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Friday, February 14, 2014

A Valentine's Day Message to my Students

To my students - I love you.

To the loud ones: I love the way you inject humor and feeling into a class. I love the way you aren't afraid to say what's on your mind (though I do sometimes rue when and how you say it.)

To the quiet ones: I love the way you can be tacitly self-confident. I love the way you can draw or write or express your infinite wisdom and smile to yourself as you take in the world. I only wish you could share it more with others.

To the unsure ones: I love the way you puzzle out difficult problems. I love the way you don't give up, even when you feel like a ship lost at sea. I only wish you could take strength in your struggle instead of despair; through adversity come solutions.

To the aloof ones: I wish you understood that I love you. You are not an island, and neither am I. We can solve problems together if you and I put in the time together. It is never too late to change the approach, and it will only work if we have the conversation.

To the "smart" and "dumb" ones: I hate those labels, but I love when you overcome them. If you think you know it all, you haven't tried hard enough. If you think you know nothing, you are taking yourself for granted. Each person has a unique talent, and sometimes it can be hard to understand what that is in yourself. Never stop trying because of a label.

To the leaders: I love the way you motivate and inspire others. I love the way you listen to others' problems and try to find solutions. I only wish that every person could realize there is a little bit of leadership in themselves, too.

To the thinkers: I love the way you take longer to answer a question because you are thinking over all the ramifications and possibilities. I love the way the world is not black and white for you, but a myriad shades of gray. I only wish you could spread your patience to others.

To everyone: I love you because you inspire, create laughter, heartbreak, wisdom, perspective, innovation, and more. You make teaching exciting, challenging, demanding, rewarding, and completely awesome. If you are feeling alone today, don't. I love you.


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Friday, November 11, 2011

Feijões ala Erick

This recipe comes from my friend, Erick, who lives in Brazilia, the capitol of Brazil. Aside from the beans (I used pinto but I think other beans could be used with equally good results) the chief ingredient in the recipe is garlic paste, something that his family uses in many of their recipes. (I'm thinking that with so much garlic being used, there can't be many vampires in Brazil, a thought that ruins my crazy fantasies of a place I've yet to visit but have fallen in love with like a place you only imagine or read about in a book.)
If you have access to a mortar and pestle, this is the easiest way to make garlic paste. Smash two large cloves (or teeth if you're in the land of "Ordem e Progresso") and place them in the mortar with a large pinch of salt and grind them to a paste. The other method is to mash them, add salt and work them into a paste on a cutting board with the broad side of a chef's knife. Either way this is enough for the recipe that will follow.
The treatment of the beans are much different than the ways I was taught to make them which are to either soak them overnight in cold water or to boil them for two minutes and let them sit, covered, for an hour. It seems that the Brasileiro wants his beans and wants them now! He doesn't have time to wait all night or even a few hours. He will starve to death and miss his day at the beach. This is where the pressure cooker comes into play. I will give you my method. (Erick may have his own but he hasn't divulged that secret to me yet.) After going over your beans to make sure there are no stones or clumps of dirt among them, wash and place in a pressure cooker with 3 times the amount of water. Place on heat and let pressure rise to 15 psi.
(If you don't have a pressure cooker that measures psi, just wait until the weight starts rocking in a slow yet steady motion and keep it there.) Let it cook for 2 minutes and then cool in down under running water. Open and drain the water from the beans then add the same amount of water and return them to the heat cooking them at the same pressure for 15 minutes. Again, cool the pot down under running water and drain the n0w-cooked beans.

Feijões ala Erick

1 cup dry beans
Garlic paste (above)
2 tablespoons oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Make beans in the method mentioned above.
Fry garlic paste in heated oil. Add beans and a little water mashing the beans on the side of the pot with the back of a wooden spoon.
Season to taste.
Serve with rice.

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Socialization Matters: Why “Identity Libertarianism” is Failed Politics

[first published May 20, 2013 on the Liberation Collective blog]

I want to explore what “woman” means when male-born persons can be “women” just the same as female-born persons.

Most significantly, the term “woman” must be disconnected from the socio-historic context that gives the term coherency in the first place. Without any material or experiential framework “woman’s” origin becomes irrelevant; she can be anything or nothing at all.

When male-born persons can be “women” just the same as female-born persons, the skin-deep veneer of social identity is being substituted for the complex, lifelong process of class-based socialization. This is neoliberal individualist choice-theory masquerading as the politics of liberation.

Identity-as-woman and socialization-as-woman describe very different social experiences. This should be an elementary distinction for anyone interested in the politics of sex and gender.

Identifying as a woman is a form of self-perception. It only requires consciousness of oneself as a social actor and the ability to articulate awareness of this. Identity as a woman can be claimed by anyone.[i]

Socialization as a woman, on the other hand, begins at birth and continues as a lifelong process. It seems to have no beginning and no end, almost as if it were organic or inevitable.[ii]  Socialization takes hold even before a young girl has social consciousness of her own and it operates without her consent. It is the day-by-day experience of learning and internalizing the gender-based norms, rituals, and behaviors that society demands of children born female. Socialization is experientially cumulative; the whole of socialization is greater than the sum of its parts. Aspects of this experience may be approximated, but they cannot be duplicated.

It is therefore inaccurate to insist that identity and socialization are equivalent or interchangeable. Further, deconstructing and eliminating oppression against women is impossible if we refuse to fully examine its origin, social determinants, and class-based operations. Continue reading


text:
by Dave Kellam

Time to go

About this time last week, I finished up my dissertation and handed it in. That explains the complete lack of internet presence this month. I’ve been down in Bristol for the last few days, hanging out and catching up.

As of this afternoon, I’m off to the contintent to bum around Europe for a month and a half. If you’ve got a spare bed or a couch, drop me a line and I’ll stop by. Posts may be sporadic, they may be much more frequent than usual. Onward, I’ve got a plane to catch.

If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe.


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Thursday, May 27, 2010

Insurance Commissioner Attends Luncheon With His Childhood Educators

Feeling like he was 12 years old again, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin joined a broad sample of his primary and secondary school teachers during a Hamlet luncheon last week at Sandhills Regional Hospital.

The Richmond County Retired School Personnel invited their former student from 25 to 35 years ago to reminisce and learn about the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) headed by Goodwin's agency, the Department of Insurance. The first Council of State member elected from Richmond County in more than 88 years, he also regaled them with anecdotes from his childhood, updates on his own children, and an overview of what he does as Commissioner of Insurance.

The teachers had spent years working for Fairview Heights Elementary School, Monroe Avenue School, Hamlet Junior High School, and Richmond Senior High School.

Goodwin also congratulated Ruth Robinson of Rockingham (pictured above). She had recently been named Volunteer of the Year by District 8 of the Retired School Personnel association. Robinson, a 1994 retiree, has volunteered for Relay for Life for many years.

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Butterfly Tea/Coffee Set for 6, 16 pcs

The world’s famous designer, academic painter Blanka Matragi, dedicates her invention and skills not only to fashion but also to the design of original jewellery and various accessories. The cooperation with the masters resulted in the designer’s Tea/Coffee Set "Butterfly".


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70-410 Questions and Answers

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Gunnar Optiks Computer/Gaming Eyewear

You upgrade your crowbar to a super-ultra zap beam teleporter laser. You upgrade your armor from a Cheap Shirt to Full Plate With Fuzzy Trim And Spikes. Why wouldn't you upgrade your eyes IRL? See? You can't answer. Because you know we're right.

Ends on July 12 at 9AM CT

About Gaming Eyewear

Whatever, if it shaves a tenth of a second off your time so you can beat that guy who keeps cheating, wouldn't it worth it? The answer is yes. Yes, it would be worth it.


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Monday, November 3, 2008

personality plus

The itty bitties are getting some real personalities now. They do change from when they are really little. Nadine is much less the spaz than the rest. She is a princess, and wants to be in your lap more than anything else. She will play, but I have to put her off of me a few times before she will give up and go play.

Jet likes to run out the door, and look for Bentley. She likes to play with him, and he is happy to play right back. Here she is charging the door when she saw his tongue under it. She is a big spaz, but unlike some of the others, when you hold her, she doesn't fight to get down. She loves it, and will sit there and purr.

Norton seems to be the one that is taking all the toys into the carrier. I almost always find 2 or 3 toys in the carrier. I saw him trying to pull the cat charmer into it tonight. He also is the kitten most likely to play "catzilla."

Ebony is Jet's sister, and she is also a spaz. She is also sweet, and almost every time I am in the room after she eats, she climbs onto my shoulder to take a little bath. I feel like I am always wearing a little cat food when I leave. Here you see her licking her chops.

Niles is the foot cat. He loves to attack the feet. He doesn't really bite hard or scratch, but he does go at it. He is sweet and sat very quietly tonight while I clipped his nails. He also loves the charmer as does Norton.


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Thursday, November 22, 2012

Improvised turkey stuffing

Right now I am living in Indonesia.  One thing about being overseas is the fact that it is not necessarily always easy to get all the same ingredients one is used to working with.  So today being thanksgiving I cooked a turkey.

