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9 Thoughts We've All Had When Trying To Smoke Weed In Public
From praying that you don't get busted to wondering if you're being stared at, we've all had the nine thoughts when trying to smoke weed in public.
For some, smoking the herb in public is a piece of cake. But for others, it can be quite the pain in the ass. At the present time, weed is illegal on a federal level. That means even if you live in a legal state, like Colorado, there are still places where you aren't allowed to toke. And for those that live in states where pot is illegal, the options are much more limited. From praying that you don't get busted to wondering if you're being stared at, here are nine thoughts we've all had when trying to smoke in public.
1. "Please go away"
Have you ever sat in your car ready to light up but too many people are around? If so, then you know how annoying it is to wait for them to leave. It seems like it takes forever, especially when you're dying to smoke.
2. "Screw it, I'm smoking, and I don't care what happens"
If a pot smoker wants to smoke, then they are going to make it happen. No ifs, and's, or buts. It's just weed.
3. "But then again, I really hope I don't get caught"
The one thing a cannabis smoker worries about the most while smoking in public is potentially getting caught. While some states will just give you a slap on the wrist for a couple of grams of pot, others might throw you in jail.
4. "They are staring at me, I just know it"
Sparking the herb in public can make you paranoid. Before you know it, you feel like everyone is staring at you while you try to toke in peace. Then you end up getting frustrated because of it.
5. "This feels nice"
Having restrictions when it comes to where you can smoke sucks. But when you decide just to go ahead and step outside with your joint in hand, it makes you feel so free. Not to mention, it's a whole lot nicer than staying shacked up in your room.
6. "I wish I could do this all the time"
Imagine being able to smoke anywhere you want whenever you want. No trouble, no complications, and no complaints. It's safe to say that would be every weed smoker's dream come true.
7. "I wonder if that person is getting high too"
You're out and about, enjoying your bud and surroundings when all of a sudden you smell a familiar smell nearby. Maybe it's just the smell of your own pot, but you can't help but wonder if someone around you is up to the same thing as you.
8. "Can anyone else smell the dank?"
Between the bud you're carrying on you and all the smoke, you know for a fact that you smell like a walking weed nugget. But does anyone else?
9. "I hope that's not an undercover"
You never know where a cop in disguise might be.


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Douglas Preston fulfilled a lifelong dream when he moved with his family to a villa in Florence. Upon meeting celebrated journalist Mario Spezi, Preston was stunned to learn that the olive grove next to his home had been the scene of a horrific double murder committed by one of the most infamous figures in Italian history. A serial killer who ritually murdered fourteen young lovers, he has never been caught. He is known as the Monster of Florence.
Fascinated by the tale, Preston began to work with Spezi on the case. Here is the true story of their search to uncover and confront the man they believe is the Monster. In an ironic twist of fate that echoes the dark traditions of the city's bloody history, Preston and Spezi became targets of a bizarre police investigation.
With the gripping suspense of Preston's bestselling novels, The Monster of Florence tells a remarkable and harrowing chronicle of murder, mutilation, suicide, and vengeance - with Preston and Spezi caught in the middle.
This was the unabridged audiobook on CD edition (8 CDs/9.5 hours).
This was my first experience with Richard Preston, and Mario Spezi for that matter, and I really enjoyed the author's voice. It was funny and descriptive and brought what could have been a dry story to life. The reader, Dennis Boutsikaris, was also wonderful and really made the book an enjoyable experience.
This one gets eight stars. While it was rather lengthy feeling at times it drew you in and held your attention to the very end. The characters involved were at once so funny and bizarre that they really are stranger than fiction. The police bumbling of the investigation would have been comical if it weren't so pitiful! I especially enjoyed the author's trivia tidbit that there are estimates that 1 in 3 Florence babies were conceived in a car!
Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

subset: commoncrawl


text: Three Summits At Virginia Lakes is a 5.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Lee Vining, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from April until September. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.


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Our man, Ali Albader was recently selected to be the local assistant of legendary photographer Joe McNally. This was during his visit to Dubai during the fantastic Gulf Photo Plus (GPP) event. Here is a great video about how to shoot in large spaces with some small strobes and gels. A must read for any photography … Read More
Tips and Technique
Top 10 photosolutions tips for viral filmmakers
Don't underestimate the power of the viral video format. Broadcasting is dead! Ensure your clients know the value of google ratings, brand recall, their 'voice of authority' in the market and the massive exposure possible. Get the content right. Be creative; think outside of the box. Think catchy. Think new. Think 'cultural capital'. Stage the … Read More
Q&A with Filmmaker Emiliano Arganaraz :: "Google is God?"
1) Why social media campaigning? "People are increasingly moving from TV to Internet. There is a transition going on, moving from crappy TV and broadcast to streamed content. Vimeo and video streaming sites is ranking up, in combination with google being God at this point. There is a platform there for idiots like me to … Read More
An article we found dedicated to fellow photographers in Dubai
Well here is our first blog article with many to come. Since we are visited by many other photographers and videographers in Dubai, i'd like to share this piece found on the Dubai Photographers in Association Facebook page. If you are a photographer please read it carefully. if your a client. sorry! Great piece and it would be fantastic to see this FB page come to life again.


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The goal of the program is for veterans to successfully enroll in and complete the degree or program of their choice, and we are here to help every step of the way.
All VUB classes and supplies are FREE to qualified veterans. This is a TRiO Program, federally funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Services are offered continuously throughout the year and include:
Be a U.S. Military veteran with 180 days military duty, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable; or have a service-connected disability, or called to active duty for more than 30days, or be in the Reserves or National Guard.
This program is funded to serve Veterans from 9 counties within a 90 mile radius of Rochester, NY which include: Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates.
Rachel Flaherty, Director
Campus Center 2741
phone: 585-475-5495
email: email@example.com


text: Agra is a major tourist attraction as it contains one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Taj Mahal. Agra is an ancient city situated on the river Yamuna within the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city has been described as Agraba in the epic Mahabharata. The city was capital of Lodhi Kingdom and later on served the same for Mughals. During 16th and 17th century the city was developed as art, culture, commerce and learning center by Mughal Emperors like Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Some wonderful buildings were erected in Agra City by the Mughal Emperors. Agra city is famous for monuments and crafts. The monuments and crafts have preserved the cultural heritage for centuries.


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August 24, 2016
ControlScan Partnership Helps Acquirers Root out E-Commerce Merchant Fraud
April 10, 2014
Atlanta-based compliance company ControlScan announced at ETA's TRANSACT 14 event in Las Vegas this week a partnership with an Israeli counterpart called EverCompliant that will enable acquirers to monitor their e-commerce merchant clients for illegal activities. Much of the fraud prevention effort in the card-not-present space is directed at safeguarding merchants from unscrupulous consumers, but during a break at the ETA event, David Abouchar, senior director of corporate development for ControlScan, told CardNotPresent.com that unscrupulous merchants are a growing—and expensive—problem for acquirers.
Visa and MasterCard have "brand protection" programs in place that require acquirers to identify and report illegal activities being perpetrated by their merchant clients, Abouchar said. The networks can hold the acquirers accountable for fraudulent activities that happen on the acquirer's "watch." In some cases, accountability can translate into fines worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The EverCompliant solution, which has been running in Israel and other European countries for some time roots out fraud that is very hard to detect (e.g., when a Website offering illegal products runs its transactions through the payment system of a legal Website).
In a case like this, usually all the acquirer can do is run a test transaction through the illegal Website (after they have been alerted to the illegal activity) and see where it ends up.," said Ron Teicher, founder and CEO of EverCompliant. "This method is not very scalable. We're offering an approach that combines cyber intelligence with advanced analytics and behavioral analysis on the Website and the transactions that enable us to offer very good risk mitigation around that."


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Senate OKs Craters resolution
BOISE — Idaho is a step closer to having its first national park.
The Senate passed a resolution Monday that will express to Congress the Legislature's support for redesignating Craters of the Moon National Monument as a national park. Congress would have to act in order for anything to happen, but staff for all four members of Idaho's delegation have been watching the issue closely.
Local support, expressed in county commission resolutions, advisory votes and local lobbying, is widespread.
"We've got some communities that are just struggling over there," said Sen. Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton, who is sponsoring the memorial.
Passage comes over opposition by the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, which has been the effort's sole opponent. The group has said it worries redesignation will interfere with grazing and agricultural goods hauling in the area, and that even if the federal government agrees to preserve such uses, it doesn't trust the feds' word.
But Siddoway urged senators to support the resolution, despite the fact that the Farm Bureau is "throwing hand grenades everywhere." He noted that the memorial conditions support for a national park on preserving such uses.
"This protects the existing uses in that preserve (that surrounds the national monument,)" he said. "It protects the grazing."
And locals hope that turning Craters into a national park will put the site on more tourist maps, bringing business opportunities to rural counties were economic opportunities are slim.
Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls, said if the proponents of a national park had convinced Siddoway — a conservative sheep rancher from near Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks who isn't known for his love of federal rules — then it has to be a good idea.
"If I had to pick, of all the senators I've ever served with on this floor, in all the years that I have been here, one guy who I would have bet … would ever bring a memorial asking the federal government to make a national park in this state, (Siddoway) is the last person," Davis said.
The resolution passed 20-13. The memorial next heads to the House, where it could be taken up as soon as this week.
Reporter Bryan Clark can be reached at 542-6751.


