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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Introducing a Good Sport
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I realized recently that I was greatly under utilizing Anne-Marie's powers for good when she reduced me to helpless giggles with an e-mail extolling the virtues of actually turning the oven ON when cooking a Christmas ham. It was then that I knew hers was a talent that must be shared. So, without further ado, I give you: Anne-Marie! Take it, Ree!
With the college football Bowl Championship Series behind us, and the Super Bowl looming ahead, the nation's bakeries are hard at work, providing us with an overabundance of sporty buttercreaminess.
Clancy R. shows us what happens when bakers with too much time on their hands play a game of Wreckerator Pictionary...
Sheldon: "It's a Dutch Oven!"
Walter: "No, you guys... wait, lemme write something on it..."
The other team: "Whoa! You can't write anything - just draw!"
Walter: "Too late... any guesses?"
Sheldon: "Uhh, a Dutch Oven full of sugar?"
Walter: [facepalm]
Amy G. found this gem:
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Oklahoma
Time's up!
How many of you thought of a disembodied torso in a full-coverage 42 DD Playtex Eighteen-Hour Bra?
And finally, the Steelers were playing the day this was made, hence the black and yellow:
It is supposed to be read as "Go D-fence" (as in 'go defense' – see the little fence after it?), but to me and alert Wreckporter Noelle C, it says only one thing:
The Almighty is a Steelers fan.
Many thanks to Anne-Marie for pulling up the slack in the sports arena here on Wrecks. (Yep, she actually had to tell me it was football season.) Y'all be nice to her, now, or else your e-mails just may never see the light of day.
(Just kidding.)
(No, I'm not.)
135 comments | Post a Comment
Good Job Anne-Marie!
Loved it.
Keep on wreckin! - January 14, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Ugh! Sugar Bowl...srsly.
I'm still lost on the torso for the Sooners...
BUT, one thing I do know for sure, is that if God is a football fan, He's definately backing the Steelers! Go STEELERS!!! (and any Steeler fan would be able to read that inscription, wrecky as it is, without pause or thought to what the wreckorater actually meant. Go D#!!! - January 14, 2009 at 9:43 AM
- joyce said...
wow---the Sugar Bowl, and thank you for spelling out "Go defense" but, what does the Oklahoma one mean?? I give up.
- January 14, 2009 at 9:45 AM
Good thing I have learned to quit drinking anything when coming here... although my next tip is to go to the bathroom first too... OMG! These are great!
- January 14, 2009 at 9:46 AM
- ad said...
"sporty buttercreaminess" - hi-la-rious!
- January 14, 2009 at 9:47 AM
- Kate said...
Wreckerator pictionary - we're playing along at home!
Welcome Ree! :) - January 14, 2009 at 9:48 AM
- bitsie said...
Dang! I was wondering where my bra went!!!!
On a more serious note, I have a friend from Pittsburgh who will fight you tooth and nail to prove that god is a Steelers fan. Go figure.... - January 14, 2009 at 9:49 AM
"It's a dutch oven full of sugar!" *dies laughing* A sudden and horrific reminder of why I never play Pictionary.
And when I think of the Sooners I always think of lingerie because...well... *drawing a blank*
Moving on then. I'm definitely seeing the God thing there. And I'd love to make jokes about him being in on the fantasy football rankings with Buddha, Allah and company but I have a feeling I'll get flamed. - January 14, 2009 at 9:51 AM
- Unknown said...
I 'got' the Sugar Bowl cake right off. But the busty OU cake? Doesn't really fit. LOL
And I'd have never gotten "defense" out of the last one.
shakes head
Amy B - January 14, 2009 at 9:51 AM
- The Courteous Chihuahua said...
You just have to hope the torso cake was a special order that didn't get picked up, so they stuck it in the case. Otherwise, I don't want to even imagine what goes on in THAT decorator's mind.
WV: Costs - Cake Wrecks costs me to lose my job because I'm supposed to be working instead of cruising cake pictures. - January 14, 2009 at 9:53 AM
- evilsciencechick said...
"The Almighty is a Steelers fan."
well, duh! ;) - January 14, 2009 at 9:56 AM
- Lildonbro said...
I would have totally bought the torso Sooners cake.
Actually I was just excited that I knew the Sooners were a football team. Maybe it's a disembodied Sooners cheerleader and the cake is actually for the other team who plans to rip the Sooners (and cheerleaders) to shreds. Just a thought though.
Great job Anne-Marie, I thoroughly enjoyed it! - January 14, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I looked at the last one and was saying... YoD? What is a YoD?
Somethings are better left alone! - January 14, 2009 at 10:03 AM
- Rachel said...
The Sugar Bowl cake was a wreck out of the gate for one reason....WHIPPED TOPPING. Guh-ross.
- January 14, 2009 at 10:07 AM
- HorribleLicensePlates said...
There is not one part of that torso I would eat. Creepy!!!
- January 14, 2009 at 10:13 AM
- Aaron said...
Get rid of the "her's" in paragraph 2 before somebody shows up with a camera! You don't want a screenshot to end up on somebody's Grammar Wrecks site.
(it's just "hers") - January 14, 2009 at 10:24 AM
- greenbean said...
Welcome Ree!
- January 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Looks more like a 36DD bra to me, judging from the ribcage width. (for those wagering on the bra size)
- January 14, 2009 at 10:31 AM
- OldMorgans said...
Great Job, Anne-Marie!
I see that the tag for this post is "Beyond Bizarre" and I fully and totally agree with that. Wow. I love all the blank space above the sugar dutch oven. The Sooners' cake is just, ah, well, [trying to think of something to describe it]--Oh nuts, I give up on that one. Go D-fence sounds like something my horses would say when they would rather be on the other side of d-fence.
Since I have started reading this blog, I have been looking at the cakes at the stores I shop at. I never have looked at decorated cakes because I can't stand to eat them--way too much sugar frosting on top of a way too sweet cake that is otherwise blah in taste. It is good to know that while these cakes are inedible to me, they do provide humor.
curtsbookshemet.blogspot.com - January 14, 2009 at 10:35 AM
that's so funny - I didn't even notice the last cake until you mentioned it. Good job Anne Marie!
- January 14, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I have only one thing to say: give Anne-Marie a raise. Whatever you're paying her, it's not enough.
- January 14, 2009 at 10:40 AM
- jengersnap said...
I read that one as "Yo D-fence!", but that goes to show what I know about divine intervention and football.
Welcome aboard, Anne-Marie!
WV: perathe. I must beware perathe of the Almighty. - January 14, 2009 at 10:41 AM
- lizzied said...
OK, am I the only one that's wondering what's up with the weird nipple-ring-leash things on the torso cake? Or do the loop and squiggly lines actually look like something else to other people?
- January 14, 2009 at 10:42 AM
- Double A Training said...
HAHA, sadly I understood the Sugar Bowl one and the Go D-fence once. I am still at a loss for the OU......
Alex - January 14, 2009 at 10:49 AM
How many of you thought of a disembodied torso in a full-coverage 42 DD Playtex Eighteen-Hour Bra?
Well. That elicited a very unladylike snort from me.
Word Verification: aends - Another Emokid's Nintendo DS? - January 14, 2009 at 10:56 AM
- Unknown said...
Like someone said- the "D-(fence)" image is a pretty well known one here in Steeltown, so I wouldn't necessarily make it a wreck because of that- it's a "visual colloquialism" if you will. HOWEVER... that does not excuse the vertical placement wonkiness, nor the randomly splooged drool-y looking dark stuff over the yellow border. That's actually the first thing I noticed and assumed was the wreckiness. Nothing says "yummy treat" to me like yellow stuff with dark brown ooze.
- January 14, 2009 at 10:58 AM
- Lori said...
Here's a CRAZY idea for football season - how about a FOOTBALL-shaped cake? Maybe they couldn't differentiate them from the Thanksgiving turkey wrecks, but at least a football cake would be better than these disasters!
- January 14, 2009 at 11:00 AM
- N.starluna said...
