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Little Albert experiment
The Little Albert experiment was a controlled experiment showing empirical evidence of classical conditioning in humans. The study also provides an example of stimulus generalization. It was carried out by John B. Watson and his graduate student, Rosalie Rayner, at Johns Hopkins University. The results were first published in the February 1920 issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology.
After observing children in the field, Watson hypothesized that the fearful response of children to loud noises is an innate unconditioned response. He wanted to test the notion that by following the principles of the procedure now known as "classical conditioning", he could use this unconditioned response to condition a child to fear a distinctive stimulus that normally would not be feared by a child (in this case, furry objects).
The aim of Watson and Rayner was to condition a phobia in an emotionally stable child.[1] For this study they chose a nine-month old infant from a hospital referred to as "Albert" for the experiment.[2] Watson followed the procedures which Pavlov had used in his experiments with dogs.[3]
Before the experiment, Albert was given a battery of baseline emotional tests: the infant was exposed, briefly and for the first time, to a white rat, a rabbit, a dog, a monkey, masks (with and without hair), cotton, wool, burning newspapers, and other stimuli. Albert showed no fear of any of these items during the baseline tests.
For the experiment proper, Albert was put on a mattress on a table in the middle of a room. A white laboratory rat was placed near Albert and he was allowed to play with it. At this point, Watson and Rayner made a loud sound behind Albert's back by striking a suspended steel bar with a hammer each time the baby touched the rat. Albert responded to the noise by crying and showing fear. After several such pairings of the two stimuli, Albert was presented with only the rat. Upon seeing the rat, Albert got very distressed, crying and crawling away. Apparently, the infant associated the white rat with the noise. The rat, originally a neutral stimulus, had become a conditioned stimulus, and it was eliciting an emotional response (conditioned response) similar to the distress (unconditioned response) originally given to the noise (unconditioned stimulus).[4]
In further experiments, Little Albert seemed to generalize his response to the white rat. He became distressed at the sight of several other furry objects, such as a rabbit, a furry dog, and a seal-skin coat, and even a Santa Claus mask with white cotton balls in the beard. However, this stimulus generalization did not extend to everything with hair.[4]
Watson's experiment had many failings by modern standards.[citation needed][by whom?] For example, it had only a single subject and no control subjects. Furthermore, such an experiment could be hard to conduct in compliance with current law and regulations, given the expected risks to the subject.
Subsequent events[edit]
Albert was about one year old at the end of the experiment, and he reportedly left the hospital shortly thereafter.[5] Though Watson had discussed what might be done to remove Albert's conditioned fears, he had no time to attempt such desensitization with Albert, and it is thought likely that the infant's fear of furry things continued post-experimentally.[6]
Watson later gave a series of weekend lectures describing the Little Albert study. One of these lectures was attended by Mary Cover Jones, which sparked her interest in pursuing graduate work in psychology. Jones conducted an experiment to figure out how to eliminate fear responses in children and studied a boy named Peter, who was two years old. Peter shared similar fears of white rabbits and furry objects to Little Albert. Jones was able to increase Peter's tolerance of white rabbits by exposing him to the animal, known as direct conditioning, and having Peter interact with children who were not afraid of the rabbit. Mary Cover Jones was the first psychologist to desensitize or uncondition a fear response and become known as the "Mother of Behavior Therapy". [7]
Identifying Little Albert[edit]
According to some textbooks, Albert's mother worked in the same building as Watson and didn't know the tests were being conducted. When she found out, she took Albert and moved away, letting no one know where they were going. A 2009 report, however, disputes that.[8] The original report had stated that the baby's mother was a wet nurse at the hospital, who may have felt coerced and unable to turn down a request for her baby to be used in Watson's experiment.
Douglas Merritte[edit]
In 2009, psychologists Hall P. Beck and Sharman Levinson published an article in which they claimed to have discovered the true identity of "Albert B."[9] After reviewing Watson's correspondence and publications, as well as research in public documents (such as the 1920 United States Census and state birth and death records), Beck argued that "Albert B." was a pseudonym for Douglas Merritte, the son of Arvilla Merritte, then a woman who appears to have been a wet nurse at the Harriet Lane Home.[9] Recent research has shown, however, that Douglas Merritte may not have been "Little Albert",[10] who may in fact have been young William Barger.
William Barger[edit]
The identity claimed by Beck, Levinson, and Irons has been contested by psychology researchers, Russ Powell and Nancy Digdon, who offer an alternative identity based on available data.[10][11] William Barger had been born within a day of Merritte, was known by friends and family as "Albert" (even though his given name was William), and his mother had also worked at the hospital where the experiment was conducted. In addition, his size and developmental condition much more closely matched the experiment's documentation of the subject baby's condition.[12] Through the use of a professional genealogist, the researchers learned Barger had died in 2007 at age 87 and identified one close living relative, a niece. In an interview, Barger's niece stated that she and her uncle had been quite close throughout his life, acknowledged Barger's antipathy toward dogs as a well-known fact that family members would tease him about (the researchers noted there was no way to determine whether or not this behavior was linked to Watson's experiment), and stated that she did not recall any other phobias. The researchers concluded that Barger would have been unaware of his role as an infant test subject.[13]
Ethical considerations[edit]
Although he probably continued to fear various furry objects for a time, Albert would likely go on to experience extinction later in life, losing the mental association between furry objects and loud noises. Nonetheless, the experiment today would be considered unethical according to the American Psychological Association's ethic code, and legislation has been passed to prevent such potentially harmful experiments.[citation needed] In the early 1970s, following widely publicized cases of research abuse, the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (NCPHS) was created to study issues surrounding the protection of humans in research.[citation needed] In 1979, the Commission issued a report entitled Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research (commonly called the Belmont Report), which provided the ethical framework on which current federal regulations for the protection of human participants in research are based.[14][15] Under the NCPHS standards set in the late 1970s, an experiment such as Watson's would not have been allowed.[16][17] There are also regulations now put in place by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Public Health Service Act, as well as required education since 2000 in the use of human research participants required by the National Institutes of Health.[citation needed]
A detailed review of the original study and its subsequent interpretations by Ben Harris (1979)[18] stated:
Critical reading of Watson and Rayner's (1920) report reveals little evidence either that Albert developed a rat phobia or even that animals consistently evoked his fear (or anxiety) during Watson and Rayner's experiment. It may be useful for modern learning theorists to see how the Albert study prompted subsequent research ... but it seems time, finally, to place the Watson and Rayner data in the category of "interesting but uninterpretable" results.
It is difficult to be certain exactly what happened during the Little Albert experiment since concrete evidence and scientific records are lacking. Though a film was shot during the experiment, textbooks interpret the movie differently. Various sources give contradicting accounts of events that took place, and they raise questions about exactly what stimuli were used, which stimuli the baby came to fear, and what happened to the child after the experiment. It was said that most textbooks "suffer from inaccuracies of various degrees" while referring to Watson and Rayner's study. Texts often misrepresent, exaggerate, or minimize the range of Albert's post-conditioning fears.[19]
Other criticisms stem from the health of the child (cited as Douglas Merritte) who was not a "healthy", "normal" infant as claimed in the study, but one who was very ill and had exhibited symptoms of hydrocephalus since birth—according to relatives he never learned to walk or talk later in life. The child would die five years after the experiment due to complications from the congenital disease. It is stated that the study's authors were aware of the child's severe cognitive deficit, abnormal behavior, and unusually frequent crying, but continued to terrify the sick infant and generalize their findings to healthy infants, an act criticized as academic fraud.[20][21] These accusations have been challenged in another academic article which states that the child was actually William (called Albert by his family) Barger, and that the child was, in fact, healthy.[11]
- ^ Hill, G. (2009). AS & A Level Psychology Through Diagrams, pg 27.
- ^ Watson & Rayner, 1920, p. 1
- ^ Anyone—Regardless of Their Nature—Can Be Trained to Be Anything; Watson, John B.; "Big Ideas Simply Explained: The Psychology Book." London: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc., 2012; Credo web reference-Subscription Required; accessed September 23, 2013.
- ^ a b Steven Schwartz; Classic Studies in Psychology; Palo Alto: Mayfield Publishing,1986; print.
- ^ Hill, pg 177.
- ^ (Harris, 1979).
- ^ Rutherford, Alexandra. "Mary Cover Jones". Psychology's Feminist Voices, www.feministvoices.com/mary-cover-jones/.
- ^ H. P.; Levinson, S., & Irons, G.; 2009; pp.605–614"
- ^ a b Beck, H. P., Levinson, S., & Irons, G. (2009). "Finding Little Albert: A journey to John B. Watson's infant laboratory" (PDF). American Psychologist. 64 (7): 605–614. doi:10.1037/a0017234. PMID 19824748.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- ^ a b Powell, Russell A.; Digdon, Nancy; Harris, Christopher; Smithson, Ben (2014). "Correcting the record on Watson, Rayner, and Little Albert: Albert Barger as "Psychology's lost boy"". American Psychologist. 69 (6): 600–611. doi:10.1037/a0036854. PMID 25197838.
- ^ a b Digdon, Nancy; Powell, Russell A.; Harris, Ben (2014). "Little Albert's Alleged Neurologicial Impairment: Watson, Rayner, and Historical Revision". History of Psychology. 17 (4): 312–324. doi:10.1037/a0037325. PMID 25068585.
- ^ Bartlett, T. (June 2, 2014). "The Search for Psychology's Lost Boy: In 2009 the Decades-old Mystery of 'Little Albert' was Finally Solved... or Was It?". The Chronicle of Higher Education.
- ^ "Whatever Happened to Little Albert?". Edmonton, Alberta: MacEwan University News. June 2, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2014.
- ^ American Psychology Association; 2013.
- ^ National Institute of Health
- ^ American Psychology Association; 2013
- ^ Note: It is now considered unethical to evoke reactions of fear in humans under laboratory circumstances, except when the participant has given informed consent to being purposely horrified as part of the experiment. The standards dictate that experiments should not cause the human participants to suffer unnecessary distress or to be in any way physically harmed. The welfare of the human participants must always be the paramount consideration in any form of research, and this is especially true with specially protected groups such as children.
- ^ Ben Harris. "Whatever Happened to Little Albert?". Archived from the original on 3 August 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ Harris, 2011, 10
- ^ Bartlett, Tom. "A New Twist in the Sad Saga of Little Albert". chronicle.com. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
- ^ Fridlund, Alan J.; Beck, Hall P.; Goldie, William D.; Irons, Gary (November 2012). "Little Albert: A neurologically impaired child". History of Psychology. 15 (4): 302–327. doi:10.1037/a0026720. PMID 23397921.
- American Psychological Association (2010). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
- Bartlett, T. (2014, June 2). [1] The Search for Psychology's Lost Boy: In 2009 the decades-old mystery of 'Little Albert' was finally solved. Or was it? Chronicle of Higher Education.
- Bartlett, T. (2012). A New Twist in the Sad Saga of Little Albert.
- Cover Jones, M (1924). "A Laboratory Study of Fear: The Case of Peter". Pedagogical Seminary. 31 (4): 308–315. doi:10.1080/08856559.1924.9944851.
- DeAngelis, T. (2010). 'Little Albert' regains his identity. Monitor on Psychology, 41, 1. pp. 10.
- Digdon, Nancy; Powell, Russell A.; Harris, Ben (November 2014). "Little Albert's alleged neurological impairment: Watson, Rayner, and Historical Revision". History of Psychology. 17 (4): 312–324. doi:10.1037/a0037325. PMID 25068585.
- Fridlund, A. J.; Beck, H. P.; Goldie, W. D.; Irons, G. (2012). "Little Albert: A neurologically impaired child". History of Psychology. 15 (4): 302–327. doi:10.1037/a0026720. PMID 23397921.
- Harris, B. (2014). Rosalie Rayner, feminist? Revista de Historia de la Psicología, 35, 61-69.
- Harris, B (2011). "Letting go of Little Albert: Disciplinary memory, history, and the uses of myth". Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences. 47 (1): 1–17. doi:10.1002/jhbs.20470. PMID 21207487.
- Harris, B (1979). "Whatever Happened to Little Albert?" (PDF). American Psychologist. 34 (2): 151–160. doi:10.1037/0003-066x.34.2.151. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-02-05.
- Hill, G. (2009). AS & A Level Psychology Through Diagrams, Oxford University Press.
- Hock, R. (2005). Forty Studies That Changed Psychology: Explorations into the History of Psychological Research. 5th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
- Kasschau, R. (2001). Understanding psychology. Columbus, OH: Glenco/McGraw-Hill.
- National Institute of Health (2000). Required Education in the Protection of Human Research Participants.
- Powell. R. A., Digdon, N., Harris, B. & Smithson, C. (in press). Correcting the record on Watson, Rayner and Little Albert: Albert Barger as 'Psychology's lost boy.' American Psychologist.
- Reiss, B. K. (1990). A biography of Mary Cover Jones. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. The Wright Institute, Los Angeles, CA.
- Watson, J.B.; Rayner, R. (1920). "Conditioned emotional reactions". Journal of Experimental Psychology. 3 (1): 1–14. doi:10.1037/h0069608. hdl:21.11116/0000-0001-9171-B.
Further reading[edit]
- Weiten, Wayne (2001). Psychology: Themes & Variations. Belmont: Wadsworth Thomson Learning. p. 230. ISBN 978-0-534-36714-5.


