text:
Give Me More Tony Bennett — Brandon Crawford
That seventh inning was like a burst of pent-up hits. Last few games, we've been battling back but haven't gotten that big hit to put us over the top. Of course, it would be Angel to do it today — the guy we'd been missing. He got the big two-run single, then we piled on. People say hitting is contagious. I don't know why that would be. It's a weird baseball thing that really seems to be true.
I had a front-row seat to the play at home that got White Sox manager Robin Ventura tossed from the game. I was on deck when Gregor was tagged out for what would have been the second out of the seventh. Bochy challenged the call. The officials in New York decided Blanco was safe. They said the catcher blocked the plate, a violation of the new catchers' rule.
I'm glad the call went our way, of course, but I think they have to change the rule. I know I'm not alone in this. The White Sox catcher just had his leg blocking the plate — something that's allowed at every other base. It shouldn't be illegal at home. It's part of baseball. It's one thing if he had his entire body there. But you should be able to have your leg.
If a catcher is completely off the plate while he waits for the throw, he has to catch the ball then reach back for the tag. As a middle infielder, I know how hard that is. In Pittsburgh, I was covering second on a steal. I caught the ball, reached out and put my glove in front of the bag, expecting the runner to slide into it. But he did a kind of swim move with his arm and maneuvered around the tag. I still probably got him, but he was called safe.
So what's happening at home is more guys are sliding head first, or more accurately hands first. For a catcher, it's hard to reach back and tag a guy when his arms can be doing all kinds of maneuvers to avoid the tag.
I'm sure the rule will be revisited and probably changed this off-season. But of course I'm glad it helped us today.
We almost broke through with a big inning last night, too. We had three straight hits in the ninth. Then the second baseman makes that spectacular double-play on Panik's ground ball. Given my struggles at the plate, I was glad to come through with a single to tie the game, especially against their closer and down to my last strike.
But I must say I was glad not to face Chris Sale again. He's one of the best pitchers I've ever seen. He's like 6-6 and 150 pounds, just arms and legs. And he throws from way down here so it seems that every pitch is going behind me. His slider breaks about three feet. He starts the game throwing around 96 to 98 mph. He throws his change-up to lefties, too, which not a whole lot of guys do. He is so tough. To be honest, I'd put him right up there with Kershaw.
It's nice to go into our off-day tomorrow on a high note (unlike our off-day on Monday . . . ) I will be at the Bayview YMCA in San Francisco from 12 to 1:30 supporting their Red Cross blood drive. Joaquin Arias will be there, too. Jalynne's brother, Jeremy Dantzscher, works for the Red Cross in Southern California. He knows somebody here helping with the blood drive, and when he heard Joaquin was going over there, he asked if I'd go too.
Thanks for reading! Hopefully you'll have a post from Belt soon. I know he's been having tests to figure out why he's still having concussion symptoms. I'm not having nearly as many laughs without my locker mate here. Hope he's back soon.
August 13, 2014
5 p.m.
Favorite Giants-Dodgers Moment? — Brandon Crawford
I know the last two days against the Dodgers haven't shown it, and we're dealing with injuries to key guys, but we feel really strong starting the second half of the season. That 14-inning game in Philadelphia told you everything you need to know about this team: We battle. It's kind of our signature since at least the 2012 post-season. Whether we're struggling through a few-week stretch or a six-hour game, we fight.
I was happy to get that double in the top of the 14th to put us ahead. But I would have been happy with anybody getting a hit at that point. I received a lot of the credit after the game, but Buster's home run in the ninth to tie the game was just as big or bigger than mine. Papelbon hadn't given up a home run all season. And the bullpen was awesome — eight innings and they gave up only one run.
I've joked — well, I'm actually kind of serious — about wanting to pitch sometime in a game. But I knew Bochy had to go with Colvin or Blanco if the Phillies had tied it up in the bottom of the 14th and we went to the 15th. There were no position players left on the bench, so Timmy — who pitched the 14th — would have had to stay in the game and play the field. There's no way Bochy could let me pitch and put Timmy at shortstop. He'd have to play in the outfield, so that meant either Colvin or Blanco would have to pitch. Luckily, it didn't come to that.
You might have read about the virus or whatever that's been lingering in the clubhouse for what seems like months now. I've had it at least a month if not more, and it's finally gone. I think Miami shook it out of me. Or maybe it was the All-Star break. I spent the break very quietly, as I mentioned I would in my last post. I saw my grandma one day. Another day we went to Buster's to hang out and let the kids play. Braylyn, who's a year and a half, is still a little new to playing with other kids because she hasn't had many opportunities. But she was good with Buster and Kristen's twins, who are three. Javy and Renee Lopez were also there with their two kids — their son is almost two and their daughter is four, I think. (I'm not good at guessing ages.) Braylyn would go play with something and want to play by herself. Then she'd join the other kids. She loved the pool. Buster grilled up some hot dogs and hamburgers. It was just a really great, relaxing summer day. When you have so few off days, you really appreciate each one, especially the ones that aren't crammed with errands and appointments.
So since have some down time during All-Star break, I've been feeling much better at the plate. My first at-bat in Miami was maybe my best at-bat all season. I stayed in against Eovaldi for 10 pitches before hitting a two-run homer on the 11th pitch, a 97-mph fastball. I was happy to fight off some pretty good pitches then square up like that. I hit balls hard in the series even if they didn't translate into hits all the time. When I feel like that at the plate, I know the hits will start to come.
Playing the Dodgers this weekend got me thinking about my favorite Dodgers-Giants memories from when I was a kid. I kind of remember the Brian Johnson game in 1997 when he hit the game-winning home run in the 12th inning to sweep the Dodgers and move into a tie for first place. I'm pretty sure I was at Candlestick for the game that day, but I was really young so I don't remember it well.
The moment I really remember from the Dodgers-Giants rivalry is kind of unusual. It was a single at-bat. Bonds was facing Cy Young winner Eric Gagne. It was early in the 2004 season. The Dodgers were ahead 3-0 in the ninth. One out. Runner at first. I was at the game with my dad. Gagne was throwing 100 mph fastballs, one after another. Every player not on the field hung over the dugout rails watching power against power.
Bonds fouled the first pitch past the Dodgers dugout.
Then he took a called strike inside — 99 mph.
Ball outside.
Ball inside — 100 mph.
Foul into the stands behind the plate.
Towering foul into McCovey Cove off a 101-mph fastball.
Then Gagne threw another fastball — 100 mph this time. Bonds hit it into the center field bleachers.
I thought, "Wow.'' Bonds just kept battling. The Giants lost, but I'll never forget that at-bat.
(Full disclosure: I looked up the exact pitch sequence. I didn't remember every single pitch.)
What's your favorite Giants-Dodgers moment?
July 27, 2014
2:30 p.m.
Even as a Player, Still a Fan — Brandon Crawford
With the All-Star Game tonight, I was thinking about how I watched it as a kid. I was a huge Giants fan, but also a baseball fan in general. I liked seeing the players line up before the game because back then, before Twitter and MLB network, I didn't necessarily know who had made the team.
I was one of those kids who collected all the players' cards. I'm sure they're all still at my parents' house. My dad has plenty of cards and memorabilia that he hasn't thrown away, so I'm sure he hasn't thrown away mine. He collected cards from football, baseball, some basketball. He has a boxing glove signed by Muhammad Ali, a Joe Montana football, a lot of cool stuff he got signed at card shows.
That was a big thing for us, the card shows. I'd go with my dad even when I was really young. My dad tells the story of Gaylord Perry holding me as a toddler while my dad took a picture.
It's kind of funny now going to those cards shows and being one of the people who are signing. The shows are a lot different now. My dad said he'd sit there and talk to a guy for a while because nobody else would be around. Now there's so much security. They put us in the chairs and tell people no pictures except while we're signing. They want to get as many people through as possible.
I hope people know it's not the players refusing to take photos or take time to chat. It's the people holding the event wanting it to move quickly. So it's changed a bit since I was going to the shows with my dad. But it's so cool just to be there and sign stuff for people who want my autograph. It's cool to think my card might be in a kid's binder or box.
For me, it's still kind of amazing seeing Will Clark here in the clubhouse so often, and hitting with Barry Bonds in spring training, and seeing Willie Mays almost every day. I was able to get Mays to sign my dad's copy of Sports Illustrated from 1970 with Mays on the cover for getting his 3,000th hit. And my dad got to sit with Willie McCovey for a few innings in spring training this year. He doesn't get real excited about things, but he seemed pretty excited about that.
Thinking about the cards, I remember reading Sports Illustrated for Kids in elementary school. Every issue had nine cardboard cards that you tore out of the magazine. I collected those like I collected every other card. They'd have athletes from other sports — swimmers, basketball players, gymnasts. Years and years later, I was talking with Jalynne and she mentioned the name of a gymnast she knew through her sister (who was an Olympic gymnast). The name sounded familiar to me. Then I remembered.
"I think I have her card!''
I'm sure I'll watch the All-Star game tonight because I know we'll be home. Other than visiting my grandparents in Lincoln (near Sacramento), we're just hanging out and relaxing during the break. I didn't watch the home run derby last night. What's the point if Bum's not in it? Jalynne leaves tomorrow for LA so she'll be with her parents during our road trip. The team leaves for Miami Thursday morning.
See you at the park when we return. Thanks for reading.
Here's a photo someone took during Family Day at the park a few weeks ago.
Hunter, Movies and More Adventures with Lilly –Brandon Belt
If the National League wants to win the Home Run Derby, they should pick Hunter Pence to fill the last spot on the squad. Nobody hits home runs in BP like Hunter. He drops bombs out there every day. Morse, too. Morse hits them farther, but Hunter hits more on a day-to-day basis. It's crazy. He just crushes them. He'd be an awesome home run derby participant. So I'm throwing it out there.
I'm not a BP home run hitter. When I get a home run, like I did in San Diego, it's not because I'm swinging for the fences. I try to hit line drives, and some go out of the park. Right now, I'm still inconsistent at the plate after eight weeks out of the lineup. It's frustrating because I want to be 100 percent right away to help the team, and my timing is still not completely back. You can only progress so far when you're rehabbing in the minor leagues. Playing in Triple A and playing up here are two totally different things. You have to come back up here to make the adjustments.
One thing you might not know: When you're the big leaguer rehabbing in the minors, you buy the spread. You order from a restaurant or whatever and pick up the tab. And you tip people for helping you out. In both Fresno and San Jose, I bought the spread and tipped the clubbies. You can rack up quite a bill on a rehab assignment. It's a good incentive not to get hurt.
We're going through such a tough stretch right now that you can forget one of the basic facts about baseball: It's a long season. The way we're playing right now is just that: right now. We'll turn this thing around. We have to come ready to battle every day and do all the little things well and think only about how we can help the team win.
On Sunday in San Diego, I led off the sixth inning with a bunt. I know some people might have questioned that. I'll tell you my thinking. The Padres had a shift on against me. There was a huge hole up the third-base line. If they're going to give me room to bunt, I'm going to bunt if that is what can get me on base. That's what this team needs right now — to get guys on base and score some runs. Do I want to bunt? Not really. But I want to do whatever I can to help the team. It didn't work out, but that was my thinking.
Now to the movie reviews. I've seen a lot since my last post. For those who missed it, I have a new rating system. I now use a letter grade and a Haylee grade: Haylee awake (HA), Haylee sleeping (HS) or Haylee not available (HN/A).
22 Jump Street: One of the best sequels I've seen. Hilarious. You should see it.
Rating: A- and HA (and LHAO).
Cold in July: I watched this in the hotel in San Diego but I couldn't finish because it still wasn't over at 1:30 a.m. and I had to get some sleep. The next night we didn't get home in enough time to finish it. But I liked it enough to share it with you. It takes place in East Texas, though I couldn't figure out where. There's a robber who comes to this guy's house. The guy kills the robber. Then the dad of the robber comes back and tries to kill the guy as revenge for killing his son. Come to find out later it wasn't really his son that died. It's the police setting all this stuff up. It's complicated. An actor named Don Johnson plays a detective. I've seen him in other movies, and he's really good in this one.
Rating: TBD
Tammy: It was absolutely terrible. Haylee wasn't feeling it; I wasn't feeling it. I said, "Do you want to go?'' We walked out. I was also a little tired. We had just gotten back to Alamo from San Diego and went to the 9 o'clock showing. Melissa McCarthy was so funny in her last movie, but this was bad.
