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Friday, April 24, 2009
Garlic Herb Rolls
From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Oregon is a gorgeous state with pockets of beauty that will take your breathe away. Bob and I actively seek them out. It starts when one of us sees an obscure marker that veers off the beaten path. A glance, a nodding assent and then a sharp turn takes us onto the road less travelled. The hope is we'll find a place so beautiful that it will reveal the world as it should be. Naive? Perhaps, but we've found some transcendentally beautiful places. If you blink you'll miss the marker that points the way to Loon Lake. Fortunately, we didn't blink and found this rainbow at its end. It's an isolated, fir-fragrant, untouched piece of yesterday. Folks who know this spot are its caretakers. The grounds are beautifully kept and it's a family kind of place. We love to show it to the unsuspecting and it's become our favorite picnic spot. It's the place where we had our first picnic of the year. Rather than pack a finished hamper, we grilled ribs in the campground and served them with Asian noodles and these wonderful Italian herb rolls. We'll talk about the ribs in a few weeks. My recipe today is for the rolls. They are extremely easy to do and packed with flavor. They have the texture of a bread and won't crush or flatten, so they're perfect picnic fare. They also freeze well. This is a good recipe for beginners. Oh, about Loon Lake - I'd tell you but...
Garlic Herb Rolls...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite
12 large garlic cloves, peeled
1-1/2 cups milk + milk for glazing
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon table salt
2-1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1-1/2 teaspoons dried, crushed Italian herb seasoning
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Coarse sea salt
1) Place garlic cloves and milk in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Place in a blender jar and pulse to puree garlic. Set aside.
2) Place flour, salt, yeast and herbs in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
3) Add milk, oil and egg to dry ingredients. Mix with hands or a wooden spoon to form a dough.
4) Turn onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and smooth, about 3 minutes.
5) Place dough in a greased bowl. Cover, let rise in a warm place until double in volume, about 1 hour.
6) Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
7) Turn dough onto a work surface. Knead gently for a minute or two. Form into 8 rolls. Place on prepared baking. Lightly score top of rolls with a knife. Cover and let rise for 15 to 30 minutes. Brush rolls with reserved milk. Sprinkle with sea salt.
8) Bake until rolls are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Cool. Yield: 8 rolls.
I'm sending this recipe to Cindy Star who is hosting Bread Baking Day #19. BBD is a popular food-blog event that was started by Zorra of Kochtopf.
36 comments :
- Jaime and Jen DISH said...
First of all, what a beautiful place you had your picnic at. Second of all, these rolls look AMAZING!!! Pass the butter please.
Your fellow foodie blogger,
Jenifer - April 24, 2009 at 12:59 AM
- Ning said...
I cant resist this yummy garlic rolls! I promise I'm going to try this!!! :)
- April 24, 2009 at 4:14 AM
- chocolatecup said...
oooh. i dont need butter on these!:)
- April 24, 2009 at 5:44 AM
- Hootin Anni said...
oh yes....gobs and gobs of real, rich, creamy butter! Anything garlic has my vote.
Now Loon Lake, and your picnic...are you gonna just leave us hanging here, wondering? Fine. Be that way. [kidding]
Copying this recipe for sure, I am. - April 24, 2009 at 7:03 AM
- Ginger said...
Mary I would absolutely love to go to Loon Lake. A perfect picnic spot!! If I had the opportunity to picnic there your Garlic Herb Rolls would be on the menu!! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place.
- April 24, 2009 at 7:41 AM
- Heather S-G said...
Beautiful (the photo and the rolls)!
- April 24, 2009 at 7:55 AM
- NKP said...
I have heard so many wonderful things about Oregon. The photo is beautiful, so serene.
I do love garlic! Love the rolls! - April 24, 2009 at 8:00 AM
- Maris said...
These rolls look fabulous! I've been looking for a simple dinner roll recipe so I'm thrilled that I happened upon your blog today!
- April 24, 2009 at 8:44 AM
- Carrie said...
These look so good! I love the beautiful golden color.
- April 24, 2009 at 8:52 AM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Hi Carrie, its good to see you here. Come again!
- April 24, 2009 at 9:53 AM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Hi, Maris. A quick welcome to my place. I hope you'll come often.
- April 24, 2009 at 9:54 AM
- Barbara said...
Mary, when I come back to Oregon I'll have to twist your arm to tell me where it is. I agree Oregon is one of the most beautiful states. I keep a folder just with favorite places to visit. (hint, hint)
Rolls to take on a picnic will be a hit with all my winery friends. - April 24, 2009 at 11:16 AM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
We'll see, Barbara. We'll see.
- April 24, 2009 at 11:24 AM
- The Cooking Photographer said...
I've really been enjoying these bread posts. This is another one I will use. Thanks Mary.
- April 24, 2009 at 11:47 AM
- Debbie said...
We love Oregon...one of the most beautiful States in the nation!
We hike the east...the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa Lake.
...and the rolls do look great! - April 24, 2009 at 12:05 PM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Debbie, Joseph is another of Oregon's hidden treasures. I remember the first time we approached the town thinking I was in Switzerland. Walloma lake and the Eagle Cap Wilderness - can't say enough about them either. We just wish we had found them sooner. Our legs are beginning to show their age.
- April 24, 2009 at 12:13 PM
- The Blonde Duck said...
Love the story but love these rolls more. Can't wait for the RIBS!
- April 24, 2009 at 12:26 PM
- SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...
Hello, Mary, and thank you for your visit today! I'm so glad I found your blog and those rolls look wonderful. I never met a garlic clove I didn't like ;)
Susan - April 24, 2009 at 1:03 PM
- MyKitchenInHalfCups said...
Right I know you'd tell me but then you'd have to shoot me ;o)
Garlic, count me in. - April 24, 2009 at 1:31 PM
These rolls sound delicious!
- April 24, 2009 at 1:38 PM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Tanna, I hope you're having a great escape.
- April 24, 2009 at 3:11 PM
- Juliana said...
WOW, these rolls look great! Very nice picture.
- April 24, 2009 at 6:34 PM
- Karen said...
Loon Lake looks like a perfect place for a picnic. 12 cloves of garlic? That's what I like!
- April 24, 2009 at 6:49 PM
- Lori said...
That looks so good and you certainly know I like garlic.
And those spots, how wonderful. I want my husband to take those turns with me. Some beautiful things can await. Up in Nova Scotia, nothing is marked, but the beauty, incredible, worth the exploration. - April 24, 2009 at 6:58 PM
- noble pig said...
I'll have to look for the Loon Lake marker, it looks as beautiful as these rolls.
- April 24, 2009 at 8:07 PM
- Sylvia said...
I definitely try this recipe. Here, in home, we are mad about garlic
- April 24, 2009 at 10:02 PM
- MaryBe said...
I followed the trail of bread crumbs, from Taste Spotter to here. These rolls look amazing!
- April 24, 2009 at 11:55 PM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Hi MaryBe, I'm so glad you followed the trail of crumbs. Come again ans again and again.
- April 25, 2009 at 12:03 AM
- Penny said...
Mary, We have been traveling the back roads of the NC Mountains lately and the vistas are soothing to the soul. I have been craving home baked bread lately and think I will give these rolls a try. We just ordered some sour dough starter and want to experiment with that too.
- April 25, 2009 at 8:25 AM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Penny, it's so nice to meet kindred spirit.
- April 25, 2009 at 10:13 AM
- Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...
These rolls look really yummy!
- April 26, 2009 at 12:05 AM
- Mary Bergfeld said...
Jerrie, I'm so glad you found us. I hope you'll become a regular visitor.
- April 26, 2009 at 12:38 AM
- test it comm said...
Those rolls look good! I bet they smelled amazing while baking.
- April 26, 2009 at 3:17 PM
- Patsyk said...
Gorgeous picture! Makes me want to seek out a place like that! Those rolls look perfect.. I'd love one with my dinner, please!
- April 28, 2009 at 9:03 PM
- The Cooking Photographer said...
Hi Mary,
I've tried that too. Your's is the only one I can't get to. I either visit on my phone now, or google you and visit the cashed copy.
Am I the only one?
Laura - June 25, 2009 at 5:50 PM
- Nancy Jane said...
Was catching up on your posts and spotted these garlic rolls in the 'you might also like' box. So glad I did! We'll still be in the clutches of the storm here in the northeast tomorrow and I'll make them to serve with the ravioli that I'm doing for dinner. A good find at the right time... Nancy
- February 25, 2010 at 10:50 PM


text:
Army GI says he leaked secrets to spark war debate
Published 12:00 am Friday, March 1, 2013
FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) — After almost three years in custody, the Army private accused in the biggest leak of classified material in U.S. history said he did it because he wanted the public to know how the American military was fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with little regard for human life.
Bradley Manning, 25, pleaded guilty Thursday at a military hearing at Fort Meade, Md., to 10 charges that could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years. Prosecutors plan to pursue 12 more charges against him at court-martial, including a charge of aiding the enemy that carries a potential life sentence.
"I began to become depressed at the situation we found ourselves mired in year after year. In attempting counterinsurgency operations, we became obsessed with capturing and killing human targets on lists," the former intelligence analyst in Baghdad told a military judge.
He added: "I wanted the public to know that not everyone living in Iraq were targets to be neutralized."
It was the first time Manning directly admitted leaking the material to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks and detailed the frustrations that led him to do it.
The slightly built soldier from Crescent, Okla., read from a 35-page statement through his wire-rimmed glasses for more than an hour. He spoke quickly and evenly, showing little emotion even when he described how troubled he was by what he had seen.
The judge, Col. Denise Lind, accepted his plea to 10 charges involving illegal possession or distribution of classified material. Manning was allowed to plead guilty under military regulations instead of federal espionage law, which knocked the potential sentence down from 92 years.
He will not be sentenced until his court-martial on the other charges is over.
Manning admitted sending hundreds of thousands of Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield reports, State Department diplomatic cables, other classified records and two battlefield video clips to WikiLeaks in 2009 and 2010. WikiLeaks posted some of the material, embarrassing the U.S. and its allies.
He said he was disturbed by the conduct of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the way American troops treated the populace. He said he did not believe the release of the information he downloaded onto a thumb drive would harm the U.S.
