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Maybe along with our daily vitamins we need to take a daily dose of jokes.
The Reader's Digest runs a section titled Laughter is the best medicine. A recent scientific study found that Happiness contributes to longer life:
Previous studies on happiness and longevity have looked at how people felt in the past. These recollections of feelings are not always accurate. Not everyone can remember exactly how they felt last Tuesday, so the information is a bit faulty.
For this study, researchers led by Professor of Psychology at the University College London, looked at 3,800 participants between the ages of 52 and 79. They were asked to record their levels of happiness, anxiety and a variety of other emotions at four specific points throughout one particular day.
Based on answers, the researchers divided the participants into three groups based on their level of happiness and positive feelings. Each group was comparable in ethnic makeup, employment status, overall health and education but varied in terms of age, wealth and whether or not they smoked.
After a period of five years, the researchers discovered that within in the groups, seven percent of the least happy group had passed away compared to only four percent in the happiest of the three groups. The middle group was at five percent.
Researchers then looked at each group again and controlled for age, chronic diseases, exercise, alcohol consumption, depression and socioeconomic factors. With these factors taken into consideration, they discovered that 35 percent of the happiest group was less likely to have died and the middle group of happiness was 20 percent less likely.
So don't worry, be happy:


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Maine residents pushing back against premium hikes
Maine residents pushing back against premium hikes
Maine residents pushing back against premium hikes
By MARINA VILLENEUVE
Jul. 30, 2017
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine residents are lambasting health care insurers for proposing double-digit premium hikes they say would hurt the state's middle and lower classes.
Harvard Pilgrim and Anthem Inc. have both said they may leave the Affordable Care Act marketplace in the nation's oldest state next year, citing rising health care costs driven by pharmaceutical drug prices and uncertainty over the health care law's future.
Harvard Pilgrim, Anthem, and a third provider, Maine Community Health Options, are all asking customers to pay more.
Dozens of public comments submitted to the state raised objections about the proposed premium increases. Some policyholders saying they don't qualify for health care subsidies under proposals being debated in Congress.
Roughly 80,000 Maine residents are enrolled in ACA plans, and about 60,000 individuals receive tax credits to lower premium costs while nearly 37,000 receive subsidies.
Michael Archibald, a Portland resident who owns a Boston hair salon, said it's tough for people who are self-employed to afford rising premiums for plans. This year's proposed premium increases follow double-digit hikes approved last year.
"You basically have to be in the poor house to get any subsidies," he said.
Archibald, an Anthem policyholder, said his premium for a plan covering him and his husband has risen from $750 in 2016 to $920 this year. It could increase to $1,200 next year.
"You're going to throw all these costs on people who are middle class or lower middle class, and you're not addressing the real problem with the actual health care costs," he said.
Mike Smith, a physical therapist who owns a business in Gorham, said he now pays $1,400 a month for himself, his wife and 10-year-old son, and says he sees insurers' blaming rate increases on uncertainty as a "lame excuse."
"It's really the consumer who takes the hit, not so much the insurance companies," he said.
Maine Community Health Options CEO Kevin Lewis attributed the proposed rate increase to "the weak mandate and the market uncertainty" along with signs that there will be fewer ACA enrollees leading to a sicker pool in Maine.
"We only have one chance for states to set rates for the upcoming year and we know painfully well that to get those wrong, the carriers would be in a world of hurt for quite some time," Lewis said.
Anthem's spokesman defended the rate increases as reflecting "the increases in the cost of delivering medical services coupled with pharmacy expenses and the overall increased use of health care services by Maine members in ACA plans."
Harvard Pilgrim didn't respond to a request for comment.
The future of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and subsidies remains unclear as repeal efforts continue in Washington.
Maine regulators have asked for two sets of premium increases from insurers — one if Congress funds the $7 billion pool of cost-sharing subsidies paid to insurers and another if Congress does not. President Donald Trump has indicated a desire to halt the payments, which are the subject of a House Republican lawsuit, but so far has allowed them to continue on a month-to-month basis.
Maine Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday that the "threat to cut off" such subsidies has contributed to market instability.
"We're talking about low-income Americans who would be devastated if those payments were cut off," she said.
Steve Butterfield, of advocacy group Consumers for Affordable Health Care, called this an "unusual moment and everyone recognizes that."
"But just because there is political uncertainty doesn't mean the basic underlying assumptions can be waved away to allow big rate increases," he said.
State regulators could make a final decision on premium hikes for individual Affordable Care Act plans as late as Aug. 16.

subset: commoncrawl


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7. UK only (sorry)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
well done for 100 followers clare! :3
thank you loooreenn :3Delete
Congratulations on 100 followers Clare! :)
Lucy // a little of lucy
Congrats on reaching 100 followers!! You deserve it you have a lovely blog!
Now following :)
thank you so much!Delete
This is a lovely giveaway! Happy New Year!! xxReplyDelete
I would love a colour like creme cup or speak louder :)Delete
Well done on the 100 followers, keep it up
Sophie xx
Well done Clare on reaching 100! Believe me I know how hard it is to get anywhere in the blogging world so you have done amazingly well and really deserve it! I think my favorite thing about your blog and something I really admire is your photography because you always show the product in its best light. I have no idea what lipstick I would want either a nude or something bright I could wear this summer! haha xxxReplyDelete
aw thank you rachel!Delete
Congratulations on reaching 100 followers <3
This is a nice giveaway, hope to win it !
thank you :3Delete
Congrats on getting to 100 followers! I love your make-up reviews! I think Mac Morange is a really lovely colour xxx
fantastic giveaway! I'd love Fanfare or Please Me.. they're great colours! well done on the followers too!:)
www.trustinvogue.com xxx
Thank you for commenting on my blog, I love Mac giveaways! I would love to try out Creme Cup, its a lipstick I have wanted for years! Congrats on the followers!
Serena xo
Congratulations on reaching 100 followers!! I would love to try out all fired up as it looks like a really vibrant pink colour! xx
Well done on reaching 100 followers! I don't own any mac lipsticks so would love to win. I'd love Fanfare if I won! xx
Congratulations of reaching 100 followers! As soon as I reach 100 I will also be doing a giveaway :D
Would love Creme de Nude if I won.
Love the photos you take of products you use.
Such a lovely idea, congrats on 100 followers!
If I won I would probably go for FanFare, I'd love an every day shade.
I'd love candy yum yum.


text: Fewer Kids Get Needed Shots One in four children miss vaccinations, CDC finds, spreading risk through US By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff Posted Apr 29, 2008 1:40 PM CDT 0 comments Comments A nurse fills a syringe at a CVS pharmacy in the Brooklyn Borough of New York on Friday, Oct. 5, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) View 1 more image (Newser) – Fewer kids in the US are getting needed vaccinations, a study by the Centers for Disease Control finds. More than one in four have skipped or received mistimed doses of important immunizations, ABC News reports. "It's really important that parents understand how important it is to get their kids vaccinated on time and within the recommended guidelines," one researcher said. Missing vaccinations puts not only the child at risk, but also the public at large. "If you have vaccinations too early or too close together, they're less effective," an investigator said, "and on a population basis, that really increases your risk of outbreaks." Such lapsed immunizations might have contributed to a recent measles outbreak in California and Arizona. View 1 more image


