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San Sebastian's amazing Michelin street dining
For most of us, sitting down to a multi-course dinner prepared by a famed chef is a special occasion. Very special.
But there are some parts of the world where premium food and wine are such essential parts of daily life that it's not unusual to be treated to such an experience every day -- without going broke in the process.
Take San Sebastián, on northern Spain's Bay of Biscay coast, just 20 kilometers from France.
Known as Donostia in the Basque tongue, the city says it has more Michelin stars (a total of 16) per square meter than any other place in the world.
Three legendary restaurants hold Michelin's highest three-star honor: Arzak, Akelarre and Berasategui.
No reservation at these stellar spots? No problem. It's still possible to get an unforgettable meal right on the cobblestone streets of the "pintxo" headquarters of San Sebastián.
What is a pintxo?
Pintxos has developed over the years from being a simple bar food to innovative small plates that can rival the offerings at any Michelin-rated establishment.
While a typical pintxo (literally "spike" or "thorn") is made up of several skewered ingredients atop a piece of bread, the term can refer to any small bar food, from a plate of Idiazabal cheese risotto to a potato-filled wedge of tortilla.
The bar scene has always played an important role in Basque living, with tavern owners offering small snacks like olives for their guests to enjoy with their drinks.
In the 1940s, men who were spending more and more time in taverns, drawn in by the local betting culture, started combining the snack foods to create meals, then giving their creations names.
The first of these to gain widespread popularity was the Gilda, named after Rita Hayworth's 1946 film of the same name, first appearing at Bar Valles. (See the City essentials section at end for details of all businesses featured.)
This pintxo is made simply by wrapping an anchovy around four green chilies and topping it with an olive.
Like Hayworth, the Gilda is elegant, thin and a little spicy.
How it's done
Europeans tend to have lots of unspoken rules about food -- Basque country is no exception.
To avoid looking like an amateur, never ask for a plate at the bar. Some places may offer self-service, but if it doesn't look like you should pick it up, then don't pick it up.
The point of pintxo tasting is to make a night of it, buying a different course at each bar.
Often, people gather a group of friends and make a kitty. Everyone puts in €20 (US$26) and elects one person as banker.
Pintxos average about €2.50 to €3.50 a piece. If the fund runs out, you put in more money. If you leave early you forfeit your share.
Don't expect to find a seat. The point is to enjoy exceptional cuisine in an informal setting.
Payment is based on the honor system. Just tell the barman what you ate when you're ready to leave.
To avoid filling up too quickly, never have more than one pintxo at each bar and feel free to skip the bread.
It's customary to throw your napkin on the floor. You can often judge the quality of an establishment by the amount of refuse on the floor.
And don't order more than one drink at a time. The best pintxo accompaniment is Txacoli, a young white wine whose light body will not overpower the taste of the food.
Where to eat
To spot a good place in San Sebastián's old town, look for places where people are spilling out onto the streets.
We recommend starting at Bar Valles for a Gilda, the proper beginning to an amazing seven-course meal.
Next, walk to A Fuego Negro, a trendy bar founded by two former DJs.
You'll want to try all of the deconstructed pintxos on the menu, but if you must choose one, go for the "Arroz, tomato, y un huevo."
Based on the Spanish comfort food dish of rice, tomato sauce and an egg, the A Fuego Negro version uses a dehydrated tomato strip to break up a poached egg on top of creamy rice.
Every place has its own specialty. Bar Martinez concocts a delicious trio of lightly marinated, juicy and plump mushrooms, served warm on a stick.
The bar counter at Gandarias is covered with chewy slices of bread decorated with healthy portions of local seafood.
Bar Nestor serves one of the best tortillas in Spain. They make only two a day, served at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., and it's best to arrive early to guarantee a slice.
Borda Berri is good for stewed beef cheeks -- incredibly tender cuts of meat -- or lightly fried sweetbread and lemongrass ravioli.
When you're ready for dessert, it's always smart to end the night at La Viña for an incredible crustless cheesecake that's perfectly creamy and not too sweet.
Master class
After tasting the pintxos of San Sebastián, it's natural to want to recreate your own tasting menu at home.
The most scenic lesson in town is offered by ni neu, located in the amazing Kursaal Congress Centre, designed by Rafael Moneo. It overlooks the sea and the river Urumea.
Ni neu's expert chefs offer classes in crafting innovative pintxos for all skill levels. The €80 (US$112) workshop includes an apron, recipe book and lunch or dinner after the class.
Tenedor Tours runs a daytime class for €120 (US$158). It involves spending the morning shopping at San Sebastián's Bretxa market, then heading to a private house to learn how to make a dozen different types of pintxos.
The new Basque Culinary Center offers a variety of hands-on workshops taught in Spanish, as well as a gallery dedicated to food art and photography.
Where to stay
The entire city of San Sebastián was built as a summer resort for royalty. To get the full city experience, it'd be a shame to stay anywhere other than the 100-year-old Hotel Maria Cristina.
The newly renovated belle époque hotel features massive rooms and a prime location just steps away from the old town.
Rooms booked online start at €165 (US$217).
It's a treat to start your day with breakfast at Easo Restaurant, with local specialties including Basque cake, a sticky almond flour cake filled with cherries or cuajada, a dish made from curdled sheep's milk served with walnuts and honey.
At night, the Dry San Sebastián Bar, inside the hotel, serves some of the best cocktails in the city and is also the location where Bette Davis supposedly smoked her last cigarette before her 1989 death from cancer in Paris.
Among creator Javier de las Muelas' signature drinks is the wild "carnyvore," a cocktail made from chili-infused vodka and strawberry puree, served in a prey-trapping pitcher plant.
If you're itching for a proper sit-down meal at one of the region's top Michelin-rated restaurants, the concierge here is your best bet to get a reservation.
Getting there
San Sebastián Airport is a 20-minute drive west of the city center, and is served by Iberia airline.
Travelers may find it easier to fly directly to Bilbao and then take the one-hour Pesa bus ride to San Sebastián. Buses leave on the hour. High-speed trains also connect to the city from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and Lisbon.
City essentials
Bar Valles, Calle de los Reyes Católicos, 10, 20006 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 45 22 10; open Monday, Friday-Sunday 1-3 p.m. and 8:30-11 p.m., Tuesday 1-3 p.m.; www.barvalles.com
A Fuego Negro, Calle 31 de Agosto 31, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 650 13 53 73; open Tuesday-Sunday 1:30-3:30 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m.; www.afuegonegro.com
Bar Nestor, Calle Pescaderia, 11, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 42 48 73; open Tuesday-Sunday noon-7 p.m.; www.barnestor.com
Bar Martinez, Calle 31 de Agosto, 13, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 42 49 65; open Monday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-11:30 p.m., Friday 6:30-11:30 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 6:30-11:30 p.m.
Gandarias, Calle de San Jerónimo, 25, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 42 63 62; open daily from 11 a.m.-midnight; www.restaurantegandarias.com
Bar Borda-Berri, Calle Fermin Calbeton, 12, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 43 03 42; open Tuesday-Sunday 12:30-3:30 p.m. and 7:30-11:30 p.m.
La Viña, Calle 31 de Agosto 3, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa; +34 943 42 74 95; open Tuesday-Sunday 12:30-11 p.m.; www.santiagorivera.com
ni neu,Avenida de Zurriola, 1, 20002 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa; +34 943 00 31 62; open Monday, Tuesday, Sunday 1-3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1-3:30 p.m. and 8:30-10:30 p.m.; www.restaurantenineu.com
Tenedor Tours; +34 609 467 381; www.tenedortours.com
La Bretxa, along Calle de Aldamar in Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa; +34 943 43 00 76; open Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; www.la-bretxa.com
Basque Culinary Center, Paseo Juan Avelino Barriola 101, 20009 San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa; +34 943 53 51 03; www.bculinary.com
Hotel Maria Cristina, Paseo Republica Argentina, 4, 20004 San Sebastian, Guipúzcoa; +34 943 43 76 00; http://theluxurycollection.com/MariaCristina
More on CNN: After dark in Madrid -- going out like a local


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Have I been neglecting this blog? No. Yes. Yes, I have. More importantly, I have been neglecting you, Mindsilt.com Reader. (Is it okay that I've stolen that bit from Schadenfreude.net? I think it's okay since my work appeared there consistently for over a year.) You are the people I am most concerned about neglecting. A blog has no feelings. A blog can't come up to me and say, "Jeff, I've sunken into a mild depression because I miss your posts."* A blog isn't disappointed when no one is clicking on its frond end to read or on its back end to post. A blog waits patiently and responds when — and only when — called upon. Readers are an entirely different beast. You have feelings. You can come up to me and talk about your depression. You can be disappointed when you check Mindsilt.com or Google Reader or your own Blogger.com blog and see that nothing new has appeared in several weeks. However fleeting those feelings might be, you have them. Except for those of you who aren't capable of feelings. You feel nothing and that's not normal. You should talk to someone about that. Preferably a professional, but I am here for you if you need me.** Anyway, I don't want you to feel those feelings. I want you to feel the feelings of satisfaction and joy when you realize that I have posted something new to Mindsilt.com. I want those feelings to last at least until you start reading. Ideally, they'll last for the entire time that you are reading but I can't make those kinds of promises.
I think you get my meaning.
I apologize for the neglect. I hope to rectify the problem with some good and interesting posts before the end of the year. I'll even do an Oprah-style "Favorite Things" post except I won't be giving anything away to my audience. I'm also busy crunching numbers based on my workouts and fitness for the year. That will probably only be interesting to you, Brian. Plus, I think The Bachelor is coming back in January so you can look forward to those reviews, too.
I haven't forgotten about you, Mindsilt.com Reader. I appreciate your readership so much that I want to gently stroke your cheek with the back of my hand and open mouth kiss your bellybutton.
Don't give up on me. I haven't given up on you.
*No one has ever in the history of the world come up to me and said, "Jeff, I've sunken into a mild depression because I miss your posts." However, that doesn't mean that people aren't feeling that way.
**I'll probably just listen patiently and then tell you to speak with a professional. Of course, I mean a professional psychiatrist or psychologist. I am merely a professional project manager. They don't have Gantt Charts for feelings.

