text:
Literature Review on E-Commerce Security Risk Reduction
The purpose of this research study is to collect empirical studies and information regarding the use of security in E-commerce, and the failures that have led to innovation and the continued need for improvements within the security industry. The participants in this research literature review were various businesses from various industries within the industrial cities across the United States of America to show incentives for implementation of security features. Cyber criminals never stop working. They are always working on new ways and methods to carry out their attacks. As a result, the security measures for online retailers and merchants in various e-commerce platforms should not be an ongoing process. Online providers of payments as well various other related services should ensure that both old and new merchants are properly updated with respect to the highly dynamic online security environment. Ideally, there should be close focus on cyber crime trends so as all the stakeholders facilitating the various forms of online retailing services get timely awareness and protection against every new technique by cyber criminals. This literature review reflects upon the major determiners of insecurity in e-commerce, highlighting the scope as well as the findings from the investigation of the current nature and level of cyber crime. The literature review also features some recommendations, referring to the conclusions drawn from the failures of past systems and the lessons learned from such occurrences.
E-Commerce Security Risk Reduction
The purpose of this literature review is to collect information about current e-commerce security programs and recommend improvements for future implementation and use. This literature review seeks to explain ways to improve e-commerce security to improve customer trust. As globalization has created new opportunities for businesses to expand and grow, so has the need to increase security among the most common of applications used in the modern day world: the internet. In this day and age and with the evolution of technology, most companies are beginning to expand their products and services through offering clients e-commerce. E-commerce has allowed for ideas, people, and enterprises to spread and grow exponentially in the last decade, but with that growth has come new and unforeseen security risks in the business sector. By offering goods online, through the World Wide Web, businesses are able to increase their sales, revenue, and subsequently, profits; however, although the idea of e-commerce may be attractive, there needs to be many safeguards in place for e-commerce to be an asset and not a detriment to a business's sustainability. After all, customer care is one of the main objectives for businesses performing their own internal SWOT analysis, which analyzes strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In other words, although businesses that provide e-commerce could be providing their customers with services more efficiently, the lack of security could not only put the business transaction at risk, but the lack of safety measures could put the clients' private information at risk for identity theft—among other jeopardizes. User privacy is, and will remain, one of the mandatory features in e-commerce in the modern day world, and focusing on it is in the best interest of all businesses ethically as well as legally. As businesses expand, and as new business transaction methods arise, e-commerce security risks should be the main focus of companies vying to attain customer confidence.
Most times, the proprietors of many e-commerce businesses make an error by assuming that the financial liability occurring as a result of cyber crime and fraud falls on the provider of the merchant account (Ward, 2010). Additionally, they fail to realize that according to the provisions of the industry, most merchants are only responsible for just confirming the identities of the online transaction initiators. In most online retail business transactions, card network, address verification, and verification of card code are the only measures applied in ascertaining a transaction's legitimacy (PGP Corporation, 2015). In light of the above, it is crucial for online retailers and shoppers to be aware that cyber crime in terms of payment fraud happens almost every day and using the above means to authenticate the use of a card is not sufficient enough to guarantee that the holder is the genuine owner or holder of the card.
This literature review introduces the history of hacking and how past mistakes can also become part of the solution to prevent future cyber-attacks on e-commerce security programs. Hackers and internet "phishing" are not uncommon terms in the modern day world, as technology has proliferated globally. According to contributor, Jake Rocheleu (2012) of internet security blog, HongKiat, explains that "…[Most companies especially big brands have setup their own e-commerce sites with several payment options offered for secure online shopping and transaction. However, what we heard almost every day is transaction security issue like phishing scam happening all around the world." Businesses of all kinds, from all industries, have experienced e-commerce security risks with results that have ranged from the estrangement of customers and clients to complete destruction of the companies. In fact, hacking has become an industry unto itself—from getting into e-mails to retrieving personal information of private citizens. The internet is, after all, man-made, and thus, it has flaws. Although flaws exist, there are various ways to ensure customer security, which is to deal with hacker programs and hackers themselves.
As a part of the methodology, the background of the issues with cyber security in e-commerce will be understood through first understanding how viruses within computer programs began. The first computer virus was created in 1982, which was the first time an individual gained entry into programs that he was not authorized access to originally—otherwise known as "hacking." According to Forbes Magazine contributor, Gordon Kelly (2014), the creation of this virus has led to many forms of computer worms, Trojan horses, and other variations of viruses over the past few decades. For example:
In 1982 Skrenta coded what he called "Elk Cloner," [for Apple Corporation] a virus that spread via floppy disks in the days before computers had hard drives, or for that matter, any security measures. The virus infected thousands of machines, but was harmless: It merely displayed a poem across the user's screen. An excerpt: "It will get on all your disks/it will infiltrate your chips/Yes, it's Cloner!" (Kelly, 2014)
From that one virus, Leap-A was created by Apple Corporation—also just conceptually checking to see if viruses could, indeed, jump computer to computer (albeit, it did not steal any information and was simply created to observe how worms worked). Charlie Miller then showed the world how the iPhone could be compromised in 2007, and Apple took notice and fixed the issue soon thereafter (Kelly, 2014). Other hackers have since created programs through coding which has gained world attention to the security risks in applications they once trusted:
"Six months after Charlie Miller first hacked the iPhone, he won the Pwn2Own competition at the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver by hacking the just-released MacBook Air in two minutes. (Finding the vulnerability in Safari that he used and writing an exploit, of course, took many hours more of preparation.) Miller went on to hack MacBooks at the Pwn2Own competition for the next two years, cementing his reputation as the world's leading Mac hacker." (Kelly, 2014)
Recently in the news, there have been many instances of hackers getting into companies' systems and attaining private client information that has shocked the world. For example:
Most troubling is the database was compromised between late February and early March and was not detected until two weeks ago. The hackers gained access to information including eBay customers' names, their encrypted passwords, email, registered addresses, phone numbers and date of birth" (Kelly, 2014).
Therefore, even a large company such as eBay, which uses PayPal as its main form of payment transaction, was compromised by hackers. Although eBay promised customers that it kept sensitive information on a separate database, it was true that the hackers gained access to many eBay customers' accounts—which led to purchases made. Ultimately, hacking has become its own industry—with key players and celebrities just as technology has made Silicon Valley famous. Although applications, programs, and cyber security has increased for many companies, as new programs are created, there will always be ways for hackers to get in. Although hacking has become a nefarious word in the modern day business world due to the damage to companies' reputations, hackers can also become part of the solutions that could keep harmful intruders out.
The use of cyber attacks can be considered more than simply an attack on businesses and individuals, but it could be understood to be an attack on entire communities and local/ federal economies—thereby making cyber attacks synonymous with terrorism against nations. According to political science researchers, Alotaibi and Bach (2013), one of the best ways to prevent the use of cyber-terrorism is to train the users—much like training armies against outside threats, to defend themselves. In this theory, education is the greatest defense against attacks online. According to the writers, "hyperlinks, navigation bars and sitemaps provide flexible features by allowing user to browse in a non-linear fashion and the ability to jump to different parts of the website without back tracking," this can also be a feasible way to lower instances of users of websites to focus on their shopping needs instead of toggling between various sites that might pop up during a site visit. In other words, using the backspace button can create an open space for hackers to infiltrate systems, which websites could avoid by using simple tricks of the trade such as direct links to next features in e-commerce shopping for users.
