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Hello, and happy almost-Valentine's Day! (Also, as I just realized, happy Mardi Gras to Louisiana and happy shrove/pancake day to the rest of the world!)
All holidays that actually happen today aside, I love Valentine's Day. According to the internet and 90's teen movies, I'm probably the only single person in the world who loves Valentine's Day, but I really hope that's not true because let's be honest, why would any dessert lover not love Valentine's Day?
Regardless of your relationship status, February 14th is the perfect time to indulge in copious amounts of your confection of choice (actually you could probably replace that date with literally any other day of the year and it would still be accurate). Plus, it's also a great reason to do something nice for the people you love because it would make them happy! Send a note to an old friend, buy a bouquet for the resident flower enthusiast, grab a bottle for your favorite wine aficionado, call your mom to chat about everything and nothing! Just do something to spread the love, romantic or otherwise! (But seriously though, call your mom.)
And if you're still at a loss about how to convey your undying love to your human being of choice, as my biochem professor likes to say, "everyone doesn't like something, but no one doesn't like enjoying copious amounts of chocolate and strawberries (especially in unnecessarily complicated cheesecake form) with friends, family, and bae."
Okay yes I may have taken a couple of liberties with the last bit of that quote but my point still stands. Enjoy!
Happy Fat Tuesday of Pancakes,
Strawberry Brownie Cheesecake
Brownie recipe adapted from Gimme Delicious
Filling recipe adapted from A Farmgirl's Dabbles
Makes 3 mini cheesecakes (4″ diameter)
Brownie Crust:
3 tbs melted butter
1 tbs vegetable oil
30 g cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
40 g flour
Pinch salt
Strawberry Sauce:
2/3 cup roughly chopped strawberries
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp water
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch salt
Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (two 8 oz packs) cream cheese, low fat or regular
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbs flour
Chocolate chips
Whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Whole strawberries
Strawberry cookie straws – I bought these at the Asian grocery store, but any strawberry flavored cookie would be just as great (strawberry wafers, maybe?)
Brownie Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350 ºF.
- Beat together butter and sugar.
- Sift in cocoa powder and whisk until well mixed.
- Stir in egg and vanilla until just incorporated.
- Sift in flour, add salt, and fold ingredients together until just incorporated.
- Divide batter among 3 springform pans and bake for 8 minutes or until the surface of the brownie at the center of the pan is just dry.
- Set brownies aside for cheesecake assembly.
Strawberry Sauce:
- Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth and no strawberry chunks remain.
- Filter the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Set strawberry sauce aside for cheesecake filling.
Cheesecake Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 300 ºF.
- Beat together cream cheese, vanilla, flour, and sugar until just combined.
- Beat in eggs one by one until just combined.
- Stir in strawberry sauce, reserving 2-3 tbs for garnish.
- Pour filling over cooked brownie crusts.
- Gently bang the cheesecake pans against the counter top a few times and pop any surface bubbles that rise.
- Prepare a water bath by pouring hot water into a large roasting pan until the depth of the water is equal to about half the height of the springform pans.
- Wrap the bottom and sides of each springform pan in aluminum foil, and place the wrapped pans into the water bath.
- Place the water bath into the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center of each cheesecake is just set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cover and chill cheesecakes in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8 hours.
Garnish and Assembly:
- Create a set of chocolate and strawberry garnishes for decorating the top of the cheesecake.
Tip: I included directions for the set of garnishes that I used to decorate my cheesecakes, but feel free to get creative! Three general pieces of advice for beginners like me who feel overwhelmed about where to start: 1) maintain approximately the same ratio of tall to medium to short pieces that I used for a well balanced height profile; 2) include some sort of soft, pipe-able topping (I used whipped cream) to fill in gaps and for structural stability; 3) stick to one "shape family" with varying colors (I went with curvy/squiggly to match the lacy heart for Valentine's Day, but you can easily go with sharp/angular (think lots of elongated triangles), round/blobby, etc.). Scroll down for pictures!
- Tall pieces:
- Dark chocolate squiggle (A) – pipe the outline from melted chocolate, then fill in the center
- Strawberry cookies (B1 and B2) – gently break to form 1 piece the length of the chocolate squiggle and one piece about 3/4 the length of the other
- Dark chocolate plant (C) – pipe thin, waving strands of chocolate waving upward away from a single base like a kelp plant
- Medium pieces:
- White chocolate net (D) – pipe the outline, starting with a horizontal line to form the bottom, then creating a series of irregular humps like the back of a camel, placing shorter humps at the ends and taller ones in the middle; after piping the outline, pipe in a zig-zag formation down one diagonal, then perpendicularly down the other to form a messy net
- Dark chocolate swooshes (E1 and E2) – either use a small spoon to scoop out a small amount of melted chocolate, then smear in an arc using the back of the spoon or pipe out an outline, then fill in the center
- Short pieces:
- Strawberry (F) – pare off the base of the strawberry to create a garnish that is slightly shorter than the white chocolate net
- White chocolate heart (G) – pipe the outline of the heart, then fill in the center with a loose mesh of swirls
- Whipped cream:
- Whip together 1/2 cup whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until the whisk just starts to form trails in the cream
- Add in 1/4 cup sifted cocoa powder and whisk just until stiff
- Tall pieces:
- Prepare chocolate ganache topping by mixing 1 part cream to 3 parts chocolate chips and melting the mixture in the microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring in between.
- Decorate serving plates by drizzling a pattern with the reserved strawberry sauce.
- Remove cheesecakes from the refrigerator and gently lift out of the springform pans. After removing the bottom, gently set the cheesecake onto the decorated serving plates.
- Top the cheesecakes with chocolate ganache:
- Fill a sandwich bag with the warm chocolate ganache and snip off a small corner of the bag about 1/8″ across.
- Holding the open corner of the bag just over the edge of the cheesecake, gently squeeze the bag to allow the ganache to flow out and drip down the edge of the cheesecake.
- Move about 1/2″ – 1″ along the circumference of the cheesecake and repeat the dripping process to form a second drip.
- Continue all the way around the outer edge of the cheesecake, varying the lengths of the drips by changing how much ganache you squeeze out before moving to the next spot along the circle.
- Squeeze a generous amount of ganache into the center of the surface of the cheesecake.
- Using a small metal spatula, spread the ganache into a smooth layer that merges with the inner edge of the ring of drips.
- Decorate the cheesecake!
Tip: Again, I provided instructions for how I chose to decorate my cheesecake, but get creative! In general though, place the taller/centering pieces down first so you have a framework for building the rest of your decorations around. Enjoy the slideshow!
- Arrange A and E1 near the center of the cheesecake and slightly to the back to create a centerpiece.
- Add D just in front of A/E1 with a small gap in between.
- Add F in front of the left side of D.
- Pipe a swirl of whipped cream and dot the top with a bit of ganache, then place E2 by pushing the end into the back of the whipped cream swirl.
- Lean G against the front of the whipped cream swirl, facing slightly to the left.
- Add in B1 and B2 behind A/E1.
- Pipe another small swirl of whipped cream directly onto the plate in front and to the right of the cheesecake. Garnish with C.
- Share with friends, family, significant others, or a favorite pint of Ben and Jerry's (which I would argue is definitely a significant
ly deliciousother)! Happy Valentine's!


