text:
Deep Healing With A Dark Mother: Working With Tantric Goddess Chamunda
Some pains are tame. They can be soothed by soft and tender things. Some pains feel like giving birth to a grave yard, a grave space and the water of a tender hug or a tender word cannot quench the ashen taste of the mouth for you feel as if you have been burned past the bone and into the soul. There are many kinds of initiation of one's spirit and this, this kind of pain with Plutonian essence says parts of you are dying and you will be reborn.
There are quite a few Dark Mothers' each with their own tone of working with deep healing. Chumunda (aka Chamundi) is one of the oldest known tantric deities. Her face is sunken in, her body skeletal, blood on her teeth, wielding a bloody scythe and a severed head (either representing ego or demon or both depending on your perspective), and her vehicles are either an owl or a corpse. Her violent image is a reflection of tragedies be they on a large scale, personal or both. She also looks nasty to reflect when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired of being tread upon. When experiencing ravaging tragedy call on Chamunda and her vibration can fly you out on the corpse of your tragedy (cuz you assert that it's over) that elevates your spirit into your next best direction.
Chamunda isn't about positive affirmations, a pat on the back or a gold fucking star. The meme "Being spiritual doesn't mean always being positive. Fuck out my face while I balance these energies" is right on time with this Mama's vibe. Love and compassion are not always docile manifestations. When it is time to be very present in the depth of your state, to be intimate with your pain, it is not about wallowing but acknowledging in a very deep way so that this kind of presence is a catalyst for a radical healing. Chamunda vibrates to transforming present tragedy into a higher vibration without covering it up with scented markers and glitter. Call to Chamunda by chanting her words of power/mantra. As a mantra is repeated it travels through the body eventually changing an individual's vibration to match the vibration of the essence of the mantra. Chamunda is sometimes depicted with a scorpion above her navel further expressing a Pultonian resonation.
A magickal tool, the sound that your own voice creates and the magnitude with which it creates a change, is subtle yet powerful. Mantras are mystical formulas. They are sacred invocations of power and they turn your body into a cauldron of creation. Chamunda's mantra operates as a cleansing and balancing tool clearing your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies of fear or sadness or of outside influences treading on your vibe (Oh. Hell. No.). Her mantra is a potent protection formula as well a blessing for success, creativity, self-confidence and an uprising of joy.
Mala beads are utilized as a kind of spiritual abacus. 108 beads are present as there are 108 major nadis or specific energetic channels throughout the body. Once a mantra is repeated 108 times the vibrations have penetrated the major nadis, moved into the chakras via the "sacred heart" and therefore transform the energy into a usable state. Your energy has begun a change and embodiment is on its way. We attract what we vibrate to. As with lots of rituals more than one day is needed for a complete change. Try once a day for seven to eleven days. If you feel the inspiration commit to a month. Those who are familiar with mantra practice may desire to commit to a longer period of mantra discipline with more repetitions per day. This kind of work is subtle so you may not experience immediate relief but stay with it. If you want results commit to your magick. If you feel uneasy in any way during your practice, stop for a moment, breathe and let your energy adjust. Then come back to it. If it feels golden then keep going with it. The Big bead at the base of the mala is called either Meru (Mother) or Guru (Teacher) bead. When you chant on the mala never cross over this bead. If you choose to do another cycle turn the mala around to restart. This pushes the energy into the Meru bead and is also a sign of respect. Mala beads are easy to come by these days which is a bonus. You can also make your own. You don't need anything fancy. String up 108 of whatever works for you. What's important is how the mantra affects you.
- Chamunda's call is: Om Eim Hrim Kilm Chamundayei Vechei Namaha
- And it sounds like: Ohhmm I'm Hreem Kleem Chah-moon-dah-yay Vee-chay Nah-mah-ha
- Write down the mantra both in its true form and phonetically so you have it with you.
- Summed up it means: "Om and salutations to She who is radiant with power and wisdom".
- The Seed Sounds (Bija) resonate with dispelling negativity and activating Shakti or pure divine Goddess force.
- Repetition of the mantra may take anywhere from 20-10 min.
Say it, chant it, you can even sing and dance to it if you want to. Get in tune with the vibration and let the power of the sound work in you, for you.
Ritual is not imperative for the mantra to be effective, but if you love the mystical satiation of ritual I have added a simple one down below. Feel free to add onto it if you'd like. One of my favorite things about being a human is that I recognize that we are ALL cosmic artists. We can create with the Mystic in any way that we please to draw the Mystical into the physical.
Your Magickal Accoutrements & Such:
- Mala Beads
- Modern oblation to Chamunda: red wine and red, orange and/or yellow flowers
- Wear colors like gold or saffron
- Crystals: Citrine and Rose Quartz. Citrine, a solar crystal, is connected with/used for clearing. It is one of the few crystals that does not absorb the negative energy that it clears because it breaks down negativity to dissolve it. It transforms the low frequency of fear (and any extension of fear) into the high frequency of joy. It resonates with the manipura chakra or solar plexus chakra. Manipura means the city of gems. When our will is balanced we enter the gate of our shining possibility. All things are possible and we have the power to manifest. Citrine aids in healing discord. It Enlivens self-confidence. It is also called the merchant stone as it attracts success and prosperity. Rose Quartz, the quintessence of love crystals, is connected with/ used for heart healing, inspiration, compassion, kindness and any form of love. It is anahata or heart chakra crystal and lunar in quality. Rose Quartz helps to soothe anger or aggression of any kind. Anahata means unbeaten or unbroken. As we work with rose quartz the subtle vibrations can assist in resetting our heart vibes to our original state of divine love. In our highest truth when we resonate with our own divinity we are unbeaten and unbroken.
Breathing Techniques:
If you're too hot, about to explode and lose control of yourself/your power- Sheetkari breath:
Hissing breath: place the tip of your tongue to the upper palate. Big Cheshire cat grin (okay I added the big smile part but why the hell not). Smile with your teeth showing. Inhale slowly with control through the teeth. Close the mouth and then exhale slowly with control through the nostrils. Repeat. One inhale and exhale is one round. Do at least ten rounds but more if you're feeling it. Sheetkari is a lunar breath and therefore cooling. It disperses excess heat and rebalances the energy so that you regain control. This is also a great technique for stress relief. Contraindication: the common cold.
If you've blown out your energy and now it feels like you're groping in the dark for your light switch- Kabalabhati:
Skull shining breath: Inhalation and exhalation is done through the nostrils. The face, neck, and upper body is relaxed. The exhale is produced by a short sharp movement of the abdomen. Force the abdomen in to exhale. Let the inhalation naturally come as you relax the abdomen. As you repeat, the breath should be rapid. Rapid but semi-comfortable. Find your sweet spot because the goal is to push through discomfort but also not to pass out. Do ten rounds and then assess your state. If you can do two solid minutes that would be golden but if not don't sweat it. Physically this technique expels mucous, removes stagnant air from the lungs, clears brain fog and tones the frontal lobe of the brain. Energetically kapalabhati bombs all negativity from your aura as well as re-lighting your spark and healthfully charging your manipura chakra. Contraindications: pregnancy, epilepsy, rage (try Sheetkari), and high blood pressure.
The Practice:
Cast your circle. Call on your spirit people, ancestors and/ or whomever you feel appropriate to work with to aid and assist.
Find a comfortable seated position.
Take five full rounds of deep breath to start.
Take up one of the breathing techniques listed above that's right for you.
Make your offerings to Mama Chamunda.
Place awakened attention on your current state that you are working through. No need for an iron grip of the mind just be aware. As you chant let it go or at least have the intention that you are willing to let it go so that the magick can take over.
Begin the formula of power by way of Chamunda's mantra counting one bead between the thumb and middle finger for each completion of the formula. With your crystals in front of you have the intention that you are sharing the vibration with them.
Lie down for a few breaths to give your physical body the opportunity to integrate the energy.
If you want to add to it great if not great. Whatever works for you guided by your intuition will yield the best results. Just remember that you will be repeating the process for the next seven to eleven days or more.
Be in gratitude to Chamunda, your spirit people, ancestors and whomever else you called.
Close your circle.
Set it and forget it. Don't obsess about your ritual as to not constipate your magick. Do something non-magickal. Enjoy yourself or others that are on time with the vibes you are creating.
Wear your mala inside your shirt. It becomes imbued with the mystic formula and so it becomes an object of power. Carry your crystals with you throughout the duration of the days you are active in the practice or longer.
Sometimes when darkness overcomes it's damn near impossible to feel any other way. Painful and scary circumstances can bind you but they can also transform you if you so choose. When you have this kind of experience you have every right to go deep with it because the cosmic cheerleader archetype isn't always appropriate. Go deep. It is key to distinguish the egoic voice and the voice of the intuition. Listen. Follow your inner guidance. Call on Chamunda. She will assist you in your brilliant emergence. You are the Phoenix and you will rise from the ashes changed and refulgent.


text:
This incredible paleo beef stroganoff is the perfect dinner dish that goes great with some vegetable pasta. If you miss traditional stroganoff, then this is a recipe you certainly need to try out.
This stroganoff cooked out to be incredibly creamy and packed full of flavor. It has a delicious blend of paprika, beef, coconut aminos (a soy sauce alternative), tomato and of course some coconut cream. It's quite a pleasant dinner dish that I highly recommend trying out.
To make this stroganoff paleo friendly I make use of coconut cream instead of the regular dairy cream or sour cream that's often found in more traditional recipes.
There are a few other tweaks I have made but feel free to adjust the ingredients if you feel that I didn't get the amounts correct. Also, feel free to share any variations that you make in the comment section towards the bottom of this page.
Traditionally you would usually have this dish with some noodles or pasta, but since both of those are not allowed on the paleo diet, you can instead replace it with vegetable pasta. You can make vegetable pasta with zucchini and a spiralizer. Best of all, there is no need to cook it.
The leftovers of this beef stroganoff will keep for a few days as long as it's covered and stored in the fridge. Just reheat over the stove, in the oven or if you're ok with it, then a microwave.
The video below will take you through all the steps to making this delicious paleo beef stroganoff dish. It's short, snappy and straight to the point. Alternatively, you can find the full written recipe right underneath the video.
Paleo Beef Stroganoff Recipe
- 500g (1 lb.) beef, cut into strips
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tsp. garlic, crushed
- 500g (1 lb.) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Tbsp. coconut Aminos
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- ½ Tbsp. Paprika
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup coconut cream
- In a frypan, brown the beef.
- Once browned, add the onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Next, add the tomato paste, coconut Aminos, paprika, coconut cream and the beef stock.
- Mix and allow to simmer for 15-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt & pepper.
- Serve & Enjoy
Cooking Tips
- The coconut Aminos can be left out if you have don't have any around. The dish will still taste pretty good without it.
- You shouldn't need to add any oil to this dish as the fat from the beef should provide enough of it.
- If you're running low on money, then you can substitute the beef for ground beef instead.
Nutritional Information
One thing you probably want to know is the nutritional information for this delicious paleo dinner dish. If this is the case, then you can find all the information that you need right below.
Please keep in mind this is just an estimate as it was calculated using an online tool.
If you feel like something creamy with chicken that is also paleo friendly, then the creamy paleo chicken skillet is a dish that you need to try out. It's completely done in one pot so perfect if you hate making a ton of dishes that need to be washed up.
I hope that you enjoy this delicious paleo beef stroganoff and that you didn't run into issues making it. If you have some feedback on the recipe, then feel free to leave a comment below.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If you are running late, have questions about services or appointment, or need directions, please email email@example.com.
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We understand scheduling conflicts may arise, but due to the popularity and nature of services a 24 hour notice of cancellation is required on most appointments, a 48 hour notice on multiple appointments.
No Shows
After failing for a second time to show up for an appointment without giving 24 hour cancellation notice your credit card information will be taken and you will be charged the full price of the service if you fail to show again.
Spa Etiquette
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to fill out a client intake form, unwind, and be prepared for your service. For your own serenity and that of other guests Aviva requests that you turn off your cell phone prior to arrival.
Cash is always appreciated but we also accept checks, credit, and debit cards.
Personal Storage & Valuables
Aviva Esthetics cannot assume responsibility for any lost or stolen items. For security purposes please refrain from bringing anything of value into the esthetics shoppe.
A gratuity is not included in the price of the service. Gratuity is left to the discretion of the guest and should be based on personal satisfaction. A gratuity can be included in your service check or charge.
Late Arrivals
All appointments are coordinated to provide maximum benefit to each guest. Should you arrive late for your appointment please note that you may opt to shorten your treatment time if time allows or you may choose to reschedule your appointment. All late arrivals are subject to full charge.
Refunds or Exchanges
No refunds or exchanges on products.
If you are running late, have questions about services or appointment, or need directions, please email email@example.com.


