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This is a time for learning and teaching. American states are revising school text and teaching revisionist history. This movement must be dismantled!
Empowerment and walking freely throughout the world comes with knowing and understanding who you are and from whence you came. This means having the knowledge and tools to refute the miseducation, mythology, and stereotypes enforced as truth.
Embrace and never be ashamed to celebrate the lives of our enslaved African ancestors and all ancestor! Honor and celebrate with thanksgiving their blood and sacrifices so that we might live. Remember their enslavement, the building of America with their hands, auction blocks ,chains, whips, branding irons on human flesh, rapes, beatings, lynchings, castrations, the ongoing global theft of Africa's land and resources, the theft of Black history/herstory & culture and Jim Crow. Never divorce yourself from their blood, soul, being and spirit! Never forget your Ancestral Mother Africa, the creator of civilization! Honor and celebrate warrior fathers and mothers who rebelled and fought bravely against all systems of enslavement oppression globally! Honor and celebrate those who would rather commit suicide by jumping into shark infested waters rather than be enslaved. Mothers who committed the ultimate act of love by smothering babies rather to have them enslaved. Honor and celebrate your beauty! The beauty America attempts to separate you from, yet greedily embraces herself! A rich beauty and history/herstory whose power America knows, understands and is determined to crush!
Q: Historical Fact: Who are the original deadbeat dads?
A: The original deadbeat dads were White male enslavers. Males who raped African women, fathered thousands of children, snatched them away from their mother's breast and sold them into slavery.
©Lorraine Currelley 2013. All Rights Reserved.
Listed The Seven Kwanzaa Principles, the link to the official Kwanzaa website and links focusing on African & global Black diaspora culture.
The Seven Principles
Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday that is centered around seven principles (called Nguzo Saba in Swahili). They are:
Umoja (Unity)
Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for the family and the community, which is reflected in the African saying, "I am We," or "I am because We are."
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interest of our family and community.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future, and that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Seven Candles for Kwanzaa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics emphasizes our collective economic strength and encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support.
Nia (Purpose)
Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community.
Kuumba (Creativity)
Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity makes use of our creative energies to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community.
Imani (Faith)
Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind, by affirming our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle.
Links for further study:
Sankore University, please click on the following link.
Please click on the official website link to learn about Kwanzaa.


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There were 20 years between Public Image Ltd's eighth and ninth studio albums, 1992's That What Is Not and 2012 comeback record This Is PiL. The wait this time around won't be nearly as long, as John Lydon's British post-punk band will drop record number 10, What The World Needs Now…, on September 4.
The first cut off the new LP has been posted this morning. Titled "Double Trouble," it's a weird one, opening up like a new Sleaford Mods track with a minimal drum beat and spoken-word rant before slicing its way through more standard '80s guitar punk sounds. The former Johnny Rotten has gotten back that familiar sneer, as well, but the beginning would sound fresher if we haven't been hearing Jason Williamson do it on repeat for the past year or so.
Once the song gets rolling down the tracks and starts sucker-punching you along the way, it falls in line nicely with Lydon's confrontational tone.
We're told a string of North American dates set for November will be announced soon. In the meantime, listen to "Double Trouble" below. Pre-order the 10-inch here, and album pre-order information can be found here. The What The World Needs Now… album artwork follows the song.

subset: commoncrawl


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Gmail has been one of the most used platforms used by millions of users for exchanging emails, sending documents for personal, professional, educational and entertainment. Nowadays when you are trying to use any new application on your smartphone it can authenticate you through your Gmail account. In short with Gmail account you can get many benefits in less time. We understand how problematic it is for you when you have the complete connection of apps, credit cards, debit card, and documents and you have lost access to it. If you have any hurdle in accessing your Gmail account then Gmail technical support can help you resolve all your hurdles. If you have any issues like sign up issue, password errors, hacked account and blocked account problems, spam emails problems then Gmail technical support team can assist you in professional way to solve the issue in the least possible time.
If you need an instant solution for your problem you can contact technical support team through the toll-free number or you can send email to the support team. Not everyone is expert in all situation or technology and that's why we need assistance from the people of expertise. Gmail technical support team members are well trained in their work and they are capable of solving the issue in very less time. Apart from accessing the Gmail account there are other problems too, like if you want to arrange your emails, or want a customized look of your account and you are unable to do that by yourself, and then technical support team can assist you in each and every concern.
One of the popular issues which can disturb you these days is how to add digital signature in Gmail account. If you are unable to do that with your Gmail account then you can reach anytime to our Gmail Technical support team who will not only provide you the guidance but also will follow up if you are not satisfied yet.
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The town of Ermua carried out the reform of one of the buildings of the Municipal Library, the "Teresa Murga".
Under the direction of the architect Benjamin D. Palacios and collaboration with Bilbu, a materials distribution company for construction and renovation, Keraben Grupo participated in performing the ventilated facade of the building.
This facade, over 1,500 square meters, is part of the rehabilitation project carried out in this unique building.
The building, surrounded by nature and the typical colors of the area, wanted to be blended into the same using materials inspired by natural stone in its façade, and retaining some of the old elements like stone arcades.
«Benjamín Díaz Palacios, is the municipal architect of the Villa de Ermua and therefore responsible for the management of projects pertaining to the locality. The architect has extensive experience in drafting of construction and urban planning and management. »


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Club Meetings
The Elmira Radio Club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, except July and August, at the Elmira Firehall at 44 Howard Avenue, Elmira, Ontario. The October meeting is preceded by the Silent Key Dinner at 5 PM at a restaurant of the Club's choosing. The past few years, the dinner has been at the Crossroads Restaurant on Hwy 85 (Arthur St.) coming into Elmira.
Club Repeaters
The Club owns and operates a Kenwood UHF Repeater (444.700 /+5 offset / 131.8 tone) located South-West of Elmira, and a Yaesu Fusion UHF repeater (444.700 /+5 offset / 123 tone) at the Elmira Firehall. A Yaesu Fusion VHF repeater (147.390 /+.6 offset / 123 tone) is also located at the Elmira Firehall. Note that this repeater was moved from pltone 131.8 to 123 in September of 2016.
A daily net is held every morning from 08:15 till 09:00 on the VHF repeater at 147.390. This VHF repeater is on IRLP node 2403 and EchoLink node VE3ERC-R. The UHF repeater is IRLP node 2404.
On Wednesday morning there will be a shortened net due to the weekly coffee get-together, the times are 08:00 till 08:30. This shortened net uses the same VHF repeater, at frequency 147.390.
A full net will be held on all Wednesday evenings, except the Club meeting evening on the 4th Wednesday, from 20:00 till 21:00 on the regular repeater frequency. All nets are run by a number of members of the Elmira Radio Club, with the schedule listed in the Club Newsletter and on the Calendar.
The nets can also be found on the EchoLink *TECHLINK* conference on EchoLink node 9229. Join the Elmira Radio Club nets on this conference server. (Although you can go directly to EchoLink node VE3ERC-R, you may have difficulty connecting during the nets.) Note that the conference server is disconnected at 09:15 daily and at 21:00 sharp Wednesdays.
Repeater Equipment Details
The current repeater equipment for UHF is a Kenwood, model TKR 820, running 15 Watts out of a Duplexer into a four element Bluewave UHF Antenna on top of the Elmira Feed Mill at an elevation of about 100Ft. The VHF machine is a Yaesu Fusion repeater, located in the Firehall, with the antenna on the siren tower. There are also two microwave mesh nodes, one 2.4 GHz, one 5.8 GHz, on the siren tower. These will eventually be used to provide digital communications to the repeater site and to the area served by the Elmira Radio Club. There is now an HF antenna for 40M, 20M and 15M located on the roof of the Firehall, which should be available to allow operating HF before, during, or after Club meetings.
There are three spare repeaters ready to go if the main equipment fails. One repeater is installed at Al's location and the other repeater is in Carl's hands. Bruce VA3QB no longer has room for the IRLP computer, so until it is relocated to somewhere with an adequate antenna, IRLP on the UHF repeater will not be available.
Other Club Equipment
The club's field day equipment is as follows:
The main antenna is a 3 element beam which is good for 40 meters through 6 meters.
The secondary antenna is a G5RV.
The tower consist of a 2-inch pipe with slip-in guides and guy wire connectors. An antenna rotor and controller completes the assembly.
The first HF transceiver is a Kenwood, model TS440 and an Icon, model IC746.
Power is supplied via a Honda generator. 2.5 KW, True Sine wave.
Club Officers and Incorporation
At the June 2018 meeting, the club elected the following executive and committees for the Club:
- President: Brian, VA3DXK
- Vice-President: Ted, VE3TRQ
- Secretary: Tom, VE3DXQ
- Treasurer: Paul, VA3PDC
- Trustee: John, VE3JXX
- Newsletter Editor: Bob, VE3IXX
- QSL Manager: Paul, VA3PDC
- Repeater manager and maintenance person: Wes, VE3ML
- Website Admin: Ted, VE3TRQ
- Maple Syrup Festival: Al, VA3TET
Club Dues
- $40 annually for RAC members, $50 annually for non-RAC members
- Payable in March of each year
Sometime in 1990 a group of 7 people decided that they would setup a radio club. All members were from Elmira, ON. Bob Naylor appears to have been the leader of the group. Carl Roney, Jim Heidmiller and John Wood were part of the initial club members and are to this day still active club members.
Past President were (apparently)* John Scheringa, Jim Heidmiller and John wood. Alan MacDonald was elected president in 2008. Silent keys are Michael Dent and Bing Harris.
*History is sketchy at best. If there are members that have a better picture of it all please let me know.


