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As Tim says:
"When I'm working in the real world with real women and we're shopping, we find that fashion seems to end when you get any larger than a size 12," Gunn told The Huffington Post. "How ridiculous is that?"Pretty freaking ridiculous, Tim. Pretty freaking ridiculous.
He also points out that they eschew the short of stature like myself.
"and then there are women who are petite. And most designers that I talk to have absolutely no interest in addressing either of those populations, which I find repugnant."I think it's sort of sad that I don't find it repugnant. This is probably because I've gotten used to it. I've been short my whole life and in Plus Sizes for more than half of it. That's right, for about 30 of my over 50 years, I got to experience the Fashion Industry Double Whammy!
Now I'm back to just being ignored for being short and I'm so happy to finally be able to buy fashionable tops and dresses that I won't complain too much about having trouble finding Petite-sized pants. Especially since I live in jeans anyway.
I don't think this is about judgment though. I think it's about economics and laziness.
I think it's about economics because I'm a size two which apparently is the current size of models on the runway. I am also about the same bra size as a Victoria Secret model. Yes, I'm short, but I look better in most stuff that is cut for a taller woman than in stuff cut specifically for Petites.
So I should have it made in the shade when it comes to clothes shopping, right? Nope. Oh, it's easier than it was at a size 22. But sometimes not by much.
That's because clothes exist in stores on a bell curve. And I'm on the narrow end of the curve. It turns out that most of the stuff you see on the runways is made right on the models and you can't actually find those sizes in the stores. It's not economical to make it so they only make a few size 00 through 2 and even size 4 is hard to find in some neighborhoods.
Life begins at size six apparently. And ends around size 18? (I'm guessing on that one since it's been a while since I had to experience it.)
The laziness is that you can't design something for a size 10 person and then just size it up for the Plus Size market or chop off the pant legs and sleeves for the Petite market. You really have to start over if you want to do it right. And most people don't want to deal with that and with trying to understand three different markets.
I really can't blame them for not wanting to design for three different markets, but you'd think that more designers would pick one of these markets as their exclusive one to focus on. Why not? You wouldn't have that much competition and it could be a challenge.
Plus I'm told by many people that I'm freaking adorable. Who wouldn't want to design for adorable-looking women?
But everyone wants to design for the fat part of the snake, I guess. Which means the rest of us lose out.


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|stone cold classic
It's weird isn't it when your life revolves around your weekend; when you're trying to pack in as much activity as you can; to see all your friends and spend some positive time with them all. To eat, drink and be merry. To talk, walk or play with the important people in your life. There's always a birthday, a celebration, a special day, someone to commiserate or congratulate, a gig to support or one of your favourite DJ's or performers to go see, appreciate, pay homage and dance to. Money to spend, time to fill, happiness to pursue. Dawn to dusk and beyond the sunset and before you know it it's time to jump back into the hamster wheel of work and it's Monday morning again. Reflections, memories, photos, reminiscences, anecdotes and an empty wallet the only things to remind of the great time you had.
There's no avoiding that mad Beckettian grandeur about the terrible twin truths of existence: life is disappointing and death inescapable. Art is part of life and so doomed to failure in the same way. In the same way that memory plays tricks and fades sweetly leaving a glow of half remembered feelings that lose colour into a haze of forgetfulness. And amid all the excruciating self-doubt and imploding self-reflexive theatricality depicted on the dance floor or at the gig, it will reward your effort to maintain the memory and make it down as a classic weekend or a breakthrough weekend. If that effort involves a drive to Brighton to catch hip-hop legend KRS-One then so be it. Worth every minute, every penny, every excruciating endurance of thought and spirit.
In 1984 when most rappers were fixated on their cocks, drugs, ho's and guns KRS-One was rhyming about nuclear war prevention and urging us to "Stop The Violence". He still does. Old school hip-hop, Jamaican dance hall style, new tunes, anti violence and anti corrupting powers of technology sermons; revisionist views of American history; what he calls "edutainment", all in the mix; to a sell out audience of appreciative hip-hop fans. In Brighton. A pioneering Bronx-based hip-hop artist with a socially conscious message. A man with dexterous verbosity and blunt beat sense; waxing poetically and skillfully. In 1987 came Criminal Minded; its smooth grooves and hard rhymes foreshadowing gangsta rap.
Look out for Back to the L.A.B (Lyrical Ass Beating); an upcoming EP by KRS-One. No release date has been set but top respect for a wicked show.

subset: commoncrawl


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Dear Supporters and Prayer partners!
On September the 1st we were invited by city officials to do a celebration for the special need kids at Odessa orphanage. It was a beautiful celebration with clowns, songs, sport games and lots of fun and love!
After the camp ion August we found out that many children from Andreevo-Ivanovka orphanage were sent to a sanatorium in Odessa. The team was excited to be able to visit the kids in Odessa every week for a month. They would gather up to 40 children each they came. We sang with the kids, played sport and talked a lot. It is so encouraging to see how much the kids treasure our friendship.
We did another celebration at their orphanage at the end of September again.
Special need girls were happy to see us twice last month. We love to dance with them, do crafts, tell Bible stories and just to make them smile. The Lost boys orphanage let us come this month too! IT was a great opportunity to fellowship with them. We were bale to play a lot, sing songs WITH them (they know quite a few now and do the motions with us :)), do different crafts and share God's love. They DO know that they are handsome and loved by God and us (we remind them each time we have an opportunity:)
Two weeks ago we did a Flash mob dedicating to the orphans of Ukraine. There were more than 80 volunteers from different churches doing a Chicken dance in different parts of downtown of Odessa. It was so much fun! The idea was to invite people to participate in a Day of prayer for orphans in Ukraine which will take its place on October 20th in the main square of Odessa. Please please please remember us on October 20th! It is a very important day for us as organizers as well as for children from many orphanages around the city and Odessa region that we help to come. They will sing, dance and recite poems. The local government takes a part in this as well! Praise the Lord, they see a need in helping the orphans!
Also, there are 16 orphans that we are taking camping to Crimea mountains at the end of October. We need support on that as well as your prayers!
It is such an honor to be hands and feet to share God's love with needy! You are a great part of that and we appreciate you lots!
If you are interested in helping our projects, please send financial contributions to Harvest International www.harvestinternational.org with a note for Slavik and AlyonaPuzanov ministry in Odessa, Ukraine.
We are so thankful and grateful for you partnership in this ministry. We are seeing God move in many ways as He provides the way for us to work with children and special need people. It is such a privilege to be His servant!
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A Local's Guide to: Westward Ho!
Article By Roger Tisdale a former Westward Ho! councillor
What do you think about when you see the name Westward Ho! Is it the two-mile-long Blue Flag-standard, clean water quality, sandy beach – perfect for surfing and children alike?
Alternatively, it may be the stunning scenery of this special part of North Devon, running from Northam Burrows through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by way of the coastal path towards Kipling Tors, and beyond.
Certainly, if you have not visited our thriving village in recent years you may be surprised with the variety of restaurants and shops that grace Westward Ho!.
How many villages can boast of having such a choice of Chinese, Italian, Moroccan or Thai restaurants, or established favourites like the Blue and Green, Country Cousins, Golden Fry Fish and Chips and the Pierhouse?
There are numerous quality pubs like the Pig on the Hill, the Village Inn and the Waterfront to name but a few. What about the diverse range of shops and cafés catering to residents and visitors alike?
Westward Ho! has a chemist, a butchers, a delicatessen, a fishing tackle shop, a hardware store, a post office – not forgetting the two bakeries, two hairdressers and three convenience stores.
A magnet for locals and visitors alike is the Beach café, the Rock Pool café or Tea on the Green.
Try any or all of them – you won't be disappointed. I almost forgot that a great range of holiday gifts and souvenirs are available from three established shops and our Post Office.
Visitors will first notice the community spirit and pride that we have in Westward Ho! when they enter the main car park in the village.
They will see that local businesses have collaborated to properly maintain the flower borders around the car parking bays, while across on the village green the perseverance and dedicated work by the Westward Ho! gardeners means that the beds of flowers and shrubs always look tidy and well presented.
Looking down, rather than the beautiful views of the waves crashing onto the beach or of Lundy on the horizon, newcomers will see plaques detailing local history provided by the Westward Ho! History Society.
The work from another local group to bring regeneration to the village has had a major input into securing the funds for the Golden Promenade from the Slipway to the Nassau to be completed, as well as the restoration work on the Rock Pool.
There is the Royal North Devon Golf Club, the Residents' Association, the wide range of activities at the Kingsley Hall, the local walking group – there is so much more I could tell you.
You may now understand why so many apartments have sprung up in the last few years. Westward Ho! is simply a wonderful place in which to live!
Roger Tisdale is a former Westward Ho! councillor


text: What will you leave behind? It's time to discover the unique and indelible life imprint that only you can create. Filled with inspiring quotations from those who have made a lasting impression on our culture and left a rich legacy, the AIA Journal will encourage you to reflect on what makes your life worth living. Record the positive imprints of your life's journey, every day, in this beautiful journal inspired by the AIA exhibit.


