text:
Observing Strategies
You are here
Re-centering Target in the slit will be done every ~1.0 hour, as flexure between NIRI and the guider causes the slit to slowly move off of the target as the telescope tracks. PIs do not need to provide reacquisition sequences, but do need to factor in five extra minutes per hour into their time estimates. This time is not accounted for in the OT, so PIs should underfill their time allocations accordingly.
Slit Orientation should be EW whenever possible, as the differential flexure discussed above tends to be in that direction and thus the target will remain in the slit for a longer time than if the slit is, say, NS.
Spectroscopic Offsetting along the slit is recommended for sky and detector defect removal. Smaller nods more accurately retain the target in the slit than do large nods. Although the slit is 50-90 arcsec long it is not necessary to use all of it on small targets. For a point source nods of 3 arcsec at f/6 are ample.
JHK Spectroscopy of faint sources should use the "Low Background" read mode with exposure times longer than 44 sec and shorter than a few minutes. Plan to discard the first spectral image of a sequence, because of dark current instability when the background changes (between acquisition imaging and science spectroscopy). Bright star observations are much shorter and should use the "Medium Background" read mode.
L-band Spectroscopy can be done with exposures of 1-3 seconds - or longer, depending on the slit width and the wavelengths of interest. Note that the background rises steeply with wavelength at 3-4μm. At 4.1μm using the widest slit, a 2 second exposure half fills the detector well, putting that detector close to the non-linear regime. Although the "Medium Background" mode (for which the minimum recommended exposure time is 2.7 sec) can be used, for higher efficiency or for bright standards the "High Background" mode (minimum recommended exposure time is 0.9 sec) is recommended. For the "High Background" mode, the widest slit and a 2 second exposure (or the narrowest slit and a 6 second exposure) the background fluctuations exceed the read noise except near 3.0-3.2μm, where the two are comparable. Except for bright sources, many exposures should be coadded between nods (so that the total integration time between nods is 30-60 seconds).
M band Spectroscopy must be done in the "High Background" read mode. The 768x768 subarray should be used rather than the full array; it will result in greater efficiency (because of the shorter read time), and no spectral information is lost, because the excluded portions of the array are outside the bandpass of the blocking filter. Use of the 512x1024 subarray does not gain any improvement in readout time and is equivalent to using the full array. As at L multiple coadds should be used for faint targets. At f/6 flats can be taken with the 768x768 subarray but they saturate the full array.
Acquisition modes include "Bright Object" for sources which can be easily seen in short exposures (<15s) without sky subtraction (J<17, H<16, K<16). "Faint Object" is for sources requiring sky subtraction and exposure times between 15 - 60 seconds (17<J<21.5, 16<H<20.5, 16<K<20.7). "Blind Offsetting" is used for sources which cannot be seen in a 60s sky subtracted image (21.5<J, 20.5<H, 20.7<K).
Acquisitions involve placing a near-IR image of the target at the position of the slit before introducing the appropriate slit, blocking filter and grism. Fainter objects can be acquired via accurate user-supplied blind offsets from a nearby bright object. In this mode the bright reference (User1) star will be centered in the slit, and then the blind offsets will be applied to shift the science target into the slit. In the thermal IR (3-5um), because of the high background it is much easier (except for the most extreme red objects) to center a near-IR image of the target on the slit than an image in the thermal IR. Examples of both types of acquisitions are given in the NIRI OT library.
Slits and Grisms are specific to each camera. The f/6 slits and grisms are designed for use at f/6, and generally speaking, higher spectral resolution cannot be achieved using the f/14 camera and the present set of grisms, and the wavelength coverage at f/14 will be severely reduced. At f/32 (using adaptive optics) three grisms are available to cover the JHK bands although these provide somewhat narrower wavelength coverage than the f/32 grisms. In general, if NIFS is available it rather than NIRI should be used for JHK spectroscopy with AO.
Slitless spectroscopy may be useful for some near-IR programs. The background will be much higher, of course. Some observations may use narrow-band filters in conjunction with slitless grism spectroscopy to good advantage. This mode has not been tested yet.


text:
|Guilderland, N.Y.
|High School:
|House Affiliation:
Career Highs
Goals: 6 (Stanford 2/27/11)
Assists: 2 (twice, most recent vs. Columbia 4/24/10)
Points: 6 (Stanford 2/27/11)
Ground Balls: 3 (Yale 4/3/10)
Draw Controls: 5 (James Madison 3/6/12)
Caused turnovers: 3 (Bryant 3/28/10)
Junior · 2012
Named to the IWLCA All-Region second team ... Second-team All-Ivy League selection ... Ranked first on the team in goals (28), free position goals (8) and draw controls (32) while ranking second in points (32) and fourth in ground balls (19) ... Had one goal and two assists in win against Boston University ... Scored two goals and added two draw draw controls, one ground ball and one caused a turnover versus Cornell ... Registered one goal, five draw controls and two ground balls in double-overtime victory against James Madison ... Had a hat trick with one assist, one ground ball and four draw controls versus Penn ... Scored two goals, one assist, one ground ball and one caused turnover against Johns Hopkins ... Scored one goal and added one draw control versus Boston College ... Scored one goal with two ground balls and one draw in win against Yale ... Notched one goal, one ground ball and three draw controls in win versus Stanford ... Scored one goal and one ground ball against Syracuse ... Scored two goals, won one draw and caused one turnover versus Virginia ... Scored a hat trick, grabbed two ground balls and won one draw in win against Brown ... Scored one goal, grabbed two ground balls, won three draw controls and caused one turnover in win over Holy Cross ... Registered four goals, won three draws and picked up two ground balls in win over Princeton ... Scored four goals, won two draws, caused one turnover and recovered one ground ball in win against Columbia ... Scored one goal, picked up one ground ball and won one draw in win versus Dartmouth ... Won three draws, caused two turnovers and grabbed one ground ball against Penn in the Ivy League Semifinals.
Sophomore ·
Named to the All-Ivy League second team … Earned a spot on the Ivy League All-Tournament team … Second on the team in goals (42) and points (49) … Led the Crimson in assists (7) …Led the Ancient Eight in free position goals (0.94) … Scored six goals in season opener against Stanford … Had four goals and an assist in Ivy League Tournament final game against No. 14 Princeton … Scored three or more goals on eight occasions and four or more five times … Won a season-high 29 draw controls … Collected 15 grounds balls and caused seven turnovers in 2011.
Freshman · 2010
Started all 15 games for the Crimson at midfield … Second on the team in assists (10), third in goals (20) and fourth in points (30) … Scored two or more goals six times …Posted two or more points nine times Fourth on the team in draw controls (23) ... Collected 13 ground balls and caused four turnovers.
Before Harvard
Lettered all four years in soccer and lacrosse at Guilderland … Captained soccer team as a junior and senior and lacrosse as a senior … Earned U.S. Lacrosse All-American honors as a senior and honorable mention as a junior … Team MVP as a junior and senior … Earned first-team Suburban Council All-Star as a junior and senior and second-team as a sophomore … Times Union All-Star … Troy Record All-Star … Two-time U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American … State Tournament Brine Choice Award … Times Union Offensive Player of the Year … Troy Record Offensive Player of the Year … New York State Tournament all-tournament team … Soccer team MVP as a junior and senior … Named first and second-team Suburban Council All-Star in soccer… National Honor Society Member … Peer Mentor.
Interests include downhill skiing and reading… Sister, Nicole, won the Division III Lacrosse National Championship in 2008 with Hamilton College.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Friday, May 4, 2012
The Best Deodorant & Antiperspirant You'll Ever Use
5 minutes
The ingredients
1. Mix together all the cream ingredients, poking a hole in the vitamin E capsules and squeezing out the contents. Put into a small jar.
The cost
When I started buying organic-y deodorants, I was shocked at how expensive they were - $9 for a roll on? Ouch! I used organic ingredients here when I could ... and check this out - refined organic coconut oil (I had some non-virgin stuff to use up): $0.75. Tea tree oil: $0.20 (it is so hard to guessimate essential oils!). Vitamin E capsules: $0.10. Baking soda: $0.40. Cornstarch: $0.50. Organic bay leaves: dried myself from the markets ages ago ... $0.20. All in all? $2.15, for 2 people, for at least a month. Good stuff!
74 comments:
- Steph Bond-Hutkin said... [Reply to comment]
It's easy to be sceptical about make-it-yourself deodorant. But I can truly say that this recipe works better than any commercial deodorant I have ever used. I love it! I used an old makeup powder brush to puff on the powder, and a swizzle stick to stir up the cream if it sets a little in cooler months. Thanks for sharing!
- June 7, 2010 at 8:47 PM
- Catherine Lowe said... [Reply to comment]
Thank you! Sounds awesome, I look forward to giving it a go!
I've been searching online for a washing liquid and realised, you're the lady to ask!
Do you have a recipe you could maybe pretty please share? lol
I've found most use soap, is this really best & least toxic option???
Thanks Amanda! Love the discovery of this blog, I have even blogged about it! :)
- June 22, 2010 at 4:38 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Thanks Catherine! The washing liquid question is a great one ... I've been on the search myself. My best non-toxic one I've used is liquid castile soap (like used in the rosemary shampoo) + a dash of white vinegar added to cut through grease. But it's not the best. Hmm... maybe I'll work on this one :)
- June 23, 2010 at 10:41 PM
- Catherine Lowe said... [Reply to comment]
Thank you!!
Cool. I tried yesterday with soap flakes and some Eucalyptus - but the flakes came fragranced so not very "pure". Will try castile soap.