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The GWX2-7.bin file you have requested: Silent Hunter 3 / Modifications / Grey Wolves eXpansion 2.0 Mod - Part 7 - 15.77MB is not available. Perhaps try browsing all files for the game Silent Hunter 3 and upload any files you want to share or are missing.
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If you have this file, please upload it using the form below (please ensure the filename and filesize match) and we shall do the rest.
Expand your horizons with The Grey Wolves! A Freeware Expansion pack for Ubisoft's Silent Hunter III.
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If you like denim alot and would like to have it on more than just your jeans and jacket, we have a great collection for you.
Japanese denim brand Evisu has released a Zippo, Teddy Bears, backbags and a Helmet. All covered in denim with intricate details and subtle jeans references suchs as a little pocket on the zippo and jean-style buttons as eyes and nose for the teddies.
Evisu collaborated with Acejet on the helmet and with Zippo on the lighter.
I like the style, but I would recommend not wearing an all-denim outfit, it's a bit tacky.
Denim Mania
More Stats +/-
Autumnal Tarragon Kombuchas
Curated Cryptocurrency News Services
Pumpkin Enzyme Skin Peels
Highlighter-Themed Sneaker Packs
Artist-Inspired Casual Tees


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Christmas and New Year's Eve in Pisa
Spend your Christmas and New Year's Eve in one of the best hotels in Pisa
Caffè Pasticceria I Miracoli is on the ground floor of Relais b&b. There is no better way to start your day other than with a delicious breakfast made of homemade pastries, coffee, cappuccino, fresh fruit juice, pastries and sandwiches. We will serve all these specialties outside in our cloister or in our elegant tea rooms. The Café is perfectly accessible for our disabled guests too.
If you fancy a light lunch but don't want to spend too much then this is the place for you. Our dishes are made with quality local products and have great prices. You may choose among cold cuts, Tuscan cheese, tartare of fresh fish and first courses. The evening, on the other hand, is the perfect time to taste our cocktails and long drinks while admiring Piazza dei Miracoli from a comfy chair.
If you are organizing a party or reception in Pisa, Caffè I Miracoli can offer you a vast choice of pastries made especially for you: cakes, semifreddo, pralines, small cakes, chocolate, open sandwiches and ice-cream.
If you want to give someone a special present, try our traditional cantucci with vinsanto, panforte and delicious chocolate Leaning towers, exclusively made at Caffè I Miracoli.
» Check out our location and book
» Check out our photogallery


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Jim Abel used ot live in Oxon Hill Md.
I am looking for Jim Abel who used to live in Oxon Hill Md and lived on Rosemarie Dr.He had three sisters named: Mary, Kathy, Debbie Rosemary (or Debbie and Rosemarie), and a brother named David.I would much like to get in touch with this lost friend.If you know of this person please contact me at: email@example.com
My maiden name is Lewis.
Thank You,
Debbie Allen


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Here's my lengthy take on how to descend. Nothing controversial, but do please add your own, or rubbish any you disagree with.
Il Falco descending in the Giro D'Italia. One of the all time great plummeters.
Here's my lengthy take on how to descend. Nothing controversial, but do please add your own, or rubbish any you disagree with.
I thought I'd start this as I am missing riding (injured) and I LOVE descending, as many of us do. But there are also people I've met who absolutely hate it, which is a great shame.
1. If you can corner well, you can descend well. And vice versa.
2. Descending is about being relaxed and confident. These things are fed by increased aptitude, so ask seasoned riders and aim to learn from each corner and each ride.
3. Speed is not inherently unsafe. But over-confidence and panic are. Know your limits and work up to them.
4. One day you will crash or get it wrong. It has happened to everyone. Don't fear it. Crashing is rubbish, but as long as you slide, it's just going to be really painful and bad for your wallet…As long as you don't crash into any brick walls or cars…Or cyclists.
5. Expect the unexpected. I've calmed down a lot, once I realised that a car pulling out unexpectedly will be fatal on some of the 40-50mph+ descents. It might only be a 1/100 chance. But if you ride that descent 100 times in 3 years….
So always keep something back. Leading to:
6. Descending is not a race unless you're in a race. If you are not comfortable following faster riders. Don't. Road racers take risks, but not silly risks. Except if you're coming in to win Giro di Lombardia….(WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THAT BONTEMPI ORGAN??!)
7. Your bike needs to be in great condition, so it is safe, and so you have confidence that your equipment won't fail.
8. Brake blocks are the cheapest, best value upgrade you can get. I use Kool-stop Salmon/Black mixed condition blocks. They are awesome.
9. Tyre pressures are key. On dry days, go to the max pressure. On wet days, reduce to maybe 90psi. If riding at altitude, also reduce the pressure a bit, otherwise tyre may blow, mainly due to the heat of constant braking expanding tyre. You don't have to worry about this in UK!
10. Spread out. Don't follow someone's wheel like you would on the flat. Find your own line of sight and always have an exit route if they go down.
11. Stop over-thinking it. When you catch a ball you don't think "must catch it, what if it hits me in face?" That way you'll have a bloody lip. Stop thinking "mustn't crash, painful" just think "brake here, shift weight, call car".
12. Call the obstacles. If there's a car coming up, just shout CAR! If you can't take a hand off bars, just shout HOLE! Or GRAVEL! Etc. It may not be heard fully, but rider behind should hear it and PASS IT ON! Also, if you pass another rider, say "ON THE RIGHT" (or left, depending on where you live). Don't pass on the inside unless you have to, and always shout. They'll hear you about 10 metres behind if you shout.
13. Get your centre of gravity down. Especially for corners. So get low. Not so low you're not in full control or can't see, but get on the drops. Now you're aero too!
14. Use the drops. Lower centre of gravity, but also more power on brakes and the arms are bent so you can absorb shocks.
I've seen a number of riders who ride on the hoods, because they can't reach the levers in drops. Usually because their fingers are too short for reach and often that is because the levers are set high on the bars and the bars are upturned. The bars should be slightly upturned (look at flat end of bar against ground) and the end of the lever should nearly touch a ruler, if you extend it from that flat forward. If you have short fingers like me, think about Campag or SRAM levers, though Shimano new style levers are much better now.
15. Look ahead of you. Look at what is coming up. Look about 20-30m ahead, but also scan farther for cars, tractors, etc. Don't look down in front of your wheel.
16. Look to where you want to go. Ignore the edges of roads when cornering, look to the apex, or as near as you can ride.
17. Cars come at you round corners. Don't cross the line unless you can see all the way round the corner.
18. With a slippery surface (wet, diesel, gravel, sand) aim the bike straight and if you have to brake, go easy and come right off the front brake. Try to keep the bike going in a straight line if you can.
19. When braking, graduate your squeeze to hard once you have bite (we're talking under a second though). Don't grab or jam your brakes. Press your rear marginally before the front, but squeeze power into the front brake (in the dry). The front is often left, and it stops you well.
20. Don't panic if you slide the back wheel. Back wheels are recoverable, but not front. There is no tip, you'll just have the coordination to settle it, or you won't. Practice on an MTB is very handy.
21. The most important thing about all these braking tips is to brake FOR the corner, not in it. Later braking comes from judgement and experience, but in the early days, get your speed right down and then let go in the corner. This is the real key to enjoying corners. You can accelerate through a corner and it's great fun. It's also far more controlled. Braking reduces control, so avoid it in corners.
22. Shift your bum back and lightly touching saddle on fast descents, place your feet at 3 & 9 o'clock. This is aero and balanced. It also means you have natural suspension to take bumps and potholes.
23. Shift your weight for corners. You can move your bum and torso if getting more experienced, but if new to it, just start with feet.
Plant your foot down on the OUTSIDE of each corner. The inside knee gets stuck out. Think about what motorcycle racers do (though you don't have enough speed to get your knee down!!). The foot pushed down on outside actually pushed the tyre into the tarmac and gives you greater grip. Try it!
24. Steer with your hips. Don't make big movements with your arms to change direction, shift your weight slightly. Try wiggling your pelvis slowly and see what is does! Honest.
25. I'm not going to suggest extreme positions to get faster on descents because if you're reading a lot of this, then you're not ready!
But fast descending means you need to pedal where others wouldn't, often with a very fast cadence if under-geared, jump out of corners and accelerate, and mainly, to brake late for corners.
26. If you're going to crash, crash into hedges, fields or just slide. If you have the presence of mind (which you should if concentrating and relaxed) then keep away from trees and big metal vehicles. And other cyclists!
27. lastly, use the road if it's safe to do so. To take a corner at speed, go wide and cut into the apex. Out-In. But don't do this if you're in a group, as this is erratic cycling, and don't do it if the corner is blind. Brake more and stay tight to your side.
Here is how one of the great modern masters does it. Not recommended for clubruns! But look at that the way he stays low and shifts his weight smoothly. He's also doing that in high mountains, which are where descending is at it's natural best. God I miss that! Must get me to the Alps…
Ride hard. Ride safe.