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2790 25th St. SE
Directions Salem, OR 97302
**Offer valid 12/01/16 - 01/02/17, on all pre-owned vehicles purchased through Hertz Car Sales of Salem and financed through Oregon Community Credit Union for Tier 1 and 2 borrowers. Payment example: vehicle financed at 1.99% APR for 60-month term is $17.52 per $1,000 financed. APR will increase 0.25% without enrolling in OCCU eStatements and increase 0.25% without enrolling in monthly autopay from an OCCU checking account or monthly ACH payment from another financial institution. No Payments for 120 days offered to Tier 1 and 2 borrowers. Interest accrues from the date of purchase. Other exclusions, conditions and/or restrictions and membership requirements may apply. See dealer or Oregon Community CU for more details. Oregon Community Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA.
No payments for 120 days through OCCU on approved Tier 1,2 & 3 credit. Model years twenty-ten and newer. Interest accrues from the date of purchase. Membership required. Prices do not include applicable tax, title, license, processing and/or documentation fees. Offer valid 12/1/17 - 12/31/17.
Toys for Tots donation period - 12/1/17-12/19/17; Hertz NW:Albany, Bend, Eugene, and Salem will donate one bicycle to the local Toys for Tots for every vehicle sold. Oregon Community Credit Union will donate $100 to the local TFT for every OCCU auto loan originated at a Hertz NW dealership Up to $5000.


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Former world boxing champ Jermain Taylor pleads guilty to shooting his cousin
Former world middleweight boxing champion Jermain Taylor has pleaded guilty to more than half a dozen charges stemming from three separate incidents over the past year, including shooting and wounding his cousin and firing a gun at a Martin Luther King parade.
In a plea deal with prosecutors, Taylor appeared in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Arkansas, with his lawyer, two days before he was due to face trial. Sentencing is set for April 19 and it is not clear how much prison time he might face.
"There was a change of plea. We were able to plea it to the court, which means the judge accepts the guilty plea and sets it off for sentencing," said Jimmy Morris, representing Taylor. He would not comment on the reason for the change of plea.
Prosecutors confirmed they had reduced charges to second degree battery in an incident where Taylor was accused of wounding his cousin last year.
They also removed an enhancement for charges over an incident in which Taylor was accused of firing a gun during the Martin Luther King parade while he was on bail from the first incident. The enhancement was because children were present during the incident.
Chief deputy prosecuting attorney John Johnson said the office agreed to dismiss the enhancement, but Taylor still pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated assault, one count of terroristic threatening and misdemeanour possession of a controlled substance.
Charges were not reduced in a third incident from last May. Taylor pleaded guilty to second degree battery related to an alleged assault at a treatment centre in Little Rock, which he had entered in March after his bail was revoked for the parade incident.
While there, authorities say he was involved in a fight with another resident.
Mr Johnson said his office had not made a sentencing recommendation, which would probably happen during the April hearing.
"What will happen is that hearing will give everybody a chance to put on witnesses to tell the judge what they want to about the defendant. We could bring in victims to testify during that hearing as well," he said.
Judge Leon Johnson agreed to let Taylor continue training in Florida under supervision as a condition of his release.
"He's under the same restrictions with some leeway to possibly leave for fights and leeway to come home for Christmas," Mr Morris said.
Press Association
Related Content
- Former boxing champion Jermain Taylor arrested after 'shooting cousin'
- Jermain Taylor held over shooting


text: Tredegar are playing their first concert under new musical director Ian Porthouse at the Tabernacl Church,The Hayes, Cardiff on Wednesday 25th April 2007. The concert will feature Percussion wiz Dave Danford as guest Soloist. The Concert is for the Rotary Club of Cardiff and sponsored by Hugh James Solicitors. All proceeds will go to their nominated charities. The Concert will feature the Cor Bont and Glan Taff School Choirs and also Soprano Soloist Iona Jones. Doors open 7pm and tickets are available on the door. Concert commences 7.30pm. Call me for further details on 07947 820872 or see our Website.


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Linda A. Metzger is a qualified Genealogist that is qualified with the Queens County Probate Court. She has over 10 years of experience ranging from finding living heirs, probate research, adopted parents, ancestry research and house histories, and has a degree in Management and an MBA from Tulane University. Linda has also taken genealogical coursework.
Linda is currently a member of several historical societies in the New York Metro area, where her work is concentrated in addition to societies outside of the state where she has also conducted work. She is currently working on two genealogy books, one on the founding families of Long Island and the other on the founding families of New England. She has trained and spoken on genealogy for several institutions in both Arizona and New York. Linda is the former Vice Regent of the Col. Josiah Smith Chapter of the DAR in Patchogue.


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PAYE and NI
Online tax and Government spending calculator launched
28th May 2012
A new online tax calculator enabling individuals to work out how much tax they pay, and how the Government spends it, has been launched by HMRC.
HMRC launches new helpline and improved tax services for the bereaved
23rd May 2012
HMRC is to improve the quality of its contact processes and provide extra support for those who have suffered bereavement from this month, it has confirmed.
Millions of taxpayers in line for early tax refund
14th May 2012
HMRC has confirmed that more than three million tax refunds are to be sent out as of next week - two months earlier than previous years - due to an earlier review of the amount of tax paid for 2011/12 via the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system.
Real Time Information to affect 'digitally excluded' SMEs
8th May 2012
HMRC's introduction of Real Time Information (RTI) will cause problems for small employers that lack internet access or are not computer savvy, a tax advisory body has warned.
Early staging dates for pension auto enrolment now available
23rd April 2012
Businesses now have the option to bring forward the staging date in which they will automatically enrol employees into a work place pension scheme.


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Curriculum overview
In 2016, Leeds City Academy introduced a brand new life-after-levels curriculum, in association with the other academies in the White Rose Academies Trust. This new curriculum:
- Ensures that students are challenged at the appropriate level, depending on their starting points.
- Builds the knowledge, skills and understanding that students will need to perform well in their examinations in year 11 and beyond.
- Emphasises a curriculum model which is built on the importance of reviewing and retaining the core aspects of each subject area.
- Ensures that students are secure in their learning before they move on, and that they know the next steps that they need to make improvements.
- Links curriculum and assessment through the three assignments that students undertake each year.
- Provides a clear model of what good progress looks like.
- Ensures that students develop the resilience to approach independent learning, revision and homework with success.
Students at Leeds City Academy choose their options in year 8 and start their key stage 4 programme in year 9.
Key Stage 3
Foundation School
Students in year 7 and 8 are part of the Foundation School, under the leadership of the Foundation School Leader, Mrs Andrew. In year 7 and 8 students also study English, Maths, Science, Technology, Humanities, French, PE, Performing Arts (Music, Dance and Drama) and Art. Students study Personal, Social, and Health Education through our Values Curriculum in coaching, assemblies and Curriculum Theme Days (Step up days). In year 7 and 8 all students study citizenship covering themes including British values.
Catering for all abilities
Appropriate levels of challenge and support are ensured through grouping and setting arrangements in Foundation School. A small Nurture Group with dedicated teaching support allows for students who need additional help with their English and Maths to develop their potential. Setting within each year group is reviewed regularly by the School Leader, in consultation with the Zone and Area Team Leaders and informed by extensive data from the Student Progress Tracker.
At Leeds City Academy we think that reading, and in particular reading for pleasure, is one of the most important factors in allowing children to reach their full potential. A love of literature and a genuine desire to read opens doors to students that remain closed for reluctant readers, no matter how strong their ability. In order to support the drive to engage students with reading for enjoyment, the academy offers a range of activities and experiences linked to reading for pleasure.
The school celebrates National Poetry Day each year with a focus on poetry in English lessons that is further reinforced by activities in coaching sessions. The English department also welcomes visiting authors into the academy to work with students of all ages and abilities on reading and creative writing skills. The academy has invested in a writers in residence programme called 'First Story'. A term long programme has been already been completed and students involved in this visited Oxford University for a festival event recently. Staff and writers are starting the year long programme now which will culminate in a book launch in the summer term.
Of course, a love of reading is also fostered within English lessons with all students in Years 7 and 8 taking part in weekly Reading lessons as an addition to their traditional classes. Students take part in the Accelerated Reader programme which tests students' comprehension of books they have read and suggested novels that will both entertain and challenge them.
Students who need it also gain extra support through our Level-Up Project, which provides additional lessons in the holidays as well as one to one and small group tuition during the school term.
All students have access to well-resourced Library, which is at the centre of reading in the academy. The library has a series of activities scheduled to raise reading enjoyment throughout the year, the poetry slam organised in collaboration with our other academies, was a big hit with students last year. The librarian, also works closely with area teams to provide book boxes and create subject themed weeks where appropriate.
Additional Subject Information
If you go on to the Subject Tour on our website you can see a curriculum map for each subject which tells you the different topics that are covered.
Key Stage 4
Flexible Pathways
Flexible pathways at Key Stage 4 are designed to ensure that all students study subjects appropriate to their needs. All students study English, Maths, Science, and Religious Studies and all students do the European Computer Driving Licence.
The EBacc Pathway provides the opportunity to study at least two science subjects, History or Geography, French and English Literature.
The majority of students study History or Geography and at least one science at GCSE, as well as English Literature, and those not studying a language choose a third option subject.
All students also choose from a wide range of GCSE and vocational subjects after consultation with parents, senior staff and their coaches.
The following subjects lead to GCSE qualifications:
Art and design
Computer Science
English Literature
Science Additional
Food and nutrition
Science Core
The following subjects lead to BTEC qualifications:
BTEC Performing Arts
BTEC Business
BTEC Sport
BTEC Health and Social Care
BTEC Travel and tourism
BTEC Imedia
The following subjects lead to a NCFE qualification:
Food and Cookery
Other Qualifications:
European Computer Driving Licence


