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|The Dreamers
Theatrical release poster
|Directed by
|Bernardo Bertolucci
|Produced by
|Jeremy Thomas
|Screenplay by
|Gilbert Adair
|Based on
|The Holy Innocents
by Gilbert Adair
|Michael Pitt
Eva Green
Louis Garrel
|Fabio Cianchetti
|Edited by
|Jacopo Quadri
Recorded Picture Company
Peninsula Films
|Distributed by
|TFM Distribution (France)
Medusa Distribuzione (Italy)
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Release date
Running time
|115 minutes
|United Kingdom
|$15 million[1]
|Box office
|$15.12 million[1]
The Dreamers is a 2003 romantic drama film directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. The screenplay is by Gilbert Adair, based on his own novel The Holy Innocents. An international co-production by companies from France, the United Kingdom, and Italy, the film tells the story of an American university student in Paris who, after meeting a peculiar brother and sister who are fellow film enthusiasts, becomes entangled in an erotic triangle. It is set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots. The film makes several references to various movies of classical and French New Wave cinema, incorporating clips from films that are often imitated by the actors in particular scenes.
There are two versions: an uncut NC-17-rated version, and an R-rated version that is about three minutes shorter.
Matthew is an American exchange student who has come to Paris to study French. While at the Cinémathèque Française protesting the firing of Henri Langlois, he meets the free-spirited twins Théo and Isabelle. The three bond over a shared love of film.
After dinner with their parents, Théo and Isabelle offer Matthew the chance to stay with them while their parents are on a trip. Matthew accepts, considering them his first French friends.
Matthew becomes suspicious of their relationship after seeing them sleeping nude together; he soon discovers that they accept nudity and sexuality liberally. After Théo loses at a trivia game, Isabelle sentences him to masturbate to a Marlene Dietrich poster in front of them. After Matthew loses at another game, he is seduced to take Isabelle's virginity. The two then become lovers.
Matthew begins to accept Théo and Isabelle's sexuality and his time living with them soon becomes idyllic. The three re-enact a famous scene from Bande à part by "breaking the world record for running through the Louvre", and Matthew and Théo engage in playful arguments about Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the subject of Maoism, which Théo fervently believes in.
During this time Matthew begins to pursue a relationship with Isabelle, separate from Théo. Matthew and Isabelle leave the house and go on a regular date, which she has not experienced before. Théo retaliates by inviting a companion up to his room, upsetting Isabelle. She distances herself from both Théo and Matthew, only to find them next to each other on Théo's bed when an argument between the two turns erotic. She then surprises them with a makeshift fort and they fall asleep in each other's arms.
One morning Théo and Isabelle's parents arrive home and find the trio naked in bed together. They are startled by what they find, but leave them be, departing after leaving a cheque. After they leave, Isabelle wakes up and discovers the cheque, realising that their parents have found them. Wordlessly, she attaches a hose to the gas outlet and lies back down with Théo and Matthew, attempting to commit suicide. After a few moments, however, they are woken by a brick being hurled through the window; they discover hundreds of students rioting in the streets.
All three of them are overjoyed and proceed to join the protesters. Later on, Théo joins a small team of protesters preparing molotov cocktails. Matthew tries to stop Théo by kissing him, arguing against violence, but he is shunned by both Théo and Isabelle.
As Matthew walks away through the chaos, Théo takes Isabelle's hand and hurls a molotov cocktail at a line of police. The police charge the crowd.
The first draft of the screenplay was an adaptation by Gilbert Adair of his own novel, The Holy Innocents. During pre-production, Bertolucci made changes to it: he "peppered the narrative with clips from the films he loves" and dropped homosexual content - including scenes from the novel that depict Matthew and Théo having sex - which he felt was "just too much." After the film was released, he said that it was "faithful to the spirit of the book but not the letter."[2]
Eva Green told The Guardian that her agent and her parents begged her not to take the role of Isabelle, concerned that the film - which features full frontal nudity and graphic sex scenes - would cause her career to "have the same destiny as Maria Schneider."[2]
When Green saw a rough cut of the film, she said she was "quite shocked" and had to look away during the sex scenes; she later told an interviewer that for her, "it was as though I was wearing a costume while we were making the film. It was as if I had another story in my mind. So I was left speechless."[2]
Fox Searchlight Pictures gave the uncut version a limited theatrical release in the United States in 2004; it played in 116 theaters at its peak.[3] In the United States, the film was released theatrically with an NC-17 rating[3] whereas in Italy the same film was rated VM14. Even with its NC-17 rating, this film grossed $2.5 million in its United States theatrical release - a respectable result for a specialized film with a targeted audience.[3]
On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a positive score of 60% based on 161 reviews, with an average rating of 6.18/10. The site's consensus reads, "Though lushly atmospheric, The Dreamers doesn't engage or provoke as much as it should".[4] The 40 reviews gathered by Metacritic gave it an average score of 62/100, which places the film in the website's "generally favorable" category.[5]A.O. Scott of The New York Times said the film was "disarmingly sweet and completely enchanting" and described it as "fus[ing] sexual discovery with political tumult by means of a heady, heedless romanticism that nearly obscures the film's patient, skeptical intelligence".[6]The Times called it a "heady blend of Last Tango and Stealing Beauty, but one that combines the grubbily voyeuristic elements of each film rather than their relative strengths".[7]Roger Ebert gave the film four stars, his highest rating, describing the film as "poignant" and "extraordinarily beautiful".[8]
The music advisors were Julien Civange and Charles Henri de Pierrefeu. Janice Ginsberg is credited as music supervisor and Nick Laird-Clowes as music consultant. The soundtrack was released in February 2004; Allmusic gave it three out of five, noting that "while its juxtapositions of French tradition and counterculture are jarring at times, Dreamers still does a worthy job of capturing the film's personal and political revolutions through music."[9]
Though the music of Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company was featured prominently in the film, none of the songs were included on the soundtrack. All of the songs used in the film were from the album Live at Winterland '68. Bob Dylan's song "Queen Jane Approximately", from the album Highway 61 Revisited, is also used in the film but is not included on the soundtrack. The Doors song "Maggie M'Gill" can be heard in the movie, but is not included on the soundtrack either.
The Dreamers was released on DVD in 2004. It includes a BBC film directed by David M. Thompson, Bertolucci Makes The Dreamers, narrated by Zoë Wanamaker, and a documentary Outside the Window: Events in France, May 1968 with contributions from Robin Blackburn, Adair, and Bertolucci. Bertolucci says that 1968 was about cinema, politics, music, journalism, sex and philosophy dreaming together.


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le Singe Blanc, Spin Spin the Dogs, Please: Leeds 20th June
oh dear
are pictures not allowed?
bums! well what i am saying is:
Le Singe Blanc (Metz in France)
Spin Spin THe Dogs (London and Lancs)
Please (london)
are all playing on Saturday 20th June in Leeds
at The Fenton on Woodhouse Lane.
it is £4 and opens at 7pm
you can get in for £3 if you dress as a white monkey, or some spinning dogs or a polite expression.
with the hand stamp of the night you can afterwards go to The Faversham where Johnny Strangeways is djing and get in for cheap (£3)
According to Luxembourgs underground music ezine---> 'The strong bass orientation is influenced by Primus, but the choir parts and the strange song titles show parallels to Magma, maybe the most intriguing band ever to come from France.'
"Spin Spin the Dogs take the bare bones of what's commonly known as the 'post-punk' sound and immediately swing off course into uncharted waters, constructing an inherently surreal and energetic pile of mess that almost resembles the Trout Mask-era Magic Band playing Prayers on Fire-era Birthday Party, with a big (probably unintentional) nod towards underrated trouble-makers Prolapse. And the singer is something else, charging around wild-eyed, spewing out head-spinning reams of dadaist beat blather like his life depends on keeping his mouth moving quicker than his brain can implement coherence. "I can't get into the toilet! If only I could get into the toilet!" he yells as he tries in vain to tug his microphone cord as far as the venue's toilets while the guitarist plays slide with a trumpet he's just found somewhere…" Stereo Sanctity
3 piece which contains Keeby from Cleckhuddersfax, all manner of mystery nonesense is to be expected.
tickets on sale now
tickets now available on the wegottickets
there is one ticket for £2 for a lark.
then there are 15 for £3
and on the door it is £4
[url=http://www.wegottickets.com/event/50823]WE GOT TICKYS PAGE for gig de le singe blanc[/url]
[url=http://www.wegottickets.com/event/50824]linky for the £2 ticket! for gig de le singe blanc[/url]
tickets on sale now
gah! this forum is all different to other forums.
it confounds me!!
tickets now available on the wegottickets
there is one ticket for £2 for a lark.
then there are 15 for £3
and on the door it is £4
this is the link for the £2 one
4 hand drawn, hand coloured tickets
4 hand drawn, hand coloured tickets are available at Jumbo records in Leeds for £3 each.
here is a link to see some pictures of them -->looky-->