subset: commoncrawl


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One normally opens a Sparkling Wine to mark a celebration. So, last Sunday I decided to open this lovely Cava to celebrate... for no reason!
This delicious Cava is made with local grape varietals Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada, using the traditional method. The 2009 vintage of this Cava was among my VINTAGES wine picks last December. I expect this 2010 version will be in VINTAGES this coming December.
JUVÉ Y CAMPS CINTA PURPURA RESERVA BRUT CAVA 2010 - DO Penedes, Spain (#352864) (XD) - $17.95
Tasting Note:
Medium intensity nose bouncing between yeast, bread, walnuts and floral and tropical fruit notes. It's palate is mid-weight with fresh, balanced acids and a good amount of mousse. Nutty, peach, floral and tropical flavours on the palate with just a kiss of sweetness. Lengthy, dry finish. Delicious and recommended. Score: 89 pts
- Thursday, November 6, 2014
Juvé y Camps Cinta Purpura Reserva Brut Cava 2010 (Spain) - Wine Review
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UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer quickly became a fan favorite after switching from the WEC at the turn of the year, but then suddenly stopped appearing at the promotion's events a few months ago, leading to speculation that she'd been fired.
In a new interview she talks about her decision to pursue her dream of becoming an artist, moving to Los Angeles to attend Art School, but also reveals that though she is currently on hiatus she is still technically contracted to the UFC.
That being said there still may be some problems behind the scenes that's not being revealed here as she isn't sure if and when she may appear in the UFC again despite appearing to be open to the idea.
Check out the full interview below.


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I start my training tomorrow for my new job but I can't help but keep asking myself "Should I care about this job?" I know that the work environment is horrible and there really aren't too many jobs out there but still, how can a company expect their workers to do more than the minimal effort if they pay almost nothing?
After months of looking, I've finally gotten a job; not a job that I'm proud of or looking forward to but a job nonetheless. Now I know you may be asking yourself: "What is this jewel of a job?" or "Why aren't you proud of it? Getting a job right now is quite an achievement these days." Well rest assured that I'm not going to lie to you about how it's a step above working at Taco Bell or that it's something that will provide me with hours of entertainment to make up for the low pay. In fact, I won't even hide the fact that this is something I've gotten to get off of unemployment, to do something somewhat productive and of course to get out of the house.
Why's this job so bad you ask?
The first thing was that I have to be clean cut, which makes me look like a total ass. There was a time, about a few days ago, where I had an awesome metal beard. While some may think people with beards are to lazy to shave, which is true to an extent, but some people can pull them off. The whole ordeal of shaving so I could be a corporate tool for no money was made even more difficult by all of the complements that I had gotten the day before I had to shave.
Now that we've gotten the superficial reason out of the way, we can get into the more legit ones. Take having to be in a union to work there. Unions are pretty awesome as long as they work for you but to be in this one, I'd be basically working for free for at least a week so I can cover the initial dues. Why would I want to pay dues to a union when I make so little money? Is it so the employer can't take advantage of me? I thought working for no money and being extorted to shelling money out to be able to work somewhere is kind of abusive so that can't be it. Maybe it's because the company is so horrible to work for that they would rape me more without the union.
The last thing that I'll complain about tonight is that to even get a fancy shirt, I have to work there 2 months but until then, I have to wear a white collared dress shirt (thanks goodwill for the $2 shirt). Is it too much to ask for a lame ass shirt that I can proudly display as I puff out my chest and walk through the store? Apparently it is, which means if I can't even get a $3 polo shirt for free; I won't be able to get the supplies I need to do my job.
Well in the end, it's a job until I can get something better. I can already picture how rewarding it will be to give a one day notice unless my demands are met once I've found something better. Who knows, maybe I'll find a way to make this whole endeavor worthwhile.


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A very sweet, nice image from, I think, the Baltimore Catechism. Fine. There is some correct theology there. Good. Jesus is making happen what He commanded His Apostles and their successors in Holy Orders to do. Great. But there is more.
Here's another image, more recent, which emphasizes that the priest is acting in Persona Christi, in the Person of Christ, for the absolution of sins:
That's um… nice too. I like it. But, well, sheesh… there is so much more to what is happening in Confession that people really should realize, so that they have more of a sense of how deeply and completely they are forgiven even if their fallen human emotions still weigh them down with a guilt which isn't there (which is a cross we sometimes carry, a cross which we are commanded to carry by Jesus, a cross which doesn't hold us back spiritually, just the opposite).
I would like to see an image, a line-drawing say – even from someone thinking they have no talent for drawing faces, hands and such – of Jesus going to Confession to a priest, and perhaps in a more traditional Catholic setting, something like the photo below, but with an adult Jesus, with His wounds, going to Confession to the priest:
Here's the deal: Jesus walked among us so that He could stand in our place (or kneel in our place, or be crucified in our place), the Innocent for the guilty, so that He would have the right in His own justice to have mercy on us. Effectively, He was taking our place, not only for original sin but for all of our personal sins, however hidden, however embarrassing, however shameful, confessing them, as it were, as if those sins were His own sins: "I did this…. I said that… I thought the other thing… I omitted doing…" And, by the way, Jesus got a penance, a big one, being tortured to death, the Innocent for the guilty. And He did His penance. Why? Because He really does, in fact, indeed, love us.
To be Christian we have to have a sense of what to us in this world seems to be such biting irony, mercy being founded on justice, mercy and justice being one in God. Otherwise, we are a train-wreck:
- Mere mercy cut off from noticing the above mentioned justice brings us instantaneously to the darkest of existential states of cynicism and doubt.
- Mere justice which doubts even the possibility of mercy is a crushing darkness throwing us into the most existential peripheries of dark bitterness.
We're just not strong enough to bear such horror, as it is untruth, for mercy is founded on justice and Jesus does bear the wounds which give Him the right in His own justice to have mercy on us. Does He love us? Does He forgive us? Yes.
Do we, in our weakness, want that our weakness goes away already in this world? Yes. And it doesn't happen because, in justice, we have to suffer all the effects of original sin, even while carrying the grace of Christ within us, while we are in this world. To be free of the effects of original sin we have to be in heaven, where there will be no more weakness of mind, weakness of will, emotions all the hell over the place, no more sickness, no more death. Jesus isn't going to throw away justice, for then He would also be throwing away mercy. Jesus instead lets all our weakness teach us how to be in humble thanksgiving to Jesus. Jesus doesn't want that we beat ourselves up. He wants that we accept the forgiveness, but as mercy founded on justice. It is hurtful to have false expectations, as in "no more weakness in this world," "no more cross," "a method of salvation I came up with so that I can ditch that dumb Jesus with His dumb mercy founded on His dumb justice." But, as said in the bulleted points above, that leads to an impossibly heavy, crushing darkness which throws us into the most impossible self-made peripheries, having us think we are outsiders. No. That's not the way. Jesus is the Way. He's the only Way. Jesus is the One. He's the only one.
Let's watch Him, let's listen to Him confess all our sins. Let's watch Him do His penance for us. We imposed our misery on ourselves. Jesus doesn't like that. He came among us to take that misery away. We'll see that especially in heaven. But we can already get a sense of His love for us here, even amidst all the chaos within and without. It's like Saint Therese said, it's not necessarily a jump up and down peace, but a peace bound by love which enables us to go on. We gotta be little children. Little. Children. Look at Jesus, in wonder, as He confesses our sins.
I would love to have a line drawing of this, even one with little talent.
And more, how about a little boy or girl watching Jesus go to Confession, with mouth agape in thankful wonder and surprise and joy.


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Things to Consider When Buying Weight Loss Pills
Want to shed some weight? If so, chances are you're trying weight loss pills, or diet pills as they're commonly known. While weight loss pills can be helpful for helping you shed weight, you should be careful when using them.
If you're consuming diet pills for the first time in order to lose weight, you need to consider several important factors. The factors below can help to make the process of buying weight loss pills easier and safer.
Cost is one of the several factors you should consider when buying weight loss pills. Diet pills are sold in many drug shops at a variety of prices. Pills are available for as little as twenty dollars to as much as three to four hundred dollars. It's vital that you buy pills that you can afford. Otherwise, you can try several natural ticks to lose weight.
You should also consider the manufacturer of the pills before buying. The reputation and history of the manufacturer will give you a good idea of the pill and its effectiveness. If the manufacturer has a bad name for selling ineffective weight loss pills, look for another manufacturer. While diet pills are generally thought to be ineffective, it's also essential to bear in mind that taking the wrong pills may put your health on the line.
In addition to finding out the history and reputation of the manufacturer, you should also research about the pills you want to buy. Some diet pills are effective while others aren't at all. Make sure to buy ones that have been shown to be effective. One reliable method to do this is to consult a healthcare expert, read product reviews, visit weight loss sites, or visit message boards.
It's also vital to first find out the ingredients in diet pills before you choose one to buy. Most importantly, it's imperative to establish whether or not any of the ingredients can cause you allergies. It's also essential to establish whether any of the ingredients have been withdrawn or if they're harmful. The best way to go about it is to consult a healthcare expert or do a bit of research online. You may carry out specific online searches of every ingredient.
Point of purchase is another factor you should consider when buying weight loss pills. Many different retailers online and offline sell weight loss pills. If you're purchasing online, ensure that you're buying from a reputable and reliable dealer. But if you're shopping for weight loss pills offline, it's best to avoid dollar or discount stores.
Diet pills can be extremely effective if you're aiming to lose weight. However, make sure that whatever you are purchasing is safe and does not have a negative impact on your life.
Practical and Helpful Tips: Fitness
Practical and Helpful Tips: Fitness


