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Traveling? Here's How to Annoy Your Host
You're taking a trip! Good for you. Maybe you even scored an invite to stay over with friends or family. Do you hate them and never want to be invited back? Here's how to make that happen.
1. Be really unclear and open-ended about your travel dates — Your hosts are happy to drop everything and accommodate your changing schedule.
2. Show up late (or early) and don't call or text — They were expecting you at three, but their time isn't too important. They're probably not waiting around to greet you and welcome you into their home. No worries.
3. Expect every minute of the visit to be scheduled — Your hosts probably don't have any other responsibilities besides entertaining you. They certainly don't need to attend their jobs or take care of their children. What's really important is that you see all the sights in their town.
4. If your hosts DO offer to show you around, don't take them up on it — They probably have no idea what's cool about their own town.
5. Don't offer to help with the dinner, dishes or clean up — Extending you an invitation for the weekend obviously means they've signed on to be your chef and housekeeper. Score!
6. Your room (or couch area if you're surfing) can be as messy as you want — If you're bunking in the living room, even better. Really spread out so your hosts know you're taking them seriously and "making yourself at home."
7. Stay up as late as you want, or get up super early — You're on vacation, so do what you want. No one else's schedule matters.
8. Your hosts know you're appreciative, so no need to bring a gift or send a thank you note after you leave — Your family and friends have enough stuff, so taking them out to dinner or bringing a token gift is quite unnecessary.
9. Bonus points — Be really handsy with the remote, because everyone loves that!
* Note — Of course, we're being sarcastic here (and pretty heavy-handed at that). C'mon, peeps, you know how to be polite. Read this list, have a chuckle and then flip it and reverse it!
(Image credits: Shutterstock)
62 Comments
This is why they invented hotels. <G>
wow, my mother in law does every single thing on this list....
BONUS POINTS! Have phone sex with your boyfriend while sharing an air vent with your toddler granddaughter.
(My ex-mother-in-law did this.)
@sharpknife: That is no joke! A couple of years ago, I took a roadtrip with a friend from high school, thinking we were going to catch up. She spent the whole time on the phone/ texting with her mom and the new guy she was dating. Fine to check in, not fine to forget there's someone with you, live and in person. Why you would bother to leave home, only to wish you were somewhere else with different people, I'll never quite understand.
Ignore host's suggestions for where to eat, citing recommendations from hometown friends with more sophisticated palate.
And bring along your feral child who speaks no English except every swear word and "oops, sorry". It helps if Feral Child also breaks several of your collectibles, enjoyed squeezing toothpaste out of every tube stored in the bathroom cabinet and painted the walls with mint flavoured paste, and tried taping the tails of your two cats together.
All true. This happened about 25 years ago when my mother's cousin and her feral child arrived from Portugal out of the blue and stayed for two weeks. TWO WEEKS! And they were gonna stay for another month but fortunately the cousin got a better offer from another relative living in New York City. Thank you, Gotham for being more interesting than Toronto!
This is exactly how my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are. They come into town last-minute for "a couple days" and end up staying for a week, leaving a big mess in their wake. Never help with cooking meals or dishes. So annoying! Luckily it's only once or twice a year, but still.
I (sarcastically) understand the list but don't agree with #8.
Do people really do this? If I spend a weekend with my parents I thank them when I'm there and when I return home but never thought of writing them a note. Now I have taken them out for dinners and lunches while I was there, but the idea of giving a gift is strange. I have enough trouble trying to pack everything I need on a plane trip without having to worry about a extra package to carry.
Is giving a gift or writing a note normal?
I'm actually going to be traveling and staying with some people soon. I wasn't planning to do anything on this list obviously lol, but I didn't think of sending a thank you letter afterwords (I'll know their address obviously so this is quite doable). So yeah thanks for the idea!
You missed "leave the toilet seat up"...thanks to our best man from our wedding, I know that one. We adore the guy but can bank on that every time he visits.
I've had house guests do pretty much everything on that list. And instead of bringing a gift they stole a set of my good Turkish guest towels on the way out. Makes me want to turn my guest room into a craft room.
The tone of this is very condescending and not consistent with the "therapy" part of Apartment Therapy. Most people who view your website already know these things.
@ shiver: Your parents are one thing, though if you never said thank you while there, they might wonder about the child they had raised. Imagine if it were friends inviting you to their lakehouse for the weekend, or that you can't find a hotel room for some event you plan to attend and end up staying with your cousin that you haven't seen since who knows when-- might call for at least a thank you-we got home okay-nice to see you again card. (And it wouldn't hurt if you didn't do all the other stuff on the list while you were there, too, I suppose! )
If only I had the guts to send this to my relative who last year called me from the road to say he would be showing up the next day to stay with me - the next day was a Monday - I telecommute and am NOT a freelancer...he didn't understand why I would be vexed by this AND didn't want to decide when he would be leaving. I finally had to tell him no. I could have gotten fired.
@shiver, i don't think i would that for my parents, but i do like to bring a little gift when i'm staying at someone's house, usually along the lines of some fun chocolate or other consumable. chocolate is easy to pack and most people like it. if you're treating your hosts to a dinner, i would consider that a gift, too. i will also say that i received a nice thank you note from friends who stayed with us that i remember warmly to this day, in part because it was so unprecedented.
pause to say we, Portuguese, are usually known for being good hosts! you really had bad luck!
Sorry, should have qualified the "condescending" part. I think it's the sarcasm. If it was more earnest I would have appreciated it.
Shiver, writing a note and/or bringing a small gift is normal -- if you hope to be invited back.
Well, they're your parents, no gift needed I think, especially when you've taken them to dinner. I think this only applies to delicacies or something from the area you now live in that they might like
Well, they're your parents, no gift needed I think, especially when you've taken them to dinner. I think this only applies to delicacies or something from the area you now live in that they might like
This post is dedicated to someone who will never ever read it.
My two 40-ish pound (each) adorable shelter dogs will lick you and probably jump on you a few times when you come in the door. They'll also want to sit next to you on the couch and rest their head on your lap or show you that they can sit and do paw. If you're not going to be, at the very least, tolerant of them, don't ask to stay at my home every year for multiple days in the middle of the holidays. They have more of a right to be there than you do and are a lot more fun to be around. Also - put down your phone, take a g*ddamn shower, pull out your wallet (at least once), pick up your crap - or at least keep it contained in the guest room, make your own plans if you're so bored on a weeknight after I've worked all day, and for the love of all things holy say thank you. I don't expect a gift, I know you're a starving songwriter. But, I'm your best friend's wife and you're not funny, engaging or attractive enough to get away with any of those things as a guest in my house.
All things considered though, at least he's not having audible sex. @Alana: that. is. the. worst.
@shiver - You don't have to bring the gift with you if you are coming from afar. You can just buy something while you are out sightseeing.
I bring a hostess gift whether I visit for the evening or for a week or more. It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. I have found a nice bottle of wine, a jar of homemade jam, a box of chocolates or other consumable are the best.
It also is always appropriate to send a thank-you note whenever somebody does something nice for you, even if they are your parents.
Right up a Narcissist's alley!
But narcissists don't need instructions - they give them.
Here's another: Don't include your host in your big plans. Loudly talk about the activities you have planned to go to [insert fun venue here] and then announce, "See you later!" and head out the door so that you can avoid that awkward obligatory invite.
I have an addition: Complain about the toiletries provided.
My fiance's sister and her husband stayed with us during her husband's brother's graduation. Note: obviously, the brother also lives in our city. We had just bought our place and moved in 3 weeks beforehand, and it was the first time we had a guest bathroom, so we had to go out and buy a shower curtain, towels, bathmat, etc. for the guest bath, along with toiletries. I bought some glycerin soap for the guest bath, and my fiance's sister refused to use it because it was "wasteful" to open a bar of soap for guests for the weekend, and she demanded body wash. I explained that we only had my fiance's Old Spice body wash, which he uses in our master bathroom. So we had to switch this one bottle of Old Spice body wash back and forth between the bathrooms all weekend because she disapproved of my wasteful soap usage. It was weird. She'd probably get a bar of soap if she paid for a hotel. It was so rude because she knew we'd just moved in, too, and that we had to go out of our way to get our place ready for guests in a very short amount of time.
I tend to think that the rules are a little different if you're staying with parents/siblings or good friends rather than extended family or friends. The less close you are, the greater the expectation for a formal thank you, I think. Personally, I only feel comfortable imposing on my closest friends and family, so I don't end up writing a lot of thank you notes. But taking someone out for dinner or making them dinner seems pretty normal to me.
But as an addendum to that--I think it's important to remember your close friends'/family's spouses, partners, and roommates. It's easy to forget that it may be just dandy to impose on your loved one without lifting a finger--but if they live with other people, you're putting those people out as well. So a more formal thank you for those folks is a nice thought.
giving a gift or note seems silly with immediate family members-at least to me. having your home open to family seems like one of the things you just do for each other without any reward or even acknowlegement. though it's never unappreciated.
For me that's the least necessary thing from visitors, though i generally try to do that for anyone who puts up with us for more than a few hours.
A couple of years ago a good friend and her husband stayed over at my place. I stayed with my BF so that they could have the apartment to themselves (they have kids and not much time alone together). My friend loves perfume (I don't--allergies--and she knows that) and she managed to douse everything in my bathroom with her perfume. I had to wipe down the walls to get the smell out. (sigh)
My friends stayed in my house while I was out of town and I'm sure they had very good intentions when they took out the kitchen trash during their stay. However, they failed to put in a new liner, but continued to toss their daughter's dirty diapers into the bottom of the can. Great surprise!
I'm selective about who gets invited and who gets refused a room at MY inn! I'm a pretty good hostess, and guest, and I expect those who stay with us to behave as well. So no problems so far, but partly because potential trouble gets redirected to hotels.
Here's a few (only family can provide the truly awful examples, or maybe we just wouldn't associate with people like this they weren't related):
1. Get into a big, yelling, marital spat, and then one take off with the couple's car (this is in a city distant from home) and no one knows where they are for a few days. (Parents visiting apartment of child in college, who until then thought she had successfully escaped ever having to live with such antics again.)
2. When you are coming to town to see your kids in college, ask to stay at your sister's place, always being sure to tell her "we're just using you as a hotel."
3. When coming to town for your kid's college graduation, call and ask if your entire family can stay at your sister's apartment (aka "the hotel"), but act totally surprised when the aunt of the graduate asks if she can come to any of the graduation events...and don't ever give her an answer. But be sure to call a day or so before your arrival at her place to say that the family is going out to dinner after the graduation and that the aunt hosting the entire family for the weekend is not included in the reservation.
4. Visit a sister in Brooklyn (not because you ever visit her, but because you have some business to do in NYC in person), and then act like the complete racist surburbanite that you are and refuse to ride the subway anywhere at all after the first day.
5. When your aunt lets you live for free In a guest room in a totally cool apartment in a great city so you can look for a job after college, spray stinky cologne all over every morning, even after the aunt, who is allergic to said cologne, has asked you to not spray it at home, as she is now taking an antibiotic for a sinus and ear infection from it. (When asked why he is still doing it, nephew smiles a nasty smile and says he was just trying to see what he could get away with.)
6. When your aunt gives you a free guest room to stay in indefinitely, and ask that you don't leave dishes with food remnants on them in your room, as there are mice sometimes, (as there are in old buildings, however nice), be sure to leave filthy pizza boxes on the floor in your room for days.
Friends are good for a few as well.
1. Leave your used Kleenex on all surfaces of the home, all the time, because, hey, the homeowner doesn't mind picking them up for you.
2. While staying with your friend who has offered you her guest room in her coop when you had no place to live after leaving a relationship, be sure to tell the person gave you a place to stay that they have no ambition in life because their career goals don't include earning multiple millions per year, as yours do (seriously.)
3. Insist on staying with a friend when you are passing through town the day after the friend has just moved to a new apartment. Rather than help with unpacking, after friend spends the entire day showing you and your child the local sites, act irritated and mean to the friend who is in the the middle of a move for no reason but the fact that perhaps that her home isn't up to the usual pampering you get when staying in her home.
4. Be sure to leave the door to the apartment only partially closed and completely unlocked when you leave when your host is asleep or at work, when they have showed you how the perfectly normal locks work.
5. When you leave to go home while your host is at work, leave the fire on under the kettle on the stove, because, hey, it's just a nice kettle that was ruined, and the risk of burning the place down with the fire going for twelve hours until your host gets home is well...what one does to hosts?
6. Stay with your friend frequently, and enjoy the comfy bed and guest room they provide, but when they stay with you, let them sleep on the hardwood floor with sleeping bag and camping mat they must bring with them...don't bother to ever get a blow up mattress, a price of foam, a foam mat, a set of sheets, etc., even though money to purchase, and place to store, these items is not an issue, Oh, and though your friend gives you a set of her apartment keys so you can come and go at will when staying with her, don't ever make a set of keys to your place...make her schedule her coming and going around yours every day.
My cousin must have read this.
Please add: When the host asks what you would like to eat, and they serve it, don't cry. Yes, don't sit at my table and cry because you don't like it and you are 60 years old! Really makes one not want to have a guest ever!
I thinking taking someone out to a meal is more than appropriate and a nice way to give the host a break from cooking.
When I was in Portland a few years ago, my mom wanted to show me so many places in one week, with lots of stops showing me off to friends (she had to give me up for adoption we're now reconnected). After the second day or whirlwind activities, I had to gently tell her we needed to make a list of what to see and then pare it down a bit so we could spend time at them, instead of rushing. As for showing me off, well, it was a whirlwind.
I think your nephew needs a smack with a 2x4 and you need to stay far away from all of these selfish ingrates. What a read!!
I think number 8 is ridiculous. While I am more than happy to chip in for groceries or anything I consume while staying with friends, and am happy to have that offered when friends stay with me, I would never think of bringing a gift or sending them a note, nor would I ever expect my guests to do so. Most of the time they'll be returning the favor sooner or later.
Thank you notes are so formal, anyway, and IMO not a thing close friends do.
Thankfully, I have not had too many rude guests, but there was one who took the cake regarding my dogs.
It is no secret that I have three dogs and two cats. So if you are coming for a visit, you know they will be there to greet you. I take a great deal of pride in knowing that my animals are friendly and well-behaved, but one guest made a scene when confronted by my pit bull and bull mastiff. Upon entering my house, they were greeted by smiling dog faces and wagging tails who were patiently waiting on their dog beds. My guest made a 180 degree turn out the house and proceeded to not only demand that I remove my dogs from the house, but lectured me on the perils of the "killer breed." Ugh. They did not stay at my home and will never be invited back.
No offense, but I think you need to learn to say no.
Yep, it's true...I have learned to say no to guests who have been terribly rude in the past. When you tell the truth, though, you lose relationships with narcissistic family members and friends - they can't ever apologize and work things out like others can. Think I may not need a guest room at all in my next place.
say you are staying for 2 weeks, show up late to your going away party stating that you are extending your stay indefinitely, while complaining that all the food is gone as well as complaining about the mess left after the party. Don't forge to call your host selfish!
happened last year...
Can I add getting blind drunk and airing racist/sexist opinions every single night to the list? I had a visitor for a month who did that. And never lifted a finger while he was here either, even refused when asked to dry a few dishes to make some room on the draining rack for the rest that I was washing (having cooked yet another lovely meal for him). I think the thing that absolutely finished me off was when I went to strip his bed and he informed me there was no need as he hadn't dirtied the sheets - he had slept between the woollen blankets instead. I told him that washing the sheets would have been a LOT easier than now having to wash blankets. Suffice to say he won't be staying with us again.
(But I will say that he is very much the exception to the rule. We have overseas visitors regularly and he is the first negative experience we have had.)
Oooh, your poor sweet pups! I would have just melted upon seeing them. And probably stayed at your house forever. HAHA! People are so misinformed.
You all are lucky that you are not Chinese. If you know any Chinese from mainland China, you can ask about their experience.
Los Angeles is prob. the biggest port to receive Chinese visitors. Every Chinese has a horror story about being forced to play host to some distant relative or friend's friend/relative (besides close relatives) who'd do all the above plus more.
Here's more:
Expect host to pay for meals, car rental, and local tours (it's considered good manner because if the host visits China, he'll be treated)
Expect host to take time off from work to be tour guide/driver/translator
Use host's cell freely to call/text international and never once mention paying for it
Host must have a Costco card so that guests can load up on vitamins, powder milk, and diapers
Host must smile when guests berate US of A for having nothing interesting to offer except outlet malls
Host must smile when guests complain that US of A is BORING and outdated and not as fun as "fill in the blank" places/countries
Host must act as a travel agency to come up with plans for the guests' entire stay AND able to change plans according to the whims and wishes of the guests on the spot
Host must NEVER gripe about children and teens who are rude and unruly (frequently they come without parent for the WHOLE SUMMER). They are the most precious and the future of China
Try to top this.
I admit, we break rule #1 with impunity-- although not the dates so much as the hour of our arrival. When you're taking a long drive with a baby, there are an unspecified number of stops of unspecified length. Maybe he'll sleep for three hours. Maybe he'll poop all over his car seat. Maybe he'll need to be fed, refuse to eat while stopped, then cry and we'll have to pull over again. I can't predict this, and I'm not going to "power through" his crying to meet an arbitrary deadline. You'll have to deal, Grandma.
I am city hopping right now as part of interviewing for post-grad jobs, and usually have very short notice for the interviews which means very short notice for my very sweet hosts. I combat this by...
(1) being fortunate enough to know multiple households where I am looking. I can trade off with folks so I am not asking the same folks multiple weeks in a row, and if someone has a last minute change/emergency I can trade off and not impose on them.
(2) giving as much notice as I can, and be VERY specific about how long I will be staying/where I need to be and when so that the hosts have an idea of my schedule. I also let them know when I have completed the drive back so that they know I made it safely.
(3) leaving the hosts alone when I can! Sometimes I go to a coffee shop down the street just to give them some down time. I love spending time with all of them but since my visits are very last minute I do my best not to impose on others' schedules
(4) petsitting. I love pets and my hosts with pets love that someone will be with their critters during the day while they are at work. I will make room in my schedule to stop by the house to let dogs out to the bathroom or to make sure the cat didn't leave any surprises while nobody was home!
(5) being neat and tidy. I always make my bed/couch/sleeping area and always make sure my personal things are put away when I stay in a common area. I am naturally a very neat person, and also don't want my friends' husbands/boyfriends/partners/pick-your-poison to see yesterday's underwear
(6) getting the host flowers! With the exception of one house where animals would chew them up, I always bring flowers to my host when I arrive. Since I am still a student I cannot afford to take hosts out to eat every time I visit, but there is no excuse not to pick up something pretty and fresh at Trader Joe's for less than $8. New hosts are always pleasantly surprised (I check about plant eating pets before I visit) and repeat hosts seem excited to see what I bring.
I am constantly being told, by people my own age, as well as those much younger that etiquette is "old fashioned" and "no one" pays attention to these outmoded "rules" anymore. As you can see, we even have people right here who feel guiltless about announcing that they feel no need to thank their hosts in writing. I would counter with the notion that you have SO MANY things to thank your parents for, one short missive to thank them for putting a roof over your head, yet again, even when you have moved out, is certainly not overdoing it. As for the daughter driving with the baby, seriously, you don't have a cell phone with you that you could CALL with your ETA? The rules of etiquette are designed so that groups of people can co-exist and have social events without making each other uncomfortable or stepping on toes. That's all. They aren't visited upon us from some alien culture whose customs have nothing to do with ours. If everyone gave even a cursory nod to manners, we wouldn't have a comment column that reads like Lord of the Flies.
Be careful what you wish for! I let my MIL help with dinner ONE time when they stayed and now she takes over my kitchen completely every time she comes. And by taking over, I mean, rearranging everything so it makes sense to her, purchasing groceries I don't need (I already HAVE a bottle of vinegar, you don't need to buy another one -- and why can't you just ASK me where it is? It's MY kitchen!), and being in there 24/7 basically making me look and feel like the worst wife ever (you finished with that plate just now? Let me immediately wash it for you! Or my personal favourite: Doesn't everyone start working on dinner at 6 a.m.?). The FIL is no different. Good luck finding a hammer or tape measure after they leave. He's put it somewhere else where it makes more sense. You're welcome for rearranging your house for you!
@Idle Wife should have married an orphan, lol.
To those who think family members don't need to buy gifts: you are right.
But it sure helps to soften the blow if you have broken some of those etiquette rules. We live in a ski resort town and host a LOT. And while I'd happily exchange a gift for simply an organized system for your snow gear- gorgeous salts or flowers or a gift certificate to a restaurant we like goes a long way to help us "forget" the slip ups and have you over again.
Also ...though maybe it's snarky to say this... heavy sarcasm doesn't really work for longer pieces. I don't think it sounds condescending. Maybe just a little green. Not good writing. The picture is great, though
We're more coarse, crass, crude, careless, casual conceited than ever. Sad. But, I agree. The picture is great!
@britsip - that's so horrible and ignorant! You did exactly what I would have done.
Wow, Daleth. Thanks for weighing in with your hefty opinion about
sarcasm in journalism.
"Maybe just a little green. Not good writing." ← These are not even complete sentences.
Perhaps you should have stopped reading at the first point.
I don't know, offended commentators, I thought this was really funny. Do unto others is the rule and, yes, I know and am related to quite a few narcissists for whom this aproach does not work - those, you don't allow to visit or just order them around and ignore the looks of indignation (guess which approach is mine! ).
I had a few guests do exactly all of that and I ended up dumping two of them as friends over stuff like that. There's a moment when you reach a limit. I'm a bit surprised at the person who never brings gifts to their hosts. I'd be mortified as a guest if I didn't bring something. I don't necessarily expect people to bring me something but, if I stay with someone, I'd want to thank them other than just pitching in with domestic chores and taking them to a restaurant once.
If you're a guest it's your duty not to be a burden to your host. And if you stay with people it's an inconvenience to them, so helping with cleaning, dishes, groceries should be the very minimum. Also, uh, never stay with someone for more than a week and even a week is a lot. I've recently had two guests in their forties who spent their entire stay on their cell phone/iPad texting or social networking. I'm a bit ambivalent with that, on the one hand it's effing rude, on the other it did spare me having to entertain people which I'm terrible at.
In any case... I can see from some comments that manners indeed are disappearing fast.
What a depressing read! I don't have many friends but the ones I do have aren't anything like the people described in these comments. Some of these people sound like sociopaths and honestly I don't know why anyone would put up their appalling bad manners. My friends (or myself when visiting) always bring a little something for their host or sometimes send a post visit thank you with a small gift. They treat my home like they would their own - respectfully. I would have no compunction in never inviting them back to stay or if their behaviour was bad enough to discontinue the friendship. Harder to do with relatives but I would make them a reservation at a hotel and tell them that they might be more "comfortable" there. Egads!
@33: my relatives are all from mainland China, and of the relatives that have stayed at our house, they have always only been really great guests. No complaints.
We did show them around, but I wanted to because travelling for 12+ hours by plane is not an everyday thing, and I wanted to show them my appreciation of them being here.
They didn't go to Costco, but they did crack open their computers to make a few emails/Skype chats with relatives back in China- no long distance texts/calls. No unruly teens, no rude remarks about the country, didn't say it was boring, nada.
Just sayin'... not all mainlanders are the same!
I have to admit I loved reading all these terrible terrible stories...but what I would have loved even more are some tips and lines that people have used to address these issues. Some situations are easy for me to deal with. For example, "you have to be nice to the dog" but some are harder. The one 'script' I need is how to nail down someone's length of stay. "A week or so" just doesn't cut it. Maybe it's just me but feel like not specifying is almost the same as saying 'I'm staying as long as I think I can get away with!" Then when they do leave, I feel like they're leaving because we're driving each other crazy and that;s not a good feeling.
Thank you notes are ABSOLUTELY a thing that close friends should do. And family. And job candidates. And anyone who has asked someone to do something for them. Or anyone who has received a surprise generosity, or even an expected generosity.
What's wrong with taking a moment to show your gratitude? It never hurts and always shows that you're a decent human being.
Leave a used, folded, wet washcloth on the tiny sink. Your wet towel on the bed.
I disagree, sorry. I don't like getting notes or cards myself - they're a waste of paper (and potentially postage) and I value the verbal thank you more anyway. Showing gratitude doesn't have to fit into a narrow idea of etiquette.
Totally understand, BUT doesn't mean you can't call along the way. My sister had the same issue; we just got calls a few times throughout her 8 hour trip. It was extremely helpful for us because meals, activities, etc. were involved. And it was just plain courteous.
Oh dear!! Well, sadly, on a scale of 1-10 of obnoxious things she'd do when she came to visit (and by "visit", I mean an open-ended plane ticket and stays of 3-4 months at a time) that was probably about a 4.