subset: commoncrawl


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Classical Massage Nottingham
Price £60
Full Body Massage
Price £50
Full Body Massage
Price £40
Half Body Massage
Price £35
Legs Massage
Price £30
Full Back Massage or
Hands & Arms Massage
5 x 60 min for £150
5 x 30 min for £100
What is a Classical Massage?
Classical massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber) and vibration/shaking. Classical massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving functionality in patients.
It is known that the circulatory system has four functions: respiratory, nutritional, regulatory, hermoregulation.
Benefits of Classical Massage:
Better blood flow, which ensures proper metabolic processes in different parts of the nervous system. Stimulates nerve conduction. Toning and stimulating effect on massage of the spine where the sympathetic trunk and its ganglia lie along the spine. Action on the autonomous alignment leads to sympathetic and parasympathetic. In addition to the nervous system, classical massage also affects the blood vessels.
Inflammatory and allergic skin, lymphadenitis, acute and subacute purulent inflammation, blood clots, vein inflammation, hemophilia, peripheral vascular disease, metastatic cancer, fever above 38 degrees, hemorrhages, progressive muscular atrophy, decompensated heartrate, acute myocardial, deep vein thrombosis, cancer, menstruation and pregnancy skin breakdown.


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Two weeks ago my formation group had the incredible chance to help set up a home and greet a family of refugees from Bhutan. The family is Karin, a minority in Bhutan, and had been living in a refugee camp in Thailand.
The government puts out a list of what every refugee family needs when they come to the United States. This is the list we sent out to Cortina, friends and family to ask for donations. One plate for every member. One set of sheets for every bed. One couch. One table. It is a simple inventory list of things that have, over time, been deemed the things that every American household needs.
The five of us went on multiple Target runs, got donations from the community, and from Res Life. When Sarah and Emmett went to Target the first time, they made a really beautiful statement when they showed us the trunk full of blankets and pots and pans and other supplies. "Why get the cheapest stuff for this family?" Emmett asked. "It seems sort of disrespectful doesn't it?" It is very hard to imagine having a refugee camp being our only reality. It was hard to imagine having to come to another sparsely furninshed home, already so confused, not understanding a single word, every experience new.
So, we began to make a new effort. Our goal became more than just setting up a functioning household. We began to try to make a home.
The night the family was going to land in Omaha, Emmett, Allison and I spent hours between the apartment, Target, and our own dorms, running around, setting up. Allison offered a beautiful piece of art she had made. We bought a tiny teddy bear for the little girl. We color coordinated the bathroom. I fabreezed the smell of cats away. The apartment became cozy and welcoming.
Finally, the time came for the family to arrive at the airport. Our theology paper was due the next day, but Allison and I had already accepted the reality that we would be up all night, so we scooped up Sarah and headed to the airport.
There we met the interpreter's family, a wild bunch of little kids. The most beautiful little family walked of the airplane. They were timid, understandably overwhelmed. When we got back to the apartment we showed them all of their new things, and welcomed them home. Allison and I watched nervously as the mom took a bite of a snickerdoodle we had made—her first taste of American food.
The most touching moment of the night was when they all shook our hands, even the six year old girl. They were tired after 48 hours of traveling, scared, confused, but, grateful.
I believe we truly made a difference in the lives of this family. I'd like to think that the red blanket we draped over the couch wasn't just another source for warmth, but proof that they are welcome here, that someone here cherishes them. America is our home. We want it to be their home too. We want to be a part of that home.
So, I really encourage you to make an effort. Look at how the choices you make allow you to interact with people differently. Smile at strangers. Give home- made art. Bake an extra batch of cookies. Such beautiful lives surround you. Become a part of them.
-Sarah Peraud


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Much is written about the church — what it should be, how it should function, and what makes it grow. Few things written are as spot-on as this brief post by James MacDonald.
He writes:
I believe with all my heart, that much of what the church has become in our day is measly, milk-toast, and malnourished. It's about as compelling as a 'walk in the mall.' I believe the New Testament church needs to be compelling. By that I mean, window-rattling, life-altering, Almighty God unveiling, COMPELLING! (I was yelling when I thought/wrote that).
He then gives five marks of a compelling church:
- "Thus Saith the Lord," Preaching
- "Spirit, to Spirit" Worship
- Stories of God at Work
- Loving People Doing Life Together
- Miraculous Answers to Prayer
Click here to read the whole article. It's worth it.
Which of these five things most stood out to you?