Rating: F and HA (but not interested).
Divergent: It takes place sometime in the future. People are given roles in society, and they take these tests to figure out what their role should be. This girl is tested and she doesn't fit into any role, so she's what they call a divergent. They try do away with these people because they can't control them. So it's her dealing with that the entire movie, going through tons of stuff. It's pretty cool. I'm guessing there will be sequels. I'll watch the next one, for sure.
Rating: B and HS. (It was kind of late at night and it was a two-hour movie.)
The Other Woman: It had terrible reviews, but I heard a lot of women say they loved it. It wasn't that great. It didn't make me laugh that much. I'm also not a huge Cameron Diaz person. Leslie Mann's all right for the most part. Just not my cup of tea.
Rating: C and HS. (Again it was late.)
Transcendence: These people upload a guy's consciousness onto a computer because he has a brilliant mind and he's about to die. When his consciousness is let loose over the internet for the whole word to use, he has unlimited capability to do whatever. He makes advances in the medical field and things like that, but after a while he starts taking advantage of it and doing more harm than good. They have to kind of take care of the situation. It stars Johnny Depp and the girl from The Town.
Rating: C+ and HA.
I also watched Phenomenon with John Travolta the other night for the 10 millionth time, and it's still great. It's funny. It's dramatic. It's not my favorite movie, but it's one I can watch over and over. I like the soundtrack, too. I watched True Lies again, too, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. Really good movie.
Update on Lilly: She's good. No more diarrhea. But she took the longest dump today at the park. She pooped, was finished, then she did it like five more times. She wouldn't stop. Five right in a row. By the end it was just little bitty ones coming out. It was just ridiculous.
We're taking Lilly to Texas with us for the All-Star break. We tried out a tranquilizer on her because she got so anxious on the plane last time. We gave her half a tablet (which we got from the vet) to see how she responded. It's supposed to take 20 to 30 minutes to kick in. Ten minutes later, she squatted to take a pee and just fell over and continued to pee on herself. Not sure what that means for flying.
July 10, 2014
5 p.m.
Catching Up
There's a lot to catch up on. It was great, of course, to win the last two games in San Diego. I've been pretty awful at the plate, so I was really happy to make the play in the ninth on Saturday to keep the winning run from scoring. Belt ought to thank me for giving him a chance to hit the two-run homer in the 10th. Nice to have him back, by the way. Looking forward to getting Pagan back soon, too, and hopefully Scutaro, too.
Do I think the team meeting we had on Friday made a difference over the weekend? I do. As we told the media, we talked about having fun and being excited for each other. We were doing more of that earlier in the season. I'm not sure if we started taking things for granted. Of course, it's kind of a chicken and egg thing. Are we a little flat because we've lost a little of our enthusiasm? Or are we not showing as much enthusiasm because there is less to be enthusiastic about?
Now to answer some of your questions and comments.
Thanks for the comment about my visit to Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael. Here's a photo.
It was really cool. Braylyn loved all the dogs. I had the opportunity to walk with one of the guide dogs while wearing a blindfold. I have to tell you, it requires a lot of faith. The dogs know exactly what they're doing — they can tell you when you're at a curb, or if there's something in your way, even if a tree branch is hanging low. But I didn't know the dog's signals so I wasn't a very good partner. It's crazy how fast you think you're walking when you have a blindfold on. And I kept walking toward the left because it felt like the dog was pulling me that way even though he wasn't. A really interesting experience.
What did I do July 4th in San Diego?
I watched fireworks with Jalynne and the girls from our hotel window.
How do I keep my composure during a no-hitter or perfect game?
It's a lot easier during a no-hitter. You're rooting for your pitcher just like the fans are, so you're kind of nervous for him. If there's a ground ball you want to make the play for him. You'd rather the scorekeeper give you an error than have it mess up a no-hitter. It's way more nerve-wracking in perfect game. If you make an error, you've messed it up. In Cain's perfect game, that's probably the most nervous I've ever been in a game — more than the World Series, anything. I went in cold off the bench in the seventh inning as a defensive replacement. Arias started at shortstop that game, then moved to third when Pablo came out. Sometimes a ball can take a bad hop and hit you in the chest and suddenly you're the guy who messed up the perfect game. I fielded one grounder and made the play.
Do players talk of a perfect game or a no-hitter in the dugout?
Sometimes it sneaks up on you. I didn't realize Timmy had a no-hitter til the fifth or sixth inning. I remember seeing a hard hit and thinking, "They haven't had a baserunner for a while.'' I looked up at the scoreboard. "OK, that's probably why. They have no hits.'' As for not talking about in the dugout, I didn't use the word no-hitter but I think I might have said, "Timmy has more hits than the Padres.''
Did my dad ever coach me in Little League?
Was it beneficial?
Yes, but it didn't always feel that way at the time. He was always hardest on me, but that probably made me better. I'd play harder because I wanted him to get off my back!
And people can say you're a starter or you made the All-Star team because your dad's the coach. That made me work harder to prove that wasn't the case. My dad is not my coach any more but he still tells me stuff. Once a coach, always a coach.
Is there any sort of hierarchy for calling fly balls?
Good question. There is a hierarchy. The center fielder has priority over everybody — outfielders and infielders. Outfielders have priority over infielders. If there's a popup between the OF and the IF, it's an easier play for the OF. The shortstop has priority over all infielders. If the ball's near second base and the shortstop is calling for it, he has priority. If it's in shallow left field behind third base, and I'm calling for it, Pablo backs off. Infielders have priority over the catcher. And everybody has priority over the pitcher. A pitcher would catch a fly ball only if it's a low pop-up that only he can reach. You don't see it very often.
How do the players get to the ballpark?
And leaving after the game? Do you have drivers or do you drive yourself? We drive ourselves. There's a parking lot for the players.
Thanks for reading and for leaving all the comments and questions. Looking forward to our four games against the A's!
July 7, 2014
4 p.m.
You asked . . . Brandon Crawford
Why not buy a house in the Bay Area? One reason is it's so expensive. Also, Arizona is kind of in between Jalynne's family and mine. And we can be in our home during spring training. But eventually we'd like to have a house here in the Bay Area.
Did Hicks and I wear our pants up in New York as a tribute to Belt? No. Hicks said he was wearing his pants up that day, probably just to change things up, and he asked me if I'd wear them up, too. So I did. There were strong opinions here in the clubhouse that I look better with my calves covered. I think they're jealous.
Toughest part of playing shortstop in the Majors? The speed of the game. The runners, ground balls — everything's faster. It's a cliche, but if you don't step back and take it one pitch at a time, one play at a time, things can kind of spiral on you.
Favorite restaurant in the Bay Area? La Fogata, a Mexican place in Walnut Creek. With two babies, we're doing more take-out now than eating at the restaurant.
What position I'd play for one game if I could? Pitcher, just to see how I'd do. I still occasionally throw pitches to Pablo during warmups. Maybe Bochy will take notice . . .
Question about whether it's a good idea for a 9-year-old to play only baseball all year round: When I was nine, I played basketball, soccer and baseball. At 12, I stopped soccer and took up football. Those other sports help your athleticism. You're not focused on just a few movements. In baseball, you're using your arm all the time. In soccer I was using my legs and developing a different kind of agility. If you're a little kid and you're only playing one sport, you might get burned out. It's ridiculous how many travel teams there are now. I'd say every American guy on the Giants played another sport, not just baseball.
Does having family members in the stands affect how you play? At this point, no.
Funniest or craziest thing a fan or rival has yelled to throw off my concentration? I've heard people yell, "Get a haircut'' and "Nice mullet''. I know there have been funnier things but I can't really think of anything specific.
Strangest thing you've been asked to sign? A female fan asked me to sign a certain body part which I did not do. I think she was a little surprised and maybe a little upset. Some kids have asked me to sign their hands or arms and I ask, "Do your parents know I'm doing this?'' Other than that, I've signed people's shoes, phones, things like that. I say, "You know this doesn't come off, right?''
How many times did you laugh making the commercial with Belt? We did about 20 takes, and I'd say 15 were ruined by laughing. It was mostly Belt laughing. I was trying to game-face him. We had a lot of fun.
When my Dad didn't let me play baseball once because I got a C, what class was it? Honors geometry. And it was actually a C+.
How is Team Brandon doing in the hitting competition? Since we lost Belt, our first-round pick, we struggled a little bit last month. Fortunately I got off to a pretty good start this month and Adrianza had some hits. Bam-Bam replaced Belt with Perez, who's not an everyday starter so he has no chance to rack up a lot of points. When we also lost Adrianza to the DL, we thought we'd get Panik. But he went to a different group. I'm not sure how this game is being played. I'm starting to wonder if it's rigged.
Is language ever a barrier in the clubhouse? Yes. No one understands Bumgarner. But now we have Hudson as a translator.
Pitcher that gives me the most trouble? I could probably speak for most of the big leagues and say Kershaw.
That's it for now. Keep your questions coming. I know Belt wants to do a blog before he heads off to San Jose for the start of his rehab assignment. Glad he's getting closer to being back in the lineup. We need him. Don't tell him I said that.
Finally, a plug for Opera in the Park at AT&T July 5 at 8 p.m. It's a live simulcast of Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata. And it's free! I know nothing about opera, but I had fun at the photo shoot!
June 25, 2014
11 a.m.
Welcoming the New Guy – Brandon Crawford
So glad to be back in the Bay Area, though I had a good time in Arizona, and not just because we took two of three from the D-Backs. Jalynne and the girls were waiting for me at our house in Scottsdale when we arrived from Chicago. They drove in from Los Angeles as we were flying. And the next day was an off-day. What did we do? A whole lot of nothing, which was perfect. We went to breakfast at one of our favorite places, Butters Cafe, then hung out the rest of the day by the pool. We had dinner at another of our favorite places, Blanco, a great Mexican place on Scottsdale Road.
It's been great to see Joe Panik do so well his first two games in the Majors. He stopped our skid — at least that's the story he ought to tell his friends back home. And it might actually be true. That fact he did so well in his first start allowed all of us to get excited for him, which inject a nice boost of positive energy into the dugout. After he got that first hit, five guys came out and gave him high fives and big congrats.
We were even more all impressed with his double in the ninth. That was a great at-bat against a lefty, Joe Thatcher, who I personally hate facing. I don't think there are too many left-handed batters who like facing him. Panik survived Thatcher's sliders and cutters to drive a two-strike pitch to the opposite field. It shows you how balanced and mature a hitter he is already.
I saw that approach when I played with him during the 2011 fall league the year he was drafted. He had just made the switch from shortstop to second base, and he took to it right away. I doubt there are too many things that rattle Panik, even playing here tonight at AT&T Park for the first time as a Major Leaguer.
During batting practice today, he told me he had played one game in this park — an exhibition last year against the A's.
"I don't remember the 421 sign looking quite so far away,'' he said, referring to the distance to Triples Alley.
He asked me about the wind and how a pop-up to second might play. I said the wind usually comes in from right, but sometimes it will just change its mind and start blowing the other way. So I said you just have to react to the ball and adjust to it while it's in the air.
He asked, too, about my batting-practice routine. We usually have five rounds every day, sometimes six. That means you get five or six turns at the plate, taking five to eight or nine swings each time. Some players will go in there and hack and try to hit home runs. Hunter, for example. What I do is the same thing I've done since spring training. The first round, I lay down two bunts then take seven pitches and try to go middle and opposite field. The second round is situational routines: hit-and-runs, move-'em-over from second, runner on third with infielders back, runner on third with infield in and one out — that sort of thing. Then I have three rounds of five swings. That's what I do every day.
We do BP rounds by group, with the starting batting order in the first two groups. Group 1 is Hunter, Pablo, Buster, Morse. For some reason Pagan goes in Group 2, so today it was Pagan, Blanco, Colvin, me and Panik.
