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A female entrepreneur and academic has been appointed as the new head of digital innovation at a Midland university's research and knowledge transfer arm.
Professor Irene Ng, has been made director of the International Institute for Product and Service Innovation (IIPSI), the newest building for Warwick Manufacturing Group, part of the University of Warwick.
IIPSI will allow businesses to access the latest product and service design technology and hopes to "create or safeguard" more than 200 jobs through a support programme for SMEs that will run until the end of June 2015.
Professor Ng joined WMG in 2011 and was chief executive of SA Tours, one of the largest tour operators in Southeast Asia.
She founded Empress Cruise Lines, a company with an annual turnover of around £153 million, which she sold in 1996.
The professor came to academia in 1997 and has had recognition for her work in value-based pricing and service systems.
Professor Ng said: "The future digital economy will be the convergence of connectivity, community, content and objects that would be more personal than ever before, creating markets for products and services that would serve individuals wherever they are, and on demand.
"This means we need much closer collaboration between manufacturing, computing, social science and business research.
"IIPSI will be a showcase of cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that works alongside businesses in a creative and innovative knowledge eco-system and can create real impact, from startups to established global corporations."
Jonnie Turpie, a founder and former director of independent production company Maverick Television, has been appointed deputy director of IIPSI.
IIPSI is funded by the University of Warwick and the European Regional Development Fund.


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Commission action regarding applications for approval: Following a public comment period, the Commission has ruled on an application for approval of a transaction from the following entity:
Consent agreements given final approval: Following a public comment period on each, the Commission has made final the consent agreements with the following entities. The Commission action makes the consent orders binding on the respondents.
See Dec. 26, 1996 news release for more details regarding this case; Docket No. C-3742; Commission vote on May 16 to issue the order as final was 4-1, with Commissioner Roscoe B. Starek, III, dissenting.
Commissioner Mary L. Azcuenaga said in a concurring and dissenting statement that she opposed requiring elimination of the 18-month noncompete clause in the original agreement between General Mills and Ralcorp. She observed: "Although the complaint might be read as alleging that noncompete clauses are per se anticompetitive, that interpretation would be inconsistent with the Commission's recent decision in another case [in the Ciba Geigy Limited matter, Docket No. C-3725] to issue an order that imposed an affirmative prohibition on competition for six years between the merged firm and the acquiring of certain assets to be divested under the order."
In his dissenting statement, Starek said he questions whether the evidence shows that the acquisition will allow General Mills unilaterally to raise prices for its branded cold cereals. He cited a recent court decision which found that consumers have many alternatives from which to choose when one cereal maker raises prices. Starek also said he finds it "completely unnecessary -- and [that it] in fact creates inefficiency -- to bar enforcement of the parties' non-compete agreement." Such agreements can be pro- competitive "by allowing an acquiring entity a brief period to re-deploy the acquired assets in a manner that increases competition in the marketplace," he said.)
Staff contact is Phillip Broyles, 202-326-2805.
Copies of the documents referenced above are available from the FTC's web site at http://www.ftc.gov and also from the FTC's Public Reference Branch, Room 130, 6th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580; 202-326-2222; TTY for the hearing impaired 1-866-653-4261. To find out the latest news as it is announced, call the FTC NewsPhone recording at 202-326-2710.

subset: commoncrawl


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Lara Dutta
StatsBirth Name: Lara Dutta Bhupathi Age: 35, born 16 April 1978 Born and residing in: India Height: 5' 8" Ethnicity: East Indian Relationship Status: Married Partner: Mahesh Bhupathi Lists94 votes
Beautiful Women Shown Underwater
(17 items)list by Hourglass Women Published 3 years, 6 months ago 12 comments
56 votes
Most Beautiful Women In Bollywood
(14 items)list by lili Published 7 months, 4 weeks ago 4 comments
55 votes
The Girls of Bollywood
(81 items)list by Prelude Published 4 years, 6 months ago 11 comments
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PhotosView all Lara Dutta pictures (379 more)
Lara Dutta Videos
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About: Born 16 April 1978 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. She won the annual Gladsrags modeling competition in India, thus winning the right to be the first Indian representative at the 1997 Miss Intercontinental, in which she took first place. Later, she was crowned Femina Miss India Universe and Miss Universe in 2000. She is engaged to Indian tennis player, Mahesh Bhupathi.
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Welcome to the
Capital Regional District
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the regional government for the 13 municipalities and three electoral areas that are located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
Read more
Hot Topics
CRD Proceeds with McLoughlin RFP and Biosolids Energy Centre Public Engagement
The CRD Board endorsed the Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee's recommendation to initiate public engagement on the Hartland and Viewfield locations for the Biosolids Energy Centre (BEC) and confirmed the schedule for procurement of the McLoughlin Point wastewater treatment plant. For information on the siting options and public consultations, and to provide feedback, Read more
CRD releases Tsunami Modelling Report
The CRD's Local Government Emergency Program Advisory Commission (LG EPAC), has completed the "Modelling of Potential Tsunami Inundation Limits and Run-Up" for the Capital Region. The results of this model will provide valuable information in regards to potential tsunami risk. Read more
Saving Money and Taking Action, Tap by Tap
Are you a building owner or property manager in the Capital Region? The CRD and partners are proud to have launched the Tap by Tap Retrofit program for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings. Tap by Tap is offered free of charge to eligible buildings across the capital region and targets retrofitting showers and faucets to save energy and water. Read more
CRD Launches Abandoned Waste Campaign
The CRD, in partnership with the Times Colonist and Jack FM, has launched their Abandoned Waste Campaign, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the social, environmental and financial consequences of abandoning waste. Read more
Youth in Parks Survey
The Youth In Parks Survey is an exciting way to get your voice heard! The survey is created by youth, for youth, and will help influence what type of parks programs are available for youth ages
13-18 in Greater Victoria. Read more
Core Area Wastewater Treatment Program:
Request for Qualifications Released to Design and Construct McLoughlin Point
Interested parties have been invited to submit their qualifications to design and construct the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. The CRD expects to select three proponents to prepare proposals by the end of June. Read more
Regional Deer Management Strategy
In December 2012, the CRD Board adopted the Regional Deer Management Strategy. Since that time, progress has been made on implementing the recommendations of the plan. Meetings with municipal staff and Council, beginning with the Peninsula Municipalities, were held in February and March 2013; the CRD presented to North Saanich on February 25, 2013 and Central Saanich Councils on February 12, 2013; and on March 1, 2013 the CRD participated in the Peninsula Agriculture Commission's Farmer – Hunter Workshop. Read more
Photo of Witty's Lagoon courtesy of Evan Leeson


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breaking news
Two charter schools could be headed to the
Altheimer area.
The Altheimer Unified School District`s board recently gave the
two open-enrollment charters their approval.
Charter schools receive public money but are exempt from some
laws and rules that dictate operation of regular public schools.
Many school boards vote against charter school applications in
their area due to fears of losing students and the money that
follows them, but Altheimer officials say they`re not worried.
The school district approved the Learning Academy for Urban
Leaders, and Arkansas Virtual Academy`s applications.
The charter schools still must be approved by the state Board of
Education, which will consider the charters in January.
Posted by Mike Hellgren
Readers Feel...


text:
Check out our new Flavours Everyday Guide for your next event. Please contact the Catering Department at 937-775-5630 for more information.
Whether entertaining guests at Wright State University or sharing a meal with your colleagues, Flavours by Sodexo is best qualified to welcome your guests and make them feel at home. Food and Service are why we are here!
Our culinary professionals take great pride in using sustainable and local foods to create fresh, healthy and delicious menus. We are committed to sustainable practices. We seek out the best possible seasonal ingredients. Budget permitting, most menu items can be organic and/or sustainable. We make ocean-friendly choices by using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List as our guide. We are committed to sourcing 100% Marine Stewardship Council or Best Aquaculture Practice certified seafood by 2015.
Care differentiates our service. Our service team knows your guests and they take pride in delivering on the details!
Our goal is to make you a relaxed and confident host. It is our honor and pleasure to serve you!
We appreciate your business and will do whatever we can to make your event memorable, from start to finish. If you have any questions regarding our services, or would like to make an appointment, please call our event coordinator at 937-775-5630 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
We look forward to serving you.
Shoestring Catering Guide
Dining Services is pleased to offer our Shoestring Catering Guide for student groups and organizations. Please contact us at 937-775-5630 or email us at firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Check out our Kickstart Semi-Final Game Party Kits. Let us help you make your basketball parties fun, delicious & easy.


text:
My Profile
Skip the Line: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica Half-Day Walking Tour
Rome, Italy
My Rating
The tour was awesome but the people at the Sistine Chapel were rude and horrible. My girlfriend and I are both Atheist and still were among the only few who were respectful towards the no photography, no hats, and no speaking rules. I definitely suggest taking this because the lines are REALLY long!
Skip the Line: Crypts and Roman Catacombs Small Group Walking Tour
Rome, Italy
My Rating
A fantastic tour! Unfortunately one of the tours (maybe catacombs?) was unavailable at the time, but our guide Massimo was great! Gave us tips and places to check out around Rome and where we were staying and was a lot of fun and had a wealth of knowledge from an unbiased point of view.


