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X Factor 2012 Auditions
X Factor 2012 auditions continue as Simon Cowell looks for the next big star. There are three options for X Factor Hopefuls: online auditions, in-person auditions, and "MyStudio" recording booths. Below are details on how to apply using each of the three available methods.
Online auditions were initially going to end late last year but instead they've been reopened and you can continue to submit your X Factor audition online. More details here for the X Factor online auditions.
In-person auditions are available in just five cities this year so you may want to consider the other audition options. You must show up on one of the registration dates in your audition city in order to receive your wristband for the audition date.
X Factor 2012 Audition cities and dates:
Kansas City, MO at Kemper Arena:
Registration: March 12-13
Audition: March 14
Austin, TX at Frank Erwin Center:
Registration: March 20-21
Audition: March 22
San Francisco, CA at Cow Palace:
Registration: April 18-19
Audition: April 20
Greensboro, NC at Coliseum:
Registration: April 29-30
Audition: May 1
Providence, RI at Dunkin' Donuts Center:
Registration: May 9
Audition: May 10
You'll need these three forms ready to go for your in-person audition:
Personal Release
Guardianship Authorization Form
Registration and Audition Rules
Your final option for X Factor auditions in 2012 is the "MyStudio" recording booths set up around the country. You can find the booths in these cities for these dates:
Aiea, HI: March 1 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Culver City, CA: March 9 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Las Vegas, NV: March 14 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Tempe, AZ: March 1 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Franklin, TN: March 1 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Paramus, NJ: March 1 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Mashantucket, CT: March 9 – April 15, 2012 – Details
Learn more about the X Factor "MyStudio" recording booths.
Subscribe to X Factor Network updates on Facebook, on Twitter, by Email, or RSS.


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Learn to practice the basic pattern, i.e. how to make a chain and a single crochet stitch. No needle or hook needed. Limit to 5 participants, with limited supplies. For teens, ages 12 and older. For information or to register, please contact Jewel at (415)355-5626 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Note: This event will be taking place at a location outside the San Francisco network of public libraries. For questions concerning the event, please contact the hosting library: North Beach.
Upcoming Events
- Stuffed Crochet
- Friday, August 1, 2014Chinatown/Him Mark Lai, Chinatown Meeting Room
- Duct Tape Craft
- Tuesday, August 5, 2014North Beach, North Beach Meeting Room
- Beading Art for Teens
- Thursday, August 7, 2014North Beach, North Beach Meeting Room
Upcoming Classes
- Teen Jewelry Making With Chelsee Robinson
- Monday, July 28, 2014Ortega, Ortega Meeting Room
- Maker Mondays
- Monday, July 28, 2014Main Library, Children's Center
- Maker Mondays
- Monday, August 4, 2014Main Library, Children's Center
*Funded by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Greg Stohr
Bloomberg News
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court Tuesday raised the prospect that it will decline to say whether the Constitution gives gays the right to marry, in an argument that revealed a chasm among the justices on one of the country's most divisive issues.
A decision to back out of the case would be an anticlimax to a clash billed as potentially the biggest civil-rights dispute in decades. It would let same-sex marriage resume in California, without directly affecting the rest of the country.
Justice Anthony Kennedy, often the court's swing vote, twice asked whether the most prudent course would be not to rule in the case, which centers on California's Proposition 8, a voter-approved ban on gay marriage. He said the case was taking the court into "uncharted waters."
"I just wonder if the case was properly granted," Kennedy said during the 80-minute session Tuesday in Washington. He suggested the appeals court decision striking down Proposition 8 was too narrow to warrant a high court ruling on the sweeping questions in the case.
The argument comes as public support for gay marriage hits record levels. Nine states and the District of Columbia now let gay couples marry. President Barack Obama backs same-sex marriage, and his top Supreme Court lawyer urged the court to overturn Proposition 8.
The high court has a spectrum of options. It could reinstate California's ban, known as Proposition 8, and leave each state to make its own decision about letting gays marry. It could issue a narrow ruling that would create a right to gay marriage in California and perhaps a handful of other states. Or it could announce a constitutional right to gay marriage nationwide.
The court could also sidestep the marriage issue by ruling on procedural grounds. The justices spent about 20 minutes today debating whether the supporters of Proposition 8 have "standing" to defend it on appeal. A ruling that they don't would reinstate a trial judge's decision declaring Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional.
The session highlighted a deep divide among the nine justices. Chief Justice John Roberts led the Republican- appointed wing in suggesting states shouldn't be required to recognize gay marriages.
"I'm not sure that it's right to view this as excluding a particular group," Roberts said. "When the institution of marriage developed historically, people didn't get around and say let's have this institution, but let's keep out homosexuals. The institution developed to serve purposes that, by their nature, didn't include homosexual couples."
The four Democratic-appointed justices voiced support for gay marriage. Justice Elena Kagan questioned the contention by proponents of Proposition 8 that marriage was designed to foster and regulate procreation. She asked whether the state could bar any marriages when both people are over 55.
"I can just assure you, if both the woman and the man are over the age of 55, there are not a lot of children coming out of that marriage," Kagan said.
Kennedy aimed questions at both sides. He suggested that children of same-sex couples suffer "immediate legal injury" from California's ban.
"They want their parents to have full recognition and full status," Kennedy said. "The voice of those children is important in this case, don't you think?"
At the same time, Kennedy said the reasoning of the federal appeals court that struck down California's ban was "very odd."
Kennedy has been a champion of gay rights in past cases, writing the 2003 decision that said states can't criminalize gay sex acts. Even so, he made clear in that case that he wasn't passing judgment on same-sex marriage.
The case is the first of two gay-marriage arguments this week for the court, which Wednesday will take up the 1996 U.S. Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA. That law defines marriage as a heterosexual institution, barring legally married gay couples from claiming the federal benefits available to opposite-sex married couples.
The packed courtroom audience included actor and director Rob Reiner, as well as other spectators who spent as many as four nights waiting in line, sometimes in rain and snow, to secure a seat for the historic session. Also in attendance was Roberts' cousin, Jean Podrasky, who told the Los Angeles Times this week that she is gay and supports same-sex marriage.
Outside the court, thousands of other people demonstrated on both sides of the issue. Gay marriage supporters cheered a man in a pink fishnet leotard and a rainbow skirt who danced in front of people holding signs that read "Same Sex Marriage Dooms Nation" and "Death Penalty For Fags."
California voters approved Proposition 8 in 2008. The ballot initiative reversed a decision by the California Supreme Court, which five months earlier had said the state constitution guaranteed the right to gay marriage.
Gay marriage is on hold in California while the litigation plays out. More than 18,000 same-sex couples were married in the state before the ballot initiative passed.
In challenging the law, former Republican Solicitor General Theodore Olson joined forces with David Boies, his opponent from the Bush v. Gore case, which resolved the 2000 presidential election deadlock. The pair, representing two same- sex couples, set out to win a Supreme Court ruling establishing gay marriage as a constitutional right.
At the appeals court level, they instead won a narrower ruling with limited applicability beyond California's borders. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Proposition 8 violated the constitutional guarantee of equal protection by stripping same-sex couples of a right they once had -- and that heterosexual couples would continue to possess.
Supporters of the law are led by Dennis Hollingsworth, a former California state senator.
Their lawyer, Charles Cooper, said Tuesday that states should be allowed to work through the "agonizingly difficult issue."
"The question before this court is whether the Constitution puts a stop to that ongoing democratic debate and answers this question for all 50 states," Cooper argued.
Olson argued that Proposition 8 "was stigmatizing a class of Californians based upon their status and labeling their most cherished relationships as second-rate, different, unequal and not OK."
He sparred with Justice Antonin Scalia, who made little secret of his disagreement with Olson's contentions.
"When did it become unconstitutional to exclude homosexual couples from marriage?" Scalia asked. "1791? 1868, when the 14th Amendment was adopted?"
Olson responded with his own rhetorical questions, alluding to landmark Supreme Court decisions on race discrimination.
"When did it become unconstitutional to prohibit interracial marriage?" Olson asked. "When did it become unconstitutional to assign children to separate schools?"
Scalia said the answers to those questions were easy ones. "At the time that the equal protection clause was adopted," he said, before adding, "but don't give me a question to my question."
When Scalia repeated his question later, Olson responded, "You've never required that before."
Support for gay marriage has soared in recent years. A Pew Research Center poll released last week found that 49 percent of adults supported legalization, with 44 percent opposed. Ten years earlier a Pew poll found 33 percent in support, with 58 percent opposed. The latest poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Californians back gay marriage by almost 2-1, with 61 percent supporting it and 32 percent opposed, according to a Field Poll released last month. That survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Tuesday's session was exactly a year after the justices heard the first day of arguments on Obama's health-care law.
— With assistance from Nick Taborek in Washington.