Panik also asked about my routine defensively during BP. I usually take 15 to 20 grounders and throw to first, then take 15 to 20 more and throw to second as if turning a double-play. I told him if he wanted, he could take ground balls and flip them to me at second. So we did that today.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading. In the next blog, I'll answer your questions. Wow, there are a lot of them!
-Brandon C.
Grass Under My Feet
Thanks for all the notes of congratulations. And the advice. I know I'm gonna need it.
The thumb is getting better but not fast enough for me. The cast is off and I have a protective splint but I pretty much wear it only when I work out and when I sleep (in case I roll over on my thumb). The swelling's down quite a bit, though it's probably going to be at least a little swollen for a couple months. But it won't affect my throwing or hitting. I'm able to tie shoes again though very slowly, so now Haylee doesn't have to do it. (In case you're wondering, the Brandons won't help me with anything. Hicks once helped me take my watch off, but that was it.)
I'm taking grounders every day and flipping the ball over to Shawon Dunston at first. It's more about getting my legs back in shape — moving side to side again, stopping and cutting. Agility exercises are good but nothing's better than taking ground balls.
I can't tell you how much I've missed being on the field. You're used to being out there for seven months straight. You take it for granted. Then you suddenly don't have it. You're stuck on the stationary bike in the weight room. So it's been nice to feel grass under my feet.
Once I get more flexibility and strength back, I'll probably go to Fresno for a rehab assignment. The last time I was there was 2011. I'm looking forward to seeing guys I haven't seen since spring training and the folks who work at the park there. And the best part: If I'm in Fresno, it means I'm playing baseball again.
In the meantime, I'm in the dugout talking to whoever's next to me. Usually it's about genius stuff. But if you talk enough, there's going to one thing that comes out kind of stupid. Ninety-nine percent of my conversations I'm a genius, 1 percent I'm an idiot. But everybody likes to change it around to make me out to be 99 percent idiot. I'm a little goofy. I'll admit it. I'll say goofy stuff. But if you say one wrong thing in a baseball clubhouse, you get called an idiot for the rest of your life.
Without playing, other things in my life tend to gain more importance than they usually would. Our dog Lilly's diarrhea, for instance. We've taken her to the vet, and they say everything's normal so it's probably stress. We were talking to a dog trainer who was telling us we have to change our lifestyle. Lilly wants to be an alpha with Haylee, as if Haylee's her pup. She growls at people and dogs who get close to Haylee. That's why she's stressed out. Now we're giving her anti-anxiety medicine. Don't ask me if it's working on her diarrhea. I haven't seen her take a dump lately. Haylee's the one who sees her all the time.
To answer a question one of you had about naming our baby: No, we will not be naming him Brandon after Crawford.
Now for the movie reviews. I'm changing my grading scale. Now it's going to be letters — A, B, C, D — so I can get pluses and minuses in there. And I'll have a second rating: Haylee awake (HA), Haylee sleeping (HS) or Haylee not available (HN/A).
Edge of Tomorrow: Some alien life form has landed on earth and they're starting to pretty much take over the world. They can't be defeated. They constantly evolve. Tom Cruise is a marketing guy who somehow gets thrown into the mix. He kills an alien and its blood gets in his body. So now he has the ability to start the day over. Every time he dies he starts the day over. Kind of a Groundhog Day thing. He's trying to figure out how to defeat this alien race. Emily Blunt is the best solider in the world basically. She has had this power before so that's why Tom Cruise is going to her. He has to repeat everything he's said to her every single day, but she says, "Hey, when you die come back and find me again. We got to keep on doing this until we figure it out.'' It's more realistic than most sci-fi movies. I've seen those movies before, but this is by far the best one I've seen. It's my favorite movie of the year so far. I highly recommend it.
Rating: A and HA.
A Million Ways to Die in the West: I can't tell you what it's about because it only kind of has a plot. It's basically a movie to see how many random funny scenes they could put into one movie, and a lot of the scenes aren't funny. In fact they were pretty stupid. Usually I like movies like that, but this one was boring. It's no MacGruber. Save your money.
Rating: D. HN/A. (I saw it on our road trip to Cincinnati with Cain, Affeldt and Buster after we ate at Five Guys Burgers. They all thought it was terrible. They'd probably give it an F. I'm not giving it an F because at least it got me out of the hotel room.)
Maleficent: Angelina Jolie was in it, and Elle Fanning. It's a fairy tale movie. You know how they did that backstory to the Wizard of Oz, Wicked? This was basically the same thing — a different side to Sleeping Beauty. They did it through the eyes of the fairy that put Sleeping Beauty to sleep. It was OK. If it was on TV, I'd probably watch it again. But I wouldn't go buy it or anything like that.
Rating: C. HN/A (I saw in Cincinnati by myself.)
Blended: It stars Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I saw this awhile ago. I liked it a lot even though it got only 14 percent approval from critics. It has its cheesy parts, but every time I watch Adam Sandler, he makes me laugh. I'm a huge Adam Sandler fan. There are a bunch of funny parts to the movie that keep you entertained.
Rating: B to B-. HA.
I really want to see 22 Jump Street. My friends are in town from Lufkin so not sure they'll want to do that. I'll post my review when I see it.
Thanks for reading, and thanks again for all the nice comments.
Pinch-blogging: Brandon Hicks
I think Belt will be blogging tomorrow — he's been talking about movies, so you can expect some reviews. His cast his off, so we've had to stop calling him Chubbs. (If you haven't seen Happy Gilmore, ask someone who has.)
Since I last pinch-blogged, I moved from the Courtyard Marriott into an apartment in San Bruno. How's this for generosity? Marco Scutaro told me to stay in his apartment while he's still in Arizona on the DL. I met Marco for the first time last winter in Florida through my former Braves teammate Martin Prado, who was my workout buddy this off-season in Orlando. Martin knows Marco from Venezuela. We all went hunting together on Scott Proctor's ranch in South Florida.
Then we saw each other a lot during spring training not only because I was with the Giants but because I stayed with Martin at his house in Arizona during spring camp. Marco took me out one day to a dairy farm near Scottsdale to hunt pigeons and doves with air rifles.
He won't take any rent for the apartment, which is not OK with me. So I have to figure out how to thank him. Maybe some hunting gear.
When the Mets were just in town, I couldn't help thinking about how much my baseball life has changed in a year. Last season, I was with the Mets' Triple A team in Las Vegas, the 51's. I never got a call-up. You always believe you'll land back in the Major Leagues but you don't know where or when. It's humbling to think I'm now not only in the big leagues, I'm on a great team and playing almost every day. It's a great opportunity that I've been blessed with and I just want to make the most of it.
Any player who's being honest will tell you he gets a little extra satisfaction when he does well against his former team. I was happy to have a good night Friday — double, triple walk, two runs. I wasn't so happy Sunday when I struck out three times in a row. But that fourth at-bat, I still believed I'd get a hit, and I singled home Crawford. You just got to keep grinding.
That's kind of the motto of this team as a whole. Keep grinding. You never know who's going to step up. It's a different guy every night. We have so many good players on this team. Our pitching's awesome, our defense has been good and you never know who's going to get that big hit. That's what's helped me so much — the atmosphere in the clubhouse. Everybody knows what they need to do to be prepared every day. And when things don't go our way, there's no panic. We proved ourselves early on with comebacks. We feel like we're never out of it. You get a couple guys on and you're one swing away from getting right back in the game.
That's it for me. Check out the latest Giants Magazine with the all-Brandon cover. Our mothers tell why they named each of us Brandon, plus other Brandon trivia.
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for Asking… – Brandon Crawford
First, make sure you get the latest Giants Magazine. On the cover: Three Brandons.
If you're wondering why Hicks isn't in the TV commercial for the Brandon Bobblehead day with Belt and me, it's because that commercial was shot in January (when we were all in town for Fan Fest). Hicks hadn't made the team yet. He was a non-roster invitee to spring training. It's a pretty funny commercial, I have to admit. My uncle texted me that every time he sees it, he laughs out loud.
Now to your questions:
Chad Zullinger, the choir director at St. Ignatius, wants to know if Giants hitters take batting practice against Giants pitchers.
Only during spring training because hitters need to face top pitching to get their timing back. I've seen other teams, where a pitcher might be coming off a DL stint and a batter hasn't been getting a whole lot of at-bats, and they'll face each other. But I don't know if I've ever seen us do that. Sometimes pitchers throwing a bullpen will have someone stand in at the plate. I saw one of our pitchers hit Eric, one of the trainers who was standing in as a batter. If Cain had hit a player, we probably would be second-guessing that a little bit. Or if a hitter took a swing and hit a pitcher with a line drive. I don't think we want that to happen.
By the time the season starts, our timing's there. So in BP we're working on specific things and keeping loose.
Steve asks how I shake off an error. "It has to make you mad, so what do you do with those feelings?''
It definitely makes me mad, especially if I have a dumb error like I had Saturday night. I tried to be way too quick on a ground ball, and I bobbled it. Those make you mad because it's your own fault. I should have slowed myself down and made sure I had the ball first. I probably would have gotten the runner. You just have to tell yourself you'll make the next one. You have to have that confidence. I feel like I've always had a good demeanor. Even as a kid, I was pretty good at shaking off errors. Knock on wood, but I can't remember too many times when I've let one error lead to another. I'm not going to lie, though — after the error Saturday night, I was still thinking about it even a couple innings later. It bugs me right now thinking about it!
I've had a few recently where the ball has taken a bad hop. Those are easier to shake off because there isn't a whole lot you could do about it.
Margaret wants to know where the White Shark blog has been.
Gregor's been writing it. Sorry you've missed it. Here's his latest. http://gregorblanco.mlblogs.com/2014/06/09/hard-work-attitude-decaf/
Jill wants to know how bummed Hunter was when his scooter was stolen. She also asks if I really read the comments.
I think everyone could see how bummed Hunter was. It was like a piece of him was missing. And yes, I always read the comments.
Ann asks, "Which play as a Giant are you most proud of?''
There were a couple good plays in the World Series. I made a diving stop up the middle on Miguel Cabrera in the eighth inning of Game 3. We were protecting a two-run lead. Timmy was pitching. Cabrera led off the inning. Prince Fielder was on deck. If Cabrera gets on and Fielder hits a home run, now it's a tie game. I guess I'm proud of that because it was against one of the best hitters in baseball on the biggest stage in baseball in a close game.
I also remember in the fifth inning of Game 4. We were behind 2-1. Runner on first. Two outs. Quintin Berry was up and Cabrera on deck. Berry hits a come-backer that glances off Cain's glove. I barehanded it and threw Berry out to end the inning.
Another one: This was in Game 7 of the NLCS against the Cardinals. We had a 1-0 lead in the second inning. They had runners on second and third with two outs. Kyle Lohse, the Cards' pitcher, hit a soft line drive over my head that would have scored both runners. I leapt up and caught it. Giving up a two-RBI single to the pitcher could have been a backbreaker.
Ann and also Dan Hunter ask: What would you be doing for a career if not baseball? And what's your dream job after baseball?
In high school I took an architectural drawing class on computers. We designed the floor plan for a house. The dimensions had to be right, things like that. It was cool. I thought that would be interesting.
My dream job after baseball would be to be a Dad. It's a dream because I'd have to make enough money so I could do just that. Otherwise, maybe I'd coach.
Jon Adams asks, "What's your favorite music?''
I like a little bit of everything. There hasn't been much new music I really like. It's kind of disappointing. If anyone has suggestions, let me know.
Courtney asks about the medieval helmets and if we get to pick the style we get.
I don't know much about it, to be honest. I don't know how it's decided who gets what helmet. I'm not even sure who does it. I think it's Hunter or Morse or both of them together.
Island Girl asks if I can sing.
No. Definitely no. Listen to my radio commercials. I don't have the voice for singing or for broadcasting. I know a lot of lyrics — not as many as Timmy — but I know a lot. But you don't want to hear me sing. I don't want to hear me sing. I turn the music up so I don't have to hear myself. I sing to my daughters at bed time, but it's just the ABCs and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
This is from Melissa: Do you use alternative medicine like acupuncture?
We do. Haro Ogawa, our masseuse, has his license for acupuncture. I've used it a few times.
Richard asks: The new home run celebration — how did that start and what are you chanting?
I think it's from wrestling or maybe Michigan football, or both. I'm not positive. They're yelling yes, yes yes. I haven't gotten into it. I hit a home run the other day and everybody's waiting — and I walked through giving high fives. Buster doesn't do it either. And that's fine. Not everybody has to do everything the same.
-Brandon C.