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Are you passionate about youth and making disciples who want to multiply their faith? Church planters in South Asia partner with the local church to raise up followers of Christ who have a desire to reach out to the 20+ people groups in the region.
Are you passionate about holistic health, which encompasses spiritual, physical, mental and social aspects of life? Come to rural East Asia for two years to join a church planting team working in community development.
Help mobilize other workers as you introduce short-termers to what God is doing in Japan. Teach an English class, share your testimony over coffee with a university student, or host Thanksgiving dinner in your home in order to build new relationships.
Are you interested in making disciples? Then come study at a fully accredited university in the Middle East and replicate the Biblical example of seeking out those interested in learning about Jesus. Be a part of starting and facilitating investigative Bible studies all the while learning about the local Arab Christian population.
Copyright 2009 Pioneers


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The first one has some pretty amazing special effects. It's not my favorite song on the planet, but It's interesting to watch!
And the second is Appledash, because that ship never gets old.
2.) (PMV) Applejack is a b*tch [[Appledash]]
Sorry Applejack, but AppleDash stands in the way of PinkieDash.
false, because pinkiedash would be in the way of pinkieshy
hey, guys, let's not turn this into ship to ship combat.
When I read the title of #1 I hope it'd be the (personally) long awaited PMV to the Fanfic titled "Transcendence" (in the best possible case using "I'll fly higer" as song). But since really like the Creed song and the video is neatly done, I wasn't too disappointed :)
#2 was fun
First one was realy good, I actually like that song, the second one was adorable and funny as hell
AJ: Alright, Ah'm ready. Which one of ya called me a b*tch?
As somepony who tries to stay clear of shipping, I find that second video mildly disturbing. But I'm not one to judge.
First video had some cool effects, but I am also not a huge fan of the music. I prefer original pony music anyway, I find it tends to be of higher quality.
There's no point in fighting about the ships themselves.
I don't care about the pairings personally, just how well they are written and how well the characters are portrayed.
I dislike AppleDash personally not because of the pairing which is as good as any, but because even though it's one of the 2 most prolific ships I rarely see it with the characters completely IC.
Holy shit, I had an idea for a PMV using Higher for a few months but I'm no good at making them. This is awesome.
Heh...ship to ship combat...
Has to be a flash game in there somewhere!
I can't say enough of how impressed I am with number one. I never understood all the Creed hate out there, they aren't that bad. And this video's effects are amazing, I could actually see this being an opening credits sequence for the next movie.
And the second one is great too. I'll never be upset with something that contains both the best pony and the best pairing. I'm just not really into the song, and it was a real shortie.
Great stuff again, guys.
Why are people arguing about which shipping pair is the best? That's actually worse than arguing about who is the best pony. I mean, come on, everyone has their favourite, so there really is no point in arguing. Well, atleast in my opinion.
I tried watching #1 to check out the effects (which are sweet from what I've seen) but I can't help thinking that's what Dr Evil would sound like singing that song.
@the invincible
wait, who is your best pony? left that ambiguous, i see.
cause those who wear shipping goggles can't help but fight over pairings.
I think a lot of the Creed issue is they came in at the very end of the 'sounds like soundgarden' thing in the mid/late 90's - at which point I think everyone was tired of the Seattle Grunge sound.
I picked the track for the lyrics, which I felt made a compelling story.
I've got an email out to Zahqo to get permission to video-ify "Luna's Ruse" - so, most likely, the next video you see from me will in fact be 100% pure pony. :)
#1 Magnificent. The editing is just.. wow..
#2 lyra.jpg} Eww shipping!
Congratulations on the 1-year anniversary, EQD!
Quite true, unfortunately :/
Also, will there be a one year EQD anniversary/birthday post?
Well, I don't want this to turn into a whole big thing. So I'll keep that to myself for now. Unless you really, REALLY want to know.
#1 The effects on this video are superb. A lot of thought was clearly put into this video; very few clips from the show were used, so it was pretty much all them. Add to that one of my personal favorites, and you've got one stellar music video.
#2 Oh, this was such a fun video. I'm kind of neutral on the whole shipping thing. Like @DPV111 said, so long as the writing and characterization is good, I'm OK with whatever ship is put out there. On another note, is it a bad thing if I say I've been listening to this song for years? Then again, I'm familiar with songs as far back as the 30's and I'm in my 20's...OK, I'm just rambling here. Ignore the last part :P
@The Invincible
I'm gonna go based off your avatar and say we agree on who is best pony.
Sure, if that works for you. I'm very non-confrontational.
...Or was that passive-aggressive?
I know nopony really cares but:
#1 Meh music, but NICE effect and some really cute OCs at the very end . . . then OC alicorn -_- *sigh*
#2 Seriously. Silliest-ship-ever . . .
I effing love Creed, so that first video was awesome.
The second one... I don't mind the pairing, but I wasn't thrilled with its composition.
Condidering that I eithet forgot about Creed because is been a long time since I last heard them, or that this is the very first time I've heard if 'em, I really cant find why would the song be a turn off for anybody. As it stands, I liked the song and loved the PMV, so yeah
AppleJack will never be a BITCH!!!!!!!!!!
She is and always will be my Favorite Pony of ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!! :')
1) Man I remember when that song came out... *feels old*. Anyway, the PMV was really cool. I just loved the focus on the landscapes and scenery. But the OC Ponies at the end kinda threw me off. Especially the OC Alicorn... Alrighty then.
2)Hah! This was short, but very well done. I quite liked it. I'm not an AppleDash shipper but I can appreciate well made content.
@TwiWrite Flare
Thank you for the compliments. I seemed to have picked a rather conflicted bit of music for the video - but I thought the lyrics made a good story. :)
The OC Alicorn is moi, and as the defacto 'ruler' of the largest pony landmass in SecondLife, where I can literally raise the sun and moon, create rivers at a whim, and level mountains - it seemed fitting.
That, and Aurora the Alicorn was my self-insert 'sue' from back when I used to play with ponies in the 80's - so I've got a few years on those two upstarts in Canterlot. ;)
#1 I know there's a bit of a hating by some people for Creed, but honestly, I rather like some of their songs. They have a deep feeling to them which I like in songs. This song I like alright. The video was pretty good. It did indeed have some effects you don't see used much or at all in most PMV's. Synched well and put together really well.
#2 Oh wow, I haven't heard that song in a real long time. Nostalgia right there for sure. My mother loved that song. she probably still does. lol Good song. The video was alright too, I don't mind a little Appledash. :P
#1 Skillfully made. Just wish there were a few more shots from the show.
#2 Clever, with a hint of humor. I like it.
Thank you for the compliment and, I'm right there with you in the 'feels old' department. :)
The object of the video was the dreams and desires of the off-camera protagonist to 'get to' Equestria. If this were to somehow be possible (don't we all wish this some times), the 'new pony' would certainly be OC - soooo, I figured I'd illustrate that the protagonist isn't alone in this desire and added a bunch of OC ponies appearing.
The OC Alicorn is me - a little self-aggrandizement certainly. But as I'm in the middle of reading Chatoyance's "The Conversion Bureau: Code Majeste" over on FimFiction, which deals with the 'what if' of another Alicorn in canon, I just rolled with it. :)
I loved number 1. Fantastic effects for a great song.
As much as I like AppleDash, I just didn't like the second video as much. I don't really know why.
@Ashfire nope, cause pinkieshy stands in the way of pinkiespike
I hate to be the one asshole comment in this post, but I can't bring myself to watch #1.
Not even awesome effects or ponies can get me to listen to Creed and tolerate them.
#1. There are no words to describe it. Just. Wow.
I - really had no idea people despised Creed so much... I mean, apparently wildlife hates Creed.
Honestly, I did not mean to foist Creed upon the Brony Culture in such a fashion - I merely heard the song on XM and thought "I can make a PMV with that!" :)
My sincere and heartfelt apologies to anyone I have emotionally scarred with the improper use of Creed.
It's not a big deal really. I think allot of us just see an OC alicorn and equate it with mary sue allot. Even if it's not about being one a fan fiction, it just kinda has that air about it. But hey, go with what you like.
I did get the concept of the PMV being about going to Equestria. But it dawned on me after the video was over.
I never read the Conversion Bureau fics, but the concept is certainly interesting, if somewhat dark in many senses (I like dark though).
I doubt you're as old as I me. In fact, I'm willing to bet I'm one of, if not the oldest here.
Challenge accepted...
Remember when man landed on the moon? I had to write a report about it for school. :P
Your turn. :D
I was born in the same year the first arcade video game was born. I am a stepbrother of the circuit board, a nephew of the microchip. My coming was before the creation of the home video game system. I was there for the first generation all the way to the current seventh.
I lived in a world where albums were still on vinyl, nearly a decade before the Walkman was born and the concept of the VCR was something new and wondrous.
I have been there for the beginning of home technology; the Apple 2, the Commodore, the Commodore 64 and all iterations of computer types up until now.
I have live in a world where the floppy drive ruled and 16 bit graphics were considered magical, until even better was realised; where the Pentium was considered the pinnacle until new, higher concepts were realized.
I have lived for as long as the home video system concept has lived, and will die long before it ends.
And I am happy with that.
Pinkieshy is best couple but appledash is cute too. I like it.


text:
Current Protocols in Nucleic Acid Chemistry
Individual Online Subscriptions are now available! Visit the How to Order page for more information.
What's New in Current Protocols in Nucleic Acid
Supplement 53, June 2013
Unit 3.1 Solid-Phase Supports for Oligonucleotide
Abstract | Full Text:
Unit 4.56 Preparation of Oligodeoxyribonucleotides Containing
the Pyrimidine(6–4)pyrimidone Photoproduct by Using a Dinucleotide
Building Block
Abstract | Full Text:
Unit 7.19 Quantitative Analyses of Nucleic Acid Stability Under
the Molecular Crowding Condition Induced by Cosolutes
Abstract | Full Text:
Unit 15.5 Synthesis of Phosphoramidate Prodrugs: ProTide
Abstract | Full Text:
Published in association with International Society for Nucleosides,
Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids (IS3NA), Current
Protocols in Nucleic Acid Chemistry is equally valuable for
biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic labs. It is the
resource for designing and running successful research projects in
the rapidly growing and changing field of nucleic acid, nucleotide,
and nucleoside research.
Updated every three months in all formats, CPNAC is constantly evolving to keep pace with the very latest discoveries and developments. A year of these quarterly updates is included in the initial CPNAC purchase price. That's 500 pages of new (66%) and revised (34%) content on average every year since the initial publication of the work in February 2000! Presently three volumes in its looseleaf print version, CPNAC...
- draws from a unique set of chemistries to synthesize modified nucleic acids, which can be used in structure-function studies, as therapeutic agents, and as tools for molecular biology.
- covers basic to advanced techniques for the synthesis, modification, purification, analysis, and utilization of nucleic acids, nucleotides, and nucleosides.
Edited by: Martin Egli (Vanderbilt Univesity); Piet Herdewijn (Rega Institute of Medical Research); Akira Matsuda (Hokkaido University); Yogesh S. Sanghvi (Rasayan, Inc.); Past Editors: Serge L. Beaucage; Donald E. Bergstrom; Gary D. Glick; Roger A. Jones
Developmental Editor: Ann Boyle
See is3na.org for information about the society and the 2010 International Roundtable (IRT) meeting.
While the authors, editors, and publisher believe that the specification and usage of reagents, equipment, and devices, as set forth in this book, are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication, they accept no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to material contained herein. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of experimental reagents, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each chemical, piece of equipment, reagent, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important in regard to new or infrequently employed chemicals or experimental reagents. Moreover, the information presented herein is not a substitute for professional judgment, especially as concerns any applications in a clinical setting or the interpretation of results thereby obtained.