Along with the new innovations in technology, cyber security hackers have been coming up with new and nefarious ways to attack programs and businesses that cannot be kept up with by traditional security measures due to the way hackers are gaining access. According to researcher, Sampemani (2014), internal access controls may be the first defense against future attacks from hackers in cyber security, but these systems are difficult to produce because passwords, a necessary feature of authentication and security can be the most vulnerable if users are not aware of the vulnerabilities associated with them. For example: Keyboard loggers and malware on personal machines can thus be the path to attack enterprise systems. These devices can be used to infiltrate data, deliberately or accidentally. Even when users are restricted to using corporate-owned and managed devices for work, they still tend to re-use passwords on different systems, and this can provide a vector of attack (Sampemani, 2014, p. 63). Passwords, that are meant to protect users from cyber attacks, are actually one of the most common ways that hackers break into systems. When users use the same password on many different servers, this creates an obvious trend in codes that hackers recognize. Passwords, therefore, should be changed often and for different programs that may be used in e-commerce. For example: "Improved authentication systems, such as having a second factor or one-time passwords, help some, but the vast majority of systems do not use those yet" (Sampemani, 2014, p. 63). There are solutions, but the current systems that use cyber security measures are not ready to accommodate various passwords for various users.
It is upon every online retailer or business operator in every e-commerce platform to ensure that security management strategies feature in the operations of the business organization on a daily basis. Even without a paid cyber crime expert, it is possible for every e-commerce business organization to establish and undertake effective steps that can efficiently apply in the minimization of online transaction risks. The application of advanced cyber crime management services provides affordable, fast, and flexible fast hand risk insurance. The above helps even the smallest retailers to effectively integrate real-time and sophisticated risk assessment practices necessary for the risk free practices.
Scope of the Problem
Every business organization that deals with the storage of various aspects of personal data including the card information of customers has a tremendous responsibility towards ensuring the security and confidentiality of such information. Ideally, the above consideration is actually vital for consideration not only in online retailing but also in the normal brick-and-mortar business organizations. Many people would wonder why such the security of consumer's data is that important. Well, in the presence of a security breach, claims of information breach made towards the business organizations from the customers are at times very big and thus jeopardize the profitability of the business at such times. Additionally, the wholesome damage to the online business suffers a huge blow (PGP Corporation 2015). The rationale for the above finds its basis upon the fact that data breaches results to very negative and unwanted publicity that could easily damage the business organization's brand and public image.
There are currently many theories that could help to identify systems and e-commerce sites that may be most at risk. Through using mathematical deductions, the businesses and products most at risk can be safeguarded against cyber attacks—thereby limiting the amount of payoff these hackers can incur. This might just lower the instances of hacker's altogether—yet another possible solution to the current problems being encountered. According to economist, Herley (2014), in order to decrease instances of cyber attacks, industries should begin to think like a hacker. For instance: "… [t]he attacker must then do three things: decide who and what to attack, successfully attack, or get access to a resource, and monetize that access" (Herley, 2014, p. 65). Furthermore, economists have begun to use math as a way to estimate what hackers will target next. For instance:
A particular target is clearly not worthwhile if gain minus cost is not positive: G–C> 0. Thus, when attacks are financially motivated, the average gain for each attacker, E{G}, must be greater than the cost, C:E{G} –C> 0.(1)C must include all costs, including that of finding viable victims and of monetizing access to whatever resources [he or she] targets. The gain must be averaged across all attacks, not only the successful ones. If either E {G} →∞ or C= 0, then equation (1) represents no constraint at all. (Herley, 2014, p. 65).
Therefore, there are ways to currently theories to help judge where hackers will strike next, albeit, the calculations are simple enough: where there is most profit, businesses should safeguard the greatest.
In addition to the application of the above calculations, online retailers have obligations to implement some basic security standards including the following (Ward, 2010):
- Deploying a sophisticated combination of encryptions and tokens so as to protect the personal data of the online shoppers from ending up in the hands of cyber criminals.
- Ensuring that all employees facilitating the online transactions, especially those involving card-not-present techniques, are aware of all the associated risks.
- Enabling vital proactive risk and security measures. The above helps the e-commerce merchants to easily and effectively detect cases of intended or executed cyber crimes. The configuration of strategic cyber crime logic in the early stages of structuring the e-commerce business helps in reducing or avoiding cyber crimes in the future.
- Participating in webinars, forums and other networking is also advisable since it fosters networking with other online merchants creating the ability to share on how best to combat cyber crime from a common point of view.
Contemporary World Security Risk Issues
Security Issues on New E-Payment Methods
As technological advancement continues to tremendously change and give a new image in almost every industrial sector, the payment methods for online shopping and transactions continue to come up every day. The arising of every new payment method comes from various software as well as hardware technology. The essence of technological advancement is making it easy for the consumers to access and receive various services in their day to day transactions. In the beginning, the only e-payment methods available for online transactions were credit cards and direct bank wire transfers. Most of the times, the above methods failed to meet the customers' standards due to their inconveniencing nature with respect to the fact that they require the user to fill a lot of personal documents. In light of the above, other convenient methods had to be introduced.
The new online payments methods include online wallets and virtual coins. The concept behind online wallets involves having an account with the company that offers the wallet services. Once a customer has a wallet, they use various methods to load funds to it. Once the customers have some monetary balance in their online wallets, they have the ability to carry out online transactions with everybody who accepts payments from their online wallets (Purewal 2015). On the other hand, instead of using national currencies such as dollars, pounds or shillings, some of the online wallets use virtual currencies. The rationale behind the use of virtual coins finds its basis upon the fact that it is possible to use such a payment method irrespective of the difference in the origins of either party in an online transaction. Good examples of each of the above new e-payment methods include Google Wallet and Bitcoin.
The security issue with respect to the above comes in terms of how the transactions involving the above payment methods happen. With respect to the current technological advancement, it is possible access the services of Google Wallet, Bitcoin, as well as other virtual coin wallets right from the comfort of a Smartphone. Apparently, the Smartphone software developers have come up with the respective apps for the above products for use by Smartphone users. The technique integrated in the above technology used the Near Field Communication, which effectively converts a Smartphone into a bank or a credit card. With the NFC technology in various mobile phone devices, the convenience of online transactions increases in a great way. However, the above technological advancement, as reported by Google, faces a significant risk (Purewal 2015).
According to Google News, the NFC technology is very convenient but is prone to easy compromise due to the ability to apply brute force hacking techniques on Smartphone. According to a renowned security firm company, Zvelo, the use of NFC technique on Smartphones for virtual coin wallet as well as Google Wallet requires the users to enter a PIN to confirm their purchase transactions bought from their phones. The company highlights the fact that the above technique is subject to hacking through exhaustive numerical search cracking. In light of the above, such cracking would enable cyber criminals to use every Google Wallet or virtual wallet enabled Smartphone to carry out online purchase transactions. In light of the above, it is important for the virtual wallet companies as well as the Smartphone manufacturers to come up with the most suitable model to combat the following insecurity issue on the NFC technology. A good way to increase the security of the above payment techniques is through the movement of the PIN verification mode in favor of Secure Devoice (SD), or the chip facilitating the NFC. The rationale for the above finds its basis upon the fact that the PIN security protocol will be a responsibility of the money wallet or banks, and not Google or the Smartphone. The above means that even if cyber criminals brute force a way into a phone, they will not have it easy accessing the financial data stored there (Purewal 2015).
Issues of Hackers Attacking Big Companies
The menace of cyber criminals is not limited to small scale operations only. With the current technological advancements, the cyber criminals have a lot of technological resources to carry out massive hacking operations even to large companies. Successful attack on big companies is one objective of today's hackers. There is a lot of lucrative information the cyber criminals get from the big companies. However, the companies are subject to tremendous consequences at both the internal and the external levels of operations. To illustrate the above, Sony Pictures Entertainment serves as a good example.
The entertainment company suffered severe cyber attacks in the year 2014 (RBS 2015). The attacks on the company led to the disclosure of critical information such as technical documents, yet to be released movies, personnel records, as well as a lot of other relatively private material. The attack of Sony involved the crippling of the company's internal network system of computers. According to the reports from the analysis of the attack, the nature of Sony's attack had a very high similarity to the 2013 attack on other South Korean companies as well as various government servers. Regardless of the identity of the hackers behind Sony or the other Korean companies, the main motivation for cyber criminals attacking big companies is financial data as well as other significantly monetarily valuable data.