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It was a hot day in Rio, and the beaches were filled with scantily-clad women and men in their sungas. I, along with the friends I was visiting in Rio, weren't on the beach. Instead, we were in a car climbing up the coastal mountains and snaking through one of Rio's most affluent neighborhoods. I felt a million miles away from the madness of the city.
The green foliage of the Tijuca National Park shaded the road. With the windows rolled down, something unheard of in the city, I stuck my head out the window to dry the sweat from my face. The 8,000 acre rainforest, the largest urban forest in the world, rose high above Rio and its famous favelas. I wasn't there to hike or see any of the 30 waterfalls in the park. No, my destination was Pedra Bonita.
There are no shortages of beautiful views in Rio. Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains are certainly the most well-known and visited. Christ the Redeemer towers above the city on Corcovado, and cable cars shuttle tourists to the top of Sugar Loaf on a constant basis. In addition to the beaches, those two attractions are on most tourists to-do lists.
But for the more adventurous and physically fit, there's Tijuca National Park and Pedra Bonita. It's not easy to get to; I find that most wonderful places aren't. The car could only take me so far before I had to hoof it. I climbed up a long, steep incline made of pavers and then up countless stairs before finding myself at the top of Pedra Bonita. The view was certainly worth the workout.
Sprawling before me was all of Rio. I could see Maracana Stadium, Rio's famous Rocinha Favela, Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Sugar Loaf Mountain. The white sands of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon Beaches were dotted with red umbrellas. I'd seen many spectacular views during my week in Rio, and although impressive, that was not why I broke a sweat climbing to the top.
Pedra Bonita is not just a great view. It's also the spot where thousands of tourists and locals hurl themselves off of a mountain. They trust that the wind, harnesses, and some fabric are going to keep them from plummeting to their death. Before you get to thinking that I had any such intentions, please let me remind you that I backed out of bungy jumping in New Zealand last year. I literally was strapped in and standing on the ledge. I couldn't do it. I didn't miraculously lose my fear of heights (or death) just because I'd arrived in South America.
At an altitude of around 1,700 feet, Pedra Bonita was abuzz with activity. Would-be hang gliders and parasailers milled around waiting their turn from the various operators. They were being fitted for their gear and schooled on proper techniques and safety. They were willing to risk life and limb for the $130, twenty-minute flight. Then there were people like me who had no intention of taking a leap. We were the curious, the ones who wanted to live vicariously through the more daring.
Boards that looked like they'd been salvaged from a construction site made the ramp that flyers jumped off. They jetted off the side of the mountain and angled down ever-so-slightly. I watched a few of the hang gliders from the ramp level before taking my seat below. Fifty people sat in the shade watching flight after flight on the benches built below. BOOM-BOOM-BOOM went the feet of the hang gliders above our heads before silence and our first glimpse of the brightly-colored wings. We marveled at each of the flights.
Parasailing began at a landing in front of the seating area. There was no pounding of feet above us to indicate a flight was about to happen. Instead, a gust of wind and the rising of the sail was our only warning.
It was Carnival in the already pulsating city of Rio, but on top of Pedra Bonita, one would never know it. The calm atmosphere of the rain forest combined with the gracefulness of flight gave me such a serene feeling. Secretly, I wanted to fly, too. But it wasn't happening that day. Perhaps I'll never get over my fear of heights. That Sunday afternoon, I was content watching others float down to the earth.
After nearly an hour of flight watching, it was time to leave. As I walked down the stairs and the steep incline, I was grateful that I'd made the hike up. We were headed back down to the city, out of the cool and peaceful forest. My friends wanted me to see the hang gliders and parasailers from a different angle, so we went to the beach where they land.
From the top I'd seen the faces of flyers; they were filled with expressions of fear and excitement. The landing expressions were much different, however. They were ones of exuberance, amazement, and pride. Seeing the looks on their faces gave me encouragement."Perhaps on my next trip to Rio," I thought.
The workers at the beach level worked feverishly to disassemble the gliders. They folded them up, threw them over their shoulders, and carried them to their cars. Strapped to the tops, a caravan of cars shuttled the gliders back to the top of Pedra Bonita for the next daring souls to take their leap of faith.
Perhaps next time I'll be among them.
25 Comments
Cant hardly wait to Read it, especially when I was about to do it for my 40th… And recent tragic events shut down the place for a couple of weeks. I called it a sign ! ;-))
Yeah, Xochitl, right after I left that woman fell out of her harness and died. Is that why they shut it down or is another indecent?
I'd like to say I am brave enough to do it, but the older I get, the less physically harm I'm willing to risk. But the view at least would be worth getting up there even if I backed out.
Why, of course it's a good idea!! 🙂
Wow, for a moment there I thought you had actually done it! I always wanted to do it.. but would never have the courage. Stunning pics – thank you for reminding me of Rio again 😉 and how I got to know you!
The weather wasn't great the day we decided we'd do this. I think Rio has one of the best aerial views to do such a fun sport. Oh well, there is always next time for us. 😉
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous photos. Almost enough to make me want to try it… but no. Especially since I had my son, I am much more risk averse. Thank you for sharing!
I'm pretty sure the first post of yours I ever read was from Rio, and this is another great one. My heart beats a little faster seeing those hang gliders. I'm not sure if I could do it myself, but man what a thrill that must be…
I'd like to think I'd be brave enough to give parasailing a go. Your pictures do make it seem so peaceful and beautiful!
This is a great tip for things to do and views in Rio. I would take a pass on the hang gliding and parasailing and check out the views and hike the trails in the National Park. I had no idea there was such a cool place so close to Rio.
Rio looks awesome! I don't know what it is about paragliding and hang gliding, but I find them to be extremely frightening. I'd rather bungee jump or skydive again then get back on one of those. It might have been because I watched a man catch himself in a tree right before I took off. Hmm…
well. i think this is part of why we are travelin' BFF's. i'm crazy but not that crazy. not yet. i need to see the world from the ground first. and all of it – before i hoist myself off the side of a cliff and hope for a FAB view and another day to see more of somewhere else! 🙂 amazing pictures BTW!!
Leah, you must. It is SO WORTH IT.
People have asked me what is the most adventurous thing I ever have done, often times I answer with.. running off that ramp in Rio as my answer. I spent close to twenty minutes in the air gliding before my beach landing… Definitely one of the highlights of my adventures in Rio, but that is a long list…. great destination indeed.
tudo Bom.
stay adventurous, Craig
I'm with Lisa and Kristin: I've acquired a fear of heights just in the last years. Also with Tawny: I'd much rather skydive. I did it once in Mexico (also landing on a beach), and it didn't trigger my fear of heights (just death!). Everything seems unreal from so high, and since I couldn't even tell the ground was rushing up at me, I didn't feel as if I were falling.Afterwards, I bet I looked like the people you mention here. My buzz lasted for at LEAST two days.

