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"To have and to hold, from this day forward…to love and to cherish...'til death do us part." Those beautiful words from our wedding vows are so sweet yet foreboding.
A month before Christmas, my dear husband Francis went on a journey that only he could embark on. My husband of nearly twenty three years has always been so close to me, always by my side and I have never imagined that we wouldn't be together forever. He was not perfect but he was the perfect one for me. I thought being with him was my happy ever after.
We were both looking so far ahead. We had dreams and plans for the future. We had foreseen how we would be as old people and looked forward to being a part of our children's adult lives. Being apart was never in our plans.
Unfortunately, destiny has its twists and turns and what comes round the bend is sometimes so unexpected and deeply traumatic.
Francis succumbed to colon cancer a month before Christmas, just two months after being diagnosed. He has always been well, strong and protective. I have never imagined him unwell, much less gone. He has left such a huge, deep, dark space that I cannot fathom at the moment.
It is so difficult to be so immensely pained, yet obliged to remain strong for the sake of my children. It is not just grief I have to deal with but the sudden drastic change in our lives.
I thank everyone who prays for me, comforts me and encourages me to be strong. The task ahead is indeed daunting but I have faith in God's infinite plans. Everything that happens happens for a good reason. I trust that Francis dwells in eternal happiness and peace. I trust that there are bigger plans for me and my children, and we will have divine guidance to lead us through. I hope for enlightenment and strength so that I may build a new life for my family.
I am taking a break from the blog for a while but will resume the posts when I can. Francis and I shared the same passion for food. We had a culinary journey together. Although he is gone, he will continue to inspire me.
All rights reserved ©Adora's Box Copyright 2011.
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Francis' favourites:
Nasi Lemak |
Nasi Ayam |
Kari Kari |
Taho (Soy Milk Junket) |
Crispy Pata |


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Red Hat, Inc. (Nasdaq:RHAT), the world's premier open source software provider, today announced a major milestone in the company's long-term strategy of delivering an Open Source Architecture to the enterprise. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 is now available supporting a greatly increased range of IT deployments and spanning seven hardware architectures. Emphasising scalability, performance and extended system coverage, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 provides a stable operating system platform that enables customers to realise the benefits of open source solutions across their complete computing infrastructure - from the desktop to the largest server.
"Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 marks a significant achievement in the maturation of open source," said Paul Cormier, Executive Vice president of Engineering at Red Hat. "This release will act as the unifying platform, and will support seven hardware architectures for both client and server deployments. Red Hat Enterprise Linux has gained the reputation as the de facto enterprise Linux standard. This second generation solution from Red Hat will strengthen Red Hat's global foothold in the enterprise and eliminate the need for proprietary Unix."
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 was developed in close collaboration with customers, hardware manufacturers and software partners with a focus on performance, scalability, and the support of a secure, consistent enterprise-wide platform. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 includes numerous features providing a potent combination of the latest technical features and enterprise stability:
Native Posix Threading Library provides significant performance improvement for multi-threading applications .
Scalability improvements include support for larger SMP, memory and I/O configurations.
Single code base improves code stability, maintainability and security.
Supported hardware architectures include Intel x86 and Itanium, AMD AMD64, IBM zSeries, iSeries , pSeries, and S/390.
"Adecco's back office manages more than one-half million employees annually, so we are continuously seeking improvements in performance, reliability and scalability," said Joseph Pagliaccio, Director of Enterprise Systems for Adecco USA . "With Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3's support of additional addressable memory, we will potentially derive savings and improve performance in our enterprise database server infrastructure." Adecco, based in Zurich, is the world's largest HR solutions company with 5,800 offices across 67 territories and serves 100,000 Clients and 650,000 Associates each day.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 is available now as part of an annual subscription that includes Red Hat Network and services. Current Red Hat Enterprise Linux subscribers can upgrade now via Red Hat Network. Red Hat OEM partners will deliver Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 AS, ES and WS in pre-configured hardware solutions in the next 30-60 days. Several leading ISV applications are already available for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and others have committed to be available in the near term. For more information please visit http://www.redhat.com for more information or call 866-2-REDHAT, extension 45009.
Industry Support
"Systems based on AMD Opteron(tm) and AMD Athlon(tm) processors running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 deliver high performance computing to run mission-critical applications in the data center and on the desktop," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "Today and tomorrow, AMD and Red Hat deliver performance, scalability and value to our customers. With AMD64 technology, AMD and Red Hat deliver a dynamic 64-bit computing environment that delivers native, high-performance 32-bit and powerful 64-bit applications."
"Linux has emerged as BEA's fastest growing deployment operating system platform," said Bob Griswold, vice president and general manager, Java Runtime Products Group, at BEA Systems. "BEA and Red Hat are working closely together- through engineering collaboration, joint solutions and joint support offerings- to optimise, bring to market and support the industry's leading J2EE on enterprise Linux. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 is an important part of our partnership and offers continued advancement in performance, reliability and quality."
"Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 on Dell PowerEdge servers and Dell Precision workstations extends the performance, reliability and cost benefits of standardised, open architectures over proprietary platforms in the Datacenter," said Pete Morowski, vice president of software, Dell Product Group. "The Dell-Red Hat One Source Alliance makes it easy for customers to purchase or upgrade their Red Hat environment, taking full advantage of new capabilities, such as enhanced performance and expanded memory. "
"The launch of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 is great news for our customers," said Akira Yamanaka, Group President of Server Systems Group at Fujitsu. "Red Hat and Fujitsu are cooperating together to reinforce Linux functionality, focusing on enterprise areas. In the course of such efforts, we are pleased to make this release part of our reliable offering to deliver to enterprise customers."
"Hitachi, Ltd. welcomes the announcement from Red Hat, Inc. of the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 based on the latest technology,"Katsuya Takanashi, Executive General Manager of Software Division, Hitachi, Ltd. "Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 has been enhanced for enterprise usage, and Hitachi, Ltd. expects that the announcement of this product will enlarge the Linux enterprise market."
"HP is bringing the powerful and flexible Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 platform to enterprise customers on leading HP industry-standard solutions," said Martin Fink, vice president of Linux, HP Enterprise Storage and Servers. "HP is delivering on its commitment to put customers first, offering them solutions with the best price and performance available on the market today."
"Customers are demanding a solution broad enough to cover the entire computing space. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 is getting us closer to that goal," said Jim Stallings, general manager of Linux at IBM. "Customers recognise that a standards-based platform will save them time, money and improve productivity from workstations and file and print, to clusters and the datacenter. Customers are anticipating this release, and IBM welcomes Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 to the marketplace."
'Intel offers the industry's most pervasive, flexible and cost effective platforms for enterprise based on a choice of operating systems, including Linux. Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 takes advantage of the increased cache available on Intel Itanium-based servers to improve the performance of enterprise computing solutions," said Richard Wirt, senior fellow and General Manager, Software and Solutions Group, Intel Corporation. " IT departments need performance but they also want scalable, manageable and reliable enterprise solutions. Intel Xeon processor and Itanium2 processor-based servers running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 provide these capabilities."
"NEC and Red Hat have been working together closely to provide global enterprise customers with Red Hat Enterprise Linux on NEC Express 5800 and TX7 servers," said Yasuo Iwaok, Executive General Manager, 2nd Computers Software Division, NEC Corporation. "The enhanced functionality of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 will provide an even more powerful solution to the enterprise. We are excited to expand the global enterprise market with Red Hat."
"Oracle and Red Hat continue to deliver on our deep commitment to enable low cost, standards-based computing infrastructure for customers," said Dave Dargo, vice president, Linux Program Office at Oracle. "With Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 we offer our joint customers a fully tested, optimised and certified platform to run their mission critical systems along with integrated support, that helps ensure the highest level of service from day one."
"The release of Redhat Enterprise Server 3 is a critical milestone in the overall strategy of providing Fanatical Support? to Rackspace customers." said Dirk Elmendorf, Chief Technology Evangelist, Rackspace Managed Hosting. "The introduction of a standard 64-bit distribution will enable us to offer solutions that scale even further for those enterprise customers that require a higher level of computing power for their business applications. The integration of Red Hat Network provides us with a flexible, scalable and cost-effective opportunity to enhance our level of service for our Linux customers."
About Red Hat, Inc.
Red Hat is the world's premier open source and Linux provider. Red Hat is headquartered in Raleigh, N.C. and has offices worldwide. For more information visit www.europe.redhat.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release that are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, management's plans and objectives for future operations, and management's assessment of market factors, constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, reliance upon strategic relationships, management of growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, the risks of economic downturns generally, and in Red Hat's industry specifically, the risks associated with competition and competitive pricing pressures, the viability of the Internet, and other risks detailed in Red Hat's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which may be accessed through the SEC's Web site at http://www.sec.gov. *LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
- About Red Hat
Red Hat is the world's leading provider of open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to reliable and high-performing cloud, Linux, middleware, storage and virtualization technologies. Red Hat also offers award-winning support, training, and consulting services. As the connective hub in a global network of enterprises, partners, and open source communities, Red Hat helps create relevant, innovative technologies that liberate resources for growth and prepare customers for the future of IT. Learn more at http://www.redhat.com.
- Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: risks related to delays or reductions in information technology spending; the effects of industry consolidation; the ability of the Company to compete effectively; the integration of acquisitions and the ability to market successfully acquired technologies and products; uncertainty and adverse results in litigation and related settlements; the inability to adequately protect Company intellectual property and the potential for infringement or breach of license claims of or relating to third party intellectual property; the ability to deliver and stimulate demand for new products and technological innovations on a timely basis; risks related to data and information security vulnerabilities; ineffective management of, and control over, the Company's growth and international operations; fluctuations in exchange rates; and changes in and a dependence on key personnel, as well as other factors contained in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (copies of which may be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at http://www.sec.gov), including those found therein under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic and political conditions, governmental and public policy changes and the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