No, I couldn't get all the stuff I would normally use for stuffing.  So I improvised.  And no, I didn't measure anything.

What did I add?

  • Day-old rice (this is what you'd make fried rice out of because freshly cooked rice gets too soggy)  How much?  Well I added what I had.
  • 2 Granny smith apples, diced
  • Lemon juice (1 1/2 lemons was arguably a little too much, so maybe one lemon next time I try to recreate this?)
  • Cashews.  No idea how much.  Maybe 100g?
  • Ginger root, just a bit
  • Soy sauce to taste
  • Tumeric leaves, 3 smallish ones
I tasted a little bit on the edge that was fully cooked and arguably a little more tart than I wanted but really quite tasty.

Tumeric is one of those things you can grow in pots indoors in the US if you can buy some fresh tumeric root at an Asian market.

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Saturday, September 30, 2006

Kid-friendly Ayam Masak Merah

Pandai2lah sendiri censor ye..

Nothing substantial going on in my life.
Izani and I have been swapping cold germs back and forth. I get better, he gets sick, he gets better, I get sick.

So what does a domestic goddess do when there's nothing else to do?
Why, cook, of course. Everyones gots to eats.

Here's an Ayam Masak Merah (Chicken in Red Sauce) dish that my kids will eat, because it's not spicy. It's actually based on Cikgu Munah's (my mom in law) recipe, which is usually quite spicy. I modified it so that it is agreeable to my kids' (and their father's) sensitive palate (and their father's stomach).
You can adjust the spiciness by reducing/increasing the amount of chillies you use. Somehow omitting it altogether will make the dish lose it's kick, it's Masak-Merah-ness...

Kid-Friendly Ayam Masak Merah

2 red chillies (dried or fresh)
1/2 medium onion
1 garlic pip

Slice thinly:
5 shallots
2 garlic pips
1/2 inch ginger

135grams tomato paste (it doesnt have to be exact, I used an entire small box)
1kg chicken (cut into manageable pieces, rubbed with a little salt)
1 cup chicken stock (or 2 chicken stock cubes dissolved in 1 cup water)
sugar, salt and pepper to taste
1 large onion (cut into rings)

In about 4 tablespoons of cooking oil, saute the thinly sliced ingredients till almost brown. Add the ground ingredients and fry till fragrant. Add in the tomato paste with a little bit of water, stir to mix. Let simmer covered, stirring ocassionally till the paste seperates from the oil. Pour in the chicken stock, stir to mix well.
Slide in the chicken pieces and add water just enough to cover the chicken. Let simmer till chicken is cooked. Add more water if you want more sauce. Season with sugar, salt and pepper to taste. The sugar should make the tomato less acidic, and would give the sauce a nice sheen.
Turn off the heat, add the onion rings and let wilt.

I think i used too much oil in mine...

I didn't garnish mine with anything, but you could, to make it look more professional, use chopped cilantro, fried crispy shallot slices, roasted cashews, raisins or even peas.
This dish goes well with white rice, or tomato rice (which I made to go with the dish, thanx to lollies' recipe over YM) or even briyani.
I also made Pajeri Nenas (Pineapples in thick spice sauce) to accompany this, so that it seems more 'kenduri kahwin'-like. But we'll save that recipe for tomorrow lah ye?

Note to non-Malaysians: Tomato Rice, Ayam Masak Merah and Pajeri Nenas are dishes normally served at Malay wedding receptions.

Friday, September 29, 2006

Easy Peasy Fried Meehon

Meehon: thin rice noodles.
Not the flat ones, which we call kuey teow. Not the fat ones, which we call laksa. Not glass noodles, which we call soo-hoon. And definitely, definitely not the mung bean ones.

I know what I just said.
Had an iftar gathering with the melayus yesterday. YMed G and asked her whether I should make cupcakes or fry meehoon. She suggested the latter.
Since I got to prepare this way much earlier than I would prepare my usual iftar meals, I had time to take a picture before it got packed up to the gathering.

The basic bumbu (errr.. sauce? gravy? flavouring?) for this fried meehon was discovered in It's fairly simple and very tasty. After sauteing the bumbu, you can actually add almost anything you like.
You can use meats or seafood, or even make it vegetarion or leave it plain.
You can add soy sauce or tomato sauce or even just clear stock, depending on what color you want the result to be. (Dark Soy sauce results in brown/black meehon. Tomato gives it a reddish tint. Clear stock will result in white fried meehon, often referred to as 'Singapore Meehoon')
You can add as little or as much vegetables as you want. Thinly sliced carrots or cabbages usually works. Spinach or bakchoy also works. Some people prefer beansprouts.
Finally, you can garnish it with whatever you like. I had used thinly sliced omelletes. Some people would garnish with crispy fried shallots, chopped parsley, cilantro or spring onions.. up to your liking lah.

Easy Peasy Fried Meehoon

Pound or blend:
2-3 dried or fresh chillies (to your liking, can be totally omitted if you're making the singapore version)
5 shallots
2 garlic pips
a handful of dried shrimps or anchovies

5 shallots, 2 garlic pips thinly sliced
4-5 tablespoons tomato paste (or your sauce/stock of choice)
100grams chicken meat, cubed
1 carrot, sliced into thin strips
salt, pepper and sugar to taste

1 packet of meehon, softened by soaking in hot water for at least an hour.

Saute thinly sliced shallots and garlic in a little bit of oil. Once it shows signs of browning, add in the pounded ingredients, fry till fragrant. Add the tomato paste with a little bit of water and let it simmer till the oil rises to the top. Add the meat. Once the meat is cooked, add some water so that it forms a little bit of sauce. Add salt, pepper and sugar to taste (personally, I like my fried meehoon slightly sweet). Add the softened meehoon bit by bit, making sure it soaks up and incorporates the sauce well. Add in the carrots.
Taste again and season if necessary.
Serve hot or cold, with your favourite garnish.

Gone in 60minutes

Jangan marah ya...

Thursday, September 28, 2006

jeeeezus and the news

I dont really like to blog while I'm not thinking straight, but I've got to get this out of my head. So bear with my rambling.

I was watching scarb0rough country the other day and joe brought up a good topic. He mentioned that networks have double standard when it comes to religious figures. It's okay if South Park drew the likeness of Jesus and have him run around with a machine gun shooting people, but the network won't even allow them to show the likeness of the prophet Muhammad, for the fear of offending the muslims.
I was thinking, maybe it's the same case with americans being offended by ch@vez going to the UN and calling bush a devil, even though many americans have been calling dubya that for years now. It's a case of "I can beat up my own family, but you are not allowed to".
If christians (who own most of the english media , i am assuming) want to make fun of Jesus, than muslims won't protest. But if a Muslim makes fun of Jesus, I'm sure the christians would be equally angry.
Would Christians be rallying in the streets and burning muslim effigies? I don't know, coz I don't think that has ever happened before. But that is also a good question to ponder.
But what also bothers me is, Muslims believe in Jesus. We believe that Jesus is also a prophet, a messenger of God, just like Moses. So why aren't muslim's as offended when Jesus is made fun of? Isnt that a double standard?

In other news,
I can't do my laundry without thinking about those kids. Everytime I shove clothes into my washer or dryer, I think about how they were shoved into there.
That MsHall is definitely crazy, but I think she shouldnt be allowed to use the insanity plea. I think she should get life or death. She is sick sick sick.
It breaks my heart just thinking about it.

whats with the increase in the cases of missing babies lately? or have i been watching too much american news? i think i better cut down. it's making me depressed.

on a lighter note:
you wont find food pictures here coz usually they go straight from the stove to the table and into the mouths... i dont have the luxury nor opportunity to take pictures anymore.
but if it makes you feel better, yesterday i made chicken rice with roast chicken.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

i, k, aaaahhhh

There's just something about IKE@ that makes me feel at home.
It's not that I am crazy about the furniture.. it's just that the moment I stepped into the store, I forgot I was in S@udi.
It looked the same, it smelled the same.. even the workers are Banglas, just like the store in Mal@ysia.
For the entire moment I was there, I could've been magically transported to Damansara for all I know. The only indication that I was in an ar@b country was that instead of hotdogs and currypuffs, the snack bar sold shawarmas for one riyal, and the meatballs had a hint of cumin.
Perhaps the company I was with also helped in making me less like I was in a foreign country. After Zura was done looking at the furniture she intended to buy, we walked together browsing the downstairs marketplace, chit-chatting about this and that, in Malay. Our shrieks and giggles as we reminisced our schooldays among hung rag carpets and rattan baskets must have echoed throughout the store.

I went to IKE@ with only two things on my shopping list: a wooden dish rack to put my pot lids on, and a cork notice board for the kids' bedroom.
I came out with: 2 boxes of 6sets of 4 piece cutlery, the holey metal thingy that holds the cutleries, 2 decorative bowls, 3 cardboard boxes to put the kids' schoolwork in, a 25riyal non-stick wok, and Taufik couldnt resist getting 2 IVAR shelf units for our store room (I think he's addicted to the chemicals they spray on the pine .. coz I could see how the trolley that previously looked like it wasnt rolling fast enough through the 'other stuff', started to slow down and veer towards those metal shelves holding the stacked up pine).

