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Scientists have determined that crocodiles evolved to become vegetarians at least three times in their existence. more...
December 10 , 1948 : The UN adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. more...
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A validation engineer is a qualified engineer who is usually in charge of the equipment, mechanics, and systems that manufacture various products. Duties of this position may vary depending on the company because there are several types of corporations that offer this career. Mathematics and science are at the foundation of this career and a validation engineer is usually extremely knowledgeable in both subjects. The minimal of a bachelor's degree is generally required to enter this profession but many validation engineers have master's or doctorate degrees in engineering. Regardless of the company, the common goal of this profession is to ensure that all equipment and systems are operating with maximum proficiency.
In addition to ensuring that the machinery is in excellent condition, a validation engineer is a leadership position that has several other duties including database entries, training services, and budgeting tasks. Data entry for this position focuses on ordering new equipment and/or scheduling repairs for existing equipment and he or she is usually directly responsible for making sure that all of the equipment is up-to-date. Training is usually provided by the validation engineer to new or existing employees because of their expertise in regards to manufacturing systems. Some companies require that this position handles the budget for machinery, equipment components, and other in-house products.
Many of these positions are required to perform maintenance on equipment including calibration, testing, and adjusting machinery. This highly technical aspect of the profession is the primary reason that most positions are required that the employee has a college degree. He or she must be able to analyze test results, administer corrections if needed, and make suggestions for improvements. Another important trait of this profession is to have enhanced problem solving abilities, which is a trait that usually improves with experience. A validation engineer is faced with daily problems with machinery, employee operation skills, and system malfunctions therefore he or she needs to be well-prepared to resolve a variety of issues.
Due to this position constantly interacting with employees and other professionals, he or she should have excellent communication skills and the ability to discuss technical data with laymen. Some companies have the validation engineer directly interact with outside buyers, sellers, and vendors, which also requires that he or she has a professional demeanor and is able to accurately discuss manufacturing systems. This is a relatively high paying career and there is extensive room for career advancement.
Post 2
Specific tasks might include much of what any validation engineer would do--calibrate equipment to ensure it is operating to the established standards. They may diagnose equipment issues, install new equipment, manage the equipment budget, source vendors/suppliers and train people on the use of equipment. They also document their tests which provides data for the company to use/analyze (in other departments). There is also certification on equipment calibration that these engineers may need to obtain.
Post 1
What are some specific tasks of a validation engineer in the bioscience industry?
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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text: rarely do you get the arsenian pyromorphite from this locality (the orange variety), in good aesthetic specimens of this style and size. Most tend to form as part of larger plates and masses. This balanced miniature is complete all around, and has a consistent, intense, solid orange color. It is actually completely crystallized all around and can be shown from a number of angles. Superb quality, and pristine condition, typical of the specimens sold out of the longtime collection of dealer Ken Roberts. Joe Budd Photos.


text: SkylerAgain 0 Posted September 24, 2016 Thank you, Whirly Fizzle! I'm sorry you had to post that again! I missed that last part about installing and uninstalling f.lux. It has worked for me! I will miss having something like True Colors or f.lux, but it's not the end of the world! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Barça Regal – Uxue Bilbao Basket: The most dangerous match
Xavi Pascual's men start the post-season playoffs this evening (20.45, Esport3) knowing that they must claim victory at the Palau
Força Barça
The fact that the quarter-final round of the playoffs is a best-of-three series means that there are inherent dangers for the team that has home-court advantage. Forty five minutes of bad basketball, a slow start, or simply being off your game could change the series dramatically. Barça Regal will play their first match of the quarter-finals this Thursday at 20.45 (Esport3) knowing full well that they absolutely must win the match at the Palau ahead of Sunday's game in Bilbao. This evening's match is clearly the most dangerous of the whole series.
It's a question of confidence
Claiming victory at the Palau nearly guarantees Barça Regal a spot in the semi-finals. Victory would also give the team a significant boost for the rest of the post-season. It would be the best way to show Barça Regal's rivals that the Blaugrana are still capable of winning despite not having Mickeal or Jawai available for selection.
Up until now, the record between the Catalans and the Basques is level; Barça Regal lost by one point in Bilbao, while they defeated the Basques in Barcelona by two points in the regular season.
Without Rakovic; Vasileiadis, doubtful
Uxue Bilbao Basket come into this evening's match without Rakovic and with Vasileiadis' fitness in question. Barça Regal, on the other hand, will have Lucas Mavrokefalidis available for selection. It will be the Greek player's second match in the Blaugrana strip.
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Hire Children's Magician in Burnley
Request free quotes now and our manager will help you to find the best supplier for your event.
Browse Children's Magicians
Are you looking for a Children's Magician in Burnley, Lancashire? Our catalogue includes 75 acts available for hire in Burnley.
Recent review: Thanks squeaky! Everyone in the party had a great time! My daughter had a best party ever!!
Peter Dean
Recent review: he was a first class act enjoyed by everyone and did 45 minutes excellent magic. don't know how your ranking stars work (above) but definitely 5
Ignite Parties
Recent review: They were amazing, children were thoroughly entertained! so glad i had booked ignite parties. very friendly and co operative.
Absolutely Inflatables Bouncy Castle Hire
About: Absolutely Inflatables is a well established bouncy castle hire company. We hire bouncy castles and disco domes, inflatable slides as well as obstacle courses. We deliver across the whole of Lancas...
Billy's Partytime Entertainments
Recent review: Very professional, reliable service. Would highly recommend
Ian Edgar Magician
Recent review: Ian was a fabulous addition to our party night. He was a real hit with everyone. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to others. Very entertaining, personable, talented and charming. Thank you.
Making Memories
Recent review: We used making memories for our wedding what a fantastic service! Would recommend.
Darren Lee
About: I've been entertaining children for than 30 years bringing lots of fun and excitement. For children's parties in the north west of England
David Owen - Simply Magic
Recent review: "I booked David for my wife' Birthday Party and he was fantastic. He arrived before he was due and he was very professional, thoughtful and brought his own ideas to the party. David managed to blend into the background with ease and worked both the room individually and the wider audience. At the end of the night nearly everyone commented on not how easy he was to get on with but also how they were amazed by his tricks that on Halloween Saturday left us all spellbound. I would certainly recommended his services and we thank him for his time and effort on the night."
Paul Dawson Magic
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Steve Gore
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Amazing Stephen - Comedy Magician
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Kaleidoscope Parties
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Plus News Media
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Pauls Puppets
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Grandaddy & Nanny Trumbell
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Crazy Joe's Magic Show
About: Fun Visual Magic - Including Lots Of Audience Participation. Hello, I'm Crazy Joe! I provide "fun-filled" entertainment for all sorts of children's birthday parties (3 - 8 Years old) When booking C...
Bob's Your Uncle
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About: I am Jan and run a well known award winning kids entertainment company in the Northwest. We can provide children's parties, events, character shows, and children's fun entertainment as well as char...
Mr Potato
Recent review: Ed was fantastic. He arrived early, set up quickly and entertained children as they were arriving. He captivated both the children and adults for the full 90 minutes and we had great comments from other parents about how good he was. We would have no hesitation in recommending Ed and may even use him again in the future. Fantastic, thank you!
Professor Shell Children's Magical Entertainer
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Stage Invaders Entertainments
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Magic Mal Crazy World of Magic
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Scott's Magic
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Sparky Marky
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Recent review: very good entertainer the children enjoyed it.
Mr Dan
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Ian Davis
About: I have 35+years experience of entertaining both children and adults with my magic and Punch and Judy shows. From a 30 minute show to a 2hr party. I have also been the go to magician for Stoke on T...