My mother will be happy to know that God is on the Steeler's side.
My only question is, how do you ask someone which part of the Sooner's cake they want?
"Do you want the left boob or the right boob?"
"Actually, I'd like a bit of panty." - January 14, 2009 at 11:01 AM
- Us said...
AKA NoelleC:
I'm not really sure why the decorator felt the need to jam "go" and "defense" all on the top the cookie... - January 14, 2009 at 11:05 AM
- Chelsea said...
Ha! I give you props for the Big Bang Theory reference!! And that was hilarious, by the way... I totally pictured Sheldon saying "A Dutch oven full of sugar?" and explaining that he couldn't possibly guess sugar bowl because it looks nothing like a sugar bowl and re-drawing it himself and everyone looking at him like they hate him... which they probably do...
WV: "oulat"... This post was oulats of funny! - January 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
- Heather said...
Not to be a jerk or anything, but I'm a stickler for spelling/grammar. In your introduction, it's "hers," not "her's." But you're hilarious anyway.
As is your sister-in-law. :) - January 14, 2009 at 11:13 AM
- slanted.enchanted said...
sugar dutch oven= hilarious.
And I hate to say it, but I totally want that Steelers cake. I'm guessing its from Giant Eagle or Wal-mart. Better yet, I might make my own. I'll send in photos if I do. Let's go D!
I've also seen Steelers fans in the stands holding up a capital letter D and an cardboard section of fence. Actually, someone (if not already) should bring an actual piece of fence to the game, if allowed. or not.Freekin' classic. - January 14, 2009 at 11:19 AM
- Unknown said...
The Steelers are the best team ever. EVER. Also, I bet that cake was sold in Giant Eagle... but my local one usually never has wrecks. But I say that a cake that supports the Steelers can't be a wreck, because, as that cake shows, God supports us. GO D#!!!
- January 14, 2009 at 11:20 AM
- Concrete Mama said...
yay Anne-Marie!
YoD... I saw that too.
WV: guill. It a Guill! - January 14, 2009 at 11:23 AM
omg i got the big bang theory reference too!
keep her keep her! - January 14, 2009 at 11:29 AM
- Bibi said...
OM"G" - Stefanie, I totally thought it said YoG as well. I understand football and I was lost for who G is.
Anne-Marie - nice work!
These cakes are crazy and the OU on the boob cake, I thought maybe they were attempting to be French "OUI OUI", but no, they just made the least edible cake ever. - January 14, 2009 at 11:36 AM
- Sherry Pasquarello said...
of course the almighty is a fan! ; )
- January 14, 2009 at 11:39 AM
I'm still waiting for the first "Boomer Sooner!" of the day. So I can cringe, like always, when they say that. Freakin' Okies...
- January 14, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I really didn't get the "Sugar Bowl" one but I am not sports inclined. Though I am creeped out by the belly button on the Sooners cake, it looks like it is talking to me and I keep thinking of Seinfeld.
- January 14, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Is anyone else grossed out that the belly button on the torso looks like someone just swiped the cake for a taste of the frosting?
Word Verification: consi. I consi a cake wreck over in that case. :) - January 14, 2009 at 11:46 AM
you know what this post has inspired me to do:
The next time I'm having a good ol' time with the Coors (yes, I said Coors!) and football at home I'm gonna visit this site.
No longer is it only for M - F 9-5...I cannot even imagine how much I'll laugh when I'm drunk!
rionogri: my favorite italian curry dish - January 14, 2009 at 11:52 AM
- KimboSue said...
Why, its' the Sugar Bowl of course! The OU one still has me perplexed...
- January 14, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Wow. I am ashamed to say the disembodied Sooner torso came from my state. What a sad, sad, sad....no that's actually funny. :) good job.--Kelly B.
- January 14, 2009 at 11:58 AM
- Candy said...
The sugar bowl one wouldn't be so bad if the scale had not been so poor. It just seems off. (Although a larger sugar bowl may have increased the dutch-oven effect.)
D-fence and bikini torso OU boobs? No words. - January 14, 2009 at 12:04 PM
- Ceili said...
OU = Oklahoma University? Maybe? Weird, when I first looked at it, I couldn't figure out why anyone would want a female torso cake, never mind the leaky breasts!
God#...I thought they had made a typo and scratched it out. - January 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
- TheDaughterOfTyr said...
Football isn't big here in Western Canada (we're Hockey folks). So I take delight in this Wrecky-Sport.
word verification:
Caleri: Them Cakes be loaded with Caleri. - January 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
- heartafire said...
The first one surely is meant to be for the Sugar Bowl (Alabama vs, Utah, BTW) and they just left room for the teams' names.
The Sooners torso was fabulous---
My husband called it the Trifecta:
"Sports, sweets, sex....what's not to love?" - January 14, 2009 at 12:31 PM
- Meg said...
You better believe God is a Steelers fan! Yeah, baby! Goin' for the Six Pack!
- January 14, 2009 at 12:32 PM
A while back someone brought to Cake Wrecks attenton that a supermarket in NJ refused to make a cake for little Adolf Hitler and his sibling(s). This news story states that the three children have been removed from their home http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/01/13/2009-01-13_report_child_named_adolf_hitler_removed_.html. I think we all got what we were hoping for.
- January 14, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Of course the Almighty is Steeler's fan. And as someone who bleeds black and gold, I admit I cringed when I saw that.
And great job Anne-Marie... it's good to have a back-up just as good as the starter! ;} - January 14, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I love how the belly button looks like they pushed their finger into the icing.
- January 14, 2009 at 12:47 PM
- fuzzandfuzzlet said...
God a Steelers fan? Actually She is a Cowboys Fan ;) (yeah we had a bad year, what`s your point?? :) )
ROTFLMAO at the Sugar Bowl - January 14, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Gotta say.. Jen's commentary and stuff is more amusing than Anne-Marie's. XD *hits the deck incase she's booed*
And those cakes are bad.. but what really disturbs me is that ear-like "belly button" in the stomach of that OK Sooner's cake.. WTF. - January 14, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Awesome, Anne-Marie!
I agree with someone else - it's probably supposed to be a cheerleader. (Though the college cheerleaders I've seen aren't that busty, probably because skinny, athletic, and light go better with the kind of acrobatics college cheerleaders do.)
I may have to differ on the Almighty's football team. Strictly in an academic sense, though - I don't care about pro football at all. But it has been said that the reason why Texas Stadium has a hole in the roof is so that God can watch his team play.
That joke probably says more about Texans than about God, actually. - January 14, 2009 at 1:11 PM
- Miranda said...
Footballs with sugar.
And a great big blank open space in the middle.
Doesn't anyone use stencils anymore, if it's determined they can't freehand things decently? - January 14, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Kinda thought the belly button looks line an ear.
- January 14, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Ummm. yeah. Go D Fence!
- January 14, 2009 at 1:40 PM
You know, some of these pics make me glad I gifted my daughter with my entire decorating set---for FEAR of producing such wrecks!
- January 14, 2009 at 1:42 PM
- LindsayRubino said...
I was just about to post the link to that news article about the kids! Unbelievable.
- January 14, 2009 at 1:45 PM
Great job bringing sport to the cake masses. I am a huge Eagles fan and got a huge kick of the wreck you guys posted of the split Eeyore/Eagles cake. That is usually how I feel about the team, but not this year, oh no! We are going to the big game! Hopefully... If the Eagles lose next week, I would be tickled to see the cake reposted as a love song to all us fans. Headline: When you remember to take your Prozac half way through decorating your cake.
- January 14, 2009 at 1:52 PM
- B^2 said...
I get the idea behind the Sugar Bowl cake, but its execution leaves much to be desired.
And while I got what the D-FENCE cake was saying (huge football fan here), I also read it as Yo, D at first. Plus, I have to say that the D-fence trickery is not unique to Pittsburgh. Practically every team in the NFL (and some in college) have fans who bring their Ds and fence pieces into the stadium for their "DEFENSE" cheers.
