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.
Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! Clean CARFAX. CARFAX One-Owner. 26/33 City/Highway MPG
* 2019 KBB.com 10 Best All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Under $30,000 * 2019 KBB.com 12 Best Family Cars * 2019 KBB.com 10 Best SUVs Under $30,000 * 2019 KBB.com 5-Year Cost to Own Awards * 2019 KBB.com Brand Image Awards
Vehicle has been through a multi-point inspection by an ASE Certified Mechanic. Oil & Filter changed. All fluids topped off. This vehicle has been fully detailed and is ready for immediate delivery. Free CARFAX Vehicle History Report. Bob Moore finances all credit types including Bad Credit and First Time Buyers with No Credit. Get Pre-Approved Today at www.bobmooredodgechryslerjeep.com. Quit clicking and call now! Our Internet Team is Available Now to answer all of your questions. Respectfully, Bob Moore.
Bob Moore Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of OKC in Oklahoma City, OK treats the needs of each individual customer with paramount concern. We know that you have high expectations, and as a car dealer we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each and every time. Allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence!
Must finance with dealer to be applicable for all discounts and rebates.
Advertised price does not include Dealer Documentation Fee. Tax, Title and Tags not included in vehicle prices shown and must be paid by the purchaser. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify information with a customer service rep. This is easily done by calling us at 405-720-4000 or by visiting us at the dealership.
**With approved credit. Terms may vary. Monthly payments are only estimates derived from the vehicle price with a 72 month term, 5.9% interest and 20% downpayment.
*Number of views in last 30 days
† Based on 2019 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
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.
405-720-4149Call Now
7420 NW Expressway • Oklahoma City, OK 73132Get Directions
Open Today! Sales: 10am-6pm
Open Today! Service: 7am-4pm
Open Today! Parts: 8am-4pm


text:
A slightly smaller version of the classic promotional flashlight.
The world famous MAG-LITE ® promo flashlight is now available with the new MAG-LED ® technology.
3.25 inch long MAG-LITE ® promotional flashlight. Small yet powerful!
This pink Breast Cancer Awareness Mag-Lite ® Solitaire promotional flashlight is the perfect solution for an awareness promotion.
3 D-Cell MAG-LITE custom flashlight, 12-3/8 inches long.
The promo flashlight that changed the world now in digital camouflage pattern!
The promotional flashlight that changed the world!
2 C-Cell MAG-LITE® custom flashlight, 9 inches long.
4 D-Cell MAG-LITEs ® promotional flashlight, 14.75" long.
Bring a little light into your clients' lives with MAG-LITE Engraved promotional flashlights from ePromos. These wholesale flashlights are so strong and dependable that they are the choice flashlights for emergency, medical and security professionals around the world. Made out of quality materials, these custom flashlights are engineered to last a lifetime.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The government reports that Colombia's coca acreage is down 16 percent from last year. Colombia's total coca leaf acreage is down from 400,000 hectares a couple years ago to only 68,000 now. That's good news by just about any measure. It potentially means less addictive chemicals poisoning kids in Colombia, United States and Europe. It also hopefully means more food grown in a nation with plenty of hunger. And, less drug exportation also means less income for the bad guys - the guerrillas, paramilitaries and plain old narcos.
But... does this mean that the U.S.-financed, multi-billion-dollar erradication campaign is a good thing?
The erradication campaign has its own, huge environmental and social impacts, producing deforestation, displacing peasants and killing food crops. Also, because drug crops are persecuted, farmers plant them near rivers and in jungles, compounding the environmental impacts such as deforestation and chemical pollution.
And, I've also heard that coca acreage has increased in Peru and Bolivia. And, U.S. prices apparently haven't risen much - and what they have might be attributable to changes in tastes, as users turn to ecstasy, crystal meth and other delights, or the narcos' infighting that has convulsed Mexico.
Finally, when source-country control tactics DO work they have the counter-productive effect of raising prices for consumers and thus increasing traffickers' profits, defeating the original goal.
So, is this drug war really worth it?
This blog written by Mike Ceaser of Bogotá Bike Tours and Rentals
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Mockus Phenomenon
So, I'm blogging again, for anybody who cares...
It's the presidential campaign which moved me back to the keyboard. Suddenly, what was supposed to be a routine, predictable campaign, in which popular Pres. Alvaro Uribe, after failing in his effort to run again himself, handed power over to his man, Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos, has gone bonkers. An eccentric ex-mayor of Bogotá, a man of Lithuanian parentage who once interrupted a class he was teaching to drop his pants, who recently announced that he has Parkinson's and that he's an atheist, is in a dead heat with Santos, in some polls.
Antanas Mockus' campaign is like a breath of fresh air in a nation which has spent decades obsessed with the grimness of an armed conflict, narcotrafficking and bombings. For once, will Colombians choose their president based on issues like poverty and education, rather than violence? Or, should they?
Mockus is widely agreed to be honest, intelligent and innovative. His public acknowledgement of his Parkinson's was also courageous in a nation which usually seeks strong leaders.
But Mockus is the Green Party candidate. Green is great. I'm an environmentalist. But, sadly, environmentalism may not be Colombia's first priority as a weakened by still vicious guerrilla still claws at its society. And, for that matter, what about Mockus' platform is really green? He didn't even show up for the one debate held on environmental issues and then issued a vacous statement.
I dunno. Mockus is a good guy...but his agenda's still a big mystery. And, while Colombia's come a long way in terms of security and quality of life, perhaps it still needs to make concentrating on the guerrillas and other outlaw groups its top priority. And, clearly, Santos, the man who bombed Raul Reyes' camp in Ecuador, would do that.
There's also a green factor which is missing here. The drug erradication campaign may be futile or worthwhile, but it clearly is disastrous for the environment. Because drugs are illegal, jungle is cleared to plant drug crops, herbicides are sprayed on that jungle and people's homes, and untold quantities of used chemicals are poured into streams. If drugs were legalized, they'd be cultivated and produced like wine grapes and tobacco - with some modicum of environmental controls.
For greens, at least, drug legalization/depenalization is a no-brainer. But I haven't heard of Mockus, or any other candidate, taking a stand on this issue which is so fundamental to Colombia. I'll keep waiting.
This blog blogged by Mike Ceaser, owner of Bogotá Bike Tours and Rentals
Publicado por Miguel en 7:20 PM No comments:
Etiquetas: colombia, mockus, presidential campaign, santos, uribe
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Degree: DDS 2004, Dugoni School of Dentistry
"I think it's rare that dental schools have the caliber of events we do, but I think it reflects the caliber of our Pacific Dugoni family."
While pursuing a bachelor degree in natural science biology at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington, Dr. John Kim attended a presentation held by his pre-health club. Little did he know that this meeting would be a critical turning point, ultimately leading him to dentistry and the strong relationships he would establish at the Dugoni School.
Before he met Associate Dean for Institutional Advancement Dr. Craig Yarborough during the presentation, John wasn't sure what career path he would choose. He found himself drawn in by Dr. Yarborough's description of the humanistic model of education, the benefits of a three-year program and the city of San Francisco. Complete the coursework (and do well), Dr. Yarborough said. Take the Dental Admission Test and apply to Pacific. Impressed, John was motivated to take his advice.
"I thought that if the people of Pacific were like Dr. Yarborough, then I would be a good fit personality-wise, and the atmosphere of Pacific would provide a great learning environment," recalls John.
John feels very fortunate to have attended the Dugoni School. He remembers being challenged in the classroom and clinic, but also having fun. Additionally, it was here that he met fellow classmate Dr. Misty Cervantes-Kim, now his wife. He has fond memories of all the events — from his White Coat Ceremony and Asilomar to the golf tournaments and alumni events.
"In my opinion, these events gave us a connection with what we were going through as dental students to what we were becoming, Pacific alumni," says John. "I think it's rare that dental schools have the caliber of events we do, but I think it reflects the caliber of our Pacific Dugoni family!"
From the beginning, John has believed that Pacific is special compared to other institutions and feels a sense of pride in the school. A graduate of the Class of 2004, John developed strong relationships with his classmates as well as his mentors.
"I have so much appreciation for Dr. Craig Yarborough's time," reflects John. "He not only inspired me to attend Pacific, but truly nurtured my time while I was there and has continued to stay connected since I have been gone."
And even though his student days are behind him, John has managed to stay connected as well. After graduation, he had the benefit of having regent and dental school alum Dr. Ron Redmond's private orthodontic practice within the dental group he joined.
While attending Pacific, John would see the names of the PDF board members, and knew that they were an integral part of the development and advancement of the school. So when he was asked him to be part of the board, he was honored and thrilled.
"I was surprised because it was early into my career," said John. "But I want to be part of continuing the excellence that Pacific is providing in the development of dentists for generations to come."
Aside from his responsibilities as a dentist and board member, John keeps busy with his wife, two children and dog. He is also an avid runner and has completed four marathons to date.
"I can't say enough about the school, Dr. Yarborough and the impact the entire experience has had on me."