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IDEALISK Colander
Maxwell's Daily Find 12.07.12
IDEALISK Colander
• $6.99
This is indeed a cooking tool, but it's a beautiful design as well, full stop. I saw it my friend's over Thanksgiving and thought it was a very expensive, Japanese design. Nope. Ikea. Made of stainless steel and with flat perforations, three excellent feet and a handle, it is a lovely useful thing you can hang on the wall with pride.
7 Comments
Too many people discredit IKEA because it's...well, IKEA. But they do have some awesome products.
The colander looks like something I'd use, and it's attractive, too. The Ikea store nearest me is too far for me to drive to, and I've been there only once. I bought a non-stick skillet that I love. It's a great product for a reasonable price. I bought a few other odds and ends - a tall plastic container that I use for cat food, and some attractive glass salad bowls. I wish you could order from their website, but most of the products indicate they cannot be ordered online. I love Ikea's kitchen stuff.
i have this colander and love it - the holes are small enough to rinse quinoa!
Rebecca that's funny, I was looking at it thinking about whether it would be small enough to rinse quinoa! All my strainers now are not, so I spend time poking it out with toothpicks :|
This colander is the SH*T! I bought one for myself and then one for my neighbor. Do you know that it spans most sinks? Hells to the yes, that means hands free draining. Woot woot. The other benefit is that you can stick a hook to the inside of your kitchen cabinet door and it'll hang out of the way (from either end).
What's not to love?
These are the best. It makes so much sense for a colander to have a handle - why aren't there more like this?
I have this colander and one of the best kitchen purchases I've made...i'd pay 3 times more if I have to.


