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Archive for December 2008
This "list" was found here.
So, are you looking forward to 2009? Do you have any New Year's Resolutions? (I don't think Garfield does…) How about any Traditions for New Year's Eve or New Year's day? Looking back on 2008, what's your favorite memory (or memories) of the year?
Alright guys, our next discussion will be this Friday. We'll be finishing up the first section, which means the last four parts are officially assigned today. So read through "The Jesse Owens Incident," "The Other Side of Sandpaper," "The Smell of Friendship," and "The Heavyweight Champ of the Schoolyard" by Friday and be ready to discuss!
On to the next section!
-In this part of the book, we spend a lot of time with Rosa Hubermann. -What do you think of Rosa? How well do you think she and Liesel will interact later on in the book?
-We get a bare taste of the Hitler Youth in this section as well. Neither Liesel nor Hans seems overly eager about Liesel having to join. -Though we only see the Hitler Youth for a paragraph or so, it was mentioned for a reason. How do you think Liesel's involvement will come into play in future pages?
-Liesel both begins school and begins having regular nightmares in this section. -Are these two events specifically related (not necessarily that school causes nightmares, but that both unpleasant events are juxtaposed for a reason) or are they simply the unpleasant results of Liesel's new life? Is there significance in the fact that Hans is the solution to both?
-At the end of this section, while cleaning spit off the doorway, Liesel takes a look at the sky. "Usually," she says, "it was like spillage - cold and heavy, slippery and gray," but sometimes a sliver of star-ridden sky can be seen. On those nights, she stays out with the stars until Rosa yells at her or until "the stars were dragged down again, into the waters of the German sky." -Just like Death, Liesel seems to have some sort of connection with the sky. What is the appeal of the sky?
More Book Thief discussion, here we come! Here we'll discuss the 4th section of the book, The Kiss (A Childhood Decision Maker).
(Content Warning: some strong language…)
Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Alaskan governor Sarah Palin, gave birth to a 7-pound, 4-ounce boy on Sunday. She and the father, Levi Johnston, have named the baby Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston. Both mother and child are in good health, though that's all the governor's office is releasing.
Does anyone else think that Bristol and Levi may have put the "Sarah Palin Name Generator" to good use?
The very green (and very sarcastic) Scottish ogre has now found his place: center stage.
Sunday was the night for 'Shrek the Musical', the official debut of the 'screen-to-stage musical' based on the 2001 animated film and children's book by William Steig.
Played by Brian d'Arcy James and Sutton Foster, Shrek the ogre and Fiona the princess test their relationship to eventually discover a romantic chemistry that, The NY Times reports, is deeper than their "shared affinity for breaking wind and belching really loudly."
This show can walk the walk, but can it talk the talk? (Or in this musical's case, sing the song?)
" 'Shrek', for the record, is not bad," continues The New York Times. The movie utilizes it's iconic characters and wide age range of humor to hook it's fans. When compared to other Disney-inspired musicals, such as "Tarzan" and "Little Mermaid", this ogre-tastic fractured fairy tale is worth your time.
With the economy slowing down, people are obviously spending less. But how's this affect teenagers? Maybe for those of us who don't work, and even those who do work, money for fun comes from mom and dad. Do you find yourself trying to do cheaper free time activities because of the bad economy?
Image from dailymail.co.uk
Most people have heard of cage diving with sharks. Cango Ranch in South Africa is now offering cage diving with crocodiles. You are given a snorkel, a mask, and a cage before you are lowered into the water with five crocs- each with 4 times the bite force of a Great White.
Here's a link if you're interested
What is the most daring thing you have ever done? Would you ever be interested in cage diving with a crocodile? What about a shark?
The year is quickly coming to a close - we'll soon be watching the ball drop and partying along with Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's Eve; but now it's time to lovingly look back on the tunes that rocked 2008.
In its' The Best of 2008: Albums article, MSN writers and staff described the musical tastes of the year as "vintage dominated by rock, spiced with multi-cultural overtones and graced by country notes in its long, teasingly earthy finish." Ya, savor that one. So here are the albums that made the list:
10.Taylor Swift - "Fearless"
Described as "no longer merely precocious, Swift is good enough to make us forgive the full court press of magazine covers, TV spots, and photo ops."
9. Fleet Foxes - "Fleet Foxes"
This lesser-known band straight out of Pudget Sound is making a name for themselves while being loved for their "earnest folk rock."
8. Coldplay - "Viva La Vida, or Death and All My Friends"
Wow - some of these songs are so catchy it's insane…and painful.
7. Vampire Weekend - "Vampire Weekend"
Recognized as one of the year's officially amazing breakout bands, these Columbia University students rock their "chattering Afro-beat guitars and smark alek, preppy social observations."
6. Randy Newman - "Harps and Angels"
I have no idea who this is. All I know is that his last name reminds me of ranch dressing…
5. Lil Wayne - "Tha Carter III"
'Weezy' sixth studio album dominated in a year that was described by MSN writers as "weak for rap and hip-hop."
4. The Black Keys - "Attack & Release"
A blast from the past, this duo's sound is loved by those who dig " gripping, timeless blues rock."
3. My Morning Jacket - "Evil Urges"
These guys somehow manage to cover nearly every genre over the course of this album: "Funk to folk, metal to blues, [fueling] their smart, powerful music."
2. The Hold Steady - "Stay Positive"
I've never heard of these guys either, but they are described as a great 'transformation band', growing from "a great bar band to a great band, period," in the past year.
1. TV on the Radio - "Dear Science"
"They may be the most important band…that isn't Radiohead." That's all I need to hear.
What has been YOUR favorite albums of the year? Which genres of music seemed to take over 2008?
Yup, you sound like total spies: Your next assignment is here…
So we've covered the Prologue and the first two chapters - We're gonna keep moving on with The Book Thief.
After posting your thoughts and chatting with others, go forth and prosper on to read the next two sections : 'The Woman With the Iron Fist' and 'The Kiss'.
Tuesday, December 30 will be the day for some rockin' Discussion right here. (Hopefully we'll get through Part 1 before the New Year! yay!) See you then!
Time for round two of Book Club! First up is the first section of part one, entitled "Arrival on Himmel Street." In this section, we gain more insight into the death of the book thief's brother, get a glimpse of her new foster family, and witness her first instance of book thievery.
Discussion Questions
-Death makes an observation not long into this section: "A pair of train guards. A pair of grave diggers. When it came down to it, one of them called the shots. The other did what he was told. The question is, what if the other is a lot more than one?" -Does Death's question apply to contemporary events as well as Nazi Germany? And why do these multiple-others stand by and simply do as they are told?
-Liesel snatches up The Grave Digger's Handbook minutes after her brother is buried. -Why would she, an illiterate child, steal a book?
-Liesel's foster parents live on Himmel Street, himmel meaning heaven in German. -Do you think the name foreshadows Liesel's life aptly (as in her life will be good there) or ironically (in the words of Death, "It wasn't [hell]. But it sure as hell wasn't heaven, either,")? Or is there any foreshadowing at all?
-We get a bare glimpse of Liesel's foster parents towards the end of this section. -What is your impression of Rosa and Hans Hubermann? How do you think Liesel will get along with each of them?
Here we go - discussion of The Book Thief, Chapter 2 commences here!
Totally add in your comments-thoughts-questions!! :D
Can't beat the classics. Everyone's favorite clip from "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Happy Holidays, everyone!
I know, I know. The readers of The Vox Box aren't jumping up and down, hyperactively anxious for Santa to arrive- or at least we shouldn't be. But when has that ever stopped us before? For a few years now, I've shown my younger family members this Santa Tracker by NORAD. It's very cool, for the under 7 set. Or the wish-they-were-under-7 set.
What are you doing tonight? Any awesome traditions?
I introduce to you sockandawe.com, the latest way to enjoy the George Bush Shoe Attack outside of youtube.
The objective of the game is at the top of the page: Hit President Bush in the face with your shoes! Do it!
61,092,754 shoes have successfully hit Bush in the face, and counting. Enjoy your 2008 Christmas eve with the opportunity to hit Bush in the face. Have fun!
P.S: I scored 17.
Are electronic book devices in the near future for reading?
The e-book industry has remained a silent secret for almost a decade, but now, due in part to sky-rocketing advertising efforts on Amazon.com, e-books' sales will launch.
Although the book industry and technology have always been tightly linked what with online libraries, web sites, reading lights, and the ability to download documents onto iPods and iPhones, Kindle hopes to introduce a new connection.