"I believed that if the general public, especially the American public, had access to the information … this could spark a domestic debate on the role of the military and our foreign policy in general," Manning said.
Manning said he was appalled by 2007 combat video of an assault by a U.S. helicopter that killed 11 men, including a Reuters news photographer. The Pentagon concluded the troops mistook the camera equipment for weapons.
"The most alarming aspect of the video to me was the seemingly delightful bloodlust the aerial weapons team happened to have," Manning said, adding that the soldiers' actions "seemed similar to a child torturing ants with a magnifying glass."
As for the State Department cables, he said they "documented backdoor deals and criminality that didn't reflect the so-called leader of the free world."
"I thought these cables were a prime example of the need for a more open diplomacy," Manning said. "I believed that these cables would not damage the United States. However, I believed these cables would be embarrassing."
The battlefield reports were the first documents Manning decided to leak. He said he sent them to WikiLeaks after contacting The Washington Post and The New York Times. He said he felt a reporter at the Post didn't take him seriously, and a message he left for news tips at the Times was not returned.
Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy said Thursday of the purported phone call: "This is news to us."
The Obama administration has said the release of the documents threatened valuable military and diplomatic sources and strained America's relations with other governments. The administration has aggressively pursued people accused of leaking classified material, and Manning's is the highest-profile case.
Manning has been embraced by some left-leaning activists as a whistle-blowing hero whose actions exposed war crimes and helped trigger the Middle Eastern pro-democracy uprisings known as the Arab Spring in 2010. He has spent more than 1,000 days in custody.
The soldier told the court that he corresponded online with someone he believed to be WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange but never confirmed the person's identity.
WikiLeaks has been careful never to confirm or deny Manning was the source of the documents.
Reached by telephone in Britain on Thursday, Assange would not say whether he had any dealings with Manning but called him a political prisoner and said his prosecution was part of an effort by the U.S. to clamp down on criticism of its military and foreign policy.
Assange himself remains under investigation by the U.S. and has been holed up in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London for the better part of a year to avoid extradition to Sweden on sex-crimes allegations.

subset: commoncrawl


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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Shopping 101
Anyway, I've noticed something these past few days while shopping; something that really needs to be brought to your attention. This is a serious matter. It seems as if there are some women out there who are unaware of proper shopping etiquette. Day after day, store after store I saw women making the same mistake - bringing their husbands, boyfriends, significant others along.
Outside dressings rooms in every store, were men leaning on clothes racks, downcast, defeated. These poor souls stood there laden with packages and purses, glazed expressions on their faces. Some had furrowed brows as they mentally tallied up the receipts their wives were accumulating. Some had a sort of meditation look on their faces as if by concentrating really, really hard, they might be able to telepathically get the score of the Cubs game. Others were simply thinking, "This is so not worth it. Maybe if we were at Victoria's Secret....nah, not even that is worth all this waiting. How long does it take to find what you need?"
Ladies, ladies, ladies, WHY? Why do you drag your husbands shopping with you? To get their opinions? They don't have opinions! They don't. What, you say your husband is wonderful and he always compliments you on your clothing? I'll let you in on a little secret. He's simply been trained and knows what to say so he won't be sleeping in the dog house. He doesn't really care if you buy the raw umber, the cinnamon, or the chocolate sweater. He doesn't even know what umber is and if you mention chocolate, he'll just remember that he's hungry and tired of shopping.
Do you take them along because you think it will be a fun bonding time for you two; a time for you to talk and interact and enjoy each other's company while looking for the perfect shoes? Men don't think this is fun! Know how men shop? They realize they need underwear when the elastic breaks on their last pair which has so many holes and skidmarks, it looks more like a dirty doily than underwear, so they run to the store, walk in past everything and everyone straight to the underwear section. They don't notice anything they pass; they're on a mission to get underwear. They grab a package with little attention to the brand, price, or even size and proceed to the nearest check-out. Ta Da. Done.
Men do not browse through racks. They do not hold clothes up to themselves while trying to get a feel for how it would look on them. Men do not admire mannequins (except maybe in Victoria's Secret) and wonder if they can pull off the same outfit. Men do not get excited about a BOGO sale. Men think BOGO is a clown with red hair. Do you hear me? Men do not like following their wives and girlfriends around while they shop!
Let's turn it around. Would you like to spend 4 hours in Home Depot while checking out plumbing equipment? Comparing horsepower on riding mowers? Drooling over cordless power tools? Of course you wouldn't! Stop torturing your men!
And really, dragging them along can't be enjoyable for you, can it? Do you like hearing, "Are you almost done?" repeatedly while they stare at their watches? Do you notice their spaced-out gazes as you ask them questions? They don't understand the thrill of finding the perfect shoes that were originally $120.oo and are now marked down to $75.00. You look at it like you just saved $45.00! Score! Your husband looks at it like you just spent $75.00 on shoes when you already have like 400 pairs in your closet. Yes, yes, I know they can be helpful holding your packages. This is true. But a good stroller does the same thing and strollers don't whine that they're missing the game.
I propose you bring your girlfriends with you. Or if you want a brutally honest opinion, bring your mother. Or mother-in-law! Heck, you don't really need to bring anyone with you, actually. Just step out of the dressing room and walk to the three-paneled mirrors in your dress. I guarantee if you ask another woman, "What do you think?" she will come up to you and exclaim, "Oooo I LOVE that! Are you going to a wedding? That looks wonderful on you! Oh, you should get it honey!" Can you imagine a man doing that? If a man walked out of the dressing room sporting a new pair of jeans and asked a perfect stranger, "Do these make my butt look big?" the other men would look at him as if he'd just sprouted another head as they slowly back away. Because men don't care what they look like. As long as their shirt passes the sniff test, they're good to go.
So please, for the love of all things on sale, do not continue to torture your husbands this way!
87 comments:
Ohhh...mine SO is the opposite...he loves to shop and drags ME along. He even took me to Bed, Bath and Beyond to shop for a cook set.
- October 1, 2008 at 10:42 PM
- StampingJoan said...
You have hit this one head on! I don't bring my husband and he wouldn't want to come! He say's the air in malls make him sick!!!
I shop for all of us! And I buy his underwear too!
I leave him home so he doesn't complain, see how much I'm spending, and 1/2 the time leave the stuff in the trunk til later! Then I say." I've had this a while!" - October 1, 2008 at 11:05 PM
- pam said...
Amen sister!!! LOVE it. You are so funny and everything you wrote in this post is so TRUE!
- October 1, 2008 at 11:13 PM
You said it, sister. Please do not make us go shopping!
You get it. Why don't other women get it? You could teach a course in "Understanding the Male species, 101". - October 1, 2008 at 11:20 PM
YES,YES,YES! I wholeheartedly agree. I feel so bad for those poor guys when all they really want is to be somewhere, ANYwhere, else. Ladies, please, please, please, take Dawn's advice. Leave the men at home (this way they can even watch the kids while you're gone) and take your girlfriends, sister, or even daughter (!) with you. I promise, if your daughter is over the age of 4, she will wholeheartedly accompany you on such a venture. Just be prepared to hear even more brutally honest comments than you would from your mother, i.e., "Mommy, your butt looks huge in those pants!" :)
- October 1, 2008 at 11:21 PM
I guess I've been blessed. My hubby is my best friend and almost always goes shopping with me. Granted, we live in Key West and there aren't a lot of shopping opportunities...Sears, KMart, Ross and Bealls. Thank goodness I'm not a shopaholic. But on the rare occasions that I shop, hubby comes along. He does his thing while I check out stuff I want to try on then when I'm ready he stations himself outside the dressing room to give me his opinion. I value his opinion...to a point. :)
By the way, my favorite store is Home Depot, I can spend hours there. I love a man that can appreciate me in 4 inch heels and still teach me to hang drywall.
I could never go shopping with my mother, everything would look awful in her opinion nor with my mother-in-law cause everything would look perfect on me. Going shopping with my hubby is perfect as long as I factor in the "perv" factor. My favorite people to go shopping with are my daugher and stepdaughter both 21 and my 18 year old son. - October 1, 2008 at 11:46 PM
My husband actaully doesnt mind shopping especially if we dont have the kids with us.!!!
- October 2, 2008 at 12:05 AM
- Kris said...
Just gotta say... um, yeah, I DO love hanging out at Home Depot! I go, Mike doesn't! But I also love to shop at other stores.
Apparently, though, we don't shop in the same types of stores. $75 for a pair of shoes? AYKM? I like my $22 WalMart babies... it's the math teacher in me -- but I can get 3 pair of shoes to your one and still have some moolah left for a Caramel Macchiato. It's all about quantity!
The person I love to shop with most is my sister. Every time we go shopping together, whether WalMart, Lowes, Staples, we laugh till we pee our pants -- I'm not kidding. We ALWAYS have people say to us, "You two are having too much fun!" Usually, that's followed by the ultra-annoying question, "Are you twins?"
Anyhoo... I think the three of us would be dangerous if we shopped together. I think someone might call the po-po on us!!!
Love ya! - October 2, 2008 at 12:06 AM
I'm a long time reader, first time poster. Let me start off by saying, I love your blog. It's boffo.
I actually don't think of taking my husband shopping with me as torture. Or at least I don't think he's being tortured any more than I am. I hate shopping. I think it strengthens our partnership to face the horror together. Then we go get an ice cream (beer), and everything's better. :-)
P.S. My hubby thinks spending good money on really good shoes is a wise investment. Your feet get you where you need to go. - October 2, 2008 at 12:23 AM
- Shari said...
LOL--My husband loves to go shopping with me and he likes to look at every freeking thing I try on! LOL He tries to convince me everything LOOKS NICE when in actuality only one piece out of the 25 I have tried on looks OK. He needs a lesson in Fashion 101. Maybe I wouldn't get granny shirts and pants for Christmas anymore. :>
- October 2, 2008 at 12:24 AM
I look at it this way. My husband doesn't ask me to go fishing or hunting and I don't ask him to go shopping with me. You don't have to be joined at the hip for everything to have a fulfilling relationship. If a man wants to go shopping, fine. But I have a feeling most men just give in because they're sick of hearing their wives/girlfriends whine and complain about it.