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Shop, search,submit or share something cute today on our site.
If it's cute - buy it, love it and share it.
Domo-kun Hooded Sweatshirt Sweater ...read ›
Keep your brush dry by using this useful toothbrush holder. Beautiful and stylish, it will enhance the décor of your room and can easily be wiped clean with a damp cloth. ...read ›
Get the whole set and transform your bathroom into a Mickey Mouse experience. 12pc ceramic shower curtain hooks 1pc 100% polyester curtain 70" x 72" 1pc embroidery bath towel 27" x 50" 1pc ceramic soap pump 1pc 100% cotton tufted rug skid-resistant 20" x 30" ...read ›
Disney Mickey Mouse Fabric shower curtian. 100 percent polyester. Imported. 72 inches x 72 inches 100 percent polyester Machine Wash Cold, Line Dry. Use of vinyl liner required (not included). Imported ...read ›
Licensed by Disney, Set of 12 MickeyMouse Shower Curtain Hooks. ...read ›
Say "hello" to an edgy re-creation of childhood icon Hello Kitty in the TARINA TARANTINO "Hello Kitty Pink Head" Lolita Portrait Necklace. This clever pendant combines retro flair with a modern portrait of Ms. Kitty in a frilly yellow dress with strawberry pink ribbons, pigtails, and a miniature crown. A...read ›
Kids clear vinyl shower curtain, fun for all ages, adults too. Disney's Playhouse Mickey Mouse head silhouette is printed in red and black on a clear background, button hole top for easy hanging. 100% PEVA Eco-Friendly and Chlorine Free – Safe for the whole family. Measures 70 x 72 inches....read ›
Tarina Tarantino Peace, Love & Sparkle Large Pendant Necklac via Amazon.com: Tarina Tarantino Peace, Love & Sparkle Large Pendant Necklace: Clothing. ...read ›
Check out this great Hello Kitty earrings from Tarina Tarantino! Tarina Tarantino's creativeness transcends through her art from season to season. She is inspired by everything that touches her life. Her products are hand made at The Sparkle Factory in Los Angeles, CA. Each piece is hand crafted using luxury components. ...read ›
Sparkling in clear crystal, Tinker Bell wears an elegant Olivine crystal dress. Her delicate wings shimmer in Crystal Blue Aurore Boreale. This adorable Disney character stands gracefully on a matt crystal base embellished with stars and roses. She holds a silver-tone metal wand with a crystal accent. Let Tinker Bell...read ›
Mickey looks like a magician. Collect Mickey as the sorcerer. The limited series is available in 2009. His head and ears in Black Diamond crystal and his Jet crystal nose add the gleam of a wizard. A Topaz crystal bow glows at the waist. The seam of the cloak has...read ›
Swarovski has captured this adorable honey-loving bear in a precious design. His playful pose is captured in a clear faceted crystal body, and he holds on to his floating balloon from a steel ribbon. Every detail of the unforgettable bear is captured, even his red shirt. 2 1/2 x 4...read ›
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the animated Disney film, Swarovski presents this exquisitely crafted figurine. Dumbo the sweet elephant shines in clear crystal with a Jonquil hat and Light Sapphire eyes with Moroda crystal pupils. A must-have for collectors, this adorable and exclusive creation is only available until the end...read ›
What it is: A collection of extra-cute nail stickers featuring your favorite tokidoki characters. What it does: Liven-up your mani with the criminally cute tokidoki crew. Easy to apply, these nail stickers are a fun addition to your tips on their own, or as extra decoration to a fresh coat of paint. ...read ›
Love these tokidoki nail decals. Don't you? What it is: A collection of super-glittery nail polishes paired with adorable tokidoki nail stickers. What it does: Get extra-shiny, super-shimmery tips and toes with this set of glitter polishes. Cover your nails with the colorful confetti and then top them off with the easy-to-apply...read ›
Keep your lips hydrated with any of these fun balms inspired by the tokidoki family of characters. Each features its own special flavor. The Ciao Ciao balm is invisible while the other three are perfect for those days when you want to moisturize your lips while adding just a hint...read ›
This shower curtain is my absolute favorite! It is made of a lightweight fabric and the flip flops have bows and flowers made of ribbon on them. Also a ton of matching accessories available. Fabric ( 100% polyester ) Standard Size ...read ›
Take this Hello Kitty Beach Towel to the beach with you this summer and be the cutest one on the beach. Oversized size 30×60 inches 100% Cotton Machine washable ...read ›
Set of 10 3" long Flip Flop Lights. Light up your luau or your year-round tree with these flip flop lights! For indoor and outdoor use, they'd also be fun for a party with a surfing or beach theme. A total of 8 feet in length. Get a few more...read ›
Are you ready for some fun in the sun? Sesame Street's Elmo is and he's waving hello summer! Elmo Beach Towel 30″ x 60″ 100% cotton fabric towel ...read ›
The sweetest little amigurumi ever. A lovely and sweet friend for your Blythe or Pullip doll :). Handmade by me with love. 1.5 inches (4cm). She fits right in a pocket and can be with you wherever you go!. Cotton yarn. ...read ›
A sweet Teddy Bear. White and blue. A lovely new friend for you or for someone special. or… a sweet friend for your Blythe doll 🙂 ...read ›
Found this recipe online and thought it would be really fun to do. It's just too cool and cute to not make. So here's the recipe and a video on how to do it. PREP TIME 35 min TOTAL TIME 4 hr 10 min SERVINGS 12 LIST OF INGREDIENTS 1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist®...read ›
Taiyaki are tasty little fish-shaped cakes with red beans in the center. That doesn't sound that good, but Japanese red beans – anko, or adzuki – are sweet and quite suitable for snacks and desserts. Taiyaki are easy to make, which is good considering that the packaging and documentation for...read ›
Check out these Cute Owls from HartFelt! These lovely owl friends are perfect to add to the finishing touches of your nursery decor. They make great party prizes at baby showers, gifts for the ones you love, or a special gift for yourself These owl friends are made to order with LOVE,...read ›


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You'll feel a sense of belonging when you step through the doors of Lyon's Elk Grove office. You're immediately greeted with smiles and a warm 'Welcome' to Elk Grove!' Everyone experiences that sense of community right away. A new agent arrives and seems to fit in from day one. After a few days, it's like they've been with us for years.
Our Community
Elk Grove is a fast-paced, thriving community located in the heart of Sacramento County. Just minutes away from the state capitol, the city manages to maintain its small town charm while mixing big city amenities with a strong sense of community. Elk Grove residents enjoy a variety of art and cultural events, and offers an exceptional park system for those who love the outdoors.
Interested in a career in real estate?
Explore a career with Lyon!Contact Us
Granite Bay, CA 95746
- 5 Beds
- 8 Baths
- 8,893 SqFt
MLS 17056726 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove
Stockton, CA 95202
MLS 18010149 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove
Elk Grove, CA 95624
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,869 SqFt
MLS 18050461 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove
Pleasanton, CA 94588
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1,489 SqFt
MLS 18045737 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove
Wilton, CA 95693
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 3,137 SqFt
MLS 18022815 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove
Sacramento, CA 95831
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 2,418 SqFt
MLS 18032888 | Courtesy of Lyon RE Elk Grove


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Children's sunsuits and sets.
Buy UV sun protective swimwear products from a UK based specialist online sun protection swimwear store. Products including Children's UV Sun Protective Suits, Sunblock Swim Wear, sun hats, sunglasses and many more sunprotection products.
Additional Pages
Website: http://www.sunprotectionswimwear.co.uk
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Date Submitted: 05-Jun-2009
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Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Caramel Drizzle
1¼ cups sugar
⅓ cup canola oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (15 oz). can pumpkin
1 cup sour cream
2 cups flour
2¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
Caramel Drizzle
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, pumpkin and sour cream. Add flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt and stir in to combine. Pour into a prepared bundt pan. ( I like to use the spray that has flour in it, if you don't have any, grease and flour it yourself.)
Bake for approximately 50 minutes at 350 degrees F. Test it with a wooden pick to see if it comes out clean. Invert cake onto a cooling rack.
Caramel Drizzle:
Heat milk and brown sugar in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from stove and add butter and vanilla. Cool for a couple minutes then drizzle immediately onto cake. It sets up quickly so its best to drizzle while its still very warm.