Kindle is a wireless device with the ability to display electronic books like any other traditional print copy. The approximated cost is $359; the popularity of the product is credited mostly to Oprah Winfrey, who featured the product on her show, and in part to Amazon.com by analysts.
From the New York Times' article on the subject:
"The perception is that e-books have been around for 10 years and haven't done anything," said Steve Haber, president of Sony's digital reading division. "But it's happening now. This is really starting to take off."…
…"E-books will become the go-to-first format for an ever-expanding group of readers who are newly discovering how much they enjoy reading books on a screen," said Markus Dohle, chief executive of Random House, the world's largest publisher of consumer books.
Baby, it's COLD outside. The most flurries and most furies have given birth to the snow storm of the century, and it isn't going anywhere. This snow means business.
Local snowfall records have been broken in Spokane and Coeur d' Alene. It is the most outrageous snow storm since 1895. The forecast can hardly keep with its mysterious appearances, or so it seems.
Are you sick of ALL of this snow? What are your favorite indoor activities for the everlasting winter months? What are your favorite outdoor activities (don't you dare say shoveling snow!)?
How is it that celebrities like Britney Spears can have huge "come backs" before their albums are released and before they have shown signs of new success? I was watching some television and it seems that the media is so consumed with talking about her "come back" when it doesnt seem she's really done a lot…
Anyone agree?
Apparently, Spokane wasn't the only place to recieve a dumping of snow last Wednesday. A rare snowfall blanketed Las Vegas on Wednesday, canceling all flights in and out of the city, snarling traffic and dusting palm trees and marquees along the Las Vegas Strip.
Now, Las Vegas is located in Nevada. In the desert. It snows around Las Vegas, on the mountains, but not in the city itself. So when 8 inches dropped on rooftops and palm trees, residents were delighted.
3 inches of accumulation on the Strip would break the December record of two inches set in 1967, but not the record of nine inches set in 1974.
huffington post, huffingtonpost.com/theres-a-link-here.
I am practicing this morning with this blog stuff, and want to experiment with embedding a video. I found this one…
I shall embrace my Star Wars nerdness and post it. I found it exciting and terrifying all at the same time, especially when Darth Vader hit the floor and did the Thriller…
Round 4 of Book Thief Discussion!
The Flag.
Discussion Questions:
Feel free to add your comments, questions, thoughts!
Remember: The next two sections: Arrival on Himmel Street and Growing Up A Saumensch shall be discussed on Friday! :) Enjoy!
So, on to part two!
In Beside the Railway Line, we are introduced to the book thief for the first time. Again, we are shown this notion of colors as a distraction for Death. Has the meaning of these colors changed since Death and Chocolate? As before, are they symbolic or simply weather-related?
We've gotten more of a glimpse of Death by this section. Has your impression of him changed at all?
Death regards staying behind as "the most elementary of mistakes." Is staying with the survivors for even a moment such a horrible mistake? Not just the survivors in this instance, but survivors in any instance.
Death also notes that his breath "was loud that day" and that he is surprised no one heard him. This seems to indicate that Death is less a spirit than we commonly think of him as. What sort of entity is Death, then? Could he be more human than he'd like to admit?
Any other thoughts?
Monday's the day: Time for some Book Thief discussion…
Caitlin will be posting the discussion boards for the first and second section: Death and Chocolate, and Beside the Railway Line.
So 3 Cheers for the third section of the Prologue!, Here's where we'll discuss The Eclipse.
Discussion Questions:
Feel free to add your comments, questions, and thoughts!
Alright guys, time to kick off the book club! Just to reiterate, there will be four posts, two each from Chloe and me, one for each section of the prologue.
So, Death and Chocolate. In this section, we are introduced to Death, his occupation (shall we say), and his feelings on the matter. What do you think of Death thus far? In his own words, he is amiable, agreeable, affable, and yet he 'truthfully' and unnervingly declares in the fifth line that "you are going to die." A rather odd way to start a novel, yes?
The colors are another point of discussion. What do you think the colors represent? Are they simply the shades of the sky at the time of a person's death, or are they some reflection of the person's soul?
Death also touches on humanity towards the end of this section. Though he doesn't speak on it specifically, how do you think he views man overall? Survivors frighten him, and he's not fond of his job, so what's left for him to like, if anything?
Any other comments on anything at all from this section are welcome too, of course.
Quote 1:
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
Harper Lee in To Kill a Mockingbird
Quote is here.
Any thoughts on this quote? Have you read To Kill a Mockingbird?
Quote 2:
There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts.
Charles Dickens in Oliver Twist
Have you read any great books lately? Have you read any horrible books? Any recommendations- or lack of?
Quote is here.
Quote 3:
The interest from around the world … has demonstrated the worldwide appeal of Winnie the Pooh.
Philip Errington, a Sotheby's specialist, on the record-breaking $2 million sale of a collection of E.H. Shepard's original drawings from the Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne
Did you watch Winnie the Pooh when you were a little kid?
Quote and explanation found here.
Oprah Winfrey: Famous talk-show host, radio-show personality, magazine named after herself, - the woman's even got her own book club stickers…We can now add "PETA's Person of the Year" to the list of achievements.
Given the title by the Norfolk, VA.- based PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Winfrey will be joining the ranks of U.S. Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia (2007) and the founders of the animal and pet-friendly Method cleaning products (2006).
President of PETA, Ingrid E. Newkirk comments on Winfrey's new honor, thanking her for using her "powerful voice to defend those without one." Oprah can expect to recieve an award plaque and a letter of appreciation.
Do you see Oprah as a worthy recipient of this award? Anyone else come to mind as a better winner?
Alllllrighty! The day has come - The Vox Book Club's first official discussion! ….(*suspense music* - dumm dummm duummmmm!!)
OK - So here's how it's going down: There will be 4 seperate posts - As you smarty-pants people can probably guess, one for each section of The Prologue (the reading assigned last week.)
Like most book clubs, (but more fun than English class), there will be questions. Questions that we find on the internet, questions that we make up, and questions inspired from the awesome-ness of the text. But feel free to ask your own questions. This is discussion - we want to squeeze as much conversation as possible out of you folks. State your opinions : what you like - what you don't like - what you're scared of - what makes you want to dance. Everything.
Remember: More reading assigned! Arrival on Himmel Street and Growing Up A Saumensch…(dummm dummm dummmmmm!!!)
Wanna discuss that Friday?
The story seems to be circulating faster than the hottest gossip in a high school hallway: Ruldolph - the determined little guy who pulled through for Santa that foggy night - could have been a girl. *gasp!…*
That's right. National Geographic recounts the old facts, stating that "male reindeer generally shed their antlers long before December 25, wheras the females retain theirs until at least January." (Antlers are adorning their heads in every picture/movie I've seen…) "So Santa's outriders must be all females."
Along with the facts, I think the nose has it. Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, veterinary medicine professor specializing in deer (ya that's right…deer) at Texas A&M University says it's all about the big shiny red nose for a gender clue. "Females like a little bling."
I don't really have a question for this post…I just thought it was funny. Well… - Anybody catch one of those classic Christmas-Holiday movies yet? Christmas Without a Santa Claus? The Miser Brothers?
Is it the title of a new challenge, or a just a ton of adjectives thrown together…?
This will be pretty familiar to those of you who participated in NaNoWriMo, the equivalent of the Olympics for novel-writers. Challenging nearly 113,000 authors of all ages to pool their blood, sweat, and tears to crank out a novel in one month, the National Novel Writing Month people are celebrating it's success and now diving into a new challenge (and inviting us along):…
(the 3rd official year of) The Big-Fun-Scary-Adventure of 2009…
Chris Baty, spokesman for NaNoWriMo, sees the New Year not just as a time for some resolutions, but as a time for change. "The quick overview:," Baty says in his email going out to past NaNoWriMo participants, "We each pick an adventure, declare it to the world, check in with our progress throughout the year, ultimately pull it off, the get a winner's certificate."
That's right - just pick something new, fresh, and different to do through 2009 then get the shiny certificate (along with bragging rights) upon completion!
"Your curiosity is a dependable guide; follow it. Put yourself in unfamiliar places. Kindle passions. Savor the raw joy of making things, then remake the best of those things until they take someone's breath away. Wrestle bears." -Chris Baty
Just be careful with that whole 'bear' thing…
What are your resolutions for 2009? Got an 'Adventure' to tackle throughout the year?
Neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Grabb was removing a "microscopic tumor" in a three-day-old baby's brain. The surgery would quickly become one he would never forget. As he removed the tumor, he realized that it contained a perfectly formed foot, hand, and thigh.
Grabb says that this may be a case of "fetal-in-fetu", where an identical twin dies early in the pregnancy and begins to grow inside of the living twin. According to Grabb, however, "fetal-in-fetu" rarely occurs in the brain.
The baby made a full recovery, but is being monitored to ensure no more growths return.
You can read the full story here
Is there a possible movie deal behind this?
More than just the words on page 1 - ….
For me the first section, - whether it be an Author's Introduction, a Prologue, or a plain and simple 'First Chapter', - always carries the future of the book on it's shoulders. I usually determine whether I like the book within that first fragile segment….
So, how is The Book Thief treating you?
The Prologue - assigned last Tuesday - now unravels before us. What was your initial impression? Does the future of The Book Thief (as a book, not a character…) seem bright? Consider the details given by the narration - does that intrigue you?, or is it just plain creepy?
For more thoughts-provoking questions, head over to Caitlin's post from December 16.
Like Caitlin said, we'll begin discussing in more detail on Monday! Be there or be square, my friends. :)
For you crazy-fast readers (or aweosme book nerds…) out there, we'll be assigning the first chapter - Arrival on Himmel Street - on Monday the 22. We're planning to discuss that on the following Friday, (Dec. 26), but if we're moving faster than expected we'll discuss sooner.
So tackle those 10 pages! (We're goin' easy on you over Christmas-week…:D)
Happy Holidays and happy reading!
The 2008 Project for Awesome
Essentially (if you're too lazy to watch the video), Project for Awesome is a two-day-long invasion of YouTube. Thousands of people make videos promoting their favorite charities and flood the site with their footage in the hopes that people will actually take the time to watch and possible donate.
Do you think this is an effective way to raise money (in other words, do you think the demographic watching YouTube is likely to contribute something)?
Just an FYI: School is closed tomorrow and you can all offically start your holiday vacations early. Here's the Educatiional Service District website that has all the Spokane area school closures and delays. Stay warm out there!
During a news conference this week, an Iraqi television journalist removed both his shoes and threw them at George W Bush while shouting in Arabic: "This is a gift from the Iraqis; this is the farewell kiss, you dog!" A few seconds later, the journalist tossed his other shoe, shouting, "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in
December's viral video is commonly referred to Youtube junkies as "George Bush Shoe Attack!" 1,322,017 views have been counted for this video, my personal favorite George Bush Shoe Attack video.
photo found on bbc.co.uk
Now, on December 18th, the Journalist who threw his shoes has asked the Iraqi prime minister for a pardon. The government spokesman, Yassin Majid, said that the reporter wrote to Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki apologizing for the incident and calling it an "ugly action."
"He asked the prime minister to pardon him as a son asks his father for forgiveness," The New York Times reports Mr. Majid said.
When Iraqi Parliament discussed the withdrawal from
What do you think? Is this humorous to you? What should happen to Mr. Zaidi? What do you think of what he shouted in Arab as he threw the shoes, and what about what Bush said in the video?
Eau de Burger King, anyone? Is the scent of Burger King really so attractive that it needs to be cologne? Apparently so. Burger King has released a men's cologne, called Flame, that is "a scent of seduction, with a hint of flame-broiled meat," according to this MSNBC story. The scent is sold in stores in New York City, as well as on firemeetsdesire.com, a dedicated site for the scent. The best part is that this "mouthwatering mojo. " can be yours for only $3.99.
Guys, would you buy this scent? Girls, if your guy were to be wearing it, would you be repulsed or ecstatic?
A 1911 Liberty Eagle coin (worth about $1000) was found in a Florida Salvation Army kettle for the third year in a row. The coin, found among the usual mess of wrinkled bills and loose change, was sealed in a plastic case with a note reading "In memory of Mimi" attached, just the same as it has been found the past two years.
The donation was more than welcome; during these rough economic times, donations to the Salvation Army have dropped about 25%. And this coin was hardly alone. Two other rare coins and even a diamond ring have been deposited in various kettles across the country this season.
Do you donate time or money to charities during this time of year, or any time of year?
Chocolates, cookies, candy canes, fudge…whew! The kitchen comes alive as soon as Christmas rolls around!
Take this quiz from The-N.com to find out What Holiday Treat you are. (I was a Gingerbread Man…excellent! One of my favorites…)
What are YOUR holiday food traditions? Do YOUR quiz results match your favorite treat?
District 81 is still set to have school tomorrow even with treacherous snow conditions. Really, 81… do you just love to make us highschool students squirm?
Earlier this week I blogged about a cute little white trash family who named their son Hitler, and are upset that a local grocery store refused to write his name on his birthday cake. See the blog post and story here…
And I apologize to any proud white trash out there. You are right, comparing you to this family is wrong. These guys are just nitwits.
Regarless, an update: Walmart made their cake. Awww…. God bless Walmart this holiday season.
Here is the article, but it's in Danish. Thanks to buddy Pia for translating for me! In a nutshell, it just says they tried many places and finally Walmart made their cake. They mention their other two children, Aryan Nation and Hinler (their misspelling, not mine) and say they they want people to respect their kids' names.
QUESTION: Is a name just a name? Or do you think these parents should have their heads examined and their name choices will effect their kids' lives?
It's Santa Claus—L.A. style…
At the Beverly Center mall in L.A., shoppers won't find a jolly old bearded elf Fri-Sun nights. instead they will find a 6-foot-1, 185-pound "Hunky Santa" played by Eli Wilhide.
Shoppers who sit on this Santa's lap can get nutrition and exercise tips, or advice on what to get the wife or girlfriend. (My advice would be not to sit in some hunk's lap while shopping for your wife or girlfriend…)
From an article by By Laura T. Coffey at the Today Show: He's "gorgeous," said one woman who recently posed for a photo on his lap. "Illegally gorgeous."
QUESTION: Did you sit on Santa's lap this year?
MSN has a page listing the Top 10 gifts to give to a Music Lover. (such as myself…) All of them are priced under $20. See MSN's list here.
I may as well just list them here and you can say what you think about them…
"Hooking up" is here to stay, but what has it done to valuable dating experiences and social relationships?
In "The Demise of Dating" by Charles M. Blow, an article on the New York Times' website, the pros and cons of the old dating system are discussed.
…That's not good. So why is there an increase in hooking up? According to Professor [Kathleen] Bogle [a professor at La Salle University in Philadelphia], it's: the collapse of advanced planning, lopsided gender ratios on campus, delaying marriage, relaxing values and sheer momentum.
It used to be that "you were trained your whole life to date," said Ms. Bogle. "Now we've lost that ability — the ability to just ask someone out and get to know them."
Now that's sad.
Are there any benefits to "hooking up" as opposed to actual dating? To be honest, it appears as if this new romance trend is destroying the very definition of the word "relationship". If you ask me, it's just one more way that guys (and girls too I suppose) can feed their lustful desires without the intervention of emotions and trust.
Does anyone agree with me? What is happening to meaningful romantic relationships? Are they gaining value or losing value because of the trend of "hooking up"?
I was just sent this Gem…
"Holland Township man names son after Adolf Hitler"
This rocket scientist, (actually, he is unemployed due to inbility to pump gas because of his "emphysema…" why aren't I surprised?) has named his son after the man whose name is most synonymous with the mass murder of millions.
What a butthole.
An excerpt from the article that about made me cry:
The boy, asked his name, put down a tiny plate and ran behind his father's leg. He flashed a shy smile but wouldn't answer. Heath Campbell, 35, the boy's father, encouraged him.
"Say Adolf," said Campbell, a Holocaust denier who has three children named for Nazism.
Again, the boy wouldn't answer.
The poor kid is scared to use his own name. At three.
The man is suing because a local grocery store won't write "Happy Birthday Adolf Hitler" on his birthday cake. They are upset they were "denied service because of race, ethnicity or religion."
Hey kids, how do YOU spell irony?
More bits from the article to make you want to throw up:
—The family says they aren't racist but believese "races shouldn't mix."
—The family wanted their kids to have "unique names" but didn't expect there to be problems, even after they start school.
—The father is a proud Holocaust denier and named all three kids for Nazism—and one is misspelled.
