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As my Winter Beauty Essentials series of reviews continues, I want to introduce you to another exceptional brand of skincare. Scalisi Skincare, where Science Never Felt So Good! If you are not familiar with this brand, you are in for a real treat, the brand is outstanding! I say this because Scalisi Skincare products prevents and repairs wrinkles by drawing from the best of Science, Beauty and Organic. That caught my attention and I think once you discover more about the brand, it will capture your attention too! Let me briefly introduce Scalisi Skincare to you:
{Adapted from the Scalisi Skincare Website}
Jill Scalisi spent 20 years working on Wall Street. Then in 2008, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Unable to find healthy, proven, anti-aging products with SPF 30, she partnered with top chemists and leaders in manufacturing and packaging to establish a new category in skincare. When it comes to anti-aging, Scalisi Skincare combines the best of science and beauty to create reparative and preventative products that are so beautiful women want to use them every single day.
I received a couple of Scalisi Skincare's top performing products to review. I begin my review process with an open mind, and I don't let fancy packaging or hype about a brand or product influence my first impressions or my opinion about the products for review. I have learned through experience to remain neutral and unaffected by any factors until I have the chance to test the products out firsthand. So, when I do comment about how sensational a product is, or how extraordinary a brand is, I say it because I believe it to be true. And, that is precisely what I am saying about the Scalisi Skincare brand, definitely stands out from the ordinary! I am totally loving these two products:
CLEANSER and EXFOLIATOR, 3.4 oz.
Price: $25
Daily "mini facial" for soft glowing skin. This daily two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator cleanses the skin without stripping and gently exfoliates dead surface cells using tiny micro-beads which allows new cells to come to the surface.
FEATURES and BENEFITS:
Smart, Savvy and Simple. We've done the homework so you do not have to. Advanced technology that feels like silk. You will look forward to using this product everyday. The Scalisi Skincare Cleanser and Exfoliator, formulated for all skin types, cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates all day.
- Time released vitamins A, C, and E nourish and help provide antioxidant protection
- Jojoba, Macadamia Nut and Sunflower Oils moisturize
- Paraben free
This glorious cleanser and exfoliator gently removes dull surface cells while hydrating the skin. Over time it helps to revitalize, protect and maintain the skin. I have been using it for over a week now in the morning and the evening. It is so easy to use, just massage a nickel size amount on wet skin using circular motions. Rinse with warm water and voila, your skin will immediately feel like baby soft skin, so smooth and renewed!
There is a very soft, fresh fragrance to the product. It is pleasant. The consistency of the product is a gel with tiny exfoliating beads that you can feel and you massage the product into your skin. These beads are extremely gentle on the skin, and you can feel them working their magic on your skin. You only need a small amount of the product and it goes a long way. When you rinse your face with warm water you will immediately feel the difference in the texture of your skin from before you used the product. That is why I think this product is so amazing. My skin is a perfect canvas with which to use to apply my moisturizing products onto and then my makeup. You will fall in love with this splendid cleanser and exfoliator just as I have.
Next up is the:
EYE CREAM, .5 oz.
Price: $55
This delicate eye cream absorbs quickly to melt away the visible signs of crows feet and fine lines, while combating the look of under eye puffiness.
FEATURES and BENEFITS:
The Scalisi Skincare Eye Cream utilizes similar peptide technology as the Anti-Aging Moisturizer and adds additional peptides that break the bonds between the dead skin cells to speed cell renewal.
- Refines skin texture and reduces wrinkle depth.
- Contains ash bark tree extract to reduce the look of puffiness under the eyes
- 45% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles in 8 weeks.
- Does not irritate the eyes
- Feels very light in texture and has a hint of a clean scent
- No Retinol. Paraben free.
This intense eye cream effectively helps to protect and treat the most fragile part of the face, the area surrounding your eyes. In a moment's time, you can begin the transformation process by simply applying a small amount of the product under and to the sides of your eyes. Then inn the evening apply all around the eyes. I have been using this excellent product for over a week now, and I am already noticing improvement in the area around my eyes, skin appears smoother and the fine lines are less visible.
The product is very lightweight, the consistency of a cream without the thick feeling when you apply it. It absorbs completely into your skin instantly and there is absolutely no greasy feeling when you touch your skin once the product is applied. There is no discernible fragrance to it, which I prefer. A truly delightful eye cream, I am just thrilled and so pleased with it.
This concludes my review.
You can visit the Scalisi Skincare website directly by CLICKING HERE.
You can Follow Scalisi Skincare on Facebook by CLICKING HERE.
You can Follow Scalisi Skincare on Twitter by CLICKING HERE.
You can Follow Scalisi Skincare on Pinterest by CLICKING HERE.
Disclosure: I received the two products outlined in this review from Scalisi Skincare for the purposes of this review . This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I've shared with this product are my own and yours may differ. I am not employed nor affiliated with Scalisi Skincare in any manner.


