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By Dacia Maraini.
and Elspeth Spottiswood.
Afterword by Anna Camaiti Hostert.
261 pp. New York:
The Feminist Press. $19.95.
A LITTLE girl, 7 years old, deaf and incapable of speech, accompanies her father, a Sicilian duke, to witness the execution of a young criminal, a boy of 13. Because of their social position, these two aristocrats are permitted to eavesdrop on the child's confession in his sordid underground prison, then given a ringside seat at his hanging. The violence of this spectacle is such that Duke Signoretto Ucria hopes it will both unstop his daughter's ears and ''unstick her lips.'' But Marianna Ucria is possessed of an imperturbable calm. ''For living visitors like Dante,'' she thinks as she watches the prisoners, ''hell can even be beautiful to look at'' -- a surpassingly literate and philosophical assessment from such a young girl. Thus are we introduced to the early-18th-century heroine of Dacia Maraini's novel, joining Marianna's father in ''knocking at the door of her silence.''
What lies behind that door, and who has pushed it shut? We can ask these questions of stories other than the one Maraini tells in ''The Silent Duchess,'' for we are well acquainted with heroines -- and the occasional hero -- who cannot or will not speak. From the Greek tale of Philomela to Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid to Maya Angelou in ''I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,'' from Ellen James in John Irving's novel ''The World According to Garp'' to Estha in ''The God of Small Things,'' by Arundhati Roy, the list goes on. Can we guess what words, what accusations, their silence holds? All too often, the clues point to sexual trauma -- in this case, a childhood rape.
At 13, Marianna Ucria is given in marriage, against her will, to her mother's older brother (and her father's cousin), Duke Pietro Ucria. The reason is a simple one, at least as her mother explains it. ''Uncle Pietro will take you for nothing because he loves you,'' thus sparing her parents a dowry they can't afford. This conversation is carried out by means of pen and paper, as are all of Marianna's communications. Soon she is married to ''that sad, grumpy man, always dressed in red and known in the family as 'the prawn.' '' Marianna refers to her cold and peculiar spouse as ''uncle husband.'' During the course of their 27-year marriage, she bears him five children and presides over his large household. The Duchess herself is considered eccentric, but this has less to do with her silence than with her devotion to reading.
At 40, Marianna is widowed. After the funeral, she accompanies uncle husband's corpse to its interment in the catacombs; having remained innocent of the pleasures of the bedroom, she scrutinizes the ''fleeting curve'' of his lips, his ''jutting cheekbones,'' as she tries one last time ''to fathom the secret of his body.'' Soon thereafter, Marianna takes a young lover, but the discovery of physical passion cannot tempt her from the life of the mind, from her addiction to silent, sated hours in her library. As old age approaches, she spurns the proposal of a kind admirer, a man who values her intelligence. Escorted by her maid, Marianna sets out to see what she can of the world. Without giving away the identity of the man who raped her -- or its bearing on the Duchess's betrothal -- one can set out these summary events of her life.Continue reading the main story
''It's strange how well she's worn,'' her profligate brother, Abbot Carlo, notes: ''Slim as when she was 20, a fresh, clear complexion. . . . This dumb sister still has the face of a young girl. . . . What if it were her dumbness that has preserved her from the ruins of growing old?'' Dumbness? ''Holiness'' might be a more fitting word, suggesting the quality of being set apart. Perhaps it is poetic justice that Carlo has been disfigured by appetite, lust, cruelty. In contrast, Marianna bears no superficial trace of sin or suffering. In her innocence, she looks like an angel -- and in fact she functions as a particular kind of celestial being, the recording angel.
''The Silent Duchess'' is a leisurely, discursive case history of an early violation, a narrative that segues (painlessly, without being polemical) into a treatise on the nature of the writer, especially the female writer. Marianna's silence is both ''dense and transparent.'' She sees it as ''both mother and sister'' and prays to the ''Holy Mother of all silence.'' For Marianna, and by extension all women, Maraini suggests that creativity implies a certain defection, a refusal to participate in a forum dominated by male voices -- voices that exploit, that discount the importance of the domestic female world, that misrepresent what it is to be a woman.
Silence does not diminish the Duchess; rather, it dignifies her. For Marianna, separation allows perspective; the abandonment (not the impairment) of one faculty sharpens the others; deafness even enhances her perceptions. Because she is spared the chaos and distraction of noise, Marianna finds that she can read people's thoughts. Her past violation guarantees her vigilance; she will always be hyper-alert to her surroundings. Her sense of smell, for example, is so keen that passages of ''The Silent Duchess'' will remind readers of another novel set in the same pungent century, Patrick Suskind's ''Perfume'':
''Now she has lowered her eyelids so as to rest her eyes for a while, and her nostrils have begun to draw in the air, recognizing the smells and meticulously noting them in her mind: the overpowering scent of lettuce water that impregnates her father's waistcoat, below that the scent of rice powder mingled with the grease on the seats, the sourness of crushed lice, the smarting from the dust on the road that blows through the joints of the doors, as well as the faint aroma of mint that floats in from the fields of the Villa Palagonia.''
''Recognizing'' and ''meticulously noting.'' This entire novel could be described in such terms, filled as it is with observations that are rich almost to the point of cloying. It's a trick for historical fiction to avoid awkward pileups of costuming and props. Maraini, a playwright and essayist who is one of Italy's most prominent writers, is also a seasoned and elegant novelist. She's not afraid of excess -- and why should she be? It's entirely under her control. Her intelligent heroine, well read to the point of heresy (she imports and eagerly consumes books by philosophers who comment on the nature of reality, who challenge the vision of the church and, by implication, the patriarchal rankings of society), is an apparatus intricately calibrated for perception, for understanding, for revealing.
What, then, is the sort of world that the Duchess describes on the tablet hung around her neck, in the letters she sends to her daughters, in the thoughts she shares with the reader? It's splendid and squalid and violent, a place where women are at once petted and despised -- a place that seems alive for the reader, both then and now. But historical fiction is not, of course, history. Despite its links to Maraini's own family's Sicilian roots, ''The Silent Duchess'' isn't biography exhumed; instead, it is fantasy projected onto the usable screen of the past.
IN her afterword, the literary scholar Anna Camaiti Hostert suggests that Maraini chose to set her story in 18th-century Sicily because it was dominated by a peculiarly ''arrogant and hypocritical aristocracy, remarkable . . . in the cruelty of its oppression of both the poor and women.'' The afterword provides a useful, if academic, context for the work of a writer who remains largely unknown to Americans. In her more than 50 books, Maraini's attention, Hostert tells us, ''has always been concentrated on women's enforced silence in society as well as in literature, and on the alternative ways in which a female voice can manifest itself.'' If this sounds ponderous, the novel itself is anything but.
As translated by Dick Kitto and Elspeth Spottiswood, ''The Silent Duchess'' is a story of grace and endurance, not mere survival. What's more, it acquires a slyly suspenseful quality as the somewhat pedestrian puzzle of the rapist's identity is superseded by the more complex tension and mystery of Marianna's silence itself. What will cure this case of ''hysterical'' -- in other words, female -- deafness and muteness? There are passages the reader dreads, afraid to be returned with the Duchess to the spoken word, to the implicit capitulation that would be signaled if she deigned to talk. Might this happen at the death of uncle husband? At Marianna's discovery of physical passion, when she redeems what the rapist stole? When she at last learns (that is to say, remembers and acknowledges) who raped her?
Any of these would be the manipulations of a lesser writer. The final and greatest satisfaction of Maraini's novel is that the Duchess remains triumphantly silent.Continue reading the main story


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2000 Land Rover Range Rover 4dr Wgn 4.6 HSE 108 WB for sale in Fort Mill, SC
mechanics special . good body it starts but it runs rough due to a bad head gaskets. selling this puppy as is $1800. please give us a call to set up a viewing....
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text: Brand: Valisere The Other You is the new erotic e-book by the bestselling writer Aveleen Avide. 5 stories and 10 characters through which to explore the many facets of the female psyche. Each leading character follows a path of amorous adventures and flirtation. It is possible to increase the erotic intensity of each story simply with a flip, which enables the user to pass from a soft narration to a bolder one. In addition the users could also start a new collective novel on twitter. Related activities: + brand positioning + concept & art direction + online campaign + social media strategy