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An iPhone application from the University of Michigan is alleged to be able to achieve the seemingly impossible feat, at least for an ordinary application. It is said that it can diagnose skin cancer!
What the app does is it take several pictures with your smartphone's camera, and then the app, via it's software algorithm could predict or detect if you have a skin cancer or not.
Though the app can theoretically save a life, but at what cost, you may ask ? Would one readily go through all the "indecent" exposures necessary before the said cancer diagnosis?
For the app, UMSkinCheck to work and churn out a diagnosis, it needs to take at least 23 snapshot photos of you in your birthday suit via the smartphone's camera. You didn't get that? That means pictures of you stark naked! The additional "indignity" you have to undergo for a skin cancer to be diagnosed is that another person, or maybe a partner would have to take the photos for you as you pose. You couldn't take some of the poses all b oirself. Does that somehow remotely remind you of soft porn?
So to cut a long story short, you'll need to work around with naked pictures of you in your smartphone app. If you're that person that are careful with who has access to your phone, then perhaps you do not rightfully have a problem. But otherwise, privacy is what you need to consider before using the app. In addition, could you trust an app, even a medical one, on your privacy and intimate parts? It is definitely a question worth considering before taking the plunge on the app.
Another question worth looking into is whether a piece of software algorithm is good enough to stand in lieu of a doctor's verdict? Or perhaps it is just an adjunct to your routine medical check up to complement your physician's, especially if anything is missed out.
Whatever you decide, maybe it is a great way for enthusiasts of total body photography to have their full body photos, without their needing to pose nude in a studio.
If you are not decided yet, the app is free and available only at the US Apple app store.
Download UMSkinCheck
source | The Atlantic
Afewgoodmen is a Physician with Tech as one of his hobbies. You can follow him on Twitter at @Dfewgoodmen
Do you want to talk about this? You can do this in the comment section below. Your comments are welcomed.


