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Chocolate cake filled with raspberry white butter cream. Crumb coated with Ganauche.
I was asked to make a cake by a friend for her friend who is turning 50. She wanted something with a martini glass. I thought, hmmmm, since I make cakes for the fun of it, I'm not really in the mood to construct a martini glass. I suggested to her that they buy a custom-made martini glass that she can have as a keepsake. I lead them to
Kudo's Kitchen offers you a unique brand of wonderfully detailed hand-painted glassware and ceramic tiles. She specializes in completely personal pieces that fit your many interests, occasions and people in your life. I've ordered from her and the quality is outstanding and the artwork is amazing! If there is anyone you would like to have a personalized gift done for, Kudo's Kitchen is the place to go! The photo of the glass doesn't do it justice to what it looks like in person. One other KUDO for Kudo's Kitchen, when your item arrives, it is beautifully and professionally packed and ready for wrapping.
The Process of the Cake:
I wish I had taken more pictures of the process. I'll have to remember to do so next time.
I can't say that doing stripes is my favorite. It was my first attempt at it and it was a painstaking process for sure. I drew up a template within my Photoshop program. Printed out several copies in black & white (to save on my color ink). The pink was the shadowed color. I measured around the cake pan and compensated for about 1/4" of ganauche to go around it. I wasn't sure of the exact measurement of the circumference or height of the cake, so I guesstimated the whole way.
I taped together the print out of the template to be what I thought was close to the circumference of the cake, leaving a very long template on my table. I then laid wax paper on top taping both together so the template stayed In place with the waxed paper. Each cut out piece would be laid upon this template.
I then rolled out some fondant and laid wax paper on top of it. Then took another sheet of the print out of the template and placed it on top of wax paper for cutting out each piece. The reason for putting the wax paper on top of the fondant is to keep it sealed from drying out while cutting out all the other pieces. The wax paper will remain on the fondant until the very end prior to putting onto the cake.
The scallops along the top were easy. Now this is the part that took *F.O.R.E.V.E.R* to do and why I'm not stoked on doing stripes. I rolled out the white fondant and using a very sharp exacto knife, cut each strip out individually. Then I did the same for the pink. Once one sheet was done, I would take it to the cake template and place each one according to the template. If you've worked with fondant before you would know it's like clay and can easily be squished or disproportioned. What a PAIN! As time went on the process became a lil easier but still VERY time consuming! If anyone has a solution or an easier way to do this, please fill me in.
1) fondant colors can fade easily. Even though I had the wax paper over the fondant, light can still get through. So to ensure that the color was protected from the light and the sides (where I had cut out the image) did not dry out, I laid foil over the top.
2) Use rolling pin spacer rings to ensure the thickness is even.
Now that all the fondant pieces laid on top of the wax paper template and ready to be placed onto the cake, I did the following.
1) I rolled and cut out some white fondant to go over the top (not down the sides) of the cake.
2) I took a tape measure and measured around the finished crumb coated cake and then in height (to now include the fondant you just placed on top) and then trimmed the template where necessary
3) Then I removed the top layer of waxed paper from the template that was protecting the fondant from the light and drying out.
4) Now the *COOLEST* thing about this process was…. all I had to do is roll the template up on to the cake. LOVE THIS! Very precise design laid in place with no movements of pieces.
Having all my scrapbook supplies and a ton of templates, I made use of one by cutting out the number 50 along with the oval circle placed on the front of the cake. And to think I wasn't sure what I would do with all those templates I had stored away.
The bow was a challenge. I used Planet Cakes bow tutorial to make the bow on top. What was challenging was to get it to set up like they did, but finally I was able to succeed. They make it look so easy! Now black fondant can easily start to look like leather so I took my steamer and steamed it right away to give it that shiny look that most ribbon have. The photo below is shown prior to the bow being steamed.
The two ribbon tails on my picture above were tossed and redone once the cake was put together. I wanted them to flow down the cake and they dried out so much that there wasn't any movement to them. I didn't have the cotton batting as Planet Cake shows in their video, so I used brand new packing material. It did the job but I want to try this again using the batting material.
Putting the cake together. I was really proud of the layering of this cake. I looked at it while it was setting up within the fridge and thought I should take a picture but I didn't and now I regret it. Ah well, next time. Photo shows the Ganauche crumb coat. Cake was leveled perfectly.
Note the flower in the image above? Well it wasn't used on the cake because it was to big to sit where I wanted it to be placed. So I had to quickly work another flower to fit perfectly.
I have found that the following process is a nice way to conceal the edges of the bottom of the cake. Here is a great video to show you how to cover a cake board with fondant:
Overall I love the cake. It'll be awhile before I attempt stripes again; however, I want to come up with an easier solution to make this process faster. It'll be on my mind for awhile and knowing me I'll try it again soon.
Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.
Cosima's Creative Cakes


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Any way you look at it, these seem like rich people problems to me
July 29, 2011
I've seen it reported today that Apple has more cash on hand than the US government. Big deal. They both have more cash on hand than me.
Let's compare on a random, poorly drawn graph:
Also, isn't the point of a company like Apple to make a profit and the point of the government not to? Ideally, governments should break even. Right? Both huge deficits and huge surpluses would be bad.
What do I know though? I'm busy worrying about adding to my own net worth.
Score! I just found 74 cents under the couch!
2 Comments leave one →

subset: commoncrawl


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I was in the mood for a filling and healthy breakfast so I decided to make a mini frittata just for me. I had leftover steamed broccoli in the refrigerator along with a piece of bacon leftover from my kids breakfast and some sharp cheddar and threw them together with two eggs before baking them. The mini frittata turned out light, fluffy, and very flavorful. I've never had broccoli with eggs before and I am so glad I finally tried it because it was so good! A nice & healthy breakfast that tasted delicious – you can't beat that!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a mini baking dish with cooking spray.
Mix the eggs with the milk until well combined then season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste. Place a few pieces of steamed broccoli into the mini baking dish; add a little bit of bacon, and cheddar.
Pour the egg mixture into the baking dish then place the remaining broccoli, bacon, and cheddar on top.
Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy.


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Some call it performance art, some call it a movement, and others call it a group of crazy people. Webster's New Millennium Dictionary of English defines a flash mob as a group of people who organize on the Internet and then quickly assemble in a public place, do something bizarre, and disperse. There are sections on flash mob organization and execution for information on how to arrange and perform a flash mob, but what really makes a flash mob a flash mob?
The Surprise
A speedy and sudden assembly is important to any successful flash mob. Bystanders, anyone in the area not involved in the flash mob, should not suspect that anything is about to happen until the mob is in full swing. Jumping in early or anxious looks on mobbers faces could give it away before anything even happens.
The Act
What sets mobs apart from other performance art is the sheer randomness of the action. A good mob involves people doing something that wouldn't normally do in that context, location, or anywhere else. Mobs like Manchester's or Improv Everywhere's freeze frames in a Sainsbury's and Home Depot, respectively, is that no one expects shoppers to stop moving while browsing for milk, eggs or sheetrock.
Flash mobs should also take place in a short amount of time. Some can be as short as one or two minutes. Generally, flash mobs last fewer than 10 minutes.
Poignant or Pointless
Using flash mobs for the sake of random fun or using them to make a statement is a decision many flash mob organizers have to make. Flash mobs could, and have, been used for political protests, commercials and promotions, and just for fun.
Ultimately, organizers should look to the wishes of the mobbers. If a poignant mob is very unpopular, it might be best to try doing them just for fun.


