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Floor-to-ceiling windows, unveiling lively Boylston Street below, illuminate the largest of the three dining rooms. Larger parties are comfortably accommodated and seated in luxurious cushioned chairs with dark mahogany accents. Plush fawn colored carpet underfoot leads seamlessly into the Crystal Room.
This centrally located dining room is bordered on three sides by a striking steel bar wine case that is enveloped in brilliant sheets of glass. Be seated alongside the wine display in one of the olive satin lined banquettes, or across the dining room in one of two lush mauve booths.
Take a quick peek of the impressive sterling kitchen on the way to the library, nestled in the rear corner of the restaurant. This romantically dim lit space is perfect for a special dinner for two or an intimate business meeting, and is cleverly decorated with books of various shades of cool blues lining its shelves. Tall shelves lead the eye up toward exposed dark wood beams overhead, adding a rustic finishing touch to this warm dining room.
A marble tiled foyer leads into the Salon. A periwinkle blue area rug complements this room's dark hardwood floors. Cozy up in this modern lounge with a copy of Chef McClelland's Wine Mondays in the soft and inviting booth underneath the light cast by an awe-inspiring clean lined chandelier. The salon is also perfect for people watching from one of the window-side tables while sipping a glass of champagne from a bottle chilling on ice in the butler's pantry.


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UNDATED (AP) -- Just like last night, the only two games on the Top-25 schedule involve a pair of ranked teams. Tonight's first tip is in Gainesville, where seventh-ranked Florida is preparing to face 25th-ranked Kentucky. Later in the evening, in East Lansing, it'll be No. 8 Michigan State hosting fourth-ranked Michigan.
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Dear members,
Thank you, NarutoBase Staff
who says this means naruto is gonna choose sakura
lol assumptions
But if Naruto doesn't get Sakura then that will, be the first time he has ever given up and would destroy the whole message that Naruto brings.
Kishi foreshadowed NH when Hinata said that she would be the one holding his hands at the end of the war. There has to be a reason for this. Episode 278 was solid proof that Sakura STILL loves Sasuke even though he almost killed her 2 times. There's no way that she's going to magically love Naruto in a romantic way.
I actually would prefer him to end up with Sakura.
But he did everything she told him not to do
Originally Posted by elxdark
One thing I can't stand from NH fans ( i think you're one of them) They just can't accept the FACT naruto doesn't love hinata, and they only see for hinata.
I am not a fan (nh-ns) but I Think the most probable pairing would be narusaku. Why?
as other guys already said, they have a huge Development in their relationship, and that "development" hinata lacks.
Ok call their "development" "relationship" whatever you want, Brother's love, friends.. anyway if you can't see nothing behind it I can't discuss to you , For me it's so obvious :D.
Other thing I disagree with nh fans is the fact they "swear" because hinata loves naruto, he must loves her lol i think it is a pathetic argument. Although the same could apply for naruto and sakura but NH fans almost always use that argument.
Peace i don't wanna fight .
Where in what I said did I say that Naruto loves or should love Hinata back? I never said that. I really don't understand though how some people can honestly sit down and come to a conclusion that Naruto and Hinata have no development. Are they really reading the same Manga. Did they skip the chapter when Naruto was very depressed about his fight with Neji and Hinata cheered him up? Then he said he liked people like her, which he didn't have to say but he did anyway. Did they skip the chapter when he swore on her blood which they bonded from? Did they completely skip the chapter when Naruto went 6 tails? He has never been that angry in his entire life and when he realised she was alright he shed tears. Did they also skip the chapter when naruto saves hinata and smiles at her remembering the time of the confession and telling her that she is strong from looking in her eyes? Does he have these sort of Moments with Tenten or Ino who are also on other teams? No he doesn't.
Originally Posted by saltal
I am a Naru-Saku fan - for much the same reasons you listed. Moreover, I find Hinata too obsessive and suffocating, not to mention overly shy and boring (but hey I am not a guy, maybe these same attributes are attractive to males :-)).
However I am not convinced that these are sufficient. As a counter example, take the Harry Potter story, where Ginny was portrayed very much like Hinata, and Sakura is much like Hermione (granted, neither Harry nor Ron match Naruto/Sasuke though). Harry ended up with Ginny - a boring side character, much like Hinata - and not with the lead female, hermione (Sakura)...
Well, it's not up to us. Whichever girl it will be, so long as Kishimoto makes the choice believable, I'll take it...
Even if you use that Harry Potter arguement you're missing one huge point: the development was there. Ginny started out shy, but her screen time with Harry grew each story, by the end of the fourth book it became pretty obvious they were hooking up. You could tell they were going to pair him with a powerful witch (hints of her having great talent with hexes, she picked up his lessons in book 5 quickest, her mother showed signs of being powerful books 2-5 and in 7 it was showed). Hermonie, book smart but didn't have the natural talent Ginny had. Then Cho Chang's, flat character, main purpose was to start steering Harry Ginny's way (he asked her to the ball, but she was with longbottom *shows desired by others which is blown up in books 5-7).
Naruto and Hinata don't have development because she keeps fainting. Even with the Pain arc she confessed, it was a strong moment, but Naruto was already on the edge emotionally(leaf destroyed and both sensi's killed by Pain before Kakashi was revived). When they got reunited in the war there was no hint by him he even remembered her confession(before when he went 4+ tails he lost his memory of before and after events so he might have forgotten). Unless Hinata has PNJ there's no way in hell because the groundwork isn't there/
Originally Posted by Itachi Edo
Even if you use that Harry Potter arguement you're missing one huge point: the development was there. Ginny started out shy, but her screen time with Harry grew each story, by the end of the fourth book it became pretty obvious they were hooking up. You could tell they were going to pair him with a powerful witch (hints of her having great talent with hexes, she picked up his lessons in book 5 quickest, her mother showed signs of being powerful books 2-5 and in 7 it was showed). Hermonie, book smart but didn't have the natural talent Ginny had. Then Cho Chang's, flat character, main purpose was to start steering Harry Ginny's way (he asked her to the ball, but she was with longbottom *shows desired by others which is blown up in books 5-7).
Naruto and Hinata don't have development because she keeps fainting. Even with the Pain arc she confessed, it was a strong moment, but Naruto was already on the edge emotionally(leaf destroyed and both sensi's killed by Pain before Kakashi was revived). When they got reunited in the war there was no hint by him he even remembered her confession(before when he went 4+ tails he lost his memory of before and after events so he might have forgotten). Unless Hinata has PNJ there's no way in hell because the groundwork isn't there/
Read chapter 559 my friend
He will not choose her, cuz he knows she loves Sasuke
Well if Naruto does end with Sakura, I kind of wish Kishi didn't create Hinata to have feelings for Naruto anyway. I mean what was the point in leading on and confusing people having so many unrequited minor romances. Whatever floats his boat I guess... I just hope he doesn't leave things unresolved... though that may be for the best.
I disagree. Sakura will always love Sasuke. If Naruto 'chose' her, she may play along at first, but her heart would still belong to the sauce man.
Besides, Naruto would have to be the biggest ******* in the world to do that to Hinata. She's such a darling, she probably would act like it didn't bother her. She was the first person to tell Naruto that they loved him IN HIS LIFE. She was the only person to step in, and help him when Pain him pinned down (literally) and died (or almost died) saving him, and lead to the rage that inevitably lead to the defeat of Pain.
Last edited by moongem; 09-11-2012 at 11:21 PM.
i really dont understand how people can say kushina and hinata are alike....i cant see how minato and hinata are anything alike....i cant see how anyone thinks hinata and naruto are going to end up together??? theres is absolutely zero proof in the manga that naruto has any or has ever had any romantic feelings for hinata. He made one comment, about liking weird people like her. Kishi can be a troll, but lets face us...for the most part, though we dont want to admit it, his hints seem pretty damn obvious...example...minato being narutos father, obito being tobi or apart of tobi, madara or some top notch shinobi being brought back, sasuke and naruto's first fight....alot of things have pretty obvious hints. NaruSaku has had the most development out of any characters relationship wise, outside or brotherly or friendshippy bonds (like itachi/sasuke, kakashi/obito, sasuke/naruto, gaara/naruto, ino/sakura) Since the beginning naruto has wanted her and he never changes his mind about anything. if he cant stop pursuing sasuke...why would he stop pursuing the girl he loves? actually, better, he loves her so much that he doesnt pursue her. he wants only her happiness, even if thats seeing her with another guy. He does anything and everything to protect her and despite her "abuse" as you guys call it he still likes her...sai acknowledges it, yamato says it, how many times has naruto gotten excited over the idea or ramen with her? or her coming around? or anything?? hes always happy and excited to see her. Sakura wants naruto's happiness too, its quiet obvious...she would kill the one she thinks she loves to help someone whose just a friend?? what human does that....she runs to the 4 tailed naruto and cries out that she will take care of sasuke and all naruto's burdens knowing he would probably strike at her in this form...but she does it anyway and even lies to naruto about how shes hurt so he wouldnt be upset with himself. She cuts her hair to protect both naruto and sasuke...something precious to her.....she researched information on naruto just as much as she did sasuke in her years of training. She freaking asked tsunade to train her so she could be stronger and help naruto get sasuke back. this is scratching the surface maybe with proof that naruto and sakura care about each other deeply...
proof of hinatas care for naruto in manga?
-she risked her life to remove the poles outta his back. honorable, but freakin suicide. Yes naruto go angry, very very angry, because he thought one of his good friends just got murdered in cold blood. On top of that, she just admitted she think she loves you....who the hell wouldnt go berserk? whether you liked the girl or not??? especially being someone like naruto who cherishes every bond he has with anyone regardless? theres no question naruto doesnt like hinata alot but i see his care for her no different than his care for konohamaru.
lol the only argument that I see from Naruhina fans, is that Sakura loves Sasuke. Yes we all know that, but its "Bad" love. Kishi said it himself that Sakura's love for Sasuke, is selfish, its printed in the databook. Which means she hasn't matured enough yet to realize real love, like the love she shows with her actions with Naruto.
