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A letter from Article 19 and numerous other human rights groups to the UNHRC and member states urges them to vote against resolutions condemning
- defamation
- denigration
- vilification
- negative stereotyping [omitted from list]
- of religions.
The primary issue is exploitation of blasphemy laws to persecute minorities and perpetrate injustice against individual members of minority groups. The secondary issue is the rights of freedom of expression and belief. People should be free to discuss religious ideas and practices openly, free from threat of prosecution & persecution.This issue flows directly from Islam's literalism, absolutism & supremacism. The narrative of Islam tells us that Muhammad received divine revelation through the agency of Jibril, at once confirming and superseding earlier scriptures. Because Moe is the seal of the prophets, his revelation is final. Because Moe said that Allah said that it is from Allah, it is perfect. That makes Islam right and everything else wrong. Surah Al-Ma'idah 33 specifies the punishment for waging "war against Allah and and his Messenger", listing options from expulsion to execution. Tafsir Ibn Kathir defines "wage war" in the following terms: "`Wage war' mentioned here means, oppose and contradict, and it includes disbelief, blocking roads and spreading fear in the fairways." Disbelief, opposition & contradiction are capital offenses in Islam. That makes any affirmation of Christian faith a capital offense subject to the death penalty. Because only Allah has the right to be worshiped, you have no right to worship otherwise. For the practical application, we must turn to Shari'ah, as codified in Reliance of the Traveller. First, we should examine the penalty for apostasy and the penalty applied to dhimmis who violate Islam's stricture. Both apostates and offending dhimmis are subject to execution.
When a person who has reached puberty and is sane voluntarily apostatizes from Islam, he deserves to be killed.
In such a case, it is obligatory for the caliph (A: or his representive) to ask him to repent and return to Islam. If he does, it is accepted from him, but if he refuses, he is immediately killed.
When an adult male is taken captive, the caliph (def: o25) considers the interests (O: of Islam and the Muslims) and decides between the prisoner's death, slavery, release without paying anything, or ransoming himself in exchange for money or for a Muslim captive held by the enemy.
If the prisoner becomes a Muslim (O: before the caliph chooses any of the four alternatives) then he may not be killed, and one of the other three alternatives is chosen.
Dhimmis: conquered Jews & Christians dominated by Muslims, suffer certain restrictions under Islamic law. Examine them carefully.
Such non-Muslim subjects are obliged to comply with Islamic rules that pertain to the safety and indemnity of life, reputation, and property. In addition, they:
-1- are penalized for committing adultery or theft, thought not for drunkenness;
-2- are distinguished from Muslims in dress, wearing a wide cloth belt (zunnar);
-3- are not greeted with "as-Salamu 'alaykum";
-4- must keep to the side of the street;
-5- may not build higher than or as high as the Muslims' buildings, though if they acquire a tall house, it is not razed;
-6- are forbidden to openly display wine or pork, (A: to ring church bells or display crosses,) recite the Torah or Evangel aloud, or make public display of their funerals and feastdays;
-7- and are forbidden to build new churches.
The agreement is also violated (A: with respect to the offender alone) if the state has stipulated that any of the following things break it, and one of the subjects does so anyway, though if the state has not stipulated that these break the agreement, then they do not; namely, if one of the subject people:
-1- commits adultery with a Muslim woman or marries her;
-2- conceals spies of hostile forces;
-3- leads a Muslim away from Islam;
-4- kills a Muslim;
-5- or mentions something impermissible about Allah, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), or Islam.
What is impermissible to mention? For the answer, we turn to a list of 20 acts which entail apostasy.
O8.7: Acts that Entail Leaving Islam
(O: Among the things that entail apostasy from Islam (may Allah protect us from them) are:
-1- to prostrate to an idol, whether sarcastically, out of mere contrariness, or in actual conviction, like that of someone who believes the Creator to be something that has originated in time. Like idols in this respect are the sun or moon, and like prostration is bowing to other than Allah, if one intends reverence towards it like the reverence due to Allah;
-2- to intend to commit unbelief, even if in the future. And like this intention is hesitating whether to do so or not: one thereby immediately commits unbelief;
-3- to speak words that imply unbelief such as ``Allah is the third of three,'' or ``I am Allah''-unless one's tongue has run away with one, or one is quoting another, or is one of the friends of Allah Most High (wali, def: w33) in a spiritually intoxicated state of total oblivion (A: friend of Allah or not, someone totally oblivious is as if insane, and is not held legally responsible (dis: k13.1(O:) ) ), for these latter do not entail unbelief;
-4- to revile Allah or His messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace);
-5- to deny the existence of Allah, His beginingless eternality, His endless eternality, or to deny any of His attributes which the consensus of Muslims ascribes to Him (dis: v1);
-6- to be sarcastic about Allah's name, His command, His interdiction, His promise, or His threat;
-7- to deny any verse of the Koran or anything which by scholarly consensus (def: b7) belongs to it, or to add a verse that does belong to it;
-8- to mockingly say, ``I don't know what faith is'';
-9- to reply to someone who says, ``There is no power or strength save through Allah''; ``Your saying `There's no power or strength, etc,' won't save you from hunger'';
-10- for a tyrant, after an oppressed person says, ``This is through the decree of Allah,'' to reply, ``I act without the decree of Allah'';
-11- to say that a Muslim is an unbeliever (kafir) (dis: w47) in words that are uninterpretable as merely meaning he is an ingrate towards Allah for divinely given blessings (n: in Arabic, also ``kafir'');
-12- when someone asks to be taught the Testification of Faith (Ar. Shahada, the words, ``La ilaha ill Allahu Muhammadun rasulu Llah'' (There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) ), and a Muslim refuses to teach him it;
-13- to describe a Muslim or someone who wants to become a Muslim in terms of unbelief (kufr);
-14- to deny the obligatory character of something which by the consensus of Muslims (ijma`, def: B7) is part of Islam, when it is well known as such, like the prayer (salat) or even one rak'a from one of the five obligatory prayers, if there is no excuse (def: u2.4);
-15- to hold that any of Allah's messengers or prophets are liars, or to deny their being sent;
(n: `Ala' al-din' Abidin adds the following:
-16- to revile the religion of Islam;
-17- to believe that things in themselves or by their own nature have any causal influence independent of the will of Allah;
-18- to deny the existence of angels or jinn (def: w22), or the heavens;
-19- to be sarcastic about any ruling of the Sacred Law;
-20- or to deny that Allah intended the Prophet's message (Allah bless him and give him peace) to be the religion followed by the entire world (dis: w4.3-4) (al-Hadiyya al-`Ala'iyya (y4), 423-24). )
There are others, for the subject is nearly limitless. May Allah Most High save us and all Muslims from it.)
Previous resolutions demanded that member states pass & enforce legislation prohibiting and punishing violation of those rules. They specify associating Islam with terrorism and implicitly condemn Fitna & the MoToons.The deadline for submitting draft resolutions is Thursday March 17; the 16th session concludes March 25. No draft resolutions have been listed in the extranet and none were listed in the email document release notice. It is likely that the resolution will be introduced at the last moment and rammed through in a hurry. It is possible that the OIC will follow the precedent set by withdrawing the draft resolution condemning International Burn the Koran Day and abort the resolution rather than see it defeated. Now is the time to strike, while the iron is hot. Go to http://www.congress.org/ to send emails to President Obama, your Representative & Senators demanding a vote against the resolution. HR 141 is still bottled up in committee with little hope of being voted out for a floor vote before the HRC votes on their resolution. Mention it to your Rep. and urge him to cosign it and push for its passage.


