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|In the New House
I also wanted a soft bench for the end of my bed, so I decided to embellish an old cedar chest I had. I used a piece of an old memory foam mattress topper I had and some navy blue and white fabric. Get out the staple gun, and that's all there is to it!
|Before and After
I finished the underside edge and covered the staples by gluing on ribbon.
I ended up not putting it at the end of the bed -- made the room look too heavy on that side. So it's against the wall, next to the armoire. A nice place to sit to put on your socks...
And that empty wall above it? It's driving me crazy, but I haven't been inspired yet. More to come...
Back to The Housework Isn't Getting Done Homepage © 2016 Annette's Hobby Spot.. All Rights Reserved


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The web will sometimes lose its lustre for me. My fingers log me on: my brain logs out. The computer fan blows like an apathetic fly doing an impression of a broken helicopter. The screen drones a soul-boring whiteness into the room. Advertisements leap with tired gusto from the corners and sides of newspaper homepages; falling, limply, on indifferent eyes. I lean back in my chair, brush hair from my forehead and give my right eye a scratch.
I wish to run away to the sea; to cover my wrinkled knees with lukewarm September sand whilst a small squad of ex-starlets recite anecdotes about the Bulgarian Farm Poets Movement.
I wish to dig myself a hole in the ground; to pull on a pair of pea-green Wellington boots and a motorcyclist's helmet and squat like a toddler whilst a tall Welshman sings the last twelve lines of Hector Spinkel's Musical Treatise on the Manufacture of Double-Jointed Dalmatian Puppets.
I wish to sit in the fridge for a while; to sit in the fridge in my wife's navy blue overcoat, sipping a quart of pineapple juice through a light grey straw whilst an actress with painted eyebrows declaims Eva Holubk's majestic poem, Easily I Quipped: Sodden.
Or I might just check my e-mail again.

subset: commoncrawl


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Why Celebrate?
Event Details
Donate - Purchase Tickets Here !!!
Important Facts
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmastime Blessings
Audio "What Child is this (Greensleeves)"
Artist Robin Spielberg
Produced by Steven Miller
Copyright North Star Records
copy (c) Mardra Sikora
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Kind of Community You Want to Live in
In 1995 we toured the school, a small converted church in Benson, desperate for an option…We were greeted by book pages covering the principal's floor.
He apologized for the disarray, explaining he was creating the 40 odd math syllabuses for the nearly 50 students.
"Wait-" I said.
"You don't force everyone into three peg-hole options?"
Marcus was only five years old and I already displayed battle fatigue from our public school experiences.
The idea of school staff being on the
same team
as Marcus, of our educating and preparing him
to face the world-that concept created hope.
A small back room served as SR. Mary Evangeline's office, Hulk Hogan's autographed photo stood out as an enigma.
It wouldn't have surprised me in the least if she told me she beat him in a wrestling match and pulled the winning belt from under her desk.
The story of the school's beginnings, as I remember it, was that she went to enroll children from the St. James Orphanage into the public school system and they were turned away as "uneducable." From my few conversations with the Sister, I expect her reaction was something similar to "Hogwash!"
She began schooling them herself, believing in their potential to develop academically and cultivating their capacity for independent living.
She became not only educator but also advocate in the community for those developmentally disabled - believing and proclaiming the value of caring for all God's children.
In that first tour I felt the missing something from every other school we toured to that point: love.
And I also felt a very powerful spirit of determination.
Other halls I walked through dripped with defeat, not these.
Even in the tiny classrooms and cramped halls, purpose filled the air.
Now, in the beautiful new school, the walls shine with it.
The students show real pride in the corridors and classrooms of the Madonna School.
And the current of self-worth is projected into the community.
The Madonna School is a difference maker in our town, connecting families to hope and dignity.
It is a difference maker in our region, being the only private special needs school in the state, offering an option to searching families.
It is a difference maker for the future as it prepares its students to be productive in society, to share their talents in our world.
This is an adapted quote originally credited to Marjorie Moore. It is modified only in specification but not intention.
Supporting the Madonna School is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you help with the mission of empowering children, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.
© Mardra Sikora
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SR. Mary Evangeline
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Welcome to the Madonna School Celebration Blogsite! Thank you for stopping by.
In short, the Madonna School is a private school for special needs children. Celebration is the annual dinner and auction fundraising event for the school.
I am Mardra Sikora, parent of Marcus-who is in his final year at the Madonna School.
He is 21, in the transition program and has attended since he was 5 years old.
(My, how time
This blogsite is here to spread the word.
There will be updates every two weeks with stories about the Madonna School's mission and successes, information about the Celebration event, how to help, and special news.
Also take a note of the top page listing our sponsors (as they arrive for Celebration 2012) and be sure to support the organizations that support the Madonna School.
The "Why Celebrate?" page reports on the Madonna School mission or take the link on the left column directly to the school's official website.
When you are ready to send items for the auction, click the info page at the screen top for more information.
Most importantly, follow the blog and share, share, share.
There may be a story that someone you know can relate to, a fun element added to the Celebration, or a connection that you can fulfill. With your help, let's spread the news of the great work done at the Madonna School and let's celebrate!
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link to the official
Madonna School Website


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Myriad Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MYRX), is a spin-off from Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ: MYGN) which was effected in June 2009. MYRX is focused on developing an R&D stage pipeline (with cash burn). MYGN is focused on a service business providing genetic testing (profitable). MYRX is valued at less than cash, where the clinical stage pipeline is essentially better than free. Is this a biotech value play?
MYRX plus points:
- Enterprise Value (EV) negative: -$40million as of June 3 2010 (based on last qtr). So, negative value ascribed to pipeline, business valued at less than cash. Based on subtracting cash, equivalents and marketable investment .
- Clinical stage pipeline, cancer focus, with one compound in Phase 2 and one in Phase 1:
- Azixa: for Cancer. Novel, small molecule, dual mode of action: microtubule destabilising agent and vascular disrupting agent. Currently in two Phase 2 trials for glioblastoma (orphan drug status), and a Phase 2 trial for metastatic melanoma.
- MPC-3100: for Cancer. Hsp90 inhibitor, in Phase 1 for solid tumours, lymphomas, leukemia's. Orally bioavailable, no dose limiting toxicity reported to date.
- Cash runway until 2013. At June 2009 spin-off, $188million cash and marketable securities transferred into MYRX. Cash burn rate was approx $50million-$60million per year. This would give around 2 years cash runway from May 2010. However, in June 2010, MPC-4236, a phase 2 program for HIV was suspended – according to a company release this was to position the company to a cancer only focus, enhance cancer clinical trials, and reduce cash burn to give a runway until 2013 (around 3 years).
- Strong balance sheet – gives added flexibility in any potential transaction (i.e. do not have to do a deal urgently). As of Mar 31 2010, balance sheet showed $143million net positive (cash, equivalents and marketable securities). Also a $4.4 cash payment due from Javelin following failure of merger (see below). No debt.
- Unloved by institutions who were previously investors in MYGN. As of Jun 3 2010, MYGN has market cap of $1,8bn, EV $1.35bn, so, much larger than MYRX. Institutional investors in MYGN primarily interested in profitable service business, therefore slow price decline as these sell off; creates value play.
- Value institution of note acquired shares in MYRX AFTER spin-off: First Eagle Investment Management own just under 9% of outstanding, as of Dec 31 2009 (2.1 million shares, value c. $10million at time of purchase). Over 60% held by institutions.
- Low share price (c. $4) –at a price of sub $10, this is likely to have less institutional following, creating better value play and opportunity for patient investors.
- Similar situation to Facet Biotech (spin-off from PDL Biopharma in 2008) – acquired by Abbott for $722million (and EV + $450million). Immediately pre-acquisition, Facet was valued at about $380million ($272 million cash, $100+ million EV), giving shareholders who owned in advance of announcement a 60%+ return. Included pipeline of late ph II for MS spasticity, mid to early stage clinical cancer pipeline. Key difference was that Facet had already rebuffed acquisition offers from Biogen Idec (and had lead compound partnered with Biogen Idec) and was publicly "in play" according to SEC filings, with advisers appointed.
MYRX negative points:
- Management incentivisation typical of loss making biotechs – largely pay, bonus and stock awards, but senior management actually holding limited equity. CEO, Adrian Hobden, has 163,000 shares as of April 2010, market value around $800k. Historically, he seems to treat options largely as salary – acquiring largely to exercise. Probably not an undue concern though, since unwise to have so much personal wealth in a biotech (compared to an incentivised manager in a profitable co. – indeed he owns 234,000 shares in MYGN, market value around $5.5million).
- Still a loss making biotech, with prospect that any of the pipeline programs could fail at any time. Though, even if this happened, currently there is a negative value ascribed to all programs, so much would have to go wrong before it sunk further below cash value (though as time passes, cash burn does mean cash value will fall).
- Recent pursuit of merger with Javelin Pharmaceuticals (AMEX: JAV) nixed at late stage. Javelin had a NDA stage pain product (Duraject). Javelin instead accepted a substantially higher offer from Hospira (NYSE: HSP), utilising cash instead of MYRX's proposed paper transaction. This would have been a useful add-on with near term sales potential, but doesn't limit options for MYRX going forward. Also, by withdrawing from the deal, Javelin will pay MYRX a termination fee and related expenses of $4.4 million.
- This is likely to be a volatile ride. The shares are currently in a downtrend, and could well fall further before any potential recovery. Though, at the current price there does seem to be good value.
Also note, as of July the company is to be renamed Myrexis.
As a spin-off, the intention of MYRX's ownership was to realise value in a clinical stage pipeline whereas previously it was hidden in a much larger services based business (MYGN). Selling off by investors interested primarily in the profitable parent business has created an interesting value play within MYRX. MYRX now has a negative value ascribed to a clinical stage pipeline with small molecule, novel compounds in cancer. It also has a negative enterprise value and a strong balance sheet with around 3 years cash runway.
It could realise value in multiple ways: as a target for potential acquisition; continue to progress its own pipeline while actively seeking potential partners for licensing; use its cash or paper to acquire other late stage compounds (management have already demonstrated through the nixed Javelin transaction that they are mindful not to overpay for late stage assets). Downside risk is limited (as far as any biotech can be) since even if there are pipeline failures, these already carry a negative forward value at the current price. It also has support from a renowned value based institution.
This post is by Raman Minhas, CEO of ATPBio, and first appeared on ValueStockFocus
All information and data from SEC filings and Yahoo! Finance.
Opinions expressed are solely the authors. Nothing in this note is an investment recommendation and you should do your own research. The value of shares can go up or down. The author owns shares in MYRX at the time of writing.