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News of: Wednesday, 22nd of August, 2007
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Front Page
Much of Dhaka city turned into a battleground yesterday as students continued clashing with police for the second day in the fallout from the beating of three Dhaka University (DU) students by army personnel Monday evening.
The caretaker government yesterday ordered withdrawal of the army camp from Dhaka University (DU) campus by today, and a judicial enquiry into the violent incidents that left over 250 people, mostly students, injured in the last two days.
Following the brutalities on DU students on Monday night students of different universities across the country including Jahangirnagar University (JU), Chittagong University (CU), and Rajshahi University (RU) burst into protest yesterday, bringing academic activities to an abrupt halt.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Moeen U Ahmed yesterday blamed bankers for creating panic among businessmen, and termed the bankers' style of dealing with their clients since the declaration of the state of emergency as 'nothing else but blackmailing'.
The High Court (HC) yesterday ordered the government to explain within eight weeks why some sections of the emergency power rules shall not be declared unconstitutional.
Awami League (AL) and its allies in the 14-party combine, and several other organisations yesterday observed the third anniversary of the gruesome grenade attack on an AL rally in the capital with a call to ensure prompt punishment of the real culprits.
Civil society members, academics and human rights activists yesterday termed the clashes between the army and Dhaka University (DU) students regrettable, undesirable, anti-academic and a consequence of the army's lack of respect for the university students.
The country is under imminent threat of a serious food crisis and price hike might turn into a regular phenomenon, say experts.
An anti-graft court yesterday framed charge against Afroza Abbas, wife of former BNP minister Mirza Abbas, for evading income tax.
The Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) in an emergency general meeting yesterday demanded lifting of the state of emergency to pave the way for establishing democratic environment.
President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday assured the Election Commission (EC) of all-out cooperation in implementing its electoral roadmap for holding the stalled ninth parliamentary election by 2008.
A consortium of obscure South Korean companies has mounted pressure on the government to become Petrobangla's "strategic partner" in the proposed exploration and development of Dighipara coal zone in northern part of the country.
The judge of a public safety tribunal in Rajshahi refused to conduct the proceedings of Rajshahi University (RU) Prof S Taher Ahmed murder case filed against six people, including Islami Chhatra Shibir leader Salehi, due to "unavoidable circumstances".
Restoring the livelihoods of the flood victims has become the major issue as the floodwaters start to recede from affected districts.
Six policemen and five students were injured in sporadic clashes between Jagannath University students and police on the university campus yesterday.
At least 58 Bangladeshi workers have been living an inhuman life unfed or half-fed in Malaysia for the last one and a half months, as the Malaysian employer refused to employ them.
Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Iajuddin Ahmed at Bangabhaban.
The trial of 15 former aides of executed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity over their alleged role in the crushing of a 1991 Shia rebellion opened in Baghdad on Tuesday.
More than 300 farmers yesterday stage a demonstration in front of the Sadar upazila nirbahi officer's (UNO) office demanding supply of fertiliser.
Iran and the UN atomic energy agency were holding a second day of talks on Tuesday aimed at easing concerns over the Iranian nuclear drive, following a renewed warning over Tehran's future cooperation.
Iran yesterday released on bail US-Iranian academic Haleh Esfandiari, whose detention for the past three months on security charges further inflamed tensions with arch enemy the United States.
We welcome the steps taken by the government to defuse the tension at Dhaka University. The decision to remove the army camp on the campus together with the initiation of a judicial inquiry, in addition to the army's investigation, into the worrying incidents of Monday and Tuesday will go a long way toward restoring normalcy in the university. It is also a sign that the military has opted for reconciliation rather than confrontation with the students. Through this mature decision it has upheld the greater interest of the country and has demonstrated its respect for broad public opinion.
Three years into the August 21 grenade attack on an Awami League public meeting, progress in the investigation is still unclear while the families of the dead and the victims of the mayhem who were maimed and disabled continue to live their lives in agony and dire distress. It is shocking as to how vested quarters in the previous government had manipulated and derailed the investigation process, thereby blocking the path of justice. The so-called one-man commission report into the heinous attack that killed as many as 22 and injured 200 failed to point fingers at the possible culprits and perpetrators. It was content with merely making vague allegation of a 'foreign link'. No less than the top investigator of the case, a senior CID official, now says, We never saw the report and the government never informed us about it. As a matter of fact, all that the officials concerned and high profile spokesmen of the past regime did was to make all kinds of statements that were simply confusing and made matters even murkier
Law and Information Adviser Mainul Hosein is unhappy with the way things have been going for the government he is part of. Not long ago, he told us in no uncertain terms that it was the responsibility of the people of Bangladesh to ensure that the government did not fail in doing its job. And now he thinks that a deep conspiracy is abroad in the land to undermine the government. The conspirators, he would like us to know, are the politicians against whom charges of corruption have been filed. Now that is quite a revealing nugget of information.
The recent overnight meeting between Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President Bush at Camp David has demonstrated that they speak different languages on the issues confronting the world. Although the goals are the same, they look at the issues from different perspectives.
All those who value freedom must feel relieved that Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has dropped the disastrous idea of declaring a state of emergency, which would have allowed him to postpone assembly and presidential elections, due soon.
The national cricket team comfortably won both of their Twenty20 practice matches against the BCB National Cricket Academy (NCA) team at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
Jewel Rana will wear the Abahani shirt for the first time in his long career when the veteran centre-back will be the part of an exhibition football match tomorrow against his old club Mohammedan.
Chief national cricket selector Faruque Ahmed criticised the delay about announcement of the new national selection panel.
Down and out of the Nehru Cup, Bangladesh will take on Cambodia in their third match of the competition today.
Pakistan's new cricket coach Geoff Lawson met his new charges here on Tuesday to start final preparations for next month's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
India's cricket chiefs intensified the battle against an unofficial multi-million dollar league on Tuesday by removing the legendary Kapil Dev as head of the country's junior academy.
Opener Alastair Cook struck his first limited overs fifty as England steadily went to 113 for one after 25 overs in the first one-day international against India at The Rose Bowl in Southampton yesterday.
Bangladesh's second-string national football team lost 1-0 to Indonesia in their opening match of the Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC) and Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed yesterday made a courtesy call on the officials of the inaugural professional football league clubs from Dhaka.
Bangladesh's women footballers face a tough task when they host the visiting Orissa State football team today at Shafipur.
One of the most keenly contested rivalries in international football kicks off again Wednesday as England take on Germany at Wembley.
Rob Styles has apologised to Liverpool after admitting Monday that he made a mistake in awarding a penalty to Chelsea during their 1-1 draw at Anfield at the weekend.
If Sven-Goran Eriksson's eight-day transformation from laughing stock to leader seems remarkable, it pales in comparison with the story of the man whose goal won the Manchester derby.
Speculation mounted Tuesday that Tottenham boss Martin Jol would be the first English Premier League manager to get the sack amid reports Spurs have sounded out Sevilla boss Juande Ramos.
Serbia, Portugal and Northern Ireland will be hoping to close the gap on their respective group rivals when qualifying for the 2008 European Championships resumes this Wednesday.
Real Madrid's new coach Bernd Schuster has demanded that the club splashes out on another striker to back up prolific Dutch goal scorer Ruud van Nistelrooy, Spanish media reported Tuesday.
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard believes the club's four-star strikers - Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and new signing Thierry Henry - can play together in the Spanish side's line-up.
Walsall's apprentice Anton Reid, 16, collapsed and died Monday during a training session, the third-tier English club said.
Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech was named Czech footballer of the year here on Monday for the third successive year.
Pakistan reacted sharply on Monday to four of its players joining the breakaway Indian cricket league, saying they will not be considered for future selection in the national team.
After more than four months of acting coy, the Indian Cricket League (ICL) has made as bold a statement as possible, parading the 48 Indian cricketers and naming the six overseas players who will form the backbone of its inaugural season. It is as much a statement of intent as a challenge to the Indian board, with which it has been shadow-boxing since the gauntlet was first thrown in April.
Bruce Aanensen has handed in his resignation as West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) chief executive. The board will now meet to discuss whether or not to accept the decision, potentially bringing to a close a turbulent six months in the Caribbean.
Not many players come back from three years out of the game to win the man of the match award in a Lord's final.
Torrential rain forced the abandonment of the decisive match in the one-day triangular series tournament between Kenya and Sri Lanka A at the Nairobi Gymkhana club on Monday.
Lauwai Sporting Club beat Sylhet Sporting Club 2-0 in the First Division Football League match at the Sylhet Stadium yesterday.
The Australian state of New South Wales will host the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2009, Cricket Australia said Tuesday.
Bangladesh Army emerged champions in the Services Kabaddi League beating Bangladesh Rifles 26-24 in a nail biting final at the Mirpur Shaheed Suhrawardy Indoor Stadium yesterday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board set aside a 5,000-dollar fine on controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar on Monday and ordered a fresh inquiry into alleged breach of discipline by the bowler.
Spandan KC registered a 2-0 victory over Jurain Janata in the Metropolis Third Division Football League at the Outer Stadium yesterday.
The government has decided to prepare three separate papers on duty- and quota-free market access, rules of origin and binding coverage (tariff ceiling) to devise Bangladesh position on these issues at an upcoming meeting at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The election to the executive committee of the country's apex trade body, FBCCI, will now be held on November 20 and there will be no place for loan defaulters, tax dodgers and criminals in the executive body for a two-year term (2007-09).
Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said Bangladesh is keen to diversify cooperation with Egypt especially in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceutical, jute, and trade and investment for the benefit of the two peoples.
The primary task of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is to collect taxes for running the expenses of the country. On the other hand, the main purpose of the national budget is to promote a balanced economic development in all sectors, which involves taking calculated risks as well. Now it does not need a lot of imagination to appreciate that it is impossible for the same organisation to play these two roles simultaneously which need entirely different logistics and psychological make up.
Japan will propose scrapping duties immediately on 90 percent of imports from Asean when it holds free trade talks with the regional bloc this week, a report said Tuesday.
Adviser for Law and Information Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday described bank's money as public money and called for launching drives to realise the default loans from the borrowers.
In one of the biggest deals in Indian garment sector, the US-based private equity firm Blackstone Group has picked up 50.1 percent stake in India's largest biggest garment exporter Gokaldas Exports.
China's central bank raised the benchmark interest rates on Tuesday for the fourth time this year in an effort to prevent the economy from overheating and curb accelerating inflation.
Price indices on Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges declined yesterday amid a fresh wave of violence at Dhaka University and other educational institutions across the country that rattled the investors' confidence.
Bank Asia Ltd with the help of nine other banks has arranged a Tk 84 crore syndicated term loan facility for GBB Power Ltd, says a press release.
In a bid to expand market and boost exports, nine local pharmaceutical companies are going to take part in a four-day international pharmaceutical fair styled 'Saigon Medipharm Expo 2007' beginning tomorrow in Vietnam.
Oil prices were lower in Asian trade Tuesday as US energy facilities looked set to escape the fury of Hurricane Dean, dealers said.
Siemens India, a unit of German-based Siemens AG, said Tuesday it will double the size of its operations in the next three years.
Global stock markets were mixed on Tuesday, with European indices falling despite earlier gains in Asia, as traders warned of more volatile swings sparked by ongoing credit crunch concerns.
To mark its seventh founding anniversary, Bdjobs.com, a job portal in the country, organised a press conference in Dhaka yesterday, says a press release.
Mostafa Golam Quddus has been reelected chairman of Rupali Insurance Company Ltd, says a press release.
Different student bodies, political parties and rights organisations yesterday expressed grave concern over the attack on the students and demanded punishment to those involved in police atrocities on the campus of Dhaka University (DU).
Local government reform is a must to bring dynamism into its overall activities, said the speakers at a conference in the city yesterday.
Expensive treatment, increasing inequality, social stigma and a weak human rights regime were identified as challenges to combating HIV/AIDS on the third day of a mega conference in Colombo yesterday.
Every year tobacco causes death to 57,000 people and disables further 3.82 lakh in the country, speakers at the inaugural session of a three-day inter regional meeting said yesterday.
A housewife was arrested for allegedly torturing her two minor domestic helps at Pallabi in the city on Monday night.
Relief distribution programme continues in different flood-hit areas while different non-government and socio-political organisations have come forward to help the flood victims.
Four people, including a schoolboy, were killed and two others injured in different road accidents in Satkhira, Gaibandha, Dinajpur and Chandpur yesterday.
Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Sheikh Tayebur Rahman has suspended Executive Engineer (Mechanical Section) Md Abdul Aziz for alleged misappropriation of KCC funds.