The consequences of cyber attacks on big companies are quite tremendous. Such big companies survive majorly upon the dependence on trust from their key stakeholders. Once the stakeholders loose trust, they cease or reduce their involvement with the big companies (RBS 2015). The key stakeholders include customers, investors, and government agencies. The reduction of support from such stakeholders causes negative growth from the companies. Insecurity is one key thing that causes negative opinion upon stakeholders. Apparently, the hugest effect of negativity upon stakeholders is financial downtrend. The above is easily illustrated by the stock market performance of the victim companies. The figure below shows how the stock price of Sony shares plunged after the cyber attack in 2014.
Figure: Sony stock price plunge after the 2014 attack (RBS 2015)
Recommendations on Security Issues
It is suggested that businesses and governments (local, state, and federal) view all threats in the form of cyber attacks as terrorism activities attempting to not only rob industries and companies but also a nation. Recommendations include addressing the lack of HTML coding that could create greater password abilities of users. Theories that address the mathematical understandings of profits and gains versus work put in could help to decrease hacking due to the amount of work it would then take to plan, carry out, and implement a hack. Increased punishments of offenders by creating greater regulations in e-commerce could also help to deter criminals. Financial and other incentives for hackers to join federal networks and assist federal, state, and local officers and/ or businesses to safeguard systems could also help mitigate the problem.
With the current level of technological advancement, online retailers and online merchants alike have the ability and opportunity to implement optimal cyber crime management procedures by utilizing a couple of the functions stipulated below (Ward, 2010):
- One way is through the incorporation of a system of automated transaction risk scoring techniques. The above consists of the setting up of specific logics applied in the pursuit of distinguishing normal online transaction behaviors from risky cyber crime related behavior. The cyber crime risk in the above case follows a calculation which finds its basis on multiple relevant security data factors. The scores are calibrated in scale that gives an indication of the level of risk – expected or executed.
- The other technique involves the use of real-time categorizing and resolution. The provisions of this technique involve the use of a scores measure, just like the method above. With respect to the solution provider of the cyber crime, this technique applies a categorization which calls for the application of manual efforts for the purpose of synchronizing the settlement, authorization, as well as the fulfillment procedures.
- Additionally, the control of cyber crime greatly thrives under effective implementation of optimal post transaction management practices. The above calls for features such an integrated interface for previewing and reviewing all kinds of transactions happening in the online retail business across all e-commerce platforms. By including a user friendly interface, the users have access to various features and tools that assist the online merchants to understand the original resolutions of every transaction, as well as following up important activities such as performance analysis and the expected reporting. It is necessary for the managers of the various online retail and e-commerce platforms that the lifecycle of cyber crime does not have a definite start or end. In the pursuit of handling cyber crimes in the best way possible, online merchants require databases containing vital records applicable in the follow-up of transaction trends over certain periods of time.
- Rearranging outdated parameters and cyber crime rules also applies as a way of avoiding the pitfall where online merchants use their resources to configure cyber crime parameters but fail to ensure whether the parameters maintain their relevance as time elapses. Cyber crimes are known to evolve at very rapid rates. As a result, the detecting mechanisms require frequent updating as a measure of maintaining and upholding relevancy. The above means that the parameters for combating cybercrime have to change as often as the cyber crime techniques do.
Finally, the best way to decrease cyber attacks is to educate the public and the consumer about the prevalence of attacks, and the lack of safeguards in place for many systems—not because of the lack of interest and care of businesses to help their consumers, but because viruses are born every day, making it difficult to keep up for most companies (including the federal government).
Alotaibi, B., & Bach, C. (2013). Perceived risk of information security and privacy in electronic commerce. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science, 4(3). Retrieved 2015 Mar. 2 from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.mutex.gmu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=6c9c22f0-1007-4748-8be3-f59c8ce9a6a1%40sessionmgr111&hid=103
Arnbak, A. Asghari, H., Van Eeten, M., Van Eijk, N. Security collapse in the HTTP market. Communications of the ACM, 57 (10), 47-55. DOI: 10.1145/2660574
Herley, C. (2014). Security, cybercrime, and scale. Communications of the ACM, 57(9), 64-71. DOI: 10.1145/2654847
Kelly, G. (2014, May 21). EBay suffers massive security breach, all users must change their passwords. Forbes Magazine. Retrieved 2015 Feb 10 from http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/05/21/ebay-suffers-massive-security-breach-all-users-must-their-change-passwords/
PGP Corporation. (2015). Ponemon Study Shows the Cost of a Data Breach Continues to Increase.Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 30 April 2015, from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ponemon-study-shows-the-cost-of-a-data-breach-continues-to-increase-82585957.html
Purewal, S. (2015). UPDATE: Google Wallet Security Concerns Raised. TechHive. Retrieved 5 May 2015, from http://www.techhive.com/article/249599/google_wallet_security_concerns_raised.html
RBS. (2015). A Breakdown and Analysis of the December, 2014 Sony Hack. Riskbasedsecurity.com. Retrieved 5 May 2015, from https://www.riskbasedsecurity.com/2014/12/a-breakdown-and-analysis-of-the-december-2014-sony-hack/
Rocheleu, J. (2012). Consumer guide to secure online transactions. HongKiat. Retrieved 2015 Feb 10 from http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/secure-online-transactions-consumer-guide/
Sam, M., Fazli, M., & Tahir, M. N. H. (2009). Website quality and consumer online purchase intention of air ticket. International Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 9(10).
Sampemane, G. (2014). Internal access controls. Communications of the ACM, 58(1), 62-65.
Ward, T. (2010). Strategies for Reducing the Risk of e-Commerce Fraud. Cleveland: First Data Corporation.


text:
When we row we want to go fast. To go faster we need to find ways to save energy so we can be more economic on our movements and use that extra energy we saved to increase speed. So when we say that we are being efficient on our rowing it means that we are using our body properly during the rowing stroke, so the muscles are working as little as possible to get the maximum speed we can.
When rowing is done efficiently it will look like a push and not a pull of the boat. We will hang as much as we can from the biggest bones of our skeleton so we can save energy. We need some muscular activity to support our skeleton and the posture but the more we can do it with the proper muscles and posture the more efficient our rowing will be and the less energy we will need to use to move the boat.
The way to become more efficient and develop better posture is to work on the right rowing coordination, work on doing the right sequence of movements of the rowing stroke.
There is a fine line between rowing efficiency and fitness and power. You can become faster by being more efficient but you need to understand that rowing is a power sport and you only need to race 2000 meters.
So you will need to evaluate how much you need to work on everything to be the fastest you can be. To row fast you need coordinated power to the rowing stroke, also to row fast you need to be efficient to push the boat away and not just hammer the boat without really making the boat go.
So there is a fine line to be determined by the coach on how much weight lifting, rowing coordination and use of the skeleton, hang can be done to achieve the ideal rowing stroke for each one of us.
Another important aspect is the proper nature of the rower. If the athlete is really strong and has a huge muscle mass by nature, he will be able to just work on coordination and row as much as he can so he can shape all his body to the rowing stroke to become the most efficient he can.
If the rower is very efficient and move perfectly with the boat but has not enough power to accelerate the boat or to hang his skeleton, then this he needs to focus on developing this power.
Even if you develop fast speed on your athletes by prioritizing on fitness, power and talent and not invest enough time on the right development of their body to help them develop well, don't forget that having few sessions a week where the movement gets slowed down and the feedback increased can really help their development, it's like a savings account, the money will comeback to you!
So seat tall, like thinking that you want to touch something an inch higher above your head without tensing your neck or head but engaging your lower back to help you position with a better form on the boat so you can start rowing a better stroke.
Take a look at these pictures and the video and understand how this amazing rower has the right posture, how he hangs with the activation of the right muscles and how simple and natural it looks.
