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Match Wits with the Kids
If, as parents, you sometimes find yourselves climbing the collective walls of turmoil in search of something to entertain and calm the kids – especially during those elongated weekends that are filled with rain, tedium and nothing particularly groovy on telly – then this could well be the perfect book for you.
Match Wit with the Kids is, as it says on the front cover: ''a little learning for all the family.'' Indeed, it's one of those books that immediately grabs the attention of even the most innocent and innocuous by bystanders. It's akin to a pub quiz, only more geared towards that which we all learnt at school...
Jonathan Green has compiled a more than compelling and magnetic wealth of interesting facts, figures and knowledge.
As such, Match Wits with the Kids is a book that's as engaging as it is fun as it is imperative throughout those aforementioned weekends and really long, giddy car journeys.
Labels: Icon Books, Match Wits, Reviews


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There's something unapologetic about the way Ben Quilty layers, smears and smudges paint onto his canvas. His subjects are varied, from his 'wasted' mates to his TJ torana, but every one of his paintings has the same confronting effect on the viewer.
With his appearance at this year's Semi-Permanent conference fast approaching, we sat down with Ben to hear his inspirations, advice, and how much paint it actually takes to create his luscious works.
Your work has been described as depicting "flawed masculinity". Why does this particular concept inspire you creatively?
I grew up part of it. Successful rites of passage for young males in my society were non-existent. Creativity is driven by experience. My experience constantly informs my work
When you asked Margaret Olly to sit for what would be your 2011 Archibald Prize winning portrait, she said no. How did you change her mind, and why were you so determined to portray her?
Most humble, grounded people say no to sitting for me. It is against normal notions of modesty to sit still in front of an artist while they use paint to create an image. Margaret said no for the same reason. I wanted to make a work about her because she was my most important patron. She was a self-less and dedicated advocate of my art practice and I wanted to thank her for that, publicly.
The following year you were appointed as an official war artist, which saw you spending time with Australian troops at the Tarin Kowt base in Afghanistan. How did this experience inform (and no doubt, change) your work?
My work has mostly explored notions of masculine identity and rituals, coming of age ceremonies and initiation ceremonies. War is the ultimate form of masculine initiation. I wanted to meet and work with the men who agreed to face the ultimate risk.
In a general sense, what role can art play in difficult circumstances?
Creativity is the truest expression of the soul, so under pressure art can illustrate the strengths and fears and weakness of humanity
You'll be giving insight into the journey fine artist in the commercial world at this year's Semi-permanent conference. What's your one piece of advice you'd give a budding artist?
Ignore everything around you, including your audience. If you are not concentrating on your own visual language you will never find it. The rest is all white noise.
And lastly, we're curious. With your works so wonderfully textured with generous lashings of colour, how much paint do you go through on an average project?
I'm using a new paint from Paris, Marin Beaux Arts Oil. But it is hard to get and I am running out rapidly. I'm looking for new brands all the time lately. Each project demands something different from the mediums I use. I do use and waste alot of pigment. Sometimes that waste upsets me so I make an effort to really understand the products I use.

subset: commoncrawl


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Is it OK to Let a Beer Get Cold, then Warm, then Cold Again? Will This Cause a Beer to 'Skunk?'
Many people seem to think that a beer is as sensitive as a $200 bottle of wine. You must store it just so or it will turn. The most frequently stated version of the beer-temperature myth is that if a beer has been chilled, then allowed to become warm, and then gets cold again, etc., it will be ruined and undrinkable. Repeated cooling and rewarming a beer will skunk it.
In reality, letting a cold beer get warm has nothing to do with skunking. Most beer has a limited shelf life and will go stale after a few months to, perhaps, a year, depending on the beer. However, the biggest boogeyman for beer is UV light and the resultant photo-oxidation.
On the other hand, beer isn't that sensitive to changes in temperature.
Moving from cold conditions to room-temperature conditions, and back again, is not generally going to significantly effect the taste of a beer. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do this over and over, but if you have leftover beer that has gone warm, it isn't wasted. Put it back in the fridge and enjoy it later.
On the other hand, extreme heat is bad for beer. So, rather than being the change in temperature, it is just how warm the warm temperature is that matters. If you take a bottled beer out of an iced-down cooler at the beach and set it in the hot sand and sun for hours, the bottle and beer will get very hot. This higher temperature, not to mention the possible exposure to light (depending on the bottle) will greatly speed up oxidative reactions within the beer. The longer the beer is exposed to these high temperatures, the worse the effect will be.
Given the above, it stands to reason that storing beer at cooler temperatures will tend to lengthen its drinkable life. Although simply storing your beer at room-temperature until you need to chill it for drinking is perfectly fine, especially if you are going to go through it within a month or two, storing beer in the refrigerator is generally a good idea. Remember that the fridge is both a cold AND a dark place. Failing that, go for a cool and dark place like a lower cabinet, or even somewhere in the basement, assuming your basement tends to stay cooler than the rest of the house.
Most of us beer drinkers have no need to worry about such things. Our beer will be perfectly fine as long as we are reasonable. Storing your beer on the front porch in direct sunlight is not reasonable. Storing it on the back patio next to the barbecue grill is also not reasonable. Yes, I've known people who do this.


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Twins Shut Out In Seattle Monday
The Twins were shut out 2-0 by the Seattle Mariners Monday night at Safeco Field. Minnesota is now ten games under .500 with the loss (39-49).
Brian Dozier, Kendrys Morales and Oswaldo Arcia were the only Twins to manage hits in the loss, and Kevin Correia took the loss despite another quality start (7 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 BB).
Hisashi Iwakuma picked up the win for Seattle with ten strikeouts, and the Mariners used two solo home runs off of Correia to pace the offense.
The Twins and Mariners will play again tonight at 9:10. Phil Hughes will start for Minnesota opposite Seattle's Chris Young.


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Gill joins Mark Militello, head of Markets APAC, as a member of the Markets Executive Management Team providing regional leadership
BNY Mellon has appointed Richard Gill as head of its Markets business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Gill will lead the regional business strategy and have overall responsibility for managing Markets within EMEA. He will report to Michelle Neal, president of BNY Mellon Markets.
"Richard's appointment allows us to better balance global and regional considerations in managing our businesses," said Neal. "Our senior regional executives in EMEA and Asia Pacific (APAC) now have dual reporting lines to the head of the region and to the global head of their business. These changes will empower these executives and give them significant input on issues that affect local employees, business partners and clients."
Gill has worked at BNY Mellon for over 20 years and his previous roles include co-head of FX Trading and chief FX Dealer. In his new position, he will also serve as a member of the Markets Executive Management Team, the Markets Risk Committee and the EMEA Chairman's Forum. Regionally, Gill will continue to be based in London and report to Michael Cole-Fontayn, chairman of EMEA at BNY Mellon.
Mark Militello will continue as head of Markets APAC and report directly to Neal. Militello will also serve as a member of the Markets Executive Management Team, the Markets Risk Committee and the APAC Executive Committee. Regionally, Militello will continue to report to Steve Lackey, chairman of APAC at BNY Mellon.
BNY Mellon Markets is one of the investments company's fastest growing businesses and helps clients access capital, financing and liquidity with a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions and services covering foreign exchange, securities finance, collateral management and segregation, capital markets, liquidity and prime brokerage services.
See more from BNY Mellon
BNY Mellon Markets Appoints Piers Murray as COO
BNY Mellon Urges Buy-Side Companies to Take Comprehensive View of Collateral Strategy
Malcolm Borthwick
+1 917 309 1065


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I am intrigued that of all the hundreds of questions asked over the years, only two have been posed about euthanasia or voluntary suicide.
Do we have the right to end our lives when we reach a rational decision to do so? On what basis do some people wish to deny us that right?
In order not to get bogged down in disputes about the nature of rights or the nature of rationality in general, let me rephrase your question as follows: If someone in sound mind decides to end his or her life, should this be allowed? If not, why not?
One reason we might not allow a person of sound mind to commit suicide is that we think that person's decision is based on seriously incomplete or misleading evidence -- e.g. if her reading has led her to believe that her cancer is incurable when in fact it is quite easily eliminated. No matter how reasonable, and how well-read, a person is, it is possible to make bad decisions because one lacks good evidence. At the very least, we ought to intervene in such cases to make sure that the person has accurate information before acting. The very same evidence can lead different people to different conclusions, however, and we must not assume that everyone who disagrees with our own view (or an expert's view) is of unsound mind. Some people believe that a life without movement, or a life without language, is not worth living; others are confident that such a life is worth living; and neither group should be dismissed as irrational.
Another reason for disallowing suicide is the conviction that people do not own their lives and that no one should destroy what they do not own. This reason has been invoked by religious traditions that insist that lives belong to God and only God should be allowed to bring life to an end. But there are also less religious versions of this argument that view life as a part of nature that is not ours to destroy.
A third reason for disallowing suicide -- in certain situations, anyway -- concerns its likely effect on others. If a desperate mother's suicide is likely to wreck the lives of her children (leaving them in the hands of an abusive father, for example, or traumatizing them in such a way that they too will live desperately unhappy lives), then it may be right to prevent her suicide in order to save the lives of the children.
A more abstract reason for disallowing suicide concerns the apparent contradiction in the idea that we can improve a life by ending a life. The suicide's thought that she will be better off dead seems to contradict the fact that, if dead, she will not be anything. Her desire to retain control over her life by ending it in the way she wants to end seems to contradict the fact that there is no control over a life that has ended. There are other ways to express a suicidal intention, though, that do not lead to such contradictions.
I am convinced that there are many situations in which suicide is rational and allowable (situations of relentless pain, inevitable loss of mind, or endangerment of others). Furthermore, I think that suicide is something that we ought sometimes to facillitate (by supplying appropriate medications, for example). Because of the complexities described above, however, I do not think that discussion of this difficult topic is advanced by appeals to a 'right to suicide'.


