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Friday, October 31, 2008
Bracelet Give Away
Bracelet Give Away
When people see jewelry that I make, they kindly ask if I sell my art. I don't. But I give it away as gifts. It's made with love and given from the heart.
I've worked on a new design for a Christmas bracelet and after I made it, I thought, "What about this being a Christmas Give Away on my blog?" I've seen GiveAway/Contests on other blogs, but never attempted one of my own.
The bracelet is made out of Swarvorski Crystals and Seed Beads. It is a hand woven flat-spiral design using thread and needle. The toggle clasp is a Peyote stitch, both round and tubular. The picture doesn't capture the sparkles of Swarvorski crystals, but believe me it makes a festive and lovely show!
Ok, here are the rules:
1. Visit my website. Leave a comment describing your happiest holiday memory (even though it's a Christmas bracelet, the entry is for any holiday that made you happy). This is one entry.
2. Double Your Entry: Blog about this giveaway in your blog with a link to it. Include the url to your blog in your entry comment for verification.
3. Giveaway is open to all. The Give Away will run from today through November 10th at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen at random and will be notified via email and announced on my blog. The winner must respond within 3 days or a new winner will be picked. Winner must provide name and mailing address.
Please be sure to leave your email address so I can let you know if you are the winner ~ so, this means anyone who isn't a blogger is still eligible. If you don't want to leave your email in the comments, you're welcome to send an email to me at: email@example.com
Greg can't participate in the give away, but he does have a funny Christmas memory to share.
When he and his siblings were young, they loved to decorate the Christmas tree. All of the lights, the tinsel and ornaments were up. Bonnie, Greg's older sister, wanted to put the star on top of the tree. It's one of those special honors, to put the star up. She had the star, reached up high and…. fell INTO the tree, knocked the tree down and a lot ornaments broke. They laughed and now, it's tradition every year, Bonnie puts the decoration on top!
101 comments:
- Lilly's Life said...
Poor Bonnie. She will never live that down for the rest of her live I daresay.
Your bracelet is very lovely Aleta and perhaps you may have an Etsy Shop in the future? Great idea for a competition!
- November 1, 2008 at 6:47 AM
- Lauren said...
I'm so in. I love crystals and that bracelet is beautiful. I have to think about my story.
- November 1, 2008 at 7:07 AM
- Carol VR said...
Love the bracelet... please count me in.
Favorite holiday memorie.... having people pop out at the kids on halloween. Priceless.
- November 1, 2008 at 8:13 AM
- ugich konitari said...
What a lovely bracelet. (My daughter just saw the picture and went "Wow!")...
I need to dig out a story from my bag of holiday memories.....
- November 1, 2008 at 8:56 AM
- HOBO said...
Claps !!!
- November 1, 2008 at 9:51 AM
- Lo said...
My favorite Holiday is Thanksgiving! As much as I LOVE Christmas, it's soooo busy and getting presents for a large extended family is always expensive and a bit of a shopping nightmare....hmm... is there really such a thing as a shopping nightmare ;) Anyway, Thanksgiving is a day that begins with the Macy's parade (ooooo this is giving me blogging ideas ;) followed by loads of cooking with my MILove (love that woman) The kids and cousins play all day. Finally, we sit down with a HUGE dinner and a have a heart felt round table prayer where almost everyone is moved to tears by the thankfulness we all feel at being so blessed and lucky to all be together. Then stuffed, we all roll in to watch football! Last year's memories are especially poignant because we lost my FILove soon after the new year and MILove had just found out she had pancreatic cancer. We were all just so grateful to have that day. That moment.
- November 1, 2008 at 10:26 AM
- raino said...
yikes. i so don't work well under pressure but so would love that bracelet, so here goes:
i would have to say that my most favorite holiday memory is of halloween or i should say shortly before halloween.
i think i was probably only in grade 4, say 8 years old or so.
our class was going on a school trip to saunders farm (a local pumpkin farm /petting zoo) and each parent was asked to send in $5in for each child to buy a pumpkin.
right before getting on the bus to come back to the school that afternoon each child picked out a pumpkin.
of course, i had to pick out THE biggest one ever, so big in fact that the bus driver (not the teacher) had to get off the bus to carry it on for me.
this is where a little guidance from the teacher may have come in handy.
i was one of the kids who walked home from school. although i lived a good 20 minute walk from the school, they deemed us too close to take the bus. so i walked too and from school everyday and also home for lunch i might add.
anyhow, i kicked the pumpkin home the entire way. by the time i got there, it was a mix of greys and blacks. if it weren't for the stem on the top you'd not have known it was even a pumpkin.
i picked up absolutely ever small stone, rock and every little piece of gravel along the way.
this is my greatest memory.
- November 1, 2008 at 10:27 AM
- Huckdoll said...
Came over from Raino...that bracelet is totally gorgeous :)
- November 1, 2008 at 12:35 PM
- bfs said...
What a gorgeous bracelet, Aleta! Thank you for sharing! Let's see ... favorite holiday memory....
We have a special tradition that started years ago when I was just marrying and copied a teacake recipe at my aunt's home. Every year, I started making teacakes at holiday time (Thanksgiving and Christmas)(I'll share the recipe on my blog).
Favorite memory is of my parents first, sitting at the table, covering the shaped teacakes with icing of different colors and sparklies.
Memory grew more special as little grandchildren came along. They got to spread the icing, too, and not always on the teacake!!
Though my mother is no longer with us, I keep up this 4-generation tradition with my father, my children, and their children.
- November 1, 2008 at 1:25 PM
- Teri said...
Such a pretty bracelet. I just found your blog. (I'll be back, for sure)
My favorite holiday memory is when I had my first real Mother's Day. I had waited so many years, and when it finally happened, I was beside myself. It just better when my second then my third children arrived.
- November 1, 2008 at 1:54 PM
- LindsRay said...
Aleta, that is simply gorgeous. I'm so jealous of crafty people!!
- November 1, 2008 at 2:22 PM
- Debbie Y. said...
I want that bracelet. Sooooo pretty.
My favorite holiday is Christmas.
I am a bit of a sneak. I have always hunted for my presents before the day. My mom warned me if she found out that I was snooping she would take back my gift(s). As I was peeking in the closet, I found a small wrapped package the size of a ring box. I carefully undid the wrapping and found a beautiful garnet ring, my birthstone. I carefully wrapped it back up and put it back where I found it. Christmas morning I looked everywhere under the tree for my ring box, but alas it was not there. My mother chided me for snooping when I shouldn't. She said I would not be getting the ring for Christmas. I was sorely disappointed, but learned a valuable lesson nonetheless. And guess what I got that ring for my birthday in late January.
- November 1, 2008 at 5:27 PM
- Tammie said...
i dont really have a favorite holiday memory....i guess just eating a lot on thanksgiving is something i love and look forward to--the smell of food cooking from early in the morning.
i so want the bracelet.
- November 1, 2008 at 7:17 PM
- Kel said...
What a beautiful bracelet - I just love your work!!
Hum, now for a holiday memory...well, it was a very long time ago and I was little. We lived in a very tiny town and there weren't many people who were 'financially well off' at that time. This is not to say that we were any better, but my mother was a little betty crocker and would make all kinds of canned goods/tamales etc. for us to deliver on christmas eve.
I have to admit, it is one of the few memories I actually cherish...traveling door to door delivering these hand made goodies to people who didn't have much. What we gave them wasn't much, but the appreciation was there - people doing what they could to help other people....enough to have me believing in the spirit of christmas and the kindness of humanity.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
- November 1, 2008 at 8:48 PM
- jennifersusan said...
What a gorgeous bracelet! I have a lot of happy holiday memories. I've got a lot of fond memories of easter egg hunts in my parents yard with my children, and of course the Christmas my daughter was born is a super special favorite holiday memory too.
- November 2, 2008 at 1:05 AM
- Queenie Jeannie said...
Ohhhh! What a pretty bracelet!!!
Fondest Christmas memory:
Hands down it was Christmas 2004! My youngest daughter Isabella was born in August of that year. Her first three months were awful - in and out of PICU and we weren't sure if she was going to make it, and my husband was about to deploy on his second year long tour in Iraq. Can you say STRESS??? But by December, her health issues had been addressed and medications were finally adjusted. She was healthy and happy! And for the very first time, on Christmas Eve, she slept allllll through the night!!!! I woke up Christmas morning nearly "drunk" with sleep (new Moms know what I'm talkin' about *wink*). So I was able to enjoy the whole day with my older children and husband, do the presents thing, bake and cook and just enjoy the day without dragging my butt. It was, and is, a cherished memory we all shared while my husband was away.
- November 2, 2008 at 5:55 AM
- mannequin said...
Good Morning Aleta; I'm a SITSter! I am quite impressed! Normally I don't care for beaded bracelets but I'll tell you, that bracelet is gorgeous!
I think my favorite holiday memory is the one as an adult when my mom finally gave me a ballerina jewelry box. I had asked every year I was little and she thought it was just another on the list. When I told her what I would like for Christmas that year, she cried and said she never knew..That year, at 27, I got the little girls jewelry box. It meant just as much. It was simply that I wanted it from HER.
- November 2, 2008 at 6:24 AM
- sukku said...
The bracelet looks lovely and I guess what matters is your thoughts and the love and labour you put in doing it...I am happy that you are offering it to our fellow bloggers...and I would like the congratulate the eventual winner....
- November 2, 2008 at 6:52 AM
- Elizabeth said...
In my family I am not known as the chef. I am the "single one" and I don't cook for myself. About 10 years ago I decided to host Thanksgiving. I did everything myself, except the desserts. Everything came out perfectly, and at the same time. Everyone loved it and I was able to send leftovers home w/ the older guests. I was so proud of myself!
I am amazed by that bracelet and definitely want to win!
- November 2, 2008 at 7:53 AM
- Danifer said...
Your bracelet is very pretty!
I remember when I was about five years old, we lived in a 2-story town home. My bedroom was at the top of the stairs. It was Easter and I came home from somewhere, and when I stood at the bottom of the stairs, I noticed a big sign on the door to my bedroom. I could not get to the top of the stairs quick enough. Once I got there, I saw a sign that said the "The Easter Bunny Was Here". I threw open my door and found a gigantic Easter Basket full of goodies.
- November 2, 2008 at 8:26 AM
- cassie said...
Gorgeous bracelet! I love how many crystals you used in the design.
My favorite Christmas memory, is the year that I got my first real grown up job! I was able to take my own money and go buy presents for my family. I had two little baby nieces, so it was extra special!