subset: commoncrawl


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Yokogawa DL350 Portable ScopeCorder (Oscilloscope/Recorder) – Maximum 32-Channels Analog Input in a Battery-Operated Compact Chassis
Choose from 18 types of input module and install up to 2 in a ScopeCorder at a time to configure a ScopeCorder up to 32 channels.
- A4-sized compact chassis
- Simultaneous isolated inputs maximum
8-ch (1 MS/s) or 4-ch (100 MS/s)
Scanning inputs maximum 32-ch
(10 kS/s) or 16 channels (20 kS/s) - AC/DC/Battery operated
lexible recording in a single portable tool with superior noise immunity and vibration resistance
Flexible input
Choose from 18 types of input modules that are compatible with other ScopeCorders
Vibration resistant
Instruments used for in-vehicle driving tests or field maintenance must be able to make reliable measurements. The DL350 has an aluminum inner frame and an external rubber bumper and conforms to the Japanese JIS D1601 standard for resisting in-vehicle shock and vibration.
Operates in freezing temperatures
Even when used with the rechargeable battery, the DL350 will operate in temperatures from 0 to 45 degrees. The DL350 brings high-quality laboratory measurements into the harsh environments of the field.
High-speed and long-term recording using large memory and direct recording onto an SD card
- Up to 100 Mega-points per module memory
- Up to 50 days continuous recording onto SD card
Ease of use in the field
- Intuitive operation using 8.4 TFT touch screen
- A choice of two operating modes, oscilloscope or data recorder
- DL350 Assistant Software helps configure settings and back up data on the spot
More than a test tool
The DL350 ScopeCorder combines in one compact instrument all the measurement and recording capabilities you need when you are away from your office or lab. The DL350 provides the flexibility you need when you need it: whether you are recording high-speed transients or long-term signals, using 'quick and simple' setup or advanced features.
Complete self-contained signal conditioning
Whether it is straightforward high precision voltage measurements or a blend of signals coming from such things as current probes, temperature sensors, strain gauges, accelerometers and serial buses, the DL350 can handle them all without extra boxes or cables.
This extraordinary input capability is achieved by providing 2 slots, which can be populated with any of 18 different types of user-swappable input modules. This means, for example, that 4 isolated 16-bit voltage inputs can be measured at 1 MS/s, alongside 16 temperatures. Swap a module and measure at 100 MS/s with 12-bit and 1 kV of isolation. Meanwhile there are 16 built-in logic inputs; swap in a digital input module to add even more. Make AC measurements like a DMM with an RMS module in real-time or use a math channel after the recording is finished.
Use it like a data acquisition system or a long memory oscilloscope
Up to 5 Gpoints of data per module can be recorded directly to an SD card. This means that the DL350 can be used for continuous recording for up to 50 days. For high speed signals, up to 100 M points per module of internal memory is available to capture fast transients. This is up to 10,000 times more than other portable oscilloscopes or test tools and thus signals can be captured with higher sample rates or for much longer periods.
Accurate measurement of fast-switching waveforms
Unique amongst portable measuring instruments, there is a high-resolution high-speed sampling module available for the DL350. This provides individually isolated 12-bit, 100 MS/s inputs, which can precisely measure and record transient waveforms superimposed on slower signals. For example, transients occurring on inverter outputs, or the edges of control signals, which are beyond the reach of traditional handheld test tools.
Comprehensive testing made easy
Full recording flexibility
For users who are more familiar with chart recorders than with long memory oscilloscopes, the DL350 offers a choice of operating modes. Recorder mode is suitable for long-term continuous recording for a specific duration and where the sampling interval is specified. A setup wizard can be used in this mode to quickly guide the operator through the entire setup process.
Scope mode enables the DL350 to be used just like an oscilloscope with all the associated benefits, such as comprehensive triggering and flexible memory use. Using the history memory enables up to 1,000 separate triggered acquisitions to be captured to the internal memory and viewed afterwards. Thus the causes and effects of abnormalities can be carefully analyzed as easily as paging through a photo album.
Intuitive operation
An 8.4-inch resistive touch screen has been adopted in order to deliver superior noise-free performance. In environments with the highest levels of electrical noise such as motors and inverters, measurement precision is maintained while enabling the unit to be operated by using (gloved) fingers or stylus.
Even when the backlight is switched off and the touch screen is inactive the user still has access to the START/STOP, manual trigger and data saving keys. For users unfamiliar with state-of-the-art measuring instruments, there is also help at hand via the built-in digital manual.
A wealth of triggers for fault finding
The user has a choice of a simple level trigger or can use enhanced triggers such as pulse width, waveform period and triggers across multiple channels. For example, the wave window trigger is ideal for AC power line monitoring which enables voltage sags, surges, spikes, phase shifts or drop outs to be easily captured (available for 40 to 1,000 Hz waveforms).
Leave a DL350 unattended and automatically save the waveform to a file or send a notification email if and when it triggers.
External sampling clock and triggers
The DL350 is first and foremost a field tool, however it still provides the functionality you expect in a bench instrument. The sampling clock, trigger and start/stop controls are all available as external signals. For example, a rotary angle encoder or degree wheel can be used as the sample clock to analyze engine rotation and performance.
Input modules used in the DL350 ScopeCorder are compatible with the DL850E and DL850EV ScopeCorders, and the SL1000. The DL350 inherits the technological developments of more than 30 years of commitment to the measurement needs of electromechanical systems.
isoPROTM – pioneering measurement technology
Input modules are powered by YOKOGAWA's isoPRO™ technology, which offers industry-leading isolation performance at the highest speeds. isoPRO™ core technology, designed with energy-saving applications in mind, delivers the performance needed to develop high-efficiency inverters that operate at high voltages, large currents and high frequency.
The use of optical fibers enables the achievement of high speed data transmission and high voltage isolation.
Higher voltage registration and better CMRR
720268 High Voltage Input Module The new high-Voltage, high-resolution, 1 MS/s 16 bit Isolation Module (model 720268), which is also capable of direct RMS measurements, has an improved sample rate (1 MS/s) and an improved maximum input voltage (1000 Vrms).
Normally, to realize high insulation performance in a small package, it is necessary to raise the input impedance and lower the voltage of the internal circuit. However the increase in input impedance causes a reduction in the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) and measurement accuracy.
Thanks to the new digital isolator in this module, high voltage input signals can be acquired without an increase in size. High insulation performance is maintained without compromising the CMRR.
Consistent measurement results in R&D and maintenance
Traditionally different measuring instruments of various sizes and capabilities are used in the R&D lab and in the field. Since the accuracy, noise immunity and other characteristics are not the same, engineers struggle to correlate measurements.
The plug-in modules of the DL350 are common* to those of the DL850E and DL850EV, the higher-end ScopeCorder models. By using common* modules for product design, validation and on-site maintenance, the high quality of the measurements is consistent.
*With some exceptions


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Hybrid mobile applications, which are web applications that behave like native mobile applications, can be built with a serverless backend to increase scalability, reduce cost, and run code from any hosting location.
After reading this article you will be able to:
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Serverless architecture can be used for building mobile apps, in addition to web applications. Hybrid mobile apps with a serverless backend enable developers to incorporate the benefits of serverless computing while releasing apps that perform like native apps on almost any smartphone or tablet. Serverless mobile apps are able to scale quickly and easily as the user base grows.
Hybrid mobile apps and native mobile apps are like two cars that look the same, have the same interior, and drive roughly the same, but have very different engines under the hood. A native app is built specifically for a certain kind of device and operating system, and its logic runs on the device itself.
A hybrid app is a web application built using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that runs within something called a "native wrapper" so that it can function like a native mobile app across a variety of devices. Unlike regular web applications, hybrid apps can access platform-specific features, including device hardware and push notification functionality specific to a certain type of device. These hybrid apps can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and are installed like native apps, although there is often much less to download and install since most or all of the logic is hosted in the cloud.
Hybrid apps have become increasingly popular in recent years as concerns about performance have been addressed by technological improvements – for instance, Uber, Instagram, and Twitter are all hybrid apps. Developers sometimes prefer to use a hybrid architecture, as opposed to building native mobile applications, so that the application does not need to be rebuilt in multiple platform-specific languages for different devices. Unsurprisingly, building one app that works on multiple devices typically saves time in both in development and ongoing product support.
With hybrid mobile apps, computing takes place in the cloud, not on the device. All cloud-hosted computing processes for the app can be serverless, just like a serverless web application; the only major difference between a serverless web app and a serverless hybrid mobile app is the native wrapper* on the frontend.
As with a serverless web application, the app code is hosted by a serverless vendor who handles all backend management. The application is divided up into smaller pieces called functions, and the functions do not live on any specific servers. Each function runs in response to triggering events, and the vendor's infrastructure starts up new instances of functions as needed. For example, if a user taps on a 'Purchase' button within an app with a serverless backend, this can trigger a backend function or series of functions that start up, record the transaction, and initiate delivery of whatever the user purchased.
Serverless mobile apps offer the same benefits as building a typical web application with a serverless backend:
To learn more about serverless applications built using JavaScript, see How does serverless JavaScript work?
Hybrid apps are able to function like native apps by leveraging the device's WebView. A WebView is a device-internal browser that displays the application as a browser would, while offering developers greater flexibility for customizing the appearance of their app than a regular browser. Additionally, most WebViews will enable the application to access hardware features on the device via an API.
For example, when a user opens Instagram, the app feels like a native app that's running on the device. But really, the device's WebView is rendering webpages generated by Instagram. The feed of images that users see when first opening up the app is a webpage, and all subsequent pages they visit are webpages, although they feel like they're part of a native application. Instagram is also able to access the device's camera and stored photos despite the fact that it is not a native app, and it can send push notifications.


