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Charity Jones here again, your trollop muse continues her memoirs In my last sojourn I described to you the method in which, Faith, Hope and myself managed to regain our honour roll positions without having to study even once. As you might have guessed from the other chapters in this long saga it might have involved with a cock in me.
Tyla wynn in white boots doing her job notdear readers, you are absolutely right Big tits and blonde hair will get you far in school I discovered with my popularity, but triple teaming your teachers with a pile of nubile teen flesh will almost always succeed. We were now fucking Mr Halston ( from our last chapter) the English teacher, Mr Kowalski from the Math department and Mr Chow for Chemistry.
All we asked for this rotation of spunking in teen twat were straight A's on our report cards. They were quite agreeable to it. None of them of course knew about the others, each had to feel like they were the masters of the universe. Men fucking around behind their wives always need to feel this waythe male ego is such a fragile thing. That's why I prefer single men who like to fuck a lot, they're using us and we're suing them.
Leave the emotional clinginess with your wives or girlfriends We also slowed down our other exploits, but not to the point I still wasn't getting laid regularly. It was down to 3 to 4 times a week as opposed to every single day. I was catching up on homework in classes I didn't have trouble with, my energy for cheerleading was back to normal, and I wasn't so cranky around Chet my boyfriend anymore.
Momma had to explain it to me that women often go through a " slut" stage when they first discover their sexuality. It can happen at any age and not just because I was a virgin just a little over half a year ago. She told me eventualy people settle down and either move past it, or move on to quality more then quantity.
I had to agree with her, I cleaved to the partners and experiences I loved and avoided just random screwing around. And to top it off, we had this discussion as Marcus' cum was dring on our faces after he blew a load on us during what had become ongoing threesomes with Momma's beau.
My wonderful boyfriend Chet was unaware of our reverse-gangbangs of teachers and I had no intention on telling him. Yes, Chet the high-school teen dream was my secret cuckold, but fucking the teachers was more like business to me then the fun I normally made Chet lick out of me. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the sex, I just recognized this as prostitution plain and simple, thankfully it was done with respect Of all the teachers we were fucking individually one or twice a month after school, Mr Halston was our favourite.
He had the most stamina, the biggest cock and could eat pussy like a lesbian. We had never met a lesbian, but we knew he was better then us at it, and we were gals that loved monica sage in sis loves me on valentines day diving.
That and Hope and I would make him recite sonnets when he was fucking us. doggy style But all good things come to an end and it was late in the year when it did.
And it did cum in our ends, but that's getting ahead of ourselves at the moment. It was the beginning of May and this was to be the last time we fucked a teacher this year, so we saved our favourite Mr Halston for last.
He would give us this final grade and then we were on our own for the end of year exams.We were studying solidly for those, so I was safe we could maintain an A average, at worst slip to a B+ We were in a semicircle as a last gift to him we were letting him give us a facial all over our teen faces.
He was spunking his load on our faces, Hope the cum whore trying to hog it all when the Apocalypse burst through the classroom door. We all turned our heads to the allegedly locked door and I got spunk in my eye as a result. It burns like a bitch I tell you. Standing there was the woman everyone in school affectionately called " The Dragon Lady", Vice-Principal Gordon. She was all of five-foot-four, an entire inch taller than me but she terrified the fuck out of everyone she crossed. Our hears sank immediately into the floor.
And Mr Halstons spunk machine instantly became a limp noodle. She had short cropped steel grey hair, piercing blue eyes and strong Germanic features. The running joke was that she was Nazi super soldier which wasn't put into production at the end of the Second World War, but she was still scary. She always dressed severely too, alexis may and teen friend bukkake facials horn rimmed glasses, even sharper pressed dress-suits all in gunship grays or in black.
This was little different except she was in her Nazi leather long coat this time. Bitch "Mr Halston, stand by the door"she hissed at our teacher. He was white as a ghost and trembled quickly through getting dressed, shooting scared looks at us and her. Images of divorce papers, termination notices and a long prison sentence dancing in his head no doubt.
I decided to play up a long lost skill I developed on my good for nothing father that always worked. I opened my eyes wide and trembled my lip deliberately, my best wounded Bambi look that always melted adults into being wrapped around my finger " Vice-Principal Gordon, I can explain---", I said in my best little girl voice " Save it slut", she barked at me That took me by surprise. I had been called slut by a woman before, but usually only after her and I had swapped cum or I had eaten a load of jizz from out of her ass.
That was playful, this was mean. She was out for blood.I gulped deeply and audibly. Faith was getting to her feet, her hot Maman francaise cougar aux gros seins sodomisee par un jeune technicien blood flowing at her friend being insulted; but Vice Principal Gordon shot her a look that would freeze a bullet in mid flight.
Hope just covered her face in her hands, hating any kind of intense confrontation. " For the last 4 months you three little hussies have been treating this fine school as your own personal whorehouse"she said starting to pace in front of us She continued as she slowly marched" Sucking boys off behind the bleachers, screwing in the parking lot, running trains by the football team in the construction site, and now this trading your teenage whore ass to teachers for grades" This was not good, in fact it was horrible.
She knew everything we had been up to at school this year. Stupid boys just had to brag didn't they, at least that has always been my suspicion between now and then. In any case, our jig was finally up it seemed. " I should expel the three of you right on the spot", suspended slaves breast whipping and hardcore bondage of extreme mature painslut tube porn she hissed " Oh god no", Hope whimpered behind her hands " And fire your pedophile ass on the spot," she snarled at Mr Halston.
" Please Vice Principal, don't expel us", I began crying " And just why shouldn't I, you blonde bimbo?" Just as I was about to burst into a flood of tears at the thought of being a teenage dropout, Faith's business sense jumped in the way of that oncoming train " Please Vice Principal Gordon, is there anything we can do to make this up?"Faith tried desperately looking for an angle 'So, you vant to make a deal, ja?" our Vice Principal said, her German accent finally coming out Great, the stories were right, she was a Nazi super soldier.
"Yes ma'am", I said choking back tears, " we'll do anything you want." Our Aryan super-soldier Vice Principal stopped pacing and turned and stepped up to me. She took me gently by the chin and tilted my head up to hers and to lock on me with her cold steel eyes.
" Anything?", she said with just the hint of malice I forced back the oncoming tears, " Anything." " Gut. Very very gut.", she smiled lesbea filipino spreads teen open in horny at me with the taste of evil and let go of my head. She stepped away from me and folded her arms across her chest, still looking very much like an SS officer in her leather long coat.
" On your feet tramps and bend over your teachers desk" she told us We nervously looked at each other, trying to figure out with one another what was going to happen next. Even Hope had taken her hands off her face now. Her eyes were reddened and she looked even more scared than how I felt. " Now!", Vice Principal Gordon commanded in a tone we had never heard before We obediently got up and turned around and bent over Mr Halston's nearby desk.
I was in the middlewith Faith and Hope on my left and right respectively. We looked nervously at each other and I bit my lip as I tend to. To be fair, Faith was more angry then scared, you could tell by her gritted teeth.
I don't think Faith has ever been scared of anyone. We heard her clop up behind us, probably in Nazi boots I figured.
I looked back over my shoulder for a second, to see what she was up to. " Eyes forward bitch!", she snarled " Yes ma'am!", I replied looking forward " Eyes forward until I say otherwise, do you three sluts understand?" " Yes ma'am", the three of us murmured meekly.
That was when I felt something hard and flat and cool being dragged across my naked ass cheeks. Jesus H Christ! She had a god damned paddle!
This was just getting worse and worse. It was a girls in prison movie come to life " Louder tramps!" " Yes ma'am", the three of us said keeping our eyes now locked onto the blackboard and some truly inane notes on Shakespeare who had been 400 years too late to save us now.She continued walking behind us gently dragging her paddle across our bare buttocks as she paced up and down behind us. " Very gut. Very gut indeed" She stopped behind me and I felt her hand grip my ass, my head moving up in surpise, but still not turning around.
She then did the same to the other two cohorts of mine. It was if she was inspecting meat, which was what I was truly beginning to think I was under her eyes. " Such wonderful teen arsche, all the fucking and sucking, ja?" She clearly was seeking an answer from us because suddenly there was a whooshing and the paddle came firmly down on my backside and I let out a yelp. It took only seconds but I heard the woosh and smack on flesh as our Nazi vice-principal treated Faith and Hope to the same damn treatment.
And they both let out their own respective screeches. "Answer me!", she commanded " Yes ma'am!", we cried out. " Gut huren" I didn't know what 'huren' meant, but I was pretty sure I didn't like it " Every time I ask you a question, you vill answer it, understand huren? " Yes ma'am" we answered, Hope and I were crying again at this point " And just to show you I am serious" And down came the paddle firmly on my other butt cheek.
I felt as though my ass must be glowing as red as an ember by this point. My redheaded friend and goth compatriot received the same treatment. The worst part was that she didn't stop.
Our Vice Delicious bbw xxx mom boy ebony threesome porn really went to town with her wooden board. She swung hard and mercilessly on our bent over derrieres. It was hard and rapid on us all. These weren't little love taps.She was full on walloping our asses with steady swings.All three of us were crying at the sheer abuse that our gluteous mazimus' were receiving. " Ms. Gordon, is this really necessary?", Halston meekly tried speaking up.
Vice Principal Gordon stopped her hammering of our butts long enough to wave the paddle at him. " You have three options Mr Halston; tender your resignation, keep your mouth shut, or bend over and wait your turn", she said in a tone that tolerated no questioning.
Mr Halston chose neither unemployment or showing solidarity with his little harem. To be fair, if I was given his options he did, I easily would have chosen silence as well. " Tyrone, would you please come in and secure young Ms Jones", the Nazi said seemily sated from beating famous half asian camgirl live toy show pussyfuck and myfreecam bums. I heard the door open and whom I assumed was Tyrone the school custodian enter the room.