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Friday, January 21, 2011
My Circo Days are Numbered--My Daughter Wants to Wear Brand Name Clothing
This week, she asked me if it we could go to Abercrombie & Fitch or Aeropostale to shop for some new tops. I was surprised she even knew of these stores because we rarely go to any mall outside of our local shopping center where the anchor store is a Target. Despite the fact that I can't stand Abercrombie & Fitch (the cologne is nauseating and their stuff is pricey), I said "yes." Mainly because I love the fact that I now have a shopping partner--it's a mother's dream. There was a day when I couldn't drag her to the store unless it was to pick out a toy.
I guess I should have known that the day of wearing particular styles of clothing and brands was coming. The writing has been on the wall. No longer can I buy things for her on my own. She definitely has ideas on what she will and won't wear. V-necks, turtlenecks, plain t-shirts, dresses are all on the Do Not Purchase list. Tops with a touch of bling (not too much, thank goodness), t-shirts that are screen printed with various characters (although which ones are acceptable and which ones are not I still can't figure out) skinny jeans and jeggings (jeans/leggings) are all on the I Want More list. And now it seems that Circo is out and Aeropostale is in.
I asked her how did she know of these stores and she replied that all her friends shop there. Yes, her peers are now influencing her fashion choices. As much as I want her to be her own person and wear what she wants because SHE likes it, I understand how she feels. I remember when I had to have a pair of Jordache jeans and how I begged my mom for an Izod shirt and it wasn't because I loved alligators and horses.
3 comments:
I remember a few years back visiting with family on the East Coast and my teen nieces and nephews were wearing Hollister t-shirts. I said, "you know that's a town near us ... there are lots of cows there." I'm SO not the cool auntie!ReplyDelete
I have the opposite problem with my teen boy ... his clothes can't have ANY logos on them. So hard to find, but easier on the budget.
- Dr. SpockJanuary 22, 2011 at 8:11 AM
Faze: transitive verb 1) to fluster, disconcert or disturb somebody. "Bad news doesn't seem to faze her.", for example.ReplyDelete
Phase: noun 1) stage of development a clearly distinguishable period or stage in a process, in the development of something, or in a sequence of events, 2) pattern of behavior a period of time when a situation or particular pattern of behavior persists and is often annoying or worrying; 3) part or aspect, " We needed to restructure all phases of our business." for example; 4) recurring shape of the moon; 5) part of repeating cycle; 6) state of matter; 7) variation in animal form; 8) stage in life cycle.
And of course,
Phaser: common directed-energy weapon first seen in the original Star Trek and later seen or referenced in almost all subsequent films and TV spin-offs.
Dr. Spock-thanks for the faze/phaser catch. :) I think my mind sometimes fails me and the obvious is not so obvious.ReplyDelete
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text:
How a midlife fertility surge left Louise holding FOUR babies in her 40s
- Some women have a burst of fertility as they approach the menopause
- Ovaries are stimulated more aggressively as the number of eggs declines
- Live births to mothers aged 40 and over have doubled in the past decade
A stranger walking into our garden this weekend may well have thought they were entering a nursery. Sitting cross-legged on the grass, five-year-old Leah was showing her giggling baby sisters how to play pat-a-cake, their chubby little hands reaching out towards her with joy.
Meanwhile, two-year-old Ben was pushing his toy Thomas The Tank Engine up and down imaginary hills chuntering: 'All aboard. Choof. Choof.' With the children happily playing, my husband Bernard, 66, and I took the opportunity to make plans for a very special party.
For other couples celebrating their Silver Wedding anniversary, this might include talk of canapés and champagne. But as parents to four children aged under six, we have slightly different requirements when marking our 25th year of marriage.
Surprise! After nearly 20 years of trying to get pregnant, Louise, 48, had four children in as many years; pictured with husband Bernard, 66, son Ben, 3, daughter Leah, 5, twins Amy and Lucy, 2
Leah wants a bouncy castle. Ben - surprise, surprise - is after a Thomas the Tank Engine cake. Twins Amy and Lucy will be happy as long as there's ice cream.
We never set out to become parents so late in life. After 20 years of trying and a series of heartbreaking failed IVF attempts, I'd given up our dream of starting a family when I fell unexpectedly pregnant, not just once - but three times.
It seemed utterly impossible until our GP explained that some women have a brief burst of fertility as they approach the menopause - it seems the body naturally stimulates the ovaries more aggressively as the number of eggs decline as it attempts to keep them working. This phenomenon, however, has not been rigorously examined and confirmed.
Still, recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that live births to mothers aged 40 and over have nearly doubled in the past decade.
Some scientists believe this is because women over 40 are more fertile than middle-aged women of previous generations. They say that of the women who wait to try, only those genetically predisposed to longer-lasting fertility will be able to conceive. This gene is passed on to their children, who can have babies later in life, too.
Whatever the reason for my mid-life fertility burst, I was delighted.
Unexpected pregnancies: Leah, left, and Ben, right, just after each was born
Instead of seeing out our twilight years in the comfort of our villa in Spain, Bernard and I are now besotted (if exhausted) parents to Leah, Ben, and adorable 14-month-old twins Amy and Lucy.
But it's the fulfilment of my lifelong dream - albeit rather belatedly. I'm now 48, but I had always wanted to be a mother. When my nursery school teacher asked what I was going to do when I grew up, I announced: 'I'm going to be a mummy.'
I was 24 and fresh out of a serious relationship when I met Bernard in a local pub in the summer of 1989. I was working as a hotel housekeeper and living at home with my mother (my father died when I was 14) in Milford-on-Sea - an idyllic seaside town in Hampshire.
A successful businessman with his own building company, Bernard was divorced with three teenage children and I was instantly impressed with his greying hair and immaculate manners. He reminded me of Richard Gere in Pretty Woman.
When he revealed his age - 42, a massive 18 years my senior - I found it hard to believe. He looked and acted so much younger. But he had a certain maturity too, rushing to take my coat when we went out for dinner and knowing exactly which wine to order. By our second date, I knew I was falling for him and my mother and friends adored him, too.
When he proposed just two months after we met, I didn't hesitate and we married in a simple ceremony at Lymington Register Office in November 1989.
When you love someone, age is immaterial, but we wasted no time and decided to start a family straight away. I had long felt ready to be a mum and Bernard was happy to be a father again.
Naively, I expected a baby within the year. Bernard had already fathered three children and I was only 24. So when the months passed with no sign of pregnancy, I started to worry.
Double trouble: Twins Amy and Lucy - mum Louise's third unplanned pregnancy
We'd been trying for almost a year when my doctor referred me to Southampton General Hospital and tests revealed that both my fallopian tubes were inexplicably blocked. To conceive, I had to have an operation to unblock the tubes and try again quickly, before they had a chance to reseal.
I spent a week in hospital recovering. Despite the pain, I felt hopeful for our chances, but still, we had no joy.
Then, four months later, on Christmas Eve 1991, I felt a stabbing pain in my side before being violently sick. I was rushed to hospital by ambulance, where doctors found I was having an ectopic pregnancy.
Unbeknown to me, I had conceived, but the six-week-old foetus had implanted in my right fallopian tube. Not only was the pregnancy unviable, but to save my life, the tube had to be removed.
Waking up the next day to Christmas carols, I almost wished I had died. Not only had I lost our longed-for baby, but with just one fallopian tube my chances of falling pregnant were now half what they'd ever been.
Although only 29 - an age when many women haven't even found their life partner, let alone started thinking of babies - I couldn't escape my longing. Everywhere I went I was reminded of what I'd lost.
Friends started falling pregnant and I tried to look happy for them, but it was all a façade.
Our last hope was IVF. But we were refused NHS treatment as Bernard already had children. It seemed so unfair, but undeterred, we raised the money ourselves. We sold the car Bernard had given me as a wedding gift and, in late 1994, spent £2,100 on our first round of IVF.
At the time, IVF was still in its infancy and the chances of success were much slimmer. My hopes were dashed once more when none of our embryos implanted.
Kidding around: Louise and Bernard had given up hope of children, but now they have their hands full
Over the next 18 months, we made two more unsuccessful attempts, each more devastating than the last. I felt I'd failed at the one thing that should have come naturally to a woman - having a baby. I took detours to avoid baby shops and skirted round pregnant women in the street.
Bernard came into our bedroom one day to find me weeping, my face buried in the tiny baby sleepsuit I'd bought when starting IVF. 'Darling, it's time to let go,' he said. I knew he was right.
I tried to concentrate on all the good things I did have in my life, rather than the one I didn't. I had a loving husband, gorgeous home, fantastic family and friends.
Now 31, I bought a Persian cat to lavish with maternal love and focused on helping Bernard run his building and landscaping business, which became so successful we could afford to retire completely.
When Bernard neared 60 he longed for a quieter pace of life. So, in June 2004, we sold our three-bedroomed house in the village of New Milton, Hampshire, and moved to a villa in Murcia in Southern Spain, with enough money to live comfortably for the rest of our lives.
With the sun beating down, far from the stresses of work and hospital visits, every day seemed like a holiday and my longing for a baby slowly evaporated.
We breakfasted on the terrace, swam in our private pool and enjoyed evenings out sipping Rioja and sharing tapas with other expats. After going through so much together, I felt happier and more relaxed than I ever had.
'Then in March 2010, I discovered I was pregnant again, at the age of 44. Lightening had struck twice.'
We'd been in Spain for two years when I started to feel unwell - queasy in the morning and sweaty at night. I was nearly 42, so when my periods stopped, I put it down to an early menopause. My doctor ran some blood tests, then asked me to return for a scan.
Bernard was by my side when the doctor ran the ultrasound over my tummy. 'You do realise you are two months pregnant, don't you?' he asked. Even now, I cannot describe the shock. Shaking, I burst into tears while Bernard grabbed my hand, too stunned to speak.
We had waited 17 years for this moment. We were overjoyed, but it seemed too good to be true. I was petrified something would go wrong.