text:
Save to your scrapbook
Pasta with Purple Sprouting Broccoli1
This will be saved to your scrapbook
You can also add it to one of your existing cookbooks
Lemon zest and juice combine with pretty purple sprouting broccoli to bring real freshness to simple pasta dressed with good olive oil and rich, creamy dolcelatte cheese. This is one of those supper dishes that tastes so good it's hard to believe that it's been so easy to make.
This recipe was first published in May 2007.


text:
Are you and your kids getting your probiotics this winter? If you're not drinking kefir – or cooking with it – you're missing a great opportunity.
Kefir is a cultured dairy product that's been made for thousands of years. It's kind of like a slightly thick milk, with a tangy, yogurt-like taste. Kefir is rich in probiotics, the "good" bacteria known to help digestion and prevent colds, as well as vitamins, minerals, and protein. It's also easy to digest, even for people with lactose intolerance. If you can work it into your diet every day, it's an easy and tasty way to get your body (and gut) in good health.
Our friends at the California-based Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics recently sent us some kefir, and of course we immediately gravitated toward the flavored kind to drink for breakfast and put in smoothies (We tried Redwood Hill's Pineapple Orange Mango and Green Valley's Strawberry Pomegranate Acai.) But what we hadn't realized was just how good the plain kind is, and how versatile and useful it is in cooking and baking.
One great example of this is ranch dressing. How many kids use ranch dressing as their go-to dip and/or vehicle for eating vegetables? Of course you can dump it out of a bottle, or you can make it with buttermilk and mayonnaise or sour cream, but if you're really clever you can make ranch dressing with kefir and then let them enjoy all of those nutritional benefits without even noticing.
Kefir Ranch Dressing
1 cup plain kefir
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (add more if you want a thicker, more dip-like consistency)
1 T. olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash black ground pepper
1 sprig parsley leaves, very finely chopped
In a medium bowl, whisk together the kefir, yogurt, and olive oil (add more yogurt if you want a thicker, dip-like consistency. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley leaves. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for two hours, or until the flavors are set. Serve over a salad, as a dip, or in a sandwich. Serves 8.
Like the idea of cooking with kefir? You can find all sorts of great ideas here and here. In fact, our next holiday project is going to be these lemon kefir cookies. Shhh…Don't tell the kids they're good for them…


text:
Gloucester school bans frilly socks after pupil trips
A Gloucestershire primary school has banned children from wearing frilly socks after a pupil fell over.
Kingsholm Primary School in Gloucester said the incident led to staff reviewing the health and safety and uniform policies.
Head teacher Jan Buckland said, following a risk assessment, ankle socks should have a frill of "no more than 3cm (1.2in)".
"As a school, the safety of our children is paramount," she added.
The socks - which have long, lacy frills - had proven popular with children at the school after one parent made a pair for her daughter to wear.
But following the incident, the school has taken the decision to ban pupils from wearing them, and the school's uniform policy has been "changed accordingly".


text:
We all have those mornings when we feel as though we cannot move an inch without our cup of hot goodness. Whether it is a cup of black tea, or a cup of coffee, we all have our own ways of getting our caffeine fix.
Coffee has its benefits, as well as its risks. Therefor it's up to you to decide whether to grab the coffee grinds or the teakettle in the morning. Here's what you need to know.
Coffee can do some pretty great long-term things for your body. It can help prevent diseases such as stroke, certain cancers, boosts concentration, memory and more. Caffeine is a mild stimulant, which can give your tank a little extra fuel throughout the day. The stimulant benefits are also known to lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
There are some negative aspects to coffee under certain circumstances. For those who have high blood pressure, a stimulant is not a good idea. Excessive caffeine may also have a negative effect on those with anxiety, insomnia and heartburn.
In moderation, coffee is harmless: A cup or two before a workout can give you a healthy boost and improve your performance. A bit before work or school in the AM can help clear your morning grogginess.
Despite these benefits, caffeine is addictive and users can easily become dependent on it and have a hard time cutting back or switching to an alternative source of energy. Some who quit coffee suffer from headaches and fatigue until the body adjusts.
Do you have acid reflux or are prone to heartburn? Then coffee is a big no! Coffee has a lot of acid and can upset the stomach and chest if you are sensitive. Switching to decaf will not solve the problem, as it has the same amount of caffeine.
So the choice is yours!! If you like the flavor, and the comfort of your morning routine calls for that fresh brew, then enjoy with moderation. If you feel you cannot function without it, you overindulge, or you feel the acidic side effects, then cutting back or finding an alternative is a good idea.


text:
Ka Noli Abinales is a community leader from San Mateo, Rizal Province in the Philippines. I have worked with him for more than a decade on different issues. This time, it is solid waste.
The Doña Pepeng Subdivision where Ka Noli lives was engulfed in more than 6 feet floodwaters during Typhoon Ketsana (Philippine name: Ondoy). After all, their community is located right beside the Nangka River, a major tributary to the Marikina River. With the unprecedented volume of rainwater that the typhoon brought and with no more forests to hold some of that water and silt back, it was but natural for the river to swell to levels never before seen.
After the waters receded, I had the chance to visit Ka Noli's community. There we learned that the Marikina City government and the Metro Manila Development Authority had been dumping mud and flood debris into the Nangka River which they share with San Mateo. As days went by, the dump continued to grow, impeding the flow of water resulting in the San Mateo river bank being eroded. Members of Ka Noli's community feared for their lives with the next big rain.
So we took action with Ka Noli's group, Buklod Tao and the EcoWaste Coalition. We raised the issue in public via media. GMA7's TV show Imbestigador, brought DENR-NCR personnel to the site to do an inspection with us.
Last Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, the DENR released the results of their investigation. They recommended that the Marikina City government "immediately institute mitigating measures towards the removal of barriers which obstruct the free flow of Nangka River".
Ka Noli's community, EcoWaste Coalition and Greenpeace share this victory. Together, our vigilance was able to prevent a disaster in the making, not only in terms of clearing the flood that was starting to dam the water but also by stopping what could have been additional pollution load to the Nangka River, the Marikina River and then the Laguna de Bay.
Beau was Greenpeace Southeast Asia - Philippines' Program Manager. She has been a campaigner with Greenpeace Philippines for eleven years.
I saw this on tv. YES these MMDA and the barangay officials of Nangka had not learned their lessons. These people should be laid off their positions! Our poor river... and the people living near it. Bayani Fernando should know better. He's a disgrace to the Philippines, more so to Mother Earth.
November 11, 2009 at 18:53
Flag abuse
To post a comment you need to be signed in.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Greenpeace Phil., paeng e lopez. paeng e lopez said: RT gpph Vigilance Pays: Ka Noli Abinales is a community leader from San Mateo, Rizal Province in the Philippines. http://bit.ly/20qOS8 [...]
November 11, 2009 at 19:01
Flag abuse
1 - 2 of 2 results.
Are you sure to remove this comment?
Are you sure to report this comment as abuse?
Follow @gpph


text:
Timberland PRO® Men's Direct Attach Work Boot – 65030
Timberland PRO® is built with the job site in mind. These classic 6-inch work boots take the standard work boot and puts some heavy duty features on it. The rubber lug outsole provides exceptional durability and grip, while the waterproof leather is perfect for keeping you dry. The 200 gram insulation is just enough to keep you comfortable in the colder temperatures.
- Timberland PRO® Direct Attach Work Boots
- Model 65030
- Color: Wheat
- Seam-sealed waterproof leather uppers for durability and dry feet
- Direct-inject construction for durability
- Padded top collar for comfort
- Lightweight blown-thermal plastic midsole for flexibility and cushioning
- Mesh lining with Agion® antimicrobial treatment for odor control
- Nylon shock-diffusion plate for support and torsional rigidity
- Thermolite® 200 Gram insulation for warmth
- 6-inch Work Boot Height (covers the ankle)
- We do carry this item and other Timberland PRO® models in our store. For more information please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com or at 1-800-543-8558.


text:
Pangea founder and executive director, Niloufar Khonsari, is featured as a rising star in Ozy Magazine. See the full article and video here.
"Most of Pangea's clients are from Latin America, and they find their way to the office only after being threatened with deportation, so this is not a group that benefits from sympathy; in 2014, almost 316,000 undocumented immigrants were deported. Clients who do win asylum are put on a path to citizenship and given a work visa. What makes Khonsari so good is that she can navigate the politics. She's been known to take clients to meet with lawmakers, and in the courtroom, she sticks around after decisions to ask for feedback from judges and prosecutors. What swayed their decision? What could she do differently? It may be classic Sun Tzu, but it works. She's kind to her core, but at the same time she has guts, says Francisco Ugarte, an immigration attorney with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office."