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Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Need for dalit thought leaders
We need thought leaders who can penetrate the exploitative logic ofthe shroud which engulfs the disadvantaged commmunities. These peopleneed to define and defend social justice using the appropriateeconomic, pyschological, sociological theories and empiricalevidence. Our current problem that is that we are not able to expressour agonies and are dependent on the "Amartya Sens" of the world forespousing our causes as a byproduct of their clinical academicpersuits. The sufferers are silent. No ex-sufferer becomes anacademic and explains the causes of the sufferings. Buddha did thatfor the suffering common to all human beings. We need Buddha's whocome out of their socio-economic suffering and help evolve techniquesto improve the social order. May a million Buddhas bloom.From my reading of recent economic writings, "social justice" is highon the publicly projected high priority list of many institutions andis a hot topic in economic theory.E.g: We must evaluate Amartya Sen and then support him to the hilt bypointing out problems in his theories. We must learn to use economictheory to plan and drive our struggles
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When it comes to buying karaoke CDs, there is no shortage of options. You might think it's as simple as ordering a CD online or picking one up at your local department store, but if you do your homework, and know what to look for, you won't be buying CDs that leave you feeling lackluster on stage. If you are buying karaoke CDs for a business or establishment, you'll want to consider buying CDs with various music types. Whatever your needs, there's a karaoke CD for you. In this review of the best karaoke CDS, we'll tell you what to watch out for when buying them, and what ones are the best for your needs.
In this review, we'll look at the best karaoke CD over all, best karaoke CD for country fans, R&B fans, as well as the best boxed set and best set for women.
When it comes to choosing a great karaoke cd, you want a collection that showcases a variety of songs, artists, and genres. Party tyme karaoke is a best selling brand of karaoke CD and they offer the best sound for your money. This karaoke CD features 16 number 1 hits from the last several years. This CD is a CD+G which means it has graphics which allows karaoke goers to read the lyrics on a display or television screen. This CD+G package also comes with the lyric booklet so guests can flip through options before choosing their song while a performer is on stage. This is a great CD for home or business use.
The songs that are featured on this karaoke CD include:
Another great karaoke CD from Party Tyme is this country collection featuring new and old favorites from the country genre. Country has changed a lot over the years and many songs appear on the pop charts as well as the country charts. This CD features 16 number 1 country songs from the last few years, and some of the biggest artists from the country scene. Whether you like a ballad or a backroad country sound, this country karaoke CD has got something for everyone. This is a CD+G so the lyrics can be displayed on a screen or television so karaoke fans can read lyrics and get the words just right! You'll have hours of enjoyment singing country karaoke with friends and audiences alike.
The songs that are featured on the karaoke CD include:
This huge R&B karaoke collection features 5 CD+G discs with 100 songs to keep you grooving on stage all night long. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the songs featured on this disc have explicit language and might not be appropriate for children. Because this is a CD+G, the lyrics will appear on on a display or television screen so you never miss a beat. This is a giant collection of great songs from the last few years and features some of the biggest songs in the R&B genre. With a great selection of songs, the ability to see the lyrics, and the chance to bust a move on stage, this is a great option for your karaoke collection. This collection is great for just listening to in the car and hanging out with friends, in addition to karaoke fun.
Some of the songs that are featured on this karaoke CD include:
If you are looking to build your karaoke collection fast, the Billboard Top 40 boxed set is the right choice for you. There are 80 songs featured on 5 CDs. The only downfall of this collection is that the songs aren't by the original artists, but it still makes the cut because karaoke is about hearing your voice, and not the artist's voice anyway! These boxed set features hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. It's a comprehensive collection for any karaoke lover to add to their lineup. This karaoke collection is great for professional use too because the discs are CD+G and feature lyrics that can be displayed on screens and more. This is a great way to build your collection in one purchase.
Some of the songs featured in this boxed set include:
When it comes to finding the perfect karaoke CD for a ladies' night, the 100 Hits Presents Karaoke Girls' Night Box Set is for you. It has all of the greatest songs sung by women, about women, and for women! This box set features 5 cds with graphics so you can pop it in the karaoke machine and read the lyrics on a display screen. With many solos, group songs, duets, and more, this karaoke collection is perfect for any girls' night, karaoke bar, or special event. With 100 songs, you are sure to find something to sing along to! This is a great collection for younger singers as well because the songs featured in this collection don't have explicit language.
Some of the songs featured in this karaoke collection include:
Karaoke CDs come in a variety of formats, as we have seen, but they also come in a variety of collections. These collections include singles, artists, and more.
Collection of Singles: these karaoke CDs feature the best songs of an era or in a specific genre. They are usually chart topping hits and you'll know them well when you hear them.
Collection of Artists: some karaoke CDs are available by artist, so this is a great option if you have a favorite artists you like to sing along with.
Collection of Albums: sometimes an entire album is available for karaoke use. These are released in conjunction with record labels and are less popular than collaboration collections or mixed CDs.
Genre: whether you like country, hip hop, classic or pop, you can find a karaoke CD to suit your tastes and the tastes of your karaoke friends.
Decade Collections: some of the best karaoke CDs are the ones that focus on a specific era. These are usually done by decade and often focus on 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
Movie Collection: some of your favorite songs might be from movie soundtracks and karaoke CDs come in various collections featuring some of the biggest songs from movies.
Did you know that karaoke CDs come in a variety of formats and options? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right karaoke CDs for you and your karaoke posse.
CD (Compact Disc)
This is the most popular format for karaoke CDs and they are the most economical. CDs store data and music, as well as other file formats, but for karaoke CDs they store songs! Standard cds can be used for karaoke, but they make it difficult to get the full effect because unless you have a sound synthesizer, it is hard to remove the artist's voice. Some karaoke CDs come with two versions of songs: one with the artist and the original song, and one with the artist's voice removed. These discs are best for traditional karaoke machines that don't require data for lyrics.
CD+G (Compact Disc plus Graphics)
This is the more well known format for karaoke CDs. Because most karaoke experiences include reading lyrics from a display or television screen, karaoke CDs come with optional graphics embedded on the disc. While digital options for karaoke are pretty popular these days, many karaoke venues still rely on CD+G to get the job done. Some CD+G products have fun backgrounds or other graphics that are entertaining and fun to watch.CD+EG/ CD+XG (Compact Disc plus Extended Graphics)Don't let the two versions of this karaoke cd confuse you, they are basically the same idea. They offer extra features that create more colorful and detailed lyric display screens. Some karaoke machines won't be able to play this type of CD, but most newer models will accommodate this type of enhanced compact disc.VCD (Video CD)This is a type of CD that is used to house videos, which are great for karaoke songs and performances.
These have been mostly replaced by DVD, but the idea is the same, and many karaoke CDs still come in this format. They have the ability to store mono tracks and instrumental tracks so that karaoke singers can use the original tracks or the songs without the words in them.
So whether you are starting a karaoke business or you are looking to add to your collection, these 5 best karaoke CDs are a great way to build out your collection and make sure you have something for every one of your karaoke friends, or clients. Karaoke is fun for everyone and offers a great excuse to get the gang together on a Friday night. Find your favorites in these best karaoke CDs, and don't shy away from the mic. The world loves karaoke and the most important part of getting up on stage to sing karaoke is having fun!