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I had an interesting conversation with my number one son about the formation of the "great and abominable" church this weekend. He boldly stated that it was "Christianity". I guess after taking into consideration the information provided by Stephen E. Robinson, from my last post, my belief that "he is one smart cookie" was reinforced. I, however, would add more to his definition by calling it "Historic Christianity".
About the same time, another friend shared a definition he found from one of my favorite authors, Denver Snuffer, for the term "abomination". Snuffer explains that "iniquity" is general evil practice, but an "abomination" involves the religious justification of wrongdoing. My friend's response was merely, "Interesting!" I responded with a resounding...."Interesting!"
So what exactly is a definition of Historic Christianity?
Perhaps one of the easiest, "in a nutshell", explanations of "Historic Christianity" to be found is one given by Snuffer. Taken from his Blog, it is as follows:
Christianity became diverse quite early on. Almost immediately after the closing of the New Testament, the diversity began to metastasize.
There were those who viewed Christ as a normal man, who had been "adopted" by the Father at the time of His baptism. These were called "Adoptionists."
There were those who believed that Christ was just a normal man, but that He had a divine spirit inhabit Him temporarily from the time of His baptism until the time of His crucifixion, at which time the divine spirit left. It was incomprehensible to them that God would suffer and die. Therefore, they developed a theory in which He did not.
There were those who believed that Christ was a transcendent spirit, and never corporeal as other men were. They believed that He manifested Himself as if he were a mortal, but never truly was mortal. They did not believe it possible for God to become incarnate.
There were those who believed that Christ taught a secret Gospel to His insiders, and that the public teachings were misleading. It was the private "gnosis" that would save you.
There were those who believed that Christ was a separate and distinct being from God the Father, and that the result was that there were two gods and not one.
There were those who argued that if they were separate then it violated the idea of "monotheism" and therefore, God the Father, Christ and the Holy Ghost had to be one, single person. However incomprehensible that may be, there was only one being, manifesting itself in three forms.
There were those who believed priesthood authority was immutable, and once conferred it could not be lost no matter what the conduct of the person ordained. That is, authority was not dependent at all upon righteous behavior, and even a thoroughly wicked man, once ordained, held priesthood authority no matter what he did.
There were those who believed that priesthood authority was entirely dependent upon faithful living, and that a failure to live according to God's will terminated the authority of that man. This movement was named after a North African priest named Arius who remained devoted during the persecutions and was blinded and crippled by those who were seeking to destroy the Christian faith.
Well, by 324 AD the whole thing had become riddled with controversies and sects. Therefore, when King Constantine, who had battled his way into sole ownership of the Roman Emperor's seat, determined to adopt a state religion (he chose Christianity as that state religion) he presumed he was taking a harmonious, consistent faith. Upon learning that there were strong internal Christian disputes, some of which led to violence between professors of the various beliefs, he decided that he needed to put down the disputations.
In a fit of practicality, King Constantine convened the great council at Nicea, and summoned all the Bishops of Christianity to a single gathering. At the gathering he demanded they come to an agreement on what the Christian faith believed. He could not tolerate disputes leading to violence in the newly adopted Roman state religion.
This council at Nicea was the first attempt at correlation. The result had little to do with the truth. It had to do with peace for the Roman state. Constantine himself did not believe in the doctrine. He believed in the effectiveness of the faith as a basis for political power, domestic security and ease of ruling a diverse population scattered about on three continents. When the results were achieved, he then exiled the handful of dissenters and 'voila, Historic Christianity began. That Historic Christianity remained correlated and of a singular view until the split between Constantinople and Rome at about 1000 AD. It became further uncorrelated in the 1500's with Martin Luther.
Once you start letting doctrinal disputes develop you wind up with a split empire, and internal loss of government. The original effort was imposed at the tip of a sword. When there were dissenters, they were exiled, or eventually made "heretic." When the final step was taken, and the intellectual buttress supplied by Bishop Ambrose's arguments, it at last became possible for "heresy" or "heretics" to be snubbed out by murder. The persecuted became the persecutors. They were justified by the change, having a correlated promise that the faith ratified the reasons that allowed you to persecute, torture and kill those who strayed from the "one true, Catholic faith." After all, if you could reclaim them merely by torture of the body, how much better than allowing them to lapse into eternal torment by being consigned to hell. An endless "Hell" also being an invention of the Historic Christian faith. So it was really good to do that burning, racking, thumb-dislocating, flaying, stuff after all. All in a day's work to convert the wayward soul back to Christ.
I find it quite interesting that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter –day Saints we are continually accused as not being "Christian". The accusations lie in the fact that we do not conform to the liturgy of Historic Christianity which was formed by such documents as the Nicene Creed. We do however claim to be a restoration of Primitive Christianity, denouncing the "philosophies of men mingled with scripture", while laying claim to following the original teachings of Jesus Christ, as found in the scriptures.
With this in mind view the information the angel told Nephi during his dream:
1 Nephi 14:10 And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth.
I know, this teaching is far from being "politically correct" but correct it is none the less.
Notice how Joseph Smith was taught this same concept:
Notice how Joseph Smith was taught this same concept:
Joseph Smith History 1:18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."
20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.
So, by in large, if we as Latter-day Saints, or more commonly known as "Mormons", are accused of being different, or not part of main stream Historic Christianity, in my opinion, that would be a good thing. The distinction has already been made.


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Call the Capital Health Center for Digestive Health today to make an appointment.
"Dr. Redjal and his team are so human. You can feel the compassion."
Read more...
"Each concussion was different, and Dr. Matarese was very reassuring and really helped me understand what was going on."
"It's a lovely group of people that doesn't push, but rather encourages you to challenge yourself."
"I'm continuing to work hard to get to the point where I can keep up with my kids."
"I told my wife I wanted to go to Capital Health."
Over-the counter medications that neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production or block acid production and heal the esophagus are usually the first step in treating GERD. If these don't seem to be helping after a few weeks, prescription-strength medications may be tried. A combination of medications may be tried to increase effectiveness.
When lifestyle changes and medication do not control GERD, surgery may be an option. Surgery may also be a reasonable alternative to a lifetime of drugs and discomfort.
The standard surgical treatment for GERD is called fundoplication. A specific type of this procedure, called Nissen fundoplication, is usually performed. During the procedure, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter, prevent acid reflux and repair a hiatal hernia if one is present.
Today, the Nissen fundoplication may be performed using a minimally-invasive or laparoscopic approach. A laparoscope is an instrument that is inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen. The doctor then uses small instruments that hold a camera to look at the abdomen and pelvis. When performed by experienced surgeons, the laparoscopic procedure is safe and effective in people of all ages, including infants.
As opposed to open surgery which requires a large incision and several days in the hospital, laparoscopic surgery requires a shorter hospital stay, usually only a day or two. There is less pain after surgery because there is no large incision to heal. Most people are able to get back to their normal routine in about two to three weeks instead of the four to six weeks of recovery open surgery requires.
Surgical procedures to treat GERD can sometimes also be performed using endoscopic techniques. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a small camera that is inserted down the patient's throat. These techniques involve putting stitches in the LES to create pleats that help strengthen the muscle or using electrodes to create tiny burns on the LES. When the burns heal, the scar tissue helps toughen the muscle. The longterm effects of these procedures are unknown.
Capital Health is a 501(c)(3) organization.


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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
celtic tattoo symbols
celtic and cherry blossom tattoo,tattoo photos of,ankle tattoo designs:I
Celtic tattoo w 87
Celtic tattoos are something. Posted in Cross Tattoos Design - Cross Design
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LACKAWAXEN TWP.- Pa. State Police Blooming Grove report the arrest of a Greeley man accused of breaking into the Greeley Inn and stealing $15,000 in cash.
Joshua David Thompson, 21, of Greeley, was taken into custody May 23rd, a short time following the burglary.
Between 11 p.m. May 22 and 12:30 a.m. May 23, Thompson is alleged to have broken into the establishment when it was closed. The $15,000 that was stolen was in new, crisp $100 bills that had sequential serial numbers.
A short time after the burglary State Police made contact with Thompson hitch hiking on Route 6. He had a pair of brass knuckles on his person and $4,800 in new one hundred dollar bills with sequential serial numbers, police said.
He was taken into custody and arraigned for Receiving Stolen Property and Prohibited Offensive Weapon. He was lodged in Pike County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.
State Police later recovered another $2,500 of the stolen money. A preliminary hearing was set for May 29. Additional charges of Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Theft by Unlawful Taking and Possessing an Instrument of Crime will be added, said police.
State Police are still attempting to recover $7,700 of the stolen $100 bills with sequential serial numbers. Trooper Robert Golden asked that anyone with information to contact the Blooming Grove barracks at (570)226-5718.


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Since I last posted I've been to Michigan for a couple weeks. We worked hard, spent lots of time with family, and got to see the new weanling my brother in law bought to keep their baby company. An adorable little fellow with lots of spunk. Wish I was still there but glad I'm home too. Those who live distant from family, but also like where they live will get that statement.
On the jewelry front I'm excited to be sharing a booth at "Taste of Suffolk" this Saturday (Sept 13th) with my friend Kenzie. Between the two of us we will have jewelry, candles, wall hangings, dream-catchers, and more. Now the challenge is to get enough inventory built and hope it is what people "can't live without". :) Here is the link to the event. http://www.suffolkva.us/TasteofSuffolk/ Hope to see you there if you are in the area.
The new baby:
New projects:
There will be some seasonal pieces available also.
This blog is about my journey from "un-creative" to "artisan". I enjoy creating custom pieces for people who know what they want and don't want to search retail stores or pay high prices. I also maintain inventory for "touchy-feely" people like me. Unique, affordable, and fun are the qualities I promote; but I have also expanded into elegant for weddings and other more formal events; still affordable.
Monday, September 8, 2014
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With chic white furnishings, wood accents, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows framing lagoon views, Terraces Restaurant is a bright and airy place to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Renowned on the Gold Coast for its mouthwatering seafood buffet, Terraces Restaurant is an experience not to be missed. Expect a tantalising array of flavours, from fresh local seafood—including oysters, prawns, and scallops—to such traditional favourites as roasts, soups, and sumptuous desserts.
Daily 6:00 AM - 10:30 AM; 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Sunday - Thursday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Share a seafood platter while enjoying lush garden views at the Oyster Bar. Slide up to the marble top bar or have a seat on cosy chairs and order from our exquisite menu, featuring exceptional regional flavours and the best-quality Australian produce.
|Wednesday - Thursday:
|Friday - Saturday:
Relax in style with a signature cocktail and upscale snacks at Pearls Bar. Tropical garden and lagoon views, leather sofas, and soft lighting create an inviting spot for taking a break from the sun or a day of meetings.
Our high tea menu makes Pearls Bar a favourite afternoon spot for both locals and guests. Sample both sweet and savoury delicacies accompanied by coffee, tea, or a glass of sparkling wine.
At night, Pearls Bar turns into a chic gathering place as guests enjoy classic libations like mojitos alongside unique signature cocktails like the Mohala, a tropical punch packed with the Hawaiian flavours of mango, coconut, passionfruit, and pineapple. If hunger strikes, try something from our light snack menu.
Monday - Thursday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Friday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM; Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Let the staff of the Oasis Pool Bar bring you cocktails, burgers, or sandwiches right to your chair, or swim up to the bar and order without leaving the pool. We also offer a kids' menu for when your little swimmers are ready to take a break.
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM


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Half-baked ideas
Welcome to Half-baked ideas, where I post scraps of whatever I'm working.
Past Projects:
- Setting Sun: a psionics/wuxia/western mash-up ran while Curse of the Crimson Throne was on break. Status: being re-tooled with the intention of running it again.
Current Projects:
- None!
Future Projects
- Aquarius: Harry Potter meets Hellboy/BPRD meets Mahou Sensei Negima! meets X-files meets Delta Green/Conspiracy X meets Spirit of the Century meets Firestarter/Matilda meets Orpheus/Geist/Changeling: the Lost meets Cybersix . MAJIC EYES ONLY or Class 5 PISCES clearance allowed beyond this point. Status: transitioning from the idea stage into the research stage.
- Star Wars – Duty and Defiance: A series of short episodic campaigns set during the Rise of the Empire. Focused on a single sector of space and featuring a rotating cast of characters. Status: just an idea.
- Swamplands: an old-school inspired setting about Player Characters screwing everything up. Status: some work is already done, mostly on the macro level. Map needs to be re-done now that it's no longer a hexcrawl. Mostly a tinkering project that I work on when the mood strikes me.