- October 2, 2008 at 1:06 AM
Best. Post. Ever!
So good that I actually left a message for the very first time.
Love you blog, Dawn. I read it everyday. And moan if you haven't posted anything! - October 2, 2008 at 4:33 AM
- The Father of Five said...
I shop with my wife because I enjoy spending time with her...
While all you say is true (especially about the underwear shopping), there are times I "endure" the shopping experience because I know how much my wife likes it, and I know how much I like my wife...
I tell you what though.. You hit the nail on the head with this post... I felt like you have been reading my mind! - October 2, 2008 at 5:29 AM
This is ever so true in my house. We now have a "system" because my husband would complain when I went out shopping without him and would complain if he came with me because I took so long. Now what we do is if we are going somewhere like the mall (where we can leave each other if the other gets bored). We say to each other " just asking but, would you like to come shopping with us"? (the girls and I). Then we know it means I am just asking to be nice but don't say yes. - October 2, 2008 at 6:43 AM
- Laura ~Peach~ said...
my husband does not shop... he told me this morning his clothes are shrinking... I had to turn my head and giggle then asked him if he woudl like me to go get him new clothes today ... he said no wait until tomorrow (as if something is going to change with his clothes) I will go to sears or home depot with my hubby simply because he is a quick drooler...gads that sounds bad... but he almost always with out fail has some tool in mind and will walk the isles scanning and filing in his brain the pertinant information then he looks at the price and decided usually in less than 30 minutes if this is actually what he is willing to pay then we are outta there!
our last tool purchase... infact the last three... I picked the tools on line gave him the specifications on them... went to sears and bought them and brought them home... he was happy all three times!
I LOVE my husband... I hate shopping but when I have to clothing shop I take my daughter and daughter in law with me... when it comes to them shopping for clothing I send them ALONE without ME. LOL. - October 2, 2008 at 7:23 AM
- Brandi said...
I'm in the same boat as Ellen (1st comment). My husband drags me into stores to shop and then makes me try the clothes on. Most of my clothes were purchased by my husband and given to me as gifts, or bought by my husband after he dragged me into a store. I do refrain from kicking and screaming, but I can't say that I never whine. I don't like shopping for clothes, shopping for shoes, or spending all that money that could be clothing or feeding the kids.
My mom used to drag me around when I was a kid/teen. Now, my husband does. - October 2, 2008 at 7:26 AM
You go girl! Thanks!!! I want my husband to go with me but I hate shopping!!! Always have. He hates it too. LOL! My MIL likes to shop more than I do. I sometimes feel like one of those guys you mentioned when I shop with her. LOL!!! But on the other hand, she gives good advice and I have gotten some good stuff when shopping with her. ;)
Anita in Indiana - October 2, 2008 at 7:27 AM
- noexcuses said...
You nailed this one, Dawn! I am one of those fashion-challenged women, however. I leave the tags on while I parade around the house in front of my teenage girls. If they don't fall down laughing, I figure that I have made a decent choice.
Great post! - October 2, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Mine doesn't like shopping for our son or me but doesn't mind shopping for himself. He loves going and trying on pants or browsing through shirts... I am the one sitting there bored then :)
- October 2, 2008 at 8:01 AM
- Brenda said...
I NEVER take my husband shopping with me unless I absolutely have too. Yes. It might be time to clean out your closet.
- October 2, 2008 at 8:19 AM
- Donna said...
Now is the time, sisters, to train your male children in the ways of shopping.....As a teen, I trained my brother and now I'd rather go shopping with he and my SIL.....he is honest about how something looks on us and if it is "current"....too bad they live 8 hours away......
- October 2, 2008 at 8:22 AM
- Rana said...
Yup, I USED to LOVE shopping. Now, I'm too broke/overweight to enjoy it much. Hubby HATES shopping. He thinks we should go back to hankies and old phone books. LOL. As far as clothes go, if it doesn't come from Goodwill, it's not in his closet! I on the other hand, go window shopping, try on a few pretty things, put them all back and come home depressed because nobody makes clothes for a body like mine. Can't we have clothes that fit AND look pretty? Every few years I go out and try to update my clothes and fit in with that 'younger generation' and come home upset that I'm not 20 anymore!
- October 2, 2008 at 8:26 AM
I took my husband to Kohl's. He needed underwear. When we got in the car, I asked him what he got. He told me underwear. He had bought 2 pair of Jockey boxer briefs that cost $20! I think I will go back to buying his underwear. He apparently did not see the 7 pack of hanes for $5.99!! They do look nice on him though!
- October 2, 2008 at 8:38 AM
- Sherry said...
You're absolutely right. And I don't torture my husband by dragging him shopping, I torture him another way - let him stay home with the kids while I take my time shopping. Not that I go shopping very often. I also hate clothes shopping but had to venture our recently due to an upcoming wedding - ugh. I didn't have a thing to wear. :)
- October 2, 2008 at 8:43 AM
- Unknown said...
My husband doesn't mind shopping either, but I no longer try things on in the changing rooms, where some pervy security person (potentitally male) could be checking out my oversized bum through their overhead spy vision. I'm sure those cameras add at least 5lbs to each bum cheek anyway!!
Kris, what the heck is "boffo"? LOL! - October 2, 2008 at 8:49 AM
- SMC said...
Unfortunately this doesn't work for me. My husband absolutely hates to shop but then again hates the thought of me shopping by myself. (Not sure if he thinks I will spend our life savings or he thinks shopping is so horrible I shouldn't have to do it alone.) Well, I hate shopping too but when we need new clothes or Christmas is on its way or whatever the occassion may be, he insists on going with me and promises he won't complain. He doesn't verbally complain but he does make the faces. Which makes me feel like I have to hurry up and then don't get half of the stuff we need or don't look at half of the stuff I'd like to. Shopping has become a miserable experience for both of us so I now buy my clothes online.
- October 2, 2008 at 9:08 AM
haha I shop like a man when it comes to clothes. I go in with a purpose and if I don't find what I am looking for I leave within 10 mins. I don't take my guy with me into the store unless we're just roaming around the mall together, he goes to his store and I go to mine. He wants my opinion on his clothes more than i want his on mine. :-)
- October 2, 2008 at 9:14 AM
Hi Dawn, My hubby say's that if men go out and buy new underware then he will look suspisous as if he is cheating. What ya think of that logic? Kristine in Michigan.
- October 2, 2008 at 9:14 AM
The only other truth about men and shopping is that they are as bad with directions IN a mall as they are at directions OUTSIDE the mall.
You're a riot! - October 2, 2008 at 9:22 AM
My husband doesn't mind going shoopping, but he does care what I wear and how it fits. In the begining he cared more than I do. He is also the type that says can I have 30 bucks and when I say yes, says ok go get a manicure and a pedicure. He wants me to look nice and does not going shopping with me to give me thumbs on what I buy. I realize I am lucky that he cares and that most men do not care. If he ever didnt want to go, that would be fine, he would just send his mother with me, and the one time she did go that went well to even though she was very honest. - October 2, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Haha, that's really funny and for some wives I'm sure it's true. My husband has and always will be the one who breaks every "man" mold out there ;) He's a musician who tries on two shirts in the same size just in case one fits better than the other. We love to get someone to watch our kids and go shopping together…when we have the money ;) My husband always has an opinion and I highly value it. He's a recording engineer and always dresses well. I find myself asking him if what I have on looks good all the time and he's always honest. Really :) He has amazing and a tad expensive taste so we'll mainly be found in an Express dressing room with both of us trying on clothes together, haha. I have to add that he's not at all into sports and hates being outside even more than I do. As for Home Depot; we only go if we need something there which is rare but we both enjoy the excursion :) We're actually best friends and love doing everything together and are rarely apart. Believe me; I thank God everyday that He knew just what I needed :)
- October 2, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Here Here!
I do take my husband grocery shopping though because he likes the cheap no bagger place and I don't like to bag my own groceries so he bags it all. It's actually more like he takes me. I make a list. When we had two toddlers he did all the shopping on his own.
And Sam's Club no way I would want to shop there without him to lift and carry.
He does like going to Bed Bath and Beyond. - October 2, 2008 at 9:34 AM
- Mummy McTavish said...
Nope, don't take the husband. Had to buy a dress for my bro's wedding. Had to take hubby along to one particular shop, no way around it. I told him straight out, "I will not be listening to your opinion. I dont want sexy, the reception is at my favourite resturant, I want something that has room for all that I'm going to eat!" He really didnt like my dress. I got so many great comments on it from other people. Recently I have had him with me and purchased two shirts, after a few wears I had a proper look in the mirror and realise they showed far too much boob and I had to explain if he picks clothes where he can see that much every other guy on the street can see it too!
- October 2, 2008 at 9:38 AM
- Heather said...
I do agree with you in most cases, but believe it or not, I can't go clothes shopping without my DH. He is my personal shopper. I can't stand sales people hovering as that is DH's job. He finds me better clothes than I would pick out for myself. He has a good eye for colors and cut of clothes that look good on me. The excuse I can think of that made him this way is his mother is a seamstress and he has five sisters that he is close with.
- October 2, 2008 at 9:38 AM
- Jennifer said...
This is funny. And I'm sure it's true for most. But my husband is in the minority I suppose. He says to me, "Let's go get you some clothes." And he takes ME shopping. I have very little fashion sense and he has tons. He goes through and picks out outfits - he'll put stuff together I'd have never considered, and it looks great! He'll hand me something I don't think I'll like, (something I wouldn't have tried on my own) and I'll put it on and love it! He sends me to the dressing room and makes me come out so he can see everything and makes his selections. Then he will keep bringing me stuff. I'm usually tired and ready to go long before he is. I would be wearing ugly clothes if it weren't for him. I'm a blessed gal!
- October 2, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Dawn - My husband is an architect, so he has an eye for detail, beauty and structure. He will be brutally honest, emphasis on brutally. If I don't look good, he will be the first to tell me. Not in a mean, snotty way, but just being truthful. I needed a dress for a wedding and it came down to two different dresses. Both were on sale for 60% off, so he said to buy them both. He's not an alien, I've checked.