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Grab Some Popcorn: Here Comes the GOP Civil War
Grab some popcorn and watch the GOP and the tea party tear each other down.
Get out your popcorn everyone, because the Republican Civil War is starting to really get good.
As I wrote yesterday, there is growing evidence that the GOP leadership is trying to make a shutdown pivot, reframing its demands in terms of spending, the budget and entitlements rather than Obamacare (prompting NBC's First Read to ask if the GOP even knows what it wants right now). Leadership's problem is that this sends the fanatical right – the people who forced the shutdown in the first place – into new rounds of apoplexy.
To wit, take this morning's missive from Red State honcho Erick Erickson:
I'm being told by several sources that Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor are plotting to give up trying to either defund or delay Obamacare.
In doing so, they will sow the seeds of a real third party movement that will fully divide the Republican Party.
[ See a collection of political cartoons on the Republican Party.]
So on the one hand you've got Erickson flatly threatening to elevate the split within the GOP to a full-blown third-party movement. At the same time, the party's long-time allies in the business community seem increasingly ready to start hitting back against Erickson and the conservative fringe. As Eric Lipton, Nick Confessore and Nelson D. Schwartz write of the business community in today's New York Times:
Their frustration has grown so intense in recent days that several trade association officials warned in interviews on Wednesday that they were considering helping wage primary campaigns against Republican lawmakers who had worked to engineer the political standoff in Washington.
Such an effort would thrust Washington's traditionally cautious and pragmatic business lobby into open warfare with the Tea Party faction, which has grown in influence since the 2010 election and won a series of skirmishes with the Republican establishment in the last two years.
[ See a collection of political cartoons on the government shutdown.]
The whole piece is worth a read just for the quotes from the moneyed conservative interests who have happily made common cause with the tea party's semi-libertarian, quasi-populist Jacobins but seem to have suddenly realized that the fringe really is (a) loopy, (b) more in charge of day-to-day GOP strategy than the business community and (c) actively hostile to the traditional big business-GOP alliance. "There clearly are people in the Republican Party at the moment for whom the business community and the interests of the business community – the jobs and members they represent – don't seem to be their top priority," the National Federation of Independent Business' Dan Danner tells the Times, apparently surprised that the grassroots foot soldiers have turned on them.
And they affirmatively, aggressively have. One of the key groups in the shutdown is Heritage Action, the activist arm of the Heritage Foundation. Its CEO, Michael Needham, opened his appearance yesterday at a press breakfast sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor by approvingly noting articles in recent weeks about the extent to which K Street is losing its influence in the GOP as the tea party gains power.
[ See a collection of political cartoons on the tea party.]
He said:
The Republican Party is in a bind right now between their kind of base voters who authentically believe in Ronald Reagan's vision of conservatism and K Street ... There is in fact a problem in this country of people with big influence, let it be big Wall Street, big corporations, big labor unions, big government having more of a seat at the table than conservative constituents.
When Slate's John Dickerson asked him about the prospect of a "massive crackup of the old order" rending the GOP from its traditional alliance with big business, Needham's response was: "I'm pretty optimistic that it's going to happen and it's going to happen pretty soon."
Pass the popcorn.
- Read Peter Roff: Eventually, Obama Will Have to Compromise and Negotiate Over the Shutdown
- Read Pat Garofalo: Republicans Remain Ignorant of Disastrous Sequester Effects
- Check out U.S. News Weekly, now availableon iPad


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Amid the sound bites that are today's vacuous, doctrinaire national politics stands history's Belleville native and former U.S. senator Alan Dixon. He's 86 now and recently spoke to the Belleville Chamber of Commerce. Dixon's career represented several of the noble traits of statesmanship missing in politics. He was ferocious, non-partisan and principled.
Ferocious is a strong adjective but that was Dixon. No less an authority than former senator Sam Nunn's chief legislative aid told me Dixon was "a bulldog -- once he grabbed hold of an issue that he cared about, he never let go." As counterpoint, consider today's media-friendly on-camera interview recipe: (a) corral a reporter with a camera; (b) recite some staff-prepped, catchy, empty-headed dogma; and (c) move on. Dixon spoke for himself and he persevered behind the scenes and without the camera.
Non-partisan is a vanishing D.C. politician today; but Dixon's mantra was Democrat and fiscal conservative. Wanna find that middle-of-the-road and compromise-amenable combination in today's Senate? Good luck.
Principled? Name one in today's party-line, lock-step Congress. Dixon, a Democrat, voted to confirm now Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. It ended his U.S. Senate career as perhaps he knew it might; but you won't find him directing responsibility elsewhere then or now. "I believed the man" was his explanation, and let the chips fall where they may.
We Bellevillians, indeed we Americans, are not likely to soon see a statesman like Dixon.
Eric Weidmann


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A camping recipe from Sheryl. Highly adaptable recipe. Good for dessert as well as breakfast. I've even cooked it over the top of a pork loin, that was awesome! I made it originally for my family, especially at holiday meals. When I got my first Dutch oven, it just seemed like this recipe was made for it. I bragged to our then reigning cub scout camp chef that my apple crisp recipe was better than hers. Now I make it for all our outings. Once I didn't put it on the menu and the children begged and the grown folks whined until somebody got in their truck and drove 20 miles to get the supplies! Can you tell we like it?
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
- 4 pounds of apples
- half a box of quick oats (oatmeal)
- 1/4 cup cinnamon
- 1 pound dark brown sugar
- 1-1/2 sticks of butter
- handful or 2 of water
- caramel sauce, for topping
Core and slice apples into a 12-inch Dutch oven (or large baking pan if you are trying it at home), filling it to approximately 2 inches from the top. Mix cinnamon, oats, and brown sugar with your hands in a separate bowl until well mixed, fine and crumbly. Dump oat mix on top of the apples, evenly spread it out over the apples and push everything down firmly in the pan. Top with sliced butter pieces and sprinkle with a little water before you put the lid on. You can also add some more water sprinkles on top if it looks too dry during cooking. Cook about 35-45 minutes or until it smells like cobbler. Dutch oven cooking time may vary. In the oven at home it's pretty consistent at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. The ingredient amounts are all flexible; it has never turned out bad! This recipe comes out juicy, with a thick sauce and a crunchy crust. Prefer a thinner crust? Reduce topping materials. Too juicy for you? Reduce butter and water. I usually put all the dry things together in a zipper bag. One less task at camp.
Do You Cook at the Campground?
Servings: a lot!
Do You Cook at the Campground?
Submit Your Camping Recipe


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Sometimes, it's just not your day. So it was with Valencia, who managed to drop points to the supposed minnows of Group E in the opening game of their 2011 UEFA Champions League campaign. Racing Genk away looked like an easy start for the winners of last year's annual competition to find the best Spanish team that isn't Real Madrid or Barcelona, and in truth it should have been - Valencia swamped their opponents in terms of possession and out-shot them 22-7. However, you can score if you can't shoot straight, and the visitors mustered just four of those 22 shots on frame, barely threatening László Köteles' goal, and that's the sort of thing that leads to a 0-0 draw.
The closest Valencia came to scoring was from a second-half corner kick, when defencer Adil Rami rattled the bar with Köteles beaten, but other than that Genk defended deeply and proved very difficult to break down, with Valencia too often forced into taking low-percentage potshots from range. Anyway, the Spaniards are left to rue both their profligacy and their relative inability to break down a stubborn defence - the draw may prove very costly in the grand scheme of the group, where it looks like second place will be a battle between Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen (who lost at Chelsea).


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Honda Element
I really like the blue. It is similar to the Atlantic blue pearl on Subaru Legacies and Tribecas. Seems the exact same color as the Atomic Blue on 2006 Civics. It is a little darker and richer than Ocean Mist Metallic on Odysseys and less aquamarine than the steel blue Metallics on Pilots and Ridgelines.
The painted panels of the EX-P are way too bland in my opinion. They make a cutting edge, funky small SUV look like every other small SUV out there.
I still love the EX with the black plastic body panels. Too bad Honda's color selections for the '06 EX stinks. The awesome looking Tangerine is only available on the EX-P.
I recently (about 3 mo. ago) got my Element (AWD 5-speed) and I'm very happy with it. I've always wondered how the E would look with painted panels. Now that I've seen it, I have to agree with allfiredup. It's not ugly, but it does take something away from the styling of the E, in my opinion at least. Anyway, sorry to get off the subject, but i have a question about the drivetrain of the E. Does anyone happen to know what the difference (if any) is between the differentials on the 04 and 05 models. The specs on Edmuns say the 04 has a rear limited slip only, but the 05 has a center limited slip as well as a rear one. What exactly is a center LSD? I tried to backtrack through the posts (almost all of them, took me 3 hours ), but couldn't find anything on this subject. BTW, my E is an 04. I managed to find a new one in mid 05.
Thanx for any explanation Check
Glad someone agrees with me that the painted panels don't look as good as the black ones. It looks like just another small SUV with the monochrome color treatment, particularly in non-flashy colors.
For technical questions, if you don't get an answer on here, you might want to try vtec.net (a Honda enthusiast site) and hondaelement.org (an Element enthusiast/owner site). They're both great sources of information.
Congrats on the Element! What color did you get?
meganb Posts: 14I just took a look at a silver 2006 EX-P. i LOVE the painted panels but I really wish the interior was all gray and not two toned blue and gray but oh well. Great headroom and love the side folding backseats.
Unrelated, can someone give a description of what it's like to have the car in 4WD? im used to the Jeeps where there is a separate shifting....just curious and would love to know any and all experiences. We travel in the snow w/ snowboards and gear a lot (and through the mountains quite a bit in all seasons) and just want to know the Element is up to the task.
Thanx to everyone for the info. I thought it a little strange that I didn't see any advertisement say the E has a limited slip diff. Oh, well. Can't have it all, I guess . My Element is a EX in Sunset Orange Pearl. I still drool every time I see the the color under bright sunlight. So...gorgeous...
Anyway, Meganb, I myself still haven't had the chance to try the AWD system in snow, but I can tell you it works very well in the rain. I tried to accelerate hard on some wet leaves just to test it out. The front wheels spin for a fraction of a sec. before the rears kick in and the E just takes off. I'm very curious myself of how the car will perform in the Chicago winter (I know, I know...we don't have it as bad as some of you out there :P ) Are you thinking of buying an Element, megan? Pleas get back to us, if you do buy one.
You probably won't ever know when the vehicle's AWD is operating. It just does.
I had a 1999 CR-V with RT4WD until recently. I frequently hit the slopes in NH and VT and used the CR-V to go back and forth. I never had a problem so long as I was alert and cautious in bad conditions.
dslightam Posts: 12Checkin' back in, haven't read the forum for a while. 2005 was a big year for me, got a dog, a wife, a new job, and most importantly (just kidding honey) a '05 MT/EX Cargo Khaki Element. Went to the dealer for the 10k lube oil and rotate today. Honeymoon road-trips and various other adventures racked up the miles quickly. Low-end I get 22mpg. On our road trip I got 28mpg with a big [non-permissible content removed] rocket box on top! Usually it's somewhere in between. Wish it was somehow 10mpg better but it could be worse. I can't wait for the snowboarding season to start up again. W only got a few mountain trips in last season with the new wheels. So far awesome. We even slept in it numerous times this summer. Now we put an air mattress in it that we blow up using the rear power socket! Dog loves it, wife loves it, friends (when I have the back seats in) tell me they like it, but maybe they're just being polite and think I should have gone with consumer reports-best-all-around-whatever.
Saw the new painted panel style today from afar, but didn't give it much thought. One question occurred to me though: Are the painted panels metal or plastic. If metal does that add weight? If plastic, how did they get that to match? Just curious.
Nothing against the painted panels, they look alright, but I don't regret getting the two-tone especially in Khaki. To me it's part of the Element's design and style, either you like it or not. Gal. Green was our first choice but no one had it so we "settled" for the Khaki and were won over by it. Not so sure about the newer flashy colors. I suppose it depends on if you keep the car for lots of years and whether or not that color that looks neato now someday just looks silly. If I were buying now I'd try to get them to sell me an '05 cheap. Superficials aside, I'm still a huge fan of the concept and the car.