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Our shop opened in the fall of 2006. It was a dream finally realized. The beginning of a new chapter in my life. An exciting venture that I could hardly wait to embark on. Our storefront had to make a statement from the monochromatic scene around us. I decided on a robin egg blue for the outside with chocolate brown signage. A local artist painted the topiary and sign. This is the space that I can let my creativity run loose. And so it began.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Posted by Stokes and Company at 12:11 PM
1 comments:
- Brandy said...
Your blog looks great! I added it to my blog. You MUST take a pic of that amazing prom dress you have in your store and post it. I know so many gals that would just swoon over it!
- September 28, 2007 at 1:22 PM
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Back again with more British Wrestling chat. This weeks news covers PCW, RCWA, GPW, Southside, Elite, Bellatrix, FPW, Rev Pro & IPW. We are then joined by Harvey Dale who is with us for the remainder of the show. We run through the results for LCW, EAW, NGW, Triple X & W3L. We then review this past weekends shows including Fight Club Pro, FutureShock #68 and Future Pro Wrestling. During which Charman has issues with a small child. Then moving into the Previews we cover ICW, EAW & EWA and then Harvey Dale goes over the debut House Of Pain Evolution show. We then spend a bit of time chatting with Harvey who gives us an exclusive HOPE2 Match Announcement
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


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Saturday, February 9, 2008
SQL Server memory and CLR assemblies
many a times i have seen cases where people say that they have memory pressure due to CLR objects ..we always feel that ( include me as well ) CLR objects / assemblies will only consume MemToLeave ..but it also consumes the buffer pool..butttt most SQL CLR memory allocations occur outside of the SQL Buffer Pool in MemToLeave area (384 MB by default)..
[ Mem2Leave= 255 worker threads x .5MB +256 MBStack size<--called as -g switch]
Now , There are two types of memory pressures
1) Physical memory pressure based on the amount of available system memory
2) Virtual Address Space (VAS : 2 gigs by default on 32 bit architecture)memory pressure based on the number of available virtual addresses.
Query sys.dm_os_memory_clerks dmv :
select single_pages_kb + multi_pages_kb + virtual_memory_committed_kb from sys.dm_os_memory_clerks where type = 'MEMORYCLERK_SQLCLR'
Here single_pages_kb is buffer pool and multi_pages_kb is MemToLeave area..the same and better output can be seen in DBCC Memorystatus as well.
Now,SQL CLR can't use so much memory that it causes external physical memory pressure (Don't ask why :D).
So, SQL CLR will not be alowed to use more than 256 MB by default..
Now , if you are getting errors like :
Error: 701 , Severity: 17, State: 123.
There is insufficient system memory to run this query.
failed to reserve a contiguous space of 65536 K
first thing I would suggest is concentrate on the CLR Assemblies and see if we can optimize it
Other stuff we can do is increasing Mem2Leave area by using -g384 or -g512 in the startup parameters (if we see that the buffer pool is not heavily used)...further we can check if there is no harm using /3gb switch in the boot.ini file ....keep server activity confined to SQL Server , keep you database finely tuned by using more SPs , updating stats , defragmenting disks , rebuilding indexes .....
if nothing is helping you move to 64 bit machines :D.......thts the last option....
Never , use CLR based assemblies on a Virtual server ....
Your comments are welcome ...
4 comments:
- J said...
Can you elaborate on the last line of your post?
"Never , use CLR based assemblies on a Virtual server"
We have a client that insists on hosting our 150GB db (OLTP/DSS with heavy clr use) on VMWare and we are experiencing issues...many issues, but lately issues dealing with clr appdomain unloads/out of memory issues.
Thanks in advance!
- February 25, 2009 at 11:04 AM
- Abhay said...
Hi ,
In your case most probably the platform is x86 ...So you have a 2 GB VM limitation .Here CLR will be eating up VM from M2L which is by default 384 MB ...Most probably the defaullt that it needs is 100 MB , which is quite high ..
Now , the reason i requested not to use CLR in virtual enviornment is because there is not only VM limitation but also CPU , Physical memory limitation .
Anyway , the solution in your case is to move to 64 bit platform and then try CLR on VMWARE as this is not the physical memory but virtual memory pressure ..On 64 bit you have VAST VM for each process ..
- February 25, 2009 at 6:13 PM
- J said...
Actually, we are already on x64 and vmware and we keep getting "appdomain unloading due to memory pressure" errors. We have already applied SQL 2005 SP3, but no luck.
I think we are just hitting a memory ceiling. Currently have 16GB RAM.
Any other ideas?
- March 2, 2009 at 10:05 PM
- Abhay said...
Thats interesting .So this might be a physical memory pressure because virtual memory pressure is not at all possible on x64 .Can you tell me how much memory SQL Server instance been allocated for the one in question and how much does it uses [you need to check perfmon Target ans total server memory during the high load time ].You might want to also try and find out if memory is being consumed by some other resources .
Are you also getting 17883,17884 , 701 etc ...any dumps being generated ..
If possible send me the data through FTP .
You can mail me data at firstname.lastname@example.com or email@example.com if the zip file is small ..
we might need some optimization but i need to see my friend ...this looks strange if happening on x64 ...
Regards alwys ..
- March 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM


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Pink Shirt Day 2018
This is a bully-free zone, that's for sure. Nothing but love an acceptance in this office – on Pink Shirt Day and every day!Read More
Festival of Trees 2017
Once again, we're so happy to be participating in Festival of Trees, benefitting BC Children's Hospital. Come down to the Bay Centre in downtown Victoria, any time between now and the new year to admire all of the beautiful trees . Be sure to make a …Read More
Fundraising Dinner October 3
On Tuesday, October 3rd we hosted a fundraising dinner in partnership with Agrius Restaurant. All proceeds of the evening benefitted Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and the new Youth Mental Health Hub they opened downtown this fall. For more information about the Hub, please …Read More
Another Great Update from Rwanda!
A happy and inspiring update from our friends at Rwanda Rising: "With your donation I am putting 2 village girls without fathers through 8 months of seamstress training in a good shop near our office. It includes paying for material that they will use and …Read More
Update from Rwanda Rising
We love getting happy updates from causes we support! Here is one from our friends at "Rwanda Rising" – supporting Rwandan widows and orphans: "This was our biggest class in 9 years, graduated in languages, accounting, math & chemistry, as well as carpentry, sewing, auto …Read More
Youth Mental Health Hub in Victoria
Kelsi, Tracey, and Dale were so honoured and excited to be part of a wonderful evening to kick off fundraising for the new Youth Mental Health Hub Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and their partners are building in downtown Victoria. This MUCH needed service …Read More
Thanks from BC Children's
We are passionate about helping children, and BC Children's Hospital Foundation is one of our favourites to support! Recently we were involved in two wonderful events – always an honour to be recognized.Read More
Ocean 98.5 Radiothon 2017
Between 3 and 4 today is Prosperity Planning's miracle hour! Please call 250-519-KIDS (5437) to support the BC Children's Hospital Foundation and the Ocean 98.5 Radiothon for Kids. If you listen then you'll hear Kelsi on the air, and better yet if you call in …Read More
Jeans Day 2017
As you all know, BC Children's Hospital Foundation is one of our favourite charities to support. We are part of a couple of events upcoming – Ocean 98.5's Radiothon For Kids on May 12, and the Family Fun Day & 1K Fun Run/Walk on May …Read More
Festival of Trees 2016
BC Children's Hospital Festival of Trees – Victoria is underway! This year, instead of a whimsical candy tree, we went for a classy, formal tree. Isn't she beautiful!? Please, head down to the Bay Centre and check out all of this year's beautiful trees. And …Read More


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Recent Study at Kaspersky Lab Shows Shocking Results! – Is Your Business Informed on Virtual Server Security Threats?
Virtual servers are becoming an on-going tool in the business enterprise world. They take the place of traditional servers that run only one operating system at a time. Instead, virtual servers contain multiple separate "software containers." Each separate container runs its own operating system. These software containers are the virtual server. Each of the isolated virtual machines believes it is a separate physical computer and accordingly behaves like so.
The major benefit that comes with virtualization is a more efficient use of existing resources and better testing environments. So it's no wonder businesses everywhere are adopting this method. Unfortunately, it was shown in a recent study made by Kaspersky Labs that IT professionals are merely aware that virtual environments need securing, but yet do not understand how to fully defend against any potential threats.
While there are many beneficial reasons to choose running a virtual server, there are also some security concerns. For example, virtual servers are all isolated and treated as separate machines, yet still rely on the host operating system. So if something were to happen to the main host operating system, it may compromise all of the virtual servers.
The recent study by Kaspersky Labs found that:
- 43% of respondents in the survey see security concerns to be a significant barrier to implementing virtualization
- 41% of survey respondents stated that managing security solutions within virtual environments is a struggle.
- More than half of the survey respondents noted that their company has only partially implemented security solutions in the virtual environment.
- 36% claimed that virtual server security concerns are significantly lower than physical servers
- 46% believe the virtual environment can be protected using conventional security solutions
Despite these beliefs, it is important to note that the virtual server is as vulnerable as its physical counterparts. There is even malware made that specifically seeks out and targets virtual environments – innovative ways to compromise servers are always being made. So whether your business chooses a physical or virtual server, you are still at risk. It is therefore crucial to stay informed on what these threats are and how they can be tackled to ensure the best possible security and safety of your company!
Don't let you business fall victim to these server compromises! If you have any questions on virtual servers and their threats contact our IT team today. You can give us a call at (425) 998-9199 or send us an email at email@example.com.
Silvertip IT provides Managed IT Services & IT Support Services to businesses in the Pacific Northwest. We help small and large companies in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Renton and other locations throughout the city of Seattle, King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County within the Puget Sound region.
"I can't emphasize enough how much we rely on and trust the IT professionals from Silvertip IT. Silvertip is always available when needed, whether remotely, in our office, or over the phone. We can rely on Silvertip IT whether it's during office hours, evening hours, or on weekends. And believe me, we needed them because before they we found Silvertip we had our share of IT issues!"-Shimizu and Shimizu CPA
read more»


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This is my entry in the quickpage contest at CSD and a FREEBIE to you. This amazing kit is Loving You by Azur Design. Check out other freebie quickpages, and this contest (prize $10 to spend in CSD store) open to everyone HERE, where you will also find fabulous challenges, other freebie downloads, tips and ideas.
New Release – Waiting for Santa
1 year ago


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Oasis Women's Sober Living Community
Oasis Sober Living
13832 Polk Street, Sylmar, CA 91342
818-362-0986 phone email@example.com
Welcome to Oasis Sober Living.
Please visit our Go Fund Me Page.
Thank you.
Please visit our GO FUND ME PAGE
Each woman who comes to Oasis is seeking the treasure of her life. THE We offer guidance and a place to do the important work of recognizing and becoming the hero of one's own journey.
We learn to be better parents to ourselves and our children.
We learn to live in community and to contribute.
We learn to transform our trauma into our treasure.


