text:
I am standing in the offices of Edgcumbes Coffee and Tea Company in deepest West Sussex. In front of me, top barista and coffee expert Robert Henry – a man who has been to 26 countries in his desire to learn about coffee – is showing me how to make the perfect cup of coffee. "I usually train people for two days," he says, "but we can probably cover the basics in three hours." Three hours?
"You obviously don't know much about coffee," he says.
He's right. I have spent all my adult life turning perfectly nice coffee into a seething black mass, a sort of undrinkable treacle. The only thing I can manage is a decent cup of instant.
Even the word sends Robert in to a frenzy.
"No," he says shaking his head. "I will show you how to make the perfect cup of coffee in your own home." I think of all that money I spend in coffee shops. It will save me a fortune.
Essentially, what I need is a cup, a filter and some filter paper.
Alice Rendle, who runs Edgcumbes, shows me what she uses (a china filter but it is possible to use plastic). But, apparently, the quality of the cup of coffee you brew at home depends on the coffee you use.
"Always use a single origin coffee," says Alice. "Each blend has its own distinctive flavour." In fact, she and Robert talk about coffee as sommeliers do about wine. Columbian is "nutty", Kenyan, "earthy", Sumatran tastes of blackcurrants, Brazil of chocolates and Ethiopia of bergamot.
The next most important factor is the grind. "For cafetières you need quite a coarse grind," says Alice. Apparently, for a home-made filter coffee, you need a finer grain. "It makes for a more flavourable coffee," says Alice. She fills the filter paper up until it's three-quarters full. "You need more coffee than you think," she says as she gradually pours hot water in to the filter.
I watch the coffee filter down. It looks rich and dark.
I ask Robert why my coffee always tastes so horrible. "You probably use too hot water," he says. Coffee can 'burn'." He suggests boiling the kettle and then letting the water cool for a bit.
Robert then teaches me how to make coffee using the espresso machine. He pulls knobs and twists things and soon has me making a coffee like a real barista. I grind the beans. I learn how to "tamp" (the process whereby you press the coffee down before you attach it on to the industrial coffee maker). I know how to see if a coffee is good – thick crema on the top, dark coffee swirling through. Robert also tells me what to look for in a coffee shop – clean surfaces, glasses and equipment, thick coffee that is "tamped" properly, an espresso with good crema on top that smells and tastes delicious. "If none of these happen, I send my coffee back," he says.
He then goes on to show me how to froth milk correctly. "Use full fat milk as most milk is water and you need the animal proteins to get the milk to froth." Don't bang the jug, wiggle it up and down. "Just put the tip in, angle it to one side, and let the milk froth." He swirls the milk around in the jug until it has a glazed quality to it. He then pours the milk on to the coffee and it sits on the cup perfectly.
"You can froth milk by hand at home," he says. "It works perfectly well if it is full fat." Meanwhile, the filter coffee has been percolating through the paper nicely. It is delicious, heavenly.
I vow that, as soon as I get home, I'll buy a single filter and filter paper plus the right coffee.
"Single origin," Robert calls after me as I leave.
I have a feeling my instant days are over.
Tips to make the perfect cup of coffee
• Buy the right coffee and grind as you need it
• Keep coffee fresh – Robert keeps his in the freezer
• Use the right quantity (20g for a filter cup)
• Trial and error – be prepared to go through a bag of coffee experimenting with amounts.
• Invest in a good grinder
• Buy the best-quality beans you can
• Use full fat milk – 93 per cent of milk is water anyway
For more information contact Edgcumbes Tea and Coffee Co Ltd (01243 555775; edgcumbes.co.uk) or email Robert Henry
(firstname.lastname@example.com) Edgcumbes' coffee and products are also available on amazon.co.uk


text:
Advert for WJ Harris & Co, manufacturers
Printer: Unknown
Medium: Print on paper
Date: 1880
Among the items featured on this advert for Harris & Co are the Bassinette and Victoria prams. The first baby carriage was made for the children of the Duke of Devonshire in 1730. This was a beautifully crafted carriage designed to be pulled by a dog or a small horse. It had elaborate exterior carvings and two lamps at the front. By the 1840s the carriages were more affordable, and less ostentatious, but they were still pulled rather than pushed - usually by the family nanny. In 1853, Charles Burton invented a collapsible carriage that was pushed from behind making it easier to control.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Buy LED tube lights to enhance your home and life!
If you are searching for LED Tube Lights or any LED light, you have come to the right place. Here we have LED Tube Lights, LED Recessed Lighting, LED Track Lighting, LED Light Fixtures, LED Strip Lights, and LED Light Bulbs. Take a look at our products by clicking on one of the categories below. You'll find that we have a very wide selection at great prices.
Outdoor LED Lamps
Most of the time when we think of lights we think of indoor lights and lighting up our bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc. We don't stop to think about all of the other lights around our homes that we also need desperately. Like the light in our refrigerator, the light in the garage, the lights on and in our cars, the porch lights, and the lights that light up our neighborhoods to make them safer. Although we don't seem to need to replace these lights as often because they aren't used as much, they still are important and do need replacing every once in a while. For example, if your lights that lead from your back door to your jacuzzi go out you'll want to replace those as soon as you can with flexible tube LED lights so you won't have to worry about not being able to find your way to your jacuzzi again at night. The point is, outdoor lights are important as well and we'd like to cover some of the reasons why you should invest in outdoor LED lamps and not just indoor lamps.
Outdoor LED lamps can be used along paths, around the house to light up the home, as solo lights to light up a tree or other meaningful thing in your yard, to decorate the outside of your home, etc. Having outdoor LED lamps can make the difference between a safe house and a burglarized house. Burglars tend to stay away from houses where they can be easily spotted because of light. So, why not kill two birds with one stone and get outdoor lights? You'll make your home, and in turn family and belongings, safer and you'll also make your home look nicer during the process.
One thing that may turn you off is that you think you'll have to pay a fortune for this protection and glamor. Although you will have to invest some money in your LED lights, you will definitely get your moneys worth if you buy LED lights for outside your home. Keep reading and you'll understand why.
LED lights are some of the most cost efficient lights on the market if not the most cost efficient light on the market. They are designed to last a long time and save you money each time you use them. They are very energy efficient and will not only save you money, but will save the city money as well because you are in turn using less energy. Less energy means lower costs to you and the city. After you invest in LED lights you'll see savings in two ways. You'll pay lower monthly electric bills and you'll also not have to buy more light bulbs because your LED lights won't go out as soon as the others you usually have been using. These are safe lights as well. There is no mercury or lead added to LED lights. They are an overall great investment to consider for both inside and outside your home because of all their benefits that traditional lighting just can't give you.


text:
Smart Down pitches itself as a hybrid of a Markdown editor and zenware. It shares some similarities with both, and creates an unusually appealing piece of software overall.
WriteMonkey, a Markdown-based "Zenware" Editor
Zenware focuses on removing all the visual distractions and allows the users to be more productive. WriteMonkey is one good example of zenware. Let's check it out.


text:
Tomorrow, by 3:40 p.m. in Spain, will start the Andalucia O' Meeting 2015, one of the most prestigious events of the winter season in Spain. Within a strong cartel - which includes, among others, Daniel Hubmann, second placed in the IOF's World Ranking -, Portugal is represented by 23 athletes, including some of the great values of our national orienteering.
For the second time in a row, the coastal town of Punta Umbría welcomes the Andalucia O' Meeting 2015, an event that is already an Orienteering reference in Spain and all over the world in the beginning of each season. Second event scoring for the Spanish Foot Orienteering League 2015, the AOM 2015 is organized by the Sun-O and the Ayuntamiento of Punta Umbría, with the support of the Tourism Provincial Patronate, the Consistorio and the Junta de Andalucía.
With 890 entries from 24 countries (numbers to whom must be added the participants in the open classes) the AOM 2015 starts tomorrow afternoon with the Prologue, in a fun format - "mass start", two formal legs and two 'score' legs, alternately -, followed by three stages during the weekend. On Saturday will take place the stages of Middle Distance (in the morning) and Sprint (from 4.30 p.m. local time), both scoring for the respective IOF's World Rankings. The AOM 2015 ends on Sunday with the Long Distance stage. The Middle Distance WRE's course setter is Cristian Bellotto, the same of the WOC's Middle Distance that was awarded with the "Course of the Year 2014" prize, sponsored by World of O.
The Portuguese are present
Among the favourites, the highlights goes to the IOF's World Ranking nº 2, the Swiss Daniel Hubmann, reaching Punta Umbria with his 16 medals in World Championships (three silver medals in 2014) and 10 in European Championships (two golds at the European in Palmela). The major opponents of the Swiss will be the Latvian Edgars Bertuks, the Belgian Yannick Michiels, the British Scott Fraser and the young Russian Gleb Tikhonov. True helmsman of the "Spanish Army", Andreu Blanes will be the big star of this great "casting". Currently Long Distance World Champion and European Vice-Champion, Svetlana Mironova is the biggest name in the female sector, having the Norwegian Marianne Andersen and Siri Ulvestad as her biggest opponents.
In Punta Umbria will be, also, a little more than two dozen Portuguese athletes, namely Tiago Martins Aires and Raquel Costa, both from GafanhOri and Tiago Gingão Leal and Carolina Delgado, from the GD4C. Miguel Reis e Silva will be another Portuguese athlete at the AOM 2015 here representing his Finnish club of Turun Metsänkävijät.
For more detailed information, please see the event page at http://andaluciaomeeting.com/.
[Photo: Ayuntamiento de Punta Umbria / puntaumbria.es]
Joaquim Margarido