I didn't dare turn my head and look, fearing another round of paddling. Nor did I attempt to even to look in any direction other then forward. I could hear Faith and Hope whimpering to either side of me. As Tyrone stepped in front of me, Faith and Hope were pulled back and off the desk by their hair, both screeched and were pulled away by Vice Principal Gordon. Tyrone bent down in front of me, and I tried imploring the old black janitor with my eyes to not do what he did next. He took my hands and bound them together behind my back at the wrists.
Faith and Hope were forced to their knees just to the side where Mr Halston stood in the corner. Their eyes were red from tearsHope's makeup was making her look like a racoon. Old Tyrone took some more lengths of rope from his coveralls and tied Hope and Faith's hands behind them as well. That's when Vice Principal Gordon took of her long coat and stepped in front of me. I knew I was in shit when I saw what she was wearing under her " Nazi uniform " it was worse, far worse.
She was in a black leather bustier, thigh high leather boots and covering her crotch was a thick long black strap-on she had strapped to her leg. " Now all you little huren are going to see vhat ve do with sluts in my school", she said slapping my face with her *cock* a couple times She gripped Faith by he hair and pulled her away to around behind me.
" Come my rothaarige huren, you must get me prepared ", she said dragging Faith behind me In moments I heard gagging sounds right behind me, familiar ones too. It was the distinctive sounds of Faith being facefucked, I had heard it in enough group scenes over the last near year with her to recognize it when I heard it.
" Tyrone, stick your big drecksneger cock down Charity's throat", Vice Principal Gordon said offhandedly. " With pleasure ma'am", the old man smile It took all of a couple seconds for the old man to unzip his coveralls.
For an old guy he sure was packing a lot of meat. Not that I had a chance to check it out very long as Tyrone very quickly shoved his tool into my mouth.
He gripped the back of my head and without any further aplomb proceeded to fuck my mouth as thought it were just another hole for him. I tried salivating a bit so that he wouldn't choke me completely and could lube him bukkake festival 4 14 japanese uncensored bukkake tube porn, and as I did so I heard Vice Principal behind me " That's good enough for now slut, and young Ms Jenkins, start sucking your teachers cock like the slut you are" I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw where Hope was kneeling by Mr Halston.
She tearfully and obediently opened her mouth and Mr Halston reluctantly pulled out his limp dick and fed it to Hope. That's when I felt someone's face pressed to my crotch from behind, like they were literally having my face showed into my back side. " Start licking your whore-sister's arsche and fotze, " she commanded Faith And lick my " arsche" and " fotze" she did. Luckily we had been in this position before many times already and she knew how to reach my spots even from a forced angle.
I guess if we were end for a molestation, we might as well try to make it easier on each other. She slurped her way up and down, tonguing my clean bunghole too as instructed. Her face was pushed further down and then I felt a big dollop of sit drop onto my backdoor.
In a couple seconds later I could feel the head of the fat black latex strap-on pressed against my anus.Vice Principal gave out a short laugh and without anything remotely resembling gentleness, showed her *dick* into me. I all but howled in anguish as she anallly ravaged me, but I couldn't do anything but make choked gurgling sounds around Old Tyrone's big black cock in my mouth.
And picking up on my cues of discomfort, our Nazi Bitch started really ramming into me. As VP Gordon anally punished me, Old Tyrone had gripped me by the back of the head and was thrusting his big black dick further and further down my throat. I couldn't do anything to resist or set my own pace.
Tyrone barely gave a shit if I could breath, maybe pulling out enough for me to gasp a breath every 30 seconds or so. Drool was pooling down my chin and dripping onto the floor, it was so bad I had not dribbling out of my nose. The worst part was the despite my throat ravishing, I'm also a big anal slut. The anal ramming I was getting, though incredibly painful was stretching my nerves right out, coupled with Faith's licking of my twat and occasional clit tonguings ( you try doing better from that angle), I was well long island in new york hotel arizona girl girl gangbang my way too cumming I tried holding it back, but my legs started trembling the way they often do when I climax, and VP Gordon took noticed.
She leaned over on top of me, pressing her body weight into me. She grabbed my hair in one handful and twisted a hard nipple of mine in the other. " Cum for me you little whore", she barked in my ear. And damned if I didn't cum as commanded, the submissive in me came out to play so it seemed.
I had never been dominated before, and this was far from consensual, but I couldn't help but get off on it. And just as I was finished cumming, I could feel Old Tyrone's shaft beging to expand in me.
" Keep his cum in your mouth huren" she ordered He dumped volley after volley into my mouth, and had to fight my urge to swallow as I usually do Nazi Bitch laughed at my spunk humiliation and then wrenched her *cock* out of me. I felt like s he had been ramming a long in me without any lube. My ass hurt like it was on fire. She gripped by hair and pulled me off the desk. She pulled me across the room and dumped me down beside Hope.
She then pulled Hope away from sucking Mr Halston's dick. She actually whimpered a bit at that too being the oral fiend she is.
Nazi Bitch then pulled her to where over to where Faith was kneeling at the edge of the desk. She then gripped Faith and pushed her over the desk and placed Hope between her legs where Faith had been eating me " Mr Halston, fuck her throat and cum all her slutty face when you're done" Mr Halston began pushing his dick between Hope's lips, but I was soon obscured by Old Tyrone who was now shoving his half hard dick between my tits.
The dirty old bastard would spit between my tits and occasionally stroke himself for lube. " I said FUCK her throat Mr Halston, or do you not want a job come Monday morning" With that I started hearing the sick gagging sounds again that I must have been making myself. Moments later I could hear the muffled screaming of Faith as what I can only assume was VP Gordon also mercilessly fucking her ass.
Eventually Tyrone got fully hard againbut kept spitting between my tits for lube. He pulled hy head back and fucked my big tits and looked over at the show. Ignoring me was the worst part of that humiliation Mr Halston came in Faith's mouth, and we were all swapped out again by VP Gordons hands dragging us by the hair.
I found myself buried deep in Hopes ass and pussy as the Nazi Bitch ruthlessly fucked her rectum for all she was worth. All the whilst the now hard again Old Tyrone was face fucking Hope just as mercilessly. Eventually Tyrone blew another load this time in Hope's mouth, which must have been a night mare for a self professed cum junkie like her ,and VP Gordon pulled out.
She pulled the busty goth off of the table.She positioned us side by side each other facing her. My ass was on fire and I knew sitting down was going to be a bitch tonight let alone the rest of the skinny blonde girl twerks and masturbates on cam Gordon then ordered as kneeling girls to spit our cum loads on each others faces.
I was ordered first to spit on Hope, when I demurely shook my head the Nazi Bitch picked up the paddle off the floor I looked at Hope with an apologetic eyebrow curl and spit the cum right in her face, it was pretty nasty. Then Hope spit in Faith's face, and then Faith grudgingly spit her cumload in my face. It was humiliating being ordered and objectified like this. And VP Gordon just couldn't stop laughing.
She dismissed Mr Halston first and straightened herself out, neatening her hair and tying her strap-on back down to the inside of her thigh. Tyrone then went on to bring his cart in and claean up the desk and the spit and cum from the floor like he was doing an everyday job. " I expect to see you three every Friday night after school untill the end of the year to continue your punishment, if you don't you're expelled." She truend away from us and walked away as if we didn't exist.
We quietly cleaned up and put our clothes back on and left school. Outside it was already dark, it was close to 9 by the time she had finished all but raping us and we made our way painfully back to my place. We soldiered down the road leaning on each other. My nipples ached and burned from the twisting.
My ass cheeks felt like they were on fire from the paddling. And I felt like someone had stuck a telephone up my ass. We staggered our way back to my home having already planned on crashing there anyways. As we wandered into the trailer park we noticed a couple familiar cars drive out.
" Shit, the gangbang…", Faith sighed out. We were supposed to meet the football boys at 6 for our monthly party, but we obviously couldn't make it due to our punishment at the hands of the Nazi Bitch. They obviously had come looking for us. As we walked up to the little patio of the double wide Momma and I shared, a couple of the boys from the team stepped out in very good spirits.
" Hey, looks the party is about to start again", one of the teen boys said We hobbled up the stairs past the boys and were about to kinky girlfriend gets her anal railed while being filmed, feeling like we should break the news we couldn't fuck tonight inside. But then the second asshole spanked me on the ass.
SONOFABITCH that hurt!!!! " Asshole!"I exclaimed turning on him. Faith then pushed him down the stairs summoning a bit of energy just to do that, and we trundled inside " What a bitch, at least her mom was fun to party with.", the frst guy said picking up his friend I didn't have to mull what the meant long, as soon we entered the living room I could figure that out.
Momma was laying face down on an air mattress she used for acts at the Zebra Club. Her face was down but her ass was up in the air. The smell of sweat, sexspunk and beer filled the apartment. Beer cans were all around the floor. The big titted tramp of a mother of mine was snoring happily having been fucked and alcoholised into unconsciousness. What sucked for me was that she was wearing my chearleed top scrunched above hard force sex licking water boobs.
I'm a 32DDD, but Momma was a 36G… that top was ruined to shit, with cum and beer stains on it. We collapsed on the couch and I poked at Momma with my foot to wake her up. We fished a beer out the nearby cooler and drank in silence. Okay, Hope got behind Momma and ate the cum dripping out her first, but then she joined us on the couch for silent grumbly musings.
Fortunately there was only a few weeks left in the school year, but those weeks sucked and sucked bad. Every Friday after school we got our asses wrecked by the Nazi Bitch with Old Tyrone and Mr Halston doing the facefucking.
We'd stagger back home, but then we'd be no good for sex like our adventures usually were on a Friday. And god knows there was no anal until Monday because of that anal molestation. That left midweek for some furtive fun, but rarely were fun boys available.
We were pissed off at the guys fucking Momma and not waiting for us, so we punished them by not giving them a last party before the big game at the end of the year. Which we then naturally lost.
The following last weekend of school blonde hottie gets fucked hard in the park for cash pornstar outdoor my 17th birthday, and Momma had already picked out 6 guys to service me.
But come the night in question my period struck with a vengance. In short a shitty end to an otherwise great school year I had the summer to come to look forward to, three months away from the Nazi Bitch, no more cheerleading practise, no more homework And I had two great best friends now I planned to get even with Nazi Bitch one day, but at least I could take some time off for me again I guess I'll have to tell you about my 17th summer, but this is a good place to end this part of the story END OF FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY


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Textile designer Erja Hirvi has worked for Marimekko since 1995, mainly designing printed patterns. Her understated and often playful patterns have appeared on Marimekko fabrics and other interior decoration products as well as clothing and bags.
Erja Hirvi, how did you become a textile designer?
I first studied weaving and my teacher suggested that I apply for entry into the University of Art and Design Helsinki. I was happy to find the right school. Before that, I even considered becoming an actress.
Where do you get your ideas for your fabrics?
I'm inspired by nature as a whole, all that it contains and brings forth. On the other hand, the idea for a pattern can come from almost anything. If you keep your eyes open and slip into "designer mode", you can see ideas everywhere. I may even stare at empty windows and spaces and imagine a certain type of fabric for them.
What are the stages of the design process?
The transition from idea to realisation is actually the most difficult part, because I often find it hard to start drawing. I usually sketch with a felt pen or a pencil and ink; then I draw a draft image that I colour with ink or gouache. I copy themes or motifs, placing them in different compositions and scales. Finally, I paint the original, which is then scanned. And then I go on to the colours.
Do you have a special place where you prefer to work?
My own studio and its big, white, empty table. It invites drawing. It is important to have a so-called working environment. I sometimes work at home, but it doesn't suit me as well.
How would you describe your style as a designer?
Reduced, naïve and playful. I don't design any particularly painterly patterns.
What is the most important quality of a designer?
There are many important qualities. A good combination is humility and judgement merged with playfulness and an open mind.
What are the best uses for your fabric designs?
I like variety and imagination in the use of textiles. In other words, they are best suited to what the user has is mind.
What's it like to design for Marimekko?
It is rewarding, though quite hurried at times. It's a fine experience to work for a company that does not follow the mainstream and has the courage to take risks. Otherwise, nothing new would ever be created.
What's the best, the most important thing about your work?
The fact that it provides personal pleasure and may possibly bring joy to other people as well. Colours are especially important for me, and it is just as exciting each time to see the first print of a new fabric.
How would you describe yourself?
I am easily enthused, though I'm quite sceptical. I'm a rationalist with the mind of a child.
What do you dream about?
I dream of gardens, holiday cottages, the seashore… The scent of flowers is a thing that has completely enraptured me recently. Flowers in general are astounding and extremely beautiful things.
Below are some Erja Hirvi's designs – Browse even more of Erja Hirvi designs at AlwaysMod.

