text:
Perhaps the pictures I took were so bad that I never felt like posting. But, nevertheless, I must say that I made this delicious dessert in the month of June when I was supposed to, I don't know why I did not post it. It was my first time making frangipane…….."it was lovely indeed" ……….as the English would say 😉
It's easy and quite delicious. The June Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Jasmine of Confessions of a Cardamom Addict and Annemarie of Ambrosia and Nectar. They chose a Traditional (UK) Bakewell Tart… er… pudding that was inspired by a rich baking history dating back to the 1800's in England. You can read all about the bakewell tart on these blogs and it is a very interesting read. I am just on one of my "too tired to write sessions" today.
Bakewell Tart ….er pudding
Looks plain but trust me ….tastes delicious
The recipe:
Makes one 23cm (9" tart)
Prep time: less than 10 minutes (plus time for the individual elements)
Resting time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Equipment needed: 23cm (9") tart pan or pie tin (preferably with ridged edges), rolling pin
One quantity sweet shortcrust pastry (recipe follows)
Bench flour
250ml (1cup (8 US fl. oz)) jam or curd, warmed for spreadability
One quantity frangipane (recipe follows)
One handful blanched, flaked almonds
Assembling the tart
Place the chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface. If it's overly cold, you will need to let it become acclimatised for about 15 minutes before you roll it out. Flour the rolling pin and roll the pastry to 5mm (1/4") thickness, by rolling in one direction only (start from the centre and roll away from you), and turning the disc a quarter turn after each roll. When the pastry is to the desired size and thickness, transfer it to the tart pan, press in and trim the excess dough. Patch any holes, fissures or tears with trimmed bits. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 200C/400F.
Remove shell from freezer, spread as even a layer as you can of jam onto the pastry base. Top with frangipane, spreading to cover the entire surface of the tart. Smooth the top and pop into the oven for 30 minutes. Five minutes before the tart is done, the top will be poofy and brownish. Remove from oven and strew flaked almonds on top and return to the heat for the last five minutes of baking.
The finished tart will have a golden crust and the frangipane will be tanned, poofy and a bit spongy-looking. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter. Serve warm, with crème fraîche, whipped cream or custard sauce if you wish.
When you slice into the tart, the almond paste will be firm, but slightly squidgy and the crust should be crisp but not tough.
Jasmine's notes:
• If you cannot have nuts, you can try substituting Victoria sponge for the frangipane. It's a pretty popular popular cake, so you shouldn't have any troubles finding one in one of your cookbooks or through a Google search.
• You can use whichever jam you wish, but if you choose something with a lot of seeds, such as raspberry or blackberry, you should sieve them out.
• The jam quantity can be anywhere from 60ml (1/4 cup) to 250ml (1cup), depending upon how "damp" and strongly flavored your preserves are. I made it with the lesser quantity of home made strawberry jam, while Annemarie made it with the greater quantity of cherry jam; we both had fabulous results. If in doubt, just split the difference and spread 150ml (2/3cup) on the crust.
Annemarie's notes:
• The excess shortcrust can be rolled out and cut into cookie-shapes (heck, it's pretty darned close to a shortbread dough).
Sweet shortcrust pastry
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Equipment needed: bowls, box grater, cling film
- 225g (8oz) all purpose flour
30g (1oz) sugar
2.5ml (½ tsp) salt
110g (4oz) unsalted butter, cold (frozen is better)
2 (2) egg yolks
2.5ml (½ tsp) almond extract (optional)
15-30ml (1-2 Tbsp) cold water
Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Grate butter into the flour mixture, using the large hole-side of a box grater. Using your finger tips only, and working very quickly, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Set aside.
Lightly beat the egg yolks with the almond extract (if using) and quickly mix into the flour mixture. Keep mixing while dribbling in the water, only adding enough to form a cohesive and slightly sticky dough.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
Jasmine's notes:
• I make this using vanilla salt and vanilla sugar.
• If you wish, you can substitute the seeds of one vanilla bean, one teaspoon of vanilla paste or one teaspoon of vanilla extract for the almond extract
Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Equipment needed: bowls, hand mixer, rubber spatula
- 125g (4.5oz) unsalted butter, softened
125g (4.5oz) icing sugar
3 (3) eggs
2.5ml (½ tsp) almond extract
125g (4.5oz) ground almonds
30g (1oz) all purpose flour
Cream butter and sugar together for about a minute or until the mixture is primrose in colour and very fluffy. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may appear to curdle. In the words of Douglas Adams: Don't panic. Really. It'll be fine. After all three are in, pour in the almond extract and mix for about another 30 seconds and scrape down the sides again. With the beaters on, spoon in the ground nuts and the flour. Mix well. The mixture will be soft, keep its slightly curdled look (mostly from the almonds) and retain its pallid yellow colour.
We had gone strawberry picking that weekend and so of course I prepared some quick strawberry jam. No pectin, nothing but strawberries, sugar and lemon juice….that's it and folks at home could not have enough of it…..actually there wasn't t enough of it as I used it up in the tart 🙂 .
Optional element: Home made jam or curd
We know several amongst us are rather jammy with making their own jams and preserves. Go ahead get wild and creative or simply showcase whatever's local and in season. If you haven't jammed before and want some hints or recipes, take a look at Bernardin's homecanning.ca. If you want to just make some jam for this challenge and not go through sterilizing jars and snap lids, you can try a pan jam, similar to Jasmine's Blackberry Pan Jam. If you do use homemade jam, please include your recipe or the link to the one you used in your post.
Quick Strawberry Pan Jam (similar to Jasmine's pan jam)
- Strawberries 2 cups cleaned and quartered (measured after cutting)
- sugar 1 1/2 cups
- Lemon Juice 1 Tbsp.
On a heavy bottomed pan, heat the strawberries till they boil and add the sugar and lemon juice. Let this cook on medium heat till a successful plate test can be done. For the plate test, place a plate in the freezer or chill it well. Pour a big drop of jam on this cold plate and give it 30 seconds. If the jam has reached the right consistency, it will very slowly spread a little. More about jam making here.
Strawberry Pan Jam
I also made some strawberry leather ( I mentioned we went strawberry picking, so, yeah I had a bounty) for "decoration" which looked good but bad pictures…. Anyway, the boy is nuts about this fruit leather and I prefer making it at home to avoid preservatives and less sugar compared to store bought. Very simple to make, patience is the only virtue required in making fruit leather. Most types of fruits can be used to prepare fruit leather. Please leave melons :-)). I have made fruit leather out of strawberries and kiwi fruit so far. It's basically like aam papad that we would eat just with other fruits….kids love it. Unfortunately, I have no pictures…next time.
Strawberry Leather:
The Recipe:
Strawberries 2 cups cleaned, hulled and pureed
sugar 1/4 cup
Lemon juice 1 tsp.
1. The same ingredients as jam but tastes quite different. Lemon juice is required both here and in jam to reduce crystallization of sugar. I remember jam bottles which would have rims covered in sugar. Anyway, so far I have only made in small quantities which lasts me about 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator and no sugar crystallization so far. Anyway, puree the strawberries and strain them. I just add the strawberry seeds to the jam….I like the crunch in it .
Strawberries for strawberry leather
2. In a heavy bottomed pan, add sugar, strained puree and lemon juice and heat on medium heat. Stop after about 20 minutes or until the mixture has thickened considerably yet should be of pouring and spreading consistency. Try your hand at it……..the result will be delicious anyway 🙂 .
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper is a necessity for making fruit leather. Spread the mix as thinly and uniformly as possible. We don't want to spread very thin as it will get crisp or worse burn but too thick will take an eternity. About 1/4 inch is good enough.
4. Preheat the oven to 200 F. Keep the baking sheet in the oven and forget for at least an hour. After the first hour (for a small batch) I like to check every half hour. The mixture keeps drying and when it's ready, there won't be any soft portion left & will also not be very sticky.
5. Let it cool completely and store wrapped in parchment. Can be cut as desired. The result is worth the effort.
Bad attempt really……bakewell tart was delicious with some whipped topping
The red stuff is strawberry leather roses…..bet it didn't look as bad as here 🙂
We all thoroughly enjoyed this bakewell tart…..er..pudding. It's a great & easy make ahead dessert. We liked it better the next day.
Did not cost me anything as I made half the quantity and had everything at home.