- June 24, 2010 at 2:22 AM
Hi Amanda, i'm not so hot at following basic instructions!! Can you please help. I'd like to make the cream deodrant - should I be using the ingredients for both the cream and powder and mixing them altogether? What measurement is "c"? Apologies for the novice questions! Thanks Sam
- August 14, 2010 at 6:52 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Sam, No worries! I would just use the cream part ... I don't know what the texture would be like if you added the baking soda etc to the cream! (But maybe just try it out with a small portion?) Anyway, the "c" is cup. Hope this helps :)
- August 16, 2010 at 5:02 AM
- Beck said... [Reply to comment]
I have recently just made this, and although I've only been using it for a little under a week, it is AWESOME! I even have little berenberg jars of it in my back pack for when I have a shower at my Mum's after gym once a week.
I thought the tea tree oil would be a too strong a scent, but the coconut smell balances it beautifully. THANK YOU!!!
I Love your blog, you give me such inspiration to try new things and dare to not be the "norm" (what ever that is lol).
- August 7, 2011 at 3:55 AM
- Lindsay Hilscher said... [Reply to comment]
Beck, I was just going to ask - what should you do if you travel? I'm always on the lookout for travel versions of my homemade beauty supplies. When I travel, my toiletry pouch is STUFFED and HEAVY! But what are berenberg jars?
- September 4, 2011 at 6:47 PM
- Annie said... [Reply to comment]
Honestly this works. I seriously was sitting at work and I was like... You know what. . . I haven't sweat at all today!
I didn't use the Cream yet. just the powder this morning.
Does anyone use any diff. oil that Vit. E? I have Evening Primrose. Can I use that?
- December 13, 2011 at 3:40 PM
FINALLY i have been looking for a good natural alternative! I tend to react to the scents in dove, secret, and many others. my soldier has to have unscented everything. This seems like a great alternative. Where can I purchase the coconut oil? I would like to buy enough to make some homemade soap to. thanks!
- February 10, 2012 at 9:23 PM
I'm been researching recipes and I have to say, I'm very excited about trying this homemade alternative. I've used the crystal for years but there are times it works better than not and makes me self-conscious. I'm curious as well, what is a berenberg jar that Beck mentioned in the post above?
- February 11, 2012 at 8:14 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi - you should be able to find coconut oil at any natural food store and lots of grocery stores ... but for large quantities try online! I know here in Australia there are soap supply places/organic wholesalers you can buy from.
and I think Beck was referring to jam jars! :)
- February 12, 2012 at 9:19 PM
I love the idea of DYI deodorant but I'm allergic to coconut and tea tree. Are there any recipe variations that don't include those two ingredients?
- April 5, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Here is a diy deodorant that doesn't contain coconut oil or tea tree oil.
- April 5, 2012 at 11:29 PM
Does this create powdery looking underarms? Just want to make sure I can wear my tank tops without having to worry about having powdery looking arms.
- April 9, 2012 at 11:20 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Allergic to coconut and tea tree ... I'd try lavender. It's more 'sensitive' than a lot of the essential oils but still has anti-microbial properties. Let me know if it works!
I don't find this leaves me with powdery underarms - but I do put the powder on before putting my clothes on usually ... just because the powder will fly over your clothes a bit on application :)
- April 9, 2012 at 11:35 PM
- Erin said... [Reply to comment]
Was so excited to try this out, but find that the baking soda turns my underarms all red and itchy. Is there a good alternative out there to the baking soda for those of us with sensitive skin?
- April 20, 2012 at 10:50 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Erin,
Baking soda can do that to some people ... I'd recommend just trying corn starch. it serves the purpose of keeping your skin dry but just won't be as effective at deodorising. it should be ok for sensitive skin - they use cornstarch for babies' bottoms :)
Oh, and be sure you're not using baking *powder* accidentally ... I inadvertantly told a friend to do that and she itched like mad! :)
- April 20, 2012 at 7:35 PM
Thank you for this recipe! I'm very glad to have found a replacement for usual deodorants.
When it comes to sweating, I find that it works for me just as good as my favourite commercial antipersirants did, or even slightly better. If I do sweat under stress, it seems that things get back to normal & almost dry pretty soon. And I'd say I have pretty high antiperspirant needs.
When it comes to smells, it's surely better! At the end of the day I can't smell anything on my clothes, except for perhaps a very very faint cocnut oil aroma (which I do not mind at all).
I did not use tea trea oil in my mixture, though - I've done a little research and it appears that applying it for extended periods of time may not be a good idea (bacteria may become immune to it and be hard to kill - why this would not happen for coconut oil too, I have no idea, but there was no indication of such concerns on the net). The good news is that it still works great :)
- April 25, 2012 at 3:47 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Thanks for the comments, A! I'm so happy this has been working well for you - even without tea tree. I sometimes make it with lavender oil, as well. Might be worth switching between essential oils, to confuse those nasty bacteria :)
- May 4, 2012 at 10:19 PM
- Accidental Lentil... said... [Reply to comment]
oh, how very very very great. i've been a bit afraid of regular deodorant for a while now. i have been using the aussie made tea tree one but i could love to make my own - it would go pretty well with my beauty routine of washing m hair with bicarb and my face with organic honey! oh yeh skip the supermarket altogether!
- May 8, 2012 at 11:34 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Yay for no supermarkets!! ;)
- May 9, 2012 at 7:37 PM
Hi! I came across this post in my unyielding search to find organic skin care, makeup, deodorant, etc. I love it! I have a question about the vitamin e capsules. What iu of vitamin e should one use? Different capsules can come in different sizes and I'm not entirely sure what amount of vitamin e is supposed to be in the mixture. Thanks! xoxo
- May 15, 2012 at 6:28 PM
I was just at Perfect Potion today and was told there is 100 drops of essential oil to 5mls so that might help you guesstimate the cost?
- May 23, 2012 at 1:56 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@slowdownslowly Thanks Melanie!
- May 24, 2012 at 7:29 AM
Crunchy Betty suggests using Arrowroot Powder instead of corn starch. Can I substitute that in this recipe as well?
- May 29, 2012 at 11:11 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@joliluja Absolutely!
- May 29, 2012 at 11:15 PM
If you mix the ingredients and whip with a fork you will get a body butter consistency, it does not get hard in the winter or liquefy in the heat. Also, I have heard you should use arrowroot instead of cornstarch because cornstarch can cause yeast infections.
- June 13, 2012 at 4:00 PM
- Simone said... [Reply to comment]
This looks like a great product and I am interested in making a batch. I actually happen to have all the ingredients in the cupboard. I am interested to know if the oils in this leave stains on tops in the underarm area? And if so does it wash out easily. Would it be safe to wear with a silk or satin top? Thanks Simone
- June 16, 2012 at 7:57 AM
- Nika said... [Reply to comment]
Hi there. I just wanted to ask if it's alright if I don't add in tea tree oil? I don't have access to it right now since the store near me is out of stock.
- June 19, 2012 at 7:35 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Simone - I've never noticed stains ... but put the cream and powder on before you put on your clothes, so it's absorbed first anyway :)
Nika - sure! sometimes I add lavender essential oil instead ... smells super pretty!
- June 21, 2012 at 5:55 PM
- Missy said... [Reply to comment]
@Amanda @ Easy Peasy Organic
Hi Amanda, Thanks so much for this recipe. I made a batch this morning and am trying it out for the first time. I don't have tea tree oil (or any essential oils), so left that ingredient out. Is the oil basically for scent, or does it serve another purpose?
- July 5, 2012 at 11:59 AM
- BlueCat said... [Reply to comment]
I would like to thank you for this so useful post. Since I stopped antiperspirants with aluminium, I was very embarrassed by the odors. I tried your recipe and I have to say that I love your powder. For the cream, here in my town, I can't find vitamin E capsules, so I replace by borage oil. But I prefer the powder, so it isn't a problem.
Thanks again.
- July 13, 2012 at 5:19 AM
- Immi said... [Reply to comment]
I'm very intrigued, but I can't stand the smell of coconut. Can you suggest any alternatives? Thanks!
- July 17, 2012 at 1:17 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Missy Hi Missy - the tea tree oil has antibacterial properties that increase the effectiveness of the deodorant ... as does lavender oil (to a lesser extent). Oils can be a bit expensive, but you only need a tiny bit at a time, and you can use the tea tree as a natural antiseptic for cuts/burns/bites/etc. A few drops of lavender oil are beautiful in a hot bath :)
- July 17, 2012 at 7:53 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@BlueCat Yay! happy you liked it!
- July 17, 2012 at 7:54 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Immi Hmmm ... coconut is great because of its antibacterial properties, but you might try making the same recipe with shea butter instead. Shea probably won't be as effective, but it should make your underarms incredibly soft :) The product will harden into a bar (rather than a cream) but shea melts at body temperature and is readily absorbed by the skin, so it should provide a nice base for your powder. I haven't tried it though, so if you do - please let us know how it works for you! :)
- July 17, 2012 at 8:05 PM
Thanks for the recipe!! What if you feel like you need to re~apply?? Do you have to take a shower and reapply or just put more on?? I am going to try the cream and powder together. Rhanks
- July 20, 2012 at 2:02 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Anonymous Hi! I'll usually just reapply as normal - cream then powder. I don't necessarily take a shower beforehand. BUT saying that, with this stuff I don't usually need to reapply! :)
- July 22, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Hi, I found you on through pinterest and I have been reading recipes for different diy soaps, scrubs, cleaners, etc... and I am really interested in starting to make my own. But your deodorant one is the first one that I have seen and it really got my attention. I live in Phoenix and have to use a lot and I do mean a lot of deodorant, I put it on at least 2 times a day and most days 3. I have not talked to my dr but I am getting knotts under my arms and I think the the excessive use of deodorant is to blame, so I am wanting to make my own so that I know what is in it. My question is do you think that it will work well in our high temps.
If you can write back soon I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
- July 28, 2012 at 4:42 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Anonymous Absolutely! We live in the subtropics of Queensland, and it works here ... I've also used it in Phoenix, where my husband works sometimes. Success! (By the way, I've always been a big sweater. Till this stuff.) Saying that, I sometimes switch to lavender oil for a week or so because my body seems to grow accustomed to one deodorant after a few months' use. But then I go right back! (After I've tricked the bacteria, haha).