text:
Wake up, America
By Norris L. Beren
For 30 years I worked on creating safety programs for families and businesses, yet it was the events of Sept. 11, 2001, that made me realize the extreme importance of being prepared for an emergency.
Spending three hours trying to contact my adult children that day and the resulting stress made me realize that I was probably not alone in not being prepared for a disaster.
We only needed to get a pad of paper and family members or key employees and create a plan, buy some emergency supplies, rehearse an evacuation plan, put up smoke detectors, buy an emergency radio and flashlights, and stash some emergency cash. Those needed basics would suffice for a few days of being out of touch and without basic necessities like power, communications, heat, air conditioning, running water, and the like.
I also wrote a book and workbook to help people answer their most important question: how do I create a plan. Some people heard me. Many others had good intentions but once they left the seminar or workshop, they went on with their lives without taking any action.
But Emergency Preparedness is no longer optional, nice to have, for the other person, something you will get around to doing.
Now, my workshop can be reduced down to one short phrase, "New Orleans", and I will say thank you for attending. That phrase and the images it brings to mind should say it all!
If you love your family, if you love your business, your job or at least the money it provides, your community, your church, you should be asking yourself what you need to do to get prepared. Even if you have a plan, after the events of the last week, you must ask yourself if it is any good.
Eight out of 10 people in America do not have a family emergency plan and 1 out of 4 small businesses that employ almost 90 percent of workers in this country do not have an emergency preparedness plan.
Statistics also show that 40 percent of businesses without a business continuation plan will never reopen when destroyed by a disaster.
For four years, we have been telling people that the Emergency Preparedness Educational Institute, a not-for-profit organization we created, has a single purpose: helping people help themselves.
In any large-scale disaster or emergency, people who expect to depend on government for assistance will be disappointed.
Ask the people on the Gulf Coast.
Ask the victims of Katrina.
They are disappointed and they are devastated. Many are dead.
This is not about finding fault but about fact-finding. In the 1950's, people in America took preparedness seriously because the fear of the bomb and its potentially widespread and deadly result.
But today's disasters like Katrina, Charley and the rest of the hurricane family that visited in the past year were not as widespread, though certainly they were catastrophes.
What is the difference between the preparedness of the 50s and the 2000s? The answer is attitude.
People can develop their own "Safety Map" if they want to, whether they are rich or poor, old or young. It is not poverty or money that prevents preparedness planning because the price of basic preparedness is about the same as the cost of a carton of cigarettes.
People can buy a whole lot of water, a battery radio, a plastic 5-gallon can and some plastic bags, pack some spare clothes in a plastic bag, buy some canned goods, and put it all together to grab and go when disaster hits. Remember, you can do all that for about the cost of a carton of cigarettes! When you're told to leave, to evacuate, it is probably a good idea to go. It is again a matter of attitude!
Preparedness is about peace of mind, about knowing that you and your family, with a little planning and a little bit of preparing some supplies, can deal with an emergency perhaps a little better than the people in New Orleans did.
Here are 10 basic steps to creating a "Safety Map" today. Do it now! Do it today!
Do your preparedness shopping before you do your Christmas shopping!
Safety map for families:
1. Be realistic. Disasters are real and can happen to you and your family.
2. Be aware of pending current disasters and warnings.
3. Prepare a plan. Rethink and challenge all your assumptions; play out various scenarios. 4. Communicate the plan to your family and friends in advance.
5. Obtain emergency supplies to last for one week.
6. Be prepared to leave your home, city, or state if necessary.
7. Establish multi-channel communications plan for use during and after disasters.
8. Conduct a role-play or drill every 90 days to make sure everyone knows and is ready.
9. Avoid denial, "optimism bias" and overconfidence. Act on warning signs.
Norris L. Beren is the author of "When Disaster Strikes Home and Executive Director of the Emergency Preparedness Educational Institute. He may be reached at email@example.com


