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A month ago I was on a cruise ship sailing around the Caribbean. I wrote a blog about it on the plane ride home, but something happened and that particular blog has disappeared. I was disappointed when that happened because I put a lot of work into that thing…but then what happened was now, I have had a month to reflect on that week and have an even deeper appreciation for the experience. The lessons that I learned are ones that I feel a need to share.
First A little background. We signed up for this cruise over a year before it was scheduled to set sail. The Tonya that signed up for the cruise had just come off of running 681 miles in 2015 (or what I liked to call 20FITteen). I was feeling pretty good about my self and even my pants size (mostly). I was pumped for this cruise and I was hoping that it would keep me motivated through the year of 2017. Well… life kind of happened. I ate too much, I didn't push myself hard enough in the gym, I didn't run enough. . . I bought bigger pants. I have no reasons, no excuse, no justification. But let's just say that by the time the cruise came around I felt like I was not worthy of going on a cruise that was about fitness or healthy living. AT ALL. Don't get me wrong, I was way excited to be on a cruise… just didn't feel like I would fit in. I wasn't happy with what I had done. I was ashamed and spend A LOT of time beating myself up and not putting anything into action. But then something magical happened:
I embarked on a journey with these two lovely ladies:
We left from Miami and sailed to Ocho Rios, Jamaica and then on to Grand Cayman Island (my favorite!) and then a final stop was in Cozumel, Mexico.
The reason I even found out about this cruise was because I have been a long time fan of the show the biggest loser. NEVER, until Season 11 did I really care or feel any sort of connection with anyone from that show. However there was this one particular contestant in Season 11 that I admired. Her story, her attitude and her outlook on life was simply inspirational. Before she got onto the biggest loser she, herself, lost 100 pounds. Her smile light up the room and I thought, I could be friends with this girl. And Holy crap, if she can push herself at the gym… why can't I! Her, and her super cool mom were my favorite. Well, I started following Courtney on Facebook and her posts keep me positive on a regular basis. When I found out she was going to be on this cruise I started to round up someone to go with. Luckily I have cool people in my life who want to spend a week on a boat with me :). So, had it not been for Courtney I wouldn't have found out about this trip to begin with. Anyways… this is getting long already. I would probably write a short novel about all the things that I learned but from here on how I am going to go Listy. So in short.. these are some of my fitness cruise takeaways:
- From the moment I stepped into this group of people I felt worthy and I felt like I belonged. NO ONE cared that I had gained some weight and that was AWESOME. They were there to support me and encourage me. I will never forget!
- Be yourself. This goes back to Courtney. You know, you can be ANYTHING you want to be on social media. Courtney is exactly the same as she is online, in person. She is Genuine. It reminded ME to be genuine as well. Love ya Courtney!
- you just never know whose life you are going to influence. I am sure I have said this before, but it's worth saying again! This women right here is just as inspirational as her daughter. I won't ever forget your encouragement and your attitude Marci! And of course Kevin too. You guys are so much fun and I wish we lived closer!
3. Fitness and healthy living takes a team. A tribe. A support system! I am GRATEFUL for mine little circle, but sometimes I don't let them in on the struggle or know how they can be supportive, but I know they are ALWAYS there. These two are a great example of how you can keep each other going. The winners of season 11. Well the winner and the runner up…but they are ALL winners in my book. Sisters. Such a bond and make me appreciate even more so the bond that I have with my sisters. I am so glad I got to know these girls. They truly are an inspiration. Even years after the show, staying the course and being so dedicated to being the person that they know they are. PS. I now want to go on another trip to NYC and take a Soul Cycle class with Olivia. Love you ladies!
4. I wish i had a picture to go with this one… but i don't. I met this girl named "Murn" who taught me a few things.
- follow your dreams.
- it's NEVER to late to become what you might have been in life.
- you Do you. Don't care about what other people are doing. You do… YOU
- Every day is CHOOSE day. It doesn't matter what day it is. it's ALWAYS choose day. you get to choose your attitude and create the outcome of your day.
- Yoga: you can't do it wrong and you can't do it right.
- If you aren't checking yourself out, how do you expect anyone else too
- it's important to breathe
- yoga isn't as boring as i thought it would be
5. Do something you might be scared to do. I wanted to Swim out to this infateable playground in Cozumel, but it was a hard swim and then there was this REALLY tall slide that I wasn't sure I Could get to the top and if I did i would be terrified up there. Well I did it and it was totally worth it.
6. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. Wait, did I yell that one? Full disclosure I am still working on this one. But here is what I learned from an entire week of not having my cell phone. I use it TOO MUCH. It wastes a lot of my time. I am missing out on a ton of my life by staring at my dumb phone. I am missing opportunities to connect with people. I use it to prevent myself to have to deal with the real world. It's killing my relationships. And why?!?! Seriously. There was question whether I would be able to go a week without Facebook but it was SO FREEING! I am not kidding you! I still haven't figured out how to totally incorporate this into my regular life, but I haven't stopped thinking about it. I have tried to be more conscience about actually being in the moment when I am with people. It's such a habit… baby steps.
7. speaking of that. Be in the Moment was another. Just enjoy what you are doing now. Don't worry about what's next or what you should be doing or what ever. Be in the moment.
8. Don't judge people. Someone who looks unhealthy quite possibly works really hard and is really very much healthy. We all don't have the same standard. People come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. And all these people INSPIRE me! A community, A family… that I will not soon forget! Don't forget to encourage those around you!
9. Don't let other people define you. Don't let your past define you.
10. You are stronger than you think you are. Do something that you don't think is possible. and Be freakin' Proud of yourself!
Sometimes is's fun to get a little fancy
Also I would like to report that since I got back that I have been on track and my pants are looser. Truth be told, I have increased my workouts (kinda) and sorta started making better choices… but I am inspired and I haven't totally given up on the whole healthy eating thing and that progress. I can't tell you the last time I had onion rings OR a cupcake… soooooo. eventually the pants will fit again. But for now I am proud. I am worthy. I am ME and I am happy. I will keep running and making good choices, and someday I will be in smaller pants.
Thanks for letting me share this incredible journey on the Carnival Vista with you all.
and now… it's time for my run!


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Pastor John Fabarez - May 30, 2020
How Do You Read the Bible?
More From "The Narrow"
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Application Questions
- Read 1 Peter 4:13-16. Is all suffering the same? Think of the last time you went through something hard. Do you think that pain fell in the category of discipline, persecution, or a trial? Did you respond to the pain correctly?
- Read Romans 8:28-30. How is it possible for God to work all things together for good? What does good mean? What is God's goal for each Christian? Why is this comforting to you?
- Read Philippians 3:12-15. Paul says that "mature" Christians recognize that they aren't perfect yet. What are some areas of your life that are not perfect? What strategies does Paul give in these verses to be more perfect? How will you put these into practice?

subset: commoncrawl


text: Drink more water. Drinking at least 8 glasses a day will help rid the body and skin of toxins. Everyone will not agree that water consumption will improve skin… but it certainly can't hurt. Many people often report that by increasing their water intake, their skin has a more radiant glow. Those who suffer from acne have reported the same results. Nothing will happen overnight, but even a good couple of weeks of increasing water intake should be enough for you to see how hydration affects your own skin.


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Coronavirus: stay at home Leave your home if it's necessary. It will help stop the spread of novel coronavirus & COVID-19
» Aries-Gemini Compatibility
Aries Man - Gemini Woman CompatibilityThis sign combination indicates happiness for the couple. The girl will help boy in achieving his life objectives and work as an adviser to him. Together they will be successful in their life. Life will be full of happiness.
» Daily Aries Horoscope
Sunday, May 31, 2020
A wonderful day to do things that would make you feel good about yourself. Try to control your spending- and buy only the ess...
» Weekly Aries Horoscope
Monday, May 25, 2020 - Sunday, May 31, 2020
The last week of May will bring numerous opportunities for Aries natives. The transit of the Moon will take place through you...
» Weekly Aries Love Horoscope
Monday, May 25, 2020 - Sunday, May 31, 2020
Aries natives in a relationship will need to bring a balance to their love life with their beloved. It is possible that your ...
» Monthly Aries Horoscope
May, 2020
The bright sunlight of the month of May has many opportunities in store for you. During this month's time, Surya Dev or the p...
» Yearly Aries Horoscope
Year 2020
Aries Horoscope 2020 predicts that the natives belonging to Aries will get good results in their endeavours, given that they ...
» Aries Characteristics
Aries is ruled by Mars, which shows a brave and spirited route through life. A person born under Aries loves beauty, art and ...
» Aries Facts
Lucky number: 9, 8 and 6
Lucky colors: Blue, Blue-green
Lucky Day: Friday, Tuesday and Sat...
» Aries Compatibility
I am :
Same sign shows very good understanding between them. It shows love and harmony. Their family life will be full of joy and h...
It shows fundamental difference in the approach towards love, romance and life in general. It also shows the long life for t...
This sign combination indicates happiness for the couple. The girl will help boy in achieving his life objectives and work as...
This sign combination indicates prosperity in life. Couples will understand each other and together bring prosperity in life....
This sign combination indicates a long married life. Though this sign combination is not regarded good in marriage compatibil...
This combination, though good for progeny, but cannot be regarded as good generally. There will be difference of opinion, qua...
This indicates a good combination for love and romantic life. This combination also indicates happy and long married life. Th...
This combination has not been regarded good by our sages. There will be a matter of disputes and disagreements. Also this com...
This combination is not regarded good and leads to widowhood sometimes. This combination also indicate problems in progeny. ...
This combination shows a good compatibility. The boy will get full support from the girl in all the departments of life. The...
This is one of the best combinations for sign compatibility. They will be very understanding and toward each other. The girl...
This is called Dwi-dwadash (2-12) combination and is not regarded good and said to be giving fatal results. The couple will ...
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Last week I wrote about my obsession with NARS Radiant Creamy Concealers and my quest to find the perfect shade. But it doesn't end there. I'm always on the hunt for anything that will minimise the signs of my lifestyle (serious lack of sleep, people!), so I've recently been trying out a fresh faced offering from Miners.
For less than the price of a fancy coffee, Miners Fresh Faced Concealers are little wands of wonder that instantly disguise dark circles, bags and sallow skin. For only £2.99, I'm not expecting any skincare benefits and there are none that I can see. And I'd say you need to use a primer underneath and powder over the top to up the staying power, and some serious blending with brush or fingers. But if what you're after is some budget priced camouflage, you'd be hard pushed to find anything that comes close for under three pounds. I wear the shade Olive, which surprisingly works perfectly on my Indian skin tone, Peach is just that little bit too pink for me, but works well as a corrector on the blue-ness if I feel I need some extra armour under the Olive shade. Porcelain – well I didn't even go there, but fairest of the fair, that one's for you.
Bam! Now that's what I call a Budget Beauty Buy!
Miners Fresh Face Concealer, £2.99 here