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We are Moving!!!!!
We are Moving!
Please take a moment and change your bookmarks for us. We have moved to a new, and better, site.
We Look Forward to seeing you there.
There will no longer be posts on this site after January 31, 2012
Thank you and we cannot wait to see you at our new home
You Gotta Read Reviews Admin Team
Friday, August 7, 2009
Review - Spyder's Web by Suzanne Rock
Title: Spyder's Web
Author: Suzanne Rock
Publisher: Loose Id
Buy Spyder's Web Here!
Rating: You Gotta Read
Reviewer: Laura
I have a dark secret. I'm cursed with an intense sexual desire which can never be satisfied. If I abstain, I go mad. If I have sex, I black out and my partner ends up dead. The only way to break the curse is to find my protector and soul mate.
James is a cop who thinks I'm the "Black Widow" serial killer people are talking about. He's watching in the shadows, waiting for me to slip up so he can send me to jail. My curse longs to claim him, but I resist because he saved my life. Soon, I will need him to do it again.
Now his morbid fascination with me has turned into an obsession. I don't know how much longer I can keep him at arm's length.
I'm not sure I want to...
The world created by Ms. Rock in this book is fascinating. From the first line, I was hooked. I appreciate a good plot. But when the author bends it, molds it, and transforms it into a great plot, the reader can't help but be blown away. Spyder's emotions are beautifully translated onto the page. I felt all that was at stake for her whether she gave in to the curse or not. She was conflicted at best and tortured at worst, and it was all crystal clear. There is a talent and finesse to writing without overdoing it, and this is a perfect example of just the right amount of both. I want to read every story written about this world because the end of this book seems to be just the beginning.
3 comments:
Thank you so much for taking the time to read Spyder's Web! I'm thrilled that you love James and Spyder's story as much as I do. Although there is currently no plan for a sequel, I may change my mind if enough people write me and say they are interested in learning more about their world. ;)ReplyDelete
Suzanne Rock
I have to agree with the reviewer....the book rocks! (pun intended) way to go Sue!ReplyDelete
Suzanne Rocks. Way to represent!ReplyDelete
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Number Should not Start with 0 and -,Alphabet is not Allowed
An updated database of over 600 articles and counting gives you rich information about the following topics. These can keep you updated and also take some informed decisions irrespective of whether you are a small provider or an established head doctor of a hospital.
Here at MedicalBillersandCoders.com we try to provide solutions to this evergreen issue for doctors, medical administrative staff, billing and coding professionals to deal with the conventional as well as the latest trends in healthcare industry.
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Besides patient care, revenue cycle management and billing are two vital processes of any medical practice. Since cash flow depends on how well these processes are being handled, outsourcing your billing services can assure timely payments.
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We are constantly working towards acquiring the latest industry trends to ensure accurate, efficient and complete healthcare services to our clients.


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here what he said
I have released a dump of the PlayStation 3 Graphic Libraries for the RSX Hardware in the PS3, available in iRC EFNet #PS3News.
These are not machine readable, they are human readable.
They are being released because there is a wealth of information in there, and hacking NVidia GPU's is a specialist field. Hopefully the appropriate experts can take these files and provide necessary information to allow full RSX access from under linux. I am quite confident this is possible from my cursory scan of this data and the functions that exist in the PS3 Hypervisor. (Especially the undocumented RSX Register access functions).
In any event I will continue to work on this area.
Note, these files are from code that runs UNDER GameOS. Linux does not run under GameOS, it runs directly under the Hypervisor, so there are no Hypervisor calls in this data.
The data certainly reveals the structure of critical memory structures, register layout, etc.
hmm, if this "undocumented function" make us able to use RSX under Linux, this will be great


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Surf Dog Hall Of Fame
At the Eukenuba Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon, one of our top and most loyal surfing dogs, Buddy was honoured , with the first-ever spot in the Surf Dog Hall Of Fame!
Buddy, the surfing Jack Russell Terrier, has been a long-standing champion at every Surf Dog event. Buddy placed first in the first four events and took second place last year. At just 13 years young, this furry competitor has been dog surfing for more than 10 years and has experienced so many opportunities in the surfing world. Buddy decided to start surfing at the same time as his owner Bruce's 2 year old son. He jumped onto the young boy's boogie board and there was no turning back! His love for surfing grew as he evolved from a boogie board to a 5'6" Doyle softboard. From there, Buddy appeared on the front page of The Los Angeles Times, California Section (pictured below).
It was at this time that Buddy's surfing fame launched. He has been seen surfing on Animal Planet, Pet Star, ESPN, CNN, NBC, CBS Morning Show, and of course, Steve Jobs launch of the I-Pad where Buddy's surfing jack russell video "Wet and Woofy" was the featured video. On top of that, Buddy the Surfing Jack Russell picture has been published in Sport Illustrated, People, In Touch, Ventura Star and many more.
Congratulations Buddy!


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All of the websites promised an awesome time with your friends, so we were so excited to be a part of this.... So excited in fact that we didn't even mind (too much) that we had to wake up at an ungodlyhour to be race ready.
None of the girls could do our normal morning coffee routine before the race for fear of poop issues during the event.We walked around downtown colored head to toe and found our beloved Starbucks.
You can imagine the pride my kids felt when they first saw me. I'm sure they were thinking, "Man, Mom, you are so cool... I hope I can be just like you when I grow up." Okay, maybe they just laughed at me. Whatever.


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Oh I love being spoiled and sneak peaks to the NEW catalog is one of my favorite things! Available NOW in my online store is the NEW A Round Array bundle at a 15% discount! Stamp set and coordinating 7/8" Scallop Punch are perfectly suited for each other! See images below:
Available Solo! Purchase just the A Round Array Clear-Mount stamp set and you'll be on your way to creating cute projects. Wondering about Wood-Mount? This set will be available June 1st in Wood-Mount stamps!
Here are the product numbers for ordering:
Stamp Set + Punch Bundle at a 15% savings - $23.95:
English - 133899
Spanish - 133897
French - 133898
Stamp Set only, if you already have the 7/8" Scallop circle punch - $14.95:
English - 129090
Spanish - 131682
French - 131616
This bundle and stamp set are available at a discount now through May 30th. Plus order this week and earn FREE Sale-A-Bration product with your purchase!
Enjoy the Spring Surprise savings!
Have a great day!
~Kari Linder


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School News
SWAG on 6: Harold Sarmiento
NBC 6's Ari Odzer reports on a student who is working at greatness in his academics and community. (Published Friday, May 25, 2018)
The Code of Student Conduct
This site is designed to provide parents and students with information about the Code Book of Student Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct, Policy 5.8, provides specific information regarding the rules that all students are expected to adhere to, as well as consequences for violations. Important among these rules are consistent and timely attendance, respect for people and property, appropriate dress, technology usage, student publications, student activities, student records and the right to appeal, including grievance procedures.
School Choice Application
Would you like to join the Hurricane Family? Complete the online application.


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Mitt Romney Taps Paul Ryan As His VP Running Mate
Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney has tapped Paul Ryan as his running mate in the 2012 Presidential election! Read on for more details!
Mitt Romney announced on August 11 that his running mate in the Presidential election will be Paul Ryan!
Paul said, "I believe my record of getting things done in Congress will be a very helpful complement to Governor Romney's executive and private sector success outside Washington. I have worked closely with Republicans as well as Democrats to advance an agenda of economic growth, fiscal discipline, and job creation. Mitt Romney is a leader with the skills, the background and the character that our country needs at a crucial time in its history. Following four years of failed leadership, the hopes of our country, which have inspired the world, are growing dim; and they need someone to revive them. Governor Romney is the man for this moment; and he and I share one commitment: we will restore the dreams and greatness of this country."
It looks like Donald Trump's wish of becoming Mitt's running mate were squashed with this announcement.
How do YOU feel, HollywoodLifers? Are you happy with Paul Ryan as Mitt's running mate?
— Christopher Rogers
More on Mitt Romney:


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Unthinkable, it is, and the unions are caught right in the middle. What's valuable here? What's the price to maintain the value?
The notion that Boston, home to some of the country's top universities, could lose its major daily would have been unthinkable before the recent nationwide plunge in advertising revenue. That dive has triggered a wave of newspaper bankruptcies and the closing of the Rocky Mountain News and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
A Globe shutdown would leave the city with only one daily newspaper, the tabloid Boston Herald, which has just 10 news reporters and is battling its own financial difficulties.
"From the moment the Times Co. purchased The Globe in 1993, it has treated New England's largest newspaper like a cheap whore," former Globe columnist Eileen McNamara wrote last month in the Herald. "It pimped her out for profit during the booming 1990s and then pillaged her when times got tough. It closed her foreign bureaus and cheapened her coverage of everything from the fine arts to the hard sciences."
McNamara, who now teaches journalism at Brandeis University, ridiculed Sulzberger as "the boy genius whose crack management skills have helped drive the parent company of two of journalism's most respected newspapers to the brink of bankruptcy."
The Globe says the parent company is seeking $10 million in savings from the Newspaper Guild -- the paper's largest union -- as well as $5 million from the mailers, $2.5 million from the drivers and $2.2 million from the pressmen.
N.Y. Times to File Notice It Will Close Boston Globe - washingtonpost.com


