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I'm back!
And I can say I survived the blizzard of 2013!
As most of you know, cape cod got hit pretty bad with the blizzard, or was it called storm nemo?
My area got hit hard.
Thankfully we survived it ok with minimal tree damage and house damage, but we lost power for three days.
For three days in 30 degree temperatures during the day and teen temperatures during the night.
You can only imagine how hard that was, mentally and physically.
I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.
By day two our inside home temperature was 43 degrees!
Hubby and I would lay in bed at night with 7-8 blankets, fully clothed, listening to the house creak and moan with the declining temps.
We could see our breath inside our home.
We didn't have a fireplace, but we did boil water over the gas stove every three hours.
Granted this is not safe and I don't recommend it to anyone, but we have high ceilings and only did this a few times to raise the temperature up a bit.
On day two and a half with no heat, we looked everywhere for a hotel room--they were snatched up fairly quickly and the waiting list was about three pages long.
The only communication we had was the radio and our iphones with which I got updates via the NStar website that said we had another three days to go until power was completely restored.
You can imagine the freak out factor I had with this news.
I wasn't so worried about us making it in the cold, my biggest fear was our pipes.
It was only a matter of time before the pipes would freeze. We did wrap a few pipes that were closest to the outside walls with clothes and towels, and blocked up the doors and windows with sofa cushions.
During the day we'd go to a local grocery store that was partially open, running on generators and eat whatever they had and use the restrooms to wash up. It was hard to come home to the house at night knowing it would be dark and cold.
There were two homes on our street that had whole-house generators, driving by these homes every night seeing them inside watching TV, using the computer, or cooking away in the kitchen was surreal--strange to say the least. It leaves you desperate in a way; longing for any kind of normalcy---again.
On our third day of no power we decided I would go the next day and stay with friends.
My husband was not leaving the house--under any circumstances. I didn't like this, and had zero say in the matter, but he did have a lot of army training so he was quite familiar with handling extreme conditions and weather.
You know how there are certain moment-like life events that happen to you that you never ever forget?
The time the power came on was in my top five.
We were just coming home for the night, driving down our road, seeing some lights on in houses that we were confused on whether or not those were the ones with the generators--we weren't sure because it all looked different.
Then we drove onto our street, and noticed the entire street was lit up like a christmas tree! When you're used to seeing black and then you see everything illuminated it's quite a change.
I remember screaming the whole way down our street to our house, saying 'oh my god, oh my god....!"
And then we got to our house and it was all black!
I didn't know hubby had turned all the lights off so that when the power did come back on we won't blow a fuse--he forgot this too!
So we both weren't sure if the power was on. Then I remembered that above the garage door is a motion detector light that glows red laser light when there is movement in the driveway which in turn turns on the outside lights. And POOF, the little red laser light started moving as I drove closer to the garage door and the lights on the garage door clicked on!!
I screamed "yes, the power is on!"
I screamed again, opened my truck door and started to get out, forgot to put the truck in park, caught myself and put it in park, got out and ran towards to the gas meter to hear for the sound of hissing to validate my curiosity again of whether the power was truly on. It was-- It was hissing away!
We both ran inside and were almost crying with happiness.
Hubby remembered the vent to the heater was blocked with a 4-5 foot snow drift, he ran around to shovel it out, while I ran around the house in shear happiness, turning on this or that light, and checking the all the heat panels. Finding my cat sitting on one of the floorboard heat panels--how he managed that balance act I'm still not sure, but porr thing he was cold too.
That night taking a hot shower-- well there are no words really for that; how do you describe that?
I mean it had been three days without hot water; your body just does a collective 'sigh' when the hot water hits your back for the first time.
We did lose power again the next day for six hours--what's six hours though when you've been through three days? Nothing.
As of today, thursday, my town still has about less than 100 homes still without power.
These are the places that are farther out from the main grid; homes that lost a lot of power lines and have older power lines/systems.
But thankfully today, thursday was the day that everyone in my town would be restored according to NStar. Happy Valentines Day indeed.
I haven't been cooking or baking for a while, cleanup is first, but I did find a recipe from the archives that I hadn't posted yet.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I know I'm happy--very happy and VERY grateful.
The taste of cookies and cream literally in a cookie. Seriously these are good.
Any type of Oreo will work and flavor-wise you can mix and match too.
Eating the dough is just as tasty too, plus there are no eggs so it's fairly safe.
cookies and cream cookies (plus blizzard 2013)
I'm back!
24 comments:
Thank God you're safe and that's behind you! Wow, what a story. I grew up in rural MN and we'd get blizzards and I've lived through a few but can only imagine how cold it was..without heat and power for days!! The cookies are more than well-deserved!ReplyDelete
I'm SO glad you guys made it out ok! I was thinking of all of you during that crazy storm. Yayy for heat, warmth & health.ReplyDelete
I love how fluffy your cookies are. They make me happy
When you didn't post any snowstorm photos, I suspected you were without power. My sister's in southeastern Connecticut and she was without too. They weren't allowed on the roads so she was pretty confined to her house. Here in eastern Pennsylvania we only got five or six inches of snow. It was just enough to use the snow blower but fortunately not enough to cause problems. Glad you're back.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous2/14/13, 2:53 PM
Glad you're back. I live in Boston, and I lost my internet connection for a few hours, but that was it. I was so grateful that I didn't lose power. Cookies look de-lish. I will try soon.ReplyDelete
40 inches here in Hamden CT...5 days of "stuck" with a cranky 11 year old and 6 month old puppy who looked out the door and looked back at me like "are you for real?". Needless to say Nemo set us back weeks of housebreaking but we are back up and running like true New Englanders. Off to find if we have enough Ores to make these for dessert.ReplyDelete
oh my gosh, i'm so glad you're back with power!! if only i had a generator to bring to you! i was lucky enough to be out of town for the storm (my friends picked an awesome weekend to get married in key west), but was thinking of you! these cookies? YUM. totally want to shove a few in my face right now :)ReplyDelete
I was so worried about you and am so glad you are okay!!! I can't even imagine going through that...but you survived!! And that's all that's important.ReplyDelete
OMFG, I have literally made these twice in the last few weeks. Sprinkled a little sea salt on top, too. Great minds, girl.ReplyDelete
These look so yummy! So scary about the power outage - I'm glad you're okay and have your power back!ReplyDelete
You put a cookie into a cookie.ReplyDelete
That's a crazy good idea!
What an ordeal. You never really know how much we take for granted until it is no longer available. We are so happy life is turning back to normal.ReplyDelete
So happy to hear your power is back. I can imagine it being one of those life changing moments. I don't know how you made it. I'm freaking out just reading about it. I keep telling my mom we need a generator. These cookies look like a great way to recover. Big cookies rule!ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
If I put foil down instead of parchment paper, do you recommend greasing it first, or not?ReplyDelete
I'm going to make these for my boyfriend's birthday this weekend. Thanks!Replies
gloria - you always want greased sheets if you're not using parchment paper. so yes to greasing!Delete
I'm glad you are back just so I can make these cookies. Here in Colorado we've been without power for 5 days as we apparently are on the last line to be fixed. Though it didn't get quite as cold (55 inside) it is a miserable feeling. Lots of candles and got out the camping stuff like the propane burners and lantern.Hope it doesn't happen again for a long while.ReplyDelete
cream and cookies cookies sounds better to my ears. :) these look great!ReplyDelete
Wow, I've never gone without power for more than an hour or two. So glad it's back on and you're left with a grateful heart. Cause really, you need power to bake :)ReplyDelete
Oh Dawn, you poor thing! It sounds like a miserable time... I am so glad things are back to normal and that you have heat, hot water, and power. The cookies look amazing.ReplyDelete
Cookies 'n cream cookies - yes please!! I've made cookies like these before, and I think they're one of my favorites. There's something about adding cookies to cookie dough that is just... delicious.ReplyDelete
What a crazy ordeal you went through. I would not have been a happy camper, but glad your power was on so you could bake these cookies.ReplyDelete
Glad you survived the blizzard! Three days with no power...that's brutal. Hopefully the weather will be much kinder- now that March is at the door. :)ReplyDelete
- Anonymous2/22/13, 3:45 PM
I just made these and they are divine!! thanks for sharing a great recipe. (sorry about your ordeal)ReplyDelete
Wow, I was out of power for a week with Sandy and although it was cold (my house was in the 50s), we didn't have freezing temperatures and snow! I enjoyed reading this post SO much--it made me so grateful (still) that my community survived Sandy and yes, having the power back on is the best feeling in the world!ReplyDelete


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"Mars Generation" National Opinion Poll Reveals Strong Support for NASA Funding of Human Mission to Mars
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 11, 2013) – Phillips & Company, a global communications firm, and Explore Mars, a non-profit corporation committed to advancing the cause for human exploration of Mars, announced today preliminary findings of a nationwide survey of U.S. citizens that focused on understanding opinions about the exploration of Mars. With the success of the Mars Curiosity rover landing, this poll was conducted to measure attitudes and levels of support toward human and robotic exploration of Mars.