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As a little boy, Hurley carefully lays out his father's tools. They're repairing a Camaro together, and today they're going to work on the carburetor. But his father, David, wants Hurley to try and start the Camaro anyway. Of course nothing happens, and Hurley says it was stupid to try. David says having hope is never stupid. In this world you make your own luck. Then David tells Hurley he's going away for awhile and leaves.
On the island, Hurley talks to Libby at her grave and tells her he misses her. [quote-right]Later, he runs into Charlie and asks him why he's been moping around. Charlie confesses that Desmond told him he's going to die. Hurley thinks it's his fault. Death finds him because of the cursed numbers and lottery winnings. Charlie says that's ridiculous right as Vincent runs up carrying a skeletal arm in his mouth with a set of car keys hooked on it. Hurley chases Vincent through the jungle. Vincent drops the arm in a clearing, and Hurley sees a mini van tipped over on its side in the foliage. He is strangely excited by the discovery.
At the beach camp, Sun tries to teach Jin English, but it's frustrating for both of them. Hurley races back and tells everyone about the van. He wants to repair it and get it running because it'll be fun. However, no one cares except for Jin. He's happy to get away from Sun.
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This is not a vent board or any other kind of therapy. Before you hit the POST button, ask yourself if your contribution will add to the level of discussion going on.
Important notes on articles:
9 is correct. The other two do not answer the questions. by Otter
Although you have the right movies.


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July 13, 2014
This is the main view of the map. As you can see, it's mostly just weather radar of the impacts from Superstorm Sandy. There is a list of different views you can select to understand the situation in the Northeast.
Weather and Observations: High Wind Probability
If you select this tool, the map will show you where the high winds are most likely to exceed 39-miles-per-hour. As of 3 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, Harrisonburg was somewhere in the 20 to 30 percent likelihood range, while cities that lay more north on the map, such as Luray, were in the 90 to 100 percent likelihood range.
Webcams and YouTube videos
If you click on the webcam and YouTube tool, you can see videos and live webcams that are organized by location.
This is a map of the impacts of Superstorm Sandy on New York City. You can take a look at evacuation zones, emergency shelters and links to power outage maps of the area.


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Date: 4th&5th July
Introducing LA.X NIGERIA!!!!!!!
The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here!!! LA.X Nigeria's first high street store opens its doors to our online family,another first from the stables of xclamations! Our growing range of products include printed pants,camisoles,day dresses and funky casual pieces for guys all in the quality we are famous for and at pocket friendly prices. Our physical stores will open in July 2014 but before then you can start shopping on xclamations.net just in time for summer!
Style of the week
This week Xclamations! presents our stylish back to school top for all our fabulous yummy mummy's out there...Available in new and exciting colors.
Our Steal Of The Week: The Lovely indigo blue denim dress. A " Steal" @ N8,000 only...Hurry while stock lasts!
Our steal of the week is the very chic bow belts. Available in brown and black.A steal at N3,000 only.Offer last while stock lasts. Watch out for next weeks steal!
Our 2013 summer luvin collection hits our stores early this year.Making its debut in may instead of June. The collection is our most robost summer collection yet. Boasting a very vibrant range of colors in textures ranging from our signature linens,laces, cotton,chiffon and silk.See you soon.
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It really does matter
Added on Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100
Have you ever looked at your work and considered it unimportant? Afterall you are not the president of the united states,you are not re- habilitating destitutes or caring for orphans(All worthy causes by the way), you don't preach on a pulpit or raise money for cancer awareness. You are just doing what you do,baking those cookies, creating beautifull spaces,auditing,caring for your kids and in the grand scheme of things it doesn't matter.....or so you think. I felt this way for the longest time......
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Added on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 00:25:06 +0100
I love what I do ! Actually that's not right,I really really love what I do! After 10 years in the business of fashion I have learnt a few things about myself and I came to a surprising conclusion recently while taking stock of the years......what I really do love about being the boss lady at xclamations is not really designing clothes(yeah it shocked me too) what I love,truly love at my core...what I would do without getting paid is meeting people.I love people(some of my staff may challenge .....
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Added on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0100
If I had a penny for everytime someone asked me " How can I turn this into a business?'' I would would have made a small fortune. Everywhere I go I see people desperate to make a living out of a hobby or skill they have but very few actually do it.I am fotunate to be one of a few who have managed to turn "what they love" to "" what they do" and I have learnt a few lessons in my ten year journey and even more intriguing are the excuses people give for not stepping out.I will share some of t.....
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"No be God?"
Added on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:44:29 +0100
It was the beginning of another season....another collection was due and that meant my staff and customers were waiting to see what was new and I had nothing! Soooo much was happenning,we had outgrown our factory and had begun the uphill task of moving to a bigger one,the kids had just resumed school and so school runs and mummy duties took up my day and the last thing I felt like doing was designing! i put pen to sketch pad a dozen times and nothing,nada,zilch! I asked myself the same questi.....
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House call!
Added on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:12:27 +0100
I had promised myself I would stop making house calls not just because of the extra effort involved but because I truly believe it denies our customer of a complete " Xclamations experience" but there was something about this lady that made me give in. She was a guest at a talk show a client of mine hosted and had asked to meet the designer of the kaftan her host was wearing.My customer called immediately after the interview to pass on her details. I am really not a fan of the celebrity phen.....
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....The rest is history.
Added on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:52:09 +0100
It had been a long day ,Lagos traffic was at it's peak and my little red car was overheating again but I needed the money and worst still I couldnt afford to dissapoint a "first time customer". " Have you told her I'm here...its been twenty minuites....." I said politely to a "not so polite" receptionist "hmmm" she replied, barely looking at me over her magazine. I didnt mind ...it had been three months since I left my bank job to start "peddling" my designs from office to office...nobody said .....
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Added on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 11:13:49 +0100
"I love Michelle" she said admiring herself in our full length mirror.Her new buy fit like a glove." I know i have it in two colors already but each one is stunning...this is your best design yet!" I smilled in appreciation,i can never get tired of being complimented on my work.We packed up her dress neatly,she paid for it and left the shop smilling. Barely ten minuites later another customer walks in spotting an opra tunic " I have a dinner party to attend today and i need something extra spe.....
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What to wear...the age old dilema
Added on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:15:29 +0100
"Hi girl, its my birthday on monday....cant believe i'm forty already! would love you to come over to Helen's to celebrate.I know you are a busy business woman but all my new friends would love to meet you. See ya!" A simple, harmless message from an old friend but as innocent as it sounds, a message like this can(and will) give a woman heart palputations, cause panic attacks and raise blood pressure....why? you might ask( and if "you" are are asking "you" must be a man) well because it raises.....
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Kaftans and tunics
Added on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:12:52 +0100
She stepped into my showroom wearing a radiant smile with a pep in her step. She looked comfortable in her own skin and fabulouse in that Kaftan. I thought she looked familiar but couldnt tell how exactly, but one thing was sure that kaftan was mine.....i just never forget a design...call me cuckoo but they are like my babies." Hello madam, welcome to Xclamations.Would you like to view our latest collection" I managed to say still "eyeing" her outfit. "Actually I would like.....
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text:
World sailing champion Vanessa Dudley, who is competing in her 18th Sydney to Hobart. Photo: Sahlan Hayes
Even after 17 Sydney to Hobart Yacht races, Ragamuffin crewmember Vanessa Dudley, 55, still gets nervous on Christmas Day and has to watch what she eats to avoid seasickness.
Ms Dudley will be sailing alongside 86-year-old skipper, Syd Fischer, and over 20 other crewmembers in the annual Boxing Day race.
"[There's] only one woman though, so this is lady luck for the Ragamuffin," said NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads Ray Williams, pointing to world sailing champion Ms Dudley.
Sydney to Hobart veteran Syd Fischer. Photo: Ben Rushton
Having started sailing when she was nine years old at Manly Yacht Club, Ms Dudley has gone on to win the Laser Grand Masters world championship in Oman earlier this year.
"Sometimes you wonder why you put yourself in ... not harms way but … I'm a bit of a chicken in real life. It's a really cliché but you feel the fear and do it anyway."
Ms Dudley is optimistic that the 100 foot Ragamuffin will complete the 628 nautical mile race quickly.
"They're getting shorter because the boats are getting faster as years go by. I've done a Hobart race that's taken six days and this one will take a couple of days," said Ms Dudley.
Ragamuffin will be one of 94 yachts which will race out of Sydney's heads after the starter's cannon at 1pm on Thursday.
"We think we've probably been the underdogs a little bit because Wild Oats hass obviously got a fantastic record and there's a big boat - ex-speed boat, now Loyal - which has had a lot of media coverage, so we're really looking forward to getting in and mixing with them."
There is a record number of international competitors this year with 22 overseas entries.
It's expected the race will begin against a backdrop of cloud and possibly even rain, that could allow a speedy exit through the heads for the boats but a choppy day for spectators on the water, Ms Dudley said.
"The smaller spectator boats can get thrown around like crazy so it's better for everyone if they take it easy," she said.
The NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads Ray Williams warned racegoers on the water to respect exclusion zones, wear life jackets and drink responsibly this Boxing Day.
"When you've got a lot of smaller vessels, as we normally do see, we're expecting some choppy conditions, especially in the harbour when we've got so many vessels that are out there - it makes the conditions just a little bit more awkward."


