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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
My Proudest Achievement
Isn't the business deals that I made,
Isn't the money I gain,
Isn't the awards that I received,
Isn't the latest Mercedes car model I could finally afford............
I put in a lot of effort, hard work, tears, sweat and blood on my part to care for and guide the young people left in my care. Some were willing to learn, many were not.
But I'm always glad to meet them again, and to see the joy on the faces of my students and their parents when they come back to thank me! They are my proudest achievements!
68 comments:
Woot! Big Happy Family! :)ReplyDelete
You proud, I proud! Keep it up ohhh...
All I can say is "Wow!" That is an amazing achievement!ReplyDelete
I'm still quite curious. Do you actually provide them board and lodging, and tuition, like a professional minder .. ?
wahhh!! :D :D im very proud of my students too!! :D and also when i was with Red Crescent / Red Cross, i am very proud when they come back to thank me or any of their family members. :DReplyDelete
My angel!ReplyDelete
Yup, We're Family Toooo!!!
Thanks. Coming to Singapore soon, anytime? Hello?
Yes, I did. Now, I recommend them to the student hostels. I don't do this myself anymore. :)
I'm proud of you too..ECL..!! that's why i'm sending chloe your way.. in the future..! I have total faith in you .. :)ReplyDelete
You should be proud and I'm proud of you too! The students' returning to see you again, shows their gratitude and respect for you. The things that you have done for them, made them feel thankful. :)
awwwww..... so sweet of you! Thank you for having such faith in me!
I'm so touched. ^-^
Eh eh..itu bila mia photo?..Short hair orh?..ReplyDelete
I can feel your joy when they return to thank you. You are really a successful educator !!ReplyDelete
Cheers to ECL :) :)
I feel proud of you on your behalf, too! they look really happy in that photo. great work, keep it up!ReplyDelete
That was 4 years ago. I kept short hair then for easy maintanence. And to look business-like. :)
awwww... thank you. :)
Daggers were aiming at them when we were taking the photos, that's why they have to look happy! muahahahaha.....
Hai...nice to meet u.. Thx for visiting my blogReplyDelete
You're a lecturer?? Your students must be proud of you..
Hi Calysta,ReplyDelete
I was a 24/7 'nanny' to these teenagers. :)
Good job! And yes, indeed something to be proud of.ReplyDelete
I can only imagine the position you reside, in their heart.ReplyDelete
I remember everyone who has been nice to me, since 7 year old. Too bad, not that many, other than my parents and two of my uncles.
The work you have done will not be forgotten. It will live forever in their heart.
giddy tiger,ReplyDelete
Whoa. Thanks. :)
Yes, I do still keep in touch with many of my students and their parents. We call or visit one another whenever we have the time.
I was even invited to overseas trips with them. During festive seasons, they would send gifts.
These students still come back to see me because of their good upbringing. Their parents instil in them good values.
I have students and their parents who are absolute monsters from Hell! :)
I'm also a teacher and I can certainly relate! Congratulations!ReplyDelete
Hi Jen,ReplyDelete
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing. ^-^
I knew it!! You were a teacher!! I had a feeling you were. One of the greatest people on earth are teachers!!ReplyDelete
It in itself is an achievement too!!
indeed great achievementReplyDelete
the fruit of labour..
proud of u :)
ecl, yes, you should be proud. These kids have flourished under your care and guidance.ReplyDelete
Eh, want my kids ah? :P
yup, I was a teacher. actually still am a teacher to my students. :)
awwww.... thanks for the compliment to all the teachers.
Thank you. :)
Your kids are grown up already wor! It would be difficult to handle such young adults. they have minds of their own. :P
Thanks. ^-^
Congratulations lor.. I also can feel it tat U beaming from rite to left lor.... SOooo happy for U!!ReplyDelete
Aahh ... this is so sweet. Putting effort into the next generation is something worth celebrating as an achievement.ReplyDelete
Since I don't have these sort of opportunities to care for the young, perhaps I shall go and plant some trees and help saving the planet. That could be one tiny achievement compares to yours.
aiyoooo.... wennnn,ReplyDelete
yalor. hehehehe......
You should go make babies and boost the population of Singapore! hehehe.....
Oops. Cynthia not at home. Wait for her to come back ah!!!
I was about to ask you the question that you've already answered to jas. Wow! What an achievement! So why don't you do this anymore...?ReplyDelete
I'm getting older and also too stressed by the teenagers and their wealthy parents. The quality of rich people are so low these days.
Also our Ministry of Education and its schools are giving me trouble.
I would rather invest my money some place else than pay tax in Singapore to feed parasites!
I respect you! :)
Thank you wor. :)
You are grooming our next generation, and you have groomed a few current generations of young adults.ReplyDelete
I totally understand your feeling! I taught my first group of Spanish students this summer and my first group of web design students this spring and I always feel so proud when they come back to show me what they've achieved. Teaching is such a beautiful profession! I'm actually going back to school this fall to become a Spanish teacher,so far I've worked without papers. *lol*ReplyDelete
Mayogi @ Home
Well said, ECL. That is a wonderful achievement.ReplyDelete
That is super. You really give it your all too. Those kids don't know how lucky they are. Hope their parents realize this.ReplyDelete
Wow! This post gave me goosebumps! A great achievement indeed!ReplyDelete
As one teacher to another, beautifully said & shown. Well done.ReplyDelete
I've been to Singapore twice (have some pictures on my Flickr page). Loved visiting so much, but I'm sure living there is a tad harder than vacationing. :)
be well*
When we were in sec.1 or 2, some of us still returned to our pri. school to see our pri. school teachers. But we did not follow this "tradition" religiously. :OReplyDelete
Last time you short hair ah?
Oh yes, I have. I have taught almost 2000 students over the years! Wow!
I'm glad you enjoy teaching and interacting with the young people. I'm sure they have not disappointed you.
You go, girl! All the best!
One word... WOW!ReplyDelete
Captain Picard,ReplyDelete
Thanks. You would be a great teacher too. You can start classes teaching writing. :)
simple american,ReplyDelete
Yes, I gave my all. And many students and their parents know that. I believe if I do my best and don't expect anything in return, I'll receive more, in terms of my students' achievements. :)
Hi momof3,ReplyDelete
Welcome. Thanks for visiting and commenting. :)
Hi Stephanie,ReplyDelete
Welcome to Singapore! Glad that you enjoy your visit here.
Singapore is not only a great place to have your vacation, it can also offer a lot to those living here. Security and stablility is the greatest incentive.
Hi Devilish Sothern Belle,ReplyDelete
Welcome. Thanks for stopping by. :)
U deserved to be proud my dear. They are after all, your pride and joy ;)ReplyDelete
I think it applies to many students. My son and his classmates also visited their primary school teachers for a year or two before forgetting them. haha....
Yup, I used to keep my hair long and then cut it short. I had short hair for 5 years before keeping it long again. Different look ah.
Now that is amazing.... just amazing. You are a hero that is changing the world, a child at a time.
So amazing.
Love your blog!!
- Audrey
Pinks & Blues Girls
Yup... I'm GOD! muahahahaha....
Yup, these kids are my pride and joy!!!
Hi pinks & blues girls,ReplyDelete
Welcome. Thanks for stopping by, Audrey.
Oh no... haha... I'm no hero. I'm just doing the dirty jobs for the parents who don't know what to do anymore with their kids. I have to thank the parents who trusted me.
See you again. :)
Interesting pictures!ReplyDelete
Shiok! like got so many kids. I was a full time home tutor for about 5 years. I know how you feel. It's really, when students still keep in touch with us and thank us. :)ReplyDelete
Oh, you were a home tutor for 5 years. You could have continued. Dun have to take too many students, two a day should be ok. :)
wow, 2000 students!ReplyDelete
yup, over the years. I think maybe more than that. I started teaching in year 1982.
short hair?? where are u in that pic? lolReplyDelete
lol.... most of my students have short hair too. Look for the oldest girl! hahaha.....
I am sure it takes two to tango and they did so because you were a nice and good 'nanny' to them. Hahaha ... Too bad I didn't know you when I was still a student in Singapore.ReplyDelete
That is just wonderful. You should be proud of yourself.ReplyDelete


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The next swap was to use something new. For me EVERYTHING is new so this was an easy card! I found a "new" to me technique by Valista's Fresh Folds on YouTube and knew I had to try my version.
You can find the video here.
What is the utube video that you saw??
Denise in WA

subset: commoncrawl


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I can imagine anyone joining 'Fit 4 Nothing' would look forward to burning off the calories and then adding a few more before leaving. The opportunity to utilise the cake machine would be a good reason to revisit and you could start the process all over again.
An extremely good quality, colourful and highly amusing jigsaw which I very much enjoyed doing. Not just for the visual jokes which are funny in themselves but also the signs and advertisements on the walls and screens. Some of the jokes are obvious but some are very subtle and have to be searched for. Looking for the jokes I find is just as enjoyable as completing the puzzle itself, so the enjoyment and entertainment is twofold.
All in all an excellent medium ability puzzle.
Review by Kay as featured on TSS Reviews
Available to buy on Amazon