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Welcome Bags are a great way to let your out-of-town guests know you're thankful they made the trip. For our San Francisco wedding, we loaded up custom tote bags with city info and snacks with a bit of personal flare. All custom graphic design created by Ryan Leggett.
Tote Bags:
These welcome bags began with totes purchased from Jakprints. They have lots of custom options and can print multiple colors if your design calls for it. We ordered their most economic option (Augusta #825) in natural fabric and found them to be great quality for the price. The material was a good weight sewn together with sturdy stitching.
A thoughtful itinerary gave our guests the weekend scoop. We included times and addresses of activities where they could hang with the bride and groom, our instagram hashtag and transit reminders. Consider waiting to print until just before your wedding to include an accurate weather forecast.
Water Bottles:
Personalized Water Bottles are a snap with inkjet labels and a printer. The key is to use Vinyl Labels such as these to avoid ink bleeds if the bottles become wet. Then simply remove the existing label from a generic water bottle, stick on your new label, and voila!
Since water bottles vary in diameter you'll want to ensure that you're not covering your letters or graphics where the two ends of the label overlap. I recommend printing a sample first before committing to your whole batch.
City Maps:
While many rely on their smart phones to navigate around town, nothing's quite like a physical map in your pocket. We included these SF City Maps in each bag to help our guests find their way. Many larger cities will have a tourism department or travel agency that make acquiring these maps a breeze. In San Francisco, I contacted the Bay City Guide and received free maps in the mail by sending a large envelope with the correct return postage.
As an added bonus these city maps also included the local bus routes for public transportation as well as coupons for excursions and activities on the back.
Personalized Snacks:
Consider adding a sweet or savory treat to your welcome bags as a reward for their travels. We included two snacks in each that represented our hometowns. For my husband we gave Whitley's Honey Roasted Virginia Peanuts. In honor of my family, we included a transitional candy that's made during family gatherings each holiday. We packaged each in cellophane bags with twist ties (found at the dollar store) and labeled them with more custom inkjet labels. You can purchase snacks that are pre-packaged such as granola bars or trail mix to save yourself the packaging step.
Recovery Kits:
Let your guests know it's alright to cut loose. A recovery kit including individual packets of advil, a sleep mask, and earplugs from MaskCraft will leave your guests grateful that you thought of everything.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
{source: apartment therapy}
{source: sunset magazine}
{lisa congdon's kitchen: apartment therapy}
{source: canadian house & home}
{source: angela hardison}
{source: jowrites365}
{source: laura hartrich}
{source: down and out chic}
and if you want MORE plate walls,
the source above {down and out chic} has a
plate. wall. archive.
i'm not. even. kidding.


text:
Jeffery and Peter, two orphans being cared for at Imani Children's Home.
In Nairobi, Kenya it is estimated that there are over 60,000 children living on the streets. Founder, Faith Wanjiru a devoted Christian, wants to provide children with love and hope for the future. MsWanjiru started Imani Children's Home (which means "Faith") in 1992 with only 15 children from the streets of Nairobi by purchasing a plot of land in Kayole, a suburb in Nairobi and constructed a building that could accommodate a number of children.
If you DOUBLE-CLICK you can see amazing detail.
We turned left and saw this big iron gate in front of us.
As the doors swung open I was amazed at the contrast between the crowded dirty street we'd just been on, and the wide open clean courtyard teaming with life before us. Everywhere children were busy carrying out tasks. The water you see is the concrete being washed. Some children were busy making support sticks for the many potted plants that are in the courtyard. A man came and took us on a tour. We saw where the children bathe, eat and sleep and it was all nice and clean. They even made us wear big surgical-type booties in these areas.
If you DOUBLE-CLICK you'll be able to read what this giant picture says is Imani's goal for children.
We spent a while in with the infants. They wouldn't allow pictures in there. I got to sit and feed a child and then change, bathe and lay down a half dozen for their afternoon naps. Then we went in and did our puppet show and songs for the older children.
Here's a little video clip of our time afterward with some of the little ones:
So this was after our puppet show and songs had been finished. We were talking with some of the children before packing our equipment up.
This little song says, "Walk with Jesus, walk with Jesus. He loves you. He REALLY loves you..."
I wish I had more pics for you but my photographer was tired out I think - we all were! It was very sweet being with the Imani children. I had to remind myself at first that this was NOT a school, and these children were NOT students attending here. This is the only home they have. I had looked at the little ones that I had been helping with lunch and had thought How could anyone give you up? But God is caring for them in a very nice home.
I had seen this lady in the courtyard sewing thing for the children using an old peddle Singer sewing machine and had asked if I could take her picture. I think she was amused.
Leaving Imani...
Returning to the real world...


text:
Hey i' here to talk about one of my FAVORITE ladies in the world it's IU
She's extremely talented being a singer, song writer ,and actress
(she actually introduced me to K-Drama.... Pretty Man guys if you haven't seen it then PLEASE WATCH IT)
This music video is very cute,playful,colorful, and fun so jam guys dont be shy :)
"Lyrics please?"
Asked for and delivered :D The hook up shall always be granted for you guys :P
Question Time:
What do you guys think about IU overall. Do you like her music? Do you just like her as an actress? Let me know your thoughts on her down below :)
Thats it guys have a great day, i'll see you tomorrow with another SOTD!!!


text:
This is no late night TV promise. It's a fact. How could this happen? Get a colonoscopy! I don't normally discuss my medical procedures publicly, but in this case I want to encourage all of you reading who should be making that appointment to pick up the phone. It wasn't bad, really. And the drugs are great. Like totally man. I was motivated to make my appointment when my husband's friend Solveig was diagnosed with colon cancer that had already metastisized into her kidney and liver. She had a family history, but wouldn't go for the test. Even when she was having troubles, she refused. She died in August. Now her purple motorcycle is parked in the garage and her husband is in their new condo alone. This is preventable cancer. So just do it. The prep isn't awful, it tasted like bad instant lemonade with artificial sweetener. Plus, I got to stay home and knit for the better part of two days.
Here's what I accomplished — I took the advice of all, including Susan the designer, who should know, and ripped out the edging on the Forest Canopy Shawl. I added three more repeats of the main pattern and an extra repeat of the edging. I now have only a teeny tiny bit of yarn left.


text:
Peter Berg produces and directs Battleship, an epic-scaled action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force. Inspired by Hasbro's classic naval combat game, Battleship stars Taylor Kitsch as Lt. Alex Hopper, a Naval officer assigned to the USS John Paul Jones; Brooklyn Decker as Sam Shane, a physical therapist and Hopper's fiancée; Alexander Skarsgård as Hopper's older brother, Stone, Commanding Officer of the USS Sampson; Rihanna as Petty Officer Raikes, Hopper's crewmate and a weapons specialist on the USS John Paul Jones; and international superstar Liam Neeson as Hopper and Stone's superior (and Sam's father), Admiral Shane. — (C) Universal
Scott's Take
I actually laughed out loud when I first saw the trailer for Battleship. My first thought was what is next..Chutes and Ladders? You know what happens when we start running out of ideas? We remake the same movies over and over and call it a reboot. I'm talking to you Batman and Spider-Man. You know what happens after we reboot the reboot? We make movies based on theme park rides. Hello Pirates of the Carribbean and The Haunted Mansion. Once the theme parks are done we have to make movies out of BOARD GAMES!!! Oye Vey!!!
Steve's Take
This is going to do pretty well, no? I know that it is not the best idea or even the most unique idea, but it has a very good actor and a couple of hot women in it. Not to mention explosions and loud stuff for guys to enjoy even more. Enjoy it if you venture out to see it, but don't be embarrassed to wait until it is out on Blu-Ray.
The Dictator
The heroic story of a North African dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed. — (C) Paramount
Scott's Take
I was one of the few that thought Borat was completely overrated. I laughed twice in the movie and found it more repulsive trash than comedic gold. Bruno was ten times worse than Borat and one of the few times in my life I almost walked out of a movie theater. With that being said, I have much higher hopes for The Dictator. It looks more like a real movie. It doesn't seem like a man put in strange situations to garner cheap laughter. I laughed more watching the trailer for The Dictator than I did in Borat and Bruno combined. Cross your fingers!
Steve's Take
So, what else would you expect from a Sacha Baron Cohen film besides anarchy? This movie has some very funny parts and during other parts it is downright offensive! That is exactly what people who liked like Borat and Bruno have come to love about Sacha Baron Cohen. If you are not offended by anything you should go see this movie. However, if you are offended by jokes about abortion, 9/11 and cancer patients, you should stay away.
What to Expect When You're Expecting
Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don't stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy's husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who's expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn't so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a "dudes" support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco's surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date? — (C) Lionsgate
Scott's Take
What do I expect when I'm expecting to go see this with my wife? You got it. Let's say it in unison. Ready? Pure. Hot. Garbage.
Steve's Take
Next Week
That's all for this week. Will The Avengers stay at the top of the box office for a third straight week? Or will Battleship or The Dictator dethrone the behemoth? Next week we have Men in Black III and the Chernobyl Diaries. Have a great week everyone!