I have no idea what Oklahoma and the Sooners have to do with beheaded girls in bikinis, though. That's a head scratcher for sure. - January 14, 2009 at 2:00 PM
- Mella said...
And here I was trying to figure out the last cake .... and than I saw the explaination .
What are the things hanging from the torsos boobs supposed to be? - January 14, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- Christa said...
I seriously was going God Fence? what the heck does that mean...and I'm a football fan, well High School Football. Anyway I think I'm going to start Wreckerator Pictionary night at my house!
- January 14, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Too, too funny! This is the only blog I check DAILY....I love the humour! Thanks "Cake Wrecks" for making my day again and again!
- January 14, 2009 at 2:05 PM
- sarah said...
Of course God is a Steelers fan!! Loved it!
Sarah - January 14, 2009 at 2:05 PM
- queenb said...
sporty buttercreaminess? HA!HA!
I don't get the torso cake...really strange...like N.starluna said, how do you offer it to someone?
And the last...totally read God at first...didn't even see the fence... - January 14, 2009 at 2:09 PM
Totally with Cara on this!
- January 14, 2009 at 2:09 PM
- Unknown said...
Football wrecks?
We will, we will WRECK YOU! - January 14, 2009 at 2:09 PM
- KPP said...
I realized recently that I was greatly under utilizing Anne-Marie's powers for good when she reduced me to helpless giggles with an e-mail extolling the virtues of actually turning the oven ON when cooking a Christmas ham.
Ah, adventures in cooking ham for Chirstmas. Reminds me of the year that my mom and I puzzled over how many "layers" to peel off the ham before sticking it in the oven. There was an obvious paper wrapping, then a plastic wrap...then we weren't sure if we hit skin or another covering that should be removed before cooking. We didn't cook much ham in our household. - January 14, 2009 at 2:21 PM
- Unknown said...
I've traveled here before, and stand in awe and amazement that there are that many troubled cake decorators out there, that you could dedicate an entire well-followed blog to it! Funny.
ou ou steelers! (huh?) - January 14, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Anybody that watched Superbowl XL and is a Seahawks fan will know that God is a Steelers fan. Thus cake #3 rests that case.
Cake 2, did the decorator was his/her hand before using their finger to make the bellybutton? Or is that lint I see in there?
Mmmm....lint!! - January 14, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Great job Anne-Marie! I enjoyed the cakewrecker pictionary suggestion :)
- January 14, 2009 at 2:30 PM
- Blonde Savant said...
This is completely unrelated to these cakes, but I just read something that I think you will be interested in.
"HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Three New Jersey siblings whose names have Nazi connotations have been placed in the custody of the state, police said Wednesday.
Holland Township Police Sgt. John Harris said workers from the state Division of Youth and Family Services removed 3-year-old Adolf Hitler Campbell and his younger sisters, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation Campbell and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie Campbell, from their home Tuesday."
That's right, the crazy parents who named their kids Adolf Hitler and Aryan Nation lost custody of them. You can read it for yourself here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28655143/?GT1=43001 - January 14, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Thank you KT for the update on the little boy named Hitler. Much appreciated. This link might take people more directly to the story as it took me awhile to get there with the link you gave. Cheers!
Word verification - Roeinvu : what the mother told the child in his new paddle boat - January 14, 2009 at 2:43 PM
- Ted S. (Just a Cineast) said...
When I saw the Steelers cake, my first thought was, "G [oversized period] D".
To steal a line from an old but rare movie, I wonder if they mean Golddiger -- or that other well-known word. - January 14, 2009 at 2:45 PM
- Unknown said...
Well, didn't everyone already know that about the Almighty?
Everyone here in Pittsburgh does!
Great job, Anne-Marie! Keep up the good work! - January 14, 2009 at 2:47 PM
- C. Beth said...
Great writing, Anne-Marie!
I actually really appreciate the Sooners cake. Clearly this is a new mother. See the wrinkly tummy on her? I have a 3-year-old and a 9-month old, and for a minute I thought I was looking at my stomach. And of course, the breasts, which are clearly engorged with nature's perfect food, breastmilk.
It's really a touching cake. I'm crying a little bit as I meditate on the beauty of motherhood.
Beth (I blog here and here.) - January 14, 2009 at 3:01 PM
- ME! said...
I'm just surprised that boobalicious torso was sitting out for all to see along with normal cakes for a kids birthday. Funny. I can see it now...
"Mom, what's that?" - January 14, 2009 at 3:10 PM
Welcome, Anne-Marie. I think we all love you already!
- January 14, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Thanks for the explanation on cake 3, because I couldn't figure out what Godfence meant (guess I'm just a wee bit too literal). The torso thing...just weird. Welcome Anne-Marie, and well done! Wreckage humor makes my day much more livable.
- January 14, 2009 at 3:29 PM
- Scritzy said...
Way to go, Anne Marie!
I just forwarded the link to spouse, as his boss is a by-God-Almighty Steelers fan. I'm sure the big guy will heartily agree that God is on their side.
As for the Sooners cake ... no, I'm not going there.
Word verification: Fursock. It's finally cold enough down here that I can wear my fursock. - January 14, 2009 at 3:58 PM
- Unknown said...
I was a bit confused by the torso cake (and glad that I didn't have a mouthful of coffee as I was scrolling down)...I suppose Sooner fans lactate, too...
- January 14, 2009 at 4:01 PM
- Meg said...
YAY for Anne Marie!! I loved it too!
Sooners? I'm not a big football fan (shame on me, I know) but what SHOULD it be? Even with the right team name on there, I'm not sure it could be saved from damnation with that torso representing it. - January 14, 2009 at 4:16 PM
I remember you posting about the Adolf Hilter cake... well here is a link about the children are being taken away... thought you might like to follow up the story...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28655143/?GT1=43001 - January 14, 2009 at 4:23 PM
As we Pittsburghers say:
Our Father,
Who art in Pittsburgh,
Football be thy game.
Thy kingdom come,
Five Super Bowls won,
On Earth as it is in Heinz Field.
Give us this day a playoff Victory,
And forgive us our penalties,
As we defeat those who play against us.
But lead us on to victory,
And deliver us on to Tampa!
For thine is the offense,
And the defense,
And the special teams,
A-Ben. - January 14, 2009 at 4:23 PM
- Kate said...
3 cheers for Anne-Marie. I will agree that the Almighty is a football fan, although I'm more inclined to think he roots for the Redskins. Just sayin.
- January 14, 2009 at 4:28 PM
- Women on the Verge said...
Yay, Anne Marie! Very Wrecky...
- January 14, 2009 at 4:56 PM
- Unknown said...
Good job Anne-Marie.
However, seeing as I'm a huuuuge Ravens fan, I guess that makes me a Satanist? We'll see come Sunday. Either way, both teams did the AFC North proud. So good luck to fans on both sides :) - January 14, 2009 at 5:10 PM
- Sihaya said...
Ah! I just *know* that OU cake was going to be a baby shower cake until someone got the memo, "Pregnant Torso = Wreck." Rather than waste the cake, they knocked the bump off and tried something different. Oh well. Recycling doesn't always pay.
Thanks for the fun wrecks, Anne Marie! - January 14, 2009 at 5:17 PM
- Nic said...
I read that last one as: "Go D-gate"??? I was very confused until I read the explanation!
- January 14, 2009 at 5:18 PM
- whirlygirly said...
For those wondering what the "things" on the torso's boobs are: http://cgi.ebay.com/Oklahoma-Sooners-Bikini-Top-NWT-Red-Medium_W0QQitemZ200265947150QQcmdZViewItem (and matching bottoms! http://cgi.ebay.com/Oklahoma-Sooners-Bikini-Bottom-NWT-Red-Large_W0QQitemZ200265947188QQcmdZViewItem )
- January 14, 2009 at 5:34 PM
- Hyena Overlord said...
Ick...and wrecky.
Welcome Anne-Marie!
wvotd pitabugg (I kid you not): Pitabugg, the spokesman for pita wraps died today when someone inadvertently stepped on him. - January 14, 2009 at 6:11 PM
- Morgi said...