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Friday, January 25, 2013
Broken Dreams
where freedom dies and life lies waste.
Consider there that time, now past,
when all alone you gazed aghast
at broken dreams, forlorn and bent
beneath your feet lay, shattered, spent.
Return once more to memory's cove
where, snug and safe, a treasure trove
of gold and silver, safely hid
from evil's touch and gambler's bid.
Protected by a Father's hand
who caused these dreams to ever stand.
Some will die, and others live.
It is the Father's grace to give
the best to those who dream, and wait
for Him to choose which one to take
and weave into life's broken heart
a thread of hope, that missing part.
Let fall behind those painful sparks
of dying dreams that now grow cold.
And look beyond their fading light
toward His promise, pure and bright,
of dreams set free, divinely blessed,
a Father's gift, as always, best.
Lynda Schultz, © January 2006
Friday, January 18, 2013
|Once a church in Murree, Google Images
She loved Murree; had done so since first arriving to teach at the missionary children's school eight years earlier. The place exuded history and pageantry, both of which fascinated the young woman. Wherever she went in Pakistan, the dusty remnants of the long, lost British Empire could still be seen. She had wandered through the excavation site at Mohenjo-daro* in the Indus Valley, entered the humble dwellings of Marwari tribesmen, been blessed by their older women and touched her hands to the foreheads of the younger women as she blessed them. Anne had traveled through the streets of Shikapur, head covered as Muslim law demanded of even non-Muslims, "protected" by the company of whichever male, however young, was willing to explore with her.
Murree outshone them all. Here, in the streets of the bazaar, walking the forest trails, or passing though Jhika Gali just beyond the gates of the school, she could walk freely, alone, with her head uncovered. This was a world within a world tucked away among these magnificent Himalayan foothills.
However, peaceful Murree lay surrounded by a world of conflict, making the 150 children of missionaries, diplomats and foreign executives in boarding here, a mighty big temptation. The school took every precaution. Anne chuckled out loud, remembering the first time she had seen the fierce-looking mustached men walking the streets of Murree, rifles slung over one shoulder, double bandoliers full of cartridges crisscrossing their chests. They were not, she had been told, people she needed to fear.
Anne, caught up in her reverie, almost missed the sharp retort of rapid gunfire coming from the gate just beyond the drafty old British Garrison Church that now housed the high school.
The kids!
The yard was empty.
Recess is over. They're back in class.
Anne sucked in air, suddenly conscious that the yard was empty—except for her. She could hear the thudding coming from the church, semi-automatic fire, yelling, screams suddenly silenced. Feet came pounding toward her. She pulled back and pressed herself into the rough stone corner jutting out into the yard from the administration building. It was poor shelter, but too late for anything else.
A figure in western clothing raced past her. Anne almost called out but bit her tongue when she realized that the man was carrying an assault rifle. He dashed toward the door to the office, kicked it open, strafed the room, and ran on without looking.
Oh Lord, please not Faridah.
That room belonged to the school's secretary.
Horrified, the young teacher stepped out of her hiding place. She needed to get to Faridah. The sound of more pounding feet drove her back into the skinny shadows. This time the steps slowed and stopped.
Don't move. Don't breathe. Lord…
She couldn't see, and didn't dare expose herself in case it was another of the attackers. She sensed movement, and the figure came into view. The man's head moved back and forth, rapidly scanning everything around him, his back toward Anne. With his peripheral vision, he had to be able to see her, sense her. The hunter and the hunted both saw the movement to their left at the same time. The gunman spun in that direction, leveling his weapon as he turned.
Anne cringed, stifling a cry as Mukhtar's familiar figure flopped backward, unable to resist the impact from the spray of bullets. He was, had been, one of the kitchen boys.
The killer surveyed the yard again. He took a step back as though seeking shelter in the same shadowed corner where Anne huddled. She had the sudden, almost irresistible urge to reach out and touch him. How could he not feel her breath on his neck, sense her presence?
Lord, remind mom I'll see her…
The man moved on, heading toward the back of the property and the safety of the woods beyond. He never looked back, never saw the girl, never felt her presence, or heard her gasps for breath.
Nor did he feel the brush of the angel's wings as they covered her.
*The Mound of the Dead, one of the earliest city-settlements in the world.
Author's Note: this story is based on actual events. Six Pakistanis died in the attack on Murree Christian School in August 2002. The quick action of the staff prevented the four terrorists from entering the classroom areas.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Abusing Grace
|Alexi Harlamov
She lived on the streets, but she was not a vagrant or a streetwalker. Grace eagerly embraced the opportunity to be where people constantly passed, but she was not selling her services, or begging for leftovers. Unlike many forced to live exposed to the meaner things of life, Grace had chosen her path eagerly. Instead of darkness and despair, she radiated light and hope. As she walked the sidewalks and greeted each person who passed, those who bothered to pay even the slightest attention were impressed.
Day and night, summer and winter, Grace never abandoned her place in the thoroughfares of life. Most ignored her—an amazing error in judgment considering what she was offering. Her approach was never offensive though it often gave offense. People react oddly at times, so she discovered.
A few were tempted, but even among these there were some who thought her too good to be true, and walked away. They were half right: She was good, so good that she WAS true.
However, there were others who saw her charm, appreciated her willingness, saw the advantage of a closer relationship, and thought to take advantage.
"She's an easy mark. It shouldn't be hard to take her."
This from a shriveled little soul, with a slight green tinge around his mouth. He resented it when others had something he didn't. He wanted to be the first in line for this prize. However, the leader of his group enjoyed certain privileges, aided by his being a much bulkier man with weight to throw around. Calculation was etched on his face as he responded to his underling's prompting.
"Of course, adding her to our stables will represent a coup of huge proportions. She is special."
"Do you think her Master will object?"
"From what I hear, he wants us to take her."
The leader snorted. "Well, what did you expect? She's out walking the streets, offering herself to everyone who passes. My question is, how much is she worth?"
Another offered: "I heard he's offering her for free." He had left all his possibilities to pay for anything attached to a now-empty six-pack occupying space in a dumpster in a nearby alley. Free was a good thing as far as he was concerned.
That got the attention of a fourth member of the gang.
"What? She must be diseased, or undercover. Free? Impossible."
This comment came from a sly slip of a man who hoped that his suggestions, based on absolutely no facts, would divert the attention of the rest. He could use a piece of the action himself.
He continued: "Can't be as good as she looks, then. There's no such thing as a free ride, a free lunch, or "
The greenish man ruefully added: "Nope, seems legit. I know some people who know her intimately. Never seen such a haphapless bunch."
He had been about to use the words "happy" and "healthy," but caught himself in time. Such positive remarks about the band's rivals would earn him a cuff across the back of the head.
The comments bounced back and forth until at last, tired of talking, the parties came to a decision.
"Well, let's try her out. We don't have anything to lose."
They were wrong.
The gang approached Grace. The girl was sitting on the broad, stone steps of a church. She was well dressed, her hair shone in the sun, and she smiled invitingly at each person who passed by. As the men sauntered up to her, Grace looked up and smiled.
"Good morning."
She said nothing more, waiting.
The leader reached out and took her hand in his and pulled her up, toward him. She didn't resist, but continued to smile, her brilliant eyes meeting his in open invitation.
"Come with me, baby—your beauty to my beast. We'll make beautiful music together."
"I'd love to go with you—with all of you."
Hopes rose. This should be easy pickings.
"But " Grace hesitated, pausing to bestow a warm look on each face that met hers. She then continued: " though I specialize in beasts, I don't do beastlies. You'll have to leave those behind."
Objections spewed from three sets of lips.
"Honey, I am what I am. I don't change for nobody."
"Freebies can't be fussy."
To this point, the leader of the band had been silent. When everyone else had finished protesting, he grasped Grace's arms in a vise-like grip.
"Look, little girl. Your boss sent you out on the streets looking for people like us. Joining the gang will make you look good, attract business your way, so to speak."
A piece like her on my arm would turn heads.
"Besides, a beast isn't a beast without his beastlies."
Grace's smile broadened.
"So, to have me, you have to let my Master deal with the beastlies."
The green-tinged man grew greener.
Another shook his head, thinking his drink-induced fog must be affecting his hearing.
"You're lying," objected a third. It takes one to know one, he added to himself.
Their leader released Grace, holding up his hand to signal silence among his companions.
"You do charge for your services then. Word on the street is that you are free, that your Master is offering you to any, and to all who want you."
"My services are free. But you are mistaken about the relationship. It's not me hanging around with you; it's you hanging on to me. You won't make me look good; your knowing me will make you not only look good, but be good. Your life will change from the moment you accept my Master's offer. You won't want the beastlies anymore."
Horror rose like smoke from hell at her words.
"What? Not want what I want? Impossible."
"Not be what I am? Nothin' doin'."
"Lose my identity for you? Dream on."
Grace picked up on the last comment, fixing her beautiful eyes on the bowed figure peering from behind his master's tattered dungarees.
"Do you honestly believe that what you are now is what you were meant to be? My Master's offer is to restore to you your true identity; that of a child of the King and a citizen of Heaven, free from beastlies and reborn to beauty."
Sensing the weakening resolve of his compatriots, the leader of the pack signaled his henchmen away from Grace. She sighed, sadness tempering her features. Reluctantly she returned to her duties on the street corner, amazed as she always was that people preferred a fatal disease to perfect health.
"Excuse me."
Grace sensed his approach and was already turning as he spoke.
"I heard what you said. I'd like to sign on, sign up, volunteer, joinwhatever the appropriate word is for taking advantage of your offer."
Grace made no judgment calls; that was neither her job nor her nature. If she had been one to distinguish between people, she would have preferred this one to her previous companions. He was well-dressed, casual but neat, sincerity gripping the hand of politeness.
"You understand the terms and conditions?"
"Oh yes. I want to be a child of the King and a citizen of heaven. I beg forgiveness and renounce "
He listed an impressive number of beastlies, the mention of each one broadened Grace's smile just a little more. As he finished his list, she touched his arm. A current passed from her to him, something like a rush of swift water over rocks. She linked her arm in his. Together they walked to the door of the church where Grace had been sitting not long before.
"Go in there, and they will teach you more of what you need to know about my Master and the step you have taken today."
He smiled and opening the door, disappeared from view.
Four pairs of eyes watched from an alleyway close to the church.
"There's another one gone," said the liar. "The big boss will not be pleased."
His comment was followed by a snort of disbelief from the leader of the gang.
"Don't believe everything you hear. Just watch and wait. Grace thinks she so smart. She ought to develop a little more savvy about the people she deals with."
"She saw through us, didn't ?"
Three turned on the fourth with savage disgust.
"Shut up!"
The leader of the band loosened the grip he had held around the throat of his talkative follower. He cocked a crooked smile. Then, looking back around the corner, said:
"Wait. You'll see. Keep Grace in sight."
And so they did. Day and night they watched. Days passed and so did they. They stopped to talk to her as she spoke to the passersby. She always looked at them with hopeful eyes, and renewed her offer. If they thought to waiver and consider what she said, their leader was quick to smash the idea to smithereens with his fists or his tongue during their nightly consultations at the back of the alley.
Time passed. They noticed that the man with whom Grace had spoken on that fateful day, entered and exited the church quite frequently. He stopped to talk to Grace and she would touch him again, just as she had done the first time. She often entered the building as well.
Then one day, the little green one sidled up to his boss. He had something to report.
"Hey, man. Gracie is looking a little peaked."
Sure enough, four pairs of eyes peering around the corner of the church all noticed the same thing. It was the same Grace, but different. Her dress was smudged. A tiny rip showed in her sleeve and her stockings had a run in them.
"I told you so," crowed the leader of the group, his eyes crinkled up with glee. "Now, listen."
Four pairs of ears became fined tuned to the conversation on the street. People passed Grace by. More than a few took a look at her bedraggled appearance and laughed. Some who seemed as though they wanted to stop and talk with her, moved away, doubt marking their faces. The only ones who lingered were some of the people from the church. They came more frequently than ever. Oddly enough, they were less polite now, and the silver of sincerity seemed more than slightly tarnished.
Grace began to look more ragged, though the brilliance of her eyes and her manner never changed. The rips were longer, the dirt more pronounced, and there was blood on a bruised thigh.
"Let's go. Let's find out if Gracie hasn't swallowed some of her pride. Maybe she'll like our terms and conditions better now."
The band of miscreants sauntered down the street, past the church, and stopped on the corner where Grace was working.
"Well, well, look what we have here. If it isn't our friend, Grace. Looks like you've been having a bad day, or should I say bad days?"
Chuckles followed the wisecrack of their leader.
She smiled too—without the evil intent.
"So, your new friends aren't treating you too well. Maybe you should call a cop, or better yet, report them to your Master. Looks like business is dropping off too. Looks like you've lost a little of that credibility stuff. People are convinced that you're too easy? Or cheap? Or ineffective? Give it up, Gracie, your grace-nics aren't livin' up to the advertising."
Not content with having the boss hog all the action, her cohorts chimed in.
"Yah, they're comin' too often "
" and takin' you too lightly."
"I hear they like studying Tai Chi more than theolo-chi in there," chortled another.
"Face it, Grace, they think you're a joke—and so do all the people who know them and see you. Those people in there don't care, Grace. So much for your 'terms and conditions.'"
"So much for them givin' up the beastlies."
"So much for even wantin' to give up the beastlies. Your Master's plan don't work. They took what they wanted and only gave up what didn't matter to 'em."
"They lied," exulted the liar, looking with friendly, longing eyes toward the church.
"They used yah and abused yah, Cheap Grace."
The insults and taunts at last brought tears to Grace's beautiful eyes. Nevertheless, though bruised by her own and battered by those she longed to make her own, she wiped her eyes on her sleeve, straightened her skirt, and her spine.
"I know. But I'll still be on this street this afternoon, tomorrow, and the day after that."
"You're the perfect victim, Gracie," sneered the head bully. "If I try harder, things will get better," he mocked.
"If you're so concerned about me, why don't you accept my Master's offer and make the difference? Yes, there are some who claim to follow in his light, but are still blanketed by your darkness. But right now you're here, and they're not. You could show them what walking in the true Light is really like. Take what I offer—what He offers. Take it with a whole heart."
Stunned silence responded to the gentle words. Before the band's incredulous eyes, the rips faded, the stains softened. The blood on Grace's leg glowed scarlet, pulsing with life. The light from those beautiful eyes pierced through layers of evil to strike at souls long shriveled and dry.
"You you still make this offer in spite of the abuse that you have taken?"
Grace smiled gently. The voice that then spoke was not hers. Deeper, and overwhelming in its compassionate, it reached down from the heavenlies and said:
"Yes, come."
Friday, January 4, 2013
Kitties Come Home
|Google Images
The male slipped out from under the naked shrubbery and wound his way around the southern end of the garage where the snow wasn't quite as deep. He paused. The street was asleep but inbred caution demanded that he be sure no threat existed.
Inspection completed, he padded softly across the freshly shoveled driveway. Wide-open spaces made him nervous. A security light flickered on, startling him. He paused for a split second, then skittered away, belly brushing the snow, until he reached the pine trees beside the walkway. The lower branches were weighted down with snow, providing a shelter near the base of the trees. A sudden gust of wind stirred the wind chimes on the porch of the house, breaking the silence.
The tom's breathing settled as the light switched off. However, he kept his eyes on the route he had just traveled. He uttered a short cry that, despite its softness, seemed loud in the quietness that had once more descended. Though he was keeping watch, he almost missed the smaller, lightly-coloured female who sped across the driveway coming to a perfect landing at his side.
"You didn't even trigger the light," he said.
"You gotta stay closer to the garage." She trembled slightly and her companion snuggled closer.
"Not really," she lied.
This was their first winter on the outside and it had taken her some time to move from abject terror to just plain fear as she faced this new aspect of life on the streets.
"Do you think that…?" She continued.
"Don't get your hopes up," interjected her companion. "We've been disappointed before."
The previous summer, after being left behind, the two cats had stuck close to their home for a while, believing that their humans would soon return to the now empty house. The tom resurrected kitten-hood memories of life in a barn and the old hunting skills soon returned. The she-cat, domesticated and declawed, became his shadow, instinctively understanding that without him she would not survive long.
The arrival of a new family with two enormous and aggressive dogs killed their hopes as surely as water kills fire. The fall was bitter with sad reminiscences of better times. By the time snow fell the only thing on their minds was the next meal and a safe place to sleep.
The house they now watched from under the pine trees was miles from the home they once knew. From the outside this place didn't seem that much different from its neighbors. But there was something…
The porch light came on suddenly and both cats stiffened, ready to run. The front door opened, then the outer door.
"Not yet," the tom cautioned.
"What if she's going to let out a dog?" came a throaty whisper. Without the means to defend herself, the she-cat's terror began to build.
"No dog," he said.
"How do you know?"
"Dogs make a mess in the snow. There's no mess in this yard."
The figure in the doorway stepped onto the porch—a woman in slippers and heavy wool socks, wearing a baggy sweater wrapped around a bulky dressing gown. She looked around the dark yard, then skyward for a few moments as the moon broke through the clouds. The porch gleamed in its pale light. The woman returned to her business. She had been carrying a bowl, which she now carefully put down on the edge of the porch where it met the top step. She then turned, went back into the house, closed the outer door, but left the inner door open just a crack.
"What's that all about?" said the tom.
"It's for us—the bowl. She's waiting for us," she replied. The tom could feel the tension melting away in his companion.
"You've been wrong before. I told you not to hope."
"There's always an exception. Watch the moon and hear the wind. You'll know," she said.
For once he followed her lead—and her hopeful heart.
The figures of silver cats dancing on silver leashes twinkled and tinkled as moon and wind played tag among the chimes. The moonlight cast a blue shadow, turning the freshly fallen snow into a sea of sparkling diamonds, pristine except for the paw prints of two abandoned felines heading for the bowl on the porch and the sliver of light coming from a partly open door.
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subset: commoncrawl