Awami League (AL) leader and former minister Sardar Amjad Hossain yesterday called for stopping filing of 'false' and 'conspiratorial' cases against him and other party leaders.
The verdict in the extortion case filed against Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu and 10 others will be delivered on Sunday.
A team of Detective Branch (DB) of police seized Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices worth around Tk 5 lakh from a flat at Balurhat in Narayanganj yesterday.
The rule hearing on the petition filed by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina seeking quashment of the charges of misappropriating public money through purchasing MiG fighter jet resumed at the High Court yesterday.
At least 16 shops were gutted in a fire that broke out at Dr Habibur Rahman market at Sariakandi in Bogra yesterday.
The Planning Commission has finally approved the Patuakhali town protection project, 12 years after it was submitted.
Villagers from 12 unions in Tala upazila are doing a great job voluntarily. They are removing silt from Kobadak riverbed to free the area from persistent water-logging as repeated appeals to dredge the river to remove the problem were ignored by authorities.
An Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) task force yesterday detected anomaly in wealth statement of detained former Awami League (AL) lawmaker Rafiqul Anwar.
The state-owned Jessore Jute Industries (JJI) is also on verge of closure as authorities have started issuing termination notices.
There is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina's leadership to materialise the dream of Bangabadhu Shiekh Mujibar Rahman and Awami League leaders and workers will have to work together for that, said former lawmaker Ashiqur Rahman.
Police yesterday recovered a bundle of government CI sheets meant for relief and arrested a young man named Mohammad Selim from Bodarpur village in Faridganj upazila, police said.
Pabna Sadar Police yesterday filed a case against five farmers here for barricading the Pabna-Rajshahi highway on Monday demanding fertiliser.
The police authorities yesterday shifted the pistol missing case of Sarail Police Station to the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) here.
While the cricket authorities search for a coach, the turbulent phase of the national cricket team continues. Being an ardent fan of cricket since Akram Khan's men trounced Kenya in the ICC trophy final, I want to express my opinions.
I would request the CTG to give these indigenous people the right to learn their own mother language. We experienced the same suppression in Pakistan. And most important is to give the civil rights to all second and third generation people living in Bangladesh as refugees. It is inhuman and a violation of international law to deny it. Bangladesh is a country where we should live together side by side in peace, it does not matter which religion-Islam/Hinduism/Buddhism/Christianity--or which colour or which race we belong to. We are human beings! We have to have patience and tolerance.
I have recently read some news regarding Rajuk and the Civil Aviation Authority's plans of demolishing the top floors of 28 high rise buildings in Karwanbazar and Panthapath. Some of the buildings even house offices of important companies like WASA and Petrobangla. I believe that destroying Bangladeshi assets worth hundreds of crores just to clear way for the Not-So -Busy old airport will be totally irresponsible on the government's part. The old airport which should be abandoned sooner or later must not be given such priority, instead, it would be wiser to focus on building an alternative landing zone outside the city.
Bangladesh is in the grip of unprecedented floods, perhaps the worst in recorded history. We usually have high floods in mid August and the government was caught unawares when the floods came in early. Two of the advisers admitted that they were not sufficiently prepared for the floods. Things would not be different even if the floods came in September. My question is, a huge amount of money was spent in the name of disaster preparedness. Hundreds of bureaucrats and a huge number of medical personnel under the supervision of the health ministry/BMA underwent training and workshops to tackle such adverse circumstances. Many of them were sent abroad on this pretext. Millions of taka was spent so that they could come of some use under such circumstances.
Recently the govt. introduced the policy of registering the mobile phone users. It is always better late than never. But it seems to be a huge task on the part of the cell phone operators to complete the work correctly. By now the number of cell phone users has reached more that twenty millions. The illiterate public will definitely find it difficult to collect all the information required and the arduous task to fill in the registration form. Registration will for sure help identify the criminal and fraudulent activities. But the mobile phone operators can get the information in the same way they collect bills from the users. More so, the new rules can be introduced in case of new purchasers, while the information of the old users who already purchased the mobile sets may be collected by mobile phone operators using the simplest procedure. In the mean time, the govt. should keep an eye so that a group does not come out with the ulterior motive of making money, exploiting the illiterate people.
Education is the process by which our mind develops through formal learning at an institution like school, college or university. Education is the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul. It helps us to know about freedom of learning, thinking and speaking.
It's amazing how top political leaders in Bangladesh can get away with anything and everything.
Surprise, surprise! He is the man who would decry the culture of not paying tax. And she is the woman who would sit at the helm of the government and run the country with taxpayers' money.
People are using small volumes to promote and advance the share prices of their choice. The SEC has initiated new rules and that has cut down the volume of all shares. Only large investors supported by the SEC can advance the prices of their preferred shares.
Reading the article entitled "If this government fails" by Mozammel H. Khan, one would wonders whether Mr. Khan's organisation is actually meant for human rights and democracy in Bangladesh or for upholding the interest of Sheikh Hasina. If human rights are the central issue, then the protest should have come over the first arrest made by this government without a court order. If we applaud the other arrests on similar charges, then on what ground we ask for different treatment to Sheikh Hasina (or for that matter Khaleda Zia)?
Chittagong University is one of the biggest universities in the country. But it is beset with so many problems. We are astonished to see that the university ambulance is used for different purposes.
I write as a foreigner in Bangladesh who is treated as a complete fool. Both in Dhaka and the districts. I stay in three-star hotels that have sophisticated IT systems yet cannot manage hot water! The lies I am told are unbelievable.
We appreciate the caretaker government's activities. But how long will we support them? They sent many corrupt people to jail; they are processing the separation of judiciary, reforming the EC, reforming the PSC and trying to force reform in our political parties.
I am a Bangladeshi Canadian and has been living in Toronto since 2002 with my family. I sponsored my father and brother and eventually they got immigration after three years. On 13 August, they were scheduled to come to Toronto by Biman but it is very regrettable that Biman changed their schedule 3/4 times and my 73 years old father has been suffering physically & mentally. They have been waiting in a hotel in Uttara to get a chance to come to Toronto via London.
It is pointless, perhaps, to talk about the issue of a fertilizer factory when the whole country is inundated due to severe floods. However, on 11 August, the Ghorashal Fertilizer Factory caught fire at around 3:45 at night. The factory which has a capacity of producing 1000 metric ton urea daily is now unproductive for an indefinite period due to that fire. The rumour is now in the air that it will be laid off.
My telephone no-9000828 is out of order since July 22, 2007 due to theft of cables. I have repeatedly asked the camp office, Kallyanpur & DE office, Mirpur about this problem. But the telephone connection is yet to be restored.
Relentless whipping of hapless postal savers by slapping extra levies and cuts by all governments only bespeak of their flagrant violation of promises given earlier (not to be aggressive on cuts) while alluring middle class savers. We know the government draws heavily from our postal savings on a regular basis. These postal savers are mostly govt. pensioners and retired private employees who, at the fag end of their lives, scrape modest payoffs from their employment and other flimsy sources and deposit them to a safer place to run their families in this rip-off city. This is such a heart-breaking experience to see their interest money wither in excessive 'taxes' currently (10% extra levy), while the mighty and the rich get away unscathed in many other places!
On the way to my office I saw thousands of people in the queue outside Sonargaon Hotel. They have to stand on the footpath throughout the day under direct sunlight or rain. Sometimes they get their tickets okayed and sometimes they have to come on the following day. They are working in Saudi Arabia, they are not very literate but they might be skilled workers. They are earning foreign currency for our country. They have to sacrifice their family life year after year for the same.
We were waiting anxiously holding our breath to see the fate of the Rangs Bhaban.
The hon'ble chief adviser's initiative in delivering the pension to a widow 30 yrs after her husband's death is most admirable and praiseworthy. If the hon'ble CA had not taken this benevolent step, neither the widow nor her dependents would have ever received the money.
Every year more than one crore taka is burnt through smoking!
Sharier Khan's write-up on the issue (August 13) discusses the order in which the Meghnaghat-3 and Sirajganj 450MW power plant proposals as well as the new Bibiyana 450MW proposal is being handled by the IFC and ADB for approval. It seems that the lenders are more in favour of processing the Bibiyana proposal first, as gas is readily available for it.
I am saddened by a recent report published in newspapers where a Jamaat leader approved declaring Bangabandhu as the architect of Bangladesh but not the father of the nation. Well, this is the same Jamaat, which opposed the independence of Bangladesh and supported the killing of so many Bengalis and raping of so many of our mothers and sisters. Now they are trying to decide (at least partially) who will be the father of the nation and how we treat our father of the nation.
At least 24 people including two police officers were killed in clashes as fresh violence swept through insurgency-hit Afghanistan, officials said yesterday.
A nuclear cooperation accord between India and the United States was billed as historic for bringing New Delhi into the nuclear fold and delivering energy security, but it may now threaten the Indian government.
Nepal's government Monday took a key step towards nationalising property belonging to the embattled royal family by creating a panel that will study how to seize the assets, a minister said.
Pakistan said yesterday it had uncovered a network of extremists involved in planning and carrying out suicide attacks in the capital Islamabad.
Hurricane Dean slammed into the Caribbean coast of Mexico yesterday as a roaring Category 5 hurricane, the most intense Atlantic storm to make landfall in two decades. It lashed ancient Mayan ruins and headed for the modern oil installations of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Iraq should set a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign troops, Syria said Monday at the start of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's first official visit to Damascus.
An Australian court ruled yesterday that authorities were wrong to revoke the visa of an Indian doctor linked to failed British terror attacks, but the government said it was still suspicious of him.
A passenger bus plunged off a mountain road into a river bank in northern Pakistan on Monday, killing 29 people and injuring 10 others, the military said.
US military officials are narrowing the range of Iraq strategy options and appear to be focusing on reducing the US combat role in 2008 while increasing training of Iraqi forces, a senior military official told The Associated Press on Monday.
Arts & Entertainment
Twenty-five year old Tejosh Halder Josh is having an exhibition of his sculptures, titled Dual Contraction, at Bengal Gallery.
As part of its motivational programmes against corruption and social injustice titled Samayer Proyojoney, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) arranged an event at National Theatre Stage on August 21. This was the fourth session of the Samayer Proyojoney series. The programme featured discussion and puppet theatre.
Six prominent cultural personalities were honoured by Bangladesh Performing Media Centre at their 60th monthly musical soiree held on August 20 at National Museum Auditorium.
Cultural organisation Tonatuni and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will jointly stage Tonatuni's much popular production, Toraye Bandha Ghorar Dim (based on Satyajit Ray's work) at National Theatre Stage, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 7:15pm on August 24, says a press release.
Lukochuri, a psychological thriller series directed by Dipankar Dipon will be aired on Rtv on August 22 at 9:20 pm.
Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, in association with ntv, will organise a fundraising event for the benefit of children on August 23 at the Winter Garden, says a press release.
Indian band Bombay Vikings and Bangladeshi band Artcell will be performing live at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre tomorrow at 7:00pm, says a press release.
In his recent commentary (My Lord, We Beg to Differ, Aug 13), Mr. Mahfuz Azam respectfully disagreed with the honourable chief justice that the Supreme Court in the past had always served the nation in times of crisis. He cited a few examples, and there are also other such examples. For instance, when Justice MA Aziz was appointed the chief election commissioner in 2005, the appointment was challenged on constitutional grounds. After it issued a rule, the relevant High Court bench's authority to hear writs was revoked, as a result of which the case was never heard.
Once two traveler friends reached a country full of peace and tranquility. They decided to settle there. But the wise one opposed the idea when they found price of oil and ghee to be the same. He warned his friend that it was not prudent to live in a country where price of oil and ghee was equal. He insisted on leaving the country immediately, but his friend stayed back there to eat ghee at cheaper price. As the price of ghee and oil was same, he started to take ghee instead of oil and shortly he became a fat man.
Star City
The authorities have ignored fundamental safety precautions in demolishing the 22-storey Rangs Bhaban in the city, said top engineers and experts.
Dhaka zoo, one of the most favourite recreational spots of the city's middle-income group is facing acute manpower shortage seriously hindering activities at the facility, said zoo officials.
Gulshan South Park, at long last, is going to be turned into a public park by Dhaka City Corporation (DCC).
Widening the Ibrahimpur canal has failed to check waterlogging in the area as the canal's north end remains too narrow to discharge added rainwater.
City dwellers may find some respite from the wild price spiral of essentials in the holy month of Ramadan as the authorities have decided to set up more fair price outlets throughout the city.
Star Chittagong
Although production of tea is likely to fall short of the target this season, gardeners and traders may feel encouraged by the continued rise of tea consumption, demand and sale in the market.
To cater for the need for housing, the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) has started implementing a new project, Ananya Residential Area, in the city's Kulgaon area at a cost of around Tk 300 crore.