text:
From Affiliate & Associate Members
Articles and other publications in this section were written by authors or organisations independent of Atheist Alliance International. The views contained in such articles and other publications are the views of the authors and may not reflect the views of Atheist Alliance International.
12 February 2012
Leo Igwe from the Nigerian Humanist Movement, an Affiliate Member of AAI, writes about the need to reform Nigeria's education system to teach students to think critically and help them combat superstition and religious fanaticism.


text:
Back to Julie's Comics Page |
Back one arc |
Start of Arc Characters |
Forward one arc |
This installment dated 11/4/98.
Julie's thought of the week: Speaking of melted ice cream...do you enjoy mixing your ice cream up with your spoon until it melts? If so, you're not alone! Really! ^_^
Next time: Bwahaha...I'm mean to my characters, aren't I? ^_- (You'll see!) See you next Wednesday!
This is page 1 of Arc 5-Catastrophe. (31 pages cumulative.)


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Hover over image to zoom
Rebecca Taylor
Silk Charmeuse Top
- Estimated Delivery
- to
- Return Policy
- This item has been further reduced from its original Gilt price. It is final sale and non-returnable.
- Silk charmeuse woven top
- Sheen throughout, gathered at shoulders, tie closure at V-neck, inverted pleat at back, tonal top stitching, panel seaming
- 24 inches from shoulder to hem; Measurements were taken from a size 4
- Model's height is 5 feet 9 inches; bust 34 inches; waist 24 inches; hips 34 inches
- Dry clean only
Brand: Rebecca Taylor
Material: 100% silk shell
Origin: Imported
Rebecca Taylor
Refined cool reigns supreme in fashion designer Rebecca Taylor's collection of ultra-feminine clothing, shoes, and accessories. Based in New York City, this New Zealand native creates dresses, tops, and other women's wardrobe essentials that feature surprising color combinations, unusual embellishments, and precise detailing. Sleek blouses, basic sweatshirts, and tees in neutral hues get a lift from mesh paneling and gold hardware, while bold prints and nailhead studs add sass to Taylor's silky sheaths and classic miniskirts. To finish off your look, don a pair of Taylor's ultra-chic cap-toe flats, lace-up leather booties, or wedge sneakers, or stash your stuff in one of her roomy satchel handbags. Slip on one of Taylor's leopard-print woolen bomber jackets or warm, fur-collared coats and hit the town in high style.