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Frequently Asked Questions about Appraisals
"Should we get an appraisal?"
That all depends. Do you need it for insurance reasons? Are you thinking of selling the items? Do you want to know how much your things are worth so that your heirs are treated equally in your will? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then we suggest that you consider doing it.
"How much does it cost and what do you do?"
Our services are not cheap, but neither is the job you get. We're fast, efficient, and we know what we're doing, so in the long run, the knowledge you gain from us helps you make money. We believe we're the best and most informed professionals you can hire, and we do as much work in an hour as some do in three or four...so the old adage is, you get what you pay for and we'd be happy to discuss that with you.
"We're thinking about moving to a smaller place, but we don't know if our things are worth enough for you to bother with."
Let us be the judge of that. We can't tell you how often people think their things are worthless only to find out the opposite was true...too late. We're on the road almost every day and will gladly stop by, take a look and give you our opinion at no charge.
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After the death of a loved one, the grieving process is so draining that often the very idea of dealing with the remaining house and contents can be overwhelming. We are very sensitive to this and, because of our experience in this area, can thoughtfully help you through these steps. After discussing which things you'd like to keep, and what your time frame is, you can turn the work and details over to us.
"What if we live out of state and have to do this right away?"
We'd be lying if we casually said, "No problem", because sometimes there is (like when several people want us to empty their houses all on the same day with no notice!). But we have an efficient and hard-working crew and we almost always get the job done when you need it done.
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We guarantee that you will never be pressured by anyone in our company! We dislike hearing stories from customers who have felt pressured by others to sell their things, and we won't do it. We don't have to; we have plenty of business without resorting to those tactics. These are your things and we respect your ability to make the wisest decisions concerning them.
Free Appraisal Days
Every Tuesday Kaja Veilleux welcomes people from near and far with one item or a car full, and at no charge, gives a verbal estimate of the fair market value of the art, antiques and collectibles brought for his inspection. Nothing is too insignificant, he assures everyone, because knowledge ensures good decisions.
Sometimes people are delightfully surprised by the value of their items and decide to sell immediately for a fixed offer, or take a gamble on its value by consigning it to an auction. Others are disappointed with the news that their items have more family value than monetary value. But most everyone leaves with the ability to make better decisions about what to do with their heirlooms either for estate planning purposes, insurance purposes, or simply to know how to price the item for that annual yard sale.
Tuesdays: 10 am to noon, and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Thomaston Auction Gallery, Route 1, Thomaston (207-354-8141)


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Parola is famous for being the hometowns of renowned personalities such as Rani Laxmibai and Hari Narayan Apte. This city is located in the Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. The city was established in the 16th century by Mr.Sadashivrao Nevadkar. Parola is also famous for housing the Shree Balaji Temple which was constructed approximately 345 years ago.
Places to Stay
The accommodation options in Parola are limited. Some of the hotels in Parola are Hotel New Ganesh, Green Park Hotel, Chhatrapati Hotel and Mamta Palace. The tariff for the same can only be gathered in person.
The official language of Parola is Marathi.
Ganesh Chaturthi which usually falls in September is celebrated with great fervour here. Every year, a procession is held in honour of Shree Balaji in Parola.
Places of Interest
The Parola Fort, the Zapat Bhavai Mandir and the Balaji Maharaj temple are places that tourists frequent.
How to Get There
The nearest airport from Parola is the Chikkalthana airport in Aurangabad and is located 116.3 km away.
Parola does not have a railway station of its own. The nearest one is the Takerkhede railway station which is located 18 km away.
Parola has a bus stand of its own with buses that connect to major cities such as Nagpur, Baroda, Aurangabad and Mumbai. Private bus operators such as Shri Sairam Travels, Raja Travels and Shri Swaminarayan Tours also ply from Parola. Booking bus tickets online from several bus booking websites like Ticketgoose.com is very convenient.


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WALTHAM, Mass. – Despite six assists from senior Taylor Bastien (North Kingstown, R.I./North Kingstown), the Bentley women's lacrosse team fell to Northeast-10 rival Stonehill 14-8 on Tuesday night.
The Skyhawks never trailed and led by as much as six goals in the first half, but Bentley made them work for it in the second half, closing to within a four-goal deficit with just over 13 minutes remaining. But Stonehill wouldn't allow them to get any closer and held on for the victory.
Stonehill controlled the first half despite turning the ball over 12 times. They opened the game with three straight goals before Bentley got on the scoreboard with a strike from freshman Taylor Lunden (Agawam, Mass./Agawam) at the 20:34 mark. Stonehill though countered with four straight to take a 7-1 lead with 3:29 left in the half.
Bentley though finished the half strong and went into the break with some momentum after scoring two of the half's final three goals, coming from freshman Ellie Shuman (Nashua, N.H./Nashua North) and Bastien. Bastien's goal came with 11 seconds remaining and made it an 8-3 game.
The Falcons scored the first two goals of the second half to pull within 8-5, with senior Jackie Brown's (Brookfield, Conn./Brookfield) first of three second half goals making it a three-goal game. But Stonehill responded with three straight tallies, the last of which coming off the stick of freshman Elizabeth Vetter with 15:15 to play, making it an 11-5 game.
But two straight goals from Brown in the span of 28 seconds, with Bastien assisting on both of them, got the Falcons to within 11-7. Stonehill though got the all-important next goal from senior Kelsey Shannahan, her third of the night, with 10:03 remaining.
Neither team scored for another seven-plus minutes, and though Bentley's Ciara Morley (Irvington, N.Y./Irvington) scored it with 2:52 left to make the score 12-8, there was not enough time left for them to make up the deficit.
The Skyhawks improve to 7-4 overall and 6-2 in NE-10 play with the win, while Bentley's records drop to 4-7 and 3-4. They next take the field on Saturday at Assumption. Game time is set for 11:00 am in Worcester.


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Who We Are
Our Projects
Ave of the Woods Estates - Kitchen Rennovation
5 Photos
Complete kitchen renovation. This dated kitchen was taken down to the frame work and a new design gave it a great sense of style with added functionality. New custom finished wide plank oak floors give a fresh base to the new room (and the rest of the house). The professionally selected Sherwin Williams paint colors add accent to the new custom cabinetry. The custom two tone cabinets were topped with hand selected Bianco Antico and fitted with a granite composite sink. The combination of buff colored subway tile and crushed glass equal a very subtle yet classic backsplash. New Samsung and Kitchen Aid appliances complete the new look and provide lasting service to this extraordinary new space.
Landis Lakes Court - Master Bathroom Renovation
6 Photos
Master bathroom renovation with custom tile shower, drop in tub with custom tile tub surround and deck. The shower floor is mosaic pebble. The bathroom floor is 12 x 24 on diagonal in third offset pattern. Frameless glass shower enclosure and Hansgrohe plumbing fixtures complete this new space.
Cobblestone Way - Master Bathroom Renovation
9 Photos
Master Bathroom Renovation. This new space was taken from choppy and dated to open and relaxing. This spa like space has been detailed with an oversized Kohler air bath with modern fixtures. New custom cabinetry and Cambria quartz countertops add accent to this new space. Frameless shower glass wraps a modern tile shower design with large format porcelain tile and recycled crushed glass.
Lexington Road Whole House Renovation
32 Photos
A complete renovation from top to bottom. This 2450 square foot home was taken down to its bones and brought back to life as an amazing five bedroom four bath home in the heart of St. Matthews. A new open floor plan gives way to an immaculate kitchen with eat-in dining and entertaining accommodations. Natural light pours into the large open great room from the abundance of large windows. A well balanced floor to ceiling fireplace surround delivers craftsman styling with entertainment functionality to the open floor concept. Two options for master suite comforts allow for privacy and convenience. Large open tile showers feature stylish designs and complimentary finishes to the rest of the home. This home has been given attention to detail around every corner. The exterior is virtually maintenance free and reminiscent of the homes original character.
Stone Crest Basement
16 Photos
A complete basement renovation tailored to suit a growing family with ample open living, entertainment and guest spaces. A custom designed built-in entertainment center with loads of detail serves as a focal point to the entertainment space. The custom maple cabinetry is well appointment with details such as brick veneer and granite countertops. The wide plank hand scraped engineered flooring set on diagonal adds interest to this spaces open layout. A chalkboard wall and mini basketball court provide an outlet for little minds to have big fun. The entire space was finished off with an abundance of custom millwork such as seven inch base boards, frame an panel wainscoting and columns and five inch crown molding throughout. The large bathroom has a modern style travertine and mosaic glass tile shower with oil rubbed bronze shower fixtures.
Cardiff Renovation
7 Photos
This open living space was given new purpose and added detail when the wall that previously divided the two existing rooms was removed. The new space was treated to new hardwood flooring throughout, new crown moldings, built-in desk and storage areas as well as a professionally selected color palette. The result was a space that will give lasting quality and an improved comfort of living throughout the years.
Hedgewick Way Basement
7 Photos
Complete finished basement with an creative focus on entertaining spaces. Wine cellar, Media Room, Billiards and Lounge Areas.
Springside Court - Basement
6 Photos
A complete redesign of an existing finished basement lead to a highly detailed space designed for family entertainment and gathering space. The impact of the lower ceiling heights was reduced by adding a detailed wainscoting throughout the space. The use of engineered hardwood flooring gave the space a warm and comfortable feel while contrasting the custom built-in cabinetry and brick fireplace. As a new primary gathering space for the family safety was a large concern. Adding an oversized egress window in the existing basement foundation provided peace of mind.