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Here is the Frisco Rod and Gun Outer Banks Fishing Report for Hatteras Island.
Today was another beautiful day. We had east winds this afternoon around 5-10 mph with temperatures in the mid 70's.
Avon is reporting puppy drum and bluefish. Buxton is reporting puppy drum and sea mullet. Frisco reports bluefish, a couple of blow toads and puppy drum. Hatteras has reported puppy drum.
The inshore anglers had a good time catching drum and the speckled trout were of nice size and limits were caught.
The offshore boats had good catches of blackfin tuna and dolphin. The boats that fished bottom had lots of triggergfish, snapper and amberjacks. The wahoo bite was scattered. There was a blue marlin released today.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Check Out Today's Pink Product:
Allen Gun Sock For Handguns
Fits most handguns. Draw sting closure.
2017-2018 NC Hunting Season Click on the highlighted link to see the seasons and limits for Big Game, Small Game, Dove, Waterfowl and Webless Migratory Game Birds
*New in stock SMITH and Suncloud sunglasses.*yeti
**Muck Boots Instock now**
Yeti Coolers, Ramblers, Clothes and Accessories, Salt Life clothing, Woolrich, Browning, Hatley, New Sperry Shoes Instock, Costa T-Shirts and more coming in all the time. **Select Sperry shoes 30-50% off, Select Clothing 30-50% off**
Come by and see us at Frisco Rod and Gun, located at 53610 Hwy 12, across from Billy Mitchell Airstrip and Ramp 49. Open year round, 364 days a year. Visit us in the store or shop online anytime at friscorodandgun.com


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What is the Summer Exhibition at The Brick Store Museum?
The Brick Store Museum, contrary to the implied name, is a well-regarded local history museum with national accreditation. As a past president of the organization, I am an avid supporter of this wonderful organization. It was founded in an historic "brick building" that used to be a "store," thus the name. Recently, I was able
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Come join Totoro on his adventures and discover that friendship is soft, blue, and has pointy ears.
Christmas the 2nd | Part 20
On Christmas morning we were too excited to sleep and got up at 4:45am.
After checking that Santa came we settled in for the long wait for the others to get up.
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Rick Mills
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Minimalist Home Garden Ideas ~ Halamanku Halamanmu
Bathroom Remodel Tile Ideas under will provide you with great concept how one can decor your own home sweet residence. My favorite is a D shaped shuffle hoe, however if you are using one for breaking up soil within the vegetable backyard then quaint backyard hoe is helpful. Smaller backyard artwork pieces or those positioned in direction of the rear of the backyard gain prominence in winter because the foliage and flowers of summer fade away. Incorporate the design qualities of a potager in your personal backyard by planting greens in groupings as a substitute of lengthy rows and creating patterns with totally different crops.
She was an American garden author with enthusiasm, experience, and a method of sharing her knowledgeable insights by means of her own backyard; as in 'Helen Van Pelt Wilson's Own Garden and Landscape Book'. From planning a new garden to refreshing an existing area, our practical design ideas will allow you to create a structure to match your needs, interests and way of life. When I grow my tomatoes especially I plant marigolds in hanging baskets and hang them from overhead in my growing enclosures and it keeps the garden pests away. A spectacular garden house can easily be created with little or no money and a few creativeness.
LOL Thank you for such a well accomplished presentation of ideas illustrated with excellent footage. This style of garden lends itself to companion planting which can help to repel pests naturally. Get landscaping ideas via hundreds of landscape pictures and professional articles about backyards, entrance yards, patios, out of doors kitchens and extra. It's a simple and cheap construction (nothing fancy) the main frame being 50mm (2 inch) by 75mm (three inch) timber and clad with exterior plywood, which was additionally used to make a easy but useful door.
I assume because of this I'm fighting the backyard as a result of the cordyline and the camellia don't 'match' if that makes any sense 🙂 but I do actually love the cordyline ,in truth I love anything a bit unique looking and wish to go together with that sort of vibe ( well as exotic as you can get in Cornwall!! Munstead Wood is the place that she devised her theories about planting that feature in her books.
Put up fowl houses and the birds will build nests there and assist to maintain your garden free of bugs and bugs. Now its time for that yard celebration, congratulations on a really nicely carried out entrance page characteristic. I bought some new ideas from reading it. I particularly beloved the previous chair become a container backyard. The admiration of my backyard exhibits me how far more worthy it is for me to spend time there. Choose a soil mixture or potting combination from the backyard middle moderately than utilizing backyard dust. You can create an attractive backyard space with some old furnishings that you are planning to throw out.


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Hammoudeh Food industries is looking forward to employ a well motivated candidate in the position of Quality Control Engineer
Job requirements:
Bachelor degree in Food Science or Technology or in a related field of study.
Minimum 2 years of experience in QC/QA department in the food processing industry.
Understanding of QA methodology and processes.
Understanding of HACCP, Food Quality, Food Safety and sanitation systems and programs.
Must be knowledgeable in food processing equipment and laboratory operations.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills and attention to reporting accuracy.
Demonstrated experience in collecting and analyzing technical information and data.
Excellent Computer skills.
Excellent Interpersonal & Communication Skills.
Location: Al Khaldieh
To apply please send your resume to the following e-mail adding the job title in the subject line:


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Private room in house
1 guest1 bedroom1 bed2 shared baths
1 guest
1 bedroom
1 bed
2 shared baths
The space
This is the second largest room in the house. It is on the lobby facing front door, with very bright lit large windows furnished with all new white closet, bed and desk.
The house was remodeled in 2010. It has carpeted 2nd floor and wooden floor on the lobby. It has a spacious and tidy front yard and backyard with a tree house. It has a powder room and shower in the lobby, a kitchen, laundry room and 2 spacious living rooms (one furnished, one is served as stretching space). All bedrooms are furnished with double size bed and desk. The entire indoor space is 2700 sq feet.
Free parking on premises
Hot tub
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide detector
The host hasn't reported a carbon monoxide detector on the property.
Sleeping arrangements
Bedroom 1
1 double bed
House Rules
Not safe or suitable for children (0-12) and pets
No smoking, parties, or events
Check-in is anytime after 2PM and check out by 10AM
4 Reviews
I am currently retired from government job in Canada. We have met a lot of different people from all over the world for the past 10 years in our private rental properties. Amy and I enjoy sharing their stories and have a tea time or some red wine with our tenants in the summer…
Languages: Deutsch, 中文
Response rate: 100%
Response time: within an hour
Always communicate through AirbnbTo protect your payment, never transfer money or communicate outside of the Airbnb website or app.
The neighbourhood
Things to do near this home
Explore other options in and around Redmond
More places to stay in Redmond:


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- traven123Asked on December 28, 2015 at 11:43 PM
I tried to copy and paste the image url but I got this error message.
- JotForm SupportChriistianAnswered on December 29, 2015 at 05:09 AM
Can you provide us more details on the issue you are encountering? Please provide to us the link or name of the form in question. Also, kindly provide to us the URL/link to the image you try to access when you encounter the issue so we can further check the issue.
We will wait for your response.
- traven123Answered on December 29, 2015 at 11:19 AM
link to form https://www.scholarsapp.com/applynow/
link of image [PATCH_logo+tag-Blue.jpg] https://s3.amazonaws.com/jotformWidgets/imagePreview/53596674988178/9295290PATCH_logo+tag-Blue.jpg
also is there a way to get rid of the name of the image? In this case I would like to get rid of "[PATCH_logo+tag-Blue.jpg] " but keep the url. Is this possible?
- BorisAnswered on December 29, 2015 at 01:02 PM
Thank you for providing the exact URL for the image, we can see the issue you are reporting about the XML error. I have checked the file you are referring to, and the actual file is correctly accessible when the plus sign (+) is encoded as %2B, so this link should work correctly for accessing and downloading the file:
Notice that the only change is from 9295290PATCH_logo+tag-Blue.jpg into 9295290PATCH_logo%2Btag-Blue.jpg on the link. Can you please let us know if this image was actually being uploaded with a plus sign in the file name, so that we can send a report to our developers to try and resolve this issue automatically?
Also, from where did you get that link to download the file - was the link from the email alerts you received, or from the submissions page of your form, or from one of the submission reports? As far as I can tell, links in the submissions page seem to work fine, even with + signs in the file names.
Please let us know, and we will be happy to raise it to our developers.
> also is there a way to get rid of the name of the image? In this case I would like to get rid of "[PATCH_logo+tag-Blue.jpg] " but keep the url. Is this possible?
I'm afraid that this isn't directly possible, because the URL to the image will depend on the file name that the image had when it was being uploaded. As we do not rename files which are being uploaded, if you need the file names to be in a certain format, you would have to ask your users to only upload images that are named in that certain way.
You can use a regular Text field above the image uploading field on the form to explain any such requirements to your users. I hope this helps.
- traven123Answered on December 29, 2015 at 01:11 PM
The link works for me too! Thank you!
Yes the file name did have the "+" in it when it was uploaded.
I got it from the submission pageI do not have a problem with what the users call the image. It seems that the format is [Name of image when uploaded]link to where the image is saved. I would just like the link to be seperated from the image name so that I can easily get the images instead of copying and pasting certain parts of the cell in excel.
- BorisAnswered on December 29, 2015 at 02:14 PM
You are kindly welcome, I'm happy to hear that the modified link works as desired.
Thank you for confirming about the file names. I'm raising this to our developers as a bug, so that we can see about making the download links in the downloaded Excel files work correctly as well, even when they include the plus sign.
We will update you through this thread when we have any news from our developers regarding this issue.
When it comes to your second question regarding separating image name and links, in order not to cause confusion with the topic of this thread that was raised to our developers, I have moved it to a new thread:
We will be supporting you with it there, shortly. Thank you.
- JotForm SupportTitusNAnswered on June 03, 2016 at 12:44 AM
You don't have to worry about images with the + sign in the filename anymore, the Image upload preview widget will handle such images appropriately.
Thank you for your patience.


