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Here's this year's top 10 albums list from Music Liberation. Whilst we didn't quite get to review all of the albums we'd have like to have this year, I feel the records we did get to were all really strong and as a result it was a difficult but wholly enjoyable process of narrowing down the final list you see before you. Hopefully you'll discover something new here you might have missed this year, and at the bottom of the post we also mention those albums we really rated but didn't quite get round to reviewing. 2012 has been a superb year for new music and fortunately for us it only looks like continuing into the new year and beyond.
Thanks for reading, listening, and engaging with Music Liberation this year, we'll be back in 2013 slightly fatter, older, and in some cases greyer, but we'll promise to keep up our desire to review and support the best in new music from across the globe. If you'd like to submit your music to us then please head here, and if you'd like to join the team and write some reviews then go here.
Cheers! x
Jon Sidwell (Editor)
1. Tall Ships - Everything Touching // Reviewed by Jon Sidwell
"Tall Ships have been on our radar for quite some time now, with us first covering them back in March 2010 with a review of their self titled EP. The trio from Falmouth (now based in Brighton) are signed with the impressive Big Scary Monsters, and Everything Touching is their debut record out as a split release with Blood And Biscuits...Everything Touching is quite possibly one of the best albums you'll hear all year, you just don't know it yet, and for that matter, neither do I, yet. You see this is a complex album which requires several listens to really grasp the depth of ideas this band have put forward over the ten tracks. Some moments are instant, others might take a while longer, but I'm deadly sure that at some point the penny will drop for all...To sum up this album I'll use a vastly overused word - EPIC."
2. Cloud Nothings - Attack On Memory // Reviewed by Clive Rozario
"Just listen to the opening couplet of 'Attack On Memory' – and you'll barely recognise them. 'No Future / No Past' is slow-burning, moody alternative-rock – not a million miles away from Pixies, with grumbling bass and eerie whining building to an exhilarating last minute in which Baldi screams "no future, no past" repeatedly. Darker, angrier, and a damn lot better than anything Baldi has written before. However, the second track 'Wasted Days' is not just the best song of their career, it's the best alternative song of the last few months. At nearly 9 minutes, it's much longer than anything else on the album, but it never feels excessively strung-out. Starting off as a simple garage-punk number with a massive vocal hook, it soon gets stuck into a progressive, vocal-less groove, with bubbling sonic textures and climbing, post-hardcore guitars. It's sprawling, but the climb is never without precision, and the heavy conclusion features Baldi's best ever vocal performance – barking-then-screaming "I thought I would be more that this" over and over with some mighty, mighty passion. It is huge."
3. Negative Pegasus - Looming // Reviewed by Moker
"It's a giant of a record; greater than the sum of its rackety and screeching parts, greater even than the crazy trio that fused it all together in a seaside lab full of smoking, bubbling liquids in glass beakers. The twisting, rich guitar riffs dance around horrendously huge staccato rhythms in some kind of punk / dance insanity that that gives zero fucks to what genre it may or may not fit into, whilst echo-drenched vocals occasionally wail out between the ensuing carnage...Look, whatever, it's stunning. Words are limited, music is infinite and this is one of the most exciting records in years. It it self indulgent? Yes. Is it inaccessible? Most probably. Is it genius? No doubt. Think Holy Fuck. Think Sleigh Bells. Think World's End Girlfriend. Think about every electro-punk-rock crossover that you've had the displeasure of hearing and then listen to an entire genre being saved by an epic, breath of fresh air that is this album. Inspired, passionate, adventurous and uncompromising, music really doesn't get much better than this."
4. Beat Culture - Tokyo Dreamer // Reviewed by Jon Sidwell
"Released earlier this year through Bad Panda Records, 'Tokyo Dreamer' is the new album from 17 year old South Korean Sunik Kim. Going under the moniker of Beat Culture, this exceptionally talented young man is already onto album number two, after releasing his debut LP 'Goldenbacked Weaver' in July of last year when he was just 16. His new record, 'Tokyo Dreamer', is a collection of 10 tracks which demonstrates Beat Culture's impeccable knowledge and skills in electronica...The songs that make up Tokyo Dreamer have a great deal of complexity to them and yet somehow Beat Culture seems to make it all sound so simple, and for any audio fan its literally like food for your ears. Taking inspiration from the likes of Burial, James Blake, Fourtet, and Gold Panda, Beat Culture fuses a range of electronic styles such as dub, hip hop, house, and breaks, to create songs which not only get you moving, put you in a really fucking good mood, but can also transport you wherever you'd like to go."
5. Hysterical Injury - Dead Wolf Situation // Reviewed by Jon Sidwell
"Dead Wolf Situation is the debut full length album from Bath's Hysterical Injury, a band that should need little introduction to you Music Liberation regulars...My favourite song on the album is 'Bitch's Balls' (great title), a track which starts stripped back but is slowly added to with a growing intensity, made up of wild guitars, prominent drums, and far out vocals. Concluding with the monstrous 'Rainbow Thunderclap', the 'Dead Wolf Situation' experience is one that leaves you feeling part exhausted, part overwhelmed, part enlightened, but in the end wholly satisfied and entirely captivated. As debut albums go its certainly sets the bar high, which will not only challenge those bands around them, but also will surely push the Hysterical Injury onto even greater things in the future. A thought which I hope you'll agree is more than tantalising..."
6. Citizens - CTZNS // Reviewed by Clive Rozario
7. Whirr - Pipe Dreams // Reviewed by Sarah Rayner
8. Grimes - Visions // Reviewed by Sarah Rayner
9. Luke Ritchie - The Water's Edge // Reviewed by Jon Sidwell
10. Mia Sparrow - Mee-Ah-Spar-O // Reviewed by Jon Sidwell
Some records we missed, but deserve a mention:-
Desolated - Verse Of Judas
Egyptian Hip Hop - Good Don't Sleep
Exlovers - Moth
Hold Your Horse Is - Frimley
Kyla La Grange - Ashes
Lucy Rose - Like I Used To

subset: commoncrawl


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New York, NY (September 17, 2013) -- New York Yankee pitcher, CC Sabathia and his wife Amber have teamed with the Celebrities For Charity Foundation's Net Raffle to
announce details of a priceless Yankee experience that will award one lucky winner an up close and personal look at the Yankees and dinner with the Sabathia's at an exclusive private event. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Sabathia's PitCCh In Foundation that helps inner city youth.
"Amber and I love the concept of a raffle because everyone has a chance to win and enjoy a one of a kind experience at a Yankee game, spend time with Amber and myself for dinner at NYY Steak, and meet many of my teammates. Our hope is to raise as much money as we can to help inner city youth through our PitCCh In Foundation," said CC Sabathia.
Tickets to the on-line raffle are available now at netRaffle.org and cost $2.00 each, with a minimum purchase of five tickets, and are discounted for purchases of ten or more tickets. The raffle ends at 11:00 a.m. EST on Friday, September 20, 2013. Click here to view the video of Amber and CC.
The Yankee Experience with Amber and CC Sabathia includes:
• 2 Field level VIP tickets to watch the New York Yankee vs. San Francisco Giants game on Sunday, September 22, 2013 at 1:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium
• Winner will join Amber and CC Sabathia at an exclusive event after the game at NYY Steak Restaurant as their personal guests on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
• Winner will receive a baseball signed by CC Sabathia
• Winner will receive an authentic New York Yankee jersey signed by CC Sabathia
• Winner will have their picture taken with Amber and CC Sabathia
• Winner will be awarded a cash prize in the amount of $665.00 to mitigate the Winner's tax liability that results from winning the raffle. This prize is withheld and paid, on behalf of the Winner, directly to the IRS ($560.00) and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ($105.00). The actual amount awarded may be adjusted proportionally based on the value of the actual prizes received.
About the PitCCh In Foundation: The PitCCh In Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit that supports inner city youth by raising their self-esteem through education and athletic activities. www.PitCCh.org. Follow on twitter @PitCChInFdn, @AmberSabathia, @CC_Sabathia.
Media contacts:
Kathy Jacobson, for CC Sabathia
925.683.2988 Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.
Jenna DaSilva, Celebrity Marketing, Inc.
978.749.6700, Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo.


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Dr Andrew Fagelman Attack receptionist Delita Hooks "Vine" surges
Dr Andrew Fagelman Attack receptionist Delita Hooks Vine https://vine.co/v/M3A9b3ehni0 surges from aprox 6,000 views to over 8,000 views this is important to me because the NYPD completely removed from the detectives on up to internal affairs the fact that she threatened me with bodily harm she said I'm going to slap the crap out of your ass for she pursued me approximately 15 feet down the hall landing on running punched my head making a hole in my retina.
NYPD Public Member Marks documented the fact that she threatened me with bodily harm I will slap the crap out of you ass attack anf Delita Hooks was the aggressor and guilty of a false cross complaint but all that was removed from the NYPD detective reports and internal affairs reports
Vid 6 second highlights Vine
Watch Delita Hooks remove DC her keys which had already hit me because they would hinder her goal to do a running punched in my left eye make me a hole in my retina
https://www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/173385168#fullscreen Delita Hooks false cross complaint I paid 15 dollars to get she walked in to 01 Precinct 2 days after me and committed yet another crime.
Please help go viral to shame MD, my attacker, NYPD, IAB, Cy Vance and ADAs involved thank you.
"Nothing stays hidden forever" David Lynch. Comforts me re violence lies Dr Andrew Fagelman's Delita Hooks violence lies #NYPD IA lies
Ray Kelly's Appellate Lawyer in front of 3 Judges Aug 21, 2015 admits understandable I feel aggrieved put my constitutional rights were in violated when in fact they were!
Dr Andrew Fagelman Attack receptionist Delita Hooks "Vine" surges


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Summerfest Live! 2017 (Gallery B) view event
Xfinity Live! - Saturday, Jul 15, 2017 3:00 PM
Photographer: Horace Knight
(133 photos; 125,352 photo views)
WHAT A DAY! Thanks to the thousands of people that came out to what was one heck of a fun day & beer fest experience with no lines, amazing weather, and over 175 beers from 75+ breweries - games - contests - and more. Hope to see you at at Oktoberfest Live! on September 30th!
view more photo galleries »
new! View This Gallery on FacebookBe Sure To Tag You & Your Friends! :)
Follow Us on Twitter!


