text:
Sparrows For Free
Contemporary Romance
Chapter 1
I like hiding. I need to hide sometimes. I'm not talking about the childhood game where the 'it' person counts and finds their playmate who's hidden in a ridiculous spot. I'm talking about shutting myself into a tight space and forgetting that the rest of the world absolutely loathes breathing the same air as me. When I was a teenager, my hiding spot used to be my room. It was private, and I could lock the world away. But now as an adult, I own the apartment that I live in, but still it feels too open, too exposed. I need someplace ever smaller to appease the itch of hiding. I'm like a cow who finds comfort in one of those squeezing machines, even knowing that on the other side is a hot branding iron.
I'm not sure if it's hiding, or the sensation of being squeezed.
Maybe it's the feeling of being held that I like so much.
Because if something isn't holding me together, I just may fall to pieces.
My favorite spot is the right-hand side of my entertainment center. I know, it's not made for that purpose, but it fits my purpose perfectly. I bought it for that specific reason. I'm sure most savvy furniture shoppers look for aspects like wood color, size and try to match their other furnishings' style. I look for cabinet space. The one I have has two enormous cabinets on each side and I made sure that the left one had enough space to hold all of my DVDs and video games, leaving the other side empty as my own personal confessional booth.
When I admit it to myself, it sounds a bit desperate.
Okay, it sounds a lot desperate.
It sounds flat out pathetic.
I tell no one about my little hiding habit. Scratch that. I tell no one that my hiding habit has somehow continued into my adult life. The people I know wouldn't care, or would use it as an excuse to alienate me further. I'm not sure it's even possible for them to alienate me any more than they already do—they seem to be offended by the very breath in my lungs. My mother would have me committed—again. She committed me to a mental facility when I was seventeen for severe depression and then my father got me out the next day. I wasn't depressed. I just liked to be alone where I didn't have to hear her incessant whining about my father and how he didn't make enough money to support her needs. And she had no room to complain about him. My dad only worked when he had to in order to insure he always had time to help me with homework or be my confidante. My poor father, always torn between the material demands of my mother and the fraternal needs of me. I try to stay out of it, simply to make his life easier.
After Irene, they didn't really trust me with anyone else.
I lock the doors and turn my phone off. I've had to feign lost signal or dead battery more time than I can count when someone calls during my cabinet time.
Not someone, only two people, my mom or my dad.
I have to hide. It's the only way I can cope.
Today is one of those days.
I just need to forget the world.
Just like it always forgets me.
I would love to say my current spasm stems from something ultra-dramatic like someone called me a bitch or ruined my already flat career. How easy would it be to blame my fears on something so blatant? It wasn't anything so straightforward. I kind of wish it was something so blatant, that way I'd at least feel semi-justified. Usually, like today, it was the general populations' passive aggressive behavior aimed at me—or so I perceived it that way. I just happen to be one of these people who gets their feelings hurt all the time. I don't plan to get hurt or to be so sensitive. It's just who I am.
People tell me to grow a thicker skin, but I must be missing that DNA link or something because I can't just brush off the words of others. Anyway, isn't that the great thing about humans, we are all different?
I just want to feel safe again.
I don't know that I've ever felt safe.
I crawl into the cabinet, shove myself all the way to the back, and squeeze my feet in so that my knees are having an intimate meeting with my boobs. I curl my toes in and reach to shut the door—because inside that cabinet, the world goes away. There's nothing and no one who can ignore me or pretend I don't count in the cabinet. I can't see the disapproving glares or the wordless shared glances of people who shouldn't mean a thing to me, but who find a way to stab me daily.
I hate that moment the most.
The moment you find out you don't even register as a blip on someone else's radar.
Especially if you've ever considered that person important in your life.
And if my brain took the time to work it out thoroughly—if it took the time to explain to my heart that it wasn't the people around me at all, it was me—I may have a shot. But my heart rules my world, no matter how many times I allow it to shatter—no matter how many patches it has to sew on, it finds a way to keep beating on.
I wrap my arms around my knees and blow warm breaths of confessions to them. I confess that I saw the way Leila rolled her eyes at my carb filled lunch as she crunched on her strips of bacon. I tell them how the boss constantly ignores my emails and requests for a change in job responsibilities. I piano my fingers across the bridge of my nose as I recall Adam ignoring my contribution to the idea pool for our new advertisement project. I excuse them with my own shortcomings, of course. Leila is in better shape than me, maybe she was inadvertently trying to give me a clue. The boss is a very busy man. He does read some of my emails. Adam is the leader of our team. It probably wasn't a good idea anyway.
See what I mean?
I excuse everyone but can't seem to cut myself a break.
It burns when I see things like the infamous eye-rolling, and I manage to seek them out. I wish I was one of those people who skirted through life not seeing the soundless sneers and jeers of others. I wish I didn't see the way people shove themselves into the four corners of the elevator when I enter as if I have some communicable disease or social infection. I wish it would all go away.
I have always been this way. I would spend hours upon hours organizing an event for one of the umpteenth clubs I participated in during high school and then be the only name left off of the flyer. I was left off of lists and announcements every single time. I was told I couldn't go to certain field trips or school activities because they were full—only to find out they were full because spots were being held for the really important people. I'd never be one of the important people. I'd be the one found dead, weeks later, not because anyone missed me—but because I'd offended them one last time with the smell.
I seem to offend everyone.
Or did everyone offend me?
I can't remember.
I know where I am on the totem pole of life. I'm not the eagle on the top or even the fox in the middle that makes children happy. Hell, I'm not even the distorted demon face on the bottom that scares people and makes them wonder why they were there in the first place. No, I am the base of the totem pole, the plain, insignificant foundation that holds the weight of the rest. And life never hesitates to throw it in my face.
The other reason I love this cabinet is no glass on the doors. I can get in and really pretend I'm the queen of the tiny castle. Self-depreciating, weird, queen—I digress. Everyone in here loves me and would never slight me—which is not healthy or honest at all since I'm the only one in here and the first to knock myself down before anyone else gets the chance.
I clunk my head on the side of my abode, knowing that the next day I have to face the cruel world again. I try to make it easier on myself through sarcasm and my perfectly honed distraction techniques. But they only take me so far.
Maybe it's not the world. Maybe it's just me. I feel awkward in every conversation. I'm the girl who sends an email or an instant message and lets her stomach plummet to the floor if the other person doesn't answer immediately. I wait for the noise, letting me know I've been recognized as alive. I truly have a sense of being some low class moron in the presence of every other person in the world.
Pathetic—that's the word I'm looking for.
I wish I could blame it on horrible parents or some kind of adolescent abuse scenario. I mean, I could. But I won't.
After hours of crying in my safe place, I emerge. I'm hungry. I go into the kitchen and make a quick bowl of oatmeal. I think of picking up the phone and calling a friend to complain to or to build me up, but the off and on friends I have always treat me like the special kid. Instead of feeling better about myself after I get off the phone, I always feel like I need to put a check in their box.
Annoyed them enough for the month: check.
Thoroughly convinced them that I'm mentally unstable: check.
Blocked my phone number: check.
I get out of my cabinet after it prescribes me lots of comebacks and quips that I would never use to those people who slight me. No ten Hail Mary's for me, just a bunch of 'F' you's.
Not that I am ever going to tell anyone F you.
They might not like me anymore.
Wait, hold up, they already hate me.
I eat, perched on the arm of my cream colored couch. Whatever had possessed me to get a cream colored couch, fails to come to mind. It's not white like a cheesy music video couch but yet not brown like the insignificant, cookie cutter person I am. I'm afraid to sit on it, always preoccupied there's something on my butt. I spend the entirety of my menstrual cycle sitting on my old leather recliner, passed down to me from my grandfather, afraid of a girly incident.
I suppose it all boils down to trust issues. I've always been on the painted end of the one way only side of the friendship sign. I give and give while being as nice as I can be, bordering on kissing their ass until I realize every conversation, every phone call, every get together is initiated by me. I'm never invited to anything or mentioned in conversations. I'm invisible. I'm vapor. Sometimes, I like to pretend I'm strong. I tell myself I'm not going to write, message, call them, or anything. The next time we communicate will be when they want to talk to me. Of course, this begins a spiral. They never begin any communications with me or even notice my absence. Then I end up caving, letting the desperation of loneliness take over my psyche. So, I message them. Then they act annoyed, lather, rinse and repeat.
I could just fade away.
After washing my bowl and spoon, I turn my phone back on. I don't even check to see if there are any missed calls or text messages—there are none, trust me. I've already spoken to my parents that day and my sister never calls. After changing out of my work clothes and into pajamas, I burrow into my layer upon layers of bedding. I'm one of those cold people. Even during a Louisiana summer, I freeze at night. Opening a new book on my iPad Kindle app, I read a few pages and then come upon the main character's name—Blake.
"He likes you. I heard him talking to Abe when I passed their table."
"Jill, you're my best friend, and I love you. But you're full of shit if you think a guy like Blake likes me. Anyway we're in the seventh grade, what does he likes me mean anyway?"
"You know he wants to go out with you."
"Out with me where?"
Jill threw her hands up in embarrassment of my lack of knowledge about such things. "It just means you'll be his girlfriend."
I chanced a glance over at the popular people table and saw Blake. But he was tossing pepperoni pieces at someone across the room.
"He's throwing chunks of mystery meat. He's not even looking at me."
"You'll see," she smirked. I darted my gaze back down to my book while she attempted to give herself whiplash looking from me to Blake and back again.
I click my finger on the top left of the app and chose 'library' from the menu that pops up. I have no desire to read about Blake and how he found the love of his life. It turned out that middle school Blake wasn't talking about me that faithful day in the cafeteria. He was talking about Alyssa, the only other red head in the seventh grade class whose name happened to be eerily similar to mine. Jill hadn't heard him talking about me. She'd simply heard him saying something about a pretty red head and jumped to conclusions. Conclusions that led me to write him a note asking if he liked me and my being laughed at for the rest of the school year. Thankfully, over that summer, Blake had been accepted to an elite Catholic prep school, and I never saw him again.
Giving up on my books, I slide down lower into the covers and wonder at what point I became this person—this girl who spends her evenings hiding from people. I'm twenty one years old but still contain the same apprehension for people and my inability to judge the truth of their emotions as I did at the tender age of thirteen.
"You are so screwed up, Aysa Branton."