The poll found that 71 percent of Americans are confident that humans will go to Mars by 2033. When told that there are currently two operational NASA rovers on Mars, 67 percent of respondents agreed the U.S. should send both humans and robots to Mars.
Americans, on average, believe that NASA spending represents 2.4 percent of the federal budget, with a standard deviation of 1.68 percent. In reality, the Administration's request for NASA for FY2013 was $17.7 billion representing approximately 0.5 percent of the federal budget.
After being presented with this percentage, 75 percent of Americans said they "Strongly Agree" or "Agree" that it is worthwhile to increase NASA's percentage of the federal budget to 1 percent to fund a mission to Mars.
"Despite difficult economic times, the American people are still inspired by space exploration and are committed to human exploration of Mars," said Chris Carberry, Executive Director of Explore Mars. "This is a wakeup call to our leaders that Americans are still explorers."
According to the majority of Americans, the top three reasons for human exploration of Mars are 1) to achieve a greater understanding of Mars, 2) to search for signs of life, and 3) to maintain U.S. leadership in commercial, scientific and national defense applications.
When asked to rank potential barriers to Mars exploration, 73 percent of Americans believe that the greatest barrier is affordability and 67 percent believe politics to be a limiting barrier. Technological capabilities and motivation are not seen as significant barriers by the majority of Americans.
The survey was conducted between Feb. 4, 2013, and Feb. 6, 2013, targeting a stratified random sample of 1,101 respondents representing a 95% confidence level and margin of error of +/-3%. The survey was conducted by email and targeted a nationwide sample. All efforts were made to ensure a representative sample of the U.S. population 18 years and older given normal standards of statistical sampling.
The "Mars Generation" survey was conducted by the independent market research team at Phillips & Company and sponsored by Explore Mars, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and The Boeing Corporation.
A full report containing the survey findings is scheduled to be released on March 4. The full report will include additional findings by region, education-level, income-level and ethnicity.
Explore Mars and the George Washington University Space Policy Institute will host the Humans to Mars (H2M) Summit on May 6-8, 2013, at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC, to address the major technical, scientific, and policy related challenges of landing men and women on Mars within twenty years. Featured speakers include Buzz Aldrin, Charlie Bolden, Vint Cerf, Rebecca Keiser, Miles O'Brien and Steve Squyres. [br]To register and learn more, visit https://h2m.exploremars.org/.
About Explore Mars
Explore Mars was created to advance the goal of sending humans to Mars within the next two decades. To further that goal, Explore Mars conducts programs and technical challenges to stimulate the development and/or improvement of technologies that will make human Mars missions more efficient and feasible. In addition, to embed the idea of Mars as a habitable planet, Explore Mars challenges educators to use Mars in the classroom as a tool to teach standard STEM curricula.
Explore Mars, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation organized in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Donations to Explore Mars are tax-deductible. Learn more at www.exploremars.org or email [email protected].
About Phillips & Company
Phillips & Company is a global communications firm that helps companies, government agencies and non-profits create, defend and sustain leadership positions through public relations and business development. With a focus on space technology, homeland security, mobile computing, telecommunications, healthcare, education and energy, Phillips & Company helps organizations focus on the opportunities and strategies that accelerate market victories. Ultimately, Phillips helps organizations create demand for their products, services and ideas by broadening and reinforcing the trust customers, partners and investors have in their vision and mission. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Phillips & Company has operations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.phillipscompany.com.

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#1 29th Dec 2017 at 8:04 PM
Posts: 165
Sims 3 Mega Legacy Challenge
Sims 3 Mega Legacy Challenge
This is a challenge for anyone who is confident enough to get through it, it won't be easy, it will be fun for the large family lovers. Be prepared!
⦁ You must do this with one family
⦁ Optional: You may only have one kid per generation
⦁ Must do in order of appearance
Generations 1-100: Play to 100 Generations
Starting you off with a difficult task; play to 100 generations without losing the family name. The heir may be female or male, but they must get married.
Generations 100-200: Females change their last name to male's
You Must play this for 100 generations without keeping the same last name. It's just as difficult but with that twist of changing the last names. The heir for this must be female.
Generations 200-300: Adoptacy
You should understand the theme now don't you? Every one of these legacies will be played for 100 generations unless it's a special kind of legacy, every heir must be adopted and may be male or female.
Generations 300-326: Alphabetcy
Start generation 1 with "A" names, gen 2 with "B" etc. This will obviously be played for 26 generations, the heir may be male or female.
Generations 326-338: The Chinese Zodiac Legacy(optional)
This will have a lot to explain so I will link it, this will be the last part of this challenge, I hope you have fun with it!
A Legacy Challenge created by Grimm_PANdemic.
So I was sitting around,�* bored off my ya know and almost dreading playing my latest family in the Sims.�* Why�*? You know,�* I don�*'t really know,�* but after a bit I started to haunt various legacy stories and it got me all excited like.�* To be quite frank,�* I haven�*'t been able to do a legacy beyond a few generations.�* It�*'s mostly cause I lose interest once I start...�* Why�*? I have no idea,�* but�* 'cha know just maybe I can stick to it if I�*'m the one setting down the rules.�* So I figured,�* what the jello...�* Let�*'s create our selves a Legacy Challenge�*! If someone else finds it spiffy enough to want to give it a shot-�* by all means,�* do it.�*
The Basics
This will be a twelve generation challenge with each generation based on one of the animals of the Chinese zodiac.�* The challenge will start with the founder starting as the Rat and then the second generation will be the Ox,�* the third generation will be the Tiger and this will continue all the way to the twelfth generation ending the challenge.�*
A variant of the challenge changes the number of generations to fourteen.�* The variant changes the challenge from the Chinese Zodiac Challenge to the Fruits Basket Challenge.�* Rather than starting off with the Rat,�* you would start off with the Rice Ball and end the challenge with the Cat.�* More details will be given in the description of the generations.
Setting Up Your Legacy
Cheating should be done sparingly or not at all.�* Why�*? Because it takes away some of the value of the accomplishment when you cheat.�* Normally this isn�*'t a bad thing.�* I love mods and cheats,�* but it makes it a little less rewarding.�* So if you must cheat,�* who the hell am I to stop you.�* Though if you have a short attention span like I do-�* playing with minimal cheating might keep you involved longer.�*
Like with all legacies,�* you should start your legacy in a fresh town on a fresh save.�* The legacy house should be your primary household and you should�* try not to jump to other houses in the neighborhood.�* (For practical reasons especially if you�*'re using NRaas�*' StoryProgression Mod,�* because your family members may end up with new jobs and that�*'s always annoying.�*) I�*'m not going to say you have to deal with townies...�* Clear the town if you want.�* Plop down all the pre-mades you want.�* It�*'s your game.�*
Speaking of Towns:�* You�*'re going to need a town to play in and there are now several towns to make your own.�* The original Legacy Challenge rules stated you had to find the most expensive lot in town and be dirt broke.�* Well,�* I know that when I moved out on my own,�* I did not move into an empty lot and have only a few dollars to my name-�* Thus,�* I believe that the founder should probably find a medium priced lot and build a quaint little house.�* You can upgrade from there as your story goes on.�* If you want to go with the most expensive lot,�* by all means,�* it�*'s your game.�* But if you�*'re willing to cheat a little bit,�* (and you have World Adventures�*) you could get your founder a tent.�* It�*'d be especially significant if you were doing the Fruits Basket Challenge.
To create your founder you should follow the following rules:�* Be creative.�* Be original.�* Make a founder that you will enjoy playing.�* That�*'s pretty much it for the look/age/favorites of your founder.�* Traits will be determined by whether you are playing the original Chinese Zodiac or the Fruits Basket challenge.�* I will suggest that you start your legacy with your founder being a Young Adult,�* but if you want to start as an�* Adult-�* that�*'s fine.�* Starting as a Teen is fine as well,�* provided you have mods that will allow them to live on their own.�* I�*'m not sure about the idea of starting a legacy with an Elder,�* but if you want to play that way-�* no one is stopping you.
Concepts found in this Challenge
These concepts are pretty self explanatory,�* but everything can use a little clarification-�* I guess.�* These definitions were originally found on the Original Legacy Challenge rule thread.�* So if I don�*'t explain it well enough,�* you can take a peek there.