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Archive for the 'Icing/Glaze' Category
An Apple a Day…
Back in June, I decided to take a Wilton course at my local Michael's in hopes of learning some nice decorating techniques for cakes. After taking Course 1, I quickly learned that you can't do much great decorating without using butter cream icing; which works best for decorating purposes when it is made with vegetable shortening (GAG!). I decided that I wasn't a big fan. I would much rather decorate a cake with things that actually taste good. I still use some of the techniques that I learned, but I try to avoid using the dreaded butter cream as much as possible. I tend to try and decorate with fruit, chocolate shavings, etc. I also sometimes choose to ice cakes in my preferred icing and then make a small batch of butter cream for the decorating.
Anyway, since I love to bake and most people (mainly family) know I took that course, I am the first they come to when it is birthday cake time. So, when the Jewish holidays rolled around, my mother-in-law asked if I would mind making a birthday cake for her father instead of making a dessert for one of the holiday dinners. Of course I agreed. So now I needed to find a tasty cake that I thought everyone would love, but would also look like a birthday cake and allow for writing (without having to use the butter cream). It was also getting into the fall season, so I figured I would take that into mind as well.
After doing a bit of searching I finally found a three layer apple cake by Martha Stewart. It would look like a birthday cake, have fall flavors that I was sure most people would enjoy and I would top it with my favorite cream cheese icing that could still be used for some decorating purposes. I think I hit all of my goals! Most importantly avoiding the BC!
The cake was moist and delicious; and everyone raved over how great it tasted. The only downfall I found was that it was a little hard to work with. The outside of the cake is quite sticky and the centers seemed to fall a bit, which makes it a bit difficult to stack without it all sticking to your hands and it requires a bit more frosting in the middle of each layer to compensate for the fallen centers. Overall though, I would make it again because it tasted great and had that homey, rustic feel to it. I think the cream cheese icing paired very nicely with it as well.
Three-Layer Apple Cake
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pans
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled, two coarsely grated and two diced
Vanilla Cream Cheese icing (from the Banana Bars recipe)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter three 8-inch-round cake pans (I used 9-inch b/c that is what I had); line bottoms with parchment paper. Butter, then flour paper and sides (tapping out excess); set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugar, and eggs until well combined; fold in grated and diced apples. Add flour mixture; mix just until combined. Divide batter among prepared pans; smooth tops.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool cakes in pans 20 minutes, then invert onto wire racks; peel off parchment. Invert cakes again, and let cool completely on racks.
Assemble cake to your liking with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 4 days). To serve, bring cake to room temperature; slice with a serrated knife.
Yields: 12 servings
I can smell fall, even if I can't feel it!
I want to preface this with the fact that fall is my favorite time of the year. Now that I am back in Florida, I miss the chilly weather and the beautiful foliage. This is the time of year that I yearn to live somewhere in the north.
With that being said, can I tell you that I wanted to throw something at my TV the other night! My husband was flipping through the channels and stopped at a news station. The weather just happened to come on and I was watching it, even though I know it is a joke in South Florida. Well, the meteorologist proceeded to talk about how we are going to get a little cold front. What?? A cold front this early?? We don't get cool weather (that being the 70's) until at least December. I had this moment of extreme excitement, like a little giddy school girl. He then proceeds to say that the temperatures will be in the low 90's with less humidity. What??? How dare he play with my emotions like that! Who in their right mind would utter the words "cold front" and "temperatures in the 90's" in the same sentence?
So now I had to find a way to mend my broken little heart. What better way than to make Cinnamon Apple Scones? I knew that would bring my fall spirit back and shining. I came across this recipe while going through my Google Reader the other night. Again, it was a great contribution from the wonderful Katie at Good Things Catered. I knew I would have to make these ASAP! The only problem is, I don't like baking full batches of things to keep in our house. I say that because it means the full batch will be consumed by my husband and I. Last time I checked, my waistline didn't cooperate with that so kindly. Well, it just so happened I was also trying to find a couple of treats that would ship well to my husband's cousin in college. It looks like she will be getting some scones in her package!
So off I went to bake some fall flavored goodies. As soon as my house started to fill with the scents of apples and spice, my memories of that wretched weatherman began to diminish. So now I can spend the week filling my spirits with fall goodness, even if I have to come to reality when I walk out of my front door and the 90 degree heat hits me.
Oh yeah, and these tasted delicious too!
Apple Cinnamon Scones
adapted from Good Things Catered
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (8 Tbsp) butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce (I used unsweetened)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups apples, cored, peeled and diced (about 2 medium to large apples)
Cinnamon Glaze:
4 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, combine egg, applesauce, milk, and vanilla; whisk to combine thoroughly and set aside.
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt; whisk to combine.
Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut butter into flour until all pieces are smaller than pea-sized. Add apples and toss to coat.
Add wet ingredients to dry and mix in lightly with fork until dough just comes together. Turn dough out onto well floured work surface and pat into a large ball. Cut dough in half. Shape half of dough into a flat disk shape and cut into 8 slices.
Place on baking sheet and repeat with other half of dough. Bake until they turn slightly brown, about 25-30 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cinnamon and water; whisk until completely smooth. When scones have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze across the top of each with a spoon or fork. Let dry completely before storing.
Yields 16 Scones
Heavenly Banana Bars
I try and pull inspiration for recipes and cooking techniques from all different sources. I watch my fair share of Food Network, subscribe to a ton of magazines, own quite a few cook books and frequent some cooking boards online. Those are the places that I probably get most of my inspiration from. Although those are all wonderful resources, I am always looking for something new to change things up a bit. I recently started visiting Tastespotting and Food Gawker, and they have become wonderful resources. Not only do you get to look at beautiful food photography, but all of those photos are linked to great recipes and ideas. I love these sites too because there is such a variety of information.
During one of my recent visits I saw a photo of delicious looking cake slices. They looked yummy enough for me to click and see where they led to. The photo took me to an adorable blog called My Baking Addiction, which is put out by Jamie. Not only did I find a fabulous sounding recipe, but I also found a wonderful new site for sweet treats! After reading over the recipe and seeing that I had two sad looking bananas hanging in my kitchen, I knew I had to make this for the Labor Day get together we would be attending.
Oh, and did I mention that this cake is topped with cream cheese icing?? This little recipe was just winning my heart over more and more by the minute. And win my heart over it did! Not only my heart, but the hearts of just about everyone who tried it. My uncle, who never eats desserts, came over and took three pieces on a plate to hide away for himself for later. Thank goodness I made the last minute decision to cut the larger pieces I made in half in order to create more, haha.
I should also mention that this is a very easy, fuss free recipe. How could you go wrong with an amazingly delicious cake that that doesn't take a whole lot of effort? I suggest you go out and make this as soon as possible!
Banana Bars with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing
adapted from My Baking Addiction, originally seen on allrecipes.com
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I actually mixed a little plain with a bit of vanilla flavored that I had on hand)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
2 (8) ounce package cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat)
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 lbs. confectioners' sugar ( adjust sugar for desired thickness and sweetness)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the yogurt and vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; stir into the batter. Finally, mix in the mashed banana. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bars to cool completely before frosting with the cream cheese icing.
In the bowl of your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract. Spread on cooled cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
*This recipe creates a large amount of icing. You could probably get away with making half of the recipe to ice this cake. Although, there is nothing wrong with having leftover cream cheese icing hanging out in your refrigerator!
What to do with the buttermilk..
I decided to make a red velvet cake for Father's Day this year (I'll blog about it as soon as I get the pictures from my mom). The recipe called for buttermilk and as I went shopping for the ingredients I found out that I couldn't buy just a small container of buttermilk, I had to buy a whole liter. Now what do I do with the 3 cups of buttermilk I have left in my refrigerator?? I went to the ladies on the What's Cooking board to see if they had any tried and true recipes that call for buttermilk. I received four or five recipes that all sounded great so I then had to figure out which to make. Since I would be making this on a weeknight after work (which means I will be exhausted) I decided to go with one that would be the least messiest and the least amount of work. I went with a pound cake. Thanks to thatgirlang I ended up with a great cake that was a crowd pleaser at work. Thanks Angie! This also gave me the opportunity to use a pretty bundt pan that I received as a bridal shower gift and completely forgot I had.
I have been trying to experiment and be more creative in the kitchen rather than always following recipes word for word, so I took her base recipe for the cake and modified it a tiny bit. Since the cake had lemon extract in it I decided to add some lemon zest as well. I also seem to find that pound/bundt cakes can be a bit bland for my taste so I chose to add a cream cheese glaze to it. I crossed my fingers that it would all turn out okay in the end and luckily it did. I was also so excited that my cake came out of the pan perfectly! I was a little worried because of the design aspects of the pan but I guess all of the greasing and flouring paid off, whew!
It was a delicious cake; very moist and tasty. It is a perfect cake to serve during breakfast or brunch because it isn't terribly sweet. Everyone kept complimenting on how beautiful it was. I couldn't take much credit on that though…the pan did all of that work, lol. ; )
Buttermilk Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
adapted from Angie's recipe at Angie's Simple Cooking
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
3 cups white sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp. lemon extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
zest of 1 lemon
cream cheese glaze (recipe follows)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and flour one 9 or 10 inch tube pan. Mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar. Mix in the eggs, one at time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the lemon and the vanilla extracts. Gently mix in flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in the lemon zest. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 90 minutes. Keep an eye on it though because mine was done in 75 minutes. Do not open oven door until after one hour. When cake begins to pull away from the side of the pan it is done. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
Note: I ended up moving the oven rack to the notch just under the center because as the cake started to rise it got a little too close to the top of the oven and I was afraid it would burn.
Cream Cheese Glaze
adapted from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
pinch of salt
1 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice (I added an additional 1/4 tsp.)
3 tbs. milk
1 tsp. lemon zest (about 1/2 of a lemon)
Beat together the cream cheese, sugar and salt until all is incorporated. Add the lemon juice and milk, mix well. Stir in the lemon zest. Pour over the cooled cake.
Note: If the glaze is too think, add milk 1 tsp. at a time.