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Continuing our roundup of CBS 2's new graphics, here's a look at the noon newscast:
1. The open follows the same wording as the morning: "Live from Studio 46, this is CBS 2 News at Noon." (Last night, it started out: "Live from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City...") Since the HD launch in April 2007, only the morning newscast's open had a specific mention of the time of day -- all other opens named the newscast simply "CBS 2 News."
2. The "@CBSNEWYORK" Twitter handle appears on most talent lower-third banners. (Anchors previously did not have any other text below their names. Reporters in the field used to have "CBS2 NEWS" written beneath.)
3. The lower-third graphic does not loop smoothly and appears to "restart" when it reaches the end of the animation.
5:00 p.m. promo:


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IS murder of British hostage an 'act of pure evil': Cameron
LONDON : The beheading of a British hostage by Islamic State militants was an "act of pure evil," Prime Minister David Cameron said, vowing Britain will do all in its power to bring the killers to justice.
"This is a despicable and appalling murder of an innocent aid worker. It is an act of pure evil," he said in a statement released by his Downing Street office.
"We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes."
Cameron, who was seen entering Downing Street shortly before midnight Saturday, will chair a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee early Sunday in response to an online video purportedly showing a masked militant killing Haines.
The video appeared less than a day after the aid worker's family on Saturday appealed to his captors to contact them.
Prime Minster Cameron tweeted that his "heart goes out to his family who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude."
Britain's Foreign Office said they were "working as quickly as we can to try and verify" the video.
Two US journalists have been murdered in similar circumstances in recent weeks.
The latest two-minute-27-second video titled "A Message to the Allies of America" blames Cameron for joining forces with the US, which has said it is at "war" with the militants and launched air strikes against them in Iraq.
The video opens with a clip of Cameron describing the British strategy of working with the Iraqi government to help arm Kurdish fighters against "these brutal extremist militants," and to offer aid, diplomacy, and military help to pressure IS.
Haines, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, identifies himself in English and calmly explains he is paying the price for Cameron's policy.
Addressing Cameron, the executioner also speaks in English, with an apparently British accent.
"You entered voluntarily into a coalition with the US against the Islamic State, just as your predecessor Tony Blair did, following a trend among our British prime ministers who can't find the courage to say no to the Americans."
The militant, who may be the same man as in the previous two beheading videos, tells Britain the alliance will "accelerate your destruction" and will drag the British people into "another bloody and unwinnable war."
He also threatens to execute another captive, identified in a caption by name as another British citizen.
Scottish-born Haines, 44, was taken hostage in Syria in March 2013 and was threatened in a video released this month depicting the beheading by an IS militant of the US journalist Steven Sotloff.
Haines had been working for the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED), an international relief charity, and was previously involved in humanitarian work in the Balkans, parts of Africa and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Sotloff and fellow US journalist James Foley had also been kidnapped in Syria. IS released a video claiming Foley's execution on August 19, and Sotloff's two weeks later on September 2.
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office in London earlier Saturday, Haines' family had appealed to his captors to contact them, saying the extremists had not responded to any of their attempts at communication.
"We are the family of David Haines. We have sent messages to you to which we have not received a reply. We are asking those holding David to make contact with us," the family said.
The video is certain to intensify calls in Britain for Cameron to consider military action against IS in Iraq, and possibly even in Syria, but the prime minister will be wary of playing into the hands of the captors and escalating tensions.
He is also recovering from last year's humiliation of failing to achieve parliamentary support for air strikes against Syria after President Bashar Assad's was found to have used chemical weapons against rebels.
The videos also raise the issue of ransoms, which Britain and the US refuse to pay, arguing it would further endanger their citizens.
In recent days, the families of both Foley and Sotloff have complained in interviews that US officials told them they would prosecuted if they raised ransoms to release the men.


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Owing to space-saving reasons, I am selling my collection. Most of these items were purchased from eBay and from private sellers in Ireland and the UK. I am based in Waterford City, Ireland. I would be particularly interested in bulk deals.
ROTJ Klaatu - €150.
Boxed ROTJ Snowspeeder with inserts and instructions. €150.
AT-ST Boxed without inserts with instructions (Palitoy). €120.
Boxed ROTJ Battle-Damaged X-Wing, with inserts and instructions, no cannons. €100.
Boxed Jabba's Playset, with inserts, instructions and sealed internal contents. €200.
Boxed Star Wars Droid Factory, with inserts and instructions. €150.
Boxed ROTJ Radar (sealed). €75.
Boxed Star Wars Landspeeder, no inserts or instructions. €150.
Closed-belly Tauntaun €100
Boxed Star Wars Creature Cantina with instructions €350.
Boxed ROTJ Millennium Falcon with instructions, no inserts (missing POP) €200.
Boxed Ewok Combat Glider €60
While I would favour any deal that would involve collection and the purchase of multiple items, I would consider deals that involve postage/courier delivery. I am particularly interested in potential deals for the entire collection. Please note: the above prices are listed in euro.
I will try to post detailed photos as soon as possible. I have listed the items elsewhere with photos (http://www.adverts.ie/action-figures/vi ... on/6002991) but the photos were taken using an old phone.
More listings to come. I have many vintage comics, PC games, pewter ships, books, loose figures, and other memorabilia for sale.
All items are in very good to excellent condition.


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Leasing, Sales, and Marketing
Fetner views each property as its own unique community that speaks to a neighborhood and its needs. As experts in branding and marketing we understand how creating the right property positioning and the programming of a desirable mixture of amenities creates overwhelming demand. Along with our commitment to cultivating strategic broker relationships so the right properties are in the right hands, all the pieces fall into place for maximized revenue potential.
Advisory and Predevelopment
Fetner has the extensive experience to draw upon what is required to turn solid plans into a successful reality, every step of the way. We understand how to best utilize a site for optimal efficiency - and where others just see space, we see the potential. We call upon our partners and consultants to assemble a best-in-class team from the start. Fetner works to understand the neighborhood, its residents and businesses, their unmet needs, and pressing concerns. Our approach to the ULURP process ensures all constituents are heard and understood throughout the process. We're masters of zoning, air rights transactions, site assemblage, and the uniform land review process. And with a track record of navigating local, state and federal government agencies, we know how to manage a project through this critical stage of development.
Complex projects with stakes this high require strong financial partnerships with proven success, and Fetner has a stellar reputation with the premier lenders in New York City. Our longstanding relationships with these institutions along with construction and permanent lenders and the New York State Housing Financing Agency allow Fetner to secure stable financing that minimizes risk. Our unrivaled expertise in joint venture structure, construction and permanent loans and financial modeling means Fetner is poised to jumpstart any project.
Construction Management
Fetner has construction management down to a science. Our hands-on approach means we select the right contractors for the job and work with them to identify potential challenges early on so we can determine the right solutions that turn problems into opportunities. We oversee even the minute details of budgets, ensuring delivery of the full scope while controlling costs and hitting the committed targets. This is one of many areas where our dedication to your financial success comes through.
Property Management
With so much thought put into every property that we own, Fetner believes no one can protect our investments better than us. Our highly skilled staff of experts and a team-based approach keeps the focus on resident satisfaction. Building communities is not just an idea, but a promise that is delivered through our programs and a dedication to service that creates consumer desire. We find innovative ways to stay cost conscious in areas of building maintenance and energy without sacrificing quality of life.
Affordable Housing / Compliance
The vast majority of Fetner developments incorporate affordable housing, and it is an aspect of development we feel strongly about. Our extensive knowledge of low-income housing design with a command of the associated rules and regulations, including housing tax credits, tax exempt bond rules, inclusionary housing regulations and 421A regulations, brings affordable housing projects to life for all relevant income ranges.


