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Saturday, March 28, 2009
Pushpin Mania
The cardboard backing determines the shape of the finished piece.
Carrots, Strawberries, Yo-Yo Flowers....let your imagination be your guide.
This slacker is heading back to the sewing room to do some serious sewing this weekend. I'll let you in on my little secret real soon. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!
20 comments:
- Patty said...
I love these, esepcially the strawberry. I have got to make some.
- Sat Mar 28, 08:21:00 PM 2009
- Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...
Those are darling Arlette...come see my new creations for my friend's daughter...when you get a chance...
- Sat Mar 28, 10:11:00 PM 2009
- Stephanie D said...
So does this mean the funk is over?
- Sat Mar 28, 10:16:00 PM 2009
- Stina Blomgren said...
Oh ..these are absolutely fantastic... love them...
clever you...:o)
- Sun Mar 29, 12:25:00 AM 2009
- Unknown said...
Fantastic idea! How cute to have those on any bulletin board.
- Sun Mar 29, 05:09:00 AM 2009
- sweetiepie said...
Lettie, your creativity never ceases to amaze me. You always come up with the cutest ideas.
Thanks for sharing.
- Sun Mar 29, 06:36:00 AM 2009
- Marieta said...
Hi Lettie, I visited all your blog and I must say you do wonderful things, the combination of your fabrics, fine details are a delight. I will follow you from now on
a greeting from Spain
- Sun Mar 29, 08:08:00 AM 2009
- Craftpassion said...
The creations never end here, you are great, Lettie. I love them all but if you ask me to choose, I will vote for the carot.
Have a great week ahead! Cant wait to see your secret!!!
- Sun Mar 29, 09:37:00 AM 2009
- Dawn said...
Your talent amaze me!! You are so creative!!
- Sun Mar 29, 09:42:00 AM 2009
- crafty diane said...
I love your pushpins! Makes me want to make some! I sure wish I had a bulletin board to put them on. When we moved over here to my mom's house it was just too small to put up my bulletin board anywhere. Maybe I can find a spot to put it sometime soon and make some of those neat pushpins!
- Sun Mar 29, 10:36:00 AM 2009
- Janine said...
These idea is so cute.
I love it.
- Sun Mar 29, 11:22:00 AM 2009
- Tudy said...
Those are so cute. I may have to try some different shapes myself.
- Sun Mar 29, 12:08:00 PM 2009
- Red Geranium Cottage said...
I love the carrot. That is adorable.
- Sun Mar 29, 12:54:00 PM 2009
- Karen from Sew Many Ways... said...
These are cuter than cute. You are so talented!
- Mon Mar 30, 06:14:00 AM 2009
- Netter said...
Cute, cute, cute...did I mention how cute those are?
- Mon Mar 30, 02:09:00 PM 2009
- Tolentreasures said...
Adorable, where so these ideas pop up from? I love them!
- Tue Mar 31, 12:27:00 AM 2009
- Carrie P. said...
Too cute. You are so smart. Thanks for sharing.
- Tue Mar 31, 09:44:00 AM 2009
- Lorraine said...
More cuteness!!!
- Sat Apr 04, 07:03:00 AM 2009
- Two Pretty Little Skirts said...
I didnt realize these were so easy to make! Thanks for sharing!
- Tue Apr 07, 09:15:00 PM 2009
- Carol E. said...
I love all your beautiful fiber arts, and look forward to stopping by frequently to see what wonderful treasures you have added. Great site!
- Fri Apr 10, 05:28:00 PM 2009


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|Paula Rothenberg writes, lectures, and consults on a variety of
topics including multicultural curriculum transformation,
issues of inequality, equity and privilege, globalizing the
curriculum, and white privilege. Currently, she is Senior Fellow
at The Murphy Institute, CUNY. From 1989 to 2006 she served
as Director of The New Jersey Project on Inclusive Scholarship,
Curriculum, and Teaching and Professor of Philosophy and
Women's Studies at The William Paterson University of New
Jersey. Author of Invisible Privilege: A Memoir About Race,
Class and Gender, her diversity text Race, Class and Gender in
the United States is in its Seventh Edition and a Third Edition
of her anthology White Privilege: Readings on the Other Side
of Racism will be published in late summer, 2007. Her newest
college text anthology Beyond Borders: Thinking Critically
about Global Issues was published by Worth in July 2005.
Paula Rothenberg is also coeditor of Creating an Inclusive
College Curriculum: A Teaching Sourcebook from the New
Jersey Project and Feminist Frameworks Alternative Theoretical
Accounts of the Relations between Women and Men. Her
articles and essays appear in journals and anthologies across
the disciplines and many have been widely reprinted.
* Selected Recent Lectures and Consults
* Selected Publications
* Brief Bio BlurbVC

subset: commoncrawl


text: Get your game room on track with beanbags, directors and game chairs, and neon wall clocks. Build yourself one comfy, casual statement of style and grace. For poker, table games and board game enthusiasts, our choices make winning additions. Pamper yourself and gather your friends and guests in a place for meals and much more. Pool & billiards furnishings give your room a bar-like look and feel, and add our wine refrigeration accessories to ensure your favorite drinks are chilled & ready to drink.


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Photo: Houston Association of Realtors
When it comes to house hunting, location is everything and the West University area in Houston is some seriously prime real estate.
Nestled between Loop 610 and the Southwest Freeway, the sought-after neighborhood is near Rice University and the great shopping and dining options in Rice Village.
From tree-lined streets to meticulously maintained yards, these gorgeous properties are worth every penny.
You can also search for local homes in any price range here.


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video watch I Have a Lover November 4 2019, Full Episode Replay On Pinoy Network Tambayan. Philippine People Like to watch the ABS-CBN and GMA Pinoy Tv Shows Online. Stay tuned with us to watch the most recent episode of I Have a Lover Pinoy Channel. I Have a Lover Nov 4, 2019, started streaming this year and ever since that. It has been nothing but the successful hit of the Pinoy channel. I Have a Lover is the most Famous Pinoy Tambayan TV Show. The manner in which they have checked everything on their schedules to uncover precisely what they need you to know right then and there is radiant.
Pinoy TV I Have a Lover November 4 2019
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4


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Breaking Amish: New Cast to Face Modern Life in Los Angeles
Five new Amish and Mennonite young people will move from their traditional communities to live life in L.A.
Goodbye milking cows, hello Hollywood.
Breaking Amish is back, and an all-new cast is leaving behind their old-fashioned communities to test out modern life in Los Angeles – and decide whether to remain part of the "English," or return to their Amish and Mennonite roots.
In this exclusive first look at the new season of the hit TLC show (below), the new cast members are still at home but explain to cameras and family members why they feel compelled to step out of their current lives to try something new – at the risk of being shunned by their families.
"It's just really hard to feel like you're trapped in a box," says Lizzie, 21. "No matter what you do, you can't get out."
"Sometimes a car goes whizzing past, and it's just like 'Why can't I be in that car?' " says her costar, Iva, 19.
Here's a quick look at the entire cast of Breaking Amish:
Betsy, 21, from Ohio: Adopted as a baby into an Amish household, she recently married an Amish man, but struggles with being a member of the community and has previously tried living outside the faith.
Devon, 21, from Indiana: Unsure of his future, Devon has long been conflicted about the Amish lifestyle and hopes his time in L.A. will offer some clarity.
Iva, 19, from Pennsylvania: Her parents divorced when she was young and her father left the community while her mother stayed. Iva has explored life outside the Amish in the past, but has never before been able to make it work.
Lizzie, 21, from Pennsylvania: Lizzie harbors a secret from her large Amish family that makes her want to explore a new path, even if she has never been able to integrate with the English before.
Matt, 24, from Pennsylvania: Two of his siblings have already left the Mennonite community his family joined when he was 7, and now Matt wonders if pursuing his interest in fashion design will inspire him to follow their footsteps.
To see more from the new Breaking Amish, which premieres July 21 (10 p.m. ET) on TLC, catch another sneak peek on Sunday's new episode of Breaking Amish: Brave New World (also at 10 p.m. ET) on TLC.


