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Sunday, October 22, 2006
The I'm falling apart rant
I call my dentist's office. I talk to John, my wonderful gay friend receptionist there, I love him, and he sets me up an emergency appointment. I go in to find I need a root canal and crown. Not only that, but my canine is dying and I need a root canal and crown for it as well. Wait, that's not all. I have two molars that are cracked and need crowns for those before they need root canals. Ahhh, the cost, $2,300. I immediately start complaining about the amount of money I'm going to have to shit. My dentist informs me, "I need some bling bling for my thing thing, homie. And you're about to help me out." Yeh, I know, he's kinda funny, but I will not be able to get any bling bling for myself for a long time. But wait, that's not all.
I guess I'm going to HAVE get some bling bling after all. The next day, I glance down at my wedding band in admiration, you know, like we girls do from time to time, and realize I'm missing a diamond! I drop the "F" bomb. My symbol of love for my husband looks like shit. I looked everywhere. Could not find the diamond. Hmmm, decisions, decisions....Should I go without toofers or the diamond from my wedding band?
D*mn it, I will not go without either! Lets see...which credit card can I use? Okay, another $370.
But wait....not only do you receive two root canals, four crowns, and a new diamond for your ring...I get up this morning and I'm freezing my tataas off. It's 60 degrees in my house. The furnace is just blowing air. Thank Jod! My 25 year old heater only needed a thermo coupling.
Tooth repair, $2300, ring repair, $370, thermo coupling, $5.99, paid for with cash; priceless!
Needless to say, I will be able to keep my toofers, my wedding band, and my tataas. We may not have a Christmas, but with these repairs, I will be happy, and I'll have the peace of mind that my husband will not trade me in on a newer model.
15 comments:
- beckyboop said...
I thought I would let everyone know, I'm beginning to feel better and have an appointment set up with a hormone specialist on 11/06. Look out, I'm at the end of the road to recovery! :)
- 1:03 PM, October 22, 2006
- Writer Mom said...
I so hope you can make it to St. Louis. We'll put some spring in your step.
I showed Tom your email with the price list and he said,"That's actually cheaper than my office." Provided, of course, that you need the work. If you don't get anything done by Wednesday, perhaps Tom can take a look see and give his professional opinion. If he can think of cheaper repair work, you might just have to make a trip to Indy. :)
I'd love the company in the hotel.
And I'd love to see your sister, too.
Glad you're feeling better.
Really glad.
- 4:01 PM, October 22, 2006
- fineartist said...
Do you think we could really do it?
I mean really do you think we could pull it off?
Rachey wants to go too, she can't of course but she wants to. That's a good sign, yah? I'm thinkin' she's getting better.
I love you doo da day, love you to pieces...and yah, you can rub my temple while I recline....I'm thinkin' we have done far crazier things in this life....ya know?
- 9:45 PM, October 23, 2006
- Sassy said...
When it rains, it pours. I'm glad you are feeling better. :)
- 7:54 AM, October 24, 2006
- zilla said...
Toofies, wedding band & tatas -- that's three, so you're in the clear for a while!
Louise Hay would say that need for root canal means your core beliefs are being challenged, by the way. This can be a good thing once you've worked through it all.
Whatever you believe, big zilla hugs for you! Hang in there, Becky!
- 8:19 AM, October 24, 2006
- ariel said...
Sounds like you had an exciting time, if you really wanted the bling bling you should have asked for gold crowns...
(I can't imagine your husband passing you over for a newer model, you're too damned cool.)
- 10:51 AM, October 24, 2006
- ella m. said...
Ouch. I always found it awful after you go to the dentist and your teeth are all nice and fixed up and pretty they send you a bill so astronomical that you don't feel much like smiling.
I'm glad you're on the mend though.
- 3:05 PM, October 24, 2006
- Sir James E. Watkins said...
damn girl. It's like a pile of shit was waiting for you to step in it. But, at the end of the day, if we can look at the ones around us and smile, all's well in the universe, or will be, soon enough.
You have a great attitude, Becky Boo.
~ The James
- 10:18 PM, October 24, 2006
- Cheryl said...
Root canals.
- 11:27 AM, October 25, 2006
- Holly said...
Love you, Becky. I'll be hollaring at you tomorrow, you special birthday girl, you!
love, hugs, and kisses
- 2:10 PM, October 27, 2006
- Holly said...
Ok, I found this joke, and thought you might like it, since you're having to pay a visit to the dentist's office. Enjoy.
Good Dentist
A guy and a gal meet at a bar.
They get along so well that they decide to go to the girl's place.
A few drinks later, the guy takes off his shirt and then washes his hands.
He then takes off his trousers and washes his hands again.
The girl has been watching him and says, "You must be a dentist."
The guy, surprised, says "Yes....how did you figure that out?"
"Easy," she replied, "you keep washing your hands."
One thing led to another and they make love.
After they are done, the girl says, "You must be a really good dentist."
The guy, now with a boosted ego says, "Well yes, I'm a good dentist. How did you figure that out?"
"Easy. I didn't feel a thing!"
- 2:33 PM, October 27, 2006
- fineartist said...
Hey, would you mind stopping in at my blog?
Devin and I have a surprise for you, yah it's a surprise to Devin too, but it's all good.
And I love you way more than dancing and antibiotics and cranberry juice cocktail, now that's a whole lot sister, Lori
I love that word cocktail, sends visuals to my brain...
- 12:39 AM, October 28, 2006
- fineartist said...
Are you coming or what?
See I can pressure you, so comeon, comeon, comma comma comma comma comma chameleon.....I have something from the eighties on my blog...I believe you will recognize the shoulder pads...heeeeeee.
Don't make me whine,
but you can pour me a glass a wine anytime,
except when I'm working,
or if I have to drive,
because you know I can't drink a thimble full without getting all goofy.
That's it, I'm calling you, hand me the phone...
- 7:54 PM, October 28, 2006
you poor, poor thing! oh, the horror of dental work. it is an uncomfortable necessary. (steven has been going every thursday for the past month to get - yes - four crowns as well!) but root canals, oh, may there be drugs and lots of 'em.
and your wedding band! how big are those diamonds in there? hopefully replacing one won't mean missing christmas. I know if one of mine fell out there's no way I'd ever find it... but even tiny diamonds are expensive, huh...
well, at least the furnace cut you a break. glad your tataas are in tact. I heard once that bad things come in 3's, so you should be all set now if that helps you feel any better. xoxo
- 8:41 AM, October 30, 2006
- Sassy said...
Ok Becky, today is halloween..
how about some more haunting stories?! I can't help it, im a haunting freak! :p
- 8:55 AM, October 31, 2006


text:
Content-Based and Task-Based Instruction
Postgraduate Faculty
Final assignment
Course title: English Language Teaching
Reality of using task-based and content-based instructions in teaching English in Xuan Hoa – Phuc Yen – Vinh Phuc
|Lecturer: |Dr. Lê Văn Canh | |Student: |Nguyễn Thị Hà | |Date of birth: |10/07/1987 | |Class: |K20A | |Course: |20 (2011-2013) |
Hanoi – 2012
Reality of using task-based and content-based instructions in teaching English in Xuan Hoa – Phuc Yen – Vinh Phuc Lecturer: Dr. Le Van Canh
Student: Nguyen Thi Ha – K20A
I. Introduction
Because of the more importance of second language, second language learning and teaching have been taken into account by many researchers, and linguistic specialists. We can see visibly the trends and the developments in instruction in second language skills in recent years – in the age of globalization. In the article titled "Current perspectives on teaching the four skills", ELI HINKEL from Seattle University, Washington, United States stated that "in an age of globalization, pragmatic objectives of language learning place an increased value on integrated instructional models with a focus on meaningful communication and the development of learners' communicative competence". Hence, integrated instructions, especially content-based and task-based instructions have gained special consideration. As far as we know, content-based and task-base instructions are becoming increasingly popular and are probably among the most widely adopted integrated models in second and foreign language teaching. However, there is a heated debate about the effectiveness and impracticality or inappropriateness when applying these instructions. The current study will show clearly the reality of using content-based and task-based instructions across a wide range of second/ foreign instructional contexts: primary and high schools in Xuan Hoa town Vinh Phuc province. I hope the study will help the readers have new views about these instructions. Because of limited time, I have carried out a small survey at a primary school and a high school in Xuan Hoa town Phuc Yen district Vinh Phuc province where task-based and content-based instructions have been applied for years. In addition, the result was collected by direct observation to elicit the students' attitudes through English learning classes along with interviews and questionnaires for both teachers and students. The participants are 15 teachers of English and 90 students at these schools. The results play a very important part in my research. They show a clearly effectiveness of the task-based and content-based instructions. However, there are also some difficulties circumstances limiting maximum effectiveness of these two instructions. II. Theoretical background
1. Content-based and task-based instructions
a. Content-based instruction
Content-based instruction (CBI) has been defined as "the teaching of content or information in the language being learned with little or no direct or explicit effort to teach the language itself separately from the content being taught" (Krahnke, as cited in Richards & Rodgers, 2001, p. 204). It involves the teaching academic subject matter and second language skills. The students, thus, receive curricular information and do their academic tasks in the target language and, at the same time, acquire the second/target language in a very natural way. According to...