- November 2, 2008 at 8:34 AM
- nicole said...
What beautiful artwork you do!
One of my favorite holiday memories:
Before we had kids and still libed in Germany my husband and made xmas cookies (Plaetzchen). And while making them whe ended have a flour fight. Last time it happened here with flour our kids looked at us like we are crazy.
Sometimes you have to be silly.
- November 2, 2008 at 8:41 AM
- Jennifer said...
My favorite holiday memory(ies) is having Christmas Eve with my parents and my sister (and now our children). We eat steaks and then open presents while listening to Christmas music.
The bracelet is beautiful!
jls_wss2003 at yahoo dot com
- November 2, 2008 at 8:56 AM
- Blessings Abound said...
My favorite is on Christmas when everyone was able to get together. Thanks!
- November 2, 2008 at 9:22 AM
- Mindy said...
Oooh what a gorgeous bracelet that is! I'm totally in =)
My favorite holiday memory is being Santa for my boys. They start writing their letters in June =) And then they revise and update them right up until Christmas Eve. I love the challenge of getting the gift that they truly want, so they are excited and bright eyed on Christmas morning.
Thanks for letting me share! I also enjoyed reading the other posts. Fun idea!!
- November 2, 2008 at 9:51 AM
- Rhea said...
I think that bracelet is beautiful and what a great holiday gift!
My favorite Christmas memory...hmm...that's tough. Each one is so special because I get to spend time with family, and I love that. Our last Christmas was our first in our new home, and that was pretty amazing. I think that's my favorite.
- November 2, 2008 at 10:08 AM
- GutsyWriter said...
I'd like to share a story, which is my most "unforgettable" Christmas, in a strange way.
Imagine celebrating Christmas on a tropical, humid island with multi-colored bulbs dangling on palm fronds on your coffee table.
Grandma, (my husband's mom) and her 80-year-old sister, who both hate traveling and are as pale as snow, flew over to our island in the Caribbean for a 2 week stay.
They longed to see my 3 sons, 17, 14 and 10, and put up with bugs, iguanas and rainwater for quick showers.
Four days before Christmas the two sisters got in a verbal fight, and refused to talk to one another for ten days. They sat as far away from one another and turned backs on one another. Worse yet, they shared a bed downstairs, and one liked to read half the night, the other to turned the lights off at nine. They both whined separately to us.
The austere feeling rubbed off on the kids, and finally on Christmas day, I blasted disco music around the house, to liven myself up as I cooked a Belizean turkey. At least the kids were in a good mood, and my husband and I laughed, as the women chose to continue ignoring one another.
- November 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM
- Bebe said...
Hi Aleta,
What a lovely bracelet!! I came over from SITS and it is nice to meet you!
My favorite holiday memory is when I was a young girl. My family and I took a vacation up into the mountains and I actually got to see some snow on Christmas (we don't get that down here on the GA coast).
Hugs, Bebe :)
- November 2, 2008 at 12:02 PM
- Tammy said...
What a gorgeous design! Poor little Bonnie. Bet she never lives that one down.
One of my favorite holiday memories is when we went to DC to visit my SIL and her oven went out so she was borrowing a friends who lived two bldgs over. The bldgs were all conected. So she asked me to bring something over to her and told me how many hallways I needed to go through and how many doors from the entrance. Well, there I was all dressed up for the day, carrying ingredients and knocked on the door and let myself in only to be faced with a Korean family of 5 watching tv. They all looked up at me. I made my apologies and backed out the door closing it behind me. I then marched back to my SIL's apartment and waited for her to come looking for me. Mmm...mmm...mmm. How humiliating. She and the rest of our family and friends had a good laugh at my expense. I can laugh now but then I was horrified. DC is not the safest place and to just walk into a strangers house.
- November 2, 2008 at 1:25 PM
- Ginny said...
Pretty bracelet, I blogged ~ http://momcontests.blogspot.com/2008/11/bracelet-giveaway.html
My favorite memory is getting this big Glamor Girl Cruise ship for Christmas :)
- November 2, 2008 at 2:34 PM
- Rachel Ann said...
I love this bracelet..you are very talented!
One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Christmas with all my cousins there...I was probably 7ish. And who should appear? Santa Claus!
None of us kids realized that our Uncle Kevin was missing from all the festivities and then popped back in about 45 minutes after Santa left!
- November 2, 2008 at 4:04 PM
- lmerie said...
Beautiful bracelet!
Favorite holiday memory . . .gosh, this is harder than I thought it would be!
I think it would have to be Valentines Day 2002. Will and I had been dating 5 months so it was our first valentines. My ex husband had never been the type to celebrate pretty much anything, so I did not know what to expect.
At 6:45 a.m. as I was getting myself ready for work and boys ready for school, the doorbell rang. There was Will with a chocolate rose, valentine balloons and a batch of warm blueberry muffins! It was great and so unexpected! We have had many more fond holiday memories, but that would have to be the top!
- November 2, 2008 at 4:41 PM
- Queenie Jeannie said...
I hope you feel better soon!!!!!
- November 2, 2008 at 5:01 PM
- Ripley!!! said...
That bracelet is gorgeous...I hope I win!!! I have so many great holiday memories that it's hard to choose one as my favorite. I love Christmas and birthdays, especially!!
- November 2, 2008 at 5:12 PM
- Mrs. S said...
You know, my favorite holiday memory (so far) was July 4th of 2007 because my son was born 3 days prior on the first. I was (and still am) such a proud mama. He really has given me a different perspective on life and a new goal in life: to be the best mommy I can be for him. :)
I posted about your contest on the sidebar of my blog under Contest Corner. My email address is email@example.com
- November 2, 2008 at 5:59 PM
- Darlene said...
Please enter me for your beautiful bracelet giveaway!
One of my favorite holiday memories is when we had Thanksgiving at a relatives ranch. We would stuff ourselves full and then go hiking and fishing and just roaming all around on their acres of land....just so much fun!
- November 2, 2008 at 8:20 PM
- Aleta said...
I just wanted to leave a quick note. I'm fighting a winter cold right now, so I might not be as active as I'd like with getting back to everyone. But I wanted to say, "Thank You" ~ I can't tell you how much it means to me that ya'll like the bracelet! I was nervous putting it up as a give away, because when you make something, you know what you like, but you never know what someone else will think of it! Ya'll have warmed my heart. I'm excited for whoever wins the bracelet!
- November 2, 2008 at 8:23 PM
- Tabitha Blue said...
Oh how sweet!! I think my fondest memory is one of the most recent. Last Christmas with our baby girl... she just loved the tree and lights and decorations. It was such a sweet time, I can't wait for this year because of it.
- November 2, 2008 at 8:36 PM
- barbara said...
beautiful colors! :)
- November 2, 2008 at 10:32 PM
- Grace said...
you made that? i'm terribly impressed!
meanwhile, i don't think i have one particular holiday memory, but i can tell you this--the older i get, the more the time i get to spend with my family means to me. :)
- November 3, 2008 at 9:16 AM
- Kavi said...
That sure is some offer !! Some offer !!! Now will think about it well !!
- November 3, 2008 at 11:40 AM
- Mommy said...
Like many kids, my sister, brother and I liked to shake and examine our presents, trying to guess the contents. Occassionally, we were known to gently peel back a section of paper to get a glimpse. One Christmas season--it was after my brother had started driving--my mom and I had decided to go shopping. We found a bottle of cologne on the front seat, the very one my parents were giving my brother for Christmas and the same one my mom had assumed was in the still wrapped box under the tree.
Aleta, have you ever thought about selling or donating pieces for charity?
- November 3, 2008 at 1:03 PM
- Big Girl said...
Beautiful bracelet. I'll have to think about my happiest holiday memory. It seems since I've had The Little Miss all my holidays seem so much more magical.
- November 3, 2008 at 2:43 PM
- Missicat said...
Very pretty! Can see the sparkle even in the picture.
hmm..one of my favorite Xmas memories - heading to the mall with my twin sister to take a picture on Santa's lap. When we were 38. hehe
- November 3, 2008 at 3:22 PM
- Kat said...
My happiest holiday was Thanksgiving of 2006. It was the first time I had actually made my own turkey. Who knew it was so easy when it just seemed so daunting. We were all together as a family - and sometimes that is the most precious thing of all. Because the Sunday after the holiday my father fell while shopping and passed away. Happiest. Yet bittersweet...
- November 3, 2008 at 5:19 PM
- Jennifer said...
The bracelet is beautiful--I want it!
I have to say that last year was such a happy Christmas for us--just a great day where everything went right. We had an amazing dinner with my mom and sister at a fancy hotel and we had a private dining room--it was perfect!!
Thanks for the giveaway Aleta!! My email is on my blog!
- November 3, 2008 at 6:35 PM
- Nicki & Mathis said...
Beautiful bracelet!!
One of my favorite memories of Christmas is the anticipation I would get on Christmas Eve! :) My family always opened one gift on Christmas Eve, and a lot of times it was pajamas to wear that night. :)
- November 3, 2008 at 6:49 PM
- Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...
I am not officially entering the contest because my hubby and I have an agreement that I can't give my address out on my blog...bummer! But just wanted to say that I love the bracelet! It is very pretty!
- November 3, 2008 at 8:17 PM
- Wolf said...
what a beautiful bracelet!
my favorite holiday memories all involve our christmas tree farm...and selling those trees at the lot every year. the year my dad passed away, my sister and i took over and to have so many people tell us how much they would miss my dad and how much they loved him was really special, and much needed at a time when we were really missing him...
- November 3, 2008 at 8:40 PM
- nikkicrumpet said...
WOW...what a gorgeous and generous gift you are giving away! I would love to be in on this one! My favorite Christmas memory was when my brothers and I were really young. My parents bought both of my brothers a "fort Apache" It was this giant fort set that had fortified walls made out of pretend logs that were sharpened at the top...and lots of cowboys and indians. They decided it would be a good idea to set the whole fort up so the boys would find it that way come morning...my brothers however decided to sneak upstairs and see what Santa had left...they didn't turn on the lights and so my oldest brother stepped on one of the sharpened walls and impaled his foot. I should have felt sorry for him....but I guess I was just a mean sister who wanted them to get pay backs for all the teasing and tormenting. I still kid them about that to this day. Thanks for the great prize..and good luck to everyone...especially ME!
- November 3, 2008 at 8:43 PM
- The Blonde Duck said...
It's gorgeous! You should sell your art! It's beautiful.
- November 3, 2008 at 8:45 PM
- Kellan said...