text:
Certain orthopedic conditions are commonly seen in pregnant women. Learn about these conditions seen during pregnancy and what you can do for treatment of these conditions.
1. Low Back Pain
It makes sense that low back pain is the most common orthopedic complaint during pregnancy. More than half of all pregnant women experience significant back pain during pregnancy. The extra weight of the baby, and the awkward distribution of weight causes muscle fatigue and spasm in the back. While treatment can be difficult during pregnancy, problems seldom linger after delivery. Having a strong back before becoming pregnant can help your body prepare for the weight of the baby.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that compresses one of the important nerves in the wrist. Typically patients with carpal tunnel syndrome complain of pain, tingling and numbness in the fingers. Treatment can usually be accomplished with simple steps including night splints.


text:
Montrose Emblem Club #91
Jan 31st @ 7:04 am in Local Events, News, People, Public Service by Scott Staley
Montrose, CO-Montrose Emblem Club #91, an affiliate of the Montrose Elks Lodge, has announced that scholarship applications are now available. Two scholarships will be awarded to graduating seniors from Montrose and/or Olathe High Schools. Applicants must be students who are hard-working, active in their school, striving for further education and who demonstrate financial need. They should also demonstrate strength of character and emotional maturity and stability. Applications and further information are available at the MHS and OHS guidance offices. The deadline for applications is April 18, 2013.


text:
|Our Company
T. G. Design, Inc. d/b/a Bruce Interiors is a full service interior design firm that specializes in
residential design projects; both new construction and renovations of existing homes. We are
located in the mountains of western North Carolina, in the historic city of Hendersonville,
which is between Asheville, N.C. and Greenville, S.C.
Having earned the confidence of our clients for over 30 years, Bruce Interiors has long-term
success and extensive experience in primary and second home projects. Be assured that we
can provide you exceptional service, whether your needs concern a permanent home, vacation
home or maybe a yacht interior.
If you are building a new home and plan to hire a designer, get us on board along with your
builder and architect during the early stages. Let us review your existing inventory, if there is
one, and your interior requirements before costly changes have to be made!
Upscale public spaces such as clubhouses, luxury condominium lobbies, client waiting areas,
fine dining restaurants and other venues that require a "first class" residential look and feel
are a specialty of ours also.
A Little Philosophy
If there is one thing that over 30 years as a designer has taught Bruce L. Sprinkle, A.S.I.D. it
is this: Respect the client's style. Being that his hobby is model railroading, one of Bruce's
favorite sayings to his clients is, "You're paying the freight, so you get to drive the train. My
job is to keep you on the tracks!"
T. G. Design's business motto is "Providing exceptional interior design services, art and
accessories with honesty and integrity to enhance our clients' surroundings."
We are comfortable creating all styles of interiors, including contemporary, traditional or
rustic. So, we believe that an integral part of "keeping you on the tracks" is enhancing your
surroundings with YOUR style, not what we might think your style is, or should be. After all,
aren't you the one who is living there?
Local Projects
Some of our completed and current projects include the following residential communities
located in Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Mills River and Lake Lure, North Carolina, as
well as, Travelers Rest and Landrum, South Carolina:
Cedar Rock at Biltmore Lake, Connestee Falls, Fairfield Mountain (now known as Rumbling
Bald Resort), Biltmore Forest, Champion Hills, Brights Creek, Cliffs at Mountain Park, Cliffs at
Glassy, Straus Park, Crystal Heights and The Homestead at Mills River.
Our Community
We are honored to announce that we are a member of the volunteer team for the new Believe
In Tomorrow House at Pinnacle Falls located near Hendersonville. The Believe in Tomorrow
Children's Foundation is constructing this house dedicated to the Military Initiative, which
prioritizes military families in retreat houses.
Once completed, this retreat house will provide, free of charge to military families of critically
ill children, a chance to have some much needed vacation time together during their time of
It is with great pride that we are a charity partner with "Believe in Tomorrow" and we will
update our website as the venture progresses. For more information about this wonderful
organization, go to the website for the Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation.
Contact us at Bruce Interiors, 611 Kanuga Street, Hendersonville, NC 28739, telephone
828.692.1853 or e-mail email@example.com.