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A bill to make marriage between same-sex couples legal and to reverse the existing ban on same-sex marriage in Maine will be brought up for a vote in the legislature. The bill is sponsored by Senator Dennis Damon (D-Hancock).
The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition is asking for people to get involved:
The Way Life Should Be: Marriage In Maine
Share the story of your same-sex relationship in Maine at Our Stories.


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By: Alon Ben-Meir
Somalillan- This is the second in a series of articles based in part on eyewitness accounts about the rapidly deteriorating socio-political conditions in Turkey and what the future may hold for the country. The first article is available here.
Much has been written on the endemic corruption in Turkey which involves virtually every social strata—including political, judicial, government administration, private sector, civil society, business, and military—and which stands in total contrast to President Erdogan's grandiose vision to make Turkey a significant player on the global stage. After fifteen years in power, Erdogan now presides over a state deeply entrenched in corruption, conspiracy theories, and intrigue. He uses every lever of power to cover up the pervasive corruption consuming the nation and overshadowing the remarkable socio-political progress and economic growth that he made during his first nine years in power.
To consolidate his reign, he intimidated his political opponents, emasculated the military, silenced the press, and enfeebled the judiciary; most recently, he pressed the parliament to amend the constitution to grant him essentially absolute powers.
Turkey ranks 75th in the world in transparency on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index—falling nine places since 2015—along with Bulgaria, Kuwait, and Tunisia. More than 40% of Turkish households perceive public officials to be corrupt.
The economy: Given the pervasiveness of corruption, economic progress in Turkey has slowed down. In Erdogan's initial years, the economy grew by 5-7 percent because he made it a priority while focusing on the poor and less educated, who subsequently became his core supporters.
When the global economy was strong Turkey registered significant economic growth, but the recent economic slowdown revealed the fault line in Turkey's economy. An inflated and corrupt bureaucracy made it extremely difficult to be granted licenses for development, making it ever harder for foreign and local investors to accelerate the process without bribing government officials.
During a corruption investigation in 2013, $17.5 million in cash was discovered in homes of various officials, including the director of state-owned Halkbank. Fifty-two people connected to the ruling AK Party were detained in one day, but subsequently released due to "lack of evidence."
Given this grim reality, as long as the government continues to deny the existence of pandemic corruption, Erdogan's ambition to make Turkey's economy among the ten largest economies by 2023 (the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic) has become nothing but a pipe dream.
Suppressing the press: Erdogan has shown zero tolerance for criticism and has worked to stifle the press. Any media outlet that exposed corruption cases became an 'enemy of the state.'
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 81 journalists are currently imprisoned, all of whom have been charged with anti-state offenses, and over 100 news outlets have been ordered closed by the government. In total, between July 20 and December 31, 2016, 178 broadcasters, websites, and newspapers were shuttered.
Whereas in a democracy the media is considered central to keeping the government honest, in Turkey investigative journalism has become taboo as the Erdogan government is terrified of the potential exposure of corruption cases where government officials are directly involved.
The implications of this are far and wide as other countries, especially democracies, become suspicious of Turkey's positions. The lack of transparency severely erodes its credibility and international standing.
Political: Two-thirds of Turks in a survey revealed they perceive political parties to be corrupt. Turkey lacks an entity that monitors the financing of parties, which are required to submit their financial tables to the Constitutional Court, an institution ill-equipped to handle audits.
Additionally, according to the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation, Turkey "does not have a specific regulatory process to eliminate possible conflicts of interest" for parliamentarians who transition to the private sector after their terms are complete.
Commenting on former Prime Minister Davutoglu's "transparency package", Erdogan shamelessly stated that "If it [requiring party officials to reveal wealth] goes on like this, you can't find anyone to chair even [the AKP's] provincial and district branches."
Several of Erdogan's ministers (Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan, Interior Minister Muammer Guler, and Environment Minister Erdogan Bayraktar) resigned after their sons were arrested on allegations of bribery. Following their resignation, Erdogan "proceeded to dismiss thousands of police officers, prosecutors, and judges" and accused the Gulen movement of a coup attempt.
The arrest and indictment in US courts of Iranian-Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab poses a significant threat to Erdogan's authority, as top AK officials are wrapped up in the indictment—including some of Erdogan's family members. Pro-government media quickly leveled accusations against the American prosecutor and judge involved in the case of being instruments of the Gulen movement.
The ramifications of the wide-spread political corruption also have major adverse impacts on Turkey's relations with foreign governments who interact with Ankara out of necessity rather than by free choice—particularly the EU—which makes Turkey's foreign relations tenuous and puts its long-term security at risk.
Judiciary: According to the 2013 Global Corruption Barometer, 13% of households reported having to pay a bribe after coming into contact with the judiciary, which has increased in the past three years. The flaws of the Turkish judiciary have "undermined the acceptance of the ruling by all segments of Turkish society and tainted it with allegations of political score-settling."
An even-handed judiciary is necessary to have a healthy and sustainable democracy. But when it becomes corrupted, as it has in Turkey, it is not just the cases before a court that become compromised—there is a ripple effect that occurs, impacting on behavior of officials engaged in criminal activity and who feel they can continue to act in such a manner with impunity.
Military: According to the EU Progress Report 2016, extensive legal protection is given to counter-terrorism personnel and "the military and intelligence services continue to lack sufficient accountability in Parliament." The same report states that "Access to audit reports by the Turkish Court of Accounts on the security, defense and intelligence agencies remains restricted."
Erdogan has replaced hundreds of generals, which led to a reduction in strategic planning and overall quality of military effectiveness. His purge of the military high brass three years ago on charges of conspiring to topple the government has eroded Turkey's position in NATO.
Similarly, the purge of the top echelon of the military following the July 2016 coup further weakened military preparedness, which raises serious questions about Turkey's military prowess and its effectiveness as a member of NATO.
Turkey defies the NATO charter that requires its members to "safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law." By not adhering to these principles, Turkey risks being potentially expelled, especially now that Erdogan appears to be increasingly gravitating toward Moscow.
Civil society: The EU Progress Report 2016 notes: "Participation by civil society in the budgetary process is poor…and independent civil society organizations are rarely involved in law- and policy-making processes."
Corruption creates fear in society—individuals who might otherwise wish to expose acts of corruption are now afraid to be implicated. According to Transparency International's Oya Ozarslan, "Today you can't offer people neither a good nor a bad example because corruption trials have become impossible in Turkey. This in turn legitimates the notion that [the corrupt] get away with it anyway."
The AK Party pledged "[to wage a] most intensive struggle [against corruption]," and fully ensure "transparency and accountability prevail in every area of public life… [to prevent] the pollution of politics," but then Erdogan himself rejected any practical measures to tackle corruption, fearing damaging exposure.
Sadly, much of what Erdogan aspired for could have been realized had he continued the reforms he initiated and brought Turkey to the international status he desired without resorting to authoritarianism.
After 15 years in power, Erdogan provides a classic example of how power corrupts. It is time for the public and the opposition parties to demand that he leaves the political scene and allow the formation of a democratically-elected government to begin the process of stemming corruption.
Otherwise, Turkey will forfeit its huge potential of becoming a significant player on the international stage.
Dr. Alon Ben-Meir is a professor of international relations at the Center for
Global Affairs at NYU. He teaches courses on international negotiation and
Middle Eastern studies.
firstname.lastname@example.com Web: www.alonben-meir.com