subset: commoncrawl


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Bathroom Planning: Before you buy your bathroom…
So you've finally decided to treat yourself and your family to a new bathroom. Congratulations! But before you go online and sift through all those gorgeous bathroom furniture collections and brand new full bathroom suites, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself first. For instance, are you fantasizing about a spa-type environment i.e. somewhere you can relax and shut out the cares of the day? Or, with a big family, is your bathroom more about function than form? Your answer will directly affect the items you're going to be online searching for. That's because today you can buy raised WCs for easier access, wall hung basins which allow access to a toddlers makeshift steps, and neat corner units to let you roam more freely in your bathroom to name a few considerations. Read on to find the 10 most important things to bear in mind when creating your dream bathroom.
Top 10 Most Important considerations when Planning a Bathroom:
1. Is your plumbing a high or low pressure system?
It's not a very interesting question to pose in comparison to choosing the design of your bathroom, but it is crucial to know. Different water pressure systems will affect the type of showers you can install for instance, as well as have a bearing on your heating plans. In a nutshell, combi boilers tend to be high pressure and the older-fashioned hot water tanks in airing cupboards are usually low pressure. Modern bathrooms are showing a growing trend for people to include a luxurious shower enclosure even at the expense of a bath and there is now a generous variety available to meet this growing need. Our range of showers and their unique designs will match a variety of bathroom designs.
2. What kind of style would you like?
You're spoiled for choice here since bathroom furniture and bathroom suites come in a whole range of design ideas. You could go 'period' style for instance with a roll top stand alone bath and Victorian taps. This would also work for a shabby chic or country-style look. Then there are minimalist bathroom furniture ranges and suites with rimless WCs and a built-in bidet or, if you're looking for a bit of colour in the smallest room in your home, think statement furniture. There is a never ending variety to bathroom furniture now and you can find a statement piece to create a wow factor no matter how big or small your bathroom space is!
3. Does 'green' and eco-consciousness matter?
If so, there are plenty of modern dual flush toilets to choose from to cut back on your water use and, happily, your bills. Planning on getting an illuminated mirror? Then consider one with LED lighting which is 80 per cent more efficient than ordinary incandescent bulbs and 50 per cent more economical than fluorescent tubes. Many modern baths these days are moulded in such a way that they require less water to fill.
4. How much space do you have in your bathroom?
If you're a bit pushed for space then consider wall-hung furniture and suites. These leave plenty of storage space underneath and actually make the bathroom appear larger because your eye can roam round the walls more freely. Wall Hung vanity units are a perfect solution as they provide you that extra storage too meaning you can keep your bathroom essentials tidied away. It's also possible to purchase corner shaped wash basin vanities and even toiletss – again saving lots of standing room. Both wall hung and corner shaped units are perfect for en-suites and cloakroom bathrooms they create the illusion of more space due to more floor being visible.
5. What type of taps would you prefer?
Again, tap designs have come on leaps and bounds within the past decade or so. Most wash basin taps these days are monobloc mixers (which are reliant on high water pressure). These are more space-saving than the traditional two pillar taps. Then again, you could be a bit different and opt for wall mounted taps. Or how about sensor taps which come on after detecting movement? Some LED taps will even light up with the colour indicating the temperature of the water.
6. Have you considered a space saving shower bath?
There are plenty of clever combined bath/showers around these days which offer the option of a bath and a shower without taking up too much room in your bathroom. Shower baths have increased in popularity as they let those of you with a smaller bathroom have the pleasure of both a bath and a shower option. Shower enclosures come in such a selection of shapes they'll fit into most bathrooms and many have easy-clean glass panelling as well as a variety of 'smart' functions such as lighting and music speakers.
7. How do you like your shower?
Most of us are big fans of the power shower (which works well with low water pressure) but these days there's also digital showers and shower towers with jets (you can buy pumps to boost the water pressure). Shower heads comes in all shapes and sizes and can produce an eco-friendly soft rain effect as well as that of a torrential downpour (a twin-jet showerhead) Some are even equipped with 'smart' lighting. If you need to boost your water pressure to allow you a more luxurious shower then our fantastic range of shower pumps will provide you with the ideal solution.
8. How big a bath will you get?
Freestanding baths tend to be larger than your typical acrylic wall-sided versions but a bath doesn't have to be on its own to be luxurious. Whirlpool baths can fit into most modern bathrooms for a home hydrotherapy treat, corner baths are excellent for smaller rooms and double-ended baths means luxuriating without the inconvenience of taps. There is a vast range of baths to choose both in terms of size and style.
9. How are you going to heat your bathroom?
Underfloor heating in bathrooms is becoming increasingly popular (no prizes for guessing why with the fashion for tiling and laminate flooring). Column radiators are both functional and striking design-wise, often becoming the focus of a bathroom while heated towel rails are another sought after and frequently spotted sight in many bathrooms these days. Choosing the perfect heating for your bathroom can be an important decision as a luxury bathroom can't be enjoyed if it is cold and unwelcoming.
10. Fancy some mod cons?
Well, we live in the modern society and technology is designed to make life easier for us so why not use it? Many cabinets these days come with easy-closing drawers and doors, toilet seats have soft-closing lids and there are those sensor-operated illuminated mirrors and taps we mentioned earlier. And that's just the start. Folks, it's all happening in the bathroom these days and you will be amazed at the technology on offer across our range of bathroom accessories.
Bathroom Planning – Considerations
Planning your bathroom is the most important stage when refurbishing a room. Knowing how much space you have available is extremely important and can determine the things you can and cannot buy for your room. Knowing placement for key items such as basins, toilets and showers is a key aspect that you must consider. Having key statistics such as room dimensions are a necessity and creating a blueprint of how the room will look is a good idea to ensure no issues are caused if product too big has been purchased. For smaller rooms, consumers should only purchase items of low size to avoid cramping space. Home owners should consider standing space as this is vital for those wanting easily accessible stations to use functions effectively. Consumers should focus on items they need in the room and then add smaller, less useful products if space is available.
Example of planning a room
Elements contained within a suite also need to be considered. For example, if a user needs to place electrical items in a room, space must be implemented between the electrical device and bath/shower for key health and safety factors. It is also vital that the height of items has been considered as low a roof can easily obstruct certain items from fitting in the suite. When considering size, specially designed cloakroom products can be bought from bathroom stockists to help create as much room as possible. For those with a wider scope of space, larger variants of items such as Wet Rooms are an option and are guaranteed to provide an excellent showering experience.
Once your bathroom is complete you will be glad you to the time with your bathroom planning. Taking your time to plan it out thoroughly beforehand will mean you will reap the rewards later. For further inspiration check out our Facebook and Twitter feeds for regular updates on what's new in bathroom trends and products this season.