—These two parents and examples of the "Master Race" live on disability payments.
QUESTION: Do you agree with the grocery store's refusal to frost the kid's name in the cake, or do you think the first amendment protects this family?
Many have seen this by now, but we still gotta discuss…
At a press conference in Baghdad, Bush dodged not one but two shoes hurled at him by an angry Iraqi journalist who then yelled "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!" in Arabic. The shoe was tossed after Bush said, "The war is not over," Bush said, adding that "it is decisively on it's way to being won."
Bush responded, saying he wasn't going to acknowlege the insult. (In Iraq, this is quite the insult—to toss a shoe at someone. It is their version of us mooning him, I guess.) He said the guy was "just trying to get on T.V."
As reported from a CNN interivew: "So what if the guy threw his shoe at me?" Bush told a reporter in response to a question about the incident.
"Let me talk about the guy throwing his shoe. It's one way to gain attention. It's like going to a political rally and having people yell at you. It's like driving down the street and having people not gesturing with all five fingers.
"It's a way for people to draw attention. I don't know what the guy's cause is. But one thing is for certain. He caused you to ask me a question about it. I didn't feel the least bit threatened by it.
QUESTION: What do you think? Should Bush acknowlege the insult and apologize? Or is he taking the right attitude and refusing to give it any weight?
A certain breed of faith, or lack thereof, summed up through satire:
As I was leaving 5th period today, up and down the hall I heard cries of "it's snowing! IT'S SNOWING!!!" I've lived in Spokane for almost 8 years, and many people around me haved lived here longer, yet I'm still amazed at how excited I get on the first snowfall.
Are you excited for the snow? After watching it dump this afternoon, do you believe that we really will get 11-12 inches?
Remember- drive safe!
3 years ago, Brokeback Mountain caused an uproar. Milk could become the new Brokeback Mountain. Milk is a movie about a gay man elected to public office in California in the 70's. As James Matney says in this month's Vox,
I still urge those over 17 to go out and watch this film. The homosexual themes of "Milk" aren't what will make this film spectacular and isn't going to be a pervasive component of the film. The amazing performances, and highly researched script are what will make "Milk" one of the best films of the year.
Here's the trailer of the movie.
For those 17 or over, would this be a movie you would go see? For those of us under 17, will you watch this movie when you are allowed to?
Please be respectful of other's ideas- comments on this post will not be derogatory towards homosexuals. Express your opinions in a kind, respectful manner, please.
"How Nerds Drop Insults"
John Green discusses the horrid nature of contemporary insults in light of those calling him "lame" or "nerdy" for cataloguing his home library.
Happy Holidays!
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Alrighty, the votes are in and as follows:
Story Time: 1
To Kill a Mockingbird: 3
A Separate Peace: 3
Sea of Trolls: 5
Looking for Alaska: 0
The Book Thief: 8
Dewey: 0
Water for Elephants: 4
So we will be reading "The Book Thief" by Mark Zusak.
Ok, I was wrong. This trumps kids crying on Santa…
Associated Press
Santa Claus posed with a very large kitty on his lap — and now, unfortunately, he might need rabies shots. Jonathan Bebbington was playing the jolly old elf during a Santa Paws photo event at a PetsMart store when he was bitten Sunday on the wrist and hand. The event was to raise money for Penny Angel's Beagle Rescue group.
Apparently the cat, which the owner said was vaccinated, was bought legitimately from a breeder in Wyoming. My favorite quote from the story: "'It had very powerful jaws and big teeth,' he said, estimating the cat weighed about 30 pounds."
ADVICE: No question, just advice: Don't bite Santa this close to Christmas time…
(I would cry with this Santa, too…)
This is my new favorite web site…
It is a collection of various terrified children on the lap of Santa. Good times!! The photo above is a sample from the collection sent in by readers at the Chicago Tribune.
QUESTION: Did you have any good Santa's lap/crying stories? Did anyone else laugh as hard as I did at the photos? And why DO we torture our children this way?
How well do you know your Christmas holiday? Take the quiz below and post your score as a comment. Winner gets bragging rights!
Click here for Christmas Quiz.
Barney and Barry Manilow have teamed up to bring justice to the Colorado streets.
In a unique form of punishment, Judge Paul Sacco has subjected a group of teens to the music of Barry Manilow and Barney to justify their actions.
The teens' blaring car stereos were the cause of their Barney blues.
Photo courtesy of www.get4today.com
Judge Sacco hopes to teach the kids about manners in doing so.
What do you think of this unusual punishment? Could this kind of punishment really be effective? What would your response be if a child of yours was "subjected to Barney?"
Check out the video below! I can't help but feel bad for them… They're so pitiful…
Quote 1:
If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
Vince Lombardi
Totally true, especially in younger kid's games. Thoughts?
Quote is here.
Quote 2:
A moment's insight is sometimes worth a lifetime's experience.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
US jurist (1841 - 1935)
Deep thoughts on a deep quote?
Quote is here.
Quote 3:
"I ain't sayin' you a gold digga, I just don't understand that last twitta."
comedian, in a mock feud with Kanye West after the hip-hop star twittered, "Who the f*** is Stephen Colbert?"
I thought this was funny. Any other people who agree with me?
Quote and explanation here.
Is a struggling economy to blame for unsuccessful high school homecoming dances?
It's no secret that the economy has affected schools, and high school homecoming dances have school activity directors worried about prom.
"When times are bad, this is when they need it most," Nancy Rich, an activities coordinator, said. "Something in their lives that they can look forward to every year."
What can the schools do to make dances better despite the economy? Are there bigger issues surrounding high school dances other than cost?
Well, its obviously the Holiday Season, and it seems to me that there are so many good movies out there pertaining to this time of year. So here's a question for everyone: What are some of your favorite Holiday/Christmas Movies? Any one favor some of 'the Classics'?
(I'd have to say my top three currently are The Polar Express, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas-Animated, and A Christmas Carol.)
"Merry Christmas, and to all a good night!" For thousands of kids around the US and the world, that iconic Santa-ism is part of what the holidays are about, even if you don't celebrate Christmas. For many, it's about having a 'good night.' But for some kids, it's a little bit harder to have a good time.
And Macy's is making it easier this holiday season for some of those kids, the ones with life-threatening health issues, with their Santa's Post Office Believe Campaign. The homepage is here.
Here's the current Macy's commercial.
Here's the challenge to Vox posters, from me. You aren't too old to write a letter to Santa. Write a letter and deliver it to a Macy's store, and put the letter you wrote in a comment. I'll keep track of how many letters are posted, and will post the number on Christmas Day. I'll also post how many letters Macy's received total, and post that when they know.
Woman infested with maggots. Sixty-two years old. *shudder*
So it goes, I suppose… strange that her son called the police and then left his mother there all alone. What a world.
Sorry this is late, you guys, but I've been alternately doing homework, packing, and sitting on an airplane, all without internet access. Anywho, here's an entertaining way to start your weekend.
50 Jokes in 4 Minutes by Hank Green
Oh, and by the way, you all are extremely suckish for not having a meeting the one Monday I'm in Spokane.
Do religious references belong on American currency and in the Pledge of Allegiance?
According to a recent survey performed by NBC, 86% of Americans believe that "In God We Trust" should remain on money and that "One Nation Under God" also belongs in its place in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Despite this statistic, where only 14% of the population feels that these references do not belong, people opposing these phrases have been demanding attention for quite some time.
How do you feel? Do these phrases belong in the Pledge of Allegiance and on the American currency? Why or why not?
Here are the following books that my fellow bloggers and I came up with. Cast your vote for two, on Wednesday the 10th we'll count the votes and decide which one we want to read. Erin managed to get ahold of two $25 gift certificates to a book store (I believe Barnes & Noble), which will be randomly awarded to two of the people participating.
Story Time- Edward Bloor
When eighth grader Kate and her Uncle George (who is two years younger than her) receive letters inviting them to attend the Whittaker Magnet School, home of nasty protein shakes and the freakish "Test-Based Curriculum," their reactions are mixed. George, somewhat of a genius, is pleased, while Kate is horrified. Still, as a search on-line reveals, their house is suddenly in the Whittaker school district, so off they go. It's not long, before they discover something very strange is afoot at their new school.
To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
Great book- I'm not sure if too many people would have read it, though. About a girl, Scout, in a small Southern town. It discusses topics pertaining to racial factors in the US in the 1930s.
