text:
There are few performers who have appeared in as many Wrestlemania events as Quebec's Rick Martel. The former AWA title-holder -- the 25th anniversary of which occurs in May -- enjoyed no less than six such spectaculars, and it would have been seven, had his final tag team match at Wrestlemania X not be cancelled on the day due to time constraints.
Beginning at his first Wrestlemania, then -- the record-breaking 1987 edition at the Pontiac Silverdone, during which he teamed with Tom Zenk (as the Can-Am Connection) to defeat Don Muraco and Bob Orton Jr. -- SLAM! Wrestling took a stroll down memory lane with the man latterly known as "The Model", to revisit what were largely fond memories of what he calls "the mother of all pay-per-views." Babyface or heel, Martel saw Wrestlemania at its biggest in the 1980s, and as business began to hurt in the 1990s.
"I remember Wrestlemania III was the first time that wrestling really caught national attention in the States," said Martel, in an interview conducted from his home in Quebec. "Everyone was saying, 'What is this? What's going on?' and all the programs on national television would mention it. Everyone was talking about Wrestlemania III, all across the country. I think we were in Phoenix, maybe three or four weeks before the show, and this guy came in and started screaming that everything was sold out for Wrestlemania. We were all like kids (in the dressing room), because this was the first experience of something so huge for everybody.
"We flew in on the Saturday, the day before the event, and we went to the arena to do a couple of interviews at ringside, looked at all the chairs that were empty in that huge building. I said, 'Wow, all of these seats are going to be full tomorrow!', and of course, Tom Zenk and I opened up that Wrestlemania against Don Muraco and Bob Orton. That brought a little extra pressure, because you want to start things right, in the right mood. I remember that when I went in the ring, I didn't look up -- I just concentrated on my match and what was going on in the ring. And then, after the match was over, then I allowed myself to look up absorb the moment. I remember thinking that it would always be a great memory."
Without this writer's prompting, Martel then went on to note how much the main event of Hulk Hogan versus Andre the Giant, meant to everyone, and not just the two wrestlers. And he was finally able to put to rest the near-folklore story that no-one, not even Vince McMahon, knew if Andre was going to allow Hogan to defeat him on that day. Perhaps surprisingly, the tension in the locker room was very real indeed.
"That was very exciting for me, because both of these guys were friends of mine. When I was in the AWA, Hulk Hogan and I shared an apartment for a few months, so we were close friends. And Andre, of course, was French, and we would travel together when we were in the same towns. So I was friends with both of these guys, and I know what this match meant to both of them, in particular for Andre, who was passing on the torch of the superstar of wrestling to Hogan. I remember having goosebumps on several occasions as I watched this match, and I remember being very glad to have been a part of it, and to be able to witness it all.
"And it's true, there was definitely tension backstage (as to whether Andre would take the fall for Hogan). In fact, I remember Hulk talking to me about it. Andre was Andre, you know, he was a giant (laughs). He did whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to do it, and no-one would stop him. There was tension between Andre and Hogan for a few months before that, because Andre had a lot of pride in being the main attraction in wrestling, and all of a sudden here was Hulk Hogan, the new man in wrestling and even in Hollywood. Before, Andre was the main wrestler they used for different projects in the movies, and wrestling was all about Andre. And Andre did not care for Hulk at first -- he saw him as a threat to his status as the king of wrestling.
"But at some point in that day, Andre decided that there was nothing that he could do about it, that that was life, and that it was Hulk's time to be the main guy. He accepted it, and they had a fantastic match, especially since Andre was in tremendous pain, with his lower back hurting him quite a bit. When he went out to the ring he was in bad shape, and when he came back from the ring he was in even worse shape. So no-one knew, not even Vince, what was going to happen. We were all hoping that things were going to go right, but no-one knew for sure."
"We were really happy to be the penultimate match at Wrestlemania IV (before the main event of Ted DiBiase and Randy Savage)," Martel noted. "Teaming up with Tito then was fantastic, and I already had a lot of respect for him as I had met him in the AWA, and knew he was a great wrestler. I really enjoyed being with him as a partner. And no doubt about it, I preferred wrestling with Santana much more than I did with Tom Zenk.
"I had been a babyface for 15 years, and I wanted a change," he said of the switch. "I had mentioned that to Vince on a couple of occasions, and he had always told me, 'No, Rick, the people like you too much. I just don't see you as a heel.' I think the second time that I asked, Macho Man was in the middle of doing it, and Vince said that it didn't make sense to do it at the same time, in case one would take from the other. So finally, I said, 'Let me go heel, or I'm leaving.' So we sat down and had a really serious talk about it, and he finally agreed to give it a try.
"I knew that I wanted to become a heel, but I didn't know if there was a particular gimmick out there that I wanted to do," he continued. "So JJ Dillon suggested the idea of 'The Model' to Vince, and he loved it. But when they mentioned it to me, I really wasn't sure if I was going to be able to pull that off. I called my wife and told her what they had come up with for me, and her first reaction was to say, 'Well, just be thankful they didn't call you a Red Rooster!' (laughs) After that, I just set my concentration on getting the thing over, thinking about the catwalk, and the 'Arrogance' perfume. And Vince gave me the green light on everything I came up with. I was really happy with the result."
After an opening match win over Koko B. Ware at Wrestlemania VI -- Martel's position on the card largely due to being on the comeback trail from a shoulder injury suffered in a bout with Hercules Hernandez -- the following year saw Martel in one of the most famous gimmick matches in Wrestlemania history, the "Blindfold Match" against the incomparable Jake "The Snake" Roberts at Wrestlemania VII in Los Angeles.
Of much greater overall note than any of the matches themselves -- including, even, the much-maligned, Gulf War-inspired Hulk Hogan versus Sgt. Slaughter bout -- was the fact that Wrestlemania VII was originally planned as an 100,000 fan spectacular at the Los Angeles Coliseum, before being hastily re-scheduled to take place at the nearby Sports Arena. The official reason at the time was that a bomb threat had been issued on the back of the poor-taste Slaughter angle, but poor ticket sales were the true cause. Martel, however, says that the change of venue was no concern for the performers themselves.
"At the point that Wrestlemania VII came around, I don't think we could have expected to have a really big event. We were working so much, we were so concentrated on that -- we were like machines (laughs). As far as I was concerned anyway, I trusted Vince. I think we knew that he would do what would be best for the wrestling profession, and we trusted him fully. It makes a difference when you have a bigger event, when you have a bigger venue, with the bigger crowds. But we were still happy with everything. I don't recall anyone making a scene, or having any conversations, or anyone making a big deal out of it."
Following a self-imposed hiatus following the match with Roberts, Martel enjoyed another Wrestlemania moment at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis at Wrestlemania VIII, as he faced the recently-debuted Tatanka, who the company were banking on as a star of the future. It was to be Martel's final Wrestlemania appearance, the reasons for which he completely understood.
"At that time, my interests were really divided in half. I knew that wrestling was not going to be a part of my life forever, and I knew I had to branch out and do something else before I became too dependent on wrestling. You know, we don't have insurance or a union -- we have to depend strictly on your own, and if you're injured, too bad. So when I took a year off after the match with Jake, I started studying commercial real estate, got into it, and had some great opportunities. Once that got started, then I came back into wrestling. But I soon realized one thing; if you want to be the best in wrestling, you have to be at it 100%, and I was only at it 50-50 at that point. I used to go on the road, and when I'd come back home, I'd get involved with the real estate projects that I wanted to. My mind wasn't in wrestling 100%.
"And in all fairness, Vince knew it. He knew the difference. He knew what I could do at 100%, and he knew that I wasn't there. So although I wasn't bitter, my pride was hurt, and it was hard for me to accept that I couldn't have it both ways. But I accepted that, and to this day I don't regret the decision. I'm very thankful for my second career, and for having a good life now.
The Wrestlemania VIII loss may have been Martel's last in-ring performance at the event, but it would not have been had time been on his side. After yet another hiatus -- once more caused by his outside business ventures -- he returned in late 1993, and thus found himself announced for the card of Wrestlemania X, where he was due to team with The Headshrinkers (Samu and Fatu), I.R.S, and Jeff Jarrett, to battle The 1-2-3 Kid, The Smoking Gunns (Billy and Bart Gunn), and "Sparky" Plugg (Bob Holly). Unfortunately for all concerned, the match was cancelled when other matches over-ran.
"I was disappointed, of course," said Martel. "But I was more disappointed for the other guys, because I remember that there were a lot of rookies in the match, and some of them had their families there to see them in Madison Square Garden. It was their first Wrestlemania, and they were excited to the max. I was disappointed to a point, but I had been in a few Wrestlemanias. I wanted to be in there for sure, but I didn't make a big deal out of it."
In truth, it was hardly a decorous end to a Wrestlemania career that gave so much, even if, in storyline terms, those performances only led to two wins in six appearances. But unlike his peers Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Ricky Steamboat -- all of whom appear to be involved physically in Chris Jericho's match at WrestleMania 25 -- there's no going back for Martel, who is quite certain that he'll never step into the ring again, even for an event as large as Wrestlemania.
"No, definitely not -- I retired in 1998," he concluded. "I loved it, I loved wrestling, but I'm not going to make a comeback. Not long ago I did a thing with Tony Garea at the Night of Champions, and as we went to the ring and the reaction was great, and when I took off my jacket, I loved it! The energy and adrenaline you get from the people -- it was fantastic. It revived a lot of old memories in me that I thought were gone 10 years after my retirement.
"Right after that, people came and asked me, 'Well, how about it?' (wrestling another match). I thought, 'Yeah, I'd love to, it would be fun!' but then five minutes later I thought, 'Nah, I don't think so" (laughs). The idea of it sounds good, but me, back in the ring, I don't think that I would like that."
Brian Elliott is a British journalist covering soccer, MMA, and pro wrestling. Sadly, he has never worn a button stating "Yes, I am a Model", though he has been accused of a waft of Arrogance. He can be contacted at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Auditable processes and powerful reporting
Design repeatable and fully transparent processes. Stakeholders can access highly informative, predefined financial reports with query capabilities that can drill down to detailed source data.
Auditable processes and powerful reporting
Design repeatable and fully transparent processes. Stakeholders can access highly informative, predefined financial reports with query capabilities that can drill down to detailed source data.
Flexible account structure definitions
Define various sets of rules, allocating calculation results to different elements in the account structure disclosed in the final reports.
What-if capabilities
Define and run processes based on several configurations, each representing a different set of scenario-based assumptions. Use the results to verify how a range of outcomes might affect financial results.
Data quality and process quality management
Define data quality rules and align data sets as required for each step of the job-flow process. Monitor the delivery, completeness and quality of data to ensure trusted results.
Having risk and finance calculations in one comprehensive solution allows you to streamline the flow of information and reporting of expected versus actual cash flows for all stakeholders. In addition to addressing regulatory requirements, our solution improves the timely tracking of results and metrics, and facilitates collaboration among actuaries, risk managers and finance.
SAS collects actual baseline data directly from your policy, administrative and accounting systems. The solution also supports the validation of data from multiple sources, including actuarial and production data required to calculate cash flows. Comprehensive data capabilities extend from data quality and lineage to posting of results on a single platform across all divisions. Data quality, transparency and auditability give you results you can trust.
SAS workflow management, combined with a flexible rules engine, supports the orchestration of job flows to address current and future IFRS 17 accounting and reporting rules. SAS process management includes data validation at each stage, from discounted and undiscounted cash flows through report generation. Review and approval processes may be added to any stage of the workflow as required.
Out-of-the-box capabilities include categorization of policy types and addressing grouping requirements. SAS supports all three IFRS 17 valuations for insurance liabilities: the general measurement model (GMM), formerly known as the building block approach (BBA) for long-term contracts; the premium allocation approach (PAA); and the variable fee approach (VFA). Implement whichever calculation methodology works best for your insurance and reinsurance lines of business.
SAS generates pre-posting reports compliant with IFRS 17 accounting rules, aligned with your firm's accounting system, in support of both multi-GAAP and multicurrency reporting. Align with your firm's chart of accounts and posting rules. Drill down to granular contract or analytic details as required. And with currency and localization capabilities, you can report on individual subsidiaries in local and HQ currencies, and aggregate firmwide results across geographies and lines of business.
What should you look for in an IFRS 17 solution, and why prepare now?
Discover the differences in how IFRS 17 and Solvency II encourage regulatory and accounting comparability and transparency.
Check out these products related to SAS® Regulatory Content for IFRS 17, all based on the powerful SAS® Platform.
Back to Top