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Why hello, better movies.
The first half of the year is a notorious dumping ground for studio stinkers — save "The Hunger Games," of course. We've suffered enough! "The Avengers" was just a tasting of the treats in store over the next three months as things heat up in the city. First, we take a look at some of the most hotly anticipated films that we've been dying to see since well before the new year.
June 1
"Snow White and the Huntsman"
Whether or not you're a Kristen Stewart fan, one look at the trailer for this gritty re-imagining of the traditional fairy tale is enough to see that this ain't no "Twilight." Charlize Theron plays the evil Queen Ravenna, and Chris Hemsworth is the titular Huntsman who — though sent to slaughter Ms. White — becomes her mentor and protector.
June 8
We like to talk about Michael Fassbender quite a bit in this paper, because he is so devastatingly handsome. But the main attraction for the film in which he stars this summer is much larger than just one actor. Helmed by "Alien" director Ridley Scott, "Prometheus" shows what happens when humans in the future travel to a foreign planet to discover their origins.
June 22
"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter"
We're not sure how much a camp factor will come into play with this wacky idea for a film, considering President Lincoln will be played by high-brow Juilliard grad Benjamin Walker. But the plot summary really is that Abraham Lincoln decides to vanquish those vamps once he realizes they are planning to take over the U.S.
July 3
"The Amazing Spiderman"
Even though there have been a bajillion iterations of Spidey in the last several years, everyone's anxious to get a look at this one, portrayed by "The Social Network"'s Andrew Garfield and co-starring his real-life girlfriend Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy.
July 20
"The Dark Knight Rises"
The final installation of Christopher Nolan's brilliant imagining of Batman has a few tricks up its sleeve, if the spooky trailer is any indication. Tom Hardy is Bane, one of the nastiest nemeses the Dark Knight has ever encountered. And then there's Anne Hathaway slinking around as the seductively dangerous Selina Kyle.
August 3
"The Bourne Legacy"
Can Jeremy Renner fill Matt Damon's shoes in the Bourne series? Starring as Aaron Cross, Renner's first major starring role details the story of a man who must deal with the consequences of Jason Bourne's actions where "The Bourne Ultimatum" left off.
Killer comedies
The summer months are the best time for top-notch funny men and women to take over the box office. So take that, Batman.
"That's My Boy," June 15
We're hoping that the presence of "Saturday Night Live"'s Andy Samberg will make this movie not stink, especially considering Adam Sandler's last few films were truly awful ("Jack and Jill," we're looking at you). In this one, Sandler plays a man-child who fathered and raised his own child (Samberg) when he was only 18. When they reconnect several years later, each finds themselves coming undone.
"Seeking a Friend for the End of the World," June 22
Consider this one the flip side of "Melancholia," since it also deals with a heavenly body that is destined to come crashing into Earth. But here, with Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley co-starring, it's a comedy!
"Madea's Witness Protection," June 29
Oh Madea, Madea, Madea. What are you up to now? Rather than getting into trouble herself, she's hosting a family who is a part of the witness protection program.
"Ted," July 13
"Family Guy"'s Seth MacFarlane is the brains behind this story of a man (Mark Wahlberg) whose random wish makes a teddy bear he had as a child come to life — albeit as a foul-mouthed scumbag voiced by MacFarlane himself.
"The Watch," July 27
Previously titled "Neighborhood Watch" — but likely changed due to tragic events in the news — this comedy stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade as a few suburban renegades who decide to take the law into their own hands but end up finding out that they're up against extraterrestrials instead.
"The Campaign," Aug. 10
Why has this not happened before now? Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, two masters of playing awkward schlubs, were destined to have their moment onscreen together. In this film, they play opposing senate candidates Cam Brady and Marty Huggins, respectively. Check out their smear campaigns online.
Mortals Combat
"We don't need no superpowers," say these films about tough dudes duking it out in the past, present and future.
"G.I. Joe: Retaliation," June 29
Though 2009's "G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra" only got middling reviews, here we have the second installment, starring looks-that-could-melt-your-semiautomatic Channing Tatum as Captain Duke Hauser alongside Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson.
"Total Recall," Aug. 3
Filling the shoes of one erstwhile California governor who played the role in 1990, Colin Farrell is a man of the future who goes to a clinic to have memories of a more interesting life planted into his head. When the procedure goes awry (or does it?), he finds himself hunted by the government.
"The Expendables II," Aug. 17
Chuck Norris is in this movie. That is all you need to know. Liam Hemsworth also joins the rest of the crew, which is on a revenge mission once one of their own gets killed in the line of duty. But come on, Chuck Norris!
"Lawless," Aug. 31
Rocker Nick Cave penned this Prohibition-era film about brothers who get into the bootlegging business. Given that the film is loaded with top-flight talent like Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain and Gary Oldman, this could be the sleeper hit of the summer.
For the family
Cranky kids (and adults) always brighten up at the prospect of a couple hours in full-blast air conditioning, and these films will be the icing on that cake.
"Men in Black 3," May 25
Agent J (Will Smith) must go back in time to the 1960s to save his friend, Agent K (played by Tommy Lee Jones in the "present" and Josh Brolin in the 1960s) before a disaster befalls him.
"Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," June 8
The runaways from their New York City zoo find themselves in Monte Carlo, joining a circus traveling through Europe in order to remain under cover.
"Brave," June 22
It's been so many years, but when asked to do a Scottish accent, we still revert back to that Austin Powers character Fat Bastard saying "Git in mah belleh!" Hopefully this sweet Pixar film about the rebellious daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor in the hills of Scotland will change all that.
"Ice Age: Continental Drift,"July 13
That gaggle of animal pals from the last three "Ice Age" movies come together again to fight pirates and explore the new world.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," Aug. 3
What is Greg going to do with the whole long summer ahead of him? Sorry kid, we don't feel bad for you.
"The Odd Life of Timothy Green," Aug. 17
Cindy and Jim Green (Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton) want to start a family but find themselves to be infertile. One night, they write down all the traits they'd want in a child, bury the box of notes in the backyard and boom, a dirt-covered kid appears on their doorstep soon after.
Music in the movie theater
Sing-alongs, dance-offs and an ode to Motown serve up plenty to snap your fingers to.
"Rock of Ages," June 15
The Broadway musical ode to 1980s hair bands has had a long-awaited film adaptation in the works and we've been looking forward to it ever since a photo was leaked of Tom Cruise swinging topless above a stage. The cast is loaded with stars — Paul Giamatti, Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta Jones, Russell Brand and Bryan Cranston — and we're expecting this to be a top-quality event.
"Katy Perry: Part of Me," July 5
We'll doubt that you're going to get any good gossip out of this film that purports to share what Katy Perry's life is like on stage and off, but the tweens will be out in full force, as it'll only be out in 3-D for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
"Step Up Revolution," July 27
A group known for their cutting edge flash mob dance performances must band together when a rich businessman threatens to destroy their neighborhood. So they decide to protest-dance! Perhaps Occupy Wall Street could learn a thing or two from their pop and lock moves.
"Sparkle," Aug. 17
This remake of the 1976 film of the same name bears many similarities to "Dreamgirls" — being about a 1960s Motown girl group that makes it big — but we're hearing good buzz for "Sparkle," which stars Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston in her last on-screen performance.


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Today Colin Currie gives the world premiere of Louis Andriessen's percussion concerto, Tapdance. He performs with the Asko|Schoenberg Ensemble under the baton of Reinbert de Leeuw at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam as part of their ZaterdagMatinee series. "The large ensemble has 18 players plus strings and produces a ghostly recollection of the slow jazz blues from the 1950s and '60s, with particular reference to the music of Horace Silver. The trajectory of the piece is the opposite to what you might expect: it moves from energy to melancholy, and is something of a homage to the Percussion Concerto by Milhaud, where positive vigour is increasingly supplanted by sadness and desperation – a very intriguing approach." More info about the piece here.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Tap Dance World Premiere
Posted by Jelena Novak at 2:36 AM
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Tag Archives: Awards
Marfa Public Radio Wins 6 Awards from Public Radio News Directors Incorporated
Marfa Public Radio has won six awards from the public media group Public Media News Directors Incorporated (PRNDI). The station was awarded for its radio work on a variety of topics, ranging from arts and breaking news to sports. The … Continue reading
Posted in KRTS News, KRTS Spotlight Tagged Awards, Marfa Public Radio, PRNDI, Public Media, Station News Leave a comment


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Home > Binoculars > Hawke Binoculars > Hawke Vantage
Part Number: 34 201Brand: Hawke
Nitrogen purged - Water & fog proof
25mm models utilize the same fully coated optics as the full size range. Designed with portability in mind.
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Use the tools below to refine your search by only displaying reviews with a certain number of star ratings or to only show reviews from a certain time period. Eg click on '1 star' to just display the reviews we have which received a 1 star rating click or 'Within the last month' to display just reviews posted over the last month.
Written on: 12/06/2013 by tiffhits (2 reviews written)
People have asked what medium format camera I used when I post pictures with this lens. It's very sharp and the bokeh is crazy good. Autofocus seems pretty fast and accurate. I feel like I can't take a bad picture with this lens. Awesome for portraits and a lot of other things. The only time I change is out is if I need a wider angle… Read Full Review
Written on: 14/06/2013
This lens is a nice lightweight alternative to my 70-200mm for portraits. It's also a bargain compared to the F1.4g and about as sharp. Only dislike is the slightly noisier AF compared to my other Nikon lenses.
As rated by our community of reviewers
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" Sigma lens 18-250 " Read More


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In Remembrance of a Writer Past…
Words. Words. I play with words, hoping that some combination, even a chance combination, will say what I want.
…Doris Lessing
There come times when events beyond our control interfere with life and cause us to change plans. It is such a time here at the Editor's Corner, where the stuff of life must take precedence over the stuff of blogs.
Rather than leave the space empty, though, I give you the words of one far wiser than I, an extraordinary author who died this past weekend: Doris Lessing.
Doris Lessing said once, "I'm just a story teller." 'Just' implies a meager endeavor, and yet what higher calling is there? We should all aspire to be 'just story tellers' like she. She's a difficult writer and, by many accounts, was a sometime-difficult woman, but her prose is clear and provocative, and her advice on reading, writing, and living are nuggets as golden as her Notebook.
"A public library is the most democratic thing in the world. What can be found there has undone dictators and tyrants: demagogues can persecute writers and tell them what to write as much as they like, but they cannot vanish what has been written in the past, though they try often enough…People who love literature have at least part of their minds immune from indoctrination. If you read, you can learn to think for yourself."
"There is only one way to read, which is to browse in libraries and bookshops, picking up books that attract you, reading only those, dropping them when they bore you, skipping the parts that drag-and never, never reading anything because you feel you ought, or because it is part of a trend or a movement. Remember that the book which bores you when you are twenty or thirty will open doors for you when you are forty or fifty-and vise versa. Don't read a book out of its right time for you."
"A writer falls in love with an idea and gets carried away."
"You should write, first of all, to please yourself. You shouldn't care a damn about anybody else at all. But writing can't be a way of life – the important part of writing is living. You have to live in such a way that your writing emerges from it."
"A story is how we construct our experiences."
"You can only learn to be a better writer by actually writing. I don't know much about creative writing programs. But they're not telling the truth if they don't teach, one, that writing is hard work and, two, that you have to give up a great deal of life, your personal life, to be a writer."
"In the writing process, the more the story cooks, the better. The brain works for you even when you are at rest. I find dreams particularly useful. I myself think a great deal before I go to sleep and the details sometimes unfold in the dream."
"That is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way."
"What's terrible is to pretend that second-rate is first-rate. To pretend that you don't need love when you do; or you like your work when you know quite well you're capable of better."