text:
LOS ANGELES -- Professional golfer Bill Haas escaped serious injury as a passenger in a Ferrari involved in a rollover crash that killed his driver, officials said Wednesday.
The driver of a BMW involved in the collision was injured, and actor Luke Wilson, who was driving a third vehicle clipped by the Ferrari, was not hurt.
The accident happened on a residential block in the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighborhood around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to Los Angeles police Officer James Stoughton.
The Ferrari's driver, who died at the scene, was identified by coroner's officials as Mark William Gibello, 71, a resident of Pacific Palisades. Haas was staying with Gibello's family as he prepared to play this week in the Genesis Open at nearby Riviera Country Club, the golfer's manager, Allen Hobbs, said.
"While Bill escaped serious injuries and has been released from the hospital, he is understandably shaken up and -- more importantly -- his deepest condolences go out to the host family during this tragic and difficult time," Hobbs said in a statement. The 35-year-old Haas will withdraw from the Genesis Open and return home to South Carolina to recuperate, he said.
Jay Haas, the golfer's father, told Golf Channel that his son has pain and swelling in one of his legs.
"Bill was very fortunate," he said.
Bill Harmon, the swing coach for Haas and a close friend of Gibello's, said the two met only last Thursday. Harmon said Gibello was a member at Los Angeles Country Club and was instrumental in the private club getting the Walker Cup last year and the U.S. Open in 2023. Haas played at the club on Sunday.
"Mark was one of my best friends," Harmon said. "It's a great loss for me. I'm happy that Bill is fine. It's just a very, very sad story."
He said he was more concerned for Haas emotionally than physically.
"Even at the hospital, a friend of mine met him and said he was very distraught," Harmon said.
Police were investigating whether speed was a factor in the crash.
"It was a huge bang sound, just one huge crash," Linda Smith, who lives across the street, told KABC-TV. "There was no screeching that I heard of, or anything of that sort. It all happened very quickly."
The driver of the BMW, a 50-year-old woman, was hospitalized in serious condition, Stoughton said.
A message seeking comment was left for a representative for Wilson, star of films including "Legally Blonde," "Idiocracy" and "The Royal Tenenbaums."
Haas is a six-time winner on the PGA Tour whose most prominent victory was at the Tour Championship in 2011, which enabled him to win the FedEx Cup and the $10 million bonus. His most famous shot was in a playoff at the Tour Championship, when his ball was partially submerged in a lake.
He comes from a prominent golfing family. His father won nine times on the PGA Tour and 18 times on the PGA Tour Champions. His uncle, Jerry Haas, briefly played on the PGA Tour and is the golf coach at Wake Forest. And his great uncle, Bob Goalby, won the 1968 Masters.


text:
Nestled in the Fraser Coast hinterland, you will find the historical village of Howard. Serviced twice daily by the 'Tilt Train,' Howard is an easy 15 minute drive to Maryborough, 25 minutes to Hervey Bay and 20 minutes to the beaches of Toogoom and Burrum Heads.
Howard has several buildings of historical significance including a beautifully restored Queenslander offering guided tours and Devonshire Teas. Howard's small museum tells of the coal mining and farming history of the area and includes war memorabilia.
Country markets are held in Steeley Street on the first Saturday of every month and there are a range of great swimming and fishing spots to enjoy on the nearby Burrum River.
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).


text:
Hello! Hello! Last Saturday, we went for a quick trip to my beloved hometown, Angeles City. Among other things, we had our hair done by our ever-reliable Tony and Jackey in Marquee Mall. It was a family affair too...Chase and hubby got theirs, and yes, I got mine too! ;-D
And yes, a bit of duty free shopping was in order too!
|I'm back to shorter hairstyle! Yay! Although this is a bit longer than last time. ;-D
|First off, I wanted to get an even hair color very soon, so I needed to get rid of my
|Seriously needs hair color


text:
I shared this video interview already via FB and Twitter. I've also watched it about a dozen times and it still makes me laugh. When the Chilean miners were rescued, everyone thought for sure that "Super Mario" was going to be "the funny one", but I think he's got some competition. Edison Peña, (the one who loves Elvis and used to run in the mine for exercise), is hilarious. He's visiting the U.S. on an invitation to run the N.Y. City Marathon and see Graceland. He was also interviewed by David Letterman where he broke into a spontaneous Elvis impersonation mini-concert.
I have a little trouble understanding Edison's accent, so I'm not totally sure, but does any native Spanish speaker, (particularly those familiar with the Chilean accent), agree with me that the translator isn't exactly translating word for word? She seems to add more on to what he's said, (maybe she's answering with things he's said to her in previous conversations.) Maybe there wasn't a way to literally translate what was said by Edison or David Letterman, but she's quite funny herself and did an admirable job.
Hopefully Edison will love Graceland, but apparently he isn't all that impressed with New York. When taken to see the Statue of Liberty he's quoted as saying, "It is not white? I thought it was bigger and whiter…In the movies, it looks whiter."
Then after eating a hot dog with ketchup and mustard from a cart downtown he gestured that they were "so-so" and explained, "In Chile, they are better!"
While some Americans might take these sorts of comments as insults, I find them hilarious. Edison reminds me very much of my Salvadoran in-laws when they come to visit. I guess watching so many Hollywood movies gets the expectations up a little too high and reality just can't compete.
[Quote source: NESN.com/Matt Flores.]


text:
Giving a gift of an heirloom or family history project on a special occasion makes the item even more meaningful. They make great wedding presents or baby shower presents. We do lots of genealogy charts for special occasions at Generation Maps. Wedding presents or wedding anniversaries are especially popular along with birthdays, Mother's day, Father's day, etc. Besides genealogy charts, other good gifts include:
- Books about family history in general. (I'm sitting here at UGA this weekend with Jerry Millar of The Genealogy Shelf. Lots of great books.)
- Books about your family's history. (My mom is great at this. But that is an upcoming post.)
- Copies of the documents/pictures you have collected. (Try Heritage Collector or Passage Express for an easy way to burn CDs for your family, but you may want to give printed copies as well.)
- Heirlooms. (If you are ready to part with something, it is better to give it as a gift before you die, than let them fight about it after you are gone.)
- Computerized information, transcribed letters, scanned pictures, video.
- Traditional Food. (Food is always the way to go in my book. One of my favorite Christmas gifts is my Great-grandmother's secret recipe for Honey Candy that we make every year. It is fun to make it together and wonderful to look forward to.)
Yearly occasions also make great deadlines for family newsletters, updates of the family scrapbooks or personal histories. New Year's or birthdays make a good time to get those things done. My mother has asked for only one thing from each of us for Mother's day--again she doesn't need anything else--a page of a memory from our childhoods for a scrapbook. It has only been a couple of years but is already getting to be quite a book with lots of fun memories in it.
You might think you have a family that isn't all that interested. A couple of thoughts: 1)back to our digital archiving discussion, even if the gift isn't terribly appreciated, you have made another copy of your data in case of a problem. And 2)I was one of those uninterested recipients for many years. But eventually it kicked in (kicked in hard obviously). Don't give up, they may be soaking in more than you think they are.
So, lets see, it is the middle of September, you still have time to do something spectacular in time for the winter holidays. What are you going to do?


text:
(1) No hospital or sanitarium, or the employees, agents or representatives thereof, shall send or cause to be sent to any funeral service practitioner, undertaker, mortician or embalmer the remains of any decedent without having complied with this section before final disposition of the remains.
(2) If the admitting record contains the name of a relative, friend or other person identified by the decedent in the admitting record, or if the hospital or sanitarium is aware of the name of any other person chargeable with the funeral expenses of the decedent, the hospital or the sanitarium must notify the relative, friend or other person personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested.
(3) If a hospital or sanitarium is unable to give actual notice to a relative, friend or other person under the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, the hospital or sanitarium must publish a notice of death at least one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the death occurred, or, if there is no such newspaper, in a newspaper most likely to give notice of the death to relatives and friends of the decedent. The notice must contain the name of the decedent and the address and phone number for the hospital or sanitarium.
(4) If the remains of the decedent are not claimed within 10 days after the giving of notice under subsection (2) of this section, or within 10 days after publication under subsection (3) of this section if publication is made under subsection (3) of this section, the hospital or sanitarium may arrange for the disposal of the remains of the decedent without further notice in the manner specified by ORS 97.170 to 97.200.
(5) Nothing in this section limits or governs the authority of any administrator or executor, trustee or other person having a fiduciary relationship with the deceased or to the state, counties, cities or towns in the disposition of the remains of a deceased person. [Amended by 1993 c.92 §1]Section: Previous 97.132 97.134 97.140 97.141 97.145 97.150 97.153 97.160 97.170 97.180 97.190 97.200 97.210 97.220 97.230 Next
Last modified: August 7, 2008


text:
From WikiGallery
The Temptation of Christ 2 - Jacopo Tintoretto (Robusti) - WikiGallery.org, the largest gallery in the world
|Advanced thumbnail link with the name of the artist and title:
Thumbnail only link to this image (use this if you have difficulties with the above):
BBCode link to this image (for forum usage):
The Temptation of Christ 2
by Jacopo Tintoretto (Robusti)
Rate this Painting
Click on the stars
to rate this painting
Next Paintings
Related Paintings
US Art related news
|DC museums seek to preserve art posted to fence around White House: report | TheHill - The Hill
|Send us your weather art! | News, Sports, Jobs - Alpena News
|Video game review: The Last of Us Part II a barrier-breaking piece of art - OSU - The Lantern
|Art World Wunderkind Arrested Months After Fleeing the U.S. - The New York Times
|Preview: Christie's hybrid auction of 20th century art - Photos - UPI.com
|How Have Artists Shaped Previous Protest Movements? 7 Historians on How the Past Can Help Us Understand the Present - artnet News
|Mycronic US Operations Combined in New State-Of-The-Art Facility Near Boston - I-Connect007
|Native American art helps us challenge our history - St. Louis Jewish Light
|Court ruling in Monaco ends one piece of a US$2b art dispute - The Business Times
|West Windsor Arts Council names Jyotika Bahree as board president - Mercer Space