That's a beautiful braclet - I love it! My favorite memory is all the mornings when my children were smaller and they woke up to see the gifts that Santa left them - the smiles of joy and amazement on their faces. Alexis and Billy are still small enough that they have that same excitement!
Great contest, Aleta - hope I win!!!
- November 3, 2008 at 8:55 PM
- Holly said...
Oh WOW - you MADE that! It is beautiful! I have no doubt the photo doesn't do it justice!
- November 3, 2008 at 9:19 PM
- Melissa said...
ooooooh! Sparklies! I'll de-lurk for sparklies!
The one that immediately comes to mind is the year my sons set up a video camera and motion detectors to try and catch Santa. What am I saying, that was LAST year! I'm hoping they're still up for it this year.
- November 3, 2008 at 10:38 PM
- Yaya said...
Oh My Gosh! You MADE that!? I saw it on another blog and thought "that is soooooo pretty"...I didn't realize you MADE it! You are so talented!
Okay, my fav holiday memory is my brother and I having a pact every year for Christmas morning to try to wake up as early as possible and to go wake the other one up. One year it was at 1am and my parents yelled at us to go back to bed. I didn't know then that they were "santa" and had probably just gone to bed from putting together our presents!
- November 4, 2008 at 4:18 AM
- Gypsy said...
Wow that is one sought after bracelet and why wouldn't it be? It's lovely and so festive. If I win I promise I will wear it on Christmas Day.
I have many fond memories but the one I think I got the most pleasure out of was one Christmas when I was still in High School. Some of us volunteered to put together some Christmas care packages for the elderly in the local area. Then we hired a big open bed truck on which we loaded all our packages. We dressed up in festive clothes draped in tinsel and topped it off with Santa hats. A dozen of us piled onto the back of the truck and we visited as many retirement villages as we could and sang a few carols at each one.
The looks on the faces of these beautiful elderly people was something I will never forget. For many of them it would probably be the only gift they would get. Many of them had tears in their eyes and they were so humbled that young teenagers would bother to come and see them, nevermind sing for them and present them with a small present.
I think we all got just as much joy out of the experience as they did. I know it stayed with me for a very long time.
My email address is firstname.lastname@example.com and I will let you know when I have posted about your contest on my blog.
I hope you feel better soon Aleta. I'm sure your lovely Greg is taking good care of you.
- November 4, 2008 at 7:09 AM
- Kristi said...
The bracelet is LOVELY Aleta! Maybe you should think about Etsy - you can do as many or as little as you like that way, depending on when the creativity hits you.
My favorite holiday memory is a Thanksgiving spent by myself on a sailboat in the middle of the ocean. I started off feeling very sad and sorry for myself, and left that holiday so grateful to just be alive in the world. It was one of the best gifts I have ever given myself.
- November 4, 2008 at 3:52 PM
- Candid Carrie said...
I have a favorite Christmas memory that always makes me smile.
Our first dogs (over fifteen years ago) were two shih tzus named Ming and Leo. They were poorly bred specimens but they made up for beauty with enthusiasm.
Now, we had gotten these little puppies when my twins were about five years old, Travis was a healthy little horse but Madeleine was chronically ill and we new her time with us was nearing conclusion. She had twenty four hour nursing care in our home with three shifts a day.
Anyway, our family had never had a real tree, ever! We had always favored the artificial type, no needles or watering, no sap ... I had about three hundred reasons why we never had a real tree.
Our third shift nurse thought this was a horrific tragedy that my kids never experienced the wonder of a real tree. So the Friday after Thanksgiving our nurse "snuck" an eleven foot tall Christmas tree into our living room. Yes, it was a big house with twelve foot ceilings and yes, our bedroom was located in an area where someone could haul a tree into the home without us knowing.
She rearranged the living room furniture and hung candy canes on the tree, it must have been fabulous.
I say must have been only because the first glimpse I had of the tree was Ming and Leo next to a toppled tree eating candy canes. Leo was a dark cocoa brindle and was a sticky sticky mess, but Ming was as white as a fresh December snow and she looked like she had been mutilated! She had gobs of red candy cane stuck all over her.
And this massive tree was "sapping" on my coffee table, my couch, my carpet, and my life. I never smiled so big or laughed so hard. I have been grinning while I typed this entire story.
Thanks for affording me another opportunity to relive my favorite holiday memory!
- November 4, 2008 at 3:57 PM
- Pennies In My Pocket said...
Oh that's a GORGEOUS bracelet!
Wow, I have so many happy moments, but the one that pops to mind first is when we got to bring our baby home from the NICU after her EARLY start to life. She was born 9 weeks early and had to stay in the NICU for 7 LONG and hard weeks. When she came home it was like I was living a dream and did not want to wake up. My hubby and I cried all day that day. :)
- November 4, 2008 at 5:11 PM
- Sam said...
what a very pretty Christmassy bracelet! My favourite holiday memory? Well now, let me think....I have many favourites but the one that springs to mind right now is the Christmas after I'd passed my driving test and I drove over to my Grandpop and Grandma's house on Christmas morning in order to bring them back to our house in time for breakfast so that they could spend the whole day with us.
- November 4, 2008 at 5:21 PM
- hahamommy said...
Ooooh, thanks for making me a bracelet ;)
The first time I visited NYC was the weekend before Xmas & wanted to see St. Patrick's Cathedral. I stood in line to see the nativity set, alone, as my boyfriend & his family had seen it 1,000,000,000 times and they wanted to light candles instead. Fine. So I wait. The line is long and slow. FINALLY I get to the front and --OMG, Baby Jesus is GONE!!-- I had visions (because I'm from a small midwestern town where trust of New Yorkers is NOT common) of a creepy man in a trench coat, sidling up there and snatching the baby and running for the door! In a panic, I found Joe & his dad and blurted out "Someone stole Baby Jesus!!!" The laughter was loud, contagious and seemed to last for hours... then they told my protestant self that, indeed, "He ain't been born yet!" oh. So we watched him be "born" at midnight mass. While Joe told the story to the gathered clan.
I can admit, now, that it was pretty dang funny ♥
- November 4, 2008 at 5:34 PM
- sandy said...
That bracelet is beautiful!
I have to tell you, all my holiday memories are very much the same. We have had the same traditions for is long as I remember. But, my most memorable time was when I got to celebrate all of the holidays for the first time with my first born. Thanks so much for bringing me back to that time, sometimes life moves so fast, those memories get pushed aside.
Thank you for visiting my blog:) I hope to see you again sometime!
- November 4, 2008 at 6:48 PM
- Gypsy said...
Hi Aleta
I just wanted to let you know I have posted about the bracelet. I hope you are feeling much better now.
- November 4, 2008 at 8:24 PM
- Bear said...
I would very much like to win this beautiful bracelet for someone very dear to me.
Living in Australia means that our summer holidays and Christmas occur in the same period, and is every Aussie child's favourite time of year.
In my young teenage peer group (13 to 15 year olds) we had a guy with one and a half legs. That's because one was cut off at the knee, however I can't remember why now. His nickname was Horse because he was hung like... well no need to go into that here.
Anyway we would all spend most of our summer holidays at the local public swimming pool. It had a wading pool for toddlers, a kid's pool of about a metre deep, a full size pool and a large diving pool. This municipal swimming complex attracted crowds of locals during our long hot summers.
My group of friends would meet at the pool in the morning and spend as much time as possible there getting into mischief. Whilst swimming, Horse would leave his prosthetic lower limb under his towel on the lawn and hop down to the pool to swim.
One day a couple of us were sitting on the edge of the kids pool eating a 'pie and sauce' whilst Horse and a couple of others were just bobbing around in the pool where we were. Now an Aussie pie is a hand sized pastry filled with a thick mixture of minced 'meat' and gravy and was very much the snack of choice in the pre hamburger franchise store days.
So do we have the scene?
I am eating a meaty, gravy filled, tomato sauce smothered pie at the edge of the kids pool surrounded by kids and parents enjoying a swim, with Horse in the water right in front of me.
All of a sudden Horse reached up and grabbed a handful of the meaty brown and red mixture whilst screaming at the top of his lungs "SHARK... SHARK... IT BIT ME...!!!" and with that he raised his half leg out of the water as high as he could and grabbed the end of the stump with the hand that had my pie filling and tomato sauce in it and continued screaming. With the fact that his hand and stump were both wet and the meaty gravy saucy substance oozing and dripping through his fingers and the fact that he was screaming that a shark had bitten him AND the fact that half his leg was missing... you'll understand the wave of panic that went through all the people around us as kids jumped out and parents leapt into the pool, fully clothed some of them, to save their kid from the man eating shark that had somehow found its way into the municipal pool.
Needless to say parents, kids and in particular, the manager, were not amused. We all thought it was hilarious but, alas, we all got kicked out and banned from attending there ever again. In that one summer holiday I think we managed at least 5 'lifetime bans' from that particular municipal pool.
- November 5, 2008 at 8:09 AM
- Brandy said...
The bracelet is beautiful - I blogged about it here
I'm still deciding on my favorite holiday memory...
- November 5, 2008 at 8:42 AM
- The Blonde Duck said...
Next time you come to SA, you'll have to let me know so we could meet for coffee or something! That's where I reside in "my pond!"
- November 5, 2008 at 2:23 PM
- GNO Gals, Jyl and Carissa said...
Not your average soccer mom sent me over...so here I am, and oh my gosh that truly is an amazing piece of jewelry...ART is right!
Hmmmm holiday memories...How about New Year's Eve on the Brooklyn Promenade..waaaay before kids but with my only married for one year hubby, FREEZING cold watching the fireworks in the East river...ahhh those were the days...
Carissa @ mommygossip-gno.blogspot.com
- November 5, 2008 at 2:46 PM
- Bear said...
...oh and I forgot to include this;
- November 5, 2008 at 3:20 PM
- Yaya said...
Okay-Bonnie's story totally reminded me of the movie Elf w/ Will Ferrel where he jumps to put the star on the tree....HILARIOUS!
- November 5, 2008 at 6:02 PM
- Margaret said...
What a pretty bracelet.
My favorite Holiday memory is at Thanksgiving. When I was younger my grandmother lived behind us. Including my mom she has 16 kids, so our holidays are huge when everyone gets together (which isn't as often anymore). My cousins go in sets. It usually goes by age group and who we see the most often. There are 5 of us that are close in age. Two are older than me and two are younger. One Thanksgiving the set that my sister is in (I know the whole set thing seems weird, but that is just how it is with so many of us) helped me and my girl cousin lock the boys out of the house. We had one of the windows open, and took the screen off it. When they would run by we would shoot them with silly string. It was lots of fun. All the adults were at my grandma's house.
Great giveaway.
- November 5, 2008 at 6:13 PM
- Margaret said...
I just put a post on my blog about it too.
- November 5, 2008 at 6:26 PM
- Jenn said...
That is a beautiful bracelet. My happiest holiday memories is having all of our family together for a big meal and lots of laughter.
Thanks for visiting my blog
- November 5, 2008 at 6:34 PM
- redchair said...
Wow! Seventy-two comments! That's what you get for offering your beautiful jewelry for free. Even if you were charging $10 (worth much more!) per bracelet- you'd have made about $700, Aleta.
I have to many wonderful Holiday memories to pick just one. I just wanted to say I love the bracelet, sweet girl.
- November 5, 2008 at 8:46 PM
- GingerJar said...
Love love love the bracelet. You are so talented! Yes, I want to enter!!! Oh, and thanks for your comment on my blog!
My favorite holiday memory:
It was 1965, I was eight. We were living with my Grandma and Grandpa in Oklahoma right after my momma and daddy divorced.
It was around the first week of December and Deer Season was in full swing. Grandpa had been hunting all morning and it was very cold. He had not shot at a single thing (and I was glad, because I didn't want him to kill a deer!). He decided since the hunting wasn't working out so well we would just go across the road and into the woods and find us a Christmas tree. The woods were very thick and filled with pine trees and cedar trees.
We all dressed very warmly and Grandma made sure we all wore something red so we wouldn't get shot at by any hunters "poaching" on the property. We went out and tramped around and found so many "perfect" trees. None would meet with Grandpa's approval. It seemed like we were tromping around for hours, it was getting dark...then Grandpa found the perfect tree: Misshapened, round at the bottom, thin at the top, with at least three competing peaks and a hole in the middle of the side. To my little eight year old eye it looked perfect, but momma hitched her one perfect eyebrow and looked at it with doubt.
So, we cut down and drag this little Charlie Brown tree home, where we decorated it with lots of lights and tinsel with Grandma correlating the whole decorating tree. The tree was turned this away and that trying to hide the thin places and finally the crowing moment...Grandpa put the Star on the "top" of the tree. He kept trying all the points that were near the top trying to figure out which was the best. When it was all said and done the tree looked like it would fall down from the weight of the decorations. We all laughed and declared it the best tree ever! I still have a picture of that perfect tree in my picture box.
I sure miss my Grandparents and every Christmas me and my mom talk about our Charlie Brown Christmas.
- November 6, 2008 at 4:38 AM
- Lauren said...
This is actually a tough one for me. I honestly don't have one story that sticks out relating to a holiday.
I know for me I love to give gifts and I am usually one to give an unusual gift that is very thoughtful.
Last year I gave my father a Mets lunch bag. It wasn't expensive but I knew he would love it. I knew it would bring him joy. Another time I bought him a special Mets shirt when they won the series. He professed how he would not wear it or use the lunch box but set it aside in a special drawer.
I laughed about the lunch box and told him to use it please and enjoy it. Life is to be enjoyed and that it it got dirty I'd buy him another one. The man is 63 and doesn't want to dirty his lunch box. Too funny.
I'd love those crystals more than any other of your readers though. Crystals are wonderful healing tools. I'll be posting your giveaway soon. Good luck.
- November 6, 2008 at 6:41 AM
- jen721 said...
Nice Bling! I love working with Swaravski crystals!
- November 6, 2008 at 10:35 AM
- Rush said...
this bracelet is totally cool.Love it!!!
Adding ur blog on my daily visitpage.
- November 6, 2008 at 11:07 AM
- Cassandra said...
My parents actually gave me the Willow Tree nativity set a few yrs ago! I LOVE IT! I have about 25 other figures besides my nativity, so I am all about Willow Tree's! Thanks for stopping by again!
- November 6, 2008 at 11:11 AM
- Rick said...
I like that braclet Aleta - even though I am a guy (can you tell?) Maybe my wife would like it too.
Put me down from one entry.
The e-mail address is on the blog, but in case you're too lazy (that wasn't nice Rick) here it is...
Merry Christmas. I'm working on a Thanksgiving doodle that I think you will like.
- November 6, 2008 at 11:26 AM
- Tash said...
Wow that's gorgeous. Was passing through to say hi cause I've been awful at visiting lately and hey presto you have a gorgeous bracelet giveaway. You are incredibly talented.
Favourite holiday memory - not that mother's day is really a holiday - BUT anyway - Stinker woke me up at 5:15am one mother's day. He was 8. "Mum come outside" I was not impressed with the time but could tell something was up.
I walked out to the living room and he stood by the table with a "ta-da" one hand in the air, one pointing to the table - there on the table was scrambled egg on a plate, a glass of juice and a card he'd made. I don't think I even got toast.
Apparently my mother was supposed to help him make breakfast for me that morning, that was the plan. But he woke up way before her so he did it himself.
One of my favourites.
Will link to you tomorrow so everyone can see your talent BUT IT HAS TO BE SAID - by linking to you I reduce my chances of walking away with that lovely bracelet :(
Happy belated birthday. Have been catching up on your posts. Will be back soon.
- November 6, 2008 at 11:45 AM
- Deborah Godin said...
Great story! You always hear about that kind of Christmas disaster, but I never knew anyone before who it actually happened to. Guess some urban legends are true! Very nice creative jewellry, BTW!
- November 6, 2008 at 11:54 AM
- Tash said...
Okay my sieve-like brain defeated me for a few hours but I have just remembered and linked to you on today's post.
Still love the bracelet.
- November 7, 2008 at 9:53 AM
- Trac said...
Wow! That is beautiful.
You need an Etsy shop!
I have come here via Tash who very generously has reduced her own chances of winning it. :O)
One of many favourite holiday memories is when my oldest son was not quite two years old, he entered a childrens' competition, where the mainly adult audience got to vote the children off.
All they had to do was stand on one leg. But all the other kids were a lot older than Sid.
He was rubbish at it!!!
But no one could bring themselves to vote him off because he looked so cute and he won first prize.
Funnily enough, now, if Sid was one of those older children, he would think he was being seriously conned by losing to someone who couldn't do it!
But he was very pleased at the time! :O)
I'll stick your competition in my side bar right after this.
- November 7, 2008 at 11:50 AM
- Rachel said...
What a great giveaway!
And yes, I have read the Sookie books - love them! I wish I had HBO now. Maybe they will come out with a DVD set?
- November 7, 2008 at 4:50 PM
- the Bag Lady said...
Aleta - that bracelet is simply gorgeous! Hmmm, holiday memories. There are so many, it's hard to chose.
I guess my favourite memory is the Christmas Eve that the Rancher proposed to me. Took me to town, stopped at the jewelry store and chose a ring for me.
The next day, at his mom's for Xmas dinner, I didn't tell anyone, but made sure I was waving my hand under her nose. Practically had to punch her with it before she noticed! She finally saw it, screamed and grabbed me in a big hug - it was hilarious!
- November 7, 2008 at 6:29 PM
- Blarney said...
And so why haven't we met before and wy haven't you ever sold your work before is all I'm wondering? I love the braclet ... serious talent you have there.
Thanks for stopping by and let's try not to be strangers anymore!
- November 7, 2008 at 7:15 PM
- bfs said...
Aleta, I sure hope that you are feeling better! Drink lots of water, use VICKS Vaporub, and sleep as much as you can!!!
- November 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
- jill jill bo bill said...
Beautiful bracelet! I am with Lilly! Get a shop! You would do so well!
- November 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
- feather k said...
found you on SITS...what a beautiful bracelet! My favorite holiday memory is being in Washington DC on the 4th of July. We were sitting on the Capitol lawn watching fireworks...felt so patriotic...
- November 8, 2008 at 10:05 AM
- Hillbilly Duhn said...
Sorry, I've fallen behind in my blog reading, stumbled across this one that I missed. Sheesh! It's probably done now!!
I didn't realize you made jewelery. It's beautiful! You're very talented!
Let's see... Holiday memory ... I think my favorite one has to be my eldest son's first Christmas. That year, not only did the cat knock over the tree, but so did my son. Both were entranced with the twinkles and ordaments. But, the best part of it all, was that the day after I again, put the tree up, we came down to find every present opened. Every last package was strewn across the floor, contents opened and played with, and in the middle of it all was my baby boy playing with, not the toys, but the paper and bows. Sticking them to himself. And he wore the biggest smile I had ever encountered!
Of course I lost ordaments, present surprise and an enormous mess, but to this day, it was the happiest and most surprising Christmas ever!
- November 8, 2008 at 11:43 AM
- memphisdonna said...
Gorgeous bracelet!!!!!
My favorite Christmas was 1971 (yeah, I'm a dinosaur).
Hubby was in Vietnam and we had a 2-yr. old son.
Hubby's orders changed and he was sent home 3 days before Christmas - totally surprising us!!!
We were able to spend Christmas together as a family, with our precious husband/daddy safe and sound!!!
- November 8, 2008 at 2:09 PM
- Tabitha Blue said...
It's almost time for the giveaway!!! Can't wait. Oh and I truly love watching my family open gifts on.... Christmas Eve!!
- November 8, 2008 at 2:40 PM
- Slick said...
Beautiful bracelet....my wife would love that and it might even actually get me "lucky"?
Ok, my favorite holiday memory is Christmas, 1979.
I got a dirt bike.
My family was ooing and ahhing over it.
When my sister checked out the front of it, I promptly let off the clutch and ran over her.
Oh, she's fine....no serious side effects. She was crazy before it happened so no major damage done.
- November 8, 2008 at 3:56 PM
- Da Old Man said...
Beautiful bracelet. I've made some jewelry, and nowhere nearly as inticate as the one you made. I can't imagine the time, love, and craftmanship that went into it.
I don't have a specific holiday memory, but we had some unusual traditions, mostly involving food that we only had on Christmas Eve.
Little pieces of Lebanon Bologna with cream cheese, Nabisco "Chicken in a Biscuit" (do they even make them any longer?)
pineapple chunks with maraschino cherries
It was a weird snack eaten while opening presents and no one even knows how this wacky combination even came about. It had no significance and we never ate these things any other time.
- November 8, 2008 at 5:19 PM
- Grand Pooba said...
Hi! nice to meet you, thanks for visiting my blog...
...My favorite Holiday memory is sort of a combination of all holidays. My family has a tradition where my mom makes us sleeping caps (just like the old days) and pajamas. So every Christmas eve we do a treasure hunt to fing our treasures and when we do, we change into the pjs and caps and cuddle up and watch a christmas movie, love it!