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Hi WAI IG folks, I want to take the opportunity of this thread to remind you about ATAG - Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines. ATAG covers content management systems (CMS). It addresses two aspects: - making the tool itself accessible so that people with disabilities can use it - helping "authors" (developers, designers, non-technical content updaters, etc.) produce accessible websites that meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 ATAG 1.0 has been around for 10+ years. ATAG 2.0 is available as a complete Working Draft -- while some points might change, it's pretty settled and usable now. ATAG is introduced in: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php Actions you can take: - Review ATAG 2.0 Working Draft to help ensure that it is comprehensive - Tell authoring tool developers that you want them to meet ATAG - Ask authoring tool vendors how their tool conforms to ATAG - Include ATAG compliance in deciding which tools to use, in procurement, in RFPs/RFTs (requests for proposals/tender), etc. More info is in the e-mail below. Regards, ~Shawn -------- Original Message -------- Subject: Call for Review: ATAG 2.0 Updated Working Drafts Resent-Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:07:49 +0000 Resent-From: email@example.com Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:07:30 -0500 From: Shawn Henry <firstname.lastname@example.com> To: WAI Interest Group <firstname.lastname@example.com> Dear WAI Interest Group Participants, W3C WAI invites you to review the updated Working Drafts of Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines (ATAG) 2.0 and Implementing ATAG 2.0 published 21 July 2011 at: http://www.w3.org/TR/ATAG20/ http://www.w3.org/TR/IMPLEMENTING-ATAG20/ ATAG is particularly relevant to you if you use tools to create web content -- tools such as, blogs, wikis, social networking websites, content management systems (CMS), HTML editors, or other such tools[1]. ATAG defines how these tools should help you make your blog posts, websites, etc. accessible -- and how the tools themselves should be accessible so that people with disabilities can use them. To tool developers: We invite authoring tool developers to prepare to implement ATAG 2.0, with the caution that the guidelines might change. In the coming months, we'll be asking for tools that meet ATAG 2.0. Will your tool be an example? If you are considering implementing ATAG 2.0 soon, please e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com Recent updates: For a list of significant changes since the last drafts and specific questions for feedback, see the Status sections: http://www.w3.org/TR/ATAG20/#status http://www.w3.org/TR/IMPLEMENTING-ATAG20/#status Comments: Please submit comments on how ATAG 2.0 can be improved to better meet the needs of people with disabilities to the publicly-archived list: firstname.lastname@example.com by *15 September 2011* Background: ATAG defines how authoring tools should help web developers produce web content that is accessible and conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0. It also defines how to make authoring tools accessible so that people with disabilities can use the tools. ATAG is introduced in the ATAG Overview at: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php ATAG is part of a series of accessibility guidelines/standards developed by WAI, which are listed in WAI Guidelines and Techniques at: http://www.w3.org/WAI/guid-tech.html ATAG is developed by the Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AUWG), http://www.w3.org/WAI/AU/ Note about Working Draft status: ATAG 2.0 was published as a Last Call Working Draft on 8 July 2010. The Authoring Tool Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AUWG) decided to return to Working Draft stage to refine the document based on the comments received. The Working Group expects to publish another Last Call Working Draft later this year. Last Call and other development stages are described in: How WAI Develops Accessibility Guidelines through the W3C Process at: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/w3c-process Please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for your comments. Feel free to circulate this message to other lists; please avoid cross-postings where possible. Short URI to this archived e-mail: http://bit.ly/atag2011july [1] Examples of authoring tools: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/atag.php#for Regards, Shawn Henry, WAI Outreach Jutta Treviranus, AUWG Chair Jeanne Spellman, AUWG W3C Staff Contact ----- Shawn Lawton Henry W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com phone: +1.617.395.7664 about: http://www.w3.org/People/Shawn/Received on Thursday, 4 August 2011 14:41:07 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 13 October 2015 16:21:42 UTC


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Product Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
The elho Green Basics Grow Table XXL
Elho turn the table on traditional grow your own, with the introduction of the contemporary Grow Table XXL. Adding design and function to any balcony, terrace or urban garden, the grow table is perfect for anyone that wants to grow their own salad, vegetables or herbs.
Designed for use with the elho extra large propagator lid, this stylish mid height planter creates the perfect environment for nurturing new growth and protecting established plants.
Part of the Green Basics Range the elho Grow Table XXL is manufactured using recycled plastics, creating a lightweight, robust affordable planter for all design conscious home-owner. The XXL Propagator lid is specially developed to filter direct sunlight adding protection to plants, whilst ventilation sliders allow for variable climate control.
Available in Anthracite and a vibrant Lime green, the Grow table XXL is ideal for both stylish adults and enthusiastic young growers, bringing life to little spaces and introducing growing to little people.
More and more people in urban and suburban areas who may not have much of a garden – or mostly lawn – or even no garden at all want to grow at least some of their own food nowadays, which is good, and this is one of the tools, if I may call it a tool, that will enable them to do that, on the patio or even a balcony in the city.
The table, even together with the propagator lid, is very light indeed and can easily be moved from place to place on a patio of balcony. Keep in mind though that once it is full of soil it will be a great deal heavier that empty, though that should be obvious.
Both table and lid are made of a slightly more flexible plastic than are many others and thus, hopefully, should withstand weathering better and the rays of the sun. I have found that many of the other kind of materials, often of the PVC family, do not handle weathering too well, even though they are designed for the garden, and become brittle within a year or two.
As the season is not really right for it I have to say that I have, so far, not put any soil and plants into the review sample but that is, as far as I can see, no hindrance to me being able to evaluate the product.
My review sample came with the propagator lid – though I believe that generally they are separate items – and together they make for what is officially called a "grow-house", in other words your own little almost greenhouse for the patio or balcony.
What is especially useful as regards the grow table is that, well, it is, while not having a flat table top sort of table height and ideal for those that cannot bend down for gardening. Hence it is called a grow table. For patio and balcony it is often better to have something off the ground for various reasons and a couple of those will even enable a city apartment dweller to grow at least some fresh vegetables, if only salad leaves. A product that I can really recommend.
- Green Basics Grow Table XXL
- W 37 x L 76 x H 65.1 cm
- Colors: Lime Green and Living Black
Elho is the European expert with 50 years experience in the development, production, marketing and sales of indoor and outdoor synthetic pottery and related products. Every year Elho launches dozens of innovations that continuously inspire the consumer with well-designed, functional and colourful products. Elho has been in the UK for over 15 years and works in partnership with garden centres and all outlets to create enticing instore displays that excite the consumer.
© 2017


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Location Announcements
These Location cards are perfect for announcing your latest adventure. There is plenty of space on the back of each card for your own personal handwritten message. Each card will be printed with your own personal details. Envelopes included.
In detail
127 x 178mm
Single sided flat card Flat matt ink, professionally printed
White smooth paper, 350gsm
Soft grey envelopes included
Our designer will lay your artwork out and you will be emailed a proof for checking and approval before going to print within 1-2 working days of placing your order.
This is where you will see your customisations take shape — We will keep making changes until you are entirely happy with the final artwork.
Standard £4 / FREE (orders over £30)
5-7 working days from proof approval
Express £12 / available on orders over £50
3-4 working days from proof approval
+24/48 h Northern Ireland and remote areas / We deliver in UK Mainland, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland
Personalised items are non-refundable
See Returns Policy for full details
Digital proof included ✓
Envelopes included ✓


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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Turnovers to be key for Bemidji State
BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji State women's basketball team is determined to take care of the basketball this weekend.
"I think, personally, turnovers made us lose the games last weekend. They determine a lot in the game," freshman point guard Sydney Zerr said. "This week, we're just focusing more on ourselves. (On Tuesday) we worked a lot on ball handling as guards and slowing down, making a smart pass rather than trying to force something. It'll help a lot."
The Beavers (4-18, 3-15 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) turned the ball over 49 times last weekend, resulting in 63 points off turnovers in losses to Wayne State and Augustana.
"I think you see it just as easy as the boxscore. It wasn't just our turnovers and sloppiness, but on the other end they're capitalizing off of it," BSU assistant coach Jamie Schultz said. "Just showing those stats to our team, we're really emphasizing the importance of not turning the ball over. It's not just limiting our possessions, but then they're scoring off of it, as well. It's a huge difference in the game."
And this weekend will be just as big of a test for Bemidji State. After playing the Vikings and the Wildcats -- the top two teams in the NSIC South Division -- the Beavers have Minnesota State Moorhead and Northern State up next -- the top two teams in the NSIC North.
"Our schedule doesn't get any easier, which is why we just have to keep trying to better ourselves and up our level of play," Schultz said. "We just have to be sharper. It does take a lot of fight, it does take a lot of heart. Those are intangible things that we need to have a little more of. Once there's not just turnover after turnover -- the snowball effect of things -- it kind of helps with confidence."
"I just need to slow down and have a good court vision to be able to see and read everything," Zerr added. "Turnovers, if one person has one, it can kind of carry over… I think we need to pick it up and not let things carry over."
BSU's final home series of the season will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, when the Beavers take on the Dragons (19-3, 16-2 NSIC). Bemidji State will then return to the BSU Gymnasium for a 4 p.m. meeting with the Wolves (20-4, 15-3 NSIC) on Saturday, Feb. 10, for its home finale.
And while they'll be underdogs, the Beavers are still looking for a strong finish on their home hardwood.
"We just have to get better. Better at what we've been doing, what we've been preaching all season, just to give ourselves a chance," Schultz said. "I think the biggest thing is, if we clean things up, take care of the ball better and all-around execute better offensively… we could put ourselves in a position where it's close. And you give yourself a chance to win when it's close."
And if it is close, Bemidji State has an opportunity to finally break out of its current 12-game losing streak.
"I think we have an opportunity to do something big and quit the losing streak," Zerr said. "We just need to pick up on turnovers and work together."