text:
Here we are with our 'teacher faces.' Lou is a much angrier teacher than Bee.
We're a kooky bunch. We ended up with more 'silly' pictures than regular.
Here's my brother and his wife, my sister, mom, me, Hubby, and the kids in front.
My mom had the coolest gingerbread house made out of grahamcrackers and icing.
The kids were able to sneak inside. They just barely fit.
So after a day or two we sent my sister off to the Bahamas. And then were joined by my other sister.
Most of us went to The American Girl store. I had planned to have Bee's bitty-baby's head repainted but it was over my $20 price limit. Pretty much way over the limit. My youngest sister (middle) brought her boyfriend. It was a first appearance for him.
Bee and I spotted some trees that had been crochet bombed. Pretty sure we may do it to our trees.
There was a bit of goofiness, including Bee playing chess with a metal goose.
Lots of games.
Lots of hallway hockey.
And swimming- that's Grandma going down the waterslide at the Rec center.
My vacation bound sister introduced me to Aviary, a photo editing app. It pretty much had me busy the whole drive home. Indulge me while I share some of those photos. It's easier than Photoshop, which I'm still using at only a basic level.
Hopefully not all my photos will be weirdly foggy and rose colored from now on, but I can't promise anything. Most of these pictures were taken at my mom's retirement community. She's a manager and lives on site and when we visit, we stay there and own it like it's our own place.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
NETGEAR for
Sign In
MyNETGEAR® Account
Welcome back ~#name#~!
Access your NETGEAR
Sign up and enjoy these benefits!
Cart is Empty
more items in your cart
The page you requested could not be found or is no longer available. To return to our home page, please click here.
Added to your cart.


text:
It's been a tricky winter for powder hunting around the world. There are only a few regions where the snow is seriously stacking up. The Jones team has been chasing the storms and searching for the best conditions. Here's some stoke from where they've found faceshots thus far:
A solid storm cycle crushed Jackson Hole mid-January. Rob Kingwill got it good.
The Tetons are filling in nicely this winter. Photo - @Avalon7 / @Rob Kingwill
Italy has been going off this winter. Storm after storm has pounded the Southern Alps. Jeremy Jones found some dream lines in the Italian Dolomites late-January. Photo - Seth Lightcap
The Dolomites are home to some of the most incredible couloirs in the world. Photo - Jeremy Jones
Bibi Pekarek skins into the clouds in Italy. Photo - Jeremy Jones
Ralph Backstrom found dreamy pow shredding the Hellbronner on the Italian side of Mont Blanc in late-January.
It's even good in the trees in Italy. Gigi Lozzi blasts off in the Italian Piemonte region.
Japan is holding one of the deepest snowpacks in the world right now. Ryland Bell found some radical spine lines the past weeks in Hakuba.
Lucas Merli pillow poppin' in the Ja'Pow. Photo - Ryland Bell
Shacktown for Ralph Backstrom riding a spine line in Hakuba. Photo - Ryland Bell
Misty vibes and incredible mountains called Alex Yoder across the ocean to Japan. Photo - Alex Yoder
Interior Canada has gotten it's fair share of the fluffy stuff. Andrew Hardingham and crew have been getting after it in Golden B.C. Photo - Andrew Hardingham


text:
1551 members866 Comments 44 Likes
629 members93 Comments 22 Likes
876 members18461 Comments 89 Likes
1329 members156 Comments 3 Likes
735 members80 Comments 13 Likes
Started this discussion. Last reply by Lary9 Aug 17, 2011. 11 Replies 1 Like
Marx is often credited (incorrectly) with saying: "Religion is the opium of the masses." Isn't it revealing that wherever there is a 'fly in the ointment' of civilization...religion isn't far away?…Continue
Started May 19, 2011 0 Replies 0 Likes
Semantics...semiotics...Semolina...it'll all be over on Saturday, May 21, 2011 anyway. Who cares? Anyone else going to an "End Of The World" masquerade party? My daughter's giving one for her friends…Continue
Lary9 has not received any gifts yet
I did join Reno Freethinkers -- don't know why my name didn't show up. The unfortunate thing is that they meet once a month on Wednesdays, and I have a standing commitment on that day that I can't miss. Two friends and I play Renaissance music on the viola da gamba, an authentic instrument, and I can't leave them in the lurch.
I'm also glad to know that you're a kindred spirit -- I need all of them I can get, and the internet is a nice place to find them. I mean, Reno may be "The Biggest Little City in the World" but that doesn't mean it's big, LOL!!
Welcome to Atheist Nexus and to the busy group "Origins".
Terence Meaden
© 2020 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: The Nexus Group. Powered by


text:
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Poolside Recommendations
Since I'm not as familiar with grown up books (is it me or just it just sound wrong to say "adult" books?) it was harder to remember the titles I saw. I recognized familiar authors like Nora Roberts, J. D. Robb, George R. R. Martin and Jodi Piccoult. But I also saw plenty of children's books, some even in the hands of children :)
Of course the number one title I saw being read was The Hunger Games. With the movie set to premiere in just 16 days (YAY!) plenty more people are discovering this series. Other popular MG/YA titles I saw on vacation:
Mockingjay (odd that I didn't see anyone reading Catching Fire)
What Boys Really Want
Lunch Money
Son of Neptune
39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers
The Fault in our Stars (love this book!)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever
Obviously this is highly unscientific and it doesn't account for all the people on electronic readers. Much as I wanted to go up to them and ask what they were reading, I restrained myself. (Most popular reader by the pool? iPads dominated by far.)
And what was I reading poolside?
Catching Jordan
Incredibly Loud and Extremely Close
Brightest Kind of Darkness
The Ausslander
I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
What I'm reading now: This Burns my Heart by Samuel Park
What titles have you seen others reading that you want to pick up?
13 comments:
- Laura Pauling said...
Welcome back! I read Entwined at our library. I loved all the sisters. Thought it was a great book. :) I usually see the biggies, Rick Riordan, Suzanne Collins, Wimpy Kid.
- March 7, 2012 at 4:07 AM
- Anne Gallagher said...
I so want to read Samuel Park. There are just not enough hours in the day. I need a vacation.
- March 7, 2012 at 4:25 AM
- Unknown said...
I finished rereading Catching Fire yesterday. :D I'm now rereading Mockingjay. It's a different read when you know which guy Katniss ends up with.
I've read Catching Jordan. That's a perfect vacation read.
Most of the titles I see people reading are adult books. At least I'm assuming they're adult books. I don't recognize any of them. :D
- March 7, 2012 at 5:27 AM
- Sherrie Petersen said...
Laura: Entwined is based on one of my favorite fairy tales so I really enjoyed seeing it fleshed out into a novel.
Anne: You should make time for Samuel. I'm about halfway through and loving it.
Stina: I haven't been brave enough to re-read Mockingjay. It broke my heart the first time and left me traumatized for days!
- March 7, 2012 at 5:58 AM
- storyqueen said...
I didn't realize Samuel Park's book was out. I used to love to read his old blog.
Guess I need to check that out!
- March 7, 2012 at 6:23 AM
- Sherrie Petersen said...
Shelley: I'm reading the hard cover but I think it comes out soon in paperback. It's a great story.
- March 7, 2012 at 6:32 AM
- Krispy said...
Everyone was reading The Fault in Our Stars last month - so much so I went out and bought it. It's sitting on my shelf, and hopefully I can get to it soon!
- March 7, 2012 at 2:44 PM
- Sherrie Petersen said...
Krispy: I enjoyed that book tremendously. I hope you do too, or else look out John Green! :)
- March 8, 2012 at 5:11 AM
- Dawn Simon said...
So many! I still haven't read INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN, but I'll fix that soon! ;)
I'm glad you had a great vacation!!
- March 8, 2012 at 9:34 PM
- S.A. Larsenッ said...
OMgosh!! I can't wait for The Hunger Game's movie!
It's been a while. How've you been?
- March 12, 2012 at 5:22 AM
- Kristan Hoffman said...
Hee, you're as bad as me. I peek at people's books all the time, which Andy says is mildly amusing but also mildly embarrassing. :P
I've read and loved the Hunger Games series, TFIOS, and Entwined. Catching Jordan is on my Kindle to be read soon, but I just finished The Paris Wife on my vacation last week, and just started Mindy Kaling's book last night.
- March 12, 2012 at 7:37 AM
- Sherrie Petersen said...
Dawn: I keep hearing good things about that book.
Sheri: My son is trying to convince me that we need to go to the midnight showing of THG. We'll see...
Kristan: My husband doesn't think it's mildly amusing, just highly embarrassing :) The Paris Wife sounds interesting.
- March 12, 2012 at 9:20 PM
- Kelly Polark said...
What a great idea to peek at everyone's books!
How was the Joey Ramone book?
I'm reading Sam's book now too!
- March 15, 2012 at 8:10 PM