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TBI Resources
Below are a few TBI resources for care and management after a TBI:
Brain Injury Association of America
BIAA is the leading national organization serving and representing individuals, families and professionals who are touched by a life-altering, often devastating, traumatic brain injury (TBI). Together with its network of more than 40 chartered state affiliates, as well as hundreds of local chapters and support groups across the country, the BIAA provides TBI resources, information, education and support to assist the 3.17 million Americans currently living with traumatic brain injuries.
Brain Injury Association of America Treatment and Rehab
The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain the most independent level of functioning possible. This website describes the different types of hospital and rehabilitation programs; healthcare professionals; and tests and scales used in the recovery process for brain injury.
National Association of State Head Injury Administrators
NASHIA is the only forum addressing state government's significant role in brain injury. NASHIA is the premier source of information and education for State Agency employees who are responsible for public brain injury policies, programs, and services.
North American Brain Injury Society
NABIS is a society comprised of professional members involved in the care or issues surrounding brain injury. The principal mission of NABIS is moving brain injury science into practice. Whether it is in the area of clinical care, research, policy or litigation, the organization stands behind the premise that advances in science and practices based on application of the scientific evidence will ultimately provide the best outcomes for those with brain injuries and the community as a whole.
Praised by leading brain injury experts as an innovative system for guiding individuals through the day-to-day challenges faced after brain injury, while providing information and support to family and friends. The Brain Injury Recovery Kit is a step-by-step approach to recovery that can be tailored to each individual's needs and can be used at an individual's own pace.
Successfully Surviving a Brain Injury: A Family Guidebook, From the Emergency Room to Selecting a Rehabilitation Facility. This is an easy-to-read guidebook, which is intended for families in the first days, weeks, and months after a brain injury. The book covers the wide range of medical, financial, legal, insurance, family, and personal issues caregivers encounter following a brain injury.
The Centers for Disease Control's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control TBI Resources
The CDC's research and programs work to prevent TBI and help people better recognize, respond, and recover if a TBI occurs. They cover Traumatic Brain Injury Topics, Concussion and Mild TBI, Concussion in Sports, Clinical Diagnosis and Management, and Statistics.
Additional Links:


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Gatorade, a division of Pepsico, has confirmed that it's dropping its Tiger Woods-branded drink, known as Gatorade Tiger, Tigerade, and Tiger Focus. The company made the decision before the wreck that set off the Woods scandal. ABC News has more:
The decision to drop the drink, called Tiger Focus, was first reported by trade publication Beverage Digest in an issue dated Nov. 25, two days before the incident at Woods' home in Florida. The publication's editor, John Sicher, said he learned of the decision the week of Nov. 9.
The brand — a unit of PepsiCo Inc. — says the decision does not have to do with recent events. A spokesman says the decision came several months ago. The drink debuted in March 2008.
Beverage Digest estimates it represents less than 5 percent of Gatorade's volume. Sales volume of Tiger Focus was down 34 percent this year through October.
More than a week ago, this wouldn't have been a blow to the Tiger brand. Now, however, Gatorade's withdrawal might compel other companies to revise their endorsements. Tiger committed some transgressions, but this decision comes at a bad time.


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Today I'm sharing a chipboard circle that I have adapted using alcohol inks, buttons, gesso, torn pages and definitions from an old encyclopaedia and here is how it looked after I had adhered the torn pages, gesso, alcohol ink and buttons …
Welcome to my blog! I am a stamp addict who has become obsessed with Mixed Media techniques and learning new techniques! I'm trying to learn how to draw and paint using books and social media. I love creating cards and mixed media projects for others and my family. I blog to keep a record of my progress.
Monday, 20 March 2017
AI's and Buttons Aplenty ...
Today I'm sharing a chipboard circle that I have adapted using alcohol inks, buttons, gesso, torn pages and definitions from an old encyclopaedia and here is how it looked after I had adhered the torn pages, gesso, alcohol ink and buttons …
9 comments:
- Megan J said...
Hi Karen, Wow, a gorgeous make love the colour you have chosen and the butterfly is the perfect embellishment, have a wonderful week... Megan
- 22 March 2017 at 04:06
- Hazel Agnew said...
I really love this Karen. I can see that so much love has gone into it. Texture on the buttons is fabulous! Thanks for joining in with us at Country View Crafts.
- 23 March 2017 at 20:06
- Sarn said...
WOW - you really went to town on this. FABULOUS xxx
- 24 March 2017 at 12:49
- Deb Riddell said...
What a fabulous ornament, love the play of the alcohol inks on your gessoed buttons and the butterfly adorning the center is so lovely, great bling! Thank you for joining us at A Vintage Journey forour third birthday celebration! Deb xo
- 28 March 2017 at 22:16
- Lynne Forsythe said...
WOW....you piece is BEAUTIFUL. The colors are amazing....just BEAUTIFUL! THANKS BUNCHES for playing along with the March Mixed Media Monthly Challenge!!
- 30 March 2017 at 14:14
- Lisa H said...
awesome use of buttons!! I love this. Thanks for sharing it with us at MMM. =)
- 31 March 2017 at 18:25
- Cec said...
Love how you unified the colour of the buttons with the alcohol ink and the rosette tucked behind your lovely layered butterfly. Thanks for joining us at Frilly and Funkie.
- 1 April 2017 at 21:47
- Courtney said...
This is absolutely beautiful. I love everything about it! Congrats on being honorable mention this month!! :)
- 8 April 2017 at 03:33
- sarascloset said...
Karen, I'm so pleased to see you take the honorable mention at MMM! Wow! That's a lot of buttons you've put on there! Must have taken lots of time! So pretty! Congratulations!
- 19 April 2017 at 00:04


