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As you guys can read from my previous posting, about the decision to fly to Aberdeen was made in the very last minute. It's all for the sake of meeting the newborn Joshua and everyone.
So it was October 4th. Nervous but not as bad. Why? I hate flying alone, that was why! At the airport, not many Bruneians that I could pick. Mostly were transit passengers from Australia. So I went into the departure gate when it was my call. At the gate, they questioned me about my pasport. Well aint suprise at all. Cos my picture in there is soo different. But it went no problem.
So it was my call to board the plane. The flight was delayed a bit and we had to wait for quite some time in the plane. Then, an old Aussie lady came to sit next to me. We chatted a bit and we got along well. Then after take off, she moved since there were some empty spaces left. My front seat was occupied by 2 Bruneians. The crew was great.
As usual on RBA, we landed in Dubai. In Dubai, the two ladies sat in front of me smiled at me. And I find that so dodgy since they were sitting far from me. They looked like discussing over sumthing. In the plane she turned and asked. "Are you Bruneian?" Yes, I replied, and a little relief expression on her face. To cardiff? she asked. No, to Aberdeen. cut short, she was asking so she could get someone to give a hand on her BARANG! is she nuts!
So a crew came over the conversation and telling us that, they are only 4 Bruneians on board, 3 female and 1 male = me. The person they were looking for was a chinese guy with specs on. ahha and the crew pointed me. I said NO NO.. im heading Aberdeen.
Arrived at Heathrow on time. We landed quite far from the exit. At the immigration, it was quite deserted. Not the usual busy Heathrow. So, my turn was almost immediate. The immigration officer was an Indian lady (not trying to be racist here). So she fiddled around my pasport and questioned me with her thick brits accent! She looked at me, and asked me how old I am and stuff. Yes the picture again!!!!!!!!!!! Among the questions were, why do I visit UK more than twice in a year, what do I do, and how come I have free time, what my sister does bla bla bla. Luckily I brought aling my student nurse ID to show her as a proof. So I was released by her Senior after my case was brought to his attention! FUCK! well alhamdulillah.
Claimed my baggage, and ran straight to terminal 1. That was a long walk for me. Checked in and I got £10 voucher to spend on refreshment as British Airways temporarily stop refreshment service on board. Sat outside the Terminal 1 for almost 6 hours! and it was damn cold! Then finally it was my call.
Arrived in Aberdeen safely. There she was! eheh Kachu and her new baby. Gave baby josh a kiss and he looked puzzle. My heart start to *aww* on him. He's my nephew my heart says... ehhehe...
At home, mom was busy washing the dishes. I came in and say hi. She turned her head and just say hi spontaneously! and She turned again for a second time and shouted... "ALAI!!! Kau tu!!! her eyes teared and hugged me kiss me and say.. kau ni banar.. aku inda mimpi??" ehhehe... She was overjoyed and told me how she couldnt sleep and all. It was almost 5 mths! hehhe... and she told me the few nights she had teh feeling that I'm gonna come! ehehhe Mom instict.. dont play play! ahha
There, I spent good time. As usual, get to hang out with kachu's and kolin's friends. We had iftar the evening and I was booked for making my delicious corn soup for iftar at Maya's house. heheh we chatted and updated everyone on what I've done and all...
Shocking period when mom was speaking English well... nicely with complicated english words.. like "splendid" buleh.. ahhahaha and of course, how can I miss shopping in Aberdeen. we went down to Edinburgh in one of the days too. It was nice and walking through the memory lane. I went to Edinburgh with my frens on a school trip. Not much changes heheh but I had good time there. But weather was terribly cold!
Then it was time for me to say goodbye. But this time, I met Garry (kol's Bro) in London before flying to Brunei together. heheh So inflight he was aiming this particular gal and bla bla bla. I bought good chocs that he kept on asking me who are they for. yes the entire flight.. if I could count it was more than 30 times that he asked me the same questioned that I gave no answer. Inflight, I broke the airline headfone as it was stucked! ahhaha.. I did many terrible things. The crew served us were the same guy who served me Dubai London. So we chatted a while at the galley... ahaha...
In Dubai, we had McD.. ahha and Garry was trying his luck with this gal. So it went well. Then on arrival in Brunei, heheh things were back to the usual Bruneian style.....
I certainly miss the UK environment!! heheheh The highlight of the trip was paying a visit to the Spirit of the Dance show. It was worth every penny!!!!! SIOK BRABIS... nice tap dances, good quality singing, jazz and many songs by the Tanner Brothers. all and all... SUPERB, it paid off my exhaustion of coming there and definitely a chilling time for me after the exams. Will see if I have the money and will to go there again! wee hee...
Those were all happening in just 10 days... eheh I could write more but the above are just the highlights. ehhehahha... karang berdepa depa panjangnya! hhaha
Sunday, November 27, 2005
The Aberdeen Visit.
Posted by sani@xhu at 7:59 AM No comments: Links to this post
Updates... finally!
As usual, it has been ages since the last blog. Just look at the archives section, it says October when I last posted.
Anyways, since the last post till date, many things and events happened. Among the highlights are:
Thank you for your setia-ness. ehheheheh
Syaf: yes.. talk to yourself indeed... your blog berjaruk jua! ahhaha
Chevvy darling: ehheh no worries.. you're still updated what! ahha
Anyways, since the last post till date, many things and events happened. Among the highlights are:
- My Suprised Visit to Aberdeen, for mom.
- Hari Raya
- My Vacation to Langkawi via Singapore.
Thank you for your setia-ness. ehheheheh
Syaf: yes.. talk to yourself indeed... your blog berjaruk jua! ahhaha
Chevvy darling: ehheh no worries.. you're still updated what! ahha
Posted by sani@xhu at 2:34 AM No comments: Links to this post
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subset: commoncrawl


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Linkdump, July '06
Well with a couple of days with no new announcements, here are some things to keep you busy reading in the meantime. One more week til San Diego!
- Blockade Boy has the scoop on the Duplicate Boy movie, starring Charlie Brown (from Peanuts) as the title character.
A reputed Hollywood insider calling himself "Blockade Boy" opines that the casting of Charlie Brown in the role is "pure genius." Said Blockade Boy, "Duplicate Boy's Who's Who entry from September 1985 says, and I quote, 'He has no training in use of his powers, personal combat, or much of anything else.' You know you're pathetic when even the slimmest biographical profile is at a loss to name things you're good at. Listen, honey, I met the guy and I can tell you right now all the stories about him are true. He's just a good-looking lunkhead who skates by on a natural talent he never bothered to develop. He's like that guy who was a football hero in high school and ten years later he's a janitor. Not that Charlie Brown ever struck anybody as good-looking or heroic, but hey, he's still a lame-ass. Just like Duplicate Boy."
- Blog@Newsarama pointed me to a discussion between Chris Maka, who thinks that "Darkseid is a largely overrated and not particularly exciting villain", and Marc "Not the Beastmaster" Singer, who says that "Darkseid is one of the great archetypal characters, and one of the last to arrive in comics". Displayed is the awesome, awesome cover to LSH v2 294 with the Legion bowing down to Darkseid. Both writers, however, agree that the Great Darkness Saga is one of the best Darkseid stories ever.
- Michelle Pessoa notes the potential for the creation of the 21st century Legion of Super-Villains.
- I can't believe I forgot to post this one. From the Invincible Super-Blog:
It's one of those things where you read it, read it again, and then have to go tell someone else about it before your head explodes, which is the sort of thing you're going to have to expect when you're reading a series predicated on a bunch of teenagers going back in time for the sole purpose of screwing with Superboy because they like him so much. And I feel it's only fair to warn you: it may very well blow your mind.
- The Matchstick recalls for us the battle royale between the Legion of Substitute Heroes and the Legion of Super-Pets. As he says, it truly is the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny.
- The seebelow LJ site has a casting call for a proposed Legion movie - if it were made in 1986, and directed by John Hughes.
- From a mention in a recent Legion issue about how Metropolis runs through most of the Atlantic seaboard comes this interesting discussion about the urban sprawl of the 31st century - a Californiopolis on the west coast, a Texopolis on the Gulf Coast, a Centralopolis in the Midwest, etc.
- You probably read this already, but when Superman Returns came out there was an interview with Joyce Kaffel, the daughter of Mort Weisinger, about her growing up with Superman. The Legion gets a brief mention but it's a fun article regardless.
- This guy wants us to sign a petition to "bring back the TRUE Legion of Super-Heroes". Ironically, his "real version" is the reboot version (1994-2005). He's got 84 signatures as of this writing.
- I forgot about this one. This guy lost his cell phone, which had been customized with a Legion sticker on it (his own personal Omnicom, I guess). After buying a new one, "my biggest concern sadly was what new sticker to apply to the back of it. For some reason I have to indicate some kind of nerd affiliation on my cell phone." Here's what he came up with.
- Speaking of phones, here's what can happen if you have all your Legion action figures standing up next to a window in a thunderstorm. I mean, besides turning into the Composite Superman.
Oh, and with all the upheavals in ComicsBlogistan lately - THE BEAT moving to Publishers Weekly, Great Curve moving to Newsarama, Comics Should Be Good moving to CBR, WizardUniverse and TCJ starting news and/or blogs - if anyone wants to pay me an obscene (or maybe just mildy disgusting) amount of money to move, they can buy me out too. I'm just sayin', that's all.


