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I used to be a smoker. I started in 9th grade with my best friend (at the time). We would steal packs of Virginia Slims from her drunk mom's weekly cartons. We would walk around her neighborhood in Berea and smoke the entire pack in an hour. We made ourselves smoke. Eventually this led to a full time addiction. I started with Marlboro Lights (they were the cool fags to smoke), then eventually my taste for smokes developed and my loyalty to Marlboro jumped ship. I became a Camel girl full time. I never tried to quit. Even when I was caught at 16 by my dad at the airport (when you could still smoke in public areas) after a lovely family vaca, quitting was not something I even considered. I continued my pack a day habit until I turned 21. By that time I had quit smoking weed and putting shit up my nose and had moved on to heavy drinking. My habit turned into 2 packs a day and I was smoking Camel Wides. Then I moved to Italy. That's when the shit got outta control. I happened to live in Italia before the euro and everything was balls cheap. Guinness was $1.50-$2.00/pint, yes I gained 15 lbs. in three months, & fags were $1.00/pack and stronger. Smoking Camel Lights in Europe was like smoking Marlboro Reds without a filter.
After Italy & school, I found myself in NYC working in a nightclub paying $8 for a pack of smokes. I continued to smoke...
When we found out I was expecting the boy I quit. It was hard and I definitely struggled but one day I was just so grossed out by them that I was done. Smoking never entered my thoughts again. Until...I was in labor for 48 hours. After giving birth, something I hope to do again very soon, my mind drifted towards smoking again. I was breastfeeding so I knew I couldn't do it nor did I really want to . But somehow when I stopped breastfeeding I forced myself to smoke again. This time I went for the clove. Why? Who the f knows. I somehow convinced myself that since they smelled pretty they weren't bad for me. I only smoked about 1 fag a day so I hadn't really become the chimney I was in yesteryear.
The cloves got old quick and I stopped again. BTW, the entire pregnancy and after the Chef was secretly smoking on rooftops and lying to me about it. I was not to pleased when I recently found out that. Long story a little bit shorter, I dabbled with the smoke on & off for about 4 months. Then we had the wedding and went to St. Barth's where we both smoked our brains out. We bought cartons of the strongest French cigarettes ever and smoked all of them. By the end of the glorious week I was done and so was he. Or so I thought.
When we found out we were expecting another bambino last March, neither of us were smoking so it wasn't hard to quit. We moved back to CLE and cigarettes have been a thing of the past. Until now.
I have had this sneaking suspicion that the chef has been smoking as of late. He has been at work 15 hours a day and I barely see him. But I know what his deal has been. And last night the truth was confirmed.
Who knows how long this has been going on? Lord knows, dude feels like he has to lie to me about it. I just wish he could understand that I don't give a shit about the smoking. I mean I don't want him to get cancer or anything but really that is his own prerogative. I just want him to be honest with me when I ask him over & over if he is smoking. And he isn't. And now I'm depressed about it. Fuck.
I know that the restaurant is opening and I know that I am a megabitch sometimes, & I know that my house is a mess & the Canadian Soldiers won't leave but for chrissakes I am nine months pregnant and I don't deserve to be bullshitted no matter how stressed or busy one may be. And I don't want to become a smoker again after baby girl is born. And if the chef is smoking, the widow will start up again. Not cool.
So any of you smokers who are providing the chef with the goods, know that I know and I am out for blood. Or at least some pregnant ass kicking.
Dear Chef,
I love you but seriously if you come home smelling like smoke again tonight I am cancelling our secret date and going out with my girlfriends...to a boy strip club. Nothing says class like a 38 week prego chick watching dudes get nekkid.


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LumisTM 100 VPAP S Support
With ResMed, your patients won't need to walk the therapy journey alone. We're here to offer help and support along the way, so they can get the most out of their sleep apnoea therapy.
Item Code Lumis 100 VPAP S with HumidAir™ heated humidifier and ClimateLineAir™ Oxy tube 28003 Lumis 100 VPAP S 28004
Most popular download
User Guide (PDF, 4.64 MB)
Lumis 100 VPAP S Downloads
Product support
Helping patients use devices
The sleep apnoea journey is easier for patients if they are comfortable with their device. Read our FAQs about helping a patient use, and get used to, a CPAP, APAP or Bilevel therapy device.
Cleaning devices
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Devices and SD Cards
Do your patients have questions about the data card used in their therapy device? Find the answers to frequently asked questions about device data here.

subset: commoncrawl


text: 4th of Juleezy, 4th of Juleezy, how oh how can I make you more cheesy? Why, by making up the word "Juleezy" in order to rhyme with "Cheesy" for one. Another way would be to make up some PATRIOTIC NACHOS: A.K.A. PATRIOTIC BBQ GRILLING NACHOS USA USA, the recipe for which is available at the link previous, or featured along with 13 other delicious recipes in Recipes from the Nachonomicon. At this point if you're reading this and in desperate need for nacho goodness for your BBQ this afternoon you're going to have to go with the linked version because there's no way you can order the book and have it arrive to you on time, but if you found it so delicious in retrospect you felt like buying the book, you'd get no complaints from me! And remember, don't go blowing your hand off with some fireworks, because it's a lot harder to eat nachos with a hook.


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First Baptist Church Somerville, TN
- Custom Website Design
- E-mail Hosting & Support
Site Features:
- Custom Template
- Custom Event Calendar
- Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Feeds
- Pastor/Music/Youth Corner Blogs
First Baptist Church in Somerville, TN wanted a site where they would relay their mission and beliefs to site visitors. This was accomplished using the latest in technology. The site features a strong social media feed with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. All Sermons are available on the homepage just in case anyone missed a sermon and wanted to catch up. There are also individual blogs for the Pastor, Music Ministry & Youth Corner.


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My two year old still drinks bottles. No, wait. Let me be honest. My nearly two AND A HALF year old still drinks bottles. She loves them. Little whole milk filled vessels best served "COLDIE!" and often. The little darling likes juice out of cups, chocolate milk out of cartons and water out of anything. But for my Margaret, nothing, not anything, comes close to a Dr. Brown full of the white stuff. As any pediatrician, (or "helpful" mother), will tell you, a two year old is far too old to be enjoying the infantile excess of bottle sucking. It.Is.Simply.Not.Done. Up until recently, I have not cared about the opinions of the learned. And by not care, I mean I have lied.
Last doctors visit with Margaret:
Doctor: And I assume that she is completely off the bottle, right? And has been for some time?
Me: Oh! The bottle? Been off it so long she can't remember what one looks like.
Cue my eyes following his. Which are looking into my open diaper bag. At a bottle. Brimming with milk. Ummm. Maybe he thought it was mine?
Baby Viola will be here by next Tuesday. Margaret will be a big sister. It occured to me that maybe big sisters shouldn't be so, ahm, nipple dependent. Time for some growing up. Last Friday was the day. The day Margaret would become too big for the bottle. I had all her favorite drinks on hand. Kept her busy through her normal morning bottle and seemed to be moving beautifully past the nap milk fix. Really. It was amazing. Margaret was amazing. I, let's face it, was amazing.
And then she asked for the bottle. You know, five hundred times. And then the tears. I was, at this point, still amazing. So I pulled her into my arms and explained that she was such a big girl. And big girls don't need bottles. And I knew that change is hard. And I was so proud of her for being so brave. Come on, this was really classic, parenting-by-numbers goodness.
Her big blue eyes were just liquid with the betrayal of it all. And then, a light! OH MOMMY! I WILL FIND IT! YOU STAY! I'LL FIND BOTTLE! The next fifteen minutes the house rang with her little voice, BOTTLE! BOTTLE! WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU IN HERE? BOTTLE, I'LL FIND YOU!
I had a milk filled Dr. Brown in the fridge. A just in case of emergency fix. She must have seen the Vitamin D weakness in my eyes.
She triumphantly threw the fridge door thrown open, it swung wide as she squealed, I FOUND IT! GOOD GIRL! I FOUND IT!
And then. THWACK. That old door just kept right on swinging back to where it belonged, pinning my two foot addict and her fix right against the wall. The crying was pathetic. It was a hard lesson. Sometimes what we want is out of reach. Sometimes people tell us no. So we persevere and think creatively and don't give up. And then finally, finally we get what we always wanted. Only to be squished up against the wall.
I peeled my little girl and her found treasure out from the between the beadboard and the pickles. Turned on Wonderpets and set up her up with her hard earned prize.
So my two and a half year old still drinks bottles. And my paint-by-numbers parenting is not really all that awesome. Not that the latter comes much as a surprise.
We spend our whole lives growing up. It is lovely and painful and full of doors that swing right back.
I suppose one more week of bottles can't hurt.