text:
Lucky Fuckers and John DAgostino
I had fun playing a 20$/MTT. I had 4K in chips, AA, and I got KK to put all his chips in the middle. Lets see here. He raises, I re-raise ALOT, he Re-Re-Raises, I PUSH ALL IN, and he fucking calls off almost all of his stack. I know it is beyond most players at this level to let KK go but sometimes I think AA is obvious. Fucktard! I am steaming now!!!!
I had a nice game of PL08 with John DAgostino. We are homies now. Check this out:
SirFWALGMan: do you know how to play this
game John?
SirFWALGMan: :)
tekiller (Observer): gl mr dagostino
John DAgostino: i dont know how to play any
SirFWALGMan: i was telling my friend you had a
bracelet, he told me I was wrong.. still much better
than me though, lol
DEALERMIKE (Observer): John.. i was watching a
tourny from 04.. i couldn't believe you touched
another guys chips to count his stack... do you
remember that tourny...??
Ptroy07 (Observer): john do you know the name
jerome graham?
SirFWALGMan: is john allowed to turn chat off, lol
nyczdon (Observer): gg
John DAgostino: my chat's not off
John DAgostino: lol
SirFWALGMan: is there a rule in your contract you
have to listen to us losers?
John DAgostino: no
Tom Mendenhall: he has a contract?
SirFWALGMan: I assume so
John DAgostino: i dont have to listen
ChrisEmo (Observer): lol
SirFWALGMan: cool
Ptroy07 (Observer): well do you know jerome
SirFWALGMan: im so blogging that. lol.
SirFWALGMan: john's like "What did my agent get
me into!"
Tom Mendenhall: he has an agent
tekiller (Observer): lol
tekiller (Observer): he dont mind he prolly kind of
likes seeing how many people are enfatuared by
joeybdb (Observer): he is thinking he would have a
better time in a back ally bar playing with mobsters
John DAgostino: yes i got it killer
Dealer: jrob420 wins the pot (225)
Dealer: Hand #476488626
John DAgostino: got my 2nd tv couple days ago
John DAgostino: two bigscreens side by side, split
SirFWALGMan: sweet
John DAgostino: been watchin 3 games at a time
all week
XxGraveDiggerxX (Observer): Cool!
SirFWALGMan: hey john can I borrrow 2$?
SirFWALGMan: lol
nyczdon (Observer): rofl
After I call my last 470 into a pot that is over 2K:
Simian8: remarkable
SirFWALGMan: ya like your AK play
Simian8: ?
SirFWALGMan: lol
SirFWALGMan: what did I have to lose, 480 left in
a 2K pot
Simian8: you had nothin but an inside straight
SirFWALGMan: what did I have to lose?
Simian8: whatever
SirFWALGMan: lol
SirFWALGMan: *TILT*
Simian8: no no
Simian8: FULLTILT
SirFWALGMan: lol
SirFWALGMan: ill do it again to, but only if its you
Simian8: lol
SirFWALGMan: in case you were confused by
John being here, this isnt the WPT
SirFWALGMan: hey if I outlast john does that
mean I am better than him, LMAO!
Dealer: John DAgostino shows [4c 8s 6d 7c]
joeybdb (Observer): no the big part was
Dealer: BJ316 shows a flush, Ace high
Dealer: John DAgostino shows a pair of Fours
Dealer: BJ316 wins the pot (1,628) with a flush,
Ace high
Dealer: Hand #476591895
SirFWALGMan: gg
SirFWALGMan: I think
BJ316: gg
Sir > John

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Wab Kinew Elected Leader of the Manitoba NDP
Wab Kinew has been elected the new leader of the Manitoba NDP, party president David Woodbury announced today.
"Today, New Democrats have started a new chapter for our party by electing Wab Kinew as our new Leader," said Woodbury. "I want to thank both of the candidates for putting their names forward and everyone that participated in Leadership 2017."
The 2017 leadership race featured candidates Wab Kinew and Steve Ashton, helping bolster party membership to over 10,000.
The result of the delegate vote was 728 for Wab Kinew and 253 for Steve Ashton.
Wab Kinew succeeds Interim Leader Flor Marcelino, who led the party since May 2016.
"It's been a humbling day. With all my heart, I want to thank New Democrats for the trust they've placed in me. I will work everyday to live up to that trust, and do everyone proud," said Kinew. "The road ahead will be tough, but with the support of my team and my family, we will begin this new era for the NDP with courage and dedication to standing up for all Manitobans."


text:
Apparently I Can't Say It. You'll Have To Read It To Understand.
"USM Professor Emeritus Clayton Sullivan levels two arguments at atheism.
First, it is impossible for the human mind to think about that which does not exist (the non-existent). Atheists deny God's existence and then curiously launch into extensive discussions about God.
Second, Sullivan states that atheists reveal their ignorance of grammar.
"They don't understand what a noun is," Sullivan said. "To be meaningful a noun must have a referent (a denotation) to a person, place or thing. On the lips of an atheist the term God has no referent. No denotation. Thus, the word is meaningless. A language fraud."
He does also throw in the tired argument that it's impossible to disprove the existence of anything, but that's an aside. Honestly, if that's what it's come to for the apologist crowd, it's time to come up with some new beliefs. Any fair discussion of the existence of gods cannot include such a deceptive argument. But on to the other two points...
I've come across several versions of this argument in my brief career as a heathen. My friend Maria loves to call me out when I utter exclamations like "oh my god" or "lord help us". Her point being that I can't profess to not believe in something then invoke that same something in my language. To do so is to admit belief in it.
I've also had several people try the argument that I can't argue that I don't believe something if I invoke that something in my argument for disbelief. That's a lot like what the learned professor is arguing in his second point above.
At the risk of sounding like a novice in this area, let me give you my thoughts on these two points.
First, as to the notion that "it is impossible for the human mind to think about that which does not exist", I don't understand how anyone could make that argument in good conscience. Perhaps we can't think accurately about that which does not exist, but clearly we have a remarkable capacity for dwelling expansively on things which don't exist. What about Zeus and the whole panel of gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and Rome. What about dragons and elves and Santa Claus. Maybe I'm missing something here, but it seems to me that our IMAGINATION makes it exactly possible for the human mind to think about that which does not exist. Perhaps I need to read his paper to understand the nuances of this argument.
Let's continue to the second challenge he offers. Bear in mind that terms like noun and grammar are just sounds we create to express certain ideas. They are not natural laws or physical laws that prove or disprove an argument. It's fine to argue that the use of certain words or ideas violate our rules for those words, but it says nothing about the argument we are invoking the words for. In other words, even if he is accurate saying we misuse the term "god" in arguing against his existence, it says nothing about whether god exists. Right here, it's time for the apologist to set this whole argument aside as a proof for god.
One other point I would raise to counter his thesis. We are all born into this world of people, places and ideas. We didn't create them but we do have to live with them. One of the ideas that exists in our world is that there is a god outside our sensory capacity who runs things. What that looks like is different for each god posited. Again, that idea existed before we got here. We have no choice but to interact in a world with that notion. Our cultures and societies are saturated with the various expressions and nuances of that belief system. When someone decides to reject an idea or belief in the world they live in, they have no other way to express that rejection than to invoke it in their argument. If that violates some language specialist's idea of the proper use of a noun, well...it's just irrelevant to the important question of whether that "noun" exists.
When we "launch into extensive discussions about god", it's because that's the only way we can, in this world, in this structure, debate the salient issue of his existence. What other way is their to challenge the idea of something existing without invoking the name and attributes attached to that something?
Further, when I say things like "oh my god", it's ridiculous to suggest that this figure of speech, while it may have found it's origin in the belief in a god, has anything to do or say about whether I believe in him. To sing a song about Santa doesn't require a belief in Santa. Perhaps for the longer term, it is a good idea for me to eliminate such phrases from my language, but again it says nada, zip, zilch, about whether that thing exists.
I'll tell you what Professor, as soon as you can bring some empirical evidence to the table for the existence of (that which cannot be named), I'll apologize for violating the technical definition of the term "noun".
I'm sorry, but I think his entire argument amounts to a weak, water-muddying, effort to provide the intellectually lazy, faithful, with ammunition. In fact, it all ultimately acts as proof against his first argument. Apparently we (he) can indeed think about something which doesn't exist. In this case, a decent argument.


text:
In the past, I used to be intimidated by artwork.
In the past, I might have been discouraged, constantly comparing my art to other's work, always feeling disappointed.
Now, rather than feeling discouraged, I am learning to take these feelings, and turn them into inspiration.
Be inspired. That is some very helpful, yet simple, advice I keep close to my heart to remind myself, at times of uncertainties, to constantly create.