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Yrjö Engeström est professeur en formation d'adultes et directeur du centre pour la théorie de l'activité et la recherche sur le développement à l'université de Helsinki en Finlande. Il est également professeur de communication à l'université de San Diego, Californie, où il a exercé comme directeur du laboratoire de cognition humaine comparée de 1990 à 1995. Yrjö Engeström travaille dans le cadre de la théorie historico-culturelle de l'activité. Il est connu en particulier pour ses travaux sur l'apprentissage expansif. Il étudie les transformations dans le travail et dans les organisations, en combinant un niveau micro d'analyse du discours et des interactions, avec un niveau macro de modélisation des organisations en tant que systèmes d'activité évoluant par des contradictions qui génèrent un développement.....
Conférences disponibles ici en vidéo.
Son intervention intitulée "CONCEPT FORMATION IN THE WILD AS EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE : AN ACTIVITY-THEORETICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM" se fera sous la forme de 4 conférences.
Ces conférences seront ponctuées par les interventions de réactants :
NB : les interventions se tiendront en anglais, mais des supports d'accompagnement en français seront proposés.
Lecture 1 :
Date et horaire : mardi 19 novembre, ESPE de Bretagne, salle du Conseil, de 14h00 à 17h00
The first lecture begins with an introduction to the idea of and relevant approaches to concept formation in the wild (Engeström & Sannino, 2012) as a challenge to education. Concept formation has traditionally been seen as a process in which students acquire well-defined scientific concepts determined by the curriculum. However, in the lives of both children and adults, concept formation is today increasingly a challenge of making sense of ill-defined phenomena, such as 'global warming' or 'financial crisis'. Concept formation is therefore becoming an open-ended creative endeavor characterized by uncertainty, debate and continuous change. If this type of concept formation is ignored in schools, they risk becoming increasingly alienating and artificial environments for the concerns of students, parents and teachers.
To illuminate and analyze such processes of concept formation in the wild, the lecture then presents in detail a case of forming a new theoretical concept of 'sustainable mobility' in the home care of the elderly in the city of Helsinki in Finland (Engeström, Nummijoki & Sannino, 2012). The case demonstrates the process of ascending from the abstract to the concrete with the help of a 'germ cell' of the new concept. It also shows how physical bodily action and theoretical concept formation are intertwined and dependent on one another.
Identité du réactant à venir
Lecture 2 :
Date et horaire : mercredi 20 novembre, ESPE de Bretagne, salle du Conseil, de 14h00 à 17h00
The second lecture analyzes collaborative concept formation as agentive future-making. 'The idea of 'critical encounter', based on Vygotsky's principle of double stimulation, is introduced and modeled as generic site of future-oriented concept formation. Related to Gutierrez's notion of 'third space', a critical encounter is an event in which two or more relevant actors come together to deal with a problem that represents a potentially shared object and conflict of motives. In such a critical encounter, there is both complementarity and tension between the actors. To resolve the problem, the actors typically use mediating artifacts and draw on available source domains to take volitional action and to conceptualize the situation. Critical encounter is a potentially powerful lens for examining and reshaping educational practices.
To examine the potential of the notion of critical encounter, the lecture applies it to an analysis of 26 videotaped home care encounters in which the nurse and the patient face the challenge of implementing a new toolkit practice of supporting the client's physical mobility. The analysis identifies actions of transformative agency and rudimentary future-oriented concept formation in the encounters.
Identité du réactant à venir.
Lecture 3 :
Date et horaire : jeudi 21 novembre, ESPE de Bretagne, salle du Conseil, de 14h00 à 17h00
The third lecture analyzes the possibility of gaining mutual understanding between culturally different groups of people, a foundational challenge to education in a globalized world. Cognitive models of intersubjective understanding, such as Herbert Clark's theory of 'common ground', emphasize the mental and discursive aspects of mutual understanding. The lecture argues that this is not enough ; focus needs to be shifted to the role and potential of shared material objects as sources of intersubjective understanding. 'Common ground' needs to be reconceptualized in terms of real objects between the subjects.
The lecture analyzes the formation of materially based common ground between two groups of builders of wooden boats, one located at the Bay of Bengal in India, the other one in Helsinki, Finland. The two groups have radically different educational and cultural backgrounds, they use very different tools and their boats are built for different purposes. The builders were asked to look at photos of the other boat building site and comment on them. Our analysis shows that they began to build mutual understanding by focusing on their shared object, the wooden boat. Common ground emerges as the generalized material object between the two groups, constructed by means of identifying salient differences, dimensions of difference, questions, comments on relationships, and comments on historical conditions.
Identité du réactant à venir.
Lecture 4 :
Date et horaire : vendredi 22 novembre, ESPE de Bretagne, salle du Conseil, de 09h30 à 12h30
The fourth lecture analyzes the potentials of conducting formative interventions in collective activity systems to enhance the formation of future-oriented and practically effective theoretical concepts. The methodology of formative interventions in introduced as a way to support and rigorously analyze change efforts aimed at collective concept formation (Engeström, 2011). The lecture builds on data from Change Laboratory interventions in three schools, one in Finland (Engeström, Engeström & Suntio, 2002), another one in Botswana (Virkkunen & al., 2012), and the third one in Russia. The three cases represent bottom-up local efforts at school change in different cultural contexts.
In each intervention, the participating teachers created a new concept and model for the zone of proximal development of their school. The lecture analyzes the contradictions, expressions of transformative agency, and epistemic learning actions involved in the formation of the new concept in these three cases .
Identité du réactant à venir.
Lectures recommandées en amont des conférences
Engeström, Y. (2011). From design experiments to formative interventions. Theory & Psychology, 21, 598-268.
Engeström, Y., Engeström, R. & Suntio, A. (2002). Can a school community learn to master its own future ? An activity-theoretical study of expansive learning among middle school teachers. In G. Wells & G. Claxton (Eds,), Learning for life in the 21st century. Oxford : Blackwell (p. 211-224).
Engeström, Y., Nummijoki, J. & Sannino, A. (2012). Embodied germ cell at work : Building an expansive concept of physical mobility in home care. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 19(3), 287-309.
Engeström, Y. & Sannino, A. (2012). Concept formation in the wild. Mind, Culture, and Activity, 19(3), 201-206.
Virkkunen, J., Newnhamn, D. S., Nleya, P. & Engeström, R. (2012). Breaking the vicious circle of categorizing. Learning, Culture, and Interaction 1(3-4), 183-192.


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It seems to be our family tradition to come down with the stomach flu the day before we fly to the States. Monday morning Coco started throwing up at 6 am. In all honesty, better her than me, but it still put a serious crimp in our plans. By 5 that evening, I had been doing laundry non-stop and she was still at it! :( So we went to the Kinder-Permanence urgent care at Zurich HB. I was so impressed with the facilities, staff and doctor. Then at the Bahnhof Apotheke, we didn't have to wait in line, the doctor had faxed our prescription over so they were already working on it and they were so helpful and kind. All in all, a good experience if you must go at all.
One of the things the doctor prescribed at Kinder-Permanence was what I came to call "The Magic Suppository." Don't ask me what's in it, but it's a little suppository that stops nausea and vomiting for 24 hours. She told me if Coco was still sick in the morning to go ahead and give it to her before we left for the airport. Sadly, it was necessary. But then, much to my surprise, everything went really well! Our flight to London was easy. She slept during the layover and the flight to Seattle could have been a lot worse. She was fussy, didn't want to sleep much and I spent most of the flight walking her around in the Ergo, but she didn't throw up once.
Once we got through Seattle and on our Spokane flight, I was so relieved that I had made it through the whole trip without a change of clothes for myself. Isn't that just how it goes when you're a mom? You pack two extra outfits for your baby and none for yourself. ;) I was slightly euphoric boarding the plane and stopped to take that photo of the sunset. Isn't it gorgeous? The wind smelled like salt from Puget Sound and I was so happy to be in my beloved Pacific Northwest!
Well. For the record, let me just say that the magic suppository lasted 21 hours, not 24. :(
Just after we landed in Spokane, Coco threw up all over me. Actually, at first, she just threw up on my jeans. Then the flight attendants quickly handed me a wad of paper towels and Coco threw up on my shirt. Then, she threw up again and it was happening so fast! In a moment of total and utter lack of brilliance, I thought I would stop the vomit with the paper towels. So I held them up to her mouth gently thinking that maybe the paper towels would just absorb all of the puke? Of course not! It sprayed everywhere. Vomit all over my face, in my eyes, in my hair. With everyone taking their things out of the overhead bins and watching on in horror! It was my worst nightmare. I honestly thought I would cry. And for some strange reason, the absolute nicest guy in the world was sitting next to me all the way from London to Spokane and he stuck with me, people! How ridiculously lucky is that?! The flight attendants gave me wet paper towels and he actually held puke-covered-Coco while I cleaned the throw up off of my face. He talked me through it, carried my bag and helped me at baggage claim. Oh my God. Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am.
So here we are. Coco slept a fitful sleep for short stretches last night and at 3 am got hungry and had a little bowl of banana and rice cereal. She's been napping most of the morning and I think she is finally in the clear. J just sent me a string of alarming texts from Permanence. He's got it, too, and said it's the worst pain he's ever experienced. Poor J! I think by this time tomorrow, if I haven't gotten it yet, I probably won't. But major apologies to everyone who was on any of our flights yesterday. Oops. Maybe trip insurance is a good idea once you have a baby. I'm curious, do you buy flight insurance? Have you ever used it to cancel and re-book? Was it a hassle or did they come through as promised? I would love to know! ;) xo