Generation:�* The Primary Sim you will play as during the Legacy Challenge.�* This will change as time goes on.�* You will start with the Founder.�* He or she will be Generation�* 1.�* His or her children will become Generation�* 2.�* The cycle then continues onwards until the challenge ends with either Generation�* 12�* or Generation�* 14.
Founder:�* The Sim you whipped up at the Create A Sim screen.�* This person starts your legacy as Generation�* 1.�*
Heir:�* This lucky Sim gets all the attention.�* They will carry on the Legacy�*'s bloodline.�* How do you pick the Heir�*? I dunno,�* have a random vote or pick the one who you think will portray the next Zodiac Animal best.�*
Spare:�* These Sims aren�*'t as lucky as the Heir.�* They are the siblings of the Generation�*'s Heir.�* They are�* destined to probably move out the Legacy House and lead less exciting lives.�* You can keep them around if you like though.�* It�*'s your choice.
Bloodline:�* This is any Sim that can trance their family tree directly to the Legacy Founder.�* Sims that are married in are considered a part of the bloodline when they contribute to the birth of the next generation.
Mate:�* Any Sim that is lucky enough to get to get down and dirty with the current Heir to produce the next Generation.�* This lucky Sim gets to become part of the Bloodline after the birth.
Legacy House:�* This is the lot that your Legacy lives in.�* If you want you can have them live in the same house from Generation�* 1�* to Generation�* 12/14�* that is perfectly acceptable or you can move them around as you please.�* No one in real life lives in the same house their Great x11�* Grandparent lived in.�* At least I don�*'t assume so�*?
If you are into Point systems...
The Original Legacy Challenge Rules gave pretty specific ways to make the challenge even more of a game.�* They did this by incorporating Points into the challenge.�* Points can be gathered in numerous ways.�* I will not spend much time discussing the rules on Points,�* because...�* well,�* I don�*'t feel like it.�* If you want to add in the Points rules,�* by all means do so.
Earn Points By:
Generation�*! -�* You get a point per Generation.�* Only the first born gives the point.�* So the maximum points will be either�* 12�* or�* 14.
Lifetime Wants�*! -�* You get a point for completing the Lifetime Want of any family member.�* This includes any Sim living in the current Legacy House only.
Portraits�*! -�* Paint a pretty picture of a family member and get a point.�* (The original rules don�*'t say whether you get a point per picture of the same member or not.�* I�*'d say that it should not stack.�* Why should you get�* 5�* points for five pictures of one narcissistic Sim�*?)
Sculptures�*! -�* Pretty frozen statues of a family member get you a point too.�* (The original rules don�*'t include statues because they were created pre-Ambitions.�* Same rules as portraits apply.�*)
Legacy House�*! – Whatever�* shiny house your legacy lives in�* can earn you points.�* You get�* 1�* point per every�* $100,000�* net worth of the house.�* The net worth is how much the house is worth furnished.�* Round the net worth up.
Aspiration Rewards�*! – If�* any Sim in the Legacy household earns a total of�* 100,000�* points of lifetime happiness,�* you get a point.�* This is a whole total of what they have available and have used towards the purchase of rewards.�* Example:�* Sean Sim has�* 60K lifetime happiness and has�* previously�* purchased�* the Collector Helper�* (Which costs�* 40K.�*) -�* he has a total of�* 100K Lifetime Happiness and he thus gains the legacy�* 1�* point.
The Chinese Zodiac Challenge�* (with optional Fruits Basket Challenge rules�*)
Below are the description of each generation of the challenge.�* I will be posting the description of the Fruits Basket version as well,�* but remember those two generations are optional�*! The numbering�* will follow the original Chinese Zodiac line for the�* purposes of simplicity. The descriptions of the animals, with the exception of the cat, come from ChineseZodiac.com and Wikipedia's entry on the Chinese Zodiac. Each Generation has traits and lifetime wishes that would be fitting for their niche. Included will be examples that I could see being fitting, but feel free to interpret the niche's description however you like. These are just examples!
(Optional) Generation�* _:
The Rice Ball
In the Japanese animation, Fruits Basket, Tohru Honda was the Rice Ball. (This is a reference to a Japanese elementary school game, Fruits Basket. The game is basically something like musical chairs and duck duck goose. There are no rice balls in the game, which means that Tohru was constantly purposely left uncalled. Mean little snots.)She was the odd one out able to witness the Sohma family curse from an outsider's perspective. She starts the series humbly, living in a tent in the forest because she did not want to be a burden on her Grandfather or friends. Events unfold that lead her to meet and live with the Sohma family. She becomes extremely attached to them and wants nothing more than to help them and see them happy. Tohru is a young woman with extreme levels of perseverance and optimism. She is slightly high strung, but good-natured and friendly.
This generation starts off as humble as you can get. This is the way to go if you want to start out with the stars above your founder's head. Pick a nice plot of land and make a quaint little start for him/her. If you want to get really authentic Fruits Basket, start your Founder off living in a tent. To do this you must have World Adventures installed. (You can get a tent without traveling by first opening the command console, CTRL + SHIFT + C and using the testingcheatsenabled true cheat, then using the buydebug cheat. In buy mode you will find a category marked with only a question mark. Under the miscellaneous of that category you will find the tents. Then bam, you have yourself a hobo in a field with a tent.)
Traits to Consider:
Good, Friendly, Over-Emotional, Excitable, Clumsy, Loves the Outdoors, Family-Oriented, Workaholic
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Super Popular, Surrounded by Family
Generation�* 1:
The Rat
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted,�* clever,�* charming,�* sharp and funny.�* They have excellent taste,�* are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack.�* Motivated by money,�* can be greedy,�* is ever curious,�* seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges.�* Compatible with Dragon or Monkey.
Forthright, tenacious, intense, meticulous, charismatic, sensitive, intellectual, industrious, charming, eloquent, sociable, artistic, shrewd. Can be manipulative, vindictive, self-destructive, envious, mendacious, venal, obstinate, critical, over-ambitious, ruthless, intolerant, scheming.
Traits to Consider:
Genius, Friendly, Charismatic, Ambitious, Mean Spirited, Artistic, Green Thumb
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
CEO of a Megacorporation, Golden Tongue/Golden Fingers, Leader of the Free World, Swimming in Cash, The Perfect Garden
Generation�* 2:
The Ox
Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs,�* the Ox is steadfast,�* solid,�* a goal-oriented leader,�* detail-oriented,�* hard-working,�* stubborn,�* serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure.�* Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable,�* protective and strong companion.�* Compatible with Snake or Rooster.
Dependable, ambitious, calm, methodical, born leader, patient, hardworking, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, tenacious. Can be stubborn, dogmatic, hot-tempered, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, demanding.
Traits to Consider:
Ambitious, Workaholic, Grumpy, No Sense of Humor, Hot Headed, Neat, Frugal, Snob
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
CEO of a Megacorporation, Chess Legend, Jack of All Trades, Leader of the Free World, Living in the Lap of Luxury, Renaissance Sim, Swimming in Cash
Generation�* 3:
The Tiger
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative,�* self-possessed,�* have strong leadership qualities,�* are charming,�* ambitious,�* courageous,�* warm-hearted,�* highly seductive,�* moody,�* intense,�* and they�*'re ready to pounce at any time.�* Compatible with Horse or Dog.�*
Unpredictable, rebellious, colorful, powerful, passionate, daring, impulsive, vigorous, stimulating, sincere, affectionate, humanitarian, generous. Can be restless, reckless, impatient, quick-tempered, obstinate, selfish, aggressive, moody.
Traits to Consider:
Charismatic, Ambitious, Brave, Flirty, Daredevil, Hot Headed
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Become an Astronaut, Become a Superstar Athlete, Golden Tongue/Golden Fingers, Heartbreaker, International Super Spy, Firefighter Super Hero
Generation�* 4:
The Rabbit
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rabbit enjoy being surrounded by family and friends.�* They�*'re popular,�* compassionate,�* sincere,�* and they like to avoid conflict and are sometimes seen as pushovers.�* Rabbits enjoy home and entertaining at home.�* Compatible with Goat or Pig.
Gracious, good friend, kind, sensitive, soft-spoken, amiable, elegant, reserved, cautious, artistic, thorough, tender, self-assured, shy, astute, compassionate, lucky, flexible. Can be moody, detached, superficial, self-indulgent, opportunistic, stubborn.
Traits to Consider:
Friendly, Coward, Good, Artistic, Lucky, Snob
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Super Popular, Heartbreaker
Generation�* 5:
The Dragon
A powerful sign,�* those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dragon are energetic and warm-hearted,�* charismatic,�* lucky at love and egotistic.�* They�*'re natural born leaders,�* good at giving orders and doing what�*'s necessary to remain on top.�* Compatible with Monkey and Rat.