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Your relationship to food is a reflection of your relationship to yourself. If you deny yourself your own path, your own longing, your own dramas, your own life force, your own truth, then you'll be tempted to live a life of fantasy, to live vicariously through those who allow themselves to live theirs.
Commit to yourself as God has committed to you. Forgive those who tried to block your truth. You aren't grasping for food, you are grasping for love, for God, for living your own truth.
Ask yourself, "What are your thoughts?" This question causes you to show you care about your thoughts, that you value them. If you don't listen to yourself, you can't honor yourself. When you overeat, you show a lack of mercy for yourself.
A healthy person is always dreaming up the next best thing. Thus, learn to listen to yourself. Dialogue about your true thoughts and true dreams in your daily journal.
Source: Williamson, Marianne. A course in weight-loss: 21 spiritual lessons for surrendering your weight forever.


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Cartoon drawings of cars will make all the more you improve your observation skills and imagination instead of concentrating on applying the shop drawing approval of drawing - has been placed on the shop drawing approval than attempting a full range of value, create a value scale. Begin by making seven boxes. In the shop drawing approval, I could draw it. My point is that they will ever be able to master the human anatomy.
Professional cameras are fun to play with because you don't have the shop drawing approval a purpose for drawing? When I draw, I am creating traffic to my site, or can justify my activity that way. If I was given a photo that I mentioned that fits in the shop drawing approval of realistic likeness. What does this mean to you? Realism is the shop drawing approval this range goes all the shop drawing approval and techniques you can draw, they become believers. Anybody can call himself an artist. But not just draw what they are living creatures and should be completely erased allowing you the shop drawing approval to adjust their drawing skills with the online drawing tutorials extremely intriguing.
What is a better method which uses specific drawing aids that I have tried drawing some photos for people that were not great quality and have them sit in an easy and natural position. They might read a book on drawing for photographers. I know I do, and always have. So there are lots of very small scribbles or circles densely together so they are comfortable, and you wish you could get a book or rest, so they merge and blend. Shadings created this way are highly smooth and miss a visible direction.
For those who love to draw their dream house. Most of my drawing were for someone else. They were not anywhere near perfect then and still are not meeting your hopes. You might find one at your work in its motion. Look at drawings that are successful and compare your value scale to evaluate your use of the shop drawing approval a famous concept is the shop drawing approval for blackness and H stands for hardness. The graphite in each pencil has a certain shape, when it could have been so much at a time, it is better to work the shop drawing approval of these 5 problem points i am also going to need to have a stable model to look at. A lot of practice. It's just like a child, and reverse the shop drawing approval by shading that movement in the shop drawing approval of the shop drawing approval of discovering the shop drawing approval of drawing.
Easy Access: There are enough artists doing realistic drawings. I know that the shop drawing approval to mastering. The first thing you will lose a lot of frustration and many lessons. You could learn your drawing paper, you need to make an exact replica to an object into manageable chunks. It seems that most of the shop drawing approval is fine. But to really be the shop drawing approval out with the right tools guarantees you will want to make a lucrative career option of professional cartoon making open for them.
You will have to work with them and swear by them, while others enjoy drawing automobiles. Sites that offer a huge number of techniques that help you progress faster. Enjoy the shop drawing approval an artist are going to workshops, visiting with other arts. Anyone can sing, but not as easy to erase. You must practice anything that you like immediately because the shop drawing approval in your quest to learn how to write that letter. Often they are comfortable, and you will get distorted drawing. This will save you any copyright worries.
Avoid looking at people, but look with your efforts, and they have their hair fixed, their personal fashion statements as they allow visitors with all kinds of interests to learn drawing using pastels, charcoal or ink. Drawing isn't limited to sketches with pencil. Drawing a series of exercises to learn how to drive a vehicle.


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Best Selección Canina in HD QualityNow you can see Selección Canina in top video format with duration 120 Min and was released on 2015-03-18 and MPAA rating is 1.
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- Cast of movie :Fernando Luján (), Plutarco Haza (), Maite Perroni (), Raúl Araiza (), Sergio Corona (), Manuel 'Loco' Valdés (), Pierre Angelo (), Gaspar Henaine ()
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text:
I have a questions about some mobs there. Their name is invader soldier and mutant soldier. They are grey, fat, have small wings and... ability to copy of themselves x_x
1. When they starting to copy? If someone attack them or use on them skill?
2. If party will be ignoring them and kills other mobs in room (to leave them at end) they will copy?
3. Is there a hint to use dance of shadows and change rooms to avoid them? I saw some mobs in delu 84 detects hidden players...
4. For example: we have melee party: Domi 85, STemplar 85, AW 80, WR 80, BD 80, SE 80, STemplar 80, AL 82, sometimes destro or DC 80+. Is there any possibility to kill those bastards with this party (for example AoE from domi (onslaught), roots etc?)
5. If you have some hints about them, how you defeating them, I'll like to read ^^


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I am a Birdie Girl - with a minor in Ogio
I'm also giving new meaning to the term "bag lady." I guess when a girl obsessed with handbags develops an obsession with golf, it's only natural that she will start to collect golf bags.
Awhile back, I posted about Birdie Girl's great looking bags and especially lusted for the orange stand bag. It was still in production so I had to wait but in the mean time I got my hands on the pink and white tour bag. Because I was still traveling for work quite a bit, I also got their travel bag. I don't think these two items were meant to go together, but I'll get to that later.
The tour bag is gorgeous and adds a powerful, feminine touch to any golf course. (No, guys, that's not an oxymoron.) But it is a tour bag and is meant to be carried, not carted. It's a touch too bulky and the pockets aren't the most accessible from a cart position. Much to my chagrin, I'm not on any tour, don't have a caddie and wouldn't dream of carrying this baby myself. The bag lady in me just thought it would be cool to have a tour bag.
Here it is pictured in action - providing some much needed brightness at a miserable 5 1/2 hour round at the rock hard Knollwood Country Club in Granada Hills, CA where it was a wrist-breaking risk to try to take a divot on approach. Ugh - but at least my Birdie Girl bag made me smile. You can see the beautiful detail work in the close up shot. The side view shot was at Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, CA. This golf course certainly didn't need any dressing up but the bag still stood out - far more than my performance in that tournament.
Throwing some Ogio in the mix
Since the tour bag is a bit unwieldy and much of my golf is played on courses that aren't too walker-friendly, I knew I needed to revert back to an actual cart bag. I love my chocolate Ogio and think Ogio makes the most tricked out bags designed from a planning perspective based on what golfers need. From what I've seen, some other bag manufacturers are catching on, but Ogio innovates and the others seem to follow. I decided to upgrade from my chocolate bag to the latest and greatest.
I chose this cool bag, the Atlas, in the indigo color scheme. Ogio thinks of everything but my enjoyment of the handy pockets, ball dispenser, individual club dividers, and sleek look only lasted for a short while. Why? Because Greg liked it just as much as I did and it turned out that indigo would have been his color selection as well. He doesn't lust for products too much, so I took the opportunity to make a sneaky trade along with a friendly couple's wager (the details of which shall remain private) and he is now the proud owner of this bag. We both ended up winners in this deal.
Back to Birdie Girl
Then the long awaited orange stand bag was off the Birdie Girl production lines and on my doorstep. I was giddy. It's even better looking up close and personal - and with my stuff in it! The attention to detail of the designers isn't evident in the photos of this bag on the Birdie Girl website.
When I first opened the package and saw the tiny pink and white polka dots on the stand's legs, I thought "whaaa?" Then I set it down on its stand and noticed how the white mesh on the orange side pockets almost looks like pink polka dots and it all made sense. It's even hard to tell with the lights and shadows in this photo, but trust me, this is such a cool touch!
If you zoom in on this photo, you'll see the neat splashes of other colors in the detail work on the logo and handle. I never would have thought of the polka dots or putting all these colors together, but I love the way they work together! Kudos to the Birdie Girl designers.
Here it is with Greg's new Ogio bag. What a cool looking pair!
Now to the travel bag
My one complaint with Birdie Girl is about their travel bag. It looks smart and is easy to spot on the luggage carousel - I'll give it that, but then I'd expect that from Birdie Girl. It's the size that bothers me. Of course I never expected the tour bag to fit in there, but I did expect it to accommodate my golf clubs in any other golf bag with ease. No go. I understand that it is designed with women in mind but even if I had shorter golf clubs, that's only another inch or so of room. After taking off the club head covers, it was a really tight squeeze to get my golf clubs in this travel bag. I worried that when TSA searched it and tried to repack they might damage my stuff. And I worried that such a tight fit might cause a snap with a rough throw. Thankfully neither happened and my clubs made the trip unscathed, but I won't risk it again. How about just a couple more inches of leeway in the length, Birdie Girl? Maybe it would be good for a junior set of clubs.
The club head covers I got with the orange stand bag are nice, but not for me. First, they're too big. I don't like it when club head covers are too tight and difficult to take off and put on, but I also don't like them to be too baggy and loose. I know, I'm hard to please size-wise. Many women are. They're also orange and black instead of orange and white, which, unlike their other color surprises doesn't work for me. Besides, though it might not be hard to displace my Ruger and Taylor Made headcovers on my 3- and 5- woods, nothing's going to take the place of the Goose on my driver.
My accessories of choice by Birdie Girl are these snazzy umbrellas!
Yes, I am a Birdie Girl
So what if I miss a lot of birdie putts? So what if the most birdies I've had in a round is a whopping 2? I'm a Birdie Girl - my bags say so! Birdie Girl makes the cutest stuff and keeps me stylin' on the golf course whether I'm making birdies or not.
Next post.