text: Despite downward housing trends nationwide, Aberdeen's market is growing. On a national level, the housing market has plummeted and builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes has fallen, according to statistics from the National Association of Home Builders. A survey sent to builders nationwide gauged builder perceptions of single-family home sales and sale expectations for the next six months. Builders were asked to rank housing markets as good, fair or poor with scores up to 100. On July 16, the national ranking reached a record low score of 16; in the Midwest, that ranking fell to 10 - a six-point decrease from June. But that doesn't mean Aberdeen's growth has been stunted. In fact, 2007 reached the highest number in nearly 30 years. In 2007, the city issued 101 building permits for new homes and apartments, according to records kept with the planning and zoning office. That's the highest number since 1978, when 130 permits were written; so far in 2008, 49 permits have been issued. That number does not include all recent housing developments. Permits have not yet been issued for any of the proposed homes in Meadows on Dakota, which is north of Holgate Middle School. Some have been issued for Rolling Hills development and North Plains, the development northeast of Roncalli High School. Dan Zumbaum, president of the Aberdeen Board of Realtors, said on average the existing housing market is plummeting nationwide, but you hear more about the negative than the positive. For example, the market in Las Vegas is doing horribly and it's all over the news, he said. However, in Dallas, the housing market is doing well, he said. Growing, not exploding: In Aberdeen, the number of houses being built isn't erupting, but it certainly doesn't reflect national trends, Zumbaum said. "I don't think there's any more (houses) going in right now," he said. "I'm sure it hasn't gone down, but I'm sure there's not a big explosion." He doesn't expect a big explosion either - even with the anticipation of new workers moving to town to fill jobs, including those at Molded Fiber Glass Cos. and Northern Beef Packers. Those two businesses are expected to bring an estimated 1,300 to 1,400 new jobs. "It's a long-term proposition," he said. "You don't get all these people coming at once. They trickle in." Catching up: Kevin Foss, president of the Aberdeen Home Builders Association, said Aberdeen is in a different situation, because other communities across the nation have overbuilt houses when Aberdeen hasn't built enough. Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen agreed. "We're catching up from a lot of years of not very many houses," Levsen said. He said there are two reasons for Aberdeen's recent growth push: new job opportunities and a lack of housing in past years. In the 1960s and 1970s, housing developments, including the Mel Ros Addition, were being built - then interest rates went through the roof, he said. He said while most new employees might not move into town immediately, the new jobs and anticipated new residents have inspired developers to build more housing. Foss agreed. "We're trying to plan ahead for some of this," he said. "We've heard from the Realtors that there's been a demand for housing and in all wage ranges." On Wednesday, Mike Duttenhoffer, of Duttenhoffer Construction, was working with his crews in the North Plains Subdivision, northeast of Roncalli High School. He said construction companies in Aberdeen are so busy that everyone is trying to recruit more workers. Rental units needed: Zumbaum said he thinks most Aberdeen newcomers will want to rent before they buy or build a house. Rental properties, whether apartments or rental homes, are something Aberdeen is lacking also, he said. Rental units were one area identified in a 2007 city-ordered housing study. Aberdeen rentals have only a 1 percent vacancy rate and should have 3 percent to 4 percent, according to the study. The vacancy rate in two- and three-bedroom rentals is nearly nonexistent. To help with that situation, the study suggested a variety of homes should be built to get current renters into their own homes and therefore free up some rental properties. The study said most available lots have been earmarked for higher-priced homes and that the city should encourage the development of moderately priced homes. To be successful, the study said the city should provide a variety of lots to help developers build different types of home sizes, prices and designs. The problem with building new rental properties is the associated cost, Zumbaum said. For example, building a new two-bedroom house would cost about $900 a month in rent, he said. Most people moving to Aberdeen aren't willing to pay $900 a month for rent, he said. Financial reasons could be one reason builders and homeowners nationwide are staying away from new homes. Nationwide, the number of building permits issued for residences - single-family and multifamily - has decreased 32 percent from 767,200 to 521,400, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Single-family homes alone have decreased 41 percent from 563,000 to 332,300. Fewer homes were built in 2000 than in 1950 nationwide, according to the National Association of Home Builders. In 1900, 189,000 homes were started; 1.95 million in 1950; and 1.6 million in 2000. Fewer than last year: To date, South Dakota is lacking building permits compared to 2007. As of June, 1,680 permits had been issued statewide. At this time last year, 1,930 permits had been issued. "Given the systematic deterioration of job markets, raising energy costs and sinking home values aggravated by the raising tide of foreclosures, many prospective buyers have simply returned to the sidelines until conditions improve," said David Seiders, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. In Aberdeen, it's the sellers that have been waiting for the housing market to improve, Zumbaum said. "There's more houses on the market now," he said. "I haven't looked in awhile, but there's something like 160 now compared to 90 last year." The number of building permits being issued for new houses is also improving. "We've stayed pretty steady," said Ken Hubbart, city planner. "There's nothing that shows that we shouldn't stay that way this year."


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text:
She's easily become one of America's hottest models, especially after landing the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover girl title Now Kate Upton stuns in the July 2012 issue of GQ.
At just 20 and having accomplished so much, the voluptuous supermodel put her killer curves on full display in an O'Neill bikini top as she teasingly is shown licking a Popsicle on the Terry Richardson shot front page while also answering a range of questions for her feature article dubbed the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective Internet Bombshells'.
A few of the highlights from Miss Upton's interview are as follows.
On the most exciting thing she's done since becoming massively famous':
"For the GQ photo shoot, we were on that ride where the seat spins while the actual ride is spinning, and I'm wearing a one-piece. And all of a sudden the whole entire top falls off! I'm holding myself, laughing, turning bright red, but a lot of people are watching, so they kicked us out of the Santa Monica Pier—it was so embarrassing." Kate then adds: "You wouldn't think that would happen with a one-piece!"
On her "nun-kini" in "The Three Stooges" provoking the ire of the Catholic League:
"I can see why the Catholic Church would be upset with me. But it was just for fun, and I try not to take it more seriously than that."
On her tattoos (she has a horseshoe on her wrist and a small cross on the inside of her finger):
"You have to think hard with a tattoo. What will I love for the rest of my life?"
On constantly being tapped to pose for racy photo shoots:
"It's like any job. You find your strengths and play them up."
Here are the sexy pics I know you are dying to see:


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Just wondered if anyone else feels the same as I do right now.
Just started injecting for first cycle of IVF (in vitro fertilization) - short protocol. Have a needle phobia so a friend (nurse) is helping us out.
Just feel too scared to hope that it may work, because of the stats that every mum to be face - ectopics, miscarriages etc. Feels like the odds are more stacked against us because we can't try any month we feel like it. This is our only chance - and one more cycle. It's been 5 years of hoping, but with the safety net of IVF (in vitro fertilization) at the back of our minds. Well now the safety net is here, it feels really scary.
As we have never had a bfp, am also scared of how low I'd go if we do have a bfp but then it goes wrong. Have felt so rubbish in the past just having constant negatives every month so I have no idea how I'd cope. Also have had a breakdown in te past so always on the look out for depression returning.
So yeah, basically, really really scared. And far too scared to hope, so burning my head in a truck load of denial as I type.
Anyone else feel like this?


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A teacher reported to me that she is unable to delete a simple resource in her course (a PDF). When she tries to delete the file she first gets the standard "Do you really want to delete the file..." but when she clicks Yes, an error pops up that says "Unknown Error." As the admin, I also get the same response when trying to delete the file. Actually, the file at first disappears from the page but when the page is refreshed it is still there.
We recently upgraded to Moodle 3.1+, I'm wondering if this is a bug in this recent version of Moodle.
Any advice you can give me regarding this problem would be greatly appreciated!
Bellingham School District, WA


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An exhibition in Berlin is drawing attention to the neglected state of early Soviet architecture. These revolutionary buildings attempted a clean break with the past. The New York Times just published a write-up on the show:
"[I]nteriors were built for function, and most for public use. They housed new state-owned department stores, administrative buildings and energy plants. The cities' growing population also demanded new concepts for communal living. For example, the featured Narkomfin residential block, built in Moscow in 1930, included two floors of apartments, a communal kitchen, nursery, gymnasium and washroom."
"Images of each project around the time of its completion are juxtaposed with photographs taken by the architectural photographer Richard Pare over the last 15 years, showing the once radical structures in their deteriorating present."
Building the Revolution: Soviet Art and Architecture 1915-1935 will run through July 9th at the Martin-Gropius-Bau in Berlin.