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dropoutGS: a complete event photography solution
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What do some national landmarks, arenas, museums, and amusement parks have in common? dropoutGS Professional!
With a built-in Point-of-Sale system, you can accept credit card transactions as dropoutGS Professional takes your business one step further. Hand out your own printed barcoded photo IDs and have your customers scan them in for quick photo searches later on. Import media card contents for roaming photographers, or take advantage of the Hot Folder mode for wireless event photography. Immediately send your customers their photos via email* so they can post to social media right from their smartphone. Enjoy all the benefits of dropoutGS Express plus so much more!
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Nymph Lamp
This lamp looks like a giant centipede in the outdoor setting, but it's just 19 inches tall (and over 30 inches long). The Nymph Lamp, from Site Specific Design, will set you back $2,600. Link -via Dump Trumpet
Newest 2 Comments
Their designs are pretty interesting and all, but what in the hell makes them think they should be charging that much. Some of their others are even more absurd. Maybe I'm just not yuppie enough.
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Sounds cheap.
What is that in metric?
What is that in metric?
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The Easy, Super-'90s Way I Keep Grown-Out Bangs out of My Face
Bangs, fringe, breakage — whatever you call it, it'll fit in some butterfly clips.
Here are some pretty things we found around the internet this week.
I'm so excited for beach hair season! It's the sexiest time, no? While I prefer the real deal you get from swimming in the ocean (my favorite thing to do), I'm pretty glad there are options for DIYing it, like Into The Gloss's twist-it-up-and-sleep-on-it method. I also love my Goody Hair Waver which I used to get this look.
Marci and I got amazing blowouts at Dreamdry two weeks ago -- it's Rachel Zoe's new blowout spot and they use delightfully yum-smelling Oribe products. I would totally drop $22 for Oribe hair perfume, which absorbs odors and neutralizes static, making your fancy blowout last longer. [Who What Wear]
OF. COURSE. The new She + Him album comes with nail wraps that are poppy and 1960s-ish. [Glo]
We've already declared our love for orangey-red lipsticks around these parts. But I want to try orangey-orange lipstick, so it's pretty lucky that MAC is coming out with seven different shades of orange lipstick on June 6th. [POPSUGAR Beauty]
If you have thin hair and want tons of volume, do this! Let the GIFs guide you. [The Cut]
Wanna tip me off to special, cute, fun beauty stuff you find? Tweet at me. The name's @madelinelou.


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jacqueline & maixent
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|pierre bouchard
Posted: Jun 2 2015, 07:16 PM
I'm wrecking this evening already and loving every minute of it, ruining this banquet for the mildly inspiring and it doesn't feel like a night out with no one sizing you up I've never been so surreptitious, so of course you'll be distracted when I spike the punch.
27BlackGryphon54 postsapplicationplotting
Taylor is Offline
pierre bouchard
Pierre loved parties. He absolutely adored them. The fancy dress code, the music, the dancing! He'd begged Terry to go with him to have some fun but wasn't sure if the once-mock turtle would willingly join something he so loathed. Hopefully Pierre would spot Terrence later in the evening. But for now, he was dressed in a bright three-piece suit the exact hue of a barrel of raspberries. Not true red - because that was the Queen's color and he wasn't rude - but very, very close and painful enough to sear the senses. Where he found that hellish outfit, no one could guess. But he made quite the statement as he arrived and even now, mid afternoon and moseying through one of the many ballrooms, he caught the attention of party goers.
Twisted as he was, Pierre enjoyed the attention. He thought they were jealous of his "tasteful" outfit. He grinned as he walked past a group of tittering females - maybe flowers, the way they kept close to one another - and slid a hand through his hair. He decided he'd get some punch - hopefully spiked - and traversed across the dance floor, wiggling his hips as he went. He couldn't dance, per se, but he liked to try. When he reached the table laden with tasty pastries and a variety of beverages. He took a delicate-looking glass cup and filled it to the brim, happily sipping the red liquid. No alcohol, alas, but he was certain by the end of the night he'd be spit-drunk and happy about it. And then maybe he could drag Terrence around for some drunken
You've got me popping champagne, I'm at it again you're caught in the moment but not in the right way we're falling in between tearing up at the seams we're just aiming to please and aesthetics don't hurt one bit So follow me down take this all the way any way you want
|antoinette beaumont
Posted: Jul 13 2015, 06:16 PM
I will not fall, won't let it go We will be free when it ends I, I've been waiting for someone like you But now you are slipping away... oh What have you done now?! Why, why does fate make us suffer? There's a curse between us, between me and you
31RedRED ROSE34 postsapplicationplotting
EVE is Offline
antoinette beaumont
She saw him everwhere.
He lurked in every shadow, loomed over her with every passing stranger- reached out for her with every greeting of a dear friend. Warrick D'Aubigne was everywhere and yet nowhere, the menacing monster lying in wait beneath her bed only to vanish into dust whenever she dared to look. He haunted her every step, her every waking thought, her every dream... and the scars had all but faded from her body. While she was unable to heal herself, the rose possessed a mercifully quick recovery where her own body was concerned: not quick enough, in this case... the sight of the faded claw marks was enough to send her into a terror all on their own.
Even at an event such as this, a place full of such vibrant colour and ,life- she was uneasy, frightened... skittish as she lurked by the table, arms loosely wrapped about herself as though feeling Spring's chill still- biting her lip nervously as a man approached- only for some of that anxiety to lift once she realised who it was.
"Pierre..." She breathed, taking a quick step closer. Truth be told, they weren't the very best of friends- acquaintances on good terms, really. Still, he was a friendly face and at this moment- she'd do anything to avoid her murderous shadow... be he roaming through the crowds this day.
save me from the dark


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Municipal Code
Municipal CodeBack To Title List | Chapter List | Section List
19.05.020 General development and lot requirements for all zoning districts
(1) Semi-private recreation clubs. The Planning Commission may permit, as a conditional use, the use of land in any zoning district for semi-private swimming clubs, tennis courts, or other recreational facilities providing that in all such cases, the following conditions are met:
(a) The facilities shall be owned and maintained by the members; and
(b) A minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the membership must be residents of the neighborhood or section of the subdivision.
(2) Yard space for one building only. No required yard or other open space around an existing building or which is hereafter provided around any building, for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this Title, shall be considered as providing yard or open space for any other building; nor shall any yard or other open space on an adjoining lot be considered as providing a yard or open space on a lot whereon a building is to be erected or established; nor shall side yards or required width of any lot be acquired by purchase or other means by making substandard the side yards or width of any adjacent lot. No space needed to meet the width, depth, yard, area, parking or other requirements of this Title for lot or building may be sold or leased away from such lot or building.
(3) Every dwelling on a lot. Every dwelling structure shall be located and maintained on a separate lot having no less than the minimum area, width, depth and frontage required by this Title for the zoning district in which the dwelling structure is located, except that group dwelling complexes and planned residential unit developments (PRUDs), or other more flexible requirements as permitted by this Title, may vary from this requirement.
(4) Reduction in lot size permitted. No parcel of land, which has less than the minimum width frontage, and area requirements for a building lot for the zoning district in which it is located, may be cut off, placed under separate deed, or sold from a larger parcel of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of building or development as a building lot unless a variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment as per Section 19.18.070 of this Title.
(5) Lot standards. Except for more flexible requirements such as those pertaining to planned residential unit developments (PRUDs), group dwellings, or as may be otherwise provided in this Title, every lot within the City shall have such area and the required frontage upon a dedicated public or approved private street, as is required by this Title, before a building permit may be issued.
(6) Approval of culinary water supply and sewage disposal required. Where either a supply of piped water under pressure, approved for use by the municipality or a connection to an approved sanitary sewer system is not available, no building permit shall be issued for main buildings, or other buildings which would utilize such facilities until the proposed plan for sewage disposal and the proposed source of water supply has been approved by the Davis County Board of Health and Layton City.
(7) No obstructions in flood plain. No building, structure, fence, or other obstruction may be constructed within any portion of "Zone A" as defined on the FEMA Flood Insurance Map. No such flood plains as defined by FEMA, may be otherwise reduced in effectiveness in any manner by the dumping of garbage, other refuse, or earth, or by leveling or obliterating it otherwise.
(8) Use of solar energy encouraged. The use of active and passive solar energy is encouraged for use in developments where such technology would be appropriate. A property owner may either purchase or receive as a gift, solar rights from another property owner. Such transactions should be recorded with the Davis County Recorder's Office.
(9) Energy conservation. The conservation of non-renewable energy sources is encouraged through the use of proper building materials and site planning. Such concerns will be considered by the staff and Planning Commission at the time the site plan is reviewed.
(10) Effect of Master Street Plan on location of structures. The mapped street line provided by the Master Street Plan shall be considered as the front lot line of a building lot and the setback from that line shall be the same as required for any front setback, and no building or structure shall be erected within the right-of-way of the proposed street shown on the Master Street Plan.
Ord. No. 00-34, Amended, 8/17/2000
Ord. No. 97-19, Enacted, 4/17/1997
Ord. No. 04-69, Recodified, 12/16/2004


