text:
Cosmetics & Persnoal Cares, Industry News

The Year That Was 2016 of Nonwovens Indsutry

The Year That Was 2016 of Nonwovens Indsutry

Growth is certainly continuing in nonwovens. As producers continue to invest in already established regions like Southeast Asia, the U.S. and Europe, interest continues to build in new areas, like South Africa. Meanwhile, the development of new technologies for diapers—thanks to efforts put forth in China—as well as increased focus on areas like adult incontinence and flushable wipes continue to make headlines.

While many news stories were important to the global nonwovens industry, the following headlines stood out as having the most lasting impact on the shape of the future of nonwovens.

Investment Continues to Be Global

It is truly hard to belive that new lines keep coming in nonwovens—even after several years of the same. In no technology is this more apparent than spunmelt, the industry’s largest technology. The year 2016 saw new line investment announcements from Avgol in Israel and India, Fibertex Personal Care in Malaysia, Toray in Korea, Mitsui in Japan, Spunchem in South Africa, Fitesa in South Carolina and Berry Plastics in the U.S. and Spain—to name a few. These new investments respond to growth in hygiene, led by increased use of adult incontinence products, as well as the expanded use of nonwovens in existing hygiene applications like baby diapers.

Spunmelt is not the only technology in expansion mode. The spunlace market continues to grow thanks to new investments by Mogul in the U.S. and Turkey and newcomer Zhejiang Wang Jin in China. These new lines are not only looking to target growth in the wipes market but also in new application areas in hygiene and industrial areas.

Speaking of industrial areas, investment has been ripe here as well. Don & Low has added a new meltblown line in the U.K. while newcomer Carver Non-Woven has established a new site in Fremont, IN, to create new solutions in automotives and building applications.

New Diaper Players

After years—maybe even decades—of status quo in the diaper industry, 2016 saw some considerable changes in the world’s largest market for nonwovens. Among these shifts is the entry of two notable consumer products companies—Unilever and S.C. Johnson & Sons—which both made acquisitions that will add a diaper brand to their businesses. In September, S.C. Johnson said it would purchase Babyganics, a manufacturer of a range of baby care products, including diapers. While this diaper business is small, it is S.C. Johnson’s interest—after so long being content to remain in household cleaning—in a line centered on babies makes this acquisition interesting.

For Unilever, the acquisition of Seventh Generation not only provides it with a diaper brand, but also with an environmentally friendly product line. It is too soon to say what Unilever will do with these “green” diapers, but the market is certainly paying attention, especially considering the acquisition came just as Unilever was the rumored buyer of the Honest Company, another small diaper manufacturer.

And, just as the Honest Company—which seems to still be for sale—began offering a new brand of diapers to parents a few years ago, earlier this year Parasol, a Walnut Creek, CA-based company offering premium baby essentials via monthly subscription, launched its first line of diapers and wipes. Like Honest, Parasol is taking advantage of parents’ increasing scrutiny of ingredients in personal care items, and where they’re sourced, by being more transparent.

“Parasol was borne of a personal need,” says the company’s CEO Lisa Hom, a mother of three. “I couldn’t find any baby or family brands that combined style with comfort and performance. I saw a huge opportunity in diapers, and when I met our cofounders—James Guo and Jessica Hung—I knew this was my calling. They had been working on Parasol behind the scenes for a number of years, developing a newly imagined diaper that they understood was missing in the American market.”

To develop these diapers Parasol partnered with Drylock Technologies of Zele, Belgium—maker of the first fluffless baby diaper—to create an ultra-soft, low-fluff diaper. Parasol diapers, which are manufactured at Drylock’s facility in the Czech Republic, feature an extremely soft three-dimensionally embossed topsheet made through the air bonding process.

Chinese Create Demand for Soft Diapers

Calls for softer diapers, originating first in China, but soon spreading around the globe, has led to the creation of new technologies among suppliers. As many Chinese producers are using thermal bonded nonwovens—which is significantly more expensive than more commonly used spunmelt nonwovens—Western producers are offering their own set of alternatives.

Nonwovens machinery specialist Reicofil has introduced new developments in highloft spunbond technology that creates thick, soft nonwovens, according Michael Maas, operations director research and development at Reicofil.

While voluminous nonwovens generally consist of self-crimping fibers, the Reicofil technology uses filaments from two different raw materials produced in a side-by-side structure and bonded using hot air or a special embossing calendar. The result is a premium nonwoven that can be used as a top and backsheet in premium diapers.

Maas comments: “In the future, our customers will have to offer soft nonwoven products all over the world. It is critical to their businesses to adopt developments early and to be innovative. We already started years ago to develop the technology basis for softer products. Today we are able to offer various solutions for different customer needs.”

On the nonwovens front, Berry Plastics announced this year it would expanding its portfolio of soft products, bringing new capabilities and innovations to its European product portfolio. These developments have been made possible through multiple acquisitions and development initiatives. These new air through bonded nonwovens, that offer softness, opacity, uniformity and bulk, will be launched over the next six to 12 months.

“Consumers are expecting more and more from their hygiene products today. The requirements put on our customers to meet these high expectations in unique and value added ways are a constant challenge,” says Sean Imlay, vice president, global hygiene, Berry Plastics Health, Hygiene and Specialties Division. “The global portfolio assembled by Berry Plastics is unmatched in the industry in its variety and truly offers something for every need.”

The products will be launched in part through the help of a new air-through bonded line which is coming onstream in Italy.

Avgol is another nonwovens producer offering a soft solution for baby diapers. In 2016, the Israeli producer launched the Avgol Lux family of nonwoven fabrics which was designed to provide hygiene product manufacturers with a new visually distinct soft touch fabric solution.

Based on spunmelt technology, these products are suitable for topsheet, backsheet and leg cuff applications, as well as ear and landing zone substrates, meeting the needs of the latest hygiene product design trends around the world, according to the company.

Industry Addresses Diaper, Feminine Hygiene Need

Earlier this year, U.S. president Barack Obama urged diaper manufacturers and retailers to make diapers more accessible to low income families. In response, online retailer partnered with Cuties diapers to help deliver high quality diapers in the most effective way possible. By taking measures like removing expensive graphics from packaging and adding more diapers per box, and Cuties maker First Quality have created the Cuties Economy Plus Pack, bringing the price per diaper from as high as 30-50 cents to 13-17 cents without sacrificing quality.

Citing statistics that one in three families lack sufficient access to diapers, the president said he is enlisting the help of diaper manufacturers and non-profits to put more children in diapers. The Cuties Economy Plus Pack became available on the website in late April. These packs will also be available for discounted purchasing by non-profit organizations.

Diaper industry insiders believe that more than 15 million diapers will be ordered by local diaper bank networks through the program. President Obama has also asked Congress to earmark $10 million to test effective ways to get diapers in more poor families’ homes. Other diaper brands are also offering assistance.

Also heading the president’s call is Kimberly-Clark which said in April it would donate 22 million Huggies diapers to the National Diaper Bank Network, and the Honest Company has supplied diapers to several banks.

K-C has also addressed the need for better access to feminine hygiene products. In July, the U by Kotex brand partnered with on Power to the Period, the first-ever, national period products donation drive and second installment of the U by Kotex Period Projects—a groundbreaking series of projects, each inspired by a woman who shares the brand’s passion for creating real change.

Power to the Period helped provide period products for many of the 3.5 million Americans in need by encouraging people to collect and donate extra packages of products to homeless shelters this fall. The drive collected over 200,000 items.

South Africa is the Next Nonwovens Hot Spot

The nonwovens industry is not just investing in new capacity. It is also investing in geographies. In past year, the focus has been on China, Latin America, North Africa and Southeast Asia—and these areas continue to have vibrant nonwovens industries—but in 2016, South Africa emerged as the next great growth area for nonwovens thanks to investment by two players—locally owned Spunchem and Czech-based Pegas.

According to Euromonitor, South Africa’s hygiene market will see a positive 6% CAGR value growth between 2015 and 2020. The unmet market potential in disposable hygiene in the country is valued at more than $400 million, and the unmet potential in volume terms is estimated to be more than 900 million units in diapers, 1.3 billion units in sanitary protection items and over 70 million units in adult incontinence products.

Western hygiene manufacturers have had a presence in the country for several years. P&G began making baby diapers in Johannesburg in 2009 and established a large manufacturing hub for products including feminine hygiene items and laundry detergents there in 2014. Last year, P&G had the no. 1 position in the South African baby diaper market with a 41% marketshare.

P&G rival Kimberly-Clark has been making feminine hygiene products and baby diapers, among other things, at a facility in Epping Mill since at least 2013 and currently has a no. 2 position in the baby diaper market. Coming in at no. 3 is the Cuddlers brand, which is evenly owned by Sweden’s SCA and South African firm Nampack.

David Price, a nonwovens industry consultant specialized in the spunbond and spunmelt markets, sees room for two new nonwovens suppliers in the South African hygiene market, which is now fed through imports, mainly from North Africa, South America and Asia—although one local player Cordustex, has operated a spunbond line there since 1995. “

It is a standard play to replace imports,” Price says. “The market is big enough to justify local production.”

Spunchem, whose roots are mainly in industrial nonwovens, says it enlisted the help of a top-tier diaper manufacturer to run trials using its new technology in diaper manufacturing. As its first hygiene-centric investment neared completion this summer, the company has already said it will add a second line sometime in 2018. Spunchem has been making spunbond nonwovens for industrial markets for 20 years and currently operates three spunbond lines dedicated to these markets. No supplier has been named for the new line.

Meanwhile, Pegas announced this year its board of directors had voted to establish a South African subsidiary, a move that executives feel will result in the purchase of land and eventual construction of a small-scale Reicofil 4 spunmelt line in the country. Pegas already has a North African operation in Egypt.

According to Price, Pegas can offer international scope and sophisticated and cost efficient Reicofil technology to this growing market while Spunchem, with its role as a locally owned company, can offer stellar market know-how and cultural awareness. “

These companies don’t decide to start up these operations without doing their research,” he adds. “They are negotiating, they are looking for partnerships. It’s a smart decision.”