text:
Updated 9:48 a.m. ET, 7/2
Washington (CNN) - Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband, Mark Kelly, are in Alaska Tuesday on the second stop of a week-long, seven state tour across the nation trying to build public support for enhanced background checks for gun purchases.
The stops are specifically aimed at states where Senators voted no in April, such as Sen. Joe Heck (R-Nevada) and Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska), or those who voted yes, including Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), for the Manchin-Toomey background check provision that would have brought enhanced background checks to guns bought at shows or over the internet.
Follow @politicalticker Follow @KevinBohnCNN
The couple is calling it the "Rights and Responsibilities" tour, which is sponsored by the group, Americans for Responsible Solutions, which they formed in January to help reduce gun violence in the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut elementary school shooting in December.
READ MORE: A pop, a flash and a life forever changed: Giffords' comeback and gun debate
On Monday, during their first stop in Las Vegas, Giffords and Kelly, who pride themselves as gun owners and proponents of the Second Amendment, went to a gun range and shot - the first time the former congresswoman had done so since she was gravely wounded in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona in January of 2011. Giffords and Kelly also met with local leaders at the Latin Chamber of Commerce.
"Days before we celebrate our Declaration of Independence and the values that make our nation great, I am taking this week to pay tribute to the Second Amendment – both the rights it bestows and the responsibilities it requires. Some might consider me an unlikely advocate for gun rights because I sustained terrible injuries in a violent shooting. But I'm a patriot, and I believe the right to bear arms is a definitive part of our American heritage," Giffords wrote in an op-ed published Tuesday in USA Today.
"We can't stop every person who is determined to do harm, but common-sense measures can prevent tragedies. Expanding background checks will help create a uniform standard for all gun purchases and prevent criminals and the dangerously mentally ill from obtaining powerful weapons," she also said in the column.
"I know there will always be some in Congress who remain in the grip of special interests," Giffords wrote.
READ MORE: Who is Gabby Giffords?
While she discussed how a majority of Americans still supports the idea of expanding background checks, the strength of the gun lobby is evident in the defeat of the measure in April and the chances of it being brought back up for a second vote are not clear as the National Rifle Association continues to fight the proposal.
With additional stops in North Dakota, Ohio, New Hampshire, Maine and North Carolina in the coming days Giffords summed up her goal in the op-ed: "we'll celebrate those who vote yes, and we'll notice those who ignored their constituents."
This is filed under top story? Really? At best it should be under Human Interest, or the good old fashioned social column, but that's about it. Nice to see CNN is back to pulling out all the stops in its gun control agenda, instead of being responsible and JUST reporting the news.
NRA promotes gun safety. Hypocritical Hollywood liberals exploit guns and violence.
Her is something interesting....For those commenting on the proposed new background check that failed to pass...try searching for Why Expand Gun Background Checks When Only 13 Were Prosecuted For Breaking the Law? BY Congressman Harris...
It is very interesting
This reminds me of a silly looking Dukakis riding in a tank.
hypocrite...anyone with that kind of brain injury should be in the too crazy to operate catagorey...mental health issue
Who's pushing the agenda here – the former Senator, or her husband – with stars in his eyes, maybe?
Kinda reminds me of James Brady and wife – he was simply a prop for his wife's relentless campaign against legal gun owners. Registered guns didn't shoot these people – lunatics did.
Her position would carry more weight if she were to come to NY and speak AGAINST the unreasonable and illogical SAFE act as garbage legislation such as this works against meaningful regulation.
By the way, I demand that ALL politicians who impact law enforcenemt and military decisions in the US undergo extensive background checks, drug testing, and have a clean mental hygeine record.
The Obamanistas must be desperate to get the scandals du jour off the headlines if they are dragging poor Gabby out. Honestly, boys and girls, do you want a government bureaucrat (ala Lisa Lerner) be in charge of gun registrations? NSA could then just focus their efforts on gun owners ('cuz we all know gun owners are just terrorist at heart).
I love how liberals continue to treat the 2nd amendment differently from any other right. The fact that they are stuck in a fake Utopian fantasy is really disturbing. Liberty is gone when you want the government to control your life and from what I've read on here, the majority of the left comments want big brother to hold their hands their entire life. Heres the bottom line. YOU don't get to tell us that we are bad people for exercising the 2nd Amendment. I'm not stating libs are bad people because they loooovvvvve exercising their 1st amendment rights. If you want control, move to a 3rd world country. If you want to be free, respect the foundations of the country and that everyone's rights are to be treated equal.
Also, most of the statistics I've seen post, arguing for gun control, are incorrect.. Just sayin'


text:
Flickr Faves on Friday: Karen's Cheerful Studio Space
Posted by
Becky |
View all posts by Becky
1 Comment »
Thanks so much to Karen M. Anderson for sharing some peeks into her studio with us in our Fresh New Spaces Group. It's so full of color, well-organized and happily eclectic. Here's a look:
Thank you for reminding me how much I love turquoise and red together Karen!
Like what you see? Check out Karen's goods in her Etsy shop.
Have a favorite spot at home you'd like to share with everyone? Please post it in Fresh New Spaces!