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House Sold
- About this property
- Explore North Lakes
Why Build? Absolutely Stunning Near New Family Home!Property ID 1572685Alex and Renata Silva are so proud to introduce this magnificent property.
This breathtaking home, air-conditioned, side access, stunning kitchen with butler's pantry, beautiful bathrooms, double garage, sits on a large block with a massive potential. It is located in one of the most desirable areas in North Lakes.
This magnificent property is an oasis of calm and tranquillity. It is not every day that you can find a sophisticated home set off the street with a great sense of flow and connectivity.
Perfectly positioned to public transport, schools, shops, park, train station, this prestigious family home is comparable to an enviable holiday retreat.
A spectacular large open plan lounge/kitchen/dining area is a functional and practical space for relaxing and good chats.
An investment opportunity in a red hot location with a huge income and capital growth also having a great rental return.
Property description:
- Superb finishing throughout this home will be difficult to click out of holiday mode.
- The kitchen is stylishly and efficient with a large butler's pantry
- All the bedrooms are of an excellent size and well positioned
- The bathrooms are very beautifully made
- Air-conditioning
- Large shed
- Water tank
- Ceiling fans
- Massive backyard with an enormous potential
- Side access
- Beautifully landscaped gardens very low maintenance
- Double garage
- Large alfresco for barbecues and relaxing times
- The master bedroom is very spacious with an excellent size walk-in robe and ensuite
- Large separate laundry with storages
- Beautifully landscaped gardens with a very generous backyard and entertainment area for kids to have a great time
- Security screens are an added bonus for this magnificent home
- Excellent location
- Close to schools, childcares, parks, shops, medical centre, gym, and much more
This superb home needs to be SOLD!
Please call Alex Silva on 0415 584 349.


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text:
Setting: Galadriel, Arwen, Puff and Frodo on subway train, early this morning. Frodo eating arrowroot cookies two fisted, Puff reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians II: Sea of Monsters, Galadriel and Arwen are bickering as sisters are wont to do.
Puff(annoyed at the bickering): Ya know, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and Sunday is the First Sunday of Lent, I know, why don't you two be nice to each other for Lent?
Galadriel answers first and Arwen answers without missing a beat.
Galadriel: Ah........ No. Arwen: No, I`m good
Galadriel: Actually she (nodding towards Arwen) thought of that, and decided against it.
Puff:(to Arwen) What? You thought about being nice to your sister; figured it would be too hard and you would be setting yourself up for failure so you said: "Nuts! to that"
Arwen: Yeah, pretty much.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sisters, Lent and Natural Penances
Posted by Puff the Magic Dragon at 6:16 PM
2 comments:
- mary333 said...
Look on the bright side, Puff - they're honest!
- February 23, 2012 at 8:22 PM
- Puff the Magic Dragon said...
Yeah, My kids are so bright I gotta wear shades.
- February 24, 2012 at 7:08 AM
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Scripture to keep in mind
Six things there are, which the Lord hateth, and the seventh his soul detesteth: [17] Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, [18] A heart that deviseth wicked plots, feet that are swift to run into mischief, [19]A deceitful witness that uttereth lies, and him that soweth discord among brethren. [20] My son, keep the commandments of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. ***Cf:Douay-Rheims Proverbs 6: 16-20
I declare that I have no intent to acknowledge, distribute or encourage anything contrary to Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the Apostolic See. I submit myself and all the contents of this blog to the judgment of the Church.


text:
This is a neat early 20th century postcard (I think). I have to explain the I think part.
I've seen other examples of this exact card for sale, but they were reproductions. One card was printed in Hong Kong, another had info on the back indicating it was printed in 1989, and they were both 4 X 6 inches, or continental size.
It's not uncommon for old postcard to be reproduced at a later date - and usually there's no big secret about it. Repros are usually larger than the original, usually look wildly out of place with modern times, and usually have information on the back (a zip code, area code in a phone number, a URL, a date etc) which tells you it's not an original. Frequently it'll even have the word "reproduction" on the back somewhere. But in case it doesn't, an early 20th century postcard will not have publisher info with a zip code, and it is very unlikely to have been printed in China, it's not going to be continental size and so on. Also, it is very unlikely that some one will have multiple copies of a really neat (and possibly rare) early 20th century card for sale. That's a red flag for me.
There's nothing wrong with selling a reproduction, as long as the seller is up front about it. The other sellers who had this card did not hide the fact that they were selling a reproduction of an early 20th century card, so that's cool. And it leads me to question the copy of the card I have, especially since I've seen no other instances of this card claiming to be original.
As far as I can tell, which means I don't have any evidence otherwise, the "Fortune Teller" postcard I have is original. It is standard size (about 3.5 x 5.5 inches) there is a copyright date of 1910 in the lower left corner, the stamp box and everything else on the reverse looks correct. Though I suppose I could be fooled, the printing on it does not have the look of the later "chromes". There is no dates, publishing information or anything esle on the card to indicate it was a reproduction of an earlier postcard. At least nothing I can tell.
So, I'm calling it original. For the most part I only sell original postcards, and I try to be careful about making sure they are originals. I remember listing a couple of WW II era military aircraft postcards that had web addresses on the back, so they were reproductions, but I made that obvious in the title & listing. But it is not routine (in other words almost never) for me to list a reproduction postcard. As a rule, I don't like them, so I won't list them.


text:
Thursday, December 17, 2009
...like a headless chook
So, I don't have any new cards or layouts to show you... yet, but I thought I'd share a little about the January new release for Kaszazz.
I am having a product demonstration and a chance to look at all of the new release products - and order some too if you like. As a hint, the theme of the new release is "Romance" but you didn't hear it form me, ok?
So, write it in your diaries - Monday 18th January, 7:30pm @ my place. No cost involved. Please email me if you would like to attend, and let me know numbers (you are welcome to bring a friend) but I will have to limit numbers to 12 so that everyone can have a play with the products. You never know, I may even have a product giveaway on the night!
email : email@example.com
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
I'm on a Design Team!
The call was for 10 people to join the DT from 1 January - 30 April. There is a 4 week cycle that involves:
Week 1: Layout Sketch Week
Week 2: Recipe Challenge Week
Week 3: Card Sketch Week
Week 4: Journaling Challenge
... so stay tuned for lots of projects and hopefully something to inspire you.
The first challenge will be posted 5th January so make sure you don't miss it!
For those interested in the next NEW Kaszazz Release, it will be happening in mid Jan. There will be more info to come but I'm too excited to concentrate right now.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Cardstock is kraft/oatmeal, PP is Grace Taylor by Grant, Heidi Grace stamps using Chocolate Ancient Page and coloured with Derwent pencils, Bazzill for the journalling strips, black felt tip pen and Signo white pen.
Thanks for looking :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Scrapbook layout using 8x10 inch photo
Artwork hanger
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mojo Monday 114
Materials: White and Black cardstock, Medium Butterfly stamp, Dogwoods Jumbo Rollagraph wheel, Fancy Flourish stamp, Mini Messages stamp, Plum Wine Ancient Page ink, Black organdy ribbon, Rock Candy Distress Stickles, DST.
I'd like to try this sketch again using a watercoloured image on the lower left.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ink Comparison
Embossing Medium Comparison
They are a type of 'glue' that is stamped instead of ink. They are not an ink because they usually have no colour, although you can get tinted versions. Their job is to attract and hold the embossing powder (very fine particles that melt when heated). Some inks can be used for embossing - such as the Distress Inks, but you have about a 20 second window between stamping and getting your powder on so you'd need to be quick! Embossing mediums are generally slow drying so that it gives you plenty of time to sprinkle on the embossing powder and start heating it.
There are many embossing mediums available sold under different brands. Of the non-Kaszazz mediums Versamark would probably be the most well known brand. Kaszazz offers 3 different embossing mediums - Perfect Medium, Top Boss and Watermark. Because I noticed the 3 different ones in the catalogue I decided I'd better find out what each do (or don't do).