I agree, it's so wonderful to know what's in the recipe, and to know you could almost EAT it, it's that benign! :)
But .. you should still get your little knots checked out by your doctor anyway. Just for safe measure :)
- July 28, 2012 at 10:41 PM
- Amy said... [Reply to comment]
Interesting how 'things' happen. Have had problems with deodorant since teens... close to 70 now and just recently came across a recipe of 4 Tablespoons Virgin Coconut oil and 20 drops of Lavender oil which is working amazingly well. I smell the Lavender when I walk into the bathroom, but not after application to my underarm... no smell of anything at all. Anyway and now I find your blog, with all kinds of information and options. So my question... I do not want to use Tea-tree oil just because I use it for so many other things... a few drops in laundry, foot-soak, etc. Is there another oil I can alternate with Lavender? Thanks, love this blog!
- August 5, 2012 at 10:48 AM
This is an awesome recipe!
Unfortunately, I am really sensitive to essential oils, and find that they usually cause rashes (I also don't have the funds to experiment with different types!). For the antibacterial aspect, is there anything else I could use like honey or the like?
- August 21, 2012 at 12:01 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hmmm ... good idea but not sure how the stickiness of the honey would go. You could try steeping some chamomile or lavender flowers in the coconut oil for a few days (or a week) before straining them out and using the oil in the recipe.
- August 21, 2012 at 1:43 AM
- Sue said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Anonymous,
Coconut oil in and of itself is anti-bacterial (really, it's anti-microbial, so just about anything/everything is covered there), so you can skip the EO altogether.
I would encourage you to find some therapeutic grade EOs, though - something that says it's okay to take internally is safe. If it says "do not use internally," DON'T DO IT. The manufacturer knows what they dilute their oils with and know that it's not safe for human consumption. But here's the kicker - your skin is the biggest organ your body has, and whatever you put on your skin becomes "taken internally," b/c your skin absorbs it. So you're probably not reacting to an EO itself, as much as whatever the oil is diluted with. Pure EOs might cause a tiny detox rash for a short while, but there is virtually NO pure, therapeutic grade EO that causes a true allergic reaction.
I hope this helps!
- September 11, 2012 at 7:34 PM
- DebHeff said... [Reply to comment]
Hi! I'd really like to try this, but I have vitamin E in a bottle, not capsule form. Any idea how many drops I would need, to be the equivalent of the capsules?
- September 28, 2012 at 1:54 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@DebHeffHey Deb! I'd just add about 1/4 tsp per capsule, but don't worry too much. The amount of Vitamin E is pretty flexible here :)
- October 9, 2012 at 5:22 PM
Hi! I just did your recipe today, may i ask if you could give an alternative for lavander and tea tree oil that mixes well with virgin coconut oil because the first one is very pricey and the second one is no where to be found here, I would appreciate it very much if you could give me a reply, thank you! :)
- December 8, 2012 at 11:55 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Anon, lavender oil and tea tree oil both have antiseptic properties, which is what makes the deodorant part of the recipe work so well ... I'll have a think about this, and get back to you.
- December 9, 2012 at 9:03 PM
- Autumn said... [Reply to comment]
My one suggestion is to make sure you buy aluminum free baking soda, otherwise you may as well use reg. deoderant.
- December 28, 2012 at 9:40 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Autumn Thanks, Autumn! One of my favourite blogs - Crunchy Betty - wrote a great post about aluminium and baking soda (link below). It's actually baking *powder* that may or may not have aluminium, but regardless, it's still worth thinking about where the baking soda came from - whether it was mined as-is or produced via a chemical reaction. I'm not against chemistry personally (other than all that organic chem at university, ugh), but I think it's important to know about it.
Hope this helps! Axx
- December 28, 2012 at 12:17 PM
I absolutely Love this DIY deoderant. I put it on and don't need to reapply until after the next shower.After I've added teatree oil I'm then adding different essential oils for fragrance each time to change things up a bit.I wont be buying store bought deoderant again. :D
- January 5, 2013 at 11:44 PM
- Melody said... [Reply to comment]
Hi there! Is there any way to just mix it all together in a paste? My husband is sensitive to any sorts of powdery substances, messes with his lungs. Thanks!
- February 2, 2013 at 5:34 PM
- Melody said... [Reply to comment]
Hi there! Is there any way to just mix it all together in a paste? My husband is sensitive to any sorts of powdery substances, messes with his lungs. Thanks!
- February 2, 2013 at 5:35 PM
- Erika said... [Reply to comment]
Are there jars you recommend? How do you apply the cream?
- February 16, 2013 at 1:05 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Erika,
Any little jar will do, just make it a relatively shallow one as you'll be dipping into it with your finger to get the cream for application. :)
- February 17, 2013 at 5:42 AM
- Erika said... [Reply to comment]
@Amanda @ Easy Peasy Organic thank you!
- February 18, 2013 at 2:32 PM
- veronica said... [Reply to comment]
Hello. I'm curious regarding the bay leaves. Do you pulverized them or just throw them in whole?
- February 19, 2013 at 4:36 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Hi Veronica - just leave them whole ... they're more of a scenting-the-powder thing :)
- February 19, 2013 at 6:34 PM
- Rebecca said... [Reply to comment]
I am experimenting with making a deodorant with raw honey for its anti bacterial properties. Any experience working with honey in a deodorant?
- February 19, 2013 at 6:59 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
Rebecca - mmm, not with deodorant. honey with tea, yes. oh yes. could you make a paste that would'nt retain the honey's stickiness? that would be my main concern. otherwise, many (most?) of the ingredients in the recipe above are antibacterial, so probably do a similar job. let me know how you go! :)
- February 19, 2013 at 7:44 PM
- Emily said... [Reply to comment]
I know this comment is coming in late, but hoping Amanda might get an e-mail notification or something! Wondering if there's any way to make this into a "typical" deodorant roll-up bar. I've tried a recipe before where a cream-then-powder process was used, and it was just so messy. How do you apply powder without dumping it everywhere? Also it was messy on my clothes even if I put it on before I got dressed. Just hoping to find a way to make it into a bar, which I much prefer. I saw a comment talked about using shea butter, and just wondered how maybe I could work with that?
- June 1, 2013 at 9:37 PM
I've just had a luxurious day with 2 coconuts and this recipe! My hair, skin and hands and pits are so soft and fragrant, it's truly unbelievable!
I lived in Hawaii for 3 years, and I was truly missing the smell of coconut for all things heavenly! I've had smelly pits for the last year (nuclear waste bad, even one hour after what I THOUGHT was strong deodorant). The supposed-to-be-baking soda-based deodorant it turns out has Al as the main ingredient, and in fact all 3 brands in the house do, so this was a true revelation, thank you!!!
I just made HEAVENLY Hawaiian haupia with my remaining shredded coconut, coconut rice curry with coconut milk, and thai tea (coconut milk on top)! And now my skin feels and smells of the islands...*sigh* happiness!
- June 4, 2013 at 12:13 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Emily I wish I had better news for you! I just a) let it be messy or b) do the powdering in the shower. I'm not sure how it would go all together ... the powder would soak up the moisture from the balm instead of your armpit moisture ... so you could just omit the powder and go with the balm ...
If you'd like to make it into a bar, I might try cocoa butter. I've not used shea butter - but I love cocoa butter for a melt-on-your skin kind of bar. Hmmm ... feel the need to experiment now! :)
- June 7, 2013 at 10:36 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Anonymous Sounds lovely, Sharon :)
- June 7, 2013 at 10:37 PM
- Unknown said... [Reply to comment]
Hi! I just tried this diy deo couple of days ago & wow it is amazing! I actually ditched the cream. Sorry. I live in a hot place. but the powder is superb! I love it! Thank u so much! To the people asking where to store the powder, an old johnson n johnson container works! I travel a lot. So this really helps. Just pop open the top using your nails or use a key then use a funnel to put the powder in then just pop the lid back again! Just dnt forget to label it after. Hope this helps! :)
- June 17, 2013 at 9:41 AM
AND...baking powder is practically all aluminum!!
- June 29, 2013 at 9:28 AM
- Amy Sekhar, aka Professor Shake-It said... [Reply to comment]
Just made this... I've been combining natural clay-based deodorant (Le Stick) with baby powder for a while, but our co-op stopped carrying it, and it was EXPENSIVE! So far, it's great! It's doing better than my other combo. I just apply a little extra powder at night so I don't wake up sticky in hot mornings. I used a combo of lavender and tea tree. Plus, in the powder, I put an ever-so-tiny bit of Valor essential oil in there for good measure (good for my anxiety!). Thanks for this! I have even converted my husband to the dark (er, light side) of nature!
- June 30, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Hi Amanda, for the Dry Ingredients instructions is the 5 drops of tea tree oil a mistake, since that is a liquid? I followed the recipe and added it to the powder and it formed cakey clumps where the oil mixed with the powder, and the rest is just powder and what's what I've been dipping my brush in (I apply with a cheap blush brush). Just wanted to check and make sure that was intended.
This was my very first DIY deodorant mix and I like it a lot. I find it a bit messy to apply the liquid part (I use my fingers and it gets under my nails) but it works so so well. I don't get stinky armpits for more than a day with a single application! Thank you so much for sharing!
- July 24, 2013 at 5:50 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
HI Anon,
Happy you're loving the recipe! I do add the tea tree straight to the rest of the dry stuff. It does clump at first but after I shake it through it distributes a bit. Maybe that's the key - giving the powder a shake after you make it :)
- July 24, 2013 at 7:28 PM
- def said... [Reply to comment]
Hi, can we use bio-oil instead of the vitamin E capsules? Thanks so much for this!
- September 19, 2013 at 12:04 AM
Just made the powder form as I think I am allergic to deodorant all of a sudden. Hoping it works for me! Very glad to have found this page. Thank you.