Flushability Efforts Continue

The topic of flushability continues to be one on the minds of nonwovens professionals, particularly those involved in the disposable wipes market. At the forefront of efforts to educate consumers on what should and should not be flushed is INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which has been involved in these efforts for more than a decade. The association is currently working with the wastewater industry to develop a fourth edition of flushability assessment guidelines which include testing requirements and labeling protocols—not only for flushable items, but for all wipes.

In fact, it is the 93% of wipes tonnage that is not marketed as flushable that INDA president Dave Rousse is most concerned about. “We are working with these manufacturers, converters and brand owners because there are increased risks if they don’t label their products under our Code of Practice,” he says. “The entire wipes industry needs to pay attention to this.”

While there has been legal action against flushable wipes and their alleged impact on sewers, so far they have all been settled without money changing hands, industry watchdogs say, because there is no proof that flushable wipes—ones that have passed the flushability guidelines put forth by INDA—are contributing to these problems. This cannot be said for wipes that have not passed the testing requirements, however. It is these wipes, combined with other items like facial tissue and paper towels, that should not be flushed but are being found in sewer clogs.

Experts on both sides of the aisle say that labeling wipes need to be improved. Rousse has been meeting diligently with makers of both flushable and non-flushable wipes to ensure they are properly labeled and INDA has mandated hat all baby wipes—whether they disperse or not—be labeled as not flushable.

The wastewater community, meanwhile, has made labeling a top priority in their meetings with wipes professionals.

“The labels are not doing their job and they are not working as well as they should because they are often not being placed in the right area,” Claudio Ternieden, director of government affairs, Water Environment Federation (WEF), explains. In addition to new labeling practices, the next edition of the flushability guidelines will include more stringent testing methods that better replicate the conditions of an actual sewer system.

As the industry continues to work on these guidelines, flushable wipes continue to fight legislative challenges. The most recent of these is a bill in the New York City Council that would prohibit the sale of flushable wipes in the city.

New Definition of Nonwovens Considered

At the Global Nonwovens Summit, which was held in Boston, MA, in conjunction with IDEA 2016 in April, EDANA president Pierre Wiertz provided an update on efforts to establish a new definition and classification system for nonwovens. These efforts are being led by a collaboration of EDANA in Europe, INDA in North America and ANFA, the Asian Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

According to Wiertz, the associations started these efforts to reverse the current definition for nonwovens, which define the materials as what they are not (woven) rather than what they are. Also under review is an outdated classification system which groups nonwovens under the textiles umbrella, restricting freedom in raw material usage.

Currently nonwovens and related products are found in many of the World Customization Organization (WCO) harmonization standards codes based on their process type. And, products that use nonwovens—like garments, linens, or hygiene items—are spread across even more categories. This makes tracking trade numbers difficult and often nonwovens face restrictions without reason.

The three associations first met in Shanghai last spring during ANEX and again in Boston for IDEA to discuss this issue. At the GNS, Wiertz unveiled the new definition for nonwovens: “an engineered fibrous assembly which has been given a designed level of structural integrity by physical and/or chemical means with the exclusion of paper, woven or knitted materials.” He told the audience that this new definition will serve as a technical reference and a guideline for use in trade and customs purposes.

Now that the definition has been approved, the journey to a new official classification will not be short. According to Wiertz, there is a five-year window to take the new definition to the World Customs Organization (WCO) and align it with the International Standardization Organization (ISO) and Harmonization Standards. He hopes to see this process begin next year and continue until 2022. The groups have already made initial contacts with the WCO and are working with the ISO on creating an alternative solution.

Long term, the goal is to consolidate and harmonize tariff headings to take into account actual product specifications and categories. This may mean creating a dedicated heading for nonwovens outside of textiles or paper. There have already been minor wins—absorbent hygiene products have been taken out of Chapter 48 and grouped together under their own heading, Wiertz added.

E-Commerce Influences Diaper Sales

The world wide web and e-commerce have made an impact on both consumers and product manufacturers, and this can especially be seen in the baby diaper market. More and more parents and caregivers are purchasing diapers online for reasons including convenience and the ability to compare prices at the click of a button, while newcomers to the market, like the Honest Company, are kicking their businesses off on the internet.

A recent study from Nielsen on the baby products market points out that while global baby care consumers are more likely to buy baby items in a physical store, consumers are starting to make the switch to online channels.

According to a global survey they conducted, the Asia-Pacific region leads the pack in terms of online purchases for baby products, with 31% of respondents reporting to have bought baby diapers online. Furthermore, 16% of respondents in North America, 15% in Latin America, 14% in Africa/Middle East and 13% in Europe have bought diapers online. According to industry consultant Pricie Hanna, an online store is really the only option a newcomer to the diaper market has. “Diapers are such a huge category. If a diaper manufacturer were to walk into a major retailer and say, ‘Here’s my new diaper,’ the retailer would say, ‘What’s your advertising budget? Are you prepared to cover all of our stores nationwide overnight?’ It’s just too big of a challenge to start that way as a branded product.”

Meanwhile, Hanna says for established players online sales are becoming more important to the extent that they provide strong differentiation or highly competitive pricing for bulk product bundle shipments or subscriptions for ongoing product delivery. “There’s a limit to how much consumers will go for the convenience of internet ordering and home delivery beyond that early ‘I’ve got a newborn at home’ stage if pricing isn’t competitive,” she adds. “Amazon’s diaper pricing used to be rather high, but now consumers can get all the top brands and competitive pricing as long as they do it through an Amazon Prime subscription. The other leading retailers have also introduced competitive diaper subscription and delivery services.”

Growth Continues for Nonwovens

Global demand for nonwovens is forecast to rise 5.3% annually to nine metric tons in 2017. However, there is a great deal of variation among different regions and countries, according to market research.

Countries with developed manufacturing sectors and a population with relatively high personal incomes, such as the U.S., Japan, and Western European countries, have well established nonwovens markets. In these areas, nonwovens are prevalent in the production of a variety of goods, and individuals have the financial capability to purchase nonwoven-based consumer items.

Most experts agree that demand for nonwovens in developed countries is expected to accelerate from the pace set from 2007-2012, when recessionary conditions for most of the period brought outright declines in manufacturing and construction activity. Despite the acceleration, growth in nonwovens demand in developed areas will remain well below the global average as continued industrialization and increasing personal incomes in developing countries promote nonwovens demand.

Ongoing economic advances in China and other developing countries will promote the development of manufacturing sectors, providing opportunities for nonwovens in a variety of goods, such as filters. With respect to consumer goods, rising incomes and standards of living will propel sales of purchase convenience items, promote the use of disposable infant diapers among other items that are made with significant amounts of nonwovens.

The largest regional market for nonwovens is the Asia Pacific region, with 39% of the global total. Two of the top three nonwovens consuming countries—China and Japan—are located in the region. Advances will be driven by China, which will account for 60% of the regional sales in 2017 and nearly 40% of additional global volume demand through 2017.

Copyright of this article by Nonwovens Industry. We are sharing and promoting the market innovation.
If you like this article, kindly to visit


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Truncated: length

WARC-Type: response

text:
Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Ganache

PB Ganache

I think most of us know what ganache is, even if we don’t know the name. It’s that chocolate, fudge-y, frosting stuff that sometimes covers cakes or other desserts. But who says ganache can only be used as a frosting or filling? Have you ever tried the stuff?!? Ganache can definitely stand on its own two feet.  Continue reading

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-145-167-34.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-17
operator: CommonCrawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for April 2017
publisher: CommonCrawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


text:
I have decided to take a break from doing this blog. In the past year I found it incredibly difficult to keep up with this blog due to my current job. And which is why I am posting this message to inform you why I haven’t posted anything in awhile. I will however focus on something completely different on WordPress focusing on creating screen grabs on Cinemassacre related videos. Will there ever be a time to do more articles for ATF? Only time will tell, but for now I like to see how this new blog turns out.

Posted on June 30, 2014, in Update. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out / Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out / Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out / Change )

Google+ photo

You are commenting using your Google+ account. Log Out / Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this:


text:
Mustang Wide Touring Rear Seat Studded - 76243

Item # : 156478

Not sure if this part fits your vehicle?

2 Check the manufacturer's website for further fitment information.

Processing Time: Leaves our warehouse in 3 to 4 days.

* Required Fields

List : $372.08

9% off

Please enter a valid email.
Signing up...
Thanks! We will notify you by email when this item is back in stock.
  • Free Shipping on orders over $49*
  • Canada
  • Easy Returns
  • SSL Secure

  • Manufacturer: Mustang

Mustang Wide Touring Rear Seat - Studded

  • Top covering made of highest-quality expanded vinyl
  • The wide passenger seat extends forward to provide ample back support for the driver.
  • The passenger seat features Mustangs unique internal steel support wings to keep the entire width of the molded foam supported
  • Matching rear seats available separately
  • Made in the USA
  • Wide Studded Rear Seat
  • NOTE: Will not fit with stock solo seat.
  • More padding for passenger comfort and better rider back support.
  • Features chrome studs.

  • Rear Width: 14"
  • Weight: 6 lbs

Mounting Instructions

Manufacturer Part Number: 76243


text:
Twin Air Air Filter - 156063P

Item # : 222156

Not sure if this part fits your vehicle?

2 Check the manufacturer's website for further fitment information.

Processing Time: Leaves our warehouse in 1 to 2 days.

* Required Fields

List : $169.95

18% off

Please enter a valid email.
Signing up...
Thanks! We will notify you by email when this item is back in stock.
  • Free Shipping on orders over $49*
  • Canada
  • Easy Returns
  • SSL Secure

  • Manufacturer: Twin Air

Twin Air 156063p Dual Foam Air Filter

  • Durable yet pliable rubber base flange rests inside the airbox and securely seals with the airbox lid
  • Open metal mesh allows maximum airflow while orange wire cage secures the foam filter inside the base flange
  • Twin Air Flame Retardant triple layer foam with added dust cover for optimum airflow and dirt stopping protection
  • Comes with plastic filter base and square foam filter

Can Am Commander 800/1000 '11-'14 / Maverick 1000 '13-'14

Manufacturer Part Number: 156063P


text:
Favorite 'Awareness' Songs?