text:
Featured news
Cisco call manager flaw could invite attackers
Vulnerabilities in Cisco's Call Manager software could open the door for hackers to reconfigure VoIP settings and gain access to individual users' account information, according to researchers at FishNet Security.
In a report issued Monday, Jake Reynolds, senior security engineer at FishNet, said the vulnerability affects versions 3.1 and higher of Call Manager, which handles call routing and call signaling functions in Cisco VoIP systems.
At CRN.
[ Read more ]

subset: commoncrawl


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Operating theatres are the second most common site for Sharps injuries[1] and the second most common injury reported in this environment are scalpel cuts, accounting for 7% of the total number of reported injuries [2]. The risks to the surgical staff and downstream workers are well documented and can be grouped under the following headings:
•Infection – HIV / AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C etc
•Physical Trauma – in particular to a digital artery or nerve or a tendon (of either a hand or a foot)
•Psychological trauma
•Cost – 15 years ago, the cost of an uncomplicated injury was estimated to range from US$500 [3] to US$2,000 and US$50,000 to US$100,000 for an injury requiring microsurgery and up to 3 months of rehabilitation (This is probably a gross underestimate when loss of salary for a private surgeon is considered.) To date the highest reported litigation is US$12.2 million[4], paid to a doctor who contracted HIV from a sharps injury.
•Syringes are the most common type of injury, however, the incidence of scalpel injuries is much higher [5].
oStaff continuing to be at risk of potentially preventable injuries.
oNursing staff and OSHA compliance staff are left with the impossible job of trying to make hospitals comply with safety regulations [6]
oA huge systematic literature review conducted by the Australian College of Surgeons found absolutely no evidence that safety scalpels prevented injuries [7]
oThe original data used to support safety scalpels was mis-interpreted. On review it actually shows the injury incidence was two to four times higher for safety scalpels than the incidence for the standard metal handle [8]
oIn a recent publication pushing for greater uptake of safety scalpels it was noted that the number of injures was the same for both safety scalpels and traditional scalpels - again the incidence of injury with a safety scalpel must be much higher because traditional reusable metal handles are still the most common in use in US operating theatres. [9]
oThey are OSHA compliant
oCDC studies shows that up to 87% of active medical devices are not activated. Safety scalpels are active devices and therefore the risk of not activating is still significant. [10]
oBased on the above CDC research, Fuentes et al. shows that combining a single-handed scalpel blade remover and a hands-free-technique (such as a passing tray or neutral zone) is up to five times safer than a safety scalpel. (This is best explained by knowledge of "active" vs. "passive" safety devices.) [11]
oUse of a single-handed scalpel blade remover & a hands-free-technique will ensure optimal staff safety AND optimal patient safety.
Click here for the list of articles.