I had the misfortune of living in Cleveland when the Browns came back (they'd only been gone HOW long? Jeez, people, chill) and then moved to Indiana, a very sports-heavy state. I wonder what kind of wrecks I could find in the stores here.
Does Cake #2 mean that somewhere a company mass-produces torso cakes for grocery stores???
And I much prefer whipped icing to buttercream--I worked in a store bakery for two years and never want to see buttercream AGAIN. Also it's lighter and much less cloying.
WV: exual, which I think is the name for something leaking from a cake's breasts? - January 14, 2009 at 6:20 PM
- Brianna said...
I thought that the "G" was a "Y" sooo to me it kinda looked like...
"Yo D *drawing of a fence*"
What??!! Then I read on... my blonde mind. - January 14, 2009 at 6:51 PM
- the ginabean said...
I want to say the "GoD" cake is the worst one here...but I'm not so sure about that statement. Because...well...the bikini sooners cake is nothing but confusing. Maybe it made sense to the recipient though? Geez.
- January 14, 2009 at 6:54 PM
The middle one made me think of leaking breasts. Ugh! Sad!
- January 14, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Oh my ...
- January 14, 2009 at 7:38 PM
- American Jewish Princess said...
Lol! How funny. I must say, this is a pretty neat blog you have set up here! It's SO funny to see professionals mess up... Can't wait to see more!
American Jewish Princess - January 14, 2009 at 7:48 PM
The Almighty is, indeed, a Steelers fan. That's how they managed to have so many miracle finishes this season. (But hey, a win is a win, so who's complaining right?)
Good job, Anne-Marie! I think you've given Jen a run for her money! - January 14, 2009 at 8:11 PM
I thought it said Yo D
then I saw it was a G.
awesome. - January 14, 2009 at 9:25 PM
- caninecologne said...
your blog kicks @$$! that bra cake is hilarious!
it never fails to amuse me - seeing all of these cakes gone wrong...
i can't believe some of these bakeries even consider selling their stuff - and worse, that people will buy them!!! - January 14, 2009 at 9:25 PM
RE: Sooners cake:
OU shouldn't have!
OU had better fix this!
OU are SO not getting paid for this wreck!
OU had better go back to cake decorating school! - January 14, 2009 at 9:26 PM
- Mindy said...
Classically Wrecktastic!!! I love 'em!
- January 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM
Living as I do in football-obsessed Norman, Oklahoma. I can tell you that there are plenty of OU fans who would not at all mind the full-coverage or the lack of brain. But will gladly drool over any girl with 42DD who also loves football.
How sad that these horribly common inverted priorities have now been immortalized in sugar.
At least it's been a little redeemed by making it on the blog. It certainly qualifies!! - January 14, 2009 at 11:08 PM
- April said...
Oh, how I loved Godfence. Saw it fourteen times.
- January 14, 2009 at 11:22 PM
- sendingtheclowns said...
It's INSPIRED!!!
Here's the idea: I get me one of those TORSO cakes, see?
Then, I cook up a batch of seafood appetizers, throw some beachy-type decorations around (empty beer cans, etc.), invite some people over, and ((Ta-DAHHHH!!!)):
JAWS movies marathon!!!
Oh, yeah--the best part: I take a handful of cooked white rice and toss it on the torso cake--for effect--and add a seaweed salad.
Roll 'em! - January 14, 2009 at 11:33 PM
- sweettc said...
ok so I was thinking maybe the person with the OU cake was thinking sooner closer to a nooner??? ok maybe not.... I personally was trying to figure out the Star Wars thing with the fence. Then I read it and was like huh? Reread it. Nope still saw Yod and a fence. hmmmm If Jenn and Anne-Marie says it says God then I am ok with it.
- January 14, 2009 at 11:40 PM
These sports cakes are amazing!!
- January 15, 2009 at 12:12 AM
- Rachel said...
re: God is a Steelers fan
What's the wreck there...? I'm most certain that He is! - January 15, 2009 at 12:25 AM
- Moose Nuggets said...
Before today I never would have associated the Sooners with a disembodied torso...
But now...
I might have trouble remember they play football.
Moose Nuggets - January 15, 2009 at 2:03 AM
Didn't get "go d-fence" at all until you explained it. Also, the torso cake reminds me of an episode of Star Trek where Data is dreaming of cutting up a cake of Counselor Troi. Oh, God, I'm a nerd.
:) - January 15, 2009 at 3:07 AM
I thought the "sugar bowl" was kind of cute. But I'm not a sports fan.
- January 15, 2009 at 4:54 AM
G-d is a Steelers fan, however that would be the Sheffield steelers ice hockey team.
go Steelers go!
conf code
sitases : most sports fans :) - January 15, 2009 at 5:04 AM
You know? I have to realign my brain cells when I come to this AB-FAB site. It takes above-average (waaaay above, sometimes) thinking to distinguish what my eyes are seeing here. This has become my favorite blog EVER! Kudos to everyone! And btw, what's a God Fence? Har!
- January 15, 2009 at 8:02 AM
- heartafire said...
C Beth, You win "Comment of the Day" in my opinion---tooooo funny.
And BTW, for that other commenter, those are not nipple rings (ewwww....I hate even typing that), the (ahem) breast "decorations" are the OU logo for Oklahoma University ---or University of Oklahoma...? Don't know, and don't really care, since THEY LOST bwaahahahahahaha! to Florida. - January 15, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Laughed out loud for like ten minutes about this. Thanks Anne-Marie, that was hilarious.
And, no the Almighty is NOT a Steelers fan.... :) - January 15, 2009 at 8:30 AM
Yes, OU is for University of Oklahoma.(my state) I thought MAYBE it was a swimsuit b/c they went to Florida, you know, where its sunny?! Im a die-hard Oklahoma State fan, so it really didn't upset me that OU lost. Oh well. That was pretty disgusting and since I know a lot of die hard OU fans, I doubt any one of them would buy that cake. Well, maybe there are one or two, but ewww, GROSS
- January 15, 2009 at 9:01 AM
- Jess T said...
Ah aha ha ha! You crack me up!
- January 15, 2009 at 9:14 AM
- Unknown said...
Chances are if you have to label something on a design then you've failed to execute it properly. >_>
- January 15, 2009 at 9:19 AM
- JohnnyB said...
"Boomer Sooner"? Looks like "Boober Sooner to me.
As for the Steelers cake, I thought the thing on the end was something being built by a beaver. The message I see is "God dam", as in, "God damn, the Steelers got in the playoffs again." ;-)I'm from Cincinnati - January 15, 2009 at 10:01 AM
- Dea said...
FABULOUS!!! I laughed out loud!!! Loved the sugar bowl commentary!!! :D
- January 15, 2009 at 10:06 AM
- Urbane Legend said...
YoD gate?
- January 15, 2009 at 11:02 AM
- Doug said...
That was awesome. Anne-Marie should be a regularly featured contributor.
- January 15, 2009 at 12:35 PM
- latte_grande said...
Hee-LARious! I'm still chuckling over the cake decorator's Pictionary....great stuff! :)
WV: blogeye, Hawkeye's nerdy cousin. - January 15, 2009 at 3:16 PM
- punxxi said...
god is a giant cookie!!!!
vw is sqearyl squirrel(ly) like those cakes! - January 15, 2009 at 5:12 PM
- The Chic Cakery said...
@ JohnnyB - "Boober Sooner"?!?!?! I almost fell off my chair! LOL!!!
- January 15, 2009 at 5:44 PM
- January 16, 2009 at 8:10 AM
- Just Mairs said...
I totally got the Go D# thing but only because we all know God is really a Ravens fan....
ducking and running - January 16, 2009 at 1:52 PM
- Becka said...
my ds just informed me that for his birthday cake he wants the first one (what can i say? he's 5! and anything with a football is good to him)
wv: nyptein....i've already told you nyptein times!!! - January 17, 2009 at 2:40 PM
I thought it was something about G-d.
