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A woman with a legendary past. A vampire with a broken heart. Their love could change the world...
Where are you from? Did you have a happy childhood?
My family is from the Anjou region of France my family owns vineyards there to this day. My ancestors are from the Tarczal Mountain region in Romania, hence our name, and before that the Stepps of Russia. A very happy childhood until I was eight when my parents died. After that I went to live with my father's brother and his wife, they were very loving and good to me, too. They did their best with an orphan boy scared to tell anyone he 'heard' the screams of his dying parents in his head.
My family is from the Anjou region of France my family owns vineyards there to this day. My ancestors are from the Tarczal Mountain region in Romania, hence our name, and before that the Stepps of Russia. A very happy childhood until I was eight when my parents died. After that I went to live with my father's brother and his wife, they were very loving and good to me, too. They did their best with an orphan boy scared to tell anyone he 'heard' the screams of his dying parents in his head.
Where do you live now and what do you do for a living? Is there something you'd rather be doing? I live in Baineridge, Ohio I have business all over the world in finance, stocks, securities, and medical research. I've always envied my Uncle's work experimenting with different growths of grape plants coming up with new vintages of wine. I may take over for him someday.
What's going on in your life right now? It was pointed out by my life-time friend and head of security for the Tarczals, that I have a spy in my new company. A bit unsettling since I personally vetted the guy.
Is there someone special in your life? Special, she's certainly that, and she's intriguing, whenever she's around I experience this strange buzzing in my head.
How did you meet? What's his/her family like? I met Allyson at an art walk at the courthouse lawn. I made sure to bump into her. I needed information about her soon-to-be ex since he's my spy. A maiden aunt, who is now deceased, raised her. From what Allyson told me she was an unloving determined woman who couldn't marry off her niece, Allyson, fast enough. Which is how Allyson came to be married to the man, my spy, she's now divorcing.
What's keeping you two apart? Emotional baggage! Between the two of us we could open a luggage store. We each have trust issues and we've sworn off relationships. The usual, but she's so damn beautiful, intelligent, and talented.
What one thing could you do that would make you feel like the relationship will work out? Once Allyson is cleared murder and I find my spy then we can concentrate on getting to know each other better.
Any last comments? I hope you enjoy Allyson and my story and learn about my people the Tarczals.
Available from Amazon Interview with J. Paulette Forshey, Author of The Tarczal Alliance
Q. What made you decide to be an author?
A. I had stories demanding to be told in my head.
Q. What do you like best about being a writer?
A. Bringing the characters and their worlds in my head to life. What do you like the least? The business end, which now that I'm an Independent Author, means working with formatters, editors, cover artist, and all the marketing.
Q. How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing?
A. Oh, yes, you can pour the joys and heartaches from your life into your characters. You don't get to be sixty years old without many of both experiences. It makes it easier to pull from those moments what you felt or what you wanted to feel to add in developing a character or scene.
Q. Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book--as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with?
A. YES! The first draft for The Tarczal Alliance' was like that, for several nights in a row I dreamed the story. Each night more information was added and when I woke up after the last night I began to write. Seventy pages in long hand on yellow legal paper turned into what would become my first full length novel. Another book, a novella, '33 Days Til Christmas', I just sat down and wrote in two weeks. The words poured from my brain, and heart, down to my fingers and onto the computer keys. Might have had some help with that book it was about an angel assigned to protect a mortal woman.
A. You've written six books novella and novel size and are working on a 7th novel. What's your favorite time management tip?
Q. Stay off social media! Just kidding, but you do need to limit your time as those sites can devour productive writing time. I keep a timer beside my laptop and set it for thirty minutes to an hour for social media to visit and promo books. When the bell rings I'm back to work.
Q. Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an "organic" writer?
A. I started out as a pantser, still a bit to this day, but I've been striving to more of a plotter. Plotting makes the process, for me, so much easier.
Q. If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be?
A. Don't give up keep working towards your dream.
Q. Did music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote?
A. Phil Collins with Genesis I've written many pieces with the help of their music. Hope they never decide to ask for a cut!
Tell me more about The Tarczal Alliance.
Logan Kincaid's company has a spy, and he'll stop at nothing to find him. Things don't go exactly as the vampire planned. When a long-legged beauty with flowing blond hair and intelligent green eyes walks in, he can't help but put things on hold.
Allyson Weston wants to move on. If only she can get her abusive ex out of her life and get a scholarship to continue her career. She never expected to get both so quickly, but when she finds her ex dead in her driveway, Allyson doesn't know where to turn.
As Logan helps Allyson get to the bottom of the mystery, he learns she's more than just a pretty face. She's the answer to a thousand-year-old legend, and he might just be falling for her…
How about an excerpt from The Tarczal Alliance?
"Three hundred years ago we were considered fierce warriors." Logan grunted as he ran across the racquetball court of his Baneridge, Ohio home. "Now we're forced to confine our aggressions to a small blue ball." Logan growled in disgust, barely dodging the blue ball, which whizzed a little too close past his head. "And, I guess each other." Logan saluted his best friend with his racquet. "Nice try St.Clair, but as usual you're aim is off," he happily informed Nairn. He relished playing against another Tarczal. It made the game much more interesting. With a normal human, he had to show restraint or risk injuring his opponent."Sure, Kincaid?" Nairn St. Clair snorted, and sent the orb flying again. "By the way, you've got a spy in your company.""Like hell I do." Logan cursed running to catch the sphere, and quickly returning it to Nairn.Nairn had accomplished his distraction. "Exactly what I said." He leaned into the serve. "Didn't think you'd be so stupid." The blue sphere shot out again.Logan charged the ball, smacking it harder than he expected. It connected with the sweet spot of his racquet, sending the orb to the front wall."Who?" he demanded. His sneakers squeaked against the glossy wood floor of the racquetball court. Smack. The sound of high velocity rubber colliding against bare skin echoed off the court's high white walls. His racket caught nothing but air."Damn." Nairn picked up the ball, and went to the serving line. They both wore the tight fitting shorts and the wrist and headbands of the sport, opting not to don shirts. Bare skin made the game more interesting."Sting?" Logan taunted. They'd been at it for a good hour, and he'd purposely pushed his friend hard. Nairn's ponytail sagged with sweat.
Available from Amazon
J. Paulette Forshey is an award winning, internationally read author. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two dogs. She writes romance in the sub-genres of paranormal, contemporary, thriller, fantasy, and erotica. Learn more about her at www.jpauletteforshey.com
Where can readers find more about your stories, books and you on the Internet?
Website: www.jpauletteforshey.com
Twitter: @ForsheyJ
J. Paulette, thank you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.
Thank you for having me I've enjoyed our talk.


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Sparkling Elderflower WineThis year I am trying a new recipe, which my friend and colleague Chris kindly shared with me.
With the elderflower cordial and the low-alcoholic elderflower champagne already done, it is now time to try making sparkling elderflower wine.
Here is the recipe:
gallons) Champagne
6 pints elderflowers (thick green stalks removed)
3 lemons (Zest and Juice)
3 limes (Zest and Juice)
2 serving spoons white wine vinegar
2 level teaspoons pectolase (optional)
3 kg sugar dissolved in water
Top-up to 4 gallons warm water (specific gravity approx 60)
Sprinkle 5g yeast over surface and leave for 15 min before stirring in (I use champagne yeast though any wine yeast will do)
Cover and allow to stand for 72 hrs stirring twice a day (I weigh the must down with a plate during this part of the process)
After 72 hrs remove must and siphon on into demijohns, seal with an airlock and store at or slightly above room temp for 17 days
This is the secret stage…..
On day 17 the wine will almost have fermented out and will have settled well, carefully (without disturbing the sediment) siphon on again into your plastic fizzy drink bottles having first added to the bottles 100ml sugar solution (1kgsugar/1litre water) for every litre of wine that you'll be bottling. Note – it's a good idea to leave a gap between the top of the bottle and the top of the wine (approx 4 or 5 cm)
Tightly seal your bottles and store at room temp (ideally somewhere that should the bottles explode they'll not do too much damage!)
A third fermentation will hopefully begin to take place in the sealed bottles carbonating the wine – this will cease once the sugar is consumed of the alcohol content reaches approx 22% volume at which point the yeast dies from alcohol poisoning! (whichever is soonest).
I reckon it takes about another month for this last stage to be complete so probably don't drink before the month is out. I have however kept the sealed bottles untouched for over six months and when opened still had delightfully sparkling elderflower champagne….best served chilled!

subset: commoncrawl


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MM has very good advice. [I don't know if my first comment went through). You should really know what you are wishing for because you. Which is not a direct response, but MM does have extremely good advice!
That is pretty amazing advice!Come visit me at It's Time To Get Over How Fragile You Are sometime!Annie
Post a Comment


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Sunday, November 8, 2009
Yemen could become first nation to run out of water
1 comment:
- Diego said...
Totally true. Today we only can't see our own problems and we can't imagine how better would be many countries if they were as bad as we are right now. For us the problem about water is something we hear about, but we don't worry much about it because it doesn't sound as something that can affect us soon.
The question is should we use part of the money we have to "save" the world (the environment) to help one country? The answer, of course, is YES. But then a huge argument could start because every country in the world would want the same help for their own problems. It's complicate to take a decision, but we agree we can't let a country die not having done first our best to help it! Water is a huge problem today for Yemen, maybe tomorrow for their neighbors, maybe next month for other continents, maybe not much further also for the US. Maybe we should learn for one time and solve the problems before they kill us, even if it means helping countries who are not our "friends".
- November 8, 2009 at 7:04 PM