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Right in the middle of the Halloween Launch party (Sunday) and the Minnie Mouse birthday (Next Saturday) I am planning, is the halloween celebration at my son's school. I am in charge of the favors. These little brooms are loosely based on this pinterest link: http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54efec67b8833017744b7199a970d-popup
I'm the first to admit that theirs is much more sophisticated than my little crooked brooms, but I think mine turned out pretty cute, and I used just plain scissors instead of a diecut machine.
Here is what I did:
First I cut 4 sheets of tissue in half, then in quarters. Made a pile
Then I folded the paper in half and cut a half circle. Folded the half circle in half, then in quarters, than in eighths.
Now I cut the wider part of the circle into an upside down "v". Unfolded the paper like in the picture and cut a slit right in the middle.
Now with the help of some string, I tie a lollipop in the wrap. And...
I glued a round label with the name of each child and teachers to the broom handle.
treat labels by
I hope the kids will like them. :)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
March Issue '09
24 comments:
- John said...
I love, is perfect.
- March 5, 2009 at 3:32 PM
- Mikel. said...
Hmm i think you should had cut out tyler >.> his such a diva and i dont like that about a man!
- March 5, 2009 at 3:50 PM
- ariannacarle said...
I j'adore it. I love that you have a guy on the cover. So congrats on being the first Stardoll magazine to have a coverboy!
The articles were nice, and the graphics were aswell.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:12 PM
- beautycutiegirl said...
Unique & eccentric!
Plus great graphics.
- March 5, 2009 at 4:31 PM
- Felicia said...
I love the creativity! I actually got to get through reading it without falling asleep! I am making it the best magazine of March!
- March 5, 2009 at 5:19 PM
- DanPuffs said...
It's amazing, Linda.
I am so proud you chose me.
- March 5, 2009 at 6:36 PM
- Lauren said...
It is really good!! Loved the coverboy! Graphics=amazing
- March 5, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Thanks so much Linda for featuring me!
Your magazine is truly amazing.
I did expect the unexpected and that's what I got!
- March 5, 2009 at 8:13 PM
- Heather said...
Good mag, just work on the spelling. I had trouble reading some of the articles.. I really dislike spelling errors! =[
P.s- I don't think Tylerisbomb deserved to be featured.. he is a snob!
- March 5, 2009 at 8:50 PM
- Star_Awards said...
yeah, my spelling is horrible at times,lol
I'll try to work on it better for the next issue
- March 6, 2009 at 4:19 AM
- Adri aka babuci1992 said...
Awesome magazine.
- March 6, 2009 at 8:33 AM
- Mimi_Mami said...
It looks great but Dan isnt the first coverboy,
That was achieved by Glossy magazine and after that by Glow Magazine.
Great choice on choosing Dan though, he is amazing!
- March 6, 2009 at 9:21 AM
- Fruity56 said...
So Awesome but I think Tyler should not have been in there.
Can't wait for the next issue!
- March 6, 2009 at 1:49 PM
- Margaret said...
That's reALLY COOL!
- March 7, 2009 at 4:30 AM
- iHEART Him [meyoop] said...
John; Your Article was AMAZE!
- March 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM
- iHEART Him [meyoop] said...
&Amazing choice; in the model,Linda!
- March 7, 2009 at 11:39 AM
- Sophie said...
I love it! The graphics awesome,I enjoyed reading the whole issue! YAY! Cant wait to see the next issue!
- March 8, 2009 at 3:17 AM
- Catherine said...
better than most! Shows promise for a first issue. But please, find someone to edit the text. There were so many typos and it was very distracting by reading. Love the iamyourfat spread!
- March 8, 2009 at 2:04 PM
It's alright, but many spelling errors!!!
- March 9, 2009 at 11:31 PM
- Mariah.To.Cool said...
DanPuffs great way to start of the first issue.
Hes brilliant.
Spelling errors, you should make sure your editor always checks before distributing.
- March 14, 2009 at 7:07 PM
- iluvmumble333 said...
- March 16, 2009 at 6:04 PM
- M!KA aka Mik-Ma said...
Tyler is fine, he deserved to be featured. He's not a bad guy, just a perfectionist, and I bet he can admit that. Like the fact I can admit I like to whore myself out.
Anywho, I officialy LOVE Eccentric. It is he love child between Linda & god. Lmao.
Keep the issues coming, i'm sure they'll be a hit!
- March 17, 2009 at 5:20 PM
- KateFake said...
Eccentric is officially, amazing :]
- April 22, 2009 at 11:14 AM
- 2_cutecarla said...
The makeup tutorial is terrible!
Everything else is good.
- April 25, 2009 at 10:07 AM


text:
Lus na Greine
Knitting Club
Meets every Tuesday from 12 pm – 1 pm in the Centre. Professional Tutor will lead the group. Come along for a chat cuppa and knitting tips. All Welcome! Easter Baking: Easter Cookery Workshop starting 10th March for 6 weeks. Call Jenny at centre for more details. Yoga: Monday mornings in the Centre from 11 to 12.30. Places available just come along.
Evening Yoga
Yoga evening classes due to starts in the centre soon call for to book your place. Seated exercises: Every Friday 11-12. Pottery: Pottery evening classes commencing shortly subject to interest call centre to book a place.
Women In Touch
Tuesdays 10am -12 – Invite you to join them for a morning of Bingo interspersed with a Pancake making demonstration this Tuesday next don't miss out on tasty treats and quirky prizes. 'Busybees Parent & Toddler' Group: Meet Wednesdays' 11-12.30. Interesting Workshops including Nutrition, Crafting for Toddlers and lots more with
Granard Art Club
Invite new members to join in their relaxing classes combining all mediums, sketching and drawing. Professional tuition and Guest Artists are available for guidance. Surprise yourself and let loose thos creative skills. Crafters United: Every Thursday morning with Barbara, a space and craft for everyone and a must if you just want time to unwind and nourish your mind and soul.
Triple P Parenting Programme
Now running in the centre. Still time to catch up so come along on Tuesday evening next at 8 pm. Well worth sharing knowledge and learning new tips for the most important job in the world.
Thai Chi
Thursday evenings – 7pm-8pm Granard Walking Club: in conjunction with Longford Sports Partnership have organised an Operation Transformation walk guided by professional Coach - Friday mornings at 10am from St. Mary's Sports Complex, Granard Friday Club Chair based Exercises: A chair based Exercise and Mediation Programme on Friday mornings from 11am to 12 noon all welcome!


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Theatre Simpson has been traveling this semester (figuratively speaking) with Henrik Ibsen's epic character Peer Gynt. When Ibsen wrote Peer Gynt he wasn't necessarily thinking about it for production–as written it would probably be a seven hour theatrical experience. Tom Woldt, theatre department chair, undertook the challenge to adapt and direct this play. Woldt has shortened the play and modernized it. The finishing touches are being put on in the final technical rehearsals preparing for the first audience on March 16. Yes, indeed, the trolls are coming.
Peer Gynt is the story of one man's journey to find 'self.' Along the way he finds trolls and Egyptian dancers, crashes a couple boats, gains riches and loses them again, and finds true love. The process for making this show has been much like Peer's journey as the production team and performers search for the best and most interesting ways to tell this story to the audience.
And interesting it will be (we can't tell you exactly what will happen because that will spoil the surprises) but the audience is guaranteed to be amazed as Peer is as he enters new lands. Tom Woldt, mentioned that he "really enjoyed staging some of the interesting and unusual scenes that the people will see, now if you're going to ask what the hardest part of the process was I will say the same thing [chuckle] hardest but also most fun." The costume designer, Laura Perkins, said, "My favorite part of the show is the wicked big dress, if you don't know what that is come see the show and you will. It was fun figuring out with the set designer, Amber Miller, her assistant, Shelby Burgus, and the scene shop supervisor, Rick Goetz, how we would make it and how to use it on stage." A student, Ali Simpson, said, "One of my favorite things is how much Tom brought out each actors special talents, we have live music, some dancers, acrobatics, and so much more."
So come join us at Theatre Simpson this weekend, where you will be reminded that life is a journey. March 16-17 at 7:30 p.m. and March 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Order tickets at http://simpson.tix.com/
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The gist of a recently released opposition research document from Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is that the former Massachusetts governor is not a real Republican because some of his centrist positions and alliances with Democrats. Researchers working for Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) reportedly authored the file during the 2008 Republican primary.
But some of the claims may simply illustrate a man who is committed to his own ideals, loyal to those around him and perhaps trying to do what is morally right–maybe even by hiring advisers to offer him objective perspectives so that he doesn't just have people around him who mimic his own views. Among some of the exacerbated criticisms are the following with an alternative counter-point below each allegation:
1. "Romney voted for Paul Tsongas in the 1992 Democratic presidential primary"
Tsongas was a Senator from Massachusetts, Romney's own state.
2. "Romney was an independent until deciding to run for the Senate in 1994."
Mitt Romney's 1994 bid for U.S. Senate was his first attempt at running for political office. It should be no surprise that he was independent before then since independents make up the majority of Massachusetts voters–some of whom remain non-party affiliated or "unenrolled" so that they can opt to vote in either primary in each election. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elections Division online records, in February 1994 there were 418, 298 registered Republicans, 1,283,986 registered Democrats, but 3,174,759 total voters, which leaves 1,471,500 unenrolled voters. Romney was no different than the largest class of Massachusetts voters.
3. "Romney has surrounded himself with policy advisors – like Gregory Mankiw, Vin Weber, Kerry Healey, Bill Weld and more – who do not share his beliefs on key issues."
Bill Weld was a Republican, but also socially liberal. Romney wanted advisers who would actually enlighten him instead of just parrot his own beliefs.
4. "In Late 2002, Romney Described Himself As 'Progressive On Social Issues.'"
Not all Republicans have conservative social views. It has been rumored that socially liberal Republicans are on the decline, but Romney's nomination could potentially help draw in moderates and centrists who are undecided.
5. "Romney Has Made Political Contributions to Democratic Candidates."
He believed in those candidates. Was Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman wrong to support President George W. Bush and his decision to liberate Iraq?
Romney's critics always portray him as a flip-flopping closet liberal, but they fail to recognize the inconvenient truth that Massachusetts is one of the most Democratic states in the union. It would be difficult to hire advisers or appoint good people who do not have some history with the Democratic Party. It would also be difficult to win in Massachusetts without being able to relate to some of the more centrist or even liberal positions the general state population has.
The document describes Romney as having "praised Kennedy almost as much as he criticized him" and quotes a November 1994 article in the Christian Science Monitor, which said that "Romney… is socially liberal in the tradition of many Massachusetts Republicans."