text:
Are you eager to find out more about your family history and your roots. 2013 is the year of 'The Gathering', and therefore is the perfect time to find out your family history using the National Archive of Ireland.
The free Genealogy Advisory Service is an ideal starting point for those beginning family history research. This Spring 2013 the National Archives of Ireland are continuing their free service. On-call to answer your family history enquiries will be some of Irelands foremost experts on genealogy.
According to The Journal, the genealogy service is a result of a successful collaboration between private genealogy companies Eneclann and Ancestor Network in partnership with the National Archives of Ireland.
Fiona Fitzsimons, Research Director at Eneclann, says her company and Ancestor Network came together last May with the aim of creating the widest team possible of genealogists possible.
"All genealogists have different professional backgrounds," she said, explaining that some specialise in researching businesses records, while others focus on specialities such as probate or adoption.
Fitzsimons says many genealogical services cater for 'roots tourism', involving descendants of Irish emigrants searching for facts about their Irish ancestry.
"It's certainly being encouraged by television shows like Blood of the Irish or Who Do You Think You Are, as that makes it seems more accessible, but it's also because records are now accessible online, which democratises the process," she said.
To put the impact of accessible digitised records in context, Fitzsimons explains that the only complete form of Griffith's Valuation, a survey of Ireland completed in 1868, is available since just 2003 and only found online. It is the result of a collaborative effort of the range of genealogists in Ireland, including Fitzsimons, who gathered records from libraries in Ireland, the UK, the US, and those of private collectors.
Aideen Ireland, Senior Archivist at the National Archives of Ireland, explains that in order to enter the Reading Room and talk to genealogists for free, visitors need to obtain a reader's ticket first which just involves filling out an application form and after that, you are ready to go.
"You have to come with questions, things you are just dying to know then a genealogist can point you towards the right resources", she said. "The resources you are pointed to will depend on nature of your enquiry – you could do anything from examining wills, birth, deaths and marriages records, or graveyard records".
Ireland said many of those using the service are people with Irish roots, travelling from countries like Australia, the United States or the United Kingdom.
"We see pre-organised visits from American groups on 'genealogical holidays', particularly in August, but also groups of people from Australia. Whereas those from UK tend to travel alone to Ireland for a holiday to do search.
Fiona Fitzsimons advises visitors to bring whatever research they have gathered so far about their family history in order to get the best results from a meeting with genealogist.
"Each family history is unique and every search is unique. Some people start from scratch, while others inherit research from their father, uncle or a relative," she says.
TheJournal.ie reports, that even a certain name can spark a line of inquiry. When researching the family history of Bram Stoker earlier this year ahead of his 165th birthday celebrations, the name 'Manus' caught the attention of Fitzsimons' team. "Manus O'Donnell was a gigantic name in 16th century," says Fitzsimons. "We then discovered that the Stoker family are direct lineal descendants from the Lord of Tyrconnell. We traced them all the way back to 561 AD – which is almost unheard of."
She explains that any Irish family in general can be traced back to the 1830's when records of the population became more widespread as a result of Catholic emancipation.
However, "it can be a very addictive" habit she warns as "people dip their toes in water then become drawn in because they start finding stories. Relatives start to become fully fleshed human beings rather than figures in dusty old photographs."
She notes that people begin to have an interest in genealogy when their children or grandchildren are born.
"They start seeing themselves as links in the chain rather than the 'alpha generation', and they want to pass on their own experience to their descendants".
No booking is required for this free service, but access to the genealogist on-duty is on a first come, first served basis. Read more at http://www.nationalarchives.ie/genealogy1/genealogy-service/.


text:
"And the Oscar goes to . . . "
Well, I'm sure if you've been shopping on Madison Avenue any time in the last few months - or read more that one blog posting in the last 60 days - you're most like aware that Oscar de la Renta has launched a new collection of textiles with Lee Jofa. And to celebrate and publicize the new fabric line - a collection of skirts were made from a small selection of the textiles.
Seriously beautiful.
Seriously dreamy.
Seriously couture.
And NOW, they're being auctioned off for charity! With all proceeds going to Casa del Niño.
"Founded in 1982 by Ziomara Menendez and Oscar de la Renta, Casa del Nino is regarded as the most complete project of child assistance in the Dominican Republic, and is considered to be a model of efficiency and quality care. At Casa del Nino every child receives food, full dental and medical care, and vocational training for the age appropriate - all in hopes of a better tomorrow for the youth of the community. Today, this worthwhile organization cares for more than 14500 children, from newborns to young adults. "
"Custom designs created by Oscar de la Renta for the launch of his exclusive collections of fabrics with Lee Jofa will be auctioned for charity. The items were created by hand in the atelier of Mr. de la Renta, and feature the hallmarks of his superb quality and workmanship.
Each skirt is fully lined, women's designer size 4, and created from fabrics from Oscar de la Renta's Home collection. There are nine floor length skirts and one caftan made from various patterns from Mr. de la Renta's collection. Each item is exquisite and a one of a kind collector's item. Bidding will be hosted online from September 7, 2010 through November 30, 2010 at biddingforgood.com with an opening bid of $750 for each item."
To see the complete collection, and to get involved with the bidding - go to biddingforgood.com - and see which one might be perfect first those upcoming holiday parties. Remember, it's only 88 days until Christmas!
Which one is YOUR favourite?
PS. and seriously, if anyone from my little blogging world bids on and ends up WINNING one of these beautiful pieces - you HAVE to let me know - and pictures WILL be posted here. lol.


text:
Powerful Hurricane Sandy has caused the National Weather Service to issue a lakeshore flood warning in Chicago.
During the warning, which goes into effect at 1 a.m. on Tuesday until 4 p.m. Wednesday, waves of 16 to 22 feet are likely to build along the Cook County Shoreline, reported the National Weather Service.
As Hurricane Sandy moves north to our latitude and slows, it will halt the west-to-east progress of high and low pressures across the Midwest and western Great Lakes, according to the weather service. This "blocking" will maintain the high pressure and dry air mass over much of the Mississippi River Valley, so no precipitation is expected for local areas away from the influence of the Great Lakes through the middle of next week.
The primary impact of Hurricane Sandy on the Chicago area will be powerful northerly winds over and near Lake Michigan -- of 50 to 60 mph -- that will increase on Monday night through the middle of the week, the weather service said.
The weather service said that the Chicago Lake Shore bike path and portions of South Lake Shore Drive were considered to be among the more vulnerable spots and could be significantly impacted by large waves.
Sandy Causes Lakeshore Flood Warning in Chicago
A lakeshore flood watch has been upgraded to a warning by the National Weather Service
Powerful Hurricane Sandy has caused the National Weather Service to issue a lakeshore flood warning in Chicago.


text:
Get surprisingly good sound from disposable picnicware with this easy to make and inexpensive Styrofoam Plate Speaker. Thanks go to José Pino for the original article in Make Magazine.
To download Styrofoam Plate Speaker MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes.
Check out the Styrofoam Plate Speaker article MAKE 12 "Styrofoam Plate Speaker" & You can see that in our digital edition.