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It's often clear to me that one of the internet's chief exports is negativity, but there is one doom and gloom thread I see often that has started to rub me the wrong way: The tales of how Yreka is dying, and it's just a lost cause.
Note: This opinion piece has been updated to remove a reference to Don's Sporting Goods in Yreka being shut down – it is still very much alive and kicking. I apologize for the error. - Dave
It's often clear to me that one of the internet's chief exports is negativity, but there is one doom and gloom thread I see often that has started to rub me the wrong way: The tales of how Yreka is dying, and it's just a lost cause.
You can find it anywhere on social media, with people proclaiming with heavy hearts that Miner Street is empty, people are trashing and destroying the town, and all you see are "druggies" and "tweakers" everywhere.
The only problem is that that is a load of horse crap, and it's doing a disservice to the hardworking, good people who are doing what they can to make this place better.
Take Miner Street and Broadway, for example. When I moved back here in 2008, it was looking pretty sparse, with empty storefronts seemingly outnumbering the full ones.
All you have to do today is walk downtown to see that it has gotten much better. Yes, there are still empty storefronts, and some classic businesses have closed down – Cooley and Pollard's hardware store was a longtime staple that shut its doors in recent years.
But there's still plenty going on, with a little bit of everything offered by people doing what has been the lifeblood of America for centuries – following their dreams through the operation of small businesses.
There's a candy store with numerous treats, a small art house, a place to hear local musicians and comedians do their thing, a thrift shop (with one just around the corner on Broadway), a place to buy handmade textiles, a place to make your own art while enjoying some good food, a place to enjoy others' art in a great little gallery, there's a spa and a salon, a place to buy high quality clothing and other goods, two restaurants, and a barbershop, and that's just on Miner Street. On Broadway, there's a little clothing shop, two bars, a bank, a carpet shop, the Chamber of Commerce, a long running furniture store, a gaming nexus, another thrift store, a coffee shop, another barber shop, an accountant, a wine bar, and soon, a yogurt shop. I'm hoping I didn't forget anyone, but I guess that's the point – with enough businesses that it's possible to forget one or two, this area of Yreka is far from dead.
The problem with the negativity is that it perpetuates this idea that there's nothing available in town, and for those who don't bother to see for themselves, it creates an image that things are dead, so why bother going downtown to support our local businesses?
When that becomes the prevailing idea about Miner and Broadway streets, it effectively becomes a roadmap toward that very condition – if people fail to patronize local businesses because they believe there aren't any, eventually, there won't be.
It's not just businesses, either; open up your social media accounts any day and you'll be inundated with people moaning and complaining about the decay of Yreka, and how it would be better to move away now before things get worse.
Talk about dramatic! Not to mention useless. I can hold all the good that complaining online does in one hand, and anyone paying attention just yesterday could see that a better solution is to actually do something about it.
Someone or a group of someones vandalized Greenhorn Park in Yreka this week, covering sidewalks, benches, a portable toilet, historic buildings and more with "Antifa" and phrases like "Nazis will die."
Rather than sit on their tails and complain about it, a group of about 20 volunteers joined forces with city maintenance personnel at 8 a.m. on Thursday to put in the work to erase the graffiti, scrubbing, painting and doing whatever it took to cover up the slogans.
Obviously there is utility in bringing things to other people's attention in online forums, and not everyone is able to get out at 8 a.m. on a weekday to volunteer. But when you continue to read comments about how horrible things are, how much doom and gloom there is, it flies in the face of the people doing the good work – many of the volunteers made it clear why they were out there yesterday: They love the park, they love this town, and they wanted to do something to fix an issue.
Yreka isn't without its problems, but by only focusing on the negative, we will become that which we forecast. By ignoring those who do their best to make a difference, we condemn ourselves to lose their good deeds. Our own mayor, Joan Smith Freeman, rolled up her sleeves, grabbed a paintbrush and got to work covering graffiti. Ryan Meeks came out to do manual labor after working a graveyard shift that ended at 7 a.m. Catherine Gilbert and Stan Krute, both of whom have day jobs, were both out there after doing their part to rally people to the cause. Everyone at the park, including the city workers, showed that they aren't just going to stand idly by.
It's high time we as a community find that dedication in ourselves as well. Find somewhere in need of volunteer help. Spread the word when there are cleanup efforts around your town. Maybe find the time to join up with those efforts.
If you're already doing those things, great! Society requires work, and I, for one, refuse to join those who only see the negative and I will join those who do something about it. You're welcome to join me.


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I attended an open mike last night. Even I can get out on a Wednesday night and still make the next day. You know the old saying, "Don't soar with the eagles unless you can still get up with the chickens." Never understood that one as it is the owls who hunt at night, so shouldn't it be "Don't hoot with the owls…" instead?
Any way… back in college and looking for something outside my "normal" type of life, I went to a spoken word open mike. I really didn't know what to expect as the only spoken word event I had ever witnessed was on the 50's-60's sitcom "Dobie Gillis." If you remember it chuckle along with me as I take a moment to flash back to the poetry readings attended by Dobie's beatnik friends Maynard G. Krebs (sounds more upper-crust to me) and love interest Zelda. Remember the scene…the coffee shop. two top tables, cigarettes, ashtrays and at times modern dancers gyrating to sitar music and the beat of bongos. Oh for those days of distracted bliss.
Last night there were no white turtle necks and black berets, chin scruffs or non-discript pony tales. No non-conformists dressed alike declaring their non-conformity to society, sitting around drinking strong coffee and beatniks types saying "Right-on DADDY-O" a lot. There were no snapping fingers at the end of unintelligible poetry readings, read by poets with pained faces looking and sounding as if they were suffering through a three day long bout of constipation. Where was the much anticipated Greenwich Village experience that I had missed out on by choosing a year long vacation in South Vietnam?
The poetry was thoughtful and most of it even rhymed (my kind of poetry Sam, my kind of poetry). And those that didn't rhyme were at least understandable and the poets didn't wear that concerned look on their face. OK there was one story teller that wore a beatnik-type straight face when she read a short story in a some what monotone voice …something about everyone wishing grandpa would die of his cancer or something…guess grandpa was something of a curmudgeon so it made some sense. And surprisingly enough everyone clapped at the end of the readings…I felt kind of stupid snapping my fingers when the guest author finished his story about Mrs. Otis and Fruit loops.
All in all it was an enjoyable evening…and I may even have something prepared for next Wednesday…I'll at least wear a black beret and when I finish hope everyone snaps their fingers and whispers "Right on DADDY-O."


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The Red Bulls will try to run their unbeaten string to five games against visiting Kansas City tonight (7:30 p.m., MSG), but they will have to do it with star striker Juan Pablo Angel ailing and starting central midfielders Claudio Reyna and Seth Stammler out altogether.
Reyna hasn't played since leaving the May 1 game in Toronto at halftime with a left quadriceps injury. He will join Stammler in missing a second straight game, and Angel will play through a nerve problem in his back.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio said he has enough central midfielders for the 3-5-2 he prefers at home, with Mike Magee, rookie Luke Sassano and Sinisa Ubiparipovic all options. But defender Carlos Mendes practiced at defensive midfield, and could replace Ubiparipovic, just back from a pulled hamstring.
It's a key game in the competitive Eastern Conference. The top two teams in each conference make the MLS Cup playoffs, along with the next four best records. But the next four best records are from the East, with the Red Bulls (3-1-1, 11 points) just a point ahead of the Wizards (3-3-1) in fourth place.
The Wizards are without midfielders Lance Watson and Roger Espinoza, and defenseman Jonathan Weathers, but stopping them is all about slowing new Argentine signing Claudio Lopez (two goals, one assist).
"Their fullbacks come forward very often, they have pace up front with Claudio Lopez, and they have enough ability in midfield with [Carlos] Marinelli," Osorio said. "They're a good, well-coached team."


text:
You have just spent a weekend with your English friend and his family.
Write an email to your friend. In your email, you should
· thank him
· say what you enjoyed most
· tell him what you are doing next weekend
Write 35-45 words.
Hi Poolpo,
I'm writing to you to thank about the weekend we've just spent in the beach with your family.
I remember the moment when I learn to surf that was amazing.
The next weekend I'm going to go to the countryside, tell me if you would like to go.
Your friend,