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On Wednesday during one of our twice-monthly work mornings we heard a sound like parrots fighting. It was a chorus of Jays squawking. Were they quarreling over territory or mobbing an owl? We didn't find out and we didn't see them. Like people who make a lot of noise they are actually rather shy. They are at home in woodland where they can easily hide, but very striking if you do catch a glimpse of one.
They are mostly pinky grey with black and white on their wings and tail, and with a black moustache. The most startling feature is the blue patch on the bend of their wings.
They do sometimes eat other birds' eggs and nestlings in summer, but their favourite foods in autumn are beech nuts and acorns.
Indeed it is because they bury acorns in grassy places as a winter store of food, that we get oak trees growing in grassland, as you can see in this shot of the pylon field at Filnore, taken last April. We didn't plant the three young oaks in this picture, jays did.


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Digital interference on AM and FM radio.
Terrestrial Radio Signal degradation.
Frequency Allotments.
Mobile Communications.
The Fairness Doctrine.
Accurate Assessment of Facilities.
This list could go on for two or three columns. It's a partial list of things that the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, has NOT done to the satisfaction of many who are directly impacted by their ignorance, inaction, or ineffective actions.
Not everyone considers what the FCC does, or what its direct impact upon ALL Americans it has on a regular basis. But for those of us in broadcasting, communications or telecommunications, we have at least a peripheral knowledge of what the Commission does in regulating some of our business practices, physical engineering, policies, and future. But the Commission must also decide on issues that influence our daily work. And unfortunately, it's obvious to many of us, the commissioners don't always have a clue about what is going on at the ground level. This is crucial because it is at the ground level --- where most of us work --- that their activity or lack thereof is felt first.
Taking one of those things in which I have a direct interest: INTERFERENCE on the radio dials. For those of us who regularly on AM Radio stations, the interference of electrical wires, computer equipment, testing equipment, etc., is having one of the biggest impacts because the FCC --- which used to do a stellar job in forcing manufacturers to keep any interference to an absolute minimum --- does VIRTUALLY NOTHING to stop the EXTREME interference of the broadcast signals on AM/Amplitude Modulation RADIO.
Sure, we can do "live streaming audio at our website" and have others listen to us on their smartphones, PC's and net radios --- but it is not the same. We depend upon drivers to hear us on their automobile radios. When you're driving through almost ANY neighborhood in the U.S. where there is cable strung around the utility poles, the interference ranges from "some" to "too much to make AM listenable for extended periods of time" --- the impact is direct and immediate. This should NOT be this way because the FCC should have MANDATES on interference levels, mandates on remedies to restrict the interference to "near nil", regulatory engineers monitoring these levels --- and, they should be ENACTING FINES to the companies which put these modes of interference into our "public airwaves".
Why --- when the FCC is charged with being the authority over these problems --- do we have them at all? In the 1980s and early 1990s, we rarely had problems with such interference because the FCC sent out investigators to quell the problems associated with electric interference on AM radio.
What is the remedy?
Unfortunately --- MORE GOVERNMENT!
You sure didn't expect me to write that, did you?
I'm not a regular advocate for "more" government. But in this case, there was a dramatic fall-off in personnel and action at the FCC when the U.S. Government cut back funding for this branch. We suffered from at least two administrations that cut some of the essential parts of the FCC budget because of "deregulation". This left the FCC with a serious lack of personnel to handle their chores.
These cutbacks have led to AN EXTREME SITUATION >>> electrical interference is at an all-time high on AM radio and on other forms of audio and visual communications. And it must be STOPPED SOON.
The only way the FCC will be effective in putting the problem to rest is to ensure that they're in the right places with the correct rules and regulations set in stone.
I am calling on ALL United States Senators and Representatives, the President and Vice-President of the U.S., and judges from the lowest courts to the highest court in our nation, to make sure the Federal Communications Commission is funded properly and fair.
The commission must be charged with finding the proper ways to end such a serious long-term problem facing the broadcasters across our country. This is but ONE issue that faces the direct questioning of the industries that have to follow FCC regulations.
If the Commission is not given the proper workforce, these problems will not go away.
And then the problem becomes worse, and YOU will have to deal with extremely upset broadcasters.
I give you this scenario:
RADIO STATION ON-AIR PERSONALITIES will be discussing the problems at the FCC more often than celebrity news if this isn't fixed right away.
(Okay, now that we have that out of the way --- let's get the Congress and the FCC focused second on the problem of conglomerates and get into properly regulating ownership of broadcast stations back to ACCEPTABLE levels --- How about 10 AM and 10 FM stations per company nationwide?)