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Integration of new template -or- redesign of existing template
Bütçe kr100000 SEK
I just recently bought a real estate portal script from a developer in Romania which works fine. They are also making custom modifications to the script according to my requests. However, they are not offering webdesign on a customer basis.
I need to find someone who can help me with a new look, a new webdesign for my webpage. You can see my test site at [url removed, login to view] .
I would like to have something developed more in line with [url removed, login to view] which is a live webpage. This is a responsive design and my site is fixed at 960px width so I guess it is not possible to make everything exactly like this one. However, the Romanian script developer is working on a responsive webdesign for the script but that happens next year. In the meantime I need to find another solution.
Another and probably cheaper way would be to buy a template and modify it. Here are some templates I've been looking at:
[url removed, login to view]
Do you think you will be able to create a new webdesign but of course still keep all the functionality of my script?
The developer of my script suggested that I should go and find someone who knows php, mysql + is good on photoshop, css (2,3), xhml (html 5), javascript (jquery), smarty, responsive design (mediaqueries, Bootstrap, etc)
I am in Bucharest right now until the 9th of October and we could meet face to face if that is something you would like to do.
Best regards,
Bu iş için 1 freelancer ortalamada kr100000 teklif veriyor
Anlitad av arbetsgivaren


text:
When I brought her home and laid her on the table I couldn't help but call her my Pinto Bean. There is something about the nickname that really fit so well. And now? Now the Pinto is gone but the Bean is Living large.
The great thing about a nickname like Bean is that it can have any number of variations. Let's see. There's Jader Bean, Beano, Bean bag, Beaner.
Bean pole. And when things aren't going well, Bean Job. Oh yeah and stink Bean too.
Beanerizer, Beanzie.
Beanery, Beanerah, Beaneroo
You get the idea. As long as you use the Bean word in there somewhere it fits.
And here is a bit of a bean on a lap, taking a nap.
With a sleep induced giggle and smile to boot.
Every family needs a Bean if you ask me.
The opinions and views put forth in this blog post are those of the immediate family and friends. If you do not have a bean you are liable to be missing out on this bit of life but chances are you have a "bug" or a "Worm" that you love just as dearly and there fore it is not necessary to find a "bean".
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Here's a Bean
3 comments:
we have a bean too ~ our cocoa bean ~ a dog ~ does that count? We also happen to love a little Jader Bean as well :) So I guess we're good and covered in the stinko bean category as well!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:05 PM
I adore your Bean too and she has certainly become the Bean of MY life! Actually, she remonds me of my favorite doll, my Beanzie.ReplyDelete
I know what you mean, She is a great little live beanzie. So glad that we can share our bean with those around us.Delete
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Chapter 5. Garbage Collection GotchasBook 2009.01.07 11:35
In C++ or No GC enviroment, we have two serious problems in windows programming.
- deletes other objects to which the object holds pointers
- closes handles to resource
And .NET cannot release unmanaged resource automatically. so .NET prepared Finalize() method to dipose unmanaged resource.
In VB.NET : actually write the Finalize() method
In C# : pseudo-destructor with the ~NameOfYourClass() -> C# Compiler creates the Finalized() method using the code when we write in the specialized pesudo-destructor.
Writing Finalize() is rarely a good idea
if you don't use unmanaged resource, Don't write the Finalize() method. It make inaccessible instances and delay the cleanup.
Releasing managed resources in Finalize() can wreak havoc
Don't access managed resources with in the Finalize() method. If you access managed resource, it cannot be predicted.
Also, don't call any methods on other objects, or even set their reference to null/Nothing.
Rules to invoke base.Finalize() aren't consistent
In VB.NET, you write Finalize() method as a protect method but you only write pseudo-destructor in C#.
so you don't invoke the base class's Finalize() method in C# but you must invoke the base class's Finalize() method in VB.NET.
Depending on the Finalize() can tie up critical resources
.NET provides a mechanism to support synchronous cleanup fo resource used by object. : IDisposable interface
If you want to clean up your unmanaged resource synchronously, you can write Dispose() method used IDisposable interface.
Using Finalize() on disposed objects is costly
It's better to Dispose() an object than to depend on Finalize() method because Dispose() let you control the clean up of an object.
and Dispose() should have already taken care of its resources, both managed and unmanaged resources.
Calling Finalize() on an object involves overhead. This should be avoided as mush as possible. From within your Dispose() method, call GC.SuppressFinalize().


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Neo-Naturopathy -The Doctrine of the Unity of Disease
Neo Naturopathy: The New Science of Healing - The Doctrine of Unity of Diseases, by Louis Kuhne
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text:
Inspiration Boards: Oscar's Best Actress Nominees10:44 PM
With the Oscars coming up this weekend, I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to the actresses that are nominated in the Best Actress category this year. I'm sorry to say that I have only actually watched one (Gone Girl) out of the five movies featured here. I'm hoping to eventually see the others, but with it being the middle of the semester at the moment, I just don't have the time right now.
All the female characters that are portrayed by these amazing actresses have sort of a signature look in their respective films, so I thought it would be nice to put together some boards inspired by those looks.
Felicity Jones - The Theory of Everything
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild
Marion Cotillard - Two Days, One Night
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Julianne Moore
Thanks for reading!
Have you seen all the Oscar-nominated movies? I find myself more and more interested in seeing these films as I get older, whereas before I would only watch the Oscars for the pretty red carpet dresses and the funny hosts and would find the films to be quite heavy or too "drama"-centric. They were always the films that I aspired to watch, but would usually end up opting for a light rom-com instead. But times are a-changing folks! I might finally be growing up and out of the happily-ever-afters that I usually look for in movies. Exciting times.
2 comments
Love the stripe top!ReplyDelete
Asahiyama zooReplies
Same! It's such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Thanks for stopping by, Ting! :)Delete


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She just passed the theoritical exam for driving and soon will be the actual driving test. I was so amazed with my dear friend from Burma. She took at once and get it as quick as 1,2,3. By a surprise she and her husband are now currently scouting for a car. They are both excited to buy their first ever car that can be use here in Europe.
The focus now is scouting what car should it be. They will buy a second hand one to minimize their budget. I agree that buying a car is not easy it cost a lot and it need a big budget. Both of them are working now so it is very okey for them to spend on car.
I know that they are busy online checking and in car places. I found out that there is one place online who offers Car Shipping and other car accessories needed. Available anywhere and it will be delivered right in front of your door.


text:
But The Kitten is so adorable, it's now hard to imagine what life would be like without her. She waits for you at the door when you get home. She answers you when you talk to her. She wriggles under the blankets in the bed of a night time. She has more than a hundred facial expressions, many of them full of insolence. She goes bonkers sometimes and runs up and down the house in an indescribably hilarious fashion. She loves her blue mousey, and carries it around everywhere.
I really do need to stop talking about her sometimes when around people who just don't understand...
Now onto the promised gratuitous photos! I probably take too many photos of her, but she's so cute!! The Kitten montage is totally inspired *coughrippedfromcough* by Alice from Crochet with Raymond.
Now onto the WIP. I'm still working on the silky sunshine and fairy floss shawl, but you don't need to see that again. My other main project at the moment is a wrap for my mum. I mentioned this was on my to do list a while ago. The pattern is the Aran Toggle Wrap. I've made a few modifications to the pattern to make it bigger, which I'll try to note down at another stage.
It's hard to photograph, because it's so big! At the moment I'm about half way and it's 134cm long and 52cm wide.
|clickety click to visit all the other lovely WIPs