- September 22, 2013 at 3:43 PM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@def Hi D - probably not a great idea ... the #1 ingredient in bio-oil is a petroleum byproduct (mineral oil)! Best to just leave it out entirely, instead :)
Thanks for the great question!
- September 25, 2013 at 10:37 AM
- Easy peasy organic said... [Reply to comment]
@Anonymous I hope it works for you :)
- September 25, 2013 at 10:38 AM


text:
Exercise on introducing yourself in Italian - Drag text
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
4.8/5 from 9 reviews
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
Italian, English, Bulgarian Teacher and Translator
Hello! My name is Deborah! I am a language instructor. I teach Italian, English and Bulgarian. I have more than 10 years teaching... experience, both face-to-face and online to individual as well as to small and large groups. At the moment I am teaching Italian in a private school in Sofia, Bulgaria- where I lived for more than 10 years. I teach English to students ready to move to English speaking countries for work, and to students who need Еnglish for their career. I also prepare students for exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), and I offer language courses for communication and travelling purposes. I attended the College (tourism) in Lucca-Italy. I have a diploma in Secretarial and Business Administration from the South Kensington and Chelsea Collage in London- (I lived in London few years ago). I have a TEFL certificate -grade A. and an ECL certificate in Bulgarian C1 with 96/100. Therefore, I have a good knowledge of how languages work and I can provide my students with helpful insight. Teaching is my passion, and I am constantly in search for new methods to help my students to get through the challenges and the difficults when learning a new language. I am an enthusiastic, dedicated and adaptable teacher. I always use the communicative method in my teaching and I try to make my students feel comfortable by creating a funny and relaxed environment. I hope to see you soon in one of my classes! Read more
This teacher is one of our premium members. A premium teacher is very motivated to provide an excellent learning experience.
Hello, I offer personalized one-on-one lessons for all levels
Hello,I would love to help you improve your knowledge of English.I adapt the lessons following your wishes : are you a beginner and need to get... some basic knowledge with grammar and easy texts or do you want to improve your conversation skills. I can help you either way.Looking forward to meeting you ! Read more
Very experienced teacher!
Experienced Language Trainer in Dutch, Spanish Italian and English.
Hi! I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners... into society, and online from Italy, where I currently live. Today I can also help you with English! I will help you, in a simple but effective way, to learn your favorite language(s). By focusing on conversation, I will help you in becoming confident with the language so that you will learn it faster. Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun! I offer you general language courses Italian (A1-C2), Dutch (A1-C1) as well as courses "Basisinburgering" "Inburgeringsexamen A1 and A2", Spanish (A1-C1), and English (A1-A2). So if you want to learn a language or improve the one you already speak, whether it is for work, to move abroad or just because you love languages, contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you. I'm looking forward to meeting you! Read more
Very experienced teacher!


text:
Color: Blue
Interior: Leather
Drive Train: FWD
Transmission: Automatic
Vin: 3MEHM08179R601194
Engine: 3.0L V6 DOHC 24V
Mileage: 81,000
Stock #: 0161
Jersey 31 Auto Sales Inc
2160 Route 31
Glen Gardner,
I hereby consent to receive text messages from or on behalf of dealer at the mobile phone number I provided above. I understand that I am opting in to receive text messages from dealer or their employees. I include consent to receive phone calls at the mobile phone number I provided. I understand that message and data rates may apply.


text:
Video: New blood campaign: Where does your blood go once it has been donated?
PUBLISHED: 10:14 18 December 2012 | UPDATED: 10:28 18 December 2012
Archant copyright 2012
Thousands of units of donated blood, collected from people in East Anglia, are brought to the NHS Blood and Transplant centre in Colindale.
Up to 200 people work at the centre, testing and creating products from blood before dispatching them to hospitals. Due to the relentless demand for blood, the centre is open 24 hours a day.
The blood is delivered into a reception area and processed in the manufacturing laboratory.
"When the blood is in the reception area, we decide what we are going to do with it," explained Gus Norville, the acting operations manager at the centre in Colindale. "If we know the donor, we know what we can use the blood for."
One donation of blood can be split into three components – red cells, platelets and plasma.
The first stage involves the bag of blood being filtered to capture the white cells before being put in a spinning machine to separate the plasma and red cells. A nutrient called Sag-M is then added to the red cells.
"Cells still respire and produce carbon dioxide so we give them nutrients," Mr Norville said.
The blood is then tested and when it is bagged and ready to be transfused, it is taken to a large, walk-in fridge where it is stored at 4C.
Blood is collected from donors throughout the day and brought to the centre between 5pm and 3am. "It takes us a day to get everything done and issue a unit of blood," Mr Norville said.
To make platelets, the white cells are removed from the blood before plasma is added to the platelets and they are spun down.
"Four separate donations are needed to make one unit of platelets. They must all be from the same blood type."
Platelets are used to help those suffering from cancer, whose bone marrow is destroyed.
Platelets are live and always have to be kept moving but unlike red cells, which have a shelf life of 35 days, platelets only last a week. Platelets are stored at 25C.
Plasma is frozen and stored at minus 40C and lasts for up to a year. It is used to treat burns victims and help people whose blood can not clot.
"We have to predict how much blood is going to be needed at any one time," Mr Norville said. "We have teams which work with hospitals to make sure blood usage is correct and efficient. When we have had major disasters the public has been fantastic and has always come forward. Before the Olympics we had to increase blood stocks. The public support was brilliant.
"We always need to be able to show our trail so the transfused blood can be traced back to the donor."


text:
Irina Lazareanu Gossip
Irina Lazareanu gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Crack Love v.2
How do you get over the love of your life in five minutes? Apparently it's possible. Because both Kate Moss and Pete Doherty have managed to fill the crack void in their lives with new crack partners. Kate of course is now with another ugly rock dude and Pete has hooked up with her former BFF Irina – a model from Montreal who was also handpicked by Kate herself and featured in her Topshop campaign. Full Story
Reunion Imminent
Remember: Crack Love is Forever. So it's only a matter of time before Kate Moss and Pete Doherty reunite. Looks like Pete is looking to accelerate the process. As you know, five minutes after throwing Pete out of her house, Kate hooked up with another musician called Jamie Hince and has since professed her undying love. Full Story


text:
Build a classroom of excited, talented young writers. This wonderful teaching resource offers a complete approach to creating a classroom of enthusiastic, skillful student writers. The authors provide a comprehensive approach to teaching writing in the classroom. This book offers the strategies teachers need to teach writing skills that meet national standards and produce excellent results from children. Writing is a great differentiator. During the writers' workshop, each student is engaged in meaningful ways. Pulling together more than three decades of practical experience and research on the best strategies for teaching writing, Writing Like Writers offers a friendly, easy-to-use guide for any teacher seeking to build a classroom of successful writers.Johnson, Kathryn L. is the author of 'Writing Like Writers Guiding Elementary Children Through a Writer's Workshop', published 2004 under ISBN 9781593630003 and ISBN 159363000X.[read more]
You can find lots of answers to common customer questions in our FAQs
View a detailed breakdown of our shipping prices
Learn about our return policy
Still need help? Feel free to contact us
View college textbooks by subject
and top textbooks for college
With our dedicated customer support team, 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, and our price match guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that we're doing everything we can to save you time, money, and stress.


text:
Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, Valparaiso Indiana, Northern Indiana Wedding-Engagement Photographer
Ashley + Jaycob | Lansing, IL
These two old souls met over their love for teaching and a high school'sView full post »
These two met over a game of ultimate frisbee and a love for Jesus. I'm not sure there has ever been a betterView full post »
A year ago I asked Holly to tell me more about her and Mark's relationship. The first thing she said was that whenView full post »
First dances always get me a little emotional, but the song that these two chose had me super choked up and callingView full post »
These two have been waiting for this moment for 8 year and the emotions were SO tangible Saturday! Even the ringView full post »
It may have been 380 degrees Saturday, but this was one of the happiest, funnest, kindest, silliest weddings EVER andView full post »
I literally COULD NOT decide which one of these photos to post. Soooo up they both go! :) There were SO many sweetView full post »
Get ready for a WHOLE lot of photos- these photos may seem like they were taken during a much warmer and sunnier time-View full post »
Every once in a while I'll have the pleasure of photographing a wedding where my heart literally breaks when it's timeView full post »
Allison and I had an IMMEDIATE connection the second she emailed me last year to photograph her wedding. Like, it wasView full post »
Another Chapel of the Resurrection wedding on the books! 5th one this year and it will NEVER get old. This is my mostView full post »
I've heard someone say that the whole "Rain on your wedding day is good luck" thing only exists toView full post »
OH MY GOODNESS this couple! The 4 of us became INSTANT friends at their engagement session last fall, and ever sinceView full post »
Their wedding was in her mother's gorgeous backyard garden, reminiscent of something straight out of a BurnettView full post »
Get ready for a WHOLE BUNCH of photos! Kelsey is a fellow photographer and you could tell she had been dreaming of herView full post »
Oh gosh, Samantha & Jordan's wedding was nothing short of magical ❤ I wish I could go back and time andView full post »
These two are some of the KINDEST and happiest people you will ever meet, and they truly deserved the best, best dayView full post »
These two have a love for each other that is beyond sweet and pure- I can't wait for you to see Zach'sView full post »
Back in February, Taylor emailed me saying she had a nightmare about their wedding. It rained so they had to haveView full post »
After planning their wedding for 3 years, Lauren and Kyle had SO much to celebrate!!! Their day was more perfect thanView full post »
Michelle was a literal Disney princess at her wedding! Magical days like theirs happen only once in a lifetime.View full post »
This wedding is what happens when one of the kindest couples in the world, with some of biggest smiles you'veView full post »
I love my job, but I REALLY love my job when it involves photographing & celebrating along side some of our mostView full post »
I cried 3 times during Katie & Ryan's wedding Saturday. 1) When Ryan turned around and saw Katie for theView full post »
« Previous
© 2015 Abbey Grim Photography|ProPhoto Website


text:
Transfer students feel at home within Wisconsin Lutheran College's undergraduate program and experience the personal care of a highly ranked liberal arts college with an unshakeable commitment to Christian values.