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Weathersfield Weekly Blog Dec 28 #weathersfieldvt #vt
Wednesday December 28, 2016
Weathersfield, VT
Weathersfield select board news: I was just reading over the select board minutes from their Dec. 19 meeting and I'm not sure when their next monthly meeting is. The motion was to move the meeting from Jan. 2 (a Holiday) to Tuesday, Jan. 3 but the minutes read Thursday Jan. 5. So your guess is as good as mine. More information about the select board and the town, contact Town Manager, Ed Morris, at 802-674-2626 or email@example.com.
Weathersfield School news: Classes resume Tuesday Jan. 3. For more information about these programs, the school and events, call 802-674-5400.
Weathersfield Proctor Library news: On Wednesday, Dec. 21 the Friends of Weathersfield Proctor Library hosted their annual Holiday Party and also their 40th Anniversary Party. (The anniversary party was scheduled for Saturday Dec. 17-the actual 40th anniversary day but the snow storm postponed the party.) Santa took time out from his busy North Pole doings to stop by to say hi. He arrived in one of the Ascutney Volunteer Fire Engines. Children and adults got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Folks decorated some cookies, ate some birthday cake and wished each other well. For more information about the library, programs or events, contact Library Director, Mark Richardson at 802-674-2863.
I took on many assignments for the Enterprise, the Valley News Business Magazine, which was published on Dec. 27.
The Upper Valley Young Professionals hosted a Holiday Party and food drive at the Norwich Inn. My photos were featured in the BIG EVENT section.
I got to photograph Morton Bailey, owner of Lyme Green Heat who was featured in the Local First Alliance column.
I visited the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen to photograph Deb Cardew for the SCORE stories column.
And finally, I got to meet with Ingrid Nichols of Banwell Architects for photographs to accompany the Power Lunch Column.
Late Tuesday afternoon I covered a small electrical fire at a house in Windsor for the Vermont Standard.
The Friends of Weathersfield Proctor Library hosted their annual Holiday Party and celebrated their 40th Anniversary Party on Wednesday Dec. 21. Cookies were decorated.
Santa arrived by fire engine. Thank you Ascutney Volunteer Fire Association.
Santa listened to our Christmas wishes.
Then off he went back to the North Pole to get ready for his big night on Christmas Eve.
The Friends of Weathersfield Proctor Library turned 40 on Dec. 17. A snow storm postponed the celebration until Wednesday evening Dec. 21.
A beautiful cake was made for the occasion by Patience Bearse.
If you know me, you know I love music. Thursday night I was treated to some great music from a couple of local musicians who are also pretty big time national musicians. Yellow House Media hosted Brooks Hubbard formerly from Enfield NH, now living in Nashville and Val McCallum who grew up in West Windsor, moved to L.A. and now owns a home in Woodstock. The show was at the Briggs Opera House in White River Junction.
|Brooks Hubbard
|Val McCallum
Brooks even wrote a song for the folks at Standing Rock.
More videos from Brooks Hubbard: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKa6O-DUsAoA6h8tWtETDnWatGJQUQUdA
Next up for Yellow House Media
New Year's Eve with Woodsmith and Hersch
I've been following Celia Woodsmith for many years. This woman has BIG talent. Make your plans for New Year's Eve to hear this amazing voice.
Pics of Celia by Photos By Nanci
Della Mae Band
Hey Mama
Avi and Celia
Della Mae videos with Celia on lead vocals.
Finally, on Friday I got to hang out with some pretty cool Siberian Huskies. I did a story on the Braeburn Siberians of Windsor, VT for the Vermont Standard.
Get Out and About
Windsor Station Live Music in Windsor Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Dec. 30 9:30 p.m. The Whiskey Geese, Dec. 31 10 p.m. New Year's Eve Party with Moxley Union and Maiden Voyage.
Yellow House Media Shows in White River Junction: Saturday Dec. 31 9:30 p.m. New Year's Ever Party with Woodsmith and Hersch, Engine Room Freight House Hall; Friday, Jan. 6 8:30 p.m. Myra Flynn Dance Party, Briggs Opera House.
Lebanon Opera House Shows in Lebanon NH: Thursday, Jan. 19 10 a.m. Moon Mouse; Saturday Jan 21 7:30 p.m. An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt (Sold Out).
Weathersfield's Got Talent in Ascutney Friday, Jan. 20 6 p.m. at the Weathersfield Elementary School. Come experience some of the awesome talent of our friends and neighbors.
Weatherize Upper Valley Kick-Off Event in Ascutney 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday Jan. 28 at the Weathersfield School 135 Schoolhouse Rd. Learn about cost, benefits, incentives; meet your volunteer team and partner contractors. Hosted by Vital Communities.
Ongoing Events
Valley Court Diversion Programs: Volunteers are needed in Weathersfield/Springfield areas to work with low level offenders in the community. The group meets once a month at the Springfield Police Department, your commitment will require about three hours a month. Training is provided. For more information please visit our website at vcdp.org or call Maureen at 281-5213.
Senior Exercise Program in Ascutney: Free. Sponsored by RSPV. Wednesdays 10-11 a.m. in basement of Martin Memorial Hall, Route 5, Ascutney. Classes are led by Geraldine Rudenfeldt. If interested call 674-5254 for more information.
Need to Find a Business in Weathersfield: weathersfielddirectory.org.
Have anything you want included in this news and events column? Email Nancy at email@example.com two weeks prior to your event.
Visit Photos By Nanci using a Q reader app!


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No matter how much Trina wants to pretend she can lead a normal life, vampires always destroy her illusion of normalcy. Not even working a simple retail job keeps them away. And when she captures the attention of a man who needs her help, she's thrown into a dangerous game of hunting down a demented rogue vampire.
Doug has heard about The Allure, but he never thought he'd experience it for himself. Even though Trina, who draws vampires to her like a moth to a flame, is certain to kill him, he needs her help to tidy up a vampiric loose end.
As they work together to defeat the rogue vamp creating chaos in Sydney's suburbia, Trina soon realizes that Doug is hiding something. If she's right about him, can she ignore the compulsion living deep inside that demands she kill every vampire who crosses her path?
Learn more at Goodreads
Download here: http://www.imajinnbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=IB&Category_Code=FREE


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Running Free2bMommy has taken up sooooo much of my time that I have suckingly neglected my resin chica blog! URGH! I may soon merge the two, because I am sooooo short on time to post to more then one blog.
This weekend I am working on Texans style rings for a friend of mine! I am super excited to get started and hope to buy freaking batteries for my camera and document the whole thing! I will share pics of the finished products.
I have been working a lot of photo resin embedding and have been having a ball with it! I am having some problems with tiny bubbles almost invisible to the naked eye, but there none the less. I will share those super soon too!
Resin Chica
Friday Favorite: The Handmaid's Tale
1 month ago


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Ingenico SA, a French provider of payment terminals and services, is seeking takeovers to expand outside Europe, said Chief Executive Officer Philippe Lazare.
Ingenico could "easily" purchase a company for as much as 400 million euros ($509 million), Lazare said in an interview yesterday at a conference organized by Morgan Stanley in Barcelona. "If we want to go higher than that, that may be possible too" by seeking extra financing.
Lazare's search focuses on terminal sellers and support providers as well as makers of technology that would help the Neuilly-sur-Seine-based company bundle physical and online payment solutions, the executive said. Ingenico may also acquire companies to get "direct access to small merchants," he said.
The company had cash of 313 million euros at the end of the first half, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Ingenico, which competes with VeriFone Systems Inc., has added hardware companies in Indonesia, Russia and China to benefit from growth of non-cash payments in emerging markets. Revenue from such regions will probably exceed 50 percent of the company's total sales in the next few years from 40 percent now, Lazare said.
The company raised its revenue target for 2012 last month after third-quarter sales jumped 25 percent. It's also seeking to profit from the growing number of people using their mobile devices to pay for purchases.
Sales will probably rise by a "high-single digit" percentage next year while profitability will remain at least at the current level, Lazare said. Analysts expect an 8 percent increase in 2013 revenue, according to the average of 14 forecasts compiled by Bloomberg.
The stock fell 0.4 percent to 38.36 euros at 10:39 a.m. in Paris, giving the company a market value of 2 billion euros. The shares have gained 25 percent in the past year.


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In an almost carbon copy of Ronald Reagan's covert policies in Latin America, President Obama has not only authorized CIA-planned coups in Honduras and Ecuador, but has, according to our sources in Costa Rica, re-launched a new generation of Contras to destabilize the Sandinista government of President Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua.
As in the 1980s, the Contras are operating from Honduras, which, after the CIA's and Mossad's ouster of President Manuel Zelaya, is now a safe operating base for the Nicaraguan rightists, and Costa Rica, which is now governed by a right-wing administration, including a pro-Israeli Vice President, Luis Lieberman Ginsburg, who has authorized the Costa Rican Intelligence and Security Directorate (DIS) to work with Mossad to wiretap phone lines, emails, and web sites to ensure the success of the Contra activities being directed against Ortega.
The pro-U.S. docile governments of Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, Honduran President Porfirio Lobo, and Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli are reportedly supporting the CIA and Mossad operations in Nicaragua. Martinelli is one of Israel's few allies in Latin America and he condemned the UN's Goldstone Report on Israel's invasion and genocide in Gaza. Under Martinelli, Israeli training programs for the Panamanian National Police have increased.
Nicaragua is seeing a surge in "civil society" activity, most notably operated by the CIA-connected US Agency for International Development (USAID), the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its components, and George Soros's various non-governmental organization (NGO) contrivances, including the Movement for Nicaragua. WMR's Costa Rica sources point to two USAID-linked contractors being involved in the covert activities in Costa Rica, Tetra Tech International, which has a substantial historical link to the CIA, particularly in the Middle East, and DPK Consulting, which is not only active in Costa Rica but also in Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Ortega, who is barred from running for re-election next year, is now being faced with the same CIA, Mossad, and NGO construct that forced Zelaya from office in Honduras. Last month, Ortega reinstated a 1987 constitutional provision, known as Law 201, that permits judges and other government officials to stay in office beyond their terms until replacements can be appointed. The U.S.-backed opposition is now crying foul in a manner similar to the proposed constitutional referendum that was used to force Zelaya from office in Honduras.
U.S. ambassador to Honduras Hugo Llorens is the key player in providing support to the neo-Contras and to ensure that the Honduran resistance movement to the Lobo regime does not receive asssistance from the Ortega government across the border in Nicaragua and vice versa. Lloren's role is similar to that of John Negroponte during the Reagan administration, complete with CIA-backed death squads in Honduras resuming assassinations of student and labor leaders, as well as journalists.
U.S. covert activities in Honduras and Nicaragua are staged out of the Palmerola airbase in Honduras and are coordinated largely by Col. Robert W. Swisher, the US Defense Attache at the U.S. embassy in Tegucigalpa. Williams Brands is the USAID coordinator who provides U.S. funds from the Office of Transition Initiatives to NGOs acting on behalf of U.S. intelligence. Silvia Eiriz, the political officer, is also reportedly the CIA station chief who coordinates the anti-Ortega activity with her counterpart in Managua. The anti-Ortega operation in Nicaragua is primarily the responsibility of U.S. ambassador Robert Callahan, an old CIA hand who goes back to assisting Negroponte with the running of the death squads in Tegucigalpa in the 1980s.
The Nicaraguan opposition is now engaged in "false flag" street violence using bogus Sandinistas in classic "false flag" action carried out on behalf of the CIA and Mossad stations in Managua. The Sandinsta movement has also been split, thanks to CIA and NGO interference, into pro-Ortega and anti-Ortega factions. Similar activities on the Colombian-Venezuelan border have been carried out against civilian targets in Colombia and then blamed on Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) working with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez. In fact, the attacks are carried out by Israeli and British commandos dressed in FARC uniforms, according to our Latin American sources. The operati0n is designed to force Chavez from office by tying him to terrorists. The Venezuelan Directorate of Intelligence and Prevention Services (DISIP) has tied the phony FARC attacks in Colombia to media propaganda operations orchestrated by Venezuela's Jewish community leaders working closely with opposition-controlled media in Venezuela, as well as media in the United States and Europe.
The CIA and Mossad are funding their neo-Contras with proceeds from the growing drug trade in Honduras and Costa Rica. As a result, drug-related murders are increasing on both sides of the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican and Nicaraguan-Honduran borders.When he was in power in Honduras, Zelaya reduced the drug trade.
In Honduras and Costa Rica, customs officials now look the other way as Israeli private security personnel, mostly ex-Israeli commandos, guard half length trucks without license plates that are moving drugs and weapons from Honduras and Costa Rica into Nicaragua to support the new Contras gearing up to fight the Sandinistas prior to next year's election.
Key border crossing points for the Israelis are in the Peñas Blancas National Park of Costa Rica and Cardenas, Nicaragua on Lake Nicaragua. The Penas Blancas area was a hotbed of Contra activity during the Reagan administration's secret war against Nicaragua.
On the Nicaraguan-Honduran border, an ex-Contra named "Comandante Jahob" is planning to start an armed conflict against Nicaragua if Ortega does not leave office next year. Commandante Jahob, whose real name is José Gabriel Garmendia, is reportedly acting along with CIA and Mossad commandos in Honduras and with the knowledge of the Honduran regime imposed by the Obama administration last year. Old CIA bases in Honduras that once supported the Contras in the 1980s, are reportedly being reactivated.
Costa Rican police and DIS personnel are allegedly involved in the cross-border trafficking. Currently, a Colombian bank is being used to buy up land along the Costa Rican-Nicaraguan border ostensibly for "tourist" purposes but the $2 billion project is designed to establish staging areas for renewed Contra warfare in Nicaragua if the Sandinistas remain in power beyond the 2011 election. The US private military contractor Dyncorp is also involved in providing assistance to the Contras using the cover of "humanitarian assistance."
On July 6, 2010, WMR reported: "After conducting its successful coup d'etat in Honduras against President Manuel Zelaya, the imperialistic Barack Obama administration is now bent on ousting Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega by massing a huge U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Corps presence in neighboring Costa Rica, a base of operations for Reagan administration-backed CIA operations in the 1980s in support of the Nicaraguan contras.
Costa Rican government officials, including President Laura Chinchilla, Vice President Luis Lieberman Ginsburg, Security Minister Jose Maria Tijerino, counter-narcotics commissioner Mauricio Boraschi, and the Costa Rican Congress agreed to Operation Joint Patrol, which will see 7,000 US Marines, 46 mainly U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and 200 helicopters and 10 combat aircraft descend on Costa Rica, which does not have a military force, from July 1 to December 31."