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Kat really wanted to do a post that was a bit more causal but still had a sense of chicness to it, and the sporty came into our ensemb because recently Kat has been obsessed with finding a black baseball cap to wear out shopping, to lunch etc. etc. It's easy for me to pull some casual items out of my closet because let's face it I LOVE casual wear that consists of jeans, tee-shirts, and of course sneakers.
Casual-Sporty-ChicJanuary 29, 2016
It's a PIRATE'S Life for us//January 27, 2016
If you are from Tampa, live in Tampa, have ever been to Tampa you know what Gasparilla is.
If not, you might be thinking, Gasparilla, what?!
Gasparilla is a huge pirate themed event in Tampa throughout January. There are parades, concerts, and so much more.
This Saturday is the main event-the invasion where a fully-rigged pirate ship, manned by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, creeps into the bay at the beginning of the festival to "attack" Tampa Bay. They dock and meet the mayor who's only choice is to surrender the key to the city to this massive pirate crew.
Bottom line: it is so much fun.
Dressing for Gasparilla is part of the fun. Some people go all out with pirate costumes, but we like to pull pieces from our closet and add a pirate touch.
Think leather, boots, black and white, and lots of skull print.
If partaking in the festivities, we thought it might be fun to share with you some of our outfit ideas for Saturday!
Black and white stripes are perfect for Gasparilla. Adding a studded leather jacket and some distressed black jeans complete the pirate themed look!
Adding a boot is perfect for your pirate attire! It's great for walking around all day and the weather is normally a bit chilly on parade day!
If you're not into the stripes, a pirate piece like a skull scarf adds the perfect touch. It turns an all black ensemb into a Gasparilla ready outfit!
I love my distressed Topshop Jamie jeans and they work perfect with this look. I finished the ensemb off with a lace up black boot.
We're super excited to celebrate Saturday! If you're not planning on attending this year-hope to see you in Tampa for next year's Gasparilla celebration!
To learn more about Gasparilla and why Tampa celebrates, you can read more about it here!
P I N S P O {Sophia Bush}January 24, 2016
Now if you're anything like us, Pinterest can suck you in. One minute you're being productive, next minute you're looking at closet organization tips, recipes you'll never make, and tons of outfit inspiration.
We love going on Pinterest to look at different outfit inspirations, whether it's styling a specific piece or for a certain occasion. If you're not following us on Pinterest already, definitely follow here to see all of the things we are pinning!
In our new PINSPO series, we want to take different outfits styled on Pinterest pages and recreate them using affordable pieces. Whether it be celebrity ensembs or just a popular picture we're loving!
This week in our first PINSPO post we pinned two outfits we absolutely loveee and they both happen to be on Sophia Bush.
Now if you were a One Tree Hill fan back in the day you know
Brooke Sophia always had amazing style. Of course because she's living that celeb lifestyle her pieces can cost a pretty penny. So we took these two outfits and styled them using our own affordable pieces!
Tee loved this look when she pinned it! It is such a classic, chic look but it is taken up a notch with a big statement necklace and a leopard clutch.
Tee used pieces from her closet to recreate the look! She used a pair of oxfords in a similar color instead of ankle boots.
This look is so easy to create with more affordable pieces-many you probably already have in your closet!
Now this look is a little more dressy, but still has a laid back vibe. I love how she paired this lacy black dress with more casual pieces, a utility jacket and some brown booties. To amp up the look a bit she stacked some bracelets and bangles on her wrist.
We can't wait to style more looks based on our favorite Pinterest inspiration!
Please let us know if there are any Pinterest looks you've been loving that you'd like to see recreated with affordable pieces!
Beauty Boxes!January 20, 2016
A few years ago, Kat's best friend bought her a Birchbox subscription for her birthday. Neither of us ever heard of Birchbox, but as soon as she got her first one in the mail we were obsessed! Not only is the actual box super pretty haha but what comes inside is actually awesome, usable stuff.
{Forever 21 Finds}January 18, 2016
Forever 21's online store, as you probably know by now, is one of my absolute faves.
Today is the last day of their extra 30% off sale promotion, so I figured I'd round up some of my must have picks!
Let us know if you pick any of these pieces up for yourself! We definitely will be styling some of the things we get in upcoming posts!
Burgundy & PlaidJanuary 15, 2016
The temps in Florida are finally dropping and we've been able to pull out {and actually wear!} some comfy, warm sweaters.
I bought this poncho a couple months back from Forever 21 and I finally got to wear it this past weekend. It is so unbelievably comfy!
I feel like I'm wearing a socially acceptable blanket around my shoulders.
I love that this poncho is black and white plaid because it goes with so much!
I styled it with a simple black turtleneck and some high-waisted flare jeans.
Because Florida winters are so unpredictable, sleeveless sweaters are perfect.
You're still getting the comfort and style of a sweater, but not an excessive amount of warmth. If it does get chilly you can always throw a jacket over it!
Tee purchased this gorgeous burgundy sweater at Marshalls for only $13!
Leather is All WeatherJanuary 13, 2016
Owning a leather jacket, in my opinion, is a must. And I live in Florida where we have no winter haha. I just think they're so stylish and can make you look like a chic badass! So we wanted to show you how we style our leather wear!
My jacket is from Burlington Coat Factory. It is real leather and was a great deal at $125! I've had it for years and seriously can't wear it enough.
Olive & Denim & GoldJanuary 11, 2016
One of our absolute favorite combos is olive and gold. Throw in a little denim and you can't go wrong!
Olive Blouse: Marshalls {similar, love the back of this version!}
Black distressed denim: Forever 21 {similar here}
Gold flats: Dillards {similar on clearance for under $30!}
/Major Blazers/January 8, 2016
A blazer is a staple piece that almost everyone has in their closet. It may be half of a suit, it may be black, or it may be a bright floral print!
We both have a few blazers because there are so many ways to style them. They can be appropriate for work, a casual day, or a night out.
We're showing you FOUR different blazers and how to style them!
A seersucker blazer is perfect for daytime! It's casual enough, but still looks chic and put together.
Paired with a white blouse and dark skinny jeans and you're golden.
10 //Must Have// Items in Your ClosetJanuary 6, 2016
We all know everyone's style is different and of course that's a good thing! We don't want to see everyone wear the exact same outfit, but there are some classic pieces that every girl should have in her closet (in my opinion) regardless of her fashion taste!
A black blazer is a great piece to have because it's classy, simple, and can be worn with pretty much anything whether it be a tee-shirt, dress, blouse etc. etc. it is definitely a must have! I have worn mine on job interviews, out to dinner, and even a night out-it really is a classic piece. As an added bonus I always think blazers are super comfy and can take your ensemb from casual to dressy!
Having one pair of dark wash skinny jeans without any distress or fade is another must. Dark wash denim can also be worn dressy or casual whether it be out to dinner or even in some work environments on casual day. The dark wash denim is much more passable when going out to a nice dinner over light wash. You can dress it up with a nice blazer or blouse-plus darker colored jeans make you look slimmer!


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Using environment variables to keep sensitive data out of Django settings
I was helping a new developer at my company start developing with Django. As he was going through the Django Book he felt uncomfortable about storing secret keys, password, and API keys in his settings.py file. Environment variables are the solution, but I couldn't find any good posts out there that explain the basics.
So here is how you use environment variables to keep sensitive data out of your source code:
- Set your environment variable using the
exportcommand, like this:
export YOUR_SETTING_NAME=theSecretKey
- Add
import osto your settings.py file if it isn't there already.
- Retrieve the environment variable in your settings file with this syntax:
EMAIL_HOST_PASSWORD = os.environ['DJANGO_EMAIL_PASSWORD']
Remember that the export command is specific to that terminal session. Your environment variable won't be accessible from any other terminal windows, and it will disappear when you close the terminal window you entered it in.
You can use the
printenv command to see all environment variables defined in a session. You can use
echo to see a specific variable's value:
echo $DJANGO_EMAIL_PASSWORD (don't overlook the
$). You can also use
grep to filter for groups of variables:
printenv | grep DJANGO
Using virtualenv #
Sometimes you want to keep a key out of source code but it's not so sensitive that it can't be stored on your development machine.
If you want to save yourself from manually exporting all your keys at the beginning of each development session, you can add your export statements to your virtualenv activate script.
Just edit your activate script and add your export commands to the very end. If you are using virtualenvwrapper (recommended), then you should add your export commands to the postactivate script for your virtualenv instead.
Why bother? #
Keeping secret keys, passwords, and API keys in source code is a really bad idea, even early on in development.
From a security perspective, you never know where your source code could end up. It could be accessed wholesale off your server or a development machine. It could also be exposed through errors displayed in your app. You don't want to hand an attacker a free pass to your critical data and services.
It's also bad for maintainability. If your secret keys, passwords, or API keys ever change then you need to fast track a code correction to production - always risky.
I was really glad to start this practice early as a developer, and hopefully this post will help future Djangonauts find the answer a little more easily.


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- By Timothy R. Schulte, CTW Features
- Category: Beauty, Health & Fitness
Every bride wants to look stunning. For some that means finding the gown that flatters their figure; for others, it also means a new fitness regimen to get into "wedding shape."
Ready, Set ...
A study from Cornell University found that the vast majority of engaged women (70 percent) pictured their ideal wedding weight that was, on average, 23 pounds less than their current weight.
Gunnar Peterson, a personal trainer who has worked with a number of brides over the years, says he sees the most in April and May before the onslaught of summer weddings. "The ones that start in June, that's a day late and a dollar short," says Peterson, whose clientele includes celebrities and pro athletes. "Don't make this the last-minute thing."
However, getting in shape doesn't have to be a cause for panic. "Let's not over analyze and create a new stressor. Make it fun," Peterson says.
Some brides-to-be may already have an established workout plan, but that's not the case for everyone.
"Others use this as their jumpoff," Peterson says. "Some people need a fitness anniversary ... 'I started when I got engaged.' This can serve that purpose."
Peterson notes a common theme among brides-to-be. A lot of them jump knee-deep into cardio, he says, but tend to avoid weight training because they worry weights will make them muscular. That isn't the case, Peterson says. His favorite saying: "Don't Wait on the Weight."
"Weights are going to work the muscle tissue," he says. "That lean tissue is burning calories and body fat as a calorie source."
Stick to big, multi-joint movements, such as the squat press, squat extension, lunges and triceps curls, moves that continues to work and burn beyond the gym, he says.
Food Revolution
Diet becomes more important the closer you get to your goal, Peterson notes. By simply starting an exercise routine, you'll begin to see effects; after you begin seeing the results, zero in on the diet, he advises.
"Don't try to do diet, exercise and get better sleep right out of the gate," he says. "Work it into your lifestyle. Otherwise, you will abandon it over time.
"You can't go the distance with too much resistance," he adds.
Keep it Simple
Peterson's rule: Devote at least 50 percent of the time you spend planning a wedding into prep time for fitness. If the wedding is 12 months out, start working out no less than six months in advance.
©CTW Features