text:
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The long, hot days of an Oklahoma Summer.
This Summer has been abnormally hot, even for our scorching Oklahoma Summers. When June came around, our temperatures reached the 100's and have stayed that way. There seems to be no end in sight, and every week we watch the weather, disappointed by another 7 days of triple digit temperatures and no rain in sight. We are in the middle of a severe drought, and the days seem to drag on with no relief.
At any given time, the weather here seems to be an indicator that the world is ending, when in reality, it is just a typical Oklahoma weather pattern.
Even our watering holes prove no relief, only feeling like a disappointing tepid bath. One that makes your skin almost feel worse than it did before.
We are all suffering from severe cabin fever, and feeling the need to spread our wings and be part of the outside world again. Days are spent trapped inside our house with the air conditioner on constantly, barely clothed, and sweating. Sweet Elodie seems to be taking it the worst. She loves nothing more than being outside - I adore that first moment when I take her out and she sighs, blinks her eyes, and takes in all the smells, sounds, and happy bits of nature. But these days she is stuck inside with the rest of us, and also teething. She cries, cries, cries...chews on frozen pacifiers and her little fingers. I want desperately to let her feel the wind on her skin and through her hair....I miss it, too.
We keep her busy the best we can, but there is only so much you can do with a (almost) 4 month old that just wants to sit in the hammock and swing, listening to the birds.
I try to rattle toys at her, but everything seems to make her cry. I make her promises of Fall, and how we will hike, go for walks, and lay in the hammock until she falls asleep and drifts off to another place.
The time inside has been a nice break to spend with family, and rest. But as the days go by and I see more and more of her personality come through, I realize how much of the two of us is inside her tiny body.
She is a whole mess of bored & sensitive, and a combination of her screams and this heat have been making my head very heavy.
We still have 2 more full months of hot weather, and for now I have to focus on the day to day. Looking ahead, it seems like a lifetime away before I can open the windows and let the stale out of this home that feels like a prison.
When she is in bed and my world is quiet again, I grab the monitor and sneak outside to unwind. The evening is the only time of day that is somewhat bearable, although the upper 90's are not much of a relief from this overbearing weight of Summer.
I take photos, pull weeds, and sadly look over a garden that stood no chance against the kind of Summer we had this year.
In late July, a Summer Breeze in Oklahoma is nothing like the ones that cool us to our bones in Spring. Now they feel heavy, thick, like a brick across your face. It feels like opening an oven, and being met with a wall of heat.
My herbs have long ago dried up, and what I didn't save to dry myself for the cooler months, I let go to seed. I have been outside in these hot evenings, picking them to prepare for gardening season, next Spring.
The way you feel after spending a couple hours outside in this weather can only be truly understood if you have spent a Summer here, in the middle of arid Oklahoma.
After a period of time, it almost feels like death. Your body is only brought back to reality by the beads of sweat that slowly trickle down your back, reminding you that you are still alive. Everything slows down, and even your senses are completely numb. Things seem to move slower, the world is drowsier, your heart beats quieter.
Across the state, people are losing their lives, and our wildlife is completely threatened by this drought.
In a literal sense, everything is just cooking.
Every couple weeks, clouds will fill the sky and everyone is praying to their God that it will finally rain. But we are met with no response from anyone or thing upstairs, and the tiny drops that barely cover the tallest leaves quickly evaporate.
The only things thriving are the sunflowers. My wildflower garden has dried up, but the sunflowers seem to be loving this heat.
Their faces are an absolute joy, a mirror image of the hot sun that is causing all of this trouble. But still they make me happy, to know that something is still able to live through this.
I've been clipping them and bringing them inside, my tiny bits of the outdoors inside of this air-conditioned-prison.
I've also been bringing inside handfuls of tomatoes from the garden...they are the only other remaining things that have survived.
But as of last week, this spider has made it's home in the middle of my three tomato plants, and I doubt that I will be in the middle of her web, picking my fruit any longer.
How challenging it really is... to stay optimistic and alive when everything around you is dying.
In these moments - the end of our icy Winters and the long, hot days of an Oklahoma Summer - it is a daily struggle and fight to put on a smile and face a world that is doing everything it can to break you down.
In these weak moments I think of sweet Elodie. Tiny, teething, sensitive, and innocent. Her first Summer has been a challenging one....and I wish that I could make it all better for her. For myself. But in real life, things don't work that way.
So today, and tomorrow, and for as long as that 7 day forecast spells 106 + no precipitation, I will smile and teach Elodie that sometimes we cannot control what goes on around us. The hand we are dealt may not be the best, but it's the only one we have.
In our home we are dreaming of the brisk days of Fall, open windows, and new life. Long walks, bike rides, and patio nights. Throwing more wood on the chiminea fire, swinging in the hammock, and a barren weight of Summer '11 to be lifted from our weary shoulders.
We will take it one day at a time, and one day we will wake up and these dreams will be today. Until then, all we can do is wait.
68 comments:
Don't know if this will help but maybe buy a small wading pool, fill it with water (and ice if necessary :)) and sit in it in the evenings to cool down. So sorry to hear that things are rough. Hope the skies open and the winds blow for you and Elodie :)
- July 24, 2011 at 7:45 PM
- Laura said...
I love this post because it represents exactly how I feel in Austin TX. I wake up thinking, "it will get better, it will get better." I have hope...
- July 24, 2011 at 8:01 PM
amazing how connected our moods, well-being, & spirit are connected to the earth her tides. more amazing that we could forget that.
praying for rain for ya'll!!
that wading pool idea sounds pretty sweet! xo's
- July 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM
When my little one was teething he loved gnawing on a cold raw carrot or I would put his teething ring in the freezer. Like the wadding pool idea or if you already have a small tub Elodie might like sitting in that and playing with the water.
Take care,
- July 24, 2011 at 8:29 PM
- Vintage Hippo said...
For a girl who's lived through 19 hot, muggy, and stale Bakersfield california summers, I completely understand what you're going through. Poor baby, I'll be praying for rain and some cool breezes for all of you!
- July 24, 2011 at 8:30 PM
this was so wonderful to read. i spent the last 14 years in phoenix, and you have captured exactly the eerie quiet, the pressing feeling of the heat, and the silent prayers of everyone when the storm clouds start to build - only to pass by again. thank you, thank you, thank you.
ps. elodie is absolutly beautiful, and so blessed to have you to teach her about this beautiful world.
- July 24, 2011 at 8:30 PM
- Jess said...
We had a brief downpour in Tulsa today!! We saw the clouds and my 3 year old and I started singing a rain, rain, come today song...and it worked! My 4 month old girl has been pretty fussy being stuck inside too...poor little lumps.
- July 24, 2011 at 8:39 PM
- Melanie said...
WHOA that sounds BRUTAL! That heat paired with the crazy tornados you guys get.. living in the southern states sounds like a nightmare!
Living up here in Canada isn't nearly that bad. Ontario has it's bouts of heat waves.. but Alberta (especially the rocky mountains) is always so cool. This summer has been exceptionally cool and I've slept at night with 3 blankets at one point! I can't imagine how difficult that heat would be. I had to do a conversion (we measure temperature in celsius up here in Canada) and when I read that 100'F is 37'C celsius.. my heart immediately went out to you and your family. That is just GROSS weather!
I'm glad you still manage to take your photos. :)
- July 24, 2011 at 8:44 PM
- Jessie said...
Oh the summer can be so hard! The heat has such power over us, it's amazing. My little guy looks just as miserable as your sweet girl.
- July 24, 2011 at 8:47 PM
This too shall pass. Hang in there! :)
- July 24, 2011 at 9:18 PM
- Christine Chitnis said...
Oh Aura...reading your post brought tears to my eyes. These were my exact feeling this past winter- trapped inside for days on end due to the inclement weather.
There were days that I would plaster on a smile and pretend it was okay...and the minute Vijay napped, I would dissolve into tears.
I am so sorry that you are going through this. I second the wading pool idea- nothing makes Vijay happier than splashing in cool water. Put an umbrella over it for shade, and it might bring some relief.
I will be hoping and praying for a nice cooling rain.
- July 24, 2011 at 9:21 PM
- Meemo said...
I feel your pain sister. Living in Mesa, AZ is not so easy these days. The sweat, oh the sweat.
This too shall pass.
- July 24, 2011 at 9:22 PM
i love your photos and i am sorry i cannot make the weather a little kinder for you right now. your blog space is absolutely beautiful as is your sweet little girl. so lovely!
- July 24, 2011 at 9:29 PM
- Unknown said...
I had a summer baby so I know the feeling all too well! Your thoughts on the sunflowers reminded me of a poem by Allen Ginsberg. I think it's called Sunflower Sutra but I'm not sure. It expresses a similar sentiment...the resilient sunflower.
- July 24, 2011 at 9:34 PM
- Marisa said...
Elodie is just beautiful! I completely understand your feelings of the indoor prison. I've tried to take the girls out every morning, if even just for a walk before the triple digits set in. It's awful!
For teething, I can't say enough good thing about Sophie the Giraffe. Lily loved it. Wishing you the best mommy! :)
- July 24, 2011 at 9:40 PM
- whoorl said...
Although I live in California now, I was born and raised in Oklahoma and know exactly what you (so eloquently) speak of. I'm praying for some relief for you, my family, and everyone who is trying to make it through this brutal summer in the plains.
- July 24, 2011 at 9:47 PM
Oh man, I'm with you girl!... over in Tulsa. This weather is just plain gross. I was so excited to spend the entire summer off on maternity leave (baby girl is 1 month old), but we're trapped in our own 71 degree prison until nightfall. Baby gets stripped down to just her diaper or just those sweet baby buns and we sit on the patio under the fan and stars. She loves it! I can't help but feel like during daylight hours the precious sights and sounds of the world I've been itching to share with her are out of reach. Oklahoma- one extreme to the next. But hang in there... Fall will be even better than you remembered, especially after this hot box of a summer!
PS. I just adore your blog... I have no idea how I stumbled upon it, but you're tucked in with my favorites now on my blog bookmark :) And your sweet baby E is just a doll! Take care neighbor!
~Nikki J
- July 24, 2011 at 10:00 PM
- Becky said...
Have you tried amber teething necklaces? I didn't use them for my little guy, but many of my friends swear by them. Also, try Hyland's teething gel--it's homeopathic and works wonders!
I SO hope you get water and lower temperatures soon. Makes our Ohio heat seam like nothing, even though it's hot for what we're used to!
- July 24, 2011 at 10:01 PM
- Mornings with Milo said...
I was just daydreaming today about being able to open the house up, curtains blowing in the cool breeze and snuggling up my baby boy in warn, cozy blankets! Guess we'll just appreciate it THAT much more in a few months. Sorry baby girl is having a time with those teeth, so pitiful to watch! We put frozen fruit in the mesh baggies for Milo to gum on, he loved frozen mango the best :) My garden looks sad compared to last year too. Happy thought, Next year you'll have a little garden helper! Milo loves rooting around our garden, bliss! Hang in there sister
- July 24, 2011 at 10:04 PM
- Darrin Jenkins said...
Beautiful photos. I would love to know what software you use to do the animated gifs. KY has been pretty darn hot too. I hope we get some relief soon.
- July 24, 2011 at 10:27 PM
- ::The Beetle Shack:: said...
Oh Lady, i'm feeling that with you!
We are in the middle of winter here but I had my baby girl in the middle of Australia's hottest summer- no air con 45 degree C days (thats about 112) and breast feeding a newborn. Not pretty.
We used to wet a muzlin wrap an lay in (safely) over her cot under the fan, providing her with a tiny but of cool air.
Hope you survive it. There is always an icy cold beer to look forward to at the end of the day right? Or is taht just me?
xo em
- July 24, 2011 at 10:27 PM
- AJD ∞ said...
I briefly lived in the middle of the desert in CA and I completely understand what you're going through this summer. It looks absolutely beautiful outside when you're INSIDE, but as soon as you step out, into that baking sun, you feel faint and choked and desperate for green and life and water [not sweat]. I hope her teething goes by quickly!
- July 24, 2011 at 10:53 PM
You have an uncanny way of telling my own story through your words, time and again. The past two summers have been crueler than any other I can remember: 90-100+ every day, with near as high humidity. I live in the northeast, but lately might as well be in the deep heart of the south.
In the last few days the air has been thick enough that you could see it, still enough that you could hold it in your hands. Herbs and flowers have dried to dust in the sun; I open my door for a few brave seconds, and my lungs are filled with the sick-making stench of burnt mint.
I have no baby, but an old dog watches the conflagration of the world through the window beside me. It may be her last summer, and I am sad to count the days that have passed without our walks.
Your calm words bring such cooling reassurance.
- July 24, 2011 at 11:09 PM
- Cindy said...
I was just going to say almost the same thing as Laura, Also from Austin here. Me and my girls spend a fair amount of time under the shade of our pecan tree or on our screened porche with fans blowing, playing with buckets of ice water, squirt bottles, or the mist setting on our garden hose. It's hot.. but beats the cabin fever.
- July 24, 2011 at 11:13 PM
- Us+House=Home said...
Even in the midst of difficult times, you still know how to capture beautiful moments. Thanks for sharing, Aura.
BTW, for what it's worth - here in Melbourne, Australia, we're in the midst of Winter. For the past few weeks, it has just rained and rained and rained - and it is freezing cold! What I wouldn't give for just a moment of sunshine and some heat. If only we could swap places for a moment! :-)
Take care. xx
- July 24, 2011 at 11:41 PM
- Unknown said...
great photos, your daughter is unbelievably cute!
- July 25, 2011 at 12:30 AM
- Ashley said...
Edmond, OK missed out on all the rain chances tonight. It was so disappointing. :( My little man is 1 in 2 weeks loves being outside too. I find getting out first thing in the morning is good (and good for great naps!) and he's LOVED swimming! We started with a plastic pool and when he loved it so much we upgraded to a bigger one we could all fit in. He's had 6 teeth come in this year. The top 4 came in at one time and it lasted a month - so awful, but the bottom 2 came in in about 2 weeks. When those teeth came in his favorite thing was sucking on wash cloths that had soaked in ice water. At 10 months when the top teeth came in he was obsessed with the wash cloths again, but also loved drinking icy cold water. Good luck!
- July 25, 2011 at 12:51 AM
- Gaby said...