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Meet beautiful Jamie Alvarez, ѕhе iѕ married tо mixed martial artist Eddie Alvarez. Hеr hubby will bе starring thе fight оf thе year ассоrding tо many, Alvarez will trу tо recapture thе 155-pound title frоm Chandler, whо tооk it frоm him in November 2011; аt Bellator 106 оn Saturday аt Lоng Beach Arena in California. Jamies' Silent Assassin will hаvе аll eyes оn him ѕinсе thiѕ will bе hiѕ firѕt encounter in mоrе thаn a year аftеr sitting оut in a lengthy contract squabble with Bellator thаt ѕаw him gеt аn offer frоm thе UFC, thеn a counter-offer frоm Bellator, thеn a lоng battle thаt hаd things tied uр in court bеfоrе thе twо ѕidеѕ finally саmе back аrоund аnd settled. Jamie whо iѕ a mom … [Read more...]
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Thanks Ben
Every broadcaster that ever worked for Ben Mondor can probably tell the same story.
At some point before your first day behind the mic, the legendary owner of the PawSox asked you to come down to his office to discuss his expectations for the team's radio announcers.
"Kid," Ben said in a stern voice. "I've read about these major league radio men with their multi-year contracts. Well, that's not how it works around here. Your contract isn't multi-year or year-to-year. It's not even month-to-month or game-to-game. Your deal is pitch-to-pitch because I'll be listening to every word!"
Then he broke into a big grin.
* * * * *
I was on vacation in Vancouver on Monday with my wife Peg and our son Sam when I learned of Ben's passing at the age of 85. I've spent the day thinking about what an incredible life he lived and how many lives he touched.
Mine included.
He is one of the kindest, funniest, and most generous people I have ever known.
* * * * *
Sam Hoard was born one month into my first year as a Pawtucket broadcaster in May of 2006. The following season when Peg brought him to his first baseball game, Ben insisted that they watch the game from the comfort of his luxury box next to the PawSox dugout.
Peg brought milk, Cheerios, and other appropriate snacks for a 1-year-old, but at some point while she was talking to Ben, Sam stuck his hand into the adult food and grabbed a shrimp.
Sure enough he loved it and tried to snatch another. Peg tried to gently tell Sam that the shrimp was not for him, but Ben wouldn't have it.
"Hey, the kid is smart — who wants Cheerios when you can have shrimp," Ben said with a belly laugh. "He can have as much shrimp as he wants!"
Sam turned four this year and has had the good fortune to watch several games from the owner's luxury box over the last few years.
His friend Mr. Mondor always had a tray of shrimp waiting.
* * * * *
I suspect the delivery person in our neighborhood is under the mistaken impression that I'm the world's most thoughtful husband.
For the past few years, Peg has received flowers on every appropriate occasion — Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, her birthday — you name it, the flowers have arrived like clockwork.
Only I had nothing to do with it.
Ben Mondor recognized that the spouses of his full-time employees faced a difficult burden because of the amount of time that we spend away from home, so he made a point over the years to always have the team send something thoughtful on holidays.
I told Peg today that I'm going to have to start jotting those dates down.
* * * * *
I'm really going to miss his stories.
Ben was one of world's greatest storytellers and I loved to drop by his office and throw out names of some of the great players who have worn the Pawtucket uniform to get his off-the-cuff reaction.
Here are some classic Mondor Memories:
Wade Boggs:
"A good friend . . . and a pain in the butt. He won five batting titles and people used to rave about his bat control. You know how he developed that? When he was with us and we had a homestand, he would walk in practically every morning and want to take batting practice. So I would take a kid working on the ground crew or somewhere else and I'd say, 'Look Wade, this kid is not going to be able to throw strikes. They're going to be high, low, inside, outside,' and he would say, 'That's what I want.' And he would do that for two or three hours a day. And when they were finished, they would go pick up the balls and do it again. That's how he developed that great bat control – right here at McCoy against kids who couldn't throw proper batting practice. He made a heck of a name for himself."
Jim Rice:
"He's the best. A great guy and he's very misunderstood by the media because he's a private guy. It's an insult that they waited 15 years to put him into the Hall of Fame. This was the most feared hitter in baseball in the '70's. Look at his achievements – they're unbelievable. Good God, he won the Triple Crown when he was here and it hasn't been done since. Nobody's even come close."
Nomar Garciaparra:
"He was a great athlete. When the Red Sox promoted him from Trenton, Ed Kenney called me and said they wanted me to keep an eye on him because they were worried that they were bringing him up to Triple-A too fast. So we would just sit down and talk. I tell you one thing – he shot one of baseball's theories to hell: Not swinging at the first pitch. He would always swing at the first pitch and hit about .347. He was a great fielder, he could turn the double play like nobody's business and he didn't toot his own horn."
Roger Clemens:
"If you want to win a free beer from your buddies at the saloon, ask them this question, 'What's the only team that Roger Clemens pitched for where he finished with a losing record?' It's Pawtucket – he was 2-3. He was just a young kid out of the University of Texas and he was only with us for a couple of months. The guy could pitch. I used to watch in his later years and think half of it was intimidation. He threw so hard and was so good that they were never comfortable in the batters box."
Manny Ramirez:
"Manny was my favorite ballplayer of all time. He spent a month with us on rehab and he loved it here. He lived like a king, didn't have to worry about all of those major league rules, and he supplied us with a lifetime of stories in one month. I remember one game, it was about the fifth or sixth inning and I heard the manager say, 'Where's Ramirez?' because there was nobody in left field. It seems that Manny had been talking to a clubhouse kid whose father had a barbershop on Newport Avenue. So he hopped in his car and went to get a haircut in the middle of a game – uniform and all. The manager went nuts, but we thought it was hysterical. Like him or don't like him, he certainly entertained us."
Daisuke Matsuzaka:
"I enjoy him tremendously contrary to our managers. You see, Daisuke has a habit of loading the bases or putting two men on and then striking out three men. That drives a manager crazy and I laugh my head off because I think it's the most entertaining thing in baseball."
Tim Wakefield:
"I wish he was my brother – that nice a guy. He was a really classy guy to have around. He set a good example for the other guys in the clubhouse and so forth. We were proud to have him here and I wish he would come back often."
Jose Canseco:
"You mean The Jose Canseco? He was a big pain in the rump who thought he was the most important thing in the world. He came here and he was something like 1-for-31. And he asked for something every single day. Then he would go out in left field and it was an adventure. Sometimes he caught them, sometimes they hit him, sometimes they went over his head."
Dustin Pedroia:
"I have a gripe with all of the so-called baseball experts because they don't know any more than I do. When Pedroia was here they said, 'He'll never make it. He's too short. Too plump. No arm, no speed, no range, can't hit.' After he left us, he won every award in the American League that could be had … Rookie of the Year … MVP. Did they know what they were talking about? I'm so glad he won all of those awards because he deserved it. Everything they said that he couldn't do — he did. So what does that tell you about all of the experts."
* * * * *
I read recently that there are 292 pitches in an average professional baseball game.
If I did the math right, my pitch-to-pitch contract with Ben Mondor lasted for approximately 210,240 pitches.
I hope he enjoyed them half as much as I did.
RIP Boss.
And thanks.
* * * * *
I'd love to hear from you. The address is email@example.com.
And if you Twitter, you can follow my tweets at http://twitter.com/Dan_Hoard


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by John Updike
The days are short,
The sun a spark
Hung thin between
The dark and dark.
Fat snowy footsteps
Track the floor.
Milk bottles burst
Outside the door.
The river is
A frozen place
Held still beneath
The trees of lace.
The sky is low.
The wind is gray.
The radiator
Purrs all day.
And to see other Muse Day posts, visit Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago.


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#2 Farmingdale State - 8, #3 The Sage Colleges - 0
Purchase, N.Y. - Sophomore pitcher Taylor Tedeschi (Levittown, N.Y.) threw a complete game shutout as the Rams defeated The Sage Colleges 8-0 in the First Round of the Skyline Playoffs this afternoon.
In the bottom of the first, sophomore center fielder Michelle Mongiello (Elmont, N.Y.) gave Farmingdale State a 1-0 lead with an RBI double. The Rams added an unearned run to take a 2-0 lead after one inning.
After increasing the lead to 3-0, a Mongiello RBI single which scored sophomore right fielder Sam Johrden (Deer Park, N.Y.) put Farmingdale State on top 4-0.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Rams opened up a 7-0 lead on an RBI single by senior first baseman Jennifer Jarczynski (West Babylon, N.Y.) and a Kristen Flint (Brentwood, N.Y.) 2 RBI double. Flint later scored an unearned run as Farmingdale State captured their first game of the Skyline Playoffs.
Mongiello was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and 2 RBI, while Flint was 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored and 2 RBI. Jarczynski had two hits, a run scored and a run batted in for the Rams.
Tedeschi improved to 10-6 on the year after allowing eight hits and striking out seven.


text: December 2, 2009 - Quinnipiac University Poll Staff Can Discuss Poll Showing New York Voters Support Same-Sex Marriage Word format New York State voters support 51 - 41 percent, with 8 percent undecided, a law allowing same- sex couples to marry, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released June 23. The independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll showed women support same-sex marriage 58 - 35 percent, while men oppose it by a narrow 48 - 44 percent margin. Same-sex marriage wins 65 - 28 percent from Democrats and 52 - 42 percent from independent voters, while Republicans oppose it 66 - 27 percent. The proposal wins 52 - 42 percent support from white voters and 55 - 39 percent from Hispanics. Black voters split with 43 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed. Voters who attend religious services at least once a week are opposed 63 - 31 percent, while those who attend less frequently support same-sex marriages 61 - 31 percent. Support also rises with income and education level. Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, is available to discuss the results. View the entire poll here. For RSS feed- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, or follow us on Twitter.