text:
A great way to contribute to the research and conservation of marine mammals in Israel
For the first time in Israel – project "Adopt a Dolphin". 17 out of the tens of identified bottlenose dolphins living off the Israeli coastline are now available for adoption. By adopting one of these dolphins, you too can actively support the continuation of dolphin research, and enable us to learn more about the dolphin you have adopted, and the rest of the population occupying the coastal habitat.
Dolphins can be uniquely identified from a profile picture of their dorsal fin, which is somewhat like the dolphin's "fingerprint". This non-invasive method, known as photo-identification, is one of the most basic and important dolphin research tools, used all over the world, and it enables us to collect a lot of information on individuals as well as on the groups they live in.
The photos are taken during the dolphin population surveys conducted regularly by the IMMRAC research team, using our research boat IMMRAC-1 and other yachts courtesy of their owners. All fin photos are matched against photos that have already been collated in a catalogue of individuals, and each time there is an authenticated new identification, an original nickname is given (please note that it is not usually possible to identify the dolphin's gender).
List of dolphins up for adoption
For a contribution of $100 or more, you will receive a photo of your adopted dolphin and an elegant adoption certificate. If you are a class of pupils, the whole class can adopt a dolphin for $200 and more. The money is a donation to IMMRAC, and will be dedicated to upgrading its resources and thereby furthering its educational, conservation and research goals. For an immediate and secure online adoption use the following PayPal link:
Contact Information
All inquiries about project information can be made directly to the Adopt A Dolphin Project at the University of Haifa.
Adopt A Dolphin Project
University of Haifa
Haifa 31905
NAME: Sharon Naim or Aviad Scheinin
E-MAIL: firstname.lastname@example.com
Telephone: +972 (54) 550-0152
Fax from Abroad: +972 (4) 824-0493
Tax deductible donations can also be made payable to:
In the United States
American Society of the University of Haifa
(Attn: Adopt A Dolphin Project)
220 Fifth Avenue, Suite #1301
New York, NY 10001
U.S. Regional Contacts
National Office, New York: Ms. Tali Yallon, firstname.lastname@example.com
In Canada
Canadian Friends of Haifa University
(Attn: Adopt a Dolphin Project)
400 Walmer Road, Suite #1921
Toronto, ON M5P 2X7
National Office, Toronto: Ms. Hetty Shapiro, firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
It's ten but we were up til almost morning– we were playing Rock Band on the Wii and before we knew it it was 10.30 and church started at 11! We were starving but bundled into the car fortified by one sweet potato roll each and went on. Episcopalian services are lovely and fast. We came home and ate– we were so snappish and tired, not nearly the ceremony such a delicious meal on such a special night deserved, we're going to have to orchestrate that better next year.
I say that every year.
Then off to bed for the kids and there was still wrapping and putting out to do. My mom called bright and early to say my Grammy was doing better… My stepdaughter and I have been up since eight. We're showered and dressed in our new matching pajama bottoms, enjoying a moment of peace (marred only by the largish puddle of water that leaked onto the floor in the foyer when she showered, in the upstairs bathroom, eek! But I am NOT calling the plumber on Christmas!)… my husband, stepson and baby are still snoring away.
So a moment of quiet. I really enjoyed Lynn Jericho's work last year… I am so pleased to happen on this first post this morning. Here's her first post, and my response below.
I encourage you do subscribe. It goes with those books The Voice of the Earth and The Last Child in the Woods I have but haven't had time to read, and another book I sent Dad for a belated Christmas gift. Our Chinese friend Dong Dong, who studies Confucian and other great Chinese philosophies (and is sadly going home shortly) might like it too, maybe my parents will share with him.
I was just sitting on my back porch thinking about ordering my lunar gardening calendar for this year and wondering whether to dig out the broadleaf weeds in my lawn close to the house one at a time or spot treat them with white vinegar and how much damage the white vinegar would do to desirable grasses, and wondering how to cultivate a moss lawn on that slope between the fence and the porch…
My responses…
Three memories: These are not recollections of the vast expanses, or the tiny breathtaking beauties, either. I have a very utilitarian, personal, and self-centered relationship with nature. These are definitely evidence of the happiness I find right here on my own little spot of dirt.
1. Pulling plentiful but somewhat tough and bitter end of season basil out of my own raised beds to make an amazing, delicious basil cilantro pesto in which to saute red onions and linguine as in the Veganomicon recipe– how satisfying!
2. Several different hot summer afternoons spent with my husband and children cleaning out the weedy, dirt filled rock beds surrounding our house.
We picked the rocks out pretty much one by one, with our hands, shoveled out all the dirt down to a few inches, and then poured leveling sand and replaced the rocks. We didn't just replace them. At first, because of my ocd, we f*$%(@# washed them too. You know what's really sad? My perfectly sane husband and kids went along with it!
I thought and thought, but even with a backhoe… the only easier way to have done it would have been to pay a host of Guatemalans less than minimum wage to do exactly what we were doing. I thought to myself, Work Will Set You Free. And there was a sort of beauty to giving oneself up to the work, especially the work of letting the cool water run over the rocks on those hot, hot days.
The areas we've done look like a pristine river bed, a zen garden.
But after about a week's worth of work on it, spread over many weeks because it is so hard to get the courage up to get going on it again… we've only done about 1/3 of it, and the front will be harder, because we must dig around all of the shrubs.
3. The hot sun on my arms, chest, shoulders and face as I work in the yard is more soothing to me than any mother's touch. In this climate I get to enjoy that most of the year… when we 'fall back' and it is dark when I come home from work, I get pretty depressed.
We have a huge yard. I am so thankful for it. I grew up in places where our house was surrounded by meadow or cow pasture or woods, and some amount of sunrise or sunset was usually readily visible.
Suburban life, where you can see your neighbors and they can see you, and that is about all you can see, makes me a little ill… buying this house with its extremely generous yard soothed my soul in ways I cannot express.
The yard is much too big for me to maintain. I think we're pulling down the property value for our neighbors, bless 'em– although in my opinion this is still the coolest, nicest, most substantial house in our declining subdivision of homes that I am sure were once thought to be quite nice.
Last summer my husband thought he was being kind when he told my stepkids they would be responsible for mowing– I was like, back the hell off my lawn! I use a push mower on the endless expanse– it really only takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to mow the whole thing but with working full time and the heat here and the rate at which it grows, I end up having to mow 20-40 minutes 2-3 times per week during our endless growing season. It is a great source of exercise and working out in the hot sun really brings my blood pressure down and gives me a sense of accomplishment. The lawn grows lush and uncontrollable in most of the yard– so satisfying, even if it does require more work and mowing is almost all I have time to do.
I just wish I had one of those no-motor mowers, you know the old school, whirling blade ones?
I can't count the times I have felt such joy and freedom when I had a whole day to work in my yard. I will work in my yard from sunup til I fall out from exhaustion. I'm committed to using organic/natural methods to keep it nice– composting, digging up weeds or treating with vinegar, and mowing more often rather than using herbicides and fertilizers. I am sometimes guilty of watering but… that's okay.
Some of my work is fruitful… the lawn near our back porch is looking so much better than the sand pit it was just a year and a half ago. Some of it is not– all but one of the giant azaleas we broke our backs to dig up– we actually had to tie a rope to my trailer hitch, in the end, and pull them the rest of the way out, they were so big and deeply rooted, from a freecycle offer and planted along our back fence– have died, along with the new white ones I bought at Lowes. My old 4wd Rodeo sits in the carport now, it doesn't run any more and the cargo area is still covered in dirt from those azaleas. I watered faithfully, but not faithfully enough.
Oops! My little one is up… time to go down and orchestrate the pillage of the spoils left by Santa. Ways I hope to interact with nature in the coming year? That needs some thought. I will have to write how I hope to interact with nature in a bit!
* * *
Okay I'm back.
I'm already reasonably proud of my habits as far as how I try to treat nature goes. I compost, I refuse to eat meat or meat by products like gelatin (large scale meat egg and dairy farming is more dangerous to our environment than our cars and transport industry!!) and usually don't eat dairy either, although when someone puts pizza or cake or chocolate in front of me I can't always turn it down. We need to do this and that around our home to make it more energy efficient, and we will, one step at a time.
I am often thankful for the insane climate here– often through the fall winter and spring we can just turn everything off and open doors and windows. I recycle as best I can, too. It does my soul good to do what little I can on the environmental front.
I do promise to continue to inform myself and write about alternative energies (Clean Coal is still a fossil fuel, duh! and Clean Coal and Safe Storage aren't!). I promise to add my voice to all the others, in a way that I hope will be accessible and helpful and make a difference.
So. Got that part of it, how I treat nature, covered.
So I think I need to pay attention to the soul front. I've been reading The Power of Now, as best I can among all the other 99 things I'm juggling. Tolle says if you don't make time for small daily bites of consciousness when times are semi normal, then when it hits the fan you won't be able to stay conscious at all, and you'll fall apart.
David Whyte says the same thing, in a different way. You must make time daily for your heart– poetry, a walk… And I hear from a friend who's a counselor– you're a Human Doing. You have got to learn to be a Human BEING.
And finally, my other favorite book of 2008, Radical Honesty, talks about how ill we make ourselves when we aren't honest– when we habitually suck it up for the sake of making others happy or not making waves. The habit is so ingrained from childhood on up and we are making ourselves sick. And Blanton says that we cannot possibly be honest because we don't even know how we feel. He recommends meditation of some sort– as long as meditation is used to reveal inner soul feelings and needs rather than to soothe/hide/ignore them for the purposes of keeping them in.
So. I will use nature, such as it is in my little subdivision, for the purposes of greater soul health.
I will walk 15 minutes every day. That's all. Whether anyone comes with me or not. I will simply be during that time, empty my head, listen to my heart.
I hope to exercise daily too, and work in my yard– but those things are all too easily Human Doing. So cultivating that 15 min. of consciousness per day comes first. With that done, everything else will follow.