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This week's blog has been on my mind for awhile. Working from this pleasantly old-fashioned remodeled apartment, a stone's throw from Chiesa Madrice, I'm motivated, believing today is the obvious opportunity for that posting. Without sounding religious, shoving God down anybody's throat, I'll graze over four points: Chiesa Madrice, alongside, Castellammare del Golfo's history — my melanoma tumor three years ago, and a disguised method pertaining to prayer.
Castellammare del Golfo, its translation: Sea Fortress on the Gulf. A fishing village established by Arabs in 800 AD, then called Al Madarig, meaning The Steps. I sit here 19 miles west of Palermo, nestled by Sicily's rugged mountainside. Fishermen in the 16th century had a vision of Madonna over Castellammare's aqua-marine water. Perched a thousand feet above its quaint harbor near the Castello on Piazza Madrice is Chiesa Madrice — erected to honor Maria SS. del Soccorso, Patrona di Castellammare. Each August Castellammare del Golfo celebrates its festa; an evening candlelit procession hoists the Madonna and Child through town, finally boarding a small fishing boat, set off with Maria's trailing flotilla — one frequently used scene in Italian films.
Of any church or cathedral I've entered, this place absolutely sends me. Never caught the acclaim Lourdes nor Fatima did, although if Vatican PR pushed, Chiesa Madrice might've received its due press. Crystal-clear light from a cloud-free Mediterranean sky illuminates an unassuming altar from lofty windows. The modest star of this show has her own altar stage right. She gleams white and gold beneath a twinkling halo, her nude infant son cradled in one arm, ornamental wand held by the other hand; both leading personalities bespangled, wearing gem-encrusted crowns — an object of beauty Jeff Koons wouldn't dare misappropriate. A carved Prince of Peace stands mid-theatre, untouchable inside an inlaid wood and glass case. Soothing eyes, flawless complexion, soft beard, clothed by painted embroidered robe, a platinum heart tied to Jesus' left wrist; His other hand's upright index and middle finger touch each other, indicating righteous healing is underway. Holy water, no charge; we receive a double dose for good measure on the way in and out. One rough year I dunked my entire California driver's license in for a proper soak. Most Saturday mornings at Chiesa Madrice are reserved for weddings, late afternoons dedicated to parishioners who absolve sin through sincere prayers of contrition. The Chiesa Madrice bell rings daily; its crisp note requires no amplified modification. Three black and wicker side chairs are situated against a beige marble column ten or so feet from Jesus in His fancy box. Three summers ago, every day at five, after a broiling sun eclipsed behind Castellammare's protective mountain, Jeanette, LouLou and I filled those chairs facing that life-size Christ statue. Belief in Buddha works, so does Brahma; I haven't been a practicing Catholic for ages, however, I'm still mesmerized by Catholicism's tangible pomp and circumstance.
During that 5pm meditation several widows recited prayers together in Italian before the Virgin Mary; a stupendous backup group for our desperate plea to disintegrate my fuckin' tumor. At summer's close, early September, we flew to New York and had it removed; by then the tumor already became gelatinous mush, my doctor commented more than once how astonishing this was. Weeks later, a clean pathology report from UCSF confirmed victory on all fronts: one salvaged limb compliments of Chiesa Madrice — profound prayer, alongside an altruistic Park Avenue dermatologist.
Prayer is quite personal. It could come off proselytizing offering my personal experience, yet if you continue, a satisfying twist is under wraps. I was a thirty-three-year-old man, November 1991; wet behind the ears trying to cope with life no longer abusing liquor and drugs, two habits that prevented me from really living since age thirteen. AA and NA meetings were okay, however, what helped transform my behavior was CCC in Tiburon, California. Community Congregational Church is an interdenominational entity with panoramic views overlooking Mt. Tamalpais, Corinthian Island, Sausalito, Northwest San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Jeanette and I exchanged vows on their lawn fourteen years ago come August 4 — seven weeks prior to LouLou's arrival redefining our future. During my early, frangible days at CCC, I sat in on every lecture possible: a Native American Indian, rabbi, monk, shaman — dream workshops, meditation classes, anything and everything to make nice-nice with God again after so much self-destruction.
Tossing all the insight gathered from CCC into life's caldron, letting it slowly simmer another twenty-five years; I'm presently convinced prayer can find momentum. My mistake had always been praying for what I wanted: "God, gimme me a bicycle, I'm too big for my tricycle. Dear God, don't let Mr. Anderson give me another F in science. Oh God, let the Vietnam War end, I don't want to end up in a body bag too. Please God, if you get me out of jail this time, I won't ever do coke again." Fruitless those prayers. I flunked science, excelling in truancy throughout high school. Lenny, the English cocaine supplier who bailed me out, promptly packed my nose inside his vintage Impala, right outside 850 Bryant Street, in front of San Francisco's main jail.
Stupid me; if I only knew all those years how the power of prayer could actually be catapulted. Quite some build-up huh, for what undoubtedly makes common sense from God's perspective. Forget personal desires, not completely, simply put them on the back burner — be specific, I've heard God's a stickler that way. For example, Jeanette may be concerned her right shoulder's persistent ache might not heal on its own accord — a legitimate cry for prayer. Keeping that concern on hold, we'll then focus prayer on someone else close losing their home — another's nerve-racking child custody case — friends struggling through chemotherapy, or a patron's upcoming surgery.
A miracle response to another's prayer is the answer to ours. I'm gonna be artful here; famiglia di Schiavo are in no way impervious, we too have unanswered prayers. Because of this, we're officially taking requests; even if you've already asked for our prayers, we'll take on more. If you haven't, but don't want to get into finite details, simply email or Facebook us to enter the prayer list — quieting whatever this is that weighs heavy on your mind.
Besides netting beneath overhead frescoes which prevents peeling paint from falling onto churchgoers, my least favorite aspect of Chiesa Madrice is the absence of red and clear votive candle holders. Instead brass stands were installed some time ago, sprouting nine inch plastic faux candles, topped with tiny electric light bulbs and adjacent switches. You do have my solemn word — I promise not to offer your prayer at Chiesa Madrice's electric candle stand, only from those three chairs in front of The Anointed One, or pews before Madonna and Child, stage right.


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Looks like Kristen at e!Online officially has egg on her face. Ausiello stalked his way into getting an official comment from Dave Rosenthal re: the Lorelai is pregnant, who's the daddy rumours that were flying around a few weeks ago.
Rosenthal's response:
"That will not be happening — I promise, there are no sharks anywhere near our set and there will be no jumping of them."
At least he has a sense of humour about it.
Folks, I think this is gonna be the end of my reporting Gilmore Girls spoilers/foilers until I see the premiere. I wanna go into it with as much detachment as possible. While I'm happy I knew that the Christopher ship was coming last year, now I wanna stay away from anything that could spoil anything remotely enjoyable the show has left to offer.
I'm gonna go on the record with cautious optimism and say that I think next season of Gilmore Girls will bring it back to what it was before the season 5 hell, otherwise meaning entertaining tv.


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I Enjoy Receiving Nice Zillow Reviews
I don't often endorse Zillow, but when I do, it's usually because I've just received another stellar cliet review.
Posted on December 4, 2015 at 10:54 am Steve Sloboda Category: Real Estate News, Recognition, Shameless Self Promotion, Technology, University Place Tagged Business Spotlight, Congratulations, Good Times, I love you man, Pierce County, real estate agent, realtor, University Place, Windermere Real Estate
How's your bus bench situation?
Posted on October 18, 2011 at 8:51 am Steve Sloboda Category: Movie Quotes Tagged funny real estate, I love you man, movie quotes, real estate agent, realtor


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A HUGE come from behind victory saw Vic Metro claim their second win for the Division One Under 18 championship.
Trailing by 35-points at the final break, an inspiring effort from Oakleigh Charger Pat Kerr saw him kick four goals in 10 minutes to get Vic Metro back into the contest.
Two late goals to Sandringham Dragons midfielder Oliver Florent saw Metro clinch the victory over South Australia, putting them in the box seat to claim the Division One title for the first time since 2012.
Vic Metro are in the box seat to claim the Div I title. All four remaining matches are on @FOXFOOTY. #NABAFLU18s pic.twitter.com/hGxcEUrGNC
— AFL Draft Central (@afldraftcentral) June 19, 2016
Andrew McGrath continued where he left off from Monday's superb last quarter, with 27 disposals, six marks and six rebound 50s as his sides best player. As did Dylan Clarke, who backed up his 26 disposal effort from Monday with 24 disposals and nine clearances in a strong effort on the inside.
Metro's inaccuracy was evident early, being 3.11 at three quarter time. Kerr had four behinds, but managed to bounce back with a four goal burst that gave Metro the momentum of which proved too much for South Australia.
Midfielders Tim Taranto (0.3) & Jordan Gallucci (0.3) were both wasteful infront of goal, but both have showed really good signs in the carnival so far.
Possible top 10 prospect Daniel Venables had an improved effort, with 16 disposals and two goals. The aggressive midfielder laid nine tackles in the match hunting back the ball.
Norwood midfielder Jake Pitman was SA's best, with 29 disposals taking his average to 24 disposals for the Division One carnival. Fellow Norwood teammate, Alex Villis was also good across half back with 18 disposals and six inside 50s- kicking on both feet.
180cm midfielder Jake Comitogianni was also another South Australian who collected over 20 disposals but they were unable to stop Metro in the final 25 minutes.
South Australia have a final game against the Vic Country on Friday at Etihad Stadium, while Vic Metro will play the Allies and Western Australia.
South Australia: Hayward 3, Houlahan 2, Lebois, Nixon, Graham, Fogarty, Pitman
Vic Metro: Kerr 4, Venables 2, Florent 2, Clarke
AFL.com.au's BEST:
South Australia: Pitman, Hinge, Walker, Villis, Slimming
Vic Metro: McGrath, Clarke, Venables, Romensky, Kerr
In the first game of the weekend, Western Australia accounted for the Allies on Saturday, running out winners by 17-points.
In the first of five games televised by Fox Footy, WA led from start to finish to keep their title winning dreams alive.
WA midfielder Zac Fisher was best on ground, with 30 disposals and six tackles- A remarkable number for 25 minute flat quarters.
The left footer was consistent throughout the afternoon and was backed up by 19-year-old Matt Guelfi who had 18 disposals and five clearances.
Guelfi begun the carnival with a 20 disposal effort against Vic Country but was disappointing in WA's big loss to South Australia. His performance will continue to put his name infront of recruiters, as he pushes to be one of the few 19-year-olds likely to be drafted.
Defender Josh Rotham played arguably his best game for the season at national Under 18 level (Academy or WA) with 15 disposals rebounding well from the backline including a strong contested mark in the first half.
Shai Bolton (16 disposals and six inside 50s) also provided some moments of brilliance on the wing and will be someone to keep an eye on in Western Australia's final match in Round five.
Possible No.1 pick Sam Petrevski-Seton was solid in his return from hamstring injury, collecting 19 disposals. Ruckman Tim English showed promise with a good leap in the ruck, finishing with 13 hitouts.
Declan Watson might be from Queensland- But you definitely can't do this in the AFL! Umpire didn't see.#NABAFLU18s pic.twitter.com/uZmmzkeOa0
— Matt Balmer (@MattBalmer7) June 18, 2016
The Allies won the final term, but were always chasing the WA tail throughout the contest.
Harry Perryman (12 disposals) was one of the few standouts for Allies across half back, but they were again dissapointing in their second showing in the Under 18 championship.
Bendigo Pioneers midfielder Kobe Mutch (18 disposals) and Gold Coast Academy member Brad Scheer (17 disposals) were the two leading ball winners for the away team.
Key position forward Todd Marshall also took some strong marks inside forward 50, ending the match with two goals.
The Allies play both Victorian teams over the next fortnight, while Western Australia have the bye- before a final clash against Vic Metro in Round five at Simonds Stadium.
Western Australia: Waterman 2, Wright 2, Logue, Powell-Pepper, Fisher, Baker, Guelfi, Bolton
Allies: Marshall 2, Sproule, Maguire, Allison, Davis, Hampton
Matt Balmer's BEST
Western Australia: Fisher, Guelfi, Rotham, Bolton, Petrevski-Seton
Allies: Perryman, Mutch, Marshall, Scheer, Watson