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Music by Dan Digs: SUNRAYYS – "I Can't Stand the Rain" (Ann Peebles Cover)
Against my window… Recorded during the downpour in LA last night. SUNRAYYS – "I Can't Stand the Rain" (Ann Peebles Cover) … Continue reading
Against my window… Recorded during the downpour in LA last night. SUNRAYYS – "I Can't Stand the Rain" (Ann Peebles Cover) … Continue reading
Silently, I'm away, I'm away, when I… Had to add some djembe, some bass, some relentless house kicks, and some cowbell to round out this cover of one… Continue reading
It's all gonna be alright. "Alright Alright" is inspired by visions of beaches and palm trees and LA while listening to the Beta Band, UNKLE, Beck, the Charlatans, Toro… Continue reading
Had to get down with the bruk funk and remix one of my favorite tracks of 2018. Hear the original version of Jungle's "House in LA" here. … Continue reading
The new sound of Nocturnal Djembe Beachgaze. Very excited to announce my new music project: SUNRAYYS. It's a kind of Toro Y Moi meets Screamadelica-era Primal Scream… Continue reading
Piano house pianos plus Amen breaks, every time. Lorde – "Green Light" (Dan Digs' Wavy Waiheke Ravey Remix) Listen to more remixes… Continue reading
An uptempo and breezy djembe 'n' bass flip of Solange's "Cranes in the Sky," which was track number 5 in my Top 100 of 2016 (check out the full list here). … Continue reading
One of my favorite tunes from one of my favorite albums gets the house edit treatment. It's all about that upright bass noodle intertwined with that 104bpm stomp. … Continue reading
Decided to give one of my favorite Sampha tracks a rehappening. Sampha – "Happens" (Dan Digs' Happenstance Remix) Listen to more of my… Continue reading
My number 1 track of 2013 (see the full list here) gets transported to a future of bass, chopped Amen breaks, and footwork rhythms. As heard in the mix… Continue reading
Got so inspired after spending last week in San Francisco that I had to write this City-centric 3am-warehousin' house cut. Dan Digs – "S F C A" … Continue reading
Wrote this on the plane back to LA after spending last week in Brooklyn. Dan Digs – "Bushwick Rooftops" Listen to more of… Continue reading
It may be still winter but this "dodge-disco" edit plants you firmly in the middle of summer. Dan Digs – "Feeling a Bit Dodgy" Listen… Continue reading
I've always thought that Thundercat's basslines and vocals would perfectly suit a disco flip. I was listening to a lot of early Daft Punk this weekend and thought about… Continue reading
After revisiting the amazing music of Linda Lewis recently, I had to give her classic track "Reach for the Truth" the "poolside boom-bap" treatment. Dan Digs "My Name… Continue reading
One of my favorite songs of all time gets a Losangelican Soul refix! Had to chop up that amazing piano line over some dusty boom-bap drums. As premiered… Continue reading
Boom-bap drums, Japanese jazz fusion keys, and vocal inspiration from one of my favorite bands in the galaxy: Hiatus Kaiyote. As premiered on the #DanDigsShow on Dash Radio last night. Listen back to the… Continue reading
An early morning kind of thing. Dan Digs – "Glass Arise" As premiered on the #DanDigsShow on Dash Radio last night. Listen back to the show here. … Continue reading
A Sunday evening beat jam inspired by one of my favorite neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Dan Digs: "Echo Park Lake" Listen to this track… Continue reading
Was a blast interviewing Daniel Johns (ex-Silverchair) on the #DanDigsShow on Dash Radio last Sunday. Listen back to the episode here. We talked about his fantastic new alt-r&b-leaning… Continue reading
The shape of jazz that was to come. Listen to my tribute to jazz legend Randolph Denard Ornette Coleman, who sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 85. … Continue reading
Better call soul! After seeing the legend that is Danny Krivit DJ live in LA last Sunday and play a remix of "California Soul" by Marlena Shaw as his… Continue reading
Cooked this new beat up last week and premiered on the Dan Digs Show last Sunday! Check out the Instagram promo video below. View this post on Instagram 🍭🌴 turn ⬆ the… Continue reading
So I've been listening to a lot of Aphex Twin, Thom Yorke, and Yeezus recently… As heard in the mix on my radio show last week. Listen back to… Continue reading
Beats at 36,000 feet! 26 hours in Brooklyn inspired me to write this track on the plane back to LA. See if you can spot the sample. Dan… Continue reading
Y O U A R E L U H H . . . Frank Ocean recently covered Aaliyah covering the Isley Brothers' "At Your Best (You Are… Continue reading
Heard Yasiin Bey's recent recital of Max Ehrmann's 1927 poem "Desiderata" and thought I'd add some beats, bleeps, strings, and flutes. Dan Digs – "Go Placidly" (Samples Mos Def/Yasiin… Continue reading
Happy 2014! This is a beat jam I rustled up a few hours ago, inspired by this mesmerizing audio I found on YouTube. Dan Digs – "Benign Turbine"… Continue reading


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Beautiful Box for storing your art supplies. Top made of brighter wood with leaf cutouts.Size: 19,4cm width x 5,6 cm depth x 3,9 cm height
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Julie Norman
Literacy Specialist/Reading Teacher
(262) 268-5667
I love my work as the Literacy Specialist and Reading Teacher at Port Washington High School. I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and my master's degree in Language and Literacy from Cardinal Stritch University. Please feel free to contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com or leave a me a message by calling 262-268-5667. This will go right to voicemail during the school day, but I'll return your call as soon as I am able.


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Have you ever been confused about who to believe when it comes to food and nutrition? I'm writing this post as a bit of a positive spin on something I've noticed of late on this very topic! Continue reading
Tag Archives: Meat
Fad Diet Challenge Pt 1: The Paleo Diet
For the past month, I have been following the Paleo Diet – also known as the 'Caveman Diet', all in the name of getting more clued up on fad diets. If you haven't heard of it, it is based on the premise our bodies should be eating foods of that of our Paleolithic ancestors. In essence, only foods a Caveman could acquire. Initially, I found it difficult to find consensus on what the Paleo Diet was. Some versions included dairy, but only if full fat. Some included additional fats and oils. Some included legumes and some tea and coffee. If you are interested in the views of some of the advocates for Paleo Style Diets you might like to check out Nora Gedgauda's site or Loren Cordain's.
Please note, this blog post is not intended to advise if the Paleo Diet is scientifically correct or even to provide a nutritional analysis. It is solely intended to document my journey in following the diet and some of the more day-to-day or practical aspects of the diet. The Scoop on Nutrition recently did a review of the nutritional qualities of the Paleo Diet which you can read about here.
What I Ate
Seeing as there was no clear consensus on what a Paleo Diet was, I decided to keep it as simple as I could based on what I thought a Caveman would most likely be able to gather: meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables. I did include root vegetables like potato and yam. I didn't include legumes and I ate no additional fats like oil, margarine or butter, no additional sugars, no 'treat' foods, no dairy products and no grains (breakfast cereals, ancient grains like quinoa, pasta, rice or bread). I obviously had nothing out of a packet or tin.


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Sergeant-at-Arms Office
State Capitol, Room 3030
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4184
Fax: (916) 327-9222
You are here
Special Services Positions
Senate Special Services employees support the Senate in its daily operational and logistical needs as it relates to Senate Members, staff, messenger deliveries, and other related services.
• Pick-up and deliver Senate property
• Drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans, trucks and forklifts) and provide general automotive maintenance
• Perform duties related to hearing and event set up, including audio and visual equipment
• Coordinate furniture and office moves
• Provide ground transportation for Senate members
• Graduation from high school or completion of an acceptable General Education Development (GED) Test
• Possess a valid California Driver License, a clean driving record and current automobile insurance
• Be a United States citizen or other authorized resident
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must pass a background check; the conviction of a felony or other relevant circumstances may be grounds for disqualification
• Drug and alcohol screening will be required post job offer
• Understand and follow written and verbal directions and able to work independently
• Ability to bend, lift, reach and twist as necessary to complete tasks
• Ability to squat, crawl and kneel to complete tasks
• Move and lift variety of packages weighing up to 55 lbs.
• Working knowledge of tools, basic carpentry and assembly of furniture
• Available to work rotating shifts and extended hours as necessary
• May be required to travel statewide on short notice
• High level of integrity; demonstrate reliability and flexibility
• Workplace safety conscious
• Excellent communication skills and customer service oriented
$3050 per month; Applications will be received until positions are filled
Submit Resume and Senate Application to:
Senate Sergeant at Arms Office
State Capitol, Room 3030
Sacramento, CA 95814
You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDF.
Click on the Adobe Icon to Download Adobe's Free Acrobat Reader