Anyways.. so we had a good time. Thanx to Sunflora who showed us the way.
Traffic was a killer though. That was the other thing that made me feel like I was back in KL.

p/s Happy fasting everyone!!
p/p/s Happy Belated Birthday Tengku Aliya Tengku Saiffuddin!!!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

travelling plans

Okay, here's what I have to look forward to in the future, near and far:

Near future:
Travel to riyadh to meet my long lost friend and a new found friend.
Go to IKEA!!!! yayayyyyy!!
Come back and prepare for Ramadhan.
(I feel the need to note that I am no longer pregnant therefore supposedly will not suffer any more cravings, therefore I shouldnt torture you with pictures and recipes this year.... but I can't guarantee that. )

Far future (like end of the year):
A trip back home. To Alor Setar, laze around the dusun (read: watch my husband mencangkul) and visit that side of the family.
Hanging out with my mom.
eat eat eat eat and more eating.
A girl's day out (MUSTI!).
blogger's gathering? ada ker?
a pot luck gathering with Taufik's school friends at my house.
and the thing I'm most excited about .... a trip to JAKARTA!!!! yay yay yayyyyy!!

ok.. erm.. that's it.
no mood to write lah today. i just cooked a huge pot of sambal udang kering (shimp floss) , just spent some time searching for and money on airline tickets, now i have izani on my lap.
have to prepare for the trip to riyadh summore.
till nx week!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

okay, go

I was flipping through the TV channels yesterday, when a music video caught my eye.
4 guys on threadmills.
They look like backstreet boys meets electrical appliance salesmen, gone wrong.
The tune is not bad, actually.
and even the dancing is not bad. I was quite mesmerised..
This morning I was checking to see if one of my favourite shows *cough*antm*cough* is on, when they showed them again in 'double shot' and this time I caught another video of them, dancing in the backyard.
bizzare, yet, again, very mesmerizing.

They are called OK GO.

See them for yourself:

"Here It Goes Again" by OK Go

So, were you as mesmerised as me?

By the way, has anyone bought the latest offering from Audioslave? buy or not buy? That Original Fire song is really driving me nuts.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Easy Peasy No-bake Cheesecake

Firstly, let me explain myself:
I like cheesecakes that are not too sweet, nor too cheesy. For me, the perfect cheesecake has just a tinge of cheesiness to it, with a more creamy flavour. I also prefer the soft and fluffy cheesecake, as opposed to the dense kind. My cheesecake has to have a crunchy crust, instead of a cake base (more often than not, cake based cheesecakes are half-cake and only half cheese, which turns me off). To me, a good cheesecake need not have a topping, but I do not mind them. Toppings on a plain cheesecake do make it look prettier and more delectable.
Thus my preference for no-bake cheesecakes as opposed to baked ones, which are usually dense and cheesy.

I have extensively searched for no-bake cheesecake recipes, and believe me, there are a lot out there. Most often than not, the recipe requires the use of gelatine. I had found one that did not use gelatine, but it employs condensed milk and lots of it, which led to my fear that it might be too sweet. So I braved myself and started experimenting with gelatine and came up with this recipe. I’m sure you will find recipes similar to mine in the tripledoubleyou. Mine is the very basic, and later on I will give suggestions on how to make different types of cheesecakes by varying the ingredients.

Easy Peasy No-Bake Cheesecake

15 pieces McVite’s Digestives cookies
2 or 3 tablespoons of softened butter
250ml whipping cream
200grams Philly cream cheese
3 tablespoons icing sugar*
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
enough gelatine to set 250ml of water, dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons water.

Crust - Put waxed paper (or aluminum foil) at the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan (this makes the removal of the cheesecake easier later on). Finely crush the cookies and mix well with the softened butter till it forms a crumble like consistency (add more butter if necessary). Press into the springform pan, going up the sides for about 1.5 inches. Store in freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Cheese filling – Soften cream cheese to room temperature, dredge with fork to separate (this makes it mix with cream faster). Prepare gelatine**, let cool to room temperature. Whip the cream till soft peaks form. Add in the cream cheese, icing sugar, vanilla essence and gelatine and whip till thoroughly mixed (You don’t see lumps of cheese anymore). Pour into prepared crust. Chill in your fridge for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best.
Once the cheese is set, you can take it out of the springform pan and put on your preferred topping, if you like.

The result is a light, fluffy, creamy yet not wobbly cheesecake with a buttery, crunchy crust. I had put peaches on mine, but it was good even without any kind of topping.

Suggestions for Variations:
. Instead of Digestives, use any other kind of cookies, like graham crackers or maybe even Cream Crackers ( if you like your crust to be not so sweet and sinful).
. Use cereal, half crushed and half not, as the crust.
. I had made a crust using them chocolate balls cereal plus crushed almonds before and it turned out yummeh..!
. Vary the portion of cream and cheese to get a creamier or cheesier filling. Add more sugar if you like it sweeter.
. Add lemon zest or essence to get that lemony flavour. (me no likey)
. Add cocoa powder + sugar to make a chocolate cheesecake. Add more cocoa for darker chocolate. Fold in chopped chocolates to give it some bite.
. Add pureed fruits (strawberries, raspberries, etc) to make a fruity cheesecake.
. Divide the filling into three, add cocoa in one, add vanilla in the other and add pureed strawberries (or red coloring) in the last. Chill each filling in layers (30 minutes each) and you’d get a neopolitan (sp?) cheesecake!
. Fold in crushed oreos to make oreo cheesecake (adjust amount of sugar accordingly). Use finely crushed oreos as the crust.

The possibilities are endless, and it’s all up to you to make it delicious!

* I used icing sugar because it incorporates into the cream+cheese mixture more easily.
** How to prepare gelatine:
Read the instructions on the packet to determine how much you need to set 250ml water. Mix that amount with 2 or 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl, let sit for a few minutes to soften. Warm a pan of water over medium heat, sit the small bowl of gelatine in it and stir to thoroughly dissolve all the gelatine. Once it is thoroughly dissolved, set aside to cool.

No oven required!! Happy Trying! :D

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The L0st C0lony

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan, (Ladies and Gentlemen)

The fifth book in the artem1s f0wl series is out!!
It had been released in Uk for over a month now, but I only knew about it when my kids brought home a Baker Books Book Club magazine from school.
It is listed at 10pounds in the magazine, but in the pupil order form, it is listed as 90 s@udi riyals!!
I think I'll wait for the paperback , and buy it in MPH when I go back home. The most it'll set me back is RM30.

ooohhh can't wait can't wait....
but since I am cheap, I have to practice patience.

hm.. "Eoin Taufik" doesnt sound so bad, eh?

Saturday, September 16, 2006

all mixed up

Updated on Izani's progress

I understood what the p0pe was trying to get to in his speech, but I really did not get why he had to use that particular quote. A quote that came not from a muslim perspective about the muslim concept of holy war. Surely he could've researched for a better quote. With all the resources that he has, surely he could have found that the concept of reason is as much an islamic idea as it is greek.
If he had really wanted to promote inter-religious discussion and understanding, wouldn't it be prudent to use a quote that would do just that?
I am saddened that he had decided to use something that could so easily be misconstrued as malicious and insulting, but then again I am not going to go around screaming bloody murder and burning effigies and flags because of it.
Damn.. some people need to go through anger management course, en masse.
The p0pe, is, afterall, human, and are allowed to make mistakes and be forgiven for it.
Can't people just chill... ?

Happy Birthday TDB a.k.a. The one who Does not Blog a.k.a. "mega-babe" a.k.a mommy arif!
I tried calling home and it was engaged, I called her handphone and I got the voicemail (which has a greeting that is so slow and drawn out that I decided not to leave a message).
Anyways, hope you had a good birthday celebration.

Did i tell you that my kids have started swimming lessons?
At first we signed up all three of them. But then Anis kept complaining to the instructor during lessons. "It's too cold", "I want to go to the toilet", "Come closer, don't go so far", "I am scared.."
So taufik took her out of the class and will try to teach her himself.
Ilham can now swim halfway through the width of the adult's pool.
Ihsan.. keeps gulping water. But he's getting braver.

Coming up in a few days... no bake cheesecake recipe!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

the silver lining

This morning Taufik received an SMS on his handphone.
"Taufik, my name is Axxxx. I am looking for Elisa's number. I just arrived in riy@dh 5 days ago, would like to contact her please"
When Taufik showed it to me, my first thoughts were "Axxxx?? Which Axxxx??".

So I gave her a call and tried to figure out her face by listening to her voice.
No idea which one, but she sounded very very very friendly, as if she had known me for a long time.
Then I asked her where she got my number, and she explained how she called Baber before she left, and Baber gave her Buck's number and Buck gave her Taufik's number.
In my head I went "oh. my. god!!! Axxxx Yusuf!!!!"
We chatted for only a bit coz she was in the middle of registering her children for school, but she promised to call me back later in the afternoon.
After putting down the phone, I was reeling with excitement and shock!!