  1. What are your favorite songs that bring awareness?
    (I got inspired from the Don't Give Up (Africa) thread.)

    Mine are:

    We Are The World

    My parents bought the tape and we would listen to it every time we drove to Toronto. As I got older I understood what the song meant and why all the stars were singing it. At the time when I saw the video, I only recognized Michael Jackson and Cyndi Lauper. I watched the video last night and I recognized so many more people. It's funny, because I was like, "Oh my God! That's Steve Perry!"

    What's Going On (9/11)

    I love the song, and I loved seeing the people that were normally 'feuding' coming together for such a worthy cause. (Granted, the truce didn't last as long as it should, but something as horrible as 9/11 brought people together that normally wouldn't do anything together.)

    Voices That Care

    I sang this for my sixth grade graduation. The video is really cheesy, but it's a very sweet message. It was made in support of the troops (during the first Gulf War). And again, it's funny how many people you can recognize in the video. The people in the video were so passionate singing and my sixth grade class . . . ? Let's just say we didn't have as much feeling when we were singing it!

    Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)

    You hear "Throw your diamonds in the sky if you feel the vibe" and you think 'Great. It's just another song about a rapper's bling!' But it's really not. If you listen to the lyrics and watch the video he talks about something so beautiful (diamonds) coming from a country filled with violence and bloodshed.
  2. Do they know its Christmas

    I love listening to it =D
  3. One by U2

    On The Turning Away by Pink Floyd

    He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother by the Hollies

    From A Distance (God is Watching Us) by Bette Midler
  4. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
    "Do They Know It's Christmas" by all of those British artists
    "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Pride" by U2
    "White Lines (Don't Do It)" by Grandmaster Flash
    "Zombie" by The Cranberries
  5. Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson
    Black Or White by Michael Jackson

    They're catchy, they're fun to sing along to, but if you listen to the message and hear the lyrics, they each have a very important message. In Black or White he's talking about racial harmony. In Man In The Mirror, he's saying that if we want good things done, we have to look at ourselves first. We have to change ourselves and then we can work to change other things.

    Heal The World by Michael Jackson

    The lyrics are beautiful, and there's such a wonderful message in the song. I remember singing this at a Martin Luther King, Jr. concert in seventh place.
  6. Relax---Frankie Goes to Hollywood!
  7. my name is Loofa
    i live in the shower stall
    i'll scrub your back for you
    yeah i think you've seen me before
  8. sorry, I'm just in a verrrrry silly mood this morning!!!


text:
H Spring Cleaning .....

  1. I decided to do some H spring cleaning today. Afterall it's been months, and I have been very disorganised with my things. Everytime I need something, I have to open up practically a few of my orange boxes before I locate what I want. And if I were in a hurry to leave the house, my closet would look like a tornado swept through it.

    I labelled all my Birkins/Kellys' boxes. And am happy I got down to it.

    Then, I did what I should have done eons ago. Organise my twillys as well. This is what I did. Put away all the little tubes, and lay my twilly collection in one scarf box.

    I am not done yet ..... I need to sort out the small leather accessories next!
  2. MrsS... when I first read the title of the thread, I was all ready to jump in and volunteer to be your karang guni woman! :roflmfao:

    (For the benefit of the rest: karang guni is a local term for the person who collects old newspapers and recycles them; it is used as a slang to mean a person who collects someone else's junk)
  3. So pretty! Ok, I now need Twillies!
  4. i love your twillys :smile:
  5. It's very satisfying sorting everything out isn't it. I had a little tidy up the other day and found two items with hardware tarnishing problems. They are in Paris now (I hope) getting fixed.
  6. I have been doing spring cleaning of my dd's bedroom, closet. Kind of scary! Sounds like I need you to organize my closet.
  7. *chants* more pics, more pics, more pics......
  8. MrsS please come to my home and help me with my closet.
  9. MrsS-love your twilly collection. More pics please!!
  10. I am with pyrexia, I am next in line to be your karang guni woman.
  11. Go MrsS! Love re-organizing. I just put away all my Plisses in one box and put away the annoying round ones they come in that were hogging up a lot of space in my dresser. Looking forward to seeing how your re-org you leather accessories!
  12. Looks great, you can definitely get them faster than from those little boxes.
  13. MrsS--More pics. :smile:
    You have a very gorgeous Twilly collection. :smile:
  14. pyrexia and princessfrog--if there are any castoffs from mrss to be had, you'll have to battle me, and I'm bigger than the 2 of you put together!;)
  15. asa :heart: *raise white flag* we all can learn to share ;)


text:
Hanna Andersson sales ?

  1. I am a huge fans of Hanna Andersson, do you know if they will have a HUGE SALES in December ? Is anyone have a coupon for their website ? Thanks, everyone.
  2. Yes, their huge sale is mid December and they also have another huge sale in June. They are having a 20% off sale until tonight on merchandise over $150 and Holiday outfits/pjs etc are 30%. Some of their fall and winter clothing is 50% off.
  3. I love their clothing for my 2 girls, such great colors and quality, they really last.
  4. Sign up for e-mail updates and catalogs, I was sent a 20% off coupon that I just used this week.
    When you go to your nearest store, ask them to add you to their computer, store customers get better notifications and sales info that catalog only customers don't get. The stores have more sales, more often than the catalog.
    I just bought this dress and some coordinating polka dot boot cut pants:

  5. Thank your, girls. I received their catalog and there are some moccasins, slippers, boots and long johns that I would like to get for my toddler son and a matching Long Johns for myself too. I really really love their products.

    Swankymama, your girl will def look beautiful in that cute dress, I love it !!

    tkc, thanks for the sales info.

    citychris, I know that they really have a good quality clothing.
  6. there's a few women's items I am eyeballing. . . some is sort of plain, but there's some great staples and great boots!


text:
Looking for a bag for my camera...

  1. What do you guys recommend?:confused1:
  2. NOT a Chanel!!! Unless it's a very little camera!

    Funny thing is, Chanel calls a lot of their bags "camera bags". I'm a pro photographer and any one of my cameras would rip right through these bags!

    That being said, if you have a small, consumer camera, it would fit in pretty much anything that Chanel makes!
  3. It's no pro camera lol

    Just not that tiny! I'm looking for something small and Chanel ofcourse. I am not thinking of spending on any other brand!!
  4. i use the cell phone bag as my camera is quite small. you may consider a make up bag?
  5. what about a mini flap, if you're ready to spend that much..

    you can wear it cross-body..
  6. missisa - love your phone bag, ill get it for my phone but it wont fit my camera

    themgdinosaur - I'll think of that, the size is perfect for my camera.
  7. what about the Cambon camera bag? or a medium classic flap in caviar?
  8. ^^ Haven't seen that one. Any pics?
  9. how about the chanel cambon cosmetic case pouch? it appears on eBay occasionally. i think it's big enough to put your camera. i have one in plum nappa/lamb leather from miu miu for my camera / phone.
  10. bisousx - Loved the cambon. I'll call my SA to find me one.

    Thanks for the help :flowers:
  11. np, I hope you find it! :heart:


text:
Mont Blanc

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. So I went to pick up my Chanel J12 replacement tonight and it rocks:love: After that my friend and I attempted to go to dinner but there was a half an hour wait involved. So we went downstairs and since it was one of the few boutiques still open, went into Mont Blanc.

    I swear, I have never been in love with pens until now. My X had a TON of those pens, and I always wondered...why????:wacko: But now I know! I used the 149 fountain pen and am in love:love: :love: :love: :love: :nuts:

    Does anyone have any of these pens and have and recs? I am looking to buy one, but am not sure exactly which style I want yet. I know I want a fountain pen, but want to make an informed decision before plopping down $1000+ for a pen. I saw a really cute one with a heart shaped pink sapphire on it, but it seemed kind of small. I'll probably go back there tomorrow or something and look at more pens, but if anyone has any info, it would be great :biggrin: :idea: Thanks!:biggrin:
  2. Being German, Mont Blanc is huge here. I've never owned one of their fountain pens myself, but plan on getting one for sure. I'm just too much of a technophiliac to even use my own hand to write. The keyboard does the job for me most of the day. But sooner or later, a Mont Blanc will have to rest between my fingers when signing the important documents in life.

    They're quite pricy though, definitely not something you replace once every week. Fantastic writing tools for sure.

  3. Between myself and my husband we have many. What do you need to know, what do you mean by "recs". I also have the mini Mont blanc filofax(have many), with the mini mont Blanc pen inscribed in gold with my initials. I love that the best. I bought my hubby the sterling silver fountain pen for our 7th anniversary. They are timeless. Even when my son of 2 years was born, he received one from his late grandfather. They are really special. I just got the Louis Vuitton pen in pale pink to go with my multicolor monogram wallet and matching Filo, can't compare it to the Mont Blanc though. If you want some pics, be glad to help.
  4. :::jawhittingfloor::::amazed:

    I never realized that these ran over $200.
  5. actually the special editions go up to $45,000 and more...
  6. Awesome pens.. but I unfortunately don't have one yet. I'm thinking of asking my parents for an engraved one as my graduation present.. my dad did his masters in France and got all into the brand while he was there. He has a few, but they're old and probably quite a bit less than 45,000!
  7. Pens are great. I used to be in the watch business and there is a HUGE correlation between watch collectors and pen collectors. Seriously, what else do men get to carry? There are cufflinks but that requires them to have the dexterity to put them on!

    At 45K, you are looking at something in a precious metal, handwork and likely some sort of stones. But at $1k or $2k, you're just at the high end of 'normal'.

    Personally, I have a green marble-ized Parker rollerball that I've had for about 15 years. I LOVE it. My 11-year old son recently (inadvertently) broke it. Its been successfully repaired but I don't let him forget what he did!