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old old navy
Since Erin Wasson is the queen of tomboy and a personal style icon of mine, I thought I might get inspired by her awesomeness and test drive the whole menswear movement..so far I've made some excellent progress, I got some boxers on sale at old navy (which I will only be sleeping in) and a 3-pack of Hanes vnecks. Gotta start somewhere right??
Currently on my wishlist (and the only thing on my wishlist these days) is a DSLR..preferably a Canon 5D since I am a huge Canon fan :) but I know that will never happen so we'll see how it goes...
bistro bike ride
Wore this to the movie theater(saw Super 8..excellent movie!) and out to dinner with my papa :) I love you so much and happy father's day!!
dont fall that way
Lazy saturday..the most beautiful weather this area has had in a few months. Went out to a cute vintage-y yogurt shop called Honey Treat..had to wear just the basics since I was in my pjs practically the entire day.
a few of my favorite things
Since I've been inside all day I have been looking for inspiration in general. Two names come to mind: Charlotte Gainsbourg and Zooey Deschanel. Enough said.
and summer begins(ish)
Went to this music festival called BFD(guess what it stands for) and had an epic time! There were dozens of good bands, but the highlights for me were in order of picture:
-Young the Giant
-Middle Class Rut
-Foster the People
Lots of nice festival style too, wore my mom's denim work shirt with jeggings, boots, and my straw fedora(which i got compliments on). So caught up in the music I forgot to take a pic :( Summer has officially started! despite the coudy day...
let's get out of here
This is what I do on a typical Friday night..be jealous ;)
Today I'm going to Old Town Sacramento to check out Evangeline's, which is this really cool costume/misc boutique. You can always find unique trinkets there!
And here's some of my artwork... (graphite only)
cuz' you can fall if you want to
Simple LBD, strand of pearls, swipe of red lipstick, good to go. Perfect for a rainy day dress-up.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Colors Book
Okay, can I just say Fabulous. Seriously. I don't think I have seen something I want to make so bad as this in a few days. I think I might even have most of the supplies. Although, I for sure need some awesome ricrac like she does. This comes from the fabulous Everyday Celebrations. If you haven't been to this blog before then you really should. She has so many great ideas along with great clean pictures. I {heart} it. Does anyone else want to make this great book too? It is definatly on the list for me. People really come up with the most wonderful ideas. You can find the book here. She even says she will be posting a tutorial on it in the next few days.
Posted by Tasha at 10:12 PM
Labels: fabric, Kid Crafts, Sewing
7 comments:
- Carly Jane said...
Wow. I concur... that is awesome. I've thought about making some sort of texture book for Raymond... but this is SO MUCH better
- March 11, 2010 at 7:11 AM
- Letti said...
I love this book too. It is so fun and makes me smile when I see it.
- March 11, 2010 at 7:24 AM
- Andrea said...
That is awesome. I love it.
- March 11, 2010 at 9:25 AM
- Deb said...
This is such a cute and great idea! Wish I needed one for my kids...guess nieces and nephews will get one!
- March 11, 2010 at 11:13 AM
- LeAnne said...
Ahh thanks girls! Glad you like it! I love looking at it too!!!
- March 11, 2010 at 1:00 PM
- Keriann said...
Let's get together and make them! I love it!
- March 11, 2010 at 1:30 PM
- heart nan said...
Let's have a party...
I will supply materials for the green page.
- March 14, 2010 at 2:55 PM
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I'm beginning to think a Sandack type of overhaul of SB99's Ethics and Nepotism Policies may be in order. As you may recall, Current Mayor Ron Sandack ran with overhauling and tightening village ethics a platform issue, and upon election immediately wasted no time fulfilling that pledge to voters. One part: no more campaign contributions from people or groups that do business above a certain level with the village. It reflected aspects of ethics legislation the state General Assembly pursued in response to Blago's (and Ryan's) abuse of power. That hasn't had any deleterious effects here so far, and doesn't look like it ever will. If anything, some local companies have sighed relief they are barred from having to play that game.
Here are the sheets of the current Nepotism Policy for SB99. This is not the policy for the District, this is for the School Board.
Page 2 of instructions for implementing Nepotism Policy
Page 1 of Instructions for implementing Nepotism Policy
Page 2 of instructions for implementing Nepotism Policy
The District 99 Nepotism Policy was changed in January to keep track with changes made to the School Board Policy.
I could not get these to post right at DGreport.


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.- With the retirement of Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez has taken over leadership of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest in the United States.
"L.A. is home for me now," the Mexican-born archbishop told the cardinal and the assembled worshipers at a Mass marking the transition of leadership on Feb. 27. "I pray that I will be worthy of continuing the work that you have begun here."[Rather, fixing the whole mess Mahony left behind!]
Before a crowd of 3,500 faithful at Los Angeles' Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, [Taj Mahony!] Cardinal Mahony ceremonially passed on his crozier to Archbishop Gomez, investing him with the traditional staff that symbolizes the leadership of the local bishop. On that same day, his 75th birthday, the cardinal submitted his resignation in a faxed letter to Pope Benedict XVI. [He did not send the actual letter?]
On Sunday, March 6, one week after the transition, Archbishop Gomez will celebrate his inaugural Mass as Archbishop of Los Angeles. [This we have to watch out for! I am hoping that I won't see the vestal virgin nuns and the liturgical dancers, the bongo drums and the...you get the picture.]
At the transition Mass, Archbishop Gomez graciously thanked the cardinal for his leadership of the archdiocese over the course of 26 years. Cardinal Mahony's legacy, he said, is "a Church that radiates the love of God and the truth of the Gospel." [Uhm...not really. He did a lot of damage to the Church by twisting the truth of the Gospel.]
"He has shown us what Christ wants his Church to be – a communion of cultures and a communion of saints, one family of God drawn from every country, race, and language." The archbishop said that Cardinal Mahony "has helped us open our hearts, to love God and to love our brothers and sisters." [Uhm...]
As the largest archdiocese in the country, Los Angeles is home to more than 5 million Catholics, 70 percent of whom are Hispanic. Archbishop Gomez, who was born in the Mexican city of Monterrey and later became a U.S. citizen, will be the first Hispanic Archbishop of Los Angeles. [And an Opus Dei!]
He told the crowd that he hoped to continue Cardinal Mahony's work by inviting people of all backgrounds to participate in the life of the Church. [Uhm...]
"I am inspired by his love for the immigrant, for the strangers in our midst," [that I agree with.] Archbishop Gomez said. "I am challenged by his call for us to live the Gospel – to find Christ among the poor, to love the immigrant as our neighbor and our friend."
Archbishop Gomez also spoke of the centrality of the priesthood to his own life, and the life of the Church.
"Cardinal Mahony knows it. Our brother priests know it," he reflected. "To be his priests, this becomes the reason why we live. To bring Jesus to people, and to bring people to Jesus." [Which is explicitly expressed in the Mass, in Holy Confession and in the other Sacraments. That is the power of Holy Orders!]
"A priest is a priest forever," Archbishop Gomez pointed out. "And a good bishop never forgets that he is, first of all, a priest." He told the crowd that Cardinal Mahony was "now able to return to full time priestly ministry." [He is going to hold more Religious Education Congress?]
"And that is such a beautiful thing – to be a priest," Los Angeles' new archbishop noted.
While returning to priestly ministry on a smaller scale, Cardinal Mahony will be working on the issue of immigration. He wrote recently that he was "encouraged by the prospects of helping these silent millions in our midst" during his retirement.
Hope he does not spread the Religious Education Congress mess all over!
Now sing it with me...
Na na na na...
Na na na na...
Hey, hey! Goodbye!