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Talixa Software & Service, LLC develops high-quality cloud, mobile, and desktop applications to meet your organization's needs. With over 20 years of experience in software development, we have created countless solutions to address and solve even the most complex problems that organizations face. Considering our expertise in all aspects of the software development cycle, we can help you with everything from gathering requirements to deployment onsite or off.
How We Create Lasting Value For You
While we recognize other potential development options, Talixa understands the value of delivering great code the first time: higher quality at a lower cost. The cost of a software project can grow far beyond the initial price of development, particularly when a mediocre developer leaves you with poorly written code. Long term cost of ownership can include the price of maintaining and updating the software as well as the cost of fixing bugs. After years of writing software, we have developed a proven track record of solving the most complex problems with maintainable and efficient code. Taking the first principles approach, we aim to simplify processes as much and as often as possible. While clever code may initially make us appear smarter, we prefer to write simple yet effective code, saving you, the customer, considerable time and money long term. Regardless of how difficult the problem is, we will write software to simplify your work processes and meet your organizational needs.
Are you looking for local software development resources? Talixa Software & Service, LLC is located in Altoona, Pennsylvania and we are a proud member of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Altoona Business Community. With this in mind, we love to invest our time and energy locally, and we most enjoy working face to face with people who share in our values of quality, integrity, and service. When your organization benefits, our community benefits, so please consider letting us help you create the custom tools and applications that will take your business to the next level.
Would you like to see some sample work by Talixa Software & Service, LLC? Check out the apps page which showcases a variety of open source projects as well as publicly available android applications. The publicly available mobile applications created by Talixa Software & Service, LLC rank among the top 10% of all Android app developers by AppBrain for number of downloads as well as number of reviews and among the top 5% of all developers for number of apps available. This is just a very small sample of the software developed by Talixa Software, and we would encourage you to meet with us to more specifically discuss how we can help you thrive as you enter into new endeavors or refine existing processes.
If your business needs custom software, contact us for more information on how we can provide a custom solution for you. We would love to arrange a meeting to learn more about why you do what you do and how we can help!
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No matter our technological need, Talixa Software & Service is up to the task. Our need of front-end and back-end software development is consistently met and exceeded in every instance. They are fluent in seemingly innumerable programming languages, which allows for a variety of possible solutions to each custom challenge. Signature Door is pleased to have worked with Talixa on multiple projects, and will continue to seek and recommend their services in the future. - Michael Nixon, Signature Door
As a development firm, progression is often times intermittent regardless of the want driving it. What we find most valuable and why we continue to work with Tom is the consistency in progression that he provides be it conceptual or functional. He resides in a state of being two steps ahead which to us is invaluable. Tom comes with heavy recommendation for any firm or business seeking rapid, consistent progression. - Rob Gray, Food Service Solutions


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All photos shown here are shared under Creative Commons licence.
So you may download and share them further as long as you follow these three rules:
- Attribution — Please always when you share my photos, note that I am the author, with my name Miroslav Pertrasko and link back to this site or to www.hdrshooter.net
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There are few photos, which are not shared under Creative Commons and have All rights reserved, but that is noted under the respective photos (there are really only few of these).
To get more info about Creative Commons licence, please visit their page here http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
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And here are few of my photos, just so this page looks better :)


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The stars look to have successfully struck back against the leaker who "allegedly" (we have to say that) shared nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence, other celebrities. As of Monday Kate Upton was the latest to confirm that she was included in the nude photo leak of dozens of celebrities the apparently also includes Kirsten Dunst, Selena Gomez, and Kim Kardashian. But with those involved vowing through a spokesman to prosecute those who released or shared the racy pics is no wonder why they seemingly came and went. Kate Upton's attorney Lawrence Shire told Us Weekly. "This is obviously an outrageous violation of our clients privacy. We intend to pursue anyone disseminating or duplicating these illegally obtained images to the fullest extent possible." And a representative for Jennifer Lawrence called the violation of the star's privacy "flagrant" in a statement. Lawrence's camp has also said "The authorities have been contacted and will prosecute anyone who posts the stolen photos of Jennifer Lawrence," A spokeswoman from the FBI declined to say whether the agency was investigating, though it has looked into previous celebrity leaks.
The breach looks like it could be linked to an alleged flaw in Apple's "Find my iPhone" app, according to The Next Web. The app allows users multiple login attempts without getting locked out after a certain amount of wrong tries, potentially allowing hacker programs that repeatedly try different passwords to access another person's iCloud account.
Earlier Monday, Ricky Gervais took heat for a comment that appeared to place some of the blame on the victims of the breach. He said via twitter "Celebrities, make it harder for hackers to get nude pics of you from your computer by not putting nude pics of yourself on your computer."
Many took to the Internet to defend the stars, arguing that the "victim-blaming" is similar to the way victims of sexual assaults and rape have historically been blamed. Many took aim at those who shared the pics, such as celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who had published some of the uncensored photos on his blog, before removing them and apologizing. Gervais' Tweet was later deleted but he never quite apologized.
Now I'm sorry by those affected by those who where hacked and I'm not placing the blame on any of the affected party's. But let's face it the internet can be a scary place and not many people have good internet security practices and for me the terrifying thing is even if you do it might not stop a highly motivated hacker. For some now would be a good time to consider or at least look into two-step verification for all your accounts. If you don't know what that is Two-step authentication adds an extra layer of security between your account credentials and your data by asking for a code when you try logging in to your account. This code, which is random and expires after a set period (usually in seconds to a minute), is either generated by or sent to a personal device which you always carry with you, such as your smartphone. You can even set it up for your Google, Apple and Microsoft accounts. Or cloud bases services could even set up site keys which is like a there way handshake you send the site your username they send you an image and phrase you set when setting up the account and then you send them your password.
How to set up 2-step verification for:
Google: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en
Microsoft: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/two-step-verification-faq
Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5570


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Thursday, November 18, 2010
30 Days of Truth - Day 20: Your Views on Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol is fine in moderation. I enjoy an alcoholic beverage now and again. I think some of them are rather tasty. There are others however that are not so tasty. The tasty ones are the ones you have to watch out for. I have been drunk - really, really drunk once. And by really drunk I mean I have thrown up once from drinking. Nicole's birthday of this year (2010) Lee made Piña Colada martinis - never again. I had fun up until I drank too much, then it wasn't fun anymore, everything was fuzzy and moved way too fast. Never again.
Anyway, I'm not here to judge, but drinking just to get wasted and forget is not the way to go. You know how you forget when you do that? You kill brain cells. Bad news bears.
Also, please, if you choose to get effed up on alcohol and/or drugs, don't get behind the wheel. Save a life and take a cab.
And eat Cabin Sticks - YUM.
2 comments:
Bad news beers...
Ha. Sorry.
I totally agree with you on this. Except I have taken medication not prescribed to me. But I didn't like it. Made me feel like life was bland and that there was no reason to live. Not suicidal, but not here. It was weird and sucked.
- 18 November, 2010
You, my dear, had a good time in your own home and didn't do anything stupid. You broke no laws (that I know of, or is that how your neighbors "disappeared"?). You were not drinking to get "wasted", nor was your goal to be irresponsible and try to out-drink Nicole at her own birthday.
And you definitely we not wearing one of those stupid shirts that says, "I may not be the best student, but I can blow a 4.0." That is definitely not your motto. But you're about due for an amazing time. Plus, I know how to make real Pina Coladas, jello shots, shots, and martini style. :) I need to hone my bar-tending skills without letting the entire kitchen have a drink.
- 18 November, 2010