text:
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The Short Version? Stand By mE.T.
What Is It? Sci-Fi Dramedy.
Who Is In It? That guy from that show and that guy from that other show and that girl who's the sister of Dakota Fanning.
Should I See It? Yeah.
My girlfriend asked if I wanted to see this movie, which was her way of telling me that we were going to see it, unless I was going to ruin her fun by making a stink. I said that I didn't not want to see this movie. I wouldn't make a point of seeing it, but I wasn't opposed to it, either, and so I did. It wasn't super great (Gene Shalit R.I.P., whenever you get around to dying already,) but it was totally okay, and I'm fine with that. If you expect better from J.J. Abrams, you're a fucking sucker, so I'm just happy this film exceeded the low bar he's set.
Most of the trailers were real mysterious like, and the movie has not a little of the cliché about it, so why spoil the fun in a review? You'll enjoy it better the less you know. It's Spielberg, so there are going to be aliens, suspense, and a bit of childlike wonder℠. It's J.J. Abrams, so there will be elements of conspiracy and a quality of television smallness. A train will derail while some kids are trying to make a zombie movie on the kind of film you had to develop at a Kodak center. It's set in 1979, although not a version I find 100% authentic, but close enough for secondhand nostalgia. I figure Abrams is a child of the '80s trying to mythologize an era the way his fore-bearers did with shit like The Wonder Years, but even Generation X lacks the full-blooded egocentricity that only the Baby Boomers could conjure up as the sheltered spawn of The Greatest Generation.
The script is dumb and full of conveniences without logic. There's a Paul W.S. Anderson level lack of regard for linear transition at times, and the flick is atonal as fuck. The adult characters are all assholes, and despite much effort, they never really redeem themselves in a way that resonates. It doesn't matter, because the kids are alright, and we all fall in love with Elle Fanning like we're supposed to (purely platonic, or Hanson sic balls.) You can spend the entire movie pointing out the obvious, arch influence of other movies, but it's still very well shot and nicely directed. It's a shaggy dog that's tough to hate and easier to like, so let's just do that.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Frank Review of "Super 8" (2011)
Posted by Diabolu Frank at 3:45 AM
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When it comes to the Muslim community and the religious obligation of Muslims to attend Jummah (Friday) prayers, this quote can be modified a bit to summarize what it's like listening to some of the weekly Khutbahs (sermons) conducted by the knowledgeable in the community: "Khutbah's are like a box of chocolates...not enough of the delicious caramel kind, too many crappy ones with the orange filling."
Khutbah's these days are typically hit or miss and no matter what region of the world you're in, you've probably had to suffer one or more of those misses. I'm sure most of the readers have endured this scenario in some way, shape or form:
Good Friday?
|Oh great, another Khutbah from Sheikh Achmed Boremetodeath
Instead, the man who steps up seems a little shaky and nervous. He shuffles some papers and clears his throat. Finally, he speaks and ughhh--good Lord have mercy! He has an accent. A heavy and nearly incoherent one at that. Or you get someone who stands there and speaks Arabic for 15 straight minutes before finally sputtering out in English "Brahtharrs and seesthurrs, our toepic doday ees faith/salah/forgiveness/charity/hellfire etc." The topic is usually something very broad and one which more often then not has been done to death.
Example: The beginning of the Khutbah you're told that salah/charity is important and you should do it cause its a pillar of Islam (DUH!)
If you don't pray Salah/give charity, you suck and will go to Hell.
Moral of the past mind-numbing 30 minutes, please pray/give more money to charity, preferably the mosque.Now, dont get me wrong, reminders are good. In fact, the purpose of a Friday Khutbah is to serve as a reminder of our Islamic duties. The Friday khutbah is supposed to inspire and enlighten us on the spiritual, social, moral, ethical, philosophical, cultural, and political issues which impact our lives – and ultimately draw it all back to loving, serving, and glorifying God and improving the human condition.
Sadly, more often than not, the khutbah falls flat and you're left not remembering even a morsel of information. If you exit the masjid in the same state of mind in which you entered, that my friends, should be seen as an EPIC FAIL. And sometimes, it's not your fault, but the fault of the Khateebs (those who give Khutbahs) for not knowing their audience and conducting a relevant survey which speaks to the people .
Special Delivery
Nowadays, the Friday Khutbah is crucial because we're living in a time where the Friday prayer--for an increasing segment of the community--is the ONLY time a Muslim individual even steps in the masjid, much less does anything remotely religious. More and more people are unfortunately taking the route of "one and done"; just go to Friday prayer, get your 40 minutes in and you're through for the week. No prayers the rest of the week, no reading Qur'an, no Islamic knowledge of any kind being learned and implemented. Some of these folks may be college students swamped with school or youth who spend their time goofing off and acting a fool. But there is also the adult professionals who only set aside time in their schedules for Jummah. The ones who show up late, park illegally, and rush on out of the doors the second after turning their head for the tasleem (salutation of peace that ends the prayer).
It is absolutely vital for Khateebs to deliver something which may, by Allah's will, pierce the hearts and grab hold of the ears of the people, especially those "one and done'rs". Those qualified members of the community must realize that what they are about to say for those 20-25 minutes may be the only Islamic knowledge of the week for a segment of their audience, so it better be good!
Sweet Chocolatey Words of Advice
Sweet Chocolatey Words of Advice
My advice to Jummah attendants is to be patient and not tune out when there's a khutbah of doom upon you. Try to listen for at least one morsel of information that can benefit you. Even if the khutbah is being delivered in a crummy way, the guy has to be saying something --even if it's one verse of a hadith or the Quran--which is beautiful and impactful. Another thing, even if the Khutbah is a thumbs down, before you go to the Friday prayer, go on YouTube or a website and listen to a lecture or talk. There's plenty of good ones out there. Search for a topic you want more explanation on or an issue in life you're struggling with. Islam has answers for all aspects of life so I am sure whatever issue you can think of, there is a speaker out there who has addressed it in a way that is satisfying.
All in all, don't be discouraged if your spiritual battery isn't recharged with a brilliant heart-warming, spirit-boosting khutbah. You can get some benefit while sitting there. Ponder about your life, your situation, your relationship with Allah and how you can improve yourself and your position. We're all trying to get to the same place (Paradise), so take the steps and put in the work to get there whether it's reading more, praying more, doing more in the community to help etc. In the meantime, stomach those orange filling chocolates and God willing, next week there will be a ooey-gooey caramel, double fudge with nougat khutbah that will give that kick in the pants you need.


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While most of the known universe seems to agree that Clint Eastwood's RNC speech was, at best, way off-message and, at worst, embarrassing for everyone involved, Bill Maher took a moment on Friday's "Real Time" to defend the veteran actor and director.
After all, Maher is a comedian so he knows what it's like to bomb in front of an audience. From where he was sitting, Eastwood did anything but bomb.
Check out Maher's defense above and let us know if you agree. For more commentary on what Eastwood's performance really says about the RNC, check out Jon Stewart's gleeful yet scathing assessment.


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Introduction / Primer to Ichimoku can be read at this link (click).
Learning from the Earlier Study: (click here for the previous post)
Index corrects sharply to near the Tenkan Sen, with the fall mapped on the Kumo #W2.
Chikou Span dips below the Kijun Sen #W1.
Senkou Span A & B, stay crossed Bearishly and rise #W3.
Index rises and falls, inside a rising Kumo #W2.
Looking Forward into this Week:
Bearish Senoku Span Cross is active (Its called a 'Neutral' Bearish cross, because it occurred when the index was on Neutral territory i.e inside the Kumo) #W2.
Bulls seek to keep the index inside the Kumo #W2,.
Bulls need theTenkan Sen support, for the next rise inside the Kumo #W2.
Bears push for a resumption of the down trend, after the Senoku Span Cross #W3.
Bulls seek life in the Kumo and a steady up-move W2 .