At Wisconsin Lutheran College, you'll receive a top-notch academic experience from caring, experienced faculty. You'll not only discover your distinct skills and talents, but apply them within one of our 30+ majors and in diverse internship and research experiences throughout the Greater Milwaukee area and abroad!
99% of WLC students receive
financial aid, and transfer students may qualify for up to $13,000 in scholarships each year!
Wisconsin Lutheran College offers nationally ranked academic programs in a caring, Christian environment. You'll participate in small classes and receive one-on-one mentoring from professors. You also will have countless opportunities for involvement and leadership in undergraduate research projects, NCAA Division III athletics, fine arts, clubs and organizations, and service to the community.
Wisconsin Lutheran College prepares you to be a leader in your chosen
academic field. Teaching from a Christian perspective, our professors foster diverse and challenging academic experiences, giving you a solid basis for graduate work or for your future career in an ever-changing world.
Take advantage of an affordable tuition and transfer scholarships. Scholarship awards are renewable annually if a student remains in good standing.
Choosing a college can be an overwhelming process, and an important part of that process is touring college campuses. By visiting Wisconsin Lutheran College, you can explore the buildings, meet students, faculty, and staff, and experience what it really feels like to be a student
here. See for yourself if WLC is the right fit,
schedule a visit and transfer today!
Contact the Office of Admissions to learn more! Email:
email@example.com • Phone: 414.443.8811 • Fax: 414.443.8547
Wisconsin Lutheran College offers various clubs and organizations for you depending on your interests.
There are also intercollegiate and intramural opportunities for men and women. The Warriors compete in NCAA Division III and members of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. To determine your eligibility status, you should contact Skip Noon, Athletic Director, at 414.443.8871.
Maintaining a sense of campus community is important to us, so if you do not live with your family, you are required to live in college residence halls. Students are offered a variety of housing styles including on-campus, furnished apartments. If you live with your family, you may commute from home. If you have been out of high school for more than three years, you may live off campus. Appeals to these policies can be made through the Vice President of Student Life.
After you have applied for admission and have arranged for your college transcripts to be sent to WLC, our registrar will evaluate your transcripts to determine which credits will transfer, thereby determining your class status. A student must have finished a class with a "C" or better for it to be considered for transfer credit.
Prior to admissions, Wisconsin Lutheran College requests that you turn in your free online application, college transcript, final high school transcript, and your ACT score (if you are transferring in less than 30 credits). You must also be allowed back at your previous school in good standing.


text:
Official: Nigeria owes its state-run oil firm and only gasoline importer $8.1B in subsidies
LAGOS, Nigeria – An official says the Nigerian government owes its state-run oil firm more than $8.1 billion in gasoline subsidy payments.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation official, who insisted on anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Tuesday that the debt is straining its ability to import gasoline.
Despite producing about 2.4 million barrels of crude oil a day, Nigeria imports most of its gasoline because its refineries are unable to meet the nation's demand.
The official said the debt has added to the corporation's financial burden after private companies stopped importing earlier this year.
He said the corporation, which used to account for 60 percent of Nigeria's imports, now accounts for all of them.
Nigeria's finance ministry could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.


text:
Friday, September 12, 2008
This is such a quick post. I'm on my way to work and thought I would share my latest photos. Have a great day and I'll post more this weekend.
5 comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
About Me
- Donna
- Hi everyone, my name is Donna. I just love stitching of all sorts, I also love antique, and book stores. I am married and I have 2 children, and 3 grandchildren :). My Christian faith is the foundation of my life, and has sustained me through the ups and downs of this journey. Keep spreading kindness so you can change the world. So glad you stopped by, leave me a message and I will stop by and visit you.


text:
A stroll through a Baltimore antique shop has turned up an unsuspected treasure — a rare photograph of Mary Edmonia Lewis, the first 19
century African-American sculptor to receive international recognition.
, which announced the discovery on Wednesday, said this was only the eighth known photograph of Lewis. The image was shot between 1874 and 1876, when the New York-born sculptor was between 30 and 32-years-old, by the prestigious Italian studio of Fratelli D'Allessandri.
The worn, 4" by 2.5" rectangle -- the 19
century equivalent of a calling card -- was found by the Walters' Deputy Director of Audience Engagement Jacqueline Copeland while she was on a sabbatical. Copeland was combing through a box of photographs of unnamed African-American men, women and children in a Baltimore antique store that wishes to remain anonymous.
"I was ecstatic when I realized that this unidentified black woman standing proudly and confidently in a 19
century dress was Edmonia Lewis, since so few images of her exist," Copeland said in a news release.
It's not known how the calling card ended up in Baltimore. But museum officials speculated that Lewis may have brought the cards with her in 1883, when she installed her bas-relief, "Adoration of the Magi" in the chapel of St. Mary of the Virgin on Orchard Street.
The photograph will be added to the Walters' archives.


text:
When it comes to all-American food like salads, sandwiches, and burgers, we all have our own version of perfect.
Assembly-line quick-service concepts are making sure customers have the ability to create that perfect menu item. By offering an array of fresh, quality ingredients—from conventional to gourmet—with the option to start from scratch or customize an existing menu item, build-your-own brands are introducing flavors and flavor combinations that engage, entice, and satisfy every palate.
The build-your-own model has picked up momentum in the last two to three years, says David Kincheloe, president of Denver-based National Restaurant Consultants.
"Everyone wants to emulate Chipotle," he says. "It's that 'Chipotle model,' even though Subway had it first. It's now morphed into Mexican, Mediterranean, burgers, and pizzas."
The appeal of presenting a standard burger concept, for example, with a Chipotle-style assembly line has a lot to do with customer perception, Kincheloe says. The exact same product made in front of the customer versus in the back of the house is perceived as superior. Fresh ingredients are immediately recognizable on a build-your-own line. It's also a strategic way to showcase ingredient type, variety, and quality.
"Our success relies on the freshness of our products," says John Scardapane, chief executive officer and founder of Saladworks, a Pennsylvania-based salad concept with more than 100 locations across the country. "Our customers are looking for freshly prepared ingredients."
Saladworks offers more than 60 ingredients for its create-your-own salad option, ranging from the basics that guests come to expect in a salad—spinach, chicken, mushrooms, and tomatoes—but also those with a little more distinction, such as radiatori pasta, honey barbecue chicken, focaccia croutons, and edamame. "We want to make sure we have enough variety," says Scardapane, who says the number of ingredients is only limited by space in the display case.
Because Saladworks's ingredients don't have preservatives, Scardapane says, the company makes sure there's food turnover by using the point-of-sale system, which traces all salad ingredients to determine how they've sold. "We're constantly monitoring that. If it's not moving, sub it," he says.
Brian Chodash, vice president of marketing at Tossed, the Florida-based make-your-own salad concept with seven locations and 68 under development throughout North America, credits the company's gourmet ingredient offerings for making it different.
"Anyone has cucumbers or onion," he says. "We use jicama, for example. It's a unique root, which, like an apple, adds a nice crunch."
While Tossed hasn't abandoned those cucumbers and onions on its menu, they may be overshadowed by banana peppers, roasted onions, smoked bacon, mango, plantain chips, and cayenne shrimp. "We want to give our guests a lot of options to build their dream salad," Chodash says. "People say, 'Wow, you have so much,' but it's a good 'wow.' You want them to keep coming back to try new things."
Ingredients on Tossed's assembly line are always tracked to gauge popularity and ensure the company stays on trend. Goat cheese is definitely in right now, Chodash says, and blackened chicken is one of its most popular items. When people design their own salads, he says, proteins are of utmost importance, so Tossed strives to stay different in these offerings. It offers five varieties of chicken, including Tarragon Chicken Salad and Pesto Chicken. There is also Smoked Turkey, Black Forest Ham, Cayenne Shrimp, and Tossed Tuna (tuna mixed with dried cranberries, apples, and mayonnaise).
Having the ability to build their own entrée from scratch gives customers the choice they crave, but pre-designed items also do very well at assembly-line concepts.
"All of our sandwiches are like building blocks," says Les Winograd, company spokesman for Subway. "A lot of people have something in mind. They know what they like and don't like—we allow them to weed it out. Knowing they can get anything they want keeps them coming back. It becomes their sandwich."
At Quiznos, chef-created sandwiches are the biggest sellers, says Susan Lintonsmith, chief marketing officer. "The majority of our customers order a recommended sandwich the way it is," she says, but she adds that there are many who enjoy customizing them.
The sandwich basics come down to bread, meat, cheese, vegetables, and dressings, Lintonsmith says, of which Quiznos offers a wide variety, including signature meats, four kinds of bread, and 22 sauces. Still, "people sway toward the familiar," she says.
Quiznos offers limited-time offers in which the focus is mostly on innovative protein options, with items like lobster, pulled pork, and apple-smoked bacon offered throughout the year. "We see an increase in traffic during our LTOs," Lintonsmith says.
Even with enough ingredients to create more than 37 million possible varieties of sandwiches, Subway is always looking for new offerings, Winograd says. One of the R&D team's focuses is trying ingredients already in the restaurant but in different combinations, even something simple like pepperoni as an add-on to a turkey sub or something more detailed like the chef-created Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich that Winograd says is "breaking the mold" in terms of innovative sandwich design. That sandwich is roasted chicken in a teriyaki glaze with a fat-free sweet onion sauce.
When it comes to specific dietary needs, whether it's fat-free, low-sodium, gluten-free, or dairy-free, Subway can help customers build their sandwiches to whatever need they request. Mixing in several healthy ingredient options means customers can make something healthy that also tastes good, Winograd says, or, "if you're looking for something indulgent, we can do that, too."