subset: commoncrawl


text:
May 17, 2008-Return from Ratanachai (updated)
Ten days later we flew back to Phuket and took the late night taxi to Ratanchai shipyard where Wings was still hauled out. In the morning we settled the bill and after the yard relaunched the boat we left for Yacht Haven.
There was a good sailing breeze even before we got out of the river but, worried about the ebbing tide, we motored out the channel and across Phuket Bay, safely crossing the shallow spot, and reached deeper water at Koh Tapha Noi before setting sail. We went between the islands and then turned into the fresh SW wind and raised the main. A bear away and a quick jibe around, then a jib hoist, and we settled onto a direct course north to Yacht Haven.
Like the trip down the island with Garth & Wendy two weeks before this was an excellent sail; we had sunny skies, nice wind, and the sailing was fast; 6's and 7's.
We've been hearing horror stories from people about how bad the weather is during the Southwest Monsoon but so far we've found it to be just fine. In fact the westerly winds have made the sailing superb. This is a perfect example: it was a beam reach in winds of 12-20 knots; perfect for the #4 jib. We had lunch underway, played music on the stereo, and generally had a nice time enjoying each other's company alone on the water on a great sailing day.
wingssail image-judy jensen
Against the tide
When we closed with the point at Laem Phat, at the north-east end of Phuket, our course turned left and the beam reach became tighter. There was a cruising cat messing around in the lee of the island, it looked like a Wharram, and they turned onto our course for a while not too far astern. I thought they might have a go at overhauling us but as we came up onto into the wind they turned away.
We hardened up and sheeted on until we were close hauled rounding the point. Then we came into the open slot and right into the face of the wind. We started the beat up to Yacht Haven. The tacks were short due to the narrow channel and we made them a little shorter by our reluctance to get close to the reefs and risk our new keel repair, but with the small jib tacks were no problem.
We saw a large yacht, maybe a Swan, motoring down wind with their main up and flagging and I wondered in what conditions they would sail, if not these, and I also wondered they must be thinking as they watched us beating to windward, tack on tack.
But we were having fun; Judy and I traded jobs a couple of times, first I steered and she winched, then she steered and I winched. Either way we had a good time working the boat to windward. The tide was running out of the channel, against us, so our angles weren't as good as they could be but it didn't matter; we'd calculated that we would arrive in Yacht Haven just about slack water, or maybe just a bit early, so we didn't care. If we sailed faster or tacked higher we'd just have to wait longer before we could go in.
By 16:00 we were safely tied to the dock at Yacht Haven, having covered the 29 miles against the wind and tide in 5.5 hours.
wingssail image-judy jensen
We could not have been more pleased by our experience at Ratanachai boat yard in Phuket. On our return from Bangkok we found the bottom job finished and I was satisfied the work. The bill was less than their estimate so we went away with some money left over. How good is that?
So, its back to work for me, while Judy goes to Hong Kong for a visa run.
I'm not sure when we'll get back to the boat for another sail, but this one will live in our memories for a while anyhow.
Fred & Judy, SV Wings, Phuket, Thailand


text:
Get DVD Talk Feeds
Like most folks my age, my first exposure to Elmore Leonard's "3:10 To Yuma" was via James Mangold's 2007 remake. Westerns made a short-lived comeback around that time, bringing us excellent productions like The Proposition and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. That same year, I also picked up Sony's DVD of the original 3:10 to Yuma adaptation, directed by Delmar Daves in 1957. Just for the record, I obviously wasn't a lifelong fan of Westerns at that point: my dad was never really into them and the genre didn't dominate TV or the big screen during my childhood. Genres aside, both versions of 3:10 to Yuma are successful because they're based around a suspenseful, layered story with magnetic central characters that are easy to care about. In this case, the original's even better.
It's better because, unlike James Mangold's remake (still a fun ride), there's less clutter to distract from these magnetic central characters. Dan Evans (Van Heflin) is a down-on-his-luck Arizona rancher with no easy access to water and a dwindling cattle herd. His wife Alice (Leora Dana) and two sons admire Dan's determination to provide for them, while his staunch morality ensures he'll play fair to get back on track. Opportunity arrives when outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) is captured and the wealthy stage-line owner Mr. Butterfield (Robert Emhardt) offers Dan $200 to escort Ben to a prison train just over 80 miles away. Wade's posse is still at large and determined to free their leader, so this is anything but easy money.
The counterbalance to Dan's unyielding, almost frenzied determination is Ben himself, who represents everything that the rancher has come to despise: financial prosperity without following the rules of law and order. The quick-witted Ben comes across as cool and relaxed under pressure, and it seems almost inevitable that he'll escape before the train arrives. The casting of typically heroic Glenn Ford as the "villain" (which the actor insisted on after being offered the role of Dan Evans) gives 3:10 to Yuma a leg up on the competition: he's got more charisma than "the good guy" and a more natural self-assurance than your typical black hat. Their particular relationship is what drives 3:10 to Yuma from Ben's capture all the way to the train departure; these two polar opposites almost end up seeing eye to eye, despite their vastly different backgrounds and plans for the future. It's a fine formula to stage a film around.
So without the remake's darker ending, added handicap(s) for Dan Evans, shifting father-son focus and episodic journey to Contention's railroad, this 1957 adaptation of Elmore Leonard's original story plays a lot straighter and more naturally than its younger brother. Both films celebrate the gray area of human behavior in different ways, though, and that's why the core material has remained so durable. Criterion's new Blu-ray of Delmar Daves' 1957 film arrives less than a year after its induction into the National Film Registry and sports a new 4K restoration that makes it look and sound better than ever before.
Not surprisingly, this 1080p, 1.85:1 transfer looks terrific from start to finish. Supervised by Grover Crisp at Sony Pictures, this new 4K restoration of 3:10 to Yuma reveals a striking level of detail, clarity and texture. The image is clean and crisp, with strong black levels and a mild amount of depth during daytime outdoor sequences, of which there are many. No digital imperfections (including noise reduction, edge enhancement and banding) were spotted along the way, rounding out the visual presentation perfectly. This is simply a flawless presentation of a great-looking classic film and fans will enjoy every minute.
The audio is another highlight...and in addition to the uncompressed original mono mix, there's also a new DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track. It's a tasteful remix that even the most staunch purist should enjoy, providing a wider sound field and occasional hints of background ambiance. Overall, it's a toss-up based on personal preference, as both audio tracks feature crisp dialogue and a perfectly suitable atmosphere that gets the job done. Optional English subtitles have been presented during the main feature.
3:10 To Yuma is a timeless example of the Western done right. The characters are simply magnetic from start to finish: we've got an underdog hero just trying to make life better for his family and community, as well as a villain whose charisma and skill make him almost equally likeable. It's dangerous for any film to toe such a line but 3:10 to Yuma does it perfectly, serving up a complex character study that easily one-ups the usual "white hat vs. black hat" approach. Criterion's Blu-ray is light on supplements, but the fantastic new A/V presentation more than makes up for it. Whether you're a long-time fan or have only seen James Mangold's 2007 remake, do yourself a favor and pick this up. Highly Recommended.
Randy Miller III is an affable office monkey by day and film reviewer by night. He also does freelance design work, teaches art classes and runs a website or two. In his limited free time, Randy also enjoys slacking off, juggling HD DVDs and writing in third person.