text:
Better Education from Mother
I have been an avid Mother Earth News reader for years and must admit that I've been hard pressed to think of a subject that I haven't seen covered in your publication. It occurred to me that I probably have received more of an education in ethics, politics, economics and what many would call "just plain old common sense" by reading this one magazine than I ever did in public school.
The environment is one subject that is far too important to the future of this planet to leave to chance. As the days begin to feel shorter and the world appears to spin faster, I find solace every other month in a magazine that provides the opportunity to slow down, step back and question the orbit that this planet is in. Thank you.
Travis Peterson
Newcastle, Wyoming
Georgia Solar on His Mind
We are happy to announce that we just installed 45 solar panels on our house. They tell us it is the biggest residential solar system in Georgia. So far we are generating about 7 kW of power from our panels.
It's fun to see our electric meter spin backwards. We thank you guys for encouraging alternative power sources. Keep it up!
Larry Dove
Fayetteville, Georgia
Wonder-full Egg
As long-time subscribers, we have frequently been motivated and encouraged by your articles. Inspired by your resources, we have taken many steps in our house building and homesteading.
Our ever-faithful chickens peck through the garden, earn 4-H ribbons, ignore the harassing dog and consistently provide us with wholesome eggs. As the photo reveals, our Andalusian hen surprised us with an exceptionally large egg! We thought you might enjoy seeing one of the small, or shall we say large, wonders that happen more often than not in the world around us.
Lori Riggen
Macon, Illinois
Thinks Solar Costs Too Much
I just read the article on solar hot water in your February/March 2007 issue. I really think you are slipping. There is no way that I would fork out $7,000 to save $9 a month on hot water. In one of your issues printed in 1979 your staff built a solar water heater from scratch using the liner from a water heater. The whole thing cost $150 and outperformed all of the $4,000 units on the market!
Terry Popejoy
Hanford, California
Terry — we are following up the February/March 2007 solar hot water article with a DIY solar hot water article in our next issue. And yes, the initial price tags for some solar systems are daunting, but when you look at the full lifetime analysis, as our February/March article did, you'll find that you actually save money in the long run, thanks to the savings in energy costs. — Mother
RE: Wind, Not War
The True Cost of War
It was an eye-opener to read the $2.2 trillion that the United States will spend on the Iraq war could have provided about 150 percent of our energy needs if it was invested in wind power ("Renewables to the Rescue," April/May, 2007). When you factor in the additional funds spent on Afghanistan and homeland security, we might begin to see the real economic cost of oil dependency. Moreover, how can we value the loss of life?
Mark McSherry
Falmouth, Massachusetts
Throw Mother out the Window?
I just wanted to alert you that if your liberal political agenda continues to grow stronger, my subscription to Mother Earth News will go the same way my Time subscription went — out the window.
First I had to put up with your continual promotion of the foreign automotive industry. Next came your encouragement to buy RECs or carbon-offset programs, when scientists haven't even agreed yet on whether the CO² that people produce is significant, or that CO² is contributing to climate change.
The final straw is "Renewables to the Rescue," (April/May 2007) on how much the Iraq war has cost. First of all, as a publication, it is none of your business, and second, it has no place whatsoever as an article in Mother Earth News.
Stick to your farming!
Allen D. Adam
Brighton, Michigan
The Real Math on Ethanol Made from Corn
Everyone's getting excited about ethanol, but scientists can't decide yet whether it takes more than a gallon of gasoline to make a gallon of ethanol. If you do a little bit of homework, you'll quickly discover that the whole concept of replacing gas with corn-based ethanol is ludicrous. Our productive land is already in production. Consumers are not willing to stop eating just so they can get gasoline from corn. Every acre we devote to ethanol production means that we need to plow up an acre of grazing land or knock down an acre of forest.
Using some numbers from the Internet, it looks to me that replacing our annual gasoline consumption would require 188 billion gallons of ethanol per year. At roughly 328 gallons of ethanol generated per acre of corn, this would require 573 million acres. But the U.S. has total cropland of only about 460 million acres (including pasture and hayland). We'd have to use every bit of it, plus more. The whole exercise becomes one of, "Ha! You thought the Brazilians were good at deforestation? You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
We'd have to plow the whole country from sea to shining sea — and that's just to provide us with corn-based gasoline. We'd still have to use fossil fuels for our diesel oil, jet fuel, home heating oil, natural gas and electricity production. And for what? Knocking down all that forest and plowing all that rangeland would be a total disaster in terms of greenhouse gases. That's the land that's undoing the damage caused by the fossil fuels. We can't spare it.
Replacing fossil fuels with ethanol is nuts. Claiming that doing so will save the environment is the looniest thing I've ever heard.
Robert Plamondon
Blodgett, Oregon
Is It Kinder to Not Eat Meat?
Raised with Compassion
Bryan Welch's article "Why I Farm" (February/March 2007) was in our recent co-op newsletter. I am writing to thank him for such a well-stated, from-the-heart piece. The issue of killing animals for food has been a hot topic for myself and my siblings since my sister, at age 9, decided not to "eat her friends" and has been a vegetarian ever since. As someone who has just started eating meat again after many years as a vegetarian, I still, at times, have questions for myself. The comment made in the article, "people who shared their lives with livestock were, on the whole, caring but not sentimental" is something I appreciate.
Kirke Mahy Hestad
Bellingham, Washington
A Vegan Speaks Out
As loyal readers of Mother Earth News since the early '80s, we have enjoyed the great information on alternative energy and many other subjects. We are vegans and have tolerated the many articles about raising and killing animals. However, when Bryan Welch's article, "Why I Farm" appeared in the February/March 2007 issue, I felt I had to voice my concerns.
I would like to suggest that there is another way to live that does not require the killing of innocent, trusting animals. It seems odd to me that I even have to suggest this, but Bryan's article makes it sound as though there is no choice in the matter, and that it is somehow more honorable to kill the animals yourself. Bryan attempts to justify killing as if it were compassionate and even spiritual. In his final statement, he claims that part of the reason he has more "life in his life," is because of all the death in his life.
I am so baffled. I am used to people who raise and kill animals justifying it because they like the taste of meat and because they were raised to do it and it seems normal to them. But to attempt to justify it on spiritual grounds defies all logic. There is a way to live close to the Earth, in harmony with all life, enraptured by the endless miracles of nature without killing animals who have done no harm and who are completely at our mercy.
Peace to you and to all beings.
Judy McCoy Carman
Lecompton, Kansas
Bryan Welch replies:
Thanks for your letter, Judy. Indeed, I am aware that one can live a healthy life without consuming animal products. And I believe it's an admirable, visible form of compassion.
However, I don't believe this absolves us of nature's most fundamental reality: When we consume food, other creatures die to create that food. Any plowed field is an environment in which few animals can exist. Every acre of soybeans, corn, wheat or any other food is an acre stolen from the creatures who would live there otherwise — they either are killed by the process or are never born since their theoretical parents fail to thrive for lack of habitat. A natural pasture, on the other hand, can be a rich wildlife habitat. My cattle, sheep and goats displace other grazing animals, surely, but they leave plenty of habitat for smaller animals that, on my pastures, amount to hundreds of species.
I'm also aware that a human being can theoretically survive on fewer acres of total land if we consume only vegetable products. I would argue, however, that a natural pasture is an example of humankind living in harmony with nature. And if two-thirds of my calories are produced on natural pasture carefully managed as wildlife habitat, then is my total impact on the animal world more or less egregious than a vegan diet dependent wholly on plowed-field agriculture? I don't know the answer to that, and I'm not sure the answer can be fully described. At any rate, it's complicated.
So I have chosen to convert my grass into meat, and my animals into food. I don't believe it's a superior — nor an inferior — ethical choice when compared with vegetarianism or veganism.
Better Solar Lighting Options
Regarding "Easy DIY Solar Lighting," in the April/May 2007 issue: Years ago when we first moved to the country and before the grid reached us, we used 12-volt auto bulbs at night. Now we are using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) throughout the house, so this article was immediately interesting. But when I saw the 12-volt CFLs priced at $19, I was surprised. I turned back a couple of pages and saw 120-volt CFLs at $2. If I built the system described in your article, I'd go for a small inverter and use the 120-volt CFLs.
Phil Van Camp
Murrieta, California
Wind Power in Your Back Yard: Loves It
I found the article "Whither Wind?" (February/March 2007) about wind power very eye opening. I have had the opportunity to live within a few miles of several wind farms in Tehachapi, Calif. The wind farms consist of 165-foot towers and produce clean and quiet energy.
Every day the view of the wind farms is different depending on the weather and season. The sound of turning blades reminds me of the reduction of greenhouse gases. Living in a solar- and wind-powered home, I feel like I'm doing my part to help save our planet for future generations.
Teresa Wagner
Tehachapi, California
Wind Power in your Back Yard: Hates It
In 1990 we began our dream of country living at the base of beautiful Mars Hill Mountain in northern Maine. We built our small cabin in the woods surrounded by bountiful nature. We could not have chosen a more peaceful place to raise our two children.
Suddenly this all changed. Evergreen Wind Power developed the mountain as a windmill site. Landowners around the mountain were told they had no say in the project because it was being developed on private land.
In the past few months, 28 370-foot-tall wind turbines have been erected along the ridgeline of the six-mile-long mountain. These turbines can be heard clearly inside our cabin with all the windows closed. When we step outside, the sound of the massive propellers cutting through the air echoes off the mountain and sounds much like a freight train. I strongly believe in alternative energy sources such as turbines; however, these massive turbines do not belong near people's homes. Eighteen families around the mountain have had their quality of life greatly diminished. My children are the fourth generation of our family to live on this land and most likely will be the last. I hope others learn from the Mars Hill wind farm disaster.
Kevin Jackins
Mars Hill, Maine
Coal Mining vs. Wind Power
In "Whither Wind?" the author says, "If the thousands of tons of coal that your wind farm will replace were being mined a mile from your house, it might be a little easier to take." I'm one of the people within a mile of a mountaintop removal mine. The blasts are like earthquakes, but every day. The coal company is planning to enlarge its 1,849-acre mine by another 100 acres. Across the valley, they've applied for a 2,000-acre mountaintop removal site adjacent to thousands more acres they've already been allowed to destroy.
Here in West Virginia there are opponents to wind farms. They typically complain about damage to their viewsheds and promote efficiency and "clean coal" mythology as the solutions. But there is no such thing as clean coal. There is, however, clean wind; so I'll gladly take wind farms any day.
To see the devastation wrought by mountaintop removal, go to www.ohvec.org, www.ilovemountains.org, or www.crmw.net.
Vernon Haltom
Naoma, West Virginia
Boil Weeds Away
In "Dear Mother," April/May 2007, Alex Stanley's letter said he wanted a weedless patio. For years I have been pouring boiling-hot water on the weeds in my stone paths and brick patio. It kills most anything growing, as well as any weed seeds in the cracks. This method has worked well for me for years. As far as I know, there is no damage done to the environment or the patio.
Mike Keen
Littleton, West Virginia
Likes Evacuated Tube Solar Collectors
I'm a Wisconsin-licensed master plumber, with a background in conventional hydronic heating, and a NABCEP-certified solar thermal installer. I disagree with Bob Ramlow's comments in "Go Solar for Free Hot Water" (February/March 2007) about evacuated tube solar collectors. They're not more delicate, they do not overheat any more than an improperly designed flat plate system, and they do shed snow when correctly installed. In fact, they even produce heat with frost and snow covering the tubes. In many applications they offer a superior choice. I have installed many evacuated tubes and have not received a single complaint.
Douglas Dypold
Edgerton, Wisconsin
Cultivating New Farmers
In the February/March 2007 issue I was grateful for the "Cultivating New Farmers" article. My wife and I participated in the "Farm Beginnings" program run by the Land Stewardship Project in Minnesota. This program has now expanded to Illinois and Nebraska. The program utilizes local farmers to introduce new and established farmers to sustainable farming. The "Farm Beginnings" program has been running for 10 years and has been successful in getting new farmers established and converting conventional farmers to sustainable methods.
Philip Dorwart
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Applause for Advertisers
Thanks to your magazine advertiser, we found the perfect hot tub, the Snorkel. We had changed all our lighting to compact fluorescent light bulbs, bought a new, much more efficient refrigerator, so undoing all of the savings with a conventional hot tub just didn't make sense.
But the wood-burning hot tub certainly does! We have lots of scrap lumber on our property to burn. We live in an historical area, so a wooden water tank with a smokestack fits right in! We also live on the side of a mountain, and smog is not an issue. Thank you for directing us to the perfect hot tub!
Bob and Candee Silveria
Virginia City, Nevada
Appreciates Mother, Ads & All
I got my renewal notice in the mail recently, and it made me reflect how much Mother Earth News has affected my life in a positive way. Your featured articles by Barbara Kingsolver led me to read all her books.
I have always wanted to garden and now I have an acre of garden. Next to the garden, we have five beehives, from which we get honey and pollinators. We also have a chicken coop near the garden and let the chickens roam the yard, eating bugs. The eggs are great!
My wife and I will go to a cob-building workshop soon, to learn how to build our own home. I have studied solar, water and wind power and have found some good sources to purchase solar panels. We have bought two older Mercedes-Benz cars and make biodiesel in the barn, which is a bit nasty, but rewarding.
I read the reader letters complaining about ads, inserts and product articles. But I think the advertisements correlate well to the articles, which benefits the magazine and the readers. Ads give readers tools and information to make wise and informed buying decisions. The inserts make great bookmarks, or go through the shredder and right onto the compost pile.
My home library contains many books that Mother offers, which make great reference materials. I recently purchased Eben Fodor's The Solar Food Dryer. My mother-in-law sun dries food using an old sliding door screen, but the horse pasture nearby draws flies, which like sun-dried food. After ordering and reading the book, I built her a dryer for Christmas. She loves it. Thanks for all you do. This is a great magazine.
Jim O'Lear
Newport, Tennessee
Passing Along the Lessons
As a follower of the self-sufficient and conservation lifestyle of Mother Earth News since the mid '70s, I want to thank your staff for teaching us how to use only what we need from the Earth, leaving as much as we can for future generations. As a lifelong educator, I have been able to take the ideas from your publication and plant their seeds in the minds of young people. I have seen science fair projects fashioned from plans for passive solar heaters and fire-resistant insulation made of recycled newspaper, as well as other Mother inspired ideas. I find it interesting that automobile manufacturers are now beginning to produce hybrid vehicles — I first read about them nearly 30 years ago in Mother Earth News.
As my wife and I approach retirement, we have made a commitment to get closer to the lifestyle that we aspired to have when we were young. We were blessed last year to find 200 wooded acres in Kentucky that afforded us the opportunity to be the first (as far as we can determine) to build a dwelling with an eye toward living a symbiotic rather than a parasitic existence as we attempt to allow our forest to mature. Our hope is that we can pass this desire on to our children and grandchildren, so that they will continue the work that you, through us, began many years ago. I hope that my message serves to encourage you to continue your work. The value and the impact of the ideas you present is far greater than you might imagine. Thank you.
Larry Brashear
Sebastian, Florida
A Call to a Whole Life
On Sunday it sounded like a bad cough: "Cakaroooo-Cakaroo!" But we all knew and came running out of the different corners and cocoons of our home; all of us bubbling with laughter. "That's hilarious" declared my 11 year old. "It's beautiful" said my 6-year-old. "How does he know how to do it?"
I find myself in awe of this ancient alarm clock ability. This little chick sold to us as a hen, has gradually grown into a gallant rooster, tail feathers gleaming and curling. All of a sudden, on one given day, he awakens and makes his manhood known, "I have crossed over, I am now a cockerel — hear me roar."
I know we will have to let go of the joy his crowing is bringing us every day, and perhaps this is what makes his call to life every morning so precious. It is, after all, illegal to have a rooster in the city limits.
I am the quintessential "not a morning person." However, this morning bugle from our rooster is morning magic. Every day he gets exponentially better at it. His first crow is part of my dream. As he becomes more energetic and persistent, he reminds me there is a new day to celebrate and business to be done. His crow is a bellowing celebration of life continuing, one I wish to join in with. Somehow his ancient, genetically determined capacity to wake up and crow makes everything seem whole. Everything seems like it is meant to be, even getting up; like everything should just happen because it does.
A compañera (woman friend) spoke to me yesterday about how our lives are all connected by a little cadenita (chain). Our actions pull each other along. We need this little chain of connection between us to hold onto, to keep going. The rooster crowing in my morning is making life whole. Could someone please speak to the authorities on my behalf? Tell them I need my hen even though he's really a rooster.
Lilian Sarlos
Portland, Oregon
Fresh Tomatoes Year-round
Here's another idea for extending the season for homegrown tomatoes. This year I planted for a late harvest because I would be on crutches due to surgery. We also had an unusually cold and rainy September, followed by an early freeze. Only 40 percent of my tomatoes had turned. So the day before the freeze, I brought in every tomato that was blemish-free (regardless of color), and lined them up in a sunny enclosed back porch. Then I checked them each week to cull the tomatoes that developed spots. They continued ripening, and we used the last of the tomatoes on January 15.
Were these late tomatoes the same as summer ripe tomatoes? No. But were they 10 times better than store-bought? Absolutely. This was a great, unexpected way to enjoy fresh tomatoes on our sandwiches during the snowy winter months.
Sue Odland
Villa Park, Illinois
Thank You from Grandpa Harvey
I want to thank your readers for their kind letters concerning my Firsthand Report, "Grandpa's Hobbit House" (October/November 2006). It warms my heart to know so many people are connecting with the Earth. My aim with the grandkids is to teach them love and respect for all things. The Hopi Elders tell us about loving the Earth. They say: Care for your plants as you care for your children and the world's fear will be replaced with love. This love will rebalance the Earth and improve our health. Mother's recent articles about growing food reflect this love. Way to go! Keep it up.
As I teach the grandkids more about the sacred ground and the balance of life, I enjoy their smiling faces and sparkling eyes. As they gaze in wonder at a worm wiggling in their hand, their excited voices bring joy to the entire garden, as only children can. At a moment like this, everything seems possible and I know life is good. Own your creation and make it lovely. Slow down and take smaller steps. Every now and then, step back and admire what you have created.
Grandpa Harvey Baumgartner
Elroy, Wisconsin