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Here's a PRINTABLE ST. LUCIE county 2018 general election voter's guide! Here's more information about the amendments on our website and from the league of women voters of florida.
meet your statewide democratic candidates
Candidate for Re-election to U.S. Senate
Candidate for Governor
Candidate for Attorney General
candidate for Chief financial officer
candidate for commissioner of agriculture
meet your Local democratic candidates
Lauren Baer, Candidate for U.S. House District 18
Robert levy, candidate for state senate district 25
Delores Hogan Johnson, candidate for state house district 84
audrey asciutto, candidate for state house district 55
Matt Theobold, Candidate for State House district 83
Nicole Haagenson, candidate for State House District 54
We serve ALL of the people!
The November 6th Election is almost here! We need all hands on deck to elect Democrats up and down the ticket to save our healthcare, schools, environment and the many other issues facing the people of our county and state today. Find out how you can get involved by clicking here!
get involved
Join our wonderful St. Lucie Democratic Party Volunteers who are working hard to get our candidates elected! Help us fight for our Democratic values and meet like-minded new friends.
From the top of the ticket down, learn about your candidates and amendments that will be on your ballot November 6th.


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Like any good mob business, there's two sets of books (so I hear, anyway). One legitimate, one not. One you show the government when they come knocking, while the other contains your dirty laundry.
The administration's handling of Obamacare is operating a bit like that. They have two books: the one for the public, which emits sunshine and moonbeams–in a twist of Obamaphysics, at the same time. And the other: for private, closed doors consumption. The one that portrays the structure of the entire law in a rather, ah, desperate manner.
Well, to quote a wise philosopher, desperation is a stinky cologne. Eventually it seeps through the cracks where even the public can catch wind of it. (I promise that'll be the last painfully tortured metaphor I'll use…today.)
Such is the revelation surrounding the release of documents from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While the administration has been adamant in it's public reassurances about the stability of the law, the documents reveal that problems with the exchange website, far from over, instead "puts the entire health insurance industry at risk" … "potentially leading to their default and disrupting continued services and coverage to consumers."
They helpfully added that if the issues aren't fixed come March, the government itself will come to "financial harm".
Well, that's swell. Cloistered behind the curtains of their own self-righteousness, they're secretly wetting themselves in anxious anticipation, yet at the podium, they still possess the nerve to exclaim: "You'll be fine." Oh. I am relieved.
Jay Carney, continuing in his affable tradition of never knowing a damn thing– though, his new Grizzly Adams beard lends an air of gravitas while he's doing it, so that's something–stated he "didn't see the article. I'm not aware of those statements". Ignorance is bliss. At least, that is, until it isn't. Can we aim for ditching it before, like Wily E. Coyote, we look down and realize the cliff we were travelling on isn't there anymore? For a change?
Reportedly, the back end of the website has yet to be built–one reason, presumably, that the White House canned CGI and installed Accenture in their stead. The "back end" is the portion of the website that "talks" to the insurance companies, telling them who you are, which policy you've selected, which subsidies you get. How much you owe them. You know, trivialities really.
Meanwhile, Sebelius assures the insurance companies they'll get their money. "I mean we will get them paid," she said. "There is no question about that, so we are on track." What I wouldn't give for the companies to play Stewie to the administration's Brian. A guy can dream, right? Where's my money, man?!
For now, though, it's all on the "guess-timate" honor system: "Here's who we think we have, and here's the subsidy we think they're owed," explains Jim Capretta of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. "
"There's no way to effectively match policies and people," says Doug Holtz-Eakin, former head of the Congressional Budget Office. "And on top of that, you can't match policies, people, to the federal subsidies and that's a big problem in terms of just the mechanics of making payments."
No ticky, no laundry.
So looks like mid-March is the bellwether. Either the boat learns to float, or the law craters, taking 1/6 of our economy with it and sending the entire health care industry into a Top Gun tail spin. Except in our story, we're Goose. We know it didn't turn out too well for him, now did it?
You know, I hear Mars is mighty nice that time of year…


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Ok so! I need everyone's help PLEASE. Doritos is currently hosting a commercial contest, and I would like to think our group's entry is pretty decent. However to get up in the ranks
I need votes.
Sop if anyone has free time please watch our commercial at http://doritosguru.ca/Juli_Shvets/Seductive%20Doritos , and if you like it please PLEASE give it a rating. You need to make an account prior to voting. It only takes a few minutes, but you can win prizes for votes and comments :)If you have a facebook account, it's even faster.
I'm not in the commercial, but I am the director.
Everyone's help is much appreciated!!
Bullet update will come soon
posted by juri0juli @ February 25th, 2009, 10:15 am - 0 comments


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Nuclear Medicine/PET
Nuclear Medicine tests are done to evaluate the function of specific organs and to localize the distribution of a radioactive tracer in the body. PET examinations are for detection of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and cardiac viability.
This examination is done to evaluate the function and distribution of small amounts of specially prepared tracers that go through your body to specific areas for analysis. As the gamma rays leave the body a detector converts them to a signal which is sent to a TV monitor. Different chemicals are attached to the radioactive material so that the tracer can be directed to different areas of the body.
Preparation for a Nuclear Medicine Exam
Depending on the type of exam ordered, you may be required to have nothing to eat prior to the test.
- For all scans it is important to drink plenty of fluids up to the day of the exam.
- Please arrive early on the day of the exam, to complete the registration process.
- Isotopes are given by injection, orally, or by inhalation. If your exam requires you to come back at a later time, you will be instructed to do so. If your exam requires scans to begin immediately, you will be placed on a table or asked to sit in front of a scanner.
- Acquiring the Nuclear Medicine images takes time, and it is very important that you remain still while images are being obtained. Imaging times vary depending on the exam.
- The amount of radiation given is small, and is equivalent in most cases to naturally occurring radiation levels and are passed out of the body very quickly.
- You are advised to drink plenty of water after the exam.
- Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding may not be candidates for these exams.
Positron Emissions Tomography (PET Scan)
PET examinations are for detection of cancer, Alzheimer's disease and cardiac viability.
A radioisotope will be injected and a wait period of approximately 45 minutes occurs before you are asked to lie on a table. You will be asked to lie still. Imaging time takes 30 to 45 minutes.
This full-ring, dedicated PET system from Philips Medical Systems gives Radiology Associates the ability to conduct faster scans in order to maximize patient comfort. The system's advanced imaging capability produces high-resolution images, allowing us to deliver superior diagnostic information.
For most studies, you'll have to wait for the radiopharmaceutical to distribute itself – typically 30 minutes to an hour. You'll be asked to lie very still. The scan can last anywhere from 15-60 minutes. You'll be able to eat and drink immediately following the exam – drinking lots of fluids will help remove any of the radiopharmaceutical that may still be in your system.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients preparing for a PET exam:
Instructions for Diabetic Patients preparing for a PET exam:
If you have any questions don't worry about getting answers. A technologist will contact you the day before your scan. PET is an excellent diagnostic exam and greatly enhances the ability to decide what care is best for you. Our goal is to prepare you for a comfortable procedure and produce the finest images for your doctor's review.
- Your exam will usually be scheduled before 9:00am.
- Do not eat anything for 6 hours prior to the exam, no gum, candy, breath mints or cough drops.
- Your blood sugar needs to be below 160.
- If you begin to feel sick and attribute this to a drop in blood sugar, eat a few saltine crackers and elevate your legs.
- Take medications as normal.
- You may drink plenty of water or unsweetened tea.
- Limit physical activity.
- The night before your PET examiniation eat a low-carb dinner, no breads, rice, potatoes or pasta.
- Wear socks and warm clothes, it sometimes can be chilly on the scanner.
- Test takes two hours from start to finish.


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Lowe Alpine TFX Ama Dablam ND60:75
I bought this pack on sale in the green color... even…
Price Paid: $189
I bought this pack on sale in the green color... even though I dislike the color and how obnoxious it is, the pack is incredible. I took it on a ten day trip and loved it.
I've had problems with the padding in previous packs. Often it ends up digging into my hip bones and causing serious discomfort. Not so with this baby! I averaged about 35lbs in it most of the trip, and it was amazing. I'd take it off after a few hrs and feel pretty good. The pack felt more like 10lbs most the time, and on my small frame that takes a miracle!
Only complaints are... the material is light green. While I hate the color, I would deal with it better if it didn't absorb everything. I mean everything! Every little stain it could absorb, it does. And because of the color, it shows all blemishes off.
Also, a zipper in the center of the pack for middle access and a removable lid/fanny pack would be nice additions, but the pack is so amazing on me that can be overlooked.
Also nice, it's a one size fits all. I have a 15.5 torso and my friend with a 17.5 borrowed it and just lowered the hip belts and it worked well for her. It's nice to have the option to change, especially if you're in between sizes or tend to lend your pack to friends.
Where to Buy
$157.33 - $220.00
The Lowe Alpine TFX Ama Dablam ND60:75 is not available from the stores we monitor. It was last seen October 30, 2012 at Campmor.