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Category Archives: Shopaholic UK
Kitchen Cheats: Pancakes for Shrove Tuesday (or ANY day of the year)
I am a full-time working woman with a full and demanding life. I know perfectly well how to cook pancakes from scratch, be they crêpe, American-style, potato or blini, but I'd rather get the fillings right than muck about with batter after a long day at work. As Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day/ Mardi Gras falls invariably on a weekday, that dictates the need to cheat if Monsieur and I are to do the traditional thing and dine on pancakes. This is how I blitzed it for us this week:
I bought ready-to-cook galettes, the savoury, Breton-style pancake. In the UK you can get them from the Reflets de France brand at Ocado. They're sold in packs of six.
Pop a knob of butter in a frying pan and, once melted, place a galette darker side down in the pan. Immediately start to place your filling ingredients on one half of the galette, wait for the edges to brown a little and flip the other half across the fillings so that you have a perfect half-moon oozing with deliciousness. Make sure both sides have been adequately heated (this involves a bit of flipping for the culinary gymnasts among us) then place on a plate and set aside.
In the meantime, heat the oven to about 150 Celsius. If, like me, you have an audience who will eat the galettes as fast as you can make them, and if you prefer to eat at the same time as those you're cooking for, this is a useful trick – wait until about a short while before you want to serve the already-filled galettes, slip them into the oven for 10 minutes and they will be piping hot, as if they came straight from the pan, when they arrive at the table.
I have an entire book filled with recipes for galette fillings and the options are endless. Here are three surefire favourites that Monsieur and I enjoy, not just on Shrove Tuesday:
- The Classic Complète. Place thin slices of ham (honey roast is delicious if available) to cover half of the galette. Crack an egg on top and allow it to start to heat through, but don't leave it so long that the galette burns. It can always continue to cook a little once in the oven. Sprinkle with grated cheese, and/or a little parmesan. Grind black pepper over the whole and close. When in half-moon shape, i.e. the fillings are covered by pancake, flip to ensure the egg gets heat from both sides. If you'd like to be a little more ambitious with the presentation, place all the ingredients at the centre of the galette, leaving about 5 centimetres uncovered around the circumference. make sure the egg is situated as close to the centre of the galette as possible. Fold in 4 edges, leaving the egg exposed but creating a roughly square shape. Serve.
- The Neptune. Arrange slices of quality smoked salmon to cover half of the galette. Dollop three tablespoons of creme fraiche on top of the salmon and spread. Sprinkle chopped chives (dill also works beautifully here) and a little parmesan cheese over all. Close as the salmon's colour starts to turn pale but before the galette edges start to curl.
- The Vegetarian Italian. Put thin slices of mozzarella around half of the galette, dot with 5 or 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half. Sprinkle with parmesan and chopped or torn fresh basil leaves. You have to keep an eye on this one because if you leave it in the pan for too long the tomato juice will make it soggy and difficult to flip. One solution, if you have time, is to use regular slicing tomatoes and remove the juicy flesh and seeds beforehand.
Sweet pancakes are usually called crêpes in France, to distinguish them from the savoury galettes. To cheat for this type I used the following pre-made version, also from Ocado, although most supermarkets in the UK offer something similar:
Once again, they come in packs of 6. I am a complete traditionalist when it comes to sweet pancakes. If at all possible, Monsieur will do the French thing and fill his with Nutella, but I prefer to keep it simple:
As for the galettes, heat a knob of butter in the pan and place the crêpe darker side down in the pan. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of sugar across one half of the crêpe, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the sugar, add a dash or two of cinnamon, fold in half and serve. An optional extra might be a squirt of chantilly or a scoop of proper vanilla ice cream. If I weren't so convinced I'd set my head alight, I might attempt Crêpes Suzettes, but for the moment I leave that to the experts in restaurants like Les Halles, where they're so practised that I couldn't hope to compete.
Dippy for a Clippy
Among my vices various, those who know me will tell you that I am a self-confessed, bona fide bag lady. It would be perfectly accurate to call me a bagophile or loverrrrr of all things bag. Ever since I was given my first small cane handbag with chocolate leather closure and handles and chocolate cotton lining at the grand old age of four, I've been hooked on handbags, mainly because of an irrational fear that I might get bored without some portable entertainment in my possession at all times. So my handbags generally have to be large enough to accommodate 1 x book to read, 1 x Moleskine journal, digital camera and pens plural (in case one runs out), on top of the regular paraphernalia of phone, keys, money, lip gloss and travel pass.
To be absolutely clear, I love bags of all shapes and sizes – suitcases, duffel bags, totes, evening purses, shoppers, and I even admit to having a vague interest in airline sick bags of the empty and never-used variety. (Please do note, however, that I draw the line at squeaky vinyl or Judith Leiber.) Much to the annoyance of crowded-out golf bags, shoes and evening dresses, the majority of one large cupboard at home is given over to this particular passion for bags, the collection of which was recently augmented by the addition of one large example from a London-based company called 'Clippy'.
Monsieur will tell you that when I'm not growing my bag family, I love collecting bits and pieces from our trips – ready to stick into my journal, which is always with me (in a bag). He's so accustomed to this now that before he bins detritus from his pockets, he'll turn to me and say "do you want to keep this ticket/ card/ receipt/ brochure?" (delete where applicable); rolling his eyes with amused indulgence when I reply "yes, please." (At least I'm predictable). What doesn't find its way into my Moleskine will end up in albums various or treasure boxes filled with souvenirs. I'm a proper little squirrel with sentimentality issues; that much is certain.
So when you take one bag-lover-stroke-memento-hoarder and offer her the opportunity to review a clear plastic Clippy bag covered in clear plastic pockets just begging to be filled with bespoke decoration, including souvenirs, you are single-handedly responsible for making the Universe a much happier place for one particular bag lady.
The new bag was not a done deal. Yet. I had to order it online for starters. Here's how it went:
First, I visited the Clippy site and found that there are two ways to order a Clippy bag:
- You can order the bag with empty pockets and fill them yourself at home, or
- You can upload your own photos and/or use the Clippy site's stock images to fill the virtual pockets of your chosen bag, so that you can see how the finished bag will look and leave the hard graft to all those clever Clippy folk.
***Either way, you'll be faced with a dilemma: pink handles or black handles? Now, THAT is the question.
I followed the instructions for option 2, doing everything possible online, and was quite unprepared for how much fun this would be.
The first part of the process is registering your details on the site (easy peasy) before choosing your bag. There are various styles – from pencil cases and washbags to totes and shoppers. Was this part difficult? Only for the bag-o-phile who has a hard time making decisions. In the end I tore myself away from the darling metallic ringbinders which would be oh-so-perfect for random travel jottings, to choose an eighteen pocket shopper (nine pockets on each side) just begging to be stuffed with excesses of sentimentality.
Bag chosen, I moved on to the next stage: uploading photos to the site. This was the hardest part of the process, only because I am that abovementioned indecisive bagophile. Which to choose? Should there be a theme? What about balancing colours? Should I go garish and clashing or keep it sleek in black and white?
In the end I uploaded a selection of photos (colour, in case you were wondering) representing two of my other passions: travel and food. The site allows you to move the photos around from pocket to pocket so you can see how they'll look once inserted in the bag. Once you're happy with the overall effect, you save and send your finished virtual bag via the Clippy site links to the Clippy people (who, for some reason, I imagine are adorable little pink oompa loompas – apologies if that's not the case.).
This was the only time I had a problem. I'd save and send my bag, as per the on-site instructions, but the shopper repeatedly disappeared somewhere between my computer and the other end. Luckily, the brainchild behind Clippy, an accidental entrepreneur called Calypso, was there to talk me through the process. Neither of us could see why my bag design hadn't reached her, but with some perseverance the system finally worked and my bag was despatched the following day. Hooray! NB I have to say that it would seem I'm the exception to the rule here. Everyone else's online bag creations were behaving; just not mine.
And so, it was with calorie-busting excitement that I opened the grey plastic packaging to find my first Clippy bag. There were my images, all staring out at me from their designated pockets. A pretty gingham bow was tied around one handle and a Clippy badge sat in one of the central pockets – encouraging more multi-media insertions of my own. I took the bag for a spin around the office. The feedback from the girls was favourable, although progress was slow thanks to everyone wanting to know the story behind each photo.
Then it was time to get serious. How did my first Clippy stack up on the bagophilia barometer? Firstly, I checked out the quality of the photos in the pockets. Sadly, it wasn't great. The whole concept is so eye-catching that quality photographic paper would definitely help make the images stand out more. As it is, the photos are on heavy stock paper such as I might use for a presentation document at work, with the result that they're a bit flatter than they might be. In future, I'd probably opt for getting the photos printed myself and doing the DIY bag decoration at home. That way you have more control over paper weights and finishes.
Other than the image quality, I'm very happy with my Clippy. It's sturdy, waterproof and versatile – equally suited for the likes of trips to the deli at the weekend or to the swimming pool after work. It would also be a clever carry-on bag for any holiday involving airports and uptight security guards, simply because it's clear plastic. There are no secrets with a Clippy bag.
Having said that, on further exploring the Clippy site I found that there are optional bag-liners in case you're a bit more private about the contents of your bag. If you really want to push out the bespoke boat, there are Clippy sticker packs and pocket liners to get you started, although personally, I wasn't tempted. I'm good to go with a handful of metro tickets, postcards and restaurant cards, tokens, a good luck charm and a beer mat or two. And the best thing about my Clippy bag is that whenever someone notices it, there are automatically eighteen stories to tell. So, if an image is worth a thousand words, then I estimate that my eighteen Clippy bag photos and a couple of handfuls of mementos would fill a book.
Here's what my bag looks like:
If you would like to try Clippy's products for yourself, log onto the Clippy site here.
This is a review post. I was provided with the product free of charge for the purpose of honestly reviewing it. I have not been instructed what to write and my opinions are honest and my own.
One of the most enriching aspects of being half of a Franco-Kiwi partnership is the opportunity to always have more to learn about the other culture. Monsieur definitely understands how dull his life was before meeting his wife and witnessing her Jekyll-and-Hyde behaviour during All Blacks games. Inspired by my passion for men in black, my dear, sweet husband now knows all the rules of the rugby (thank you so much, Mr Wikipedia) and tells me often that "France is gonna kick your esssssss at the World Cup". If you don't follow rugby, shame on you. FYI the RWC is coming up later on this year with key matches (read: when The All Blacks thrash France) already entered into all calendars and is predicted to be an interesting stage in our fledgling marriage.
Rugby aside, I've learned a great deal about French ways since meeting Monsieur – most of which they neglect to teach you in French studies at school or university. I make constant gaffes (or so I'm told because I also now realise how blunt the French can be when trying to re-educate hopeless antipodeans like moi, who are used to changing their cutlery with every course) and struggle with subjunctives and reflexives, but at the end of the day it's all worth it when I discover some new (at least new to me) French tradition, like the eating of Galette des Rois on Epiphany.
For those readers who are more sinner than saint and don't remember your Christian feast days, Epiphany celebrates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus, bringing with them as offerings gold, frankincense and myrrh. In France, Epiphany is celebrated on 6 January each year. It's a big deal. At your favourite patisserie, you must buy a Galette des Rois, a type of sweet pastry flan filled with almond paste. Somewhere in each Galette lurks a tiny ceramic feve or charm, but only the pastry chef knows where. The flan is cut into slices, then one of the party is blindfolded and will point at random people in the group to indicate who gets the next slice. This is supposed to ensure fairness because sometimes a certain bulge in the galette may show where the charm is hiding.
Once everyone has a slice of Galette des Rois, eating begins with great ripples of anticipation coursing through the air: who will find the charm? It's not just the kids who get excited. Before long, some lucky soul will bite into something hard in the midst of the soft almond filling "C'est moi! C'est moi!" they'll exclaim, and will now become king or queen for a day, wearing a paper crown kindly offered by the patisserie with every Galette des Rois sold.
I first encountered this tradition when Monsieur's maman invited us to an Epiphany party one year. Monsieur won the charm that time, gallantly asking me to be his queen – what an old softie.
This year, I decided to arrange an Epiphany celebration of our own – just the two of us. I tracked down a Galette des Rois at Paul, raced across town after work to collect it (there's no decent patisserie near where I work, which is quite the cultural desert, as opposed to dessert) then dashed home to create a Frenchified evening. We made another type of galette that night – the brown savoury ones so popular in Britanny - filled with smoked salmon and salmon roe, chives and creme fraiche, or lightly smoked slivers of French bacon oozing with golden melted cheddar and an egg. I always find galettes rather filling, even though we never have more than two apiece, so we lightened our intake and ingested most of our five-a-day requirement with a big helping of salad before finally approaching the Galette des Rois.
I blindfolded Monsieur (nothing kinky), then he chose a piece for each of us. The charm was in neither, so we had to wait until the next day to try again as there was no capacity for two slices in that one evening. Monsieur won. I knew he would. He cheats. This time, his technique was to play a mind game on his poor, unsuspecting, defenceless wife (sob, sniff), so that she would allow him to have the piece with the tell-tale bulge. What was the charm this time? A small, ceramic crown, just big enough for a mouse to wear. Where is it now? In the bin. By accident. On purpose. Monsieur isn't sentimental like me and didn't see the point of keeping it to turn into a Christmas decoration. Luckily, Paul sold spares, and pre-empting my husband's attempt at 'feng shui' (better chuck the charm), I'd already ensured that my Christmas decoration idea was taken care of. In a little round box, shaped like a golden crown, I had 5 beautiful little ceramic charms, just waiting to hang on the tree in December.
Then, on twelfth night, January 6 2012, we'll have another Galette des Rois, just as we take the decorations down.
Once more, we'll have French treats. Once more, Monsieur will probably win the charm. The difference will be in managing to confiscate the charm the second the crown lands on Monsieur's head. You see, I plan to make a tradition of turning every year's charm into a decoration, and that will require sharp eyes and quick hands, to grab the charm and ensure that Monsieur goes nowhere near the bin.
An Emus-ing Review of Boots
October in London: it's dark in the morning, a chill is in the air and at work the central heating isn't working so we wear scarves all day long. It isn't even Hallowe'en yet.
Cue a timely newsletter from the folk at Fuelmyblog asking for interested bloggers to review the snug boots made by Australian brand, Emu. I needed no prompting to reply. This sort of footwear is right up my street, having a reputation for being both warm and comfortable. I fired off an e-mail to say I would be more than happy to review a pair of tall, black, Bronte-style Emus.
The boots arrived yesterday, which was perfect timing as it was a cool 18 degrees Celsius in the office. With blue lips I skipped back to my desk, box under one arm, to try them on. Opening the box I pulled out the Emus and smiled. In smart black suede with merino wool lining, they have a sensible rubber sole with the sort of traction that should help me to stay upright in the snow this winter, a feat not easily achieved. The boots certainly looked warm and comfortable from the outside, but how would they feel once on?
I pulled on the first boot and – what? – my foot would only go so far. I wriggled my toes and felt scrunching. Ah. This doofus had forgotten to remove the paper ball keeping the boot in shape. Paper ball jettisoned, I tried again, this time with success. The boot fitted perfectly and my right foot had found its cold weather heaven. Until that moment on an early winter's morning I had not realised exactly how cold my feet had been.
For some time I kept just that one boot on. I didn't think I could get away with wearing my Emus to meetings; at least not yet, but while I was at my desk I could at least get a feel for them. Eventually realising how odd I must have looked with loafer on left foot and Emu on right, I reluctantly removed the Emu, wishing the day away so I could take my Emus for a test drive after work.
On leaving the office it was suitably cold, grey and dull, but I was now happily wearing my Emus, every step taken a delight to my spoiled feet which adore comfort such as this. It's like walking on a sheepskin, with full support, especially in the arches, and on sitting down I had to stamp my feet a couple of times to make sure they weren't floating above ground.
The verdict? I love Emus and may well invest in a tan pair in one of their different styles. But this is not the end of this tale.
Earlier in the day French Colleague had noticed my Emus sitting under my desk.
"Aaah, you have EEEE-mus!" she enthused, "I have them too. I prefer them to UGGs."
"Why's that?" I asked,
"Because they have better traction. Actually, I have two pairs of Emus now." Quite the menagerie.
That can only be a good thing for me as long ago I stopped wearing heels in the street due to a rather nasty accident. I caught a heel between cobbles, resulting in a broken front tooth, severely bruised knee, grazed forehand and grazed hands. No, I didn't call a 'trip-or-fall' lawyer, although perhaps I should have, given the size of the dental bill. Overnight I changed from no-pain-no-gain perpetual-heel-wearer to flat-footwear-afficionado. There'd be no more heels caught in cobbles or tube station grates for me. Heels are now reserved for work or special occasions.
On the travel footwear front, Monsieur and I will be visiting Portugal in a few weeks. Breton-Crêpe-Lover was giving me advice on Lisbon this morning when suitable footwear came into the conversation.
"In the streets there are lots of… what you call… stones, errr…"
"Yes, cobblestones, so you shouldn't wear heels. Just flat shoes."
Looking at my feet she noticed the Emus.
"Yes, those are PER-fect." she said with a nod. "Wear THOSE in Lisbon."
So not only are my new Emus comfortable, toasty-warm and soft on the sole, they're also going to keep me safe from broken teeth. What a relief.
Useful links:
Fitness Footwear UK stockist of Emus with FREE UK delivery
Their homepage is here.
These Feet Were Made for Fit Flops…
I don't usually write about feet or shoes, apart from the fact that I'd rather spend my annual footwear allowance on travel than on a pair of Manolos and I just might have set up a site called Clogblogger once upon a time. However, if you've ever worn Fit Flops, you'll know why I'm writing about them today.
Last year, I invested in a pair of these flip flops with 'the gym built in,' that claim to help you tone and exercise muscles in your legs and back whilst simply walking. A couple of friends already had them and swore by them, so I bought a pair of rather unsubtle gold-sequinned Fit Flops with the suitably flamboyant style name of Elektra. By the end of last summer, including a full two weeks in Vietnam where I seldom wore anything else (on my feet, to be specific, because clothes definitely did feature. At times.), I didn't want to take them off. No, it's worse than that. My feet, a couple of particularly sensitive souls (pardon the pun), grieved the advent of autumn, for it meant that their beloved Fit Flops would be exiled to the back of the wardrobe. Poor feet!
Here's the gold variety that stirs an alarming amount of interest from my male colleagues. Oo er, missus! Who knew they'd be such attention-grabbers?
And this is the black equivalent that I wear on more sombre occasions:
There are one, two, three, four more Fit Flop wearers within 5 metres of me right now. Most of my girlfriends are advocates, and when I went to a wedding recently, my feet were understandably NOT happy about abandoning the Fit Flops in favour of something high and elegant. No siree. In case of a Feet-Against-Heels uprising during the day, I stuffed a pair of ballet pumps in my bag, but as it was, most of the girls went barefoot in the grass at the reception, so the ballet pumps were surplus to requirement. Chatting to an acquaintance, I admitted being relieved not to have to trot around in my heels all afternoon,
"My feet are spoiled. They've been in Fit Flops all week."
"Mine, too!" confessed the acquaintance, "and I have a pair of ballet pumps in my bag, for dancing, later."
"Me, too!" I squeaked, so happy to have located a kindred spirit with high-maintenance feet like mine. High five, girlfriend!
Even so, I couldn't wait to slide back into my Fit Flops when we got home.
The next question is inevitably: do they work? Well, it's hard to tell, because my legs are the most-utilised part of me and are therefore pretty fit already. But a good test was during the recent 48-hour tube strike when I had to walk to and from work each day. That was a total of 4 hours and 40 minutes fast walking, in Fit Flops, over a two-day period, and boy, did I ache by the end of it. The aches were in unusual places, too, usually untouched by regular walking or hiking. (At least, that's how THIS particular body behaves.) So the Fit Flop's claims to give you a workout while you walk seem to be true. Having said that, for me it's kinda like TV. I'm not interested in knowing how it works, as long as it works.
Long may the summer last, though, because in spite of Fit Flop's foray into winter-weather alternatives, they're lacking the funk of the spangly Elektra, and I'm not a big UGG fan. But I may have to eat my words soon, because this here high heel-phobe has been invited to an evening with Jimmy Choo. Help. I've never spent £368.00 on a pair of shoes in my life and I really can't afford to start such an expensive habit now. Besides which, £368.00 could pay for a long weekend in Venice, in my Fit Flops, and that's what I'd really rather do.
The one where Epicurienne tests Aveeno
All winter long I've been complaining about dry skin, especially following a swim, when the chlorine from the pool leaves a nice, flaky beard on my face, in spite of slathering moisturiser all over it. It's not just me, apparently; the Day Job office is so dry and full of static that we've all been experiencing unattractive skin this year, comparing dry patches with spots and red zones, all of which only flare up while we're at work. In desperation, I've even tried wearing night cream during the day – unheard of! But, hey! It worked. For a while.
To coincide with the return of Flake Face, a package from Shiny Red PR arrived on my desk, as if by magic. Out of it spilled Aveeno skin products (bath salts, small tube of cream, large tube of daily lotion) and American Colleague was by my side in a flash. "Ohmigahd, you've got Aveeno!" she cried with what I consider to be excessive enthusiasm for body lotion in boring cream packaging with dull, hippy-green accents. "I always keep it in my drawer." She pulled out a tube of Aveeno to prove it. "Do they sell it here now?" I, the Aveeno novice, shrugged. "I used to have to get friends to send it over from the States but it looks like it's crossed the pond, so GREAT!" American Colleague is a super girl, always keen and bright as a button, so I was heartened to have this encouragement to try a product I had never once heard of.
The bad news is: the packaging; it looks like it walked out of a cream and green health food shop. In fact, it looks like it should smell vaguely of linseed oil and carob. The good news is, Aveeno is made by Johnson & Johnson so it should be safe. More bad news – the creams are marked 'fragrance free', something that I find off-putting because it's one of those claims that don't always turn out to be true and even if they do, 'fragrance free' makes me think of allergy sufferers. Then again, I suffer from stress-induced eczema at times, and having recently made the third round of redundancies at the Day Job, I was starting to believe that the Itchy & Scratchy Show referred exclusively to me. Anything was worth a try, especially if it was going to help my skin, but oh-oh, more bad news: the packaging uses the word 'colloidal'. What on earth? Instead of sounding alluring and feminine, Aveeno was beginning to make me wonder if I'd just walked out of the local hospital's dermatology clinic. Out came the trusty dictionary, to find out what 'colloidal' meant exactly (I was never that great at chemistry, but I can generally tell if a word related to that dreaded subject). The definition according to the Collins Paperback Dictionary is:
COLLOID n A mixture of particles of one substance suspended in a different substance. COLLOIDAL adj.
In this case the particles of one substance are oatmeal and the different substance seems to be a whole list of chem-lab ingredients, from allantoin and glycerine to Distearyldimonium Chloride. This wasn't looking good, given that I prefer natural skin products made from things like olives.
Still, I promised to give the Aveeno range a test run and test it I have. Here are the results:
- 1. The Aveeno bath salts – unless you enjoy bathing in brown water, then I'd recommend passing on this product. Some of us still like sweet-smelling oils and bubbles. I got out of the bath feeling in need of a shower to wash off the good-for-you brown stuff.
- 2. The Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion – this has been showing some minor improvement on my elbows but remember that a little goes a long way and you need to give it a few minutes to soak in.
- 3. The Aveeno cream – looked and felt to me like the same product as the 24 hour cream (remember I'm not an expert), only in a smaller tube. Now, credit where it's due – this is great stuff. In the three to four weeks that I've been using Aveeno cream as my daily moisturiser, it's done wonders. My skin has returned to normal, smooth and flake-free. However, it does feel a bit gooey going on and the total lack of fragrance, even a no-fragrance fragrance is not a good thing in my book. I prefer things that smell nice, like olive oil face creams that smell fresh, not necessarily of flower beds or apricots, just fresh and that I do like very much.
So the result of my experiments with Aveeno is that I will be interested to continue using the cream to counteract post-winter facial flakiness but the jury's out on whether or not to buy a replacement once I've finished the tube. The packaging puts me off a bit, as does the healthy look's conflict with a rather off-putting list of extra chem.-lab ingredients on the reverse. If the packaging were a bit less oatmeal-y and the oatmeal particles could be suspended in a friendlier group of substances, you could probably count me in as a new customer. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if I miss Aveeno when I've used it all up. For the moment, however, not a flake in sight.
Useful links:


text:
The move inspired liberals to revel in the moment of cathartic hilarity and conservatives, including Sen. John McCain, to scoff in disgust. In brief, here are the liberals:
- Matthew Yglesias on "Al Franken's dose of petty vengeance": "I approve."
- Time's Karen Tumulty: "Why God Invented C-Span"
- Wonkette's Jim Newell: "Here's a brief respite of procedural porn & violence for the very sad American Left."
- Gawker's Adrian Chen, who says to "live vicariously" through Franken: "It's telling that the most thrilling part of the health care reform debate thus far has been one senator telling another senator to stop talking about health care reform."
- Open Left's Chris Bowers: "Instead of yelling at each other, watch Franken shut Lieberman down. It will make you feel a little better."
- American Prospect's Tim Fernholz: "Al Franken is really becoming a hell of a Senator."
- Media Matters's Jamison Foser: "Republicans really can't whine about not being given extra time when they're pulling stunts like reading amendments [for several hours on the Senate floor]" Foser added, "Dear media know-nothings: Franken/Lieberman 'story' is tempest in teapot."
- Washington Independent's David Weigel recalls the Franken-Lieberman ticket detailed in Franken's novel.
Here are the conservatives:
- Ann Althouse on "Al Franken's dick move": "So... should we boycott Minnesota?"
- Michelle Malkin on "Franken's little snit fit": "Call it nutroots red meat. Or blue meat."
- Weekly Standard's Mary Katherine Ham: "Keep it classy, Al."
- Powerline's Paul Mirengoff: "A clown's impression of seriousness"
- National Review's Daniel Foster: "Don't get us started."
- RedState's James Richardson: "Either Senator Franken strictly adheres to Leadership direction, or the junior senator from Minnesota had a substantial axe to grind with Lieberman for taking 'hostage' substantive health care reform. I'm willing to bet it's the latter."
Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at mfisher at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.


text:
Cheap Reich
Posted: May 17, 2011
Filed under: Generative Music, Music
Tagged: Generative Music, james anthony walker, minimalist, steve reich
Comments: 5 Comments
Have had Steve Reich on my mind lately. Such an interesting notion, minimalism. And actually, something which has proven to be so sustainable. But I digress …
This excerpt is cheap Reich in the sense that it is using controlled feedback to achieve the same basic effect as Reich's through-composed work. It could go on forever, but let's call it a day after a few minutes …


text: Hi! My friend talked me into doing a 5K with her in August so I have been doing the Couch to 5 K to get ready for it. I am on week 8 this week. I was never a runner before. Any tips or advice for getting ready for the 5K?! I am very nervous about it. I have less than a month. Been doing ttapp moves and adding in ttapp techniques too!


