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Dancing, Singing, Exciting C-uuuuuute!

c-ute-hagiwara-mai-nakajima-saki-okai-chisato-suzuki-airi-yajima-maimi-653941I usually hate doing these list posts.   I feel like I should have more to say about these girls, but since I really can’t think of anything, I can talk about the only thing I know about them: their singles.

One of the best things about C -ute is that when they pop up on the radar they give me something that takes over my life for a little bit, whether that’s an amazing bit of choreography that I can’t stop watching or a song that keeps playing endlessly in my head from the moment I hear it. If Momusu is my H!P home, then C-ute is my exciting vacation: they’re lovely for a time and then I head home feeling refreshed.

So, without further adieu: Isilie’s favourite C-ute pvs/singles!

(WARNING: Lots of youtube embeds. Look out!)

Continue reading “Dancing, Singing, Exciting C-uuuuuute!”

In Which Isilie Reviews 2016: New Hope

krwbhicI won’t promise you that I’ll post more next year, because I do that almost every year and fail. I will say that my fandom is not over, even if I don’t post much, and if I have something to talk about, I will talk about it. I think the unceremonious (for me) loss of Idolminded put a huge dent in my motivation. Pretty feeble, I know. I didn’t realize how much I relied on it and took it for granted.

For those unaware, Idolminded (originally International Wota) was a site that gathered different articles/posts from the idol blogosphere for people to easily access. Sometimes they’d just describe the articles, but sometimes they’d comment on them, or feature them specifically, especially if multiple authors had weighed in on a certain subject.

I received so much encouragement, in regards to my writing, and so much information, in regards to the fandom. Because of this site, people started to read mine and I’ve always been humbled and grateful for that. In October 2015 they stopped posting. I hello_project-673768haven’t been able to discover why, but I’m guessing it’s just that real life became more important and that is absolutely understandable.

I just want to thank anyone and everyone involved in that site, if they are reading this, for all the confidence you’ve given me over the years and all your hard work. You have no idea how much you’ve helped this community. And I hope we’ll all keep writing and finding each other as long as this fandom continues. m (_ _) m

I really should try out some forums, huh?

Anyway, I didn’t post much this year, of course, but that’s not to say I didn’t notice anything that happened. Like I said, I felt a distinct lack of motivation. I think I’ve stopped thinking of posting as fun and started to feel obligated. I don’t like that. I don’t see why it can’t be both. H!P is still a great love of mine, after all.

Despite what so many say, I don’t think H!P ever really stagnates, it just doesn’t always change as fast as people want, or in the way that people expect. In fact I think sometimes the problem is the opposite: that H!P stays the same for a while and people have no attention span don’t like that.

Before we look forward, let’s look back a bit, shall we?

Continue reading “In Which Isilie Reviews 2016: New Hope”

The H!P Kidz are Movin’ On

C ute, cuteHagiwara Mai, Nakajima Saki, Okai Chisato, Suzuki Airi, Yajima Maimi-648353As you’ve no doubt read/heard/are aware, C-ute, the last of the original H!P kids have come to that ever looming question: What do we do when we’re all 20 years old? Well, apparently the agency gave them two options: leave H!P but continue to make music, or disband altogether. Out of loyalty to H!P, or perhaps just a natural desire to try new things now, the girls decided to disband in June 2017, after their giant Super Arena show.

And once again, I called it. I remember writing at some point, I think last year, that C-ute would only last until Brat turned 20, then they’d probably go the way of Berryz. I don’t feel triumphant about knowing this though. Being right in this situation just plain sucks.

(Just a note: I won’t be commenting on what they plan to do after they disband or about their graduated members. I simply don’t know enough to comment. )

Continue reading “The H!P Kidz are Movin’ On”

Isilie’s 2015 Unexpected Playlist

XnUHksaI don’t mean that these songs are necessarily from 2015. It has only been a month, after all.  There are some pop songs that get to me months, even years, after they’re released and suddenly I can’t stop listening to them. It happened with Morning Musume’s Mikan.

Or I love it instantly, like the many-times-mentioned on this blog Resonant Blue.

These ones I liked already, but I just never expected to play this much.

(I have no idea where I got the gif, so I can only say, I didn’t make it. Doesn’t it rock, though?)

Continue reading “Isilie’s 2015 Unexpected Playlist”

In Which Isilie Reviews 2014 ~

Hello_Project-497011I think saying, “What a year!” is quite the understatement. The number ones, the graduation of the legendary Usa-chan, the rise of of C-ute and fall of Berryz, the Momusu concert in New York…

Oh, and some other stuff happened in H!P too. Ask the question: “What changed?” and the answer is “What didn’t?” Some of it…ANGERS me.

Ok, sorry. Ahem. Seriously though.

I know this is ridiculously late, it being FEBRUARY and all, but it took me a long time to write this post. I didn’t know where to start, especially since I basically only paid attention to Morning Musume this past year. I was so distracted by other things and disheartened by the lack of subs for much of anything that I think I was in a bit of rut. I couldn’t think of anything interesting to blog about and if I found something I would lose my motivation very quickly.

The concert in New York reinvigorated me in many, many ways and taught me that my fandom is far from over. It also taught me that I need to watch more unsubbed things, because I’ve missing out, big time. But that’s for future posts. Let’s do a (very late) review! Continue reading “In Which Isilie Reviews 2014 ~”

In Which Isilie Reviews 2012 ~~

http://idolgallery.boingo.jp/Well, the world is still around and that means Isilie must write a post to sum up another year of H!P.

I used this picture since I think it kinda sums up how Momusu has been moving. They’re moving forward so rapidly lately, with new members all over the place, new song styles, new colours for certain members and graduations, oh MY, the graduations.

I wanted to do something a little different this year than just simply a bunch of “this is what I liked”s. If you’ve been reading this you probably already know that I’ve not really covered Berryz, C-ute, or anyone else on this blog this year. Working full-time made it much harder to cover things as well as I would have liked. I will give you a short summary of what I loved this year from Momusu and then I thought I’d talk about some things that I never got around to posting about.

Thanks everybody, for stopping by (even if, like about 60% of visitors, you’re just trolling for ‘jailbait’.)! I even had the pleasure and shock of realizing I have adorable people who love this blog and read it regularly. That honestly has made my year. It was so humbling and made me so happy! Thank you!!

Continue reading “In Which Isilie Reviews 2012 ~~”

In Which Isilie Reviews 2011*~~

This year is just…I can’t even get my head around it and it’s already pretty much over. I feel like I blinked one day in January and then the year was just done.

Need I even list all the insanity of this year?  If you’re an H!P fan, odds are you already know. If you aren’t, then you’ll at least have heard of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March and how continuously devastating it is to those still living it. It is hardly over, even if the news has moved on. Reading translated tweets from Japan, reading as much as could online and just seeing the photos in newspapers everywhere is something I will never forget. I suppose it’s trite – I don’t live there, I have no family there – but the feelings I had during that month…not something I will forget. Something that changed a lot of things for me.