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Keeping the "home" in home made. Knitting together friends, old and new. Being content and making the most with what we have. Finding the good in everything we encounter. Creating good where none existed before.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Ami Alpaca?
What kind of name does this little beast get? Amigurumi Alpaca? Alpagarumi? Ami Alpaca? Amipacarumi? Amialgapacarumi?
He was fun to make and really boosts my confidence when it comes to crochet. He's a combination of several patterns that I found by two different authors. I used Tamoko Takamori's donkey pattern and Ana Paula Rimoli's hedgehog pattern to get all the pieces I needed. The proportions aren't the same as their patterns, but that's where I started. He's made out the odds and ends of my own handspun alpaca yarn, which seems appropriate.
Now he just needs a name...
20 comments:
- Elizabethd said...
Ami Alpaca sounds like a good name. If he was mine he would probably be called Baby Al!
- March 29, 2008 at 2:41 AM
- Faith said...
Oh he is even more adorable than the bunny! I'm sure you could make a fortune selling these! Everyone would want one! i will think of a name and come back to you. You are very clever making these cute animals.
- March 29, 2008 at 3:47 AM
- WesterWitch/Headmistress said...
Now he is very unusual as well as cute . . .are you going to make them to sell?
- March 29, 2008 at 4:36 AM
- Zoë said...
now he is brilliant, and so right for you.... much less work to farm them?
- March 29, 2008 at 6:09 AM
- Fennie said...
I'd call him Al Packer
(He does look lovely and cuddly!)
- March 29, 2008 at 6:54 AM
- Kathleen said...
Even cuter than the bunny! He's gorgeous! Or she...what a cute top knot! Your crochet looks really good.
- March 29, 2008 at 7:28 AM
- Pondside said...
Hmmmm - I'll have to think about that. He/she is very sweet! Looks cuddly and a bit mischievous! You are amazing!
- March 29, 2008 at 8:02 AM
- Kathleen said...
Ali Paca...now you just need to crochet 40 little thieves!
- March 29, 2008 at 3:10 PM
- Cait O'Connor said...
How about Al?
- March 29, 2008 at 3:10 PM
- marit said...
- March 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM
- Ivy said...
I always wondered what Alpacas really were now I know: A cross of donkey and hedgehog who would have guessed? ;_))
- April 2, 2008 at 7:02 AM
- Debra in France said...
- April 4, 2008 at 5:00 AM
- Triangle Cross Ranch said...
OK Suz,
I want one... let me know the cost now so I can save up ;) He is absolutely precious. How long did he take and approx. cost. Interesting give away to "adopters". Ami sounds about right!! I like Ivy's thought, he is actually a donkeyhedge, or is that a hedgedonkey!!!
- April 12, 2008 at 10:37 PM
- Brainy, Olivia's Brain said...
Is there any way I could get a pattern? He is sooo cute!
- April 19, 2008 at 1:47 PM
- Wooly Works said...
Olivia, I tried to find you but you haven't posted anything yet!! I'm in the process of actually writing down how I made this one, as I make another, so send me your e-mail and I'll get the pattern to you. I'm not a scary type, and I won't spam you or anything weird. Glad to have you on board with us wooly gals!
- April 19, 2008 at 2:47 PM
- Unique2wh0 said...
Oh my goodness..I am having a heck of a time trying to figure this out to post LOL..I could not find an email address for you.
I enjoy your blog very much!! I love your story about your momma :)Thanks so much for sharing it.
I was wondering if you wrote up a pattern for your lil alpaca..I would love to buy the pattern it is adorable.
I too live in Colorado and just love going to the fiber festivals and visiting the alpacas and the owners..Such awesome people. Always willing to drop everything to chat with you :) We always have so much fun.
Hope to hear from you soon.
I sure hope this message goes through this time LOL
- May 22, 2008 at 7:03 PM
- maddie.pelz said...
Hi, my email address is email@example.com, and i would love to make this for my friend steph who works on an alpaca farm, and loves them! haha is there any way i could get the pattern? thanks!
- September 7, 2008 at 7:21 AM
- Harry said...
I just love her oh so much! I definitely need to learn how to make her! I would call Her Abbie! She looks like an Abbie!
Thank you for sharing
From facebook
Nikki Brown
- August 28, 2009 at 9:02 AM
- Lucy of Coire Alpacas said...
He is lovely! Best topknot I've seen on a paca. Can I have the pattern too pleeeeeeeease? email@example.com
- August 28, 2009 at 9:34 AM
- Alpaca Farmgirl said...
I think you've struck gold with this one! We just featured Amigurumi on our Fiber Arts Friday post yesterday at the Alpaca Farmgirl Blog.
I would love to do a follow-up in a couple of weeks with this little doll - the alpaca version! Please let me know if we can do this. katy (at ) alpacafarmgirl.com
- August 29, 2009 at 2:33 PM


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Democracy Draws a Line in Honduras
[Getty Image]
Violent clashes erupted Sunday between Honduran troops and the supporters of ousted President Manuel Zelaya as the military began moving trucks into position to prevent a plane carrying Zelaya from landing. Police reported 2 deaths.
Following the attempted landing by Zelaya; Honduran interim President Roberto Micheltti accused Nicaragua of massing troops on their mutual border. Micheletti also urged President Daniel Ortega to respect Honduran sovereignty.
The Interim Government reported it had contacted the OAS to express it's willingness for discussions following their earlier suspension from the group.
Curfews have been imposed at night and media blackouts have been reported as Honduras, one of Latin America's poorest countries, struggles to deal with the freezing of millions of US dollars of international aid. Regional trade blockades and recalls of foreign ambassadors have also had an impact.
To get a focused picture of what is brewing in Central America one must look beyond the media posturing and bias. To gather as many facts as possible requires various sources and strategies. I have linked to and embedded some. Following some study, compile a set of questions and in seeking answers you will discover truth and gain understanding far beyond what is sold as news today.
Latin America expert and professor of Political Warfare at the Institute for World Politics Mike Waller gives an update on the situation in Honduras. Dr. Waller is the Center's Vice President for Information Operations. For an introduction to Political Warfare, see Dr. Waller's primer HERE:
Honduras Factbook:
Nicaragua Factbook:
Venezuela Factbook:
Was this "ousting" in Honduras a "coup" or Impeachment?
Why would President Obama side with Leftists Ortega and Chavez? Enquiring Minds want to know...


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Asparagus Terrine
with tomato salad & pesto
Loin of Wild Highland Venison
port-pickled red cabbage, game sauce with bitter chocolate
Iced Heather Honey Parfait
with toasted oat crumble, raspberries & whisky syrup
with toasted oat crumble, raspberries & whisky syrup
Our Chef - James - has just created a new selection of mouth-watering sample menus! Take a peek here - Menus @ The Elemental Kitchen . You can also view the recipes for some of these dishes by scrolling through earlier blogs. Bon Apetit!


text: Has anybody used donated meds? I don't even know where to start looking. We have run into another financial snafu. Our insurance money has run out and everything is out of pocket now and on top of that our nanny (my mom who we pay) is moving as soon as she can out of state so we will have to pay more than what we pay her to find someone to watch Evan. When it rains it pours.


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25 June 2018
News and Views
Links and Services
Showcase Journal
Some donors experience severe psychiatric complications, including suicide, after liver donation, report researchers in a recent issue of Transplantation.
The morbidity and mortality from donation of a right hepatic lobe for living donor liver transplantation is an important issue for this procedure.
Dr James Trotter and colleagues investigated the prevalence of severe psychiatric postoperative complications from the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort study.
The study was established to define the risks and benefits of living donor liver transplantation for donors and recipients.
The research team evaluated severe psychiatric complications in 392 donors from the study who were evaluated between 1998 and 2003.
Of all the donors, 4% had 1 or multiple psychiatric complications, including 3 severe psychiatric complications.
The team noted that the severe psychiatric complications included suicide, accidental drug overdose, and suicide attempt.
Dr Trotter's team concludes, "Despite extensive preoperative screening, some donors experience severe psychiatric complications, including suicide, after liver donation."
"Psychiatric assessment and monitoring of liver donors may help to understand and prevent such tragic events."
Email this page to a colleague
GastroHep.com is a Blackwell Publishing registered trademark
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text:
HSN saw a pretty good third quarter, with its net sales rising 7 percent to $578.3 million, the home shopping network reported Tuesday.
HSN attributed its performance to strong sales growth in apparel & accessories, home design, health and electronics, partially offset by a decline in jewelry. Yikes, our favorite category!
Digital sales grew 13 percent, with penetration increasing 200 basis points to 38.8 percent. The return rate decreased 120 basis points to 17.6 percent, primarily due to changes in product mix.
Units shipped increased 3 percent and average price point increased 4 percent.
Gross profit increased 9 percent to $202.7 million. Gross margin increased 50 basis points to 35.1 percent primarily due to lower clearance sales and higher product margins, partially offset by an increase in net shipping expense.
Operating expense leverage (excluding non-cash charges) improved 50 basis points to 23.5 percent.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 17 percent to $66.7 million. Operating income increased 18 percent to $56.2 million.
HSN Inc., which includes HSN and Cornerstone, had a 5 percent increase in net sales, to $837.5 million.
"HSNi's strong performance in the quarter was a direct result of the successful execution of our strategic initiatives," CEO Mindy Grossman said in a canned statement.
"HSN's unrelenting focus on customer acquisition and assimilation, digital optimization, and the strength of our product portfolio drove overall sales growth of 7 percent and digital sales growth of 13 percent," she said.
"We also had sequential financial improvement at Cornerstone," Grossman said.
Tags: HSN, Mindy Grossman, The Homeshoppingista, third-quarter earnings