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Thursday October 2, 2014; 01:55 am EDT
Simon Spalding illustrates the seagoing Confederate Navy thru a song composed by a crewman of the CSS Florida and contemporary songs about the sailors of the Civil War. Refreshments served. 7pm at Jefferson Patterson Park, St. Leonard: 410-586-8501; www.jefpat.org.


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Boarding Kennels and Cattery in Fife, Scotland
Doreen and Ron Bidgood have owned Quarrybrae Boarding Kennels and Cattery since 2001.
Doreen has worked professionally with animals for over 20 years and is a German Shepherd fanatic and currently owns 6 dogs all bred by her. Doreen also runs the Rio Dog Training Club in her spare time and for fun competes in obedience competitions with her GSDs. She is happy to advise on any dog behaviour and socialisation issues.
Kennel hygiene a priority
At Quarrybrae Boarding Kennels and Cattery we are passionate about the safety and well being of your pets :-
They are never allowed to mix with pets from other homes. Dogs follow a routine similar to that for the average home getting out at least 4 times a day including a chance to play off-lead in our secure field.
Dogs have a late evening comfort outing around 9pm while pillows are puffed up and biscuits put down. Cattery lights out is around 10pm after final checks and cuddles.
Day care as well as long term stays are catered for. Pets must be up to date with annual vaccinations but kennel cough vaccination is not a requirement because there is no guarantee of prevention.
Should any boarder become ill, we are fully insured up to £1200 for any vets fees, please ask for further details.
Ideally situated off the A92 to serve the following areas:
- St Andrews
- Leuchars
- Dundee
- Cupar
- Glenrothes
- Kirkcaldy
We are open 9.00 to 18.00 every day.
For a full list of terms and conditions please click here.


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If you have a dog or cat at home, you'll want to grab this new high value $5/1 Purina Pro Plan Dog or Cat Food printable coupon. Just look under "Pet Care" to find it fast and you should be able to print it twice.
Don't forget to check out the Coupon Database for all available coupons. This site uses affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.