text:
During the recent government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., declared that Democrats wouldn't "bow down to tea party anarchists," a reference to Republicans seeking an Obamacare delay in return for a debt ceiling increase.
But Democrats are instead bowing to a painful reality: Obamacare is a pending disaster, its crippled web site just a symptom of federal ineptitude to come.
The administration, which ignored warnings that the web site would collapse at the first virtual touch, may regret rejecting that Republican demand. The delay would have given them more time to get their house of cards in order, while allowing them, in classic fashion, to hammer the GOP for depriving the needy access to health care.
Now they have no one but themselves to blame.
Bad premise
Obamacare's solution to covering 20 million of the country's 50 million uninsured was to scrap an established health care system that was working well for 250 million other Americans.
The results so far: A handful of Americans have signed up while coverage for over 5 million was eliminated and premiums raised dramatically for those who can get individual plans. Estimates are that upwards of 100 million will eventually lose existing employer or individual coverage because of the law.
Two weeks ago, a seemingly panicked President Obama responded by issuing an executive order, of dubious legality, allowing insurers to renew otherwise illegal policies for a year. But he was closing the barn door after chasing out the horse. Most of those individual policies are gone for good.
Worse yet to come
Conveniently for Democrats, and thanks to another pair of unconstitutional executive orders, the hammer won't come down on most employer-covered Americans until after next November's election. The more fortunate will simply be hit with major jumps in employee contributions and shrinking access to doctors and hospitals. The less unfortunate will be cut loose and left to find "affordable coverage" on the state exchanges.
They won't find it, because healthy young people will opt to pay the small federal fine rather than hefty premiums to subsidize their sicker elders.
The original problem could have been solved at much lower overall cost, and with far less disruption, by modestly expanding eligibility for federal Medicaid. That program could have been opened, with sliding-scale premiums, to those with modest incomes or pre-existing conditions.
But the leftist elite won't be happy until we're all marooned in the same leaky lifeboat – while they and their exempt union pals wish us bon voyage.
Martin Fey, a member of the Quiet Corner Tea Party Patriots, can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Summer has finally reached the Arctic. The water temperatures have increased slightly and there is enough light during the long and sunny days. And the vegetable and animal plankton (zooplankton) is beginning to reproduce massively! Whales have begun to catch fresh plankton, and so have plankton catchers for JBL PlanktonPur. The plankton is caught with special plankton nets, then sieved, cleaned and it is afterwards conserved with a thermal process without preservatives. After only two weeks it arrives, freshly packed, from Norway, at JBL in Neuhofen and to continue its journey to the pet shops in every corner of the planet.
JBL PlanktonPur consists of pure zooplankton which represents a pure, colouring food for ornamental fish, which is extremely rich in energy. Sealed for freshness, it is available as 2 and 5 g sticks. Make sure you get your freshly caught plankton from the Arctic. You can't feed your fish with a more healthy and varied food!
By the way: Don't be worried about taking food away from whales. JBL's annual ration of PlanktonPur corresponds to the quantity which escapes from the closing mouths of only ONE pod of whales when they are feeding. Even when the whales have had enough, there still is so much plankton available that it mainly dies off at the end of the season.


text:
Or Login using BecomeGorgeous
Please fill the form below and follow the further instructions.
You are about to receive a email from us please make sure to check your spam or junk folder and add our email [email protected] to your contact list.
Thank you!
New season, new options to dazzle with a multitude of fab accessories. For shoe lovers, the statement accessory worth investing in is fairly obvious. The Olsenhaus label has become well known for its spectacular designs that have the power to mesmerize shoppers who focus exclusively on vegan shoes and those who are in the quest for fab sensible shoes with an instant power to impress. The focus isn't directed towards high heels only in the Quantum Awakening spring 2013 lookbook as it often happens with many collections. Instead, there are cut... Read More


text:
Featuring a super-sturdy handlebar bracket that greatly reduces unsightly and annoying scratching of head tubes and handlebars coupled with genuine 5 litre, 5 kilo carrying capacity Basil's Bassimply basket has to be one of the most practical and arguably likeable I've encountered. However, while convenient, it seems pricey compared with a single utility pannier and heavier loads can negatively impact upon handling.
Weighing a hefty 460g the sturdy adjustable stem mounted bracket is well finished if a little agricultural and accommodates stem diameters between 22 and 26mm. I managed to successfully mount ours to a substantial alloy mtb/expedition rack, converting it into a useful open grocery pannier, overcoming potential handling quirks into the bargain. However, I would recommend using a shim made from old inner tube to protect a nice stem or rack from scratches.
Rigidity is impressive - even laden to the recommended maximum - while the fitting kit is equally robust. Allen bolts ensure easy tightening - liberally greasing the threads ensured best purchase. Using this design of adjustable extension eliminates conflict when used in conjunction with a forward mounted child seat and the fitting kits are available separately for £15.99 should your fleet include two utility bikes.
Engagement/removal is very similar to Klick Fix, although it took a few practice runs before becoming second nature. The black mesh basket, although not as tactile as the old fashioned wicker type, is certainly more practical. Soft padded foam handles turn it into a very handy shopping basket off the bike whether pottering around the library or laden with a top-up food shop. However, it benefits from lining, especially if your cargo contains wine bottles or similar glassware.
Summing up, the Bassimply is undeniably better than most but with an all-up weight equal to that of some Cro-moly expedition carriers, I'd only consider pairing it with a traditional roadster.
Well made, adaptable, if weighty basket for roadsters and town hacks
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Basil Bassimply basket
Size tested: n/a
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
The Bassimply is a practical and very sturdy basket fantastic for errands and general use and shouldn't interfere with front mounted child seats.It is very heavy and those carrying children in this fashion might be better with an open-top grocery pannier for better weight distribution.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Klck fix type bracket assembly clamps to the stem with the basket sliding into position. Allen key fixings make for easy adjustment/assembly. 5 litres and five kilo maximum capacities seem very genuine while the basket with soft coated handle is very practical around the supermarket/library etc.
Meets the design brief but can have adverse effect upon handling-especially nearing the maximum five kilo mark.
1,500g (combined weight of basket and bracket)
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
There's no doubt the bassimply does exactly what is says on the tin and won't wilt under load, although I preferred it mounted to a sturdy rack given the impact upon steering. However, unlike cheaper models, the nicely designed bracket ensures it doesn't scratch bars or head-tubes and remains firmly attached while easily removed at will. Substantial build quality sees it laugh in the face of casual utility abuse too.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Solid practical design
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Weight and the subsequent impact upon steering.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? No
Would you recommend the product to a friend? On an old school Utility hack, maybe
About the tester
Age: 35 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,


text: Thanks to a density around 40% lower than that of steel, titanium watches are extremely light and sturdy. Formerly put to fairly infrequent use in Fine Watchmaking, titanium and its properties soon earned the approval of Vacheron Constantin in designing its sports models. Vacheron Constantin titanium watches thus reveal their inherently technical and contemporary nature.


text:
Loïc Corbasson
I'm a 4th year undergraduate at the Technological University of Troyes, in France, preparing a diplôme d'ingénieur in Information Systems and Telecommunications.
During Summer of Code 2007, I'll work on making KOrganizer look more like a paper-based calendar, aka KOrganizer theming improvements.
- IRC nickname: tricasse
- E-Mail: [email protected]
- Blog: http://cnb.blogsite.org/
On a sidenote, it may also help you to know that I speak French, German and English, and have some understanding of a few other European languages to a much lesser extent.
Content is available under Creative Commons License SA 4.0 unless otherwise noted.


text:
BoingBoing founder and editor Mark Frauenfelder joins us to share a few of his all-time favorite pop culture picks. His first recommendation is The Hunter, a dark 1962 novel reminiscent of antihero-driven television shows like Breaking Bad. Next, you'll need something to soothe your senses – how about some new music? Check out Every Noise At Once, a website that introduces listeners to obscure genres from Arab soul to zouk.
You might not recognize Nile Rodgers, who began his music career as part of the purposely faceless band Chic -- but you'd definitely know his music if you heard it. He founded Chic with bassist Bernard Edwards, launched a string of hits including "Le Freak" and "Good Times", and went on to become a songwriting and producing superstar with a tried-and-true formula.
The anthem "We are Family"? That's one of his, too. He was behind Diana Ross' "I'm Coming Out", David Bowie's "Let's Dance", and Madonna's "Like a Virgin". He continues to make and perform music, both with Chic and as a producer. This month, you can hear him on Daft Punk's new album Random Access Memories, contributing a signature guitar sound to the single "Get Lucky".
Back in 2011, Rodgers spoke with us about a beatnik childhood, decades of writing hits (including the gay anthem "I'm Coming Out" for Diana Ross), and the legacy of disco.
His memoir is Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny.
(This interview originally aired in November 2011.)
Who are Mike Nichols and Elaine May? You might know them both for their film and theater work (among many other things, Nichols directed The Graduate and May helmed The Heartbreak Kid). But first, they performed as a improvisational comedy duo in the early 1960s on TV and on bestselling comedy albums, often fixed on skewering relationships. Case in point: a classic comedy sketch from 1962's Nichols and May Examine Doctors, in which a workplace fling becomes a matter of life or death.
Nichols and May Examine Doctors was recently reissued as a CD and digital download.
Jesse examines the often superficial fashion world and finds a stunningly sincere and emotional portrait of a man. The man is New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, and the portrait is Richard Press's biographical documentary Bill Cunningham New York.
(This segment originally aired in April 2012.)
Embed and Share The Outshot: Bill Cunningham New York