If you believe so much that Narusaku can't happen because Sakura won't stop loving Saskue, how the f*#k do you assume that Naruto will stop loving Sakura, and start loving Hinata.
"Sakura can't love Naruto because she'll always be thinking of Sasuke", which i can rebuttal with "Naruto can't love Hinata because she'll alway be thinking of Sakura" It doesn't make sense your logical argument sometimes.
I believe Sakura will fall in love with Naruto, even though I think she already has, just hasn't realized it on the surface. But its obvious to Yamato "deep down you really..." and Sai "Sakura your very gentle with Naruto aren't you?".......
But Naruhina is still viable, thats for Kishi to decide, it just doesn't make story structure sense as of right now, because these Naruhina has had very little interaction, in the feelings department. Its mostly Hinata becoming more brave to reveal her feelings. But Naruto hasn't made any contribution back.
My other theory is why Hinata will be turned down, is because right now she's still a pretty static character. She hasn't really grown up, and a rejection would make her into a stronger women.
Ahhh but who cares, the only real important relationship is SHIKATEMA FTW!!!!
NaruRamenGuy anyone?
I think it would be pretty legit, Naruto would be happy
Naruto could get free ramen everyday and that's pretty much happiness right there.
hinata loves naruto naruto loves sakura sakura loves sasuke sasuke loves revenge. obito loves rin rin loves kasahi hakashi loves his book.
jirray loves tsundae tsundae loves dan. love shit traingle in naruto will never end. i personally think naruto wont end up with any one.
he doesnt desever hinata serousily hinata way too good for him. i am naruhina fan i am begining to think naruto never acknowledge hinata. he never thanked her for what she did for him. the new movie is all about narusaku parralling minatokushina i think. naruto still asked sakura on date after knowing what hinata said to him thats bullshit. all naruhina fans including me do u think hinata should be with the guy who shows no interes in her. naruhina fans stop hating sakura okay i admit she is annoying but every one hates sakura call her lair and ***** dont u allget it naruto is exactly male version of her sakura treat naruto the same naruto trats hinata. naruto doesnt punch hinata cause hes guy but he called her weird and still doesnt love her and he doesnt have to but at least tell hinata that i dont love u i love sakura ppls can we be good friends instead of keeping all naruhina and hinata fans waiting.
i dont think they will be together hinata is princess where naruto is normal cilivalin do u rly think princess marry or even allowed top go out with normal boys. they have duty for their ppl.
hinata is direct bloodline of the elder son she belives power is the answer to piece the only reason she lost her title because she wasnt powerful and too gentle. she states in 232 ep thats she wants to become stronger and stronger.
naruto is direct bloodline from younger son he believes love is the answer to piece and hyuga cant marry any one outside their clan expect their brother clan which are the uchiha. naruto is built on chienses culture i think in chiense culture it was encouraged to marry ur brother clan in this case senju and uzumaki one brother clan. uchiha and hyuga another brother clan.
naruto and hinata arte eniemies techinally. i can even bet u the hyugas killed the many uzumaki while the uchiha fought many senju.
overall naruto has never shown love interested in hinata never not even once only showed sign of care thats okay i rly wish hinata should realize this or she will be crushed later on.
in ep 235 naruto said he will never give up on sakura even if it is a filler i think mk may have some say.
he can have her at least he knows she loves sasuke so on date with her sakura will be thinking of sasuke not him.
but i have to admit naruto is much more smarter then hinata he knows by now sakura loves sasuke why cant hinata not see by now naruto loves sakura why is she acting so stupid. narusaku fans stop saying narusaku have more development dont think i am bashing narusaku in dbz chi chi just came in one episode and married goku in that episode because naruto is shounen manga is not a shojo so dont be surprised naruhina fans and narusaku fans that karin or ino turn up in the end of war ask naruto to marry him naruto and karin start uzumaki clan
Stupid thread is stupid. Hinata will end up with Naruto and Sakura with Sasuke
If you'd like to see a more recent panel look at the one where Sakura rejects the guy in the medical camp. When he gives her a "proposal" she denies him saying that there's already someone she's in love with and thinks of
*drum roll*
Now I myself did get worried that Kishi would just end Naruto out with Hinata as a friend (that being that Naruto protected Hinata and Hinata got down on herself) but then he cheered her up and that gave me some hope. I'm just hoping that Scumbag-Naruto picture above isn't true & he doesn't friend-zone her lol
that'd suck...
Naruto never gives up?
So why do so many people think that he will give up on sakura?
That is just stupid.
The best argument of the NaruHina fans is: "Sakura loves Sasuke she will never love Naruto" but they think Naruto, the never give up guy, stops to love Sakura and starts to love Hinata? That thinking is just pathetic.
And the best is Naruto never cuts bonds with someone so why do they think he will cut the lovebond with sakura?
And why didnt Naruto talked with Hinata after the painfight? he talked with Sakura some nonesense so he had enough time to talk with Hinata about his feelings.
...does anyone even own the officially translated english version of this chapter? It really does say, "Don't go and fall for the first girl you see". Geez...no one buys the real manga anymore..
Seriously dude? ( I'm just trying to disprove this "theory" of yours.) Do you seriously think that if you never give up, you'll get the girl you want? These things do not apply to love-that's how obsessive stalkers think. And if you do use that theory, than Hinata will get Naruto because her love never wanes and her nindo is to never give up too (so the same rules apply to her) I'm just saying that you're argument is irrelevant.
Last edited by xMinatoKushinaNarutox; 09-17-2012 at 05:17 AM.
Originally Posted by Tagen
sorry to all you hinata fanboys (me included) but i came across this page in the manga recently. It shows that it is most likely that naruto will get with sakura as his girlfriend instead of hinata
Check the bottom left panel.
''Just try not to pick a weird one...''
- Naruto considers Hinata to be weird, i'm 100% sure he's mentioned that she is weird. (Think it was @ the start of shippuden) (i will hack out some proof if you ask)
''Try to find someone like your mother...''
- Kushina is shown to get very aggressive very fast.
- Sakura is shown to get very aggressive very fast.
Edit: So much mad being posted here.... chill out guys, i'm a naruhina fan too, i was just pointing out this picture in the manga... jeez.
Naruto isn't going to choose sakura because sakura will always choose sasuke. Wake up fool!
I'm not really one for pairings in this anime because I don't think that's what this show's supposed to be about... If anyone got together with anyone, I think it would be Sasuke and Naruto.
They're the only couple that makes sense in my head because Sasuke's never shown any interest in Sakura, Sakura never shows interest in Naruto and Naruto never shows interest in Hinata.
However, it's clear Naruto stands out to Sasuke and vice versa... It probably won't happen, but that's what I think.
Now, excluding this possibility, the second pairing would definitely have to be Naruto x Sakura. Why? Because Naruto never gives up on what he wants. He's inevitably going to woe Sakura into loving him in return.
We've already seen a LOT of evidence and foreshadowing for this to happen. Kishi's whole purpose for plugging Hinata in was to give Naruto some affection, because obviously, no other female in the anime actually had love feelings for him, so it would be inappropriate and pretty depressing if she didn't exist.
The videos below are just slight hints of this, and of course, there are hundreds of scenes within the manga/anime that exemplify this nature a lot better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-1JDDr6c8w This is an obvious one. Sasuke was just about to kill Sakura until Naruto showed up. Her life would have literally ended here if it wasn't for our main protagonist. She knows this. She's said multiple times throughout the manga/anime that she's done searching for Sasuke. She may still love Sasuke in the same way that Naruto loves him (They spent a long ass time with each other, growing and sharing new bonds), but she's realized that Naruto is the better choice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyzW_qxkdiE This is just a cute moment. We get to see the relationship between Naruto and Sakura here once more. Why did Sakura ask if she looked more womanly? Why did she blush? Why did Jiraiya state that he, "doesn't understand a woman's heart at all."
Indeed, later, we see how Sakura lies to Naruto about her love for him, but this is only because she's still uncertain. No one can just flat out state their love for their closest friend, especially when she was in a dire situation like that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGUwDdm_1-Y Kishi and the developers for the series have this perpetual tendency to bring up drama between Naruto and Sakura. Why would they have so much air time and manga cuts with each other if it wasn't to build up their relationship in Sasuke's absence? In Shippuden, we see this massive growth in affection between Naruto and Sakura. That isn't just a coincidence. It's placed into the story on purpose because that's what Naruto WANTS. This is all about Naruto. He has not shown a single sign of "love" for Hinata in the entire series. He has always loved Sakura and always will love her.
There are a lot more scenes, especially in the Naruto movies, that exemplify their growing relationship. For fans out there who have taken the time to scrutinize them, you know exactly what I'm referring to.
Besides, Sakura physically resembles Naruto's mother the most. This is something that Naruto will never lose track of. He'll never love someone that he isn't physically attracted to, and that's been proven throughout the entire series on how Naruto views Hinata.
It's a sad fact, but the only pairings that would EVER come out of this series is Naruto and Sakura...
I doubt Kishi would turn Naruto and Sasuke into homosexuals.
Last edited by Deluded Scientist; 09-17-2012 at 06:00 AM.
Originally Posted by Tagen
sorry to all you hinata fanboys (me included) but i came across this page in the manga recently. It shows that it is most likely that naruto will get with sakura as his girlfriend instead of hinata
Check the bottom left panel.
''Just try not to pick a weird one...''
- Naruto considers Hinata to be weird, i'm 100% sure he's mentioned that she is weird. (Think it was @ the start of shippuden) (i will hack out some proof if you ask)
''Try to find someone like your mother...''
- Kushina is shown to get very aggressive very fast.
- Sakura is shown to get very aggressive very fast.
Edit: So much mad being posted here.... chill out guys, i'm a naruhina fan too, i was just pointing out this picture in the manga... jeez.
but naruto nows sakura doesnt love him, he knows frist had before anyone.
where u been. lol
That would be even worse than Tobi being Obito.
I don't even care anymore who he ends up with.