He also likes to shop for himself. We can go into our favorite store and I can scope out items I like and try them on. I usually have to wait for him. He has to check every shirt on every rack. But this took years of training him and getting rid of all the hideous clothing of his past.
When I bring him grocery shopping, which is rare, it takes me twice as long to get through the store. He has to inspect every item that catches his eye. I have a list and a mission. Zip in. Zip out. Just like going to Wisconsin. (Stripes)
Karen - October 2, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Also, it makes me uncomfortable when somebody else's husband is just standing outside my dressing room waiting on his wife. I get a little creeped out...I didn't bring my hubby for a reason. I don't need somebody else's man to do his job of waiting, staring, judging my purchases.
- October 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Things are a bit opposite in my marriage. I HATE clothes shopping and my DH is okay with it. If I need to get something, I want to go by myself, so I can get in and get out. If DH needs something, he wants me to go with him to help him pick out clothes, etc. I am the one standing bored by the dressing room, holding the clothes for him. (By the way, I also have the same attitude if my mother/sister/etc. drags me to the store with them. I just hate it.)
Home Depot is another story. I could spend hours in there. I even love the way the store smells. - October 2, 2008 at 10:06 AM
My Darling Husband took the kids fishing last Sunday so that I could go buy khakis in peace. I love that man. My favorite shopping partner is definately either my friend Kacey or my Mother-in-law. My MIL has GREAT taste, and she is regularly talking me into buying things that I'm glad about later. She gives me a Talbot's gift card for Christmas every year and then helps me pick stuff out! It's great! Last spring I had hoarded all of my Christmas money AND my birthday money and we had a HUGE shopping spree. I haven't spent that much money in one day on clothing since I bought my Wedding dress!
I never take my DH with me. He hates to shop. I bought him a pair of khakis on Sunday b/c he needs some but it would be 6 months b4 he would get around to it! - October 2, 2008 at 10:35 AM
- AuntyM said...
I thought you might like to see this:
Men don't look around in stores; they go with a specific purchase in mind, and once the item/s is/are located, they are D-O-N-E. They don't even look to see what's on sale or on clearance. - October 2, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Ok...I pretty much agree. Men don't really care how big their butts look...unless they're gay.
- October 2, 2008 at 11:17 AM
- Coma Girl said...
Your husband buys his own underwear??? Mine simply goes "I need underwear and it miraculously appears in his drawer in a few days.
- October 2, 2008 at 11:19 AM
- car1224 said...
It was like reading about my husband! My husband owns his own business where he sees customers throughout the day and yesterday he wore his pajama shirt to work! No kidding. When I was completely horrified when he walked in the door, he was proud to tell me that nobody knew it was his pajamas. He didn't even think that maybe nobody wanted to ask? I tried to get through to him that it shouldn't matter what others know, it's what he knows, and that it's inappropriate, etc. -- yes, everything you would tell your child! I warned him that if I catch him doing something like that again, I will put his pajamas where he won't find him -- maybe the washer because I don't think he even knows we have one. Men are just tall boys!!
- October 2, 2008 at 11:27 AM
- my3boys said...
I have seriously never understood this either. But once I was at Kohl's and this woman brought her boyfriend/husband/whatever IN THE DRESSING ROOM WITH HER! So he's sitting in there making loud comments that I can hear every single word of, and she was trying on............................................you guessed it.............................................bras. I was so appalled, I quit trying stuff on myself and high tailed it out of there. I mentioned it to the checkout lady and before I knew it, several security guys went racing in the direction of the dressing rooms.
- October 2, 2008 at 11:53 AM
My hubby hates to shop so he lets me do all the shopping, which includes getting him new clothes as well. The only time he's with me when I am shopping is when we are grocery shopping....it gives him a chance to look at electronics as we go to Walmart and/or Sam's together. We each have a cell phone we can call each other if we are done browsing or done with the shopping. Thank goodness for cell phones.
- October 2, 2008 at 12:17 PM
- Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...
Amen!!! My husband needs a new belt...and says, "I really need a new belt." This translates to, GO GET ME A NEW BELT and I'll hope it's the right color and that it goes around my waist without too much or too little.
- October 2, 2008 at 12:45 PM
- Darla said...
I agree. My favorite shopping partner is my five year old daughter. Believe it or not she has great taste and will tell me when she doesn't like what I've tried on or she'll tell me, "Beautiful momma," when she does like it. And she's never been wrong!
- October 2, 2008 at 1:53 PM
- Kymber said...
My husband has no fashion sense. In our 13 years of marriage, we never went to the mall together. I buy all the clothes, socks, underwear, etc. If he shops, he either gets something SO tacky or it doesn't fit right. I love to shop, and I prefer to go by myself. I can not shop with my mother!!! OMG! That would be torture to me!
- October 2, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Why do I take my husband shopping? Even though he doesn't really enjoy it? Two reasons..1. He has very good taste and 2. I always get more when he goes...lol. If I go alone, he sets a budget. If he goes, he always sees something that would look good on me or if I'm having trouble deciding, he says just get them both...lol! I scored a beautiful pair of Coach flats because he loved the way they looked on me. I'd never dream of spending that much for a pair of shoes, but he insisted. He's the same way with the kids, so they prefer it when he takes them shopping! Yes...he sits around acting bored, but I make sure to not complain if he wants to look at sports stuff or tools. If he has to suffer, then it's only fair that I do, too.
- October 2, 2008 at 2:28 PM
I saw jellies in all kinds of sizes and colors at a local store in Kansas. Lots of stuff from the 80's-90's are coming back- leggins under shorts and skirt. Converse shoes, My mother always told me if yu hang on to it long enough it will be back in style. She gave my 12 a pair of plaid bellbottoms a few years back and gee she wore them and loved them (so did some of her friends). And definitly leave the man at home, they would tell you anything just to get out of the store.
- October 2, 2008 at 2:33 PM
- Stephanie said...
Do you know my husband? You just described him to a tee. That was hilarious and soooo true!
- October 2, 2008 at 2:45 PM
- Crazy Raven Productions said...
Hey! I had a wedding registry at Home Depot! I love power tools! In fact, I'd rather go shopping for tools than shoes or pants any day, just because tools are one size fits all and I don't have to find a 7 1/2 wide-width drill or a size 16-18 short pair of pliers. No matter which router I buy, it will not affect the perceived size of my ass.
- October 2, 2008 at 3:34 PM
I think you're safe keeping the jelly shoes since I saw a rack of brand-new jelly shoes at Target the other day... I rubbed my eyes and shook my head a few times, but the display was still there, not a hallucination. And if you haven't noticed the hideous comeback that leg warmers are making yet, it's just not cold enough yet in Chicago...
The fashion horrors of my past really are returning to haunt me... I didn't even like 80's fashion back in the 80's... *shudder*
And some men are really just weird, like my husband who drags me over to the cosmetics section and tries to talk me into getting all sorts of crazy flourescent eye shadows and lime-green lipsticks... He has been known to swerve into the ladies clothing section while shopping at walmart just to take a few cell-phone photos and sending them to me with questions like what size or how he would like to see me in that... After 5 years I'm kind of used to it, but he's really more helpful than the store employees when it comes to locating alternate sizes : ) For Christmas he gets me... CLOTHES and I have to drop obvious hints if I want anything else... - October 2, 2008 at 4:12 PM
- Patois42 said...
Amen on the clothes shopping, but I'll happily spend four hours in Home Depot (well, Lowe's, actually) if the kids stay at home.
- October 2, 2008 at 4:45 PM
- Carrie said...
My husband loves to shop. I hate to shop. He has even gone into Lane Bryant and shocked the sales lady there by asking for a specific type of bra...he does my shopping for me. I have no style,he does, yet he married me anyway. He is even more horrible about looking at clothes now that he has lost 250 pounds and can actually shop at Target, or for that matter, any normal sized clothing store. We go to Target to buy cat litter and pull ups and he has to detour to the back of the store to the men's department to try on stuff. I happily go along with him and share in his joy that he can wear stuff in "regular" sizes. As far as I am concerned, he can continue to do the shopping for the family.
- October 2, 2008 at 4:48 PM
- Rick said...
Been there. Done that. She bought the t-shirt. (But she had to try on a couple of dozen before she did.)
- October 2, 2008 at 6:14 PM
I try not to take anyone with me. It's quiet. I can take my time. And I don't have to worry about other people.
If I want an opinion on something I DO ask a stranger. They will give you an honest answer. They don't have anything invested in you and don't care how you feel. If it looks good they'll tell you. If it doesn't they'll TELL you. It's great! - October 2, 2008 at 6:35 PM
- Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life said...
BOGO the Clown--love it!
My mom always said, "Reed, you'll NEVER GUESS how much money I saved you today!" Kinda took the sting out of it. - October 2, 2008 at 8:36 PM
I hate shopping. Whenever I visit my parents, my dad wants to take me shopping and buy me something new, hint hint, I need to dress better. So I go with my dad, and I'm the one grumbling while he's patiently waiting outside the dressing room! The worst part is that it's usually right after Thanksgiving or some other over-eating occasion that he wants to take me out to try on clothes! He's great, though, and I really appreciate it. Last time, I did get a really good pair of jeans that I never would have bought myself.
- October 2, 2008 at 9:17 PM
- Unknown said...
Mine doesn't even go to the store for underwear. He orders online.
- October 2, 2008 at 9:22 PM
- Michelle Kemper Brownlow said...
You need a DIAPER WARNING on these posts!!!
I peed a little reading this ALOUD to my husband...b/c he didn't give birth he didn't pee but he LAUGHED ALOT!!! - October 2, 2008 at 10:51 PM
- Stressed Out said...
Dear GOD - taking your dh shopping is almost as bad as taking your 16-year-old son with you when you buy your 12 year-old daughter's first bra! People, people, people - isn't the whole GOAL of shopping is getting them home, in the closet, and on your body before he notices you brought home a bag from Christopher & Banks??? (This old thing - don't you remember seeing me in this before? Weren't you paying attention?)