So when you try to develop posture check that you are relax and not tense, that you are breathing naturally and you can move your body parts naturally and there is no extra tensions on the not key muscles. If your neck, face, arms and grip are tense trying to get the posture and form then it won't work because you won't be able to develop the proper rowing motion and feel for the boat.
You need the right posture to develop efficiency and this will help you link more naturally the different parts of your body and make your rowing stroke look athletic, relax and more natural.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Activision have revealed their financial results, and not surprisingly have done well. What is more interesting though is the confirmation of a Destiny sequel, and a new expansion heading to the game this year.
While there have been rumours of a Destiny sequel there has not been any definite confirmation until now. In the financial results though, Activision have now confirmed:
"Activision Publishing, along with its partners at Bungie, expects to bring a large new expansion to Destiny in 2016 and to release a full game sequel in 2017."
With the last significant expansion to the game being The Taken King, this will be welcome news to fans of Destiny, and the players who still invest time in the game. The fact that a sequel has been revealed for 2017 will be big news. The question now is when will we see any news of the big release?
Obviously we can expect news on the expansion to emerge around the time of E3, but with letting us also know about the sequel will we get some kind of teaser? Chances are they may save that for next year, but as we know even games coming in the future do get some kind of teaser.
Obviously fans will expect to see some hint of what to expect in the Destiny sequel, and we'll report news as we find it. Finally though we have confirmation that the game is definitely coming. A new expansion will be obviously welcome too in the run up to next years release.
Are you looking forward to the Destiny sequel? Let us know in the comments section below.


text:
Buying an Espresso Machine is a tough task for many people. Depending upon the application, the Coffee Maker offers you with many kinds of features. Some of the features might be unnecessary for you. While the same features might be important for some users. To prevent the confusion prevailing under such circumstances, we have brought the list of All in One Espresso Machine.
All in One Espresso Machine Reviews
If you want to choose the Best Espresso Machine then it is necessary that you pick one that's got it all.
The Coffee Makers listed here consist of all the necessary features and can work out under any kind of circumstances. We have considered the Coffee Makers which allows the user with All in One Espresso Making.
You can prepare any kind of drink easily with them. So just go through the article and choose the Best All in One Espresso Machine!
#1 Espresso Works All in One Espresso Machine
The Thermo Block Heating System of this Machine allows the user to prepare their drink in just 45 seconds. The set up of this unit carries an Electric Grinder of 120V Capacity which can grind the Coffee Beans in no time.
There is also a heating tray for warming your Cups before you pour your drink in them. Drinks served in a Warm Cup offers a different kind of pleasure. The Stainless Steel Portafilter is capable enough and is durable. With such strong appliances, we can say that is a durable product.
You can brew any kind of drink with the help of Espresso Works All in One Espresso Machine. The Pump which comes with the unit of this Machine provides you with 15 bar pressure. With this much amount of pressure, the quality of the Coffee which you are going to prepare gets best. Besides that, the appliance has clear and easy to understand Controls and Indicators. This allows the user to handle and operate it easily.
With the warranty period of 1 Year, this product is best to buy for the users who are looking for an espresso machine which can brew any kind of drink.
#2 Nespresso Lattissima Plus All in One Espresso Machine
The Automatic Espresso Machine has made the task of making a Coffee extremely easy for many people. Now you can easily get a drink ready with the touch of a button.
This All in One Espresso Machine is one such Machine which gets you the drink ready within no time. It is easy to control appliance with various kinds of options available for Coffee brewing. The Auto ON/OFF timer feature of this product saves a lot of Energy for you. Moreover, the cleaning and maintenance of this appliance is not burdensome and can be easily done.
Preparing your drink with the Nespresso All in One Espresso Machine is an ease. All you have to do is to load the capsule and push the button. Eureka! Your drink is ready. And once your drink is ready, you don't have to worry about Ejecting the capsule. It gets easily ejected into the Capsule tank. Furthermore, the Drip Tray of this appliance can accommodate all the kind and size of Cups easily. Also, the warranty period of this product amounts to 1 Year. This enables the user to use this All in One Espresso Machine without any kind of worry.
It's an Easy to Use, Easy to Clean and Easy to Maintain appliance. Getting the Nespresso Lattissima Plus All in One Espresso Machine won't be a bad deal for Coffee Lovers!
#3 Keurig Rivo R500 All in One Espresso Machine
Another Versatile and Durable product on our list. It is a product which allows you with three different frothing modes. The pressure produced amounts to 15 Bar, which produces the best kind of drink. Just think of a drink and the Coffee Maker will make it for you within a short span of 1 minute.
Besides that, the Machine is so beautifully and conveniently designed. This allows the user to brew the Coffee and froth the milk altogether. Also, the Machine is available in two different sizes providing the user with an option to choose the size that they wish to have.
You can save a lot of Energy with the Automatic ON/OFF Feature of the All in One Espresso Machine. The Warranty period of the machine is 1 Year. It is a convenient and easy-to-use appliance with simple controls. The Italian Technology used in the manufacturing of the Coffee Maker is just fantastic and guarantees the durability of the Machine. It is Simple, It is Fast, It is Easy, It is trustworthy, It is what every Coffee Loves wish to have. As it allows you to make any kind of drink and froth any kind of milk.
The Keurig Rivo R500 All in One Espresso Machine is not a bad deal with the easy to use features and low cost.
Looking for a cheaper option?
- Check out Breville BES870XL Espresso Machine!
This comprehensive article on All in One Espresso Machine is for the users who are confused regarding their choice of Coffee Maker. The Espresso Machine comes with various kind of brewing as well as frothing options. Depending upon the needed feature, the user has to choose the Espresso Machine. But for some users, the kind of desired drink is not fixed. For such users, this list of All in One Espresso Machine will be useful.
The Coffee Makers listed here are capable of brewing and frothing any kind of drink. Moreover, they do it within less time and with high pressure which provides you with the best quality drink. The products listed here are also very much easy to clean and you can do various other tasks too with them. We hope that this compilation will be helpful to you while buying your All in One Espresso Machine.


text:
bastille day uk release
The latest news on Bastille nov 19, 2015. Bastille News; Follow on Tumblr ∆SK ∆W∆Y; Submit some Bastille News! RSS Feed; the film, about terrorism in paris, was slated for a uk release in. Bastille News release calendar; top rated movies;. Bastille s Official Website BASTILLE DAY -08:00 | heyuguys. Type of media Film co. Approved Running time 91m 50s uk. Release date cannes on alert: millions. BBFCInsight strong language, violence Given recent events, a schlocky action film about terrorist attacks in Paris might seem a tad inappropriate bastille day (2016). But Bastille Day – filmed before the Charlie Hebdo 2018 bastille day (2016) release info 2017. bastille day release date uk mcafe. Lastest News home; rss. China is building a smog-eating forest city with tree-covered skyscrapers; Can you spot the hilarious problem with this the film was released in the united kingdom on 22 april 2016 and 13 july 2016 in france. UK (theatrical title), Bastille Day by leigh singer. 2017 bastille day has been retitled the take for its north american release, opening november 16, 2016. if you mess with idris. Bastille Day (2016) - Release Info - IMDb bastille day (2016) user. Bastille Day (2016) on IMDb: Movies, TV, Celebs, and more release information. Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries/lands to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year november 18, 2016 r. Watch Bastille Day movie trailer and book Bastille Day tickets online homepage . Cookies notification genres. Release date: 22 April 2016 action; keywords. Running time: 92 minutes france; bomb; cia. Bastille - The Official Site idris elba stalks his way through the small-but-ambitious uk-france thriller bastille day like a bond-in-training, playing a lone wolf fbi operative charged with. News, tour dates, music, videos & more bastille day is the french fry of action movies - review 3. The song charted moderately at number 90 in the United Kingdom idris elba in bastille day. Bastille announced that the release of the second LP Wild World and embarked on their the 100 best films to stream and download on netflix uk. Bastille Day ein Film von James Watkins mit Idris Elba, Richard Madden bastille day film movie release uk. Inhaltsangabe: Der junge amerikanische Taschendieb Michael Mason (Richard Madden) lebt in lastest news. 2018 Bastille Day (2016) Release Info 2017 china is building a smog-eating forest city with tree-covered skyscrapers; can you spot the hilarious problem with. aretop idris elba stars in high-octane action thriller bastille day - in cinemas april 22 michael mason (richard madden, game of thrones) is an american. org bastille day release date uk. Home; RSS recent posts. Studiocanal s Bastille Day is headed to UK cinemas on April 22 after some release date 50+ exciting summer internships for college students & grad students; georgia summer programs and camps for high school. Buy tickets for an upcoming Bastille concert near you robert downey jr is back for sherlock 3 and spider-man, and bastille day reviewed – the dailies film podcast bastille day official international trailer 1 (2016) - idris elba. List of all Bastille tickets and tour dates for 2017 the take official us release trailer 1 (2016) - idris elba movie - duration: 1:44. Idris Elba action movie Bastille Day might 2018 bastille day (2016) release info 2017. was slated for a UK release in February catalognews. Idris Elba action movie Bastille Day might face delay after Paris attacks Bastille tour dates and tickets from Ents24 org. com, the UK s biggest entertainment website home; rss. bastille day uk release this was called bastille day in cinemas in the uk and presumably france also.