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Tyga Speaks On Crashing His $500,000 Lambo!
"Tyga stopped by Power106 to talk to Big Boy's Neighborhood about his crash on his way to vegas in his $500,000 Lambo." - Power106lavideos
Posted by @Worldstarvids
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QPR Suicide Prevention Training Workshop, Feb. 22
Monday, February 11, 2013
"Ask a question, save a life." For those who have ever wondered what to say to a troubled friend, an upcoming QPR workshop may be for you. Question, Persuade, and Refer - 3 simple steps anyone can take to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn to recognize the warning signs of a suicidal person and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.
The UNCW Counseling Center is offering a QPR Gatekeeper course to the campus community from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 22 in DePaolo Hall. Seating is limited and registration is required - contact Gina Speight at x23746 or email firstname.lastname@example.com to do so. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate noting them as a Certified QPR Gatekeeper.


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We had a fun time celebrating Dax's 3rd birthday. Dax picked his theme and we ran with it:)He also chose the menu of cheeseburgers, pineapple and strawberries and Cheetos. Mommy threw a few extra items of her own in there too:) Steve's whole family from Cincinnati came to celebrate with us.
Dax wanted chocolate cake so I made and decorated a zucchini chocolate cake. I used this recipe . I believe this was the recipe that my mom used to make years ago and it is one of my all time favorites. It makes such a moist cake.
We all had a wonderful time!
On Sunday, his actual birthday we went to the pumpkin patch after Mass.
The boys were really wanting their pictures taken here....not!
The boys had a great time playing and running around.
After the pumpkin patch we had more presents more cake! Dax had a wonderful birthday and received so many nice things. Thanks all of you who helped make it special!!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
a super birthday celebration
We had a fun time celebrating Dax's 3rd birthday. Dax picked his theme and we ran with it:)He also chose the menu of cheeseburgers, pineapple and strawberries and Cheetos. Mommy threw a few extra items of her own in there too:) Steve's whole family from Cincinnati came to celebrate with us.
Posted by Melanie at 7:31 AM 3 comments
Friday, October 30, 2009
bird feeder fun
The boys made bird feeders at Grandpa and Grandma Noe's house. Grandma sent them home with bird feed and they were excited to get them out in the yard.
They filled carefully filled them up
being careful not to spill.
Once full, boy were they heavy:)
They decided where to put them.
And then admired their work:)
We think the squirrels like it more than the birds. What a fun project!
Posted by Melanie at 9:07 AM 3 comments
Labels: craft
Monday, October 19, 2009
spooky cookies
The boys and I were very excited to try out my new cookie stamps and make some Halloween cookies. I had picked up these stamps at a little boutique in St. Armands Circle when we went to Florida last September. I had high hopes of making some cute cookies last year, but we were busy moving and it just never happened. So I have been waiting a whole year to try these babies out. The set came with 4 cookie stamps; a pumpkin, spiderweb, a cat and bats.
We made 2 batches of dough. This is the "anilla" (as Dax calls it) that we made into the pumpkins and the spiderwebs.
We did the cats and bats out of the chocolate.
It was really fun for my helpers. Just roll the dough into a ball and then press it flat with the stamp.
The chocolate tasted better, but the designs showed up better on the lighter dough.
The official cookie tester thought both were delicious:)
Posted by Melanie at 4:14 PM 2 comments
Saturday, October 10, 2009
there's a new superhero in town...
The other day Dax asked me for the third time to put on Xavier's Spiderman costume (yes, that costume has been going strong for a year now!) I told Dax that I was not going to put it on a him third time in the span of an hour, but I would put his mask on for him. He came to me to put the mask on and I just had to laugh. This is what I saw.
Instead of the super Dax cape/mask combo (which is the usual substitution for the full costume) we had full on "Cowboy Spiderman!" I then proceeded to take these just for laughs.
After Spiderman was sufficiently "fetty" (sweaty) he whipped the costume off and I had my sweet boy back again.
Mind if I take some more pictures??? Oh you do? Come on... just a few.
Just another day here at "Superhero Headquarters!"
Posted by Melanie at 10:30 PM 5 comments
Saturday, October 3, 2009
mom's carrot cake
I really have no idea where my mom got this carrot cake recipe but it is really my favorite one. It is easy, very moist and simply delicious. NO pineapple, raisins or other craziness...just straight up carrot cake the way it was meant to be...with plenty of cream cheese icing of course!
Carrot Cake
2 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. oil
2 c. pureed carrots
4 eggs
2 c. grated carrots
2 c. flour
2 t. soda
2 t. cinnamon
3/4 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
Using your mixer, combine sugar, oil, pureed carrots. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each egg. Add grated carrots and mix until combined. Add flour, soda and cinnamon. Mix until the flour mixture is incorporated. Add nuts. Grease and flour 2 nine inch cake rounds. Bake at 350 for about 40 mins or until the center is set and sides start to pull away from the pan. Do not over bake as no one likes a dry carrot cake:) Cool for 10 mins in cake pans and then turn out on wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite cream cheese icing.
* I think the original recipe called for jarred baby food carrots which I still find thoroughly disgusting even after having 2 kids. A much better and cost effective solution is to steam the carrots and then use your food processor or blender to make the puree. Even if I make a little too much puree, I just add it and cut back on the grated carrots:)
**I also add 1/2 t. salt and 1 t. vanilla for flavor.
*** I don't really chop my nuts as I like to have large chunks in the cake....just my personal preference.
Cream Cheese Icing
12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 t. vanilla extract
4 c. powdered sugar
Using electric mixer, beat 12 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter and vanilla extract in large bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
I made this particular cake for dinner guests and although it looks lovely, I did slightly over bake this one. It still tasted good but was not the utterly moist cake that it usually is. So I apologize to the dinner guests (who may be reading this and laughing) and encourage you to try this one as it will live up to the moistness that I have been raving about. But you may want to omit the nuts as a certain someone (who was very gracious and did not complain) is not a fan of them:)
On a different note... those carrots are very cute aren't they???
Enjoy and invent a reason to celebrate and make cake!
Posted by Melanie at 9:41 PM 1 comments