- January 18, 2009 at 2:34 AM
- Stacy said...
A dear friend of mine passed away this week who was crazy for the Steelers. Somewhere he is laughing, and he would absolutely agree that "the Almighty is a Steelers fan."
- January 18, 2009 at 2:41 AM
God must be a Steelers fan they are going to the superbowl LOL
- January 20, 2009 at 1:49 PM
OU: The University OF Oklahoma, a top 25-rated US public university
Nobody calls it Oklahoma University.
Sooners: The mascot of OU and a term from the landrush (I am not going to tell you anymore, study some freaking American history.)
Boomer Sooner: Our fight call
Making fun of it only shows your ignorance as to how a huge portion of the middle of the country was settled.
Our cakes: Really none of your business
I notice you don't seem to post "messed up" college cakes unless they're from a place you rule as nowhere important.
- An OU Honors College student - June 29, 2010 at 7:31 AM
Aaaaaaaaaaaaand - some of us who went to OU actually retained a sense of humor. BTW, previous anonymous, "Sooners" is the name of the teams, not the mascot. The mascot, at least when I was there, was a dinky little nameless covered wagon, though there seemed to be a move to replace it with a football helmet with feet. And yes, the interlocking O and U is the official logo. Way back when, the admin tried to replace it with a white ("cream") U superimposed over the bottom half of a red ("crimson") O, or maybe it was the other way around. It was fantastically fugly and was promptly dubbed "The Toilet Seat Logo." That was the end of that.
The bra looks my size, but the only piece of OU gear I bought in my six years there was three enormous scratch 'n' sniff banana T-shirts on clearance at the bookstore.
P.S. To this day no one knows why "University of Oklahoma" is abbreviated "OU". Well, maybe the guys with the bazookas (I have thankfully forgotten what they call themselves), revealed to new recruits at the dead of night by the Duck Pond after the final hazing.
still another Anne - February 9, 2011 at 3:32 AM
PPS: "Boomer Sooner" is the OU fight song, which goes to the tune of "Oola Boola" and consists of the words Boomer Sooner repeated until someone conks you on the head.
Anne again. It's way past my bedtime. - February 9, 2011 at 3:36 AM
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text:
A shooting at a Sikh Temple in a suburb of Milwaukee today has left at least seven people dead, including the gunman, police say.
The crime is being treated as a "domestic terrorist-type incident," authorities say.
According to authorities, 911 calls about a gunman at the place of worship started coming in around 11:25 a.m. ET. One of the first police officers on the scene, officials say, was ambushed an armed man in the parking lot. Another officer exchanged fire with the gunman, who was killed. The officer who was ambushed was seriously wounded. Later, officers reported finding four people dead inside the temple and another three — including the gunman — outside.
Details are still developing about just what has happened in Oak Creek, Wis. It's the second mass shooting in slightly more than two weeks. On July 20, a gunman opened fire on an audience at a movie theater in Aurora, Colo., killing 12 people and wounding 58.
Some of the more solid reporting on today's shooting is coming from Milwaukee's Journal Sentinel.
We'll monitor and update as information becomes clearer.
Update at 6:34 p.m. ET. Home Being Searched
The Journal Sentinel is reporting:
"Shortly after 5 p.m., neighbors said a team of law enforcement officers, including from the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, had entered a home in Cudahy. Authorities have blocked off several streets surrounding the house.
"It was unclear whose home it is and how the search may be related to the shooting itself."
Update at 5:15 p.m. ET. "Domestic Terrorist Type Incident":
Oak Creek Police Chief John Edwards just told reporters that "we're treating this as a domestic terrorist type incident" and that the FBI will be taking the lead in the criminal investigation.
He also gave new details about the encounter between the suspect and police. Initially, authorities said that the same officer who was shot had exchanged fire with the gunman and "put him down." Edwards, however, said the gunman "ambushed" an officer and wounded him. It was a second officer who shot the gunman, Edwards said.
According to Edwards, there were seven fatalities (presumably including the gunman) and three other people injured.
Update at 4:40 p.m. ET. Obamas and Romneys Say The Victims Are "In Our Thoughts And Prayers."
The White House just released this statement on behalf of the president:
"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family."
And the campaign of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney just released this statement on his behalf:
"Ann and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims of today's shooting in Wisconsin. This was a senseless act of violence and a tragedy that should never befall any house of worship. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire Oak Creek Sikh community. We join Americans everywhere in mourning those who lost their lives and in prayer for healing in the difficult days ahead."
Update at 4 p.m. ET. More About The Sikh Religion.
Reuters writes that:
"There are an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 Sikhs in the United States. The Sikh faith includes belief in only one God and that the soul goes through cycles of rebirth and death before reaching human form. The goal of life is to lead an exemplary existence."
Update at 3:15 p.m. ET. About The Sikh Religion.
As the Journal Sentinel writes:
"More than 20 million people worldwide follow the Sikh religion, established about 500 years ago in the Punjab region of India. Devout male followers must wear long beards and their hair in a turban, and in America are sometimes mistaken for Muslims; the two religions are not affiliated. Sikhism is an offshoot of Hinduism, but unlike Hindus, who believe in multiple deities, Sikhs are monotheistic."
Update at 2:47 pm. ET. Seven Thought To Be Dead:
Officers who have searched the temple say at least four people have been found dead inside and that there are three bodies outside the temple — including that of the gunman who was "put down" by the first officer on the scene — Greenfield, Wis., Police Chief Bradley Wentlandt just told reporters. He's acting as a spokesman for the agencies involved in the investigation.
Wentlandt also said it is not known for sure at this time whether another gunman might have been involved. Though there were multiple reports of more than one gunman being seen at the temple, those might have been different people seeing the same person, he said.
Update at 2:15 p.m. ET. Three People Known To Be In Critical Condition:
Three men now at Froedtert Trauma Center in Milwaukee are in critical condition with gunshot wounds, the hospital's chief medical officer — Lee Biblo — just told CNN.
Update at 2:09 p.m. ET. Gunshot Or Explosion Reportedly Just Heard:
"SWAT team members were still sweeping the building about 1 p.m. [2 p.m ET] and a gunshot or explosion was heard from the building at that time," the Journal Sentinel says.
It adds that "among those who were shot was the president of the temple, Satwant Kaleka, who was taken to a hospital. Deepinder Dhaliwal said Kaleka, his brother in law, was shot in the back, but has now been taken to a hospital in St. Francis."
Update at 2 p.m. ET. "Shooter Put Down":
On CNN moments ago, a police spokesman told reporters that one suspect "is down." He was shot by a police officer who responded to a 911 call about a gunman at the temple. That officer was "shot multiple times," but is expected to survive. Authorities are now trying to determine if there might be another gunman or gunmen inside the temple.
Update at 1:50 p.m. ET. Live TV Coverage:
Milwaukee's WISN-TV has started streaming its coverage here.
Update at 1:45 p.m. ET. Four Shot, Not Killed?
As often happens in breaking news situations, what's being reported is changing from minute to minute. WTMJ, which earlier said that images taken from a helicopter showed at least four people who had been killed, now says the pictures "showed at least four people who were shot."
TheJournal Sentinel is saying "at least four people were shot just after 10 a.m. Sunday."
Update at 1:35 p.m. ET. Emergency Radio Traffic Online:
RadioReference.com has put one channel of the Milwaukee County Fire Department's radio traffic online here.
Update at 1:30 p.m. ET. Fatalities Reported; Not Confirmed:
Milwaukee's WTMJ Newsradio says pictures taken from news helicopters show "at least four people who were killed." Authorities, though, have not said anything about any victims.
Update at 1:27 p.m. ET. Possible Hostage Situation:
WISN-TV from Milwaukee is reporting that police suspect a gunman may still be inside the temple and that there may be hostages.