subset: commoncrawl


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In the Saratov region, a criminal case was opened into the wounding of an official during the shooting of stray animals.
The incident occurred in August. The chairman of a local association of hunters and fishermen said he and the victim, reportedly the head of the district administration Alexey Vorobyov, went to attend the scheduled culling of stray dogs and cats. Vorobyov stepped from the car in the direction of the forest. At this moment, the chairman of the association of hunters saw a stray dog running by. He pulled out a shotgun and shot at the animal, wounding Vorobyov in the stomach.
As long as the shooter was performing their professional duties, he faces up to a year in prison. Some reports say that the two officials were poaching wild boar.
There is a group of hawks led by Pompeo, who do not want to leave the Middle East. Barack Obama promised to cut the military contingent in Afghanistan and even began to reduce it. He cut it to 12,000


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Flicking through one of the last issues of 2011 of the American weekly Time, I found this picture. Does it remind you of anything?
In light of the latest developments in the relationship between Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy, it's more appropriate than ever.
If I understand correctly, Mrs. Merkel – after many years of frosty relations between Germany and France – is actually thinking of backing Mr. Sarkozy's candidacy for re-election in the upcoming French presidential elections.
Philosophy. Tags: Angela Merkel, France, French presidential elections, Germany, hate, institutional campaign, love, Nicolas Sarkozy, politics, Time, UnHate


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Ladies! Here's a quick post on how you can dress up your hair without a hairdresser 😉
Hair Bows are a pair of accessories that are evergreen & completely satisfy the feminine side of you ❤
Bows can be worn whatever the season or the occasion! Hair bows especially are a very versatile hair accessory as you can place them around different parts of the head for different looks. Here's how I sported the hair bows during my travel.
Don't you think you can sport a hair bow at any time of the day? I think I even wore a Hair bow to a party 😉 Yes I did! (Sorry can't find that picture though)
Everyone has bad hair days right? So the best way to stop fretting is to just pull out accessories & fashionably carry on with that bad hair (which actually won't even seem so bad anymore)
I love my hair & love playing around with different hair styles & accessories (umm courtesy me being a Hairstylist 😉 ) It also seems as though I might have made that quite evident as Traveller's Trove had sent in some adorable & chic hair bows. TT definitely knew the button to press 😉
Here is a look at How I've been flaunting my hair bows (from Traveller's Trove) of late! You can also take a lesson or two or three on how to wear Hair-Bows 🙂
Taking Sides
Playing Ballerina
The pony-tales
Now is the part where your jaws will really drop! The small hair bows are just 300 & the big 400 Rupess! Orders can be placed on www.thetravellerstrove.com
OK now you are free to go run & order :p
Incase you want to get in touch with me, mail me on firstname.lastname@example.com for any hair related queries or shopping assistance or just to bring back that smile 🙂
Be Yourself & Shine On ❤
The Style Chair
Promote Your Page Too
Instagram @misschopchop
Twitter @miss_chopchop