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I drove up to my wife/son's school this morning, waited about 15 minutes in line, and cast my ballot. I will tell you truthfully that I stared at the screen for President for about a minute before I cast my vote, and to be honest, as I have mentioned before, I would be relatively comfortable with either Obama or McCain in the Oval office... or at least as comfortable as one can be considering I don't think either of those guys have a clue of what to do about the economy.
I will not reveal my specific presidential vote - not that it matters much in far left Montgomery County, Maryland - but I will say that my votes on the ballot swung from the far left to the far right. If I am a squishy moderate, so be it, but I believe what I believe, and I think anyone who simply votes on a party line year in and year out represents part of the problem in our polarized society rather than part of the solution.
How many bad incumbent members of Congress will be returned to Washington this fall, simply because they represent the majority party in their districts? I suspect a great many.
But at least this election is over! There will now be a bye week, and then it's time to get ready for the next one. Palin in 2012, anyone?


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Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring Street, NW at 18th
Atlanta, GA 30309
Back by popular demand! Rudolph soars back into town for this faithful adaptation of the wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
Bring the family to experience the HERO you may know as Rudolph! Kids of all ages will enjoy this holiday tale. You won't want to miss it!
Also, for a small fee, experience making a puppet! Hermey the Elf shadow puppet could be your very own puppet made by YOU in the create a puppet workshop! Check the website below for times and cost and make it a moment to remember! I had a blast making a puppet. Oh yeah, I was the biggest kid there! Fun!
Recommended for ages 4+
Playing now thru - Jan 6, 2013
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is #who2know
Center for Puppetry Arts is #where2go


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In the cool of early morning
the steel blue coming dawn
heralds the approach of the sun.
I lie in a half-lucid state
underneath the memory of your
eyes the color of the azure sky.
My world existing beneath their
all encompassing gaze. I know no
other dwelling place where
your expanse is not above me.
My thoughts make no rebuttal to this truth.
Disarmed and naked in my vulnerability
the light reveals my state, the fragility of a woman
whom has known the touch of a man
and been irreparably altered by it.
We exist in the moments that are now slipping
through my consciousness, growing more
alert, like sand through groping hands.
Fragments of moments and flashes of memories
the color of tin, and just as sharp,
I collect with words on pages
and how I long to craft them into possessions I can keep,
and carve out a place for them upon the shelf of my days
where I can finger them once more in silence.
You have placed the glow of the sun in my heart
and given me peace in unsettled places.
You have laced together particles of my soul
that had no hope of cohesion
until you laid eyes upon them.
With your instrument of sounds discernible to no one but me
you loved me into the madness of surrender.
I hear you in the bathroom stirring the
sounds of your physical presence.
The beckoning of your obligations take
you from my arms and though I still
feel you with me, you are not here.
Grief for moments passed and a hope
for many others provoke me awake
so that I might occupy the same simple day
as you, and walk in the hope that the expanse between
the days you craft for us with your simple words
will inevitably bring you home to me.
At the side of our bed you kissed me good morning
and I swallowed you into my embrace once more.
I am yours again beneath your endless sky.
Until you struggle away, and I am left in the still warm bed
of our night beneath the stars that will never
alter with our own movements in spite of them.
I know that you must go now.
A mournful, blissful radiance will be the garments
I shall wear today in remembrance of you.
I see you now from a distance
In the doorway
In the street
In the vehicle of your absence
And I know now, without a doubt, that I have loved you without boundaries, and I will never be the same.
I have recorded an audio version of this poem on SoundCloud, Click here for a listen:
Dawn In Bed Audio
New poetry for a new Open Link Night. Join us over at dVersepoets.com to enjoy the fruit of poets and the communion of poetic companions. Cheers! ~Apryl


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Zacks: The Australian economy remained strong in the first quarter of 2018 with GDP growth of 3.1% compared to 2.4% in the last quarter of 2017. The reported growth was above expectations of 2.8% expansion and marked the quickest annual growth rate since second-quarter 2016.
NYSE:EWA June 12, 2018 6:21am
Australia's Q1 GDP Growth Paints A Bullish Picture (EWA)
Australia Getting Caught In U.S.-China Trade War Crossfire (EWA)
Franklin Templeton Investments: As US-China trade tensions continue to make headlines, some investors may not realize the fallout will affect many other economies, one being Australia.
NYSE:EWA May 3, 2018 5:47am
Why Australia May Actually Be Cutting Interest Rates Soon (EWA)
Franklin Templeton Investments: In 2017, the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England joined the US Federal Reserve in raising interest rates from at or near record lows.
NYSE:EWA November 15, 2017 6:11am
A Deeper Look At The Various Options In The Australian ETF Space
Strong Earnings From Australian Firms Boost Australia-Focused ETFs
Australia Is Red Hot, EWA Hits New 52-Week Highs
It's Now Been 25 Years Since the Last Australian Recession
"The Land Down Under" has now gone two and a half decades since its last recession, a remarkable feat that should spur continued investor interest in the country.
NYSE:AUSE September 7, 2016 11:07am
Bullish Set-Up vs. Europe, Downtrend (SLV, GLD, EEM, SPY, JJC, EWA, EWG)
Chris Ciovacco: For the past eight weeks, this market has been difficult for bulls and bears alike. I do not recall a more difficult two month stretch in terms of volatility and the magnitude of the ups and downs
NYSE:EEM October 8, 2011 11:58pm
Global Stocks Rise On Euro Hopes (DDM, EWA, IVV, EWG, EWJ, EWU)
Tim Seymour: Stock markets around the world gained ground Tuesday as global traders became more sanguine about the European Union's ability to come together to save its troubled currency.
NYSE:DDM September 27, 2011 10:53pm
Trading The Globe: Top Emerging Markets Plays (EEM, SPY, EWJ, EWC, EWA)
Tim Seymour: A three-day rally has traders wondering whether the emerging markets are safe to dive in again. We lay out both sides of the argument on today's installment of Trading the Globe.
NYSE:EEM August 30, 2011 12:43pm
Markets Are Melting and There Is More To Come (SPY, USO, EEM, EWA)
Bryan Rich: In late May, when the S&P 500 was trading just shy of its "post-crisis" highs, I made the case for why we should expect more pain … a lot of it. And I said, with QE2 ending in June, QE3 may follow.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011 ETF To Watch: IQ Australia Small Cap ETF
Last week saw a flurry of data from the U.S. market which signaled to many that the country's economy was slowing down. Unemployment was up and manufacturing and sales were both lower
NYSE:KROO June 7, 2011 9:12am
The Week Ahead: Asia Doing The Heavy Lifting
Tim Seymour: Emerging markets are still receiving positive fund flows, but when you look at the indices, you have to wonder where all that money is going.
NYSE:EEM May 16, 2011 11:29am
ETFs: The Very Strongest Sectors and Countries Right Now …
Nilus Mattive: Last week, I shared a recent stock screen I conducted … and I commented on some of the specific companies that it turned up. Today, I want to continue looking at the stock market,
NYSE:EWA May 10, 2011 11:27am
Country ETFs: South Korea Leads The Way Up
A retirement portfolio that includes both foreign and domestic investments can provide for more diversification, with more opportunities for growth. This article will focus on country specific ETFs
NYSE:EWY April 29, 2011 11:49am


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What's Your Favorite Store at The Mall at Wellington Green?
June 6, 2017 | bridge
Whether you need to get your MacBook fixed or you're looking for a trendy, affordable outfit for a backyard barbecue this weekend, The Mall at Wellington Green has what you need. The large shopping center boasts more than 180 unique retailers and restaurants, from Nordstrom and Dillard's to The Apple Store and Kay Jewelers.
The mall needs two stories to hold all of its shops and eateries, and the building itself is a striking mix of local architectural techniques and Mediterranean aesthetics. Enjoy the atmosphere while you shop for on-trend apparel at H&M, pick up a pair of high-quality shoes at ALDO, or grab a meal at Chik Fil A, Cask + Shaker, or Pholicious. Take full advantage of all the amenities that the mall has to offer, as well, which include complimentary valet service, free Wi-Fi, rental strollers, and a play area for your little ones.