text:
A few shots from the last few days.....a little bit of calm, warm autumn light, white hyacinths waiting to flower, a messy workroom and a slight obsession with glitter.
Friday, 16 November 2012
all that glitters...
Posted by found and sewn at 12:42
6 comments:
Hyacinths are my fav.ReplyDelete
Aw, lovely, you are so creative!ReplyDelete
the glitter and the music notes are lovely! I have lots of old music sheets in my attic!Heather xReplyDelete
Oooh I do love a bit of glitter too, and a bit of gold! Look forward to seeing what you create from your bits and bobs. jaynexReplyDelete
We are on the same festive glitter page...I have been gold glittering up a storm...nothing makes me happier. Love your darling butterfly...hugs to you. xoReplyDelete
Thanks everyone....I can't wait to show you what i've been making.ReplyDelete
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text:
Magazine article Phi Kappa Phi Forum
Is General Education Higher Education?
Article excerpt
When the time comes for students to choose a course or instructors to create a syllabus, they find that their academic freedom is quite circumscribed: there are requirements to fulfill and guidelines to follow. This restriction is particularly evident in case of courses that fulfill the so-called General Education requirement.
Students can choose which classes that they wish to take, yet they must take one or two courses from each predetermined category (humanities, social sciences, and so on). Further, courses offered in each category are often very limited in number and, more importantly, unlimited in scope. For example, an introductory humanities course that satisfies the General Education requirement is a mechanical survey of topics within the field that are deemed necessary for general culture. Consequently, students are overwhelmed with a mind-boggling heap of information that they tend to forget the moment they step out of the classroom, whereas the instructor, however experienced and accomplished, may well be entirely at a loss as to, first, how to organize such an extensive course in only one semester, and second, how to keep students from daydreaming (or literally dreaming). Instructors can choose what and how they wish to teach, but only if they follow predetermined guidelines that specify which goals must be achieved for the course to be deemed successful (and, one hopes, useful). Hardly anyone worries about the fact that, as a result of limitations imposed by the framework of general education, students and professors are numbed into fulfilling requirements and are often personally detached from the process of learning/teaching: they consider it their duty, not an opportunity for exciting exploration of a given topic. …


text:
Top gun
Saturday, January 26, 2008
"A thetan who is completely rehabilitated and can do everything a thetan should do, such as move MEST and control others from a distance, or create his own universe; a person who is able to create his own universe or, living in the MEST universe is able to create illusions perceivable by others at will, to handle MEST universe objects without mechanical means and to have and feel no need of bodies or even the MEST universe to keep himself and his friends interested in existence."
"Facsimile One: the first proven-up, whole-track incident which, when audited out of a long series of people, was found to eradicate such things as asthma, sinus trouble, chronic chills and a host of other ills. It was originally laid down in this galaxy about one million years ago."
"This is where Ron gets down to the fundamentals of a thetan with his native state capabilities operating in, and in contest with, the physical universe. Here is his discovery of the one factor which exceeds existence itself. These are the laws of life stripped from the very fabric of the MEST universe and laid down for anyone who wants to regain his true beingness and the ability that is natively his....Scientology 8-8008 begins the road to higher states of existence."
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Saturday, January 26, 2008
9 comments
I like turtals
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Lots of short posts and video posts these days... I am busy on some TPS reports back at Digicom, we are in the process of a big merger and the synergy, syzygy, and proactive PDQs need to be facilitated by my office. Make sure you have seen all my pages (most of them are inactive so don't complain):
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
3 comments
Go fuck yourself Mr Cheney.
Friday, January 18, 2008
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Friday, January 18, 2008
4 comments
Vlog it emo boy...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Sunday, January 13, 2008
2 comments
Some junk mail I got
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
I just love this email:
"Can I Contact With You ????
Mrs Gift Clement
From Solomon Island
Near Australia
Avenue 12
Private Email; firstname.lastname@example.com
Hello my dear ,
Good day and how are you doing with your family? Hope fine. Please let this message do not be a surprise to you because i got your contact information and lay all the trust in you before i decided to disclose this confidential and successful transaction to you. I am Mrs Gift Clement from Solomon Islands near Australia. I am married to Mr.William Clement from Kuwait who
worked with Kuwait Embassy in GUINEE for nine years before he died in the year 2001.
We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both born again Christian.
Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $4.5 Million in a bank recently, my DOCTOR told me that I would not last for the next Eight months due to cancer problem.
Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to a church,organization or good person that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct here in. I want a Muslim or church,organization or good
person that will use this fund for orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavor that the house of Allah/God is maintained.
l took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians not even good at all because they are the one that killed my husband in other to have all my late
husband prperties and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way.
This is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord.Exodus 14 VS 14 says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold
my peace".
I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health hence the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank. I will also issue you an authority letter that will prove you the
present beneficiary of this fund.
I want you and the Musilem or church or the reganization to always pray for me because the ALLAH is my shephard. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian.Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.Please never disclose this convenant to anyone ok
When your respond to this mail kindly send to me all this informations below as to proof that you will not betroy me:
A,Your complete names
b.Your house address
ca.Company name if any
d.Private telephone number
e.Private fax number
f.Private email address
g.Your brief profile
h.Your Photograph
I. Your bank account.
and any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another church,organization or good person for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein.
NB: Please do keep the confidental of this transaction for my funds security reason otherwise i will look for another perosn right? Once again, remember to always been in your computer because delay is not good for my health i can die any day so you should get back to me as to forward your information to my bank so that they will transfer these funds before i die.
Thanks and Remain blessed in the Lord.
Mrs Gift Clement."
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
3 comments
Insects with drops of water on them.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
So we have all heard, and most of us have seen a wet T-shirt contest. A few of us may have been in one. Sometimes things look better after being sprayed with water.
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Sunday, January 06, 2008
6 comments
Crazy Reporters
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
posted by High Power Rocketry @
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
5 comments
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It's just economics 101: When it's free to pollute, you get more pollution. But when there's a price to pay, industry will have an incentive to find low-cost carbon solutions.
For innovators who find safe and workable solutions to global warming, the rewards will be staggering.
Ocean energy can contribute a great deal toward the protection or our atmosphere - without damaging marine ecosystems that are equally vital to the planet's future.
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Mater Lakes Academy's Boys Basketball Team Wins District 15-5A Championship Back-to-Back
Miami, Florida, Friday, February 21, 2018 – Mater Lakes Academy's Boys Varsity Basketball team has advanced to the regional playoffs against Calvary Christian.
The Bears defeated Monsignor Edward Pace High School on Friday, February 16th, 104-94, in the District Championships at Miami Edison Senior High, to bring a back-to-back championship in basketball to Mater Lakes.
The Bears finished their regular season with a record of 22-6 and with a second straight undefeated season in districts at 20-0. Our top scorers for the season are Cyrus Largie for 20 PPG, Dominic Rivera and Julian Garcia with 12 PPG, and Craig Starks Jr with 10 PPG and 8 rebounds a game.
"We are extremely excited where our program is headed, 75% of our season production and experience will come back for next season. Right in time for our grand opening of the new gym. As we continue working towards the opportunity of become state champions," said Coach Juan Urbina.
On Thursday, February 22nd, Mater Lakes will play at Dade Christian's gymnasium against Cavalry Christian. Tip-off is at 7:00 pm and the tickets are $7.00 at the door.
Mater Lakes Academy is a Miami-Dade County Public Charter School, with students enrolled in 6th – 12th grade. Mater Lakes Academy has been open since the 2006-2007 academic school year, and is currently in its 12th year under the direction of Principal Rene F. Rovirosa, and is an A school for both the middle school and the high school. For more information, visit the school's website at www.materlakes.org.
Mrs. Alice Martinez
Mater Lakes Academy
Phone: (305) 698-8000
Fax: (305) 698-1800