text:
The elder Free-Ride offspring has been learning about forces ("pushes and pulls") in second grade science class. Meanwhile, at home both the sprogs found a new favorite film, The Way Things Go. It's about 30 minutes of nearly continuous Rube Goldberg machinery. There are a few visible cuts in the film, which seem to be pauses to let chemical reactions proceed (although it would be completely understandable to me if cuts had been required to get some of the more complicated mechanical interactions to work). The progress of the apparatus is presented without narration, which is just as well, since it would be drowned out by the giggles and belly-laughs. Here are the sprogs' viewing notes:
Dr. Free-Ride: How would you describe this movie to a kid who hasn't seen it?
Younger offspring: It's about tires and fire and foam and flammable liquids.
Elder offspring: There are lots of forces in the movie -- things that push and things that pull. My favorite pushes were from the rocket car and the rocket boat.
Younger offspring: Rolling tires pushed a lot of things. Also, candles lit strings to break them.
Elder offspring: And they lit fuses to launch things.
Younger offspring: Some of the liquids put fires out and some of the liquids were flammable, so they caught on fire.
Elder offspring: Other parts of the machine poured liquids in or out, and used the weight of the liquids to make things move.
Younger offspring: Some of the tires rolled down hill, and some of them rolled up hill.
Elder offspring: And some of the tires had candles on them that got lit.
Dr. Free-Ride: I'm amazed that the tires themselves didn't catch on fire.
Younger offspring: My favorite was the flaming tether-bag.
Elder offspring: Yeah, that was cool.
Dr. Free-Ride: Some of the parts looked like they almost weren't going to roll or swing or seep far enough to get the next part of the process going. How many times do you think they had to practice it to get all the parts to work just right?
Younger offspring: Twenty times!
Elder offspring: One hundred times!
Dr. Free-Ride: They used a lot of tires and wooden ramps and ladders and candles and fizzy chemical reactions. If you were going to make one of these -- and I'm not saying you can do this in the house -- is there other stuff you would use?
Younger offspring: Soccer balls and plastic bottles and tape.
Elder offspring: Maybe worn out pajamas, or these Homer [Simpson] slippers, and rubber bands.
Younger offspring: Why can't we do this in the house?
Elder offspring: Because we'll want to use fire!


text:
Levi Cooper
Nicknames: levs, levy
Voice Part: baritone
Class: 2020
Major: Political Science and French
Solos: Bored To Death (Blink-182), Freedom (The Rescues), Kiss This (The Struts)
Board Position: Assistant Music director (2018), ACK/PAC/SAC Chair (2017)
When Levi is not killing it on stage he can most likely be found teaching himself German, replacing all of the major food groups with ice cream, or tagging you in some Sassy Socialist Meme. Currently holding the title of "Best 'Dad Dancer' in Suburban Maryland Under 20," Levi is a man of many talents and passions. Don't let his classic NJB charm or irrational fear of "cartoon wolves" fool you, Levi has ~edge~ and has been known to successfully use pickup lines that paraphrase Nietzsche... talk about Will to Power! If you want to get on his good side, just use the words "squelch" and "crusty" in the same sentence at all times when speaking to him. Look out for Levi next semester in the class he was "born to take" called Jewish Humor, just in time for the new season of Curb your Enthusiasm...pretty, pretty, pretty good timing if we say so ourselves.


text:
Now Viewing:
This item is noncancelable and nonreturnable.
The Secced Reach Plus 6 Kit from Cinegears comprises of the SC-EFP/CF150SM two-stage carbon fiber video tripod with ground spreader, SC-V65/150RP fluid video head, and SC-PB20 pan bar. This video tripod system is suitable for EFP, outside broadcast (OB), and studio applications. The payload range of the Reach Plus 6 system is 26 to 143 lb at a center of gravity height of 3.9". The carbon fiber tripod offers height adjustment from 13 to 34" (with ground spreader). It comes with a speed locking system for quick setup, and is equipped with a ground spreader. The fluid head mounts on the tripod via a 150mm bowl interface.
The head's eight-grade (0 to 7 steps) drag system ensures ultra-smooth and extremely slow movements. The graded drag adjustments ensure fast change of tilt and pan drag. The step-type counterbalance system allows you to balance the camera quickly without changing over and over to look for the right amount of counterbalance. And its quick release mechanism allows you to quickly mount or dismount the camera on the head.
All the main parts are made from high-quality CNC Machine, ensuring reliability and improving fluid head performance substantially. High-quality hard plastic is used in the manufacturing of all plastic parts of the head, enhancing rigidity under all types of production conditions.
|Kit Specifications
|143.3 lb (65 kg)
|Adjustable Height Range
|21.7 to 42.5" (55 to 108 cm)
|Bowl Diameter
|150 mm
|Transport Length
|38.6" (98 cm)
|29.8 lb (13.5 kg)
|Fluid Headzcsyvsffqyuryevtffsabzsu
26.5 to 143.3 lb (12 to 65 kg) at CoG height of 3.9" (100 mm)
23.1 to 125.2 lb (10.5 to 56.8 kg) at CoG height of 4.9" (125 mm)
20.5 to 111.1 lb (9.3 to 50.4 kg) at CoG height of 5.9" (150 mm)
18.5 to 99.6 lb (8.4 to 45.2 kg) at CoG height of 6.9" (175 mm)
16.8 to 91.1 lb (7.6 to 41.3 kg) at CoG height of 7.9" (200 mm)
|Counterbalance Steps
|1 to 48
|Slide Range
|4.7" (120 mm)
|Pan & Tilt Drag
|0 to 7
|Tilt Range
|-75° / +90°
|Tripod Fitting
|150 mm
|17.6 lb (8 kg)
|Maximum: 198.4 lb (90 kg)
|Bowl Diameter
|150 mm
|Carbon fiber
|Transport Length
|24.4" (62 cm)
|Adjustable Height Range
With Ground Spreader: 13 to 34" (33 to 86 cm)
|With Ground Spreader: 12.3 lb (5.6 kg)
|Packaging Info
|Package Weight
|50.8 lb
|Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
|46.0 x 13.0 x 12.0"


text:
This Might Be My FINAL Post!
Then again, who knows
how much time we all
have left?
By now you've probably heard that today is supposed to be
Well, if it is, I sure wasted alot of time doing housework.