    Oh, yeah...since this is something you will likely have and use for decades, go with a major brand so repairs down the road aren't a problem. Fountain pens need regular servicing to clean the well of old, dried ink. Oh, one other thing...if you get a fountain pen, don't let anyone else use it. The nib will conform to the angle and pressure you use when you write. If you let other use it, I mean regularly, you won't be happy with it anymore.
  8. Thanks everyone! Yeah, those pens can get pricey. The SA told me that I just missed the $165,000 pen that was touriing. It was in their new catelog though and I must say, it was AWESOME, but if I had that kind of money to spend on a pen, I'd go right next door to Cartier and buy that brilliant cut yellow diamond ring instead :lol: And its $15000 less lol.

    I don't really want to spend over $2000 on the pen though. I'm not TOOO into pens right now and just basically need a starter pen. I'm considering a Mont Blanc or a Cartier. Does anyone have any Cartier pens? I was planning to go check those out as well. I saw some nice ones on the website.

    Also by recs I meant if anyone can recommend any specific one. I think I'm in love with how the 149 writes though, that one just felt the best. Unfortunately for me they don't make too many different styles in that model since its one of their classic pens and the SA said for that reason they tend not to make too many variations of it :sad:
  9. The 149 is fairly thick. That's not a problem but you'll get used to that size pen. After that, a Bic will feel like trying to write with a toothpick!
  10. Yeah, I just went to test it again today, I think that is definitely the one. It would be a good starter pen right? I just love the way it writes. I kind of want the boheme too though, but it doesn't write the same as a 149. Oh well, we'll see. Maybe I'll just get both hahaha :lol:
  11. I'd start with one. Its just that, beautiful as they are, a pen is a tool and you get used to just one. Once you are really used to the one, you might not want another.
  12. Very true, the writing experience with the 149 was great, and none of the other testers that were available matched it. Thanks for all the advice Issmom :biggrin:
  13. Are yall serious? I just think they are pretty to look at. But that kinda money can be spent on so much more.
  14. I'm with you....I write with whatever pen is available at the time.:p

    I lose sunglasses, pens, lipsticks, etc. too easily to spend a lot of money on a pen.:embarasse
  15. I've actually haven't paid much attention to Mont Blanc. Until now...hehe
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.


text:
"My dog did the cutest thing..."

  1. What's YOUR story?

    I was cleaning up today when I noticed a big red smear across my little dogs face. I have 3, but she's the smallest, a mix with a white face. I was worried she got into something but before I could check it out I hugged her to comfort her (or me, maybe) and put my face right into hers... on the side...

    And thats when I realized my dog's red face was from my lipstick!! :p I haven't been wearing dark colours until lately with the new red craze started again, so I had never seen her little mug with red on it.

    What has your puppy or kitten done that was so cute you had to tell someone but might have been a little embaressed? Tell us so I won't feel so embaressed now LoL :rolleyes:
  2. Too cute! Wonder if she'll be trying out your eye shadow and perfume next? LOL!
  3. OMG as long as I gave her the boxes, she'd be JUST as happy LoL :p :heart:
  4. teehee .. That's pretty cute. :smile:
  5. This is embarrassing but still pretty cute:
    My puppy Sophie was in the groomers getting her nails clipped (I never leave her I always go with her and tell her how pretty she is so she doesn't get scared) ANYWAYS, when she was done she was sooo happy to get back into my arms again she peed on the floor and a little on my jeans. It was so cute because of how happy she was to see her mommy, but I still walked out with pee on my leg!!

    HEHE still love her to pieces, I don't think there is much she can do that I would be upset about!
  6. My pet Chewy was chasing after a fly. I saw him open his mouth and quickly closed it when the fly was in his mouth already. With his mouth closed, he just stood there with only his ears twitching. This went on for around 10 seconds, and when he finally opened his mouth, the fly flew out! :roflmfao:
  7. Ella is only 10 weeks old so we are still trying to master the housetraining thing. Funny thing she does - if she has an accident and poops in the house - she barks at it. I mean growls and barks at it. It is absolutely hilarious and I have to laugh at her.
  8. ^^ LMAO

    We had a Bischon once who got into a Bakery box of pastries on the dining room table... when we all got to it later that day we all blamed each other and wondered who the "pig" was that could eat multiple pastries like croissants, eclairs, and cruellers in one sitting! After a while I sat down at the couch and rested my arm on a pillow... it went * squish * and I picked it up to find 2 eclairs and a bears claw underneathe!! Someone had his them there then delicately dragged the pillow over them so she could go back later!

    Only ONE of our dogs was this sneaky so I went looking for her, only to find her hiding under a table with a snouth covered in cream!!

    Needless to say, my entire family had to give her 007 credit for that one :roflmfao:
  9. My doxie came upstairs to my office (I telecommute) and wanted to sit on my lap during a conference call, then promptly fell asleep and was snoring so I had to put the phone on mute.
  10. ^^^ omg such cute stories.

    Well my Doggie Tamaki she loves to lick the water of the shower. so you see her tongue in and out of the door. Well one day i always start the shower and leave the door open to get a towel , soap etc whatever i need, as i left the shower and came back i Saw Maki Inside the shower licking the shower water. I thought it was the funniest and cutest thing in the world . I ended up taking her a shower.
  11. my puppy Milo has started this "game" that he really gets a kick out of...when i brought him home he ran a few laps around the house then he discovered he could run underneath the bed with no trouble... for about 3 weeks straight when it was time for bed and he had to go to his crate he would run under the bed and bark...to get him out we'd have to close the bedroom door...well apparently Milo doesn't understand he's a growing boy...about 4 days ago he ran into my room and tried to go under the bed...and we heard a loud "thud" sound lol...he bumped his head...he's too tall to just run underneath now...he has to lay down and "scoot" under the bed...since it takes him so long now its easy to just pick him up...People-1 Doggy-0 lol
  12. Lucy (Lulu) LOVES her crate. It's her castle and best toy. She would somehow wrap herself up in her blankets and sit in her crate on her stomach and use her paw to punch the crate doors. It will swing open then close, because it's not locked she would punch it again and it'll open and close. So she would just sit there for hours no end just hitting the crate door and it'll just open and close, open and close and gradually it'll get faster and faster until she gets so excited that she starts barking and basically tossing around inside her crate. The crate isn't that big so you can see the whole thing move.

    I have so many videos of her doing it, I'll try to get it on the computer. It's freakin' hilarious!!

    P.S Lucy is a purebred white Maltese.


text:
sale prices show increases today

  1. This morning I was checking on some sale clothing I was looking at yesterday and most are higher priced today. The YSL bag I purchased yesterday is almost $400 more! I know does this too but why, Saks isn't having any special promotional discount. That's when they usually raise prices unless one is coming soon. It makes no sense to me. This really ticks me off.:cursing:
  2. I also had 2 dresses :crybaby:in my bag that became higher today......
  3. Isn't EGC and FF coming up?:heart:H
  4. I talked to online CS, they said tomorrow they'll start "final sale" & it'll last till jan 13
  5. cutiekiara, thanks.

    Does anyone know if they do price adjustments?
  6. sweet!

    I know where I'm going for "lunch" tomorrow!! :yahoo:
  7. Thanks for the info!! Is it for Saks or NM or both?
  8. ^ I spoke to online Saks sa
  9. nope. they dont do that any more. several people including myself tried and were rejected.:s
  10. :yucky:
  11. Dont they usually do price adjustment on order that placed within 10 or 14 days??? Shoot I just bought a gucci clutch last night. Hopefully they would do the PA for me or else am gonna :crybaby:
  12. I went to Off Saks this morning, since I had a 30% coupon, they had also raised all of their prices. Seriously, shoes that were $99 a week and a half ago, were now $169.
  13. I know. I'm bummed. The bag I wanted popped back up but it is now up to almost $1000 - at the after Xmas sale it was only $700-something. Oh well.
  14. My SA Gino told me this weekend that the final cut sale was actually worse than the one right after x-mas because the final cut sale = 50% off original prices, whereas the after x-mas sale was an additional 40% sale prices which totalled about 60-70% off.

    Good thing I bought those Louboutins that day!
  15. hmm....i figured it out. the after xmas day sale was the best, with great selection.
    too bad i was busy with family that day. :sad::sad:


text:
1 Reply Latest reply on Mar 3, 2017 2:20 PM by Dan Pihlaja

    preview pane not working

    Hjalmar Breit

      I can not get a preview of parts, assemblies or drawings in the "open file" window. The pane is turned on and there, but no preview?

        • Re: preview pane not working
          Dan Pihlaja

          There have been a lot of "fixes" for this.

          Read the link below and do a search and see if some of those options will work for you.

          Forum Posting

          I have tried a lot of them (if not all of them, but I can't be sure).  And some of them work...........until they don't.

          I don't understand the problem with why some parts don't show a preview and some do, but it is definitely an intermittent problem that keeps coming back for me.

          Sometimes, I will see nothing for the preview, sometimes, I will see a Solidworks icon for the preview, sometimes, I will see the part/assembly/drawing, but zoomed way out or way in, and sometimes it works perfectly.   Sometimes, I will see ALL these things on the same part in the same day.

          At the least, make sure this is checked:


text:
AnimeSuki Forums

Register Forum Rules FAQ Members List Social Groups Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   AnimeSuki Forum > Anime Discussion > Older Series

Thread Tools
Old 2011-02-27, 16:42   Link #21
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Thessaloniki - Greece
Send a message via MSN to roriconfan

This retro series had a really unexpected feeling for me. I’ve seen plenty of those and yet this one differs in a way. It is way more sci-fi and erotic than all other mecha/sci-fi of its time.

ART SECTION: 6/10 [OMG! Tentacles!]
General Artwork 1/2
Character Figures 1/2
Backgrounds 2/2
Animation 1/2
Visual Effects 1/2

- Not awful but you clearly see all the faults of that era. Body deformities, fake visual effects, crude movements, repeated action clips, and the like. And those bipedal mecka really suck when they fly around with their legs hanging. Plus, they lack variety; there hardly are 5 different types used in the entire show. A cheap way to use the same footage in all the battles.
- On the positive side, it has this really attracting erotism all around it. It almost looks like a harem of the 80’s. There is plenty of nude, kissing, bed scenes, bath scenes, innuendo about really hardcore stuff… Plus, those Emaan tentacles are really funny to look at how they represent emotions. Seriously, I give it more than the average, just because of the naughty things it shows. Nothing extreme is shown but a lot of stuff are implied in a way that make it interesting.