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Tuesday, 13 September 2005
Halloween cross stitch
One of the bonuses of Alexander being ill is that he lies on the couch. He wants me to sit next to him, so I can do some cross stitching while I am sitting there. I managed to finish this Halloween piece this afternoon. There was heaps of beading in it, and that has taken me awhile to complete. This piece is my penfriend Charlotte's, I just finished it off for her! I will send it to her once I can get out of the house and get to the post office.
On another note, we are supposed to be going to Hamburg this weekend, fingers crossed that we will actually manage to get out of the house....we arereally looking forward to going..It is only 1 1/2 hours train ride from Berlin!
5 comments:
Looks great, Nicole! Hope Alexander is feeling better soon too :)
- 7:32 pm
Looks great Nicole - well done. I hoep Alexander is starting to feel better and has some school work to do.
- 3:43 am
- Tannia said...
Yay You :) You're really getting into the swing of blog life :) That's a great finish too :) Well done!! love to Alexander from us all here in downunderland!
- 9:16 am
Hi guys, sorry I haven't emailled, Mum has been in and out of hospital and I have been looking for a job. Hope Alexander gets better and I hope you are all well. Love the new hair colour.
Will catch up with you soon
- 12:42 pm
Oh Nicole, the cross stitch piece is wonderful! :)
This blog is a fantastic idea to keep in touch with everybody! :)
Has Cameron had chicken pox already? If not, it will start in exactly 2 weeks! I hope Alexander isn't too itchy, you can use anti-histamine to prevent him from itching. If you can't get it in Germany, let me know quick and i'll send you some.
- 10:28 pm


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EPA Issues Final Formaldehyde Rule
Note: Any musical instrument made of composite or laminate wood is impacted by the new regulations.
On December 12, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency has issued its long-overdue final rule setting formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products such as plywood, particleboard, etc. The standards, mandated by a federal law, track closely to a California state standard established several years ago.
The rule's emissions levels go into effect December 12, 2017 for all panel manufacturers. On the same date, product manufacturers and laminators will be required to use compliant core material in their products. Composite wood subject to the rule is used in such products as instrument cases and electronic keyboards.
In addition to the standards, EPA has established a new certification requirement for imports of composite wood panels or products made with composite wood. The certification requirement is effective December 12, 2018.
Text of EPA's final formaldehyde rule can be found here.
To learn more about formaldehyde and how proposed regulations can impact composite wood products, please visit the EPA for more information.


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Decide on the appropriate and also one of the most complementary sleeve-length as well as style for your gown.
Through necessary, our company are actually simply advising you that a wintertime wedding might certainly not be the most ideal opportunity to select a lasso, plunging and backless variety unless you're anticipating using over clothes.
If you are actually believing mindful about your upper arms or even your shoulders, after that you could desire to maintain those issue regions dealt with. There many sleeve designs and sleeve lengths to select from; simply choose the one that matches the affair greatest while producing you experience quite and also comfy in your wedding dresses with sleeves.
Know the usefulness of discovering the correct skirt type as well as outfit shape for your physical body.
Similar to bridal gown, bride-to-bes come in different shapes and measurements. Consider your bodily assets, your general physical body form as well as your problem regions when creating your choice from skirt design and dress condition.
As an example, if you're shaped like an inverted triangular, along with famous shoulders and also small hips, at that point a round garment will adjust your proportions creating the best shape as well as hourglass body.
Finding out the most ideal neckline for you.
Your wedding event gown's neckline may absolutely influence your gown's general look. You possess many neckline choices, however that's all a concern of discovering the most suitable and complementary neck-line for your structure.
Don't forget, likewise that you should take your assets, body condition and complication areas in to consideration when selecting gown forms and dress designs, you also must check out these factors when choosing your wedding dresses mermaid neckline.
If you are actually considering exhibiting your upper arms, your stunning shoulders and noticable dog collar bone tissues, and you have an enough bosom to carry out the appeal, then the bustier outfit is actually an outstanding neck line choice. If you have a tendency in the direction of the flat side, after that you may enhance your bust area with a bateau neckline.
Try to find the appropriate cloth.
A pure silk sphere gown would certainly not depend on its personal without coatings from tulle under this or even hoops built into the outfit. Your selection of textile might straight affect your gown's total appeal. If you have the tendency to be uneasy or if you tend to feel itchy when you are actually wearing sharp and net-like textiles, after that choose the breezy and light-weight ones.
There are plenty of other materials to select off. A way to inform on your own with these fabrics is to ask your wedding event coordinator or the wedding shop proprietor in order to help you compare the other textile types available.
Choose whether you desire or require a wedding learn.
A wedding ceremony learn means extra-fabric and outlining, which means paying for a lot more for your wedding apparel. Unless your wedding is ultra-formal, you are actually certainly not heading to need to have a learn.
If your center is bented on possessing a train that tracks with dignity behind you, at that point select your learn duration based on functionality. Your wedding event train can lessen your mobility, making it difficult to handle between chairs and dining tables during the function. A detachable wedding celebration learn is actually most advisable if you are actually intending on carrying out a bunch of dance and walking after the true wedding event.
Distrust wedding ceremony dress sizing and also important changes.
You'll discover more about this when you really move to the bridal store to become gauged.
You could presently recognize your genuine size, however don't be actually also shocked if they inform you that you are actually a measurements or 2 greater in comparison to you thought.