Forum Rules


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Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thoughts from Your Friendly Valentine's Day Agnostic
And this has proved to be a problem in more than one relationship. The men I've known have always been gooey marshmallows when it comes to Valentine's Day. Yes, yes, opposites attract.
I believe in love, indeed I do, but mandated romance and gaudy displays of affection embarrass me. One boyfriend used to have funeral-sized flower arrangements delivered to my desk at work. What innocent bystander did he think this would impress – Steve in Human Resources, Cathy in Accounting? I couldn't stick pins in the Forever balloons fast enough.
Then there was this one chap I married. Thinking we were kindred spirits, I didn't buy him anything when our first Valentine's Day rolled around. That was the first big Oops in a never-ending series of miscalculations.
I'm not overtly sentimental, this is true. I'm the spawn of those who celebrated major holidays by the giving and receiving of new household appliances. Good stuff was saved for the off-season. As a just-because.
Certainly, my ambivalence towards the holiest of love-days has enrolled me in a very exclusive club. So exclusive, I don't think I've met a single member, but we're out there somewhere, I'm sure. Getting flowers and chocolate, when what we really wanted was a staple gun or a ladder
This makes me sound like an ungrateful shit, and I expect I am. Here's my favorite love song; take a listen.
If the two of you feel the same, who needs anything else? And if only one of you feels the same, then even a perfect rose won't make the slightest bit of difference. You can trust me on that.
Some more, but not much more, and slightly different but not very, on Patch.
39 comments:
- Kalei's Best Friend said...
I think its sad that Hallmark has to remind people about remembering the ones they 'supposedly' love... I feel the same about Mother's and Father's Day... All 3 are hallmark holidays.
My ex-bf would go the 1-800 flower route... one year it was this scary, huge ass teddy bear w/red ribbon and flowers that showed up at the door.. And no, the bear was not him... That bear got thrown out about 2 yrs. ago along w/the ex bf... Boy, that was cathartic in doing that. When I worked retail, the cosmetic dept. would laugh when men would show up at the last minute with glazed eyes and demand that the clerks help them.. Nothing is funnier than someone saying to the clerk " just pick out anything!". One friend was hurt because her now ex, gave her a card that said " happy valentine's, sis'. OUCH!
- February 14, 2012 at 4:47 AM
- Mister Earl said...
Come with me to OSH. I'll let you pick your valentine!
- February 14, 2012 at 5:38 AM
- Pasadena Adjacent said...
I just want a pony
- February 14, 2012 at 7:22 AM
- Bellis said...
I never ever want to be given those red hothouse roses with no scent. They die pretty quickly in the vase anyway. Chocolates, maybe. Just a card, even better. When did it get so commercialized? In the 60s, we had fun sending anonymous cards to guys we had crushes on. There was no such thing as a card "to my wife." and no wife ever sulked if she didn't get her roses or an expensive meal.
This reminds me that Valentine's cards got so rude in the Victorian days (in England) that the whole thing was banned.
- February 14, 2012 at 8:26 AM
- Desiree said...
Tom Waits had a voice!
- February 14, 2012 at 8:38 AM
- MuseBootsi said...
I'm also not a big fan of "flowers and chocolates because I'm supposed to."
Luckily(?) for me it's Hartwell's birthday. So I get to focus on making one boy happy on his big day and eating cake.
- February 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM
- Wayne said...
Choosing a love song by Waits puts you into another pretty exclusive club KB.
I haven't gone in for VD (sometimes acronyms are a bad idea) since about grade 4. It's was enforced back then.
At the risk of seeming mushy, I prefer this song:
- February 14, 2012 at 9:48 AM
- dbdubya said...
You're not alone, KB. A good friend has one of the best marriages around. I asked him one year what he was getting Linda for Valentine's Day. He said they don't celebrate VD and I asked him how he pulled that one off. He told his wife that there shouldn't be only one day a year where they express their love for each other and she agreed. So, no chocolates, no expensive, crowded dinner, perhaps just a card.
When I got remarried to Kathy I floated the idea just to see what she thought. She agreed! So, we get each other a cheesy card and usually have a nice dinner at home. Tonight, though, I'm taking her to a Chamber mixer at the biggest dive bar in town.
- February 14, 2012 at 10:39 AM
- altadenahiker said...
Kalei, that's hysterical. One of my college jobs was working for a CPA. He sent me to the store to buy two Valentine's cards -- one for his wife and one for -- who knows?
Earl, you're on. Loved your comment on Patch, by the way.
PA, we know, we know.
Bellis, now I'm going to have to google that. I heard on the radio this a.m. that the holiday has its roots in a very raunchy celebration and sacrifice.
Amazing, isn't it Des?
MB, oh, that's right! It's my long leggy supermodel's birthday!
Wayne -- hah! Saint VD. (I'll check out the song when I leave the library. However I have my doubts you'd select something remotely mushy.)
- February 14, 2012 at 10:42 AM
- altadenahiker said...
DB, I'll send you two a membership card. Happy VD
- February 14, 2012 at 10:44 AM
- Ken Mac said...
That's tough. But isn't VD a manufactured holiday anyway? Who cares...I have a date tonight. We won't even mention it. And last night's date (uh, she turned out to be a he), we'll be eating meatballs...and chianti..
- February 14, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Hold the chocolate, but I wouldn't say no to a quart of milk and a dozen eggs.
- February 14, 2012 at 11:42 AM
- Marjie said...
There's not a lot of sentimentality going on in my house. The mushiest my dearly beloved ever got was when he really didn't want to have a medical procedure done, and the doctor told him that choice could be fatal. He thought for a good while, and acquiesced, but "Only because I owe it to her. She has given me 30 good years, so I'll tolerate this for 30 days." Best Gift Ever.
- February 14, 2012 at 12:49 PM
- TheChieftess said...
When TheChief and I first got married, we did do VD...we went to one of our fav restaurants in Pasadena, waited two hours to be seated (we had reservations), the service was lousy (and usually wonderful), and the dinner was...mediocre (usually wonderful)...ever since then we've opted for dinner in...until tonight!!! As he said...he's taking me to the best dive bar up here for a Chamber Mixer!!! (Dinner after...only because we don't expect a crowd and I don't want to have to cook after the mixer!!!)
- February 14, 2012 at 3:06 PM
- altadenahiker said...
Kenny Mac, meatballs and Chianti -- now you're talking.
Marjie -- gold star for that one. Lovely.
Chieftess, I want pictures of a Mammoth Lakes dive bar.
And Wayne, you started something. Better trademark VD while you have the chance. (And I'm right about the song. It isn't mushy.)
- February 14, 2012 at 3:28 PM
- Petrea Burchard said...
J and I talked last night about our holidays. We are totally off the calendar. He doesn't like Valentine's because it's forced upon us by the culture. I don't like Christmas for the same reason. He likes Thanksgiving because of the food. I don't like Independence day because setting off fireworks around here strikes me as nuts. Et cetera.
We both really like Halloween.
We're thinking of instituting some pagan stuff, but even then, I know us; we'll be contrary and select our own dates and rituals.
- February 14, 2012 at 4:18 PM
- dbdubya said...
Gee, Petrea, you're a bit of a party pooper. I don't like Halloween or Valentine's Day. Birthdays should be celebrated for those under 18 and over 80, and then a few milestones like turning 21 and every ten years (30, 40, etc). I like Thanksgiving and Christmas because they bring families together. I also like Memorial Day and Veterans Day because of what they symbolize. The 4th is okay too because of small town parades. I've got mixed feelings on Mothers and Fathers Days. Secretary (or administrative assistant), boss days, etc should all be outlawed.
- February 14, 2012 at 5:01 PM
- Desiree said...
Count me as an EOC--Equal Opportunity Celebrant
- February 14, 2012 at 5:19 PM
My favorite holiday is Snow Day.
- February 14, 2012 at 5:21 PM
- Pierre said...
Sorry I forgot to get you something Karin. Maybe I'll send a grease gun next year. I'll even paint it red.
- February 14, 2012 at 7:09 PM
- Petrea Burchard said...
Dbdubya, not all families should be brought together, is all I'm saying. But wait a second: birthdays birthdays birthdays!!!!! I love birthdays! My next one is March 23rd in case anyone wants to celebrate it.
- February 14, 2012 at 7:13 PM
- Margaret said...
I am all for people giving me gifts, mandated or otherwise. I'm just shallow that way.
- February 14, 2012 at 7:54 PM
- altadenahiker said...
P & DB, funny thing about Father's Day. It was a non-event when I was growing up. Then, when Dad turned 65, he for some reason decided it was an event, one that we'd celebrate, or else.
Pierre, is that the same as a grout gun? If so, you read my mind.
And speaking of exclusive, I don't like Downton Abbey. Am I the only member of that club? (How could this be the same guy who wrote Gosford Park?)
- February 14, 2012 at 8:45 PM
- Petrea Burchard said...
I've never seen Downton Abbey. You have your club and I have mine.
- February 14, 2012 at 9:34 PM
- Shell Sherree said...
Count me on the romantic-gestures side of the equation, but I like some imagination to be shown. And I'd borrow your pins if I received a Forever balloon {she says as she cancels the Interflora 'You're My BlogPal' delivery to Altadena}.
- February 15, 2012 at 12:23 AM
- TheChieftess said...
Your wish is my command Hiker!!!
- February 15, 2012 at 12:27 AM
- CafePasadena said...
if more men read your Valentine's philosophy here, you wood have more Valentino's sending you their proposals.
- February 15, 2012 at 11:32 AM
- Young at Heart said...
I think it depends who you're with.....or without....on the day......this year I made chocolate heartshaped brownies because he made me dinner!!
- February 15, 2012 at 2:21 PM
- altadenahiker said...
P, our clubs should meet and then there will be two people in attendance.
Shell, yes, it's all in the approach. And thanks for the thought.
CP, u guess that wood b troo?
YAH, there you have me. I do believe in brownies of all shapes and sizes.