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Welcome to the GPS HVAC Service! We are proudly Allen, TX's most trusted air conditioning contractor that has helped the community for over 10 years. From air condition service to air condition repair and AC duct cleaning, we have taken the full responsibility to keep your home comfortable and clean. We are proud of our qualified team of AC repair and AC service technicians who have years of experience in providing top notch and unparalleled service standards.
Air Conditioning Services in Allen, TX
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As the most reputable AC contractor, we are trusted by hundreds of Allen, TX locals, when it comes to dryer vent cleaning and air duct cleaning services, etc. We promise you to keep your place clean and healthy from the air pollution created by the dust coming from the dryer vents and air ducts. We are using the safe measures and cutting edge technology to ensure that your place would be cleaned in a perfect manner.
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Kathleen Founds
Kathleen Founds lives in Marina, California, and teaches English at Cabrillo College. In her spare time she forgets to water her artichokes and writes and illustrates children's books about angst-ridden animals. She often works on her novel while her baby daughter, Violet, naps in her lap.
— From October 2013


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The beautiful lace and gold ribbon are from May Arts. I created the flower with the lace and attached it with a Crate Paper brad. I love that lace flower!!!! It makes me happy. Just say'n.
That SUPER AMAZINGLY fun patterned paper is from the Apothecary Emporium collection by Echo Park. *love.* And the bats are from my Martha Stewart bat punch, which just so happens to be one of my favoritist punches in the wholest widest world. Just say'n...est.
I am linking today's card up with the CAS-ual Fridays Halloween card with no orange challenge!!! YAY!!!!
And, THAT, my dear friends, is my project for today! I did lots of fun stuff over the weekend, so you will be seeing some of that soon! YAY for fun stuff!!!!
Have a Happy Monday, everyone!
Jingle Out!


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At BNF Insurance we tailor the full policy around exactly what you need as an artist, crafter or tradesman and are happy to visit you or your premises in order to discuss your requirements in full.
Your Cover
a quick look
Both artists and sculptors would be in need of at least the minimum public liability cover, so that they are protected against claims by third parties.
Often when showing at an exhibition, the organisers will insist on this being in place before you are able to exhibit and it is a legal requirement if you employ anyone, including subcontractors.
As brokers we provide bespoke insurance policies to make sure that you have this, in addition to the appropriate stock and contents cover.
Let us call you
Would you like to know more?
If you have any questions to ask us about this, or any of our other insurances, we'd be delighted to help. Please don't hesitate to either give us a call on 0808 178 3155 or contact us via our contact page


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Demonstrations on Mexico drug war offered look at Mexicans abroad
When large demonstrations in Mexico calling for an end to the drug war grew last spring, communities of citizens abroad perked up and took notice.
Chatter began popping up on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks. Virtual groups formed. Mexicans living abroad united around a feeling of desperation over a climbing death toll and reacted to a growing sense among Mexicans at home that the government was losing control of the situation.
By May 8, when poet Javier Sicilia led tens of thousands of demonstrators on a march to the historic heart of Mexico City, smaller demonstrations were also held in cities all over the world, including Barcelona, Spain; Buenos Aires; Madrid; Montreal, Canada; Frankfurt, Germany; and in Paris with the Eiffel Tower looming in the distance (links in Spanish).
The demonstrations not only showed that many Mexicans abroad were up-to-date with developments back home, they also offered a window into the large numbers of Mexicans making lives in other countries besides the traditional migration magnet of the United States.
Due largely to its historical migration relationship with the United States, Mexico is identified as the leading exporter of migrants worldwide according to the website Peoplemov.in, which uses open data sources to tabulate bilateral migration patterns. The World Bank also places Mexico as the highest source of human emigration on the planet (see the bank's data chart titled Bilateral migration matrix). The bank says 11.5 million Mexicans lived abroad as of November 2010, with 10.3 million of them in the United States.
By comparison, 2.2 million Americans live outside their country, with 452,182 of those U.S. citizens living in Mexico, the World Bank says.
There are significant groups of Mexican citizens in Canada, Spain and France, all countries that saw protests on May 8 (link in Spanish). Perhaps the most significant protest against Mexico's drug war occurred in Berlin, where a Facebook group appeared early on using the movement's now-ubiquitous "No Mas Sangre," or "No More Blood" logo (link in Spanish).
Mexicans, German Mexicans and others marched in silence on one of Berlin's most prominent thoroughfares, from the Victory Column to the famous Brandenburg Gate. Watch a video of the demonstration embedded below, with some narration in Spanish.
The protest hinted at a strong Mexican presence in Germany, where 9,523 Mexican nationals live, according to a representative of the Mexican embassy in Berlin, citing Germany's central statistics agency. Of those, nearly 1,000 live in Berlin and 5,000 live in the western region of Rheinland-Bfalz. The overall figure has risen since 2009, when 9,213 Mexicans lived in Germany.
In an email interview with La Plaza, one of the co-organizers of the Berlin march said that Mexicans in Germany activated a network they didn't know was there.
"Here the Mexican community is usually not in touch, at least not for political affairs," said Sabina Morales Rosas from Berlin. "But people spontaneously brought their own banners, flags and crosses."
"When arriving to the Brandenburg Gate," Morales continued, "we formed a circle and we built an 'altar' in the middle of the square, like on dia de los muertos for the memory of the victims. A support statement was read in three languages. And at the end the microphone was opened for other spontaneous speakers that brought poems, essays and also traditional Mexican songs. It was beautiful, our voice and strings were there at the Brandenburg Gate for Mexico."
A graduate student and native of Mexico City, Morales said the May 8 march in Berlin crystallized indignation with the drug war and its effects on society. Relatives and friends back home keep Mexicans in Germany constantly up-to-date on developments, Morales and others said.
"It began as something spontaneous, driven by the basic need of demonstrating collectively in this precise moment, when civil society in Mexico is protesting against violence, the militarization of the country, government corruption, impunity and the economic and global causes of the penetration of organized crime in the social tissue," she said.
Even if the peace movement has not produced any concrete changes in the government anti-crime strategy, it has opened space for creative responses to the violence, such as the protest act of tinting fountains in Mexico City in red, representing the drug war's bloodshed (link in Spanish). These efforts, however diverse, have galvanized Mexicans, Mexicans abroad and Mexican Americans to make their voices heard on Mexico's struggle to combat organized crime and the war's climbing social tolls.
In Los Angeles, writer Ruben Martinez organized a drug-war "variety show" aimed at illustrating how the narco conflict in Mexico is affected by drug consumption in the United States, the world's largest narcotics market. The "Variedades" event on May 14 featured spoken word, music and film from local artists and musicians. Watch a video of the night here.
"Variedades is a conscious effort to dialogue across the geopolitical border with our colleagues in Mexico City," Martinez said in an email message. "We are at war and there is so little serious discussion about it."
Internal migration flows below the radar in Mexico
Photo: A woman holds a Mexican flag with anti-drug war messages in French during a demonstration in Montreal, Canada, on May 8. / Credit: Facebook.com


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Known as the queen of gems, pearls are said to be the world's oldest gem and were most probably found by our ancestors as they searched the shores for food. For thousands of years they have been prized and collected, favoured by royalty and until fairly recent times have been recognised as the exclusive property of the rich and powerful (probably the only ones in society who could afford something so rare from the ocean bed).
In ancient religions, pearls were symbolic of the moon and thought to possess magical properties. In fact, most religions make reference to pearls and most ancient civilisations including the Chinese, Romans and Egyptians mention them in their records. As far back as 2,300 BC Chinese records show that pearls were prized treasures for the wealthy. The ancient Greeks appreciated the value of pearls, thought them to bring love and used them at weddings – as indeed we still do today.
The Roman Emperor Caligula (41 AD) is recorded as decorating his horse with a pearl necklace after appointing it a consul, while Cleopatra is said to have crushed a pearl into a glass of wine to prove to Marc Antony that she could give the most expensive meal in history. Ancient Hindu texts also refer to pearls and together with the thoughts of Islamic and Christian traditions were considered to be symbols of purity and perfection. The Koran describes them as one of the greatest treasures provided in Paradise.
In ancient Egypt, mother-of-pearl was used not only to decorate clothing and jewellery, but also buildings and even cosmetics were made from ground-up pearl. These exquisite pair of Byzantine bracelets, circa 500 – 700 are from Constantinople.(Circa 500-700). Made in gold and silver and set with amethyst, sapphire, emerald and pearls. In these times pearls were found in the rivers and lakes of China, salt water areas in Japan, the Persian Gulf, India and the Red Sea. More recently, as Europe expanded into the New World, pearl beds were discovered in Central and South America.
In medieval Europe, only royalty and high nobility were allowed to wear pearls by law. Women wore delicate pearls and knights carried pearls for luck in battle. Two rows of pearls laid into a crown became the symbol of royalty. Detail of Elizabeth I portrait – her gown is lavishly decorated with precious stones and pearls. So popular that by the 1800's sadly most of the American oyster population had become depleted by over-fishing. In the islands of French Polynesia and Tahiti, however, because of their remote location (too far for even the Romans) oysters and pearls remained comparatively abundant and were only "discovered" by the world fairly recently.
The great fashion houses have for decades loved pearls and appreciated their beauty and intrinsic value. It is said that in 1917 jeweller Pierre Cartier bought his company's Fifth Avenue headquarters in New York with $100 in cash and a two-strand natural pearl necklace which was valued at $1 million.
Pearls have been worn by many influential and beautiful women throughout history including Queen Elizabeth I and more recently, Jacqueline Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor but have always been rare and expensive. Research was therefore undertaken to find ways for man to cultivate and farm pearls so that they could become available to anyone.
This was first done successfully by Mikimoto 1916, although it is thought that the process was discovered by the British biologist William Saville-Kent in Australia. When a small piece of grit enters its shell the oyster secretes a layer of nacre around this irritant to protect its soft tissue from harm. Layers are built up over months until eventually a pearl is formed, the translucent layers giving the pearl its shimmer. The scientists were able to simulate this process by introducing a small piece of pearl or mantle tissue into the mollusc. The process meant that pearls could now be cultivated in their thousands rather than gathered individually by divers.
Nearly all pearls sold today are cultured pearls and range in colour from white, lavender, peach or pink. Here are just two examples of some of my work using white freshwater pearls.
Left: inspired by a shell found on the beach in Brittany, this silver and pearl necklace has a matching brooch and earrings. I wear them lots! Right: this pearl necklace has a detachable silver fuchsia so it can be worn alone and the flower can be hung from a silver chain. A perfect wedding gift. If you would like something similar why not contact me.
Today, still seen as aspirational, classy and sophisticated, pearls continue to be worn by the wealthy but are now fashionable with women – and little girls, throughout society. And finally … I couldn't resist showing this to you – I think it is beautiful … and funny!
Kate x
This blog post was written and researched by Kate Buchanan-Dunne of Manor House Designs, creator of "beautiful bespoke silver jewellery" in her Shropshire workshop.
This blog post was written and researched by Kate Buchanan-Dunne of Manor House Designs, creator of "beautiful bespoke silver jewellery" in her Shropshire workshop.
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Kate Buchanan-Dunne is an artist, designer and silversmith based in Shropshire.
February 2018