A Separate Peace- John Knowles
About a teenage boy at a private school in New England during World War 2. A very coming of age type book. I would say this would be a top choice of mine.
The Sea of Trolls-
Set in 8th century Northern Europe, this book
varies between a historical fiction and a fantasy(many events and even some characters are based on actual events, but trolls, dragons, shapeshifters, etc. are nothing out of the ordinary). The plot follows Jack, a young Saxon boy abducted in a Viking raid and kept from being sold as a slave or killed because he is an
apprentice bard. He and his sister, who was kidnapped with him, are then caught up in the turmoils and power struggles of the Norse
tribes, to put things simply. Bit of a longer read, but an excellent book nonetheless.
Looking for Alaska-
This novel follows the life of Pudge, a socially-inept teenage boy obsessed with last words. Knowing he isn't going to go anywhere at his current high school, he opts to attend his dad's alma matter, a boarding school in Alabama. There he meets Alaska Young and quickly declares her the love of his life, even though he barely knows her and she already has a boyfriend. Sadly I can't say too much without giving everything away, but suffice to say the book is excellent. John Green (the author) winds these fantastic, deep themes (death, religion, and the necessity of the afterlife primarily) into a setting and with characters that your average teenager will eat up. However, there are one or two mildly explicit scenes, so I don't know if that cancels the book out altogether.
The Book Thief-
My all time favorite book. It's about a girl named Liesel who lives in Nazi Germany with her foster parents, who agree to hide a Jew in their basement. The most interesting part of this book is that it is narrated by Death, whom the reader learns to empahize and connect with. This is a must-read, but it's longer.
This is a pretty short book, which resembles Marley and Me. Dewey, however, is a cat who lives in a library. My Mom read it and said it's cute, funny, and light; and anyone who has been around cats knows how entertaining they can be.
Water for Elephants-
This was one of the books my AP English class had to pick from over the summer, and those who read it said it was amazing. It's about a boy who is about to become a vet, but ends up joining the circus instead. It is set during the Depression, and the circus is anything but grand. Despite this Jacob (the main character) manages to find love.
For you coffee lovers or lovers of good art and sarcasm, here is one of my favorite columns/blogs/(not sure how to classify it!?) that I have seen in awhile. It is by Christopher Niemann who has done illustrations for the New York Times, The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly and others.
QUESTION: How many of you are coffee addicts already?
Everyone's favorite reactionary, anti-Semitic, over-opinionated blonde bombshell on the right wing has been spouting her mouth off for some time. Intolerant, unempathetic, and very, very, annoying, anyone who is familiar with this woman is doubtlessly aware of her hit books "Slander", "Godless", and "Treason", three of many words she uses to describe liberals (who, according to her, would be republicans had they any brains).
Sadly, she's fallen and broken her jaw, a vital portion of Ann's body orate that will unfortunately have to be wired shut for the next few weeks. It's a shame most of all for me, as I'll be unable to hear her insight on the imperfection of the Jewish people, entirely-fabricated information, and the folly of my participation in an interracial relationship. Sigh. I suppose I'll have to settle for a few weeks of Liberal Lies (tm).
Let's make it a century, shall we?
People camp on the street, lines are formed deep into the night, crowds surge through narrow isles, and bright sale signs are big enough to take on a snowplow…yup - it's Black Friday…
The stories, such as the killed Walmart shopper, continue to shock the public, while for some the event is avoided completely.
Should Black Friday be banned? Is the preholiday blow-out sale concept becoming too dangerous?


text:
Although architects operate primarily within the visual domain, we know that the architectural experience affects other senses beyond vision. The other senses are more difficult to simulate during the design process, however. The properties of sound, for example, are understood in principle—but what if we could experience a virtual "auditory rendering" with the same accuracy that we experience a visual rendering of a building design?Cardiff University researcher John Culling is approaching this goal. The UK-based scientist has developed software-based ears that transform schematic building designs into "sound maps." These auditory-based depictions predict the way that sound will travel in a room, addressing one of the most important factors: the discernibility of human speech against background noise. This common acoustic challenge has proved difficult to solve accurately in the past, but Culling's tool has already delivered compelling results in comparisons of virtual simulations to actual constructed spaces.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Amrood Ka Sharbat (Guava Rose Smoothie)
Submitted by poemomm on June 8, 2010 - 12:13pm
Servings:4-6 (2 if you're really hungry)
This Indian smoothie is traditionally made with guavas, milk and rose essence. I've substituted a quick chia milk (made by using chia and water) and fresh rose petals.
Guava Smoothie
Submitted by kitsune on February 12, 2009 - 8:52pm
Servings:4 small servings
I felt deficient in "Vitamin Orange" so I made this.


text:
When writing or speaking on issues of war and peace, it is not unusual for pundits and others to make the case that war is due primarily to a human instinct that causes nation-states to engage in large scale warfare. Underlying that idea is the notion that human beings have pugnacious inner drives that require an outlet for aggressive behavior if they are to achieve their full potential in a highly competitive world in which people have to dominate others to guarantee their own survival. This theory is often linked to the psychologically and physiologically induced fight-flight reaction process, which provides the necessary adrenaline rush when we are aggressively confronted or personally attacked and enables us to stand and fight or, alternatively, to quickly flee the scene. Conventional wisdom often cites this reaction as the underlying cause for the violent, deadly, large group activity called war.
Research shows that war isn't caused by instinct
Wednesday, December 26, 2007 | 9:19 a.m. CST; updated 4:37 p.m. CDT, Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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text:
An Appalachian Dawn -- Nestled in the mountains of Central Appalachia, Clay County, KY, has long been at the nexus of history. Daniel Boone left plenty of footprints here, but he was hardly alone. For over 200 years, the people who followed him into this secluded corner of America generated enough heroism and infamy to salt the headlines of virtually every major newspaper in the land. Sadly, much of the news was dark—vicious feuds, crushing poverty, pervasive corruption, and epic drug abuse. By the early 2000s, the situation was so bleak that any family that could was fleeing to greener pastures. Those who stayed behind fought a running battle with hopelessness as illicit drugs threatened to consume an entire generation. And then it happened. As a desperate band of believers cried "Enough!" the Presence of God descended on the town of Manchester, and transformed it into the City of Hope.
Produced by George Otis, Jr. and the Sentinel Group
Posted by Wayne Carter on 28th May 2014
I recorded and engineered several of the special featured music in this film except for Ricky Skaggs theme song. Recorded at Lonesome Day Studio in Boonville, Ky..
When I saw the finished product, I was emotionally moved by the story line concerning two former drug addicts and drug dealer, who's lives were transformed by the power of God. The photography in this film is not only breath taking in the scenes, but tells the story of God almighty showing up in a place of darkness that had no hope, to a place of light where hope resides. If you ever take a trip to Clay County watch for the welcome signs that say, Welcome To Manchester City Of Hope.
Posted by Bro. Von on 2nd Jul 2013
I just finished watching "An Appalacian Dawn" on CornerstoneTV. I'm blown away. I remarked to my son as we viewed the documentary from our home in New York State, "It's like seeing something in another country." Congrats to the producers, professional quality, gifted story telling, this video has it all. Will become one of the all time Christian classics. (I only wish it was in stock.) With the bad news of the moral slide in our culture reflected in the Supreme Court rulings on gay marriage, "An Appalacian Dawn" will be a tremendous encouragement to the church in America.


text:
|Name: _________________________
|Period: ___________________
This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through The Hymns to Athena and Hestia.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. How is Hestia's presence described in the Hymns to Hestia?
(a) Overwhelming.
(b) Powerful.
(c) Comforting.
(d) Eternal.
2. How many hymns are there to Athena?
(a) One.
(b) Three.
(c) Four.
(d) Two.
3. How does the first Hymn to Dionysus conclude?
(a) With a prediction.
(b) With a praise.
(c) With a question.
(d) With a song.
4. What type of arts is Athena known for?
(a) Educational.
(b) Fine.
(c) Classical.
(d) Homely.
5. Based on the ancient myths, what is known to happen when mortals have affairs with immortals?
(a) It can lead to destruction.
(b) It can lead to confusion.
(c) It can lead to chaos.
(d) It can lead to tragedy.