Magnanimous, stately, vigorous, strong, self-assured, proud, noble, direct, dignified, eccentric, intellectual, fiery, passionate, decisive, pioneering, artistic, generous, loyal. Can be tactless, arrogant, imperious, tyrannical, demanding, intolerant, dogmatic, violent, impetuous, brash.
Traits to Consider:
Charismatic, Flirty, Genius, Artistic, Hot Headed, Mean Spirited
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Leader of the Free World, Super Popular
Generation�* 6:
The Snake
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Snake are seductive,�* gregarious,�* introverted,�* generous,�* charming,�* good with money,�* analytical,�* insecure,�* jealous,�* slightly dangerous,�* smart,�* they rely on gut feelings,�* are hard-working and intelligent.�* Compatible with Rooster or Ox.�*
Deep thinker, wise, mystic, graceful, soft-spoken, sensual, creative, prudent, shrewd, elegant, cautious, responsible, calm, strong, constant, purposeful. Can be loner, bad communicator, possessive, hedonistic, self-doubting, distrustful, mendacious, suffocating, cold.
Traits to Consider:
Flirty, Hopeless Romantic, Frugal, Genius, Workaholic, Grumpy, Over-Emotional
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Generation�* 7:
The Horse
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Horse love to roam free.�* They�*'re energetic,�* self-reliant,�* money-wise,�* and they enjoy traveling,�* love and intimacy.�* They�*'re great at seducing,�* sharp-witted,�* impatient and sometimes seen as a drifter.�* Compatible with Dog or Tiger.
Cheerful, popular, quick-witted, changeable, earthy, perceptive, talkative, agile—mentally and physically, magnetic, intelligent, astute, flexible, open-minded. Can be fickle, arrogant, childish, anxious, rude, gullible, stubborn.
Traits to Consider:
Adventurous, Frugal, Hopeless Romantic, Flirty, Great Kisser, Excitable, Childish, Inappropriate
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Great Explorer, Seasoned Traveler, Heartbreaker, Master Romancer
Generation�* 8:
The Goat
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Goat enjoy being alone in their thoughts.�* They�*'re creative,�* thinkers,�* wanderers,�* unorganized,�* high-strung and insecure,�* and can be anxiety-ridden.�* They need lots of love,�* support and reassurance.�* Appearance�* is important too.�* Compatible with Pig or Rabbit.
Righteous, sincere, sympathetic, mild-mannered, shy, artistic, creative, gentle, compassionate, understanding, mothering, peaceful, generous, seeks security. Can be moody, indecisive, over-passive, worrier, pessimistic, over-sensitive, complainer, weak-willed.
Traits to Consider:
Loner, Adventurous, Over-Emotional, Neurotic, Shy, Artistic, Family-Oriented, Grumpy
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Surrounded by Family
Generation�* 9:
The Monkey
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Monkey thrive on having fun.�* They�*'re energetic,�* upbeat,�* and good at listening but lack self-control.�* They like being active and stimulated and enjoy pleasing self before pleasing others.�* They�*'re heart-breakers,�* not good at long-term relationships,�* morals are weak.�* Compatible with Rat or Dragon.�*
Inventor, motivator, improviser, quick-witted, inquisitive, flexible, innovative, problem solver, self-assured, sociable, artistic, polite, dignified, competitive, objective, factual, intellectual. Can be egotistical, vain, arrogant, selfish, reckless, snobbish, deceptive, manipulative, cunning, jealous, suspicious.
Traits to Consider:
Party Animal, Excitable, Commitment Issues, Friendly, Genius, Snob, Evil
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Super Popular, Emperor of Evil
Generation�* 10:
The Rooster
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rooster are practical,�* resourceful,�* observant,�* analytical,�* straightforward,�* trusting,�* honest,�* perfectionists,�* neat and conservative.�* Compatible with Ox or Snake.
Acute, neat, meticulous, organized, self-assured, decisive, conservative, critical, perfectionist, alert, zealous, practical, scientific, responsible. Can be over zealous and critical, puritanical, egotistical, abrasive, proud, opinionated, given to empty bravado.
Traits to Consider:
Neat, Workaholic, Snob, Perfectionist, Handy
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Gold Digger, The Tinkerer
Generation�* 11:
The Dog
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Dog are loyal,�* faithful,�* honest,�* distrustful,�* often guilty of telling white lies,�* temperamental,�* prone to mood swings,�* dogmatic,�* and sensitive.�* Dogs excel in business but have trouble finding mates.�* Compatible with Tiger or Horse.
Honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy going. Can be cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome.
Traits to Consider:
Friendly, Good, Hot Headed, Over-Emotional, Neurotic, Couch Potato, Grumpy
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Golden Tongue/Golden Fingers
Generation�* 12:
The Pig
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice,�* good-mannered and tasteful.�* They�*'re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs.�* They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them,�* then look out�*! They�*'re intelligent,�* always seeking more knowledge,�* and exclusive.�* Compatible with Rabbit or Goat.
Honest, gallant, sturdy, sociable, peace-loving, patient, loyal, hard-working, trusting, sincere, calm, understanding, thoughtful, scrupulous, passionate, intelligent. Can be naďve, over-reliant, self-indulgent, gullible, fatalistic, materialistic.
Traits to Consider:
Perfectionist, Good, Friendly, Genius, Workaholic, Neurotic, Snob
Lifetime Wishes to Consider:
Gold Digger
(Optional) Generation _:
The Cat
A short version taken from the Wikipedia entry on Chinese Zodiac origin stories: Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor thought it'd be better to assign an animal to each year so people could more easily remember the Zodiac cycle. So he decided to hold a meeting with all the animals and he would choose 12 of them to be the Zodiac animals. At that time, cat and rat were close friends. They were very excited about the meeting and decided to go early. However, cat was a sleepyhead. He hardly ever woke up before noon. On the night before the meeting, he asked rat to wake him early the next morning. When morning came, rat got up early and quietly left for the meeting alone. When cat finally woke up in afternoon, he knew it was too late. Feeling betrayed, he vowed that henceforth rat would be his enemy. So that's also why cats are always chasing after rats.
In the Japanese animation, Fruits Basket, the Cat was the 13th member of the Zodiac. There is a legend that states the cat was invited to a party to induct the animals into the Zodiac, but the cat missed the party. The cat was shunned by the rest of the zodiac, but still suffered from the curse as well having a monstrous true form. Kyo Sohma is the current cat of the Zodiac and he spends most of his time training to fight the Rat. Kyo is a loner and barely keeps his temper in check.
#2 30th Dec 2017 at 12:43 AM
Posts: 165
Now I understand this will be difficult, but you can do this if your feeling bored, or just really like large legacies, I believe in you!!
#3 29th Jan 2018 at 5:04 AM
Posts: 165
I started this off & the founders are in university, so i'm not far ahead, but If i know I can do this, so can anyone else!
Test Subject
#4 31st Jan 2018 at 2:06 PM
Posts: 11
But it will take a lot time.
#5 1st Feb 2018 at 1:45 AM
Posts: 165
I know, my fam is at gen 5...I just came up with this challenge when I was bored & played the family when I was bored...
Who Posted


text:
Time To Start Again On 'Six Strikes' And Let Internet Users Have A Seat At The Table
from the all-the-stake-holders dept
And while it may have been the way things were done around copyright in the past, the public's reaction to SOPA should have changed that equation. No longer should decisions around copyright law that effect the public internet users be made without their input. And, yet, that's exactly what happened with the six strikes agreement. Even if the new Center for Copyright Infringement (CCI), which has been set up to run the new six strikes program, has appointed some consumer rights advocates to its powerless "advisory" board, shouldn't we go back to the drawing board and have a true, open discussion about these things that includes the users of the internet? After all, aren't they the true stakeholders here?
The folks over at the EFF are calling for a complete "reset" on the agreement, and saying that it's time to do it correctly: with internet users at the table, rather than kept out of the room. The statement notes that the advisory board is not the same as including internet users in the process:
An advisory board is just that: a group of advisors, not decisionmakers. No matter how you slice it, subscribers don't have a seat at the table now any more than they did in the earlier negotiations.Instead, they point out that the only way this is going to be done in a way that's fair and that actually serves the true purpose of copyright law is to start again, and have the discussion done in public where the public has a true say in what happens:
So here's an idea: press reset. This collaboration has been years in the making, with the ISPs under heavy pressure from the content industries and government officials. It may be that they made the best deal they could under the circumstances, but since then the world has changed. If the ISPs decided to take this back to drawing board, we think their customers will stand with them, loudly and publicly -- but only if they also insist that their customers have voice in the process.Indeed. This may have seemed like a crazy idea pre-SOPA blackout, but since then, the public is aware and energized on this issue -- and they want to participate in the conversation. The number one point we've heard over and over again since the January 18th blackouts is about how the public can get involved in a positive agenda around copyright. Here's a key opportunity. The big ISPs who signed on to this six strikes deal should call for a brand new discussion, one that is not done in a backroom, but is done in public, where the public can take part.