Update at 1:25 p.m. ET. Some Injured At Hospital:
A spokeswoman for the Froedtert Trauma Center in Milwaukee just told CNN that two with gunshot injuries have been brought to that facility.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

subset: commoncrawl


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If you're just tuning in, this is WEEKENDS on ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Jacki Lyden.
In India, outrage continues unabated over sexual violence against women. A court in New Delhi has ordered five men charged in the murder and gang rape of a young woman last month to appear in court on Monday. The incident ignited demands for bringing the widespread nature of such assaults to light. NPR's Julie McCarthy joins us from New Delhi. Warning, some graphic language ahead. Julie, thanks for being here.
JULIE MCCARTHY, BYLINE: Thank you, Jacki.
LYDEN: So this has been a notorious case. Has the mood changed significantly in any way now that the trial seems to be getting underway?
MCCARTHY: Well, the case has tapped this deep vein of anger in India. The demonstrations are smaller, certainly, but the more that's learned, Jacki, about the horrific injuries inflicted on this young woman and her male companion who was beaten with an iron rod and survived, the more the public wants the five accused men to pay with their lives. There is mounting pressure here in India for the death penalty, and that's in a country that rarely carries it out. But the public is in a fury.
Her injuries were so grave that her intestines were destroyed. And after the attacks, she and her friend were thrown out onto the road naked where the defendant allegedly tried to run them over.
LYDEN: Very, very grim details. Julie, there is a sixth accused person, a minor. Tell us how old he is and what happens to him.
MCCARTHY: Well, this is a very tricky subject, Jacki. The sixth accused is said to be 17 1/2. He's a juvenile in the eyes of the law, and he can't be subjected to the same laws as the other defendants. He certainly can't face the death penalty. The maximum penalty he could serve is three years. He's also - and this is where it gets very delicate - he's also alleged to have been the most brutal of the attackers. And his treatment is generating this huge national controversy about whether the age of majority ought to be lowered in India from 18 to 16.
LYDEN: Julie, as you know, India seems to be having a major conversation with itself about charges of sexual violence against women and presumably against men. What's going on now? Is it going to have a lasting impact, do you think?
MCCARTHY: Well, I think the impact already has been huge. Millions of young women and young men want to end the cultural violence against women that's long been tolerated by a society that really equates sexual crimes with a woman's dishonor rather than the criminal behavior of the perpetrator. It's also unleashed, fair to say, a sea change in the coverage of sexual violence.
In the past three weeks, there's been a raft of cases about rapes and murders of women, young girls killing themselves over the shame of being molested. It's now on the front page. It's not buried anymore. And this case has also trained a spotlight on members of parliament who are under investigation for sexual offenses. So the problem is wide, and it's deep, but it's no longer being ignored.
LYDEN: NPR's Julie McCarthy speaking to us from New Delhi. Julie, thank you very much.
MCCARTHY: Thank you, Jacki. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.


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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — "Think different" became Apple's creed during the late Steve Jobs' reign as CEO. Now, chief executive Tim Cook is embracing the idea while making decisions that would have seemed crazy to his fabled predecessor.
Apple's pending purchase of headphone maker and streaming music company Beats Electronics for $3.2 billion is just the latest example of Cook's deviation from Jobs, who had so much confidence in his company's innovative powers that he saw little sense in spending large amounts of money on acquisitions.
In a number of ways, Cook is putting his own imprint on Apple. He is straying from Jobs' cash-hoarding habits by committing to return $130 billion to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks. He has orchestrated a company stock split and agreed to match employees' charitable contributions up to $10,000 annually.
Under Cook's leadership, Apple also has displayed more social responsibility by working to improve labor conditions in the overseas factories that assemble its devices and taking steps to reduce pollution caused by its data centers and gadgets.
The shift in management philosophy has resulted in an odd twist: Apple Inc.'s pace of innovation has slowed and it now looks more like a conventional company than the corporate rebel Jobs tried to cultivate. Instead of releasing revolutionary gadgets such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad, Apple has been mostly upgrading existing products and figuring out ways to manage its bulging bank account since Cook took over.
"Jobs wanted Cook to step out and be different," says longtime technology analyst Rob Enderle. "But I think he wanted (Cook) to do the things that were central to the business, not things that Jobs thought were stupid."
Cook has repeatedly sought to assure investors and customers that Apple remains focused on inventing "insanely great" products, even though the company's last breakthrough, the iPad, came out in April 2010 — 18 months before Jobs died of cancer.
In the meantime, a host of technology companies have forged ahead with wearable devices, including Google Glass and Samsung's line of Gear smartwatches. Also stealing the innovation spotlight: Internet connected housewares and appliances like the Nest thermostat, whose maker was founded by former Apple designer, Tony Fadell. Google purchased Nest for $3.2 billion in January.
"We've got some great things that we're working on that I'm very, very proud of and very, very excited about," Cook told analysts in a conference call last month. "But, for us, we care about every detail and when you care about every detail and getting it right, it takes a bit longer to do that and that's always been the case."
After pointing out that there were other digital music players, smartphones and tablet computers before Apple redefined those markets with its devices, Cook said something that sounded like an echo of Jobs: "It means much more to us to get it right than to be first."
Wall Street is still taking a wait-and-see attitude with Cook. Apple's stock ended last week at $585.24, well below its peak of $705.07 reached in September 2012, but still a 56 percent gain since Cook became CEO. That's just slightly behind the 60 percent increase in the Standard & Poor's 500 index during the same period. Despite the lag, Apple's market value is the highest in the world at about $500 billion.
Although Cook has given few clues about the breakthrough products Apple is working on, recent industry speculation has focused on the possibility of an Internet-connected watch, a suite of mobile applications for managing personal health, a digital wallet and a system that would make it easier to toggle between traditional television and Internet video programs. A new iPhone with a larger display screen is also expected in August or September.
"We have not seen any dramatic product changes to suggest Apple has evolved a lot from where it was three to five years ago, but it sure feels like the company is pregnant and we will soon know a lot more," says Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett. "If a Beats acquisition is the biggest news of the year, then it will be a bust."
Neither Apple nor Beats Electronics have commented on reports citing unnamed people who say the two companies are nearing a deal that could be announced as early as this week.
Beats Electronics, founded by hip-hop artist Dr. Dre and music executive Jimmy Iovine, would give Apple a line of trendy headphones and audio equipment that is particularly popular among young adults and teenagers. Apple also would gain a music-streaming subscription service that Beats launched earlier this year.
Apple's own streaming music service hasn't gained as much traction as the company expected and says Erick Joachimsthaler, founder and CEO of Vivaldi Partners Group: "If you look at the current music market, downloads are declining for iTunes. So Apple needed to do something."
With $150 billion in cash, Apple can easily afford to buy Beats. Still, some analysts are puzzled as to why Apple would bother buying Beats when it already owns iTunes and could easily license technology to make even better headphones on its own.
"Apple's brand is way stronger than Beats," Gillett says. "It's a head scratcher."
In last month's conference call, Cook acknowledged to being "on the prowl" for acquisitions.
"We look for companies that have great people and great technology and that fit culturally and we don't have a rule that says we can't spend a lot or whatever," he said. "We'll spend what we think is a fair price."
The Beats deal looks like a distress signal to Yukari Iwatani Kane, the author of a new book called "Haunted Empire" that explores how Apple has changed since Jobs' death.
"When companies start expanding their accessory line-up, it's a worrisome sign for innovation," Kane says. "Accessories have always been an easy way for any company to beef up their sales."
Concerns about Apple's innovation drought have been heightened by Cook's management style.
Although he has always been a highly respected executive, Cook focused on managing Apple's product inventory and component needs before he had to start filling in for Jobs during the periodic leaves he took while battling cancer in the final seven years of his life.
Cook's adroit handling of the more tedious side of Apple's business proved to be an ideal complement for the visionary Jobs, who preferred to pour his energy into conceiving new devices and then driving Apple's engineering team to build them to his exacting standards.
Cook is "the guy who liked doing everything that Steve Jobs hated to do," Enderle says. "When you make Jobs' polar opposite the CEO, it's probably not going to work out well."