text:
This article in the current issue of First Things is a must read. In "Bitter Pill," economist Timothy Reichert, according to the byline, "reveals how the contraception boom has shifted wealth and power away from women." Here's a snippet:
With this essay, using the language and tools of modern social science, I will articulate the position that contraception is socially damaging. I will also demonstrate that contraception is in fact a sexist practice. Using straightforward microeconomic reasoning, I will unpack the behaviors engendered by artificial contraception. I will show that the contraceptive revolution has resulted in a massive redistribution of wealth and power from women and children to men.
Make sure you read the rest of this important article. If you aren't one already, click here to become a First Things print or online subscriber.


text:
The Case of the Disappearing Journal:
Solving the Title Transfer and Online Display Mystery
November 10, 2010
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
- About the Webinar
- Agenda
- Presentation Slides (PDF)
- Event Questions and Answers
- Registration
Can't make it on the 10th? Register now and gain access to the archive for one year.
- System Requirements
- Please note: you will need a computer for the presentation and Q&A, and a telephone for the audio.
- Mac users: You will need to use Safari to view the webinar.
- To save time before the meeting, check your system to make sure it is ready to use Microsoft Office Live Meeting: http://www.communiqueconferencing.com/livemeeting_downloads.asp
About the Webinar
Have you ever searched the Web for a journal that you thought ought to be available online but not found it, only to learn later that it was available all along? Perhaps you've linked out from your library's online catalog or A-Z e-journal list only to find that the title you expected was no longer available at the site linked to. Or maybe you have had occasion to search a database for a journal using an ISSN and ended up surprised with and confused by the results.
How journals are presented online, how they are identified, and how they are transferred from one publisher or platform provider to another can leave researchers, students -- and even librarians -- confused and frustrated. This webinar will discuss sevearl initiatives that are designed to alleviate this problem.
Register for this webinar to learn how these efforts are helping to solve The Case of the Disappearing Journal!
1:00 - 1:15 p.m.: Welcome & System Overview
Karen A. Wetzel, Standards Program Manager, NISO
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.: E-Journal Presentation & Identification: Developing Recommended Practices
Regina Reynolds, ISSN Coordinator, Library of Congress
The NISO Working Group on Recommended Practices for the Presentation and Identification of E-Journals is creating guidelines to help publishers, providers and others in the journal supply chain offer consistent and proper identification of journal content that is mounted online. For pre-reading about this inititative, see the article "In Search of Best Practices for Presentation of E-Journals," by Regina Reynolds and Cindy Hepfer (ISQ 21.1 [Spring 2009]: 18-24).
1:30 - 1:45 p.m.: ISSN-L: The Linking ISSN
Françoise Pelle, Director, ISSN International Center
The 2007 revision of the ISSN standard (ISO 3297) introduced the concept of the Linking ISSN (ISSN-L), which collocates or links among different media versions of a continuing resource. Learn more about the Linking ISSN and how it can be used.
1:45 - 2:00 p.m.: xISSN Web Service: Exposing Serials Identifiers, Relationships, and Metadata
Karen Coombs, Product Manager, OCLC Developer Network
xISSN is a web service provide by OCLC that provides developers and librarians with new ways for using and examining serials metadata from WorldCat and other sources. Have you ever been trying to trace a changing title of a journal, needed to know which form of a serial an ISSN represented, wanted to see all the ISSN associated with a journal, tried to determine the peer review status of a journal or wanted to easily know the feed for a journal Table of Contents? xISSN can help with all of these situations and more. Learn about the service and hear how members of the Developer Network are using the service to enhance user experiences and interfaces.
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.: UKSG Transfer Code of Practice
Ed Pentz, Executive Director, CrossRef
The UKSG Transfer Code of Practice was developed by librarians, publishers and agents to provide a practical set of guidelines to follow when journals change ownership. The Code ensures that users don't lose access to content and that librarians are notified of changes in a more consistent fashion. This presentation will provide an overview of the Code and an update on how the Code has been working in practice since its launch at the end of 2008.
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.: Q&A
If paying by credit card, register online.
If paying by check, use this PDF registration form.
Registration closes on November 10, 2010 at 12:00 pm Eastern.
Registration Costs
- NISO Member
- $89.00 (US and Canada)
- $104.00 (International)
- NASIG Member
- $89.00
- Non-Member
- $109.00 (US and Canada)
- $134.00 (International)
- Student
- $49.00
Additional Information
SAVE! Register for multiple events.
- Registration closes at 12:00 pm Eastern on November 10, 2010. Cancellations made by November 4th, 2010 will receive a refund, less a $20 cancellation. After that date, there are no refunds.
- Registrants will receive detailed instructions about accessing the webinar via e-mail the Monday prior to the event. (Anyone registering between Monday and the close of registration will receive the message shortly after the registration is received, within normal business hours.) We ask that registrants please turn off any spam blockers or filters to ensure that the information is received. Registrants unable to access e-mail during that time (out of office, etc.) should contact the NISO office to designate an alternate contact. Any registrant who has not received login instructions by 10:00 am Eastern on November 10 should contact the NISO office at email@example.com or call 301-654-2512.
- Registration is per site (access for one computer) and includes access to the online recorded archive of the webinar. If you are registering someone else from your organization, either use that person's e-mail address when registering or contact the NISO office to provide alternate contact information.
- Webinar presentation slides and Q&A will be posted to the site following the live webinar.
- Registrants will receive access information to the archived webinar following the event. An e-mail message containing archive access instructions will be sent within 48 hours of the event.