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Thursday, February 26, 2009
The fickle finger of fate
As I mentioned the other day there are some days that nothing goes right and you're better off just packing it in and going home. Well today was the other side of the coin. Went to the clinic for lab work and to straighten out a bill. They had sent me a bill that went back over a year. And here in lies a lesson. If you get a bill that you know you don't owe get off your butt and see a person face to face with the evidence in hand. As it turned out the computer was set to credit my account everytime I paid which I do everytime I go so there's no balance. The computer didn't do that and spit out a bill for $250. Now some people would have just paid it without thinking. I won't do that since I have no balance and get a nice discount for the pay as you go method.
In my shopping trip I found a few other things I had looked for the last time out as well as something for $20 that I had seen for $50. Things went so well I should have bought a lottery ticket.
In other news it appears Obama is continuing to undo the mess that Bush has given us.
If you haven't bothered to read the Recovery Act I'll give just a glimpse of some of the things in there.
No more no bid contracts for Iraq
Funding for EPA and Superfund (Thanks Barrack that's up my alley)
Money for Veteran health care
Funding for National Sciences (hey somebody figured global warming is real)
Funding for Cops (remember Clinton wanting to put 100,000 more cops on the street)
Funding for the military (this is for rebuilding run down barricks and other buildings)
That's just a part of it. It's 407 pages and I can't really say I fully understand all of the aspects of the bill but it is pretty clear where Obama wants to take the country. If we can get even a part of the way there in the next year we'll be doing well. Will there be more spending? I'd say so. But as we saw trickle down economics does not work so the help must come from the bottom up not the top down.
1 comment:
- Wayne said...
That's a cool image, funny.
I'm impressed with Obama's ability to deliver a speech and keep things upbeat, positive and guess what, it makes sense. At least to me.
Bush was just flabbergasting. Obama's like a breath of fresh air.
- February 27, 2009 at 8:59 AM
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People's Deputies of Ukraine ask the President to relieve of the post in bodies of Security service of Ukraine of Tiberiya Durdints.
For the direction of the corresponding deputy inquiry to the head of state, 391 People's Deputies with 443 registered in a sessional hall voted today.
Such inquiry to the head of state was initiated by the People's Deputy from "National self-defense" Vladimir Aryev and the People's Deputy from Party of Regions Nikolay Dzhiga. 38 People's Deputies are a part of initiative group.
According to parliamentarians, T.Durdinets has to be dismissed the vice-chairman of Security service of Ukraine for abuse of official position, participation in smuggling and corruption activity.


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I got some new stamps from My Cute Stamps--a little different style for me, but I had seen some cute things done with them, so I thought I would "branch out"! I used this week's Mojo Monday 82 sketch--what do you think:
Here's the sketch:
I used some wonderful BG Marrakesh paper--aren't the colors so intense? My card base is Tangerine Tango and I used a retired SU punch to make the bottom border. Mr Owl is colored in with markers and matted on a piece of Pumpkin Pie. This image is from Little Forest Friends, and the sentiment is MFT's Essential Sentiments. Twill is from Taylored Expressions!
I also threw this little number together; the images and sentiment are again from Little Forest Friends. They are colored with markers and mounted on PTI's Bitty Dots Basics and a Basic Black scalloped square. Again, twill is from Taylored Expressions.
Thanks for visiting today, and be sure to come back tomorrow for the Color Throwdown challenge!


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In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students watch video dramatizations that tell the story of the Spanish explorers who arrived in the Americas with Columbus and introduced European, African, and Asian plants and animals to the Western Hemisphere. Students develop their literacy skills through a social studies focus on how the the Columbian Exchange impacted life on both sides of the Atlantic. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities. This resource is part of the Inspiring Middle School Literacy Collection.
Students need to be signed in to complete this lesson. Go to "About This Activity" in "Support Materials" below or click here.
To access this lesson, please log into your PBS LearningMedia account.
You must be logged in to use this featureLog In Enter Code Need an account?