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Category: Authors as Guest Bloggers
Desiree Zamorano: Therapy saved me as a writer
Dinner and Conversation with Jane Delury and Jessica Anya Blau
Brooklyn, Montana: Carrie La Seur on the power of place
Author Conversation: Hilary Zaid talks with Rachel Hall about her debut novel, PAPER IS WHITE
Gayle Brandeis: When Fiction Comes True
Author Conversation: Rebecca Johns interviews Michelle Falkoff about making the switch from adult fiction to YA fiction
Vigilant Editing
Short essays on short poems, written mostly by Adam Sol
Reading women since 2013
This writing life
educator, writer, speaker, devoted family man, amateur philosopher, chess enthusiast, basketball junkie, connoisseur of fine hip hop, and purveyor of wit and wisdom
Kristine Kay
I like best to have one book in my hand, and a stack of others beside me. Dorothy Parker
Arcata is more than just a small college town. It's a community of different people with different stories. These are their stories. This is Arcata.
Me... free, loose, unfettered.
Dark Fiction, Delirium, and Digital Marketing
Books, Writing, & the Law
My thoughts on what others are writing
The Independent & Engaging Political Commentator
Global issues, travel, photography & fashion. Drifting across the globe; the world is my oyster, my oyster through a lens.
Books, Books, and Books
A bucket list blog: exploring happiness, growth, and the world.
Five debut authors. Five books. One big dance toward publication.
Gallery of Life...


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Secret cadavers are encrypted
My love of puns finally meets up with my love of steganography. The goal of steganography is to hide a message in plain view. A microdot might be affixed to a postage stamp for example. To the uninitiated the stamp simply paid the tax for carrying a letter. A spy; however, would know to look for the microdot and view it under a microscope to read a message. With U.S. mail delivery being eliminated on Saturdays, I wonder how many secret spy plans will be postponed until Monday.
Another method of steganography is to hide a message in text. Awkward lines invariably appear, stegasaurus. Awkward grammar, spelling, syntax, and topics are welcome with puns considering their punchlines often rely on such eccentricities. Abdelrahman Desoky, a computer scientist at University of Maryland, used bad jokes to hide messages in plain view. His work can be found here, but he used a joke generator from MIT to craft the messages.
As I am not a spy, I am not sure how useful this technique is. None the less, now seems like the time to invest in Laffy Taffy.


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Books of Account
Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Managers
Gerald A. Michaelson
Gather invisible information
Even when accurate, statistics can never substitute for looking someone in the eye when you get the answer to your question, cautions Gerald A. Michaelson in Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Managers. The chapter titled 'Terrain' cites a lament of Dr W. Edwards Deming, the quality guru, that some managers look only at the visible numbers even when the visible numbers tell them so little. "
Friday, February 13, 2009
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Carl Willows reports on Gaze sale
Above: An early 18th Century marble bust of a boy holding a bearded mask, seated on an animal skin (possibly representing the infant Hercules with head of Holofernes) - from the estate of Kent artist Gordon Davies, sold for 29,000.
Gaze, Diss Norfolk
T W Gaze Architectural Salvage & Statuary Sale 16 August 2008
Whilst perhaps better known for the high price they achieve for quality building materials, T.W Gaze consistently attract interesting lots of a more decorative nature in their five Architectural sales each year. The August sale was no exception with a range of esoteric items fresh to the market. Highest interest had been in a marble study of a boy holding aloft a bearded mask of very fine quality. The unsigned piece was from the Estate of the Kent artist Gordon Davies whom we understand acquired it on the continent some thirty years ago. Phone and room interest took it rapidly beyond the guide price to a substantial £29,000 plus 12½% buyer's premium. Among other interesting lots was a 58ft long Art Nouveau copper frieze in need of work which fetched £1,200. Lead cherubs took £2,200 and a wrought and pierced metal small pergola made £1,100. Stone and composition statuary of quality was in good demand. Building materials not surprisingly quieter. Next sale October 11th.
Posted by cg at 12:39 PM
Labels: antique statuary, auctions
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Vertex standard introduced the VX-920 Series of UHF (400 MHz to 470 MHz and 450 MHz to 512 MHz) and VHF (134 MHz to 174 MHz) portable radios. The radios offer programmable channel widths of 12.5 kHz, 20 kHz and 25 kHz, a 700 mW audio output, 48 or 512 channel capacity, a sub-receiver for cross-band operation, a submersible external microphone and power output of 5 W.
The radios also offer the following scanning options: channel scan, priority scan, dual watch, follow-me scan, follow-me/DW and TA scan. They also are rated IP55 (water projected by jets in any direction) and IP57 (submersible to a depth of 3 feet for 30 minutes) for dust and water intrusion, the company said.


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Today my phone rang at 5:30am. It is my friend Laura. She's like, "Hey, are we meeting at 8:15?" I'm like, "Laura, do you realize it is 5:30AM?" She says, "Vici, it is 7:30!"
Now I'm confused. "Are you telling me we are meeting in 45 minutes?" I ask. Exasperated she responds, "Yes you dingbat! You lied to me and said we get an extra hour but we actually loose an hour! You set your clock wrong." I hang up and still not believing her, run into my office where my screen saver tells me it is 7:30.
"Kel! Help me! I need to leave in 30 minutes!" Since both of us were out with friends last night, we are feeling the effects of a late night out. He takes the dogs potty while I run around getting ready.
Out of the house and almost on time, I pick up Laura and we head down to Hollister for a wonderful morning running jumpers courses with friends. "Rob" was our trainer today and he had some really cool courses to work our dogs. Everyone did well.
I worked my acceleration and deceleration and at the end started to feel my timing was getting pretty good. My rear crosses were working and we ran clean our last run of the day. A very good feeling.


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The snow on the driveway is mostly gone now, so decided to go outside and do some of my aikio today. Let's just say that I didn't last long. The temp is -15 C, around 10 F and it's amazing how fast your feet will cool down at that temperature! But I have to admit that it made me feel very awake and very alive.
Now some go studying and off to go club. Hmmm, maybe need to bake bread too, yesterday's four loaves have mostly evaporated already.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Cold Feet
Posted by Karen Lanzetta at 1/25/2007 11:06:00 AM
2 comments:
barefoot? yes, my feet would get cold very quickly.
- Thu Jan 25, 12:17:00 PM EST
my refrigerator is warmer than yours... [feet]
- Fri Jan 26, 10:32:00 PM EST
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Concrete hollow blocks
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Concrete hollow blocks
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But that won't stop the Iraqi people from blowing each other and our soldiers up, until it will become a country filled only with maimed and crippled folks. Perhaps the 80 billion dollars in oil revenue sitting in New York banks will be enough to buy wheelchairs and crutches for them all.
Trying to stop uneducated, fanatical bombers from killing innocents isn't why we are there. Evidently, deposing Saddam Hussein wasn't the reason either, since he's been tried and hanged some time ago. Maybe we will begin to leave after the oil pipeline has been successfully built through Afghanistan and into Turkey. Maybe we will leave after the Iraqi government has asked us to if Obama wins; it certainly won't happen under McCain's watch.
The reason we are there is an experiment, to spread our version of democracy and political ideals throughout the world. Two hundred years ago it would be called imperialism, so see how far we have advanced as a civilization? I find it ironic that we are using our weapons of mass destruction advance our agenda, and not the peaceful way that we say things will happen under a democratic government.