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Want to know what is coming soon at Universal Orlando? How about some Universal Orlando inside tips on visiting the park, saving money and getting the most out of your stay? Tamara and Kim share tips from their recent visits and interview Brittany Baron from Universal Orlando to get all the inside scoop. ON THE PODCAST :30 Kim and Tamara… Read More


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Makers of Jewish Modernity: Thinkers, Artists, Leaders, and the World They Made
This superb collection presents more than forty incisive portraits of leading Jewish thinkers, artists, scientists, and other public figures of the last hundred years who, in their own unique ways, engaged with and helped shape the modern world. Makers of Jewish Modernity features entries on political figures such as Walther Rathenau, Rosa Luxemburg, and David Ben-Gurion; philosophers and critics such as Walter Benjamin, Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, Jacques Derrida, and Judith Butler; and artists such as Mark Rothko. The book provides fresh insights into the lives and careers of novelists like Franz Kafka, Saul Bellow, and Philip Roth; the filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen; social scientists such as Sigmund Freud; religious leaders and thinkers such as Avraham Kook and Martin Buber; and many others. Written by a diverse group of leading contemporary scholars from around the world, these vibrant and frequently surprising portraits offer a global perspective that highlights the multiplicity of Jewish experience and thought. A reference book like no other, Makers of Jewish Modernity includes an informative general introduction that situates its subjects within the broader context of Jewish modernity as well as a rich selection of photos.
About the Author
Jacques Picard is professor of modern and Jewish history and cultures at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Jacques Revel is a cultural historian and former president of the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in France. Michael P. Steinberg is vice provost for the arts, the Barnaby Conrad and Mary Critchfield Keeney Professor of History, and professor of music and German studies at Brown University. Idith Zertal is an Israeli historian and essayist who has taught at the University of Basel, the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Professor Zertal's books and essays have been published in many languages.
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Musings: Quote Wednesdays…
The question isn't morality, or right and wrong – but a sense of understanding your fellow man, and following a basic code of ethics that evolves around that understanding. It's this discerning point that humans are given the opportunity to utilize – a discerning point that, quite clearly, separates man from beast. Take away that, and you've taken away a very important part of being human.
Just a little mid-week food for thought.
Hope everyone's doing great. 😉
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™
Monthly Archives: April 2014
Musings Episode 57: Read The Air…
Not sure if anyone's heard this expression, slightly similar to "read between the lines." I touched briefly on it several episodic musings ago, a little something I picked up in Asia. Thought I'd elaborate once more on it here. Enjoy.
Musings Episode 57: Read The Air…
There's certain points in conversation where an exchange happens, and either both or one of the parties wanna say something but refrain slightly from doing so – and instead just sort of "dance" around the subject.
Personally, I prefer to talk straight (note, this does not mean "talking without thinking first"), but sometimes this type of thinking isn't always appropriate for every single situation. This is where learning to appreciate reading the air comes in handy. Don't get me wrong – reading the air has some serious negatives, too – but at times and in certain situations, it can be highly beneficial (business is not one of them though).
I remember my days back in uni studying International Business and Asia Pacific Studies – this was shortly after returning from Japan – they were discussing just what "reading the air" meant.
Simply put, it's like saying something without actually saying it, but the implication's there with as few words as possible. It's about reading the atmosphere, and knowing what (or what not) to say next. It's just something you've gotta pick up on. It's pretty helpful because it can spare embarrassment.
So why the heck am I writing about this on a Musings Episode? It's just one of those thoughts I had to get on paper…or computer screen, guess you could say.
It's something that would benefit the Western culture greatly if they learned how to use it, as it teaches a person how to be tactful and not sound so presumptuous…or assinine, for that matter.
I'd say the trait is more in Americans, BUT, coming from an English background as well there's been more than a fair share of people I've wanted to say "sod off" too as well.
Reading the air can tie into not letting your brother turn "red in the face." It's a really core part of Japanese culture and something that you never fully master – some may call it "passive." Yeah, it's got some tendencies of "don't rock the boat," but really it can boil down to sparing someone's feelings as well (hence the "red in the face" expression).
Although Chinese culture is on a whole different level (right down to the way they ask you to open a window) when it comes to indirect communication, the same way kids in primary school out here are being taught Mandarin, because this is turning into a global economy and has been one for a while now, it'd be really beneficial if the generation of today were taught key cultural "quirks" like these.
It's not asking much either, really. The same way Western culture has its sarcasm, highly innuendo-ish humor, and cliches, picking up how to understand what someone's saying without a plethora of words could balance the entirety of a lot of people's social skills to say the least.
Tomorrow I'll be elaborating on a few quick tips on exactly how to start reading the air.
Just a little Sunday food for thought. Wanna share your opinion? Comment below.
Hope everyone's having a great morning. 😉
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™
Musings Episode 57: Read The Air… is a post from and appeared first on Rego's Life
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For The Weekenders: Breakfast, Sweets, and Sake…
This week's been all about one thing for me: FOOD…and holy mother of Jesus…has it been good food. There's three things you should never miss out on in life – a decent breakfast (your body will thank you), sweets that melt in your mouth (keeps you from turning into a bitter, callous person), and a bit of drink (always good for flushing your liver).
If not experiencing all three at least every week…well you're just missing out on an important part of life. Let's fix that void – starting now. Enjoy.
For The Weekenders: Breakfast, Sweets, and Sake…
Breakfast should be one of those things you appreciate and never miss out on…but that can be a tricky thing, more often than not for many people. If you've got a job or wake up early for your business, a lot of times breakfast can be neglected – which is a huge no-no. You deserve better. Your body deserves better. So head over to Plein Air Café and give your stomach what it needs (and wants).
If there's ever a place that made a damn good breakfast, it's Plein Air Café.
The presentation of the food is as awesome as the taste of the food itself. Conveniently located in the University of Chicago Hyde Park Campus, this is one place where you can, for lack of a better description, have that "European experience" with your breakfast…which coming from me (in being Portuguese and British) it's really saying something (good job guys).
So this is the play, you've got two choices – either take your breakfast in the morning or…whenever you want really. All items on their menu are served all day – so if you missed that "11 o' clock window" don't sweat it – your Mascarpone Stuffed Brioche French Toast will be there waiting for you at 3.
Like a good drink, after a good meal it's always great to have a nice chaser. So after you've had a great breakfast, satisfy your sweet tooth over at A Baker's Tale – a great spot to take that one date you've been trying to impress for like…weeks now.
Don't fudge it up.
Well. You can't, really. At least not with this place.
The simplest way to describe A Baker's Tale is to explain to you that it's pretty much like walking into a story book. With "cute" little rhymes on their website and decor to back up the talk, this is the kind of place that surprisingly enough, girls will love and guys will think is pretty cool. Aesthetic enough to be pleasant and feminine, but neutral enough to feel like you didn't step into Barbie's playhouse (if not it just gets kind of…weird). The place is more Alice in Wonderland themed than anything – so that right there means be prepared for the "trippy" but cool.
Aside from the fact I'm into fitness, this is one of those spots where well…even I have my weaknesses. What can I say…the menu is cool, and great for those "cheat days."
So if you end up heading here with one of those potential sweet summer flings that are "sugar conscious" – but forget the phrase even exist when they step inside a sweet shop (and they will with this one), this is your go-to spot. They don't just do sweets either. You can take your pick from other items on their menu, like sandwiches, soups, and quiche. Let's just not turn this into a Hansel and Gretel thing – contrary to popular belief, it's never good to "fatten up" a date for the kill…if anything it just sounds creepy.
You got the breakfast buzz. You got the sugar high. Now I'd say it's about time for that drink…so head on over to Ani – a fresh little Japanese restaurant over on North Lincoln Ave., open and ready to serve you not just great sake, but Karaage chicken (among other tasty menu items as well).
Like any true, authentic Japanese eatery, Ani understands this – when you drink, you want to enjoy that drink. Savor it. Experience it's true flavor…and of course share it with close friends – and even closer "acquaintances." There aren't many places that remind me of my days in J-Land but, this is one of them – and for that, I've gotta say ありがとう.
So here's my suggestion:
Swing by and check out the place, then book a table for you and your friends – pick a great view where you really get a chance to look around the place (plus check out the local "scenery").
Step outside of your comfort zone and have a go at their best brews – besides sake there's beer and many others, so don't be shy.
Once you're a bit oiled up, grab some of their noodles – if you leave here without trying the noodles well…you're just dying for a slap.
If you're looking to keep the liquor rolling, check out their sake mussels instead. Finish it off with a good bowl of miso, another round of sake, and once you're stuffed don't forget to mention ごちそうさまでした to the passing waiter/waitress. You'll be thanked with a smile.
…and if you haven't already – for God's sake, add these places to your favorites under your smartphone's GPS app.
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™
For The Weekenders: Breakfast, Sweets, and Sake… is a post from and appeared first on Rego's Life
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"A mind at…
Musings Episode 56: Remember Where You Came From.
Hey all, hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday (and Monday), mine was pretty good. Anyway, I did some thinking over the weekend and thought this episodic musing should focus on something I always have kept as a sort of "mantra" throughout my life. Enjoy.
Musings Episode 56: Remember Where You Came From
Anyone recognize the screenshot from this movie? If you do, comment below…it'd be cool to see who else knows 🙂
But that's not the movie I'm on about in this post…in fact, this weekend I watched The Drifter –
…a film where Rob Machado just kind of gets away from it all. Tries to get back to his roots. Tries to get back to what surfing was all about. Overall a really chill but powerful film – with one of the best soundtracks to date.
A lot of times so many people get caught up in the things they're doing on an ongoing basis, and in turn quite often forget where they came from. Think about this for a second – and I know – usually telling someone to "remember where they came from" is something that's assimilated to saying such things to a person who's at the top, made it, etc…basically become successful.
While it's true, when you become successful you should always remember where you came from…but let's not forget that this can also be applied to people heading to their desired destination, goal, or purpose.
Because of the fact most people do have jobs, it can be easy to forget why you're working that job if you have a goal for your life. Funny thing about jobs is they can get you into a rhythm, or "rut" so to speak if you're not careful. You forget why you're doing the job, and just end up going after the money…and feeling lost or aimless. This is where you've gotta find your center again.
Not that anyone can blame you – it's a cycle. It's called getting into a "comfort zone," and not the healthy kind…because getting into that kind of comfort zone can make you forget what you were originally going after.
Sticking to getting what you really want though, can sometimes be a lonely road. If you want it bad enough, you'll understand this – because nothing, and I do mean nothing can stop you from acquiring it. Not people's criticism. Not temporary defeat. Nothing. You've gotta get to the point where in the words of Napoleon Hill it's an "obsession."
This is what I mean when I say remember where you came from. Remember where you started. Remember why you started. No matter how long ago it was, how lonely it felt, or how seemingly insignificant it may have felt at that time, never lose sight of the vision.
Remember where you came from…and you'll remember where you're going.
As always…
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™
Musings Episode 56: Remember Where You Came From. is a post from Rego's Life
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For The Weekenders: Ping Pong Battles, Winks and Whiskey, Korean Tacos…
I'm quite happy about this For The Weekenders. It's like a Sound of Music moment for me – not saying that I enjoy musicals (cough). Just saying…it reminds me of childhood days and the fact that these are a few of my favorite things. Plus…I'm confident you'll like it too. I mean really – and don't let the ping pong battles fool you. They're brutal. Let's get started shall we…?
For The Weekenders: Ping Pong Battles, Winks and Whiskey, Korean Tacos…
You take a step back…shift your weight onto your right foot. Wiggle your left hand a bit for balance, and feel a drip of sweat trickle down your brow. Eyes dilated, you place a firm grip on the paddle in your right hand…swing your arm back with elegance and…bingo – perfect play.
Ping pong just got a whole lot more fun. With DJs, drinking, and some post game dancing, hell, ping pongs gone and grown up. It just can't get any better than Blazing Paddles. This is your go-to spot for when you've just completed exams, or have been studying the week through all for that Bachelor's Degree in [insert subject here].
This is the place to go when you're tired of conventional bars, with conventional pool tables, and slippery dance floors from all the beer spilt. This is for all those nights you spent wracking your brain on Pub Quiz but dammit, you realized you just aren't that into pop culture.
This is the place where students, music and sports enthusiasts, and of course Ping Pong battlers, practically everyone can gather and come together on mutual ground and similar interests, and "groups" or "clicks" disappear.
So this is the plan, you've got two major options – if you're feeling low key, just slip into the establishment (conveniently located in Game On), head downstairs, and book your table – I reckon an hour or so should be good enough to work up a sweat (and thirst). If you've never tried Ping Pong before now would be a good time – just remember, it's all in the wrist.
However if that doesn't work out, you can always try out their batting cage – show of your strength. You know. That sort of thing.
As for that second option, if you wanna do it up big and hold a party, just ring Blazing Paddles up or fill out their form online – they'll cater to your every need (all shy of helping your score with your date – you're on your own with that one. Sorry.)
When you've finally had enough or just fancy a break, hit up the bar while checking out what's on the menu – Ping Pong can be a hungry game…and if you really find you like the place, stick around a bit longer for a few more rounds until the DJ shows up – because really that's when the fun begins. After that, it's really all just Saturday Night Fever.
But let's say you hit up Blazing Paddles early, and you're not really feeling the Pepper Jack Cheeseburger (are you crazy? Why? It's got avocado for Christ's sake.), or your friends and you just feel like keeping the energy rolling by getting food first, then sporting later…or maybe even your friend from Seoul just touched down and wants a bit of fusion food (improbable? Think again). What then? Well, you say adieu and shuffle on over to InBoston.
Though you may remember another restaurant I wrote on similar to this one in an earlier post, I can assure you the most certainly are not the same. While they both serve Korean wings, InBoston gets interesting and servers up some pretty epic Korean Tacos as well…and I'm sorry but – tacos.
If this photo doesn't excite your taste buds, I don't know what does. It's the perfect spot for when you want something borderline "cheat meal," borderline healthy. Yes, they have fries. Yes, they have chicken…they like to keep things simple on their menu – but with simplicity comes mastery, and mastery comes art. You do something long enough, especially with food, and you learn to make it distinct. Original. Flavorful.
Think of this place as your favorite take away spot. They don't have a lot of chairs, and reasonably so – they're in the financial district.
It makes them a little hard to find yeah, but if you know where Gene's Flatbread Cafe is, you can find these guys. Just look across the street. The staff is friendly, and the food always fresh. Try the Bulgogi Taco – you can't go wrong.Bottom line – if you like Mexican food, this is the place for you. If you like Korean food…this is the place for you. If you like both Mexican and Korean food and wish someone would combine the two – why are you still reading this? Get over there. NOW.
Stomach full and ping-ponged out, this is the last stop. You made it – now it's time to just kick back and relax, while you melt into supple white leather chairs, sipping on a G&T to revive your spirits. If you don't like gin, that's okay – the bartenders here have a knack for making spectacular, noteworthy drinks. Ask for something with whiskey and prepare to be blown away. It's called Wink & Nod for a reason, you know.
This is the place when you want to wind down from the noise of the batting cage, or the thrill of the game at your favorite bar. This is the place where, if you've had enough fun with your friends, you can split and pick up that person who gave you their number while you were in line at Starbuck's last week…for a nice quiet drink. The atmosphere? Breathtaking.
It's the kind of place where you appreciate soft leather chairs, perfect lounge lighting, and interesting prints on furniture and floor. You can focus on conversation while keeping the palette smooth, and when you start feeling a little too warm and fuzzy, bring your buzz back down to maintainable levels with a few of their menu items. Try the Short Rib Yakitori – there's no such thing as too much yakitori.
Oh, and when you're really ready to get nice and cozy with that person you brought along? Head over to the seating opposite the bar.
Because, obviously.
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™
For The Weekenders: Ping Pong Battles, Winks and Whiskey, Korean Tacos… is a post from and appeared first on Rego's Life
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WE'RE BACK! Woo.
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you all know BOTH THE OFFICIAL SITE AND THE STORE ARE BACK ONLINE. Thanks so much for being so patient. Below is a free download as a thank you for all of you. Look out for today's For The Weekenders – it'll be posting soon!
As always…
Stay awesome.
– Rego
Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego's Life.™