text:
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Recipe: Bread in the Slow Cooker - yes for real!
A couple of days ago, one of my friends posted some pictures of bread that she made using this no knead dough recipe from the Simply So Good Blog. I was all set to make it until I read that I need some sort of cast iron pot. I contemplated the pros and cons of using basically everything I had until I realized that it wasn't going to work.
But, after sleeping on it, I decided to go back to an old favourite: Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes or less. I made this bread back in 2008 when I only had 1 child. When I made it, I didn't have a baker's stone but did my best. I even made it once in a toaster oven! Afterwards, life got busy and it was too easy to go to the Italian Bakery down the street.
Then I saw that that the Artisan bread people made Artisan bread in a crockpot. I didn't believe it so I had to try it myself.
I halved their original boule recipe:
1 1/2 cups of lukewarm water
1/2 tbsp granulated yeast
1/2 tbsp salt (if you like a saltier bread, I would suggest using 3/4 tbsp)
3 1/4 cup all purpose flour
I used my Kitchen Aid stand mixer to quickly mix it together. It didn't look at all like the 5 min dough. Theirs is very watery... Mine looked like dough already! Here's a pic of it under saran wrap. I let it sit for about 2.5 hours.
After 2.5 hours, I picked it up, made a ball, and placed it in a slow cooker lined with parchment paper.
I was a little nervous about how it would turn out but after 1.5 hours, I noticed that the bottom was crusty!!! But the top didn't look appealing at all. The Artisan authors suggest broiling it after it's done but I decided to just flip my bread upside down.
Kids had it toasted for their bedtime snack. I'm off to eat some too!
Happy Baking!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Appliqued Drawstring Pouch
After I made the monkey drawstring pouch for the barrel of monkeys, I made another one using some scrap jersey. I have a lot of scrap jersey... it's one fabric I cannot part with. I use it mainly for appliques for things like a toddler backpack, or a tricycle bag. Appliques are my thing...
Instead of folding the straps and sewing them down, I ran them through my new serger. I am still a little afraid of my serger and used a 4 thread stitch. I think a rolled hem would have been better but until I learn how to thread it properly, this is what I will do!
The best thing about working with t-shirt jersey is that it doesn't fray so sewing this was even faster!
What went in the pouch?
That stuff is GOLD! I use Healthy Hands since my hands get chapped from constantly washing my hands in the daytime and sewing with denim at night.
Yay again for scrap fabric!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Tutorial: Simple Drawstring Bag
Hard to wrap gift + scrap flannel + sewing machine/serger + napping kids = a simple drawstring pouch.
Who here doesn't have a stash of fabric scraps that you "might" use? I made these PJs for my son when he was 2. I have been holding onto the remnants since then.
I decided to make a simple drawstring pouch to store the gift and I love that the fabric is yellow so it matches the barrel. The best part is that this is re-useable and good for the environment.
Here's how to make a simple drawstring pouch (reads from left to right)
Press the fabric in half , open, and press both sides in again (almost like a bias tape). Sew and that's it!
Thread the bag from opposite ends and tie a knot on all 4 ends.
Well, there you have it! This doubles up as a little toy bag for action figurines or little cars. So easy and ready by the end of naptime.
Just monkeying around... (ya ya bad joke)
Yay for scrap fabric!
The holidays were quite busy so I missed most of the Ruby Star Wrapping Series from Sew Mama Sew!
Ruby Star Wrapping is a book with ideas to inspire you to reuse items you already have to wrap your gifts. Less landfill is always a good thing. Check it out... it's not too late to be inspired for the next upcoming holiday!
Linking up here:
Monday, December 24, 2012
Baking is Done... now I can say Merry Christmas!!
So this year, we made giant gingerbread boys (which still have to be decorated with jube jubes and m&ms).
We ended up making a lot of gingerbread which the kids helped to decorate.
We filled up some Ikea Burken jars with cookies (inspired by this post at One Chic Mom) and wrapped them with bows before handing them out.
We ended up making the coconut treats from that post too. More on that at a later date...
We also made some sugar cookies which are iced and ready to be packed too.
I'm done!!!! I am hanging up my baking apron for the next couple of days. Merry Christmas and Happy 2013!
Friday, December 14, 2012
It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!
Christmas is coming up pretty soon so we've been doing lots of Christmas-y things at our house. Sewing has taken a bit of a backburner as a result.
We don't have snow but we have a Christmas Tree!
We took the kids to see Raffi at Roy Thomson Hall. Hubby and I grew up listening to songs like Baby Beluga and Bananaphone. Now our kids are listening to him. It was a fantastic show!
Made a couple (or more...) trips to visit Santa
We mailed out our Christmas cards early this year. I got some fantastic cards from Thunderpeep Designs, a local Toronto shop on ETSY.
We wrote letters to Santa
Then to practice his handwriting, Josh wrote Christmas cards for his classmates and we stuck some candy canes onto the envelopes.
I got presents for his teachers... nothing handmade this year but maybe next year with better planning!
In between all of that, we got a new front door!
Saturday, December 08, 2012
Yellow Train Toddler Backpack
Earlier this November, I took my last toddler backpack order for the season. This one is for my friend Monique's nephew. He loves yellow so she asked me to make him a yellow backpack with a train on it. It's been a while since I made the train but I still love it.
Planning it out
Finished product
Great to wear with yellow boots
Or spidey boots
I forgot to take a pic of the lining but I used stars and stripes like this one.
Time to get ready for Christmas and Free Shipping Day Canada on Wednesday December 12!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Recipe: Healthy Apple Breakfast Muffins
As the weather starts to get colder, I spend more time baking than sewing. The other day I was reading my Style at Home magazine and saw this lovely pic of apple breakfast muffins. So I decided to make some too.
|via www.styleathome.com
The recipe was easy enough to follow...just don't overmix! Click here to get the recipe.
Pre and post baking
The true test is when you eat it
Don't be disappointed if your muffin looks like mine instead of theirs. It's all the same when it's in your belly.
Verdict? This can only be a breakfast muffin because it does taste very healthy (ie. not sweet at all).
Happy Baking!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
One by one by one by one, each with fresh heartbreak, hearses crisscrossed two New England towns on Wednesday, bearing three tiny victims of the Sandy Hook school massacre and a heroic teacher in a seemingly never-ending series of funeral processions.
"The first few days, all you heard were helicopters," said Dr. Joseph Young, an optometrist who attended one funeral and would go to several more. "Now at my office all I hear is the rumble of motorcycle escorts and funeral processions going back and forth throughout the day."
As more victims from the slaughter of 20 children and six adults were laid to rest, long funeral processions clogged the streets of Newtown, where Christmas trees were turned into memorials and a season that should be a time of joy was marked by heart-wrenching loss.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Remembering the Sandy Hook Victims: Profiles of the Fallen
Most students in Newtown went back to school Tuesday except those from Sandy Hook Elementary, where a gunman armed with a military-style assault rifle slaughtered 20 children and six teachers and administrators Friday. He also killed his mother at her home. If police know why, they have not said.
Students at Sandy Hook, which serves kindergarten through fourth grade, will resume classes in a formerly shuttered school in a neighboring community in January. Donna Page, a former Sandy Hook principal who is now retired, will take over as principal, NBC Connecticut has learned.
In its first statement since the shooting, The Newtown Police Department assured the community that its "schools are safe" and said that the department will "work with our community partners to restore a sense of security and normalcy to Newtown." State Police also said that its final report could be "several months away."
In the meantime, mourners overlapped at back-to-back funerals that started Monday and will continue all week.
At St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, mourners arrived for Caroline Previdi, an auburn-haired 6-year-old with an impish smile, before the service had even ended for Daniel Barden, a 7-year-old who dreamed of being a firefighter.
"It's sad to see the little coffins," said the Rev. John Inserra, a Catholic priest who worked at St. Rose for years before transferring to a church in Greenwich.
He returned to his old parish to comfort families wondering how a loving God could permit such carnage and has attended several of the funerals.
"It's always hard to bury a child," Inserra said of the seemingly unrelenting cycle of sorrow and loss. "God didn't do this. God didn't allow this. We allowed it. He said, 'Send the little children to me.' But he didn't mean it this way."
For full U.S. and world news coverage, visit NBCNews.com.
Hundreds of firefighters formed a long blue line outside the church for little Daniel's funeral. Two of his relatives work at the Fire Department of New York, and the gap-toothed redhead had wanted to join their ranks one day.
"If me being here helps this family or this community just a little bit, it's worth it," said Kevin Morrow, a New York firefighter and father of two young girls. "He wanted to be a firefighter, as any young boy wants to be."
Family friend Laura Stamberg, of New Paltz, N.Y., whose husband plays in a band with Daniel's father, said that on the morning of the shooting, Mark Barden taught his son to play a Christmas song on the piano.
"They played foosball and then he taught him the song and then he walked him to the bus and that was their last morning together," Stamberg said.
At Caroline's funeral, mourners wore pink ties and scarves — her favorite color — and remembered her as a New York Yankees fan who liked to kid around. "Silly Caroline" was how she was known to neighbor Karen Dryer.
"She's just a girl that was always smiling, always wanting others to smile," Dryer said.
Across town, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, hundreds gathered for the funeral of Charlotte Helen Bacon, many wearing buttons picturing the 6-year-old redhead. Speakers, including her grandfather, told of her love of wild animals, the family's golden retriever and the color pink.
She was "a beautiful little girl who could be a bit stubborn at times — just like all children," said Danbury resident Linda Clark as she left the service.
And in nearby Stratford, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to Victoria Soto, a first-grade teacher hailed as a hero for trying to shield her students, some of whom escaped. Musician Paul Simon, a family friend, performed "The Sound of Silence" at the service.
"She had the perfect job. She loved her job," said Vicky Ruiz, a friend since first grade.
Every year, Soto described her students the same way, Ruiz said.
"They were always good kids. They were always angels," she said, even if, like typical first-graders, they might not always listen.
In Woodbury, a line of colleagues, students and friends of slain Sandy Hook Principal Dawn Hochsprung, 47, wrapped around the block to pay their respects to the administrator, who rushed the gunman in an effort to stop him and paid with her life. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan attended the service.
"She loved kids. She'd do anything to help them and protect them," said Joann Opulski, of Roxbury.
In emotion-charged Newtown, tempers flared as residents of the town of 27,000 navigated the hordes of reporters and camera crews that descended on the town. Some shouted at reporters outside the funerals Wednesday, urging them to leave their town in peace.
Cynthia Gubitose said the shooting and its aftermath have jolted what she described as a quintessential "Norman Rockwell, New England community."
"Nobody knew about Sandy Hook," Gubitose said as she placed flowers at a memorial with bouquets stacked chest-high. "Many of the people that live here like it that way."
The symbol of Christmas took on a new meaning in the town, where one memorial featured 26 Christmas trees — one for each victim at the school.
Edward Kish said he bought a Christmas tree two days before the shooting but hasn't had the heart to put it up or decorate it.
"I'll still put it up, probably," he said. "It doesn't seem right, and it doesn't seem like Christmas."
Mourners from across the country came to offer condolences. A jazz band from Alabama played at the main memorial site as local children played with a team of trained therapy dogs brought in to provide comfort.
At the Newtown Library, dozens of people gathered for a meeting of Newtown United, a grassroots community group formed in the wake of the shootings. The topic was gun legislation and how the community could push for a ban on assault weapons and other measures to make certain types of guns and ammunition more difficult to obtain.
There was a rumor that guests from Washington, D.C., would show up. About 10 minutes into the meeting Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Sen.-elect Chris Murphy walked into the room, to applause and surprised looks. They spoke and took questions for about a half-hour.
Around the country, the school massacre continued to reverberate as citizens and lawmakers debated whether Newtown might be a turning point in the often-polarizing national discussion over gun control.
President Barack Obama promised he'd send Congress broad proposals for tightening gun laws and curbing violence and pressed Congress to reinstate an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004. He called for stricter background checks for people who seek to buy weapons and limited high-capacity clips.
"This time, the words need to lead to action," said Obama, who set a January deadline for the recommendations.
Authorities say the horrific events of Friday began when Lanza shot his mother, Nancy, at their home, and then took her car and some of her guns to the nearby school.
Investigators have found no letters or diaries that could explain the attack.
In a statement released Wednesday, the Connecticut State Police said they anticipate their final report "is several months away."