- November 9, 2008 at 12:08 PM
That bracelet is truly amazingly beautiful. Aleta you are very talented. Good luck to the Winner. Thanks Aleta
- November 9, 2008 at 5:29 PM
- Brandy said...
I've been thinking of my favorite holiday memory for days. It's impossible for me to narrow it down because the holidays always meant a lot to my family so they were all special.
When we were little I would stay with my Granny and wake up to a room full of presents...the best being the year I got a bike and before that a Barbie house. Last year she was in the hospital at Christmas so we visited but waited until she was released to have a Christmas party. In January we had a small party with presents, food and decorations to make sure she got to spend "Christmas" with us.
She passed on a couple weeks later so I will always treasure the last Christmas I had with her.
- November 9, 2008 at 7:47 PM
My favorite memory is always making Christmas cookies together as a family - 1 type each day the week before the 25th.
- November 9, 2008 at 8:56 PM
- Emily said...
Your bracelet is absolutely beautiful! I would love to have it.
But wow, there are many beautiful stories...
Here is my semi lame attempt at one. My husband and I had been married for 4 years when he changed jobs and we had our sweet little baby Hannah (who had no idea it was even Christmas, she was just interested in the next feeding). When he changed jobs, I was on maternity leave and going back to only part time and we were DIRT POOR, it was sad. But we decided come heck or high water we were going to get our little girl a present...well, I have not a clue who did it, but we went to get the mail and there was an unmarked envelope in the mail and it had inside it a $10 GC to Target and man that felt like we won the lottery! So, we so proudly and humbly gave our daugther her very first Christmas present on Christmas morning, the leapfrog learning drum and she didnt pay too much attention to it but we didnt care. That was the only thing under the tree that year besides the cats of course, but I LOVE how the holiday time can bring out inate kindness of someone. Someone who just happened to think of us and just happened to give us a Target gift card that just happened to be the only way we were able to get her a little gift.
We still dont know who did it, but thank you to whoever you are and for making the Christmas spirit a little more tangible.
The kindness reminded us that it wasnt about the gifts it was the fact that someone thought we were deserving of something, and we were forever greatful.
Hope you liked my story, good luck to everyone in the contest!! What a great idea!
I shall link you at once!
- November 9, 2008 at 10:15 PM
- MissRebecca said...
Hi there, hopping over from Emilylynnspeaks! Gorgeous bracelet, I would love to have it to:P Here is my holiday story:
I was not sure how CHristmas 2004 was going to go due to the fact that my husband, Preston and I had just lost our second baby and it was followed by a mess of surgeries and questions and to top it off, Thanksgiving day was when it all happened.
Well, Christmas was steadily approaching and I was having trouble getting into the spirit, I was looking so forward to spending my first Christmas pregnant and I was sad. But then a few days before Cristmas something happened, I am not sure about the moment or time, but at some point I remembered the reason I loved Christmas so much in the first place, it becuase there was an uncommon joy amongst people and a love for one another that seems to be amplified at that time of year and I was going to take advantage of that. All of a sudden, I was filled with so many thoughts of the blessings that surrounded me, my wonderful husband, my twin sister and her beautiful 6 month old baby, Hannah, who Em had ALWAYS made me feel like she was mine as much as hers. I just could not stop thinking of all the wonderful things that surrounded me. CHristmas Day was wonderful and I found that joy in my heart that I had been missing since we lost the baby. It was actually one of the best Holidays ever, it is rare to be able to really see what you have as opposed to what you dont have. Also that day, my husband and I talked and prayed together and talked about the fact that we knew we would be parents one day one way or another...
After all was said and done we celebrated Christmas 2005 5 months pregnant with our first child Kaiya, her name means long waited child. And to our amazement, spent Christmas 2006 wiht out bueatiful 7 month old and we were 3 months pregnant with our second child, Cassie!!
I believe children are proof that God does exist.
The perspective was wonderful. I wish all of you a happy holidays!!! Thanks for listening and letting me participate.
- November 10, 2008 at 7:34 AM
- Rashikaps said...
The bracelet is beautiful! You should start your own label, Aleta.. You can..
- November 12, 2008 at 1:08 PM


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Posted by Benjamin Ensor on November 18, 2011
In the past week I've have the privilege of talking to (or listening to) executives responsible for mobile banking at some of Europe's biggest banks, including Bankinter, Barclays Bank, La Caixa, Lloyds TSB, Nordea and RBS, at Forrester's Marketing & Strategy Forum and at a conference on Next Generation Mobile Banking hosted by The Banker. I've also spoken privately to many other executives over the past few months, including at Forrester's eBusiness Council meeting this week.
Without naming names, I'm struck by the sharply different perspectives these executives have. Simplistically, their view of mobile banking falls into two camps:
Mobile is just another channel. These executives see mobile banking as a way of letting customers do old things, like checking their account balance, in new ways.
Mobile will revolutionize retail banking. These executives believe that mobility could turn the retail banking industry upside down, by enabling customers to do entirely new things like scanning bills to make payments, responding to location-based offers, and receiving rewards at the point of sale.
Posted by Benjamin Ensor on November 5, 2011
One of the (many) things I have been working on for the past few months is this year's European Marketing & Strategy Forum, which is taking place on the 16th and 17th of November at the Grove, just outside London in Hertfordshire.
Our theme is about driving innovation for the next digital decade and what that means for leaders. We're particularly focusing on some of what we see as the big disruptions of the coming digital decade: the growth of mobile Internet use; the growing demographic diversity brought by ageing populations; and the increasing economic weight of emerging economies, particularly the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries
I'm particularly pleased that we've got such a strong line up of eBusiness and channel strategy executives presenting this year, including:
· Georges-Edouard Dias, Senior Vice President of eBusiness at L'Oréal.
· Sean Gilchrist, Head of Digital Banking at Barclays Bank.
· Jonathon Brown, Head of Online at John Lewis.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Look who passes as a "populist" to the media elite
Blog ››› ››› ERIC BOEHLERT
Yep, the CNBC reporter who yesterday claimed the all-white, all-male traders surrounding him on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange represented a cross-section of America. In fact, at one point on Thursday, CNBC's Rick Santelli turned to face the floor, extended his arms toward the six-figure salaried employees and announced, "This is America!"
Ah, life inside the CNBC bubble.
But that didn't stop the out-of-touch press from anointing Santelli a "populist," following his rant against the Obama housing recovery plan and how the president was leading the country down the road to communism, which is what Santelli yesterday clearly suggested during his on-air meltdown.
So let's take a look at Santelli's "populist" credentials, as viewed from his 2007 bio posted at the Milken Institute's Global Conference, held at Los Angeles' Beverly Hilton:
Rick Santelli is a Bond Market Reporter for CNBC. He joined CNBC Business News as on-air editor in 1999, reporting from the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade. His focus is primarily on interest rates, foreign exchange and the Federal Reserve. A veteran trader and financial executive, Santelli has provided live reports on the markets in print and on local and national radio and television. He joined CNBC from the Institutional Financial Futures and Options division at Sanwa Futures. There, he was a vice president, handling institutional trading and hedge accounts for a variety of futures related products. Prior to that, Santelli worked as vice president of Institutional Futures and Options at Rand Financial Services Inc., served as managing director at the Derivative Products Group of Geldermann Inc., and was vice president in charge of Interest Rate Futures and Options at the Chicago Board of Trade for Drexel Burnham Lambert. Santelli began his career in 1979 as a trader and order filler at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in a variety of markets. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana.
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text:
The Dirty Dozen: 12 Foods You Should Buy Organic (Page 5)
4. Apples
Pictured recipe: Spiralized Apple Crisp
More Information on Buying Organic Vegetables and Organic Fruit
- 15 Foods You Don't Need to Buy Organic
- Fish and Shellfish: 5 to Eat, 5 to Avoid
- What Chemicals Are in Food? Simple Solutions to Avoid Harmful Toxins in Food
- 7 Simple Ways to Detox Your Diet and Your Home
- The Best Protein Choices and Worst for Your Health and the Environment
- New study says organic food is not healthier--is that really true?
- Should You Be Worried About Antibiotics When You Eat Meat?
- Green Up Your Kitchen Challenge


text:
Jacoby Brissett played in 13 games during his Florida career. He started two games in 2011—at LSU and at Auburn. His one start in 2012 came against Jacksonville State when Jeff Driskel had an ankle injury.
Brissett will end his Florida career going 41-of-74 through the air for 455 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Gators will now have a battle for the backup position this spring between Skyler Mornhinweg and Tyler Murphy. Max Staver, a commitment for the 2013 class, will join the battle when he gets to campus in the summer.
Johnson split time between safety and running back at Florida and played in all 26 games during his two years on campus. He ends his Florida career with 19 tackles on kickoff and punt coverage. The highlight play of his career was a fumble recovery on a kickoff against South Carolina that he returned to the one-yard line.
Johnson carried the ball five times for 35 yards during the 2012 season.


text:
Skip Top Navigation Skip to Content
Nearby project:
June 2017
Why is WSDOT
studying State Route 302?
SR 302 is an important east-west link for Key Peninsula communities to Gig Harbor as well as Tacoma and other parts of Washington. Economic development puts demands on the highway system creating concerns about safety and congestion. To address these concerns, WSDOT is studying the SR 302 corridor from Key Peninsula Highway to SR 16. The study evaluates the environmental impacts of:
The End Result
The end result of the environmental impact statement process will be a preferred alternative that meets the transportation needs and fulfills all federal and state environmental laws.
Project Benefits
The SR 302 Corridor Study EIS will determine the potential environmental impacts of future projects which will help alleviate congestion and improve the safety of the traveling public.
What is the project timeline?
2007 - WSDOT began evaluating existing conditions and studying traffic patterns2008 - Preliminary environmental work was conducted, a travel model was developed for the study, and the first of two alternatives screening exercises occurred2009 - A second alternatives screening exercise was conducted, notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement was issued and WSDOT held an agency and public scoping comment period2010 to 2012 - Conduct detailed environmental and engineering work to be included in the discipline reports, an important component of the environmental document
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Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
How can I get more information?