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Milwaukee, WI, is served by a major airport, by rail, by bus, and by lake ferry connections. Milwaukee is close (90 miles/150 km) to Chicago's two airports, rail, and bus hubs.
Arriving by Air? Take a look at services to General Mitchell International Airport.
Flying through Chicago? Services to Chicago's airports and ground connections to Milwaukee.
Arriving by Bus, Train, or Ferry? More information here.
Milwaukee County Transit System website: http://www.ridemcts.com/
SSC 2014 will be held in the Wisconsin Center, in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Center is located at the corner of 4th Street & Wisconsin Avenue, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA.
For driving directions to specific entrances, enter the appropriate address below.
Wisconsin Center: 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Milwaukee Theater: 500 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
U.S. Cellular Arena: 400 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Wisconsin Center District parking lot entrance: 500 W. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53203
March 28, 2014
Early Registration Deadline
June 19, 2014
Pre-Registration Deadline
June 23-26, 2014
The skywalk over the Milwaukee River is the only skywalk in the USA that spans a river used by boats.


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Book at
What's On
About Us
The Club
Find Us
Marian Pashley
Marian Pashley
Marian is an established comedian on both the London and national comedy cicuit. She is a festival veteran, last year playing the lead in Radio 4 commissioned play "No Future in Eternity" at the Gilded Balloon.
She has in previous years appeared in sellout sketch show "Six Pack", three- hander "Stand Up Women" and performed her first one woman show.
She is known for her caustic humour and dry delivery, and has numerous T.V. and radio credits including "The Best of the Comedy Network" on Channel 5, "The Treatment" on Radio 5, "Net Dot Comedy" and impro show "Consequently" both for Carlton. She has also written for various projects including "The Very World of Milton Jones" and upcoming Play UK's "Latex Lunch". You also may catch her in the autumn season of "The Stand Up Show" on BBC 1.
"Delightful" - The Guardian
"Deadpan Pashley could be Les Dawson's great grand daughter" - The Herald
"Whimsically funny" - Evening Standard
On twitter at @marianpashley