Short Answer Questions
1. What fruit do the leaves sprout as Dionysus remains on the sailing ship?
2. Based on the information provided in The Second Hymn to Dionysus, who raises Dionysus?
3. In The Hymn to Aphrodite, what job does Anchises have?
4. What invocation to Dionysus ends the third hymn?
5. Who is Athena's father?
This section contains 180 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page)


text:
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text:
FREMONT, Calif., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WaferGen Biosystems, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: WGBS), a leading developer of state-of-the-art genetic analysis systems, today announced that it will be launching the Human MicroRNA Panel for its innovative service for gene-expression profiling using its SmartChip(TM) Real-Time PCR System. The Human MicroRNA Panel provides the most comprehensive human microRNA panel of 885 microRNAs on a single SmartChip. The company's SmartChip service offers customers the use of its proprietary SmartChip Real-Time PCR system that utilizes pathway-specific gene panels to discover and validate new biomarkers.
"The Human MicroRNA Panel assures that the latest and most comprehensive information is made available to researchers by providing the ability to quantitate 885 microRNAs on a single SmartChip," said David Gelfand, Ph.D., the company's Chief Scientific Officer and one of the pioneers of PCR. "The SmartChip design allows WaferGen to quickly incorporate newly released sequences giving researchers the ability to stay up to date with the latest discoveries."
"By offering SmartChip services, including the Human MicroRNA, we provide early access to our products and a short-term revenue stream prior to commercialization," said Alnoor Shivji, Chairman and CEO, WaferGen.
MicroRNAs are small non-protein-coding single-stranded RNA molecules of 21-23 nucleotides in length that function as negative regulators of gene expression by targeting specific messenger RNAs. This either inhibits translation or promotes messenger RNA degradation. Cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment are important potential clinical applications of microRNA profiling. The new Human MicroRNA expression profiling service will use the human genes from the new miRBase version 14.0 sequence database, providing researchers with the latest, up-to-date-sequences.
The WaferGen SmartChip Service for t
|SOURCE WaferGen Biosystems, Inc.
Copyright©2009 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved


text:
Tag: Orlando HotelsView All Tags
Four Seasons Hotels / Mickey Mouse / Hotel Design / Orlando Hotels / → All Tags
Where to Find 'Hidden' Mickey Mouse Ears at The Four Seasons Orlando
When the Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World opened last August, we found all sorts of non-Disney reasons to get excited by the new hotel, such as the adults-only pool, the neighboring wildlife sanctuary, the Tom Fazio-designed golf course, the 18 spa treatment rooms as well as the luxe decor and attentive service that we've come to expect from Four Seasons hotels.
Now, we understand that all these reasons may not appeal to the extreme Disney fanatics out there. Indeed, because the resort is not technically owned by Disney, there aren't many Mickey touches at all.
The only place where you will find "official" Mickey Mouse ears is at the Disney Planning Desk in the lobby. Here you can buy tickets and Magic Bands as well as make reservations, arrange services and quiz the Disney cast members on what to do and where to go at the parks. And if you do the Character Breakfast at the hotel's Ravello restaurant on Thursdays and Sundays (and some select Tuesdays), you'll be able to see Mickey Mouse in person.
But, there are quite a few unofficial Mickey Mouse ears throughout the property.
Here's where we found hidden or accidental Mickey Mouse ears at the Four Seasons Orlando.
New Hotels / Universal Studios Orlando Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Loews Hotels / Hotel Hype / Hotel News / → All Tags
Loews Hotels Will Open Yet Another New Hotel at Universal Studios in Orlando
Fresh off the March opening of the Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Hotels of Universal Studios in Orlando has just announced they will open their fifth hotel at the theme park. (No, it is not a Harry Potter-themed hotel. Go back to your working on that spell.)
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort will open in the summer of 2016 with a "colorful Carribean atmosphere" featuring a tropical lagoon with waterfalls and 1,000 guest rooms, including 77 suites. The hotel will be located between Cabana Bay and the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. There will also be an air-conditioned covered bridge which will connect the Loews Sapphire hotel to the Loews Royal Pacific. Wahoo!
When the hotel is completed, there will be a total of 5,200 hotel rooms from Loews at Universal Studios. Surely, some of those could be transformed into Gryffindor rooms? Pretty please?
Keep reading to see a rendering of the property!
Hotel Restaurants / Disney World Hotels / Orlando Hotels / B Hotels / → All Tags
Expect 'Spontaneous Line Dances' at The B Resort at Disney World
The Four Seasons is not the only new resort set to open at Walt Disney World in Orlando this summer. The B Resort is also gearing for an opening and with way more affordable rates.
The B resort has also just announced their restaurant concept, American Q, which is being developed by restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow and China Grill Management. The restaurant, as you might guess from its name, will do a "a modern take on classic barbecue" dishes from all different regions in the U.S. and Latin America. But this being Disney World, the restaurant will embrace the BBQ theme wholeheartedly. Here's what's in store:
· An "industrial farmhouse" setting with a wood-clad bar and a mason jar chandelier.
· An "all-you-can-eat" parade of BBQ meats, seafood and poultry
· "Cowboy/cowgirl" carvers
· An appetizer and salad buffet served from the bed of a '50 cherry red Ford F1 pickup truck
· Spontaneous line dances
Ok, NOW you're talking.
Disney World Hotels / Disney World / Four Seasons Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Hotel Openings / → All Tags
Disney Deluxe: Even More Amenities to Try at The Four Seasons Disney World
Disney World can be a life-altering experience for every wide-eyed kid who steps in to Magic Kingdom. But there are plenty of big kids (adults) also in need of mind-blowing entertainment and decadent amenities.
When The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort finally opens its doors on August 3, it is sure to impress frequent Disney-goers but it will also reset the luxury hotel standard in Orlando, with its over the top accommodations and amenities. We've already told you 5 reasons why you should get excited about this new hotel but here are a few other amenities you ought to know about as well.
Easy Access
Complimentary transportation is provided from the resort to Disney's main theme parks. The best way to beat the crowds at Mickey's house is to start off by avoiding them. The easy entrance via an air-conditioned town car is a great kick-off to a day of Disney.
Four Seasons Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Hotel Openings / Hotel Social Media / Facebook / → All Tags
5 Reasons To Get Excited About The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World
The Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World won't open until August 3 but they keep teasing us on their Facebook page with photos of the property.
And even though we'd normally stay away from the humidity of Orlando in August, we find ourselves practically crossing the days off on the calendar. Here are five reasons why we're hoping the Four Seasons Orlando will make all our dreams come true.
1. The Adult Pool. The adult pool (separated from the family pool) will have cabanas, cocktail servers and specialty services like "sunglass cleanings." We hope massages are on that list too. #serenitynow
2. Firework Chandeliers in the Lobby. Night time is ruled by fireworks at Disney World but we're loving this cool chandelier of "fireworks" above the lobby's grand staircase.
Snapshot / Hotel Pools / Hotel Openings / Universal Studios Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Hotel News / → All Tags
There's a New Water Slide in Town at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios
As we told you last fall, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios would be opening on March 31st and today, the property lived up to its promise as the resort's first guests began checking in.
You can learn more about what the guest rooms have to offer here but for now, check out this dive tower water slide that drops you out into the 10,000-sq.ft. zero entry pool in the Cabana Courtyard ("Castaway" is the name of one of the guest room towers.)
The hotel will also unveil a lazy river experience, a first for the Universal Orlando Resort hotels, on June 16th (along with Hideaway Bar and Grill, the Tower family suites and standard rooms.)
Right now the hotel is offering a special opening offer for a family suite at a standard room rate. Rooms were sold-out this weekend but we did find a family suite for $239 a night next weekend. That room can sleep up to six people (it is kind of cramped, you've been warned) and it gives the family early access to Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction, along with a few other benefits.
[Photo: Cabana Bay Beach Resort]
Hotel Openings / Hotel Opening Rates / B Hotels / Disney World Hotels / Orlando Hotels / → All Tags
The B Resort in Orlando to Open This Summer with Special Rate of $159 a Night
While we're crazy excited for the Four Seasons Resort at Disney World to open this summer, we're having a tough time swallowing the $645 opening rate. Fortunately, there's a new and more affordable alternative opening this summer as well--The B Resort.
Much like its sister property in Fort Lauderdale, the B will offer stylish and playful guest rooms (with free WiFi!) along with several B Signature services like B Active (fitness center), B Nourished (dining concepts including one by Jeffrey Chodorow) and B Adventurous (excursions outside the hotel.) This resort will also have the very first B full-service spa called B Indulged. Rounding out the services and amenities are a zero-entry saltwater pool, a kids zone, an ice cream shop and courtesy loaner iPads.