I barely allowed myself to believe our baby was real, until the moment she arrived in August 2007 at Dorset County Hospital, after returning to the UK for the birth. Bernard cut the cord and as Leah was gently placed in my arms, I knew the wait had been worth it.
I adored our little girl. Watching Bernard cooing over her cot at night, I thought my heart might burst with happiness.
We decided to quit Spain and move back to have the support of our families, renting a house near Lymington. Of course we would have loved a sibling for Leah, but it seemed too much to hope for.
Then in March 2010, I discovered I was pregnant again, at the age of 44. Lightening had struck twice.
When Ben was born in November 2010 we couldn't believe our luck - we had the girl and boy we'd always wanted. My transition from sun-soaked retiree to mum-of-two was hard work, and I often felt my age as I struggled out of bed for Ben's middle-of-the-night feeds, but despite his age, Bernard was always on hand to help.
Sacrifice: The villa Louise and Bernard retired to and which they will now have to sell to pay for the children
Life was just returning to an even keel when, in September 2011, a bombshell struck: I was pregnant again. We'd barely come to terms with the news when my 12-week scan revealed two little hearts beating - it was twins. Here I was, a woman who'd spent nearly 20 years trying for a baby, having two at once.
It seemed ungrateful not to be ecstatic but I admit I worried. I was 46 and Bernard was 64 - four babies in five years would be tough on any parents, let alone ones our age.
This time, the pregnancy was even tougher, too. My bump was so huge and I found it hard to walk. After being bed-bound for the last few weeks, Lucy and Amy were delivered by caesarean at 35 weeks in May 2012.
Now we are blissfully happy, if exhausted. We never have a second to ourselves and money is tight. We're living off our savings and Bernard's pension while we wait to sell our Spanish villa. But I wouldn't swap my life for anyone's.
It would have helped if we'd had children earlier. We're thick in nappies and nurseries while our friends plan for retirement. Bernard will be 83 when the twins are 18, and I worry he won't be here to walk them down the aisle.
But you can't change the hand fate deals you. Being older means we're more patient and appreciate every second with the children we never thought we'd have. I'm convinced it was meant to be this way.
As told to Tessa Cunningham
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Great Scottish Drives: Glasgow to Oban
The drive from Glasgow to Oban is one of the best in Scotland
Road trips are often the name of the game when it comes to the Highlands of Scotland. Very difficult to adequately experience without a car, there's an obvious temptation to head north and just see where the road takes you. There have been much worse ideas. The Cairngorms, the North Coast 500, Lochaber et al make for a mouthwatering collection of options. Trying to identify the best routes is no easy task but Glasgow to Oban is one of the most straightforward and accessible, even for first time visitors to Scotland. Belt up and prepare for one of the great Highland road trips!
Loch Lomond
What makes this route so special? Well the fact that it incorporates fabulous Loch Lomond would be a good start. One of the most visually appealing spots in the country, this drive takes you along the well-travelled western shore of the Loch. The fact that this scenic masterpiece is within 30 minutes of our biggest city seems almost unfair as you rapidly leave your urban frustrations behind. At times running directly alongside the deep blue bonnie banks, Britain's largest lake is yours to enjoy up close. A mistimed twist of the wheel as you frantically try to find your camera at the bottom of that bag on the passenger seat and into the water you shall go I assure you. The drive is winding but spectacular as you take in the many peaks on the Loch including Ben Lomond itself.
Leaving the Loch behind your Glasgow to Oban drive north continues. You can choose whether to head directly west into Argyll and follow the coast via Inveraray and Loch Fyne or head further north first before turning west. Both are magnificent options and, for a return trip, I suggest going out one way and back the other. Assuming the latter for the outbound journey, this is the most direct route. You'll turn right at pretty Tarbet and keep the loch on your right hand side as you continue north. A busy route in summer, it is also spectacular off-season when the roads are quiet. In autumn expect a rainbow of colour in the glens you pass through. Reds, greens, yellows and browns are there beneath the mist. Winter has its own unique appeal too when the snow-topped peaks come to life.
This is Scotland. This is what I think of when I talk about the Highlands and the great Scottish outdoors. To the extent that taking this route makes up my view of the Best of Scotland in a Day, which is worth a read if you're in this area.
Next up is Loch Awe. You might think having just driven the length of Loch Lomond another Loch might leave you water-saturated but it really looks and feels completely different. Long and thin, the northern shore is flanked by some magnificent peaks including Ben Cruachan. Stop by the staggeringly intricate St Conan's Kirk for a quick look at one of Scotland's most beautifully structured buildings and for immaculate views over the water. En-route Kilchurn Castle is also one of the most stunningly located ruins in Scotland – you'll find this on Loch Awe's northern shore. For many the stereotypically Scottish castle, it has everything. Inky-black waters, stunning mountain backdrop and cragged ruins that would have poets, writers and photographers in a state of euphoria. Miss this at your peril.
The next stop is Oban itself, The Gateway to the Isles. Ever-popular with travellers heading to the likes of Mull and Iona or even to the Outer Hebrides, Oban is a constantly bustling place. The only settlement of any significant size in the area, it's an almost alarming return to civilisation as the buzz of holiday-goers shakes you out of your Highland slumber. Options galore await you at the ferry terminal as the draw of the western islands of Scotland takes grip. If you're looking for more inspiration of this kind – take a look at my thoughts on top things to do on the Isle of Barra.
By the time you arrive in Oban chances are you will be hungry. As you would expect there are many choices for fresh fish but I recommend Ee-Usk for fairly high-end seafood and, for something more casual, Oban Fish and Chip Shop. As good fortune would have it Oban Distillery is on the same street, how thoughtful! An excellent choice as an introduction to whisky, Oban malts have the saltiness and perfumed appeal of the west coast – without the heavily peated notes synonomous with the likes of Islay in particular.
With a whisky-induced spring in your step, you can explore Oban itself on foot. Dunollie Castle and Gardens are a short walk from the town centre; McCaig's Tower (the odd-looking Roman-esque structure hovering over the town) is a steep but rewarding walk and a nosey at the pier as the fishermen come and go is likely to bring out the photographer in you. All told, Oban deserves at least a couple of hours of your time.
Where to next?
The journey length for this direct route from Glasgow to Oban is a little over 2 hours. But you would be mad not to stop at several of the points described above for photos. Don't rush. At no point in the journey is the drive hugely challenging and the roads are generally in pretty good condition.
If you were making a return journey back to Glasgow, you could simply retrace the above Glasgow to Oban route or drive directly south from Oban to Lochgilphead and then Inveraray. Add at least an hour to your journey time for this approach. It takes you on a scenic drive passing the likes of Kilmartin Glen (famous for its standing stones) and further on to run parallel to Loch Fyne. This route will eventually return you to Loch Lomond and the home straight from Tarbet. You can read about my Glasgow to Inveraray drive for more details of this stretch of the Southern Highlands. Expect plenty more castles, lochs and seafood.
Awful, just awful.
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17 Comments
We did this drive, although in a bit different way. We drove up from Glasgow and loved Loch Lomond. We stayed the night at a B&B in Dalmally and then drove east and north to Bridge of Orchy and through Glen Coe before driving back south to Oban and returned to Glasgow on this drive. It was a day of stunning scenery.
Lovely imagery, so many beautiful road trips in Scotland.
I am looking for some advice. We are doing a fairly extensive trip of Scotland and the islands in May and will be doing the Durness to Ullapool route. On our last day we will be driving from the Ardnamurchan peninsula to Glascow to catch our plane home. We are wondering which route would be the most picturesque. Do we take the coastal route alongside Loch Linnhe or across through Glencoe? Either way we will be going past Loch lomond.
Hi Neil, this is very helpful to me as a plan a 6 day drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh. We are going via A82/A85. Our itinerary is fairly packed but I would love your opinion on how feasible it is.
– Arrive in Glasgow on 9/1 staying through 9/3
– Leave in the early morning to drive to Inverness on 9/3. On the way to Inverness we are looking to stop at Oban, drive through Glencoe, stop at Fort William, Loch Ness then on to Inverness.
– Stay overnight in Inverness (any recommendations for pub/restaurant for dinner or/and a B&B?)
– 9/4 early start on our way to Dundee stopping at Aberdeen (any suggestions for a day hike on the way to see some sights? and or B&B in Dundee)
– 9/5 from Dundee to Edinburgh (any suggestions on day hikes or must see stops on the way?)
Would love to get your opinion. Thank you.
Hi I would love some help!
We are driving from Manchester Uk to Oban and staying on Mull for a week then returning with two days to drive and stay somewhere.. we love the coast and dramatic views! We also have two dogs! So from Oban we want the most dramatic drive back done to England.
We took Neil's advice last year and enjoyed the Loch Lomond/ Inverary/Kilchurn castle/ to Oban drive so much I'm doing it again this year! Stop in the wee village of Luss for picturesque charm and an easy view of Loch Lomond.
A helping hand, please! We are driving from Glasgow, and will be staying two nights at Aultguish Inn, Garve in early June. We need to catch a flight departing Glasgow at 1325. How much time should we allow to make the drive and turn in the hired car at Glasgow airport? I fear it will be a spectacularly early morning! Thanks, Joel and Barbara Gordon
How cool, we actually took this drive the last time we were in Glasgow. I we even stopped in Luss too. I really enjoyed the Dover Inn and the kirk where Bruce's remains are.
We are going to Scotland in June. Staying two days in Glascow then renting a car. Want to spend an entire day seeing the sights on our way up to Inverness. Then one day in Inverness and surrounding area. The next day slowly making our way down to Edinburgh. I know we want to see Glencoe and Sterling for sure. Are there any more must sees on this trip.
Thanks so much for writing this article. It influenced me to take the trip from Luss to Oban a few weeks ago. I was staying in Luss for a week last month without a car. Before leaving home I did some online research to find some journeys around Luss that would allow me to see the beautiful Scottish countryside without a car. I came across this article and am I ever glad I did! I was able to take the bus from Luss all the way to Oban following the A82, A85 and A83. I was blown away by the astoundingly beautiful countryside! Thanks again.