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When I first came to Second Life, I had the look of the time: About 3 feet tall, ugly red mesh hair and pasty skin. I was born as a Ruth, the default avatar shape. My vanity being what it is, you can quite imagine that as soon as I saw some of the prettier AVs at Ahern, that I wanted to change my look.
When you're brand spanking new, you have no money, no clue. You just don't know where to start. I was lucky enough to find Tete a Pied, a store that gave away a really nice skin for newbies under 30 days. CJ Carnot who now runs Fleur (use to be Tete at Pied) continues the tradition of giving away an excellent free skin for Second Life beginners.
I'd like to thanks and honour CJ for this. Of course it's good advertising, of course it creates loyalty and good will. More importantly, though, it demonstrates a community spirit, and attitude of giving, sharing and generosity toward newcomers.
Thank you.
So come and get your lovely free skins at Fleur.


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… for the Uttoxeter Quilt and Embroidery Show. We've both been gathering stuff from the four corners of our respective houses and piling said stuff up in heaps in whichever room is nearest the door. The hope is that we'll fall over it all on the way out and thus not forget anything. Let's wait and see if that works. (Don't hold your breath on this one – Barbara)
Chris has found the power cables and some books and, unable to decide which couple of quilts to take, has just grabbed both bags full and Barbara can decide being as she's 'her in charge of aesthetics' – Chris is 'her in charge of technology'.
Barbara meantime has found the display boards, the table coverings and the cash box as well as an assortment of quilts.
We both still need to work out what we'll be stitching by way of a demonstration over the weekend and Barbara is busy trying to put kits together for hand-piecing workshops as well. To take her mind off similar thorny problems (and taking advantage of the fact that the neighbours were away) Chris drilled more holes in the wall and managed to get her sewing threads unit up. Suddenly life seems much better! (how smart does this look?! – Barbara)
Barbara's distraction showed up in the form of trying out some small-scale handpiecing with 2 1/2inch and 1 1/2inch squares – take a look at the step by step pics to get an idea of where things were going …
Then, after all that palaver, Barbara decided not to use this in her hand piecing classes at the show….. And while deciding what she really would do, this little cut-and-glue design got cut and glued. Of course, it would have been SO much better if she had taken that all-important moment to reverse the design before tracing the shapes onto the fusible web, but it looks ok – sort of. This design showed up last week at the Reunion Class Barbara taught at Denman College, but in the guise of corded and stuffed quilting (pics on Barbara's blog).
After all this distraction and marshalling, it will be quite a relief to get to the show, get our space set up and settle down into show mode. Hope to see some of you there!


text:
MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that nations should unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the statement during the Regional Seminar on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on December 12, 2014.
The event was organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in cooperation with Greenpeace Southeast Asia and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
"There is no question that marine biological diversity is enormously important for the Philippines and the world. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes this importance and very early came up with a work programme on marine biological diversity. However, the CBD is fairly limited to national biodiversity," Legarda explained.
"It is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS that governs the use of marine resources in the high seas. But when the UNCLOS was negotiated in the 1980s, we did not yet have the knowledge and insight we now have on marine biological diversity. Today, we need a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS," she added.
The Senator noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that about 80% percent of the world's fisheries are already fully exploited, over exploited or significantly depleted. Moreover, the World Bank states that an estimated $50 billion worth of economic benefits are lost annually due to overfishing.
She added that in the Philippines, among the poorest in are those in coastal communities, with 4 of 10 coastal residents living under poverty line, despite the fact that the country is located within the coral triangle, at the center of the highest marine diversity in the world.
"This situation, along with the fact that the Philippines is considered an epicenter of biodiversity and evolution, demands special focus on marine conservation efforts. However, conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity should not be concentrated in individual countries alone," said Legarda.
"Our nations are interconnected, and an ecosystems approach towards a more holistic, multisectoral, integrated and sustainable coastal management and fisheries, across countries, governments and communities will be beneficial to all," she stressed.
"As different nations living in one planet, we need to unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources. We need an UNCLOS agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. We must act now and work together to find the much-needed balance in using the resources of our oceans and protecting its biodiversity," Legarda concluded.


text:
Just came across Why Computer Science Matters? by Vugranam Sreedhar. He observes a decline in real computer scientists in favour of 'commodity programmers'. Basically, I have to (sad but true) agree here, and would like to take a closer look at the roles involved, beyond well-trained computer scientists and commodity programmers only.
Let us recapitulate first*: In general, Information Systems (IS) perform 3 kinds of functions:
- Memory function: maintain a representation of the state of the domain
- Informative function: provide information about the state of the domain
- Active function: perform actions that change the state of the domain
Algorithms like a solution to the 8-queens problem provide complex kinds of active functionality. Whereas a typical database application mainly provides memory and informative functionality. Database applications (in all kinds and variations) are typical for business software. Developing them, can be broken down into structuring the overall problem, and implementing the resulting parts. Clearly, here the overall structuring is the much more ambitious task. Thus, we get 3 kinds of people:
- Software 'Scientist', solves complex algorithmic problems (focus on active functionality)
- Software 'Craftsman', implements data access functionality and mid-complex business logic (focus on single memory and informative functionality)
- Software 'Engineer', structures large data centric information systems (focus on overall memory and informative functionality)
Now, if we compare SwScientits and SwEngineers, although they are both jobs on an academic level, they are clearly of a different kind. Metaphorically speaking, SwScis solve a single small very complex word problem, whereas SwEngs take a very large text and break it down into many word problems of medium complexity.
So how did we get to focus so much on educating SwCraftsmen?** Was it perhaps that academia used to educate SwScientists only? Of course, if one asks industry, they say, they want ready to employ people, and they want them quick, and also a lot of them.*** And finally, did academia start to deliver SwCraftsmen, where actually SwEngineers would have been appropriate?
So long
PS: Related stuff: Craftsman or Engineer?, Word Problems they don't teach you in School.
* textbook: Antoni Olive (2007) Conceptual Modeling of Information Systems.
** or 'commodity programmers' (Vugranam Sreedhar)
*** best provided by vocational education?