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Social Transformation Under the Sheltering Sky of Aesthetics
Posted by Jul 28, 2017 0 comments
The integrity and transparency with which we conduct ourselves at the National Public Housing Museum is extremely important to everyone involved. This is work where the process is as vital as the result itself. And we intend to evaluate the so-called "excellence" of our efforts in how much justice we help to create in the world. The Aesthetic Perspectives framework emerges at a key moment for our work, as both a blessing and offering. It opens up a utopian and expansive new terrain for how to reflect on work that is meant to be socially engaged and transformative.Read More


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I have a dentist appointment on Monday. I do floss, but nothing about it has ever felt very natural.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged art, cartoon, comic, doodle, drawing, funny, Humor, illustration, sketch |
Hi there, really enjoy reading your blogs they always make me smile. I have been doing a post for the Versatile Blogger Award Nominations and have nominated you as a potential candidate. If you are interested in taking part you can see the details on this link:
http://islawhite.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/versatile-blogger-nomination-march-2012/?preview=true&preview_id=932&preview_nonce=d06ad62494by Isla White March 11, 2012 at 5:56 am
truly enjoy your drawings! Very funny to share haha so I added to favorite : D !by Yarli Allison November 5, 2012 at 5:30 am
I like to draw. Three years ago, I started drawing on little yellow sticky notes. These are the little pictures I like to draw. If you want to contact me you can leave a comment or send an email to: email@example.com


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The only awards that matter!
Ladies, this is DISGUSTING
awwwwwww Levi oh and ps v. classy.
Writers of Glee are you listening??
also if you are not watching Jersey Shore (#1 anthropological study of our times) you are not alive. catch up and get your guido/guidette nickname
YOU GUYZ! the fuck is going on?? we need to discuss this. Martha at IN 'N OUT?!
I may or may not dress like this for my job interview today
You know how I love a good David Beckham picture:
The New Yorker talks fashion statements
uh oh! look who's got jokes


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Under 17
The slower paced game made it easy for Echuca to create turnovers all the way down the court against Tatura. Meg Eishold's flying intercepts were quickly converted to goals and Echuca scored 23-4 in the first quarter. Solid defence from Alex Tenace and Margaret Green kept the home team to only 14 in the first half. Maeve Johnson made a significant contribution to the game in the midcourt moving well and clearing the ball quickly out of defence. Mia Gregor is settling in well to WA. The goals were shared between Marni Rickard, Lucy Higgins and Claudia Mawson who all contributed to the final haul of 68-26.
Bests: Maeve Johnson, Claudia Mawson, Meg Eishold.
The Bombers got off to a flying start thanks to the drive of Krysten Rogers from the centre, aided by amazing accuracy from both goalers. But it was the second quarter which had the Bombers soaring ahead, putting up 16 goals to three to set up a great lead. Maggie Stewart got her hands to every ball that came near her, causing numerous turnovers throughout the quarter and helping the Bombers capitalise on opportunities and affirm their lead. Position changes in the third quarter highlighted coach Karlie Stevens' ability to take on the centre court, and again the Bombers were able to maintain control. The last quarter saw Sophie Deola continuing to create options in the goal ring and provide crucial space, allowing a strong finish and a dominant win with the Bombers coming out on top, 57-18.
Bests: Sophie Deola, Krysten Rogers, Maggie Stewart.
B grade
Echuca started the game well, with Alenka Hubacek providing strong drives through the circle. Emmison Rohde made her return to the season, moving well in the circle and creating plenty of space. The defence end worked tirelessly, ensuring Tatura had no second shots. Echuca led at half-time 27-13. Annabel Johnson and Zara Pearson ran hard in the midcourt all day, feeding the goal exceptionally well. The pressure Echuca put up down the court, made it hard for Tatura to capitalise. With interceptions made by Khloe Miechel and Anna Palmer, it allowed the goalers plenty of opportunities to score. Echuca finished the game strongly winning 44-31.
Bests: Lucy Eishold, Zara Pearson, Annabel Johnson.
A grade
Echuca was looking to continuing on its recent winning streak when it met Tatura. Beautiful sunny conditions saw an even contest in the first quarter with both teams shooting well. The Bombers were well supported by mid court player Meg Rohde who delivered well to Abby Poulton and Lisa Drysdale in the ring, helping Echuca to a narrow one-goal lead at quarter-time.
The second quarter was all Tatura. The defensive pressure on the bombers was causing turnovers and saw Tatura take control of the game. Dearnah Kent and Tamara Nicholls battled hard in defence, but it wasn't enough to stop Tatura take a five goal lead going into the main break.
Bombers coach Casey Frame asked for improvement and a return to their style of play in the third. The Bombers responded through great intercepts by Eve Gregor and Erin Hill. Olivia Hannon was shooting accurately, and helped the Bombers reduce the margin to just three goals going into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Echuca play the style of game the supporters are used to. Defensive pressure improved which resulted in turnovers, and Tatura saw their lead and the game slip away. An intense final few minutes saw Echuca win 42-38.
Bests: Erin Hill, Eve Gregor, Meg Rohde.
Echuca United
Under 11s
With the sun shining, the girls came out strong with some great defending. Awards: Dale Buntine (Subway), Molli Lucic (Petstock), Jasmine Ventura (Hungry Jack's) and Hayley Depace (Roma).
Under 12s
This was a great game where we were pushed right until the end. Another super defensive effort all over the court. Great hands to every ball. United 25 defeated Deni 18.
Awards: Delaney Laffy (Petstock), Alicia Callander (Subway), Grace Davis (Roma) and Charlotte Gould (McDonald's).
Under 13s
Majella, Kirsty, Georgia, Katelyn and Ella provided great defensive pressure across the court. This gave Leah and her other attackers multiple opportunities to feed goalers Asha, Eden and Kate, who were pushed hard in the goal ring. United 46 defeated Deni 18.
Awards: Asha Gray (McDonald's), Georgia Davidson (Paramount), Ella Larkin (ITS)and Leah Sidebottom (Subway).
Under 15s
A clash of two undefeated teams saw the girls from United come out on top. Great teamwork, tight-pressured defence and beautiful shooting saw us running away with an awesome win. United 36 defeated Deni 28. Awards: Abbey Watson (Hungry Jack's), Phoebe Poole (Subway), Georgia Maiden (Roma) and Chloe Stone (De Trazani Hair).
Under 17s
A tough hard-fought game against Deni Rams. The girls played a good team game. Jess Davidson owned the centre court with many intercepts and caused plenty of turnovers. The defenders played an excellent game helping the 17s to a 10 goal win. United 32 defeated Deni 22.
Awards: Jess Davidson (Brownz Café), Jess Gould (De Trazani Hair), Hollie Davidson (McDonald's) and Dakota Leitch (KFC).
The Eagles had a tough game today finishing even at half time. The girls fought back in the second half to come out with a nine goal win. United 39 defeated Deni 30.
Awards: Georgia McGowan (Paramount), Chloe Mitchell (Roma), Brilee Gledhill (Moama Bowling Club) and Rani Dobbyn-Reid (Hungry Jack's).
C grade
In a very tough and physical clash, the full moon had an affect on the girls both emotionally and physically. A see-sawing game on a hot and sunny day saw the girls pushed hard, resulting in a draw. United 40 drew with Deni 40. Awards: Viv Duck (Trac Iorranis), Gabby Shirley (Echuca Workers) and Danisha Wheeler (Bamunga Therapies).
B grade
A very physical game with great fight shown by the whole team. Everyone supported one another with excellent passages of play and combinations. A strong third term allowed United to take the lead and finish off the game. United 39 defeated Deni 33. Awards: Chloe McDermaid (Ceres), Tina Rankin (Echuca Hotel) and Tanner Edwards (Trac Iorranis).
A grade
This week we travelled up the Cobb Highway to take on the Deni Rams in a much anticipated game. Sitting on equal points, this third v fourth battle saw Bree Bookham and Remy Day working hard in the mid court, both playing a determined four-quarter effort. They consistently fed the goalers, putting them into great positions under the ring. Sophie Atkinson played her best game of the year and barely missed a goal for the day. As per normal, our defenders led by example and repelled many a Deni attack. Another four quarter performance which now locks us four points clear in third position on the ladder.
A big thank you to one of our biggest supporters and scorer each and every week in Rhonda. We all appreciate your support and wish you the best in your travels. United 51 defeated Deni 30.
Awards: Sophie Atkinson (Trac Ioranni), Bree Bookham (Bamunga Massage) and Remy Day (Echuca Hotel).
Under 11s
Some excellent passages of play were implemented by all the girls. Halle Power filled in and was strong in defence and also in GA. Naiteah worked hard with great positioning and strong leads. Award recipients were Halle and Naiteah, great game.
Under 12s
Under 12 girls put in an awesome effort right across the court, bringing home a great win. Best on went to Kasey, encouragement award to Livia and coach's award to Sienna.
Under 15s
Girls started off steady, but with a couple of intercepts by Chelsea Wright in WD they took off. Shooters held their ground well to keep putting them up. Eliza did a great job once put into GD. Best on court were Chelsea W and Eliza, winning 51-17.
After a strong team start we let Cobram back in the third. We gave 100 per cent in the last to come out on top by two. Great defensive duo in Katie and Tia with support from Hannah all day.
C grade
A great win by the girls, starting with a few girls in different positions everyone put in 100 per cent, Stacey holding her own and working endlessly in the centre and Anna always there in centre. Well done girls, final score 33-20.
B grade
The girls had a great first quarter with the scores level at quarter time. A second quarter full of turns and intercepts that weren't capitalised on allowed Cobram to take the lead at half time. The last quarter the girls closed the gap with some great defensive pressure and accurate shooting, unfortunately letting the win slip away in the end. Coach's award went to Casey Love and team award went to Steph Sage.