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James Otis on "Writs of Assistance"
James Otis' fight against general warrants, known as "Writs of Assistance," helped lead to our 4th Amendment being adopted. To read more on James Otis' argument against "Writs of Assitance," click here. Remember these words when the FISA Amendments Act comes up for reauthorization later this year; your Congressmen may need a reminder as well.
Liberty NewsWire: September 4, 2012
In recent weeks, the Fed has given increasing signals that it is seriously considering the launch of another round of large-scale bond purchases, known in Fed-talk as quantitative easing. Some Fed members have argued against such action, fearing more easing of the money supply would lead to asset bubbles and higher inflation down the road. […]
Liberty NewsWire: August 31, 2012
For the second time this year, the Paul family has been harassed by the Transportation Security Administration. Rep. Ron Paul, his wife, and granddaughter were stopped by eight TSA workers at a small airport in Clearwater, Florida, and told they must be screened. According to the agents, the screening was necessary because Mitt Romney "might be […]
Thomas Paine's "The Crisis"
Thomas Paine's revolutionary rhetoric in Common Sense helped ignite a revolution in the hearts and minds of the people long before the first shots at Lexington and Concord. Dated December 23, 1776, story has it that George Washington found Paine's next essay so inspiring he ordered The Crisis to be read aloud to his troops at Valley Forge the […]
How Many Americans has the Government Spied On?
"Gazillions." That was the fictitious number Senator Paul chose to use to highlight the gravity of the number of Americans caught up in the government's national security dragnet since 9/11, in a recent speech in Las Vegas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ9jBWjZWvI Judge Napolitano, in an op-ed in the Washington Times explains that Senator Paul, "who, when he asked the government to […]
Get Local
Liberty NewsWire
National blog
- Liberty at the Movies: Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1
- Lame Ducks raise taxes on Duck Hunters
- Campaign for Liberty to Congress: Preserve Internet Freedom
- Will the Internet Tax Mandate ruin (ugly) Christmas Sweaters?
- Defeat of USA FREEDOM Act is a Victory for Freedom


text:
Solo JerkOff
By: cam-boi
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Date: 3 years ago
Runtime: 8:01
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1 year ago
He looks flawless. My dream boy.
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2 years ago
I love to have you reside close to me, buddy.
Warm hugs and kisses.
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text: In pictures: PM launches cyber safety program bCyberwise education module designed to help Australian primary school students stay safe online Hamish Barwick (Computerworld) 0 - - - - print email prev next Loading... Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public School students from Sydney check out the bCyberwise module on their laptops. Prev Next 3/6 Comments on this image There are currently no comments for this image. Post new comment Comment Name Email (This will be kept private) Users posting comments agree to the Computerworld comments policy. Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in. Close In pictures: PM launches cyber safety program 6 images


text: DC Obamacare Exchange Promotes President's Campaign Arm Print article Send a Tip by Matthew Boyle 10 Nov 2013 post a comment The Obamacare exchange for Washington, D.C. has been using its official Twitter account to tweet out support for Organizing for Action (OFA) materials. "Our friends @OFA_DC are looking to hear your experience with #Obamacare. Share your feedback with them," the official @DCHealthLink Twitter account tweeted earlier this week, with a link to a website survey at my.BarackObama.com—OFA's website. After filling out the OFA survey, respondents are then prompted with an ask to donate money to the organization. The official @DCHealthLink Twitter account has also retweeted an OFA tweet praising Obamacare, which as of 4:30 p.m. on Friday has the OFA campaign website's Twitter account appearing on the homepage of the official Washington, D.C. Obamacare exchange. OFA is the community organizing group that formed out of the remnants of President Barack Obama's re-election campaign. It is usually not acceptable for official government entities to coordinate their activities with a political campaign organization. A Senate GOP aide responded with shock and disbelief in response to this revelation. "What's next?" the aide said in an email. "A donate now button for Obama?"


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Is it fair to make a movie on the Neeraj Grover murder case?
Asked by happy man, 31 May '08 07:17 am
Earn 10 points for answering
Answers (15)
no it is not at all fair, when the investigations are still on.............. and I think it will be very rude and unhuman towards Neeraj. I think the director is trying to cash in on the story.Answered by adar, 02 Jun '08 12:05 pm
Our directors are very crazy people. they immediatelt thought of any sensitive issues and fond of commercialise it.Answered by bush laden, 31 May '08 07:18 am
No let us not make mockery of misery of othersAnswered by t rajmanohar, 02 Jun '08 11:20 am
noAnswered by VIJAY DHANWADE, 02 Jun '08 10:24 am
Let the motive clearly come out.The UP police have messed the cwhole case.No narco analysis,no decoding of computer hard disk at Cdit.No trace of mobile and sms chats.Let a competant agency comes out with clear motive and evidence.Then make the movieAnswered by ram mohan, 02 Jun '08 09:47 am
movies are mostly based on real life incidents. previously several movies have been made reflecting court cases, murders, etc. i therefore feel that there is nothing wrong in making a movie on neeraj murder case.Answered by BALA MUKUND, 02 Jun '08 02:01 pm
nothing wrong in it..it looks like a good Bollywood movie anyway..I am waiting to see it..Answered by meena kumari, 31 May '08 07:40 am
everything is fae in LOVE ,WAR ...M.......Answered by sunil pednekar, 02 Jun '08 12:26 pm
be happy man why u want to become sad manAnswered by reeti chhabra, 31 May '08 07:20 am
Todays film Industry wants SOME MASALA for their Box Office.Answered by Vinayak Lawande, 02 Jun '08 11:20 am
There is no place for sentiments or feelings! This is Kaliyug,so be Happy as your name............
There is no place for sentiments or feelings! This is Kaliyug,so be Happy as your name............


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I'm a little late to contribute here but I've bought one from the company that makes thermopen:http://thermoworks.com/
I didn't go with the pen because I wanted one like the cheap-o kitchen ones that I could toss a prob in. So my brewing friend and I each got:http://thermoworks.com/products/handheld/mtc.html
It's the MTC model
and then we each got the long waterproof probe with it:http://thermoworks.com/products/probe/tc_wire.html
It's the Model: 113-372/373/375-T
It's almost a little too long but I didn't want to end up too short. Not much difference in price for the long one anyways.
I called them up to ask about if this works for me in a mash tun. I asked my sales person if this was the correct thing to order for an all grain brewer with grain, 170 degree, sit in water, etc. I heard her ask the head sales guy and I could over heard him say "Yep, that is the combo the brewers use who put it into their big grain tub, no problem". The probe can be used to test the temp in a dish washer and the hand held part is mostly water proof. We've made 30 batches of beer over the last year with it, rain or shine, no problems and the battery is still fine. I suspect the handheld part into boiling water it wouldn't turn out so well but I've certainly gotten it wet. I would highly recommend it.
I got sick of using the $15 kitchen ones from walmart to have them die or be off by 10 degrees after 2 batches. This is money well spent IMO. Hopefully this helps somebody else.
I have the same Thermoworks high temp waterproof probe that sniperd has but I have the Therma K thermometer.
Just ordered thermometer based off your recommendation sniperd. I have had the same problems with thermometers being used a few times during BBQ and then being off. I will see how this one works, might also get another one for my Big Green Egg...
Thanks for the recommendation.
Awesome, you'll really like it. We did have a 'problem' recently. All of a sudden one of our thermometers just started reading 400, 22, 650, etc. every few seconds. Oooohh no here we go..
So I called them up and the guy was pretty surprised I had a problem. It was under warranty so he said I could certainly send it back but he wanted me to try a few things. He had me take a paper clip and plug it into the mtc, where the probe plugs in. That read just fine so he said it was something with the probe. He then had me unscrew these 2 little screw on the probe and right away I noticed one was very loose.
I opened it up and a wire had come loose on the probe (the cable part) so I just put it back and tightened it up. Plugged it in and it was fine.
I'm a very happy customer.
The thermometer is working very well! I use it for both BBQ and brewing...I also have a thermopen that I use too, and they are generally like 2 degrees off. But the thermopen you suggested was right on 212 when I boil water.
Awesome. I'm so glad I could help somebody. We probably went through 4 different cheap-o $10-$15 kitchen ones. We had one day where 2 gave us different readings (off by 20) so we boiled some water (since that is 212) and put them in to see which was right. One read 222 and the other was 202... that's when I went on the hunt for whatever would be the best.
We just had to take the plunge and spend the cash and hope for the best, I'm glad it's worked out for all of us.
My British Racing Green Thermapen!
You can't go wrong with a Thermapen! They are also great for calibrating your Auberin, Love, or Johnson temp controllers, or any other thermometer for serious accuracy. Bobby let us know how that new product stacks up!
"Talent is hitting a target no one else can hit. Genius is hitting a target no one else can see."
"Just because your paranoid doesn't mean they really aren't after you!"
I have the Thermoworks RT301WA ( http://www.thermoworks.com/products/...t/rt301wa.html ). Its cheap at $19 but its super fast (5-6 secs temp reading) and accurate to within 0.9ºF up to 212ºF. Best of all it's waterproof since my friend dropped it in the mash during the last brewday. It floats slightly btw!
I think its a great option if you can't afford the thermapen. Thermoworks has a great line of low cost options including some with a 18" or 24" long probe! http://www.thermoworks.com/products/low_cost/
I've owned a few other ones that always gave up on me after a couple years, here are the 3 I own right now:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s01_i00http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s00_i01http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o04_s00_i00
While I like all 3, the Taylor (first link I posted), is by far the best digital thermometer I've ever owned, I'm not saying it's the best out there but for the money it's a heck of a buy. It is the one I use for brewing. Oven style thermometers are my favorite, they are very versatile and you can set your target temperature and walk away. The Taylor has a timer built in which comes in handy, especially when brewing. I can stick the probe in my mash tun and leave it there, don't have to open the lid to check temps. I can stick the probe in my brew pot when heating strike water and set the temp alarm, and when it hits the temp, "beep beep", done!