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2007 Ford Mustang Top Comparisons
Users ranked 2007 Ford Mustang against other cars which they drove/owned. Each ranking was based on 9 categories. Here is the summary of top rankings.
User Reviews
View reviews where users commented on categories.Clear selections
Displaying 61 - 70 of 167 2007 Ford Mustang reviews.
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang GT PremiumReview
2007 Mustang Gt — This car is pretty quick and is a affordable sports car. It accelerates quick, good braking, and handles well. It seems to have a strong build as we have had no problems yet. This car catches people's eyes no matter where we go. Many people have a new mustang GT so you kind of have to customize it to make it stand out like this one. The interior is very nice too. Along with the shaker 1000 speaker in the trunk to make the sterio sound amazing. This car is great on gas. Screw hybrids and ecomilers thinking there doing great getting 35-40MPG. This car that has 300HP and is a awesome looking sports car gets close to 30MPG and looks a million times better than any prius. It is very fun to drive and makes you feel kind of famous as you have people always turning there heads to watch you drive by and taking pictures of your car. It looks great and is very nice
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: Looks great, so many add ons are availible
Cons: Alot of people have them
Looking for a Used Mustang in your area?
CarGurus has 39,529 nationwide Mustang listings starting at $1,995.
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang GT PremiumReview
For Us Muscle Cars Fans — its realiy kind of what you call a sunday drive car its realiy pwerful can pump your head into the seat but not the every day car but realy fun 2 curiz around with its black on black on the inside :) thats how i like it
Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)
Pros: the hood i love it
Cons: not being that hard on the rod i
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang GT DeluxeReview
I Love It! — Everything about it is perfect. Built great, runs excellent, looks awesome, sounds awesome, great stereo system, scoop on the hood. It is a silver Mustang GT 350 what else can I say but I know you wish you had one!
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: It turns heads & runs great!
Cons: zero
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang V6 DeluxeReview
Get One Or Two — The new V6 Mustang performs excellent. In my opinon this care is qucker than the 2004 and earlier GT's. It is a car to own do to being extremely nimmble and easy to control. Go test one out and you will be hooked.
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: Quick
Cons: Snow
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang V6 DeluxeReview
2007 Ford Mustang V6 — Solid drive-line! Great shifter. When you get into a mustang you expect things to be solid but not over done, over engineered, over styled. The car is exactly what it needs to be. Great power, Great Styling. You feel so much cooler the moment you hit the throttle. V6 has plenty of torque and a decent rumble. I highly recommend finding one in Grabber Orange!
Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)
Pros: Power, sound, solid read end, simple, stylish, driving fee, suspension, feedback
Cons: "OVER HERE OFFICER", Mileage
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford MustangReview
Beacse — the paint job and the engine the interer is ausem tho i man its leather the engine rores like a tiger pounceing on its pray and did i menshen its a shelby the top speed with the chipin it is 153
Primary Use: Family transportation
Pros: it looks ausom
Cons: when u spin out it stinks like hek
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang V6 PremiumReview
Awesome Car, Love It — The car is awesome, she could be louder, the windvail blue is cool. Just dont like the beige on the inside. Wish it was leather, the car is hard to keep clean, Its an awesome car to drive, gets attention. haha. The car is cheep to own, and is good on gas@@ No repairs neded yet!
Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)
Pros: awesome
Cons: not a family car
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang V6 PremiumReview
An Excellent Daily Driver, Just Don't Try To Make A Race Car Out Of It. — * Performance - torquey but not fast, soft breaks, good handling considering the simple suspension setup. * Build Quality - has been very reliable, just needed a rattle fixed early on, but it was an easy fix * Appearance - exterior looks amazing, interior is okay * Cost of Ownership - great price for a RWD car, not-so-great gas mileage, low insurance cost, cheap parts. * Fun Factor - despite it's low powered engine and outdated suspension setup, a few cheap mods make this a very fun car to drive.
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: Cheap cost of ownership, strong aftermarket
Cons: Lack's power
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford Mustang GT Premium ConvertibleReview
Ford Mustang...'nuff Said! — I love the styling most of all, but I have "personalized it" and it is a true head turner. I get compliments about it all the time. People love the 'Stang! The performance is OK, but I don't drive it hard. Being honest with myself, I am keeping it a good-looking, fun street car, not a race car. Of course, being a convertible, it does shake and rattle and roll more than a coupe would, but overall, it is fairly solid for a drop-top. Th e fun factor is through the roof (no pun intended)! There is nothing like cruising around on a warm sunny day with the radio up and the top down. I absolutely love my car and wouldn't trade it for anything! There is honestly no other car I would rather own for the money.
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: It is a true, red-blooded American sports/modern muscle car
Cons: Aviod this car if you don't like fun, if you like to be un-noticed, if you like peace, quiet and comfort over fun, performance, and attention.
CarGurus https://www.cargurus.com
2007 Ford MustangReview
Love It!! — I love the power of my car. I only have the V6 which is perfect for me. Gives me nice passing power while also letting me go just fast enough to have some fun yet not cause too much trouble! :)
Primary Use: Commuting to work
Pros: The color
Cons: nothing that I can think of
Displaying 61 - 70 of 167 2007 Ford Mustang reviews.
Reviews From Other Years
2015 Ford Mustang Reviews
2015 Re-design Is Gorgeous And The Quality Is Top Notch
I've got less than 200 miles on her so far, but this car is a blast to drive and the quality level is fantastic. I'm really impressed by the styling, both exterior and interior, especially the more "... Read More
Best Mustang I've Ever Owned.
This mustang is the best handling I've ever owned. It also looks pretty good except, why would Ford delete the spoiler when adding the performance package? The brake bite is really good with these Bre... Read More
2014 Ford Mustang Reviews
I love everything about the car! The front end had to grow on me because I was more a fan of the 05-09 body style. If you looking for good gas mileage don't drive a mustang. That choice does not compu... Read More
I think this is an outstanding sports car with some great fuel economy I can put a chip and exhaust and be faster than a V8 and still have more gas Lol while they ran out of gas I will still be drivin... Read More
2013 Ford Mustang Reviews
American Classic Ford Mustang
Great car, fun to drive, very reliable. I would highly recommend. The only disadvantages are there's not much room in the back seat and the car is very low to the ground so you need to be aware of tha... Read More
5.0's Are Fun Even If They Are Stock
I love the way the 2011-2014 5.0's look. They are a menacing presence to behold, especially if they have been modified. Stock the cars are incredibly comfortable and forgiving over bumps, but the... Read More
2012 Ford Mustang Reviews
Great American Made Muscle Car
Exhaust is the Best sounding of all Muscle cars from factory. Looks like no other car on the market. rear wheel drive good for having fun in every way 5.0 is a beast with 420 hp and 380 lb/ft torque Read More
Awesome, Sweet, Love This Car!
It gets the looks and comments wherever I go. Literally, I can't go out for one day in our small city and not get some comment about how the car looks, what a great color it is, etc. One day a group o... Read More
2011 Ford Mustang Reviews
Cool And Fast
The car is fast, brakes are great, there's a blind spot monitor on each mirror to keep me safe while at high or low speeds, Behind the wheel of this mustang the control you have is unbelievable. This ... Read More
Fast And Cool
Overall this car is a beast for the price and for what it is, 300 HP for a V6 you can't beat it, or the price. Ford has made some mistakes in the past, but this is not one of them. Read More
Cars compared to 2007 Ford Mustang
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Monday, 3 July 2017
"'Time does not work that way once ye have left the Earth.'"
-CS Lewis, The Great Divorce (London, 1962), p. 114.
"'Time is different here. Or rather, we're not entirely in time as men understand it.'"
-SM Stirling, The Sword Of The Lady (New York, 2009), Chapter Twenty-One, p. 640.
"'Do not ask of a vision in a dream more than a vision in a dream can give.'"
-Lewis, p. 116.
"'Think of it as a metaphor, but a true one.'"
-Stirling, p. 640.
Both viewpoint characters learn that they are being shown a vision.
Lewis shows Heaven more clearly in The Last Battle. Heaven should involve:
the energy of youth;
the wisdom of age;
a firm grasp on life, which would no longer be slipping away.
4 comments:
- Sean M. Brooks said...
Kaor, Paul!
I Like how C.S. Lewis described what heaven is very plausibly is: "the energy of youth; the wisdom of age; a firm grip on life, which would no longer be slipping away." To which I would add how the INDESCRIBABLE nearness or presence of God would affect the souls of the Blessed.
Your recent blog pieces has reminded me of Anderson's OPERATION CHAOS: esp. some recent comments I made about the hell universe seen in that book. To which I would we do get a glimpse from PA on what he thought heaven would be like. In Chapter XXX of OPERATION CHAOS, a saint from heaven, Nikolai Ivanovich Lobachevski, became temporarily the guest of Steven Matuchek. As Steven came to reflect: "Of course, I couldn't share his afterlife, nor the holiness thereof. My mortal brain and grimy soul didn't reach to it. At most, there sang at the edge of perception a peace and joy which were not static but a high eternal adventure." I think C.S. Lewis would agree with Anderson!
- 3 July 2017 at 16:45
- Paul Shackley said...
That list, "the energy of youth" etc, is my wording but I am summarizing my understanding of Lewis.
Dmwoski describes Heaven as "...an endless high adventure..." in THE SWORD OF THE LADY, Chapter Twenty-One, p. 641.
- 3 July 2017 at 17:13
- Paul Shackley said...
And, just before that, Ignatius had commented that Heaven "'...does not feel in the least static.'" (p. 641)
- 3 July 2017 at 17:34
- Sean M. Brooks said...
Kaor, Paul!
I understood you were simply summarizing Lewis. And the bits you quoted from Stirling's THE SWORD OF THE LADY sounds like the author had OPERATION CHAOS in mind. But we both know Stirling was a friend and enthusiastic fan of PA.
- 3 July 2017 at 17:48