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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Driggs and Park City Fall Photos
Going through my recent posts and albums, I've realized there are several worthy fall photos I haven't yet shared. So, here we go: more evidence of autumn outings.
This first shot is me with Bridger, high in the Big Holes, overlooking the south end of Teton Valley. It was our anniversary evening back in mid-September, and still felt like summer.
I've been spending a fair amount of time in Park City, Utah with work lately, and will continue to do so throughout the winter. This was an exploratory mountain bike ride on the Glenwild-Flying Dog trail back in September, with Parley's Summit in the background. Epic trail system, and I look forward to learning it all.
Back in Driggs, near the mouth of Darby Canyon, ready for a run with Bridger. Harvest season is over, and winter is creeping in now...might as well embrace it.
Last but not least: last weekend, taking advantage of a bluebird day and riding some sweet trails down in Swan Valley. This is Joanne with the South Fork of the Snake River in the background. Absolutely stellar.
Another nice weekend in the forecast, and then it looks like winter will be moving in for good. Break out the long johns!
Posted by Rick LaBelle at 10:09 PM
1 comment:
- Bang Potential said...
I've had the cover of the Summer 2008 Mountaingear.com (swan diver over an Idaho lake) up in on my cube wall for awhile now and have been enjoying the heck out of it and was wondering if I could get it in file form to use as a wallpaper at least or post on my blog at most). If you'd rather not or MG's policy's prevent that than cool, but wanted to ask and either way say I really liked it. Cheers, John
- November 04, 2009
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Welfare for Hollywood
The studios that want higher taxes also want a special tax credit.
The Hollywood fashion "hobo chic" probably seems bizarre to most people. But perhaps celebrities are merely emulating the well-heeled production companies that have just hit up California taxpayers for another $200 million. Is this what Hollywood liberals call social justice?
Governor Jerry Brown this week signed a two-year extension of a film and television tax credit that his Republican predecessor Arnold Schwarzenegger supported in 2009. The credit is essentially a dolled-up subsidy. For every dollar that production...
Sponsored Offers


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The Wall of Iron spell is an example of how I am doing this.
The original spell was written by +Matt Finch like this.
Wall of IronMagic-User, 5th LevelIn a recent game, a certain dwarven rune-caster came up with a innovative way of combining a dimension door with the wall of iron to take out a dragon and its rider that was plaguing the party. Because of this my version of the spell now reads.
Range: 60 feet
Duration: 2 hours
The caster conjures an iron wall from thin air. The wall is 3 feet thick, 50 feet tall, and 50 feet long.
Wall of Iron
Magic-User, 5th Level, Range: 60 feet, Duration: 2 hours, Art: Hearth
This spell will create an iron wall within 60 feet of the caster. This wall is 3 feet think, 50 feet tall, and 50 feet long. At successful Thaumatology ability check of 15 or better will allow the caster to position the wall in such a way that it will fall onto a target. The slab of iron will do 30d6 damage to the target plus 1d6 per 10 feet it has fallen.


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Heat recovery ventilation
profi-air®: heat recovery ventilation healthy & efficient
Heat recovery ventilation is far more than just creating a sound room climate. Since healthy ventilation of a building ensures stable value of the entire property: heat recovery ventilation maintains the structural fabric and therefore the resale value of the building by preventing humidity-related
damage and mould growth. At the same time, heat recovery ventilation reduces heating requirements since less energy escapes through manual airing. Filtered air adjusted to a pleasant temperature ensures a healthy and comfortable climate in all rooms.
Advantages of profi-air®
Building protection
Energy savings / higher energy efficiency
Feel-good climate
Health protection
Hygienically sound
Increase in resale value
Proven pipe systems for heat recovery ventilation
profi-air® pipe system for heat recovery ventilation
profi-air is our complete system for heat recovery ventilation and it is suited for all installation situations in both new and existing buildings. Due to the flow-optimised inner surface of the profi-air ventilation pipes, the air flows through the ventilation system with particularly little noise and resistance, which significantly reduces the total energy requirement. In addition, antistatic and antibacterial agents make the products absolutely sterile.
profi-air® classic ventilation pipe
The profi-air classic ventilation pipe is ideal for installation in bare concrete. Thanks to its flexibility, no additional fittings are required even with very narrow bend radii. Depending on the dimensions, the profi-air classic round pipe is also suitable for installation in walls and ceilings.
profi-air® tunnel ventilation pipe
Thanks to its extremely low installation height of only 52 mm, the profi-air tunnel ventilation pipe is ideally suited for installation on bare concrete. The flat pipe can also be perfectly installed in a wall or on the ceiling.
profi-air® flat manifold
The profi-air flat manifold 6-fold for heat recovery ventilation allows installation in a great variety of situations. The plastic manifold is a product for each application and installation situation, even for concrete construction.
More details: profi-air flat manifold
Efficient ventilation units for heat recovery ventilation
profi-air® 180 flat ventilation unit
The profi-air 180 flat ventilation unit is suited for ceiling installation in flats and apartments. The shallow and compact design of the profi-air 180 flat ventilation unit is ideally suited for ceiling installation of the ventilation system. Thanks to a switchable air connection, installers can easily switch between right or left operation.
profi-air® 400 touch ventilation unit
The profi-air 400 touch ventilation unit is suited for wall and floor installation in single- and two-family homes. profi-air 400 touch ventilation unit focus on superior user-friendliness. A touch screen on the ventilation unit can be used to easily control heat recovery ventilation. A LAN interface allows the system to be operated using smartphones and tablets.
profi-air® 250 flex ventilation unit
Thanks to its compact design, the profi-air 250 flex ventilation unit requires less than 0.3m² of installation surface, and it can also be installed in a standard cabinet. With the free profi-air cockpit app, the air volume can be easily controlled manually by means of a smartphone or tablet.
starline® - exclusive design grills for heat recovery ventilation
The exquisite design grills provide the proper accent and perfect "finish" for heat recovery ventilation. You can decide individually which starline design grill complements the interior style of the respective room best. Be creative: the playful FLORA grill for your living room, the stylish SHAPE STYLE glass grill for your modern kitchen and the classic LINE stainless steel grill for your study. The starline grills are both stylish and easy to install.
Installers only need three simple steps to install the grills without the use of tools – the easy and time-saving installation will convince you. A wide variety of 20 different design grill variants adds an individual touch to each room. Thanks to the sophisticated profi-air series, the ventilation unit, the piping system and the ventilation grill form a true single-source concept in terms of quality and functionality.


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Come and join the celebration as more than 60 of Disney's unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You'll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King, Mulan, and Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you'll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!
Disney On Ice Presents 100 Years of Magic will be at U.S. Bank Arena from October 30-November 3rd.
Days & Times:
Wednesday October 30 @ 7:00 PM
Thursday October 31st @ 7:00 PM - HALLOWEEN
Friday November 1st @ 7:00 PM
Saturday November 2nd @ 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Sunday November 3rd @ 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
(Weekday tickets are just $12 - No code needed! Family 4-pack offer: $99 includes 4 tickets, popcorn, coloring books and lemonades.)
Promo Code: For Family 4 Packs FAMPACK


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November 7, 2013
10 comments:
i'm obsessed with names too, i may or may not have a doc of my faves on my google drive... i'll never tell.ReplyDelete
i love this post! i have one boy name that i'm obsessed with and i've never heard it anywhere, and pray i can pop one out before someone steals it from meReplyDelete
haha, i totally remember Lisa Frank stuff. i would change my name to something i could find on keychains! ha! my blog: http://myeloquentrambles.blogspot.comReplyDelete
Haha. Vicki this post takes me back to my junior high days. Having a fake name must be something all 12-13 year olds did.ReplyDelete
I always liked Elizabeth, which i chose for my confirmation name. But guess what name I really liked??? Vicky! I even told my friends i had a twin who lived with my Dad (I pretended my parents were divorced) and her name was Vicky! LOL. Of course I only said that to people who did not know me well enough to know the truth. :) But I got my Vicki after all didn't I? !!!! Love you honey!!! xoxo Mom.
Yay you like my name! And even weirder, I used to want to be a Victoria........ReplyDelete
haaa I gave fake names to all the boys I met in the mall as a young teen. I also cache baby names on my iPhone for any future kids I may have lolReplyDelete
Ummmm, I'm pretty sure I was on that Knott's Berry Farm trip with you. Was I? What the heck was MY fake name? You have the best memory. Wasn't that the day that your mom's poor car broke down in Camp Pendleton when our adventure had just begun? In other weird flashback to age 12 moments today, I met Jesse Froelich's wife at a school I was working at. She said he still hangs out with Willie and the Marvin boys often. I feel like we all need to have a ℅ 95 reunion. You in? xoReplyDeleteReplies
you were 100% on this trip! i wish i could remember all of our fake names. im willing to be there was a jennifer or jessica involved. im so on board with a middle school reunion. Soooooo. oh jesse forelich. blast from the past!Delete
I thought my friend Heather and I were the only ones that made up fake names to meet boys, but we were usually at local amusement park called Sea Breeze. I can't remember the names we chose, sadly, but if I could chose one now, for me then, it'd be Lydia, Beetlejuice style.ReplyDelete
Oh, and also we spoke only Spanish. Snippets of fake Spanish interspersed with small phrases like "muy coloroso!" and, I imagine, "me llamo Lydia".
Ferris Bueller made me love the name Sloane, too. But seriously, no one can top her.ReplyDelete
I had the same Samantha obsession at the age of 12. It might have been due to my obsession with my Samantha American Girl doll.