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Gerald Willis III commits to Florida during the first half of the Under Armour All-America football game in St. Petersburg. (Phelan M. Ebenhack / Special to the Sentinel / January 2, 2014)
ST. PETERSBURG - The Florida Gators pulled off an upset Thursday at the Under Armour All-America Game, securing the commitment of highly touted defensive lineman Gerald Willis III.
Willis, a native of New Orleans, was expected to chose in-state power LSU over the Gators, who are a harder sell to top recruits following a 4-8 season.
Willis, who will enroll at UF next week, said he made his decision in the locker room prior to the game while talking on the phone with his brother Brandon Collins, a defensive back at Alabama.
Collins told Willis to leave home and get away "to see a different side of life."
"He said Florida is best school for me," Willis said.
Coach Will Muschamp and his staff will welcome Willis with open arms after a rough week at the All-America Game.
Running back Dalvin Cook, Florida's top recruit on offense, switched his commitiment to Florida State on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Homestead wide receiver Ermon Lane and Immokalee cornerback J.C. Jackson, both friends of Cook and teammates this week, each said he is "85 percent" committed to UF, with many expecting the duo to flip to FSU.
Moments priors to Willis' announcement, safety Jamal Adams chosed LSU over Florida, even though Gators' assistant coach Joker Phillips is Adams' godfather.
But Willis is quite a catch.
247 Sports rates Willis the nation's No. 21 overall prospect. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound Willis is a five-star recruit and nation's No. 4 defensive end, according to Scout.com, and the No. 3 end per ESPN.com.
While Willis' commitment is good news for the Gators, the decision did not seem to excite his mother.
"It is what it is," she said on ESPN. "Florida Gators is where we'll be."
Willis is not concerned, saying his mother supports his decision "100 percent."
Willis also is focused on the fact the Gators ended the season on a seven-game skid, placing Muschamp on the hot seat.
"I'm not worrying about their record and stuff," Willis said. "I'm worried about me and where I fit in and stuff. They had a lot of hurt players. I think I'll go and fit in."
Willis finished the 2012 season with 100 tackles, including 13 sacks, according to 247 Sports. A post on an LSU message board from October raved about Willis after he had 15 solo tackles, including three sacks, and recovered a fumble for a touchdown during a game.
"I think I'm going to bring a pass rusher," Willis said. "Third down, third down and long, I'm going to just bring my talent. I'm from the N.O., so I'm just going to represent."
The Gators return a half-dozen defensive ends, including 2013 starters Jon Bullard and Dante Fowler Jr.
"I know them guys are monsters, they're monsters," Willis said. "They're some real pass rushers."


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The NFL issued a statement Tuesday that supported its replacement officials following the controversial finish in Seattle's 14-to-12 win Monday night over Green Bay. While the NFL said Seattle receiver Golden Tate should have been called for offensive pass interference before being credited with a catch for the winning touchdown, a penalty that would have ended the game in Green Bay's favor, the league still is backing the field officials' ruling of simultaneous possession and the decision to uphold the on-field call upon video review. The league, much to the dismay of many upset players, coaches, and fans, said no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on field ruling of a touchdown, rather than an interception, stood. The loud hue and cry for the NFL to end its lockout of the regular officials continues with reports indicating that the league and the Referees Association met over the weekend without coming close to a resolution.
As for the Lions, they have a new punter. Detroit has placed Ben Graham on season ending injured reserve and has signed veteran punter Nick Harris to replace him on the roster. Graham injured his calf in the first quarter of last Sunday's loss at Tennessee. Placekicker Jason Hanson took over punting duties for the rest of the game. This week, the 1-and-2 Lions play at home against the Vikings.