SOUND SECTION: 7/10 [Japanese classic rock tribute???]

Voice Acting 2/3: No troubles, it was ok. That little girl had that high pinch voice that I hate; but in all nobody sounds or talks stupid all the time.
Music Themes 4/4: Wow, the intro and ending songs are Japanese versions of famous classic rock songs. Way more interesting that some stupid ballad or J-pop. I listened to them without skipping once. And their lyrics even have direct link with the story too! Amazing!
Sound Effects 1/3: Almost passable. Nothing much too look at, as they are part of the unimportant mecha battles.

STORY SECTION: 6/10 [Fourth Dimension goes haywire.]

General Scenario 2/2: Wow! They actually came up with such a story back then? Amazing! Well, we have the usual rival countries at war and the usual mecha fights. Yet we also have a very weird story of dimensions colliding and creatures of various different parallel Earths coming together. Nothing too bizarre in all, but the main idea was never used before or again like this. This twist is the only thing that makes the otherwise typical mecha war interesting. It is not developed in any deep way but does make you feel it is weird all the time. I mean, people have their doubles from other worlds and different historical periods are seen next to each other. Just imagine barbarians attacking a spaceship and you get the picture. Add some playboy savior that can undo this mess, traveling in a spaceship with a mostly sexy female gypsy crew that digs him and a huge bomb set by a robot army… It gets really awesome … In theory at least.
Form of Development/ Pace of Plot 1/2: Nah, they messed in this one. Half the duration is dead time concerning pointless mecha battles and silly talking. The story could easily fit in 18, instead of 35 episodes. The rest of it is really interesting because it is either some bizarre time-space situation going on or the protagonist is having “harem-type” situations. Heck, I skipped most battles, as they offered nothing and went for the non-action parts were something was actually moving the story forward or was making you laugh with subtle erotic humor.
Side Stories/Extra Spices 1/2: All secondary characters have at least one episode dedicated to them. None of them affect the main story with this but it is still a half good result.
Believability/Reasoning/Realism 0/2: Nope! Nothing feels realistic. Every girl is hitting on the protagonist, his mecha is indestructible, and there are lots of ridiculous side characters that mess the seriousness of the story.
Conclusion 2/2: I tell you, anime have a really hard time ending a series properly. They either don’t have an ending or do some weird situations that have little to do with the consistency of the show so far. The ending here, although still not entirely clear, does make you feel that it is solid. Plus, it is very sad. I mean, it feels like a happy ending but it is not really that happy for the characters. I liked it.

CHARACTER SECTION: 7/10 [Macross meets Gundam!]

Presence 2/2: None makes an impression by the way they look. Their uniforms and hairstyles kept reminding me of SDF Macross but that is all. Plus, having a dragon-like mascot critter and a loli android really makes things look stupid. The thing is, the Emaar people have these two tentacles sprouting from their necks, which react to their emotions. They are so cool! They bend, twist, curl, tie around, depending on how their user feels. Instant fondness!
Personality 0/2: They are archetypes you find in almost all mecha series. To be more specific, they felt like a less interesting blend of Macross and Gundam 0079 casts. Can’t say I liked them. They were acting out of place most of the time, as they easily got over someone’s death or were acting sexual on one moment and shy on the exact other. There are plenty of harem events but that doesn’t give them any credit as characters.
Backdrop 1/2: They all have a simple background. Those that mix their personal stories with alternative lives and lost loved ones are the best.
Development 2/2: A great deal of the cast develops as characters and all the rest are colorized. For the time this series was made, this was a feat! I mean, we even have marriages and offspring, a thing I remember fondly only in Macross . Heck, even the loli android gets developed! There is so much romance and hatred in this series that can fill a romance anime on it’s own. Very good!
Catharsis 2/2: The ending leaves most characters in a state of collapse. But, since we are talking about a story where dimensions get scrambled, you get the feeling that there is an alternative dimension where everyone gets what he deserves. I have no complaints here.

VALUE & ENJOYMENT SECTIONS: 5/10 [Boring action, interesting lovey dovey stuff.]
It is a half good series. The mecha parts could be taken out easily as they were just slowing things down, without providing much entertainment. The story is interesting but it would be much better if it lasted a lot less episodes. The romance and sexual teasing were very good.

The accused should have stick to a less action and more romance driven story. GUILTY!

SDF Macross
Gundam 0079
The Vision of Escaflowne
roriconfan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2011-03-04, 17:47   Link #22
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Orguss certainly has a lot of cool concepts, which unfortunately don't live up to be as cool as they sound. Orguss 02 was way too loose of a tie in to the original and breaks the ambiguous, yet somehow complete feeling ending. A proof that not all things need sequels.
mecharobot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2013-06-21, 08:21   Link #23
Minmay Guard
Join Date: May 2009
Guess what's comin' out on Blu-Ray...?

Yot-chan is offline   Reply With Quote

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:00.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2017, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
We use Silk.


text:
I road an 1968 R60/2 with car for 15 years before I had to make space for a new Beemer (wife said one bike at a time please). I'm getting the bug again and the Ural Gear Up looks very intriguing, very like my R60 in top end and acceleration, but stops better with the disc up front.

Anyone have comments on long term ownership? I don't mind DYI maintenance and I understand the recent ones have the same supplier of gears shafts and motor innerds as BMW.

Thanks for your thoughts!

doug maccoy
south florida, 2010 R1200RT


text:
By accessing “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM” (hereinafter “we”, “us”, “our”, “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM”, “”), you agree to be legally bound by the following terms. If you do not agree to be legally bound by all of the following terms then please do not access and/or use “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM”. We may change these at any time and we’ll do our utmost in informing you, though it would be prudent to review this regularly yourself as your continued usage of “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM” after changes mean you agree to be legally bound by these terms as they are updated and/or amended.

Our forums are powered by phpBB (hereinafter “they”, “them”, “their”, “phpBB software”, “”, “phpBB Group”, “phpBB Teams”) which is a bulletin board solution released under the “General Public License” (hereinafter “GPL”) and can be downloaded from The phpBB software only facilitates internet based discussions, the phpBB Group are not responsible for what we allow and/or disallow as permissible content and/or conduct. For further information about phpBB, please see:

You agree not to post any abusive, obscene, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, threatening, sexually-orientated or any other material that may violate any laws be it of your country, the country where “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM” is hosted or International Law. Doing so may lead to you being immediately and permanently banned, with notification of your Internet Service Provider if deemed required by us. The IP address of all posts are recorded to aid in enforcing these conditions. You agree that “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM” have the right to remove, edit, move or close any topic at any time should we see fit. As a user you agree to any information you have entered to being stored in a database. While this information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent, neither “IRONHIDE COMMUNITY FORUM” nor phpBB shall be held responsible for any hacking attempt that may lead to the data being compromised.


text:
Best PDF Viewer for iPhone?

Discussion in 'iPhone' started by bacizone, Nov 27, 2008.

  1. bacizone macrumors newbie

    Nov 27, 2008

    I'd ask for advice - I have a PDF reader called "Caravan" from the Apple Store. This apps works so-so, my biggest problem is that the navigation within pages of a long PDF document is not possible other than touching the screen from page-to-page.... if I want to read the 320th page, I have to scroll there...huhhhh..

    Is there any application that matches my needs?

    * No jailbreak, downloadable from AppleStore
    * Fast navigation of PDF files, or tilt scrolling
    * "Go to page" feature within PDF
    * Does not cost too much (or free)
    * Works reliable even on bigger PDF files
    * Provides sync with a Windows based computer

  2. det2004 macrumors 6502

    Aug 20, 2007
    I'm also in the market for a good pdf reader. I'd like one that doesn't bog down when you are switching pages or zooming in and out. I was using airsharing to view a pdf map of cedar point, but it was sooo slow when zooming in and out it made it pretty much useless.

Share This Page


text:
Decided to make the leap from PC to Mac

Discussion in 'Buying Tips, Advice and Discussion (archive)' started by achie25, Sep 2, 2005.

  1. achie25 macrumors 6502

    Sep 2, 2005
    Well after a very frustrating tenure with Pc's I have finally seen the light.

    I am going to make the jump to the 15" Powerbook G4. This is a big move for me and I am a little nervous. Apple is pricey but it is appealing how it seems (from limited use) to be user friendly. Also everyone I know that has a MAC simply LOVES it. And a big perk is supposedly how secure it is. (If anyone could elaborate as to how so it would be appreciated).

    Any advice as to how to make the leap easy and get the most out of joining the Apple family?

  2. YoYoMac macrumors regular

    Dec 22, 2004
    Chattanooga, TN
    Welcome to the fold Achie25, hope you find as much help on these forums as I have.

    I think you'll find the switch easier then you think. ;)

    Have fun!
  3. iEdd macrumors 68000

    Aug 8, 2005
  4. mad jew Moderator emeritus

    mad jew

    Apr 3, 2004
    Adelaide, Australia
    Welcome to the community achie25. :)

    Macs are more secure on a few different levels. Firstly, you won't have to worry about viruses since they simply don't run on OSX (yet). Secondly, OSX handles RAM better which is one of the main reasons it won't crash as often as Windows. There are other reasons (like not having to use .DLLs) but the end story is the same, the system is much less likely to crash. Thirdly, if you do manage to crash something, the whole system doesn't usually go down but rather just the app with the problem. This means that if you're writing an essay in Word and Excel crashes, you can continue to write the essay, save the essay or do whatever you want with it completely problem free.