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Thursday, May 30, 2013
LIFE AFTER LIFE by Kate Atkinson
But who really cares? If you like a story idea, by all means reward its author. We all know how hard it is to come up wth original concepts. So here goes. First things first. The title. Search this title and you'll obviously get many other non fiction books by the same title, relating to the afterlife.
I thought Life After Life was non fiction too, and after reading Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander, M.D. several weeks ago, I thought LAF was along those same lines, but it's a novel, and that means the story could be be about anything. And guess what? This book is about maybe too many things, but somehow it still works for me. You'll notice this novel has garnered mostly good reviews (by open-minded readers) on Amazon. That being said, it also has about 45 One-Star reviews from readers who hated it. I think it's safe to clasify these readers as "literary purists".
They're just not having it. All the weird plot structure and unusual back and forth, as in "not moving the story forward" kind of writing, which delivers too much backstory early on and mixing the past and present throughout. Good heavens, a deadly sin. Lord have mercy on you if you ever commit such a literary sin. Shame on you. Okay, you get the picture. You know where I'm going with this, but hang on, there are a few surprises to be had here.
You know I'm not that predictable. The point is, this author took a chance, and more importantly her publisher (Reagan Arthur Books, a Little Brown And Company imprint) took a bigger chance that seems to be paying off. And in case you haven't noticed the recent shift in the publishing world, take note of all the obscure (to me) imprints that noteworthy publishers are touting these days with a great deal of success.
What do all these imprints mean? In a word or two, niche marketing. Publishers know there is a market for just about every kind of book (story) out there. And while these small markets are miniscule compared to their full-blown genre counterparts, sub-genre stories are coming on strong these days. Books have always taken the lead from Hollywood movies, as far as story structure goes, and conversely, Hollywood thrives off bestsellng books.
I truly believe the days of hardcore genres is out though. The same goes for the music industry. Today's hits are a mix of many genres. Virtually nothing is pure Country, pure R&B or pure anything anymore. Novels are going through the same metamorphosis and that's a good thing. Of course, you can't be all things to all people. Genres, hardcore genres, that is, still have their place and always will, but the days of Romantic Historical Tragic Comedies are here to stay. Okay, maybe that's a stretch but you get the picture.
These kind of stories are multi-textured and offer great latitude in the sales department. Yes folks, there's the "S" word. Sales, as in profits. Does everything have to lead to money? Uh, YES! Maybe that's why so many publishers steer away from literay masterpieces flexing for a Pulizer Prize. Awards like these may be good for the author but not so lucrative for publisher's bottom line.
Just ask Paul Harding. Remember him? (2010 Pulizer Prize for Tinkers)
Posted by A. R. Arias at 9:17 AM
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Buy opera series tickets and view calendar
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Recent Comments
By a curious physics student
John Baez has recently blogged about network theory and I enjoyed those posts very much.
He also provided a link to an excellent set of notes on chemical reaction networks:
I've begun working through these and plan to post about the subject in the future.
This is very much my "cup of tea". I am very interested in the abstract physics and mathematics, but equally in how those abstract ideas could apply to biology and chemistry. Although my slant at the moment is more biophysics than mathematical biology, both are fields with a huge potential and definitely somewhere I will try to make a contribution.


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Saturday, January 26, 2013
My Zoo: Up to no good!
These adorable faces greeted me earlier this week after a long day at work. What also awaited me was one of my little mermaid blankets with the stuffing pulled out all over the living room. Can you guess who the guilty one is? I have my suspisions but I guess I will never know which one actually started the fun!
Posted by A. Wilder at 9:00 AM No comments:
Labels: Wilder Zoo
Friday, January 25, 2013
Majestic Theatre 2nd Annual Bridal Expo
I jumped at the chance to be a vendor at this years 2nd annual Bridal Expo held at the beautiful Majestic Theatre in downtown Kankakee earlier this month. With the help of my husband and a couple of friends I was set up and ready in record time. The shows turn out was amazing and I had so much fun meeting other vendors and future brides as they looked over my custom handmade paper goods. This was my biggest show to date and I look forward to expanding to larger events in the future.
One of the perks of attending bridal expos, future brides get the change to win raffled off goodies from participating vendors. My basket consisted of a custom handcrafted scrapbook shadowbox, a yummy bottle of Moscato and some Dove Chocolate bites.
As my first time at the Majestic I was blown away by the beauty of it as an event venue. Recently remodeled it is the perfect location for weddings. I loved the "town mall" area -where local businesses can rent a small store front. They were adorable and I look forward to visiting the shops soon. Who knows maybe Creative Scrapz will be there one day!
Posted by A. Wilder at 9:01 PM No comments:
Labels: Bridal Expo
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
ATHM: Little Monsters :)
ATHM-All Things Hand Made:
I enjoy creating unique shadow boxes especially as gifts for showers. Here is a little monsters themed page I recently created for a friends baby shower to go with their nursery theme. Monster sticker die cuts, solid and patterned papers make this layout pop with color-cute and fun! It was a huge hit at the baby shower as well :)
I enjoy creating unique shadow boxes especially as gifts for showers. Here is a little monsters themed page I recently created for a friends baby shower to go with their nursery theme. Monster sticker die cuts, solid and patterned papers make this layout pop with color-cute and fun! It was a huge hit at the baby shower as well :)
Posted by A. Wilder at 10:34 PM No comments:
Labels: All things handmade, scrapbooking, Shadow Box
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Project Life-Week 1
Off to a great start with this scrappy project. Completed week 1 (Jan 1-5) this evening. I really like how this new page came out from the photo collages to the hand written journaling. I am getting more comfortable playing around in photoshop-making photo collages so that I don't have to limit myself to just one photo for an event. This project will guarentee that I get some much needed scrappy time in at least once a week and for that I am grateful.
Posted by A. Wilder at 10:11 PM No comments:
Thursday, January 3, 2013
In the kitchen-Tilapia with quinoa and shredded brussel sprouts
Somthing I want to focus on in the new year is eating healthy and fresh foods on a regular basis, With busy schedules its easy to just grab a meal on the go and not think twice about what we put into our bodies. Here is a quick and yummy dinner idea I had the other night made right in my kitchen:
Broiled Lemon Tilapia with shredded brussel sprouts and a side of Organic Tri colored Quinoa.
Serves 1 (easily adjusted for larger quantities)
4oz Tilapia Filet
2 Lemon slices
1/4 tbs butter sliced
Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute-I love this stuff! so much flavor without all the salt
Tin foil to make a foil packet
2 slices of Hormel uncured natural bacon-diced
about 8 large (~109g) shredded brussel sprouts (I wash the sprouts, cut off the ends, remove loose leaves and chop)
1 shallot diced (~20g)
Black pepper to taste
1 cup uncooked rinsed Trader Joe's Organic Tri-colored Quinoa (makes 4 servings, each serving is roughly 150g cooked)
Repunzel Vegan Vegetable Bouillon-1 cube
2 cups water
1. Preheat oven or convection oven to 400F
2. Thaw Tilapia in cold water
3. On medium-low heat fry up diced bacon slices to taste (I like them crispy), once bacon is almost done add the diced shallot to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the shredded brussel sprouts to the pan and sautee for 15-20 minutes. I like to see them brown a little while cooking. Add black pepper to taste.
4. While brussel sprouts are cooking, in a small sauce pan bring the water, bouillon cube, and rinsed Quinoa to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover-heating for 10-15 minutes until water is evaporated and the quinoa has a transluscent color. After cooked remove from heat and fluff with a fork prior to serving.
5. Season thawed Tilapia with TJ 21 seasoning salute (I use about 1/4-1/2 tsp) on both sides. Put thin slices of butter on the foil, place the tilapia on top of the butter. Place 2 lemon slices on top and add the rest of the butter slices. Fold the foil over to make a foil packet-this will cook the fish and allow the lemon and butter to add flavor without making a mess.
6. Place the foil packet into the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until Tilapia is fully cooked-it should be flakey when done. Time may vary based on ovens and size of fillets.
For those counting calories this yummy dinner comes just under 450 calories!
Posted by A. Wilder at 9:00 AM No comments:
Labels: In the kitchen
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Project Life 2013-so it begins...
|Project Life 2013: Cover Page
Happy New Year!! Hoping everyone's 2013 is off to a great start. I am starting off my year in my favorite way-scrapbooking. Scrapbooking has always been a way for me to escape and just let my creativity flow. My way to tell a story and capture memories to share with others. I am always looking to learn new techniques/styles and don't like to limit myself. Last year I came across Project Life and I loved the simplicity of it. I did not purchase the kits that are available for this-but there are some great ones out there as well as awesome freebies posted regularly! Instead I want to keep my own handcrafted element in the project.
With scrapbooking today there are so many different trends and fads constantly changing-its impossible to keep up!! This is why I can't wait to see what my results with project life will become by the end of this year-something more streamlined, focusing on the importance of photos and journaling. My goal is to sit down one day each week and complete my pages on time-updates on everyday life whether they be big or small.
I look forward to this project and will update weekly with photos on my progress.
Happy Scrapping!
Posted by A. Wilder at 9:27 PM No comments:
Labels: Project Life 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Good Bye 2012
My creative scrapz in review of 2012: various cards, invitations and scrapbooks created throughout 2012. I'm looking forward to more creations in the new year.
Other changes I'm hoping to implement in the new year is regular posts on here with new themes to keep me organized and motivated to post. Be on the look out for:
In the kitchen-my adventures with food and restaurant reviews
All things handmade-various projects that I hope to work on throughout the year including paper crafts, crochet, jewelry and other crafts that I may explore
Wilder zoo-updates on my lovable pets
Project Life-weekly update on a new to me scrapbooking style I want to try out for 2013 to help me stay focused and complete an album by the end of the year. Inspired by Project life started by Becky Higgins.
Ugly Paper Challenge-Will return when I start this up again with scrapbook.com
I may add others as they come up through out the new year!
Posted by A. Wilder at 4:43 PM No comments:
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FRESH, REGIONAL PRODUCE MAKES IT EASY TO EAT YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES ON CAMPUS posted 05/26/09
As fresh as the produce is on campus it's easy to want to eat your recommended daily allowance of fruits and vegetables on campus.
GREEN UH UNVEILS ON-LINE REPORTING STRUCTURE FOR GREEN COURSES, RESEARCH posted 05/26/09
The University of Houston announced today the availability of on-line reporting for UH green research and courses.
COMMUNITY GRADUATIONS CEREMONIES posted 05/26/09
The University of Houston will be hosting several community graduations.
TWO UH PROJECTS WIN OUTSTANDING DESIGN AWARDS posted 05/21/09
The University of Houston, Writing Center Renovations and University of Houston System, Sugar Land
Academic Building with Wharton County Junior College have been selected to appear as an Outstanding
Design in the 2009 American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase -- the premier
competition honoring education interiors excellence.
VIRTUAL DIETICIAN posted 05/20/09
It is said that when students go off to college they will gain the
Freshman 15.
EAST PARKING GARAGE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS PHOTOS posted 05/19/09
Construction continues on the East Parking Garage, a five-level 1500 parking space facility.
FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS posted 05/18/09
Thanks to the tenacious efforts of a Utility Services employee, the University of Houston
received a half-million dollar credit on its gas account.
CLICK IT OR TICKET CAMPAIGN posted 05/12/09
The annual Texas Department of Transportation Memorial Day Click It or Ticket Mobilization campaign
is almost underway.
JAVA CITY CONVERTS TO FAIR TRADE BY FALL 2009 posted 05/04/09
Plans are underway to convert the Java City in the University Center to Fair Trade coffee by fall 2009,
UH Dining Services announced today.
MOMMA GREEN ON THE SCENE posted 05/04/09
Anyone that frequents Oberhotzer Hall knows Annette Green because when you
walk in, you are greeted with a smile and a "Hey baby how you doing?"
FINAL MANIA LATE NIGHT BREAKFAST - MAY 6, 2009 posted 05/01/09
De-stress with Free Late Night Breakfast & Games