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Providing nonprofit, honest writing to encourage transplants and natives to make the most of their Lehigh Valley experience since 2007.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
These are a few of my favorite Lehigh Valley things...
Over the next month, not in any specific order, I'll share some of my favorite things in the Lehigh Valley, just in time for the holidays. Some are specific to the holiday season, and others can be enjoyed year-round. My mission is to share some of the great local events, features and gift ideas that make the Lehigh Valley special. There are scores of local traditions surrounding the holidays, organizations with small marketing budgets, and opportunities to give back and/or enjoy the Lehigh Valley. I hope you'll take advantage of some of them.
Please share your favorite things here on the blog, on the Lehigh Valley Transplant Facebook page, or on Twitter (@lvtransplant).
Favorite Thing: Volunteering and Giving Locally
It's the time of year when your family or workplace might be thinking about doing something nice for the community. Adopting-a-family, serving in a soup kitchen, and donating toys for kids are three traditional ways to give. It's hard to know the kinds of needs that community organizations have, particularly because they are frequently so understaffed that they can't return your call. I'm experiencing this right now with one well-known nonprofit in the region.
A couple of organizations in the Lehigh Valley have responded to the needs of the organizations and the community's desire to support them.
The Volunteer Center's web site features a search function, where would-be volunteers can see the kind of work that's available, appropriate and possible for them or their group. Or, check out the Holiday Opportunities page (more organizations are added daily). Highlights: Ring a bell, collect donations, transport seniors to holiday parties, lend a hand at a tree-lighting ceremony.
The Morning Call newspaper compiles a list of organizations that need donations through their "Be an Angel Campaign." The printed version was in this past Sunday's newspaper and is printed more than once during the season. Their web site also provides a helpful tool that can narrow your search. Got a ton of pet supplies you don't need and want to give to an organization in Allentown? There are five groups matching this description that are registered with "Be an Angel," and so far, none have indicated that their wishes have been fulfilled.
Instead of giving a wrapped holiday gift to my parents, I make a donation in their honor to their charity of choice: Equi-librium's therapeutic horseback riding programs. Sometimes I'll pick up a book or CD I think they'd like, but I never have to troll the malls looking for gifts for them, because I know that's what they really want. I recommend this method of celebrating the season: it's much easier than shopping, thoughtful, useful and tax-deductible!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Cyber Monday in the Lehigh Valley
In preparation for Cyber Monday, I did some online research on Cyber Monday Eve (Sunday night). I started by visiting http://www.cybermonday.com/. Lots of dealies all day, some announced by the hour.
Then, I went to my old standby, Retailmenot. For as little shopping as I do online (Boden, Penzey's, maybe Harry & David), I always check Retailmenot.com for discount codes. I frequently find extra gifts and shipping deals. With my standard Penzey's order (including refills of curry powder, garlic salt and cinnamon), I got an extra 1/2 cup jar of Arizona Dreaming and 1/4 cup jar of Bicentennial Rub free.
I wouldn't be me if I didn't remind you of great opportunities to shop locally, too. Retailmenot also keeps track of printable coupons for local retailers. Right now Aardvark Sports Shop is offering 15% off apparel and accessory items (A couponclipper offer). Akroyd Hardware will give you $5 off a $25 purchase (a Valpak offer). And those are just two stores starting with the letter A in Bethlehem. You get the idea!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Cupcake Happy Hour: Apotheca Salon, Shuze and Guerilla Cupcakes
Marina, la reina de cupcakes.
Some of Guerilla Cupcakes' amazing treats - Puerto Rican vanilla with vanilla butter cream, Smoldering Chocolate with chocolate orange butter cream, and carroty cake with white chocolate cream cheese frosting
Amanda and her business partner Julie started Apotheca Salon after many years working as estheticians at other salons. After a while, they both realized they wanted to do more for their clients, and finding the perfect spot at 101 East Third Street in Bethlehem, they opened Apotheca this summer. Their style is casual and unpretentious, eco-friendly and always ahead of the trends. In addition to skin care services, including waxing, visitors can shop in Apotheca's boutique, try out new skin care and makeup products, get a spray tan, and have their hair cut, colored and styled by Apotheca's stylists. I've been a loyal customer since 2006 and am thrilled to see their business taking off. To make an appointment, call 484.821.1497.
A few of Apotheca's yummy treats.
Amanda King, one of the two owners of Apotheca Salon, and our gracious hostess.
Finally, Jennifer Mann and her partner Rich opened Shuze two years ago at 17 East Third Street on the South Side of Bethlehem. They have since expanded, opening a store next to Wired Cafe at 520 Main Street in Bethlehem, too. Their philosophy is: shoes, handbags, clothing, accessories, *fun. Both stores are go-to places to shop for yourself or for a gift for a fashionable friend or family member. If you're not sure what the of-the-moment accessory is, trust Shuze's fashionistas to recommend. There's never pressure to buy, and you leave feeling great, even if you don't get anything this time. Believe me, you'll be back. If your gift isn't the perfect fit (like the pair of shoes I tried to buy for my bf), returns are welcome. Shuze is offering $30 for $60 on Groupon today, so now's a good time to sign up if you haven't yet... 50% off accessories and shoes? Yes, please.
Jennifer Mann, actually sitting down (a rare sight), yes, she's the one that owns Shuze and won the Young Athena Award, NOT the state rep.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Opening Black Friday: ArtMart in Allentown
Where should he open a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Lehigh Valley?
"He will be putting all of his savings into this venture. I know how fickle the restaurant biz is. Do you have any advice for him as to anew growth location ...a bad location... where growth is going? Is the area around Lehigh University...a good location? what do you think??? any advice is great. Thank so much. Aunt Sharon"First of all - Aunt Sharon, you are awesome. If/when your nephew's place opens, I'd like to share a modern middle eastern meal with you, whatever that means! Second, I think now is an awesome time to start a business, especially if you don't need bank financing. Your nephew can even get advice from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lehigh University. The SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow a small business. Their consultants can help test a new business proposition, shape a business plan, or find funding. If I were going to open a small business, I'd look to the areas where other young entrepreneurs are finding success. One test? If a business with a demographic to my target market has renewed its lease (maybe more than once!). So, a young, first-time business owner wants to serve up Middle Eastern cuisine, with modern vibe. A few neighborhoods come to mind.
- First, check out Seventh Street in Allentown. If your nephew wants to be along the Valley's "ethnic restaurant row," this is it. It's where many people go to find authentic Caribbean, Chinese, Mediterranean, Thai, Mexican, Central American, Italian, and southern cuisine. Call Peter Lewnes at 7th Street.
- Next, look at the south side of Bethlehem. Businesses like Loose Threads, Homebase, Eskandalo, and Shuze have found that proximity to Lehigh University and Moravian College, as well as a growing shopping/dining/arts district, means good foot traffic for reasonable rents. Ethnic restaurants like General Zapata, Tulum, Nawab, Thai Kitchen and Olive Branch do brisk take-out and eat-in business. Call Samantha Schwartz at the Downtown Bethlehem Association.
- Finally, research downtown Easton. The food scene in Easton is arguably the best in the Valley. Many Easton restaurants have a full book on Friday and Saturday nights. Lafayette College is nearby, and Easton's proximity to New Jersey (and its residents' taste for food they've tasted in New York and its suburbs) means you've got a decently sophisticated palette to work with. There is already one good Middle Eastern restaurant, Phoenicia, but that shouldn't preclude you from calling Kim Kmetz at Easton Main Street.
LVIA vs. EWR, PHL and MDT - Go local when traveling!
Transplants in particular do a lot of traveling, or hosting out-of-town guests, especially around the holidays. In my research on restaurants near the airport, I came across a useful tool on the Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA or ABE) web site.
If you're pricing flights out of the area, you can easily calculate the actual costs to fly out of our local airport compared to other regional airports (Newark/EWR, Philadelphia/PHL, or Harrisburg/MDT). I'll admit that I favor flying out of Newark for west coast flights, mostly because there are lots of direct flights in and out of the larger airport, and there's less likelihood that I'll miss my scheduled departure because I'm stuck in traffic (ahem - PHL). But if I want to fly anywhere else, particularly the midwest, south, or Canada, our local airport is where I look first. Almost any day of the week, you can hop on a direct flight out of LVIA to Toronto, Washington/Dulles, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, Myrtle Beach, and multiple Florida locations.
Right now, round-trips to Orlando/Sanford, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale all average less than $150. I was surprised to learn that round trip flights out of the Lehigh Valley to Dallas/Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Seattle were all less than $200 (*before taxes and fees, Saturday night stay). This is competitive with other regional airports, not to mention the time and cost for driving and parking (or car service) to the airport.
In addition, parking at LVIA is closer, cheaper and doesn't require a shuttle - or you can have someone drop you off. Our local airport is easy to navigate, is less crowded and a lot quieter. There are rarely lines for check-in and security, and baggage claim is a breeze. Wi-Fi is free. The planes are smaller, so boarding times are shorter. I've never been "bumped" from a flight out of Lehigh Valley - they're rarely oversold. However, you won't have the same shopping or dining experience that you might enjoy at a larger airport (if that matters to you), or as many options: you're less likely to be able to fly standby, and if your carrier cancels your flight, you might be driving to Philly or Newark anyway.
(A note to anyone who is considering taking a trip on Continental Airlines out of LVIA: many "flights" actually begin with a shuttle bus trip from Lehigh Valley to Newark, which is included in your ticket price.)
Happy Thanksgiving, to all you locals and transplants - and remember, as much as possible this holiday season, go local!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Restaurants near "ABE" airport
I'm all for supporting local businesses, franchises and indie places. But a recent question and follow-up comments on Twitter got me thinking.
Looking for another local restaurant to try on Thursday night!
@missdezubay Location/Cuisine preference?
@mldrabenstott Near the airport...
@missdezubay Ooh -- dead zone for good restaurants.
Not much of interest unless you head toward Union Blvd -- Pho to East, Alladin
to west.
When Vanessa from @ValleyYPs and I were planning to meet for lunch near the airport, I asked her, where do people go for lunch around the airport? She replied: Saladworks.
Especially when you want to meet someone who's "on the other side of the Valley" from where you live or work, the area near Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA - but locals and the FAA still call it ABE) is pretty convenient - right off Route 22 and lots of options. So, what's the state of dining near the airport and the industrial parks that surround it? If you've never been, I recommend that you visit Mocha Mike's, Taste of Italy, Copperhead Grille, and Cactus Blue. Here's a breakdown of what's available:
- Coffee: Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and Mocha Mike's (a drive-through at the Westgate Mall - if you have never been, it's fun and convenient)
- Italian/Pizza: Airport Pizza (3360 Airport Road, Allentown), Taste of Italy (1860 Catasauqua Road, Allentown)
- Sushi: Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse (1916 Catasauqua Road, Allentown)
- Hot dogs: Dad's Hot Dogs (2362 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem) or Yocco's (1930 Catasauqua Road, Allentown)
- Sandwiches, soups, wrap, salads: American Cafe & Grill (995 Postal Road, Allentown), Saladworks Bethlehem (3215 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem), PrimoHoagies (2410 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem)
- BBQ: Dickey's Barbecue Pit (3221 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem)
- Steaks: Gregory's Restaurant (2201 Schoenersville Road, Allentown), Jack Creek Steakhouse (1900 Catasauqua Road, Allentown), Prime Steak House (325 Stoke Park Road, Bethlehem) a.k.a. "where Steak and Ale used to be."
- Chinese: Mi Chong's (3350 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem) or Garden Family Chinese Restaurant (2915 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem)
- BYOB/no alcohol: Cactus Blue (2915 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem), Friendly's
- Sit-down restaurants with a full bar: Copperhead Grille (1731 Airport Road, Allentown), Roma Ristorante (925 Airport Center Drive, Allentown), Applebee's, Chess'N Checkers (1801 Airport Road, Allentown), Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (1875 Airport Road, Allentown). There will soon be a PJ Whelihan's Pub a.k.a. "where Bennigan's/Paddy's was" (3395 High Point Boulevard, Bethlehem)
- The new shopping center on Airport Road at Route 22 also has The Gyro Company, On the Border, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Panera Bread, and Zoup (1830 Airport Road, Allentown)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Hot Yoga in the Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley Yoga (1701 Union Blvd, Allentown) is hosting the first hot yoga classes in the Lehigh Valley Fridays at 6:00 pm. This yoga pratice is for those who enjoy working up a sweat, as well as a flowing through a series of yoga poses. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of 95-100 degrees. A vigorous hot yoga session promotes profuse sweating and makes the body very warm, and in theory, more flexible.
Some people claim that this type of yoga produces detoxification of the body (because of all the sweating, I guess). I haven't personally experienced this, but if you don't feel your hangover as much following the class (whether it's due to the workout or the large quantities of water you'll inevitably consume), go for it. I attended some classes at the Bikram Yoga College in DC. The classes were packed with men and women who like their exercise a little extreme - mountain climbers, boxers, bodybuilders, and people who try radical diets and exercise challenges (e.g. 100 days of consecutive yoga classes). The classes were tough. I have a feeling the Lehigh Valley Yoga classes are a little more moderate, but I haven't been to class yet, so who knows!
If you go, bring your own yoga mat and towel, and dress for the heat. Hot Yoga is not advised for pregnant women, beginners or people with heart problems or high blood pressure.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Shop Local: Milk and Honey Kids, Bethlehem and Allentown
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Teavana... where did I hear about this place?
This week, I couldn't remember where I'd read about Teavana, the new tea shop open in the Lehigh Valley Mall. It is a chain, but a new chain concept to the Valley, so I wanted to share it with you.
Instead, since it was so easy to find their posts, I'll let you read what The ElVee, Lehigh Valley Momma, and Retail Watch had to say about it.
I wrote about tea earlier this year. I didn't mention that in DC, I loved Teaism, an Asian tea house that serves up tasty bento box lunches along with a wide variety of teas and amazing salty oat cookies. Holly and Liesl tweeted about being able to enjoy a salty oat cookie together earlier this week, and now I can't get them off my mind.
In the Lehigh Valley, I enjoy shopping at Christine's Secret Garden for tea at home, now that Cupteavity is closed. If I'm not in Easton, I can even get her teas at Tallarico's Chocolates in Bethlehem and the Kitchen Warehouse in the Allentown Farmer's Market.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Join something... meet someone!
- The newcomers club of the greater Lehigh Valley is a group of women who help new residents as well as those who have a change in lifestyle (new baby, single, widowed, retired, etc.) by introducing them to new friends in the Lehigh Valley. They meet once a month, plan social, civic and charitable events, and have a great time sharing their unique histories and new shared community. They even have a Facebook page.
- The Network of Young Professionals is an active group of men and women who want to get the most out of their experience in the Lehigh Valley. They aim to foster awareness of employment possibilities, welcome new young professionals to the area, support community organizations, provide professional development opportunities, and engage in social networking. If you go to an event, you don't need to bring a friend - every time I attend a "Net" event, I meet people who say "I just started a new job and the people I work with said I should join this group." Everyone is up for trying new things and meeting new people. Check out their calendar of events or join their email list for occasional updates.
- Love a little physical action, paired with female bonding and snarky humor? Maybe Lehigh Valley Rollergirls can be your new sorority. The Lehigh Valley Rollergirls, the area's only women's flat track roller derby league, and the best players from this league compete together on one travel team, the Hissy Fits. Come see all the action.
- Have twins (or higher multiples)? Check out the Moms of Multiples of the Lehigh Valley. They meet in Fogelsville on 2nd Thursdays.
- It's cold outside! If you're thinking about knitting, meet up with The Knit Wits at the Whitehall Panera every other Thursday at 7. Meet, mingle and trade yarns with local knitters, crocheters and needle point addicts! Join the group for a relaxing evening of comparing patterns, sharing techniques and trading tips on stitches, sweaters,
- Lehigh Valley MochaMoms is a committed to helping stay-at-home mothers of color connect to one another & the community.
- Do you imagine yourself fit and strong, striding comfortably down the road during an easy workout or a 5K race? First Strides, a gradual 12-week program, will help you comfortably progress from the couch to walking, jogging or running at a pace that's right for you. Groups meet weekly in Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Allentown, Hanover Township, and Stroudsburg.
- Didn't see a group here that floats your boat? Check out this week's calendar on Meetup.com for more options. From Quakertown to Nazareth and everywhere between, basketball and volleyball, meditation and crafting, dineouts to weightloss support, there is a group meeting THIS week.
If you try out one of these groups, report back... how did it go? If you're an administrator or member of one of these groups, put in your two cents. And as always... let me know what I missed.