- February 15, 2012 at 4:38 PM
- Banjo52 said...
I'm on your no frills team. And thanks for the reminder to look into Waits some more. He's got some doozies.
- February 15, 2012 at 6:33 PM
- sonia a. mascaro said...
Just great the title of this post.
Here in Brazil there is no Valentine's Day, but a similar day, named in Portuguese, "Dia dos Namorados", that means "Lovers' Day", that is celebrated on June 12, probably because it is the day before Saint Anthony's day, known as the marriage saint.
You are not alone, because I think that we don't need a day to express our love.
Perfect Tom Waits's music: "All I want is you, you, you". In Portuguese: "Tudo o que eu quero é você, você, você".
- February 15, 2012 at 6:39 PM
- altadenahiker said...
Sonia, I truly think everything sounds just a little more poetic in Portuguese. Your language has always been music to my ears.
- February 15, 2012 at 6:59 PM
- sonia a. mascaro said...
Thank you so much Karin!
I am glad you like my language!
I would like to thank you for the compliments to my daughter photo and for the link to Caetano Veloso's music. Love the music "Você é linda" (You are beautiful) too.
I just updated the post with your great idea. Thanks again!
- February 15, 2012 at 8:29 PM
- Susan Campisi said...
I'm not a fan of VD either but I do love that the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates go on sale the day after. I've been known to indulge.
Love the Tom Waits song.
- February 15, 2012 at 8:53 PM
- altadenahiker said...
Seems I'll get sentimental after all, because I've loved Brazil (Brasil, I don't know why we put the z there), from a distance, almost all my life. Not just the landscapes, but the music and musicians, such as Caetano Veloso. And the writers -- I remember when I first discovered Jorge Amado. What joy. I read everything he wrote, but couldn't help wondering what it must be like to read him in his native language.
- February 15, 2012 at 9:00 PM
- Paula said...
Downton Abbey was good at the beginning of this second season. Now it's a silly soap opera. Blech!
At Christmas my husband has been known to give me a chain saw with a John Deere T-shirt to match. Perfect. And now I've saved holiday greeting cards from the last few years and plan to start recycling them for all future holidays. Just think of the $$$$ and time we'll save?
I was really moved when I saw what a friend posted on FB on Valentime's Day:
Sending out love tonight; especially to the lonely, the grieving,the homeless, the invisible, the voiceless,those with mental and physical afflictions,--- may they experince Comfort and Love...
I say, amen.
- February 15, 2012 at 9:14 PM
- Kaori said...
You'd probably love our Valentine's Day here in Japan. It has nothing to do with love and all to do with chocolate. We have the best chocolate ever this season!
Hope you had a great day anyways :D
- February 16, 2012 at 4:21 AM
- Ken Mac said...
Updated my post per your suggestion!
- February 16, 2012 at 9:59 AM
- Shanna said...
We had fresh strawberries, fizzy Pinot Grigio (which we never need an excuse to have) and a ham sandwich.
I like the excuse to write one of my corny poems - no - let's call them rhymes. And I was glad I had some pink skies to put up on VIEW.
- February 16, 2012 at 6:01 PM


text:
Papa, i agree taht there could be a way to gate high end content that would work, but currently i'm failing to see the value in it.
Speaking as someone who is extremely competitive, at least out side of WoW, I would actually prefer to have teh content there pushing me. If I want to put in the time and tears to be the first, then so be it. I'll probably vent by complaining about the time involved or any of a number of things, but I've always preferred to have my goal in sight, rather than hidden behind a series of artificial 'gates'.
The satisfaction of hitting as fast as I possibly can is part of the satisfaction of winning the race.
Imagine a foot race where halfway through, everyone who got there in the first thrity minutes of the race was forced to stop until the 30 - minute mark. Would that be in anyone's interest?
Dealing with the time investment, the energy and burnout involved, and the sheer frustration of going on against incredible competition is a part of the game when you want to be #1, and trying to remove that will remove a major factor of the competition that these players are here for.


text:
Audio: Connie Lawn Reports On Obama And Boston Terrorism
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Audio: Connie Lawn Reports On Obama And Boston Terrorism
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Valerie Morse: Key And NZ Police At G20: What A Contribution
While 200 New Zealand police officers are helping to repress protests outside of the G20 in Brisbane this week, John Key has been inside pushing the interests of giant multinational corporations to fast track the World Trade Organization (WTO) ... More>>
Gabriela Coutiño: Ayotzinapa Caravan Meets With EZLN In Oventic
In their visit to Zapatista Territory, parents of the 43 students disappeared from Ayotzinapa Guerrero, agreed with the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN), to articulate a national grassroots movement that would question forced disappearances ... More>>
Ramzy Baroud: Talk Of A Third Intifada: Where To From Here, Palestine?
When a journalist tries to do a historian's job, the outcome can be quite interesting. Using history as a side note in a brief news report or political analysis oftentimes does more harm than good. More>>
David Swanson: Who Says Ferguson Can't End Well
Just as a police officer in a heightened state of panic surrounded by the comfort of impunity will shoot an innocent person, the Governor of Missouri has declared a state of emergency preemptively, thus justifying violence in response to something ... More>>
Melanie Duval-Smith: Homeless Is Where The Heart Is
So, you are not allowed to feed the homeless on the streets of Florida. Last week, a 90 year old man and two Christian ministers were arrested for doing just that. I can hear the cries of the right wingers from here. "Not in our back yard", ... More>>
John Chuckman: What We Truly Learned From the Great War and the Absurdity of Remembrance Day
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Ramzy Baroud: The Age Of TV Jokers: Arab Media On The Brink
As I was finalizing my research for this article, I found myself browsing through a heap of hilarious videos by mostly Egyptian TV show hosts Tawfiq Okasha and Amr Adeeb. More>>


text:
Satellite View Selection
11:30 AEST on Thursday 27 November 2014 | Cloud/surface composite, Australia
Infrared image courtesy of the Japan Meteorological Agency. Blue Marble surface image courtesy of NASA.
Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Bureau National Operations Centre
Satellite Notes for the 0000UTC chart on 27 November 2014
Issued at 11:00 am EDT Thursday on 27 November 2014
A broad area of low pressure dominates the northern half of the continent with a trough extending from the far southwest corner of WA, through the Kimberley region, across the Northern Territory's Top End and then down through southern Queensland onto the far northeast corner of NSW. This system is generating an extensive cloud band, with embedded thunderstorms through Western Australia and another increase in shower and thunderstorm activity off the NSW north coast. This cloud band diurnally thickens with increased shower and thunderstorm activity occurring during the afternoon.
A high pressure system in the Bight is directing a moist onshore flow along the NSW coast resulting in areas of low cloud.
Remaining parts of NSW, southeast parts of SA, Victoria and Tasmania remain generally cloud free under the influence of the ridge.


text:
Sunday, 16 March 2014
28 comments:
- Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours16 March 2014 11:54
Aww that is one gorgeous creature! Such a great shot and so lucky to see them xReplyDelete
- hpmcq16 March 2014 12:18
wow how did you get so close? excellent shot xReplyDelete
- xOjox16 March 2014 12:22
Wow! That ia an amazing close up Becky!! Fab xxReplyDelete
I love them, this one in a zoo!ReplyDelete
its in a zoo and I have a good zoom!ReplyDelete
thank you :-)ReplyDelete
Beautiful picture. What a lovely capture.ReplyDelete
- Lisa and Stella16 March 2014 15:31
Marvellous! Like this lots :)ReplyDelete
- Lisa and Stella16 March 2014 15:34
well done you lot; looks like Mr B had a grand day out :)ReplyDelete
Thank you :-)ReplyDelete
Glad you liked itReplyDelete
OMG thats fantastic Becky! xReplyDelete
History and fresh air!ReplyDelete
- Tas D16 March 2014 16:35
Wow fab close up - did you manage to get ultra close or did you have an amazing zoom?ReplyDelete
pretty close and a 16x zoom!ReplyDelete
these are in a breeding programme but there are wild ones near byReplyDelete
Aww! Lovely photo xReplyDelete
- Sarah Wood16 March 2014 19:39
Wow - amazing photo, that's fabulous!ReplyDelete
took a few attempts!ReplyDelete
- Coombe Mill (Fiona)16 March 2014 22:31
It's a shame there aren't many more of them - lovely capture.ReplyDelete
Hope these breeding programmes help! ThanksReplyDelete
- Doubtfulmum17 March 2014 14:46
Gorgeous. Love the red ones.ReplyDelete
they are so much cuter than greys!ReplyDelete
- Let's Talk Mommy21 March 2014 09:59
Amazing photos and what a great cause!!! Way to go you!!! Bet you feel great for getting involved and doing something so great. Love all these fun photos too. Good memories you made here too. #sharefridayReplyDelete
still recovering though! an amazing experience to be involved withReplyDelete
This looks so much fun!! And such a great cause too! Congratulations to everyone involved!! xReplyDelete
200 bloggers with family and friends amazing :-)ReplyDelete


text:
If lights are the jewelry of a home, then chandeliers are the necklaces.
Why We Love Modern Chandeliers
There's nothing like coming into a room and being greeted by the luxuriousness of a chandelier. The word even sounds luxurious, and what's not to love about luxury? Chandeliers provide necessary ambient illumination while also molding the room's very personality, introducing it as one with comfortable class or contemporary attitude. 'Chandelier' comes from the French word for 'candlestick,' suggesting warmth and traditional familiarity, but it's grown to mean so much more in terms of creating the look of a space or tying a room together.
Where Chandelier Lighting Works Best
Got a grand entryway or great room? A large chandelier instantly makes that memorable first impression in a 2-tier, 3-tier, even 5-tier design when used for entryway lighting. These fixtures also work well for dining room lighting, creating ambiance and setting the desired mood whether romantic or casual. While these are the main places for a chandelier, the fixture is being seen more and more in bathrooms and bedrooms as a way to add similar mood lighting and ambiance, especially when hooked up to a dimmer.