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…Have a great Weekend…
Don't Forget to do your Gymnastics!
photo via pixdaus.com
Een kleinigheidje, we doen het zo na............ denk ik,
fijn weekend en groetjes Pauline
Yooooouuu tooooo!
How I wish I coud do that.
Have a great weekend. Rain for us tomorrow.
still hot here...I wish your clouds would come overhere too...
So funny!!! :)
Have a great weekend,
We are at the Sunflower Festival in GEORGIA,USA celebrating the 4th of July Holiday and doing a book signing. The weather is beautiful, the sunflowers are blooming like crazy and I think I will do a cartwheel too!
Give your little goaties a cookie for me!


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On July 28, 2011 a one-of-a-kind Mustang, the Blue Angels Mustang, was auctioned at the 2011 Experimental Aircraft association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis. In all, the car sold for $400,000 and came with a Blue Angels flight helmet signed by the current flight team.
The car, which is collaboration between Ford and EAA AirVenture, was inspired by the Blue Angels naval aviation demonstration team. It features a blue chrome finish with a yellow gloss accent and "Blue Angels" scripted along with its iconic crest. On the inside you'll find The Blue Angels' crest stitched into its leather Recaro seats. As for the car's powerplant, it is powered by a super-charged 5.0L V8 engine producing more than 500 horsepower. The car also comes equipped with a Ford Racing handling pack, performance exhaust, and racetrack brake components.
"Ford is a long-time supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight," said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the 'Blue Angels' Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA's ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts." Ford says the "Blue Angels" Mustang will be on display inside the Ford Hangar during EAA AirVenture.
Looking back, Ford has partnered with EAA for the past three years, creating special one-of-a-kind Mustangs each season. In 2008, they created the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 "Raptor". It featured a glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, the AV-X10 "Dearborn Doll" auctioned was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, Carroll Shelby, a former U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a long-time P-51 pilot, collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 "Blackbird" inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet. In all, Ford's support for the EAA Young Eagles program has exceeded $1.3 million in recent years.
"The Ford Design and Engineering team members have really embraced the opportunity to build these one-off projects," said Kevin Keling, Ford corporate events manager. "We develop the theme early and then marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the team. This blue chrome paint is fantastic and unlike any thing you'll see in production anywhere. The small details such as puddle lamps projecting jets are amazing!"
The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles, and took place on Thursday, July 28, at the EAA AirVenture Museum. According to a press release, the Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become the engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists, and innovators - the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.Source URL: http://zinarala.blogspot.com/2011/08/eaa-blue-angels-mustang-latest-reviews.html
Visit New Car Modification for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection


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I know that many of you who read this blog have experienced great loss.
I know that some of you have been touched by or appreciative of advice or personal suggestions I have offered in the wake of someone's death.
I know that many of you know more than I do, and can help my friend right now.
Her daughter's friend and schoolmate died yesterday.
Please stop by and offer some words.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sunday Link Love: When Children Die (Dammit!) Everyone Loses
Posted by gwendomama at 10:53 AM
Labels: NaBloPoMo, Sunday Link Love, When children die
2 comments:
Life is so damn fragile.
Going off to hug my kids.
Thanks for the reminder.
Rebecca F.
- November 09, 2008 4:51 PM
Aww my heart goes out to the family.
- November 10, 2008 10:58 AM
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Apple iPhone 4 Wide Screen Internet iPhone
Posted by Ridho Yudistira Posted on 9:28 PM with No comments
The telephone has a ipod device very good music player which assists the file formats like MP3, AAC, AIFF, WAV and Apple lossless. The telephone has a touchscreen search and then search the function in only one touch. The telephone gets the games like motion support game and may also download games of the kind. You have access to internet in your cell phone with the aid of HTML browser, internet browser.
The Apple apple iphone 4 can be used the three like a contact cell phone, like a payg cell phone, SIM free phone . Every single phone has its very own advantages. Just in case from the contract contact you will go using the obligations of the cell phone monthly. In this you'll also provide some freebies also plus some occasions thee freebies involves cell phones too. In SIM free cell phone you could have the SIM connection and also the cell phone of your liking. In pay while you cell phone you've got no restriction as possible opt for th facility of creating advance payment of bill. All of the three cheap apple iphone 4 deals are supplying some really awesome and mind coming features like free text, free minutes, cash return offer, text n talk service and much more.
This cheap apple iphone 4 has a 16GB and 32 GB and expensive memory. The telephone has a 7 hrs talk-time with 3rd generation and 14 hrs talk-time with 2G. The telephone provides you with the ability of being able to access internet with the aid of internet browser and HTML browser. The telephone props up HSDPA, Quad band technology. You are able to opt for different websites in order to possess a proper details about the cell phone.


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Wednesday, March 16, 2011
yoga, news & birthday
After an early morning Yoga class and a trip to the market
I went home, working, reading and just hoping for
some good news from Japan.
Happy Birthday Mister kay...
we will have some Thai food and carot cake tonight.
I did get him Dexter and some money for Japan
We love Sleeveface
8 comments:
- soisses said...
happy birthday mr kay :) ich wünsch euch einen wunderbaren abend...
- March 16, 2011 at 7:59 PM
- Merle said...
Congratulation to Mr. Kay :)
Hope all of your friends are still ok! Nice pic!
- March 16, 2011 at 9:01 PM
- Roboti und da Höm said...
Happy birthday to Mr. Kay!
I thought I did post a comment about the music? Perhaps it was lost in the wide web...
Those Dancing Days ist a great Swedish group of girls making beautiful Indie Pop - so adorable! I love the song Hitten on their first Cd.
I keep my fingers crossed for your friends in Japan. Shocking that the news are becoming bader every single day, I hope to hear some good news on the radio soon!
- March 17, 2011 at 8:40 AM
- ibb said...
Happy birthday mr kay.
Enjoy a lot!
- March 17, 2011 at 10:31 AM
Happy Birthday Mr. Kay and have a nice day! I love your white lamp!
- March 17, 2011 at 10:50 AM
- Tracy Lorna Nors said...
happy birthday Mr Kay, hope you both have a lovely evening.xxx
- March 17, 2011 at 11:44 AM
- Amy said...
Happiest of Birthdays to You, Mr. Kay! I'll bet that carrot cake was good....
- March 17, 2011 at 5:26 PM
- Frau Haselmayer said...
Happy Birthday to Mr. Kay! :)
- March 18, 2011 at 2:00 AM