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Tag : malaria
From Poverty to Power: Oxfam's Senior Strategic Advisor speaks to Leeds Student
Duncan Green will be visiting the University of Leeds students on Thursday, 31 January from 5-7pm in the Rupert Beckett Lecture Theatre. He will talk about about the changing landscape of global development. Oxfam's chief Strategic Advisor spoke to Beckie Smith about poverty, power and public opinion. As Oxfam's Senior Strategic … Read More


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On February 28th, 2013, 18 months after the expiration of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Congress finally voted to reauthorize the bill. VAWA was a landmark bill enacted in 1994 to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking by funding state and local agencies to assist victims. Congress also recognized that the non-citizen status of immigrant victims of crimes and human trafficking left these victims particularly vulnerable because they are often afraid to seek protection from law enforcement, so VAWA provided specific protections for non-citizen victims.
VAWA was not controversial when it was enacted in 1994, nor when it was reauthorized in 2000 and again in 2005. This time around was different due in large part to Republican opposition to protections for immigrant, Native American, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims of abuse.
Last Congress, the Senate passed a bipartisan reauthorization; however, the House failed to act. In January this year, when the current Congress began, the Senate again passed VAWA. The House attempted to introduce a substitute bill that did not include certain protections for immigrants, Native American, and gay, bisexual or transgender victims. When the substitute failed to pass, the House finally passed the bill reauthorizing VAWA without the substitute bill's changes. The new VAWA includes protections for the LGBT community for the very first time and recognizes this as an underrepresented population.
While the reauthorization of VAWA does not create any new remedies for immigrant victims of crimes and human trafficking, immigrant advocates view the reauthorization as a victory, particularly because of some of the improvements made to the act. Some of these improvements include the following:
- Adding the crime of "stalking" to the list of qualifying crimes for U nonimmigrant status;
- Extending protections under the 2009 widow law to include surviving minor children of VAWA self-petitioners when the abusive spouse of the self-petitioner died after filing the petition;
- Protecting a child of an applicant for U nonimmigrant status from "aging-out" of eligibility if the child turns 21 after filing the petition but before approval of the petition;
- Allowing abused conditional residents who were spouses of U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents to apply for a hardship waiver even if the marriage was void because the U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident committed bigamy, if the spouse was unaware of this; and,
- Applying the Prison Rape Elimination Act to all immigration detention facilities.
The reauthorization reminds us that no one should be denied access to protection and we should continue to strive to extend those protections to underprotected populations including the LGBT and immigrant communities. Protecting the vulnerable should never be controversial. VAWA protects all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking, regardless of sex, age, race, sexual orientation or immigration status. Next time, let's hope it does not take 18 months to realize these protections are necessary and deserved.


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It might surprise some of my readers to learn that hula is very popular in Japan and in fact over US$ 80 million is spent on hula in Japan each year. There are over 100 halaus (schools) in Japan, and even one just a couple of kilometers from our house - way out here in the "boonies".
A great song from back in the 70s is "Hula Lady". Here it is blended in a medley with "Honolulu I am Coming Back Again" being played by Kawili Na Kaleponi. As I recall, it was the Cazimero Brothers who performed those songs back in 1973 along with Peter Moon. They called themselves "The Sunday Manoa". Manoa means vast and deep and there is a valley on Oahu called Manoa where the University of Hawaii is located.
Anyway, I really like this performance:
And here are a couple of dancers performing Hula Lady for you to the 1973 version by "The "Sunday Manoa":
A hui hou (until we meet again), sweet sailing.


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The rich tapestry of cultural heritage that is Kathmandu Valley has a number of priceless heritage sites that are rightfully protected as UNESCO monuments. The Valley comprises of the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, together they have seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu is often said to be a living museum of Nepali civilization and culture. With hundreds of exquisite monuments, sculptures, artistic temples and magnificent art serving as reminders of the golden era in Nepal's architecture, it's hardly a wonder why. Ready to travel back to a golden time?
Arrive at Kathmandu, meet and greet with the representative. Check in to the hotel, and relax for the day.
The exploration of the ancient cities starts with Kathmandu and Patan. Kathmandu, being the largest city and the capital of Nepal, is on a flurry of development. but the people are still as friendly and happy as ever.
The tour of the day starts with vegetable & spice market in Ason to see the many courtyards and bustling bazaars. From here, take the local rickshaw (tricycle) ride to Thamel, a happening tourist hub of Kathmandu. The first UNESCO site to visit is Swayambhunath Stupa, also called the Monkey Temple. Resting on a hillock, it is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist shrines of Nepal.
Legend Alert:
Swayambu means self-creating. The legend is that when Kathmandu Valley was a lake 2000 years ago, a single lotus flower grew at the center of the lake. Saint Manjushree, the Bodhisatva drained the lake with a single slash of his sword, the lotus settled on top of a hill and magically turned into a stupa. Thus, Swayambhunath, the Self-Created Stupa was formed.
This stupa is the most ancient and perhaps the most enigmatic of all holy shrines in Kathmandu. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with smaller chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects.
After this glorious Stupa, it's time now for Patan, the city of architectural splendor. Also known as Lalitpur, this city of artisans is a paradise of fine arts and is famous for its rich cultural heritage. The valley's finest craftsmen have lived, preserved and shared the ancient techniques like the repoussé and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of its old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and a multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments.
Though the entire city is wonderful, the Patan Durbar Square, an area filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings and bronze cravings is the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the Patan Museum, that used to be called the Malla palace. Here you can find bronze statues and religious objects, dating back to the 11th century.
After the Kathmandu Valley and Patan, it's time for the third ancient city - Bhaktapur.
Start the day at the magnificent temple of Pashupatinath. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural beauty situated in the midst of a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred River Bagmati. The temple has pagoda-style gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. It is dedicated to the Hindu God of Destruction, Lord Shiva, this temple is regarded as one of the most sacred.
Next stop is the threshold to understanding the Buddhist way of life. And that is achieved by visiting the Boudhanath Stupa, a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Built on a massive three level mandala, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the largest in the world. The Stupa is situated on the ancient trade route from Tibet that enters the Kathmandu Valley. This has been a place where Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers for many centuries. Along with souvenirs and handicrafts, a variety of exclusive Tibetan specialties and delicacies can also be found here.
How to Pray here:
Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels. It is said that each spin of a prayer wheel is the equivalent of reciting the mantra.
After lunch, head to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon means the 'City of Devotees'. Situated on the Arniko Highway that connects Kathmandu to the Chinese border. Bhaktapur is still untouched by urbanization and has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving, displayed on the squares and windows everywhere.
The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its monuments reflect the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three ancient cities of the valley. Start at the Nyatapola Temple, the unique Temple that literally means 'five storied' and naturally rises above the city's landscape. Next stop is the Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Bhairav, the God of Terror. This is a three-storied temple, but has artistic grandeur. Next, stop at the Golden Gate, the entrance to the 15th century Palace of 55 Carved Windows. The golden gate itself is a masterpiece in repousse art.
Last stop is at Taumadhi Tole, a short street lined with tourist shops, where you can go souvenir shopping.
After this spiritually enriching experience into the past, it's time to get back home!
Price Inclusions:
- All necessary arrival/departure transfers.
- 3 nights' hotel accommodation in a twin sharing room on bed and breakfast basis.
- All the sightseeing tours with English speaking guide, entrance fees and transfers as per above.
- All the entrance and monuments fees as indicated in the program.
Price Exclusions:
- Nepal visa fee.
- International airfare and airport tax.
- Insurance and rescue of any form.
- Cost arising out of flight cancellation/road blockades/landslides/riots and events beyond our control.
- Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, communication charges, laundry, tips etc. And any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost.
- Tipping
- Meals and any other services not mentioned in the itinerary.


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- MyPowerSportsAsked on February 25, 2014 at 11:15 PM
How can I copy or move a form I've created to a different account? (or share it)
- pinoytechAnswered on February 26, 2014 at 01:46 AM
We have clone feature that you might like to use if you only want a copy or make a duplicate on your form to other account.
If you want to fully transfer your form (including submission data) from your account to other account, we can help you to do that. Just let us know, URL of the forms and username of the account where your forms goes.
Feel free to contact us again at anytime.


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While browsing through the fruit and vegetable isle of my local super market, I have seen these tomatoes and came up with the idea of this tasty dish. It is not tomato season yet but these looked so full of colour and I couldn't resist them.
For this dish I used fine bulgur wheat which require no cooking.
One of the ingredients is - pomegranate juice concentrate - which is like thick syrup and tangy. It is puree pomegranate concentrate. If it is not available where you are, mixture of 2 tsp of honey or maple syrup mixed with 4- 6 tsp of balsamic vinegar will be a good substitute.
You can serve stuffed tomatoes as they are ( picture 2 ) or grill them before serving which is very nice too. It is ideal as a vegetarian dish, meze or starter.
- 6 medium tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fine bulgur ( bulgar ) wheat
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 tbsp pomegranate concentrate
- 1 tbsp pepper or tomato paste
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 spring onion, chopped
- handful of fresh mint and parsley, chopped finely
- salt and black pepper
- oil for brushing
1) Place the bulgur in bowl and pour the boiled water over it. Cover the bowl and set aside for 10 minutes.
2) Cut the tomato tops so it acts a s a lid but don't cut it completely. Scoop the flesh out with a tea spoon. Chop the tomato flesh, spring onions, mint and parsley finely.
3) After 10 minutes of soaking the bulgur, add the onion and chopped herbs into the bowl.
4) Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Then stuff each tomato with the mixture and serve cold.
Brush the tomato dolmas with olive oil and place them in an oven proof dish. Then cook the dolmas under the pre- heated grill for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately.