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January 9, 2013
Tidewater, Sonangol extend joint venture pact to allow talks to continue
Tidewater (TDW) disclosed in a regulatory filing that it has agreed to extend the term of its current joint venture agreement with partner Sonangol Holdings to March 31, 2013, to allow for discussions on a new long-term joint venture agreement to continue. Tidewater said it remains hopeful that a new joint venture agreement will be agreed between the parties that will put Sonatide, its Angola joint venture, on a more secure and permanent footing. As there are significant issues on which the parties have yet to reach an agreement, no assurance can be given that such an outcome will be achieved, Tidewater cautioned in the filing.
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An education study committee assembled by Gov. Sonny Perdue has recommended merging the state's technical college campuses with the two-year colleges to create a comprehensive community college system.
The proposal is one of several suggestions aimed at improving access to college.
Opponents say two-year and technical colleges have separate and competing missions that would make any merger difficult and dangerous.
Some two-year college professors worry a merger would weaken the academic standards at their institutions and make it more difficult for students to transfer to four-year colleges.
But committee members argue Georgia needs a seamless transition as students move from high school to college.
They say a merged community college system also would make it easier for dual enrollment programs to occur by creating a central agency to oversee these programs. Currently individual high schools and districts set up these programs, meaning some students don't have access to college classes.
Should Georgia merge its technical and two-year colleges? How should the state improve access to these programs and the four-year colleges?
June 1st, 2009
11:43 am
We need to keep our technical schools alive and separate.
Technical schools have different needs in that they need to be able to change quickly in order to adapt to the changing techincal needs of the community. Two year colleges do not adapt very quickly and 4 year schools take at least a generation to change.
June 1st, 2009
1:07 pm
I want to 'guess' the problem they are attempting to solve is maintain separate school locations and faculties. Perhaps they see consolidation as a means of reducing costs. I thought admissions for both 2 year and technical colleges was increasing. Regarding improving access, could they simply ensure students are aware of their options starting in the middle schools? At the same time, there could be a dual outreach program for parents and other members of the community. I believe the only 'problem' is that not enough citizens are aware of these options.
I agree that each school has a separate mission and I question whether consolidation will bring forth a stronger and more viable institution.
June 1st, 2009
5:20 pm
Having lived plus studied them extensively as part of my masters and PhD programsand worked in a real community college in Florida, which does not have this "separate but unequal" setup like in Georgia, I think the only thing that is against this is territory guarding. We already have 3 (I think) colleges that embrace this frame–one is Dalton State College, which has the transfer programs, technical degrees, diplomas, and certificates in its technical division, and now some 4 year programs. It works JUST FINE. I think everyone would actually benefit (except those with a vested interest in dual faculty and staff, or the "pride" of having an institution in their town.)
June 1st, 2009
6:14 pm
I agree with Cat, there does seem to be some turf guarding going on here. Neither side wants to relinquish control of their little 'kingdom.'
Also, over the years, it has been my observation that many in academia tend to evaluate others by how many letters come after their name. The comment about "weakening academic standards" is a perfect example. They will only weaken if you [professors] do it yourselves.
Besides, we're talking community college here – not the Phd program at Vanderbilt.
June 1st, 2009
9:37 pm
Wow, I couldnt agree more with catlady and Lee. You watch, the two year professors will come out of the woodwork saying they are worried about students, but really worried about their cushy, tenured jobs. They know technical school teachers actually have to work for a living and they are scared to death at what a combined system would look like for them. And they will be against this, even if its determined that this combined deal is the best plan for our students.
June 1st, 2009
10:44 pm
For once I agree with the governor. At a time when the state is in economic peril it appears to be a sound fiscal move and one that would weaken academics only if by design. While we are at it, I believe that the governor should consider consolidating some of the K-12 systems, especially in smaller counties. The administrative and operational costs of maintaining this many school systems probably equals or outranks teacher pay.
June 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
Mitch is dead wrong. Two-year professors have cushy jobs? Those folks teach the most demanding course loads of any institutions in the University System of Georgia. And they aren't paid very well comparative to their State University/ State College peers. Get your facts straight before you start blathering.
June 2nd, 2009
8:17 am
Catlady used the example of Dalton State College which is a University System of Georgia School not a technical college school. The current recommendation is that the USG 2 yr colleges are to move to the technical college system. If Dalton State and other USG institutions have already piloted this combination, why isn't the recommendation to incorporate the technical college system into the University System of Georgia. That would streamline the system. If we have proven that has worked, they why would we try something different?
June 2nd, 2009
9:07 am
I am a professor at a two-year college. It isn't a cushy job. I teach five courses each semester, between 125-150 students. I also teach summer sessions. I typically work 50 hours or more each week and take work home at night and on weekends. High school teachers with the same degree (Ph.D.) that I have actually earn more money. Why do I do it? Because I love teaching college students. If this merger occurs my colleagues and I may lose our jobs. It would be hard, but we would find employment elsewhere. However, many of our students, who would be shut out of the USG and would thus see their chances at a college education severely limited wouldn't be so lucky. Neither will the communities and businesses who would be adversely affected by this merger. If the state wants to streamline the system, it should merger the Technical System with the USG. From what I can tell, merging the two-year colleges with the Technical System is just about obtaining state funding and power politics. In the long run it will only benefit administrators in the Technical System, not students or the state's economy.
June 2nd, 2009
5:48 pm
The professor at the two-year college is right. They work harder than most professors at the 4-year college and university levels. They get paid a lot less than teachers in the public school system with comparable degrees. I also agree with merging the technical colleges under the University System of Georgia. If the governor wants to save money, that is the best way to insure that the students in Georgia will get the quality education they deserve.
June 3rd, 2009
10:21 am
The way I understand things is that technical institutes were designed to provide training in a trade or skill. Someone must have thought that changing the name from "institute" to "college" would upgrade the image of the training being offered.
Conversely, "community colleges" are, I believe, usually 2 year colleges offering your basic liberal arts core courses.
With the economy the way it is and with the much-increased competition at the larger universities, especially the public ones, many students are attending 2-year colleges first and transferring to 4-year schools. These students are relying on the availability of the 2-year school as an option for pursuing a college degree. The community education aspect of the 2-year college is a happy by-product of the school's main mission – to prepare students for transfer to a 4-year college or university.
I believe that merging the technical "colleges" with the 2-year, true colleges would be a mistake. It would degrade the quality of education formerly offered by the 2-year colleges while requiring that some students, who may not be interested in the traditional college type courses or who may not be capable of succeeding in them, take classes they don't need or can not afford.
June 3rd, 2009
2:41 pm
Just want to say that I also agree with rr, the 2 year school professor. I too teach at a 2 year school here in GA and it is not about saving a cushy job. I wish. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and love the students that are served by my institution. But at the same time, I know that I make much less that a K-12 public school teacher and I have 10 years at this institution. I work on campus and bring work home for a total of about 50-60 hours a week. That does not include the service learning programs that our outside of class time.
Moving on, I am concerned about those students mentioned above that want to get a good, sound start before going to a 4-year school. I am not really sure how this type of merger benefits ALL students and the education system in GA. This is supposed to make it better, not worse.
June 4th, 2009
5:28 pm
Actually we wouldn't need it if more professions would do as many of the trades do and provide apprenticeship programs.
June 6th, 2009
10:51 pm
It is interesting that all the individuals commenting on how bad this would be have yet to mention how they know this will be detrimental. To the instructors posting, as a former student at what is now known as College of Coastal Georgia I can truly say how fortunate I was to have instructors that were willing to put in the necessary time and effort and go above and beyond. However to those saying that merging the two systems will degrade the quality of the education, I suggest that you go and speak to some of the students currently looking for jobs. I can't speak for all the graduates from my particular degree field, but I know that quite a few of the courses that were required for my B.S. have absolutely no real impact on the jobs that many of my fellow CIS students acquired. While it's a great thing that the standard baccalaureate programs teach you how to analyze and think, one of the things that the technical colleges do better is to teach you the skills necessary to actually get a job. I may have a degree, but most of what I use on a daily basis in my job was never taught to me during my education at UGA, Coastal Georgia, or VSU. I agree that we need to be careful in the way this process is approached, but there is no reason why both sides can't gain in the end.
June 10th, 2009
9:52 am
I have to chime in here.
To say that technical colleges are not real colleges is insulting to the people who work at these colleges. Many of the technical colleges are accredited by SACS-COC, and others are in the process of being accredited. SACS-COC is the same organization that accredits colleges such as UGA, Georgia Tech and Georgia Perimeter.
I teach a "liberal arts" course at a technical college, and I work hard to make sure my standards are up to the same standards as UGA and other four-year colleges. My class is required for an associates degree, and the final grade from this class is easily transferable to a four-year college or university.
I won't say our two-year counterparts don't work hard, since I don't know. What I will say is that faculty at technical colleges often work 40 hours or more at the college, and many, like myself, take an additional 8-10 hours workload home for grading and preparation. Sometimes, that extra time is spent volunteering for student groups, conferences or sports (yes, some of our colleges have sports!). On some days we come in early in the morning before most people wake up, and we leave at night when most people are watching American Idol. No complaints from me – I love my job. I'm just stating a fact.
Everyone at the two-year colleges say that remedial programs will die. That notion is also false. We have those programs as well, and many of our students enroll in them before taking degree level courses.
I'm not saying this merger would be either a good thing or bad thing. I do think, however, to assume that the quality of education would suffer if the two-year colleges would merge with the technical colleges is a sorely misguided notion.
June 30th, 2009
10:14 am
I work at one of the two-year University System colleges that has a technical side. Bugs Bunny states that "I won't say our two-year counterparts don't work hard, since I don't know. What I will say is that faculty at technical colleges often work 40 hours or more at the college, and many, like myself, take an additional 8-10 hours workload home for grading and preparation. Sometimes, that extra time is spent volunteering for student groups, conferences or sports (yes, some of our colleges have sports!)". This statement implies that the University System faculty don't work 40 hours per week. I have worked at a couple of two year colleges, and as a faculty member, I regularly put in 60 – 80 hours a week in teaching my classes, working on committees, advising and working with students, attending to my professional development needs, etc. Now, we don't have to work 8-5 everyday, but, we do work 40+ hours a week.
July 15th, 2009
9:22 am
I work (diligently) at a 2-year community college, and after graduating from 4-years of high-end prep school, 4 years of Washington & Lee University and my 2-year MS program at Old Dominion University, I can honestly say that my current academic environment compares admirably well with any of these. In fact, for the moderate cost to the student it is a miracle, brought about largely by a singularly inspired and driven faculty and staff. The hours are "endless" (who doesn't like a little recognition now and then), the curriculum and facilities are continually monitored and refined and the students are highly regarded as the sole reason for our presence. I personally feel that along with many other 2-year liberal arts colleges, our emphasis on accessibility and diversity is a singular contribution to the progress and future of this community and nation. If my colleagues and I were not instinctively compelled to protect this "turf", we would be brain dead.
Enough intro, allow me to attempt a potentially worthwhile point. Having read much regarding the proposed merger, the argument seems without bounds; I find myself giving pause to both sides since there are two vastly polarized views that clearly lack a common frame of reference. Before any decision is seriously contemplated, would it not be constructive, appropriate and in fact essential to conduct and report some objective surveys of two or three merged institutions (local and/or otherwise) and fully project the "pros" and "cons" of the proposed merger? Despite the necessary time and expense, some credible research would let the governor, educators, students and the people of Georgia address this tormented issue on a more informed basis, and avoid a potentially critical error. Debate is futile when no informed choice is possible, and such an informed choice can be supported only by clear definition of the alternatives. Even the Wright brothers had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen when they cranked up their engine and started down that rail.
September 17th, 2009
4:15 pm
All the stated concerns and issues are exactly as those articulated in Kentucky when the legislature passed the Higher Education Reform bill. Eleven (11) years later, the now Kentucky Community and Technical College System is rolling along beautifully and effectively!
January 12th, 2010
6:46 pm
Judith R. James' comment regarding Kentucky is not accurate.
In Kentucky, a merger identical to the one recommended in the Tough Choices or Tough Times report has resulted in a decline in the number of students transferring to four-year institutions from the comprehensive community college system formed over ten years ago. The University of Kentucky alone has experienced a 32% decline in the number of two-year college transfers.
Transfers from the community college system to the university system in Kentucky have decreased for the following reasons:
a. University requirements make it difficult to transfer academic credits.
b. The community college system lacks sufficient financial aid and advisors to help students transfer to the four-year institutions. (Changing systems requires more advisement.)
c. The four-year colleges and universities are reluctant to recruit community college students because they are two separate systems with separate standards.
If a merger were to occur, students might only benefit if the technical schools were merged under the University System of Georgia, creating ONE system. One system would reduce costs and make transfers seamless for all students. Creating two separate systems would do the opposite.
March 8th, 2010
6:27 pm
I would like to know where you came up with your comment because as Liz said, it's very inaccurate. It's nothing that she told me, or wishful thinking on my part. I read about it in a local article.According to the studies done about the potential merger, it would be a BAD idea for Georgia. Far as the states of Kentucky and California, the mergers haven't helped them save money or better transference of school credit. I have attended a 2 year college( will be in a four year one soon) and I have a sister who is currently enrolled in a Technical College and she also want to to go to a four year college. According to what one of her counselors told her, her credits would not be easy to transfer to a four year college and depending whose technical school you attend, it can be even more difficult. If you think that it's not true, just go to Georgia State University's website and use their credit scale with any technical schools and compare them with 4 years colleges .Then you'll see why Community colleges are opposed to this idea.