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Please, set down that carafe of cranberry cocktail. Put down the soda gun that sips diet cola syrup concentrate from a bag-in-box somewhere deep within the bowels of the casino. Do not crack open another tiny bottle of tonic from the cubby beneath your bottle service and don't even look at a can of Red Bull.
Now that we have your attention, consider the spirit in your glass, the glass now devoid of a sugary, tart or faux-fruit distraction meant to mask its quality or lack thereof. Would you drink it straight? Perhaps not …
Look instead to these fine specimens—three "sipping spirits" of unparalleled quality, craftsmanship and taste. They invite your discretion and deserve your undivided, undiluted and uncarbonated attention.
Let There Be Flavor
Karlsson's Gold Vodka
Available by the glass throughout Mandalay Bay, $12, and by the bottle at Lee's Discount Liquors, $28.
The notion that vodka must be "without distinctive character, aroma or taste" is a relic and a too-literal adherence to the U.S. government's definition for most premium vodka connoisseurs. Distilling a spirit into utter submission yields a "pure" product certainly (sterile, really), but at the cost of its becoming devoid of any noteworthy and appreciable characteristics. And really, what fun is that? Intentionally giving up on the premium vodka market's race to neutrality is Karlsson's Gold Vodka, made from a blend of individual vintages of seven varieties of virgin new potatoes grown in Sweden's Cape Bjäre, and distilled but once at the Gripsholm Distillery by master blender Börje Karlsson, also known as the father of Absolut vodka. Potatoes hold a special place in Swedish hearts. Says Karlsson's area sales manager Gilby Olsen, "They're known throughout Europe for having the best boutique potatoes; they've been growing them for centuries." Grain distillation was not even legalized until 1980. Collectively, these Golden potatoes (18 pounds per bottle) give Karlsson's its distinctive and complex flavor: at once earthy and minerally with a touch of natural sweetness, silky on the palate with a long floral finish. Like terroir to wine, this vodka remembers where it came from. But while Karlsson's behaves itself in cocktails (especially savory and those with orange bitters, basil, tarragon or mint), it is best appreciated on the rocks with a touch of freshly cracked black pepper, a.k.a. Black Gold. KarlssonsVodka.com.
Savory Sophistication
Oxley Classic English Dry Gin
Available at BOA Steakhouse, $14 per glass, and at Wynn/Encore property bars, $15-$17.50.
To paraphrase the Oxley Gin marketing think tank, every single drop of Oxley is meant to be savored. So while mixologists and bartenders will happily guide you to an Oxley & Tonic, Oxley Martini or to specialty creations such as the C'est la Vie by Wynn/Encore property mixologist Patricia Richards, Oxley is fine enough stuff to be considered a sipping gin. And though qualified to be called a London Dry Gin, it is currently named otherwise to separate it from the pack. In a squat bucket glass with naught but a few quality ice cubes and—maybe—a swath of grapefruit rind, revolutionary, small-batch Oxley is in her element. Unlike other heavier or perfume-ier gins, Oxley is bright, herbaceous and spring-like, full-flavored yet light even in the midst of her intense blend of 14 botanicals with fresh grapefruit and orange peels, and almond-y meadowsweet being among them. It took Oxley's creators 38 tries over eight years to finally alight upon the perfect method for creating the first spirit made by cold distillation, a method used in the perfume industry where the product boils at minus 5 degrees Celsius. Oxley is said to be the only spirit being made in this fashion and only two 120-bottle batches (240 individually numbered bottles) can be made per day. And only upon final inspection does each receive its leather tag, the Oxley seal of approval. The verdict: remarkably sippable. OxleyGin.com.
One Bottle at a Time
Casa Dragones Sipping Tequila
Available at Mesa Grill for $45 per glass, The Bank for $70 per glass and $1,175 with bottle service.
Co-founder and CEO Bertha González Nieves says it best: "We worked really hard so you don't have to do anything." And every lead-free crystal bottle, hand-engraved in the traditional pepita style, states it plainly that Casa Dragones is a "sipping tequila." Casa Dragones—so named for the still-standing stables of the soldiers of the brand's "spiritual home" of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico—is a joven tequila, a style almost never seen in a 100 percent de agave tequila, more so with mixtos. Young (joven) white tequila is finished with just a touch of extra añejo, in this case aged five years in new American oak barrels to impart luxurious vanilla and hazelnut nuances to the blanco's citrus, floral and pear notes. In 2009, just 1,000 cases were released in the first production for both Mexico and the United States, with a second production about to begin. Following an October launch in Vegas, Casa Dragones will be available for about $275 per bottle retail. The recommended method for enjoying it is from the official Overture tequila-tasting glass by Riedel. "It has the ideal shape to appreciate clarity, body, color, aroma, taste and aftertaste," González Nieves says. Not to bash the snifter or the workaday shot glass but "from a connoisseur's point of view," she continues, "this glass provides an extraordinary experience." When not available, a champagne glass will do. But please, enjoy it either neat or on the rocks. Let the citrus notes speak for themselves. CasaDragones.com.