I decided to use a fairly detailed stamp to show how well it adhered the powder, and it just happens to be one of my favourite stamps - the Cherry Blossom stamp. I used black card with white embossing powder, stamped on coloured card with no embossing powder to give a watermark effect, and on white card with black embossing powder. The embossing powders used are the Top Boss embossing powders.
Below is the photo of the results:
When I first stamped the black card with the mediums I did them in a production line style - as in, I stamped them all with each pad then added the powder all in one go. When I did this, by the time I added the powder the Watermark image was dry and the powder didn't stick so I had to re-stamp it. This indicated to me it is a fairly quick drying medium.
For an all-round performer I think the Perfect Medium performed best. It gave nice crisp images and held the embossing powders well, as well as creating a clear watermark effect on the coloured card. Perfect Medium is $8.95 for a 3 inch square pad. A re-inker bottle is also available.
The Watermark also performed well, but as I mentioned it dried quickly (within 2 minutes) so would not be useful if doing multi-stepped processes, but in clarity it performed well in both the embossings and watermark and gave the clearest and boldest watermarked image. Watermark is available in 3 sizes - cat's eye $4.95, mini $7.95 (as pictured) and full sized $12.95 pads. A re-inker bottle is also available.
Versamark performed equally as well as the Watermark in terms of image clarity however I find this medium a bit too sticky. I often have to pry paper from under the stamp, which can lead to a blurred stamped image. Versamark is available from most craft stores and retails around $14 for the pad.
Top Boss Clear (not the tinted version that is also available) performed well for embossing and attracted a large amount of embossing powders, giving a lovely raised image. It is obviously not a watermarking medium, because as it dried it disappeared on the coloured paper. I guess you would need the tinted version to leave a watermark. Top Boss is available in either clear (as used) or tinted, and comes in a mini $6.95 (as pictured) or full sized $13.95 pad. Re-inker bottles are available for both.
Contact me if you would like an embossing demonstration or would like to purchase one of the embossing pads above.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Every month I send out an email with any specials, promotions, new product releases, and dates to remember. Make sure you don't miss out!
As you will notice, there is no scheduled workshops for the month of December. I figured that most people will be pretty busy with the holidays approaching, so if you do have some spare time let me know and I can organise one for you.
Also, don't forget pressies for all your wonderful family and friends - I can make up a scrapbooking or cardmaking pack to suit your taste/budget or you can choose one of the quick kits from the catalogue (pages 3 - 16) prices start from a low $11.50 for a Surprise Box kit (page 4-5) which are always very popular. There are heaps of designs and colours to choose from and you could make one, or give it as a project kit... or just keep it yourself!
I am in the process of doing a comparison of Embossing Mediums, so keep a lookout for my next post :)
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Mojo 111
Friday, October 30, 2009
12 x 12 Travel Album
I've decided it is time to finally finish this project (which is only one of many grand plans)! Yesterday I started with a 12 x 12 (30cm x 30cm) chipboard album cover that I covered with a sheet of the Traveller paper - I thought the page with the olde world map was quite fitting. I then cracked open my bottle of Tim Holtz metallic crackle paint (tarnished brass) to paint the chipboard title as well as some antique linen crackle paint for a bit of contrast in the title. Once the paint was dry and crackled I rubbed some vintage photo distress ink over it and around the edges to give the cracks a bit more definition. Stuck the title on with some glossy accents (yes, it is a glue as well as a 3D sealer) and there you have it - the cover to the album that has been a long while coming. I think a nice photo in the top right corner would set it off nicely but I'll see as I go along. I'll try to photograph it at various stages so that you can see it all come together.
Sorry for the bad photos - it's late and the flash just isn't as good as sunlight.
I tend to add and change things as I go rather than setting it all out before I start. Fingers crossed this project works!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Loving the new school theme stamps!!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Creative block but now I'm back!
The good news is that I'm back!
I just made some great gift tags and an awesome card but the catch is, you have to come see them yourself this Sunday at Wilmington Community Centre/Kindergarten Fete (7-13 Wilmington Avenue, Hoppers Crossing) between 10am and 1pm where you will see myself, Debbie and a range of craft displays and a FREE make and take demonstration.
To the wonderful people I met on Sunday at the Mossfiel Childrens' Centre, thanks for coming over and saying hi. It was my first time doing a stall so it was all new to me.
As always if you have any questions, would like to order products or you'd like to book a demostration or workshop email me at email@example.com.
There are some great new special offers coming out this month and next so you will be receiving my email very soon, especially if you are considering joining as a Kaszazz Consultant!
I'll be back soon to share another of my creations :)
Thursday, September 24, 2009
5PQ019 - Cheeky Cards
These cards are really pretty, but not over the top pretty - you know how sometimes you get a bit carried away with adding lots of bits and pieces.
This workshop is a 5 Projects Quick workshop, which is designed to have the 5 projects completed in 90 minutes. Most, but not all of the 5PQ workshops are cards. This particular workshop is $20 per person, and I am teaching this in about a weeks time.
Why not get a group of your friends together for a FREE "make and take" or a workshop like the one above? I have a folder full of workshops you can choose from including card making, scrapbooking and off the page albums and craft ideas, using a whole heap of different products.
As I mentioned a week or more ago, Kaszazz now has a new product catalogue just released with lots of cool products in it (which I'm slowly getting around to playing with), so contact me to grab a copy, or check out the Kaszazz website to view it online in 3D.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Scrapbooking 101
I can safely say that I have come a long way in those last 4 years.
I have a collection of my 'early' pages that I can't bare to part with but they will never be shown to anyone else... perhaps you have some of those too? Or maybe you think that scrapbooking seems too hard and a bit beyond you? Or the age old "I'm not creative"... let me tell you - you don't have to be.
A lot of the elements that you will find in scrapbooking are basic design principles. The first would be colour combinations.
- Monochromatic means that you use shades of the same colour for your page - e.g. all purples or all reds, etc. This can be very effective when using deep and light shades together to add contrast without clashing.
- Complimentary colours are colours that you will find on the opposite sides of a colour wheel. There are many colour wheels available for purchase or a simple google image or wiki search will give you some examples. These colours are not alike, but look good when paired together such as red and green, yellow and purple or blue and orange and often it is best to use one compliment lighter with the other darker - such as pale yellow with deep purple or deep red with light green.
- Analogous colours are those that sit in the 3 adjoining sections of a 12 piece colour wheel such as yellow, yellow-orange and orange. These all are analogous colours and will look good when placed with each other. They share somewhat similar characteristics so it ends up looking quite harmonious but still contains some differences in colours.
- Choosing colours from your photo such as creating a blue layout around a photo of brilliant blue eyes will make those the focus. I have heard the extreme of people dressing their children in certain clothes so that they can create a layout with a certain colour or pattern, but I think that may just be taking it to the extreme... plus there's always photo editing software ;)
- Rules and breaking them is all part of the fun of it. We've all heard "blue and green should never be seen" or that pink and red clash... but whether you choose to obey or break them is all part of experimenting. Colour is fun, and it's important that YOU like what your page ends up looking like, so ultimately do as you please!
Next is the elements of a layout - where you position your photo, papers, embellishments etc. There are endless combinations that will render a layout balanced or appealing. There are websites and blogs that create sketches that help people to organise their layouts. I think this part of it is mostly a matter of personal taste and being happy with how it looks. I tend to be a stick as you go type of scrapbooker, whereas some lay everything out and shuffle it around before finally sticking it when everything is just so. Some like to leave 'white' or blank space, whereas I tend to like to fill the page. Some have no journalling (writing that relates to the photos), some hide it under the photo on a tag and some have it as a feature of the page. I usually always include some journalling because for me that is a part of recording who, what, where, when and why. I vary between having it hidden and having it showing - often it depends if there is any room left!
Products - oh how I lothe thee... well I actually love them but sometimes the bank balance tells me otherwise. Most scrapbook layouts are based on cardstock - heavy paper (approx 200gsm) that can be held up with one hand and not flop, or alternately patterned papers (commonly referred to as pp) or double sided patterned papers (commonly referred to as dsp or dspp). Double sided patterned papers have the benefit that they have a coordinating design on the back. There are a multitude of companies that produce patterned papers that are suitable to use in your scrapbooking... the thing to remember is that if you want it to last so it can be passed down the generations (and lets face it, if you're going to the trouble of making it, you'd hope someone is going to look at it in years to come!) you need to use Acid Free papers and other products. It is of most concern if these elements are coming in contact with the photo, because otherwise the acid will deteriorate your photos... and I think we've all seen those photos that grandma used to have in a shoe box that were handled by every Tom, Dick and Harry and now are almost unrecognisable. I have heard of some people that use gloves or tweezers to handle their photos until they are covered by a page protector so that no acid from their fingers would get in contact with them, but I think this is going a little too far. Just use care and pick them up by the edges. Many people are confident enough that they can use non-acid free products on a layout if they are not in contact with the actual photo but I try not.