text:
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
More Monotypes
GPP Crusade challenged folks to do some monotypes. http://michelleward.typepad.com/how_cool_is_that/2010/04/crusade-no-39-playtime-pulling-prints.html. I didn't participate in the challenge but her encourage to experiment danced in my mind. I finally pulled out some cheapo children's paints, and 5 x 8 index cards and printed away. After using a Plexiglas for awhile, I made up a gelatin plate to work with. I do love using the gel plate. Here are some of my prints.
Posted by Diane at 9:44 PM 1 comment:
Labels: gelatin plate printing, leaf prints, Michele Ward, monotypes
Leaf Prints on Wearables
I had some fun leaf printing some clothing. The top blouse was a $.50 thrift store find. The others were new t-shirts. I'll share my prize leaf printed shirt once I take a picture of it. That too was a $.50 thrift store find. I hate to print on new blouses as I just might make a mistake of something. I always get compliments when I go out in public with my hand printed creations.
Posted by Diane at 9:35 PM No comments:
Labels: leaf printing, printing clothing
New Book Covers
collaged elements.
Posted by Diane at 9:27 PM 4 comments:
My First Papermaking Experiments
Did I ever have fun using my new paper making kit! I only spent a wee bit of time so far, but I see hours of creating in the future. I left the studio in process so I'll do so more tomorrow. I'm using recycled paper at the moment. I love the bits of color from the magazine papers. I'll be experimenting more with leaves, seeds, natural things.
Posted by Diane at 9:22 PM 1 comment:
Labels: homemade papers, Papermaking
Thursday, June 3, 2010
New Toy
UPS delivered a new toy - well, tool, to be more correct. At last year's Nature Printing Society Workshop, I made paper. I love the process and love the paper results. I know I could have constructed a paper making apparatus at a much lower cost but just couldn't resist this set up. So, once I get a replacement for my 41 year old blender, which I'll dedicate to paper making, I'll be making paper!!!! Yeah!
Posted by Diane at 2:07 PM 1 comment:
Labels: Papermaking
New Work
After Shrimpfest, I finished up getting ready to deliver my art to a friend to hang in a local art show at a local bank. First Community Bank has a beautiful gallery space where 4 local artists exhibit their work for a 3 month period. Mine will be up all summer. The opening is this evening! Yeah! I have 3 portraits and 3 sea birds hanging. I'll upload some opening pictures later.
This is "Majestic Bird" - another piece which originated with a photo - not mine but a public domain one. This is hanging at Island Art Association's Nouveau Art "America the Beautiful.
This is a work in progress. The first attempt went into the garbage - the shades were all wrong. This one - I've got to work on the eyes some then make the background and then finish up with machine quilting.
Posted by Diane at 7:31 AM 5 comments:
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This message is more difficult to write than previous ones. My daughter from an earlier marriage, Lisa, would have been 46 next month. She contracted breast cancer 5 years ago but it seemed that it had been successfully treated. However, in July of last year it reoccurred in a very aggressive form. It metastasized throughout her body eventually reaching her brain. I visited her in Ohio in October when we were hopeful and again just a week before I left for Sri Lanka. During the last visit it was apparent that it would be terminal. I had hoped to visit her again in a few weeks when I return home. But this morning I received a message from her mother that she passed away yesterday. It happened very quickly at her mother's home with her family and a hospice nurse in attendance. I would not normally burden others with this news but it is a necessary prologue to what I write next.
I had come down to the computer lab at 5:30 in the morning to prepare the lessons for today when I opened her mother's email. Shantha who was up doing his morning chores heard my anguish and came to see what was wrong. As he was so concerned, I tried to explain to him what had happened. I don't think he understood very much of what I was saying. He only understood that I was grieving and he pulled up a chair and sat quietly by my side for over an hour and would not leave no matter how much I suggested he go on with his routine. He only left after Bhante Piyananda awoke and came in to be with me. It was not until the teachers arrived at 9:00 that I could adequately explain what had occurred. I had decided to keep myself busy with the usual routine in an effort to maintain control of my emotions.
Word apparently spread through the village because the residence and the entire compound were uncommonly quiet all day. In the afternoon Bhante Piyananda asked if it would be all right to hold a funeral puja this evening and I said, of course.
At 6:30 my teachers dismissed the students an hour early and joined with the many other villagers who had come to join in the service. Madushi had organized a beautiful arrangement of frangipani and other flowers. A message of condolence was hastily put together by Kokila and several of my English students from last year.
I was asked to light the oil lamps and incense and to place several flower offerings at the shrines. Nanda and all the others lit oil lamps and placed them in the holders outside the entrance.
Then as many as possible, fit themselves into the small image house alongside me. Others overflowed into the darkness outside. Bhante offered messages of condolence and on the cycle of birth and death translated into English by an elderly retired teacher who is a dear lady and constant friend during my visits here.
Bhante and the other monks then chanted the traditional suttas meant for funeral services for about 45 minutes. The final part of the service was for me to pour water from a pitcher into a cup overflowing it into a bowl while everyone who could reach, placed their hand on the pitcher. Those who could not placed their hands on the back of the person in front of them. This was to symbolize their willing transference of any merit (or grace) that they had accumulated to Lisa to help her pass quickly and safely on her journey.
Today I have been deeply touched and honored by the outpouring of sympathy and concern shown to me by these lovely people.
Most Asian cultures love to take photographs at any occasion including funerals. After dinner, some of the people brought me the digital pictures that they had taken of the service so that they could look at them on a PC. I have attached a few.
I noted as I sat down to write this that almost 4 years ago to the day, I arrived in this village just 6 weeks after the Tsunami. Many of the villagers were still in grief over the loss of children, husbands, wives and parents to the flood that rampaged through the village. It would have been impossible for me not to share in their sorrow. Today they shared in mine. And so the cycle continues.