The hotel will open its doors on June 1 with a special introductory offer of $159 a night for a chic room which are located near the pool area with a king or two queen beds. There is a $20 resort fee plus tax but the introductory offer is including that as well as self-parking. Blackout dates do apply and reservations are nonrefundable and final. But still, that saves you nearly $500 a night compared to the Four Seasons.
[Photo: B Resort Disney World/Facebook]
Hotel Openings / Hotel Opening Rates / Loews Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Universal Orlando Hotels / → All Tags
Universal Orlando's Cabana Bay Beach Resort Has Put Up Its Retro Sign
Orlando's newest hotel, The Cabana Bay Beach Resort at Universal Studios, is in the midst of putting the finishing touches on its sprawling 1,800 room resort. Just last week, the hotel's 52-foot tall retro sign went up, signaling not only that the hotel is close to opening but also giving passerby's a hint of what to expect--a themed resort inspired by the beach resorts of the 1950s and 60s. Notice the promise of "color TV" and "cold air."
You'll get a feel for that theme mostly in the guest rooms which feature mid-century furniture and decor. But don't worry, there will be flat-screens and free WiFi in the rooms too. On-site there will also be two outdoor pool complexes, including a lazy river; a retro bowling alley, game room and several dining options. There's even a Starbucks too! But despite the name, there's no actual beach at this beach resort.
Hotel Openings / Hotel Opening Rates / Hotel News / Orlando Hotels / Four Seasons Hotels / Disney World Hotels / → All Tags
The Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World Will Open on August 3 at $645 a Night
Just after we released out Master List of Worldwide Hotel Openings, we received an actual opening date for the hotly anticipated Four Seasons Orlando at Disney World.
Starting on August 3, two adults and two children can spend the night in a Golden Oak View room for *just* $645 a night. You also have the option of choosing one king bed or two double beds. There's also a queen-size sofa bed in the room and a crib can be placed in the room as well.
Lake and park view rooms cost a little bit more at $695 and $795 a night, respectively. If 500-sq.ft. isn't enough space, the Golden Oak suite can be booked for $1,050 a night which has a separate sitting area. (Most rooms, if not all, have their own furnished balconies from which you can gaze out at the Disney World and other parks.)
That price might sound a little steep for a family vacay but the hotel is running a "Stay Longer" offer which will give you a third night free if you book two consecutive nights. While we're not quite ready to brave Orlando in the August heat, that's quite a tempting offer for a new Four Seasons in Disney World.
Hotel Rumors / Planet Hollywood Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Hotel Hype / Hotel News / Hotel Trademarks / → All Tags
Could The Next Planet Hollywood Hotel Open in Orlando?
Way back in 2010, It was announced that the world would be getting more Planet Hollywood Hotels (the first and only being the one in Vegas of course.) The expansion would be helped along by Wyndham Hotels.
Then the following year it was announced that actually China, Panama and Qatar would get the new PH Hotels first. Well, here we are on the edge of 2014, and no new Planet Hollywood hotels exist anywhere. But it looks like one is very close to opening and close to home too.
We stumbled across some new Planet Hollywood trademarks the other day--one for Phabulous and another for Phamous, two PH-branding concepts that are loosely used by the Vegas resort (mostly in promotions and on social media.) The owner of the trademark is listed as Planet Hollywood in Orlando and not Caesars Entertainment (which owns the property in Vegas.) The trademarks are both listed as for "hotel and resort hotel services." Sounds promising! But does this mean there's an actual hotel site in Orlando laying around for the Planet Hollywood brand? Yes, actually there is.
Hotel Openings / Universal Hotels / Loews Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Family-Friendly Hotels / Hotel News / → All Tags
Sneak Peek at Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Opening in March at Universal Studios in Orlando
While Four Seasons is readying their biggest resort to date near the Magic Kingdom, Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts are working on their own massive new resort, adjacent to Universal Studios Orlando, and which is being built specifically with families in mind.
The Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the fourth hotel within the Universal Orlando Resort, will open 600 of its planned 1,800 rooms on March 31st. The first rooms to open will be in the North Courtyard, which consists of three separate buildings. These rooms will also be all family suites which start at 430-sq.ft. and can sleep six people with two queen beds and a queen pull-out sofa bed. There's even a small kitchenette and a bathroom area that partitions the toilet from the sink and the sink from the shower. Especially helpful when all six of you are trying to get ready for you day at the park.
Another 300 family suites and 900 standard rooms (slightly smaller square footage but still with two queen beds) will open later in the year in two other towers. All rooms and suites will feature a retro 1950s and 1960s design, meant to invoke the family resorts and motels of yesteryear.
We toured the hotel site yesterday and it was crazy cool to see something that looks so old school but is totally new from the ground-up. Don't worry, the amenities and services at the hotel will be brand-new with the most modern technology including WiFi and flat-screen TVs.
Hotel Videos / Hotel Construction / Four Seasons Hotels / Orlando Hotels / Disney World Hotels / Luxury Hotels / Florida Hotels / → All Tags
Join Mickey Mouse On A Video Tour Of The Largest Four Seasons Resort In The World
Ok, so technically, Mickey didn't make an appearance in this video of the under-construction Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World, but we would have appreciated the reference (if slightly on-the-nose) had the iconic character popped up.
Rather, it is Thomas Steinhauer, Regional Vice President and General Manager of the hotel, who dons his hard hat and walks you through the 434-room resort – the largest Four Seasons resort in the world – as it progresses towards a summer 2014 opening.


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CEO Joe Ficalora says the thrift has ways it can buy time to announce a transformative acquisition or benefit from a change in the definition of what it requires to be a systemically important institution. With OneWest off the table, industry observers wonder if the thrift can find the deal its been looking for.
2Q Results
New York Community Could Stunt Growth to Delay SIFI Status
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Popular Hotel Destinations in Guinea
- Conakry Hotels (3 Hotels)
Featured Hotels in Guinea
- Novotel Conakry Grand de l'Independance Hotel Conakry, Guinea
- Le Meridien Mariador Palace Hotel Conakry, Guinea
- Hotel Camayene Guinea Conakry Conakry, Guinea
Browse our comprehensive directory of hotels in Guinea and you'll notice something very different. Unlike other travel sites we provide full Guinea hotel contact information including telephone number and a direct link to the hotel's official Web site, so that you can make a direct comparison between online offers and direct hotel rates.
With all our Guinea hotels you can even check out independent reviews and ratings submitted by our users to help you find the perfect hotel in Guinea.
Select a city from our list of popular destinations in Guinea to see a full list of Guinea hotels.


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ISKCON Chicago Celebrates Holi and Sri Chaitanya Jayanti
By Girish Parikh
ISKCON Chicago Hare Krishna Temple celebrated Holi on Thursday, March 20;, and Sri Gaura Purnima (appearance day of Sri Chaitanya) on Friday, March 21.
The program on Thursday began in the evening with the chanting of the Mahamantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare; Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare) led by Subhkrt das. During the arati preformed by Ishopanishad das, Vrishabh das chanted.
Holika yagna was performed by Vrishabh das and Satchitananda das. The melodious chanting of Sanskrit verses of Brahma Samhita by Satchitananda das created devotional environment. The sound of chanting filled the hall and enchanted devotees with spiritual vibrations.
Sri Chaitanya Jayanti (Gaura Purnima) program started on Friday evening with the chanting led by Sanjay Sharma. Among those who led chanting later include Krishna Smarana das, Jaya Jagannath das, Prembhakti das, Satchitananda das, and Ramshraddha das.
While Abhishek of Gaura Nitai was being performed, kirtan with dancing and chanting filled the temple hall with bliss. And on the left side of the altar was the dancing deity of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Gaura), along with Nityananda Prabhu (Nitai). About 500 devotees attended the program. The hall vibrated with the enchanting chants such as: "Gaura Nityananda bol Hari bol Hari bol", "Nitai Gauranga jai Nitai Gauranga", "Jai Sachi nandan Gaura Hari", and the Mahamantra.
H.H. Romapada Swami Maharaja, Member of GBC (Governing Body Commissioner) of ISKCON announced the name of new interim president (of the Chicago temple): H.G. Krishna Smarana das. Murari Chaitanya das will serve as the vice president, and Nityananda Pran das would become president later, he further announced.