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CNET News Video
Apple shows redesigned iPhone 5 connectorApple's Phil Schiller reveals a smaller, all-digital 8-signal connector for the iPhone 5, called Lightning. The new connector replaces the 30-pin connector, which first launched in 2003.
It's. -- You know the iPhone. From its start -- use the iPod thirty pin connector which we launched originally in 2003. And it served us well for almost a decade. But so much has changed since we first created a thirty pin connector so many of the things we used to do over the wire we -- -- wirelessly. We use Bluetooth now to connect to speakers and headphones and car systems. We use Wi-Fi. To for example use -- airplay -- TP of course stereo. We can do Wi-Fi syncing -- iTunes now. Best of all the iPod can download -- our content wirelessly and even back up to the clock. So we'll lot's changed and it's time for the connector to a -- that's just a car. Our new connector. Is called lightning. And now we have thunderbolt and lightning and are connected -- This connector is a modern connector for the next decade all digital -- signal design. It's adapted to what -- signals need to be for the different accessories you might put into. It's more durable in much easier to use is now you can plug in either direction it doesn't matter. And best of all the engineering team to make a product like this it's ED percent smaller. It's a huge difference the world's thinnest Smartphone. -- working -- accessory makers. To have them integrate lightning connectors into products you may choose to buy it for example this holiday season we are great partners working without partners like. Both. GBL. Bowers and Wilkins. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- But what about other devices and speakers and connectors you have now that you aren't how to use a thirty pin connector. -- we're creating. Much of accessories to help you with that this is a thirty pin to lightning adapter. And it works just like you'd expect. Can plug thirty -- cable into it and it into your iPhone -- So typical example for this might -- in your car when you have an iPod connection can't just plug -- its -- can just leave -- there -- -- whatever -- -- a car -- an iPhone 5. You can charge in the since your music -- ago. So that's the new. Lightning connector.


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Do you need your drains unblocked?
Plumbing On-Tap in Brighton has a dedicated response team out on the road called Drainage On Tap who offers a wide range of services to clear blocked drains, including surveys, high-pressure jetting, drain cleaning, and other repairs. When your drain is not working properly, our plumbers can find the right solution you need to quickly resolve the problem. Since we are committed to customer service and satisfaction, you can always expect courteous experts at fixed prices.
Drainage Surveys
Our detail-oriented Brighton Plumbing and drainage experts carry out surveys of your pipe work and drain to identify drainage issues and the source of any blockage. Using CCTV, they place a camera into pipes to help determine the most effective way to resolve blockages, as well as any faults that may be causing poor drainage and blockages. Using information gathered from the survey, our trusted drainage experts will show you exactly what is causing drainage problems in your property and provide you with an honest quote for any necessary work.
Our Drain Unblocking Service
All drains and pipes require occasional cleaning to improve drainage. Drains can become blocked over time because of silt and grease build-up, as well as from objects that have become lodged in the drain or pipe. Our well-trained Brighton plumbing specialists can clear most drain and pipe blockages within the first half an hour using effective tools that are carried on all our well-stocked vans. For more serious drainage issues, our qualified and certified plumbers will apply mechanical aids such as high-pressure water jetting to remove blockages.
Drain Cleaning
Cleaning your drain and pipe work will ensure your drainage system works efficiently and effectively. Over time, drainage systems are affected by a build up of hard water scale. While cleaning your drain and pipe work, our plumbers re-bore pipe-work to its original diameter. Drainage On-Tap can also offer you our effective power flush service to clean your water drainage system. Plumbing On Tap & Boilers On Tap departments often use Power flushing uses the latest technology to remove build-up sediment and other debris from all components of your water and heating system, including pipes and radiators. The process also introduces chemicals to minimise future corrosion.
Pipe Repairs
Certain drain blockages require repairs to your pipe work. Our skilled drainage experts & plumbers have extensive experience in repairing the structural lining of your pipes. In addition to replacing the inner lining of your pipe work, our plumbers can fit or replace any type of pipe work in your property to ensure your drain is working properly.
Call Plumbing On-Tap Today
Plumbing On-Tap & our Drainage on Tap department provides free and honest estimates for all drain unblocking. For a quote, contact us on 01273 723600 or 01903 660093 or complete our online contact form. For emergencies, we can also unblock your drain outside of our business if you call us on 07872 987681.
You can also email us at firstname.lastname@example.com or complete our online form for a free quote."]


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IHTM: I Tried a Skincare Product That Jacked Up My Skin Barrier So Here's How I Handled It
I basically called my mom for help. Except when I say mom, I mean an esthetician.
When it comes to bath products, there's nothing I obsess over more than bar soap. (I'm firmly on the soap side of the bar soap vs. body wash debate. I look for moisturizing ones, such as those made with shea butter or glycerin, including my favorite, uber-fancy French triple-milled soaps (bonus points if they come in cool wrapping paper).
Combined with amazing fruity or floral scents, my moisturizing bar soaps add sparkle to my shower routine, and they typically give me the most bang for my buck considering how long they last and how much they cost compared to their body wash counterparts. I don't miss body wash at all, save for one important thing: The bubble factor.
Bar soaps just don't foam up the way body washes do, with the help of a shower pouf. They create a nice creamy lather (unless you're working with glycerin soaps, which are lovely but take forever to rub on your skin), but they just can't create impressive bubbles. Or so I thought until I discovered a genius invention called the beating net at the Asian supermarket.
The beating net is a small, mesh drawstring bag that works with bar soap to create big foam. Best of all, it's priced at around $3 at most Asian supermarkets. The one I purchased, pictured below, is made of two layers of mesh--one with bigger holes on the inside and one on that looks opaque on the outside.
To use the beating net, simply put your soap inside and secure it using the drawstring. Next, run the beating net under water and then rub both sides of the bag with your hands. Voila! Instant foam!
The suds feel super luxurious in the shower--like an upright bubble bath. But I still have to use a loofah from time to time, since the beating net is not meant to be used in place of a loofah or exfoliant (the mesh may be too rough to rub on the skin).
I also tested this on glycerin soaps, which are notorious for not producing much foam, and it worked like a charm. The same goes for face cleansers; the beating net turned my cream cleansers into big suds instantly.
I've been using the beating net with my bar soap for months, and it makes lathering up so much easier and faster. After each use, I rinse the bag clean and let it air dry. I can't see myself even considering going back to shower gel or body wash ever again.