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Kurt Nimmo
February 6, 2013
New York state Assemblyman Steven F. McLaughlin has taken flak for comparing governor Andrew Cuomo to Hitler and Mussolini due to the methods used to ram through a draconian gun law in the state.
"We're told basically to shut up and vote, and that's what this is all about," McLaughlin said during a news conference. "Just don't question it, just vote. That's basically the message here. If that's not dictatorial, I don't know what is.
"Hitler would be proud. Mussolini would be proud of what we did here. Moscow would be proud, but that's not democracy."
McLaughlin defended his remarks after he was challenged by the corporate media. "How does Putin act over in Russia?" he asked. "Same thing. Dictate to the Legislature what they're going to do. They're rubber-stamping it. I'm not calling the governor a dictator. I'm saying that this was the dictatorial thing to do."
The Assemblyman later issued a video apologizing for his remarks.
In January, the NRA and other pro-Second Amendment groups criticized Cuomo and the New York Senate for their underhanded effort to force passage of the legislation designed to undercut the Second Amendment.
"Governor Andrew Cuomo, in stunningly brazen fashion, took a hatchet to gun rights in New York with lightning speed." the NRA reported. "By cutting secret deals behind closed doors, eliminating public input and circumventing normal legislative processes, the Governor and state Senate passed sweeping anti-gun measures."
Cuomo's approval among Republicans, Independents and even Democrats plummeted after he forced the legislation through. A Quinnipiac University poll released in late January revealed the Democrat governor dropped from his all-time high approval rating of 74 percent in December to 59 percent, the Associated Press reported.
"Cuomo blames the drop on the public's misunderstanding of the gun measures, which he rushed into law without public hearings or the required public review period," the AP noted.
Our 4th of July Super Sale has been extended! Get double Patriot Points and free shipping on the hottest items!


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At UPMC, we are committed to keeping our community safe and healthy as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. As our team continues to provide Life Changing Medicine to our patients, our recruiters will continue to fill positions throughout this time. Interviews and other processes may be modified to protect the safety of our candidates and employees. Thank you for your patience.
For more information about UPMC's response to COVID-19, please visit upmc.com/coronavirus.
QualificationsThe individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the patients served as specified below. They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.
At UPMC, our shared goal is to create a cohesive, positive, experience for our employees, patients, health plan members, and community. If you too are driven by these values, you may be a great fit at UPMC!QUALITY & SAFETY
UPMC provides a total rewards package that can help you achieve the goals you have for your career and your personal life. Whether you want to learn a new skill through a training course, reach personal health and wellness targets, become more involved in your community, or follow a career path that provides you with the right experience to be successful, UPMC can help you get to where you want to be.
Now more than ever, YOU can help us shape our communities and UPMC into a better place for everyone to work, study, play, and thrive.
Learn more about working here and check out our policies and recent updates.


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Sweden: Economic and Commercial Conditions in Sweden
Great Britain. Commercial Relations and Exports Department
Fragmentarisk f—rhandsgranskning - 1945
Sweden: Economic and Commercial Conditions in Sweden
Great Britain. Commercial Relations and Exports Dept
Fragmentarisk f—rhandsgranskning - 1925
Vanliga ord och fraser
1st July agricultural amounted annually apparatus average Belgium Boliden BorÍs British cellulose chemicals chiefly clothing coal coke commercial companies compared considerable consumption costs cotton cubic metres Czechoslovakia decrease demand domestic electric engineering equipment estimated exports fabrics factories figures Finland fishing following table foodstuffs foreign France freight fuel Germany G—taverken Gothenburg Government granted harbour import licence Imports in 1949 improvement income increase iron and steel Kronor labour leather machinery machines Malm— manufacturers metals milk million in 1948 Million kronor million tons motor Netherlands Norrland Norway Nydqvist and Holm obtained organisation output paper passenger payment Petrol Poland pre-war price control programme pulp quantities radio railway raw materials rayon requirements restrictions Riksdag ships shortage SkÍne Stockholm Sundsvall supply Svenska Sweden Swedish imports Swedish production textile timber tonnage tons gross total imports tractors trade traffic United Kingdom wood wool woollen workers yarn


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Western Michigan University values the exchange of ideas and respects the intellectual work and property of others. Consistent with these values, WMU does not tolerate or condone plagiarism or copyright violations.
- All Western Michigan University students, faculty, staff, and any other users of WMU's computing systems and networks are required to abide by the copyright laws of the United States and the computing and network policies of WMU.
- It is almost always illegal to use file sharing software, or other means, to download copyrighted music, movies and videos, without the express permission of the owners of those copyrights.
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- Network access privileges may be revoked for habitual infringers.
- WMU has an interest in protecting legitimate uses of file sharing and copyrighted materials, as well as protecting the security of our networks.


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With the 2011 Licensing International Expo currently underway in Las Vegas, many promo posters have started hitting the net. Yesterday we posted the promo poster for The Avengers as well as the promo posters for The Amazing Spider-Man, Hotel Transylvania, and more. Continuing the barrage of advertising, we now have promo posters for The Hobbit, The Hunger Games, Battleship, The Three Stooges, The Lorax, 47 Ronin, The Croods, The Bourne Legacy, Rise of the Guardians, Stretch Armstrong, RIPD, Fast & Furious 6, and How to Train Your Dragon 2. It's worth noting that the promo poster for Fast & Furious 6 says the film is due out in 2013, which isn't too surprising. More intriguing is that the poster for How to Train Your Dragon 2 is simply titled "Dragons".
Hit the jump to check out the promo posters and look out for more over the coming days.
Via ComingSoon.net.


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Adafruit: LED Strip LPD8806
The offical page can be found at Adafruit "Digital Addressable RGB LED w/ PWM waterproof flexi strip"
This is an LED strip housed in waterproof material with 32 LEDs per meter. The LEDs are controlled by shift registers using LPD8806 controller that controls two LEDs at a time with pulse width modulation. This chip has built in 1.2 MHz high speed 7-bit PWM for each channel which relates to 21-bit color. At each end is a 4-pin JST connector which is sealed in the 5 meter version. This needs to be powered by a 5V power source and should not go above 5.5V.


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Yesterday, the mailman left a much anticipated surprise in my mailbox: the Fall 2013 issue of the Georgia Genealogical Society Quarterly, which contains an article I wrote, "Georgia's Poor School and Academy Lists: An Upson County Case Study."
The article is, loosely, a proof argument, the first one I've published. But it's also a methodology. The key figure is Nettie (Alford) Jamerson, who was the daughter of Pierce Lewis Alford and Amanda (Jenkins) (Alford) Ansley. P. L. and Amanda lived in Talbot and Upson Counties, Georgia. Both died young and left no estates. Nettie's death certificate listed two different people as her parents, and she was never located on a federal census prior to her marriage to Andrew McDonald Jamerson. So, what to do? The poor school lists were only part of the solution, but they were an important part.


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There's a much larger chorus behind "The Voice," as the hit singing competition enters its second season.
Not only did the success of the debut season lure a strong batch of aspiring singers to try out for the show, it also helped the four celebrity mentors recruit some powerhouse music industry hit-makers to assist them in molding and shaping the hopefuls into radio-ready pop stars.
Christina Aguilera will be backed by Jewel and Lionel Richie. Adam Levine recruited Alanis Morrisette and Robin Thicke. Cee-Lo Green brought on Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds and Nee-Yo; Blake Shelton drafted Kelly Clarkson and Shelton's wife, Miranda Lambert.
U.S. & World
Each celebrity mentor had some specific logic behind their picks for the show, which premieres after the Super Bowl Feb. 5 on NBC.
"I just thought it was important to bring on people who would know how to give advice," said Aguilera of the additions. "A lot of artists in the business are true artists in the sense that that's all that they do, and they're great at being that. But it does take a certain level of skill and approachability to be able to know how to go into a situation and coach an up‑and‑coming artist. And so I really wanted to choose people who I knew were going to be good at giving the advice, who have had the experience."
Shelton says while it certainly seemed easy to persuade his wife to join the team, he actually had a strategy behind it.
"I chose Miranda and Kelly Clarkson because they both survived reality talent television shows," he admits. "A lot of people don't realize Miranda was on a show called 'Nashville Star' and placed third and managed to come out of that and get a record deal and build on her fan base that she got through that show.
"And of course, we all know what Kelly did. To me, I just wanted somebody that could talk to them about what they're going through a little bit about maybe being on television the first time and how to handle that and how to appropriate it. That's how I picked my advisors... And also they're both really hot.
The lack of mean-spiritedness and snarky digs in the mentors' critiques – a staple on most other competition series – and a genuinely gifted talent pool that's hard to knock may be another reason the show struck a different chord, says Levine.
"The talent level, especially this year, is so high that there aren't too many God-awful performances," the singer explains. "And even if someone has an off night, you can be honest enough to say 'This wasn't your best,' rather than 'You suck.' That's just such a completely silly, unproductive thing to say."
Singer/actress Christina Milian is also joining the team this season, serving as "The Voice's" social media correspondent and overseeing the Internet for viewer reaction to the new competitors.
"Last season it was top in social media engagement, compared to a lot of shows," says Milian. "As you could see, everybody is just very, very engaged with them. They speak their minds, and people just want to be involved. They want to have the exclusive content. They want to know more, and I feel very fortunate: as a recording artist, I understand what's going on with the show, being a singer. People just want to be engaged more."
The voice debuts after the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.