text:
|2006-07-30, 21:04
|Link #21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Haven't seen this yet, but reading a little about it brought to mind some of the conversation (conversation is putting it politely) that took place after some episodes of FMP TSR aired.
So my rhetorical question is: I wonder when the first post flaming this show as "further evidence of Japanese racial empiricism and aggression" will emerge.
So far people have been very positive in their impressions of the show, which is good, I'm certainly going to look at the show cause everyone knows I love a good military action flick.
|2006-07-30, 23:03
|Link #22
"You'll be blessed!"
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Mississauga
just finished the 1st one...
echoing the sentiments of the majority in here, I'm quite impressed w/ it. animation was good; the characters were tolerable, even the annoying clown-ish dude.
the blood and violence were just the right amount for me; it wasnt done for the sake of just being gory and bloody but to simply show the brutality of the situation. for that, I like it.
and being quite a fangirl of bishounens, I'm liking Jo (silent, deadly, quite angsty). Sana and Jin were also likeable. and I'm looking forward to learn more about the "villains" - the group of guys who stormed the party/meeting/gathering.
but from the tone and atmosphere of the show, I'm guessing I would've to watch some light-hearted show right after watching an episode of Innocent Venus.
|2006-07-30, 23:40
|Link #23
Is rather bored...
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Florida USA
Age: 30
Those guys who stormed the party were so odd. At first I thought they were there to kill some leader, or were rebels or something. But it turns out they were there to thwart that rebels plan and protect that guy. Was quite odd how they did it, but whatever it worked out for them.
|2006-07-31, 06:32
|Link #24
Logician and Romantic
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Within my mind
Age: 38
(What, would you prefer the corrupt government to be the USA or something? )
|2006-07-31, 09:15
|Link #26
Logician and Romantic
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Within my mind
Age: 38
...But I still don't get it. Why would Cal-Reflector think people who are supposedly anti-Japanese, would complain about Japan being portrayed as an evil empire? I thought it would be the other way around?
I mean, is there a more politically tolerable method? (other than inventing a whole new country/landmass?)
It's like how an Irish comedian can crack Irish jokes. A Japanese animation studio can portray its own government in unflattering ways without China burning effigies and Americans believing there is a conspiracy for the Japanese conquest of Asia.
|2006-07-31, 14:14
|Link #29
"You'll be blessed!"
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Mississauga
|2006-07-31, 16:48
|Link #30
ショ ン (^^)
IT Support
finally got a chance to sit down and watch it all the way through i kept getting interupted the first 2 time i tried. Well not bad i love shows where the govornment is the bad guy. I read some of the other post and i too am surprised that the japanese goverment is the bad guy i just dont think i have seen it that much in anime. anyway it looks dark and the animation quality is ok. Dont know where the story is headed but i think i will stick with it for a while.
The soldiers wearing the battle armour were bad ass i think they said something like light soliders or something like that. ISeems like inside their helmets there is a hud feeding them information and even targeting. Dont know his name but they guy that saved the little girl and the other guy was sweet as sweet. brutal deathes in the first episode always rock
|2006-08-01, 06:00
|Link #32
All-knowing Wonderbra
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Vichte,Belgium
Age: 29
I finally completed by First Impression,it took me a whole day to complete,I'm a busy man you know
|2006-08-01, 11:08
|Link #33
-=ARX-7 Arbalest=-
This show shares quite a few similarites with a show i enjoy which is Zegapain,after i seen the first episode i'll definitely continue to watch it.The theme and atmosphere is just great.I don't prefer the names like "Light warriors" and "Heavy warriors" as they sound too simple to me though...
|2006-08-01, 21:45
|Link #35
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Monterrey, México
Age: 38
Noble Roar. First thoughts
As you guessed correct, this is the opening theme to Innocent Venus.
For me it's the first time to download and listen to the full version of a music theme to an anime before said song premiers on that anime.
The song starts with a low paced introduction emulating a sad and solemn (not of the religious type sang in chorus) solo, and immediately picks up at a fast, rhythmic pace on combination of soft rock and j-pop blended with classical overtones of violin and cello renditions to give it gothic qualities and several techno tunes arranged.
Actually, there were few instance peaks in the melody that made me imagine as if I was listening to the songs composed and performed by ALI Project, particularly Hikari no Sansenritsu, Rozen Maiden Traümend's OP theme.
Even another similarity on how the music plays when the song starts, that it quite resembles to the music of Shingetsutan Tsukihime's ending theme, Rinne no Hate ni.
Noble Roar makes a lot of emphasis to the classical melodies on the score, especially violin and cello, henceforth, the opening theme never loses its goth-classical tempo.
I rate it with a 100%
Changing the topic....
After rewatching the subbed version for episode one, I felt the character animation more resembles to Eureka 7 especially to the detail of the colorful, shining eyes on the main cast. However, the post-apocalyptic scenery of a devastated Tokyo strongly reminds me to Akira.
It's interesting the writers choice for as the apocalyptic trigger became a series of natural atmospheric phenomena cataclysms or Hyper Hurricanes rather than the all too traditional end of the world by nuclear warfare.
This evokes a similar apocalyptic theme touched in Roland Emmerich's film, The Day After Tommorrow.
However, there's always the likeable possibility that Hyper Hurricane phenomena was due to mankind's continuous intervention on the planet that triggered the partial extinction event established in the anime's storyline.
Last edited by Guido; 2006-08-01 at 21:59.
|2006-08-02, 03:17
|Link #37
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Monterrey N.L. Mexico
As a matter of fact, It reminded me a lot about how Last Exile started.
|2006-08-02, 08:10
|Link #39
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: England
Age: 29
Watched the first episode and I thought it was interesting but not fantastic, I usually steer away from overly serious anime.
I thought the char designs were good and I can't see anything wrong with the fights as Jo (cool suit but lame mecha) breaking some bones and cracking some heads was very entertaining and the Phantom guys looking like the bad guys was strange.
Can't say that the stories great-Hyper hurricanes, huh? sure...
seems like it's just an excuse to make the show post-apocalyptic.
I think Innocent Venus might be like the Matrix, behind the cool gfx and sfx there is a deep and thought provoking story but people will watch it for the cool fights.
|2006-08-02, 11:56
|Link #40
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: event horizon
Watched Ep1...
Nice first Episode ... animation and sound aren't all that impressive ... still... nice show... thumbs up for the battle scenes ... compared to other shows its completely strait forward ... I hope they don't fill the gap with blood and carnage ... hmm... actually that might not be so bad ... haven't seen much brainless carnage lately ... need to something to nuke some of my evil neurons...Q. Does shiny pyramid city = Japan... ?
Whether it does or not... the perspective in some of the scenes with it is off IMO...
Rating :
Good - the series may be "original"... but it just smells like Hollywood to me...@ Blizzer
» I think Innocent Venus might be like the Matrix, behind the cool gfx and sfx there is a deep and thought provoking story but people will watch it for the cool fights.
Topic : Off
I watched Matrix for the story...__________
Topic : On
That being said... it better have some superb story... since they already revealed a hell of a lot in the first episode... and to be honest the fight scenes are the only cool bits we got...@ orion
There's a simple explanation to all your questions...
|Thread Tools


text:
by Jim Harris
We interrupt "Wheel of Fortune" to bring you the following message from Mayor Michael Nutter:
"Good Evening. Tonight, I am announcing that the City of Philadelphia will be closed for business for the next, oh, what shall we say, how about four days? You may recall that I shut down all municipal offices for two days last week when Hurricane Sandy was passing through. Thankfully, we didn't get hit as hard as some other areas like the Jersey shore, but our city workers greatly enjoyed the paid time off, and truth be told, no one really missed them. Therefore, we are now instituting a new policy of mandatory governmental shutdowns at least once a month.
"Whenever this happens, just to make things legal, I will declare an official 'State of Panic' for some reason or other. This will require you to run in all directions, buy large quantities of perishable foods and eat them all immediately. You will also need to stock up on batteries, rock salt, bottled water, peanut butter, uh, bottled beer… have I forgotten anything? I'm running out of things to say. Anyway, this will all be good for the local economy.
"You may have noticed the colorful cast of characters standing behind me. Since all of our regular department heads have already begun their vacations, we called in the popular 1970s disco group, The Village People, to stand in and visually represent the various types of municipal employees — dandies, hipsters, cowboys and Indian Chiefs — who will be unavailable during the shutdown.
"For my part, I'm off to Vegas for a few days to do a guest DJ spot at the Golden Nugget. It actually pays better than my mayor gig. But fear not, while I'm there, I will closely monitor events in Philadelphia and make any important decisions that are required regarding your governance.