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BIO: My real name is Juan H. Alvarado and I was born in El Salvador, C.A. I currently live in Belize and my passions are writing, reading and spending time with the ones I love. I began writing in 2009 and After posting some of my work on an internet website and receiving positive feedback, I went on to write several full-length novels under my penname, John Henry Ames. My first completed series is the Surviving Elite High Trilogy which chronicles the life of a gay sixteen-year-old boy as he makes his way through life as an outcast in the shadows of an elite high school where he is tormented by two psychopathic bullies.
You can Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJohnHAmes Or visit my site: http://jhabooks.webs.com/
The Interview
GRACIE: I'm excited to have you here at The G-Spot, John! Please tell us a little about yourself (or a lot J) and how and when you got into writing?
JOHN: Hi Gracie! Thank you so much for having me here today. It's an honor. Well, let me start by saying that my real name is Juan H. Alvarado and I was born in El Salvador, C.A. I have always loved reading and writing but never had the courage to sit down and write something. After graduating from college in 09, I took a night shift at a small motel. To keep myself occupied, I began writing and completed several full-length novels under my penname, John Henry Ames. My first completed series is the Surviving Elite High Trilogy which chronicles the life of a gay sixteen-year-old boy as he makes his way through life as an outcast in the shadows of an elite high school where he is tormented by two psychopathic bullies.
GRACIE: Is there any one thing or person in your life that inspired your writing? Any one thing or person that influenced the genre you write in?
JOHN: This is an excellent question since there are so many people who have inspired my writing and the genre I write in. The first person to ever inspire me was the amazing J.K. Rowling. The first time I read a Harry Potter novel was back in 2003. That novel instantly pulled me into a world that I had never seen or heard of before, leaving me wanting more. When the last novel came out, it blew my mind to the point that it made me sit down and write a novel of my own. I spent a few months writing, and the finished product was called Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories.
Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories is my first and only straight fiction novel. It tells the story of two guys who meet in high school and find out that they have more in common than they thought, since they share the same memories, dreams, and nightmares. Soon enough, they discover that they are unearthly beings from another world and that they are the incarnation of the beautiful Raven and the amazing Crow. You might be wondering two guys, the incarnation of a man and a woman? Not much of a Twilight novel, right? True, but let the story flow, and you'll see that not everything isn't quite what it seems. I'm currently looking for the right publisher for this novel, and when I find one, I will let you and all my readers know where to get it.
Another individual who has inspired me and got me into the world of gay fiction is the incredible Jeff Erno. The first m/m romance that I read was A Better Place by Mark A. Roeder. That little novel has a jock/nerd theme in it, and I absolutely fell in love with that theme. I immediately researched for that theme and came across Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno. I fell in love with that novel almost immediately. It was like love at first sight. That little work of fiction inspired me to write Surviving Elite High in 2010 and the rest is history.
GRACIE: When did you get The Call and what was your first published book?
JOHN: I definitely got The Call after reading Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno. OMG! I loved that novel so much that it inspired me to write my debut novel, Surviving Elite High. Jeff Erno is amazing and he's one of my favorite authors of all time. His novels are emotional and incredibly cool. I have to thank him for getting me into this amazing little world.
GRACIE: What do you know now about writing and the publishing industry that you wish you'd known before you started?
JOHN: Not to take reviews seriously. Yes, constructive criticism is an excellent way to improve your writing and grow as an author. However, in this modern era where everyone has access to a computer and everyone is a critic, readers often criticize novels with their emotions. If they had a bad day and read your novel, you will mostly get a bad review. That's why I don't take reviews seriously. They are tied to a reader's emotions and feelings.
GRACIE: Please, give us a little story behind the story and what inspired your YA Trilogy, Surviving Elite High.
JOHN: The novel Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno was my main inspiration for my debut novel because of the jock/nerd theme found inside. I wanted to write something similar to that theme, but unique at the same time. At that point in time, I was also dating someone who stole my heart and, sadly, broke it. He was also my main inspiration for Surviving Elite High. Since he was an American citizen and had attended a small high school in Buffalo, New York, I drew inspiration from his high school life and wrote Surviving Elite High. I simply added a few unique twists and turns that would leave readers wanting more.
GRACIE: In Surviving Elite High, aside from being a star quarterback, Nick Anthony Hawking is not the best student academically. Besides his doing poorly in school, what do you think is Nick's Achilles' heel and how do you go about stomping it?
JOHN: I think that Nick's Achilles' heel is his tendency to want to be a protector. That got him into big troubles because it blinded him from seeing people's faults. For example, look at what happened in Surviving Elite High: Senior Year, especially with Emily Roberts. Nick was trying to be kind and protective with her and that blinded him to the bad things she was doing behind his back. That almost got John killed a second time. In the novel, Nick realized his mistake by apologizing to John and focused on protecting John and only John.
GRACIE: In Surviving Elite High: Loving James, what do you think it is that makes Nathan so irresistible to James, despite Nathan's complete incompatibility? By the same token, what makes James so blind to Jacob Ashmore's feelings for him?
JOHN: In James' little world, there is no one more perfect than Nicholas Anthony Hawking. He's obsessed with the idea of having someone like Nick to love and protect him, someone who acts rugged, straight and manly. That's all he wants in life, someone like Nick. That blinds him to see what an incredible person Jacob is to him and how Jacob really feels toward him. James wants someone like Nick so badly that he will do almost anything to make Nathan into another Nick. That fails of course and almost gets him kill.
GRACIE: Of all the stories you've written, which is your favorite and why?
JOHN: Whoa! I have to say Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories. Why? It's my first completed novel and it comes straight from my heart. I absolutely love that little story and I am hoping and praying that my readers fall in love with it as well.
GRACIE: I know this is like asking a mother which is her favorite child, but which of your characters is your favorite and why?
JOHN: Oh my God! I would have to say Nick Hawking. To me, Nick is the bomb! He's not close to perfect and he can be a huge a****** to people most of the time; however, he can be so sweet and sensitive with John. I absolutely loved the way he changes for him and becomes a better person for him. It just goes to show you that people can change if they set their minds to.
GRACIE: What about your characters makes them unique?
JOHN: My characters are not perfect or even close to perfect and that makes them real and unique, relatable to readers. Each one of them has so many issues to deal with and as the story unfolds, they grow into better and responsible individuals.
GRACIE: What is your favorite aspect of the writing process? Your least favorite?
JOHN: My favorite aspect of the writing process would be sitting down and plotting the entire novel from top to bottom. I love that part so much! Ideas flow in and I love sticking them together into a beautiful story. My least favorite aspect of the writing process would be editing. Oh. My. God! I hate it so much! It's stressful, long and tedious. I wish I could just skip that part, but sadly, I can't.
GRACIE: Are you a pantser or do you outline?
JOHN: I have to admit, I am both. When I have something solid or concrete in my head, I write it down before I lose that precious information. Everything is outlined thoroughly from top to bottom and my writing goes smoothly. Sometimes, I can be a pantser though. I simply sit down and write with no direction whatsoever. I do, however, take longer to finish a novel this way.
GRACIE: If you weren't a writer, what other profession would you have chosen to pursue?
JOHN: I think that I would have been a model. LOL! Nah, I can't model. I don't think I the looks. I honestly think that I would have been a manager or an accountant. But, I love writing and I don't see myself doing something other than writing cool and kickass stories.
GRACIE: I think you're being modest about your looks, John, but who are some of your favorite authors and why? Name some of your favorite books and why they're your favorites.
JOHN: I have so many favorite authors but I would say that my top two would be the amazing J.K. Rowling and the incredible Jeff Erno. Both of them have inspired me with their work and they keep on doing it.
As for my favorite books, I would say:
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – I couldn't pick one, to be honest. Every single book in that series is so good that they inspired me to write Raven and Crow: a Chain of Memories.
Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno – This is my favorite GLBT novel of all time. Yes, there are so many out there, but this one is the first one to make me cry. This novel was so thrilling and inspiring that it led me to write my first GLBT novel, Surviving Elite High.
Something Like Autumn by Jay Bell – Dear God! This novel is so awesome! Mr. Jay Bell came up with one the most amazing little pieces of literature ever and this is the third and last novel to make me cry. (Something Like Summer by the same author was the second novel to make me cry).
GRACIE: What are you working on now and what should readers be looking forward to from you in the future?
JOHN: Right now I'm working on my fourth GLBTQ novel called, Love, Joy, Heartache and Pain. Now, this novel is special because it's my very own collection of short stories, three shorts to be exact. They can stand on their own or act as a long one if you want them to. I absolutely love them. Here are their names:
1) The not so unrealistic detailed account of how my best friend and I swap bodies for a short period of time. Swapatize for short.
2) The Spirit Indestructible.
3) And The Lake View Psychopath.
GRACIE: Do you have a website and/or how can readers contact you?
JOHN: Yes I do. I can be found online in several places actually:
1) http://jhabooks.webs.com/
2) https://www.facebook.com/JohnHenryAmes
3) https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJohnHAmes
4) http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820153.John_H_Ames
5) https://twitter.com/JohnHenryAmes
6) http://instagram.com/authorjohnhenryames
GRACIE: Where and how can readers purchase and/or read samples of your work?
JOHN: My work is everywhere, but here are the major links to them:
Surviving Elite High - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-ebook/dp/B00BIOF58E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361488153&sr=8-1&keywords=surviving+elite+high
Surviving Elite High: Senior Year - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-Senior-ebook/dp/B00BKLG98A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1361727037&sr=8-4&keywords=Surviving+elite+high
Surviving Elite High: Loving James - http://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Elite-High-Loving-ebook/dp/B00BKKTOZQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1361727091&sr=8-3&keywords=Surviving+elite+high
GRACIE: What advice do you have for beginning writers?
JOHN: Never give up. If you want to be a writer, know that the journey will be long, tedious, and hard. But remember that classic Lao Tzu quote, 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'. You'll get there eventually. Just keep a positive mind and attitude and aim for the stars, because you might just end up on the moon.
GRACIE: Anything else about yourself or your writing you'd like to share with your readers?
JOHN: Yes, there is a little question that fans always ask. Will there be more books in the Surviving Elite High Saga? Yes. Right now, I'm working on a possible plot for Rick Sanders, a minor character in the Surviving Elite High Saga. I also want to write a third for Nick and John. Wish me luck guys!
GRACIE: We wish you much luck, John and thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to share yourself and your work with us at The G-Spot and giving us a little insight into your writing and the writing process! We'll let you get back to writing those wonderful books you write! All the best!