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Sustainable IT Architecture: the way to assess your Information System
Using our concepts
CEO and CIO
ACMS and ERP
MDM and BRMS
Data Flow management
Enterprise Architecture
IS Governance
Global Crisis
IS Assets passport
IS foundation
Quality criteria
Types of IS value
IS Rating
IS Valorization
Assess your IS
EA and your IS Assets
CobiT Mapping
Working Group
Training material
Training session
Executive Summary
One day workshop
Data Assessment
] [
CEO and CIO
] [
] [
ACMS and ERP
] [
MDM and BRMS
] [
Data Flow management
] [
Enterprise Architecture
IS Governance
] [
] [
IS Assets passport
] [
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Business Rules repository (BRMS) must be associated with Data repository (MDM)
Business Rules must be established without any hard-coding, including their Reference and Master data. This is not the case when using a BRMS without Master Data Management. In other words, when Reference and Master Data utilized by Business Rules are hard-coded and don't benefit from data governance features, then these Rules are not agile enough. They are too difficult to manage at the whole scale of the Information System:
this is the BRMS failure when lacking Data Quality.
BRMS failure when lacking Data Quality
When new Business Rules are authored within BRMS, IT specialists must either establish IT connectors from the BRMS to existing databases or copy Reference and Master Data values into the BRMS repository directly, with help from enumeration types and decision tables.
Unfortunately, these approaches are unsustainable because connectors are too complicated to maintain and data replication is not reliable. Then, the quality of Reference and Master Data is still reliant on the quality of existing systems, which is most of the time too poor.
Findings: Low Data Quality means low Business Rules quality!
Linking Value of "MDM and BRMS"
To take benefit from the BRMS at the whole scale of the IS, Master Data Management (MDM) must be established first.
The MDM provides companies with a central data repository managing Reference and Master Data. This solution enhances data quality and brings a full data governance: one version of the truth for Reference and Master Data, shared Common Information Model (CIM), data versioning, user friendly UI to author and check data by contexts (data may have several values according to contexts of utilization: versions, dates, organizations, channels, etc.), right and security, management, etc.
Once the MDM is ready to use, BRMS can be deployed with a single point of contact to retrieve Reference and Master Data utilized by rules. Moreover, with help from the context management featured by the MDM, Business Rules may handle different values of Reference and Master Data depending on contexts of execution (version, data, organization, channel…).
Findings: MDM leverages BRMS at the whole scale of information systems. Point-to-Point connections to get Reference and Master Data are no longer required.
According to the
foundation: no Processes (BPM) without Rules (BRMS) and no Rules without Reference and Master Data management (MDM).


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mobile swap
January 4, 2008
I moved to a new site and you can now find this post at http://www.elsiemarley.com/mobile-swap.html
If you would like to add me to your blogroll or feed reader, the new site is http://www.elsiemarley.com and the RSS feed is http://www.elsiemarley.com/feed
thanks -meg
20 Responses to "mobile swap"
January 5, 2008 at 2:08 pm
This is just the best swap idea ever!
January 6, 2008 at 2:31 am
Can't wait to get started (throwing out Christmas today…)!
January 8, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I have linked your post in my blog. I do not know whether to participate or not. Reads great, though!
January 11, 2008 at 2:38 am
I found your mobile swap a great idée and I'd like to participate. Yet I don't have a wekbsite, so let me know if I can join this swap or not.
Thanls a lot,
January 13, 2008 at 3:20 pm
What a sweet idea!
January 14, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hurrah! So excited.
January 14, 2008 at 4:36 pm
[…] from elsie marley is hosting a mobile swap this month and the sign-up deadline is this Friday. She writes, […]
January 14, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Best. Idea. Ever. This sounds like so much fun!
January 15, 2008 at 7:54 am
I am so excited about this swap!
January 15, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Ooh! Sounds like fun!
January 15, 2008 at 5:07 pm
HI Elsie,
I have signed up by email, but I am also telling you here:
Sign me up!
how fun… I already have so many drawings made!
January 15, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Man this sounds fun. I'm just not sure I'm creative enough for this. Could I join if I could not promise as beautiful a mobile as I receive? LOL
January 16, 2008 at 9:15 am
This sounds like fun! I'm sending you an e-mail . . .
January 17, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Sounds great! Sent an email to you last night… hope you received it!
January 18, 2008 at 10:56 am
oh my! what a fine idea!
i so agree that the house looks sad without the holiday decorations – i can't bring myself to take down the glass globes that i have hanging in front of the window.
i'd love to have the challenge of making a mobile!
count me in!
January 18, 2008 at 11:01 am
[…] you whimsy lovers out there: Today is the last chance to sign up for Elsie's Mobile Swap found via Camilla […]
January 18, 2008 at 12:02 pm
ohhh can I join in?I am in the states though.
January 22, 2008 at 8:52 am
Oooohh! I am too late! I'd love to get in on another one if you decide to do it, please let me know!!
January 25, 2008 at 3:57 pm
[…] depressing grocery store at 10 o'clock at night. I was thinking I might try to make my mobile out of paper and this little sardine box may even play a role, but I may chicken out and just sew […]


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The housing market that's a sort of canary in the coalmine for bubbles is getting all bubbly.
Writing at ZeroHedge, our favorite pseudonym'ed blogger Tyler Duren caught something in this morning's Case-Shiller data.
While the rest of the mainstream financial media is acting like the May existing home sales numbers somehow erase all the disappointing housing reports since January, Tyler saw a great big red flag.
(And if he's right – he usually is – don't be surprised to see a bunch of high-end homes going on sale in the Golden Gate city.)
Courtesy of its location, not only does it reflect the general Fed-driven liquidity bubble which is the tide rising all housing boats across the US, but due to its proximity to both Silicon Valley and China, it also benefits from two other liquidity bubbles: that of tech, and of course, the Chinese $25 trillion financial debt monster…
It is no surprise that during ever single previous bubble peak, San Francisco home prices managed to post a 20% annual increase, starting with the dot com bubble in the year 2000, and certainly the first (not to be confused with the current) housing bubble peaking around 2005.
What we found [in San Francisco] is a red flag for everyone waiting to time the bursting of the latest housing bubble. Because after an unlucky 13 months of posting consecutive 20% Y/Y price gains, the San Francisco bubble appears to have finally burst, posting "just" an 18.2% price increase, the lowest since January of 2013.
(Emphasis his.)
Click below to view the chart.
Click here to read his full report.


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Starting a Small Business
If you've ever thought about starting your own business, you're not alone. According to a recent survey conducted by Internet hosting company GoDaddy , one in three people plan to start their own business within the next ten years.
For some, it's the freedom of being their own boss, setting their own hours, and taking the credit for the hard work they put into their business. Others might have an idea for a company they think could make them a lot of money, or improve the lives of their loved ones.
There's millions of people with ideas, constantly dreaming about what would make the perfect business or company. That's why every year more than 600,000 people make the decision to go into business for themselves.
You have an idea for your business, and you're ready to take the next step to turn that idea into a reality. All you need is some funding.
Alternatives To Business Loans
Banks and other financial institutions offer loans for would-be entrepreneurs who need money to start their business. For a lot of businesses owners, they're an attractive option because it's generally a lot cheaper to borrow from a bank than it is to pay for something with a credit card.
However, if you have other ways to get the money you need, getting a loan could be more trouble than it's worth. Banks often require business owners to give them a detailed plan on how the business will be run before they allow money to be borrowed. A loan also means paying the bank back for years, with interest.
Many entrepreneurs want to avoid going into debt, and decide to only grow their business when they have the money to pay for it straight from their bank account. In startups, this is known as self-funding, or bootstrapping. You start your company small, and then build it using the money you make. You grow slower than you would if you had a loan, but it's debt-free growth.
However, if you have a structured settlement or annuity, you have another funding choice. You can self-fund your business while giving your idea the money it needs to grow. Unlike a loan, there's no credit check to worry about. It's your money. You should get to spend it the way you want. At Peachtree Financial, we're here to give you options.
More Options for Funding Your Business
You want to go into business for yourself because you're tired of having someone else tell you what to do. You have an entrepreneurial spirit that working for someone else just can't satisfy. You have a vision for your company, and no one knows better than you how best to achieve it. You can sell your future payments to Peachtree Financial, and we'll give you a lump sum of cash you can use to build your business the way you want.
After answering a few simple questions about your structured settlement or annuity payments, our experienced representatives will make an offer on them that gets you the cash you're looking for. We'll walk you through our process, and answer any questions you have about it. The money you need to turn your business dreams into reality could be the money you already have. To learn more, give us a call today for your no obligation quote.
Peachtree Financial does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Please contact independent professionals for those services.