text:
Born December 18 1970 in Melbourne
She acted as Tess McLeod from 2001 to 2006 in the series McLeod´s Daughters.
New role for Bridie!
The cast of the new Erik Thomson series '800 Words' has been announced and it includes former McLeod's Daughters star Bridie Carter.
Channel 7 has described the family drama as very much like Packed to the Rafters in tone, but it's not following that Aussie classic in being shot here.
Bridie Carter is set to play Jan, the editor of the newspaper Turner writes for. She has done little television since she quit McLeod's Daughters in 2006.
Source: dailytelegraph.com.au
February 2015
Bridie Carter
Nearly a decade after she left McLeod's Daughters, is Bridie Carter ready to make a comeback? As Tess McLeod, Bridie Carter became one of Australia's golden girls. And she is still immensely
proud of her role in long-running show McLeod's Daughters. "McLeod's was the most wondrous, popular show," Bridie tells TV WEEK. "My character was just the greatest girl." But in 2006, after six
seasons playing Tess, it was time for Bridie to move on. But the 43-year-old admits it wasn't easy to leave the role behind. "When you're really popular on Australian television and you finish a
job, it can be tricky afterwards," Bridie says. "It's just the nature of the beast. Success is a double-edged sword. You need to let yourself rest sometimes. "People saw me as Tess for a long
time. You have to reinvent yourself." Not being part of a TV series gave Bridie time to spend with her family, though. The actress lives with her husband, Michael Wilson, and their sons, Otis,
nine, and Toby, four, in Byron Bay on the NSW north coast. "It suited me to be with my children," Bridie smiles. "I went back to work with Otis when he was four weeks old. "That was my choice. I
was completely naive, as I'd never had a child before! "When Toby was born, it was lovely not to have to be on a film set." The actress describes herself as a hands-on mum to her boys. "Children
certainly give you [a great] perspective," Bridie explains. "They help you to see what's really important in life." In recent years, Bridie has been busy writing and producing a new TV project.
"I'm passionate about Australian television and female-driven drama," she enthuses. "So, I've been concentrating on that." She's hoping to talk to the TV networks next year about getting it on
the air. "I look forward to being back on screen a lot more," she admits. "My youngest boy is starting school next year. There comes a time to get back into it." Bridie adds that she would also
love to have a leading role in a TV show again. "That, for me, is the most fulfilling thing," the Melbourne-born actress reveals. She's also starting to pop up on our screens more frequently. In
recent years, Bridie has appeared in Wild Boys and Rescue Special Ops. And, this week, you will be able to see her in ABC comedy series It's A Date. She plays unlucky-in-love Sharna, who decides
to try reigniting the spark with old flame Harry again. Harry is an ageing rocker, who performs covers and Sharna tries to get him to write his own music. "It's a comedy," Bridie points out. "But
there are also lovely moments that touch your heart. She has really high hopes for this guy." In real life, however, Bridie doesn't have to worry about the dating game. In May this year, she and
Michael celebrated a major milestone – their 10-year wedding anniversary! "Every day is a blessing," she smiles contentedly. "And my marriage just gets better year by year." "My husband and
children are my biggest gift and I'm always grateful. I just have a lot of love. And I have a job I absolutely adore." It's A Date, Thursday, 9pm, ABC McLeod's Reunion "Never say never!" Bridie
says of the idea of reuniting the cast of McLeod's Daughters for a TV telemovie. "I'm open to anything. But when something ends on a high, you can't just keep going back. Some things you just
have to walk away from with good memories." And she has plenty of those. "I don't take the five years I had making that show for granted," she says. "[I was] sitting on my horse, looking out at
this incredible Australian landscape, going: 'Oh, my goodness, this is my office - and they pay me for it!' "It was very special."
November 2014
In 2014 Bridie Carter will be seen in a starring role in the short dramatic film "Skin".


text:
Free People Modern Femme Novelty Skirt in Camo
Be a Modern Femme rocking this little number! The Free People Modern Femme is back and this time she comes in camo! This fitted mini skirt looks as amazing with just a plain white tee as it does with a band tee or blouse tucked into the front. We recommend snagging this one up before it's gone because you're not gonna want to miss having this piece to style your fave tops with!Brand: Free People
97% Cotton | 3% Elastane
Model is 5'6" | Wearing a size 2
Returns PolicyReturns are accepted within 30 days of receipt date for store credit only. Any returns thereafter may be denied. We do not offer refunds on any items. Please fill out and follow the instructions on the Return Form included with your order to receive a store credit. If you require a Return From, please email us at email@example.com. If an item is returned that is not eligible for return, the customer is responsible for the cost of the return shipping. All sale items are FINAL SALE (no exchanges or store credits will be accepted) All returns must be unworn, with tags (if any), in their original condition and packaging. No exchanges or store credits will be accepted on any jewelry due to it changing colors, changing your skin color, or natural 'wear and tear'.
We can ship to virtually any address in the world. Note that there are restrictions on some products, and some products cannot be shipped to international destinations. When you place an order, we will estimate shipping and delivery dates for you based on the availability of your items and the shipping options you choose. All orders are processed and shipped by our office within 2 business days. Delivery varies based on your distance from our warehouse (Orange, CA 92865), but is usually 5- 7 business days. International orders can take over 7 days - 3 weeks to be delivered, so thank you for your patience. Overnight Delivery orders: placed before 11am will ship same day, placed after 11am will ship the following business day.


text:
Porn Site Reviews >> exhibitionism >> outdoor peeing >> panty wetting >> pissing >> public pissing
This is your lucky day in the busy city! Just think about all the girls who are desperate to take a leak with no obvious option to do that.
Sometimes it gets so bad they have to sit down and let strong salty streams flow through their panties! Savour the moments of hot chicks shamelessly
surrendering to their primeval urges and pretending nothing is going on as they in fact wet themselves, in public! This is hot, and damn this is kinky!
Added: 29 12 2010 Viewed 133074 times Visited 10719
Trial: $5.95
Monthly (recurring): $29.95
RSS Feed Available
An RSS feed is available for Wet In Public which may include updates and free samples!
Free Videos
Free Galleries
Babe Wets Her Pants
Wet Skirt & Panties
Wet In Public Review
If you love to see beautiful women desperate to pee, struggling to hold it in, and loosing control of their full bladders, bursting, and wetting their pants and skirts with hot pussy piss, in public places, in front of shocked bystanders. Then believe me, WetInPublic is for you!
WetInPublic caters exclusively to this exciting, daring sub-fetish of peeing and panty wetting, which includes the embarrassment, excitement and public humiliation of women peeing in their clothes in public locations.
The site is nicely designed and easy to get about. The content is plentiful. Pictures and videos are all available, and video downloads are available in a choice of formats. The content on the site is exclusively produced, so is not available any where else. This also means there are regular updates of new movies every month. The videos are well shot, and are exciting and sexy.
There's enough exciting content on this site to keep you happy for months, and enough new monthly content to make a monthly subscription well worth while.
Discrete, secure billing, good customer service, and great value for money make this THE BEST public wetting site on the web. You will not be disappointed!
User Reviews
freerephil04 Wed 16 February 2011
great but not the best
they have a few hot models working for them and a few that should have retired a few years ago. They are very daring and thoroughly wet their pants during each clip. I also love how they change our of their wet clothes at the end of each clip, showing you everything.
Home : Pissing Community : Pissing Forums : Pissing Galleries : Pissing Stories : Pee Dating : Contact : Webmasters
© PeeSearch.net 2002 - 2019


text:
Currently listing 1,126 recipes in 11 categories!Latest Recipes
2 egg whites, beaten
1 1/2 tsp. Curry powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp sugar
4 cups walnut halves and pieces
preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a large shallow baking pan with non stick spray. Mix egg whites with curry powder, cumin, salt and sugar. Stir in the walnuts and coat thoroughly. Spread in prepared pan. Bake 15 - 18 min till dry and crisp. Cool before serving.
This recipe currently has 0 pictures.
For spam prevention, enter code:
This recipe currently has 0 comments. Add your own comment in the right hand menu.
Add New Recipe Contact us about this Recipe Tell a Friend about this Recipe Printer Friendly Version Liquid Conversions Weight Conversions Temperature Conversions Gas Mark Tables Vegetable Cooking Times Length Conversions
Pizza Pockets Hanky Pankys Pizza Gain - Pizza with no sauce!! no-bake granola bites
Thank you, your comments will be reviewed shortly!


text:
3X magnifier for PVS14 & PVS7
A HANDFUL AVAILABLE LESS THAN REGULAR COST! MOVE QUICK! 3X magnifier for the PVS14 or the PVS7 Very handy device to increase the "reach" of your night vision device.
"Reach out" farther with a 3X magnifier on your PVS14. Perfect for long distance night time observation.
When you need one, you really need one!
Click To Enlarge
- Item #: 3Xmag
Reviews (0) Write a Review
No Reviews. Write a Review


text:
Our single, rigid ID card holder (AH-075), and the dual rigid ID card holder (AH-150), are a popular choice with the military, and other organizations that need a rigid, versatile holder that accommodates one or photo ID badges. Much of its popularity with the military, is its dark black color which looks good with any of the military uniforms, and does not attract attention to the badge holder. The light weight and great price are two other qualities that make this holder so popular.
The AH-075 and AH-150 both have slot holes on both sides, allowing you to hang your ID either vertical or horizontally, which makes this rigid card holder quite versatile whether you have a portrait or landscape ID design. Your ID badge locks securely in place, although the badge is still easy to insert and remove.
Any questions about photo ID Systems or accessories? Just contact us online or give us a call at 1-800-380-6726.


text:
"Though some analysts were put off by the weak guidance, the market is apparently looking past that. Instead, analysts looked toward the much anticipated September release of the iPhone 8 — the 10th anniversary of the release of the iconic device — which is expected to be a significant upgrade," Lovelace Jr. reports. "Analysts were also assured by Apple CEO Tim Cook's positive tone around tax reform under President Donald Trump."
"JPMorgan reiterated its 'overweight' rating on Apple and raised its December 2017 price target to $142," Lovelace Jr. reports. "Oppenheimer said it expects Apple shares to perform well over the next two quarters. 'CEO, Tim Cook, sounded positive on possible tax repatriation (91 percent of $238 billion cash balance is overseas as of F4Q16),' Oppenheimer said."
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: With Apple, Wall Street is like a brain-damaged puppy. Instead of two hundred words, it only knows two: "iPhone" and "taxes."
But, there's sooo much more!
Oh, well, c'est la vie; same as it ever was.