text:
Microsoft is again trying to convince the partners that sell its software that they can make money in a world in which customers are getting their software as a service directly from Microsoft.
At its annual partner conference, which is taking place this week in Houston, Microsoft offered more details on the finances that buttress that claim. For example, partners that sign up customers for the new $15-per-month bundle of hosted SharePoint, Exchange and Office Communications Server can get a 12 percent referral fee. The partners can also get a 6-percent cut of renewal fees provided they continue to be associated with the customer and get positive evaluations.
"We expect that to be a competitive entrant," Microsoft partner program VP Allison Watson said in a telephone interview following Tuesday's keynote speech
There's also room for companies to make money hosting Microsoft's products, she said. The key, she said, is for companies that want to host the same products Microsoft does to make sure they are either tailoring their product to a specific market, combining it with other elements of their customer's workflow or offering additional uptime guarantees that aren't part of Microsoft's product. "Our partners are not offering just a vanilla service," Watson said.
As part of Tuesday's keynote, partners also got to see a series of demos of unreleased products, such as efforts in robotics, Microsoft's online telescope, and Silverlight running on Windows Mobile (though that is still a year a way from being on the market, Watson said.) The company also showed off something it dubs a "replaceable PC,"--basically a combination of SoftGrid application virtualization and other technologies used to allow businesses to replace a worker's computer with new hardware and have them up and running in a few minutes' time.
Microsoft has a few more announcements scheduled for Wednesday, including a program designed to help fill the talent gap by connecting partners with the students who take part in the company's annual Imagine Cup.
And, as it is doing in many of its units, Microsoft is creating a "labs" component to its partner program. The first effort there is a social networking tool that will allow partners to collaborate and share ideas with one another. Microsoft is also announcing a new version of its online tool that connects customers with all of the thousands of partner-created tools in a vast database.


text:
Hello Friends & a Happy New Year to you. We are really excited for 2013 and all it has to offer and can't wait to share a bunch of new things with you soon. On a personal note, thank you for your support in 2012 and I hope it was as good a year for you as it was us. We're so lucky to have you in our lives!
We thought we'd take a moment to look back on the last year and highlight a few events and releases we overlooked. We are so proud of how far Foxy & Winston has come and where we are going! Here's a look at the top 6 highlights of our year!
6. Martha Stewart's American Made Workshop at Grand Central.
(photo by Fernando Leon)
We were pleased as punch to be part of this line-up in October. We met and chatted with hundreds of artists and crafters for three days in Grand Central Station. It was a great way to debut some new product as well!
5. Martha Stewart Radio.
Last Spring I was a guest on Martha Stewart Radio talking about turning my craft into a career. Check out that head set!
4. November Issue of Martha Stewart Living.
Again, a great big thanks to Martha for this inclusion. In the summer, we went to the fabulous Martha Stewart offices in Chelsea to team up with the Crafts Department and screen print some very cool textiles that were included in the Thanksgiving Issue of Martha Stewart Living. The first picture is what I made and the second is how it looked in print!
3. New Branding Jobs
One of our favorite things to do is draw for people…especially if our drawing helps get their point across. We did a few jobs this year that are noteworthy and wanted to share them with you!
a. Ms. Milholland - a Brooklyn shopping experience.
b. Big Nuts Granola - a yummy Granola company.
c. Dogspeak - I bet you can find our favorite pup somewhere in there!
2. Meeting the Mayor!
This was a close tie with number 1 but what an honor! Mayor Bloomberg strolled into the shop in early December after touring some of the more devastated areas of Red Hook after Sandy. He purchased a red pig for his daughter and was introduced to Foxy herself!
1. Being named Best Letterpress Printer by New York Magazine for 2012.
'nough said!


text:
Analysts are always funny about Apple, but this is perhaps the weirdest call we've seen yet: several analysts are predicting that the Verizon iPhone will come as expected in 2011, but that it won't help Apple sell many more iPhones.
Philip Elmer-DeWitt reports that Merrill Lynch is raising its iPhone sales estimate by just 6 million units for 2011 on the strength of the Verizon phone. An analyst at Stifel Nicolaus goes even further, predicting the Verizon iPhone will boost the total by just 800,000.
For some context, Apple sold 5 million iPhones to AT&T alone last quarter.
A certain percentage of Verizon iPhone sales will come at the cost of AT&T iPhone sales, of course, but these analysts seem insanely conservative. We suspect this is just a way for analysts to acknowledge that the Verizon iPhone is coming without budging on their policy of lowballing Apple.


text:
Widow Sloan's house
May 14th 1864
9-5 pm )
I dispatched you
a short time since giving
you a report from Col. harr-
[ ] saying two [ ] of
Infantry were crossing the
river at [ ] ford -
I have sent a scout to [ ]
for and another with in-
structions to cross and go
towards Spring Place but
have as yet had no further
report regarding the enemy."
Genl. [ ] succeeded in
crossing two Regts and a Battalion
at Green's ford when the
ford because so very bad


text:
HPI Racing
Excitement is what it is all about - HPI cars and trucks are renowned for their exceptional durability and high quality, but most of all they are FUN! HPI products are enjoyed by hobbyists of all ages, from beginners to enthusiasts, with an eye for something special.
It all started in 1986: with a minimal investment and a lot of hard work Tatsuro Watanabe started Hobby Products International in Southern California. The initial product range was car accessories like graphite parts, wheels and motors. The Uno motors even won a World Championship title in 1987, proving that the company has what it takes to compete with the 'big boys'! This early success allowed HPI to grow the product range quickly and eventually release the first car kit designed by HPI, the Super F1.
This was also the time when HPI hired two of the most influential RC car designers, contributing to the outstanding creativity of HPI's current design team. From here things went fast - Major kit releases came rapidly shifting HPI's focus from being an accessories company to being one of the most prolific RC car design and manufacturing companies.
The HPI-HB racing division offers the highest level of racing products for racers looking for the ultimate performance on the track. Today, HPI's extensive product history features several category defining milestones in the RC car world:
- The RS4 series - One of the very first electric touring car racers
- The Nitro RS4 - Kick started the nitro touring car movement
- The Micro RS4 - Created the 1/18th scale category
- The Savage - Boosted the 1/8th scale monster truck hype
- The Baja 5B - Redefined the large scale off-road category
- HB Cyclone - IFMAR World Champion touring car (2006, Andy Moore, Italy)
- HB D8 - IFMAR World Champion 1/8th buggy (2008, Atsushi Hara, USA)
- The Savage XS - The fastest Mini Monster Truck in the world
HPI's success is firmly rooted in the excitement, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm for everything about radio-controlled cars. From the wheel-to-wheel action of on-road cars, to the wild acrobatics of monster trucks and the extreme size and power of large-scale off-road, HPI designers have continually led the way, forging a path for the rest of the industry to follow.
HPI is proud to offer unique, exciting and fun models that have brought thousands of people into the hobby. HPI's worldwide fan base shares the passion about their cars and the RC hobby with everybody at HPI. RC car fans can be sure that HPI is continually looking ahead to come up with the next big thing!
Thanks for choosing HPI Racing® products - have fun racing!
Hpi Pullstart Assembly (Without One Way Bearing) [1428]Excl. Tax: £19.99 Incl. Tax: £23.99
What do our Stock Indicators mean? Low Stock
Hpi One Way Bearing 14Mm Hex For Pullstart/Rotostart [107829]Excl. Tax: £12.07 Incl. Tax: £14.49
What do our Stock Indicators mean? Out of stock
Out of stock


text:
Former Army Staff Sgt. Walter Ehlers, the last living Medal of Honour recipient to storm Omaha Beach on D-Day during World War II, has died. He was 92.
Born in Junction City, Kansas in 1921, Ehlers enlisted in the Army in 1940 as a private and went on to serve in the 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions, WCVB reports. Ehlers was among the thousands of other American and British forces invading the French coast on June 6th, 1944 in Operation: Overlord, known by many simply as D-Day.
His unit fought its way off the beaches and moved inland, where then-Staff Sgt. Ehlers would later demonstrate remarkable heroism that would lead to his Medal of Honour.
NBC has more:
During battle near Goville, France, Ehlers went ahead of his men to defend his squad against the enemy. He blocked his men from gunfire and even after he was wounded in the back, carried a rifleman to safety and then returned to the battleground to retrieve his rifle. Ehlers refused to leave his squad after his wound was treated.
"The Germans didn't leave much of me untouched," Ehlers said an interview with WWII Magazine in 2012.
Along with the Medal of Honour, the nation's highest award, Ehlers also earned three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star, according to WCVB.
According to NBC, he is survived by his wife Dorothy, three children, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
This is his full Medal of Honour citation, via the Congressional Medal of Honour Society:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 9-10 June 1944, near Goville, France. S/Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his men against heavily defended enemy strong points exposing himself to deadly hostile fire whenever the situation required heroic and courageous leadership. Without waiting for an order, S/Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong point, personally killing 4 of an enemy patrol who attacked him en route. Then crawling forward under withering machinegun fire, he pounced upon the guncrew and put it out of action. Turning his attention to 2 mortars protected by the crossfire of 2 machineguns, S/Sgt. Ehlers led his men through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of the mortar section, killing 3 men himself. After mopping up the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machinegun, his progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the platoon of which S/Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to withdraw. S/Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless aggressiveness displayed by S/Sgt. Ehlers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others.
Business Insider Emails & Alerts
Site highlights each day to your inbox.
Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.