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All items > Knives > Out The Front Knives > Microtech (OTF) > Microtech Scarab
- Overall Length:8.375"
- Blade Length:3.50"
- Blade Material:154CM
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Black
- Edge Type:Serrated
- Handle Length:4.63"
- Handle Material:Aluminum
- Color:Black
- Weight:4.40 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Down
- Sheath:Nylon
- Knife Type:Double-Action OTF Automatic
- Opener:Thumb Slide
- Brand:Microtech
- Model:Scarab
- Model Number:107-2
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Tactical
- Product Type:Knife
The Microtech Scarab is perhaps the mother of all out-the-front automatic knives. The Scarab is double action meaning it fires both out and in via the slide button located on the right side of the knife. The action, lock-up and quality on the Scarab is top-notch Microtech.
This Scarab Executive features a 154-CM stainless steel blade with a black two-tone finish and a partially serrated edge. The smooth surface, black anodized T-6 aluminum handle has a tip-down carry pocket clip and glass breaker tip. Includes nylon sheath.


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The Tijou Family Tree
For a several years now, I have been trying to establish a complete link between myself and Jean Tijou - the iron artist. In the process of doing so, I have accrued much information about other Tijous and their relationship to each other, and most that have and established link with Jean.
I now have a list of over 1254 descendants and spouses on my computer, so if you are interested, or would like more information on your part of the Tijou family tree, please Email me at email@example.com. I may be able to supply a printout which would show how far back you branch of the family can at the moment be traced.
By Charles Wallace Tijou
Examples Of Jean Tijou's Work.


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Sunday, March 18, 2012
Six Days to Life,
Hello again my dear friends, Well I had a lot of fun (not) doing the post
yesterday. It had a very bold font, very large, with underlining and when
I typed anything it was huge and not nice, so there are two posts this
weekend. I see when it was posted it was quite all right. Oh Well.
I do hope that all is well with you my friends and your lives are going well.
I am fine despite a small hiccup when I had a slip down to the floor after
trying to do too much, so won't do that again- the overwork I mean.
I wasn't hurt very much in the fall, my right leg is still sore after 4 days.
Trouble is I couldn't get up - always my worst worry. I tried for a long
time but just could not, so luckily I had the phone with me and I rang
Michael who is like another son, he got me up easily and sat me down
got me a jug full of cold water, and I drank 3 glasses straight.
Michael finished what I was trying to do. I had started making meals
and you have to finish them. I had cooked all the vegies, so he put
them on the meals and covered them and put them in the fridge and
freezer. Then he put my meal in the microwave and heated it for me.
I will do things differently next time, I was so grateful for his help.
Next day he brought me some Ice Gel and massaged the calf of my leg.
The pain was instantly eased and I did it again twice that day.
Today I had a lovely surprise visit from my dear granddaughter Kate
and her partner from Deniliquin. Kate of the restaurant.. They both
did a few small jobs for me just little things that I can't do. It gave
me a real lift to my spirits to see them. AND they went to Bunnings
and got me some bright coloured plants. So another spirit lift.
It made me late starting this, but it was so lovely to see them both.
Well time to move on now. I am fine really. First item is from
Mountain Wings and is called "Six Days to Live."
I have never known six happy days in my life. Napoleon Bonaparte,
Emperor of France and conqueror of much of Europe.
I have found life so beautiful. ~~Helen Keller, lecturer and writer
who was blind and deaf from the age of 19 months. Helen Keller
graduated from college and went on to champion the cause of
blind and deaf people.
From the Mountain:
Most would assume that an emperor would have cause to be
constantly, and a blind and deaf person would have cause to be
miserable constantly.
It's not in the stuff outside,
It's the stuff inside that counts.
A nice story from my cousin David called "Gratitude," Thanks David.
The Whale...If you read a recent front page of the San Francisco
Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale who
had become entangled in a spiderweb of crab traps and lines.
She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that
caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of
yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso and
a line tugging in her mouth,
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands, (outside
the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help.
Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that
she was so bad off,the only way to save her was to dive in and
untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and
eventually freed her.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like
joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one
at a time and nudged them, pushed them gently around as she
was thanking them.
Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their
lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes
were following him the whole time,and he will never be the same.
May you,and all those you love, be as blessed and fortunate to
be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from
the things that are binding you.
And may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
Time for a few jokes, First from my good friend Theanne, Thanks
Theanne for "Advice for a Scottish Wife."
A woman goes to the Doctor in Glasgow about her husband's
temper and threatening manner.
The Doc asks :What's the problem Janet?"
The woman says, "Weeell Doctor Cameron, I dinnae know what to
do. Every time me auld man comes home pissed, he threatens to
slap me aroon..."
The Doctor says, "Aye, well I have a real good cure for that. When
your husband comes home intoxicated, just take a wee glass of
water and start swishing it in your mouth. Just swish and swish
but don't swallow it until he goes to bed and is sound asleep."
Two weeks later she comes back to the Doctor looking fresh and
reborn. She says, "Doctor, that was an effin brilliant idea.Every
time my auld man came home pished, I swished and swished and
he didnae touch me even once.Tell me Doctor, what is the secret?
How does the water do that?"
The Doctor says: "Janet hen, it's really nae big secret. The water
does bugger all....it's keeping your mouth shut that does the trick.
One from Pearly Gates called "Cannibal Canoe."
A Frenchman, an Englishman and a New York Yankee are captured
by cannibals. The chief cannibal comes to them and says, The bad
news is that we have caught you, we're going to kill you, put you in
a pot cook you and eat you and then use your skin to build a canoe.
The good news is that you choose how to die.
The Frenchman says "I take the sword." The chief gives him a sword
He says,"Viva la France" and runs himself through.
The Englishman says, "Right, -- a pistol for me please."The chief gives
him a pistol, he points it at himself, says "God Save the Queen." and
The New Yorker says "Gimme a fork". The chief is puzzled but he shrugs
and gives him a fork. The New Yorker takes the fork and starts jabbing
himself all over the stomach, the sides, the chest , everywhere. There's
blood gushing out all over, it's horrible.
The chief is appalled, and asks, "What in the world are you doing?:
The New Yorker says, "So much for your stupid canoe."
Two from my dear friend Lady Di. Thank you Dianne for "Seniors and
Computers." And also "Blonde at the Bar."
As we Senior Silver Surfers know, sometimes we have trouble with
our computers. I had a problem yesterday, so I called Eric, the
11 year old next door, whose bedroom looks like Mission Control
and asked him to come over. Eric clicked a couple of buttons and
solved the problem.
As he was walking away, I called after him, "So what was wrong?"
He replied, It was an ID ten T error."
I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An ID
ten T error? What's that? In case I have to fix it again."
Eric grinned.."Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," I replied.
Write it down," he said, and I think you'll figure it out."
So I wrote it down: IDIOT
I used to like Eric, the little ba****d.
A guy walks in and sits down at the end of the bar, just a few seats
from him there is a very buxom blonde with huge size 44DD breasts.
The guy orders a beer. The bartender fills the mug and slides it down
the bar. t hits the lady's boobs ad splashes all over them
The bartender retrieves the mug and licks the beer off the blonde.
Each time he calls for a beer, this happens. So after the third beer,
he decides to help the bartender out. The next time the bartender
hits her boobs,he jumps up and starts to lick her breasts...AND
He is laying on the floor moaning and groaning, "Jeez..then why
do you let the bartender do it?"
Get ready . . . . here it comes . . . .
^ "Because he has a licker licens" Says the blonde.
Another winner???
Last one is a short one from Warren. Thanks Mate.
It is called, "Grandpa What is Sex?"
An 8 year-old girl went to her Grandfather who was working in the
yard. and asked him, :Grandpa, what is sex?" The grandfather was
surprised that she would ask such a question but decided that if she's
old enough to know to ask the question, then she's old enough to
get a straight answer. Stealing himself to leave nothing out, he
proceeded to tell her all about human reproduction and the joys and
responsibilities of intercourse.
When he had finished explaining the little girl was looking at him with
her mouth hanging open, eyes wide in amazement. Seeing the look
on her face, the grandfather asked her "Why did you ask this question
The little girl replied, "Grandma says that dinner will be ready in a
couple of secs."
Well time to close my friends. Look after yourselves and each other.
My love and best wishes to you all. Cheers, Merle.
Post 773 ~ ~ Sunday, 18th March, 2012.
10 comments:
Hi Merle...so sorry about your fall...so happy Michael was able to get you up and help you out. And that you had a lovely visit from Kate and her partner!
the jokes were all great...still loving the one I sent you, maybe cause over the years I've had trouble knowing when to keep my mouth shut! LOL
have a peaceful week,
love and hugs, Theanne
- Mon Mar 19, 11:57:00 am
- Lady Di Tn said...
Sorry to hear about the fall and glad no serious damage was done. God Bless Michael for his help. It was nice to hear Kate and friend came for a visit and cheered you up. Thanks for sharing my merger jokes and the swishing the water was a HOOT. Please be careful as you are one of our PRECIOUS Blogger. Wishing you ENOUGH. PEACE
- Tue Mar 20, 12:14:00 am
- Big Dave T said...
Your family is a godsend there Merle. That post from yesterday turned out all right on my computer here. A lot of stupid people out there. Wonder what Darwin himself would say.
I saw in the paper here that they had a nasty tornado over there in Australia somewhere. We've got temperatures today in the 80s again. Usually it's below 50 degrees.
Take care.
- Thu Mar 22, 07:21:00 am
- La Dolce Vita said...
Thank you for sharing this post.
I really believe in these lines that you have mentioned in your post"It's not in the stuff outside,
It's the stuff inside that counts."
I am visiting your blog for the first time. Merle, you look so sweet. It would be great if you share some stories of your life especially, about your childhood days.
Take care,
- Thu Mar 22, 07:24:00 am
- Rosezilla said...
Friends and family are indeed lifesavers, aren't they! hope you get to feeling better. I've been enjoying my grandkids for a week, wow, they'll cure what ails ya! I loved the one about swishing the water, that's not bad advice. And I agree, happiness doesn't depend on circumstances. Well, at least joy doesn't. I told one of my sons I didn't want to be rich and famous. He said well, have you ever been rich and famous? And I said, no, but I'm happy, and so many rich and famous people aren't.
- Thu Mar 22, 08:23:00 am
- audrey` said...
Dearest Merle (((HUGS))) I'm so sorry to hear about the fall. Please take care.
Thank you for telling me about the font size on my blog. I'm sorry about it.
- Thu Mar 22, 09:08:00 pm
- Granny Annie said...
There has to be a reason God make women so talkative. So many jokes about women talking too much when the jokes should be about men not listening enough:)
- Thu Mar 22, 09:53:00 pm
- Jim said...
O Merle ~~ Was it the crutch problem again? I sure am glad that Kate could come. Too bad you had cooked so much or she might have done that for you. But you didn't know.
I loved the jokes today, all of them! Maybe the Grandma and little girl one the best although I am partial to your blonde jokes.
Sorry this is sooo late. I came earlier (Monday?) but did not finish reading. I am so busy I maybe won't post again until Saturday and maybe not even then.
Stay cheerful, Cheers,
- Fri Mar 23, 02:00:00 am
- Dave said...
Every one are outstanding jokes Merle!!!
Thank goodness you didn't get hurt when you fell (and thank goodness for your friends and family!)
- Fri Mar 23, 10:20:00 pm
- Mountain Mama said...
I'm so glad you had your phone on you. You should continue to wear it. I hope your leg is much better by now too. How wonderful of the 'son of your heart' to come to your rescue. He must ba a darling.
I take my cell phione outside with me when I do yard work just incase I need help.
Love your jokes Merle, especially the smart New Yorker. LOL. That sure tickled my funny bone!
You take care now, and take it easy.
Love & hugs.
- Sat Mar 24, 06:37:00 am