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Without further ado, here are the best ten books I read this year. For inconsistent reasons, I am not including Shakespeare, who is so undoubtedly awesome I don't even feel like talking about him, and some of the books I have already read, like Riddley Walker and Pride and Prejudice, though those are really fantastic.
10.) Lady Chatterley's Lover by DH Lawrence -- I am deeply suspicious of the underlying message of Lady Chatterley's Lover, which seems to me to be tediously reactionary in its idealization of the sexual act. But reading it was a sheer joy; I have read very few better-written books, if any.
9.) A Burnt-Out Case by Graham Greene -- The story of a man who tries to run from himself and from God, but finds them, together, waiting in the leper colonies of Africa. Probably deserves to be "canonized" with the quartet of Greene's "serious" novels (and it's certainly better than The End of the Affair).
8.) The Girls of Slender Means by Muriel Spark -- I could have easily included The Only Problem here instead, but this one sort of epitomizes Sparkian elegance. It's the story of a girls' organization in war-era Britain, but that only scratches the surface: Really, it's the story of time, and death, and a reminder of their constant presence.
7.) The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov -- Russian, satirical, fraught with religious imagery and talking cats: Brent should have read this years ago.
6.) Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh -- Probably the most dogmatic book I have ever read that I thought was successful, and that includes Graham Greene. There is no ambiguity that religious belief is a good--perhaps the only good--in Brideshead, but Waugh's sharp sense of humor and character make it compelling instead of preachy.
5.) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte -- Are there Austen-style Jane Eyre sequels yet? If not, why not? It makes me think about Pride and Prejudice if someone had given it to a screenwriting hack to be "punched up," and the film that comes out in March should be awesome.
4.) A Room with a View by EM Forster -- This is a stranger book than it lets on, always subverting expectations. It is not, as it pretends to be, a book about an English girl on a trip to Italy. It may be a satire. It may have a happy ending. I am not sure.
3.) The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco -- What would Sherlock Holmes be like if he were, oh, say, a Franciscan monk? A big, brain-wracking puzzle box of a book. Not for the faint of heart.
2.) Emma by Jane Austen -- My ex-girlfriend suggested recently that carrying around Jane Austen books makes me look gay. If that's true, then I am the gayest gay that ever gayed, but that's okay, because Emma will keep me company in my bachelorhood.
1.) The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford -- I realize that this is a blatant violation of the rules I set on myself at the outset (I read this before, in high school) but I did say they were inconsistent. The Good Soldier is a novel of not understanding, the best book that has ever been written where the narrator makes no pretenses to know anything. Confusion--religious, sexual, epistemological--is its principal dynamic, and it is wonderful to lose yourself in.
Honorable Mention:
The Only Problem by Muriel Spark
The Complete Stories by Graham Greene
God's Grace by Bernard Malamud
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
Dishonorable Mention:
The Neon Bible by John Kennedy Toole
The Death of Bunny Munro by Nick Cave
The Finishing School by Muriel Spark


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Everyone on the Vineyard is a bit Bo Obama crazy this week as the First Dog indeed will have a real summer vaca—just across the Sound from the home of his godparent, Sen. Ted Kennedy, no less.
Maybe a sail on the Mya for His Bo-ness?
Me, I might catch a ride in the kayak.
Bo is not the only one with presidential bragging rights. As for moi, I am descended from the first First Dog. Southern gentlemen like me always are conscious of their heritage.
Here's the short version: our first president was enamored of dogs (Go, George!) and interested in their breeding. When the Marquis de Lafayette sent George W. (the first, best, and should have been only, that is) a gift of seven French hounds, the prez crossed them to create the all-American Foxhound—now the state dog of the Commonwealth of Virginia! (although the Rev. Robert Brooke is credited with the first pack of foxhunting hounds—in 1650, according to Mark Derr's A Dog's History of America.)
My family assiduously looked into the genealogy for a family name for me, but Sweetlips just wouldn't do.
Check out the MV dog parade held to honor Bo the First. And Bo, let us know whether the island's pet friendly digs are worth the $35,000 per week pricetag.


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It's happening.
Drudge reports:
Trump turns up the heat on the Clintons tonight when he raises the specter of 'RAPE' when describing Bill Clinton's past history with women. The bombshell is dropped on FOXNEWS 'HANNITY' during an hour-long interview...
Juanita Broaddrick: 'Yes. It did happen to me'...
Via The Telegraph:
Donald Trump sat down with Sean Hannity tonight on Fox News and hit Bill Clinton with the hardest charge yet.
Trump brought up a rape accusation against the former Democratic president when discussing Clinton's past behavior with women with the Fox News host.
The two were discussing a recent New York Times article that discussed Trump's own treatment of women and how several of the sources have come out and said the newspaper twisted their words.
Hannity then asked why the Times hadn't dug into Bill Clinton's past.
'Are they going to interview Juanita Broderick? Are they going to interview Paula Jones? Are they going to interview Kathleen Willey?' Hannity asked.
'In one case, it's about exposure. In another case, it's about groping and fondling and touching against a woman's will,' Hannity continued. 'And rape,' Trump inserted.
'And rape,' the television host repeated.
'And big settlements, massive settlements. And lots of other things. And impeachment for lying,' Trump continued.
(via Breitbart)
During an interview today, Bill Clinton's rape accuser Juanita Broaddrick suggested the New York Times spend the same amount of energy investigating claims of sexual assault against Bill Clinton that the newspaper put into probing Donald Trump's alleged past treatment of women.
Broaddrick said she believes there is a whole generation of Millennials who are unfamiliar with Clinton's history with women. She further slammed Hillary Clinton as an "enabler" who has allowed her husband to "continue on the same path that he did back in the 70's and 80's and 90's."