text:
fractastical necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 370 diseños de 76 diseñadores freelance.
Titania, Inc.
We are a team of young motivated software developers committed to delivering the best possible user experience and functionality within the world of web-based software, especially with Google and Salesforce.com. We have several projects currently underway for clients but are looking to become a company that primarily builds and sells our own products on the "cutting edge" of technology.
Some recent projects:
(1) Google Wave based link organization system
(2) Online chat system
(3) Online application system for prospective college students
(4) Easy form creation with Salesforce
(5) Online forum software with Google Wave
We want to impress ordinary users with our products as well as potential corporate clients. We believe that we are the best and want others to believe this as well. These could be anything from Fortune 500 companies to anyone who installs one of our products from the Google App Marketplace.
For the general theme there are a couple of ways it could go, but it may be best not to lock in any particular way of looking at things and see what the name "Titania" inspires.
Logos I like in the tech world are:
http://www.appirio.com/img/appirioLogo.gif (simple but respectable)
http://360east.com/blogfileupload/2.JPG (ATT's old logo, bit too blocky but interesting theme)
Also, just to give you an idea of what I like I used the following fractal based images for themes recently:
Colors probably in the range: blues / greens / sliver / black. Would be nice to have a couple samples with different color variations. Nothing too bright/boingy. If things go well I'll probably need logos for products and those can be more 'boingy' and less corporate and it would be nice to have a relationship with a firm/designer to go to for these kind of things later.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
Lucidcentral.org contains an extensive database of key information which is available for you to search. Many keys are also available to play on-line or purchase.
Dichotomous keys – follow a tree structure. This is the type of key built using Lucid Phoenix
Multi-access keys – where the key is structured in the form of a matrix - the type of key that is built using Lucid3.


text:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nashville's defense came up with some timely offense again.
Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night.
Nick Spaling, Shea Weber, and Mike Fisher also scored for Nashville, which has won three of four.
Seven of Nashville's past 15 goals have been scored by its defensemen.
''We try to jump up in the play if we can and do something for the offense,'' Josi said. ''Lately it has been clicking.''
Cody Eakin scored for Dallas, losers of nine of 10.
''I'll take the blame for that,'' Dallas captain Jamie Benn said. ''When you're a leader it's unacceptable. I think for myself, it just wasn't being smart with the puck. We talked about it, but I'm still doing it. It's something I have to clean up and the rest of the guys do too.''
With Dallas on a power play, Eakin scored the game's first goal at 4:45 of the opening period with a slap shot from the lower part of the right faceoff circle.
It was the only shot to get by Nashville goaltender Carter Hutton, who made 35 saves in the game. He has won his past three starts.
Former Predator Rich Peverley assisted on the goal, his second in as many games.
The power play came as a result of a David Legwand goaltender interference penalty that negated an apparent goal off the stick of Weber at 3:06. Legwand's stick appeared to get under the right skate of Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen.
Spaling got Nashville on the board at 11:35 of the first when he picked up the rebound of Josi's shot from the left circle and beat Lehtonen for his eighth goal of the season.
''The first period, I thought we played well,'' Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. ''Get a goal called off, get a penalty out of it, they turn around and score. I've been saying that our group is really resilient and what do we do? Come out after they score, we get a goal, Carter makes a really good momentum save and we come back and score shortly after that.''
Weber put Nashville ahead 2-1 at 17:16 of the first with a wrist shot from the high slot through traffic that beat Lehtonen high to the stick side.
On Sunday, Weber was selected as one of Team Canada's two alternate captains for the Winter Olympics.
''There were a lot of guys in front, and I just tried to get it through,'' Weber said.
With less than a minute remaining in the second, Josi corralled a loose puck in the lower part of the left circle and beat Lehtonen on the stick side for his sixth goal of the season.
The Swiss Olympian has established new career highs in goals (six), assists (14), and points (20).
Going into the second intermission with a two-goal deficit made an impact on the Stars.
''I thought for a period of time in the second period we were just trying to hang around,'' Dallas coach Lindy Ruff said. ''We missed a puck at the end of the period and instead of a 2-1 game where we can make things happen in the third, we walk into the dressing room [down] 3-1.''
At 3:46 of the third, Colin Wilson carried the puck along the left side before sending a behind the back pass to Fisher, who beat Lehtonen for his 13th of the season.
Former Star Eric Nystrom had two assists in the game for Nashville, his first multi-point game as a Predator.
Nashville is 5-20-3 when its opponent scores first. ... Josi has assists in four consecutive games. ... Dallas has scored a power-play goal in its past four games. ... Stars RW Valeri Nichushkin was a healthy scratch for the second straight game.


text:
Monday, February 7, 2011
i'm just saying...
19 comments:
- Anita said...
I love viking, I've had it about 10 years.
- February 7, 2011 at 2:06 PM
- ragamuffin yogini said...
I have a total workhorse named Ken...he's an old Kenmore; trusty and reliable, probably cost $129 at Sears.
With that said, I also have a Babylock...a few bells and whistles. I like it, but I'm not passionate about it. They both get plenty of work....Ken does the mending and heavy duty work and usually he gets the garment work too...Barbie does the piecing with her 1/4 inch foot and she does blanket stitching on applique...
I strongly recommend finding a sewing center that carries multiple brands that will let you test drive various machines. That is how I settled on the Babylock.
- February 7, 2011 at 2:14 PM
- Rachael said...
I'm having the same issue with my Singer. I'll be watching the comments for recommendations. :)
- February 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM
- Crooked Sister said...
I had a very basic Singer when I first started then my mom surprised me and bought me a heavy duty Singer. I love it. I'm a pretty simple, still learning sewer and it works great for me.
My previous Singer had some serious issues, but this one is great. Not a single problem. Even though I didn't pay for it, I believe it is worth every penny.
Here is a link:
- February 7, 2011 at 4:03 PM
- Deborah said...
Well, I have two machines: a Bernina 180 and a Pfaff 7550. The Bernina has an absolutely beautiful sewing and quilting stitch. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Would I buy it again? No. Bernina is a fantastic brand that I would highly recommend but I think I bought more than I needed. My Pfaff 7550 is my workhorse machine. Its fast and it works beautifully. I agree with the suggestion to go in and test drive a few models. I thin if I ever buy another machine I would buy an industrial one. My must have features include an ability to drop the feed dogs, a high throat (because I quilt); needle down feature, reverse ability and SPEED. Last thing, it seems like every year Threads Magazine does a special section on sewing machines. I think it's worth looking at their site to compare ranges and prices before you begin your search. Good luck!
- February 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM
- Melissa Crowe said...
So, I had a crap Singer for years, and it made me think I couldn't sew. The tension was pure madness, absolutely never right.
Then I got the Jenome Magnolia--a very basic (and, I think, inexpensive) machine. I have never had a single problem with tension. I love it.
- February 7, 2011 at 9:36 PM
- Marianne said...
I sewed on a very basic Brother for years and years. I always had issues but didn't really know that one needn't have those issues such as tension. About 8 years ago, I test drove a used Bernina from an authorized retailer. People trade them in for fancier models. Well, my gosh, i never realized what I was missing till I sewed on the Bernina. The control of the stitching was just amazing...I can sew one stitch at a time if I want. Being able to do hands free foot lifting is also a huge plus so for me....a used Bernina is the way to go!
- February 8, 2011 at 10:25 AM
- Jen said...
I have a Bernina and I love it...but you know what, that doesn't matter. TEST DRIVE them all! If the store where you go to purchase yours won't allow you to try it out, then move on to the next store. How will you know if you'll like, if you can't test drive it? Good Luck!
- February 8, 2011 at 11:47 AM
- Becky said...
It's so hard to know which will be best! My mother just handed down to me her old Bernina, as she got a whoppingly awesome new one. She went with Bernina simply because there is a dealer near us. She was able to try out machines in person and they can do repairs and have classes.
I was using a very, very basic Singer, and one thing I really appreciate about the Bernina is that is has a way to control the speed. I often felt on the singer that I was trying to ride an out of control horse.
- February 8, 2011 at 1:16 PM
- Corinne said...
I'm feeling encouraged here now. Sewing without the constant fiddling with the tension setting sounds so fabulous. My local Hancock fabrics sells some the brands recommended (Janome and Bernina) so maybe I'll go and see if I can try one out. Thanks everyone!
- February 8, 2011 at 1:24 PM
- SaraChung said...
I went through 2 singer's, and was almost ready to give up due to the tension issues. Then, I got a Janome Thread Banger, and LOVE IT! It is pretty basic in terms of stitch functions, etc .... but I do not have any tension issues with it, and it makes sewing enjoyable instead of frustrating. I do find that my machine "likes" gutermann thread better than coats and clark though, so I guess that is one peculiarity, but I LOVE IT!
- February 8, 2011 at 1:41 PM
- Jodie said...
I have a Janome 6500 Memory Craft. I had a few horrible Singers before that, both hand me downs, both had tension problems. You can see my Janome here:
When I went shopping, I didn't think I would be getting a machine with so many features. I was looking for a workhorse that was simple. Here are the things I now find I LOVE about my machine.
The needle down feature.
The thread cutter (little scissor button)
The speed adjustment
Drop feed dogs
I highly recommend going to the little sewing and vacuum shops. You'll learn a lot, and you may be able to find a used one. I got mine a year old for about 1/3 of the price it would have been new. The precision of stitching instantly made my garments and projects look so much better.
Can't wait to see what you end up with!
- February 8, 2011 at 11:21 PM
- Christine d'Anecdotes said...
My husqvarna's doing well and can be enriched with lots of usefull accessories depending on what you want to do. Quite easy to use and robust. You may have a look at this brand. Keep us informed of your final choice (and show us the beautiful things you'll do with it !) XXX
- February 9, 2011 at 3:22 AM
- Corinne said...
Well, gee whiz, now I'm almost sorry I asked because I am sooooo excited about buying a new machine right now even though I have to wait just a bit longer before I can. Oh well, I will have fun doing my research and when the time comes, I will know exactly what to get. Thanks everybody!!
- February 9, 2011 at 6:40 AM
- Hillbilly Handiworks said...
I am not going to take the time to explain all my 'why's'... but...
get a Janome! Or a Kenmore that Janome makes.
Stay away from Brother or Singer.
- February 10, 2011 at 8:09 AM
- Caitlin T. said...
after a number of frustrating sewing sessions, i've also been looking around at new machines. the janomes sound like great machines, though i think i'm leaning toward a juki, specifically the tl-98q. it gets so many great reviews and i think it would be amazing to quilt on. good luck with your search!
- February 10, 2011 at 11:41 PM
- Colleen said...
I have a mint green Hello Kitty machine from Janome! I purchased this one because it got good reviews and the small size works well with my small space. I actually do love it! I would probably not recommend this to anyone who isn't a beginner or adv. beginner. You can't adjust stitch length, there are only a few pre-determined stitches, etc. And it's SLOW, which I actually need because I think my lines look like I'm sewing under the influence. BUT, it's a great machine for someone new, or as a super-portable machine. Janome has extra feet you can stick on it, so you can actually do free-hand embroidery, use a walking foot for applique, a ruffler, etc. (You can only do this with the mint green model, apparently.) Someday I will also upgrade to something snazzy, but I'll still keep this little one too!
- February 12, 2011 at 11:46 PM
I'm going to chime in and say Janome or Kenmore as well. I have a Janome 6019QC (Quilter's Companion; I don't quilt, but it's a great sturdy machine with a lot of features) and love it.
- February 21, 2011 at 4:30 AM
- DanaK ~ WaterPenny said...
Hey! Just to say I have a 95 Singer that I LOVE SO MUCH but it wouldn't do free motion quilting. So I tried upgrading to a new Singer and it was really, really low quality. I returned it 3 days later.
I did a bunch of research and fell in love with Pfaff 2124. I got mine on Ebay for $700 - it's an older machine but MSRP was like $2000. It has an embroidery arm which I never use so, oh well. I think if I went back I would go for more decorative stitches and lose the embroidery capability, but this machine is great.
The big deals are on ebay but the caveat is you don't get the help from your local store when getting started. I muddled through.
- March 5, 2011 at 5:17 PM