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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell's extraordinary press conference Friday showed clearly that Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) , PepsiCo (PEP) and Radisson Hotels are successfully doing to the NFL what petitions, banner planes, columns, television commentators and online comments couldn't: Getting the league's attention and forcing them to serious action in response to scandals involving the league's athletes.
In the press conference, Goodell accepted responsibility for a combination of poor administrative decisions and poor NFL policies and suggested clear changes to try to correct the problems.
"We've seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong. That starts with me," Goodell said. "I got it wrong in the handling of the Ray Rice matter. And I'm sorry for that. I got it wrong on a number of levels. From the process that I led to the decision that I reached."
Sponsors have loudly criticized the NFL for the handling of two recent incidents. The first was a video that showed Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking out his wife in an Atlantic City casino elevator. The second was news that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson beat his 4-year-old son with a switch and was later accused of beating another of his children.
Rice was initially suspended for only two games before the league responded to public outcry and reversed course, suspending him indefinitely.
Peterson, after being indicted on Sept. 12 in Montgomery County, Texas, was suspended from a Vikings game the following Sunday against the New England Patriots. By Monday, Vikings management said Peterson would be permitted to practice and play with the team for game the following weekend. Vikings sponsor Radisson, whose logo took the unfortunate position as the backdrop for the team's announcements related to Peterson, suspended its sponsorship to "evaluate the facts and circumstances."
Other sponsor rebukes followed immediately. League pizza sponsor Papa John's (PZZA) and Vikings/Adrian Peterson sponsors Catholic Charities, Castrol Motor Oil, Special Olympics Minnesota and health care company Mylan (MYL) all dropped Peterson. Nike (NKE) stores in the Minneapolis area pulled Peterson's jersey from shelves, while General Mills (GIS) pulled Peterson's image from its Wheaties Web site.
League sponsors jumped into the fray on Tuesday. Anheuser-Busch InBev, which paid the league $1.2 billion to wrest its official beer sponsorship away from MolsonCoors and to give it beer brand exclusivity during the Super Bowl, issued an official statement earlier this week saying it was "disappointed and increasingly concerned by" the NFL's recent string of domestic violence incidents and "are not yet satisfied with the league's handling of behaviors that so clearly go against our own company culture and moral code."
"I like the approach that A-B is taking where they publicly acknowledge the issue and want to work with the NFL to help drive productive change," says Russell Scibetti, founding editor of sports business site TheBusinessOfSports.com "That approach generates the most value for all parties involved."
Since the Anheuser-Busch and Radisson announcements, NFL sponsors Visa (V) , McDonald's (MCD) and Campbell Soup (CPB) and Procter & Gamble (PG) have issued statements similarly critical of the league's handing of domestic violence cases -- with Procter & Gamble forced into action by an altered CoverGirl ad featuring a woman with a black eye.
On Wednesday, the Vikings announced that they had changed course: Peterson would sit indefinitely as part of a league exemption "allowing him to take care of his personal situation until the legal proceedings are resolved."
The Vikings' public responses to criticism is significant in light of the NFL's multiple days of near-silence. Before his most recent press conference on Friday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hadn't spoken publicly since Sept. 9, with NFL spokesman Greg Aiello telling ESPN earlier this week, "He's been working every day (and much of the night) in the office this week on these issues."
Sponsors were not impressed. PepsiCo chief executive Indra Nooyi, who oversees both the NFL's official soft drink sponsor Pepsi and its official snack sponsor Frito-Lay, on Wednesday issued a blunt statement condemning the league's handling of both the Rice and Peterson cases.
I am a mother, a wife, and a passionate football fan. I am deeply disturbed that the repugnant behavior of a few players and the NFL's acknowledged mishandling of these issues, is casting a cloud over the integrity of the league and the reputations of the majority of players who've dedicated their lives to a career they love. When it comes to child abuse and domestic violence, there is no middle ground. The behaviors are disgusting, absolutely unacceptable, and completely fly in the face of the values we at PepsiCo believe in and cherish.
Other player-related domestic violence incidents involving San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald, Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy and Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer that have taken place before, during and after the Rice and Peterson incidents haven't helped the league's case. Sponsors realize that the NFL is one of the few big draws left in the media landscape and pay large sums not only for sponsorship, but to buy up tickets and prevent television blackouts in teams' home markets.
"The very public nature of the criticism by sponsors like Anheuser-Busch is unprecedented, and speaks volumes as to the extent of the real risk to the league's reputation, and how much work it will take to recover," says Bill Wohl, vice chairman of the U.S. Reputation Leaders Network, part of the Reputation Institute, a research and advisory firm focused on corporate reputation.
It was bad enough to get the attention of the White House, which issued a statement early Friday demanding that the league "get a handle on" its domestic violence problems.
The NFL has an obligation not only to their fans but to the American people to properly discipline anyone involved in domestic violence or child abuse and more broadly, gain control of the situation.
Also on Friday, Procter & Gamble (PG) pulled out of its partnership with the NFL for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, citing the league's off-field issues.
Later Friday, Goodell issued a memo to teams and staffers announcing "long-term partnerships to provide financial, operational and promotional support" to both The National Domestic Violence Hotilne and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Additionally, the NFL will require "education programs" on both domestic violence and sexual assault beginning in the next month.
Finally, Goodell ended the week with a press conference addressing the recent spate of incidents. He took blame for mishandling Rice's suspension, vowed to cooperate with former FBI director Robert Muller during an investigation of his actions and mentioned forming a new "conduct committee" with the help of outside consultants and the NFL players' union. Though he didn't offer his resignation, he did address his dealings with sponsors this week.
"They're not looking for talk, they want to see action," Goodell said. "They want to see us make that difference. That's up to us to deliver on."
It's an example of what sponsor pressure can do, but there was already precedent for brands to prod a sports league toward reform after fans and potential customers voice their displeasure. Back in April, when then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was recorded making racist comments to his mistress, Clippers sponsors Anheuser-Busch InBev, Sprint (S) , CarMax (KMX) and Virgin America -- among others -- suspended their sponsorship until the National Basketball Association took action and ousted Sterling in favor of former Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.
"There is no question that the NFL has been dealt very strong body blows to its reputation," Wohl says. "When business partners begin to openly criticize in such public fashion, there is little doubt real harm has been done."
Wohl notes the NFL has an opportunity to improve its public image and make amends with sponsors, but the continuing string of domestic violence incidents within the league and the pace of the news cycle are going to make that extremely difficult. The league has to focus and be consistent in its message, but Wohl notes that the league's current stance of waiting for an investigation to be completed won't take the pressure off of the NFL, its teams or its sponsors. Scibetti from The Business of Sports agrees that the NFL may be able to recover, but it won't be easy.
"Essentially this comes down to a lack of preparation and policy on how to handle this level of conduct issue, and it probably could have happened to any league, as you now see MLB and others working to build their own domestic violence policies," he says. "Through collaboration with the NFL Players Association, I'm confident they can create a sound policy that works both in the league's and the public's best interests, but clearly more transparency from the league office is needed as they work on these issues."
This article is commentary by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.


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Theme parks are the ideal location for holidaymakers looking for an adventure holiday that will keep them busy, ensure that they have fun and will team them something along the way.
There are so many different types of theme parks spread out across the globe, each one home to their own unique rides and attractions, and offering visitors the chance to escape normality and delve into the lives of superheroes or explore their favourite movie.
However, if you are looking for an unusual and unique theme park that is something different and is not what you would consider the norm when it comes to theme parks, we have put together a list of three unique theme parks that you can find in three different corners of the globe:
Bollywood PARKS™ DUBAI – Dubai, UAE
Bollywood PARKS™ DUBAI is the very first theme park in the world that is solely dedicated to all things Bollywood.
Bringing action, adventure, emotion, music and dance, flavour and romance – Bollywood style – to the city, this incredibly colourful and lively theme park celebrates Mumbai's legendary film industry with five exciting zones, each home to a number of attractions, rides, live shows and performances.
Each of these amazing zones allow visitors to live, learn and experience the world of Mumbai's well-known film industry, educating those who want to learn, offering opportunities to meet and greet some famous Bollywood film stars and producers, and eat traditional foods.
Diggerland – United Kingdom
If you or your children have a love or fascination with machinery, Diggerland in the United Kingdom – of which there are four – might be the ideal unique theme park for you to explore.
Suitable for a fun day out with the entire family, Diggerland is a theme park that accommodates visitors of all ages and offers a number of activities and rides – based on and around diggers, of course – that have brought a new lease of life to a number of industrial sites.
The whole concept of Diggerland is simple and unique, and is much more than just construction machinery spread out on a plot of land. Instead, each of the four parks include up to 20 different rides and drives, with more being added every year!
Dollywood – Tennessee, USA
As the name suggests, Dollywood is a theme park owned by Dolly Parton that is home to over 40 attractions, 15 amazing show, a number of seasonal festivals, award-winning entertainment and delicious dining options.
As you can imagine, Dollywood is just as glamorous and adventurous as Dolly herself, meaning there is lots of fun to be had at this unique theme park.
Some of the rides include the world's fastest wooden roller coaster, Lightening Rod, and an interactive museum, Chasing Rainbows, where a number of Dolly's countless awards, elaborate costumes and priceless artefacts can be seen by her biggest fans.
For those on the hunt for a unique adventure that should not be missed out on, these three fabulously weird, wacky and unique theme parks can be enjoyed by the whole family on any day of the week, so make sure to book your next vacation to one of these destinations!