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"Senseless" is ground zero for my production career.
While GoodeVibes Music was the beginning of my work with Bradley Prakope, this EP marked the first time I had ever truly produced anything, aside from a few small band projects I did while living in Austin. And even then – it was barely production before this. I was just a guy the bands knew who had some recording gear and knew how to use it…kindof. If I could unearth those tapes that would really be something to laugh at.
I met Liz Williams at an open mic night in Dallas, and after her set I approached her (albeit extremely humbly) and asked if I could help her with her songs. Had she said "no" I may have never asked another artist again, but thankfully she agreed. I loved her voice, and loved her vibe – but the songs needed work and I felt like I had a good enough handle on songwriting to help her get better material. Or, in other words, I was young and arrogant enough to think that I had all the answers. I didn't and I still don't; but you have to start somewhere.
So back in 2005 we began to work on these songs. It took Liz Williams and I two years of working on and off to finish this EP, which in terms of recording 5 song – was an eternity. Thankfully for this first effort (as I had yet to meet the mastermind himself, Bradley Prakope) I was helped by the ever gracious and talented Alex Gerst. Alex engineered and mixed the EP and it was mastered by another local Dallas guru, Derek Taylor.
Enjoy this little piece of my history, as there's a lot of heart and soul in it.


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It is a dream of everyone to live in aristocratic style and to buy the products that provide enhanced appearance to the personality. The sophisticated attire and precious ornaments are considered as the things that provide exceptional appearance to the individual's personality. Precious wrist watches have been used by the people since long as a status symbol that helped top watch brands in building up big business through frequent demands from aristocratic people. With passage of time, people have started looking for alternatives to the popular brands that could be low-priced but had fascination of the original brand. Development of digital marketing was a breakthrough in marketing that facilitated makers of mimicry products to make use of this marketing channel to sell their products. Replica watch makers were not behind in this race and replicas of many prestigious Swiss brands were launched through online shops.
Beginning of downtrend for original brands
Rolex, the leading brand of Swiss made watches was the first one to face the setback due to availability of its low-priced imitations, known as Rolex replica watches. The replicas were so deceptive against the original brand that people accepted the replica watches and the sale of replica watches took an upward trend. With the success of counterfeit watches, replica watch making industry created replicas of many other hot selling brands.Breitling has been famous for its sleek design for years and was favorite brand of a special group of people. Panerai replica watches followed the same course as in the case of reputed Rolex brand and achieved success in creating setback for this industry.Panerai replica watches also made their appearance in the market and captured a large segment of brand users in a short time.
To conclude
The battle is not over and replicas of renowned watch brands have no plan to retract from the market due to present an anticipated business in the coming times. Thus, the cloud of uncertainty is still hovering over the brand owners.


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Sí hubo genocidio
Posted June 17, 2013
Against the backdrop of the trial that found former dictator and U.S. Cold War ally, Efraín Ríos Montt guilty of genocide, this singular photograph by Daniel Hernández-Salazar was emblazoned across sites in Guatemala City. "There was a genocide," it proclaims. The trial, which concluded in May 2013, found Ríos Montt responsible for the massacre of 1,771 people of the Ixil Mayan community and the forced displacement of 29,000 during his short term of office between 1982 and 1983.
Hernández-Salazar's Angel of Memory first took shape in the Guatemalan photographer's mind in July 1997. He was working with the Forensic Anthropology Foundation, when a bullet-perforated shoulder blade emerged from one of the clandestine mass graves being exhumed at a site at which nine peasants had been murdered by the Guatemalan military. In 1997, the country was just emerging from the official end, a year previously, of a brutal civil war, with its roots in the U.S.–backed coup that toppled the democratically-elected government of Jacobo Árbenz Guzmán in 1954. Hernández-Salazar enlarged and printed the wounded wing-like shoulder blades on the body of a young mestizo man, creating a photo-montage of four angels that dramatize the proverb "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil."
A year later, on 24 April 1998, the final report of the Recovery of Historical Memory, Guatemala: Nunca Más /Never Again was published, detailing 55,000 human rights violations that had taken place during the civil war. The Angels appeared on the front cover. Two days later, one of the report's chief instigators, Bishop Juan Gerardi was bludgeoned to death. The thousands who took to the streets of Guatemala City in the silent demonstrations to mark Gerardi's murder did so bearing posters of Hernández-Salazar's photo-montage emblazoned with the words "Guatemala: Nunca Más".
If the Angels took flight in 1998, their peregrinations have not ceased since. In April 1999, three dozen poster-size reproductions of the fourth angel that shouts out through cupped hands appeared across Guatemala's capital, imploring the nation's citizens to acknowledge and remember the injustices of the past: "Para que todos lo sepan" / "So that all shall know". Nor has the flight been restricted to Guatemala. Hernández-Salazar has travelled with his angel to create photo-interventions that insert Guatemala's violent past in key memory sites around the globe: from Auschwitz to Hiroshima, and elsewhere in Latin America, including the headquarters of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires and Tlatelolco, the site of the student massacre of 1968 in Mexico City.
Hailed as a landmark case, one that could potentially open the door to further prosecutions, just ten days after the original ruling, on 20 May 2013 Guatemala's top constitutional court overturned the Ríos Montt genocide conviction. It annulled everything that had happened in the trial since 19 April when Ríos Montt was briefly left without a defence lawyer. At the time of writing, the case continues. And Daniel Hernández-Salazar's angel continues to travel, proclaiming "Sí hubo genocidio."


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Monk's Blood is a "Belgian-style dark ale brewed with cinnamon, vanilla, oak chips and dried figs." I really can't write anything more enticing than that. Sounds snifter-worthy.
This is an opaque ale that has a deep mahogany color. It's capped with a dense, tan head that leaves a bit of lacing.
Monk's Blood has a very sweet and sticky aroma. Dark cherry, figs and bourbon define the nose.
Taste & Feel
Huge flavor, with sweet, dark fruit up front. Cherries, raisins and figs lead off. Mid-sip, a light spice character builds, accompanied by a robust, woody flavor. The cinnamon, vanilla, figs and oak combine to give it a boozy taste that reminds me of the shot of Balcones Rumble that I had earlier this year. Earthy hops and a dry, peaty finish round out a complex and pleasing flavor profile.
Monday, October 1, 2012
21st Amendment Brewery - Monk's Blood
Posted by Joe Mecca at 6:16 PM
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Episode 34 - Saved by the Bell Episodes
This week we finally talk about our favorite Saved by the Bell episodes. AC and Preppy get real and try and learn what made the gang really tick. So when you wake up in the morning and the alarm gives out a warning, its time for Tom and Jim's Top 5!
Top 5 starts at 22:40
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Review: 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' Fails Jane Austen and the Horror Genre
How do you ruin Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," a love story that's been capturing hearts and imaginations for more than 200 years? Adding zombies isn't a problem. Draining the life out of this classic rom-com is. And so the latest adaptation "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" is a disservice not only to Austen's work, but also the 2009 Quirk Books hit from which it's more directly adapted.
In many respects, this is the "Pride and Prejudice" we've seen again and again, following the trials and triumphs of the Bennet sisters as they seek love and husbands. Except, this time they must not only avoid the pitfalls of England's stiffly judgmental 19th century society, but also the deadly maws of brain-craving zombies.
Still, the requirements for a successful "Pride and Prejudice" adaptation are simple. Your leading lady must be an enchanting ingénue who can aptly capture the wit and willfulness of Lizzie Bennet. And "Cinderella" star Lily James does an admirable job, thought the film's dogged pace races through every emotional beat. Now, your Darcy must be that heady mix of brooding yet alluring. At this Sam Riley fails utterly, favoring the brooding bit entirely.
He has zero spark with James and speaks through his teeth in a low curmudgeonly grumble that never softens even as Darcy confesses his reluctant love. Making matter worse, the styling does him no favors. His haircut is more ghastly than many of the zombie effects. And Riley's draped in a long leather coat that squeaks as he struts, making him less sexy and more silly. Really, I should be able to stop here, right? If you've built a romance on a chemistry that is as engaging as a damp sponge, you've failed. But writer-director Burr Steers has other cinematic sins to answer for.
For some bizarre reason, Steers heard the title "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and felt this must be treated as a straight-faced drama. The innate humor of Austen's original dialogue is rambled through, its zing oft slaughtered. And the deliciously ludicrous mash-up of classic romance and zombie horror is resolutely unrecognized in the film's tone, making for a grim and infuriatingly boring slog. Just how, how do you hear this concept and not want to make it as gleefully bonkers as possible? How do you read about a roundhouse-kicking, ninja-trouncing, zombie-slaying Lizzie Bennet and think: We better treat this like it's "The Revenant"?
Beyond that, Austen films are traditionally a spirited celebration of female fantasy, both in romance and fashion. But there's little warmth or whimsy to be found "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies." Its love story is deader than its monsters, and its coloring is slicked with a grey that dulls the appeal of its enviable dresses and makes everyone look vaguely ill. Dim lighting is no help, and at points distracting. I began to wonder if the producers were keeping the budget down by refusing a proper light kit. I can't think of a studio film that's ever lit its stars so abysmally. Every single actor is presented with thick grey bags under their eyes. Even the girls look haggard, revealing Steers has no clue what the focus of this property should have been: awesome ass-kicking Austen heroines.
Watching the film, I began to wonder who it was made for. Because it's some form of Austen, I assumed it'd be for girls. But Steers bungled his casting, filling the romantic roles of Darcy and Wickham (a pouting Jack Huston) with off-putting ingendudes. He sliced down the Bennet's sisters' interactions so that their bond is little more than window dressing. And he fails to even give the sisters properly thrilling fight scenes. Instead, he beefs up Darcy and Wickham's parts, and leers at the Bennets, angling the camera up their long skirts and down their low-cut dresses.
So is "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" meant for boys? Well, they too will be disappointed if they came for action and zombie carnage. While there are a handful of creepy VFX shots, most of the action is as poorly lit as the Bennet girls. Worse, some sequences are so dark you can't tell what the hell is going on. But that's likely a sloppy requirement of the film's PG-13 rating: Not guts, no gory.
On top of all that, the movie lacks the novel's wicked sense of vengeance. Austen fans who've long loathed the "odious" Mr. Collins were able to rejoice in a comeuppance that was deliciously gruesome in the novel. But this "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" wildly rewrites Seth Grahame-Smith's take, adding in a bloated plotline about "aristocrat zombies" and the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse. If you think these amped-up stakes will make way for grand action sequences, you too will be sorely disappointed.
Steers's fight scenes are little more than blurs of slicing swords and twirling skirts, with virtually no blood and little impact. The exception is a hand-to-hand combat scene between Lizzie and Darcy, where they battle with wit and weapons. But even this is marred by a sound design that makes the crashing of furniture compete with the couple's jumbled banter.
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" does boast a few bright spots, but even these feel an affront to Austen. Matt Smith is a breath of fresh air, and nearly the film's sole source of humor as the hilariously awkward Mr. Collins. He brings head wiggles and his "Doctor Who" jauntiness to the role, making it the first incarnation of this character I've ever rooted for. Which — as much as I adore Smith — is just wrong for the chemistry of Austen's world. It throws off the whole dynamic in the Bennet household when the family creep is oddly charming.
"Game of Thrones" star Lena Headey brings a new level of intimidation and a glorious dose of diva to the role of the bullying and elitist Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Yet after much teasing about what a mighty warrior she is, this lethal lady is given only a brief moment of combat. If you've seen the recently released clip, you've seen it all. As if Steers couldn't bear to make de Bourgh the baddie she's meant to be, he throws in a galling third act change that robs us of a seemingly assured showdown, beginning a pile-on of nonsensical plotpoints that barrel into an explosive but profoundly stupid finale.
These big changes from the book(s) are clearly constructed to set up a sequel. Characters who were crippled or killed in Grahame-Smith's novel are preserved so that a more epic undead battle might be rung out of this already dead-on-its-feet would-be film series. But since Steers has so mismanaged every aspect of this curious concept, who could possible be hungry for more?
"Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" opens today.
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Prices of 1990s Nissan GT-Rs starting to rise as new market opens up for classic Skylines
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, meaning that the earliest cars are now eligible for importation into the US. thish is because at 25 years they are officially deemed to be 'classic', so are allowed to sidestep US safety regs.
As a result, Japanese auction prices for the best examples have already risen by around 25 per cent as dealers leap on the Skyline bandwagon in the hope of meeting a pent-up demand from US speed freaks who, until now, had to content themselves with the virtual Godzilla experience.
Florida-based import firm Montu Motors celebrated the newfound legality of the R32 GT-R by driving one across the border from Canada at the stroke of midnight on August 2.
The good news for us outside the US is that the R32's substantial five-year production run means that plenty of later examples that are not yet US-eligible should still be available, so now is probably the time to buy – or look further ahead for an R33.
Prices in the UK currently range from around £7000 to £20,000 and there is no shortage of cars on the market. The problem, of course, is finding a good one. Those that have been in this country for most of their lives frequently suffer corrosion and, given that the R32 was always intended to be driven hard, most of them have been.
The main difficulty, however, lies in buying one in standard condition, as the tuning potential of the legendary RB26DETT engine is both immense and easy to realise. Brake, suspension, wheel and exhaust upgrades are all common, too. But hunt down a low-mileage, unmolested R32 and keep it stock, and you can expect its value to rise almost as quickly as you can clock up the miles.
Or consider…
Subaru WRX Type RA - Arriving in the same era as the R32, Subaru's WRX made a similar impact in the world of rallying as the Nissan did in circuit racing. Stripped-out 'RA' versions are rare.
Toyota Celica GT-Four - Toyota's WRC homologation special featured turbocharging and four-wheel drive. Late, ST205 WRC limited editions are the ones to go for.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I/II - Mitsubishi's four-wheel-drive sports saloon became as famous among the PlayStation generation as the GT-R. Good, early models are becoming extremely hard to come by, but are worth seeking out.
Words: evo magazine/Simon de Burton