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Might as well be measuring it with Flintstones technology. http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/flaw-tylls-headphone-measurements
Headphone Measurements Explained - Total Harmonic Distortion Plus Noise Part 1
The primary goal of any audio transducer is to reproduce the signal it's receiving faithfully: high fidelity. Of course, no transducer is perfect and all alter the sound to some extent. Those alterations are distortions of the original signal. In other words, if you put in a pure 1kHz tone, harmonic distortions may cause some of that energy to apear at 2kHz, 3kHz, 4kHz etc; and non-linear behaviors (diaphragm brake-up; hair touching the driver; driver housing rattle) may cause broader band, noisy signals to apear almost anywhere in the audible spectrum.
There are numerous types of distortions and various measurement approaches that allow you to tease out the types of distortions present. The Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise measurement method used at InnerFidelity is poor at differentiating what types of distortions are present, but very good at portraying the amount of distortion of all types present.
How THD+noise is Measured
The principle method of taking a THD+noise measurement is quite simple really. You drive the device under test (DUT; a headphone in this case) with a pure tone (called a probe tone), say 1kHz. Then, in the case of headphones, you take the return signal from the measurement head and run it through a narrow notch filter tuned to 1kHz to remove the the probe tone, leaving you with any energy in the system apart from the probe tone. This process is repeated over and over throughout the audio spectrum up to 7kHz drawing a plot of how much the headphones distort the original signal over the audio spectrum.
(The reason the plot stops at 7kHz is because at that frequency the third harmonic is 21kHz and will go out of the measurement range of the instrument by 22kHz. Once the third harmonic leaves the measurement window the measured distortion will abruptly lower even though distortion in the system hasn't actually changed. Therefor measurements of THD+noise are not internally consistant beyond 7kHz.)
Let's take a close look at the causes of both harmonic distortions and noisy distortions.
Harmonic Distortion and the Transfer Curve
Audio amplifiers have a gain curve and headphones have a transfer function, but they really all mean about the same thing. (In fact after scouring the web for a half hour I'm not sure there's an agreed upon term here...please feel free to comment about what you think is the right term.) It's a way to depict how "linear" a device is. Let's talk our way through a few transfer curves.
In the illustration above, the incoming signal is in green at the bottom of the diagram. The square above it is the device under test, and the red line is its transfer curve. (For the moment let's just assume we're talking about an audio amplifier as it's a bit easier to understand this stuff for amps than it is for headphones.) As the input signal from the bottom moves left to right in sinusoidal manner, its position is projected up to the transfer curve. When viewed from the output side, this sinusoid can be seen moving up and down. Because the transfer curve is a straight line, the output signal is undistorted.
You'll also note the small frequency response plot in the lower right of the illustration. This shows the output spectra. In the case of a perfectly linear device at 0dB gain (output amplitude the same as the input amplitude) with a 1kHz input, we will see a single output tone at 0dB at 1kHz. Keep an eye on this plot as it will begin to show the harmonic distortion products as we move into non-linear transfer curves.
As I mentioned, in an audio amplifier this is sometimes called a gain curve. Not surprisingly, when we change the gain of an amplifier by adjusting the volume, we change the slope of the transfer curve.
When we turn the volume of an amplifier up, we increase the slope of the gain curve. You can see in the illustration above that by increasing the slope of the gain curve we increase the amplitude of the output signal while the input signal remains the same size. The output harmonic spectra plot still shows only a single peak (because the transfer curve remains linear) but it is now at about a +3dB level.
Likewise, turning down the volume decreases the slope of the transfer curve, lowering the output level. And again, because the curve remains linear, the output shown in the harmonic spectra is a single tone but now about -3dB in level relative to the input.
Now let's imagine we have a solid-state amplifier that has +/-5 Volt power supply rails, an input a signal that's 10 Volts peak-to-peak, and we turn the volume up just a little above unity gain. Well, if the amp only has 10 volts to work with between the +5Volt and -5Volt supplies it's simply unable to produce a signal that's bigger than 10Volts peak-to-peak.
In the diagram above you can see that the portion of the output signal reproduced on the central linear portion of the transfer curve keeps it's shape, but once the input signal reaches the upper and lower limits of the transfer curve it simply clips off the bottom and top of the waveform.
Now it's a bit complicated, but when you begin to flatten the top and bottom of a sine wave you begin to get odd harmonics. A square wave is essentially a fundamental tone and its odd harmonics at the appropriate phase and amplitude relationship. (More on this topic here.) So you can see in the harmonic spectra plot that you have the fundamental tone at 1kHz, but you also have harmonic tones at 3kHz and 5kHzthe odd harmonics.
The thing to take away from this plot is that as soon as the transfer curve is anything but a straight line, you will begin to produce harmonic distortion and a series of overtones stimulated by the probe tone.
It's also worth noting at this point that if you've been around long enough to remember the introduction of solid-state audio electronics they used to make a big deal of the term "Linear Amplifier". The term linear in that phrase refers to the gain curve of solid-state amplifiers which can be made much more like a straight line than the tube amplifiers common at the time.
Speaking of tube amplifiers, they too can exhibit signal clipping, but unlike the solid-state amplifier's hard clipping and abrupt end to the transfer curve, tube amplifiers loose gain at the extremes much more gradually.
The plot above shows the situation where the device under test loosing gain (reducing slope) as it reaches the extremes of its response. This would be typical of some tube amplifiers, and tends to be less abrasive sounding than the hard clipping of transistor circuits.
But what about headphones? Do they exhibit these types of response? Yes! For example, at very low frequencies as the headphone attempts to reproduce large, low frequency excursions, they begin to run out of steam on both the compression and rarefaction extremes. This causes the transfer curve on many headphones at low frequencies to exhibit the "S"-shaped response seen in the plot above. Another area with headphones that can cause a similar response is when, with large excursions, the voice coil leaves the area in the magnetic gap with maximum flux density. As the driver reaches its extremes, the coil windings are away from the flux reducing motive power and limiting movement at the extremes.
So far we've talked about symmetrical, S-shaped transfer curves that produce odd-order harmonics. It's called symmetrical because it exhibits a symmetrical loss of gain in both the positive and negative going directions. But there is another type of transfer curve we can consider: a simple "C"-shaped curve.
In the above plot we see a simple "C"-shaped curve as the transfer curve. This curve will produce more gain (steeper slope) for the positive half of the incoming waveform than it does for the negative half (less slope). This will result in the positive half of the output waveform being stretched and the negative half being squished. This type of distortion will produce even-order harmonics, and you can see in the harmonic spectra plot 2kHz, 4kHz, and 6kHz harmonics are being created from the probe tone.
This type of distortion is often seen in single-ended, class-A amplifiers with single output devices. It can also occur in headphone when there are asymmetrical forces at play. For example, there is a limited amount of acoustic space behind the driver. As the driver moves outward away from the structure behind the diaphragm they have less effect than when the driver moves inward toward the structures. This produces an asymmetry in response between the compression and rarefaction stroke of the driver.
Another asymmetrical phenomena exists due to the diaphragm being firmly fixed at its edges (for most dynamic headphone diaphragms), which causes the useful driving surface of the diaphragm to get smaller as the diaphragm moves away from center. But because of the bulging shape of the taurus between the fixed edge and internal dome, the change in driving area with excursion is different depending on whether it's moving outward or inward.
The truth is most systems will exhibit some amount of both symmetrical and asymmetrical behavior and will produce both even and odd harmonics. In fact, it's been suggested that when looking at the harmonic series, the best sounding products will exhibit both even and odd harmonics and they will appear in nice, smooth, ever decreasing series. Unfortunately, InnerFidelity's THD+noise measurement is unable to show this.
Harmonic Distortion Summary
All the above dialog about the shape of the transfer curve of the device under test and how, when not linear, it will produce harmonic overtones fall into the "THD" part of the THD+noise measurement. Put in a pure 1kHz tone, and you'll get some of that energy moved into a higher frequency that is a multiple of the original probe tone.
However, there are other mechanisms that might cause probe tone energy to be moved into other frequencies that have nothing to do with the transfer curve of the device under test. These spuria fall under the heading of "noise" in the measurement.
Noise Sources in THD+noise Measurements
Many headphone enthusiasts have experienced the dreaded "hair in the driver" syndrome. This is where a hair works it's way through the various coverings in front of the drive and is beginning to touch the diaphragm as it moves causing a buzzing noisevery bothersome if you've ever experienced it. The thing about this buzz is that it creates a broad band noise that isn't limited to the harmonic structure of the probe toneit is a noise source and is measured by the THD+noise measurement.
Another example of a noise source might be if a small part is loose and rattles. In this case, the rattling might be frequency sensitive: at 100Hz the part might rattle, but at 1kHz the probe tone frequency might be too high to stimulate the rattle. The THD+noise measurement will show this as elevated distortion at those frequencies where the rattle occurs.
A third example, and one that is very important with headphone measurements is the problem of diaphragm break up, which usually occurs at frequencies above 1kHz. Diaphragm break up happens when the normal pistonic movement of the diaphragm moving forward and back begins to exhibit another type of movementsometimes rocking motions, sometimes folding motions (think taco) of the diaphragm. These oscillatory mode of the diaphragm movement will produce tones in addition to the probe tone. They will be mathematically related to the probe tone, but won't necessarily be in the harmonic series. None the less, they will be measured and will appear as features on the THD+noise plot.
Power Handling and THD+noise Plots at 90dBspl and 100dBspl
The last thing to note about THD+noise measurements at InnerFidelity is that the THD+noise measurement is done at two different sound pressure levels in the headphones: 90dBspl and 100dBspl. Most people consider about 85dBspl as a reference listening levelif you're going to mix a record, you should do it at about 85dB. It's a pretty solid level, and louder than I normally listen for enjoyment. So, the 90dBspl THD+noise plot is fairly indicative of the worst case amount of distortion you'd get during normal listening. But, we have to remember that there will be dynamic peaks in the music much louder than the average level, so it is reasonable to test for distortion at higher levels, which is why InnerFidelity measures THD+noise at 100dBspl as well.
The thing to know about the THD+noise plot is that it is the amount of signal present apart from the probe tone measured relative to the amplitude of the probe tone itself. If I measure 1% THD+noise at 1kHz at 90dBspl, and the same 1% at 100dBspl, there will actually be 10dB more THD+Noise in the second measurement because it's measured relative to the 10dB higher in level probe tone.
Most headphones will exhibit mildly worse THD+noise numbers at higher volume levels, but some will exhibit much worse figures at some frequencies as the level goes from 90dBspl to 100dBspl. In that case we can say the headphone has poor power handeling, and is on the ragged edge of misbehavior during the high volume peaks of the music.
Conversely, we can sometimes see headphones where the 100dBspl THD+noise plot is below the 90dBspl plot. In this case we've got a headphone that is very well behaved as volume gets louder and we can say the headphone has good power handling capability.
THD+noise Plot Summary
The THD+noise plot sweeps a probe tone from 20Hz to 7kHz through he device under test. This probe tone will stimulate various distortion mechanism in the device under test, which will move some of the probe tone energy elsewhere in the frequency spectrum. The resulting signal is sent to an audio analyzer that first filters out the probe tone with a narrow notch filter that tracks the probe tone as it is stepped through the spectrum. The audio analyzer then measures the RMS amplitude of the remaining signal, which contains all the total harmonic distortion and noise products of the probe tone.
Instead of rushing to be the first to make a snarky comment, you should actually READ THE ARTICLE on how the THD+noise measurement is being performed. You would see that the argument you make in your linked 'discussion' is invalid given the testing methodology.
I understand the point you are making in the linked thread, but literally the first graph shown makes clear why it is now irrelevant.
I read it. I just think my way is better. Blocking out the frequency you're trying to measure and measuring the remaining noise is interesting and elegant, but it doesn't really tell you what frequency the headphone is really putting out when fed a particular frequency.
Just like in the thread you want to assume that a headphone fed x hz makes that sound. It's just not true, especially not for iems. I gave you an easy way to test it. But you'd rather assume instead of taking a little time to test it.
Your measurements are based on a false premise
P.s. I'm thinking about a particular 12 driver iem that I'm almost certain had the problem I described.
P.S.S. rhymes with Dana Carvey. I wonder if all the extra drivers are causing a problem in this respect and resulted in a "veiled" sound. Test it if you want.
I imagine that higher frequency distortion and noise would generally be similar in scale and shape as the graph up to 7 KHz, unless something weird went on with the drivers right?
I also imagine that inter-modulation distortion would parallel the THD + noise in terms of overall quantity in most cases. That would be another good test though. IM distortion is always present, and as you no doubt know can be graphed like this;
This is the best method I've seen so far for IM distortion graphing.
When you measure the THD + noise with microphones in the dummy head at the ear drum position, isn't that graph influenced by the raw SPL / frequency curves of the headphone being measured? Would a HRTF curve need to be applied to the measurement to illustrate the audibility of the distortion? Again, so much easier in loudspeakers, where what you see is what you get.
Glad you do these THD/noise tests, just as they are they are easy to read, and offer fair comparisons with all cans of a type being tested, regardless of correcting for the HRTF or not. Have you ever correlated THD/noise with the impulse response? I bet the quietest impulse response (or a quick smooth waterfall chart) would go hand and hand with low THD/noise, and low IM too, but that is guessing on my part.
Thanks Tyll! Keep on!
I don't think he understands enough physics to know what you're saying.
I have measured a number of headphone responses using two different approaches: looking at the resulting RMS response to individual frequencies and also by feeding the headphones a broad-band noise sound (white noise) and then doing a power spectrum analysis of the recorded headphone response (this accounts for all frequencies simultaneously). The results of the two approaches is that they match to within a decibel with the headphones that I have tried, at least above 100-200 Hz depending on the headphones. The response to broad-band sound in bass is exaggerated, however--I don't know if this is due to the headphones, my measurement gear, background sounds, or other issues. Pink noise might provide better signal to noise in the bass so might provide more reliable results in bass.
When comparing two headphones on different ears, keep in mind that the left ear can hear things quite differently than the right. Our brain does some sort of averaging so we don't normally notice this.
Don't become discouraged from trying to understand this stuff. It is easy to fool yourself (it has happened to me many times). Keep questioning everyone, including yourself, and eventually you will figure out the reasons for puzzling results.
Did you do that test with iems? Link the results
Nope, that's a valid point. Nor do I have access to the wide range of headphones that Tyll has. If you think about how drivers work, it is hard to imagine why there would be pitch errors, but "hard to imagine" does not mean "impossible." I'll keep an open mind about it until I see some hard data with iems. I don't have the gear to do those measurements because my microphones block the entrance to the ear-canal.
In the meantime, you might try checking if your left and right ears perceive certain pitches differently using the same speaker.
The ear canal resonances probably occur at somewhat different pitches in each ear. Here a couple of websites that you might find useful or interesting:
Oh and I believe your criticism has more to do with using a tone-sweep for the Frequency Response plots than the %THD+noise plots. As others have pointed out, Tyll's methodology should show a large distortion in the THD+noise plots if there were pitch errors that move the pitch outside the output notch.
Keep in mind that very few people have "perfect pitch" which would allow them to clearly distinguish amplitude changes from small pitch changes. There is a test of how well you can distinguish pitches in the website of the second link that I included in my last message.
Your posts in that thread might be the most flat-out wrong bit of drivel that I've ever read. I can't tell if you're some pure-subjectivist crusader or are just painfully ignorant.
If you are feeding headphones a [X]Hz source with a [X]Hz notch filter, and your headphones are putting out a [Y]Hz fundamental frequency, then you're going to get a massive spike at [Y]Hz (not to mention spikes at harmonics of that frequency, which would clearly not be harmonics of the source fundamental).
That's literally what Tyll's THD+N test is measuring. I don't understand why that's so difficult to comprehend.
I just happened to be in the Lab with the Noise-Vibration-Harshness lads, I was showing them some of your headphone measurements. I asked if I could insert a 31 band Eq into my stuff to flatten out my Sennheiser HD580s. They quickly took me to the Deep End of the Pool. phew! People that understand this stuff (enough to work with it) seem able to describe these relationships but my understanding diminishes by 50% for each 8 hour period afterword.
Their answer is YES!, I can EQ my little system but I need to take care, I can easily have blood trickling down my cheeks & neck.
Some good news is that the lowest priced cars are gonna be decidedly un-rattly sounding, these NVH guys are discovering/eliminating all the little buzzy things that make Shit Boxes sound like Shit boxes. And: these NVH guys run very similar graphs of Cars to those you run for headphones. They had to keep reminding me that it's not about Audio but rather Physics. Sound guys are Physicists. Get the physics right and the sound will be right. Lots of Math at work here.
One of todays little lessons : lowering the resonance point requires either adding mass or adding dampening or both!
I hope you're not gonna make us take a test to maintain our site subscription, I'll have to pay one of the NVH guys to take it for me.
Tony in Michigan
Thanks. There does seem to be some hidden variable. Maybe it's the time of day you make the measurements. Maybe some mains hum that changes with the load/conditions. Maybe the speaker in the box produces noise when it is on and shuts off automatically after a few minutes...
Great write up Tyll.....the example transfer curves are immensely helpful in explaining the details of harmonics.
Keep up the great edumakation!
Peace & Living in Stereo
(PS: goes without saying, but ignore the trolls, lots of us out here in headphone land absolutely appreciate your knowledge transfer. Folks are welcome to offer constructive feedback or alternate thoughts on a subject but it should be done so constructively)
This is an awesome answer to a question I had over on /r/headphones a couple days ago but couldn't find any info on:
can't wait for the next one. when getting bigger, that series will become a very nice place to point to instead of repeating the same things again and again on forums ^_^.
maybe insist on the fact that clipping isn't the normal behavior of an amp? because what I read as "tubes when pushed too far, will sound nicer" which in my book translates into "I might not even realize I need another amp for those cans when I use a tube". I'm afraid others may read it as "tubes rox". maybe insist on the fact that there is no reason why any amp should be pushed into clipping outside of uninformed purchase for a too demanding headphone pushed loud.
Hi Tyll. Is there a reason for the THD to increase practically linearly (in the log scale) in lower freqs? This seems rather artificial to me.
With lower frequencies the driver needs higher excursion. Max excursion is very limited for some headphone drivers. Halving the frequency theoretically requires 4 times the excursion.
You are right of course. The reason we see the increase in distortion is much more complex. I just wanted to show a simple linear relationship between halving the frequency and increasing distortion.
Yeah, the number is actually that of a sealed/infinite baffle speaker. A headphone obviously usually works by some level of seal between eardrum and driver, so this number will be different.
Still, an exponential rise in distortion (vs linear decreasing frequency) is not something out of the ordinary.
Yeah, less seal means more excursion.
The surrounds of the diaphragms will therefore exert a stronger opposite force trying to re-center the diaphragm.
If this "suspension" is not symmetrical then you will usually see more 2nd order distortion, because the large excursion in combination with this suspension will introduce a DC component in the diaphragm position.
There's more distortion coming from the off-center position of the voice coil, the moving diaphragm experiencing resistance from the air, etc.
I mean too close to the ideal to suspect that something else may be at play. Normally when the experimental results follow the theory THAT close, there is a very specific reason; specially when dealing with what would otherwise be a very complex mechanical system. I would only expect this kind of "too nice" behaviour from electrical systems, for example.
Hi Tyll,
I would like to know how to avoid the 'Hum noise' due to the ground looping while listening to USB audio?
Is there any specific noise filter or it depends on a proper ground looping?
It's not clear to me if you are referring to 90/100 dBA SPL or dB SPL. Also, when you say the measurement was done at 90/100 dB (or dBA), do you mean at 1 kHz or at the individual frequencies?
Are the distortions created by the probe tone added together?
For example,
probe tone = 500Hz, and the 4th harmonic(2kHz) is 0.25%
probe tone = 1kHz, and the 2nd harmonic(2kHz) is 1%
Will the THD plot show 1.25% for 2kHz? If so, then headphones might sound better than what the measurements show?
Since music has power concentrated in the fundamental and harmonics of the musical instruments that make up the music and the cumulative THD generated when that music is played will be lower than the THD measured by sweeping a tone?
Is my understanding correct?


