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September 27, 2013
Volume 1
Issue 37
Todd Spitzer Addresses Crime Victims' Memorial Evaluation Committee's Inaugural Meeting
Supervisor Todd Spitzer and OC Parks staff joined members of the Orange County Crime Victims' Memorial committee on Wednesday night, September 25 in William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine. The memorial site pays tribute to the victims of crimes and their loved ones. The committee will consider design submissions – due on September 30 – before judging the applications in terms of how to best create an accessible site that honors victims of all types of crime.
"I want to thank the members of the evaluation jury for serving our community," Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. "I also thank them for dedicating time and energy to ensure a successful and appropriate memorial for victims of crime here in Orange County."
The Orange County Crime Victims' Memorial plays an instrumental role in a larger movement to honor the rights of victims of crime. Supervisor Spitzer has dedicated his career to victims' rights, both as the campaign chairman of the Marsy's Law initiative and in his former positions as a prosecutor and a victims' rights attorney. The memorial site in Mason Park will serve as a place to remember and as a symbol of perseverance in the movement to defend the rights of crime victims.
The finalists of round 1 will be announced on October 31. They must submit more rigorous proposals by January 30, 2014, which will be on display for the public to view from February through March 2014. The formal announcement of the Orange County Crime Victims' Memorial in William R. Mason Regional Park is scheduled for April 2014, which coincides with National Crime Victims' Rights Week.
Members of the evaluation committee include representatives from each of the county's five districts:
Jane Bouffard, Justice for Homicide Victims, First District
Marie Belmontes, Parents of Murdered Children-OC, First District
Michael Chavez, Second District
Patricia Wenksunas, Crime Survivors, Inc., Third District
Christine Richters, Victim, Third District
Steve Spernak, Fourth District
Dru Maurer, Fifth District
County Completes Business Continuity Plans at Todd Spitzer's Urging
While it is not always possible to prevent disasters from wreaking havoc, the County government can ensure that the appropriate resources and procedures are in place to recover from possible catastrophes. Business continuity plans do just that. They lay out the tools that County agencies and departments will utilize in case of emergency. According to the County Chief Information Officer, all of Orange County's agencies and departments now have comprehensive business continuity plans in place.
"I want to congratulate all the County agencies and departments that have been involved in this process. It is quite an undertaking to manage the successful completion of 23 separate business continuity plans, and I am glad to see everyone contributing," Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. "We are responsible for over 3 million people, as well as immense infrastructure in Orange County, and business continuity plans serve a vital role in our protection."
Earlier this year, the Internal Audit Department reported on one department's progress with its business continuity plan. Supervisor Spitzer then asked for the Internal Audit Department to report on the status of the business continuity plans for the County's 23 departments and agencies.
On May 21, the Internal Audit Department report showed the plans just over half-completed. At Supervisor Spitzer's impetus, the County Executive Office then set out a timeline with key milestones to ensure County agencies and departments complete their business continuity plans.
Point-in-Time Count Finds 4,300 Homeless in Orange County Every Night
Supervisor Todd Spitzer and a volunteer speak with a homeless woman during the Point-in-Time count.
(Portions Courtesy of the OC Partnership to End Homelessness)
Capturing the efforts of a mass community undertaking involving 750 volunteers, 41 agencies and private and public supporters, the recently released 2013 Orange County Homeless Count and Survey Report now reveals that almost 4,300 people are homeless on any given night in Orange County. More than 12,700 people are homeless over the course of a year.
The report of results from the Point-In-Time count, Orange County's biennial survey and count of the area's homeless population, conducted through leadership of the Commission to End Homelessness, OC Partnership, Focus Strategies, the Orange County Health Care Agency, with funding provided by the County through OC Community Services, show that:
Approximately 40% of homeless people in Orange County are unsheltered; that's almost 1,700 individuals living on the street, in a car, or in other places not meant for habitation.
Approximately 1 in 5 homeless individuals are chronically homeless, meaning that they've been homeless for the last 12 months or at least 4 times in the past 3 years.
There are an estimated 900 homeless children in Orange County. In fact, 37% of homeless people live in a household that includes a minor child, although the vast majority of homeless children are sheltered.
More than 1 in 10 of Orange County's homeless are veterans, the majority of whom (60%) are unsheltered.
It's estimated that there are 480 homeless individuals are living with severe mental illness; the majority (78%) are unsheltered.
Among Orange County's homeless who are living unsheltered:
The average age is 48 years old.
1 in 5 are unsheltered females.
Almost 6% are transitional age youth (18-24 year olds).
In comparing the 2013 count data to the last Point-in-Time count conducted in 2011, this year's survey revealed a 23% increase in number of homeless individuals and families who were in a sheltered environment, a significant improvement. The data also showed a 5% decrease in the number of chronically homeless individuals counted. The chronically homeless are often the hardest to house, but the Point-in-Time found that these individuals are more often utilizing shelter than in previous years – just 4% in 2011, now 16% in 2013.
Beginning at 4:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, county employees and volunteers ventured into areas where homeless take refuge, often near areas such as Mary's Kitchen in Orange, where homeless receive food and showers.
Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer and his staff participated in the Point-in-Time count. The survey, which takes place every two years, is critical in determining federal funding received by the county to serve the homeless population.
"I want to thank all the staff and volunteers, including several of my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, who participated in such an important event," Spitzer said. "It was such an eye-opening experience speaking with homeless individuals in our county and learning their stories. I look forward to working with my fellow Supervisors to make positive changes in efforts to find solutions to homelessness."
In addition to helping Orange County better understand and respond to homelessness in our region, Point-in-Time data also helps the County and homeless service providers allocate resources and prepare for projected changes in homeless policy. Several federal initiatives and requirements are calling for communities to soon shift from a system of homeless shelter and services to a housing "crisis resolution system" which focuses instead on transitional programs leading to stable housing as quickly as possible. Homeless count data about population and characteristics – such as the Point-in-Time count provides – are key pieces of the information needed to develop and refine this type of response system.
Tustin Tiller Days
Click on the image above to view a PDF version.
2013-14 Property Tax Bills to Be Issued in October
The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector's office will be mailing 2013-14 Secured Property Tax Bills from October 4-18. (Secured property taxes are levied on buildings and real estate.) Secured tax bills will become available at
as they are mailed.
Additionally, the paper property tax bill now includes a quick response code (QR code), so smartphone users can scan the code to reach the online version of their tax bill instantly. Online property tax payments can be made at
. Online payments are processed more quickly, reduce the risk of a check being lost or stolen from the mail, and help the environment.
The first installment of property tax bills will be due December 10, 2013 and the second installment will be due April 10, 2014. Late payments will be subject to a 10% penalty.
Dog Licensing Saves Lost Pets
(Portions courtesy of OC Animal Care)
The County of Orange wants to reiterate the importance and benefits of dog licensing. Dog licensing began as a form of rabies control, but today it has transformed into much more than that. OC Animal Care says that nearly 90% of all animals that come to the shelter with some form of identification, which includes licenses, are returned to their owners.
"My dog, Auggie, is licensed, and my family has the peace of mind that if anything should ever happen to him, we'll get him back," Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. "Plus as a responsible dog owner, I make sure that Auggie has all his appropriate vaccines."
Having a dog license is certainly part of being a responsible pet owner and ensuring your dog is currently rabies vaccinated. However, dog owners can become so confident in the fact that they've secured their homes, their pets are very well trained, or the idea that "my dog will never get out," that owners forget the most valuable part of licensing – lost pets will be found and returned. Think of a dog license like a license plate for your car or like the name tag on your luggage. Only with a dog license you are ensuring that, instead of property, your faithful friend is returned to you should the unthinkable happen.
Also, purchasing a license for your dog couldn't be easier. OC Animal Care offers dog licensing online, over the phone, or at the shelter. For $24.00, if your dog is spayed or neutered, you can rest assured that should the unfortunate happen and your dog gets out, OC Animal Care can locate you quickly and may be able to return your pet without it ever needing to come to the shelter. Contact OC Animal Care at 714-935-6848, or visit them online at
Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a PDF version.
Events Around the District
Contra Dancing for All Ages
2 p.m. Saturday, Sep. 28
Anaheim Canyon Hills Library, 400 Scout Trail
Ukulele Jam!
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5
Orange Public Library, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Farmers Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sep. 29
Orange County Great Park
Villa Park
Toddler Storytime
9:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1
Community Room, 17855 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Tween Toy Workshop
6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy.
Todd Spitzer Addresses Crime Victims' Memorial Evaluation Committee's Inaugural Meeting
County Completes Business Continuity Plans at Todd Spitzer's Urging
Point-in-Time Count Finds 4,300 Homeless in Orange County Every Night
Tustin Tiller Days
2013-14 Property Tax Bills to Be Issued in October
Dog Licensing Saves Lost Pets
Pet of the Week
Events Around the District
Martha Ochoa
Chief of Staff
Martin Gardner
Policy Advisor
Carrie O'Malley
Policy Advisor
Chris Nguyen
Policy Advisor
Christine Richters
Executive Aide
District Map
Villa Park
Yorba Linda
El Modena
North Tustin
Orange Park Acres
the Canyon Communities
Stay Updated!
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Copyright 2013 County of Orange, California
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As of January 1, 2016, Gapers Block has ceased publication. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years. ✶
Sunday, August 9
It's all about second chances for Chicago's free all-night party, Looptopia, which returns to downtown Chicago Friday night. Can the Loop-illuminating festival charm the city with its musical lineup? Over in Transmission, we take a look at the slate.
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Shouldn't ballet have previews? Wouldn't it help dancers and choreographers alike? As with most bad things, the money says no. Ballets have short runs, so you slap 'em on stage and get reviews and publicity whirring at the earliest opportunity. Good for box office and bar takings, but how about the art?
A triple bill by a living choreographer is a rarity at the Royal Ballet, usually only granted on presentation of a death certificate. But the current meaty programme by Christopher Wheeldon includes two toothsome revivals – the abstract After the Rain and Within the Golden Hour – sandwiching a chewy, messy premiere: Strapless, based on the shoulder-baring scandal of John Singer Sergeant's 1884 portrait Madame X. Might it have landed more smartly with a preview or two? A performance isn't merely about artists showing an audience what they've got; it's about an audience helping artists see what've created. Previews let them rethink and refine. Strapless needs an audience to pinpoint the narrative blurs and occluded intent.
I haven't read Wheeldon's source, Deborah Davis' book of the same name, though in synopsis, it's the novel Edith Wharton never wrote: two Americans feel they are flowering in Paris, only to bump into the limits of the culture and their self-reinvention. Tricky material for dance, it depends on social and psychological nuance, without a novel's linguistic ambiguities or the map of facial warmth and freeze that cinema allows. In the evening's other ballets, dancers press flesh in minimal costume – the frisson of an exposed shoulder is hard to convey.
Doing the don't
Wheeldon's work centres on Sargent (Edward Watson) and Amélie Gautreau (Natalia Osipova): the painter whose being is seeing, the muse who longs to be seen. Gautreau's trademark move is a turn – give us a twirl, Amélie – offering a delighted display in all directions. She borders on the classic ballet flirt, taking the town and catching eyes with her sexy moves.
Sargent's gift as a portraitist was for swagger and suggestion – his sitters look fabulous, but their longing (and the artist's own?) peeks through. Wheeldon presents one recurring subject, the young aristo-artist Albert de Belleroche (Matthew Ball), as Sargent's lover (to some homophobic disappointment) – and his most interesting sequence takes flight from the fact that the painter sketched both sitters in near-identical poses. Osipova and Ball glide in profile past an opaque canvas, and join Watson in a snaky, tenderly knotted trio (above, in rehearsal – photo Andrej Uspenski/ROH). Is the woman a substitute for the youth, or is the portrait an ambiguous palimpsest of Sargent's art and heart? For both artist and muse, is painting a sexual act?
Wheeldon doesn't quite nail the image; nor the waft between high society and bohemia (we get an ooh-la-la café cluttered with cancan dancers); nor the weight of Parisian disapproval (people wear black and point). Ballet can do sex – Amélie's affair with Dr Pozzi (Federico Bonelli), the hornbucket gynaecologist from one of Sargent's most famous portraits, is conducted with a brisk crotch shuttle, suggesting that the doc did indeed know his way around lady parts. Bonelli also has a moment with Watson and serial fumble with the café minxes: ballet can suggest doing the do, but doing the don't is more complex.
The most telling scene, for me, was the last (pictured top, by Bill Cooper). Osipova is in her vulnerable undies – her undress figuring not sex but shame – and is almost swept away by an advancing wall displaying her portrait. Time vindicates the artwork but ignores the woman who inspired it: reinforced by the modern gallery visitors and their guide (Watson again) who cluster around the painting oblivious to Osipova. As my chum noted, I had missed the final line of the synopsis: 'The painting ultimately brings Amélie the fame and immortality she had so craved in life.' Arrogantly, I find that sentimental baloney, and prefer my mistaken reading. The artwork is lauded, its subject all but forgotten. The desire that animated its origin becomes a note in the catalogue.
Art takes time, and it takes work. Wheeldon successfully retuned Alice's Adventures in Wonderland between the premiere and first revival (adding an extra interval; cutting not quite enough), and could similarly revisit The Winter's Tale when it returns in April. The furore over Benedict Cumberbatch's Hamlet spotlit how previews are theatre's test kitchen; last autumn I saw Mr Foote's Other Leg having already caught a preview, and was impressed at how much sharper and funnier it had become after just a few nights. The Bolshoi will perform Strapless next year, and Wheeldon may land it with greater force. But wouldn't choreographers love a chance to complete work first time round? Does this happen elsewhere? As Strapless suggests, art is in for the long haul: an underdone premiere satisfies no one.
UPDATE Soon after posting, it occurred to me that something was wrong with the photo of the last scene. In my memory, Osipova had been wearing white rather than black. I asked Twitter to help resolve the question and @millymillon and @annakardar both confirmed the ballerina wore white. That change must have taken place following the dress rehearsal (and for good, making the vulnerability keener). It reinforces my conviction that previews could be immensely valuable.
Follow David on Twitter: @mrdavidjays


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GPs to share patient data with social care in Government pilot
GPs in three areas of England will be expected to share patient data with social care as well as hospitals in the next two years.
The new scheme from NHS England will see GPs work off a record system shared between practices, trusts and local authorities, in an effort to improve patient safety.
NHS England officials have said the scheme will 'save lives' and mean patients 'don't have to repeat themselves'.
GP leaders said the scheme will improve patient care if the data are shared 'in an appropriate and safe way'.
As part of the scheme, Greater Manchester, Wessex and London will each receive £7.5m over two years to set up a shared electronic local health and care record to cover a total of 14 million patients.
NHS England told Pulse that the aim is to have the record-sharing systems in place at the end of the two years, in 2019/20.
It added that patient information would only be provided to appropriate people in the NHS and social care systems, and only when it's needed.
Dr Richard Vautrey, chair of the BMA GP Committee said: 'Patient care can be improved when practices, hospitals and social care share clinical information in an appropriate and safe way.
'It's important to fully involve practicing clinicians in the development of these local systems to create arrangements that protect patient information and retain the confidence of the profession.
'When this is done, improved access to clinical information can enable all those involved to provide better care to a patient and their family.'
NHS England said each area had nominated an organisation to hold the funding, but was unable to disclose which organisations these were as funding agreements have yet to be signed.
Will Smart, NHS England's chief information officer for health and care, said the new scheme is 'raising the bar for how the NHS can improve care through technology'.
He said: 'By sharing information across a larger population, we can ensure that as people move across the different parts of the NHS and social care they don't have to repeat themselves and provide the same information time and again.'
And Dr Simon Eccles, chief clinical information officer for health and care, said: 'Sharing information for people's individual care can be lifesaving by quickly providing staff with the details they need, from patient histories to previous test results and care plans.'
Health minister Lord O'Shaughnessy said: 'Patients rightly expect that, wherever they're being treated in the NHS, doctors and nurses will have access to all the vital information they need.
'Building on successful projects across England, this new programme will make that a reality for millions of patients – with the potential to improve care and save lives.'
To share or not to share?
GP record sharing has long been a contentious topic.
GP leaders have previously told GPs to consider switching off SystmOne's patient record sharing function after it was found that SystmOne did not alert GPs to when new providers gain access to the patient record, and did not allow practices to limit record access to local organisations or those directly involved in caring for a patient.
But the ICO advised GPs using the system not to switch off enhanced information sharing despite concerns, ahead of an update to the record-sharing feature that gave GPs 'additional controls' through which they can properly discharge their responsibilities under the Data Protection Act.
NHS England confirmed that the news systems created by the exemplars would only ever use identifiable patient information for individual care and patients will be offered a choice on how their identifiable information is used for research and planning purposes following the launch of GDPR legislation on 25 May.
This comes after it was revealed that NHS bosses overrided the wishes of 1.2m patients who opted out of having their medical data shared within and outside of the NHS in 2016.
Readers' comments (6)
The government want your data. They just can't help themselves, it's too tempting sitting there all fat, ripe and juicy. It's probably one of the most valuable assets the NHS possesses, medical data on virtually the entire population of an affluent first world country. It belongs to them anyhow doesn't it, and access would be for 'everyone's benefit' wouldn't it? They want the keys to your medical record and sooner or later by stealth or otherwise, drop by drip, step by step they will have it. The AI monster is coming, it eats data and will need feeding and wether you like it or not your medical history is on the menu and will be consumed.
1. Remove our data controller responsibilities then - or I'm not signing up
2. Ask our patient s if they want their health data shared that widely - they won't. Very few people want millions of others to have access to their records, potentially without their permission.
3. If the system is robust and safe, there needs to be one system for all: if it is, then the Queen, Boris Johnson and Theresa May all need to agree to have their data on there alongside all our patients. If not, they shouldn't roll it out as it's not good enough for everyone.
Health minister Lord O'Shaughnessy said: 'Patients rightly expect that, wherever they're being treated in the NHS, doctors and nurses will have access to all the vital information they need.
I'm ok with that, provided that there are adequate controls and the opportunity to reliably opt out.
Sharing data with non-medical 'care' organisations/social work etc is however a rather different matter and should be resisted. Others have difficulty in grasping the fact that just because you find something out does not entitle you to use that information as you wish.
Two examples: Several years ago I referred a young man to the drugs problems service, which is (inappropriately) run by social work. The electronic referral was seen by his probation officer who came across it on the social work computer system. A condition of the man's probation was staying off drugs (though of course they had done nothing to help in that matter) and were it not for the enormous fuss I made, the probation officer was planning to get him sent back to jail.
Similarly, a patient who was a social worker in another area lost her job. There was just vague circumstantial evidence of data misuse but it was the only realistic explanation for various trumped up accusations.


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Step into high fantasy…
With this week's featured #WriterWednesday Indie Author:
Michael Dellert
Michael Dellert lives in the Greater New York City area. Following a traditional publishing career spanning nearly two decades, he now works as a freelance writer, editor, publishing consultant, and writing coach. He is also the sole writer, editor, and publisher of the blog MDellertDotCom: Adventures in Indie Publishing. He holds a Master's Degree in English Language & Literature from Drew University, and a certificate from the Cornell University School of Criticism & Theory (2009). He is the author of two fantasy fiction novellas: Hedge King in Winter and A Merchant's Tale.
Hedge King in Winter
The king has been crippled. Can his brother hold the kingdom together against the machinations of their rival cousin?
Read and enjoy Hedge King in Winter, the first tale in the Matter of Manred. The new on-going fantasy novella is now available in Print and for Kindle and Nook.
This exciting new sword-and-sorcery action tale follows the continuing adventures of the warriors, kings, and priests of the Matter of Manred Saga.
Follow the adventures of Lord Eowain, his brother King Lórcan, and their chief minister Medyr as they struggle to hold the throne against the villainous Lord Tnúthgal.
Eowain eyed his cousin up and down. Eowain wasn't a tall man, but neither was Tnúthgal. His cousin was grizzle-bearded with age, but no less burly than himself. Eowain knew him for a veteran of a fierce history, of a generation with his own father. As Eowain stepped forward, Tnúthgal did not shirk from him, bridling in his coat of steel-ringed leather.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ Read reviews of Hedge King in Winter
A Merchant's Tale
Available for Pre-Order now on Amazon!
Corentin, a young foreign trader of the House Pelan arrives in the uncertain lands of Droma, tasked to deliver a mysterious chest to a far-away sage in a remote corner of the kingdom. Accompanied by his mercenary bodyguard, a young local priest, and their native scout, Corentin sets out on a journey that will change his life forever.
This is no shiny happy fantasy of noble knights, on noble steeds, acting nobly.
A Merchant's Tale is the second installment in The Matter of Manred Saga, a new cycle of medieval romances, action adventures, heroic fantasies, mysterious priests, and their dark and forgetful gods, brought to you from the fiction workshop of Michael E. Dellert.
This exciting serialized fantasy novella is now available for FREE on Tablo Publishing.
Set once more in the Land of Droma, this wholly new Tale introduces new characters, new places, and new dangers!
"Now," said their host, "Merchant, as the Gods may you bless, since you know so much of that land of Iathrann, full heartily I pray you tell us part."
"Gladly," said he.
Pre-Order Your Copy today or…
Sign up for the Goodreads Giveaway of A Merchant's Tale by 5 March and you'll be eligible to win one of just 20 signed author's copies of A Merchant's Tale as well as a free signed author's copy of Hedge King in Winter. Winners to be announced by 11 March 2016.
Enter TODAY for your chance to win!
Keep Up with Michael Dellert:
- Amazon
- Goodreads
- MDellertDotCom: Adventures in Indie Publishing (Blog)


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Italy Shock UAE With 67-Run Win
Italy have delivered the latest upset at the ICC World Twenty20 2014 Qualifier by beating hosts United Arab Emirates while there were also wins for Nepal, Namibia and the Netherlands.
Group A
The upset of the day came as Italy beat United Arab Emirates by 67 runs to revive their chances of making the play-offs.
Damian Crowley hammered 59 in 48 balls while Peter Petricola hit 38 and Carl Sandri 30 not out to help India post 158 for five.
In reply, UAE slipped to 14 for four and never recovered, bowled out for 91 in 16.2 overs. Shan Munasinghe took three for 19, Crowley two for 10 and Gareth Berg two for 21.
Namibia's seven-wicket win over Canada ends the Canadians chances of reaching the ICC World Twenty20 next year.
Canada started well enough, Ruvindu Gunasekera hitting 25 and Jimmy Hansra 23 but they were bowled out for 117, unable to build their innings. Nicholaas Scholtz took five for 13 and Bernard Scholtz two for 19.
Raymond van Schoor then hit 58 in 55 balls and Craig Williams 37 not out in 33 deliveries as Namibia reached their target with three balls to spare.
Standings: Ireland 11 points, Hong Kong 10 points, United Arab Emirates 8 points, Namibia 6 points, Italy 5 points, Uganda, USA 3 points, Canada 2 points
Group B
The Netherlands bounced back from their defeat to Scotland by beating Kenya by 29 runs.
Michael Swart (44) and Wesley Barresi (28) top scored as the Dutch posted 130 for seven and they then restricted Kenya to 101 for seven.
In the seventh over, Kenya were 10 for six, from which point there was no way back.
Mudassar Bukhari took three for 14 and Swart two for eight and some respectability was restored to Kenya by Shem Ngoche's 38 in 28 balls.
Gyanendra Malla hit 39 in 22 balls and Subash Khakurel 35 in as many balls as Nepal beat Bermuda by 21 runs.
A late collapse saw Nepal close on 148 for eight as Malachi Jones, Allan Douglas II and Dion Stovell took two wickets.
However, Bermuda could not capitalise on their strong finish in the field when they were bowled out for 127.
They lost wickets early and were 15 for four although Janeiro Tucker's 48 in 31 balls gave them some hope before Nepal came back, Jitendra Mukhiya finishing with three for 25, Avinash Karn two for 14 and Paras Khadka two for 23.
Standings: Afghanistan, Netherlands 10 points, Nepal 8 points, Kenya, Scotland 6 points, Papua New Guinea 5 points, Bermuda 4 points, Denmark 1 point
© Cricket World 2013


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This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Grab a tiered valance from Dollar General and paint it metallic gold with this super easy technique. This project will only take a few minutes of hands on time and you can have a custom painted valance. Don't love the gold? Just change it out for any color that matches your home decor.
You will need to pick up a tiered valance from Dollar General in the section with the other curtains.
You will also need some metallic gold paint that is intended for use with fabric. I used the brand that is pictured below but any that you can find will work.
The tiers on this valance making painting stripes a breeze. Just flip up the tiers, paint most of the tier you want to be gold, allow to dry, and more onto another tier. I didn't even have to use masking tape! I used a sponge pouncer brush to really get the paint into the fabric.
I made two tiers of my valance gold to mimic a striped effect. You could do one, two, or more depending on the look that you are going for. Once the paint is completely dry you are ready to hang this one up and enjoy it in your home. NOTE: Please be sure to read the package instructions that come with any paint you purchase and follow them completely.
This project is a really fun way to add a pop of color to your windows. Grab a valance from Dollar General today to get started on your own metallic painted valance. A fresh new curtain can update any room instantly!


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How many calories to eat to lose weight?
How many calories to eat to lose weight? – It is really important to understand the amount of calories you must eat every day to lose weight. If you are on diet, you are not only limiting the food consumption because it will be dangerous if you do not do it properly. So, how many calories to eat to lose weight? When you are on a diet, you must not torture yourself by not eating foods. Therefore, you need at least meet your daily calories needs. Read these following tips on controlling your daily calories for weight loss program.
The Least Amount of Calories to Meet on Diet
Just because you are now on diet, it does not mean that you are not allowed to eat food at all, but you only need to limit the amount of the calories you eat every day. A good weight loss program must be calculated according to your body needs so you will stay healthy. You cannot shrink your body in only one day. You must follow the process anyway.
Relating to calories, most of the women need calorie intake as many as 2000 calorie per day, while men need 2500 calorie intake every day. If you are on a diet program, ideally you only need to reduce as many as 500 calories per day. So, women may only need 1500 calories and men need 2000 calories for weight loss. By reducing 500 calories every day, you can reduce your weight as much as 0.1 up to 1 kg in a week.
Some of the women think that 500 calories are not enough to lose weight, so some of them prefer to reduce more than 500 calories every day to get an effective and fast result. According to Michelle Davenport, Ph.D., an active woman needs 1200-1400 calories per day so that she can make sure the body metabolism works normally. But, when she likes to exercise or workout, she needs bigger calories because the calories will be burned during the exercise.
However, there are also other factors that really influence the amount of calories intakes such as age factors, body weight, height, activity level, metabolism condition, and much more. So, for those who want to know the exact daily calories intake to lose weight, they need to visit their dietitians or nutritionists to get more information.
How many calories to eat to lose weight?
The Consequences of Low Calories Intake
You have to pay attention when you are on a diet program because you may reduce the calories intake too significant in which it will be dangerous for your body. If you eat foods with very low calories as many as 800- 1000 for more than 4 weeks, then you will get some health issues such as constipation, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. In addition, it may also cause Gallstones and other health problems. Thereby, you need to think twice before you really reduce your calorie intake at a very low level, especially when you are on a diet.
The Best Way to Reduce Calorie Intake
Here are tips for those who want to lose weight, but you can still meet the needs of calories.
- Eat more protein
Protein can reduce your appetite and can also increase the number of calories you burn. The body needs a lot of energy to metabolize proteins, so it is indirectly burning calories in your body.
- Avoid sweet drinks
You need to avoid soft drinks, fruit juices, and much more. Sweet drinks can be one of the factors that can cause you to gain weight.
- Drink a lot of mineral water
It can also help you lose weight. Drinking water before meals may help reduce hunger so you will eat less. In addition, drinking lots of water can also increase the number of calories you burn per day.
- Exercise regularly
Of course, exercise can balance the calories intake in your body. Weightlifting is also important because it can inhibit the loss of muscle mass and can prevent the slowing of metabolic rate in your body.
Well, that is all about a number of calories intake you need to eat if you want to lose weight. As long as you do not reduce the calorie at a very low level, you will be still healthy. But, you must be patient because it needs a process to get the best re


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Pinwheel pizzas
Nutrition and extra info
- Freezable
Nutrition: per pizza
- kcal271
- fat11g
- saturates5g
- carbs31g
- sugars1g
- fibre1g
- protein12g
- salt1.3g
- olive oil, for the tin
Olive oilol-iv oyl
Probably the most widely-used oil in cooking, olive oil is pressed from fresh olives. It's…
- 500g pack bread mix
- flour, for dusting
Flour is usually made from grinding wheat, maize, rye, barley or rice. As the main…
- 50g mature cheddar, grated
For the filling
- 4 tbsp tomato purée
- handful basil, roughly torn
Most closely associated with Mediterranean cooking but also very prevalent in Asian food, the…
- 1 whole roasted pepper, from a jar, cut into strips
Also known as capsicums, bell peppers, sweet peppers or by their colours, for example red and…
- 70g pack pepperoni, chopped
- 125g ball mozzarella, torn into chunks
Oil a 25cm springform tin. Make up the bread mix following pack instructions.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to an oblong 35 x 22cm using a rolling pin. Spread the tomato purée over the dough (leaving a border of dough plain all the way round), then scatter with the basil, pepper, pepperoni and mozzarella.
Carefully and firmly roll up from the longest side to make a Swiss roll, then slice evenly into 8 thick pinwheels. Arrange 7 around the edge of the tin and put the eighth in the centre. Cover the tin with cling film and leave in a warm place until well risen. Depending on the heat in the room, this can take up to 1 hr.
Heat oven to 240C/220C fan/gas 7. Remove the cling film, scatter with the cheddar and bake for 12-15 mins until golden.


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The 2012 Critérium International will be run on March 24th and 25th, and take on a similar appearance to last year's edition, but for the fact that the stages have been switched around. The two-day, three-stage, mini tour de France, traditionally features a flat stage, a time trial, and a mountain stage; where the 2011 edition began with a mountain stage that finished on the top of the Col de l'Ospedale, this year's race will end that way.
The race, which is organised by Tour de France owner ASO, will take place on the Mediterranean Island of Corsica for the third straight year. This previously gave a strong hint that the Tour de France was poised to visit the island for the first time in its history; now that the 2013 Grand Depart has been confirmed for Corsica, the Critérium International will give riders a taste of the island in advance of the big race.
The overall victories of Pierrick Fédrigo (then Bbox Bouygues Telecom, now FDJ-BigMat) and Fränk Schleck (then Leopard Trek, now RadioShack-Nissan-Trek) were both achieved after they took a solo win on the first stage to the 957m high Col; Schleck beat Vasil Kiryienka (Movistar) and Rein Taaramäe (Cofidis) into second and third, and these were the final podium positions. Moving the tough mountain stage to the end of the race should add more of an element of suspense to the race, with the winner not determined until the end of the second and final day.
Stages two and three from previous years – the short, flat stage and time trial in the town of Porto-Vecchio – will move to become the first and second stages on day one.
ASO has invited a sixteen teams, from WorldTour, Professional Continental, and Continental level. Understandably, half of the teams are French, with both of France's ProTeams – in AG2R La Mondiale and FDJ-BigMat – all four of its ProConti teams – in Bretagne-Schuller, Cofidis, Saur-Sojasun and Europcar – and two of its biggest Continental teams in Auber93 and La Pomme Marseille.
Schleck's RadioShack-Nissan-Trek team is also on the list of invitees, and will also likely feature German veteran, and joint highest race winner, Jens Voigt.
Critérium International (2.HC)
16 selected teams
WorldTour ProTeams
AG2R La Mondiale (Fra)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Euskaltel-Euskadi (Spa)
FDJ - BigMat (Fra)
Garmin-Barracuda (USA)
RadioShack-Nissan (Lux)
Sky Procycling (GBr)
Professional Continental teams
Bretagne-Schuller (Fra)
Cofidis, Le crédit en ligne (Fra)
Colombia-Coldeportes (Col)
Project 1T4I (Ned)
Saur-Sojasun (Fra)
Team Europcar (Fra)
Team Type 1 - Sanofi (USA)
Continental teams
Auber 93 (Fra)
La Pomme Marseille (Fra)
Saturday 24th March
Stage 1: Porto-Vecchio > Porto-Vecchio, 89.5 km
Stage 2: Porto-Vecchio > Porto Vecchio, 6.5 km (ITT)
Sunday 25th March
Stage 3: Porto-Vecchio > Col de l'Ospedale, 179 km


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NIce…. Now you look more like a man…. Too bad you didn't put on a denim shirt….
and a 5 gallon hat…
Good Luck D!
It's now week 4 and we are quickly closing in on the end of Movember. I managed to pass the $500 mark in donations thanks to everyone's generous contributions! Let's keep that going, if you haven't donated yet head on over to my Mo' Space page and Donate to the cause. We still have some great prizes up for grabs! See below for more details. But for now, let the mocking begin as I present to you, The Week 4 stash!
As you should know by now, our friend Paul from The Maldonado Dynasty has graciously donated a whole box of "The Mogul" cigars to help raise money for my Movember campaign. Review of "The Mogul" can be found here. Just yesterday, he also posted a VERY interesting article/interview about his history and how The Maldonado Dynasty came to be. I highly suggest giving it a read over here: http://www.maldonadodynasty.com/dawn-of-a-dynasty.html
Don't forget that you can also pick up a sampler pack or a box of "The Mogul" directly from the Maldonado Dynasty website: http://www.maldonadodynasty.com/The-Mogul.html
Now here's a nice summary of how you can win one of the 5 prizes we have up for grabs:
1. Donate to my Movember campaign and help raise funds for Cancer Research
2. "Like" Casas Fumando on Facebook
3. Make up an awesome name for my Stash! See some names from the Week 2 post here
And of course, a quick reminder of the prizes up for grabs:
1. 4 prizes containing a 5-pack of Maldonado Dynasty "The Mogul" Cigars
2. An awesome prize of 5 specially selected cigars from my humidor
So let's get some more donations in before Movember officially ends next week. Every little bit helps and every little bit is truly appreciated. Hit up my Mo' Space page and make a donation now! Lots of cigars are up for grabs so make sure you get your entry in!
NIce…. Now you look more like a man…. Too bad you didn't put on a denim shirt….
and a 5 gallon hat…
Good Luck D!
I think Tony's Canadian Stereotypes are rubbing off on you, Hoser! lol
Now the 5-gallon hat, that's something I could totally pull off…
Does the name Guy pronounce in french as Ghee? Where's the beret? Remember not all men who have mustaches are pedophiles, but all pedophiles have staches….
Nice work on the 'stache and kudos for supporting a great cause!
Thanks Craig, appreciate your support for this!
Way to go, man! Lookin' good. I'd still like to see the Snidely Whiplash look, though.
I would call the stache "The Conquistador". It looks like it would be on the face of a conquering Latino who also happens to be a fine torcedor on the side!
The stache's name is "lil Danny boy". I still hold strong to my original thought. For the stache to truly stand out, you need to shave the chin. That will prove that you've got the guts and have what it takes to really put your whole face out there. DO IT!!!
I think everyone else should weigh in on this. Come on guys tell him. Chin or shave the chin, what's it gonna be??
You're doing well Daniel T.
Donation made, even though you had to google Snidely Whiplash. Sheesh, the kids these days. SMH.
Super Generous of you Brent, thanks so much!
And I recognized the character, just didn't recognize the name… lol
I think you are the front runner for the biggest donation prize unless someone else steps up to knock you down… 😉


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A few weeks ago, I had an excuse to bake a celebratory cake. While searching for a suitable recipe, a small side note from the "About Angel Food Cakes" section in Joy of Cooking caught my eye: it suggested that to jazz up an angel food cake, to stuff it with lemon curd. The complementary flavours of tangy lemon layered inside a light angel food cake captivated my imagination (not to mention my tastebuds). I decided to finish the cake with a whipped cream frosting stabilized by rich mascarpone cheese. Mascarpone is a rich, spreadable, Italian cheese, almost custard-like in flavour. It helps thicken the frosting, while retaining the lightness of the whipping cream.
The cake was suberb – with the flavours melding perfectly. For my parent's wedding anniversary this weekend, I tried it out on my mother (who is a self-declared dessert connoisseur), and she too declared it an absolute success. While slightly fiddly to assemble, it is certainly worth every second of effort!
Coincidently, a few weeks after my initial test run, Canadian Living came out with a similar recipe for mother's day. I suspect most mothers would love this special dessert next Sunday!
Angel Cake with Lemon Curd and Marscapone Frosting
Makes one 10-inch angel food cake
Angel Food Cake
1 cup sifted cake flour
3/4 cup + 3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups egg whites (about 11 large whites)
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond abstract
Lemon Cheese
3 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup strained fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Marscapone Frosting
2 cups whipping cream
1 cup marscapone
1/4 to 1/2 cup icing sugar, depending on your preferred sweetness
Finishing Touches
1 pint blueberries
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Angle Cake
Note: The egg whites should be at room temperature.
Preheat the oven to 350. Have ready an ungreased 10-inch tube pan (preferably with removable sides).
Sift together three times the flour, 3/4 cup sugar and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine the egg whites, water, lemon juice, cream of tartar, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture increases to 5 times in volume and resembles a soft foam, about 3-5 minutes.
On medium-high speed, beat in 1 tablespoon at a time, taking 2 to 3 minutes 3/4 cup sugar. When all the sugar has been added, teh foam will be creamy white and hold soft, moist, glossy peaks that bend over at the points: do not beat until stiff.
Sift a fine layer of the flour mixture (about 1/4 cup) evenly over the batter and fold gently with a rubber spatula only until the flour is almost incorporated; do not stir or mix. Repeat 7 more times, folding in the last addition until no traces of flour are visible.
Pour the batter into the pan and spread gently to level the top. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
When the cake is done, invert immediately and cool upside down in the pan, to prevent it from sinking. Use the feet of the pan to hold it above the surface of the table or prop it higher by resting the tube on a bottle or inverted funnel. Let the cake cool for at least 1 1/2 hours, until it is thoroughly set.
To remove the cake from the pan, slide a thin knive around the cake to detach it from the pan and the tube. If you have removable sides, slide the knife under the cake to detach it from the bottom. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Lemon Curd
Whisk together in a saucepan until light in colour the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. Add the fresh lemon juice and butter. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium heat until the butter is melted, the mixture is thickened and simmers gently for a few seconds. Using a spatula, scrape the filling through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate to thicken.
Marscapone Frosting
With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk whipping ceam until stiff peaks form (be careful not to overbeat, or cream will be grainy). In another bowl, whisk together mascarpone and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until completely incorporated.
Using a very sharp serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion, carefully cut the cake horizontally in thirds. Lay the bottom layer on a serving platter. Gently spread half of the lemon curd over the cake. Place the middle layer over the curd. Gently spread with the remaining lemon curd. Cover with the final third.
Using a frosting spatula (or a butter knife), frost the entire cake including tops and sides. Decorate with blueberries and lemon zest. Bon appetit!
– Catherine


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Sticky Honey-Soy ChickenPosted: September 16, 2015 Filed under: All, Asian inspired, Chicken, Dinner, Grilling, Main, Rice | Tags: Butter, Chicken Thighs, Ginger, Honey, Minced Garlic, Olive oil, Riesling, soy sauce, wine Leave a comment
I make a lot of chicken in this house. It's better for our bodies and the only beef The Hubs likes is steak. Pork I'm still working on (it's usually too dry and over cooked). I can and will start incluing more fish. overall, though, that leaves us with chicken. Chicken several times a week can get sooo boring. How do you mix it up, making it interesting? By constantly being on the lookout for something different, even if it's a little tweek here or there. While this chicken is similar to many other chicken recipes, especially using soy, this one has a secret ingredient. It's hidden right there in the name, honey. In this instance, I used the honey at the end, to add a sort of glaze. This locked in the flavors and added a very nice, sweet finish. Served over rice, a pretty perfect meal.
2 Lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 Tbs fresh grated ginger (I use Gourmet Garden's Ginger Paste)
2 cloves minced garlic (Pre-minced can save a few minutes in prep time)
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
2 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs butter
1/2 cup honey
Mix together soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Add chicken to a gallon zip-lock bag, pour in sauce. Allow to marinade from 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
Remove chicken from marinade, season with salt and pepper. In a sauce pan, over medium-high heat, melt butter in olive oil. Grill chicken on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes each side. The last 2-3 minutes each side, brush with honey butter mixture.
Serve with sticky rice topped with teriyaki sauce (recipe to follow).
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Grüner Veltliner
Serves 4
Total time: 40 minutes
*Derived from Tyler Florence at Cooking.com
Honey Soy Roasted Chicken ThighsPosted: February 20, 2014 Filed under: All, Asian inspired, Chicken, Dinner, Lunch, Main, Uncategorized, Wine | Tags: Chardonnay, chicken, Garlic, Ginger, Honey, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Olive oil, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc Leave a comment
Chicken thighs are so easy to work with. And always are juicy. I always make sure I've got a ready supply in my freezer. And this is easily one of those "what do I make tonight?" recipes. If you plan ahead, you can marinate these in the refrigerator while you are toiling away in the office, or you can simply marinate them when you get home and are getting the sides ready. This recipe is so versatile, you can easily serve with either rice or potatoes. A green salad. Maybe a veggie or two, and I'd call it dinner! Enjoy!
3 Tbs olive oil
3 Tbs low sodium soy sauce
5 Tbs honey
4 cloves garlic minced (time-saving tip: use pre-minced, such as Spice World)
½ tsp ground ginger (time-saving tip: use ginger paste, such as Gourmet Garden)
½ tsp fresh ground black pepper
3 Lbs chicken thighs (feel free to sub your preferred chicken meat)
Salt to taste
Preheat oven to 425°. Mix everything, except the chicken, in a large zip lock bag. Add chicken, be sure to mix it around in the bag so each piece is thoroughly coated. Place bag in the refrigerator until ready to cook (this can either be all day while at work, or simply while getting the rest of the dinner going. I did not marinate mine all day and it was still wonderful!)
When ready to cook, coat baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken, skin side up, in baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Turn chicken over and continue to cook additional 15 minutes. Turn chicken once more to skin side up and bake a remaining 10 minutes, to crisp the skin. Serve with either potatoes or rice.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Pinot Gris / Pinto Grigio
Pinto Noir
Sauvignon Blanc
Serves 6
Total cook time: About an hour
*Courtesy: shewearsmanyhats.com
Korean BeefPosted: January 29, 2014 Filed under: All, Asian inspired, Beef, Dinner, Main, Rice, Wine | Tags: Beaujolais, Brown sugar, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Garlic, Ginger, Green onions, Grenache, Ground beef, Merlot, Red pepper, Sesame oil, soy sauce Leave a comment
I have been on an Asian themed rice kick lately. I have no idea where it comes from. Oh wait, yes I do, I've been dyeing for Chinese food for at least a month, but just haven't gotten around to making my way there. Well, I did that one time, but it was so horribly bad I hardly think that counts. So, since I'm hitting the gym at lunch instead of eating, I might as well make Asian food for dinner!
1 lb lean ground beef (or any other ground meat prefered)
¼ cup brown sugar (if you like it sweet, you can add up to ½ a cup)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbs sesame oil
3 Cloves garlic minced (Time saving tip: Use jarred minced garlic, such as Spice Island)
½ tsp minced ginger (Time saving tip: Use Gourmet Garden's Ginger Paste)
½ tsp crushed red pepper (if you like it spicier, you can add up to 1 tsp)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch green onions, diced
Add sesame oil to large skillet and heat to medium. Brown ground meat with garlic. Drain almost all fat and add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper, and red pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Serve over steamed riced with green onions sprinkled over the top.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Cabernet Franc
Chenin Blanc
Serves 4
Total time: 30 minutes
*Derived from Izzy Writes
Pork Chops with Golden Apple SaucePosted: September 4, 2013 Filed under: All, Dinner, Main, Pizza, Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, Applesauce, Ginger, Golden Delicious, Olive oil, Pork 3 Comments
Still struggling with pork. Sigh. But I'm going to keep trying to work with it and I will start to get the hang of it. What I like about this recipe: it's homemade apple sauce, that means you really taste the apples, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; apples and pork just really pair well together, that savory / sweet combination is a true classic; I also liked that my son said, "oh wow, Mommy, you really did good on this one!" Ok, now what I didn't like about this one: I can never get Rachel Ray recipes ready in 30 minutes. Going into it knowing that though, makes all the difference.
4 Golden Delicious apples, chopped
2 Tsp lemon juice
2 oz golden raisins (about a handful)
1″ piece fresh ginger root (I always substitute Gourmet Garden Ginger Spice Blend)
3 Tbs light brown sugar
2 cups all natural apple juice or cider
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tbs olive oil
4 thin cut boneless pork loin chops (I discovered at the last-minute mine had bones, but they worked just fine)
Salt and pepper
Combine first 8 ingredients (up to the olive oil) in a medium pot over medium high heat and cook until a chunky sauce forms, 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, If sauce begins to splatter as it bubbles, reduce heat a little, but it needs to be allowed to reduce and form quickly. Once apples are soft and sauce forms, remove it from the heat.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to pan. Season chops on 1 side with salt and pepper. Add chops to hot skillet, seasoned side down. Season the opposite side of the chops with salt and pepper. Brown and caramelize chops about 2 minutes on each side, then reduce heat to medium and cook another 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until juices run clear. remove chops from heat and let rest a couple of minutes for juice to redistribute. Top chops with generous portions of warm golden apple sauce.
Serves 6
Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time 15 minutes
*Derived from Food Network (Rachel Ray)
Related articles
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- Pork and Apple Burgers with Homemade Apple Sauce (kookifood.wordpress.com)
- Pork Chops with Apples (spoonful.com)


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The Phil Jackson regime was the latest struggle for the New York Knick franchise and culminated with Jackson being ousted by owner Jim Dolan on Tuesday morning. SLAM had the chance to talk to former Knick Greg Anthony Thursday and hear his thoughts on the Jackson firing and where the Knicks go from here.
Anthony, who will call games for NBA TV's coverage of the Orlando Summer League this weekend, was under the impression that this may have been a flawed marriage between Jackson and the Knicks from the start. "It didn't really seem to work. I don't know if Phil had the energy or the desire to do what was necessary to help the team."
Jackson was very public with his thoughts towards All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony and franchise building block Kristaps Porzingis over the past year. The former Knick point guard saw Porzingis skipping his exit interview as the most telling message, and likely the final straw for Knicks ownership. "That was pretty telling, because that environment was not going to be conducive in going out and participating int the free agent market," Anthony says. "Players talk and I think that the organization had a sense that they had to try and start over and hit the reset button."
As for their next step, Anthony believes that the Knicks should turn to a more progressive thinker and not necessarily the biggest name available. "You want to go with somebody who has a better feel for the how the game is evolving and what is happening moving forward," Anthony tells SLAM. "A lot of organizations are going with guys a little younger who work 16-18 hours a day and eat, live, and breath the game. You want to find somebody in that capacity."
If the New York is able to find their guy soon, the front office must decide if they want to revamp or retool the roster on hand–or go into a complete rebuild, which would likely mean moving Melo from NY. "[If the Knicks decide to rebuild] Carmelo may decide to latch onto a contender. It depends on which way the organization goes in first before he decides," Anthony says.
Anthony also spoke on the blockbuster deal of the summer that occurred Wednesday morning, with Chris Paul being traded to the Houston Rockets. Paul will be teaming up with MVP runner up James Harden to form one of the most formidable backcourts in the League, and Anthony thought the Rockets made the necessary move to improve. "The Rockets hit a home run with this deal," he says. "You were a good team, but I didn't see them getting much better with that roster. They were going to have to make some significant changes to get better, and you went out and got one of the best point guards in the League, one of the best to ever play."
Anthony continued to say that he thought Harden and Paul would work well together, despite both being court generals of their respective clubs last season. "These are two guys with extremely high basket ball IQs, you have to factor that in," Anthony said over the phone Thursday afternoon. "James and Chris, in the last few years, haven't had a guy like the other." Anthony believes that there is still a significant gap between the Warriors and Rockets, but that Houston may not be done dealing and acquiring talent.
Reed Wallach is an Editorial Intern at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @ReedWallach.
Photos via Getty Images


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Forrest – Shiny Suit Man
Since his first single 'Masquerade' dropped on vinyl just over a year ago, Forrest's profile has continued to rise, with releases on Noir Music and Mobilee and forthcoming on Visionquest.
Forrest's latest release, his debut for Midnight Vision, demonstrates his intense and versatile sound. The lead track 'Shiny Suit Man' blends hypnotic, cheeky vocals with dusty drums to create a roller, which sounds great both in the headphones and on the dancefloor. 'My Factory' continues on the deep tip and mixes vocal samples and modulating synth lines to create a smokey atmosphere. 'My Factory's' slinky bassline drives the track along and will get any floor moving… 'Beverly Hills' teases us with an uncomplicated arrangement of slick house with sustained strings providing the tension and a great use of a female vocal sample. Closing the EP, new kids on the block Bodhi bring a garage swing to their remix of Shiny Suit Man kicks, their introduction of heavy syncopated 808's paired with shuffling synths bring a new flavour to the EP.


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This collection page has all the collections of different types of kurti such as cotton kurti, designer party wear kurti, georgette kurti, cotton silk kurti, rayon kurti etc
Kurti is good for regular to party wear types. It is traditional Indian wear and gives a traditional to trendy looks.
Kurti is very cultural and traditional wear which gives any ladies a traditional to trendy looks.
Please browse the different kurtis under this category and choose the one which best suits you. We have many different collections.
Please do let me know if you need any special types which you don't find here
We deliver by Singpost Registered post.
All order above $50 is free shipping otherwise nominal $2 will be charged during check out.
We deliver it by Singpost Speed post standard method.
Charges for the shipping is the standard charges which will be charged by Singpost. You will be specified about the shipping charge once you key in the shipping details before payment.
· Bank transfer to my account. The details are:
Account Holder Name: Gupta Priyanka
Account Number : 0180230372
Account Type: DBS Autosave/Current Account
DBS Bank, Singapore
· Pay secure by Paypal using your credit or debit card
· Through Credit/Debit card payment gateway
Note: If you pay by bank transfer plz inform us by whatsapp@+65-81322481 or email at email@example.com
Just whatsapp me @ +65-81322481 or email me at email@example.com


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Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates…..
Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants…..
In recent years these teams have been grouped together. The top four have been sitting in the bottom of their respective divisions, while the bottom four have been at the top of their divisions fighting for the post season and winning pennants.
This year, however, it is the exact opposite. The Orioles have just one loss and lead the AL East, ahead of the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays. The Royals and Indians are tied with the White Sox for the lead in the AL Central. The Pirates are second in the NL Central, behind the Reds. The Rays and Red Sox are not only at the bottom of the AL East, but have fallen into the cellar. It is now a race to see who can win a game before the other. It is hard to believe the two are the only teams without a win this season, combined 0-12. The Cardinals lead only the woeful Astros and the defending champion Giants are in last place.
I know, I know…..IT'S EARLY!
However, it is worth pointing out the strange start to the season. If the end of the season is anything like the beginning of the season, the playoffs may be the most unpredictable in recent memory.
Strange things are not just happening in team standings, but for individuals as well. Albert Pujols opened the season by grounding into a career high three double plays and is hitting just .182. Carl Crawford has struggled with his new team, hitting just .174. It was no secret there would be some issues with the Red Sox pitching, but the team has a MLB high ERA at a blistering 7.13.
You can take from the start of the season what you want, but like Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa said, "It's early in the season!"


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Use your postcode to find local councillors, facilities, school catchment areas and more.
The City of Cardiff Council has a responsibility to enforce certain parking restrictions. Other parking contraventions are enforced by South Wales police. To report a parking issue to the police, please call 101.
Report to us if the parking issue relates to any of the following:


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"There are but two things worth living for: to do what is worthy of being written; and to write what is worthy of being read."
Henry Ross Perot (/pəˈroʊ/; born June 27, 1930) is an American businessman best known for being an independent presidential candidate in 1992 and the Reform party presidential candidate in 1996. Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962, sold the company to General Motors in 1984, and founded Perot Systems in 1988. Perot Systems was bought by Dell for $3.9 billion in 2009.[2]
With an estimated net worth of about US$ 4.1 billion in 2015, he is ranked by Forbes as the 129th-richest person in the United States.[1]
Early life
Perot was born in Texarkana, Texas, to Lula May Perot (née Ray) and Gabriel Ross Perot,[3] a commodity broker specializing in cotton contracts. His patrilineal line traces back to a French-Canadian immigrant to Louisiana, in the 1740s.[4][5] He attended a private school called Patty Hill. He graduated from Texas High School in Texarkana in 1947.[6] One of Perot's boyhood friends was Hayes McClerkin, later Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives and a prominent Texarkana, Arkansas, lawyer.[7]
Perot joined the Boy Scouts of America and made Eagle Scout in 1942, after thirteen months in the program. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.[8][9]
From 1947 to 1949, he attended Texarkana Junior College, then entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1949 and helped establish its honor system.[8][10] Perot said his appointment notice to the academy—sent by telegram—was sent by W. Lee "Pappy" O'Daniel, Texas' 34th governor and former senator.[11]
Perot married Margot Birmingham of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1956.
After he left the Navy in 1957, Perot became a salesman for International Business Machines. He quickly became a top employee (one year, he fulfilled his annual sales quota in a mere two weeks)[12] and tried to pitch his ideas to supervisors who largely ignored him.[citation needed] He left IBM in 1962 to found Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Dallas, Texas, and courted large corporations for his data processing services. Perot was refused seventy-seven times before he was given his first contract. EDS received lucrative contracts from the U.S. government in the 1960s, computerizing Medicare records. EDS went public in 1968 and the stock price rose from $16 a share to $160 within days. Fortune called Perot the "fastest, richest Texan" in a 1968 cover story.[citation needed] In 1984General Motors bought controlling interest in EDS for $2.4 billion.
In 1974 Perot gained some press attention for being "the biggest individual loser ever on the New York Stock Exchange" when his EDS shares dropped $450 million in value in a single day in April 1970.[13]
Just prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the government of Iran imprisoned two EDS employees in a contract dispute. Perot organized and sponsored their rescue. The rescue team was led by retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel Arthur D. "Bull" Simons. When the team was unable to find a way to extract their two prisoners, they decided to wait for a mob of pro-Ayatollah revolutionaries to storm the jail and free all 10,000 inmates, many of whom were political prisoners. The two prisoners then connected with the rescue team, and the team spirited them out of Iran via a risky border crossing into Turkey. The exploit was recounted in a book, On Wings of Eagles by Ken Follett, which became a best-seller. In the 1986 miniseries, Perot was portrayed by Richard Crenna.
In 1984 Perot bought a very early copy of the Magna Carta, one of only a few to leave the United Kingdom. It was lent to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., where it was displayed alongside the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. In 2007, it was sold by the Perot Foundation, in order to provide "for medical research, for improving public education and for assisting wounded soldiers and their families."[14] The document sold for US$21.3 million on December 18, 2007, to David Rubenstein, managing director of the Carlyle Group and kept on display at the National Archives.[15]
As Steve Jobs lost the original power struggle at Apple and left to found NeXT, his angel investor was Perot who invested over 20 million dollars. Perot believed in Jobs and did not want to miss out, as he had with his chance to invest in Bill Gates' fledglingMicrosoft.[16]
In 1988 he founded Perot Systems Corporation, Inc. in Plano, Texas. His son, Ross Perot, Jr., eventually succeeded him as CEO. In September 2009, Perot Systems was acquired by Dell for $3.9 billion.[17]
- In 1986, Perot received the S. Roger Horchow Award for Greatest Public Service by a Private Citizen, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.[50]
- On April 22, 2009, Ross Perot was made an Honorary Green Beret at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
- Perot was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1988.
- On September 18, 2009, the Texarkana Independent School District named him (1947 graduate of Texas High School) as a 2009 Distinguished Alumnus.[51]
- In May 2009, he was appointed an honorary chairman of The OSS Society.
- On October 15, 2009, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point awarded him with the distinguished Sylvanus Thayer Award.[52]
- In honor of Perot's 80th birthday, the bridge connecting Walton and University drives in Texarkana, Texas, was named the H. Ross Perot Bridge.[53]
- On April 20, 2010, in Kansas City, Perot was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Command and General Staff College Foundation, Inc., Fort Leavenworth, KS[54]
- On October 2, 2010, Perot was given the William J. Donovan Award from the OSS Society at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. He is the 26th recipient of the award.[55]
- In September 2011, Perot accepted the Army Heritage Center Foundation's Boots on the Ground Award.[56]
- On October 28, 2011, the Museum of Nature & Science in Dallas announced it was naming a new species of the dinosaur genus Pachyrhinosaurus after the Perot family. The new species is named Pachyrhinosaurus perotorum.[57]
This profile is partly adapted from a Wikipedia entry on Ross Perot, available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.


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Results: 48
Green Bay WestAmericanWhile owning this resturant since 1994 we decided that we wanted to make a mission to always deliver that "made from scratch" home cooking that everyone hopes for, but seems to only accomplish if they stay home. We have changed that thought by doing it right here in our kitchen, using some of our own homemade recipes, just like our parents made.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay West
Green Bay WestAmerican Bar FoodDive Bar and Grill in West Green BayInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestAmericanInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestChineseLin's Garden is a cornerstone in the Green Bay community and has been recognized for its outstanding Chinese cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.Inexpensive $(under$8)
Mid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay West
Bourbon Street Hot (View Menu)
Green Bay WestSandwiches, Subs, SoupsReviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestCropseys Diamond BarReviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestMexicanAuthentic Mexican food and drinks. Our friendly and professional staff is eager to assist you if you are unfamiliar with Cal-Mex cuisine.Inexpensive $(under$8)
Mid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay WestInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestNo FoodCasual bar in Green BayInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestDive Bar in Green BayInexpensive $(under$8)
Hinterland Brewery Hot (View Menu)
Green Bay WestContemporary AmericanFashioned after a German hops house with an urban twist and a better sense of humor, our Beer Hall boasts two wood burning fireplaces, display kitchen and open garage doors to our Beer Garden during our two weeks of Wisconsin summer. Looking for a quieter dining space? Our High Gravity dining area provides a more intimate ambiance with an excellent view across the street.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeVery Expensive $$$$(over$25)
Green Bay WestReviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestAsian CuisineAll-You-Can-Eat Chinese Buffet located in West Green Bay.
Green Bay WestAmericanOld Country Buffet's focus is on traditional 'home cooking', which includes freshly prepared salads, soups, entrees and desserts.Mid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay WestAmericanOnieda Golf and Country Club consists of three separate dining rooms. There is a fine dining hall, the 19th Hole for a more casual setting and the Cabana room for that lounge feel. All three places serve a full menu and bar.Lunch $$/Dinner $$$$
Green Bay WestBBQBBQ eatery featuring house-smoked meats, stuffed baked potatoes & classic sides.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeMid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay WestAmericanBay Family restaurant is on the West side of Green Bay and is located only one mile from the Packer football stadium. It is a nice casual family restaurant with good home-style cooking. Try one of their many delicious breakfast items, the food is plentiful and easy on the pocket book too.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestAmerican, BurgersInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestChiliOver the past 80 years, the "Chili John's" recipe has never varied. Chili John's Restaurant features mild, medium, hot, or extra-hot chili. A bowl of chili includes portions of beans and/or spaghetti, and a spicy meat.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestMexicanDown-to-earth Mexican spot serving tacos, enchiladas & other classics, plus margaritas & beer.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeMid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay WestMexicanTaco Burrito Mexico offers hearty servings of classic Mexican dishes in an unassuming dining room.Inexpensive $(under$8)
Aldos Pizza Hot
Green Bay WestPizzaFamily run pizza jointRanges $$/$$$($8-$25)
Green Bay WestPizzaFresh Pizza & Italian Food in Green Bay. Gallagher's offers a daily buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad.Mid-Range $$($8-$14)
Expensive $$$($14-$25)
Green Bay WestCasual Dive Bar and GrillInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestAmericanHOME OF THE FAMOUS LAVHOSH PIZZA!Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeRanges $$/$$$($8-$25)
Green Bay WestAmerican, BreakfastGolden Basket Restaurant is the place to be when it comes to a delicious breakfast, a specialty sandwich, our famous homemade soup, or a warm, hearty dinner.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeInexpensive $(under$8)
Green Bay WestChineseIf you want authentic Chinese cuisine, our Chinese restaurant is just the place to go. We offer complete meals and dishes from appetizers and soups to main courses and desserts.Reviewed by Green Bay Night LifeMid-Range $$($8-$14)
Green Bay WestAmerican, Bakery GoodsPerkins offers all sorts of American food and bakery goods. There is a kids menu along with a senior menu for those that are of 55+ in years.Inexpensive $(under$8)
Mid-Range $$($8-$14)


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14 September 2016
Tips For Staying Safe Whilst on a Stag or Hen Trip Abroad
For engaged couples planning their stag and hen parties, it is becoming increasingly popular to venture overseas for a city break or a few days in the sun.
It is important to stay safe so that everyone makes it back in one piece for the wedding. Here are a few tips to bear in mind so that your trip remains carefree:
Remember Your Travel Insurance
Make sure you have valid travel insurance, even if you're only going away for the weekend. Everyone in your party should have this including cover for any extreme sports or activities planned.
For more information, please see my previous blog: Top Tips For Buying Travel Insurance
For European Trips, Take an EHIC Card
If you're heading for a weekend away in Europe, make sure you have obtained your free EHIC card. If you are injured in an accident abroad, finding that you're getting charged for hospital treatment when you thought you were covered makes a bad situation worse. Making sure that you understand your EHIC card before you fly could save you a lot of stress if you are injured overseas.
See: Understanding How Your EHIC Card Works in a Holiday Accident for more details.
Familiarise Yourself With Local Laws
If you've never been to your destination before, it's a good idea to visit the Foreign and Commonwealth office website before you go to read up on the laws and customs of the place you are visiting. For example, some countries have strict guidelines about being drunk in public places and disorderly behaviour.
Importantly, if you're planning on driving whilst abroad, it's a good idea to find out what you need to know.
Make sure your licence is current and valid and you are aware of the driving laws. A lot of countries drive on the right hand side of the road and have various different legal requirements. For example in France you must carry a hazard warning triangle which should be placed at a suitable distance behind the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown. Also all cars are required by law to carry a high-visibility waistcoat and breathalyser kit.
How different can the driving laws really be in other parts of the world? Find out by reading our previous blog: Weird and Wonderful Traffic Laws Around the World
Be Prepared
Last but not least, plan ahead. Research the area where you are staying and ensure you book travel for all members of the party so that no-one is left behind. Only use registered taxis and don't walk around in an unfamiliar area on your own especially at night.
Make sure you have enough money to plan for any emergencies. Make photocopies of your passport, visas and insurance details and leave a copy with a relative or friend at home.
Bon voyage!
Sarah Moore is a personal injury litigation executive specialising in holiday compensation at Slater and Gordon Lawyers in Manchester.
Slater and Gordon Lawyers offer a free consultation for people injured in an accident on holiday, or injured while travelling or working outside the UK.
Call our No Win, No Fee solicitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on freephone 0800 916 9046 or contact us online. From outside the UK please call +44 161 830 4446.
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Preserving, Restoring Oregon's High Desert
BEND, Ore. - Wildfires have damaged thousands of acres of Oregon's high desert land this summer, and restoring it will be a prime topic at this week's Desert Conference in Bend. The Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) brings together conservation groups and volunteers, ranchers and educators, and representatives of state and federal agencies.
Julie Weikel, an ONDA board member, says this year's challenge is that three large fires have destroyed at least 15 percent of Oregon's habitat for sage grouse, and the land management agencies don't have the budgets to restore it without some help.
"There isn't enough manpower or seed to begin to think about active rehab of most of the lands that have gotten damaged. So, all the more reason for all of us to come together and do the most cooperative kind of long-term planning that we can, to try to restore the health of the deserts."
They'll also discuss other challenges to the Oregon desert, including energy development and growing recreational use. And it isn't all meetings and panel discussions. The Desert Conference kicks off Thursday night with a Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Several Northwest authors who use the desert as their inspiration will speak at conference events, including Ellen Waterston of Bend.
"The attention that the conference is paying underscores the beauty of the desert. And then it's 'chop wood, carry water' time: let's look at what the real issues are that are challenging what so many of us treasure about that space."
The Desert Conference runs Thursday evening, Sept. 20, through Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave., Bend. Registration and other information is online at www.onda.org.


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Category Archives: Travel
TRAVEL / Puerto Plata cable car delight –
TRAVEL / Birds –
TRAVEL / Sicily #2 –
TRAVEL / Sicily #1 –
TRAVEL / Malta –
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to stay in a traditional maltese house in Silema, a walking distance from the sea. Balconies often constitute the main component of facades. Made of wood, they are a bright touch of color on the honey-coloured old stone houses.
Silema bay offers a nice view over Valetta, the capital city of Malta, reachable by boat in 15 minutes.
A 40 minutes bus ride later, welcome to Mdina, a medieval walled town situated on a hill in the centre of the island.
And, although it's packed with tourists, a boat tour to Comino offers you a stunning view over the blue lagoon's crystal waters.
TRAVEL / Porchiano del Monte –
TRAVEL / Rome –
TRAVEL / Brisighella, Italy –
What a delight to walk around the colorful and quiet streets of Brisighella.
The clock tower offers a great view over the village' salmon roofs tiles, the castle and the green surroundings. Charming.
FOOD/ Lettuce Burger –
Spring has come. Don't you feel a need for crunchy salads and fresh veggies? If so, I would recommand you a lettuce burger from Mos Burger. Really yummy.


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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Hero dog risks life to save kittens from fire
Another video available here. Thanks to Aileen for sending this story.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Baby monkey gets his own guard dog
According to Ananova, keepers at a Chinese Zoo have given an orphan monkey its own guard dog to prevent it from being bullied by bigger primates.
Thanks to Aileen for sending!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Cat of the year
This is one of my new favorites.
Meet Cashew and Libby.
Libby was honored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as Cat of the Year. The Daily Item explained:
Cashew, a yellow Labrador/Shar Pei mix who died in 2005 at 14, gradually went blind and deaf due to old age, Terry said.According to the article, Libby hasn't gotten over the death of Cashew and is not interested in making friends with new dogs.
As the dog found it harder and harder to get around, Libby stepped in, leading her canine friend to her food bowl, waiting for Cashew's return from inside the Burns' home and watching over the dog while the two slept side-by-side.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Friends in Berlin can't bear to be apart
A cat and a bear have been living happily in a Berlin Zoo for more than eight years. The Sun explains:
Meet furry friends Mausi and Muschi – the cat and the bear who are a zoo's odd couple.
The female moggy and the male Asian black bear live, eat, sleep and even play together.
Their unlikely friendship was forged seven years ago when Mausi entered Muschi's enclosure at Germany's Berlin Zoo and started to eat his food.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Try this on your cat
Caught this cool photo on Larry Ferrante's flickr.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas friends
Nice Christmas-themed animal friendship photo from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society - even though the hat looks like it was photoshopped.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Polar bear and huskies
Photographer Norbert Rosing captured these images of a 1,200 lb. polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in Canada's Hudson Bay. More photos here.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Animal friendship puzzle
BestQualityToys.com is selling a 1,000 piece puzzle of this pic.
Monday, December 22, 2008
"Friendship at the water's edge"
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Dog is baby kangaroo's best friend
The Guardian reports that this dog and baby kangaroo are now best friends:
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Golden retriever adopts tiger cubs
Check out this NPR interview with Allie Harvey, who runs the zoo.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Owen and Mzee: world famous interspecies friends
Owen, a baby hippo, was rescued in the Indian Ocean after the 2004 earthquake. He was put in a pen with Mzee, a 130-year-old Aldabra Giant Tortoise. Over time the two became inseparable companions - eating, sleeping, swimming, and playing together. And they became famous; Owen and Mzee: The true story of a remarkable friendship hit the New York Times bestseller list.
Caretakers eventually moved Owen to a new enclosure with a female hippo, Cleo, so the friendship has ended, but you can still enjoy these photos:
There's a great article in National Geographic about the pair, and you can check out much more at the Owen and Mzee web site.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Cat adopts rabbit
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sharky the pit bull and his chicks
There are many more videos of Sharky on YouTube.
Thanks to Corinne for sending.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
NYT Sunday Book Review on interspecies friendship
Believe it or not, two years ago the New York Times Sunday Book Review published a review of several books on interspecies friendships.
In "Can't We All Just Get Along?," author Sarah Ellis writes:
"What is it that so appeals to us about implausible animal cooperation? We humans seem to have a great hunger for the wolf to dwell with the lamb. Is this a vision of paradise? An alternative to our deep-seated fear that we are all either predator or prey? Whatever is at work, it is evident that we find stories of interspecies relationships deeply satisfying and that we are eager to present these to children."Thanks to Andrea for sending this.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Prey and predator share a cage
As reported in Ananova, a wolf and a goat have become inseparable after zookeepers in Nanchong had them share a cage:
According to the article, the wolf and goat do everything together - except share meals.
Thanks to Aileen for sending!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cat adopts red panda
The red panda is an endangered species - there's an estimated 2,500 red pandas worldwide.
Check out this great video from MSNBC:
Thanks to Elaine for sending this!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A particularly odd friendship
Thanks to Aileen for sending this!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Orphaned tiger cubs and baby orangutans become inseparable
Photo courtesy of the Daily Mail:
More background and photos from the Daily Mail and MSNBC.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Summer the Rabbit and smitten kittens
As reported in Ananova:
Melanie, 29, from Aberdeen, said: "It's amazing to see. For some reason they just took to the rabbit instantly and thought she was their mum.
"They started climbing all over her and were looking to get milk from her. She just sat there and let them do it.
"Now they follow her everywhere. They can't bear to be without her. They're all so lovely together."
Check out video of Summer and the kittens from STV.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Newborn squirrel joins pregnant Papillon's litter
Her pregnant Papillon, Mademoiselle Giselle, actively encouraged the orphan squirrel to join her own litter. Days before Giselle was due to deliver her puppies, she dragged the squirrel's cage to her own bedside. As the Seattle-Times explained, Debby "ultimately decided to allow the squirrel out and the interspecies bonding began":
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Eagle makes friends with rabbit
From Ananova:
A rabbit and an eagle have become unlikely best friends in China. The owner of the eagle put the rabbit in its cage at Beizhamen Bird Market, Zhengzhou City, for the bird's dinner. But instead of following its predatory nature, the eagle made friends with the startled but fortunate rabbit.
"The rabbit very humbly combs the eagle's feathers with its mouth," the surprised owner told Oriental Today.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The buck stops here
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Real-life Bambi and Thumper
As explained (in German) by Tanja on his website: Its mother killed shortly before its birth, the fawn was raised in a rural town with help from local townspeople. At first the wild rabbit and the fawn just grazed in the same area, but quickly became friends. Not even the cold winter months could separate them. When the fawn was old enough, the townspeople decided to release it back into the wild. The fawn was anesthetized for easier transport; the final photo shows the rabbit supporting the deer's sleepy head, as if it were saying goodbye.
The full story and many more photos are available on Tanja Askani's web site.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Bird takes hamster under his wing
Friday, December 5, 2008
Tiger and piglets in Thailand
As explained in the Pattaya Mail, "Food in the wild, maybe - but at the zoo, tourists who witness these amazing scenes come away with food for thought."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
"Paternal dog Billy takes on an unusual kid"
Billy the boxer has become the constant companion of the 12-day old kid called Lilly. He sleeps with the goat, licks her clean, and protects her from any dangers at Pennywell Farm wildlife centre at Buckfastleigh, near Totnes, Devon.Billy and Lilly - a most unusual pair - are now inseparable:
The kid was abandoned by her mother when she was only a few hours old and adopted by paternal Billy when his owner Elizabeth Tozer began hand rearing the goat.
For some reason this reminds me of the movie Babe - must be the farm animals.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Puppy and kitten share a hug
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
BBC News: "Rare deer twin in the dog house"
Mi-Lu was one of two fawns born to a Père David's deer at Knowsley Safari Park in the United Kingdom, but his mother showed interest only in his twin. Abandoned by his mother, the fawn was found cold and alone in a ditch by park staff. But with the help of the park curator's dogs Geoffrey, a golden retriever, and Kipper, a lurcher, staff were able to nurse Mi-Lu back to health.
(Père David's deer, originally from China, are a critically endangered species; at one time there were only 18 left in the world!)
Here's a photo of Mi-Lu with one of his adoptive parents:
Monday, December 1, 2008
"The abandoned monkey who has found love with a pigeon"
Simply put, this is the photo that inspired me to keep this blog.
Abandoned by his mother, this 3-month-old baby macaque was found on the verge of death when it was rescued on a small island in Guangdong Province. He regained his health in an animal hospital, but remained sad — until a friendship with a white pigeon lifted his spirits and gave him a new lease on life.
Now this orphaned macaque is never far from the pigeon's side:
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A strange friendship in Tokyo
The unusual pair have shared the cage ever since:
Check out the video on MSNBC.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Sharing a hug
Friday, November 28, 2008
Manta ray takes iguana for a swim
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Kazo and Cairo
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sharing a hug
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Kitten and squirrel
More photos like this are available at DKImages.


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Most of the songs on Caramel are based on bluesy guitar riffs that get across more emotion than the bizarre vocals. Mockasin sounds like he's puffing on helium, shooting up into an inhuman register as if he can't control his own pitch. When he's singing love songs, like the title track, or the touching "I Wanna Roll With You," there's a sense that he's intentionally defying expectations. Just when you think he's got a killer hook going ("Do I Make You Feel Shy?"), it gets muddled by mumbling or tonal weirdness. "I'm The Man, That Will Find You" basically sounds like a warbly off-cut from an old Rolling Stones bootleg, mushmouth lyrics and all.
Caramel's second half is taken up by the five-part "It's Your Body" suite, an all-consuming black hole that smothers whatever sluggish momentum might have existed before it, and makes the rest of the album seem far more conventional than it actually is. By the time the weepy riff of "I Wanna Roll With You" is leading us back into relative normalcy, it sounds like a pop song, but it's not. Pop is something that Mockasin likes to imagine rather than create, and that's exactly what he does here. Caramel is a collection of half-finished songs that force you to fill in the blanks. It's just as frustrating and occasionally enlightening as that sounds.
Published /
Thu / 9 Jan 2014
Words /
Andrew Ryce
Tracklist /
01. Nothing Lasts Forever
02. Caramel
03. I'm The Man, That Will Find You
04. Do I Make You Feel Shy?
05. Why Are You Crying?
06. It's Your Body 1
07. It's Your Body 2
08. It's Your Body 3
09. It's Your Body 4
10. It's Your Body 5
11. I Wanna Roll With You