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Southern Blizzards and Sweet Tea
Despite the presence of "North" in its name, North Carolina is undeniably a part of the U.S. better known, collectively, as "The South". As such, the name tends to conjure up certain, predictable mental images: that of graceful antebellum mansions; huge old trees laden with heavy flowering branches, swaying gently in the warm summer breeze; and tall glasses of sweet tea (or perhaps something with a bit more kick, like Mint Juleps) being sipped by persons seated calmly on wooden swings or rockers, out on their sweeping outdoor verandas with views of the wide, quiet, sun-dappled streets. Always accompanying this pleasant picture of gracious Southern gentility are the mellifluous tones in slow, measured cadences of the local folks as they converse. One no more associates cold weather and blizzards with North Carolina than one would brownstones, Redwoods, deep-dish pizzas, or clipped Yankee accents.
It came as the most delightful sort of surprise, then, to find that Michael Malone's Uncivil Seasons takes place in the middle of a bitterly-cold and snowy January, complete with a white-out blizzard... in North Carolina. The very unexpectedness of the setting immediately piqued my curiosity and my interest.
Of course, Malone's first paragraph hooked me all on its own, beginning thusly: "Two things don't happen very often in Hillston, North Carolina. We don't get much snow and we hardly ever murder one another..." (In case you're wondering, the answer to the inevitable questions are "yes" and "yes"; there is certainly a lot of snow--as well as multiple murders--in the 300+ pages which follow.) More importantly, though, what follows is a fantastically well-told tale--full of interesting (and tormented) characters with twisted, intertwining relationships and strangely-mingled histories; all manner of hatred, bigotry, and jealousies; and tense race relations as well as differences between the "haves" and the "have-nots". There's a certain degree of seaminess, as the redneck underbelly of the town collides with the poshness (and implied "betterness") of the blue-blood set. There are recurring echoes of troubles past, including war traumas (Vietnam--the story is set in the early '80s), sanitarium stays, and different degrees of "crazy". There is industrial espionage, and there are labor issues and abundant political concerns. There is even, meandering through it all, a soupçon of love. (Granted, some of the latter falls under the heading "sick and twisted" or "unhealthy", but... still.)
Malone's protagonist-duo, which heads a motley cast of characters, is one of the best pairings I've come across in a long while. Lt. Detective Justin Savile (The Fifth, as his mother is always quick to amend--with capital letters, no less), comes from a couple of very, very long (influential, wealthy, entitled, proud, etc.) lines of original settlers to the Piedmont area. A recovering alcoholic, Justin is unhappy with himself and with the way his life is turning out, so he spends his non-work hours engaged in such pursuits as an affair with a married woman, acting in Shakespearean productions, playing the blues on his old piano... and constantly fighting off both the urge to drink as well as the demands placed on him by his family and peers to be more like them (which sends Justin straight back to the bottle in a vicious cycle).
Lt. Detective Cudbert "Cuddy" Mangum is Savile's diametric opposite; where Justin is suave, handsome, and well-turned out, Cuddy is gangly, wears polyester suits bought at lower-end chain stores (and usually bearing the stains somewhere on them of that day's lunch), and brash. (In a wonderful comic twist, the divorced Cuddy is also quite the romantic, wanting desperately to get hitched again, and hopefully to see his good friend join the ranks of all those enjoying connubial bliss. Cuddy takes great pleasure in bad-mouthing "Lunchbreak"--his nickname for Justin's married girlfriend, whom Justin frequently meets right about the time of said repast...) Despite their outward differences--and those born of their upbringings and experiences--these two smart guys have become good friends as well as an effective working pair with complimentary strengths.
It is in their official capacity--as well as a familial one, for Justin--that they find themselves on a new case: solving the murder of middle-aged socialite Cloris Dollard--semi-wealthy heiress (of her first husband's estate), plus state-senator's wife (to Justin's mother's brother). Things are hardly cut-and-dried with the case, though. (Yes, despite the unassailable fact that these folks "rarely ever murder one another".) Mrs. Dollard wasn't just killed; someone really made sure she was good and dead. Certain well-hidden items are missing. The "usual suspects" all have alibis, and Mrs. Dollard wasn't exactly the sort of woman anyone would want/have any reason to kill, anyway.
When some of the missing items turn up in the bathtub of an alleged wife-beatin', petty-theft-committin' redneck (who had coincidentally just been shooting off his gun, in his home, effectively killing one or two of the several TVs he had stashed in his living room), well... the town is relieved; the case is solved! (Right?) Well, no. Justin and Cuddy are firmly convinced that the dimwitted redneck gunslinger has actually been cleverly railroaded into jail, and that he didn't/wouldn't have committed such a heinous act (let alone had the requisite brainpower to time everything so perfectly)--meaning the guilty party is still at large.
Meanwhile, the reclusive (and psychic!) daughter of the town's wealthiest benefactor returns... with predictions and visions (and a few issues of her own). More deaths, disappearances, plus a couple of highly-colorful domestic disputes ensue. New females catch the eye of both Justin and Cuddy. Illness, devils from the past... and some of the worst weather Hillston, NC has seen in a very long time further obfuscate the issues. It takes considerable thought, reasoning, and a bit of luck for Justin and Cuddy to unravel everything.
This book is, obviously, a mystery... but it is really so much more than that. It reads like fine, classic Southern literature; Malone has a truly wonderful way with words-- in his descriptions, his depictions of the locals, and his sense of spoken language via its diction and pacing, there is such a lushness of prose, and it is a joy to read. In fact, this book took me longer to finish that a book of its length normally should have done; there were many instances when I found myself rereading a passage I'd just read--not because of a lack of understanding, but because I wanted to spend more time going over a group of words, wanted to savor the almost-tactile feel and rich sound of them as they rolled around my tongue and coursed through my brain.
Fortunately, Malone wrote additional books in the series, so further visits to this little community, with its fascinatingly-quirky characters, all described in Malone's honeyed words, is not only a possibility, but a certainty. Oh, yes, I'll be visiting again--and you probably will be, too.
GlamKitty rating: 5 catnip mice (out of 5 possible)
GlamKitty rating: 5 catnip mice (out of 5 possible)


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I recently read Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy. Below is the blurb from the book:
Sometimes you just have to take flight.
A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad's invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.
Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.
I give this book 3.5 Stars
There is something about this series that I absolutely LOVE!!! And I can't fully put my finger on it.
Flight starts with Allie moving to New Orleans to work in her dad's hotel for the summer, before heading off to Princeton in the Fall. She's excited to get away and live in the city with her bestie, and to make a new start away from her ex. Her life changes when she meets the seriously sexy and obnoxious Levi. They spend many days and nights together with his crew, and he even tells her his family secret.
But when he makes a decision that will change her entire life, without her permission or full knowledge, it not only shifts her entire world, but may leave their relationship broken forever.
The storyline for this book is fairly simple and flows well. Girl meets boy. Girl falls for boy. Girl finds boy is a wizard, vampire, shifter, you name it. Girls link with boy causes her to be placed in horrid danger. Girl and boy work it out to determine how life will go on.
I really enjoyed the characters here, especially Levi and Allie's new bestie, Hailey. And from time to time, I enjoy books where I can just check out and get an easy read. For me, Flight is kind of like watching the reality T.V. that you know isn't all that great for you, but you still love it for what it is.
The things that I didn't care for included the fact that Allie can be flighty (pun intended - Ha!) at times. She goes into the city claiming that she's sworn off men and turns around the next few pages and jumps all over Levi. Let me tell you, the times I'm off men, they get the hint...quickly.
Also, I felt the way her bestie, Jess, was dropped from the story and Hailey was conveniently there to take up the role didn't sit well for me. I'd have preferred it if she went there alone and talked with her bestie on the phone or something. It was just too forced for me.
Lastly, the story is painfully short. I feel there was not enough storytelling overall and I was left wanting more.
Even with the above, I'd still read this over and over again...like I said, it's my reality T.V.


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I have just been in Oakland for a few days with my twin granddaughters. Camille had been frustrated about not being able to work on their room during the approximately 20 minutes a day they are not demanding something or other. So I flew out to play with them while she made a trip to Ikea and to Home Depot, hung curtains, put together furniture, decided where to hang artwork, weeded out things the girls no longer use, etc. I am exhausted, but she is energized after getting so much done. Here is a sneak peek. I am not showing you much because it is Camille's project and and she will soon post about it on her blog The Vintique Object. I bet Steve at An Urban Cottage will already have imagined exactly how it will look from hints Camille has given about this project. Can you guess from this partial photo?
|Camille adjusting the curtains
One rainy day, we took a trip to the Lawrence Science Museum
|Caroline in blue and red and Sara in yellow climbing the whale sculpture
|Crossing the stream
|L-R Unknown ginger headed cutie who joined our group, Sara, Cooper, Camille, Caroline, and Emery
|Sleepy after a long day at the museum.
|Is bread all we are going to have?
|Is that one ours?
|Finally!!! Ummmmm.
On my return there is so much to do...
Plant the rest of the succulents Brittany and I rooted for favors for a party...
|Fourteen done...six to go!
Frame the wonderful wood block prints generously donated by Charlie Aldrich, Aldrich Galleries, for the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
|Wood block prints of the Stations of the Cross
|Isn't the face of Simon wonderful?
|Waiting in the Wings
Pick up dowels at Michael's or Hobby Lobby for the banners we are making at the Deanery wide "Walk Through Holy Week." at the hosting church, St. Chad's Episcopal Church.
Clean my very dusty house. Have I mentioned the SPRING WINDS in New Mexico?
I will not be posting anything else this week as I observe Holy Week. If you are looking for a place to renew your spirit come and join us at St. Mark's, or visit a place that is sacred to you.