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September 2017
August 2017
July 2017 Recap
Maverick Grey
Our baby boy is here! He was born on July 27, 2017 at 8:20pm – weighing 6 lbs. 11 oz. and 21 inches long. His birth gave us a bit of a scare, but thankfully we are all here, and all healthy, and so thankful. You can read the whole story below…
Since Emerald was breech at 39 weeks, she was born via c-section. This time around, my doctor said I'd be a good candidate to try for a VBAC, so I figured why not – the rule my doctor had was I had to go into labor on my own before 41 weeks, or she'd induce me during week 40, but in order to do that I still had to be dilated to at least 1cm and thinned out. I stayed at 1cm from week 38 – 40 despite all of our efforts to induce labor on our own. So we scheduled for my doctor to induce me on July 27 knowing she'd be on call that day and the following day.
With a VBAC, my doctor wanted to do a gentle/slow induction. It first started with a foley balloon. We arrived at the hospital at 7:30am and the balloon was inserted by 8am (most of the day I had a resident doctor watching my progress which turned out to be helpful in the end). The foley balloon was supposed to dilate me to 3, 4 or 5cm. Luckily at 4pm that day I was dilated to a 5 and 80% thinned out. So they took the balloon out.
Next my doctor allowed me one quick meal (I had been on a liquid diet all day) before they'd break my water, start pitocin and I could get an epidural. The next time they came to check me and start on some of the tasks above I was already at a 7cm. So I said please hurry it up already with the epidural before it was too late!
They broke my water and then the epidural was in. Next, they started pitocin at a "2" which is way less than they give a non-VBAC patient. They would then increase it by "2" every half hour to help get my contractions to be more consistent and stronger. Everything was going great, I wasn't feeling the crazy-long and on-top-of-each-other contractions – but next Drew and I noticed there was about 8 nurses and 2 doctors suddenly in our hospital room. Maverick wasn't handling the intense contractions very well and his heart rate kept dropping and taking awhile to recover. They had me switch side to side and breathe in some oxygen to help with his heart rate. At this time I was starting to get worried. I had Drew hand me some earbuds and I began listening to a few songs to help me pray and focus – one being "Trust" by Hillsong Young & Free, which was also a song I had been listening to on repeat the past couple weeks about trusting God that'd he'd bring Maverick into this world when he was ready, and not on my terms.
They finally decide to shut the pitocin off and to give Mav a break. A half hour later they started again at a "1" and were only going to go up by "1" every half hour, however, his heart rate still dropped again. At that time my doctor let me know that both doctors and six nurses were going to be watching the monitors non-stop.
After the third time his heart rate dropped, his heart rate wasn't recovering, my OB doctor said it was time to do an emergency c-section. Within a minute I was being rushed down to the OR and the anesthesiologist was pumping new meds into me as they were wheeling me down. Things were happening so fast, but I was trying to stay calm knowing if I started freaking out, it would only hurt Mav's heart rate even more. When the nurses started paging the NICU that's when my heart sank.
We got into the OR and they hooked me back up to monitors to watch Maverick's heart rate. Thankfully it had recovered and my doctor let everyone know it was no longer an emergency c-section and everyone could chill out a bit. That gave me such relief, knowing our little boy was doing ok. Even though I had a c-section before and knew what to expect, I was still pretty nervous leading up to them beginning. Thankfully the anesthesiologist was coaching me the entire time, letting me know what was all happening (since Drew wasn't allowed to be in the OR until surgery began).
After so much crazy pressure, nausea, and pulling (and literally someone kneeling on top of me), our little boy was held up over the curtain and was screaming his head off – that was probably the best sound ever. He looked perfect and healthy and had apgar scores of 9. The doctors discovered the reason his heart rate was dropping in labor was because the cord was wrapped around his neck twice. Thankfully I didn't progress past 7cm, because we aren't sure what would have happened if he had been squeezed thru the birth canal even further with his cord like that. I have to believe that was all God's doing and the song "Trust" helped me understand and gave me peace about how the whole situation when down.
Stitching me back up took a lot longer this time (due to scar tissue from my previous c-section) but after a few minutes of them cleaning up Mav, Drew was able to bring him over and show me and I held his tiny little fingers.
About 45 minutes after he was born, we went to the recovery room (where we stayed for two hours), where I was able to nurse Maverick and they did continual checks on us. Everything continued to look great and we were ready to go back into our hospital room at 11pm.
The next day, my mom brought Emerald to meet her little brother! She was so excited, and one of the first things she asked was if his nails were painted blue like hers. She's really been the sweetest big sister!
Even though I was the picture perfect candidate for a VBAC, God had other plans and I'm thankful it didn't pan out to what I had in mind. Recovery from this c-section has been more painful and slower (most likely due to this being my second one, laboring all day, and taking care of a toddler), but one more week of slow recovery and I should be feeling so much better! It will feel great to be able to pick-up Emerald again and have the freedom to drive.
My friend Katie Bingen (also a photographer) came to take photos of us in the hospital on Saturday, here's some of my favorites. So thankful she captured these sweet memories for us <3
40 Weeks | Baby #2
Well, I was hoping we wouldn't have to take this 40 week photo, but we do 🙁 Still waiting on baby boy! I'm feeling great, but secretly and saying "bring on the pain" we're ready to meet you!! Really hoping to go into labor on my own, otherwise my doctor will eventually induce me, but the c-section rate increases with induction and since we are going for a vbac…. come on baby!
39 Weeks | Baby #2
Happy 39 weeks baby boy, it's time to come out like your big sister did a little early for us! At my appointment last week I was 1cm, 50% effaced (though not sure how my body progresses since I wasn't really ever checked with Em since she was being born via c-section). So we'll do lots more walking and more to entice you to come out, until then we are loving on big sister big time and prepping her for when you make your appearance. Oh and happy day, my legs are no longer swollen, thanks for moving a bit and helping me out!
37 & 38 Weeks | Baby #2
Ok, so I failed and missed documenting 37 weeks, sorry baby boy! I hope to not disappoint you in documenting your life once you arrive! Week 38 was filled with lots of walking, bouncing on the exercise ball, eating spicy food and more, hoping to show some signs of dilating at my weekly appointment! Oh and swollen everything!