text:
Thursday, 31 December 2009
The 'Big Fat End of the Year Post' – 2009 Edition!
2009 has been perhaps the best year yet for the blog. Thanks to everyone for stopping by and checking out what's going on (and that goes double for all the family members who I regularly coerce into multiple clicks on the site...)! Numbers and I don't tend to get on so well so have a click on the 'View My Stats' link at the bottom of the page to get a better idea of what's been going on over the course of the year.
As always, the plan for next year to give all you guys more of the same but better! An impending house move and a baby due in April are both going to do their level best to put a spanner in the works as far as that goes though. I don't mind at all :o) Stick around and we'll all find out what happens together!
Anyway, back to the books...
Despite certain 'big hitters' not delivering finished books (naming no names, we all know who they are...), 2009 was a great year for speculative fiction in my house! The year did have its fair share of stinkers as well but I've done my best to forget those. Have a click through the blog and see if you can find them...
Perfect reads were few and far between but they were well worth the read when I came across them! Joe Abercrombie's 'Best Served Cold' was the stand out fantasy read of the year for me (although there were a few others that could have been contenders which I never got round to...) It delivered on all fronts and just kept delivering, I'll have more of the same next time round Mr Abercrombie!
I'm a big fan of Brian Keene's work (so will admit to some bias) but this year he really stepped things up a gear and delivered his best work yet with 'Urban Gothic'. Compelling, scary as hell and a book that not only has plenty of gore but also contrives to rub your face right in the viscera. You won't catch me going into deserted houses now!
I'd never read Robert Holdstock's 'Mythago Wood' and the release of 'Avillion' prompted me to go and give it a try. I'm glad I did, it was beautiful and fantasy fiction is very much the poorer for losing Holdstock so soon.
A few books just scraped the edges of brilliance but fell short for one reason or another. 'The Sad Tale of the Brother's Grossbart' almost got there and so did 'Finch'. 'Cadian Blood' and 'Titanicus' did the Black Library proud and have got me looking forward to reading more by these two authors. Mike Carey's 'The Naming of the Beasts' was his best outing yet for Felix Castor and promises great things for the next instalment.
As with other years, 2009 was about the books where I had no idea I would end up enjoying them so much. Jeremy de Quidt's 'The Toymaker' was a surprise read that crept in at the end of the year (only a couple of weeks ago) and edged out S.A. Swann's 'Wolfbreed' my surprise read of the year. Both were very good indeed.
Other notable 2009 reads for me (in no order whatsoever) were...
'Lord of Silence' – Mark Chadbourn (I can't understand why more people aren't talking about this book, it deserves all the praise it gets)
'Triumff' - Dan Abnett (an example of an author really enjoying telling his story)
'A Madness of Angels' - Kate Griffin (Urban Fantasy how it should be done, I'm looking forward to seeing more from Griffin)
Unseen Academicals - Terry Pratchett (the book that got me liking 'Discworld' again)
'Avilion' - Robert Holdstock (sits firmly in the shadow of 'Mythago Wood' but is excellent nevertheless)
'The Sword Edged Blonde' & 'Burn Me Deadly' - Alex Bledsoe (Raymond Chandler fantasy style. If you like either genre then you should check these out)
'Nights of Villjamur' - Mark Charan Newton (one of 2009's most anticipated reads and for very good reason)
'The Cole Protocol' - Tobias Buckell (another example that there's nothing wrong with tie-in fiction if it's done well, it's certainly done well here)
'501st' - Karen Traviss (Star Wars fiction at it's finest, what a shame that the final book has been cancelled)
'Death Troopers' - Joe Schreiber (Star Wars and Zombies, need I say more? Oh yeah, it's scary too...)
'Blood Pact' - Dan Abnett (this man can't keep out of my 'Best of 2009' post and it's all well deserved)
'Burning Skies' - David J. Williams (Williams does everything that he did in 'The Mirrored Heavens' only this time his foot is firmly on the accelerator)
'Thicker than Water' - Mike Carey (only 'The Naming of the Beasts' stopped this one from featuring more prominently...)
As far as comic books go, 2009 was all about 'The Goon' but you knew that already... ;o)
That's me for this year. See you all in 2010 when I do this all over again, but better! Have a good one tonight, whatever you're doing!
9 comments:
- Bruce said...
Thanks mate - happy new year!
- 31 December 2009 at 07:36
- ediFanoB said...
I can tell you a baby changes a lot... My daughter turned 18 (years not months ;-) ) last month.
I started to blog as a contributor in May 2009. A great experience.
And like you I posted today a big fat end of the year post. My first one! Bona Fide: The End Is Nigh.
I like your end of the year post. I read Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie and understand why it is your book of the year. I chose a different one: Boneshaker by Cherie Priest.
Anyway thanks for a lot of good posts.
Good luck and all the best for 2010.
- 31 December 2009 at 08:13
- SQT said...
Oh boy, are you going to be busy with a new baby. Congrats!
I'm with ediFanoB, my favorite for the year was "Boneshaker." I've been wanting to get my hands on "Nights of Villjamur" but I'm so buried already. Might be a while before I get to it.
- 31 December 2009 at 09:07
I've been lurking on your blog for a while, but just wanted to say that I really enjoy your reviews and am looking forward to reading more in 2010. You don't know how many books have ended up on my wish list and TBR pile because of your blog! My two favourite sff books this year are 'The Gardens of the Moon' and 'A Game of Thrones'.
- 31 December 2009 at 10:26
- Peta said...
Congratulations on the impending new baby! Perhaps that means that you can listen to audio books or read whilst you are trying to get him/her back to sleep during the night…
I do enjoy reading people's annual picks - and seeing where they differ from my own! I've been on the brink of buying The Sword Edged Blonde a couple of times now and seeing that it made your list of notable mentions means I might just have to get around to that purchase!
- 31 December 2009 at 14:27
First of all: Happy new year.
I just wanted to say that you're doing a fine job with the blog. Keep up the good work. If I could make one suggestion, though. Have you ever considered adding a review index? It would make a nice overview, handy to browse some of your older reviews.
- 31 December 2009 at 15:55
- Carl V. said...
Very fun list. So great to see Alex Bledsoe's books on their, I thought they were great fun. I haven't read The Goon for years, solely due to cutting back on what was a large comic pull list, but I really need to check the graphic novels out of the library, because the series was just great!
- 31 December 2009 at 19:15
- Graeme Flory said...
Carl - You need to make it a New Year's resolution to get back into 'The Goon'. I promise you, you're in for a treat ;o)
Hi Steven - Happy New Year to you too! As far as an index goes, check out the tags on the right hand side of the screen. They'll give you links to everything I've written on the blog ;o)
chasingbawa/peta - I'm glad to hear that the blog has added to your TBR piles. Happy Reading you guys! :o)
Thanks as well to everyone who mentioned the baby, 2010 is going to be crazy but I'm really looking forward to it!
- 2 January 2010 at 01:21
- Fig said...
Yay for the new baby! Best wishes. :-)
- 4 January 2010 at 06:21


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To say there'd be no surf music without Dick Dale might be a bit of hyperbole; then again, it also might not be. Either way there's no question that mad, rad sound would never have reached solid gold ground were it not for the guitar legend. This Sunday the Cali Kingpin six strings into Churchill's for a kindapost Hukilau blowout. Niteside reached the axeman on the road.
How you feeling, Mr. Dale -- everything good? Yeah, everything's great!
You were diagnosed with cancer a few years back, which is one of the reasons we asked. I've been fighting cancer for six years -- I've got this; I've got that; what else is new?
Any secrets to that successful fight? I figure I owe much of it to the fact that I never had a drug, never had alcohol, and haven't eaten meat in over 60 years.
Healthy living. You still living on a boat docked in Newport? I've still got the boat docked there, but I live out in the desert on nearly 100 acres with a private airport. I call it Dale's Sky Ranch.
You fly yourself? Oh yeah, I've got a Skymaster 337.
How long have you been piloting? I got my ticket back in '74. Was in the Air Force before that.
Tonight you're in St. Petersberg, right? Yeah, we blow that place apart.
Isn't that just one of your many, many Florida dates? it is. Florida's always been a special place for me -- it's like Hawaii. I've been coming to both for decades, and I always enjoy every moment.
Sunday promise to be any different? Yes, we may enjoy ourselves more than ever!
Dick Dale plays Churchill's Sunday April 24. For more information log on here.