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House of Commons
Session 2001- 02
Publications on the internet
Other Bills before Parliament
Arrangement of Clauses (Contents)
|European Communities (Amendment) Bill
These notes refer to the European Communities (Amendment) Bill as introduced in the House of Commons on 21st June 2001 [Bill 3]
European Communities (Amendment) Bill
1. These explanatory notes relate to the European Communities (Amendment) Bill as introduced in the House of Commons on [ June 2001]. They have been prepared by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in order to assist the reader of the Bill and to help inform debate on it. They do not form part of the Bill and have not been endorsed by Parliament.
2. The notes need to be read in conjunction with the Bill. They are not, and are not meant to be, a comprehensive description of the Bill.
3. The Treaty of Nice reforms the institutions of the European Union (the EU) to enable the EU to operate effectively after the accession of the applicant Member States. The key institutional changes include:
The UK signed the Treaty of Nice on 26 February 2001 and this Bill is intended to enable the UK to ratify the Treaty. The Treaty of Nice has been published as Command Paper Cm5090, European Community Series No. 1 (2001), entitled "Treaty of Nice amending the Treaty on European Union, the Treaties establishing the European Communities and certain related Acts including the Protocols with Final Act and Declarations".
4. The Bill will extend to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
5. The Bill has three substantive clauses.
Clause 1: Incorporation of provisions of the Treaty of Nice
6. Subsection (1) of this clause amends section 1 of the European Communities Act 1972 ("the 1972 Act"). It does so by providing that those parts of the Treaty of Nice which relate to the European Communities are included among the Community Treaties listed in section 1. The result is that those parts of the Treaty of Nice are given effect in domestic law.
7. The Community Treaties listed in the 1972 Act initially included the three main Treaties establishing the European Economic Community (now the European Community), the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. Further treaties have been added to the list by later Acts of Parliament. The last Treaty, provisions of which were added to the list, was the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1998.
8. The new paragraph to be inserted in the 1972 Act refers to the parts of the Treaty of Nice which relate to the European Communities. These fall into three categories: Articles 2 to 10 of the Treaty of Nice; the other provisions of the Treaty of Nice so far as they relate to those Articles; the Protocols to the Treaty of Nice. The new paragraph does not provide for those parts of the Treaty of Nice which concern co-operation in the sphere of foreign and security policy or police and judicial co-operation in criminal matters to be included. This is because they do not give rise to Community rights and obligations.
9. The first category covers Articles 2 to 10 of the Treaty of Nice. These are the parts of the Treaty of Nice which concern the European Communities. Articles 2, 3 and 4 make substantive amendments to the Treaties establishing the three Communities. Article 5 amends the Protocol on the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank. Article 6 amends the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities.
10. Articles 7 to 10 of the Treaty of Nice concern the European Court of Justice (the Court of Justice). Article 7 is concerned with the Protocols on the Statute of the Court of Justice. It repeals the two existing Protocols which are annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community (the EC Treaty) and to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (the Euratom Treaty). They are replaced with a single Protocol annexed to the Treaty on European Union, the EC Treaty and the Euratom Treaty. Article 10 makes consequential repeals in Council Decision 88/591/ECSC, EEC, Euratom of 24 October 1988 establishing a Court of First Instance of the European Communities.
11. Articles 8 and 9 set out transitional arrangements concerning the Court of Justice pending the expiry of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (the ECSC Treaty) in July 2002.
12. The second category of provisions which relate to the European Communities are the provisions of the Treaty of Nice which do not amend the Community Treaties as such but which relate to matters dealt with by them. They include amendments to the Treaty on European Union which also relate to matters dealt with in the Community Treaties, for example, the amendments to Article 43, the new Articles 43a and 43b, the amendments to Articles 44 and 45 and the new Article 44a of the Treaty on European Union. These are the general provisions on enhanced co-operation which apply to such co-operation not only under the Treaty on European Union but also the EC Treaty.
13. The third category covers the four Protocols to the Treaty of Nice. These are the Protocol on the enlargement of the European Union; the Protocol on the Statute of the Court of Justice; the Protocol on the financial consequences of the expiry of the ECSC Treaty and on the Research Fund for Coal and Steel; and the Protocol on Article 67 of the Treaty establishing the European Community.
14. Subsections (2) and (3) of this clause provides an enabling power to amend the definition of "the Treaties" and "the Community Treaties" in section 1(2) of the 1972 Act to include measures adopted by the Council to confer jurisdiction on the Court of Justice for disputes concerning Community industrial property rights. The legal basis for those measures will be Article 229a of the EC Treaty as inserted by the Treaty of Nice. The power can only be exercised by means of an Order in Council approved by both Houses of Parliament through the affirmative resolution procedure.
Clause 2: References to the European Court etc
15. This clause concerns the European Court of Justice, the Court of First Instance and the Judicial Panels to be attached to the Court of First Instance. The Treaty of Nice changes the status of the Court of First Instance so that it will no longer be attached to the Court of Justice. The Treaty also includes new provisions for the setting up of judicial panels which are to be attached to the Court of First Instance. Clause 2 amends Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the 1972 Act to reflect these changes. The new definition will apply generally by virtue of the Interpretation Act 1978.
Clause 3: Approval of increase in powers of European Parliament
16. This clause is included to meet the requirement of section 6 of the European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978. The requirement is that "no treaty which provides for any increase in the powers of the European Parliament shall be ratified by the United Kingdom unless it has been approved by an Act of Parliament". Several provisions in Article 2 of the Treaty of Nice increase the powers of the European Parliament, eg by increasing the occasions on which Community legislation must be adopted by co-decision between the Council and the European Parliament.
17. The amendments to the existing Community Treaties resulting from the Treaty of Nice being mostly institutional in nature will have little effect on the objectives and activities of the Communities and thus will have minimal implications for the Community Budget. There is no commitment to the provision of new resources and no change to the Community's Own Resources arrangements. The Bill will have no direct financial effect on the United Kingdom.
18. Public service manpower implications are minimal.
19. This Bill will have no regulatory impact.
20. Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 requires the Minister in charge of a Bill in either House of Parliament to make a statement, before second reading, about the compatibility of the provisions of the Bill with the Convention rights (as defined in section 1 of that Act). The Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has made the following statement:
"In my view the provisions of the European Communities (Amendment) Bill are compatible with the Convention rights."
21. The provisions of the Bill will come into force on Royal Assent.
|© Parliamentary copyright 2001
|Prepared: 21 June 2001


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Rock slides, blasting accidents, scurvy, sunstroke,
frostbite, wild animals, swamps, high mountains:
such dangers were all in a day's work
for those who built Canada's railways.
Before the Grand Trunk Railway bridged the distance between Montreal and
Toronto, it took at least 36 hours to travel between the two cities "by stage coach".
Remote destinations like the interior of Newfoundland and Labrador or British
Columbia, the Klondike and the Arctic were almost impossible to reach.
Railway mania...gripped Canada at various periods, but not long after the
inauguration of the first railway in 1836, people realized the advantages of
having a line through their towns.
Despite their popularity, most railways were characterized by chronic financial
problems and eventually went bankrupt or were absorbed by larger companies.
By the beginning of the Great War, there were four dominant independents:
the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the Canadian North Railway (CNoR…
later known as Canadian National Railway ~ CNR), the Grand Trunk
Railway (GTR) and the Grand Trunk Pacific (GTP).
The advent of war brought the crisis to a head. The Federal Government had
to act! By 1923, the GnoR, the GTR and the GTP were amalgamated into
two transcontinentals. By the 1930's automobiles and buses gained much
popularity and paved roads were becoming a familiar sight. This crested
a decline in the railway passenger transit. In the 1940's and 1950's, airlines
compounded the situation. The 1960's saw the close of an increasing number
of branch lines and many companies folded.
The CPR and the CNR could not continue operations as they had in the past
and in 1978 the two companies combined their passenger services to
form VIA RAIL.
Positive Changes
Historically, the CPR is perhaps the best known railway to Canadians.
It was the CPR unifying the country...geographically and politically...
that comprised John A. MacDonald's "national dream" !
Connections to the Canadian National Railway was a promise made to both
British Columbia and Prince Edward Island to ensure their entrance into
Confederation in 1867.
A railway line was like the "golden touch" to a town or region:
Real Estate prices jumped!
Employment was plentiful!
Labourers were in demand to construct roads!
Trains needed crew members, technicians for maintenance,
providers of cord wood (in the early days) for fuel!
This led to a boom (along with other factors) in the fledgling
travel and tourism industry!
The CPR emerged as an advertising master. The well-heeled-travelers in the
1920's might not have appreciated the natural beauty of the Rockies and its
lakes and rivers without the man-made-pleasures of CPR's Banff Springs
Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise.
The CPR was incorporated on February 16, 1881. Less than 5 years later,
a ribbon of steel united Canada when the line to the Pacific coast was
completed with "driving the last spike" at Craigellachi, British Columbia
on November 7, 1885.
In 1909 construction began on Canada's 2nd transcontinental railway line…the
Canadian National Railway. Today it is the largest railway in Canada in terms
of revenue and physical size of its rail network and is currently Canada's only
transcontinental railway spanning from the Atlantic coast in Nova Scotia to
the Pacific coast in British Columbia. The CNR is a public company with
22,000 employees…has been a Crown Corporation…privatized in 1995.
Due to its numerous acquisitions in both Canada and United States,
CN's slogan is…North America's Railway
Canadian Pacific Hotels
CP Hotels were a dream of CPR that operated a series of Hotels across Canada.
Most of these resort hotels were originally built and operated by the railway's
Hotel Department...a few were acquired from Canadian National Hotels.
Today, these are operated under the Fairmont name...and remain some of
Canada's most exclusive hotels
Today Fairmont Hotels are located in major cities across Canada and United
States and other significant tourist destinations: Mexico, Bermuda, Barbados,
the United Emirates...to name a few.
Remote Tourist Locations
As in the state of Alaska and our Yukon Territory, where there are settlements of
villages and towns, the residents can only be accessed by "Bush Pilots".
Canada has a couple of tourist destinations which can only be reached by railway
(two of which I am aware around James Bay). Others, probably in other provinces.
Polar Bear Express: From Cochrane, Ontario, you travel through some of the
most beautiful and remote wilderness in this province. The woods almost seem
haunted. At mile 186 you arrive at Moosenee...a very unique place at the southern
tip of James Bay. Its population of about 2500 is 85% First Nations people.
Visit a First Nation's museum and Moose Factory (not a moose-breeding facility).
Also tour Moose Cree Outdoor Discoveries and Adventures.
Ride the Rails to Historic James Bay
for a Canadian Heritage Experience!
Churchill, Manitoba: "Polar Bear Tours" invite you to see the King of the Arctic
...its wild home in The Great White North offering exciting encounters with polar
bears as they wait for Hudson Bay to freeze over so they can begin their annual
hunt. Churchill is most famous for the many polar bears that move toward the
shore from inland in the autumn...lending the name,
Polar Bear Capital of the World...
to this town of Churchill's growing tourist industry.
There are a few ways to get to Churchill at the northern end
of James Bay: dog team
stow away on a ship
drive a car along the rails...or
take the train!
Canada is by size, the largest country in North America
and second in the world overall (behind only Russia).
Canada is renowned world-wide for its wilderness,
for its vast untouched landscape, for its unique blend
of cultures, for its multi-faceted history
and one of the world's wealthiest countries.
"Pearl of Wisdom"
Our Dreams of this Beautiful Country
will Never Die!
(Pierre Trudeau...Prime Minister of Canada
from 1968 to 1980).
Merle Baird-Kerr … written September 17, 2012
If this has been an inspiration, you may leave a comment
(scroll down...may sign in as "anonymous")
or e-mail...firstname.lastname@example.com