Dennis EngelPlanning Manager360-357-2651Claudia Bingham BakerCommunications Manager360-357-2789
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text:
Timmerman v. Waite and Urias
Our Sponsors
Brett Timmerman was a student at University of Wisconsin-Platteville when he suffered a vicious antigay assault by Oden Waite and Enove Urias outside a local sandwich shop. Lambda Legal is representing Timmerman in a suit against his attackers to recover the damages he suffered. Lambda Legal's argument invokes the Wisconsin hate crimes law, which allows civil suits after someone engages in conduct that would trigger a hate crime penalty even if the person was not charged with or convicted of a hate crime.
Wisconsin is one of 21 states with a hate crimes law that covers sexual orientation.
Lambda Legal's Impact
This case marks the first time a state's hate crime law is being used to recover civil damages for a victim of a hate crime.
- September 2006 Lambda Legal files lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Grant County, Wisconsin.
- March 2008 Lambda Legal reaches settlement on behalf of Timmerman.
Case Information
Brett Timmerman
Lambda Legal
James P. Madigan
Co-counsel/Cooperating Attorneys
Jocelyn Francoeur and Megan Thibert-Ind of McDermott Will & Emery, LLP


text:
Lack of snow scuttles Laconia sled dog race
February 20. 2013 10:55PM
This is the second time the club canceled the race this year because of inadequate snow. The three-day event initially was scheduled for Feb. 8-10.
Club members will decide Monday whether to reschedule the race to March 1-3.
"Pray for snow," club president and trail boss Jim Lyman said Wednesday.
This year's derby would be the 84th running, he said.
* e-Edition subscription required


text:
'"Their defense were kind of running around because we had pressure on them," Ference said. "I was pretty wide-open, just tried to put it to the left-hand side of the net. I ended up flipping the shot, but it went off Patrick's back and in. That's the way you're going to score on a guy like Hasek, is getting those lucky bounces."'
Penguins 3, Sabres 1
April 29, 2001 Submitted by
Via: Sabres Online


text:
|Topic Review (Newest First)
This company has been questioned by professional trainers and has been brought up in a professional trainer group recently. A friend of a professional trainer was asked to seek advice and opinions from professional trainers in regards to their business practices and training methods including a review of the contract. When I reviewed the contract and their training methods, I was in shock. In short, a family receives an untrained puppy and a total 180 hours of training from random trainers the company contracts out.
While Diabetic Alert Dogs (also known as DAD) can in fact be trained to scent detect low/high blood sugar levels, there are companies that make promises they cannot keep.
Training a Service Dog properly requires over 2000 hours of training for the dog and over 200 hours of training for the handler. Selling an untrained pup and immediately placing it in the home of the disabled individual full time with a 180 hour training voucher where a trainer visits once every 3 months for two days is just insane!
I have an owner training program, the dogs are first thoroughly evaluated as well as the owners, and then they spend 2 hours with me 2x a week progressing to GCG, Task training, PAT, night training, then SD certification of all tasks performing at a minimal of 90% proficiency during the day and minimum of 80% proficiency at night. Attempting this with just a few hours of professional training with the client every three months is just asking for trouble on multiple levels.
I pray the Federal Government will eventually step in and require a Federal License to operate any kind of assistance/service dog business non-profit or not!
Specially trained puppy is a lifesaver for Houston boy with diabetes
"I am very relieved of Prixsees arrival because now at night I dont have to worry as often of Wesleys blood sugar dropping in the middle of the night and me not being able to catch it," said his mother, Amber Herrin.
Specially trained puppy is a lifesaver for Houston boy with diabetes | khou.com Houston
Family: service dog for diabetic child fails at job
"Back in March, little Wesley Webb was thrilled to get his black lab puppy to be a diabetes alert service dog. His family named the $20,000 dog Prixsee because they said she would prevent Wesley from needing so many finger pricks to test his blood sugar. The dog came from Warren Retrievers Guardian Angel Service Dogs facility in Virginia."
Family: Service dog for diabetic child fails at job | khou.com Houston
|All about the $$$$$$$$$$
Originally Posted by ILGHAUS View Post
Toyota is giving 100 cars over 100 days to nonprofits that could really use a new set of wheels.
|This is occurring in my county. I wanted to warn them but sometimes when folk have their hopes so high,they cannot hear...........
In the same article quoted above are also these statements ...
"Dr. Larry Myers, a canine scent expert and professor at the University of Auburn, has more than 30 years of experience studying dogs' scent detection abilities and is skeptical of dogs being able to sense changes in a person's blood sugar — period."
"Myers said there's plenty of ways to train a dog, and he's even seen a situation in Missouri where a company, Heaven Scent Paws, was involved in a similar dispute over fundraising and training, or lack thereof. The company ultimately went bankrupt after it was ordered to pay $200,000 back when the Missouri Attorney General filed charges against the company for essentially scamming customers with dogs that couldn't alert."
Guardian Angel owner far from angelic
Submitted by Fred Davis on July 19, 2012
Dan Warren, president of both Warren Enterprises LLC and Guardian Angel Service Dogs, did not respond to several messages left for him regarding information that he was found guilty on seven charges of uttering and seven charges of false statement to obtain credit. Warren, whose name is actually Charles Daniel Warren Jr., was sentenced to 35 years in prison on the uttering charges and 84 months in jail on the false statement charges in the Chesterfield County Circuit Court on April 17, 2008.
Guardian Angel owner far from angelic | The Examiner
Warren Retrievers was one of the winners of 100 cars given away.
Remember, Dan Warren is the president of Warren Enterprises LLC and Guardian Angels Service Dogs Inc.
Toyota is giving 100 cars over 100 days to nonprofits that could really use a new set of wheels. And voters like you help decide which one gets a new ride every day.
I read some articles and things about this company, and I am surprised how many families seem to be getting dogs from them. $20,000 for a 7-12 week old puppy that the family them must train themselves? I can't believe this company is even around let alone that they are operating as a non-profit... Where is all this money going? I can't see any way it could be all going into the training of these puppies since they barely have them for a few weeks.
Then there is no guarantee a puppy will make it to being a service dog, even the organizations that have been breeding dogs for service dog work for many years have many dogs that do not make it as service dogs.
According to the comments on that article, this company is claiming to place HUNDREDS of these dogs/puppies per year, which is even scarier.
|People that do not know anything about dog training believe. I have helped folks before that were promised the most outlandish things. Tasks that any of we dog savvy folks would have laughed for days about. Plus when one WANTS so desperately to believe it makes it easier. Folks should do more research
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Pakistan has failed to create a modern education system which serves the needs of all of its youth. A high percent attend religious schools known as madrasah in which, all too often, they are indoctrinated in religion, and fail to engage with modern thinking and ideas. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, prime minister of Pakistan is considering the possibility of revamping Pakistan education based on the model of Muslim Turkey whose secular schools are high quality and few of its students graduate to serve in the world of terrorism. There are currently more than 20,000 madrasahs in Pakistan who serve about 1.7 million students
Pakistan must address the needs of its poor students who are the ones most likely to attend a madrasah because their family can not pay school fees. Defeating terrorism in Pakistan begins with weaning away disaffected youth from the madrasah in which they learn to hate, and involving them in secular schools where they learn how to utilize their inherent talents.


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I bought one of these as black friday deal last year...it went back the next day...picture was horrible....
Maybe they refurbed mine.
I know of lots of people that got them and love them.
Good luck!
jrtbarber wrote:does anyone know about the view angle for these?
per the specs tab on the woot page for this item it's 178/178
Hisense, now there's a household name.
I got one of the 40" tv's last month. I am really impresed so far. The picture is awesome on an over-the-air digital antenna as well as on cable. We had a group in our game room last night and I played a Youtube video (1.5 hour Christian concert) through my laptop to the VGA connection on the TV -- the picture was excellent! As stated in another post, the sound is like most flat panel tv's -- lacking in everything. I hooked up a stereo system to it--problem solved. Very minimal info. in the instruction manal, but easy to figure everything out if you have any techno skills at all. Good buy on the 40" for $249.
isalisb wrote:Where in the world are they broadcasting sports faster than 60Hz?
Answer: nowhere
They do not broadcast faster than 60, but the are some TVs that basically generate their own frames to go in between that actually exist. So if frame 1 has the ball at point x,y and if frame 2 is x+1,y+1 the tv with 120 fram refresh would show the same thing only it would insert its own fram in between that showed the ball at x+.5,y+.5... if you get a faster tv the it just generates even more frames.... Unless it is a cheap tv with a fast refresh then it just shows the same frame multiple times.
I can remember when WOOT used to sell high quality items at great prices...now it seems that they only sell junk at regular prices....
O Woot! Y U sell bigger TV right after I bought two 37" JVC from U???
froyb wrote:...Whether 2" more is worth the extra $50, I guess it depends...
That's what she said!
goats4sale wrote:Looks like ShopJimmy.com has it for 219 with free 2 day shipping.
[MOD: Per the site "Offer valid for US customer only, expires 7/31/12."]
Shopjimmy's is out of stock. My local retailer has it for only 199.00 when they are out of stock.
PurpleCowMan wrote:I got the 40 inch one a few weeks ago and I like it quite a bit. It takes a few seconds to power on, but other than that works like a champ. The only thing that I didn't realize when I bought it was that there is no analog audio out. I know it doesn't matter to most since it does have digital out, but for those of us with older/weirder audio set ups, it is something that might slip through the cracks when reading the specs.
I may be mistaken, but I'm looking at the pictures and I see analog AV outputs on there..the white and red ones..Oops, those are inputs, aren't they? Well, like they said, there's a headphone jack you can get an adapter for..
$10 cheaper at Walmart, but it's LCD...
The 40" and 46" are decently priced as well..
Yay! Another TV! I was hoping that Sean's Detention Party would do another TV! I still have one wall in the storage unit I rent (to put all my furniture in because my house is full of televisions) that doesn't have a television hanging on it!
morriea wrote:http://www.woot.com/forums/viewpost.aspx?postid=5102807
This is the link to the discussion of the 40" Hisense sold here a couple weeks ago.
Sadly, mine was broken in shipping and there were no more to send to me.
Woot was very good about taking it back, going so far as to send me the shipping label (still waiting on the refund though). "hint"
Mine was also broken in shipping. Just got my refund a few days ago.
Is it worth buying?
Still waiting for my 32" Emprex LCD TV to die that I bought four or five years ago for $399 on Black Friday... still a great picture! The longer it takes to die, the cheaper the TVs are getting with better stats!
jaricewoot wrote:Shopjimmy's is out of stock. My local retailer has it for only 199.00 when they are out of stock.
And just for an additional FYI, shopjimmy does NOT have free shipping on TV's. This is from the rep - " Thanks for contacting us. Our refurbished TVs are the only items the free 2-day shipping doesn't apply to, unfortunately. They ship from a different location from the rest of our parts, and we are not set up for free shipping from there. We do apologize for the inconvenience."