Now personally, I LOOOOOOOVE mail order. There is no fluorescent lighting in my bedroom. No kids trying to pick up pins off the floor of my "dressing room." I can turn around and see my butt in my very own trifold mirror and don't have to venture out into the "common" area of the dressing rooms. I can grunt, and groan and squeal with horror (or delight) when something looks horrible / frightful / outlandish / fabulous - and no one's going to talk about me five aisles over once they leave their dressing room ("did you hear her?? I wonder what size SHE was trying on!") Lands' End, LL Bean, JC Penney, Coldwater Creek - all have generous return policies and you can order all you want (within your budget) and return what you don't want/doesn't work. (Ok - I'll go to Christopher & Banks and Lane Bryant just because I've gotten SUCH good feedback from their staff - and when I do, my husband is waiting in a dainty little chair, holding my purse, telling me that of course my butt doesn't really look that big!) - October 2, 2008 at 11:21 PM
- Welcome To My Loud Life said...
WOW! Great posting tonight! LOVE IT! I could not have said it any better!
A+ for this one! - October 3, 2008 at 12:54 AM
I agree! Of course I don't like shopping most of the time either so I try to make it as quick as possible. My reason has nothing to do with the fact that I'm getting fat (although it doesn't help, lol) but I have ADHD and the noise of crowded stores makes me bonkers.
I have a pretty great situation that works out as the PERFECT solution though. My hubby works in retail and is in charge of all the stock for his store. So he has had to develop at least a slight eye for fashion to do his job. He also knows I'm going to shop from time to time (because as much as I hate shopping I LOVE clothes, lol) and spend his money. So he keeps his eyes open for things he knows I will like and will look nice on me that are going on clearance, hides my size in the back and then calls me. Lol. So I show up when he is still working so he has a perfect excuse not to hang around waiting for me. I try it on, make my decision, buy it, and then go home.
I'm also convinced this is how he keeps me from spending way more. Not just because the stuff is on clearance, but because he is giving me just enough to keep me from going on a shopping spree. I think if I didn't buy anything for long enough I would go nuts finally. But this way I get an item here and there and it keeps me happy. Everybody wins. - October 3, 2008 at 1:16 AM
- Gypsy Angel said...
I have to disagree also. My husband loves to shop, can't get him out of the store until he has walked from one side to the other & front to back. And if we are clothes shopping I need to be prepared to try on several items. He loves to spoil me & I have to make sure he does buy to much. When I wanted to get new bras & underwear he went crazy. I ended up with more than I would have gotten for myself. And he does ask me how do these jeans look on me.
- October 3, 2008 at 5:33 AM
My friends are 300 miles away, my mother died 16 years ago, and my 17 year old daughter does not want to shop with me, so occassionally my husband goes with me just to keep me company.
- October 3, 2008 at 7:41 AM
- The Accidental Mommy said...
I was blog surfing and found your post- so funny and true to the last detail about the underwear. My DH had a few pair that got so nasty they got up and walked away.
What I love these days is shopping by MYSELF. - October 3, 2008 at 9:36 AM
- Kathy said...
We are living parallel lives! Minus three kids. I don't know how you do it and manage to still be FUNNY and interesting and as of my 2nd cup of coffee today,
You have my vote. And I approve this message. - October 3, 2008 at 10:51 AM
You are absolutely right, as usual!
Once, my 19 year old son met up with me in the women's dept. after he was done shopping. He asked what size a I was looking for, and I said 16W. He dutifully looked through the racks, and then held up a blazer and said" here's a 16 WIDE!" He was very upset when I informed him that the W was for woman's, not wide. - October 3, 2008 at 11:58 AM
- Jessi said...
Lol! Oh how so very true! Poor guys.
- October 3, 2008 at 12:37 PM
ROFL!!!! SOOOOOO TRUE!!! Love it. Thanks for the laugh--just what I needed this afternoon! ;0)
- October 3, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Torture is the reason I TAKE my husband. Doesn't help around the house, leaves his dirty clothes everywhere, can't do dishes, ect. Well, a few hours going from store to store, and sometimes back to the first store once I realized a few others really aren't cheaper- and lugging around all of my purchases as well as forking over extra cash when I blew through my budget more quickly than I anticipated.. well, yes- that is why I drag his behind with me.
- October 3, 2008 at 4:05 PM
- Vicki said...
That was a great post! Loved it!
- October 3, 2008 at 4:19 PM
- Shellie said...
I agree. I don't want any kids along either, and I don't want a time limit on my shopping trip, which is why I NEVER get new clothes. When my bigger friends shrink something, they give it to me. BUT, when you grocery shop, look for a bag that is labeled Hormel Premium Real Crumbled Bacon with Picnic Bacon. No more frying bacon at my house, and the stuff has 50% less fat than pan fried bacon. I love, love, love the stuff!
- October 3, 2008 at 4:31 PM
- Teapot said...
Thanks for saying something... some people I swear!
http://teapotparties.blogspot.com - October 3, 2008 at 4:44 PM
- Unknown said...
I take my hubs because I hate shopping and he likes to pick out my clothes. But then, I usually don't like what he picks out and we get in an argument.
I don't know why, but I never learn.
From now on, I'm shopping by myself. - October 3, 2008 at 5:14 PM
- Michelle said...
Unfortunately, I'm with you on not updating my wardrobe much. There's just no time sans husband and wee ones.
However, your dissertation did explain why my husband continues to wear navy pants and socks with black shoes. EVERY time. - October 3, 2008 at 5:34 PM
I found someone more honest than a mother or mother-in-law to take shopping with you. It is a teen daughter. If I say that I don't like those shoes because they make me look old (aka frumpy) she says, "welllllllll..."
Okay, I am 41, but I don't have to dress like a grandma! I want to have a touch of sofistication in my wardrobe to downplay the frumpy base of clothes I have to draw from. Is it too dowdy to own 40 dingy t-shirts and 7 pairs of jeans that are wearing where your thighs rub together?
I found a link on you tube that pretty much summed up much of my mothering experience and though it is not related to shopping, I was sure you would get a kick out of it, and maybe even post it on your site. here is hte url.
Happy day!
-Marit in Boise - October 3, 2008 at 5:37 PM
Oh and this is my all time favorite "what to do while the wife shops" activity. A must see, and probably one your older kids would enjoy as well. LOL
Yes, men do like shopping when they are like this guy.
ps, I LOVE home depot and lowes, more than jewelry and flowers anyday! But I know I am bizarre that way. - October 3, 2008 at 5:47 PM
- Tom said...
Thank you!! You'll save a few husbands out there with your wise tutelage.
- October 3, 2008 at 6:55 PM
This really made me chuckle!!! I actually hate shopping so my husband is a bit lucky. AND I have gotten in the most trouble spending money at Lowes (like Home Depot) than anywhere else. I love to walk around and smell the lumber... dig in bins for hardware... check out industrial cleaning supplies...
Yes, I am a freak. - October 5, 2008 at 10:53 AM
- Sharlyn said...
I learned very early in my marriage that my husband's idea of purgatory is more than five minutes in a grocery store. He was a puddle on the floor at six minutes. MUCH easier to leave him home and enjoy myself. Way to go Dawn, you got it!
- October 5, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hi Dawn,
I have been reading yoru blog quite often but alas am guilty of not commenting (a grave sin in blog'world) and beg your pardon for that.
Anyways, this post hits the nail dead on its head. Its truest representation of our feelings and the way we shop. Kudos!!! - October 6, 2008 at 2:31 AM
- Ira Dorman said...
Thank you now if I could just print this and leave it in a obvious place for my wife.
- October 6, 2008 at 3:02 PM
I simply LUV this post but have to say that my hubby loves shopping with me and often, I find that his critique is the most honest of all of my other girlfriends. I guess he became really great at shopping for the entire family since with all 3 of my children I spend the greater part of my pregnancy on bed-rest...Yawn!
So I depended on him for everything and secretly still do. I love to shop and as a mother and wife, I often find it hard, so I started my own little circle where we take looks that we like and recreate in in affordable department stores (esp. when they are sales).
still working on www.thecocktailcafe.com but hoping that you will continue writing awesome blogs like one. I loved it. - October 6, 2008 at 3:26 PM
- Tequitia said...
i'm totally there with you on not shopping for yourself regularly. i think i dress my kids better than myself. i walk around looking liking a pauper. And, i dislike shopping with my husband. he is constantly rushing me, totally ruining it! love you blog, btw!
- October 10, 2008 at 9:19 PM
- TheHMC said...
First...I don't like clothes shopping either because of my weight. If it were't for my mother and Aunt blindly guessing and bringing me clothes for birthdays and Christmas(not to mention when they happen upon a good clearance sale), I would be living in nothing but the spousal unit's old MI t-shirts and pajama bottoms.
Now, in regards to taking your man shopping...I am SO with you. Good for all of those ladies that have hubbies that enjoy that kind of shopping, but mine doesn't like it. At tax return time, I took a day to go on a sale hunt, as I hadn't had the chance to in awhile with how tight finances have been. I immediately called my mom to go with me and then told hubby when and where she and I were going. His only request was that I buy him......you guessed it-underwear. And I found killer deals on the kind he likes because I searched to find a good price. He was proud of my find and admitted that he never would've looked the way I had. He went to get a pair of shoes once at Ross. He came home $200 later with shoes and 2 pair of the ugliest pants I've ever seen designed for a man. We can't even go grocery shopping together. He does the whole "Cool. Are we done now? Can we leave?" And we JUST walked into the store 3 minutes ago.
Leave the men at Ruby Tuesdays, let them eat and drink 'til they're merry, and then you not only have a drop off location for your bags(so you don't have to carry all of them the entire time), but he can make the necessary trips to put them in the car. Then you can drive him home, put him to bed, and bring in all of your new treats. Like those shoes. Or the 5 new shirts you bought your daughter even though she didn't NEED them...but they were marked doen from 15.99 to 2.50! Duh! You don't pass that up!
Like that yarn I bought last week even though I have boxes and boxes of yarn. 1.50 and .75 a skein? He can't appreciate that, but he'll thank me later when I don't have to pay twice that price when I DO need it. LOL I'm so great at justifying it to myself. - October 16, 2008 at 1:16 AM


text:
What things need to be tested as part of this benchmark suite?