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News for the Hospitality Executive
MADISON, Wis. (December 11, 2012) – The new owner of the Hotel formerly known as Clearwaters Hotel in Marshfield, Wis., is taking steps to reopen the hotel in spring 2013. That announcement was made jointly by Marshfield Hospitality, LLC, the owners and IDM Group, LLC, Madison, Wis., the hotel consulting firm hired by the owner to assist with the redevelopment of this hotel.
Marshfield Hospitality acquired the property back in May at a sheriff's auction. The hotel closed its doors at the beginning of year after going into foreclosure. The property has 103 rooms, expansive meeting and banquet space, an indoor and outdoor pool, restaurant and lounge. Currently the reopening plan calls for renovation of the rooms with some extended stay suites also being considered. The restaurant is set to undergo a transformation as well. The meeting space, considered among the best in the region, will be updated. The hotel will also be renamed. The search is already underway for a general manager and director of sales.
When reopened, this independently owned, mid-scale meeting hotel is expected to attract wedding celebrations, corporate travelers, groups, special events, reunions and family vacationers. Its south side location near the new Hwy. 10 bypass will make it especially convenient to access.
Marshfield Hospitality is based in Marshfield, WI. IDM Group specializes in the management of independent hotels and may be found online at www.inndevmgmt.com.
About IDM Group
IDM Group is the leading purveyor of boutique hotel development and management services in the Midwest. It offers clients expertise in acquisition, development, repositioning and management. In every community in which it has a presence, theirs is the leading property.
Its portfolio includes historic downtown properties like the Hotel Julien Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa; lake vacation inns such as the Edgewater Resort on Wisconsin's Door County peninsula; and newly developed hotels including the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau, Wis. and The Beloit Inn in Beloit, Wis. Most recently coming under IDM Group's management is HotelRED, Madison, Wis., located across from Camp Randall on the University of Wisconsin campus, as well as a trio of popular resorts in northern Wisconsin - The Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River, and Black Bear Lodge and Rustic Manor Lodge, both in St. Germain.
Carla Minsky
Communications, IDM Group
|Also See:
Hotel Management Group Hires Jamie Dressel as Field Services
Coordinator to Assist with Growing Portfolio of Midwest Boutique Hotels
/ January 2012
Group Now Managing Trio of Resorts in Northern Wisconsin - The Wild
Eagle Lodge in Eagle River, and Black Bear Lodge and Rustic Manor
Lodge, Both in St. Germain / November 2011
Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Sold at Sheriff's Sale to
February 2011 Court Appointed Receiver, Balmoral Realty, for $2 Million
/ July 2011
Group, LLC Chosen to Manage 154-room Hotel Mead & Conference Center
in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin Now Owned by Balmoral Realty, LLC /
March 2011
Delafield Hotel, a 38 Suite Luxury Hotel Located Just West of Milwaukee
Has New Ownership Partnership - 616 Hotel, LLC and IDM Group, LLC /
October 2010
|IDM Group Takes on Expanded Day-to-day Management of The Delafield Hotel in Delafield, Wisconsin / August 2009


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By B
Hi friends, are you ready to talk about horseshoe crabs? Good!
|Horseshoe Crab Molt
Found in Bonner Park, Largo, FL
Lately I've been finding lots of what I thought were small dead horseshoe crabs. I wondered what was killing them. Then I noticed these horseshoe crabs don't weigh very much. I did a little reading (and asked my mom) and found out that these aren't really horseshoe crabs – they are just their exoskeletons!
(I love the word exoskeleton. We used to find lots of cicada exoskeletons when we lived in Kentucky.)
Things with hard shells can't grow as long as that shell is there. So they have to molt, or get rid of their shell for a while so they can get bigger. What a relief! I'm glad they weren't all dead. Plus the shed shells smell much better than dead crabs when you save them for your collection.
I hope you enjoyed this story about horseshoe crabs. Bye until next time!
Horseshoe Crab Facts from Lu:
*Horseshoe crabs are arthropods, a group that includes insects, spiders and crabs.
*They aren't really crabs – they're more closely related to spiders and scorpions.
*When horseshoe crabs are in love, they pair up and go to very shallow water (the intertidal region, between high and low tide) and the female lays up to 120,000 eggs. It is thought that, like sea turtles, they return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
*Horseshoe crabs have blue blood!
*Young horseshoe crabs molt several times a year, while older ones usually molt only once each year, usually in summer. (Which is probably why B was finding smaller molts this winter... though since this is Florida, some seasonal things are skewed, and I'd guess you can find adult sheds year-round.)
Save a Horseshoe Crab!
Horseshoe crab numbers are declining, for several reasons. Habitat loss is a biggie. They are also used as bait for whelk and eel traps, and their unique blood is harvested for medical use. (They are usually released after blood draw, but the mortality rate is still as high as 15% in some cases.)
Many will also die during mating season when they are flipped on their backs as the tide is going out. In the water they can usually right themselves, but on land they'll die of exposure unless you help. Save a horseshoe crab's life by simply flipping her (or him) back over. They are absolutely harmless – they don't bite or pinch. Don't pick them up by their tail, which is deceptively fragile. Just grasp them by the side of the shell, turn them over and help save the species.
You can also help by reporting signs of spawning to the Florida Horseshoe Crab Survey of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. If you see two horseshoe crabs in love (as B and I put it) let them know!
(Florida horseshoe crabs can mate year-round, but mostly in spring. I'll try to remind you again around then.)


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Last August, Little D took possession of what he said was, the largest parcel I have ever gotten in my life, oh my. This large parcel was his barrel pond. Initially we discussed what could be in the pond, Little D wanted fish, he even tried his robo-fish out in the pond once it was filled. Then like many new ponds autumn happened. Which translates into, we couldn't decided what to put in there and the water went algae green. You won't be surprised that this happens to many people who come to water gardening. They come with kind hearts and big ideas and leave with pond weed and leeches. We're not going to do that. We went on the hunt for oxygenators, we didn't want something to throw in the bottom of the pond or something to remind us of mare's tail -- we had enough of that at the allotment and it is showing up at the Hopwood garden too. So, on a hot day -- yes, we have those sometimes -- we went to the garden centre in straw hats and wellies, just in case it rained -- which it did.
Now, this is Little D's pond and last year he got hold of some Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), this boggy loving Drunkard (a common name for it, we're not being rude) likes to be in wet ground but at the time we lovingly planted it in a basket, with plenty of pea gravel on top, Little D was all thumbs rather than fingers. To cut a long story short: Now lower it gently into the pond, love. Splash. Giggles. Sound of dive bombing. The Marsh Marigold rather than being a marginal plant became a bottom of the pond lover and seems to be happy forty centimeters down in the gloom. This time, forewarned and forearmed, Andrew has added several large stones to make shelves at different levels. We took Little D to the aquatic part of the garden centre where he moaned it was too hot and that all the running water made him want to pee. He didn't want a water lily. They were too expensive and look dead. We tried to explain that it hadn't grown yet and told him when it would, that's ages. We told him we needed an oxygenator this time, he wanted to blow bubbles, he loved his first choice which was a Slender Club Rush (Scirpus cernuus) an oxygenating fibre optic looking rush. It looks like those fibre optic lamps and is lovely to touch, easy to keep, easy to divide. That left room for one more marginal and that was the Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica). This is a wonderful fragrant plant but be aware that it is also an irritant to skin, so tuck it at the back. So, the new pond is up and running with plans to add some more pebbles to make a way in for frogs. The fish has gone out of the window in favour of the robo-fish who doesn't eat tadpoles. We're new to this water garden thing and if you have any advice for Little D, do come on over to our Facebook page, or contact us via twitter or leave a message below.


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This Crow's Caw was started in November of 2005. 5 years of squawking my thoughts and someone a few people out there have subscribed. I know...most of you are family and friends...and I am so thankful for your love!
Crow's Caw isn't going away, AND I do want to let you know about my newest adventure. I am still coaching full time with MAPS...AND I have launched a small creative professional business. Crow Hill Conversations (Graphic Recording and Facilitation) was born in my spirit and has come to fruition over the last 11 months. It is both a professional service and a personal expression...and so my blogging will be mostly there for now.
I'd love to invite you to subscribe to 2 things over at Crow Hill Conversations: The blog feed either in a reader or via email delivery and ....
the JUST BE Newsletter. This newsletter...or E-Zine (electronic magazine) will come out only once a month and have articles about living a BEING first life...a life of heart first...then the head and hand.
It will promote, creativity, relationship, possibility, energy, spirit, balance, and frankly, the CONVERSATIONS that bring meaning to my life...and hopefully yours. Here is the link to join the list...and look for the first newsletter to come out in December of 2010!~
What conversations bring meaning to your life? Email me...or post over at Crow Hill...let me know. I'd like to connect to you. Who knows...maybe your conversation and a visual recording of it may just end up on the site!
Love and many thanks.....
05 November 2010
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For those golfers who have never ventured into Atlantic Canada, there are four distinct provinces with flavors all their own: Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
The Atlantic provinces are not only meant for vacationers seeking to play golf at some amazing courses, but they are also filled with endless dining and cultural opportunities, making this a "must-see" region for those searching for a multifaceted Canadian adventure.
Prince Edward Island (PEI or 'the Island' for short) is the smallest and greenest province where it is said 'the air and water are fresh and clean'. PEI is known for fresh lobster and Malpeque oysters harvested straight from the bay! With over fifty lighthouses and ninety island beaches, the home of "Big Break XI" will tempt you with it's natural wonders and challenging golf courses!
River Mill Golf Club is the site of Big Break XI, but I understand that two of the courses featured in the contest, Green Gables and Crowbush, are equally considered "must-plays" on Prince Edward Island.
Green Gables, recently updated by Thomas McBroom and on the North Shore is "a scenic, ocean-side course with rolling greens guarded by deep bunkers, six water holes, an ever changing breeze".
|Crowbush Aerial View
When visiting New Brunswick, you won't know whether to spend your time walking the sandy beaches, discovering the reversing falls or enjoying spectacular golf courses. Why not do it all?
|Fairmont Algonquin
Nova Scotia (Canada's Ocean Playground) and Newfoundland (called 'The Rock'), round out the four provinces in Atlantic Canada.
Nova Scotia, the most populous province and also the second smallest in area next to PEI, is surrounded by the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean (and their salmon is deliciously famous!) The two golf courses selected as part of the contest winner's prize are the classic layout of Highland Links which received numerous accolades including a 4 1/2 star rating from Golf Digest in 2008 and The Lakes Golf Club.
|The Lakes Golf Club
Newfoundland (and Labrador), the fourth of the Atlantic Canadian provinces, is nature at it's most grand, where I understand that there are whale and rare bird sightings!
The tranquil Humber Valley River and meandering lakes and streams set the pace at Humber Valley Resort's River Course. Voted "Canada's Best New Course 2007" by SCOREGolf Magazine, the River Course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course measuring 7,199 yards. Gros Morne Resort (the second course featured in the contest) is centered in the middle of a National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of only 911 in the world considered as having "outstanding universal value."
|Humber Valley Resort's River Course
As you can see, a visit to Coastal Canada's Atlantic Region is more than just a few rounds of golf, it's an adventure and should be part of any golfers "bucket list."
The Great Coastal Canada Golf Adventure is a nine-day vacation for four people covering all four Atlantic Canadian provinces!
Here is what the winner will receive if you win the contest:
- 9 day adventure
- 8 courses
- 4 diverse provinces
- 4 people total
- 3 helicopter tours
- Endless dining and cultural opportunities
- 1 all-expense paid trip
No purchase necessary. See complete rules for details. Open to New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents only.