text:
Michala Petri Plays Very Old and Very New Music
Soft-spoken, unassuming Michala Petri is a world-famous recorder player who lives in Denmark. When I phoned her in late October for this interview she was driving her car. She stopped to chat near a beautiful countryside lake near her home. She said that her place was quite near a small city, so it was a convenient area for an artist.
Q: Listening to classical radio in various cities one hears all sorts of pronunciations of your first name. How do you say it?
A: It's
-hala. The ch has always has a "k" sound, but I'm used to hearing many different pronunciations. In England and the United States they say Mi-
-la and in Germany, Mi-
-a, for example.
Q: At what age did you start studying the recorder?
A: I was three years old when my father, who was a violinist, gave me one. He brought it home from a concert tour as a present for me. I loved it and started learning it. I think I was five when I first played on the radio, and soon after that I played in a children's competition at my music school. I remember that because it was my first experience with a live audience. I won it, but I was not the only child who got a first prize. They gave out prizes for each instrument. What I remember from my childhood is that I liked my lessons and I even liked practicing. I remember hearing my mother say that I played early in the mornings and on Sundays. She thought I really did not need to play so much, but I was enjoying it. Of course, as I got older I enjoyed all of it in a more mature way. The possibility of finding how to play something in a different manner still fascinates me. I loved performing then and I still love it today.
When I was 11 I began to study with Professor Ferdinand Konrad in Hannover, Germany. He was considered the best recorder teacher of the time. The professor was two generations older than I. He was from the generation before Frans Brüggen, who is considered to have brought the recorder out of obscurity. My mother took me to play for Konrad because she wanted his opinion on what I should do for the future. As soon as he heard me play, he said he wanted to teach me himself. My parents thought that was a good offer that they could not turn down, so I enrolled in the German school. I still lived in Denmark, however, so my mother drove me some 800 kilometers to Hannover every week. I studied with Konrad until I was 17, so he was my most influential teacher.
Q: Did you start to learn German when you studied in Hannover?
A: Since my mother always went to the lessons with me, I did not need to speak it right away, but I heard it all the time and soon understood it. I did learn to speak it after a while and it became my first foreign language. In Danish schools, the first foreign language we learn is English. All our movies have English subtitles, too, so we see it all the time.
Q: Did you ever study the transverse flute?
A: When I was 12, my parents wanted me to also learn the transverse flute so they could be sure of my being prepared to earn a living playing in an orchestra, if that is what I wanted to do. They thought the flute was safer and I would probably think the same thing if I were counseling a child. As a result, I played both recorder and flute for four years. At the end of that time, I had so many recorder engagements that the choice no longer mattered.
Q: When did you start touring as a soloist?
A: From age 17 to 34 I toured for at least 10 months every year, frequently spending as little as two days in each city. I played with some great musicians, though, and I often learned from them, if only intuitively. I have also learned a great deal from listening to the recordings of great artists. When I was younger, I had some 30 vinyl recordings that I played over and over again. I had the Schumann Piano Concerto, the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, the Schubert Octet, and a few more discs. Today, I hear those works in a very special way because I know them so well. I love to listen to them with a score in my hand so I can be sure to hear some of the harmonic lines that are somewhat obscure. For example, I might want to follow the viola part. There are sonorities that you don't notice unless you watch the score while you listen. When I play, I also like to bring out passages that are not the most obvious. You don't need to emphasize the most easily heard high points in a piece of music. The listener will always be aware of them. It's the little details in between the highlights that need to be pointed out.
Q: Do you ever conduct?
A: No, I have always said that I would never conduct. I have a very busy schedule playing the recorder and I'm very happy with that. However, as I get older I see many other soloists conducting the performances they play. I don't think I'll ever do it, but I do feel a growing confidence in what I have learned. I feel I can pass that on by teaching, however. Everyone who plays the recorder does it for his own valid reasons. People understand intuitively that it is a very natural instrument. That is a very good thing, but it is also a major challenge. Basically, it is just a piece of wood with eight holes in it. The challenge is to color the tone and make it beautiful. Because it is such a simple instrument, most people can relate to playing it more easily than they can to a more sophisticated instrument like a violin. It seems much friendlier than many orchestral instruments. Also, many people learn to play a recorder as children and that makes them comfortable with it.
Q: Which composers' music do you like best to play?
A: I started my career off playing Baroque music and I still love to play Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, etc. However, I don't think I would be playing the recorder today if I only had Baroque music in my repertoire. Playing contemporary music has also been very important to me. I feel that I can be more energetic and that I can express myself more strongly in contemporary music. It's a problem to tell you whose music I like best to play because I always like the music I'm playing. I really can't see music from the outside when I'm working on it. It's hard to choose some pieces over others that I also play, but I will try. One composer whose music I really enjoy playing is Malcolm Arnold. Another one is Gordon Jacob, also an English composer. I love the work of film composer Richard Harvey, as well. Actually, they give us three generations of English music. Many of the new pieces I play have been written for me. I commissioned the Arnold concerto. Harvey wrote his piece especially for me. Chinese composers Bright Sheng and Chen Yi wrote beautiful works for me, too. There are also some good Danish composers who should be better known. Per Norgård and Vagn Holmboe are two of them. Another composer who has written a work for me is the American Steven Stucky. Roberto Sierra also wrote a work for Manuel Barrueco and myself. All of them have given us fabulous music.
Q: Do you teach now?
A: I am starting to teach, slowly. I feel that by this time in my life I have a great deal of experience. I think it is right to begin passing it on to others. However, I also love commissioning new pieces and I like to work on developing the recorder as an instrument. In the past I thought that my time was best used that way. Now, for the first time, I will be a visiting professor at the Royal Danish Conservatory. I will be involved in projects there rather than teaching students on a regular basis, though. I get so many letters asking if I teach that I am slowly beginning to consider that idea.
Q: Are there famous makers of recorders?
A: Yes. One of the most famous makers was Fred Morgan, an Australian who, unfortunately, died in a car crash about 10 years ago. Another is Friedrich von Huehne of Brookline, Massachusetts. A third is a German maker, Ralf Ehlert. When I play a handmade recorder, it's often the Ehlert. However, I play Moeck or Mollenhauer factory-made instruments a great deal. Moeck's recorders are copies of originals. I started playing them as a child and have always enjoyed them. Factory instruments are a little more primitive than handmade ones. They do not have a tone of their own, whereas the handmade ones often have a set tone that is hard to color. I find it easier to vary the color of the tone on the factory-made instruments. The handmade recorders often have a beautiful set tone, but you cannot change it. I like to color the tone to make it my own. I enjoy projecting the meaning of the music to the audience. I like to communicate through the music. For that reason I don't mind playing the same piece many times on a tour. It's the communication with the audience that is important to me. When I play the factory-made instrument, I can vary the sound more and make it express what I want to say. It's a little like singing. While some singers only have one basic sound, others can vary their tones to fit various pieces of music. In listening to a new recording by Renée Fleming, I was really surprised at how much she varied her sound from one selection to another. Mollenhauer invented a modern recorder with a larger tone. The bore inside is different and you can vary its sound more easily than most. The smallest recorders can almost always be heard over an orchestra, but some of the larger ones can blend into the ambient sound too much. Generally, the larger the recorder, the softer its sound, but with the Mollenhauer, it's no problem.
Q: What can you tell us about your most recent recordings?
A: I love the Chinese compositions because they demand so much from the recorder. My newest recording is the one with the Chinese recorder concertos. I think it is very important musically. This music demands a great deal of expression and tone coloration. When you first encounter Chinese music you may think it is very simple and straightforward. The tune may be repeated a number of times, but each time it has a different orchestration. The pieces are logically constructed and they are very satisfying to play. For example, Tang Jianping's
Fei Ge
is one big development from beginning to end. It's 25 minutes long. When you think there is nothing more to develop, he finds another way of progressing. It's a little like Ravel's
although it is subtler. It holds your interest and it keeps on going. When I first arrived in China, I was really struck by the culture of the people. Although the culture is ancient, the people tend to be forward-looking. They are not merely content with an illustrious past. They are a very dignified and friendly people, too. I found them to say what they thought and to make any criticism positive. I loved being in China and I think my going there has helped me to understand their music better. Perhaps Chinese music is simple because with such an advanced culture they can allow themselves artistic simplicity. There is a real greatness in their simplicity.
The Danish National Vocal Ensemble CD contains four newly written works, one of which is by Latvian composer Ugis Praulins. It's a very simple, very wonderful piece that is easy to listen to. It's well written and is a mixture of all kinds of sounds and genres. I love working with a choir because you have so much homogeneity on one hand and so much expressivity on the other. There are wonderful possibilities for a tapestry full of sound colors. It is hard work, however. It is much harder to work with a choir than with an orchestra. With the choir, everything is tremendously precise and you hear the tiniest differences. The choir on the CD consists of 21 people, all of whom are capable soloists.
I find the music on the disc of English recorder concertos interesting because it contains works of three different generations of English composers. I am most fond of Malcolm Arnold's works. His music is simple, but at the same time, deep.
Virtuoso Baroque
is my first Baroque CD in many years and it was so very good to come back to this music. With this recording, my former husband, Lars Hannibal, and I celebrated 20 years of performing together. We divorced two years ago, but we still perform together. We often played 90 concerts a year as a duo. As musicians we thought as one unit on stage. Eventually, we found that we could not leave that way of thinking behind when we were off stage. After some years we decided to live separately. We found that it was better that way, so we divorced. Our music still ties us together, however.
Michaela Petri (rcr); Stephen Layton, cond; Danish Nat'l Vocal Ens
The Nightingale.
Nemesis Divina.
2 Scenes with Skylark
Michala Petri (rcr); Lars Hannibal (lt) (period instruments)
Sonata in d,
TWV 41:d4.
Sonata in F,
Sonata in G,
La Folia,
op. 5/12.
"Devil's Trill."
Sonata in B♭,


text:
There are two photos associated with this article, the USPS.com site on a mobile device (an iPod touch) and on a standard Web browser (Firefox). If you're looking at the mobile page, you'll see that there are only around 6 items on it. Contrast this with the full page which has all of those options, plus dozens more.
Don't get me wrong, I like the USPS mobile website. When I'm browsing on my iPod, most of the time the things on the mobile site are all I want to know. But sometimes they aren't.
Give Your Mobile Readers a Choice
The nice thing about the USPS.com website is that the mobile site has a link to the full site. So if I need to know how much it would cost to ship a 12oz package to Uzbekistan, I can switch to the full site and look it up. But if all I'm doing is tracking a package, I'm there right from the mobile site.
But many mobile websites don't offer this option. If you're browsing froma mobile device, you get the mobile version of the site. Period.
Mobile Sites are Useful, But You Have a Full Site for a Reason
The best designed mobile sites have the most commonly used pages and information in simple text links right from the first page - like USPS.com. But the best designed mobile sites don't assume that because the reader is visiting from a (possibly) less capable browser, that that makes them less interested in other parts of the site.
Smart designers give their readers a choice.
Rather than detecting mobile devices and then forcing the customer into a limited section of the site, you should give your readers an option to go back to the full site if they need or want to. You don't have to make it a huge link or promote it, after all, if you've chosen your site content well, most of the people visiting the mobile page will find what they're looking for without needing the full site. But those people who want more will be looking for the link. And if they can't find it, they'll avoid your site in the future.
Why Would Mobile Users Want to Use the Full Site?
As I said, if you design the mobile site well, only including the most popular pages and content, then most people won't want to use the full sized site. But there are a few situations where people will want the full site:
- They can't find the content they need. As I mentioned with the USPS.com site, if I want to check prices for sending packages, I need to use the full site.
- They don't find interesting content. This is similar to the first reason, but is more applicable to entertainment sites. If there are only 6-10 links on the mobile site, and they've read them all, then they might want to see the full site to see what other content you offer.
- They are using a browser that can handle the full site. Just because people are browsing on a mobile device doesn't mean that that mobile browser isn't as full-featured as their PC counterparts. iPhone and iPod uses Safari, Android phones use Chrome, and many other smartphones use Opera. All of these browsers have ways of handling full sized websites in a small browser window.
If you've taken the time to create a mobile friendly page, kudos to you! Many Web designers don't take that extra step. And this does a lot to help mobile users use your website without a problem.
But if you've created one, give your power users the chance to opt out. Remember, that opting out doesn't have to be fancy like a cookie that forces them to always see the non-mobile site. Something as simple as a like like the USPS.com site has makes your site more flexible and easy to use.


text: The Kramer Show and www.kramersforum.com have COMPLETE coverage of everything happening in the George Zimmerman trial. We are following it the whole way. We encourage you to sign up for the forums and get into the conversations. We even have a thread for people to follow along the trial, live. Click here for our Zimmerman Trial section.