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Dress for a Dinner Date: Tips from Red Valentino
Red Valentino picking the correct outfit for a date in chilly climate can bring about frenzy in the calmest individual. Get some information from Red Valentino about the setting and whatever other date activities before picking an outfit. Dressing in layers develops a set up together search for both men and ladies and holds in warmth. Before you buy something new, check your storage room, the same number of spring and summer pieces can change into winter clothing reasonable for a date. Dressing elegantly in chilly climate does not mean you need to solidify. Embellish with caps, scarves and gloves in a winter climate.
Red Valentino(https://www.ifchic.com/blog/336-designer-red-valentino) layering a custom fitted fleece coat or games coat with a traditional shirt in an unbiased tone gives a cleaner look, says Red Valentino. The coat can be matched with a sew slipover, nabbed shirt, and dim blue or dark pants. Men can supplant the apprehended shirt with a turtleneck or highlight the shirt shading with a couple of dim or tan pants. A couple of dim slacks or khakis are more suitable than pants for more formal supper dates. Dark or cocoa loafers or military-style boots complete the outfit. A tie is pointless for a supper date unless it is required by the eatery.
Ladies can look chic, however, not stout by constraining layers to three. An organized fleece coat or coat over a cardigan and fitted top functions admirably in a cool climate. The base bit of the troupe will seem thin with a couple of decreased or boot-cut slacks or pants. An A-line skirt additionally functions admirably with thick stockings and boots. Vivid pieces bring out individual style, for example, a brilliantly shaded cardigan to include pizazz. Low profile shirts and as well short skirts are unseemly for the icy climate. Red Valentino suggests a couple of loafers or adorable tennis shoes as it works for more easygoing events.
Chilly climate scarves, gloves, and jackets in intense tints add style to formal or easygoing outfits. Wide, burdensome chokers give a long neck a slim, smooth appearance; thin-fastened pendants developing no under two crawls underneath the collarbone give a slipcover look, which extends short necks. A strong clasp supplemented with an unobtrusive piece, for example, a couple of little circle hoops or a straightforward armlet add adjust to a concealed frosty climate equip. A quality watch and one thin chain or wrist trinket are recommended by Red Valentino as these work admirably for men.
Individual appearance includes more than picking the correct garments; prepping and individual cleanliness add the last touch to the ideal outfit. Clean hair and flawlessly trimmed nails make a decent early introduction. Blue, dark and dim fingernail clean supplements any winter article of clothing, yet ladies who don't care for striking hues can wear nonpartisan shades of pink. Red Valentino also suggests white or bare nail shine. Nonpartisan lip hues function admirably for easygoing or formal supper dates and bolder shades for a night of supper and moving. Solid aromas and colognes are inadmissible for supper dates; light fragrances or no fragrance works best.
Source: ifchic.com


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On "The Bachelor"'s Monday night Season 19 finale, Chris Soules proposed to Whitney Bischoff at his family farm in Iowa.
"It's not work for us. It's natural, and it's like we both want the same thing, and it feels so right, and it feels so perfect, and that's what I want for the rest of my life. I love you," Mr. Soules told Ms. Mischoff before he proposed, reported EOnline.
But, will that love be enough to make the relationship last?
Unfortunately, the track record of both "The Bachelor" and its offshoot, "The Bachelorette," does not reflect in favor of lasting relationships, let alone marriage. Over the course of 12 years and nearly 30 combined seasons, only five couples from the reality shows are still together. Almost two-thirds of the relationships ended within a year of the shows' finales.
Sean Lowe, from "Bachelor" season 17, married contestant Catherine Giudici, and thus far they have been one of the few successful couples. After celebrating their one year wedding anniversary in January, they weighed in on why they think "Bachelor(ette)" relationships often fail.
"It makes perfect sense!" Mr. Lowe told Us Magazine. "You spend just a small amount of time with that person before getting engaged, which sounds nuts. I still can't believe that we got engaged at the end of that thing." He continued: "You leave the show, you get into the real world and find out like, 'Oh, crap! Being in a relationship isn't always easy and it actually takes work."
According to the website, ScienceofRelationships.com, the main reasons reality show relationships do not last is because they are too romantic and too short for couples to develop a relationship foundation that will last once the cameras stop rolling. Talking about groceries and laundry evokes much less romance than exotic vacations and sunset yacht cruises. The level of romance produced in the show creates strong feelings of love, but it is not sustainable and often leads to unrealistic expectations.
"These couples often attempt to recapture the initial excitement that drew them together, but if they fail, they may re-evaluate the relationship and focus even more on their partner's flaws, which can spell the end of the relationship," ScienceofRelationships reports.
So if speed and romance are not the answer to a lasting relationship, what factors can determine a successful union?
In a study called "The Love Lab," researcher John Gottman at the University of Washington analyzed the ways in which newlyweds interacted. He designed a "lab" that mimicked a beautiful bed and breakfast retreat. He then watched couples interact, and used these interactions to predict the success of their marriages.
By looking at two traits – kindness and generosity – he and his colleagues were able to predict whether a couple would remain together after six years with 94 percent accuracy.
"There's a habit of mind that [successful couples] have . . . which is this: they are scanning social environment for things they can appreciate and say thank you for. They are building this culture of respect and appreciation very purposefully. [Non-successful couples] are scanning the social environment for partners' mistakes," Gottman explained in an interview with The Atlantic.
Gottman continues to say that extending kindness is not always easy. For many people, it is something that has to be practiced, especially in moments of anger or conflict when being kind to a partner is the last thing someone wants to do. However, it is in these moments that it matters the most.
"[Successful couples] tend to think about kindness as a muscle. They know that they have to exercise it to keep it in shape. They know, in other words, that a good relationship requires sustained hard work," The Atlantic reports.