text:
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Japanamerica in BEST OF 2010, US & JP
Roland Kelts visited Kennesaw State University in March 2010 for a lecture event, which was organized by KSU's Dr. Edward Chan and Atsuo Nishikata, the chair of the Japan-America Society of Georgia's Young Professionals group. The JASG was a promotional partner of the event and many of our members enjoyed the lecture very much. Roland Kelts has both Japanese and American ancestry like myself, and I was particularly interested in his views of the relationship between Japanese and American pop culture.
The book gave me a better understanding of how Japanese popular culture developed to what it is today and how it has spread across the world. Although Japan is still a huge contributor to the world economy, its cultural influence, especially its pop culture, may now be more influential. Japanese pop culture has spread throughout the world and has defined what is "cool" in many countries (the theme of JapanFest 2009 in Atlanta was "Cool Japan" and attracted over 17,000 visitors). Manga and anime alone are now a multi-billion dollar industries in the U.S. Japanese pop culture is everywhere you look these days and I think it is important for The Japan-America Society to be part of this trend and use the influences of Japanese culture to bring together the Japanese and American communities here in Georgia.
I highly recommend this book. It is a very easy and fun read and it will give you a better appreciation for how popular culture has evolved and how it will continue to evolve.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Last Yomiuri column of 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Cosplay in America, Ninja Attack, Schoolgirl Confidential
Last Friday, after ramming through Bill 156—the so-called "non-existent youth bill" targeting manga and anime imagery while exempting live action photography and video, not to mention live human beings who actually possess child pornography—Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara, the former taboo-busting novelist turned moralist politico, claimed in his monthly press conference that Japan had become "too uninhibited" compared with "Western societies," and added that readers of offending manga had "warped DNA."
The subsequent decision by ten top manga publishers to boycott next year's Tokyo International Anime Fair (TAF), slated for March 24-27, amounts to an unusual act of corporate protest in normally conflict-shy Japan, prompting Japan's otherwise reticent Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, to post his first message under his own name, pleading for both sides to find a resolution.
No wonder: reports out of this year's TAF were dominated by the arrival of several Chinese anime producers on the scene. Next year, they may have the floor all to themselves.
Given such dire prognostications, it may be better, or at least more fun, to look back at a few of 2010's gift-worthy Japanese pop culture publications.
The folks at Kodansha International help us decode two of the most ubiquitous icons of Japanese pop imagery—schoolgirls and ninja—vis-à-vis two authoritative husband-and-wife teams. Wired magazine contributing editor Brian Ashcraft and his wife Shoko Ueda, based in Osaka, bring us Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential, a surprisingly capacious work that covers every permutation of the uniformed femmes in manga, anime and flesh and blood live action, fatale or not, even recording the history of the Sailor Moon-style uniform itself, imported from the US by a fast-militarizing Japan at the turn of the century.
Another conjugal pair, Matt Alt and Hiroko Yoda, having already enlightened us about Japanese ghosts (Yokai Attack!) and everyday cartoon characters (Hello, Please!), turn their lucid lenses to the myths and realities behind Japan's irresistible secret agents, spies and assassins in Ninja Attack!. Revealing what true ninja actually wore (not the sleek black uniforms and masks of popular rendering, of course, because they tried to blend into their surroundings—duh), ate, brandished and so on, the book admirably balances the seductions of ninja fiction with the astonishments of historical truth. (Did you know, for example, that Matsuo Basho, Japan's most renowned haiku master, may have served time amid his nomadic wanderings as a spy for the shogunate?)
Both books are tidy, lightweight and colorfully designed paperbacks with ample illustrations and photographs that won't alienate or bore manga and anime enthusiasts keen for visual aids. Concise sidebar definitions, diagrams and cartoon bubbles keep the layout fresh and inventive, enabling readers to dip in and be edified at random.
At the other end of the scale is the substantial hardcover photography collection, Cosplay in America, by Ejen Chuang, featuring a plethora of schoolgirls, ninja, Super Marios and just about any other manga, anime and video game character imaginable—or at least a bunch of Americans dressed up to look like them. If you've never attended one of the hundreds of manga and anime festivals and conventions held nearly every weekend across the United States, this voluminous bilingual (English and Japanese) tome offers a sneak peek at the variety and dedication of Japanese pop culture's overseas fans, whose elaborate costumes are usually at least partly homemade, if not entirely stitched by the cosplayers themselves.
Perhaps someone should send a copy to Ishihara so he can see firsthand what those "Western societies" are really up to these days.
Friday, December 17, 2010
my Japan fam
Maids + Cafes + Trains = What?
Welcome to Japan's latest eyebrow-raising innovation – a "maid café" train where passengers are "served" by a clutch of pretty all-singing, all-dancing and all-adoring female train staff.
The popularity of Japanese maid cafés has been well documented over the past decade: primarily located in Tokyo's subculture hubs such as Akihabara and Ikebukuro, they involve young women in maid outfits (often dubbed modern day geisha) innocently serving tea and cakes to manga and anime loving customers.
Last weekend, the Seibu Railway Group installed a "maid café" on board its limited express Red Arrow train operating between Ikebukuro and Chichibu, a stretch of track renowned as home to a number of high-profile animation companies.
Nine maids recruited from Akihabara's maid café district will tend to passengers on board by serving drinks, playing games and taking turns to make tannnoy announcements.
The cartoon-like selection of maids on board include Shoko Suzumiya, who says she has "increased motivation whenever she puts on a maid uniform". Then there is Kira Hoshino, who derives pleasure in "soothing and instilling vigor in people", not to mention Chuchu Amakusa, who likes to "give people nice warm feelings".
And their ages? All maids are forever 17, says a spokesman for Seibu, seemingly with a straight face. Describing the reason behind the launch, he adds: "This train is a sort of theme park inspired by the world of anime and games."
Never mind maid lovers, its arrival is also likely to be welcomed by the government, which is increasingly keen to tap into the growing popularity of Japanese subculture trends overseas and boost export of domestic anime, manga and gaming.
It seems likely that the new train will open up the world of maid cafés to a wider audience, not least because it combines two of Japan's biggest "otaku" geek obsessions – trains and maids.
"It's important to note that it runs on a route that has become increasingly obscure and disused in recent years and its operators are naturally desperate to attract riders to the line," says Roland Kelts, author ofJapanamerica and visiting scholar at the University of Tokyo.
"But the convergence of trains and maid cafés makes a lot of sense as [a way of] attracting a sizeable population of 'otaku', or obsessive fans."
Whatever the reason, ticket inspectors in many cities around the world could well learn a thing or two from the ever-smiling and friendly demeanour of their Japanese maid counterparts.
But the flouncy maid outfits? They can perhaps stay in Japan. [More @ Monocle]
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cool Japan chilled: Ishihara gets his censorship bill
PS Any of you remember the 'Comics Code' in America, effectively shutting down the most creative comics artists in the US in the 1950s, as aptly recorded by David Hadju in The Ten Cent Plague? Let's hope that doesn't happen in Japan.
>>More @ The Comics Journal
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Norwegian Wood / Noruwei no Mori interview for "The World" from PRI/NPR
Monday, December 13, 2010
Manga vs. Comics: Does it matter? @TCJ
"We have to get beyond these silly classifications of manga vs. comics and whatever," he says. Smith even objects to English speakers using the term 'manga.'"There's a word for them in English—'comics.' Just call them comics."
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
'What's wrong with being #2?' in Adbusters magazine
"what's wrong with being the world's no. 2?"
So said Renhō, the single-monikered and, for a Japanese politician, unusually single-minded 42-year-old female member of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, tapped by Prime Minister Naoto Kan this summer to serve as minister of administrative reform (aka, chief budget-slasher). Renhō uttered the question during a debate late last year on financing a next-generation supercomputer project powerful enough to compete with the US, but her plaintive question resonated far beyond the walls of Japan's Upper House chamber.
By the middle of this year, as the stack of urgent reports concerning Japan's stagnant economy, political paralyses, fading competitiveness, so-called Galápagos syndrome isolationism, emerging social strains amid widening income gaps, diminished labor pools and a rapidly aging population piled high, Renhō's rhetorical query seemed to cut to the core of Japan's mounting troubles.
She was promptly criticized, most notably by old guard politicos like former Trade Minister Takeo Hiranuma when he offhandedly reminded voters that Renhō "[was] not originally Japanese," playing the hoary hand of nationalism by referring to her naturalization in 1985.
Born to a Taiwanese father and Japanese mother, Renhō is a former pinup model and TV news presenter who maintains a very active Twitter account, YouTube channel and Ustream internet video streaming site. She favors short haircuts and lean white jackets over her almost entirely middle-aged male colleagues' bland barbering and suits of charcoal gray. A Wall Street Journal profile of Renhō this summer called her "the ruling party's most recognizable face," a significant label even in a country that has gone through five prime ministers in four years.
In other words: Most Japanese needed no reminder of who she is.
And then it happened. In the middle of Japan's month-long summer holidays, during which local papers reported that some companies were curtailing vacations or cutting them altogether to stay competitive, the international media made it official: Japan suddenly became No. 2, at least in Asia, and No. 3 in the rest of the world. China had made sure and quick work of it.
Photo by Yasutaka Kojima
Reaction in Japan's domestic media was mute to nonexistent. Some questioned the various methods used to calculate GDP figures, while other outlets simply ignored the story. The implied answer to Renhō's question, which resonated deeply enough that she published a book titled Do We Have to Be No. 1? in June, has grown glaringly obvious: What's wrong with being No. 2 is that you have to adapt to it. [more here @Adbusters magazine]
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Shibata, Auster & Yourgrau in NYC, Dec. 7 & 9
Shibata, one of Japan's leading translators of contemporary American literature, works at the University of Tokyo, but he's making two appearances in New York City this week. On Dec. 7 at 6:30, he talks about the art of translation with Paul Auster at the Asia Society. (725 Park Ave., at 70th St. 212-288-6400.) On Dec. 9 at 6, he joins the New York writer Barry Yourgrau for a bilingual reading from Yourgrau's new book of stories, "Gangster Fables," which was just published in Japan. (Kinokuniya Bookstore, 1073 Sixth Ave., between 40th and 41st Sts. 212-869-1700.)
Read more http://www.newyorker.com/arts/events/readings/motoyuki-shibata-various-locations-generic-no-phone#ixzz17QkcGPA1


text:
Livestock at Riverdog Farm
Our certified organic chickens and pigs are treated with great care. All of the animals at Riverdog Farm are pasture-raised, which means that they live on a mix of organically grown alfalfa, clovers and perennial grasses as well as forage for insects and nuts. We do not give our animals antibiotics or growth hormones. We believe that the best way to take care of their health is by providing a healthy diet and room to roam. All of our animals are Certified Organic by the CCOF and the USDA. Our meat is processed in a facility that is not certified organic, therefor the meat itself is not certified organic.
Laying Hens
Our laying hens are rotated through 5-acre pasture swaths. The hen houses are mobile and moved every two weeks to a fresh section of pasture. In addition to pasture and insect foraging, the laying hens are fed our organically grown triticale and safflower, Cowgirl Creamery whey, the farm's veggie and fruit culls, and organic feed.
We raise Araucana, Vega Brown, Rhode Island Red, Red and White Leghorn, and Barred Rock laying hens. The variety of breeds in our flock lay eggs that are several shades of brown, white, and even blue. Their yolks are known for their rich color and flavor. Check out an article written about our eggs in The New Yorker!
Broiler Chickens
Our broiler chickens, or meat birds, are raised in mobile coops on pasture under our fruit and nut orchards. Each coop is moved everyday to a new patch of fresh pasture. In addition to pasture the meat birds also enjoy a diet of whey-soaked organic grain, veggie and fruit culls, and organic feed from Bar Ale.
Please visit our web-store for photos and detailed descriptions of all available pastured meats.
Our pigs live on 50 acres of organic pasture and have an all-organic diet that consists of the farm's delicious produce leftovers, Cowgirl Creamery whey, Three Twins Ice Cream, foraged black walnuts, acorns, and grasses, farm-grown grains, and organic feed—all of which contributes to happy pigs and amazingly flavorful meat.
We raise Tamworth, Duroc, Hampshire, Chester, and European Wild Boar breeds. The piglets are weaned at 8 weeks (compared to industrial meat production where piglets are weaned at 2 weeks) to help promote healthy immune systems and to allow for ample bonding time between mother and piglet.
All pigs have free-range access to pasture and wallows. They are rotated through the 50 acres to prevent manure build-up and soil erosion. Black Walnut and Oak trees provide both shade and tasty snacks. In the winter we provide the piglets with access to heated spaces.
Please visit our web-store for photos and detailed descriptions of all available cuts.


