbes & The All-Star Hired Guns featuring Alicia Wiley. The crew: Me, Alicia Wiley, Stanley Kipper, Chico Perez, Jeff "Boday" Christensen, Aaron "Orange A.C." Cosgrove, and Yohannes Tona. Singer-songwriter Dwight Hobbes recorded the single "Atlanta Children" (BeatBad Records) and gigged 10 years in the Long Island/NYC area, including The Other End, Kenny's Castaways and My Fathers Place. Fronted the Boston blues band Midlight. In Minneapolis, Hobbes opened for David Daniels at First Street Entry, James Curry at Terminal Bar, sat in with Yohannes Tona, Alicia Wiley at Sol Testimony's Soul Jam, The New Congress at Babalu, Willie Murphy at the Viking Bar and Wain McFarlane & Jahz at Lucille's Kitchen. Dwight Hobbes still drops in at the occasional open mic around town. Dwight Hobbes has written for ESSENCE, Reader's Digest, Washington Post, Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, City Pages, Mpls/St. Paul, MN Law & Politics, Pulse of the Twin Cities, Twin Cities Daily Planet, Women & Word, San Diego Union-Tribune, The Circle, to Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (where he contributes the commentary columns Hobbes In The House and Something I Said. He's spoken his mind over National Public Radio, Minnesota Public Radio and KMOJ in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Was regularly featured as guest commentator on NewsNight Minnesota (KTCA-Minneapolis/St. Paul) and Spectator (Minneapolis Television Network). His monthly column "Hobbes In The House" in MN Spokesman Recorder comments on domestic abuse and rape. His plays are Shelter - produced at Mixed Blood Theatre by Pangea World Theater, Dues - produced by Mixed Blood Theatre, University of Southern Illinois in Point of Revue, selected for Bedlam Theatre's 10-Minute Play Festival and published by Playscripts, Inc. You Can't Always Sometimes Never Tell - produced by Theater Center Philadelphia, Long Island University, reading at The Kennedy Center and published in the anthology CENTER STAGE, In the Midst - produced by Long Island University, starring Samuel E. Wright. Hobbes spoke on the panel "Farewell To August Wilson" at the Guthrie Theater, broadcast on Conversations With Al McFarlane (KFAI, KMOJ). Twin Cities Daily Planet articles archived at www.tcdailyplanet.net/dwighthobbes

What size should the blanket be for a toddler's bed?

I want to sew a blanket/quilt for my nephew who is almost 18 months old. I thought it would be best if I made it the right size for his next bed (instead of his crib, since his parents are talking about having another kid), which would probably be a toddler's bed (or a twin - I don't have kids, and I'm not really sure how this all goes). What size (dimensions, in inches) would that be approximately? I want to make something that is cute and fun but also useful. Granted, whatever I make can always be used anywhere else and blanket sizes are pretty forgiving, but if I were to do this right, what size would it be? Thanks!

When my 8 year old daughter was younger and just moved to a Twin Size Bed, she didn't like her Twin Size Quilt. She said it's too heavy and she can't move under it. And even now, she still uses a quilt that doesn't cover her whole bed, but covers her perfectly. It is about 43" wide and 60" long. I would consider it a lap quilt (something that was made for an adult to snuggle on the couch with).

You might consider making something in this in-between size that your nephew can use no matter what size his bed is.

I need a Fire Truck bed tent for Twin Bed?

I have a son who is going to be 3 in june and he loves Fire Trucks. I would really like a fire truck bed tent for a twin bed. Does anyone know where can I can get one?

Lillian Vernon used to have them, but they don't anymore -- all they have left is the "girls" version, a mansion bed-tent. Perhaps you could find it at one of their outlet stores, or, as others have mentioned, on e-bay? Or, since the mansion bed-tent is on sale for ten bucks, you could order it and use dye or fabric paint. That way, you wouldn't have to create the frame yourself.

Good luck; I'm sure whatever you come up with, your son will love it.

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