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With myBlueHub, you are in control of your medical record. You can request, manage, organize, and share your health information.
Chances are, you've seen more than one doctor in your life. This means your medical records are spread across many different organizations, including physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and labs to name a few. Managing your medical record is virtually impossible. Just as important, your doctor faces these same challenges! Imagine trying to see the whole picture of a partially completed puzzle.
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I did not sleep very well and woke up at 5AM. I was concerned about getting to the piers because last year the traffic was terrible and it took an hour to get there. It was also a little disorganized and no one seemed to know where to go. So I wanted to leave plenty of time, we rallied and off we went at 6:30AM. This year it was a breeze and we were inside and at our bench at 7AM. Traffic was light and we went in the correct entrance, it was easy and … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Begins
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 2)
One more show before Westminster. Rocky and I were both tired and I think Rocky would have preferred to stay in bed. Margaret and I went to the show together. Jim got to stay in bed. It was very crowded at the specialty show. I was hardly paying attention by this time. Rocky showed beautifully as always but we did not do anything. It was nice to see some friends but as soon as we finished up and we went to lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day was spent … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 1)
On Saturday and Sunday, The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York held its shows. The entries were big, over forty dogs. Same people, same winners.One of the top winning Chihuahuas of all time was entered as a veteran; GCH Arywen's Star Kissed Delight. I guess she's still got it because she managed to win breed. Rocky did make the first cut on Saturday which was exciting. There were some dogs there I have never seen before. The mezzanine floor was very … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Progressive Dog Show
The Penn Plaza Pavilion at New York's Hotel Pennsylvania is where the specialty shows are held prior to Westminster. We arrived around 9:30AM for the show. The lobby was already loaded with dogs and bellmen pushing carts overflowing with suitcases and dog supplies. Most people choose to stay at this hotel because the rooms are large and cheap. The hotel is a dump but it is convenient if you are going to the shows there. The Progressive Dog Club is for … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : Pre-Westminster Activities
Packing for the dog shows is a nightmare. I can really understand why professional handlers get paid so well. I usually only go to one show at a time. On Westminster weekend, I do four shows in a row. I packed five suits, four pairs of shoes, three pairs of boots, all the other clothes I needed for six nights in the city, dog food, crate, show leads, grooming aids, etc. It goes on and on, and I only have one tiny dog. Most of the high end handlers are … [Read more...]
Pre-Westminster doggie fashion show among big weekend events
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has always been the second Monday and Tuesday in February. But the fun starts the Friday before. If you are in town you must check out the Pre-Westminster fashion show (for dogs), I guarantee you will have a memorable experience! Dogs and people come dressed to impress and this year the theme is "Royalty". … [Read more...]
Where to Eat in New York for Westminster Weekend
The other day I read a post on the Westminster website about the "best restaurants" to eat at if you are staying in NYC for the dog show. This bothered me a little because I had never even heard of any of them. We have been going to Westminster and dining out in NYC for the past fifteen years. So I decided to tell you about my favorite places to eat! The area around Madison Square Garden has quite a few excellent restaurants to choose from. … [Read more...]
Westminster is in Two Weeks, And What Am I Going to Wear?
When I first started handling show dogs about seven years ago I was taught to always dress well, wear a suit, and never clash with, or "out do" your dog. In other words; the dog is the star, not you! I have always tried to maintain that standard. Recently I saw a post on David Frei's Facebook page about a media person looking to do a story about the best dressed handlers at Westminster. I thought about all of the show dog handlers I know, most of them … [Read more...]
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, 2014
It's that time of year again! The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is around the corner! Grand Champion El Grande Rock of Love Bobchi, AKA Rocky is entered and ready to go. This will mark Rocky's third appearance at this famous show, in 2010 Rocky won an Award of Merit. I am proud to say; 2013 was a good year for Rocky and me. He was ranked the #2 Smooth Coat Chihuahua in Pennsylvania and ranked #2 Owner-Handler as well. … [Read more...]
Rocky wins again at Lehigh Valley shows; Finishes year as second ranked Smooth Coat Chihuahua in Pennsylvania
The Lehigh Valley Kennel Club and The Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club always have their shows around Christmas time. The atmosphere is festive and fun. Unfortunately the entries were very low this year. There were only four Smooth Coat Chihuahuas entered. Rocky won breed both days which was nice. It was very pleasant not to have to travel very far, the shows were ten minutes from my house. The weather was also quite snowy. … [Read more...]
The Valley Forge Kennel Club and a very bad snowstorm
It was four days before my birthday and I was feeling pretty good about the upcoming Valley Forge Kennel Club Shows. Saturday December 6th was a lovely day, sunny and not too cold. Rocky and I were ready to go. The competition that day looked to me like an easy win for the "Rock Star", but it was not meant to be. The judge who was a very sweet gentleman, commented on how nice Rocky was and then choose the least likely winner, the class bitch over two … [Read more...]
Rocky Wins Again at Back Mountain and Penn Treaty Kennel Clubs
We were off to Bloomsburg for the Back Mountain Kennel Club shows November 2nd and 3rd, could Rocky keep up his winning streak? Yes indeed, Rocky took breed both days, each was a three point major win. It was a good weekend. It was also great to see some old friends. I am so pleased that Rocky is doing so well. I entered two of the four shows in Oaks, at the expo center, maybe I should have entered the whole weekend. On November 14th at the Penn … [Read more...]
The Harvest Cluster
The leaves are turning to bright red and gold. The air is crisp and it is time for the shows in Sussex County, N.J. On Saturday, October 12th, I traveled to the beautiful hills of northwest Jersey with my handsome boy Rocky to the Palisades Kennel Club show. It was a glorious fall day! But again the numbers were down. Entries were low for most breeds especially Chihuahuas. Rocky won breed which was good for another grand championship point, that was … [Read more...]
The Blue Mountain Cluster of Dog Shows: Pocono Mountain, Lehigh Valley & Berks County
The first annual "Blue Mountain Cluster" of dog shows was held Sept. 12th through the 15th. The entries were low again, sign of the times perhaps? Maybe it is just getting too expensive. But there were still enough dogs for the "Rock Star" to gain some points in the ring. The first and second shows were held by the Pocono Mountain Kennel Club. Rocky strutted his stuff quite nicely and took the win on Thursday. Friday he lost to another seasoned veteran. … [Read more...]
Rocky Wins Again The Sussex Hills Kennel Club Dog Show
Grand Champion El Grande Rock of Love Bob Chi still has it! Rocky took the breed win at The Sussex Hills Kennel Club Dog Show, Sunday, September 1st. I am so happy Rocky is doing well, he really loves to show. There was not a large entry but he still won over the professional handler in the ring, she was not too happy! So proud of the "Rock Star" Next four shows this weekend in Macungie, Pa. Hoping for good things! … [Read more...]
Rocky wins Breed at the Bryn Mawr Kennel Club show
It was so great to get Rocky back in the ring again. I have not shown him in a year since I was putting all my effort into getting Bill's Grand Championship. Now that Bill is done I am happy to work with my "Rock Star" again. I am so proud of this special dog who is always top notch in the show ring, he always shows so beautifully! I am looking forward to many more shows and wins! Look out everyone, Rocky is back! … [Read more...]
Bill is a new Grand Champion
Well it took a year but Bill is now GCH Stellar's Master of the Renaissance! On May 5th Bill took the breed win for the final point he needed for his grand championship. Hooray! The shows in May are always fun. Its time to go outside again. The grass is green, the flowers are blooming. The dogs are happy to be in the warm sun. The Trenton Kennel Club show in N.J. is a huge event, with great food and venders and a lot of dogs. It was great to be there. … [Read more...]
Eight Chihuahuas and a Chin
I live with eight chihuahuas, a Japanese chin and a mutt. As much as the chihuahuas would like to think they run the show, it's simply not true. Yoshi, the chin is boss. I call her; The Benevolent Dictator. Whenever there is a conflict, Yoshi comes to the rescue! Everyone must get along. She does not allow discord. Penny Lane, the mutt loves Yoshi, because she will play with her when the others won't. Chihuahuas are clannish, but not the chin! … [Read more...]
Bill goes to Harrisburg
The shows in Harrisburg are always fun. Lots of friends show up. This was still true on Sunday April 14th, as we went off to the Mason and Dixon Kennel Club show. Bill was happy to go and happy to play with the other dogs, especially the little bitches! But he was supremely awful for the judge, he did not want to walk or look at the judge. It was, shall we say embarrassing! I was ready to call it quits! However Bill managed to get Best of Opposite, good … [Read more...]
Puppies at the Berks Kennel Club match show
There is nothing that makes a day brighter than a whole lot of puppies! I went to the Berks Kennel Club match show yesterday. Matches are for puppies. This is where all the pups get to practice in a show ring, it is a competition but no points are awarded. I wish every dog show was this much fun. I got to play with a tiny pomeranian, a little great dane, two akitas that looked like bears, a corgi, japanese chin, and more, Oh it was heaven! I … [Read more...]
A good day for chihuahuas and other dogs
It was a glorious spring day, a very good day to be a chihuahua. Today all the dogs went outside to lay in the warm sun and sniff the air. Penny wanted to chase a squirrel but she is not allowed since she does not play well with them. We call Penny a "chihuahua mix". The truth is we don't know what she is, but there is some terrier in her for sure. The "real" chihuahuas would never dream of chasing a squirrel, they only chase each other on occasion. … [Read more...]
Bill gets a point in Edison, N.J.
We went to the New Brunswick Kennel Club show Saturday March 23. Bill was happy to be there because there was a pretty little bitch in heat! He was smitten! He paid little attention to the pleasant male judge and he was chosen as Select Dog for one point. That's fine except a class puppy got Best of Opposite over Mr. Bill. Bill was bored. I'm hoping we can get a much needed win at the next show. I'm getting discouraged! Bill only needs five more points … [Read more...]
Dog Breeding interview on The Dog Show with Julie Forbes
I had an interesting interview yesterday with Julie Forbes on The Dog Show,. One of the topics we discussed at length was dog breeding in the dog show community. I have met many a breeder in my travels to numerous dog shows. But I am not a breeder and I don't intend to be. This is my choice because I would never be able to part with a puppy, I'm sure! However I must say I respect the breeders I have met who do their best to breed healthy, stable, … [Read more...]
The Dog Show Blues
I have not been to a show since Westminster, and I'm not missing the scene so much. Perhaps I'm a little burned out. I have realized I just can't compete with the "big dogs" so to speak. I want to get Bill's grand championship, but after that, I don't know. I've come to realize the politics of judging are a little too much sometimes. I'm not part of the in crowd, the ones who cozy up to the right people and go to every show weekend after weekend. I … [Read more...]
'The Morning Call' reviews book on insider look at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
South Whitehall woman's book gives insider view of Westminster dog show On Monday morning, Connie Newcomb will be having the time of her life at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the nation — the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. At 9:15 a.m., Connie and Bill, one of her champion Chihuahuas, will prance around a show ring at Pier 92, hoping to convince judges that Bill is the best little guy of his … [Read more...]
Westminster 2013
We are back home from NYC resting after Westminster. Bill and I made it to all the specialty shows and many parties. We had a blast in NYC. Rocky also joined in the festivities although he was not entered in any shows this year. We enjoyed excellent drinks and meals with family and friends. Our hotel (The Event) was fabulous and very dog friendly. We had a wonderful time. But we didn't win a thing! In fact I felt ignored. I guess I just can't compete … [Read more...]
Seattle Times pets columnist Ranny Green reviews "Dog Show Confidential" for Seattle Kennel Club
We are so pleased that readers are enjoying our book! The Seattle Kennel Club recently included it in their 'Picks of the Litter.' Ranny Green, a Seattle Times pets columnist and feature writer for three decades, was kind enough to post this review on the Seattle Kennel Club website. Congratulations as well to Mr. Green on his induction into the Dog Writers Association of America's (DWAA) Hall of Fame. The road to Westminster is paved with more potholes … [Read more...]
Two Weeks until Westminster
Two weeks from today the Toy dogs will be shown at Westminster. There are 33 Chihuahuas entered. Unbelievable! There have never been so many. I am wondering who is going to show up. So many of my friends are not going because of all the changes. No one wants to travel 25 blocks from the hotels across the West end Highway to the piers. I don't either but I only have one little dog. I am really not happy about any of it. Since the show is no longer … [Read more...]
Westminster is almost here!
The 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a month away. Bill and I are looking forward to it. But before Westminster, We will be going to one show in Cape May, New Jersey, Sunday February 3rd. I'm hoping for a major win for Bill. He is so close to his grand championship. We shall see. I will share more news about Westminster soon when I get my final entry information. Things will be different this year! I'll keep you posted! … [Read more...]
Happy Holidays 2012
It is a rare quiet moment here at the Newcomb compound. All of the dogs are chewing on some new bones. The humans are still sleeping. Christmas was lovely. My kitchen is a disaster, but I don't care. It snowed a little bit on Christmas eve. Bill and Ted had never seen snow before since it did not snow at all last year. Bill loved it and happily chased Yoshi around the deck. Ted dipped one tiny paw in the frozen stuff and wanted no part of it. On to … [Read more...]
Bill wins Breed at the Berks County Show
It was a long weekend at the Berks County Show. On Sunday September 16th, Bill won Breed under Judge Kniola. The day did not start out well, I locked my keys and Bill in the car. Many thanks to the kind police officer who helped me! I just made it to the show on time. At the shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Bill did not win. The judges gave the win to the professional handler, and I must say I was frustrated. I don't mind losing if the other dog … [Read more...]
Bill wins Breed at Sussex Hills
Sunday, September 2, 2012, the summer is almost over! Off we went to N.J. for the Sussex Hills Kennel Club show. The show was indoors and air-conditioned, which was great because it was hot outside. Bill was pretty good on the table for Mr. Berg who was the judge. He gave Bill a big smile. My little champion walked beautifully and won the breed over a top ranked dog! Go Bill! I'm happy Bill seems to improve with each show and is very relaxed in the … [Read more...]
CH. Stellar's Master of the Renaissance is ranked number 4 in Pennsylvania!
I'm so excited to announce that Bill is now ranked number 4 in Grand Championship points in Pennsylvania. We are so proud of our handsome boy. I must say it is fun to have such a special dog to show. Thanks To breeder Sue, for letting me have such a great dog. We are looking forward to upcoming shows, especially the local ones in September. More good things to come I hope! I'll keep you posted! … [Read more...]
Bill wins Breed in Ringoes, N.J.
The weekend of August 4th I helped my son move to Boston. I had entered Bill at the Hunterdon Hills Kennel Club Show on Sunday. But I couldn't make it to the show because I was still in Boston. My friend Sue agreed to show Bill for me. I was happy he didn't miss the show, (Thanks Sue!) She also happens to be his breeder. Bill won Best of Variety! The entry was small but still another win for Ch. Stellar's Master of the Renaissance. GO BILL!!! … [Read more...]
A Breed Win Over Two Grand Champions for Bill!
Wow! A good day at the dog show. The Williamsport Dog Training Club held their show in Bloomsburg on Sunday, July 29th. Ring 7, 10:30AM, Bill went into the ring with one other Champion and two Grand Champions, along with the winners dog and bitch. This was a five point Grand Champion major win if he could pull it off. The judge was quite stern and Bill was quite goofy. But Bill moved perfectly. She never smiled but she gave him Breed. He now has 10 … [Read more...]
Best of Opposite for Bill
On Saturday, July 28th (my anniversary) we were off to the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds for the Lackawanna Kennel Club Show. It was hot, and even though the venue was inside and air-conditioned, it was uncomfortable. I had dressed lightly and was fine. Bill was happy to be with other Chihuahuas and he was fine. The judge was not. The elderly judge was dressed in a heavy suit and was obviously too warm. Just as we got to Best of Variety and the steward … [Read more...]
Another Win for Bill!
The Bryn Mawr Kennel Club held it's show at Ludwig's Corner in Pennsylvania on June 17th. The judge was very impressed with Bill and gave him the Breed win over two other Specials, (one was a Grand Champion) It was a good day at the dog show! I could not stay for group because it was Father's day and we had plans. I really want to make it to group soon to see what Bill can do. Next time, NO excuses from me, I promise. Our boy Bill continues to … [Read more...]
Stellar's Master of the Renaissance wins again!
My newly crowned champion, Bill, (aka Wild Bill) won the breed at The Burlington County Kennel Club Show in New Jersey on Sunday, June 3rd. The day started out cool, but at ring time it was quite hot. Bill didn't mind at all, he loved being outside. He moved like a champ and the judge noticed. Of course he squirmed on the table, but the sweet lady judge said "Don't worry I just need to check his private parts!" The judge loved Bill. He got Best of … [Read more...]
Bill Becomes a Champion!
The Trenton Kennel Club held their show in West Windsor Township New Jersey. I hoped the major would hold, and finally it did. Bill easily took winners dog, best of winners and best of opposite sex. Bill is now CH. Stellar's Master of the Renaissance at the age of fifteen months. He is getting better with each show. I could tell there were some nervous competitors, Bill is pretty special! I am looking forward to showing him as a champion, I hope for … [Read more...]
Bill gets Best of Winners again
Bill won again. This time at the Harrisburg Kennel Club show. The event was held at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Shows ran Friday through Sunday. I only entered Friday because we were visiting family over the weekend to celebrate Greek Easter. There were six dogs entered, enough for a four point major. The major win would make Bill a new champion. So off we went bright and early to the dog show. I hoped Bill would behave. As … [Read more...]
Bill wins five days in a row at York!
I did something I've never done before, I sent my dog out with a professional handler. With a lot of family events coming up I could not make it to any of the shows in York, Pa. There were five shows from Wednesday March 14 through Sunday March 18th. I was a little nervous to let Bill go, but he was just fine. He is a happy guy who gets along well with other dogs and people. He still needs work on the table, (he hates it!) but he moves beautifully … [Read more...]
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012
I showed Rocky this year at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as a Grand Champion! The competition was fierce, and DeeDee the # 1 smooth coat took breed, a repeat of last year. We hit all the specialty shows and the Doggie Fashion show which can only be described as colorful and a bit crazy! This year we stayed at the Eventi Hotel, which I highly recommend. Rocky was the center of attention in their gorgeous lobby. We had a blast! You … [Read more...]
The Lehigh Valley shows
On December 17th, the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club held its dog show in Allentown at what us locals call "Ag Hall". This is the all purpose building next to the Farmers market in Allentown. It was a nice short drive for me. I arrived to a very crowded show with Rocky and Bill. Everything was decorated for Christmas, little trees , lights and cookies were everywhere. The rings were so close together, there was no room to breath and the dogs were a little … [Read more...]
Happy Holidays 2011
Happy Holidays from Bill, myself, and the whole family! … [Read more...]
Philadelphia Cluster
It was rainy and cold as we left for the Penn Treaty Kennel Club show on November 17th. The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center is a nice venue, large and airy. The show is well attended. There are four shows in this cluster. The one on Sunday ("the National Dog Show") is televised on Thanksgiving. I would only attend Thursday's show. We arrived early and settled in. I made my home base with my friends, some Frenchies, and a Xolo named Mintsi. The … [Read more...]
Yoshi sings opera
What happens when you serenade a Japanese Chin? Here's a clip of Yoshi and my daughter practicing an Italian opera together. … [Read more...]
Rocky Featured in Articles for Westminister 2011
Earlier this year, Rocky was featured in two pieces from a local newspaper called "The Morning Call" about the Westminster 2011 competition. In the article entitled "All Creatures Great and Small", the caption reads "Rocky, a smooth-coat Chihuahua, will compete in this year's Westminister dog show. The dog is co-owned by Kim Prelovsky of Bushkill Township and Connie Newcomb of South Whitehall Township. Rocky won an Award of Merit last year." The … [Read more...]
A good weekend at Back Mountain Kennel Club shows in Bloomsburg
Last Saturday I showed Bill and Rocky at Back Mountain Kennel Club shows in Bloomsburg. I wasn't feeling up to going on Saturday, I had a bad cold all week. But it was a beautiful sunny day and off we went. I did not enter Ted at these shows, he has some growing up to do. He is quite the willful boy. I hope to bring him out again after I finish Bill. Bill has been showing well and I hoped for some more points at these shows. Rocky is the perfect show … [Read more...]
Bill's first point and Best Puppy win!
Bill is really turning out nicely. I was very proud of him at this show where he was awarded "Best Puppy" by the Ramapo Kennel Club in October. … [Read more...]
More Adventures of Bill and Ted (and Rocky)
More dog shows have come and gone. Bill and Ted are doing well. Bill has really turned out nicely as he has gotten older. Many judges have admired him. Ted although cute as can be is just plain willful. At the Bucks County Kennel Club show which was outside, Bill might have gotten the 4 point major if he had just walked. He did get reserve. The same thing happened at The Valley Forge show. Ted was uncooperative and Bill just wanted to sniff the … [Read more...]