text:
Case material: Stainless Steel, set with 62 diamonds,crown set with a spinel cabochon
Strap/bracelet: Alligator Leather
Movement: Quartz
Dial: Black
Dimensions: 27.9 x 21.5 x 6.2 mm
The BOY· FRIEND is a watch for people who forge their own style; a way for them to overturn established codes. Its octagonal shape has been stripped to a bare minimum: what remains are the clean lines of a watch whose boldness is found in its simplicity. BOY· FRIEND is more than just a genre. It is a style, a certain idea of femininity revealed through a masculine presence.
Enjoy Complimentary Shipping On All Orders
International Deliveries:
We ship Worldwide*. All orders are delivered to the customer's doorstep.
Orders will arrive within 5 business days (contingent on the customer providing the correct information as requested by the Customs Authority).
The Shipping Provider will contact the customer via phone and/or email in order to coordinate the delivery and its release from Customs.
*Excluding specific watch brands which are available for purchase only in Israel.
Custom Orders:
Delivery of Custom Made, Engraved and/or non-standard size items can take up to 3 weeks. A Padani representative will contact the customer in order to advise regarding the accurate time to delivery.
Returns and Exchanges:
Unworn items can be can be returned within 7 days, in the original packaging and accompanied by the purchase receipt, for a refund.
To return an item, contact Customer Service, via telephone 03-517-7333 or email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
An item containing custom engraving cannot be returned.
For any questions, please contact Customer Service >


text:
Officer back in intensive care after crash
A Des Moines police officer has returned to intensive care after she was struck by a car late Sunday night.
Police said officer Candace Lassiter was standing outside her squad car when another vehicle lost control on slick street and struck her.
The collision happened in the 3100 block of 30th Street, near Veterans Hospital.
Police spokesman Sgt. Jason Halifax said Lassiter is awake and conscious in the intensive care unit at Methodist Medical Center. She was returned to the ICU after doctors raised concerns about her condition, Halifax said.
He said she has no broken bones, mostly tissue damage. He anticipates quite a bit of recovery time.
Corey Willey, 40, of Van Meter, was ticketed at the scene for failure to maintain control of his vehicle.


text:
Greensboro Library, NCHome Menu
ESOL Orientation
- Date: 08/26/2013 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
- Location: Glenwood Branch Library
1901 W. Florida Street
Greensboro, North Carolina 27403
- Cost
Are you interested in taking English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class at Glenwood Library? Join us for an information session and registration. You can ask questions and learn more about the classes that we offer. Call 336-297-5000 to make a reservation.Return to previous page >>


text:
When I was in high school my friend Dustin and I were devout readers of a magazine called Wizard, which was devoted to the comic book industry. One of the regular features was "Casting Call," where the editors would take some unfilmed comic book property and come up with their own dream cast for a hypothetical movie based on it.
Bear in mind that this was back in the nineties, before the wave of superhero flicks that followed the success of Spider-Man. These little two-page daydreams were about all we had to go on, unless you counted Joel Schumacher's miserable Batman sequels. (And we didn't.) Besides, they were just plan fun. You could see how the magazine's picks stacked up with your own and compare notes with other people.
So let's have a little fun of our own. Since Spielberg's long-delayed Team of Rivals adaptation is on the back-burner, I say we take a page from Wizard and cast our own darn Lincoln movie. Take that, Hollywood.
Of course, the first big hurdle to making a Lincoln movie is finding somebody to play Lincoln himself. His face is both distinctive and widely recognizable. His image is so familiar that audiences wouldn't buy anybody who didn't bear a close resemblance. Anthony Hopkins was convincing enough in Nixon without looking the part, but that approach won't work for the guy on the $5 bill.
Liam Neeson was Spielberg's pick. I can see that working; he's tall, he's got the proper facial architecture, and he's a fine actor. My only concern is that Neeson might be a little too "polished" to play Lincoln. This is a guy who pronounced "chairman" as "cheerman," and read while lying prone on the floor.
Sam Shepard might not be a bad alternate. He has some Lincolnesque facial features, he can speak with a natural twang, and his voice moves up into those higher registers remembered by people who heard Lincoln speak. He's old for the part, but he doesn't really look any more aged than Lincoln did by late '64.
Sam Waterston has an established reputation as Lincoln, but I'd rather see him as William H. Seward. Their profiles are pretty similar.
I think Bernard Hill, who played the doctor in The Ghost and the Darkness and the captain in Titanic, bears a resemblance to Gideon Welles. Or is it just the white beard he wears in all his movies that's throwing me off?
Spielberg supposedly wanted Sally Field to play Mary Todd Lincoln, but I never could see that working. She's too cute and perky to be Mary. My first choice would be Mare Winningham. They favor each other a little in the face, although Lord knows Mare Winningham is a lot more attractive. Plus, she's had practice playing a neurotic wife in Wyatt Earp.
Russell Crowe would make a killer Grant. He's got that steely gaze and determined set of the jaw. Put Jon Voight in a fat suit, and you've got your Winfield Scott. I've been wracking my brain trying to think of a good McClellan, but so far I haven't come up with anybody.
If you wanted do a young Lincoln movie instead of a Civil War era one, I think Casey Affleck could pull it off, maybe with Bryce Dallas Howard as Ann Rutledge.
That's what I've come up with so far. Now it's your turn to critique my picks and chime in with your own suggestions. Then all we have to do is scrape together some cash, find a director, and watch all the studio execs come begging. Fame and fortune await.