Other Great Options
If you love chandeliers (like we do), then consider the visual and physical benefits of swag kits and stem or chain extensions. And check out the crystal-studded chandeliers from Schonbek, Swarovski Lighting and James R. Moder for the ultimate in "bling."
Learn More About Chandeliers


text:
Dale Pence, 90, now enjoys a retired lifestyle with Marge, his wife of 68 years. But as newlyweds, the couple endured World War II. Dale dealt with significant battle wounds. After the war, Marge learned how to comfort a husband dealing with the nightly terrors haunting the dreams of her decorated officer.
It's a memory lane that begins at Huntington College, detours through various army bases, twists through war-ravaged European towns and finally returns home.
In the fall of 1942, Dale Pence was in his third year at Huntington College. It was then that Dale and some of his college buddies went to Baer Field, Fort Wayne, to enlist in the service.
In just a year, Dale and his enlisted friends went from the classroom to the barracks at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis.
Dale said he remembers Bob Diffenbaugh, a Huntington College classmate, being with him at Camp Walters, Texas, where Dale completed his basic training.
"Basic training was rather tough because of the extreme heat there in Texas during the summer," said Dale. "They were forced to schedule our long distance marches at night, because so many were falling out with heat exhaustion during the day."
After three months, Dale was assigned to Company I of the 134th Infantry Regiment, a part of the 35th Division. This was the same division President Truman served in during World War I.
On Jan. 20, 1944, Dale and Marge were married.
"For more than 57 years, this beautiful and wonderful lady has been the glue that has held me together. I don't know how I could have endured it without her," writes Dale in war recollections he penned in April of 2001.
In 1944, Dale's division was shipped out for Europe, to join in the action of World War II.
"Three transports carried the main body of the division as part of a large convoy that included many ships," Dale recalls. "I remember watching the small destroyers way out on the outer edges of the convoy. They would appear and disappear as they rode the large waves. This was an awesome experience for all of us as we were filled with wonder about what lay ahead."
Dale said, while on the boat, he attended a chapel service that was packed with servicemen.
"When I was in basic training there would be only a handful of soldiers (in the chapel service), but there is something about going into combat that makes you begin to think about your mortality."
He remembered some wise words, "There are few atheists in the foxholes."
With more than 10 days at sea, the division landed at Liverpool, England. Dale's perspective is now tainted with experience. He said, "Behind us were endless hours of training and experimentation. Ahead of us there was no margin of error. The sum and total of all that had been learned in the training camps must now be given its battle test."
Dale would find him and his division on Omaha Beach just weeks after setting sail, leaving behind the safety of American soil.
"Landing on that beach was an awesome experience. We were viewing a very sacred piece of ground where so many Americans made the supreme sacrifice."
Fifty years later, Dale and Marge visited the same beach. This time the only sounds of war were replaying in Dale's mind.
"As Marge looked up that big hill and remembered the German emplacements at the top, she wondered how anyone made it to the top alive," Dale recounted. "I told her there was only one way — there were just so many thousands pouring onto that beach the Germans simply could not kill them all. But if I had been on that beach June 6, my chances of surviving would have been slim."
That reality is sobering. Dale landed on that same beach just a month after soldiers died trying to take that same ground.
But Dale didn't walk the European ground without injury. "On July 17, the Germans were shelling us rather heavily, so we took shelter in these trenches. It was not deep enough for complete protection and a piece of shrapnel cut a rather large gash in my right hip."
Although the injury wasn't life threatening, Dale was flown back to England to recover. According to the 35th Division history, by July 17, the 134th Regiment had lost 102 men with 589 soldiers wounded and 101 missing.
The first week of October 1944 found Dale reunited with his division. The 35th Regiment was advancing toward Germany, and in a few short months, the men were knocking on Germany's door.
"For more than five months we had been fighting on French soil. Every devastated French village, every bridge that had been destroyed, every dead French person or cow or horse had increased the hatred against the Germans," Dale said. "Now the destruction would be on Germany's own land. Now the division could really begin to pay back for the destruction that had been inflicted on the allied countries."
At this time in his career, Dale was assigned to work as an aide to the company's commander.
"I guess I was what you now call a 'gopher.' I just did whatever he asked me to do," said Dale.
Nov. 8, 1944, marked another, more permanent injury for Dale.
He recounts the experience. "I was out in an open area by myself at which time a piece of shrapnel pierced my neck. It went in the front and came out the side. They told me later that it was probably from a tree burst."
Dale explained that when a mortar shell lands in a tree, it explodes and sends fragments spewing out over long distances.
"Because of the injuries I could not talk and had great difficulty in breathing, so all I could think of to do was lie there and beat my rifle on the ground with the hope of attracting someone's attention. While I was doing this another shell landed at my feet."
The shell fragments blew off his right foot.
"I evidently became unconscious after that because the next thing I remember was four men carrying me on a stretcher down off this mountain we were on. I also remember that the Germans began shelling us again on the way down.
"At the bottom of the hill they loaded me onto the hood of a jeep for the trip back to the field hospital. It was a very rough and harrowing ride since I was having difficulty breathing."
For his "heroic service in connection with military operations," Dale was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
Once Dale arrived at the field hospital, doctors performed a tracheotomy to aid in his breathing.
"With three holes in my neck I was unable to make a sound. The doctors told me when the holes sealed and the tracheotomy was removed I would be able to talk. Of course, I was not sure if they were being honest with me."
Dale's voice eventually returned.
While in England, doctors amputated Dale's foot, just above the ankle. Dale wrote to Marge to let her in on his injuries. He said Marge was "in the dark" about what happened to him.
"I'm sure that those days and weeks must have been much harder for her than for me," said Dale.
Shortly after the New Year, Dale was on his way back to the states. Special casts were used for the amputees to protect the limbs while soldiers maneuvered around the ship. "It was a rather tricky maneuver as we were not yet very adept at that sort of thing."
While on his return trip home, Dale experienced serious pain in the back of his leg. The doctors removed the cast to find a large piece of shrapnel that had worked its way out of Dale's leg.
"They removed it of course and gave it to me," Dale said. "We still have it to this day and have shown it to many of our friends. It's a pretty mean looking piece of metal and gives you some idea of how those shells disintegrate into thousands of pieces when they explode."
On Jan. 18, 1945, Dale landed stateside.
"We have a copy of a telegram I sent Marge," said Dale. "It simply said, 'Back at last. Feeling O.K. Hope to see you soon. Love, Dale."
Dale spent the next 10 months in an army hospital in Atlantic City, N.J., where he underwent another amputation.
Doctors determined the extra length of Dale's limb would make it difficult to fit him with an artificial leg. The amputation procedure was at 6 inches below the knee.
"For both amputations, I was given only a spinal block, so I was conscious the whole time. They did put up a sheet in front of me so that I could not see, but I could feel the vibrations of the saw as they cut through the bones," Dale said. "It was not gruesome at all. In fact, it was a very interesting experience."
On Nov. 30, 1945, Dale was discharged from the Army. Although Dale had been fitted with a prosthesis and was released from the hospital, some wounds were still fresh.
"I did suffer from nightmares occasionally for several years," said Dale. "Marge would try to wake me gently and do what she could to quiet me down."
Time was the healer of Dale's wounds.
"Tom Brokaw, in his book, 'The Greatest Generation' mentioned that most combat veterans were reluctant to talk about their experiences for many years," Dale shared. "I guess I would have to include myself in this group. I probably could not have shared this in those early years."
In his closing comments, Dale writes in his recollection recordings, "Tom Brokaw, no doubt, exaggerated a bit when he called us the Greatest Generation. I'm sure any generation of Americans would respond equally as well. Nevertheless, I am proud to have been a small part of what General Eisenhower called the Great Crusade. It was, without a doubt, the greatest world-wide war that the world has ever seen. Being remembered as being a part of that history is important to me."
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text:
There are certain things that make a classic Versace show. A killer curve and the molten glint of metal mesh are to the Versace look as parmesan is to pasta. Sure, you can enjoy one without the other but, together they are like nothing else on earth.
By those criteria, Donatella Versace's AW12 collection was a feast. The collection kicked off with gothic black carved into an hour glass silhouette, decorated with jewelled Byzantine crosses, accessorised with fishnet boots, a thumping soundtrack and a don't-mess-with-me-attitude. It closed with a collection of dresses that explored the outer limits of body conscious potential in metal mesh. No one has ever 'owned' chain mail quite like Versace.
It's been a good year for Donatella. Last November she rocked a runway in NY with her collaboration for H&M and seduced a whole new audience from Singapore to San Francisco with that sexy silhouette. Back then she told me she had been energised and inspired by re-discovering the classic codes of the house for a new generation and a new market. The medicine is clearly still working. In January she made a glittering return to the Paris couture.
And, on Friday night in Milan, in the tented venue built on the back garden of the famous Palazzo Versace, she consolidated her position with a collection that channeled the red carpet edge of Rooney Mara and, with some authority, saw off any lingering sense that a pastel coloured romatic escapist fantasy is where the future of fashion lies.
Models with cropped fringes, a high heeled strut and and hollow eyed make up chanelled the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in sweaters embroidered or stamped with crosses over flippy skirts. Corseted sheaths were shaped into hip exaggerating curves with chrome fins. And hourglass tailored coats clung to the body on corseted waists.