If you are on the fence because of the name you've never heard of, get off and buy this.
I bought this same tv from Costco a few weeks ago. LED LCD 42". Costco had it for $349.99 plus $10 S/H. I bought two because the price was so good. And now woot has it even cheaper! The picture is great and the sound is comparable to any other tv....get a different sound system is you want good audio. I bought this for a tv on my porch and the keeping room (big house, major renovation). I used a mount from monoprice for about $20. They don't have these in the Costco store, so I was buying based on the awesome user reviews and costco's awesome return policy. So far, definitely not disappointed except that I could have saved $115 by going through this deal on Woot!
Sorry, no link bc I am on my iPhone. But, earlier poster mentioned the price is now $399. Since I started watching this tv, Costco has twice offered it on a sale price of $349, which is when I bought.
Oh, and the energy star label says it costs $16 per year to run that tv, assuming 5 hrs per day at 11 cents a kwh. Holy cow!
I hardly ever get to tell you guys a review on something that I haven't already bought on a previous woot sale. Definitely a recommended buy.
redjeep0 wrote:If you are on the fence because of the name you've never heard of, get off and buy this.
I bought this same tv from Costco
That's the kicker- Costco takes returns fast and Woot.... not so much. So, if the tv shipped undamaged and works, it's a deal. If there is a crack...not so much.then the warranty difference. I think Costco would be a safer bet here for $50 more.
Be warned - Hisense will NOT offer any warranty or product support since Woot is not an "authorized dealer." I discovered this after purchasing the 40" model a couple of weeks ago and it arrived without a base. Woot hasn't been responsive in dealing with my service requests either.
bunnyb0y wrote:Description says LED but the specs say "Panel Type: CCFL, LCD". Which is it?
We apologize for the snafu, the Specs have been corrected, today's sale (Panel Type) is LED and not LCD.
Woot Staff
I was going to write a review but this guy already wrote it for me. so by commenting im reinforcing everything this guy said. Kind of like; a like button.
I got the 40" from the last woot.
Good cheap TV.
Confirmed the problem with the remote not working from far away, but it's OK in the small room I have it in.
The TV isn't super sturdy on the base, but maybe all TVs are like this (my other TV is wall mounted so I wouldn't know).
Besides that no complaints. Great price.
Why does woot keep selling 60hz TV's?!?! I want a 120hz TV!!!
Thazeran wrote:Refresh Rate: 60Hz
If you like HD sports, I'd stay away.
I have a tv with a 60 Hz and watch football on it with no problems (Go Packers!). But that of course is just anecdotal.
If you want to get down to the science of it, you have to first look at the frame rate of the media. From Wikipedia, the standard frame rates are 24p, 25p, and 30p
Following Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyquist%E2%80%93Shannon_sampling_theorem, you need to sample at least twice as fast as your signal to recreate the signal. So if the fastest frame rate is 30p then you need at least a 60 Hz sampling rate.
In my mind, 60 Hz refresh rate for sports is sufficient, but gaming might be a different story.
As for 3D, that must be at least 120 Hz because it is actually displaying 2 images.
I visited Wallmart to look at TVs and the hisense TVs did not measure up to LG SONY and other major brand names.
FWIW, the 40" Hisense I got on a previous deal is going back. There are bad "blocky" issues with the colors, and it comes on in factory mode about 1/10 times. This one might be better, but I'm not taking a chance. With TVs, learning the hard way that you really do want to see them in action before buying.
philgonet wrote:perhaps not an elegant solution, but there IS a headphone jack in one of the pictures on the main page (just under the component jacks on the side view)... so you could use that to port out the analog audio signal and use a splitter that goes to 2 RCA jacks.
You just made my day. I bought a redtag 45" for like 350 the other day and was just dealing with this issue.
Cheers, Mate.
I purchased this TV from Costco a few weeks ago and have had it setup for over 2 weeks as a basement (read computer room) TV.
It is in fact LED and not CFL and as others have stated, and it does take a few seconds to start up, but so does my Sony 55".
It has a great picture in High Def. The blacks are surprisingly black for a TV of this price range. My living room TV is a Sony 55" KDL810 and I am not comparing the two at all, but then again the Sony costs 4 - 5 times as much.
Standard DEF is a different story. If you plan to watch primarily Standard Def TV then do NOT get this TV. If you plan to watch primarily HD, then you will be fine.
This is NOT a smart TV (so no Youtube, DNLA, etc,) it is basically a large monitor with HD/SD TV tuner and multiple inputs.
The sound leaves a lot to be desired, but it does have a headphone out so I hooked up a pair of computer speakers and it sounds much better that way.
Hope this helps.
SonnyPalta wrote:You just made my day. I bought a redtag 45" for like 350 the other day and was just dealing with this issue.
Cheers, Mate.
Glad to help... and BTW, it looks like a standard 3.5mm jack, NOT a 5mm jack as mentioned in the post following mine (at first I thought it was another typo, but then he said it twice...):
Randman80 wrote:Very happy with mine. As for the "audio out" , the is a 5mm earphone jack. I got an adapter cable (5mm to phononjack..$3). Pluged into the stereo amp and we were good to go.
thomas998 wrote:They do not broadcast faster than 60, but the are some TVs that basically generate their own frames to go in between that actually exist. So if frame 1 has the ball at point x,y and if frame 2 is x+1,y+1 the tv with 120 fram refresh would show the same thing only it would insert its own fram in between that showed the ball at x+.5,y+.5... if you get a faster tv the it just generates even more frames.... Unless it is a cheap tv with a fast refresh then it just shows the same frame multiple times.
And you think inserting fake data into your sports is a good thing?
Faster refresh rates have their uses, but the benefits just don't meet the price yet for me. I was thinking 120Hz 2D with a 3D nvidia card in my HTPC would be a cheaper way to get into 3D, but it wasn't.
loribrusk wrote:Why does woot keep selling 60hz TV's?!?! I want a 120hz TV!!!
Calm down and read this
VooDooPC wrote:Aren't most refresh rates above 60hz, other than 3D TVs which run at 120hz, just marketing for something that essentially just tries to eliminate motion blur? They have "480hz" TVs, but I think it's just marketing garbage.
I believe that that is the standard rate on plasma tv's
jhull1975 wrote:Hisense, now there's a household name.
Yes, it is a household name, just not the name which is on the TV's which many people have, but were made by Hisense with the license TV. Check the internet, you will find the brands and models made by Hisense, especially Magnavoxx.
ROGETRAY wrote:We apologize for the snafu, the Specs have been corrected, today's sale (Panel Type) is LED and not LCD.
Woot Staff
Isn't the issue with the backlight (ccfl vs LED) and not the panel? This is most likely still an LCD panel but with an LED backlight. This makes it thinner, more energy efficient ect. when compared to an CCFL backlight.
Factor in tax and S&H at walmart and it might not be 'cheaper' convenient for in store pick up though.
Thanks for the heads up. I went with WallyWorld, cause if there is an issue, the return will be easier. With tax it was $5 more than woot.
covert0p5 wrote:$10 cheaper at Walmart, but it's LCD...
The 40" and 46" are decently priced as well..
karisk81 wrote:Isn't the issue with the backlight (ccfl vs LED) and not the panel? This is most likely still an LCD panel but with an LED backlight. This makes it thinner, more energy efficient ect. when compared to an CCFL backlight.
Negative. Unfortunately I see that comment often, and obviously many sales droids don't know the difference either. All TVs labeled as LED are LCD with an LED backlight. (until we start seeing OLED TVs). The super thin ones are "Edge lit" and the more normal size are "Full Array"
I bought the same TV from 1SAD last month at the same price. It's my first HD TV, so I'm not an authority or anything, but to me, it looks just as good as the HD TVs they have at the sports bars. I watched some of the Olympics in 1080i and it was amazing how sharp the picture was. Seeing every little speckle on a gymnasts uniform, for example. And the menus with the names and stats of the athletes were super sharp.
It can read the digital air signal, but you still have to buy an antenna to get the signal just like the old days. I bought a $10 one at Walmart, and can get 2 channels, sometimes 3 or 4, including NBC in HD. I live out in the boonies. In the city, I'm sure you'll get more channels with $10 RCA rabbit ears from Walmart.
My Comcast cable box is over 10 years old (the first model that had the info button and program guide), so the HD channels don't seem to work on it. If those channels are black now, despite showing "program info" and not showing the "please subscribe" stuff, then it's not your TV, it's the box. Getting an HDTV won't make those channels work. I called and am getting a new Comcast cable box so that I can see more HD on this TV.
Back to the TV, it's true what others said that it will take about 10 seconds to turn on. The LED changes color immediately though, so there's no excuse to keep hitting the power button. The ability to switch between TV, HDMI, and all the other inputs is straight forward. The coax input is divided by cable and antenna, and you have to go into the menu to switch between those. The Channel scan works well (in fact, this is the first thing you should do if you use basic cable or antenna), as well as the channel skip. With basic cable (no box; just the cord coming out of the wall), I picked up a decent amount of channels, some in HD, some duplicated in both HD and SD. I used the channel skip feature to avoid duplicates.
TL;DR It's a fine TV, with all the features you'd expect of a non-smart TV, but update your cable box if you want more HD.
The SquareTrade warranty is garbage. I just looked at their FAQ. Here are a couple things they don't cover (that they should):
SquareTrade wrote:Television, monitor, and/or projector screen imperfections, including burn-in and dead pixels (unless such defects exceed the manufacturer's criteria for acceptable dead or stuck pixels)
So if there's a dead pixel--one of the most common problems with televisions and monitors--and it isn't whatever arbitrary amount of dead pixelage that the manufacturer says is enough to merit replacement, then tough titty, thanks for the free money.
Since we are picking a technicalities... Both are LCD screens, the difference is the back-lighting,LED and CCFL (cold cathode Fluorescent...
Bought this to replace a 32" Element LCD I bought a couple years ago, the back-light failed a few days ago. Having some experience trying to find inverters and tubes for monitors, wanted to be free of them. Pricing LED TVs wasn't looking too good, until I saw this one. Most of the reviews are good. Most of the bad, are user error, so figure it can't be too bad. Little worried about whether it travels well, and how gently it will be handled.
isalisb wrote:Negative. Unfortunately I see that comment often, and obviously many sales droids don't know the difference either. All TVs labeled as LED are LCD with an LED backlight. (until we start seeing OLED TVs). The super thin ones are "Edge lit" and the more normal size are "Full Array"
Isn't that what I said?