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SOMERSWORTH — At Goodwin Community Health, providing dental sealants to children as a preventive measure is of the utmost importance.
SOMERSWORTH — At Goodwin Community Health, providing dental sealants to children as a preventive measure is of the utmost importance.
"I try to work myself out of a job; we don't want to see people back!" Whitney Goode, dental director at Goodwin Health Center, said.
Goodwin provides physical, dental and mental health services for the Greater Strafford County area of New Hampshire and Maine. According to Dental Director Whitney Goode, half of the people they see are on Medicaid and some patients have no insurance at all. Goodwin provides a sliding payment scale to make dental care, including sealants, more affordable for low-income patients. They currently see about 2,700 patients a year.
"We see anybody and everybody," Goode said.
In fact, Goodwin Health Center's efforts are part of why New Hampshire and Maine were two of only five states in the nation to be honored with a grade of "A" for providing dental sealants to low-income children, according to a Pew Center for the States report released Tuesday.
Dental sealants are a plastic material applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay most often occurs, in order to seal out plaque and food, according to the American Dental Association. They reduce tooth decay in school children by more than 70 percent and the cost of a sealant is estimated to be one-third the cost of filling a cavity, according to the report.
Typically, the Pew Center releases a report on children's overall oral health. However, this year they chose to focus on prevention and thus examined states' efforts to improve access to sealants for low-income children. Dental care for children is so important because it shows there is a direct connection between children's oral health and how well they perform in school, according to the Children's Alliance of New Hampshire. Their ability to learn, sleep, speak and grow into healthy adults is undermined by toothaches and other dental problems.
"Falling Short: Most States Lag on Dental Sealants," gave 40 percent of the states a grade of D or F. States were graded on four different indicators: whether they had sealant programs in high-need schools, how easily hygienists could place sealants in school-based programs, data collection and if states could meet national health objectives.
New Hampshire and Maine were the only states in the U.S. to receive perfect marks.
Goodwin dentist Jodi Carnes says many low-income families are unable to bring in their children for preventive appointments because they're of work obligations or financial reasons such as not having enough gas to get to the appointment. Many just don't show up or are forced to cancel appointments.
"It's a struggle all the way around," Carnes said.
Goodwin tries to help families out with bus passes, but the barriers to get the kids to the office are always the most frustrating. That's why Goodwin tries to get out into schools, which Goode says is the most fun part of her job.
Starting in 2005, Goodwin Community Health went into elementary schools to provide much-needed dental services to children in low-income families, including free exams, cleaning and sealants. However, because of funding constraints, the last two years they have switched tracks and now go to Head Start programs to provide the same services to children 3 to 5 years old.
"New Hampshire's impressive grade for our school based sealant program demonstrates how working as a team, great things can happen to improve children's oral health," Ellen Fineberg, executive director of Children's Alliance of New Hampshire, said in a press release on Tuesday. "Public health dental hygienists, dentists, state government and the New Hampshire Endowment for Health should all be applauded for their tireless work over the past decade in preventing oral decay through school based programs."
Laura Willard, director of Marketing and Community Relations at Goodwin Community Health, cites Goodwin board of directors Chair and local dentist David Staples as a huge help in their efforts to provide dental care to low-income residents and families. Willard says Staples was especially great for raising visibility to private area dentists, most of whom only accept patients with insurance. Staples was recently named volunteer of the year by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce for his good deeds in providing dental care to the poor, according to a recent Foster's article.
Staples was unavailable for an interview but, according to Willard, he thinks the reason New Hampshire did so well is because it really had to struggle because of a lack of funding and now operates more efficiently and effectively.
The Center for Disease Control has cooperative agreements with 20 states, including Maine, to provide between $235,000 to $355,000 to improve oral health, including dental sealant programs. New Hampshire is the only state without a cooperative agreement to receive a grade of "A."
"Yes, it's really exciting to be recognized as a state and we did a great job, but there's also a history and conditioning to be very frugal," Willard said.
Goode also believes that being a small state was to New Hampshire's advantage. She says that there is a good dental community who cares a lot and is good at organizing to make their grassroots effort for dental health work.
There are few places in New Hampshire able to provide dental services to low-income residents as Goodwin Community Health does. Because of the integrated nature of the center, Goode and other dentists are able to just walk a few steps and talk to a patient's physician or other doctor about a problem, allowing for quicker and more efficient care.
"This population usually gets shuffled around to any place that's low cost," Willard said. "Being able to offer this environment brings so much integrity to patient treatment."
Goode says dental sealants are a huge measure they've tried to push, especially for kids in areas without fluoride, which she cites as a huge challenge to better oral health. Many states add fluoride to their water to help prevent cavities. However, in New Hampshire, fluoridating water is both a political issue as well as a technical issue, since many residents have private wells rather than being tied into a municipal water supply.
Fluoridated water is one reason New Hampshire received a grade of B for children's dental health in 2010 and 2011 from the Pew Center for the States.
However, states still face barriers to reaching more children.
"Even in these five states (who received an "A" ranking), there is room for improvement because thousands of children who are most at risk for decay are not receiving sealants," says the Pew Center report.
Goode cites transportation, educational and visibility issues and finances as a barrier to providing care for more patients.
"We don't have the ability to market ourself the way a private practice could," said Willard. There are not many programs in the state like Goodwin's, and Goode says they're always looking for new funding in the form of grants and donations.
"One of the biggest problems for patients is always money," said Goode. "Dentistry is expensive! There's a very high overhead cost for materials and equipment."
To that end, Staples is organizing a fundraiser concert April 4 in Dover at the Rivermill at Dover Landing, more details forthcoming. Tickets can be acquired by calling 603-516-2558.
However, the center is accepting new patients and provides an emergency walk-in service daily from 8-11 a.m. They will also hold their annual "Give Kids a Smile" event, part of a national effort, on Feb. 8, where children can come in for free dental cleanings, exams, sealants and failings. Appointments are recommended.