Once you have some pretty papers and your photos you will need to somehow attach them together. Some like to use a glue stick (although I personally don't), others use double sided tape (commonly referred to as dst or Kaszazz calls it super tape) or a tape runner that applies the sticky tape or dots as you run it along the edges. There is also mounting foam, or as Kaszazz calls it Magic Mount that is essentially double sided tape with foam in between so that it gives some dimension to the element by lifting it off the page.
Lastly there is the many, many different embellishments. These are elements that add interest to a page. It can include ribbons, felt and fabrics, flowers (paper or fabric), die-cuts (cut out pieces), charms, chipboard (which is thick cardboard, not the woodworking kind that I first imagined), brads, rhinestones, buttons, punched out pieces of paper (punches), paperclips, staples, stickers... the list goes on and on. As I mentioned previously, I prefer to use acid free embellishments where possible on my pages to try to avoid harming my photos.
It is a really good idea to plan a layout (or page) around the size of your album. Albums come in a variety of sizes depending on the manufacturers, but the most common would have to be 12 x 12 inches (can you tell scrapbooking originated in America?). There is also A4, 8 x 8 inch, 6x6 inch and so on. Almost all of the pages I do are 12 x 12 inch, which is usually the size that cardstock and patterned paper comes in. A true 12 x 12 inch page will be 30.5 cm x 30.5 cm although some try to sell 30 x 30 cm as 12 x 12 inch. A 6 x 6 inch album can work out quite cost effective because you can get 4 pages out of one piece of 12 x 12 paper although the down side is that if you are using standard size photos (6 x 4 inch) the photo takes up most of the page and doesn't leave a lot for decorating. If doing a 6 x 6 inch mini-album I have often used the 2 facing pages as if they are one so it is more like 6 x 12 inches across both which seems to work well.
How many photos you use on a page is up to you and you can be guided by what you see in online galleries or what the sketch indicates. I tend to not put more than 2 standard sized photos on one 12 x 12 page otherwise it can look too crowded. If you are trimming your photos you can probably get away with more but they need to be relevant to each other (like in a sequence about the same thing).
I think that's the basics of scrapbooking, so if you are game, give it a try! You never know, you might even end up hooked like me :)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Mojo 104
Some really appeal and others are a bit meh, but I really liked this one and I had all my circle punches out so I got stuck into it.
I used the watermark cartridge in the rollagraph to emboss the black background onto the white cardstock. I then used Perfect Medium and the Fancy Flourish stamp to emboss the large circle and the scallop circle in black. I also embossed the sentiment and cut out with the smaller circle punch. The scalloped circles behind the large circle are inked with Ancient Page, and I used 3 and cut each in half, then layered them around underneath because one was not large enough to be seen under the big circle. It also gives it a 3D feel. The ribbon is layered and attached, then I cut some 1/2 inch strips of plain black cardstock to put under the main elements to add a bit of contrast.
Now I'm planning on cleaning out my scrapping area this afternoon and getting rid of all of the old bits and pieces that I am never going to use. I don't know whether to try and sell some of it on ebay or just give it away.
And lastly, I have my photo from yesterday. I was driving in the driveway yesterday when I noticed a swallow clinging to the brick pillar at the front of the house, but by the time I raced inside and grabbed my camera it had gone :( so instead I have a picture of our lunch - pizza muffins. Just have to decide the worthy camera moment for today... maybe all my scrapping mess!!! So what are you taking your photo of today?? Don't forget to enter this weeks challenge for your chance to win!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Exciting New Kaszazz Product Releases
Some of the great new products that have been released include a School Days themed scrapbooking range (double sided papers, vellum and coordinating Cardstock), some cool new school themed stamps including 2 whole alphabets, more of the cute outline stamps that can be watercoloured, and my personal favourites - 12x12" Chipboard album covers, Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powders in the whole distress colour range, and Tim Holtz Metallic crackle paints!
Please email me at email@example.com if you would like a copy of the Annual Catalogue, and/or the New Product Fliers for July and September, or any more info about any of the products I've mentioned.
Also, don't forget to start taking those photos today for your chance to win the Prize this week!!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Free Giveaway - Get Snapping!!
I have found that for the last month or so I seem to have made plenty of cards but a total of one scrapbook layout. It's time to get those papers ruffling again!
Giveaway Requirements:
Take at least one photo everyday starting Monday 14th until Friday 18th. Each photo must be of a different subject (as in they can't be all of the kids). Once you have your 5 photos taken you then have until Sunday 20th at 9pm (AEST) to choose one or more of your photos to create a scrapbook layout. Upload a photo of your layout to your blog or photosharing software (photobucket, flickr, etc) with the link in the comments section of this post. There is no cost to enter, but only one entry per person.
2 6x6" chipboard mini album covers, 2 hinge rings and 4 pieces of 6x6" patterned paper (all Kaszazz products). I will mail the prize to the entrant that has shown the most creativity in their photography and their use of products in the layout (i.e. think outside the square!).
So get those camera batteries charged, the memory card clear and take advantage of those moments that you wish you had taken a photo.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Mojo Monday 103
Friday, September 04, 2009
Perfect Perfect Distress
Monday, August 31, 2009
Perfect Pearls
Monday, August 24, 2009
Lots to share
I can't wait for my order to arrive so I can play around with these colours again!
We have lift-off!
I ended up with 8 people that attended, so a nice number really. I think the hardest part will be getting out into the community because quite a few of my friends and I have friends in common too - so I need to broaden out.
I will hopefully be attending a Fundraiser in Werribee where I will have a stall so I'm hoping that will help with more contacts, and I'm going to look at getting a stall at the local market.
I hope everyone had a great day - I certainly did!
Now I'm off to put in my order and buy some more yummy stuff!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Distressed to Impress!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Now I know why!
A recent study indicated that rubber stamps and embossing powders give off certain pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts.
When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the pheromones (from rubber) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome (similar to the one squirrels have before the onset of winter i.e. storing food), therefore perpetuating their species.
Sound tests have also revealed that the rubber emits a very high pitched sound, heard only by a select few. A breed of women known as "Rubber Stampers". When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants,"buy me, stamp me, emboss me."
Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these stamps have on the human population. It's also been experienced that these same pheromones cause a pathological need to hide these stamp purchases when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash), and when asked by a significant other if the stamp is new, the reply is: "I've had it for a while."
Many thanks to Catherine of www.cathcreates.com.au for a laugh.
Monday, August 10, 2009
2009 Workshop/Crop Schedule
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Mojo Monday 98 Sketch
Monday, August 03, 2009
My package arrived!
So, here's the contents.
Lots of nice stuff to start playing with, although my personal wishlist of products is growing by the day... I wonder if you can just buy the whole catalogue? No, not the catalogue - the whole contents of the catalogue.
Anyway, when I got a few moments this afternoon I opened some of the packaging and started using some stuff. I kid you not, I was like a child in a lolly shop. So, here are my first creations:
The first was using the Jumbo Rollagraph. The wheel is called 'four flowers' and the Ancient Page ink 'coal black'. I rolled it over the tag, then using my chalks, I coloured the image. It was quite strange really because the chalks look so much like eyeshadows, but they go on the page so nicely. The pom poms are just too cute and surprisingly easy to use.
The second was using the 2 step stamp of the butterfly, the mini messages stamps and the liquid chalks. These liquid chalks are SO good!! They are the consisency of pigment inks, but they dry quite quickly to the matt finish of chalks. This also means that they don't appear to bleed much - which can be a problem for some inks and papers, so the images stay crisp. Each of the colours unclips and you can use it like a mini stamp pad, or you can leave them in the case... you can even swap around the colours to get a rainbow effect on your stamps. Anyway, enough of my rambling. I'm going to play around with these in the next few days and see what interesting designs I can come up with.


text:
State seeks model city for immigration plan
By Rod Boshart Gazette
Des Moines Bureau
September 26, 2000 08:27 AM
DES MOINES -- State officials hope to find one or two interested communities to become models for assimilating immigrants into Iowa as part of an effort to increase Iowa's population and address a shortage of skilled workers, Gov. Tom Vilsack said Monday.