Variety is served up with quirky vibes at Which Wich, the Dallas-based sandwich concept with more than 200 stores and 300 in development across 30 states and four countries. More than 50 varieties of customizable "'wiches"—from the signature Wicked sandwich with five meats and three cheeses to the sub-400-calorie healthy sandwiches—are on the menu, with the ability for customers to choose from among more than 60 toppings, 10 cheeses, and three sizes, all of which can be served on white or wheat bread, in a bowl, or wrapped in lettuce as a handheld, portable salad. That makes for about 56 trillion different entrée combinations.
"We have tremendous bandwidth in ingredients, which allows for a high level of customization," says James Pa, vice president of operations. "Our fans tell us it's our vibe that really encourages them to express themselves."
The five times weekly e-newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest industry news and additions to this website.


text:
I went to collect some blue peas or bunga telang this morning. Made a small arrangement and photographed it. This blue pea is actually quite a common climbing vine in Sarawak. The Methodist School Sibu used to have a few vines growing in the stair case going up to the Home Science Room. Who knows they might still be there!
Nasi Kerabu according to many of my West malaysian friends originated in Kelantan. But some claim that it is from Terengganu.
You will need :
1. Rice
20 bunga telang flowers (pressed and squeezed to get a tablespoon of blue liquid)
3 cups of rice (for 8 persons)
some salt
some pepper
some pandan leaves
some kunyit leaves
Cook the rice as usual and add the blue colouring.(If you like you can add some coconut milk)
2. Sambal
4 chilies - pounded
half big onion
some pips of garlic
l inch slice of ginger
one stick of lemon grass or serai
l inch kunyit
1/2 cup coconut milk
some gula melaka
1. Pound chillies;onions ;ginger;garlic and kunyit together until fine.
2. Heat up the oil and stir fry the pounded ingredients till fragrant.
3. Add the santan and cook for a short while. Set aside.
3. Fish :
Select a nice tenggiri about 1 kg and enough for eight persons. Cut up it into suitable sizes and marinate in salt and pepper for a while. Deep fry in hot oil.
4. Coconut Sambal
1/2 cup freshly grated coconut
2 pips garlic - well pouned
3 small onions - sliced and well pouned
1 stalk of serai - well pouned
some salt
some sugar
Fry these ingredients with a bit of oil.
5. Salad
l cucumber
half head of cabbage
some daun selum
some taugeh
some daun kesum
some bunga kentang
some fresh limes
6. Fish crackers/Keropok and some salted fish
7. Salted eggs
Enjoy cooking!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Nasi Kerabu : Part Two - Recipe
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:02 AM 2 memories
Labels: blue rice nasi karabu
Friday, February 27, 2009
Nasi Kerabu : Part 1 - Blue Rice
Lent is the pre-Resurrection period in which many Christians will fast and pray. They also try to abstain from eating of meat if possible. Our cell group had a gourmet journey this week as we ventured into something blue and something that is not meaty.
Here's the story:
I am sure you have had blue cheese and Blue Curacao in your cocktails. You might even have had some blue Kueh Tai Tai in K.L. But blue rice?
What is your opinion of blue food? And blue colouring?
My Cell group has three homes to choose from to meet on Fridays. We are a small but interesting group and we enjoy all the different aspects of Cell Group meeting but especially take delight in providing of supper as some of the ladies are still single and are in need of good home cooked food.
Tonight besides my own humble cooking of four dishes I was truly over the moon when J brought her mother's preparation. Although I have eaten lots of Nasi Kerabu in West Malaysia I must say Mrs. F's is wonderful.
Nasi Karabu is native to Kelantan and Teranganu where fish is a staple. So this is indeed a good dish to prepare during Lent. I hope I can make it soon.
Nicely fried tenggiri.
This is the salad that goes well with the rice.
This is the fragrant kerisik or fried shredded coconut to give a special nutty taste to the rice.
This is the finely sliced cucumber which brings coolness in your diet.
This is the chili sauce for those who like very spicy nasi karabu.
This is the blue rice.
This plate shows the salted egg and deep fried fish which is part of the Nasi Karabu
The blue colouring is natural and is from the blue pea which is commonly found in homes and even road sides.
Blue peas or blue clitorea (http://www.malaysiabest.net)
Jennifer promised to give me some young plants of blue peas to grow....So if you see lots of blue flowers in Luak I am responsible for spreading it!! Won't it be a wonderful thought?
Post Script:
As I did not intend to take photos of my buah kundur soup cooked longhouse style and fresh Jerudong Brunei tuna in red curry and special rice bought in Lachau this posting is purely on a fish meal which is very relevant to Lent. Perhaps my supper is another story in the making...stay tuned.)
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 11:17 PM 0 memories
Labels: Nasi Kerabu
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
I celebrated the purchase of my first ever digital camera a few years ago with an outing on my favourite beach - and my favourite past time - watching people at work.
The catching of bubuk is an annual affair in Miri. Fisherfolks go wild when the shrimps arrive in literally millions on the shallow waters and the sky and the water seem to be pink for days! They call it "itu benda sudah datang" with low toned reverence in their voices while their hearts would be beating a tattoo. And they often would even take leave just to go down to the sea.
In the days ready for bubok fishing the sea would be mirror calm. There might not even be a wave at all. That is the moment for the great bubuk! Only those of us who have a paka (or pangkak) know the real feelings of going into the sea and spending a wet day walking up and down and digging the paka into the sand. And the thrill of it would be later when our belacan is dried and ready to be patted into their rectangular shapes. The cooking of the belacan will be the climax of the season. Nothing is better is bubuk fishing!!
This lady is ready to go down to the shallow seas on her own. She sportingly posed for me when I met her early in the morning. A paka (net attached to two poles) is usually 8 feet long and the netting is store bought but home designed and customised. The ends of the Paka wooden rods have shoes which are recycled from rubber tyres. Almost every Kedayan or Iban shrimp fisherfolk can design a paka like this. When the fisherfolk get into the water they cross the rods to make the net take a triangular shape. It is indeed very simple but creative.
I used to own a paka twelve years ago and had a go at bubuk fishing. It was fun. But it was hardwork too. I was not too successful in catching those tiny shrimps although I was tickled pink by their small bites. Most of the fisherfolks I know can net about 10 kilos a day during a good season with a huge total of 150 kilos!! But for me I resigned to the fact that I was no bubuk fisherwoman. It was better just to hang out very often by the beach and soon I could get one or two plates of fresh shrimps free! Perhaps I am the only Foochow woman hanging out with them and getting to know them...and also asking too many questions!! I have long given away my paka.
When the season is over the fishermen and fisherwoman I meet in the fish market would ask me whether I still loaf around on the beach! That's wonderfully warm and friendly. Most of them actually do not live by the Luak Bay. We have come to recognise each other every where in Miri. I call that being real neighbourly.
This man is on his own. He walks in a slow manner pushing his Paka forward but touching the sand at the bottom of the shallow water. Shrimps come up to the shore in the most unique way. Often the Kedayans think that this "thing" (benda ini) is God sent. There is something spiritual about catching these tiny shrimps.
Some years the shrimps are beached in the same way as whales are beached. And the sand would simmer for days in different shades of pink and silver. Flies would then inhabit the beach and the smell would be overwhelming. But luckily this phenomenon does not happen every year. Our naturalists have not made a study about this significant and magnificient shrimp. I just hope that global warming would not destroy our modest but shrinking belacan cottage industry.
The team checking their shrimps at the base of the Paka.
Here the fisherlady has come up to the team of two men. She has lowered her paka. There is a lot of camaradarie amongst the fisherfolks. They all talk (almost whisper) to each other when they meet. They do not ask about each other's catch as if questioning the day's catch would make the gods shy away and the shrimps disappear. These folks continue to treat the supernaturals with respect and they carry on their traditional mores and norms when catching bubok.
The fisherlady is lifting her Paka up to check for shrimps which are caught at the base. She will scoop up the shrimps and throw them into the basket on her back. If she had brought her husband along she would be the one carrying the basket and he would be the one pushing the paka. But sometimes two men can be in a team and they might even be a father and son team. A single woman usually fishes on her own. And a widow can come alone too. Shrimp fisherfolks catch their bubok until they retire . That is the time when they say that their bones are not up to it. "Tulang sudah lemah." But this yearly endeavour to catch their very own bubok is a kind of pride dfor them. No family should be short of home made belacan!!
This lady fisher has placed her paka to level with the water. She is again checking her shrimps. If she has some she will raise the paka high up and then scoop the shrimps into her basket. If there are many fisherfolks on the shallow sea the scenery is very much like a dance sequence with the paka being raised and lowered to the rhythm of the waves at regular intervals.
However these days with global warming and competition from motorised boats these homely and kindly fisherfolks are disadvantaged. They would often go down to the fish market and buy the mechanically netted shrimps at a price and make their belacan. In the last few days the bubok is priced at RM 4 per kilo. I hope the price will go down.
According to most of my Kedayan neighbours shrimps caught by their grandfathers helped made the best belacan. And I do not disagree with that!
And I too believe that happiness is taking your own paka out and getting your own shrimps in the evening!!
When you next eat your laksa in Sibu remember the shrimps have first to be caught in the sea and sometimes under very hot sun. The process of making the best belachan is slow and steady in only the traditional people know how.
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 9:43 PM 8 memories
Labels: shrimps belacan making luak bay
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Aunt Lily and her Morris Minor
This photo is taken by a friend from Hamilton. (Take a closer look at the signal indicator behind the front door screen)
This Morris Minor photo was taken in Bristol.
In the 50's and 60's Grandfather Kung Ping and various uncles and my dad would visit Singapore fairly often. Upon their return I would beg them for stories about Singapore. But being very taciturn men they were not able to tell any boisterious stories. Did they go to the Change Alley. Did they see the steamers in the Quay? What did they buy in Chinatown? What did they eat? What did Aunt Lily say?