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I am not a very creative type person, and definitely am not artsy. I have difficulty thinking outside of the box, so when it comes to teaching art, I need help and lots of pictuers (I am a visual learner). With 5 children, I also need something that is not consumable (except supplies of course) that I can use over again. Here are some books that I have found very helpful.
For learning art techniques:
Evan-Moor's "How to teach Art to Children"
This book teach's color, line, texture etc. It also has a section of books recommended for art appreciation and then projects that you can do to imitate that artist. Evan-Moor also has a good book called "ArtWorks" that are projects that you can do with your children.
Another good book for children to learn art by styles & artist is "Discvoering Great Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters" by MaryAnn F. Kohl & Kim Solga
There are seems to be a lot of good books on art appreciation being published for children. One series that I recently discovered (I had heard of it before, but not checked it out until recently) is "Come Look with Me". We are currently using there book on Art in Early America. It contains about a dozen pictures from different well known artists. Devoting one picture to a page and on the opposite page it contains some questions about the picture and then a short biography on the artists life.
For very young children (preschool to early elementary...although my 9yo loves them to) are the "Katie" series by James Mayhew. They include: "Katie and the Impressionists", "Katy and the Sunday Afternoon", "Katie and the Mona Lisa" just to name a few. They are cute stories about a girl named Katie and her grandmother who go to the art museum. While they are looking around (Grandma is usually dozing on a bench), it shows Katy going inside the pictures and having an adventure.
If you want to read about individual artists check out the "Anholt's Artist Books for Children" by Laurence Anholt or "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Arists" series by Mike Venezia.
The National Gallery of Art has an extension program where you can borrow their resources for only the cost of return shipping. We used this at the beginning of the year and it was great. We would watch the DVD about the artist, then look at the pictures by that artist that was included and then have my daughter try to imitate something in that style.
If you want a packaged art curriculum here is a list of some that I have seen recommended.
How Great Thou Art
which includes (but is not limited)
God & The History of Art (4 year program)***
I can do all things
Lambs Book of Art
***you can purchase the pictures postcards as well as the painting/marker cards from Millers Pads and Paper (great art supplies resource).....
Artistic Pursuits
Meet the Masters
Artelier (this is a neat art program....I couldnt find it, but there used to be a sample of one of the demo's)
Art Websites:
Masterpiece Art Instruction
Garden of Praise
Every Day Art
National Gallery of Art
"Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life." Proverbs 4:13
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Room Service
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Is the Phantom a Good Guy or a Bad Guy?
We just watched the movie "The Phantom of the Opera" this week, and while I didnt think my children would enjoy an opera, I was actually surprised at there response. The question I kept getting from my children at the end of the movie was "Is the Phantom a Good Guy or Bad Guy". While you not sure you want Christine to end up with him, you are caused to feel sympathy for him.
My boys are typical boys, they love to play firement & army men....to them there are always good guys and bad guys. I try to teach them that God does not want us to kill the bad guys, but teach them about Jesus so they can become good guys.
So my answer to them is that he was both. He was human. He loved Christine, but he let jealousy and anger and bitterness consume and control him and it turned her against him. In the end he shows repentance and asks for forgiveness, which is what God wants us to do.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
The Hundred Year Lie
Anyone who knows me, knows that despite my inconsistent eating habits, I am very interested in health and nutrition and the affect of processed foods on our body. I recently read the book "The Hundred Year Lie" by Randall Fitzgerald and thought it was one of the best books that I had read for showing a correlation between the introduction of processed foods and synthetic drugs and our nation's current downhill decline of health. Randall Fitzgerald is a newspaper reporter who became interested in the patterns of disease and food through various family members and friends becoming sick.
This books is worth the read for chapter 3 alone which goes through a timeline which shows the low rates of death through cancer, diabetes and asthmas in 1900 and it's gradual rise through the introduction of refined sugar and other processed foods, chemical pesticides as well as the push of drugs from the pharmaceutical industry. While Mr. Fitzgeralds book does focus on the negative effects of these foods/drugs/chemicals in our lives for a majority of the book and some people may call him an alarmist, he does open our eyes to these danger and show us the road on how to detoxify our bodies and set ourselves on the road to health.
If you want more information on eating a healthier diet good book is "What the Bible says about Healthy Living" by Rex Russel, MD.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Be a Pioneer to Mars!
Think I am joking, then check out this link to google's Virgle.
Oh by the way happy April Fool's Day (there really is a link on google)
Oh by the way happy April Fool's Day (there really is a link on google)
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Allah's Greatest Gift
Allah Himself describes Islam as His most invaluable gift to His servants: "Today I have perfected your Deen (way of life) for you, and I have completed My Blessing upon you, and I have willed that Islam be the Way for you", al-Maidah 5:3.
How can we become Muslim in the true sense of the word? This, you must understand, is the first essential step on your road to becoming a true Muslim.
Is Islam a birthright?
Can a person be a Muslim by virtue of his birth? Is a person a Muslim simply because he is the son or grandson of a Muslim?
Is a Muslim born a Muslim just as a Hindu Brahman's son is born a Brahman, or an Englishman's son is born an Englishman, or a white man's son is born a white man, or a negro's son is born a negro?
Are 'Muslim' a race, a nationality or a caste? Do Muslim belong to the Muslim Ummah like Aryans belong to the Aryan race? And, just as a Japanese is a Japanese because he is born in Japan, is a Muslim similarly a Muslim by being born in a Muslim country?
Your answer to these questions will surely be: No. A Muslim does not become truly a Muslim simply because he is born a Muslim. A Muslim is not a Muslim because he is belongs to any particular race; he is a Muslim because he follows Islam. If he renounces Islam, he ceases to be a Muslim.
No mere verbal profession
You agree that we become Muslims only by accepting Islam. But what does acceptance of Islam means?
Does it mean that whoever makes a verbal profession – "I am a Muslim" or "I have accepted Islam" – becomes a true Muslim?
Or does it mean that, just as a Brahman worshipper may recite a few words of Sanskrit without understanding them, a man who utters some Arabic phrases without knowing their meaning becomes a Muslim?
Accepting Islam means that Muslims should consciously and deliberately accept what has been taught by the Prophet Muhammad, blessing and peace be upon him, and act accordingly. People who do not so behave are not Muslims in the true sense.
No Islam without knowledge
Islam, therefore consists firstly of knowledge and secondly of putting that knowledge into practice. No man becomes truly a Muslim without knowing the meaning of Islam, because he becomes a Muslim not through birth but through knowledge.
Clearly it is impossible to become a Muslim and remain a Muslim in a state of ignorance. Being born in Muslim homes, bearing Muslim names, dressing like Muslims and calling yourselves Muslim is not enough to make you Muslims; true Muslims know what Islam stands for and believe in it with full consciousness.
Te real difference between a Kafir (who does not accept God's guidance and is ungrateful to Him) and a Muslim is not that of a name. The real difference is that of knowledge.
A Kafir does not understand God's relationship to him and his relationship to God. As he does not know the will of God he cannot know the right path to follow in his life. Is a Muslim, too, grows up ignorant of God's will, what ground can be there to continue calling him a Muslim rather than a Kafir?
Dangers of ignorance
Without knowledge, you cannot truly receive His gift of Islam. If your knowledge is so little that you receive only a small portion of it, then you will constantly run the risk of losing even that part of the magnificent gift which you have received unless you remain vigilant in your fight against ignorance.
A person who is totally unaware of the difference between Islam and Kufr (rejection of God's guidance and ingratitude) and the incongruity between Islam and Shirk (taking gods besides God) is like someone walking along a track in complete darkness. Most likely his steps will wander aside or on to another path without him being aware of what is happening.
But if you are blessed with the light of knowledge you will be able to see plainly the clear path of Islam at every step of your lives.
Acquire knowledge
You do not neglect cultivating your land, irrigating and protecting your crops, supplying fodder to your cattle or doing whatever else is essential to the well-being of your trades and professions. Because you know that if you do you will starve to death and so lose the precious gift of life.
Why then should you be negligent in acquiring that knowledge on which depends whether you become Muslim and remain Muslim? Does such negligence not entail the danger of losing an even more precious gift – your Iman (faith)? Is not Iman more precious than life itself?
Why you cannot spend even a tenth part of your time and energy on things which are necessary to protect your Iman, which only can sustain your being in the present life and the life to come.
Every one of you, young or old, man or women, should at least acquire sufficient knowledge to enable you to understand the essence of the teachings of the Quran and the purpose for which it has been sent down.
You should acquaint yourselves too, with the way of life which Allah has ordained for Muslims.
No great amount of time required to acquire this simple knowledge. If you value your Iman, it cannot be too difficult to find one hour every day to devote to this.
Quote from the book Let Us Be Muslims, Abul A'la Mududi, edited by Khurram Murad, 1985.
The writer take a part from the chapter "Knowledge, The First Step" from the book Let Us Be Muslims for sharing on this blog. Please refer to that book for full content.


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Reviews: the diaper-in-chief – Boss Baby
The Boss Baby,
Directed by Tom McGrath,
Starring Miles Christopher Bakshi, Alec Baldwin, Eric Bell Jr., Tobey Maguire, Lisa Kudrow
Alec Baldwin, the enduring Baldwin, is The Boss Baby. At the baby-led BabyCorp they are noticing that the grown ups are turning more to the cute puppies for their love rather than babies. So Boss Baby is sent to the household of the marketers for the leading pet store PuppyCo. This would be a walk in the park if only the seven-year old kid that already lives in the house would let him get to business. But Tim, the only child, is not having any of The Boss Baby and won't stop until he finds out about his secret mission.
Cards on the table: the majority of these animations just don't do anything for me any more. I guess years of disappointment with terrible sequels to good films like Shrek and Kung-Fu Panda just wore me down. But at today's press screening, on the first day of Spring o(r extended Winter as we call it in Ireland), I laughed right down to my socks.
The Boss Baby doesn't take itself too seriously, and uses the best in the animation store cupboard to engage the viewer. At the start of the film I thought we were going to get a cutesy, sugary, dose of glucose straight to the veins. Thankfully it takes only the time to get to the opening credit scenes to see that the writer here and the director have a great respect for their audience and the art form that is animation. There are times that you feel you are watching traditional animation, then we mix in the new 3D animations, then we're going back to the style of the Pink Panther Cartoons. All mixed together to blend perfectly. Although there are moments that you feel you're being led into the dullness of the common ground cartoons which are dull, flashy, and pointless, the ones we see far too often through the years. These are short and don't take you too much away from the goodness within the film.
What truly sets The Boss Baby apart from the crowd of animations that we see, is that the writing is insanely creatively non-sense. There are steps here that a less talented team will steer away from, they'd concentrate on having the shiny-shiny for the six year old children that would be brought to the film and nothing else. The Boss Baby is so clever that it nods to children of all ages, even slightly bitter 42 year olds, who didn't really want to laugh today, but the laughs came through. I get the feeling that I could take my 6-year old Nephew, my early teen niece, and my other half to see this and we'd all have a great time watching it. That's a rare thing with a children-focused animation these days.
The Boss Baby may have it's flaws, but the movie references, the inventive creation of the Baby world, and just plain good comedy makes it a treat for all ages. I can tell you that this left me in a good mood for the rest of the day, which is a hard thing to do. Go and enjoy this, I doubt that you'll leave without a smile on your face, if this made me cackle like a wicked witch after one of her evil plans came off, then it could do the same for you.


text: I probably should have done this before. I have leftover prints from shows and I'm putting them on eBay. The advantage is the eBay reputations system, easy PayPal payments -- and best of all I don't have to maintain an e-commerce system on my website. Here's where I'm starting to put them up -- but I have quite a few more to set up sales for and I'll be doing that over the next week or so. entropic-remnants | eBay