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A Day of Demonstrations: Occupy Oakland General Strike
Thursday, 9:45 a.m. For today's updates, click here.
Thursday, 7:09 a.m. From AP this morning:
A protest that shut down the Port of Oakland to show the broadening reach of the Occupy Wall Street movement ended in violence when police in riot gear arrested dozens of protesters overnight who broke into a vacant building, shattered downtown windows, sprayed graffiti and set blazes along the way.
At least four protesters were hospitalized Thursday with various injuries, including one needing stitches after fighting with an officer, police said. Several officers were also injured but didn't need hospitalization. Full story
Sponsored By
The Oakland Tribune's account here.
Yesterday's posts
Occupy Oakland has called for a day of demonstrations and a general strike. We're keeping up with events as they unfold. Reporters out in the field covering today's events are also sending back photos.
Latest live-blog updates
9:48 p.m. We're signing off for tonight, but we'll be back in the morning with the latest developments on the status of Occupy Oakland.
Of the thousands that demonstrated for a general strike on The Port of Oakland, at this hour only about 150 remain, reports Sean Maher of The Oakland Tribune. About 50 port workers are still trying to get out and go home, he says.
For those who remain or are headed back to Frank Ogawa Plaza, reporter Emily Loftis tweets that AC Transit is offering a free ride back.
If you're staying up late tonight, you can follow these folks on Twitter using this master feed that KQED's social media guru Ian HIll has put together from local news organizations following events moment-to-moment. Or keep up by following our blog updates below.
And here's a general Twitter feed:
Live stream from Occupy Oakland:
9:01 p.m. Even though some are staying at the port, it seems that many are heading back to Frank Ogawa Plaza. Oakland Tribune photographer and multimedia producer Jane Tyska captures a moment of people celebrating at what many see as the successful closure of the port.
Meanwhile in the downtown area, two pedestrians were struck by a car in the intersection of 11th Street and Broadway Avenue, The Oakland Tribune's Martin Reynolds reports. ABC affiliate KGO TV adds that one protestor "slapped" the car before being hit.
8:39 p.m. There seems to be confusion among demonstrators gathered about whether the port was officially closed. Oakland North tweets that people initially cheered at an announcement the port was closed. KCBS reporter Doug Sovern tweets that police officers have left Maritime and West Grand Ave. Gavin Aaronson tweets that some protestors plan to stay at the port to block the morning shift.
8:30 p.m. Mother Jones' Gavin Aaronson gives insight as to why some longshoremen showed up for work this evening. He tweets a message from the union spokesman "workers got a dispatch call to come to the port at 7pm but couldn't get in. The next shift is 7am."
8:00 p.m. Reporters on the ground say the mood at the port is "festive," and that a group of about 100 people are leaving to go home.
KGO Radio reporter Kristin Hanes tweets that the longshoremen's union called off the 7:00 p.m. shift at the port this evening, affecting about 200 workers.
7:30 p.m. Our Kelly Wilkinson is still with the marchers at the port, and updates with Cy Musiker again, noting people are prepared to stay, for awhile, at least. Listen here:
7:19 p.m. KQED's Kelly Wilkinson is at the port and tells us that people are hanging out. A group that she is near just voted to keep truckers from entering the port, but allow workers who just ended their shift to leave and go home.
Mother Jones editorial fellow Gavin Aronson also says the atmosphere is "relaxed," "But a woman speaking through a bullhorn has just starting calling for a picket line."
7:09 p.m. Earlier this evening, Mayor Jean Quan and other city officials held a press conference. ABC's local affiliate KGO posted the news conference:
7:00 p.m. Our Kelly Wilkinson is with the marchers at the port, and speaks with Cy Musiker to update the situation on the ground. Listen here:
6:45 p.m. The first few reports of police at the port are trickling in. San Francisco Chronicle reporter Demian Bulwa tweets this photo of a line of officers at the port.
6:30 p.m. The Port of Oakland issued this statement (PDF) on their website about 15 minutes ago. It reads in part:
At this time maritime operations are effectively shut down at the Port of Oakland. Maritime area operations will resume when it is safe and secure to do so.
Safety, security, respect and dignity for everyone remain of paramount importance. We continue to ask that everyone remain calm, respectful, and safe.
Specifically, we ask that the marchers allow port workers safe passage home. Please allow your fellow 99% to get home safe to their families.
The Port of Oakland is an economic engine: Through our activities and those of our tenants and customers we support over 73,000 jobs in our region and are connected to more than 800,000 jobs nationwide. These are jobs for the 99%.
The port also tweeted "Some marchers climbing on structures at Port. We take safety seriously for all. Keep protests to the road to avoid accidents. Thank you."
6:19 p.m. Our Kelly Wilkinson says there are still more people coming toward the port. There are also people playing musical instruments, she says. Oakland North tweets this photo of Sistah Boom, making music and marching.
6:00 p.m. From the twitter-sphere, people continue to march toward the port. Joshua Holland, reporter from Alternet, tweets, "people streaming in literally stretch as far as the eye can see." Oakland North reporters tweet photos, saying that thousands are already there, and thousands more are on their way.
KQED's Kelly Wilkinson confirms that the second mass of marchers has arrived at the report and is as large or larger than the first group.
5:30 p.m. KQED's Catilin Esch attended a press conference with the Port of Oakland's Executive Director this afternoon, and she reports that marine operations have been shut down.
Interim Police Chief Howard Jordan stated at a press conference that the total for today's crowd numbered at about 4,500, with an estimated 3,000 at the port.
5:24 p.m. Oakland North reporters tweet this photo (right) of demonstrators "occupying" a truck at the port. Our Kelly Wilkinson says people are chanting the familiar "we are the 99 percent," while some are trying to direct incoming marchers to different entrances to the port.
5:19 p.m. KQED's Kelly Wilkinson is on the ground and says that truckers are honking their horns, presumably in support of the march. She says people are splitting into groups of about 2,000, stationed at each entrance. Reporter Emily Loftis tweets a similar account.
Wilkinson hasn't seen any uniformed police from her location.
5:00 p.m. The ABC affiliate TV station, KGO, reports that the crowd marching toward the port is estimated between 5,000 and 10,000. Their live aerial video feed is currently showing the large crowd.
The Oakland Tribune's Josh Richman is covering the protest and tweets this photo of the march, on 14th street between Clay and Jefferson, near the I-980 overpass.
Reporters from the hyper-local news site Oakland North tweets, "the air is filled with car horns, the smell of sage, and legions of brightly colored signs."
4:30 p.m. The march to the Port of Oakland is underway. Buses are shuttling demonstrators that need assistance to the port. ABC has live aerial coverage online.
3:50 p.m. KQED's Caitlin Esch talked to a witness who says about 15-20 minutes ago a handful of protesters broke off from the main group of marchers and started arguing with a Wells Fargo security guard. Before a physical confrontation could occur, one of the protesters smashed a Wells Fargo sign, and then others smashed multiple windows in the building, which is actually the headquarters of Clorox.
There is glass everywhere now, Esch reports, and window blinds have been pulled out. A spray-painted anarchist symbol covers the Wells Fargo sign. There are also a few drops of blood on the pavement.
The vandals were wearing bandanas and masks, the witness says.
3:35 p.m. Wells Fargo spokesperson Holly Rockwell says a second office at 2040 Franklin was closed mid-afternoon. There was no information whether employees were sent home or to work at other branches.
3:30 p.m. Whole Foods has tweeted multiple messages about the incident at its store. "no one is losing jobs for #generalstrike," reads one message. "We even offered to help cover shifts for people who wished to go."
3:00 p.m. Our reporter Andrew Stelzer says he saw a group of about 150 black-clad protesters among a mainstream contingent of marchers, on their way to the Whole Foods. One or two from this group smashed windows of a Chase bank and another bank. The individual who smashed the window of the second bank was then tackled by someone else in the crowd.
When the group dressed in black reached Whole Foods, they spray-painted windows, and then, apparently, through tables through them.
Andrew Stelzer says there have been skirmishes between the black clad demonstrators and the other protesters. Many people are trying to grab anyone they see committing acts of property destruction, he says.
Several windows have also been smashed at a Bank of America, Stelzer reports.
2:43 p.m. KQED's Wendy Goodfriend reports that protesters have smashed the front windows at Whole Foods on 27th Street and Harrison Street by throwing tables into them.
There has been a Twitter rumor going around that Whole Foods announced it would discipline employees who took part in the strike. Earlier in the day, our intern Reena Flores talked to a Whole Foods spokesperson in Austin, Texas, who said it was a "crazy, out of control rumor. In fact, our store team leaders talked to our stores in Oakland and Berkeley and said they support their right to do this."
More here...
Twitter news feed
Right now the most thorough coverage is happening through Twitter. Check out this master feed that KQED's social media guru Ian HIll has put together from local news organizations following events moment-to-moment. Or keep up by following our blog updates below.
And here's a general Twitter feed:
Live stream from Occupy Oakland:
3:30 p.m. Whole Foods is tweeting
3:00 p.m. Our reporter Andrew Stelzer says he saw a group of about 150 black-clad protesters among a mainstream contingent of marchers, on their way to the Whole Foods. One or two from this group smashed windows of a Chase bank and another bank. The individual who smashed the window of the second bank was then tackled by someone else in the crowd.
When the group dressed in black reached Whole Foods, they spray-painted windows, and then, apparently, through tables through them.
Andrew Stelzer says there have been skirmishes between the black clad demonstrators and the other protesters. Many people are trying to grab anyone they see committing acts of property destruction, he says.
Several windows have also been smashed at a Bank of America, Stelzer reports.
2:43 p.m. KQED's Wendy Goodfriend reports that protesters have smashed the front windows at Whole Foods on 27th Street and Harrison Street by throwing tables into them.
There has been a Twitter rumor going around that Whole Foods announced it would discipline employees who took part in the strike. Earlier in the day, our intern Reena Flores talked to a Whole Foods spokesperson in Austin, Texas, who said it was a "crazy, out of control rumor. In fact, our store team leaders talked to our stores in Oakland and Berkeley and said they support their right to do this."
2:35 p.m. Wall Street Journal headline: Call for General Strike in Oakland Fizzles
The Occupy Oakland protesters' call for a general strike Wednesday largely fizzled as organizers failed to rally significant support from unions, causing only minor disruption to businesses and schools.
Occupy Oakland, the West Coast's most volatile branch of the Occupy Wall Street movement, said on its website that it was "asking all workers go on strike, call a vacation day or simply walk off the job." Last week, demonstrators and police in Oakland clashed in violent skirmishes that caught international attention.
But calm reigned here Wednesday, raising questions about the breadth of the movement's support.
To read more than that, you have to subscribe.
2:15 p.m. Time out for mockery. Colbert has his way with a couple of Occupy Wall Street protesters.
1:50 p.m. KCRA reports that "several carloads" of Occupy Sacramento protesters are headed for Oakland.
1:44 p.m. Video: Flash mob performs "I Will Survive," the anthem of choice for any world-changing political movement:
1:10 p.m. From SFist: Oakland Businesses Go 'Cash-Only' In Support of General Strike
1:03 p.m. The city held a briefing about a half hour ago. From our reporter Peter Jon Shuler:
Interim Police Chief Howard Jordan says the dept is keeping police presence minimal, just to facilitate the right to assemble - that will continue as long as the crowd remains peaceful. The chief also says no arrests so far but is concerned a small group is looking to force confrontation with police. He's calling on peaceful protesters to help quell those people. Police estimate about 1,000 protesters total.
City manager Deanna Santana said about 200 city employees are participating in the strike, and that fifteen of 17 head start centers are closed as a result. No impact on other city services.
Mayor Quan says downtown merchants have taken a beating. No estimate yet on total lost sales but she encouraged everybody to "shop Oakland."
12:45 p.m. KQED News intern Don Clyde spoke to Troy Flint, spokesperson for Oakland Unified School District, about teacher participation in the strike today. Flint said more than 300 teachers are out today, possibly as many as 360. "We're still trying to collect the precise information from all the different school sites. That'll be an ongoing process throughout the day," Flint said.
Flint said that on a typical Wednesday, there might be 25 requests to stay out in various leave categories, including sick time.
"Because of the short timeline, we definitely had to scramble to make sure we had subs and to send administrators who are credentialed out from central office," Flint said. "So that there's supervision and instruction in every classroom.
"But we actually feel it's worth it. We partnered with the Oakland Education Association and our other unions to make sure that those teachers who followed our protocol could participate. That protocol involved submitting their leave request by close of business on Monday October 31, and to see that we were able to promise a sub for their classroom... We recognize that public services, particularly those devoted to education, have been criminally underfunded. We are in the mix of some of the deepest, really unprecedented cuts to public education that have greatly harmed kids and jeopardized the future of this state, and we're seeing this on a national level as well. So we tried to accommodate the request and the support of the ideal that public education is a civic right, while at the same time providing parents and families and students with a safe, secure place during the school day and an opportunity to receive instruction."
12:33 p.m. Joshua Johnson received another update from Google on the back-and-forth renaming of Frank Ogawa Plaza as "Oscar Grant Plaza" on Google Maps. The change was made late yesterday evening, according to Google. A spokesperson said:
Uses are able to make contributions or edits to the map via our participatory mapping tool, Google Map Maker. Users must be signed into their Google account to make a contribution on Map Maker, and changes must be approved before they're reflected in Google Maps. Most contributions are reviewed by fellow mapping volunteers in the Map Maker community, but we also have a small team of Google reviewers across the globe that may review and moderate updates in Map Maker as well. And of course, we take a look at all abuse reports and edits that are brought to our attention for further review. Overall, we believe that the knowledge of participatory mappers in the U.S. expands the depth and breadth of coverage in Google Maps, and dramatically speeds up the time it takes for online maps to reflect the often-changing physical world.
As you've noted in your most recent story update, this area is generating a lot of interest. Google reviewers will work to ensure that the name of the plaza is an accurate representation of reality -- reflecting its official, government name, but remaining searchable via the name adopted by people on the ground.
12:10 p.m. Don Clyde spoke to Wells Fargo spokesperson Holly Rockwood. She said of the nine branches in Oakland, as of 11:30 am only the 1221 Broadway branch (closest to Frank Ogawa Plaza) has been closed. That branch has 14 employees, and Rockwell said all of them were directed to work at other branches.
When asked whether Wells Fargo expects to close other branches in Oakland, Rockwood said, "We are actively monitoring the situation. Obviously safety is our #1 priority."
12:05 p.m. Statement from the Port of Oakland:
Safety is the #1 priority at the Port of Oakland, and we ask that everyone approach today with calm and respect. The Port of Oakland is open. This includes the Port's headquarters building, Oakland International Airport, Jack London Square, and the seaport, including ferry service.
At the seaport, marine terminals are generally operating, although the situation is fluid. Each of our the Port's terminals operates independently, and Port staff are in close touch with terminal operators, shipping companies, and other tenants.
We will be providing periodic updates throughout the day.
You can also keep abreast of information throughout the day via the Port's Twitter (portofoakland) and Facebook pages as well as the Port's homepage: www.portofoakland.com.
11:45 a.m. Bank protest update:
11:20 a.m. Occupy Oakland photos from our staff and the public...
11:11 a.m. Mayor Jean Quan's statement:
Like many Oaklanders, I support the goals of those protesting on behalf of the 99% today. Police Chief Jordan and I are dedicated to respecting the right of every demonstrator to peacefully assemble, but it is our duty to prioritize public safety.
Many Oaklanders will not be participating in today's events, even if they may support the overall goals of those demonstrating. We must make sure that those who have to go to work and keep their businesses open are able to do so.
We have spent the week collaborating with the Port, county, school district officials as well as clergy, business, community and activity groups to ensure that the day goes smoothly.
11:10 a.m. From the Oakland Trib live blog:
[Oakland City Council President Larry] Reid said he's gotten numerous calls from frustrated small business owners since the Occupy Oakland encampment set up shop in early October, who are contemplating leaving the city.
"These are folks who don't want to expose their employees to potential danger," Reid said. "They went through the Oscar Grant murder riots, and a lot of folks are fed up. They're trying to get out of their lease agreements."
Reid said he strongly supports the message of the Occupy Wall Street movement, "but I don't like the method. This is a blue collar town, and if the city is going to get on sound footing, we have to attract jobs."
11:08 a.m. KGO has live video from its overhead camera.
10:38 a.m. From Oakland Local: General Strike Event Guide
10:33 a.m. From the Chronicle today: BART protesters quickly cancel Oakland action (SF Chronicle)
A group that has demonstrated against BART since the New Year's Day 2009 killing of Oscar Grant by a transit agency police officer abruptly canceled plans today for protesters to "occupy" two downtown Oakland stations Wednesday morning during the heart of the commute.
The group, No Justice No BART, said it was concerned that the proposed action at the 12th Street and 19th Street stations could hinder people from using BART to participate in a citywide general strike planned by Occupy Oakland protesters.
10:25 a.m. Joshua Johnson heard back from a Google spokesperson regarding Google Maps showing Frank Ogawa Plaza as "Oscar Grant Plaza" for a time this morning. She wrote in an email:
The location previously labeled as "Oscar Grant Plaza" in Google Maps has now been re-labeled with its official name "Frank Ogawa Plaza," but can continue to be found via searches for both names. We're committed to providing our users with the richest, most up-to-date maps possible, and as part of that effort we continuously explore ways to integrate new information. We've built our map from a wide range of authoritative sources, ranging from the public and commercial data providers, imagery references, and user contributions. Overall, this provides a very comprehensive and up-to-date map, but maps are constantly changing along with the real world, so we'll continue to review data and make changes as new information becomes available.
In this case, a user-submitted edit to the official name of the plaza went live in Google Maps, when it should only have been made a search reference.
10:15 a.m. KQED's Peter Jon Shuler reports on Jean Quan and Howard Jordan's press briefing this morning:
Jean Quan said she was hoping to have a boring day. She said that Oakland is a progressive city and she's sympathetic with the messages of the demonstrators, in particular the fear of foreclosure and the plight of people who have been foreclosed on. She said she's interested in balancing free speech and public safety. Interim Police Chief Howard Jordan said he anticipated a peaceful day but in the event of any unlawful activity police are prepared to act.
The crowd is massed at the intersection of 14th and Broadway. Hundreds of people, possibly a thousand, have taken the intersection and are preparing to march.
9:54 a.m. Google Maps, which earlier had shown Frank Ogawa Plaza as "Oscar Grant Plaza," is back to showing the area by its official name. Still no word from Google on what's up...
9:26 a.m. ILWU Communications Director Craig Merrilees told KQED's Julia McEvoy says the report of the Port of Oakland being shut down is "completely false." He said, "it's business as usual. A few dozen may not be coming today, but that's compared to over 300. The port is not closed people, people are coming to work."
9:23 a.m. From the Oakland Tribune live blog at 8:59 a.m.:
"Word is spreading that the longshoremen have short-staffed the early shift, and the Port of Oakland is shut down."
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KQED's Ian Hill has curated some tweets and other web content around today's action:


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"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Just don't buy any peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game."
This is pretty cool. We aren't close enough anymore to go to a Mariners game...but at least it is something we might be able to look forward to in the future.


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ABC will unveil actress Sherri Shepherd as the fifth host of "The View" on Monday, filling out the cast of the daytime talkshow.
Sources closed to the show confirmed Shepherd will become the show's newest panelist, filling the slot left vacant by Star Jones more than a year ago.
ABC had been in talks with Shepherd for some time; they decided to delay her announcement to give incoming moderator Whoopi Goldberg a week to get her footing as the show's new moderator.
Goldberg's debut on "The View" drew 3.4 million viewers to the show on Tuesday, 1 million viewers less than O'Donnell's debut the year before, according to Nielsen Media Research.
The appointment of Shepherd brings "The View" panel to full strength for the first time since the departure of Jones, who launched a talk show on Court TV this summer, and former moderator Meredith Vieira, who left last summer to become co-anchor of NBC's "Today."
ABC execs didn't appoint a fifth panelist during O'Donnell's feud-filled run as moderator, deciding instead to focus on holding the show together while they rode the ratings phenomenon.
"We said, 'OK, we're on some sort of a ride here and we'll ride it through,'" said EP Bill Geddie the day of Goldberg's debut. "This year we're going to fill the fifth chair."
Like Goldberg, who had appeared 25 times as a guest, Shepherd was a frequent visitor to the show. She appeared 12 times as a guest host and was considered a leading candidate to replace Jones before O'Donnell started as moderator and ABC execs put the fifth host on hold.
ABC wanted to get a fifth host in place before Elizabeth Hasselbeck goes on maternity leave in November. Barbara Walters only appears on the show two days a week, which would leave the cast thin without a fifth member.
Despite the addition of Goldberg, ABC execs have been managing expectations for ratings this year. ABC Daytime prexy Brian Frons predicted that ratings this year would run somewhere between 2005, and O'Donnell's stint in 2006 when ratings hit 10-year highs.


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I went a little crazy last week. It was Spring Break and even though I was sill working I felt like I had tons of time. Enrichment was on Tuesday and I decided to undertake baking a 12 layer cake.
The pictures went in backwards and I don't really want to fix it so enjoy... finish to start! Yum!
I got the idea from Bakerella who used this recipe. It was fun and I'd definitely do it again!
1 year ago