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We offer a wide range of living history and visual art workshops.
If you are bringing your class on a self-led visit to Portland Basin Museum, why not download and print copies of this Portland Basin trail worksheet 706.62 KB to make your day more enjoyable.
View session costings.
To find out more or book a workshop, please contact Portland Basin Museum on 0161 343 2878.
Curriculum links: Art, History, Geography, English
This engaging full day session will take place at Portland Basin Museum. Our morning session will focus on the life of a privileged Victorian child and will be facilitated by our very own Victorian schoolmistress, introducing Victorian education and home life. Students will also have the opportunity to play with Victorian toys and take part in a Victorian art activity.
After lunch the children will meet a new character, Lizzie, who has travelled from the past to explain what life was like for children in Victorian times in the workplace. Children will have the opportunity, through role play, to experience what life was like for a working child by taking part in a variety of Victorian work related hands on activities, linking to employment in the coal mine, the mills, a stately home and life on the farm.
Back to top
The children are prepared for Victorian school by going through school rules and an exercise drill. The group will divide in two and take turns to learn some hard lessons in the schoolroom. The session also includes a look at some original Victorian schoolbooks and artefacts from daily life.
Pupils meet a character from Victorian times, and have the opportunity to look around the kitchen and the parlour in an old house in two groups. They will do some object handling and rag-rugging. When not with the Victorian character, they will look around the old street in small groups. A talking points resource sheet will be provided for teachers to use during the session.
Curriculum links :History, Geography
This workshop looks at toys through the ages. Using the National Curriculum toys' subject language, pupils create their own toy timeline before having the opportunity to play with a variety of old toys in the school yard. The session finishes with the pupils playing Victorian parlour games.
This session is led by our costumed living-history expert 'Tommy Atkins'. The session offers students an opportunity to handle original period artefacts as well to try on the uniform and equipment of a First World War soldier. This dynamic and engaging session includes an introduction to the causes of the First World War, activities that bring the period back to life and a short audio/visual presentation highlighting one boy's story of service and sacrifice to King and Country. The session is complimented by the Museums First World War Trench Experience, including rats and authentic sounds and smells of trench life and warfare.
This is a half day session focusing on the Second World War. Participants will become evacuees under the guidance of Mrs Hodson, our very own WVS lady who will prepare children for wartime life through a variety of engaging, hands on activities.
A history workshop where participants will learn about how changes to industry and transport changed Tameside's landscape. How our unique landscape and geography assisted with the developments.
Curriculum links: Art, History
A history workshop where participants will learn about a Victorian Christmas. The participants will discuss and explore the images and text relating to Victorian Christmas - how the traditions started by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria are continued today.
Curriculum links: Art, History, Geography
This session can be booked for a half or full day. During this workshop participants will be introduced to local artists, and their work. These artists all have a strong relationship with Tameside and a passion for the local surroundings. Artist list includes: Simeon Stafford, Martin Palmer, Harry Rutherford and LS Lowry. Through discussion and art based activities students will consider the work they have seen and then participate in a variety of activities.
This session can be booked for a half or full day. Participants will make direct links with the historical industry of Tameside in a creative, educational and fun way. We will consider Tameside's Industrial roots, focusing on hat making and textiles. Students will spend time doing different art based activities, learning new and expressive techniques. Activities will include: weaving and felt making.
Curriculum links: Art
An art workshop where participants will learn and focus on portraits. Each will consider What is a Portrait? Do you only ever see Portraits of People on their own? or Animals? Group Portraits?
An art workshop where participants will learn and focus on local and landscape art, based on the Tameside art collection, as well as looking at art from other areas.
Tameside Museums and Galleries Service is very proud of its collection. Astley Cheetham Art Gallery originally opened as a lecture theatre and then was turned into a gallery to house the Astley Cheetham Art Collection. During this workshop students will have the opportunity to view artwork from the collection and then make direct links between these masterpieces and the artwork each student produces during the session.
Pupils will explore the way pattern is used and what it can tell us. The children will look at patterns from around the world and look at artists who use pattern in their work. The group will generate their own designs using different media and experiment with the decoration.
Pupils will take part in fun activities exploring the history of costume and look at what clothing can tell us. The group will design and make 2D paper clothes and explore techniques such as pleating, stitching and padding. There will be an opportunity to print patterns on to the clothes using different methods.
Harry Rutherford was a local lad born and bred in Tameside. Harry would be spotted as a child busily drawing and perfecting his craft. With a long and varied career his work moves between many different styles and techniques.
With real examples for inspiration students will participate in activities that include pocket drawings, producing a charcoal and chalk study and finally creating their own masterpiece.
An art workshop where participants will look at some of the differences between Victorian toys and the toys of today and also how different the life of a Victorian child is from today.
Finding it difficult to get here? Did you know we can come to you? Please contact the Learning and Access Manager if you have any queries or would like to book.
Special 20% discount if you block book more than 10 sessions.
For details of our Loan boxes click here All Schools - £35 per week


text:
SDO Project Suite
Developed out of the Solar Dynamics Observatory - Extreme Ultraviolet Experiment (SDO-EVE) project, the SDO Project Suite integrates both new and adapted lessons and activities for a real-world exploration of the sun, solar activity and space weather and its impacts on life and society on earth.
This NGSS-aligned curriculum has passed NASA Product Review and is comprised of four modules that can be completed as a coherent unit or as individual activities.
Each module is student-directed and has specific learning objectives that focus on sun-earth interactions. Students master a range of scientific concepts while developing 21st century skills in digital and media literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.
1 Features of the Sun: Provides an understanding of the structure of the sun
2 Electromagnetic Spectrum & Magnetism: Investigates how and why the sun is studied via the electromagnetic spectrum and magnetism
3 Sun-Earth Interactions: Explores the causes of solar activity and the effects that space weather has on earth
4 Solar Exhibit: Summative assessment engages students to collaborate on designing, creating, and curating a 3-D solar exhibit
Watch the NASA SDO Mission video.


text: My travel to Dresden was short, but enough to fill two postings (here's part one). And I also want to tell some of my new plans for the coming months. The first thing: Get better quality reproductions of my paintings. If anyone knows a good place for scanning – please let me know. I searched … Continue reading Dresden Part Two and Other News


text:
Release Date: July 18, 2017
Expiration Date: July 18, 2020
Course Objectives
Allison J. Applebaum, PhD, is an assistant attending psychologist and the director of the Caregivers Clinic in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). Dr. Applebaum received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Boston University and completed her clinical internship at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center. She has more than 10 years of clinical and research experience in the field of behavioral medicine. Dr. Applebaum's research is directed toward promoting the psychological and physical well-being of individuals diagnosed with chronic medical illnesses, including cancer and HIV, and improving the quality of life of their caregivers. Her research interests also include the classification and treatment of depression, anxiety, and the bipolar disorders. She is the author of numerous peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, including a chapter on "The Nature and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder and the Bipolar Spectrum" published by Oxford University Press. Dr. Applebaum has presented at national and international conferences on various approaches and barriers to treatment of mental health issues among medically ill patients.


text:
Today's Autumn Statement, delivered by the new Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, provided comfort to North East businesses that Theresa May's Government will continue to support R&D through the tax system.
During the statement the Chancellor announced that a new National Productivity Investment Fund will add £23 billion in high value investment over the next five fiscal years. Most notably for businesses which currently benefit from R&D tax relief; this includes a commitment to provide an additional £425m to support R&D next year, rising to £2 billion per year by 2021-22.
The precise details of how this additional support will be provided are yet to be confirmed. Details today confirm that the Government will 'review the tax environment for R&D to look at ways to build on the introduction of the 'above the line' R&D tax credit to make the UK an even more competitive place to do R&D'.
This is good news for both large companies and SME companies in the North East. Large companies will receive increased support through the tax system to reduce the net cost of their R&D activities. Similarly, SME companies that are in receipt of grant funding or that carry out R&D on behalf of large companies will also enjoy increased support.
As a region that significantly under claims when it comes to R&D tax relief, this commitment to increase support should incentivise all innovative North East companies to ensure that they are maximising their entitlement to R&D tax relief.
If you would like to discuss how today's Autumn Statement could impact on your company's R&D tax relief claims, please do not hesitate to contact Alastair Wilson or Peter Tindale who would be delighted to assist you.