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AJ is not a baby anymore. She is a big girl and she knows it. She's asserting herself by whining. She goes out of her way to protect her baby sister. But my favorite "growing up" thing she does right now is come up with excuses as to why she can't say certain things.
My darling soon-to-be 3-year-old is learning two languages at once and she's definitely taken to English more better. (teehee) She understands me completely when I speak French, but she still has a hard time saying many of the words. So she's come up with an excuse that she uses all the time to get away from speaking French. The funny part is that she now recognises this as being "funny" so she uses this line to try to get away with anything. Cleaning up her toys. Holding her own cup. Going to bed.
And her excuse is:
"But I can't mommy. My mouth is too big."


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Torn between two numbers: Library of Congress, or Dewey?
I am experiencing something of a crisis of faithfulness this morning regarding my preferred system of book-cataloguing. As with all metaphysical dilemmas and matters of the heart, this one requires a bit of backstory, so get some (more) coffee and be patient.
Travel back in time with me to 1983, I believe it was. My college advisor invited me to join him on a weekend research trip up to Austin to the U. of Texas' (Hook 'em!) Perry-Castañeda Library, a building of 6 floors, each of which held far more books than my college's entire library held. This was the sort of place that already held over a million books and still had a couple of floors that had rows and rows and ROWS of completely empty shelves. My job was to go up into the stacks of this place and pull volumes that my advisor wanted to look at. Pure go-fer work, but I didn't care: my advisor had by that time become a surrogate father to me, and hey--what better intellectual aphrodisiac is there than the smell of slowly-decaying paper?
The glare of the lights of this academic Paree was blinding that day, let me tell you. But I think what permanently turned my head was that it was also my first exposure to a library that used Library of Congress call numbers and not the Dewey Decimal system to catalogue its books. All those books, and all those LOC letters and numbers on the spine . . . I thought to myself that I'd need to take provisions in there lest I starve to death while looking for books. But how wrong I was. Let me put it this way: it was not until I'd looked up a couple of books this new way that I began to realize just how clunky Dewey was to use.
Dewey became Old School (in the uncomplimentary sense) to me that day, and in more ways than one: after all, Dewey was my various grade schools' libraries' system. LOC just felt, well, grown up, mature, sophisticated. Sexy, even. But then I became a man and I put away childish things, and all that (though I'm relatively certain Paul didn't quite have this precise issue in mind when he wrote that).
More below the fold, if you dare.
Skip ahead to my Ph.D. days at Rice, where, one day, one of my profs once told us that C. Vann Woodward, one of the great scholars of Southern history, would not direct the dissertations of students who were married or seriously involved with someone. Something to do with his believing that sex was an impediment to serious scholarship. All of us in that class that day were either married or seriously involved with someone and yet thought of ourselves as serious students, so of course we looked bemusedly askance at this. We chuckled, secure in the knowledge that celibacy, not being listed in the Graduate Catalog of Rice University as a prerequisite for being admitted to candidacy for the doctorate, would be a non-issue (heh--no pun intended) as we pursued our various (academic) pursuits.
And then this morning I had (via Clusterflock) a chance encounter with Ms. Dewey. It is a (certainly) sad and (probably) unhealthy commentary on my morning that I found myself just sorta, you know, staring at this Tyra Banks lookalike for a while, noting that her surname was becoming more and more licentious in its connotations in ways that it never had back in my earlier, considerably-more-naïve Dewey days, and thinking, "Who cares about that text box? YOU are what I've been searching for, Ma'am." Were they around these days, Prof. Woodward's students' resolve to remain celibate would have been sternly tested by Ms. Dewey.
So now I'm conflicted. I originally became infatuated with and grew to love, in very short order, LOC because it was so easy. Dewey was so, like, hard. But in the things of love, hard isn't always bad, either. The easy answers and results are sometimes satisfying, but oftentimes not, no? The good things are worth the time and the effort, aren't they? Compare the speed with which Ms. Dewey posts search results with that of Google: Google is all white (chaste) backgrounds and blink-of-an-eye results; Ms. Dewey takes between 5 and 10 seconds--the Internet's equivalent of a Great Calendar, I know. But, um, you know something? I didn't find myself minding all that much. And the 400,000-odd hits for "William Faulkner" I got via Ms. Dewey were more than enough--how many hits, after all, does one really need--or, for that matter, have the time to look at?
Well. My current employer's main campus's library uses the Dewey system. It might be worth a visit to see if that is an old flame worth rekindling.
UPDATE: Sigh. This article reveals who is Ms. Dewey's keeper; you may be disappointed to learn that she doesn't do what she does for fun. Meanwhile, I think we need a Meridian's World Wide Web Corollary to Warhol's Dictum: In the future, everyone will have his/her own Wikipedia entry.
(Hat-tip: "benedict" of the House of Leaves forum)


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Building Centers
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As you stop in to tour our Building Center, you are sure to feel at home as you enjoy viewing some of the options you may want to include within your new home. We have plenty of floor plans to choose from, and while you are at the Building Center you can discuss your floor plan requirements with a Building Consultant. They can assist you with finding a floor plan you will love. If you need more time to peruse the plans, you are welcome to take home brochures, or download our free floor plan book here. We also have a plan search feature on our website so you can choose the number of bedrooms or baths you may want within your home and narrow your plan search results. Regardless of the method you use to find your new house plan, we are eager to see which one you choose to build.
Building Center Interior
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Photos By Location | All Rights Reserved- Copyright 2014 America's Home Place, Inc.


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No-one needs to sleep rough in London. One way you can help rough sleepers is by donating.
All our London Curriculum resources are free to use, but we'd like to find out a bit about you so that we can keep in touch. Your feedback will help make what we do even better! Thank you.


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Last Updated: 15-10-2018
Andy is the Desktop Android Emulator which serves as Platform to Connect PC and Mobile. This software is developed to Create Android Environment on System Similar to BlueStacks App Player. In addition, it completely works as an Android Mobile which gets all the updates & upgrades. Also, it not only allows you to run all applications but also gets the Notifications of all the Messenger or Social Apps. The Key Features include Synchronization, Remote Controlling, Auto-Update, Easy and Customizable Interface. Download Andy for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 and older versions of Windows. Also, this android emulator is compatible with both 32-Bit as well as 64-Bit architecture.
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Zeus's Recreational Thunderbolt is a short film directed, produced, written and edited by Scott Pincus. The film, which stars Scott, Mitchell Patterson and Gabe Sagherian, was also a school project for Scott and Mitchell's English class. The project had them creating a Greek infomercial advertising a product associated with Greek mythology.
Mitchell stars as Zeus, who is trying to order a new product known as the Recreational Thunderbolt from Jake from Greek Farms, who is played by Gabe. Yet Poseidon, who is played by Scott, opposes the idea of the Thunderbolt being given to the public, as it would be a dangerous weapon. The film was released on February 17, 2014, although it was shot and presented back in late-September 2013.
The film was followed by an indirect sequel, titled Demeter's Oatlympians Endorsement.
The film opens with Zeus calling Jake from Greek Farms, acting as a parody to the "Jake from State Farms" commerical. Suddenly, Poseidon walks over and questions Zeus as to who he's calling. Zeus explains that he's calling Jake from Greek Farms, who soon appears from behind Poseidon, much to his surprise. Zeus and Jake reveal the Recreational Thunderbolt, a weapon created by Greek Farms that they'll be releasing to the public. Zeus claims that the Thunderbolt is as strong as if not stronger than his own Thunderbolt, which Poseidon disagrees with.
Unsure of the safety of the product, Poseidon continuously cites the fact that people won't be able to use the Thunderbolt for constructive and harmless things. At one point, Jake shoots the Thunderbolt at Poseidon's feet, although he avoids the blast. After a brief debate, Zeus and Jake manage to convince Poseidon that even if the Thunderbolt isn't as good as Zeus's original one, it's still good for mortals. Jake then gives the audience the remaining pieces of information on the Thunderbolt, including its price and the fact that it is in limited quantity.
The short-film ends with Jake allowing Poseidon to test out the Thunderbolt. He presses the button on the handle and shoots at the grass, starting a small fire in the process. Zeus tells him it would probably be good if he put it out, and Poseidon agrees and goes off to do so.