text:
When: Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2011, 8:30 a.m.-noon
What: The Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia is the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the nation. Its long legacy dates back to 1920. There are elaborate floats, marching bands, and dance teams, along with plenty of highlights for kids, including many favorite characters from Disney and Sesame Street.
Route: The Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. at 20th and JFK Boulevard, travel down JFK Boulevard to City Hall and continue along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Art Museum. The parade ends at the Art Museum around noon. The route covers approximately 1.4 miles.
Where to Watch: Grab a spot anywhere you can along the route. You can stand and watch from anywhere along the street on come early if you'd like to sit in the bleachers, as bleacher seating is limited. You can also bring your own chairs but you'll want to arrive early to try to carve out a space for them. Logan Circle is a popular place to watch form, as well as the Philadelphia Museum of Art where the parade finishes. The Art Museum offers a fabulous view down onto the Parkway. Again, arrive early to snag a good seat or even standing room at either location. Campbell's Soup sponsors a tent at Eakins Oval where there's hot food and drinks and additional entertainment for kids.
Getting There:
If at all possible, plan to walk, bike or take SEPTA. You can take the Market-Frankford Line to 15th Street, the Broad Street Line to City Hall, any Center City trolley or bus to City Hall or any Regional Rail train to Suburban Station. If you decide to drive, remember that the parade route itself will be closed to traffic and that traffic surrounding it will be heavy. In addition, finding parking anywhere near the parade route will be challenging.
What to Bring:
Make sure you dress warmly and consider bringing a blanket as well. While late November is always pretty cold, temperatures always seem to drop even further just in time for Thanksgiving Day. Bundle up and grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the brisk air. If you come prepared, it just adds to the festive holiday atmosphere.
Out of Town Guests/Where to Stay:
Many people will be traveling to Philadelphia to visit family for the holidays, and will have the chance to catch the parade while in town. If you're choosing accommodations in Philadelphia, Center City is a convenient location for walking to the parade. If you stay on the Avenue of the Arts or along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, you may even be able to catch a glimpse of the parade out of your hotel window, but there are plenty of great neighborhoods to stay on a visit to Philadelphia that can make a great base for exploring the city and enjoying the parade.


text:
Ladybird Girls Floral Spot Tiered Dress
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ladybird Girls Dress with Spotty Top And Tiered Floral Skirt
This sweet girls dress from Ladybird is the perfect pick for parties.
Made from soft cotton, this adorable dress has a pretty polka dot top. The floral skirt flaunts two voluminous tiers for a seriously sweet finish – you'll love how it flounces out as she's playing and running around!
Frilly sleeves and a ruffle trim to the waist give this dress an extra special girly finish.
Useful info:
- Ladybird girls dress
- Quality cotton
- Spotty top
- Floral skirt with tiers
- Frilly sleeves
- Ruffle trim at waist
- Button-up back
Ladybird Girls Lace Dress
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ladybird Girls Lace Dress with Bow Waist
From special occasions to summer evenings on holiday, this lovely lace dress from Ladybird is sure to be her new favourite.
In pretty pink, this delicate dress is gorgeously girly with its luxurious lace overlay. Cute capped sleeves protect her sensitive shoulders from the sun while looking adorable, and the waist flaunts a beautiful bow to the front. The loose skirt gives her room to play and have fun, and the dress buttons up at the back for a smarter look.
She can wear this exquisite dress with Ladybird's white bow sandals for a smart summer style (see item number 3QX3W).
Useful info:
- Ladybird girls lace dress
- Lace overlay
- Bow to waist
- Capped sleeves
- Loose skirt
- Fully lined
- Button-up back
Freespirit Heart Star Print Dress
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Freespirit Girls Skater Dress in Heart and Star Print
She'll ♥ wearing this Freespirit heart print dress to all her summertime parties!
Taking its inspiration from the fashionable 50s, the stylish skater dress has a flared skirt and fitted bodice. The lovely heart pattern contrasts in black against the cream background, while a scattering of stars cluster around the heart's edges. Loose box pleats create further volume - perfect when she's spinning on the dance floor - and it's finished with a zip-up back that pops in bright pink for a modern twist.
She can wear this fab party dress with pretty ballerina flats.
Useful info:
- Freespirit girls skater dress
- Quality cotton
- Hearts and star prints
- Fitted bodice
- Flared skirt with loose box pleats
- Zip-up back in bright pink
Freespirit Girls Scuba Floral Strappy Dress
- In Stock
1 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Freespirit Girls Scuba Dress with Floral Prints
This girls floral dress by Freespirit is the pick of the bunch for all her summer parties!
With a 50s inspired bodice, this pretty dress is flourished in florals. It flares from the waist in a stylish shape, while beautiful box pleats are perfect for twirling and dancing away. Finished with slim straps and a sweet heart neckline, this fashionable dress is full of vintage charm.
She can wear this floral dress with strappy sandals for the perfect party style.
Useful info:
- Freespirit girls dress
- Floral print
- Slim traps
- Sweet heart neckline
- Fitted bodice
- Flared skirt with box pleats
- Concealed zip up back
Bench Girls Hooded Padded Jacket - SAVE
- In Stock
0 review
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Bench Girls Hooded Padded Jacket - purchase with any Topclass School Uniform to SAVE*
This trendy padded jacket from Bench comes in a choice of pink or grey colour options and is styled with hood and pockets - ideal for matching with her casual outfits on weekends or with her uniform for those chilly walks to school in the autumn/winter months.
* Purchase this Bench coat with any girl's Topclass school uniform and quote discount code 4L6DV at the checkout to receive 30% off the Topclass school uniform.
Offer code expires midnight 30/09/2014 (this code can only be used once and is subject to stock availability).Colours: Grey, Pink. Polyester. Machine washable.
Ladybird Girls Organza Stripe Bridemaid Dress 0-12 years
- In Stock
35 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ladybird Girls Bridesmaid Dress with Stripes and Bow Detail
This girls bridesmaid dress features a fabulously flattering organza skirt and beautiful big bow detail to really make a stylish statement on the big day. If your little one loves to dress up this cute girls occasion dress is the perfect pick for that special event. She'll be a pretty bridesmaid to accompany a beautiful bride!
She'll absolutely adore the playful volume and chic stripes on the skirt of this girls bridesmaid dress. Netted layers add dainty dimension to the design, while buttons and a sash fastening to the back perfects the look. This girls dress is lined to the inside for a smooth and comfortable all-day fit.
Budding style icons will love wearing this cute girls occasion dress with ballet flats or embellished strappy sandals. On cooler days, add a shrug cardigan to warm up her wedding outfit.
Useful info:
- Girls bridemaid dress by Ladybird
- Elegant and playful girls dress
- Beautiful bow detail to the waist
- Organza stripe skirt
- Net layers to skirt
- Buttons and sash tie to back
- Fully lined for a comfortable fit
- Special occasion clothing
- Wedding attire
Ladybird Crochet/Tulle Bridesmaid Dress 0-16 years
- In Stock
8 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ladybird Crochet and Tulle Bridesmaid Dress
Your young bridesmaid will be the picture of innocence in this pretty dress from the Ladybird kids special occasion range.
The soft ivory tulle is lightweight and comfortable against her skin, while detail is added with a pink satin ribbon that ties at the back. The bodice is made up of floral ivory crochet at the front and pink satin with button fastenings at the back for structure, while a 3D corsage on the waist adds an extra dimension of luxury for the big day.
Giving an air of youthful sweetness, the dress is perfect for a young bridesmaid or flower girl and she can even keep it afterwards as a pretty party dress. In a wide range of sizes (from 0-3 months to 15-16 years), there's a size to suit your bridesmaid, whether you have one or several.
Useful info:
- Ladybird Crochet and Tulle Bridesmaid Dress
- Ivory and pink
- Includes crochet bodice and 3D corsage
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Available in sizes from 0-3 months to 15-16 years
Ladybird Stripe Bridesmaid Dress 12months-7 years
- In Stock
3 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Ladybird Pink and Ivory Striped Bridesmaid Dress
Perfect for a wedding with a seaside or candy colour theme, this pretty striped bridesmaid dress will make your young bridesmaid look even sweeter with its coconut ice pink and ivory stripes.
The smooth satin is comfortable against her skin, while the round neck and sleeveless look give her freedom to move. Fully lined, it's structured yet soft, and the net trim adds fullness to the skirt, making her look and feel like a princess. A pink satin ribbon ties at the back for extra luxurious detailing.
Perfect for young bridesmaids or flower girls, this is a dress they can keep after the big day for parties.
Useful info:
- Ladybird Pink and Ivory Striped Bridesmaid Dress
- Satin ribbon
- Fully lined with net trim
- Available in sizes from 12-18 months to 6-7 years
adidas Youths Girls BTS Prime Poly Suit
- In Stock
0 reviewPink/black. Polyester. Machine washable.
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Top Class Girls Jersey Trousers (2 Pack)
- In Stock
15 reviews
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
Top Class Pack of 2 Girls Jersey Trousers with Heart Charm Detail - great value!
She'll look super smart in this great value pack of two girls school trousers from Top Class.
These boot cut trousers are a comfy and flattering shape. The stretchy jersey material means they're great for running around the playground during break. They feature pocket style stitching at the right hip for a smart style, while a heart charm adds girly detail. And they have a pull on waistband for fuss-free dressing.
A convenient choice, these trousers are made from durable fabric that withstands regular washing, can be tumble-dried and are easy to iron – perfect when you're in a rush on a Sunday evening!
These trousers are available in grey or black.
Useful info:
- Girls Top class pack of 2 school trousers
- Great value
- Available in two colours: grey or black
- Stretchy jersey material
- Heart charm detail
- Boot cut style
- Pull on waistband
- Pocket style stitching at right hip
- Easy to iron
- Can be tumble-dried
- Durable and withstands frequent washing
Freespirit Pack of 2 Girls Tankinis in Spotty Prints and Stripy Patterns
Give her beach look a retro Riviera touch with these 50's-inspired tankinis by Freespirit.
Made from a stretchy and fast-drying fabric, this pack includes two trendy tankinis. There's one in pretty polka dot prints, and another in stylish stripy patterns, while the elasticated trims pop in sunny neon colours. The comfy vest tops and knicker bottoms can be mixed and matched for some fashion fun – she'll have four fabulous looks for the summer.
Useful info:
- Ladybird girls tankinis
- Great value pack of 2
- Stretchy and fast-drying fabric
- 1 spotty and 1 stripy
- Neon elasticated trims and straps
- Vest tops
- Knicker bottoms
- Fully lined
Top Class Girls School Uniform Polo Shirts (5 Pack)
- In Stock
91 reviews
- Delivery
Top Class Girls School Polo Shirts
This 5 pack of girls classic polo shirts is a great value option to ensure she has a fresh top for her school uniform each day. These short sleeve t-shirts are a light and airy selection for layering throughout the year.
These girls school polo shirts are cotton rich to provide sumptuously soft all-day comfort. The buttons to the neck add detail while the scalloped collar creates lovely style and shape. These basic t-shirts are a very versatile selection that can be combined with her summer school uniform or form an integral part of her sports clothing for PE lessons. What's more, you'll appreciate the durability of the high-quality fabric that's designed to withstand regular washing and tumble-drying.
She can wear these school polo shirts with a pleated skirt or trousers. Add a cardigan or jumper for extra snugness.
Useful info:
- Girls polo shirts by Top Class
- Suitable for tumble dryers for extra convenience
- Easy care fabric that can withstand regular washing at 40°C
- Cotton rich for extra softness on skin
- A great addition to her school uniform
- Scalloped collar and buttons to the neck
- Short sleeves for cool comfort
Please note: If the size or colour you are searching for is out of stock please search catalogue number: B2103 where these colour and size options may currently be available.Colours: Blue, Lemon, White. Cotton. Machine washable.