Axxxx was my roomate in high school when I was 14 or 15 (or was it 14 *and* 15, i can't remember). She's a very chatty person and we shared a lot of stories between us. I also found her to be a really funny. She never fails to make me laugh. The last time I saw her was when I left high school in 1988, so that means I have not met her for 18 years!

So anyways..
She called me back in the evening and we chatted some more, gave each other updates on our lives.
Then i told her that yesterday (after I wrote travelling twarthed), Taufik told me that the embassy informed him that Izani's passport has arrived , so we can go and pick it up anytime. Before I could tell her that Taufik wanted to drive to Riy@dh alone, she said "ehhhhhhh datang duduk lah rumah I!!!!" (come stay at my house!!). It just so happens that she is living in the Diplomatic Quarters, only a few minutes drive to the embassy!
I couldnt believe my luck!
We might be going to Riy@dh next weekend afterall, and I'm going to be able to meet an old friend!
This deserves a huge "YAY!!!!!!" :D

All we need to do now is ask the embassy whether we can pick up the passport over the weekend (at the officer's house or something), then plan for the trip.

so Kim, you were right ... there *is* a blessing hidden in what was initially seen as bad luck!! If I had gotten the passport earlier, i would have had no excuse to go see my friend!
tee hee... !

YAY for luk@s r0ssi!!!!
i hope he learns how to properly enunciate the lyrics though.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Travelled Thwarthed

Taufik called Putr@jaya and found out that Izani's passport is ready, it's just waiting to travel with the diplomatic docket.
There should be a "yay" somewhere here right?

[ whine ]
It's not here yet. When it does arrive here, we'd get a call from the embassy in Riy@dh, and we'd have to drive there to pick it up.
It doesnt stop there.
When we get the passport, we have to submit it to the immigration department here so that Izani can be included into Taufik's visa and we need to get a multiple entry visa for him before we can travel anywhere. I think that takes about a week?
On top of that, we just found out that currently, our car does not have permission to travel to other countries besides Bahr@in. We need to make another application to be able to travel to other countries.

So my plan to go to Qat@r next weekend has basically, fallen through into a big gaping sh*t hole.
[ /whine ]

So maybe next weekend we'd make a trip to Riy@dh instead. Or maybe not. Maybe Taufik will drive alone, just for the day. We havent decided.
Taufik is working to get the permission for our car to travel anywhere in the Gulf countries (GCC). Hopefully we get it before Syawal, so that we can still keep our plan for a roadtrip to Om@n.

So lollies, maybe we'll see you in October, eh?
It'd be cooler then, so maybe that is the blessing.. :)

Monday, September 11, 2006

mama's got new shoes

City Plaza Summer Clearance Sale.
With a SR25 gift voucher, got it at a bargain.

I think dory, shoe shopper extraordinaire, would approve.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Easy Peasy Fish Sandwich

For a site that has a toaster on its logo, I don't post many sandwich recipes, do I?
Well, today's your lucky day, coz I made a sandwich for lunch, and it looked good enough to .. post, then eat.

It's not even a real recipe, coz I just used stuff bought at the frozen section of the grocery store, fried them up and put them together.
The only real 'recipe' is probably for the coleslaw.

Easy Peasy Fish Sandwich

2 pieces of bread, toasted to your liking
a few pieces of frozen fish filet, fried per instructions
a slice of cheese (any type you like)
Shredded lettuce
finely sliced carrots
mayonaise or your favourite salad dressing (I used a mixture of mayo and ranch)
salt n pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix together the lettuce, carrots and mayo/salad dressing with a fork. Season with salt and pepper.
Construct the sandwich by putting cheese and then the fried fish fillet on a piece of toast. Top everything with the coleslaw, cover with another piece of toast.
Serve with a side of fries.

Preparation time: 20 minutes, tops! (long enough for izani to take a nap)

heh heh..
I think even nutty a person who claims they can't cook can pull this off!

I had this with a mug of milo+oats, while watching re-runs of the Crocodile Hunter.

yummy yummy yummy i've got a fish in my tummy...

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Easy Peasy Banana Chocolate Pavlova

Since I can’t expect anyone to bake a cake for my birthday, I had baked my own. Staying true to my current obsession, I decided to make a pavlova. And since I am me, it HAD to be chocolate, of course.

The original recipe is from, I had modified it a bit to make it smaller and less sweet.
Furthermore, my husband bought a regular milk chocolate bar instead of the dark chocolate bar I asked him to.
The original recipe also used raspberries, which I don’t have in abundance, so I used what I had, which were bananas.

When my husband got home from work, I discovered that he had stopped by the grocery store on his way home and picked up a chocolate cake for me...
How sweet of him... but I now have 2 desserts to eat!!! (Luckily, I will be fasting for the next few days, which I hope, will help burn those extra calories..)

Banana Chocolate Pavlova

4 egg whites
a pinch of salt
150grams castor sugar
1 teaspoon of white vinegar
1 heaped tablespoon of cocoa powder, sieved
47 gram chocolate bar chopped
300ml of thick cream or 250ml whipping cream, whipped till stiff
2 bananas, sliced into discs.

Pre-heat oven to 400deg Farenhite. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, spray with non stick cooking spray.
In a big bowl, whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt till satiny peaks form. Add sugar bit by bit and finally vinegar, whipping in between, till stiff peaks form. Sprinkle cocoa powder and chocolate chunks, gently fold till cocoa is thoroughly incorporated.
Pile the meringue mixture in the middle of the lined cookie sheet in a circle, smoothing the sides.
Place into the middle of the oven. Reduce temperature to 250deg Farenhite immediately. Bake undisturbed for one and a half hours. Turn off oven, leave door ajar and let meringue cool completely.

Turn meringue upside down onto a plate, top with cream and sliced bananas.

I had used thick cream instead of whipped cream, and I just slapped it on straight from the box instead of whipping it up a bit, because I'm lazy. I think using whipped cream would've definitely made it look prettier. The next time I make this, I will make a smaller circle and pile the meringue on higher so that I get a thicker meringue. The original recipe also required you to sprinkle shaved chocolate on top, but heh, i'm not that sophisticated.

This was YUMMEH!! :D
The chopped chocolates gave the pavlova heavenly bits of gooey goodness, and the bananas went really well with the chocolate.
This version was definitely less sweet than the original pavlova, perhaps due to the addition of the cocoa powder. And even with less sugar, the crust was still crunchy!
I think you would definitely prefer this, PB.

A little note:
Make sure you gently fold the cocoa in to retain the volume of the whipped egg whites. The first time I made this, I used my mixer to mix the cocoa powder in and it made the meringue fall flat. The meringue didnt stand when piled on the cookie sheet, it just spread out like a pancake! It's not a total disaster though, coz I went ahead and baked it as instructed, and what came out of the oven was something like a brownie, without flour. Very interesting. :laugh:

Long Live Chocolate Makers and Cocoa Growers all over the world!

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Today, the 5th day of the 9th Month of the year

Taken from wikipedia.

September 5 is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years). There are 117 days remaining.