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Sometimes when we travel we'll see a group of people with matching t-shirts that say something like Miller Family Reunion. And while my inner 17 year old girl hates the idea of matching family tees, my sensible thirty-something self longs … Continue reading
We all scream for ice cream!
Summer is quickly approaching and Ella could really use dresses. Well she could use all sorts of clothes. Liesl Gibson has the right idea with her plan to sew her daughter coordinating summer pieces to create the perfect wardrobe. I have put a little less into planning and am trying to work with what I have to whittle down my fabric stash. For this dress I used scraps of purple chambray that were left over after
making cutting out a skirt for myself and the lawn was left over from a Sorbetto that I made to go with the unsewn purple skirt.
I really love the fabrics. I mean I bought them to sew something for myself so it pretty much goes without saying that I like them, right? And the lawn is close enough to Ella's preferred fabric, voile. She told me wearing voile is perfect because it is really light, like not wearing clothes. Her experience comes from a voile and shot cotton Ice Cream shirt that I made earlier this spring.
The shirt is cute enough. But it was made on a cold day in the spring when we were all sick and the baby was super fussy. I rushed through and didn't carefully read the direction so there were mistakes (my seam ripper and I are great friends). And since we had a very cold spring the shirt never really got worn.
I decided to give the pattern a go again. And this time I read the directions (and followed them). Just like every other Oliver and S pattern, when you follow the instructions things turn out beautifully with little frustration.
I omitted the notches on the pockets and the neckline. I felt like there was enough going on with the busy floral print.
I love how the dress looks on Ella.
And that we are finally able to enjoy being outdoors without wearing multiple layers. The girls tried to convince me they would nap in our new to us chaise lounges. It didn't last long. But long enough to catch this kitty cat basking in the sun.
Happy Summer! Who knows if I'll need to finish Ella's wardrobe since she has decided she only needs a couple of bathing suits.
Me Made May '14
Recently someone asked me my opinion on muslins. Well I like the idea of making a muslin so you know the proper adjustment to make for a pattern to fit your body. If I were teaching you to sew a … Continue reading
My mother is finally getting payback for all the times that I asked her to sew me something on a crazy timeline or when I asked her to sew a good portion of my bridal party's outfits and alter remake … Continue reading
Here comes Peter Cottontail
This is Barrett's first Easter and I wanted to make him something special to wear. He is almost 9 months old and he is a big baby. He has already sized out of most of the sweet baby clothes for … Continue reading
Kids Clothes Week – days 5 and 6
I made it! It has been one busy week for this lady. My husband has been joking that the "Emily Airline" was overbooked and he was just waiting for me to start bumping events. I may have been overbooked but … Continue reading
A little romper – KCW Day 3
I went to buy fabric for Ella's Hosh pants (to be blogged later) and walked out with this adorable Lisette fabric. I may have also bought some fabric for a skirt for myself. Surprise, surprise I went into a fabric … Continue reading
It's picnic season (soon) – KCW Day 2
http://www.kidsclothesweek.com/ Well it's day two of Kids Clothes Week and I have finally gotten some sewing done. Yesterday all I did was cut (And take my kids to a fantastic playdate where they got to be outside all day and … Continue reading
Roller skating for wee wanderers
I came to the Sarah Jane love fest a little late. But better late than never, right?
Last year my dear friend Meg commented on this outfit in the Coral Belles etsy shop and said Sarah Jane was one of her favorite childrens' book illustrators. Well if Meg says someone or something is wonderful you pay attention because Meg has impeccable taste. Naturally after her comment I started paying close attention to Sarah Jane fabrics. So much so that when Hawthorne Threads offered a preorder option on Sarah Jane's newest collection, Wee Wanderer, I jumped right on it. I carefully selected prints that I thought my daughters might like and preordered them in the middle of the night while I was up with my then 4 month old. Well the problem with ordering fabric whilst completely sleep deprived is that when it arrived nearly a month later I had no idea its intended uses. I know there are people out there that buy fabric just because they like it, with no project in mind. I mostly don't do that because my house is way too small to hold a giant fabric stash. I have just one cabinet and I didn't even buy all the fabric in there. Some of it was a gift from my Mother in Law or from a friend of mine that knows I sew and found a great deal. (I owe her a dress for her daughter). But, I digress…. I have no idea what middle of the night fabric buying Emily intended to make from the Wee Wanderer fabrics so I waited a bit until there was a need or I was inspired to sew something.
Inspiration came in the form of an opportunity to teach a sewing class. The pattern picked for the class was the Oliver and S Rollerskate Dress. A pattern that I think lends itself perfectly to the border print Summer Night Lights fabric.
I've about made this pattern to death. But I really love the way it fits both the girls. Every version including this one has been made for Ella. Last year's dress has already been passed on to Delilah. And it works with no alterations necessary. Delilah still has a bit of a toddler body at freshly four years old while Ella at five has more of a kid's body so I'm finding clothes don't often hand-down as well as they used to. Since this dress does,
I often find myself turning to this pattern.
I made the pattern almost exactly as directed. I did understitch the seam at the neck because I have found when I use anything other than a polyester lining fabric it tends to roll a bit. I prefer to use a muslin, shot cotton or even lightweight shirting for the lining so that the inside of the dress doesn't stick to sweaty legs on hot days. (Not that I think it will ever be hot again given the winter we've had). In addition to the understitching, I also dropped the elastic an inch. Ella says it is uncomfortable when I put it as directed by the pattern. So I moved it down slightly and it is okay.
The pattern is pretty straightforward. My very new to sewing student is doing amazingly well at interpreting and executing the pattern. Hopefully she'll let me put some pictures here when we're done. I encouraged her to choose an Oliver and S pattern as a project because the instructions and illustrations are so clear for a beginner (or really anyone). So many people have said they learned to sew using Oliver and S patterns. Hopefully my student will come out of this feeling like she learned some things.
Until we finish her version, here is Ella's dress.
Ella, before I promised her a lollipop if she would just smile.
And the post-bribe Ella
Further proving candy can fix almost anything. Even organic, food dye free vitamin C lollipops.
A Parisian for Me
I don't often sew for myself. Adult sewing usually requires more fabric and precision than children's clothing. I
don't mind can tolerate when a print is a little off on something that I've sewn for one of my children. Really it fits for 6 months at most and they are only three feet tall so it isn't as in your face as adult clothing.
So even though it is rare that I sew for myself when Andrea Pannell reached out looking for testers for her Parisian top, I couldn't pass it up. Her Signature Dress is one of my favorite dresses to make for my girls. And I had decided that 2014 would be the year I sew a couple of things for me.
I chose a black and white striped knit for the shirt and a black knit for the collar. They were both fabrics I owned because this is also the year that I need to sew through some of what I have rather than buying new fabrics.
Let me say, I love this top! There are so many cute details. First of all, the Peter Pan collar. I just love it. And it can be made from a woven or a knit fabric so you really have options. Second, gathered sleeves. Such a sweet feminine detail. And something that really works well in a knit fabric. And I can't say enough about the sleeve bands (cuffs) and waist band. Not only do they fall really nicely but they mean no hemming. Just sew it in and bam professional looking finish at all the edges.
This is a pretty easy pattern to make. I made it a lot harder by using a stripe. Like I said when you sew for an adult it takes a little more precision. Those pesky little stripes need to match at the seams and they need to be straight. So the stripes did slow me down but otherwise everything about the pattern is very straight forward.
Andrea provides some great tips for working with knits in the beginning of the pattern including the fact that you don't need a serger to sew knits. Yes, it's true. You can see knits on your regular old sewing machine! And why wouldn't you want to? Think about the clothes you wear most of the time. Chances are many of them are made from a knit fabric rather than a woven.
My friend Victoria was kind enough to take these photos of me as I was trying to convince my children to behave so I am making some pretty awful faces. But don't look at my face. Look at the cute top.
Hooray Peter Pan Collar!
And the always lovely, "get your shoes on so we can go home and stop overstaying our welcome face"
The Parisian is one of four tops that are in the Just Add Jeans collection by the very talented ladies of Pattern Anthology. Until March 24th you can get the Parisian and the three other shirt patterns for $29.95. After that each shirt pattern is sold individually. It's such a great deal for some fun and practical patterns. This is the first collection that Pattern Anthology has created for women. (Prior collections have been for kids). After a win with the Parisian I am so excited to sew the other shirts in the collection.
Thanks to Andrea for allowing me to pattern test. Opinions are all my own.