text:
Team Finder Requests
Want to enter but would rather be part of a team? No worries, just Click on the "POST A TEAM REQUEST" button below to appear in our request list & we will see if someone can accommodate you!
Race Info
Want to join?
If you are at all interested in joining a Triathlon Club in Tasmania, please have a look at www.triathlontas.org.


text:
Bristow Route 66 Car, Truck, Bike & Tractor Show
The most recent event date has passed. Check back for updates.
Bristow Route 66 Car, Truck, Bike & Tractor Show
Main Street
Phone: 918-367-5151
Fax: 918-367-5161
The annual Bristow Route 66 Car, Truck, Bike & Tractor Show will feature a variety of vintage rides, muscle cars and tricked-out American motorcycles along the famed Mother Road. Make your way to Bristow on Saturday for this exciting car show. Nostalgic 1950s music will be played all day, and '50s costumes are always recommended and encouraged. Prizes for the best dressed and best decorated vendor will be awarded. This must-see show, with entries expected to top 300, will feature a 50/50 pot, live entertainment, tricycle races, a swap meet and trophies for the winners. Food and craft vendors will also be available.
Find Nearby
General Information: Free admission
Group Amenities: Accommodates Tour Groups, Bus/Motorcoach Parking
Highway Corridors (within 5 mi.): I-44, Route 66
Located on Route 66 in Bristow. From I-44, take the Bristow exit (Exit 196).
Related Topics


text:
How to Make Your Summer Equinox Skirt
But first a few words - The Equinox skirt is drafted to fit your hip measurement, just skimming the body. It's not so much stretched to fit, but rather to just lay at your hip measurement, and stretch with movement. Pick your size based on your widest hip measurement; it can be lengthened or shortened as preferred but it is drafted to sit at 20 3/8ths" from your natural waist.
For a woman of a certain age, the best length for most dresses and skirts, especially hot weather knit skirts, is just at the top of one's knee cap or in-between the kneecap and bottom of the rectus femoris (thigh) muscle. This is a great length for near any leg length or shape, allows for ease of tourist walking, and does cover the tuchas and thighs while cafe sitting but still show some leg.
The Equinox skirt is a wonderful stash buster too! Using just under 5/8ths of a yard of 60"W fabric, it's perfect for those pieces of knit in your stash too big to toss but too small for a top. The beauty of this elastic waist skirt is in the application. Instead of the usual threading the elastic through a casing, the elastic is evenly stretched along the waist SA then flipped over and stay stitched resulting in a smooth waist. Small front and back darts further reduce some of the waist gathering, giving a smoother look all around. Once you get the hang of this elastic waist application, you'll never go back. It's quick, easy and very comfy.
Let's get started . . .
Make darts in front and back of skirt.
TOP TIP: Make One Thread Darts. One Thread Darts are an excellent choice for darts of this nature, resulting a smooth dart point. To do so, remove the needle thread from the needle eye, and bring the bobbin thread up and through the needle from behind the needle eye. Tie bobbin thread to upper thread in a square knot. At the thread spool, wind thread around spool to bring the tied thread up through the machine until the knot is wound once around the spool. Lower needle to the dart point next to fabric, and lower presser foot. Stitch dart from dart point to seam allowance. Repeat for each dart.
Press front darts towards side seams, back darts towards center back.
Sew side seams.
Measure your waist and cut 1" elastic one inch less measurement. Abut ends of elastic and zig zag stitch abutted ends together using several passes. On elastic, mark at 4 even points - CF, CB and both side seams. On WS of skirt, align markings with same on skirt along the waist edge seam allowance, stretching elastic between each point.
TOP TIP: Use Wash Away Wonder Tape instead of a pins. Before stretching elastic to fit, place tape along the WS of waistline SA, remove tape backing, then pull elastic to match points, pressing elastic down firmly onto the tape.
Stretching elastic between quarter points, serge or zig zag stitch elastic to skirt.
On a regular machine with RS facing up, and using a long stretch stitch or zig zag stitch, sew elastic again at 7/8ths from waistline SA, again stretching elastic smooth between match points. Roll elastic to inside and at darts and side seams, stitch-in-the-ditch elastic down through all layers.
Hem Equinox skirt with 1" hem with a cover stitch, double needle or zig zag stitch. If using SewkeysE 1" double side fusible tape, apply tape to hem line, turn and press smooth - it irons on with no steam, let cool a tad, peel off paper, turn hem and steam down. Stabilizing the hem with 1" SewKeysE double-faced fusible sheer-weight tape makes the hem always smooth and never bunchy after washing. SewkeysE tape aids in turning the hem evenly and you can run your hem through your machine without pins. Yay!
WHAT LIES BENEATH: What goes underneath your knits is just as important as the final results of your garment. For a smooth clean line under your Equinox skirt, the Bali Skimp Skamp full nylon panty is an excellent choice. Your knit fabrics will glide around your body without clinging to your knickers. With no VPLs, the Skimp Skamp is cool in the heat and fast drying during travel.
Now pull on your Equinox skirt and go out for some pastries.
Editor's Note: Compensation is not received for any endorsed product. Brand names and links provided under the Freedom of Sewing Information Act.


text:
After some probing questions, Sterne finds out that Felix has never been disciplined, and is not taking life seriously. He resolves to spank that smirk right off of Russo's face. The cute latin twink realizes that Sterne's not messing around when he brings out the paddle, and the pain sets in.
Pulling down Felix's pants we see that his ass is already rosy red from the hard slapping, but Sterne's not done yet. After some begging and pleading, the master disciplinarian continues the spanking punishment, and doesn't let up until he's sure the twinks ass is sore enough to remember.
Download the full video at Spank This!


text:
There's a reason I blog about Ike and Y more than I do myself: they are much more interesting than I am. But, as, promised, here is 2010 recap part 3: my year.
In January I started this blog because I could not keep my whining to myself for another second.
In February, I went on my first business trip by myself and spent far too long sitting in the windowsill taking pictures (I was in New Orleans. It wasn't that exciting).
In March I sang karaoke for the first time ever at the First Annual Carol Convention. My song of choice - Fancy by Reba McEntire - a guilty pleasure song that's on my karaoke bucket list. Also on my list: Kiss From a Rose by Seal. Seriously. How can you not be a fan of that song?
In April I ran my first (and only, so far) 5k. Maybe at the end of this year I'll report back on my first half marathon. (Highly unlikely.)
I met a super famous celebrity at my gym, and channeled my inner sixteen year old and saw Taylor Swift.
I finished three semesters of grad school this semester, and made tons of friends.
I went to DC, visited Julia Child's kitchen, and left still hating to cook. (Sorry, Y)
In September, I joined Miss B's Souvenir Foto School.
I also took a spontaneous trip to Chicago with two friends, the kind of friends who will gladly lay on the ground with you for a photo op.
I drove to Texas to drink tea with some American Girl dolls (and my sister and nieces, I guess), and drove to Texas again to laugh my face off at Aziz Ansari.
I got a new toy: a camera. My first three pictures:
Y and I took a trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
And I fulfilled my goal of getting Ike to wear a sparkly New Year's Eve hat.
(Sort of.)
Also, I read these books.
(Does anyone else use Goodreads?)
Here's to making 2011 much more noteworthy (and photogenic)!