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Dennis Rodman Is Releasing 'Bad Boy Vodka,' so Prepare Shot Glasses AccordinglyJuly 10, 2013
Dennis Rodman is launching his own line of vodka, but there is no word if there will be a worm in every bottle.
Slam Online reports the former NBA star is continuing his tremendous year by dabbling in the premium liquor business.
Here is a snippet of the press release it includes in the report, along with the ad that will only make you feel like you need a shot.
SAN DIEGO, July 10, 2013 ˆ Premier Brands, Inc., a company in the business of creating, acquiring and marketing consumer packaged goods and new product development, today announced that the Company has developed Bad Boy Vodka, a Dennis Rodman branded vodka, for AB Partners LLC under the Company's beverage development and incubation services.
The Company developed the product from inception, utilizing basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman's "bad boy" reputation, adding a smooth and edgy twist to a classic spirit. Bad Boy Vodka will be exclusively sold and distributed through Premier Brands' distribution channels, starting in California on July 27th.
As for the taste, it's fantastic. At least, that is what Jorge Olson—President and CEO of Premier Brands—had to say:
"The taste is incredible, the bottle is a work of art, and the brand is already recognizable. We have already had interest from brokers and accounts."
We will let unbiased vodka snobs go ahead and rate the spirit the moment it's released in California July 27.
You will have to make due with lesser swill until the end of the month when you can finally have whatever Rodman is having. Hopefully, this doesn't cause you to change your hair color or bust out the wedding dress for your "bad boy" bender.
This is just the latest odd turn for an already peculiar public figure. Back in March, Rodman headed into North Korea to chill out with Kim Jong-un and then recently proclaimed he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize.
In all fairness, the fact that he is launching vodka in his image is the safest, most obvious venture of his colorful career.
After a year that made little sense, most of us were feeling a tad woozy anyway. We might as well submit to the madness and enjoy a toast.
Hit me up on Twitter: Follow @gabezal


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This year will be a year filled with those kind of remembrance days too. In September, we will mark the beginning of World War II in 1939, and in June, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. But most importantly, South Africa is going to celebrate the end of apartheid, and the first democratic elections in 1994 – already 25 years ago.
This is a milestone in the younger history of South Africa, and I am looking forward to it. For me, it is an opportunity to learn more about the history of South Africa, and the different biographies of people whose lives I share. It is my hope that I will understand better how South Africa's multi-faceted society has tackled the many obstacles on the path to reconciliation. However, I think this year is also a great opportunity for all of us, the Jewish community included, to examine our own identity within this larger context.
Where do we see ourselves five, 10, and 25 years from now? More importantly, what impact will we make as Jews in the future? How can we keep our values and ideas significant for our own community, and for the society we live in?
These questions can be answered only if we start thinking about our own identity right now. How does Judaism fit into post-apartheid South Africa? What is our role in the reconciliation process, one that perhaps only begins now? What is our history? Where did we fail, and where did we match the principles of Judaism?
When I look at the set-up of the broader Jewish community in South Africa, I see a very diverse community, with members coming from all kind of backgrounds, progressive and orthodox, Chassidim, secular, Jews by birth, by choice, and so much more. I see a people united and willing to shape the future for the best. But, do I see everything? Am I seeing the broken identities of some of our fellow Jews, the scars of the past, the open wounds that are not able to heal yet?
Do we see them?
I am not an expert on reconciliation in South Africa. My biography as a German Jew is very different to yours. But I share the dream and longing to heal our society. I see the Jewish community spearheading a process out of which healing for South Africa will grow. Let us make 2019 a year of celebration, and a milestone year in bringing South Africa closer together.
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City Street Paving Projects Move to the Fan and North Richmond
~Paving Projects Totaling $1,426,000 Million Begin This Month~
The City of Richmond Department of Public Works announced the continuation of city paving projects to take place throughout the month of November and into December. Paving work totaling $1,426,000 million, which begins on Monday, November 12, supports the City Administration's commitment to improving the city's infrastructure. Mayor Dwight C. Jones announced an aggressive infrastructure improvement effort in 2010 to repave 25 percent of neighborhood streets over a five year period. The following projects should be completed by mid-December. The project areas are:
- North Richmond 11/12/12–11/21/12
- Brook Road between Brookland Park Boulevard and Lombardy Ave
- The Fan Streets 11/19/12 – 12/21/12
- Grove Avenue between Park Avenue to the Boulevard
- Floyd Avenue between Cherry Street to the Boulevard
- Hanover Avenue between Park Avenue to the Boulevard
There will be intermittent lane closures and/or street closures in the work zones and motorists are encouraged to use caution when driving through these areas. Richmond Police will be in charge of traffic control therefore motorist and pedestrians must be mindful to be alert at all times throughout the construction zones. The above scheduled dates may change due to inclement weather.
The above scheduled dates may change during inclement weather. To learn more about City services and programs, please visit, www.RichmondGov.com.