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for OSR Discussion & Play-by-Post Games
Tamerlaine wrote:Barring anyone throwing in a cleric before we start, I'll be playing one as a NPC. That doesn't mean you can't play one. I've got plans either way.
Tamerlaine wrote:WB doesn't have a Reaction Table so I thought I'd borrow the one used in Charlie Mason's S&W-compatable Whitebox rules. Sometimes when I'm on the fence, I'm gonna roll on this table. Tell me what you think.
Table 33: Reaction Check
Roll 2d6 Reaction
2 or less Hostile
3-5 Negative
6-8 Uncertain
9-11 Positive
12 Enthusiastic
Tamerlaine wrote:Eris, you will roll for both Attack and Damage and post them together. Most rolls will be done by the player save for those I will need to do 'behind the screen.'
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All deliveries within our local delivery area will be handled by our delivery team. All deliveries outside our local delivery area will be through a 3rd party commercial carrier. We will arrange delivery through the best most economical rates available to us. Delivery is to the curb only. A commercial carrier will not carry or move the shipment into your home. You will need to have someone help unload your order from the truck. If you want delivery inside your home then we will use at your request a WHITE GLOVE Carrier, and higher rates will apply. In the event a subsequent delivery is required due to the absence of the customer being home during the original delivery window an extra charge will apply. All local deliveries made by our own delivery team will include assembly, placement in your home, as well as debris removal. All other methods of delivery do not include assembly or removal of debris. Customer is responsible for ensuring the furniture purchased fits into their premises.
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When you place a special order, we will give you an estimated delivery date. We will notify you as soon as the item arrives to our store. As our special orders are estimates from information we have available from our manufacturers, we can not guarantee delivery times as production times and transportation are not within our control. We do our best to ensure accurate estimates and if we do not have the item by the designated date, we will advise you per our communication from the factory. Because most of the goods we sell are made from natural products, there will be a difference in grain and color or dye lot between display samples and a new item.
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If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with any in stock item you purchased from Forma's inventory, you may return it for a credit or full refund without any restocking fees. Just return it in the original packaging and in new condition within seven days from date of receiving the item(s). The only exceptions are bedding (which cannot be returned), special orders, other specifically excluded items, delivery charges, and labor/materials for custom services.
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If an item arrives damaged, please note it on the BOL or delivery paperwork. Then notify us to help begin the claim process. Whether you need a full replacement, credit or parts we will work on you behalf to resolve the damage. Please Note: Once you sign for an item without notes regarding damage, we are unable to file a claim on your behalf with the shipper. Please inspect all items before signing for them and note any issues.
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My purchase appears to have a defect;
In very rare cases, a manufacturer's defect could happen. If it does rest assured all items we sell carry full manufacturer's warranties. In this event, you will need to contact us. As there are many different scenarios and we want to personally help you and make the warranty process smooth and effective in order to best resolve the problem. We will work on your behalf with the manufacturer to fix your issue.


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In the Santiago district of Maipu, passersby kept a safe distance from a broken four-story apartment complex. But Mehmet Celebi, a research engineers, wanted inside.
Mr. Celebi had come here from the office of the US Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif., to study concrete structures damaged by the massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake that rattled Chile on Feb. 27. Reluctantly, and a bit incredulous, a guard lifted a band of yellow tape to allow Celebi to pass. The building, as it leaned precariously, had become one of the now-iconic images of havoc caused by the quake.
Celebi pored over the building, looking for the design failures that caused walls at the base of the building to crumble.
"This is what you call 'soft story,' " Celebi said, using the term to describe buildings that are weaker at the lower level than up top. When the quake hit, the largest load came down on the weakest part of the structure and the walls buckled.
IN PICTURES: Images from the magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile
"I think we have observed this is crushing," Celebi concluded, pointing to twisted rebar spilling out from the wall's interior. "This is a prize from an engineering point of view."
In the wake of the fifth-largest earthquake ever registered, dozens of scientists such as Celebi are flocking to Chile to better understand how structures perform when pushed to the limit. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute in Oakland, Calif., sent more than 30 researchers to record data from Chile's homes, hospitals, bridges, and apartment buildings.
A unique opportunity in Chile
Structural engineers typically work as consultants to the architect. The architect designs the look, function, and spaces in the building, while the structural engineer designs the skeleton that ensures the building will withstand wind, earthquakes, and other forces. This is done according to codes often based on computer simulations. But when an earthquake occurs, it provides a unique opportunity to study a 'living laboratory.'
"It's fascinating to see the kinds of things that we do calculations on every day do occasionally get put to their ultimate test," says Joe Maffei, a structural engineer and principal with Rutherford & Chekene in San Francisco, who made a recent trip to Chile to study the behavior of concrete structures in Santiago, two coastal cities, and Concepción, the city nearest the epicenter. "This is an opportunity to see if we are applying the science right in building codes."
Chile is of particular interest to American engineers. It employs similar building codes to those in California and also has widespread use of reinforced concrete.
One of Chile's more successful earthquake-resistant designs was a "base-isolated" building. The building is placed on rubber or sliding supports designed to dissipate energy the earthquake imposes. The disruption to these buildings was markedly less than for non-isolated buildings. Despite widespread damage, a remarkably small number of large structures collapsed.
"This earthquake overall can be considered a success in terms of the engineering and construction practices in Chile," Mr. Maffei says.
Preparing for tsunamis
In fact, more damage was caused because of inadequate storm preparedness. The greatest concentration of destruction and loss of life in Chile was the result of successive tsunami waves that denuded the coastline.
Eli Robertson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, led a team of researchers here to study the performance of buildings hit by the tsunami. Mr. Robertson has been working on a National Science Foundation grant for the past four years trying to develop design building guidelines to protect from tsunamis. Hawaii is one of the few places in the US to have seen a significant number of deaths from tsunami impact.
"We need to know what to do with the folks in the coastal areas," Robertson says. "Do we tell them to go up in buildings and wait it out? Do we need to reevaluate buildings to include tsunami design?"
Here again, Chile provides invaluable lessons. Light-framed and masonry built homes stand little chance of surviving, but reinforced concrete frames performed quite well, Robertson found. Chile uses US codes for concrete design. By and large, these structures, though not specifically built for tsunamis, proved resilient to a 30-foot surge.
"We'll take some of the observations in Chile and compare them with what our design guidelines would say," Robertson says. "In other words, we'll try to design one of the structures we looked at and decide if it would have survived and compare that with what actually happened in the tsunami."
A forewarning for California
One immediate observation from Chile's earthquake that could find its way into US building code is on confining reinforcement, says Maffei, who is on the committee that decides building code in California. Confining reinforcement is meant to keep vertical bars from bucking, but the design proved insufficient in Chile. Maffei says he would consider requiring confining reinforcement along a greater length of the wall.
In preparing an earthquake-proof building code, engineers must also take into account the land the building sits on. Chile provides a case study in this, too. While the center of Santiago withstood the quake relatively well, on the outskirts of the city the metropolitan area of Maipu fared much worse because it sits atop soft volcanic ash, which amplifies the motions of the earthquake. Several apartment complexes in Maipu will have to be demolished.
In assessing these cases, according to Celebi, engineers try to correlate a building's design with the level of shaking. If the building was designed to withstand the shaking and damage still occurs, then there are two possible explanations: either the design is bad or the construction is bad.
Standing under Chile's mid-afternoon sun recently, Celebi considered two buildings positioned 90 feet apart. One was broken and leaning, the other was impeccable. The slumping building lacked sufficient shear walls, which restrict the relative displacement between floors. The design is widely used in Chile, and according to Celebi is probably what saved many buildings from collapse. This particular building, however, failed because the design didn't allow for sufficient support. Celebi shifted his attention to the building in perfect form.
"We have to appreciate the successes too," Celebi said.
IN PICTURES: Images from the magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile


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I Am currently going though a phase where my artwork is been inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. This is probably due to my good chum Mike Bennett recently recording the Shadow over Innsmouth. If you haven't heard Mike narration of this yet, them pop over to YouTube or Mikes Website and have a listen
|Gillman House
|Zardock Allen