1666 - Great Fire of London ends: A large fire in London burns out after three days. 10,000 buildings including St. Paul's Cathedral are destroyed, but only 16 people are known to have died.
1698 - In an effort to move his people away from archaic customs, Tsar Peter I of Russia imposes a tax on beards; All men, except priests and peasants, are required to pay the tax of one hundred rubles a year for those above the lowest class, one kopek each for commoners.
1774 - First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1793 - In France, the French National Convention votes to implement terror measures to enforce the principles of the French Revolution, initiating the Reign of Terror.
1836 - Sam Houston is elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.
1862 - American Civil War: In the Confederacy's first invasion of the North, General Robert E. Lee leads 55,000 men of the Army of Northern Virginia across the Potomac River at White's Ford near Leesburg, Virginia, into Maryland.
1877 - Indian Wars: Oglala Sioux chief Crazy Horse is bayoneted by a United States soldier after resisting confinement in a guardhouse at Fort Robinson in Nebraska.
1882 - The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.
1901 - The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (later renamed Minor League Baseball), is formed in Chicago, Illinois.
1905 - Russo-Japanese War: In New Hampshire, USA, the Treaty of Portsmouth, a treaty mediated by US President Theodore Roosevelt, is signed by victor Japan and defeated party Russia.
1906 - Brandbury Robinson throws the first legal forward pass in an American football game.
1914 - World War I: First Battle of the Marne begins. Northeast of Paris, the French attack and defeat German forces who are advancing on the capital.
1937 - Spanish Civil War: The fall of Llanes.
1939 - World War II: The United States declares its neutrality in the war.
1943 - World War II: The 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment under U.S. General Douglas MacArthur lands and occupies Nazdab in Papua New Guinea.
1945 - Iva Toguri D'Aquino, a Japanese-American suspected of being wartime radio propagandist Tokyo Rose, is arrested in Yokohama.
1948 - Robert Schuman becomes Prime Minister of France.
1949 - A former sharpshooter in World War II, Howard Unruh kills 13 neighbors in Camden, New Jersey, with a souvenir Luger to become the first U.S. single-episode mass murderer.
1960 - Cassius Clay wins the gold medal in boxing at the Rome Olympic Games.
1969 - My Lai Massacre: U.S. Army Lt. William Calley is charged with six specifications of premeditated murder for the death of 109 Vietnamese civilians in My Lai.
1970 - Vietnam War: Operation Jefferson Glenn begins: the United States 101st Airborne Division and the South Vietnamese 1st Infantry Division initiate a new operation in Thua Thien province.
1972 - Munich Massacre: A Palestinian terrorist group called "Black September" attack Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games.
1975 - In Sacramento, California, a follower of incarcerated cult leader Charles Manson named Lynette Fromme attempts to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford, but is thwarted by a Secret Service agent.
1977 - Voyager program: Voyager 1 is launched after a brief delay.
1977 - Hanns Martin Schleyer, President of the Employers Association, is kidnapped in Cologne, West Germany. Kidnappers kill three escorting police officers and his chauffeur. They demand release of Red Army Faction prisoners
1978 - Camp David Accords: Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat begin peace process at Camp David, Maryland.
1980 - The St. Gotthard Tunnel opens in Switzerland as the world's longest highway tunnel at 10.14 miles (16.224 km) stretching from Goschenen to Airolo.
1983 - Tom Brokaw becomes lead anchor for NBC Nightly News
1984 - STS-41-D: The Space Shuttle Discovery lands after its maiden voyage.
1984 - Western Australia becomes the last Australian state to abolish capital punishment.
1986 - Pan Am Flight 73 with 358 people on board is hijacked at Karachi International Airport.
1988 - With US$2 billion in federal aid, the Robert M. Bass Group agrees to buy the United States's largest bankrupt thrift, American Savings and Loan Association.
1997 - At least 87 people killed in the Beni-Messous massacre
2000 - Tuvalu joins the United Nations.
2001 - Peru's attorney general files homicide charges against ex-President Alberto Fujimori.
2001 - Young Left formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
2002 - A car bomb kills 30 people in Kabul, Afghanistan, in an apparent assassination attempt on Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
2002 - The Biscuit Fire in Oregon and northern California, United States, which burned 499,570 acres (2,020 km²), is finally contained.
2004 - Tropical Storm Ivan becomes Hurricane Ivan in the Atlantic Ocean.
2004 - Hurricane Frances makes landfall at 1 a.m. in Sewell's Point, Florida.

1187 - King Louis VIII of France (d. 1226)
1494 - Hans Sachs, German Meistersinger (d. 1576)
1568 - Tommaso Campanella, Italian theologian, philosopher, and poet (d. 1639)
1638 - Louis XIV of France (d. 1715)
1667 - Giovanni Gerolamo Saccheri, Italian mathematician (d. 1733)
1695 - Carl Gustaf Tessin, Swedish politician (d. 1770)
1722 - Frederick Christian, Elector of Saxony (d. 1763)
1725 - Jean-Étienne Montucla, French mathematician (d. 1799)
1735 - Johann Christian Bach, German composer (d. 1782)
1750 - Robert Fergusson, Scottish poet (d. 1774)
1771 - Archduke Charles of Austria, Austrian general (d. 1847)
1774 - Caspar David Friedrich, German artist (d. 1840)
1787 - François Sulpice Beudant, French mineralogist and geologist (d. 1850)
1791 - Giacomo Meyerbeer, German composer (d. 1864)
1806 - Christophe Léon Louis Juchault de Lamoricière, French general (d. 1865)
1807 - Richard Chenevix Trench, Irish Anglican clergyman and philologist (d. 1886)
1827 - Goffredo Mameli, Italian poet and writer
1847 - Jesse James, American outlaw (d. 1882)
1857 - Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, Russian rocket scientist and inventor (d. 1935)
1867 - Amy Beach, American composer and pianist (d. 1944)
1874 - Nap Lajoie, baseball player (d. 1959)
1876 - Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb, German field marshal (d. 1956)
1888 - Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, second President of India (d. 1975)
1892 - Joseph Szigeti, Hungarian violinist (d. 1973)
1902 - Darryl F. Zanuck, American film producer and executive (d. 1979)
1905 - Arthur Koestler, Hungarian writer (d. 1983)
1912 - John Cage, American composer (d. 1992)
1912 - Kristina Söderbaum, German actress and photographer (d. 2001)
1913 - Frank Thomas, American animator (d. 2004)
1916 - Frank Yerby, American novelist (d. 1991)
1921 - Jack Valenti, American political advisor and film executive
1927 - Paul Volcker, American banker
1929 - Bob Newhart, American actor and comedian
1929 - Andrian Nikolayev, cosmonaut
1934 - Carol Lawrence, American actress and singer
1936 - Bill Mazeroski, baseball player
1937 - Antonio Valentin Angelillo, Argentinian football player
1939 - William Devane, American actor
1939 - George Lazenby, Australian actor
1940 - Raquel Welch, American actress
1942 - Werner Herzog, German film director
1945 - Al Stewart, Scottish singer and songwriter
1946 - Freddie Mercury, Zanzibar-born singer Queen (d. 1991)
1946 - Buddy Miles, American musician
1946 - Loudon Wainwright III, American singer and composer
1948 - Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Austrian diplomat and politician
1950 - Cathy Guisewite, American cartoonist
1950 - Paul William Roberts, Canadian writer
1956 - Roine Stolt, Swedish guitarist (The Flower Kings)
1961 - Marc-André Hamelin, French Canadian classical pianist
1962 - Peter Wingfield, Welsh actor
1963 - Juan Alderete, American bassist (Racer X)
1963 - Jeff Brantley, Baseball player
1967 - Jane Sixsmith, English field hockey player
1969 - Dweezil Zappa, American musician
1969 - Leonardo Nascimento de Araujo, Brazilian football player
1971 - Tengku Elisa Bustaman, Malaysian Domestic Goddess, raiser of future leaders of the world.
1973 - Rose McGowan, Italian-born actress
1974 - Derek Neikirk, American professional wrestler
1975 - Rod Barajas, baseball player
1976 - Tatyana Gutsu, Ukrainian gymnast
1978 - Chris Jack, New Zealand rugby union player
1979 - George O'Callaghan, Irish professional football player
1979 - John Carew, Norwegian football player
1991 - Skandar Keynes, English actor

Hey hey today is freddy mercury's birthday!! :D

p/s Thankyou for all the good wishes!

Monday, September 04, 2006

a little bit of this, a little bit of that...

now what was the name of that song?

Here's a picture of Anis in her school dress, all pooped out on the carpet at my front door when she got home from school.

It's still really hot nowadays, so by the time i pick her up from the school gate, and we walk to the bus, and we wait for the other kids, and then wait for the bus to move, she'd be asleep in her seat. When we wake her up when we reach home, she'd be all cranky.. that's why she has that no-mood expression on her.

But now we have a new excuse to cheer her up:

We bought her a bicycle!!!
Prior to this, only Ilham and Ihsan have bicycles. So, every time the kids go out and play, the boys would be riding their bikes and poor anis has to jog after them.
So we decided to get her a bicycle so that she can keep up with her brothers. Saturday was her first day on the bike. I told Ilham to look out for her, so he made her ride in front of him so that he could follow her.
Ilham came home complaining that she pedals too slow. Anis came home complaining that she still gets left behind.
So yesterday we made her practice pedalling in front of our house while the boys play football.
We'll see how things go this afternoon.

in other news...

Did you hear that Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, died?
He got stung by a stingray while filming an underwater scene for a show.
wow. I didnt know you could die from a ray's sting.

Another oz-related thingy,
I am currently reading Terry Pratchett's A Hat Full of Sky. It's about Tiffany, a young girl who goes away from home to study witchcraft.
Somehow reading it made me think of nutty.
Not that Tiffany is waking up late and missing classes as well (heh heh jangan marah ya dik... ), it's that she's far away from home, pursuing her dream, meeting all sorts of people that she does/doesn't like. Her feelings, her perception, the way she handles herself.. just reminds me of our young friend in down-undah.
But then Tifanny is currently being possesed by a parasite mind controlling thingy that turns her into a foul mood.. i hope that doesnt happen to nutty (who happens to be in a dodgy mood lately too *hugs*).

A non oz-related thingy,
I received extremely good news this week.
There was a friend who have been missing for months. I was worried sick of what could've happened to him. I dug out my email inbox and found an email he wrote me about a year ago and decided to give it a shot and ask him if he was okay. I psyched myself up to face a bounced "user does not exist" email.
Alhamdulillah, my email didn't bounce. He replied, telling me he's okay.
He's just not blogging for a while due to personal reasons. I respect his decision. I wish him well, but I really really miss reading his writings.

On a personal note,
I am fasting this week and the whole of next week. Ramadhan is looming and I still haven't completed replacing the fasting days I missed last year.
I've never fasted while breastfeeding before, so it's kinda tough. I make sure I have a good sahur (the pre-dawn meal): rice with the works, a mug of chocolate milk with oats, at least one kurma (date) and I take all my vitamins. But still, towards the evening, Izani would get really cranky on me, like he's not getting enough. I tried giving him the bottle, but he'd only take it if his dad gives it to him. He knows what he's supposed to get when he's with me I guess. I am trying my best.

have a good week, everyone..


text:
Elite Celebration: 84-foot Shelton tree Lights Up Rockefeller Center

A Shelton-based couple was amazed to witness the 84-foot Norway spruce that got nurtured in their Soundview Avenue yard for years and lately turned into a center of attention at the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting. The tree was lit at the 2007 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York on 28 November. The centre got illuminated with its masterpiece of Christmas tree with 30,000 LED’s instead of conventional bulbs. The idea was to save energy.