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text:
The Creative Portland Corporation (CPC), established November 2008, is a non-profit organization created to receive donations, grants and contributions in support of the City of Portland's economic development efforts which enhance and create creative economy business and arts district development and employment opportunities.
The Board of Directors shall consist of thirteen (13) individuals eleven (11) of whom shall be Directors appointed by the Corporator through the Portland City Council and two (2) of whom shall be ex officio members (the Mayor or City Council member, and the City Manager or designee associated with the Economic Development Division). Of the thirteen (13) Directors, the Corporator shall endeavor to appoint three (3) representatives from each private creative category (creative enterprises, creative organizations, and artists), and two (2) members representing higher education and real estate. All Directors, with the exception of the ex officio members, must be either residents of, own a business located in or work in the City of Portland.
Board of Directors
Peter Bass
Thomas Blackburn
Zeke Callanan
Patrick Costin
Arthur Fink
Andrew Graham
Penny Harris
Tim Honey
Alex Jaegerman
Alice Kornhauser
Valarie Lamont
Kristen Levesque
Jessica Lipton
Kathleen McKeen
Eugenia O'Brien
Marty Pottenger
David Wade
Ex-Officio Board Members
David Marshall
Greg Mitchell
5-3-2013 Meeting |
Agenda | Packet |
4-3-2013 Meeting |
Agenda | Packet |
2-6-2013 Meeting |
Agenda | Packet |
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at Portland City
Hall from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.
Contact Us
For further information on the CPC please contact its Executive Director Jennifer Hutchins at firstname.lastname@example.com or (855) 268-2983, or Lori Paulette, Economic Development Department at City Hall at email@example.com or (207) 874-8683.


text:
Can you feel it? Spring is in the air! And to us, that means only one thing: It's time to stow away those Winter boots and start shopping for warm weather shoes. Here, the top 10 trends of the season to snatch up NOW...
From the hottest new trends to the season's must-see events, Fashionista.com chronicles everything that shapes the fashion universe.
Wedge heels recommendations?
Posted by heatherc
What's the style of your staple bag?
Posted by Jill_Hamilton


text:
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Federica Pellegrini of Italy set a new meet record in winning the women's 200-meter freestyle at the European swimming championships on Saturday.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Olga Beresnyeva of Ukraine won the 25-kilometer open water race in a photo finish Sunday at the European swimming championships. |
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ryan Lochte registered his second consecutive victory over rival Michael Phelps at the United States National Championships with a gritty win in the 200 meters backstroke on Saturday.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Michael Phelps won the 200-meter freestyle at the U.S. national championships, then came back less than an hour later to win the 200 butterfly on Wednesday night. |
Monday, May 17, 2010
Nicholas Thoman upstaged Olympic hero Michael Phelps and a star-studded American field to win the men's 100-meter backstroke Saturday at the Charlotte UltraSwim meet.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Michael Phelps, who is the winningest Olympian ever with 14 golds, continues his preparations for the 2012 London Olympics with five races at this week's Charlotte UltraSwim meet. |
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
-- Australia's five-time Olympic champion Ian Thorpe said Monday he has no intention of making a comeback to competitive swimming.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Rocked by allegations of rampant sexual misconduct within its coaching ranks, USA Swimming unveiled a plan Wednesday to make it easier for athletes to report abuse, look into the need for more thorough background checks and establish clear guidelines for appropriate conduct. |


text:
December 10, 2012
USC lost LB commitment Matt Rolin to Florida last weekend. Monday night Gator LB commitment Quinton Powell of Daytona Beach revealed on Twitter that he had decommitted from the Gators. USC was one of his offers before he committed. "At the end of the day I gotta do whats best for me. Dont care who likes it or not," Powell tweeted. Powell's decision comes a day after he made an official visit with the Gators. Powell told Scout.com he's looking at official visits right now to Southern Cal, Oregon and Miami.
TweetPublished May 22
Published May 22
Published May 22
Published May 21
Published May 21
Penguins rout Senators 7-3, take 3-1 series lead
LeBron, Heat dig deep to top Pacers in Game 1
NBA draft order set, so who goes No. 1?
Column: Garcia will pay dearly for Tiger remarks
AP Source: Coach K returning to US men's team
WR Crabtree tears right Achilles tendon


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LnxFire 0.1-4
With LnxFire, you can use the firewall-creation wizard to quickly create a basic firewall.
The program features a dynamic rule modifier,proactive monitoring, reporting, e-mail alerts, system-file monitoring, auto-lockout optionsfor port scanners and more.
Windows Firewall provides good protection from threats on the Internet view it
Contrary to popular opinion, the firewall does not pose a problem to torrent transfers. We'll show you why. view it
The Windows Firewall has been much improved to keep your PC safe from intruders view it
What the heck is a port and how does it work on my computer view it
You can use the firewall on your BlackBerry to handle incoming information view it
Safer surfing view it
When doing things on the Internet, a firewall helps keep your computer safe view it


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Kohler K-3551-0 White Archer 1.28 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Comfort Height Toilet with 12" Rough-In
Compare Our Prices
Technical Specs
Specification Sheet | |
ADA | Yes |
Bowl Height | 16.5 |
Bowl Shape | Elongated |
Comfort Height | Yes |
Concealed Trapway | No |
Configuration | Two Piece |
Country Of Origin | USA |
Depth | 29 |
Flush Type | Gravity Flush |
Gallons Per Flush | 1.28 |
Height | 30 |
Installation Type | Floor Mounted |
Insulated Tank | No |
Length | 29 |
Made in America | Yes |
Material | Vitreous China |
Rough In | 12 |
Seat Included | No |
Sub Category | Two Piece Elongated |
Theme | Contemporary / Modern |
Trapway | 2.125, 2.13 |
Trip Lever Placement | Left |
Water Efficient | Yes |
WaterSense Certified | Yes |
Width | 17.88 |
Configure your Archer 1.28 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Comfort Height Toilet with 12" Rough-In
Installation Services Option more info ▼
When you order professional installation services from the DIFY Network, the procedures included with purchase are full circle.
Your service provider will:
Unpack new toilet. Shut off the water supply to the toilet being replaced. Drain, disconnect, and remove the existing toilet. Assemble a two (2) piece toilet if necessary. Clean the surface area where the new toilet is to be installed. Provide and install new wax ring, mounting bolts. Install toilet to the original toilet location. Mount, secure, connect, and seal the new toilet. Test the toilet for leaks and ensure that is functions properly. Clean up and haul away the old toilet and any excess installation related material
Finish configuring above to see price
Please finish configuring above
This product has additional required/recommended options. To configure, add to your cart.
Wax Ring Kit Required
Angle Supply Recommended
Toilet Seat Recommended
Archer 1.28 GPF Two-Piece Elongated Comfort Height Toilet with 12" Rough-In
The Archer(TM) Comfort Height Toilet combines exceptional performance and the enduring transitional style of the Archer Suite. Blending subtle design elements found in Craftsman furniture and the intricate facets of fine jewelry, this combination of beveled edges and curved bases creates a timeless look that complements a wide range of styles.
- Comfort Height - With a seat height comparable to that of a standard chair, Comfort Height toilets make sitting down and standing up easier for people of all ages
- 12" (30.5 cm) rough-in
- Class Five(R) - provides tremendous bulk waste flushing performance and best-in-class bowl cleanliness
- Exclusive Drylock plate - saves installation time and keeps floors dry
- Canister flush valve provides smooth flushing actuation with consistent water usage, flush after flush
- 1.28 gpf high-efficiency toilets provide significant water savings of up to 16,500 gallons per year versus an old 3.5-gallon toilet without sacrificing performance
- Meets strict flushing performance guidelines established by the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) WaterSense program
- Qualifies as a HET (High-efficiency toilet) - consumer rebates are available in certain municipalities
- Polished chrome trip lever, less seat and supply
Additional Kohler Links
- View Manufacturer Warranty
- Shop All Kohler Products
- Shop All Kohler Archer Collection Products
Our SKU: K-3551
This product is listed under the following manufacturer number(s):
Almond - K-3551-96
Biscuit - K-3551-7
Black Black - K-3551-K4
Cashmere - K-3551-NY
Dune - K-3551-95
Ice Grey - K-3551-55
Innocent Blush - K-3551-33
Mexican Sand - K-3551-G9
Sandbar - K-3551-58
Thunder Grey - K-3551-0
*Denotes a finish or option that has been discontinued
Kohler Archer Collection
Other Products In The Kohler Archer Collection
Kohler K-2355
Archer 20" Undermount Bathroom Sink with Overflow
$157.60$118.20(51) -
Kohler K-1123-RA
Archer Collection 60" Three Wall Alcove Soaker Bath Tub with Armrests, Lumbar Support and Right Drain
$804.85$488.00(3) -
Kohler K-1123
Archer Collection 60" Drop In Soaker Bath Tub with Armrests, Lumbar Support and Reversible Drain
$632.00$474.00(7) -
Kohler K-1123-LA
Archer Collection 60" Three Wall Alcove Soaker Bath Tub with Armrests, Lumbar Support and Left Drain
$804.85$488.00(5) -
Kohler K-2357
Archer pedestal only
Warranty Info
Kohler Co. warrants its faucets to be leak and drip free during normal residential use for as long as the original purchaser owns his/her home.* If the faucet should leak or drip during normal use, Kohler will, free of charge, mail to the purchaser the cartridge necessary to put the faucet in good working condition.
Kohler also warrants all other aspects of the faucet, except gold finish, to be free of defects in material and workmanship during normal residential use for as long as the original purchaser owns his/her own home. If a defect is found in normal residential use, Kohler Co. will (at its election) repair, provide a replacement part or product, or make appropriate adjustment. Damage to a product caused by accident, misuse, or abuse is not covered by this warranty.
Proof of purchase (original sales receipt) must be provided to Kohler with all warranty claims. Kohler Co. is not responsible for labor charges, installation, or other consequential costs.
In no event shall the responsibility of Kohler exceed the purchase price of the faucet.
To obtain warranty service, contact Kohler Co. either through your Dealer or Plumbing Contractor or by calling 1-800-4-KOHLER or by writing:
- Kohler Co., Attn.: Customer Service Dept.
Kohler, WI 53044, USA
Some states do not allow limitations of how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives the consumer specific legal rights. You may also have other rights that vary from state to state. This warranty is to the original purchaser only, and excludes product damage due to installation error, product abuse, or product misuse, whether performed by a contractor, service company, or the consumer. This is our exclusive written warranty. *Trend faucets, MasterShower Tower, gold finish, accessories, fixture related items (as designated in the Kohler Faucets Price Book), and faucets used in commercial settings continue to be covered by Kohler's one-year limited warranty.6/98 COPYRIGHT © 1998 BY KOHLER CO. (SEE BELOW)
All Kohler Plumbing Fixtures, Faucets and Fittings carry Kohler's Limited One-Year Warranty Unless Otherwise Noted.
Limited One-Year Warranty
Kohler® plumbing fixtures, faucets and fittings are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for one year from date of installation. Kohler Co. will at its election repair, replace or make appropriate adjustment where Kohler Co. inspection discloses any such defects occurring in normal usage within one year after installation. Kohler Co. is not responsible for removal or installation costs. To obtain warranty service, contact Kohler Co. either through your Dealer or Plumbing Contractor or calling 1-800-4-KOHLER or by writing:
- Kohler Co., Attn: Customer Service Department
Kohler, Wisconsin 53044 U.S.A.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of special, incidental or consequential damages so these limitations and exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This is our exclusive written warranty.
- There may be variation in color fidelity between catalog images and actual plumbing fixtures.
- Kohler Co. reserves the right to make changes in product characteristics, packaging or availability at any time with out notice. COPYRIGHT © 1989, 1990, 1997, 1998 BY KOHLER CO.