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If that sounds like a no-brainer to you, let me just say that I get this question all the time. And my answer is nearly always the same: An enthusiastic "yes!" Standing works in 6 positive ways for speakers, whether you're facing a large crowd, a small meeting, on a seated panel or alone but talking on the phone. Here's what standing does for you:
- It improves your vocal quality: You'll breathe, project and sound better if you're standing, in part because your diaphragm will have the space to do its job at top performance levels. But you'll also sound more energetic. Your body (like most) starts to relax after about 10 minutes of sitting and listening, and you lose attention and focus the longer your in that state.
- You'll feel more energetic. Standing is a great way to channel that natural "fight or flight" feeling, and it also means you're ready for either option. You'll be better able to interact with all parts of the room, which will energize you if you're an extrovert.
- It establishes a visual focus. In the old parlance, "you have the floor" really meant that you were out on the floor, standing as the speaker. We're conditioned to watch the person standing when all else are seated. Why, you might do anything, and we want to see that.
- It gives you options for movement. It's tough to be dynamic from a chair, but when you are standing, you can move closer to or away from your slides, a questioner, or the group. You can move to keep and hold their attention or to illustrate a point.
- It ensures you can be seen. Too few speakers think of this, but if some of your audience can't see you, they're more likely to tune out. After all, they're here in person--where are you? Standing immediately helps you to be seen by most of the crowd, and lets you move around so those in the far sides and corners can see you, too.
- It establishes your authority. Standing for your presentation in a small meeting, or standing up when your turn comes by on a panel, helps you stand out as a leader. You "have the floor," as they say, and you're literally above the group. It's a subtle way to show you're taking charge without having to say so.
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text:
Ravi Shankar became the most unlikely of Western pop stars: a middle-aged master of the sitar largely unknown outside South Asia who suddenly found himself hanging out with the biggest rock acts of the 1960s and playing at the likes of the Monterrey Pop and Woodstock music festivals.
But the Indian musician, who died Tuesday at age 92, was far more than a fleeting 1960s hippy-dippy fad or just George Harrison's pal or Norah Jones' estranged dad. Ravi Shankar, in his own gentle way, shook and melded the worlds of Eastern and Western music, forging a legacy whose influence resounds long after his final note.
U.S. & World
His death, which came on the eve of the 12/12/12 show to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy, served as a reminder of perhaps his greatest achievement: organizing, with Harrison, the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. The spectacle, four decades ago at Madison Square Garden, gave popular music a sense of power, responsibility and, most significantly, an expanded worldview.
Perhaps the biggest name among the superstars playing Wednesday's Garden gig is Paul McCartney, who, with John Lennon, Ringo Starr and Harrison unleashed the wave of the pop music experimentation that gave us early tastes of what some called raga rock.
Harrison, who first picked up a sitar while filming a scene in an Indian restaurant during the movie "Help!," started by putting a distinctive sitar line in the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood (This Bird has Flown)" in 1965. The Rolling Stones followed by memorably incorporating the instrument into the pounding "Paint it, Black."
But Harrison delved deeper, seeking out Shankar, already a top musician in his homeland, as a teacher. That led to "Love to You" on the "Revolver" album, as well as "The Inner Light," an ethereal, underrated Harrison composition that graced the B-side of "Lady Madonna." Shankar's touch, though, can be felt most deeply on the winding and weaving "Within You Without You," from the Beatles' landmark "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band" album.
While the Beatles were inspired by a long line of musicians growing up – Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, to name a few – Shankar and Bob Dylan were among their few contemporary influences.
The Beatles' penchant for innovation sparked more pop musicians to expand their musical palettes – the results range from Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" to Paul Simon's "Graceland" to the hip-hop ethos of genre-bending sampling. Shankar, whom Harrison dubbed the "godfather of world music," lived long enough to see musical boundaries dissipate, thanks to adventurous artists around the globe and an online, iTunes-driven era in which songs from all over can be summoned with a click.
Shankar tributes, at least on this side of the globe, are destined to stress his Beatle ties and assess him in Western terms. We're guilty on that account. But suspect that he'd be okay with accolades from all viewpoints. Ravi Shankar, perhaps better than any performer of the mass media age, recognized the power and value of popular music of all kinds, and died secure as a world legend.
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is the former City Editor of the New York Daily News, where he started as a reporter in 1992. Follow him on Twitter.
Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media


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After finishing the Top 10 prospect lists for each team Baseball America's Jim Callis looks on the best of the rest:
Born: March 22, 1988. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 185. Drafted.: Morehead State, 2010 (12th round). Signed by: Phil Gulley.
Many scouts considered Lee a metal-bat creation—until he got a wood bat in his hands. The all-time leader in hits and RBIs at Morehead State, he hit .413 as a junior and .412 as a senior before the White Sox drafted him in the 12th round last June and signed him for $5,000. He batted .324 in his first month in pro ball before tiring late and finishing at .282. He earned all-star honors in the Rookie-level Appalachian League and topped the circuit with 24 doubles, showing enough at the plate to suggest Chicago may have found a bargain. Lee is still growing into his body and wouldn't stand out at a showcase, but he knows how to hit and play the game. A switch-hitter, he has a compact swing that looks similar from both sides of the plate. He's a smart hitter with surprising pop for his size. Most of his power comes from the left side of the plate. Lee played mostly shortstop in college but has a second baseman's arm and spent most of his time as a pro at the keystone. He has the tools to be a solid defender there, with the ability to fill in at short. He's a good baserunner, though he has just average speed. Whether Lee becomes a regular or utility infielder will depend on how much he hits. He'll be tested with a full-season assignment in 2011, likely at high Class A Winston-Salem because he's already 23.
Hit the link for reports on Nevin Griffith, Christian Marrero, and Jose Martinez.