"Now, some of you may be asking, 'How will I know when City Hall is open for business again?' That is a very good question. The only way you will know for sure is that the 'Out To Lunch' signs will be removed from the office doors. You'll have to look closely, though, because nothing else will change.
"Also, over the course of the closure, you will be receiving email blasts and robo-calls from the city explaining things like how to properly prepare your leaves for pickup (30 gallon, 2-ply industrial-strength biodegradable pleated brown paper bags with a Happy Face on the front) or what to do if your water meter should suddenly burst into flame. (Run like hell.) So you see, most alleged functions of municipal government do not even require the presence of live human beings.
"Now, you may have seen Ed Rendell on talk shows ranting about how America has become a nation of wusses. He's nuts. He would have us working seven days a week if he could. Don't worry; we now have him sedated and chained to a gargoyle in a City Hall Tower, where he won't be causing any more trouble. You can visit him there if you like, for a small fee, but don't stare directly into his eyes because he can be very persuasive.
"I see that The Village People are anxious to get back to the YMCA, so I'll wrap this up for now, but rest assured, during this hiatus, even though I won't be legally required to do anything, I will still be working around the clock. I always work around the clock because the clock is right next to the snack machine. [Cymbal crash.] But seriously, folks, I will be returning frequently with televised reports like this one, always with a celebrity guest or two, like Beyoncé or Justin Bieber, so stay tuned.
"We will now return you to 'Wheel of Fortune,' where Phinneas Phignewton, from Columbus, Ohio, has just bought a vowel. For those of you playing along at home, good luck!"


text:
I have dreads and they are well kept (not the king that has alot of new growth), and I was wondering if law other black male law students have them. I hear alot of people saying they are cutting their dreads off to give off a more professional look. Does this really matter? Should I cut my hair before law school? Also I wanted to know the dress-code for black law students. Is everyone showing up in suits, or does everyone dress comfortable?
I think this is a very personal choice. Locks are culturally significant for the representation of black heritage, it shouldn't be the antithesis of "professional." I see many brothas and sistas with locks wearing business suits; they look professional. Now whether they had their locks at the time they interviewed, or whether they got their foot in the door first and then grew their locks remains unknown to me. The truth is, you want to work at a place that's going to value diversity (all kinds). Any place that will not hire you because you have locks is probably not a place you want to work (other issues are bound to come up). Discrimination based on personal appearance is also illegal in many jurisdictions; so basing hiring decisions on hair type is a big no no for the sake of employment discrimination litigation. Still, be true to yourself, but also be realistic at the same time. Choose your battles according to what's ultimately important to you.
I'm not black, but I had long dreads before lawschool and cut them off shortly before classes started.
Thanx for all the comments lol, however what does my height have to do with anything. Also to the guy that cut his dreads off, do you regret doing it, and if so why or why not.
Thanx for all the comments lol, however what does my height have to do with anything....


text:
After an energizing meeting Saturday, May 14, The Wissahickon East Project (WEP) is preparing for the establishment of the first upper East Mt. Airy Community Park.
The meeting was attended by 45 excited neighbors who left with long to-do lists and strong commitment to revitalizing the neglected land. The park will be located in the Cresheim Creek valley at the corner of Woodbrook Lane and Anderson Avenue. This achievement comes after 12 years of struggle to stop housing development on the six acre Cresheim Creek bed.
The community plans to build trails and make an oasis for native plants, wildlife, and a place for all community members to enjoy themselves.
"We have a wonderful group and a wonderful mission." said Arlene Bennett, WEP treasurer and long-time community activist. "We are on a roll, and we will accomplish it all."
WEP expects City Council to accept the land into the park system by mid June 2011. WEP's work is strongly supported by Commissioner of Parks and Recreation Michael Diberadinis, Deputy Director of Fairmount Park Mark Foch, the Friends of the Wissahickon and local elected officials and community organizations.
WEP believes six acres is a small amount of land but will greatly add in the long-term vision of enhancing the Cresheim Creek corridor. It is also a cornerstone project in the Philadelphia Green 2015 initiative (to add 500 acres of new park land and make it accessible to all Philadelphia communities) and the protection of the Wissahickon Watershed and our drinking water. Some of the land is expected to be available for recreation by the end of 2011. The park-building work will continue until the community's vision of a restored, protected park is reached.
The Wissahickon East Project (WEP) is a nonprofit volunteer group of community members whose first goal was to stop housing development on six acres of the last remaining wild Cresheim Creek land. WEP was able to save the land and convinced the owner/developer (DeSouza-Brown) to place a no-building easement on the land, held by the Chestnut Hill Historical Society. Future goals for WEP include supporting the land transfer to Fairmount Park in early Summer 2011 and finally building the new community park.


text:
Nothing washes down a mince pie better on a cold day than a warm, spicy mulled wine.
We set out to test which supermarket stocks the best own-brand bottle.
Sainsbury's Mulled Wine, Taste the Difference, £5.50
Eleven per cent alcohol but tastes stronger due to a generous brandy kick to it. Rich-tasting and full-bodied tempranillo. Just the right balance of sweet and spiciness.
Waitrose, Mulled Wine, £4.99
This fruity number delights with subtle hints of orange and spices sneaking through.
Tesco, Mulled Wine, ABV 10%, £3.95
Cloyingly sweet with a lack of spice. Synthetically caramel aftertaste.
Lidl Christkindl Mulled Wine, ABV 8.5%, £4.99
An overpowering sweetness mutes any spice complexity, and the consolation prize boozy kick is too soft. Perfectly quaffable, but rival British retailers can take some schadenfreude.
M&S, Mulled Wine, ABV 12.5%, £4.50
The flavours in the mulled wine – cinnamon, apple and cloves – are lovely, but on the sweet side. Much improved with a slice of orange in it.
Aldi, Gluhwein, ABV 9%, £4.49
You would expect a safe bet in Aldi's mulled wine considering its German heritage but disappointingly it just doesn't deliver. Bland in taste with no real alcoholic kick or spices, it's unlikely to be the winter warmer you need this Christmas.
Co-op Mulled Wine, ABV 10%, £3.49
The warning signs were right there on the label – no wine or fruit, just "sugar syrup, alcohol, water". It's UK bottled, suggesting that rather than being grown on sun-kissed Spanish slopes by a master vintner, the constituent parts were chucked into a plastic vat on an industrial estate.
Sainsbury's nets the top spot with a spiced winter warmer that was full bodied and rich with complexity. Despite a promising-looking label the Co-Op's offering was the most disappointing meaning the winners of our mince pie taste test bring up the rear.


text:
Gemstone Adventures: Mine for Moonstone and Learn to Set it in Jewelry
The recent full moon was so large and bright (earning itself "supermoon" status), so pretty in the spring sky, I found myself gazing at it as I traveled around Louisiana over the past weekend. Perhaps it's the gemstone training (or gem geekiness) in me, but every time I see a big full moon and that pretty glow it casts in the bright blue sky just before dark, I think of moonstones and the floating blue mist-like sheen that slips across their surface when they're turned in the light. That blue sheen is called adularescence, and only moonstones have it. Learn more about moonstones below and join rockhound Jim Landon on a moonstone-collecting adventure in Montana. Then learn how to cut your own moonstone cabochons and set them in stunning gemstone jewelry.
|MOONSTONE, 8 x 10 mm.
Peter Secrest Collection.
Photo by Jeff Scovil.
What is Moonstone?
The term moonstone describes a group of stones that display a lovely billowing effect, often best seen when cut en cabochon. They are all feldspars . . . a large and complex group, and we turn to Joel Arem's authoritative Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones for a more precise explanation of this gem.
"Moonstone refers to feldspar of widely varying composition and from a wide variety of localities [including India and Sri Lanka]. . . . Orthoclase moonstone consists of albite within an orthoclase matrix. A blue color is produced if the albite crystals are very fine; the sheen is white if the albite plates are thick. The color of the orthoclase may be white, beige, brown, red-brown, greenish, or yellowish. . . . Some of this material cuts fine catseyes, where the sheen is concentrated into a narrow band. The sheen in moonstone is referred to as adularescence."
Montana Moonstone: Visit a Little-Known Source of an Unusual Gem
By Jim Landon
When we arrived in southwest Montana at the beginning of last summer, my wife, Kerry, and I were greeted by hills ablaze with vivid green growth streaked with the purple of lupines. We had come to work on my seemingly perpetual cabin building project, as usual, but this year we were also going to hunt for moonstone in the rough terrain outside Bozeman where an acquaintance had a family claim.
|Moonstone cabochon. Photo by Jim Lawson.