text:
Playing the Lead on the Stage and in the Classroom
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Andrew Adamietz, a College of Education senior studying secondary education, played the lead in a community theater production of "Les Miserables" this summer. In the process, Adamietz obtained a confidence-boosting experience full of learning and teaching that would prepare him for his future teaching career.
Adamietz has been performing in musicals since the sixth grade. Even though he was intimidated by his competition and avoided auditioning at first, he found himself in the spotlight for the first time in seventh grade. Now, Adamietz has played his dream role, Jean Valjean, in "Les Miserables" at the Winding River Players Community Theatre in Towanda, Pa.
Throughout his experience, his hard work, diligence and practice helped him recognize his own talents and develop an idea of what it means to be engaged and to be engaging.
"I had to find a way to connect to my cast members who usually feel ostracized by leads in any show," Adamietz said. "There were children as young as 8-years-old involved in the show who looked to people like me for theatre etiquette as well as picking up the basics for performance."
Jean Valjean inspired Adamietz to rethink his own life—the relationships he had, what he thought of himself and how he wanted to live his life.
"[Les Miserables] is a story about a man that is not a hero and does not want to be, but is characterized as one nonetheless for just being a good person," Adamietz said. "The show embodies the idea that 'the time is always right to do what is right.'"
While Adamietz does not have any immediate future stage production plans, he does plan to expand his teaching moments and newfound confidence from the summer into a career. Adamietz is currently training to become a teacher as a Professional Development School intern at the State College Area School District.
After graduating, Adamietz wants to travel abroad to Cyprus to teach English to high school students through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship. He plans on teaching for a few years before eventually beginning his graduate work in education policy.
—by Samantha Schwartz (October 2013)


text:
You don't have any saved vehicles!
Look for this link on your favorites:
Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.
All advertised prices EXCLUDE sales tax, registration fees, other tax required by law, and dealer document preparation fee. To qualify for internet pricing, you must present a copy of this ad upon dealership arrival. Any internet advertised price presented after a completed sale, will not qualify for the vehicle purchase. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Above features, options, and equipment are descriptive of what is available on this vehicle, however, it may not be included. Upon arrival to dealer it is customer obligation to verify all equipment prior to purchase. All vehicles respective to options and equipment are sold as is. Dealer makes no other representation unless it is specifically stated and signed by management on the customer retail order.(exclusive lifetime powertrain warranty available)
*Prices shown do not include taxes or license. Prices shown include a destination & handling charge. The destination & handling charge for sedans/SUVs is $995 or $1025, NSX is $1800 or $1995, and Destination charge for PMC edition is $1995. Actual vehicles/accessory costs, labor and installation vary. Please consult your selected dealer.
*Number of views in last 30 days
† Based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid models only) and other factors.
You don't have any saved vehicles!
Look for this link on your favorites:
Once you've saved some vehicles, you can view them here at any time.
(877) 741-0123Call Now
243 U.S. Highway 22 • Springfield Township, NJ 07081Get Directions
Open Today! Sales: 9am-9pm
Open Today! Service: 8am-4pm
Open Today! Parts: 8am-4pm


text:
Fuel For Thought
The Postal Service is a leader among federal agencies in sustainability efforts. In 2009, it joined with 20 international postal operators to commit to a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020, a goal it has made significant progress toward achieving. A major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is vehicle emissions. With the largest civilian fleet in the country – more than 213,000 vehicles – the Postal Service has both an enormous opportunity and an enormous challenge in reducing its fuel consumption. So far, the challenges have proved considerable.


text:
Nebraska Revised Statutes by Chapter
Revised Statutes
To browse the contents of a specific chapter, simply click on the chapter number. To view the full chapter, click the "View Print Friendly" link to the right of the chapter you wish to view. Please note that viewing a full chapter may take some time so please be patient and allow the full chapter to load.


text:
Community Family Learning at St Fagans, Update
18 Awst 2016,
Since the last post the local families coming to the Museum from Ely and Caerau have been enjoying taking part in a variety of exciting sessions, including:
- experiencing what it was like to go to school in Victoria Wales
- learning to handle a newt found during pond dipping in the Tannery ponds
- making clay coil pots to take home.
So far 102 people have taken part in this programme of activities at St Fagans and the feedback from everyone has been overwhelmingly positive.
"I enjoyed the experience of going to a Victorian school because I learnt new things and how they learnt back then."
"I had a good time holding a newt and looking at all the pond bugs."
"Brill, we had lots of fun, will be coming back!"
"I liked pottery because you can get messy and it is crafty."
"Calming session."
The children are learning a lot, so are the parents, and so are we. We're finding out just how much families love to learn together and the families are discovering all that the Museum has to offer them. Many of these families had not visited St Fagans until coming along to one of these sessions, and now they are thinking of coming back again. This is why we value our partnership with ACE Action Ely Caerau so much, as they are able to help us meet and work with these lovely groups to show them just how relevant the Museum on their doorstep can be to their lives.
With one more week to go we are looking forward to welcoming more families to Bryn Eryr, the Iron Aged farmstead, to help us with an authentic Iron Age smelt, and a very enthusiastic group who will be coming in to take part in a traditional weaving workshop.
Keep following this blog for more updates.
If you are interested in taking part in fun family activities and events at St Fagans over the summer there are lots of opportunities to get involved, just check our What's On for more information.


text:
I played MC many times before but for some reason my cursor has disappeared.
Any ideas? Its sooo hard to play without one but I love the game. Puter well above specs across the board and dx up to date..like I said played before no problems. I cant wait to get my campaign back.
Mouse pointer gone
For technical or performance related issues
3 posts • Page 1 of 1
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:46 pm
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:46 pm
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 11:25 pm
invisible mouse
dont know if your still around but i had the same problem. couldn't see the mouse but you could move it around. go into your display settings and change your font size to 125%. good luck. i'm using windows 7 64bit
3 posts • Page 1 of 1
Return to "Community Technical Support"
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


text:
With all the communicative access to current local, national, and global information, expecting the masses to settle for media headlines and sound bites is insulting to today's technologically-aware audience.
With digital politics in 2012, sound bites of the past don't make it anymore for voters who are trying to decide who they are going to support. Likewise, single topics don't win elections either. In these times, politicians need to be communicating their plans that cover the gamut of interests of which the many sectors of the US citizenry have. In particular, independent voters need to understand where each candidate stands on many issues so that they can decide who their candidate-of-choice will be.
Current politicians and the media haven't caught up with the times in regard to "digital politics". We are continually fed sound bites from the media that are crafted by the politicians and their creative staffs. Both major Parties – as well as most media outlets – are guilty of feeding Americans headlines without depth. The candidates believe 140-character or less Twitter tweets are sufficient. They aren't.
With all the communicative access to current local, national, and global information, expecting the masses to settle for media headlines and sound bites is insulting to today's technologically-aware audience.
We shouldn't allow continued sound bites regarding the economy, the job market, and health care to decide the next election. Granted, they are important topics, but there is so much more going on in the lives of US citizens as well. While the media claims that we are basically interested in nothing else, we know that isn't true. The public, led by the media, should be asking the in-depth questions that require our politicians to detail their plans much more than they have.
Besides, people easily get bored and tune-out the politicians who dwell on singular issues delivered by predictable-speak.
The politicians could learn a lot by looking at trends in education. Integration of topics, which has been the focus of educational methods for some time, is the answer. For example, political science is no longer taught without an integration of history and the world economy. A world culture course is no longer taught without an integration of politics, world economics, and race relations. Health is now taught with science, medicine, and sophisticated technologies incorporated. Writing courses are designed to include an array of technologies – written, audio, visual, self-produced content – and a complete understanding of the growing impact of social media, which is leading us into the future.
With all the integration taking place in education and our everyday lives, politicians and the media should not expect us to settle for stilted sound bites and headlines on so few topics. As voters focus on Election Day, they deserve more than the few singularly focused topics of which the politicians and the media have decided the masses should settle.
While every candidate promises to improve the economy, Americans should be hearing what candidates plan to do with regard to the nation's economics. Whether a candidate plans to invest our nation's resources in improved medicine to save our sick or spend funds on better education for our nation's future is of concern to many. Whether a politician wants to invest in global technology or lead the world in green environmentalism is important to some. Yet, it appears as though the politicians and the media have decided that all we should hear about is the economy including the related job market news and the related health care battle which will include a tax for many Americans.
President Barack Obama needs to revert back to his town hall meetings that allow everyday citizens to stand with him face-to-face to ask the hard questions that are of concern. Of course, this was much easier for Obama to do when he was speaking on "hope and change" four years ago rather than on his record in 2012.
Mitt Romney needs to do the same on his campaign trail. He shouldn't fall into the trap of only talking about the limited media-chosen topics. He should be creating new topics of interest within his public appearances. He, too, should be doing the one-on-one with voters via town halls.
Scripted speeches by candidates – which attack one another and give few clues as to what their plans are for the future – aren't helping voters get a grasp of the candidate they are allegedly supporting.
Furthermore, with all the campaigning President Obama has done the past three-and-a-half years, America is just about campaigned-out. To revitalize America's interest in the 2012 presidential campaign, Obama and Romney – as well as every other politician running for any office in 2012 – need to integrate more topics in their presentations – they need to cover more ground.
Even with the high-profile Supreme Court decisions released recently regarding Arizona immigration and health care reform, both Obama and Romney responded with brevity – in spite of the pages upon pages of details released on both matters by the high court. Sound bite-laden speeches and campaign ramblings don't make it with the American people who want to hear more about the candidates' beliefs.
Politicians are insulting the public and extremely naïve to think the nation is going to get excited about an election in which the candidates are leaving us listlessly uninformed on their beliefs on a wide range of topics. America is bored with the current repetitive rhetoric from our candidates, and – as the candidates will find out – a bored electorate doesn't show up at the polls.
About Scott Paulson
Scott Paulson writes political commentary for Examiner.com and teaches English at a community college in the Chicago area. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CBS Local.