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Getty Images
Charles Walker's stay in Philadelphia was a short one.
The Eagles announced that they cut the rookie defensive tackle, to create the roster spot needed to make the LeGarrette Blount signing official. He was waived with a failed physical designation because of an apparent knee problem.
Walker was signed as an undrafted free agent, after leaving Oklahoma early following a concussion. He was criticized by his own coaches at the time, but said later that he was struggling with depression which was now under control.
It's unclear the degree of the knee problem which caused the Eagles to cut bait, or whether another team will want to give him a shot.


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3 Cups Soybean oil
2 lb Fresh cod fillets
1 Cup Self-rising flour
1/3 Cup Dry Mustard
1 Cup Water
1 Egg
2 Teas Granulated sugar
2 Teas Salt
Sift together mustard and flour.Heat oil to 400. Cut the fish into approximately 7x2" wedges.With a mixer blend the flour mixture, water, egg, sugar, and salt.Dip each fillet into the batter coating generously and quickly drop in the oil. Fry each fillet until dark golden brown about 5 mins.Remove and drain. Soybean oil and mustard flour are the secrets here. Thanks to Chad for his help with this recipe. It should now be pretty close to the real thing
Arthur Treacher's Fish Batter
3 lb Fish Fillets
2 Cups All-purpose flour
3 Cups Pancake mix
3 Cups Club soda
1 Tablespoon Onion powder
1 Tablespoon Seasoned salt
Dip moistened fish pieces evenly but lightly in the flour.Dust off any excess flour and allow pieces to air dry on eaxed paper, about 5 minutes.Whip the pancake mix with the club soda to the consistency of buttermilk- pourable,but not too thin and not too thick. beat in the onion powder and seasoned salt.Dip floured fillets into batter and drop into 425 oil in heavy saucepan using meat thermometer.Brown about 4 minutes per side. Arrange on cookie sheet in 325 oven until all pieces have been fried.
Secret Restaurant Recipes
Long John Silver's Batter Dipped FishPosted by Bradley47 | 7:59 PM | Long John Silver's Recipes | 0 comments »


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I chat with Jodi on the phone every week (as do a few other people too), and I can tell you now, as greatly appreciative as Jodi is for all the mail & support she continues to receive, she's also very disappointed at the current low level of money in her appeals fund.
Right now, the fund has round $15,000 in it. It needs to have $150,000 in at the very least, and probably a whole lot more by the time the dust settles… so $15,000 right now (while better than zero) is just not cutting it.
To a degree, responsibility for that also lies with the person currently overseeing the official fund website… as their willingness to integrate themselves into the non-FB based support community has been somewhat non-existent to date. Hopefully that will change moving forwards.
The thing is… way too many people have gotten themselves involved in an almighty ego-fueled pissing match over the past few months. There's no other way to describe it. Yes, they're Jodi supporters ("in a fashion") — even though most of them turned up several months after the initial trial had finished — and since then, they've blown way too much time & energy trying to out-do & out-manoeuvre other supporters, subsequently rendering themselves as useful as a politician in a crisis. I'm not naming any names here, but we know who they are.
You see, prior to doing anything, I always ask myself this question: "WILL IT HELP JODI?". If it will, then it gets done. If it won't, then it's pointless wasting time on it.
If many more people adopted a similar approach, then we'd certainly make more cumulative progress in the direction of our common goal. Think about that for a second. We are all here for Jodi after all. Anyone else's personal baggage, gripes, vendettas and/or their accompanying bullshit is irrelevant and should be treated as such.
Let me spell it out for you:
If you've already donated to the fund, that's awesome. Please donate again.
If you haven't already donated to the fund, why the hell not? What happened? I'm not even sure you could class yourself as a true Jodi Supporter if you haven't donated. You'd be more like a bystander… watching everything happen but not doing anything pro-active to help the cause. And that's not good.
Click here (or click the pic below) to visit the official JAA Appellate Fund website to make your donation today.
Finally, if my post today has offended anyone, then that's great. That was the plan. It's a wake up call if you must. It's also a call to action. So if anyone has been offended today, then so be it. Maybe they should take a look in the mirror the next time they're passing one. Maybe they should be thankful they actually have a mirror to look at. Maybe they should also be thankful that they're not locked away 23 hours every day too.
Remember this video from back in January 2013? Here it is again:
[hdplay id=25 width=500 height=300]
Here's the bottom line folks:
Jodi deserves to be free. Our combined & cumulative efforts can go a hell of a long way towards speeding up the process and achieving that objective as a direct result of the forthcoming appeals.
Above all else, and as I've been saying since I launched this site back in December 2012… WE ARE TEAM JODI… AND WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS in our quest for JUSTICE FOR JODI.
That statement will never change… but it's now time to stand up & be counted.
Team Jodi (and Jodi herself) thanks you in advance for your support and your donations.
Have a great weekend!
Team Jodi