I have three aunts living and working in Singapore. Aunt Lily Aunt Phyllis looked very alike and they wore mostly cheong sams. Aunt Ngiin Sieng is also beautiful like them but she prefers the western frock or shift as she is a capable well trained nurse.
My real bonding was with Aunt Lily who took to the caring of us children when my dad passed away suddenly leaving my mum and all of us feeling very lost and almost unable to live on because the loss was too great! Aunt Lily came for the funeral and we really felt that her presence helped us overcome the first hurdle of grief. She was there and that was very important. Someone did care about my mum and all of us. My youngest brother was only eleven months old!!
Later for about 10 years Aunt Lily comforted us through her regular mail. She would send us lovely cards and her beautiful cursive handwriting would be in the card. Mum keeps every one of them in her Bible. Unknown to us for many years Aunt Lily would send her a kind of stipend to ease her burden. The gift of money was God sent . She was trying her best to do something for her eldest brother's children. That will be forever remembered by us with deep gratitude.
Aunt Lily attended my graduation in KL together with my mum. She took my father's place and I knew that she and my mum were very proud to see me graduate with a degree and soon I would be a graduate teacher. During all the occasional brief meetings with aunt Lily I picked up a lot of gracious ideals and important values. When I stayed with her a few times I found her to be more than a very gentle and caring aunt. Her discipline was impeccable and in my little girl's eyes she was such a perfect lady for anyone to emulate. But I never developed that graceful walk (with the straightest of backs )of hers which must have been cultivated by Mrs. James Hoover. I continue to stomp around.
One amazing memory I have of her was the way she drove her Morris Minor. I would be seated at the back with her three girls and Uncle Goh would be in the front. I was really excited to watch the signal "hand" or indicator flip up and down. Not many people would know what that signal "hand" or indicator was like in those days. If you look closely at the photo of the red Morris Minor you would see an indicator between the front and back window. This little right indicator would flip up if Aunt Lily wanted to turn right. And the left indicator would flip up when she wanted to turn left.
Her car had no air conditioning so it was fairly hot sitting inside in mid afternoons. But I really felt like a princess riding in her Morris Minor. It was to me a huge luxury car .
Whenever I see a vintage Morris Minor on the road today memories of Aunt Lily would flash in my mind and I can even imagine her driving the car with her strong Tiong arms exposed to the sun. She was truly a gracious cheong sam clad and devoted aunt who had an immense impact on me. What she taught me I have treasured to this day.
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 6:52 PM 5 memories
Labels: aunt lily and morris minor
Monday, February 16, 2009
Videos on youtube, original and edited... the use of visual and sound
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 9:07 PM 0 memories
Sun Shades
The sun has come up and the world is warm and shiny again. Many would pick up their sunglasses and start wearing them! As the earth gets warmer each day and the sun seems to get stronger we have been giving sun glasses more thoughts these days.
What do you think about wearing of sun glasses?
When I was young I used to think that people who wore sunglasses were more important people because John F Kennedy wore them. And so did the colonial officers. Then I thought the artistic people were marvellous in their sun shades like John Lennon and Audrey Hepbern. Most of the community leaders' cheong sam wearing wives in Sibu wore them. They looked awfully important and imposing. And then of course all the ladies who joined W.I. also wore them. One of our teachers Mr. Eu How Chong wore them all the time even when it was raining. My Principal Mr. Wiltshire wore the first clip-ons I ever saw in my life!!
I finally got my first pair when I went on my first field trip (Bako) at the end of the 60's. That's a long long time ago.
My father owned a pair of Ray Ban which he treasured. Always a debonair man he took good care of his looks and posture. I believe no one I have ever met could compete with his composure and poise. Sun glasses today is still very fashionable. You can get a good pair from International Optics (Sibu and Miri)where my uncle Tiong Tak King will give you good advice which pair would suit your face.
Elvis helped make wearing of sun glasses popular.
John F Kennedy was fabulous wearing dark glasses.
In the 1950's and 1960's sun glasses were as fashionable as today! My father loved his sunglasses and so did my aunts and uncles. A good day to wear a pair was when sending a dear brother off to the United Kingdom. The family dressed formally then.
On a day's visit across the Rejang to the Ice Factory. My aunt wore a pair of sunnies when this photo was taken by banks of the Rejang. (1955?)
Let's take a look at the history of sun glasses.
Not until the twentieth century did sunglasses begin to be utilized for UV ray protection purposes. In the 1920s, Sam Foster introduced the sunglasses to the American public to protect the eyes from the sun.
And in the 1930, Edwin H. Land, commenced another phenomenon by using his patented Polaroid filter by polarizing the lenses. At this time, sunglasses began to gain their popularity at an even faster rate. Famous movie stars and musicians ensured the sunglasses' stardom by wearing them in public and in front of the camera.
It is indeed surprising to discover that the original sunglasses trendsetters were Chinese judges who began wearing sunglasses - or quartz lenses, tinted by smoke- in order to cover their eye expressions, and thus their opinions. It seems that the initial purpose of sunglasses was not even to protect the eyes against the sun; it was to protect the eyes of important decision makers from unwanted spectators.
Onassis glasses or "Jackie O's" are very large sunglasses worn by women. This style of sunglasses is said to mimic the kind most famously worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. While originally worn by Onassis in the 1960's, the glasses eventually became popular with younger American girls around the year 2003. Big sunglasses have maintained their popularity through 2007. They have also expanded their demographic reach to adult women throughout the world. Modern day celebrities use these to hide from paparazzi.
Mirrorshades are sunglasses with a mirrored coating on the surface. Their popularity with police officers in the United States has earned them the nickname "cop shades".Wraparound sunglasses are also quite popular in the world of extreme sports.
Aviators are sunglasses with an oversized teardrop-shaped lens and thin metal frames. First introduced by Ray-Ban, the Wayfarer design popularized since the 1950s by Hollywood celebrities such as James Dean is thought to be the bestselling sunglasses design to date['Teashades' (sometimes also called '"John Lennon glasses" or "Ozzy Glasses", after Ozzy Osbourne') were a type of Psychedelic art wire-rim sunglasses that were often worn, usually for purely aesthetic reasons, by members of the 60's drug counterculture, as well as by opponents of segregation. Rockstars such as Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Ozzy Osbourne, and Janis Joplin all wore teashades.
more fun stuff:http://www.ideafinder.com/history/invent...
Some of the ladies in Sibu wore sunglasses then. the movie stars like Lin Dai were fashion trendsetters. Although Movie News the popular magazine then were devoured by teenagers and fashion conscious career people in my opinion the majority of the Foochows remained very conservative and Chinese in taste and outlook.
Old photos from Sibu showing people wearing sunglasses bring back a lot of fond and endearing memories.
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:22 PM 0 memories
Labels: sun glasses Sibu
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Bukit Aup Sibu : Takang Quarry vs Jubilee Park
This photo of "local tourists" (actually family members) has a story to tell.
It was taken my father who was the owner of the Ta Kang quarry which extracted and crushed the granite from Bukit Aup.
The rocks were religiously "dynamited" by my father with the help of his Iban workers. Each week he had to bring his quarry licence first to the PWD (Public Works Department) to get his stipulated consignment of dynamite signed by the Divisional Engineer in the morning and then to the Police Department where he would collect a wooden box of dynamite.
I used to worry if the dynamite might blow off in his Land Rover on his way to Aup for I had read quite a lot of detective novels by then.
He would then have part of the granite hill "blown off" between 4 and 5 p.m. (He had a sign up in English and Chinese for this)
The signboard read something like this "Please be warn that no one should be in the vicinity at around 4-5 p.m. -Danger caused by dynamite !! By order PWD."
(I only remember that the words for dynamite in Chinese were fire medicine.)
I would always remember that at 4 no one would be around and the then jungle would become so quiet that I could hear a bird sing or a rock fall and even the energetic explosion of a bursting ripe rubber seed!
I smile today because the usual indemnity statement (e.g.loss of life or any untoward damages would not be the responsibility of the management)would then have been rather necessary.
The "blowing up" of part of the hillside was like a movie scene. We the children would hide near the office and cover our ears while my father would be standing in the distance ready to press the detonator with his right foot. His two men would run to the selected rock crevice to set up the dynamite. This was followed by a white flag to show that they had inserted the dynamite. My father would respond with his white flag. And then the two men would run for cover in the machinery hut. Upon reaching their protective shed they would raise their red flag and my father would also raise his red flag as acknowledgement.
At that moment my father would step on the detonator (ala David Niven) and he would run to the office where we would beam our best Tiong smile for our hero.
The office was quite a good distance away. And those were the only moments we ever saw our father in "great action - walking very quickly - almost running". Actually the operation was very safe .
I have often wondered whether people today do their quarrying in such gentle ways - dynamite only enough for the week's supply for government use.
My father was given the annual renewable license to supply gravel for government road building. It was all very environmentally friendly I remember. If the PWD stopped workig for a while my father did not need to collect his dynamite which was a very controlled item. His machinery would just crush the stones which needed to be processed to the required sizes. The PWD trucks would not come to collect the gravel and my father would work half day only.
In retrospect I wonder what would have happened if my father was ambushed and kidnapped! But then that small amount of dynamite was not worth it I suppose.
Or may be because my father was such a mild person no communist had ever thought of taking the dynamite from him.
As Bukit Aup is state land my father never applied to own the small granite outcrop. The history of Bukit Aup would have been really different if he had been an ambitious man and had strategic plans to add on to his landed property. But he was a mild gentle scholarly man with aesthetics pursuits.
Today it has been transformed into the Bukit Aup Jubilee Park
A lovely bridge over the green lake.
Another blogger BengBeng is the guy in the photo.
A photo by blogger friend Victor Kiu taken when he and his friends chilled out in the Jubilee Park.
The water in the pool is not "living" meaning that there is no outlet. This bomb crater continues to trap rainwater and the greeness is a combination of the greenery surrounding it and the algae that has grown underneath it. The pool to my knowledge has never been dry as the granite layer supporting the body of water must be truly impermeable.