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Making GroupWise Open in Calendar View
Novell Cool Solutions: Tip
By Dawn Wilkinson
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Works in GroupWise 6.5, and GroupWise 7 (not tested in previous versions).
"This information has been in the user guide for quite some time, but it's a nice tip for those who don't go wading though the doc."
First, make sure you can see the Folder List view. If you don't see it, select it from the View Menu.
Click and drag the Calendar label from the Folder List to the desktop.
Now, whenever you want to open GroupWise, click on that icon and it'll open in the Calendar view. The same can be done with contacts, etc.
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- Genres of movie : Thriller, Action,
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- Release date of movie : 2015-04-11
- Companies of movie : Shine Pictures,
- Countries of movie : United Kingdom,
- Language of movie : English,
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- Average vote of movie : 5.8
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- Actors of movie :Kit Harington (Will Crombie), Jennifer Ehle (Geraldine Maltby), Lara Pulver (Erin Watts), Elyes Gabel (Qasim), Tuppence Middleton (June), Tim McInnerny (Mace), David Harewood (Warrender), Peter Firth (Harry Pearce), Eleanor Matsuura (Hannah Santo), Lasco Atkins (Russian pimp), Ronan Summers (Ed Lansbury), Elliot Levey (Emerson), Michael Wildman (Robert Vass), Laura Swift (Hyperventilating MI5 Agent), Lee Asquith-Coe (Russian Henchmen), Paul Blackwell (Police officer), Elizabeth Conboy (Security woman), David Wurawa (Salvatella), Graham Curry (MI5 Surveillance Analyst), Shina Shihoko Nagai (MI5 Agent), Cosmo Jarvis (Henchman), Brian Hanford (US Marine), Jason Thomas Brown (Van driver in traffic jam), Maria Teresa Creasey (Information Desk Worker), Max Cavenham (MI5 Agent), Luke Harris (MI5 Agent), Amra Mallassi (The Henchman), Nikos Poursanidis (), Amelia Donkor (Security Guard), Russell Wilcox (Parking Attendant), Dario Parlato (Henchman), Dominic Garfield (Henchman), Natasha Radski (Russian Girl), Nick Owenford (Driver in Traffic Jam (uncredited))
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Art Direction : Karl Probert, Art Direction : Justin Warburton-Brown, Set Decoration : Liz Griffiths, Director : Bharat Nalluri, Writer : Jonathan Brackley, Writer : Sam Vincent, Cinematography : Hubert Taczanowski, Producer : Jane Featherstone, Producer : Stephen Garrett, Co-Producer : Jane Hooks, Producer : Ollie Madden, Line Producer : Tom Ehrhardt, Casting : Reg Poerscout-Edgerton, Production Design : Simon Bowles, Supervising Art Director : Andrew Munro, Costume Design : Colleen Kelsall, Makeup Artist : Hannah Edwards, Makeup Artist : Frankie Francis, Makeup Artist : Cate Hall, Hairstylist : Kate Smith, Makeup Department Head : Emilie Yong, Production Manager : Kathrin Krückeberg, Post Production Supervisor : Clare Maclean, Production Manager : Eve Swannell, Assistant Director : Tom Ackerley, Assistant Director : Richard Oxford, Assistant Director : Stuart Renfrew
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Kendlinger Dirigert STRAUSS 2011 (Music of JOHANN STRAUSS II, JOSEF STRAUSS, JOHANN STRAUSS I) – Claudia Emà Camie, sop.; K&K Philharmoniker /Matthias Georg Kendlinger – DaCapo multichannel SACD 1109, 63:55 [Distr. by Naxos] ****:
Austrian Matthias Georg Kendlinger, conductor and organizer of a 51-instrument symphony orchestra, has put together an interesting selection of Strauss material, some familiar and some not. Kendlinger is a first-class Straussian.
The orchestra not only knows but understands the musical idiom of the Strauss family. The resulting performances are simply excellent, superior to some other offerings available. Anyone who loves these popular 19th century creations should enjoy this SACD. And if you don't love them, you well may after listening to this SACD.
In all there are twelve selections. Those by Johann Strauss, the younger, are: "Furioso-Polka quasi Galopp," Op. 260; an intermezzo from Thousand and One Nights, the waltz "Viennese Spirit," Op. 354; "Artists' Quadrille," Op. 201; "The Lilac Blooms in Sievering" from the operetta The Dancer Fanny Elssler (a sequel to another operetta, Viennese Spirit, both of which were posthumously concocted from material left unfinished by the composer on his death); "Persian March," Op. 289; the waltz "Where the Lemons Blossom," Op. 364; the quadrille Un ballo in maschera, Op. 272; and finally the well-known waltz "The Blue Danube," Op. 314.
There are two by Josef Strauss: the quick polka "Plappermäulchen! (Little Chatterbox)," Op. 245, and the waltz "Dynamids (Secret Forces of Attraction)," Op. 364. And the traditional follow-on to "The Blue Danube," the "Radetzky March," Op. 228, by Johann Strauss the elder. Soprano Camie is charming in the "The Lilac Blooms in Sievering" using a typical operetta approach.
Recorded by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation in their concert hall in Copenhagen, the up-close sound on this SACD is brilliant. The booklet insert is in German and English with historical facts and explanations of the music, plus biographies. Recommended! [The Amazon link is again only to the MP3 album file, since they don't carry the CD…Ed.]
—Zan Furtwangler