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STATUS: In stock
Available colors
Honour your love with this striking new interpretation of the popular PANDORA heart charm. Resembling elegantly draped ribbons topped with glittering clear stones, this hand-finished sterling silver design is both bold and glamorous.
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Thursday, 25 November 2010
The Hooded Menace
This is an illustration I drew for a poem I submitted to Middlebrow Magazine, which is a new magazine started by a friend of a friend. There's some interesting stuff on there, and it's well worth checking out.
The poem itself can be found by clicking here: The Hooded Menace by Phil Hatchard. It's rather darker than my usual fayre, an alternative take on Little Red Riding Hood. Using paint to illustrate is also always a little bit scary for me. I'm often so happy with the ink drawing I don't want to risk spoiling it.
Men's T-Shirts, Women's T-Shirts, Pin Badges, Mugs and Canvas Bags at the EvilFlea Spreadshirt Shop
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Summer is over….I can't believe it. I like fall though, and look forward to working hard this season!
I bought my own domain for all of the other stuff that I do. I am running a book club, for cooking and baking! It's called the nutmeg pantry book club. we bake stuff and talk about recipe books! I'm also facilitating some workshops for seniors at Harbourfront Community Center.
Okay! Here are some quick watercolour comics that I drew in July!


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We're sure it's the ideal commuter helmet for ensuring you have a full lane to yourself.
Month: April 2012
Toys for the Two Wheeled Set (and the well heeled)
It doesn't matter what you ride or how you ride, this is the time of year when the bike biz incites your lust for new stuff.
Whether you ride in shorts or a skinsuit, with hairy legs or shaved, in chunky shoes or carbon kicks, there is almost certainly something in the bike mags that's got you drooling. There was so much good stuff at the Sea Otter Classic we needed a bib. Everywhere we looked, we saw something that had us reaching for our wallets.
Here's a small sampling of the stuff that made our list.
Pactimo, Day of the Dead Jersey
If you're looking to stand out from the pack – and what cyclist wrapped from head to toe in what their friends affectionately call "Spandex" isn't – look no further than Pactimo's limited-edition designer jerseys. The Denver-based outfit works with a laundry list of designers, some of whom actually have cycling backgrounds, to deliver wearable art that works.
"You can show up on a ride with something completely different than anybody else has," said Karl Heidgen, VP of Custom Sales. "Keep it different."
Pactimo's been making gear for eight years, and started with a simple idea: Focus on custom kits for individual riders, smallish teams and their private label business. The designer gallery is an opportunity to engage their growing customer base without the hassle of going into the retail space.
The vibrantly colorful Day of the Dead kit designed by Arlene Pederson is available in a jersey with a matching bib for men and jersey/shorts for women. Other designers who've worked with Pactimo include Gregory Klein, Kristin Mayer and Miguel Paredes.
Want one? Better move fast. Each design is limited to 100 pieces.
Colnago C59 Disc
If there was ever any concern that disc brakes would look like hell on a road bike, check out the Colnago C59 Disc. We couldn't take our eyes off it. It's a thing of beauty.
Colnago took the C59 and redesigned the chainstays and fork to compensate for the force of braking moving downward from the traditional brake locations. What the bike gains in weight beefing up the frame and fork has been matched (almost) by the weight saved by running discs over traditional road brakes. Look for the weight to keep falling as the technology improves.
So far Colnago isn't saying whether we'll see the C59 Disc as a frameset or complete bike, and it definitely did not mention price.
Smith Pivlock V2 Max
Pivlock shades may not be the trendiest-looking shades, but if you prefer function to form, Smith has you covered.
The Pivlock was designed specifically for athletes, which means you can keep your eyes on the road regardless of what the terrain throws at you. They feature an adjustable nosepiece to keep 'em where you want 'em and three sets of lenses: clear, rose and dark. Changing lenses is a snap, too.
They come in a variety colors and are available in the smaller Pivlock V2.
Moots MX Divide
Moots is no Johnny-come-lately to the big wheel game. It arguably was the first to the table a dozen years ago with the YBB 29er, and it's upping the ante with the MX Divide.
"Our goal was to build a really well-balanced cross-country and recreational bike," said company president Rob Mitchell.
Moots drew from its long history of lustworthy mountain rides when designing the MX Divide. It is one oversized titanium tube after another, beautifully welded by builders who can only be called craftsmen. The front triangle joins the rear end via a carbon link, keeping weight down and stiffness up. The ride is plush throughout its four inches of travel, with minimal bobbing.
We can't wait for Moots to send us one for a thorough and thoughtful review. (Rob, you still have our number, right?)
$4995 frame
Patterson Transmission
If you have been thinking about a belt-driven commuter bike but concerned about being locked into a bike with meager gearing choices, stop worrying. Patterson's just doubled your choices.
The Transmission is a two-speed planetary crankset, with internal gearing equivalent to 28- and 45-tooth chainrings. The crankset has been available in a chain version for about a year, and the new belt drive converter lets you run a Gates carbon drive. It couldn't be easier, too.
"It's like a Mr. Potato Head," said Sam Patterson, who invented it. "You can yank one piece off and slide another one on. Super simple inside."
Dave Lev of TI Cycles used a belt-drive Transmission on the rig that won "Best Experimental Bike" at this year's North American Handmade Bicycle Show. We saw a few other manufacturers chatting Patterson up at Sea Otter, so you'll probably see them showing up on other rides soon.
Cardo Communications System
Trying to chat up your riding buddy can be a frustrating experience. Even chatting up the stoker on your tandem can be a challenge. It doesn't have to be.
Cardo has been making motorcycle Bluetooth communication systems since 2002. You can see where this is going – the company has designed a helmet-to-helmet system specifically for bicyclists. It can accommodate three riders, and with a range of half a mile, they'll hear you complaining about the pace before you fall off the back for good.
Once they've dropped you, you can pair your headset to any Bluetooth device so you can listen to your iPod or call home and ask for a ride.
$269.95 single / $469.95 pair
Yeti SB95
Spotting this at Sea Otter was a bit like catching a glimpse of Bigfoot – we've heard it existed, but never expected to see it.
Yeti's big-wheeler is so hot the Golden, Colorado, company can't build 'em fast enough. And for good reason. This is a bike you can spend all day on, riding just about everything from technical twisties to fast fire roads. Built using Yeti's very own Switch Technology and redesigned with the 29er platform in mind, this five-inch trail bike looks to be loads of fun. The SB95 has a low top tube providing ample stand-over height, it's through-axle compatible and has short chainstays. This bike would be great for riders transitioning from a 26er.
"It's pretty damn fun and it will make you faster on a lot of trails," said Dave Ziegman, Yeti R&D/Test Rider.
Want one? The line starts behind us.
Kappius Hubs
How many points of contact are enough?
Russ Kappius kept asking himself this question, mostly because he didn't think guys like Shimano have enough in their rear cassettes. He gave the whole design a serious rethink and came up with his own number. That number is 240. (even my favourite Chris King Hubs only have 45 teeth)
That's an astronomical figure, given that the average rear hub has between 18 and 36 and even the incredibly awesome Industry Nine Hubs have 120. To accomplish this, Kappius redesigned the hub, clearing out the area beneath the cogset to install an oversize spline. That spline sits atop an externally mounted drive. We're still wrapping our heads around it, but Kappius claims the system is stronger, with less play and better power transfer.
The goal was building a bombproof hub that doesn't weigh a ton and is super easy to use. He appears to have succeeded; his mountain bike hub weighs 269 grams, and the cassette slips right on. No chainwhip or cog tool required.
And the sound? Oh, the sound. It's like angry bees on steroids. We're not sure our riding partners will like it, but we love it.
$699 rear / $299 front
Shimano Shadow Plus
Shimano is trickling down the rear derailleur stabilization tech from its flagship XTR mountain group to those of us without sacks of cash to spend on gear. The new Shadow Plus system promises fewer dropped chains, better control, less slap and a quieter ride.
What's not to like?
Well, the tech carries a heftier price and a bit more weight than the current Shimano offerings. But they believe the advantages outweigh the drawbacks and the resulting shifting stability makes switching a no-brainer.
Of course, SRAM offers similar technology, called the Roller Bearing Clutch. So there is that.
Camelbak, All Clear
Few things suck more than having to drink nasty water or not being able to drink it at all. Camelbak is here to help with a UV system that purifies water in just 60 seconds.
It couldn't be easier. The UV bulb is built into the cap. Pour in water, turn the indicator on, swirl the whole thing around a few times and wait. An LCD screen tells you when you're good to go.
Camelbak says the system eliminates more than 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Yummy!
Danny Shane, Cross-Hybrid polo
Danny Shane's been making jerseys for about two years and introduces the Cross-hybrid polo, a top designed to be worn after you get off the bike. A fashion piece, if you will.
Each jersey is infused with white ash, produced by burning bamboo, and said to be breathable, light and stink-resistant. We tried one, and everything Danny Shane says is true. These jerseys are comfy. And plaid. Very, very plaid.
"We're really inspired by the European cycling culture," said sales manager Christian Beer. "Argyle has been popular, but nobody has done the plaid before."
Intense Hard Eddie
Intense made its rep building big-travel bikes for the downhill set, so it's a surprise to see it wandering into hardtail, 29er territory. Hard Eddie is a bike those of us who aren't into big air can love.
Hard Eddie frame comes in at impressive 2.7 lbs, with 135 mm, 142 mm or single-speed rear dropouts. Regardless of whether you're building a lightweight single speed or put a freeride rig with 100 mm of travel, you're covered. This is a smoking-hot package from a bike company with legit cred.
$1889 frame / $430 rigid fork
Teva Links Mid
To anyone who was actually around in the 1980s, the thought of Tevas being at all cool may seem wrong on many levels. But the company has come out with a freeride mountain-specific cycling shoe that is, dare we say it, fashionable and functional.
The Links Mid is, as the name suggests, a mid-height cut of the brand's popular Link mountain shoe. It's got flexible armor across the toe, a sole designed to play well with pedals and something called ion-mask technology to make them waterproof.
Light, comfortable and stylish? Yes. Seriously. Look for them by the end of May in any color you like as long as it's black.
2013 Giant Anthem X Advanced 29er
The number-one-selling full suspension bike in Giant's stable gets a revamp for 2013. The top-of-line version now has a carbon fiber front triangle and is lighter, stiffer and sexier.
The Anthem X slimmed down and stiffened up. Giant claims the new frame is 7 percent stiffer up front. The headset is the super-beefy Overdrive2, and the impressive girth of the downtube makes it appear the Anthem will take anything you throw at it. This is one stunningly attractive race-ready ride, with a claimed weight of 23 pounds.
It's also insanely expensive. The range-topping Anthem X Advanced 0 will run you $8,900.
"The catch, if you will, with composites is obviously price, so we will continue to sell the aluminum version," said Andrew Juskaitis, Giant marketing. "It's the hand labor that goes into producing a frame like this. There's no way around it. There is no way to automate it. This is something that takes a long time to build by hand."
Road Racing – how exciting can an end of stage be?
this was very exciting … watch from about the 45min mark….
Iljo Keisse (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) won a dramatic stage 7 at the 2012 Tour of Turkey in the city of Izmir, surviving a crash on the final bend with 1km to go.
Keisse attacked his six breakaway companions 6km from the finish and held a 40-second lead over a charging peloton into the last turn when disaster struck. While gingerly making his way alone around the sharp bend, nonetheless Keisse's front wheel slid out sending the 29-year-old Belgian to the tarmac. The picture of calm, Keisse picked himself up off the pavement, put his chain back on and sped onwards down the final straight to the finish.
All of the Belgian's breakaway companions were swept up inside the flamme rouge, but Keisse managed to just hold off the surging pack led by Marcel Kittel and Alessandro Petacchi to secure the biggest victory of his career and continue his team's excellent run of form in 2012.
"I'm over the moon about this victory," Keisse said. "Here in Turkey my condition is improving day by day. Every day I was a little bit better. Also yesterday I tried to get in the breakaway without luck. Today I chose the right move. The guys in the break were really motivated. In the final I felt strong. I knew that If I kept going on it was possible to arrive until the finish."
Bulgaria's Ivailo Gabrovski (Konya Torku Seker Spor) remains at the top of the general classification, 1:33 up on second-placed Alexandr Dyachenko (Astana) and 1:38 ahead of Danail Andonov Petrov (Caja Rural).
The Tour of Turkey concludes on Sunday with a 121km stage in Istanbul.
monday bike Style: pastel princess
Pedal on Parliament Edinburgh
pedal on parliament was amazing. Came across from Glasgow on the train
and then joined up with another Brompton rider who showed me a nice way down to Leith on the cycle path (old railway)
Joined up with a feeder ride in Leith
then on to the park where the crowds got bigger and bigger
then a wait for the off
then down the royal mile
and eventually to parliament where we could barely hear a word of the speeches on a feeble PA … but message to holyrood is strong if a bit silent …
FROM Pedal on Parliament SITE Just wow. When PoP thought of this we wondered if we might get 300 riders out. Then we raised our sights a little and started to hope we'd see a thousand. As we stood at the top of Middle Meadow Walk and saw the bikes come pouring in from all directions we began to think we'd started something big but we didn't know how big until the head of the ride reached Holyrood while the back was still leaving the Meadows. The police's conservative estimate was that 2,500 of you were out there pedalling on Parliament and we suspect it might be even more. In fact, we think that more people turned out to ride with us than have even signed the petition, showing the depths of feeling that was out there among people to see safer cycling.
There will be more as we digest all the great photos and videos, blog posts and testimonies that have been pouring in since the moment the ride started to assemble in the Meadows. We'd like to thank you all who turned out – not just for turning out but for being such a great, good natured and patient crowd. We'd like to thank the police for their assistance at a ride that turned out to be up to ten times larger than they were expecting. And, with a few grumpy exceptions we'd like to thank the people of Edinburgh for allowing us to have our moment in the sun – and in many cases, cheering us on.
Please, keep posting your pictures on our Flickr group and adding your stories on the Facebook group, keep tweeting them your videos and blog posts, and keep signing the petition(which will be up for a few weeks yet before we formally lodge it with the Scottish Government. And keep watching this space – we need to keep in contact because, for all the warm words from our politicians at Holyrood today, changing government policy to bring about the real changes needed to make Scotland a cycle friendly country. We'll let you know what happens next soon, but for now the (exhausted) people who brought you Pedal on Parliament are going to have an early night…
Now for something colder and quicker
Ice yachting on lake baikal


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On sites that sell books (and other things), reviews are usually accompanied by a star rating, typically ranging from one (worst) to five (best). But if you start looking at the distribution of star ratings, it often looks odd. This, I think, is what led Netflix to announce that they are abandoning star ratings for simpler "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" feedback.
Star ratings tend to cluster at the two extremes for a variety of reasons. Some books are polarizing, resulting in readers who either love it or hate it. Reviews are more likely to be written by people with strong opinions that they want to share. The end result is an odd distribution of ratings, typically with relatively few lower than four stars. If you think about it, this makes sense. People rarely buy books blindly. They may be buying because they are already familiar with (and like) the author. Or it may have been recommended by a trusted friend. Or perhaps they read an excerpt first before committing to the purchase. In any event, most books are purchased with the expectation that the reader will enjoy them.
In an ideal world, the ratings would be objective and the reviews fair. Only great works of literature would receive five star ratings. In reality, star ratings represent people's opinions and biases. Five stars means they really liked it, and probably not that it's one of the best books ever written. One star might indicate a badly-written book, or it might simply indicate that the reader didn't like the style of writing or hated the ending. Or maybe they're just a troll. 🙂