text:
Ethical culture is of paramount importance
Ethical life is a stepping stone to spirituality and right conduct is a prerequisite for spiritual progress. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God".
In India the ethical way of life is called Sadachar about which Sant Kirpal Singh gives a deep explanation:
The word sadachar is not easy to translate. One can find many literal equivalents, but none of them really expresses its extensive and many-sided significance. In brief, it stands for the good and pure life. It does not imply any rigid code or set moral formulae, but suggests purity and simplicity, which radiate from within and spread outwards, permeating every action, every word, every thought. It is as much concerned with one's personal habits, good and hygienic, as with one's individual and social ethics. And on its ethical side, it is concerned not merely with one's relation to one's fellow men but to all living things, i.e., harmony which is the result of recognition that all things are from the same essence.
The first lesson taught by a true Master is that of "the identity of substance", and he who has grasped this truth will discipline his life accordingly. He will not be a prey to inordinate desires, and his one aim will be to reach the still point which holds in itself all actions, the point where to have nothing is to possess everything. He will know that the one path to fulfilment is through renunciation, and the one way to reach the Almighty is through freeing himself from all other attachments.
His would be a life of detachment or of nishkama. But detachment would not be for him a life of indifference or of ascetic renunciation. To know all life is to discover a new bond between oneself and the rest of creation. He who knows this cannot be merely "indifferent". He must perforce be filled to overflowing with sympathy for all that he confronts, and sympathy toward the whole must imply a certain holy indifference to the part. He will no longer be tied to his own narrow individual interests, but will share his love and resources with all. He will develop, slowly but surely, something of the compassion of the Buddha and the love of Christ. Nor will he feel himself called upon to leave the world for the solitude of the forest, the mountain or the desert cave.
The detachment must be an inner one, and one who cannot achieve it at home will not achieve it in the forest. He will recognize the great use of occasional retreats from worldly affairs and cares to the silence of solitary meditation and concentration, but he will not seek to escape from life and its responsibilities. He will be a loving husband and a good father, but while being these he will never forget the ultimate purpose of life, always knowing how to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and preserving for God that which is God's. The way for transcending desire, he will know, is not through repressing it but meeting it squarely and overcoming it. To him, sanyasa (renunciation) is not a matter of outer evasion or escapism but of inner freedom.
The two cardinal virtues that such a man will cultivate will be charity and chastity. He will be large of heart and bounteous, caring more for the sufferings of others than for his own, and easily forgiving those that injure him. He will be simple and restrained in his habits. His wants will be few and easily satisfied, for one who has too many desires and too many attachments cannot be pure of heart. For him chastity will extend even to giving up meat and drink. When all life is one, to live upon the flesh of other living beings would be to defile oneself. And when one's goal is to attain even higher realms of consciousness, to resort to narcotics and intoxicants is only to court regression. It is not an idiosyncrasy of Indian seers that they should have made abstinence from meat and drink a necessary part of the spiritual discipline. We have similar injunctions in the Koran and the Holy Bible.
Sadachar is no dry discipline that can be attained by following certain set formulae. It is a way of life, and in such matters only heart to heart can speak.


text:
Sarah Leah Whitson is an American human rights activist and director of the Middle East and North Africa division of Human Rights Watch.
Whitson was reared by a mother who was born in the Armenian quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. She spent childhood summers with family in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
In 1988, Whitson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley, located in Berkeley, California, taking time to study abroad in Egypt. In 1991, she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the Harvard Law School, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.


text:
CHARLOTTE � A judge in Charlotte has canceled the deportation of a woman to Mexico after she gave birth.
Isaide Serrano had come to the United States illegally in 1991. Serrano was stopped by a Charlotte police officer two years ago for a traffic violation. She was jailed and officials were processing her for deportation.
But at 5 a.m. Thursday, she gave birth to a boy at Carolinas Medical Center. Four hours later, she attended a rally of about 100 people who said she was being treated unfairly. Armando Bellmas with the Latin American Coalition says Serrano was a mother and housewife whose children only knew the United States as home.
At the 11 a.m. hearing, a judge canceled her deportation. She headed back to the hospital to be with her son.


text:
How many of us have simple Saturdays? How many of us allow ourselves to snuggle deep under the covers and sleep late...or if you swing the other way, rise early and enjoy the sunrise with a warm cup of coffee? How many of us make time to read a book, craft, watch a movie, sit in the sun, soak in a tub, bake a cake, putter in the garden, or do whatever activity it is that makes your soul smile?
If you are like me, your Saturdays are similar to any other day, full of lists of things that MUST.BE.DONE.NOW. There are always chores and errands and sometimes even work to rob us of a simple Saturday. And it does rob us. We need things to make our souls smile. We need a reprieve from the chores and errands and work. We need quiet happiness found in what is basically nothing at all. At least, I do.
Today (Saturday) held a super full schedule for me. I jumped out of bed and dashed to the grocery store first thing this morning. It was there that asparagus caught my eye. It was there that the notion of claiming just a few moments of a simple Saturday took hold for me. Yes, I still had loads to do, and I wasn't going to drop the ball on that to-do list. I just wanted a few moments of quiet stillness with the sunlight dancing over a plate of roasted asparagus topped with a runny egg. Whole wheat toast on the side, and a mug of tea to wrap my fingers around as I gazed out the window. Simply the breakfast of a simple Saturday to reinforce me for the jam-packed day ahead. No, it wouldn't be a simple Saturday, but it could be a Simple Breakfast On My Plate.
olive oil
kosher salt
fresh cracked black pepper
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
egg(s)Preheat oven to 400.
Toss asparagus with olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh cracked black pepper.
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 5-10 minutes (depending on how many spears and how thick they are...thicker spears are better for roasting).
Meanwhile, in a nonstick pan drizzle a little olive oil and heat.
When the oil is hot, break egg into pan and immediately turn heat to low.
Cook slowly until the whites are completely set and the yolks begins to thicken, but are not hard.
Arrange roasted asparagus spears on a plate.
Slide egg on top of asparagus and break the yolk.
Season with fresh cracked black pepper, a sprinkling of salt, and a grating of Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy the simple moment of breakfast.


text:
Hello everyone and HAPPY EASTER!!!
Thank you for visiting today and I hope that whatever your religious persuasion, you will have a wonderful day, and remember, -something incredibly wonderful is always possible!!
The tag is made with two different sized tags, number 8 and 10 Ranger Manila tags. They were inked with various Distress Inks. The central one was embossed with a Tim Holtz texture fade and then I stamped the butterflies from the Papillion plate in the center. I stamped the background to the larger tag with several old text stamps. The ticket is a Whimsy Stamp Set I seem to remember, the flowers are from Prima and Wild Orchard Crafts and the little heart I picked up at my local Hobbycraft shop a while back. The sentiment is Tim Holtz too. The Joy brad was a left over from a Christmas DT pack. Here are some close ups still:
AALL&Create - Too-Wit-Too-Woo
6 hours ago