text:
Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.Add your Review
Ellen from Mitchell, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
1 of 7
Categories Comments Campus Safety
Mitchell is a very safe town, with everyone looking out for everyone else. It would be wise though to always know your surroundings (especially if you are walking at night) although the odds of having something happen are extremely slim. Always lock your car out of habit but again odds are slim of something bad happening. They don't allow alcohol on campus and there aren't fraternities or sororities. There isn't much of a party scene (which parents may appreciate!)
Greek Life
Clubs and Activities
They have small clubs for everything, from math to nursing to athletics to foreign languages. I highly suggest joining a club.
Great for these types of students
Those that have high values/morals and expect others to have the same. Those who feel a need to help others. DWU is huge on service to support the community.
Bang for the buck
I hated the thought at paying as much as I have when I first started. I realized later though that through DWU scholarships, I am not really paying more than most public universities in larger states. It is well worth the cost for the personal attention in class.
What to do for fun
Being a small school makes it hard to host many activities. Sports are big here. Especially football, softball/baseball and volleyball. The school does a pretty good job at trying to keep things fun. They host movie nights and other events.
Food and Dining
The cafeteria is small but nice. There are also places around town (not too far away) to grab some food. The local grocery stores have cheap ready to go meals that Wesleyan students seem to get.
Dorm Life
I don't live in a dorm but most of my classmates do. They all like it but like all dorm life, certain things get old after a while. Dorms are really close to all the other buildings, so if bad weather hits it doesn't take forever to get to class.
Academic Rigor
I have been challenged in all my classes. They expect a lot but help you in every way they can.
Tips for prospective students
Visit the campus and town first. Mitchell is a very small town and some may not be used to that. Campus is very small for a university but there are some brand new really nice buildings. Winters here are harsh. If you live off campus, discuss possible bad weather game plans with staff ahead of time. They want you to stay safe!
In three sentences
Dakota Wesleyan is a wonderful university! The campus exudes collaboration, strong ethics and is very focused on useful academics. They don't just have classes here to have classes, they all prepare you for your career in some fashion.
Kayla from Mitchell, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
2 of 7
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students
Apply now!
In three sentences
Dakota Wesleyan University is a great place to grow as an individual and a professional. Faculty and staff know you by your first name, and they are always there to help. DWU's campus is gorgeous!!
Kira from Mitchell, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 3 of 7
Categories Comments Campus Safety
We've only had one safety incident this year, and all students were notified immediately, so they could take further precautions.
Greek Life
As far as I am aware, there's no Greek Life on campus.
Clubs and Activities
The music and theater departments are wonderfully inclusive, and the athletics here are strong.
Great for these types of students
Athletes! Professors work well around the athletic schedules and the teams here are strong.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
We have the McGovern Library and museum on campus.
Bang for the buck
DWU Financial Aid is really good at giving scholarships where they're needed, so you get a good education for the price you pay.
What to do for fun
There are tons of opportunities to have fun here! Every Friday they offer a movie showing, every time there's a big event going on in town there's some kind of celebratory party thrown by college staff, and every Sunday the campus pastor hosts a snack and game get together, just to name a few things!
Food and Dining
I also don't eat on campus.
Dorm Life
I can't rate dorm life, I don't live on campus.
Academic Rigor
It's acceptably difficult. I've always been a high achiever in school and I could use a little more difficulty in my classes, but depending on what you're looking for, its alright.
Tips for prospective students
Visit. A school may look like just what you want online and in letters, but until you've visited you don't really know if the atmosphere is right for you.
In three sentences
DWU is a good school for anyone who is looking for a smaller, tight-knit education. The sports program is phenomenal, for interested students, and they attempt to provide opportunities for all students. Overall a good school, just not for me.
Tracy from Sioux Falls, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 4 of 7
Categories Comments In three sentences
I am currently enrolled and haven't started.
Briana from Warner, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
5 of 7
Categories Comments Campus Safety
I haven't really had to worry about anything happening on campus. We usually just walk with a buddy at night.
Clubs and Activities
DWU has most sport teams, and they have a variety of clubs. Just push yourself to get involved in them.
Great for these types of students
Who are looking for a small, close knit community of students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
This year we placed Humans vs. Zombies. That was a cool experience- kind of like tag for Halloween.
Bang for the buck
Tuition is high, but the school is private and the classes do challenge you. They also offer many scholarships.
What to do for fun
They have a movie theater, sports games (for both college and the high schools), dances, and many options offered by the Student Activities Board. Mitchell also has the Corn Palace.
Food and Dining
There aren't many options at the cafeteria, and if you are picky like me, you end up eating the same thing almost every meal. Mitchell does offer some other options- a couple sports bars, sit down, and most common fast food restaurants.
Dorm Life
The dorms are pretty big compared to most other schools in South Dakota. The freshman dorms share showers, but in the other building, they are in pods. They help to meet the suggestions of students currently attending.
Academic Rigor
They offer challenging courses, and I loved how the teachers are always willing to help you out. They are very quick in emailing you back if you need help.
Tips for prospective students
Make sure you visit campus and get out of your comfort zone. Attend the other activities and meet new people. That is the best part of college life.
In three sentences
DWU offers many different activities to get people involved on campus such as Friday night movies, weekly chapel, and bringing in performers (i.e., hypnotist). I really enjoy the small community and how people are very friendly. The teachers and classes are just what I wanted- they challenge you and teachers are very helpful.
Leah from Iroquois, SD
Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 6 of 7
Categories Comments Bang for the buck
It's expensive to go here but the school offers many scholorships to help pay for it all.
Am enjoying being here
I have met many new friends and there are lots of things to do both on and off campus.
Am learning a lot
The classes are challenging anc the teachers are very helpful. If you're not getting something, they'll work with you until you do.
Mallory from West River, SD
Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 7 of 7
Categories Comments Great for these types of students
If you are interested in a private education with a close-knit campus
Tips for prospective students
Go visit campus and meet with professors and the admissions staff
Bang for the buck
Not the cheapest place but think it will be worth the money spent
Will enjoy being here
Yes - nice friendly campus
Will learn a lot
The new College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences sounds challenging and has great placement into grad schools


text:
One of the aims in my family history research has always been to fill in the gaps between the names and dates of my ancestors. This context of my ancestors' lives is fascinating to me - probably because the details are so obscured by time. Anyway, I love finding out a little bit of info here and there about their personal lives, their personalities, their likes and dislikes, their happy times and not-so-happy times. For me, this process brings them to life and makes me feel a bit closer to them.
In recent years, I've been fortunate enough to get my hands on some original documents with some of my ancestors' signatures - that is, the ancestors of mine who could write, or at least the ones who could sign their name.
Below are a few signatures of my great-great grandparents. What do they really tell us about the person behind the signature? Possibly a lot, possibly not much. Even so, I love looking at these signatures because they were created by the great-greats in our family. In some ways, I think their essence is somehow still visible in these signatures. What do you think?
~ ~ ~ ~
The signature of my great-grandmother, Margaret REILY (also spelled RILEY, REILLY, RIELY), on her marriage certificate in 1866.
~ ~ ~ ~
The signature of Margaret REILY in 1890, as Margaret NORTHCOTE, on bankruptcy records.~ ~ ~ ~The signature of Margaret's husband, William Walter NORTHCOTE, also on bankruptcy records in 1886.At this point in time, he was going by the name, Walter Stafford NORTHCOTE.~ ~ ~ ~The signature of one of my great-great grandparents, George KINGSBURY, on his marriage certificate in 1865.~ ~ ~ ~
The signature of George KINGSBURY's wife, Mary HOLLOWAY, one of my great-great grandmothers, on her marriage certificate in 1865.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mary KINGSBURY's (nee HOLLOWAY) signature on the 1911 UK Census.
~ ~ ~ ~
Any handwriting experts out there?