Maybe I should just take it easy today and get ready for the Rapture!
These little cuties might have the right idea!
Even if the world as we know it might end, it's just the beginning for
these Gorgeous little ones!
What beautiful Kitties! I hope they have a long and happy life,
with the perfect partner.


text:
Posted by (0) Comment
Now it's time to have orgasm without ejaculation. This takes more practice than the Kegels, and it's trickier, but it's worth it.
The key is to pull yourself to the very brink of ejaculation and then stop all friction. I found it helps a great deal to press myself in the perineum, the skin between the genitals and the anus. Some books recommend pinching the head of the penis with three fingers, but this didn't work for me — the additional pressure sent me over the edge.
The first time you stop at the border, you probably won't have an orgasm. But keep it up. Go just short of ejaculation, stop stroking and press your perineum, and wait until you're in control again.
It's tricky to find your personal boundary; the point where you're maybe one stroke short of ejaculating. I would say I stopped at the border at least 25 times before I was able to have an orgasm without ejaculating. But it's like being a budding X-Man: once you discover how to use your powers, it gets increasingly easy to use them again and again. Just call me ShudderMan.
Some books recommend trying this through masturbation first, because you have greater control. Luckily, I have a partner who was willing to take me to the brink orally. I think this works better than penetrative intercourse at first because just sliding out of the vagina can be enough to push you over.
Once you've mastered the technique, however, you can prolong vaginal intercourse until you're both exhausted, or maybe until the kids have to go to college. When you do finally let go and ejaculate, the final orgasm is extremely intense.
So what are you waiting for? Oh, the restroom. Sorry, I'll just be another few minutes.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Posted by (0) Comment
How taboo is talk about masturbation? When Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders suggested that we consider teaching it as a way of reducing HIV transmission, they ran her out of Washington faster than the mayor who was caught on video smoking crack.
In fact, that mayor got re-elected after he got out of prison, whereas Dr. Elders has fewer conference invitations than Pee Wee Herman. But she had a point — there are many benefits to learning to masturbate better.
But not many Americans are open to it. We still cling to the mindset of Swiss doctor S.A.D. Tissot's 1741 book Onanism, or a Treatise on the Disorders of Masturbation, which suggested that practitioners could go blind. In the 1800s, both the graham cracker and Kellogg's Corn Flakes were invented to keep young men from taking themselves in hand.
Silly, huh? But little has changed.
In 1993, the Janus Report on Sexual Behavior revealed that just 13 percent of American Protestants think masturbation is a natural part of adult life. The Sex in America survey the following year showed that half of all Americans who masturbate feel guilty about it.
And Joani Blank, founder of sexual goods shop Good Vibrations, told of an electronics manufacturer that stopped selling its vibrators to a store in Austin, Tex. when it learned they were being sold as sexual aids. So much for centuries of enlightenment.
If you need to be convinced not to feel guilty, consider this — masturbation has bona fide health benefits. Orgasms have been reported to increase circulation, improve skin tone, strengthen the immune system, release tension and promote psychological well being in both men and women. For women, masturbating can help ease some of the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and lost muscle.
"It improves self-esteem, because if you can give yourself pleasure, that comes along with feeling you deserve pleasure," Blank said. "It also improves your sex with a partner because you know more about your own response. It's a great way to relax at bedtime, and a great waker-upper."
You may be saying, "I think I know how to do that just fine, thank you." Maybe. But both men and women can use masturbation as a form of lifelong learning. For men, masturbation is a great way to teach yourself to have multiple orgasms.
For many women, masturbation is the most likely, if not the only, way to reach orgasm. Some women are lucky, but most have to learn to have orgasms just like you learn to ride a bicycle.
A vibrator is essential equipment for this particular course, but many women are timid about going into a shop to buy one. Fortunately, nowadays you can buy one online without any shopkeepers leering at you.
Blank said the most popular vibrator at her store is, ironically, one that isn't made for masturbation: the Hitachi Magic Wand, designed for body massage.
"It's good and big and strong and it's good for massage as well as sex. It has a good wide head. It plugs into the wall instead of using batteries."
But a vibrator choice is — dare we say it? — intensely personal. You might prefer a waterproof one for the tub, or a compact clitoral-only version. The point is to just order one and find out.
And whatever you do, don't feel guilty. You work out and eat right to keep your body in shape; you follow your stock portfolio to keep your finances in shape. Masturbating regularly keeps your sexual response systems in shape. And I don't know about you, but I find it a lot more satisfying lately than following my stock portfolio.
Popularity: unranked [?]
Posted by (2) Comment
What adventures should you get your playmate interested in? Well, we'll tell you
For starters, we'll tell you how planning your encounters ahead of time will spice up your relationship. We'll also tell you how to get the conditions right for a hot night.
You've probably seen ads for "herbal Viagra" in various forms. We'll debunk the erroneous claims while presenting some herbs that might help. We'll also let you know about prescription drugs that might be turning your libido into a wet noodle.
Is your spouse around? No? Great, 'cause we're going to tell you how to use masturbation to improve your sexual responsiveness.
When it's time to get together, we'll tell you how to use porn to get the ball rolling. We explain some techniques for better oral sex, as well as some sex toys you might want to try.
Men, why should we stop with one orgasm? We'll tell you how to become multi-orgasmic in just a few short weeks: an editorial gift from MyPrimeTime that lasts a lifetime. Aye, she'll like it too.
And just for fun, take our quiz to determine what kind of sexual animal you are now. Maybe you're a lion lying down with the lambs.
So go ahead: plunge right in. Er, click where it feels right. I mean … ah, just read the stories already. Your better sex life is about to start, you lucky, lucky reader.
Popularity: unranked [?]


text:
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
WIP's slow but going....
Well, I've been slowly moving along on two paintings that have been on my desk, the Angel is relatively new, but the orchid was done earlier this year.
I started the Angel as a tribute to a Best Friend whom I' lost a month ago to an unexpected illness. Brad had asked me to paint him an Angel when he was alive and I never got to it before he left us.
So during my grief process, I started this for him. It interestingly the colors have come out very vibrant when I was in such a blue state, but I'm not surprised since he was a very bright soul. I still have more work to do on the feathers and defining the body.
The orchid was something that I started, but didn't like how it turned out, so I tossed it aside till I could be inspired to work on again. It's kinda fun to work on these "dud's" because I don't care if I mess them up, and I get to play with them.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Painting Waterlilies & Lilyponds Workshop results!
I spent a wonderful weekend learning to paint waterlilies and lilyponds with Artist/Teacher Kathleen Alexander .
I've always admired Kathleen's work since I found her on the web. I love the colors she use and the subjects she paints and wanted to learn from her.
I was so pleased with the whole experience and what she taught. She has a amazing eye for color, and showed us how to see deeper in the subject. I could see more details about the picture than before, my eyes became more colorized! Even after class when driving home, I could see more colors in the clouds, mountain ranges and sunsets, my brain was interpreting a deeper range. It was surprising to me but expanding and wonderful.
She likes to work with fresh squeeze paint and mixes up her mixes before painting and keeps a brush ready in the mix for each of the colors she's using at the time, usually two three are going. She likes to mix colors right on the paper versus mixing on a palette and applies rich colors right from the start instead of many glazes. Her darks are dark from the start. In her picture, the dark is a deep mix of indigo. She also softens alot of hard edges and blending with water.
It was a great class and if you want to see her work up close, she's part of the co-op gallery Viewpoints Gallery in Los Altos, CA.
And here's what I painted in class. I still have some softening to do with the highlights and some work on the lily pads, but overall, I'm very happy!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Mala Beads
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
DSDF Rooftop challenge
DSDF Challenge Rooftops..... uuh, this is due tomorrow.. I started it this morning at 4am when I awoke and couldn't go back to sleep, and then rushed through it to complete it thinking I could swing it. But no way it's YUCK, so it's one of those pictures you shrink to hide all the imperfection and give to people you dont like, heehee! just kidding!