Oh man, I feel you! It's winter right now, but I can't stand summer in Sydney! I would take a sydney winter over a sydney summer any day; it's unbearable in the middle of summer. It's so hard and so draining; i can't imagine what it must be like with a little one. Hang in there Aura! xx
- July 25, 2011 at 1:31 AM
- Nichole said...
Feeling the same here. Heat and Humidity in Iowa, it's been so unbearably humid and just plain miserable. Wishing I too could get out of the a/c for a bit, and find that only at night is there little, if any relief. Hoping for some much needed rain for your part of the country. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and the reminder of sunflowers still growing. Lovely indeed.
- July 25, 2011 at 2:01 AM
just google the drought that is currently occurring in east africa... i'm sure you'll realize just how little you have to complain about. just trying to put things in perspective for you!
- July 25, 2011 at 2:51 AM
- Wenonah said...
Your photographs are amazing. Loved reading about your slice of life. Living in Tucson, az, I know exactly this kind of oppressive heat. Luckily for us we are getting the monsoon storms we so despirately need right now. Even when the rains don't come the clouds are enough to make it better.
Soon. Soon the cooler weather will come. All the best to you and your sweet little family.
- July 25, 2011 at 5:27 AM
1. the heat is here too, in michigan! it's awful, trying to keep a 4 year old inside when she just wants to go out out out!
2. hylands teething tablets are homeopathic little circles that will disolve in elodie's mouth - you can get them at a natural foods store (whole foods, a co-op) and target/meijer might even have them too. you can always order via amazon i'm sure, as well.
3. amber teething necklaces. yes. i second that.
4. and i second (third?) the little wading pool! she'll love it!
- July 25, 2011 at 5:39 AM
- Amy Cappelli said...
We haven't had it nearly as bad as you have here in Buffalo, NY. But last week it was in the 90's with the heat index in the upper 90's and humidity so high that it seizes your lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. We do not have air conditioning (except in our bedroom where all 6 of us camped out on the three worst nights)- so we have become lazy, sitting in front of oscillating fans all day. Like your Elodie, my 18 month old has been so bored stuck inside with me- not able to go on our long walks. She has also had a crash course in the words 'hot' and 'cold' and what they mean. She knows now when she gets a taste of a juice pop, it is 'Cold.' But the funniest was when I returned her to her bedroom at night after hanging out in the air conditioning of our room and she exclaimed upon crossing the threshold, "Hot!Hot!"
Wishing you rain and a cool breeze. And hoping that Elodie finds some comfort during teething. Teething is brutal (we are still going through it over here).
- July 25, 2011 at 6:16 AM
- patricia said...
Oh My!! We in the North East had that heat just for a few days and it was bad. All summer with a wee one, I might loose my mind. I pray for some rain for you and cooler temps.
I used to keep frozen wash clothes in the freezer for teething. Cools baby down and helps the gums.
I'd also get that wading pool for you both with a few inches of water. Lots of tub time too. Also, what about a bay swing With a fan blowing near buy. Buy a nature CD and pretend to be outside. Put her close to a window. I know it's not the real thing, but it might bring her some comfort and peace. Maybe one of those ceiling hammock swings you hang? You might all enjoy that with the fan close buy. We do what we have to survive. And there will always be next summer to use these items. No waste:) Stay cool Aura. LOve your blog and your sweet E!!!
- July 25, 2011 at 6:18 AM
- ashley noelle said...
I was so sorry to hear my mom (in tulsa) tell me that there were no tomatoes to be found anywhere in town because of the heat. It's been a tough summer that's for sure!
I just moved to Charleston, SC and whenever I hear people complain about the heat here, I think they must not know oklahoma in july and august :) Hang in there!
- July 25, 2011 at 7:10 AM
- Follow Your Own Way said...
change is coming...cooler days will bring the relief you seek. i am visiting family in texas right now...and we finally got a much needed rainstorm last night. maybe it will come your way.
p.s. the photos capture so much beauty.
- July 25, 2011 at 7:55 AM
you so beautifully captured everything i've been feeling about this bizarre, tortured okie summer. it is taking a toll on me. when it's this hot outside, it's difficult to even get anything done indoors! if you would like some real inspiration to remind you of all the other okies who dealt with this sort of thing and MUCH worse- you should read "the grapes of wrath" by steinbeck. i read it for the first time last year and it made my heart ache. it is beautiful and all of the characters will seem like people you know now, in 2011, because steinbeck captured the okie persona so well. it's a great story and beautifully written, and, given your love for the okie landscape, i think you would LOVE it. :)
- July 25, 2011 at 8:14 AM
- Taylor said...
this heat is truly incredible. you've captured it well. i'm trying to soak it all in, and store it in a memory for my body when it's freezing in 6 months.
- July 25, 2011 at 8:17 AM
- Nolita said...
woo hoo! It was so nice to get a little rain last night unexpectedly and more this morning. We punted the concert last night because of the heat. Praying for more relief. Baby E is so cute...
- July 25, 2011 at 8:35 AM
- jennifer said...
it's been said already but, try an amber necklace for Elodie. they worked amazingly for my babies.
when it's very very cold, you can always get warm but it's not always possible to cool down in the heat. terrible!
we do the sprinkler & fan method :)
- July 25, 2011 at 8:47 AM
Hasn't this just been a brutal summer? I'm up near Chicago, and we've had a hotter, drier summer than we've had in many years: Humid and mid-nineties. We finally had some rain this weekend, and it surprised the ground so badly we had some flash-flooding. We all stay inside and wonder when we'll get some relief.
As for my little container garden I keep, Somehow by the grace of God I've managed to grow some hot peppers, some basil, and our baby eggplants are hanging in there. Each morning, I tuck them in the shadiest spot and beg them to hold on. I can't imagine the worry that farmers are feeling this summer. I say a little prayer for them everyday.
Oh-and I just have to mention: Girl, those spiders you have by you mean some serious business. I'd be crouched on the roof if something that intimidating ever popped its spidey-head in my view! Yikes!
- July 25, 2011 at 8:48 AM
- kate said...
what a sweet photo of your baby girl, the last one. i hope you get some rain soon.
- July 25, 2011 at 8:56 AM
- Born of the Sea said...
The way you write is truly incredible. I live in Ohio and although our temps are not in the 100's they are in the upper 90's with heat indexes in the 110's. The humidity here is so dense that it makes it hard to breath. I cannot remember a summer this intense in a long time. It may seem hard to get through this while everything is dying but just know you have a daily reminder of how beautiful life can be with the beautiful smiling face of little Elodie. Hang in there! We can all sweat it out together. And fall with be that much more of a reward once we get through this!
-Morgan ( Born of the Sea ) <---my little blog.
- July 25, 2011 at 8:57 AM
- The Vaught's said...
I know your pain. We're in Tulsa and we're all dying over here. I've been mourning a summer lost. A summer I too had bigs plans for. It's disappointing, especially for sweet Elodie, I know. My babies are climbing the walls. I love Fall in Oklahoma, but never want to wish away the summer until this year. My garden is dried up, and the grass is yellow and crunchy. Fortunately we leave next week for California to camp in Yosemite and enjoy 60 degree weather in San Francisco. All us Okies can get through this though. It will be a beautiful fall! Hang in there :) PS...Did you notice how windy it was in May? The weather is just getting bizarro!
- July 25, 2011 at 8:58 AM
- joan blondina said...
Indeed, hot days are so much longer with a teething babe to entertain! I am right there with you. My babe is working on his third tooth as we speak and the best distraction is a big old tree. There's something to primal about a baby's love of the outdoors! Does Elodie like water? A trip to the kitchen sink is also a nice distraction. And have you heard of the Baltic amber necklace for teething babies? It's a nice natural way to help with pain.
Anyways, beautiful post Aura. So honest and poetic despite the rough go.
- July 25, 2011 at 9:08 AM
- Jessica said...
Bless your heart. Layla was born in the scorching summer of early August so girl, I FEEL YOU. It's miserably hot here as well right now. High 90's and in the 100's everyday and HUMID. The humidity is what kills me. It feels like you are suffocating. We finally broke down and bought Layla a blow up pool (that is big enough to fit several adults :), and SHE LOVES IT! And it helps me get her outside when that cabin fever is going. We have it on our covered deck and with that and the fan blowing on us, it's bearable for a while.
I encourage the wading pool idea! It definitely couldn't hurt. And as far as teething, I second the teething tablets, those worked wonders for Layla and they are all natural.
I wish you cool breezes, big fat summer rain drops, and that fall comes quickly.
Keep your chin up darlin.
- July 25, 2011 at 9:45 AM
- Learning said...
I'm so glad something is alive in your garden! We're having a hard time just keeping the grass alive. Even that seems like a waste though. Grass really doesn't nourish anyone.
I also CANNOT wait for sweet and cool chiminea nights ;).
- Angela
- July 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM
- Kathleen said...
perfect time for a first family mini vacation to a cooler climate :)
- July 25, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I know how terrible that must be, to have everything around you dying... but Northern Alberta hasn't seen a day over 23 degrees celcius this summer and flooding everywhere. I would love 2 days of extreme heat! Hope you and the family can find ways to keep kool :)
- July 25, 2011 at 11:44 AM
- Luma Borges said...
Hi Aura (fisrt comment), I understand you, I live in Brazil (Bahia) and here is very very hot all year long. But in July and August is more calm and comfortable.
Good luck wiht the summer.
- July 25, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Totally understand. I live in a very hot place too, and even though my children are a bit older, it can be burdensome just to step outside. And they are the type to spend 8 hours easy, outdoors. Have you heard of amber teething necklaces? They are miracles, and I adore them. My 22 month old just had 4 teeth come in at once, and the necklace helped SOOOOO much. In fact, all of his teeth have come four at a time. Not fun.
As always, you paint the world so beautifully with your words and photos. Your detail of struggle and hardship is done so eloquently, and pictured so gorgeously, it is such an incredible contrast! Much love!
- July 25, 2011 at 2:59 PM
- Cherry Blossoms said...
Greetings from Phx and from a new mommy of a 7 month old daughter, Elle. I love the name Elodie. She is just precious and I LOVE your blog. I discovered it on piterest. Too bad I did not know about it when I was expecting. I also, hardly wore any maternity clothing. Ick.
Newest follower!!
- July 25, 2011 at 4:00 PM
- Jessie Lathroum said...
Aura,... I so wish I could write like you! Beautiful. (its blazing hot in Texas too!! Bleh!)
- July 25, 2011 at 4:04 PM
- stacy said...
feeling your pain in Austin.....you have to have experienced a southern summer to know how rough it can be. Thsi weather will make us appreciate our next season even more! BTW, Elodie is just as presh as can be....xx
- July 25, 2011 at 4:40 PM
- Unknown said...
Such beautiful photos! Elodie is just gorgeous! I hope that you have a reprieve from the heat soon!
- July 25, 2011 at 9:12 PM
- Betsy said...
Are you tired of hearing how gorgeous Elodie is yet?
Because Elodie is so flippin' gorgeous.
- July 25, 2011 at 11:03 PM
- Under Her Charm said...
After growing up in Houston Texas, and moving to Berkeley California, I have finally discovered the "out of doors" after 30 years. A year round 55-65 degrees, our doors and windows are always open, we live outside. Gardens are productive year round. Hiking in every direction. I hope my little ones remember this time before we move back to Houston and have four outdoor months a year. Thanks for sharing your beautiful words!
- July 25, 2011 at 11:27 PM
- Tessa said...
Love love LOVE the tie dye onsie! Must find one for baby Drew!
- July 26, 2011 at 10:23 AM
- onesilentwinter said...
beautiful summer light.
- July 26, 2011 at 12:18 PM
- Marie said...
Oh, how I hear and feel your pain. We had a 100-degree summer last year, when my son was Elodie's age. It was so incredibly hard to be trapped inside with the little one.
Sending you lots of patience and cooling thoughts.... and hope for some long, gentle rains and a relent from the heat.
Hang in there.
- July 27, 2011 at 12:20 PM
- Bullseye on Canvas said...
That spider... scary girl, scary!!! But Lovely all in the same word... btw its desertvintage... Cheryl... I changed my blog, got a new one, the other took a plunge, basically, all my pics, no good. :( So I started a whole new one. Thanks for sharing your lovely posts as always!! xo
- July 27, 2011 at 1:19 PM
- Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...
I know how much you love summer so it must pain you just a wee bit to be wishing for Autumn so soon. I'm right there with you. My fiance and I have been wishing for fall since the moment we arrived back to Alabama from the amazing shores and temps in North Carolina.
Stay cool my dear and I pray that soon the heat breaks for all of us here in the South! oxox
- July 27, 2011 at 4:59 PM
- patricia said...
I just saw these on a link from another blog and had to share it with you. I know Elodie has been having trouble with teething. I've seen another baby wearing this teether on another blog I read and was wondering if the necklace had some sort of significance. Now I know it does. patricia
- July 27, 2011 at 7:39 PM
- Eliza said...
Nice pictures!
- July 28, 2011 at 12:32 AM
- 8Track Honey said...
I truly enjoy reading your blog!
Your posts are so thoughtful and your photography is breathtaking!
I was just about to stop reading blogs due to all of the annoying marketing tactics and lifestyle pressure but I think you blog is one that I'll look forward to continue reading.
- July 28, 2011 at 9:20 AM
- Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...
Praying relief and some cool breezes comes your way. The summer has been unbearably hot where I am in Northern Ontario. We've regularly had temps in the 100's. It's brutal. And, no air conditioning.
My daughter just cut her first two teeth last month. I wet and froze some of her baby washcloths for her to chew on. She loved them. In fact, I still keep some in the freezer to give to her during this summer heat because they are just so cool. And, this is going to sound so weirdo - but the other night I took out a random bottle of water that had been put into the freezer. Of course it was frozen through and I just sat there putting that cold body on my skin. It felt AMAZING. :) Just a fun little thing to try that will definatly cool you down.
- July 28, 2011 at 10:09 PM
Love your blog, as a new mum to a 16 week old I enjoy reading about your sweet little Girl!She is absolutely adorable!
Just the idea, have you heard about teething amber necklaces for babies? Amber has healing properties and lots of people swear by it. Unfortunately cant tell you anything from my own experience, just received mine today:)
- August 1, 2011 at 3:44 PM
- loveatfirstbite said...
Is there a way that I can contact you by email? I love your name. My name is Roya (Farsi for "dream")...I would love to connect somehow and see if our families have anything in common. I love Persian food and traditions, and I absolutely LOVE your photos! We actually have some Iranian friends in Oklahoma as well. If you don't mind, you can email me anytime. firstname.lastname@example.com Hope to hear from you! ~Roya
- August 23, 2011 at 11:52 AM