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I had a hard time deciding what recipe to share first and my OCD wanted to share an appetizer first so that my entries were in order. However, I finally decided on a cream sauce recipe for my brother in law Stephen who specifically requested it last weekend. It is very similar to the Ruth Chris Steakhouse recipe, or so I've been told. I've never personally tried their version so you will have to let me know.
Since Spring is finally here...or at least making an attempted appearance, this is really good to create a warm weather dessert.
(* Please note: I'm licensed in food prep safety so you'll occasionally see me take some steps that you may feel are not necessary for your home or personal use and that's totally ok. I'll make the text color for those steps red so you can feel free to skip them. If you are going to make something for a large group of people though, it might be wise to follow them to prevent the possibility of illness.)
Cream Sauce for Fruit
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar (divided)
10 egg yolks
1/3 tablespoon
pure vanilla extract
Place cream and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan on the stove. Mix well and heat until it starts to boil. (Be careful not to boil over.)
In a stainless steel bowl, mix egg yolks (You will not need the egg whites for this recipe.), 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla until well blended and sugar is completely dissolved. Whisk simmering cream into egg mixture.
Transfer mixture to top half of stainless steel double boiler. Cook for 8 - 12 minutes on low to medium heat, (Temperature should reach between 165 -175 degrees F, use a candy thermometer to check. ) until sauce thickens and coats the back of the spatula, stir constantly.
Use the spatula to pull the sauce away from the sides and fold it back into the center of the pan. Remove from heat. Filter through a chinoise ( to remove any small lumps) and into a Tupperware container. Place a Ziploc bag filled with ice cubes into the sauce, and put the container into an ice bath to quickly cool it. When completely cool, remove the container from the ice bath, remove the bag of ice from the container and place the covered container in the refrigerator until time to serve.
To Serve: Pour over a dish of fresh fruit. (Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries or even Peaches are EXCELLENT with this!) Add garnish (mint leaves are nice).
Variation: After the sauce has cooled, you can whip in (Be careful not to exceed ¼ cup) whiskey, brandy or rum to make a more interesting flavor.


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Jays Fan Catches Foul Ball, Then Accidentally Throws It Away While Celebrating (Video)
Finally, a post about a Toronto Blue Jays fan that does not involve public drunkenness, streaking, or belligerence. I guess there really is a first time for everything.
On Friday night, during the top of the 7th inning of the Blue Jays' 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers, a foul ball off the bat of the Rangers' Craig Gentry landed about four rows into the stands down the right field line, where it was quickly retrieved by a fan sitting one row back.
Obviously, every baseball fan's biggest thrill would be to catch a foul ball or home run ball at a game, so when this guy was able to come up with it, he was pretty pumped. Unfortunately, when he thrust his first upward to celebrate his acquisition, the ball slipped right out of his hand, flying two rows further back to another guy—who then gave the ball to his cute kid.
To the first guy's credit, he didn't protest or make a stink of the situation. He knew that once the ball was out of his hand, it was gone, and he knew the guy couldn't not give the ball to his kid. But he was obviously perturbed by the situation.
That's when former MLB catcher and current Blue Jays studio analyst Greg Zaun did something you've probably never seen before. He ran down to the fan's section from his broadcast desk on the other side of the stadium and tossed the guy a signed ball.
Take a look:
There's a reason why the Zauninator is and always has been a fan favorite in Toronto, and that is why. You have to tip your hat to the guy. Classy move, Zaun.


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Protect your side panels with heavy wall steel tube. Double tube design protects lower rocker panel and the side of the Jeeps body. The two door model bolts on in up position for maximum body protection. The four door model can be reversed to be used as a step for easier exit and entrance into the vehicle or reversed as name indicate and used for maximum side body protection when four wheeling. Provides 1/4 inch of steel between your Jeep and anything you come up against. Include heavy duty stanchion between tubes for extra strength. Easily bolts on, no drilling required. Available in your choice of three high quality powder coated finishes.
Great product. Real heavy duty. Nice mounting strait to frame. Easy install. Very good look. True down step or reverse for rocker protection. And you don't need to remove frame mounts to reverse them.
do these rails bolt up to the actual frame or the to the tub (pinch weld seam)
Asked by Mike from on
Hi Mike The Extreme Reverse-a-Bars bolt to the frame. Thanks
Answered by LWiff ext 4804 from on
Is this price for a set of two or for a single. Also, will this fit my 2008 Jeep Sahara 4-Door?
Asked by Netter from Hudsonville, MI on
Netter, The Olympic 4x4 Products Extreme Reverse-a-Bars do come as a pair and will fit your JK. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks!
Answered by Tom S @ Ext 4876 from Hudsonville, MI on
Will they work in combination with the factory Rubicon rock rails?
Asked by MNBound from MN on
Hi MNBound, These side bars from Olympic won't fit with the factory rock rails on the JK Wranglers. Thank you for the inquiry.
Answered by Jim G Ext 4806 from MN on
Since 1953, California-based Olympic 4x4 Products has produced bumpers, racks, side guards and other accessories for Jeep enthusiasts. Whether you are looking to upgrade or replace OEM parts on your Wrangler JK, TJ, YJ, CJ or Cherokee, Olympic is a one stop shop for products made in the USA and thoroughly tested and wheeled in off-roading environments. Olympic 4x4 Products are authentic, easy to install and afford enthusiasts multiple choices in style and fit. Their extensive off-roading experience and location in City of Commerce with close proximity to off-road trails makes the company an authority on designing and manufacturing durable parts that go the Olympic distance. Shop Olympic 4x4 Products Now


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by John Schrup
The other day, or October, I wrote about the soon-to-be-discontinued adidas Rocket. I wrote about how I loved the shoe for all that it was and wasn't—that it, like all the other Rogue favorites, was simple, functional, and…simple. And when I say that I loved the shoes, I mean, like, really loved them. If it were socially acceptable, I would have taken them to Uchi and shared the foie nigiri with them. I would have picked up some lilies from the Central Market for my Rockets when I was buying some prepared dinners for us to eat while watching LMN. I would have blindfolded them and fed them various fruit and chocolate as foreplay. It was probably a little inappropriate, that relationship.
I also mentioned that my beloved Rocket soon would be replaced by the flashy Hagio, and that I was a bit worried about what might happen with that relationship. Katie at adidas was, as usual, totally rad and seeded a few of us lucky Rogues with the new model in the hope that we would spread the Hagio love.
My boss, Chris, instantly fell in love with his new kicks, though what I know about Chris tells me that it was more of a philial love. My initial experience with them was more like the first couple dates you go on after a long term relationship has ended and you know you like the new person, but keep comparing everything about them to your last partner and then go home and listen to Jeff Buckley on repeat. Kinda like that, except shoes. Honestly, I just wasn't sure. In a conversation with other Rocket-lovers, Adam flat out said he wasn't into them and was going to call off the relationship in a text as soon as his closet was emptied of back up Rockets, and Katie was in search of something familiar, but different. I was on the fence, but I trusted what Chris said so I kept on with the Hagio. We'd go for little jogs around the new neighborhood—casual dating—or I'd wear them to the playground with my sons, which is kinda like going on a group date, except shoes.
I think the change that bugged me the most was that the upper, which was contemporarily flashy and lacking the cool retro thing, looked really baggy on my foot. (The shoe's aesthetic, it should be noted, was taken from a very popular current adidas futbol shoe. That in itself is a form of blasphemy, because we all know that the only futbol shoe is the Copa Mundial. And it futbol and not soccer, because that's what, you know, assholes call it.) The new welded overlays, which is a little bit like an iron-on, adidas calls Sprint Web, are much lighter and more flexible than the old fabric overlays. They function well, which is to say that the foot is held to the midsole in a snug and comfortable way. But those new overlays do make the upper appear not to fit well. They do, fortunately, and when all is said and done, form must follow function.
The other obvious difference between the new Hagio and the extinct Rocket was the outsole. The midsole is still the wonderfully responsive, low profile, 6mm heel to toe offset, but the new outsole took a bit to get used to. Whereas my old love sported a full rubber outsole, protective and responsive, the Hagio have a lighter weight outsole not unlike another Japanese designed shoe, the almost-perfect ASICS Tarther, which were discontinued in the US by ASICS in a fit of dickheadedness. The outsole is lighter, and traction is better, but it is a harder rubber, and the nubs under the forefoot make a distinct slapping sound when they hit the pavement. But after a few weeks, as the shoe begins to soften up a bit, the slap diminishes and I really only notice it now when I moving at slower speeds.
adidas was one of the first, if not the first to introduce the midfoot support trusses that became the norm—and still are—for more than 20 years. The Hagio have it too, and it is completely unnecessary. I cut it out of most of my shoes, if they have one, and the ride is instantly smoother. It might be one of those cases in which if it ain't necessary to have, then it is necessary not to have it.
But now, after having spent some time together, I see that Hagio and I will get on well. It seems that some of the folk at the Thunderbird on Koenig dig the looks, because a couple obviously stoned high school kids asked me about them. Hagio and me, well, we've been spending more time together, and we are really enjoying each other. We're gonna go on a run here in a bit, and if it goes well, we might go again later in the day. Our first double. It's kinda like when you are really good friends with someone for a long time and then discover after a while that you totally can't live without each other, except shoes.