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look back: bear's 2011
I realize I was MIA most of 2011. It was a full year for everyone though. Here is Bear's year in review.
Some snow, lots of inside play, Daddy in NY for work
trip to Jamaica, Daddy's new boat
playing outside, riding bikes, "after schooling", starting actually playing with Monkey
Easter, art, t-ball
baseball games, the zoo, end of 1st year of pre-school
trip to IL, Grammy & PaPaw, fishing with Poppy, U of I
Subfest, 4th of July, swimming, lots of brotherly play
Momma's birthday, trip to IL for a wedding
Sesame Place, Daddy's birthday, Nanny & Poppy visit, Pre-school starts again
apple picking, Papa & Nana visit, pumpkin patches, Grammy & PaPaw visit, Halloween
family time, Thanksgiving, decorating for Christmas
turning 4, baking, Christmas
From Stephanie at 10:00 6 Comments
embrace the camera: january 19
I loved participating in Emily's Embrace the Camera challenges last year. I just finished the little boys' yearly photo books, and I realized Momma pictures were in short supply. I'm going to attempt to capture us in our everyday life so 2012 has more Momma and every day moments. Those are the ones that mean the most to me.
Monkey has been rocking the undies wearing business since day 4 of our plan. We might be spending a higher portion of our day hanging out in the bathroom, but it's a process. I am so proud of the little guy. I can't believe how big he is.
one undie wearing 2 year old and one proud momma in the bathroom
Hop on over to her blog and see all the other mommas and their babes.
From Stephanie at 21:20 4 Comments
Labels: monkey, photo challenge
day one: monkey style
My Little Monkey,
Today, I decided to undertake a grand adventure with you. You threw away your diapers, and we took a step toward being a big boy. I just went back and read the entry from the first night we did this with your brother, and all I can say is you are a much easier child sometimes.
You turned two about 3 weeks ago, and I decided we should try this whole potty business with you. Since our method involves staying home for (at least) 3 days straight and we're always on the run, it seemed a good time to hunker down and get it done. You had shown no real interest in using the potty besides using it as a chair while fully dressed. You did tell me once before you had to go, and I managed to get you there on time. That was about a month ago and a total fluke.
I'm not sure why I wasn't as stressed with you as I was with your brother. Perhaps because I knew it was a stage and the first day was going to be emotionally draining. Perhaps because your big brother was testing his boundaries and my frustration had another direction. Perhaps because I'm already dreaming of the facebook status that tells the world 2011 is the last year of diapers for our family.
Daddy is "home", but he's in month 2 of shift work so we don't see him awake very often. He was quite surprised to come home from work and find you running around in a t-shirt, baby legs and real undies. Daddy was nice enough to order pizza since I was so focused on keeping our floor as clean as possible.
Our biggest issue was getting you to go to the bathroom at all. I stuffed you full of juice, gave you some salty food to make you drink some more, and offered some more milk and water.
Bear caught on halfway through day 2. I have no idea when in this 3 day process it will click for you. You did stop yourself after a little dribble tonight. You wouldn't go once you were on the potty, but you at least knew you weren't supposed to use the floor for that. I know you though, Monkey. I have become a master on bodily functions in my 4 years of mothering. I knew you had to poop, waited until you could not go back, and pushed you into your potty chair. You weren't a fan of Momma wrestling you in, but you did like the sticker and cookie reward after.
I can't wait for what tomorrow is going to bring. I know we'll be able to do this, and I am so happy to be able to stay at home and do it with you.
From Stephanie at 22:48 0 Comments
Labels: growing up, monkey, parenting
merry christmas
From Stephanie at 09:13 4 Comments
Labels: holiday
(incourage) brighten a day
I worked at Hallmark in high school. True story. It made me a bit of a card snob; American Greetings just doesn't cut it. The Hallmark I worked at also carried a line of Christian based cards under the label DaySpring. You can find their products online and in most Christian bookstores. I've always loved their simple messages and comforting colors.
As a mom, I've also become much more aware of the things we have in our house. I want the boys to grow up in a Christian home and that means more than bedtime prayers and church on Sundays. I want to live a Christian life to the best of my abilities. That means lots of love, forgiveness and faith.
I remember a sermon when I was a kid that talked about what our houses say about our faith. If someone came into your house and looked at your calendar, would he know you were a Christian? If he looked in your checkbook would be see you living a giving life. If Jesus walked into your house right now, would you be ashamed of any of the books, magazines or shows on your DVR?
One of the things I want the boys to know is that we are meant to support each other. While we can't fix everyone's troubles, we can offer encouragement, prayers and love. While mission trips are great and needed, there is plenty of support we can give from our own homes.
Back before Bear and Monkey entered my life, I would spend hours searching for the perfect card. Now, I live more in the grab and go world. When I was glancing through their products, I loved the set of Hope & Encouragement cards. Real cards have the ability to change someone's day, and the 10 pack was more realistic than buying cards one and a time. There's always someone in my life that could use a pick me up. Having the cards already at home means I won't be making excuses for not doing my part to lighten other's burdens. I was a little concerned with buying a bulk pack. You know they always put the most adorable one on top and then you get the awkward ones at the bottom. I was so pleased that every single card was just as meaningful and honest as the last.
I also loved that at the top of the pack they included a sheet for you to list 10 people in your life that could use some encouragement. What a simple way to remind others that you care. Spending 5 minutes listing people out is another way to keep the cards and love from being shoved to the bottom of the to do pile. (You know you have a pile just like that on your counter.)
Head over to DaySpring to see how you can brighten a day or read the reviews of others to get some ideas for simple acts to encourage others.
I was sent a package of these adorable cards for free to share them my opinions with others. There is no other compensation besides the package of cards and allowing me to brighten someone's day.
From Stephanie at 14:27 3 Comments
Labels: product review
still here
We're still here. I just needed a time out to spend time with my family and get back to the things that I really value.
I have lots of things to share. But, this will do for now.
From Stephanie at 16:05 3 Comments
face the rear
The AAP updated their guidelines for car seats today. They now suggest that children rear face (look out the back of a car instead of the windshield) until they are 2 years old.
I posted a link to the Chicago Tribune article on Facebook last night. I was shocked at the immediate strong negative reactions. Why are so many moms against safety? People commented that their legs looked smushed and that their kid would have hated it.
Our parents didn't wear seat belts when they were kids. They survived. Is this evidence that seat belts don't work? Should we all demand that the government is crazy for recommending them?
Children's joints are different than adults'. How many times have you seen a kid sleeping in a way that looks completely awkward and uncomfortable? They like small spaces. Their legs will not be broken. (I've heard that there has never been a documented case of a child breaking a leg because they were rear facing. I can't find any proof of this right now though.) Besides, you can fix a broken leg. You can not fix a broken spine.
Just because you survived or your older children survived does not matter.
What should matter is if you were ever in a car accident rear facing keeps your child safer. 5 times safer. While you might be proving a point by switching your child forward facing at a year and 20 pounds, is that really a point worth making? Is the potential of that choice being responsible for killing your child worth it? No one is trying to control you or your child. They're trying to keep your baby safe. In a way that requires no extra money or effort.
Parenting is full of making your kids unhappy. Of not doing the "fun" thing. I think my mom told me when I was about 16 that it was her job to make me unhappy. Her job was to make me safe and unhappy.
Each parent has the right to make their own choice.
Just make it an informed choice.
From Stephanie at 15:10 4 Comments
Labels: opinionated, parenting
In case you couldn't tell, we're really excited for spring weather to be here.
Even if it is just for a day.
From Stephanie at 20:21 4 Comments
Labels: photography, seasons
embrace the camera: march 17
I love that Emily asks us to take a picture with our kids each week. Bear is quite the self centered little kid, and he loves having his picture taken. I love how he's all decked out in his St Patrick's Day gear. I made his shirt, and my mom sent him the green visor. Just Momma and Bear hanging out while Monkey takes his nap.
From Stephanie at 15:21 2 Comments
Labels: bear, photography
coming home
When Hubby and I chose to get married, we both knew he was in the military. We both knew that our life together would involve long absences and hard good byes. We were both willing participants in this adventure of being a military family.
Bear and Monkey never got that choice. They never had the option to say "yes it's worth it" or "no I don't think I'm up for the emotional roller coaster". We signed them up. Their life is just as rough as mine is. And, they have no idea about the reasons why Daddy disappears or any real concept of how long he'll be gone.
I worry sometimes about the things we put the boys through. I want someone else to take on that burden for a while. Can't it be someone else's turn for their Daddy to leave?
Lifetime has started a new TV show called Coming Home. You need to watch it. Please spend 15 minutes to see what life is like for these kids. I'm not asking you to send your Hubby away for months; I'm asking for 15 minutes to see what these military kids go through.
From Stephanie at 10:36 0 Comments
best thing
I teach Sunday School for third and fourth graders at our church. This Sunday's lesson was on Matthew 17 and the transfiguration. In the story, God says "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 17:5 KJV).
The kids all made signs for the best thing they could hear God say about them. We talked about how God really feels that way about each one of us, and we all have the potential for those signs to be true.
We are the kindest people.
We always try our best.
We are good.
We are loved.
God's compliment was one of the best I've ever heard though. I want to be wanted and loved and make God happy.
What's the best thing anyone could every say about you?
From Stephanie at 12:48 2 Comments
Labels: religion
2011: month 2
Two months have gone by since we all made big lists of how our 2011s were going to go. I thought it was time to check in to hold myself accountable and to see how everyone else is doing.
My goals were:
*Read 30 books. I've read 9 so far which makes me 30% of the way there. I'm really hoping to exceed my goal. I go in stages where I devour books and then nothing happens. Well honestly, Facebook and TV happen, but nothing productive happens. I'm glad I've stayed on track so far.
*Be serious with the budget. We went on our huge vacation in February. I've been cutting back and trying to only buy what we need (or really, really want). It's a slow lifestyle change, and that's the kind that's going to stick.
*52 dates. Fail. The only real date we've gone on was on vacation when we ate dinner by ourselves. We do have one scheduled for next Saturday. This is something that I really need to make an effort to improve.
*Be patient. Despite yesterday's huge failure, I feel like I'm making strides to be the mom I want to be. Finding me time and time for my faith have really helped me grow. There will be the screw ups, but that's also a time to show Bear and Monkey that Momma isn't perfect and how to handle the times when you need to say "I'm sorry."
How are you doing in 2011? You still have 10 months to make it happen.
From Stephanie at 22:02 0 Comments
Labels: 2011
From Stephanie at 15:50 1 Comments
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Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Decorating with Stripes
At my daughter's birthday party, there will be a head table decorated with fruits, flowers, and traditional Korean rice cakes. At Korean 1st year birthday parties (also known as "dols"), the head table usually has a background banner attached to the wall. I want to avoid doing this. I'd like to use fabric instead to cover the back wall by incorporating stripes or maybe using the same design as the table cover. After looking at this photo, it looks more Parisian to use black and white stripes on the wall.
The problem is, how do I hang the fabric on the wall without nailing it on?
Here's another photo of a table with green and white stripes found at Hostess with the Mostess. I keep getting drawn to striped patterns!
Posted by FLIPAWOO at 2:24 PM 0 comments
Labels: Striped Background
Monday, June 21, 2010
Don't these macarons look scrumptious? It would be great if I could have these at my daughter's birthday party. Apparently, Pierre Herme is known to sell the best macarons. I love their cute packaging boxes as well.
Posted by FLIPAWOO at 9:03 PM 0 comments
Labels: Macarons
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Free 4th of July Tags
Following up from my previous post where you are able to download a free 4th of July invitation template, you can now download these festive party tags. These can be used as cupcake toppers, stickers and to help decorate party favors.
Download the file and color print on cardstock sheets. A 2" circle or scallop puncher is recommended and be sure to cut the sheet into strips for easy punching. You can color print these at home, but bringing the file to a commercial printer (Office Depot, Kinko's, etc.) will ensure better quality printing.
Happy crafting!
Posted by FLIPAWOO at 9:38 PM 0 comments
Labels: 4th of July, Free Template
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I worked mostly in my little accordian fold sketchbook (see photo), while Jacqueline was enjoying creating wonderful postcards to send home to friends and family.
First stop was southern France where my good friend Agnes has a vacation home in Basque country. She was a fantasic host to us!! If you are reading this, Agnes, merci encore une fois!!!!
Jacqueline and Agnes in front of the port at St. Jean de Luz.
I tried to recreate these wonderful Basque homes without painting every window and door. The Basque words in the lower left were on a napkin that I kept and pasted into the book before painting. No idea what they mean but I wanted a sample of this mysterious language in my sketchbook.
After three days in Ciboure, the little town near St. Jean de Luz (which is near Biarritz), we were sorry to say goodbye to Agnes. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for the region made this portion of the trip a real highlight for Jacqueline and me. She was a generous and incredibly hospitable host! A great ambassador for the French people. And my very good friend!
For our last night she took us to a beachfront bar where we watched the sunset and ate tapas.
Next stop...the Dordogne.
Helen Brown