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If there's anything I'm always up for trying it's products related to weight loss, health and fitness. As I've got older I find myself growing more and more interested in fitness and of course aware about looking after my health, so as you can imagine I jumped at the chance to try Slimming Solutions' Teatox* and they kindly provided me with a 14 day supply of their Teatox. I'm not new to the world of teatoxing so I felt pretty clued up with what to expect from this one and was really excited to try it as I'd got on so well with other brands of teatox in the past, I was looking forward to seeing how Slimming Solutions' treated my body.
Like most other teatox, there is a morning blend which you take every day in the morning and an evening blend which you take every other evening. The instructions on the packets of both tell you to leave the teabags in hot water and let them brew for 2-3 minutes. It specifies hot water, not boiling which I found a bit strange but I've actually grown to prefer it as it means I can drink the tea straight away rather than having to wait for it to cool down. During the 14 days of using these teas I found that if I didn't push the teabag against the side of the cup with a spoon the tea didn't seem to infuse very well; as in the water barley turned a different colour. Maybe it's meant to be that way, I'm not sure, but it's easily solved with just a little bit of pressure with a teaspoon!
Sometimes teatoxes can be a bit on the foul tasting side, there's no denying that, but Slimming Solutions' teas are hands down the best when it comes to taste. There's no overpowering, sharp herbal taste to them at all, they have actually quite a similar, mild taste to green tea which I personally really like. I wouldn't go as far to say they were tasteless, but there is certainly no overbearing taste to them which makes them pleasant and easy to drink. The evening blend does have a very, very slight taste of senna (laxatives, to put it bluntly), but it's not a bad thing at all, it actually tastes quite nice to me, but it's so slight it's easy to ignore.
While I'm on the topic of laxatives, the evening blend does warn that it might have a laxative effect for the first few days of the teatox. The first teatox I ever did (read my review here) I pooped a lot, sorry again for being so blunt. The second one, I barely did at all and with the Slimming Solutions' teatox I had the same; hardly any poop. This is good if like me you have a lot of early starts so spending your morning on the toilet when you could be getting ready is never ideal, but at the same time (oh gosh, sorry this is going to sound so gross) I do feel somewhat cleansed and detoxified if I do have those laxative effects. Saying that, despite the fact I've not had those effects I've still felt very detoxified and cleansed, and I think that's definitely a good sign that I feel this way even though I haven't had laxative effects.
I absolutely love all the detoxifying effects this teatox has had on me; I've had a significant boost in my energy levels and has definitely been the biggest change in energy I've got from doing a teatox. After taking my tea in the morning I feel perky, clear headed and ready for the day ahead. I also have found myself feeling and looking less bloated, and in general healthier than prior to starting the teatox. Obviously I did still feel bloated after having a big dinner once or twice while I was taking the teatox, but aside from that I didn't have any days were I felt especially chubby for once, you know what I'm talking about, when you have those 'fat days'. If you don't know what I'm talking about, well, you are a lucky one.
Although it is a Slimming Solutions product, the teatox doesn't claim to actually aid weight loss at all, its purpose is purely meant to be for detoxing. With other teatoxes I've done in the past which do promise weight loss results I have been disappointed as I've only found myself losing a few pounds whilst on them and eating healthily. I've had the same results while taking this teatox (only a few pounds lost), which is expected as I've not been on a strict diet for the whole two weeks, but I do think this teatox is good as it doesn't promise weight loss like others I've tried. I'd rather no promise at all than one that it doesn't live up to!
The Slimming Solutions teatox has definitely been a great way to get my body feeling happier and healthier; I feel clear minded and not bloated in the slightest during the whole period of taking these which has been great. Although it doesn't promise to aid weight loss like others on the market I found personally it had exactly the same effect on my weight as those ones that do claim to help it, which in my eyes makes it better as I've found it lives up to exactly what it says to do on the tin.


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Hello Lovelies~
Last night while playing with my make up, I found a color combination that's just ~perfect~ for fall! (As always, please forgive the lighting in my room. I'm working on fixing it ^^; )
This look is called 'Dreaming of Sunsets'
What I Used! : All Over - Light Gold
Eyelid - Light pink
Crease - Tangerine
Eyeliner - Gold
Second Liner - Red
Lips - Molten Honey / Light Bronze
Here is the look from a bit further away. I really light how this turned out. It makes me long for the trees to change colors and hot apple cider. I love sunsets in early October, thus the name ^_^
The orange shirt wasn't planned when I did this look. It's actually may favorite shirt for doing most anything when I'm not in my frills. I've had it for just about ever and it's been though yard work, painting houses, painting scenery sets when I took drama classes, and now it goes through make up sessions with me when I decide to get chocolate brown eyeshadow all over my fingers and somehow run out of makeup remover. ~"^o^"~
Does anyone else have a favorite Non Lolita item in their wardrobe? One that is always there for you when you feel down and make you feel better when you put it on? For me it's a baggy plain orange t-shirt. What's yours?


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79715432018-09-17T04:48:57.193+01:00Alice's Grown Up BlogAlicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-75315947503658585162011-08-03T11:41:00.000+01:002011-08-03T11:41:38.027+01:00Winky Face!I'm just going to come right out and say it. I am not a huge fan of emoticons. I do not use a happy face to indicate happiness, or a sad face to indicate sadness. I don't even use LOL when texting or IMing, as I prefer a simple "ha!" to get the idea of laughter accross.

However, I will acknowledge that I am in the minority. If there was a battle, I lost. Emoticons have won, and I accept their place in the world. I will even admit that they can make the tone of an email or text or whatever clear if the words themselves don't convey the proper meaning. I don't use them myself, but if someone sends me a frowny face or a confused face, I understand their meaning and move on with my life.

Except!

The winky face. If there is one emoticon I cannot stand, it is the winky face. You know the one I mean:

;)

The intended meaning, as far as I'm aware, is to convey cheekiness or sassiness. And it drives me up the freaking wall. Because here is the thing. In real life, people smile at each other, or frown, or have big smiles, or stick out their tongues (which, ugh), or look surprised. All of which have a corresponding emoticon to convey these expressions.

Do you know what people don't do? Wink at each other. Constantly wink at each other. And if they do, they should stop, because I'm sure they'll just develop a twitch of some kind.

There only two contexts I can think of where winking is appropriate in real life.

One: If you are playing a joke on someone and want to let someone they are with in on the joke subtly. A wink at that person while continuing the joking will get that message across, and then hopefully they'll get in on the joke and you'll all have some fun times.

Two: A pickup wink, done in jest. Possibly accompanied by finger guns. This works in almost any circumstance in life, and is generally delightful.

That's it! Those are the only two situations in which you should be winking! Or maybe if you're trying to get a contact back in place. But blinking would also accomplish this, so let's forget that one.

Two!

So, when I see people (and god help me, so many people do this) use the winky face after a comment they mean to be funny, all I can think is STOP STOP STOP! If you need to use an emoticon (and I really must stress that no one needs to use an emoticon) in that case, will the smiley face not do? What is wrong with the good old smiley face? Are you too good for the smiley face??

Your cheekiness comes across as far less cheeky if you have to tell me you're being cheeky! (Also, the work cheeky looks funny when you write it too many times. Cheeky.) Would you really wink in real life after you said whatever you just said? I thought not. It's just dumb. Stop it.

However, if someone develops an emoticon for the double finger guns, I will have to bow to their genius and gladly allow all winky face/double finger gun emoticon combos, as they will be hilarious.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-5541611287794655322011-08-03T11:17:00.000+01:002011-08-03T11:17:10.742+01:00Mug of the Day - 3 August

Cuba!Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-72160841188694599742011-08-02T11:10:00.000+01:002011-08-03T11:15:23.739+01:00Mug of the Day - 2 August

Bruges! It's my most multi-lingual mug, as it also says "Bruges" and "Brujas".Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-13877055411572078422011-07-29T10:59:00.000+01:002011-07-29T10:59:05.965+01:00Mug of the Day - 29 July

The kings and queens of Scotland. Educational!Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-62700898957864123672011-07-28T09:43:00.000+01:002011-07-28T09:43:39.189+01:00Mug of the Day - 28 July

Barcelona is one of my favourite mugs. I think it's so pretty.Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-52942118904718787332011-07-26T15:16:00.000+01:002011-07-26T15:16:44.770+01:00Pop Music WarsI'm a fan of The Critical Condition, which has insightful and often very funny pop culture commentary. And I'm a fan of pop music. So, imagine my delight when those two things merged together in what I say, without hesitation, is THE GREATEST MUSICAL CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME!

I mean, really. How can you not love this:

You will decide the winner in an epic match-up among the 64 best pop songs released since 1981.
I've very much enjoyed the first round of voting, although some of the choices have been tougher than I anticipated. So, go and vote, and then come back and I'll tell you who I voted for and why.

Seriously, go and vote.

Right. So, the first votes have been in the Joy Bomb category. And the choices have been excellent. Almost every song has made me want to get up and dance.

Game 1: Madonna's Like A Prayer vs Steve Winwood's Higher Love

Now, I won't lie to you. Higher Love is a very good song. It's happy. It's very very catchy. But, come on. Like A Prayer is one of my all time favourite songs, ever. And, I would say, one of the best pop songs ever. It's also a great karaoke song. This one was a total no brainer. Like A Prayer all the way.

Game 2: Chumbawumba's Tubthumping vs Human League's Don't You Want Me

This is the first round in which a pattern started to emerge with my voting. (I'll let you see if you can figure it out.) I like Don't You Want Me a lot. I love story songs, especially duets. I love 80s music, especially at its most synthesiser-tastic. But there's just something about Tubthumping that makes me want to jump up out of my chair, start dancing and shouting along with the chorus. I have such specific memories attached to this song, and it makes me smile every time I hear it. Plus, both the band and the song are silly words, which is always pleasing. Tubthumping for the win.