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Silence, my silence is an echo of the past. I've had a hard time vocalizing, so much is taken out of context when people don't know how to listen. Speaking cannot guarantee that you will be heard, there's such danger in speaking sometimes.
I am neither naive or deluded, I am not a victim always, I am an intelligent woman trying to get the best from the situations that life is presenting me.
It would be nice to live my life simply being me. It would be nice to share my thoughts, be outspoken, and not worry so much that people are going to be offended because what I say is coming from my heart. I want to bring happiness to others, I want to help others to shed the pain that they have built up in order for them to be happy again. I want to heal.
I've been thinking about myself in the context of a job. I can see things that are wrong and fix them, I can contribute comments about how things should be run. I tend to do too much though, take on too much responsibility, I kill myself from trying and then end up appearing in a bad light. How ironic is that? If only I could make a determination, I have X amount of responsibility, I will only do X amount of work and then past that it is up to other people to take up the slack.
I'm afraid of overextending myself and/or under-extending myself. I error on the side of overextending myself and don't know how to stop it.
So much of our misery is brought upon ourselves.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Active Life
Best Date Ideas
Eating Out - Surviving My Food Allergies
Things To Do in Utah
Festivals and Events
Now Playing in Utah
Places I Want to Visit
The French Way to Health
Eating Out - Surviving My Food Allergies
Things To Do in Utah
Festivals and Events
Now Playing in Utah
Places I Want to Visit
The French Way to Health
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I woke this morning feeling great, plenty of sleep, hang-over free and recovered from The Wine Country Sunday Brunch, (at Arte Cafe) that went on, (for us anyway) until 9pm. When the alarm went off I sprung to my feet and without grumpiness toddled to the coffee pot for a good old cup of wake up juice. Flipped on my laptop, went to my blog page, (my new addiction...I watch the number of page views grow everyday and wonder just who in the hell is reading this thing) and flipped on the Television for background noise.
I then logged on to Chowhound my other addiction to see what my fellow food freaks were...well, freaking out about this morning. I clicked on the best burger in Orange County post, followed the threads that I had started and was having a grand old time, just me and my laptop with my husband already tapping away at his work computer, (his office is in the living room) "Ah" I thought the sound of real love...tick tick tippity tick. We are heading to Connecticut for a wedding this weekend so I thought better ask a few questions.
"What time do we fly out on Thursday" I asked Carl, "We leave at noon, tomorrow" he replied. "Shit...shit, I thought we were leaving Thursday" he sat there staring at me with a blank face and slowly said, "um nope, tomorrow". "But I don't even have an outfit yet, I thought I had two more nights to get ready!" As the sweat began rolling down the back of my neck I watched my husband shift a bit in his swivel chair...poor thing I cant begin to imagine what was going through this head, what could he say to make this better? "I think I am scheduled to work tomorrow...I have appointments...my roots are coming in!!" I was in both a full flop sweat and panic attack, I kept taking deep breaths but nothing seemed to take hold.
Here is the thing/things, I hate even being late for work...the mere idea of being late works me into such a tizzy, I find it irresponsible and here I am scheduled to work a full shift and I am leaving on a jet plane! The idea of it was making me insane and I shot out email after email to the whole staff alerting them of my GIANT screw up....I was horrified.
The real issue is the outfit. The wedding we are to attend is for my husband's cousin on his Mother's side so we will be back East with her whole crew, and she hates the way I dress. Not in a mean way she just doesn't find me feminine...can you believe that?! For me dressing up quite often includes a tie and man does she hate me in a tie! I have heard on more than one occasion, "Please Sam just don't wear a tie...my poor son"......ahem, just so you all know, her son thinks I look sexy in a tie but I digress.
My Mother in Law is a sweet generous woman that goes out of her way for everyone, she offers her opinion not to annoy but to impart her wisdom and I know that and love her for it but the clothes thing drives me nuts! Whenever faced with dressing for an event with her I freak out, lose all my cool and end up walking in with my chest all puffed out waiting for the conversation which almost never comes...there is "the look" but other than that nadda...so you see I work myself into a tizzy for nothing. This morning was the worst ever!
I was frantic, had to find someone to cover for me tomorrow, get an outfit, touch up my..ahem roots, pack, blow off kickboxing class just then Carl spun around and said, "I think I'm going to switch hotels for this weekend." ...ACK I sent wine ahead!!! The millions of things swimming around in my head all slammed together and I had to get out, I tossed on my clothes, grabbed my purse, clamped on my watch....battery dead...no freaking way.
When I walked into work I was huffing away trying to get myself calm enough to concur the ginormous tasks ahead of me, just then Dale, (Randy's wife) walked in and I barfed up all my junk on her...she stood there for a second, said, "OK who is in tomorrow" and walked to the schedule. We worked out the who's and what's and I ordered the cheese for the weekend...things were settling. When I left work everyone wished me luck on my clothes mission and I headed off to the dreaded mall.
First outfit I tried on worked, can you freaking believe that...never happens! Black slacks, white girly shirt and a curve hugging black jacket, (I hate it when my clothes hug my body...icky) not too fluffy for me and girly enough not to make my Mother in Law crazy...perfect! My sister had agreed to help me, (my good luck charm when shopping) and I told her I might need some shoes so we headed down to DSW, I wear men's shoes...I know, I know but they are comfy and I hate my toes being all smashed together, I'm convinced it is some ancient form of torture.
I picked out a pair of black shoes, comfy as all get out and kinda fancy, headed to the checkout and that is when I saw them, (insert harp music here) a pair of black, pink and white argyle tennis shoes....SOLD! I may not have my ties but I will have a little Sam in the outfit.
So here I sit at midnight, sipping on some Francois Chidaine Touraine, outfit packed, cute new sassy shoes, shifts covered and breathing a giant sigh of relief.
What a freaking day...oh and my watch is fixed too!
How Trump made summits a joke
1 hour ago


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from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
- n. Slang A scapegoat.
- n. Slang A gullible victim; a dupe.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- n. one who is gullible and easily duped
- n. scapegoat
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- n. a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
Sorry, no etymologies found.
Sorry, no example sentences found.


text: SOUTH BEND - Robert L. Schumaker, 90, died Sunday in Memorial Hospital. Survivors include three daughters, Merikay Daugherty of North Baltimore, Ohio, Kathe Graham of Green Forest, Ark., and Lynne Jones of Osceola; a son, Bruce of South Bend; a sister, Maxine Crawley of Muncie, Ind.; and a brother, Fred of Albuquerque, N.M. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.


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- "But that is his ship. And where the Hawk-Bat ventures, Cohl is not far behind!"
- ―Sullustan communications technician to Daultay Dofine
The Hawk-Bat was a jet-black Tempest-class gunship famous for being the personal ship of Arwen Cohl, and recognized as such on sight by many lowlifes throughout the Outer Rim Territories. It led the attack on the Revenue over Dorvalla in 33 BBY.
It was later commandeered by Qui-Gon Jinn on Karfeddion, where he used it to travel to Eriadu.


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London Rising Stars Tournament Info
May 24-26, 2019 Boys 2012-2005 AAA&AA
Hosted at:
Western Fair Arena, Nichols Arena, London Sports Park and East Elgin Complex
London Rising Stars is a tournament that will return spring tournaments back to traditional hockey and truly focus on enjoyment of the sport. Our goal will be to provide the best environment for these young athletes to display their skills while enjoying the game they love. We will provide traditional 3 period hockey games and not rush them in to 2 halves strictly to save 3 minutes of ice an hour, referees will be instructed to call the games according to the rules and not wave off icings or ignore penalties strictly because games are always running behind compromising player safety. We will properly manage schedules and invest in the extra ice to ensure properly spaced games. We will again invest in extra ice and commit to providing a consolation round* so all teams in this tournament will have an equal opportunity to play Sunday with teams advancing to a Playoff A or Playoff B round which will also ensure good competition and best atmosphere for those in attendance. WE WILL DO THINGS RIGHT!
Our goal is to run a premium spring hockey tournament without premium spring hockey pricing. We have excellent facilities, we will have a reasonable entry fee, we will provide you with excellent value for you dollar, we will be well organized, we will operate with integrity, we will ensure that fun and competition are always part of the recipe and lastly, you have our full commitment that WE WILL BE PROFESSIONAL IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
We look forward to hosting your team in London in May.
Boys Tournament
May 24-26, 2019
AAA and AA/A teams
Ages: 2012-2005
Western Fair Arena and Nichols Arena
- 4 game guarantee
- 3 period games,
- 12-12-12 minute periods
- Real time online scoring and schedules
- Playoff A and Playoff B Pools*
- 8 teams divisions or more*
- Reasonable Registration Fee $1499 (multi team or tournament discounts available)
- *New 2018 – NO GATE FEES*