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Bayaderra's Dreams
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Joker's Birthday Surprise.
Saturday, February 6, 2010...Early Afternoon…Somewhere on New Jersey Turnpike.
Forty eight! How did I get to be so old? Who am I kidding, I do feel old. Well at least some times, especially on a cold Jersey winter days like today. Damnit, why is this traffic not moving? I really want to get home before the snow storm starts. Just my fucking luck to end up with a snow storm on my birthday weekend. There goes the plan to whisk Emm to the City for couple of nights. On the other hand, we can spend the weekend locked away in our bedroom, with fireplace and a good bottle of wine. Its Katie's turn to spend the weekend with her dad, and hopefully the snow will keep April from dropping in with the kids. Mmmmm, a weekend in bed with Emm may be just the cure to chase away the birthday blues. Just hope she is finally feeling better… Damn flu… Lilly brought it home and promptly "shared" with everyone. Every kid got it for few days…adults got even "luckier", theirs lasted for over a week. Poor Emma had it the worst, she felt so bad about not being able to share the "Grammy Moment" with us…but ended up staying back home in bed… Bed…that is exactly where we shall spend this weekend!
A loud noise jerked David back to the reality. The traffic was slowly starting to move and the driver behind him was letting him know. Sighing, he eased his Mercedes into a slow drive.
Where was I? Oh yes….Emm! How did I get so lucky? Kids…that's it…kids! It was our daughters that brought us together almost a year ago. It was supposed to be a practical joke, a payback from a pissed off teen. Funny how that all worked out. After initial shock wore off, we really clicked. The next two months were full of late night phone calls and weekend dates. Then I finally convinced her to have a lunch with my brothers. Imagine that! A fan that did not want to meet the rest of the band! Well, that's my Emma! Shy and hesitant at first, then as soon as she starts to feel comfortable, her true inner beauty starts to shine through and promptly captures your heart and soul. Never fails, she seems to endear anyone and everyone she meets, man or woman, young or old, gay or straight…they all fall for her charm and sincerity and genuine care and affection. She got a "seal of approval" from all of my brothers, Michelle, Joe, and even mom. Flo was the one who told me she'll kill me if I lose that one! So I surprised every one, including Emm and myself by asking her to marry me barely four months after we first met. It was her 35th birthday, and I talked her into allowing me to whisk her away to a weekend in Bermuda. There we spent two glorious days soaking up the sun and frolicking on the pink sand and in the turquoise water of our secluded little paradise. There, on our last night…I "popped the question". When we returned to the reality and our families, I succeeded in talking her into moving in with me before the wedding. Using the excuse that Katie should not have to move and change schools in the middle of the school year. It worked! Katie, after initial shock settled in, was thriving in the Colts Neck High School. Luckily for us, our daughters had really hit it off from the start. Both Katie and Gaby bonded faster then crazy glue. First commiserating over the horror of their parents actually hooking up and carrying on an affair. Then the other common interests like their mutual obsession over "everything Twilight" and "everything boys" sealed the deal. Colton and Lilly were so much easier…they just "went along with the flow". Though Colton did grumble about "the nerve his dad had to add another sister to the family". Ahhh…There was the turn into my cul-de-sac loop and my driveway.
David parked his car in the garage, entered his home and promptly stepped into the waiting embrace of his wife!
Life is good…after all!
Saturday, February 6, 2010...Late Morning…Colts Neck, New Jersey.
Emma sat down in the kitchen chair and sighed. She just returned from dropping off Katie at her father's house for his custodial weekend. Glancing at the clock, she realized that she only had about an hour or so left before David would be home. Shaking off the ever present fatigue, she got up and went to get the birthday wrapping paper she got last night. Tomorrow is David's birthday, and she had to wrap his last minute gift.
Yes, David…. How did I get to this point? Kids, that's how! Our lovely teenage daughters, plotting their revenge on their unsuspecting parents, inadvertently set us up. And now look where it got us!
She looked at her left hand and smiled at the still very shiny rings. Then looking at the picture frame in her hands, she went back to her task of wrapping up his gift.
When I agreed to take Katie to that "Twilight" party a year ago, never in a million years did I even imagine I would be meeting and falling in love with David Bryan. Well technically, I was in love with him for years…At least in lust with the "onstage persona" of David Bryan the Rock Star. That magical night in Bermuda that changed my life… the night he asked me to marry him. The night I did the craziest thing ever…and said yes! The next few months that followed were pure madness of packing, moving, settling in and planning a "destination wedding". Where else could I possibly marry this man of my dreams except on the same beach where he proposed, in our personal Paradise called Bermuda! And it all worked out well! Against all odds, David managed to convince Jon not to schedule any tour promotions in the week between Christmas and New Year. Well, Dorothea also helped by threatening him with bodily harm if he did not take a family vacation before starting an eighteen month tour! The rest was just minor details… Luckily, Dorothea did not mind spending that vacation in Bermuda instead their usual St. Barts. Richie and Tico also did not put up a fight at an all paid for vacation either.
She put the final piece of tape on the small flat box and attached the silver bow.
Luckily we both did not want a formal wedding, since it was a second time around for both of us. The pale beige and gold sundress for me, turquoise dresses for Katie, Gaby and Lilly… Black Bermuda Shorts and simple white shirts for David, Jon, Richie and Tico. A simple, flower decorated Chupah…a very liberal rabbi….our families and the gorgeous Bermuda sunset…. That's all we wanted. And we got it!
She sighed again and started to pace.
I hope he doesn't freak out. I mean we did talk about this, Its just that we did not reach a decision… and now it has been decided for us…
Emma looked out of the large kitchen window and saw David's car pulling into the driveway as the first large snow flakes started to fall. She quickly added the newly wrapped package to the rest of the gifts and went to greet her husband.
Sunday, February 7, 2010...10am…Colts Neck, New Jersey.
They both woke up at the same time.
Opening his eyes, David looked at the smiling woman in his arms. Smiling back at her he gently pushed an unruly curl off her face. She smirked…and returned the favor.
"Happy birthday my love" whispered Emma. "What would you like for breakfast, Birthday Boy?"
"You!" came the reply.
"You're insatiable for a man of your age!"
David gave her a stunned look and rolled on top of her with a growl.
"Are you calling me an old man???? You…you…little minx!"
Giggles were her only answer….
He lowered his head and took a nipple into his mouth. Emma gasped at the intensity of the sensation and arched her back. David spent long minutes nuzzling, licking, caressing and sucking his wife's ample breasts before kissing a path down her belly to that heat source that was pulling him in. Emma's soft moans encouraged him to gently part her soft succulent folds and lick, suck and worship her womanhood.
Feeling her orgasm approaching, Emma gently tugged on David's curls. "I want you inside for this PLEASE" she moaned.
Looking surprised a bit, David slid up her body and complied.
She usually likes the long foreplay…what's up with that? But who am I to complain?
Emma felt him entering her slowly, inch by a delicious inch, and gave a satisfied sigh "Oh Yes!!! That's It baby! Bring me home!"
David grunted, and for the next few minutes their bodies moved in the dance as old as times…
They both reached the Nirvana at the same time and held each other tightly in the post climactic bliss… Nothing was said…No words were necessary.
About half an hour later, they were sitting in the kitchen wrapped in soft robes, their hair a mass of wet curls after their shower. Looking over the rim of his coffee mug at the arctic landscape outside, David smiled "I guess it's a birthday party for two, my love!"
"Complaining sweetheart?" She laughed
"Not in the least. But maybe I should wait to open presents until later…MUCH later I guess. I don't think the roads will be cleared until tomorrow. The kids will be upset if I don't wait for them."
"Of course…we can leave most of them till the kids are here…but there is one small gift that I do want you to open now" said Emma handing him a small, flat square package "Please David, I NEED you to open this NOW!"
Seeing her lick her lips nervously and bite down on her lower lip, David nodded and reached for the gift she was handing him. He ripped the paper off the small flat box and opened it.
She looked nervously at him as he reached in and pulled out the square frame with a black and white image inside…
David's breath hitched as he stared at the frame in his hands. The hazy, cone shaped black and white image…
"Emm, my love, does this mean what I think it means?" he whispered.
She nodded, smiling at the expression of pure happiness that washed over her husband's face as he gazed at the framed ultrasound picture….
"This is the best birthday present my love!" he whispered into her hair as he pulled his wife into his arms. "Thank you!"
Emma hugged him back.
"Uhmmm, Emm, my love…What are those two circles marked "A" and "B"?!?!?!"
The End.
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Richie!
I want to take a moment and wish a Very Happy Birthday to My Guitar Hero - Richie Sambora! Darlin may you have at least 50 more years filled with music, love and laughter!
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Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Joke On The Joker.
Gabby was fuming.
How could he??!! It's not like she asked him for a million dollar shopping spree…or to borrow his Porche…or to set her up for a date with some hot new actor or singing celebrity. All she asked for was to let her spend her Spring Break skiing with her best friend! So what's the big deal that her parents were not going with them? After all her big brother Charlie is now 21 and for all legal reasons is considered an adult! Plus three of his college buddies would be there! She had seen his friends a few weeks ago at Maggie's house, when she was studying with her. They were hot!! But not as hot as Charlie! That boy was an Adonis! Gorgeous! That's who should've played Edward in the "Twilight" instead of Robert Pattinson. That actor did not even come close to looking like the Edward in her dreams. But Charlie did, as a matter of fact he
Edward in her dreams. And now, Maggie had invited her to come skiing with them, and what did her father do? The man who boasts that he had partied so hard in the 80's that he does not remember the whole decade! He tells his daughter- NO!!! The nerve! He even jokes that he would rather go on a date with a fan then to let his fifteen year old daughter spend a week with four college boys and one teenaged friend! Wait a second… a date, with a fan…humm this has potential for revenge! Now, didn't one of the girls on the "Twilight" fan forum board mention that her mother was a Bon Jovi fan? That's right, few days ago KitKat commented on Gabby's nick-LunarEclipse on the board. She said her mom was driving her insane by playing a CD with same name in her car, over and over and over again! They chatted for a while and KitKat said something about her mother needing a man… now that she was divorced for over a year! This could work.
Gabby logged on and breathed a sigh of relief that KitKat was in the chat room.
LunarEclipse: hey KitKat!
KitKat: hey girl!
LunarEclipse: whatcha doing?
KitKat: not much, just hanging… had a fight with mom AGAIN!
LunarEclipse: same here, but with dad!
KitKat: I hear ya! What'd he do?
LunarEclipse: he went all "parent" on me!
KitKat: LOL! I mean :(
LunarEclipse: didn't you like mention that your mom was a fan of that old fart group Bon Jovi?
KitKat: yeah, *insert eye roll* por que?
LunarEclipse: does she have a favorite band member?
KitKat: who knows…I tune her out when she rants and raves about them…WHY?
LunarEclipse: just thinking…my dad likes that type of music too… And he has been up my ass lately! Maybe if we get them together and they hit it off…they would mellow out and we both would benefit by getting a break?
KitKat: hummmm, this has potential! How do you propose we do that? And is your dad like an OK dude? He is not a psycho or a nut case?