Game 3: Eurythmics' Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) vs George Michael's Freedom 90

This one actually surprised me. I'd have thought for sure it would be the Eurythmics all the way. That song is a classic! But then I listened to them both, and remembered just how much I like Freedom 90. It's so catchy! And that video! (Which, I am aware, shouldn't factor into the decision, but it's iconic!) And, comparing them back to back, I realised that, of the two songs, I think I prefer Freedom. And so it won. (And so the pattern continues.)

Game 4:  The Backstreet Boys' I Want It That Way vs Belinda Carlisle's Heaven Is A Place On Earth

Okay, this is where it gets a bit embarrassing. I may as well just come right out and admit it. I love boy bands. I do, I can't help it. The harmonies, the ballads, the dramatic key changes. It all just hits me right in the cheesy music enjoyment target zone. And I Want It That Way does all of those things so well! It's like they took a "perfect boy band ballad" template and crafted this song. And so, while I do like Belinda C, there was just no way that I could let her win. Sorry Belinda. Backstreet Boys it is. (And, again with the pattern.)

Game 5:  Lady Gaga's Bad Romance vs Dolly Parton's 9 to 5

Well, this one wasn't even a contest. I have no real strong feelings one way or the other for Lady Gaga, but I fucking love Dolly Parton. Love. Her. To. Bits. Even though she would probably be mad at me right now for cursing. Remember how I said I love story songs? 9 to 5 is the story song of every single person in the world who has ever had a job. The lyrics are amazing, the music is amazing, it all just works. I love love love it. Not even a question. Dolly all the way. (This one is pattern free, for the record.)

Game 6: Irene Cara's Flashdance (What A Feeling) vs Deee-Lite's Groove Is In The Heart

I think this was my toughest call. I instinctively was thinking Flashdance. I love that song. It's on my iPod, and I smile every time it comes on. But then I listened to Groove Is In The Heart again. And, as a pop song? It's amazing. And ridiculous! Which makes it even more amazing, because it shouldn't work. It uses a slide whistle! That is not an instrument that you generally find in your average pop song. Yes, Flashdance is ridiculous in its own way, what with it's silly, silly lyrics. But Groove Is In The Heart is just so fucking catchy. Playing them back to back, I still had Deee-Lite in my head hours later. And if that's not the sign of a great pop song, I don't know what is. Deee-Lite it is. (And there's that pattern again!)

Game 7: Culture Club's Karma Chameleon vs Paula Abdul's Straight Up

Okay, I lied.  This was my toughest call. Because I love both these songs.  Karma Chameleon is such a perfect encapsulation of its time and place. It's just a wonderful song. So catchy, and memorable. But Straight Up? Holy crap, 12 year old me loved that song so much that even considering voting against it is like a slap in the face to my early teen years. I actually thought this song came out later than it did (1988, in case you were wondering, although it was on the Billboard charts in early 1989). I associate it much more with the 90s than the 80s, for some reason. Maybe because it feels more like the cheesy pop I was listening to in the early 90s? I'm not sure. But anyway, I love it, so it had to be Paula.

(Bonus Abdul fun: listen to Opposites Attract again sometime. The lyrics are so delightfully dated! Plus: animated cat duet!)

Game 8: Kelly Clarkson's Since U Been Gone vs Tina Turner's What's Love Got To Do With It

This was was the only match-up where I liked, but did not love, both of the songs. I went with Tina Turner, because you know, she's Tina Turner. She's a classic. But I like these songs pretty equally, so it was a bit of a coin toss.

What I realised in my voting is that, although I love 80s music, it's not the music I listened to when I started listening to music. It's the music I listened to ironically (but really did love) in the late 90s when I was at university. But the music that I first listened to? I'm the oldest in my family, so I didn't grow up with an older sibling's music in the background. The music I first listened to on my own was the music of the early 90s. And a pattern definitely started to emerge as I pretty much picked 90s songs over 80s songs every time.

And, I have to say, that surprised me a little.

Next: the Deep Feelings division. I can't talk about that just yet. Time After Time against Total Eclipse of the Heart? I think that Sophie's Choice was actually about this decision. So difficult!Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-40966310940467674232011-07-26T08:39:00.000+01:002011-07-26T08:39:28.302+01:00Mug of the Day - 26 July

In honour of my upcoming Skype chat this evening with my California based friend, I give you San Francisco.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-66318540209994223542011-07-25T09:28:00.000+01:002011-07-25T09:28:04.958+01:00Mug of the Day - 25 July

It was surprisingly hard to find an attractive mug in Istanbul.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-36723468700932774482011-07-24T10:07:00.000+01:002011-07-24T10:07:06.967+01:00Okay, Not Such A Great StartWell, that didn't go so well, did it?

Only one day in to my big plan, and I forgot to post anything yesterday. Well, that's not entirely true. I remembered, but at such a time that I couldn't really do anything about it. And then when I got home from my friend's leaving do, I was a bit drunk and tired, and completely forgot.

So, take two!

I'm currently debating whether or not to be productive today. There are lots of things I could be doing. Or, I could finish re-reading the fifth Harry Potter book. I'm re-reading them all after seeing the final movie, to remind myself how much better the books are compared to the movies. But that's always the case, isn't it? I can't think of any film version I've seen that's actually been better than the movie version.

I actually try to avoid seeing films if I've read the book. I saw that Will Smith movie, I Am Legend, and I spent the entire last third on pins and needles wondering when the big reveal was going to come that the woman and kid staying with him were actually zombies, in disguise and infiltrating his home to lure him out to be captured. Because that's what happens in the book! (Oh, sorry. Spoiler alert for a 57 year old book!)

Only it never happened. And the movie has a happy(ish) ending! The book ending is way better. Much, much, much darker. Probably too dark for audiences of a Will Smith movie. But way better.

I probably won't be productive today. I have the whole week for that kind of nonsense. And it's sunny. So, today's version of productiveness will be to lie out in my sunny garden, and read the most whiny and annoying of all the Harry Potter books.

Seriously, could he be more of a whiny baby? Or a more accurate representation of a fifteen year old? Or could practically any given teenager be more of a whiny baby?

Man, I do not miss being fifteen.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-2549252688566369022011-07-22T10:52:00.000+01:002011-07-22T10:52:49.731+01:00Mid-Year ResolutionI've set myself a mid-year resolution.

I know a lot of people go in for those new-fangled "New Years Resolutions", but I say those are for suckers. It's right after Christmas, you're all exhausted from spending time with your family, fat from eating chocoalate for weeks on end, and hungover from weeks of binge holiday drinking. Are you really in the right frame of mind to make any decisions about your life? I think not.

But mid-July! Now, that's a different story. It's sunny (theoretically), it's warm (theoretically), you're full of the joys of summertime (theoretically). Never mind that it's been raining for the last six weeks basically non-stop, and you're thinking about building an ark in your garden. It's summer! And that is the time when you should be making resolutions.

So, my resolution is this: I am going to remember that I have a blog, and that I like writing on it. And, every day for the next 30 days, I am going to write something and post it.

That's it. Nothing fancy or earth shattering. But I think it will be really good for me. And good for you! Because you'll get to read it! Don't you feel lucky??

So, feel free to check back in. I plan to be here.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-77192838358005854312011-07-22T10:41:00.000+01:002011-07-22T10:41:18.734+01:00Mug of the Day - 22 July

I heart New York.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-73143694184794666162011-05-15T17:09:00.001+01:002011-05-15T17:13:39.777+01:00Thor, and Where Ebert Went Wrong: A Response to Roger EbertRoger Ebert just wrote two blog posts on his site (not official reviews, although I don't know if that makes any kind of difference), thoroughly trashing Thor, which was released in the States last week. He really, really hated this film:

The story might perhaps be adequate for an animated film for children, with Thor, Odin and the others played by piglets. In the arena of movies about comic book superheroes, it is a desolate vastation. Nothing exciting happens, little of interest is said, and the special effects evoke not a place or a time but simply...special effects.
For some odd reason, Thor was released in the UK earlier than it was in the US, and I saw it a few weeks ago. I wasn't particularly looking forward to seeing it. I'd wanted to see Source Code, which wasn't playing. It was a choice between Thor and Arthur, and my friend and I essentially flipped a coin and picked Thor.

Now, I have to confess that I do have a (not-so) secret soft spot for huge blockbuster films. But I'm not a comic film fan-girl, and I don't automatically drool over every Marvel movie. In fact, I slept through the middle bits of both Iron Man films (saw them on planes), despite wanting to like them. That being said, I really enjoyed Thor.

It's a big, fun, ridiculous film. It walks the line very well between being cheesy and taking itself seriously. And why can't a film be both of those things? Now, Ebert had some very spefic complaints, most of which seem to be based on the fact that he wasn't giving the film his full attention. That's a pretty damning comment about a film critic - surely critics should give every film they review their full and utmost attention?

Well, I'm not sure if Ebert saw this film intending to review it - that's not clear in his posts. And, more relevantly, he's human. He has genres of films he loves and respects, and those he does not. I suspect that the category of "comic book films" falls somewhere close to "films based on video games" in his film preferences list. He doesn't like this type of movie, and when he does (The Dark Knight or Spiderman), he seems to like these films despite the fact they're based on comic books.

In fact, from his review of The Dark Knight, he says this:

"Batman" isn't a comic book anymore. Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is a haunted film that leaps beyond its origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy.
That may be true. But it implies that being a comic book is a BAD thing. And I'd argue that it isn't. There is a place for serious, dark, tragic films based on comics. And there is a place for bright, shiny, fun, camp films based on comics. Why does one have to negate the other?