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One of the things left with my Mother's body was a little book based on LeAnn Rhymes I Hope You Dance.
Do you know how much I fucking hate that song?
I can't even describe it, but I have what must be a close-to-PTSD trigger to it, because except once or twice, I've literally run out of every public venue as soon as I hear the first chords, hyperventilating, in full panic.
She didn't even like LeAnn Rhymes that much!
My Mom loved Joni Mitchell, and Carol King, Streisand, Nanci Griffith, and Lucinda Williams. She loved all of the great female folk singers (and then had an embarrassing thing for Kenny Rogers and George Strait).
She liked country and loved folk, and Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now would have been a song I could have lived with. It would have helped.
But this LeAnn Rhymes semi-christian Country?
I can't type the lyrics, because even seeing the song will have me on the bathroom floor keening. But what I can say is this.
I like country and love folk too.
Most of all, I love the Indigo Girls, as I've written more than once. Popular music is the only art where I can say – emphatically – that I have a favorite band. I don't have a favorite author, I have a favorite list of authors. I don't have a favorite painter, I have a list. Movies, list. Actors, list. Classical, list. But for non-classical music, it's Amy and Emily and has been since 1990. (Although Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkle are very close seconds).
The universe works in strange ways, and my boss (a straight up music junkie himself) posted the pre-order for an Indigo Girls concert on my facebook page months ago. Naturally I ordered 2 tickets, told the brunette, and then discovered that they were playing the friday of Mother's Day weekend.
The worst weekend of the year.
Very few people see me when I am truly and completely happy in my skin. But my wife has. Sometimes I let my friends glimpse it, particularly if they are near me and my horse.
But on Friday night, I danced. To the music that has made getting through the worst parts of this life possible. I sang until I was hoarse.
Because I know the words to every song and singing along is absolutely required by Amy and Emily. They wrap you up in their music until you feel ALL the feelings — from political outrage to love to heartbreak to existential questions to
hope. Most of all, hope.
I drank blueberry red bull (they didn't have sugar free, and I danced in my little black dress. I danced my blonde ass off.
Like no one and everyone was watching. Like the complete weirdo that I am. So completely filled with joy by the music and the people who love the same music I love.
So yeah, Mom. I miss the fuck out of you. But I am dancing.


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Forgot your password?
I couldn't get into this. I'm sure it was something extraordinary to watch in the 80's , the sets, production design, hair, make-up and costumes are all fantastic, and the performances are game, but the story just dragged on and, weirdly, I just didn't find it very funny, which is surely the whole point of the film?


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Blog backgrounds. I tried to find one that I liked and kept it up for a few days, but I am just not a fan (for me that is). My friends who have them, they look like them. I just didn't think mine "looked" like me. I'm a minima stretch kinda girl ;)
I attempted to make a pretty header....That was a bust. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Sorry if my blog not only reads boring, but looks boring now too. My apologies.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Can't Do It
Posted by Courtney McShan at 10:43 AM
3 comments:
Friend- I am a simple is better kind of a gal. No backgrounds for me! Only a header :) I like minima strech a lot!ReplyDelete
I'm right there with you on the minima stretch front... I've tried to change, but I just can't do it.ReplyDelete
This might sound ridiculous but how did you get your header centered? For the life of me cannot figure it out! Please don't laugh at my lack of blogging design skills!ReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Sunday, November 27, 2011
Matt's conference started today and he is really enjoying it. We had breakfast with Megan and Molly and we dropped Matt off at the convention center. After we had lunch and naps back at the hotel Jonah and I went to Laura and Matt's to play and have dinner. The kids made pizza for dinner and had fun playing together. Tomorrow we're headed to the children's museum.
Posted by Kim at 8:41 PM
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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WKU President Gary Ransdell and Athletic Director Todd Stewart have issued a joint statement Wednesday in response to questions regarding WKU's future athletic conference. Another round of conference realignment kicked off this week when Maryland announced it was leaving the ACC for the Big Ten, and Rutgers said it was leaving the Big East for the Big 10.
And Wednesay afternoon, Louisville announced it's leaving the Big East for the ACC.
Does WKU have a chance--or desire--to move to a different conference? Here's the joint statement issued by Ransdell and Stewart:
"Conference re-alignment is an ongoing and fluid process. We continually monitor and analyze all of the many dynamics and variables involved. We emphasize that, as always, every decision we make will be in the best interests of Western Kentucky University."


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Club Penguin Activity Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Wild Puffle Treehouse Pin
This pin is at the Snow (Tree) Forts.
Club Penguin Activity Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Wild Puffle Treehouse Pin
This pin is at the Snow (Tree) Forts.
Club Penguin Activity Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Club Penguin Times Issue #545
This demonstration shows some good activity, and some puffle headlines/articles. Enjoy the video, and of course, the newspapers can keep you updated as well.
Club Penguin Activity Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Blue Raccoon Puffle Preview
Some puffle specialists released some information on this robber, who is most wanted- No, um, it's mainly based on those puffles who like to sneak in and out, taking pizzas.
"Last night, I swear I saw something strange. It looked like puffles playing hide and seek in the distance. From the light of the campfire they almost looked like blue raccoon puffles. It makes me laugh when I think of it now. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me.
Still, these puffles moved like I'd never seen. They were quick, graceful, and played so well together.
It had to have been blue puffles, right? Of course it was. I can't let my imagination run away on me."
Seemed like a weird thing. Raccoons. Raccoons everywhere. No, I'm just imagining.
Club Penguin Activity Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Purple Deer Puffle Preview
According to some information from the blog and the team, they tell us that there are some specified characteristics. Not only does the team give us the information, but also some specialists/experts of Club Penguin do, like the Puffle Handler (PH) for example. The handler had written some notes and sent them to the Club Penguin offices on the report.
Thanks for the interesting stuff you added, PH! Lets us know much about the puffle better. And I guess there might be more spotlights to come.
Club Penguin Activity Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Spring Moderator Meet-Up March 2016
Deary me, sadly I can't make it.
So at around 3:30 PM PST (Or 6:30 PM EST), yesterday, on server Hockey, every penguin, I believe, were wearing their spring clothing. I guess they met for the starting of spring or some sort. Pretty much when I read the Club Penguin blog's comments, I think they had a blast. Let's say I also missed meeting up also with PH, probably due to not as much time and all that.
In conclusion, I think I had some fun as well. Waddle on.
Club Penguin Activity Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Penguin Of The Week: L U V
So a penguin was nominated a week later or so. L U V here, is known for the nomination!
The nominators for L U V, are:
The nominators' comments:
"Cool can L U V be POTW she is awesome i luv club penguin so much so does she congrats Reeci vote for L U V"
"PLEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASE make L U V POTW! She is funny, smart, kind, and a great listener. She always listens, and she always cheers me up when I'm down. And that's why I nominate L U V!"
"Congrats, Recci Peeci, love your user, you sound awesome, and you got lots of votes! I would like L U V to be POTW, because she is an amazing friend, has GREAT ideas, amaze taste in fashion, and always has good advice. She always has time to hang out, too!"
Greatly, I tell you, I bet they're doing fine/okay. It proves how they can be the penguin of the week, just like the employee of the month.
Club Penguin Activity Sunday, March 27 and Monday, March 28, 2016
Happy Easter
March 27 and 28 marks the day of Easter. Here in Canada, Monday is Easter Monday, in which I have two days for fun. I just hope you'd have some good times.
From Seth and the Club Penguin Activity team


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Saturday, July 5, 2008
I'm making a meditation wheel in the back yard so I can walk there and try to think. The ivy will be the boarders and grass will grow for the path.
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This is the life of Carl Stevens, if you feel like following along. A diary of sorts. Living a kind of bizarre life and decided to make it available to the masses. Comments welcomed.