The Radio City Rockettes also performed during the 2007 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony inviting thousands of people to glare the magic of this tall Christmas tree.Center representatives ushered Joseph and Judy Rivnyak to New York City. Officials from Rockefeller Center reached towards the Rivnyaks during last summer and encouraged them to donate the huge tree for this year’s Christmas celebration and the couple agreed.

Rockefeller Center

The tree was then cut down and transported to Manhattan this month on a 100-ft trailer. Judy said it’s notable to feel the effect their bequest has made on the society. Word was all around about this ceremony before this tall tree could be erected and thus many time Judy was caught by people in stores while shopping to express their kind words about this priceless gesture.

Gallery: 84-foot Shelton Tree At Rockefeller Center

Via ConnPost

Rockefeller Center

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text:
Live News Updates From SYS-CON Events

Elizabeth White

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Related Topics: Cloud Computing, Virtualization Magazine, Rackspace Journal, Cloud Expo on Ulitzer, Virtualization Expo, SOA in the Cloud Expo, Microservices Journal, OpenStack Journal

OpenStack: Article

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A Rock Star Faculty, Top Keynotes, Sessions, and Top Delegates!
Cloud Expo 2012 Silicon Valley, November 5-8, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading Cloud industry players in the world.

The growth and success of Cloud Computing will be on display at the upcoming Cloud Expo conference and exhibition in Santa Clara, CA, November 5-8, 2012.

The recent Cloud Expo at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, was the largest Cloud Computing conference ever produced with more sponsors, exhibitors and delegates than all other Cloud events of the year combined!

Cloud Expo Silicon Valley will attract more than 10,000 delegates from 48 countries and over 200 sponsors and exhibitors!

All main layers of the Cloud ecosystem will be represented at the 9th International Cloud Expo - the infrastructure players, the platform providers, and those offering applications, and they'll all be here to speak, sponsor, exhibit and network.

"Cloud Expo was announced on February 24, 2007, the day the term ‘cloud computing' was coined," said Fuat Kircaali, founder and chairman of SYS-CON Events, Inc. "Cloud has become synonymous with ‘computing' and ‘software' in two short years, and this event has become the new PC Expo, Comdex, and InternetWorld of our decade. By 2012, more than 50,000 delegates per year will be attending Cloud Expo."

Sponsorship Opportunities
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Early Bird Registration Options
for Cloud Expo 2012 Silicon Valley
Cloud Expo delegates can pre-register for Cloud Expo Silicon Valley with $500+ savings here.

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Contact Us

20593 Blue & Gold Dr.
Elkton, VA 22827
Phone (540) 298-8730
Fax (540) 298-8549

Center Resources

Community Center Home

Center Programs

Membership Fees

Monthly Events

Recreation Programs

EACC Administrator
Mark Pedersen
Recreation Director
Diane Johnson

EACC Membership Fees

Everyone using the EACC must have a membership. If you choose not to join with a membership you may pay the daily fee. Paying the daily fee will allow you the same access to the facility as a membership. Membership at the center includes the computer lab, walking track, Nautilus and Cardio fitness equipment and game area. Classes and other events may have an extra charge.

Town Of Elkton/Rockingham County
AgeMonthly Yearly
Youth $15.00 $165.00
Adult 20.00 220.00
Family 40.00 440.00
Senior 55+ 15.00 165.00
Youth $20.00 $220.00
Adult 25.00 275.00
Family 50.00 550.00
Senior 55+ 20.00 220.00

Daily Fees
Walk-in Resident
Walk-in Non-Resident

weight machines

Programs held at Center

Exercise using Nautilus/Precor Fitness Equipment

Pilates Core Building

Tuesday & Thursday at 9:15AM

Roc Ya Body with Diane

Tuesday & Thursday at 1:30PM, $7

Yolates with Bette

Monday & Thursday at 6:30PM

Yolates: At The Chair

Mondays & Wednesday at 11:00AM
$3 donation
Light movement to benefit your health, make daily living easier & to make you feel better overall!

Betsy Dean Dancing - Fitness Classes

REFIT ® = REFIT ® combines several elements of fitness into one power-packed hour.  While the focus is structured around Cardio Dance movements, toning, flexibility, strength training and stretching are also incorporated into the REFIT ® workout.  The workout formula is easy to follow and will both challenge fitness enthusiasts and welcome beginners.

REFIT ® meets Tuesday & Thursday at 6:30pm, and Saturday at 9:30am.

S†rengthenUp!  = Stretch, Strengthen, and Challenge your muscles, while Strengthening your heart both as a muscle and a soul.  Choreographed to positive music to direct your spirit and heart upward. 45-60 minutes. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

S†rengthenUp! meets Tuesday & Wednesday at 4:30pm.

Zumba Fitness with Wendy

Monday & Wednesday at 6:30PM, $5

Prana Flow Yoga with Deanna Smith, Beginners are welcome.

Wednesdays 6PM-7:15PM, $7

Brian Mayes Karate Brian Mayes Karate

Beginning classes for ages 4 & up. Call 432-8400 to schedule a class.

Valley Program for Aging

Held each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Call (540)448-5363 for program information.

Elk Run Trail

Walk or run on the Elk Run Trail. Maps available at the EACC desk.

Back to top

Monthly Events

Mobile Mammography Van

Call 433-4641 for an appointment.

town hall meeting room

Town Council Committee Meeting

The 2nd Tuesday of each Month
Starting at 6:00

Town Council Monthly Meeting

The 3rd Monday of each Month
Starting at 7:00

Congressman Goodlatte Representative Town Hall Meeting

Held the 1st Thursday of every month from 11:30AM-12:30PM

Back to top

Home | Town Departments | Town Council | Community | Business | Employment | Site Index


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Upcoming events!

Please come and visit us at the events below! message me at southafrica@ellentinkham.devon.sch.uk for more information   Bag packing at Tesco Exe Vale 1st/2nd April 10am-4pm   Comedy night at Barnfield theatre 28th May (more details to follow)   Summer fun day at Ellen Tinkham School 1st July   Race night Heavitree Conservative club 30th September

An update!

I thought I would post an update to tell you how busy everyone has been, and what fundraising events are in the pipeline! So far Through the Xmas bazaar, Xmas jumper day, charity collecting tins, Ticket auctions, donations through Gofundme, and 2 auctioned watercolour paintings courtesy of ‘Watercolours by Rachel’ we have raised nearly £1000! Future events We have some […]

Welcome to the official blog of the South Africa Expedition 2018!

What is the South Africa Expedition? In June 2018, 8 students from Ellen Tinkham School and College will embark on a 2 week trip to Durban and the surrounding area. They will be taking part in conservation work, going on safari, experiencing camping and hiking in the bush, visiting a local Special needs School we […]


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Release Day Promo for The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

It's never too early for some Holiday romance reading and you cannot go wrong with this one. I was lucky to read an ARC of The Trouble of Mistletoe and let me tell you it's so good - fun and sexy and heart-warming, cat shenanigans, meddling best friends and some great hero and heroine falling in unexpected but deliciously perfect love around Christmas time.

If she has her way . . .

Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her . . .

He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.

Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead-gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him . . .

Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice . . .

Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish—and let the mistletoe do its work . . .

Author Bio and Social Links

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website,, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

“You want to come upstairs, Willa?”

What she wanted was to put her hands back on his chest now that she knew it was as hard as it looked. Instead she gripped either side of her seat with white knuckles. “Of course not.”
“I think you do. I think you want something else too.”
“What I want,” she said as coolly as she could, “is dinner as promised.”
“Liar,” he chided softly.
“Well that’s just rude, calling your date a liar.”
“So it is a date.” His tone was very male and very smug. It should’ve pissed her off but instead it did something hot and erotic to her insides.
Clearly knowing it, he smiled at her and then dragged his teeth over his lower lip as he contemplated her.
Gah. She wanted to do that. And she wanted to do more too. She wanted him shockingly badly and suddenly she couldn’t remember why she shouldn’t. She tried to access her thought processes on the subject but her brain hiccupped and froze. Which surely was the only reason she let go of the death grip on her seat, slid her fingers into his hair, and . . . brushed her mouth over his.
He didn’t move, not a single muscle, but when she pulled back, his eyes had gone dark as night, piercing her with their intensity.
“Don’t read that the wrong way,” she whispered.
“Is there a wrong way to take it when a beautiful woman kisses you?”

Purchase links: Kindle / iBooks / Nook / Paperback / GooglePlay / Kobo / BAM

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Tuesday, March 08, 2011

I'd change it slightly

In the end, the difference between a mugger and a Nazi concentration camp commander or communist party commissar is the scale, not the mindset

1 comment:

Sigivald said...