Update: Sheila"Forensics to Fine Art" kindly wrote it made her smile, so I'm going to send it to DSDF, Thanks Sheila for your positive attitude and kindness!
Water Spout
I've finally got something posted!
Life has provided many distractions from painting... but I was able to do this, yeah! I photographed this spout in Germany.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Yumm! Chocolate Palette
Mmm... saw this store as I was heading to my next gate change in Houston, Texas airport. I didn't have time to go in, only to take the shot. But Yumm! would have liked to see what they had to offer. What a great idea to paint a chocolate palette.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
STROKE: Remember these three letters S.T.R.
I just got done reading this from the Bluesman's blog, and it reminds me of the time my Mom had a stroke and it wasnt till hours later that we understood what was happening to her. My Mom had come up around noon to have lunch with our family and we all noticed that she wasnt herself, but she said she just wasn't feeling good. So we continued through our lunch, but I was getting really concerned since it looked like once side of her face was lower and she was pretty much silent throughout the meal, we ended up eating and we all said to my father that he needs to take her to the hospital now and have her checked out.
She apparently had a stroke early in the morning and by the time my father got her to the hospital, she lost one side of her body. She never recovered the use of her one arm.
So, I'm posting this as well to spread the awareness about the symptoms and warnings signs of a Stroke.
STR + tongue
STROKE: Remember these Three Letters....S.T.R.
My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. This is just a social service, to spread the word around, or for that matter, these 3 words around.
If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously...just read the following short story:
Stroke Identification:
During a BBQ, a lady stumbled and took a little fall. She assured everyone that she was fine (They offered to call the paramedics). She said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.
They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, she went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.
Her husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital. A short while later, she passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps the poor lady would still be around today. Some may not die and may end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.
Recognising a Stroke:
Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, S.T.R. Read further & Learn this!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK
(and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE, coherently).
R* Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If the person has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call for the doctor immediately.
And now a new Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue... If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets to read this and inform others, you can bet that some lives may be saved. Remember these words, STR & the Tongue.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Self Portrait
I decided to continue to work on this self portrait, since I wasn't liking the colors and I wanted to work more on the face. Sounds weird talking about me! I added more shading to the cheeks and lightened a few highlights and then I threw on some Holbien Peacock Blue.
This is Tom Lynch's shadow color that he likes to use, so I used it in my hair and in the background. I really like it!
I've finally accomplished a self portrait of myself. I wanted to do one for awhile but never got to it till now.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Me iron? the irony of that!
Me Iron? I usually buy clothes, that never need to be iron, in fact cant remember the last time I turned a iron on. But I had heard about an easy way to flatten out your watercolors by ironing them, so I thought I would try it out on this new painting of an orchid.
I laid the painting face down on some viva paper towel on top of a piece of foam board and set that on the iron board. I then lightly sprayed the back of the painting, then laid down a cloth napkin, and ironed on a low heat.
It worked really well! I liked the fact I didn't have to wait all night, and find all sorts of heavy things to lay on it for weight to help press it out. So doing some ironing wasn't so bad.....
Yupo Stonehenge
Here's a quick YUPO painting I did of Stonehenge, it was fun reminiscing about being there. Wish I could go back there right now. It was a great place to visit. I used Raw Sienna Burnt umber, Ultramarine Blue , Antwerp Blue, and Paynes grey.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Big Brush and a Deadline
I've been creatively challenged lately, trying to decide what's my style? what do I really want to paint? I'm still figuring that out but I had to do something, so I challenged myself to paint bigger, use a big brush and do it in 2hrs.
My self imposed time frame was because I have company coming over and to do this painting I had moved into the dining room table. So clean up time was in the morning. The deadline actually made me think quicker about what to do to get results.
So this painting is on a 1/2 sheet and I used a 2" brush and a 10 round for the finer details. I threw colbalt blue for the darker areas and then laid different mixtures of Quin gold/Burnt Umber/Perm Rose for skin tones, hair was done with Pth.Green/Aliz Crimson and some Ultra Marine, Background was done in U. Marine and Indigo and the robe is Prussian Blue with U. Marine as darks.
There's some tweaking I need to do but overall I felt it was a good way to move some creative energy!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Kitty Kat
Working on Kitty, our 12 yr old cat, sad to say that she's known as "Kitty" and not by her given name "Angel". Why that is I'm not sure, but we've always just called her Kitty, maybe it's because she acts more like a Kitty than an Angel. (My husband seems to think so when she's banging on the door at 6am for food! and meowing "Fresh Kitty Food Now!")
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
All done at once!
I've been busy with a few paintings and none of them were finished till now.
1) Persimmons on Yupo
2) 4th of July hulu dance - capture this cute girl at a 4th of July Chili cookoff dancing to Michael Jackson and hulu'ing.
3)Colorful elephants - Got this copyright/royality free photo from Wikipedia Common's. On the site there is a ton of reference photo's that the photographer gives full permission to use. (Not all are like that so check the photo details)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Yupo Cypress and Fantastic Lunch!
I was very fortunate to be invited to my good friend and fabulous chef Janice's house today to paint and have lunch. She prepared us the most scruptious meal of Gazpacho soup, Shrimp salad and a Blackberry Sorbet, everything we ate, we wanted the recipe! it was so delicious and fresh.
Okay, sorry to get side track about the food, but it was soooooo delicious!
Here's my second try at Yupo and I decided to do a cypress on a rock cliff. I learned that having a small spray mister, helps move and mix the paint into cool designs, (cover any area's you don't want water on, because it'll move the paint)
The more you mess around with it after laying down the initial paint, the more chances of messing it up! It doesn't like control freak artists like me who want it perfect! so it's a good teacher on loosening up and letting it flow.
I went outside to take a picture of it hoping to get better shot.
Here's a close up of it, although the bottom is cut off.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Yippee! for Yupo
This was my first attempt and experiment with Yupo paper and I have to say I'm Hooked!
My good friend Watercolor Wendy had did early experimentation with Yupo and it turned out really super, so I mentioned that I wanted to try it and she invited me over to try it out.
I was really lucky because before I even put paint to paper, Wendy gave me the run down on the paper and alot of good tips.
1. Since the material is like plastic, it doesn't absorb, it just sits on top. It felt alot like acrylics, where you pushed the paint around. If you use a juicy wash, it will move and move everywhere even where there isn't any water (unlike watercolor paper) So careful when picking up your paper if there is alot wet paint on it.
2. Thicker washes stuck better and you can get really darks fast, to get lights, i was easy to just lightly lift. Any mistakes are easy to correct, just wipe up, or soften with water and lift.
3. Dry time was pretty fast and faster with a hairdryer.
4. You can mix on the paper and it makes amazing swirls and textures. Also brush strokes are seen which gives it cool look.
5. Second washes need to be lightly applied or you will lift the bottom layer, so go dark first.
6. If planning to try it out, choose a simple shape to get the feel of it and have more success.
I'm sure there's more to be discovered, which is why I ordered a bunch of Yupo and cant wait for it to arrive.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Following the Masters Challenge
Yeah! I've got my painting of Maxfield's Parrish "Stars" done for the Following the Master's Challenge #4. just in time!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sitting Bull Done!
I've finished up Sitting Bull for now, unless something else pulls me in and compels me to work on it. I darkened up the facial, shirt and lightened up some of the other highlights. I dont want to overwork it, which I feel that i've done already, so right now it's in the "No Touch" zone! only looky,lookey!
I've been taking small painting breaks to try to complete this and it's about done, I have some tweaking to do on the face and the fringe.
I haven't had much time for painting at all, since I've been coordinating my nephew's wedding that is happening this Sunday! Yikes! actually, I will be so relieved when it is done, since it has been a ongoing project that I've bee working on for the last six weeks.