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The Many Similarities of AmeriCorps and Study Abroad
Today's guest blog comes from Erin Barnhart, Ph.D. (AmeriCorps NCCC Central Region alum, 1997-1998) who currently serves as the Graduate Program Director for IPSL, an international education and service-learning organization. This blog is the fifth in our International Careers Series sponsored by IPSL that profiles leading alumni of AmeriCorps working in international and intercultural careers.
It may not seem obvious, but there are actually quite a few similarities between AmeriCorps service and international education. I'm an AmeriCorps alum (NCCC Central Region, 1997-1998) who now works in the field of international education and service as Graduate Program Director for IPSL, an international service-learning organization. As I've interacted with and taught graduate students who are AmeriCorps and other national service alumni, I've increasingly recognized that there are many outcomes, impacts, and goals that domestic service and international learning have in common.
Let's explore some of them, shall we?
First, for many AmeriCorps Alums, service with AmeriCorps presents a unique opportunity to learn about diverse, often multicultural communities – places where people have different lived experiences, practice different cultural norms, and often even speak different languages from their own. My service in AmeriCorps NCCC allowed me to partner with and learn from individuals and communities around the United States, the lives of whom, in many cases, were dramatically different from my own. As a young woman from rural Oregon, serving with community organizations and engaged citizens in inner-city Detroit, rural Texas, and small town North Dakota was a fascinating, illuminating experience. I came away from my 10 months of service with a much more nuanced appreciation for the strengths and abilities of communities. And my eye-opening acknowledgement of the sheer diversity of opinions, experiences, and ways of life in my country meant that many things were, for me, no longer black and white but rather many shades of technicolor gray.
International education facilitates many of these same experiences through opportunities to live, study, and interact with diverse cultures abroad. Students who study abroad immerse themselves in new communities, learning new languages, cultural practices, and intercultural communications skills. They gain greater cultural competency and regularly challenge and adapt their own norms, behaviors, and opinions. Participants in study abroad often come away saying that their worldview has significantly shifted, that their sense of what "normal" is has been dramatically altered to make room for the reality that multiple normals can, and do, co-exist. Study abroad alumni often feel that they have added a layer to their identity that is connected to the place where they studied. They joined, even for just a little while, the social fabric of a place different from their home, and they came away from the experience richer in knowledge, understanding, and appreciation.
Sound familiar?
Another way these two unique paths intertwine is related to citizenship. Both study abroad and AmeriCorps inspire a strong, renewed sense of citizenship. Not necessarily in a nationalistic way (though this can certainly happen as well) but more in the sense that AmeriCorps members and study abroad participants often feel even more engaged, immersed in, and activated by their citizenship. They are eager to participate in communities, learn more about them, and contribute.
This is especially true for those study abroad programs that incorporate a service-learning component. Serving alongside local members of a new community, both AmeriCorps members and students studying abroad identify in themselves a desire to do good, a renewed sense of value in civic participation, and, often, an inspired path forward from post-service or study experiences to continue serving and engaging with communities throughout their lives. Citizenship – whether it is local, national, or global – is stoked by meaningful service and intercultural exchange. Whether that happens in the United States or in a country abroad, the end result is often the same.
Last, but most certainly not least, both AmeriCorps and study abroad are often cited by participants as being significantly life-changing experiences. Seventeen (!) years after I completed my service with AmeriCorps, I can still identify a multitude of decisions I have made and behaviors I have adopted that were rooted in my national service. I have built my career around the study of and employment of effective practices for meaningful civic engagement. Many AmeriCorps alums similarly go on to pursue careers in the charitable and public sectors, seeking to give back through their employment, often in addition to continued volunteer service. Similarly, study abroad alumni often cite, even years after their experiences abroad, how their international learning had a significant impact on their understanding of the world and their role within it. Many international service-learning participants also seek to explore career paths related to international and domestic education, community development, and social and environmental good. Once again, these two paths share so many signposts along the way.
So having said all of this, an AmeriCorps alum who might be considering study abroad might wonder whether they should bother doing it at all. If these experiences are so similar, why might it be worth it? The answer to this question is related to the differences between these two opportunities. Spending time abroad offers an entirely new environment in which to learn, grow, serve, and engage. You can take the many things you learned and the skills you honed during your AmeriCorps experience and potentially apply them on a global stage. You can sharpen your intercultural communication skills and strengthen your cultural competency by placing yourself even more out of your cultural element. You can take the sense of citizenship that you likely sharpened during your AmeriCorps term and expand it even further, adopting an even more global perspective. You can add global experience – and the patience, flexibility, and ability to adapt to new cultures and environments that you gain along with it – to your professional skill set, an invaluable asset in an increasingly competitive and globalized workforce.
And should you choose an international education program that has a service or service-learning component, you can practice your service skills in a new environment, learning more about how people volunteer in other countries (indeed, it's not the same everywhere. In many places, volunteering looks very different than it does in the United States . . . and may not even be called volunteering!). In short, it can be the next great leg of your journey. An opportunity to take what you have achieved and learned and experienced domestically and do it again, only differently, internationally.
At IPSL, we talk to and engage many AmeriCorps alums who say that they started to think about global service during their national service. For them, serving and learning abroad is the next phase of what will likely be a lifetime of civic engagement, immersive learning, and a desire to partner with and contribute to diverse communities.
Imagine what it could potentially do for you…
October 29, 2014 12:38 am
Absolutely agree; I'm a two-term AmeriCorps NCCC alum myself (Classes XIV and XVIII) and have enjoyed the realization of many of those similarities you mention, as I've been teaching English in South Korea for almost two years now. Thanks for sharing.
Abbey permalinkNovember 4, 2014 10:33 am
Thank you Erin! This is well said. I am a 3-term AmeriCorps*VISTA alum and currently work in study abroad and service-learning. However, I would also add that the reverse is true. Those who have done study abroad as a college student, may be interested in doing a year of service upon graduation.
Samar Misra permalinkDecember 10, 2014 10:53 pm
Thanks for this amazing article and it touched my heart! I am blessed to be an Americorps Alumnus who did one year from 2011 to 2012. Th idea of making the world a better place through service and international exposure is the best thing in the world and my #1 passion and value. Also, I would like to add how nice it would be where everyone in the world can have a salaried job that incorporates service and diversity where they can do what they love as well as earn a living. Even though volunteering is always great, it would be good if there are always options known about where people can earn a modest living realistically and pragmatically from service work in life where they don't have to depend on anybody else for financial assistance.
Also, as I am currently looking for the next service based and international job that pays, was wondering of any suggestions from anybody? I have already applied to PeaceCorps and others that are more immediate. Also, does anybody know of anything in India or Nepal of paying social sector jobs? Thank you all so much.


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Hayward Accommodation
Searching for hotels in Hayward (United States) or Hayward accommodation? Hayward is a city in the East Bay and is the sixth largest city the one of the largest suburbs of Oakland in California. There are many things to see while visiting Hayward. Tourists in Hayward can explore local attractions as well as go to nearby cities and explore the general Bay Area tourist attractions at well.
Some of the most popular places to go and explore in Hayward include the Lone Tree Cemetery, Palace Club, Hayward Area Recreation and Park, Hayward Plunge and the Kennedy Park Snack Bar. The City is also the home of the Sulpher Creek Nature Center, Hayward Area Historical Society and many others.
Hotels in the area include the Fairfield Inn and Suites Oakland Hayward, Quality Inn Castro Valley, La Quinta Inn Suites-Hayward Oakland Airport, Days Inn Hayward, Comfort Suites Castro Valley Hotel, Hampton Inn Oakland and many others. All these accommodations are close to local tourist attractions and other points of interest in the city.
- Browse the Hayward Map or compare Hayward accommodation from Hotels, Motels, B&Bs, Lodging & Hostels to Holiday & Caravan Parks.
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Try opening the file with another program. Maybe it has something that Photoshop just doesn't like. I just read that layers more than 30K pixels wide can make the file unreadable to Photoshop.
The best option I could think of right now is GIMP (it is free).
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Child Safety
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Van Craen
For the last 20 years, the van Craen sisters have been dealing in 'Slow Design', with the vision that "designal pieces are something that should be appreciated for a long period of time". This message is something that resonates with every client they represent, from newcomer Lambert & Fils to the remarkable designs of Davide Groppi, Oty Light, Carpet Sign, Petite Friture and futniture brand Alki.
With a sophisticated and singularly refined brand portfolio, it is an honour that Julie and Elise van Craen requested the assistance of Nightingale for the rebranding of their design agency. After twenty years of experience, they felt an instinctive neccesity for a shift in the paradigm; a rebirth in identity, fitting for the generation before them, as well as the one that has yet to come to fruition.
Nightingale was responsible for the complete rebranding, which included a new name, the redesign of their logo, a new website, stationery, business cards and the supporting communication strategy behind this new identity: one that captured both their extensive experience, as well as one that could launch them into the next twenty years.
To present this new identity to the rest of the world, the design agency traveled to Milan to present this new rebranding at the Salone del Mobile.


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I enjoy coffee in the morning, afternoon and the evening. Living tiny, you want to reduce the amount of appliances and also give you portable options for when you are camping. Cafflano Klassic is the world's first portable pour-over coffee maker making all-in-one design. This great little option from Cafflano is affordable and its light weight ensures maximum portability, removing hassle of packing.
This is what I've decided to use in my Tiny House for making coffee.
It consists of coffee grinder that has a foldaway conical burr ceramic hand-mill, dripping kettle, dripper, server, etched stainless filter and tumbler, and all of those components are integrated into a single assembling unit. Wherever you are, all you need is some whole beans measured out in advanced and bagged and some hot water you can easily boil even on a trail with a single burner lightweight camping stove… you can easily and conveniently make fresh and tasty coffee at your camp. It is neither battery-operated nor needs electricity, but totally environment-conscious with its permanent etched stainless filter.
[Cafflano Klassic – Unique Characteristics]
• Portability – a 470g (1 lb.) single constructible unit with full functionality
• Convenience – easy to brew, no multiple brewing kit, measuring cup nor scale are required
• Economical – 1/10th cost of coffee at shops and 60% cost of existing bulky brewing kit
• Eco-friendly – no electric power, disposable filters & cup are required
• Individuality – freedom of choosing any specialty coffee
Tags: Camping, Coffee, Kitchen Appliances


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- Details
Heather grey sweatshirt with radio fist graphic print on the front.
Please visit our FAQs page to see if your question has already been answered.
There is a link to our contact us form at the bottom if you still need your question answered.