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Ad-free Scissorcraft offers low cost subscriptions. All, large, coloring book and craft size versions of images appear after paid membership.
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Create virtual winter cornucopias of festive holiday tree decorations while enjoying traditional and educational family oriented craft activities. Transform the office, classroom, Sunday school classroom, daycare center or home into a winter wonderland of crystalline castles and adventurous fun.
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Snow Flower Gift Wrap
No Two Are Alike Snow Flakes
White Snowflakes falling on Pale Blue Background
Print-it-yourself wallpaper or gift-wrap paper gift wrap for small, personalized and unique gifts that can be easily covered by letter or legal sized paper. The snow flake images in this section are all available as paper crafts for children, hobbiests and personal art projects in Paper Snowflakes for Children web site.
Snowflake prints create special, one-of-a kind gift wrapping for small presents. Colorful and unique gift wrap you can print on your home or office laser jet or color printer, no more trips to the store.


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Monday, November 17, 2008
Hunter Valley
This weekend, a group of us (much, but not all of the wine club) made it to Hunter Valley, which is the wine growing region near Sydney. We drove up Saturday morning and came back mid-day on Sunday, which provided a brief break from the city during which I tried not to obsess about how much I have to do. It's getting to crunch time as the term ends, and I am not so happy to be reminded, emphatically, that I am actually here to study.
On Saturday we stopped at the following wineries:
1) Ernest Hill - this was the first place I tried a wine made from a hybrid grape called Chambourcin that's very popular here.
2) Peacock Hill Vineryard
3) Calais Estate - we had a nice, but very slow lunch at their Veranda restaurant, and I had fun taking photos of their gorgeous purple tree,
their skyscapes,
and my friends.
4) I forget. A very nice lady served us, but I really forget. Oops. On the way there, we saw an amazing storm blow in over the vines.
5) Oakvale Wines
After the wineries closed, we headed to the town of Abermain, where we had found a reasonably priced hotel. The Abermain Hotel was quite a trip. The whole place seemed like it had been frozen in time since 1947, except for the people hanging out in the pub that took up most of the ground floor. They had made it to 1993 before time stopped. And/or they were just characters.
After much group indecision and confusion, including a brilliant moment of cross cultural aggravation when Anne was denied entrance to an 18+ venue for not carrying an official ID, for the second time this week, we made it to the town of Cessnock, where we had a fairly good, but VERY slow thai dinner.
Upon our return to the Abermain Hotel we hung out in the bar and listened to the Brazillian Brothers band play classics from the 80s and early 90s, and watching the scene. I was very excited by the fact that it seemed the locals had designated spots at the bar. José made a number of conquests, but sadly, was too choosy to decide between the guy in the half shirt and the woman who was so drunk she couldn't speak but kept trying.
The next morning, after a very yummy breakfast cooked by our hostess at the hotel, we headed out to find a chocolate tasting. Or a cheese tasting. Instead we found a number of very touristy shops, and some pretty good sparkling. Although I have to admit, I find the idea of sparkling red wine very strange, and I really can't get excited about trying to taste the difference between sparkling merlot, and sparkling cabernet sauvingnon. Perhaps I have become, after all this wine exposure, a snob? The strangest, but perhaps best, espcially if you've got a sweet tooth like mine, was the sparkling botrytis semillion. At that point it's really not wine, but rather sparkling alcoholic sugar water. Yum.
So that was my adventure in Hunter Valley. I'm exhausted and incredibly behind on work, but it was definitely worth it. If only to have the occasion to take this shot:
And here's the recap of all the photos, for those of you who are gluttons for punishment.
Posted by Celia Adelson at 10:14 PM
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Write about your strongest memory of heart-pounding belly-twisting nervousness: what caused the adrenaline? Was it justified? How did you respond?
My strongest memory or heart pounding belly twisting nervousness… I have so many I think I am just a ball of worrisome anxiety anyway I was born that way but we shall start at the beginning was when I reconnected with a childhood friend and I saw him for the first time after 11 years. I was had been going through a rough patch in life separated going to divorce counseling and getting ready for the next unknown step of my life. I always had this high school middle school photo book and as I was going through boxes of what to take back to florida in my move and what to throw out I came across the album. I started flipping through the album cringing at the pictures of myself with braces untamed frizzy hair. As I continued I saw cheerleading pictures friends senior pictures and I came across a strapping young lad. Football player Senior picture he was a sight all muscular no smile just one good looking kid that slightly reminded me of Matt Damon. Yum! Well I questioned myself what ever happen to this kid why did I not pay attention to him as I am right now in high school hmm what was he up too was he married happy?? Well I put it in the keep box and went to bed. The next morning at 4 am during my daily workout I was running on the treadmill the image of the picture crossed my mind after a 3 mile run I began back and bicep. As I was doing lateral pull downs I got the urge to find him on face book I briefly remembered his last name and eureka I found him. Ok still cute I thought Ill send him a friend request. As I continued my last set I ot a notification boom it was him my stomach got butterflies I was a 29 yr old woman what the hell was wrong with me. Well he sent me an email asking f I knew who he was I replied uhh ya and he later then recognized me. We asked each other what the other was doing up so early we each replied at the gym. As the day progressed we went from emails to instant messaging… to texting on the cell to a phone call days weeks past to skyping then I was to visit my mom back home and a meeting in feb. Now as we spoke he reminded me why we never dated I was caught up on someone else and he was my homecoming date senior year omg I remembered Ileft this poor guy for my crush at the time at homecoming how heart less I was! I vowed to make it up to him. And well after the first meeting my fate was sealed. 4 years later we have a lil boy and an amazing yet frustrating at times relationship.


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Cherry Blossom Weddingmoda@thorne
Cherry Blossom Wedding
A wonderfully light and airy cherry blossom wedding editorial is the perfect remedy for a rainy day. We had a flurry of a season here in Vancouver with all of the beautiful cherry trees that are planted around the city and GVRD.
Today's wedding inspiration comes to us from our dear friend and Moda Member, Suzanne Le Stage of Eyes of Le Stage Photography in Kelowna, BC. What talent we have all around the province!
Thank you to all of our wonderful Wedding Vendors:
- Decor & Floral: Celebrate Lavish Arrangements
- Wedding Cake & Cake Pops: Whisk Cake Co
- Wedding dresses: Ashbury Bridal
- Veil, Hairpieces, Jewellery: Blush Bunny
- Stationary: Ginger Creative
- Makeup: Jenny McKinney Makeup
- Hair Styling: Hairpin by: Melissa D'Acre
- Rentals: All Occassion Party Rentals
- Venue: Lindon House
- Catering: Travis Hackl – Okanagan's Finest Foods
- Wine: 50th Parallel Estate
- Models: Shine Models
Contributed By:
Eyes of Le Stage
"I love getting to know to know my clients, find out who they are and what means the most to them so their images are meaningful, special and tell their story to a T!"
Visit her website to see more of Suzanne's beautiful work HERE
Or check out her Instagram for all the latest @suzannelestage


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Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy Online
February 9, 2011
Help solve the mysterious murder of Edgar Allan Poe, explore spooky locations and get into the atmosphere of Poe's dark tales.The game has several chapters all of which are different in length, and each chapter has several puzzles apart from the traditional search for the hidden objects. 2 chapters of the game are available in the free online version, while the full version of the game has six of them. Puzzles cannot be skipped so be prepared to take your time to compete the search for the evidence sheding light upon the mystery of Edgar Allan Poe's death – but since the time for the game is unlimited this is not a problem at all!
At each scene you will get a list of items to be found appearing at the bottom of the screen, so just enjoy yourselves searching for them and picking them up. The items that are marked in blue on the list are hidden – for disclosing them you will need special tools. where do we get them? Well, while browsing through the location in search for the required objects you will soon notice that some of these items will become tools and go into the special tool bag located in the right bottom corner of the screen. The bag will open by itself when you need the tools, so once the tools are displayed this serves as a hint to you that there is some 'secret' object at the location that can be explored with the help of the tool or used together with it. Once you get a task to find a hidden object, its location is indicated by blue light, and once you move the skeleton hand-shaped cursor onto it, it will obtain two blue gears – then you might select the tool you think is right to use here, grab and drag it, and place it over the location with the blue gears. If the hand with the selected tool becomes red, it means you have picked up the wrong tool, so you have a chance to select another one from your tool bag.
The game has quite a lot of hints to be used, and their number is shown under the lantern in the right bottom corner of the screen. Besides, you can search for Ravens at every scene – each of them will give you an extra hints. The penalty for the random clicking is the disappearance of the lantern and the emergence of a black vicious cat who is hissing at you and is not allowing you to use hints while he is present on the screen.
The game is exciting, interesting, sometimes challenging, with lots of mini-games and puzzles, so we highly recommend you to allocate some of your time to playing it!
If you like this game you may download the full version of Midnight Mysteries: The Edgar Allan Poe Conspiracy.