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I've had a lot going on with work, relationships, my dad's illness, my son starting pre-school, my blog, and on and on. We all have struggles so I know you can relate. When things are extra stressful in my life, exercise helps me cope. And I've been doing a lot of that lately. Getting really good and sweaty and fighting wars in my mind. Cursing cancer and feeling blessed for the experience of love. I'm also trying to add in periods of rest. Stillness. Time to just
Time to listen to my heart. Time to share my thankfulness and blessings with God. And time to listen for HIS guidance. I don't know why it's so hard to just take these moments for myself, but I know they are necessary. I find that right after dropping my son off at school, just sitting alone in my car for a few quiet moments can help ground me and prepare me for the day. But it's not enough. There needs to be more time to turn off the constant slew of thoughts, fear, worry, anxiousness, sadness.
I set out some goals for myself for 2013 and they have been really challenged. I'm "renewing my vows" :) to myself right now. I feel like if I don't examine my life and what's important and how I want to live, then I will just be on the wheel, going nowhere. In the stillness, answers come. Through exercise and getting stronger answers come.
I'm wishing moments of peace and stillness for you too. Have a beautiful day.
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Big Wave Trading incorporates a Mechanical Disciplined Signal Generated System and uses a Market Model system to invest profitably in the stock and futures markets. Big Wave Trading also incorporates a strict risk management system and cuts losses immediately if a new purchase does not work in our favored direction right away.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Another Hindenburg sighting; Europe Emerges from Recession
Its official European nations are out of recession as GDP rises above expectations. The news did very little for US stock futures and neither did Mortgage Applications which fell 4.7% week over week. Homebuilders once again were weak on the session and continue to look very weak. Buyers kept to the sidelines today with the market drifting in a range all day long. Keeping the market from pulling back further was AAPL as the stock punched through $500 or what was known earlier this year as the generational bottom. We continue to move sideways in this market digesting July's gains and we remain patient studying price. Another Hindenburg sighting was made today making it the 6th time in 8 days (Business Insider and Zerohedge confirmed) the magical formula for predicting crashes has shown up. The omen doesn't have a perfect track record by any stretch of the imagination, but it did show up in similar fashion in 2007 and 2000 prior to those bear markets. Can we reasonably guess the same will occur? No. We'll simply follow price action and let it dictate our next move. Key levels on the downside are 1680 and on the upside is 1710. If we do see this market plunge through 1680 in heavy trade we may have something to the downside. Until then we are sticking with our plan. Here are the Hindenburg Omens: http://www.zerohedge.com/sites/default/files/images/user3303/imageroot/2013/08/20130814_Hind.png Homebuilding stocks continue to take a beating and today was not an exception. ITB and XHB are in downtrends and continue to act weak. Both ETFs are signaling more lows and if buyers do not step up here homebuilders are at risk of a steep decline. Probabilities say a modest decline is certainly likely. In the same boat, but further down the stream are JNK and HYG. High Yield tends to run alongside equities, but not since May. HYG and JNK continue to show weakness in the High Yield space calling into question if we are about to see some trouble in High Yield land. As the 10 year moves higher the ability for questionable borrowing will simply become more difficult to obtain. Perhaps another "omen" for this market, but we'll need to see further evidence. Will the Hindenburg turn into something real this time around? Stay tuned.
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Back in November of last year, Fox Car Report reviewed the 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXL. That car was equipped with all-wheel drive and the midrange 3.0-liter, 252-horsepower V6 that General Motors felt would be the most popular choice among LaCrosse buyers. Autos editor Gary Gastelu disagreed after driving it, saying, "I don't think that it should." Having separately driven and reviewed the exact same car, I agree completely with that sentiment.
The 3.0L V6 in the LaCrosse CXL AWD had the dubious distinction of feeling utterly gutless while delivering no fuel-economy benefit as a consolation prize. Overall, it was terribly disappointing. General Motors apparently got the memo from owners and scribes like us, and is pulling the engine from the 2011 lineup. Instead, the '11 LaCrosse will only be offered with the base 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder like the one tested here and a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both powertrains are currently available on 2010 cars.
GG: This time around I drove the latest from Buick, the 2011 Regal. It has the more impressive distinction of being built in Germany. A notch smaller than the LaCrosse, the midsize Regal sedan is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia, which was voted 2009 European Car of the Year. More intriguing, it comes standard with the same engine and transmission combo as the entry-level LaCrosse, and has a nearly identical sticker price for 2011 - $26,995 vs. $27,245 respectively – despite it being a much smaller car.
I remember assuming that since the mid-grade 3.0 V6 was so weak-kneed, the four-cylinder must be dreadful. Now, having spent a week with a base 2010 Buick LaCrosse CX with the smaller engine mounted underhood, I realize what a dumb assumption that was. While the CX is the stripper model in the LaCrosse range, it doesn't make you feel like you're giving up all that much by picking it. On paper, the 2.4-liter is 73 horsepower down on the 3.0-liter V6, but from a practical standpoint, it concedes nothing. Off the line, it actually feels a little more responsive, and it's eminently capable around town. You won't find a lot of passing power on demand here, but it's no worse off than with the now-euthanized 3.0-liter six-cylinder, which looks even more pitiful in this context. Plus, the four-cylinder gets better mileage. With the V6, I averaged mid to upper teens. After around 270 miles of driving in the four-cylinder it had delivered 21 miles per gallon, - the EPA rating is 23 mpg combined.
GG: The Regal is about six inches shorter in length and weighs 250 pounds less than the LaCrosse, but it has the exact same fuel economy rating, which is a little odd. The engine feels even livelier here, though, especially at speed. It's hushed, too. Buick really has this sound-deadening thing down pat these days. It probably picked up a few tricks during all of those years that it had its head in the sand with the rest of General Motors.
I worried that the four-cylinder might be a little noisy hauling around 3,829 pounds of LaCrosse, but those fears were unfounded. The passenger compartment is so quiet and well-isolated that at most you'll hear a muted growl from beyond the firewall. Despite the econocar engine, the driving experience is luxury-oriented. To that end, you get good steering response and feel, and a suspension that's compliant without resorting to floatiness. This definitely isn't the Buick that grandpa drove when you were a little kid.
GG: Nevertheless, the LaCrosse can't hold a candle to the Regal when it comes to driver involvement. The steering is much heftier on the Deutsche Buick, and very quick. Perhaps a little too much so as it tends to twitch when hit with road imperfections. This car loves the highway, and not in an indifferent boulevardier sort of way. It's engaging, even on otherwise boring stretches where it feels drilled into the asphalt, just asking for you to make a change of direction.
The only options on my LaCrosse tester were 17-inch aluminum wheels ($350) and the pretty "Red Jewel Tintcoat" paint finish ($325). One thing that jumps out at you with the 17s fitted is just how big of a car the LaCrosse is. The wheels look undersized against the rest of the bodywork. Otherwise, the fast roofline and subtle bodyside "sweep spear" (a styling cue that dates back to the Buicks of the late '40s) help conceal the sedan's visual bulk. The head and taillights do a respectable Lexus ES impression, while the big waterfall grille adds some legit curbside panache.
GG: Eighteen inch wheels are standard equipment on the Regal CXL and they combine with the nicely-flared fenders to give the otherwise simply-designed four-door a purposeful stance. The plain, arching roof could be from any number of cars, but the hockey stick character lines dressing its flanks give it a speedy urgency. The waterfall grille is here, but compared to the LaCrosse, it's merely a trickle. What I really want to know is who forgot to install the fake vents on the hood like every other Buick has? Whoever is responsible for this should get a bonus at the end of the year. Paid in euros.
Inside the LaCrosse CX, you'll find comfortable, cloth-upholstered seats. Leather isn't an option, but no matter: the soft fabric neither looks nor feels cheap, and I'd forgotten how nice it can be to not have leather seats during a heat wave. And while on the topic of sweltering weather, the LaCrosse's effective air conditioning quickly reduces the cabin temperature to meat-freezer levels.
GG: Hides are standard on the Regal CXL, and the sporty front seats are heated, too. What was that about sweltering weather?
As for the rest of the interior, the LaCrosse CX is no different in terms of presentation or quality-feel than the pricier trim levels. You're treated to soft-touch, accent-stitched surfaces on the upper door panels and on top of the elegantly-styled wraparound dash that envelops the front passengers. There's even an electric parking brake, like you find in some upmarket European sedans. Taking in the surroundings, you'd never guess the car stickers well south of $30,000.
GG: The cabin of the Regal is the polar opposite of the glitzy and glamorous surrounds found in the LaCrosse. There's black everywhere, and an austere, tough-looking design that somehow encourages aggression behind the wheel – at least for me. It's all squishy, though, and while the leather errs on the sturdy side, it's far from cheap. Chronograph-style gauges are very much an import touch, unlike the "Curse of the Crystal Skull" dials found in its American cousin.
The front seats of the LaCrosse are supportive and all-day comfortable, but the real winners may be the back seat passengers, who are treated to ridiculously generous legroom. I put two children in booster seats back there for a trip to a local cruise night and, while they too had oodles of space, they also exposed the Achilles heel of cashmere-colored seat fabric: little feet in dirty Crocs will leave marks that you'll want to clean promptly for fear of long-term staining.
GG: This is as good a time as any to mention that the LaCrosse rides on a stretched version of the Regal's platform – known internally at GM as Epsilon II. As a result, don't expect to cross your legs in the rear compartment of this short wheelbase derivative. It's no worse back there than most midsize competitors, but your knees won't be knocking in excitement, either. Even the booster seat bunch will cramp tall drivers.
Outward visibility in the LaCrosse has some shortcomings. The main penalty for the swoopy roofline is steeply-angled pillars up front, which do a wonderful job of obscuring your vision in turns. The view straight back is fine on the road, but you'll be cursing the high rump when you're backing out of spaces in tight parking lots. Same goes for a hood that falls out of sight at the bottom of the windshield.
GG: On this point, the Regal has the LaCrosse beat – hands and top down. Its thin roof pillars offer an excellent view out in all directions. Score one for function over form.
The base audio system that comes with the LaCrosse (AM/FM/XM/CD with an AUX jack) sounds great, and I love the straightforward dials for volume and tuning, but the supplemental buttons are a little busy to look at. Ditto the climate control interface. At night, everything looks very similar when backlit in the soft blue illumination, which is also used in a pleasant ambient lighting strip across the dashboard - even here in the base model.
GG: The Regal has just about as many buttons as the LaCrosse, but my tester was fitted with a $4,785 option package that includes an infotainment system with navigation that kicks things up a notch. It offers up a very Teutonic control knob in easy reach on the center console to control most of its functions, but not all. Some instead require the use of a dial on the dash, as well as a few of those buttons. What makes this particularly annoying is that in several other GM products the same system uses a touch-screen interface, and the graphics on the display haven't been changed much, so you just want to reach out and press the virtual buttons to make things happen, but end up just smudging the screen.
Bluetooth wasn't included on the LaCrosse – it's part of a $900 comfort and convenience package that adds a bunch of stuff I really didn't miss, like remote start, additional seat controls, and a universal garage remote. A standalone Bluetooth option would be nice to see, or better still – make it standard equipment like Kia manages to do on its $14,000 Forte sedan (or Buick does on the Regal CXL). One final annoyance: There's no trunk release inside the car; you need to use the key fob to pop it, and you only get 13.3 cubic feet of space for your trouble thanks to intrusive gooseneck-style hinges - disappointing for a big car like this.
GG: I don't know how, I don't know why, but somehow the Regal's trunk is a cube larger than the one in the LaCrosse. Maybe it's due to hinges that appear to be half the size of the larger car's?
All said and done, the Buick LaCrosse CX is a whole lot of car for the money, and the four-cylinder is a surprisingly nice fit. The base LaCrosse is classy-looking, roomy, and it gets good fuel economy for a car its size. Compared to the first LaCrosse I drove, this one had less power and fewer options. And you know what? I liked it a lot better. Go figure.
GG: Having also spent a week in the vehicle that Alex did, I fully concur with his assessment. The LaCrosse is a great car to ride around in. On the other hand, the Regal is a much more enjoyable car to drive around in. (Un)fortunately, I have two kids, and they're growing quickly, so the extra room that the LaCrosse offers for the same price tips the scales in its favor.
Ultimately, while it appears that Buick is competing against itself with these two sedans, it isn't. They are worlds apart, and the Regal can definitely hold its head high against the cars the company actually hopes that it will be cross-shopped against, like the Acura TSX, Volvo S60 and Audi A4.
However, if you like the Regal and have your heart set on an import, you'd better buy one quickly. Starting early next year, Buick is moving production to a factory located in Oshawa, Canada, which technically makes it a domestic car. With exchange rates the way they are, that should do wonders for GM's cash flow, but as for cache…let's see how it fares in the North American Car of the Year Awards.
2010 Buick LaCrosse CX
Base Price: $27,245
Type: 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan
Engine: 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder
Power: 182 hp, 172 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
MPG: 19 city/30 hwy
2011 Buick Regal CXL
Base Price: $26,995
Type: 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan
Engine: 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder
Power: 182 hp, 172 lb-ft torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
MPG: 19 city/30 hwy