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Former chair of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) Douglas R. Ewart (reeds) is the current IICSI/Musagetes improviser-in-residence. Mr. Ewart is a versatile composer, improviser, sculptor and maker of masks and instruments, educator, lecturer, and all around visionary. In projects done in diverse media throughout an award-winning and widely acclaimed 40-year career, he has woven his remarkably broad gifts into a single sensibility that encourages and celebrates the wholeness of individuals in culturally active communities.Just in: Tomeka Reid will be the special guest!
Performance at Silence, Guelph Canada 1:00pm


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Avocado Dyed Gathered Blouse
For the last several months I have been saving my avocado pits, waiting to have enough to naturally dye a large piece of fabric. We've been pretty cooped up due to the cold, so last week seemed like the perfect chance to try this new adventure!
- To begin I boiled 15 avocado pits in my large pot for several minutes then simmered the pits for 2 full hours. Most tutorials say 30 minutes to an hour, but I was hoping to extract as much color as possible. The water turned to a beautiful red color.
- Next I strained out the pits and little remnants and added alum in proportion to the amount of water (alum purchased through Amazon).
- Once that was dissolved I soaked my fabric in warm water making sure it was thoroughly damp. This helps the color take more evenly. I used half of a 100% cotton sheet I recently found second hand. It is a very high-quality sheet with a high thread count.
- I stirred the fabric in the dye bath and made sure it was completely covered. The canning accessory came in handy to weigh down the fabric and keep it submerged. I let the fabric sit overnight in the dye, stirring a few times before I went to bed. In the morning I wasn't satisfied with the color yet, so I heated up the pot and boiled the fabric for 30 minutes, stirring continuously. Originally I didn't want to boil the fabric in fear it might be damaging, but since it was a $2 sheet, I decided I wanted to try for a richer color.
- After boiling I allowed everything to cool, stirred several times, and let it sit another night. By mid-day the next afternoon, I then washed the fabric in my machine on cold and did 2 rinse cycles to follow.
Following my dye experiment, I couldn't wait to turn the cotton into something wearable so this top happened shortly after!
The Pattern: Striped Linen Gathered Blouse Tutorial (free pattern!) by Fabrics Store
The Fabric: 100% cotton sheet, avocado dyed
The Process: After dyeing the fabric I simply cut out the pattern and followed the tutorial to create the blouse. I did 3 rows of gathering stitches and got the best gathers I've ever done!
Modifications: I made the smallest size and the shoulders and elbows were a little snug. So i let them out 1/4 of an inch into the 5/8 inch allowance and all was better!
Styling & Versatility: I haven't gravitated toward blush pinks or feminine gathers much lately. I've been drooling over clean lines and neutrals. But the natural shade of this pink is very appealing to me and the style of the tops seems to work well with it. I will wear this under sweaters, with a scarf, and hopefully enjoy it into the spring! It seems like a great top to wear around Easter when it's still cold, but you want those lighter colors.
Overal Review: For the pattern, I might suggest sizing up b/c of the slim fit of the arm, but overall it was a quick and painless make. The tutorial calls for linen but this heavier cotton worked very well. I am happy with the top and proud I branched out to try my hand at natural dyeing! I will deifintely be doing it again!