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Since discovering Seth's work, my world has changed because...
it seems I have been lucky enough to tap into an endless well, a reservoir of wisdom, humor, experience, and truth. Seth sends daily, (sometimes multiple times a day,) inspiration in what appears to be a non-threatening, tame email. But, really, the emails are dangerous for this reason: once you know something, you can't unknow it. Seth introduces, draws my attention, spots, names, and wrangles truths that too often we let our politeness or fear or procrastination render unspoken. Quietly, without rancor, Seth speaks it, and puts me in the position as his reader to pick up that truth and make it a part of my operating vision, a part of my drive to action. It's like the jennie out of the bottle, the toothpaste out of the tube. The truth, because it causes new strains of thinking to become developed and to flourish, like the new course a river might forge, becomes a constant source of inspiration, nourishment, as I work to be inspired and inspiring in my own work.
Some truths from Seth that particularly resonate with me:
"No need to wait for someone in a cubicle halfway across the country to decide if you're worthy."
from Validation is overrated
Starting a new project is hard because we are often controlled by an unconscious idea that we need permission to launch. In so many ways, many of the things that I pick up from Seth from Bootstrapper's Bible to Linchpin and hundred of blog posts in between revolve around his idea that we don't need permission from anyone to be creative and contributing in the way we see fit. Thinking we need permission is just another way to appease our fear, or in my case my FEAR. I was and am often scared to death to share a resource, offer an opinion, to elaborate on a perspective, yet I do it with the fear because it is important for me to create new understanding and new visions and wondering in the arena of education.
"Are you doing work worth doing, or are you just doing your job?"
from What's the point
Why is important for me to create new understanding and new visions and wondering in the arena of education? I was asked this very question, in different words, last week at a workshop I was conducting. Many people know that I am involved in inspiring change in education because of a personal crisis that happened 8 years ago with my youngest child. My dinner companion, after hearing the story of my son and how that led me to start working in education asked me so why do you care? As in, so your son is fine and now on his way, why bother? To me, there is no more important work, no more enduring purpose that to ensure that our children, our biological children and other people's children, have the strongest, most relevant, secure foundation that we as a society can give them in the form of their education. When my son's literacy was put at risk from good people just doing their job, I imagined the struggles every adult has that cannot read, the marginalized life that is the reality of the uneducated or the undereducated. When I said, "But, he can't read" more than one replied "but he is such a nice boy." I read Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire. I got bit. Maybe I overreacted in my imaginings, but I am glad I did because I have found work worth doing, and doing, and doing. But really, this work found me. For me, that makes it profound, and way more than work. For me, it's a calling.
"An idea that just sits there is worthless. But an idea that moves and grows and infects everyone it touches, that is an idea virus."
from his book Unleashing the Idea Virus
I am amazed and delight in the power of ideas. All of human history is an activated idea. Yet, as a culture we seem to be burdened by ideas, too much information. Ideas scare us because ideas represent what could be instead of what is and has been. I have ideas and struggle with the fear that works against my putting them into action. Seth's ideas get rooted and grow in new form as they merge with the people who decide to pick them up and tend to them. Being that source of fertile ideas for people's making and mixing with their own is what I seek to do.
"But please, don't do that presentation you did last time."
from The 200 slide solution
I do a lot of public speaking, despite great stage fright. I was so happy to read Seth's post that talked about tons of slides instead of overburdened slides. I share a vast amount in my presentations and offer lots of ideas, seeds to sow, because you never know which seed will find its match in the listener. Despite the similarity of the topics at different venues, I start from scratch each presentation. I do this for me as much as for my audience. I don't get paid to come share has beens and leftovers. I get paid to be fresh, provocative, and inspiring. I can't do that if I am just dusting off a relic from the arsenal. I create a new conversation with each appearance based on what I can determine about my audience, their current understanding, and their comfort level and biases. I create a new conversation with each appearance because I have grown and changed since the last time I talked about a topic. I am certain I have met someone who shared an insight with me that forever changed my ideas. I work to take my audience with me on a journey just outside the doors of their comfortable, habitual intellectual dwelling. Each journey is different and we are both fed, and hopefully forever changed.
"What if the win is the ability to give a true gift?"
from Winning
I could have quoted this whole post because it was so true for me. I thought after reading this post that a good question to ask someone I am about to work with would be about their definition of winning. I try real hard not to work with those that see the world as I win, you lose. It's miserable.
"The product was remarkable enough that just a few happy customers were enough to spread the word. So good that a few happy customers sold it to others. They gathered the tribe."
from Lula's logic
Being remarkable is a strategic advantage like no other. I read Purple Cow in 2003. Sounds simple - be remarkable - but it is difficult and take tremendous intention, effort, and leadership. It takes realignment around the objective of being remarkable. Lots of people in your organization don't want to play. I loved how being remarkable merged with Tribes and the idea and power of developing and harnessing passionate followers. In the independent school world, we have tremendous tribal potential. Word of mouth that is influenced and managed effectively offers great benefits and potential sustainability to our institutions.
"Getting people and organizations in sync is the project of our times."
from Organizing the unorganized
The world has changed. It doesn't matter who was your Paul Revere on this - Thomas Friedman with The World is Flat, 9/11, the Great Recession of 2008, Facebook and the host of other social media tools, or all of the above, we are not going back to the way it was. Our children will not know a world other than how it is today and tomorrow. So, being relevant and in sync involves a tremendous shift that is mired in great emotional briers. Being relevant and in sync requires courageous leadership and insightful creativity. Education has great work to do in this area with predictable and unforeseen obstacles in the path. The obstacles are not financial by and large. The obstacles are lack of imagination, lack of will, lack of leadership, lack of courage. It is a great project for our times least we rob our children of their future.
"The power of this new era is simple: if you want to, or need to, or must lead, then you can. Every leader I have met shares one thing and one thing only: the decision to lead. The secret of leadership is simple: do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow."
from his book Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us
This last snippet of wisdom and truth from Seth is indicative of what he gives me - simple, to the core, calls to action. Seth inspires me to define my hero's journey and work along the path every day because I believe in what I am doing and because I love the challenge of the work. Without the influence that appears quietly in my inbox yet urgently incites my yearnings, I would not have shipped 5 years ago. I would have mulled over a good idea and waited for someone to ask me to do it. I would have given into fear.
Thanks for the giving, Seth. For me you activate a virtuous cycle if inspiration: take in inspiration, turn out inspiration. Or, as you might say, receive inspiration, ship inspiration. Happy Birthday.
Human beings can't help it: we need to belong. One of the most powerful of our survival mechanisms is to be part of a tribe, to contribute to (and take from) a group of like-minded people. We are drawn to leaders and to their ideas, and we can't resist the rush of belonging and the thrill of the new. ... We want to belong not to just one tribe, it turns out, but to many. And if you give us tools and make it easy, we'll keep joining. Tribes make our lives better. And leading a tribe is the best life of all.