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The night of Nov 30th Dec 01st was a sad one for the MV "Orient Express" as it was forced onto the rocks at the entrance of Mag Bay by a S wind gusting to gale force. Those of us anchored some 10 miles away were not in a position to assist. We were forced to listen to the tragedy on the VHF radio as first the Port Captains, then the Mexican Navy responded, via an interpreter. The two persons on board were saved, but the MV "Orient Express" is likely a total loss. We took this picture as we left Mag Bay Dec 02nd.
Saturday, 15 December 2007
November 30th, December 01st, 2007 THE SAD END OF THE MV "ORIENT EXPRESS"
Posted by SV Passat II at 07:43
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If you haven't thought about it in a while, the word "microfinance" might evoke an image of a circle of women sitting under a mango tree.
In its early days, Grameen Bank put microfinance on the map by making tiny loans to communities of female small-business owners who put social pressure on one another to repay the loans.
Microfinance has come a long way since then. Today, data-enabled microloans are made to small-business owners, farmers and consumers all over the world, often through smartphones and loan officers wielding iPads. Artificial intelligence is used in credit scoring and credit decisions as well as fraud detection.
And the loans are profitable. So much so that Credit Suisse has built a business around letting its private banking and private equity fund clients invest in microfinance loans, and the returns are competitive. To keep the supply of those loans going, the bank's philanthropic arm gives financial aid to microfinance institutions and bank employees help them solve management and technology problems.
The evolution of microfinance
Grameen's group lending model, focused on women starting small businesses such as tailoring and fruit vending, was microfinance 1.0, said Laura Hemrika, global head of corporate citizenship and foundations at Credit Suisse.
"Needless to say, there's a need for more diverse products and services," she said.
Microfinance 2.0, as she calls it, involved individual loans, savings products and micro-insurance, not just for small businesses, but for farms, schools and individuals paying for education, health care or a home as well, often taking advantage of new technology.
"We wouldn't use small-business loans to pay a mortgage, so why would we expect people at the base of the pyramid to use their group small-business loan to add a toilet to their house?" Hemrika said. Microfinance institutions are becoming more like traditional banks with varied products and services.
The Swiss bank got involved in microfinance in a counterintuitive way: at the behest of its wealthiest clients.
Fifteen years ago, some ultra-high-net-worth private banking clients expressed interest in investments that would create a financial return but also deliver social impact.
"Microfinance was the leading way to do that at the time," Hemrika said.
Credit Suisse partnered with other Swiss firms to cofound a social investment manager called Responsibility. It develops microfinance debt funds and private equity funds that invest in microfinance institutions. The bank offered those funds to its clients.
Returns in the industry have generally hovered around 2-4% for debt products, higher for other vehicles.
"We run our microfinance and impact investing work as a business that's financially sustainable to us and clients; they are getting a financial return," Hemrika said. "Some clients who are more socially motivated are willing to take a little bit of a cut on return. A majority are looking for market or commercial returns."
Institutional investors and pension funds have started investing in these funds, too.
"People are seeing how investing in microfinance can be a good portfolio diversifier," Hemrika said.
The funds have done so well, in fact, that Credit Suisse started having trouble finding microfinance institutions with the management and systems capability to use the new money to grow.
At the same time, the bank was wondering where to focus its philanthropic activities, which it calls "corporate citizenship."
So in 2008 Credit Suisse launched the Microfinance Capacity Building Initiative alongside the impact investing business. MCBI provides philanthropic capital from the Credit Suisse Foundation to Opportunity International, a network of microfinance institutions that make loans of around $200. (It's run by the Illinois nonprofit Opportunity Inc.)
The bank also sends employees to microfinance institutions out in the field in Africa, Latin America and Asia, for a week to three months to help them address their business problems and strengthen their operations and management so they can grow responsibly.
"Maybe a microfinance institution needs advice on how to structure a savings product or how to best train some of their loan officers or improve their risk management," Hemrika said. "Our employees will be selected based on their professional competencies and their interest and ability to benefit from the experience and will go spend that time on the ground."
Credit Suisse and Opportunity International say they have helped 7.1 million people living in poverty, mostly in Africa and India, by providing financial services, digital banking and training.
A Citi banker turns to microloans
When Atul Tandon was global branch distribution director at Citi in the 1980s and 1990s, he introduced affluent banking at the company and worked on its first website.
Today he's the U.S. CEO of Opportunity International.
"When I was born in India, 80% of people in my country lived on less than $1 a day," he said. "I didn't live in that kind of poverty, but I saw it."
When he left Citi in 2000, "I felt in my heart I should take what I'd learned all these years and go and directly serve the very poor. It's a full circle."
By 2020, Opportunity International wants to help 20 million to obtain a livelihood. "Our aim is to help them get out of poverty and stay out of poverty, and eventually get to a point where they have a thriving life — where they're no longer on assistance, they're able to serve themselves and their families and are supplying goods and products to the local community."
The help takes the form of small loans to farmers, schools and parents who struggle to pay for their children's education and health care.
"Extreme poverty in its most prodigious forms exists in rural areas, where the single biggest source of employment is agriculture," Tandon said. "So we wanted to get to the root of, how do you improve livelihood and the ability of families to put food on the table? We started with giving them loans on seeds and fertilizer and tools, and we're expanding that to look at things like crop insurance."
It's also helping farmers form co-ops to control how their product goes to market, and assisting them to set up processing plants.
"We don't simply hand a man or woman a fish, we teach them how to fish and then we teach them how to sell the fish and down the road make fish and chips and sell those," Tandon said.
Opportunity also teaches them how to navigate the system.
"One of the principal reasons people are poor is because the local market systems are dead set against them — they want to keep them poor to take advantage," Tandon explained. "The traditional middlemen and money lenders in these markets don't want the poor to escape out because they make massive profit margins off the poor."
When farmers get help processing and selling what they grow, they can get the highest return on their labor and circumvent some of the corruption.
Early on, the group realized many small towns in Africa and India did not have schools at all or they were not well run.
"They asked us for help and our response, which is where Credit Suisse stepped in, was to give local entrepreneurs loans to set up schools, and then give loans to families to send the kids to school," Tandon said. The two organizations also provided help in designing classrooms and curricula. A Credit Suisse banker and his wife wrote a manual for education entrepreneurs.
Opportunity and Credit Suisse have made 2,272 loans to schools for improvements and 103,057 "school fee" loans to parents to help them put their children through school. They have facilitated nearly 11,000 EduSave accounts in Uganda that cover a child's school costs in the event of a parent or guardian's death or disability. And Opportunity has opened 13,060 child savings accounts since it began its partnership with Credit Suisse in 2014.
Microfinance 3.0
Technology has been critical to the effort.
"The challenge in a place like Africa is often that people are far apart and it's hard to get from a small village to a bigger city where there might be a bank branch," Hemrika said. "You have to close your business for the day, you have to travel all day, you have to carry your money on you — and someone might take the money away from you, and then you have to wait in a long line when you get to the financial institution."
It would take far too much time and money to build a microfinance bank branch in every small village.
Credit Suisse and Opportunity International have partnered on deploying a number of delivery channel product innovations such as mobile banking and education finance. Among other projects, the partners have helped microfinance institutions strengthen their IT infrastructures and digital skills so they can roll out mobile banking, Hemrika said.
With mobile banking and a debit card combined with an ATM or a local person connected to a microfinance institution with a specialized point-of-sale device, a user could deposit cash or transfer money to a relative in a faraway city.
"The more transactions you do that are technologically enabled, the less cash handling you have, the less money can go missing, and the more data you have about your customers, about your own transactions, about your own systems and processes," Hemrika said. "And everything can go much faster. You'll see situations where loan approvals could go from 30 days to just a couple of days."
Data analytics are helping these microfinance institutions understand repayment rates by region or type of client.
"I would have that information in my tablet as a loan officer because we're able to collect it electronically. Therefore I can make a quicker and more informed decision the next time I'm going to make a loan to a similar type of client, so that helps with risk management," Hemrika explained.
Analytics also help lenders anticipate coffee prices in a given market so they know how much to lend a farmer who wants to grow more coffee plants. Or calculate how much seed and fertilizer a farmer needs to buy for a field.
"Like any bank, a microfinance institution is going to want to have the most robust IT systems possible and all information it needs to make financial decisions, to report, and to manage its own staff and resources," Hemrika said.
Artificial intelligence is starting to creep into this world, too.
In East Africa, Opportunity International has received a Gates Foundation grant to create an open-source credit scoring system. The organizations are collaborating with MyBucks, which already makes heavy use of AI in credit scoring.
Because credit bureau data doesn't exist for financially unserved people, the MyBucks system gathers alternative data for credit scoring. In Kenya, it pulls behavioral data from smartphones, such as calling patterns and transaction histories.
It's also working on a facial recognition algorithm that can detect if a person's face is connected to another identity.
"A human cannot possibly recognize what identical faces exist in a database. You need an algorithm," said out Richard van der Wath, chief data officer at MyBucks.
The system also uses behavioral biometrics (e.g. how hard the user presses down on her screen) to try to root out fraud, as well as to analyze the way people fill out loan applications. An impersonator, for instance, might copy and paste the applicant's name or ID number from a list, where the real person would type those out.
"It's not a black-and-white rule. That's why you need AI that can combine many factors," van der Wath said.
The ultimate goal
The end goal for these organizations is to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. (People living on less than $2 a day are considered to be in extreme poverty.)
Credit Suisse sees a benefit to business in this mission.
"As a global bank we know the world is interconnected and what's happening in one place might affect economic and social stability elsewhere," Hemrika said. "Financial inclusion means resilience to the economic shocks in life. It means potential income, access to all the basic services you might need, such as health, education, shelter. When you don't have these things, that's when situations of social unrest and economic disparity become more likely."
Overseeing these kinds of initiatives is a rewarding gig, she said. "I've said it's the best job at the bank."
Editor at Large Penny Crosman welcomes feedback at email@example.com.