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"You now have to decide what 'image' you want for your brand. Image means personality. Products, like people, have personalities, and they can make or break them in the market place."
– David Ogilvy
A brand is not a logo. That is a brand image
A brand is not a paper system or business card. That is a brand identity.
A brand is not a product.
A brand is not what you say it is.
A brand is what the consumer says it is.
A brand is how people feel about a product.
What is your brand? What do you want your reputation to be?
Just as Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" tells us, we have to 'Begin With The End in Mind'.
So when you sit down to plan for 2009, you need to decide what you want your brand to become and then plan the steps to get there.


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|Hubby's print
|The plaques I ordered for my kids. The frames are gorgeous! I intentionally took these pictures in a way that would not show their names.
|My name print
|This is my bookmark that came with our order.
You can get started on ordering your own gifts from CrossTimber on their website. You can also find them on Facebook and Pinterest. Please be sure to check out what my friends on the Homeschool Review Crew ordered from CrossTimber and what they have to say about this company.


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Image Source: ELI.
Laser technology is reaching new extremes in terms of power and brevity of time (work with a new European mega-laser will be conducted in attoseconds, or a billionth of a billionth of a second, or one quintillionth of a second; "for context, an attosecond is to a second, what a second is to about 31.71 billion years"). Three ELI facilities will conduct this research: "attosecond science in Hungary, beamline generation of secondary sources in the Czech Republic and laser-driven nuclear physics in Romania." According to the ELI Website, the construction phase began late last year and is expected to last for five years. A fourth, undetermined facility will house a mega-laser:
These two aspects of Europe's Extreme Light Infrastructure Project will create a laser that can rip apart space. Researchers are hoping that lasers will offer some solid proof for quantum physics. Dvice reports:The first three Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) research stations are relatively tame--sticking to ultra-short energy particles and radiation, atomic photography, and ultra-short energetic particle.The crown jewel of ELI's laser research facilities, the highest intensity pillar location of the four, is still being decided upon but they plan to create the world's most powerful laser there. A 200-petawatt laser to be exact, which is 100,000 times the power of the world electric grid.
The laser is expected to contribute to the fields of "particle, nuclear, gravitational, and ultrahigh-pressure physics; as well as nonlinear field theory, astrophysics and cosmology." Again, the science of the very small is colliding with the science of the very large. (Hat tip: @Swadeshine)The European Commission has approved the construction of three gigantic new research lasers, with the option for a fourth that would, for an instant, be several hundred times more powerful than the entirety of the power generated by our civilization. The hope is that this will be enough energy to actually conjure virtual particles out of nothingness.At peak power, the fourth laser in Europe's Extreme Light Infrastructure project (or ELI) will combine ten beams into a single pulse measuring 200 petawatts. 200 petawatts is significantly more power that our entire race generates at any given moment, and in fact more total power than Earth receives from the sun.... The only way that this massive amount of power is able to be harnessed is if the amount of time that it's being used for is insanely small. The 200 petawatt pulses will only last 1.5 x 10^-14 second, which is about the same amount of time that it takes for light to travel from one side of a human hair to the other, if you shave the hair down by 90%.The point of all this is to try to explore some of the weirdness of quantum mechanics, which suggests that space is actually a giant party of random particles that are popping in and out of existence too fast for us to see. The hope is that a laser this powerful might actually be able to tear apart the vacuum of space-time itself, revealing the matter and antimatter underneath.
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For Women's History Month, our stunning sisters.
From the kinks in our hair to the curves of our waists, it's undeniable that Black women are some of the most beautiful women in the world. Over the years we've seen screen sirens such as Dorothy Dandrige and stage vixens such as Diana Ross show that Black beauty comes in all different shades and shapes and has the power to inspire us all.
In honor of Women's History Month, the ESSENCE.com editors decided it was the perfect time to compile a definitive list of all our favorite beauties (in no particular order, of course... lest we start a riot)! Here are our picks for the 30 most ravishing African-American women of all time.