The governor told his weekly news conference the state Department of Economic Development already has received inquiries from communities interested in working to develop a strategic plan designed to encourage a smooth transition for bringing 50 to 100 skilled workers from outside the United States.
"We believe that creating such a smooth transition with a comprehensive strategic plan will make it easier for all and will perhaps reduce some of the concern that has been expressed by some Iowans about this plan," Vilsack said.
He said the size of the town that will be selected for the immigration project is not as important as "the size of the heart of the community we're looking for."
Encouraging immigrants to settle in Iowa is part of a trio of efforts that includes encouraging young Iowans to stay in the state and enticing former Iowans to return home that will be needed to meet a "very ambitious goal" set by the governor's 2010 task force to increase Iowa's population by 310,000 over the next 10 years, he said.
To date, Vilsack said 360 people have moved back to Iowa as a result of the state's recruitment efforts, while more than 8,500 ex-Iowans have requested information about Iowa job opportunities via direct mail. More than 3,000 have been connected directly with employers, and 750 have posted resumes on the Web site of the Iowa Human Resource Recruitment Consortium.
The governor also has been traveling to Iowa college campuses to talk with young people and is hopeful the Vision Iowa board will begin taking applications this year from communities seeking a share of more than $200 million in state help available to build major attractions of special interest to younger residents.
Another key element, Vilsack said, is to rekindle Iowans' welcoming spirit that brought waves of immigrants to Iowa from war-torn nations in the 1970s to establish the state of a worldwide destination for people seeking a new home and new opportunity for themselves and their children.
The governor said his office has received hundreds of letters and e-mails from around the world since a front-page article appeared in the New York Times about Iowa's efforts to welcome immigrants. He added it is important that the effort to recruit people to Iowa be orderly both for the new arrivals and the communities where they settle.


text:
Barcelona is the most famous Spanish city, in Europe and also the second most populated of Spain. In addition, everyone who had been there, tells a must-see due to its art, leisure, cuisine and story. So, you can imagine how I was thrilled when I found a flight offer: I called my boyfriend and asked: "I've found a cheap plane ticket, do you want to go to Barcelona?". And the adventure began.
We didn't stay there for a long time, so we planned the trip both with a guidebook and some blogs. But, once back, I feel those sources had been inaccurate. For this reason, I'd like to share some pieces of advice with you, things you should know to have a perfect trip to Barcelona!
1. Flight: choose El Prat airport
Although the flight price was a bargain, it led us to Girona Airport, which is 90km far from Barcelona. It took one hour and a half to get in the city, by the bus provided. It wouldn't have been that bad if only the bus runs had been continuous. The last run from Barcelona is early in the afternoon, so that our return happened early than expected.
So, always prefer El Prat airport rather than Girona because it's faster and it costs the same, considering the bus' price.
2. Gaudì's Art: book tickets
We spent the first day admiring Gaudì's art: Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllò, Park Guell and Gaudì's house.
For the whole day, we had been impressed not only by the marvelous art but also by the queues. There are so many visitors that it takes 30 minutes to buy a ticket. This happened to us at Casa Battlò, in October and imagine how it's like during summertime!
Therefore, I suggest you to book tickets before going there. Not only it's easy, but it fastens your visit and costs as much as buying tickets at the ticket office. For example, Sagrada Familia's website offers different combined ticket, in order to pay a little less and visit more, skipping the queue.
2.a Exception!
The only exception I would consider to the previous tip, is the Monumental Zone of Park Guell. It's the area built by Gaudì inside huge Park Guell and it needs ticket.
I still consider booking tickets the smartest thing to do, but the Monumental Zone is in the open air. So that, it can rain or be cloudy during your visit, ruining it. I mean, the zone is always splendid but it needs the sun on all those colors to be really appreciated.
Therefore, don't buy ticket for the Monumental Zone of Park Guell but wait for the sun to visit it!
3. Avoid Gaudì's house
Once visited Sagrada Familia, is pointless to go there: it's quite small and it shows almost the same things you can find in the museum under the church. It only adds objects that owned to Gaudì.
4. La Rambla: visit with attention
La Rambla is well-known for being Barcelona's main street. It's 1.2 km long and it's full of restaurants, kiosks with souvenirs and many people. Though it's very crowded, it's both charming and relaxing walking along there. For this reason, a stroll is a "must" but do it with a proper guide. It can be a book or a person, but it's fundamental: La Rambla hosts many pieces of art or important places that can be unseen or not considered. For example, there's Plaça Reial with street lights built by Gaudì; Casa Bruno Cuadros, with its dragon or Mercat de la Boqueria, the main market with local products and stands where you can have lunch. It would be a pity to lose all of them!
5. Eat in peculiar places
Walking along La Rambla, you can find many restaurants with fixed-price menus, which usually includes tapas, paella and sangria. Though it seems a bargain for such a suggestive place, it is not. Usually, the quality is low so that the meal doesn't taste neither good nor Spanish. For this reason, look for a restaurant/bar outside the main road, in order to find something typical and tasty, though a little bit more expensive.
A place I can (and want to) suggest is Cervecerìa Taller de Tapas, in Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol. In a Barri Gotic's narrow street, it has good beer, friendly environment and a wide selection of tapas, which you'll totally love. Well, we did at all!
6. NO flamenco shows in Barcelona
I had already seen a flamenco show in Valencia but my boyfriend hadn't. So, it was added in our "to do list" and we looked for one but it was shocking: the shows were as long as the one in Valencia, but the price was twice as much that. Therefore, we opted for the cheapest one and, though it was fascinating, it was a bit disappointing. Better see the next show in Andalusia!
7. $$$$
Unfortunately, Barcelona is expensive and you have to be ready. There are ways to save money with some discounts but it doesn't include the most important attractions. However, don't save money on places to visit, because everything is totally worth the money you spend.
Are you getting ready to go to Barcelona? No?! Why are you temporising?
Hurry up, Barcelona is only waiting for you!


text: I'm asking because I just was looking at my sons red book and the last time I took him to clinic to have his weight done was at 3 months old. He is nearly 10 months old. Even though he looks like a healthy and happy baby. I think it's time to have his weigh. So after long do you guys take your children to have them weight ?


text:
- Cars
- New cars
- Maruti Suzuki
- Maruti Suzuki S-Cross
- Reviews
- Best crossover
Best crossover
User review on Maruti Suzuki S-Cross written by ASHISH Gupta on 15 May 2016
ASHISH Gupta 's review on Maruti Suzuki S-Cross 1.3L Alpha
Year of Manufacture : 2016 | Driven no. of Kms. : 700
- Pros: Good interior, comfert, good handling , good mileage, best for long distance , spacious car
- Cons: Exterior not good but average look, back and side looks are good no rear AC vent ,
Daily running of 70 km great handling no problem with maruti cross over
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text:
Norcross First Creation Kids Weekday Preschool
Beth Newton, Preschool Director
678-533-1321 | firstname.lastname@example.com
Forms available at the information kiosk by the Preschool Office or online.
Our Preschool program is designed to give young children a loving, happy learning experience in a Christian environment. It is the goal of our staff to provide a program to help children become happy, responsible, cooperative participants through positive teaching techniques that are age-appropriate. We are a play-centered program where children learn through a variety of multi-sensory activities. It is our responsibility to help them grow in having respect for themselves and others through basic Christian principles and develop a love of learning.
Monday-Friday | 9:30AM-1:30PM
Ages 1-4 Years
Learning is fun and children are loved!! You may print the registration form at home or complete one when you come in. $125 registration fee is due at this time to reserve a space for your child.


text:
Taiwan is a province and largest island of the Peoples Republic of -china/ which is politically known as the Republic of China.
Situated 120 km off the south east coast of China, it is seperated from mainland -china/ by the Taiwan strait.
The island has an overall area of 35,980 sq km and a 1,566 km coastline.
Taiwan was originally populated by people of Malay and Polynesian descent, known as Aborigines, who called the island Pakan.
From 1624 until 1662 the island was under Dutch occupation. The Dutch called the island, Ilha Formosa, Portugese for beautiful island, which gave rise to the islands first modern name, Formosa.
During the Dutch occupation, Chinese migrant workers were brought over to the island to work the sugar plantations and rice fields there.
These workers eventually married local Aboriginal women and settled there, giving rise to a new nationality.