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Palm Springs House Rental Photos and Description
House, 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, (Sleeps 6)
Featured on the Palm Springs Modern Committee's Modernism House Tour and the Palm Springs Modern Heritage Fund Home Tour.
This beautifully restored mid-century modern architectural gem is in one of Palm Springs' best neighborhoods – Deepwell.
The 1958 custom-built post-and-beam home has been lovingly re-imagined to evoke the glamour, style and sophistication of Rat Pack era Palm Springs. It boasts:
• An extraordinary great room with soaring beamed ceiling offering dramatic pool views through stunning walls of glass and clerestory windows.
• Three large bedroom suites – two facing the pool – each with a private bathroom featuring elaborate period tile.
• A fabulous custom kitchen with rare original tile work and new stainless appliances for contemporary convenience in mid-century style.
• Polished concrete flooring throughout for casual comfort with a contemporary spin on modernist sensibility.
• Additional amenities of HD flat screen, cable TV in bedrooms and living room, Wi-Fi internet, memory-foam mattresses and hotel-quality bedding on Cal King, queen and twin beds, central air and heat, half bath for entertaining, washer/dryer and personal concierge greeting.
For quintessential California indoor-outdoor living, you'll want to throw open the huge sliding glass doors to enjoy the pool, spa, deck, patio, fire pit and gas grill – all in a private yard.
The house is located minutes from downtown Palm Springs and a variety of shopping, golfing, nightlife, restaurants, cultural events, outdoor activities, and attractions.
Keywords: Mid-Century, House, Palm Springs, Deepwell, California, new pool, new spa, newly renovated, 3 bedroom suites.
- Suitability:
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets considered
Guestbook comments from the owner
I wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at the house. It was absolutely perfect for the family and the weather meant that we took full use of the patio, pool and spa.
We love the design and furnishings and, in fact we felt like we were on the set of mad men!!
Thanks again and we will certainly consider another visit and will recommend to our friends also.


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Berkeley House Rental Photos and Description
Walking Distance to U.C. Berkeley Campus
Two Bedroom, One Full Bathroom Duplex, approx 792 square feet, behind UC Berkeley Stadium, close to Campus, in the Berkeley Hills with S.F.and Bay views. Lots of natural light, fireplace, and newly refinished hardwood floors. Located within walking distance of hiking trails and open space, with breathtaking views of the the Bay Area. Non-smoking.
- Suitability:
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- pets considered
- wheelchair inaccessible
About Larry Kaplan and Marie Champlin
Born and raised, living most of our lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, attending local schools and universities.
Larry Kaplan and Marie Champlin purchased this house in 2010
Why Larry Kaplan and Marie Champlin chose Berkeley
We both have traveled extensively throughout the world, only to find that our property is located in a world class location with picturesque views of the East Bay and San Francisco, within walking distance of hiking trails in open space of the Berkeley Hills, affording 360 degree views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our home is located in a very quiet and serene location, consisting of 1960's Mid-Century and Bohemian architecture.
What makes this house unique
The home has southwest facing views, and decks towards San Franciso and the Bay, constructed almost exclusively of wood interiors and exterior. One experiences such a feeling of serenity and joy looking out over the natural and Bay views, with its dramatically everchanging scenes from sunlight to fog!


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The most successful British television drama of our time, the multi-award-winning Downton Abbey has become a national phenomenon in the U.S. as well. Created by Julian Fellowes�who received an Academy Award for his screenplay for the acclaimed Robert Altman motion picture, Gosford Park�Downton Abbey features stellar performances, ravishing sets and costumes, and, most importantly, absolutely riveting plots. Now the scripts for the entire first season have been collected in one volume, along with never before seen material, incisive commentary, and color photos that will completely immerse fans in the world of Downton Abbey.
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Accommodation in Holland
Looking for a hotel in Holland? Or would you rather stay in a hostel or bed & breakfast? There are many hotels, hostels, guesthouses, apartments, campsites, holiday homes, holiday parks and group accommodations in Holland where you can stay. Whether you are travelling on a budget or in search of a luxury hotel, we help you find the best deal.
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Need ideas -- nay, a menu! -- for new year's day meal
- IndyGirl Dec 27, 2008 04:04 PM
Hi everyone,
Cooking for my in-laws and my SO and I. I need to have the ingredient list to my father-in-law by Monday night so he can get the ingredients on Tuesday (don't ask). They are buying the ingredients, I am cooking. Works for me!
I am vegetarian and while I don't care whether other people eat meat, I am wholly uncomfortable cooking it since I have almost no experience doing it and I'm not confident in my quality control. I am also iffy on seafood. So I am thinking of getting smoked salmon as part of our appetizer and then something mostly vegetarian for the main meal--something like prosciutto would be fine since I wouldn't really be "cooking" it, of course. They are very comfortable eating vegetarian and love a number of ethnic cuisines.
Cuisine is open. They don't seem to be people who believe in black-eyed peas on New Year's. They lean toward the health-conscious.
I should add that I am up against a major deadline on the 31st and I don't have a lot of time to prep. They live an hour away. I guess I could make a dessert and bring it so that it's done in advance, but most of it will have to be cooked that morning.
My SO loves carrot cake and hates cheesecake. They aren't big on overly sweet desserts.
re: IndyGirl
Prosciutto ham is not a very substantial meal on it's own...unless it is used to wrap something else or unless it is included in a stuffing.
Here are some ideas for possible dishes:
Cheese Platter
Cream of Potao Soup
Vegetable Lasagna
Broccoli Rabe with Sausage, easily roasted in the oven
Roasted Root Vegetables
Brussels Sprouts with Cheese or Pancetta
Roasted Vegetables, eggplants, zucchini, yellow squash, onions, and cherry tomatoes
Ragout of wild mushrooms...Oyster, Portobello, Cremino, oyster, Chanterelle, Shitake and White Button
Rice Pilaf, Couscous, Orzo or Rissotto
You can do double duty with some of the menu items. On the crudite, when finished, you can apply it to the Roasted Vegetables. Just decide on a cut shape for later roasting. The cheese platter can be applied to the Brussels sprouts with cheese.....you get the idea.
For a main course, what about a Moroccan chickpea stew? It's easy to put together, you can vary the ingredients (I've added eggplant, zucchini, carrots,celery, etc.). Even meat eaters have loved it when I've made it. It's so hearty and good for you. I serve it over couscous or rice; and sometimes crusty bread. It's along these lines:
Since your SO loves carrot cake, what about doing that? I haven't found a bad carrot cake recipe, honestly, but do like Alton Brown's on food network. It's a cakier one, less sweet and oily. I use a pineapple cream cheese frosting. You could make the cake and then frost it at your inlaws (have them buy a block of cream cheese, a lb of powdered sugar, a stick of butter, vanilla, milk; and can of crushed pineapples if you want).
You could do something with prosciutto for an appetizer if you want to use it. Just wrap it around little mozzarella balls, bake and drizzle w/ balsamic vinegar and top w/ chopped basil. It's really good and you don't need to taste it. Or, just do hummus and pita. Or sauteed variety of mushrooms in puff pastry. All very easy and minimal ingredients needed.
Hmmm, I would start with some gorgeous soup - the potato is fine, or black bean, or if you want a knockout presentation a black/white combo of the two, poured together. The soup would be the best candidate for make ahead. Then your smoked salmon appetizer arranged beautifully with dill cream and/or capers on dark rye or mini bagels, then some knockout baked pasta or vegetable dish like endive baked in gorgonzola cream sauce with a side of simpler vegetables like almond green beans or steamed squash.
If they don't like sweet desserts, arrrange a cheese plate instead, with crackers and a couple different kinds of fruit or jam.
We often go ethnic for our Christmas dinner. Indian food is always yummy, filling, smells great and not very difficult to prepare. You could have a potato/cauliflower dish, garbanzo dish, salad and then purchase some samosas and nan or other bread to help make life a little easier.
For Christmas this year, we decided to have sushi. Again, it can be fairly easy to prepare, particularly if you have one other person to help roll the sushi and it can be made either vegetarian or with some seafood like your smoked salmon. Our ingredients this year included shiitake mushrooms, cucumber, carrot, soy sauteed tofu, scallions. We'll often include some shrimp when making sushi. It is a very beautiful presentation. We served potstickers on the side.
Or, you could go south of the border and do some tamales or cornbread and beans. Something along that line is also filling, can be prepared early in the day and doesn't cost a fortune in ingredients. It is casual but still delicious and fun.
For midnight snacks we often prepare veggie meatballs in a sweet cocktail meatball type sauce (always a hit!), great cheese/crackers/olive plate, or other finger foods. I think it is nice to have a little cocktail party feel to the midnight celebration part of NYE.
Have a fun New Year's feast! Let us know what you decide to prepare!
I usually cook Christmas Eve dinner for my non-veg relatives. Last year I made these individual lasagnas out of a veg cookbook I have that is full of great ideas badly executed. (I always rewrite the recipes in it.)
Sweet potatoes, peppers, mushrooms and zucchini were marinated in olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and capers and then roasted. (I roasted the red peppers separately, did the chilling and peeling thing, and then added them in with the rest of the veg with 10 minutes to go to absorb the marinade.)
I bought fresh lasagna noodles and cut pieces about 4x6 inches in diameter, to make a number of mini-lasagnas. The stack was something like this: pasta, pesto & roasted veg, pasta, fresh tomatoes & a slice of fresh mozzerella, pasta, pesto & roasted veg, pasta. Stacking each one individually made for fancy presentation.
Anyway, my very carnivorous relatives liked them, and I even froze a couple which reheated nicely later in the year.
This year I made two kinds of quiche and risotto (see holiday dinner hit/miss thread) which also went over well, especially the risotto - it's a dish that tends to impress, but is also hard to mess up.
re: Allison_
Okay, this is more than you need, but I'd say the only thing that wasn't perfect about those is that the top layer of pasta got a little too crispy without sauce. A bit of cheese on top would probably do the trick, maintaining some crispiness without making it taste like uncooked pasta. Okay, I'm done. :)
re: Allison_
Re-reading your post - the advantage of a lasagna, gratin, or something else casserole-ish is that you could do the vast majority of the work at home, assemble and then just bake at their place.
I made yummy vegetable pot pies for Christmas dinner this year. I roasted red onion, acorn squash, carrots, turnips and a potato. Then, I made the sauce from a basic roux plus vegetable stock, with lots of herbs. I tossed the vegetables (with some added peas) in the sauce and then baked them in individual dishes with homemade pie crust tops. Carnivores around the table agreed they were better than turkey! I would make them again for New Years for sure!
Cheese fondue with a side platter of proscuitto, a few kinds of pickles, crudites and/or green salad, bowl of grapes. Lots of great wine.
Gelato cake (ordered or mash together your fave's) for dessert.
not sure you need a starter but a *little* smoked salmon or some small shrimp thing with a glass of bubbly would be nice.
OK--i think that Moroccan stew sounds really promising. I guess I'll go with that. Now, ideas for sides and apps? And dessert?
I should have mentioned that we'll be heading to their place on the 31st and going to a party with them, and I'll be cooking on the 1st. Also, we are out of power at my house at the moment and probably will be for a few days. Again, don't ask.
re: IndyGirl
You could do dips with vegetables and pita. Hummus, roasted red pepper/garlic, tatsiki. You could make hummus and tatsiki, or buy them. Tatsiki might be harder since you need to drain the yogurt overnight and might not have time. Roasted red pepper dip is very pretty:
As a side, if you wanted to do something different, you could do lebanese rice. It's a favorite in my house w/ the vermicelli. Along these lines, but I use broth and fry up onions first:
Garlic puree (toum) is great with it. I don't follow a recipe but use roasted garlic and puree w/ olive oil, a little lemon juice and salt. It's much better than the sum of the parts. You could do a side salad if you want but there are plenty of vegetables w/ the dish.
Oh, and I'm thinking this will be a lunch of sorts...we'll be back really late the night before, probably at least 1 am, so this will be our first real meal of the day. I'm thinking 1 pm for meal time.
If you're going morrocan the sides are easy. Morroccan typical eat numerous salads served at the same time as the main. One should be carrot, one roast peppers. Do a search, you'll come up with a ton of ideas.