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Monday, June 15, 2009
How To Buy Fabric With Small Children
67 comments:
Yeah, you hit the nail on the head with this! I totally have to 1. take lots of snacks 2. bring stuff for them to do whilst I look (ie little drawing notebooks or my Ipod touch or....if I forget, I find something in the store to let them hold and play with till we leave or they get bored with it) 3. dress them VERY cute and a lot of times I get extra oohs & aaahs by dressing them matchy-matchy (which I NEVER thought I would EVER do) 4. Have some secret candy in my purse....but after a few times of magically pulling candy out of my purse, my kiddos LEARNED. Now, they dive through my purse right away so I now need to put it in my pockets instead. Sometimes I just have to let them play a little hide-n-seek in order to get my shopping done :)
ReplyDeleteAll those tips are cool! I have a one year old daughter but haven't done proper fabric shopping with her as all the fabric shops I go to have their fabric either up or down stairs and I can't get there with the buggy! I did carry her into the shop once but my arms nearly broke off!
The snacks is a good tip. I also go everywhere armed with snacks, even if I'm just doing the grocery shopping, or going for a little walk.- AnonymousJune 16, 2009 at 8:07 AM
What a great post! I *HAVE* to know what store gives fat quarter packs to children. If that place is anywhere near me, I could take my 5 kids and clean up! I'm kidding, of course. (Sort of.)
ReplyDelete This post is wonderful! My children like fabric, but it's not typically the fabric I want to purchase/look at...
I need to get smarter about bringing snacks and Secret Weapons. And dressing my children adorably. Most days I'm just relieved they both have clothes on. I ALWAYS bring a list (definitely no short-term memory in this head) and the detour to the craft section actually has worked as a Secret Weapon so far - mainly because I was blessed (in this case it's a blessing) with cautious children who stay close to their mother in stores so they won't run off to that section on their own (yet, at least) and need my cooperation to go there. Their favorite part of the store is all the little stones and marbles that are in the flower arranging section.
Thanks for all the excellent advice - and a good laugh :)I MUST remember to bookmark this post for future (when N has siblings) reference. My strategy now is simply to let the salesperson in charge of following me around the store play/keep an eye on the child.
*the fabric store I frequent has sales staff working on commissions, so I am never without a willing babysitter...hyuk! hyuk! hyuk!Hallo all and thank you for the very helpful hints. Methinks a fabric shopping trip today (OK, tomorrow) is in order to try them all out!
Emily: Notebooks are a very, very good idea! Never thought of that. I have one in my purse for ME but I think I can use it as Backup Secret Weapon now. Thank you!
miss aine: I bring snacks to the supermarket too. And sympathies on the stairs in your stores. Which architect designed those? Must have been someone who never went fabric shopping with small children!
mamalong: it's SR Harris, a local fabric warehouse. You have to measure and cut your own fabric which is lovely and saves time. And there are round stickers for labeling yardage and price, so extra playthings for the kids while you work. But it's huge and I am often depressed when I leave because I never seem to cover more than one or two aisles.
MaryAnne: Most days my children are also not adorably dressed, and usually even mismatched-ly dressed. And sometimes even with breakfast on their shirts. Sigh. But once in a while we make it.
J: How did you get so lucky with personal shopper assistance? Is this spotlight? Can we go when I next visit?You have some good tips here. I never thought about dressing the kids in something I made - brilliant!
The store I do most of my fabric shopping at has carts, so both kids go in the cart, and they know if they keep quiet, as I find fabric I like, I will put the bolts in the cart - two on each side, then two up top to make a fort for them. And they have to be quiet and not too bouncy in there, so they don't knock their fort down.
We also play "I Spy". "Who can find a frog?" "Who can find a butterfly?" Who can find a typewriter?"Oh, I loved this post! I actually cannot imagine to got fabric shopping with my daughter - and I only have ONE!
I have to admit that I did my fabric shopping mostly on the internet. But I think that won't do for the future. I think it is much better to be able to feel the fabric and actually see what it is like ... If I ever have to go with my daughter I will definitely reread your post! THANKS so much!I don't like shopping online for fabric either. If I can't touch something, how do I know I will like it. The hand is as important to me as the color or design--maybe more. I've been known to buy something that wasn't a knockout look, but felt perfect.
I don't have small ones, but I also don't have a fabric store here. (Dear Walmart, That is not a complaint. I bless you for your fabric department each week. Maybe though, you could think about bringing in some different styles. I've had those sunflowers in every patchwork thing I've made since, um, 1998. Thank you.)
I remember when I was a kid, back in the 50's, going fabric shopping with my mom. I loved it, even then. She made all of our clothes, and we always got to pick our own fabric and patterns. IN those days, the dye in fabrics would burn your eyes when you were in fabric stores. I guess they've changed the formula, or my eyes got used to it, because it doesn't bother me anymore.This post had me laughing. Loved it. I like to have my 4 year old write out my grocery list while I push her in the cart. It takes a long time to write a-r-t-i-c-h-o-k-e, plus I can spell it for her and shop fabric at the same time. I'm very talented that way.
For my two year old, stickers do the trick.
For my 3 month baby cakes-nurse proir, and keep pacipher close by.
Usually I can get by with an hour of shopping fabric.
I loved your table tent. It turned out beautifully! I loved how you changed it up. Can't wait to see all your projects!- AnonymousJune 16, 2009 at 8:43 PM
You're far more prepared than me...I cross myself and head on in!
ReplyDelete fabric shopping had never been too much of an issue for me before this year...mine are 5 and 2...problem is my 5 year old son LOVES fabric and for me to make him something...so there is a continual discussion as to what i am buying and whether or not i am making him something...my kids LOVE the buttons...so that is my secret weapon...button isle is very last and only if there has been good behavior....
ReplyDelete- AnonymousJune 17, 2009 at 7:30 AM
I love taking my older kids with me, they both babysit and prevent me from buying fabric they know I will never use!
ReplyDelete hilarious!
Molly's first outing was to buy fabric, too. I think my kids are well trained since they are generally begging for fabric or sewing notions, especially buttons. Better than candybars at the checkout?
I must say, though, that I love shopping online. And, believe it or not, even that is not easy with 5 small people in the house.Over from Today's Creative Blog....love this. When I had three kiddos (oh those were the days) my oldest was 3 years old. My weapon of choice was fruit by the foot. Sticky, but effective.
And whenever those ladies ask what I'm making my answer is always the same: "I haven't decided yet." End of conversation ;)I don't do snacks anymore, not since that time they were pelted across the store at each other. My son and his friend decided it would be funny, as I turned my head for one second to read measurments on a bolt, to "play army" in the store. That day became the day that I realized fish (though only goldfish snacks) could truly fly. Now, I "let Mr Z" play with a LeapFrog handheld game. It is the only time he is allowed to use it, while shopping. Now he begs to go shopping all the time, and if he is good for 5 trips in a row, he gets a new game for the system. Hearing those words, "Momma, when are we gonna go shoppin'?" truly makes me melt. Who cares if it is bribery? Not me! I have the kid that behaves like an angel, at least at the store.
ReplyDeleteMmkay, see, I only have one small child. But he's a BOY so he automatically hates the fabric store :( It's a nightmare each time! i have to pack my tiny purse (reFUSE to carry a diaper bag anymore :P) with toys (which each have several noisy buttons) and cookies and a harmonica. It's like packing for a vacation. When I really get desperate I become frantic and start saying "do you see something blue?! red?! orange?!" Of course, it's always worth it in the end :)
ReplyDeleteThis was hilarious!!! And you know, this too will pass. I shop for fabric alone - my teenager daughters are old enought to opt out and stay home. And once in a while I get a great treat, and my 16 year old actually comes with me and offers GREAT advice when I am trying to decide between fabric A-B-and C. A full circle sort of thing. The next dream is that at least one of them developes an interest in sewing.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I love this post! I also bring snacks, I also firmly believe children should be trained to love fabric stores (in my case the craft stores, too!) My 3 yr old daughter has asked to go to the craft stores on more than one occasion when we've been out and, one time, we arrived at the craft store to find it closed and she cried!!! That's my girl!
ReplyDeleteOh that is TOO funny -- I especially love the tip about lying at the cutting counter! (: hahaha!!!!
I must admit on the few occasions I have taken my (1) toddler along to the fabric store, it's gone really poorly. These tips are the perfect thing! Thanks so much!!! You are a genius. As usual.
Oh I was also going to say thanks for the nice things you said about my hair and Octotunic. That was very sweet. I just found a Simplicity pattern that looks very similar to my tunic the other day so if you're needing to make one you could give it a try! Of course I haven't tried it so I have no idea if it's any good...You are hilarious! I'm here from Today's Creative Blog. I have a tough time taking my one 2-year old to the fabric store. I don't know how you can bring three kids! I always bring fruit snacks, that's my secret weapon. Although it's not so "secret" anymore since she always asks for it as soon as we get there. She likes to hold fat quarters too.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness my boys are in school now. I have one in kindergarten so I have a few hours every morning to run.
When I was doing this with the three of them, though, I totally relied on snacks just like you. Snacks and lots of promises and bribes. It's really hard to concentrate!
For some reason, sugarless gum kept my boys busy for a loooong time.ROFLMAO! I was actually agreeing and crying halfway through this post that I had to stop reading and make a comment. This was hiliarious and soooo true at the same time. Glad someone else feels my pain. BTW, my i-phone always buys me an extra 30 minutes or so with my 2 year old. i have to shop with the baby strapped to me in her Bjorn and my 2 year old son strapped into a stroller armed with snacks and my iphone. It's the only way we get out -and- I get to keep my sanity. Now I have to go finish reading this post. Thanks for a great pick me up!
ReplyDeleteHow did you photograph the contents of our pantry (and my purse?!) I laughed out loud and snorted so many times reading this post that my husband came into the room and asked me what I was doing....ha-ha!! I love it. Fantastic post, it's as though you have been secretly following me and the girls around g-street fabrics for years and taking notes!!
ReplyDeleteHi, I just found your blog and am enjoying looking through it. I laughed at you rule # 6 ,I think that was the #, "tell them you are making a quilt" when I am in line I always try to think what to tell them I an going to be making, (sometimes I'm just buying the fabric 'cause I love it), it's a lot of stress to put on someone! Next time I will take your advice, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow - you totally summed up the experience. My kids - 3 and (almost) 5 - like to pretend they're fabric and squeeze themselves next to the bolts if there's some space. Then, they ask me to "pick them" by tagging or tickling them. They invented the game themselves. Also, they like to look through the catalogs if I'm picking up any patterns and tell me what I should make for them or other people we know.
ReplyDeleteThis, by far, is one of the best posts I've read in a long time regarding dealing with children while shopping. I usually sneak off by myself as my three are never quite under control. My last adventure to the fabric store started off wonderfully. They walked with me admiring the different fabric textures and patterns. They even gave me suggestions on what I could use this one for or that one for. My problem started because I took 10 minutes longer than planned. A melt down with my three yo son ensued. My girls then took it upon themselves to run the isles touching as many items as possible.
I felt like screaming!!! lol
So, we regrouped. The sales lady held what I'd picked out to that point. I took them home and returned later that same evening to continue and make my purchases.
If only I'd read this first! :DMy mom started taking us (three girls and a boy) to the fabric store as little bitty ones. Her rule was if we asked for anything then we would leave. And she kept that promise. It only took two times of her putting everything back and dragging us out of the store crying to make us sit quietly. If we were good we got a treat when we got home. This usually was getting to have boxed mac and cheese for lunch instead of PB&J.
All this is SO TRUE! I have 4 girls, and I use food, bribery, positive reinforcement and dress them well!! Of course I learnt to do this the hard way, after chasing my eldest while heavily pregnant between fabric bolts in the shopping trip from hell. Now my big two [7 and 5] enjoy fabric shopping, especially if one of the things we're looking for is for them [ie, they get to pick fabric for a dress I'm going to make them].
Thanks for an enjoyable post! I'll link to my blog if it's okay with you.- MK JuanAugust 26, 2010 at 1:09 AM
hahahaha... I love this!
As for me, I bring along my darling husband, hands him the baby bag, handkerchief and leave him to control both children (3 and 1 right now). While I do my browsing around wait for the fabric to be cut, etc he'll be tagging along with the children closely behind me, his eyes working frantically trying to locate a place he can sit down but still within calling distance from me...
I'm going to try u tips on our next trip. Wish me luck! That was so funny! I was laughing really hard!
Our Joann's changed their layout to only have one cutting counter now (instead of 3), so the line at the cutting counter now takes AT LEAST one hour.
And I have 6 children, ages 8 and under. I cannot fit a child in the back AND put fabric there, too! :)
I have found that it's best to get a number for the cutting counter before picking out fabric. Then, I also try to go after 8pm (so the children are in bed). This ensures that I will not have to wait for so long.
If I need to take a child with me, I try to limit it to 1 child, or I will CERTAINLY forget the reason I came and buy something else, but not that (even though I have a list). I usually just take the nursing baby. I totally agrree about how they are dressed. I think that applies anywhere, but especially at the fabric store, because I always get asked if I made the dress. I also make sure that said child gets to hold buttons or notions to keep them busy.
Another thing that I do is look at the pattern books online instead of at the store. I write down the patterns I want when I know there is a pattern sale, and I can just go to the drawers and get the patterns immediately.
And now, I am taking my grandma with me, and this is like taking a 2-year-old (except the 2-year-old walks faster); maybe I should take candy with me for next time!You had me cracking up! I am only occasionally brave enough to venture into the fabric store with my two, I guess I had better get it together with the third on the way, lol. And definitely need the list - that would be a life saver. :D My girls do love the fabric store, but want to touch, touch, touch. But really, what harm is in that, with clean hands and faces. ? :)
Perhaps a picture/list for each child - like a treasure hunt would help. hmm.
THANX for a great blog post.What a hilarious and oh-so-true post! I have 3 kids, aged 3 and under, so the fabric store is always an adventure. You have some great ideas that I will need to implement, thanks! And I really should start lying about my projects, because I always get the "oh, how interesting, how are you going to do that?" "Uh, I won't if you don't just CUT. MY. FABRIC.!" Ha!
ReplyDelete- AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 2:40 PM
I have to say that I take a totally different approach. I am blessed to have a husband that works 4 days on and off so when we all go into the city, hubby waits in the car with snacks and the DVD player. Fabric shopping bliss. This usually buys me about a half hour. Ahhhh....
ReplyDelete - ChristineApril 23, 2011 at 12:59 PM
This post made me laugh! I have three boys and I have occasionally taken them all with me fabric shopping. Luckily they were exposed to fabric stores at such a young age so they actually love to go. They like looking at the fabric patterns :) I do go with a list just like you and I try to zoom in and out of there as quick as possible. Thanks for sharing your other tips! I just found out about your blog today through a pin on Pinterest regarding your Kindergarten project. I'll following your blog now! :)
ReplyDelete I can manage short shopping trips with my 15 month old by strapping him on my back with my mei tai. :D He loves being face-height with other shoppers, especially the ladies who he loves to flirt with.
I never thought of giving him a fat quarter! I will have to try that next time, he loves anything orange. :)- AnonymousAugust 9, 2011 at 8:23 AM
Thanks for some great ideas. I have not had much luck fabric shopping with my two littlies (3 yo daughter, 2 yo son). My daughter decides she needs to go to the toilet right about the time I'm loaded up with 5 bolts of fabric. My son runs up and down the aisles smiling at all the ladies. They think he's adorable, but I get a little frustrated chasing him up and down the aisles with said bolts of fabric!
Blooms and Bugs - try finding a fabric store near a store he likes (eg adventure shop/ hardware etc). I find that works a treat! All great tips!! I go with a little boy and a toddler girl so things are trickier. I always pick up something from another isle to let the little one hold and ask her questions like "ooh, Dollie, what do you think of these?" knowing damn well there will be no response. We ALWAYS match though! I almost always have coordinating outfits on each of us (daddy included) for outings. Yes, we are THAT family. I'm convinced I'll loose a child and won't know what color shirt to tell the police said child was wearing but if we are all wearing the same I'll surely remember. ;D
ReplyDeleteGreat post. My 2yr old daughter has charmed the local spotlight staff by sitting on the cutting counter and saying "hi" and their names, and "helping" me carry fabric they are really lovely in there....they now ask where she is if I go without her! We haven't reached terrible twos yet though and the bribe of a fluffy/babycino post shop always works. Agreed re list. It's essential!
ReplyDeleteI took my grandson Austin, fabric shopping with me from the time he was two and a half months old--first times we took him out, as had someone stay at his home until he was around that age. I started babysitting him and off we went. He cost me A LOT more money as once he hit six months, he started picking his own fabrics. at age one, he requested his own fabrics for his 50th quilt. (I later donated most of his stash of quilts to the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, so they were well used.) The fabric cutters/measurers Loved to see him, and he told her one yard of each fabric would NOT be enough....told her he needed a least a yard and a half. I didn't really carry snacks, except water, as at first, he sucked a pacifier. He was a laid back kid and was just happy to look around at everything. When I worked on a project at home, he used four inch swatches of fabic and matched them, counted them, put them i color piles, and planned a quilt for me to do. He is now nearly 12, and still talks about how much fun he had, etc.
ReplyDelete- AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 12:31 AM
All my kiddo's are grown, and we were on the road a lot when they were little. So I didn't get to fabric shop or sew except to repair things. But I had to laugh about the Salesclerk asking what you are making, because I usually say a quilt or tote just like you do. But the last time I was in JoAnnes the clerk picked up the 1/4 yard of brown fake fur I had picked up out of the scrap sale bin and said what can you make with this? I answered truthfully "a monkeys tail" and nothing more.(It was for a prop for my Hubby's magic show). The clerk says I guess that will work, with a puzzled look on her face.
ReplyDelete When they were small they were in a sling on my back and learnt the love of fabric , as they began to be walking everywhere I cultivated a love of buttons in them! Now we go into the shop, they spend the required amount of time searching through the 100's of tubes of cute novelty buttons for one to add to their collection. The shop ladies love having cute boys who collect buttons, I get to shop without small children hanging off me whining about how boring shopping is :) win win!
ReplyDelete- AnonymousOctober 18, 2012 at 5:09 AM
Hey Ana,
When your kids start school they will need costumes and accessories so you look forward to that - whilst panicking at the time cos the school only gave you 10 days notice again...
My first home made costume was a Christmas Pudding complete with felt holly on the top and the next was a reversable 60s hippy outfit that switched to a long sleeve inn keeper. He only had 30 seconds between scenes to get changed so that seemed easiest - take it off and then put it back on again straight away. My next was a Tudor clergyman (not too hard because we alreday had the basics) and then a full Native American costume for my daughter. And yes, I've kept them all!! I laughed the entire way through your post. Prepping for a fabric trip right now and was using your "Little Blue Table" post as inspiration for one of our own, and have a full sheet with sketchups and a full list of what to buy, as well as a basic plan for how to get through the store as painlessly as possible with my little one in tow. Feeling better about my own tactics as a shopping mother as I utilize so many of these on a regular basis with my preschooler. Thanks again for a great, humorous post!
ReplyDelete- AnonymousFebruary 21, 2013 at 9:51 AM
Oh my gosh, how TRUE! Isn't it funny how you even think about the size of the cracker you take with you? My girls love goldfish but they're the worst for "more please" every 3 seconds. Sesame breadsticks (like a little pretzel rod) are good. I've also found that when a cute outfit is not an option, pigtails and a clean face are great secret weapons to earning goodwill from strangers. That will work pretty much anywhere. Great post!
ReplyDelete True, oh, so true. The train-them-while-they-are-young routine really works! My girls (8y. old twins & 5 y.o.) just adore fabric stores (and bookstores).
There is a snag however: they tend to make their own choices - such as bright orange velours-de-panne fabric (think crushed velvety polyester fabric). And charm the other customers and staff while pleading: "Please make us costumes from this mummy!!! PLEASE!!!!"- AnonymousMarch 31, 2013 at 1:15 PM
I just stumbled upon your blog (love it!) and I thought this was hilarious. I work in a craft/fabric store and its really funny to see how parents deal with kids in the store. I am known to hand out small candies to parents for use as Secret Weapons and I have an arsenal of pipe cleaners at my disposal, kids love to make shapes out of them! I find that it works for elementary age kids because they like the challenge of making something, and they are a fairly cost effective "distraction" to purchase.
ReplyDelete - AnonymousMay 28, 2013 at 1:42 PM
I just found your post, and also have 3 below 5 (plus one on the way). I entirely agree about the snack, although since mine a all boys they do turn into projectiles sometimes. What I've found is the list is imperative...and a short one at that! It is better to return to the store tomorrow that outlast their patience. The other thing that seems to work best for my boys is to let them choose their own fabric for a project. They then get an entire bolt to carry around the store...filling hands...and can claim it as their own. Then they are constantly telling everyone about how it is their fabric for their project!
ReplyDelete I am a grandmother of a soon to be 3 year old. Last year I taught him how to watch Alabama football. This year when I bought some fabric for a table cloth he yelled out Roll Tide at the cutting counter and the cutter responded delightfully. So when we went to pick out the felt for his jake costume, yes he got to pick, he was looking forward to the wait at the cutting table. Of course he will talk to everyone in line. He has a captive audience.
Thank you for you blog, it is delightful.- AnonymousAugust 14, 2014 at 3:29 PM
Or you could try "If you don't stop crying i wont buy you any " Beads, Buttons ect. "
ReplyDelete This is a perfect post!! I got back into sewing two years ago after my 3 DD were past the toddler stage, but I could just imagine me in JoAnns with them just like this post. My problem now is they all sew (10,8,6) and everytime we go to JoAnns they see fabric they MUST HAVE! Took DD #3 to quilting shop to get my sewing machine serviced and she talked me into some fabric for her for a dress :)
Thank you for talking to me! If you have a question, I might reply to it here in the comments or in an email.