So if you like do get a pair of lovely sunshades from Mr. Tiong Tak King's International Optics and chill out in the Jubille Park like what we used to do.
The ambience may not be the same any more. You can't hear cicadas or small rocks bursting out of the granite crevices in the hot sun.
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 9:27 AM 10 memories
Labels: takang quarry
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
My ten Valentine Day's thoughts are for :
For all my teachers and my children's teachers - thank you for the love and the knowledge you share.
For my mother espeically and all the mothers and grandmothers and certainly the mothers-in-laws of this world for bringing all of us into this world.
For the great leaders of China - Hu Jin Tao and Wen Jia Bao . My admiration and love.
For all dear aunties and uncles and sisters and brothers and cousins and nephews and neices - those who provide pastoral care for those suffering and in need...love not only today but all the days of your life.
For all the missionaries in this world : for your sacrifice and love for all mankind. Without that spark in you love will not be spread. James Hoover would not have come to Sibu!
For all those who carry love in their hearts for eternity - love in whatever form is never too old it is never too weak and it is never too poor.
For my three daughters - family love was sown on the prairie with Laura Ingalls and it has spread far and wide as we watched episode after episode. You might be far away but you are in my heart where love stays strong for always.
For my son - love is like a pot of honey it is so good you need to use your fingers and lick the last sticky drop and then you want more!! No chef can cook without using his hands! I want to say again and again you must use your hands well in the kitchen. And your cooking must be finger licking good!
To all my friends and former students you are like the characters in Sesame Street - cheerful and loving. You are like a loving world family. And you never do grow old. Do you?
And to myself - I am like Snoopy - Music please! Dance! Dance for love today and every day of your life!!
God is Love and Joy.
(ref: images are all from Google Images)
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:03 AM 6 memories
Labels: happy valentine's day
Friday, February 13, 2009
Washing Feet Washing Face (Seh ka seh min)
Years ago when we were young and water was stored in huge cement tanks in our homes we had the ritual of washing our face and feet before we went to bed. We did not have showers or long baths then. Mum would use one towel for all of us so we had our faces wiped and then we soaked our feet in the Chinese enamal basin finally. It was sharing of a warm foot bath.
It was a great bonding time for mother and children. We would be scrubbed red and then we changed into our pajamas and went upstairs. We were even told that if we did not wash our face and feet we would have nightmares.
Later I had some memorable times with my daughters who loved to give me manicures and pedicures. They thought that I should have something nice at least. They thought that being a teacher I was standing far too long and far too much. They were right. Very often my feet were killing me!
Little would they realise how therapeutic their actions had been. The warm foot bath and the long soaking (to get rid of the dead cells they said) would lull me to sleep and when I woke up from the short relaxing sleep my toe nails were all painted and my feet were refreshingly cool. I did not need to go to a pedicurist to have my feet and toes pampered. These girls were learning a great skill.
Christians learned to wash feet from the example set by Jesus more than 2000 years ago. The Muslims also practise ablution rituals of washing their feet and other parts every day before they read their Koran and say their prayers.
And many Chinese who were not brought up by these two religions actually also had some kind of foot and face washing in the evenings.
I have enjoyed watching several Chinese movies which showed the loving husband giving his wife a treat by sending a warm basin of water up to their small room for her to soak her feet in. And I have forgotten the title of another movie in which the wife washed the husband's feet lovingly. These are awesome memories.
Today with all the utilities we have (hot water showers and long baths and perhaps even jaccuzis) the idea of washing feet has indeed become very archaic.
But the other night I gave myself a warm foot bath as I was so tired....and took these photos. It was not easy to take an artistic photo of feet soaking in warm water! I will try again.
May be tomorrow (Valentine's Day) you can plan to give your loved ones a foot bath !! And I can assure you that you do not have to spend a fortune to give your loved ones this special treat!!
And I would like to thank my daughters who practise foot bathing (hopefully they have bought their Chinese enamal basins) for giving me my first ever foot bath and a pedicure many years ago when they were still secondary school girls!!
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:05 PM 5 memories
Labels: foot bath
Monday, February 09, 2009
What a Wonderful World
Perhaps once in a while we must seek inspiration and some motivation to carry on living...in spite of the floods and the landslides. In spite of the crocodiles and the fear of rising water. In spite of the political frogs who dampen our social spirit....
Here's Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World..... like in the old days I am requesting this song for all of you out there...Think for yourself....what a wonderful world ....
Louis Armstrong has a message for us in his song - a mental health message - we think we have a wonderful world! We have one!! We think we are happy = we are!!
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:41 AM 4 memories
Chap Goh Meh and Tua Pek Kong
As I do not have to find a life partner by throwing mandarin oranges into a river or carry a lantern to relatives' homes I thought it would be nice to do something different this year by going to have a peep at my friends' temple before dinner time.
There was a brilliant sun to help me take photos. But all too soon the sunset shadows crept up behind us and I felt that there were so many needs to be addressed as the worshippers moved silently but hurriedly about with their joss sticks in hand.
What was happening before me triggered my memories of the many Chinese movies I saw in which the actresses put great significance into the burning of joss sticks. Such scenes would create an atmosphere for something good that would happen as if the dieties could hear their prayers better when they smelled the fragrance of their incense.
It is a fact many Chinese men go to the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Miri to pray for good fortune while women would also pray for the same thing but they are more fervent in praying of harmonious family and successful children. Burning of incense is a must in their rituals while offerings of paper crafts and paper money and also actual things like ducks and pork are common for the altars. According to one of the worshippers the prayers are very individual and they do not pray as a congregation like the Christians. Individuals go alone and appeal to Tua Pek Kong quietly as if thier grief were very p and c.
Nowadays offerings of huge joss sticks are popular especially on auspicious days to obtain the listening ears of the dieties and prayers would be answered. Most families in Miri collectively offer giant joss sticks which are burnt in special places in the temple grounds.
The temple is usually supported by donations from followers. Therefore if the followers are very successful the temple would also gain in size and stature. The Miri Tua Pek Kong temple is supported by a large group of successful Chinese businessmen of Miri the list of which includes temenggongs and pemanchas.
I grew up in a very pristine and disciplined Methodist community where church was the centre of all social activities. Life could have just been that but because of education and career and several interests my horizons widened and I have a more inclusive circle of friends from all walks of life.
Having worked amongst many people who worship fervently Tua Pek Kong for many years I finally accepted an opportunity to see for myself what Tua Pek Kong means to them and what they do in their temple. In the same way many of these friends have been to churches including mine. So I took a small step towards understanding them by visiting their temple on chap Goh Meh when the temple was just so busy with worshippers!!
Tua Pek Kong (Chinese: 大伯公, Da Bo Gong) is one of the pantheon of Malaysian Chinese Gods. It was believed the date Tua Pek Kong arrived in Penang was 40 years before Francis Light. Tua Pek Kong was a man named Zhang Li (张理) of Hakka family, his Sumatra bound boat was struck by wind and accidentally landed on Penang island of Malaysia, which at that time had only 50 inhabitants. After his death, local peoples began worshipping him and built the Tua Pek Kong temple there. Today Tua Pek Kong is worshipped by Malaysian Chinese throughout the country.
Chung Keng Quee was a principle donor to the Haichu-yu (Sea Pearl) Tua Pek Kong Temple (1865 and 1868) in Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Tua Pek Kong is often mistaken for Tu Di Gong, partially because of their physical similarities.
Source : Wikipedia®
The riverside Tua Pek Kong Temple, Miri has almost a hundred years of history.
According to Miri history an epidemic spread through Miri in 1913 and affected the then 2000 inhabitants who lived in the four rows of wooden shoplots and the vicinity then.
Fear spread amongst them and they believed that the outbreak of the mysterious disease was caused by a vengeful spirit. A Buddhist monk was summoned from Kuching and and a few days of prayers were said. It was indeed inexplicable how all the deaths stopped!! It was as if his prayers were answered. Before he departed he advised the construction of a small riverside temple on the exact spot where he performed the rituals. The community promised to offer prayers on the first and fifteenth day of the month.
The local Mirians are further strengthened in their beliefs in Tua Pek Kong as a protector by the fact that that while many parts of Miri were bombed by the Japanese during the Second World War the Temple was untouched. We would never really know why the Japanese bombers did not strike the temple. Was it due to their own Tao related religion?
The current Temple was rebuilt in 1970s, and was declared a historical building under the Sarawak Cultural Heritage Ordinance 1993.
Memoir by I Am Sarawakiana at 7:29 AM 6 memories
Labels: tua pek kong and chap goh meh


text: Submissions Platonic Realms welcomes submissions of content for the areas of the site listed below: Minitexts: Long-form (1,000 to 3,000 words), in-depth articles on subjects of broad interest to mathematics students and enthusiasts. Material must be accessible to a general readership and may not assume prior training beyond beginning algebra. Encyclopedia articles: medium-length (<1,000 words) articles on a single, tightly-focused topic. Articles should be pedagogical in nature, written for the level of reader likeliest to be first learning about the topic in a standard curriculum. Authors must have a minimum of a bachelors' degree in mathematics or a closely related field, and a graduate degree is preferred. Submissions we are interested in will first be subject to internal and external review for quality and mathematical soundness. Submissions that pass the review process will receive an offer of purchase of all rights. Offers vary but run about $25–50 for encyclopedia articles and $75–150 for minitexts. All published articles will include proper citation including the author's name(s) and institutional affiliations. Prospective submitters are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the level and tone of the writing on the site. To make a submission, query first using the contact form. Include your credentials, contact information, and a brief outline of your proposed submission. Note that we are only able to consider one submission at a time from any author. We look forward to hearing from you. Advertisement Does your company market amath-related product or service? Platonic Realms is actively seeking new sponsors. We offer high-level, above-the-fold exposure to a select audience of math students and educators at below-market rates. Please get in touch using the contact page, or visit our advertiser's page to learn more about how we can help increase your sales.