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She knew before we went downstairs.
She didn't tell me, of course. We went through the charade; the early morning, the pee stick…and the same exact resut that we've seen countless other times. Just one line, not two. One extra line, any of these occasions, and we would be so thrilled. We wouldn't take it for granted. We wouldn't mind the diapers, the middle-of-the-night wake up calls, not being able to keep up with the laundry, letting ourselves get (even more) out of shape, using vacation days to be at home with a sick kid, or being out of the social loop. We'd embrace it….it would be a GIFT.
But another month, another "it's not yet meant to be."
So we move on. We're done with the IUIs. After 9 of them, there's less and less of a point, I guess. We'll start the process of talking to fertility clinics about IVF next week. If there's a silver lining, we have a vacation of sorts scheduled this week in Mexico. It's actually a work trip, but very little work will be done. So we can enjoy each other a little bit before we start going down the new path.
We'll plan to start sometime after her birthday in early June. It feels like starting over. We thought it would be so easy when we made the decision to start a family. Then after it was clear we needed help, I heard "You're excellent candidates for IUI." We thought it would happen. It didn't.
I don't know what to think anymore. I'm sure we'll hear that IVF is a great option for us. We may even qualify for one of those plans where you get your money back if you're not successful after six cycles. Who knows?
All I know is this: we don't take anything for granted anymore. Nothing is for sure. As much as we want to believe that we can control everything in our lives, so much is out of our hands.
I don't know if IVF will work. It doesn't matter if we're "good candidates" or not. It's out of our hands. But we do have to try. It's really, really hard to keep trying when you continually get the wrong answer. It really sucks to continue to hear 'no' when you want to hear 'yes.' It makes you want to give up. It makes you want to throw in the towel and accept your lives for what they are. But we won't.
Nothing is promised to us….but we continue the process. We start anew. We choose to fight. For those in a similar battle, I hope you continue to choose the same.


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If anyone had looked in through the windows of our front room on this bleak January afternoon, they'd have seen me running around screaming with my baby in my arms. No, there hadn't been a major catastrophe, Freya took her first steps! It was a truly, awesome moment. After weeks of crouching with arms open wide, begging and pleading with her, Freya chose her moment when I was using my sewing machine and turned the other way. Typical. In fact, she casually sauntered past me! Well, kind of, at the moment she looks like a frail, little old lady taking tentative steps before plomping back down on the ground with a proud smile.
I wasn't prepared for how proud I would feel…in fact I'm still on a high and totally filled with amazement. Although I admit it's torn with fear that my baby is growing up! Still, well done my beautiful, baby girl!


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Thoughts To Provoke Your Thoughts
Provocative Thinking
Thursday, November 21, 2013
There is No such Thing as Health
"I believe preventive health is the way to go... Not to wait to get sick and be treated, but to live and strengthen the body daily for oneself, for your loved ones, and be able to live your days and life to the fullest. Health is truly wealth." Dr. Nickie Fatoolie . . . Unfortunately, sadly, nevertheless truthfully, there is no such thing as health. The day we are born is the day we begin to live in a dying body." . . . Poch suzara
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The Heart of Worship
The church of St. Trophime in Arles, France is my favorite sacred space in the world. The cloister attached to it and pictured above is where I have spent countless hours over the years pondering, photographing and writing about the nature of sacred space. It has caused me to read deeply into the meaning of sacred architecture and liturgical history. Liturgical time and lectionary readings have become a heart-beat of sorts to my soul, a gps for my spiritual wandering. Vestments and colors, responses and chants grew on me. I was reappropriating foreign, Catholic things into my protestant, pietist heritage. And then I moved to California.
Gone were the robes and processional anthem. Gone were the pipe organ and choir. Gone was the rich diet of hymnody and ancient responses. Instead I was called to a church with guitar led worship, drums and piano. Musical notes were not read but words were put on screens and melodies were learned. And as strange a foreign as it all was, I discovered I was still worshiping richly and deeply; still loving the ancient and the historic, the musically rich and sophisticated, but also the percussive and contemporary harmonizations. I find myself being stretched in new and exciting ways into new shapes of sacred and worshipful.
But tonight was a new level for me. I was invited to lead a worship service at the county jail. One chaplain led a much larger Spanish-speaking service and I led an English-speaking service with about 6 guys. Because of security concerns, the only thing we can bring in is a boom box. Do you have any idea how much boom-box worship music I have? ZERO! I had to borrow a boom box and a CD from Calvary Chapel. It is really, really not my kind of music.
But the 6 guys gathered in the locked room and sang; badly, loudly and all from deep in the heart. "Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true." They called off numbers and they sang out with all their might. I was moved to tears at the level and raw depth of worship. We talked through the story of the woman at the well and forgiving others 7 X 70 and then I prayed for them.
Whew! Now that was worship!


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A couple of T-shirts,tops,shorts & September's Vivi.
Miliyah Kato on the cover,I loved her since the moment I bought my 1st ever Vivi issue,the September 2009 issue :)
T came over to my house last friday night (Katy Perry song)! For 1 night sleepover :) I like calling people by their name's 1st alphabet so if you're wondering who she might be,her name is Tianesh,aha. She is gonna go back to Germany on the 31st so we just HAVE to meet cuz we're really close & since I can't go over anymore (I spent too much time at her place my mom's starting to worry lol). See what we did...just had our usual girl talks,webcam with K,play angry birds,eat & the next day unexpectedly my sis brought us out so it was nice :)
A stack of pantyliner boxes on the table if you notice,the pinks ones,lmao!
I'm just gonna leave them at a medium size cuz we both look horrible (no offence T) & if I do make it large the pictures will be all blurry thanks to the awesome-ness of an iphone 3G. I'm having trials after this 1 week holiday,I think I said this before but yeah,I have to study & I am really considering dropping economy cuz I don't get what's going on + I don't wanna torture myself studying something I got no interest in,this is why I hate Malaysian education system for giving us 'streams'...
Tada!!! Introducing the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1
It's finally here it just totally epic! Who wouldn't want it?? Believe me or not but the tablet weighs the same as 1 cup of coffee & is as thin as a pencil! Plus the battery lasts for 9 long hours,perfect for those of you who likes to go out & have fun while taking a really cool gadget out with you,super light & has awesome battery to keep you entertained.
Reasons why you would love this :)
1. super-fast 1 GHz Dual Core processor
2. endless data sharing capabilities
3. using latest version of Android 3.1 Honeycomb
Surfing the web will be really smooth & no lag or disconnection's plus editing & viewing microsoft office will be a breeze. SNS service in the tab also allows you to connect with your friends & family & you can download everything super fast with its advanced +HSPA connectivity :)


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Willie Avendano
Willie Avendano is a Miami native. In addition to showing at &gallery, he has had his artwork shown at the Institute of Contemporary Art and Locust Projects . His interests include virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and genetic algorithms in design. He is a co-founder of 01, a Wynwood based prototyping lab and studio for new educational ideas and products in technology and gaming. He graduated from Columbia University in Operations Research and Computer Science.