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Kuala Lumpur, 8 March 2013 – Fans of Asia's biggest alternative K-POP band, TVXQ!, who fondly refer to themselves as Cassiopeia, shall have to wait no longer for the return of the K-Pop Kings! The TVXQ! legacy lives on as the boys continue their record breaking streak, filling out arenas and stadiums across the globe with their new world tour < TVXQ! LIVE WORLD TOUR "CATCH ME" >.
TVXQ! was temporarily stepped out of the lime light since <The 3rd Asia Tour Concert Mirotic in Seoul> in 2009. Four years on, TVXQ! members Uknow and Max returned to the K-Pop music scene in the form of a duo and introduced the brand new album Catch Me in 2012.
After an absence of 6 years, the K-POP duo, TVXQ! will be back to dazzle fans with their live world tour "Catch Me" in Kuala Lumpur – to be held at Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, 18th May 2013. Ticket sales will officially start on 16thMarch 2013.
The new tour commenced in Seoul, Korea, October 2012 and proved to be more popular than ever, with 20,000 concert tickets completely sold out within five minutes. The K-Pop phenomena is making history as the first K-POP band to embark on a tour that includes performances at five major entertainment domes in Japan; following a concert at the Saitama Super Arena, TVXQ! then moves on to perform at Tokyo Dome, Osaka Kyocera Dome, Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, Sapporo Dome and last but not least Nagoya Dome. The world tour will also take the dynamic duo to Hong Kong, Beijing and other Asian cities.
The organizer, JPM Music, heard Malaysian fans' cries for a chance to see the K-Pop legend's return and is all set to delight the local Cassiopeia with a sensational TVXQ experience! Not only is this JPM Music's first K-Pop concert but it also the first TVXQ! concert in Malaysia in 6 years and as a duo. News of the highly anticipated concert has already got fans reeling with excitement and no doubt there shall be a vibrant sea of people dressed in pearl red apparel – the official TVXQ! fan colour.
To ease the commute for concert goers, JPM Music is thoughtfully providing shuttle transportation from KL Sentral station to Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam. Shuttle bus vouchers can be purchased on the launch day of ticket sales, through the organizer, or on the spot on event day.
JPM Music announced a wide variety of ticket categories with the price range from RM 168 to RM 688 with only 9000 tickets available.
- Seating Zone: RM168 -RM688
- Rock Zone: RM688
- VVIP seating Zone (only available for purchase on ticket launch day at Sungei Wang Plaza or via direct contact with JPM Music)
- VVIP Rock Zone (free standing, only available for purchase on ticket launch day at Sungei Wang Plaza or via direct contact with JPM Music)
- Premium Rock Zone (free standing, only available for purchase on ticket launch day at Sungei Wang Plazaor via direct contact with JPM Music)
Ticketing Terms & Conditions:
– For safety reasons, the age limit for tickets are 3 years old for all seated tickets, and 12 years old for rock zone tickets.
– Each transaction is capped at a maximum of 5 tickets of VVIP and Premium Zone to ensure availability of tickets.
– Tickets prices listed are not inclusive of RM3 processing fee.
All categories of tickets will be available during launch day on 16th March 2013, from 11.00am to 3.00pm at ticketing booths located at 6th Floor of Sungei Wang Plaza.
VVIP tickets and Premium Zone tickets are only available during launch day or can be arranged by contact with the organizer via email request: firstname.lastname@example.com (first come first serve basis) with the limit of 5 tickets per person. Purchase of VVIP tickets or Premium zone tickets will enable a chance to win Special Passes.
Starting from 2.00pm onwards, all categories of tickets excluding VVIP tickets and Premium Zone tickets are available to purchase through:
• http://www.ticketcharge.com.my (and Ticket charge outlet)
• Official Outlet: Rock corner
For more information, please log on to www.jpmmusic.com.my for details. Email to firstname.lastname@example.com for any enquiry of tickets or call +603-77128690 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm) for details. You can register yourself atwww.jpmmusic.com.my to get the latest concert updates too.