If you have additions or suggestions, please add them.
- Fundamental Concepts
- Language Concepts
- Simple Idioms
- Complex Idioms
- Runtime and Library Support
- More Complex Stuff
- Optimizations
- Conformance to Specification
- Binary Size
- Language Extensions
- Other ?
Fundamental Concepts
Most of these can't easily be tested.
- regular types
- basic math
- basic flow control
- dereference
- a pointer/iterator is a regular type that can be dereferenced
- type conversion
- performance of type conversions (known to be a problem on certain compilers)
Language Concepts
- abstraction
- what happens to performance when I put { } around a value?
- inheritance
- what happens if my function is in a child class, virtual, or both?
- what happens if my values are in a child class?
- function calls - how expensive are different styles of function call?
- inline, function pointer, defined in another module, etc.
- exceptions - what is the cost of using exceptions?
- throwing versus not
- compared to error return codes
- exceptions enabled or not in the compiler
- compared to setjmp/longjmp?
- RTTI - what are the costs?
- compared to per-object ids or strings
function objects - what are the costs/benefits compared to inline functions and function pointers?
- template instantiation
- are there any problems with duplicate template bodies and code size?
- are there any problems with recursive templates or deep usage of templates?
- constructors
- Are empty constructors correctly optimized away?
- Are copy constructors correctly optimized away?
- Are default copy constructors efficient?
Simple Idioms
These are building blocks, with more than one way to express them. These are commonly reused things, usually found in headers like "inlines.h", "math_utils.h", etc.
For all of these: What is the optimal implementation, and does the compiler recognize other implementations and substitute the optimal one?
- swapping 2 values
- does anything need to be tested for swapping 2 different types, or is that handled by assignment/conversion testing?
- absolute value
- min/max of 2 values
- switch versus if/else trees
- pin values to range (max, min combo)
- rotate bits within a byte/word
- byte order reversal
- round up/down
- round float to int
- thresholding
- pointer alignment tests and comparisons
- fixed point math
- extended precision math (ie: 64 bit math on a 32 bit CPU)
Complex Idioms
These may require multiple optimizations to perform well, or some pattern/idiom recognition in the compiler.
These are simple algorithms important to many different tasks/fields, but are frequently the inner loops and most performance sensitive code.
- safe bool cast from a smart pointer
- hand coded memcpy, memmove, memset, memcmp
- simple types and user defined types
- arrays and containers
- convolution
- 1D, 2D, and more?
- matrix multiplication
- 2D is common
- higher dimensions get a bit esoteric
- min/max of a sequence
- summation of a sequence
- product of a sequence
- dot product of sequences
- sorting a sequence
- many possible algorithms and implementations
- given the permutations, is this testable?
- maybe just test STL implementations?
- reversing a sequence
- rotating members of a sequence
- find/search sequence
- again, many possible algorithms and implementations
- given the permutations, is this testable?
- maybe just test STL implementations?
- lookup tables
- interleave/deinterleave buffers
- transpose block
- rotate a 2D block
- plus or minus 90 degrees
- 180 degrees
- horizontal flip
- vertical flip
- transpose
- histogram building
- stack like operations
- bitarrays and manipulations of them
- complex type and template
Runtime and Library Support
These are library functions or header defined functions/macros supplied by the compiler or OS. These can sometimes be the performance limiting factor in a variety of applications.
- allocation / deletion
- new, delete
- malloc, free
- performance for various sizes (testing suballocation)
- mathlib
- all functions
- compared to inline versions of some functions
- string manipulation routines
- strcpy, strcmp, strchr, strcat, etc.
- strncpy, strncmp, strncat, etc.
- memory routines
- memcpy, memmove, memset, memcmp, etc.
- ctype routines
- isdigit, isalpha, etc.
- stdio
- printf, getc, fread, fwrite, etc.
- C++ iostreams
- cout, ostream, etc.
- compare cout versus printf
- stdlib
- strtod, strtof
- threads
- creation, destruction, sleep overhead, semaphores, mutexes
More Complex Stuff
- STL containers
- insertion
- push_front
- push_back
- in-order, reverse-order and random insert for ordered containers
- removal
- deletion of container
- iterating items
- reverse iterating items
- copy containers
- erase all entries
- search/find/lookup
- in-order, reverse-order and random
- vector
- is iteration of vector the same as iterating a pointer
- is operator[] the same speed as indexing a pointer
- what is the penalty for using operator at() range checking
- insertion
- STL algorithms
- strstr / text searching
- no "best" algorithm
- large variance in optimum based on alphabet (roman text, gene sequencing, bit pattern)
- Discrete Wavelet/Fourier/Cosine/Sine Transform
- 1D (Audio, PDE spectral methods)
- 2D (video, image compression)
- simple and optimized algorithms
- wavelet and FFT have many near optimal implementations
We need to test as many optimizations as possible. Priority should be given to those that are used most often and offer the highest benefit to the most code (which isn't always easy to judge).
- algebraic simplification
- constant folding
- constant propagation
- copy propagation
- common subexpression elimination
- loop invariant code motion
- dead code elimination
- strength reduction
- value range propagation (aka Predicate Simplification?)
- loop fusion
- loop interchange
- loop normalization
- loop removal
- loop unrolling
- loop unswitching
- normalization of references
- scalar replacement of arrays
- scalar replacement of structs
- instruction scheduling
- removal of unused objects/allocations
- this may not be legal in some circumstances
- inlining
- keyword inline
- auto inline of small functions
- functions defined in classes
- functions defined in templates
- depth of inlining (could be difficult to test)
- leaf first or trunk first?
- what factors might disable inlining on some compilers?
Conformance to Specification
- user specified swap in STL algorithms
- short circuit evaluation of boolean expressions
- growth policies and complexities of STL containers
- concept checks compile away to nothing
Binary Size
- Are duplicate templates correctly collapsed?
- Are unused template member functions correctly removed?
- Are unused (or duplicate) static, const, and static const values correctly removed?
Language Extensions
Other ?
- ineffiency returning or working with std::pair ?


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A bike transport service is a service that provides transportation for bikes, motorbikes, and bikes in Pune for Umaria.
The company offers the ability to transport your bike to your destination with live tracking. It also provides the option to have it delivered on a freight truck. The company can offer different delivery options depending on how much you are willing to spend on the shipping cost.
A Pune to Umaria bike transport service (Weeple Booking Link) provider is a company that offers a perfect solution to people who want to move their motorcycles to Umaria from Pune. These companies offer the best and safest way for transporting bikes.
Some of the important benefits of these services are:
A bike transport service is a service that provides transportation for bikes, motorbikes, and bikes.
The company offers the ability to transport your bike to your destination with live tracking. It also provides the option to have it delivered on a freight truck. The company can offer different delivery options depending on how much you are willing to spend on the shipping cost.
India is a vast country with different climates, cultures, lifestyles, and so on. As a result, the demand for transportation services is increasing day by day. Pune-based scooty transport service meant for Umaria has become popular among people who want to travel quickly and efficiently across the country.
Here are some of the benefits of using a Pune-based scooty transport service en route for Umaria:
Transporting a two wheeler in India is a tricky process, and it can cost a lot of time and money. If you are looking for the best two wheeler transport rates from India to abroad, you should take great care when choosing a shipping company.
Motorbike transport companies in India directed towards Umaria offer a variety of services like bike shipping, bike delivery, and bike transportation. They provide rates that are competitive and affordable. The company will ship your motorbike to Umaria, deliver it to the destination, or both, depending on what you need. The charges of bike transport service for a standard vehicle for a short distance is in range of Rs 4,800 - 5,000 up to 350cc. There are various domains of packers. Heavy Bikes like Royal Enfield and Harley Davidson are charged differently due to their heavyweight. Zivoon provides an affordable price for bike transportation service with safety measures, bike packing, and the highest chances of safe delivery.
Top Bikes Transported from Pune to Umaria
The bike relocation company in your area will provide you with the best services based on the type of bike you own.
For instance, if you own a scooter, they might suggest using a particular service provider who provides moving services to scooty owners.
So which service would be best for me?
There are many factors that will determine the type of service that is best for you regarding Umaria. For example, the distance of your move, the size of your bike, and more. The various categories include scooty parcel service, scooty courier service, scooty shipping service, and more.
Zivoon is one of the best bike packers and movers in Pune to Umaria. We have a team of professionals who are trained in the best ways to handle your bike. Zivoon offers you great customer service, along with our expertise in handling bikes.
We have many years of experience in ensuring that your two-wheeler courier service is moved by professionals leading to Umaria. They have a team that can provide you with all kinds of information about moving your bike whether it is done locally or nationally.
With a team of experienced and qualified professionals, we help you move to India in an efficient and stress-free manner as for Umaria. We understand the challenges of relocating to a new city, so we work hard to make your relocation smooth by providing you with exceptional service, stress-free relocation, special service level agreements, and credible organization. We have utmost priority for your shipment en route for Umaria with multiple modes of payment, utmost priority, clearpayment policies, care forvaluable belongings and personal belongings,online tracking facilities, special care, and job satisfaction at an affordable starting price by ourrelocation expert and dedicated transport expert.
Moving your bike from one place to another can be a tricky task. You should not just pack it in the two-wheeler and hope for the best. Here are some tips for how to transport your bike when moving from one place to another.
To understand how to transport your bike to Umaria, you must first understand why you should be doing it in the first place. The main reason is that if you don't, you risk damaging it in transit and also can cause injury to yourself or others if they run into it while trying to navigate around the house during a move.
Moving is stressful enough, but without the help of bike packers and movers as for Umaria, the process becomes even more complicated.
It can be difficult to move without bike packers and movers because it's much easier to identify all your fragile items when they are grouped together in one place. It also helps you stay organized as you begin packing up your home for moving day..
Bike Packers and Movers by road are some of the best packing and moving services in India.
Packers and Movers provide motorcycle transportation for their customers. The company offers various carrier options to its customers in order to ensure that they can easily carry their goods.
The rates are dependent on the distance to be traveled, the number of days for transporting your bike, and the packaging needs.
There are many different moving company options in the market. It is important to know the right type of service needed for your move.