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Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Thank God For Guest Posts
Rewind to a few years,months,or eons ago, or what seems like an eternity to me and you'll find on a Doomcast of mine, a promise that I would produce a guest post to be shamelessly featured on this very blog. Since then I've been waging a battle with the most terrifying enemy to any writer. My inner critic.
First off, he's got more imagination than me. Any attempt for me to hit 'publish' or 'enter' is interrupted by his loud claims of shortcomings and missteps. I'd be thinking about posting a story about a cloud eating machine, and he shows me a web-page that has links to cloud-seeding and nitrogen falling from the skies. He tells me that it's all been done before and I'm not bringing 'anything new under the sun'*
Before these words have reached you, I will have crafted over two-dozen posts for this very occasion. To this day only one survived, and I give it to you.
Meet Shaze McFey, a twenty-five year old rouge urban survivalist who woke up ravenously hungry and is calling his friend, Theodore Expilsion, to ask for a favor.
"yeah, it's me. I was wondering if you might possibly be able to give me a
ride to the grocery store. I don't have any gas money, but I will be able to slide you a bag of nuggets, if you can use them."
"Okay. You're over there?"
"Like always"
"See you in a few minutes"
From the moment his thumb clicked the end button to theo's knock on the door shaze's thoughts were of nothing but food. He became ravenously hungry once he allowed his mind to drift into culinary cogniscience. With the anticipation of shopping for food comes the mixture of a great culinary imagination and the perpetual munchies of being a growing man. Shaze's next three thoughts :
If immediately chilled, the pastry shell of the choco-moose pie will not crack when contacting the frigid filling.
Brown food tastes the best because your body doesn't have to turn it any other color.
How much would do-it-yourself tiramisu cost, and can I hack it?
Theodore's knock on the glass brought Shaze out of his munchie musing. He was up and with his friend walking to the vehicle in seconds.
"so, thanks for helping me out. I'm in the market for baking supplies and implements."
" you know, shaze. You can't purchase implements with the implant."
To drive his point home, theod took shaze's finger in his hands and tapped the glowing spot that communicated all of the social help that he recieved from the government.
"I know that, but now they've made these new muffins that come in their own re-usable forms. I can buy those with my data-ray" Shaze pointed his pinky finger as a gun toward theodore and made cute 'pewpew' noises.
Theo laughed and looked back to the road. He liked SHaze. He wished he could help him more. If theo could take all of the times his friend had made him laugh, he could fill a twitter up for years. But theo didn't use twitter for laughs, he hung out with shaze, and that was enough.
At the grocery store, shaze caught the eye of a wild promiscuous heathen. She had purple and orange locks in varying widths and styles of braids hanging from a central topiary that draped them down over a face that can only be described as stimulated sensuality melded with a serious silliness. She had never seen shaze or theo in her life, but she walked up to both men as if they'd been roomies for years.
"Don't get the durum wheat, you know how gassy that makes me.'
Theo laughed a syllable of mirth. Shaze dropped the pasta he'd been pondering and looked at her as if her gas would be marketable enough to be on that shelf right next to the Borscht.
Bridgelle then pretended to be comparing the ingredients of the soups by plucking them out of the dispensers on the end, then placing them back in the dispensers in the middle. She did this a few times before theod asked her name.
'My name was mulligatawny, but secretly I am Gazpacho! she said while pointing at the names of the soups before depositing them in the wrong slots.
'Gazpacho, we have a briss to attend. Let's make haste!" Shaze knew exactly what to say to diminish the scope of his new muse's destructive chaos while getting her to follow him to the ends of the earth,(or at least out of atley's foodmart).
"A briss? oh, my. we musht have kosher salt." she skipped along the frozen endcaps until turning out of sight.
' Ditch her man, I'm catching bad vibe' Theod was trying to talk sense into his friend. He'd seen so many like Gazpacho before.
' Can't. I bet you don't like her smell, I understand if you don't want her coming along.' Shaze was always talking to theo of people's smells and how the bigger the nose, the more sensitive the sniffer. Theod's nose was bigger than the pepper bridgelle brought back with the salt and club soda. theo wondered if there'd be another nose joke soon.
'you know, because after the baby gets cut, he might want a stiff drink'
'I would down some sauce if my Johnson became just john'
Bridgelle spied the glowing light within shaze's finger. she grabbed it with glee. She said that she had only just heard about the device that those of the poorest class were forced to obtain to continue their track on welfare service.
'I hear that these feed you dreams of being a slave for crassus'
'No, my dreams lately are of the insides of my eyelids' shaze ended the statement with an exaggerated frown. Bridgelle took the cue and lightly touched the skin over her new love's eyes.
'Those lids must be extrodinary!'
Theo had walked off in hopes that shaze would ditch bridgelle and come to his senses. Theo then started a silent countdown to ditch his own buddy.
Along the utensil isle, she grabbed the knife. He couldn't see her do it, but Shaze saw a determination in her face that he knew meant she wanted something and was about to get it. She took him by the hand and led him through the butcher's area to an unmarked bathroom.
He didn't flinch one bit. He was silent from the moment he saw the glint from the blade to the instant he heard the tiny 'plop' sound the rfid tube made coming out of his skin, He made a few grunts in acceptance, when she wrangled his finger from his fist, but other than that no words passed their lips.
The blood was just drying on the edge of the paring knife, dulling the light in front of bridgelle's face. From the dime-sized tube came an amber light emitted from an led in the top of the thing.
' They just gave you this last week. It has all your med records as well?'
' Yeah, even that one time with the gourd. They still won't erase it.'
She took that word and leapt with it out the butcher's double doors.
"Let's erase it!'
'Nono, sweet Gazpacho, I have to use that to pay for the groceries.'
The rfid chip Bridgelle/ Gazpacho held in her fist could not only divulge the amount of state food aid he had remaining in his balance, it would reject any inappropriate maximums in fat,sugar, and sodium at the checkout counter.
Shaze didn't understand that once the device hit air, a silent alarm went off, disabling all of the assistance and beckoning authorities to recover the device.
The newly enamoured pair met back up with Theodore at the checkout. He had the latest issue of technological advancements quarterly and looked to be ogling the cashier.
'That'll be twenty-two oh two'
"I don't want it that bad", and in protest, Theo chucked it into a wastebasket behind the cashier's back. It bounced on the rim twice before plummeting to the sticky
void. In time for the surprised look of the blustered cashier, a loud alarm went off that cut off Theo's next witty line.
Bridgelle took Shaze by the collarbone and pressed her lips to his forehead for a split second before saying
"Find me at 7 effing 36th at 8:40, and we'll talk". With that exchange came a look of spontaneous change from flighty to fierce. She darted out the door before anyone else moved.
Shaze was frozen, still trying to fit in what was happenning. Theo was at the door, looking at him expectantly, waving his arms and shouting something drowned out by the loud alarm. The managers and workers had sped to the other end of the store, as if they'd done this in a drill before. Shaze didn't move to save himself until he saw the security guard speaking on his walkie-talkie, with one hand on his billy-club.
Theo was no longer visible at the entrance, but Shaze knew his friend couldn't help him at this point. In a move born from overheating suddenly, Shaze threw his overcoat at the guard. Inexplicably, it covered his face and Shaze ran the way he saw Bridgelle go.
There was no sign of the mysterious woman, but he did see Theo's Green Beast doing a turn into a parking lot down the street.
A swat van blocked the intersection only two seconds after Shaze had walked past. The survivalist shook off the suspicion that they didn't see him, but he was able to make his way back to his friend in time to see what looked like a military-grade staging area being made at the grocery store.
Theo had positioned the ride to jet away as soon as Shaze shut the door and belted in.
"Did I cause that, or you cause that?", Theo queried Shaze for the source of the fracas.
"It was me, well me and my new crush". Shaze couldn't help but remember how sweet her neck smelled when she kissed his forehead. He was smitten, and he got a pad from the glove-box and started writing what she said to him.
"Now what, you're listing your demands?" Theo knew the limits he could take his friend to before he'd stop 'kidding'. He was comfortably within the lines with this jabbing question.
"Yes. They include the ability to see my crush. And the ability to decode her message."
"What is it?"
"Find me at effing seven thirty-six at 8:40" Shaze wasn't the best at decoding cryptic messages, but Theo had years as a cryptographer, working with state documents and high-clearance security folios.
"Worry, not, Mercucio, for I know where to find her, and when."
"You amaze me, friend. I don't think anyone could have deduced it quicker. Before we go, do we have time to stop for a meal?"
"Plenty of time. We don't rendezvous until tonight, so what do you say to steak?"
Shaze said no words, but shook his friend's hand and transferred it into a slapping hug to show his acceptance of a steak dinner and an evening of adventure.
7 comments:
Great guest post from Shockgrubz, I didn't even mind the length because of how good it was. Don't be so depressed either buddy, your posts have been just fine this week man so don't even dare to believe otherwise, just keep it up.ReplyDelete
I'm sorry to hear you're still down in the dumps Mark. Does it help to know I'll be working on your article later this week? I hope that bit of news cheers you up just the tiniest...ReplyDelete
It's pretty interesting,though some capitalisation of the character's names would have helped...hey listen up Shockgrubz...we want more!ReplyDelete
And Mark,cheer up:))...you're getting a break and you didn't have to think up a new post.Use the time...a new Immortal Space maybe?!
I hope you get to feeling better Mark!!ReplyDelete
I liked the humor in the entry written by Shock. I thought it was a great idea and melded well with the whole "Immortal Space" genre. Is melded a word? Well, whatever. Shock shouldn't agonize so much over the blog writing though. On the internets, quantity is sometimes more important than quality, so don't be afraid to just regurgitate stuff out like a barfing rhinoceros. That's what I do anyway.ReplyDelete
Thank you all for the viewings and comments on the story. And thank you, Mark, for making my day by posting my badly-formatted story on your blog. I had written it in a font that didn't capitalize anything, and didn't notice until too late. Oh well.ReplyDelete
I've updated the link, so I hope to drive you a little more people here to see it. I hope you've found yourself on the upswing today. Take care, buddy.
@yeamiewaffles- Thanks. It was pretty long, but I'm glad you liked it.
@talitha- Yeah, I should have triple checked those names before sending, but I'm glad you'd like to see a continued. If no one would have said so, I'd not do any continuations. But now I will, and hopefully done a little better.
@jimmyfungus- Thanks for liking the humour in the story. I'm used to agonizing about my quality because my inner critics voice is very loud. If I could mute him, I might push more out.
Hope you get well soon and start writing more stuff. :(ReplyDelete