Anyway... I was able to squeeze some painting time last night in and I've been wanting to do this painting of Sitting Bull, Lakota Sioux. I'm still working on it and hopefully I'll be able to get more time later to finish it.
So excited that I got some of my artwork professionally framed. I found a person who does it inexpensively and I'm thrilled with his work. I finally can hang some of my own work on the walls.
Yeah! ( the white cardboard are corner protectors I haven't taken off yet)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
This is my little niece Asia, she came over and happily posed for some shots in the front yard. She's a natural in front of the camera and super cute!
I've been discovering, I really like to paint people and their faces since it's so interesting to see a person's face come to life in the process and so satisfying when it's finished.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Bears One
This is "Bears One" a Sioux Native American, that was shot as a black/white photo and I took creative license and added the colors. Although, I'm not sure if Bear One is male or female, I've choosen to paint it more "feminine" with the colors I've chosen.
I used Manganese Blue and Ultramarine blue for the scarf, for the face I used Q. rose+Gamboge+Burnt umber, with touches of Cobalt and Ultramarine blue for greying down. For the background, I used Alizarin Crimson and Phthalo green which gave me deep grape color.
The other thing that I wanted to share was that I had torn a full sheet into different sizes and it's been fun choosing what to paint on them.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Koi Harmony
Felt inspired to throw some large puddles of paint down, so I cleared off the Dining room table and covered it with plastic and brought my painting stuff out there.
I tore a full sheet in half and mixed up some Perm Rose, Hansa Yellow and Phthalo Blue. I then used some plastic food wrap to throw in there. I started by placing the yellow on top, then the blue on the bottom, then the red in the middle. I let it move and liked it so I then placed the wrap down, I was thinking I was going to do a Angel or something fluid looking and ended up with with this fish shape.
I pouring some color under the wrap and squished it down and started looking at the rest of the painting. This type of painting is fairly quick since you are just throwing down color and placing the wrap or other materials down on it and then you have to wait for it to dry, usually a overnight or you can speed up the process and blow dry. I choose to let it dry overnight.
One thing I learned from previous pouring like this is to lay paper towels around the edges to pick up the excess paint, then it wont creep back into the painting and create blossoms.
Anyway, as I was looking at it I thought it would be cool to throw in the yin/yang symbol and so I broke out my sponge and removed paint in that shape. I also used the sponge to make the swirly movements in the water. I really like using the sponge in this way!
I added some Quin Gold and Payne Grey to darken some area's, I'm still tweaking it, and I haven't took it to the mirror yet, so there still work to be done.
It was really fun doing it.
Wedding Rose updated
I'm thinking that this rose is done, although I'm living with it right now to see if anything else bugs me about it. I've found that it useful to look at it in a mirror to see flaws or area's that need correcting.
One artist I read somewhere, brings a mirror with him when he plein airs (he set it up besides him, slightly above and off to the side of him) and he says he refers to that mirror frequently as he paints. I might do that in my studio area, but I'd have to figure out how to hang it or maybe I'll just put one in the room so I dont have to run into the other room to see it.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wedding Rose - WIP
Work in progress Wedding Rose. Today my son got married and I started this rose for him and his new bride as a gift and for their wedding card. It's turning out way better than I expected! Must be all the good blessings of love I'm thinking for them as I paint.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Calla Lilies
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Canyon De Chelly
Working on this shot of Canyon De Chelly, AZ that I took a few years ago on a tour with a guide Adam Teller of Antelope House Tours. He was wonderful and told us many stories about his people and the Canyon. I highly recommend him.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Colorful Window
We'll I've finally got something posted. Yeah! I've been meaning to posted in the last couple of weeks, but life had other things planned for me. I didn't do much painting but I was able to work and finish this Colorful Window piece.
I took this window picture in one of the historical sites we visited in Germany a few years back. I would love to go back to Germany. The country and the people are wonderful. We found a great flight for $600 round trip in mid September. Couldn't resist that price to go to Germany!
It was tricky trying to take a picture of this to post on the blog, a close up shot didn't give the whole picture of what it was so I took a wider angle shot with my reference photos.
I did discover I like to look and take pictures of repeating patterns but having to paint them is a pain! Heehee! the things I discover about myself when painting. No More Circles!!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Practice Buddha - Done
I finished ( I think...) my practice Buddha and feel a lot wiser about the process. I'm glad I tried this before attempting the bigger one I sketched out. I'll probably do a few more like this but in different colors so I can play around and see what I like best.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Mini Portfolio
Practice Buddha - WIP
I'm working on this Buddha as a practice for a larger piece I'm planning to do for my son. This is on a 9x12 block and the larger piece will be on a 18x20 block.
I wanted to work out some colors and get into the flow for the larger piece. I'm glad I did, since I ran into some challenges like remember how much Quin Gold doesn't like to be disturbed once laid down on the paper. To overcome that, I've found to lay additional layers of the paint on dry and then spray with a fine mist pump and gently brush the areas and it smoothes out on it's own. And to remember to use a BIG brush, I had trouble just using the regular brushes on this piece which is weird, but I'm keeping that in mind when I tackle the big piece.
Also, I'm not sure I like the colors I chose so I'm going to work on that as well. Next to the painting is my little workout card that I'm using to work and record colors I chose for each painting. I then will put them in a album I'm using as a mini portfolio, which will help me keep track of what colors I use for each painting.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Smile it's good for you - done!
It was great fun painting smiling Gino, a very pleasurable experiencing to having someone smiling back at you!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Smile! It's good for you! - WIP
Here's my happy friend Gino after a good walk in the hills. He's always got a smile for you, especially after walks or if you have food!
Still a work in progress, but I love how Phthalo green and Aliz Crimson makes a great black. I mixed more of the green than red and I like the shadow cast it makes. More to come..... and
Smile it's good for you!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Mother's Day Dragon Fly
Here's a special dragonfly I painted for my sweet Mother in law and my hubby's sister Charlene. I wanted to paint them something special because they are so special to us.
Happy Mother's Day Mom and Charlene!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Following the Masters #2 complete
Yeah! I'm ready to submit my art to Michelle's Following the Masters challenge. I've had a lot of fun challenging myself and participating. It's enjoyable being part of a group activity and seeing the creative ways people are expressing their work. Thanks Michelle for setting this up and facilitating it!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Michelle Burnett's Following the Master's Challenge #2 WIP
Okay here's what I have so far, I'm kinda liking it.... but need to tone the green down.... back to the easel!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Michelle Burnett's Following the Master's Challenge #2
Michelle Burnett's Following the Master's Challenge #2
I couldn't resist and wanted to join in the fun after seeing Michelle Burnett's latest post on her blog "Following the Masters" A Monthly Painting Challenge.
This month's challenge is "Walking on the Beach" by Spanish Impressionist Painter Joquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923)
If you feel called, join in the fun!! Thanks Michelle for creating!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Healing Master WIP
Healing Master
Here's a picture I'm working on of Master Choa Kok Sui, he's the founder of Pranic Healing. I'm doing this picture for my Pranic Healing Teachers as a gift.
Monday, April 6, 2009
It's back.... Mystery Fuschia
Release and Create!
A couple of weekends ago, I took a weekend workshop called the Abundance course, which is Larry Crane's "Release Technique". It teaches you how to have abundance in every area of your life through a simple release technique.
I found out about this technique through a friend who has taken the "Sedona Method" course, which is based on the same principals. I went out and bought the Sedona Method book, used the technique to release on a issue I was having and had immediate relief! I was sold on it so I took the weekend workshop, which made it even more experiential and useful.
Why I bring this up? because I used the technique to release on creating my own art designs. I've been having a block on what to create and just going for it. So I released on it and this morning I created two designs that I'm looking forward to painting!
I recommend this process to anyone who is looking to achieve success in any area of their life.
Just check out the book in the store and try it right there on any issue and see if it helps you. It did for me.