text:
Dumbarton Castle
|Dumbarton Castle
|Dumbarton, Scotland
GB grid reference NS399744
Looking across the River Clyde towards Dumbarton Castle
|Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 668: callParserFunction: function "#coordinates" was not found.
Dumbarton Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Breatainn, pronounced [d̪̊unˈb̊ɾʲɛhd̪̊ɪɲ]) has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It overlooks the Scottish town of Dumbarton, and sits on a plug of volcanic basalt known as Dumbarton Rock which is 240 feet (73 m) high.
- 1 History
- 2 Governors and Keepers
- 3 The castle today
- 4 Geodesy
- 5 Further reading
- 6 References
- 7 External links
Iron Age
At least as far back as the Iron Age, this has been the site of a strategically important settlement. Its early residents were known to have traded with the Romans. The presence of a settlement is first recorded in a letter Saint Patrick wrote to King Ceretic of Alt Clut in the late 5th century.
Early Medieval Era
David Nash Ford has proposed that Dumbarton was the Cair Brithon ("Fort of the Britons") listed by Nennius among the 28 cities of Sub-Roman Britain.[1] From the fifth century until the ninth, the castle was the centre of the independent Brythonic Kingdom of Strathclyde. Alt Clut or Alcluith (Scottish Gaelic: Alt Chluaidh, pronounced [aɫ̪d̪̊ˈxɫ̪uəj], lit. "Rock of the Clyde"), the Brythonic name for Dumbarton Rock, became a metonym for kingdom. The king of Dumbarton in about AD 570 was Riderch Hael, who features in Welsh and Latin works.
During his reign Merlin was said to have stayed at Alt Clut. The medieval Scalacronica of Sir Thomas Grey records the legend that "Arthur left Hoël of Brittany his nephew sick at Alcluit in Scotland."[2] Hoël made a full recovery, but was besieged in the castle by the Scots and Picts. The story first appeared in Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae.[3] Amongst lists of three things, in the triads of the Red Book of Hergest, the third "Unrestrained Ravaging" was Aeddan Fradog (the Wily, perhaps Áedán mac Gabráin), coming to the court of Rhydderch the Generous at Alclud, who left neither food nor drink nor beast alive. This battle also appears in stories of Myrddin Wyllt, the Merlin of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini, perhaps conflated with the battle of Arfderydd, located as Arthuret by some authors.[4]
In 756, the first (and second) losses of Dumbarton Rock were recorded. A joint force of Picts and Northumbrians captured Alcluith after a siege, only to lose it again a few days later. By 870, Dumbarton Rock was home to a tightly packed British settlement, which served as a fortress and as the capital of Alt Clut. The VikingsOlaf Traceteljie, the tree hewer and Danes , under Ivar, a son of the famous Ragner Lodbrock laid siege to Dumbarton for four months, eventually defeating the inhabitants when they cut off their water supply. The Norse king Olaf returned to the Viking city of Dublin in 871, with two hundred ships full of slaves and looted treasures. Olaf came to an agreement with Constantine I of Scotland, and Artgal of Alt Clut. Strathclyde's independence may have come to an end with the death of Owen the Bald, when the dynasty of Kenneth mac Alpin began to rule the region.
Medieval Era
In medieval Scotland, Dumbarton (Dùn Breatainn, which means "the fortress of the Britons") was an important royal castle. It sheltered David II and his young wife, Joan of The Tower after the Scottish defeat at Halidon Hill in 1333.
In 1425 the castle was attacked by James the Fat, youngest son of Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany, who had been imprisoned by King James I of Scotland on charges of treason. James the Fat became a rallying point for enemies of the King, and raised a large rebellion against the crown. He marched on the town of Dumbarton and burned it, but was unable to take the castle, whose defender John Colquhoun successfully held out against James' men.[6][7]
James IV and Dumbarton
The former supporters of James III under the leadership of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Lennox met up at Dumbarton Castle in October 1489. They had hoped to gain the support of Henry VII of England. James IV defeated them in a battle between the Touch and Menteith hills near Stirling on 11 and 12 October.[8] James IV used Dumbarton as the west coast base for his navy and campaigns to subdue the Western Isles. James was at Dumbarton with the Chancellor of Scotland, Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, in November 1489. He had the use of a ship belonging to the Laird of Luss. In the following February a royal ship was 'chaysit' by the English and lost some of her cables. In 1494 a row barge was built at Dumbarton for the king using timber from Loch Lomond.
In March 1495 James IV was provided with a camp bed for use at sea and a boat carried cannon to Dumbarton. Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell, was made Captain of the castle on 1 April 1495. A man played on the clarschaw, a Gaelic harp, for the King. In 1505 Dumbarton was the King's base for visiting the Western Isles. One ship's mast was made from timber from Drymen. On 5 June James was entertained by a French 'quhissilar', perhaps playing a recorder and on 8 June James played cards with John Murray and Master Robert Cockburn losing £4-10 shillings, and later that day attended Evensong in the Parish kirk and College of Dumbarton. In 1505 John Ramsay built a ship for the King called the Columb, presumsably to honour Christopher Columbus. In December 1505 a sword that had belonged to William Wallace was repaired.[9]
On 18 May 1515 the James or the Margaret with six other ships brought John Stewart, Regent Albany to Dumbarton. These royal ships were repaired at Dumbarton in July and new docks were made for them. John Drummond of Milnab brought fourteen of their guns to Glasgow.[10] In September Regent Albany held court at Dumbarton, and received Thomas Benolt, the English Clarenceux King of Arms. The Carrick Herald and Clarenceux were sent to Lord Maxwell.[11] In March 1516 Albany issued six letters of remission (forgiveness) to those who had held the castle for Lennox against the king in 1489.[12] Regent Albany returned to France from Dumbarton in 1524.[13]
In 1526 John Stewart, 3rd Earl of Lennox fortified Dumbarton against the Douglas faction who had control of the young James V, but his forces were defeated by Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus at the battle of Linlithgow Bridge. James Hamilton of Finnart, who was implicated in the death of the Earl of Lennox, was given custody of the castle till 1531.[14] Later in his personal reign James V used the castle as a prison for those convicted at the justice ayre, receiving their fines and composition payments in 1539.[15] In 1540 James circumnavigated Scotland from the Forth and arrived at Dumbarton with Cardinal Beaton, the Earl of Huntly, and the Earl of Arran each leading a force of five hundred men. This expedition was later published by Nicolas de Nicolay Seigneur d'Arfeville, cosmographer to the King of France in 1583, with the first modern map of Scotland's coastline.[16]
Lennox and Mary, Queen of Scots
Matthew, Earl of Lennox had been an ally of the French party in Scotland led by Mary of Guise but committed himself to the pro-English faction. In 1544 munitions and ten thousand French crowns of the sun arrived with Jacques de la Brosse at Dumbarton's harbour and were secured by Lennox and the Earl of Glencairn. Lennox then went into England, leaving the castle in the keeping of William Stirling of Glorat. Lennox signed a deal with Henry VIII of England offering Dumbarton Castle and the Isle of Bute in return for land in England and marriage to Henry's niece Margaret Douglas, and the future Governorship of Scotland if circumstances permitted. Lennox undertook to prevent the infant queen Mary being taken from Scotland. However, George Stirling of Glorat, unhappy at this policy, prevented Lennox returning into the castle and he was forced to sail to Ireland. George Stirling declared that he would hold the castle in the name of the young queen only. The Privy Council of Scotland agreed to George Stirling's plan. Despite this, more French troops landed at Dumbarton under the leadership of Lorges Montgomery, the soldier who later killed Henry II of France at a joust in 1559.[17]
In May 1545 Lennox tried to take the castle, with soldiers commanded by his brother, Robert Stewart, Bishop of Caithness. He had sailed from Chester with around 20 followers in May 1546 in the Katherine Goodman and a pinnace.[18] Regent Arran besieged the castle with a superior force, having borrowed the artillery of the Earl of Argyle. George Stirling of Glorat surrendered after 20 days and made terms. The chronicle historian John Lesley wrote that the Captain and the Bishop surrendered the castle to Arran and were rewarded, after negotiation by the Earl of Huntly.[19] The siege at Dumbarton delayed Arran's action at the siege of St Andrews Castle on the East coast of Scotland.[20] Thereafter the castle was in the hands of Regent Arran and he held court in person there in July giving legal remission to the keeper of the Castle and in March 1547 acknowledging the good service of George Stirling of Glorat in rendering the castle to him.[21]
As the war of the Rough Wooing continued, by 22 February 1548 Mary, Queen of Scots was in the castle. Alexander Cunningham, 5th Earl of Glencairn wrote to Mary of Guise from Dumbarton that he had received a French cargo, and it would be as safe as if it were in Stirling Castle.[22] Mary of Guise was at the castle in the first days of May 1548 and Mary, Queen of Scots was kept at the castle for several months before her embarkation for France for safety on 13 July 1548. The sailing however was delayed by adverse winds till the 7 August 1548. Her party including the Four Marys left the Clyde in a fleet under the command of Nicolas de Villegagnon. They sailed around the west coast of Ireland, to avoid English ships commanded by Edward Clinton.[23]
In France she was soon betrothed to the young dauphin Francis. Seven years after the end of the war of the Rough Wooing, in 1557, five hundred Gascon soldiers arrived at Dumbarton destined to serve on the borders against the English for Mary of Guise according to a rumour heard by Gilbert Kennedy, 3rd Earl of Cassilis.[24]
Marian Civil War, Regent Morton, and the Duke of Lennox
After the defeat at the battle of Langside John Fleming, 5th Lord Fleming, keeper of the Castle went with Queen Mary into England but was allowed to return. When William Kirkcaldy of Grange governor of Edinburgh Castle changed to support Mary, this became a problem for Regent Moray. The first siege was lifted because of the assassination of Regent Moray. The assassin James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh was welcomed at the castle. Fleming's defence of Dumbarton for Mary was satirized in a ballad printed by Robert Lekprevik in May 1570; The tressoun of Dumbertane.[25] Attributed to Robert Sempill, the ballad describes Fleming's failed ambush of Sir William Drury in May 1570.[26] In October 1570 during the Marian civil war the castle was fortified the castle for Mary against the supporters of James VI of Scotland with stones obtained by demolishing churches and houses in Dumbarton and Cardross.[27] The castle was captured by the forces of [Regent Lennox led by Thomas Crawford of Jordanhill and John Cunningham of Drumquhassle in the early hours of 2 April 1571, who used ladders to scale the rock and surprise the garrison.[28]
Dumbarton Castle was used as prison for Regent Morton in June 1581 before his execution in Edinburgh. On 8 September 1582 the castle was put unto the keeping of Walter Stewart of Taberstoun an ally of Esmé Stewart, 1st Duke of Lennox, the King's favourite. The Duke of Lennox was displaced by the Gowrie Regime and went to the castle in secret pretending to be travelling from Edinburgh to nearby Dalkeith Palace. Lennox had his own ship there described as a barque. Robert Bowes, the English resident agent, expected the Duke of Lennox would sail to France from Dumbarton "having well victualled his shippe there." Other observers were anxious that the castle might become a foothold for French forces in Scotland allied to Lennox and his faction. In December 1582 two Englishmen in Lennox's service at Dumbarton left by his ship from Largs. Lennox himself travelled to France through England, never to return.[29]
Seventeenth century
Although few buildings remain from this period there are records of works in 1617, 1618, and 1628-9. A replacement Wallace Tower was built superseding the medieval building. In June 1618 masons were working on the upper storey and it was decided to make the tower larger. Externally it was finished with lime plaster called harling. At the south side there was a bell house. By 1627 it was discovered that the keeper Sir John Stewart of Methven had neglected the fortress.He was replaced by Sir John Stewart of Traquair who recorded the poor state of the building. Surviving accounts mostly record work on the artillery and the 'foir yet wall' a defence on the southern side. The Scottish Parliament in 1644 judged that the castle was likely to more hurtful than useful to the country.[30]
In November 1645 the Committee of Estates approved the recruitment of thirty extra soldiers by the keeper John Semple to guard the increased number of prisoners.[31] The castle's strategic importance declined after Oliver Cromwell's death in 1658. However, due to threats posed by Jacobites and the French in the eighteenth century, new structures and defences were built and the castle was garrisoned until World War II. Some documentation for these later works is preserved in the National Archives of Scotland.
Several lists of the castle's contents survive, including inventories from 1510, 1571, 1580, 1644, and 1668. These list guns and furniture and name many locations in the castle.[32] There is also a list of cannon transported by John Drummond of Milnab to Dumbarton in 1536.[33] In 1510 St Patricks chapel contained an old parchment mass book, a pewter chalice, and liturgical cloths. The hall had four tables and next to that was a chalmer of Dess, a 'solar' in English terms with a bed. The Wallace tower was protected with an iron yett and draw bar, there were bedchambers within and a bell at the head of the tower; the 'Wynde Hall' contained another bed.[34]
In August 1536 George Stirling of Glorat took delivery from John Drummond the king's Master Wright of four great guns and six falcons on carriages with wheels, thirty three bronze hagbut hand-guns and four iron culverins, with ammunition and powder and ramrods for the big guns. John Drummond took away an old brass gun that was ten feet long.[33]
In 1571 amonngst the cannon and guns there was a "gross culverin", two small "batteris", and a French "moyen" mounted for use on the walls. Another moyen was suitable for action in the field. There were two Brittany-made falcons on the walls, a quarter falcon and a "double barse". Provisions included eleven hogshead of biscuit. Some of the guns were subsequently taken to besiege Edinburgh Castle during the Marian civil war.[35]
The document compiled in 1580 was "the inventar of the munitioun and uther insicht geir underwrittin left in the castell of Dumbertane be Johnne Conninghame of Drumquhassill and deliverit be the said Johnne to William Stewart of Cabirston in name and behalf of ane noble and potent lord Esme erll of Lennox lord Darnley and Obeigny on the 27 August 1580". There were six large cannon. The bed in the chamber of dais was now described as 'ane stand bed of eistland tymmar with ruf and pannell of the same', a bed made from imported Baltic oak.[36]
By 1644, when John Sempill was made keeper the 'Chamber of deisse' still contained a bed with a chamber pot and truckle bed for a servant, but it also contained armaments. There were twelve ram-rods, and three worms' - screws for unloading guns, three hagbuts and an iron flail. The hall contained twelve broken pikes, four without their iron blades. The contents of the armoury included thirty-three corslets, 105 helmets, and 43 swords.[37]
In 1668 the Governor Francis Montgomerie of Giffin recorded that the first floor of a lodging called the 'new chamber' contained 'a quantity of old rusty guns and sword, so rusted broke and spoiled that they can never serve for any use, above the beds were 'insufficient' and in the top room there was spoiled matches. The windows of this new lodging were broken. Montgomerie was worried about the water-supply from the loch and the 'laigh' low well.[38]
Governors and Keepers
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
- 1292: Nicolas de Seagrave
- 1296 : Ingram de Umfraville
- 1296 : Alexander de Ledes
- 1303 : Sir John Menteith
- 1333 : Sir Malcolm Fleming of Cumbernauld
- 1357 : Sir Robert Erskine
- 1377 : Sir John Danyelstoun
Sir Robert Danyelstoun
- 1400 : Walter de Danyelstoun ( later bishop of St Andrews)
- John Cunningham, 11th Earl of Glencairn
- 1696: Francis Montgomerie
- 1715: William Cunningham, 12th Earl of Glencairn
- 1764: Archibald Montgomerie, 11th Earl of Eglinton
- 1782: Sir Charles Grey[39]
- 1797: Gerard Lake, 1st Viscount Lake[40]
- 1807: William Loftus
- 1810: Andrew John Drummond[41]
- 30 January 1817: Francis Dundas[42]
- 5 February 1824: George Harris, 1st Baron Harris[43]
- 22 May 1829: Thomas Graham, 1st Baron Lynedoch[44]
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
- 1756: Charles Hubert Herriot[45]
- ... Edmonstone
- 1796: Hay Ferrier[46]
- 1799: Samuel Graham[47]
- Ferrier again?
- 15 April 1824: John Vincent[48]
- 1510 William Stirling of Glorat[49]
- 1644 John Semple
- 22 December 1927: Sir George Murray Home Stirling, 9th Baronet[50]
- 4 July 1949: Alexander Patrick Drummond Telfer-Smollett[51]
- 9 May 1955: Sir Angus Edward Malise Bontine Cunninghame Graham[52]
- 12 June 1981: Alastair Stevenson Pearson[53]
- 10 September 1996: Donald David Graeme Hardie[54]
The castle today
Today all visible traces of the Dark-Age Alt Clut, its buildings and defences, have gone. Not much survives from the medieval castle: the 14th-century Portcullis Arch, the foundations of the Wallace Tower, and what may be the foundations of the White Tower. There is a 16th-century guard house, which includes a face which according to legend is "Fause Menteith", who betrayed William Wallace.
Most of the existing structures were built in the 18th century, including the Governor's House, built for John Kennedy, 8th Earl of Cassilis, and fortifications which demonstrated the struggle by military engineers to adapt an intractable site to contemporary defensive needs. The splendid views from the twin summits of the White Tower Crag and the Beak remind us why this rocky outcrop was chosen as 'the fortress of the Britons' centuries ago.[55]
The castle is open on a daily basis during the summer season and Saturday-Wednesday in the winter. Visitors must climb the 557 steps to see the White Tower Crag and other features.
Dumbarton Rock is in state ownership and is legally protected by the Scottish Government as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, to conserve it for future generations. Activities such as rock climbing are forbidden; any change or damage caused is considered a criminal offence.
Up to 1919 Dumbarton Rock was the origin (meridian) of the 6 inch and 1:2500 Ordnance Survey maps for Dumbartonshire. After that the maps for Dumbartonshire were drawn according to the meridian of Lanark Church Spire in Lanarkshire.[56]
Further reading
- John Irving, Dumbarton Castle, Its Place in the History of Scotland, (Dumbarton 1917)
- The correspondence of Robert Bowes, of Aske, esquire, the ambassador of Queen Elizabeth in the court of Scotland, Surtees Society (London 1842)
- ↑ Ford, David Nash. "[www.britannia.com/history/ebk/articles/nenniuscities.html The 28 Cities of Britain]" at Britannia. 2000.
- ↑ Leland, John, Collectanea, vol.1 part 2 (1770), p.510. John Leland's note of the Scalachronica: Sir Thomas Grey of Heton, Scalachronica, Edinburgh, (1836), p.318, French: "et lessa Hoel son neuew de la Peteit Bretaigne a Alclud en Escoz maladez."
- ↑ Schultz Albert, ed., Historia Regum Britanniae (1854), pp.125-6
- ↑ Ritson, J., Annals of the Caledonians, Picts, and Scots; and of Strathclyde, Cumberland, Galloway and Murray, (1828), pp.164-5, quoting Humphrey Llwyd
- ↑ Stoddart, John (1800), Remarks on Local Scenery and Manners in Scotland. Pub. Wiliam Miller, London. Facing P. 212.
- ↑ McAndrew, Bruce A., p.5, Scotland's Historic Heraldry Retrieved November 2010
- ↑ Campbell, Alastair, p. 113, A History of Clan Campbell, Volume 2 Retrieved November 2010
- ↑ N. MacDougall, James IV, (Tuckwell, East Linton, 1997), 172-3
- ↑ John Irving, Dumbarton Castle: it's Place in the General History of Scotland (Bennett & Thomson Dumbarton 1917), pp. 21-24, quoting the Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland.
- ↑ Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. 5 (Edinburgh 1903), pp. xxxii-xxxiii
- ↑ Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. 5 (Edinburgh 1903), pp. 223-4
- ↑ Register of the Privy Seal, vol. 1 (Edinburgh 1908) pp.419-420
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (1917), 29
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (1917), pp. 29-30
- ↑ Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. 7 (Edinburgh), p. 282
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (1917), p. 30: | Nicolas D'Arfeville's map at the National Library of Scotland
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (1917), pp. 31-34.
- ↑ Dasent, ed., Acts of the Privy Council, 1542-1547, vol. 1 (1890), p. 379
- ↑ Thomson, Thomas, ed., John Lesley's History of Scotland, Bannatyne Club (1830), 190.
- ↑ Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. 8 (1908), lxxx, 453, 465: Letters & Papers Henry VIII, vol.21 part 2 (1910) no.6, Arran to the Pope.
- ↑ Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, vol.1 (Edinburgh 1877), pp. 34-5, 66-7
- ↑ A. Cameron ed Scottish Correspondence of Mary of Lorraine (SHS Edinburgh 1927), pp. 36-7
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (1917), pp. 37-38.
- ↑ Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, vol. 10, (Edinburgh 1913) lxiii-xliv
- ↑ Calendar of State Papers Scotland, vol. 3, (1903), 177: The tressoun of Dumbarton, 15 May, Robert Lekprevik, Edinburgh, 1570.
- ↑ Cranstoun, James, Satirical Poems of the Reformation, vol. 1 (1892) 170-173, & notes vol. 2 (1893), 113-7.
- ↑ Calendar State Papers Scotland, vol. 3, (1903), 383.
- ↑ Lang, Andrew (1911). A History of Scotland. W. Blackwood in Edinburgh. pp. 64–68.<templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>
- ↑ Calendar of State Papers Scotland, vol. 6 (Edinburgh 1910), pp. 161, 168, 309: J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, vol.1, (1917), 59-60: Bowes Correspondence, (London 1842), pp. 182, 188, 298-300
- ↑ J. Dunbar, ed, Accounts of the Masters of Works, vol.2 (HMSO Edinburgh 1982), pp. xciv xcvii
- ↑ D. Stevenson,Government of Scotland under the Covenanters, (SHS Edinburgh, 1982)34-5
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), pp.99-108: Thomas Thomson, ed., A Collection of Inventories, (Edinburgh 1815), pp.299-302: Register of the Privy Council of Scotland, vol. 3 (Edinburgh 1880), pp.319-320
- ↑ 33.0 33.1 J. MacPhail ed., Papers from the Collection of William Fraser, (SHS, Edinburgh 1924), pp. 221-2
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), pp. 99-100
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), pp. 100-101
- ↑ Thomas Thomson, ed., A Collection of Inventories, (Edinburgh 1815), p.299
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), pp. 104 citing NLS Adv. Mss, Dennistoun
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), p. 107
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 12333. p. 2. 21–24 September 1782.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 14046. p. 896. 16–19 September 1797.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 16396. p. 1222. 14–18 August 1810.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 17217. p. 300. 11 February 1817.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 18001. p. 251. 14 February 1824.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 18588. p. 1192. 26 June 1829.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 9599. p. 1. 10–13 July 1756.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 13911. p. 674. 9–12 July 1796.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 15199. p. 1116. 29 October–2 November 1799.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 18021. p. 661. 24 April 1824.
- ↑ J. Irving, Dumbarton Castle, (Dumbarton 1917), p. 99
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 33340. pp. 8243–8244. 23 December 1927.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 38660. p. 3345. 8 July 1949.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 40475. p. 2728. 10 May 1955.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 48669. p. 8904. 3 July 1981.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 5456. p. 13346. 8 October 1996.
- ↑ "Historic Scotland Official Souvenir Guide"
- ↑ https://www.charlesclosesociety.org/files/153Meridians.pdf
External links
- Dumbarton Castle – site information from Historic Scotland
- Clyde Waterfront Heritage, Dumbarton Castle
- www.rampantscotland.com Dumbarton Castle
- Electric Scotland on the castle
- Map of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Britain, including Dumbarton, Siân Echard, University of British Columbia
- Engraving of Dumbarton Castle from the West in 1693 by John Slezer at National Library of Scotland
- Use dmy dates from January 2015
- Use British English from January 2015
- Articles with OS grid coordinates
- Pages using deprecated image syntax
- Articles containing Scottish Gaelic-language text
- Incomplete lists from February 2014
- Pages with broken file links
- Historic Scotland properties
- Castles in West Dunbartonshire
- Category A listed buildings in West Dunbartonshire
- Archaeological sites in West Dunbartonshire
- Listed castles in Scotland
- Wars of Scottish Independence
- Dumbarton
- Viking Age sites in Scotland
- Locations associated with Arthurian legend