It was fast, furious and very, very Versace.
by Paula Reed in Milan


text:
Handel: Joshua
CDA66461/2 2CDs
Handel: Essential Handel
KING6 Super-budget price sampler — Download only
Act 1 No 01: Introduction
Track 1 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [1'31] 2CDs
Act 1 No 02. Chorus: Ye sons of Israel, ev'ry tribe attend
Track 2 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [4'34] 2CDs
Act 1 No 03. Recitative: Behold, my friends, what vast rewards are giv'n (Joshua/Caleb)
Track 3 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [1'02] 2CDs
Act 1 No 04. Air: O first in wisdom, first in pow'r (Caleb)
Track 4 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'22] 2CDs
Act 1 No 05. Recitative: Matrons and virgins, with unwearied pray'r (Achsah)
Track 5 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'27] 2CDs
Act 1 No 06. Air: Oh! who can tell, oh! who can hear (Achsah)
Track 6 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [5'32] 2CDs
Act 1 No 07. Recitative: Caleb, attend to all I now prescribe (Joshua)
Track 7 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'43] 2CDs
Act 1 No 08. Solo with chorus: To long posterity we here record (Joshua/chorus)
Track 8 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'20] 2CDs
Act 1 No 09. Accompagnato: So long the memory shall last (Joshua)
Track 9 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'42] 2CDs
Act 1 No 10. Air: While Kedron's brook to Jordan's stream (Joshua)
Track 10 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [4'46] 2CDs
Act 1 No 11. Recitative: But, who is he? Tremendous to behold! (Othniel)
Track 11 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'53] 2CDs
Act 1 No 12. Air: Awful, pleasing being, say (Othniel)
Track 12 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'41] 2CDs
Act 1 No 13. Recitative/Accompagnato: Joshua, I come commission'd from on high (Angel/Joshua)
Track 13 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'02] 2CDs
Act 1 No 14. Air: Haste, Israel haste (Joshua)
Track 14 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'22] 2CDs
Act 1 No 15. Chorus: The Lord commands, and Joshua leads
Track 15 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [2'22] 2CDs
Act 1 No 16. Accompagnato/Recitative: In these blest scenes, where constant pleasure reigns (Othniel/Achsah)
Track 16 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [3'48] 2CDs
Act 1 No 17. Air: Hark! 'tis the linnet and the thrush (Achsah)
Track 17 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [5'48] 2CDs
Act 1 No 18. Recitative: O Achsah, form'd for ev'ry chaste delight (Othniel)
Track 18 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'54] 2CDs
Act 1 No 19. Duet: Our limpid streams with freedom flow (Achsah/Othniel)
Track 19 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [3'09] 2CDs
Act 1 No 20. Flourish/Recitative: The trumpet calls; now Jericho shall know (Othniel)
Track 20 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'30] 2CDs
Act 1 No 21. Chorus: May all the host of heav'n attend him round
Track 21 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [1'38] 2CDs
Act 2 No 01. Recitative: 'Tis well; six times the Lord hath been obey'd (Joshua)
Track 22 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'24] 2CDs
Act 2 No 02: Solemn March during the circumvection of the Ark of the Covenant
Track 23 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [1'37] 2CDs
Act 2 No 03. Chorus with solo: Glory to God! The strong cemented walls (chorus/Joshua)
Track 24 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [5'45] 2CDs
Act 2 No 04. Recitative: The walls are levell'd, pour the chosen bands (Caleb)
Track 25 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [0'29] 2CDs
Act 2 No 05. Air: See, the raging flames arise (Caleb)
Track 26 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [3'25] 2CDs
Act 2 No 06. Air: To Vanity and earthly Pride (Achsah)
Track 27 on CDA66461/2 CD1 [3'30] 2CDs
Act 2 No 07. Recitative: Let all the seed of Abrah'm now prepare (Joshua)
Track 1 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'21] 2CDs
Act 2 No 08. Chorus with solo: Almighty ruler of the skies (chorus/Joshua)
Track 2 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'20] 2CDs
Act 2 No 09. Recitative: Joshua, the men dispatch'd by thee to learn (Caleb)
Track 3 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'51] 2CDs
Act 2 No 10. Chorus of the defeated Israelites: How soon our tow'ring hopes are cross'd!
Track 4 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'51] 2CDs
Act 2 No 11. Recitative: Whence this dejection? Rouse your coward hearts (Joshua)
Track 5 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'21] 2CDs
Act 2 No 12. Air with chorus: With redoubled rage return (Joshua/chorus)
Track 6 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'42] 2CDs
Act 2 No 13. Recitative: Now give the army breath; let war awhile (Othniel)
Track 7 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'25] 2CDs
Act 2 No 14. Air: Heroes when with glory burning (Othniel)
Track 8 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'49] 2CDs
Act 2 No 15. Recitative: Indulgent heav'n hath heard my virgin pray'r (Achsah)
Track 9 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'27] 2CDs
Act 2 No 16. Air: As cheers the sun the tender flow'r (Achsah)
Track 10 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'28] 2CDs
Act 2 No 17. Recitative: Sure I'm deceiv'd, with sorrow I behold (Caleb/Othniel)
Track 11 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [1'25] 2CDs
Act 2 No 18. Air: Nations, who in future story (Othniel)
Track 12 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'08] 2CDs
Act 2 No 19. Recitative: Brethren and friends, what joy this scene imparts (Joshua/Caleb)
Track 13 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [1'04] 2CDs
Act 2 No 20. Air with chorus: Oh! thou bright orb, great ruler of the day! (Joshua/chorus)
Track 14 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'25] 2CDs
Act 3 No 01. Chorus: Hail! mighty Joshua, hail! thy name
Track 15 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [4'04] 2CDs
Act 3 No 02. Air: Happy, Oh, thrice happy we (Achsah)
Track 16 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'26] 2CDs
Act 3 No 03. Recitative: Caleb, for holy Eleazer send (Joshua/Caleb)
Track 17 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'03] 2CDs
Act 3 No 04. Air: Shall I in Mamre's fertile plain (Caleb)
Track 18 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [4'46] 2CDs
Act 3 No 05. Recitative: O Caleb, fear'd by foes, by friends ador'd (Othniel/Caleb)
Track 19 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [1'12] 2CDs
Act 3 No 06. Air: Place danger around me (Othniel)
Track 20 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [1'53] 2CDs
Act 3 No 07. Chorus: Father of Mercy, hear the pray'r we make
Track 21 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'11] 2CDs
Act 3 No 08. Recitative: In bloom of youth, this stripling hath achiev'd (Joshua)
Track 22 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'32] 2CDs
Act 3 No 09. Chorus: See the conqu'ring hero comes!
Track 23 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [3'02] 2CDs
Act 3 No 10. Recitative: Welcome! my son, my Othniel, good and great! (Caleb/Othniel/Achsah)
Michael George (bass), James Bowman (countertenor), Emma Kirkby (soprano), The King's Consort, Robert King (conductor)
Track 24 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'48] 2CDs
Act 3 No 11. Air: Oh! had I Jubal's lyre (Achsah)
Track 25 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'48] 2CDs
Act 3 No 12. Recitative: While life shall last, each moment we'll improve (Othniel)
Track 26 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'15] 2CDs
Act 3 No 13. Duet: O peerless maid, with beauty blest (Othniel/Achsah)
Track 27 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'26] 2CDs
Act 3 No 14. Recitative: While lawless tyrants, with ambition blind (Caleb)
Track 28 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [0'38] 2CDs
Act 3 No 15. Chorus: The great Jehovah is our awful theme
Track 29 on CDA66461/2 CD2 [2'15] 2CDs
Othniel, a young warrior (betrothed to Achsah) appears on the scene at the same moment as an angel. His aria 'Awful, pleasing being, say' is not Handel's most memorable (but he compensates later in the work with some marvellous writing for his alto soloist) but the pace of the drama is quickly restored as the Angel presents his credentials. Joshua is (for a change) suitably reverent and, in a dramatic accompagnato, the Angel delivers his bloodthirsty message that Jericho must be destroyed, giving the comforting assurance that victory will be easy. No time is wasted, and in the splendid aria 'Haste, Israel, haste' Joshua commands his followers to carry out their destructive task. The results are immediately heard in the chorus 'The Lord commands, and Joshua leads'. After such warlike thoughts it is again time for a pastoral interlude: Handel obliges with a gem, the accompagnato 'In these blest scenes' where Othniel, wandering through quiet countryside, is on his way to meet Achsah, Caleb's daughter, to whom he is betrothed. Her entry 'Oh Othniel' is quite exquisite. Morell's excuse for Achsah's solo 'Hark, 'tis the linnet' is somewhat manufactured, but Handel's response to the text, full of bird calls from solo soprano, flute and violin, is delightful. The two lovers dally a little longer in the duet 'Our limpid streams', but the scene is shattered by a warlike trumpet flourish, made all the more dramatic as this is the first time we have heard the brass. Othniel makes clear his desire to seek Achsah's hand as soon as Jericho has been destroyed, and the chorus close Act I wishing their hero luck in the coming conflict.
Act II
In Act II Joshua has been laying seige to Jericho for six days. He orders the final trumpet blast. Handel's 'Solemn March during the circumvection of the Ark of the Covenant' (adapted from Muffat's Componimenti) is as awe-inspiring in its solemnity as it is in its sheer volume, and leads into the splendid three-section chorus 'Glory to God'. Solo trumpet and horn echo the preceding March, Joshua praises God, the massed choral and orchestral forces reinforce him and, with insistent dotted rhythms in the orchestra, the walls begin to totter. But it is for the middle Adagio section 'The nations tremble' that Handel reserves his finest effects. In a musical score which is black with notes the awe-struck chorus cower, the brass blast chilling low fanfares, the strings vividly represent the tumbling walls in rapid scales and the timpani thunder. Jericho crashes down, and Caleb is triumphant in his command to lay waste to the remainder of the city and its populace, remembering though to command the sparing of Rahab, who had been sympathetic to the Israelites' cause. 'See, the raging flames arise' reverts successfully to the type of operatic aria originally written for Montagnana: the rapid scales representing the flames which add to the destruction of Jericho are contrasted with the 'dismal groans and cries'.
Once again it is Achsah who tries to bring the Israelites down to earth, attempting to convince them that their triumph will not last. 'To vanity and earthly pride' is a contrast to what has gone before, its simple melody added to by delicious harmony at 'The firmest rock'. In the solemn 'Almighty ruler of the skies' Handel is again inspired, as the entire company of Israelites, including 'High Priest, Priests, Chiefs, Elders and a full assembly' celebrate the passover and praise God for their deliverence. Over a ground bass the voices of the chorus enter one by one, led by Joshua, joining together with the whole orchestra in great magnificence at 'His glory did on Sinai shine'. Achsah's reproving advice however is not heeded, for Caleb announces that disaster has struck: overconfident soldiers sent to test the defences of Ai have been repulsed, and Israel mourns. Handel's appetite for a tragic chorus appears to have been inexhaustible for, in the type of movement which appears in half a dozen oratorios, but is no less effective here for that frequency, flutes and strings introduce a 'Chorus of defeated Israelites'—'How soon our tow'ring hopes are cross'd'.