text: As a business owner, you've always had a certain vision of how you want to present your business to your customers but couldn't bring your ideas into form. Our Design Team will listen to your ideas, needs and goals and transform them into a crystal clear image for electronic media or print that represents you and the way you do business. Whether it's for a website, magazine ad, printed brochure or screening or stitching on apparel or specialties, we can put your business in the very best light. We'll spend time with you until we feel that we understand exactly what you need. That's our promise! Our solution for your design is just a call away.


text: Note: In case, after making payment, 1. If you have not waited for auto redirection back to University Site or abruptly closed the browser or clicked back or clicked any button while remaining in payment gateway page etc, please note that it may take 24 to 48 hrs to get your payment status as "Success" in the University web page. 2. Similarly once you received payment success confirmation by SMS, please do not attempt to make payment again but wait for redirection to the University web page. Manonmaniam Sundaranar University-DD & CE 03-Jun-2020 05:42:35 Student Login Centre Login CY2017 student's 2nd year payment status check in 2nd/3rd fee menu -> STATUS LIST Co-ordinator Technical support Help line Mobile number: 9381242836 (Monday to Friday 10am-5pm) StudyCentre login User Name Password Forgot your password? Powered by GreenSys Solutions Student PortalHead Office: #1462 TNHB colony, velachery, Chennai. Branch Office: Greensys Solutions 1.MSB ROAD Keeramangalam Pudukkottai dist pin 614624


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Tuesday, December 8, 2015
1977-78 St. Louis Blues Red Berenson Jersey
Red Berenson, born on this date in 1939, began by playing with the Regina Pats in Canadian junior hockey, which included two Memorial Cup appearances in the three years he played for the Pats, highlighted by his 1957-58 season during which he scored 46 goals and 95 points in 51 games.
He then joined the Belleville McFarlands, who represented Canada at the 1959 World Championships, where they captured the gold medal thanks in part to Berenson's 9 goals in 8 games. Upon his return from Europe, he joined the Flin Flon Bombers for playoffs to conclude his busy season.
Berenson then made the unusual and somewhat controversial choice of joining the University of Michigan Wolverines of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for the 1959-60 season, as his NHL rights holders, the Montreal Canadians, advised him against the move. As a freshman, he scored 19 points, a total that jumped to 49 as a sophomore before peaking at 70 as a junior in 1962. Following the conclusion of the NCAA playoffs, Berenson joined the Canadiens for four regular season games (including scoring his first NHL goal) and five playoff games, becoming the first Canadian to ever make the jump from American college hockey to the NHL.
He split the next season between the Canadiens and the their Hull-Ottawa minor league club. He cracked the Montreal lineup for the entire 1963-64 (16 points in 69 games) but faced the issue of the incredible depth Montreal possessed at center, with the likes of Jean Beliveau, Henri Richard and Ralph Backstrom. As a result, Berenson played with the American Hockey League's Quebec Aces for essentially all of the 1964-65 season and split his time between Quebec and Montreal in 1965-66. Despite playing just 3 regular season games for Montreal in 1964-65, he was called up for the playoffs and appeared in 9 games as Montreal won the Stanley Cup, the only one of Berenson's career.
With the lineup in Montreal deeper than the ocean, Berenson was dealt to the New York Rangers in the 1966 off-season, but over the course of 49 games divided over two seasons, he only managed to score 8 total points. Rather than finding himself on his way back to the minors though, this was the season of the great NHL expansion, where six new clubs joined the league, creating over 120 new jobs for players, one of which was waiting for Berenson in St. Louis with the Blues following a trade.
Berenson was immediately energized by his new situation and reeled off 22 goals and 51 points in 55 games, eclipsing the 45 total points he had scored in his career up to that point. His 55 points also made him the leading scorer for the Blues despite spotting everyone a 20 game head start! St. Louis then, benefitting from being in the West Division, made up of the six new expansion clubs, made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Now firmly established as a team leader, Berenson again led the Blues with 35 goals and 82 points in 1968-69, 34 points more than Gary Sabourin's second-most 48, which tied Beliveau for 8th place in league scoring.
Also during that season, he became the first player since 1944 to score 6 goals in a game, which he did against the Flyers in Philadelphia, making him the first ever to accomplish the feat on the road. Of his 6 goals, four came in a span of 9 minutes and none of the 6 were scored on the power play or off deflections.
During the postseason, St. Louis again made it to the Stanley Cup finals as Berenson contributed 10 points in 12 games.
Berenson was named team captain for 1970-71, but his third season in St. Louis lasted only 45 games, as, with 42 points to his credit, he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings in February of 1971 just as the Red Wings entered the worst doldrums in franchise history. In Berenson's five seasons in Detroit, the Red Wings would not qualify for the playoffs even once. Still, he continued to play his strong brand of two-way hockey and managed to score 69 points in 1971-72 and 66 in 1973-74. He also served as the Red Wings captain in 1973.
Also during his time in Detroit, Berenson was named a member of Team Canada for the 1072 Summit Series against the Soviet Union, appearing in a pair of games.
Berenson then returned to the Blues for the second half of 1974-75, only this time in a checking role, as his point production would not reach 50 points during the final four seasons of his career, although he still was a contributor on offense, recording two more 20 goal seasons in 1975-76 and 1976-77 to give him eight for his 17 year NHL career, during which he played in 987 games, scoring 261 goals and 658 points and appeared in six NHL All-Star Games. His leadership was also welcomed back in St. Louis, as he served two stints as captain for the Blues in 1976 and 1977-78.
After his retirement as a player, Berenson became the Blues head coach midway through the 1979-80 season and later won the Jack Adams Award as the league's Coach of the Year. By 1984, Berenson became the head coach at the University of Michigan, a position he has held to this day, a span of over 30 years, which has included two national championships in 1996 and 1998.
Today's featured jersey is a 1977-78 St. Louis Blues Red Berenson jersey. The original Blues white sweaters had a single wide, yellow stripe outlined in blue on the arms and waist, which changed to the pattern of blue trimmed in yellow and outlined in blue for their second season of 1968-69. This jersey remained virtually unchanged all the way through the 1983-84 season, with the main change being the addition of names on the back in 1974. With this jersey being from the 1977-78 season, it's clear that the nameplate has been removed at some point.
While Berenson originally wore #7 in his first stint with the Blues, Gary Unger was wearing it when he returned and Berenson went with #9.
Today's video segment begins with Berenson discussing his time in St. Louis and the impressive history of Blues players who have worn #7.
Next is the ceremony honoring the four Blues notables to have worn #7, Berenson, Unger, Joe Mullen and Keith Tkachuk.
Posted by spyboy1 at 5:00 AM
Labels: Berenson Red, St. Louis Blues
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Scams targeting the unsuspecting are no new trend, but police are reminding residents to think twice before sending anybody money to claim a prize.
�The problem persists, but it comes in so many various forms now,� said Lt. Brian Long of the Burlington Police Department. Scams �can come by computer, by mail, or what looks like a commercial solicitation.�
Recently, a Times-News reader reported receiving a letter from Global Supermarket Sweepstakes, with return addresses out of Orlando, Fla., and Dublin, Ireland.
The letter was addressed to the reader and informed her she had won $50,000 from the supermarket sweepstakes raffle. The letter included a $2,900 check, allegedly from UnitedHealthcare Benefits of Texas Inc., to �help (her) pay the statutory tax of $2,400.�
The letter instructed the reader to call a prize claim manager before depositing the check, warning her not to �act on this until you speak to one of our staff.�
�They typically try to extract from them once they make that call,� Long said, referring to scammers collecting gullible victims� personal information.
Long said scammers often will act as if they are trying to confirm information they already have while asking for a person�s date of birth, Social Security number and other items.
�Now, all of a sudden, they have all the information needed to apply for credit and open bank accounts,� Long said. �Having you call is just an attempt to get you on the phone to get information.�
LONG SAID popular scams have come and gone. He said a couple years ago, scam letters from alleged Nigerians were common, in which the scammer would indicate he had received millions of dollars and needed an account in which he could deposit the funds.
Today, it�s more common for people to be contacted about earning money from home without having to do anything, he said.
Long said when people attempt to cash checks received during scams, often it will be denied at the bank teller�s counter. He said depending on what the person knew about the check, he or she could potentially be charged, but typically won�t be arrested if police determine he or she was ignorant of the scam.
�We�ve had many cases over the last year or two when people have attempted the transaction and get denied at the bank,� Long said. �We�re alerted by the bank that there was fraudulent activity, and we go and investigate.�
Long said if a resident is unsure whether a solicitation is a scam, Burlington police officers can take a look at it and offer their best opinions. Most months, several people in the community take the police up on that offer, he said, including some people who forward them suspicious emails they�ve received.
�When people suspect fraud, we�re willing to look at the document and try to give them the best practical advice,� Long said, �but we can�t always identify them.�


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The final installment of Zoe's Me Made May '12 Challenge (and it's a slightly longer one thanks to May having four-and-a-bit weeks) Let's have a look...
Day 22.
me-made faux Chanel shoes
It's finally t-shirt weather! Hooray! Here's to evenings in our balcony garden! I haven't worn this t-shirt much because I felt like I had cut the neckline too low, but it's nothing a little layering can't solve!
Day 23.
me-made self drafted purpley-grey cowl neck t-shirt
(me-cropped jeans)
me-made faux Chanel shoes
This is the first time in so long that I haven't worn socks and my pale feet were given their first glimpse of summer sunshine! After having to retire my high-waisted jeans I dug out these low-rise jeans which I bought around the time I made my button boots (as seen on MMMay Day 1) and I cropped them so I could show off said boots! You'll have to forgive the balcony-door-reflection photo, I'm going to pretend it's artistic. This is the closest thing we have to a full-length mirror at home.
Day 24.
me-made below the belly skirt
It's comfort all the way today! The first outing of the new skirt and I'm pretty happy with it. It may end up being more of a slouching around at home (watering the garden) skirt rather than an out and about skirt though.
Day 25.
me-made moustache pendant necklace
me-made lace print belly band
(me-cropped jeans)
me-made two tone pointy flat shoes
Home late after staying behind at work to make my emergency hot weather sandals! I think this may be the most me-made day of the whole challenge! The moustache pendant was made in the same way as the pipe and cloud as seen in MMMay Week 2. Again, I put it on a very fine chain because I wanted it to look a bit like a tattoo. I'm really liking the new belly band. Not only does it add a bit of contrasting colour/texture to the outfit, but it also effectively hides the fact that I am employing a large safety pin to keep my jeans done up. Plus it is handy for avoiding that rather unattractive side effect of low-rise jeans - always having hitch them up to stop your bum hanging out when you sit down!
Day 26.
me-made purply-grey self drafted cowl neck t-shirt
me-made lace print belly band
me-made emergency sandals
Wearing the belly band again today, this time to hide the fact that I can't fully zip this skirt up anymore! The emergency sandals had their first outing today, wandering around Greenwich Park. I ended up doing quite a lot of walking in them and by the end of the day they did rub a little bit where the ankle strap meets the inside straps. This may be partly due to my feet being all soft and tender having been tucked up in socks all winter!
Day 27.
me-made angled flip flops
Another out and about day, this time in a lovely dress I found in an Op Shop (charity shop) in Canberra, Australia a couple of years ago and my oriental inspired leather flip flops. These flip flops are re-makes of a pair that I made many many years ago and wore to death!
Day 28.
me-made self drafted lace print t-shirt
me-made black patent oxford shoes
me-made fabric carrier bag
It's nice to be able to wear this t-shirt without a cardigan and to be able to see the little kimono sleeves.
Day 29.
me-made pony sorbetto
me-made teal belly band
(me-cropped jeans)
me-made faux Chanel shoes
Confused face. Probably because I spent all day thinking today was the last day of MMMay before realising I still had a couple of days to go! I am wearing a new teal knit fabric belly band. It was something I decided I needed in the morning when I was getting dressed, so I quickly cut it out from some teal knit fabric in my stash and whipped it up in no time on my serger. Instant accessory!
Day 30.
me-made teal belly band
(me-cropped jeans)
me-made splash of colour pointy flats
me-made fabric carrier bag
Gratuitous belly shot (mainly for the benefit of my family in Australia. Look! Look at the Botterbean!) Teal belly band teamed up with my new pointy pointy shoes! Today was their first outing and I'm very happy to report that they were very comfy!
Day 31!
me-made beaded daisy chain necklace
me-made black cowl neck t-shirt
me-made belt
me-made faux Chanel shoes
I haven't worn this necklace for ages but I thought it deserved to be included in MMMay. It is a two-and-a-half metre beaded daisy chain which I wrap around my neck, allowing me to wear the necklace at different lengths. There are little yellow beads in the centre of the white 'daisies' and there is a small loop one one end of the chain which slips over the other end to fasten it.
And that's it! I SURVIVED ME MADE MAY 2012!!! It's been a really great experience and a thought provoking challenge. I'm really glad I decided to take part this time round. I have realised that I have more me-made items than I had thought, and that it is very easy to incorporate them into my everyday wear. I have had a quick count and I've discovered that I managed to average three me-made items a day throughout the challenge which I'm pretty pleased about. This month has had the added bonus challenge of having a body changing shape enough throughout the month that some clothes I was able to wear at the beginning of the month had to be retired by the end. I suppose this meant I couldn't be lazy and repeat outfits, but it also meant fewer options when getting dressed in the morning!
Big thanks go to Zoe who dreamed up this challenge, and to her and to my fellow MMMay-ers (and to myself) I say Hip Hip! Hooray! Hip Hip! Hooray! Hip Hip! HOORAY!


text: In our opinion, hands down The Best ska album to come out of the Long Island scene in the 90's, and one of our personal favorite 3rd wave records period. This soulful super-dancey/pop ska record put them in a similar vein as CT's Spring Heeled Jack, and helped foster what would be an incredible local ska scene on the island that would influence such Asbestos Alumni as High School Football Heroes, Arrogant Sons of Bitches, Nix86 and tons of more bands. Though relatively unknown, possibly the most obscure of this batch of releases, the overall enthusiasm for this release held by the few and proud fans it did finds its way into their hearts remains as strong as ever to this day.


text: Been wanting a good A model to supplement my main Duff F (#200 - super sweet!). Kimbles, Duffs, were of primary interest and I had not seen any used for a while so I thought I would look at Reverb just on the off chance. I found the following blonde Kimble from 2008 #143 - Original owner who states he wasnt really a mandolin player and estimated it had only a few hours on it. He said it was mint and he wasnt kidding - not a nick on it and I had to polish the frets because they were so tarnished. The strings had to be years old - possibly 12! So after cleaning up the fretboard, new strings, some triflow on the Waverlies it is like brand new. It will get played it quite a bit over the next few days. The mint calton case is well, mint. Great sounding mando- with a great feeling neck. No wonder not many used show up.