text:
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CAREmasters offers a wide range of home care services to help you live safely and with dignity. Our team specializes in providing non-medical services as well as a full range of private duty nursing to help you or your loved one live at home and maintain the independence and quality of life that you deserve and enjoy. Giving peace of mind to seniors is our business. Quality, commitment and dedication are the driving forces in our agency.
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How much do I have to budget for home care services? A complex question and the answer is - that it depends. Every client´s situation is unique. The plan of care is tailored to a person´s...Read More »


text:
- Updated
- over 3 years ago
Alien planet, covered in ocean. Full sci-fi. Home to the drae.
Orbiting a white F8 class star, there is a small planet covered in ocean. There live the drae, a sapient species. Life took slightly different turns, but is based on carbon and DNA.
The view is dominated by the Ani, enormous tree-like organisms which nearly all life is dependant on.
Nice to see some new content!
Run into a bug or problem with TerraChronica? Do you have any suggestions? Please let us know by sending feedback to TerraChronica so we can make a better and more useful site.Give Feedback


text:
- Calories 284
- Fat 14g
- Sat fat 8g
- Cholesterol 39mg
- Sodium 494mg
- Protein 9g
- Carbohydrate 38g
- Sugar 7g
- Fiber 6g
- Iron 1mg
- Calcium 19mg
Joan Munson's Sweet White Corn Soup With Poblano Puree
How to Make It
Heat broiler. On a broilerproof baking sheet, broil the pepper, turning occasionally, until charred, 8 to 12 minutes. Wrap in a paper towel; let cool for 10 minutes. Use the paper towel to slide off the skin. Remove the seeds.
In a blender, puree the pepper with 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth; transfer to a bowl. Rinse out the blender.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (do not let it brown), 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the corn, the remaining 2½ cups of chicken broth, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the corn is tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
In the blender, working in batches, puree the soup until smooth, adjusting the consistency with water as necessary. (Alternatively, use a handheld immersion blender in the pot.)
Serve the soup with a drizzle of the cream and the poblano puree; sprinkle with the cilantro.


text:
Find the perfect place from the worlds best selection of vacation rentals on HomeAway.
Our 2018 property listings offer a large selection of 2,802 vacation rentals near Capbreton. From 1,209 apartments to 1,128 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Capbreton for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.
HomeAway offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Capbreton. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
But there are many other points of interest around Capbreton listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
Yes, of course. HomeAway has 1,209 apartments in Capbreton. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Capbreton include:
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Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals.
Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 928 vacation rentals with pool available in Capbreton. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
The ocean and beaches create a pretty picture of Capbreton. This walkable and relaxing city is well-known for its surfing, coffeehouses and pubs. The area has so much to see with top attractions like Musee Bonnat-Helleu, Musee Basque and Anglet Beach. With a vacation rental, you get a home away from home—many rentals offer full kitchens and outdoor grills for some home cooking.
Have time to spare and looking for things to do around Capbreton? Visitors searching for nearby cultural experiences can spend an enlightening afternoon at Musee Bonnat-Helleu, Musee Basque or Asiatica Museum of Asian Art. To appreciate the outdoor scene, make time for beaches like Anglet Beach and Grand Beach and green spaces such as Ansot Park and Castets Park.
Plan to attend a game or event? Get tickets for Bayonne Arena or Stade Jean Dauger. Activities around the area include Capbreton Pier, Port of Urt and Fishermen's Port. You might also want to add other must-see places in the region like Casino Barriere, Biarritz Aquarium or Cote des Basques to your agenda.


text:
Lady Gaga has fired back at a New York Times reporter who criticized the pop superstar's fashion choices.
The Paparazzi hitmaker was targeted by fashion critic Cathy Horyn back in June (11) when the writer called out designer Donatella Versace for giving her seal of approval to the singer's Versace outfits.
In her blog On The Runway, Horyn sniped, "Be choosier, Ms. Versace."
Lady Gaga has since learned of the snide remark and has hit out at the reporter in her own column for the upcoming issue of V Magazine, likening the Times employee to just another internet blogger hiding behind the safety of their computer screen.
The singer writes, "Shouldn't columnists and reviewers, such as Cathy Horyn, employ a more modern and forward approach to criticism, one that separates them from the average individual at home on their laptop?"