The biggest problems that Ebert seemed to have with Thor seemed to stem from a lack of comprehension of the film. I'd argue that the reason he did not pick up on these details is because he had already dismissed the film as not worth his time. In his defence of his initial post, he says this:

It is impossible for most critics to be familiar with the source material of most movies, and that doesn't bother me. A movie must contain whatever the audience requires in order to enjoy it. It's not required to be "faithful" to its source, as if adaptation were adultery.
I agree with this. A film should stand on its own. A viewer should not have to do research on Wikipedia (as one commenter suggests) to understand the plot points of a film.

However.

The plot points that Ebert claims not to have understood? They're in the film. They don't require knowledge of the comics. I can guarantee this, because I understood them, and I have never read the comics. Very briefly, and in no particular order, here are some of the problems he had with the film:

It was unclear if Asgard was another planet or where it was.  Almost the first lines of the film describe how the Norse people saw the alien visitors from Asgard, thought they were gods and worshipped them. Thor and his buddies fly through space to get to earth. Thor points out where his planet is to Jane. It is mentioned many, many times that there are portals to other worlds, including Earth. I really believe that to not have grasped this point means that you just weren't paying attention.

"I wondered, for example, why a giant metal robot chose to attack a small New Mexico town when it could have been attacking the Golden Gate Bridge."  Because he was sent to kill Thor. He went to where Thor was. There's perhaps an argument for wondering why the portal leads to New Mexico at all, but that's beside the point.

Not knowing if Darcy was a scientist. Now, this is a minor point, and not essential to understanding or enjoying the film. But there is a bit of the film where Darcy asks a very basic scientific question, and upon being asked "I thought you were a science major?", she responds that she majors in political science. She's an intern working for course credit. They cover that.

Thor's hammer is "stuck".  Odin has a whole speech when he takes away Thor's hammer, about only a person worthy of its use will be able to wield it. Maybe that was too subtle? Thor has to earn the right to use it, by becoming a better person/god/whatever

I'm not saying that disliking Thor is wrong, although Ebert certainly thinks that liking it is. I'm saying that he didn't want to like it. And so he didn't pay attention. I have watched many a film in my time, expecting to hate it and finding millions of little points to snark about. I don't think that everyone has to like what I like.

But, surely, if you're getting an outpouring of comments on your initial post saying they enjoyed it from regular film viewers (not just crazy comic fans), and if it does indeed have a 79% positive rating at Rotten Tomatoes, surely then you must at least consider the possibility that you are, if not wrong, then at least in the minority.

Writing a second post, to defend your first trashing of the film and to hurl a bit of abuse those who disagreed with you, feels a little bit childish. In his second post, Ebert says this:

One of my weaknesses is to play with the logic of preposterous movies like this. I consider that an amusing exercise, to be read as entertainment and not taken so damned seriously.
I agree, I do the same thing. However, Thor has an internal logic. Ebert just chose not to see it.

Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-53817476790082552602010-12-27T10:49:00.002+00:002010-12-27T10:49:49.796+00:00I remembered I have a blog!So, it took 3 years, but I finally updated the Steve Guttenberg blog.

Next on the list: this one.Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-28565458143023740802009-11-14T20:46:00.003+00:002009-11-14T20:58:59.810+00:00Change Time!So, last week I turned 32. And that really makes me think I should be at least somewhat of a grown up. I also got to thinking about my blog, and what I want from it. I like it, and don't want to let it die out entirely, but I also realized that I wasn't updating in its current form (which you probably realized as well, if you're still actually checking this. Thanks for that, if you are, by the way). I decided it was time for a change.

The name of this blog has been "Alice's Dark Place" since I started writing it in 2004. The name was based on an inside joke between a friend and I, and was probably never funny to anyone else, at any point ever. Since I am now a grown up, and firmly in my early thirties, I decided I needed to update not only the look but the name. And so we come to "Alice's Grown Up Blog".

And yes, that is the best name I could come up with. And yes, I actually did give it quite a bit of thought.

My life hasn't changed that much since I've last written, but it's definitely gotten busier. I'm doing much more at work, which is great and I love it. My flat is on the market, and I'm thinking of moving to a nice converted Victorian flat and getting out of the purpose built 1970s flat market. The cats are adorable, although Lucy is twice the size of Beez, and I have no idea how that happened.

On the personal side, things have probably changed more. I've been really busy with work, which means I'm not seeing as much of my friends as I would like to. I've done a lot of evaluating of my friendships, and realized that I have some really amazing friends, but that you can't stay friends with everyone forever. Such is life. I'm going to do more to keep in touch with my friends, who I love, and not let work take over my entire life.

I'm also going to buy a flatscreen TV. Life is exciting, people. Exciting!

I want to devote more time to my blog, to Londonist, to Steve Guttenberg and to writing in general. Turns out I like it. And I miss having people read my writing. I've missed y'all!

Anyway, I'm back. It's all very fabulous.Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-49157283095789019812008-12-21T13:00:00.004+00:002008-12-21T13:25:17.448+00:00Found in an old notebook while tidying my flat...Books I Read: Summer '96

(started beginning of June, 1996)

Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
Famous Last Words - Timothy Findley
Another Roadside Attraction - Tom Robbins
The Scarlet Letter - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Prizes - Erich Segal
The Little Drummer Girl - John Le Carre
A Green Desire - Anton Myer
Tess - Katherine Burton
Heiress - Janet Dailey
Watership Down - Richard Adams
Sisters and Strangers - Helen Van Slyke
Moon Shadow - Dawn Stewardson
Butterfly - Kathleen Norris
All The Right Moves - Brenna Tod
Privileged Lives - Edward Stewart
A Ruling Passion - Judith Michael
The Two Towers - J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of The King - J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination Unknown - Agatha Christie
Sand In The Wind - Kathleen O'Neal Gear

(also listed: Books to Read - "John Irving - Prayer for some guy")Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-82744810040420548282008-09-10T13:43:00.004+01:002008-09-10T14:00:18.308+01:00Films I Plan To Never Ever SeeCan I just say that the premise of The Strangers scares the crap out of me? It's terrifying. The scariest thing I can think of.

People come to your house and torture you and then kill you just because you were home? So. Freaking. Scary.

It stars Liv Tyler, who I like, and Scott Speedman, who is dreamy. Normally, the two of them cast as the leads in a movie would get me interested. A rom com with the two of them? Please, as if you could keep me away on opening day.

But, the two of them in a film with a terrifying premise that is giving me anxiety attacks even though I haven't even seen it? Not for me.

I pass the poster every day on my way to work - it's on a phone booth on Balham High Road, just before the tube station. And every single day, I think "God, that's so scary." The poster I pass has the three masked figures on it, and that freaks me out too. They're wearing creepy masks! And two of them are girls!

What is up with these people?

I get easily freaked out when I'm home alone - not in my own house, but in other people's houses. Even my parents' house. I always have to do a full check of the house. You know, to make sure there aren't killers lurking, waiting to kill me. The room that scares me most is bathrooms, but only if the shower curtain is closed. I always have to check behind it, y'know, to make sure the killer isn't standing behind the curtain in the bathtub, and it's always a highly tense moment.

I don't really know where this worry comes from - I didn't watch my first horror movie until I was at university (and I still haven't seen most of the classic 80s ones), and I think that's when I started getting freaked out.

So, what with my worry about killers lurking in wait when I'm home alone, you can see why it's very unlikely that I'll see The Strangers. It's not my specific fear covered in the film, but it's one that's just as scary.

I may, however, watch the copy of A Nightmare on Elm Street that I have on DVD at home.

Maybe.

Someday.Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-20582373361730162972008-08-23T12:18:00.000+01:002008-08-23T12:18:28.672+01:00"The internet doesn't even know who you are anymore."So, apparently I haven't posted since April 26. And by "apparently", I mean "in cold hard fact".

In all fairness, since April 26, all I've done is work. That's it. I've come reasonably close to a nervous breakdown. I've gone out, like, twice. Maybe three times. I can barely remember what my friends look like. I've hardly written for Londonist. It's been very exhausting.

But, I've just had a week of holiday and I'm feeling much better now. I'm even making plans to see people! It's crazy, I know.

I've had a super veg-out holiday, which has been fab. I've basically read, watched episodes of Felicity and slept. I've also seen a few people, but it's mainly been about the chillaxing.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Felicity? Because, I really, really do. I've watched the whole first season over the last week, and it's been delighftul. I'd forgotten how much I liked that show. And I had this super clear memory of sitting with Mandy in a movie theatre in Mississauga after the season one finale, telling her all about it and telling her that she should watch it. And, I was totally right. Because it's such a good show.

It's also made me very nostalgic for my first year of university, which was TWELVE YEARS AGO. Holy crap, I'm old. In September 1996, I went to York and met all these amazing (and not so amazing) people. Some of them I'm still friends with, some of them I'm not. A few of them, I look back at photos and I can't even remember their names. Good times, I tell you!

Holy crap. Twelve years. Shouldn't I feel like more of a grown up by now?Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-5657626751535673142008-04-26T19:57:00.003+01:002008-04-26T20:19:09.655+01:00Sometimes, I am dumbSo, yesterday morning, I was doing a bit of tidying before my friend Alexcia came to stay, and had two bags of rubbish to get rid of. I carried one in each hand, and held my keys in my left hand, and took them to the communal bins.

I left my front door a bit open, but as I was walking away, I heard the wind slam it shut. "Whew", I thought, "good thing I have my keys."

I got to the garbage area, opened the big metal door and swung the bag in my left hand into the bin. As it was going in, however, the handle of the bag looped around my front door key and pulled it into the bin.

That's right. My keys. In the garbage. My front door. Locked.