Joshua, seeing such dejection, rouses the miserable troops, reminding them of their success at Jericho. 'With redoubled rage return' is a marvellous aria, made all the more effective as it swings into the chorus 'We with redoubled rage return'. Seeing confidence restored to the masses, Othniel's mind returns to other matters, and, seeking 'breath' he goes off to find Achsah, for soldiers need things other than war to balance their diet. The catchy tune of the gavotte 'Heroes when with glory burning' was used by Handel no less than seven times before it appeared in this context. Achsah too is pining for Othniel: her aria 'As cheers the sun' is a marvellous piece of craftsmanship, with the strings' 'falling show'r' gradually reviving the 'tender flow'r' until the downward scales have taken over the whole movement. Caleb is furious seeing Othniel wasting his time with Achsah and, sending his daughter away, stirs Othniel back into warrior-like action with the news that the Gibeonite allies are endangered by a Canaanite league under Adoni-zedeck, King of Jerusalem. 'Nations, who in future story' has a quietly noble melody. Joshua is delighted by the united scene he now sees, and once again, two 'Flourishes of warlike instruments' introduce military action.
'Oh thou bright orb' is one of Handel's most original movements. Over a soft accompaniment of violin semiquavers Joshua, seeing that bad light may stop the battle, commands the sun to stop in its course: as it does so, all orchestral movement ceases, with the violins holding their high A for nine bars. Then, addressing the slower-moving moon, represented by the violas, he commands that too to halt. Now the whole string section is motionless, and the chorus exclaim in wonder 'Behold! the list'ning sun his voice obeys'. Over increasing choral movement the sustained high A still continues, first in the oboes, and then, for nine long bars, in a solo trumpet: disbelieving nineteenth-century orchestral editors re-scored Handel and spread this thirty-second 'tour-de-force-de-poumon' between two players! At 'They yield, they fall, they die', the solo trumpeter, too, gratefully expires (Handel evidently had a sense of humour), and then the tutti brass enter for 'Before our arms the scattered nations fly'. Once again the enemy are routed and flee and, as section by section the voices and instruments expire, Act II ends quietly.
Act III
Act III begins with Joshua's position once again that of a hero now guaranteed a position in history. In 'Hail mighty Joshua' Handel gives the fugal entries at 'And grateful marbles' a notable rising theme. Achsah too is delighted in her cheerful aria 'Happy, O thrice happy we'. Joshua proposes to divide the conquered territory amongst the tribes and is reminded by Caleb of his part in the conquest of Hebron: Joshua immediately gives this land to Caleb and his Judaean tribe. Caleb however is starting to feel his age, and Handel produces another jewel with the hymn-like 'Shall I in Mamre's fertile plain' whose theme of noble resignation is enhanced by the chorus's entry 'For all these mercies we will sing'. Othniel reminds Caleb that one city remains unconquered. Caleb announces that it is time to hand over military matters to a younger man and, as an inducement, the hand of Achsah will be the reward for whoever can subdue the remaining city of Debir. Othniel can hardly believe his good fortune, and in the splendidly rousing 'Place danger around me' (as lively an alto aria as Handel ever wrote) he goes off to war. The Israelites pray for him in battle in the moving slow chorus 'Father of mercy' and no sooner have they completed their prayers than Joshua enters to tell the good news that Othniel has been victorious.
The public reaction to 'See the conqu'ring hero comes' when it was first heard in Joshua was one of ecstasy: Handel too knew that he had scored another bullseye. Its great success ensured that he inserted it into revivals of Judas Maccabaeus. Its formula was simple, with a three-part procession: in the first verse a 'Chorus of Youths', accompanied by organ 'tasto solo' alternate and combine with two horns: in the second verse a semi-chorus (or possibly originally two soloists, mistakenly attributed by Chrysander as being a 'Chorus of Virgins') are accompanied by two flutes and organ, and in the third, formal verse the entire company, minus the horns, join together. Handel's instruction to the 'Tamburo' (military side drum) was quite specific: 'ad libitum; the second time warbling'.
Achsah now is delighted too, for Caleb gives his blessing to Othniel and her marriage, and she exults in the famous aria 'Oh had I Jubal's lyre'. The melody dates from nearly forty years earlier, first used in the settings of Laudate pueri dating from 1706 and 1707, and then used again the year after Joshua in Solomon. (Morell's libretto read 'Oh had I Jubal's sacred lyre' which manuscripts show Handel set for a couple of phrases before he realised there was a better scansion available by missing out the 'sacred'). Before the final exulting chorus we are allowed one more gentle love duet, 'Oh peerless maid', before Caleb, now as an elder statesman, announces the final chorus. 'The great Jehova is our awful theme' begins in block chords as a solemn hymn but quickly switches to a fugal texture. The block chords return for the end, with the final massive 'Halleluia' dominated, significantly when we remember their important role in the work, by ringing brass fanfares.
from notes by Robert King © 1991


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How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
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Though research cannot pinpoint an exact amount of sleep need by people at different ages, the preceding table identifies the "rule-of-thumb" amounts most experts have agreed upon. Nevertheless, it's important to pay attention to your own individual needs by assessing how you feel on different amounts of sleep. Are you productive, healthy and happy on seven hours of sleep? Or does it take you nine hours of quality ZZZs to get you into high gear? Do you have health issues such as being overweight? Are you at risk for any disease? Are you experiencing sleep problems? Do you depend on caffeine to get you through the day? Do you feel sleepy when driving? These are questions that must be asked before you can find the number that works for you.
What the Research Says About Sleep Duration: There Is No "Magic Number"
Not only do different age groups need different amounts of sleep, but sleep needs are also individual. Just like any other characteristics you are born with, the amount of sleep you need to function best may be different for you than for someone who is of the same age and gender. While you may be at your absolute best sleeping seven hours a night, someone else may clearly need nine hours to have a happy, productive life. In fact, a 2005 study confirmed the fact that sleep needs vary across populations, and the study calls for further research to identify traits within genes that may provide a "map" to explain how sleep needs differ among individuals.
Another reason there is "no magic number" for your sleep results from two different factors that researchers are learning about: a person's basal sleep need – the amount of sleep our bodies need on a regular basis for optimal performance – and sleep debt , the accumulated sleep that is lost to poor sleep habits, sickness, awakenings due to environmental factors or other causes. Two studies suggest that healthy adults have a basal sleep need of seven to eight hours every night, but where things get complicated is the interaction between the basal need and sleep debt. For instance, you might meet your basal sleep need on any single night or a few nights in a row, but still have an unresolved sleep debt that may make you feel more sleepy and less alert at times, particularly in conjunction with circadian dips , those times in the 24-hour cycle when we are biologically programmed to be more sleepy and less alert, such as overnight hours and mid-afternoon.


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Sam Shaw
Real Name
Samuel Shaw
Date of Birth
January 17, 1984
Place of Birth
Miz and Maryse Ouellet are really trying to build a life together. Aside from getting married in the Bahamas in February, the couple also has been looking for a house to purchase. Since Miz has been on the road with WWE, his fiancee has been in charge of finding them a new home.
January 28, 2014
Eve Torres recently posted a picture on Instagram of herself with her fiancee, Rener Gracie.
January 3, 2014
In a sign that the financial situation in TNA is not as bad as many make it out to be, the company has signed new deals with three of their performers. Sam Shaw and Brooke Tessmacher are signed to new multiple year contracts, while international star Seiya Sanada has agreed to a one year deal. There were a lot of concerns about the company when they released several performers, so much of that should be alleviated now that they are signing new deals with their workers.
July 23, 2014
In a TNA Sacrifice 2014 match where the loser would be sent to the mental ward, Mr Anderson was able to defeat Sam Shaw by delivering the Mic Check finishing move onto the back of the van and tossing his opponent into the vehicle. TNA Knockout Christy Hemme provided the assistance to Anderson by showing up and distracting Anderson.
April 27, 2014
A video from Impact Wrestling where Mr Anderson visits the home of Sam Shaw. The segment, which includes the fictional mother of Shaw, was done by TNA to further the heated story line between the two performers.
April 26, 2014
A video from Impact Wrestling this week, where Christy Hemme tricks Sam Shaw into thinking that she has fallen for his advances. It was a set up for Mr Anderson to do a sneak attack on Shaw.
April 13, 2014
While she has been working backstage in a variety of roles over the past year, Christy Hemme has now been officially added to the creative department in TNA. The belief is that she will be specializing in the Knockouts division, where it will be her job to come up with stories for the girls. She might also have a hand in the ongoing story with Sam Shaw as well.
April 10, 2014
Now that he has become quite a compelling character, thanks in part to Christy Hemme and Mr Anderson, let's take a look back at the Impact Wrestling debut for the new Sam Shaw character, where he was successfully able to beat Norv Fernum.
March 23, 2014
Since wrestling fans have long complained about companies not creating new stars, Dixie Carter is taking the initiative to do more of that with TNA. Citing the recent success of Ethan Carter and Sam Shaw, the company is looking to find more performers from the independent wrestling circuit and giving them gimmicks that can help them become known nationwide.
March 14, 2014
At one point last night during TNA Lockdown 2014, Sam Shaw was a Twitter trend, as a lot of fans were on the social media site talking about his match against Mr Anderson. His stalker story line with Christy Hemme has managed to gain the attention of the industry, and he was given a good amount of credibility from Anderson in that victory over the weekend.