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Teresa Giudice graces the cover of InTouch magazine this week in her attempt to show some humility and explain away how she and her husband, Joe Giudice, blew $11 million.
Oddly enough, the Real Houswives of New Jersey star was just shown denying that her debt amount was $11 mil during the reunion episode that aired Monday night. Perhaps Teresa has decided to stop living in denial.
"I was humiliated," she tells the mag, stating she was not aware of her husband's business dealings and had no idea they were in so much financial trouble until their lawyer told them they needed to file for bankruptcy. "Joe thought things were going to get better," she explains.
Joe also comes to his wife's defense in the article, citing that his bad business dealings was to blame for their enormous debt, and not Teresa's widely publicized spending habits, which includes spending over $50,000 on home furnishings just days after filing bankruptcy. "It was tenants not paying rent, and it was a bad situation with my business partner," who betrayed him and continues to tell lies about him, Joe claims.
The Giudices however seem to contradict one another as Teresa admits to the mag her spending habits were out of control. "My wedding was incredible," she recalls. "My flowers cost $10,000, which was a lot of money ten years ago. My dress was around $10,000, my photographer, too."
Teresa also admits to lavish parties, trips, a $140,000 Maserati, as well as spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on home furnishings and clothing for herself and her four daughters.
And when it comes to the auction that is still set for October 3, it seems Teresa remains in denial as she states there is currently no auction in the works.
So is Teresa's $4 million dollar home in foreclosure or at risk for foreclosure? "We haven't lost anything yet," Joe says, also adding that they still own their beach house. Nice to see the Giudices still own their beach house, must say these people need better PR lessons.
Teresa and Joe however claim they have learned from their mistakes. Joe says he has taken control of the couple's finances, does the grocery shopping, and has even imposed a limit on Teresa's credit cards. Teresa also adds that their daugthers have now gotten used to wearing each other's hand-me-downs.
You can read more of this story in the latest issue of InTouch magazine.


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When my brother-in-law brought my family to eat Mee Rebus in Melaka, I didn't know that a plate of Mee Rebus costs only RM 2. Yes, that is right. At Restoran ASV (which is actually a make shift Mamak stall underneath a big tree), the food is ridiculously cheap. In fact, the inexpensive meals are probably the main reason for the huge afternoon crowd when I was there.
The big question is what can we expect from a RM 2 meal? Well, Restoran ASV certainly did not skimp on the portion. The yellow thick noodles were complimented with thick curry sauce.
Cucumber and chili slices were also served together with fried shallots on the top.
Taste wise, I find the gravy too overpowering with strong curry taste. It was only average given that I can't taste anything else other than the curry flavour. However, at RM 2 one shouldn't be complaining too much. At the very least it was a decent meal.
The ABC (Shaved Ice) costs only …. RM 1!
Again, do not expect the best tasting dessert but it was oklah.
Restoran ASV
Jalan Zahir 19
75250 Melaka
Location Map