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Ravenswood: Meet The Characters
Clues are piling up for the Pretty Little Liars spin-off series, Ravenswood.
Our pals over at TVLine just unveiled the cast of characters set to make their debut in PLL's Halloween episode later this year.
Miranda is a "feisty, disarming and unconventionally attractive 17-year-old. As a fiercely independent foster kid, she has tons of confidence, but it was hard-won. She uses her wits to cover her emotional scars. If you can break through the tough exterior, you've got a fearless, loyal friend for life."
Abel is a "17-year-old is a lone wolf and old soul with brooding intensity. He may have something dangerous lurking inside him – or maybe he's just wounded and trying to hide it. His trust is hard to earn, but once you've got it, he'll never let you down."
Abel's twin sister, Olivia, is a "former prom queen who is struggling with a recent fall from grace. She used to be a carefree, happy teenager, but recent events have her questioning what's important, what's not and who her real friends are now that they've suddenly turned their backs on her."
Ravenswood summary: Five strangers suddenly find themselves connected by this fatal curse and need to dig into the town's mysterious and terrible history before it's too late for each of them.
WHO WOULD YOU cast for Miranda, Abel and Olivia?
Posted to: Ravenswood


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Jan 28, 2015
Hey, 'Memba When Allan Use to Post on the Regular?
Good People,
I have been MIA for several months now. Well, actually I've been reading and enjoying your blogging. Renee, Viktor, Michael, et. al., ya be doing it! However, I have been letting the grass grow long, and the dust collect on my own blog.
I assure you it has nothing to do with any major drama, or illness, or disinterest. Gracias a dios. The simple reason is my old ass laptop has been giving me problems when it comes to posting. I am well overdue for an upgrade. However, I need a new sofa first. Priorities!
So, I plan on posting from my lovely computer lab, at my lovely university. BTW I am so digging my TESOL masters program. I am four courses in, loving my cohort and doing well. I will see this journey all the way to the end. I got a lot of guardian angels and the grit to make it happen.
I have also been working really hard to give my K-4 students, at my ever so lovely school, the best that I can give them. They motivate me to bring my pedagogical skills to new levels, and they crack me up! The things that come out of the mouths of those babes.
I have so much on my mind and need to extract things out carefully and in an orderly fashion. I gotta ease back into my blogging with some form of grace and decorum. It would not be cute for me to mentally vomit all over the place. So, please keep an eye out for my future posts.
Posted by Allan S. at 1/28/2015 03:07:00 PM
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|Picture taken from Melissa De La Cruz's official website
I also enjoyed John Grisham, back in the days when I was dreaming of becoming a lawyer, and way before the books became movies. I used to read Nicholas Sparks too, but felt his books to me too emotional for me.
In college, I devoured Judith McNaught & Jude Deveraux. After college, I went through the Asian female authors like Amy Tan. Chick lits are another favorite - the Shopaholic series, the two books of Kristin Gore. And who could not love Paulo Coelho and Gabriel Garcia Marques?
I used to buy a lot of books - and not from the discounted shelves. But now, I mostly buy from the sales or discounted racks. I'd rather buy the new titles for my little one. And that's where I found Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz. I couldn't put it down, had to sleep at 3am on a week day! I enjoyed it a lot. I didn't have time to hunt for her other books on a real book store after reading the Blue Bloods... you know, life took over. So I was super elated when E, an office mate, showed me a link of online books and I found 3 more books of Melissa! I read Masquerade, Revelations and The Van Alen Legacy in 2 days, resting only for sleep, meals and a bit of work LOL Loved the books and can't wait to get copies of the last 2 books in the series.


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Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light : Go get it!
November 11, 2010 Leave a comment
Tomb Raider is a beloved series in my family. Since the first polygon of the British archaeologist landed on the PS1, I was hooked. Every game kept me up for hours, days, and multiple playthroughs. My wife and I have shared stories of our adventures in the games over dinner. We wait for every installment. So Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light has been the most anticipated game in our house this year.
For anyone familiar with Lara Croft and her games, you expect certain things. But Crystal Dynamics departed from the typical 3rd person over the shoulder look, for a isometric viewpoint, fixed camera. This is also the first game that introduces a co-op play. Your partner is a Mayan warrior named Totec who can speak perfect english. Amazing for a Mayan who had never heard spoken english prior to what Lara says to him. But let me tell you the story of the game first …
"Two-thousand years ago in ancient Central America, a battle began between Totec, the Guardian of the Light, and Xototl, the keeper of darkness. Totec's army was defeated when Xolotl used the mirror of smoke to unleash hordes of ghastly creatures. Totec survived said battle, and found a way to defeat Xolotl, imprisoning him in the mirror of smoke and watching over the mirror as an immortal stone statue. In present day, Lara Croft reads of the legend and attempts to find the mirror. After a long and dangerous hike she is successful. She stops to observe the mirror, only to find that a band of mercenaries led by the local warlord followed her into the temple and took the mirror from her. Unknowing, or unbelieving of the curse upon the mirror, the leader of the mercenaries handles the mirror and recklessly releases Xolotl. The stone statue of Totec comes to life and warns Lara that Xolotl must be stopped before the light of dawn. Depending on whether playing single player or not, Lara and Totec either join forces or go separate ways to try and stop Xolotl."
This game is a lot of fun! Gameplay is fast paced, controls are tight, and it offers a lot of replay value. There are some downfalls but nothing too serious. The controls take a little bit of time to get used to. Once learned though, actions will become second nature.
During the Co-op play, if your partner is slower than you, it will cause problems. There is not a split screen option and it forces you to truly work with the other gamer. Which is always good thing. Why play co-op if you are not going to "play nice"?
The graphics are fresh and stay constant. You never feel as though something doesn't belong. In typical Tomb Raider fashion you will be asking, "Why did this ancient culture build this?" And of course as the game progresses enemies become larger and more hellish. Nothing becomes too frustrating. Some areas might make your blood boil, but that is just because the game knows how to challenge the player.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is at the perfect price point of $15 or 1500 MS Points. Two thumbs WAY up on this game!


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Boston Globe, April 12, 2009.
Some cut-for-space quotes:
On charisma:
I don't think charisma is always [imitates an angry tantrum] "AUAAAHH"; there is also soft charisma. It's a different way of charisma. And that you can't learn. The thing is, you have it, or you don't have it. Also, if you just have this kind of thought in your mind—I want to put the humanity of the music, and the humanity of life in the music—if you have this kind of charismatic thought behind you, it comes out. Those things you can't explain to the orchestra. If you have this, it comes out.On still feeling like an outsider:
Actually, if I go to Germany, and I do Beethoven, I think I don't always feel comfortable with this; because the German people are so proud of their hero, and some Asian girl comes there and conducts Beethoven? This kind of thing, maybe I'm not comfortable with this. [MG: Does it give you something to prove?] I don't think so. I prepare just what I can, the best I can, and just go.... I don't do overreaction, you know? (laughs) I think I'm [the type of] person, I accept every situation.On competitions:
I remember, my first competition was a female competition in Germany [the Solingen Competition for women conductors], and I won first prize; and my professor was so proud of me, and he said, you have to go to the press office and announce your first prize. I just told him, no, no, someday I want to go to [an] international competition, with women and men at the same time! If we win there, then, I'll go to the press office. I remember that. And then it came true!


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Oh man, this manicure has been a comedy of errors!! It looks ok here, but that's because I am covering the nick on my index finger with my thumb, and it's before dry erase board cleaning spray ruined the finish on my middle finger (there is also some red dry erase ink on it too...).
I can't wait to get home and fix everything >.<. These are such pretty polishes too, OPI DS Sapphire is such a pretty light blue holo and Hard Candy Beetle is such a neat duochrome glitter. I just want to be able to really enjoy it. The formula on both polishes was lovely, no issues there although I am going to get a bottle of Seche Restore ASAP as my Seche Vite is getting gloopy and is hard to apply without destroying the polish...it still works, I just have to be very careful and work very quickly.
In natural and fluorescent lighting.


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propane vs hydrogen
Hey what is a more powerfull for use in a combustion cannon propane or hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most powerful of all fuels of all kinds. Never attempt to use hydrogen in PVC. Things on your body now no longer will be.

Yes,i think C2H2(acetylene)has a hot and faster burn then hyrdogen.Prove me wrong but,just what i thought.
1. Would you people ever stop giving advice without having solid info on the issue?
Par example... where the HELL did sgort get the idea that H2 is the most powerful fuel ever? Seventh grade chemistry tells us the oxyacetylene torch can yield 3480 °C, while oxyhydrogen only 2200 °C. Practical experiments on Brainiac also show acetylene to clearly be a better explosive.
And as I've said a few times before, I've seen a dozen "carbide cannons" made from drain PVC that held up the pressure, but eventually got contorted because of the heat.
2. What the hell does combustion pressure have to do with anything? It refferes to the pressure at which the gas spontaneously detonates, so unless you plan on containing H2 at 500 PSI inside a tank without porous material inside you're pretty safe. Containing H2 is an issue of its own.
So in a nutshell, H2 is probably more powerful. But you'll have to generate it on the go, since it's difficult to contain.
Propane is pretty inexpensive and easily available. I use butane because it's even more available.
if you are all curious check out the upper and lower explosive limits here. it will give you all of the percentage or the air/chemical mixtures needed to have a successful reaction. also, never EVER use acetylene, using acetylene will make for one quick trip to the hospital or the local authorities.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/explo ... d_423.html
copy that link into your browser, you will see a long list in brackets, but it will be in a very small font, copy and past that into microsoft word, and resize it. it will give you the percentages for every flammable gas known to man.
I suppose I was probably wrong. My logic was "If anything was more powerful than H2 then why are H-Bombs still the most destructive force known to man?".
I'm thinking maybe that with a set chamber volume H2 may be more explosive because there is a higher ammount of molecules able to react in H2 and O2 than C2H2 and O2.
Think about it. 2 parts of H2 and 1 O2 will take up 66.6% of the chamber volume for H2 and 33.3% for O2. 2 parts C2H2 and 1 part O2 will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 80% C2H2 and 20% O2 because that carbon takes up 40% of the space. (ish)
Molecule for molecule I think C2H2 is more powerful but Volume for volume it would seem Hydrogen is more powerful. Still, I could be completely wrong.
Last edited by sgort87 on Wed May 17, 2006 10:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.