text:
How to have a Noche Española or Spanish Birthday Party...
1.) Decorations. My preference, which was the cheapest and
Just use fabric or t-shirts/pillow cases you don't mind cutting up, make a triangle template on cardboard, and have your DVR loaded so you can cut for 2 hours while watching Master Chef and Food Revolution...
I took three strings of yarn and twisted them together to make one strong ribbon and literally just hot glued the triangles on to it. I said it before and I'll say it again. Hot glue and I are like massaman curry and avocado. We enhance each other. (BTW-- Jose took the photo on the right below... impressive, eh?!)
2.) FOOD. I think you all understand what food in this house means. Let's just say if "Vidal" were a logo... it would be a mouth. Talking and eating. Seriously. So, Jose took on the ambitious role of party chef and made some amazing tapas!
-Patatas Bravas + delicious sauce
-Tortilla Española
-Dates stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in bacon *still drooling*
-A selection of Spanish cocas, i.e. flat bread with toppings.
3.) Guest Participation. Ask friends to bring their interpretation of Spain! This could mean food... or attire as well ;)
Holla dolla! Found some paper doilies at the dollar store that made great coasters throughout the house!
4.) Games. Oh man. So one of the games that I HAVE to share with you is one I stumbled across online. Originally, you're supposed to tape a "message" under each person's plate (ideal for a dinner party) with a really strange question/quote such as "Have you tried ostrich eggs?" You cannot share your phrase/question with anyone.
The goal is for each person to incorporate their phrase into the conversation NATURALLY. However, I changed it up. As soon as everyone had arrived, I went around the room with a bowl full of quotes and had them pick one randomly. Jose and I came up with quotes such as:
Ernie from Sesame Street is definitely Hispanic.
Drink it up, grandma!
You can pretty much pickle anything.
I think the Keebler Elves work for Apple.
I get terricited sometimes. You know… excited and terrified at the same time? *(Albert Tate :)
___(Your Name)___ is feeling this. [[Yes, like third person]]
Guess that's what late night party planning does to you. You come up with the most random phrases! Jose and I would laugh so hard imagining our friends finding ways to incorporate these naturally into conversation.
So what is the incentive? You earn money. Fake money. Jose and I made 3 goody bags full of chocolates, Spanish cookies, gadgets, and other fun stuff for people to BID on at the end of the night. If you were able to incorporate your phrase without someone saying "Is that your fake phrase?" You earned 20 (fake) dollars. If someone catches you, then the person who catches you earns $10. ALSO, if you happen to say something random and someone ask if that's your fake phrase but it's not -- you earn $10 (without abusing this ability!).
That game continued throughout the entire night to give people plenty of opportunity to say their phrase. Another great game to help with that is Fishbowl. If you're not familiar with this game -- it is an AMAZING group game that basically combines charades and catch phrase.
I'm thinking these two were on the same page..
We made sure people could earn more money by winning at these other games. We did ask everyone to incorporate a Spanish theme to it. This is the hilarious "Che Guevara" interpretation on the left and a Spanish museum on the right:
5.) Coffee Break. We asked our friend Derek to bring his espresso machine and coffee flavorings, but he went above and beyond that! He made a mini coffee menu on his iPad!
I went around and took orders while Derek graciously turned our kitchen into a mini Starbucks.
Thanks to Rodrigo, I stole a quick photo opp to get at least one with the amazing chef :)
Last game. *shakes head* I don't even know where to start or if I should even bother. Do you ever laugh so hard that the back of your head starts to hurt? Tears start to form and your cheeks don't want to stretch any further? THIS game. This game did it. Telephone charades.
The basic premise is that one team picks a scenario and the second team will, one by one, be re-interpreting what they saw.
In our case, a husband is filming his wife in the delivery room, cuts the umbilical cord, and as he holds the baby he realizes he was in the wrong room! After removing the tape from the video camera and tossing it to the mom, he dashes out of the room.
You can see how communicating a scene without words can completely be re-interpreted. Here is one example where Derek's filming...
is slowly interpreted into this:
...this is what the people who were guessing typically looked like:
Vince, who was the first guesser on the other team, guessed that Derek was watching a surrogate mother give birth (slightly correct) and when the baby was given to him -- he realized how ugly it was and tried to give it back (not quite! :).
Nick, on the other hand, thought the scene started with an impatient man who suddenly saw a baby appear (out of nowhere?) outside of his window. Poor Kristin was the last one to go:
Honestly, the laughter exceeded my expectations. Such ridiculous fun! After the intense bidding for the goody bags was over, we popped a candle into an apple empanada (made by Kristin) and sang Jose happy birthday :)
Best joint birthday party we've ever had. And there I was, thinking were weren't going to celebrate it with family, but that's exactly what these friends have become to us. Our Arizona family :)