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I've cried every year on my birthday since I was about seven years old, each year for a different reason, but mostly because I have always been overwhelmed by the possibilities and the uncertainties of a new age. Growing from nine to ten was particularly hard. "I will never ever be a single digit, again," I remember over-dramatically moaning to my mother who, unbeknownst to me at the time, was experiencing her own misgivings about facing forty.
If you are fortunate enough to remain friends with any of your high school or college classmates, there is a certain sense of camaraderie and ease in knowing that no matter what your current station in life, whether you are: single, married, or divorced; wealthy or unemployed; wildly accomplished or still struggling to succeed at something- we are all aging at the same pace.
Many of my friends have established the thirty-something version of a bucket list, a 30 Before 30 list, or for those with less time on the clock, a 30 in my 30's list, of things that must be accomplished in what is left of our youth (of course youth is meant to be taken lightly and within context, something to be elaborated upon in a later post). I, too, tried to develop my own list for my 30's.
I have always been an obsessive list maker. When I was about fifteen I devised a life's Wish List, of a hundred accomplishments for my life. Of course what we want, or imagine that we would want, at fifteen, doesn't always seem so appealing at 29. I have completed about 40% of what was on the original list, but I am not quite certain if I would identify all of the things on the original list as accomplishments. I've read some of the "Great Books" I identified on the list, but I am not quite certain that Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of the great works of literature, nor am I convinced that reading a 90 page novella is an accomplishment. I've lived abroad, but I have yet to learn Swahili and I am not quite sure that I would still want to if given the option. I've gotten married, but alas I did not marry Prince William and I am not quite sure that I would have made a good Duchess or future Queen. Moreover, I wouldn't want to live a life without the husband I have chosen.
To write a 30's list, as opposed to a teenage Wish List, requires a more finite and structured sense of time and a bit too much realism. The list can no longer be a hodgepodge of random aspirations. The tasks must be attainable, yet motivational. Some of the lists I have read are more aspirational then others, but generally among my informal observations, the lists include things like losing weight, travel, existential quandaries about family planning and carefully choreographed goals for career advancement. My problem as I sat down to face the abyss of writing my own list was the realization that this list would not be a circuitous smattering of goals, but rather a linear list that would require me to put my priorities in order.
Which thing should I tackle first? The order, when you are in your thirties, almost matters more than the items themselves. Your life takes quite a different turn when you prioritize family planning over career advancement or vice versa. The pressing need to make a choice, any choice, for me, remains too overwhelming.
My list making was interrupted on four different occasions in the past year. Through both Facebook and some face-to-face gossip, I learned that four friends, from different parts of my life, had died or were diagnosed with a terminal illness. These unexpected uncoverings refocused my mind, as death so often does.
With each revelation I found myself drawn to the two things that have always brought me solace: walking and writing. For me, the two are closely intertwined. Each process begins with an uncertainty, an essential question to explore, often one that does not or cannot have a clear and easy answer.
Writing is a messy and frustrating process, but revision gives clarity and order.
Walking is tumultuous depending on the terrain, but the end, whether it be a majestic summit or your own front door, brings an inner sense of peace.
Instead of writing a list, I focused on one resolution for the New Year, the first year of my thirties, to walk Wainwright's 190 mile English trail beginning at the Irish Sea in the West and Robin Hood's Bay in the East, traversing the entire country on foot. Through writing and walking, I intend to find my way to an understanding for all the questions of being 30 that I cannot yet fully articulate.


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Metal Siding Louisville Ky
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The Girl Who Had Everything (1953)
Directed by Richard ThorpeGenres - Drama, Romance | Sub-Genres - Melodrama, Romantic Drama | Release Date - Mar 27, 1953 (USA - Unknown) | Run Time - 69 min. | Countries - USA |
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Synopsis by Mark Deming
A good man tries to warn his daughter away from a bad man who has stolen her heart in this melodrama. Steve Latimer (William Powell) is a successful defense attorney who has gone out of his way to give his daughter Jean (Elizabeth Taylor) every advantage in life. However, Steve's generosity and open minded attitude begin to backfire on him when Jean decides to throw off her boyfriend, the solid and sensible Vance Court (Gig Young), in favor of Victor Ramondi (Fernando Lamas), a handsome but dangerous man with criminal connections whom Steve is representing. Steve tries to warn Jean away from Victor, but she remains undeterred, and accepts his proposal of marriage, even as the authorities tighten their grip on Victor and his crime syndicate. The Girl Who Had Everything was a remake of the 1931 Norma Shearer vehicle A Free Soul.
bad-guy, daughter, family, forbidden-love, gambling, gangster, investigator, killing, lawyer, love, woman


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With technology hardware becoming obsolete as fast as technology itself advances, efficient IT Asset Management is essential in staying current and relevant. The wise business person would also wish to take advantage of the ability to retire and monetize their aging equipment.
LionCage recycles computers, laptops, servers, printers, copiers, LED and LCD screens, smartphones, televisions, switches, scanners, hard drives and more. LionCage provides a one stop shop for virtually all end of life E-Devices.
With the advent of cloud computing, and the declining cost of computers, printers, tablets, and smartphones, the turnover rate of E-Equipment is reaching record speed. A recent poll shows that, on average, corporate America now holds desktops and printers for under two years. Unfortunately, a lot of these old computers and the like end up in garbage dumps, and are not recycled properly.
A recent study reflects the above statement showing the low percentage of machines being recycled and ending up in landfills.
In 2010, people purchased 71.7 million new laptop and desktop computers in the U.S.
The same year, American consumers disposed of 423,000 tons of computers.
Only 40% of those computers were actually recycled and the rest ended up in landfills.
These recent stats do not take into account the amount of auxiliary computer equipment that was also thrown into dumps around the country nor does it include residential computer disposal. For example, 595,000 tons of computer monitors were disposed of in 2010 – with only 33% being recycled!
While many shredding and E-Recyclers will shred and/or compress your used equipment securely and then sell it by weight to a recycler, we at Lion Cage offer you two options to enable you to protect the environment and/or recoup some of your previous investment to help defray the cost of new equipment.
1) Destroy & Recycle – We will destroy and separate the components of your old equipment and send each part to the appropriate recycler to ensure that your devices do not end up in landfills.
2) Remarket – Lion Cage will destroy and degauss your drives to strict government standards, and send the low value parts for recycling and resell valuable components to partners or to end users. A Lion Cage specialist will review your equipment with you to evaluate the return value.
LionCage Strongly recommends remarketing!
Our LC certified technicians and sales professionals will maximize the return on your reusable computers and peripheral devices. LionCage re-marketers work along multiple channels servicing a broad range of industries including telecommunications, medical, educational, networking and consumer electronics.
Our service is a one stop shop. We will pick up, shred, degauss and sell. You just receive the bonus of receiving money for devices that have no value to you!
Why LionCage Asset Management & Remarketing?
- Free Equipment evaluation
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- NAID AAA onsite document shredding certification
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- Serialized E-Devices
- LC Certified technicians will degauss hard drives ensuring compliance with government regulations.
- LionCage will provide your company with locked bins to ensure sensitive media remains secure during transport.
- While onsite all equipment will be asset tracked
- LionCage has representatives who work with companies across the nation ensuring that you get the most out of your old equipment!
Contact LionCage today to learn how our asset management program can assist your company to recover valuable capital from your obsolete, unneeded, or end-of- life electronics by using our sanitizing and re-marketing services!


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There is something very comforting about the Gerard's Bistro dining space. I see it as a modern take on 70s chic with warm tones, cool tiles, large comfortable dining chairs and floaty curtains. It's confident without being flashy and a perfect venue to celebrate with Al, Miss P and M on what has been a very eventful year.
Miss P and I started with a glass of Perrier Jouet Grand Brut while the boys tried a pale ale from Lebanon.
The Gerard's menu is beautiful. It's interesting, exciting and for non-adventurous eaters, some might say a little scary to read, but don't be afraid, for want of a better word, it's delicious!
Al and I had previously sampled the magic of Gerard's for breakfast so we knew what to expect. You can read about that experience here.
We decided we'd share all of our dishes so our dinner began with fried cauliflower, tahini, ras el hanout (a spice mix from North Africa), smoked almonds and pomegranate ($12)
Served at the same time was the suckling pig, peach and walnuts ($32) which Al so expertly portioned into four tasty serves. Next was the beautifully presented coal-grilled broccolini, kale, shallot oil and lemon ($10) along with the 'Morasa Polow' Iranian sweet rice, saffron, sour cherry, almond, pistachio and pomegranate ($10) and the Saltbush lamb 'tagine', pickled dates and carrot, candied orange and green olive ($22).
Finally, the star of the show arrived, 12 hour roasted full-blood Wagyu brisket with flat bread, smoked eggplant, yoghurt dip and delicate herb salad ($42).
This was shredded by the waiter at the table and then you got to make up your own parcels of tasty! Beautiful flavours, melt in your mouth brisket, happy days!
After a little rest and while enjoying the last of the Oregon Pinot 'Evesham Wood' we decided to finish our meal with summer berries, whipped cheese, orange blossom, white chocolate and mastic ice cream ($16) and smashed chocolate, Turkish delight and pistachio curd ($16).
(Mastic is an aromatic gum or resin exuded from the bark of a Mediterranean tree, used in making chewing gum and as a flavouring. Apparently it's closely related to the pistachio).
The chocolate dessert, although richly flavoured with bitter chocolate and intense pistachio curd was no match for the artfully presented whipped cheese, berries and ice cream. This was a cracking dessert, beautifully balanced and light. A perfect way to end the meal.
In my humble opinion, Gerard's takes the award for the most beautifully presented food I've experienced in 2013. It's art on a plate but more importantly, it delivers on flavour and lots of it. Head chef Ben Williamson and the Gerard's team have a lot to be proud of!
It's the type of restaurant where you'd feel equally comfortable dining alone at the bar, with a large group of friends or a romantic date night. If you haven't experienced Gerard's, then add it to your 'must go list' in 2014 for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Open Tues – Sun: 12:00 pm – late
Open for breakfast Sat & Sun: 8am -11:30am
ph: 3852 3822
Gerard's Lane, 14 /15 James St, Fortitude Valley