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- Page 1 Epson PictureMate 100 Review
- Page 2 Epson PictureMate 100 Review
- Page 3 Feature Table Review
- Page 4 Print Speeds & Running Costs Review
You don't need to install any software, of course, if you only want to print from a camera or memory card. If you want the extra flexibility of being able to manipulate your images before printing them, Epson provides a driver and its Creativity Suite, so you can work from a PC, too.
The Creativity Suite is a bit of a misnomer, as it offers little more than image selection and very basic editing, such as red-eye removal. It does enable useful image management, though, so you can keep your photo collection in order.
Epson claims a print speed of just 90 seconds for the PictureMate 100 and when printing from a PictBridge camera and a PC we got very close to this time. When we printed from an SD card, though, the same one that had been in the successful camera test, the printer took over three minutes to complete the print. It seemed to hesitate after each pass of the print head, as if data transfer from the card couldn't keep up with the print speed. We tried printing the same images from a CompactFlash card and saw similar times.
Epson commented that the files it used in obtaining its quoted times were of a similar size to ours (around 1MB) and that it had repeatedly achieved a 91 second print time from the printer.
Print quality from the four-colour inks is very good. There's little noticeable cast to the colours, which look natural and true to the originals. Our test print showed a smooth colour gradation in the sky and fine detail in foreground trees. Some detail was lost in shadowed areas. Against that, having the fourth black ink – Epson's main rivals use three-ink cartridges – improves the density of darker colours.
Consumables for the PictureMate 100 come together in one pack, with a single ink cartridge and 135 sheets of 15 x 10cm glossy photo paper bundled in the box. The cheapest we could find this pack for was just under £22.50p. This gives a cost per print of under 17p, a very good price, when you compare it with similar print costs from HP or Lexmark. Both of these are hovering around the 20p per print mark.
Sitting between its Lexmark (cheaper) and HP (dearer) competitors, Epson's PictureMate 100 is a well-designed, portable photo lab. The LCD display is a bit small and printing from memory cards is unaccountably slow, but we still think this is the best of the sub-£100, photo-only printers we've tested.
Unlike other sites, we thoroughly test every product we review. We use industry standard tests in order to compare features properly. We'll always tell you what we find. We never, ever accept money to review a product. Tell us what you think - send your emails to the Editor.


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Superior Design and Craftsmanship
Buildings constructed with Superior Concrete Products modular systems are structurally sound and can be erected in a fraction of the time and expense it takes when using conventional materials. Our steel-reinforced concrete posts and panels can be used to erect barns, dumpster enclosures, storage buildings, houses, office buildings, sheds, stables, utility buildings, warehouses and more.
The durable post and panel construction of the typical modular precast building make it an excellent alternative to sheet metal, wood or masonry barns. The concrete acts as a natural insulator again temperature extremes, and its attractive interior finish looks the same on the outside without the added cost of adding paneling or sheet-rock or other materials.
Why purchase one of those flimsy vinyl or sheet metal storage buildings. They leak, and the wind blows them right over. A Superior Concrete Products Storage Building is rock solid. It won't blow over during a storm, and better yet, all of your valuables are protected from weather damage.
Similar to housing, the straight symmetrical lines typically found in most commercial buildings will work well for modular construction projects. With the flexibility to size up or size down, the fast build times that characterize Superior Concrete Products modular construction make this ideal for constructing commercial buildings of all sizes.
Smaller than a storage building, sheds typically house lawn and garden equipment. The solid structure of a Superior Concrete Products Shed gives you peace of mind knowing that expensive lawn mowers and other equipment is protected by a strong wall of solid precast concrete.
Farmers and ranchers like Superior Concrete Products Stables because precast concrete makes an excellent shelter for their horses and livestock. The self-insulating nature of precast concrete means that horses and cows stay cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. And, the precast stables are also easier to keep clean. Not to mention that they last longer than other types of construction. Better yet, they are almost maintenance free.
By their nature, residential buildings such as apartments and condos are large rectangular-shaped buildings with lots of walls dividing the space into individual housing units. The scalable nature of modular construction combined with minimal maintenance requirements, strong structure, and the durable precast concrete exterior make Superior Concrete Products fence panels an ideal building solution for construction managers looking for inexpensive residential housing space that is cost-effective and fast to build.
Sometimes you just need more space for an extra truck or car, or additional storage for those seasonal holiday decorations and camping gear. Protect your prize possessions with a Superior Concrete Garage. A solid wall of steel-reinforced precast concrete keeps your belongings safe and dry while preventing damage from wind, rain, hail, sleet, snow or the hot sun. Best of all, no costly maintenance is required.
Nothing could be more secure and stable than precast concrete. Superior Concrete Products modular panels are a popular housing choice with individuals outside of the United States. And, as people inside the U.S. are learning about building homes out of concrete, its popularity is growing. People appreciate the strength and durability of concrete compared to traditional building materials, and the fact that the shell of the home isn't flammable. In addition, concrete is self-insulating, more quiet than other homes, with lower utility and insurance premiums makes living in a concrete home compelling.
Superior Modular Buildings & Stables Features
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and Durability


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Engage | Collect
Art is the ultimate artifact of culture; visual art should be more than tertiary. Most of us enjoy bringing music and cinema into our space, and have archives of both. Like these other forms, visual art is both mirror and legacy; it speaks to us now, and for us in the future. It can only be cherished if it is preserved.
The relevance of objects is being reconsidered today (app's/experiences over objects), but it is wrong to disregard collecting artworks as hierarchical, and reductive to dismiss it as an indulgence of personal vanity. Collecting is a vital aspect of culture; I argue for engagement, especially to Millennials. Yes, some acquire for investment and vanity, but most real Artists survive on too little patronage, and most real Collectors engage the practice as an art form in itself. Collecting is a way to express personal philosophy.
The Artist (particularly contemporary) represents the sort of things Millennials champion: an unfettered voice, the hand made|locally produced object, the freedom of individualism, and quest for self-awareness. To own an artwork is not only to support and sustain its channel, it is an experience that can be enjoyed daily; we echo the Artist every time we engage their work and share it. Reassess what visual art really is. Rethink your position to the objects you surround yourself with. If you want things with consciousness- Art is the answer.
This text was written in reaction to a New York Times story: Object Lessons: New Museum Explores Why We Keep Things.


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Twitter fought in court to protect user data, but ultimately the social network on Friday handed over various anti-Semitic tweets to French authorities.
The social network was sued by several Jewish and anti-racism groups over the #unbonjuic (#agoodjew) hashtag.
In early 2012, a court ordered Twitter to disclose the data, but the social network's lawyers filed an appeal of that decision. The social network recently lost its appeal and was ordered to hand over the deleted and private user data.
On Friday, Twitter said it reached an agreement with France's Union of Jewish Students (UEJF) regarding the anti-Semitic tweets. The UEJF was just one of the groups who sued Twitter for access to the tweets.
As part of the agreement, Twitter provided user IP and email addresses.
According to a joint statement by Twitter and the UEJF:
"Further to discussions between the Parties and in response to a valid legal request, Twitter has provided the prosecutor of Paris, Presse et Libertés Publiques section of the Paris Tribunal de Grande Instance, with data that may enable the identification of certain users that the Vice-Prosecutor believes have violated French law."
The UEJF is calling the decision and data acquisition a "big step in the fight against the feeling of impunity on the Internet."
In the meantime, privacy experts have cried foul over the court's decision, claiming that it deals a blow to freedom of speech and privacy.
French law strictly prohibits Holocaust denial and hate speech. Twitter lawmakers argued that, because the social network is located in the United States, it shouldn't have to comply with those laws.
While Twitter doesn't like to hand over user account information, the company has worked with foreign powers to stop hate speech. In October 2012, the social network blocked neo-Nazi accounts in Germany.
Do you think the court made the right decision to have Twitter hand over the tweets?