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"Tell Everyone I believe in God" 6 year old Kiara Ahuero
Thursday, June 12, 2008
2 peas, biggest lesson so far in life...
so, here is what my scraproom has been looking like the past couple of weeks,
wedding stuff strewn about the floor and an unfinished layout on the desk.
My Mommy told me to pick it up, she was afraid I'd trip or something. I didn't pick it up, just reorganized the piles. teehee
Yesterday, I got a package in the mail. Some enabler on 2 peas, had a link to Crafts Etc., so I picked up 10 CD's of Autumn Leaves Fonts for $22...I am in font heaven. but having trouble with my computer as I install...oh well gotta wait till dh comes home for install.
Taking the day off today. I have my 9 am workout, take mom to bank and grocery store and one of the doggies to the vet. AND I hope some time in the scraproom!!
biggest lesson so far in life:
hmmmmm, you know when you are young and you just know how life should be, not just yours but everyone around you. How everyone should parent, should work, should keep house, should _____________. I guess as I've grown older, I've learned to accept people where they are at. It was absolutely freeing, to give up trying to be in control, (or thinking I was). Opens me up to be 'friends' with my grown children and their spouses, instead of trying to tell them what/how to do. Instead of stepping in, I encourage them to work things out.
Also, I don't take 'slights' as personally as I used to. I can accept, try to see where the other person is coming from. Now, I used to be involved in one of those ugly neighbor vs neighbor wars...front and center...and boy, did that teach me a lot about myself. And I used to hold grudges for YEARS...letting all that go, is simply freeing. I think it was a Chuck Swindoll book, about Facing Giants, that helped me change. He had a short lesson about bitterness, and I just did not want to be that person. My strategy, everytime thoughts about that person came up, with all the emotions, I would use it as a reminder to pray for that person. And there was a song, by Al Densen, "Right where I am"...so initially those prayers would be, Lord make me be willing to be willing to be willing to forgive...and the willings started to drop.
Weren't ya'll glad when Stephanie won Top Chef, last night. I was. Though it's Lisa's peanut butter mashed potatos and her soup recipe (from last night) I'll probably look up. Its too bad Richard 'choked'...I remember that happening last season when Hung won, the top gal 'choked' and the guy who barely got there did better with the final meal.
Can't wait for new episodes of the Closer, does anyone know if Heroes will be back?
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Tag: awareness
The Reality of Chronic Illness: Prom Edition
Just realized I never shared this! Check out my amazing spoonie sister Em's blog post about our experience attending Duke Children's Hospital Prom…and all that went on 'behind the scenes' to prepare and recuperate… 🙂
Last Saturday (April 22nd) Duke Children's Hospital held their very first PROM! I had the amazing opportunity to not only attend but I got to attend with 3 fantastic ladies that I have gotten to know over the last year online! We share quite the list of medical diagnosis' and life experiences.
Pre-Prom Prep!
Prom prep started about a week before the actual prom. Cancelling doctors appointments, scheduling doctors appointments, ER visits, lots of medicine, and rest rest rest!
Pre-prom prep (IV fluids, Nutrition, pain meds, steroids and prayer!)
While we got ready for prom before getting our dresses on and doing our make-up we pre-medicated and talked about how much we get it. There was no need to explain anything or feel ashamed because they live it too! (Though I so wish none of us had to, it's nice to not feel so alone).
We all meet online in…
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EDS Dance Moves
May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month! I plan to put together an awareness video eventually…but in the meantime, here's a sneak peak at some weird EDS hand movements. Notice how my hand almost looks like it's turned inside out? That 'flying swan' hand position is like our EDS gang sign.. 😉
"But You Don't Look Sick"
Earlier tonight, I went to a house party with my roommates. I hadn't been feeling well all day and I really did not want to go, but it was the first time all three of us were going out together since Halloween and I didn't want to be a party pooper.
It turns out my gut feeling was right and I should have stayed home, as I got really sick at the party. There were so many strong odors, loud music and yelling and bright flashing lights…
The room began to spin like I was on a tilt-a-whirl. My head was splitting…my heart was pounding, racing around 180 and skipping beats…I was shaking, fighting not to throw up…and I was teetering at the point of pre-syncope where I was sure I was going to lose consciousness.
I ended up running outside to the front yard and sitting in the grass. My throat was beginning to close, and it was getting very hard to breathe– I needed an EpiPen.
But this story isn't about getting sick at a social gathering and needing to go home…unfortunately, that is a pretty common occurrence and nothing worth writing home about… 😉 This is about what happened after I realized I needed to leave.
As I searched frantically through my tube bag, I realized I left my keys at another apartment at College Inn. I ran back inside to where my roommates where playing beer pong. Standing there, shaking from epi and further set off by all the overwhelming stimulus, I explained the my situation to them.
Lucie held my arm and tried to help me come up with a plan. It was difficult because she was a little drunk and the music was booming, but she was trying her best and eventually suggested I use her keys and just leave the apartment unlocked for when she and Hannah returned later. It wasn't an ideal plan, but we figured out a way this could work.
After thanking Lucie profusely, I was ready to run out of the house when Hannah loudly interjected, "You're leaving? But you look FINE!"
I explained to her that I just had to use an EpiPen, I felt like I was going to pass out, and I was NOT fine. She rolled her eyes, and then rudely proceeded to touched all over my face and neck saying, "Your face is not even swollen!" and making a bunch of similar comments, callous and even accusing. She ended her unsolicited assessment with, "You're fine, you just don't want to stay at the party. Come on, you told me that at the beginning."
Not only did she brush me off and only begrudgingly offer advice, rolling her eyes every time I repeated I could not hear her over the music and the ringing in my ears (that was signaling I was about to faint)…she even stopped Lucie from trying to help me!
After helplessly trying to explain my health situation a few more times, I couldn't take it anymore and ran outside. I needed to get an uber and get out of there fast.
When they came outside with me, where there was no loud music or crowd of partiers, it became obvious that I wasn't lying about or exaggerating my situation.
Then Hannah was like "Ohhh, I thought you were faking it! I guess you're not!" and then and ONLY then did she care, stop making rude comments, and proceed to try to help me.
The lights and the loud, crowded party atmosphere made me feel so scared as my body was failing me…and things certainly would have been a lot scarier (perhaps even escalating to needing an ambulance) if Lucie were not there. I am so thankful for her.
Now, I understand that Hannah, too, was a bit drunk. And I've seen her drunk multiple times before & know that she gets really wrapped up in the moment…but I cannot help but feel a little hurt (especially in this fragile extra sickly epi'ed-up state I suppose, haha). I don't mean to be emotional, but Hannah's callousness and aggressive assumption that just because I 'looked' okay in the moment, meant I must be fine and merely "faking it" really, REALLY hurt my feelings and made a bad situation much worse…
I got home and cried so hard. It still stings to think about, honestly.
I am not going to hold a grudge…not just because she was slightly intoxicated, but because continuing to dwell on it won't help anyone. I will be fine and bounce back by the time she & Lucie get home from the party…
But interactions like this one tonight are the reason we desperately need more awareness about these complex, debilitating invisible illnesses. We must stop accusations like, "But you don't look sick" and save others from having to endure the judgement, mean comments, and unwillingness to help that I faced tonight.
This is definitely not in reference to Shannon (she's not usually like this & she's my friend) or this situation at all…but as we spoonies like to say: I don't look sick? Well, you don't look stupid, but ya know…looks can be deceiving.. 😉
Feeding Tube Awareness Video 2017
Thanks to the amazing Michaela Shelley for yet another great Feeding Tube Awareness Week video this year!
August Is Gastroparesis Awareness Month
Happy Gastroparesis Awareness Month, everyone!
(Link restored as of 4/2/17) 🙂
Feeding Tube Awareness Video 2016
A sweet spoonie sister, Michaela, made this awesome video for Feeding Tube Awareness Week! This is my fight song.. 🙂
To The Doctors Of Chronic Illness Patients
Are you looking through our charts, our lengthy and complicated charts, wondering what you got yourself into? Yeah, we know. It's OK. We know we aren't the type of patient most doctors like to take on. We can't be easily fixed and we know that can be disheartening and frustrating for you. We get disheartened and frustrated, too. Hey, look at that! Common ground. Not a bad place to start!
Read more: http://themighty.com/2015/11/to-the-doctors-of-chronic-illness-patients/#ixzz3qYSgQutb
A Letter From A Doctor To Those With Chronic Diseases
But I do bring something to the table that you may not know. I do have information that you can't really understand because of your unique perspective, your battered world. There is something that you need to understand that, while it won't undo your pain, make your fatigue go away, or lift your emotions, it will help you. It's information without which you bring yourself more pain than you need suffer; it's a truth that is a key to getting the help you need much easier than you have in the past. It may not seem important, but trust me, it is.
You scare doctors.
Read more: http://www.degosdisease.com/patients/stories/letter-doctor-those-chronic-diseases-read-it-its-so-valuable
I truly appreciate this doctor's honesty. See next how my spoonie sister Catherine Richardson responds!


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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Al Franken Ad for U.S. Senate
Posted by Teresa at 6:21 PM
"I was really more of a satirist."
Hey, why not vote for a former cast member of SNL for the U.S. Senate?
The presidential race has turned into American Idol. What matters now is
who has the most charisma, name recognition, and can give us a sassy
2 second sound bite. It's no longer who has the best policy positions but
who's perfect for television.
Speaking of American Idol, I better get my DVR ready for tonight:)
1 comments:
- Anonymous said...
We are talking about a state that elected Jesse Ventura for Governor. At least Al Franken has an educational background that doesn't run counter to him running for senate.
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Song of the now, in fact the whole family was singing it tonight, is Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Getting Back Together". Personally I like the "woo-OOOooo" parts. I like the bridge. The talking is deadpan great. Perfectly produced pop song.
Other contenders… I hate to admit, but I like Pink's "Blow Me One Last Kiss" …but recently been singing along with, "just when things can't get worse, I had a shit day…"
The happy song of the now, Colbie Calliet, " Brighter than the sun".