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Sponsored by:
By Courtney Corbridge
By the time summer rolled around each year, the only things left in my trick-or-treat pillowcase at the base of my closet were a few rolls of Smarties and a bunch of empty wrappers. Summer popsicles and ice cream cones set my sweet tooth at bay, but by September, when I found myself back in school, I often had one thing on the edge of my mind—Halloween. I dreamed of dressing up, bringing home my weight in chocolate, and then trading out treats with my siblings on the living room floor. It was one of the great meccas of childhood.
But not for everyone. In fact, while almost all of my friends loved dressing up and going from house to house, a few of them got the short end of the stick when it came to trick or treating. And the biggest setback was typically allergies! One of my closest friends was actually allergic to chocolate! Can you imagine? Others had peanut allergies, and others weren't allowed to have sugar. Unfortunately, this is a fairly common thing for a lot of kids. The most common kid allergies include milk, eggs, nuts, and wheat. So how can we help those deserving kids find the magic in Halloween and trick or treating as well? Here are a few alternatives you can consider to your typical candy-in-a-bowl routine.
--Mini Nail Polish
--Spider Stamps
--Hair Accessories
--Crazy Straws
--Small Bags of Legos
--Mini Whistles
--Mini Bubbles Bottles
--Foam Masks
--Halloween Cookie Cutters
--Finger Puppets
--Mini Notepads or Coloring Books
--Temporary Tattoos
--Bouncy Balls
--Mini Slinkys
--Halloween Rings
--Halloween Erasers
--Mini Playdoughs
--Sticky Hands
--Fake Dracula Teeth
--Mini Flash Lights
Last year Food Allergy Research and Education, Inc. (FARE) started an awareness program for kids with allergies called The Teal Pumpkin Project. Families who are committed to giving healthy alternatives on Halloween can put a teal pumpkin by their doorstep so that trick or treaters and their parents can identify allergy-friendly homes. If you would like to join in, please visit http://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project#.VfhBtxFVikp to learn more.
Article sponsored by Lakeside Dental.
Find them on the web at: http://www.lakesidedentalsmiles.com
By Marlena Rice
Fall is finally here: Hello cooler weather, back-to-school, and football! Parents who have gotten all too familiar with the easier flow of traffic from home to work are now readjusting their morning schedules to entertain the influx of school buses and University traffic that were easily forgotten during the summer months. As parents, as we adjust to our new schedules, our little people are adjusting as well. But with new schools, new classrooms, new teachers and new friends comes butterflies and anxiety that we may not be used to seeing in our children. See below a list of ways to combat "school refusal," a common form of anxiety that many of our children experience, whether it is easily recognizable or not.
So what is school refusal? I think all parents have experienced excess clinging during morning drop-offs to school, avoidance, flat-out defiance and the good old-fashioned tantrum. In older children, this refusal may occur in terms of "not feeling well" in attempts to stay home, away from all things that are causing their anxiety (the fear of not knowing the correct answers in class, having to meet new friends, or even worries about who to sit with at lunchtime), as well as real physical symptoms, like stomachaches, or nausea.*
Usually, these childhood fears dissipate over the course of learning a new routine. We have to wake up a little bit earlier to avoid the additional school traffic on the road in the mornings, and our children have to adjust their minds to what is new in their lives before becoming comfortable.
How can we, as parents, help to combat school refusal?
· Don't rush your mornings. Prepare lunches and backpacks the evening prior to bedtime and wake up just a little bit earlier in the mornings. This gives you time to eat breakfast with your child, talk about the day's expectations and gives the child a chance to voice any concerns they may have.
· For little ones entering a schooling environment for the first time, adjust them to school in small doses. Once assigned a classroom and teacher, ask if you can start dropping your child in for a few hours a day to help them adjust.
· Talk with your children about their fears and feelings, and find solutions together for things that may cause them stress or concern. A good time to do this is during a family dinner when your child is relaxed and comfortable.
· Encourage playdates for little ones and extracurricular activities for older children. This will help them relax while being around people their age in a similar environment. Having your child build excitement over activities that are school-related will not only encourage them to like attending each morning, but it may very well make them more in tune with the classroom aspects of school.
· Most importantly, make yourself known at your children's school. Know your child's principals, directors, teachers and part-time aids. Not only is this a great way to let educators know just how involved you are, but your child will be proud that you are involved.
*While some of these symptoms are normal and affect a large majority of children, should you notice
your child not getting better, consult a mental health professional.*
Marlena Rice is a local mom and author. Her new book, "Pacifiers, Flatbeds and Barn Wood Thingamajigs, a 'Come to Jesus Guide' for the New, Southern Mom," will be available on Amazon.com this fall. Follow Marlena on Instagram at marlena_rice.
Article sponsored by ERC Roofing and Construction.
Find them on the web at: http://alabamaroofingexpert.com
Praying Through Our Parenting17 Aug 2015
By Ben Talmadge
The area of prayer can be a tricky one. While the idea of talking to God is thought-provoking, it also feels kind of strange to talk to someone you can't see, hear, or touch. I have found that the times I pray most consistently is when I am keenly aware of needs in my life which are beyond my ability to figure out on my own. Parenting is a great example of this, for it is an area which can often be frustrating and taxing. Here are three lessons I've learned about prayer through my own journey of parenting:
Prayer is illustrated by children. Interestingly, Jesus uses the example of children to help explain what God desires from people. He tells his followers, "unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). So, why does Jesus use children to explain how to best approach God? Most likely, Jesus is expressing his desire for us to come to him in the same way that little children come to their parents. They do not come with everything figured out but rather simply as who they are in each and every moment. As we observe this in our children, Jesus intends for us to assume this posture before him. Ultimately, he desires to be with us through every parenting experience, as we learn to be honest with him through both the good and bad times.
Prayer matters more than principles. If you peruse any bookstore, you will find no shortage of books which contain a plethora of parenting principles. While some of these can be helpful, we need to be careful not to make too much out of principles. Becoming too dependent on good principles can give us the illusion that we are the ones who are in control of the task of parenting. If we are the ones in control, it means that we are not allowing God to be in control. While principles may help in some moments, there are inevitably moments that come when we have no idea what to do or say. If principles alone could produce successful parenting, then God is not needed. May we learn to pray through our parenting as much as we attempt to apply the right parenting principles.
Prayer challenges our view of God. If many of us are honest, it just doesn't feel like God is very involved in our lives. Accepting the idea that God is far off is dangerous, because it produces a dogged cynicism in our lives. We begin to think that life is up to us, that God is not really doing a whole lot to help us. And there is nothing in life that can feel more like a struggle to simply survive than parenting. Often times, we may feel like we have no idea what we're doing as a parent, and it is in these moments that it is imperative for us to understand that God actually desires to be intimately involved in our parenting. In fact, I have found the task of parenting to be the birthplace of prayer in my life, realizing that without God's personal involvement, my best efforts to parent will ultimately fall short.
Admittedly, prayer can be challenging. But if we can learn to view it as an invitation from God to enter into relationship, then it can become an opportunity to experience relational transformation with our children. Perhaps God is wanting us to learn how to relationally pursue our children as we simply experience how he relationally pursues us.
Ben Talmadge serves on staff of Youth For Christ and Grace Church. He and his wife, Anna Grace, have two children, Jem and Hazel Jane.
8 Tips to Make Freshman Year a Breeze17 Aug 2015
By Tori Linville
1. Make a roommate agreement immediately
While taking time to get to know your roommate can be fun, drawing some clear and concise boundaries ahead of time will save some heartache if you're out a pot and pan set because said roommate can't cook. After you both know what each other likes and doesn't like, you can face the semester together with less to worry about.
2. Don't over-commit…
The famed interest fairs with free t-shirt giveaways can have you slingin' your email at every honor society and club that throws you a complimentary cup. The best thing to do? Take the shirt, but only leave your email and contact information at the clubs that really strike your interests. That way, you'll be able to spend your time on things you actually care about, instead of spreading yourself too thin!
3. But don't be a hermit!
On the other hand, staying inside your dorm room while binge-watching Netflix isn't too healthy either. So either add some friends to your binge spree, or get out and about. Just don't end up stuck to your bed to where you're in a daze and don't know what day it is.
4. Get to know campus (and the city) before classes begin
This is where the whole 'out and about' thing comes in. Knowing the campus cuts down on the stopping-staring-you're-definitely-a-freshman-move. It also saves time and keeps you from getting lost. Once you're familiar with campus, branch out to the remaining town around you in order to know the best places for shopping, coffee and more.
5. Avoid the freshman fifteen
One of the best things you can do is to remember to take care of your body. While unlimited fried foods at the dining halls will always be tempting, exercise can give you more energy for class, studying and friend time.
6. Hunt for textbook bargains
Be aware that the campus bookstore might not have the best prices for your textbooks. Shop around and spend the extra time comparing prices in order to save your wallet some pain.
7. Find a study space that fits you
It might be the campus library, or it could be the coffee shop clear across town. You won't know it until you find it and when you find it, it can make all the difference.
8. Don't forget to breathe (and have fun!)
College is a time to learn, grow and have fun. Don't let the stress get to you
Article sponsored by DCH and First South Farm Credit.
Find DCH on the web at: www.dchsystem.com
Find First South Farm Credit on the web at: www.firstsouthfarmcredit.com/home.aspx
Cheap, Fast Water Fun09 Aug 2015
A summer past time everybody remembers is taking a huge, refreshing swig of water from the water hose while playing outside. Nowadays, there's more than one way to catch that refreshing swig all over again. We've listed some virtually inexpensive water games that don't even require you leaving the driveway to cure the summertime boredom we all face. Other than slip 'n slides and water balloon fights, these fast and easy games will offer a quick way to cool off without breaking the bank.
Cold Potato
Unlike hot potato, cold potato is considerate of the summer heat. Using a pin to poke a small hole in a water balloon, the 'cold potato' is passed around in a circle before it runs out of water. The idea is that every one cools off, but not too much.
Add a twist: The player who catches the balloon as it runs out of water gets an entire leaky water balloon squirted at them.
Marco Polo – without the pool
The idea is the same but instead of treading water, the infamous Marco is blinded and strapped with a water gun to seek out his or her Polos. Mixed with a bit of hide and seek, Marco counts to ten with his or her back turned, and then calls Marco. When a Polo is successfully drenched, switch roles.
Add a twist: Add some water balloons to the Marco's arsenal.
Maybe one of the easiest water games ever. The goal? To make the biggest splat with water balloons. Just throw them in the air. The higher the throw, the bigger the splat. Winner is the player with the biggest splat.
Add a twist: Challenge players to create a shape from their splats.
Bobbing for Apples
A carnival tradition, bobbing for apples is a perfect way to chill down. Just stick your face in the water and try your best for a fruity prize.
Add a twist: Switch up fruits and turn the edible prizes into smoothies.
Article sponsored by Alabama Power and Tuscaloosa Environmental.
Find Alabama Power on the web at: http://www.alabamapower.com
Find Tuscaloosa Environmental on the web at: http://www.tuscaloosa.com/recycle
Getting Kids Healthy for School03 Aug 2015
By Tori Linville
Back to school isn't just about backpacks and new classes. It's the one time of year that a student's immune system is re-exposed to millions of germs after a three month break. It's back to the cafeteria for school lunches instead of food at home. It's back absent-mindedly touching doorknobs and noses. If you're not too grossed out, here are some reminders and tips to helping the transition from home to school easier on the whole family.
Stress the importance of common sense when spreading germs, meaning:
· Washing hands after using the restroom to reduce the spread of sickness. For little ones, reminding them to wash their hands through the duration of the Happy Birthday song two times in their heads can be a helpful tip.
· Cover mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing
· Keep hands away from eyes and mouth
· Regularly use hand sanitizers and disinfectants, especially after touching eyes, mouth, keyboards, community tools such as scissors, etc.
· Don't share food, drink or personal items with classmates in order to reduce illness and other possible contagions
· Double check for possible sicknesses before arranging any play dates or sleepovers
· Pack a lunch complete with more whole grains, fruits and veggies. Low-fat dairy products and low-sodium and low-fat choices are best along with portion control to make a healthy meal
· Ensure plenty of exercise and sleep for a healthy body
Some products that are backpack and pocket-friendly and can help slow down sickness include:
· Pocket sized Germ-X
· Personal Tissue Packs
· Tea Tree Oil (to prevent lice)
· Sanitizing Wipes
· Vitamin C Drink (or drink mix)
Photo Credit: Barterco.com
Article sponsored by Med Center Urgent Care.
Find them on the web: http://www.medcenterurgentcare.com
Back to School Party Ideas28 Jul 2015
By Tori Linville
The smell of pencils and excitement will soon fill the air for students and summer break will end. This doesn't have to mean the end of fun altogether, as some would have you believe. Back to school shindigs to celebrate the coming of a new school year are the perfect re-introduction to academia that will have your guests ready to go. We've scoured blog after blog for some of the best back to school party ideas so you don't have to. The simple, must-have ideas are below, with more resources and how-tos for your unforgettable celebration!
· Create a cute tablescape that ties into your theme
Glue a some felt leaves onto a red plate to make an apple plate. Throw in a cute table runner to add. See how Spaceships and Laserbeams rocked these ideas.
Feature a centerpiece with composition books as a platform, pencils as the flowers.
· Add some back-to-school inspired edibles
Some created their own custom cookies that look like chalkboards, pencils and more. Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish are perfect snacks or even some alphabet cupcakes could do the trick. Checkout these ideas in action at Pizzazzerie.
· Handout some crafty invites
Stun all your guests with your craftiness before the party even starts. Using file folders like this blog did will stand out as thoughtful and will list everything they need to know. If you're not feeling like going the extra mile, that's okay too. They have free, printable invitations anyway that will work in a snap.
Checkout these diy invites that are also free and printable. While they are pretty specific, you can use them your own way for your own invites. Additional supplies such as stickers, note cards and more are also available.
For a back to school party with a bookworm theme, check out the party courtesy of Giggles Galore. Or for another full-fledged party scheme to follow, visit this blog for ideas too.
Article sponsored by Tuscaloosa Tire and Service Center.
Find them on the web at: http://tuscaloosatireandservice.com
Back to School Ideas24 Jul 2015
By Tori Linville
School is almost in session for another year. Teachers will be sending home assignments to complete and requests for classroom supplies. Children will be stuffed with knowledge and lunches. To survive the back to school daze, we've got some great ideas to try that will supply smiles all around. Good grades not guaranteed.
Teacher Survival Kit
A great way to get on a teacher's good side is an unforgettable survival kit. The start to the new school year requires tons of supplies that teachers need for the day to day of operating a classroom. Grab a small dollar store basket and line it with some tissue paper. Then, load it up with some of these goods:
· Germ-X or any type of hand sanitizer
· Post-It Notes
· Pens
· Pencils
· Printer Paper
· Notebook Paper (wide ruled)
· A box of tissues
· Paper Clips
· Binder Clips
· Dry-Erase Markers
· Dry-Erase Board Cleaner
· Candy
· Stickers for grading
Back to School Candy Pencil
Send your kiddos back to school with these treats to hand out to classmates. They'll be sure to be a class favorite and allows for a quick break from all the learning!
What you'll need:
Rolo candy
Hershey Kisses
Yellow scrapbook paper
Pink scrapbook paper
Metallic of foil scrapbook paper
Paper cutter (optional)
Markers, black
Glue Stick
1 piece of lined paper (to guide)
Large skewer or scoring tool
What you'll make:
1. Cut Paper
Yellow paper: cut 3.5 in. by 4.5 in.
Pink paper: cut .5 in. by 3. 5 in.
Metallic paper: cut 3.4 in. by 3.5 in.
Cut a circle from another piece of pink paper by tracing around the rolo candy and cut out.
2. Using the lined paper as a guide, score the long side of the yellow paper every two lines.
3. Write a fun, nice message in the middle of the paper. Fold the paper on each of the scored lines.
4. Attach the pink and metallic paper to the end of the yellow with glue.
5. Carefully remove the white paper from the Kiss and color the tip with a black marker.
6. Using glue, wrap the Rolo candy with the paper and secure, then add the Kiss.
7. Attach the circle of pink paper to the end of the candy with glue.
Check out this website for more fun school-themed craft ideas.
School Countdown/Art Display
Using a simple picture frame and some twine, you can generate excitement about the upcoming school year by displaying a countdown and then displaying any artwork the children come home with during the year.
Just take a large picture frame and wrap it with twine. Start by tying a secure knot with the twine at the top right of the frame, then wrap around the frame.
Hang a fun, festive countdown by securing sheets that display the days with a clothespin. After school has started, use clothespins to hang artwork and enjoy!
Article sponsored by Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Find them on the web: http://www.hschurch.com
By Marlena Rice
It is officially summer. Parents of older children probably just said a prayer of relief after that statement. For them, this hiatus in classroom learning means no more dropping off to school before work in the mornings, and no more late work lunches in order to make plays, parent teacher conferences, and holiday classroom parties. I just heard multiple sighs of relief, because although we enjoy all of these things and love watching our little people discover themselves as they participate in their activities, my goodness, it gets exhausting!
But what happens when your child goes to school year-round?
I have a preschooler. And, although my son's official preschool session has ended, as all preschool mothers know, the summer leaves us with 2 and 1/2 months of preparation for the next "big boy" and big girl" class come the fall. So, while our babies are attending preschool day camps full of movies, water days and other hot weather fun, it is up to us to continue enriching their learning experiences as they grow. Here are some great ideas:
Visit the Zoo
Taking your child to the zoo can result in multiple lessons about a wide variety of land and sea animals. Take photographs, and afterward your child will have pictures to reference as he learns the animals' names and about the habitats in which they live.
Hit the Blue
Go to the pool, the river, the beach or play around in the sprinklers in your front yard. It is never too early to teach our babies to enjoy and not to be afraid of the water. Visit a local department store, get some fun water floats and toys, and work on everything from counting multiple buoys to learning to differentiate varying colors as you play together.
Flashcard Fun
You know what your child loves more than anyone. "M" is for Mickey Mouse, and "P" may be for Popsicle. Your next step? Hit up your computer with your little one and find pictures that match your alphabet. Make flashcards. Sit together for 30 minutes to one hour each day and you will be surprised what can happen during summer break.
Explore the Outdoors
If you live in a wooded area with lots of greenery or near a walking trail or park, grab your child's stroller or wagon and go on a nature walk. Be on the lookout for flowers and plants, bugs, rabbits, and creepy crawlies that your littles ones might love (even if you don't) and combine your exercise session with a lesson about plants and wildlife.
Take Up a Shared Hobby
Despite the fact that most of us working parents don't have a summer break like our children (and yes, I'm extremely envious of all my teacher friends), our kids' summer freedom often means just a little more free time for us as well. If there is something that you love doing, whether it's picking up the old guitar in your spare bedroom or taking photographs, incorporate your child into your hobby. Teach them a little more about the fun side of yourself.
Pictures are always fun and are such an easy and fun way to document our memories. Pack a picnic one day, grab your camera and buy a disposable one for your little person and have a photo day! Once you're done, visit a crafts store and build your own scrapbooks or make a collage of your memory together.
Whatever you do, have fun with your kids this summer!
Photo: Marlena Rice
Caption: Beaux William watches the giraffes at the Birmingham Zoo.
The Mommy Chronicles: Tuning into Life15 Jun 2015
By Marlena Rice
My nearly two-year-old son, Beaux William, tends to wake up with demands on Saturday and Sunday mornings. His first words to me will either be "juice" or "milk," or, if I awake to a pair of his tennis shoes on my face, I know that immediately after milk, juice and breakfast, there will be a walk, a wagon ride, or a trip to the playground in our near, early-morning future.
One morning, I noticed something just a little bit different. After our typical exchange of baby demands (and Mommy accepting and meeting said demands), my little man handed me my glasses – and my cell phone. As I thanked him, I immediately began the internal parenting skills debate all mothers have: Have I done something wrong? Have I ignored him too many times in lieu of a cell phone conversation? No. But it's easy to question these things. Our little people are impressionable and, as their first teachers, we teach them some of their most important lessons.
Since that moment, I've made more of an effort to make sure that my social media posts, text messages and calls are kept to a minimum during family time. And I've also taken note of what other parents are doing, sometimes with great dismay. One recent morning, I watched as a father took his child out of the backseat of his car – a normal thing to see. What was unnerving, was that the father was talking not to his child, but into an ear device that seemed to be attached to an even larger device protruding from his pants pocket.
Today's new generation of parents are extreme multitaskers who thrive in a fast-paced, online-centered and social media-driven world that our parents didn't have. Our time is limited, and in an attempt to live "full" and do all of the things we aspire to do, we do it all at once. We go to work and work, talk with old friends on Facebook messenger on our smartphones all while watching, responding and fielding texts from our children's teachers as they notify us about school things. And let me tell you, it is exhausting.
Cleary, this is a problem. What's the solution?
Here are some tips on how to multitask and stream your two lives together – and I'll keep it brief, since we're all busy enough!
Start rebuilding "old-fashioned" relationships
The next time you think about beginning a stream of social media conversations with your friends, ask them to meet you for lunch. It will save you some email time, and you can have an interaction with another human being that isn't family or work-related.
Limit your time on social media
If you're addicted to reading Facebook posts about what your friends are going through in their daily lives (minute by minute), let it be something you only do during your alone time: on your lunch break or right before bed.
Incorporate your children in your online expeditions
If you like to shop online, let your children shop with you for some of their items and you will kill two birds with one stone; spending time with your babies while getting your shopping fix! Also, if you like to listen to music, juice up your iPod or cell phone and play it for everyone. Move furniture around if you have to, but DANCE! Little ones love this because not only does it shake away any and all structure for a few minutes but its good exercise, and it's fun.
Maximize your car rides
When you have little people, driving them around is a great way to make them listen to you. The next time you're headed to the grocery store, or school and work, sing together, ask questions and just talk without worrying about making that telephone call or checking that email. You'll be amazed at what you can learn, and how many laughs can come of it.
Turn it off
This is hard for some of us because our work is not the typical 8-5 but is more like the typical 24/7. But, if you have the opportunity to turn off your device without worry that you'll miss something more important than the people you love, turn it off, enjoy the internet silence and make noise with the people in your life instead.
Photo: Marlena Rice
Beaux William is learning to use his play time wisely.