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Recently I posted about what it's like to shop at a Cuban farmers' market. What's outside of a Cuban agro is just as interesting as what's inside of it, especially on days when the pickings at the market are slim. These pictures were taken outside of the 42nd and 19th agro in Miramar that I frequent.
I've been in Cuba long enough that I now instantly recognize pictures and images of Venezuela's former leader, Hugo Chavez. He is Cuba's "best friend," because Cuba relied on Venezuelan oil and other products after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Lines are a common sight in Cuba, and this is the cola for the money changer. Cuba has two currencies -- one called CUC (pronounced "kook") and another called moneda nacional. CUC is the currency you get when you trade in foreign currency and is valued 1 to 1 with the U.S. dollar, though the Cuban government penalize any trades made with U.S. dollars by about 10 percent. It's usually better to bring in Euros or Canadian dollars. Moneda nacional (or pesos) are what Cubans are normally paid in; 24 pesos are worth 1 CUC. Foreigners can use either, and more and more, stores accept both (though it can be cumbersome to carry thousands in moneda nacional because the highest denomination is worth only $4. I generally use moneda nacional at the farmer's markets, at the bodegas, and at inexpensive food stands called cafeteria; I buy everything else in CUC.
Above are shots of a typical bodega, the equivalent of a Cuban general store. This is where Cubans get their monthly rations that include rice and beans and where I buy certain goods like guava paste and sugar, which costs 8 moneda nacional (or 25 cents) a pound -- or slightly less than international price of sugar. This general store illustrates how few processed goods are available in Cuba; we generally rely on the agro (or farmer's market), a few items from the expensive not-so-super supermarkets, and a whole host of black market vendors who go door to door.
Around the market, impoverished old men and women sell all kinds of random items they can get their hands on, such as packets of coffee (cut with green lentils), super glue, matches, and cheap cigars. What they do is illegal, hence no photos of the actual vendors.


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Talari delivers High availability & superior Quality of Experience
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When it comes to real-time apps like VoIP, videoconferencing and UCaaS, even 9-1-1 emergency service call centers, resiliency is essential to achieve both high availability and superior Quality of Experience.
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Archie C. Epps III, dean of students, probably isn't too popular at Dunster House these days. Last week Epps banned the Dunster House Committee from using Memorial Hall for future mixers, following an argument between students and University police at a Dunster-sponsored mixer there.
Read more in NewsFrom Playwright to President, and Everything in Between


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text: At 400 miles per hour a passenger jet will almost completely disintegrate at impact with a solid structure. This is the case with Flight 77 that hit the pentagon, and why there were so few airplane parts to find after the crash. There was not a bomb. It was not a government conspiracy. To say otherwise is dishonoring those who were slaughtered by the terrorists that day.


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On Sunday, March 26th from 2:00-4:00pm, we will host a Serve the City Day Mission Trip to serve the patients at the Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. Our plan is to make Easter baskets for the patients at the Children's Hospital to help brighten their day. We hate seeing kids and parents hurting in our city and want to take every opportunity we can to show them they are loved. This is a family-friendly event.
You can contact Courtney Tipping with any additional questions.


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The Merson Infrastructure team are always keen to take on a challenge outside of our typical remit. Our vast knowledge of materials and focus on innovation complement contracts which require significant design development and complex manufacture. These comprise contracts which are related to signage but are not signage. Some are enabling packages, such as large supporting structures and bases. Others are unusual components needed to complete the signs themselves but beyond any sign manufacturer's capability. Specialised lighting, digital signage elements, glazed components, architectural stainless steel and stonework are typical examples of our extended project management and work scope.
The majority of our design for Special Projects is completed in-house by our innovative and experienced Technical Design team. Risk is minimised during the Design stage and we consider installation and serviceability when designing bespoke products, particularly those with internal illumination and complex access arrangements.
Our designers use the latest CAD and rendering software to develop bespoke design options which we present to the client and other project stakeholders for approval.
We have a large manufacturing facility and so have the space to manufacture and store large signage products in-house. Our design team are on-hand during the manufacture and install phases to ensure any problems can be rectified.
Our in-house installation crews are all capable of working on Special Projects. They receive regular training and certification to enable them to operate access equipment safely. Installations are closely monitored by Contract Managers who are always present on site during shifts, acting as a point of contact for project stakeholders.
Risk management is key to ensuring Special Projects are fully compliant, therefore the project team endeavour to minimise risk from the very beginning. We routinely consult with Structural engineers, material suppliers and manufacturers, planning consultants and local authority planning officers, digital display and technology consultants and lighting designers, all of whom we have established relationships with.
A Design Risk Assessment identifies hazards that can be reduced during the design phase. Our designers work closely with our Technical Procurement team to ensure the most appropriate materials are selected in order to fit with the client brief and the location of the sign. Factors such as wind-loading and Fire Safety are taken into account at the stage. If required, Structural Engineering consultants carry out structural calculations on our designs to ensure that they are suitable for construction.
Risk Assessment and Methods Statements are written for each project, considering factors such as installation methods, access, use of hazardous substances and ensuring the working area is safe for other contractors. They are issued to project stakeholders for approval. The installation phase can then be managed in order to minimise any residual risks. At this stage we would also write Lifting Plans and ensure we have all the required permits, such as those needed for Working at Height.
An ongoing Health and Safety file is completed during the course of a project, amended in the event of design changes and handed over to project stakeholders upon completion.