Naw. (I've never liked that one of Oleg's, much as I generally love his work).

The mugger has maybe two mindsets - either you're an easy way to get his next fix or whatever, or you're fun to intimidate and make him feel big.

The Nazis and Communists, well - they tended, from all I hear, to actually think they were serving "The Greater Good" (of either Germany or the Party, respectively).

Some of them were of course sadists, most more of them weren't, too all evidence.

Along the lines of the famous Lewis quote, that's arguably worse.


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Home » » The Clan (2015)

The Clan (2015)

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Vintage Lords Prayer Elongated Pennies

We have acquired a vintage Lords Prayer elongated penny die. This die along with our vintage
Penny Press produces a nice LONG TAIL elongated penny. We roll these on COPPER pennies.
Check them out in our shop. If you need larger quantities please contact us with your needs.


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LinkScan for Unix. Reference Manual.

Section 9

  Previous   Contents   Next   Help   Reference   HowTo   Card

File System Scanning and Orphaned Files

LinkScan incorporates the ability to examine the files on your local hard drive and interpret them in a manner very similar to a web server. This capability has two major applications:

Configuration is inherently significantly more complex when compared to normal HTTP Scanning. In particular, you must configure the following items:

If you do not configure the File System Pathnames, LinkScan will automatically use HTTP Scanning. It will also disable the Orphaned File checking.

If you wish to enable Orphaned File checking and use HTTP Scanning, you must configure the File System Pathnames to enable orphan checking. Then, simply set Http = 1.

This is best illustrated by example:

# Map the server root
#  <==> /usr/www/htdocs/index.html

Homeurl =
Homedir = /usr/www/htdocs/
Homefile = index.html

#    <==> /usr/www/cgi-bin/
#  <==> /home/username/public_html/

Alias cgi-bin/ /usr/www/cgi-bin/
Alias ~([^/]+)/ /home/$1/public_html/

# Hide hidden files and directories from the Orphans Report

Noorphans (\.|.*/\.)

# The following are significant (but default) settings

Execute cgi-bin/             # Test cgi-bin/ via HTTP
Execute (?i).*\.(cgi|asp)$   # Test .cgi and .asp files via HTTP

Htmlfiles = html, shtml, htm
Mapfiles = map
Pdffiles =
Flashfiles = swf
Defaultpages = index.html, index.shtml, index.htm, home.html, home.shtml, home.htm

Indexoptions = 0             # Disallow directory listings
Expandssi = 1                # Expand Server Side Includes
Autohttp = 0                 # Disable automatic HTTP retry
Maxdirlevels = 10            # Don't explore file system beyond 10 levels

On Unix systems only, the Alias directive supports the special !HOME expression:

Alias ~([^/]+)(/|$) !HOME/public_html/

A reference to ~someuser/ will be Aliased to !HOME/public_html/. Then, !HOME will be replaced by the someuser's Home Directory which is determined via a lookup of /etc/passwd.

Remote File Systems

In some cases, the file system directories containing the web site may reside on a physically different computer from LinkScan. In these cases, LinkScan will support Network File System pathnames (subject to any locally imposed security controls).

In other cases, the file system of the remote system may not be visible via the network, quite possibly for security reasons. LinkScan will be unable to scan the remote computer using the File System Scanning Method. You must use HTTP Scanning.

However, it is still possible to enable Orphaned File checking. In summary, you will need to execute a small, self-contained Perl program on the remote computer. It will assemble a "picture" of the file system and save it as a simple ASCII file. That file may be transferred to the LinkScan computer using FTP (or any other more secure technique) and used to perform the orphan analysis in lieu of direct access to the remote server.

  1. Fully configure the selected Project as if your were using File System Scanning on your local machine. However, when setting the pathname to the root of the target webserver, (and any associated Aliases) use the pathname conventions applicable to the remote server.

  2. In the Project configuration file, force LinkScan to use normal HTTP Scanning by setting:

    Http = 1
  3. Set the Orphanfile setting in the Project configuration file to the full pathname of a file on your local computer. For example:

    Orphanfile = /usr/linkscan/someproject/orphans.list
  4. Transfer the following files to the remote server:

  5. On the remote server, execute the program:

    perl orphans.list
  6. Transfer the orphans.list file back to the LinkScan machine.

  7. Initiate a scan of the target website in the normal manner. LinkScan will use the orphans.list file from the remote server in lieu of scanning the file system on the local server.

LinkScan for Unix. Reference Manual. Section 9. File System Scanning and Orphaned Files
LinkScan Version 12.4
© Copyright 1997-2013 Electronic Software Publishing Corporation (Elsop)
LinkScan™ and Elsop™ are Trademarks of Electronic Software Publishing Corporation

  Previous   Contents   Next   Help   Reference   HowTo   Card


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Couture Fashion

Sanyukta Shrestha’s White Weddings

By Arwa Lodi

One of the fastest growing names in wedding is also one of the most ethical: Sanyukta Shrestha.

This eco-designer makes exquisite creations from sustainable materials, using fairly waged, specialised labour to do so. Characterised by their elegance and perfect fit,  Sanyukta Shrestha’s bridal dresses are everything that a bride has dreamed of  for her special day, and more: not only are these pieces artistically crafted, but they are kind to the planet, too.

The dresses are made mainly from sustainable organic cotton and bamboo fibres, which are sourced from Nepalese villagers and local women, who then skilfully hand loom these natural materials with great attention to detail. Any other fabrics that may be used in the collections are from certified ethical and fair-trade suppliers in England.

Sanyukta’s collection also ensures that the dress will maintain its beauty without succumbing to mold, mildew or UV light, thanks to the use of natural fibres like hemp, bamboo, soya, and even milk, all of which not only protect the fabric from decay but are also perfect for those with sensitive skins.

Thanks to her ethical approach and stunning designs, the designer was recently honoured with two important awards: the Best Perfect Wedding Newcomer, and JP Selects Bridal Innovation Award, but the kudos don’t stop there. Her Pippa dress was honoured with a spot in the Fashion Museum in Bath, UK, and her unique take on traditional bridal gowns has been covered by many of the world’s leading magazines, including Vogue Sposa, Wedding UK, Conde Nast Brides, You and Your Wedding, Bridal Buyer, Attire Bridal and of course, Eluxe!

But perhaps the biggest honour of all is having helped make the special day of hundreds of brides truly unforgettable.

Love these dreamy dresses? Watch them on the runway here.

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1 Comment

  • Reply
    Sanyukta Shrestha's Runway Show - Eluxe Magazine
    Jun 22, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    […] See more about the designer here. […]

  • Leave a Reply


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Celebs People

Eluxe Exclusive: Project Runway’s Michelle Lesniak

By Bre Cruickshank

If you’re a fan of the hit American TV show Project Runway, then you’re familiar with Season 11 winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin. The notoriously strong-willed designer experienced a tumultuous journey throughout the show, eventually stealing the spotlight with her final collection at New York Fashion Week.

Michelle’s aesthetic is emotive; capturing a careful balance between fragile and fierce. Her collection, created for and shown at New York’s Fashion Week, won praise from the show’s big-name judges, including star designers Zac Posen and Michael Kors, Marie Claire magazine’s Nina Garcia and supermodel Heidi Klum. The Portland based designer is committed to local production and has established unique collaborations with artists who compliment her sustainable focus.

Here, Michelle shares her inspiration and insights with Eluxe in an exclusive interview.

What inspires your designs?

I often seek inspiration from my personal life; how I am feeling, what I am going through, etc.  Then from that point I look to nature for my color palate guide.

As a luxury designer, what are your thoughts on fast fashion?

I am very disturbed by the throw-away-fashion-culture we have become.  I think it is wasteful, distasteful and harmful to the environment.

What are some challenges you have faced with local production?

Finding it!  It is challenging sourcing production since Portland isn’t a giant fashion capital.  But as the city grows and more designers pop up the more opportunities we will have for production.  If you design it, they will sew.

Tell us a bit about some of your collaborations with Portland artists. You worked with one designer who up-cycles vintage dolls into jewelry…

I love collaboration!  The more minds and ideas the grander and more streamlined the vision becomes.  Ben Posen of Sticks and Stones designed jewellery for me.  I have also worked exclusively with Mr Moo for music (Milo Hayen).  Then there is Sarah Adams, owner of 77 Salon in the Pearl. She is my ‘go-to’ girl for hair and makeup; she is a genius!

How do you try to embrace a sustainable lifestyle?

I try not to have a throw-away lifestyle. I purchase well-made clothing to last a lifetime.  We all have to do our part.

What causes do you support, if any?

I’m a huge animal lover, so any cause for a dog or cat I’m in!  I have worked with Dove Lewis animal hospital and the Oregon Humane Society. Then on the human side of things: Girls Inc, Cascade AIDS project, Planned Parenthood, Tsuga, Oregon Food Bank…the list goes on.

What changes are necessary to reform the fashion industry?

Accountability.  We all need to be responsible for what we put out into the environment.

 To see a shoot featuring some of Michelle’s amazing work, please click here.