    Apple has made a Switcher page just for you. The only thing it really fails to mention is that OSX loves RAM. It handles it much much better than Windows and therefore there is a benefit to getting more of it. 1GB would be great IMO. :)
  5. EricNau Moderator emeritus

    Apr 27, 2005
    San Francisco, CA
    I just switched about 3 months ago, you'll LOVE it! Infact, when I was in 6th grade I wrote a paper on why Windows was better (I'm beating myself up for that). Just yesterday I had to create a website for my HighSchool CICSO class (I'm the only Apple user in there,) so of course I had to make it completely about why Apple was better. I'm wondering about my grade though :confused:
    As for the security, mostly it's just there hasn't been a virus yet made for Apple. I'm not saying it can't happen, because someday it will, but so far, so good. Some people will tell you it's just because there aren't enough Mac users for the virus programmer to "profit" from, but trust me, if it was as easy to make them as it was for windows, someone would have done it by now. But bottom line, Apple is better...period.
  6. Heb1228 macrumors 68020

    Feb 3, 2004
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Do you still have this 6th grade essay? Maybe you could post it for us all to enjoy :D
  7. AstrosFan macrumors 6502

    Jul 26, 2005
    Well, you're already doing the most important thing, which is reading these forums. The wealth of information here is amazing.
    Another source that I have found helpful is MacWorld magazine - in addition, their website, has practical tips & advice.

    Lastly, if you haven't already ordered your PB & you can afford to wait, definitely wait until the Paris Expo (later this month) to see what is announced. You probably already knew that by reading the boards here, but I figure it doesn't hurt to mention it again.

    Congrats in advance on a great decision - you're going to love your new PB!
    Good luck! :)
  8. al3000 macrumors 6502

    Aug 16, 2005
    I hope to make the move just after the Paris Expo...can't wait!! :D
  9. achie25 thread starter macrumors 6502

    Sep 2, 2005
    Thank you all for the advice. I have been to the local Apple store several times as I am trying to educate myself before I decide to buy. They are very helpful and they were right about the feeling that owning a Mac really makes you a part of a community and I have gotten that feeling reading and now posting on this site.

    Some advice was given to wait until after the PAris Expo to buy. However, being a teacher I don't want to miss out on the free ipod and printer. Does anyone know when that offer ends?
  10. achie25 thread starter macrumors 6502

    Sep 2, 2005
    nevermind I found that the offer expires the same day as the Expo. Is it worth it to wait or just take advantage of the free offers. I think I will probably just go ahead and get it this week.
  11. EricNau Moderator emeritus

    Apr 27, 2005
    San Francisco, CA
    It's really a gamble, the free iPod and printer are a big plus, but then again at the Expo something new and great might come out, or it might now change at all. Probably either way you go, you'll hate yourself afterwards :(
    By the way, if you get the free iPod mini, I think I read you can just take the $179 and put it towards a large iPod, I would definatly think about spending a little more and getting the new iPods with color screens! - Just a thought.
  12. Tahko macrumors regular

    Jun 11, 2005
    About those viruses & spyware:
    because OSX is pure Unix, creating of viruses requires 2 things
    1) extremely capable programmer
    2) extremely stupid end user

    If someone manages to make virus for mac, it won't do damage unless end user is dumb as rock. Deleting or modifying of system files requires every single time password of super-user and thus if prompt to delete something comes out of nowhere and asks password it is a virus. And spyware can't install itself automagically unlike in Windows. I feel pretty secure on this iBook. btw, I myself don't even know super-user password... i can't su myself in console, dunno why. And I don't even care, since there is nothing that needs altering. ;)
  13. FFTT macrumors 68030

    Apr 17, 2004
    A Stoned Throw From Ground Zero
    The current 15" 1.67 GHz PowerBook with the 128 MB VRAM card is way more computer than most people will ever really need, so you should be fine with your choice for a long and happy relationship.

    The other option would be to go for the 12" SuperDrive PowerBook @ $1499 and purchase a good DVI external display.

    Being a teacher,
    You will of course qualify for the education store discounts and this also goes for any software you purchase. Depending on where you teach, you may even be able to get education versions of some software at bulk discount rates through your school.
    You'll probably want to go ahead and get Microsoft Office for Mac, but you CAN get by without it.

    There's a huge selection of freeware and shareware
    applications through VersionTracker and MacUpdate.

    You'll soon understand why so many rave about Mac OS X security.

    There are ZERO effective viruses, no adware, no spyware and very little risk of malicious malware as long as your software comes from reliable sources.
    Unlike Windows exe files, you must either authorize
    any installation with your administrative password or
    be logged on as adminstrator for drag and drop installs of mini applications.

    You can also avoid the majority of Spam in your email by configuring MAIL to filter out anyone who is not in your address book.
    You can then scan your filtered mail for any false positives before you delete them permanently.

    No one really knows what Apple is going to release
    at the Paris Expo, but you could wait until a few days before and then take advantage of the 14 day no questions asked return policy, if there was a major
    PowerBook upgrade.
    I'm thinking a new PowerMac is more likely or something completely different on the order of an iPhone.

    Don't hold me to this though because rumors of Apple using a new low power dual core chip are
    quite strong and that could lead to a new PowerBook.

    If it were not for your interest in the iPod/Printer rebates, I'd say to wait 3 weeks just for peace of mind.
  14. nsheikh80 macrumors regular

    May 2, 2005
    London, England
    Go for it, you won't regret it.

    My only advice is that, no matter which Apple computer you choose, make sure you get 1GB of RAM at the minimum. The experience can get rather frustrating on 512MB.

    I believe OS X is quite secure. It comes built-in with a really good firewall which even has the option of allowing your computer to operate in Stealth Mode, way cool! The Firewall is easily configured too.

    When you first start usng Mac OS X just be patient. I know I felt a little restricted when I first started out which may have been due to my aprehension but eventually it just makes sense.

    Enjoy and don't forget about the 1GB of RAM!
  15. Yvan256 macrumors 601

    Jul 5, 2004
    First, congratulations on switching.

    Secondly, upgrade to 1GB, as everybody else is suggesting.

    My Mac mini is solid as a rock with a 5400RPM drive (same as PowerBooks) and 1GB RAM.
  16. DJY macrumors 6502a

    Dec 20, 2003
    Canberra AUST
    I'll add three quick things in here for you (from my own switching experience).

    1. Think simply... in the first few days of using it I kept asking myself "How Do I..." because Windows systems we need to know Drop down menus, Tools, settings, technical aspects, and when we wanted to do something, it required fiddling around with menus / dialog boxes and such. Mac's just work... so I had to reframe my thinking...

    Control Panel = System Preferences - only it is all much easier and better laid out.
    Programs = applications - only instead of them all having different options / short cut keys / everything works beautifully!

    Mac's allow for TRUE plug and play... and TRUE drag and drop! Just move things around and it all works.

    2. Use these forums! They helped me out heaps! I became very intimate with how to get better SEARCH options.

    3. Use macoshints forums as well. Mac OS X has sooo many tricks / features / cool shortcuts - and alot of these are mentioned by more experienced users in forums.

    You won't regret switching mate! Enjoy it is great!
    Welcome to the club (and the EDUC discounts are also great!)
  17. fartheststar macrumors 6502a

    Dec 29, 2003
    It's ok not to like a one button mouse... it's ok to bring your 2 or 5 or 10 button :confused: mouse over from the Windows side. It'll work great on the mac!

    The hardest thing for me when I switched was the one button mouse. $20 later (and a kensington 4 button scroll mouse later) and I'm happier than ever! :D
  18. GrimStranger macrumors newbie

    Aug 29, 2005
    I helped my friend (an EXTREMELY cute japanese chick) installing some software on her newly acquired iBook the other day and I, as a long time windows user who never owned a mac, must say that OSX is very intuitive and easy to use. I'm sure you'll have no trouble switching from windows to mac since you can bring some of your knowledge from pc along with the transition.

    I'm about to dive into the mac land as well. Just waiting for the Paris expo before I make my move on a PB. Actually, I just picked up Programming in Obj-C today so I can do some "serious" work on it to justify the purchase.
  19. Euan macrumors regular

    Sep 1, 2005
    I nearly switched 2 years ago when I bought my current laptop but didn't. However, I'm now seriously considering switching but I won't do anything until after Expo in Paris.

    I will be running Studio 8 on it, Office for Mac. Would an iBook suffice or am I best with a Powerbook?
  20. Palad1 macrumors 6502a

    Feb 24, 2004
    London, UK
    Sidetrack, provides up to 3 mouse buttons right on your beloved TrackPad...

    My powerbook's trackpad just spoiled me, now I find myself cringing whenever I use dell trackpad (you know, the rugged, plastic ones.. *shudders*)

    Welcome home, achie and euan!
  21. Red Belly macrumors member

    May 9, 2005
    I switched about three weeks ago (14" ibook). It's a piece of cake. You'll love the machine, the OS, everything really does just work and the occasional 'glitch' I've come across were all a doddle to fix unlike windows systems probs which invariably result in hours of fiddling about with restarts etc. BTW, when I say 'glitch' I mean little errors I made as I experimented and one particular piece of software which works on OSX but is better designed for windows.

    On the 'mouse' front I had planned to get a bluetooth mouse but I find the trackpad with two finger scrolling MUCH more intuitive than I thought it would be and I don't think I'll bother with a mouse.
  22. Yvan256 macrumors 601

    Jul 5, 2004
    Got pics? :D
  23. mcmadhatter macrumors 6502

    Sep 6, 2005
    Bath, UK
    My new 12" ibook is arriving today!! Just made the switch from a pc as I fell in love with OSX whilst mucking around with pearPC on my XP Box. Today at work is going to be soooo long an boring until i get home and play with my new toy!!!
  24. yoak macrumors 65816

    Oct 4, 2004
    Oslo, Norway
    One magazine that has been of great value to me is iCreate. It´s an English magazine that has great tutorials and reviews (and hardly any ads)
    It´s a bit pricy outside UK, but well worth it.
    Good luck :)
  25. mcmadhatter macrumors 6502

    Sep 6, 2005
    Bath, UK

    I'll go down the newsagents and look out for it

Share This Page


text:
James Dyson Podcast

Discussion in 'Community Discussion' started by LiveForever, Jan 21, 2008.

  1. LiveForever macrumors 6502

    Dec 13, 2007
    This is a transcript of a James Dyson podcast in todays (UK) times.
    Dyson touted his idea to all the major companies, run by marketeers, and they laughed at him. So he set up his own company and the rest is history.

    If you are an engineer this will ring so true to you.