text:
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Member recipe by imabadpixie
ServingsServes 1 - 30 Cookies
Choc Chip Cookies with minimal mess or washing up
This recipe has been submitted by the Good Food community. Sign in or create a My Good Food account to upload your own recipe creations. Please note that all recipes will be moderated but they are not tested in the Good Food kitchen.
Save to My Good Food
- 150g Butter - softened
- 120g light brown soft sugar
- 30g dark brown soft sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 300g Plain Flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 100g plain choc chips
- 100g milk choc chips
- Preheat the oven to gas mark 5 and line a flat baking sheet with grease proof paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together and then mix in the egg and essence.
- mix in half the flour and then the choc chips. Stir until the chocolate is mixed nicely and evenly through the mixture.
- Add in the remaining flour and baking powder until the mixture consumes all the dry ingredients.
- You can then either put dessert spoon dollops onto the baking tray and bake for 12 mins or until just browning. OR you can squash into a thin square shape on clingfilm and place in the fridge for an hour.
- Remove the dough from the fridge and cut into approx 30 peices. Roll these into balls and put onto the baking tray and into the oven for 7 mins.
- After 7 mins take out of the oven and press down each ball with the back of a spoon in the middle until slightly spread. Return to the oven for another 7 mins or until browned.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire wrack- or eat warm!!
Comments, questions and tips
9th Apr, 2013
Hi Andrea - i wouldnt suggest this for a giant cookie. Giant cookies tend to be best if they are a slightly softer bake cookie... try something based on Lauren's Millies Cookie (google it) instead. I have said it before and will say it again, these are not supposed to be like american cookies! They are biscuity cookies. For soft bake see the recipe suggested above!
7th Apr, 2013
I am very much a beginner baker, I tried these cookies today and they were fab! Very easy recipe and delicious cookies at the end of it, despite using gluten-free flour (which I had been told made things dry, but not these!). Thanks for the recipe, I intend to make them again next weekend to take into work for my colleagues!
17th Mar, 2013
I didn't like this recipe. I am from "land of the chocolate chip cookie" - North America, and I was really disappointed with this recipe. It's very dry and tasteless. When I was mixing up all the ingredients, I also thought it looked / felt really dry, but I thought it would all come good when I baked the cookies...sadly not. It was not a good use of ingredients unfortunately! I would not make these again, and am not quite sure what to do with all these tasteless biscuits now! * I must add, I followed the recipe exactly - weighed and measured everything, so there were no mistakes on my part.
19th Feb, 2013
Serioulsy nice recipe! I might try adding the splash of milk as Andy has suggested - I experimented with the size/shape of the cookies. First batch I made were small and thick, which turned out wonderfully. The second batch were large and thin, which turned out a bit more like biscuits than cookies, almost like chocolate chip shortbread, but still tasted amazing. All in all, a massive 5 stars :D