text:
Form S-11(redirected from S-11)
Form S-11
A registration form that real estate investment trusts and some other investment companies must file with the SEC before offering securities. Any company that owns real estate for investment purposes and intends to offer securities must file form S-11. The form contains information on the company and is intended to give potential investors as much information as possible before buying the securities.
Form S-11
An SEC form for the registration of securities to be issued by real estate investment trusts.


text:
By Sir Guillaume de la Belgique
At the end of the Middle Ages, the great thinkers of Western society began an outward expansion to uncover new lands and resources for the thriving sense of industry and liberty that were blooming in that time. This is a really high-brow way of saying that by the beginning of the 17th century, anyone with half a brain was trying to get the heck out of Europe. They sailed south and west, and they traveled east by caravan, to discover new cultures, new people and new lands - most of which were getting along just fine by themselves and were completely unaware that they were in need of 'discovery.'
In a similar vein, this morning begins an outward migration of a population that has happily called Pennsic home for the past week or two. Like those European explorers such as Columbus, Magellan, the Navigator formerly known as Prince Henry, De Soto, Mitsubishi, and Carl Sagan, as we all begin to break camp, we look to the road ahead with anticipation and uncertainty. Who knows what the coming year will bring?
The last day of Pennsic is always a bittersweet moment for me. I love all of my friends here (new and old) very much, but there are many friends at home, in Caid and in Calafia, who I've been missing for the past two weeks. Like an explorer turning for home, I look forward to bringing a little bit of this year's war back to my 'everyday' life with me - the only difference being that I'm returning home carrying T-shirts and new basket hilts, rather than gold, spices and tobacco.
The bubble of our magic Pennsic world cannot last forever. The battles are now fought, the shopping is shopped and the parties are all reveled out. We are too long, too far from home, and it is time to let the winds carry us away from Pennsic for another year. Fortunately smiles, laughter and friendship are the resources we take away from this land, and those cargoes can sustain us for the coming year, until it's time to begin another year of Pennsic history.
Wherever your journeys take you, you can always enjoy more of Guillaume's humorous stories about life in the SCA and his reflections on the concepts of chivalry, honor and ethics at his websites:


text:
Janesville, WIHome Menu
Contact Us
City Hall
Office Hours
|7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday
City Hall
18 N. Jackson Street
Janesville, WI 53548
|Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5005
Janesville, WI 53547-5005
|General Telephone
|(608) 755-3000
We welcome your comments, feedback and questions and encourage you to contact us so that we may assist you with your problem or question.
Please note: All e-mails or written communication received by the City of Janesville or City Councilmembers are public documents and public records, and are subject to disclosure to the public.
Helpful Links
- Councilmember Directory
- Service Directory
- Utility Billing Concerns
- Complete an Online Comment Card
- Buildings, Departments and Divisions Directory
- To report a problem with the website (including broken links or technical problems), please click here.
Staff Directory
Trumpy, Jill
- Departments:Attorney's Office
- Title:Administrative Assistant II/Paralegal
- Phone:(608) 755-3155
- Email:email@example.com


text:
My twin sister loved Marilyn when we were growing up. As much as I loved David Bowie or the Stones or Woody or anyone else I ever loved.
Sam had Marilyn posters on her wall, had Marilyn books, and of course, saw all of her movies, or at least the ones we could find on videotape. I remember going with her to a double feature of Gentleman Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire at the old Regency Theater on 67th Street and Broadway. This must have been in the mid-80s sometime. I pretended not to care about Marilyn or worse, put her down because Sam dug her, but I remember that day, sitting in the balcony watching those two movies and enjoying Marilyn just fine.
Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Monroe's death.


text:
Sustainable Seafood
Enjoy the bounty of ocean-friendly choices.
Flavor and health benefits lure people to seafood. Consumer demand, however, can lead to a depletion of the ocean's resources. While markets today offer a variety of sustainable fish choices, they can be expensive. It's simple economics: High demand plus low supply yield higher prices. Buying sustainable seafood increases the odds that your favorite fish will be available and affordable in the future.
What does "sustainable" mean? Monterey Bay Aquarium spokesman Ken Peterson explains, "Sustainable seafood comes from sources, whether fished or farmed, that can exist into the long term without jeopardizing the health of the fish population or the integrity of the surrounding ecosystem." Key factors that determine sustainability are population, percentage of by-catch, and impact on the environment.
Harvesting quantities of fish that leave too few to reproduce renders populations unsustainable. Examples of fishery collapse include Atlantic cod and wild Atlantic salmon. The latter is considered commercially extinct―only farmed Atlantic salmon appears in markets. Overfishing proves especially troublesome for slow-growing fish, such as Pacific rockfish and Patagonian toothfish (Chilean sea bass), both of which reach spawning age at about 10 years. Some species of orange roughy need 20 years to mature. If overfished, stocks can take decades to recover.
By-catch occurs when such nontargeted ocean-dwellers as sea turtles, albatrosses, and dolphins are caught with the harvest. Trawling for wild (not farmed) shrimp brings up an inherently high degree of by-catch (up to 10 pounds per pound of shrimp). Turtle- release nets and fish-excluder devices used by U.S. trawlers and the availability of trap-caught shrimp help keep this number from escalating even higher. Farmed seafood such as catfish, striped bass, and shellfish has little by-catch due to aquaculture methods.
Habitat destruction happens when manufacturing waste pollutes streams, rivers, and oceans. Dams are especially problematic for spawning fish that attempt to return to their natal waters. Harmful harvesting methods have the potential to sweep vast sections of ocean floor barren of life, wreaking environmental devastation.
The bottom line is that consumers make a difference. If shoppers are selective about fish, reduced demand for jeopardized species will force fishers to turn to more abundant seafood. And the old adage "there's always more fish in the sea" would once again ring true.
Downloadable seafood cards listing safe seafood choices.
Seafood Watch cards from the Monterey Bay Aquarium.


text:
Having recently ended a successful career in which he won two UEFA Champions Leagues and four Spanish league titles with Real Madrid and also won 52 caps for Spain, Michel Salgado is embarking on a new career in football. Nicknamed Il Due after the number he wore on his shirt, the ex-Celta Vigo and Blackburn Rovers man is now in charge of a football academy in Dubai and is preparing the ground for a move into coaching.
Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, the former right-back discussed his exciting new projects, his move into youth coaching and the importance of age-category tournaments for young prospects starting to make their way in the game. And in a year in which Turkey will host the latest FIFA U-20 World Cup, Salgado recalled his experiences with Spain at Qatar 1995.
FIFA.com: You had a very successful career with Celta Vigo and Real Madrid in Spain and then with Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League. How are you approaching this new phase in your life?
Michel Salgado:Things are going really well. I didn't want to take a sabbatical when I retired. I wanted to study for a year instead and have a think about what I had to offer football now, seeing as my playing career at professional level was over. I signed a contract as a sports commentator (for Al Jazeera Sports in Qatar) and I'm starting a new project now as the director, consultant and face of Dubai Sports City, a residential complex where they've built some amazing sports facilities and where I'll be running the football side of things. I want to get my coaching licence, and at the moment I'm doing things that are going to stand me in good stead for the future, like my academy work. I haven't been retired for long but I already miss the pitch and working with a team on a day-to-day basis.
Having worked with top coaches like Fabio Capello and Vicente del Bosque, is it fair to say they'll be a big influence on your coaching career?
I've been lucky enough to work with some very good coaches, though I don't believe you just learn from the good ones. You also have to learn from the ones you don't rate that highly and make sure you don't do the things they did (laughs). Just because you've had a good career as a player doesn't mean to say you're going to make a great coach either. Being a coach is very different to be being a player. It's a very lonely job and you have to take easy and hard decisions for the good of the team. When you win everyone wins, but when you lose it's you who carries the can. It's one of the hardest jobs in football and it takes time. That's why you have to study a whole lot of different techniques and coaches until you find your own way and your own ideas.
When you win everyone wins, but when you lose it's you who carries the can.
Now that you've started coaching at youth level what differences have you noticed between young players when you were playing and those of today?
Things have changed a lot in the last few years. Now you've got 13- and 14-year-olds with agents, which wouldn't have been allowed in my time, and 16-year-olds with their names on their boots. I think it would be good to go back to the old ways a little and know exactly where we all come from. There's just too much pressure in the football business now and it's falling on children who are too young. Kids have to be allowed to make more mistakes and they have to respect their coach, who has to have the right to guide them and teach them. For coaches these days it's no fun trying show things to 19-year-olds, and it shouldn't be like that. You've still got a lot to learn at that age. Football's taking some pretty drastic paths at the moment. I'm not saying we should go back to the good old days, but there were some things that were done right then and we need to strike a balance.
*You had a great club career but your last major tournament with Spain was the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. Are you a little envious of the success former team-mates like Iker Casillas and Xavi have had since then? *No, I'm not envious, because I was lucky enough to be there with them right at the start of this fantastic run of success. It's typically Spanish to see all this success as the good bit and to look on the past as if it didn't amount to anything, but I see it the other way round. Spanish football is a success story now because lots of people in the past – and not just when I was playing – fought hard and stuck to their principles. The fact we didn't change our mindset or our style of play has brought the rewards we're seeing now. The quality that's there is just exceptional, but I also played in sides that produced some fantastic football. And when you're in a tight spot you need a bit of luck too, and this team has had that luck, thank God. And I mean that in the nicest possible way because even if I don't feel I've taken part in it all, I do feel very close to everyone who's won all these titles. I'm amazed by what they're doing. These are great times we're experiencing.
I think tournaments like this are really important for players. They're your first taste of international competition at the highest level.
You played for Spain at youth level too, winning the UEFA U-21 title in Romania and playing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Qatar 1995. What memories do you have of those world finals and how important was the tournament in your development as a player?
I've got very good memories of Qatar 1995 and I look back on it with a lot of affection. I was there with people who went on to play in the first division for many years, like Raul, Ivan de la Pena, Fernando Morientes and Joseba Etxeberria. The shame was we had a team that was good enough to win but we lost to eventual champions Argentina in the semis. It was great for me to play with people who had a lot of quality even then and with whom I shared so much during my professional career and have remained close friends with.
I think tournaments like this are really important for players. They're your first taste of international competition at the highest level and you're at that stage in your career when you're halfway between being a lad who's getting his first chance and the professional that you want to become. It's a wonderful time in your development as a player and I think you have to see it as something that's unique and unforgettable. It's just a shame I can't go back (laughs). I miss those times.
Turkey 2013 is just around the corner. What advice do you have for the players who'll be representing Spain there?I'd tell them to try and enjoy the tournament like it was their last one and to keep up all the good work Spain's youth teams have been doing in these last few years. It's a vital time in their lives and it's now that they have to show if they have what it takes to be professionals. I wish them the very best and I hope they win the World Cup.