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Blog Archives
HALLOWEEN II-United States-92 Mins. 1981
Directed by Rick Rosenthal
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill
We interrupt this blog to bring you a special news bulletin. Michael Myers, the killer responsible for all those deaths in Halloween, is back for a sequel. On the scene at the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital is our roving reporter, Debra Carpenter.
"Debra, can you tell us anything at this moment?"
"Well, John, it appears that not only have Michael Myers and Laurie Strode returned for the sequel to Halloween, but Dr. Sam Loomis has signed on as well."
"Is there any truth to the rumor that Michael is still trying to kill Laurie Strode?"
"John, it appears that Laurie was taken here to Haddonfield Memorial. The hospital is known for being the darkest and most deserted hospital in the world, but I myself believe that it's merely for scary effect. As for Laurie, she's doing her best to run as fast as she can on a broken ankle. Meanwhile, Michael is taking his sweet time and is keeping up with her just like all the other great horror film villains."
"So, Debra, is it easy to assume that there will be a highly important plot point revealed in this particular film?"
"Well, I don't want to just blurt any major details. There may actually be someone out there who hasn't seen the film even though it's been 40 years since its release."
"Ouch, that really makes me feel old, Debra."
"I do my best, John."
Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Michael Myers has returned along with Laurie Strode and Dr. Loomis for an illogically written and directed sequel to the original Halloween. Released nearly 40 years ago, this film makes me feel really old as I was 19 when it was released. The good part about the film is that Jamie Lee Curtis still looked like a cute girl and not like Harrison Ford.
We return now to this blog, already in progress.
Dana Carvey made his movie debut in this movie playing an assistant. He can be seen receiving instructions from a blond reporter in front of the Wallace house.
The film is set immediately after the first Halloween. Since Jamie Lee Curtis had begun to wear a much shorter hairstyle in the 1980s, she had to wear a wig that matched her original hairstyle for the film.
Ben Tramer, who gets killed, is a reference to John Carpenter's friend Bennett Tramer. They went to USC (University of Southern California) as Tramer wrote episodes for '"Saved By the Bell" (1989)'.
Related articles
- Jamie Lee Curtis (everydayhealth.com)
- I Have a Few QUESTIONS Regarding Michael Myers. (slog.thestranger.com)
- Scream Queen of the Month-October 2011 (jmountswritteninblood.com)
- Our First Halloween (jmountswritteninblood.com)
- Halloween Countdown #2: Watch a Movie (joannapary.wordpress.com)
Scream Queen of the Month-October 2011
When your mother is the victim of the most famous onscreen murder of all time, the shower scene in Psycho, and your father portrayed one of America's most notorious serial killers, the Boston Strangler, how the hell can you not have a career as a Scream Queen? Jamie Lee Curtis was probably slapped on the ass by Michael Myers when she was a baby. She has made the role of Laurie Strode as iconic as that of Michael himself and has appeared in 7 of the films in the Halloween series. In addition Miss Curtis has screamed her way through John Carpenter's The Fog (1978), had herself a bloody time on Prom Night (1978) and rode the Terror Train in 1980.
Curtis has also appeared in non-genre fare such as Trading Places (1983), A Fish Called Wanda (1988) and True Lies (1994). She is a published children's book author and a blogger for The Huffington Post online newspaper. She is the wife of actor/director Christopher Guest and is the godmother of Jake Gyllenhaal. Written in Blood honors Miss Jamie Lee Curtis as our Scream Queen of the Month for October 2011!
Related articles
- Our First Halloween (jmountswritteninblood.com)
- Get Your First Look at Scream Queen Campfire (dreadcentral.com)
- SCREAM QUEEN of the MONTH-KATHARINE ISABELLE-August 2011 (jmountswritteninblood.com)
Posted in Scream Queens
Tags: 1978, 1980, Arnold, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Boston Strangler, carpenter, Christopher, Christopher Guest, Curtis, Fish Called Wanda, Guest, Gyllenhaal, Halloween, Jake, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie, Jamie Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis, john, John Carpenter, Laurie Strode, lee, Lee Curtis, Lies, Michael Myers, Night, Places, Prom, Prom Night, Schwarzenegger, Scream queen, Scream Queen of the Month, Terror, Terror Train, Trading, Trading Places, Train, True
HALLOWEEN (1978) and HALLOWEEN (2007)
HALLOWEEN-United States-91 Mins. 1978 & HALLOWEEN-United States-109 Mins. 2007
Halloween 1978 Directed by John Carpenter
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode
Donald Pleasance as Dr. Sam Loomis
Nick Castle as The Shape (Michael Myers)
Nancy Loomis as Annie Brackett
P.J. Soles as Lynda van der Klok
Halloween 2007 directed by Rob Zombie
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill (1978 screenplay) and Rob Zombie
Scout Taylor-Compton as Laurie Strode
Malcolm McDowell as Dr. Sam Loomis
Tyler Mane as Michael Myers
Danielle Harris as Annie Brackett
Kristina Klebe as Lynda van der Klok
I just watched John Carpenters' breakthrough film Halloween for probably the fifth or sixth time in my entire life. I have watched Rob Zombie's re-imagining of the horror classic at least three times if memory serves me well. Having said all this, I can say one thing that will anger a lot of people but I say it with absolute honesty and will not change my opinion. Rob Zombies' Halloween is better than John Carpenters' Halloween.
Now before you get out the butcher knife to stab me in the heart let me further explain myself. There are a lot of things about Carpenter's Halloween that I like. Carpenter is a master at building and keeping suspense and drawing the viewer into the story. His will always be the definitive Michael Myers. What makes Zombie's' Halloween superior to Carpenter's' is one simple thing: Zombie created a back story for Michael. In the first film after Michael kills his sister he then walks outside just as his parents drive up to the house. The Myers family looks like a typical comfortable middle class family. I never bought that. I have always felt that Michael's family life was a chaotic one and it seems that Zombie did as well. Carpenter's version made one think that Michael just snapped out of the blue. Zombie shows that Michael is a product of his environment.
I also like the fact that Zombie shows the effects of what Michael's' actions do to his family, especially his mother. With his stepfather (the creepy William Forsythe) out of the picture, she has no one to lean on and every day that Michael's own sanity slips further away the further her own lifeline unravels until she chooses to cut the final string herself. In the original, the only thing you were really aware of was that the family moved away from the house to start over. Michael's mother taking her own life makes his story all the more tragic and his evil all the more intense. Incidentally, I though t that Sheri Moon Zombie did an excellent job as Deborah Myers, Michael's mother.
Anyway, those are my reasons. I am sure that most people will disagree with me. Such is life. Stay scared, everybody!!
TRIVIA-John Carpenter's Halloween
Related articles
- Halloween I (Rob Zombie The Re-Telling) 2007 (jdcwitherton.com)
- Halloween II – (Rob Zombie The Re-Telling) 2009 (jdcwitherton.com)
- Let's watch some trailers! (hookmanc1.wordpress.com)
- Michael Bay's Platinum Dunes throws out the lube (bizzam.wordpress.com)
- Halloween (1978) – 3/5 (allenwatcheseverything.wordpress.com)
- Halloween (2007) (atthemovieswithsilver.wordpress.com)
- HALLOWEEN 3D Pulled from Release Schedule (geektyrant.com)
- What's Halloween Without Halloween?! Dimension Pulls Halloween 3D From Release Schedule (perezhilton.com)
- Famous Stars In Their First Roles (huffingtonpost.com)
- Script To Screen: "Halloween" (gointothestory.blcklst.com)
- What Do You Think Will Be the Most Popular Costume This Halloween? (bellasugar.com)
- 'Halloween 3D' Stalled, Michael Myers Inconsolable (moviesblog.mtv.com)
- John Carpenter's Asylum #1 (comicsforge.com)