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We are competitive library employees who are using this blog for our reading contest against each other and Missouri libraries up to the challenge.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Dave Store Massacre by Ron Ebest
The Dave Store Massacre by Ron Ebest--219 pages.
I liked this new novel from U-City resident Ebest, concerning a big-box store in a small town in Missouri. The Dave Store, a fictional big-box, low-price behemoth, drove the main employer in Jackson, Missouri out of business several years back, and that led to an awful, tragic event. When those most affected by that tragedy join with fellow townsfolk to call a strike at the local Dave Store over hideously low wages, they seem on a collision course with a corporate culture that loves low prices, but hates organized labor. With workers sand management threatening violence, it is up to the pot-smoking sheriff, the disillusioned mayor, and the alcoholic city attorney to try and keep the whole situation from destroying their small town. A great book by a local author.
Check our catalog.
Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945 by Max Hastings
Hastings is a very engaging writer. His accounts of familiar stories about the war offer an even-handedness that is informative and refreshing. I had never read any detail before concerning the huge number of civilian casualties among Indian nationals fleeing Burma after the Japanese invasion, or the deaths and injuries on all sides of the battles around Budapest as the Soviets and their Partisans fought the Germans, the Hungarians, and the Black Arrow. Civilians caught hell here, as well. Never preachy or biased, Hastings has harsh (but fair) assessments of soldiers and statesmen on all sides of the conflict.
Check our catalog.
Who is Jake Ellis?
Jon Moore is a man on the run who seems to find his way out of every situation. A dark shadowy Jake Ellis is his protector who gives him the edge telling him how make his way out of danger. Jake is the unseen "adviser" who no one else can see. But then Jake starts to have some of his own ideas about where Jon should go. At the end, we see Jake Ellis the man who isn't in very good shape. Jon rescues him and takes what he has learned from Jake to make his escape yet again. I'm guessing there will be another volume.
check our catalog
Anna Dressed in Blood/Kendare Blake
I can't say enough good things about this book. It's got everything you could want in a classic scary story: a haunted house, the ghost in the blood-stained prom dress, the hitchhiking ghost, and even a touch of voodoo. The text is even printed in a reddish/sepia-colored ink (like dried blood???). But what really sold me on this book was the story: at first I thought it was just a knock-off of two of my favorite shows, Buffy and Supernatural. The more I read, however, the more I felt like Blake was just as big a fan as I was--this wasn't a knock-off; it's an homage.
Cas (no, not that Cas) travels around the country, tracking down ghosts and other Big Bads, and sending them to the great beyond. His father was killed by something really scary when he was kid, so Cas has taken it upon himself to track down the demon that killed him, and make it pay. Of course, Cas is also 16, so he also travels with his mom, but that didn't stop me from imagining a teenaged Jensen Ackles playing his role, especially in the opening scene, where Cas is cruising in a classic muscle car. For this book, Cas tackles a local legend: Anna Dressed in Blood, who was killed on the way to prom back in the 1950's, and has haunted her small Canadian town ever since. Of course, once Cas actually meets Anna, he has to rethink whether he will be able to kill the strongest spirit he's ever encountered.
I had a ton of fun with this story, and am psyched for the sequel, due out later this year. I could have done without the romance, really, but it wasn't the central theme of the book, so it was easy to overlook. The core characters were very scooby-ish: Cas takes direction from his British mentor Gilbert; he has two best friends to help him out, and one of them is a witch; and his love interest is both dead, and the thing he's meant to slay. Sound familiar, anyone? I kept thinking that maybe this series would introduce a new generation of teens to the wonders of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but that might be wishful thinking on my part. Overall, this was fun, scary, and well-written. I think this is going on my best of 2012 list...
The Green River Killer/Jeff Jensen and Jonathan Case
Beginning in the early 1980s, an unknown killer stalked the Green River area of King County, WA. He targeted primarily prostitutes, and was known for strangling the women and leaving the bodies on roadsides, or submerged in the river for which he was named. The hunt for the killer took almost twenty years, and Jeff Jensen's father was the lead detective that whole time. The story follows Jensen's father, flashing back and forth between the 1980s, when the kills were fresh, and 2003, when the killer brokered a controversial plea bargain to avoid the death penalty.
This wasn't a story I was familiar with, so I really didn't know how it would end. Jensen does a good job of casting doubt on the killer (who has apparently committed so many murders that he can no longer remember specific details), as he attempts to prove he's the killer and validate his confession. Ultimately, 48 bodies are found, though the killer claims there were more victims that remain undiscovered. A grisly, chilling read, but gripping; I finished it in a single sitting.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Will Grayson, WIll Grayson
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan 310 pgs.
This book keeps popping up on many of the MO Book Challenge Blogs (see blogroll for our competition) and Karen and Jeff both recommended it. Glad I finally got the hint and read this book about two teens with the shared name of Will Grayson. The two Wills accidentally meet and share common love of Tiny Cooper. One Will Grayson is his best friend, the other his boyfriend. A cool story of relating, relationships, acceptance, and growing...not necessarily growing up. Although these characters are teens, there is a lot to be learned here.
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If You Ask Me (and of Course You Won't)/Betty White
This was a quick audiobook that I initially picked up purely for page count. I enjoy White's work (I grew up watching the Golden Girls with my grandmother), but I don't know much about her beyond that, and her occasional cameo on a commercial or TV show. So I enjoyed this look inside her head, where she shares her thoughts on acting, comedy, pets, and, yes, growing older. Strangely, White never identifies herself as a celebrity (in fact, there's a chapter on how awkward celebrities make her feel). At 89 years old, she's done just about everything, and it fun to hear her stories. The audiobook is narrated by White, so that was an added bonus!
Forever Rumpole
The only thing new here is the fragment of a story Mortimer was working on when he died in 2009. The rest of the collection is made up of the seven stories Mortimer most enjoyed writing and seven selected by others. I'd read all these stories (except the fragment) at least once before but that didn't stop me from enjoying them again. My favorites usually involve Rumple dealing with fellow barrister, Claude Erskine-Brown, or outsmarting Sam Ballard, the head of chambers. And of course, the courtroom scenes and Rumpole's wife Hilda ("she who must be obeyed") are delightful. Anyone familiar with Rumpole from the PBS shows can't help but picture Rumpole in the way he was played by Leo McKern when reading these stories. Reading this almost made me long for a glass of "Chateau Thames Embankment."
Monday, February 27, 2012
The Redeemer / Jo Nesbo 456 p.
Prague Cemetery / Umberto Eco 444 p.
The reader gets no relief while reading. Eco presents no sane or humane contrasting point of view, so for 444 pages we have only the loathsome Simonini for company. Reading The Prague Cemetery (which, in Simonini's imagination, is the location for the meeting of rabbis which launched the Protocols of the Elders of Zion) made me feel dirty and sick to my stomach, and I can't even pretend to have understood all of it. To compound the nausea, the glutton Simonini includes recipes in his diary! Just like your favorite gentle read! Only not gentle! But you should still read it.
Pack of Cards / Penelope Lively 323 p.
Translation of the Bones / Francesca Kay 227 p.
Kay's writing is fluid and persuasive, and this novel reads quickly. I was especially impressed by her portrait of Mary-Margaret's mother, desperately obese and homebound, flawed and deeply human. Still, the ultimate point of the story seems to be to answer the fundamental question: how are we to believe in a God that allows terrible things to happen? As one of her characters points out, humans have been asking this question for millenia and still haven't come up with an answer. Kay doesn't either, but her character's efforts to understand are moving.
The Buddha in the Attic
This tiny book tells the story of Japanese "Picture Brides" who came to the U.S. in the early 20th century to begin new lives with men they had never met. The author uses almost a stream of consciousness style to encompass all the different events in the lives of these women from their arrival by boat to their forced move into the internment camps in World War II. This is a 'one sitting' book that will suck you in and make you read it to the end.
You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons
Before Mo Willems became famous with his children's books, he spent the year after his college graduation (1990-91) backpacking around the world. Instead of keeping a travel journal, he made a sketch of one memorable event each day of his trip. Many years later he went back to these sketches and added commentary to each one. The result was published in this book. Many comments are humorous while others are thought provoking views of the social situations at the time. It's an entertaining book but not suitable for use as a travel guide.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Open City
Julian is doing is residency in NYC and this book recounts his thoughts and activities for about a year following a breakup. He is philosophical and busy, visiting friends, taking a trip, going to galleries and shows. We think we have a pretty good idea of this guy and are saddened when he is injured during a mugging. Later, a quiet revelation makes us rethink the character and what we know. Interesting book that I don't want to write too much about for fear of giving something away. This book goes up against The art of fielding in the upcoming tournament of books.
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Saturday, February 25, 2012
Rumo and His Miraculous Adventures
Wow, am I glad to be done with this book! This tells the story of Rumo, a doglike Wolperting that manages to become the biggest hero in all of Zamonia. Filled with imaginative characters (and by that I mean nothing even remotely human), Rumo takes about 350 pages before there's a clear path forward for the story. Before that, it just meanders about, giving ridiculously detailed backstories of everyone and everything that's mentioned by any character. It gets a bit tedious. But if you make it as far as the 350-page mark, the remaining story's worth it.
The Martian Chronicles
What a fantastic series of haunting vignettes about the colonization of Mars! It was high time I read this classic, and I'm glad I did. There will definitely be more Bradbury-reading in my future!
Equal Rites
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett, 213 pages
When a dying wizard accidentally passes on his powers to a baby girl instead of the boy he was expecting, the girl must come to terms with society's expectations, as well as harness the great powers bestowed upon her, in this witty novel.
I'd been looking for an inroad to Pratchett's Discworld, and this book — which I believe starts the Witches storyline — was an excellent starting place. I thoroughly enjoyed Pratchett's humor (as I assumed I would) and I definitely plan on jumping back into Discworld as soon as I get a chance. Oh, and yay for quick-reading fantasy!
Murder on a Hot Tin Roof
And here's another lighthearted mystery I read. Yet this one wasn't so fantastic. Set in 1950s New York during a scorching summer, tabloid crime reporter Paige Turner (yes, that's actually the main character's name; I should have known then that the book would stink) and her best friend Abby snoop around to solve the murder of Abby's friend, a rising star actor who was killed the morning after his Broadway debut in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Filled with '50s slang, references, and stereotypes about the gay community (the scene in which Paige dressed up as a lesbian to infiltrate a gay party had me cringing), the book is simultaneously too cutesy and too disturbing. I also hated the fact that the first-person narrative kept breaking the fourth wall to point out her own exaggerations and justifications. Oh, and the mystery has maybe one clue. The rest of the "detecting" is all based on hunches and stereotypes. Bleh.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
In this lighthearted mystery, baker and amateur detective Hannah Swenson pokes around her hometown to discover who shot the milkman in the alley behind her bakery (while he was eating her prized chocolate chip crunch cookies, no less!), while dodging blind date set-ups from her overbearing mother. I'd never read one of the baking mysteries before, but it's a cute book; light, fun and just what I needed at the time. I can definitely see myself picking up more in the Hannah Swenson series when I need a breather from life.
Oh, and I did copy down one of the recipes in the book before I returned it. One of these days I'll make it and, yes, bring in samples. But my kids may be in college before I get the spare time to make the cookies, so don't anyone hold your breath on them.
Friday, February 24, 2012
The spy who jumped off the screen
I really wanted to like this book...really I did. Alas, I could not. Aside from having only 1 woman character (aside from the hooker here and there) the men were obnoxious enough to want to slap. I know we are supposed to just LOVE the soldier turned movie star turned spy, Ty Hunter. I know this because he is a wonderful actor, a fine physical specimen and he has a previous serious girlfriend who is dead now. He is so respectful and polite, we have to be reminded of it several times in the book. He is also uber smart, knows several languages but is also a great actor so he ACTS like he doesn't understand what people are saying. The bad guy here is such a creep he spends time with prostitutes then throws their money on the floor and makes them pick it up to show them who is in charge. Our one woman character is beautiful and accomplished in her work but is in love with the creepy guy who is also the business associate of her god father, the smartest and richest businessman in the world who cares more about her than anything but doesn't notice that her boyfriend is a complete creep and, I guess, never thinks to have him checked out or followed or tracked in any way.
Ok, so the characters aren't the strong suit here, maybe the plot is better? Actually it is better but still there are problems and holes. It is hard to get past the dislike of the people here and the improbabilities of the screen king following through and putting himself at risk over and over again after breaking this case open. I guess the first world governments still need a James Bond type. Skip this one and try Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy or something by Olen Stienhaeur
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Bake Sale
Cupcake owns a successful bakery, has hobbies and a best friend, Eggplant. His dream is to meet the world famous pastry chef Turkish Delight. When a previously unknown connection makes this a possibility, Cupcake works hard to earn the money to make the trip. Of course nothing is ever as easy as it seems and Cupcake has to make a choice. Cute story, cute illustrations and tempting recipes included.
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Her Fearful Symmetry