text:
Forgotten your login details?
By supporting teaching and learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the Engineering Engagement Programme sought to widen participation in STEM by helping teachers and pupils realise the significance of engineering to their everyday lives.
The programme was supported by BAE Systems and ran for three full academic years from September 2009 to July 2012. Over this time, it worked directly with over 300 schools.
The outputs of the programme are captured in this book:
Enhancing STEM in secondary schools: Outputs of the Engineering Engagement Programme (9.79 MB)


text:
VIRGINIA BEACH — A Virginia Beach man was cited by airport police on a weapons charge Wednesday after officers stopped him from bringing a loaded gun past the security checkpoint at the Norfolk International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration said.
Transportation Security Administration officers discovered the 9mm caliber firearm in the man's carry-on bag as he passed through the airport checkpoint, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in a news release.
The TSA officer at the X-ray machine detected the gun inside the bag as it passed along the conveyor belt, she said.
The gun was loaded with seven rounds, including one in its chamber, according to Farbstein.
Officers contacted the Norfolk Airport Authority Police who responded to the checkpoint, confiscated the gun and cited the man on a state weapons charge, she said.
The incident had no impact to airport operations, according to Farbstein.
This was the seventh gun that TSA officers have caught at the checkpoint so far this year, she said.
The TSA screens about 44,000 passengers per week at the Norfolk airport, she said.


text:
Most recently, the green building movement has resulted in the development and use of several third-party green building rating systems that have their own requirements for lighting systems installed in commercial buildings. This presents a new challenge for electrical contractors because lighting system requirements may vary for different energy codes, standards and green building rating systems encountered on the same project.
Electrical contractors need to be aware of this and know how to decipher and untangle these requirements. This is especially true when the EC is working with incomplete design documents or is operating in a design/build or design/assist mode.
Consider a commercial building in a city that has adopted the International Code Council's (ICC) International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Section 805.2.2.1 of the IECC requires that manual lighting controls installed in most building spaces allow occupants to reduce the connected lighting load by at least 50 percent through dual-level switching, dimming or other approved method. This requirement is similar to Section 131(b) of the California Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6).
Assume the project owner also is seeking green building certification, using the United States Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System for New Construction and Major Renovations (LEED-NC), and wants to earn credits in the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category. To earn credits toward certification in this category, all prerequisites must be met, which includes EA prerequisite two, Minimum Energy Performance.
EA prerequisite two requires that the installation comply with both the mandatory and prescriptive lighting requirements of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America's (IESNA) ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 titled Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. They are addressed in Sections 9.4 and 9.5, respectively. ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 does not require light-reduction controls, so multilevel switching or dimming is not necessary for either ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 or LEED-NC EA prerequisite two.
In the end, the IECC would require the installation of light-reduction controls in order to comply with the city's energy code. Without taking time to untangle the lighting system requirements and understand exactly what is required by applicable codes and standards, the electrical contracting firm could easily miss a requirement in bidding or installation that would result in additional direct costs or costly rework
Unlike light-reduction controls in the previous example, both IECC Section 805.3 and Section 9.4.2 of ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 require tandem-wired luminaires. Tandem ballasts usually are used when adjacent luminaires have an odd number of lamps to reduce energy use. Two-lamp ballasts typically are more efficient than single-lamp ballasts. Therefore, it is more energy efficient for two luminaires to share a common two-lamp ballast rather than installing a single-lamp ballast in each luminaire.
A common application of tandem-wired luminaires is adjacent three-lamp fluorescent troffers where one luminaire has two two-lamp ballasts with one ballast serving the two outboard lamps in the luminaire and the other ballast serving the inboard lamp in the two adjacent luminaires. The other luminaire then needs only a single two-lamp ballast to serve its two outboard lamps.
Lighting manufacturers usually offer tandem-wired luminaires as an option. However, the contractor must be aware of this requirement when asking for quotations during bidding and when ordering with the supplier after contract award. The need for tandem-wired luminaires could be missed if the contract documents are not clear on this requirement and rely instead on reference to the applicable energy code, standard or third-party green building rating system.
Today, when bidding, buying out and installing lighting systems for commercial buildings, the electrical contracting firm needs to become familiar with the energy codes, standards and third-party green building rating systems on its commercial building projects in order to avoid possible bid errors and rework. EC
This article is the result of a research project investigating the emerging IBS market for the electrical contractor sponsored by ELECTRI International. The author would like to thank EI for its support.
GLAVINICH is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas. He can be reached at 785.864.3435 or email@example.com.


text:
Refine your search
Add to shortlist button.
Browsing Venues
You are searching for Pubs, Inns & Bars in or near Hull
The Head of Steam, which is renowned for its selection of great beers, will have 12 keg lines with a selection of rotating craft beers from UK and world brewers.
10 King Street, Kingston Upon Hull, HU1 2JJ (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 217236
Sitting proud between the marina and the Humber, the Minerva is the perfect place to spend a sunny day enjoying a G&T while ships pass by or as a cosy bolt hole for warming home cooked food and a real ale. Dont miss the Gin festival!
Nelson Street, Hull, HU1 1XE (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 210025
You can enjoy a range of cocktails, beers and spirits as well as coffees and soft drinks. On the menu, there are specifically Hull-themed cocktails such as Humber Mist and View from The Fourth.
24 Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8NH (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 755500
"The centre of Hull's cultural energy, a sort of entrepreneurial micro-version of the Southbank Centre in London, and the most positive recent sign that the city can create and prosper" – Rowan Moore, The Observer, Feb 2016.
94 Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, HU1 2AN (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 317941
1-4 North Church Side, Hull, HU1 1RP (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 580971
On the site of the former Mint, the building has been totally refurbished and transformed to become a new and luxurious socialising venue. A complete re-design of the layout includes a mezzanine gallery floor for a special dining experience
32 Silver Street, Hull, HU1 1JG (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 225075
The Polar Bear (like the Botanic next door) was named due to it standing opposite the former Hull Zoological Gardens, a forgotten Victorian attraction that stood on the corner of Spring Bank and Princes Ave.
229 Spring Bank, Hull, HU3 1LR (1 miles, 2 km)
tel: 01482 221113
Village - The Hotel Club, Henry Boot Way, Priory Park, Hessle, HU4 7DY (3 miles, 5 km)
tel: 0844 847 2974
High Street, Hull, HU1 1NN (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 227437
Princes Dock Street, Hull, HU1 2HP (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 228475
King's Bar is a modern and relaxed venue that hosts acoustic music, comedy and quiz nights. Our Black Rock Grill allows you to cook your meal at your table, food is delivered to the table within minutes of ordering.
10 King Street, Hull, HU1 2JJ (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 210446
Jaz bar is the perfect choice for anyone wishing to enjoy the best that Hull has to offer. A modern cafe bar striking the right balance between modern and classic.
Lowgate, Hull, HU1 1EA (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 228063
Land of Green Ginger, Hull, HU1 2EA (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 226373
9 Humber Dock Street, Hull, HU1 1TB (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 591961
Destined as it was to be the property of Kings and the home of governors, this fascinating pub is steeped in history going back hundreds of years, with the present building having been constructed in 1550.
25 Silver Street, Hull, HU1 1JG (0 miles, 0 km)
tel: 01482 326363
150 High Street, Hull, HU1 1PS (0 miles, 1 km)
tel: 01482 326516
Hull Road, Coniston, HU11 5AE (7 miles, 11 km)
tel: 01482 562625