text:
I was introduced recently by a friend of mine to the world of hydrosols, I came across this one website that sells hydrosols and they have quite a plethora of information. there is a very interesting phenomena whereby through the process of steam distilling certain plant materials a very fragrant and potent solution is created. This can be applied to many plants and is becoming somewhat of a popular thing, if my research is correct. I spent quite some time digging in the site and thought I'd put together a small guide here for anyone who might be interested in learning more themselves.
What Is A Hydrosol?
One question I was immediately met with is what exactly a hydrosol is, and how it's made. SO basically you take a bunch of plant material and remove all the bits that you don't want, for instance the bark or stems. Usually what is used is the leaves or flowers, the most fragrant parts of the plant. These plant materials should be of a very high-quality to ensure a great finished product, but they are then distilled using steam to produce a watered down concentration of the oils from the plant material.
This can then be used in all sorts of manners, a few common examples include sprays, creams, lotions, fragrances, and even cleaning products. I've enjoyed using some for aromatherapy purposes, calming and soothing at times and especially after a stressful day.
What Are Some Common Plants Used In Hydrosols?
There are quite a number of plants used in making hydrosols as they all possess different smells, and have different therapeutic effects associated with them. Some of the most common are:
- Rose
- Cucumber
- Chamomile
- Geranium
- Balsam fir
- Cedar leaf
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Pear
- Lemongrass
Each of these plants have unique characteristics that they possess, some are claimed to have healing powers other promote relaxation due to their calming fragrances. These plants are often made into hydrosols and then mixed together to form products of sorts that address specific needs. For instance yoga mat cleaner, skin creams, and more. There are a great number of people that are concerned about using chemicals on their bodies and hydrosols are one very unique way to avoid harsh chemicals, though many should still be aware that plants themselves can be hazardous if used improperly. There is some stories of people having eye damage after using an ointment in their eye that contained the distillation of a specific plant. So make sure, if you do get into hydrosols, that you read up on exactly what you're getting into before you hurt yourself.


text:
The center is located in an A class building in Lima's main business district, near the city's two major thoroughfares. The center offers a prime address in a modern business complex comprising twelve towers.
There is easy access to the national motorway network, 500 metres away, and Lima International Airport is a 30 minute drive away.
Estación Canadá (2.1 mi)
Estación Metropolitano Canaval y Moreyra (2.1 mi)
Estacion Monserrate (4.2 mi)


text:
Pretty pictures I have come across this week. Enjoy!!!
1. pretty floral bike and sunset.
2. Pretty garden and gate.
3.Pretty little letters and bow.
4. Pretty VW pretty love.
5. Pretty tree and pretty building.
Photos: weheartit
6. Pretty outside nook and pretty pillows.
Photo: Verhex
7. Pretty scene.
Photo: dimitri caceaune.
8. Pretty buttons.
Picture: craftyangel


text:
Trade name: Rubber accelerator chemicals MBTS for rubber hoses industryChemical Name: 2-MercaptobenzothiazoleMolecular Formula: C7H5NS2Molecular Weight: 167.26CAS NO. :149-30-4
Shanghai THC Internation Cooperation was established in 2003 and Located in Lujiazui Financial Zone, Pudong, Shanghai THC servers as the Headquarter of the Tuhuang Corporation. The key role is being the local and international sales, management, logistic and financial center of the Corporation.
1, Our company professional to do rubber material.
2, We have the most update equipment and professional staff make sure the quality of the goods
3, stable product quality , supply, the good faith management
MOQ: 1Tons more quatities, more cheaper
FOB Price: US $ 1500-2000/Ton
Mid. Order: 1 Ton more quatities, more cheaper
FOB Price: US $ 3000-4000/Ton
Mid. Order: 1Ton more quatities, more cheaper
FOB Price: US $ 2600-2800/Ton
FOB Price: US $ 1300-1600/Ton
FOB Price: US $ 2800-3000/Carton
FOB Price: US $ 500-800/Ton