This one had been on my "to read" list since it came out a few years ago. I was underwhelmed. The book is well written but loses it's way in the end. It is a ghost story of sorts but that is only a part of the story. Chicago twins Julia and Valentina inherit a flat in London and a considerable amount of money by the aunt they never met--their mother's twin sister Elspeth. The catch is they must live in it for a year and their parents must never visit the flat. In the flat below, is Robert, Elspeth's former lover. Above lives Martin, a crossword puzzle setter with an extreme case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder whose wife has left him. And then there is the ghost of Elspeth who is trapped in the apartment. None of the characters are particularly likable. The twins are dysfunctional without each other, Robert has made a career of researching death, and Martin is trapped in his flat by his mental illness. Late in the book the story takes some strange turns which. I probably could have left this off my "to read" list and never missed it.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Washington: a life
Another great book about our first president. This book discloses his personality warts and all. He was not above taking the best when it was available. He was ambitious but also very careful to avoid becoming a monarch and voluntarily gave up power after the Revolutionary War and following his second term as president. His public service was done at the expense of his personal fortune as he was often away from his home for years at a time. He loved the company of the ladies but there is no evidence that he ever cheated on his wife. And, for those who dislike the tone of modern politics, we have nothing on the founding fathers who wrote anonymous pamphlets about each other and extensive editorials ripping on each other. Actually Washington never publicly ripped on his enemies but they certainly did not show him the same courtesy.
I've read several Washington books over the last year or so and I'm still struck about how many decisions got made by the first president that carry over into how we do things today. He was confident that the country would last awhile and conscious that he was blazing a trail. Still seems pretty amazing to me when I think of it in the historical context.
Don't be put off by the length of this book. It is split into 6 sections that you can read almost as individual volumes and then come back to later.
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Fire Rose/Mercedes Lackey
The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey (Elemental Masters series); historical fantasy, romance, fairy tale; 448 pages
Okay, I know what you're thinking. You're looking at the cover, and struggling to confine the snickers of amusement at the art. What can I say? It was printed in the '90's, so you have to cut it some slack.
This is another reread for me, of a book that's long held a place of honor on my shelves. I'm not saying that it's the best book ever--even the second edition is riddled with typos and anachronisms--but I think my love for it comes from the fact that this was one of the first fantasy novels I ever read, and I bonded with it. (I was 13, and had just finished reading Lord of the Rings--my first fantasy novel!--for the first time. I spent hours in the library trying to find just the right next book; my mom grew tired of waiting, walked up to the shelf, pulled two books off at random, and told me to read them and see if I liked them. This was one of them. Thanks, Mom! Though I think if you knew about some of the creepier parts in this story, you would have thought twice about handing it to a 13-year-old.)
The story is a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" set in 1905 San Francisco. Rose Hawkins has lost everything with the death of her father, and finds herself forced to take up a position as a governess. But when she arrives, she finds that there are no children in the household--just a reclusive employer to asks her to translates obscure texts on magic and sorcery, mostly concerning legends of the werewolf. Of course, you can guess where it goes from there. Lackey later continued this world into a series: all retellings of fairy tales, set in the 19th or early 20th centuries. This book is often left out of the series because it was printed long before the others, and by another publisher. Nevertheless, it remains my favorite of Lackey's works, for purely sentimental reasons.
Blood Red Road by Moira Young 459 pages
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Worldly Philosophers
This is an update of a classic book that I read years ago as an undergrad. Heilbroner has a perfect way of mixing biographical information with the more technical and philosophical ideas of each of these great economic minds. I had forgotten how much fun it is reading about the oddities of Thorstein Veblen and David Ricardo not to mention J. M. Keynes whose ideas were very well represented in my economics education many years ago. It is great that Heilbroner did such a good job of updating this book and I wonder now that he has died if updates will continue. Interesting in the final chapter when he states that economics does not lend itself to the huge philosophical undertakings of the past greats anymore. Perhaps since so many of these theories exist, there isn't really room for it anymore but most often, modern economists focus on smaller issues and specialize. Still a good book for those interested in the subject.
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Sunday, February 19, 2012
Kayak Morning, reflections on love, grief and small boats, by Roger Rosenblatt
Death comes to Pemberley, by P. D. James
It was with great anticipation that I checked this out. The reviews were glowing, saying that James had really nailed Jane Austen's voice and this mystery set at Pemberley some six years or so after Elizabeth and Darcy marry and set up a household, was a worthy successor of Pride and prejudice. I will say that the opening chapters capture her style beautifully and retold the story up to this point very well so that those not familiar with Austen's masterpiece, or for whom the details were somewhat fuzzy, could easily follow the main characters into this story. However, I found the rest of the book much less engaging and in the end suggest returning to the original. Not as off-the-wall as Pride and Prejudice and zombies perhaps, which I haven't any interest in reading, but not that fabulous either. 291 pp.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Last Brother
In 1944, nine-year-old Raj is unaware of events outside of his village as he is being kept busy with his two brothers trying to keep up with chores and avoid beatings by his father. His brothers die tragically in a flash flood and he feels very alone. A particularly brutal beating at the hands of his father lands Raj in the hospital of a prison camp. Here he meets David, a boy his own age who is a refugee, one of a group of Jewish exiles now indefinitely detained in Mauritius (the island where the book takes place.). Raj is determined to help David escape and manages to hide him for awhile at home but then they have to go on the lam together. This book is part of the Morning News Tournament of books and I have the fantasy that I can read the rest of these by the time the tournament starts (I've read several already). This book is well written but heartbreaking.
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Friday, February 17, 2012
Crossed is the second book in Condie's Matched trilogy. Matched kicked off the dystopian series with the story of a mistake made in Cassia's match to Xander... or Ky, an aberration who is not allowed to marry. The first book was a good setup for this universe and showed some promise for the rest of the series. Condie dropped the ball with Crossed, however. This second novel is written from the points of view of both Cassia and Ky, who narrate alternate chapters. This could work — it's certainly worked for other authors in other books — but Condie makes no difference in the voices, making it REALLY hard to figure out who's speaking. It's a shame, because I could otherwise have been persuaded to read more of this series; it's not likely now though.
The Hunger Games trilogy
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, 391 pages
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, 390 pages
This was a reread for me. The first time I read Collins' tale of tough-as-nails Katniss as she fights for her life in an annual battle royale and the political quagmire afterward, I was immediately taken in by the quick pace and nuanced characters. Well, it was no fluke. (And I still like the ending, no matter what anybody else says.) Same thing happened this time around for me. It was definitely worth the reread though, especially with the first movie coming out soon. Here's hoping it's worthy of the books.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Between shades of gray by Ruta Sepytys 344 pages
Delirium by Lauren Oliver 441 pages
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han 149 pages
Guys Read: Thriller edited by Jons Scieszka 272 pages
City of Orphans by Avi 350 pages
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable:by Dan Gutman 285 pages
Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff 235 pages
A Wrinkle in Time/Madeleine L'Engle
I revisited this classic because 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of its publication. I first read this in second grade, and made it a regular reread throughout my childhood, but I hadn't picked it up again in about 10 years. Thankfully, the story holds up well, and I found myself enjoying it every bit as much as I used to. I listened to the audio book, which is read by the author; on the one hand, L'Engle adds some inflections to the dialogue that I had never considered, which I liked; on the other hand, her strong New England accent could sometimes get distracting. If you haven't read this in a while, now is a good time to pick it back up!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Bloody Horowitz by Anthony Horowitz 330 pages
Prisoners of the Palace by Michaela MacColl 367
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 372
The NIGHTMARYS by Dan Poblocki 325 pages
Divergent by Veronica Roth 487 pages
Back of Beyond by C J Box 9780312385745
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Just my type
Simon Garfield has a way with words...and with fonts...and with type faces. This is a great bit of history, gossip and stories about fonts, their origins and their uses. The bibliography also includes YouTube favorites that should not be missed. Another book that is very quotable and many parts got read out loud. Who would have thought that a book about fonts could be so fun? (no that is not a typo).
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Friday, February 10, 2012
The Art of Fielding
This is one great book with interesting characters and a lot of baseball action. I recently read Moneyball that talked about analyzing player stats to come up with a better team based on facts, not gut feel and here is a book where a main character molds team mates by using facts instead of gut feel. But really, this is Henry's story. He is a small town guy who is a decent player who gets "discovered" by Mike Schwartz, his future team mate at a small college in WI. Mike takes Henry under his wing and works him into a star. Then a tragedy makes Henry doubt his ability and he starts messing up enough to push him from his pedestal. Also enter the college president, his daughter, Henry's room mate, and a cast of other minor characters and players. This is the first book by the author and I'm already looking forward to the next.
Great to pair with Moneyball / Michael Lewis but with the literary feel and great character development, I would also recommend it if you enjoy authors like Pete Dexter or Stephen McCauley
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Buried Dreams
Buried Dreams by Tim Cahill 353 pp.
The full title of this book is Buried Dreams: Inside The Mind of a Serial Killer. Tim Cahill effectively writes from the point of view of John Wayne Gacy, in his own way. The book is written from a third-person perspective, but is often interjected with Gacy's own thoughts and comments about whatever is being discussed, due to Cahill drawing on interviews with the Killer Clown to write the book. Cahill walks the reader through every step of Gacy's life and each one of his 29 killings in detail, which is often gruesome and occasionally hard to get through without a few winces. Probably the hardest thing about the novel is reading about Gacy's life when he wasn't actively killing, instead blending in with society with ease. Cahill shows the love Gacy had for his community, and vice-versa, which can make the book a bit hard to get through and will probably put you on edge for a while. The book is scary, though not in a Stephen King or Dean Koontz way. The book is scary in the sense that Gacy, a monster in every sense of the word, was able to so easily conceal his killings and hide his evil habits from society. The book is not light reading, and I definitely do not recommend reading it at night, but for anyone interested in true crime, this book should not be missed. The amazing use of Gacy's own thoughts really give you the idea that you are speaking to the man himself, instead of reading a book about him. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though it drags for a stretch in the middle when nothing is happening in Gacy's life other than killing and Cahill jumps from murder to murder without touching on anything else. The first and last thirds of the book are excellent, though, and even the middle section can be pushed through in a few days with some perseverance. Four stars out of five.
Additional reading: Defending A Monster by Sam L. Amirante
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Rules of Civility
I think I've found the first book to go on my "best of 2012" list. Most of the action takes place in a flashback to Manhattan in 1938, the tail end of the Great Depression. Katey Content (accent on the second syllable) and her boarding house roommate, Evie Ross meet the handsome young banker, Theodore "Tinker" Grey at club on New Year's Eve. That fortuitous meeting changes the lives of all three, for the good and the bad. When Tinker and Eve leave for Europe, Katey leaves her secretarial pool job for one at a small publishing house where she meets and socializes with more of the wealthy New York set. Eventually she lands a position with a new magazine at Condé Nast, she learns the truth about Tinker, and Evie disappears. This book is well written, has interesting characters, and enough twists in the plot to keep the reader involved. The book is appended with George Washington's "Rules of Civility" from which the novel gets its title.
Queen of the Darkness/Anne Bishop
Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop (Black Jewels Trilogy book 3); dark fantasy, horror, romance; 448 pages
Finishing my reread of this series is always a little bittersweet. The ending is an emotional roller coaster worthy of any great soap opera, and it always leaves me wanting more. Unfortunately, the spin-off books set in this same world never pack quite the same punch. Read this with a box of tissues close at hand.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The cartoon introduction to economics
Wonderful second edition that focuses on macroeconomics instead of microeconomics (macro was always my favorite). Less math in this volume so it should be more attractive to the masses. If you can't remember much from your college econ class, this is a good refresher.
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Saturday, February 4, 2012
War Horse
This short book is the basis for Broadway play and the movie nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. The story is told from the point of view of a half-Thoroughbred horse named Joey. It begins with the horse being sold at auction to a farmer and then befriended by the farmer's son, Albert. Eventually he is sold to a captain in the British cavalry for service in World War I. His war experiences include making and losing friends--both horse and human, surviving battles, and eventually pulling wagons and weapons for both sides of the conflict. Joey learns about the pointlessness of war and wonders if he will ever see his friend, Albert, again. Now I can go see the movie.
The White Giraffe
On her eleventh birthday, Martine becomes an orphan when her parents die in a house fire. She is sent to live on a wildlife preserve in South Africa with a grandmother she has never met. Once there, a local "magic woman" tells her she has the gift but Martine doesn't know what that means. Eventually she discovers that the mythical white giraffe is real and poachers are trying to steal it. This is a lovely story that incorporates magical realism, adventure, the reality of the political and social problems in South Africa, and the problems of saving animals from extinction. This is the first book in the "Legends of the Animal Healer" series.
Friday, February 3, 2012
January Totals
Christa: 14/3717
Karen: 14/3050
Marilyn: 15/4433
Annie: 2/752
Kathleen: 7/2128
Stephanie: 3/808
Kara: 1/128
Linda: 4/1140
Total: 60 books/16156 pages