With Bike Packers, you can avoid the stress of loading and unloading heavy items by yourself. The cost of hiring a bike packer or mover till Umaria in Pune depends on how many bikes, boxes, and other possessions you need to move.
The website is designed to be a one-stop destination for all of your goods transportation services needs for any type of vehicle on the road to Umaria. Check the rates as per vehicle before transport booking.
Location | Area | Locality | City |
Indore Uchchanyayalay | Todi | Kishanganj | Indore City |
Indore Malwa Mill | Agra | Gujarkheda | Indore Manorama Ganj |
Girota | Indore Tukoganj | Yashwant Nagar | Kudana |
BPali | B pali | Birsinghpur Pali | Bandhogarh |
Umaria | Gopad Vanas |
Moving is not an easy task. People are always looking for the easiest way to pack their belongings and simplify the process. Moving a bike isn't difficult, but there are some things you need to take into consideration before packing it up for transport.
The first thing you want to do when packing a bike is to make sure that it is clean. A clean bike will be less likely to damage anything in your household during transport. You should also have accessories you might have added that might break off. You need to have proper insurance for your vehicle in order to ship it. Also, one government id proof is required for transportation documentation.
The most common factor that most people take into consideration while choosing the right bike shipping method is the price. But there are many factors to consider before selecting one of them, such as the weight of the bike, its height, width and length.
Another option is to use a motorcycle transport company in India which will transport your bike for you. The 2 wheeler transport companies in India offer many different 2 wheeler shipping methods for all kinds of bikes irrespective of their size and weight.
The first step is to transport the bike to a shipper. It is best to call a few shippers in the area and ask for a quote on the specific bike. The estimate should include any fees or charges for packing, transporting, or unloading. Before agreeing to anything, be sure you understand what they're providing and their pricing model.
The bike must be packed so it can safely be transported. This is usually thick cardboard sheeting, and shrink wrap to reduce the chances of the bike getting damaged during transport.
Bike transportation service is a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and fast way to transport your valuable cargo on a priority basis. It is a service being offered by bike transport companies, which offer a wide range of bike courier services. These include two-wheeler transportation services, bike courier services, bike delivery services, bike packing, and unpacking services. With the help of our experts, you can choose from various transportation processes including relocation of simple and complex heavy motorbikes at economical prices by Transportation experts
Among various bike transport companies, thetransportation process adopted by Zivoon delivers good customer satisfaction and stands us among industry leaders in the entire Industry. With our services reaching manyremote cities with timely delivery with bike transportation intercity & outside City as verified bike movers andvehicle transporters, simplifying the tedious process for a successful relocation at affordable prices.
If you are looking for bike carriers that are reliable, durable, and affordable with reliable packing, timely delivery, complete satisfaction, and online tracking then you should contact us at our customer care number. We have a wide range of pin codes covered that cover most of the major cities. We are able to provide extra charges for our customers who live in areas outside of major cities. Contact us today if you would like to see the bike carriers in person or if you would like to purchase one online
We don't provide separate relocation insurance policies. You need to keep yourinsurance documents ready at thetime of booking in the relocation of motor vehicles.
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Snakes And Snails And Puppy Dog's Tails
Wonderbaby is fiercely independent and extremely strong-willed. This will, no doubt, come as no surprise to anyone who has followed my stories about her exploits, but, oddly enough, it comes as a fresh daily surprise to me, the person who spends most time with her, that she has the will and demeanour of a hyperintelligent adolescent jacked up on Twinkies. Or a rabid anthropomorphic badger, the kind that a crack-addled Disney might imagination, the kind that has the determination and the ability to lift your keys and steal your car, if there happens to be something down the road that it wants. Take your pick. I'm never quite sure, myself, what life-form she most resembles. Toddler, I suppose.
Whatever it is, and for whatever reason, it's a constant source of surprise to me. Why I keep waking up each morning expecting to find a child that can be defined in terms of sugar and spice and everything nice, I don't know. But I do. And so I'm always taken just a little bit off guard when I get smacked by a puppy dog's tail. Or by a diaper full of fresh toddler shit, removed by said toddler and not-so-neatly carted around until she can find something that looks like a trash-bucket in which to discard it (perhaps the laundry basket, or the oven-cupboard of her toy cook-stove/kitchen), so that she might go on the toilet - the real toilet, mind, and not the potty, which is FOR BABIES - and finish the job, ALONE. (MY DO IT! NO HELP, MOMMY! NO HELP!)
She is all movement and noise, starting the day at a brisk trot-and-bounce and finishing it at full-tilt run-and-leap, with no deceleration in-between. She will brook no quiet time, unless it is spent in some sort of moving vehicle, in which case she will holler, repeatedly, FASTER GO FASTER! LET'S GO HILL! UP! DOWN! FASTER! And if we do attempt to force some quiet time, either by buckling her into some sort of toddler containment facility or such whatnot, she will break free and - woe betide you if you are not hot on her trail - seize the opportunity for a fast game of public hide'n'seek or scaling walls or breaking into cupboards and stealing chocolate or busting into bathroom cabinets and finding potions to pour into the sink or, maybe, just going to the bathroom unsupervised where one can experiment with defecation and disposal techniques uninterrupted.
So although she is the darlingest thing, and is certainly as sweet as pie in most respects - she will always say please and thank you and excuse me, as she rushes past you to grab your handbag in her search for candy or car keys, and will always insist upon cleaning up the poo she has inexpertly deposited in exactly the wrong location (CLEAN UP! CLEAN UP!) - there is nothing sugar and spice about her.
What, then, am I supposed to do if I produce a male version of this child? What if her little brother is everything that she is, but with a urine-spraying penis-thingie, too? Won't that be, like, Wonderbaby armed?
I'm so thrilled to be having a boy, I really, really am, but that thrilledness carries with it the distinct vibrations of fear. Real fear. Palpable fear. The fear, I think, that only a mother who has had the experience of feeling totally under siege by her children can know.
There are going to be two of them, soon, and one of them is going to have a built-in spray hose. I should just go ahead and wave the white flag right now, shouldn't I?
For Julie, who will be under spray months before I am, and so who will, I hope, pass on some good sources of peenie umbrellas to me. (Part of the not-so-golden shower hosted by Kristen and Cathy)


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With the unemployment rate in the United States lingering just below 10 percent and the midterm elections just nine months away, job creation has become the top priority in Washington. President Obama has called for transferring $30 billion in repaid bank bailout money to a small-business lending fund, saying, "Jobs will be our number one focus in 2010, and we're going to start where most new jobs do: with small business." The fund is among several measures—such as tax incentives, infrastructure projects, and efforts to increase exports—that the White House has proposed to help boost employment. As Americans consider the various approaches, we must have realistic expectations. We need to debunk some myths about what it takes to stimulate job growth.
1. Surely there's a quick fix.
Oh, were that only the case. The scale of the challenge is enormous. Quick action is important, but remember that the US economy has lost more than 7 million jobs in the past two years. The country would need to create more than 200,000 net new jobs each month for the next seven years to get unemployment back to what was once considered a normal 5 percent. Quick fixes focused on 2010 alone won't be enough.
Of course, the right mix of government policies can help. But even if Obama's proposals were enacted right away and they accomplished all that he hopes, they would at best represent a good start. America's jobs challenge is a multiyear marathon, not a sprint.
2. The key to boosting employment quickly is to help small businesses.
New jobs come from both small and big businesses. From 1987 through 2005, nearly a third of net new jobs were created by businesses that each employed more than 500 workers. By 2005, these big companies accounted for about half of the country's total employment, although they made up less than 1 percent of all US firms.
But a look at the past two economic booms shows that the pace of job creation depends on more than the size of the businesses. During the economic expansion of the 1990s, large US multinational corporations—which employ an average of about 1,000 workers each in the United States—created jobs more rapidly than other companies. This was because they dominated computer and electronics manufacturing, the sector that drove much of that boom. During the more recent expansion of 2002–07, most of the net new jobs came from local service sectors, such as health care, construction, and real estate—which comprise both large and small businesses.
3. High-tech jobs will solve the problem.
There is a lot of talk these days about green businesses, biotechnology, and other emerging industries that will create the jobs of the future. While they are obviously part of the solution, these industries are too small to create the millions of jobs that are needed right away. The semiconductor and biotech industries, for instance, each employ less than one-half of 1 percent of US workers; clean-technology workers, such as those who design and make wind turbines and solar panels, account for 0.6 percent of the workforce.
We'll be able to generate significant numbers of new jobs only by spurring broad-based job growth across the economy, particularly in big sectors such as retail, wholesale, business services, and health care. High-tech innovations will help employment grow over the long term, as new technology spreads throughout the economy and transforms other, larger sectors. For example, while the semiconductor industry alone doesn't account for much US employment, the computer revolution has fueled the growth of other industries such as retail and finance; similarly, the clean-technology business by itself doesn't employ many people, but its developments could transform a big sector such as energy, creating new business models and new jobs.
4. Higher productivity (when an economy produces more goods and services per worker) kills jobs.
Not so. While productivity growth means that individual companies may need fewer employees in the short term, it spurs long-term gains in the economy as a whole. Since the industrial revolution, increasing worker productivity has brought rising incomes, higher profits, and lower prices. These forces stimulate demand for consumer goods and services and for new plants and equipment—fostering, in turn, industry expansion and job creation.
Take cell phones. Even 15 years ago, they were big, unwieldy, expensive, and worked only in limited coverage areas. But as new technologies enabled workers to produce phones and provide service more cheaply, the industry took off. Cell phones are now ubiquitous, and this has created jobs not just among phone makers but also among retailers, service providers, and a new industry of developing and selling applications for smart phones.
5. Increasing exports will revive manufacturing employment.
Maybe for some companies in some industries, but not for the economy overall. While it's painful to accept, reducing unemployment is not mainly about regaining the jobs that have been lost. Sure, rising exports will cause some factories to scale up again, and many laid-off workers will be called back. But most new job growth will come from other sectors.
History shows that recessions—particularly those that follow a financial crisis—accelerate the growth or decline already underway in industries. In this recession, for example, the auto, financial-services, and residential-real-estate industries have contracted significantly and won't regain their peak employment anytime soon.