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I crocheted and crocheted! I can't stop crocheting (though I'm currently stuck on a crocheted Christmas tree tutorial I can't figure out, booo!) But it's still such a lovely activity.
On 7-11-11 exactly two years ago our dear Frutsel came to live with us, to celebrate we had a little photoshoot in the bedroom, where she was all over the place :).
I finally visited the hairdresser to get rid of those long bangs in my face. I still need a little splash of red though...
I introduced a new feature; Weekly Wonderfuls. And we waved goodbye to Etsy Alphabet...
I dressed up in my wonderful new Diversitijd dress and Frou frou's cardigan.
I pondered about the color red. I really liked doing a post about one color with photo's, I might do it again :)!
I bought pom pom's for my new creative space, and scored a beautiful old typewriter!
I posted a big telephone photos update and these feet were most appreciated, maybe I should keep photographing my feet and make it in to a series :)?
Last but not least, I went on a good old Utrecht shopping trip with my friend Lucia. We ate pea soup at KEEK and bought goods at Tiger and our other favorite stores. It was most lovely! Afterwards we jumped in a photo booth and the results are quite fun. I'll show them next week!
♡ Nikki


text:
Starting a business offshore is very interesting and exciting. These days, not only worldwide popular countries but also secluded countries are offering the dream to setup an offshore organization. These countries offer stable business opportunity in the less competitive environment. Various types of business formation facilities are offered by these secluded destinations that gradually making these nations popular among foreign investors.
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Tips on How to Take Care of Reptiles. For a number of reasons, some created hosted by planet earth have become extinct. Some of this creatures are reared by people to ensure that they continue to exist. Among the creatures that are reared by humans beings is the phoenix worms and are feed with enriched-grain-based diet. In most cases, they will be stored in a sealed container for convenience as well as ensuring they have…"Where To Start with Pets and More"
Everything That You Need to Know When You Are Employing Bee Keeping If you want to venture into the business of beekeeping, there are a number of things that you need to know. For successful beekeeping, you need to employ the best beekeeping equipment. Usually, we have several suppliers of the beekeeping equipment and this calls you to be choosy so that you may end up with the best beekeeping equipment. When you are in…"A Quick Overlook of Equipment – Your Cheatsheet"
Tips for Finding the Best Behavioral Therapist They are the experts that can have the people with unhealthy behaviors to be corrected that can make them have the best ones that they are supposed to have this blog. They are skilled enough to know the way that humanity is supposed to behave and the way their behaviors can be made to be the best ones. There are tops that you need to have that will…"Why not learn more about Options?"
A Guide to Efficient Blacksmithing Profession If you are one of those individuals who is willing to wear plate armor or a mail and who belong from tank classes of paladins and warriors, then the profession of blacksmithing would suit you. A blacksmith produces weapons and equipment has a big opportunity to earn money from these can be used or worn by several classes. There are some blacksmiths that are creative enough to make casters…"Lessons Learned from Years with Professionals"
Advantages of Wealthy Affiliate Program The is a community program online business that can help you earn your living and make money, this program is known as the wealthy affiliate. You can rely on yourself by making your own money through the online business through the wealthy affiliate programs that can make huge cash on you and people are gaining experience on online business hence earning more cash through the growth of their business. there…"The Best Advice About Experts I've Ever Written"


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Fits in the place of the OEM stock tank and solves the problem of lining failure and corrosion in steel OEM tanks caused by fuel quality issues which can lead to expensive fuel system repairs. Constructed of extra-heavy-duty, cross-linked polyethylene which does not rust or corrode like metal. Compatible with most bio-diesel fuel. Tank is light in weight, corrosion-proof, extremely durable and features a drain plug for easy maintenance. Includes rollover vent valve and stainless steel interior flanges. Sending unit not included with tank. For diesel fueled vehicles only.
Includes components to adapt PS-191 sending units, used in some Ford vehicles (especially E-Series Vans) to the Multi-Model Utility diesel fuel tank #94126 (MPN 8020099). The suction draw tube of the sending unit must be shortened by about ½". Installation of the tank in some E-Series vans may require modification or even fabrication of mounting straps.
Ask your question today to get answers from other owners of this product and Camping World staff members.
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shipping or order information please do not submit your question through this form. Please contact Customer Service.
Popular with work and fleet truck owners, After-Axle Utility Tanks provide as much as 55 additional gallons of diesel fuel for Ford narrow frame, cab and chassis trucks.
If you wish to share feedback with us about product selection, pricing, ordering, delivery or other customer service issues, please do not submit this feedback through the Question & Answer Service. Please contact Customer Service at 1-888-626-7576.


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NINFA | DK window handle
Classic style DK brass window handle
Interior designers increasingly use handles to give a room "that distinctive flair", thus elevating them to the role of furnishing accessory in the full sense of the term.
The Ninfa collection of handles for windows and doors was created with this in mind and it does so with elegance and grace.
Due to the particular form of the handgrip, Ninfa falls into the "hourglass" category of handles and follows the Rococò style in a particularly elegant and discreet way, thus making it easy to match in classical environments where the voluptuous forms allow it to take centre stage.
- french gold
- gold plated
- patiné mat
- handle with and without 015 key hole
- handle with and without 113 key hole
- handle on 1397 plate
- handle on 1395 plate
- handle for DK window
- pull handle for entrance doors
- knobs for doors and entrance doors
A classical collection, easy to match, that elevates every environment with its particularly elegant and sober style.


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I honestly thought that I had already blogged this - obviously only in my head.
Anyway, here it is, the Winter issue of Enchanted Folk Faezine.
I really enjoyed Ailynari's 'A Gift of Fairytales'. Also 'Noel' by Alexandra Dawe.
And there's new a column called 'Morbidly Adorable Mementos' by skelly loving Misty Benson .
Take a look, it's all good and it's free !


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A ruling declared today in a Mannheim court has granted Motorola Mobility, the phone company that is currently in the process of being acquired by Google, an injunction against the distribution of many key Microsoft products in Germany, including the Xbox 360, Windows 7 OS discs, Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer programs. The court was convinced by Motorola Mobility that Microsoft had infringed upon two patents concerning the H.264 video coding and playback. The ruling is said to not come into effect until Microsoft's appeal process is completed.
A statement from Motorola claims:
"We are pleased that the Mannheim Court found that Microsoft products infringe Motorola Mobility's intellectual property. As a path forward, we remain open to resolving this matter. Fair compensation is all that we have been seeking for our intellectual property."
A spokesperson for Microsoft recently spoke to the BBC, claiming:
"This is one step in a long process, and we are confident that Motorola will eventually be held to its promise to make its standard essential patents available on fair and reasonable terms for the benefit of consumers who enjoy video on the web.
"Motorola is prohibited from acting on today's decision, and our business in Germany will continue as usual while we appeal this decision and pursue the fundamental issue of Motorola's broken promise."
Last week, a U.S. judge ruled that Microsoft's Xbox 360 console had infringed upon several of Motorola Mobility's patents, and a full commission board is scheduled to review the decision before issuing a final ruling in August. Microsoft estimates that meeting all the demands would cost the company $4 billion each year.
Analysis: It's important to note that this ruling won't be enforced until all of Microsoft's appeals have been concluded as well as the U.S. ruling. In my opinion, I think it's highly likely that Microsoft will win the appeal. It reads to me that Motorola Mobility will be seen as abusing the Fran licensing on the standards benefits and simply won't win.
But if Motorola does succeed in their endeavor, it would be a massive blow against Microsoft and an unwarranted one, seeing how this is all over a video codec. Maybe it's just me, but a lot more patent lawsuits have been happening over the recent years in the gaming industry. While I understand a company wanting to protect their patents, and Motorola does have some valid points in this particular case, it seems pretty excessive and petty. Hopefully this is a trend that will come to an end sooner rather than later.


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Visit BRIDES's profile on Pinterest.
Every week, we round up our favorite Pinterest pins of the week, from helpful visual guides to gorgeous wedding-dress inspiration, to show you what's popular in the bridal world right now. Read on to see everything we're currently pinning, repinning, and obsessing over.
Our reaction to this gorgeous floral confection? Serious décor envy. Forget the traditional photo booth, this crafty bride created an entire wall covered in bright colored flowers. This DIY project may not be for the faint of heart, but we're totally basking in all the prettiness!
This bride absolutely stunned in a floral lace Martina Liana wedding dress. Featuring a gorgeous open back and a jaw-dropping train, we could only imagine how the groom reacted to seeing his bride-to-be during their first look!
These embroidery hoops are the coolest emerging trends that we're definitely on board for. Totally unique and expected, these sweet displays add a fun twist to your wedding décor, in addition to serving as take-home souvenirs for your guests! Here, one couple used them as cool 3D menus with printed text — how amazing is that?!
Want to do something unique for your guest book? Take a cue from this couple! They took cut outs of three states that represented important parts of their relationship — from where they met to where they got married. Guests were invited to write messages on the signs to create a cherished take-home memento for the bride and groom.
This lightly frosted, single-tiered wedding cake has us anticipating the holiday season. Garnished with simple fresh herbs and sweet raspberries for a pop of color, we think this is the perfect pint-sized confection for the minimalist winter bride.