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Practice Coaching for Primary Care Transformation (PCPCT) Training is a multi-faceted training program designed for leaders at all levels who have a formal or informal coaching role in primary care transformation efforts. The course is an orientation to, and comprehensive review of, the science of change in primary care practice and equips participants with practical tools and coaching skills necessary to engage and support teams as they evolve into high performing Patient-Centered Medical Homes. Focused on the 10 Building Blocks of High Performing Primary Care (Bodenheimer & Ghorob 2013), the course explores national best practices implemented in high-performing clinics in areas such as team-based care, prompt access to care and population-based care.
This workshop is designed for practice coaches who work with primary care practices to assist with transformation efforts towards high performing Patient Centered Medical Homes.
"PCPCT showed me how to look at problems clinics face in a different light and gave me practical solutions to use. I loved how [the trainer] was always so meta about teaching us by saying 'oh did you see how I taught you that? That's what you can do with clinics.' It was a perfect rich, multi-layered training."
- Joan Nelson, Practice Coach
In addition to four full days of classroom training, the program also includes a pre-training assessment, curriculum materials that coaches can use with practices, three months of optional post-training mentoring support and a site visit to at least one local high performing primary care practice. This robust training approach educates participants on the fundamental content of practice coaching while also providing them with the resources needed to empower clinic teams in utlizing quality improvement methods for sustainable change. It is effective for all coaches, regardless of their experience. Since 2013 the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Center for Excellence in Primary Care and the Patient & Population Centered Primary Care program of CareOregon have been teaching this course material in an effort to bring clarity to the world of transformation work.
Space in this training program is very limited, and sessions fill up quickly.
Please submit this interest form to inquire about future training dates and locations >>>
Any scheduled trainings will be posted on our events calendar.
Please email us with questions at email@example.com.
Individual Registration: $4,750
Group rates are available; contact us for more information.
The registration fee includes four days of classroom training, a certificate of completion, a curricula binder, daily handout materials, a clinic site visit including transportation, optional follow up support and breakfast, lunch & water/coffee/tea during each day of the training. Lodging is not included in the registration fee.
Click here to review our refund policy.


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Winter's new favorite textile? Velvet! This seasons hottest trend is sure to keep you warm and in style straight through to Valentine's day.
Velvet is seen in almost every retail store and can be incorporated into every outfit, in big or small doses. As opposed to the general fear, velvet can actually be very flattering.
Velvet skirts, leggings, tops, tights, and more are easy to find, not very expensive, and trending worldwide! Try incorporating as much velvet as you can handle this winter season.


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Chartered Banker MBA
Course facts
- Name: Chartered Banker
- Qualification: MBA
- Duration: 12-60 months depending on route. Visit the webpage for information.
The Chartered Banker MBA is a ground breaking new qualification which allows individuals to gain a top MBA in Banking as well as Chartered Banker status, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Scotland.
This is the highest award available to bankers. Bangor Business School is the only institution in the UK which can offer this dual qualification.
For more information on banking courses click here.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are assessed on an individual basis. As an example, entry to the full programme would require a good first degree or possession of an approved professional qualification and practical experience. Candidates who do not have a formal degree or professional qualification, but who have several years of approved management experience will also be considered. Candidates may wish to submit their CV for assessment to confirm eligibility for a specific route.
Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years practical experience at a relevant level
Applicants must have a high level of fluency in the English language. English Language requirements:
The English language tests we normally refer to are as follows;
- IELTS: an overall score of 6.0 with no individual score of less than 5.5
- TOEFL: 560 with a TWE (written score) of 4
- Computer-based TOEFL: 220
- The minimum requirement for IBT (Internet-based TOEFL) is 80 with no element below 16
For further information entry requiremetns for the Chartered Banker MBA programme, please contact us on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1248 365 966
Please see the Chartered Banker webpages for details of how to apply for this programme.
Further information
Contact us
- Lisa Jones
- Phone: +44 (0)1248 365966
Other Courses
- Accounting MSc
- Accounting and Banking MSc
- Accounting and Finance MSc
- Banking and Finance MSc
- Banking and Finance (Chartered Banker) MSc
- Business with Consumer Psychology MSc
- Finance MSc
- International Media and Management MSc
- Investment Management MSc
- Islamic Banking and Finance MSc
- Management and Finance MSc


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I am Sami Badawi, robotic vision has been my biggest passion since 1989, but starting in August 2007 I created a Java software library for image processing and robotic vision called ShapeLogic: http://www.shapelogic.org
I have not advertised ShapeLogic since it was pre alpha quality, however, two weeks ago I released ShapeLogic v 0.7, which was the first alpha quality release. Last week I got the website up and running, then to my big surprise somebody found it, and I got over 100 downloads of ShapeLogic 0.7 last week. I am not sure how many were downloads by spiders and robots, but this was enough to create this blog and a mailing list: http://groups.google.com/group/shapelogic
I released ShapeLogic v 0.8 two days ago, which has a better syntax for the logical expressions, which were pretty convoluted in 0.7 and also completely undocumented.
I am planning to improve the documentation and clean up the web site next.
After that I would like to work on applying ShapeLogic to a medical image processing problem.
This is my first blog so I am in unknown territory.
Thanks for your interest,
-Sami Badawi


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Tecmo Koei has further detailed Dead or Alive 5 Plus' first person touch fighting system and shown off new screenshots.
ohh man tecmo sure know how to get u excited about a game!
Well, they know their target audience, I'll say that much.
AnimeShinbun is a community of awesome people posting and discussing the latest anime news. It's part of NewsBoiler, a network of social news sites covering today's pop culture.


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Autumn Kiss by Tina Tarnoff @ Etsy
A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.
– Ingrid Bergman, actress
Autumn Kiss by Tina Tarnoff @ Etsy
A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.
– Ingrid Bergman, actress
Posted in Inspiration, spirit, tagged taylor mali, teachers, teaching on April 29, 2010|
What Teachers Make, (or You Can Always Go to Law School If Things Don't Work Out)
He says the problem with teachers is, "What's a kid going to learn
from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"
He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true what they say about
teachers: Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.
I decide to bite my tongue instead of his
and resist the temptation to remind the dinner guests
that it's also true what they say about lawyers.
Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.
"I mean, you're a teacher, Taylor," he says.
"Be honest. What do you make?"
And I wish he hadn't done that
(asked me to be honest)
because, you see, I have a policy
about honesty and ass-kicking:
if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor
and an A- feel like a slap in the face.
How dare you waste my time with anything less than your very best.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence.
No, you may not work in groups.
No, you may not ask a question, so put your hand down.
Why won't I let you go to the bathroom?
Because you're bored, that's why.
You don't really have to go, do you?
You want to know what I make?
I make parents tremble in fear when I call home at around dinner time:
"I hope I haven't called at a bad time,
I just wanted to talk to you about something your son said today.
He said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?"
And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen."
I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.
You want to know what I make?
I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write, write, write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful, definitely
beautiful over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math.
And then hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (brains)
then you follow this (heart) and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).
Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a goddamn difference! What about you?
– hear Taylor Mali perform this slam poem, under the cut
Posted in Inspiration, spirit, wellness, tagged anger, quote on April 28, 2010|
Autumn Fire… by Ching Levy Studio @ Etsy
Holding on to anger
is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else;
you are the one who gets burned.
– Buddha
Posted in joy, pretty things, spirit, style, tagged coffee, rumplo, t-shirts, tee shirts on April 27, 2010|
I only drink coffee once a day. That'll be first thing in the morning. That's it. Just that once. I brew organic and fair-trade coffee grounds and drink it with a touch of agave and unsweetened almond-milk. Unless…I have a headache, in which case I have coffee with sugar (*gasp*) with my aspirin because that's the only combo that seems to work for me. When I feel wonky I may indulge in another coffee…but that is rare. Haha, and I love the tee shirt (above) so much!
It's $20 @ Rumplo, a fantabulous tee shirt site where you can find creative tees that are cool without being tacky (although you'll find some of those too). Under the cut, I've picked some favorites:
Posted in music, spirit, tagged music, nothing better, postal service on April 26, 2010|
( Pouch by Brave Moonman @ Etsy)
HE: Will someone please call a surgeon, who can crack my ribs and repair this broken heart that you're deserting for better company? I can't accept that it's over, and I will block the door like a goalie tending the net in the third quarter of a tied-game rivalry, so just say how to make it right and I swear I'll do my best to comply. Tell me am I right to think that there could be nothing better than making you my bride and slowly growing old together?
SHE: I feel I must interject here. You're getting carried away, feeling sorry for yourself with these revisions and gaps in history, so let me help you remember. I've made charts and graphs that should finally make it clear. I've prepared a lecture on why I have to leave, so please back away and let me go…
HE: I can't my darling, I love you so. Tell me am I right to think that there could be nothing better than making you my bride and slowly growing old together?
SHE: Don't you feed me lines about some idealistic future. Your heart won't heal right if you keep tearing out the sutures…
HE: I admit that I have made mistakes and I swear I'll never wrong you again…
SHE: You've got a lure I can't deny, but you've had your chance, so say goodbye, say goodbye…
(Listen to the song after the cut)
Posted in Inspiration, joy, spirit, wellness, tagged be thankful, quote on April 25, 2010|
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those
who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
– Author Unknown
(sourced here)
Posted in Inspiration, joy, spirit, wellness, tagged living, surviving on April 24, 2010|
Surviving means you are
Living means you are
…doubting yourself
…doing things because you think you have to, need to, or should
…waking up and dreading the next 24 hours
…hoping someone will take you away from all of this
…worrying for no reason at all
…giving up on yourself before you ever try
…protecting yourself from being hurt
…having a ton of good excuses why your life is the way it is and having the evidence to prove it
…not asking for support when you need it
…holding a grudge
…spending money you don't have on things you don't need
…comparing yourself to anyone and everyone
…being unwilling to love first
…not speaking up when you feel ignored, unimportant, or undervalued
…putting your needs last
…having friends that are more like enemies
…never allowing anyone really to get to know you
…waiting for something—anything—to change
…manipulating others to get your way
…holding it all together even though you feel as though you're falling
…listening to fear when it tells you this is all you're allowed to have and believing it
…priding yourself for not crying
…saying things you regret because you feel other people deserve it
…not admitting there could be two sides to the story when your relationship doesn't work out
…giving your opinion to people who haven't asked for it
…seeing losing as bad
…wishing things could be different but doing nothing to change the status quo
…calling yourself stupid
…denying your creativity
|…saying no when you mean no
…being grateful for the good in your life
…smiling out of the blue
…saving someone in your life whom you're blessed to call your friend
…never holding a grudge
…giving yourself a break
…doing your best and praising yourself for all of your efforts
…dancing down the hallway
…being willing to fall in love without a guarantee that you won't get hurt
…wearing your favorite shirt for no reason at all
…singing in the car even though you are tone deaf
…anticipating that everything will work out
…being someone's confidante
…giving up your worry list
…telling yourself you can do it when fear makes you think you can't
…asking the people in your life to help you through a difficult time and telling them how to do that
…crying because you need to
…standing up for what you want in life without walking over anyone
…living with an attitude that there is enough to go around
…waking up just happy to be alive
…being willing to be wrong
…learning something you've always wanted to learn
…giving your time to a service organization because you care
…trusting yourself
…saving up your money for that frivolous item you've been yearning for
…acting as if people like you
…taking steps toward your vision
…saying yes to you
(Source: Rhonda Britten)