In 1887, the Chinese Manchu Imperial Authorities, declared Formosa a province of their Empire, in an attempt to outmanouver the Japanese who were expanding their Empire in the area.
In 1895, japan- defeated the Manchus in the Sino - Japanese war and China ceded Formosa to japan-, where it remained until 1949 when it was once more ceded unto -china/ again.
The second Chinese occupation was meant to be only a temporary one, but much to the Taiwanese peoples dismay, -china/ still holds sway over the island to this day.
Taiwan's high speed Bullet train.
Today the island is a self governing Chinese province under an executive Yuan government, with a president as it's head, whose ministers are appointed by their president, who is internally voted from within the party, for a four year term.
The island has a highly developed economy and is known as one of the Four Asian Tigers, along with Hong Kong, Singapore and -south-korea/ .
After over a century of occupation the people of Taiwan are desperately seeking independence, although their newly elected President is a great advocate of tightening relationships with the motherland ( -china/ ).
Map of the island of Taiwan.
Geographically Taiwan is divided by east and west, with the eastern side of the island being covered by steep, rugged, forest covered mountains of over 3,000 metres high and the western side of the island sporting flat, lush and fertile plains.
The island boasts 7 national parks depicting the islands diverse and picturesque terrain,flora, fauna and wildlife.
It's 1,566 km coastline is surrounded by white sandy beaches, with small coral reefs situated a few metres out to sea.
The west of the island lies on the Taiwan Straits coast, the east of the island on the -pacific-ocean-coast with the Luzon strait to the south and the East China Sea to the north.
Climatically the island is divided by a north and south divide, with the south of the island experiencing a tropically oceanic climate and the north experiencing a semi tropical climate.
The island experiences a rainy season between January and March, and the summers ( June - September ) are generally hot and humid.
Tropical storms and typhoons are a major, problematic climatic feature of the island.
The island is persistantly covered by dense cloud cover, due to the island's heavy pollution which is attributed to the islanders excessive use of petrol driven motor scooters.
Natural resources on the island consist of large reserves of coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
The island is situated along the -pacific-coast's Ring of Fire, and has witnessed several major earthquakes in it's geographical history.
On the earthquake U.G.S hazard rating scale, the island scores a 9 out of 10, with it's most recent quake on the 4th of March 2010, measuring 6.4 on the richter scale, occuring just days after a massive quake in Chile and weeks after a devastating quake on the island of Haiti.
The Siouguluan River.
Todays population of Taiwan is mostly decended from mailand Han Chinese, from the southern Chinese province of Fujian.
The language of Taiwan is Taiwanese, which is a dialect of southern Fujian in -china/ and is spoken by 70 % of the population. The language was banned on the island by the Chinese government until the 1980,s, with Mandarin being encouraged as the official language.
English is taught in most of the secondary schools as a second language.
Japanese is spoken fluently by most of the population over 45.
Most of the islands 23 million population live on the islands western and northern coasts.
The dominant religions are Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
The culture of Taiwan is a diverse and eclectic mix of Chinese,Japanese and Polynesian cultures.
Employment on the island centres mainly around the electronics manufacturing industry, world banking and tourism.
Sport is enjoyed by the vast majority of Taiwanese people, particularly martial arts, with baseball being the islands national spectator sport.
Landmarks in and around Taipei.
The provincial capital of the island is Taipei, situated in the north of the island.
The city is politically made up of 12 districts, built along the banks of the River Danshui to the west of the city and the River Xindian to the south.
A vibrant and modern city with a population of just over 2 and a half million people, it is one of the world's Alpha Cities that has witnessed a rapid economic development due to it's high tech products manufacture.
As well as it's modern western architecture the city hosts a myriad of beautiful Buddhist and Daoist temples, several performing arts venues, art galleries, 20 universities, 16 museums and a 165 hectare animal sanctuary and zoo.
The city is served by Songshan and Taoyuan airports, the -pacific- coast's Keelung Port, and a highly advanced rapid transit system within the city.
The city is also a shrine to the Chinese ex KRT leader, Chiang Kai - Shek, who fled mainland China in 1949, complete with the entire gold reserve of the country, giving rise to the islands fortuitous and rapid economic growth.
There are several ornate, public, national buildings in the city that bear his name.
Today the city is also a leading tourist destination, that sports seaside resorts complexes with luxury hotels, the famous Ximending shopping area and the Shilin night, street market.
The cities most impressive landmark is the Taipei 101, a 101 floor, 449 metre high tower that was constructed in 2004, which until January 2010, was the world's tallest building.
Currency: Taiwan dollar.
Internet TLD : .tw
© D.B.Bellamy.March.2010.
Images courtesy of wikimedia commons.
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Our earthquake today was quite a doozy. Fortunately no real damage in Taipei, but we definitely felt our apt shake for nearly 2 minutes and we continue to have aftershocks. Your article notes we are a province of the PRC - I think it should be noted that is still highly debated. If you said that to anyone in Taiwan, they would obviously refute we are just a province of China. It really depends on who you ask in the world as to the "one China" policy. We are treated (by most) and certainly act like our own soverign nation here - Taiwanese cannot go freely between China and vice versa (nor can we as Americans in Taiwan). In fact, relations have only recently improved and 2009 was the first time since 1949 that air travel has existed between mainland China and Taiwan. That was huge news here obviously. I think you have the rainy season wrong - the rainy season here is during the summer and pretty much coincides with our typhoon season (our wettest month is usually May or June). See link http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/TWXX0021?from=36hr_bottomnav_business which supports this as well. You note June - Sept as summer, but for tourist purporses here, summer is usually referred to as April - Nov (It's already been in the high 80's this week). The summers are definitely hot and humid and rainy almost every day. While it's true we have our share of pollution and hazy days - nothing like Seoul and we have quite a number of beautifully clear blue sky days. That is one of the things I love about living here - the skies around the outskirts of Taipei (and on other parts of the island) are often very blue, far more often than Los Angeles ever was growing up. Something else to note - you mention Taiwanese language. Hakka is the other big language spoken here. Combined, they account for 85% of the spoken language here. Outside Taipei itself, Taiwanese is definitely the preferred language (over Mandarin). There is no written form of Taiwanese, making translation rather difficult. Also, Taiwan recognizes 14 different aboriginal tribes on the island, but they only account for 2% of the total population. English is now mandatory in schools here, hence the continued search for English teachers here. In regards to the Polynesia culture reference here - there is substantial debate as to where today's modern Polynesians were descendents of Taiwan and other SE Asian countries. The 14 indigenous tribes here do belong in part to the Austronesian language family, but they are also the indigenous peoples of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Madagascar. There is a museum devoted to the local indigenous people - Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei, across from the National Palace Museum. A good book to learn more about the true culture of Taiwan is by Amy Liu and is entitled, Taiwan A to Z - The Essential Cultural Guide. She is recognized for her efforts in putting together such an accurate and detailed portrayal of life here in Taiwan in English. Many Expats refer to this book when first moving to Taiwan as it's a wealth of information.
Hi ECY, Thankyou for finding the time to explain all this information, very much appreciated. regards Dee.
Oh, your articles are always terrific. Great info; I don't have any votes anymore; will vote this tomorrow. I will buzz it up now
Thankyou Erik.
I voted your article now; I like to know more about different countries and you describe everything so good.
good article!
Taiwan is NOT a province of the PRC. It is highly doubtful if it can be considered to be "Chinese" at all.
Don't have the time to go into it here. Read this:
Hi StevenT, thanks for your comment. I know it is hard to be politically correct with the issue of Taiwan, this is how I see it . Taiwan operates as an independent state, with a de facto and de jure political status. China however, asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of it.


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Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Connecting the Underground Railroad with Immigration
Attended the Underground Railroad and Immigration meeting last night at the Arch Street Methodist Church in downtown Philadelphia. Interesting meeting. The important role that congregations of several persuasions in our city played in the Underground Railroad --providing sanctuary sometimes, helping escaping slaves to craft a new identity, meld into the free Black community in Philly, find work and a place to live highlighted for me some of the practical roles that congregations can play in accompanying immigrants. I loved the question by a member of the group, "was hiring an escaped slave a violation of the law?" The answer was "probably." It made me wonder about the potential of hiring so-called illegal immigrants as an act of civil disobedience. I was struck by the contrast between the heroic risk taken by "Conductors" on the Underground Railroad and the greed and betrayal that characterizes some of the "coyotes" who bring people across the south-western border today.
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Are you ready for the night train?