text:
The Irrepressibles
AlbumsSee All
Singles & EPsSee All
About The Irrepressibles
The brainchild of vocalist/composer/artistic director Jamie McDermott, Londons Irrepressibles are an orchestral ten-piece equally informed by Baroque music, cabaret decadence, the glam rock of David Bowie and T. Rex, 50s exotica, and lush contemporaries like Antony and the Johnsons and the Wild Beasts. McDermott began piano lessons when he was 11 and went on to study art, music, and drama at a college in his native Scarborough, North Yorkshire. His drama teacher introduced him to art and artists in all mediums, including Meredith Monk, Yma Sumac, Carmina Burana and Blade Runner, which influenced the multi-faceted work that McDermott wanted to make.
McDermott then studied rock singing in Guildford and learned to use his countertenor voice to its fullest thanks to a vocal coach there. He went in a different direction after finishing the course, releasing two acoustic solo albums, Newclear Skies, and Nude, that drew comparisons to Jeff Buckley. McDermott continued writing music in this vein as he pursued a degree in Commercial Music at the University of Westminster. Inspired by his studies, which mixed music production with musics sociological effects, and by a need to surround his cathartic songs with bigger backdrops, he formed the first version of the Irrepressibles in 2002.
Featuring McDermott on guitars and vocals and backed by cello, violin, piano, and bass at first, the Irrepressibles eventually became a performance orchestra that included pianist/vocalist Sarah Kershaw; violinist/vocalist Jordan Hunt; violist/vocalist Charlie Stock; cellist/vocalist Nicole Robson; double bassist/vocalist Sophie Li; oboist/vocalist Craig White; flutist/vocalist Rosie Reed, and clarinetist/saxophonist/vocalist Anna Westlake. The groups theatrical live show featured sets, costumes, and choreography, and the Irrepressibles performed in venues ranging from London galleries, Sicilian villas, a Roman amphitheater in Barcelona, and Paris concert hall La Cigale. One of their most spectacular shows, The Human Music Box -- during which the band performed in a rotating open box -- was the basis for the Irrepressibles' breakthrough performances at the 2008 Latitude Festival: The group performed on a floating stage in the middle of the festival grounds lake, surrounded by gondolas. The following year, the band released the score to Shelly Love's film The Forgotten Circus as the From the Circus to the Sea EP; the single In Your Eyes, which featured a video by director Fritz Stolberg, appeared in fall 2009. The Irrepressibles full-length debut, Mirror Mirror, arrived in early 2010 in the U.K. and was released in the U.S. in August 2011. ~ Heather Phares
- London, England
- Alternative
- 2002
Similar ArtistsSee All


text:
Pre-Meeting Findings & Recommndations
- 1 Nancy
- 2 John
- 3 Bob B.
- 4 Mark
Bob B.
ALA Broadband Study: Some Thoughts and Suggestions
In response to Rick's email of March 20, I have outlined below my thoughts on findings and possible interventions. While there are always exceptions, my thoughts below are based more on what appears to be the general "rule" on library broadband connectivity and not the "exception." As I noted while in D.C. two weeks ago, it is important that we realize there is not a single "magic bullet" solution that will fix every library's BB issues. I think my focus on regional library WANs is a good place to start for many libraries but it is certainly not going to be a viable option for all libraries.
Connectivity and State Networks
First big finding: As a rule, states that have statewide networks that obviously include libraries have fewer problems or issues with library connectivity and libraries having sufficient bandwidth. There are also related benefits of statewide networks. For example, it is often not the libraries responsibility to determine problems or issues with the library's circuit or to work directly with the underlying carrier provisioning those circuits to resolve any issues. Most (all?) state networks operate network operations centers (NOC) to handle issues. Even in Wisconsin with 85 LECs provisioning circuits as part of our statewide network, there is a single toll-free number to call to get a problem fixed. There is no finger pointing. (Except for fiber cuts, the average time to restore a down circuit is just under 2 hours.) Considering the success of state networks, one obvious answer to the broadband connectivity issue is to work with states that have no state network to help get one created. But the impediments to doing this are daunting and I question whether the state network model is replicable in many states. There are many roadblocks but two principle ones I see are:
1. Commitment: There is a need for a strong commitment from all parties involved. This includes, the highest levels of state government, the state's higher education and K-12 communities, local units of government and the carriers. I do not see this happening in Michigan, the state I visited. And in reading through the notes from several other states, it also appears that the statewide approach will be an uphill climb at best.
2. Time. Even with a commitment of key parties, state networks often take several years (minimum) to come to fruition. I do not think the library community has the leisure of time to address its bandwidth issues via the state network option.
Second big finding: Another big finding is the commitment needed to place the BB issue at the top of the library's agenda and keep it there until it is resolved. This commitment includes key staff and the library's board. In the regional approach that I advocate below, this type of commitment and leadership must also come at the regional level.
Connectivity and Regional Library WANs
Many of the benefits of statewide networks can be realized by working at a regional level. Most states have some type of regional library consortia or library cooperatives. In states with no statewide network, it appears that the most successful addressing of the library connectivity issue has been made in areas where the regional consortia have been proactive in creating and maintaining regional WANs. These are then often used for Internet connectivity and for the regional shared Integrated Library System.
Because the focus is more at a regional level the daunting tasks of a statewide commitment needed for a statewide network are brought down to a more manageable level. I think it is easier to build a coalition of the willing at the regional level. (This is not to imply it is easy, but it is easier relative to a statewide effort.) Below are several ideas on how to implement the regional model.
• Using results from the visited or interview states, work with the State Library to identify 2-3 regions in their respective states where, at a minimum, there is a high level of commitment already in place to address the regions' BB issues.
• Do some preliminary contacts and background work to winnow this list to 8-10 regions nationwide.
• Assist these regions to do a needs assessment (see model assessment below) to see where the 8-10 are in their broadband WAN development/implementation.
• Based on the assessment, winnow the list further down to 3-4 regions that show the most promise of success in a relatively near-term timeframe.
• Develop a team of experts in various topical areas that will work directly with the 3-4 selected regions to reach the goal of sufficient BB connectivity. This team would include experts in facilitation/problem resolution and coalition building; telecommunications both the regulatory aspects and more specific WAN engineering; legal issues including contract negotiations; procurement; funding, including E-rate.
The Gates foundation can help in funding all of the above activities or actions needed to bring the WAN to fruition. I also suggest an ongoing foundation commitment of two years in subsidizing circuit costs and providing technical support.
States Networks or regional WANS with connectivity issues:
In some states with state/regional networks, there are still issues in procuring sufficient bandwidth. To assist libraries in these states, I suggest working with the State Library, the state and/or regional library networks to identify the specific libraries that are having broadband issues. In straightforward situations, in which circuit capacity is available but costly, Gates' funding could be used to pay for the additional bandwidth for a two year period. At the outset, the library board would be required to make an upfront commitment that after two years it would make a concerted effort to replace the Gates $$ with other funds. One requirement for Gates $$ is that the library would have to apply for E-rate on its bandwidth.
In areas where additional circuit capacity is not available, Gates funds could be used to provide technical help to work with all parties (telcos, library) to determine the impediments to higher bandwidth. I doubt if the foundation wants to get into funding any needed telco CO switch upgrade, but there may be other ways to assist on this issue.
Public Relations Effort
Another area I think the foundation can be very helpful with is in conducting an aggressive, nationwide PR campaign on the need for adequate library connectivity. I know it cannot actively lobby, but an awareness campaign targeted at local and state government officials and the telcos could be very helpful. Such a campaign should be coupled with statements that the foundation, working in cooperation with ALA, will be actively working to address this problem.
Broadband Connectivity Assessment for Multi-library WANs
The table below is an attempt to try and measure where libraries or regional consortia are on establishing or sustaining regional WANs. There are almost endless ways to construct this. The important issue is to have a mechanism or methodology to assess the status of WAN development in regional consortia, identify the issues, and develop solutions accordingly.
In the table below a straight (horizontal/vertical) reading of the x and y axis show a linear progression. But when comparing between cells diagonally, you cannot always assume a linear progression. For example, a consortium may rank high on planning but they've done enough background work to realize that funding is doubtful and thus they rank low in this area.
Collaboration with others is an important factory. In most situations where libraries and other entities were connected, the libraries were collaborating with each other and/or other entities. Further, in some states that weren't well connected, there was a lack of coordination/collaboration at any level to connect libraries and/or other entities to broadband. Further, a champion or group of champions is key to the establishment continuing success of deployment.
There is a lack of understanding on behalf of a lot of the stakeholders as to the needs of broadband to libraries and some don't understand the role of the library in the 21st century. When we talked to stakeholders, some didn't quite get that there was an issue when it came to broadband deployment. They were not aware of the services libraries provided and the extra need for broadband because libraries need access to support both their staff work and for public access.
Many models exist for the creation of networks (in this case meaning broadband networks for connecting public libraries.) Various success factors for connecting entities include:
• The organization who builds the network negates with the ISP on behalf of the libraries
• The networking entity applies for E-Rate on behalf of the libraries it connects
o The entity that applies for E-Rate is able to apply for the telco circuit discount separately from the Internet access charge, which allows libraries to receive E-Rate without having to be CIPA compliant
• The networking agency was in the best position to provide for their clients. In some cases, this was a state agency (OH, KY), a non-profit (MO) or regional consortiums (MI and KS).
Broadband speed is contextual. Different libraries require different amounts of bandwidth based upon the number of computers and the usage of these computers. One thing that was constant throughout was that current connection speeds to libraries is increasing exponentially with video and other applications that are upcoming that aren't anticipated (one of which is higher quality video).
769 Kbps is not sufficient bandwidth for public libraries now or in the future. In many focus groups, they indicated that not even a full T1 (twice the speed) is sufficient. Further, provisioning this amount of bandwidth for libraries may cost just as much as a T1. To quote Elwood Downing of MERIT:
"In Michigan, provisioning of a 768K telco circuit connection is the same cost as a T1 (1.5M bps)circuit. When Merit places an order for a fractional T1 service with the Telecommunications provider in Michigan they install a T1 circuit to the Library. However, it is the Internet Service Provider that will provision the through-put on the circuit to be 768K bps instead of a full T1 1.5M bps."
Fund a project to increase collaboration between libraries and other entities. The level at which this collaboration takes place will vary from state to state (based upon the political environment.) I am not sure if this collaboration should be at the regional or state level, but it would appear regional is the most feasible. Through regional consortiums that exist in several states, they can aggregate demand to make a bigger investment case for and help libraries negotiate with ISPs and help apply for E-Rate. If no regional consortiums exist, perhaps the state? One thing that would be great is to fund a position at a state library that works with other agencies within the state to ensure libraries are considered in broadband strategies and partners with other agencies to get connected to ongoing projects.
Build tomorrow's broadband connection today. Whatever project we end up funding to help increase deployment needs to ensure a scalable connection, so that as demand goes up, the bandwidth is available. Deploying a technology, such as T1 or a DSL line, will help libraries in the short run, but only up to a point because each one has a maximum speed. In states of high connectivity, they have maximized usage of these technologies and are struggling to find their next act. As whatever we fund works to increase deployment, we need to ensure that it scales easily.
As part of the current advocacy activities, it is important to help show the case for broadband connectivity to libraries. I do not know the plans for advocacy activities, but specific groups need to be targeted to ensure that they receive the message that libraries are important when considering broadband deployment to communities and to help them to understand the needs of the libraries. The groups to be targeted include many of the groups we were talking to during our visits. Further, one option that has worked is to have 'dog and pony shows' whereby stakeholders are gathered at the library to discuss broadband deployment. One suggestion would be to work with elected officials to invite people to the library and have library staff express their need. Another is to initiate demonstrations of broadband within a public library.
Increase librarian's knowledge on broadband. Librarians need to understand that broadband is important and in many cases do not understand how to maximize the usage of their connection. Further, they may not know how to use the broadband effectively, how to adequately plan for connectivity, how to effectively apply for E-Rate, negotiate with ISPs, and a host of other broadband specific issues. A program to increase librarians' knowledge of broadband and technology
Finally, I would like to emphasize that we don't always have to think big. Occasionally, small things can have an impact on deployment (e.g. One Economy's strategy to require broadband in housing developments increased deployment in poor areas and low-income housing). Therefore, simple policy statements can have a great impact. One such suggestion would be to re-write zoning laws to make it a requirement to deploy fiber (and no copper) to every new house, business or library that is built for telecommunications. Such a policy shift could help spur deployment of fiber to residential areas and to libraries. As we talk over the next several days, it is important to not always think big thoughts.