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Introduction: Advanced Truffle-Making: Slabbed Ganache and Multi-Layer Truffles
There are few things I enjoy more than crafting chocolate truffles at home. they make great gifts, it makes your kitchen smell like chocolate, and nobody can ever believe that they're home-made.
There are many excellent chocolate-based confectionery procedures here on Instructables. I particularly like simplicity and ease of Scoochmaroo's Easy Truffles, the ever-updating recipes in Ian's Anatomy of a Chocolate Truffle, the artistic humor of Mousewrites' Dung Beetles, and Raving Mad Studios' Velveeta Cheese Fudge, because it's fudge with velveeta in it.
The two drawbacks of hand-rolled truffles are that you have to hand roll the centers (which can take a while and be messy), and that it's difficult to produce multi-flavored and multi-textured candies. So, if you wanted to make a peanut butter and jelly truffle that had separate layers of peanut butter and jelly, it would be quite challenging, if not impossible.
The solution to this is to produce the truffle fillings in slabbed form. Slabbed ganache is exactly what it sounds like - ganache, set into a slab. It's an easy way to make truffles that contain multiple types and flavors of filling together to produce a most interesting chocolate-consuming experience. In this instructable, I'll be showing you how to make kona coffee/marshmallow truffles, but the procedure can be used for all sorts of fillings.
The drawback to slabbed ganache is that it calls for some additional equipment, which will be covered in step 2.
Teacher Notes
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Add a Teacher Note to share how you incorporated it into your lesson.
Step 1: Background Reading
I learned how to do this (and more) from Peter Greweling's unmatchable book Chocolates and Confections: Formula, Theory, and Technique for the Artisan Confectioner. The method I use to make marshmallows and to temper chocolate are both from this book.
If you're starting out and want a less pricey introduction to chocolate-making, Andrew Shotts' book Making Artisan Chocolates has a fantastic selection of recipes and a nice, straightforward introduction to tempering. If you want a book that has a good number of recipes for truffles and also an explosion of other chocolate desserts (and dinners!), Jan Hedh's appropriately-titled Chocolate will not disappoint, and is only $2-3 for a used copy.
Step 2: Required Equipment
- A kitchen scale, with a resolution of 1 gram.
I can't say enough good things about cooking by weight. Once you get even a little experience with a scale, you'll be amazed at how fast everything gets. Fast... and accurate!
- An instant-read digital thermometer
Temperature control is critical in candy-making. You'll need a fast-reading digital thermometer for making the marshmallow, the ganache, and tempering the chocolate. I have this thermometer, which I like quite a bit.
- Two 12x12x¼ inch confectionary frames
Confectionary frames can be anything that keeps poured liquid or semiliquid centers confined and shaped. Also suitable are caramel rulers, heavy metal bars that are cheap and resizeable.
I had my confectionary frame (which I use in this instructable) laser-cut from acrylic by Ponoko because I like the stability a one-piece frame offers. (Read: I'm too much of a bonehead to keep from knocking caramel rulers around)
... and because I have always wanted to use Ponoko. Laser cutters are awesome.
- A stand mixer with a balloon whisk attachment
This is for the marshmallows. If you're using a hand mixer, make sure to use a durable, stainless steel bowl. Sugar syrup is hard enough to clean up, and you don't want to add molten plastic into the mix.
- A very long offset spatula, a ruler, or something else that can smooth down surfaces.
After pouring the fillings into the frame, they'll need to be smoothed out. A heavy 18 inch metal ruler works perfectly for this. I've lost my ruler, so I had to use an offset spatula.
Forewarning: I lack skill with an offset spatula. You'll see.
- Parchment paper
Parchment paper, like laser cutting, is awesome. It's the perfect surface to spread confections on, as it imparts no flavor to the mixture and is non-adhering.
It has a million other uses, too. You can use it to store cookie dough, to bake cookies on, or even to cook delicious fish inside.
Step 3: Ingredient List
For the marshmallows, you will need:
Unflavored Gelatin (15 grams)
This gives the marshmallow its desirable properties by trapping the air that will be whipped into the sugar syrup. Of course, this means that strict vegetarians (and vegans) will be unable to enjoy your treats! If you'd like to try making a vegan marshmallow instead, instructables user Randofo has your back.
I have no idea if vegan marshmallows are compatible with trufflemaking. If anyone happens to try it, please leave me a comment!
Water (60 + 80 grams)
Vanilla extract (10 grams)
Vanilla has the power to enhance the other flavors in the marshmallow.
Sugar (240 grams)
Corn syrup (140 grams)
Glucose syrup (combined with invert sugar) is what you should be using, in an ideal world. For those who live in an area where it is difficult (if not impossible) to find pure glucose syrup in grocery stores, corn syrup is an acceptable substitute.
Honey (40 grams)
Honey adds both sweetness and flavor to the marshmallows. Don't skimp on the honey! I used wildflower honey for this batch.
Agave nectar (20 grams)
This ingredient is optional, but I like the flavor. If you omit the agave nectar, add an extra 20 grams of corn syrup.
Nutmeg (1 tsp)
Other spices can be substituted for nutmeg. It is difficult to know how intense the flavoring will be at the end of the process, so be cautious with it. I have made this recipe with 1 tsp of both nutmeg and cinnamon, and found the resulting flavor (in the marshmallow by itself) ideal for my taste buds. In this particular truffle, 1 tsp of spice is overwhelmed by the coffee flavoring in the ganache. Your mileage may vary.
For the ganache, you shall require:
Heavy cream (206 grams)
Use high-quality heavy cream. I use Organic Valley heavy cram if I can get it, because it is thick and delicious.
Bittersweet chocolate (396 grams, tempered + extra for dipping)
Make sure you get a good quality chocolate of at least 60% cacao content. Most professional recipes recommend Valrhona or Callebaut, but I use Ghirardelli. The price is right, and I can buy it in local stores.
You might want to shop around for the chocolate. In my area, there is a shocking price difference between stores: for a 326 gram (11.5 oz) bag, prices here range from $2.50 to $6.50.
Commercial chocolate is always pre-tempered.
Honey (63 grams)
Unsalted Butter, softened (55 grams)
Don't forget to take your butter out of the fridge in advance! Slabbed ganache requires softened butter, so that the chocolate in the ganache remains tempered and workable. Using cold butter will drop the temperature of the ganache too fast.
Coffee (10 grams)
You can either use whole coffee beans cracked in a mortar and pestle, or ground coffee. I'm using Kona coffee (ground) for my batch.
Got everything together? Let's make some truffles!
Step 4: Marshmallow Layer: Hydrate the Gelatin
You want to have everything ready to go before you start preparing the marshmallows.
Prepare your first set of confectionary frames. Oil the parchment paper well, or your marshmallow will stick and you will be sad.
Attach the balloon whisk to your stand mixer.
Weigh out 15 grams (about one and a third packets) of powdered unflavored gelatin. Mix this into 80 grams of water in a microwave-safe cup, and set it aside to let it hydrate. Don't worry about timing it, it'll be fully hydrated by the time the sugar syrup is cooked.
Step 5: Marshmallow Layer: Cook the Syrup
Into a saucepan, measure out:
240 grams sugar
140 grams glucose (corn) syrup
40 grams honey
20 grams agave nectar
60 grams water
1 tsp ground nutmeg
A quick note: In the pictures below, I've laid out all of the ingredients separately. When you prepare these marshmallows for yourself, it is much easier and more accurate to measure them all directly into the bowl.
Weigh out 10 grams of vanilla extract, and set aside.
Mix everything but the vanilla together, and heat it over medium-high heat on the stove. Your goal temperature is 252 °F (122 °C). Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure uniform distribution of all the ingredients.
When the target temperature is reached, pour the syrup into the bowl of the stand mixer and allow to cool (WITHOUT whipping) to 212 °F (100 °C).
Step 6: Marshmallow Layer: Whip It Up!
While the syrup is cooling, put the hydrated gelatin into the microwave to melt it. Keep an eye on this! You don't want it to foam over.
A second or two of boiling will leave you with a clear solution.
Add the gelatin solution to the 212 °F sugar syrup, and begin whipping at high speed. As the mixture is whipped, it will begin to turn from a saucy tan to a lighter pasty white color. Whip it for about 4-8 minutes.
Remember that vanilla extract you weighed out before? Add it in at the end of the whipping time. Make sure it's mixed in thoroughly.
Once the whipping is complete, pour the marshmallow into the prepared frame. Level and smooth it, then cover with a well-oiled piece of parchment paper. The marshmallow must be allowed to cool fully before you begin to prepare the ganache. In my 63-degree (F) kitchen, this took about three hours. I gave it an extra hour to be safe.
This would be a good time to clean the kitchen. If you got marshmallow or sugar syrup on something, 10-15 minutes soaking in hot water will dissolve it right off.
Step 7: Ganache Layer: Prepare the Cream
Now, it's time to move on to the ganache.
First, prepare the second frame. Peel the parchment paper (carefully!) off of the top layer of the marshmallow, and set the top frame in place. Now you're ready to go!
To start out, make sure you have two microwave-safe containers and a mesh strainer on hand.
Weigh out 20 grams of heavy cream into a microwave-safe container. Mix 10 grams of coffee into the heavy cream, bring to a boil in the microwave, and allow to steep for 5-7 minutes.
Into the other container, weigh the 63 grams of honey. Tare (zero) the scale with this container still on it.
Filter the coffee/cream mixture into the honey container using the strainer. The weight of cream will have decreased; add additional cream to bring it back up to 206 grams.
Bring the coffee-honey-cream mixture to a boil in the microwave; stir until uniform. Allow the mixture to cool - the target temperature of the cream component is 104 °F (40 °C).
Step 8: Ganache Layer: Mix It Up!
Make sure you have everything on hand; your soft butter, the coffee-honey-cream mixture, the thermometer, and your prepared frame.
The key to tempering chocolate is to proceed with caution. I like doing this in the microwave, because it is easy to finely control the amount of heating the batch of chocolate gets.
The method used here is known as "incomplete melting." The goal is to carefully melt out the unstable cocoa butter crystals, seed the remaining batch with a small amount of reserved chocolate.
Weigh out the 396 grams of chocolate. Remove about 20% of it (~80 grams), chop it into smaller pieces with a knife, and set it aside.
Use short (10-20 second) bursts of microwaves to heat the chocolate. Between each period of irradiation, stir the chocolate around to make sure there are no hot spots forming. Do not let the temperature of the chocolate rise above 97 °F (36 °C).
If the temperature of the chocolate rises above 97 °F, it will lose its temper. Angry chocolate is bad chocolate.
Once the main batch is uniformly melted, mix in the chopped "seed" chocolate. It should melt in, seed the batch with the proper form of cocoa butter crystals, and bring the whole lot down to the proper working temperature. You can test the chocolate by smearing a bit on a piece of aluminum foil - it should set quickly, and without white streaks.
Massage the butter into the chocolate, until no lumps remain. Pour the 105 °F cream over the mixture (heat it up if it's cooled too much), and stir in a figure-eight motion until you get a smooth, uniform ganache.
Pour the ganache into the frame and smooth the surface. Allow it to cool a bit, cover with parchment paper, and leave to crystallize overnight.
Step 9: Finishing the Truffles: Precoating and Cutting
Before the slab is removed from the frame, the ganache layer needs to be precoated (or "bottomed") with a thin layer of tempered chocolate. This keeps the ganache from sticking to the dipping fork, which makes it much easier to dip.
To precoat the bottom, melt and temper a small amount of dark chocolate. Pour it onto the slab, and spread it with the offset spatula (or ruler). Be quick! It will crystallize very fast. Let it rest for an hour or two, then you're ready for cutting.
A professional chocolatier would probably have a guitar to cut the slab with, which would make the process fast and easy. In the absence of a guitar, I'd imagine that some sort of MacGyvered contraption with piano wire would work.
In the absence of piano wire and MacGyver, a lightly oiled knife is an acceptable substitute. I bet a pizza cutter would work well, but I have never tried that.
Remove the slab from the frame by working a thin metal object (like your offset spatula) around the sides. The frame should be able to be lifted cleanly off. Flip the slab over (carefully!) so that the marshmallow layer is up.
Cut the slab into pieces with the knife. You can make them as big or as small as you want! I made some big ones for people I really like, and some small ones for people I really like that are on diets.
Some caveats: The knife will need to be cleaned and re-oiled regularly, so that adhesion doesn't ruin your day. This is especially a problem with a marshmallow layer. Also, the knife will crack the precoat layer on the bottom as you cut. Without using a wire cutter, this is inevitable. When you coat the pieces in the last step, the extra chocolate will hide this.
Don't worry, you can always eat centers that turn out looking funny.
Step 10: Finishing the Truffles: Dipping
After all that, the final step is somewhat anticlimactic.
Temper some chocolate.
Dip the centers.
If additional finishing is desirable (say, if you wanted to press a coffee bean into the top), do it before the chocolate sets.
Leave them alone for 24 hours.
It's important to not disturb the dipped and finished chocolate for a while, so that the cocoa butter is allowed to crystallize fully. Touching or moving the chocolates will almost always result in unsightly defects.
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16 Discussions
Sooo tasty <3
i like chocolate :)
Are you sharing your Ponoko design somewhere ? I can't seem to find 1/4 inch acrylic material option on Ponoko.
As soon as I can figure out where I saved the .svg files, I'll put them up somewhere public.
And the acrylic option isn't listed as 1/4 inch, it's the 5.6 mm option. (which is pretty close to 1/4 inch).
Hey Mongpoovian,
Just wondering if you ever posted your Ponoko acrylic ganache frame designs anywhere? I haven't had much luck figuring out Ponoko just yet. Thanks!
Great work. I will try this recipe soon. How come the marshmallow ends up at the bottom, aren't you precoating the bottom ?
Oops! I just set it upside-down when I photographed it.
That was awesome. I sure hope you don't mind me stealing bits of this 'ible and short cutting some areas when I incorporate it into my repetoire. :-)
I've never heard of the frames before and without following the links (which I'm sure to do after posting this) I have no idea what carmel rulers are...
... but I'm sure going to fab some up quick!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Steal away!
Those are AWESOME. Thanks for the shoutout, too!
Now I want to make a little truffle stoneheange...
I don't really care for chocolate but I will read anything pertaining to cooking and that was one of the best 'ibles I have ever read - fantastic job!
mhm that sounds like another diet killer.
but those arent truffles, truffles are be definition ballshaped ;)
this is chocolate we are talking abot here websters just went out the window.
Chocolate does tend to have that effect on people. :)
Looks great!!!