text:
We're at a rest area where we slept for the night and it happens to have wireless internet. That's cool.
I just wanted to ask everyone to pray. I'm sick with a terribly soar throat and fever. I woke up yesterday feeling rough. On the day that I was supposed to be able to take off and relax with my family, I got sick. It seems lately that when I get sick, it's when we have time off. Therefore, I never really get a good time off. I think that my body is burning out physically. For some reason, it cannot take life on the road like it used to. I know that it's hard on your body, but I want to be able to do this for several more years. We're having a meeting with the guys in our office Monday morning about our scheduling. Pray that it goes well.
Also, pray for this investment we made a few years ago. It seems to be going sour if something doesn't happen soon. Pray for wisdom and a miracle in this area.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Prayer Requests
We're at a rest area where we slept for the night and it happens to have wireless internet. That's cool.
Posted by AUNY at 8:16 AM 330 comments
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Day With Family
The show last night went well. The beginning was wierd. You can read Brock's blog about that. My parents and sister came to the show. That was fun. This morning, the four of us went to breakfast. This afternoon, all of us will go to our favorite Mexican food place for lunch. Tonight, we're going out to dinner with Brock's sister and brother. That will be fun too. I'm excited to spend the day with family.
Posted by AUNY at 9:34 AM 5 comments
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Long Day
For some reason, today was a hard day. Nothing seemed to be going right. It wasn't anything big but a lot of little things compiled together. I've been noticing that Satan has been doing that often. Right before a show, he distracts us with stress---problems that arise just before the show. I finally recognized it today and decided that I wasn't going to stand for it anymore. Even if I need to pray for a smooth day everyday, I'll do it.
Then, tonight as Brock was giving the beautiful gospel and I watched the sea of people from my spot in the balcony focused on what was being said, I realized that it was worth it. It is worth the stress of live show. It's worth the hard life on the road. It's worth the foreign and unventured lifestyle. It's worth it just to be able to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
When over 70 people gave their lives to Christ tonight, I thought that it was more than worth it. I'm so undeserving to be able to see this as much as I do.
Posted by AUNY at 9:08 PM 5 comments
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
United 93
Some "leaders of the community" were asked to screen the movie United 93. Brock and I were able to go to the screening last night. It is a movie based on the events of 9/11. It focused on United Airlines Flight 93 that went down in Pennsylvania missing its target of the Capitol. The movie was very well done. It was done in real time. Many of the air traffic control people played themselves. I heard that the pilots and flight attendants were not actors but actual airplane personnel. Also, I saw one of the main actors in an interview the other day and he said that the script was very loose. They stated everything that was accurately known that happened and the order of events. Other than that, the actors just reacted to what was happening instead of having a script showing exactly what was to be said.
However, the movie is very disturbing. I cried and my stomach hurt throughout the film. It definately wasn't an uplifting movie. I almost wish it were not so realistic. I wanted to see the people on Flight 93 portrayed even more as heroes.
I learned some things about 9/11 that I didn't know especially what chaos was happening on the ground in air traffic control and such. People were saying that it's too soon to bring out this movie and I thought that it's been 5 years. If you wait any longer, it might be forgotten. After watching it, I realized that we will never forget and maybe it is too soon. I don't know if I'd recommend it. You relive the most tragic day in America's history and it's not fun.
Posted by AUNY at 6:57 AM 3 comments
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Motocross Ministry
Saturday after Brock had done this amazing stunt with his dirtbike, he gave a message we call "It's Worth It." Basically, he tells about how he does all of these crazy stunts and escapes in order to earn the right to share the gospel. Some may say that it is stupid to do this, but Brock says that it's worth the risk. He then shares that the students sometimes have to risk things such as their reputation and friends in order to share their faith with others. However, it's worth it. Once you have the privilege to lead someone to Christ, you understand why it's worth it!
After we had packed everything up and were on our way out, a lady came up and said that the Lord used Brock that day. She and her husband have a motocross team in Kentucky. They minister to all sorts of people through this race team. One rider was paralyzed recently due to a motorcycle accident. She had begun to think about quitting this ministry because she was concerned that others would get hurt including her sons who ride. Brock's message encouraged her that it was worth it.
Posted by AUNY at 8:46 AM 1 comments
Monday, April 24, 2006
Busy Day at Home
Yesterday was a busy day at home. Actually, we didn't make it home until last night. Saturday night, we drove from Indiana to Nashville. It was going to be a late night, but not too late. We stopped at a restaurant and got our food to go to speed up the process. Everything was going well until we got to Louisville, KY. They shut down the interstate for the Derby or something. Who completely shuts down an interstate in a large city? Apparently Kentucky does. After going only one mile in 30 minutes on the "detour," we decided to take our own detour. We took back roads. It was an hour and a half out of the way, but we would probably still be sitting on that interstate right now if we would have stayed there!
Then, we dropped Stephy off and went to the Franklin Walmart parking lot. We stayed there in the truck for the night because it was after 1am and we had to be at our church right down the road at 8am. Brock did another opening for the service yesterday morning. You can watch it on pclive.org.
We rushed out of church in order to make it to our friends' baby shower. It was more like a picnic. Guys and girls attended and it was fun. However, since I was bringing the drinks and such, we were in a hurry. We left there at around 3:30 or so and went back to the truck in order to get ready for that night. Brock spoke last night at a singles gathering for our church. Finally, we were able to go home and both crash!
Posted by AUNY at 10:12 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 22, 2006
No More Goodbyes
Today is our last day of the conference tour that we are on. Therefore, everyone is saying goodbye. However, because of our lifestyle, goodbyes don't exist for us. Chances are, we'll see you again at another show in another state or whatever. We see people that we went to college with or high school with very often. We see people we've worked with more and more. Whenever we go to Texas, Louisiana, or Florida, we make a point to see friends and family. Brock always says, "See you next time." That's the phrase that I've adopted. It's not as sad as goodbye.
Posted by AUNY at 8:32 AM 6 comments
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Out Again
We leave early tomorrow morning to go to Indiana for our last Believe conference tour date. We'll perform tomorrow night and Saturday morning and afternoon. Then, we'll drive home that night. Sunday is a busy day too. I'm hosting a baby shower after church and Brock is speaking to the singles Sunday night. I guess we'll crash again Monday. Pray that this weekend is a good one!
Posted by AUNY at 9:49 PM 0 comments
Relaxing Day
Yesterday was the most relaxing day I've had in a long time. It was great! I began the day eating breakfast on the front porch. We have two rocking chairs from Cracker Barrel with a lobster crate that we purchased while we were in Maine that serves as a place to rest our drink or book on. The crate is positioned in between the two chairs with candles adorning it for the nightime.
We both worked out in the yard for most of the afternoon. I mowed while Brock trimmed and such. It was supposed to rain, but it did nothing of the sort. It was a gorgeous day. I enjoyed being outside.
After we'd finished the yard work, we took a quick ride on our dirtbikes. Then, we went back to our usual spot on the front porch. I asked Brock if we would be doing what we were doing right then...sitting in our rocking chairs on the porch when we were old. He said, "I sure hope so."
Posted by AUNY at 9:21 AM 5 comments
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Being Jesus to Me
Yesterday, the Lord did some wonderful things for me to show me how much He loves me. He sent me encouraging e-mails. He sent me a care package in the mail. He offered to pay for some medical surgery I need. He pleaded for prayer for me online. If you did any of this for me yesterday, you were being Jesus to me. All of these things happened in one day, and I felt as if the Lord was beaming from the attention He gave me yesterday. It all went according to His plan.
You know what? It worked! Yesterday was the first day since I got home from Alaska that I did not have an inkling of pain. Many days before I would think that I was completely okay and then, at some point in the day, that old familiar uncomfortableness would begin to form. Yesterday, it did not even show up in the slightest! Pray that it's completely gone.
Posted by AUNY at 8:45 AM 2 comments
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
GMA Music Awards
To find out when the GMA Music Awards are airing in your area, go to gmamusicawards.com. It's a great show. It also had a great spirit about it. God truly gets all of the glory in the end!
Posted by AUNY at 8:28 AM 2 comments
Monday, April 17, 2006
Easter Sunday
During our Easter service yesterday morning, I thought about all of the services going on around the nation. I looked up and smiled to the Lord saying, "It's all about You." I heard Him tell me, "No, it's all about Me and you." I think that He craves that relationship with us so much that He doesn't just want us to tell Him how wonderful He is on Sunday and then go back to our normal lives. He wants us to focus on our relationship with Him. Plus, the resurrection is all about our relationship with Him. He did it, so now I can have a connection and relationship with Him and the Father. Yesterday, during worship, it was all about us!
After church, we went to our friends' house, Ben and Kara, and had a wonderful lunch. Kara grew up in Pennsylvania, so she made some northeastern dishes that I'd never had before. It was yummy! Then, Brock and I brought the dessert. Guess what we brought? Our chocolate fountain. It was fun! We sat out on their back patio for most of the day. Then, we went for a walk around their neighborhood. They had tivod the Dove Awards, so we got to watch it together. Then, it was back out on the patio until we left at around 10pm. What a great Easter!
Posted by AUNY at 9:49 AM 6 comments
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Calling Your Name
This morning, I read the account of the first appearance of Jesus to anyone after the resurrection. It was when He went to Mary Magdalene and she had mistaken Him as a gardener at first (Luke 20:14-18). Then, when He said her name, she knew that it was Him.
Why would He first appear to a women who was an ex-demoniac? In our special on the Discovery Channel, they decided that the fact that the first eye witnesses were women made it more believable. If the disciples had made the entire thing up, they would have used more credible witnesses.
Also, in Mark E. Moore's book Encounters With Christ, he states that this particular encounter reflects our own personal encounter with Christ. Whenever all hope is gone, He calls our name and pierces through the darkness to our very soul. The fact that Mary was a lowly woman and had a flawed past only goes to show that all are welcome to come to Christ.
If you have never had that personal encounter with the Savior, maybe He is calling your name right now.
Posted by AUNY at 9:12 AM 1 comments
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Day Off
Yesterday started out rough. I wanted to take the entire day off, but there were things I had to do. For example, I had to wash clothes or else we would have nothing to wear this weekend. Then, I had to do the bills because they were due by the 15th. The same goes for our taxes which we thought might have been messed up. It wasn't a messup, but we're not getting as much money back as I expected. All of these things did not create a relaxing beginning to our happy fun day.
However, Brock and I went for a walk in the woods near our house. Then, I placed Sheryl Crow, the second disc of the FooFoo Fighters, and Dido in my cd player and put it on random. I played the mellow music and sat on the porch for the remainder of the day. At dinner time, we went to a little place in downtown Franklin and got salmon and a vegetarian plate. It was good. Then, since the weather was so nice, we walked around the quaint downtown area. Of course, we bumped into so many people that we knew. It was fun! We topped it off with a visit to the Cocoa Tree. There fondue is back in season and we ate it up! Our friends, Ben and Kara, met us there. We stayed until they closed and then went out to their car and listened to music until about midnight.
Today, we are going to ride our dirtbikes at a place close to our house that has a track and trails. Tonight, we are going to our friend's birthday party. It should be fun!
Posted by AUNY at 7:37 AM 1 comments
Friday, April 14, 2006
We're Home
It's so good to be home! My stomach was hurting me a little again yesterday afternoon, but as soon as I got home, it went away. This trip I've seen the most change in seasons. When we got home, spring was in the air. It's so green and some trees have purple and white blumes.
Brock had to do some work on his dirtbike with a friend's help. The helper would only be in town yesterday and today. I told Brock that he had to do it last night because today is reserved for a happy fun day for the two of us.
While Brock was gone, I sat on my rocking chair on the porch just soaking up the air until dark. Then, I went inside and fell asleep on the couch around 8pm! I slept 11 hours last night. We're trying to make some changes in our booking so that we don't have such hard schedules out on the road. I hope it works!
Posted by AUNY at 8:26 AM 1 comments
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Day 3 of FX
We had 3,200 people in attendance last night and 117 first time followers of Christ. Everything went smoothly last night except that the water for the water coffin was colder than it's ever been. It stung my hands just when I was chaining Brock up, so I know that it affected him. He did it successfully though! It was a great Freedom Experience. The leaders of the local churches here were exceptional to work with. Now, we drive home today for a whole week off. Yea!!!
Posted by AUNY at 8:21 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Encouragement Just When I Needed It
Mark Moore is a professor at a college in Missouri. He is also a writer and speaker. He's on tour with us right now and he is such a blessing. He seems to listen to the Holy Spirit and know just what to say or do at just the right moment. What he did today was no exception.
Even though things are going so well at this Freedom Experience and the Lord is doing some wonderful things, it doesn't change the fact that this is our 14th day in a row of hard work. So, just as I was feeling tired and homesick, Mark calls Brock and asks if I'm around. We listened on the speaker phone as Mark and his entire class prayed for me and Brock. Then, the students got on the phone individually and told me who they were and encouraged me. It went on for a solid ten minutes. It is so sweet of the Lord to know just when to encourage me and uses people (some of them complete strangers) miles away to do it.
Posted by AUNY at 12:43 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Day Two of FX
Tonight we had 2,500 people there and 98 first time salvations. Praise the Lord! The stage is sorta slanted and our props keep rolling toward the front of the stage. It's hilarious. I had to put my shoes in front of some wheels in order to keep it from rolling. We had a breaker go out tonight and one light tree and the light board went out for a short while, but nobody seemed to notice. Does anyone know how one light tree could stay on if the light board was out of power? It was a mystery to me how the other light tree could keep on burning without a board. Everything went smoothly except for that. It was a great night!
Posted by AUNY at 9:57 PM 3 comments
Day One of FX
Yesterday was the toughest day. After doing 11 straight days of shows or hard travel, I was done. Honestly, I'm still done. I'm tired of people and I got a cold shower this morning, so I'm tired of hotels as well.
At some points in the day yesterday, all three of us felt as if we would fall over. Stephy did an excellent job of keeping on even though she was tired. Brock was so exhausted Saturday night (almost at the point I was at on the way back from Alaska) that I drove most of the way to Kentucky on Sunday. So, that made me extra tired yesterday. After the second school assembly, I had to go into the truck and rest. Brock and Stephy took up the slack and organized load in. Then, I went in and helped while they took a break. We had to help each other out in order to physically make it through the day.
Last night during our prayer time before the show, I asked everyone to pray for strength for us. I was thinking of that verse that I posted a couple of days ago. If we're not mentally sharp when it comes time to do our show, things can go really wrong. However, me and Brock both felt a renewed sense of stamina whenever it came time to do our part. 1100 people showed up for the first night and 104 people gave their lives to Christ for the first time last night. So, it was all worth it!
Posted by AUNY at 8:10 AM 2 comments
Monday, April 10, 2006
Freedom Experience in Pleasureville, KY
Pray for us. We're still rather tired from California, our big week, and Atlanta. We start early today with two school shows and then to set up (which takes a few hours). We do our show tonight. Yesterday, we had a flat tire and our truck wouldn't start. It took almost two hours to get our truck jumped off. Then, we ran into traffic, so we missed the prayer service last night. The bmx team got in late last night, so we are all tired. Pray that this week is great and effective!
Posted by AUNY at 6:22 AM 0 comments
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Isaiah 40:28-31
"The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Posted by AUNY at 8:17 PM 0 comments
Friday, April 07, 2006
Feeling Well
I feel really good. I guess after two weeks of feeling awful, I'm not taking my painfree days for granted anymore. I really feel sorry for people who are sick for an extended period of time. Please pray for my friend, Mandee. She has had stomach problems for over a year and hurts everyday. She's lost a dangerous amount of weight. Nobody seems to know how to diagnose her. Thank you for your prayers for me. I feel like I'm completely healed now.
Posted by AUNY at 9:36 PM 2 comments
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Sharing Stories about our Adventures
Tonight, Brock's parents came in with the truck. While we flew home on Sunday from California, they were driving our truck back home this whole time. Brock grilled some chicken and his famous apples and pineapple. We sat around the table for hours hearing about all of their adventures on the way home. They stopped by the Grand Canyon which is so amazing that you cannot even describe it. We'd been telling them that they needed to see it and they finally did. Then, we told them all of the details about our week at GMA.
Tomorrow, we leave early in the morning for Atlanta. Then we go straight to Kentucky to do a Freedom Experience. It's going to be a crazy week for us. Pray that we will have the strength to get through it. We're still worn out from our California trip and GMA week.
Posted by AUNY at 10:54 PM 0 comments
The GMA Music Awards
Last night was like a dream. Brock was presenting one of the awards during the telecast portion of the night, but we didn't know which award. We tried to get to the venue in time for our rehearsal and was a little late, so I dropped Brock at the door. Then, I went to park along with our manager and Stephy came a little later. After carrying in a few props and placing them backstage (one of them being my coffee table from home), I found out that Brock was in "his dressing room." I had no idea that it was going to be like that! I thought there would be a big green room but only a few dressing rooms for the performers. No, we had our own dressing room right next to Michael Sweet!
Then, we discovered that Brock was giving away the biggest award of the night...artist of the year! Not many Christian musicians get to present at the Dove's, so it was an honor to be able to do that.
I felt really good last night. I had gone to the doctor and received medicine, so my stomach is not bothering me anymore. I didn't have any zits or anything at the time. Thanks to being sick and Brock's healthy eating tips, I had lost some weight. I was clad in a beautiful dress that Brock picked out in LA and accessories that my little fashion consultant, Kara, helped me find here in Nashville. I was complimented on my dress a lot and my jewelry and my shoes. BarlowGirl really liked my dress and they're so cool, so that was awesome. Kirk Franklin was passing by and stopped to tell me that I had a "very beautiful dress."
Brock presented the very last award, so we waited a long time. He got slightly nervous during the wait (he usually never gets nervous). He presented with Shirlie Ceasar a legend in Gospel music. Of course, Brock couldn't just give an award away. He had to add a little magic. I'll let you watch it on TV, but it involved a bowling ball. He also singed every hair off of his hand in the process, and at one point, Shirlie Ceasar took off running from him. It was hilarious. Everyone loved it! I was so proud of my husband last night.
One of the coolest parts is that he was able to give the Dove to Chris Tomlin. We've known him for years. Tomlin even commented that it was cool to receive an award from Brock because we worked together back when nobody knew either one of their names. Last night Tomlin was able to receive the highest honor and Brock was able to give it. What a night!
Posted by AUNY at 8:45 AM 9 comments
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Word Showcase
Right now I'm at the Word Showcase. Brock's been hosting the night. I'm sitting at the sound board because I'm making sure the lights, sound, and video look good for Brock. He's going on in between the bands and doing some volunteer tricks as the stage crew sets up for the next band. So far, we've had 8 bands perform including Plum. Building 429 is onstage now. Brock will introduce BarlowGirl next. He's done a great job so far. Being an emcee at something like this is tough because it's so unpredictable. Brock is great at winging it! Gotta go! Brock is about to be on...
Posted by AUNY at 9:30 PM 1 comments
Monday, April 03, 2006
GMA Week
We began our GMA (Gospel Music Association) week today. This week is where everyone from the Christian music industry gathers in one area of Nashville and has meetings, interviews, showcases, etc. Most musicians don't enjoy it very much because they have interviews all day long without much of a break. However, we don't have too many and since we are not musicians, we are not in any competition with anyone here. I think it's fun. I get to see people we've worked with but haven't seen in a while.
Today, Brock performed for the Logan TV show. He was a guest as well as Kristal Myers. She is really cute and nice. He did a card trick using her and the host. Then he did a trick with someone from the audience's key. It was good.
Then, we went to the next interview with Breakaway magazine. It went well. We were done after that. We were able to hang out, go eat dinner, and stop by the Cocoa Tree for some chocolate on the way home.
Posted by AUNY at 10:05 PM 6 comments
The Craziness Continues
We didn't see any stars while we were in LA this time. However, when we got home, we saw Colin Farrell at the Nashville airport. Isn't that ironic? He had an arrogant walk. However, he was by himself. I would have thought that he would have an entourage.
Brock and I were starving, so we went to some of our favorite locations for lunch. Hardly any of our normal spots were open at 3pm on Sunday. It had begun to rain. We finally reached Wolf Gang Puck Express and I ran inside. Right after I got inside the storm began. It was crazy! The wind began to pick up speed. We watched from inside the restaurant as a big planter was picked up and swung across the parking lot into the Starbucks drive-thru. Did any of the people going through the drive-thru stop? No, they went around the planter that was rolling around in the lane in order to get that latte!
I'm looking out of the wall of windows and I hear Brock yelling at me to get away from the window. He had determined that a tornado was overhead. The wind was going in a circular motion. Luckily, it didn't touch down at that time. The craziness continues in Nashville.
Posted by AUNY at 11:43 AM 1 comments
Sunday, April 02, 2006
New Friends in California
We ate some interesting food this weekend. Friday night we had Indian food. The service and the food was great! Yesterday for lunch we had authentic mexican food. They didn't speak much English. I finally tried one of those shrimp cocktails that I always see the Mexicans eating at places like that. It was good.
Last night, we went to an Iranian place. A guy that owned the rental car place where Brock got his car the previous day came and picked us up and took us to eat. The food was so good...shish kebobs galore! They even had a belly dancer for entertainment.
The guy who took us out was very sweet. He was a governor in Iran and held other high political positions. During the Iranian revolution, he escaped from the country and has been here ever since. He had an incredible story.
When we returned to our hotel, a wedding reception was going on in one of the rooms. I told Brock that I've always wanted to crash a wedding, and before I knew it, we were on the dance floor with all of the other guests. Brock said that we were friends of Maurene which was the name of the bride posted up somewhere.
Posted by AUNY at 4:56 PM 2 comments
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Quick Decisions
This weekend, we had to make a lot of quick decisions. As Stephanie and stage hands were putting one of larger illusions onstage, it caught the big video screen. It would not fit under the screen. One of the staffers was freaking out saying that she didn't know what to do because she didn't know how to fix it. I looked at the problem and immediately decided that it was not fixable, and therefore decided to scratch it. Meanwhile, Brock is onstage ready to do this illusion. I walked near the stage and pointed to the straight jacket. Brock nodded slightly and didn't miss a beat. He went on to do straight jacket instead.
Later, we went to put paper on our grand finale illusion. We ran out of butcher paper at the last minute. So, I spent about 20 minutes taping together a bunch of pieces of typing paper. Something so simple as running out of paper could ruin a large trick. In about 95% of our shows something goes wrong. I've become accustomed to making quick decisions.
Posted by AUNY at 5:57 PM 3 comments