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Yokohama tyres available from Concorde Auto Centre - the place for tyres, wheel balancing and alignment
Yokohama Tyres
In line with various drivers' preferences, Yokohama boasts a tyre lineup that meets a diversity of driving scenarios, including tyres for sports cars, luxury saloons, SUVs and dress-up vehicles as well as studless tyres. Passenger car tyres, which respond to all kinds of driving needs such as riding comfort, handling performance, environmental features and a quiet ride are the embodiment of Yokohama's technologies and expertise in tyre manufacturing.
Motorsports plays a vital role in contributing to Yokohama tyre development. The cutting edge macromolecular and design technologies for tyres installed on racing vehicles are being employed in the development of tyres sold in the broader market and greatly contribute to improvements to producing road tyres that achieve high-performance characteristics. Without a doubt the fast pace of development in motorsports serves as a crucial testing medium for Yokohama in creating better tyres for the future.
For more information you can visit the Yokohama Tyres website. The Yokohama Tyres range of products include the following:
A Drive - Designed for outstanding traction and superior handling
- Silica technology leads to superb wet and dry performance
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A520 - Designed for improved handling in both wet and dry conditions
- This Smart approved original equipment tyre has exceeded all performance, handling and safety requirements set out during the development of the vehicle
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- Original equipment tyre on Smart Brabus.
Adan A101A - Designed for improved comfort and road handling
- These original equipment tyres have been designed, tested and tuned to the specific requirements set out by Mitsubishi to give you the best possible driving experience
- Provides good levels of grip
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Advan Sport V103S - Designed for high speed driving
- Flagship tyre in the Advan range
- Also approved by Audi, Honda, Mercedes and Porsche as an original equipment fitment as a result of outstanding performance during testing and development
- A high-grip compound specifically designed for high speed driving
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- Boasts superb handling at the highest levels in both dry and wet conditions coupled with a comfortable, quiet ride
- Asymmetric tread design.
AVS Sport V102 - Designed for ultra high performance sports cars
- Ultra high performance tyre with superb handling in dry and wet conditions
- Specially designed compound offers outstanding grip
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C Driver 2 - Designed for great wet and dry performance
- Enhanced Full Logic Tread Pattern - provides superior performance on both wet and dry road surfaces
- Newly developed compound delivers increased rubber strength providing excellent handling performance as well as great mileage.
Geolander G039 - Designed for superior all season all terrain handling
- This Mitsubishi approved original equipment tyre has exceeded all performance, handling and safety requirements set out during the development of the vehicle
- Superb wet traction
- All-Season durability, comfort and handling are key benefits.
Parada Spec 2 - Designed for improved road handling in wet weather driving
- Massive diagonal tread blocks maximises grip
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- Low void shoulder increase rubber to road contact.
W Drive V902A - Designed for winter driving conditions
- Asymmetric winter tyre designed for superb performance in winter conditions
- Excellent traction on snow
- Performs very well in dry and wet conditions
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- Compound remains flexible in colder temperatures.
Premium car tyre brands that we stock at our Cambridge, Coventry, Leicester, Milton-keynes, Northampton, Norwich, Oxford, Peterborough, Swindon and Wisbech branches include; Avon Tyres, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Hankook, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama.
Premium Tyre Brands
For information about the premium tyre brands available from our Concorde Auto Centre branches, simply click on the tyre brand logo of your choice:
Mid Range Tyre Brands
Foind out more about our mid-range tyre brands at Concorde Auto Centre branches, simply click on the tyre brand logo of your choice from the list below:
Economy Tyre Brands
For those on a budget, review our economy tyre brands available from our Concorde Auto Centre branches, simply click on a brand of your choice:


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So there we were, a small group of friends casually lounging on the shabby-chic sofas that populate the fabled environs of that most exclusive of Hollywood playgrounds, Chateau Marmont, when I realized that no one was paying any attention to Kate Hudson. The stunning movie star was patiently waiting for someone—anyone—to direct her to her seat, to no avail. The reason? Sitting next to me were three members of the "Fab Five," stars of the then-hottest show on television, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and members of the hotel's staff were noticeably excited to be in the trio's presence.
The monster-hit show's style sheriff Carson Kressley and interior design master Thom Filicia were hilariously holding court (as is their nature), but it was grooming expert and resident heartthrob Kyan Douglas who made for a most curious addition to the irreverent gathering.
Douglas, a style contributor to ratings juggernaut Rachael Ray, was sitting next to me, doing what he so often did on screen: half participate, half observe. Kyan's telegenic appeal is rooted in his natural ability to simultaneously be at a party and just look on. It's his "I love these guys/Can you believe these guys?" dichotomy that has served him well throughout his television career. And it was in full effect this particular celebrity-filled evening.
Born Hugh Edward Douglas Jr., in Miami, Kyan was raised in Florida before moving to Dallas to study philosophy at Brookhaven College. A little later, Douglas attended Loyola University in New Orleans to major in television production and theater studies.
A decade and a half ago, Douglas moved to New York City to work for beauty giant Aveda, where he helped create the Aveda Institute, a hairstyling and grooming school. He went on to become a top-rated hair colorist at Arrojo Studio in Manhattan and began his television career in earnest, working on the makeover shows What Not to Wear and While You Were Out. Then, Douglas auditioned for Queer Eye and, on the spot, was offered the role of grooming guru.
Douglas was an important component of that life-changing show, and Queer Eye won the 2004 Emmy for "Outstanding Reality Program" and was nominated in the same category the following year. These five men hit the zeitgeist at precisely the right time and were taking full advantage.
Back at the Chateau Marmont, I whisper to Douglas that both Penélope Cruz and Salma Hayek (sexy in matching pony tails, jeans and white T-shirts) are huddled together on the corner sofa directly behind me, and he seems genuinely surprised that he's even in the room with these famous women. Unbelievably shy, Douglas is by far the most guarded member of the Fab Five about his personal life (though he's acknowledged dating Queer As Folk actor Robert Gant as well as publicist Gregory Durham). I then point out that Ms. Hudson is still waiting for someone to help her. Instinctively, Kyan almost gets up to find her a seat himself. His empathy, coupled with his authentic peace-not-war demeanor, is at once contagious and quite attractive.
As the Gorgeous Kate crisis is resolved (finally), Douglas refocuses his attention on the hysterical high jinks that both Kressley and Filicia are unleashing on all of us. And, boy, we're all in it now—shouting, whooping it up, laughing with tears streaming from our eyes. Joyful, delicious chaos. And through it all, there is Kyan Douglas, smiling his bemused smile at the entire situation, undoubtedly wondering how he got to this moment in the first place.
I, for one, would love a bit more of my friend Kyan Douglas' detached engagement skills. It suits him well. Namaste, brother.
Define luxury.
For me, luxury is time—time to be with good friends, time to follow your passions and your heart and time to explore life. The greatest luxury I have ever experienced was the luxury of being able to take a year off of work and take care of my mom when she was in the process of her death. It was the most precious, luxurious year of my life.
What's the biggest grooming mistake men make?
Oh boy, just one, eh? [Laughs] It really depends on where in the country we're talking about. I see a lot of overly groomed eyebrows and way-too-stiff hair gel in the Northeast. In the South and Northwest, a lot of ear and nose hair and wild, untrimmed eyebrows. I think, overall, most guys miss the details.
Things men can do to look better?
Well, it's a tough one, especially during the holidays, but taking care of the skin is key. A gentle cleanser, an appropriate moisturizer (one with retinols if you're over 40) and protecting the skin from the sun are all important for looking your best.
Who's the best-groomed celebrity right now?
New England Patriots quarterback [and supermodel Gisele Bundchen's husband] Tom Brady. Great athlete, good looking and a sense of style all his own.
Do you miss the other members of Queer Eye, the "Fab Five"?
Yes, of course I miss those guys! How could I not? We shared a life experience that was just incredible—and truly overwhelming at times. I think we'll always have that bond. Besides, those guys are just so damned funny. Who wouldn't miss them?
Let's talk about your recent trip to India: Was it life changing?
Well, it's not India that's life changing; life is always changing. Like many seekers, I have a tendency to look "out there" for meaning in my spiritual life. What I discovered in India is that I never had to go anywhere to reside in the absolute; it is always already here, right now.
Tell me a secret.
I'm a bona fide fantasy and sci-fi geek.
Three words that best describe you.
Oh, boy! Wow, it's so hard to describe yourself. It's like, which version of me do you want to know about? Let's see: I'm introspective. I'm a hopeless romantic. I'm a total goofball. So that makes me a romantic, introspective goofball. [Laughs]
In five years, Kyan Douglas is…
I have no idea. Truly. I'm just trying to be as alive and peaceful as I can be, here and now. But I do have a recurring fantasy of owning a farm with some goats, chickens and bees.


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Arab Israeli Conflict
Middle East
Israel News
Hi Tech News
International news
WASHINGTON - The top US military officer said on Wednesday he has recommended bolstering Lebanese forces grappling with the fallout from Syria's civil war by sending in military trainers and accelerating arms sales.General Martin Dempsey also said he had recommended helping Iraq better deal with the re-emergence of al-Qaida."We've made a recommendation that as we look at the challenges faced by the Lebanese armed forces, the Iraqi security forces with a re-emerging al-Qaida in Iraq, and the Jordanians, that we would work with them to help them build additional capability," Dempsey told reporters at the Pentagon.A spokesman said Dempsey's recommendations were made "in recent weeks" during internal discussions with the US military's Central Command, as it deliberates how to respond to the growing, regional unrest.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
By REUTERS
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