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This modern approach comes from the case of Caparo Industries pIc v Dickman & Ors [1990] UKHL 2 (08 February 1990). This case relates to a company, Fidelity, which was not doing well and was the target of a takeover by Caparo Industries plc. Fidelity's shares were halved in March 1984 after issuing a profit warning. A preliminary announcement in May of the same year confirming that their position was bad and again their share price fell.
At this time Caparo Industries started buying shares in large numbers. The following month the accounts, prepared with the help of Dickman, were issued to the shareholders including Caparo.
Caparo reached a shareolding of 29.9% of Fidelity and at this time made an offer for the remainder of the shares. On taking over control Caparo then realised that the accounts for Fidelity were in a worse state than the directors or auditors had revealed.
Caparo sued Dickman for negligence in preparing the account in an attempt to recover their losses.
The case laid down what is called the 'incremental approach' or what is known as the Caparo three part test. To establish whether a duty of care has been established three questions are raised;
Was the damage or loss forseeable?
Is the relationship between the wrongdoer and the victim sufficiently close?
Is it just and reasonable to impose a duty of care?
If the answer to these three questions is yes, then it can be said that a duty of care exists.
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Good Thursday morning!
I found my pictures last night... after Mikie plugged a couple of things here and there into the computer. It was wonderful, I tell you. The Gallery has pictures of the pups, the February Paula Deen Recipe Challenge AND the March Paula Deen Recipe Challenge REVEAL!
RANDOMNESS #1 - It has been an interesting week around Faulkner Farms (circa 1842). For some reason, my panic attacks are out of control this week. All three kids have had "obstacles," and Mikie and I have been trying to help them sort things out. I've been praying for them and others I know of who are walking through valleys.
And I've been trying to live a balanced life during this week of extreme "unbalanced-ness." That means I've been eating well and exercising faithfully.
I did this because exercising causes your body to produce endorphins. And according to Wikipedia, "Endorphins ("endogenous morphine") are endogenous opioid peptides that function as neurotransmitters. They are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain and consumption of spicy food and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being."
How about that?
The phrase "a feeling of well-being" has NEVER described me during exercise, excitement, pain or consumption of spicy food.
All of these feelings and activities end with me curling up in the fetal position and taking a nap. (I am not kidding.)
Can I just say... I think I am WITHOUT endorphins, or, at the very least, "endorphin-challenged."
Cam and I exercised five times this week. FIVE! That is always our goal, and it feels great to have completed our goal a whole day early.
On Monday and Wednesday, we walked two miles AND attended our Body Pump Class. We discussed in great detail what, if any, benefits we were obtaining from our grueling exercise regimen, and after coming up with nada on our walk this morning, on further reflection I have discovered a couple of "body improvements" from said grind.
1. I can run up three flights of stairs at church on Wednesday night and not even be the least bit winded. (I'm not running fast, mind you. Actually, it's more of a walk, but I do NOT get winded.)
2. I found ONE ab. I work on all of my abs in class, but only one has shown up. And to be honest, it isn't in an area where you expect to find normal abs. It shows up around my third or fourth rib, so it's rather high. But it is indeed an ab. (At first, I thought it was just another "roll," but upon intensive investigation, it is an ab... or a broken, protruding rib. I may need to get a second opinion from the Emergency Room later today.)
3. I have fantastic calf muscles. There. I said it, and I don't even feel bad about bragging.
Well, I feel a little bad, because if you've known me two minutes, you know it is not my nature to brag about myself. HA! Gotcha!
I'm going to keep exercising, even if I'm missing the all-important "endorphin rush." I feel it's necessary in order to maintain my one ab and my fantastic calf muscles. At 50, that's pretty much all I'm living for!
NOTE - I think I'm a little low in the adrenaline department, too. Just saying.
RANDOMNESS #2 - It is officially tornado season in Alabama. If you have lived in Alabama for even one year, you have been formally introduced to the "tornado." Almost all Alabamians have a tornado story (or two or three). I'm going to share an old one with you today and tomorrow. (Another two-parter.)
Today's story has no damage or injuries... which is how you want all of your tornado stories to end!
On a hazy, summer morning, a friend and her daughter, along with me and my two boys, went on a trip to the Birmingham Zoo. As the morning progressed, it became a gray day, but it wasn't too hot and it was enjoyable. As we were leaving the Zoo, I heard what sounded like a tornado siren. I was about to say something to my friend when I heard her tell her daughter to listen to the trumpeting elephants. Not wanting to appear ignorant, I didn't say anything. A few minutes later, we were met by people running toward the nearest exit. I stopped someone long enough to find out the details. A tornado had touched down in Jefferson County and was heading directly for the Zoo. The trumpeting elephants were in reality tornado sirens. (I KNEW IT!) We quickly decided on a plan (which was NOT to seek shelter in the Reptile House) and ran to our car. We would wait out the storm at Eastwood Mall and do a little shopping until it was over (because everyone knows tornadoes never hit malls)!
The air was still and the sky non-threatening, so we decided we had time to buy a few drinks for the kids at Western Supermarket in Mountain Brook. As my friend was purchasing the drinks from the vending machine in front of the store, James Spann told everyone to take cover immediately. The tornado was in Mountain Brook. At the same time he was speaking on the radio, I looked up as a huge black cloud started coming over the grocery store. I yelled at my friend to jump in the car, and we decided to head to Brookwood Village since the cloud was coming from the direction of Eastwood Mall (again, using the theory tornadoes never hit a mall).
Within seconds, the sky was totally black, lightening was flashing, wind was blowing and rain was pelting my windshield. In my mind, I knew we probably wouldn't make it to Brookwood, but I had no idea where else to go.
We had come to a small stretch of road with no buildings on either side when a large tree was picked up by the wind and placed on the road directly in front of us. I was able to stop the car in time, and I remember calmly telling my friend, "I can get us out of here if you will tell me exactly what to do. I don't panic and get scared. I just get stupid."
She yelled, "Turn the car around! Turn the car around!"
I again told her, "You have to tell me EXACTLY what to do. I don't panic. I just get stupid." Obviously, this time she understood.
"Turn the car to the right as far as you can and then back up until I tell you to stop," she directed. I did as I was told. All of a sudden, another tree went down and power lines exploded only inches away from the hood of our car. By this time Austin and her daughter were both screaming, but oddly enough, Josh and I sat there with our mouths hanging open. (I guess "crises stupidity" is inherited only by second children.) Over the roar of the wind, we said a prayer asking God to protect us.
My friend finally helped me get the car turned around, and we pulled into the parking lot of the first building we found... an all-glass insurance office. My friend jumped out of her side of the car and flung open the passenger door behind her yanking my 18-month old Josh out of his car seat, and ran for the building while limbs and debris flew all around. I had trouble opening my door against the enormous strength of the wind, and when I finally did get out of the car and open the passenger door behind me, I had no idea how I was going to carry two four year-olds. That problem was solved soon enough. The little girl leaped out of the car and adhered herself to my chest, and Austin did the same to my hip. It was truly a bonding experience. We finally made it to the door of the building where my friend and an insurance agent helped us to safety (if you can call an all-glass building in a tornado "safety").
The agent led our little party to a small empty office (the only place in the building with no windows) and we all huddled on the floor in the dark while the storm howled above us. The insurance agent and secretaries were down another hall listening to a portable radio. After a few minutes, my friend decided to crawl down the hall to find out where the tornado was and how much longer we would be in danger. Her little girl was naturally distraught, and didn't want her mother to leave. Her mom assured her she would be back in a moment, and if the tornado actually did hit the building, she would cover her with her own body to protect her. Austin absorbed all of this information and whispered in my ear, "Go ahead and get on top of me." Such faith in my ability to protect him was overwhelming.
Did the tornado hit the building? Was my van buried under the huge oak in the parking lot? Did trumpeting elephants fly by during our stay in the insurance office? Tune in tomorrow...
Blog Linkage - I don't have a lot of linkage to share, but what I do have is very, very good.
1. Go to eighteen25 under My Blog List and find the post entitled "Today's Guest: My Sister's Suitcase" dated February 29. I always have a green St. Patty's Day meal for our little family, but this idea was so cute. It's a whole St. Patty's Day Party (since St. Patrick's Day falls on Saturday this year). Everyone shows up in their pajamas for a St. Patrick's Day Fun Feast. Check it out!
2. Go to Confessions of a Pioneer Woman under My Blog List and read "Family Vacation" dated February 28 and "Family Vacation, Day 2" dated February 29. (I expect "Family Vacation, Day 3" to be ready anytime now.) The Pioneer Woman is vacationing in Vail, Colorado. I love living vicariously through others. (I know. I'm pathetic.)
Veggie Tale Date
There is absolutely NO reason not to date in March. None. Nada!
Family Christian Stores are having a free Veggie Tale Event this Saturday. They'll have a one day only event at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The first 40 kids to arrive will receive goodies including posters, balloons and stickers.
They will also be able to watch the new Veggie Tale movie release... Robin Good.
I love Veggie Tales, and I took the kids to these type of events whenever I found one in our area. Lots of fun AND it is FREE!
National Day Dates
I adore National Day Dates. They can be so random and silly... or educational and fun. Here are some dates from March 1 to March 14. Pick a few and enjoy.
March 1 - National Pig Day - Do you know someone who owns a live pig? If so, give them a call TODAY and see if you and yours can stop by for a little one-on-one time with "Charlotte." (Or serve bacon with dinner. It's up to you!)
March 1 - Peanut Butter Lovers' Day - Have a "kitchen" date tonight, and make homemade peanut butter with your little one. Go to Whole Foods Market this evening and pick a new kind of peanut butter to try and fill your container yourself!
March 3 - I Want You to be Happy Day - Plan a few small ways to make your child happy. Go to their favorite fast food restaurant for a milkshake. Leave a sucker on their pillow. Use your imagination!
March 4 - Hug a GI Day - If you don't know a GI you can personally hug, make a card together for someone overseas. Your local church will have names and addresses of young men and women in their congregation to send a homemade card. Spend as much time on artwork and wording as your child would like.
March 6 - National Frozen Food Day - This would be another "kitchen" date. Go to the grocery store with your little and pick out an entire meal using frozen foods. Even small children can help prepare these kinds of meals.
March 9 - Panic Day - Never mind. This is MY day.
March 11 - Johnny Appleseed Day - Have a "library" date with your child. Pick out a book about Johnny Appleseed. You can check it out or find a big chair in the library to enjoy reading together. When you leave, go to the grocery store and let your child pick out his/her favorite kind of apple... applesauce, apple chips, real apples, etc. to eat with dinner that evening.
March 12 - Plant a Flower Day - This is a "nursery" date. Let your child pick out the perfect flower. Then go home and plant it!
March 13 - Learn about Butterflies Day - This could be another "library" date, OR you could make a special trip to The Birmingham Zoo and spend a lot of time in the Butterfly Enclosure. (Call first to make sure it is open on this specific day.)
March 14 - National Potato Chip Day - That's right. Back to the grocery store. Let your child pick out favorite chips and dips to eat during dinner that evening... and maybe during a movie with the family afterward.
Please, please, please... date your kids during the wonderful month of March!
Have a tremendous Thursday. I'll be back in the morning with Weekend Happenings and more, more, more.
Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
The Enchanting Belinda