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Crisp winter air, knee-deep autumn leaves, clear summer days and a riot of colour in spring; nowhere else in Queensland will you experience all four seasons as distinctively as right here. Just 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toowoomba crowns the edge of the Great Dividing Range 700 metres above sea level, overlooking the Lockyer Valley.
Known as Queensland's Garden City... so pack a picnic and relax in one of our 150-plus parks and gardens. Join the locals and taste the colours of spring at their Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers! Enjoy their ten-day festival of nonstop fun and laughter, fireworks, parades, the coolest music and entertainment as well as the sensational wines and tantalising tastes of the region.
From March to May mellow tints of red and gold mark the autumn showing. In the winter months, enjoy rugging up and winding down. Locally made wine and delicious food will tantalise the tastebuds and warm the soul.
Toowoomba's colonial history traces back to the early 1840s with the establishment of the first store on the Downs at "The Springs", soon thereafter renamed Drayton. The National Trust-owned Royal Bull's Head Inn dates from that period and you can still see it on Brisbane Street today. A drought in 1850 saw many re-settle a few kilometres to the northeast at what is now Toowoomba. After rapid expansion a new municipality was proclaimed in 1860, a township in 1892 and a city in 1904.
Toowoomba and its surrounds are strongly linked by an interconnected history that you can discover is alive and well in interactive museums, historical attractions and in streetscapes dotted with stately architecture.
Make your first stop on the history trail the Cobb+Co Museum. You'll find an outstanding collection of horse-drawn vehicles and the story of the natural and cultural history of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. You can trace Cobb+Co's role in the expansion of the Southern Queensland Country region, beginning as a small mail run in 1866 transporting mail and passengers to Brisbane and beyond.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


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St. Maurice's Abbey in Switzerland was built in a rather precarious place. Constructed in 515, the building stands tall against a steep cliff that is prone to rock slides. Damaging rock slides.
Over the last 15 centuries, the Abbey has been decimated by periods of falling rock. A significant strike in 1945 took down the Abbey's main tower. Because of its historical importance, the tower and other portions of the building have been rebuilt over and over.
To protect the ancient building once and for all, Savioz Fabrizzi architects built a cantilevered, translucent roof that extends out over the abbey. The roof is drilled into the adjacent cliff and can hold up to 170 tons of rock. The structure lets sunlight filter down upon the grounds below and maintains the Abbey's natural, verdant environment. [DesignBloom via Inhabitat]
You can keep up with Kelly Hodgkins, the author of this post, on Twitter, Google + or Facebook.


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DETROIT – After a jury found them guilty of multiple federal corruption charges Monday morning, former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his friend Bobby Ferguson were denied bond and ordered to go to prison while they await their sentencing.
Read: Kilpatrick, Ferguson found guilty on several counts
Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick, who was found guilty of one count of subscribing a false tax return in 2005, was not obligated to participate in the bond hearing.
The prosecution argued Ferguson and Kwame Kilpatrick were at risk of fleeing. Judge Nancy Edmunds made the decision to remand the men after a 2 p.m. detention hearing.
Watch: Roundtable discusses Kilpatrick verdicts, moving forward
The former mayor and Ferguson could face up to 20 years in prison for their racketeering convictions alone.
Edmunds cited two cases that are most closely on point. With respect to Kwame Kilpatrick, the government pointed to a history in state court and access to large amounts of cash and the likelihood of a substantial sentence.
She said Kilpatrick was previously convicted on two felony counts and he showed disregard and contempt to the citizens of Detroit. In response, he has noted that he has no such failure to appear here and has appeared consistently when required to, the judge said.
"It is not unusual for persons to point to pretrial release orders ... ," she said. "Kilpatrick has asserted over and over that he is innocent and will not go to prison. That can no longer be said."
With respect to Ferguson, Edmunds said he has a conviction on assault and that he appears to have access to plenty of money though he denies that still exists.
"He has a history of intimidation which is evident in the testimony of officer Fountain and other witnesses whom he wanted to give false testimony to grand jury," the judge said. "I order that Mr. Kilpatrick and Mr. Ferguson be remanded to the U.S. Marshals for detention."
Edmunds said Bernard Kilpatrick can remain out on bond.
Kwame Kilpatrick and Ferguson removed their jackets, tie, belts, cuff links and any jewelry. Ferguson was holding his driver's license in his hand. Kilpatrick took his license out of his pocket, handed it to his mother and said to Ferguson, "We won't need this where we're going."
U.S. Marshals then put the men in hand cuffs and led them out of the courtroom. They were taken to the Federal Corrections Institute in Milan, Mich.
From left: Kwame Kilpatrick, Bobby Ferguson and Bernard Kilpatrick -- Sketch by Jerry Lemenu
Prosecution, defense arguments during detention hearing
Before the judge's decision, U.S. Attorney Michael Bullotta said that based on Kilpatrick's characteristics the court should detain him. Bullotta said Kilpatrick disobeys parole officer orders by failing to report gifts and has a tether, a history of lying and misleading the courts and the ability to access large amounts of money, citing Mahlon Clift's testimony on $90,000.
The government believes that Ferguson still has access to large reserves of money, too. The third factor that the government cited for detaining the men is the court will impose substantial a prison sentence in this case.
Ferguson's attorney, Gerald Evelyn, argued his client has complied since September 2010, which shows that he can be trusted on bond. Evelyn said if the court was concerned about conviction and the case that is scheduled for another trial in another month, the court can also consider placing Ferguson on a tether. The record shows that Ferguson is a person who can be trusted on bond or alter it to be on tether, Evelyn said.
Breakdown of verdicts:
Kwame Kilpatrick faced 30 counts. He was found guilty on 24 counts. There was no consensus on three counts and he was found not guilty on three counts. Bobby Ferguson faced 11 counts and was found guilty of nine counts, no consensus on one count and not guilty on one count.
Bernard Kilpatrick faced four counts and was found guilty on the sole count of subscribing to a false tax return in 2005 -- Count 38. He was found not guilty on two counts: attempted extortion and a tax charge.


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Update: July 14, 2014
We just received our Shimano test camera and it's surprisingly small. We could never really get a good feel for its size until we saw it in person. We thought it was about the same size as the Garmin Virb but in reality, it's about half the size. So thumbs up for that. And of course the quality of this device seems top notch as the materials and the buttons have a refined feel to them.
Stay tuned as we start comparing this device to the latest POV cameras available today.
They sent us a bunch of GoPro compatible K-Edge mounts as well so we're intrigued that it's using the same mount interface.
Shimano Introduces Compact Multisport Camera
Shimano's CM-1000 POV Camera is a significant announcement to cyclists. This POV market is exploding in popularity but sales are dominated by a single player, GoPro. This company has the lion's share of this market and it seems there's very little competition and consumers have little choice when it comes to price and quality.
Now it's not for the lack of trying as companies have popped in and out of the market. The latest crop of players are compared here in the Mtbr POV Camera Shootout. And the market got a recent entry in the Garmin Virb, from the popular GPS company.
Shimano CM-1000 Screen Grab – Trail Follow Shot
This Shimano introduction is significant because of two things: Shimano quality and Shimano due diligence. First when it comes to quality, there is no mistaking what Shimano brings to the table. Their shifters, pedals, cranks are true engineering and manufacturing marvels. Often we take them for granted and it's only when other companies fail miserably in these categories that we realize how good the Shimano products are. Second, Shimano is not the fastest to market in a new category but when they create a new product, they do their homework. With a lot at stake here we expect the good things from Shimano.
Looking at the this new camera, the top-line numbers are $299 and weighs in at 86 grams and it's waterproof to 10 meters straight out of the box with no case needed. Compared to the GoPro at at 176 grams (with case), this is pretty light and compact. The Garmin Virb is bigger and heavier at 180 grams btw. The CM-1000 does HD video (not 4k) with a battery that lasts 2 hours per charge.
The real upside of the Shimano seems to be low light sensitivity at F2.0 compared to the Gopro's at F2.7. And the image quality of the Shimano CM-1000 seems stunning as well.
In and out of a dark tunnel
May 2014 is the release date for this camera.
Official Press Release
Osaka, Japan (February 4, 2014) – Expanding the options for consumers to connect with Shimano for experiences in sports, the leading cycling, fishing and rowing product manufacturer today introduced the CM-1000 Sport Camera. Continuing Shimano's legacy of innovation and quality, the CM-1000 enters the compact sport camera category with a lightweight and compact high-definition video camera with advanced connectivety options. The CM-1000 marks the company's first product introduction from its Lifestyle Gear Division targeting both fishing and cycling consumers, providing them opportunities to enjoy capturing their various sporting experiences as incredibly high quality photos and HD videos.
Years of research and design went into Shimano's CM-1000, ultimately creating a compact sport camera that excels in critical camera functions, appeals to consumers exploring terrestrial and aquatic sports, and also integrates with existing Shimano electronics in its fishing and cycling products. Key features and highlights of the CM-1000 include:
- Powerful, brilliant image-capturing camera – The lens and image sensor technologies in the CM-1000 combine to enable brilliant HD movies and high quality images in all conditions. Its F2.0 bright lens boasts incredible low-light performance while its 16MP back illuminated CMOS image sensor enables stunning 1080p HD video. The camera offers dual, standard angle 135° and super wide 180° modes, while a 90° increment auto image rotation allows users to flip the camera in multiple directions and maintain a horizontal image plane.
- Light, compact form factor – At 86 grams including the battery and lens cover and with dimensions of 44x70x30mm, its pocket size, streamlined design is smaller than a standard deck of cards.
- Exceptional waterproof rating – Out of the box and without the need for an external case, CM-1000 is waterproof up to 10 meters. This depth meets the IPX-8 Waterproof Standard – the best rating for electronics experiencing continuous underwater use.
- Advanced connectivity and intelligent integration – The CM-1000 utilizes WiFi connectivity and custom iOS and Android apps for mobile devices to allow live views, video playback, remote adjustments to camera settings and shot framing. Unique to the CM-1000, the device also uses ANT+ and ANT private wireless connections to transmit data from bicycle computers and accessories and the new Shimano D-Fly wireless Di2 transmitter to show performance cycling data in its captured videos.
Versatile, user-friendly design
Using the CM-1000 is simple and worry-free, thanks to the unit's design, waterproof capabilities, and connectivity and integration options with popular consumer electronics. The two-button design allows quick control or key functions while dual LED lights and audible cues identify settings. Its waterproof rating makes the CM-1000 a great option on the deck of a boat, for casual swimming, and enables it to be hosed off with other gear after a day's adventure. The auto-image rotation function means that it will maintain a horizontal shot despite its physical rotation. Connectivity and integration options with mobile devices and cycle computers simplify setup and playback while the ANT/ANT+ data allows cyclists to monitor videos and use the performance data – including heart rate, gear indication and cadence for example – as a training tool to improve their riding.
Accessories, supporting software and availability
The CM-1000 Sport Camera comes standard with the camera and lens cover, an adhesive mount and vented helmet mount, a USB cable and start up manual. The CM-1000 Sport Camera utilizes an iOS 6.0 and Android 4.2 app for use as a remote controller, angle monitor, a tool to change settings and video preview. Software for Windows 7 and Mac OS enables more comprehensive video editing, fish-eye view compensation, the display and integration of video and ANT+/ANT information to videos.
Additional accessories for the CM-1000 include the following mounts that all offer tool-free installation and adjustment: CM-MT01 Handlebar mount; CM-MT02 Flexible mount; CMMT03 Chest mount; and the CM-MT04 Cap mount.
The CM-1000 will be available in May 2014 for $299.00.