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Chapter 11 » 11.06
Becoming a member
The area meeting will be mindful of the need for simple, open and inclusive processes, involving the potential member, whatever their age, throughout. The applicant and their representative or supporter, when relevant, should be party to any written report prepared as part of the process, which must be compliant with legal requirements such as the Data Protection Act (see 4.45). The Quaker community should be sure that the individual has an understanding of the meaning and responsibilities of membership appropriate to their age and abilities. Potential members should be supported and nurtured before, during and after the process.


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We applaud Tango Seven-Six for his SIG 556 purchase, and eagerly await his comments from the inaugural range time. I'd like to know how the ergonomics are over the M4? How is the disassembly/reassembly? And is the adjustable gas system of any utility? DO TELL.
In the same vein, and following my previous post on everyday carry, here's the next installment– what the Citizen-Soldier needs to keep and bear, be proficient with, and maintain in a state of readiness. The themes here will be simplicity, reliability, sustainability, cost-effectiveness and true firepower. We stress fundamental proficiency over gadgetry and preoccupation with inconsequential increments in accuracy that most of us can't use.
This post is mainly aimed at those who have been considering these purchases but haven't made them yet. The time is NOW. Act now.
You need a long gun. There are excellent platforms and calibers out there, but we say that the best choice for the American-citizen soldier is the AR in .223/5.56. It might be that in short order the 300 AAC Blackout will supplant the .223/5.56, but that hasn't happened yet. A massive tail of parts and optics and magazines and ammunition and training exists for the basic AR in .223/5.56. You do NOT need a super-accurized sub-MOA urban sniper rifle with match barrel, etc etc. You need a solid mil-spec M4 with iron sights, a two-point sling, plenty of good magazines, a deep pile of ammo that includes a lot plain old FMJ ball, some greentip, and some softpoint or hollow point rounds for defense and hunting. A dedicated mounted light is good, but that can come later. If you can afford optics off the bat, so much the better, but if not then learn the irons first and save your pennies for later. I use a Smith & Wesson M&P 15T, with a Vickers Combat Application Sling, a Streamlight TRL-1, Troy folding back-up sights with the AR front sight, and an Aimpoint Micro H-1. I've switched to using Magpul PMags almost exclusively; there are other very good mags out there, but the PMag reigns supreme. It took me a while to get it to this point and I still have a few more mods, but right now it is a solid fighting gun, and it has more inherent mechanical accuracy than I do.
(If you have the $$$ and want to get a solid fighting gun with all of those features installed, right out of the box, they are available and are probably cheaper in the long run. Try Farnam's signature rifle, for one.)
You need a handgun. Here's a contentious subject, but we need to dive in. I carry a Smith & Wesson M&P 45 that has had some aftermarket work done on it, addition of Apex parts to clean up the trigger pull. I bought it used, with all of this done already, with a couple holsters and a lot of magazines, and since I had a pile of .45 ammo, it was the right choice. I *was* very much a 1911 guy, but I'm now sold on the M&P as a carry gun. It's just more practical. I could easily have gone with a Glock or one of the other major brand striker-fired guns, but the M&P is what I was offered. If you find the Glock more to your liking, then go for it. And if I had to do it over from scratch, I'd probably go for for a 9mm. The available fighting loads for that caliber have greatly improved and with the massive pile of milsurp and LE and commercial ammo, well, you get the point. I carry it in a Comp-Tac paddle holster, and it's loaded with Cor-Bon DPX.
That's all for tonight. In Part 2 we'll address some ancillary gear, maintenance, storage, and most importantly, training issues.
I cannot stress enough how serious this is. Now is the time to acquire these items if you are a dedicated American citizen and have not already done so. Make 2016 the year of action, and preferably the first few months.
More to follow.


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★ City: New Orleans is one of the major port cities in the United States and the largest city in Louisiana. As of 2010, it is the 46th largest metropolitan area in the United States.
★ Venue: Ernest Memorial Convention Center
US Cantata Tour's twenty-first city, New Orleans, where the scars of Katrina from 2005 still remain.
In front of the Ernest Memorial Convention Center, there is a large sculpture in the form of 'an old tree holding a house drifting in the water.'
For the citizens here, the Cantata is more than just a 'beautiful stage.'
"I have attended the Cantata for the third time. It is even more touching every year. I can not forget the peace and how moving it was the day I first saw this Cantata two years ago. That is why I wait for this Cantata every year."
The performance and message conveys light and happiness to the hearts of citizens in despair. Perhaps that is why most of the audience are fixed fans who wait every year for the Cantata in New Orleans for the seventh year now.
"I attended the second time this year. I received my first Cantata letter three years ago. But I did now receive one last year and the year before last and you don't know how glad I was to receive the letter six weeks ago. It's the best performance ever. Please come again."
The Christmas Cantata of the Gracias Choir contains love so the citizens gain peace and hope in their hearts by watching it. Cantata is becoming new hope for the New Orleans citizens.


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NORTH SALEM, N.Y. -- A shed in a North Salem neighborhood was gutted by a Wednesday blaze. A homeowner, speaking with the press, believes that a lightning strike was the cause.
What remained of the shed, part of a property at 36 Sugar Hill Road, included a charred frame.
Croton Falls Fire Chief Jason Blauvelt spoke with reporters about the response and recalled what happened. According to Blauvelt, dispatch was at about 6:41 p.m. and the response was to the place for a report of a fully involved structure fire, which came from a homeowner.
Mutual aid for the fire, according to Blauvelt, came from Goldens Bridge, Bedford Hills, Somers, Brewster and South Salem, as well as the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
There were on injuries, according to Blauvelt, and it did not take long to put out the fire.
Homeowner Michael Hanson, whose house is across the street from the shed and believes that a lightning strike was the cause, recalled what happened when he spoke with reporters. Hanson said that there was a line of thundershowers and that his wife was in the house and heard a "big bang."
Hanson then recalled seeing smoke, and also discussed removing two gasoline cans from the shed, which came before it got too hot.
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