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For generations, for centuries, people have been saying Jesus may come back soon. Pastor Greg Laurie says that only means we're closer than we've ever been. Wednesday on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg helps us all make sure we're ready.
The Living a Prayerful Life book will be sent to you in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month.
It's not enough to just pray here and there. We should be living a life of prayer. Could you honestly say you are living a prayerful life? If not, why not take a step in that direction?
To help you do just that, Harvest is offering Living a Prayerful Life by Andrew Murray in appreciation for your gift of support this month. This book will help you combat prayerlessness and give you practical guidelines for developing a life of habitual prayer.
Living a Prayerful Life will be sent to you in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month.


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When I downloaded it i wondered why an mp3 file was 22mb then i played it and saw that it was 29 minutes and I thought WTF this is just going to be one of those boring repetitous listens how can a rock song be this long but I let it play and by the 5th minute my head was bobbing to this and by the 9th minute i was like this song rocks then we get to the piano solo ad seeing as i love piano (the only instrument i can play) I had to go back to my media player and check if it was the same song and was blown away especially when the piano sounds random and distorted and to think that was all written it is really amazing then back to the drums and guitars and vocals when it was done i cleared everything else in my playlist and put the song on repeat.
X japan is a band i had never heard of till 2 weeks ago when i accidentally discovered Art of life which I believe isa musical masterpiece that I cant stop listening to, its crazy like immediately it finishes i just want to start it again its a song that doesnt get boring it keeps you entertained throughout and I was shocked that it was done in 1993. Parts of it where so fast they reminded me of early metallica (my favorite band) then there was a part when it felt like iron maiden (my second favorite band) and it goes on the piano brought to mind early classical music from geniuses like bethoveen.
This sonr is art in itself and is right up there with my favorite songs irregardless of the duration it doenst get boring, you keep wondering where its going and it gets better till eventualy it ends adn you want to play it again.
Beautiful Piece


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You want a website that attracts customers and shows your business in the best light. You want to showcase your hobby. You need on-line registration for your workshops. You want to blog. You want to accept payments or donations.
And you have no idea where to start.
Call HeatherWorks. We've worked with small businesses, charitable organizations, doctors' offices, hobbyists, and bloggers. We design websites that are beautiful and functional. Custom forms? Check. Database driven live search? Check. Content management system? Check. Call us today at 425.319.0542 to discuss your project and find out what HeatherWorks can do for you.
Call (425)319-0542, email us at firstname.lastname@example.com, or fill out the request form to find out how we can help you.


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Mall Walkers plan 2013 kickoff party
Kennetha Colorado-Tiner
The Mall Walkers program, sponsored by Lake Wales Medical Center and Eagle Ridge Mall, has its 2013 Kickoff Party from 9-10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 17, in the food court of the Eagle Ridge Mall.
Registered participants will receive T-shirts, tracking cards and a description of new prizes to be offered in the upcoming year. Lake Wales Medical Center will be offering a mini health fair and breakfast will be provided.


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Join Ology today. Sign in and connect with others who share your interests
It seems Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani isn't as upset with John Galliano as most of the world is, but the woman has a point! When asked who should be appointed as creative designer of the British designer's former helm Dior, Franca had this to say:"Hire back John Galliano! I understand their point of view," she said, referencing Benard Arnault and the upper management of Dior's parent company, LVMH. "I understand they couldn't just say, 'Bad boy! We forgive you! Come back!' But it's really a pity. And I will never believe he believed what he said. I think he was drunk and alone in a bar. When people go crazy, they go crazy. It's a human case, it's not political or religious. He didn't kill anyone!"What do you think? Do you seen Franca's point? Would you rather see Marc Jacobs at Dior like Anna Dello Russo (and everyone else imaginable) hinted at?
Want to connect with other Fashion Ologists? Continue the coversation on My.Ology and enter for a chance to win $1,000!
Follow me on Twitter at @_laurencaruso


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Welcome to the 'coldfusion' tag page at Technorati. This page features content from the farthest reaches of the Blogosphere that authors have "tagged" with 'coldfusion'.
Are you an expert about 'coldfusion'? Do you want to be the Technorati authority on 'coldfusion'? You can write a description that will appear right here: Join Blogcritics!
Latest blogosphere posts tagged "coldfusion"
ColdFusion Summit Announced
— Authority:
Im totally stealing this content from the official ColdFusion blog , but as it is good news I think Im allowed. The ColdFusion Summit, a ColdFusion conference organized by Adobes ColdFusion team, is now officially announced. Details:October 24th and 25th Manadalay Bay Resort & Casino , Las Vegas, ...2 days ago -
Protecting the CFIDE directory in IIS
— Authority:
Yesterday I had a server with IIS and a few hundred sites on it. Some, though not all, of the sites had an unprotected CFIDE directory mapped. So my task was to protect these directories by denying all IPs from access except a specific IP range. Before I describe the task and my trick let me remind you that this is ...1 week ago -
That Pesky CFIDE Directory
— Authority:
If you are CF community connected (and if not why not?) you know about the latest "sub-zero" exploit to ColdFusion that once again targets the Administrator or adminapi directory under the CFIDE directory. It leverages tags that work with files from within these directories to place code on your server which can then ...1 week ago -
ColdFusion Security Advisory
— Authority:
The Adobe Security team has issued a security advisory for vulnerability (CVE-2013-3336) which could permit an unauthorized user to remotely retrieve files stored on the server. This vulnerability affects ColdFusion 10.x, 9.x, and earlier versions (on Windows, Mac and UNIX), but will not affect you if you have ...2 weeks ago -
Security Advisory for ColdFusion (APSA13-03)
— Authority:
A Security Advisory (APSA13-03) has been posted in regards to a critical issue in ColdFusion 10, 9.0.2, 9.0.1 and 9.0 and earlier versions for Windows, Macintosh and UNIX. Adobe is aware of reports that exploit code for the vulnerability is publicly available. Information regarding this vulnerability, including ...2 weeks ago -
ColdFusion Community Portal Launched
— Authority:
The ColdFusion team has launched the ColdFusion Community Portal (powered, of course, by ColdFusion using Mura CMS ).2 weeks ago -
Do you remember the ColdFusion Cookbook?
— Authority:
Many years ago ( early 2006 to be exact) the ColdFusion Cookbook was launched. The idea behind the site was simple. Provide a set of recipes with clear solutions provided in ColdFusion. In some cases this was a bit like the regular documentation. (For example, "How do I parse RSS feeds?" ). In others, the ...3 weeks ago