March 11, 2014
At TNA Lockdown 2014, Mr Anderson was able to climb out of the cage, but the referee was knocked out, and he had no choice but to return to the ring because Sam Shaw managed pull Christy Hemme into the ring. Christy was able to escape, but Anderson was caught with a low blow and a choke hold, which enabled Shawn to walk out and get the win.
March 9, 2014
There are some talks backstage that Christy Hemme could be doing a heel turn and aligning with Sam Shaw at TNA Lockdown 2014 during his match against Mr Anderson. That would provide a bit of a shock factor to the story. However, there are also a lot of people pushing against that, as they feel that Shaw can be used to terrorize the other Knockouts as well.
March 9, 2014
Since management is planning to give him a nice push, Sam Shaw is expected to go over Mr Anderson at the TNA Lockdown 2014 pay per view. Management feels that Anderson has enough credibility to provide Shaw. Plus, Anderson is coming off of a big win against Bully Ray in their feud, so he will not be losing too much heat by putting someone else over.
March 6, 2014
After the latest episode of Impact Wrestling, it has now been confirmed that Mr Anderson and Sam Shaw will have a match at TNA Lockdown 2014. Christy Hemme will definitely be involved in the match, as she has been an integral part of this particular story line. As is the theme with the rest of the show, Anderson and Shaw will be working in a steel cage.
March 1, 2014
While he is no longer feuding with Mr Anderson, who has been moved into a program with Christy Hemme and Sam Shaw now, Bully Ray will be facing his nemesis once again. The two of them will be headlining some live events for TNA this weekend, where they will be working a steel cage match. James Storm and Gunner are also working a featured match at the show.
February 28, 2014
Since TNA decided to shift Mr Anderson into a program with Sam Shaw, there is now a need to find an opponent for Bully Ray. Since most of the performers on the roster are already involved in a program, one of the ideas being tossed around is to have the former world heavyweight champion joining the program between Eric Young and Joseph Park.
February 24, 2014
There are talks backstage in TNA that the story line featuring Sam Shaw and Christy Hemme will eventually involve Ethan Carter. Management wants to pair up the two of them together at some point, so the creative department has been trying to figure out how to blend the story stories and characters together.
February 23, 2014
While Sam Shaw gets regular television time on Impact Wrestling each week to tell his story with Christy Hemme, he feels that it is not enough, so the TNA star has decided to keep things going on his Twitter account. Lately, he has been harassing Hemme about being professionals, which was the line that she used on television against him.
February 19, 2014
As part of his stalker character, Sam Shaw has posted this rather creepy status update on Twitter, where it is a picture of a Christy Hemme mannequin that he owns. This was designed to enhance the story line featuring the two of them that TNA has going on Impact Wrestling.
February 10, 2014


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18 Homemade Christmas Decor Ideas
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There's no better way to prepare for the holiday season than by making homemade Christmas crafts. Whether you're a craft expert or a total beginner, it's easy to find unexpected and adorable ideas for Christmas decorations. Make wreaths, table toppers and even tiny trees - the possibilities are endless when you get in a crafty mood during the holiday season. If you're looking for Christmas decorations to make, you're in luck! This list is full of fun ideas and tutorials for every Christmas crafter.
Christmas only comes once a year, but you can start preparing early and get in the holiday spirit long before December 25th. Ideas for Christmas decorations don't have to follow a traditional path and they don't have to be strictly red and green - use your imagination and add fun touches to your homemade Christmas crafts. Skip a trip to the store and make Christmas crafts at home - it's a great excuse to stay out of the cold.
18 Homemade Christmas Decor Ideas
Christmas Decorating Ideas
Sure, a wreath here and an ornament there will get you in the holiday spirit. Think outside the box this holiday season and change the way you look at Christmas decoration ideas. Make a throw to spread over your couch or a tiny tree to place on your mantel. Homemade Christmas crafts can bring a new light and spirit to a boring space. A few handmade Christmas decorations can add a fresh spirit to even the drabbest atmosphere.
Homemade Christmas Crafts
You probably think clay pots below in your garden, but you can actually use them for Christmas-themed projects. This is just one example of how creative you can get with homemade Christmas decor ideas. This isn't the only way to think outside the box when making crafts. Make a fun holiday-themed topiary that looks greet indoors or create a tree made entirely out of paper. There are so many fun ways to experiment with craft materials and the holiday season is the perfect time to get creative.
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Stevegtennis.com Forum Archive
Nababesco wrote:I heard Guga's being offered a WC to Valencia.
Any truth in that?
Anyway, I talked to his people and they said even if he were offered a WC, he wouldn't make up his mind right away about going there...
Also, his brother lives in Texas.Patrik77 wrote:Baghdatis and Fish are mentioned in "players" on the Houston site, WC I suppose then? I find it pretty strange that Baghdatis will go all the way from the away DC-tie in Bulgaria all the way to Houston and then back to Monte Carlo the following week! $$$?
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text: Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 2014 Bottlenecks, Modules and Dynamic Architectural Capabilities Carliss Y. Baldwin Architectural capabilities are an important subset of dynamic capabilities that provide managers with the ability to see a complex technical system in an abstract way and change the system's structure by rearranging its components. In this paper, I argue that the essence of dynamic architectural capabilities lies in the effective management of bottlenecks and modules in conjunction with organizational boundaries and property rights in a technical system. Bottlenecks are points of value creation and capture in any complex man-made system. The tools a firm can use to manage bottlenecks are, first, an understanding of the modular structure of the technical system; and, second, an understanding of the contract structure of the firm, especially its organizational boundaries and property rights. Although these tools involve disparate bodies of knowledge, they must be used in tandem to achieve maximum effect. Keywords: architecture; architectural knowledge; dynamic capabilities; bottleneck; modularity; organization design; Organization Boundaries; property rights; Organizational Design; Organizational Structure; Citation:Baldwin, Carliss Y. "Bottlenecks, Modules and Dynamic Architectural Capabilities." Harvard Business School Working Paper, No. 15-028, October 2014. View Details CiteView DetailsSSRN Read Now Related


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Generative Graphics with HYPE 0
I have just finalised a new Flash tutorial on behalf of Computer Arts magazine and I was really excited about this one so and had to introduce it before it's officially available yet!
Its focused on generating random art/designs using the AS3 HYPE framework from Joshua Davis and Branden Hall. It's a fantastic framework and hopefully I've done it enough justice in the limited space we have in the tutorial section to arouse your interest in generative art.
I've included a teaser after the break and be sure to stop over at the HYPE homepage (http://www.hypeframework.org/) and have a look at some of the awesome examples on show.
AS3Signals – Native Events 0
So I had a few minutes this morning to knock up a quick example of how to use Native Events with AS3Signals. While this example is 'billy basics' it should hopefully give you an idea of how to use Signals to handle regular AS3 Event's, if not, give me a shout and I'll put something else together! There are a number of benefits for using a Signal Event even though we have to still use a Native Event such as the Signals ease of adding, removing listeners, passing data and of course the impressive speed increase of using Signals over Native Events which you can read about here: http://alecmce.com/as3/events-and-signals-performance-tests.
So in this example we're going to look at how we use Signals to interact with the Native MouseEvent.MOUSE_DOWN when invoked on a Sprite.
And all that (Visual) Jazz… 0
Ooooh exciting times indeed! This is slightly belated as it's just one manic rush here but I really wanted to post a quick update on the Australia front. The short of it is, I'm going, bloody quickly too!
AS3 Signals – Data Payloads 0
Following on from my previous post in dealing with AS3 Signals, we're going to look at how we would use Signals like custom Events and how data can be transmitted through them.
AS3 Signals 0
I'm currently battling away with the mechanics for an iPhone/iPod game so I decided to take the afternoon off from Objective-C and after reading an post on Peter Elst's blog regarding AS3 Signals I thought I'd show AS3 a little love as it's had it's nose pushed out recently.
For those who havent come across Signals yet, it's a set of messaging tools created by robertpenner for wiring your application together, drastically cutting the amount of custom Events and the inherent boilerplate code. It's one of those things I've heard about but never really looked in to it so it was good to finally have play around with it and after just 10 minutes of using it you know it's instantly going to be really beneficial to your Flash projects, Peter said it's the best thing since sliced bread…. you know what, he's bloody right!
Over the next few post's I'm going to put together a few examples of how you can use signals, this first post will show basic Signal usage and interaction with payloads.
Sparrow iOS Game Framework 1
It's a pure Objective-C iOS game framework. It's built upon OpenGL for it's rendering and OpenAL for the sound processing so it's very fast rendering and has very rich multimedia support. The aspect that attracted me was it has been styled on ActionScript 3! I've been using it over the last two weeks and well…. I'm sold!
.net Magazine Awards 2010! 1
I'm delighted to announce that I'm one of the .net Magazine judges for the the 2010 awards celebrating the very best in web design and development!


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A pretty little thing like you can cause quite the distraction on game day. All decked out in cute Arkansas Razorbacks attire, you're constantly catching all the attention. Add another charming Razorbacks piece to your ever-growing wardrobe with the Distraction hoodie. This full zip jacket features a tackle twill school name embroidered across the chest over a twill Arkansas logo, soft fleece lining and contrast color hood lining. Go ahead and enjoy all of the attention – you deserve to have some fun on game day!
- 70% Cotton/30% Polyester shell; 100% Cotton hood lining
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2013 Record: 13-3
It was a record setting year for the Denver Broncos in 2013. Their offense set a record most points in a season with 606. They were the first team in NFL history to have four players catch 10 or more touchdowns with Demaryius Thomas (14), Julius Thomas (12), Eric Decker (11), and Wes Welker (10). Peyton Manning broke the record for most touchdown passes and most yards thrown for in a single season as well.
The Broncos looked unbeatable for most of the season as they rode the league's most impressive offense back into the playoffs. In the common Manning-Brady playoff rivalry the Broncos emerged victorious when they beat the Patriots 26-16 to advance to the Super Bowl Everyone remembers what happened next. The Broncos did not show up in the Super Bowl. From the onset it was all Seahawks and the final score reflected that, 43-8.
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