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ROFLCATS! – Cats are funny, and we've got the pictures to prove it!
Not sure if I'd go so far as "rofl" for most of these, but there's some definite lolcats in here. Mostly from other sites, of course (and frankly, this particular site has a blinding color scheme, but I digress), but overall, still an excellent collection of various lolcats.


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Holy crap! how did I get to 150lbs at the age of 41??? This is NOT good!
I have GOT to find the motivation to get off my but and exercise. My desk job and "blogging" life after work are TOTALLY killing my body.
I can't do it all. I have to take care of myself.


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It is a regular day as people everywhere get into their cars and quietly go towards work. For the most part, the city seems normal. At least it was until a huge demand in electricity caused an outage which turned off the lights at a peaceful intersection. With only a few people present at the time, it wasn't hard to figure out what to do. The individuals involved proceeded to approach the crossroads like a 4-way stop and everything continued without a glitch. A couple of seconds later the power returns. Red lights turn to green, sprinklers regain their schedule spraying the lawns with mists of water vapor, and traffic continues.
Since there was little traffic, only a minor inconvenience occurred. However, this was not the case at another intersection just down the road. The lights are still black there and the area is on a much busier street making the individuals much more tense. Instead of waiting for each vehicle to proceed one by one, the people on opposite sides push through in groups. The ones parallel to each other move on after that, taking turns crossing the road's center point. Power does return, but only after a lot of honking and yelling.
Just as the scene calms down, another malfunction happens. This time all the lights are blinking red. The system resets, but the controller mechanisms haven't re-calibrated yet. No one knows what to do. Then, all of a sudden, the cops show up trying to figure out what is going on and pedestrians start taking photos. This extended period of time without working lights forces two people who are not paying attention to interact. Tires screech and metal collide pushing into the frames of the two vehicles like dented beer cans.
Although money will exchange hands addressing the cost of damages, the sudden lack of power on the grid shows that the infrastructure put in place is not sustainable. At some point in time, the cracks will show.
Remove all the traffic lights and push towards automated driverless cars. People will still be able to to travel. There will just be a heightened sense of awareness until they get more comfortable with the new system. Now replace the steering wheel with a touch display and let the cars drive themselves. Allow each vehicle to talk directly to each other without having to communicate through a centralized server. This will keep each car asking where the other vehicles are in relation to each other. Each node would be able to see what the others are connected to maintaining the context of the roads. After installing all this, then you won't need any faulty signal lights trying to direct the traffic that changes at any given moment anyways, and everyone can continue on their way back to work even if the power goes out.


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This Valentine's Day, grab your sweetheart and head to Fort Mason to experience a day filled with laughter, romance and some of the best wines from across the country at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Public Tasting.
Celebrating 15 prestigious years, this anticipated event offers the public the first chance to taste hundreds of award winning wines from the largest competition of American wines in the world.
The Public Tasting allows people from all walks of life to come together and learn about many new wines, all while enjoying a day full of wine and food-pairing experiences. Gourmet food purveyors, such as SavorCalifornia.com, will also be on hand offering delectable food samples.
The Public Tasting features appearances from notable wine industry names including Jon Bonné, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Editor, Jessica Altieri, CEO of WineChannel TV and Wilfred Wong, Chief Storyteller at Wine.com
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (SFCWC) is an annual fundraiser that supports wine studies, enology and viticulture programs for higher education institutions in California. Leftover wines from the competition are donated annually to Santa Rosa Junior College, Fresno State University, Sonoma State University and California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.
When: Saturday, February 14, 2015
Where: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
Time: 1:30 pm – 5 pm
Cost: $65 Advance Purchase, $80 at the door (the tasting has sold out for the past five years, advance ticket purchase is recommended)
For tickets and additional information, visit www.winejudging.com