–"Night Train," James Brown
Clyde Edgerton's charming, humorous novel, The Night Train, inspired by James Brown, Civil Rights, and friendship, is a small, deceptively simple novel. If you missed it last year, and you missed it if you blinked, you should check out this Southern rock-and-roll classic.
Of course it's not just rock: it's also jazz, blues, and a bit of country. Set in 1963 in the small town of Starke, North Carolina, The Night Train is the story of a music-based interracial friendship between two boys who work in a furniture-refinishing shop. Larry Lime, the son of an unemployed father and a mother who works in a dog food factory, is black and a brilliant aspiring jazz pianist, while Dwayne, the son of the owner of the shop, is white, very liberal, and the leader of a small band.
Where they come together is music. When Larry Lime, who takes piano lessons from a well-known hemophiliac local jazz musician called the Bleeder, plays a riff from James Brown's Live at the Apollo album for Dwayne, Dwayne "realized he was experiencing a knowledge he didn't have."
Live at the Apollo?
The new James Brown album. That riff stuck in between some of the songs. It's called 'Hold It.' 'Cept nobody but the Bleeder knows that. He likes James Brown, can play that stuff. It don't say 'Hold It' on the album. See, like this. You play this: do-do do-do do-do. And then the chord: dat dat-dat dat. Real fast. See? Listen. And as he played it, Larry Lime glanced at Dwayne, saw that he was caught up in it.
In their secret friendship in a town divided by race, Larry Lime is very much the leader. Middle-class Dwayne is fascinated by Larry Lime's trained dancing chicken–he did it with "behavioral psychology"–and his plan to drop a rooster from the balcony during Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds when it plays in the colored theater. Larry Lime also takes Dwayne noodling: fishing with their hands for catfish in hollow logs. But Larry Lime is barred from some of the places Dwayne can go.
Both boys enjoy The Bobby Lee Reese Show, a local music show rather like American Bandstand or Shindig, only with hipper parodic humor. To help prepare Dwayne for his band's audition for the show, Larry Lime not only teaches him to listen to and sing James Brown, but to do Brown's signature dance step.
Although Larry Lime knows all about Martin Luther King and the sit-ins, he and his family don't participate. They don't have time, he tells Dwayne.
The narrative is much more complicated than it seems. Part of the novel is in the form of a 2011 interview with Bobby Lee Reese, who not only introduced music on his show, but ate dog food and told stories about an imaginary family. The interviewer is the former piano player of Dwayne's band, Ray Wheeler, whom Dwayne had rather guiltily considered replacing with Larry Lime if he ever resigned. Here Bobby Lee Reese tells Ray Wheeler about writing for the show.
BOBBY LEE REESE: …We'd sit in my little house over there on Maycross Road, about a mile north of the Frog, this place where you could hear good jazz. A guy, a black guy called the Bleeder, played there some. Baby Mercy…[and I] would sit in the living room on my sofa and I'd write down ideas for stories to tell on the show. She came from a sure-enough backwoods family in East Tennessee, seven brothers and sisters, and she loved to bake pies.
Then there's the thread about Flash Acres, the manager of the furniture-refinishing shop, and his mama, who has a stroke. His mama doesn't want black help for nursing. She doesn't even want Aunt Marzie, Larry Lime's grandmother, one of the most influential women in the black community. And, truly, she has alienated most of the black women with her prejudice.
Edgerton shows us the similarity of the lives of both the black and white communities of Starke:
People from both sides of the track in Starke ate about the same amount–per capita–of corn bread, chicken, vegetables, pork, pies, cakes, stews. More chitterlings on the west side. About even on chicken necks, per capita."
This just seems so funny, and so true.
I think The Night Train is a kind of classic. It's nothing like Jennifer Egan's The Goon Squad or Dana Spiotta's Stone Arabia, so don't expect that. It's not about drugs, sex, and rock and roll: it's about a Southern small town where music is the commonality. And, believe me, these musicians work hard.


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The CEO of Schlumberger says it has begun redeploying idled fracking equipment back into U.S. shale plays, hiring workers and gaining traction on oil field service prices.
The drilling business in the United States, where oil field spending is expected to increase 50 percent this year, has "clearly" taken the lead in the industry's recovery after crude prices stabilized above $50 a barrel, Schlumberger CEO Paal Kibsgaard told investors Friday.
That spending boost will lead to "an overdue correction to service and product pricing," Kibsgaard said. And the redeployment Schlumberger's hydraulic fracturing equipment — used to blast open shale rock to release oil and gas — is already accelerating in the second quarter, he said.
The company, which lists Houston as one of its headquarters, plans to reactive its entire fracking fleet by the fourth quarter, and its pending joint venture with Weatherford International will give it a foothold in every U.S. oil basin with both hydraulic horsepower and multistage completion technology, the executive said.
Increased hydraulic fracturing in the United States helped lift Schlumberger back into profitability in the first quarter after a loss in the previous three months.
But even as sequential quarterly earnings improved, the largest oil field service company reported a decline in net income to $279 million, or 20 cents a share, compared to $501 million, or 40 cents a share, in the same period a year ago. Revenues rose from $6.5 billion to $6.9 billion.
Schlumberger CEO Paal Kibsgaard said rising drilling activity levels in North America allowed it to finally dispatch idled equipment across several businesses to U.S. oil fields, with the largest increases coming from hydraulic fracturing and drilling services. The first quarter marked the start of "the recovery from one of the deepest downturns on record," Kibsgaard said.
Still, slower international business weighed on profits compared to the first quarter last year. As Middle Eastern nations cut oil production, Schlumberger's sales dropped in the region.
In North America, first-quarter sales increased 6 percent to $1.8 billion compared to the fourth quarter. But international revenue declined 7 percent to $4.9 billion, driven primarily by a 7 percent drop in sales in the Middle East.


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A Spanish newspaper has suggested Barcelona will try and buy Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Catalan based newspaper Sport features in the latest version of HITC's transfer bin, which attempts to pull apart some of the drivel which is produced by the rumour mill on a regular basis.
Sport has suggested that Barcelona are eyeing up Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in one of the most unrealistic rumours you are likely to see before the end of the season and the transfer market takes centre stage.
The only weight this rumour seems to have is the fact that Courtois currently plays in the same country as Barcelona, at Atletico Madrid where he's developed into one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe.
To begin with, the same report which suggests Barca's interest also comments on the impending arrival of Marc-Andre ter Stegen at the Nou Camp, as the cast iron replacement for Victor Valdes.
Considering Courtois' comments that he doesn't want to go back to Chelsea unless he's the outright number one, this makes it baffling why he'd go to Barca with no guarantee of that status.
Also factor in Jose Mourinho's comments that he expects Courtois to be in West London at the end of the season.
The reason being Chelsea are expected to agree a new contract with the Belgian before loaning him back to Atletico Madrid for one more year.
That's a massive indication that the Blues are grooming him to become the outright number one at Stamford Bridge as soon as Petr Cech is ready to retire or as soon as Mourinho is ready to move the Czech international on.
Selling Courtois to Barcelona at this stage makes no sense whatsoever because it would place pressure on the Blues to then go and find a world class goalkeeper to replace Cech, when they already have one on the books.
Considering how much faith Chelsea have shown in Courtois when they could easily have cut him loose, the player will more than likely feel as though he has a point to prove.
La Liga football may be technically superior to the Premier League but no division can match the pace and physical nature of English football.
We got a small glimpse earlier this week in the Champions League game between Atletico and Chelsea that Courtois has been working hard physically to become a more commanding goalkeeper.
He should want to prove that weekly in West London.
Rubbish Rating: Absolutely no chance.


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A British Crash has its Birmingham launch this coming Saturday, when I will be signing copies in Borders, 11am to 2.30pm. All welcome.
The Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church in America is now saying that, actually, the General Convention votes have changed nothing substantial and they should continue to be regarded as full faithful members of the wider Communion. Rubbish. Or, as Jordan Hylden puts it: 'All in all, one is left with the spectacle of the Episcopal Church's leadership trying desperately to convince the Anglican communion and countless onlookers, by the artful use of lawyerly nuance and political hair-splitting, that they did not do what they did.' http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/page.cfm?ID=450
Jordan H goes on to argue, as I have done, that space needs to be made for those who do not want to go down the 'affirming gay marriage' route: 'the many Episcopal bishops and parishes that have long sought faithfully to remain Anglican are now hoping that Williams, along with the Anglican primates, will give them a place to stand and a way to move forward with clarity and hope.'