An increase in exports may stem—but will not reverse—the multidecade decline in manufacturing employment. In today's developed economies, net growth in new jobs doesn't come from manufacturing; it comes from service industries. Fortunately, boosting exports creates jobs in supporting service industries, such as design, trucking, shipping, and logistics.


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Terms & Conditions
Return Terms
J&M Furniture takes every step possible to ensure orders arrive in the best condition possible. All shipments should be inspected upon delivery, and any claim should be made within 48 hours of receipt of merchandise. Items that are not damaged are subject to a 25% restocking fee and Return Authorization (RA) must be obtained from J&M Furniture no later than 48 hours after receipt of merchandise. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Buyer is responsible for repackaging and return transportation. Returned items must be shipped back to J&M Furniture in its original packaging, with no signs of use, wear or damage. Upon receipt, J&M Furniture will inspect the package for any damage and reserves the right to partially or wholly accept or deny returned merchandise.
Delivery Terms
At time of delivery, buyers are responsible for the following delivery conditions:
The driver will require the buyer or his/her authorized agent to sign a physical inspection report and/or delivery receipt. It is critical that the buyer or his authorized agent notes (in his/her own words) on delivery receipt any damage to the box before they inspect the product and accept shipment.
If the box shows ANY SIGNS of carrier mishandling: hole(s), crushed corners, dents, worn tops, bottoms or edges, scraping, dirt etc., the buyer/agent must note the exact description of each carton on the physical inspection report and/or delivery receipt.
Once buyer/agent notes the condition of the box(s), they should inspect the product.
If upon further inspection the buyer/agent notices major or unacceptable levels of damage to the product, they can then sign the delivery receipt and/or physical inspection report "REFUSED DAMAGE", and give a detailed description of damage uncovered.
Buyer must then call J&M Furniture customer service (732-650-0555) within 24 hours to make us aware of the situation.
In the event that a suitable replacement is not available, a refund (including shipping) will be issued in the form of the original payment method or a company check.
If the customer chooses to use UPS Ground or Fed Ex Ground to ship any orders they will be held fully responsible for damages or defects. J&M Furniture will NOT be held liable for any damages or defects. If parts or whole new units are requested the customer is required to pay full price for the product and shipping charges.
Concealed Damage
It is the buyer's full responsibility to thoroughly inspect an item before signing and accepting delivery. If damage is discovered after signing for delivery without any notation, J&M Furniture will not be responsible for any replacement or return.
Replacement Orders
Transportation for replacement orders are the sole responsibility of the buyer. J&M Furniture will not ship a replacement unit on our account, but will provide the item to the buyer at no cost to arrange their own transportation (excludes "pick up" orders or "concealed" damage orders). All replacement parts must be returned with 10 business days.
Defective Items
If a defect is discovered and confirmed, J&M Furniture will replace the defective part at no cost to the buyer, with the exception of transportation fees. In the event that a suitable replacement is not available, a return will be authorized, and after return is completed, a refund will be issued in the form of the original payment method or a company check. Returns will only be accepted in original boxes, and J&M Furniture will not be responsible for any return transportation fees incurred. Items will not be eligible for return without original packaging. All defective parts must be returned with 10 business days.
Color Disclaimer
Due to the limitations of desktop scanners and the relative inconsistencies of various display monitors, as well as printing papers, the colors you see on your screen or on a catalog may not be a totally accurate reproduction of the actual product. We strive to make our colors as accurate as possible, but images are intended as a guide only and should not be regarded as absolutely correct. The best way is always to have something on your floor displayed, for most accurate coloring.
Special Orders
Special order dates are not guaranteed. A 50% deposit will be needed to initialize a special order. Special orders may not be canceled for any reason. The 50% deposit is not refundable since we do not regularly stock the item you are special ordering.
Pallet Fee: If orders have to be palatalized there will be a fee of $65.00 which is non refundable if an order is cancelled. If orders are shipping out of state they must be palatalized with no exceptions.


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Much of President Obama's presidency currently falls into the category of damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.
That certainly is true on the question of whether he should visit the U.S.-Mexico border during his two-day visit to Texas.
Some have even taken to asking if this isn't Obama's "Katrina moment," an allusion to President George W. Bush's 2005 failure to immediately visit the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast once the storm had passed. Instead, Bush viewed the vast devastation from Air Force One.
But even Bush offered reasonable reasons at the time for not visiting New Orleans in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. A presidential visit would have diverted resources from rescue and recovery efforts, his administration said.
As with Bush, there are reasonable-sounding reasons for Obama to go or not go to the border. Here are a few — on both sides of the question.
Against a border visit:
- He won't give Texas Gov. Rick Perry the satisfaction of being able to claim he hectored the president into making a visit. The Republican, thought to be interested in another run for president, has insisted Obama should visit the border.
- A border visit would bring more attention to the problem and reinforce the impression the president is relatively powerless to stop the human tide of immigrants, especially children, from violence-ridden parts of Central America.
- His press secretary, Josh Earnest, already told reporters Tuesday in no uncertain terms that Obama wouldn't see the border on this trip. "Well, I think what I was pretty declarative about is the fact that the president would not travel to the border, and he is not going to do that," Earnest said. If Obama now decided to visit the border, the White House would look confused, to say the least.
- His opponents would then very likely criticize the president for doing a border photo op, instead of taking effective steps to stop the influx.
For a border visit:
- The president would take off the table the issue of not visiting the border. That would somewhat neutralize critics, not all of them Republicans, who accuse him of leaving the impression he's more interested in doing political fundraisers in Texas than seeing the border problem firsthand.
- He might hear or see something that would trigger new insights into how to resolve the crisis. But that's a highly speculative reason for such a high-profile visit — especially one with as much downside as a trip could have.
- A visit might buoy the spirits of — or at least publicize the challenges faced by — the Border Patrol officers and other federal government workers dealing with the nonstop flow of Central American immigrants, made all the more heart-wrenching by all the children risking their lives on the journey north.
In any event, Obama's visiting the border very likely wouldn't achieve much more than a glorified photo op. It certainly wouldn't do much, if anything, to diminish the criticism aimed at him over the administration's handling of the crisis. So the president really can't win on this one, border visit or no.
Copyright 2014 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/


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Wow, I thought Wednesday was supposed to be sports' slowest day of the year. Turns out it was yesterday, given the dearth of good stories to talk about today...
MARK CUB-FAN: Mark Cuban submits application to buy the Cubs. MLB would be crazy to turn him away. It's hard to imagine a sports owner -- a baseball owner, no less -- saving a sport (if MLB even needs saving), but Cuban is the guy to do it.
His combination of marketing savvy, fan-friendliness, commitment to quantitative measurement and competitive drive to field a winner would electrify baseball... and, I predict, lead the Cubs to that long-awaited World Series title.
I have to imagine that Bud and the existing MLB owners will find a way to screw this up.
UPDATE: I'm late on this, but I just watched Miss Gossip's video interview with Greg Oden, and it's fantastic. Oden really does have a likable personality, and Miss Gossip is a better interviewer than, like, 99 percent of mainstream media TV reporters out there. Worth your 7 minutes, if you haven't seen it yet. Here's the link. That's as good a way to start the day as any.
LA Galaxy to introduce David Beckham today: This will be yet another high-water mark of just how little most American sports fans care about this development.
MLB Dud: David Wells, suspended 7 games for arguing with an umpire last weekend. Can't disagree with a suspension, but seven games? Wow. That seems like a lot. They suspend guys for less for doing more. (Of course, for starting pitchers, suspensions are always a joke, given that, at most, he'll miss 2 starts.)
Who else is bummed that Julio Franco, MLB's Methuselah, was designated for assignment? What other team might want a 49-year-old pinch-hitter, even if he is freakishly still productive (given his age)? I'm hoping that someone like Billy Beane scoops him up. (h/t MLB Fanhouse).
MLB Stud: A-Rod hits HR No. 31. Jeter and Abreu hit homers, too, in a Yankees win over the D-Rays. Among the more notable second-half storylines, whether the Yankees can get off to a hot start and insert themselves into the AL Wild Card race is one of them. Because if they don't, it could be bye-bye for Joe Torre and Brian Cashman and the coup de grace that the Yankees' decade-long era of relevance is over.
File it away: David Ortiz revealed he has knee problems. They haven't required surgery (all together now: "Yet"), but that has "ominous foreshadowing" written all over it.
NBA Summer, Orlando: I have been so focused on
With Dwight Howard (who just signed an $80M contract extension) demanding double-teams down low and Rashard Lewis demanding double-teams on the wing, that frees up JJ for a lot of open jumpshots (and, perhaps, NBA redemption after a weak rookie year).
NBA Summer Rookies, Vegas: Aaron Brooks goes for 28 for the Rockets... Stuckey and Afflalo combine for 38 points for the Pistons... Mike Conley had 13 points and 7 assists in 22 efficient minutes for the Grizzlies... Spencer Hawes had 22 for the Kings... Yikes: Julian Wright had a goose-egg on 0/9 FG shooting for the Hornets... And Corey Brewer was 2/12 FG, finishing with 8 points (plus 6 rebounds) in a T'wolves loss.
Finally: You've got to give Isiah Thomas credit where it's due as a guy with a pretty freaking good track record as a drafter for the Knicks. Second-round pick Demetris Nichols (17 points last night) looks like one of the second-round steals of the draft (along with Suns' second-rounder DJ Strawberry).
The Nets will officially announce their re-signing of Vince Carter today. That rush of air you feel is the excitement leaving the bodies of Nets fans.
Tadd Fujikawa turns pro: He's only 16 (and only 5-foot-1) but that only means his marketing potential is that much greater. By the way, note the lack of outrage from the folks who bemoaned preps going straight into the NBA.
Ronny Thompson quits as
BALCO leak lawyer gets 2.5 years in prison: If the prosecutors can't actually get anyone who – y'know – actually used steroids (or perjured themselves in talking about it), they can always get the guy who leaked details about the investigation to reporters. Hardly a moral victory. (Not that I'm condoning the leak.)
So: Given how slow things are today, what does everyone have going on this weekend? Anything sports-related?