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Kiki's Delivery Service is my all time favourite Studio Ghibli film.
Those of you who haven't read my content before might think this is something of a surprise… after all, not many people are on the same wavelength as me regarding this one… then again, I doubt they are with many of the things I like.
However, I believe Kiki's delivery Service is a universally wonderful film, both in the ways it can be analysed, and in the pure entertainment value it offers. Not to mention how it resonates today, even after more than two decades. After all, that's the mark of a great film – it being relevant in its future as it was at release. Much like in the vain of Perfect Blue.
Kiki's Delivery Service is a 1989 film directed by the one and only, Hayao Miyazaki, of Studio Ghibli.
Youthful and Driven
Kiki is a thirteen-year-old witch, wanting to make her own way in the world. To step away from her parents and comfortable home life, and become an independent witch for a year. Besides her throughout this is her familiar, a chirpy and adorable black cat called Jiji. Her loving parents support her in this journey, because with being a witch, comes the task of finding yourself in the vast world – something akin to walkabout in Aboriginal cultures.
The transition into adulthood is a major theme in Kiki's Delivery Service; not only this, but how a person deals with the issues that naturally develop during this stage of life. These being, identity, socialising, creating and managing relationships, and work, all whilst looking after yourself.
Kiki's world is not like ours, after all it is a Ghibli film. It's fantasy, it's magic, it's bright and eccentric. Yet, she feels the very things we do: The anxiety, but also excitement of leaving home for the first time, on towards places that are unknown, populated by people who are unknown. It's here where we develop our connection to Kiki, and how we are able to see and experience the world in the ways she does.
Because, through Kiki's eyes, everything is wonderous. From the clock-tower, to the shops, and to the geese she flies with when delivering parcels, but even more so, the people. This child-like enthusiasm is a marvel to watch. In how Kiki is able to overlook the negative things that swing her way, and always see the positive in people and the surrounding environment, no matter the situation.
It's such a wonderful and inspiring personality trait to have – something which every person who meets her comes to know. Kiki has this indeterminable magnetism that brings out smiles and the best in all those around ger. This becomes evident as her relationships develop, and as the port of Koriko comes to love her. And in the end, comes to need her.
Building Relationships
Relationships are integral to Kiki's Delivery Service; naturally, Kiki's relationships with the various people she meets on her journey into the port town of Koriko. A place she has never seen the likes of before. A place she instantly falls in love with. The town itself is beautiful, and of course Miyazaki and Ghibli do a brilliant job of representing this stunning place. From the bright panning cityscapes, to the hustle and the bustle of the markets, and outwards into the endless ocean that lay beyond.
But, what's more important are the people of Koriko, the people Kiki comes to interact with on a daily basis. Osono is at the very heart of them; the owner of the bakery where Kiki works and stays. Without her, maybe her journey might not have got off to the start it did, maybe she might have even come to dislike the town as a whole. After all, isn't it the people we meet who make us feel the way we do about certain places, and the iron-clad memories that are formed within them?
I'm sure Osono reminds Kiki of her mother, and no doubt she acts as a mother figure to her during the year away from home. This is important, because Kiki is still young. She might be spending a year alone, and independent, but she is still only thirteen. She still needs guidance on her independence. There are certain things that cannot be realised, nor found alone. This is something Kiki comes to see:
Others are always a factor in self-discovery. After all, it's easier to understand personal identity when you can recognise aspects of it in people but yourself.
Tombo plays an interesting role in Kiki's time away. At first he as seen as an annoyance, both by the audience and by Kiki – this is vital, because we are supposed to be experiencing the world directly through her, and in the exact same ways as she does. Tombo is, in a sense, a typical character of his type. That being, the semi-romantic interest… who is too persistnet, who drives Kiki away, before becoming closer. A person who is required to see things in themselves, before they can direct that attention outwards. Kiki begins to understand that first impressions aren't everything, and after all, Tombo is a nice person, willing to put himself out for her.
I adore Ursula as a character. She's quirky and brings that easy-going tone to Kiki's life that is often hectic and overwhelming. The older lady, Madame manages this too, though at the opposite end of the scale, being calm and collected. Kiki connects with her on a very personal level, whilst realising there is pleasure in helping people – especially those who are in need of assistance and might not get it otherwise. Kiki has good morals, a good attitude to both life and work. It's easy for people to see and respect this, Madame being just one of them.
On the other side of the scale we have people like Madame's granddaughter. People who are ungrateful of both the care and effort other people put in for them. Cooking the Herring pie was a big deal for Madame and Kiki. Yet, her granddaughter saw it as nothing more than an annoyance. Here Kiki learns that not everything is appreciated, as much as she wishes they were. For a person as bright as Kiki, this dulls her mood. As she comes around to the hard-hitting truth that there will always be people who only care for themselves. This is as important as knowing there are people who are entirely selfless. It offers up perspective and value to the good.
For reference, Barsa is barking mad, and I love her!
Dreaming and Wondering…
It's not all plain sailing for Kiki. Despite all the love and care she comes across, Kiki feels jealous. Not the killing kind of jealous, but the kind that nags at your heels. The kind that makes you wish you are something you're not, that you have things you don't… nor possibly ever will. We see this when she's pandering for 'nice clothes,' or in general the things she cannot afford. The women of the town pass her, clothed beautifully, looking impeccable. We've all experienced this kind of… desire. Here Kiki is at her most relatable. She feels like a real person. A person who could exist.
This is also evident in a lot of Kiki's social interaction, especially where Tombo is involved. She's never met a person like Tombo, much less the people he spends time with. People that are rowdy, enjoying being young and seemingly boundless. Kiki is apprehensive of this new way of life. She's used to a quiet life in the country with her family. There are no people like Tombo and his friends out there. She's used to camping with her father on a weekend, not riding in an open-topped car on public roads at the ages of thirteen. It's a shock, throwing Kiki off her feet.
After all, it's hard to accept things you have never before seen.
Kiki loses her powers – as a witch, the worst thing that can happen. It's a part of her identity slipping away, something that is integral to her being, an intrinsic part of who she is.
The loss of her magic is the result of stress, of too many new things happening all at once. Things that, despite Kiki's brilliance, she's unable to cope with efficiently. You could say losing her powers is a manifestation of the all-too-common things we often feel. That lack of motivation, that sadness creeping around the corner from time to time, feeling pressured in a world that is slow to accept mistakes. Kiki losing her power, is Kiki losing her mojo. ultimately, it's only momentary. She overcomes it, just as she overcomes many things during her training. This is at the centre of Kiki's Delivery Service; pushing on in the face of adversity.
Her efforts are reinforced by some time away at Ursula's cabin. It's a place out of the bustle of Koriko, an environment much like Kiki's home, a place she can be comfortable with a person that is supportive. Somewhere she can talk about herself without the fear of being judged. Ursula being older, but young enough to be recognisable, provides Kiki with a massive pool of advice to draw from. Advice that eventually leads to the re-emergence of her powers. Finding who you are, and accepting it for what it is – flaws and all – is a major theme in Kiki's Delivery Service. Something that manages to permeate through the majority of Studio Ghibli films.
A Taste of Things to Come
It's all about experience, briefly living the things that will later become a permanent aspect of life. Being a witch, Kiki needs to be ready for the world, her 'training' so to speak. She needs to know, both where the dangers are, and where she can find true happiness. The kind of people to trust and love, and the kind of people to be cautious of. We all have to find this in our own time. Be it when we are young, or old.
There's no simpler way than exposing yourself to it all at once.
Everyone experiences that 'moment' or sets of moments, where they realise they are no longer a child. From this point onwards, the world seems like a completely different place. Not necessarily worse, just… stranger. As if stepping from a small pond, into an ocean. From here, it takes a while for us to understand that the feeling of being utterly overwhelmed never truly goes away; no matter who, or where we are, we always have the potential to be anxious – we always have the potential to be happy. Kiki comes to understand this.
Everything must exist in balance. For you cannot have one thing, without another. Surely as a witch, this is even more important. It's the reason why I love Kiki's Delivery Service so much.
Kirsten Dunst also voices Kiki in the English version, which is of course a brilliant thing no matter how you look at it! She does a great job too! Like the majority of Ghibli films, the dub versions are really great!
What do you think of Kiki's Delivery Service?
Thanks for reading, as always!
-Chris (follow me on Twitter, below!)


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Henri Duparc
Born: 21 January 1848
Died: 12 February 1933
Biography Eugène Marie Henri Fouques Duparc was a French composer of the late Romantic period.
Duparc was born in Paris. He studied piano with César Franck at the Jesuit College in the Vaugirard district and became one of his first composition pupils. In 1871, he joined with Saint-Saëns and Romain Bussine to found the Société Nationale de Musique Moderne.
Duparc is best known for his seventeen songs with texts by poets such as Baudelaire, Gautier, Leconte de Lisle, and Goethe. These pieces are considered by many to be among the greatest compositions by any composer in this form.
A mental illness, called "neurasthenia", caused him to abruptly cease composing at age 37, in 1885. He devoted himself to his family and his other passions, drawing and painting. He destroyed most of his music, leaving fewer than 40 works to posterity.
- The above is an excerpt from Wikipedia. For the full article, click here.
List of choral works
Click here to search for this composer on CPDL
External links
add web links here


text: My blog post on world moms blog 🙂 http://www.worldmomsblog.com/2015/08/06/oman-motherhood-a-perspective/#comment-1159423 As a child, I've always loved being around younger children. I'd take care of them and moms in my family where always happy to leave their children with me to babysit. As I studied to become a speech and language therapist, my love for children continued.… Continue reading Motherhood- A Perspective


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Here ya go! Another easy, just a few ingrediants fantastic tasting dessert! A Co-worker brought these in on Monday and I already whipped up a batch last night. I know my picture dosnt do it justice--believe me its good!
2 pkgs Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
2 pksg Philidelphia Cream Cheese--dont subsitute--there the best!
1 Cup Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 egg--both the yolk and white need to be separated
Lay one pkg of Cresent Roll Mix along the bottom of a pan--smaller than 9x13--I dont know what that size is--lol. Mix 2 pks cream cheese, the sugar and egg yolk and vanilla until mixed.
Place that over the Crescent roll. Place the next pkg of crescent roll over the top of the cream cheese mixture. Spread with the egg white. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar over the top! Bake at 350 about 30 minutes! Thats it! Serve it with whipped cream maybe a few berries-and ummmmm its good! It was tasty warm but cream cheese is best served chilled.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Easy Delicious Cream Cheese Dessert!
Here ya go! Another easy, just a few ingrediants fantastic tasting dessert! A Co-worker brought these in on Monday and I already whipped up a batch last night. I know my picture dosnt do it justice--believe me its good!
18 Thanks for your comments!:
- squawmama said...
Good Morning Dawnie.... Thank you so much for the birthday wishes... I loved them and also WOW what a recipe.... Cream cheese one of my very favorite things... I will be making this very soon... I just know you posted this for my birthday LOL LOL Love ya
- January 21, 2009 at 5:52 AM
- Shelley said...
I love easy cream cheese desserts like this! By the way - your blog layout is fabulous!!! Love it!!!
- January 21, 2009 at 8:15 AM
- The Raggedy Girl said...
This sounds good so I cut and pasted it into my recipe folder to try after my next trip to the store. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry you are being harassed, what is with people.
Roberta Anne
- January 21, 2009 at 8:54 AM
- Four Paws and Co said...
Oh yummmm! I need to go grocery shopping & need to remember the Philly... ♥
- January 21, 2009 at 11:10 AM
- Lori said...
Yummy! I have to try this :)
- January 21, 2009 at 11:41 AM
- Karen said...
Hello Dawnie! Thank you soooooo much for visiting my new blog!! Connie is such a sweetheart for telling everyone about me. I am so looking forward to many new blog friends!! And as for people who post FATTENING recipes, AARRGGHH!!!!! This one just sounds way too yummy!!!
Thank you and we'll "talk" soon! Karen
- January 21, 2009 at 12:15 PM
- Anonymous said...
This is something I would love...easy. I bet this would be great with other fillings, too.
- January 21, 2009 at 12:52 PM
- Kat said...
This sounds really good, and more important, really easy lol. Thanks for sharing, we'll be trying this one soon. Kathy
- January 21, 2009 at 1:08 PM
- Bridget said...
Sounds yummy!
- January 21, 2009 at 4:01 PM
- grammy said...
That does sound yummy. I am still trying to clean up my diet after the holidays, so I will put the recipe away for later.
- January 21, 2009 at 4:51 PM
- Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...
I can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing. laurie
- January 21, 2009 at 6:05 PM
- Judy said...
Hi Dawn, that sounds sinful!! I will definitely try it soon. Thanks for stopping bye. I love your visits.
- January 21, 2009 at 7:02 PM
- Anonymous said...
Sounds good and is also simple to make! Must try soon! Thanks for sharing!
- January 21, 2009 at 7:14 PM
- Nancy Rosalina said...
YUMMY! Gotta love cream cz! Oh, your blog is loooooking good, girl! Blessings, Nancy
- January 21, 2009 at 8:01 PM
- Kristens Creations said...
What a great recipe! Sherry will appreciate your comment on her home. Thanks for stopping by! Kristen
- January 21, 2009 at 10:00 PM
- Shana said...
Thanks for sharing - it looks so tasty. You've made me hungry already and I'm hours from lunch time. :)
- January 22, 2009 at 4:51 AM
- Nana Net said...
Oh wow, it looks so good! Will definetly have to give it a try. I really don't know what it is this week. But everyone I know is posting some awesome recipes! guess i better get on the ball!
Glad to see this recipe, cause my nieces sure do love anything with cream cheese in it. And so do I. Thanks Dawn!
Nana Net
- January 22, 2009 at 6:00 AM
- Melissa Miller said...
Very yummy sounding! :)
- January 22, 2009 at 1:26 PM