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Right of Way NYC) (Video courtesy Staten Island Advance)
Friday, November 21, 2014
Friday Afternoon at Fort Wadsworth: Ceremony Celebrating the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Verrazano Bridge featuring P.S. 22 Chorus
Posted by Richard at 6:33 PM
Labels: 10301, 11209, Bay Ridge, Fort Wadsworth, P.S. 22 Chorus, Staten Island, Verrazano Bridge 50th anniversary, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
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Two On Practice
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
It might seem odd to step back and take a fresh look at the merits of something so incontestably beneficial as practice, but a couple of things I ran across recently make me want to do just that.
First, I ran across a trick comedian Jerry Seinfeld used to overcome mental inertia on days he did not feel like writing jokes:
[Seinfeld] told me to get a big wall calendar that has a whole year on one page and hang it on a prominent wall. The next step was to get a big red magic marker.The technique strikes me as akin to the tactic of breaking large tasks up into smaller, achievable steps, or of finding "next actions" as productivity guru David Allen repeatedly advises, except that here, a short-term goal is grafted onto an ongoing chore, and serves the same motivating role as a next action or a small sub-goal.
He said for each day that I do my task of writing, I get to put a big red X over that day. "After a few days you'll have a chain. Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. You'll like seeing that chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job next is to not break the chain."
"Don't break the chain," he said again for emphasis.
Making the chain grow -- or if you find some other way to make performing a practice session into a game, otherwise "scoring" or "winning" -- is an immediately achievable goal that is relatively easily reached. Rather than simply missing some practice session that would not, alone make or break his slim chance of having a rewarding comedic career, Seinfeld would break the chain now if he failed to write. This is a rather clever way to make a tendency called hyperbolic discounting work to one's own advantage.
The second productivity hack relates to overcoming a tendency to not have presence of mind in certain stressful situations. Carolyn Hax, advising a woman who found being stared at in public to be unnerving, says the following:
Ask yourself, now, what you can realistically hope to do in these situations, then prepare the words, gestures and/or actions. Say your plans out loud in the shower (seriously); repeat them to your friends by telling them the restaurant story and spelling out what you wish you had done. Even when practicing feels stupid, use repetition to teach your brain where the path is. In time, you'll be able to find it no matter how rattled you get.I did something similar long ago to overcome a childhood fear of medium-sized to large dogs. Looking back, it seems that the automatized beginnings of a rational course of action give the mind a sort of anchor, and this, in turn, enables increasingly longer periods of freedom from the paralysis caused by overwhelming emotion. That freedom permits one to think and, therefore, better deal with the upsetting situation successfully -- which will build confidence and result in more calmness the next time. I don't recall how long it took me to overcome that fear, but there eventually came a day when I walked past a pretty large dog and remembered how scared I used to be of such encounters, regardless of whether the dog seemed friendly or not.
Both techniques involve establishing beneficial habits by overcoming emotional hurdles to performing small actions whose real benefits will accrue only over time, and after multiple repetitions. Practice may make perfect, in terms of skill, but it also creates good habits, and without those, all the talent or skill on earth can come to naught.


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Owners of Marijuana Dispensaries
August 21 (SEATTLE) - The owners of two different marijuana distribution enterprises pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug trafficking, admitting they were selling large quantities of marijuana for profit, in violation of federal and state law. Brionne Keith Corbray, 47, owner and operator of three G.A.M.E Collectives in White Center, Northeast Seattle and West Seattle, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Craig Douglas Dieffenbach, 61, and Jingjing Mo, 31, owners of Seattle Cannabis Cooperative with locations in the Rainier Valley and Greenwood, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Corbray is scheduled for sentencing by the Honorable Ricardo S. Martinez on November 16, 2012. Dieffenbach and Mo are scheduled for sentencing by Chief Judge Marsha J. Pechman on December 6, 2012. Both drug distribution companies were identified by law enforcement last October for selling large amounts of marijuana in violation of federal and state law.
"These defendants have accepted responsibility for their illegal actions which exposes the truth of what is happening in our community," said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Matthew G. Barnes. "There is no accommodation in either state or federal law which allows marijuana storefronts to openly operate within the State of Washington. The United States Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that its distribution and sale is a serious federal crime. The DEA remains fully committed to enforcing federal drug laws throughout the Pacific Northwest."
According to the facts admitted in Corbray's plea agreement, undercover agents were able to purchase marijuana at his establishments on multiple occasions without a valid medical authorization. At some of the locations agents purchased both hashish and marijuana. At the White Center location, Corbray encourage customers to consume or smoke marijuana on the premises while also drinking alcohol. Corbray was also alleged to have promoted after-hours parties where both alcohol and marijuana were served. Corbray admits purchasing a 2007 Mercedes Benz E550W for $34,000 cash. The money was drug proceeds and the car is being forfeited to the federal government.
In the plea agreements for Dieffenbach and Mo, each admits operating the marijuana stores for profit, selling pound quantities of marijuana to people who presented no medical authorization card. In her plea agreement, Mo admits to offering to sell 25 pounds of marijuana for distribution across the country. The couple also admits laundering funds from the sale of marijuana to pay to modify homes for marijuana production.
Conspiracy to distribute marijuana is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Conspiracy to launder money is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.


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From a few days ago, Bruce Dixon of Black Agenda Report on the idea of what constitutes a wasted vote in American politics:
This imposition of false and meaningless choices is how, in these United States, our voices are suppressed, our votes wasted and made irrelevant, with the black vote rendered most irrelevant of all.I find it hilarious that people who insist I need to vote for Democrats, because the Republicans are so much worse, consider themselves to be adults, or the responsible people. I have no such illusions about myself, but simply voting out of fear isn't an adult choice, nor do I think it particularly responsible. No candidate, and no party, is going to meet all my expectations. I am even happy to compromise a little if at least some of what I want can be passed done by a candidate or party who can win, even though someone else might do more.
This is how the game is played. This is how the legal and symbolic authority of millions of our wasted votes is hijacked every election cycle, making possible wars we do not endorse, ratifying policies we never wanted, and pretending to believe promises we know, or should know will never be kept. This is what Eugene Debs referred to a century ago, when he declared he would rather cast a meaningful vote for what did want, and not get it, than a fake and hollow one for what he didn't want, and get that.
And so, a hundred years later, the game is still the game. If we want our votes to have any meaning, it's time to reject the fake choices between the two corporate parties. It's time to wise up, to grow up and like adults, to take a view longer than dessert, or the next two or three elections.
How To Waste Your Vote In 2012
However, I also believe that Eugene Debs is right. I think Ralph Nader was right when he said that when you choose the lesser of two evils, what you end up with is evil. That's what our choice was in 2008, and for the only time in my life, I voted for someone for President, Barack Obama, who I believed was unqualified for the post. Even at the time, I knew the man was a liar and unlikely to do much of anything that many voters thought they were sending him there to do.
I won't make that mistake again.
That's why I will vote for whoever best represents my attitudes about government policy, whether those people are from major parties or not. If none of the choices represent what I want in an elected official, I won't vote in that race. Simple as that. No more choosing evil. We have evil already. If the political parties want to succeed, they're going to have to do better.
When enough progressives vote that way, they will do better.
Politics is a market, and like all markets, it responds to what pays the bills. Being out of office doesn't pay the bills, regardless of what you want to accomplish.
You are welcome to disagree, but if you think that makes you the adult one, then you are also welcome to kiss my furry ass.
(h/t Joyce Arnold)


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The weather was perfect for exploring with Margaret, Manny, Matt, his girlfriend and their niece. We traveled to an isolated stretch of beach and walked to the sound side where we observed roseate spoonbills, willets, snowy egrets, horseshoe crabs, a raccoon, and kings crowns having lunch on a crab. The time seemed to fly by. While the anchor was being pulled, dolphins appeared off the bow of the boat. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip.
Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat
"Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.
You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history."
Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel's Story
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Exploring Shells and Wildlife
Posted by Capt. Brian Holaway at 9:33 PM
2 comments:
Very nice photos from the sound side. I especially like the eighth photo of the horse shoe crabs amongst all the little fish and shells. Some day I'd like to get back there and hunt for some King's Crown Conchs. The Roseates are beautiful. It looks like you had an awesome day!
- Monday, August 26, 2013
- Penny Redd said...
Amazing pictures, and I love the crab picture! That's what I'll be looking for next time! Lol!
- Friday, August 30, 2013
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Many of these people turn to the internet as a source of income and majority of them get caught up in a web of deception spun by scammers and con artists. In fact a study claims that the top cybercrimes in Pakistan are financial crimes.
Why is it so attractive?
Making money via internet is attractive for a number of reasons.
The comfort of sitting at home and generating income is massively appealing. Add to it that the only investment is a computer and an internet connection and you've got yourself a potential goldmine.
Scammers count on this desire to make a quick rupee, to achieve their goals. Every day one gets hammered by online companies trying to part you from your cash. But now that most people are aware of the risks of these companies, scammers are turning to more imaginative ways to cheat people out of their money.
Scamming has reached new heights these days with the saddest development being this trend spreading fast in Pakistan with our own people trying to cheat us out of our own money.
Minting Money in the name of Registration Fee!
One example is the now defunct visiononlinejobs.com. This website claims to be an advertising agency in America with connections to various companies there whereas they are totally based in Pakistan. They try to lure people into the concept of free commission by bringing in more people. They offer 25% commission to its franchises who would eventually keep bringing in more and more people for their commission.
People spend the whole month working to complete the hectic projects assigned by these companies. At the end of following month instead of paying committed amount, they come up with lame excuses and reject your work by mentioning that you have done the following mistakes:
Auto software used
Link errors / Link missing
Project file not attached
Assignment late submitted
Too good to be true? Well, yeah. The catch is that they have a registration fee. They offer different packages, with the expensive ones offering more money to complete assigned projects. You might be rolling your eyes on how could one fall for such an obvious scam but estimates suggest that they managed to acquire around 4 million rupees in the space of one month, before they are about to shut down. Thousands of people lost money and by the time scam will be reported, they will just disappear with all the money.
Message for Bloggers
Please spread the word, and save the innocent people of your country.


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1. He calls a good game
2. The Giants felt that Buster Posey was not ready
3. Offensive production
Offensive production! Wait, really...offensive production:
To me, this move represents everything that is wrong with the Giants right now. Instead of pursuing a player who could dramatically make the Giants lineup better, Sabean opted to spend his money in multiple places hoping to make the Giants lineup deeper and more potent. But even after adding Aubrey Huff and Mark DeRosa to the fold, Sabean realized that he still need a middle of the order hitter, who could give the Giants the punch they needed.
In addition, the catching market was so poor that Molina, who was considered to be the top catcher on the free agent market, was not likely to land anything more than a one year deal with an option. Once Molina decided to take a one year deal, he fell into the Giants lap. The Giants have gone after veteran players over the past few seasons with short contracts and the one they gave Molina is no exception.
Because of his limited resources and strange affinity for aging players with low OBPs, Sabean went after Molina. Ultimately, I think the Giants could have allocated their resources better because I don't think Huff, DeRosa, and Molina will improve their offense that much. But it's clear to me that the Giants value Bengie Molina a lot more than most teams do.