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Maybe before the end of the month, I'll actually post one of these on Monday. :)
We jumped in on this challenge a bit late, so I didn't really have time to put together a *plan*. Once I decided what we were going to memorize (Psalm 1 and "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson), it was time to hit the ground running.
I printed out copies of the Psalm and the poem for each of us, and gave everyone a portfolio folder, which is serving double duty for Mega Memory Month and our study on Holiness and Reverence. Ordinarily we would have dressed them up a bit, but in our hurry to get started this time, we just left them "as is".
Also, as I mentioned last week, I recorded both the Psalm and the poem on our handy-dandy compact cassette recorder. The kids are still fascinated with it, and I find one or another of them listening to it at all manner of odd times. :) The combination of the cassette player and the printed copies has helped my struggling readers learn to read the bigger, more unfamiliar words.
We didn't have a lot of time last week to work on actual memorization. We read through both selections several times, worked on comprehension and vocabulary words, and then I had planned to really hit the *memory work* hard this week.
So...I was pleasantly surprised when we began to work on the Psalm on Monday morning to discover that they had a pretty good head start on memorization. Just through the work we had done on reading and meaning, and the "playing around" that they had done with their print-outs and the cassette player, they had already begun to memorize.
This week we have been learning signs to go along with the Psalm. We've learned that this not only helps us remember the words, but it also helps us focus better when we are working on it...especially for the more active, wiggly people among us. :)
Turns out that we have already been using a modified version of the "stacking method" to work on this as well. I really appreciated the links Ann K. posted this week in her MMM update...especially this one, by a man who is memorizing the book of James with his sons. They are using the "stacking method", and he posts several good links on the subject. This one in particular is excellent.
We haven't spent as much time with the poem so far. We are planning to start hitting it hard tomorrow. We probably won't get it learned completely by the end of October, but hopefully we'll have a good start. As Ann said in her post, we may not get completely finished with it all by month-end, but we have made *much* more progress than we would have otherwise with the accountability of this challenge prodding us on. Thanks to Ann and the other participants for the inspiration and encouragement!


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Afterward, the big girls practiced their auditions for their upcoming CYT show, which turned in to everyone having a little performance...
In awe
I asked if Libby would like a turn, she wasted no time and took her place
Sally was a little more hesitant, but she wasn't about to say no, just needed to think of the right song
We even got the boys to take a turn!
While Mommy and Daddy headed down to pack, the big kids borrowed our girls to work on their own little Kid Snippets, go to Youtube and check out the real Kid Snippets, kind of cute!
And then it was already time to hit the road again and stop in Grinnell, Iowa to see the Lindberg Family!
But first, we got to pack up a keepsake that Hannah has outgrown. How perfect is this sign for our girls? Thank you Hannah for sharing it with the girls!!
Thank you thank you Joerger Family for the wonderful time and memories! We love you guys, and can't wait to come back and visit again!!
Next up, Grinnell, but first another nap IN THE CAR :)
LOVES that she got to swing on a big girl swing
|She looks so grown up in this picture!
Sally's proud to be starting and pumping all on her own
A little preview of the town and a stop for some awesome dessert!
Only in a small town can you test out the tractors after your ice cream dessert :)
Great Grandpa Joerger would be proud :)


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Gujarat OBC leader Alpesh Thakor's call for Sanand shutdown (bandh) to protest against the use of 'excessive' force by police during a farmers rally, received little response as most shops and establishments remained open. Earlier yesterday, Thakor, who heads OBC-SC-ST (OSS) Ekta Manch, gave a call for shutdown for today against the alleged use of excessive force by police against farmers at their rally near Sanand.
Thakor alleged BJP-police nexus for failing his call. "BJP goons along with police forced people to keep their shops and offices open despite our shutdown call. They created an atmosphere of fear in Sanand and tried their best to showcase that people have voluntarily kept their shops open, which is not true," alleged Thakor.
However, local police as well as BJP leaders claimed that the shutdown call met with "nil" success, as most shops and establishments remained open.
Watch What Else is Making News
"Some people having political support gave a call for Sanand shudtdown, which met with nil success, as all the shops remained open. These people do not even know what are the problems of farmers and are still trying to take advantage of the situation," said local BJP leader Pradeepsinh Vaghela.
Meanwhile, five such OSS Ekta Manch members were briefly detained by police for trying to shut shops.
"Public and shopkeepers gave no response to the call given by Thakor. We have briefly detained five of his supporters for trying to shut shops. Daily life was not affected by the bandh call," said Sanand police inspector U B Dhakhda.
At least seven policemen, including District Superintendent R V Asari, were injured in stone pelting when cops tried to stop a farmers' rally near Sanand yesterday. Congress along with Thakor and quota leader Hardik Patel had criticised the police action against farmers.
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I can't bring myself to just steal the graphic so see it >>>> there<<<<. I know the graphic is all over the web. I don't know who started it, sometimes it has a white background sometimes a red one, but the flickr account I linked to had a copyright license so I haven't shared it here.
Meanwhile below is a Banksy version of the Grim Reaper with a twist of smiley face. I know it's still someone else's art, but I don't think one can copyright street art, and I think Banksy knows that and the flickr host has this offered as through Creative Commons license Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0). We love him more every time we see his work though, so that's some kind of payment. Okay I'll go buy his movie. Somehow I have to pay the man back for all that great street art. (Rollover picture for photographer attribution.)


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In this study, we analyze the performance persistence of hedge funds over short- and long-term horizons. Using a non-parametric test, we first observe that the Relative Value and the Specialist Credit strategies contain the highest proportion of outperforming managers. We next analyze the performance persistence of portfolios ranked according to their average past returns. Persistence is mainly observed over one- to three-month holding periods but rapidly vanishes as the formation or the holding period is lengthened. We finally examine long-term risk-adjusted returns persistence of hedge fund portfolio within an APT framework. This leads us to detect a slight overreaction pattern that is more pronounced among the directional hedge fund strategies.
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The art of charcuterie: finding the perfect pair
The winter weather is a perfect excuse for indulging with a charcuterie and cheese board, hopefully by a roaring fire (or at least toasty heater).Traditionally, preparing/preserving meat for the long cold winter was done out of necessity. These days it's all for the for the joy, and there are more options than ever in stores. So get out your best wooden board, and learn what to pair and why.
The meat
The two core categories or charcuterie are 'whole muscle' and 'encased'. In creating a perfect charcuterie board, we're also including pate, terrine, and rillette – welcome additions to any spread with their complex flavour profiles and textures. Poach Pear have a wonderful variety of each.
Whole muscle charcuterie includes meats such as Montecatini prosciutto (from a pig's hind quarters), bresaola (the top, or round), and pancetta (cured pork belly). Preserved and aged under special conditions, whole muscle meats are often delicate and salty from the preservation process, with a hint of sweetness.
Encased meats are the sausage variety, such as Salumi Australia chorizo, salame casareccio, and sopressa. Usually made from ground pork (though Blue Cow has other options, including Kangaroo Salami), encased meats add the complexity of fermented acidity and tartness to the equation. The inclusion of spices like fennel, black pepper, and smoked paprika are are important to keep in mind when choosing your cheese (or wine) pairing.
How much? For light entertaining, about 60g of charcuterie per guest is right. For a more substantial grazing lunch, you could up that to 120g, both alongside cheeses and some crusty bread or crackers.
The cheese
With so many options, there's no reason to stop at just one cheese for your charcuterie and cheese board. The main ones we'll focus on here are your soft, semi-soft, and hard.
A rule of thumb: the more aged and firmer the cheese, the less sweet it becomes. A classic example would be Gennari Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, considered by some the king of cheeses. Sharp and firm, a prosciutto-cheese pairing is a classic marriage regularly enjoyed across Italy.
While a crumbly blue is a delight when matched with sweet fruit pastes, it's fuller flavour will overpower whole muscle meats. Include it for sure, but perhaps closer to your fresh pear as a fruit and cheese pairing.
How to pair
There is no right and wrong when it comes to pairing your charcuterie board ingredients, but we do have some advice to get you in the mindset of a flavour artiste. The main considerations with a charcuterie board are texture, acidity and complementary or contrasting flavours.
Texture. Think: soft with firm. While crackers or crusty bread may be your choice of flavour vehicle, the passengers should get along, too. Exploring texture, a soft brie or camembert is an excellent offsider for a hard coin of salami, which also cools the peppery spice. In this pairing, you could even forfeit wheat-base altogether.
Acidity. More often than not, encased meats will have an element of acidity, and would take the lead in a soft or semi-soft cheese pairing. Not always, though. Some cheeses, such as the soft-ripened Alta Langa La Tur have sour notes making them a fine collaborator to a soft 18 Month Aged Italfine Parma Ham DOP. A decidedly Italian experience.
Complementary and contrasting flavours. Roasted red peppers play into the hints of paprika and pepper in chorizo, lending a slippery, soft sweetness to balance out the spice. Both cheeses and meats have a beautiful richness which is nicely contrasted by a balsamic reduction to cut through the fat/protein combo.
Which wine pairs well with charcuterie?
Our pick would be something fun and bubbly, such as cava or prosecco, which will help cleanse the palate between bites. However, another great option would be a delicate rosé with its light berry flavours.
The finishing touches
Winter is a time to relax, so keeping it simple is key. One or two additional ingredients beyond the meat and cheese can lift your charcuterie game to a new level. Cornichons are a delightful addition, as is a sweet onion jam. Or if you've chosen prosciutto, a few small squares of melon is a classic combination (in the warmer months). For a decadent charcuterie and cheese board, Blue Cow also offers pate and terrine options which are included in our Charcuterie Hamper.