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November is National Adoption Month. I am going to be posting my adoption thoughts throughout this month. Everything. I feel it is something I need to do. I need to share. Okay? Go.
There is a question I get quite often. "How do you REALLY feel about your parents adopting kids?"
It has always taken me back a bit.
When my parents announced that they were adopting Anna Grace in 2005, I honestly, at the age of 10, thought nothing of it. I only was consumed with getting a sister. Her not being "biological" or "blood-related" or any of that other silly, so not important stuff never crossed my mind. I was just in the pure innocent thoughts of a child. "I am getting a SISTER!" Isn't that how it is supposed to be? Once we brought Anna Grace home, I was on fire for the orphan. I was changed for good.
I prayed non-stop for 3 years for Andrew. I dreamed of a new little love from China. I knew he was there. So, in 2009 when my parents found this precious boy on a HOPE List, it was too good to be true. I was thrilled. The months leading to Andrew were filled with a lot of judgements from others, a lot of preparation, and a lot of excitement.
Once Andrew was home, reality hit. and it hits hard. Andrew was a 3 1/2 year old little boy that had just been ripped from everything he knew. It was hard. Did I regret my parents decision? Absolutely not.
Ainsley was another one of my prayers. {My suggested I stop going to God for such matters because it always seems to happen, just kidding of course} Ainsley is our faith. My parents gave us {my siblings} the option of Ainsley {of course, going with where they felt God calling, but they wanted our opinion} We could have easily said that No we didn't want another child to come home. We didn't. We all felt blessed beyond belief to have the opportunity to bring another little one home! We don't know what is going to happen once she arrives home, but right now we are living in the moment, preparing for the future, and counting down the days to bringing her home!
In saying all of that, I will now get to my actual point.
How do I really feel about my parents adopting?
I could give you the cookie-cutter, always right, no real truth answer. Say, "Oh, I love it so much! Life is perfect! Anna Grace and Andrew are the greatest things ever and I just love adding to the family"
I know that is what every one wants to hear. How do I really feel though?
I feel blessed. BEYOND what I deserve.
I am constantly asking God why He chose me and my family to pursue this amazing journey of adoption. I have realized though that He chose us ALL to be blessed with Adoption. We are all adopted by Him. We can all do something to help.
Yes, each adoption had the hard moments, hard days, things I missed, and little losses I grieved over as a , but I have three beautiful siblings now, which I would never trade. Three beautiful children who will now learn about Jesus, have a Mommy and Daddy, Siblings, LOVE, and so many things they wouldn't have if not for us stepping out and adopting them.
These adoptions have done SO much for me. They forever changed me for the better. I may have my moments of thinking "Oh I could have this...or that" blah blah blah. All EARTHLY things that don't matter. I have SO much more right now. in this moment. than I ever needed or deserved. I have learned and been taught so many things through our adoptions. I learned that it's okay to miss the simplicity of what used to be and what could have been, all while rejoicing in what I have now and what the Lord has done in my Family.
If I had the choice to go back and change things, would I?
Absolutely Not. Never. Ever.
I am exactly where I want to be. Feeling so blessed with each step.
Friday, November 4, 2011
How Do You REALLY Feel?
Posted by Admin at 5:01 PM
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i've trimmed her hair a few times but it hasn't really needed anything significant. i needed my haircut as well this time, so i decided to get hers done too. she LOVED it. and did an amazing job!
the cutting has begun. ella sat really still. she was perfect.
she was loving the blow dryer and getting her hair brushed and styled.
and here's the finished product. she loved it and wouldn't stop checkin herself out!
on another "first", b and i went out to dinner with friends on friday night to a new restaurant (well new to us) called "1492." it's spanish inspired cuisine. it was yummy. i loved my dish, b wasn't equally as pleased with his choice but agreed that it was a cool place and we will return. we enjoyed our evening tremendously.
another first, on saturday i was asked to speak in a class at a girls retreat. my topic was "internet safety." not my favorite thing but ended up going well and having fun.
also saw three movies beginning thursday night to saturday for the "first" time. not all new but new to me. "i robot" which i loved. "nights in rodanthe" a great love story, not an owner for me but i enjoyed it! and "hancock" which i also liked a lot. we may just own that one.
so a great weekend, alot of firsts, and now i'm watching the oscars. good eve everyone! much loves!