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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Ursinus Catechisms on the Second Commandment
Ursinus' Large Catechism
163 Q What is the second commandment?
A "You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am strong and jealous visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."
164 Q What is the meaning of this commandment?
A That we not try to worship God in any other way than he has commanded in his Word.
165 Q But are all sculptured or painted images forbidden by this law?
A No, only those which are made to portray or worship God.
166 Q Why doesn't God want to be portrayed by a visible form?
A Since he is eternal and incomprehensible Spirit, every representation of him in a corruptible, lifeless, bodily form, is a lie against God and diminishes his majesty.
167 Q What does it mean to worship God through images?
A It means to turn, whether in soul or body, to images when worshiping God, as if God would listen to us better if he were worshiped through them; or to show honor to them by thought, gesture, mention of the divine name, or any external sign whatsoever as if they represented God; or to desire in any way to worship God by using them.
168 Q Why is it improper to worship God with images?
A Because it is not for any creature but for the divine authority alone to institute the form of divine worship and the signs of the divine presence. To represent God differently than he is, is a serious insult to him.
169 Q Why does God forbid not only worshiping but even making such images?
A So that we don't appear to approve of idolaters by having these images which can be a form of, or the occasion for idolatry. And so that we don't put God to the test by giving occasion for anyone else to sin.
170 Q Then this commandment isn't just talking about images?
A No, not only about images but also all humanly devised worship of God.
171 Q Why does God add a threat and a promise to this commandment?
A So that he may all the more effectively frighten us away from idolatry, one of the worst of sins.
172 Q Why does he call himself "strong"?
A So that we fear his power for vengeance.
173 Q Why "jealous"?
A Because he never allows his honor to be given to another without punishment on account of the greatness of this sin.
174 Q Why does he threaten punishments even for the descendants of sinners?
A First, so that he may show the greatness of this sin which would bring down punishment, not only on those who commit it, but also on their descendants if God desired to act according to his strict justice. Second, so that people at least out of concern for their descendants, will keep themselves from sin.
175 Q But does the justice of God permit the descendants to be punished for the sins of their parents?
A Yes. For we have such a corrupt nature that we would all continue in the sins of our parents if God did not look on us with his matchless mercy.
176 Q Why does he promise to bless the descendants of the upright?
A First, so that he might express the greatness of his mercy to the upright by which he not only deals kindly with them but also with their descendants, and also so that he might move us more to thankfulness and zeal for his honor. Second, so that he might draw us to godliness through the happiness promised to our descendants.
177 Q Then do all the descendants of the upright receive mercy from God?
A By this promise God did not bind his grace to the physical descendants, but he did distribute both spiritual and physical blessing to the descendants of the upright as he saw fit to do from eternity in order to show forth his glory.
178 Q Why does he say that he will show kindness to thousands of generations and will punish four?
A To show that he rejoices not in the damnation but in the salvation of men, and that he punishes only as a demonstration of his justice.
Ursinus' Small Catechism
84 Q What does the second commandment require?
A That we earnestly desire to worship God, not by our own will, but only by the command of the divine Word – in spirit and in truth, so that we do not, by false and idolatrous worship, bring terrible punishments upon ourselves and our descendants.
85 Q Then does God forbid the making or keeping of all images?
A No, only those which are made to represent or worship God or which give an occasion for or the appearance of idolatry.
86 Q But shouldn't images be permitted in Christian churches as teaching aids for the unlearned?
A No, God certainly does not want his church to be taught by images and statues but by his Word. Therefore, those who dare to add statues to this aspect of divine worship, sin against this commandment and do not escape the guilt of idolatry.
3 comments:
I believe eye suave is good!
Case in point:
169 Q Why does God forbid not only worshiping but even making such images?
A So that we don't appear to approve of idolaters by having these images which can be a form of, or the occasion for idolatry. And so that we don't put God to the test by giving occasion for anyone else to sin.
That there is so convicting! Ouch!
This here is a broader brush stroke on the souls of our being, but to cause one of these/those to stumble to an occasion for idolatry, well, ouch!::::>
Mat 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
Mat 18:2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them
Mat 18:3 and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:5 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
Mat 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mat 18:7 "Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
- Thursday, August 26, 2010 4:16:00 AM
- Turretinfan said...
It is indeed a convicting message! It is one of several themes that Ursinus develops against the use of images, but perhaps it is the most intuitive one of them. If you live in a Roman Catholic community, for example, having a crucifix in your living room will be taken as approval for the RC usage of such - and your RC neighbors will treat it like they treat their own crucifixes.
- TurretinFan
- Thursday, August 26, 2010 12:17:00 PM
- Ken said...
Hi Turretinfan -
You put out an amazing among of material that I cannot keep up with in reading.
Have you seen diagrams of the Trinity using a Triangle with the words "God" in the middle for "one nature" and "Father, Son, and Spirit" on the three sides?
Do you think teaching Diagrams of the Trinity - a triangle with the words, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and with the words "is" toward the middle with "God" there (showing one nature) and "is not" on the sides of the Triangle, showing that the "Father is not the Son", "The Son is the not the Father", and "The Spirit is not the Son nor the Father" - are those kinds of diagrams idolatrous?
No one is bowing before them or praying to them; they are used for educational purposes.
Do you think that is wrong also?
Do you think a flat empty cross (in many very conservative Evangelical, and Reformed Churches - no one thinks that is a representation of God Himself - just a symbol of the historical event of both the cross and resurrection) violates the second commandment?
Just trying to understand this position better.
- Thursday, August 26, 2010 3:25:00 PM


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Case studies: living with dysphagia
Below are some examples of real people, dealing and living with dysphagia.
Early dementia case study
Dave C lives at home and has been diagnosed with early dementia and other health issues which confine him to a wheel chair.
Cerebral palsy case study
Terry B lives in a care home. Terry was born with cerebral palsy which has affected all aspects of his physical development.
Transient ischaemic attacks case study
Lesley H suffered TIAs and multiple strokes. Lesley is mostly wheelchair bound and lives at home.
Stroke in mid 30s case study
Tanya H lives at home and suffered a stroke in her mid 30s.
Degenerative neuromuscular condition case study
Peter L suffers from a degenerative neuromuscular condition and lives in a nursing home.
Stroke survivor case study
David L is a stroke survivor with a learning disability. He lives in a care home and is wheelchair bound.


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Now we are going into the crazy Risen Nebula my friends...which is a whole new world of adventure! These models fit into our BBA Collections, but they are not so easy to find and some of them are damn expensive (Ha, Ha!) but they are all very cool and out there... for people like us that are willing to pay a reasonable collectors price for them.
I appreciate the positive responses this series has received at the various forums where I have shared my efforts I would also like to make it clear that I am in no way making fun of people who love STAW as it is produced by Wizkids. As I have confirmed, we can use many of these models to nicely represent the small scale Star Trek ships.
Resin is not some creepy secrete cult or even a shadowy aspect of the model hobby.
Resin is just another form of plastic with different properties than ABS Styrene model kits. In other words these models are still just plastic models. But because of how they are molded they require a different approach to assembly. I am not going to go into all of that now. I will detail the resin preparation methods I use when I post an appropriate modeling article.
We are talking about what is available to make the standing, and soon to be released, STAW game models a reality in our Boss' BIG Approved Collection.
In my travels online during my research, I found this very appropriate image of a fellow Trekker's collection. It contains many of the AMT plastic kits covered in episode two, and some of the resin models that I mentioned, such as the perfectly scaled seven inch Klingon Vor'Cha model (pictured top right). As I stated all of these models scale very well, regardless of what they are made of.
I talked about the Romulan War Bird by Playmates already, but this company also makes a very nice Borg Cube and Sphere model. Both of these are OOP but you can find them here and there online. The price for these collectors models are widely varied, typically ranging from $50 to $150 MIB.
Eaglemoss comes back into this series, with their special collectors reward model of the First Contact Cube. I am not sure how much they are charging for it, or if you can even buy it directly from them. I suggest that you simply contact Eaglemoss and see what they will do for you.
There is a huge resin model made somewhere in the UK. All I know about it is that it is in scale for our purposes, to represent a Scout Cube. I think it cost $200. I am certain that it would be a monster to build.
I have decided to use the Eaglemoss sphere as a smaller version of the scout, and I am probably going to scratch build a variant Tactical cube from a plastic storage crate The Borg are the hard faction to upgrade to BBA status. I am going to play the faction however because I have other plans for my Borg, that do not require using the typically seen boxes and balls. More on this later...
The models pictured below are pretty straight forward quality resin kits. They are priced from $40 to $120. All of them are of course1/2500 scale, Boss' BIG Approved, and need little more explanation from me. What you see is what you get, and what you get is serious TREK-Awesome!
I am eventually going to purchase all of these beautiful ships!
|This is a lovely model IMO. It is $40 worth of awesome. The Eaglemoss version is $20 and looks very good too.
|The size options we have for this ship are kind of cool. I may get both versions to have some variety on the table.
To sum up what we have covered as we did at the end of part two of the series, here is the updated STAW Model Chart which now includes the resin models presented in this episode. I also included other ships that I have researched fully now, that I was not certain about when I wrote the previous episode. The only ships that are still giving us problems are framed in yellow . There are of course the problem children, the Borg, and the rest of the ships are in question also.I have to investigate further before I present them as available. The Bren ship may very well be released by Eaglemoss at some point. Their ships are about five inches long thus I am pretty sure that their version of the Gor Portas and generic ships of it's class will fit into our BBA Collection. Monogram made a Kazon model kit years ago, and you can still find it on EBay. I think this ship is about half the size it should be, but it is still a large kit, and like the Borg alternate models I have talked about, this Kazon model should still look good on the table.
I will update the status of the remaining yellow models if and when I have more definite information for you friends.
Boss out.