    One reason why I love apple as Steve Jobs doesn't rely on market research but gut instinct and good design and engineering.

    This is just one small gem in it:

    "In many British businesses, the engineer sits way down the food chain. Meanwhile, much further up, is the marketing team. Marketeers have become immensely powerful in influencing what new products should be built, and what features they should include.

    One reason for the ascent of the marketeer, is that their recommendations are usually based on evidence, good, earnestly gathered evidence – of what sells, and what does not. Armed with these insights into people’s behaviour, the marketing director becomes the arbiter of what sells. Sounds good? Well, I’ve no problem with market research based on evidence. But too great a swing in power from the engineer to the marketing man would create a static society. Why? Because the reality is, they are arbiters of what has been selling, not of the unknown breakthrough yet to be invented. That’s where the inventor comes in. The genius of the design engineer is his or her ability to think the unimaginable, and then go ahead and do it, even if potential customers expect something more familiar. "

  2. Sesshi macrumors G3

    Jun 3, 2006
    One Nation Under Gordon
    Apple is built on marketing - and not that this is a bad thing altogether. It has innovative designs, but those come from a marketing mindset. Dyson wouldn't have got a look in at Apple for the reason that the mindset isn't quite the same.

Share This Page


text:
What's the number one site for downloading loops, acapellas, Beats and DAW devices.

Discussion in 'Digital Audio' started by Brunchies, Jun 2, 2012.

  1. Brunchies macrumors newbie

    Jul 29, 2011
    I know that Ableton live has a built in programming language that you can use to make different beats and daw instruments to really give your song an original sound. I would like to know if there is a site that has these beats and different instruments for commercial DAW's, I know Buzz Jekosla has extensions like what I need but I haven't really wrapped my head around the UI yet. Thanks for any advice you can give on this subject, I'm still new to all of this. The reason why I ask is because I want some more specific instrument devices for beginning songs on logic pro studio 9 but I don't want to install the other 50 gbs of instruments packs.

Share This Page


text:
Fresh Cuts by Lu

Just another weblog

Wheat bag July 5, 2011

Filed under: 3D projects,Gift Ideas,Sewing — aliessa @ 9:01 am

Here’s a quick and inexpensive gift idea…

I recently made this wheat bag as a brithday gift for a friend. She is pregnant and I thought this would be ideal for all the aches and pains that go along with pregnancy.

A wheat bag is really simple to make. All you need is some fabric of your choice (apparently any type will do, but I have only ever used 100% cotton and courdroy), enough wheat to fill the bag approximately 3/4 full, your sewing machine and cotton to match. Sew up 3 sides of a bag (you choose the size), turn bag right sides out. 3/4 fill the bag with wheat. Turn raw edges of open end in and sew a narrow seam to close the bag. That’s it, you’re done!

To make it a gift, tie some raffia or pretty ribbon around and add an instruction tag. – Wheat bag instructions

Something I would like to try is to add some dried lavender buds with the wheat to give a lovely, relaxing fragrance.

Have you made a wheat bag before? If not maybe you could give it a try! I think I might make some mini ones for the school fete arts and crafts stall.

Thanks for stopping in today. Happy Crafting!

Two little love birds June 27, 2011

Filed under: 3D projects,Gift Ideas,Sewing — aliessa @ 10:07 pm

I was going back through posts on Amy’s blog one day a few weeks ago looking for something specific (what I can’t remember now), and came across a gorgeous little bird.

It looked so cute and Amy’s pattern and instructions are so easy I just had to have a go! My mum was visiting so we sat down together and made a couple

I’m thinking a couple of these might be good in the school fete art and craft stall…

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Crafting

Some sewing June 24, 2011

Filed under: 3D projects,Gift Ideas,Sewing — aliessa @ 1:15 am

Hi there! It’s the last day of school for my big kiddies and I’m sooooo excited! These cold winter mornings have just made it so hard to drag myself out of bed, let alone convince the kids they should get up 😉 2 weeks off, and really looking forward to not having to get up and go, or make lunches! hehe

Anyway! Recently I came across a gorgeous little baby bib on the net. I really liked it for the patchwork and quilting that was used. I have made quite a few applique baby quilts in the last 10 years, but never really mastered “quilting”. So I bought the pattern on line so I could learn. Unfortuantely the pattern didn’t show me how! How disappointed was I? But that was ok, because it did tell me that the form of quilting is called ‘free-motion’. So I googled it and found a bunch of blogs and you tube videos that showed me how, yay!

I rummaged through my fabric box and found some co-ordinating fabrics and made my own patchwork fabric to cut the pattern from, then set about making up these 5 bibs.

I was tickled pink with the result! Free motion quilting is very simple – but I quickly learnt that it’s not really easy. It took quite a bit of practice to figure out how to get that swirly motion right. I used some cheap wadding and calico “sandwiches” to practice on and just kept going over and over and over and over, adding new calico when the lines got too much and I couldn’t really tell if I was doing it right anyway. I eventually decided to have a try on one of the bibs – and had to unpick it! But finally I got the hang of it…

There are a few “pointy” bits, but the more I do, the better they look.

I originally wanted to make these for my niece for her birthday in September (I started early in case I really couldn’t do it), so I wanted to make a few different colours. these were my second batch. I just used a single fabric.

(yet another bad photo)

And my latest batch – I again went through my box of fabrics and pulled out pinks and purples. I really like these ones, not quite finished yet, but they will be soon enough (and I still have a couple of months)

So, what do you think? I don’t know how I’d go on anything bigger than a bib, but it’s a good place to start I think! I might try some shapes next (like flowers and spirals). Wish me luck!

Checkout this hand bag – I think it’s gorgeous. Mine is past it’s used by date and is falling apart, so I thought I might try my hand at making one similar to this. We’ll see how that goes….

Thanks for stopping in today!

Happy Crafting

Pin cushion and other sewing things May 24, 2011

Filed under: 3D projects,Gift Ideas,Sewing — aliessa @ 2:23 am

For about 5 years I’ve wanted to make myself a weighted pin cushion and scrapbag to use when I’m sewing. About 3 months ago I found a great tutorial on line for a gorgeous set to make! How excited was I?? I guess not excited enough to make it straight away…but I did get around to it finally 🙂

I have made 3 so far. This one I made for myself. I love that green floral fabric. I picked it up years ago in the remnants bin at Spotlight, and have used it for a couple of projects. It is running out, I wish I had some more.

The organiser consists of a weighted pin cushion, a pocket panel and a scrap bag. The pincushion has a felt section in the middle for needles and 2 fabric sides for pins. The pocket panel has 4 pockets to store small scissors, a quick unpick and other sewing things. It also has a loop to attach the scrap bag.

The second one I made was for my sister-in-law, but I forgot to photograph it – it was 3 shades of pink.

And this is the one I made today for my big sister’s birthday.

The colours are a bit bolder – I’ll call it autumn (seeing as we are experiencing that season). Now that I think about it, these colours match the glorious liquid amber tree that is in our front yard. At this time of year it sheds all the leaves in beautiful shades of gold – in a thick blanket over our driveway and front yard. It’s gorgeous to see, just a little pain to clean up 🙂

This photo doesn’t really do it justice, but I just snapped it now so I could show you.

Well, that’s all for today. I hope you are all enjoying lovely weather and rewarding craft time!

More flower clips and a card April 21, 2011

Aaah, the world of craft. I have been crafting over the last month or so, but blogging has eluded me. So, I thought I’d stop in and quickly share some more hair clips I made for a little friend’s birthday (3 year old) and the card we made at last months card class…

First up, the hair clips. I used the same styles as in my earlier post, and just mixed up the colours a bit.

The pink one – I used a layer of glittery tulle on top to give a little sparkle!

Cutesy pink satin ribbon…

The blue and white spot bow

And I think this is my favourite! Some deep purple fabric coupled with the sequinned tulle and a giant button. I saw her wearing it and she looked so super sweet (It really didn’t have too much to do with the hair clip – she’s a cute little girl!).

On to the card

I just adore the colours in this card! Check out this card-as it is where I CASEd it from. I’ve used SU! Petal Pizazz for the big flowers. I stamped the 4 colours Delightful Daffodil, Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo onto the same coloured cardstock and cut them out. The leaves are stamped in Kiwi Kiss on Whisper White CS. The blossom trail of flowers and leaves behind is stamped in the same colours with a variety of stamps (Cheep Talk, Baroque motif, Great friend, Short and sweet – I think that was all)

For the centres of each flower I used my cricut to cut the buttons and little flowers. A little bit of twine in one button, some crytal effects on the other for dimension. We had a great time putting these cards together at last month’s card class!

Right-o, off to sew a dress (hopefully!)

Happy crafting!

New Year is here! January 4, 2011

Hello everyone! I hope you’ve all had a wondefully enjoyable holiday season. I’ve spent the last month preparing for Christmas with family. What a lovely couple of weeks we’ve had!

So I thought I would share with you a few photos of what we’ve been up to as far as craft goes. I haven’t photographed everything that I’ve made in the last couple of weeks – I just ran out of time. It didn’t help that the rain was pelting down most of the week leading up to Christmas, so not good for photographs – and Í know I’m terrible with photos usually anyway, so I didn’t want to make it worse!

First up is a gift made for a friend who gave birth to a beautiful little girl about 4 months ago. She and her husband moved from Brisbane to Newcastle a few weeks before she was due, so we didn’t get to meet little miss until last month. With all the blocks I have been busily covering and sanding, I thought a pink ‘BABY’ set would look nice. I’ve also been on a fabric flower making adventure (more further down), so I made a soft headband for her and attached this pretty pink felt flower.

So sweet! I love this flower. I think the gorgeous pink felt helps a lot! If you would like to make one yourself, THIS is where I learnt how.

Next is my answer to all the christmas cards needed for the kids school friends. This year my son decided he wasn’t giving cards, so it was just me and my daughter – we had so much fun! First I cut out 26 white bookmarks using my PTI die. Then I set her up with 2 Christmas stamp sets and she created 2 designs that we then copied on the rest.

She wrote a message on the back for each child in her class and we stuck on a mini candy cane. She was super excited to deliver them on the last day of school!