After spending a wonderful Saturday night with Buzz and Patti Jones, jamming to good zydeco music and eating more food than we should have, we settled down with thoughts of our upcoming gem hunt. Buzz and I left early the next day, leaving our three dogs behind because of concern about rattlesnakes. The business of Bozeman quickly gave way to rolling fields of ripening wheat as we headed west toward the Madison River. We passed several road cuts with sediments resembling those of Oligocene and Miocene age I'd seen in western Nebraska. Sure enough, I later confirmed in Roadside Geology of Montana that they were Miocene and learned that they contained the remains of fossil horses, rhinos, and camels. As we continued west and entered the river valley, the geology quickly changed to the unfamiliar. The valley walls displayed twisted, tortured rock formations, evidently from past extreme tectonic events.
The steep cliff walls of this exposure are made up of ancient metamorphic rocks consisting of dense mica and garnet schists with numerous veins of quartz and feldspar. Photo by Jim Landon.
Mining in His Blood
Buzz pointed out a collapsed portal and one small old shack, the remnants of an old gold mining prospect that his family used to speculate about: just where was the vein the miners had been exploiting, and how close was it to their own claims? Buzz had also worked in a gold mine an uncle had a claim on and had learned to use a single jack drill at the age of 12-very young for such dangerous and back-breaking labor. Like so many native Montanans I've met, mining had long been a part of the Jones family: his great grandfather had first settled in the area in the 1800s, having traveled west from Iowa by wagon train. He'd started out farming and later developed an interest in ranching and mining.
After crossing the river, filled with people floating in all kinds of devices, a popular summertime activity here, we headed back downstream on an unimproved dirt road that paralleled the Madison. Here, the close-up formations looked like they were metamorphic rock, with large wavy bands of schists with bold stringers of milky quartz and what looked like pegmatites of feldspar and mica. They resembled formations I had seen in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Later, I again consulted my Roadside Geology of Montana and found that this area was part of a very ancient basement rock formation that had been subjected to extensive metamorphism in the past.
Then we left even the dirt road and started to follow a faint trail that headed toward the canyon wall, proof that Buzz's insistence on taking his rig and not mine was a good idea. This trail was not for the faint of heart, and definitely not a road for my extended cab Dodge pickup with the turning radius of an aircraft carrier!
|Moonstone rough. Photo by Jim Lawson.
Near the site where their mining cabin once had been, I could just make out the access track to their claim that his cousin had developed. Bouncing around boulders and skirting around brush, we slowly made our way up toward the rock exposure where they'd found moonstone before. As we went through one hair-raising switchback, I found myself gripping the door and planning my escape if the truck were to take a header down the side of the canyon, but Buzz was calm as could be. When we finally reached the point where we could no longer go around the boulders, we came to a stop, much to my relief.
Look for the Flash
Sparkling with mica, the ground on our way to the diggings was littered with mica and garnet schists along with chunks of feldspar with books of mica imbedded in them. At the end of the path we found ourselves in front of a sheer wall, with irregular, milky-looking blobs imbedded in mica schist. It turned out that the milky-looking blobs were what we had come for: orthoclase feldspar (moonstone). The key was to find pieces that would display a blue flash when turned in the sun; those would be the pieces that had potential as cut moonstones. I quickly proceeded to work my way up the canyon wall through the brush to see what I could find.
The irregular feldspar crystals were interspersed among veins of biotite mica schist. Photo by Jim Landon.
About halfway up, I came upon what I thought was my first piece of moonstone. It glinted a faint blue in the sun and reminded me a little of Oregon sunstone I'd seen, only not as clear. Then a shout came from Buzz, and I made my way back down the slope, trying not to dislodge loose rocks that could pick him off and transport him into the river. He had found his first moonstone still imbedded in the cliff face, and when I positioned myself just right, I could make out the faint, deep-blue flash. The whole cliff face was full of distorted feldspar crystals, their crystal shapes not even discernible, all surrounded with swirls of biotite mica schist like so many nuts in pralines-and-cream ice cream, but I was at a loss about how to dig in. . . .
Read the rest of Jim's moonstone-hunting adventure in our gemstones eBook, The Complete Lapidary Experience: Hunt, Cut and Set Gems, where you can also learn to cut a moonstone cabochon and then set it in a gorgeous pendant.
Learn more about using Mother Nature's beautiful treasures in your jewelry in Gemstone Settings: The Jewelry Maker's Guide to Styles & Techniques by Anastasia Young.
In Gemstone Settings, you'll discover great tips and information for using gemstones in your own jewelry designs, including how to set them, various types of gemstone settings, and jewelry design that starts with the gemstone and works into a design–plus basic jewelry-making techniques such as soldering, casting, wire wrapping, and more. If you love using gemstones in your jewelry making like I do, it's a great new resource for your jewelry bench!
JIM LANDON is a long-time high school science teacher, rockhound, and budding jewelry artist who lives in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Watch for more from him in coming months on Jewelry Making Daily!


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Are marketers spending wisely on social media?
Are marketers spending wisely on social media?
Social media is everywhere and marketers are planning to take full advantage by pledging more budget than ever to the plethora of new communication channels available.
Billions of dollars are expected to be invested across the globe in 2013 as the explosion in social shows little signs of slowing. But the question that needs to be asked: is all this money being spent wisely? Not so according to new research.
New research commissioned by Pitney Bowes Software looks at the behaviours and attitudes towards social media from both a marketer's perspective and a consumer perspective, and has highlighted some alarming gaps between the two viewpoints.
Social media revenue expected to more than double
Comparing findings across Australia, France, Germany, the UK and the USA, it revealed that nearly seven in ten consumers would stop using a brand or product if they were irritated by that company's social media behaviour — an alarming revelation because the research suggests that many are guilty of doing just that.
The survey, carried out in August and September 2012, has lent further weight to Gartner predictions that social media revenue is expected to more than double over the next three years, surpassing US$34 billion by 2016.
It showed that 70% of marketing directors are more focussed than ever on social media, with a quarter of marketing budgets on average expected to be spent on new media activities next year — the UK being the most bullish of all allocating close to half (47%) of budget totals.
How seriously are marketers actually treating social media?
Two-thirds (66%) of those questioned claim they are doing the right thing and their campaign investment tactics are effective. Yet, at a time when chief marketing officers are under increasing pressure to justify ROIs, there is little tangible evidence to support this claim: only one-third (33%) of all those marketers questioned are confident that they can establish a link between social media spend and profitability.
The findings suggest many marketers are in danger of being drawn in by a blind compulsion similar to the 'dot .com' boom-bust investment era of the late 90s/early noughties.
For a number of years marketers have been saying I've got to get on that social media train, I don't know why, but if I don't I'm going to miss it. It raises a big question mark over how seriously marketers are actually treating social media in terms of applying the same proper strategy input and planning as with any other marketing channel.
Peer-to-peer recommendations
Perhaps the most worrying finding of the research is the clear disconnect between the efforts marketers are putting into social media and the desire among consumers to engage.
It showed only a quarter of consumers use social media to follow or keep-up-to date with companies or brands (26%); instead most use it as a means to keep in touch with friends and family (78%).
When a brand has earned the respect of consumers and are 'followed', 48% are positive to receiving messages from that brand. The single most powerful call to action as far as consumers are concerned however is via peer-to-peer recommendations: 68% said they investigated online recommendations from friends or even made a purchase as a result (15%).
Power of Facebook
By contrast, 40% of consumers say they would be annoyed to receive unsolicited messages from brands they don't follow, and 65% said they would stop using a brand altogether as a result of irritating social media messages.
So what are the right messages? The research shows consumers are most interested in discount or money-saving vouchers, new products and services, and upcoming sales and events.
However, these are bottom of the list for marketers. Instead, marketing leaders believe that what consumers most want to receive is details about the organisation's social responsibility and customer satisfaction surveys. Yet these were rated the least interesting items by consumers.
The one thing marketers and consumers do see eye-to-eye on is the power of Facebook. It is the undisputed king, seen by both parties as the most popular and trusted of social media sites. But that is where the parity ends and more missed opportunities manifest themselves.
Important channels for communications
Marketers ranked Twitter (57%) and Google+ (51%) as the next most important channels for communications. By contrast, after Facebook, consumers spend most of their time on YouTube — rated only fifth in the pecking order by marketers.
What the research has shown is that even well-intentioned marketers that persist with old school 'broadcast' marketing models risk inadvertently turning potential brand ambassadors off, or at worst, triggering them to disengage completely and ultimately become a 'brand blocker'. It's about making sure it's relevant, it's about personalisation, it's about creating a dialogue, and it's about measurement.
The message here for marketers is to start doing some of the work they've been doing with their segmentation strategy and with their other marketing channels, and apply those to social media channels.