Just to digress for a moment, I was very touched when the online fan communities rallied this year and donated money, time, effort, and headaches into fundraising campaigns. You can look at it however you want (I’m sure there are more than enough people out there who think donating money is/was a bad/ignorant/naive idea because blahblahblah, but hush for a bit, ok?), but I thought it was awesome. I love that our self-indulgence could help, even a little bit. Love of idols tends to lead to a love of Japan, the desire to learn the language and a love of the culture outside of anime or Johnnies or whatever it might be. At least it has in my limited experience. That is the best part about this sort of fandom. I was very, very touched.

Ok~! Onward, one more time in 2011!

Continue reading “In Which Isilie Reviews 2011*~~”

Where is H!P!?

Ok, seriously, where are you H!P? You just had a graduation, you just had a play, you just got several new members, new tours, random collaborations etc – so where are you?

All I keep seeing is this Mobekimasu stuff and I just – I don’t care about that! It’s DONE. No more promotions where Momoko makes an idiot of herself trying to be Shige, no more performances where they pretend that dance isn’t completely ridiculous (stop bending over and shaking your butts when you’re wearing the huge skirts – you look silly)…

Mobekismasu will be fun at H!P concerts, but it’s DONE now. Do something else.

Continue reading “Where is H!P!?”


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IDF, Finest Jewish University, Reduces Mandatory Service

By | December 6, 2016

By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem, Israel — December 6, 2016 … The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), respected for providing the best education for young Jews, plans to reduce mandatory military service of male soldiers by two months, from 32 to 30.

The initiative was approved Monday by the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

If the bill becomes law, it will go into effect in July 2020. The reduction in service would follow the change in mandatory service time from 36 months to 32 months passed two years ago.

The IDF has become an extremely popular program for Jews living in Israel and abroad.
In addition to providing an effective military presence, many join the IDF to learn specialized skills in computer science, engineering, aviation, communications, management, logistics and even film making.

Israelis supporting a shorter military service say that not only would it double the salaries of conscripts, but “the security needs of Israel will not be hurt, as combat troops and special forces soldiers will have the possibility to extend their service.”

A shorter military service would be excellent news for the Israeli economy. Knesset Committee member Rachel Azaria stated: “An early release to the workforce will strengthen the economy and will help with economic challenges faced by the State of Israel.”

The Israel Finance Ministry stated that the move would be “a step that will improve the conditions for combat soldiers and increase motivation for all soldiers.”

Ofer Margalit of the Israel Finance Ministry said that “the IDF agreed that shorter mandatory services periods would not hurt or weaken Israel’s security, because of the expected rise in recruitment numbers, regardless of the positive economic outcome such a move will have. The legislation now will provide certainty of process, but also enough time to properly prepare the army.”

Young Jews can even have a say as to where to serve.

Some choose combat units in the ground forces such as Handasa Kravit (combat engineers), Paratroopers, Givati (marines), Golani, Sherion (tanks)  while others select the Air Force, Navy, Medical or Intelligence.

Many Anglo Saxons find themselves serving in elite units which utilizes their native born English.
Hundreds serving in the IDF Spokesperson’s Office, Liaison to the United Nations, Humanitarian Aid Missions or Intelligence decide to prolong their stay in the IDF as career soldiers or remain active in the reserves.

Some immigrants to Israel are not required to serve the full two and half years, but rather serve a shortened period of a few weeks or months in basic training, taught Hebrew and then released into the reserves.

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Monday, June 27, 2016

Dreams of a better day

I like being in places that remind me of the movies I love, and particularly the movies I watched as a kid. The Buttercream Gang - which almost nobody has ever heard of, and if we're being honest is extremely corny  - The Sandlot, Stand By Me, and fairytale movies too, like A Little Princess and Legend. The Sandlot is still a really really great movie, it's one of those movies I can still watch and laugh my head off (hint, hint it's on Netflix). When I was younger I was always running through the woods, climbing trees and discovering railroad cars and hidden trinkets, similar to the adventures in some of these films. I obviously can't do much of that type of discovering in this very cute very confining dress, but it's still nice to just be somewhere that reminds me of the simple parts of childhood, and life in general.

Hope you all have an awesome week <3

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Pictures by Esther

This was the last day I spent in Savannah, the photos were taken at Wormsloe Park. My friend and I went for the sole purpose of having a photoshoot and we had so much fun!! even though it was hot as h*ck. + I was literally running out of clothes to wear since I'd packed everything up so excuse my absolute non-creative outfit.

I recently started summer classes and I'll be going out of town soon (hopefully out of the country *crosses fingers*) so I feel like my life is going to be 100% busy and adventurous again and I'm all for it!
Also you're all great and thanks for engaging with me in my last post! I usually write that sort of thing on my Tumblr but I like hearing other women's opinions on here too. I learn so much from women in general so I'm always welcome to your perspectives.

Going to spend the rest of my night watching really bad movies, cya!

Friday, June 17, 2016

Love isn't Blind

No offense but love is not blind. The term "love is blind" is one I've always rejected because I find no real truth in it. If you love someone and they are blurring your vision/if they are covering your line of sight if they are making you feel like less, then they don't love you (meaning - from the identity that they've chosen - they can't. it isn't full therefore it shrivels up or destroys or whatever the case). Love is a two way street and can't live within deficiency like it just won't survive and it won't thrive in that because it is nurturing and transformative and good.  If you aren't being loved in that way then you are being "loved" from a lacking, but love is excess and it envelopes and uplifts, if you are being shown something different you are not being shown truth. If you're being "loved" in bits and pieces then what does that say about them? You know what love is and you know how to give it (in excess) especially as a woman, if you're getting any less than that don't convince yourself that it has meaning. You aren't blind, you simply know how it's meant to operate and when someone is not operating in the same way as you, you try even harder to show them truth and you love them even harder, and even still you hope they will operate as you would by being committed, trustworthy, real, affectionate etc. , but you shouldn't. They don't want what you have to give, can't handle it, and don't deserve it. You deserve it (you give it).

To me "Love is blind" puts the focus - and even sometimes the blame - on the person who is loving deficiency while the deficient one is not dealt with. I understand the term in certain contexts truly I do but I don't necessarily believe in it. So that's all really. If you have any thoughts about this let me know!

Also it was raining when these were taken, I couldn't see like at all but I was so happy. I wanted to stay outside all day but one of my favorite things to do when it rains is sit extremely close to my tv, cover myself in a blanket and watch Pride and Prejudice. I can never get enough of that movie and I find myself living vicariously through Elizabeth - at least in terms of where Mr. Darcy is concerned.

dress - Ross

Talk to you all soon <3

Saturday, June 11, 2016

The silence in between

  shoes - Asos // dress (similar) - Forever 21 // top - Rainbow

 I can actually create looks now, thank God for home and the closets within them. It felt like I had nothing to wear for the last three or so months, so being back home - where I for some crazy reason left most of my clothes - is great.

talk to you all soon!

Saturday, June 4, 2016

The galaxy and beyond

bomber jacket - Hot Topic // top - Forever 21 (similar) // shorts - Forever 21

Believe it or not, the lighting on this day can be described as...bad. It was around the time of day where the sun adds useless shadows to your face and you look like half monster half girl and you can't do anything about it. Still some post worthy photos came out of it mostly because of my beloved Star Wars jacket.

I finished finals a few days ago and I am so relieved!! I was ready to get out of there. The only things that kept me sane were me envisioning myself laying in my bed doing absolutely nothing, and seeing my friends who light up my entire life tbqh. For some reason while I was in school, I didn't bring very many clothes with me (or maybe I did but was too lazy to look cute) and I'm pretty sure I ended up wearing a variation of the same outfit about 7,873,394 times, which is fine or whatever but I'm glad to be home where I can wear everything!!

that's all for today, hope your Sunday is blessed and fun, cya


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I really enjoyed this! I love this free roam, no hand holding way of telling the story but even though I found all  the pillars and entered the temple I felt helpless at the end. I'm guessing this is intentional and really speaks to how well this game is made. Nice one!


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text:
10 Songs, 41 Minutes

About Ghost

A band rife with contradictions, Sweden's Ghost (known as Ghost B.C. in the United States) preach extreme satanic viewpoints over surprisingly accessible heavy metal cum pop-driven hard rock. The bandmembers maintain a strict vow of anonymity, both on record and on-stage; they obscure themselves under monks' cowls, except for their lead singer, known only as Papa Emeritus (there have been three, each supposedly younger than the last and denoted by a successive Roman numeral, though it's the same singer). His appearance, synonymous with the band's image, is instantly recognizable with skull-faced makeup, cardinal robes, miter and thurible; his image is that of an anti-Pope.

Formed in 2008 in Linköping, Ghost began playing underground shows and sharpening their sound. Given their occult ritual-styled performances, their popularity with metal fans in their home country flourished. In 2010, they issued a three-track demo, followed by the single "Elizabeth," and both quickly sold out. Their debut album, Opus Eponymous, on Rise Above Ltd., defied expectations with a surprisingly welcoming melodic sound, weaving together '60s psychedelia, '70s doom, and '80s New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and their reputation spread. They took to the road, touring internationally. They were forced to take the Ghost B.C. moniker in the U.S. because another band had laid claim to the name. Though it was a tad confusing, it didn't hurt their reputation for wildly theatrical performances, and their identities remained cloaked in mystery.

After a wait of over two years, Ghost issued the single "Secular Haze," followed by their sophomore album, Infestissumam, in January 2013, and the band debuted Papa Emeritus II. Infestissumam caused plenty of controversy during the recording process. Begun in Nashville, its satanic themes caused it to be boycotted by virtually every backing chorus -- an important aspect of the album. These vocals had to be recorded in Hollywood. The critical and fan acclaim was nearly universal; the release increased their profile across the globe and won them many fans who didn't necessarily claim heavy metal as a favorite style. The album debuted on some charts at number one. Later in the year, they released a covers EP, If You Have Ghost, produced by Dave Grohl.

A festival tour followed in 2014, including appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Rock on the Range. The band reentered the studio late that year. In May of 2015 it was announced that Papa Emeritus II had been fired and was succeeded by his younger brother (by three months), Papa Emeritus III, adding to the band's schtick. A new single, "Cirice," was issued in May of 2015, followed in August by their third album, Meliora, on Loma Vista Recordings. It was produced by pop heavy-hitter Klas Åhlund (Katy Perry, Usher, Kesha, Madonna) and mixed by Andy Wallace. The following year saw the arrival of a new covers (and one original) EP, Popestar, followed by a lengthy tour of the same name. After a long legal battle, they won the right to their name without the suffix.

Just how long Ghost's musicians will manage to keep their identities a secret even as their notoriety grows remains to be seen. A fan search of the Swedish Performing Rights Society's website revealed that Tobias Forge, formerly of Repugnant, has songwriting credits under the pseudonym "A Ghoul Writer." ~ Eduardo Rivadavia & Thom Jurek

    Linköping, Sweden

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9 Songs, 24 Minutes

About Jessie Hill

Best remembered for the classic "Ooh Poo Pah Doo," New Orleans R&B legend Jessie Hill was born in the Crescent City's Ninth Ward district on December 9, 1932. Raised alongside the likes of Eddie Bo, Oliver Morgan, and Prince La La, it was almost inevitable that he would pursue a career in music, and by his teens he was playing drums in bands fronted by Kid Arnestine and Freddie Domino. In 1951 Hill formed his own group, the House Rockers, with guitarist Little Eddie Lang and siblings Melvin and David Lastie on trumpet and saxophone. The group played local country & western bars for about a year, touring the northern U.S. in support of a drag troupe led by Bobby Marchan before splitting. Upon returning to New Orleans, Hill played drums behind Professor Longhair. No recordings of their collaboration exist, but according to observers, he was the most sympathetic and complementary percussionist Longhair ever enjoyed. He then served with Huey "Piano" Smith & the Clowns before forming a new version of the House Rockers in 1958. In addition to David Lastie, this lineup included guitarist Alvin "Shine" Robinson, bassist Richard Payne, and a drummer, John Boudreaux, which enabled Hill to focus solely on frontman duties.

The origins of "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" reportedly lie with a local pianist known only as Big Four. A drunk who played the club Shy Guy's Place for booze and tips, he once performed the song with the House Rockers in attendance, and Hill scribbled the lyrics and melody on a paper sack, later fleshing it all out with an intro cribbed from Dave Bartholomew. Its dubious evolution notwithstanding, "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" remains one of the classics of New Orleans R&B. A nonsensical yet rollicking call-and-response workout that perfectly captures the energy of French Quarter life, it was honed to a fine edge on-stage before Hill cut a demo that he shopped to local labels, among them Joe Ruffino's Ric and Ron imprints. Ruffino passed, but recommended Hill pitch Joe Banashak's Minit, which agreed to book session time at Cosimo Matassa's Cosimo's Studio. The resulting date would prove the first production credit notched by the great Allen Toussaint, and upon its early 1960 release, "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" first emerged as a favorite at Mardi Gras. Eventually, the single broke nationally, selling 800,000 copies on its way to cracking the Billboard R&B Top Five and the pop Top 30. Hill took the House Rockers on a national tour that culminated with an appearance at New York City's legendary Apollo Theater, but his accounting practices so angered the other members of the band that it dissolved prior to a performance in Washington, D.C.

After returning to New Orleans, Hill re-entered the studio to cut "Whip It on Me," which briefly entered the Billboard Hot 100 before disappearing from sight. The follow-up, "Scoop Scoobie Doobie," was a massive local hit but failed to catch on nationally. Subsequent Minit efforts including "I Got Mine" and "Oogsey Moo" made little impact, and after a last stab to recapture his initial success with "I Can't Get Enough of That Ooh Poo Pah Doo," Hill left the label in 1962. In an effort to reignite his career he moved to California. There he befriended fellow bayou expatriates Harold Battiste, Dave Dixon, and Mac Rebennack (the future Dr. John), who convinced him to temporarily sideline his performing career in favor of songwriting. In the years to follow everyone from Ike & Tina Turner to Sonny & Cher recorded Hill's songs, and he even wrote with Willie Nelson. In 1972, he signed to the Blue Thumb label to cut a solo LP, Naturally, an ambitious but deeply flawed effort that sold scant few copies. Despite his success on the West Coast, Hill nevertheless suffered financial difficulties exacerbated by his growing drinking problem. After a disagreement with Battiste he quit his staff songwriting gig, and while serving a stint in Los Angeles County Jail for an accumulation of traffic warrants, his car, which contained all of his songwriting material, was stolen.

Hill ultimately returned to New Orleans in 1977, but after coming home he found little in the way of either live dates or songwriting work, and for a time he drove his own taxi, a black Cadillac dubbed "The Poo Cab." As his drinking and narcotics use escalated, however, he racked up a series of DWI infractions, and in short order lost his license altogether. His occasional live appearances were typically train wrecks, hastily assembled affairs performed with pickup bands, and for a time Hill was homeless. Several benefit gigs were held in his honor, but did little to revive his personal or professional fortunes. Hill finally succumbed to heart and kidney failure on September 17, 1996, and his body was laid to rest under a plywood grave marker in New Orleans' Holt Cemetery. ~ Jason Ankeny

    New Orleans, LA
  • BORN
    December 9, 1932

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Septimus Heap: Darke by Angie Sage

Characters: 19/20
Plot: 20/20
Originality: 20/20 (A worthy epitome of ultimate creativity)
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 97/100 or A
Source: Library
Summary: In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke Dragon is on the loose. Septimus must use all of his skills to save the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and his estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in protecting his Magykal world?
Review: The latest book of the Septimus Heap series is simply phenomenal. Angie Sage has expressed her top-notch literary powers once again and has surely appealed to many readers in the world. I loved reading Darke and found it definitely not lacking. Warning: Adrenaline rushes may be frequent while devouring this book as I did. The sheer indulging glee I experienced while feasting upon this work was unbelievable. 😉

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text:
Title: The Magician
Author: Michael Scott
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: May 26, 2008
Other Titles in series: The Alchemist (#1), The Sorceress (#3), The Necromancer (#4), The Warlock (#5)

Characters: 18/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 91/100 or A-
Source: Library

Synopsis: After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Lights. Home for Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Perenelle is still locked up back in Alcatraz and Paris is teeming with enemies. Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He’s after them, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. For every day spent without the Book of Abraham the Mage, they age one year-their magic becoming weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is becoming more and more clear. It’s time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic: Fire Magic. And there’s only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel’s old student, the Comte de Saint-Germain-alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world’s only hope-if they don’t turn on each other first.

Review: The first installment left me pretty eager for the second. I enjoyed the fast-paced plot and action packed adventures. When I finally got my hands on The Magician, I thought, “how could a book get any more exciting?” The second book of Michael Scott’s fantastic fantasy is just as adrenaline pumping and fast-paced as the first, possibly even more so. It is a great read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys magic, conflict, and unimaginable adventures.

The characters were fairly solid, like the previous book, but with an extra infusion of genius on Micheal Scott’s  behalf, when he created Niccolo Machiavelli. A truly cunning character, Machiavelli takes the spotlight of the book in my opinion. His many aspects are masterfully welded together into one of the most fascinating personalities I have ever encountered before in a book. Truly, a job well-done. 😉

Overall, I could recommend this book to just about anybody. The younger crowd would be greatly appealed to the fast-paced, action-packed plot, while the older readers would be enamored my the many mythological references Scott includes. A very well rounded read in my opinion.

Scott, Michael. (2008). The Magician. New York: Random House.

  1. The Magician is a nice followup to the success of Michael Scott's thrilling novel, The Alchemyst. The book takes place mainly in Paris as the twins (Josh and Sophie Newman) attempt to escape the clutches of Dr. John Dee and Niccolo Machiavelli. This story makes a nice companion to The Alchemyst as Sophie further continues her development of the five magics and Josh begins to wield Clarent, the coward's blade. And Nicholas Flamel further continues his century-old dispute with Dr. John Dee. This thrilling encounter brings in true mythological characters like Nidhogg, the Disir, and other creatures and beings of several multi-cultural myths and legends. All and All, The Magician is a nicely done followup to the roaring success of Michael Scott's first novel in the series, The Alchemyst.

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BTT: Well, Since You Asked…

April 19, 2012

btt button

Bookish Sarah asks:

What are your literary “pet peeves”?

Let’s see. There are subjective and objective items on my list, here.

The obvious objective pet peeve is poor grammar or typos the editor missed. Grammar, you say, could be slightly subjective given the voice or attempted irony but I’m talking about the stuff that straight up defies grammatical sense. The biggest offender? I can not handle it when I read “I could care less”. What you mean, when implying indifference, is that you “Could NOT care less”. Therefore, you are saying the opposite of what you mean.

Also, do not get me started on “irregardless”. “Regardless” will do just fine as a dismissive concept. Doubly negating the issue makes me very confused.

When it comes to subjective stuff, I also have certain REAL words on my hit list (like the dreaded “plethora”that sounds like a duck on his death bed) but I feel justified in my dismissal as I have pretty, more palatable alternatives at the ready (In the case of “plethora”, anyone who uses “myriad” is a hero in my book. Love that word!)

The bigger subjective issues are less pet peeves and more so personal reading preferences.

I am not a big fan of books featuring women (and on rare occasion, men) who let themselves be mistreated for the sake of a relationship. Writing about actual abuse specifically is different than the stereotypical chick-lit heroine written toward pining after a guy “out of her league” or who makes her work for attention and affection as if this is the only way to be I’m partnership with people. Throwing your life away or bending over backward and calling it normal just so you don’t have to sleep alone.

Likewise, general self-deprecation (be it relationship oriented or more widespread) is to be avoided, as well, or I’m just going to shut the book.

Oh Lordy, I guess that’s all. I didn’t know I had quite so much to say on the topic!

4 Comments leave one →
  1. April 19, 2012 3:48 pm

    LOL! I love it! I have a “myriad” 😉 of pet peeves too.

  2. April 19, 2012 5:55 pm

    Bad grammar puts me off too, unless it’s written to characterize someone’s speech.

  3. April 20, 2012 1:14 am

    ‘Irregardless’! Wow, I have never actually seen this in a book, but it would certainly irritate me if I did. When it comes to spelling and grammar, even the slightest of mistakes irritates me. When you’re writing an entire book, why not look in a dictionary if you’re not sure about the spelling. I guess editing errors are the biggest pet peeves of most readers!

  4. April 20, 2012 10:57 am

    I hate bad grammar with the fiery heat of a thousand suns, but love it when authors challenge me with a new word that I have never come across before. I also have to laugh, because “plethora” used to be one of my favorite words!

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text:
The Proles share a room.

I have a bedroom.

We are one bedroom short in this house.

My room is quite small.
Box room at best.

I don’t have any money either but I sit and think about it.

If I turned the stairs round and moved the partition wall upstairs then built a stud wall and knocked out a new window I might have room for another box room upstairs.

Or, If I turned the stairs through ninety degrees and slid them bad into one corner of the kitchen I could turn the landing and stair well into a bedroom with it’s own window but I would lose half the bathroom.

Or, if I turned the stairs round and left the landing where it is I could put in a partition wall and…no the doors wouldn’t open.

Or, if I put in sky lights I could divide the bathroom and landing lengthways and have the bedroom with the window and the bathroom with a skylight?

Or, I could build an extension on the back of the house and convert the living room into a bedroom?

Or, I could build up over the back kitchen and put in a conservatory on the back of the house…

Some nights I wander round with a tape measure and try to work it all out.

I have no real intention of doing any of this.

As I say, I don’t have any money.

i do what most of my friends do though and imagine what I will do when I win the Lottery.
Not if.
I am positively certain I will win the Lottery.

I know this because the adverts are dropping some pretty heavy hints that it is likely.

Millions probably.

I used to think I would instantly retire, buy a big house and live off the interest or something.
There were speed boats in this fantasy and some non specific swishing around in suits.
And happiness. Lots of happiness.
All paid for.

When I met Loz I was disgusted to hear what her winning millions on the lottery fantasy was.
She wanted to give it all away.

Give it all away?

What kind of a messed up person is given MILLIONS and then gives it away?
What kind of messed up person even dreams of being given MILLIONS and then give it away?

But we spent ages talking about it.
Money, wages that is, do not make you more happy above a certain level.
That level is just above the average but it is still no much.
Having all that money means you have to change your social circle.
You could lose all your friends.
Why would you keep a load of money that was statistically making you unhappy?

Better to set up a trust to pay yourself the optimum wage.
Now you are being paid a good but not obscene amount of money, all your friends would talk to you again.

Then you could work for the trust you set up and give away all the rest of the millions.
You would be your own boss, free from the tax man and you could choose what or who to give your money to.

This was Loz’s elegant plan for when she won millions.

Every pound spent on the lottery is someone’s dream of a better life.
Millions of pounds are millions of broken dreams.

Why would you want to store so much disappointment and then spend it on World-Resource-Sapping-Nonsense?
Would it come as a surprise if it made you unhappy?

She totally changed my attitude to winning the lottery.

This in turn made me realise how lucky I am already.

I don’t mind that I can’t get another room for free in this house.
It is a squash and a squeeze but it is home.

I am content to know that I am going to win the lottery and give it all away one day.

I really must start buying tickets.


text:
Jasmine: In a Concise Blog

I am not great at these blog introductions; I feel awkward desperately staring at a blank page trying to create a cool, hip explanation of who I am.

I am a passionate pre-service teacher; I am excited to begin pre-internship. I absolutely love to learn, and I look forward to this degree, and many more. I am a wife; I am the crazy Aunty every child should have (please see included photo). I am also a crazy dog lady.

I am dedicated to building an anti-oppressive environment. I work alongside several other amazing individuals with the same passion; it is an incredible opportunity that has allowed me to grow immensely as an educator and citizen.

This year my big goal is to work on my confidence; I have a limited amount. I am excellent at self-deprecation and criticism; I want to balance that with positive thoughts and beliefs. It has to begin with accepting it is okay to say I am really good at something, rather than feel guilty for feeling that way.

I also need to work on finding balance amidst the storm. I am a yes person and that can wear a person out. I need to force myself to make time for my family, friends and self. I am a “workaholic” and I know the best time to learn new habits of creating balance is right now while I am in school.

Finally, it is important that I become strong at lesson planning; more specifically, I want to be strong at differentiating, adapting, and consistently creating lesson plans that are fully inclusive for the diverse classrooms I will teach in.

I am truly excited to learn alongside fabulous colleagues in the classroom; we have already had a great two years together, and I look forward to experiencing the best year yet!

14199672_10157277660840567_6453607990882522656_n                                                      (Aunty Jazzy, in her favourite place.)

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Three Reasons to Enter the Surrogate Giveaway

Surrogate 3d cover

Love diverse worlds and alien cultures? Enjoy reading what happens when these cultures clash? Want to see strong LGBTQ+ characters from diverse worlds fight for what’s right? Then Surrogate is a novel for you, but you need to hurry!

Time’s running out for you to enter to win a free journey into the fantastic multi-world, diverse, alien-filled future of Surrogate! I’m giving away three ebook copies of the first novel in the Surrogate  series on Amazon.

Need more reasons to enter? Well, here’s three:

  1. Etain Ixtii’s species, the Alyward, does not understand humanity’s labels concerning gender roles and sexuality. They love who they choose to love, however they choose to love. Family is what you make it, and love is a lifelong, circular process.

  2. Etain’s enemies come in both humanoid and insectoid form.

  3. When a water-bound species encounters a desert-species, more than cultures will clash.

Here’s the first chapter of Surrogate to help your decision, but what’s do decide? Entering is easy and you might just win!

Enter today and good luck!

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Rocket Baseboard Ideas

Baseboard Style – Modern / Molding / Cheap / Trim

BASEBOARD IDEAS – Many house owners assume that baseboard is dispensable given that it is merely used to cover the problem that you can locate below the wall surfaces. So, any kind of baseboard designs will do. But nothing could be additionally from the truth. Right here are some baseboard styles that can highlight your interior completely.

Kitchen Baseboard Ideas

kitchen baseboard ideas

Big baseboard can belong in a lot of rooms, however lots of people appear to assume otherwise. Take a look at this look in the modern, smooth cooking area as well as you’ll recognize simply exactly how versatile it can be. It will offer a put-together look that is about getting the appropriate impact for this crucial space.

It gently contrasts with the grey of the wall surface as well as the thick white baseboard is fantastic for adding existence and contemporary decor to this straightforward space and also its developed objective. It will always work to record the eye without being too frustrating in the process.

Foyer Baseboard Ideas

Minimalist Foyer baseboard ideas

If you’re aiming to have an entrance that is more focused on the art work, the very best idea is to make use of a baseboard that is reasonably tiny as well as straightforward in its cut and also bordering.

Remember in this circumstance that the baseboard is simply meant to act as a structure for the wall, and also you intend to see to it that is much focus gets on the artwork as feasible.

Consequently, you could match the colour of the baseboard with the wall, and also it will create a modern and also innovative look. A contemporary entrance is all about making sure that you produce a welcoming room without being also overwhelming.

Contemporary Baseboard Ideas

 Entry Room baseboard ideas

There’s nothing fairly as refreshing and as well as rejuvenating as an entryway loaded with light and decor, however all carried out in a quiet and toned means. This is done by a quality baseboard, obviously. It perks up the floor. It draws out the light colours in the wood grains close by, and also it helps finish off the appearance simply and also quietly.

Entry Room Baseboard Ideas

Entry Room Baeboard Ideas

The most effective part about having a lotion white, medium entryway baseboard is that it really aids pull together every part of the space. Also if it wasn’t meant to “all integrated”, this completes the appearance off. A fantastic centerpiece.

Entry Baseboard Ideas

traditional baseboard ideas

When creating a space that is everything about the idea of using baseboard, you have to make sure that you put a great deal of emphasis on the elevation of the baseboard that you pick. That is, you’re going to intend to see to it that you thoroughly with each other a traditional that is contemporary, vast, and has deepness to it.

Traditional Baseboard Ideas

hall Baeboard Ideas

It’s complicated often to comprehend quite how to do that, but the very best method is to utilize a baseboard that is wide and also inclined. This will certainly bring in the eye without going over-the-top. Use a comparable colour to the wall, or resemble it completely (use the very same colour).

Bedroom Baseboard Ideas

bedroom baseboard ideas

A bedroom has to have a regal yet modern want to it, which is why a large, plain white baseboard is a superb method to obtain everything interacting as it should. It advertises the concept that the area is welcome to analysis.

You can make the style plan elegant, modern-day, rustic, clean, complex. Everything collaborates to give you a refreshing consider the way that a baseboard is going to assist change the area right. It’s ideal to utilize a light colour, or maybe a tip of cream. Match it to the walls, but don’t be as well concerned regarding it.

Staircase Baseboard Ideas

Staircase Baseboard Ideas

When it involves creating a streamlined and also contemporary stairwell, there is a lot of pressure to locate a means to do it right. This indicates that you are most likely to should concentrate more attention on the stairs as well as permit the baseboard you decide to simply blend into the background.

For those that are seeking always having a put together appearance, this indicates you need to match colour, use a little depth, and also enable it merely be there without occupying way too much presence. When unsure needing to pick, match the baseboard to the wall colour, not the stairwell or flooring colour.

Commonly Baseboard Ideas

commonly Baseboard Ideas

As we understand that there are a variety of walls readily available in all residence enhancement stores. They have differed from accounts to sizes and many makers have improved baseboard designs by produces more baseboards to meet their consumers’ demand.

Those baseboards do not have actually dealt with names however they are recognized from their measurements. Each baseboard will fit a particular type of residences extremely well.

Consequently, if you most likely to a residence improvement shop, you will certainly discover bountiful of baseboard accounts. But, one point for certain, you will certainly find 4 most common baseboard profiles– tipped baseboard, level baseboard molding, shaped mid-height baseboard trim as well as shaped taller baseboard molding.

MDF Baseboard Ideas

MDF Baseboard Ideas

Medium Thickness Fibreboard is different from all-natural woods. It is made of either hardwood or softwood residuals damaged down right into wood fibers that are combined with wax as well as a material binder later. Afterwards, they develop panels by using high pressure and temperature level.

MDF have the tendency to have tough and level surface area. The surface area is even smoother than plywood which makes it easier to veneer, painting or stain due to the fact that there is no underlying grain. It is also very easy to cut because the texture is extra constant than natural timbers.

Pine Baseboard Ideas

Pine Baseboard Ideas

If you are intending to recondition your house on a tight spending plan, yearn baseboard might be the best selection. If you purchase it in a house renovation shop, you will need to pick whether you want to acquire the topped or unprimed one.

If you are going to paint it, you had much better purchase the primaried one to conserve your time and money. Yet if you are not posting likely to repaint it, you can leave the topped yearn baseboard in this way to produce a rustic beauty as a lot of high-grade ache baseboard is devoid of knots and also blemishes.

Confirm the want baseboard prior to buying it to earn certain that there is no bending as well as the fracture that can result in failure as well as make the piece of it unusable.

Heater Baseboard Ideas

Heater Baseboard Ideas

Installing timber baseboard heating unit covers improves the appearance of the heating unit as well as the air flow in the house. These covers are created to supply uniform temperature level and also circulation.

Consider an intense or vibrant color to liven up your area when you install a baseboard heater cover. Neutral shades could hide heating units. Yet the colors that go with the various other providing components in the room turn baseboard an accent item. And also an indispensable part of the system of decoration.

Flat Baseboard Ideas

Flat Baseboard Ideas

This baseboard showcases a really flat style on the front while the back component is grooved to ease the installment. The elevation and also density of it are varied varying from 3 1/2 inches to 4 1/2 inches with 5/8 inch thick depending on your application.

Because of the level layout, level baseboard molding is incomparably functional. You can either utilize it as it is or adds a lot more magnificent details like ornamental molding and crown to enhance its appearance. You can even use it as door’s and home window’s coverings to accentuate your interior decoration.

Minimalist Baseboard Ideas

Minimalist Baseboard Ideas

Recessed walls building a room from the ground up, since they typically call for reframing the entire wall– maintain the lines of the wall surfaces in proportion and also streamlined
Rocket Hall

For a twist on the initial, take a look at this high baseboard. There is a mild molding in addition to it all that is going to be mirroring the ideal kind of mindset that needs to be present in a modern and enjoyable area such as this one.

It is about transforming the room without being as well overwhelming, and also this is an excellent way to see exactly how a colour comparison can truly work in your favor without being also overwhelming or underwhelming. The great and also silent grey is heated up by the lengthy white baseboard and also produces a modern presence.

Modern Bathroom Baseboard

Bathroom Baseboard Ideas

If you are somebody that likes texture as well as colour, the contemporary baseboard is most definitely for you, particularly when it pertains to placing it in the shower room You could see in this instance that they choose the appearance that suits the colour, as well as that, wants of the individual that is seeking to appreciate it.

Modern Bathroom Baseboard Ideas

modern bathroom baseboard ideas

A modern-day washroom is not full without a textured baseboard. You could opt for the geometric form, or something a little various relying on just what you’re searching for. The method is to truly make certain that you appreciate it and also focus on all the very best parts.

Work Desk Baseboard Ideas

Rustic Baseboard Ideas

When you’re thinking rustic, you’re going to want to go classic and rustic with the baseboard style as well as the overall feeling of the area.

The large comparison works well with the wood grain classic baseboard that is definitely awesome in this sort of scenario.

The rustic feeling of the vast board and the basic, traditional layout is actually doing a lot to transition this home from being old-fashioned to be well made and thought out in terms of its little pieces. This area actually collaborates in that regard, as well as it’s nice also see what an easy baseboard could do when it’s used correctly.

Modern Office Baseboard Ideas

Modern Office Baseboard Ideas

In an office, the factor is to breathe, penalized your own usage for your area, and also maintain on your own centered on whatever it is that you are working with. Thus, you should see to it the room is going to reflect that focus.

In terms of baseboard, you’ll intend to take pleasure in a soft, matched baseboard that will certainly melt into the history like you could see here, while still ensuring that you have a completed look that is very important for bringing the space completely in a merged feel and look. With a contemporary white and a clean look to the baseboard layout, simply do excellent things.

Living Room Baseboard Ideas

Living Room Baseboard Ideas

In a living room, you’re most likely to need to make sure that you make use of the very same colour from the baseboard as you do on the walls. This provides it a minimal appearance, it likewise enables it to be a statement item. When you want an assembled space, this is precisely how it must look.

Farmhouse Baseboard Ideas

Farmhouse Baseboard Ideas

If you’re looking to duplicate farmhouse look and feel, you’ll typically discover that there is not much baseboard to be discovered.

This is partial since it does not match the farmhouse style, yet when you are attempting to create a modern-day farmhouse look, you could quickly make that job by assembling a baseboard on top of the wall surface currently there.

It has the texture to it that will make it a whole lot more remarkable compared to you would certainly assume. This is best for someone who desires a low upkeep design with personality and also an easy enhancement to exactly what is currently there.

Steel Baseboard Ideas

Steel Baseboard Ideas

Transitional Baseboard Ideas

Transitional Baseboard Ideas

Hallway Baseboard Ideas

Hallway Baseboard Ideas

Dining Room Baseboard Ideas

Dining Room Baseboard Ideas

Living Room Baseboard Ideas

Living Room Baseboard Ideas

Rocket Baseboard Ideas

Rocket Baseboard Ideas

Contemporary Hall Baseboard

Hall Baseboard Ideas

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text:
“The Battle I Nearly Lost” Part 3: The Final Chapter

ImageRunning long distances isn’t just a physical challenge. In fact, it may be even more of a mental & emotional battle that in the end if not dealt with could be what ends up destroying your ambition….

When we arrived in L.A. & were waiting to board the plane to Houston, my husband listened to his voicemails since we now had access to our regular phone service.   He hung up the phone, turned toward me & said, “Hunny, I have to tell you something.” At that moment, I could see it in his eyes…He didn’t have to say anymore…I started crying so hard I don’t even have anything to compare it to. I cried every second from before I boarded that plane in L.A. to after we got our luggage in Houston. I could not grasp the concept that God would take my best friend away from me & how after 16 years I could not be the last person he would see. I was angry.  I was devastated.  I was undeniably heartbroken.

This is what it took to break me down from my running program. This is what led me to wanting to “give up”. All along, I believe God had a plan for me. Everything was coming together perfectly…until this happened….I was mad. I was angry. I wanted to roll over & die. I had given up.

You may be thinking right about now…..”All over a dog?” The answer to that is no simpler than….yes. All over my dog who happened to be my best friend. My son. My saving grace & I will even say…my angel.

The loss of my dog had affected me so much mentally & continues so much that I will tell you that typing this blog is taking me forever because I cannot control crying over the entire situation.

I took the next day off of work to drive down to Mama Spahn who had my little guy preserved so I could see him one last time.  When I got there, at first I could not bring myself in to go & see him and I just waited in another room crying. Mama Spahn held me & tried to give me words to encourage me, but nothing was helping. The mere fact that my best friend was gone & knowing that only his soul-less body awaited me, no words could relieve the way I was feeling.

I eventually had 4 hours of time with his body & cried to him & talked to him. Even after my attempt at closure I still felt like I could not go on. We drove him to the local human society & dropped his body off to be cremated so he could be with me always. When we got back to Mama Spahn’s &  it was time to go home she gave me another hug & out of nowhere & with the run being the last thing on my mind; she simply told me that I had to keep running. She went on to say, “You can’t let this stop you. Life has got to keep going for you. Life moves on. You have a man now that Cody was able to see you safely into his arms.”…and she gave me 3 more words that meant everything to me…”Run Baby Run”.

I wish I could tell you the next day I got up & began my training program again, but I would be lying to you. I did not run for another 5 days. I would go to work, come home, & stare off into space & cry over the lack of sound or presence in the house.

I had many conversations with my husband telling him that I no longer had it in me. I was so emotionally drained & physically drained from the lack of sleep that I had given up…not only the running, but everything. I had no drive for my job, no drive to eat right, no drive to train, no drive to talk to anyone. I just didn’t care about anything….

He reminded me of the first time I sat him down & shared with him that I had MS. He said, “You told me way back then that you believed that you were diagnosed for a reason. I think we found the reason. This is your chance to inspire the world.”

I started running again….I was MEANT to be a relay runner…for so many more reasons than just to run…I almost lost this battle, and to be honest I think I’m still fighting it, but now I not only run for those with MS, but I run for me, and I run for the thing that I just recently discovered kept me going….kept my battery alive….my best friend since I was 12 years old….

Running long distances isn’t just a physical challenge. In fact, it may be even more of a mental & emotional battle that in the end if not dealt with could be what ends up destroying your ambition.

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Home » Uncategorized » Sermon

Hello, the pastor did preach the Gospel! It wasn’t the main point of his message, but he did say it. He said the whole thing. But it was also watered down with his attempt at comedy. He made several jokes on the way. I don’t think he had any points, or I would try to get the Gospel from them. Please pray that we find a church that always preaches the Gospel! Thank you.

Jesus gave His very own life for us! He saved us from our sin! He died on a cross with all of our sin on Him! Let’s spread the word to everyone! Jesus has died for us. Thank God!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving Your son for us. Please help us to find a church that preaches the Gospel. Please help me to love You, and praise You more. Thank You for blessing us so much. Thank You for making me Your daughter. Please send a revival and let others have the joy of the Gospel.

Peace and love, Joy Cleveland

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Home » gospel » Two Mountains

Two Mountains

Hello, God has given me something in Psalm 133:3 which says:

“It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore.”

David is saying that when God’s people live together in unity (Psalm 133:1) then it is like dew of Hermon falling on Mount Zion. Mount Zion was where God gave His blessing. Mount Sinai was cursed, so that not even animals could touch it. Mount Zion was where God poured His blessing, even life forevermore.

The “even life forevermore” is pointing forward to the New Testament. We were giving life forevermore. You see, we deserved to die because of our sin (Romans 6:23, “For the Wages of sin is death…”), and we were going to die because of sin, and go to hell. And then, Jesus, the son of God came down to earth. Jesus lived a perfect life, and then He died in our place on a mountain (Mount Calvary) and He blessed us with eternal life! He save us! Praise God!

Now, we can live in unity with other Believers, and have the blessing of Eternal life! 1 John 1:7:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”

We have unity and fellowship with one another over what Jesus has done for us on the cross!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your son for me. Thank You for blessing me with eternal life through Jesus death. Please help me to spread the word to others who don’t know what You have done for us. Please help me to love You more, and praise You more, Lord. Thank You for all Your blessings! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace and love, Joy Cleveland

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text:
Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Reasons to be cheerful

It's still a dark and gloomy time of year. Yet there are flashes of optimism here and there, those early, early intimations of spring that bring hope that our spot here on the northern hemisphere. It will be getting brighter and warmer soon. The morning saw some sunshine, birdsong could be heard, the temperature hit +8C.

And the day is getting decidedly, noticeably longer. Each day is more than three and half minutes longer than the one before. This will accelerate towards Equinox, which falls this year on 20 March. Around the spring equinox, day length increases by over four minutes a day.

Above: W-wa Powiśle station, just after 5pm. Still traces of light in a late-dusk sky. Although we've only gained 40 minutes of daylight in the morning (sunrise now is just after 7am), there's an extra hour and ten minutes of daylight in the evening. In two weeks time it will still be broad daylight at 5pm.

But before spring finally explodes into life, there will be more snow, sleet, frost, day after day of endless dark cloud, and we'll still be waking up to darkness. Let us be of good cheer.

And some more good news today: Warsaw enjoyed 2,200 hours of sunlight in 2010, I read in Gazeta Wyborcza's local section Gazeta Stołeczna.

Paddy said...

Agreed, it may not be Spring proper but, boy, does it feel good to have some more light. I realised there were places I regularly travel to in the late afternoon that I had never seen in daylight.

basia said...

+8 huh?
Yesterday morning it was -32 (with wind chill) and this morning it was -23 (with windchill).
Both days were brillaintly sunny.

Days are certainly getting longer:
starting to get dark about 5:45. Nice to leave the office in the daylight.

student SGH said...

W-wa Powiśle station, just after 5pm

So maybe you take the 17:33 Góra Kalwaria-bound service from W-wa Powiśle?

The lovely pre-spring episode is drawing to a close. Just heard on TV scaremongering - next week day-time highs might be between -10C and -5C. I stay cheerful though, and grateful for this wonderful dose of warmth we have enjoyed. And winter won't stay long.

Michael Dembinski said...

@ Paddy - yes - I know the feeling. Getting familiar with a building in the dark (regularly arriving there, say, after 16:00 in mid-winter)and then seeing it in broad daylight for the first time in mid-Feb.

@ Basia - Canada has a wonderful climate. Give me blue skies, sharp frosts and fresh snow anytime for a perfect winter.

@ Bartek - 17:03 Radom service, actually - I've been waking up early these last few months and making earlier starts, so earlier finishes. More time for creativity at home:)

basia said...

"sharp frosts"??

ummm, we're talking brass balls/monkey weather moj drogi

student SGH said...

Good resolution. After my shakedown period I'll also try to knock on and off earlier. Will be hardly feasible, as leaving my office earlier without giving a profound reason means being scowled at by fellow colleauges...


text:
Book Review – Unforgotten by Jessica Brody

Brief Summary:
A book about self discovery and deciphering truths from lies in a world where Sera’s life has been all made up, she doesn’t have a choice or a say in everything that has happened… or will happen. Everything, every movement and every thought was controlled and planted. When the love of her life fall severely sick with a mysterious illness, Sera’s only hope to save Zen and defeating the company that made her is a secret buried deep in her mind.

Her life also changed when a mysterious someone showed up in time of need and rocked Sera’s world..

(I always try my best to give a spoiler-free review! So you can enjoy reading the book and my review with ease 🙂

I think this YA Sci-Fi Trilogy is amazing. (I’ve been trying to find the US edition but I couldn’t so I gave up the long wait and went with the UK edition.)

I love the way Jessica slowly starts to reveal a character and the way she shows it slowly, part by part. It keeps me on the edge of my seat every time I turn to a new chapter. Jessica said that the first book was difficult to write from a person who had no memory POV. But in the second book, I feel that she tries to link back to the first when Sera has learned or improved – Like how she mastered sarcasm.

The way she develop each character is very captivating. Robots or machines are known to be emotionless and heartless, but Jessica went against that ‘rule’ by allowing the characters to go against what they are made for-what are they made for? They have no purpose but to complete the agenda of their creators. They don’t have a choice, a will. This book defies that.

I’m never disappointed by her work, and I cannot wait to read the last novel in the Trilogy, Unchanged.

Awesome or nah:

(4 modifiers out of 5.)

Get Unforgotten here on Amazon,
Or here on Book Depository.

Have a wonderful Holiday and enjoy the coming Christmas!

Love, JiaMing ❤


text:
I continue to think about the assignment on “Home” that my students will undoubtedly ask me about in the tutorials this week. Their assignment is due on 25 August. I have a plan of my home – the one my father built – and some other things to show them including a 1952 competition run by the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) in 1952. To compete, countrywomen had to write an essay on their home. The article I have gives them some guidelines on what sorts of things to include: does your home have a laundry? Do you have pot plants inside? Do you have a range or do you have gas or electricity? Do you have sanitation?

Our house had an outside toilet with a dunny can that was collected every week by the dunny man. I remember him coming down the drive way carrying an empty  can and returning with a full can on his shoulder. In my memory he is smeared with pitch. I felt sorry for him. The can stunk of sewerage and phenol.

I still remember how excited we all were when we finally got our inside loo.

But I loved the outside loo. Its wooden bench seat, warmed by the sun was, at times, the best place to sit and think or look through swap cards. If we ever got the chance we’d open up the latch on the back where the dunny can came out and, with a long bit of stick, we’d tickle the bottom of any unsuspecting person sitting there. Dad used to sit there for ages and one day the dunny man took the can away from underneath him. There is no joy in a modern toilet. It’s just a loo.

I realised that my memories of the outside dunny and the dunny man are no longer common memories. Even my colleagues who had outside loos say they had plumbed outside loos. I am quite excited by this memory that I have of warm wood on my young bottom and the smell of phenol, anguish when I dropped my whole collection of swap cards into the stinking mess, tears of laughter as we tickled bums and the dunny man carrying our waste down the driveway.