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The lowest bracket for the personal income tax, for instance, moves up 50% — to 15% from 10%. The next lowest bracket — 25% — will rise to 28%, and the old 28% bracket will be 31%. At the higher end, the 33% bracket is pushed to 36% and the 35% bracket becomes 39.6%.
But the damage doesn't stop there.
The marriage penalty also makes a comeback, and the capital gains tax will jump 33% — to 20% from 15%. The tax on dividends will go all the way from 15% to 39.6% — a 164% increase....
The HSA Withdrawal Tax Hike. "This provision of ObamaCare," according to ATR, "increases the additional tax on nonmedical early withdrawals from an HSA from 10% to 20%, disadvantaging them relative to IRAs and other tax-advantaged accounts, which remain at 10%."
Brand Name Drug Tax. Makers and importers of brand-name drugs will be liable for a tax of $2.5 billion in 2011. The tax goes to $3 billion a year from 2012 to 2016, then $3.5 billion in 2017 and $4.2 billion in 2018. Beginning in 2019 it falls to $2.8 billion and stays there. And who pays the new drug tax? Patients, in the form of higher prices.
Read it carefully and read it all.
Filed under: * Culture-Watch Health & Medicine --The 2009 American Health Care Reform Debate Law & Legal Issues * Economics, Politics Economy Consumer/consumer spending Corporations/Corporate Life Personal Finance Taxes The U.S. Government Budget Politics in General House of Representatives Office of the President President Barack Obama Senate
Posted July 22, 2010 at 7:07 am
To comment on this article: Go to Article ViewThe URL for this article is http://www.kendallharmon.net/t19/index.php/t19/article/31192/
1. Boniface wrote:
Judgement is what is.July 22, 11:48 am | [comment link]
2. Tomb01 wrote:
So most Americans are now depending on retirement savings income from dividends and capital gains…. So who will bear the brunt of Mr Obama's new taxes? Those who can least afford it, those on fixed retirement incomes.
Amazing.July 22, 10:43 pm | [comment link]
© 2014 Kendall S. Harmon. All rights reserved.
For original material from Titusonenine (such as articles and commentary by Dr. Harmon) permission to copy and distribute free of charge is granted, provided this notice, the logo, and the web site address are visible on all copies. For permission for use in for-profit publications, please email KSHarmon[at]mindspring[dot]com
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Please donate confidentially on this website. Or stop in at any U.S. Bank and make deposits directly into the account named "Justice For Tera Chavez." If there are questions about the account itself, please contact Ann Martinez, the Branch Manager at the Downtown Albuquerque Branch of U.S. Bank, at 111 Lomas Blvd NW Ste. 100, 505-222-0024.
All proceeds will be used for litigation expenses in the civil wrongful death case against Levi M Chavez II for causing the death of Tera Chavez. In the event donations exceed the litigation expenses when the case concludes, the balance will go to local non-profits dedicated to providing support for abused spouses of police officers, or other victims of emotional domestic violence.
No family members of Levi Chavez or Tera Cordova Chavez will receive any donated funds.
A jury in the criminal system decided that there was not sufficient evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt" about whether Levi Chavez pulled the trigger, where the court excluded evidence of motive surrounding the fake stolen truck, and evidence of Tera telling her friends, co-workers and relatives that 'if anything happens to me, Levi did it.'
In a civil case, costs, fees and expenses will exceed tens of thousands of dollars, and likely exceed six figures. In a civil trial, there is a lesser standard of proof than "beyond a reasonable doubt." The civil jury will need to determine whether Levi Chavez caused Tera's death "by a preponderance of the evidence," (as in 51-49%), and will hear all the true evidence that was excluded in the criminal trial.
For an overview of the case and the criminal trial, view the Albuquerque Journal's online database: The Levi Chavez Case: From the Beginning.
REMEMBER: In another case where the criminal defendant was not convicted but everyone knows he did it, OJ Simpson then faced a civil wrongful death trial. The jury awarded Nicole Brown Simpson's estate approximately 33 million dollars.


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Home » News
Plot twist: Missing wine at Portsmouth store was never missing
CONCORD – An Attorney General's Office investigation concludes there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing in what was mistakenly reported as missing wine during a Portsmouth liquor store move last year.
The report notes no wine was ever missing or stolen during the move as earlier reported.
Earlier reports indicated about 300 cases of wine were unaccounted for in the move from the old location to the new one in the same shopping plaza on Islington Street.
"We conclude that no wine ever went missing from Store No. 6," according to the report.
Instead a spreadsheet created during the move was mistaken for actual documentation of store inventory, according to the attorney general, and had no direct correlation to wine at the store.
Misunderstandings about the spreadsheet were reported to the Liquor Commission which led to additional misunderstandings, according to the report.
"A careful review of Liquor Commission inventory records dispels this misunderstanding and does not reveal any unaccounted-for wine ever present at the store in the first place," according to the report's executive summary. "Accordingly, there is no evidence that any criminal conduct occurred during the Store No. 6 move in early December of 2011."
The missing wine was one of several incidents including illegally hiring a lobbyist that caused the House to investigate the commission last summer and fall.
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George Will: A conservative internationalism


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Philly is overflowing with beer, from the multitudes of local crafts to specialty brews from around the world. It's not surprising, then, that the growing trend of beer cocktails – which sees bitters, syrups, juices and spirits combined with brews of all kinds – is quickly taking hold. If you haven't yet had a chance to sample one of these creations, skepticism might arise, but in truth beer is not so different from sparkling wine (often a cocktail topper), or even from liquor itself.
The addition of spirits will change the texture and consistency of a regular brew, while suds can add unexpected zest and depth of flavor to a drink. Quite a variety of these novel sips can be found all over Philadelphia. We've picked five beer cocktails that are perfect for spring. Have you tried any? Let us know your favorites in the comments.
Red Velvet at Alla Spina
Beverage director Steve Wildy has been having immense fun building the audacious drink program for Marc Vetri's new graffiti-decored birreria on North Broad, and nestled among selections of rare Italian brews, Tuscan wines and classic aperitifs is a menu section entitled "Shandyland."
A standout is the Red Velvet, a play on the traditional British "black velvet" mix of a stout and champagne. Here, Flemish Sour Ale from Monk's Cafe is sweetened with the addition of San Pellegrino Chinotto soda, given a herbal edge with Creme de Violette, shaken to a frothy mixture, and served up in a coupe. Almost purple in color, the drink goes down almost too easily, reminding of an extra-peppy cola with a floral aftertaste ($6).
Summer Beer Flip at The Dandelion
At Stephen Starr's Rittenhouse ode to everything English, the classic flip cocktail (first invented by seafaring in Brits around 1695) gets an update with another U.K. favorite: ale. The Beer Flip you'll find on the menu depends on the season – in warmer weather (starting this week, in fact), the summer version is served.
Bacardi rum is dosed with simple syrup, chocolate bitters, apricot marmalade and a whole raw egg (which has been stored in vodka), then shaken to a frothy blend. A tumbler filled with ice receives this mixture, which is then fluffed up even more with the addition of Victory Prima Pils. Fresh-grated cinnamon is the final garnish, gracing the edge away from you, so each sip includes a whiff of spice in the nose. Tart, refreshing eggnog in the springtime? Yes, please ($9).
Sour Flower Power at London Grill
A few years back, this Fairmount neighborhood standby hosted several acclaimed Belgian brewmasters for assorted Philly Beer Week events, and the topic of mixing brew with other ingredients repeatedly arose. Though the trend had not yet hit the U.S., the idea piqued the interest of head bartender Cristina Tessaro, who researched the concept and developed one of the city's first beer cocktail lists.
Adapted from a recipe by Rodenbach head brewer Rudi Ghequire, the Sour Flower Power updates the brunch cocktail into something more substantial. A 12-oz. goblet is filled three-quarters of the way with bottle-conditioned Belgian lambic Boon Geuze, augmented with St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, and then topped with champagne. This is a nuanced daytime drink that packs a punch ($11).
Hillbilly Gatorade at Percy Street Barbecue
Not all beer cocktails are fancy. At this Texas-inspired South Street 'cue stop, the downhome feel of the Lone Star State pervades, from the paper-lined metal trays on which smoky brisket is smacked down unadorned to the serious list of bourbon and rye.
A similar aesthetic is evident in the Hillbilly Gatorade, a drink that manager Aric Ferrell says is most often first ordered on a dare, then happily embraced after a taste or two. A highball glass with ice is primed with pickle juice (natural electrolytes!) and a dash of housemade Old Faithful barbecue sauce, then topped with the contents of a just-cracked can of Miller High Life. The "champagne of beers" absorbs the savory flavors well, creating a sip that's reminiscent of a carbonated Bloody Mary ($5).
Square Shandy at Square Peg
Perhaps the original beer cocktail, shandies have been enjoyed throughout Europe for centuries. Simply made by mixing beer with juice or ginger ale in equal portions, the version that travelled across the Atlantic and became a staple of the U.S. working class most commonly uses lemonade.
Wash West's new Square Peg is focused on blue-collar American favorites, from chef Matt Levin's updated diner eats to the all-domestic spirits list, so the shandy fits perfectly with the theme. Victory Lager meets fresh-squeezed lemonade in a healthy pint glass, providing a rejuvenating, highly-drinkable quaff that will keep you going all evening long ($6).


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Toledo Police tell Toledo News Now that one person is in custody for attempted burglary after a police chase that ended on Wellesley Drive near Upton Avenue.
Police say no weapons are suspected on the scene. One person is still on the loose.
Toledo News Now is at the scene and will provide information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2013 Toledo News Now. All rights reserved.
1717 East 12th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
FCC Public File
EEO Report
Closed Captioning


text:
August 1, 2014
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- State officials have offered tips for guarding against fake health insurance.
They include asking hard questions, reading all materials and scrutinizing websites. Coverage that boasts low rates should be alarming.
Be skeptical of ads for insurance via spam emails or blast fax.
Make sure insurance agents are selling a state-licensed insurance product.
Deal with reputable agents.
According to a news release from the Department of Commerce and Insurance, unlicensed companies defraud consumers by collecting premiums for bogus insurance policies with no intention of paying claims.
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