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KABUL, Afghanistan — Three years ago, when the fundamentalist Taliban ruled Afghanistan, Morad was arrested with five friends and charged with murder and robbery. At the end of a series of trials, he and the other men were pronounced guilty of robbery, put in chains, blindfolded and told they were being taken to Poli-e-Charki prison on the edge of town.
The van pulled up instead in the infield of Kabul's soccer stadium, where a crowd had gathered for a match. And as Morad watched in horror, a team of Arab doctors amputated the right hands and left feet of his friends as the halftime show at center field. His turn came last.


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A grab bag of squealing, gasping and adverbs to describe what I do and think and what I wear while I'm doing it.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tossing it in
It is an admirable attribute, to never give up. Sometimes I think that knowing when to quit is just as valuable. I say this because I have just quit poetry, which is something that I never thought I would do. I have written it since I was nine. It has brought me more pleasure than anything I know. It has coloured my every thought and statement. But I have had to admit to myself that I write it really badly and that it is a waste of time and energy to keep doing it. I love it so much that I'd rather not do it all than do it badly.
It's like I've had my spleen removed. Sure it's an important attractive organ, and sure I have to make some adjustments but I'm not going to die. And no one can tell. THe scar's covered, the disadvantages of not having a spleen - or writing poetry - are invisible to onlookers. The recovery time is a few weeks but I suppose I'll see the scar forever.
Anyway, the declaration was important. Now I can concern myself with things that I am good at and use photographs to prove it.
Posted by Baxter at 9:06 PM 2 comments:
Labels: cathartic, discarding, Poetry, statement
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While state-level Democrats are claiming victory in the long-fought property tax bill, here in Johnson County we're wondering what exactly it was that Democrats got out of the deal.
The massive package of tax credits, rollbacks and reductions includes
benefits for residential and commercial property owners, state
income-tax payers and low-income workers. It will reduce property taxes
statewide by billions of dollars over the next decade, while rebating
hundreds of millions more through a new income tax credit and an
expansion of the earned income tax credit for the poor.
The earned income credit, long a critical issue for Iowa City senator Joe Bolkcom. looks like the only tangible "progressive" item in the bill, and is dwarfed by the commercial property tax cuts. The deal was bad enough that Bolkcom. along with Coralville's Bob Dvorsky, were two of the six No votes on final passage.
updated fiscal analysis released Wednesday by the nonpartisan
Legislative Services Agency estimated the total property tax reduction
at $3.87 billion statewide over 10 years. The state's general fund will
provide $3.13 billion to local governments to offset that loss, leaving
an estimated $741.1 million reduction to be absorbed by cities,
counties, school districts and other jurisdictions.
"If you hear anyone say counties and cities will receive a backfill of lost revenue, it is only partially true and will only be partly true if the state always keeps its word," said Supervisor Janelle Rettig, estimating that over the next ten years Johnson County's total annual loss will be $2.1 million and Iowa City $3.3 million. "Cuts in local programming, services, roads will happen even with a partial backfill. Also increases in residential taxes will happen. There was a way to do this thoughtfully and fairly and this isn't it."
It's not the first time over the years that we've seen this move,
where the Legislature and governor - usually but not always Branstad -
kick the can down the road, specifically a county secondary road.
"They decided to give away local government tax revenue, not their
own," said Johnson County supervisor Rod Sullivan. "Now Iowa's cities
and counties get to cut services so a bunch more of our money can flow
to Bentonville, Arkansas."
As I write, early Thursday morning, the Senate has adjourned for the session. The Republican led House is yet to vote but nearly certain to approve. Meantime, Democratic legislators, especially those seeking higher office, need to be ready for the question: what did we win?


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You may remember being introduced to the work of Chris Kosinski in an earlier blog post. We are excited to provide an update about his film, The Healing Wall, which is now available to view in its entirety online. You can watch the film by visiting www.thehealingwallmovie.com.
Check out The Healing Wall trailer below, and be sure to visit Chris's website to keep up with the exciting work he's doing!


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Get 15% OFF Your Next Order
The best deals come to your inbox. Sign up for GEMPLER'S emails to get exclusive offers and first dibs on hot new products!
Sunday Afternoons Convertible Sun Hat gives generous sun protection from the 3 3/4"W front, 3"W side and 4"W rear brim and fabric that blocks 98% of UV rays. Moisture-wicking sweatband and flip-up vent panels in the crown keep you cool. Floatable brim and adjustable chinstrap give you peace of mind on windy days. Specify size: M (22-23 1/4) or L (23 1/4-24 1/2) and color from drop-down menu above.


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In the Eyes Only column in Sunday's People section, the date for the Water Street block party was incorrect. The party, sponsored by the Young Professionals Exchange of the Baltimore Junior Association of Commerce, will be held at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow. For more information, call 752-1325.
BALTIMORE NATIVE William Bell Sullivan, who played the conniving Gary Swanson on the soap "The Guiding Light" and most recently appeared in "The Hunt for Red October," will return to his elementary school, Grace and St. Peter's School, to kick off a fund-raising weekend this week.
The handsome actor's grandparents, Robert and Margaret Clark Riderwood, and Evelyn Stevens of Towson will attend a tea hosted by the students and their grandparents at which Sullivan will speak. In addition, he will be the keynote speaker at an alumni reception and dinner.


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Read the fabulous review of 'Beneath The Daisies' here: Blog Spot - Review
Mystery People Website link: http://www.mysterypeople.co.uk/b.html
This blog site is all about writing and reading and, in particular, crime and mystery thrillers. All contributions welcome!
Monday, 12 November 2012
Friday, 2 November 2012
Lowestoft Journal - new feature!!
Read the follow up piece in the Lowestoft Journal here
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Our Foundation.
In 2007, Resource was founded on a voice that resonates with content creators of all types. With early beginnings in the professional photo industry, our readership expanded to tech-junkies, videographers, and other creatives. But it didn't stop there. In an age where creativity is universal, where social media stars are dominating the future of media, Resource is cultivating this evolving world of content creation through powerful imagery and writing, inspiring millions to create something meaningful.


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I will have a watercolor, "Self As Nuclear Explosion", in the group exhibition 'Self Portrait', curated by Ms. Sherry Washington, at the Ford Gallery, Wayne County Community College,
1001 West Fort Street, Detroit MI
The opening reception is Thursday, December 3, 5-7pm.
'Self Portrait' runs through January 30, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Pecha Kucha Night:11/24/09
12 artists (including yours truly)-20 slides each, projected on the big screen at the Detroit Film Theater@the DIA, Tuesday 11/24/09, doors at 6:30, show at 8:20 pm.
Posted by Tom Carey at 9:29 AM No comments:
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Monday, June 13, 2011
Mojo Monday Sketch-Sprinkle Each Day
Mojo Monday sketch and for the Get Your Diva On Challenge. Laurie is our hostess this month and she is challenging us to a summer theme or summer colors. I used the butterfly from the Verve set Butterfly Kindness. I layered the butterfly and added stickles and pearl down the center. I hope your day is grand and you take time to play along with us in these challenges....enjoy!
Stamps: Butterfly Kindness(Verve)
Paper: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, White(SU), and Tickled Pink Fine and Dandy(My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Black Soot(Tim Holtz)
Accessories: Tim Holtx Border Die, Ric Rac Ribbon, Bakers Twine, Tag Nesties, Nesties, Janome, Pearls, and 3D Foam Squares
Mojo Monday-sketch
Verve Get Your Diva On-summer/colors
Posted by Teresa Kline at 6/13/2011 08:00:00 AM
Labels: Mojo Monday, Verve Challenges, Verve Stamps
5 comments:
Sweet card, Teresa! Love the cool texture of the ric rac!ReplyDelete
Your card is very nice! Great job!ReplyDelete
Another gorgeous creation, Teresa! I just LOVE that butterfly!ReplyDelete
Teresa, the butterfly looks fabulous!! Definitely a summery card:)ReplyDelete
Sooo PRETTY! 8-) Love your Darling butterfly and the fabulous ric-rac!ReplyDelete
Thank you so much for your comments, they mean so much to me. Have a wonderful day! Teresa
sparkle & shine *~*
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1. Player character
The Swordsman has the best survivability of all classes, which makes him the natural tank class. His attack is rather strong, but it can only affect a single non-flying target in the front row, so he should not be solely relied upon for offense. The Swordsman's basic magic skill, Flame Sword, attacks one enemy for a greater amount of damage.
The Spearman can attack a single non-flying foe in the front row. If there is another foe in the same column directly behind the target, that foe also receives damage, although half of the original target. The Spearman's basic magic skill, Lightning Spear, attacks two foes in a line for greater damage and slows them. At higher upgrade level, Lightning Spear hits up to 3 targets in the column. Aside from the damage from Lightning Spear, it's greatest strength is that it actually removes action points from the receiving targets.
The slow-moving Viking can attack a single target in the front row. If that target has one or two neighbors in the same row, then those also take some damage. This character has many hit points but low defense, especially versus magic - but this weakness is made up via high magic defense gear that is only usable by the main character. This is one of the primary reasons why the Axe is by far the most popular choice of main character. Because they are so much better than their mercenary counterpart. The Viking's basic magic skill, Freezing Axe, can freeze an entire row of enemies for two turns (depending on level).
Despite bonuses to evasion, this character's low health make it unsuitable for the front line. It is a potent counter for enemy spell casters though, as the powerful single-target attack can reach every foe, regardless of its position in the enemy ranks. The Archer's basic magic skill, Silence, prevents the enemy from using magic.
The Gunner wields a gun and carries rather low protection. This character can damage an entire column of foes, with foes in the front absorbing taking most of the damage and half damage to the two behind. The Gunner's basic magic skill, Wild Shot, shoots especially powerful bullets at a column of enemies and deals greater damage.
The Artilleryman is armed with a hand-held cannon. Its standard attack damages a cross-shaped area, dealing a low amount of damage. The Artilleryman's basic magic skill, Deep Insight, inflicts damage over an area and enables him to see his foe's remaining hit points. One important thing to notice is that even through the Artilleryman is a ranged unit, they cannot damage flying enemies.
The Shaman has both healing and damaging skills to support the party. Due to low health and defense, this character is best placed away from the front line. The Shaman's basic magic spell, Blessing of Life, heals her fellow mercenaries. The skill that makes the Staff shine is the main-character-only skill: Evanescent Scud. It does a very large amount of damage to everyone on opposing team and has a low cooldown period.
The Musician has mostly ranged skills. This is a new type of character introduced with a recent patch. Its basic attack affects a column of enemy mobs but the class also has the ability to cast spells with various offensive effects.
Power saw
The Power saw character uses a power saw. This is a new type of character introduced with a recent patch. You have to have at least one playable character that has a level of 100 or over to be able to create a new character which uses this weapon.
2. Mercenaries
Mercenary classes include the following:
Sword: Swordsman, Exorcist, Lady Knight, Sailor
Staff: Shaman, Monk, Oracle, Witch, Princess, Elementalist
Axe: Viking, Beast Trainer
Spear: Spearman, Spartan
Gun: Gunner, Inventor, Janissary
Cannon: Artilleryman, Cannoneer
As with player characters, the weapon determines the basic attack. Additionally, the sub-classes differ in the distribution of attributes and available magic skills.