text:
Your roundup of all the hottest hot-stove items of the day (and whatever shit Ken Rosenthal is throwing against the wall). This is ... HOT FUCKING STOVE!!!
• Prince Fielder is going to have a hard time getting the Teixeira-worthy contract he's looking for. The Rangers, one of the two teams that seemed likely to sign him, just spent $111.7 million on Yu Darvish. Texas's front office is now saying that they'd need a "creative" deal to bring Fielder to Arlington. Fielder's other probably suitor, the Nationals, now have the option of waiting until around spring training to make a move. By then, Fielder will presumably get desperate and accept a lesser deal. Poor guy. [ESPN Insider]
• The Orioles signed a 17-year-old
prospect fast pitch softball player out of New Zealand.
• Joel Zumaya decided it was probably time to adjust his pitching style.
• Yoennis Cespedes hit his first Dominican League home run, and it's a thing of beauty.
• Ken Rosenthal is still on sabbatical from shit-throwing.


text:
Free shipping continues above € 99
Free shipping continues above € 99
The Colombina collection large saucer can be used to serve tea but it can also be combined with the other objects that make up the tableware to create a unique and surprising table. The saucer comes in two versions, bone china and black melalmin, creating a pleasant chromatic contrast.
The Colombina collection dish service designed by Doriana and Massimiliano Fuksas not only distinguish themselves by their aesthetic quality, but also offer a sophisticated evolution of table rituals, thanks to their key component and their ability to change. A sculptural approach to dishes, receptacles and cups with surprising shapes that can be associated and superimposed like a stack of petals, creating different solutions each time. A versatile service that offers a rich range of instruments to set and serve the table leaving room for the creativity of those who use it.VIEW THE COMPLETE RANGE
Studio Fuksas, led by Massimiliano and Doriana Fuksas, is one of the most outstanding international architectural firm in the world. Over the past 40 years the company has developed an innovative approach through a strikingly wide variety of projects, ranging from urban interventions to airports, from museums to cultural centers and spaces for music, from convention centers to offices, from interiors to design collections. With headquarters in Rome, Paris and Shenzhen, and a staff of 170 professionals, the practice has completed more than 600 projects and has worked in Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australia, receiving numerous international awards.


text:
Shipping to: Israel
"Top coat" volume intensifying mascara
Applied over your usual mascara, adds up to 75%* more volume.
The spectacular effect of false eyelashes in a single mascara, with magnificent results.
Its extremely flexible and adjustable formula has been designed to be applied on top of another mascara, to enhance its performance without weighing down your lashes or creating clumps.
Thanks to a special collagen complex and rice waxes, your lashes expand their volume beyond all expectations while remaining light and soft.
The innovative spherical mascara brush with differentiated rigid variable length bristles, slightly rounded on the tip, captures and shapes already made-up lashes one by one.
Lengthened and expanded in volume beyond compare, your lashes challenge even the most extreme glamour. For a result that even defies the night.
*compared to mascara alone. Instrumental clinical trial.
Ophthalmologically tested.
+ 75 % more volume*.
*compared to mascara alone. Instrumental clinical test.
Marvelously thick, full-bodied lashes to be recreated over any type of mascara.
A special gesture to touch up your make up at the end of the day or for a false-eyelash effect to be worn on special occasions.
Apply over your usual mascara or at the end of the day to touch up your look and intensify your eyes.
The cost varies depending on the delivery service and the destination country of the order. For more details see the "Delivery information and costs" page.
More information
Shipping times may vary depending on the service chosen. In the countries served by Swiss Post (Asendia) only, delivery takes an average of 6-7 working days (up to a maximum of 10) from the order being dispatched. In countries where the Skynet service is also available, the shipping time is 2-4 days after being dispatched by courier. More information
Purchases made on KIKO are secure and guaranteed. All information relating to payments, including personal information and credit card information, is protected through an advanced encrypted data transmission system. Under no circumstances will KIKO file your credit card number, nor will it use or keep the information you provided on its own systems.
You have 14 business days from the date you receive the items in which to exercise your right to return the goods. Please let Customer Service know about any problems relating to the goods received.
To use a promotional code, select "Have you got a promotional code?" on the shopping cart page and insert the characters indicated in the appropriate field. If your code is inserted correctly, the amount and/or content of the Shopping Cart will be recalculated based on the promotion applied.
Pas mal du tout
Muy bueno
yeees baby
Para maquillajes especiales


text:
My father had the philosophy that children should eat what they are served. This was the result of his growing up during the depression. And my mom served things that only my father liked. The most disgusting and repulsive food to me were creamed Lima Beans.
The texture was gritty and flavorless. He seemed to like everything creamed, including spinach, lima beans and corn. Why anyone likes cream on vegetables still escapes me to this day.
He also liked raw onions in everything and the worst were meatloaf and hamburgers. I remember picking out the onions in everything I could find, and I do not eat them now. My mother bought a blender years ago and chopped up the onions and celery that she put in the stuffing because I would sit and pick them out of the dressing.
We had to finish everything on our plates and I would sit in the dark in the kitchen, gagging and holding my nose while I had to eat what was there.
I still do not eat Lima Beans and will pick them out of vegetable and make a nice, neat little pile of them on my dish. They are a vegetable invented to punish children.


text:
One of the trendiest styles today is the old-fashioned apothecary. From bars in big cities to high-end home retailers to soap stores across the world, people are decorating their spaces like old-fashioned pharmacies and medicine stores.
Want to bring your own DIY apothecary touch into your home? Consider decorating your bathroom in an old-fashioned apothecary style. Here are four ideas on how to pull it off.
Medicine Shelf
Most homes have medicine cabinets or drawers for storage, but if you want your bathroom to resemble an old apothecary, consider keeping your medicines in small glass jars on the counter.
These beautiful monogrammed jars are from Pottery Barn.
You can find comparable glass jars a bit less expensive at Target. A set of 12 jars, originally meant for spices, sell for about $20. Kmart sells an adorable vintage looking apothecary tumbler for just $9.99, on sale now for just $7.19. They also carry inexpensive, larger versions of clear glass apothecary jars. Etsy has dozens of beautiful choices also.
Be sure to label the bottles using stickers or sharpies to keep track of which medicine is which. Chalkboard paint stickers are a favorite choice and different styles are available at Etsy or you can try making them yourself. We love the tutorial over at Hoosierhomemade, which can be used on any style or size labels.
Metal Bowls with Products
Apothecaries displayed their products in big quantities for everyone's taking. If you want to offer apothecary-style bath products, invest in large metal bowls and fill them with bath products. You can find affordable metal bowls at Amazon.com; a set of four stainless-steel bowls sells for as little as $19.99.
If enamelware is more your style, try these beautiful white bowls from Amazon. :
Consider filling them with goods that you and guests will want to use, like Q-tips, cotton balls, washcloths, hand towels, or small samples of lotions. Also, you can fill them with mints for a nice refresher when someone visits your bathroom.
Tools on Display
Apothecaries put their goods on display, so why not show yours instead of stowing them away in a cabinet or closet? Attach a strip of galvanized metal to the wall in your bathroom (you can find this at your local hardware store). Then, attach adhesive-backed magnets to your hair products and other toiletry goods and hang them from the metal strip. Choose products that are in the same style and color palette; the display will look even cooler on the wall.
Jars as Decor
Even if you don't put anything in them, jars are the sign of a true apothecary. To give your bathroom an authentic apothecary look, use jars as a central part of your decor. You don't have to use jars made specifically for the bathroom. Search vintage stores and tag sales for old flour or kitchen containers, or look for pitchers, decorative cups or old mason jars. You can use these for storage of small goods, or fill them with potpourri to add to the fresh scent of the bathroom.
You can buy 12 smaller mason jars at stores like Kmart and Target for about $8, larger sizes for about $1 apiece. Pinterest has dozens of inspiring ways to use them. A favorite is from Handmade by Hillary, who uses paint and even glitter for beautiful results. Aren't these amazing?