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Product Description
The Rise of Carlsen 2 DVD Set
By the Masters of ChessLecture.com
NEW Watch a video from this collection on our Youtube Channel WATCH HERE
UPC 885007499213 885007499282 MSRP: 19.95 Recommended for Intermediate- Advanced Players
Sven Magnus Øen Carlsen is a Norwegian grandmaster, the reigning World Chess Champion and the number 1 ranked player in the world with a peak rating of 2882, the highest in history. He recently became the first player ever to hold the world titles in classical, rapid and blitz chess at the same time! In this DVD you can follow Carlsen's rise as he became the world champion through many games with his fellow top ranked grandmasters. You'll hear the expert analysis of the ChessLecture masters as they expose Carlsen's methods, give you feedback on how he gets the edge against his stellar field of opponents and show you how he breaks with some current chess theory. We also feature an analysis of his first defeat since taking the world championship. What could catch this legend in the making?
- Grandmaster Jesse Kraai
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Content: 5.75 hours in a series of 12 lectures.
Members of ChessLecture.com rated this series a 4.87 out of 5
Fans on Chesslecture.com said: Very Excellent and eyebrow raising lecture. Wonderful endgame technique from Carlsen and I certainly learned a thing or two. Carlsen is quite Fischer-esque in that he frequently plays on and makes his opponent PROVE the draw
12 Lectures!
Founded in 2005 ChessLecture.com is the largest professional quality chess instructional video library in the world. Our lectures are created and presented by Grand Masters, International Masters and National Masters and contain excellent instruction by experienced player educators for the chess enthusiast.


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The Libyan memos, found and published by the Canadian Globe and Mail earlier this month, describe a meeting between Gaddafi "security" officials and the Chinese dictatorship's state-controlled arms manufacturers. Three "companies" offered their entire inventory to the Libyan despot and even promised to manufacture more if needed.
The $200 million in heavy weaponry included anti-tank missiles and surface-to-air rockets capable of bringing down airplanes. To sidestep the arms embargo against Gaddafi, the shipments were supposed to be routed through third-party nations.
"The companies suggest that they make the contracts with either Algeria or South Africa, because those countries previously worked with China," the document noted, adding that the communist regime was demanding confidentiality.
Some of the Chinese military supplies sought by Gaddafi were already in the hands of the dictatorship ruling Algeria. As such, the weapons could be delivered immediately. China would replace Algeria's stockpiles later, the Chinese regime was quoted as saying in the memo.
The official government documents discovered in a trash pile near the mansions of top Gaddafi supporters were over a month old. And they contained no documentary proof that the weapons were actually supplied. Beijing claims they weren't.
But National Transitional Council (NTC) leaders who examined the documents begged to differ. According to the rebels, the information contained in the official memo explained the presence of new weapons being used by Gaddafi's forces.
"I'm almost certain that these guns arrived and were used against our people," NTC "military committee" boss Omar Hariri told the Globe and Mail, furious that China was working with the Libyan dictator as his own NATO-backed forces were being slaughtered.
A spokesperson for the communist Chinese regime's foreign ministry, meanwhile, claimed the the state-owned companies were acting without official permission. Analysts said that was preposterous.
State-owned Chinese companies had nearly $20 billion in contracts with the Gaddafi regime. And despite maintaining a façade of neutrality, the memos show that Beijing was indeed secretly conspiring to aid the crumbling dictatorship.
In recent months Chinese officials have also endeavored to cozy up to the new rebel regime, inviting its representatives to Beijing and sending envoys to insurgent strongholds. China officially recognized the NTC as the government of Libya earlier this week.
But despite denials, propping up unsavory tyrants behind the scenes is hardly a new policy for the communist dictatorship. In fact, it has become increasingly active in such efforts from Latin America to Africa.
Earlier this year, for example, China was widely condemned for illegally arming and supporting Omar al-Bashir, the mass-murdering war criminal ruling North Sudan who is currently massacring civilians in the Nuba mountains. Al-Bashir, wanted for genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, calls Chinese strongman Hu Jintao his "friend and brother."
Violating international sanctions to arm fellow tyrants is nothing new to communist China, either. At least two of the state-owned weapons makers involved with supplying Gaddafi, for instance, have been repeatedly called out for illegally selling missile technology to the Iranian regime.
In Libya, however, the exposure of Chinese duplicity might have real consequences. Even before the recent revelations rebel leaders had been threatening to keep China out of the country over its refusal to back the rebellion. Now commercial ties might be in even more jeopardy.
"If indeed the Chinese government agreed to sell arms to Qaddafi only a month ago, definitely it will affect our relationship with China," NTC "finance minister" Ali Al Tarhouni told Al Jazeera the day after reports about the sales first surfaced. Following the communist regime's diplomatic recognition of the rebels this week, however, tensions appear to have eased somewhat.
Other governments that opposed or did not openly support the Western-backed rebellion and regime change efforts have also faced threats of economic exclusion. Russia and even Italy have both been mentioned as possible losers in future Libyan business deals for not doing enough, soon enough, to back the rebels.
Violent retribution has already started in some cases, too. The dictatorship ruling Algeria, for example, was targeted by al Qaeda last month in an attack that left 18 dead. The terror group released a statement claiming responsibility saying the bombing was because the Algerian government was "continuing to support the Libyan dictator Gadaffi to fight against our brothers."
But despite the hysteria over China, the U.S. government has also worked closely with Gaddafi even recently. American embassy cables leaked by the anti-secrecy organization WikiLeaks show that a high-level U.S. delegation was even plotting to supply military hardware to the Libyan dictator just two years ago.
According to one cable from the American embassy in Tripoli, U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman called the Libyan regime an "important ally in the war on terrorism" during a meeting with Gaddafi and his minions. Sen. John McCain went further, assuring the regime that "the United States wanted to provide Libya with the equipment it needs for its security" and that "the bilateral military relationship" between the governments was "strong."
The U.S. government was actually training Gaddafi's military officers at the time. And it was helping the Libyan regime to persecute the very same people who are now leading rebel forces with NATO support and Western weapons.
One prominent example of a terrorist-turned-ally among many is Abdelhakim Belhaj, founder of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG). The LIFG, which merged with al Qaeda in 2007 according to the U.S. military, was on the U.S. State Department's list of terrorist organizations. It has also been one of the largest suppliers of foreign fighters battling American troops in Iraq.
Belhaj was captured and tortured by the CIA in a secret prison years ago before being handed over to Gaddafi. Now, after receiving U.S. training and supposedly renouncing terror, he isthe NTC military boss in charge of Tripoli.
After waging its terror war alongside Gaddafi, the American government eventually decided to covertly supply weapons to the rebels aiming to overthrow him instead. Shortly after that U.S. fighter jets under NATO command supplied overwhelming aerial support for the insurgents - largely reducing the armed forces of America's former ally to rubble.
The U.S. government also has a track record of propping up and aiding dictators that is far more extensive than the Chinese regime's. Ironically, perhaps, American policies even played a crucial role in bringing the brutal communist dictatorship to power in mainland China by, among other measures, halting the flow of supplies to nationalist leader Chiang Kai-Shek. Since then the communist Chinese tyrants have murdered more people than any other government in history.
Like the future of Libya, the full consequences of China's formerly secret relationship with the Gaddafi regime remain unclear. But because the dictator's four-decade rule appears to be fast approaching its end, experts say the communist Chinese will likely try hard to build bridges with the new regime.
Related articles:
Al-Qaeda and NATO's Islamic Extremists Taking Over Libya
Libyan Rebels Accused of "Ethnic Cleansing," Black Genocide
The Bloody Aftermath of NATO's Libya War
NATO, Rebels Accused of War Crimes in Libya
Libya War: Lies and Dueling Psy-Ops
"Libyan Rebels" Create Central Bank, Oil Company
Clinton: Obama Will Ignore Congress on Libya War
Obama, Clinton, and Biden Agree: War on Libya Is Unconstitutional
UN, Obama Fighting Alongside Al-Qaeda in Libya
FBI "On Guard" for Libyan Terror Retaliation
U.S. Role Unclear in Planned UN Libya Mission
Photo: Muammar Gaddafi with his all-female Amazonian Guards in Damascus, Syria.


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In most cases massage is used to provide general relaxation and wellbeing or to address a specific complaint such as pain or problems with limited motion and so on. Some of the benefits of massage therapy include: physical relaxation, improved circulation, enhanced energy, increased flexibility and range of motion, relief of tight muscles (knots) and other assorted aches and pains, relief of nerve compression (sciatica, carpel tunnel etc) and some clinical styles of massage may help heal scar tissue as well as tendon, ligament and muscle damage. The relaxation response induced by massage therapy is also thought to lower the heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure, boost the immune system and reduce the effects of stress.
Below is a list of conditions for which massage therapy may be beneficial:
Anxiety and depression | Asthma and emphysema | Back, leg, and neck pain | Cancer | Carpal tunnel syndrome & repetitive strain injuries | Chronic fatigue syndrome | Dislocations | Fibromyalgia | Fractures and edema | Headaches | Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis | Insomnia | Kyphosis and scoliosis | Multiple sclerosis | Parkinson's disease | Muscle tension and spasm | Palliative care | Post-surgical rehabilitation | Pregnancy & labour support | Sports injuries | Strains and sprains | Stress and stress-related conditions | Stroke | Tendinitis | Whiplash