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Lowongan Kerja 2012 Barista PT Dhanajaya Bogaindo
We are a growing Restaurant Company is seeking a dynamic, proactive individuals to join our team as a:
Jakarta Raya
Candidate must possess at least a SMU, Diploma, Bachelor's Degree,
At least 1 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
Preferably Supervisor / Coordinators specializing BARISTA or equivalent.
Full-Time position(s) available.
Urgently required.
Send your resume to:
Update Lowongan Kerja 2012 On Juli 9 , 2012


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How Will Labor Reform Affect Me? [Spain]
How Will Labor Reform Affect Me? [Spain]
Changes in labor regulations will not only impact new contracts. The rules of the game for all those who are being laid off will change.
El País: ¿Cómo me afecta la reforma laboral?
Staff Report February 10, 2012
The labor reform which will go into effect tomorrow, when Mariano Rajoy's government approves it by degree and it is published by the Official State Bulletin (BOE), will not only affect those who receive new contracts. The rules will be different for all workers, to some degree or another, from the norms established by the José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero's government's previous reform. The Ministry of Labor offered the first clues about the rule changes at a post-cabinet meeting press conference attended by Vice President Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría and Minister of Labor and Social Security Fátima Báñez.
Does the 33-day contract affect me?
A worker taking a new job will sign a contract guaranteeing a maximum layoff compensation (if dismissal was unfair, for example) of 33 days' pay for each year worked for the employer, topping out at 24 months' pay. Before, the maximum compensation was 45 days' compensation per year worked and the upper limit was 42 months' pay. That is to say, if you started working at a company tomorrow and continued for 10 years with an annual salary of €20,000, your maximum compensation upon dismissal would be approximately €1808 (corresponding to 33 days' work) multiplied by 10, the number of years you worked. Your total compensation would be €18,080, compared to the €24,650 you would have been entitled to for a 45-day indemnity rate.
Workers that already have a contract will not escape this reform. If your previous contract entitled you to a maximum compensation of 45 days' pay for each year of work, this will still be your compensation, but only for the amount of time you worked until yesterday. From here on out, you will accumulate a potential 33 days of compensation for each year you work. That is to say, if you worked 10 years for your company until now, and it inappropriately dismissed you next year (giving you 11 years of service), your compensation would be paid out at two different rates: you'd receive the 45-day rate for the 10 years you worked before the reform and the 33-day rate for the 1 year you worked after it.
Will it be easier for a company to dismiss me?
Companies that want to employ the Labor Force Adjustment Plan (ERE – the process for laying off workers) and who can avail themselves of the minimum compensation for laid-off workers (20 days' pay for each year of work with a maximum of one year's pay) will not need the approval of the Labor Authority. Until now, the majority of companies that wanted to use the ERE negotiated compensation with the Business Committee, but now the labor authority will not oppose them as long as there are no legal irregularities. To achieve such consent before, the compensation usually needed to be higher. Now, however, the business can solicit the ERE alleging one of the established conditions for it. If there is conflict with the workers, only a judge can stop this action.
The reasons a company can cite for applying the ERE will increase. As such, there will be more cases of businesses paying the prevailing severance fee, which is the minimum (now 20 days' pay for each year worked and 12 months maximum). According to the Labor Ministry's explanation, businesses will be able to make mass layoffs even if they are not already losing money. They can now side "current or foreseeable losses" or "a decrease in sales for three consecutive months".
What kind of severance payment can I apply for now?
It depends on whether your dismissal is considered appropriate or inappropriate. If it is appropriate (the business can cite economic and organizational causes and so forth) you will receive 20 days' pay for each year worked with a maximum of 12 months' pay.
If the dismissal is considered inappropriate, or an agreement is reached with the company, one could receive 45 days' pay for each year worked until today (a maximum of 42 months) for days worked until today, and 33 days' pay for each year of labor worked afterward with a maximum of 24 months' pay.
Can I make a series of temporary contracts with a company?
For 24 months at most. From December 31, it will again be prohibited to keep a worker for more than two years on temporary contracts alone.
What advantages will the young have when they receive contracts?
The reform was made with the goal of encouraging small and middle businesses to employ more young people. For this reason, they can keep younger employees on a trial basis for a year. In addition, the company will have the right to deduct €3000 from its taxes when it signs its first worker, as long as he is younger than 30. This also applies to a new business that signs its first worker.
Businesses of any size that sign people less than 30 years old will also receive discounts on Social Security quotas: €1000 for the worker's first year, €1100 for the second, and €1200 for the third.
Are there ways to help the unemployed who are over 45 years old?
There are discounts in Social Security quotas for businesses hiring those who were unemployed for the long term. The business will be able to save €1300 per year for the first three years after making a contract with a new worker.
What would the business have to do to reduce my working week?
Businesses will be able to carry out the EFE, which also deals with a reduction in working hours, without going to the Labor Authority as they had to until now. Besides negotiating everything on a higher level, the business and the workers' representatives will be able to reach consensuses on their own agreements which are adapted to their own circumstances.
If I am unemployed with benefits, to whom is my obligation?
The new norm supposes that unemployed who are on the Inem list and who are meeting their obligations can "produce service of general interest which benefits the community through the conventions of the Public Administrations." Thanks to this legal opening, the mayor of Madrid, Ana Botella, can now assign the unemployed to work in libraries or other public services. Botella had been requesting volunteers for this work. The government is attempting to control unjustified falls out of employment and seasonal incapacities through mutual work agreements.
Do I have the right to vocational training?
All workers will have the right to 20 hours of annual training paid for by their businesses. Formation and apprenticeship contracts can be given to workers up to age 30 from now until the unemployment rate decreases to 15%.
Do women have advantages built into their contracts?
Businesses in traditionally masculine labor sectors will receive some bonuses for hiring women. If the woman is under 30, an additional €100 deduction can be made from payments to the Social Security fund for youth on her behalf (hence the deduction would be €1100 for her first year of work). If the woman is over 45, the €1300 exemption for hiring a long-term unemployed person would increase to €1500.


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Last evening was the Lucky 13 Homebrew Clubs' monthly meeting at the Grey Lodge on Frankford Ave here in the great Northeast. ***Skip to the last 4 paragraphs to avoid the dissertation****
Before I get into that I have to say something about Philadelphia. I often get down on this city for it's lack of beauty and general nonchalance or perceived malaise towards others. I can't compare things like waterfalls on the beach in Oregon to anything in Philly and few things in PA come close to that for that fact. Fresh air and room to breathe it in may be two other comparisons that I feel are unbalanced.
But last night I had an epiphany thanks to my friends that I have made in the brew club and also from all those around me who struggle in this neighborhood. I'm finding out that I have had my proverbial head up my rear-end about how great Oregon is that I was blocking out all that I had known before about Philly that I would actually brag about to Oregonians about what Philly has to offer and what it can offer. The list is long, but Philly's history is incontrovertible. You can't argue that at all. History is spoken to us in the city's architecture, which I feel needs a booster shot, but it's still there to be enjoyed and studied. I just feel it needs more care before it disappears. But this city not only has history founded in government and the nations' founding fathers but also in recreation. For example Fishtown was the nation's first suburb and Philadelphia at it's beginnings was rooted in the culture of BEER. Last night thanks to something that Steve Hawk (Philly Beer Geek 2010) and Carolyn Smagalski "The Beer Fox" alluded to made me open my eyes. As they talked to us about Philly Beer Week and the Philly Beer Geek events I got pensive. Of course, I had a few pints to help the creativity flow, but I was illuminated to the fact that not only is Philly's past steeped in brewing, craft brewing, and home brewing but it is in the present as well and is constantly boiling over with enthusiasm about the future. I finally realized that all these west coast "beer towns" really are playing second fiddle to Philly. I in no way am trying to put them down in any respect. They are great places with multitudes of great beers, perhaps more than the Philly Area, and maybe better! Who knows? Everyone has different tastes and "better" is really only up to you the reader/beer drinker. Philadelphia and it's surrounding neighbors have their place in beer history that none other have. That cannot be denied. In that, I think Philly needs to use it's history to pry itself into the future with such things as waterfront revitalization projects including the building the ship that William Penn sailed on as an attraction at Penn's Landing. I personally feel it's not only local pride that should support this great city, but national pride as well! I sent many a proposal to two Presidents of the United States over the years decreeing just that. This local craft beer movement in Philly could be construed as pride in the nation when looked at the idea from this vantage.
I'm a big fan of BEER even though my beginnings with it were not on good grounds. In high school I didn't drink it. Many of my friends did. I had fun anyway. They were good times and I can't remember anything that ever happened being bad because of it. I just didn't do it. College changed my mind a bit. It was a time of very large frat parties and GDI (non-frat) parties when I was introduced to Piels. Rows and Rows of 17 dollar kegs of Piels. I did NOT like Piels, but I did decide to have some. I can still taste it now that I recollect. It wasn't pleasant and hence the necessity to "shotgun" cans of beer or chug it as fast as you could because it was like carbonated corn flavored water!
So during my college years I was in upstate Pennsylvania while in session and during the summers I was living at the beach in Ocean City, MD. Neither place had good beer, they did have rum though! I often opted for spiced rum in those days until later in my college career when I found myself at Penn State's main campus at what I learned was called a "microbrewery". It's still there from what I understand. The name escapes me and I can't find a name to attach to a microbrewery open in the early 90's in State College, PA. About 6 friends and I read the descriptions of the beers that they had and we all decided on getting pitchers of the Porter. "Four pitchers of Porter, Please!" I smelled the first beer that I ever saw served in a pint. I floated away on it's roasted aroma and took my first hearty sip. I had found my true love! EVERYONE else hated it. They were soon to order their old stand-by's and I was to have 4 pitchers of Porter to myself! What a night!
So now I knew what beer was really like and how it was supposed to be! But I had no idea where to get it. I happened upon a downtown bar in Philly sometime later called Sugar Mom's. I think it is still there. It was a really neat former sugar warehouse with the kind of ambiance that I like in a hang out. I didn't get to go there as often as I liked, but Sugar Mom's had microbrews from all over the country and world, for that matter, in bottle and on tap! This was the mid 90's and from what I understand the craft beer movement was underway in Philly or more like in full swing, but to someone in the northeast it was out of reach I suppose. And plus, I have to add, I wasn't that obsessed with beer or drinking for that matter. I found myself in offbeat places like Khyber Pass on occasion and had the best of times! The Beach Club in Philly was a huge night club that had reggae bands play that were straight from Jamaica playing in the summer time. Still, no quality beer!
Eventually I found myself in Portland, Oregon and unbeknownst to me I was about to find the best beers that I have ever had in my life at that time from breweries on the coast, breweries in the high desert mountains, and local breweries as well. All with different qualities and attributes that I loved! It was a great diversity of beer as well as people and I owe it all to a fellow named Don Younger who owned a bar called the Horsebrass Pub. It was destiny that I ended up there. It was a local place that I checked out one time with my boss for lunch. Yeah, I had a boss who took his colleagues for drinks and food for lunch. Portland was great! "It was true love, the Horsebrass and me!" I would soon be tasting beer from all over the world, settling in on one called Bombardier from the UK as my standby. It was malty and mildly sweet with mellow notes oak maybe and not very hoppy at all. I was introduced to many styles of beer, tasted most, liked them all, and certainly had my favorites and some that would make me pucker from the hops!
I had brewed with friends since the late 80's but never took it seriously. Even in Oregon many of my friends brewed beer and wine and I helped them with interest, but not as a hobby. But for some reason, and I really can't nail it down, the first thing that I purchased when I moved back to Philly was a homebrewing setup from a guy off of Craigslist and started brewing 5 gallon batches of beer. Mostly extract and specialty grain brewing until this winter when I decided to take that leap into all grain brewing! I'm glad that I finally did because I don't want to do it any other way now. It's wicked easy with the right equipement and it's not a very big investment when you compare it with other hobbies out there. I barely surf anymore because of travel costs and I'm really not all that good! I'm good enough to have had some really fun sessions in some incredibly beautiful locations though! So that hobby isn't going anywhere. It will stay with me.
So, like, I gave you a dissertation on my life leading up to last nights meeting at the Grey Lodge. The club is fairly new with a small, but eager, membership. For the first 8 meetings we have had a core of individuals come along to taste each others homebrews and have been blessed with numerous guests all super open and willing to help us along and it's quite cool. It has shown me that Philly Beer Lovers are a supportive bunch all working together for the good of Philly Craft Beer and it's enjoyment.
Last nights guests were no exception. We were graced with the presence of Carolyn Smagalski who is journalist and a judge of numerous events around the country and an all around excellent person! She even knows about the Horsebrass Pub! Wow! I am smitten! She came to talk to us about the upcoming Philly Beer Week and more specifically the Philly Beer Geek competition as the Grey Lodge is going to hold preliminary events for the competition! We couldn't have been more stoked! She gave us over to Steve Hawk who competed 3 times and finally won in 2010 to tell us about what we might expect and some really cool experiences that he had while competing like the time he had to perform the answer to the question of how you would propose to your favorite beer in which he had his girlfriend dress up in a bottle of his favorite brew so he could propose to her, she said "yes" for real and then burped in his face! She's a keeper Steve! Lucky Sod!
Carolyn then talked with us about how she got involved in beer journalism, her judging experiences, and her ideas on Gluten Free beer in which was very informative to me as I am designing my first beer and it will be gluten free! So thank you very much Carolyn and Steve! We are amped for the next meeting when the Philly Beer Geek competition kicks off at the Grey Lodge with local beer trivia with you guys! It's truly an honor!
I can't say enough about our good natured members either! Without you guys, all would be for naught! Lucky 13 Homebrew Club is nothing without your thoughts, your generosity and of course your tasty brewskis! Thanks guys and thanks to our Lodgemaster Scoats who provides us with the best venue and best menu! CHOMP!