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Friday, April 17, 2009
New Spring Clothes
I found fabric in the clearance section at a local quilt shop. It was such a pretty white fabric with tiny blue flowers. No wonder I liked it... it was designed by one of my favorite designer, Anna Griffin. Usually, her fabric line is around $9.00 a yard, if I remember correctly, but this one was $3.99 a yard!!(I know it's really $4.00+tax but it sounds cheaper). I couldn't help it! I bought some and went home.
Like it always does, it took me some time to decide what to do. When I finally made up my mind, I made this for my daugther.
I made it about two sized too big for her. Hopefully she will grow into it during the warmer part of the year.
There were still enough to make something else, so I made myself a blouse too! I haven't sewed clothes for myself for a while; it was a lot fun.
I can't wait for the weather to warm up; I want to do a mother and daughter day out. It will be fun.
For my top, I used a pattern from a Japanese sewing book. They are one of my favorite things. Nice designs and beautiful pictures. Most of the times I just look at the pictures over and over again, this time, I actually made something. I am very happy about that.
Posted by Sachiko Aldous at 9:20 PM
Labels: Anna Griffin , children , sewing
5 comments :
Beautiful. I love your shirt!ReplyDelete
you are awesome! i love the collar on R's dress. it's so cute.ReplyDelete
So cute! I mean the dress, the shirt, and you guys!ReplyDelete
oh i love it!ReplyDelete
I love the fabric! Warmer weather will be so awesome!ReplyDelete
I always love to see pictures of you!
You are amazing! I want to learn to sew like you! So effortless! Amazing!
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GNSS and Positioning
for the Future
A seven day workshop on the
The GNSS and positioning workshop was organized by Aalborg and Stanford Universities. It was sponsored by
GNSS Workshop Public Files
Here all participants can download the public files from the workshop.
- Slides: Part 1, Part 2.
- Matlab files: Simona's code
- Pictures
- Syllabus
Workshop Lecturers
GNSS Basics;
Prof. Pratap Misra, Tufts University
Prof. Pratap Misra, Tufts University
New GNSS
Darius Plauinaitis, Aalborg University
Indoor & Urban Navigation
Greg Turetzsky, Cambridge Silicon Radio
Arctic Navigation
Prof. Norwald Kjerstad, Ålesund University College
GNSS Signal Authentication;
Prof. Per Enge, Stanford University
Intelligent Transportation
Prof. Kai Borre, Aalborg University
Environmental Monitoring
Prof. Dennis Akos, University of Colorado
Workshop Sponsors


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A world devoid of Funk demands that Defunkt records be played, doesn't it? I blew the dust off their second album, Thermonuclear Sweat (title!) on Saturday morning, only to become confused as to where I should slot it back when the session was over, having forgotten where it was, thinking 'God, I must be getting old' - but one of the benefits of being my age is that I was able to see Defunkt in their prime - that is some consolation.
I keep my diminished vinyl collection according to genre, so where do Defunkt belong? With the Jazz or the Funk? As you may know, they combine both, but I lack a Jazz-Funk section, which is why Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band sit in with Coltrane and co. And it doesn't matter, but I aired my problem on Facebook and was rightly chastised by an old friend for only having one Defunkt LP. What happened to their debut? It went, as have many other babies, when I last chucked out some bath water. Shame on me.
So as soon as I had time I made a point of listening to Defunkt on YouTube - what an album...how the horns swing and the complexity of criss-cross rhythms akin to Ornette's Prime Time harmolodics on Funk steroids. It wasn't just the mutant No Wave grooves that made Defunkt special but also the lyrics, mostly written in the early days by Janos Gat of the Squat Theatre group, which had its own very hip NY club where Television, James Chance, John Lurie and Sun Ra played. Strangling Me With Your Love? Heavy. 'You made love to a photocopy/ And left the room in perfect order'. More than just describe a claustrophobic situation, the song suggests an 'alien/mechanised' encounter. Even the once joyous urge to 'git down' as suggested by a million Funk bands of previous years is flipped into a nightmare on Thermonuclear Sweat, the 'get down, get up, get up' sounding more like the motions of post-nuclear zombies - 'your face is already wet, with green thermonuclear sweat'. So it should be because few played it as hard, fast, twisted, weird, cynical and sharp as Defunkt at their best.


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Search America's historic newspaper pages from 1789-1963 or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. Chronicling America is sponsored jointly by the National Endowment for the Humanities external link and the Library of Congress. Learn more
Libraries that Have It: The American eagle. (Wedowee, Ala.) 1855-1857
Wedowee, Ala. (1855-1857)
HOLDING: Alabama Dept of Arch & Hist Libr, Montgomery, AL
View more titles from this institution
Available as: Original
Scattered issues
- <1856:1:10-2:28, 3:13-5:15, 29, 6:12, 7:10>
Last updated: 03/1986


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Actionable Fearless Leadership training
Our research in Agile Leadership has been maturing from conference presentations to robust workshops, where participants experience the logic behind Scaling Agility.
Our research in Agile Leadership has been maturing from conference presentations to robust workshops, where participants experience the logic behind Scaling Agility.
Just like at Easter Islands, Tayloristic organizations grow more and more complicated until they collapse. This combined with the atmosphere of fear is what brought NOKIA Mobile Phones to it's knees 2011.
There are two very different strategies in adopting Agile in a large organisation, horizontal or vertical. In other words, you may take one product first with narrow and deep focus. Or you may focus on the vertical coordination layer, which is often perceived as The Scaling Problem.
Agile Scaling frameworks LeSS and SAFe have a history with Nokia. What problem were they solving and how?
Individuals are intelligent. Organisations are not, they are adaptive, just like horses. Organisations learn from reality, not from imagination.
Understanding the emotional container is essential for not only therapists and parents, but all leaders, coaches and senior colleagues.
You may forget the laws of internal marketing, but they will not forget you. Lessons from Moore's Chasm and Strategic Selling.
148 program managers participated to this training program, sponsored by the leadership team of Nokia Networks. There were 13 groups with 12-10 participants during 2002-2006. Average feedback was 4.5 / 5.
This report describes a large successful case of a goal oriented managed change, based on empowerment and reflection. The organizational culture and emergent nature of the change were respected by a continuously adaptive approach.


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Don't miss stories. Follow Raw Story!
The Daily Show's Samantha Bee ask a pressing question, Can Democracy survive the attack of the lobbist?.
The following video is from Comedy Central's Daily Show with Jon Stewart, broadcast on January 17, 2008
By commenting, you agree to our terms of service and to abide by our commenting policy.


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New Balance Heart Rate Monitor & PedometerNew Balance Heart Rate Monitor & ...
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New Balance N4 Pearl
Built with an athletic woman's needs in mind, the N4 is a fully featured heart rate monitor with a sleek silhouette, its simple interface is easy to navigate and easy to use.
New Balance Heart Rate Monitor & Pedometer
New Balance Heart Rate Monitor & Pedometer


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Parts & Accessories
Are you looking for high quality motorbike parts or accessories in Hervey Bay? Look no further.
Advanced Motorcycle Service Centre are stockists of a wide range of products for motorbike owners, including oils, tyres and much more.
To view our range of parts and accessories you can come down to our workshop in Hervey Bay, or if you have any enquiries, don't hesitate to contact us.
Our parts and accessories include:
- Brake discs and pads
- Braided brake lines
- Engine oil
- Brake and clutch levels
- Batteries
- Chains and sprocket kits
- Spark plugs
- Exhausts
Essentially, we stock almost any part you could need for your motorcycle - and if we don't have it in our store we can order it in for you. For expert advice or information on our parts and accessories, contact us - we're always happy to help.


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Ruby is quite popular design this month, so thanks to our Guest Designers you can easily compare which colours you like the best for that little girl and hopefully get inspired to make your own card with her. Today's project with Ruby (available as a digital image, as a rubber stamp and as a card topper) is by our talented Tracey Brossart.
Tracey not only coloured Ruby beautifully but also created a lovely background with grass and cloudy sky for her. And don't you love that blossom of flowers, beautiful lace and the satin bow so perfectly done! Thanks so much Tracey for your absolutely fabulous inspiration today.
For more details about Tracey's card please visit her blog here.
Thanks for stopping by today,


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Margaret Brent, the first woman to act as an attorney before the court of common law in an American colony, arrived in Maryland in 1638, along with two brothers and a sister. She quickly secured a land grant and engaged in many business ventures, including trading in tobacco, indentured servants and land.
Because of her many enterprises, she often appeared in court to force collection of debts and to protect her interests. She soon, however, was also appearing on behalf of her brothers and of other women landowners. And it is apparent that the courts did not know quite how to deal with this as she is often referred to in court documents as "Gentleman Margaret Brent."
Maryland governor Leonard Calvert so respected her that he named her the sole executor of his estate, and although he appointed Thomas Greene to succeed him as governor, it was Margaret Brent who handled the affairs of state, including asking the assembly to transfer Leonard Calvert's power of attorney for his brother, Lord Baltimore, to her. Once in possession of the power of attorney, she sold some of Lord Baltimore's cows in order to pay the army Leonard Calvert had mustered, thereby averting a mutiny.
And it was 362 years ago this month that Margaret Brent attended a meeting of the assembly and rose to speak. She requested that she be given a vote because she was a property owner and a second vote because she held Lord Baltimore's power of attorney. Although there were those who felt the request should be granted, more felt it should be denied because she was a woman.
As the political winds turned against her, Margaret Brent moved from Maryland to Virginia where she acquired a large tract of land, living there until her death.