LunarEclipse: naaah, he's a pussy cat! LOL, just your typical old fart…who at time likes to pretend he is a rock star and plays occasional gigs with his friend's band. but he is a nerd at heart! harmless I tell ya, harmless! just annoying as a "parental unit"….
KitKat: LOL! *eye roll* aren't they all???
LunarEclipse: :)
KitKat: sooooo, how do we get them together?
LunarEclipse: don't know….need to think…will PM you later!
KitKat: K…what's your real name BTW?
LunarEclipse: Gabby…and I'm 15... you?
KitKat: Katie…I'm 15 too! Cool….
Gabby signed off the forum. She closed her eyes, deep in thought, she didn't notice her door opening and her father entering her room, totally ignoring the sign on her door that stated "
keep out…this means you too dad
"Gabby, can we talk?" he asked.
Opening her eyes with a groan, she shook her head and muttering " Like it will change anything!" she grabbed her "Twilight" book from her night stand and pretended to be engrossed in it even though she had read it so many times the pages were loose and falling out.
After standing there for few minutes, being completely ignored by his daughter, David shook his head and left her room. Walking in to his bedroom he collapsed on the bed.
When did parenthood get so difficult? God damned teenagers! Fifteen year old girls were not that complicated when he was that age! Then again, maybe not…he never got anywhere with them either as a teenager… Of course he was a goofy looking nerd with frizzy hair and glasses then… And now what? A 47 year old, supposedly successful rock star and Musical composer, with a history of a failed marriage and a broken engagement on his hand… not to forget his three kids who thought he was "Sooo Twentieth!" It took him a whole week of internet surfing to figure out they called him "last century"! No wait Lilly still thought he was cool…thank God for little girls who still love their daddies!
With a deep sigh, David closed his eyes and drifted off into restless sleep.
In her room, Gabby was back on her laptop, searching through her emails. There it was! The email from Barnes and Noble, announcing a "Twilight" party. Lets see…when and where? Perfect! This SHOULD work! She quickly logged on the "Twilight" fan forum.
PM Message to KitKat from LunarEclipse:
Hey Katie! There is a "Twilight" party at the Barnes and Noble in Paramus this Saturday! Can you get your mom to take you there? I'm pretty sure I can get my dad to bring me!
PM Message to LunarEclipse from KitKat:
Sounds cool! Paramus is like 20 minutes from us! So it's a definite maybe! Lets work on the "parental units"! Let you know how it goes on my end!
Through a drowsy haze came and annoying whine "Daddy….daddy are you awake?"
Oh now its "daddy" and not "dad", she must really want something. Lets hope its something safe and easy, and hopefully will help me score back some brownie points.
David sat up and rubbed the sleep out of his tired blue eyes. "What is it Princess?"
Gabby cringed at the "princess', but putting a smile on her face pressed on "Daddy, there is a "Twilight" book event at a Barnes and Noble this Saturday. Can you take me PLEASE!"
Hmmm, sounds simple and innocent enough. Maybe its time for a father-daughter outing, it has been a while since we enjoyed one of those.
"Sure sweetheart, but we'll have to take Lilly with us" he answered her.
"Uhmmm, daddy, can't it be just the two of us? What if I get Colton to agree to watch her?' Gabby tried.
David nodded "Sure, if you can arrange THAT miracle, it'll be fine with me."
With a grin on her face Gabby ran out of her dad's room and straight into her brothers.
"Hey Colt! I need a favor!" she exhaled as she sat on his bed.
Her brother slowly turned from the computer monitor and uttered "What?"
"Can you watch Lilly on Saturday night, so dad can take me somewhere?" she asked.
"Now WHY would I do that for YOU?" Colton smirked.
"How about a $25 iTunes card?" Gabby offered.
"Fine" he said and turned back to his monitor.
In a northern New Jersey town a similar "transaction" was taking place.
"MOM!" Katie called out.
Must she always scream
Emma thought lifting her eyes from her check book. "Yes honey!" she answered "I'm in the kitchen"
Katie walked up to her mom, smiling… "Mom, we haven't done anything fun in like forever" she started.
Oh here we go…how much is this going to cost me now?
Emma thought. Since her divorce, she had retained the full custody of her daughter, and the child support was generous…but, she still could not compete with her stock broker's ex-husband's "purchasing power". Emma smiled and faced her teenager.
"Mom, there is a "Twilight" party at Barnes and Noble this Saturday. Could you take me PLEASE!" Katie begged.
"Which Barnes and Noble?" Emma asked.
"The one on Route 17 South in Paramus." said Katie.
"I don't know about this…I was planning to clean up the house this Saturday. You know your grandparents are coming over on Sunday." Emma replied.
"What if I help? How about if I do the laundry?" Katie asked her mom.
"Laundry…as in wash, dry, fold AND put away?" came a response.
"OK!" Katie rolled her eyes nodding.
Wow, she must really want this. She's never been this agreeable to help. I guess I should do this for her.
Emma thought as she watched her daughter sprint to her room.
PM Message to LunarEclipse from KitKat: All set on my end. what time?
PM Message to KitKat from LunarEclipse: I'm all set too! How about 6pm?
PM Message to LunarEclipse from KitKat: works for me. How will I find you?
PM Message from LunarEclipse to KitKat: here is my cell # 609-555-1234, call me when you get to the store. And keep the "parental unit" clueless.
PM Message from KitKat to LunarEclipse: cool, my cell # 201-555-4321. will call on arrival. And "parental unit" is ALWAYS clueless :)
The week flew by in both households. Kids went along with their school days. Emma worked during the day, spent evenings with Katie, chatted with her Jovi friends on line, and fell asleep listening to her favorite tracks from the Lunar Eclipse CD.
David spent his days in New York at the "New World Stages" theater, supervising the production of "The Toxic Avenger" Musical, and his evenings with his kids.
Saturday afternoon found both girls busy, getting ready for their rendezvous.
Text Message to Katie from Gabby: we r leaving now. B @B&N in an hr.
Text Message to Gabby from Katie: k, c u there in an hr!
Text Message to Katie from Gabby: we r here.
Text Message to Gabby from Katie: b there in 5, where r u n the store?
Text Message to Katie from Gabby: we r n the coffee shop, back of the store. Dad is all in black, I'm blond, white shirt over denim.
Text Message from Katie to Gabby: k, c u n a few!
As she pulled in to the store's parking lot, Emma glanced over her daughter who was too busy texting to notice her moms attention. "Honey, who are you texting to?"
"Oh, just a friend from the forum, we're going to meet and have fun at the party."
"Uhmm, sweetheart, how well do you know this friend?"
"As well as you knew your friend Alice, before you met her for drinks after the fan club concert!" came the reply.
"Katie, this is different!" Said Emma.
"How so mom?"
"Well, we are adults, for one.."
"So what, you are with me, and it is Barnes and Noble! How dangerous could it be?"
Well, she has a point…
Emma thought, and remained silent.
They entered the store and Katie took the lead and hightailed for the coffee shop located in the back. Emma followed her absentmindedly. Katie spotted a slim, tall blond girl in a white shirt that was sitting next to an old man dressed all in black, with a ball cap over unruly blond curls and sun glasses.
Who wears sunglasses in a book store?
She stopped abruptly in front of their table, causing Emma to bump slightly into her.
"Hi, are you Gabby?"
"Yep! Katie?"
"Yep! Nice to finally meet you!" she turned and pointed to Emma "This is my mom, I guess she can hang with your dad while we have fun!"
Gabby could hardly maintain a straight face. Katie's mom looked like she just saw a ghost…or a vampire! This was working out even better then she hoped! The woman was just standing there with her mouth slightly open…staring at her dad! Gabby stood up and whispered in Katie's ear "This will be fun!" as she grabbed Katie's hand and led her away.
Emma nearly collapsed into the vacated chair. She could not stop staring at the man across the table. Sitting across from her, and looking as good as sin, was no other then her favorite Bon Jovi member- David Bryan Rashbaum!.
No freaking way! This is NOT possible! What would he be doing here, at Barnes and Noble's "Twilight" party? Wait, didn't her daughter call the other teen Gabby? Oh! My! God! That is HIM! Ok, Emma, get yourself together! And for crying out loud….STOP STARING at him!
David lazily looked at the woman across from him through his sunglasses. The "
" was unmistakable.
Oh shit! A fan! Just what I need! Hope she stays quiet and does not cause a scene. Shit, she looks like she is either about faint or explode.
He cleared his throat and spoke " Ah, are you ok?"
She nodded silently, then shook her head "I'm sorry, I'm usually not like this…its …its...just ..I…uhhhh… what I meant to say is.. I was not expecting this." She exhaled and shook her head… and laughed.
The sound of her laugh stopped him in mid thought. He looked at her again.
Hmm, not too bad… has to be in her 30's… nice curves, warm brown eyes, beautiful cascading, honey kissed, brown curls to her mid back… and that breath taking smile.
David could not help, but smile back at her. At that particular moment his cell phone buzzed.
Text Message to Dad from Gabby: hope u r enjoying yr date with a fan :P
David dropped his head back, closing his eyes and groaned.
Opening his eyes he looked back at her smiling wildly at the woman across from him.
"I think…. we've been had!"
Seeing her puzzled expression he explained " I think my daughter, and possibly yours just played a practical joke on me… or rather us, actually… Lets start over?" he glanced at her and smiled.
Emma could not help, but smile back "sure!"
"Hi, my name is David!" he said with a grin and extended his hand to her.
She gently shook his offered hand and smiled "hello David, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Emma"
"Emma, would you like some coffee?"
Gabby kept glancing back at her dad periodically. After he got her text, he actually seemed to enjoy himself. The girls enjoyed the "Twilight " activities for over an hour, then decided to go "rescue" their parents.
When they approached their table, they found them enjoying their coffee and laughing like they've known each other forever. They both had their cell phones out and were typing something into them. Seeing the girls approach, David exited out of his newly updated contact list, got out of his chair and hugging his daughter, whispered in her ear "thank you Princess!" Seeing her shocked expression he laughed at her.
" Sweetheart, you got to know that jokes sometimes can back fire!"
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Monday, March 2, 2009
Happy Birthday Jon!
I would like to take a minute and wish a Very Happy Birthday to Jon Bon Jovi. Jon, you are right--you're not old...you are just a little bit older! May you continue to enjoy great health, happy and peaceful family life! May the creative Muse continue to visit you! May your children bring you nothing but joy, love and pride!
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Saturday, February 7, 2009
Happy Birthday David!
Let me take few minutes and wish a Very Happy Birthday to our own Jersey Darling: David Bryan of Bon Jovi!!!!
David, may you enjoy many years of excellent health, long lasting love, peace and serenity, and dazzling success! May your children bring you only joy and pride! And best of luck with your Broadway projects!
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!!!
To all my faithfull followers and readers,
May the New Year bring you health, happiness and good friends! Everything else is not as important!!!
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Thursday, December 18, 2008
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About Me
New Jersey, United States
I'm a 40+ year old, married, mother of two wonderfull children. I am also a huge Bon Jovi fan. Few years ago I discovered the wide world of FanFiction. With that discovery came an unexpected fringe benefit: friends and Jovi Sistahs :) Two of them, Alice Faye and Sun have been gently (or not) pushing me to start writing...So here I am! Thank you my wonderful cheerleaders! And a huge thank you to a certain Benevolent Techno Goddess! MWAH!
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Eight hikers were rescued early Tuesday from a hillside above Brand Park after they were unable to climb down a mountain trail, officials said.
The hikers were not injured during the incident, which occurred at approximately 11:25 p.m. Monday at the park, Glendale fire officials said.
A helicopter crew found the group on a trail near the 7 Pines area and kept a spotlight on them until a rescue crew reached them, officials said.