text:
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Stylish and chewable pacifier clips that keeps your favorite life-saving pacifier with your child.
You can interchange our Pacifier Clips with any of the teethers! Simply unsnap the pacifier/toy attachment, and clip on !
Extra features, the wooden clip can be removed in the event that you need to wash the chain.
This pacifier clip is made from high quality silicone beads, wooden clip and nylon cord. Beads are soft and light, perfect for teething. These silicone beads are made from 100% food grade silicone. These beads are FREE from BPA, PVC , Cadmium, and Latex.
Care Instructions:
• Clean the silicone teether and silicone beads with a cloth and a little washing soap or warm water.
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• We do not recommend washing our pacifier clips in the washing machine or dishwasher as the clip can get caught in the machine.
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Safety First!
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• 100% Food Grade Silicone • 100% Non-Toxic • Contains NO BPA, PVC and Phthalate
• Easy to clean using mild soap & water


text:
Stones: Only genuine Cubic Zirconia and Swarovski crystal are used to represent diamond-like styles. Genuine stones such as tiger eye, onyx, opal, garnet, amethyst and sometimes ruby, sapphire or emerald are also used.
Beneath the Surface: The finish is the most important part of any piece of fine costume jewelry. Covenant rings have the best finish that money can buy. Every casting of brass-alloy or sterling silver is hand polished before going to the plater. Electroplating is a three stage process; first copper, then nickel and finally pure gold or precious rhodium are electronically bonded to the surface of the ring. In the case of our brass-alloy rings, Covenant's is the only factory that inspects each piece during the plating process. After copper is applied, each ring is re-inspected to be sure the surface has no flaws. Any defects found are sent back to polishing before going back to plating.
Silver rings are made using precious sterling silver. Sterling is the term used to define the highest standard for measuring silver. Specifically, it is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. This mixture of metals has led to the mark ".925" which is used by most manufacturers, including Covenant, to designate the purity of their silver products. After polishing, the rings are electroplated with a layer of precious rhodium, which gives them the look of white gold or platinum, and eliminates tarnishing.


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Two things this week have convinced me I should trust my instincts more often.
I saw a teaser for "The Wrestler" many months ago and thought "this is my kind of film". A director a deeply admire – Julia Roberts got all the awards that year, but they should have gone to Ellen Burstyn – working with an actor from one of Alan Parker's finest moments (one of my all time favorites. Can't tell you how much I love that movie).
All I can say is thank you, Mr. Aronofsky. Thank you for one of the greatest films I have ever seen. Thank you for 2 hours of drama, poetry and all sorts of emotions. And thank you for NOT letting Nicolas Cage get the part.
The other nice surprise I had was food related. When I saw Ana Elisa's pistachio ice cream I knew I had to make it - it had my name written all over it.
I finally made her recipe early on this week and the result was an ice cream I simply cannot resist. Absurdly delicious.
Ana, thank you. Thanking you 100 times would not be enough. :D
Pistachio ice cream
1 ½ cups (200g) raw, shelled and unsalted pistachios
3 ¾ cups (900ml) whole milk*
4 egg yolks
¾ cup + 2 tablespoons (180g) caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
Place pistachio and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil; reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to keep the foam from overflowing. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.
Pour the pistachio-milk mixture into a blender. Cover with the larger lid and remove the central one. Place a folded kitchen tower over the remaining lid and blend the mixture until smooth – removing one of the lids will release excess steam from inside the blender and the towel will keep the mixture from splashing. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
Line a fine colander with fine muslin or cheesecloth and place over a large bowl. Pour the pistachio mixture over the cloth and set aside for about 10 minutes.
Gather the cloth ends and squeeze out over the colander until you get as much liquid as possible – you should get about 2 ½ cups (600ml) of pistachio milk.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Set aside.
Heat the pistachio milk once again until it almost comes to a boil. Remove from heat and pour about ¼ of the mixture over the egg yolks, whisking well until smooth. Pour the remaining liquid, whisk and then return it all to the pan.
Place it over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until custard is thick enough to coat back of spoon and registers 76 to 79ºC/170 to 175ºF on an instant-read thermometer (do not let boil).
Strain custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a metal bowl, add vanilla and salt and mix well. Refrigerate it half-covered for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Freeze custard in ice cream maker, transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer until firm, about 4 hours.
* I had some heavy cream in the fridge begging to be used (it was about to expire), so I replaced 1 cup milk for 1 cup cream.
Makes about 1 quart (950ml)


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Release date: 2009-02-02
This release contains a variety of fixes from 8.2.11. For information about new features in the 8.2 major release, see Section E.195, « Release 8.2 ».
A dump/restore is not required for those running 8.2.X. However, if you are upgrading from a version earlier than 8.2.11, see Section E.184, « Release 8.2.11 ».
Improve handling of URLs in headline() function (Teodor)
Improve handling of overlength headlines in headline() function (Teodor)
Prevent possible Assert failure or misconversion if an encoding conversion is created with the wrong conversion function for the specified pair of encodings (Tom, Heikki)
Fix possible Assert failure if a statement executed in PL/pgSQL is rewritten into another kind of statement, for example if an INSERT is rewritten into an UPDATE (Heikki)
Ensure that a snapshot is available to datatype input functions (Tom)
This primarily affects domains that are declared with CHECK constraints involving user-defined stable or immutable functions. Such functions typically fail if no snapshot has been set.
Make it safer for SPI-using functions to be used within datatype I/O; in particular, to be used in domain check constraints (Tom)
Avoid unnecessary locking of small tables in VACUUM (Heikki)
Fix a problem that made UPDATE RETURNING tableoid return zero instead of the correct OID (Tom)
Fix planner misestimation of selectivity when transitive equality is applied to an outer-join clause (Tom)
This could result in bad plans for queries like ... from a left join b on a.a1 = b.b1 where a.a1 = 42 ...
Improve optimizer's handling of long IN lists (Tom)
This change avoids wasting large amounts of time on such lists when constraint exclusion is enabled.
Ensure that the contents of a holdable cursor don't depend on the contents of TOAST tables (Tom)
Previously, large field values in a cursor result might be represented as TOAST pointers, which would fail if the referenced table got dropped before the cursor is read, or if the large value is deleted and then vacuumed away. This cannot happen with an ordinary cursor, but it could with a cursor that is held past its creating transaction.
Fix memory leak when a set-returning function is terminated without reading its whole result (Tom)
Fix contrib/dblink's dblink_get_result(text,bool) function (Joe)
Fix possible garbage output from contrib/sslinfo functions (Tom)
Fix configure script to properly report failure when unable to obtain linkage information for PL/Perl (Andrew)
Make all documentation reference pgsql-bugs and/or pgsql-hackers as appropriate, instead of the now-decommissioned pgsql-ports and pgsql-patches mailing lists (Tom)
Update time zone data files to tzdata release 2009a (for Kathmandu and historical DST corrections in Switzerland, Cuba)


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DW9062 DeWalt® 9.6V Battery Rebuild Service
Rebuild Service for a DeWalt® DW9062 battery pack. For the cost of this service, we will open the battery pack, replace all cells, test, and reassemble. Connectors and circuit boards are re-used and are not replaced or serviced. The performance of our battery packs is equal to that of a brand new battery from the OEM but at a fraction of the cost. Send your DW9062 battery into us and let us make it work as good as new. Our trained technicians work on DeWalt® brand batteries each day and have been working with many DeWalt® service centers for years. Don't wait any longer. Send your DW9062 battery pack to us for repair today!
Orders containing lithium batteries will ship by ground only regardless of the shipping method chosen.
Note: This is a rebuild service and not an attempt to sell a new or aftermarket battery pack. With this service, you must send your battery to us to be repaired.
DeWalt® is a registered trademark of Black & Decker Incorporated. MTO Battery is not affiliated nor endorsed by DeWalt®.