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This book is what is colloquially referred to as an "Arcadia Publication", so called because it is part of the "Images of America" series of local history books published by Arcadia Publishing of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. Each of the more than 7,000 books in this series follows an identical format and this one is no exception. It contains nearly 200 historical images of Cambria and the surrounding area and the local history is revealed in their captions. (more…)
Archive for the 'Book Reviews' Category
Images of America, CambriaMonday, July 27th, 2015
Historic Cambria, Treasures of the PastSunday, July 26th, 2015
This slim volume was written by Dawn Dunlap, noted local historian, who has lived in Cambria all of her life. It was published by Cambria Historical Society which created a historical walk of the town by placing informational plaques on twenty eight of Cambria's most historical buildings. This book is intended as a companion guide to historical walk. Both the plaques and the book were funded by a grant from the Cambria Tourism Board. (more…)
Greenspace…So FarSunday, October 6th, 2013
This volume, written by Wayne Attoe and illustrated with cartoons by Arthur Van Rhyn, is subtitled, "Greenspace – The Cambria Land Trust at 25 Years" and that is an exact description of the contents. The many accomplishments of this organization are described in sufficient detail to grasp their significance but without including so much minutia that it becomes tedious. (more…)
The Portola ExpeditionFriday, March 15th, 2013
by Tayor Coffman
This article is copyright 2011, all rights reserved; renewed 2013
The year 1969 marked the two hundredth anniversary of a historic trek through the Cambria-San Simeon area, a journey often called (by English speakers) The Sacred Expedition. It was in 1769 that a Spaniard named Gaspar de Portola and a large group of men and livestock made their way up the rugged Baja California peninsula, northward from Loreto. The Franciscans in the group established a single mission along the way in a remote place called Velicata; it was the only trace left by that religious order in all of Baja. But the real aim of the Sacred Expedition was to find the harbor of Monterey, still hundreds of miles north, named and described by Sebastian Vizcaino on his voyage of more than 150 years earlier, in 1602-1603. In fact, the Portola group was speaking of the "Monterey Expedition," a term rarely seen in later annals. (more…)
The Cambria Forest by Taylor CoffmanWednesday, August 24th, 2011
The towering pine trees among which we live in Cambria are, and always have been, very important to the existence and the character of our little village. Evidence of their significance abounds in the names of hotels, restaurants and real estate agencies and, in the past, developers have called the town Cambria Pines or Cambria Pines by the Sea. (more…)
Where The Highway Ends – Another ViewMonday, February 14th, 2011
by Taylor Coffman
Geneva Hamilton's Where the Highway Ends was first produced in Cambria in 1974, a local effort by the short-lived Williams Printing Company. The book had no explanatory subtitle. It was simply called Where the Highway Ends. However, the front panel of the white dust jacket contained these further words, displayed above an illustration by the Cambria artist Tom Rawlings: "An interesting and colorful history of the Ranchos that include San Simeon, Cambria and Harmony." (more…)
Pioneers of San Luis Obispo County & EnvironsSunday, January 30th, 2011
This tome, compiled by Annie L. Morrison and John H. Haydon, was originally entitled History of San Luis Obispo County and Environs and was published by the Historic Record Company of Los Angeles in 1917. It consisted of a 182 page History of San Luis Obispo County written by Morrison, a short, 22 page History of Santa Maria Valley by Haydon and several hundred brief biographies of important people who were living or had lived in San Luis Obispo County. (more…)
Cambria, A Harbor Town HistoryWednesday, September 15th, 2010
Gayle Baker, in her 2003 book Cambria, A Harbor Town History, presents a brief (less than 100 pages) history of Cambria and the surrounding area. It's a "quick read" but it will give you an excellent picture of how Cambria came to be the way it is today. The book includes about a dozen and a half black-and-white photographs gleaned from the Wilfred Lyons Collection, most of which are commonly seen and some of which appear on this web site. (more…)
Point Piedras BlancasTuesday, May 25th, 2010
Point Piedras Blancas was put together by Carole Adams and John Bogacki. Carole Adams is a volunteer who has spearheaded the native plant restoration project at the light station and has coordinated the volunteer effort since 2001. When the Bureau of Land Management acquired the site in that year, John Bogacki became the first Site Manager and it was John who created the management plan for restoring Piedras Blancas Light Station to its former glory. Both Carole and John have been major contributors to the ongoing effort to develop a complete and accurate history of the lighthouse, its associated buildings and the surrounding landscape. (more…)
Dinner at the LighthouseTuesday, May 25th, 2010
Captain Lorin V. Thorndyke served as head keeper of Piedras Blancas Light Station from 1879 to 1906, longer than anyone else. Shortly after arriving, he married Elizabeth Jarmon, a 27 year old lady from Wisconsin. Lizzie, as she was commonly known, had come to California to visit her sister, Mary, who was married to Tom Evans, owner of a ranch in close proximity to the light station. While she was at the station, Lizzie collected recipes recording them in a handwritten notebook. After seven years of marriage and two sons, Lizzie died at the age of 34. (more…)
Where The Highway EndsTuesday, January 5th, 2010
Where The Highway Ends, written by Geneva Hamilton in 1974 is, without a doubt, the best single volume ever written about the history of Cambria and the surrounding area. It is described on the cover as being, "The colorful history of Spanish explorers, Indians, Whaling, Life on the Ranchos, Chinese, Quicksilver mines, Fires, Floods, Swiss dairies, Hearst ranches, and Early California pioneers." If you read the entire 200-plus page book from cover to cover you will come away with an accurate impression of how Cambria got started and how it came to be the way it is today. This book also contains nearly a hundred historic photographs each with an informative caption, some of which appear nowhere else. (more…)
History of San Luis Obispo CountyMonday, October 26th, 2009
The complete title of this book, written by Myron Angel, is History of San Luis Obispo County, California with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers. It was originally published by Thompson and West in 1883 and is often referred to as "Thompson and West ". It has been republished most recently by Word Dancer Press in association with Friends of the Adobes in 1994 and is currently available from the Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel here.
Myron Angel was the premier historian of San Luis Obispo County. He was hired to come here in 1881 to write this book which he completed in two years. Perhaps the biggest drawback to this 400-page volume is the lack of a detailed index. The index included was written by Paul T. Adalian for the 1979 edition but it omits many names and places. This defect is partly compensated by an extensive and detailed table of contents. (more…)


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The facility will provide WJU Students with a home for musical instruction, practice, and performance, and continue the legacy of the Sisters of the Visitation and Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, which for decades was renowned for its music instruction.
The conservatory will include a 112-seat recital hall, providing an ideal setting for intimate concerts and theatrical productions, lectures and recitals, yet be easily convertible for classroom use. Just outside the recital hall is a parlor, where students can relax between classes and recital hall guests can linger before or after a performance. The university will display art, photographs, furniture, archival materials, and other Mount de Chantal items in the Sisters of the Visitation Gallery, which visitors will enter through the Mount's front door, donated by the Vistation Sisters. An elegant lobby, and offices and practice areas, complete the space.
In its design, the conservatory will feature original Mount de Chantal tin ceiling, chandeliers, fleur-de-lis stair treads and decorative hardware. The 800-pound bell, which hung hidden in a tower for generations, will be mounted outside the building so that visitors can see and touch it.
Many of the items to be displayed were donated by the Visitation Sisters, who also made a leadership gift to Wheeling Jesuit for the conservatory and established the Mount de Chantal Music Scholarship fund. WJU recently awarded the first scholarship to incoming freshman Samantha Herrington of Bethel Park, Pa.
Wheeling Jesuit also has received support for the conservatory from the Albert Schenk III and Kathleen H. Schenk Charitable Trust, an anonymous local foundation and many friends and alumnae of Mount de Chantal and Wheeling Jesuit University. A total of $1 million has been committed to date.
In addition to making possible the facility's construction, as well as the acquisition and restoration of antiques and artwork, this support has enabled the university to add a director of instrumental music and university bands. Named to that position in April was James Gourlay, who helped the university build and develop its symphonic band over the past two years. The WJU Symphonic Band performs on campus regularly with the River City Brass, also directed by Gourlay.
In addition to the symphonic band, the university's students participate in the WJU Pep Band, which entertains spectators at athletic events, and four choirs that sing at masses and perform on and off campus
For more information contact Kathryn Kelly at 304-243-8160.
Alumnae of Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, from left, Virginia Giustini, Elaine Milton, Jennifer Hornyak and Kathryn Kelly, browse through the senior class composite photos from their alma mater. The photos, along with other items from "the Mount," were donated by the Sisters of the Visitation to Wheeling Jesuit University for use in the music spaces that the university will open late this fall.


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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - M&T Bank Corp (MTB.N) will put a comprehensive plan in place to fix problems with its anti-money laundering policies that had caused regulators to put a hold on its $3.7 billion bid to buy Hudson City Bancorp.
Buffalo, New York-based M&T Bank will submit a plan to the Federal Reserve to improve its monitoring and reporting of suspicious activity, the regulator said.
The bank will also hire an independent consultant to review transactions on any high-risk customer accounts during the period of July 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, the Fed said.
M&T Bank said in April that regulatory concerns over such procedures were holding up its proposed purchase of Hudson City HCBK.O, which is based in New Jersey.
The deal was initially announced in August 2012 and was worth $7.22 for each Hudson City share.
M&T Bank, which has Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) as a major shareholder, planned for the acquisition to fill gaps in its coverage area on the U.S. East Coast.
Hudson City, which specializes in mortgage lending, has branches in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area. The combined network would have 870 branches from Connecticut to Virginia.
The plan hit a snag when regulators raised concerns about M&T Bank's anti-money laundering programs. The bank said in April it hired an outside consultant to help address the concerns.
Reporting by Douwe Miedema; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe


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Crystal Coast Foreclosures and Short Sales
The Crystal Coast and surrounding counties saw a lot of foreclosures and short sale activity this past month. Mixed in was the stunningly high rate of cash sales. But do the two necessarily go hand in hand? And are foreclosures and short sales really worth the added hassles?
Crystal Coast Distressed Sales
Approximately 7 percent of all homes listed in the Crystal Coast and surrounding counties were some type of distressed property. This can be deceptive to the public because most of the time there is no sign in the yard designating the property as foreclosed.
23 percent of all homes sold last month were a distress sale. 40 percent of all sales were cash. The median sales price for a Crystal Coast home continues to skew downward. Last month the median price was $159K. The bulk of the homes sold (44 percent) were homes priced $150K and under.
Foreclosures and Short Sales
Here are some important facts to keep in mind about buying a distressed property. Foreclosures and short sales are more difficult to buy, not easier than a conventional sale. One reason why is that for a bank to foreclose on and take possession of a home is a process that takes about 2 years on average. The bank just went through a bad experience so they are going to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Credit requirements are greater and more stringent for the buyer wishing to buy foreclosures and short sales. Cash offers must be able to prove they have cash on hand and able to put 10 percent earnest monies down.
The due diligence period is much shorter, usually only between 5 to 10 days. This is all the time given the buyer to perform the necessary inspections and secure all funding. The foreclosures and short sales are sold, "as is' with no negotiations. The buyer plays by the rules of the bank with a bank owned property.
The key to buying foreclosures and short sales is to have time and money. Have access to funds so financing is not an issue. Have the patience to wait for an opportunity and move quickly when it comes available.
Margaret Hitchcock is a Realtor and owner/operator of Hitchcock Realty in Morehead City along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Whether it is a home or condo, on the beach or mainland be sure to contact Margaret today. Visit her online at www.HitchcockRealty.net or call (252) 269-2893.


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Popcorn White Cheddar
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