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This report by the Audit Commission looks at the way local councils have responded to e-government. Local government spent an estimated 1.8 billion pounds on ICT in 2001/02 and councils estimate a further 2.5 billion pounds is required. The Commission believes that ICT has not been well managed in the public sector and the risks are increasing. Because e-government is relevant to everything a council does, it makes it difficult to know where to start. Some councils are implementing e-government by engaging their staff and by taking a realistic view of their capacity and performance. Other councils are finding it difficult to get started, and are struggling to access the necessary skills and to engage members. For these councils, e-government feels separate from, and marginal to, the core business of the council. There is a clear risk that for many councils e-government could mean improved access, but unimproved service. Many councils are focusing on broadening access to existing services and information by putting them online or making them available through call centers. A few councils have the dual objectives of improving access and improving quality. But for most, improving services trails behind. The Government's national strategy sets out a pathway to local e-government success. But more needs to be done.Message Beyond the Medium Published by The Audit Commission. Reference LNR2724 25.00 pounds. http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk,
Abstracts: July 25th, 2002


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Lookin' good! I wonder if the story they were detailing toward the end of the trailer is just the pilot or something that will span the season.
My assumption was that it's going to be the ongoing story (pretty sure his brother is a recurring character), but it is a two hour primere so it could just be the jumping off point for Saul's becoming.
Looks like Saul, er, Jimmy, is already a black sheep and he's going to learn the hard way that being the white knight only gets you fucked over in the eyes of the law, so instead of embracing whatever ideals and redeeming qualities he does have to be a talented criminal lawyer, he's going to become the criminal lawyer we all know and love. I'm assuming that one of his major triumphs in the series will be destroying the law firm that may destroy his brother, and obviously looks down on him even before he embraces being Saul Goodman.
http://grantland.com/hollywood-prospectus/yes-its-good-amcs-big-better-call-saul-bet-pays-off/Sounds promising, like this is heading in the direction we hoped for rather than the one we feared (as illustrated in the piece).
I wonder if that intro is just that or if we'll revisit it occasionally (kind of like season 2 of BB).
Call me crazy, but I think they nailed the "feel" of Breaking Bad. It feels like it's a part of the Breaking Bad world
Man I hope they revisit it.
I don't have cable TV, but as soon as a legitimate option to view it presents itself, I'll check it out.
So, did everybody Call Saul? Speaking of which, and maybe we'll get the answer tomorrow, but I wonder if that intro is just that or if we'll revisit it occasionally (kind of like season 2 of BB). Definitely looking forward to episode 2.
Lot's of questions and hooks while not being too mysterious, like the scene with Chuck and his weird need to avoid any electromagnetism. Is he allergic to it or is it some weird heart condition? I'm really intrigued to see how that plays out and how Jimmy exploits the situation.
And how it ties in with Tuco, if at all.
And I really wanna know more about Kim and what Saul's relationship to her is. That scene where she's smoking in the parking garage and Saul snatches it after kicking the hell out of the trash bin and just ahh what a cool character building scene, might've been one of my favorites.[/spoiler]
It seems that "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" is more, if not purely, a mental illness, though the physical symtoms that manifest are apparently real. So, unless he seeks that kind of treatment he's not getting better.
When those boys really started getting aggressive with that old lady and went in her house I immediately thought, no kidding, "Heh, it's probably Tuco's house." But that was just a stand-in for "gangsters/last guy you'd want to cross", but then it really was Tuco! That was great, and a nice indication of the show's sense of humor, which I didnt find to be much different in tone to BB. I think it does give them creative license to do things exactly like that, "...but then they run into the worst sort of crazy gangster! Like Tuco! ... Fuck it, lets just make it Tuco!"
Booty call Saul?
So, did everybody Call Saul?
I immediately regretted throwing shade on this show when it was first announced.
This is a little premature, since I wasn't able to finish watching the first episode yet. But five minutes in, I immediately regretted throwing shade on this show when it was first announced
That intro was compelling skirting past the obvious comedy the character brings to the table and earnestly cutting right to the bones of him. Also, I mean sheesh, a whole segment dedicated to an offhand comment made in an episode of Breaking Bad? It's basically fan service, and I ate it right up.
I'm sure that wasn't the last we see of that Saul in the future. It felt like it was more than a one-use framing device, to me.
Anyway, it wasn't what I expected at ALL. I certainly didn't expect a certain someone to actually BE the certain someone. I thought it was a different character. Oh no, it's HIM alright and wow. Honestly, this show wasn't what I expected at all. I love it!
You're not alone on that. The Something Awful crowd had a similar sentiment.
Jesus, "Geist Editor" and "Corin Tucker's Stalker" still regularly update!? The place hasn't changed much since I last checked in.
People probably think the same thing about this place
Also, this apparently isn't a secret as I've seen people discussing it as far back as 2012, but did anyone else realize Saul Goodman is a pun on "It's all good, man"?Because I just found out and I think it's awesome.
Update on my end: I'm caught up. I'm not in LOVE with the show, but it's a fun successor to Breaking Bad.
I really hope they start building the cast a little more. Not that impressed with any of the actors so far except for Odenkirk.
In other name news, there are quite a few attorneys named James McGill. I wonder what they think of the show?
Update on my end: I'm caught up. I'm not in LOVE with the show, but it's a fun successor to Breaking Bad.
I'm not in LOVE with the show, but it's a fun successor to Breaking Bad. I liked it enough to buy the season pass on Amazon, so I can follow along with the releases.
I really hope they start building the cast a little more. Not that impressed with any of the actors so far except for Odenkirk.
Alright, since everyone else here is ignoring the best new show on TV to talk about long doomed movie franchises and whatnot, I'm going to passive-aggressively drop this conversation starter in here:


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Designed by Bertussi Design, these playful dish racks add a pop of color to the kitchen.
The dish racks are relatively small and turn a normally mundane product into something that stands out. The racks come in four different colors, including a bright yellow, red, green and white. Inspired by "the architectural and the automotive," the dish drainer sits in a closed-off tray that collects water and prevents it from pooling out -- a feat that many dish racks on the market have not yet accomplished. Its multi-leveled vertical design optimizes airflow and allows for more space for dishes.
These colorful dish racks are perfect for small apartments and homes that like to couple style with function -- even in the kitchen.
Colorful Dish Racks
More Stats +/-
Surrealism-Inspired Kitchen Storage
Re-Imagined Everyday Objects (UPDATE)
Dish-Drying Planters
Enhanced Storage Dish Drainers
Plant-Watering Dish Trays
These Playful Dish Racks are Designed to Optimize Airflow
- By: Mishal OmarJun 13, 2016
References: behance.net & design-milk
References: behance.net & design-milk


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Today I:
Got up, got boys out, got out. I'm getting better at this in week two of being back at work. I've got to Thursday before crying at the cold, dark monotony of getting out of bed early EVERY day. I know. Pathetic.
Went to work. Worked. Good grief, did I work today.
Came home from work to my glorious big son.
Took him with me to collect my glorious smaller son who been eco-clubbing in the school garden. Sounds like an environmentally-friendly version of going out and having a blast. They were out. And he did have a blast.
We went to the least swish of our
When it was time to go to the solicitor's we walked through the cold village and Jo managed not to be knocked down.
I signed a very important legal document, and came one step further to being/having Power of Attorney along with my brother.
Got home to find my brother on the doorstep, and we had a needed debrief on being/having Power of Attorney. (I did bring him in off the doorstep.)
Made dinner whilst conducting a long telephone/text/facebook exchange with my friend and mother of my children's friends who keeps me sane in the realm of homeworks, preparations, and all things needing to be done that I may not be at all aware of.
Ate dinner with Prince Charming, allowing the boys to eat in the other room because they could NOT miss this episode of Scooby Doo Something. I know. Pathetic.
Left PC struggling manfully with aforementioned homeworks, preparations and all things needing to be done.
Took Dad to hospital to see Mum. She is poorly, at the minute, despite having made some wonderful progress from a Very Bad Thing that happened way back in August.
Took Dad home and made him dinner, at 9pm. He's still working on the mealtimes thing.
Came home. Boys in bed. I packed Mattman's PE bag and PC packed his sleeping bag and pillow for a relaxation time in school tomorrow. He has three big tests this month and school brings someone in to do candles and incense and the like to de-stress the poor souls. Mattman, however, appears less stressed than hugely excited at the prospect of candles and incense and our promised Subway lunches when he comes out of the tests.
November is racing by; I can hear it as it goes. It whistles softly in the wind sometimes very late at night, like now. I am not blogging daily this year, although I do miss that opportunity to savour every cold, clear, calm moment that November holds. I have finally worked out how to link to all the fabulous bloggistes who are blogging daily though. Do call round for tea and biscuits. MK might show you how to make a hat...


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Letters of Note - which is highly recommended reading at all times - has reproduced this letter by Mark Twain about US copyright law - more specifically about its failure to deal with cheap imports from Canada, and an early example I think of an international exhaustion rule. I think he should have been complaining about Canadian copyright law (which at the time was presumably Imperial copyright) - or perhaps about his own country's Declaration of Independence, or USexit as we might now call it. Which reminds me: one of the many, many disastrous effects of the UK leaving the EU (should it ever actually happen) will perhaps be the revival of the argument that exhaustion should happen globally - and without the constraints of EU law (and the more general constraint of the EU project) it will be harder to resist ... no doubt it would be hard to go the international exhaustion route if we remain in the single market, but that looks like an increasingly less likely outcome: if we want the single market we have to accept free movement, so the outcome is virtually identical to what we already have, and no doubt those who believe we are better off out of the EU will prefer to go for broke and cast the UK adrift in the stormy seas of global trade under the auspices of the WTO.
'via Blog this'
Friday, 22 July 2016
Letters of Note: Mark Twain on copyright
Posted by Peter Groves at 14:19
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