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Sometimes the meaning of a life is revealed at the end of it. We've seen that in film for decades, and perhaps the best example of this is Citizen Kane.* After a meteoric rise and a life spent in journalism and the halls of power, Charles Foster Kane is moments away from death. He whispers, "Rosebud," and as the film commences, we learn that all the power and prestige in the world is meaningless without love.
A real life tends to be messier. Sometimes that's problematic, and reality is jettisoned in favor of a narrative. The end result might look a bit like Braveheart, a cracking good movie that only bears a passing resemblance to the life lived by William Wallace. Other times a life lends itself more comfortably to a movie. Spike Lee's outstanding Malcolm X didn't require many inventions to make its subject fascinating and inspirational.
For the most part, though, real life tends to be messy and mysterious. We've all known someone who behaved in a certain way that left us baffled and exclaiming, "What the hell was that all about?" We may have even acted that way ourselves. Why? We haven't the foggiest, yet that mystery can feel compelling.
Somewhere along the line, Josh Trank was ensnared by that compulsion. He got the attention of audiences with his excellent debut film, Chronicle. He lost that same attention with the lousy Fantastic Four. Years were spent in director jail. Talented filmmakers eventually break free, and Trank has done just that with the fascinating and deeply strange biopic Capone.
He influenced elections. He was the unofficial mayor of the city of Chicago. A word from him could elevate a life — or end it. For a little while there, Al Capone (Tom Hardy) had it all. In 1931, things got bad when he was found guilty of income tax evasion. A smart man would have taken additional steps toward legitimacy. A smarter man would have sought treatment for the syphilis Capone contracted as a teenager.
Instead, Capone retreated to a palatial Florida estate. He spends the last year of his life surrounded. Men with binoculars peek through the trees, watching him. Alligators lurk in the swamp waters lapping at his patio. His men roam the grounds, alternating between boredom with the unchanging scenery and low-grade terror toward their boss.
You see, syphilis has torn through the brain of the man who hated to be called "Scarface," and preferred the nickname "Fonzo." When he's not sitting motionless, Fonzo is muttering unintelligibly. When he's not muttering, he's slinging vile insults and indulging paranoid fantasies. His wife Mae (Linda Cardellini) cares for him. His old associate Johnny (Matt Dillon) mourns the crime lord he once knew. Dr. Karlock (Kyle MacLachlan) knows Fonzo's time is limited.
Why do they all put up with him? It's because of the $10 million that Fonzo hid on the property somewhere. Only Fonzo can't remember where it's hidden. Instead, he's tormented by hallucinations and random flashbacks to his violent past. There's no hope for treatment and no hope for Fonzo to start a new life. Only a reckoning.
To paraphrase one Edward Nygma; when is a gangster movie not a gangster movie? In a typical movie about Capone, you'd expect time spent on his road to power, an examination of a violent thug thrust into legitimate society, and a juxtaposition between him ordering the murder of rivals and his life as a father and husband. Capone is miles away from being your typical gangster movie, so much so that I'm not exactly sure a) what kind of a movie it actually is and b) whether or not it's a good movie.
Director Josh Trank has zero interest in making a typical mob movie. Capone feels much closer to psychological and body horror. We're immersed in the nightmare of a physical creature losing control of his bladder and bowels,** the loss of his strength and vitality, and the fracturing of his mind. While Trank is dealing with a protagonist that's almost totally chaotic, his direction is very controlled. His shot composition and lighting feel precise, and his pacing feels deliberate. It's all in service to something specific. But what?
Trank also wrote the screenplay, and here's where things get tricky. Up front, it behooves me to tell you that I'm not sure exactly what Trank is trying to say with this screenplay. The vast majority of it features Fonzo wandering his estate in his pajamas while everyone else looks on with either pity or alarm. Are all these people enduring Fonzo's behavior in the hopes of nabbing his loot? Sure, some of them are. But we never get a sense of how each character truly feels about him. I also wasn't sure how to feel about Fonzo himself. Should I feel sympathy for this pathetic wreck or a sense of satisfaction watching a monster struck down by his own appetites? Add to that the effort it takes to hang out with a protagonist who's losing his marbles and the emotional walls thrown up between him and everyone else, and you can see how the film is a challenging watch.
Speaking of challenging, let's talk about the cast for a spell. It's almost as if we're dealing with two movies with two casts that never fit together. The first is a fairly standard upper-tier mob movie, in which Linda Cardellini does good work playing the long-suffering Mae, and Matt Dillon is entertaining as one of Fonzo's scumbag associates. This is all fine. Then there's the other movie with Tom Hardy, a character study where he's delivering a massive and lived-in performance with notes of both Brando and Orson Welles. I know, Tom Hardy loves doing goofy voices and here he sounds like Joe Pesci with severe throat cancer. However, watch his eyes in every scene. You can see the frustration and anger, but more so, you can see the fear that he has, that everything is slipping away and all he can do is watch it happen. Hardy is playing a guy used to being in control who can't control himself, and he's a witness to his increasingly bestial behavior.
So, who is Capone for? Nobody, except for Trank himself. There was something about the figure of the diminished Capone rotting away in a swamp that got its hooks into Trank. I wish I had a better sense of what that was, but I think the problem is with me and not him. Josh Trank is wasted making four-quadrant blockbusters, as is Tom Hardy. If their time is spent making films with this level of skill, then I think it's time well spent, regardless if anyone enjoys it.
*Spoilers for a 79-year-old movie.
**And I kind of wish we weren't immersed that much.


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Fox to Pull Plug on 'House' After Eighth Season
After eight years of berating his fellow doctors and dispensing tough-love medical advice, Dr. Gregory House will finally be hanging up his stethoscope. In a statement issued Wednesday, Emmy-nominated actor Hugh Laurie and show producers announced that 'House' will conclude at the end of its current season.
The statement describes House as an "enigmatic creature" and that it's best for him to retire while there is still some "promise and mystique in the air." It also goes on to describe the decision to end the Fox medical drama as a "painful" one.
And yet, while remote, it's possible this may not be the end of 'House.' Fox president of entertainment Kevin Reilly said NBC Universal, which owns the show, could choose to move it to NBC.
What do you think? Has 'House' run its course? Or would you like to see it resurrected on another network?
[via ABC News]


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See more: Watch
In support of diversity, we created this timepiece in honor of PRIDE Day.
We dedicate our PRIDE design watches to the memory of our dear friend, LGBTQ Pioneer, Hector Xtravaganza.
Designed by Fredi Brodmann.
Water-resistant to 50 Meters or 165 feet
Our new case construction is installed with a performance stainless steel screw-down case back for maximum water resistance.
43mm wide (approximately 1.7 inches wide)
10mm thick (approximately 0.4 inches thick)
White Case
Rainbow Pride Design Dial
White Hands
Navy Silicone Rubber strap with White loop, White buckle
Mineral Crystal
Japanese Quartz movement
Water-resistant to 50 Meters or 165 feet
Yes, You Can Swim With It
2-year warranty on the movement
The case size is for men and women. Men from small to large wrists will find this case size extremely comfortable. The strap is very soft and our case finish and construction makes this watch fashionable all the time!
For women who loves bigger sized watches this is perfect.


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Open House New York Weekend Launch Party
Friday, October 11, 2013 7:00–9:30 p.m.
OHNY invites you to the 2013 OHNY Weekend Launch Party. Now in its eleventh year, OHNY Weekend is one of the most aniticipated and beloved cultural events in New York, opening up hundreds of buildings and sites throughout the five boroughs for public tours and talks. The Launch Party is a festive celebration to kick off each year's OHNY Weekend.
New York Fashion Week
Pier 57, will host a variety of shops all housed in shipping containers. The pop-up market – Opening Ceremony By-The-Water, is open from Sept. 5 to Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Clothing retailers include Rihanna for River Island, DKNY, and The Newsstand. There will also be the North Brooklyn Collective, which sells bikes, and food vendors Takumi Tacos, Better Being Underground, Cold Process Coffee, and La Sonrisa Empanadas.
It'll also be the location of Opening Ceremony's first men's and women's runway show, which is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.
About Pier 57
In July of 2009, Hudson River Park Trust designated Youngwoo & Associates as a developer of the historic Pier 57. Youngwoo & Associates was one of three companies seeking to redevelop the pier.
Youngwoo & Associates (YWA) will transform Pier 57 into an innovative hub of cultural, recreational and public market activities, all located within a restored historic structure that will also create several acres of public open space on the Pier 57 rooftop and along a perimeter waterfront promenade.
YWA's plan for Pier 57 includes a 170,000 square-foot covered, open-air public market – to be programmed and managed by Urban Space Management (USM) and housed in part in recycled and creatively refitted shipping containers. The market will be New York's first large-scale concentration of year-round, affordable work/sell space for artisans and other small businesses.
The Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) will establish a permanent outdoor venue on the roof of the pier, offering a mix of film, music and arts-based programming and promoting cultural connections between New York's artistic community and the general public. In addition to hosting parts of the annual film festival itself, the Pier 57 "Sky Park" will be the year-round backdrop for a variety of exhibitions and performances conceived by TFF and YWA to educate, entertain and inspire independent artists and audiences alike.
The plan also calls for a "Contemporary Culture Center" of approximately 90,000 square-feet on the ground floor, envisioned as a unique mix of auction, exhibition, gallery and entertainment space centered around the contemporary arts. Seasonal docks will be provided for kayaks, canoes and other small craft. Other features include a two-acre rooftop park, restaurants and an "Underwater Discovery Center" in one of the pier's historic caissons. Redevelopment of the pier, a National Historic Registry structure containing approximately 375,000 square feet of buildable waterfront space, is estimated to cost a total of $210 million.
Wired New York Forum
Discuss Pier 57 at Wired New York Forum


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1 Collinwood1 Community Keeping On Track for All Collinwood Community Conversation
On Wednesday, October 25th from 11:00am-1:00pm, at the Collinwood Library in collaboration with the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio hosted its first 1 Collinwood-1 Community "Keeping On Track for All" Community Conversation. Twenty three community members, including six students from Collinwood New Tech Academy, discussed three questions:
- What can we do to make this community and the library a "destination"?
- What can we do to build a community that is equitable and inclusive?
- What can we do to have young people appreciate and stay in the neighborhood?
During the conversation many participants, including Councilman Polensek and County Council Member, Yvonne Conwell, Camille Maxwell, ED of NSDC and others listened and shared ideas and point of views. How to make both neighborhoods ONE and ways to inform citizens of county and/or community resources and programs , make the library bigger, share resources and make our community more youth friendly were just a few of the feedback given. "This is a great start and I would like to have more of these kinds of conversations", stated Peggy Kearsy from the 5 Points Community Center. This event was followed by a special art exhibit from students in Mr. Dean Bryson's science class displayed by Amy Callahan, ED of Waterloo Arts. Manager, Caroline Peak expressed thanks and gratitude to the group for their willingness to help build better communities collectively for ALL.
Caroline Peak
Resident of neighborhood since 1956. Worked on East 185th street since 1970.