text:
To contribute to this site, see above menu item "About".
These transcriptions may contain human errors.
As always, confirm these, as you would any other source material.
Will of James Parker
In re
This is the last will of me James F. Parker of St. John's Newfoundland Manufacturer and I revoke all former wills by me made I appoint my daughter Maragret Parker (hereinafter called "my trustee") sole executrix and trustee of this my will.
In witness whereof I have set my hand to this my will this 18th day of February 1921 at St. John's Newfoundland.
by the testator James F. Parker as and for his
last will in our presence who in his presence and and in the
presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as
This is a codicil to my foregoing will which will is dated the 18th day of February 1921 Whereas I wish to give to my wife Mary Jane Parker a pecuniary legacy of five thousand dollars to be paid to her promptly after my death Now therefore I hereby give to her five thousand dollars ($5000.00). and ask my trustee to pay same forthwith after my death. In all other respects I confirm my said will.
In witness whereof I have set my hand to this codicil to my will this 22nd day of February 1921.
Signed by the testator James F. Parker as a codicil to his last in our presence who in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunder subscribed our names as witnesses.
Jas. J. McGrath. T. Scanlon McGrath.
(Listed in the margin next to this will the following)
Page Contributed by Judy Benson & Ivy F. Benoit
Page Revised by Ivy F. Benoit (Wednesday February 20, 2013)
Newfoundland's Grand Banks is a non-profit endeavor.
No part of this project may be reproduced in any form
for any purpose other than personal use.
JavaScript DHTML Menu Powered by Milonic
© Newfoundland's Grand Banks (1999-2019)
Hosted by
Your Community, Online!


text: Hello, I upgraded python to 2.4 and now my IDLE isn't working. There is an error indicating something is wrong with my configuration file for the IDLE settings. Any suggestions for how to solve this problem would be much appreciated. thanks. Jeff -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://mail.python.org/pipermail/tutor/attachments/20050601/5e0880df/attachment.html


text:
Editorial Policy
We review products honestly and from the perspectives of our editorial team, which includes Melanie Sykes and a number of our friends who can offer experienced insight into the products we have sought out for you. Our reviews do not constitute legal or medical advice.
The site is supported by affiliate marketing and by brand partnerships, such as our competitions. Although we are occasionally sent products to review or invited to take part in experiences, we are not paid to review them, and we only review or mention products that we genuinely love and think that you will love too.
Affiliate marketing means that if you click on some of the links on our site, and go on to buy something from our affiliate partner, we get a small percentage of the sale. This does not have any impact on the price you pay for the product, and this revenue allows us to run melaniesykes.com and bring you fantastic content every day.
Sponsored content of any kind will always be clearly marked.
Authenticity is very important to us here at melaniesykes.com and brands cannot pay us to write articles about them. Everything you read on the site is purely editorial and from the heart.


text:
Just in! Exciting news courtesy of Andreas Ramos' Google Adwords User Group:
Yep. Google Office.
Google will partner with SUN to deliver a complete suite of software to compete against Microsoft Office. This will include a word processor, spreadsheet, etc. It will be based on SUN's OpenOffice, which is open source.
If you've tried NetOffice, it's a Microsoft Office clone. It works just like Microsoft. And it works with Microsoft files. You can replace Microsoft Office ($600 or so) entirely with OpenOffice, which is free.
This was announced an hour ago (NOTE from CK: approx. 11 am PST) in a joint press conf at Google by Scott McNealy (CEO of SUN) and Eric Schmidt (quasi-CEO of Google).
This is a declaration of war between Google and Microsoft. MS Office is Microsoft's cash cow. By releasing G-Office, Google will undermine MS's revenues.


text:
Hendrick was the first hospital to permanently serve the Texas Midwest when its doors opened in 1924.
For 90 years, the Hendrick name has been the first name in healthcare in Abilene, Texas, and the Texas Midwest. As the first healthcare network to establish a true system of services, the Hendrick name reigns over a 522-bed medical center, a women's center, rehabilitation hospital, cancer center and numerous other innovative services.
The mission created 90 years ago continues today, and it will remain so as Hendrick Medical Center moves into the future. Hendrick has a long history of being the finest baby hospital in Abilene and their desire is to provide the highest levels of safety, quality care, and customer service for their patients. To help foster that tradition, Hendrick Medical Center is the first hospital in Abilene to implement an OB/GYN Hospitalist Program. Questcare Obstetrics began providing inpatient-medical services November 1, 2014.


text:
It's been quite the week leading up to this long weekend. I finally saw Twilight (twice) and also New Moon! Where have I been for the past two years? I don't really have an excuse except to say that I had a baby and have been very busy ever since. ;Þ I enjoyed both movies and it was about time I saw some new and fun vampire entertainment since I'm one of those original Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans... the TV show, that is, not the movie. I have the entire series on DVD!
On Friday, a friend and I went to my SU Demo's Open House where we got to see and play with some goodies from the new catalog. Personally, I wasn't that impressed with the new stamp sets (only three are going on my wish list) but I do love the new colour collections! I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on Crumb Cake ink for one!!
Last night I finally got around to crafting again which made me so happy. :) All the images are from Papertrey Ink. Speaking of which, my latest order has been sitting in customs for a week now and that really makes me mad!! Ugh. Seriously. Why does it have to take so long? Insert eye roll here. ;)
I wanted to make a birthday card without a birthday sentiment so I came up with 4U, which really could be used for any occasion, and stamped on top of that with background dots. Yay, I finally used the dots again! This is only my second time using that set which is why I'm happy that it's becoming useful? LOL
The butterflies were made by overlaying a smaller image on top of a larger solid butterfly and popped with dimensionals. Then I stitched each of the textured scallops, stamped a small text background and attached everything with adhesive. I knew the vertical scalloped edge wouldn't line up when I punched it but I like the way it doubles up when the card is closed.
That's it for today! I hope all my friends and family in the U.S. are enjoying a great 4th of July holiday!!
Sources: SU Naturals Ivory & Kraft cardstock; AC textured cardstock; PTI Outlines Alphabet; PTI Polka Dot Basics II; PTI Background Basics: Text Style II; PTI Butterfly Dreams; Memories Black ink; Vivid ButterScotch ink; SU Summer Sun ink; Fiskars Threading Water border punch; SU scallop border punch; Gutermann black and cream thread; Forever in Time pop-dots


text:
Taylor Swift is all the talk of this week as her fifth album 1989 was released on Monday. I've been a huge fan of Taylor Swift for a very long time and naturally I pre-bought and fangirled like a beaver on crack when I got that notification that 1989 was ready to be downloaded, I felt like I was waiting all my life for this album, and was not disappointed. Perhaps it's because TSwizzle and I are the same age, but her albums usually seem to be exactly what I want to hear at the given time. Fearless and Red are two albums that I felt spoke to me at the point I was at in my life when they were released and now with 1989, I truly have an album which I could see as the current soundtrack of my life.
"I was born in 1989. My life inspired me. But this time I was not broken and devastated, but on the rise. Now it's all about my life. I say with my album: 'Begin to live your own life.'"
I love this outlook, because for most our lives we envy others and try and live a life that is not our own. I see it so much among my peers and even in myself sometimes, we have this idea of how our lives should be or how we want to be and many times it doesn't fit us, our personalities, our situations but we force ourselves into this mould of what a 25-year-old successful woman should look like, should do, should own, instead of meeting ourselves where we are, inspiring ourselves and making the most out of lives.
Since the release of 1989, I've read many music reviews on the album and perhaps synthetically there can be many criticisms that could be made by professional music critics but for me, a long time Taylor fan, I simply feel as if she hit the ball out the park. Lyrically with 1989, Taylor sways away from just heartbreak and unrequited love and all the pains of being young, and she explores more adult topics like sex, mistakes, responsibility, freedom and having fun. If I kept a diary, it would sound like a Taylor Swift album.
Even though I am a couple of months older than her, I can't help but admire her: the kind way that she treats her fans – leaving personal responses to them on Instagram and Tumblr, the way she revels in the fact that she isn't as great of a dancer as most other pop singers, and I love the fact that she admitted that her previous views on feminism was born from ignorance and she said she was wrong and has since spoken up about how the media treats females and the importance of feminism.
"I wish when I was 12 years old, I'd been able to watch a video of my favorite actress explaining in such an intellectual, beautiful, poignant way the definition of feminism," Swift said about the power of Emma Watson's speech. "I would have understood it and earlier on in my life would have proudly claimed that I was a feminist, because I would have understood what the word means. So many girls out there say, 'I'm not a feminist,' because they think it means something angry, or disgruntled, or complaining, or they picture rioting and picketing. It is not that at all. It simply means you believe women and men should have equal rights and opportunities."
It could also be because Taylor has taken a break from the serial dating and has since said her priorities are her career, her family and her friends and hopefully love will follow, and that is so similar to my views on the subject. She has said in numerous interviews that she chooses friends who can inspire her and she can in turn play a helpful role in their lives, and lately since I've been revising the relationships in my life, Taylor's words have echoed in my mind more than once. And what a plethora of friends Taylor has – Lena Dunham, Ed Sheeran, Jaime King, Emma Stone, Lorde, Selena Gomez. For reals, one of my goals in my life is to be friends with Taylor Swift.
When I was 19, the Foreword in her Fearless album encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, and take chances, and now six years later she is still inspiring me but this time to learn from my mistakes, to begin every day anew and to have the courage to change.
Thank you Taylor!