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Kristen Stewart got to lock lips with both Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse," and it seems like all the — cough, cough — hard work paid off: Both smooches are up for Best Kiss at Sunday's 2011 MTV Movie Awards.
We went straight to Stewart's fellow celebs to ask: Which lip-lock should come out on top?
"Vampire Diaries" star Kat Graham knows a thing or two about hot supernatural guys, and she has a very strong opinion about which kiss rules in "Eclipse": "I love Taylor Lautner," she gushed. "He could be making out with a hamburger, and I would be like, 'Best kiss ever!' "
Olympian Johnny Weir also seems to be a member of Team Jacob. "Taylor Lautner in that movie was, you know, rocking the sex," he exclaimed, most likely referencing Lautner's ever-present abs in the franchise.
"X-Men: First Class" actress Rose Byrne is leaning toward Team Edward when it comes to the kisses, even calling out Pattinson's fan-favorite nickname: "I think it will be RPattz."
Elle Fanning, whose sister Dakota stars in the "Twilight" flicks, concurred with Byrne, reasoning that Stewart's Bella is "marrying Edward, so you sort of have to pick Edward."
"X-Men" hottie Michael Fassbender might not know Edward from Jacob, but he did pick one of the actors over the other. "I'm just going to go with Robert," he said.
Hilary Duff kept it right in the middle with her choice. "You're really going for all the tough questions, aren't you?" she teased. "In the first movie, it was better with Edward, and I think [then] it was better with Jacob," she said. "Was that politically correct?"
Stewart's "Eclipse" kisses are up against Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt ("Inception"), Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe ("Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1") and Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis ("Black Swan"). Hosted by Jason Sudeikis, the 20th annual MTV Movie Awards air live this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California.


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Summer is fast upon us....need a cute teacher gift, birthday gift or maybe just something cute for your own feet?
Well, here ya go....
I love when I can create something really beautiful, quickly and on a budget! And this project is all that!
What you need:
- Flip Flops (from big box craft store - $2.99 BEFORE coupon)
- Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Mini Dew Drops, Tear Drops andDiamonds - - any color / any mix
- A good, clear drying, permanent adhesive (I am using E6000 available at your big box craft store)
- Stiff paint brush
- Tweezers
Step 1: Gather all of the Dew Drops, Mini Dew Drops, Tear Drops and Diamonds you own, and pour a small amount of each into a bowl -- mix them up!
Step 2: Apply a small glob of adhesive to band of flip flop and spread using your stiff paint brush.
Step 3: Apply Dew Drops selected randomly from your mixed dish and apply to band using tweezers or fingers (I find it easier to use my fingers - - always have wet wipes handy, though!)
Designer tip: To get the effect of sea glass, do not apply your dew drops flat -- push them up against each other, with some being adhered on their side...it makes a beautiful textured effect!
Picture this: Your beautiful sea glass flip flops packaged with a bottle of sunscreen and a beach towel inside a sand bucket with shovel - - and then add that fabulous sunglasses shaped card Colleen showed us yesterday - summer gift perfection!
Thanks for stopping by today - - hope to see you post and tag Robin's Nest with your own fun flip flops!


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Hi all,
I have just finished another layout of my baby niece Kaleaha. Yep, I realise I've scrapped this same photo more than once, but these lovely Making Memories papers I won from OhMyCrafts were just screaming for a cute baby photo. This one has actually been in progress for ages, but I was inspired to finish it when I saw the current inspiration challenge over at Butterfly Crafts, as it was the perfect challenge for this colour scheme.
Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.
Holly xo
17 July 2011
3 comments:
- Jasmine S said...
Oh this is so so beautiful. You can scrap that photo as many times as you like because it is just gorgeous. I love how you didn't over work the paper and used just the right amount of embellies.
- July 17, 2011 at 8:32 PM
- Rachael Funnell said...
Such a Pretty Layout...
When you have gorgeous pic like that, I think you need to scrap more than once!!! hehehehe
I think we have all done it!
have a wonderful DAY!
- July 18, 2011 at 6:35 AM
- Barb Turner said...
- July 18, 2011 at 9:08 PM
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Over the summer, while I was going through the wonders and delights of my first trimester, the temperature shot up to the high 90's and low 100's. Our apartment does not have air conditioning. My dad, concerned, asked what we were going to do about it. "Set up a fan," we said. "Sleep in our underwear, and spray cold water on ourselves before bed."
"What about moving?"
"Not in the budget," we said.
I lay on the couch fighting morning sickness while Dad relayed information to Mom. "They're probably going to rent month-to-month until they can find another apartment with air conditioning." That's not what I said at all, I thought. What I said probably just came out as moaning. It's hard to win an argument while you're trying not to throw up.
So we set up a fan and slept in our underwear and soaked our clothes and managed to survive the summer. It was hot, but we did it. And now it's cooling down, and we're very happy about it, and we're looking around, saying, "Hmm. We need to make room for a baby."
A few days ago, some friends told us they were selling their contract for a two-bedroom apartment. Hmm. Two bedrooms would be nice. We went to take a look at it. This is much bigger than our current apartment, we thought. This would be nice. We took a look at our budget. We can afford this. And, since our landlord still hasn't gotten around to writing out a year-long contract for us, we've been renting month-to-month. Almost in spite of our best efforts, we have proven my father's words correct.
But hey – we're moving! As of next month, we'll be living about a mile east, and with significantly more space. Hooray! ♦


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We decided to celebrate Joaquin's birthday a month early this year since we will be at Ian's brother, Chris's wedding on his birthday. And, since Elijah and Joaquin are exactly 13 months apart (April 26th and May 26th) we had a dual birthday party. We figured the boys are small enough to share a party now and soon enough when they get older they probably will want their own separate day of celebration, but for now, it was fun to do them together!
Birthday boy Elijah
He carefully licked all the icing off his #3 candle
Birthday boy Joaquin
This little one, on the other hand, watched his brother getting the icing off the candle, took a huge bite out of the wax #2 and swallowed it faster than we could all say "no"!
Clapping after the boys blew out their candle
This is what we look like when we actually say "cheese". Really a horrible face for a kid to give to the camera!
Me trying to teach him a big smile!
Mommy trying to tickle and make him laugh. His face in this photo makes me think this is what he is going to look like when he gets older and mommy embarrasses him! Ha!
Joaquin's bandit playdough masque daddy made
I have to admit that the playdough potato head set that Uncle John gave the boys was super fun! Mommy and Daddy played just as much as the boys did!
Ian's playdough mustache
Joaquin showing off his new train set
I can't believe Joaquin is already 2! Our boys are growing up so quickly!
He loved his Thomas the train choo-choo set
I've been trying to teach Elijah to "smile normal" when the camera comes out.
I swear, I hate whomever came up with the "cheese" thing for kids to say for the camera! It makes them all look horribly constipated and uncomfortable for pictures and they are scarred for life to not know how to act normal in front of a camera!
I finally got a normal 1/2 smile
"Thomasssss," he yelled!
Both boys were so happy to have their names put into the birthday song. It just makes your heart full to see a child genuinely happy because you know it is real. There is no filter at their age and what you see is truly what you get. That being said, when they are in a state of joy it simply magnetizes you into that same state of happiness! This is one reason why kids birthday parties are so much fun to be a part of!
The boys had a blast opening their presents!