And the final part of today’s post – homemade hairclips and a hairclip holder! I made 5 of these – one for my daughter for Christmas, one for a friend for her birthday and 3 for nieces for Christmas. I must tell you, I had SO MUCH FUN making these!

**The hair clip holder is obviously not my original idea. I saw a very similar one on the net and saved the photo to my computer, but I have not been able to find it again to give credit. The directions below, however I did make up myself.**

To make the cup cake hair clip holder, I drew a cup cake the size I wanted, and used it to cut out my felt. You will need a front and back for the top and bottom pieces. You will also need to cut a small amount of pellan (wadding) to go between the felt layers. I cut 2 lengths of the blue spotty ribbon, a length of purple to go across the cupcake and a second length for the hanger. I hand stitched around the edge of the bottom, making sure to secure the purple ribbon at the edges and the blue spotty ribbon across the bottom as I went. Next I decorated the top with buttons, then stitched it together, and on to the base in one go (don’t forget to secure the looped purple ribbon as your hanger in as you go – I did a couple of times 🙂 then had to stitch it on after with a button – which looked quite cute too!). Lastly I cut out 2 pink felt flowers and attached them to the bottom with buttons to weigh down the ribbons.

I started off with this style flower, which my sister-in-law showed me how to make. Really easy. You just need 3 or 4 cirlce-ish pieces of satinny fabric, cut in differing sizes. Then you seal the edges with a flame (I used a candle). Hold the fabric edge close to the flame – but not touching it. As the heat hits the edge of the fabric it will curl (quickly). Rotate the cirlce until you’re back to where you start. Layer the circles on top of each other to look like a flower and then sew a few pearl beads in the centre – through all the layers – to hold it all together. Easy as! You can use as many layers as you like. My sister in law showed me just the other day a GORGEOUS white flower she made with about 16 layers. It looked incredibly real and so soft. Experiment with fabrics too. I used some satin, and then a few different linings. I’m told you can use chiffon and other fabrics like taffeta.

I think this one is soooo cute! To make it I cut a length of pink ribbon, ran a long gathering stitch right along one edge then gathered it up and secured it by sewing that gorgeous little brown button in the middle. Another easy-peasy flower.

For this flower I cut 4 different layers roughly the same size, 2 different blues, and 2 different nettings. I layered them on top of each other and secured them together by hand stitching a small cross in the centre. Then I ran a gathering stitch in a circle around the cross and pulled tight until it looked the way I wanted it to. Then finally I added a button to hold the gathering in place and finish off the flower.

A few flowers in this shot…

Top left: I have looped some spotty, blue ribbon and scrunched the middle to make a cute bow, secured with a button.

Bottom left: How cute is this one?? I started with a cirlce of pink felt. Using a needle and thread I stitched up through the centre then looped around the outside (don’t go through the felt) and straight up through the centre again. Pull tight so that the felt scrunches up. Do this so that the circle is divided into 3 ‘petals’. Secure with a button (I used 2 buttons, just thought it looked cuter). I added a green felt circle to the back to finish it off. **Again, this is not my original idea, I used a photo I found on the internet to figure out how to make it**

Top right: see above to the first flower

Bottom right: Is the same as the pink felt flower from the baby head band.

So, that is all for today! I’ve been enjoying the holidays with all the kiddies home, which is an improvement on last year. I think as the baby and breastfeeding hormones finally leave my body I am becoming more sane, calmer – back to the person I thought I once was ;), and a little more fun for the kids to be around. As joyous as motherhood is, it has it’s trials, and I am so grateful to have a loving family and husband.

I hope you are having a lovely week and the sun is shining!

PS As a side note, if you just love these hairclips (like I do), but don’t have the time to make them yourself and would like to purchase any, please drop me a line either with a comment or send me an email at

Christmas Stockings January 5, 2010

Filed under: 3D projects,Gift Ideas,Sewing — aliessa @ 3:32 am

When my husband & I had only 2 children I decided to make us all matching Christmas stockings – appliqued & quilted. When our third child came along I added another, and then this year for our fourth child I was able to add one more.

Unfortunately I am not a wonderful photographer, these photos don’t show all the detail.

I used a friend’s pattern to make them. Each has a line from “The Night before Christmas”  embroided on it, and a matching picture appliqued.

When I made the first ones I also made another 5 for my husband’s brother’s family. And each year since I have made a set for another family. It helps to start early as quite a bit of time is required with all the hand sewing involved. This year just gone (2009) I made 3 more in addition to my son’s for 2 nieces and a nephew who have joined their families since the originals were made – but I forgot to take photos!

%d bloggers like this:


text:
Inspirational Quotes – It’s all about perspective

I love motivational quotes and affirmations. I think they’re the perfect tool to snap me out of any mood and remind myself that I need to be positive, think happy and appreciate things. If you’re open to affirmations and positive thinking, it can spark magic!

The last few days, I’ve been feeling really bummed out. There has been a few issues  that have bothered me, and when they are things that are out of my control, I feel powerless. And, if you let them get to you, they just snowball.

So, I ended up with 0% productivity and a migraine…being negative is exhausting! At that point, I realised I shouldn’t have let things get to me. Everyone is on their own path and I should pay attention to my own. So I did. And I’m much happier now. Yet, nothing has really changed – those things that bothered me haven’t been resolved, but my perspective has changed.

Today’s quote seems pretty appropriate after my few days under a grey cloud. If we let things bother us, then they will. If we use that energy in a positive manner instead of letting it bring us down, who knows what we can achieve. Some of my most inspirational, creative moments come after deciding to snap out of a bad mood and concentrate on good things! We can’t control everything, but we can control how we see it and how we react…

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. - Henry David Thoreau

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Logo

You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out / Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out / Change )

Google+ photo

You are commenting using your Google+ account. Log Out / Change )

Connecting to %s


text:
I woke up on Friday and saw my home state in the headlines for another mass shooting. As I read the emerging details I could not help but think back to Columbine High School and the faces of survivors as they poured out of the building on that awful day.

The details keep emerging on both sides, details of the victims and of the perpetrator. Our path to understanding the victims and their families is clear–immediate compassion and a sense of outrage that anyone should ever have to experience such a trauma and tragedy.

Our path to the gunman is less clear. The images of him in court with his wide open stare, asking guards how the movie ends, seem to show a man in shock and out of touch with reality. But there is another image, one that cannot be escaped, and that is the vision of him standing in a darkened theater, firing his guns over and over into a terrified and innocent crowd.

What do we do with the gulf that exists between the gunmen in the dark and the young man in court? What do we do with the reality that everything he used to slaughter a crowd was gained legally? What do we do with the culture that promotes punishment  for violent acts while simultaneously romanticizing and glamorizing violence?

This tragedy is not just about any one issue; its complexity should not be reduced because it is painful to look at. It points us again to a trend of violence that is supported by nonexistent gun control, a violence glamorizing culture and the incredibly easy ways for people to live in isolation.

We are failing and yet we do not seem ready to write a new dialogue around this tragedy that opens doors for a different future.

James Holmes was living a life we all recognize–the up and coming graduate student–and yet within that ordinary life the fantasy of mass murder was becoming a reality, one gun purchase at a time.

To really honor the victims and the families of all the mass shootings we need to ask some hard questions and be brave enough to come to conclusions that challenge the notion that the Second Amendment is untouchable, a court verdict is the only thing that will heal the community, and the gunman should be despised for his violence while  violence in general is cool, hyper-masculine and necessary.

To honor the victims and their families, let us dig deep and not be afraid to see the big and small ways we can create a path forward–a path that reduces the risk of anyone of us standing outside a movie theater, waiting to find out if our loved one lived.

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out / Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out / Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out / Change )

Google+ photo

You are commenting using your Google+ account. Log Out / Change )

Connecting to %s

Tag Cloud

%d bloggers like this:


text:
Skip to content

Day 1 & 2 in Berlin Germany for the 2012 Ido Portal Movement Camp

August 13, 2012

I haven’t had much time to update how this experience is going as I have been spending most of the day training with the group when I am not lecturing.  The lectures are going great and are being excitedly received by an amazing and inspiring group of movers/athletes who have included Cirque du Soleil performers, professional swimmers, movement artists, MovNat Master Instructor (Vic Verdier), and more.  Much of the information that I have been presenting will hopefully come out in some up coming posts – major topics include a cellular basis for the commonly misunderstood “kinetic chain,” and the extensive continuity of the connective tissue system in terms of force coupling, potential to kinetic energy transfers, and cellular tensegrity.  Here are a few pics….one more day, 2 more lectures to go…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

No comments yet

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Logo

You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. Log Out / Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out / Change )

Google+ photo

You are commenting using your Google+ account. Log Out / Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this:


text:
Tags archives: guns

The Funker Tactical Team

Funker Tactical is simply an umbrella comprised of passionate individuals who have dedicated their lives to something. Each member represents their own team. Together, we are redefining concepts on holistic training through intellectual exchanges of ideas and concepts. DANIEL SHAW DEADLY FORCE ENCOUNTERS DANIEL SHAW is a retired US Marine infantryman with multiple combat tours […]

Army Set to Retire the M9 | What Should Replace It?

The oft-maligned Beretta M9 is slated for retirement. On July 12th of 2014 Fox News reported that “The Army wants to retire its supply of 9mm handguns and replace it with a more accurate and user-friendly model that also will provide soldiers with more “knockdown” power.” The Army has stated it requires a hammer-driven pistol […]

Plate Carrier Optimization | 6 Essentials

USMC Infantry Unit Leader, Daniel Shaw delivers 6 key considerations when setting up your Chest Rig or Plate Carrier. Optimizing your load-out for ease of access following your natural path of movements is key in staying in the fight. Daniel shares anecdotal evidence of the importance of how loadout optimization may have saved some of his […]

When to Pull the Trigger | CCW & Self Defence

The below video shows a man attempting to rob a convenience store clerk at gunpoint.  As seen, the clerk calmly bends over and retrieves his own firearm which he points directly at the assailant. The two men are now trapped in a stand-off, with either men willing to pull the trigger.  As I have discussed […]