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I've gotten a lot of shortbread requests, but haven't done a video for it yet, since I'm not a huge fan of that particular cookie in its classic form. However, I love those little bars you see in the pastry case at the coffee shop, which feature a slightly moister shortbread base, topped with some kind of seasonal fruit.
I always wondered how they were made, and then I saw this peach shortbread post on Smitten Kitchen, which looked just like the aforementioned bars. So, I adapted that recipe, losing the egg white and switching out peaches for the very user-friendly blueberries. Besides, by adding fruit and calling them "bars," we have something that sounds so much healthier than "cookies."
There are no special skills required here, but you really want to get your hands on a wire pastry cutter, literally. Sure, you can dirty your food processor, but a pastry cutter will do the job quickly and easily, and you can really feel and see what's happening in the bowl. Of course, if you're not doing the dishes, go ahead and use the machine.
As I say in the video, any summer fruit will work, as long as you don't use too much, and it's not too wet. You need to have room for the crumbs on top to nestle down around the fruit to hold everything together. Also, if you roll with a particularly large entourage, you can easily double this recipe for a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. I hope you give this a try soon. Enjoy!
Ingredients for 12 bars:
6 1/2 ounces (by weight) AP flour (about 1 1/2 cups of sifted flour, aka not packed)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp Chinese 5-spice (or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg)
1 stick (1/2 cup) very cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 egg yolk
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon ice water, dripped over mixture
about 3/4 cup blueberries, or enough to cover surface
View the complete recipe
View the complete recipe