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text:
So I did.
For about a month, everything was normal.
Well, not normal, exactly. I was, after all, dating the sexiest eighteen-year-old alive.
By late May, things began to wind down. Our high school careers were nearly over, baseball season was approaching playoffs, and it seemed as though everybody was gearing up for next year. It was all anybody would talk about.
Bear was no exception, aside from the fact that he was the last remaining senior who had yet to pick a college.
"I mean, I thought I was set on State," he told me one night after a particularly long game. "But then A&T offered me a full ride, and that's a hard thing to turn down, you know?"
To be honest, I was bored of this topic. Suddenly, Bear'd gotten all these baseball scholarships to all these different schools and he was playing it out as long as he could. College was his favorite subject; he loved the attention he got when people asked him where he'd be playing next year. I was fairly positive he'd decide on State, but I didn't really care.
"I dunno, Emma," he said, bringing my attention back to him. "Maybe I'll come to school with you. Who knows?"
I might have taken him seriously if his eyes weren't sparkling and there wasn't a grin on his face.
I swirled my straw around in my drink. "Hey, Bear, you are going to come to my dad's barbeque thing, aren't you?" I tossed out, knowing full well what I was initiating.
I saw Bear grimace. "Eh, I don't know, Emma Gray. A bunch of old business people isn't really my thing." My dad's annual beginning-of-the-summer barbeque for his employees was coming up that weekend. (I never understood why business people celebrated the start of summer anyways. After all, they still had to work.)
I sighed. "Bear, look. You won't even have to talk to them. Just come with me. Please."
He avoided eye contact. "Don't we have a double header Saturday, anyways? I'm gonna be tired."
I rolled my eyes. "I'm sure you can manage."
"I just don't think Saturday's gonna work, Em."
I let the silence creep in for a second. "Come on, Bear. You know what this is about. You have to meet my parents sometime." Bear had flat out refused to come to any other occasion with my parents (he wouldn't even say hey at games) and I had never even seen his house, much less been introduced to his parents. It was getting a little ridiculous.
"Yeah, and I just don't think a company party is the place to do it. Besides, we've only been dating, what, not even a month?" he argued.
"A month tomorrow," I mumbled.
Bear exhaled slowly. "How 'bout tomorrow I take you somewhere really nice? You can have me from the second I get out of practice 'til whenever your mom decides curfew is."
"Okay," I whispered. "And then, Saturday, you come to my dad's barbeque! Perfect."
Bear leaned back in his chair. "Em."
"I'm starting to get the feeling you don't want to meet my parents, Bear. Like, ever. I don't know if you're a commitment-phobe or what, but it's starting to piss me off."
"I don't know how, Emma!" Bear hunched forward, his eyes suddenly intense. "I've never met a girl's parents before. At least, not a girl I'm dating. Does it make me a pussy if I'm scared? Because I'm fucking terrified I'll… I'll say the wrong thing or… or break your mom's favorite vase or your dad'll hate me or something. I'm sorry, Emma Gray, I am. I just… I need to take this slow, all right?"
So I let the subject drop.
Bear didn't come to the barbeque.
I invited Renee in his place, but she said she couldn't go. So I hung out instead with 20 business men and their wives, Lane, Lawrie and his flavor of the month, Della, who was nice enough.
Another week passed and the baseball team kept winning. Their last regular season game was on a Wednesday and they slaughtered the poor team for an overall season record of 23-2-1. (The two games they lost were endowment games, so they had a perfect conference record.) At that point, I think they could've beaten anybody they played. Their confidence was through the roof and they had the talent to back it up.
But before they could go to sectional playoffs, they had to make it through invitationals. The first game was on a Friday and they smashed through that with flying colors. Saturday's (9:00 in the morning) game was predicted to be a little tougher. Lane was supposed to be at the house by 8:00 (he'd spent one of those rare nights at home), but he texted Lawrie at 7:00 asking for a ride. Lawrie (whose alarm hadn't gone off, therefore causing him to be 20 minutes behind schedule) subsequently passed the responsibility to me.
"Please, please, please," my brother begged, sifting through a basket of socks trying to find a matching pair.
I groaned. "Fine. But you better have an omelet or something waiting for me when I get back."
"You got it," he lied. "He's at the hospital. His mom's room is… 720, I think." He shuffled through his texts, trying to find a confirmed room number.
"Lawrie! He's at the hospital?"
"Oh, fuck, be a big girl. I lied. 724." He disappeared into the bathroom. "Thanks, Em."
I groaned again. I hated the hospital. I'd only been a few times (thanks, Lawrie, for breaking your ankle three times).
When I'd parked in the hospital lot, I checked my phone for the time. It was 7:42. I scrambled out of the car and hurried in the main entrance. I paused long enough to ask directions, and then headed off to find Lane (cautiously averting my eyes from whatever gross injuries were surrounding me).
Just as I turned down the hallway, Lane came out of a door (which was good, because I really couldn't remember if it was 742 or 724). I stopped and watched him slide down the wall into a slump. Lane was tall (about 6'3"), and his body looked unnaturally gangly in its crumpled position. His short brown hair was sticking out haphazardly and he buried his face in his hands while I stood, caught off guard by his display of emotion.
He hadn't seen me yet, so I quietly made my way down the deserted hallway towards him. He was slowly rocking side to side and I could see the tension in his body. I wasn't sure what to do, but a quick glance at the clock told me it was dangerously close to 8:00.
"Lane?" I whispered finally, still about ten feet away from him.
He jerked violently and looked up at me with bloodshot eyes. "Where's Lawrie?" he asked, frozen in his seat. His voice was totally normal, holding no traces of what I'd witnessed.
"He was running late so he sent me instead." I smiled weakly.
Abruptly, Lane stood up and started walking down the hall. He was wearing his baseball uniform underneath a pair of baggy gray sweatpants, and he stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked. Following his lead, I walked out of the hospital. The car ride home was equally as conversational.
"Laney…" I sighed, turning the ignition off.
But Lane was already halfway to the front door.
Ten minutes later, the family was sleepily packed into Mom's van on our way to the school.
The game that day probably took the biggest emotional toll on the boys of any game yet that season.
The opponent made three runs in the first inning and the boys were visibly disheartened. They kept making mistake after mistake (four errors in one inning), but somehow, by the bottom of the sixth inning, the score was still 0-3. After Matt Summers finally struck the third guy out, our team went up to bat. The first batter went up and struck out. Next was Kyle Grissom. The first ball thrown was a fastball.
Strike One.
Another fast ball, this one a little too wide.
Then the pitcher threw a great curve ball. Kyle hit it too far right for a foul.
Strike Two.
Kyle kicked at the plate and spat. He brought the bat up and rocked it, watching for the pitch. It was another fastball. (The away team's pitcher had an amazing fastball.) This time, the bat connected with a loud crack and the ball flew out to center field. Kyle took off running as the fielder threw the ball towards first base.
In a chaotic crash, the first baseman caught the ball, his body momentum bringing him to the base. Kyle slid forward. A tangle of legs and an audible snap ensued as the boys collided.
A collective groan went up as the umpire called, "Out!"
"'S alright, Kyle. Good play," an encouraging voice called out.
But Kyle wasn't getting up. The first base man stumbled to his feet, his face blanched and screaming for a medic.
Long (gruesome) story short, they carried Kyle (and his very broken leg) off the field.
Lawrie and Andy called the team over and, together with the coaches, gave a "pep" talk that consisted mostly of, "Those sorry asses aren't gonna beat us," "Let's win this for Kyle," and, "We aren't done yet, boys," and other, macho-teenage-boy phrases.
The team returned to the game with new vigor, and soon the bases were loaded. In a surprising turn of events, Ehren Engel smacked off a home run, and just like that, we were up 4-3.
The game ended with Matt Summers striking out three players in a row. But instead of being hyped up and excited over the victory, the boys slouched off the field, an out of place sense of disappointment on their faces. Nobody really said much. The coaches kept their post-game speech unusually short and we all packed up to go home.
The whole game had just been odd. The boys' confidence had been rocked; they weren't used to playing catch up. And then there was Kyle's injury, which I think shook everyone up. On the drive home, it hit me why, even more than those reasons, the game had felt so weird.
Renee and I had barely spoken. I mean, sure, we exchanged a few, "It feels great outside"s and "Was that a ball or a strike"s, but other than that…
After the game, Renee had disappeared as soon as we were done. I thought about it and realized that she had done the same a few games in a row, often leaving before Andy had even come out of the locker room.
I texted her twice that afternoon, asking if she wanted to hang out, but she didn't reply until way later, and then it was just a quick apology. I missed hearing about Elizabeth Frederick and Rachel Wynn. I missed her jokes and banter. She was my best friend.
Later, after asking Bear to call it a night early, I slipped into Lawrie's room. Both boys were asleep, but as I snuggled into my comfort zone, I felt Lane give me a quick hand squeeze. I lay there for hours, too many confusing emotions running through my head. It was the continuous rise and fall of Lawrie's breath that finally knocked me out.