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There are many steps that are part of a hearing aid evaluation. If you suspect that you might need a hearing aid, you will first need to have a hearing evaluation. At the time of the hearing evaluation, a case history will be taken to determine how much your hearing problem impacts your day-to-day life as well as the lives of your family. A complete history will be taken, and questions will be asked about when and how the hearing loss started, if there is ringing in your ears (tinnitus) and if you experience dizziness. You may also have to provide some basic questions about your general health history.
The results from your hearing test will provide the hearing care professional an outline of what sounds you may be missing or hearing, but the personal answers about your daily life and perception about your hearing provide the basis for a more comprehensive hearing evaluation. You may be referred to a medical doctor specializing in disorders of the ear if you are a candidate for hearing aids or if there are other medical conditions your hearing professional thinks should be addressed before hearing aids are recommended. This referral can often be the first step in the hearing aid examination.
If your hearing test reveals a permanent hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended for one or both ears. Your hearing professional may explain what sounds you are not hearing and what a hearing aid(s) can do to help. It is usually at this appointment that you will get to see and touch different styles of hearing aids. In some cases, you may even be able to listen to a hearing aid. Your hearing professional will help you choose the best hearing aid(s) style, features and level of sophistication based on your degree of hearing loss, lifestyle, and financial circumstances. The final decision on which hearing aid(s) is purchased is your choice.
Once you make a decision, the hearing professional may take impressions of your ears if you selected custom hearing aids or behind-the-ear hearing aids that require earmolds. Hearing aids must usually be ordered from a manufacturer and then programmed by your hearing professional to meet your specific hearing needs. This process can take a few weeks, so do not be disappointed when you do not receive your hearing aids the same day as your evaluation.


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Welcome to Dragon Cave! Dragon Cave is an online adoptables game. Collect eggs, raise them to adulthood, and then breed them to create interesting lineages. New dragons are added regularly!
Albino Dragons are so named because their translucent, scale-less skin lacks all pigment. Instead, to help protect their bodies from the sun, they are coated in an oily secretion that blocks the sun's harmful rays. The call of an albino dragon is similar to a barn owl--a shriek instead of a roar.
Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling's wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.


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Expect dramatic changes in the energy market in Germany as the nation moves to shutter its nuclear plants and generate more electricity from renewables, predicts Frost & Sullivan's energy group.
Frost & Sullivan forecasts that overall electricity generation will decline from 625 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2010 to 590 TWh in 2020, due to energy efficiency measures and increased imports. But the research firm says the installed capacity will rise from 153 gigawatt (GW) to 179 GW in 2020, due mainly to the growth in wind and solar. At the end of 2011, Germany generated just over 29 GW of electricity from solar. Because of relatively low availability, Frost & Sullivan notes, these renewable energy sources will need to be supported by back-up power such as gas turbines.
"Germany is already a leading European renewables market, but it will go beyond its EU obligations with significant further investment in the next 8 years," says Frost & Sullivan energy consultant Jonathan Robinson. "However, the growth in renewables poses serious challenges and will require substantial investment in upgrading the existing power transmission infrastructure."
Robinson said Germany will need "across-the-board investment" in equipment for generation, transmission and distribution. "This creates interesting opportunities for equipment manufacturers and project developers," he adds.
Frost & Sullivan expects solar PV capacity in Germany to treble while wind will grow by an average of 2 GW per year. It predicts renewable energy will account for 36% of electricity generation by 2020.
Last May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the government would close eight nuclear plants immediately and phase out all its nuclear plants by 2022.
Along with a move to renewables, Germany is also pushing energy efficiency, with a target of reducing energy consumption by 9% by 2020, compared to the 2001-2005 period.
"Energy efficiency will be a big topic in 2012, as the EU moves towards forcing member states to take action. The voluntary approach adopted in 2007 has largely failed, with minimal energy efficiency gains in most member states. As usual in these matters, Germany is already leading the way, but it is likely that more will need to be done," adds Robinson.
From now till 2020, Frost & Sullivan points out, coal will remain the leading fuel (37% of generation) in Germany, though that will decline as a source as older power stations are decommissioned. Frost & Sullivan says there will also be an increase in gas as a fuel source. Gas is the subject of an accelerated development program which is expected to have an impact mainly after 2020.


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Jen Walker, a real estate agent with McEnearney Associates, has been named the 2010 winner of the Heart of Del Ray award by the Del Ray Business Association.
Voters were asked to cast their ballot for a nominee based on the commitment and generosity to the community as well as the overall contributions to what makes Del Ray a unique place to live, work and shop.
"Jen is, without a doubt, synonymous with Del Ray and everything great about it" said one online voter. "Our vote is for super-realtor Jen Walker, who does so much for the community, from supporting our elementary school and neighborhood newsletters to serving hot dogs at our Halloween festivities to sponsoring Cinema Del Ray during the summer," said another.
Walker took time out of her Valentine's Day weekend, which included many hours shovelling snow as a volunteer 'Snow Buddy,' to receive the trademark giant red heart from last year's winner A Show of Hands.
Other finalists for this year's award were Artfully Chocolate, Cheesetique, Del Merei Grille and Jack Taylor's Alexandria Toyota. This is the second year that the DRBA has sponsored the award in an effort to recognize the outstanding businesses in Del Ray.


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For those of you following the journey of the megalith that is to be part of Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass, Friday night is the moment you've been waiting for. Starting around 10–11 pm, the transporter will leave its last stop—on Figueroa Street just north of Florence Avenue—and will travel its final leg to LACMA.
Megalith slated to become part of Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass, during transport to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, © Michael Heizer, photo by Tom Vinetz
The transporter will travel north on Figueroa, going right past Exposition Park and the USC campus. It will turn left onto West Adams Boulevard and will cross Hoover, Vermont, and Normandie before turning right onto Western Avenue. From Western it will hang a left on Wilshire for the home stretch! (See the entire route the transporter has traveled.)
The big question, of course, is when all of this will happen. Unfortunately we can't be very specific as the journey itself is complicated and it's impossible to say how quickly or slowly the transporter will make each turn, get through each intersection, etc. For now, we are estimating that the transporter will arrive at the museum between 2–6 am.
The best way to keep tabs on the transporter's whereabouts will be to follow @LACMA on Twitter. We will be in the truck, traveling the whole route with the boulder and keeping you up to date all night long. If you're out there tweeting too, use hashtag #LevitatedMass so we can see what you're saying and retweet to our audience. No matter where you are along the route, you'll know when to expect the boulder to go by if you follow our Twitter updates.
You'll have opportunities all along the route to see the transporter go by. Road closures along the route will occur as it moves, so plan accordingly. Our best advice is to travel on streets parallel to the transporter in order to drive unimpeded.
If you want to see it actually arrive at LACMA, here's some more helpful info:
- The museum itself will be closed, but the action is on Wilshire Boulevard.
- Parking will be available in LACMA's lot at the corner of Wilshire and Spaulding Avenue (free). Our underground Sixth Street lot will be closed.
- Parking at the Petersen Museum, located on Wilshire and Fairfax, will also be available ($10, enter from Fairfax). You can try to find street parking too, but please read all signs in the area before parking.
- There will be bathrooms available at Ogden and Wilshire, directly across the street from Urban Light.
- Note that Stark Bar will be open regular hours—closing at 11 pm. We will have a coffee cart next to Urban Light starting at 11 pm.
- Food trucks will be parked at Ogden and Wilshire—No Tomatoes and Waffles de Liege.
When the transporter finally gets to the museum, it will turn from Wilshire onto Fairfax and then enter the museum from behind LACMA West. It will pull up right next to the slot that is the other major component of the work. For Saturday and Sunday only, we'll remove part of the construction fencing so you can get a good look at the transporter before it is disassembled. Starting Monday, everything goes under wraps—as much as you can put a 340-ton boulder under wraps. The next time you'll get a chance to see it up close, it will be a finished artwork. As of now we are expecting to open Levitated Mass to the public in the early summer. Keep your eyes on Unframed or the Levitated Mass page for updates on an opening date.
Scott Tennent