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Being trapped in an elevator was, at the time, terrifying. Partly because I was raised by a claustrophobic mother. In fact, I didn't ride in an elevator until I was old enough to navigate department stores on my own. So, one of my first thoughts when the elevator jammed was, My mom was right!
This wasn't my worst elevator experience, though. That happened when I was fourteen and I went to visit my dying mother in the Veteran's Hospital in Seattle. A trip to the restroom separated me from my dad so I had to ride the elevator by myself. I got off on the wrong floor. The air was blue with smoke. The people on the chairs and sofas looked frozen and immobile. For a moment, I thought maybe I had come to the place where they kept the dead. A nurse hurried over and informed me I was on the floor for the alcoholics. She directed me where I could find my mom. All these years later, I can still see the blue air of that smoke-filled room.
And just like there was a blessing (a book idea) to my unfortunate time in the stuck elevator, I think there was a blessing that came from my trip to the alcoholic ward of the VA hospital. Drinking has had zero appeal to me. Ever. Once in high school a friend asked me to come and pick up a drunk friend and drive her home. We had to stop several times for her to vomit, and all I could think was "ick." Years later at social events for my husband's work when people would drink, laugh too hard, talk too loud, and stand too close, I again would think (but never say) "ick." My husband had a boss that I liked when he was sober, but when he'd been drinking he would put his face just inches from mine and talk to me with his reeking breath.
My point is this: sometimes being stuck can be a good thing. Just as long as you learn something and move on.
Here's an old post about my experience in the elevator. Following that is the first chapter of my novella, Stuck With You--Free this weekend.
Do you ever feel stuck?
I listened to a great Ted talk the other day by a doctor who was paralyzed and went on to do great things despite his condition. The takeaway message for me was: we're all paralyzed at one time or another.
Which made me think. Not only are we sometimes paralyzed--there are probably whole areas of our lives where we're paralyzed. There are places we won't go. Things we won't do. Foods we won't eat. People we won't speak to. Ideas we won't consider. And sometimes this is wise and sometimes it's stupid.
The other day I was stuck in an elevator. I accidentally leaned against the alarm button and the elevator froze. I tried to pull the button that said, pull in case of an emergency. I tried to call the number on the elevator wall, but I didn't have cell service. I tried not to go insane while the alarm wailed.
I kicked the door. I beat against the wall with a teapot. (Who knew teapots could be useful for something other than making tea?) I pulled on the emergency knob until my hand turned blue (really, I bruised my hands.) Finally someone found me. And then they told me it would take 40 minutes for the elevator person to come to my rescue.
After 45 minutes, I decided I couldn't wait any longer, and I broke a pair of wire-rimmed glasses and used the arm to wedge under the emergency button. Using all my weight, I popped off the button and the elevator doors slid open.
While in the elevator, listening to the screaming alarm, I was fine. It wasn't until I was in my car and headed for home that I began shaking. It took a long time for me to feel "normal." (Whatever that is.)
The next day I received an email from a friend recounting her grandson's experience in the monster storm that devastated the Philippines. It made me stop and think about how I handled my adventure in the elevator and how this young missionary survived a deadly storm.
It made me think about fear and faith and patience. It gave me a great idea for a story.
What do you do when you feel stuck? Are there areas of your life where you refuse to budge? Old ideas that you refuse to let go? Relationships stuck in a rut? Habits and routines that could use some shaking up?
Click. Click. Click.
Stainless steel and glistening marble. No family pictures or personal mementos. Emotionally dead. Like a zombie.
Andie pushed open the walk-in closet and tweaked her assessment. A zombie wearing Armani. She snapped a few photos of the shoes lined up like soldiers on the shelves and the shirts hung with every collar facing north. Tempted to grab a fistful of the pinpoint Oxford shirts and wrinkle the heavily starched fabric, she controlled herself and instead searched the floor and dark corners, hoping to find a stray jock-strap or a Twinkie wrapper—anything incriminating. But Grayson Dodd was too good. Or, more likely, he hired someone to make him look good. He probably had someone come in to keep the contents of his medicine cabinet in alphabetical order and his sock drawer color coordinated.
She snapped a few more shots of the bedroom before heading to the balcony. In a few more minutes, she would be rewarded with a view of Catalina lying in a blue, sparkling sea. The Newport shots required patience and perfect timing. The morning marine layer often wouldn't burn off until noon, and by four p.m. it generally returned. This meant that she usually ate her lunch in a fast food parking lot, napkins carefully protecting her work uniform—a black linen skirt and creamy lace top.
Andie sat at the bistro table with the chairs strategically placed so that the balcony rail wouldn't interfere with the view, and waited for the sun to work its magic. Far below her, the cars moved along the crowded parkway. Clients and sellers wanted to see Catalina Island—not Southern Orange County's busy streets.
Andie scrolled through the photos on her camera, assuring herself that as soon as she had the ocean shots, she would have the bones of a decent flier. She let the sun warm her shoulders and closed her eyes, imagining Grayson Dodd's reaction to her work… She knew it wasn't fair to dislike him just because he was marrying her cousin, Kayla. Sure, he had an apartment with all the warmth and appeal of a Modani showroom, but maybe he was a decent guy. She had only met him a few times. It was nice of him to give her mom the listing.
Andie stood and rolled her shoulders. She knew that Kayla and Grayson were a set match. Everyone said so. And even if they had their flaws—Grayson's million dollar view was perfect. When the sun finally overcame the fog, she snapped the photos, said goodbye to Catalina, tucked her camera into her case, locked all the doors, and headed for the elevator.
Verbiage ran through her head while she waited. Location, location, location! Ocean views from this cozy (aka small) Newport Coast charmer (aka last century condo.) Typically, she loved her job…well, she didn't hate it…at least she was a photographer…but now as the elevator slid between floors, a funk she didn't know how, or didn't want to acknowledge, settled over her as heavy and dense as the Newport fog. She couldn't look at it too closely because she knew if she did, she'd find the cause of her bad mood…Jeremy Zimmerman. And she didn't want to find Jeremy Zimmerman anywhere, especially not inside her head. It was bad enough knowing that she would have to face him at Kayla's wedding.
The doors slid open. Andie looked up from her camera's display screen and saw Grayson Dodd leaning against the back wall, wearing a pair of khaki shorts, a Camp Pendleton Mud Run T-shirt and a pair of leather flip flops. Where were the pinpoint Oxford shirt and wingtip shoes? She nodded at him and pushed the elevator button.
"Hey," he said as the doors closed.
"Hi." She smiled and hoped it looked sincere and not as forced as it felt. "I just shot your condo."
"That seems harsh." He grinned. "Did it bleed?"
"Huh, no. Do you want to see? I got some pretty good shots of Catalina."
"So—you're not only a condo killer, but an island assassin."
"I have a camera. I know how to use it." She tried to read him. His light gray eyes stared back at her from behind wire-rimmed glasses. She didn't know this Grayson. He was different—and the difference extended beyond his wardrobe. "I can shoot you, too. Right here. Right now."
He shuddered. "Scary."
She shrugged and grinned. "I can plaster you all over Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I even do LinkedIn." Her voice caught as the elevator hiccupped and bounced. Andie stopped thinking of shooting Grayson when the elevator shuddered a mechanical sigh and stopped. The lights flickered and died.
"What the—?" Andie reached for the control panel and ran her fingers over the buttons. She blinked at them. Maybe her eyes would adjust to the perfect dark. But maybe not. She fumbled in her purse and pulled out her phone.
No service.
It provided a faint, milky light, and she used it to inspect the control panel. A red plaque had the words In case of an emergency, please call:1-800-555-help.
"Good to know," Grayson said, as he pulled out his phone. "Assuming you had service."
Andie spotted a large red button and pushed it. Almost immediately, an alarm wailed. It echoed through the tiny space and filled Andie's head.
"Someone will come now right?" She had to yell to be heard over the alarm. "The alarm will tell someone that we're stuck."
But no one came. Time grounded to a halt.
"Why don't I lift you up?" Grayson suggested. "Maybe you can crawl through the roof."
"And then what? I'm not Laura Croft. This isn't an action movie."
He laughed again, a soft sound, barely audible above the alarm. "I'm not looking for action."
"Oh!" she harrumphed. She actually harrumphed. Little old ladies like Grammy Dean harrumphed and now she was harrumphing too. Next thing—knitting, canasta, and Bonanza reruns. "You are not picking me up." She winced at the double entendre.
"Well, I would suggest you pick me up, but I don't think you could…at least, not in the literal sense."
Was he flirting with her? Eew. She tried to ignore him. Leaning against the far wall, as far as possible from Grayson, she was hypersensitive to him. He didn't say anything, but she still felt him. She really couldn't hear anything above the noise of the alarm, but she could swear she felt him breathe. His nearness crackled like electricity. Her skin prickled. He smelled like soap. A really nice, lavender sort of soap. Which made her wonder if males should use lavender soap. Maybe it was Kayla's soap.
Which made her think of bathing, which led to bathrooms, and the absence of such an important necessity…Panic fluttered in Andie's belly. She pounded on the door until her hands throbbed. She sat on the floor and used both of her feet to kick the door. Her screaming barely rose above the wailing alarm. Grayson remained in his corner, silent…other than the breathing.
"Hello?" A voice from the outside. "Is someone in there?"
Finally! Andie gave a sigh of relief that all of her banging and yelling had actually been useful. "Yes!" she screamed.
"Are you hurt?" the voice asked.
"Only my feelings," Grayson said.
"I'll go and get security," the voice said.
"It won't be long now," Grayson told her.
Andie harrumphed again. She was getting good at it.
Time stretched and slowed until it stood still.
"Security here," said a new, deeper voice. "Are you still there?"
"Where did you think we would go?" Andie rolled her eyes for the benefit of no one. Eye rolling and harrumphing had become her fallback positions.
"Pull the emergency button!" the voice instructed.
"I did that!" Andie yelled.
A light flickered as Grayson used his phone to located the red knob. He tried pulling it. "It's stuck," he confirmed.
"Call the fire department!" Andie yelled.
"What are they going to do?" Grayson asked. "Use the jaws of life?"
"Why is that stupid?"
"Did I say it was stupid?"
"No, but you said it like you thought it was stupid."
Andie wasn't sure, because she couldn't hear or see him, but she thought Grayson rolled his eyes.
"Hello?" Andie pressed her nose against the heavy metal doors and tried calling through them.
"Hello," Grayson said.
She rested her forehead on the doors. They felt smooth, cold and solid. "I'm not talking to you!"
"Too bad. We've been in here for almost a half hour, and I'm getting bored."
They sat in silence for hours, or maybe a few minutes. Andie wasn't sure which.
"Okay!" The security voice returned. "Just called the elevator guy. He can be here in forty minutes."
"Forty minutes!" Andie and Grayson both said at the same time.
"I can't stay here for another 40 minutes," Andie complained.
"What's the worst thing that can happen?"
She knew exactly what the worst thing that could happen was. She would have to designate a pee corner, and she would have to squat and pee in front of Grayson Dodd.
She fumbled in her purse for…anything. She pulled out her keys and tried wedging the skinniest one under the red knob. It didn't budge. Using her phone for a light, she studied the control panel. It had four tiny holes probably for a screw driver. Knowing she didn't have anything the right size, she swung the light at Grayson.
He blinked at her behind wire rimmed glasses.
Without thinking twice, she ripped the glasses off his face and broke off an arm.
"Do you want to stay in here?" Andie pointed the broken glasses at him with a shaky hand. "Do you want to pee in a corner?"
"Huh, no."
"Me neither." She tried poking the broken arm of the glasses into one of the tiny holes. Nothing.
"Here, give it to me." Grayson held out his hand.
Sighing, she handed it over.
Grayson bent it to form a loop and eased it under the knob. Holding onto the broken eyeglass arm, he leaned back, using all of his weight. Nothing.
He turned to her. "Help me?"
Andie opened her mouth to complain, but quickly realized his plan and complied. She put her arms around his waist and tried to not stand too close.
"Better idea. Switch places." He placed his hand on her shoulder and guided her so that she stood in front of him. Taking the newly created wire loop, he wrapped it beneath the red knob and held it tightly. "Lean against me," he said.
She leaned.
Nothing. Well, something, but it was more an internal, zipping blood thing than a mechanical, fix the elevator sort of thing.
"On the count of three, jump backwards," Grayson said. "Don't be afraid to hurt me."
Andie nodded. She felt dizzy standing in the circle of Grayson's arms.
"One. Two. Three."
The knob popped as they jumped away. Grayson tumbled to the floor, and Andie landed on top of him. The light sputtered on, and the alarm fell silent. The elevator lurched once before starting and grinding to a stop. The doors slid open.