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A number of other problems may cause symptoms similar to
those of
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including:
Last Revised:
April 26, 2012
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Eggplant is a vegetable that I keep trying to like, but have a really hard time doing so. Until now, I've only eaten it one way that I enjoyed it - loved it, actually - and that was a dish I frequently ate in China, with eggplant, potatoes and spicy peppers in a rich sauce. Something about that dish was completely addictive. I tried to create it myself once, but ended up with a pan of brown mush that was so spicy it was inedible.
But I don't like to shun any vegetable - except for beets - I really have no desire to make an effort to like beets. So, I've roasted eggplant, I've sauteed it, etc... but no matter what, I just can't wrap my taste buds around its weird spongy texture. My mom fixed eggplant for dinner once when we were kids and left the peel on - my brother and sister and I decided it was like black electrical tape wrapped around a sponge!
I do still like the taste of it, though (the inside, not the peel), so I thought, why not embrace its soft texture by incorporating it into a smooth and creamy soup? Sweet red bell peppers seemed like they would be a yummy match for the eggplant.
But when I suggested this soup to Jamie the other day, he made THE FACE. You know the one. The face that says, what, no meat? And eggplant again, really? I assured him that it would be good the way I was going to make it. I'm not saying he doesn't like veggies - he eats pretty much anything - but he does like to have meat at dinner, too.
I started by roasting the peppers and eggplant with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then into the pot they went with shallots, garlic, lemon, red wine vinegar and spinach. A quick puree turned it into a beautifully smooth soup with a gorgeous orange color. Basil and parsley added a touch of freshness, and Parmesan cheese gave it a wonderful creaminess. A little crumbled turkey bacon on top made it not completely vegetarian, but it could certainly be left off.
With crusty pieces of garlic bread to dip in the soup, Jamie had to admit that it was good, and he even took leftovers to work for lunch. I loved the flavor of all the vegetables and herbs, the smooth creamy texture, and the crunch of the bread dipped in the soup. It was one of those meals that I couldn't wait to eat again the next day for lunch.
Roasted Red Pepper and Eggplant Soup with Spinach, Basil and Parsley
printable recipe
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and ribs discarded
- 2 eggplants, sliced in half lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- salt and pepper
- 1 large shallot, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- juice of 1 small lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 4 cups fat free, low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan, Asiago, or Romano cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- crostini or toasted garlic bread for dipping
Preheat the oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the cut bell peppers and eggplants on the baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
Peel the skin off the peppers and roughly chop the flesh. Scoop the eggplant flesh out of the peel and roughly chop the flesh. Set aside.
In a stockpot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the shallot, with a small pinch of salt, and cook for 3 minutes, until it starts to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and red wine vinegar and cook for 2 minutes. Add the roasted eggplant and bell peppers, the spinach and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or, working in batches, puree the soup in your blender).
Stir in the basil and parsley (reserving a small amount for garnish, if you like) and the grated cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Simmer steadily over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until soup has reduced slightly and is thickened to your liking.
Top each serving of soup with the crumbled turkey bacon, chopped basil and parsley, and an extra grating of cheese. Serve with crusty garlic bread or crostini.
Yields 4 servings.