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Zip Lining in Jamaica with Kids
Finding an activity for an adventurous group which also contains young children can be a challenge. We considered several activities on our recent return trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica, but struggled to find something the youngest kids in our group – both six years old and under 46 inches tall – could participate in fully. After working with the Tour Desk at Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa, we booked the Thrill Seekers Pass with Chukka at Good Hope Estate in Montego Bay. It was time to try zip lining in Jamaica and so much more!
Zip Lining in Jamaica
Our morning started with a 30-minute shuttle ride into the beautiful mountains. When we arrived at the Good Hope Estate, we rented lockers to store our things and went to schedule our time on the zip line. We had no trouble getting right in. Within minutes we had received the safety briefing and were in harnesses and helmets for our trip through the trees. We experienced three of the six zip lines on property.
The guides were patient and helpful with my youngest son who was a little apprehensive about trying the first line. After just a moment's hesitation, though, he was flying through the trees! It was super easy for the kids because all they had to do was hang on. The guides sending gave them a little push and the guides receiving caught them at the end; no breaking or maneuvering to worry about.
Water park and Lunch
After zip lining, we went straight to the Tube & Slide part of our trip. There was a guide available to take any swimsuit cover ups or other things back to the central area until we finished our float down the river. Tip: Wear Crocs or water shoes because closed-toed shoes are required for the zip line, and be prepared to keep them on for the tube ride because it's a short walk through the jungle to the tubes.
Floating under the arched bamboo trees down the canals that carried sugar cane and rum barrels 200 years ago was breathtaking. A short slide provided a little exhilaration before we splashed into the river below and continued our journey. Our playful guides then paddled along beside us and made sure we didn't remain dry!
Once back at the central area, we bought lunch and ate by the pool. Tip: Try the jerk chicken here. It is amazing and the portions are plentiful!
The kids took another quick dip in the water and then turned their attention to the playground just behind the swimming area while the adults finished up. There is an ice cream and coffee shop as well as a bar just steps from the pool.
Horse and Carriage Ride
We then scheduled our horse and carriage ride which was my younger son's primary request for this vacation. Imagine his delight when the driver asked him to sit up front and even let him hold the reigns for a moment! The guide on the back of the carriage gave an interesting history of the plantation and facts about some of the fruits and plants of Jamaica.
Bird Aviary
The Bird Aviary is a treasure that should not be missed. Built around the ruins of the plantation's slave hospital, the aviary boasts more than a dozen species of birds as well as plants and décor that are equally fun to view. Be sure and look near the sign outside the netted area where feeders attract the national bird of Jamaica, the Doctor Bird, a hummingbird found only on this island.
Challenge Course
Finally, half of our group decided to take on the challenge course. This is a series of obstacles hanging in the trees requiring balance and skill to traverse. My oldest son was excited to try but had trouble mastering much of the course. Once again the friendly and helpful guides were there, encouraging him and helping him finish the course.
Our passes also included a tour of the great house which we really wanted to do, but we were exhausted by this point and were almost out of time as well. We spent a few minutes in the gift shop and purchased a CD of the pictures from our zip lining and tubing experiences. We then boarded our shuttle for the ride back to our resort, happy with an adventurous day that included everyone in our group.
If you are considering a visit to Chukka at Good Hope Estate, there are different passes to accommodate everyone's adventure level. The Ultimate Thrill Seeker's Pass included everything we did plus a few more zip lines, a Dune Buggy or ATV adventure, lunch, and more. There is also a Good Hope Estate Pass and Cultural Explorer Pass for those who are looking for calmer adventures.
You may also enjoy:
- Swimming with Dolphins at Dolphin Cove Jamaica
- Things to Do in Jamaica With Kids – Dunn's River Falls
- Jamaican Adventures with Kids – Mystic Mountain
- All-Inclusive Resort in Jamaica – Hilton Rose Hall, a Review
Hilton Mom Voyage writers receive free night certificates to use at Hilton Hotels & Resorts worldwide. To learn more, visit our About Us page.
Robyn fell in love with travel before kids and has found it even more wonderful since her kids have joined the family. She is married to an amazing…


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The Strad Directories
String courses
Its fate was almost to be consigned to the murky depths of an Uruguayan river but it continues to delight and inspire audiences of the present day. Alessandra Barabaschi delves into the dramatic life of the 'Mara' Strad
This has been a year of achievements for Renaud Capuçon – from celebrating the fifth anniversary of his Aix Easter Festival to winning an ECHO Klassik award – yet the French violinist is happiest when mentoring the next generation of talented musicians, finds Charlotte Gardner
How the social and political upheavals of 18th-century Europe affected Stradivari and his later instruments
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My boyfriend of twelve years, Michael, was on an extended assignment in Europe, and I eventually got a hold of him as well. He had been pulling away emotionally over the last year, and I thought maybe this event would shake him up, realize how much he wanted to be with me, etc. Not so much.If you had told me at the time that ten years later I would be a single mother of two children, divorced from an abusive man that I met after Michael left, I would never have believed it. And yet, there it is.
You just never know how things are going to turn out. It's very easy for me to start getting depressed about my current situation. Brad will never fully support his fair share of the kids' expenses. I constantly have to deal with him at the kids' events and at hand-offs, which can be up to five or six times a week. He is always annoying, often verbally abusive, and occasionally physically intimidating. I will always be on edge when Brad is with the kids, because I don't trust him and I don't think I ever will.I am taking this opportunity, however, to reflect back over the last ten years and look at how far I have come and how much I have accomplished. I got over Michael's leaving and it was truly painful - I cried every day for six months after he left in February of 2002. I have a steady job and a good income. I learned to scuba dive and went on several trips to the Caribbean. I took golf lessons, which didn't help my game much. I took a lot of dance lessons, which did help and I thoroughly enjoyed. I took a chance on Brad – I knew it wasn't a perfect fit, but I thought I could make it work. I made it through two complicated pregnancies, and I have two truly wonderful kids that are the light of my life to show for it.
I was in a pit of despair in my marriage, but I climbed out of it. I made the most difficult decision of my life and had my abusive husband forcibly removed from our house, in spite of how scared I was of all that was to come. I made it through the drama of the divorce, which was so much work and so stressful that at times I felt like my head was going to explode. I've reconnected with my family and friends through all of this and am truly enriched for it. I have a small, but very dedicated support network that I can turn to when I get stressed and need to talk.I started this blog, which has been very cathartic and provided a lot of emotional balance and perspective. I'm (barely) over the hurdle of starting to date after the divorce. I've put an "End Domestic Violence" magnet ribbon on my car and I plan to do more for the cause as I find opportunities.
I don't know what the next ten years will bring, but I am hopeful that it will be rewarding and wonderful.


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Hi All,
Fairy Godmailers are kind folks who volunteer to send other peoples children (or adults with child-like hearts) post cards from WDW. Usually the card is from 'Mickey' or the childs favorite character telling him or her they are anxiously awaiting seeing them when they come to Disney, or a Princess telling a young lady she can't wait to see her at breakfast...It is such a magical thing for the little ones recieving the cards
You can make 2 kinds of posts on this thread:
1. You can request a Fariy Godmailer . You will need to include kids names, address, dates of trip or when you'd like the cards to come and possibly a favorite character or some bit of info you would like included in the post card like attendance at the wonderland tea party or a princess breakfast etc. You can send a private message to any potential Godmailers so your child's personal info won't be out there for everyone and anyone to see.
***if someone responds and offers to be your child's fairy godmailer, please edit your post to let others know it has been taken care of*****
2. You can offer to be someone's Fairy Godmailer for one of your upcoming trips. Include the dates you are travelling and possibly if you are willing to send more than 1 card. ***Once you make arrangements to be someones Fairy Godmailer and you don't want to offer any longer, please edit your post to say so****
ETA: Oh, and let's pay it forward too. If you are fortunate enough to get a Fairy Godmailer for your kids. Please be so kind as to return the favor for someone else's child too!
This can be so much fun!!!!! Let's do it!!!! Who's with me????


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If you are about change for the better at any cost, Black Feelings (a.k.a. BF) wanted it in the worst way! Shaped and molded by the mean streets of Philly then by twenty years in the penitentiary, all he knew was pain. So he was the murderous, loving, and unjust—but only in his eyes. He chose to take a journey not only to free his mind but also those he felt suffered from oppression wherever it existed. He knew it would be hard, but he would be free. Read this in Free, the Hard Way.
B.F. a.k.a. black feelings, didn't manage to see his legacy live on, but live on it did! His son, and Trizz wouldn't let B.F.'s name, and objective be downplayed by the media, or wrote off as if he was some crazy, and deranged ex – con, with no direction.
They promised to live out his thoughts through pro action. They wanted what B.F. wanted… for all the down trodden, white or black!!! To be free, if it meant being FREE THE HARD WAY!!!