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Kate Adamson, who was in a "locked-in" state, and diagnosed as "a vegetable" by doctors, had her feeding tube removed for eight days and suffered from hunger and dehydration. Only through the persistent efforts of her husband did she receive treatment and eventually recover.
Adamson has now "joined the fight to save Terri Schindler Schiavo and hopes to visit the 41-year-old disabled Florida woman by mid-month."
Now, at 43, the mother of two is fully functional, except for some paralysis on the left side of her body. She tours the country to tell her story and speak about the sanctity of life. Adamson believes the campaign to defend Terri's life has a large impact on all of society.
"This is not just going to affect Terri, but a lot of Terris," she told CNA. "This (the outcome in Terri's case) will affect a lot people's lives."
"I pray that God will soften hearts to see the woman (Terri) lying there and see someone who deserves a chance at life, even if she doesn't respond the way we want her to respond," Adamson told CNA. "I'm praying the judge's heart will be softened."
"God is in the business of miracles. Everything hinges on him right now," she said.
Thank God for people like Kate Adamson, who, having "been there", can help us see beyond our utilitarian ideas of whose life is worthwhile!


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"Hark! Jobbernowls and ye gormless, lend me thine ears! Hear out the spumid stultiloquence of the local Scribe of That Which Is Hip. Hent thee upon his bombastry, where he swasiviously divulges all that is Cool. Mandatory irony: Check. Childhood TV references: Check. Faux-Prole fashions: Check. The credenda you need for the gulpins to heed! The nupson and ragabash have not the sense to swallow your suppalpations, for they already walk your talk with thelematic precision. And your pogonophilic womenfolk already swoon o'er your sleathy earthiness, for your watered-down, bletcherous bohemianism they find ludibund if not novel, and quite for the sake of itself..."Okay, okay, Johnny, we hear you. Here, have a relaxant.
He does seem to bring up some good points, though.
Some say excessive nostalgia is a symptom of cultural decline. Could it in some way instead be the cause?
Currently, Nostalgic Turnaround curves are flattening (NT -- The amount of time expired before nostalgic tendencies set in) and society is running out of things to be sentimental about. We see an increase in the phenomenon known as Futro (the way the future was supposed to have been -- think jetpacks and bubblecars), but Futro is merely a mirthful variant of Retro.
With non-original source material (rendered cultural by-product) being scarfed and regurged at increasing rates, perhaps society is at risk of some kind of Meta-Taint.
As we know, Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Mad Cow Disease, kuru, et al.) spreads when livestock are fed the processed remains of same-species livestock. Perhaps there is a cultural cognate of this malady?
Aetiological agents identified thus far by Psyopsy range from the longest of scarves down to the tiniest of soulpatches. But these quantised agents are not the problem in and of themselves. The concern is the propagation and re-rendering of these memes to the point where they become socio-degenerative Cultural Prions (similar to Infotoxins).
Society once had the luxury to nostalgically laugh at past memes and fashions that barely had a 20-year shelf life.
In the '70's, we said, "Look how silly we looked back in the '50's."
In the '90's, we said, "Look how crazy we looked back in the '70's."
Today, thanks to prionic memes, we can simply glance about and say, "Look how stupid we look now."
Culture Vultures have always been with us, but now we have Cultural Cannibalism -- hipsters who binge on the art and music of others yet don't do the proverbial homework, resulting in massive amounts of content-less effluvia. There's a reason why those Man-Purses are so big -- they're colostomy bags.
Solution? In today's hand-wringing victim culture, legal recourse is a dead end. Old-fashioned ridicule is a great disinfectant for any cultural contaminant, though. Better yet is a shunning indifference. That way, when you're forced to acknowledge them you can just look at them, shake your head, and say, "Like you matter."
Give it a go, Johnny -- much easier on the blood pressure.


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Taming Sovereign Wealth Funds in Two Easy Steps
Sovereign Wealth Funds are big and getting bigger. Morgan Stanley estimates that assets under management currently amount to about $2.5 trillion. Within five years, SWFs could manage funds larger than the current global stock of foreign exchange reserves (about $5 trillion). By 2015, they could collectively manage $12.5 trillion. A trillion here, a trillion there – pretty soon you are talking real money.
The distinction between official foreign exchange reserves, which are historically invested in highly liquid and safe instruments, generally of short maturity, typically managed by central banks, and state investment assets managed by SWFs, which can be invested in anything, from portfolio equity, to Blackstone, infrastructure and pork bellies, is hazy and not terribly important. Unless a country is committed to a fixed or crawling peg for the indefinite future, true reserves will be very small. Most of the $1.1 trillion still held as 'reserves' by the People's Bank of China, represents in reality excessively cautiously invested SWF assets, even though the PRC appears committed to a de facto crawling peg for the Yuan for the foreseeable future.
Some of the individual funds are pretty big as well. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is estimated to hold in excess of $500 billion of assets. The Norwegian Government Pension Fund – Global (popularly known as the Petroleum Fund), holds around $333 bn; the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Private Limited (GIC), which manages the country's foreign exchange reserves, and therefore is not a SWF in the strict sense, has $100 bn under management. The investment arm of the Singapore governments, Temasek Holdings, has assets of $65 bn of which 25% is currently invested abroad – a fraction expected to increase to 66 percent in due course. The China Investment Corporation has assets worth $200 bn, and the People's Bank of China still sits on 'reserves' in excess of $ 1.1 trillion (and rising). The Oil Stability Fund of Russia currently has assets worth $75 bn. In addition, the Central Bank of
Does any of this matter? It matters for two reasons.
First, if and to the extent that these SWFs are large enough to be systemically important, a failure by one or more of them – or even a significant loss suffered by one or more of them - could drag a significant number of counterparties into the abyss and thus endanger financial stability worldwide.
Second, since these funds, even when privately managed, are owned by the state and therefore controlled by the state, they could be motivated by non-commercial considerations in their transactions and investment decisions. As agents of the state, these funds are always potential instruments of foreign policy, supplementing conventional diplomatic and military methods for putting pressure on other states. Since many of the largest SWFs are controlled by governments that range from authoritarian to totalitarian, not to say nasty, one cannot view their investment decisions in the same way as the profit-motivated investment decisions of private investment funds and other private investors.
The solution to the first problem is openness and transparency. At the moment, most of these funds - the Norwegian Oil Fund is a notable exception - are as transparent as mud. We don't know what they have on their balance sheets and what they have invested off-balance sheet. We don't know anything about how much capital they hold, about their reserves, the liquidity, maturity and currency composition of their investments, their leverage etc. etc. We also don't know to what extent their owner (the state) is willing and able to stand behind them financially were they to hit trouble.
Governments and regulators of countries whose residents issue financial instruments that are likely targets for SWFs should only allow the SWFs to acquire these instruments if the SWFs provide sufficient regular, independently audited information about their balance sheets, other exposures and investment strategies. Of course, we don't today require much transparency and independently verified information either from certain privately owned investment vehicles, like hedgefunds and private equity funds. The more demanding reporting obligations I recommend for SWFs should be applied to privately owned hedgefunds and private equity funds as well.
As regards the second problem, the risk of political extortion by a foreign state-owned investor is greatest with equity investments. The risk is not altogether absent in the case of investments in fixed income instruments and other financial instruments that don't have equity-type control rights attached. Creditors and bond holders have statutory rights that could be exercised in a way that is disruptive for the issuer of the instruments. And, provided they are willing to take a capital loss, large holders of a country's debt (say the PRC as one of the two largest holders of US Treasury bonds), could threaten to dump them on the market, driving US rates up sharply, unless certain political concessions are made.
Ordinary equity however, gives control rights as well as rights to the residual income of the entity that issued the equity. This creates a real problem. No
The solution is simple. SWFs should only be allowed to invest in equity that does not have control rights attached to it, that is, non-voting stocks and shares.


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A new study has revealed that eating the prickly plant before boozing prevents post-alcohol sickness and headaches. Researchers at the Tulane University, New Orleans say that the cactus' atypical carbohydrates obstruct the gut absorbing too many sugars. "Many of the health benefits of cactus are related to its water-retaining properties," The Sun quoted lead researcher Prof Tony Blake, as saying. "It is a good source of vitamins A, B, C and K and contains many essential minerals," he added.The original source was from the news portal for
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Pre-party Opuntia?
It may be too late for that Christmas Party at which you got a little too carried away, but New Years celebrations are just around the corner. So get down to your local Opuntia patch or the Mexican Swap Meet (there's probably one near you) which sells freshly cleaned and cut up nopalitos. As quoted by the Cactus Jungle:
Indians in Thailand. Oh, be sure to note: You have to eat it before you overindulge!
Posted by Luther Sturtevant at 6:32 PM
Labels: cactus as food, nopalitos, Opuntia
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Get the Boot
How to Wear Different Heights of Boots
"The (Ankle) Boot is on the Other Foot"
The ankle boot, otherwise known as "the bootie", is a great shoe that can be paired with almost any outfit. Your "bootie" is a match made in heaven with either long or short skirts. It's perfect if you're looking to raise the hemline and show off a little leg, while still being able to sport sturdy and warm footwear for the weather. If you want to wear pants in cooler temperatures, do not worry about finding the right style of pant. With ankle boots you can tuck in your tight pants without worrying about the bulk and bulge of a knee-high-boot and the wider-legged pants you own look stylish over the top of the ankle boot. But just remember wide legged pants don't tuck into your booties.
"Tough as an Old (Above-the-Ankle) Boot"
The middle of the calf can be an awkward place for a boot to fall, but to prevent this style of boot from looking rough and tough, try pairing it with a more feminine silhouette. Look no further, the perfect match for your above-the-ankle boot is your cropped pants. The incredibly slim fit of the shoe gives you that contoured shape of the pant leaving you with a season-less clothing item. If you are dying to wear a skirt with your mid-calf boots, stick with the rule of making sure the skirt ends at the knee.
"Shaking in my (Knee-High) Boots"
When worn well a knee-high boot can be shear elegance. Its ability to almost be paired with anything makes it desirable for your closet. Worn with any skirt that is long enough to cover just the top of your boots is a very flattering look. However, if you find yourself wanting to wear a short skirt, it's a great way to get to wear your mini in cooler weather since you get to cover most of your legs with the boots. Or this look can be very cute with tights. Skinny jeans or wider legged pants are both great looks with a pair of knee-high boots. Looking to elongate your legs? Tuck in your skinny jeans and have legs for days! Or wear the boots under wider legged pants for a stylish look. (This look is best with a heel on the boot.)
"Die in One's (Above-the-Knee) Boots"
If you are looking to rock a confident and eye-catching look, you'll want to own a pair of thigh-high boots. A very common look with above-the-knee boots is a short dress or skirt. The tall silhouette of the shoe brings the eye up and adds a flirty touch. Try wearing your thigh-high boots with sheer, black tights and a pair of shorts for a fashion-forward look. For a more elongated look, pair your above-the-knee boots with a pair of skinny jeans or leggings. Your legs will look super long and it will enhance your look! However, be sure to not wear pants that aren't tight enough or you'll get unwanted bunching in your boots.