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Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, make the most of your stay in Renton, WA. Receive a warm welcome from our accommodating staff and relax in our spacious suites with free Wi-Fi.
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Enter our stylish lobby and meet our accommodating staff members, who are always available to make your Renton, WA stay a success. After check-in, relax in our lobby and enjoy comfortable seating and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
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Our spacious suites offer separate sleeping and living areas as well as free Wi-Fi. Enjoy plenty of sleeping space with two beds and a pull-out sofa, ideal for groups traveling together to Renton, WA.
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Seattle Skyline
Seattle's skyline is famous for the Space Needle and the beautiful mountain scenery. There is something for everyone during a visit to the "Emerald City", from sports, theatre, music, outdoor recreation and much more!
Renton Piazza Park
The City of Renton's Piazza Park is just a half mile away from the hotel and features a combination of paved surfaces, landscaping, benches, boulders, tree grates, and raised seat walls. A variety of community events occur at the Piazza Park including a Farmers Market, every Tuesday afternoon from June to September. A great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air!
Mount Rainier
The majestic Mt. Rainier is a constant reminder that we are near the beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range.
Mount Rainier National Park is home to the "mountain" which is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows. Whether you're looking for scenic drives or challenging hikes, or to enjoy historic architecture or mountain climbing, Mount Rainier has something for you.
Commencement Bay
Commencement Bay is located south of Seattle near the city of Tacoma which is located on the bay and the Port of Tacoma on the southern end -- it is one of the most active commercial ports in the world.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is most popular April through September and usually focuses on the area around the San Juan Islands. A number of charter boat companies run whale watching cruises and you can find such charters operating out of Seattle and from various other ports around Puget Sound.
Yakima River
Located between Yakima and Ellensburg, the 15-mile canyon rises as much as 2,000 feet above the river that carved it. These rock faces are home to the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles and falcons in the state. This makes a great day trip for the whole family while visiting the Seattle area.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Falls, located 25 miles east of Seattle, attracts more than two million visitors each year from around the world with its 270-foot cascade over granite cliffs into the lower Snoqualmie River. It is a spectacular experience year-round that can be enjoyed from the observation deck or at the foot of Snoqualmie Falls on the river trail. There are also many interesting things to do and see throughout Snoqualmie, including local arts, restaurants, shops, the railroad, and outdoor recreation.
Evergreen Floating Bridge
The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge is the second longest floating bridge in the state of Washington. It carries State Route 520 across Lake Washington from Seattle to Medina and is often called the "520 bridge". The bridge is near the end of its useful life, and must be closed in high winds, and even after a seismic retrofit in 1999, it is at risk of collapse in an earthquake. The DOT is working on replacing the aging bridge with a new span of six lanes.


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CFO Research Services: Equipping Finance Leaders for Success
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Think Strategically...Pay Strategically
Turning Third-Party Spend Into Income
Sponsored by Oxygen Finance
Free CFO.com registration is required. Please click the "download report" button to register or log in.
For companies eagerly seeking out growth in a recovering economy, sophisticated cash management---getting the best return on your company's liquidity---will be key. But many companies overlook what may well be the largest untapped asset around: their spend. For a new study, Think Strategically---Pay Strategically, CFO Research conducted in-depth interviews with senior finance executives in the U.S. and in the U.K. Underwritten by Oxygen Finance, which operates a business-to-business payments network, the research suggests that organizations that "pay strategically" can create real "win-wins" with their suppliers that help to turn the AP function from an accounting liability into a strategic asset.


text: Horse "Ing" Around Like Us Share Share on Twitter Subscribe Just a little "horse humor" to end the week. Although he is not a show horse, this horse definitely puts on a show. Hopefully you will see -- not only the humor, but also -- what love can accomplish. That old saying about "Man's Best Friend" comes to mind giving us "fodder" for thought... If someone can train a horse to sit in a car, open a refrigerator and fetch a drink, answer the phone and sleep in a bed (!!) just imagine what we can accomplish with a little "horse sense" of our own.


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Info concerning Anoka Technical College bachelor program, and registering for discussion sections and department seminars. Which college degrees give you the best chances of entering a successful career path after graduation? Concentrating on Anoka Technical College bachelor program, for example, may give you additional focus in the admissions selection process. Check with the admissions office for assistance with prerequisites, course registration deadlines, and associates degree program requirements. Please use the form above to request admissions info for Anoka Technical College.
Research demonstrates that associates degree students go on to complete bachelor degrees at a much higher rate than those students who transfer with only a few credits. When starting your associates degree, plan ahead and be sure that you are picking courses that will be transferable to colleges and universities later on. Further, by choosing your major early, you can take the required classes needed for your degree in a community college, saving both time and up-front investment.
Look at four-year schools in your state first, to decide if any would be a good fit for you, as in-state tuition may be lower for state residents. This will outline what classes you need to take to qualify, and what minimum GPA you'll need to maintain to avoid losing hard-earned credits when you actually transfer. The following state websites provide information about the transfer process within their state. While most states are generally similar, please ask your community college advisor about the specific guidelines for your state. Beyond major requirements within the admissions department, you may consider North Central State College GED exams for complementary electives to your primary course of study.
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Years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum. Experience in a highly selective college or university setting that practices..
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Beachside Chiropractic For Optimal Function
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text: Bruce, Thanks for rockin with us here, it is very informative. I've got a quick question on how the clean guitar sound on Billie Jean was created, that spanky guitar that riffs in the background and on the break section. It sounds like a tele (or perhaps a strat) straight into the board or through some DI, then some chorus added to it, and maybe a little compression (although it seems you're not into a lot of compression so maybe not). I've seen posted on the net about some custom DI boxes that you've created and that when using DI you would sometimes even bypass the console and go direct into the tape machine! Is this how it was done or was there an amp used and/or any additional effects? Any light you can shed on this would be great as I always have liked when that guitar riff comes around in the tune and wondered exactly what used to get that sound on the track, and even who played it if you'd like to share. Thanks, Mark