Now, just to give you the right mental image of my stupidity, the bins made of metal, about five feet high, around four feet in diameter and on wheels. They're really big.

My keys were sitting on a black bin bag, and were about half way down. Obviously, I couldn't get them.

Someone had left a washing machine sitting in the garbage area, which is where we all leave big stuff to be picked up by the garbage men. (Actually, it was sitting pretty much right where the tree on the left is in this entry.) And I had a genius idea.

I would wheel the giant bin to beside the washing machine, climb up on it, and reach into the bin, and grab the keys. And then, ta da! I'd be all set.

I opened both the huge doors and wheeled the bin out. Due to the kind of wheels on it, I had to kind of turn at as I pulled it, creating a nice spinning out motion. I finally got it to the washing machine, climbed on, and reached in. And was still about ten inches away from the stupid keys.

So, I spun the stupid bin back into it's storage room.

I decided to knock on the door of the one neighbour I kind of know. She's nice, in a "lecture me about life in general" kind of way. But, of course, she wasn't home.

I was really stumped. Julia wasn't going to be home for ages, Alexcia was arriving in a few hours and I was totally stuck.

Then, like a beacon of hopeful light, a door on the building opposite opened. An young-ish woman walked out and I immediately ran up to her, all "excusemeI'msostupidbutIdroppedmykeysinthebinandneedhelpdoyouhaveacoathangeroranything". After she figured out my crazed speech, she told me that she didn't live there, but was just the carer. A teensy tiny little old woman walked out behind her, and I went into the whole speech again. The teensy tiny little old woman (or TTLOW) went and got me a Marks & Spencer hanger.

I raced over to the bin, and reached in. I was still about 8 inches away from those damn freaking keys. Dammit!

TTLOW called out to see if I was having any luck, and when she heard I wasn't, mentioned she had a stepladder. She walked back into her house, and I followed her in, because she was teensy and tiny and shouldn't be carrying ladders for me.

I grabbed the ladder, hauled it over to the bin, climbed up, reached in with the hanger, and ..... SUCCESS!!

I snagged the key ring on the end of the hanger, and was back in business. I carried the hanger and stepladder back to TTLOW and thanked her profusely. She really was very nice.

So, half an hour of idiocy later, I was back in my flat.

Needless to say, I will be carrying my keys in my pocket every time I go to the bins now. The lesson, she is learned.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-52152768585537405442008-03-28T16:37:00.002+00:002008-04-26T20:26:26.006+01:00Meme-a-rama
A) Four jobs I have had in my life:

Camp counsellor, bowling alley attendant, background talent agent and TV production manager

B) Four films I would watch over and over:

Can't Hardly Wait, Some Kind of Wonderful, Zoolander and Overboard.

C) Four places I have lived:

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (1977-1987), Goderich, Ontario (1987-1996), Toronto, Ontario (1996-2001), London, England (2001-now)

D) Four TV shows that I watch:

Currently, I am Sky Plussing Dirty Sexy Money, Brothers & Sisters, Reaper and Skins.

F) Four people who e-mail me (regularly):

I am a bad e-mailer and thus do not get many in return. I probably get the most from Heather, Leanne, Lindsay and Robin.

G) Four of my favourite foods:

Kraft dinner, pasta of almost any kind, Thai food, Indian food. Mmmmmm.

H) Four places I would rather be right now:

Rather than here in my office, procrastinating? On holiday somewhere sunny, at home sleeping, in the pub getting drunk and in my garden.

J) Four favourite authors:
Let's call this four of my favourite authors. Jane Austen, Nora Roberts, Kazuo Ishiguro and Marian Keyes. That's just off the top of my head.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-68442624569309899162008-02-13T14:40:00.001+00:002008-02-13T14:41:29.937+00:00Oh, and also?If you're in the UK, please watch Football Hurts tomorrow, Thursday 14th Feb on Nuts TV at 9pm.

Thanks!Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-57236439398763588982008-02-13T14:31:00.000+00:002008-04-26T20:26:48.101+01:00"You realize you haven't blogged since December, right?"Uh, yeah. I do know that. I'm sorry. But seriously? It's February? February 2008? How did that even happen?

Doesn't it seem like it was just the beginning of 2007 mere minutes ago? 2007, which was terrifyingly known as the year in which I will turn 30 and which will now be remembered as the year in which I turned 30, was pretty good, on the whole. It was a mix of the really good and the horribly awful, which is pretty much par for the course for any year. I did let the blog lag a bit on 2007, and for those of you still reading this, I'm sorry for that. I'll try and do better this year.

I haven't been doing much Londonist-ing either, which I hope to remedy. I'm in LA this weekend for a shoot, then I'm on holiday for a week, and then it'll be March.

March!! Seriously, this year is just disappearing on my at a frightening rate.

Here's an anecdote to keep you amused while I scurry to a corner, curl up in the fetal position and rock back and forth, bemoaning the year slipping away on me.

So, every morning, I get to work about the same time. I usually get off the Tube at 9:30 or so, and as I walk from the station to the office, I generally see the same guy. He's very tall, with glasses and blonde hair. He's walking to the station as I walk away. We don't say hi or anything, because that would be insane, but he's one of the people that I see every day, and if I saw somewhere out of context would spend about an hour thinking "how do I know that guy?".

There are a lot of people I see fairly regularly, but this is the only guy I see virtually every day, no matter whether I'm a bit early or a bit late. And today, I realized why.

I got off the tube at 9:30, and who was walking towards me? TWO of this guy! He's actually identical twins!

I've seen him (or, possibly, one of them) every day for like two years. And I never noticed. I just thought it was weird that this guy had the same schedule I had. But now I don't know if I've actually been seeing one of them, or they've been alternating.

This has really shaken my whole world view.

Twins. That's just so sneaky.Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-24369428805737385012007-12-12T17:08:00.000+00:002007-12-12T17:18:00.102+00:00Huh. How 'bout that.I just realized that I've been writing this blog since August 2004, and this November was the first month that I haven't posted anything.

That was a pretty good streak I had going there, and I didn't even realize. For shame, Alice. For shame.Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-2966929744025174242007-12-12T16:38:00.000+00:002007-12-12T17:03:10.401+00:00What?!?!?!?The Internet:  "What? You haven't posted anything in MONTHS, and you're posting a freaking meme?"

Alice: "Suck it, Internet. You're not the boss of me!"

From Your Dirty Answer:

1. Go to the Wikipedia home page and click Random Article (on the side menu). That is your band's name.
2. Click random article again; that is your album name.
3. Click random article 15 more times; those are the tracks on your album.

BAND NAME: Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury (That is actually an awesome band name)

ALBUM NAME: Meadow Well Metro Station (And an AWESOME album name! My band rocks)

TRACK LISTING:

Wolf Spider (it's so dark where we are right now)

In These Veins (this is our tribute to the 4th album by Swedish extreme metal band Hearse)

Lady Of The Night (and this is our tribute to the Donna Summer album. We are a band of contrasts.)

Jiří Malec (this is a lyrical song that tells the story of the famed Czechoslovak ski jumper who won a bronze medal in the 1980 Olympics)

Kōge, Fukuoka (this is a peppy number about getting lost in the Japanese town of Kōge)

Sander Westerveld (this is the song our bass player wrote about her crush on the Dutch footballer.)

York Regional Road 25 (also known as Major Mackenzie Drive, this is a loving tribute to the much maligned York Region, north of Toronto)

History of Malmö (this is an instrumental number, featuring a 7 minute keyboard solo)

Silver Star (this is a song about travelling from New York to Miami on train, with guest vocals by Gloria Estefan)

Jay Ovittore (this is a scathing look at American politics)

Virtual High Throughput Screening (we're pretty sure we were drunk when we wrote this. We barely can understand it ourselves)

Earth and Water (this one's pretty sanctimonious - it's about saving the environment and we can get pretty preachy when we set our minds to it)

Korea Aerospace Industries KFX (the radio stations won't play this - it's too shocking)

Nitrobike (this was our first single. It was huge in Germany)

Alive in an Ultra World (this is an extended cover of all the songs on Steve Vai's album in one, uninterrupted stream. It's 70 minutes long.)

We're doing a world tour in 2008. Tickets go on sale in January. Hope to see you then!Alicehttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-76002645252297343412007-10-09T10:46:00.000+01:002007-12-12T17:03:17.833+00:00Ooooh!Guttenberg news! Guttenberg news!Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971543.post-24376053139630081682007-10-03T17:01:00.000+01:002007-12-12T17:03:57.042+00:00Stalked By CelebritiesFact. David Thewlis is stalking me.

I know what you're thinking:

"Alice, he's a celebrity. He's in the Harry Potter movies, for God's sake. You're just a television production manager who writes a blog. Why would he possibly be stalking you??"

Well, I don't know the answer to WHY, do I? I'm not the one doing the stalking. But I can tell you that it's happening.

SHOCKING AND TRUE FACT #1:

On Tuesday 4th September 2007, I flew from Dublin to London on an Aer Lingus flight. Who did I notice walking onto the plane in front of me? One David Thewlis. I thought little of it, except that I recognized him but couldn't remember his name at the time and it was driving me crazy. I remembered it a few days later.

SHOCKING AND TRUE FACT #2:

On Sunday 30th September 2007, I flew from Los Angeles to London on a British Airways flight. Who did I notice at gate 120, waiting for the flight? Oh, that's right.

David Thewlis.

And, to make matters even more disturbing, he arrived at the gate before me.

He's clearly not following me - he knows where I'll be before I'm even there.

Spooky, no?

I'm flying to LA again at the end of the month - if he's on my return flight again, I'm calling the cops.

It is kind of flattering though. Hmmm, do you think he reads the blog?Alicehttp://firstname.lastname@example.com


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