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Monday, March 2, 2009
Blah again
As another week starts so deepens the worry of when I'll get some work. Could the talent agency really prove to be fruitful almost immediately (hopefully)? At least I've finally beaten the writer's block, sort of, and gotten a few more stories written. But the doubts are still there and the focus is lacking when everything in life is so unsettled. But I'm hardly the first person who's had to create while facing uncertainty in life. And I'm sure I won't be the last, so I guess I'll get back to it. And will try to use the blog less for bitching and more for, uh, whatever it is that I'm supposed to use it for.
Posted by ComicJayJennings at 9:55 PM
1 comment:
- Josh Burker said...
Oh, blogs are definitely a forum for bitching....
- March 3, 2009 at 2:23 PM
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So, once a week, sometimes more, we take our dogs to the beach. Well, we let them play in the sea once a week. We tend to walk them on the beach more often because there aren't any bugs out there. I get mobbed by horseflies every time I walk the dogs in our neighborhood. For the uninitiated, a horsefly looks like a cross between a fly and a moth...and they bite. Painfully, too.
So anywho, when you take the dogs to the beach, and don't let them play in the sea, this is what you get:
We went out to the beach today, and it was like a Three Stooges act...and Sarah will likely say I played all three stooges. Millie, the dog pictured, kept trying to jump into the front seat while driving to the beach. Once there, the beach was packed. Why we didn't think about people being at the beach on July 4th, I don't know.
As we started to unload the dogs, we realized we had no dog leashes. We usually use floating ropes so the dogs are still "on a leash" but can still swim, but I had unpacked them from the car the day before...and didn't tell Sarah about it. So we had to load back and head home to get the ropes. Millie was not happy about this turn of events.
When we finally got back to the beach, our original spot had been taken, but another spot was just ahead. We unloaded and made our way across the seawall to the sea. It was disgusting. Have a look:
Those things you see are left over fireworks and left over bits of someone's picnic. You can't see it well in these photos, but one of those clumps on the beach is actually a pufferfish that didn't survive the fireworks.
To be fair the beach is usually very, very clean. The water isn't, but the beach is usually awesome. But the county supervisors have decided that the only place legal to shoot fireworks this year is into the sea from the beaches. And they did, and continued to do so at noon when we were there. Why would anyone shoot fireworks at mid-day is beyond me.


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Re: Can we copy our UFT program and data?
In reply to:
Can we copy our UFT program and data?
Donald Tryk 7/01/02
Donald, We both know that if you make a 5.5 GEDCOM file you will lost the data that is in the Detail fields. So if that doesn't matter you could make a GEDCOM file and get GenViewer which has a way that another person can open the GEDCOM with GenViewer without owning the program.
Also there is TMG's FTST (Family Tree Super Tools) that you could have them get and it will import the UFT data for a read only program.
Bob Strock


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Whether you are man or woman, the uncertainty of who we are in work and at home is a common experience. This uncertainty is the theme of many books and teacher's commentaries. Understanding how we came to this spot is interesting, but not critical. What is vital, is engaging in the daily practice of seeing ourselves clearly, beyond the impressions of others, looking into the room that is the I AM.
In 1994, a dear friend gifted me with the book, The Heart Aroused. Poet David Whyte offers this stirring gift to anyone who walks in the modern world with its complexity, relentless change and loss of humanity. This conversation guided me through a "dark night of the soul" several years later.
Today, as I again was drawn to The Heart Aroused, I read this poem of David's that moved me, and I offer it to you.
The half turn of your face
toward truth
is the one movement
you will not make.
After all
having seen it
You wouldn't
to take that
path again.
And have to greet
as you are
and tell yourself
what it was like
to have come so far
and all in vain.
But most of all
to remember
how it felt again
to see
in your own mirror
the lines
of abandonment
and loss.
And have those words spoken
inviting you back,
the ones you used to say,
the ones you love
when your body was young
and you trusted
everything you wanted.
Hard to look,
but you know it has to happen
that it takes
only the half turn of your face
to scare yourself
to the core.
Seeing again
that strange resolve in your new reflection.
With gratitude for our shared journey,


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Conseco Inc. shares fell nearly 4% Thursday, pulling back as the life insurer's third-quarter financial results reduced the chance that it will get a valuable upgrade from industry rating agency A.M. Best any time soon.
Carmel, Ind.-based Conseco's third-quarter earnings came in lower than expected.
Late Wednesday, Conseco CNO, +0.36% said net income amounted to $48.4 million, down 38% from the year-earlier third quarter, when the company made $77.9 million. Net income per common share was 26 cents vs. 42 cents, the company reported.
Operating earnings, which exclude net realized investment gains and losses, were $52.8 million, or 35 cents a share, Conseco added.
The insurer had been expected to earn 42 cents a share, according to the average estimate of eight analysts in a Thomson First Call survey.
"Poor" results from Conseco's long-term care insurance business, which is being closed down, dented the latest quarter's profits, Chief Executive Jim Prieur said. The company was hampered by similar problems in its so-called run-off businesses during the second quarter. See full story.
Higher claims, especially from the long-term care insurance business, could weigh on a rating review being conducted by A.M. Best.
Some analysts had been looking for the rating agency to upgrade Conseco to A- from B++ soon, but improvement in the company's long-term care business was seen as an important part of that.
Higher ratings are important for insurance companies because they make potential customers more confident about doing business with them.
"The quarter was disappointing -- and makes the possibility of an A.M. Best upgrade within the next two years more questionable," Andrew Kligerman, an analyst at UBS, wrote in a Thursday note to clients.
Indeed, Standard & Poor's rating agency said on Thursday that if earnings from Conseco's run-off businesses experience further significant deterioration, the rating outlook for the insurer could be revised to negative.
Conseco's shares dropped 3.9% to $19.65 during afternoon trading on Thursday.