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2nd > March > 2007 Archive
GPS tracking Feds bust Cisco reseller 'fraud'
A GPS tracking sting has led to accusations that a reseller defrauded Cisco of millions of dollars in networking gear by fiddling its hardware maintainance program on a grand scale.
SCO loses another $1m in Q1
The SCO Group's revenue kept on sliding during the first quarter, although the company did reduce losses.
Why BitTorrent is loving the US (and not loving the rest of the world)
One of the key benefits for BitTorrrent users around the world, was the parity that it achieved in bringing US content to a global audience, albeit mostly in pirated works. Now the new legal BitTorrent service, launched with fanfare this week, received an almost unanimous thumbs down for being unoriginal and unexciting, and that key benefit has been at least temporarily removed.
Online ads diet planned for Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Systems is the latest boxed-product vendor to put its software online and embrace the ads-based revenue model.
US Marines stomp suburbia
Remote-controlled operated garage doors, a basic freedom held dear by every home-owning American, have become the latest innocent victims of the War on Terror.
Google removes gaybashing website
After facing criticism for hosting a blog that advocated the killing of gays and lesbians, Google first defended the importance of free speech, then offered a banner warning the site may be offensive to the faint of heart, and then settled on removing the site altogether.
Motorola loses Razr domain name case
Motorola has lost a battle to gain control of the domain name motorazr.com because it failed to prove when it started using the term Moto Razr. The domain name will be kept by its US owner R3 Media.
Lawn mowing ex-policeman cannot claim spy breach by private eyes
A former police officer filmed mowing his lawn while on a disability allowance cannot claim that the filming broke the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), according to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal.
Honeybees dropping like flies
British beekeepers are viewing the forthcoming opening of their hives with a certain amount of anxiety; unsure if their colonies have survived the winter.
Torex Retail to lay off developers
Oxfordshire-based software company Torex Retail is laying off developers, but insists the move is not connected to the ongoing investigation into the company and its financial woes.
Bournemouth Council routes internet through sewer
Bournemouth council offices have been connected up with fibre optic cables run through in the city's sewers.
Companies Act timetable published
The Government is acting more slowly than expected in implementing the Companies Act, the piece of legislation that is completely overhauling the way companies are governed.
Eircom will 'wipe out' Irish telcos: ALTO
Irish telcos have reacted angrily to Eircom's plan to upgrade its network infrastructure, with one industry group claiming it could eliminate competition.
IT suppliers overcharging UK.gov
IT firms are ripping off the government by charging more than twice the market rate for staff, according to a recruitment company.
Reclaiming a different legacy
What is "legacy"? It's worth remembering that a lot of systems were written in RAD (Rapid Application Development) tools such as PowerBuilder and Visual Basic in the nineties and this is now often undocumented legacy in small companies (and some not-so-small ones) - just as COBOL systems are in large enterprises.
Sony showcases new video MP3 player
Sony has launched a super-slim Walkman video MP3 player that's less than 1cm thick. The NW-A800 series features a 2in colour LCD screen and supports the widely-used MPEG 4 video format.
Mercury Telecommunications feels Ofcom's wrath
Mercury Telecommunications Ltd has been slapped down by Ofcom for incorrectly invoicing a customer in a dispute investigation run by Otelo. The process has left the company not only kicked out of Otelo (the investigating body), but unable to trade legally.
Samsung ships 60nm 1Gb DDR 2 DRAM chip
Samsung has begun punching out 60nm 1Gb DDR 2 DRAM chips in volume, the company announced today, claiming it's the first memory maker to do so. It's offering the chip on 512MB, 1GB and 2GB DIMMs, it said.
Irish donkey sex case shocks net
UpdatedNetizens have reacted with a mixture of horror and disbelief to a story which recently appeared on Galway First entitled "Lonely man brought donkey to hotel room, court told".
Maynor reveals missing Apple flaw
Security researcher David Maynor got some measure of vindication at the Black Hat DC Conference this year. Six months after he and his colleague Jon Ellch claimed that Mac OS X wireless drivers were vulnerable to attack, Maynor on Wednesday revealed the code he used to exploit a native flaw in the platform as well as emails showing he notified Apple of the danger.
The rise of zero-day patches
InterviewZero-day exploits were once the realm of just underground and elite hackers, but their increased prevalence is bringing a positive new trend: unofficial patches from members of the community, offered for protection before official vendor patches appear.
PingWales says hwyl
PingWales, the source for independent IT news in Wales, has been forced to shut up shop just before celebrating its three year anniversary.
Intel 'Bloomfield' to intro 1,366-pin socket?
Intel will next year begin shipping processors with a 1,366 pins, it has been claimed. The interface will use the same land grid array (LGA) as the chip giant's current LGA775 process, but with almost twice as many pins.
UK councils in email meltdown madness
Email systems and local councils in Britain just don't seem to mix.
AMD chipset roadmap does include Intel
AMD will continue to develop chipsets for Intel processors, the company has apparently claimed, although it also admits it's not shooting for marketshare dominance.
Reg hacks scorched in nuclear flame blitz
FoTWRegular readers will be aware of the Vulture Central tradition which dicates that you're not a fully-fledged Reg hack until you've been subjected to a vicious outburst of e-anger from some reader with steam coming out of his or her ears.
Cassini eats Saturn
The Cassini spacecraft has moved into a new orbit around Saturn, soaring to ever higher latitudes and greater distances from the planet. The result is that the craft has been able to capture some truly unusual new pictures of the ringed planet.
Armed robber offers bank customers loans
An armed blagger who was surrounded by cops in an Austrian bank filled an idle five hours before his arrest by offering phone customers loans, Ananova reports.
Blindside to mull potholes in road to e-government
What can go wrong with e-enabled government? A consultancy team has set up Blindside to find out. The twist: anyone can post comments to the blog, and anyone can edit the wiki.
Morse all smiles despite turnover slide
Despite a fall in turnover and profits, Morse says it is pleased with its financial results for the six months ending 31 December, the first since the group split into two six months ago.
Take That menace UK comms infrastructure
Reformed pop combo Take That - currently enjoying a bit of a renaissance while ex-member Robbie Williams mopes about counting his money - have proved the biggest threat to UK communications networks since the Luftwaffe tried unsuccessfully to bomb the Chain Home radar network in 1940.
UK.gov probes foreign IT workers
The Home Office has said it will review the way it awards work permits to foreign IT bods following an accusation that Work Permits UK was bending the rules to let outsourcing firms import foreign workers on the cheap.
British porn domain mastermind fights US Government
The British man behind the proposed .xxx internet domain believes the US Government has intervened to thwart his plans. Stuart Lawley is fighting a court battle to retrieve the documents he says would prove his case.
BBC promos go GooTube
The BBC played down a new agreement to license content to Google's YouTube website today. Corporation executives admitted that the initial scope of the deal doesn't expand on what the Beeb already offers through its website.
Bruce Willis ousts Deep Purple for Eurovision title
LettersIt's always good to know you take us seriously, and this reader's practical application of the recent ban on the word solution made all hacks at Vulture Central sit back and sigh with a collective 'Aw, bless'.
Scotsman wins £1,300 settlement against spammer
An Edinburgh man has obtained damages of more than £1,300 from British-based spammer.
Blu-ray backer Samsung shows HD DVD laptop
Samsung may be a fully paid up member of the Blu-ray Disc supporters club, but that hasn't kept it out of the HD DVD camp, and today it showed off a 17in widescreen notebook that's key component is a HD DVD drive.
MacRumors vigilantes nail UK teen scammer
A British teenager who tried to scam fellow MacRumors members learned the hard way that when enraged fanboys get up a head of indignant steam, you'd better run for cover.
Bogus Wikipedia Prof. was blessed then promoted
It's been a busy week for the pipeline that connects the consensus-reality wonderland of Wikipedia with Planet Earth.
Novell posts drop in revenues and profits
Novell has recorded a $12m drop in revenues for the first quarter of 2007.
EMI rejects Warner bid
EMI's board today rejected an approach by Warner Music Group, saying the price was too low and the format of the bid too cumbersome.
There is life beyond .NET, says Microsoft (really)
The acceptance of new abstract concepts can sometimes be harmful to entrenched philosophical (and marketing) positions. Microsoft's announcement this week that it is to bolster the business process management (BPM) software market is an admission that there are parts of the world which are not wholly Microsoft.
Wanted: social workers (Klansmen preferred)
A chilling illustration of the perils of copywriting by committee comes to us from West Sussex County Council human resources department. The engine of UK south coast municipal governance is advertising for two "enthusiastic and committed" individuals to coordinate racist incidents across the county.
Vista product activation unpicked
The activation method used by Microsoft to protect Vista from piracy is under attack on multiple fronts.
eBay plugs hole in sign-on page
A week or more after it was brought to its attention, eBay has plugged a hole in its sign-on page that was being exploited by phishers.


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What does the way you sleep say about your personality?
Researchers have studied the most common sleeping positions and believe each position can be linked to a particular personality type that may determine a person's outlook in life. Here are the six positions and what they say about your personality.
The fetal sleeping position is the most common at 41% of those tested. Fetal sleepers curl up on their side with knees tucked in. They tend to be the shy and sensitive type. They can over-think a problem and worry unnecessarily.
This is the second most popular position. As in "sleeping like a log," the log sleeper sleeps on the side with a straight body and limbs at the sides. They are easygoing, social people who are trusting and can be a little naive.
The Yearner sleepers sleep on their side with both arms stretching out in front as if they are grasping or yearning for something. They make take time to make up their minds, but will stick to their decision once they have made a choice.
The Solders, as the name implies, lie on their back with both arms pinned to the sides, tend to be the strong, silent type. They are generally reserved and don't like to make a big fuss, and also set a high standard for themselves and others
The Freefallers lie on their front with the hands around the pillow, with the head turned to one side. This position is generally considered the most uncomfortable. The Freefallers want to be in control but often feel that life happens around them and they are not in charge. They can wake up feeling anxious.
The Starfish sleepers lie on their back with both arms up around the pillow. They are friendly and generous, but do not like to be the center of attention. If you have a starfish for a friend, then you are lucky, because they are good listeners and will offer help when needed.
Watch exes duke it out and fall back in love in the comedic medical drama Emergency Couple.
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Professor Idzikowski of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service said the the starfish and soldier positions were more likely to lead to snoring and a bad night's sleep, while the freefall position was good for digestion.
He also found that one arm or leg sticking out from under the comforter (or duvet as they call it in the British study) is a favorite position, followed by both feet poking out the end. One in ten people like to cover themselves entirely with the comforter.
So what do you think about the personality traits depicted by the sleeping position of our two favorite sleepers, Joo Joong Won (So Jib Sub) and Tae Gong Sil (Gong Hyo Jin) in The Master's Sun?