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Presenting Topic: Life changing dolphins: fact or fiction?
Dr Monika Wilke's PhD on interactive dolphins was inspired by her many hours observing and swimming with Dolphy and Fanny in the south of France, with Françoise in the French Arcachon lagoon and several interactive dolphins in New Zealand and Australia. She is also a specialist in Communications Training.


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Learning about money and how to harness the true power of financial literacy and good saving habits don't come easy. Dianna explains why Society of Grownups came up with bylaws for discussing and implementing good money habits—and how letting bylaws be bylaws has made all the difference.
If you think about it, most of the things you do come with a set of instructions: that bookshelf from IKEA, the new camera you finally saved up for, and anything you've ever bought for a kid. But as difficult as those projects may have seemed at the time (trust us, we've all experienced a late night surrounded by pegs and screws that all look exactly the same), you got through them. Because you had a manual, or even a whole guidebook. Someone to show you how to do it.
But what about all the really important stuff? Like how to buy a house, negotiate a salary, or start investing? Where are the instructions for choosing a retirement account?
Sure, there are resources out there. But for most of us, they're still pretty confusing. Or they're really just sales pitches for products or companies. So we do the best we can, asking our parents or friends what they did. But what happens when that advice isn't really sound, or when it doesn't really apply to you? We all have our own individual goals, dreams, and values, which means one-size-fits-all advice just won't fit. Instead of changing your goals, why not change the way you seek advice?
We believe you should live life on your own terms. We believe it so strongly that we built Society of Grownups to help do just that: To provide a way for Grownups to figure out how to reach their goals, prioritize their values, and make sure that they feel confident about every step they take. We were built for Grownups by Grownups, which means we know where you're coming from. Many of us are in the process of making our own big decisions, navigating a lot of scary financial topics, and not knowing where to go or who to ask to get the right advice. Until now. With Society of Grownups, we have a place to go with our questions, a place where we won't feel judged for what we don't know, questioned for the goals we have, or used as a way to sell a product.
We stay true to our mission by following these bylaws:
- Putting money in perspective.
- Enabling your sense of adventure.
- Democratizing financial literacy.
- Seeking happiness over wealth.
- Championing transparency.
- Inspiring action toward your goals.
- Teaching as well as learning.
- Helping you find your inner adult.
These bylaws guide every decision we make at Society of Grownups. From classes and financial planning, to online articles and special events, we're here to learn and grow. We're getting by with a little help from our friends, fellow Grownups—and of course, balanced financial advice. We're excited to be on this journey with you, and encourage you to think about the life you really want to live, and get the conversation started.
Don't panic—Nobody has it all figured out. But if we continue the conversation and keep learning, we'll all get closer to where we want to go.
While working on the curriculum for Society of Grownups,
Dianna can usually be found listening to Motown and
taking up all the white board space.


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IT924 Textures IT925 Intricate Tiles
Today's post on the Kaisercraft Blog was all about adding texture to a project. What better way to add texture than using one of Kaisercraft's Designer Templates. The Design Team had a choice of using one of two Designer Templates: IT924 Textures or IT925 Intricate Tiles to add texture to their project.
I chose the least messiest way to add a bit of texture with the Intricate Tiles template, by colouring it with a Kaisercolour Gel Pen.
Kaisercraft Products: P2232 Mantra | P2239 Merak | SS330 Sticker Sheet | PP1013 Paper Pad | IT925 Designer Template - Intricate Tiles | FL593 Flourish Pack - Feather | CL104 Gel Pens - 48 Colours | F635 Paper Blooms - Terracotta | SB710 Rhinestones - Orange | RS410 Sparklets - Daffodil | IP727 Ink Pad - Lagoon | Other: Blue Sewing Thread |
This is a photo of my cousin who lives in Ubud, Bali completing a cleansing ritual.
Thanks for stopping by,


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New Tone… Alec Balwin Tweets "Whore" Jim Inhofe Needs to Retire to Gay Bar
He makes a great spokesman for Capitol One, huh?
This must be part of the new tone democrats promised us…
Alec Baldwin took to Twitter yesterday to call Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) a "whore."
Baldwin also suggested that Inhofe retire to a gay bar.
And here we thought libs liked gays?… Guess not.
He wasn't through…
Baldwin called him a oil whore a second time.
In February the Capitol One spokesman called Andrew Breitbart "a festering boil on anus of public discourse."
As a privately owned web site, we reserve the right to edit or remove comments that contain spam, advertising, vulgarity, threats of violence, racism, anti-Semitism, or personal/abusive attacks on other users. The same applies to trolling, the use of multiple aliases, or just generally being a jerk. Enforcement of this policy is at the sole discretion of the site administrators and repeat offenders may be blocked or permanently banned without warning. Guest posting is disabled for security reasons.


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STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (AP) -- A member of the Backstreet Boys pop music group tells police that $120,000 in jewelry was stolen from a Stone Mountain hotel where he and his wife were staying.
Brian Littrell tells WSB-TV (http://bit.ly/3zVcAZ ) they were leaving Stone Mountain Park outside Atlanta when they realized the jewelry had been left on a nightstand in their hotel room. He said that when they returned to the hotel to retrieve the items, they were gone.
Leighanne Littrell says the $120,000 in jewelry included her engagement ring valued at $110,000.
WSB reports that police were at the hotel Sunday night. It wasn't immediately clear when the reported theft occurred.
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{lattes from Blue Bottle}
|{a surprise anniversary gift}
|{quiet afternoon reading}
|{new shoes}
Even in a busy week I always find it necessary to set aside some time for simple things, like enjoying a warm cup of coffee while people-watching or curling up on the couch with a good magazine. This weekend I'm looking forward to patio drinks in North Beach and movie marathons. We went to Rasputin yesterday and after about an hour and a half of browsing three floors of movie titles we left the store with eleven DVDs in our hands. At $3.95 each and in the company of a cameraman, it was slightly inevitable and almost definitely predictable. Happy Friday!