You Might Also Like

1 Comment

  • Reply
    Leanne Marshall: Project Runway's Eco Chic Winner - Eluxe Magazine
    Apr 20, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    […] followed by Project Runway, which has included ‘Zero Waste’ Daniel Silverstein and Michelle Lesniak and Leanne Marshall amongst its finalists and winners, all of whom continued their eco-friendly […]

  • Leave a Reply


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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

R.I.P. Challenge Catch Up: The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories

Newton, Michael, ed. The Penguin Book of Ghost Stories: From Elizabeth Gaskell to Ambrose Pierce. London: Penguin Books, 2010.

(Yes, I know it's December, but I'm still catching up on writing about my R.I.P. challenge books. I've got two more to tell you about after this one. Oh well, the winter is as good a time as any to pick up a spine-tingling book, so maybe I'll inspire some good winter reading for you -- or titles to put on your list for next year's R.I.P. challenge).

Ahh, what could be better than to sit down on a rainy afternoon in Maine, large mug of tea at hand, and a collection of ghost stories? I read the majority of these stories while in Maine in October. They were a perfect complement to a volume of Victorian vampire stories I'd also brought with me to read.

I liked this collection because it included some of my all-time favorite ghost stories (W.W. Jacob's "The Monkey's Paw", M. R. James's "'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad'"), but it also introduced me to stories I didn't know, most written by authors I didn't know (Mary Elizabeth Braddon's "The Cold Embrace", Mary Austin's "The Readjustment"). Talk about a book that leads one to read more. I could probably spend 2012 doing nothing but reading books and story collections I've been inspired to read just from this book. Instead, as is typical, despite notes I've made in the book and titles I've put into the T.B.R. tome, this book will probably go on a shelf, and I'll read nothing more that I learned about from its pages until years from now when someone says to me, "Have you ever read this collection of Margaret Oliphant stories? You really must."

What makes this collection great is Michael Newton's Introduction and his Notes. The Notes are terrific. They provide biographical information about each author as well as information on when and where each story was first published. I hate cheap collections that give the reader absolutely nothing to help put stories into context. Occasionally, I came across what I consider classic "Penguinesque" endnotes, the sort that make me think, "I flipped all the way to the back of the book and nearly lost my place for that?" Here's a prime example for you:

He was made welcome at the Globe Inn, was safely installed in the large double-bedded room of which we have heard, and was able before retiring to rest to arrange his materials for work in apple-pie order upon a commodious table which occupied the outer end of the room, and was surrounded on three sides by windows looking seaward. (p. 264)*
This passage is followed by an endnote. Hmm. What might it be? Perhaps there's some information about superstitions surrounding windows that look seaward. Or maybe the fictitious Globe Inn is based on a real inn that still exists. Or possibly (one of my favorite types of end notes), we'll get some details about how this story connects to some other story, either by the author or one of the author's friends. But, no, flip to page 406, and here's what you'll find:

"apple-pie order: perfect neatness"

Luckily, as I noted above, most of the endnotes weren't of this sort, and Newton's Introduction is well worth reading. He explains why he's chosen the stories he has, and he gives descriptions of different kinds of ghost stories (useful to those of us who dabble in writing our own such stories). He follows his Introduction with a "Further Reading List" that is more enticing than most such lists. He's done a superb job, really, of putting together an anthology, taking care to include all the bits and pieces that are necessary to make an anthology complete. That's the editor in me speaking. Now, let's hear the reader in me give you brief commentaries on each story.

Elizabeth Gaskell: The Old Nurse's Story
This one effortlessly and effectively combines many classic elements of the genre into one story.

Fitz-James O'Brien: What Was It?"
If you like a little humor thrown in with your creepiness, this is a story for you. Thank goodness for the endnotes, though. O'Brien expected his readers to be literate way beyond what I am.

Edward Bulwer Lytton: The Haunted and the Haunters: or, The House and the Brain
The alternate title says it all: the irrational meets the rational. We all know I love a good irrational v. rational tale.

Elizabeth Bradden: The Cold Embrace
Oh, if only this sort of vengeance could be visited upon all such cads. I think I must read more Bradden.

Amelia B. Edwards: The North Mail
This one's a great twist on the sort of fears loving wives have experienced ever since the institution of marriage was created.

Charles Dickens: No. 1 Branch Line: The Signal-man
Dickens was a Master when it comes to describing the ghostly. This is a good one for those of us raised on urban legends of ghosts of train wrecks.

Sheridan Le Fanu: Green Tea
(Beware, those of you obsessed with drinking green tea for your health.) This story's a prime example of the moving away from the romantic to the scientific. Here, spirit possession is nothing a physician can't handle, given permission and the time to do so. Oh, and there's a monkey, so wonderfully evil, a touch I loved.

Harriet Beecher Stowe: The Ghost in the Cap'n Brown House
Bet you didn't know that Beecher Stowe wrote ghost stories. I love the way so many of our classic writers experimented with the genre. This is a fine example of how urban legends might start and spread. Each of the two women in the story is convinced that her version of it is the honest truth. And what fun everyone in town is having with both.

Robert Louis Stevenson: Thrawn Janet
Was ever a more Presbyterian tale written? I found it difficult to read because of all the Scottish dialect but well worth the trouble. The Scottish glossary in the back of the book, whose inclusion I initially questioned (silly me!) came in handy.

Margaret Oliphant: The Open Door
Here's a story to verify everything the medium James Van Praagh would have to tell you about ghosts. I loved it! Oliphant's writing style is sublime. She's already in the TBR tome (thanks to you, fellow bloggers), and I must read more.

Rudyard Kipling: The End of the Passage
I found it interesting from a historical perspective, but I really didn't understand what happened. And not in a "Was there or wasn't there a ghost?" way. I mean in a "Huh? What are these characters doing and why?" way, the sort of story that has be rereading pages and still not understanding, while my mind wanders (basically, the way I read every story I had to read for high school English classes).

Lafcadio Hearn: Nightmare Touch
This story's horrific in its own right and is made even more so by the treatment of the poor child -- whether his horror was real or not.

W. W. Jacobs: The Monkey's Paw
Okay, I take that back about the way I read every story for high school English classes. I loved this one when I read it for high school, and I still love it, even though I've read it God knows how many times since then. Is there a single ghost story anthology that doesn't include it?

Mary Wilkins Freeman: The Wind in the Rose-Bush
(I wonder when we stopped hyphenating rose bush.) This is a classic ghost story, sort of an imaginative take on your friend's friend's brother's tale about the young hitchhiker who left her sweater in his car and when he went to return it to her house, his parents informed him she'd been dead for several years.

M.R. James: "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad"
It's the epitome of an M.R. Jamesian tale (clever, intelligent, funny, and creepy with great twists) and one of my favorites, especially since if I happen to be traveling alone, staying in some b & b with two beds, I can spook myself if I think about it too much (most especially if I'm dumb enough to watch one of those ghost hunting programs on the TV that's also in the room).

Ambrose Bierce: The Moonlit Road
I loved this one because it's a brilliant merging of mystery and ghost story.

Henry James: The Jolly Corner
I'm surprised I'd never read this one till now. Very Henry Jamesian. That means it's very erudite in a way I shouldn't like, that should bore me to tears, but I loved it anyway, which has been my experience with everything I've ever read by James. (I wish my last name were James. It seems then I'd automatically be a great ghost story writer.)

Mary Austin: The Readjustment
This one's a marvelous exploration of how a couple can love one another and never be able to communicate that love to each other.

Edith Wharton: Afterward
(How clever to end a book with a story called "Afterward".) I barely remembered anything about this one from the first time I read it, but I love Wharton's ghost stories, so it was a pleasure to read it as though I were reading it for the first time. Like Edwards's story (and also like many of Wharton's other ghost stories) it's another one that preys nicely on wifely fears.

* Guess the author of that quote. I'll put all correct guesses in a hat and send a copy of this book to the name I pull.

Grace said...

Oooh. The Monkey's Paw is so creepy!

Jenn said...

I love the Monkey's Paw, too! Very creepy! And the quote is by M.R. James, another of my favorite ghost story writers!

litlove said...

Grrr, silly end notes really, really get up my nose! But the book sounds delightful and I can imagine you loving it in Maine - the perfect setting. As for the quote, hmmmm, tricky. Henry James?

Susan said...

I need to get this book asap!!!! How do I not have it? Some of the stories sound so perfect. Thanks for the review, Emily.

I can't find you latest post (from now , early Jan) so I'll wish you happy 2012 to you and Bob, and that it be a quiet year for you two. That would be lovely, wouldn't it?

Emily Barton said...

Grace, yes it IS creepy.

Jenn, sorry it's taken me so long to tell you you've won. The quote is, indeed, M. R. James. Email me with your mailing address, and I'll send you a copy of the book.

Litlove, well you got the last name right, but it's M. R., not Henry.

Susan, yes, you must get this collection. You couldn't find my latest post, because this was it, but I'm hoping to remedy my lack of blog posts going forward (see my latest). Happy 2012 to you, too! Yes, a quiet year would be quite lovely.