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Instead of Home Fries, how about Roasted Root Vegetables to go with your fried eggs for breakfast or supper?
There are plenty of roots available this time of year and roasting them in salt, pepper, herbs and a bit of olive oil brings out their flavor, texture and color.
Shown here are a combo of Carrot, Red Beet, Golden Beet, Parsnip, tiny Potatoes and some chunks of Turnip. I sprinkled the peeled and chunked veggies with salt, pepper and herbs and wrapped them in Aluminum foil and put them in the oven for about 45 minutes until they were tender. Then I unwrapped them, tossed them in olive oil and minced garlic and put them back in the oven for half an hour, uncovered, to toast and brown a bit more.


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Arbor Day Celebration Planned At Arbor Day Farm
Nebraska City, Neb. -- The National Arbor Day Foundation is preparing to welcome thousands of guests to Arbor Day Farm for Arbor Day Weekend, April 28 and 29. Event organizers say that visitors to the farm, located just west of Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, will enjoy old-fashioned fun and games as well as many new activities. This year a petting zoo will be located in the Historic Morton Barns, and guests can take part in such traditional games as sack races and an egg toss, along with newer favorites like tree-climbing with the help of an arborist expert and the chance to make eco-crafts.
Visitors are also invited to take a trip through a rain forest maze, sample such sustainable rain forest products as shade-grown coffee, learn about tree identification by traveling through a "Mystery Tree Labyrinth," enjoy musical entertainment, and visit the Fuelwood Energy Plant Visitors Gallery, filled with colorful drawings and information for conservation-minded guests of all ages.
Celebration hours at Arbor Day Farm are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 28, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29. Admission is free and open to the public.
"Everyone is invited to be a part of our traditional celebration of Arbor Day, here in the birthplace of this special American holiday," said Susan Wirth, education coordinator of the Arbor Day Foundation. "This is a way to have a good, old-fashioned time while learning about the spirit of environmental stewardship fostered by Arbor Day founder J. Sterling Morton."
Events offered include a cross-cut saw competition, plant sale, and face-painting. Free seedling trees and wildflower seeds will be given away on a first come, first served basis, and tree experts will be on hand to offer tree care advice.
"Everyone is welcome to participate in our Piewalk and Pie Garden games, and to sample the creations of our Apple House chefs," Wirth said. "We'll offer cooking demonstrations and taste tests of candy apple pie, hazelnut biscotti, apple-soycake, and more gourmet recipes. We have more activities planned than ever before at Arbor Day Farm."
Originally part of J. Sterling Morton's estate, today Arbor Day Farm is a National Historic Landmark owned and operated by The National Arbor Day Foundation. The Farm includes the Historic Morton Barns, Lied Conference Center, the Apple House, orchards, arboretums, trails, agroforestry demonstrations, the fuelwood energy plant and fuelwood plantation, and the newly opened Fuelwood Energy Plant Visitors Gallery. Free shuttle tours of the property will be offered over the weekend.
Additional information on the Arbor Day Weekend Celebration is available by calling Arbor Day Farm at (402) 873-9347.


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August 11: Ajmal Perfumes, a globally known, homegrown brand with a rich heritage and seven decades of craftsmanship in the intricate art of perfumery, announces its plans to strengthen its foothold in India by extending its retail presence via an extensive franchise partner network. The brand will initiate the expansion with potential partners by participating in the Franchise India's Expo at Pragati Maidan on 20th & 21st August 2022.
Ajmal stands strong as a global fragrance leader with a vast portfolio of around 1000 of the finest and most captivating fragrances available across 45 countries. In addition to its owned 34 Kiosks and Small Format Stores, Ajmal Perfumes has already embarked on this expansion program with two of its latest Franchise stores active in Jalandhar and Ludhiana. As part of its retail strategy to make the products accessible at an arm's length of desire, the brand plans to expand to nearly 34,000Point Of Sale by 2025. Today, Ajmal Perfumes reaches consumer segments across India with 4,000+ Point Of Sale by leveraging a unique distribution set up across General Trade and Modern Trade and to more than 10000 pin codes by E-commerce.
At each of the Franchise stores, consumers will have access to not just world-class fragrances but also collections that have now become household names in recent times due to their commercial acceptance. This would mean the entire product portfolio from the House of Ajmal Perfumes, which includes the Ajmal Perfumes X House of Anita Dongre collection, The Make in India Range, and mostnotablyAmir One, which is a globally renowned masterpiece.
"With the growing popularity of Ajmal Perfumes in India, we are extending our fragrance partnership to bring the brand within an arm's length of desire, to revolutionize the fragrance sector in India by leveraging our experience, heritage, and legacy with our ability to deliver a high-quality product at the right price. We have had consumers asking repetitively to have a full range of Ajmal products, which is only possible when you have a store that carries the entire product portfolio. The Ajmal experience matters to consumers, and it is only possible to deliver it across India when we penetrate deeper into India's different geographical markets. In this journey, we feel that trying to do it all alone will have limited coverage. This is where able partners who want to carry the legacy of Ajmal Perfumes with mutual benefits will help us expand the Ajmal patronage."
– says Saurav Bhattacharya, President, Ajmal & Sons – NHA Division, India.
For more Franchise Enquiries, please contact Bhagwan Sable on +91 9620309997 / firstname.lastname@example.com.
visit our Franchise India exhibition Booth Nos. VB23 in Hall 2.
About Ajmal Perfumes:
Founded by the Late Haji Ajmal Ali in the early 1950s – in Assam, India – the journey of Ajmal Perfumes is that of the story of 'A Farmer to A Perfumer'. Ajmal Perfumes has grown from a modest trading house into a multi-million-dollar corporate entity thanks to Late Haji Ajmal Ali's vision and unstinting dedication to the craft of perfumery. Ajmal's business – headquartered out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates – is steered by the passion of Ajmal's second and third generations, each playing a pivotal role in the brand's development and growth. In its entirety, Ajmal Perfumes is a brand with a rich heritage acquired through almost seven decades of experience and know-how in the intricate art of perfumery.
The brand has a strong retail presence with over 240+ exclusive retail outlets across the GCC and the world. Ajmal also has a presence on the international front, currently exporting to 45+ countries across the globe and with an exclusive presence through select 30 global Duty-Free locations and International Airlines. In India, Ajmal Perfumes is available at 4,000+ Points of Sale across a mix of channels which comprises Modern Trade, E-commerce, General Trade, Multi Brand Outlets and Owned Retail.
For more information, please visit:
Website: https://in.ajmalperfume.com/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ajmalperfumesin?utm_medium=copy_link
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AjmalPerfumesIN/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2nO1cSFUI61aKR4LVQpUHw
If you have any objection to this press release content, kindly contact email@example.com to notify us. We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 24 hours.


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CAST Software, makers of WYSIWYG, Vivien Designer, and the becoming-popular BlackTrax software have been awarded a second Technical Emmy for their WYSIWYG work.
From the blog post at CAST Software's blog:
CAST Software's wysiwyg was selected as a winner in the Pre-Production Visualization System category of the 2015 Technical / Engineering Achievement Awards for the 67th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy® Awards. This is the second Emmy® that wysiwyg has received to date.
Organized by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), these awards were judged by a committee of experts and will be presented during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) at The Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV on Friday, January 8th, 2016.
wysiwyg's previsualization and lighting design software is currently in its 35th edition and continuing. It is used globally, not only by lighting designers, but also many key players in video and scenic design to pre-visualize to test and prove viability in the 3D environment before any real money is spent, making the process much more efficient.
A team of really clever people are behind this software and an intensive beta testing program ensures that the features of wysiwyg all work properly and are constantly updated. wysiwyg is also available in a student edition and for education institutions.
"This award is a testament to our innovation over the years, the continual development of wysiwyg and to the creative customers who use it in their projects. We are really proud to be honored with this recognition," said Gil Densham, President at CAST Group.
Committee Chairman, Robert P. Seidel, Vice President of CBS Engineering and Advanced Technology and Chairman, Engineering Achievement Committee, NATAS adds: "The judges selected wysiwyg from CAST Software for its innovation and vision that has materially affected the way the audience views television and have set the standard for technological excellence in the industry."
It sure was my pleasure to create the features for the versions I worked on in 2012 and 2013. Hopefully those features helped. I'm really super proud of everyone still at CAST that I worked with every day, those were some of the best times of my life with some of THE best people I've ever worked with. I still use the software today for previz.
Congratulations to Gil, Dino, Peter, Igor, Eli (and the awesome software dev team), Carl and William the genius graphics ninjas, and all involved obviously, everyone deserved it. We all worked super hard to make that software kick ass. I'm super proud to see something I managed win an Emmy.
Have a good day, world of light. I hope you get everything you want today.