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Ep. 52: Liam O'Rourke Joins Us To Talk Brian Pillman, 'Crazy Like A Fox'
This week we welcome Liam O'Rourke, author of the critically acclaimed biography "Crazy Like A Fox: The Definitive Chronicle of Brian Pillman 20 Years Later" to talk about his process in writing the book and Pillman's career in general. A great discussion as O'Rourke and the Top Rope Nation crew share some of their favorite Pillman memories, discuss what Pillman's career might have been had he lived, the process of writing such a detailed book on the life of the "Loose Cannon," and much more.
You can (and should) grab the book, which was recently named Wrestling Book of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Liam's podcast as well, Squared Circle Gazette.
Subscribe to Top Rope Nation
iTunes & iOS | Android | Google Play | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | Mac & PC | RSS
Support Us On Patreon


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Rostker v. Goldberg (1981)
In 1980, Robert Goldberg challenged the U.S. draft registration policy by bringing suit against Bernard Rostker, the director of the Selective Service System. When Goldberg won in federal court, Rostker appealed to the Supreme Court.
In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that it was constitutional to register only men for the draft. Justice William Rehnquist wrote the majority opinion. He noted that "the question of registering women for the draft not only received considerable national attention and was the subject of wide-ranging public debate, but also was extensively considered by Congress in hearings, floor debate, and in committee. Hearings held by both Houses of Congress in response to the President's request for authorization to register women adduced extensive testimony and evidence concerning the issue."
Congress specifically determined that in wartime, the primary purpose of a draft would be to provide combat troops. "Since women are excluded from combat, Congress concluded that they would not be needed in the event of a draft, and therefore decided not to register them." He went on to say: "Men and women, because of the combat restrictions on women, are simply not similarly situated for purposes of a draft or registration for a draft."
Justices Byron White and Thurgood Marshall each wrote dissents arguing that Congress had improperly assumed there would be no need to draft people for non-combat positions. Justice White wrote: "I perceive little, if any, indication that Congress itself concluded that every position in the military, no matter how far removed from combat, must be filled with combat-ready men." Justice Marshall added that "the Government must show that registering women would substantially impede its efforts to prepare for such a draft."
Social and political developments continue to affect the role of women in the armed forces. At the time Rostker was argued, about 150,000 women volunteers were on active military duty. The Persian Gulf War, in which 35,000 women served, demonstrated that the increased use of high technology military equipment had reduced the significance of physical strength. In 1991, Congress repealed the 1948 law barring women from serving on combat aircrews. This change opened up military career paths that had previously been closed to women. A Newsweek poll conducted during the Gulf War showed that about 50 percent of Americans favored including women in the draft.
In 1992, the Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces recommended that women not be required to register for or be subject to the draft. A 1994 Department of Defense report observed: "Because of this change in the makeup of the Armed Forcesâ¦much of the congressional debate which, in the court's opinion, provided adequate congressional scrutiny of the issueâ¦would be inappropriate today." The report concluded that it was not necessary to register or draft women, but noted that "the success of the military will increasingly depend upon the participation of women."
Source: ©2005 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Prentice Hall. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
- Members of the Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S.Supreme Court Justices: Biographies
- The Supreme Court: Justices, Landmark Decisions, Timelines
- Supreme Court Facts
- Encyclopedia: Supreme Court, United States
- Milestone Cases in Supreme Court History
- Ten Important Supreme Court Decisions in Black History
Information Please®, ©2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


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The Young Scientists Club's Water Science Kit + #Giveaway
23 comments:
I love the monthly subscription, she is in thrid grade.ReplyDelete
I like the Clifford Kitchen Science Kit. Our granddaughter is not yet in preschool.ReplyDelete
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
We like the Young Scientist series. He is in 4th grade.ReplyDelete
The Star Pilot kit would be fun! My children are 3yrs old, in the 5th grade, and in the 8th grade.ReplyDelete
I'd love the Magic School Bus Series on Weather! My kids are still young but my oldest is in K.ReplyDelete
My kids would like the Science on a Fossil Dig.ReplyDelete
I like the Zany Crystals, that looks like fun! My daughter is in KReplyDelete
I like the Attracted to Magnificent Magnets and my granddaughter is in 1st gradeReplyDelete
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I like Set 2 - WH-925-1102, Weather (Kit 4), Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Kit 5), Volcanoes (Kit 6) for my daughter in 2nd grade.ReplyDelete
i like the Clifford set and hes only 3ReplyDelete
I like the Awesome Bubbles kit! Dd is in 1st but she is learning 2nd grade curriculum! :-)ReplyDelete
I think my kids would like the nature science kits the best. Mine is 4/5 and 2.ReplyDelete
I think my kids would like the adventure science kits. My kids range from 1st grade to 6th.ReplyDelete
The magic school bus monthly kit!ReplyDelete
I'd love to try the Weather Young Scientists Kit! My 2nd grader would love it!ReplyDelete
Jessica Ledford
cherriesjessilee at gmail dot com
My son is going into Kindergarten and he'd love to join the Magic School Bus Science Club!ReplyDelete
I like the Chemistry Blast for my daughter who is in 1st grade.ReplyDelete
I love the lights, rainbows and mirrors Magic School bus! I don't have any chidren but my niece is starting kindergarten this year!ReplyDelete
I like the young scientist series. My daughter is in 4th grade.ReplyDelete
My kindergartener would love Science on a Fossil Dig. Lisa L tylerpants(at)gmail.comReplyDelete
My kids would like the 'Science on a Nature Walk' kit. Thanks.ReplyDelete
My sons would love the Science on a Fossil Dig and they are 5 and 7, prek and 1st grade.ReplyDelete
I like the Science on a Gardening Adventure Kit. My daughter is in 1st gradeReplyDelete