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Making Music With Mobile - Whitepaper
15 Jan 2008
This Whitepaper is taken from the fourth edition of Juniper Research's report entitled "Mobile Music Ringtones, Ringbacks, Full Tracks & Payment Models, 2007-2012."
This fourth edition of the mobile music report provides a complete anaysis of the market opportunity for mobile music services up until 2012.
Through an examination of the current mobile music market and in-depth qualitative research in the form of one-to-one interviews with leading members of the mobile music value chain, this focused study offers market projections for each category of mobile music service; ringtones; ringback tones; OTA full track downloads; and subscription-based rental services and streamed radio.
The report also presents market projections for mobile user numbers and revenues between 2007-2012, split by eight key regions of the world.
In addition, this extensive analysis of the mobile music market provides a vital analysis of the growing interest in subscription-based rental services.
Key questions addressed:
- What strategies should operators, vendors and aggregators employ to maximise their respective returns in the mobile music sctor?
- What are the prospects for the rental music market?
- Are there further opportunities for growth in the ringtone market?
- To what extent are current music content retail prices sustainable?
- What impact has 3G had on the mobile music market?
- What are the major hurdles to greater adoption of mobile music?
- How has the mobile music value chain developed?
- Who are the major players in the mobile music market?
- Will advertising provide a viable primary revenue stream for content providers?
- What is the total value of the mobile music market?
For more details on this report, visit http://www.juniperresearch.com or phone +44 (0) 1256 830002
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Bringing experience and innovative leadership
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Our team of highly trained professionals provide world-class resources for delivering sophisticated projects on time, on budget, and with unsurpassed quality.
Successfully providing these services has enabled our company to maintain long-term customer relationships with both local and national clients.