The H2 molecule is stable>energy is needed to brake it so the H atoms will react with the O atoms.The C2H2 is much more unstabe(Cu2C2 was supposed to be an explosive)> it burns faster and with a little more heat.I think we shuld stop looking for all these exotic fuels and just add O2 to the already riched mix when we need more power.
That's the funniest thing I've heard since Robin Williams on Broadway.
If you could make an H-bomb with hydrogen and matches, do you think Al-Quaeda would have settled for a couple of buildings?
H-bombs are based on NUCLEAR FUSION, the same thing that makes stars shine. Two Hydrogen atoms are squished together at immense pressure and heat to merge into one Helium atom, radiating a lot of energy in the process. You'd still need a fission bomb to generate the above-mentioned immense heat and pressure.
I tell ya, the mind works in misterious ways...
@Flinchy: Thanks for the info. Interesting chart, indeed. What we can draw from it:
H2 is actually a better fuel for spud guns because you don't need precise metering: it will ignite anywhere between 4% and 75% mix.
Butane is slightly more sensitive than propane, but will also last you a little longer.
Looks like alkohol is also pretty insensitive, but since it's a lot less volatile than the previously-mentioned, you'd have to spray it to a fine mist.
Pyrophorous gasses like Silane are the least capricious, while acetylene, with it's high energy output and wide ignition window, remains in 1st place.
sgort, clearly the concept of gasses has never been explained to you.
Here goes: they are mostly empty space, and bigger molecules therefor don't matter much.
1 mol of any gas takes up almost exactly the same volume as 1 mol of another gas; 22.4 liters at STP.
This means that if you used a 2 C2H2 / 5 O2 mixture (which is correct; 2:1 isn't) it'd be 2:5 (~28% and ~72%) by volume too.
Wow, I slipped up like 3 times there. Sorry. Yeah I forgot to compensate for the Carbon in the C2H2. 2:5 would be right, yeah, my bad. And the volume thing, yeah, I wasn't sure if C2H2 would apply to that. I had thought it was only Noble gasses by themselves or something... I dunno.
As for the H-Bomb thing, I forgot everything I had ever know about em I guess. <skooled>Gort</skooled>

In a joking manner, I'd point out that if there was indeed a 'schooled' tag, it'd almost certainly not require a closing tag - in the manner of the img tag, for instance.
...so, <schooled> or something like that.
Oh you know I think it would be like this really: [skooled="sgort87"] Yeah, I like that one.
(<> should really be there instead of [ ] but it wont let me because it removes most of what's there somehow.)
I'm thinking that was what you were goin for BLB. Yours is exactly what mine looked like after I used <> even with my name in it and such.