text:
Washington, District of Columbia July 21 — The Jazz Community will gather on and off stage to celebrate with entertainer Aaron Myers as he brings in his birthday through music and pool-side fun. Rumors are rampant that other local entertainers, club owners, politicians, and a host of other notables will be in attendance. Starting with a music filled night of Jazz at Mr. Henry's Restaurant and then a Poolside Bash at Vida Fitness U Street Penthouse, confirmations are reaching capacity for both venues.
"There's no better way to bring people together than with music and birthdays ," Myers said. "Celebrating music and life will be theme of this weekend."
Myers, now Resident Artist at the legendary Mr. Henry's Restaurant, is known for his jazz concerts, comedy, and activism. Over the last 6 years, Myers has introduced jazz to audiences through his intimate jazz shows, his radio program "The Exchange" and through his charitable efforts.
There will be champagne, great performances, and a great pool over the two day birthday experience. To those who are accustomed to these events, Myers will bring an element of fun over the weekend that will be memorable.
"This Birthday is special to me," Myers said. "I'm announcing the upcoming release of my new album!" Myers also shared another reason the opening festivities hold a certain sentiment. "For the first time, my Friday night show at Mr. Henry's will be streamed through a platform that will allow people to view the show from their home computers and mobile devices. This will be the first show my 98 year old Grandmother will be able to see. Due to her health, she has never seen my jazz shows."
Recently, Myers has added "Writer" & "Film-Producer" to his list of accomplishments. Although the projects are in production, the film, reportedly a documentary about DC Taxi Drivers, has garnered a lot of buzz in the DC community. In addition to this documentary, Myers is also shopping around new the feature film script "Paths at Sunset" while finishing up work on TV Pilot "Half Note."
"Producing a film is not for the faint at heart," Myers said with a grin. "Deadlines, can make you or break you, but they do help you stay true to yourself about seeing these projects through to completion."
Aaron Myers, known as the "Class Act," is a native Texan who has decided to make Washington DC his home. Through his partnerships with charities, business, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism. Visit his website at www.aaron2.me.


text:
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Smooth and Creamy Carrot Dip with Tahini
The carrots in this house are staging an uprising. They feel they never get to be the star of the show. I guess they do have a point (as evidenced by the roasted radish and carrot dish and vegetable dip). So we are giving into their demands for the royal treatment….their very own dip! We love how the sweetness of the carrots works with the creamy nuttiness of this tahini dip.
3 bunches baby carrots, peeled
½ cup tahini + 1 tablespoon
4 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 ½ teaspoons rice vinegar
2 ½ teaspoons Sambal Oelek chile paste
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped chives, for garnish
My tahini was pretty separated, with the liquid on top and the paste on the bottom. I stirred it up as much as I could, but it was still mildly runny, which was actually a good thing, as it made combining the ingredients easier. After mixing the tahini, add the tahini, soy sauce, sesame oil, canola oil, honey, rice vinegar, sambal oelek, and lemon juice into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir all the ingredients together. If your dip is too thick, try adding some a little canola oil to thin it out. Place in serving bowl, and add chopped chives on top for garnish. Serve with the peeled baby carrots.
18 comments:
I am not familiar with sambal oelek... I will have to google it, but the rest of the ingredients in the dip sound delicious.ReplyDeleteReplies
Sambal (or Sambal Oelek) is our new favorite hot sauce. It seems to work with anything, and has a great taste. It looks like a jar of garlic chili paste, but it isn't so garlic heavy, and our everyday supermarkets seem to carry it now.Delete
I know I would have to conduct a big search to find some of these ingredients but it would be worth it. This is very creative, this is the first dip I have seen using tahini. Your pictures have such vibrantly colored carrots, I would like some to dip now!ReplyDeleteReplies
Yea, it may depend on where you are. In Orange County, I think they sell all this stuff at Ralphs (everyday supermarket).Delete
love the happy vibrant carrots with that spicy tahini dip!ReplyDelete
I've never made a dip with carrots, but this is a good veggie dip. Time to try it. Thanks for stopping by my blog, and your kind words.ReplyDelete
So unique and so delicious sounding! This is the second carrot recipe I've seen tonight - it's a sign!ReplyDelete
Those are some bright, beautiful looking carrots. I've never made tahini (only hummus!) thanks for the cool recipe!ReplyDelete
Your spicy tahini dip sounds too good! I'm super boring with tahini, I've only used it in hummus, I need to give this a try!ReplyDelete
This sounds SO good! If I can just find some of these more unique ingredients here in the middle of nowhere I'm good! LOL!ReplyDelete
Carrots are a mainstay in this house, and this would be a great way to use some up! Thanks so much for sharing!
And beautiful pic!
I have so many carrots at the moment so this sounds like a brilliant idea! I can imagine it works really well with the tahini.ReplyDelete
What a yummy looking dip! I have some carrots that need to be used up so this is perfect. :)ReplyDelete
I better not let my carrots talk to your carrots or they really might revolve! This dip reminds me of a soup I made recently...so delicious!ReplyDeleteReplies
lol, we definitely can't have our carrots talking to each other! recipe for that soup please :)Delete
This dip looks yummy! Interesting combination!ReplyDelete
We eat a ton of dips every week (slight exaggeration) but I've never made a carrot one. I'm going to try yours.ReplyDeleteReplies
Yea, dips are pretty amazing. This one is really just for dipping carrots into, not using carrot in the dip. Tahini Dip would've probably been a more accurate title.Delete
Seth, thanks for supporting Food on FRiday again. CheersReplyDelete


text:
The Moth & The Mirror occupy one of those grey areas in music. Several of the band's members might already be known to the most devoted disciples of Scottish indie rock, but this is by no means a supergroup. Louis Abbott from Admiral Fallow is the only previously established frontman in this band, which seems to feature the least prominent members of some of Scotland's most significant acts.
So while the temptation might be to label The Moth & The Mirror as an Admiral Fallow/Arab Strap/Frightened Rabbit supergroup, let's be clear: on Honestly, This World, you won't be hearing the dour, dulcet tones of Aidan Moffat or the gaspingly tender earnestness of Scott Hutchinson. Rather, you'll hear Arab Strap's former cellist, Stacey Sievewright, step into the limelight as a strong, smart frontwoman, while the glowing guitar-work of Gordon Skene reminds Frightened Rabbit fans of the energy he has been adding to that band's live shows since 2009.
As supergroups go then, The Moth & The Mirror lack the hipster credentials of a collective like Broken Social Scene, the cult acclaim of a band like The Bad Seeds and the all-round superstardom of a proper supergroup like The Travelling Wilburys. Fortunately, on the evidence of Honestly, This World, The Moth & The Mirror have spent enough time with some of Scotland's best songwriters to have learnt a thing or two about making a great record.
Opening track 'Everyone I Know' is a stunning journey through the band's musical breadth. Its delicately glum acoustic guitar is powerfully illuminated by a deeply rhythmic bass, making an-almost infectious groove. But soon every echo of danceability is bludgeoned out, first by atmospheric high-pitched drones, then by Sievewright's painfully resigned plea of "I just don't want to see you like this", before finally, a searing riff ignites and angrily burns right through the affectionate vocals.
Folkish understatement and angst-ridden post-punk are two things that The Moth & The Mirror do very well, and the distinction between the two is most clearly put on 'Boxes'. Its first three minutes feel like a lullaby that wraps you up in a radiator-warm blanket, before ripping it away with clawing, scratchy guitars. These contrasts are at the heart of what makes Honestly, This World immediately likeable, and they often come in odd combinations. The title-track, for example, has a sombre soulfulness to it, which becomes completely drowned out by angular post-rock, swelling choral parts and a strangely funky indie-disco section that sounds like Franz Ferdinand having a crack at writing a club banger.
The Moth & The Mirror are at their weakest when they lack authenticity, as on the shuffling guitar-pop of 'Germany', which far sounds too much like it was written by fashionable middle-class pretty boys from the South East of England to be played by anyone connected with a band like Arab Strap. These disappointments are rare though – the noisiest moments of Honestly, This World scream with emotional integrity, while the hushed acoustic numbers are rich in sincerity and sweetness.
Stacey Sievewright's performance is particularly brilliant. As the band evoke the downbeat beauty of Low on 'Soft Insides', her vocals yearn, warmly, sensitively, and completely captivatingly. Later, on the implausibly lovely 'Closing Doors', she sounds snug, safe but just a tiny bit sad as she whispers "I pull my socks on under covers to keep warm / And I'm dreading filling in any more forms".
Honestly, This World is a phenomenally fluent debut, as the skill and experience of its performers ensure that its meanings, moods and emotions are articulated loudly and clearly. The songwriting can be a little loose and undefined ('Fire' is the only bona fide straight-to-the-point pop song), but the ebb and flow of this record's ambition and scope is nothing to be ashamed of. The Moth & The Mirror have plenty of wonderful ideas in them, and are more than capable of bringing them brilliantly to life. Really, they deserve to be stars in their own right.
8Robert Cooke's Score