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Israeli Settlement. Photo credit: Reuters
On June 30th the European Union published a directive that bars its 28 member states from contracting agreements for funding, awarding scholarships, prizes or research grants to residents living in Israeli settlements. Any future contracts between the EU and Israel will include a "territorial applicability clause" indicating the exclusion of the territories occupied in 1967 from the agreement, obliging Israel to put into words that settlements are not part of the Israeli State.
The directive officially went in effect on Friday July 19th and will regulate the parameters of Israeli-EU cooperation from 2014 to 2020, despite efforts made by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres to freeze the publication. The ruling applies only to direct funding and does not include a ban on commerce between the settlements and the EU thereby safeguarding the EU's position as Israel's largest trading partner.
The "territorial applicability clause" ends the ambiguity that has characterized the European Union's policy towards the settlements. According to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, the transfer of parts of the occupying powers own civilian population onto occupied land is pursuable by the International Court of Justice as a war crime. The move allows the European Union to silence critics and prove its capability to take concrete action against those who breach international agreements.
At the same time, including a clause on settlements gives new legitimacy to funds directed to Israel within the frame of a relationship strengthened by the guilt for the holocaust. As the EU delegation in Israel noted, the aim is "to be sure that Israel's participation [in projects benefitting from EU funding] is not put into question so that Israel will be in a position to make use of all possibilities offered by the new financial framework."
Drawing a line between Israel and its settlements in the Golan Heights, the West Bank and East Jerusalem marks a move from formal condemnation to concrete action
Drawing a line between Israel and its settlements in the Golan Heights, the West Bank and East Jerusalem marks a move from formal condemnation to concrete action
Drawing a line between Israel and its settlements in the Golan Heights, the West Bank and East Jerusalem marks a move from formal condemnation to concrete action, a step that will have "a positive impact on the chances of peace", PLO official Hanan Ashrawi said to Ma'an News.
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Zeev Elkin took an opposite stand on the future implications of the EU directive, defining it a "mistake" that undermines the future possibilities of peace. On Wednesday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who is engaged in a new campaign to revive peace talks in the area, warning him of the detrimental effects the EU stand would have on the possibility of conducting new peace talks. Netanyahu had previously rejected the new EU guidelines, stating that Israel will not accept "any external dictates on our borders".
More than 500,000 Jews live in 100+ settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, settlement land accounting for approximately 43 per cent of the West Bank and consuming 75 per cent of its water. In times of drought, Jewish settlers are given priority access to water resources. Taking over the land in the West Bank is understood by Orthodox Jews as a return to the Biblical land of Judea and Samaria ordained by God. For the Israeli government, the EU guidelines are unacceptable as they damage those Israelis who are viewed as exerting a religious right to their ancestral homeland.
Netanyahu's attempts to mediate between external and internal influences have so far been oriented towards denying the centrality of the settlement issue in resuming peace talks: "Settlements [in the West Bank and East Jerusalem blocs] do not significantly change our ability to reach an agreement – that is a false claim. The real question is whether there is or isn't a willingness among the Palestinians to accept a Jewish state." On the other side of the wall, Palestinian leaders have long stressed their refusal to resume peace talks unless Israel agrees to freeze settlement construction and agree that all future status agreements will be based on 1967 borders.
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Amy Unger
June 27, 2016
Before there were MP3s, CDs, and cassette tapes -- heck, even before eight-track tapes -- there was the record player. Although today, unless we have an affinity for vinyl, we think of record players as "old-school", often forgetting they revolutionized music and the music industry as much as MP3s have today. Record players allowed for listening to music at home for the first time; before the record player, it was live or nothing. It made such an impression, we still call music releases "records" and "albums," and the spinning album phrase "getting rotation" still means a song is heard on the radio.
Once record players came onto the scene in 1877, they didn't leave until almost a century later -- although they never fully left. Nostalgia as well as preference for the sound quality has kept vinyl alive, and DJs and hip hop artists still use turntables as part of their music-making. We celebrate the beauty of albums with our recent collaboration with Classic Album Sundays - monthly active listening sessions of entire albums in a studio setting with the best equipment available. It's a truly unique experience.
So how does a record player work? What are the different components, and how do they work together to produce sound? Let's take a closer look at this amazing game-changing contraption.
The Turntable
Although "turntable" and "record player" today are used almost synonymously, a turntable is technically the part of the record player where the record sits. Sometimes the turntable is also called the "revolving platter."
The center of the turntable includes a metal rod, holding the record in the center as it turns. The plate of the turntable itself is generally metal, typically covered with plastic or rubber so the record isn't inadvertently scratched.
The least expensive record players use steel for the turntable. The steel plates used in record players are light and cheap to produce, however, the consequence is that these plates have a low inertia, meaning any instability with the motor speed are quite pronounced.
A more expensive turntable plate is aluminum. Aluminum plates have better balance, reduce vibration, and don't accentuate motor speed instabilities.
The turntable's rotation is controlled by the turntable drive system. The two main types of drive systems are the belt-drive system and the direct-drive system. The belt-drive system goes a long way in reducing noise heard from the motor, because the elastometric belt helps to absorb vibrations and other low-frequency sounds. A direct-drive system, by contrast, doesn't use intermediary gears, wheels, and belts. The advantage of a direct-drive system is later models had stronger motors and pitch control sliders. For this reason, direct-drive turntables were favored by disc jockeys for decades.
The Stylus
The stylus is the needle that rests against the record. Ideally, a stylus is a cone-shaped component made from diamond, which is the hardest natural material on Earth. Besides diamonds, sapphires are also commonly used for record needles. The stylus is connected to the tone arm by a flexible strip of metal. The flexibility in the middle allows for the stylus to ride up and down within the record grooves.
The stylus can be either spherical or elliptical. Elliptical styli have the advantage of increasing the fidelity of the music by allowing for more contact with the record groove. A spherical stylus provides less fidelity but is more sensitive.
Even a diamond-tipped stylus will need to be replaced after a while. Experts recommend changing the stylus after every 1,000 to 2,500 hours of listening pleasure.
The Tone Arm and the Cartridge
The tone arm is the arm of the record player that holds the stylus and, together with the cartridge, it is responsible for actually producing the sounds. Tone arms can be straight or curved. Which one is better? It depends who you ask. Some people insist curved tone arms produce better sound, but DJs and hip hop artists usually prefer straight arms because they're easier to scratch with.
As the stylus follows the grooves of the record, vibrations travel through the metal wires inside the tone arm and arrive at the cartridge at the tone arm's end. The cartridge contains coils within a magnetic field, and when the vibrations hit these coils, they are transformed into electrical signals. These electrical signals can be amplified and broadcasted through the speakers.
Amplifiers and Preamplifiers
Today, most audio receivers are designed for the signals that come out of a CD, DVD, or MP3 player. That means that they are not well-equipped to play the audio signal coming out of a traditional record player. Older audio receivers included what was called a phono preamplifier (also known as a preamp or phono stage) to boost record player signals to appropriate levels, but modern receivers lack phono preamps. Some record players include built-in preamps to solve this problem; talk to a true audiophile, however, and they will insist that you get a dedicated preamplifier for the best sound quality.
The right preamp depends upon the cartridge. Modern cartridges will play well with preamps at the 100pf to 150pf level; older cartridges, such as those from the 1980s, work better with preamps of the 200pf level. It should be noted, though, that if your cartridge hasn't been changed since the 1980s, you should go ahead and replace it anyway!
In short, the vinyl record is placed upon the revolving platter. As the record revolves, the stylus bumps up and down within the groove, sending its vibrations along metal wires within the tone arm and into the cartridge. The cartridge converts these vibrations into an electrical current using a magnetic field. This current is sent into the preamp, which boosts the signal on its way to the speaker. When the amplified current hits the speaker -- presto! -- we hear music or whatever is recorded onto the vinyl.
We hope you enjoyed this short tour of the anatomy of a record player. Did we leave out anything crucially important? Do you still listen to vinyl? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Understand Islam: Or Die Like A Pig At Your Slaughter
George W Bush on national television after the 9-11 attacks referred to Islam as a "great and peaceful religion", do you remember this? President George W also said after his first summit with President Putin that "he had looked into Mr. Putin's soul", really Mr Bush? My question to you is, was Mr. W ever correct about anything? It is my personal opinion that Mr. W was the worse overall president in my life time and that is saying a lot since I was born in 1956. I believe him to be just as crooked as his daddy and his daddy before him, it is just that Mr W is/was by far the most ignorant of the three. That is I felt that Mr. W was the worse most ignorant American President ever, that is until we got Mr. 'Coward Of The Country' Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Mr Trump brings a whole new level to the term ignorant, stupid, dumb ass.
It seem that several times a week the world wakes up to more news of Islamic fundamentalist murdering more innocent unarmed human beings, always in the name of "their god". How do you go to evening prayers and then go out and blow a plane out of the sky? People, what "god" are they praying to? It is absolutely not the God of the Bible, the New or the Old Testament. So, what in the name of all that is Holy is the people who pray to the Islamic god actually praying to?
Within Christianity the Scriptures over and over again teach all people to love each other and to do no harm to each other. In all of my years of going to different churches and studying of other religions I have never come across a single time where any prayers and services were directed toward killing anyone. The western world and especially here in the States the politicians and the liberal media are betraying themselves and the populace they are supposed to serve. Here in America we talk about the porous Mexican border and the people coming into this Country from the south. Here in the States the people coming here are far different from the people coming from the Middle-East. Here we are talking about economics mostly, security secondarily. But religion is not an issue with these people as most are either Christian/Catholic or of no faith system at all. None of these people are being driven by a life long religious hatred toward everything that the Bible and "the West" represent. Very few migrants from our south are coming into our country with the sole goal of killing over 300 million people and then taking all of the property of the ones they can kill as a 'spoil of war'. In Islam everyone will either convert and start worshiping their "god" fervently, or you are to be killed. What kind of "God" commands you to harm another person?
In Christianity the believers are told to go out into the world and try to convert people to Christ by the examples we live. This is for the purpose of "saving" everyone's eternal Soul by teaching them of the love of Christ. In Christianity God's hope is that all people will turn to Him through love before they die because the Scriptures teach us that if we die without Christ, then we will be condemned at our Judgement after we die. Our hope is that no one dies until they have had a long and healthy life tailored after the love of God. I as a Christian wish and hope that everyone on earth, including all the people who worship Allah will repent before they die. I do not even wish someone like "The Supreme Ruler" in Iran who is guilty of mass murder throughout the world to end up in Hell. As a Christian I want no one to be cast into a fire for the next trillions of years, there is no one I have ever hated that badly. The World is fighting the ideology of Islam whether you wish to be a part of it or not. This is a war that no one on the planet is safe from. You may say you are not at war with Islam, but that does not mean that Islam is not at war with you and every human being you know.
The "problem of Islam" will never be vanquished by human beings until the people who believe in Islam actually turn inward against itself and realize that they have been worshiping a Deity that is not a "god". But since apx 80% of the Middle-East Islamic male believers and apx 50% of their Iman and 99% of their women can not read they will never know that they are worshiping the Devil, not God. But, until the West and America wake up and realize that this invasion, this migrant situation, is different from anything that our Southern Brothers and Sisters have been bringing across our southern border then we are dooming ourselves by allowing believers of Islam into our countries. This is because it is not a case of religious beliefs butting heads, Islam is a whole new animal for all people to have to fight against. For the western world life as we have known it is changing for the worse and that is something that the whole world and every community in it will face and many people are going to be led to slaughter like a pack of ignorant pigs if we do not wake up to reality and the truth, very soon.