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Knit School
Friday, October 7, 2011
Knitting Club
Yes! I have several young men in the 6th/7th grade group!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Whole Schools Institute: Knit It, Solve It!
Several of the math problems for the workshop involved measuring this log-cabin blanket. We calculated its area, perimeter, estimated number of stitches, cost, estimated time to knit, and yardage. Can you believe that there are about 1.3 miles of yarn in this blanket? Incredible! Students always ask me how long it takes to make something I've shown them or how many stitches there are in a piece. With a few basic math skills, students can calculate the answers themselves.
Any good teacher knows the importance of being both well prepared for a lesson and leaving room for flexibility. For Knit It, Solve It! (developed and facilitated for the Mississippi Arts Commission's Whole Schools Institute), I created all of my handouts from scratch, gathered links from the Internet, determined their usefulness, collected books, and researched what others have done when teaching children and/or teens to knit. It took some time, but I hope to use pieces of the workshop again in other settings.
This area showcased my almost completed "mathghan" and the materials needed for a lesson using triangular numbers and geometric transformations such as reflection, rotation, and symmetry. I prepared poster-board squares made from two triangles in contrasting colors so that students could create their own designs and transfer them to graph paper with crayons to make a pattern.
This was my display table for knitting books and handouts for classroom use with children and teens. I used my first log-cabin blanket as the table cloth. Most of these books are listed in my Amazon shop linked on the right side-bar of this blog.
While I didn't have to dye my yarn for the knitting kits, I wanted to share the possibilities of Kool-Aid dyeing for classroom use and make the yarn more colorful. This was the color of the yarn before dyeing. Photos of the dyed yarn are on an earlier post.
In designing the content and flow the workshop, I tried to make sure that I had enough time to teach 20 people how to do the basic knit stitch and leave enough time for them to solve hands-on knitting and math problems within the confines of a two hour workshop. In the end, I wasn't able to set up my classroom the way I had envisioned it or break into small groups, and I had some technology hurdles to overcome. Flexibility is always a virtue in a classroom setting!
Even though it was the last workshop of three, very full days and I had the 3:30 - 5:30 slot, I thought the workshop went well given its constraints. I limited the workshop to 20 participants and requested that participants have a little experience with knitting, but I also allowed beginners to register. Only 2 of the workshop participants had ever knitted before; most of the participants were beginners.
My friend and co-presenter for the Fibonacci Folding Book Project (more here and here), Sarah Campbell, took some photos of the workshop in progress which you can view on her blog here. Thank goodness she was able to pop in when she finished packing up from her workshops. Besides the photo documentation, she was able to help individual students with their beginning attempts at the knit stitch. Her extra set of hands and eyes and knitting expertise were invaluable. The experience underscored for me again that a low teacher to student ratio is essential-- even with the capability of projecting knitting videos for people to see.
With 16 beginning knitters, I think my methodology of creating the knitting kits (or training wheels), giving some initial instruction about how to hold the needles, and projecting two different video tutorials for the basic knit stitch worked well. Some of the students caught on more quickly than others, and almost every student needed a little one-on-one time with an instructor. Mistakes were made, discussed, and corrected, but I think all of the students left with enough practice and resources to continue after only about 40 minutes of instruction. Yeah!
This is an example of a knitting kit. I cast-on and knitted several rows so that students in the workshop only had to try the basic knit stitch. I organized the kits into Ziploc bags so that they wouldn't get tangled up and so that participants could carry them away after the workshop. These kits are "training wheels" for learning to knit.
I prepared a table with some of my knitting samples and essential knitting tools. I brought examples of yarns not to use with beginning knitters. Using the right materials (preferably worsted weight wool yarn on wooden or bamboo needles) yields higher success rates for beginning knitters.
One teacher who plans to try some knitting for her math classroom asked how she should respond to parents and or administrators who question why students are learning how to knit at school or how much time it may take away from "instruction." My response: it will take time to teach a classroom of students how to knit. In my opinion, however, this is not lost instruction time. It takes time to teach anything in a classroom-- even with simple pencil and paper. Through learning to knit, students may gain a lot of other skills beyond math. Through knitting, students can develop concentration, focus, persistence, learning from and problem solving through mistakes, relaxation, mentoring skills, small-scale bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, joy, pride, and contextual connections to history, social studies, science, and language arts. Lost instructional time? I don't think so.
To be fair to this evaluation, however, I may be able to envision using knitting in a classroom because I have been knitting for a long time and I have experience teaching people how to knit. Teaching knitting is a skill in itself, and I have learned through trial and error (and I'm still learning) what works and doesn't work. I can imagine that it might be difficult for a beginning knitter to feel confident, but if you can make a slip knot, cast -on, knit garter stitch, bind-off, and weave in ends, you can teach measurement and number sense (I gather from some of the math teachers in the workshop that measurement is one of the most difficult objectives to teach in the classroom). If you can increase and decrease, you can explore geometric concepts.
If you want to try-out knitting with your students but you don't feel confident enough about your skills, invite other knitters into your classroom. This is a great opportunity to include community members, parents, grandparents, or others. If you start a program in your classroom and decide to do it again the next year, you will have some knitting teachers within your school-- your own former students!
I would like to thank the Mississippi Arts Commission for allowing me to develop and facilitate this workshop, Sarah Campbell for showing up right when I needed her most, the teachers who gave this workshop a chance when we were all feeling a little tired at the end of the day, and my knitting students who have taught me so much along the way.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Concerns? If you use knitting in a classroom setting to teach core curriculum areas, please share your experiences. The hand-outs for the workshop are gathered together in the upper right hand corner of the blog.
P.S. It is very funny to me how much math has crept into my life both through the Fibonacci Folding Book Project and this Knit It, Solve It! workshop. You might never suspect that math was my least favorite subject in school. You never know where life will lead you.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Countdown to WSI
Dyeing. . .
Drying. . .
Getting everything ready and in line. . .
Arranging and rearranging. . .
Winding balls. . .
Blocking. . .
I've been busy getting ready for my workshop on Knitting and Math at next week's Whole Schools Institute. The countdown (and counting rows) has already begun as I've been finishing up several pieces for the workshop and begun casting on and knitting a few rows for 20 knitting kits (or sets of "training wheels" to learn the basic knit stitch). I can't wait to meet the participants in my workshop, and I hope that some of them will decide to use knitting with their students and share their experiences in this space.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Knitting & Math Problems
This is a compilation of resources created for a workshop I developed on knitting and math called "Knit it, Solve It!" for the Mississippi Arts Commission's 2011 Whole Schools Institute.
Gauge problems:
Gauge problems:
- Using your UKO in progress and/or using a swatch at your table, practice measuring garter stitch gauge.
- Pretend you have designed a pattern for a simple garter stitch placemat. Your gauge on size 8 needles is 5 stitches per inch. How many inches wide is your placemat when you cast on 60 stitches?
- If your classmate's gauge is 6 stitches per inch, and he/she casts on 60 stitches, how wide would the placemat be? Would you change to a larger or smaller diameter needle to achieve the correct gauge?
- If another classmate's gauge is 4 stitches per 1 inch, and he/she casts on 60 stitches, how wide would the placemat be? Would you change to a larger or smaller diameter needle to achieve the correct gauge?
- If you cannot change needle sizes to get the correct gauge, how could you modify the pattern to make a set of placemats that are all the same width?
Transformation Design with Triangles: Using translation, reflection, rotation, and/or symmetry, create a design for the triangles provided. If you like, transfer your design to graph paper and/or create a border. What are the measurements for your design? How many triangles will you need? How many squares?
Blanket Problems:
- Perimeter/Area Problem: What is the perimeter of this blanket? What is the area?
- Stitch Problem: Approximately how many stitches are in this blanket?
- Time Problem: About how many hours (or days) did it take someone to make this blanket using the estimated stitches and area of the blanket from the previous problem and an average time of 20 stitches per minute?
Note: To achieve an even more accurate idea of time, one would need to consider the different amounts of time it takes to execute different kinds of stitches in the blanket. Picking up stitches and binding off stitches takes almost double the time of a simple knit stitch. Then, we would have to consider how long it takes to weave in ends.
It might be interesting to ask students to keep a detailed log of time spent knitting on a project and compare this time with an estimation of time worked out from measurements and average stitches per minute.
- Cost Problem: How much would it cost to make this blanket?
Factors to consider:
- yarn costs $2.99 ball (20 balls used)
- shipping costs $15.00
- needle cost: $19.99
- tapestry needle: $.99
- time compensation: (use time from previous problem and agree on a fair wage to use)
- Weight Problem: If this blanket weighs approximately 3 lbs, how many balls of yarn at 2.5 ounces each did it take to make the blanket?
- Yardage Problem: If a ball of yarn is 122 yards each and a blanket uses 20 balls of yarn, how many yards of yarn are in the blanket? If the yarn from the blanket were unraveled in one continuous piece of yarn, how many miles long would the strand of yarn be? (1 mile = 1760 yards)
Design a Problem to Solve! With prior knowledge or knowledge from today's workshop, what problem can you think of that would be appropriate for the grade/grades you teach?
Teaching Tips & Tricks
This is a compilation of resources created for a workshop I developed on knitting and math called "Knit it, Solve It!" for the Mississippi Arts Commission's 2011 Whole Schools Institute.
Teacher/Student Ratio
Teacher/Student Ratio
1. The best ratio for teaching knitting is 1 to 1. Then, each student can "pay it forward" and promise to teach at least one other student. In no time at all, students will be learning to knit exponentially!
2. If you must teach a larger group at one time, either recruit some outside volunteers or students you have previously taught to achieve a smaller teacher/student ratio. As an alternative to mentors, project a knitting video or set up videos on multiple computer stations. Try to have some books with diagrams and/or photos available, too.
Supplies for Students
1. Intro letter with resources
2. Worsted weight, wool yarn
3. Size 7 or larger wooden or bamboo needles
4. Gallon size Zip Lock Bags or plastic shoe boxes
5. If you let students purchase readily available metal or aluminum needles at local discount stores or acrylic yarn that is difficult to knit with, they may experience frustration. It might be better to take orders for interested students, and place a bulk order from an online source so that good materials are available.
6. Some type of notebook to use as a knitting journal/project diary
7. A crochet hook (around size 7 or 8) for picking up dropped stitches
Classroom Supplies
1. Tapestry needles for weaving in ends
2. Scissors
3. Rulers or tape measures
4. Knitting needles in various sizes and types that could be checked out
5. Knitting books with kid-friendly patterns
6. Collection of downloaded, free knitting patterns in a notebook or file
7. Guidelines for how and when students may knit in the classroom or at school
8. A few crochet hooks (various sizes) for picking up dropped stitches
Set-Up for First Lesson: Knit a UKO!
1. Students may want to knit something to wear or use from the first try. Instead of setting up a goal to knit a scarf or potholder, plan to knit a UKO, an Unidentified Knitted Object! It won't matter what mistakes are present or what it looks like. The UKO will be a funny keepsake of their first knitting experience.
2. If possible, prepare knitting kits in Zip-Lock bags. Previous to class, cast on and knit a few rows onto wooden or bamboo needles with worsted weight, wool yarn. Let your students learn the basic knit stitch, and give them video links to learn about slip knots and casting on later. The first class will be so much more successful if you start with the basic knit stitch as the goal. Learning to knit is so much easier if the first few rows have been established.
3. Stress that mistakes will happen! Stress that students are training their hands to do something totally new! Stress that it will become easier as muscle memory is developed!
Learning from Mistakes
1. If students keep at it and bring back a UKO, you can look at it with them and help them see their mistakes. In no time at all, students will be able to help each other analyze mistakes in UKOs. If they get frustrated and unravel their UKO while at home, they won't be able to learn from their mistakes!
2. Holes or decreasing stitches indicate dropped stitches or yarn-overs.
3. Split or knotted stitches indicate the student is not sliding the needles all the way through the entire loop of yarn. The needle may be going through part of the yarn and dividing the plies. The needle may not be going through the loop against the other needle.
4. Increasing stitches indicate students are wrapping the yarn around the needle in the wrong direction.
Suggested Order of Basic Lessons
1. Knit stitch (garter stitch is rows of knit stitch only)
2. Binding off
3. Making a slip knot
4. Casting on
5. Knit stitch (garter rows)
6. Purl stitch
7. Increasing and decreasing
8. Weaving in ends
9. Gauge, needle selection, yarn selection
10. Pick a project!
This is a compilation of resources created for a workshop I developed on knitting and math called "Knit it, Solve It!" for the Mississippi Arts Commission's 2011 Whole Schools Institute.
Knitting Books
Knitting books relevant for the workshop are gathered together in a Knit School Amazon Store. Please remember to support local bookstores and/or yarn shops when possible. Any revenues from Knit School Amazon Store will be used to support teaching children and teens to knit.
Online Knitting Community
Ravelry is an amazing resource! If you are a knitter, you have to check this out. You can search for free patterns. You can search for a pattern and see what yarns other people have used. You can keep track of your own projects, stash, needles, books, etc. AMAZING!
Online Knitting Videos
The following sites have multiple teaching videos. For other videos, search knitting terms, projects, and abbreviations on You Tube for a plethora of how-to videos! Find one that works for you.
Guidelines for Teaching Kids to Knit
Curriculum Guides
Curriculum Guides
- Cat Bordhi's Knitting In Schools (free PDF)-- Oh no! This is no longer available. I'm checking to see what has happened, but Ms. Bordhi has just re-designed her website. I'll keep you posted.
- WoolWorks! Teaching to the Standards with Fiber Arts by Lorna McMaster for Harrisville Designs
Knitting and Math
- 13.5 minute video of a British classroom using knitting and math to solve various types of problems
- Wooly Thoughts Mathghans: Focus on geometric transformations, triangular numbers, and group class projects
- General discussion of knitting and math
- Knit by Numbers: Explanation of sweater design using percentages and proportions
- Explanation of using multiples in patterns
- Explanation of how gauge is important
- Quote from Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, one of the world's funniest and expert knitters, about knitting and math
Higher Math, Science, and Artistic Knitting: InspirationInexpensive Knitting Supplies
- Yarn Theory: Knitting, Crochet, Math and Science (Exhibition Catalog from 2009)
- Bizarre and Brilliant World of Knitted Science (Gallery slideshow from Discover Magazine)
- Knitting Science (Blog article by Andrew Maynard)
- Home of Mathematical Knitting by Sarah-Marie Belcastro
- www.knitpicks.com for inexpensive natural fiber yarn and knitting needles (including good quality circular needles)
- www.morehousefarm.com for inexpensive wooden and bamboo needles made by ChiaoGoo (the needles used at the workshop—9 inch size 7, 8, and 9 single point needles)
Just For Fun!
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Posts Tagged 'fall fashion for back to school'
Back to school time is just around the corner…and you know what that means! Back to school shopping! When I was a kid it was easy – T-shirts and jeans; but these days kids have to be up on the latest fashions! I put together a few things that are hot this year in the way of Fall fashion, in case you need some ideas before hitting the mall this week!
What's hot for girls this Fall:
- Hot colors this fall are reds, persimmon, bronze, copper, gray to name a few
- Retro prints from the 60's and 70's – bright colors and cool prints. Remember the big flowers and geometric prints? They're back!
- Animal prints – always popular, and great for accessories, shoes and tops
- Dots – large or small, on tops, leggings and tights!
- Plaid – not your grandpa's plaid, but bold, bright plaids – large or small
- Layers – Tunic tops with T's and a belt…great! Vests, jackets, and scarves are in
- Skinny jeans and jeggings are in, but give them a twist and select bright colors instead of just denim for the Fall!
- Wide leg pants with heels – for you teens and older girls
- Denim skirts – long ones and short ones
- Jeans are always in…but not dark…go for the faded/distressed look
What's hot for guys this Fall:
- Denim shirts – layered over a T
- Layers are in for guys too – Button downs over a T is an easy option
- Jeans – go for the faded/distressed look, don't go for the dark indigo this year
- Screen print T's are always cool
- Plaid – large or small plaids, bright and bold
One area I left out of this article is coats and sweaters….it's just too hot to think about that right now, but I'll give you the fashion 411 on that later in the season!
Happy Back To School shopping!