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Click here to join my Yahoo! discussion group - Strickly Speaking
It was my first book in print (2006) and it was a sellout.
Now back in print -
This book is available formatted for e-readers at Smashwords.com. The second edition includes a foreword by Nick Scipio. The e-book can also be found at the Apple iBookstore, Sony Reader Bookstore, for the Nook at BarnesandNoble.com and for the Kindle at Amazon.com.
Want this book in print? It's available in paperback at Amazon.com now.
A business trip that doesn't go as expected reunites a couple and gives them a second chance at the romance they never had the first time.
MF rom cons cheat oral solo
First published April 2004. Revised February 2006.
A teenager goes camping with his parents and meets a girl who invites him into her camper. You never forget your first time.
mf 1st cons oral solo
First published April 2004. Revised February 2006.
Appeared in Volume 2 Issue 3 of Sticky Buns in 2008
Those damn rechargeable batteries go dead at the worst possible time! Here is the story of one woman's experience with that problem.
F solo
First published May 2004. Revised November 2005.
The Cuba Stories:
The first edition sold out, but a second edition e-book is coming later this summer. Look for the second edition paperback around the end of 2011.
Christopher gets offered the chance of a lifetime. He thought the risk was his freedom. He didn't know the loss would be his heart. Politics and love make strange bedfellows.
MF rom cons oral
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6
First published May-June 2004. Revised August 2006.
Look for it in adult bookstores now or purchase it online directly from the publisher. It is available as a series of two novellas - After Fidel and Cuba Libré
Sometimes, a once in a lifetime opportunity comes along more than once. The question is—did she wait for him?
MF rom cons mast oral
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7
First published July - September 2004. Revised January 2006.
Two couples go away for a romantic weekend. When someone doesn't show up, it's time for good friends to share.
MFF rom cons mast oral
Thanks to RachaelY for all the advice on this story.
First published December 2004. Revised October 2006.
A Christmas card brings back memories of another time, another place
MF rom cons mast oral
First published January 2005. Revised February 2005.
Math class was never this much fun when I was in high school
mf first cons
First published January 2005. Revised October 2006.
He met the perfect girl. Then he met another perfect girl. He can't date both of them, can he?
Another high school story. Sometimes you have to choose.
mf first cons oral
First published March 2005. Revised November 2005.
It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of my good friend and fellow author, St. George. I learned of his death only hours after I posted Chapter 1. He has helped me on many of my stories. One of the very last things he did on this Earth was to perform a reality check read on "One Of Two". I dedicate this story to George. He now appears memorialized in a revised Chapter 2.
A young boy discovers his hero is only human. He comes to realize that ordinary humans can be heroes.
No Sex
This is my attempt at a mainstream story. No sex at all, just a heartwarming story seen through the eyes of a ten year old boy.
Thanks to JRB and Bernardo for their help with the story.
This story is also available as an audiobook read by the author. Download it at the Stories on MP3 project.
First published April 2005.
Published in 2009 - Sold Out
He wanted to be a scuba diver. Sometimes, fantasy is better than reality.
First published June 2005. Revised October 2006.
She was a very good actress. She was good enough to turn professional.
No Sex
First published July 2005.
A Summer Camp story
"So how did you two really meet? With all we've learned about you lately, there has to be more to the story."
I looked to Gina, who held my eyes. After a moment she gave me an almost imperceptible nod, a smile lighting up her expression.
Once long ago, I swore there were two things I'd never do. One was write a sequel. The success of "After Fidel" showed me I was mistaken about the first part. Now, I'm breaking my other rule and trying my hand at fan fiction. With Nick Scipio's permission (and extensive help), I'm adding a little bit of background to his monumental work.
First published December 2005.
Published in 2009 - Sold Out
A weekend in the mountains, a crackling fire, and good friends. The sound of a zipper changes everything.
MF cons oral voy
First published March 2006. Revised April 2007.
Making love in the early morning
MF cons rom
Nick once told me that the real skill was in writing flash fiction, telling a story in less than 1,000 words. Inspiration struck one morning like an arrow flying silently through a forest. A story that short should be spontaneous. From inspiration to writing to posting was barely hours. I didn't even take the time to run this one past my editorial team. How many mistakes can I make in less than 400 words? None, I hope.
First published April, 2006.
The first edition was a sellout in adult bookstores throughout North America.
Now back in print -
This book is available formatted for e-readers at Smashwords.com. The e-book is also available at the Apple iBookstore, Sony Reader Bookstore, for the Nook at BarnesandNoble.com and for the Kindle at Amazon.com.
Want this book in print? The full unabridged edition is available in paperback at Amazon.com.
Everybody has a secret. How long can you keep yours?
MF cons first slow rom oral
Part I - History
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
Part II - Her Story Part III - The Truth
First published August, 2006. Revised November, 2006.
Look for it in paperback in adult bookstores now or purchase it online directly from the publisher. It is available as a series of two novellas - Part I - Friends and Lovers and Part II - For the Rest of my Life
He had it all – love, fame, and success – and fate took away the most important part.
He ran away to hide and fate found him again.
He learned that you can have it all and lose it.
Fate again has him…
Paddling Upstream
slow rom MF cons oral
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5
First published April - June, 2007.
Published in Volume 2 Issue 4 of Naughty Words - September 2007.
An enduring love
First published June 2007.
Published in Volume 2 Issue 3 of Tight Squeeze - September 2007
A drunk coed and a party full of horny guys
My publisher asked me to write a story to fill a niche. They wanted a gangbang story around 1,600 words. Working within those tight constraints, I tried to explore the feelings of someone attending a gangbang. It was a stretch for me, but I did my research and tried to relate it properly.
First published August 2007.
Published in Volume 2 Issue 4 of Teen Auditions - September 2007.
It's the first weekend back in town after the first year away at college. Rain ruins the plans for a Saturday in the park for two friends. Then again, rain doesn't have to ruin anything.
First published August 2007.
Next time you drive down the Interstate, take a look at that row of trees in the median. Look to the left and see that place in a way you never did before.
First published September 2007.
Many thanks to Jerry for taking the photograph.
Look for it in adult bookstores now or purchase it online directly from the publisher.
Sometimes when you get busy, you don't make time for what is really
Sometimes you don't have the courage to own up to your mistakes and fix them.
Sometimes you just have to go home.
Sometimes that's where you find what you've been looking for all along.
Sometimes you have to go dancing in the rain.
MF cons
Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
That's all (for now) as far as fiction. If you're still looking for things I've written, you might want to take a look at this non-fiction piece. My stories have been fiction set in a real place. Here, I did the opposite. I started with fictitious places from the stories of Nick Scipio and found the real places that inspired them. With Nick's help, I visited many of the sites that appear in the Jazz Club Stories and the Summer Camp Stories. I wrote an illustrated travelogue of my journey. This link takes you to the story which appears on his web page. If you haven't read the works of Nick Scipio, you might want to before reading this piece. I highly recommend reading his stories. He is an excellent writer and he inspired me to start writing.
Step inside Nick's stories
First published July 2004.
I read erotica online for years, then I got a chance to give back by drawing maps and proofreading for Nick Scipio. I'm learning a lot from him while he writes Summer Camp. In late 2003, I gave writing a try. I posted my first story in early 2004 and the response was much greater than I ever expected. The appeal for more from my readers was irresistible so I kept writing. Let me know what you like and don't like about my work. Feedback keeps me going.
I'd like to acknowledge and thank some people who have provided a lot of help to me in bringing these stories to you. First, my proofreader, Terry Steyaert. Terry and I work together proofreading the Summer Camp series for Nick Scipio. Terry also proofreads and edits for many other writers. Over the years, MrSpock, Alexis Siefert, St. George and JRB have each helped out by serving as my editors. I am most grateful for the time all of these people put into turning the stories I write into the finished product you read. They point out the errors I put in. Without these friends, the stories would be messier. Any errors they might miss are, of course, my mistakes. Thanks, my friends.
Thanks Jan de Mas who created a beautiful Spiffybooq™ of The Cuba Stories and made it available for me to share with my readers. I have lost touch with Jan de Mas so the newest corrections haven't been applied to the Spiffybooq. St. George helped by running down technical details for me during After Fidel, and by doing reality check reads for many of my later stories, right up to the last two days of his life. RachaelY has also been a great help with background information. Thanks to all of you for helping to make my stories as good as they are.
I was greatly honored to be nominated for the Golden Clitorides Awards 2004 New Author of the Year. Thank you for all the nominations my stories have received. I was delighted when Havana Club won second place for Best Romantic Story of 2004. As a new author coming online near the end of the awards cycle that year, I was ecstatic to be nominated in such esteemed company, and winning awards for my work has been wonderful. I am still amazed that King Size Bed has had download counts almost off the chart, now in excess of 1.9 million downloads. By Firelight continues to be my second most downloaded story, currently at over 109,000 downloads. A surprise is Every Guy At The Party. Though many readers felt it wasn't in keeping with my style and one reader even suggested it be considered just a mulligan, the story easily holds on to third place among my most downloaded stories, currently at over 104,000 downloads. Thanks for reading.
My stories in total have now logged over 3.75 million downloads and sold over 30,000 copies in print. As one reader pointed out, that averaged out to more than one download every minute (though, realistically, almost half of the downloading was due to the popularity of King Size Bed). The popularity of my stories is all due to you, my readers, and I thank you. I've heard from so many of you and tried to reply to each message. Unfortunately, some came in anonymously so I couldn't answer your questions or thank you for the compliments. I began my second year of writing without my good friend, St. George. While his voice is no longer on the telephone, I can still hear his advice in my thoughts. Meanwhile, new friends are stepping forward to help out.
I am always looking to branch out into new things. I tried my hand at writing a few no-sex stories and the reception was magnificent. One of them even placed in the 2005 Golden Clitorides as Short Story of the Year. Wow - a no-sex story winning the Golden Clitorides! With Nick Scipio's permission and help, I wrote a fan fiction piece for Summer Camp. Almost all of my longer stories have been or will soon be released as novels under the pen name J. Strickland. Many of the short stories have appeared in magazines. Look for them at your local adult bookstore. Seeing my stories in print is an amazing experience. From time to time there has been interest expressed in basing movies on some of my stories. So far nothing has come to fruition but someday that may change. I am also very proud of the fact that my writing has inspired some others to try their hand at writing, producing many outstanding pieces for everyone to enjoy. I believe everyone has a story to tell.
Lately, I have been working on mainstream novels. I have one finished and a few others in progress but haven't had any luck yet getting a book published under my real name.
With the help of Direidi Publishing, my books that have gone out of print are becoming available from online booksellers - in e-book and paperback versions. Now available are I Met My Old Lover... and Secrets Revealed as e-books priced under a dollar each.
As always, thanks for reading. I love to write, but it wouldn't be nearly as much fun without people enjoying reading my stories.


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Latest News About Mars Science Laboratory, NASA's Newest Mars Rover
The Mars rover Curiosity, also known as the Science Laboratory, will launch in late 2011 and land on the Red Planet in August 2012.
Mission scientists want to confirm the exciting...
Curiosity should drill another rock within the ...
NASA's Curiosity rover should help clarify Moun...
Curiosity's month of freedom on the Red Planet is over.
The nine-year-old robot has resumed science operations on the Red Planet.
Each mosaic was stitched together using at least 20 images taken by the rover itself.
The robot's handlers have prepared commands designed to get things back to normal.
NASA had been splitting costs with the U.S. Deparment of Energy.
Curiosity has been busy since landing on the Red Planet last August.
The roving Mars Science Lab's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument tested for levels of the gas Argon in the atmosphere. Those levels indicate the Red Planet once had a more robust atmosphere, confirming what scientists previously thought.
No commands will be sent to all four active NASA Mars explorers for the next few weeks.
The new results from NASA's Curiosity rover bolster longstanding suspicions about the Red Planet's air.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter captured the unexpected views of Curiosity's huge parachute from space.
Mars is on the other side of the sun from Earth, making communications difficult.
Curiosity may have found traces of salty perchlorates in Rocknest, a potential hint of life's building blocks.
Curiosity has been busy since landing on the Red Planet on Aug. 5, 2012.
Curiosity had been recovering from a memory issue since late February.
The Caltech Space Challenge runs all week.