text:
'Crafty' weekend in the Rosses with lots on offer for visitors
Craft lovers will get a chance to see some beautiful hand crafted products at two events in west Donegal this weekend.
The annual Aonach Jack fair day takes place at Leo's Tavern, Meenaleck on Saturday 12th commencing at 11am.
This fair day always attracts a huge crowd and many stalls with beautifully handcrafted items line both sides of the road in Meenaleck. Visitors to the fair can pick up anything from handmade soaps, knitwear, engraved and hand carved stone, wooden pens, bowls, clocks and a good variety of homemade bread, jams, etc.
There will also be entertainment for the younger generation.
Meanwhile, at nearby Mullaghduff on Sunday, 13th at 5pm the official opening of the newly refurbished Teach na Rosann (Neddies) tea room, craft and gift shop will take place.
This new premises displays a wide variety of local crafts and gifts and gives many craft folk from the locality a chance to market their products.
Altan's Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, who lives nearby at Carrickfin, will be on hand for the entertainment.


text:
Oman – Oh…Man
Oman's landscape is characteristically rough and rustic, at the same time being grandiose and imposing. This is a series of images that depict the alteration man has made on the topography of Oman. It is about the foot-marks Man has left, indelible and irreversible, on the surface of its land, with far-reaching results – positively on the infrastructure and transportation, and negatively on the environment and the splendor of the landscape. It is an account of my admiring amazement about the overwhelming potency of human labor as well as the concern created by the aesthetic trauma I experienced while travelling through the country.


text:
important role in a home and many referred to as the heart of the home. So that the atmosphere in the kitchen more enjoyable and convenient, many homeowners who decide to decorate the kitchen is all-out. Kitchen designs are present in a variety of options that . . . . Read_More
Home / 8 X 11 Kitchen Designs
8 X 11 Kitchen Designs
About us
Design is the method of putting form and content together. Design, just as art, has multiple definitions; there is no single definition. Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated. (Paul Rand)
Recent Posts
- Looking for New Orleans French Quarter Hotels?
- Choose Apartments You Like Most At Denton
- Best Reliable Houston apartments
- What is the Best St Simons Island Hotels?
- Great View At Chico Apartments
- How We Can Get Apartments in Houston
- Best Home Building Plans Resources
- Greatest San Francisco Apartments to Rent
- Get Apartment You Want At Costa Mesa
- Which San Diego Apartments You Should Rent


text:
Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Young Hercules: God Among Men (MF)
by The Fan ([email protected])
Buffy Summers looked at Hercules, the young man she considered to be the love
of her life. Tenderly, she kissed him. It wasn't that long ago that they met.
Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld had unleashed hell on Earth. An army
of immortal Giants had been set loose upon the world. The ancient Olympian
Gods had been vanquished. Buffy Summers had never faced a threat like the
Giants before. They were out of her league.
Fortunately, she received a little help from a heroic young man from ancient
times. Hercules, the half-human, half-God offspring of Zeus, King of the
Olympian Gods and Alcmene, a mortal woman of great beauty and intellect.
Hercules had long been a foe of Hades, the Dark God. Hercules and his buddy,
a young man named Iolaus had battled the evil God before. This time, Hades
wasn't alone. He had help from Glorificus, the Goddess of Hell. Glorificus,
whose modern name was Glory, had joined forces with Hades in an attempt to
rule the world.
Hercules and friends, along with Buffy and the Slayerettes had vanquished
Hades. Some of the ancient Olympians, such as the Sun God Apollo and the
goddess Athena had joined Hercules in the battle against Hades and
Glorificus. The dark forces had been defeated. Hercules had opted to stay
on Earth for a while, with his new love, Buffy Summers, the Vampire Slayer.
They were the happiest couple this side of the world.
Hercules looked at Buffy, and gently pulled her into his arms. Slowly, they
kissed and began to undress. They were suddenly naked, bared to each other.
Hercules caressed Buffy's sexy body. She was the sexiest woman he had ever
met. Yes, this battling babe reminded him of his former lover and rival,
Xena the Warrior Princess. Buffy climbed on top of Hercules, and rested her
hands on his shoulders. Looking into his eyes, she begged him to take her.
Slowly, Buffy was moved down onto Hercules's groin area by the Demigod's
powerful hands. Buffy held his cock in her hand. Nine inches long, thick
and uncircumcised. A lovely organ. Slowly, she impaled herself on it. Until
Hercules cock was sheathed in her pussy. Their bodies merged, and they began
to make love. This was a first for both of them. Neither had ever seen
anything like the other before. They were champions, heroes ready at the
beck and call of the world when its people needed them. They were heroes
and gave freely of their courage, their being and their very lives. Yet
they were also people, with needs. As they passionately made love, their
bodies released pent-up sexual energies.
Hercules thrust into Buffy, and she cried out in pleasure. Buffy looked
into his eyes, and finally let go. She didn't have to be strong anymore.
This wasn't war. She could let herself feel vulnerable. As vulnerable as
he was. They were lovers and that's what it means to be in love and to
make love. Placing yourself in another person's hands and trusting him or
her completely. That's exactly what the Demigod and the super girl did.
They trusted each other. When they reached ecstasy at the same time and
cried out in orgiastic bliss, it was glorious.
Later, Buffy Summers and Hercules held each other tenderly. The Demigod
looked at the Slayer, and smiled. They were in love. At last, they had
found what they were looking for. Love everlasting. To be found only once,
in the infinity of time.
The End
Submit stories to:
[email protected](dot)com
with the title heading "TSSA Story Submission"
Copyright © 2002-2014 TSSA Click For Celebrity Pics


text:
Some lawmakers in the province of Ontario, Canada, have vowed to keep an open mind about the effects that government-mandated speed limiters would have on small-business truckers.
Provincial lawmakers are preparing for a round of public hearings on Bill 41, introduced by Ontario Transportation Minister Jim Bradley to make speed limiters mandatory on all heavy trucks operating in the province. That means truckers have an opportunity to be heard before the lawmakers vote.
On Tuesday, May 13, the Ontario Legislature assigned Bill 41 to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. It is that committee's job to set public hearing dates and times. Visit the committee's Web site by clicking here.
Frank Klees, a Progressive Conservative member of provincial parliament from the Newmarket-Aurora region, said he is keeping an open mind on the plight of small-business truckers.
"We have said we will listen very carefully to the various sectors of the industry and be prepared to propose amendments to the legislation based on what we hear, and conduct ourselves accordingly when it comes to how we vote on this legislation," Klees told Land Line on Thursday, May 8.
Klees said a government mandate on technology does little to solve problems associated with speeding.
"The fact is that our problem, in my opinion, is not one of technology. It's enforcing the speed limits and the laws that we have in place. And I think that's where it should be left," he said.
During an April 14 debate on Bill 41, Klees told Bradley and other lawmakers that a mandate will only expose failures in the area of enforcement.
"That is, we already have speed limiters in Ontario. They're called speed limits," Klees told lawmakers. "The very fact that we have to entertain this legislation in this House is an indication that we have failed along the way in a very big way."
Klees said he knows that getting an amendment attached to a government-sponsored bill is a tough undertaking because the Liberal Party controls the majority.
Bradley introduced Bill 41 on March 19 based on a 2007 Liberal campaign promise. The proposed mandate mirrors what the Ontario Trucking Association has been pushing since November 2005.
During the April 14 debate, the transportation minister said slowing down trucks would cut greenhouse gas emissions and make highways safer.
Klees said government leaders are really playing up safety and the environment.
"The challenge we have with this legislation is that by voting against it, you are perceived to be voting against safety and the environment," he told Land Line.
"We want to do the right thing for safety, and we want to do the right thing for the environment."
Klees said he welcomes input from truckers, and encourages them to e-mail comments to email@example.com or mail him at the following address:
Frank Klees
Member of Provincial Parliament
Room 447, Legislative Bldg.
Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
Truckers are also encouraged to share their views with Transportation Minister Bradley and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Bradley can be reached at (416) 327-9200 or in writing at:
Jim Bradley
Ontario Minister of Transportation
77 Wellesley Street West
Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M7A 1Z8
Premier McGuinty can be reached by phone at (416) 325-1941 or in writing at:
Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
Ferguson Block, 12th Floor
77 Wellesley St. W.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M7A 1N3
– By David Tanner, staff writer


text:
Mar 02, 2013
Saracens v London Welsh is sold out
Saracens match against London Welsh tomorrow (Sunday) is now sold out, kick off is 14h15.
Gates open at Allianz Park at 11h15 and with the final tickets for the round 17 match being sold this morning, it means that the first three games at Saracens new home have now sold out following Exeter Chiefs two weeks ago, London Welsh tomorrow and Harlequins on March 24.
Don't forget that if you are traveling to Allianz Park tomorrow, leave your car at home and use the Saracens Shuttle. More than 5,000 fans used the free service from Mill Hill East Underground and Mill Hill Broadway Station two weeks ago.
Share this story