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Christine bit directly into the cabernet fig, swallowing skin and pulp whole. Eve enjoying the fruits of Eden, she leaned over her plate to avoid staining her swelling belly. I, on the other hand, carefully peeled my fig with a paring knife. I had long ago learned to wash or peel my fruit before eating it. Watching Christine, though, I began to question my practices. This wasn't the U.S. No killer pesticides or bacteria lay in wait to do me in. I put my knife down, bit and scraped flesh from the peel with my front teeth. The sun had kissed this fruit, turning it to nectar. I studied the ruby points that still clung to the peel. They held on tightly, unlike those I had just consumed.
I sat back and threw my leg over the armrest of the chair. I turned my gaze toward the Bay of Toulon. French Navy ships, an aircraft carrier and destroyer, bobbed in the azure water. Christine ate another fig.
Ficus carica, most likely originating in Western Asia, spread to the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago where it has been cultivated ever since. Some 250 varieties now exist, coming in three different colors—white-green, red-gray, black-violet. Although the white-green figs found around Marseilles are delicious, Christine and I prefer the black-violet figs with their wine pulp.
"You know what would be good?" Christine asked.
"No, what?" I responded, taking another fig and twirling it around in the tips of my fingers. Firm, but yielding to the touch, it had reached the perfect stage of ripeness. I decided to take my chances, eat it skin and all.
"Stuffing these figs with fresh goat cheese, grilling them, and then drizzling honey all over them."
"Sounds divine," I said, running my tongue over my bottom lip.
Figs have long played a role in the mythologies of different civilizations. Romulus and Remus were born under a fig tree. Figs were the preferred food of Bacchus, Roman god of wine and intoxication. Their unusual botanical design makes them an obvious choice to symbolize the gods' fertility. Neither fruit nor flower, they are rather a vessel holding a multitude of flowers that upon reaching full maturity transform into seeds. These flowers never see the light. They sleep in darkness, curved inward, creating a tight cavity, wrapped in velvet skin. As figs ripen, they swell, causing the skin on the fig's bottom to stretch and split. Christine and I always eat the split ones first.
We continued to sit in the stillness of the August afternoon, our pareos wrapped in toga-like fashion around us, unable to move except to reach out for a fig and drop it into our mouths. The minutes slipped past. One fig remained in the paper barquette. A stain had spread out across the clover-green bottom of the container from where the fig sat bruised on its side.
Karine stepped out onto the veranda, put her hand up to shield her eyes and looked at the bay. Seeing nothing of interest, she looked down at us. "What's with you and the figs?" she asked. "I mean, Christine has an excuse, but you, Mayanne?"
"I like figs. I've always liked figs, ever since I was a little girl," I sputtered. "I eat them in Texas all the time."
"They're so good this summer," added Christine. "We just can't help ourselves.
"Can I?"
Christine picked up the last fig between her index finger and thumb. I wanted it, but she had already popped it into her mouth. I nodded. I told myself we could always buy more. It wasn't really the last one.
We did buy more, kilos and kilos more. I ate figs nearly every day. I couldn't get enough. Now, it's mid-October. Weeks have passed since my return to Paris. Many of the figs in the market no longer come from France, but from more temperate Spain and Turkey. Shriveled and hard, rarely do they hold the promise of last summer. I continue to buy them, hoping to find a glimmer of sweetness. Amid the eight or so filling a barquette, I might find one. I always know which one it is. I set it aside, admiring its beauty. Then, I ease my teeth into it, break the skin, pull. Pulp and skin slide into my mouth. Summer returns.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"Step Right Up..."
"Step right up, folks, and buy some mustard. You've got to taste it to believe it. Better than Dijon, better than Meaux, la Moutarde de Provins will enhance your meats and give your vinaigrettes that certain something."
Although my friend, Christina, doesn't actually say this—her audience consisting primarily of native Parisians and her French nonexistent—I imagine these words flowing from her mouth as I watch her greet each passerby. She has taken over Patrice's booth at the Salon gourmand, a trade fair featuring gastronomical delights from the region surrounding Paris. It doesn't matter that she'd met the man whose mustard she now touts only an hour before. She likes his Paul Newman eyes and cordial demeanor, and she likes his product.
Patrice takes the American invasion in stride. He pours more of the white wine he uses in the mustard for us to drink and sends his son over to the next booth for some Brie to go with it.
Mustard and Brie are just two of the many products hailing from Ile-de-France, the most populated of all France's regions. Although Paris takes the limelight, natural areas and farmland make up 80% of the territory. Drive to the outskirts of the city and you'll find yourself wrapped in a patchwork quilt of sunflowers, vegetables, grains and hay. The Franciliens, the name given to Ile-de-France inhabitants, also produce a number of local specialties. These include la menthe poivrée, a particularly pungent mint, which brews into a refreshing herbal tea, and one hundred different cheeses, among them several different sorts of Brie. This Brie, however, differs greatly from the hard, plastic-wrapped wedges Americans find in their local supermarkets. This Brie smells of straw and earth, and ripens over time. At its best, it oozes out from its center, begging to be dripped over a crunchy baguette.
The plate of Brie Patrice's son sets down before us doesn't quite measure up to expectations, but no one seems to care. We need something to assuage our hunger, something to absorb the wine. I wonder what it would taste like if I smeared mustard on it, but refrain from indulging my whim. I don't want to break some unwritten rule. Instead, I swallow my cheese, take another sip of wine, then dig a swizzle stick deep into the grainy mustard. I hadn't actually tasted it yet, having spent my time up until then chatting with Patrice and other producers who'd stopped by. But now, the crowd has dispersed and I can give myself over to one of my favorite condiments. I look around to see if anybody has noticed just how much mustard sits perched on my stick, then slurp it into my mouth. An explosion of tang, touched with a hint of sweetness hit my taste buds. The tiny, brown grains of mustard pop on my tongue. I flash on a nice picnic ham, punctuated with cloves and slathered in this mustard. I envision pork tenderloin sandwiches with sweet pickles and mustard. I tick off a list of possible recipes.
"Earth to Mayanne," calls Christina.
I open my eyes and put the stick down.
"This lady wants to buy a jar of mustard. I need change."
"Where's Patrice?" I ask.
She gives me a look. "Behind you."
Cell phone glued to his ear, he unlocks the metal box on the table, takes out 16 Euros and hands them to me. I pass them over to Christina who nods, mumbles "merci" and hands the change to the lady. Another jar down, just a few to go.
Posted by Mayanne Wright at 11:25 PM No comments:
Labels: Ile-de-France, moutarde de Provins, mustard
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Information coming soon
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, located in the center of the country on a vast plain at 2,600 meters above sea level and with a moderate temperature – which ranges from 12º C (54º F) to 18º C (64º F) - has a population of eight million people from all corners of Colombia; a city as diverse as the entire country.
Declared World Book Capital by UNESCO and Iberoamerican Capital of Culture by the UCCI, Bogotá has become one of the most important cities of the continent, with public spaces such as plazas, streets and modern avenues. The city has the world's largest bicycling network –the Ciclovía, which covers close to 300 kilometers.
Bogotá has a varied nightlife offering domestic and foreign tourists alike different options and styles; a permanent cultural agenda that is reflected in its more than 60 museums and art galleries and the most important theater festival in the world, the Iberoamerican Theater Festival; 29 religious temples that are part of its heritage; 4,500 parks; close to 50 shopping malls and outlets where visitors can purchase the latest fashion and creations by haute couture Colombian designers.
Bogotá has earned a place among the major gastronomic capitals of Latin America. Its six dining areas with world-class restaurants offer local and international cuisine. The many accommodation options with over 300 hotels of international and national chains make of Bogotá the main destination of foreign tourists arriving in the country. Its venues for business, events and conventions consolidate it as one of the favorite destinations for executives worldwide.
The city, which was declared by the prestigious New York Times as one of the 31 destinations to visit in 2010 is an inspiring city with millions of amazing stories that surprise visitors every day.
Source: Proexport Colombia
El Dorado International Airport
+ 57.1.425.1000
Airport fee: USD 36 or COP 68.200. (Valid from 14 June 2014 to 27 June 2014)
Currency in Colombia is the Peso (Colombian Peso). The official peso symbol is $.
Attendees are strongly advised to ensure they fulfill all legal requirements to enter Colombia. Apart from a valid passport, an entry visa and invitation letter may also be required.
SPE offers an official invitation letter to assist you in the visa process upon registration confirmation.
For more information, please visit the Colombian Official Travel Guide.
Note: It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to Colombia. This letter does not guarantee that you will be granted a visa, nor does it commit SPE to assist you in obtaining a visa. SPE will not pay any expenses incurred by you. We cannot send the letter to the embassy or consulate for you, nor can SPE contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf.
When traveling, as in any major city, take certain precautions whether you are traveling or exploring the city. Here are some general tips to help make the most of your trip: