text:
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Regarding the WSOP Ladies Event (2 of 2)

Regarding the WSOP Ladies EventLast post I mentioned how I had asked Vera Valmore what her thoughts were regarding the WSOP having a ladies only bracelet event. Vera rides dressage -- a sport in which men and women compete against each other, much like poker. Since there are no “ladies only” events in Vera’s sport, I had thought perhaps she would say poker shouldn’t have them either.

I was wrong.

“I don’t see why not,” Vera responded. “Have they always had a ladies event?”

“Well, I know they didn’t back when the WSOP first started in 1970. I think the first ladies only event might have been around 1977 or so. They starting having a ladies seven card stud event sometime around then . . . .”

“It’s not like every bracelet event is the same, anyway. Right?”

“That’s true. Like the ‘seniors’ event . . . .”

“What’s that?”

“For people 50 and above. There are all sorts of different games and buy-ins, too. They might repeat certain structures in a given year -- I believe they had more than one $1,500 no limit Hold ’em event last year. Even so, every event is still going to be unique . . . different field sizes, levels of play, external circumstances . . . .”

“And they all award bracelets,” said Vera.

“Yes. Which is why some complain that a bracelet won in a ladies-only event shouldn’t be equated with a bracelet won in an open event.”

Vera bit her lip, then continued.

“Why equate those two bracelets if every event is unique, anyway?” she asked. “No, I don’t see any problem having a ladies event. But it also makes sense to think of that event as different -- as more marginal -- than other open events with bigger buy-ins.”

“So make it a preliminary event? Separate it out . . . ?”

“No point to that . . . .”

Vera went on to explain to me how at dressage competitions all different levels compete at once, though one’s scores are only compared with those in one’s own class.

It’s true that a lot of people get distracted by the significance of a WSOP bracelet when trying to talk about this issue. If one thinks about it at all clearly, one realizes that it makes no sense to worry about the relative “value” of a WSOP bracelet being affected by the existence of a ladies only event. No one (in his or her right mind) is ever going to suggest seriously that the bracelet Erik Seidel won in Event No. 54 this year -- the $5,000 Deuce-to-Seven w/Rebuys event -- is utterly equivalent in status to that won by Sally Anne Boyer in Event No. 17, the $1,000 Ladies NLH event. Nor is it equivalent to the bracelet Phil Hellmuth won in Event No. 15, the $1,500 NLH event. Nor to the bracelet Seidel himself won two years ago for the $2,000 NLH event, nor the one he won four years ago in the $1,500 pot limit Omaha event. And so forth.

Vera used the word “marginal” when referring to the ladies event. I’ve heard others speak of it in those terms as well. It makes sense to consider events that exclude participants because of their sex or age as “marginal,” I think. However, a serious problem arises when people mistakenly transfer the idea to the participants themselves -- as if they are somehow identifying themselves as “marginal” for entering such an event . . . .

“Besides, it costs money to play poker,” said Vera, interrupting my train of thought.

“Yeah . . . and . . . ?”

“And women -- on average -- tend to earn less than men.”

“You’re talking about how women get paid less for doing the same jobs that men do?”

“Well, yes, sometimes. But that’s not what I mean. I’m just referring to women in general and the jobs women usually take. Or don’t take -- if they stay at home to raise the kids. Generally speaking, women earn less than men. And any sport -- or employment or anything -- that requires start-up money is automatically going to favor those who have more money.”

We talked a bit more about poker’s history and what I characterized as a kind of “legacy of prejudice” against women in poker that one sometimes sees evidence of today. I mentioned Doyle Brunson’s comments in the original Super/System where -- writing back in 1978, mind you -- he said he didn’t “like to see women at a Poker table” and he’d “never met a woman who was really a top player.” (We all know Brunson has revised his opinion since then.)

I also summarized David Spanier’s comments about women players in Total Poker (published in 1977) -- where he suggests women are, in a sense, wired differently from men in that they haven’t the same urge to compete as men do. A provocative idea, actually. But Spanier continues. “The fundamental reason, I think,” writes Spanier, “why girls don’t play poker, or don’t play it very well, is that there is something unsexing about gambling games. To win, a woman has in some direct way to deny her femininity, to be hard, cunning, and aggressive; whereas for a man, poker reinforces his masculinity: he feels tougher and more sure of himself after winning.”

I went on to say that Brunson and Spanier were reflecting assumptions shared by many when they said those things. And how some of those ideas about women poker players -- along with some other, less thoughtful and/or less generous attitudes -- continue to exist today. Then I explained how because of this legacy, some believe ladies only tournaments provide a kind of relaxed, less threatening way for women to get some experience. To wade into the tourney ocean, so to speak, without having to mix it up with those sharks swimming out beyond the breakers . . . .

“I see,” Vera said. “Well, that would be another reason to keep them, then.”

She went on to talk about the dressage scene. One often finds more women than men competing at the shows where Vera rides. When we were in Vegas in April for the Rolex FEI World Cup Dressage Grand Prix finals -- the cream of the crop -- only three or four of the 12 riders in the final (that I attended) were men, I believe. Dressage is a sport with a different legacy than that of poker, to be sure.

* * * * *

Vera’s point about mistakenly equating WSOP bracelets was one I had considered before. Her reference to women’s income (relative to men’s) -- and how women often (still) are expected to stay at home with the children -- I hadn’t really thought about in this context. Such factors probably do need to be contemplated before people claim without hesitation that women all have exactly the same opportunities as men when it comes to competing in high stakes, tourney poker.

Of course there are certain players -- men and women -- who have managed by dint of their skill to overcome those financial obstacles to becoming regular participants in WSOP events. For the great majority, however, getting access to the money -- and the time -- to play and compete ain’t as simple a matter as some make it out to be.

Regarding women novelists -- who also over the years have faced obstacles largely unknown to men -- Virginia Woolf once argued that “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write.” Whether you are a man or a woman, you have to have money to play poker. And the time (and a place) to play . . . .

Does the woman poker player really need a “tourney of her own” at the WSOP? I suppose that would be up to her to decide. As for the rest of us on the rail pondering the question, seems like there are a number of relevant factors a lot of us aren’t really considering when we debate the issue.

Anonymous Michele Lewis said...

Excellent post. I've been planning to write something on this issue for some time...I've been inspired.

8/24/2007 9:24 AM

Post a Comment

<< Home

Newer Posts
Older Posts

Copyright © 2006-2017 Hard-Boiled Poker.
All Rights Reserved.


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: text/html

WARC-Type: response

text:
phone tracker gps online

Typically, who uses GPS Phone Tracker on mobile phone use Online Tracker and who use from the computer for example, should download it to the device.

Use this mobile phone tracker to see where your partner is! Free phone tracking through gps satellite. Trace a cell phone now!

GPS global positioning satellite tracking system phone, mobile phone number range of 50 meters position accuracy

Phone Tracker - Online Mobile Phone Tracker

Cell Phone Tracker Features one of the best solutions to track a cell phone using only the phone number or IMEI.

Is my phone, GPS tracker, or laptop supported? 1 year ago 294464 What's Hot GPS. Covert tracking can AccuTracking be hidden from the phone user? 1 year ago

Track a partner Free phone tracking.

InstaMapper was a popular GPS tracking / location sharing service. After nearly 5 years of operation, the site shut down in 2012. We are hopeful that we will find a.

How to GPS Track a Cell Phone. If you've lost your phone, or you're worried about what your child might be up to after school, you can use GPS technology to track a.

Phone Tracker - Cell Phone Tracker Phone Number Tracker.

Stay close to your children with GPS-Trace Orange. Know exactly where your car is at all times with the real time vehicle tracking system.

Phone Tracker - hidden tracking app that secretly records location, SMS, call audio, WhatsApp, Facebook, camera, internet activity

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-185-224-210.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-22
operator: Common Crawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for May 2017
publisher: Common Crawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: application/xhtml+xml

WARC-Truncated: length

text:
Skip to Content Skip to Navigation

Harold Mike Sizemore: Blog

That old Man N Me

Posted on August 28, 2014 with 0 comments
Finally after saying for a year or more that this album is coming out.  It finally gets released.  For my online friends you can check it out here and for my CD loving friends you can check out the release party down at Wunderbar Oct 10.  check out the calendar dates for more details.
Thanks to all of my friends and family who were able to contribute to the Kickstarter campaign.  I thank you for all of your kindness and you CD's are on the way very soon.
Thanks again!

New album coming soon

Posted on July 24, 2013 with 0 comments
I know I've been saying it for a while.  However the mixing and mastering part is currently taking place and we shall see if that sets me up for the acoustic album, I've been waiting to make.  "That old man n me" is a labor of love dedicated to my dad.  I am hoping sometime after the wedding I get to release it.
Thanks for reading my nonsense

Still working on it

Posted on June 26, 2013 with 0 comments
hope your 2013 has been good so far!  Been really busy writing new songs and getting ready to knock down rehearsals with nick Armstrong and some new members do the Hopple St.  Looking forward to doing that show at alleys on the river.  But also it was awesome to hear from Perry at pars for a show August 4th as well.
Also we have reached number 5 on the Americana charts for cincy.
Keep checking the website or
facebook/haroldmikesizemore mike sizemore
twitter @hmsizem
stay in touch

As my last post might have said I'm back in the music game after a good rest period.  Looking forward to this new project with Aaron Hedrick.  Come and see us as we set up shop at shady o'gradys on November 30th. 10 pm.

Don't call it a comeback

Posted on October 23, 2012 with 0 comments
So it's been a long time since I did a blog or had time to do one.
I wanted to get everyone's hopes up as I gear up to start working on album number two.  Got a few songs already written and also have a few already recorded, so we will see what we can get going on over the next little while.

Next Page

RSS feed


text:
ER Wait Times » UrgentCare Express »

Ongoing & Upcoming Events

Past Events

View results & pictures »
25th Annual Auxiliary Lucky Duck and Family Fun Day
Join the Harrington Auxiliary for its 25th annual lucky duck and family fun day! $1,000 Grand Prize Duck Pluck - plus NEW games, events, entertainment, vendors and more!... more »
View results & pictures »
Cruisin’ into Healthcare Auxiliary Car and Motorcycle Show
Classic car and motorcycle show. Dash Plaques, Entertainment, Food, Family Fun... plus we’ve added motorcycles this year — share with your fellow enthusiasts!... more »
View results & pictures »
Relaxation Techniques for Cancer Center Patients and Families
We offer free yoga classes for cancer patients and their family members.... more »
View results & pictures »
Community Dog Show and Family Fun Day
Join us to raise awareness for lung cancer awareness. All proceeds benefit The Cancer Center at Harrington. Dunk a doctor, a community dog show competition, and more!... more »
April 10, 2017
UrgentCare Express Offers Online Check-In
Patients looking for care at UrgentCare Express at Harrington can now reserve an appointment online. The organization has implemented a new online check-in program. Continue reading »
April 3, 2017
Harrington Expands Oncology Services to Webster
Harrington Physician Services’ Dr. Yasser Rehman is now available to see oncology and hematology patients in Webster. Continue reading »
March 21, 2017
Fels Family Foundation Donates $150,000 to Harrington for Echocardiogram Machine
Harrington has been awarded $150,000 from the Fels Family Foundation to purchase an echocardiography machine for it's cardiology department. Continue reading »
March 7, 2017
Harrington Will Hold 3rd 5K Color Run Fundraiser for Behavioral Health
Harrington will hold its third 5K color run and health walk on May 7 at Fay Mountain Farm in Charlton. Online registration is now open by visiting hh5kcolor.eventbrite.com. Continue reading »
March 1, 2017
Wound Care Center at Harrington Receives 2016 Center of Excellence Award
The Wound Care Center at Harrington has received the Center of Excellence (COE) award by Healogics, Inc. It was the only center in the Worcester area to receive the award and one of only four in the state to achieve the recognition. Continue reading »
February 22, 2017
Paula Poundstone Fundraiser Brings Awareness for Behavioral Health
In just a few weeks, Harrington HealthCare System will welcome comedian Paula Poundstone to Southbridge. But the evening won’t just be about laughter – it is Harrington’s major fund raiser for 2017, with partial proceeds benefitting recovery services for the community, and it’s that mission that is getting the attention of the general public. Continue reading »
February 6, 2017
Harrington Recovery Services Receives $2,500 from North Oxford Walmart
SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. – Harrington HealthCare System has received a $2,500 grant from the North Oxford Walmart and Walmart Community Grant Program to benefit recovery services in the community. “We are very excited to have the support of the North Oxford Walmart, which understands how important it is to provide high quality, accessible recovery services that […] Continue reading »

© 2017 Harrington Hospital
100 South Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 | Directions >>

Sitemap \ Employee Login

Harrington honored some of its many employees at its annual service recognition event earlier this month. All employees received gift cards to a business of their choice. ...

Harrington honored some of its many employees at its annual service recognition event earlier this m...

View on Facebook


text:
There can be no hypocrisy under secularism

There can be no hypocrisy under secularism
 (Abu Dhabi TV, February 19th, 2009)

REPORTER: Everyone knows Turkey is a secular state, some Westerners say it will turn into an Islamic state in 2015-2020. Do you agree?

ADNAN OKTAR: Turkey will always be a secular state. It is useful for it to be secular, and it will remain secular in the future. There can be no hypocrisy under secularism. That is the excellent aspect of secularism; it puts an end to hypocrisy, the greatest danger for Muslims and the worst disaster. Muslims have a duty to desire a system that puts a stop to hypocrisy. This is also part of the moral values of the Qur'an. The reference in the Qur'an to "there is no compulsion in the religion" is a reference to secularism. Christians will worship as they wish and Muslims perform their religious obligations as they wish, while Jews behave how they wish, and atheists and masons live by their own beliefs. But the state will intervene if they try to harm anyone else. But there is no interference in ideas; that is one feature of the secular state. That is why it is so important for Turkey to remain secular.

Hiç yorum yok:

Yorum Gönder


text:
2009年10月2日 星期五

M.I.T. Taking Student Blogs to Nth Degree /小六女生學擠奶

自由時報 - 4小時之前
〔本報訊〕擁有豪乳的瑤瑤(郭書瑤)又惹非議，媒體報導，有自稱國小教師的網友前天在批踢踢，以「她的殺很大，讓我很火大」為題留言，批評瑤瑤製造社會亂象，不但有小一學生做題目時，竟想在填空題上寫「殺很大」，甚至有小六女生在個人部落格放上擠奶照。對此，瑤瑤無奈 ...

M.I.T. Taking Student Blogs to Nth Degree

Mark Wilson for The New York Times

At M.I.T., from left, Paul Baranay, Jess Kim and Chris Mills write blogs for its admissions site.

Published: October 1, 2009

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Cristen Chinea, a senior at M.I.T., made a confession in her blog on the college Web site.

Skip to next paragraph

Ms. Kim said she read the M.I.T. blogs in high school. “They painted a picture of what life would be like here.”

“There’ve been several times when I felt like I didn’t really fit in at M.I.T.,” she wrote. “I nearly fell asleep during a Star Wars marathon. It wasn’t a result of sleep deprivation. I was bored out of my mind.”

Still, in other ways, Ms. Chinea feels right at home at the institute — she loves the anime club, and that her hall has its own wiki Web site and an Internet Relay for real-time messaging. As she wrote on her blog, a hallmate once told her that “M.I.T. is the closest you can get to living in the Internet,” and Ms. Chinea reported, “IT IS SO TRUE. Love. It. So. Much.”

Dozens of colleges — including Amherst, Bates, Carleton, Colby, Vassar, Wellesley and Yale — are embracing student blogs on their Web sites, seeing them as a powerful marketing tool for high school students, who these days are less interested in official messages and statistics than in first-hand narratives and direct interaction with current students.

But so far, none of the blogs match the interactivity and creativity of those of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where they are posted prominently on the admissions homepage, along with hundreds of responses from prospective applicants — all unedited.

Not every admissions office has been so ready to welcome uncensored student writing.

“A lot of people in admissions have not been eager for bloggers, mostly based on fears that we can’t control what people are saying,” said Jess Lord, dean of admissions at Haverford College, which posted student bloggers’ accounts of their summer activities this year, and plans to add bloggers this spring to help admitted students hear about campus life. “We’re learning, slowly, that this is how the world works, especially for high school students.”

M.I.T.’s bloggers, who are paid $10 an hour for up to four hours a week, offer thoughts on anything that might interest a prospective student. Some offer advice on the application process and the institute’s intense workload; others write about quirkier topics, like warm apple pie topped with bacon and hot caramel sauce, falling down the stairs or trying to set a world record in the game of Mattress Dominos.

Posting untouched student writing — and comments reacting to that writing — does carry some risks. Boring, sloppily written posts do nothing to burnish an institutional image, college admissions officials say, and there is always the possibility of an inflammatory or wildly negative posting.

Pomona has considered having student bloggers, but so far has felt that the risks outweigh the benefits, said Art Rodriguez, senior associate dean of admissions.

“Blogs can certainly help humanize the process,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “The flip side is that a few anxious high school students may think and worry too much about what someone wrote on their blog, and present themselves in a slightly different way than who they really are. And there’s always the concern about the political ramifications, that bloggers may open up an issue or topic that starts something negative.”

But Mr. Lord of Haverford said prospective students’ interest in the summer bloggers calmed his worries.

“High school students read the blogs, and they come in and say ‘I can’t believe Haverford students get to do such interesting things with their summers,’ ” he said. “There’s no better way for students to learn about a college than from other students.”

Many high school seniors avidly follow student blogs at the colleges they are interested in, and post comments. Luka, one of dozens responding to Ms. Chinea, for example, wrote: “I didn’t know about the anime club. I would have never guessed that people at M.I.T. are interested in anime. Oh well ... +1 on my ‘Why should I go to M.I.T.’ list.”

M.I.T.’s student bloggers said they had read the blogs when they were applying, posted comments and connected with other applicants.

“I was blogging myself, almost every day, when I was in high school, and I read the M.I.T. blogs all the time,” said Jess Kim, a senior blogger. “For me they painted a picture of what life would be like here, and that was part of why I wanted to come.”

Ben Jones, the former director of communications at M.I.T.’s admissions office, began with a single blog by a student five years ago, at the dawn of the Facebook era, and noticed high school students responding right away. “We saw very quickly that prospective students were engaging with each other and building their own community,” said Mr. Jones, who now works at Oberlin College, where he has added blogs to the Web site.

The M.I.T. student bloggers have different majors, ethnicities, residence halls and, particularly, writing styles. Some post weekly or more; others disappear for months. The bloggers are sought out as celebrities during the annual “Meet the Bloggers” session at Campus Preview Weekend.

M.I.T. chooses its bloggers through a contest, in which applicants submit samples of their writing. “The annual blogger selection is like the admissions office’s own running of the bulls,” said Dave McOwen, Mr. Jones’s successor in the admissions office, in his message inviting applications.

This year, 25 freshmen applied for four new spots, and, Mr. McOwen said, it was hard to choose.

“You want people who can communicate and who are going to be involved in different parts of campus life,” he said. “You want them to be positive, but it’s not mandatory.”

And not all posts are positive. Ms. Kim once wrote about how the resident advising system was making it impossible for her to move out of her housing — expressing enough irritation that the housing office requested that the admissions office take her post down. Officials refused, instead having the housing office post a rebuttal of her accusations; eventually, the system was changed.

But most of the blogs are exuberant, lyrical expressions of the joys of M.I.T. life, like last month’s post on returning as a sophomore:

“Something’s changed,” wrote Chris Mills. “Now you know what you’re in for, you know the sleepless nights and frustrations are never far away, but this knowledge can’t seem to remove the exhilarating smile on your face. And it’s in that masochistic moment that you realize who you are. That this is what you’re made for.”


text:
Like HowStuffWorks on Facebook!

What is lymph?

I was working on a yard project the other day and I ended up cutting myself with a utility knife. It was more a puncture than a cut, pretty deep but not very big. Anyway, the weird thing is that it didn't bleed. Instead, this clear fluid oozed out. What was that clear fluid?

Assuming that you are not a space alien of some sort, the clear fluid that you saw was lymph. Apparently, when you cut yourself you did not puncture any sort of blood vessel, so you had a rare opportunity to actually see your lymph!

One of the amazing things about lymph is that we all have it but we generally know nothing about it. Your entire body is soaked in lymph and there is a whole lymph vessel system that is just as complex as your blood vessels!

Every human has a heart, arteries, veins, blood vessels and ultimately capillaries. Blood carries many different things to the cells, including:

  • Oxygen (blood also picks up carbon dioxide so it can be exhaled)
  • Proteins
  • Glucose
  • White blood cells (to find and eliminate bacteria, viruses and other foreign materials)

Capillaries flow past cells but do not actually connect to them. What happens is that the clear, watery blood plasma -- containing the oxygen, proteins, glucose and white blood cells -- "leaks" out through the capillary walls and flows around all the cells. The pores in the capillaries are too small to let red blood cells through, however -- that is why lymph is clear rather than red. All of the cells in your body are therefore bathed in lymph, and they receive their nutrients and oxygen from the lymph.

Somehow, all of this lymph has to end up somewhere, so it is recirculated. The lymph capillaries and vessels pick up the lymph fluid and start pumping it away from the cells. Lymph vessels do not have an active pump like the heart. Instead, lymph vessels have one-way valves, and muscle motion pumps the lymph. You have just as many lymph vessels and capillaries as you have blood vessels and capillaries!

Lymph in the lymph vessels eventually reaches a lymph node -- there are about 100 nodes scattered throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the lymph and also contain large numbers of white blood cells (a big part of the immune system), which remove foreign cells and debris from the lymph. When you get certain infections, the lymph nodes swell with billions of white blood cells working to clear the foreign cells causing the infection. The filtered lymph then flows back into the blood stream at certain points.

One thing this explains is how a shot at the doctor's office works. The fluid of the shot is injected into the lymph, not the blood stream. But eventually it makes it to the bloodstream through the lymph system.

Here are some interesting links:

More to Explore


text:
Home » Health »

A muffin a day might just keep the doctor away

Baking meets science in a delicious University of Queensland health initiative that really takes the cake.

‘Good heart’ muffin, developed by UQ scientists, could help lower the risk of heart disease.

UQ Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences scientist and keen baker Dr Nima Gunness said the muffins contained three grams of beta glucans – a healthy soluble fibre that occurs naturally in the cell walls of oats and cereals, and meets the food standard guidelines for cholesterol-lowering properties.

“There is good evidence that three grams or more of oats beta glucan consumption a day can help reduce cholesterol levels,” Dr Gunness said.

Her work follows an earlier discovery by UQ and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls that demonstrated how beta glucan fibre in oats can slow absorption of fats to reduce blood cholesterol.

“I wanted to turn my discovery into a product, like a muffin, that people could eat to help reduce the amount of cholesterol in their blood stream, lowering the risk of heart disease.”

Dr Gunness perfected her low-fat blueberry muffin recipe over several months.

“The trick was to avoid making the muffin gluggy from all the extra oat bran and beta glucan fibre.”

Now UQ’s commercialisation company UniQuest and a UQ Business School student are identifying opportunities for the muffins to be packaged, frozen, and sold in supermarkets, cafés and health food outlets around the country.

“We are not suggesting that people go off any cholesterol-lowering medication,” Dr Gunness said.

“Rather, we are aiming to provide a convenient, healthy and very tasty way of helping to reduce cholesterol levels.”

Through UniQuest, Dr Gunness is working with Australian food company Priestley’s Gourmet Delights to manufacture and taste-test a batch of ‘good heart’ muffins.

“I was really amazed by how positive the consumer feedback has been,” she said.

“It’s very exciting to see a simple everyday product come out of some fairly complex research.

“Eating a muffin a day is a convenient way for people to improve their heart health.”

Related Posts

  • No Related Posts


text:
New Developments in the Topical Management of Acne

Publication of THE LATEST IN ACNE CARE supplement was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Canada Inc.

Jerry Tan, MD, FRCPC,

Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON.

Abstract: Adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% (adapalene/BPO) gel is a novel agent for acne therapy that has recently become available in Canada. This fixed-dose combination of a topical retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is efficacious in mild-moderate inflammatory acne and as an adjunct to oral antibiotics for severe acne. Adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% (adapalene/BPO) gel provides synergistic efficacy, whereby efficacy of the combination exceeds the summed efficacy of individual components. Furthermore, adapalene/BPO with oral doxycycline for severe acne increases the rate of global treatment success four-fold beyond that with doxycycline alone. Practical means to abrogate the development of local intolerability have been shown to be effective.
Key Words: acne, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, fixed-dose gel, combination, topical acne medication, retinoids.
Three of five pathogenic factors involved in acne can be addressed by topical medications: follicular hyperkeratinization, Proprionibacterium acnes proliferation, and inflammation.
The combination of retinoid and BPO in the form of adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% has recently been approved in Canada, and has been advocated by an international acne expert group as a rational standard for treating mild-moderate acne as it offers complementary mechanisms of action.
An adapalene/BPO formulation provides greater proportions of global success and reduction in acne lesion counts compared to the vehicle or either agent alone.
As topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can be irritating, their combination may potentiate this factor. Measures to minimize intolerability include every other night application and daily moisturizer use.
For the treatment of mild-moderate acne, the fixed-dose adapalene and BPO gel combination may enhance treatment efficacy and adherence through improved ease of use.
Benzoyl peroxide does not induce bacterial resistance.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is only $20 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.


text:
The Bioavailability of Calcium From Spinach

Calcium bioavailabilty from spinach is decreased due to the presence of oxalic acid.

Calcium bioavailabilty from spinach is decreased due to the presence of oxalic acid.

As calcium remains one of the most important nutrients required through the different stages of life, consuming foods rich in this nutrient is critical to maintaining good health. While milk and dairy products are the richest dietary sources of calcium, dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and rhubarb also contain a considerable amount of the mineral. However, the importance of spinach as a source of calcium is diminished by the fact that its bioavailability is poor.

Calcium Bioavailability

Calcium bioavailability refers to the amount of the mineral present in spinach in relation to the amount that is absorbed and utilized by the body. Although rich in calcium, spinach also contains a high amount of oxalic acid, which forms an indigestible complex with calcium, thereby reducing the bioavailability of calcium from spinach. Calcium bioavailability from spinach is very low compared to its bioavailability from dairy products and other vegetables.

Calcium Absorption from Dairy

Calcium absorption from milk and dairy foods is about 32 percent so that 96 of the 300 milligrams of calcium present in a 1-cup serving of milk are absorbed. Similarly, 97 milligrams of calcium from a 42-gram serving of cheddar cheese and 96 milligrams from 240 grams of yogurt are absorbed. The bioavailability of calcium from spinach is just 5 percent, and of the 115 milligrams of calcium present in 85-gram serving of spinach, only 6 milligrams of the nutrient are absorbed. This means that you would have to consume 16 servings of spinach to obtain as much calcium from spinach as a glass of milk.

Calcium Absorption from Other Vegetables

Although a serving of kale contains only 61 milligrams of calcium, about 50 percent of it is absorbed. As much as 61 percent of the 35 milligrams of calcium in a serving of broccoli and 54 percent of the 79 milligrams of the calcium in a serving of bok choy are absorbed. The higher amount of oxalic acid in rhubarb decreases calcium bioavailability, as only 8 percent of the 174 milligrams of calcium present in a serving of rhubarb is absorbed. Of these vegetables, bioavailability of calcium from spinach is the lowest at a mere 5 percent.

Other Nutrients in Spinach

While calcium bioavailability from spinach is very low as compared to other foods, there are many other benefits in making spinach part of your diet. Spinach is a low-calorie food that is rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is an excellent source of carotenoid pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin, which may reduce the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Consuming spinach with vitamin C-rich foods can increase absorption of calcium from spinach, according to

Spinach in Meals

Spinach is a versatile vegetable that you can include in your meals as a salad with a light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil. Replace lettuce with baby spinach leaves in your sandwiches and favorite salads, or combine chopped spinach with cheese for a vegetarian lasagna. Add spinach to pies, soups, dips and meat dishes to increase the nutritive value of your meals.

About the Author

As a scientist and educator, Sukhsatej Batra has been writing instructional material, scientific papers and technical documents since 2001. She has a diverse scientific background, having worked in the fields of nutrition, molecular biology and biochemistry. Batra holds a PhD in foods and nutrition, and a certificate in professional technical communication.

Photo Credits

Suggest a Correction


text:
JUser: :_load: Unable to load user with ID: 433817

Since the current President is not qualified to receive reelection, the Democratic party need to choose one more choice to run for President of the United States inside the 2016 political election. Prior to a candidate might be decided on, there will be several primary discussions to enable the citizens to make a decision which one of the prospects will speak for their pursuits more closely. The applicants hoping to acquire the Democratic party selection may have a number of debates leading up to the primary presidential election and also the recognized choice of a party choice.

Getting the cnn presidential debate schedule will help a person considering receiving as much info as is possible prior to they make a ballot. From the general election, each signed up voter will be able to successfully choose democrat or republican. However, voters could only select one party to actually choose within the primary political election. In certain states, people are restricted to the party in which they may be listed in contrast to in some others, voters can select one of the party and choose which prospect they'd like to experience run within the nationwide selection.

It is essential for each and every voter to concentrate on the debates therefore they know where the presidential hopefuls feel on essential problems. Later in the process, the Democratic and Republican presidential hopefuls may have discussions jointly so the public can pick which nominee should make a much better US president.

The mass media supplies plenty of information about the nominees in the year before the selection therefore registered voters could make well informed judgments according to their personalized values.


text:
Monday, March 24, 2008

quick update on the doc's appointment

Well, I forgot my paper with my questions, so I didn't remember to ask them all.

I wear sunscreen on all uncovered parts whenever I leave the house. Today, I am wearing short sleeves, so I put sunscreen on my arms before leaving work. By the time I got to the doc's, my right arm was sunburned. That kinda answered the sun question. I asked anyway, and he said that it would be best if I wore long sleeves. "Indefinitely?" "For a while." I'm not sure how long that is, and I didn't inquire. So I'm going now to look for one or two long-sleeved shirts (one definitely in white) that I can wear over my short sleeves when I'm outside.

I've been having the weird skin sensitivity lately, like I had during chemo. It's not nearly as bad, but it is noticeable. I asked about that, and he said that he wasn't concerned about it. (The doc's answers aren't great for those of us who like to know "why" -- he's just answering from a "should I be concerned" perspective.)

He listened to my lungs without my request, and he said nothing about them, so I assume they are fine. If I continue to have the same problem with exercising, I'll call.

The swollen node is about the same - everyone agrees - so no action necessary at this time. I should call right away if I notice a change for the worse (no kidding!!).

And I'll have another PET scan 3 months from the previous, so that will be mid-to-late May, the year-mark of when this all started. The end of the school year approaching is raising a bit of anxiety in me. Funny, since the point in the school year had nothing to do with everything that happened. Ahhh, associations.

So that's where it's at right now.

every now and then, it taps me on the shoulder...

It’s all kind of surreal.

It’s different than denial.

I mean, I know I had cancer.

I remember a lot of it more clearly than I would like to.

Yet it still doesn’t feel real, somehow.

I had an appointment at the radiologist’s this morning, to check on my swollen node. It’s still swollen, but it’s about the same as its been all along. (It was kind of annoying, actually. From the time I got out of my car to the time I got back in was 15 minutes. I could have just called and said, “Yep, I’ve been checking it every day, and it’s still the same.”)

I noticed on my way in and out that the paintings we did at the Day of Art are framed and hanging in the hallway. I could see mine. Mine was a tribute to all of the people who carried me through the journey: medical staff, husband, friends, family. It is not a fabulous painting, but it says what I wanted it to say.

Seeing it made me want to cry. Writing about it makes me want to cry. I can’t entirely pinpoint why, either.

I went running Saturday late afternoon. It was easily the hottest it’s been for an outdoor run for me since before diagnosis, and the sun, while low, was still up. I did my usual 2-mile (my house up to Baseline and back), which I’ve been able to run without walking for quite some time now.

I couldn’t run it.

I ran all the way to Baseline and did a combination walk/run the whole way back. The whole second mile. I was completely out of breath and tired. (Legs felt OK.)

This funky incident (which was most likely a result of me not being used to the weather), had me in tears by the time I cooled down. I was out of breath, which is a problem I haven’t had, which *must* mean there’s something wrong, which *must* mean that the long-dead cancer is causing problems.

I wonder if this paranoia ever goes away. I don’t like it.

Well, in any case, I have an appointment with the oncologist this afternoon. Questions I have:

- when do the side effects of the chemo wear off once and for good?
- I love being outside in the sun. As long as I wear sunscreen vigilantly, is the sun something I need to avoid? Are clothes sufficient barriers, or do I need more sunscreen than I thought?
- is the restriction on hot tubs, hot showers, massages, etc. permanent, or was that just during treatment?
- the funky blue veins in my chest are still visible, and the area inside my left collar bone is still slightly swollen. Shouldn’t that have gone away by now?
- please listen to my lungs – I had some issues when I was running over the weekend.

Yeah, if you have the opportunity to miss sharing this adventure, that would be a good thing.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

update on the node

the swollen lymph node (from however long ago) is still swollen but barely. i can still find it 'cause i know where to look, but i wouldn't find it by accident like i did before. i am assuming this is a good sign and that we needn't worry about it any more :)

docs' appointments on the 24th (one in the a.m., one in the p.m.), so i'll have confirmation by then.

Monday, March 3, 2008

the hair project 3-3-08

Well ... I took my digital camera to school last week and left it there over the weekend, so this month's picture is a couple of days late... Anyway, this is what it's looking like these days. The style is gel-free, though sometimes it needs gel. Don't know why.


text:
Blogging: How to Create a Mobile Experience

11 Actionable Blog Tips You Need to Be Mobile-Friendly

smartphone use Smartphones and tablets present challenges for bloggers because consumers expect a seamless experience across connected devices regardless of what’s required to provide it.

Understand that the characteristics of mobile usage affect how readers access and engage with your blog. Specifically, this means the screen size of the device and the bandwidth available to access your content.

3 Reasons to make your blog mobile-friendly

Mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, are increasingly found where people spend their time and consume content. Therefore, that’s where you must be too. (Here’re fifty-three mobile research facts with charts.)

  1. Increased mobile device ownership. It’s not just smartphones. It’s tablets, e-readers and other connected devices. (Check this research for other connected devices.) Mobile Adoption - comScore
  2. Expanded time spent consuming content. With more content options and devices, consumers have increased their content intake. This behavior encompasses both legacy devices such as televisions as well as new mobile options.  Edison_Research_Arbitron-Time spent per day with media
  3. Changed content consumption habits. Expanded use of mobile devices has influenced how, when and where consumers choose to read your blog. Specifically, consumers use connected devices sequentially and simultaneously via four distinct behaviors: focused use, dual consumption, information snacking and time shifting Content Marketing-4 types of consumption -INFOGRAPHIC by Heidi Cohen

How to mobilize your blog content

Given the expanded mobile device ownership and increased use, your blog must be able to be viewed on a variety of mobile devices. Because they tend to have smaller screens than a computer, consumers use pinch, scroll and zoom actions to see different information elements.

  1. Add a mobile plug-in to your blog theme. This piece of code translates big screen computer formatting for a smartphone or tablet device based on activity. (BTW—I use the WPTouch plug-in. You may also want to check out Ian Cleary’s detailed How to Make Your Blog Mobile Friendly.)
  2. Use responsive design. This functionality determines the visitor’s device characteristics (most important is screen dimensions) and browser type. Based on this information, your content is reformatted appropriately for that reader.
  3. Consider how mobile blog post emailings render. Understand that some readers will sign up to receive your posts via  email (regardless of device) because it reduces navigation. Unlike a blog post, an email can’t be edited once it’s sent out so it’s important to test how it presents on as many devices as practical.

Develop blog content for mobile consumption

When creating content, how you format the information is more important for a mobile device than it is for a computer because there’s less screen real estate. (Note: This also applies to your post emailings.)

  1. Craft short attention-getting titles. As the hooks that pull readers in, titles shouldn’t wrap. If possible, keep title tags less than 45 characters for Safari or 65 characters for Chrome to ensure that they appear in search according to SEOmoz.
  2. Make text stand out.  Skip the fancy fonts and teeny type sizes. They’ll make your readers abandon your site because they’re unintelligible when shrunk down for smaller screens and too much work to read.
  3. Select colors to facilitate content consumption. While your brand should be your guide, use color to help draw readers in and through your posts. This includes use of headlines and headings.
  4. Avoid heavy background patterns. Realize these designs can be compressed beyond recognition on a smaller screen and detract from readability.
  5. Keep paragraphs short. Understand that long paragraphs appear longer on a mobile device since they’ll take up more space. This can scare readers away.
  6. Structure information for easy consumption.  This applies to post organization as well as outlining to guide readers through your post. It also allows readers to scan your content quickly.
  7. Pay attention to image size. Large images increase download time, use up device power and data allocation. Therefore properly size images for optimal download.
  8. Include large call-to-action buttons. Understand that finger gestures on a mobile device are imprecise. Think fat fingers! Therefore make your call-to-action buttons bigger to account for this factor.

The bottom line is that your blog readers must be able to find and access your content on the device of their choice when, where and how they want to.

What have you done to make your blog more mobile-friendly and what has your experience been?

Happy Marketing,
Heidi Cohen

CMWorld 2017

Content Marketing World is the one event where you can learn and network with the best and the brightest in the content marketing industry.

You will leave with all the materials you need to take a content marketing strategy back to your team – and – to implement a content marketing plan that will grow your business and inspire your audience.

SAVE $100! Use PROMO CODE: Heidi100

Related Articles

Photo Credit:

Tags , . Bookmark the permalink.
  • Responsive web design is the key for enhanced user experience in changing scenario of technology. It allows a user to browse a website easily on different screen sizes and maintains the look and feel of the website throughout different platforms.

    Read more about responsive web design here:

  • Excellent list Heidi! May I add my pet-peeve as someone that reads a lot of posts on my phone:
    Most pop-ups don’t play nice with mobile. Too often I discover great content and am unable to read it because I can’t close the %^&*&#^+ pop-up.
    I will never share one of those posts!


text:
Saturday, December 22, 2012

A few things to show before Christmas

Aren't internet friends the best? I've met a couple of people on-line and I've actually gotten to know them a bit. One of the best things is how generous they are. Look what Chris from Tot Hill Farm Stitches sent me.

She does great work! It's a great ornament and it's all one over stitching. I'm always impressed with that since I don't have as much patience with it, but it's a joy to behold! The funny thing is, I sent her this year's origami ornament and I swear these ornaments waved at each other at the post office - great minds think alike! Thanks so much, Chris!

Here is the haul from all my ornament exchanges this year. Every year, crafters impress me with their imagination and skills. This photo does not do them justice. Each one is amazing!

Last year, my origami tree was a 2 foot tall feather tree with miniature ornaments. Some of my origami ornaments this year are much bigger and looked rather silly on a 2 foot tall tree. I decided to "branch" out this year, and I'm really pleased with the results. I've even got some extra ornaments boxed up and ready to be given out to any unexpected friends that might drop by.

Here's a close up of the inside of the vase. It looks like cranes are falling and settling at the bottom. Love!

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! I hope you are all surrounded by those you love and those that love you. When the daily news weighs heavy on my heart, I count the reasons why life is a celebration. Everyday is a gift.

Heidi (aka heidistitches)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

The last ornament exchange for 2012

Here's the last ornament exchange I did for 2012. This one was origami stars. I also included a surprise bonus ornament based on some ornaments I did a couple of years ago.

It's been a good year for these ornament exchanges. I'm still waiting on a few more to arrive. Once I have received them, I'll take photos and share my new treasures with you.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Pinterest...more than just wasting time!

I found this idea on Pinterest and used it for my annual gifts to neighbors and co-workers. Such a clever, simple (and very quick) idea. Inside are homemade Cinnamon Pecans. I posted the recipe here. They are so tasty and REALLY easy to make.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

More ornament exchanges

Here's an exchange ornament that will be winging it's way to New York on Monday. My partner for this exchange mention that she decorates her tree with mostly bird ornaments. I found this little robin in the October 2012 issue of CrossStitcher magazine. He just took a couple of evenings to whip up. I'm pleased with how he looks.

 All packaged up and ready to go.

This other ornament has already left for New Jersey. It's a takeoff on some ornaments I did last year. The silver, black and blue makes for quite the dramatic ornament!

Winter Wonderland

I've got one more exchange that I'm working on. This one will be origami and I'm also including a little bonus ornament for this group. It has to be mailed by Dec. 15. The closer I get to mailing them, I'll show you what I've done.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I felt like I was on top of my holiday to-do list and now I feel like time is running out...oh well!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Little Houses all dressed up as ornaments

So, here's my ornaments for this exchange, all packaged up. They flew the coop last week and should pretty much be arriving at all their new homes! I realized after I packaged them that I forgot to take a picture of them just in their hoops. Luckily, I had taken an "in progress" photo, so I cropped it down to show the 10 houses. I hope everyone that receives a little house enjoys hanging it on their tree this year.

(It's a REALLY BAD photo, but it's the only one I had with all 10 ornaments together!)

The packaging.

The cardstock color matched the color of the house.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Little colorful boxes in a row

Here's a preview of the ornaments I'm doing for an ornament exchange this year. I just finished stitching all of them and couldn't wait to show them off (there's actually 10 but a photo of nine looked better!). It's part of a pattern from the 2009 Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments issue. It's called "Winter Sampler" from Little House Needleworks. I only used a small portion of the sampler. Since I live in sunny Southern California, I never see snow (unless we drive to it), so I think I'm drawn to cozy winter scenes. Now that the stitching is done, it's time to finish them up. I'll shown them to you once they are complete.

...and the back!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 3, 2012

I finally did some cross stitching con't...

Since I haven't posted anything in three months, I realized I forgot to show you a picture of the back of my stitching. Well, I didn't think about that until after I packaged it up (pre-mailing package, luckily!). I love exchanging handmade ornaments but I also love to figure out a cute way to send them off. Here's how this is going out. I'll throw in a couple of fun surprises in the mailing package, but here is the ornament all ready to go.

And the back...

Okay, I think I'm done talking now!

I finally did some cross stitching!

It's my favorite time of year when crafting blogs are hosting handmade ornament exchanges. I'm not seeing any out there that are quite as large as the one freshlyblended hosted (if you hear of any, please let me know!), but I'm finding a few that look interesting and I'm willing to take the chance. If you're interested in the ones I've signed up for, just send me a note and I'll let you know.

So, first up, I found this lovely design in the 2012 Just CrossStitch magazine and I knew it would be perfect for an exchange. It's going to make it's home in Kansas. I hope they like it as much as I do. (It's in a 3 inch hoop.)

I think my next ornament will be origami. It's going all the way to Australia so I'm very excited about that. Once I finish that one, I'll post it as well.

Special note: If any of you are looking for a private swap, I would LOVE to exchange a handmade ornament with you - any type, any style! If you would only like to exchange a cross stitched piece, I'm totally onboard with that too.

Let the merriment begin!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Birthdays and baby showers...

...all need handmade present toppers!

Birthday at work (photo doesn't show that the flower is all pinks like the ribbon)

Topper for my friend that's getting the elephant picture

Work in progress for niece's baby shower (she's having a girl)

Just checking in on a lazy Sunday evening.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I think I need to re-title my blog.

I hope everyone is having a nice July 4th. Today was the perfect day to write something on my neglected blog. Too much work, too much reading and not enough time to do the crafting I love so much.

As you all know, besides cross stitching, I am completely obsessed with origami. I recently got to go to this exhibit in downtown Los Angeles at the Japanese American National Museum. It was amazing and made me realize what an amateur I am at origami, but inspiring none the less. So, practice, practice, practice is what I do to perfect my folding skills. There is always a piece of paper around so I can fold anywhere.

One of my girlfriends was born on December 24. I've always considered it kind of sucky that it falls right before Christmas so about a year after we met, I started celebrating her birthday on July 24 since I don't really ever get to see her on her real birthday. I call it her half-birthday celebration. One of the things she collects is elephants and the elephants' trunks have to be in the "up" position. She considers that to be good luck. I was going to fold an elephant for her as one of her gifts but I wasn't happy with any of the designs out there. Then inspiration struck.

Here is my pseudo-origami elephant gift for her this year...

I love it. I now think I need one for myself as well. I'm now looking at paper cutting projects since it was so simple to do (after about 3 failed attempts). She happened to be with me when I bought the paper and kept talking about how pretty the red paper was so that kind of sealed the deal on what paper to use.

I'm still cross stitching, just not very much or very often. I'm always in awe of what everyone else is working on out in blogland. While I don't comment often, I check on your sites at least once a week.

Happy 4th! Happy Cross Stitching! Happy Folding!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

One reason I hate backstitching...'s Reason #1. I'll show you Reason #2 when I finish it!

This is "Tatty Teddy Little Hearts." I started this little piece back in 2005. I finished it about an hour ago, March 3, 2012. It only took me SEVEN years to finish! I'm not even sure what I'll do with it now. Part of me just wants to roll it up and stick it in a drawer!

The reason why? All that backstitching! What makes Teddy so cute is all of his "tattiness." I can't tell you how many times I picked this up, put in a few stitches, and then threw it back in the WIP pile. My only resolution for this year is to try and finish as many old WIPs as I can.

When looking at something new to stitch, the first thing I do is see how much backstitching it has. It has to be pretty much "none" for me to even consider it these days.

So, here's Tatty Teddy upclose.

Here's the back. Another reason I'm not thrilled is how messy it is, and it's BECAUSE OF ALL THAT BACKSTITCHING!

Okay, I've vented, I feel better.

If you are a glutton for punishment OR if you actually don't mind backstitching, and you think you would like to stitch this (after my ringing endorsement), I'm giving the pattern away - including the extra thread which I think there is enough left to make him again. I figure I should at least try and give this pattern a new home rather than the trash can I was thinking about tossing it into.

Send me an email or leave a comment letting me know you would like to have it and I'll gladly run down to the post office and send it your way. First one to ask gets it!

Happy Stitching

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Spring has sprung

I worked on these butterflies at the beginning of January thinking that I wouldn't really post them until spring had arrived here in Southern California. Well, we really haven't had much of a winter this year (I know you're probably laughing about So. Cal. even having a winter), and for the last few days I've noticed that the butterflies are already out and flitting around our willow tree. So, if I'm seeing the real ones, I guess I can show you the cross stitched ones!

The patterns are from the March 2011 Cross Stitcher magazine (Issue 236)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you have a wonderful day!

(This is my Halloween tree and I figured I could use it for all the holidays this year! Now it's my Valentine's Day tree. I made the little heart ornaments by using some baker's twine and just gluing two sequin hearts together. So quick, so simple, so cute.)

Monday, February 13, 2012

Love Notes

Instead of buying Valentine's Day cards this year for my guys (my husband and son), I decided I'd whip up some "Love Notes" for them. They don't read my blog, so I can share this with you a day early. I always get up before them, so tomorrow I'm going to make them breakfast and they will each have their very own love notes to read. Hopefully it will start their day off on a "good note."

Cross stitch they don't really understand, however they do like the origami I make. So, in my quest to "use what I have," I came up with this simple idea.

Each one starts with "I love you because..."

Both of my guys got one that said this. Everyday they do something that makes me laugh!
I hope you have a great day and maybe, if you're lucky, you'll get a love note too!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

The ultimate in cross stitching

I just finished reading this article and had to share it.

Here's the link to the story about this sampler.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

I just had to share this...

This was the view from my front door yesterday. There is a cement walkway leading up to the door (which you can't see).

This is the culprit. It's our Ash tree and it's between 40-50 feet tall! It finally realized that it was winter and that it needed to shake off all it's leaves.

Here it is all raked up. My son had fun riding his bike through it. If you look in the right hand corner, you can now see the walkway.

I am crafting and I will have things to show in the next few days. I never talk about my personal life but I had to share this. It happens every year and we have so much fun with it.


text:
Monday, 14 March 2016

Monday Flash Fics: A Long Way Down

A Long Way Down

How the fuck did I end up here?

The metal of the railing dug into my hands while I hung on for dear life and silently cursed the events that had led to me hanging, suspended in the air, several metres above street level.

Truth be told, I knew exactly what had happened. And while it would have been easy to blame others, ultimately my own foolish behaviour had caused the mess I found myself in. Just as it had been my decision to say yes to the suggested solution. And I’d gotten away with it four times before now.

I could hear someone walking inside the apartment and hoped against hope they wouldn’t notice the open balcony door or, if they did, would think they’d left it open themselves. If they walked out and saw me I’d be fucked. Scrap that. I was fucked either way. It was too far to jump down and I couldn’t climb back up as long as they were inside. My arms growing more tired by the minute were a clear indication hanging on wouldn’t be an option for much longer either.

None of this would have happened if my parents hadn’t cut off my funding six months ago. Overnight I’d gone from having more money than I really needed, to having none. It had been so easy to borrow funds from others. They all knew me as the rich kid so it didn’t occur to them to say no. Until I’d failed to pay them back on time. Who knew it would be so hard to find a job, any job?

I’d known I was in serious trouble the moment the six guys I owed money to cornered me together. I couldn’t blame them for being fed up and hadn’t been surprised they were done being nice. When I told them I had no money and no way to get my hands on any either, they’d offered me what they called ‘a solution’.

And that’s how I started my career as a burglar and thief. The first four places they told me to rob had been surprisingly easy to get into. I’d stolen what I could find and carry, before handing it over to cover my debts. This was supposed to have been the last time.

I almost laughed out loud, despite the situation I found myself in. Clearly this would have to be the very last time. I’d either be caught or break my legs trying to get away.

I watched with dread pooling in my tummy as the door was pushed open from the inside. I looked down at the ground below me, contemplating my chances of safely making the jump for the umpteenth time, before glancing up and staring straight into his eyes.

“You bastard?” He growled at me, anger flashing in his eyes and a frown marking his handsome features. “What the fuck’s wrong with you?”

How had I not known this was his apartment? Here was the reason my parents had cut me off in the first place—the reason I’d felt the need to come out—examining me from the safety of his balcony.

I watched helplessly as he balled his hand into a fist. “Give me one good reason not to push you down.”

I grabbed his fist before it hit me and looked up at him. I imagined I saw pain underneath his anger. “Because I’m in love with you.”

I closed my eyes, pressed my lips hard against his hand, and waited.

588 words

Thank you for reading my flash. I’d love to hear what you think if you feel like leaving a comment. More flashes can be found on the Monday Flash Fics Facebook page

  1. I chuckled as I read this for several reasons. Nicely done. I never would've thought of that take on this pic.

    1. If I made you chuckle that's my job done :) And yes, my mind does work in mysterious ways more often than not.


text:
Apply color effects to uploaded photos

Updated -

Sunburned? Got that washed out look? Color effects to the rescue!the
To use them, click wrench button  under a photo, then click Open in Editor and Color Effects.

Digital cameras very often produce photos that are too red indoors with the built-in flash.

The auto color-corrected found in color effects is a common, "I'm feeling lucky" adjustment that programs like Adobe Photoshop use. It often improves the photo, especially if it lacks contrast. But like any automatic computer-based adjustment, your mileage may vary.

Improving contrast can also mean showing blemishes more clearly; but it makes flowers in the field look more vibrant.

The tanning salon may sound like a bad spray-tan waiting to happen, but it's a handy technique professional photographers use to achieve more accurate and pleasing skin tones.

Note: The optional color correction when you print photos is completely different. Learn more.

You can apply effects to many photos at once using the Organizer and selecting the wrench tool and Color Effects option.

When you decide on an effect, just click the preview image and we'll irreversibly apply the effect to your photo.
Current   Auto color corrected
Digital cameras can be too red   auto color corrected
Tanning salon   Sepia
The tanning salon   Sepia effect
Negative   Black and White
The Negative effect   Make it Black and White

Can't find what you're looking for?

Our Support Heroes are ready to help!

Contact Us

For the love, craft, or business of it, we’ve got a plan for you.

Ready for a free, 14-day test run?


text:
Sunday, 9 April 2017

#The Prince of Peace

If life seems to be out of balance and everything is going wrong... or everything seems to be out of kilter.... I invite you to take a look at how you can regain greater balance and peace in your life by clicking on the above video link.
This week on the run up to Easter Sunday, there's a series of videos you can watch that give real life examples of how others have found this peace and balance by practicing the  principles below:-

I particularly relate to the video on Hope and how this has brought me comfort and peace throughout the last six months after Heni's death. Whatever your life holds for you right now, I hope that you too can find and be full of this peace.

Join me again soon for my next post about our trip up to the Lake district....
 where we put Heni's memorial bench in situ in one of the most beautiful peaceful places you can imagine...

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...


text:
• Finish: Stainless steel/Black
  • Volume Capacity: 5 Litres
  • Heats on average: 35m2
  • Dimensions: 123mm(H) x 400mm(W) x 317mm(D)

Screen Shot 2015-11-18 at 10.38.05 AM
This sophisticated burner design is the most independently tested of the range and has special safety features that eliminate many of the hazards common with most other brands on the market. The BK Series contains a number of unique design elements, including:

A separate filling point and jerry can equipped with a no-spill dangerous goods spout, which allows the burner to be refuelled safely and easily. The spout rests on a plate within the filling point to decrease the risk of over-filling the burner and eliminating the usual splash and spills that often occur when fuel is decanted into the burner.
An additional safety measure that prevents the filling point from being accessed while the slider is open. This ensures the flame is fully extinguished before the burner can be refuelled.
Perfectly aligned slider mechanism, filling point and fuelling system that allows an unobstructed view of the burner tank. This ensures the burner is not filled above the maximum capacity line.
Easy flame control that allows you to regulate the amount of heat being generated, and therefore the amount of fuel consumed. This results in a highly economical and efficient burner.
Operational accessories designed for safe and ergonomic fire ignition and extinguishing. BK’s minimalist design and ability to withstand extreme heat result in consistent and reliable operation at all temperatures and permitted fuel levels.
A deep-draw fabrication process that eliminates the potential for dangerous leaks, while the standard provision of a twin skin to hold the burner adds further peace of mind.


text:
Herb Heaven

Welcome, Log in

                                                  ORDERING GUIDELINE

1. Orders can be placed through our website, by email, fax, post or telephone. In order to avoid communication errors we strongly recommend that orders be placed in writing via our website, email or fax. We guarantee the accuracy of written orders. We accept no responsibility for errors as a result of verbal miscommunication.

2. Orders are processed the same day they are received. We cannot guarantee dispatch times in situations affected by circumstances beyond our control. Once the order has been processed, any changes will be treated as a new order.

3. For website orders, price commitment is made on the placement of order only. We endeavour to ensure accurate pricing on our website. The volatile nature of the Essential Oils market may require us to alter pricing at short notice

4. If any item is short delivered and has been charged for, Herb Heaven will cover the cost of freight in resending the goods as soon as possible.

1. All orders must be paid for prior to shipping.

2. We accept Direct Deposits. If you choose to pay via Direct Deposit, email your official Direct Deposit receipt so that your order can be dispatched promptly. Orders can be delayed if confirmation is not presented, as we will have to wait for funds to be cleared.

3. Cheques are to be made out to Herb Heaven. Cheques must be received before the order can be dispatched. Please record your order reference # / business name on the back of the cheque

Our account details for direct deposit:

Bank name: BNZ Ponsonby 02 0248 0044146-000

1. All prices are quoted in New Zealand dollars. Prices quoted in our website include GST.

2. GST is applied to all orders within New Zealand on taxable items including freight. We cannot waive GST unless the required documentation is supplied.

3. International orders do not incur GST. However, there may be import duties and taxes applicable to the destination of shipment that Herb Heaven cannot be responsible for. If you have questions about these please contact the NZ customs office.

4. All prices quoted on the website do not include shipping & transportation costs.

5. NZ Post is the preferred method of shipment. Herb Heaven takes no responsibility for any items lost or damaged or any delay that occurs during NZ Post shipping. Should you prefer us to use a courier, please note this on your order. Couriers can not deliver to a P.O Box.

1. Any discrepancies must be reported within 7 days of receiving your order. No returns or exchange will be allowed after 14 days from receipt of your order.

2. If an error has been made by Herb Heaven with regards to a written order, either invoicing or packing, we will pay for return shipment. If customer requires urgent re-dispatch, it will be necessary to pay for goods at the time the re-order is lodged, which will then be credited/refunded when we receive the returned goods.

3. Errors made by clients when placing their order can be returned if reported within 7 days and products are unopened. This includes change of mind returns also. Goods must arrive in re-saleable condition. Return freight will be at customer's expense.

4. Goods must be re-packed carefully for return and the package must include a letter identifying your invoice number, name, contact information as well as why the goods are being returned. Whether you require a credit or a replacement, it is extremely important to provide as much detail as possible about what you are returning so that the return can be processed accurately & promptly.

5. All goods/products must be unused when returned to Herb Heaven in order to qualify for a credit or refund.

The stability and nature of our products may be altered depending on storage conditions, or when used in combination with other ingredients. This is beyond our control and we cannot accept any liability in this regard.

As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of Herb Heaven, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. Herb Heaven expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by Herb Heaven as to the fitness for any use. The liability of Herb Heaven is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.

Herb Heaven shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Herb Heaven shall not be responsible for any damages resulting from use of or reliance upon this information.

The user of the product is solely responsible for compliance with all laws and regulations applying to the use of the products, including intellectual property rights of third parties.

The product images in this website are for illustrative purposes only. If you have any questions with regard to how products are packaged or labelled, please contact us at info@herbheaven.co.nz

Individuals receiving any information contained in this website must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.

New products

No new products at this time


text:
HISD Lunch Program

HISD Lunch Program - Phone App

HISD is proud to announce a new Breakfast and Lunch program for the 2016-2017 school year.
We are also introducing a new phone app that will allow you to view the complete
offerings for each day from the regular menu, the On the Go menu and the Grill menu.

This phone app can be found by searching for and installing
NutriSlice on your phone (image is a watermelon).
You will then Select: Hereford ISD
A menu of each school campus is then available to display. Select the campus you want to view.
You will see a complete and detailed list of the food items offered for each day along with nutritional information.

lunch app    lunch app    lunch app
lunch app    lunch app


text:
What is Heroes & Other Worlds?

Heroes & Other Worlds is a game of adventure inspired by Metagaming's classic Melee/Wizard/TFT system combined with inspiration from the Moldvay edited basic game. The rules are easy to learn and use standard six sided dice. The system is simple, sensible and flexible in the spirit of classic role playing games from the early 80's. Become a Hero, Other Worlds await!

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Buried (not dead and)

Hello fellow adventurers.

Yes I know it's been very quiet on the gaming front of my life for quite some time--at least publicly.  Frankly my real world job for the last year and half has eaten up all my time and energy. 50+ hours a week every week, lots of travel to and from customers, and its been quite literally like this for 15+ months with no end in sight.  While the real world job and company are doing quite nicely given the difficult economy, my personal time and ability to be creative and have time to write --well that's severely curtailed.

I want to write more, I have more to write and have in fits and starts I have written more.  The basic rules of Blades & Black magic are done.  I still have 60+ spells written (I want to hit 80+) and have 5 different "cultures" synopsis done.

I am looking to still add "favors" (like feats) into B&BM maybe 6 each as part of a "cultural"  background  or I can see a combined list of 36 and you roll d66 to get 1 at thee time of character creation.

I have considered releasing just the basic rules and spells (sans creatures/cultures) as a "players book" and then doing the cultures, creatures and random encounter charts as a later "Referee book" but at this point given my schedule issues (spent all last week on the road for business-more trips coming soon) I am not sure how big a gap would occur between releases.

And then...there is still Cauldron issue 2 which I really want to get done this month. I think I have enough to make it worth while--but certainly don't want to release something crappy just to say at least I did something. I also want to do a city book--maybe just a special Cauldron issue section-where you get tables to help create  a village, town or city and the business inside it. Deal a bit with law and order in the city a well. Then there is the thief pursuits stuff I want to do inspired by  the old Thieves Guild RPG stuff I have.  Long term once B&BM and the revised HOW come out-The Cauldron will be the "bits & bobs" way for me to do small adventures, interesting add-ons, and other stuff that does not require a full specialized book to create.

So, I apologize that it is taking so long to get something new completed and out the door. This is still very much a game I love, continue to support and write, but the real world needs and commitments to family and my real world job are dominating my time currently.  I hope in the end when new releases shake out you will find them worth the wait.  As always I am very  grateful for your continued interest and support.

  1. Fortunately we've got HOW rulebook, spells and creatures to play our fantasy sandbox. I can wait but wish more and more - that's natural :)
    Maybe open a kickstarter to gather a bit more time? ;)

  2. Thanks Marek--yes the core needs are covered, but like any gamer I too look forward to new stuff to inspire my own gaming ideas.

    Also my work on HOW stuff will always be a self funded venture. I do not want to ask you for your hard earned money until I have something to provide to you in return for it. This is not a shot at Kickstarter projects, I have backed a few, but with RPG stuff--the track record is not good. I would rather have you hang on to your $ and wait awhile for a book to come out instead of taking your money and having you wait for it to come out. :)

  3. take your time, bro. good things come to those who wait :)

  4. Hey man, it's been a while for me too. I just realized I never ordered a copy of Rogue Space 2, haha. I was perusing through some of my old files when I did content for it and realized how long it's been. So on my next paycheck I will be ordering a copy.

  5. Take your time we can wait. I comute 2 1/2 to 4 hours a day, plus the 9 hour days, I feel your pain.

  6. I think we all appreciate the complexities and interruptions caused the necessities of real life into our preferred fun time! I wrote my comment on the last post simply to see if you had any news for us, not intending to castigate you or anything.

    Putting it another way; all you can do is the best you can do, and none of us expect anything more than that from anyone (or at least I hope none of us do). So by all means, take your time and do what you need to do. Family and job (which supports the family) ALWAYS come first for everyone!

    Glad you're doing okay though; keep on keeping on! ;-)

  7. Thanks all! I very much appreciate the support and understanding. Sounds like we are all in the same boat when it comes to doing out duty vs time for fun, but fight on my friends!

  8. Nuuuuuuuu materials, give us sth, Brandon! Any scratches?? :))

  9. I would like to work with you on this project. I've been cooking up a blend of tft and old school dnd myself. I am primarily a visual artist, some of my work is here at grimandfrostbittenkingdoms.blogspot.com
    Email walterkurtsimon@gmail.com

  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

  12. Hi Walter, I am traveling currently but will check our your site. Thanks for the fantastic offer I look forward to working with you!

  13. Hi,

    There is a rule of increasing damage (ST bonus to damage. Does it regard to all characters? Both NPC's and PC's? Or involves only PC's?

    1. Hi Marek--should apply to all (Character/NPC/Monster)


text:
Thursday, November 17, 2005

Hi my name is Robert Silva and I'm an intern at the Hester Street Collaborative. At the beginning I thought that we would be going to a construction site, moving bricks and wood but it was really diferrent. The Hester Street Collaborative is an Architectural Firm.

When I first came here we made our own designs and symbols in concrete.The name of the project is called Step On Your Neighorhood. The second activity that we worked on was designing a small box so we could put concrete in it. However before that we had to do measurements so that all sides could be equal.After the concrete was smooth and almost dry we put our own designs in it. The next day when it was dry we took out the screws and wood to see how our concrete design looked and we all were amazed at the results.

The next project that we did was the Garden in which our task was to help 5th graders at PS. 134 with their garden which Hester Street Collaborative and the school has been working on since last year.We helped them clean,water,and fix the garden.Also we went to a school that is across the street from the Hester Street Collaborative to help students design for benches for a playground. It was an 8th grade class.Most of them had good ideas for the benches.It took us 3 weeks to do all this, we only got to see the 8th and 5th gragers once a week.

Lunch time was my favorite time. We traveled around Chinatown but stayed near the firm. We went to eat fried dumplings, vietnamese food, chinese buffet and red bean bun which were all surprisingly delicious.

Internship In Hester Street Collaborative Was Great!

Hello! my name is Yomaris Millan I am an intern in Hester Street Collaborative, I come from Pablo Neruda Academy for Architecture and World Studies. I am a sophmore in my school and this is my first time as an intern. I have to be sincere and say what I thought intership would be like. I thougt internship was going to be boring and a waste of time. But... I was wrong. One thing I could say about Hester Street Collaborative is that they get to work immediately.

The past few week I've been in internship, I have to admit I've had a blast! I really enjoyed being here. Alex Gilliam my supervisor made this experience for me very exciting and intresting. I also enjoyed working with the other interns from my school Robert Silva, Josue Ortiz and Victor Vidal. Being here has been a great experience, I got to eat vietnamese food,dumplings and even got to eat in a buffet and I have to tell ya all the food was delicious and at an unbeatable price! I couldn't believe how cheap things are here in China Town.

Now let's get to business! In my time here we've been working on two projects. One of the projects we've been working on is called Step on your Neighborhood for PS.134, the second project is working on fixing up the garden which is also for PS.134. The project I enjoyed the most was the Step on your Neigborhood Project and becuase I like it so much I decided to write about my experience.

In the beginning of this project I was working with Robert Silva and Jihye who was also an intern here from Pratt College. First, Robert and I were drilling holes in the wooden peices that later on we would use to put in cement. Second, Jihye and I were taking one side of the wooden pecies and sanding them so that the inner walls of the square we were going to make would be smooth. But after we had sanded the wooden pieces Jihye would spray Polyurethane.

Then, Robert and I were trying to drill the nails into the wooden pieces to make it a square and that wasn't working out at all. The wood kept on breaking so the next day our friends Josue and Robert were drilling while Victor and I were molding clay into sqaures so that we would go around the neighborhood and find some unique shapes or designs and stamp the clay into them.

Last, Robert and Josue were finished in making the squares so Victor and I were mixing cement and putting them inside the squares. Later, that day the cement was almost dired up and Robert,Alex and I were taking things that we found around us and started to make designs in the cement. I took a saftey pin and started to press it in the cement, then I took another one and started to imprint the end of an architectural scale into the cement.

I've learned so much in only three weeks. I'm so sad that this is going to be my last day here. I wish it could be longer but sadly it's only three weeks. I've learned alot about architecture, China Town and Korea (from Jihye). Working in the garden was also a great experince beacuse I had the oppurtunity to learn how to deal with kids. It was very difficult, at the beginning it was a havoc but it gave me a taste of how I was when I was younger. But I really liked it even though at times I was lazy and tried to get away with things Alex was always keeping an eye on all of us. At the end of the day when it was about time for us to be dismissed were would reflect on how the day went. We would talk to eachother and discuss what we liked and didn't like,what we did good and what we could improve or have done differently. That time of the day was very intresting. I think it's something that they should implement in school.


text:
Thursday, May 22, 2014

Young aspiring (but very amateur) author, seeking other amateur authors for a summer of fun writing project(s). Open to experimentation, but most familiar with the "letter-gaming" or "Nanowrimo" format.

Yeah, I was gonna get more creative with that and then ran out of ideas. Seriously though, IT'S SUMMER (wouldn't Olaf be psyched!) I have many projects on tap for the summer, but one of the big ones is reconnecting with some of the hobbies that I had to give up on during the year - writing, for example. Trouble is, I don't have anything started, and I'm not in the mood for editing (it's a bit too close to what I do for my "job" aka being a student). So, I was wondering if one of you beautiful ladies would be interested in embarking on a summer-long writing project. I have one condition: it has to be done (or able to be put on hold) as of August 22nd, because I cannot guarantee time to work on anything other than school once it starts back up again. I am happy to try a letter game (or a modified letter game - wouldn't it be interesting to do a letter game through a blog?), trading of prompts/chapters, or any other writing thing you wish to suggest, as long as it falls within the time frame. I honestly just want to get excited about writing again.

I know we're all busy "adults" now. I would love to do this with one of you lovely ladies, but if, say for example, you can't, but you have a friend who was just saying the other day how they wished they could do something similar, I would be most grateful if you would pass that info along. If nothing else, perhaps I'll sign up for July's Camp Nano this year.

Hope you are all doing well, I miss you dearly, and I apologize for going MIA for a bit. I needed to detox after the semester and had exactly zero ideas for topic suggestions.

P.S. Anyone know anything about Maggie or Tori? I haven't heard from either in a really long time.

  1. *psssssst* Friendly reminder that you and I are *technically* in the middle of a letter game currently, but I would also be up for starting a new, "real life" one via blog.

    And I'll speak for Maggie (I'd make her speak for herself, but she's in Richmond right now) -- she's doing better health-wise, but she's been super swamped and super stressed with work, so maybe send some words of encouragement her way if y'all get a chance?

    1. To which letter game are you referring? And is it in fact my turn?

    2. Also, the likelihood of me finding the previous letters is slim, soooo maybe starting over is in order?

    3. It is, in fact, your turn. This is the letter game between Layla (me) and Ryn Martin (you), but it is also the letter game that has died four deaths with four different partners, so I'm starting to think it's just not meant to be as a letter game, and I'm probably gonna just shelve it until I can flesh it out on my own.

      So yeah. Let's start something new. I, too, want to get better about writing this summer. I keep aspiring back to 2007?? when we actually wrote a full letter game in three months. That was kickass. And awesome.

      What are the chances we can write a non-fantasy story this time?

    4. I didn't remember I'd tried Ryn with you! That means she's died about 4 times for me too... yep time for something new. It would indeed have been 2007 when we wrote Bridging the Gap, because it was the summer after I graduated high school. I had a lot fewer commitments then, but I am happy to try and get a whole one written anyway!

      I am not good at writing things without fantasy, because I worry that the story I'm telling is boring, but I am willing to try. If we go for the blog format, then that would probably be more appropriate. That said, it might be difficult to figure out how they go together.

      Another random thought: Modern retellings of classics seem to be the thing recently - we could each pick a character to modernize and then part of the fun would be figuring out which one the other had picked! :)

      Shall we move this discussion to email? Do you still have the same address?

    5. I remember why I never wrote Layla back! She pissed Ryn off enough that I honestly couldn't see a way forward. Ryn was ready to sever all ties, and probably would not have actually written back. We definitely will need to start something new.

    6. We can for sure move to email. I'm at


text:
Tuesday, February 4, 2014

What else have I been up to?

Well, over the weekend I got the guinea pigs done (finally!) but I also got a good start on a few other projects.

One is for the Hopeful Threads first quarter challenge, to make bags and pouches for kids in foster care (and fill them with personal hygiene items).

I grabbed up my handful of zippers (assorted colors) and headed up to the craft room to find coordinating fabrics.

Here's what I decided on:

(oops, that's technically upside down!)

The pics are bad, but that first one is light blue fabrics.  The outside is cotton/linen blend fabric (kokka for the win!) with toothpaste tubes.  I bought it on a lark about a year ago and this project is PERFECT for it (I had 1/2 yard, so I still have a nice fat quarter plus scraps for whatever else might come along).  The lining fabric is light blue with tiny polka dots (I think they're brown).

Gray with assorted colored elephants (with babies) and purple polka dot lining (that has different stripes of color--really nice fabric).  I got both of those through swaps.

Aqua Hello Tokyo print (that I got as a gift) line with pink (from a swap).

Simpsons print with blue leafy design lining.  I have a yard of this fabric and only ever used one little swatch so I might just make a grocery style bad from the rest (and donate it too--or maybe keep it for myself, we'll see).  When I was cutting the fabric I got to thinking about how dang OLD I am.  Would little kids even know who the Simpsons are?  Maybe teens would.  Then I thought maybe I should get some Family Guy fabric, since that's more what kids would recognize!

Orange/blue/assorted colors with animals and polka dot for lining.  I have half yard of each of these, so now I still have a FQ of each (plus scraps).  This was some more fabric I bought on a whim (on sale) and am just now getting a chance to use it.

Purple Arabian Nights print (with sultans and genies and horses and this really cute monkey that makes me think of Aladdin and a funky little cat that I never noticed until I was cutting the fabric).  Liner fabric is from the same line and has appropriately themed buildings.  I had to fussy cut that FQ a tiny bit so I'd get buildings on each lining piece.  I've had these FQs for a while.  I got them in a mystery FQ pack I got a while ago and was hoping to find a project that would use both.  I almost gave them away a few times and I'm glad I didn't.  They work well with that purple zipper.

Lorax prints.  The brown tone will be the outside (it has the Lorax and some animals) and the green will be the lining.  I've had this fabric for few years.  I got it to make things for my sister (and did) but still have a lot left over (I think I bought a yard of the green and half yard of the other--this was when I thought I wanted to make my sister a quilt but I got freaked out so I only made her a zipper pouch using some coordinating panel fabric for the outer pieces and the green for lining).  I still have a lot of the green so I might make a grocery bag for myself (the Lorax is all about conservation, after all).

Girly print with polka dot lining.  I got that stylish/girly print in a swap.  I really like it but it's kind of a large print so I was wondering what I'd use it for (had a FQ of it).  I fussy cut it a bit so I'd have at least one full girl on each side (and not the same girl).  The zipper is bright yellow which matches well the yellows in the print.  The polka dots came from my FQ stash (I'm sure it was part of a mystery bundle I bought--I bought quite a few of those when I first started sewing).

I managed to get them all cut on Sunday (since the Super Bowl was so dang boring!).  I probably won't get back to them until this weekend.  I know they'll sew up fast once I get into the groove (using the zipper foot and all that).  I will have to trot out my black threaded bobbin for the one, so I'll probably do it first.

I scored a few great things to fill the bags, too.  I found some great socks on clearance at Target.  They're Prospirit low socks in really bright colors.  I got the last two packs on the clearance rack.  They were $3.25 each, so that came out to just over $1/pair of socks.  Excellent price for those socks (they're good quality, I wear them myself, only with a higher top).  I also got three packs of chapstick for $2 and change.  So less than $1 per chapstick.  So I have six pairs of socks and six chapsticks.  I couldn't remember if I was making six bags or eight (and there were only two packs of socks) so I just went with six.  Then I was looking in my medicine cabinet and I found an unopened package of hair ties.  My hair is way too short for them and they're brand new so into the donation pile they went (I'd totally use them if I had long hair, so they're definitely "good enough" for donating--I try not to donate things I wouldn't use myself or think are junky).

I'm aiming to fill them with things for teens (boy and girl).  I realized I know ZERO about babies and younger kids (what sizes and all that stuff) so teens it is.  I figure teens wear adult sized socks (and/or underwear if I happen to find a steal on them, I'd buy them) so that takes all the size issues out of the discussion.

I already have more than enough girly socks, so I'll get at least two pairs of "boy" socks and two more lip balms (maybe "girly" ones if I find Lipsmackers or something like that for a super good deal).  Then I was thinking a toothbrush and small toothpaste for each (including a cover for the toothbrush).  I was toying with deoderants, too, but they are kind of heavy so I might try and get lighter items just to keep my shipping down.  Unless I find them for a great price then I'd get them.

I'm planning to check out the dollar store near my house (for the toothbrushes and covers) and the Shop and Save, too.  You never know what random things you'll find at the grocery store.  This weekend I'm hoping to con my hubby into a trip to the craft store which will put me right next to a Five Below, so I can check them out for things, too (maybe something fun for each pack).

But first, I need to work on some stuff for swaps.

A doll and a unicorn (walk into a bar. . .wait, no, that didn't happen!).  The doll is coming along nicely.  We'll see if I'm still feeling the same way when I get to making the clothes (sewing tiny hems and attaching itty bitty snaps is always "fun").  I don't anticipate any drama with the unicorn, as long as I can remember how I made the horn.  I'm sure once I look at the toothpick and the ribbon again it will come back to me.  (I've made a unicorn from this zebra pattern before I as REALLY tempted to just give away that unicorn but it's farting a rainbow and I didn't want to remove the rainbow sewn to its butt so. . .time to make a new one).

  1. I'm a former foster care case manager for the kids whom the Fluff Project serves. It's excellent that you are focusing on the teens because they are often given the short end of the stick. Babies and toddlers in foster care are spoiled rotten by their foster parents. Many of the foster parents who cared for teens didn't give them shit. So kudos to you for focusing on the teens.

  2. I love all the fabrics you have chosen for the pouches! LOL about the Simpsons! Your not to old. My kids love the Simpsons. Maybe thats because Mom and Dad do :) And they love Family Guy too.I agree that is is great to focus on the teens. They will love your zippy bags I'm sure. Maybe stick in a pack of gum or something like that.

  3. those fabrics are awesome, I admire you so much for putting in all that effort for charity sewing!


text:
Thread: Prospect Info: Mikael Granlund V
View Single Post
02-21-2013, 03:27 PM
Registered User
AKL's Avatar
Join Date: Dec 2012
Country: Nauru
Posts: 12,564
vCash: 50
Originally Posted by Generic User View Post
I think Granlund is benefitting from playing limited minutes on the 4th line. Of course I want him to be in the top 6. But limited minutes means he's gonna be fighting for more and busting his ass every time he see the ice because he doesn't know when his # is gonna be called again.

Secondly, he needed to learn the physical aspect of the game before he could truly be effective in the top 6. His skills will still be there when he's promoted up again. On the 3rd and 4th line, he's forced to learn how to use his body, keep his feet moving and create plays for himself and others.
Again, I completely agree with everything you say. Nothing wrong with playing a rookie in the bottom six. He'll be fine.

AKL is online now


text:
About Us

Covering Kids and Families of Central Indiana

Covering Kids and Families (CKF) is an outreach program designed specifically to assist families with completing paperwork required for Hoosier Healthwise and Healthy Indiana Plan.

Our goal is to ensure that all families have access to affordable healthcare. CKF partners with schools, hospitals, clinics and various other community programs to assist children and families with their health insurance needs. Community outreach workers are assigned to areas within Marion County and the seven surrounding counties (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Morgan and Shelby).

If you would like more information, please contact Program Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , by email.

Our Divisions

eskenazi-012013 EHF logo-V-cmyk1