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This blogger loves cake. This blogger loves dessert. And this blogger loves beauty products. So when some clever little devil puts the two-and-two together to come up with a set like this then I just know I needed to have it.
Meet my new shower darlings, the Kit Picnic trio!
It's 'bake sale meets beauty care' with this set of shower gels inspired by that great trinity of Australian desserts – the lamington, the pavlova and hokey pokey bits in vanilla ice cream.
The Limited Edition Picnic in the Park shower gel set is a fun tribute to Australian flavours. It's nostalgic and cute and I love it so much that I hauled three boxes. Truly, limited luggage allowance was about the only thing that prevented me from picking up more.
Certainly, the best part about using dessert-scented beauty products is that it's so gloriously calorie and guilt-free that you can have as many seconds and thirds as you want.
And, I'm not shy to admit that I've thought more than once or twice about writhing in a sea of syrupy caramel but hey, that's going to have to be another story for another type of blog. Fifty Shades of Caramel, anyone?
The Hokey Pokey Bath & Shower Gel (200ml)
Inspired by 'butterscotchy' pieces of crunchy honeycomb candy that are so sweet they make teeth ache but hearts sing, life cannot seriously be complete until you've had Hokey Pokey Ice Cream.
However, if you haven't the teeth for the real deal, this Kit gel makes a close enough approximation to those crunchy honeycomb bits of heaven in this over-the-top toffee and vanilla-scented tribute to Hokey Pokey.
Think of that iconic Aussie ice cream, Golden Gaytime, and you will have the 'flavour' of this just about right. Generations of Aussie and New Zealand kids will know what I'm talking about.
The Passionfruit Pavlova Bath & Shower Gel
Airy, crispy and sweet, pavlovas are a Down Under creation reminiscent of a giant cloud crossed with a toasted marshmallow.
But it's also a tart that can often be deemed excessively sweet. As such, a pavlova's base absolutely benefits from being paired with a sourish fruit topping of some kind and it's this fruity addition that helps temper the sugary excesses of this dessert's meringue shell.
In this shower gel version of the pavlova, Kit pays homage to the very Australian passionfruit edition of this dessert and the result is a wonderfully juicy blast of zesty passionfruit notes.
The Lamington Bath & Shower Gel
Last but not least we have the lamington which remains my favorite cake of all time and, despite what the Americans might try and tell you otherwise, the lesser known lamington in my opinion is still supremely better in form and taste than that oddly coloured cake mutation they have in the US of A called Red Velvet.
I've come across many Red Velvet-scented bath and beauty products but this might be the first time someone was inventive enough to create a lamington-inspired beauty product. Whatever took them so long?!
This is my favorite shower gel of the three. Original and inspired, the Kit shower gel incarnation of the lamington is realistic enough that I struggle to keep myself from ingesting it during a shower.
From the bottle, I can detect the vanilla sponge and almost taste the chocolate coating on my tongue. Whiffs of coconut sing through the concoction and I think I'm wafting on a cloud of lamington bliss. In the shower, this gel is like lathering up with a toasty chocolate biscuit. Almost edible.
The Picnic in the Park set gets you all three shower gels but if you weren't keen on the full trio it was possible to pick these up individually too at AUD17.95 each at either Kit or Mecca Maxima outlets in Australia and online (local & NZ delivery only).
Unfortunately, I don't believe this set or anything from Kit for that matter is available here at all and these gels are also meant to be Limited Edition products (for Christmas?) so I'm assuming that they'll only be around until they're sold out.
Sugar-scented and whimsical, these gels might not be for everyone but if you're a fan of Lush Cosmetics and their sell-out products in the Snow Fairy or Honey I Washed the Kids collections, then you'll not want to overlook these. This set will be right up your alley.
If, however, you're from that school of beauty where dessert-inspired scents don't rock your world then these gels might not be for you. However, it's worth noting that these are not perfumes so the scents are easily watered down after a bath/ shower and any lingering fragrance on the skin is only very subtle and not in the least bit overwhelming or offensive.
Certainly, these Kit bath gels were created for dessert-loving gals who love their cake and want to swim in it too. And without a doubt, that includes me.
How about you? Are these fun gourmand-scented shower gels your thing or would you prefer something less whimsical and more classy, sporty or serious?


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August 13, 2012
Interview: Michelle Janezic of Mill
UnionMade's sister store Mill is opening this week on 24th St. Store manager (and local designer) Michelle Janezic was kind enough to give us the lowdown:
Why did you decide to open in Noe Valley?
Noe Valley is one of our favorite neighborhoods in SF. Between being centrally located, Noe has a strong sense of community, beautiful weather and is easily accessible to and from Unionmade, our men's shop.
Give us a preview - what can we expect in the new space?
As the feminine counterpart to Unionmade, the store is designed with a softer sensibility and aesthetic to beautifully showcase the many lines and products carefully selected for the store. Owners Todd Barket and Carl Chiara designed a beautiful environment with plenty of natural light, white walls and dove grey accents.
Are you working with any local vendors?
We have Cinq jewelry by local designer, Vipada Wongpatanasin. Vipada is also featured in our opening campaign (shot by local photographer, Andrew Paynter). We're working with Matt Dick of Small Trades Co. who developed an exclusive clothing collection for Mill. We are also carrying a selection of perfumes and balms by Julie Elliot's apothecary brand, In Fiore.
Has Mill established a leadership team yet? Any familiar faces?
We believe that everyone's a leader! We have a great team in place and Mill will be managed by local designer, Michele Janezic (who's apparel line, Janezic, will also be at the store).
UnionMade has a women's section. Will Mill have a men's section?
Mill is exclusively a women's store and since we now have Mill, there is no longer a women's section at Unionmade.
When is the opening date?
Our target opening date is this Thursday, August 16th. [But] the target is a moving one. I think it's better to say we will open this weekend as opposed to giving a specific date.
Do you have a special party or event planned for the opening?
Our focus at the moment is getting the store opened. Once we've settled in, we will host a campaign and shopping event in the next few weeks.
3751 24th St
1 comments:
Yay! Welcome Mill (and all the Mill / Union Made team members)! Such an awesome addition to our neighborhood!
- August 14, 2012 at 11:08 AM
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Fanatatic City is a magazine put together by my good friend Nadine Garrick, as the Editor at the helm of this project I've watched her nature it and build it to the fantastic publication that is today. With the help of Peter Stadden of Intersection Magazine on creative director duties. They've manage to release a healthy solid looking vol 1, here are a few shots of the magazine.
In a rapidly changing city, FANATIC CITY is leader championing all things fashion, music & art in London. Celebrating the key creatives constantly making their mark on our beloved town, FANATIC CITY is a quarterly high end fashion and arts magazine with the highest value on agenda setting editorial, cutting edge photography and visual innovation.
Profiling a range of talent from all four corners of
London, our only bias is this: London is where it's at. With a range of inclusive interviews and exclusive photo shoots FANATIC CITY is a concept born out of a contemporary outlook, and much love, where we aim to bring readers fresh ideas and a different perspective. Launched in May 2011, FANATIC-CITY-MAGAZINE.COM is our online extended arm, complimenting the magazine giving you an interactive way to keep up with our movements and preview the magazine.
I had the pleasure of sitting next to this fine piece of meat Shakira. and also contributing and a article on my retrospective of London.
If you wanna read my article (below) your gonna have to get a copy.
Bntl's very own Adam Tickle was at hand to contributed by interviewing my friend and founder of LEX records, Tom Brown.
The homie Abbey contributed some work and was also interviewed about her art.
For further information on Fanatic City Magazine check out the website by just a (click)
Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.
Loving bntl like a fat kid loves cake.


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one of my purple & yellow inspired paintings Blossom & Waves (40x40cm, oil on canvas)
Over Easter the colours purple and yellow have kept me busy. Egg yellow, like in the packaging of Aqua di Parma and deep shades of purple. I simply love their richness. In my files I found some old tear outs from The World of Interiors showing some interior shots of a house designed by Charles Rutherfoord. Although I have used the colour combination before in my paintings and designs I feel I would like to use them again.