text:
This is an archived post from August, 2014, on the old talltreecycles.ca site, rescued from the wayback machine.
It's finally happening. Dirt road racing is gripping the cycling world, shaking it up, and leaving riders asking for more. New events are popping up all over eastern North America, and this is just the beginning. On Sunday, August 24th, one such brand new event, the Vermont Overland Grand Prix, kicked off from Woodstock VT, and man, was it a day!
Many readers will know that I've been a D2R2 devotee and evangelist since 2009. Looking at the schedule for 2014, I'd intended on doing a family vacation down to Deerfield, head up to Woodstock VT the next day, then spend the week in the area leading into the Dirty 40 the following weekend. As luck would have it, work realities precluded both the week-long option, and the ability to bring the family down for D2R2 and/or VT Overland. They were bummed, as D2R2 is always lots of fun for them; no, they don't ride it. It's just them, the fields, flowers, the river, and a couple local attractions. The logistics didn't work for me to head down for D2R2 alone instead of spending Friday with my kids, so focus shifted entirely to the Overland.
Unlike certain other dirt road events, the route for the Overland GP was not publicized. What we did know was that it was 51 miles (80km) long, had a lot of climbing, and a bunch of 'Vermont Pave' sectors, which are Class-4 roads that are not maintained in the winter. Essentially, these are some of the oldest 'roads' in the area, and consequently, rather eroded. Ottawa-area locals might picture the sectors used in the OBC's Almonte Roubaix. Same sort of surfaces, with the key difference being elevation change. But more on that later. Leading in, the specifics were unknown to us, leaving tire choice feeling a lot more like gambling than strategic planning. Iain Radford and I were the sole Tall Tree Cycles riders heading down, and we both settled on the largest slick tires we have: Compass Hetres in 650B x 42mm on his Specialized Crux disc for Iain, and Compass Barlow Pass Extra Leger in 700c x 38mm for me on my Steelwool Truffle Pig. Our experience indicates that tires with very minimal (read 'herringbone') tread grip well enough in the woods to work out, unless there is significant mud, and/or really steep grades. Tread doesn't tend to do much for you on dirt roads, and we wanted to be able to roll fast on everything that was hard packed. With as much volume as we had, the worst impacts shouldn't pose a huge risk; cutting tires on sharp rocks would be the greatest danger. Gearing was as low as we could go, Iain on a 34×34, me a 39×36.
Saturday had us in the North-East Kingdom for our stay at Mike Lowe's (Full Cycle) place, a beautiful house on a hill with a view. Mike led us on a quality-filled 47k loop Saturday afternoon, taking in his favourite dirt roads and a bit of the Kingdom Trails system. It is truly incredible how much variety there is in the area, how beautiful the surrounds are, and how high the quality of the riding is. We felt lucky to only have to travel 4.5 hours to tap into such fantastic riding, and to have such a great host sharing it with us.
Out the door at 06:00 to drive an hour and a half south to Woodstock, our jaws dropped as we pulled into town. Stunning. I had no idea what to expect from Woodstock, but what we arrived to find was a gorgeous town along the Ottauqueechee River (close to the magnificent Queechee Gorge). Rolling to registration along the main street, we passed one after another, heritage buildings in terrific condition, housing unique businesses of all kinds, from The Shire Inn, to Wilgren and Barlow Antiques, First Impressions Salon and Spa, Mon Vert Café, and Daily Grind Coffee – to name a few. Robust gardens of wildflowers lined the street, closed to traffic for the duration of the race. 'Wow, our families would love it here,' Iain and I agreed. Another gem revealed by a bike event.
Swag from some of the event's sponsors: Owl Energy Bar (top quality and delicious!), Laurie's Insect Repellant (the kids love it! http://on.fb.me/1C3hLS7), Vermont Spirits (we sampled their bourbon; it was terrific!), and The Bike Shop in Woodstock (didn't need any emergency service, super!).
Fun event shirt, sponsored by Long Trail Brewery and Vermont Spirits. The beer was fantastic, as was the bourbon.
The Race
Approaching our 09:00 start time, the call ups began, and didn't end for a while. Being Ottawa residents, we don't tend to know too many of the New England cyclocross stars, but we recognized a few: Tim Johnson, Jeremy Durrin, Gabby Durrin (formerly Day), Elle Anderson, Ansel Dickie, Anthony Clark, Dan Chabanov, Will Letendre, and Alec Donahue (whom I'd watched in an interview about coaching recently). Of course, we knew Derrick St. John and Natasha Elliot from Ottawa. This would hurt.
What followed would be the hardest race I can remember.
Have you ridden D2R2? Can you imagine racing 80km of it? That's essentially what we did. Except the downhills were harder, and there were full on trail sectors.
Iain and I started off fine, moving up to the front without issue while someone crashed on a large pot-hole and took at least one other rider with him. I am not accustomed to seeing pot-holes that size on dirt roads: over a foot in diameter, and 4" deep! As the climbing kicked in, we were soon part of a selection of perhaps 20 riders. All was fine until we hit the first sector, at which point it was GAME ON. I say that being a mortal, whereas, for the pros laying it down, it was likely tempo. Iain and I followed the pace as well as we could, the pack fully strung out, climbing and climbing the rough, ancient road. Immediately I felt unusual, not myself, perhaps still recovering from the previous weekend's Mississippi Mills Grand Prix stage race http://www.ridewithrendall.com/events/mmgp2014/ . Or just not good enough. We chased back on off the top, and the elastic band stretched once again on the next sector. Dropped. Chase. Back on. Dropped. Chase. Back on. So it went for the first hour of the race.
Progressively demoralized – just like so many CX races – I was seriously contemplating sitting up and waiting for Iain, wherever he was, then touring the rest of the course. 'They are too good, you're done. Just sit up. Wait. Then roll. No, just keep pedaling. Who knows what will happen.'
Iain passes and I let an expletive go to communicate that I am having a very rough time. He can tell I am in a dark place. He doesn't drop me, but keeps me close, pacing me as we continue up whatever ungodly climb we're grinding up. We come together as the grade drops. "We should stay together and try to reel guys in; others will come off too." "For sure," Iain responds, "If we just work together we'll be ok."
If you've never been in this sort of position, you might not have any idea what it means to have an ally, a team-mate, when you are suffering and want to quit. It's huge.
We quickly establish our strategy: I pull on the descents and wherever it's flat (almost nowhere), and Iain pulls on the climbs. He can gap me a bit riding his own pace, knowing I'll close back as soon as the grade drops. It's a system. It's simple. It's all we can do.
A rider is ahead, but we want to blow through him, not have him attach. That doesn't work; we are 3. Four riders are ahead, broken off. Together, Iain and I try to snap off the weakest, but none do; we roll on, just steady. Too slow, 4 or 5 have joined us. This has to be it, no more stragglers. It is. This is it. This is our race. One or two might come off ahead, our of the 6 or 7, but that's it. This ain't no 'chase group.'
These dudes are climbers. Except the one other guy who is actually a little bigger than me. Just keep on doing what we are doing, stay close on the climbs, be safe in the woods. My chain jams as we roll into a descent and Iain doesn't notice. I jump off, un-jam, chase back on. But it's not easy. These roads are tough, you can never tell whether the radius of a turn will tighten, or whether a tough intersection is approaching. My tires grip well, my brakes work great; I am pushing the bike hard.
I roll into the one sector that is all downhill first and roll it unfettered. Alec Donahue comes by, no problem. He's good wheel to follow, safe. The final, 7th sector is almost too much. Climbing and climbing, Iain is chasing four others, and I'm dangling. I've passed a few, including a rider we came onto from the lead group, destroyed. My legs are out of power. Not hurting; out of power. But it doesn't matter, I have to keep pushing the pedals over. My God, that's the top.
Do I have a flat or what? This last sector descent is rough, then grassy. The hissss sounds like a flat, but it could be the grass. I've already got a dent in my rear rim from some impact that didn't puncture my tube. Love that. I don't have a flat. Ansel Dickie wasn't so lucky; we pass him on the roadside with a puncture.
Iain, then I roll through the ditch onto the dirt road and easily use the descent to reel in the three who gapped us. We are five, and this feels like the final group. It's the other big guy, Matt Mitchell (545 Velo), Chabanov (CRCA/Foundation), and Austin Vincent (CyclocrossWorld.Com Devo Team), Robin Liston (Mason Racing). Inside the final 3k, Mitchell attacks and I am the only one to go with him. We're both bigger, with the same sort of ability, so this is good. I let him work hard, then take it up. The others chase on. Somewhere in the mix, Vincent tries to cross a covered bridge in the middle channel, and crashes. Iain is almost taken out, and has to chase back on. Fortunately, Vincent is uninjured.
"Owwwww!" Mitchell has given away his status: suffering. I bring the pace up a little to make it harder on him. It works. He's blown. I ride off, the other three gapped, Iain waiting for the others to chase. They don't, so he breaks from them, coming up solo. Liston chases on, trails Iain, and is trying to get to me as we are inside the final kilometer.
We have no idea what the finish looks like. Poor planning. I'm funneled into a narrow channel along the right of the road as traffic moves on the main street up from the start/finish area. Is this it? I'm pinning it as if this is the final. Liston is chasing, Iain leading. But wait, there is some sort of steep climb near the finish, so that's coming! I'm channeled in a circuitous route through alley and over a pedestrian bridge before getting shunted up a paved muur, then an unpaved up, ascending the backside of town. Full gas, I know that I have nothing to lose; all I have to do is get up with a little gap, and I can hold it. I increase the gap over the top, hit the hairpin switchback fast, exit onto the main street straight, look back, see lots of daylight, and can pedal it in without having to go full gas. Iain cramps and can't hold off Liston. Great finale. We're happy, and optimistic we might have pulled a top-10.
Iain is 9th, and I am 7th. We're so happy. From feeling utterly dejected, to riding a really good race, we've ridden smart and pulled off just about the best results we are capable of. 'Just about' because Alec Donahue had slipped off in the last sector, and Iain and I didn't know, so didn't drive the pace to catch him. He finished 6 seconds ahead of me, with Tim Johnson in 5th about 6 minutes ahead.
Derrick St. John spent 60 of 80k on a solo break, to be reeled in by Anthony Clark and taken in the sprint as he cramped. $1000 to Clark, $150 to St. John for the KOM points. Durrin rounded out third. Chapeau, gents!
Natasha Elliot suffered a time-sucking mechanical that put her out of contention, unfortunately. Gabby Durrin (Neon Velo Cycling Team) was victorious, followed by Elle Anderson and Marti Shea (Destination Cycling). Congrats, ladies!
Check out an animation of how the race unfolded here
Here's the race, as recorded by my Garmin.
Iain and I were delighted to find a stunning spread of food and drink provided to racers on a side-street after the race. It was second only to the Ride of the Damned's spread, catered by The Foodery, though their provision of local beer and spirits samples draws the margin awfully close! Bowtie pasta salad, quinoa and lentil salad, black bean and arugula salad, two varieties of local sausage, peaches and desserts rounded out a perfect offering. The resounding impression I got was that the whole community, from commerce to the public, were behind this event. It felt like a team effort motivated by passion for life rather than profit. I immediately asked myself what it would take to create such ambiance in Ottawa, and I think the answer is 'a miracle.' The more cycling events I do in far-flung locales, the more I learn that small communities can pull off things big ones either can't or simply don't. This was a heck of a well-run race – particularly given the fact that it was the first edition – and we didn't encounter anything but hospitality and competence throughout the whole experience. The Overland VT motorsports club that was the backbone of the event had riders on motos up and down the race course, and they were ace riders (if not perhaps a little overzealous at times…). Iain an I discovered a town we didn't know existed, and we'll be back with our families to stay overnight and spend money at the local businesses. And we can't be alone. Everybody wins. As my wife says, 'Bike races take us places.'
Thank you to the whole Vermont Overland Grand Prix organizing team and volunteers for putting on an amazing race, and to the whole community for your understanding and support. Thanks to our fellow riders, those who were out to suffer and out to tour alike, for making the race great. And thanks to Iain Radford for being a fantastic team-mate.
Chapeau to Doug Corner, Peter Schuk, and David Bilenkey of Ottawa for being among the brave few who rode D2R2 on Saturday, then Overland on Sunday!
This coming Saturday brings the next dirt road racing round, the Dirty 40 (day-of registration is possible). With another stacked start list shaping up, it's going to be another hard race. Can't wait!