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Great product that gives the skin a beautiful glow and look,just very costly BUT worth it ! A must in my make up kit !
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
Must-have for me. I buy the minis (which, as others have mentioned are oddly $10 for 30mL vs the regular size is $32 for 50mL -so really you can buy 2 travel sizes totalling more than double the product you'd get in one full size Strobe cream for $20 - not sure why it's priced this way but I started buying the mini's as they are easier to travel with).
I use it several ways : as moisturiser, mixed with Etude House's Volumer, with BB/TM's/foundations or cream blushes, as a base for make-up, as a regular cream highlighter. It's versatile and has a subtle pearlescent sheen to it, you can barely notice once it's blended which is perfect. I also use it alone if I don't want to wear any make-up that day but have a bit of glow to my skin. It does have a light fragrance but it doesn't bother my sensitive skin and I've been using it for years. It's non-greasy, no cheap-looking glitter or any glitter at all, absorbs quickly like a normal moisturiser and leaves no tacky residue.
LOVE. It's absolute perfection. Highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking for a subtle way to add a hint of beautiful soft sheen to skin.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
Yeah, it's great if you are older. Brings back some glow. (If you are already glowy then you might not see a difference, but if you aren't glowy - this helps!)
I really like the smell. And it is quite lingering, so that is sort of a plus.
It *feels* good when I put it on. My skin likes it.
Makes foundation go on more easily - I use it as a primer. I use half as much foundation this way.
This is the only thing I buy from MAC. I just run in and say "Strobe Cream" and then run out again. But I will continue to buy it as long as they make it.
Everything that Clarins Flash Balm says it is (but isnt).
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I got this to mix with my foundation, and was really excited to try it out. The only thing wrong with it is, you really can't see anything, I didn't even see a sheen or glow. I am a huge fan of MAC, but this was a miss for me. I returned it and got Nars Copacabana.
gotta love this one! the few products which i always repurchase! makes my foundation glide on my face and it gives off a really nice glow. my skin can be quite dull at times and this works great for me. i was using clarins flash balm and MAC's strobe cream win hands down. it doesnt get too oily, which i like.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I LOVE this. My absolutely favorite cream highlighter EVER. The shine is just the right amount, the consistency and texture is AMAZING, and I love how it gives the most natural but also very done up looking highlight. Also, I love the packaging and the price is pretty good for the amount they give you and how long it lasts! It's become part of my daily makeup routine and out of all my highlighters(I'm a highlighter junkie), this one is one of my favorites. A standout product by MAC!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I saw this product on Wayne Goss' youtube video. I use EL's maximum coverage foundation and I wanted a product that would add some glow to my skin since the foundation is super opaque and mattifying. Wayne suggested to mix this w/the foundation. I purchased this at MAC and OMG!!! It makes my skin have that glow from within!!!! It's not shimmery at all, just a nice glow to my skin which makes me look younger and healthier. LOVE this product!! Moisturizes my skin and makes all my foundations look so much better! Will definitely re-purchase!!!
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
Really pretty as a cheekbone highlight. Glowy but not glittery or shimmery at all, and a bit moisturizing but not greasy. It's kind of opal-y pink, but not super pink - I have a lot of redness in my skin so I was worried it would make that look worse but it doesn't! Only reason I wouldn't buy again is because I'm switching to natural and cruelty free products and unfortunately this doesn't fit that criteria. :\ if you plan on buying, get the 1oz travel size because it's cheaper in the end. So it's $20/2oz if you buy two 1oz bottles, or $32 for 1.7oz! Doesn't make much sense lol!
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
The Strobe Cream works well but the Strobe Liquid Cream worked a lot better for me. It made my makeup look flawless and beautiful. I returned this for the Strobe Liquid
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I use this everyday on its own as it adds a lovely glowy look to my skin and highlights my cheeks and brow bones. I also mix it with my MAC studiofix foundation to add a suttle glow x
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No


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Pulled from the LIFE archives, rare and never-published images of JFK in 1963, including the morning of Nov. 22
Credit: Arthur Rickerby/Life
Updated: Wednesday Nov 20, 2013 | 02:00 PM EST
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John F. Kennedy speaks in Fort Worth, Texas, mere hours before his assassination. For more images from November 22, both before and after Kennedy's assassination, visit LIFE.com.
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Need a special Christmas Gift?
'Blow out Bargains and Special Items' are on the 'Shopping' page..check it out!
NCBBA Membership, Merchandise and Replacement Plates are great ideas!
Jamie Fajardo - Top Angler for the 2014 Red Drum Tournament
52 inch Giant Red Drum
Final results are in the article below.
November 14, 2014, NPS names New Superintendent
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NCBBA Members Login (Plate Number)
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Is my donation to NCBBA and/or the NCBBA Legal Fund tax deductible?
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NCBBA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Charitable Organization and may accept donations from all donors. NCBBA will provide all documentation to the donor acording to IRS rules. Donation may be made using the CONTRIBUTE button on this website, by US Mail: PO Box 189, Nags Head, NC 27959 or in person at any NCBBA event. Legal Fund contributions may be made at any time and are only used to maintain "free and open beach access".
NCBBA Facebook page........ http://www.facebook.com/ncbba
We live in a new digitally connected world and NCBBA has jumped in with both feet! Join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ncbba We're everywhere! Come check us out today!
Earn Your Annual Achievers Award!
Members who sign up five new members May 1 through April 30 will be awarded a NCBBA polo shirt embroidered with NCBBA and the member's number.
When you sign up a new member, fill out the lower section of the application with your name, NCBBA number, and shirt size. Without this information, we have no way of knowing who you signed up and no way to give you credit.
Questions? contact:
NCBBA supports of higher education for High School Seniors in Dare County. More than $44,000 have been committed to the Scholarship program since 1998.
NCBBA offers a Members/Members Children Scholarship for Adult retraining/higher education and High School Seniors continuing their education.
NCBBA is also a member of the United Mobile Access Preservation Association (UMAPA) that also offers a $500 scholarship annually.
ALL Scholarship Applications are available from Chairwoman Pam Smith:


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This multi colored plastic burro is a vintage puzzle. By removing a key piece you can take apart the whole thing. The trick is...can you figure out the key piece and put it back together again? The plus of this piece is that it comes with the original braided cord with a horse shoe key holder at the top! The horseshoe reads: Good Luck on one side. The edges of the horseshoe are depressed to remove it from the yoke so keys can be placed on it.
It is in very good condition minimal wear and measures about 3 3/8" in total length. The donkey alone measures about 1 1/4" high, 1 7/16" long and 1/2" wide.
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Don't forget to check out the other vintage and collectible puzzle toys and dexterity games in our shop!
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Help and advice on heart disease
Heart Matters
Heart Matters is our free membership service and magazine.
Join Heart Matters
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Help us keep hearts beating
Run for us
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items and deliver them to our shops.
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Visit our shops or shop online
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Buy our charity Christmas Cards with charming
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our online shop
We'll collect your unwanted furniture and electrical goods
to sell in our stores.
Our pioneering research
Fighting for every heartbeat
Learn how we're fighting for every heartbeat with cutting-edge
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Share experiences, stories, tips and ideas in our community.
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Read our vision and priorities to 2020 and find out how we're
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Explore our
What we do
We fund thousands of research projects around the UK that are
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We've awarded two new grants from our Mending
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finding a way to mend broken hearts.
Find out more about our Mending Broken Hearts Appeal
Patching the heart


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Chef Salad takes a detour this week and next, interviewing four of the country's leading beverage industry experts, all of them speakers at upcoming seminars held at the Hotel Valley Ho for the second annual Arizona Cocktail Week, February 16-22. See also: --6 Don't Miss Events During AZ Cocktail ... More >>
If you don't know Bryant Vazquez from his solo work, you might know him from his three other projects -- as bassist in Sedona's decker. or as guitarist in Murdoch with Flagstaff indie rockers Them Savages. But his work with his brother, Chris Vazquez, under the moniker Vagabond Gods, is definitely h ... More >>
In the 1970s, the Z-Boys were hell on wheels. Today, they're shredding the big screen.


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Recent Headlines
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The Beatles' 'Abbey Road' pics fetch $230K
Six discarded images from the iconic album shoot have been sold at auction.
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WATCH: Odell Beckham's amazing catch
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"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1" tallied $123 million in ticket sales to score the year's biggest U.S. opening.


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Beware! Once you have made and tasted this cake, you will never want to buy another one from the shop ever again! Easy recipe. Continue reading
Author Archives: Nicole
Fresh parsley for the winter
Quick! Get fresh parsley before the cold weather sets in, while it is still plentiful and cheap. Continue reading
Anti stinging nettle device
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Don't throw out fresh lemon slices that were used in drinks or any left-over fresh lemon. Keep them in a separate glass by the sink and use them to wipe the sink and prevent any build-up of lime scale. They are antibacterial too!
Also use fresh lemon to Continue reading
How to increase fridge space
How to protect oven from grease splashes
Who likes to clean their oven? Not me! So, simply place a Continue reading
Keep spare buttons safe
When buying new clothes, you will often get a small plastic bag fixed inside the garment containing spare button(s). Don't just pull it out and store it in a drawer or throw it out. Take a needle and threat and sew the spare buttons to an inside hem, somewhere out of the way which is not going to be annoying on your skin. You don't need to make it look neat because it is out of sight anyway. You never know, you might need that spare button one day!
Odd socks to pack fragile items
I recently found a good way to use all my odd socks (although I had to reach for the sock drawers to get more!). Put your glasses or other fragile items inside socks to prevent them from knocking each other. You could also use pants, t-shirts, tea towels, etc. Basically, you don't need to buy bubble wrap!
Healthy snack for packed lunch
This is a great, cheap and easy-and-quick-to-make addition to your packed lunch.
One handful of almonds + one handful of raisins. Place in a small plastic container.
Tip: buy a large bag as it works out cheaper than smaller packets and store in an air tight container to keep the almonds fresh as long as possible.
Tile cutter too small?
If, like us, you bought large tiles (we bought 60 x 60cm), your standard-sized tile cutter will certainly be too small. Ooops! Buying another one would be very expensive…
So, just make Continue reading
How to get your Tomtom out of its protective case
Having problems getting your Tomtom out of its protective cover or pouch? or any other device in a protective pouch for that matter? All you need is a length of ruban (or even a thin length of plastic bag, why not!), long enough to be pushed into the pouch and leave you enough grip to pull your Tom tom out when needed.
How to get brushed stainless steel looking as good as new
This tip was given to me by a kitchen installer more than 10 years ago. To get your brushed stainless steel looking as good as new, Continue reading
Ways to reuse sliced bread plastic bags – Cling film
I found another way to re-use sliced bread plastic bags to add to my previous post.
Use a plastic bag instead of cling film to store food in the fridge. In the picture below, a sandwich I had made one morning for lunch.
Savoury pie using leftover meat
A great way to make small leftover meat go a long way! A 23 cm dish will provide two meals for 2: eat half of the pie hot at night and the other half cold for next day packed lunch.
Below is a picture-guide suggestion Continue reading
How to cut butter for pastry dough
This is an improved version of Mary Berry's tip on butter. She suggests using a grater to cut butter before using it in a dough recipe. My tip goes a bit further, making it just perfect! All you need to do is Continue reading
French apple tart
Now that you know how to make pastry dough, you will find below an easy-to-follow picture guide of how to make a delicious and moist French apple pie. Continue reading
How to make sweet and savoury pastry dough with one finger
The short video clip below is to complement my dough making post to illustrate how easy it is to mix dough with just one finger. Continue reading
How to pick up brick dust from drill
I used to place my vacuum cleaner's nozzle next to a hole being drilled to suck up any brick dust and prevent it from falling down. This was not ideal though because the motor filter is not suited to very fine dust. Now, I would like to share with you a great new tip, a much better way to pick up brick dust that cannot damage the vacuum cleaner.
Use a dust pan (because it has a wide brim and a nice handle!), place a wet kitchen towel over it and locate the dust pan right under the hole being drilled. The falling brick dust will be collected by the wet kitchen towel. When finished, simply put the kitchen towel in the bin. Try this tip and let me know what you think!
Picture guide on how to make pastry dough
Don't buy ready-made pastry dough! Unless you want puff pastry, which is rather labour intensive, you can make pastry dough easily and quickly using one finger (literally!). This picture guide will show you how Continue reading
Shopping list without a pen
How can you cross items off your shopping list when you don't have a pen? Simply Continue reading
Tip on bin liners
Home-made watering can
A watering can with a spray nozzle is a must at this time of year as you will need a very gentle spray to water your seeds and/or seedlings. Here is how to make one: re-use your Continue reading
How to get a free supply of delicious tomatoes
First, you need one tomato. Although, you might have to buy a small packet from your local food retailer first. If you are unsure about which type to get, go for Continue reading
Picture guide on how to make a savoury tart/pie
Pies are inexpensive and easy to make. It is a great way to use up leftover meat. Make one pie to feed 4 people or use half the pie to feed 2 and keep the other half for a cold packed lunch for 2 the following day. Below is a step-by-step picture guide on how to make the dough. Continue reading
Easy quick soup recipe – you don't need to fry onions
Don't waste time frying onions, simply cut up and place all ingredients/vegetables together in a large saucepan with one tablespoon of olive oil then add 500 ml boiled water and simmer until all vegetables are soft. Then, roughly squash the cooked vegetable using a potato masher and your soup is ready to eat.
Tip: Use red lentils as a thickener or chestnuts (or both!). You could also use potatoes but I can't because Hubby has a potato allergy!
Tip: scatter some cubed cheddar over the soup when serving.
Quick fix for muddy boots
If you need to dash indoors, whether it be to go to the toilet or answer the phone, you won't have to take your dirty boots off if you Continue reading
Save on hole fillers
What to use with your dips?
Below is what I used for my dips. This is particularly handy if your packet of tortilla wraps has recently passed its use by date as the tortillas will still be edible but cannot really be used to wrap food any more because they tend to tear easily.
Simply place the tortillas under the grill for a couple of minutes on both sides and cut with a chef knife to the required shape.
Chocolate chip cookies
This picture-guide recipe is the only soft cookie recipe you will ever need. Trialled and tested by kids and grown-ups. You will need strong will power not to make this cookie recipe too often. Continue reading
Make your flower bouquet last
Make your flower bouquet last that bit longer (25 days for the one below) by following the tips below. Continue reading
How to catch dust and dirt
The follwing tip will save you a lot of cleaning time and hassle. Continue reading
Turn an old a picture frame into an earring holder
If your picture frame has a broken glass pane, this post might be of interest to you!
What you need: Continue reading
How to store Bramley apples
Here is how I store my Bramley apples: Continue reading
What to do with old aquarium gravels
Below you will find a couple of ways to use old aquarium gravels.
First, make an umbrella stand. All you need is Continue reading
Cheap last minute Halloween decoration
Don't you have any scary decorations to put out tonight ? I might solve your problem.
Get a piece of Continue reading


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Houzz is the new way to design your home.
34 Wardtown, VA Upholstery Professionals and Suppliers
Although the work isn't always obvious, a good upholsterer can help to give your Wardtown, VA home a polished appearance — and help you save money in the process. He or she can rehabilitate a worn or outdated chair, sofa, ottoman or other piece, which often costs less than buying a new one. If you have a one-of-a-kind piece that can't be replaced, an upholsterer can extend its life with new fabric. Upholsterers also can fashion unique trims, flourishes and other fabric details to personalize your furniture. You can find more upholstery in Cape Charles, Cheriton, Eastville, Oyster and Marionville. More
ace refinishing (757) 558-7950
Family owned, quality first small business specializing in antique restoration, furniture refinishing and upholstery Read More
Somerset Slipcovers (410) 968-1657
Slipcover Fabricator Read More
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