Rowan Williams has shown no inclination up until now to give that 'place to stand', to challenge what Jordan calls 'the imperial road of majority tyranny, coercion, and lawsuits.' Anglicans in the US are going through a divorce. Rowan Williams should not be sitting back allowing the stronger party to take possession of the whole matrimonial home and assets. He should indicate, as in many good families, that both parties to the divorce are still counted as part of the wider family – or at least be open to this idea. His silence on TEC's belligerent legal actions is another case of good people doing nothing.
My guess is that Rowan W is too much of an inclusivist at heart. He dearly wants everyone staying at the table talking. He turns a blind eye to those who pretend to stay at the table while 'walking away,' who talk the talk of fellowship and walk the way of legal property-grabbing. Rowan W knows the possibility of 'constituent' and 'associate' membership, core members and fringe members, but he cannot bring himself to embrace this semi-excluding option.
Jordan H is right to state that Rowan W is a key figure, however much Rowan W may himself play down his position. It is just possible that he could turn round and change strategy. But I think a new strategy would be better coming from a new leader.
One lasting impression of being in France for Bastille Day was the oddity of their huge military parade. The French military record is not glorious. They alone in Europe hold such a march-past. No doubt the Russians copied them. The event was instituted not by the original revolutionaries but by the Second Empire, late in the 19th Century. (It seems it coincided with the rebuilding of Paris. Was it a case of 'We have the Champs Elysees. We have to do something with it?') Idolatry ('honour') of the armed forces dwarfs attempts to work for peace. A new memorial, displaying the word 'Peace' in many languages, is being built – between the Champs de Mars, dedicated to the Roman God of War, and the Ecole Militaire. The French should instead celebrate that they are not a naturally war-like nation. They enjoy life, especially food, too much to train for death. 'For goodness sake don't tell them that!' said an Englishman having breakfast in the same hotel.
The triumph of the flower power of 1968 over the hammer of authoritarianism was celebrated at the wonderful son et lumiere with fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwkb13fIpT8 ) 1960s flowers were projected creeping up the tower, before a vicious hammer beat them down again a few times. Eventually flower power covered the tower.
Many firework displays culminate with multiple huge bursts to the 1812 Overture. The French put 1812 near the beginning! They also made the Tower sway and dance. Formidable indeed!
The Englishman at breakfast had come up to us and greeted us at our table. This more-than-usual greeting alerted me that he could be the 'man of peace' whom Jesus had prepared to meet me there as a messenger of the Kingdom of God. He also said he was suffering from a nasty cough and needed to find a chemist – a need for healing prayer. All in all it fitted the pattern of Luke 10. He and his companion welcomed me at their table.
The Englishman, whom I will call Derek, turned out to be a childhood Buddhist. His father had returned from Japanese prisoner of war camp and gone to church. The vicar had been talking about the justness of the war. Derek's father punched him on the nose. The Daily Sketch reported it nationwide. This soldier had no time for warrior Christianity and turned to Buddhism instead. (What a pity that he, and many others, had not read G A Studdert Kennedy aka Woodbine Willie.) When he died, a few years later, he made the Buddhist Society guardians of his son. Derek's mother took him to sing in her local parish church choir, but it was the spiritual exercises of the Buddhists which formed him.
'We like to joke that any restless spirits must be Christians,' Derek said disarmingly, 'because they don't know where they are going. I know exactly where I am heading after death.' Detailed Buddhist mythology had given him a map of the afterlife so he could plot his route. I agreed. For Christians the important thing is to know who you are going with.
Derek described helping to move on a restless spirit in his Lincolnshire village. An old man had kept his wife's ashes with him, on his bed. After he died, all his neighbours said funny things were happening; the whole street didn't feel right. 'On the anniversary of his death,' Derek said with relish, 'I stood in front of his house. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. "I don't know what you believe," I told the man's spirit, "but I'm a Buddhist and I know there's somewhere better to go. Please move on." After that the problems disappeared.' His companion shook his head in disbelief.
I was looking for an opportunity to offer prayer for Derek's throat, but the conversation kept flowing and diverting here and there. Eventually Derek stood up and offered me a handshake. It was time for me to go, before I had slipped in my offer of prayer. I think the Buddhist spirits in Derek had sensed an impending challenge from me. A worthwhile Kingdom encounter nonetheless.
Last week I was asked to go and pray in the house of a woman who has heard strange noises there. Another 'house blessing' has been requested. I also visited a woman recovering from an operation who was sitting in her lounge armchair. After prayer I sensed it was right to ask her to stand up and walk round to see if there had been any improvement. She said there had been some improvement. That was the first time I have ever had someone stand up and walk.
My mother is back at my sister's, 'up and down like a fiddler's elbow', as my brother-in-law says. Some days she's lucid and able to walk with a frame, other days confused and off her legs. My sister is planning to care for her permanently, which will be a great ministry.
Roger Harper


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Friday, July 22, 2011
You Are What You Drink!
Not all calories are the same, especially when it comes to the calories you drink. Most people tend to revolve their diet plans around the foods they consume, often forgetting that what they drink on a daily basis is just as important. Countless drinks on the market tend to be very high in sugar content, which we all know eventually turns into fat, derailing our weight-loss goals.
Some drinks are also loaded with tons of calories that often can be just as high as an entire meal. Learning what drinks to watch out for and which ones to consume can make a big difference in your overall weight and health. Let's take a look at a few healthy options that can help you meet your long-term goals.
When it comes to finding the perfect drink to complement your healthy eating goals, the number-one thing you need is just five letters: water!
Water is a basic beverage that provides essential benefits like helping to digest your food properly and hydrating the body, but most importantly, it contains zero calories.
When considering beverages, it is essential to always read the nutrition facts just like you would with food. The first ingredient listed is the most common ingredient; the least common ingredient is listed last. Your drink should be mostly water or 100 percent juice, depending on the beverage. If you see sugar first on the label, watch out!
Other things to consider: Try to keep your sugar intake lower than American Heart Association's limits for added sugars: 100 calories (6 tsp) for women and 150 calories (9 tsp) for men per day. (These shouldn't be coming from beverages, since many of your foods contain sugars).
So this summer, satisfy your parched taste buds with water; and if you can't forgo your favorite sip (or more) of something less healthy, do it in small amounts! Small changes can equal big results! Drink well.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Chiropractic Eases the Discomfort of Pregnancy
According to a 2006 study in the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, chiropractic care can give pregnant women up to 95% improvement in their back pain symptoms in just 2 days.
Pregnancy can be overwhelming at times and while it's one of the greatest things many women ever experience, a pregnant woman's body goes through some difficult changes - like back pain, shoulder stiffness, sciatica and pelvic problems just to name a few.
If not addressed, these conditions can make pregnancy much more uncomfortable than it has to be and can even make delivery much more difficult.
Chiropractic care has a long, proven track record in helping pregnant women during this constantly changing, yet delicate time. Here's what one study had to say about chiropractic and pregnancy…
"84% of patients receiving spinal manipulative therapy [chiropractic care] reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There was significantly less likelihood of back labor when spinal manipulative therapy was administered during pregnancy." (JMPT 1991)
This confirms that not only is chiropractic care the best, natural drug-free solution to back pain, but it can make back labor much less painful.
Add to this what childcare experts and authors Dr. William and Martha Sears state in their highly praised "The Pregnancy Book, " chiropractic care in pregnancy can help to…
"avoid or relieve back pain and also prepare your back and pelvic structures for the stresses of labor and birth."
Furthermore, it's vital to both mother and baby that the pelvis be in proper alignment during pregnancy. If the pelvis is "out of place", it can cause "intrauterine constraint", restricting the room available for the growing baby. Poor pelvic alignment can also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best position for delivery.
One such position is called "breech" presentation where the baby is not positioned headfirst, making the delivery difficult and even dangerous for mother and child. But scientific studies have proven a special chiropractic technique has extraordinary success with helping breech babies.
One study (JMPT2002 ) confirmed that this unique approach helps the mother's body turn the baby. Of 112 cases studied, 102 of them turned correctly after this gentle procedure was performed…
That's A Success Rate of 92% in Helping Turn Breech Presentations!
In fact, many medical and health care associations recommend chiropractic care for pregnant mothers. The American Pregnancy Association said the following about chiropractic…
"Potential benefits of chiropractic care during pregnancy include:
Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
Controlling symptoms of nausea
Reducing the time of labor and delivery
Relieving back, neck or joint pain
Prevent a potential cesarean section
As you can see, chiropractic care during pregnancy is a well established and safe method of care. If you're pregnant, it doesn't mean you have to suffer for nine months. If you would like to make your pregnancy and delivery as comfortable as possible, visit our office for a spinal check up today!