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Two-day Greenfield event
Top athletes due at Hampshire 100 bike race
By MEGHAN PIERCE
Union Leader Correspondent | August 15. 2013 8:25PM
Cyclists get ready to start the 2012 Hampshire 100 Ultra-Endurace 100 mile bike race in Oak Park, Greenfield, N.H. Crotched Mountain Accessible Recreation and Sports Program is the beneficiary. The 7th Annual Hampshire 100 is now a two day event starting this Saturday with a run followed by the mountain bike race Sunday. (Courtesy)
The foundation's accessible recreation and sports program for the disabled is just one of the beneficiaries of the Hampshire 100 and it has been from the start, he said.
The program provides skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, cycling and horseback riding and supports the foundation's mission of helping the disabled pursue fulfilling lives as members of their communities, and enjoying the outdoors is certainly part of that, Redmond said.
More than 50 runners have signed up for the race.
The Cyclocross and Short Track races on Saturday evening are also expected to also attract 50 or more cyclists.
"The mountain bike race is a real favorite among our riders because it tests their skills and stamina, making it a true endurance event," said Randi Whitney, Hampshire 100 event director with the Eastern Fat Tire Association, which holds the event each year. "Riders come back year after year for its well-groomed and marked trails, its challenging route, and the sheer fun of the ride that winds through the beautiful and varied terrain of southern New Hampshire. Cyclists — from pros to first timers — ride to their maximum ability and share experiences and cultures from across the country. It's a great event."
* e-Edition subscription required


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Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is one of the largest cities in Illinois.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) opened its doors in 1970 as part of a state mandate to expand medical education opportunities to different parts of Illinois. Since then UICOMP has provided combined services of patient care, education and training, clinical research, job creation, volunteerism, community outreach, and facility development. The satellite campus strives to enrich the quality of health care and everyday life throughout the Heart of Illinois.
Also located in the city is UIC's College of Nursing Peoria Regional Program. Established in 1974, the program offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degrees in 12 specialties. Also offered is an online RN-to-BSN completion program, and a RN-to-MS transition program. At the graduate level many courses are delivered online and via video conference with other College of Nursing regional locations. The Peoria program also offers a broad array of clinical experience within the central Illinois area.
The Peoria regional campus is also home to the Library of Health Sciences.
The University of Illinois at Springfield's Peoria Center has been serving the educational needs of transfer students in the Peoria area for more than twenty-five years. The primarily nights and weekend schedule accommodates working students, as well as UIS faculty who teach in Peoria.
Programs offered at the Peoria Center include undergraduate degrees in accountancy, management and criminal justice as well as a master's degree in business administration.
UIS is a leader in online education. The Peoria Center also offers three business degree completion programs online.


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- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- MSC Cruises
MSC Splendida Review
The second in MSC Cruises Fantasia-class of ships, MSC Splendida was christened in 2009. She is equipped with the most up-to-date technological advances—such as the water-processing systems—to guarantee protection of the environment as well as energy savings.
Cruises' newest ships are also their largest and include the MSC Yachts Club—luxury suites with their own private library, lounge, swimming pool, restaurant, and sundeck. The spa's well-being center has a thermal cave and therapy pool for relaxation. The children's play area includes a swimming pool with waterslide. To test your driving skills, there are Formula 1 simulators. Unusual for a cruise ship, there is also a squash court. The extensive use of various colored marbles adds a luxurious quality to the traditionally styled public lounges and a hint of Italian style as well as art deco and art nouveau touches.
MSC Cruises has always been sensitive to environmental issues, and Fantasia-class ships are on the cutting edge ecologically. They are equipped with the most innovative technological systems to guarantee savings in energy and protection of the environment, such as the water-processing systems. MSC Divina has more cabins and a higher double-occupancy rate and a stunning infinity pool at the back of the ship.
More widely known as one of the world's largest cargo shipping companies, MSC has operated cruises with an eclectic fleet since the late 1980s. When the line introduced two graceful, medium-size ships in 2003 and 2004, it ushered in an era of new shipbuilding that has seen the fleet grow faster than any other European cruise line. This line is growing into a major player in both Europe and the Caribbean.
MSC blankets the Mediterranean nearly year-round with a dizzying selection of cruise itineraries that allow a lot of time in ports of call and include few if any sea days. In summer months, several ships sail off to northern Europe to ply the Baltic. Itineraries planned for repositioning sailings visit some intriguing, off-the-beaten-track ports of call that other cruise lines bypass.
No glitz, no clutter—just elegant simplicity—is the standard of MSC's seaworthy interior decor. Extensive use of marble, brass, and wood reflects the best of Italian styling and design; clean lines and bold colors set their modern sophisticated tone.
MSC adopts some activities that appeal to American passengers without abandoning those preferred by Europeans; however, regardless of the itinerary, be prepared for an Italian-influenced experience. Also expect to hear announcements in several languages.
What You Should Know
- The buffet is huge, with several serving areas and plenty of seating
- Extra-charge ice-cream parlors serve excellent gelato
- The ship's atrium is designed as a gorgeous Italian piazza
- The Yacht Club sundeck can sometimes be uncomfortably windy
- Although there is an outdoor big-screen cinema, it's most often used for cruise line–related messages
- Currency on board is the euro
Ship Stats
- Crew Members 1,332
- Entered Service 2008
- Gross Tons 137,936
- Length 1,093 feet
- Number of Cabins 1,637
- Passenger Capacity 3,274
- Width 124 feet


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step one: get a MoW jet pack (it's awesome christian!)
step two: read a lot of threads on painting your jet pack
step three: decide what you like
step four: get taco's from the bell
step five: start painting!
and i've decided that after going layered on everything else, the jp scared me so i'm doing this topical
finally, i got lucksy31's decals for it, i've got three placed, but i can't seem to find the other three on the ref pics. can anyone tell me where these go?


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|December 31st, 2006, 10:39 AM
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The DuffMan Plan To Reform Welfare
Welfare programs are designed to provide a safety net - not a pseudo-career.
First, we need to segregate (yes, I said segregate) potential welfare recipients by the reason for their situation.
Group A: People with one or more permanent issues that prevent them from being self-sufficient. The key word here is prevent.
Group B: People with one or more termporary issues that prevent them from being self-sufficient. Again, "prevent".
Group C: People with nothing preventing them from being self-sufficient.
Group A people are in need of long-term assistance and training/education that will enable some of them to be moved to Group B. Because of the culture of entitlement and dependency we've created, many people will aspire to Group A, so a key portion of the reformed welfare program will be a network of people actively and continually evaluating and screening Group A people to weed out the unqualified.
The level of assistance provided Group A people will enable them to live a dignified life, albeit one lacking luxuries. Cars, cable television, and other consumer goods are not necessities. Basic health care will be provided. People scamming the system will be removed from the system and will be ineligible to recieve benefits in the future.
Group B people would receive the same level of assistance as Group A. The difference is that an end date for their assistance would be established when benefits commenced. This date would not be flexible, except in rare, exceptional circumstances, and would be limited to no more than 0.1% of the population per year (to keep it truly "1 out of 1000"). They will be provided access to prgrams and facilities that allow them to develop the necessary skills to enable their movement out of the program by the specificed date. Those that successfully exit the program will be required to repay a portion of their benefits (interest-free over a suitable period of time) on an inverted sliding scale, where less time in the program means less $ to repay, incentivizing them to exit the program on time (or early) and builds self-esteem through accomplishment.
Group C people would receive assistance for a period not to exceed 370 days over their entire lifetime. While receiving assistance, they will be required to participate in activities that identify their skills and abilities, and a nationwide job search will be conducted. Once Group C people are employed, they will be required to reimburse (interest-free, over a suitable period of time) the program for all benefits they received. This way, it's not a free lunch, but "a helping hand" that will enable people to have some pride.
For all three groups:
You will be required to participate in the program to receive benefits. Participation may take the form of education, skill development, rehabilitation, or work programs. Failure to participate will lead to termination of benefits.
You may be required to move to obtain employment. Part of the greatness of this country is due to people who left home and struck out on their own to make a better life. People who go into debt to obtain college educations are often required to move to obtain suitable employment, and so should everyone else. If you want more control over where you live, you'll need to develop marketable skills.
Productive people rarely receive pay raises or increased employee benefits because they have children - neither will people on welfare. Should you decide to have children, expect to share your scarce resources with them.
Part of breaking the cycle of dependency is to provide people with skills. This means a large investment in education and training programs - especially a rebirth of vocational education. This doesn't mean 4 or 5 years at a large (or small) university on the people's tab.
People who successfully complete programs and "graduate" from Groups B or C will receive preferential treatment in terms of civil service jobs, and other programs such as mortgage and college loan programs.
Wherever possible (and practical/economically favorable), benefits need to be provided in the form of direct payments to service providers rather than to the beneficiaries to reduce fraud.
Work programs need to be revisited for areas where economic problems are acute (like Detroit). If an area is experiencing high unemployment, enact work programs using that available labor. Instead of paying people to sit around, put them to work improving their communities (building self-esteem, pride in accomplishment, and improving their environemnt) or other areas that need help (i.e. displacing illegal immigrants working to rebuild New Orleans).
This is the Pub. Leave common sense at the door.
|December 31st, 2006, 11:05 AM
I got a gold chain
Join Date: 11-04-05
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Mandatory, random drug testing.
Really, these programs need to be eliminated.
This country survived for a long time without social programs.
Attn. CC: please sticky DuffMans posts.
Last edited by Stan; December 31st, 2006 at 11:08 AM.
|December 31st, 2006, 12:42 PM
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I LOVE this post, in fact it shouldn't be called welfare anymore... it needs to be employment assistance, or temporary support. Get the message accross that this is not to "take care of you" but to "assist you to get back on your feet". I'd like to expound if you don't mind...
One thing that is going to be a problem to institute will be the... "I don't care what your education is... you're qualified for this job we've found for you, and you're going to take it even though it is a substantial cut in pay." ...rule that will most certainly be required for this plan. I believe that most of the group C people can read the help wanted ads, but feel the job being offered is 'below them' or something. And once someone is forced to do that, then the pay for most any job will plummit straight to minimum wage. Somehow a balance needs to be achieved, but this is certainly a major step in the right direction.
|December 31st, 2006, 03:10 PM
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You raise a good point, the system needs to be designed to avoid abuses by employers as well.
And even if it's the same state, that can still be a looong ways away.
This is the Pub. Leave common sense at the door.
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