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Madhubani Sarees
Based on the gorgeous Madhubani paintings from Bihar, these Madhubani sarees are truly works of art. Artisans craft these mythological paintings on sarees of silk or cotton. The detailed thread work makes each of these sarees tell a unique story.
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news, reviews and opinion since 2001 | online at clickyclickymusic.com | "you're keeping some dark secrets, but you talk in your sleep." -- j.f.
October 26, 2015
Premiere: Night Powers' Sensual, Ominous "We Will Always Be Together"
The dinner party. Sounds tame enough. Safe even. Good times, right? Well, it's also a reliable concept for both awesome movie and music video. In terms of the latter, on the one hand you've got INXS' hedonistic "The One Thing," and on the other you've got Spectres' contemporary and edgy psychodrama "Mirror." But for something a little more subtle and sensual -- and, we might add, in the spirit of the season -- may we direct your attention to the clip above, which we are pleased to premiere for you today? As the headline suggests, embedded up there is the debut video for co-ed Brooklyn goth triumvirate Night Powers' "We Will Always Be Together."
The foreboding but forthrightly rocking tune is built up from a syncopated, thudding beat that sounds like a body hitting a table top (or a re-envisioning of the classic stomp from "Doctorin' The Tardis"), over which vibratoed guitars, corporeal keys and guitarist Rob Viola and vocalist Natalya Krimgold's tiered voices commingle. "We Will Always Be Together" is taken from the two-year-old trio's debut release The Hand Of The Thief, a concept record that highlights the band's old world-flavored, cinematic noir across nine songs rich with intrigue and passion. The video for "We Will Always Be Together" was directed by Pavel Ezrohi, and yes, there is a dinner party. And a corpse on the table, a vivacious, Satyr-like visitor that elevates the revelry to a frenzy, and keen performances all around from the vintage-garb bedecked players young and old.
Incidentally, Night Powers currently seeks a (female) live drummer. As the aforementioned Mr. Viola happens to be a Clicky Clicky Top 5 All Time Drummer in addition to a guitarist, that's a proverbial big seat to fill, but, c'mon, you can do it. Viola, of course, once drummed for Haywood [so many words] and The Red And The Black, among others, and more recently worked on electronic projects including Faculties, which we wrote about here in 2011. Night Powers co-founder Inbar Kishoni's bona fides include playing keyboard with Denver act Mannequin Makeout, while vocalist Ms. Krimgold is also an accomplished film and theater actress. Speaking of, it's not an accident that Night Powers shows carry an air of theatricality. The act's next performance is at a house show in Brooklyn on Halloween night, with support from Courtship Ritual, and we will venture to say that if you attend this event it will be a fine time (and not just because Night Powers' live show looks epic). The Hand Of The Thief was released as a digital download and in a limited edition of 100 cassettes by Mirror Universe Tapes June 25; order your copy right here, and stream the one-third of the ball of wax via the Bandcamp embed below, or all of the wax via Spotify.
Night Powers: Facebook | Internerds
Posted by Unknown at 10/26/2015 09:00:00 AM
Labels: Courthship Ritual, Haywood, INXS, Night Powers, Spectres, Statikluft, The KLF, The Red And The Black
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