text:
About Figleaves
Figleaves, online at figleaves.com, is the ultimate online destination for lingerie, loungewear, nightwear, swimwear, stockings, corsets, bustiers, maternity bras, shapewear, underwear, and more for women and men. Figleaves offers style, great fit, comfort, appeal, and great prices with brands like Midnight Grace, Fantasie, Chantelle, Elle Macpherson, Wonderbra, Speedo, Mimi Holliday, Freya, Paul Smith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Panache, and more. Plus, Figleaves offers specials and outlet savings. So before you shop, get all the latest figleaves.com discounts, Figleaves promotions, and Figleaves coupon codes found here at RetailSteal.com.
Shipping & Return Policy
Figleaves ships within the United States, APO/FPO addresses, and internationally. See site for more information.
Treasure Troves
These here be our top treasure troves of steals and deals. We be looting from these merchants day or night.
Ahoy me 'earties! If yer ship ever breaks down, don't fret, take a plane with low prices from Adioso.
Amazon Goldbox
We found some amazin' treasure at Amazon Goldbox. Check back e'eryday for a new daily deal yer sure to love!
We love to trade n' barter! Trade yer unwanted gift cards for new ones online at Cardpool. If ye want cash, ye can sell them for doubloons too!
Don't be a lonely landlubber, join the group on Groupon! Save on some of yer local fa'orite spots for feastin', restin', and entertainin'.
Lookin' for a steal? Visit Pricegrabber for some of the best steals on the web for a whole sea of items.
30% Savings in Special Offers
Save up to 30% on special offers from Figleaves. Click here to save on brands like Elle Macpherson, Polo Ralph Lauren, Midnight Grace, and more.
10% Discount with Sign Up
Get a 10% discount on your purchase from Figleaves.com. Get discount along with special offers when you sign up for emails.
Up to 60% Discount in Outlet
Save up to 60% or more on bras, lingerie, underwear, and more for men and women in the outlet at Figleaves. Click here to shop.
15% Savings on Customer Favourites
Save 15% on customer favourites at Figleaves. Click here to shop.
20% Discount on Select Elle Macpherson with Code
Save 20% on select Elle Macpherson lingerie sets using this coupon code at Figleaves.com. Click here to shop.
20% Savings on Men's FGL Multipacks with Code
Save 20% on select men's FGL multipacks from Figleaves.com. Click here and use coupon code.
2 for $40 - Just Peachy Bras with Coupon Code
Get 2 Just Peachy bras for only $40 from Figleaves. Click here to shop and use coupon code to save.
2 for $55 Essentials Bras with Coupon Code
Get 2 Figleaves essentials bras for only $55 using this coupon code at Figleaves.com. Click here to shop.
$8 Discount on Shapewear with Coupon Code
Use our coupon code at Figleaves online today to receive an $8 discount on shape wear.
20% Discount on Select Styles
Shop online at figleaves.com and save 20% on select styles for this fall season!
10% Discount on First Purchase with Coupon Code
Save 10% on your first Figleaves purchase when you enter this coupon code at checkout!


text:
The history of golf is rooted in fifteen century gaming and it is derived from games formerly played in the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland. Players would, at one time, strike a stone or pebble with a stick as they hit the pebble around a course constructed out of natural obstacles like rabbit runs, sand dunes, and the like. There are many different nations that likely contributed to the invention and evolution of golf. As such, the history of golf has no clear cut inventor so to speak, but contributions to the game as we know it today have come from cultures around the world.
The Netherlands
There was much written about the game of "colf" or "kolf" which was played as early as the 13th century in the Netherlands. The basic similarities of the games with today's game of golf were that they were played with a curved stick and ball. Foursomes were also common. Whether "kolf "was an ancestor of golf is a question many ask.
Ancient Rome
Were the Romans the first to play a game of golf? They did have a game called paganica that was played with a bent stick and a leather ball made of feathers. Historians say the game spread through Europe as the Romans conquered more lands.
History shows the Chinese had many stick and ball games that could have been a form of early golf. However when the actual game of golf was introduced to the Chinese it was quite foreign to them.
Golf likely evolved, in part, from games formerly played in the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland. Players would, at one time, strike a stone or pebble with a stick as they hit the pebble around a course constructed out of natural obstacles like rabbit runs, sand dunes, and the like. Certain historians assert that this game was influenced by the games of Chole from Belgium or Kolven from Holland; these games first appeared in the early 1420s in Scotland. It should be noted that games like Chole and Kolven, while they were ball and stick games, did not have the inclusion of a hole.
Some historical evidence clearly suggests that golf gamine was enjoyed in Scotland in St. Andrews. This location is considered the cradle of the golf game today. It is believed that the game of golf is, at minimum, six centuries old. In fact, some historians believe that the game was being played for at least a century before it was being played in St. Andrews. Some historians also assert that the game was not elite at first and that it was played by sheep herders as they tended to the flocks in the fields. It is believed that to remedy boredom that the herders began striking pebbles or rocks with a stick at various targets located throughout the landscape. Since the landscape varied a great deal, it was not long before players would encounter natural bunkers and hazards.
A Favorite of Kings and Queens
While the game of golf's roots are somewhat unclear, historians do not dispute the fact that this game is definitely one that was birthed in Scotland.
During the fifteenth century in Scotland games like these were so common and popular that they distracted military members from necessary training. When this occurred, King James II decide to ban any kind of sports playing in the year 1457. This same ban was continued and reaffirmed in the year 1470 and the year 1491. While there were rules prohibiting gaming, people largely ignored such rules and continued enjoying their favorite pastimes. In the year 1502, after the implementation of the Treaty of Glasgow, the sports ban was repealed. This could have been due to King James IV's, then the king of England, interests in golfing.
Golf was royally endorsed during the sixteenth century and this is what led to its tremendous popularity. In England, King Charles I helped to make the game well known and in France, Mary Queen of Scots also enjoyed the game. In fact, the term "caddie" is from the French word cadet The term was derived from the French Military helpers assisting Mary Queen of Scots at the time. Later, the first golf course would be created in Leith, a locale nearby Edinburgh. Even King Charles I played on the course in Leith as this is where he was notified of the 1641 Irish rebellion. What's more, this is the course where the very first international golfing game was played in the early 1680s; the game was a match between two English noblemen, George Patterson and the Duke of York.
The Game's Evolution
By 1744, the first golf club was created; appropriately the club was identified as the Gentleman Golfers of Leith. This club hosted a yearly golf competition with the prize consisting of a Silver Golf Club. Club rules were created by Duncan Forbes. Rules asserted that a ball had to be teed within a single club's length of the hole on the course, that the tee must be placed on the ground, and that the ball that was struck off the tee could not be changed. The rules also asserted that bones, stones and other obstacles could not be removed for the purposes of play and that gaming should be honest and golfers should make no attempt to cheat. In 1768, the Gentleman Golfers of Leith changed its name to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and moved in 1836 to Musselburgh, Lothian.
In the year 1759 stroke play in golf was first introduced. Later, in the year 1764 a brand new golf course was constructed that consisted of eighteen holes. Today, the eighteen hole golf course has become a gaming standard. By 1895, the very first golf club for women was created too. This club was honored with the name of the Royal and Ancient by King William, and in 1854 the location got a brand new clubhouse construction. The club later became well known as the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews. The site had royal patronage, a superb course, and its rules were produced in a publication.
During that time, golf clubs had heads on them made of apple tree wood or beech wood while others were crafted out of durable iron. Meanwhile, shafts were constructed out of hazel wood or ash. The golf balls that were in use at the time were made of feathers that were compressed and stuffed inside a horsehide covering which was later sewn closed.
Golf in the Modern Era
During the nineteenth century, many golf clubs were erected in the Commonwealth of the British Empire. In 1766, the Royal Blackheath golf club was created just outside of the city of London, even though golfing had occurred at in London since the early 1600s. Later, in 1820, another club was established in India in the city of Bangalore. In 1829, the Royal Calcutta club was created and many clubs soon followed including the 1842 formation of the Royal Bombay; the 1856 creation of the Royal Curragh in Ireland; the 1856 formation of the Pau in France; the 1870 creation of the Adelaide; the 1873 formation of the Royal Montreal; the 1885 formation of the Cape Town club; the 1888 formation of the Saint Andrews of New York club, and the 1889 formation of the Royal Hong Kong club. Some historians will argue that the 1786 creation of the South Carolina Golf Club predates all other golf club creations.
During the twentieth century, golf underwent a number of changes. In the 1900s, the first single pieced golf ball sporting a rubber core was invented. In 1902, the first irons with grooved faces was introduced. Three years later, the very first golf ball sporting the "dimpled" pattern offering up improved aerodynamics was created by William Taylor. Five years after that the first steel shafted golf clubs were created by Arthur Knight. Six years later in 1916, the very first association for golf was established: the PGA or the Professional Golfers Association of America.
History of Golf Balls and Golf Clubs
The featherie ball was invented sometime around the early 1600s. Until this time wooden balls were used. A featherie is of painted cow-hide stitched shut; containing goose feathers. This ball outperformed the wood variety and was the standard ball until the invention of the guttie in 1848. Dr. Robert Adams is the individual responsible for this inexpensive and aerodynamically superior ball.
Wound balls were the first multi-layered ball on the scene in the early twentieth century. These balls were once of a liquid or solid core wound up in rubber thread and coated with a thin shell. More advanced manufacturing techniques allowed manufacturers greater precision when designing and producing these balls. Today's multi-layered balls employ a titanium core and a number of hybrid materials. The shell of the ball is softer these days than it was in the past. A golf ball of today will have two to four layers of synthetic material.
History of the Golf Club
Golf clubs have undergone a long evolution. In golf's earliest days people used whatever was handy to fashion crude instruments to play. The first record of a special set of clubs comes from King James IV of Scotland, who commissioned a set in 1602. One year later the kingdom appointed its first royal club maker, William Mayne. These early golf clubs were wood, relatively fragile, and expensive to make. The first metal heads date to 1750, and in fact club makers were experimenting with a number of materials in an attempt to improve the effectiveness and durability of the clubs in a game. A new club, a 'bulger', was invented to cope with the new dynamics of the 'guttie' ball in 1848. These clubs closely resemble the woods of today.
It was sometime around 1900 when aluminum became the material of choice, and in 1902 E. Burr presented iron heads with grooved faces which increased the backspin of the ball. In 1929 clubs with metal shafts were allowed officially into the professional game. In 1939 the 14 club rule was introduced as was the convention of numbering clubs instead of giving names.
The putter was only permitted in professional golf in 1951, and the graphite shaft first made its way into the game in 1973. The most recent evolution in golf clubs is the Taylor-Made 'metal woods', which now supersede the 'wooden woods' in popularity. Today's most expensive and sophisticated golf clubs utilize titanium heads and graphite shafts.