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Welcome to the Solar Cooking WikiEdit
Thank you for creating your account on the Solar Cooking Wiki. We would like to know about your experience with solar cooking.
If you have useful information to add, please feel free to edit any of our existing articles by clicking the "Edit" link at the top of any page. After you have made your changes, click the "Publish" button.
If you are a solar cooking promoter, designer, researcher, vender, or manufacturer you may want to become a Solar Cookers International Associate.
Resources to help you get startedEdit
Also, join in the solar cooking conversation over at the Solar Cookers World Network facebook group.
Feel free email me anytime if you need assistance.
Tom Sponheim
Web Manager
Solar Cookers International
Welcome to the Solar Cookers World Network wikiEdit
Hi, welcome to Solar Cooking! Thanks for your edit to the STEVEN Foundation page.
You are welcome to edit any of the articles on this wiki. Before creating an article about yourself, your NGO, or your business, please see Joining the Solar Cookers World Network.
We also have specific help for collaborating on this wiki.
Please leave a message on my talk page if I can help with anything! Paul Hedrick (talk) 22:17, January 10, 2014 (UTC)


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Send a collection of premium artisan cheeses fresh from California wine country in this elegant willow basket to the cheese connoisseur in your life. They'll love the Fiscalini Cheddar, Bellwether Farms Carmody, Aged Vella Mezzo Secco Monterrey Jack, and Sierra Nevada Classic Aged Goat Cheddar cheeses. Enough to satisfy both a curious palate and a healthy appetite.
Would you like to ship each item to a different recipient or ship all items to one recipient ?
Ship to multiple recipients > - or - Ship to one recipient >


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Update 2018: Have a look at ADDITI+ON SHOP and this link for an update on Trendy Mobility Aids
2016: For an update go to this part of our site where you can see more of what's new and the new supplier of Ossenberg Crutches , Mobility Choices
It can be really hard to find stylish mobility aids. It's a real shame that so little attention is paid to making crutches and walking sticks that are a little bit more trendy. After all, these are pieces of equipment that people have to use all the time. They shouldn't be stuck with something dull, clunky, noisy and grey.
With this in mind, we've compiled a list of some of the more trendy mobility aids that we have found:
These canes look really cool! They're beautifully designed and look really vibrant and stylish. They come in a variety of colours and are apparently built to last a lifetime. They weigh 14 ounces and can support up to 300 pounds.
They're made from a high-strength bicycle-grade aluminium shaft with a hooked birch wood handle. The handle widens in the right places and has a build in rubber strip to make it more comfortable and practical to hold. The shape of the handle also means that the user holds it directly above the tip which means they have increased stability.
Sabi canes are sold in the UK at Designed 2 Enable. The standard Sabi Cane costs £65 plus shipping costs. They come in three sizes depending on the height of the user.
As well as their standard cane, Sabi have created the Luxe – an all black version of their walking cane due to popular demand for a more formal mobility aid. It comes in luxury packaging and the birch handle is stained to make it darker and richer. According to their website: "It is the criminally gorgeous and brooding hero. It is the reflection of a love affair." This might be a slight overstatement but, whether you agree with that or not, you have to agree it does look very good.
The Luxe cane costs £128.
The final form of Sabi cane is their sports cane which is ostensibly for taking out on hikes and walks. The design is largely the same but with a matte finish rather than the brighter effect of the standard model.
It's a fair bit lighter, weighing 9.5 oz. and has a reflective logo, for walking at night. The handle is foam rather than birch wood which makes it more suitable for providing a secure hold on long walks but also makes it a little cheaper (£36 plus shipping – it is sold in UK at Designed 2 Enable). It's not quite as stylish as the standard cane but it is perhaps a little more practical for some people.
All the Sabi canes look fantastic and are really creatively designed. It shows that you can do interesting things when designing walking sticks!
Arbin Crutches are great because they are so compact. They're retractable, so when you are using them they can put aside taking up very little space. It removes the usual problem of your crutches getting in the way and making a unattractive mess, when they aren't being used. These crutch's handles slide down from the cuff and up the bottom slides up from the foot of the crutch to the small size of only 67 centimetres. Once folded in it can also be stood up on the handle making it easier to reach as well as being less noticeable. It's really practical and stylish too!
Arbin crutches also look good when they are at their full height. They're sleek and cool and they come in bronze or grey. They're available in the UK at Chic Aid Crutches costing £184 including postage, packaging and VAT.
These mobility aids have been described as "the Ferrari of crutches". Ossenberg's 'stealth crutches' are German designed, so you expect efficiency and they don't let you down. The arm cuff is one of the most comfortable and well designed on the market. These mobility aids are ultralight, slim and comfortable helping to make their users feel less conscious their disability. They're really sleek and stylish.
Ossenberg crutches are sold in the UK through Mobility Choices who have replaced The German Crutch Co.. They have a variety of different designs with open and closed cuffs, different grips and a selection of different colours. The German Crutch Company has a range of closed cuff colours that are exclusively sold in the UK. This model costs £49.95 for a pair or £25 each (plus postage). Apparently the most popular colour is the blackberry one below.
On top of these great crutches, Arbin have also designed a carbon fibre folding crutch. This looks really cool and can become small and portable. It hasn't yet been released in the UK but we are led to believe it should become available reasonably soon.
If you like bling and want to make a bit of a statement with your mobility aids then Glam Sticks is the place to go. In 2011 they were named Mobility Product of the Year. They take no prisoners with their designs – covering the sticks in diamante and sparkles – making everything extravagant and shiny. Glam Sticks look to provide glitz and glamour to go along with your style. They're particularly good fun for evenings out, providing a bit of glamour to go along with your outfit.
Glam Sticks come in a variety of models and designs with varying prices. The amount you pay is essentially based on how ostentatious you want your stick to be or how much bling you want on your crutches. A fairly basic, but stylish, crutch costs just over £30. At the top end you can get a Swarovski encrusted walking cane – the ultimate decadent walking stick – for £224.99.
Glam Sticks have picked up something of a following amongst injured celebrities, adding to their reputation for providing glitz and glamour. For instance, when Jessie J broke her leg last year, she wore a pair of Glam Sticks to the MTV Awards, giving her the required bling to accompany her style. These aids are great for providing a bit of luxury and sparkle, especially for a night out.
Cool Crutches offer people a range of crutches with fun, patterned designs. They also have a washable, removable neoprene squidgy grip which moulds to left and right hands and makes walking a lot more comfortable. They are possibly not quite as light and sleek as some of the other crutches we've featured but they are fun, colourful and, well, cool!
Most of the crutches cost £47.50 (not including VAT or shipping) but for £67.50 you can create your own custom design for them.
This range offers a good range of block colours which liven up the crutches without becoming too garish. This might be preferable to people who don't want to make quite as much of a statement, with their crutches, as someone who'd go for a Glam Stick, for instance, but who want to add a splash of colour to them.
You can chose from a variety of main and secondary colours to accompany the black handle. This is good because it means you can design your own crutches to be as bright as you want.
They're available at Chic Crutches and cost £34.99 (plus VAT and shipping)
Mobilegs have created an interesting new design of crutch, using a 'saddle' instead of a the normal cuff at the crutch's top. This is supposed to improve mobility, flexibility and comfort for users. They say that since it is so radically different, from traditional crutches, it can't even be called a crutch but has been named a 'mobi'.
Mobilegs are intelligently designed to help the user and really are quite different. They look a lot better than many traditional crutches too – certainly a lot sleeker, slimmer and less drab than NHS crutches. It's also possible to get a 'mobiskin' to cover the shaft with a more distinct design.
The problem (and it's quite a big one) is that Mobilegs are currently not available in the UK. When we got in touch with them they told us that they are still a relatively small start up company so they can only cater to the US market. However, since there might be ways around this, especially if you buy them online, we thought they were worth including. They cost $129 plus the (possibly substantial) cost of postage and shipping. We will keep you up to date should there be any change regarding UK distribution. Hopefully there will be soon!
So that's the end of our list of trendy mobility aids. We've had a variety of styles, designs and prices in there. From Sabi to Glam Sticks – hopefully there should be something for everyone in there!
If you know of any other trendy mobility aids on the market please get in touch with us.