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|Jacket | Shoes | Maxi Dress | Cut Out Dress | Clutch | Turban | Collar
Wednesday, 7 November 2012
Wednesday Wishlist
8 comments:
i adore that new look dress! i recently got one like it from topshop, but its white! this one is definitely easier to wear and a much better price haha! I am also loving the baroque styles that are going around at the moment! following you now :) xxReplyDelete
Thanks! The New Look dress is gorgeous, isn't it? I only wish I had somewhere to wear it, so I could justify buying it!Delete
OH MY GOD!!! I looooove love love the clutch bag and the dress! I HATE YOU!!!! YOU MAKE ME WANT THINGS I CANT AFFORD LOL *sob sob* love you really!!ReplyDelete
♥ Miss drifted Snow WhiteReplies
Haha, I'm glad you don't really hate me Maria, I'd cry! I hate myself for liking things I can't afford, if I'm honest! It's a right pain :(Delete
I really love the Baroque print, I've not seen a lot in my local shops though :(ReplyDelete
Same here! I seem to find a lot more online than I do instore, sadly!Delete
Love your blog. I have nominated you for a Leibster Award :)ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi! Thanks for much for this! I wasn't ignoring you, I promise. I've been unwell and had a lot of personal stuff going on, so blogging had to take a backseat. Sorry! Thanks again for the lovely feedback and the nomination! xDelete


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For months, we've all been anxiously awaiting the launch of Kimora Lee Simmons's new skincare line, Shinto Clinical. Today, we got a little tease when this was posted from the company's twitter account (which you should definitely go follow):
Oooh la laaaaa! So mysterious! The picture below was posted some time ago on the web claiming to be the approved product packaging. Not sure if that's the case and there isn't any other indication of what it may look like other than the logo present, there, but if that is the packaging, it's pretty slick. Whatever the case, I wouldn't expect anything less than something eye-catching and fresh from Kimora, so it'll be exciting to see what it actually looks like.
Something else of note is, of the 5 Twitter accounts that the Shinto Twitter account is following, one is Nordstrom and the other is QVC, the mega television network for at home shopping. Oooh la laaaaaaa!!! If Kimora is taking to the QVC airwaves to sell Shinto Clinical, this would be huge! I can scarcely fathom what it would mean for sales. Nordstrom would mean big sales. Absolutely. But, have you ever watched the sales action on one of those at home shopping channels? Huge!!!
Head to shintoclinical.com and be sure to sign up for emailed updates and follow them on Twitter. Kimora Lee Simmons is about to do it again. --Sugar


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7 comments:
- green said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- May 2, 2009 at 11:15 PM
- Slidewell said...
Looking forward to hearing this one. McCoy Tyner with Grant Green? Sounds interesting. This is one of those "from the vaults" blue note releases, right? First released in the late '70s or 80's I think? Thanks for the post.
- May 12, 2009 at 6:11 AM
- green said...
Hey Slidewell,
You are right. This one was actually recorded in 1965 but the original LP was issued only in Japan. You should also grab Solid, which is another great album by these guys (with James Spaulding and Joe Henderson added).
- May 13, 2009 at 8:43 AM
Thank a ton green. I have been enjoying the Grant Green records bunches. This one is a real gem.
- July 16, 2009 at 11:11 PM
- rvlee said...
Thank you so much for all these wonderfull posts about Grant Green, he is clearly one among the 10 best guitarists for ever, and I love him.
I'm just discovering your blog, and it appears that I adopted two days ago an abandoned 6 months old cat very similar to your banner. Still looking for a name...Thank you again. Rvlee
- September 16, 2009 at 9:30 PM
- Dr. Wu said...
Oh thank god, I finally found this. Thank you so much for this post.
- September 26, 2009 at 8:40 PM
- Rev. Dr. Moller. MDMA, THC and BAR. said...
This looks great, thanks.
- December 28, 2009 at 7:29 AM


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The species cleansing of the garden seemed to be a success last fall. The chipmunk population appeared to have been completely relocated to Lippold Park. Now there have been new sightings. Worse yet they appear to have made an unholy alliance with the Creeping Charlie. Last fall Charlie was all but beat; I had successfully closed off the entire perimeter with various plantings and landscaping stones. Now Charlie is gone from all the edges of the yard but keeps popping up in the middle of the lawn. The only thing I can figure is the chipmunks are tunneling in and Charlie's coming along for the ride. I don't know what advantage either party gets from such a sinister scheme, I think it has become personal. To think all those years I cheered on Chip and Dale in their skirmishes with Donald Duck. Now I know Donald was right all along. You just can't depend on cartoons to give you the whole story! Half my education, right out the window.
Last years program was to capture and then parole them with the understanding that they would stay in Lippold Park. They apparently are violating the agreement. It's about two miles and a major five lane high way they have to cross but the little terrorists are making it back somehow. I feel I have only two choices, I can go over to Wal-mart and buy a BB gun or now that I have a connection in Afghanistan, I might start shipping them over there, I'd like to see them make it back from there! So be careful when opening your packages, they will probably be pretty hungry by the time they get to you. Turn them loose on the Taliban when you get them, they deserve each other.
Otherwise things are going very well in the garden. All the transplants of last summer came back. Some are a little banged up, they remind me of myself waking up with a hangover not knowing where the hell I am. Some seem to really like their new digs. The Azalea that was being tormented by the mutant Clematis is doing spectacular. It is blooming like it did when I first installed it 20 years ago. The mutant Clematis wasn't too happy with the move, not having its usual victim to bully. I planted it amongst the Daisies. The Daisies are tough. If you ever need a flower to back you up in a fight, go with Daisies. They're way tougher than they look.
I had a long talk with the Crabapple tree last fall. I let it be known I was not happy with its performance the last couple of years. Boy what a difference a year makes. There are flowers bursting out of every available twig and branch. There are even flowers coming straight out of the trunk. I also think it helped to move my workbench in the garage so the tree could see me sharpening my ax through the window.
Next week I'm trying a home brew lawn food. It involves beer so it just might work. Of course it might just give the Chipmunks another reason to hang around. I better give it some more thought.
corn fritters
2 days ago


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This is a little bizarre, but hey, if it gets people reading, it can't be that bad:
The crew of LOST (the TV series) has collected all the books read by the cast in the episodes and then posted them on the Lost Book Club. There are some interesting choices - many of which we have in the shop.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
1 comment:
- Heather J. said...
Plus there is a "Lost" books reading challenge (here's the link)!
- July 19, 2008 at 9:52 PM
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Women with Back Pain... The Silent Majority? Part 2
Published on under Whole Body Health
Last month, we discussed four factors that increase a woman's risk for back pain: a wider pelvis (resulting in greater pelvic instability due to knock-knee effect); breast size, mass, and weight; hormone levels and variability during menstruation and menopause; and adolescent growth spurts that can trigger idiopathic scoliosis three-times more commonly in women than men. [..]


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Doing anything worthwhile is hard. Whether it's raising a family or creating art, nothing gets done without the effort of doing.
As a young person I remember the inward groan when forced to 'stick with the task' (usually cleaning up my room). After a semi-enthusiastic start, there would inevitably be a point, probably about ten minutes into the job, as I stood back to assess what I had achieved thus far, when the enormity of the task would overwhelm me as I realised I was going to be stuck in my room probably the rest of the day. My solution was often to lose myself in day-dreams inspired by the things I picked up, so that time would disappear, leaving the job to be wrestled over again the next day.
But many times I would be forced back to reality and the task at hand by my incredibly patient mother as she firmly insisted that I 'get on with it'. Looking back now I can see how valuable those small lessons were. Realising (resentfully) that there were no magic wands like in the story books, I had to accept that there was no other way to get it done than to 'GET IT DONE!' as my mother would firmly tell me, although she rarely raised her voice. I need to remind myself of these experiences when dealing with my own children. In story books or video games all the action is mental. In some games there may be tedious actions to be repeated to reach a goal, but as far as I can tell from overhearing my kids game-talk, there was usually a 'cheat' way around to speed up the tedium.
Drawing is something I have always found to be a bit tedious. I am impatient for results. But there is no shortcut to good drawing, and I have learned that the important thing about drawing is not so much the drawing itself or what it looks like, but what is learned from the doing of it.
In making art, process is everything.. Going through motions of doing, making, experimenting is important, especially when one feels uninspired and empty. At these times inertia would pin us to the lounge, or perhaps even generate uncharacteristic enthusiasm for housework or exercise. But eventually one must return to the studio and start!
I have just come out of a period of incredible enthusiasm for house renovations, aka procrastination. I am eager to get back into some artistic creativity but I am unsure where to start. I have enrolled into a Photoshop digital imaging class online (another bit of procrastination, as I am delaying commencing my final-year major work units). After my first week in the Photoshop class I am having a ball and find it no task at all to spend time playing with different techniques for creating new visual effects. I am not sure how useful it will be in developing ideas for my major work, but I am having fun. Maybe it will prove to be a good compromise between the hard work of drawing, and the tricks and cheats of the video games my kids played. There are so many neat tools and shortcuts, and you get instant results!
Here are a couple of my first Photoshop images…