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Rawr! – Dragonflight Review
Aabicus, being the awesome person he is, got me Dragonflight for my birthday. It's a game that's been sitting on my wishlist for a while, and, like the other dragon game on my wishlist, has been in Early Access for a while. Being the grateful content creator that I am, I decided to review the game. Dragonflight is a game in which you fly a wyvern (a two-wings, two-legs dragon) around and destroy things. The story is your standard stop-the-bad-guy-from-being-freed nonsense, where you steal the bones of an evil dragon before the enemy does. A bit like National Treasure but… [Continue Reading]Read more


text: There comes a time in everyone's adventure in music where one asks, "Is there such thing as 'too much of a good thing'?" It's easy to summarize your viewpoint on life in this question. This question, however, gets immediately muddled by the existence of Magenta by Seajeff (fka C-Jeff); founder of the gateway to a ton of excellent progressive jams known as Ubiktune. There's literally so much content and so much quality that the answer is either "no, there's no such thing as 'too much of a good thing,'" or I'm now a self-declared hedonistic opportunist. Maybe the answer's both at this point, but let's save that quandary for another time. This album is a badass journey through time and demands a listen, and after the jump I'll give some examples (and a music video) for you to understand why.


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"India's importance is constantly increasing, and not only from an economic point of view. With a direct presence in Mumbai, we are in a position to upgrade the positive synergetic effects of mutual trade between India and Hamburg."
- Peter Deubet
With our experienced knowledge of the market and the wide network of experts, the Hamburg Representation Mumbai supports and consults companies of both countries in market entry and business matters. One of the major tasks the Hamburg Representation conducts is fostering the economic ties and relations between India and Germany by connecting prospective business partners and organizations. Once cooperations are set up, the Hamburg Representation Mumbai actively supports the successful development of the business partnership. As a contact point and intermediary for companies from Hamburg seeking business opportunities in Mumbai/India, the Hamburg Representation Mumbai offers individual consulting regarding market entry strategies and investment options, as well as support in setting up a sufficient business network.
Furthermore, bringing the academic and cultural exchange a step forward is one of the primary goals of the Hamburg Representation Mumbai. In order to develop stronger cultural ties, our team stays in close relations with representatives of the political, economic and cultural sector of both countries. To support the academic exchange, we work together with universities and schools and provide information material as well as interconnection of academic institutions.
Are there any services you are seeking and we didn't list them above? Please contact us, we are happy to cater to your needs.
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Four Facts: Morbid Curiosity
Chicago Cultural Center
Curious? You should go see this show. Especially if, like me, you are looking for ways to procrastinate finishing your thesis. If for no other reason, go see it for the exhibition design of the Kunstkammer of Death (see below image)—who doesn't like maximalist aesthetic?
The show's website claims Morbid Curiosity is one of the Culture Center's largest—with over five hundred works and artifacts. Where'd all this gloom and doom (seriously its not actually that dark) come from? — From Chicago collector Richard Harris's personal closet of skeletons. Harris, is not one of those Harrises, and seems like a pretty kooky dude (I mean, obviously). In the immortal words of Carrie Brandshaw "I couldn't help but wonder" how does Harris display all this stuff in his house? Like how does he fit the huge bone chandelier in his breakfast nook? (With a Liberace-sized commitment to tackiness that's how people.) Anyways, here are your four facts.
1) One work that caught my eye (below, left) was John Isaacs's "Are You Still Mad at Me?" (2001), which was labeled as "shock art" but resists the label "meat art." It's hard not compare Isaacs's sad decomposing wax figure to those awful Body exhibitions. Both are pretty sick, but at least Isaac's work doesn't use executed Chinese prisoners.
2) There is a lot of crocheted, embroiders, and sequined work in the exhibition that will appeal to the DIY crowd. One of my favorites was a yarn-bombed skeleton by Olek called "Body and Movement," (2004). Lots of crazy craftsy craft stuff.
3) Haters of Damien Hirst (could anyone be any less DIY?) will gleefully enjoy Wilson Hand Kidde's "Diamond Jim," (2004), which outdates Hirst's "For the Love of God" by a few years. Let's not rehash all that stuff—instead let's get excited because I now know how to incorporate LOTS of rhinestone into this year's Halloween costume…
4) Lest you think all of the objects in the exhibition are contemporary, there is work with provenances in the BCE, some creepy Renaissance paintings, and my favorite piece in the show: a 18th c. ivory carving of Death, Knight and the Devil on handle of ivory, inspired by Durer's famous print. (I've said it before and I'll say it again: art that references art is so hot right now, er always has been, and always will be?)
The show runs until July 8, but I don't know why the DCA didn't consider running the show to take advantage of Halloween? Just image all of the potential programming. Missed opportunity.


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The Barco screens fail in the BBC News studio:
Mark Chapman to conduct FA Cup second round draw with former striker Mark Bright and ….?
Simon McCoy with a puntastic dog story… Happy days!
Watch as Blue Peter presenter Radzi Chinyanganya presents the weather on the BBC News Channel's Afternoon Live programme with Simon McCoy. At the conclusion of the forecast, Radzi presents Simon with a Blue Peter badge.


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Hours after news broke of the multiple coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night, images of peace began to trend on social media. Our own @monsterhigh_mom was no exception with 100s of thousands shares and retweets with her posted image. All of us at MHP stand with Rochelle & Garrot as we #PrayforParis !
Search It!
Recent Entries
- #SDCC2017 Monster High First Look
- Monster High Fierce Rockers
- Ghouls Getaway Jane Boolittle Confirmed
- Monster High Parents #PrayforParis
- Ghouls Getaway Elissabat Confirmed
- Batsy Claro, Isi Dawndancer, & Kjersti Trolleson Finally Revealed
- Howl-o-ween 2015: What's Hot this year?
- @MonsterHigh App review
- @MonsterHigh Boo York, Boo York is coming home & Nefera plans to rule the world!
- #MonsterHigh Scarnival Draculaura, Clawd & Skelita


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The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust. -Psalm 103:8-14 (ESV)
So I read this the other day and just sat there and was like "wow!" This passage says it so perfectly. God takes away our sins and iniquities. He does not deal with us according to our sins, but according to His love. There isn't much I can add to this passage, so just read it and think on it.