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DENISON, TX -- Five more building demolitions are set to go before council members, along with a major one that has already been approved.
The new proposed demolitions include two buildings that adjoin the Eisenhower Birthplace property. They are located at 226 East Nelson and 228 East Nelson.
Also, 522 East Acheson, 619 West Chestnut, and a building on the property at 715 West Texas. City officials say these structures are dilapidated, dangerous, and a nuisance.
They'll also discuss accepting a $115,000 bid by Lavon, Tex.-based Lonestar Demolition to remove the old Central Ward School in the 700 block of West Sears Street.
The old school is now in the hands of a private owner who wants to turn it into an event hall for chess tournaments. Council meets Monday at 6 p.m.


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MADISON, WI (LEARFIELD-WSAU)The Wisconsin men's basketball team will try to go 5-and-0 tonight when it hosts Bowling Green. It's the first of four games in the Cancun Challenge -- the first two to be played in Madison, and the rest during the Thanksgiving holiday in Mexico.
The 12th-ranked Badgers are coming off a 103-to-85 home rout of North Dakota on Tuesday night. Frank Kaminsky had a school-record 43 points, and the Badgers scored 100-plus for the first time since 1995.
Bowling Green comes in at 1-and-1, after a 75-to-61 loss to South Florida. Junior Jehvon Clarke leads Bowling Green in scoring, after scoring 17 points in each of his first two games. The Falcons have not played Wisconsin since 1991.
You can hear the game on WSAU with the pre-game show at 6pm


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Busy Philipps
- Birthday
- 1979-06-25
- Nickname
- Add
- Birthname
- Elizabeth Jean Phillips
- Sign
- Cancer
- Hometown
- Oak Park IL
- Country
- United States
- Ethnicity
- White
- Height
- 5'6"
- Weight
- 135
- Job
- Actress
- Hobbies
- Likes to be skull fucked while doing anal
- Assets
- Kissable Lips Big Breasts Pretty Eyes And Hair 34D
- Vices
- A mouth made blow jobs
Busy Philipps is best known for her supporting roles on the TV series "Freaks and Geeks" and "Dawson's Creek."
She appeared on the UPN sitcom "Love, Inc.", in a role originally intended for Shannen Doherty. The show lasted for one season (2005-2006) before being canceled. Since Fall 2006, she had a major recurring role as Hope on "ER."
Her parents gave her the nickname Busy because, as an infant, she was always moving, and the nickname stuck; it even appears on her driver's license.
In fall 2009 Busy will appear on the new t.v show Couger Town.
Busy Philipps on the Web
Reese Witherspoon & Busy Philipps: Drew Barrymore's Book ... Reese Witherspoon & Busy Philipps: Drew Barrymore's Book Celebration! Reese Witherspoon keeps it lacy while attending Drew Barrymore's Photo Book.
Busy Philipps: Full Time Help with Kids Makes All the Difference ... Busy Philipps: Full Time Help with Kids Makes All the Difference! Busy Philipps chats on the phone as she leaves the Chanel store with a purchase in hand on Monday (January 13) in Beverly Hills, Calif. The 34-year-old ...


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"I received a long distance healing from Trent, and it went very well. I no longer feel pain and I definitely felt the energy of the healing."
"I received a long distance healing from Trent, and it went very well. I no longer feel pain and I definitely felt the energy of the healing."
Since I last worked this blog, I have achieved so much. I was in school and am now graduated as a massage therapist, and couldn't be happier. I have grown in myself so much lately, and as the universe and I have agreed upon, when I am in a good state, with gratitude I shall do my best to give what is flowing through to others.
Conclusion being, I'm feeling ready to offer free readings or healings for a bit.
Just remember, donations are appreciated, and your feedback about the reading or healing is all I ask for in return.
Ask away!
WOW! The reading I received from the healing hermit was full of so much positive energy and non-judgment. It was thorough and provided great insight. It honestly went above and beyond my expectations. The response I got back had great detail and was evident time was provided in the reading. Only positive things to say — what a lovely person and lovely thing someone can do for others. — msashleymarieherring
Hello Everyone!
I just started this blog on June 23rd, 2013. I can't wait to start giving you all advice, healing's, and wonderful positive energy throughout this year. Let's work on transforming our lives for the better!
What beliefs are keeping you held back?
What negative energies are you holding onto?
Where aren't you willing to change for the better?
All these questions, once answered, can be worked on, healed, and transformed into stepping stones towards a more Abundant, Joyful, and Vibrant Life Experience.
If you ever feel troubled, down, or out-of-touch, give me a message, and I will give you an energetic hug! We are in this together my brother's and sister's; which is why I have created this blog. To help serve those in their search for Truth, for Light, for Love, and for some, Hope.
I shall always do my best to give you that which serves you for your greatest and highest good.
As I just started, you will see in the upcoming weeks, pages that will teach and describe the following: Reiki, The Chakra's, How To's on using and listening to your Intuition, Guides, and Angels, and Light Beings alike, and of course a how to on meditation, and divination.
I appreciate each and every one of you, and Blessing's of Pure Love, and Light to all of you!