Marketing © Brand Republic


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Water Park Rules & Regulations
All JCC members must present and swipe their JCC membership card upon check-in at the Water Park admissions desk.
Guest Privileges
The goal of the JCC Water Park is to serve its members. Guest privileges are offered as a service and convenience to JCC members. The Water Park Director may limit guest privileges if over-crowding conditions prevail.
1. All guests must be accompanied by a member of the JCC and must register at the admissions desk.
2. Each individual family member may bring up to two (2) guests at one time, with a maximum of four (4) people per family on a limited basis.
3. Guest fees are as follows: $8.00 per adult, $5.00 per youth, $20.00 per family (up to four per family).
4. Local guests are limited to 3 visits during the season, regardless with whom they come. Out-of-town guests (with address verification) are not subject to the 3-time visit limit.
5. Babysitters will be allowed as part of the family. A babysitter card may be obtained at the membership office at the JCC. Babysitters must register at the admissions desk and are not limited to two visits for the summer.
6. Members are responsible for seeing that their guests abide by all Water Park rules and regulations.
7. Guests 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
8. All guests must have a signed JCC Guest Pass Usage Agreement on file within the last 12 months at the Water Park. Guests under the age of 18 must have a responsible adult sign the agreement.
9. Any special considerations to the above Rules & Regulations, should be reviewed with the JCC Water Park Director or the JCC Director of Sales and Membership.
1. Birthday parties will be held based upon availability. All inquiries for birthday parties are to be directed to the JCC's event coordinator, Sarah Vogds at 414-967-8283. Click here for party options.
2. Parents must see that their children observe all Water Park rules.
3. Smoking is prohibited.
4. Alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited.
Policies Regarding Food
1. Food service is limited to concessions.
2. Food available at the Water Park will adhere to the laws of Kashrut.
3. There will be a kosher meat grill for Water Park-sponsored events.
4. In accordance with all Wisconsin State laws, food will not be permitted on the pool deck.
5. All food must be purchased from the concession stand at the Water Park.
* There are NO carry-in's allowed.
1. Children may not loiter in shower or locker room areas. Horse playing will not be permitted.
2. All members and guests need to bring their own towels.
3. Parents may not bring children of the opposite sex who are six (6) years of age and older into the locker rooms.
4. Lockers are for day use only. Locks left on lockers overnight will be removed after 24 hours.
5. Smoking is prohibited in the bathhouse.
All Pools
1. Showers are mandatory before entering the pool(s).
2. No roughhousing in the water.
3. No running on deck.
4. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed.
5. Rafts, noodles, "floaties," "swimmies" are not allowed unless posted.
6. A child who needs a flotation device should be within arm's reach of a parent or guardian at all times.
7. Children not yet potty trained are required tobe in water-proof swim diapers and rubber pants.
8. Parents should report all "accidents" to the lifeguard immediately so that all necessary steps are taken to clean the water and provide a safe environment.
9. Parents are not to leave children in strollers unattended at any time.
Play works structure and the waterslides
1 Metal objects, glasses, jewelry, watches, etc., are not allowed.
2. Only one person is allowed on the slide at a time.
3. Standing, stopping, and sliding head first are not allowed.
4. Do not cross in front of another slide when exiting.
5. Floatation devices of any kind are not permitted on slides.
6. Move away from the bottom of the slide quickly.
Water walk (Lilly pad)
1. Swimmers must pass JCC swim test and wear swim band.
2. Enter at designated location. Wait for Lifeguard's signal.
3. No jumping from the side in the water walk area.
4. Once a swimmer falls off they must exit the area by using the closest ladder.
5. No head first entries from any of the float pads.
Diving board
1. Swimmers must pass JCC swim test and wear swim band.
2. No diving from the side into diving well.
3. One person at a time on the ladder and board.
4. Wait for Lifeguard's signal.
5. Dive must be executed in one bounce.
6. Control dive by not going toward Aqua Climb safety zone.
7. Stay in straight line from the end of the board.
8. No swimming in diving area unless the Lifeguard closes the diving board.
Aqua Climb
1. Swimmers must pass JCC swim test and wear swim band.
2. Aqua Climb is for experienced swimmers only.
3. Drop zone must remain clear of all swimmers at all times.
4. No diving. Feet first entries only.
5. Floatation devices are not allowed.
Lap swim
1. If more than two (2) swimmers are in the lap swim lane, swimmers are required to start a circle swim format.
Sand playground
1. Shower is required to re-enter the pool area.
2. No throwing of sand is permitted.
3. Covered-toe sandals or shoes are recommend.


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Three Years Later, Lessons From the Flash Crash
Three years after the Dow dropped nearly 1,000 points in minutes, fears of a repeat occurrence are still omnipresent. Steven Russolillo reports on MoneyBeat. Photo: Getty Images.
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... who do you remember you remember what happened three years ago on this day methinks ... two thousand ten ... I ... knew I wanted it to live in and from that you know just what he up again nobody in the more cooler at Dow Jones industrial average was almost a thousand points ... in a matter of minutes finished down that day about three hundred points if you recall what have we learned since been Steve Russolillo ... might compete read on MoneyBeat blogged ... I heart MoneyBeat yes I ... confess ... I guess the three years later one of the land ... think of anything ... that's a good question ... we took the question of a sweater actually into ... the best ... response to God's word and not much that ... it's ... it's kind of a scary so to ... answer it there because the point is is that I get this huge plunge in one day computer driven points when he quickly stepped back ... out the old ... folks on the street I'll basically anyone has invested in the stock market one of the learned ... well regulators are taking some action but haven't really done a lot and that people still are fearful that that's what they like this could happen again the really haven't there been some trading firms and put in place a short sale restrictions whatnot ... things that have happened ... but ... still the peak here that ... could this happen again that think you're still exists for it now so I think that's sorta debate on fortunate takeaway that we have three years I think ... he used allots small glitches rubble long glitches ... of one of them to get a trading ... the CBOE had a couple of glitches recently ... but ... I think people wordy construct forget ... that the low as ... one thousand points on the Dow and it wasn't in a day within a matter of mini dress write a mean I really think people already so that digested that moved our forgotten about it ... but to scare with very scary I mean ... certainly this is what you are opposed to working right I mean it certainly could happen again because of not being told firms ... exactly and I think another thing that's interesting is that some of the smaller is one called mini flash crashes take place on a much more regular occurrence we saw one last month and cool yet to be heavily traded stocks like cool you can still see him one day the stock you see on the chart election was flat but but St data to back up within seconds ... and it's like people scramble what happen will happen in ... a minute to spin that religion and insular that what happened in the big flash crash so ... you see these in smaller names ... and likely a better reference to pack rat or ... well yes and then the heck I suppose that's the big example word last month of the Twitter hoax ... sent the Dow down one or forty points in seconds and then it comes to the console ... yes ... these things are happening and happening regularly maybe they're not as bad as than the six two thousand and five s but they are still happening in that is a cause for concern ... and really the regulator said had done some things to to so to take action but not ... enough by ... that I think that the look he ... gets to the issue of trust in the marketplace and to retail ... investors in the middle of the trial for MarketWatch ... the pros don't even try to ... play the game they know how close writes I mean ... you know what ... meted out to the Dow thousand points today on the guillotine was recovered doesn't ... hear you shouldn't encourage prevent these things from happening ... that that that the whole is all the Sunnis lost my trust in the market though ... and and the Fusilli Alps t think it is creating trading volumes are still down across the border you see it in fund flows where people have been putting money back into stocks ... about twenty thirteen as the workers whose record highs but still not putting as much money into market as had been the case may be in the two thousand the early two thousand was worth ... around two thousandseven peak so but there is still to sort of this general lack of trust in the market ... and it's been a success and ten flash crash is one of those reasons but it's it's all right Steve Russolillo excellent they used to ...


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Brand Label: Weekend Max Mara
ITEM MOVED TO ARCHIVE: On March 2, 2018 10:58 pm, Fashion Stylist Online noted this item may be out of stock at Saks Fifth Avenue because it was not referenced in their latest online catalog. If this item is out of stock at Saks Fifth Avenue, you may be able to find similar fashions sold there or elsewhere on our Weekend Max Mara Designer Brand Directory.
Available for Purchase Online at Saks Fifth Avenue for $295.00Pin It
Crochet sweater patterned with multicolored stripes. Roundneck. Long sleeves. Rib-knit cuffs and hem. Flax linen. Hand wash. Made in Italy. Model shown is 5'10" (177cm) and wearing US size S.
Shop other brand label items from Weekend Max Mara on FashionStylist.com.
This item was published for sale online by Saks Fifth Avenue on March 2, 2018 9:35 pm and last updated by us March 2, 2018 10:58 pm.
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