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"The Gettysburg Address has become an authoritative expression of the American spirit — as authoritative as the Declaration itself, and perhaps even more influential, since it determines how we read the Declaration."– Garry Wills
Americans have always celebrated Independence Day as an important moment in the development of the American character. Still, I wonder if Americans today don't have a radically different understanding of the Declaration of Independence than earlier generations did. Indeed, the original meaning of the Declaration seems to have been eclipsed by subsequent events. In particular one could argue, as Gary Wills does, that Americans understand July 4, 1776 through the lens of November 19, 1863- the date of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address."
That short speech has become a fixed part of the American psyche and I would argue that we are worse off for it. In those 10 sentences lie not only the foundational elements of Lincoln's political thought, but also a blueprint for a drastic recasting of the American constitutional order. So, on this Independence Day, I would ask the reader to take a moment to consider exactly which "Declaration of Independence" it is that we are celebrating- is it the "Declaration" of Lincoln or that of the Founders? For the two are wholly incompatible.
Much of what Lincoln says in the Gettysburg Address can be seen as a direct commentary on the Declaration. Notably, it is the Declaration and not the United States Constitution that Lincoln sees as the centerpiece of the American political order. There are three underlying principles of Lincoln's political thought that can be drawn out through a close examination of the Address, and all have to deal, more or less directly, with his peculiar interpretation of the Declaration:
1) America was founded, as a "nation", in 1776.
2) America has been, since its inception, established upon universal truths.
3) America is, at its heart, revolutionary.
These propositions deserve individual treatment. Each of them represents not only a misunderstanding of American history, but a deeply flawed political theory. And each of them has been increasingly accepted by each subsequent generation of Americans.
1) America was founded, as a "nation", in 1776.
The line "four score and seven years ago" points back, from 1863, to the year 1776 and not, as one might expect when talking about the founding of America, to the ratification of the Constitution. Lincoln has two reasons for emphasizing the Declaration over the Constitution: one philosophical, to be discussed in the following section, and one practical, based on Lincoln's historical understanding of the American founding.
To Lincoln, the issuance of the Declaration of Independence symbolized an era of pre-Constitutional national unity: the American colonies were engaged in a united struggle against British rule and joined together to collectively announce their new identity as a nation. Lincoln saw this moment as the precise beginning of the national American government.
Advancing this theory of the founding was absolutely critical for Lincoln. He was fighting a war against a Southern polity that was premised around an opposite conceptualization of the founding. The Southern states considered themselves to be sovereign nations in their own right and parties to a "compact." This "Compact Theory" of the Constitution posited that the 13 original states, after they had won their own individual independence from Britain in the Revolutionary War, had then only surrendered a portion of their sovereignty to the national government in ratifying the Constitution. As sovereign states, they had as much a right to withdraw from that compact as the modern US does to leave the United Nations.
Lincoln's narrative precluded such an argument. If the American nation- starting with the Declaration- was historically prior to the states as political entities, then any efforts to reclaim a state's residual sovereignty were invalid attempts to get in between the "American people"- considered in the aggregate- and their government. As a rhetorical ploy, Lincoln's narrative works well; the only problem with it is that it is not supported by the historical record. The Declaration did not symbolize the birth of any pre-constitutional American "nation," chiefly because, just as the states were engaged in fighting their own wars for independence, they authorized their own declarations for independence as well. By July 4, 1776, delegates to the Continental Congress from 12 of the 13 colonies had already received prior authorization by their state governments to declare independence. The delegates from New York had not been authorized by their state legislature to vote in favor of independence and thus abstained from voting until weeks later. Even though the states collaborated with one another in fighting for, and declaring, their independence, there is absolutely no historical evidence that they saw themselves as comprising a singular "nation" in the sense Lincoln used the word.
2) America was, at its inception, built upon universal truths.
Lincoln's reliance upon the Declaration of Independence was also due to the fact that the Declaration, unlike the Constitution, easily lends itself to a political theory based on abstract, universal principals. Lincoln wrote in 1859 that the Declaration put forth "an abstract truth, applicable to all men and all times." In the same letter, Lincoln goes on to write that the "principles of Jefferson are the definitions and axioms of free society." In the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Lincoln claimed that the writers of the Declaration "meant to get up a standard maxim for free society…. which declares that 'all men are created equal.'"
To see the Declaration as advancing this kind of timeless principle is perhaps even more common today than in Lincoln's time, but it is nonetheless a very flawed reading of the text. For one thing, once the reader gets past the first four sentences of the Declaration (if the reader gets past the first four sentences of the Declaration), it becomes very clear that the author is much less interested in the kind of "standard maxim for a free society" that Lincoln is advocating. Rather, the reader finds a laundry list of violations of the traditional British common law. In other words, the Declaration of Independence is very much bound to its own historical setting. The great conservative scholar M.E. Bradford picks up on this, arguing that "to anyone familiar with English letters and the English mind in the 17th and 18thcenturies, the Declaration of Independence is clearly a document produced out of the mores majorum- legal, rhetorical, poetic- and not a piece of reasoning or systematic truth."
3) America is, at its heart, revolutionary.
So Lincoln's conception of the Declaration as a work of abstract philosophy is, once again, based on bad history. Yet there is an even more dangerous consequence of Lincoln's reliance on universal principles. Implicit in basing a political theory on abstract philosophical principles is a belief that society must be constituted upon those principles and that any society that is not must be replaced.
To this effect, Lincoln spoke repeatedly throughout his career about the need for a "new act of founding" which could potentially undo the damage done by the ratification of the Constitution and return the country to the principles embodied in the Declaration. His entire conception of America as being a "new nation" recently "conceived" demonstrates the extent to which he saw 1776 as a radical break from the past. Yet how closely does this conform to the historical record? Exactly how "revolutionary" was the Revolutionary War? It certainly didn't uproot the social hierarchy or even drastically alter the political and legal institutions that made up colonial America. In other words, the American "Revolution" was not "revolutionary" at all- at least not in comparison to those historical revolutions which have truly been based upon abstract, universal principles.
Nevertheless, in spite of his status as a recent conservative icon, Lincoln's political theory celebrates radical, truly revolutionary political change. Indeed, this approach of leveling society and then rebuilding it to conform to a set of abstract philosophical principles has always been the foundation of every revolutionary political ideology: from Plato on down through Rousseau and the French Jacobins, and then up to the modern revolutionary crisis with Marx, the story remains the same. Lincoln, however pleasant his "universal principles" might sound to the modern ear, was willing to do incredible things in order to conform America to the abstract vision in his head. Just how far he was willing to go is up for debate. But a hard look at the historical record leaves Lincoln looking more like a revolutionary than a conservative, despite modern attempts by "conservatives" to appropriate him.
Each of these political principles appears as a factual proposition. As a historical matter, each of these propositions proves false. As a matter of political theory, each of the propositions lends itself to very dangerous results. Whatever the Revolutionary War and the original Declaration of Independence might have lacked as "revolutionary" political actions- with the word "revolutionary" understood in its most radical and deadliest sense- has been compensated for tenfold by the revolution that followed directly from Lincoln's vision of America.
So, once again, my question for the reader: when you celebrate the Declaration of Independence this 4th of July, exactly what are you celebrating? Is it the Declaration of state sovereignty, historical particularity, and continuity with the past? Or is it the Declaration of the American "nation," universal abstraction, and revolution? I'm afraid I already know the answer.


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4,2 sur juillet 30, 2013
We had a vacation of 1 week in Davila bed and breakfast , it was me and my wife for the first time in Rome . The bb is well connected to the city centre with metro ; the area is very safe and silent. Our room was very big and furnished with all the facilities ; Angelo attented us perfectly. We higly reccomend it
4,4 sur juillet 24, 2013
The flat is really nice and big, the owner very friendly. Internet is free and works well. The koffee for breakfast is great. The metrostation and a big supermarket is round the corner and you are in 15 min in the centre. If we go back to Rome, we will love to stay there again!
4,2 sur juillet 19, 2013
Io e la mia amica dovevamo accogliere i nostri amici austriaci qui a Roma e abbiamo deciso di trascorrere con loro tre giorni in questo Bed and breakfast non molto lontano dalle nostre abitazioni. Siamo veramente soddisfatte della scelta perché le camere sono silenziose e fresche, pulite e accoglienti. Anche i bagni sono privati, ampi e con finestre, insomma tutto molto gradevole ed economico.
Réponse du propriétaire
Many thanks to Cristina for her judgment. I also invite to read the other reviews of my guests on my page Tripadvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d1937769-Reviews-B_B_Davila25-Rome_Lazio.html


text: Clearance Family Votive Runner Item #: 122581 $14.99 $5.97 Ship to Home Light up your home with this Family Votive Runner. Now all of your gatherings can take place around a table decorated in the coziest way possible. Runner measures 18L x 3W x 3H in. Crafted of wood Black finish with "Family" painted in white on the side Accommodates five (5) votive candles; candles sold separately This item is no longer available for purchase.


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Which celebs got it right at Cosmopolitan's #fashfest?
We give our verdicts on the outfits that graced the red carpet.
8 Downton Abbey storylines that prove it's just a posh soap opera
Is Downton Abbey just a soap opera hiding under all that pomposity?
Tinchy Stryder teams up with... the Chuckle Brothers
Chart star Tinchy Stryder has released a video and photos showing he is working on music with the Chuckle Brothers.