The Swami asked the temple management to focus on three things: Spiritual care of all devotees and spiritual education; improving the standard of Deity worship; and enhancing the Sunday feast program.
Nityananda Pran das honored the couple Visvakarma das, chief cook; and Rohini devi dasi for their services. He also honored Bhakta Jerry for helping with Prison Ministry Services.
The temple management gratefully acknowledges donations and/or service of all devotees, and pray for them and their families' welfare.
Satchitananda das sang the bhajan "Sundar lala Sachi dulala nachat Sri Hari kirtan men" (The beautiful, beloved Son [Sri Chaitanya] of Sachi is dancing in Sri Hari kirtan) in his melodious voice.
Children performed drama based on the life of Sri Chaitanya, and the Soul Connection group performed music while the devotees were enjoying prasadam. Mathuresh das served as the master of ceremony.
Sri Chaitanya is the combined form of both Radha and Krishna. He spread the devotion to Krishna, and predicted that the Mahamantra "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare" will be chanted in every town and village. The fulfillment of His divine prediction began worldwide with Srila Prabhupada, and later his direct disciples have been extending his work.
The maha-prasadam was served on both Thursday and Friday.
Upcoming programs:
Sunday, March 30, 6 pm.: Program in the temple by H.H. Indradyumna Swami, a traveling preacher from Poland.
Monday, March 31, 7 pm to 9 pm: Hare Krishna Temple of the Heart will present "An Evening of Bliss where East Meets West." H.H. Indradyumna Swami will be awarded 1st Annual Human Service Award. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago. Contact: Gaurmani das (cell: 773-936-7045); Agnivesha das (cell: 312-282-9532).
Sunday, April 13: Sri Ram Navmi (in the temple).
Sunday, June 29 (tentative date): Rathyatra (route will be announced).
The ISKCON Chicago Hare Krishna Temple is located at 1716 W. Lunt Avenue. Telephone: (773) 973-0900. Fax: (773) 973-0526. (The temple is one mile north of Devon Avenue.) Web sites: www.krishnaevents.com and www.iskconchicago.com. Please contact the Temple for the opportunities for donations and service. Sponsors are also needed for the Temple periodical "Sri Sri Kishore Kishori Bulletin". (E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com) Kindly come to the temple regularly on Sundays, and to attend the special festivals. This will enhance your spiritual life, and love and devotion for Sri Krishna. If you cannot come to the ISKCON Chicago Temple, please check programs at the ISKCON temple near you.
(Girish Parikh is a Chicago-based author & reporter. E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com)


text: Former cricketer Kirti Azad on Wednesday said that Sachin Tendulkar will himself take a call on his retirement. Talking to mediapersons in New Delhi, he further said that if selectors feel his performance isn't good enough he can be dropped. According to reports Tendulkar has been told by chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil that his performance will be taken into account for decision regarding his selection in the national team. This has led to speculations that Tendulkar's 200th Test against West Indies could be his final game for Team India.


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Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover Reviews
love itremoves waterproof mascara in one sweep! — 6 years, 10 months agokstewart | 1 reviews
Ok ProductThis product does work. Due to sensitive eyes...I didn't like the residue left behind. I have to agree with an earlier preview baby oil work just as well. — 6 years, 10 months agosxyblndeflirt | 31 reviews
I love this...This is one of the best eye makeup removers I've used. If it weren't for receiving this in a GWP many years ago I wouldn't have discovered it. Thank goodness for those GWP's...I've purchased at least 4 of these over the past 3 years (they seem to last forever)! — 6 years, 10 months agocalicokitty | 162 reviews
I love this!!This is the best eye makeup remover for removing waterproof mascaras. I put a bit of it on a cotton ball and I just rub it around my eyes. It works really fast. — 6 years, 10 months agomeightry | 70 reviews
Best everI've tried all different kinds of eye make-up remover and Lancome is the best by far. It easily takes off makeup without scrubbing and leaves behind soft skin. It doesn't burn your eyes. Its best at taking off waterproof mascara with ease. Its worth the extra $$, — 6 years, 10 months agoshellseesu | 3 reviews
The best I've used yetI've tried all kinds of imitations, store brands, higher-end brands and this seems to work the best. I can't be without it. Doesn't leave a greasy residue either. — 6 years, 10 months agokinsuns | 3 reviews
must have productI am hooked on Lancome's eye makeup remover! Using this product I don't have to beat my eyes up scrubbing off waterproof mascara, and no oily residue is left either. My eyes feel soothed after using this. I've tried other less expensive products but they don't compare. The less expensive products either gunk my lashes up (forget trying to read in bed after using those) or irritate because they don...read more't work as well. I wish the price was a little less, but this is my one product that can't seem to be replaced by anything less- it's worth it. — 6 years, 10 months agostrwbrryblond | 3 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 3 of 3 people said helpful
must have make-up removerHaving super blonde lashes I wear several coats of mascara daily. This make-up remover melts those many layers of mascara off effortlessly in no time flat. No rubbing or tugging at fragile skin around the eyes, and no risk of breaking lashes. Bonus, it is very gentle on my sensitive eyes as well. — 6 years, 11 months agoDebKay | 3 reviews
sorry to burst your bubble...I have a big bottle of Bi-facil in my closet and I have used it maybe 6 times. I've got to tell the truth, people. A $1.98 bottle of Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil works just as well. — 6 years, 11 months agojentindell | 47 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 9 of 13 people said helpful
The Best!This remover just seems to 'melt' off the waterproof eyeliner and mascara. I put a little on my finger and rub it in, then wipe off with a tissue. — 6 years, 12 months agoTracy03 | 7 reviews
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I have been trying to be away from the character code issue, as it is complicated and can easily take a lot of time. But I think I should say something. I am speaking with Prof. Shibano, who is the chair of many standard committes, most notably the JIS X0208:1997 committee. This standard was recently improved very much. We are still in the process of discussion. Today, I am only giving easy comments. Gavin Nicol writes: > >Unecessary. XML uses ISO 10646. We should clarify which ISO 10646 and which Unicode. Before or after DAM9 (Draft Ammendment 9)? This DAM *changes* codes for Hangul characters and introduce many new characters. MakotoReceived on Wednesday, 9 April 1997 01:51:22 EDT
This archive was generated by hypermail pre-2.1.9 : Wednesday, 24 September 2003 10:04:24 EDT


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all sports
- football
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- rugby league
- rugby union
- golf
- formula 1
- tennis
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- boxing
- horse racing
- darts
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- athletics
Former West Ham and Leeds goalkeeper Mervyn Day has joined West Brom as head of recruitment.
The 59-year-old arrived at the Hawthorns after leaving his role as head of scouting and recruitment at Championship side Brighton at the end of last season.
He also has coaching experience in the Premier League, having worked as Alan Curbishley's No.2 at Charlton and West Ham.
Day will work closely with new technical director Terry Burton, who officially returned to the club last month, and new head coach Alan Irvine.
\"I'm delighted we have been able to appoint Mervyn," said Burton. \"He is well-respected in the game and scouts who have worked under him speak highly of him as a man of integrity and trust.
\"He comes here with a wealth of experience and knowledge and will undoubtedly help us identify players and improve our recruitment processes.Our aim is to de-risk the signing of new players.
\"We have got some good people in the recruitment department who have worked tirelessly to identify players but we will be constantly reviewing how we operate.\"
Day, who has also worked as FA senior scout, Leeds United's chief scout, and senior scout at Fulham twice, said: "This is a magnificent opportunity for me and I am really looking forward to it.
\"I've known Terry and Alan for a number of years from coaching courses and being in opposition dugouts. There is a nice feel to the club, it is an exciting challenge and the infrastructure is here to go onto bigger and better things.\"


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5. Some items qualify for a mail-in rebate (Maxim $79.99. Click the "Details" link under each item's bolded black price for a printable rebate form.)
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The students were very excited by this outing and talked about it for some time afterward. This experience was invaluable when it comes to truly understanding what is happening under the skin that is being touched by a massage professional.
About CNI College:
The CNI Massage Therapy program is a 720 hour program that prepares students to be successful in the field of massage and to pass the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). The accredited curriculum encompasses the required sciences, massage techniques, wellness models, business planning, design and implementation, and a myriad of other topics within the massage field. Anyone interested in attending CNI College to become a massage therapist, California residents should call the college toll free at 1-800-455-4700, or go to http://www.cnicollege.edu for more information.
# # #
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/CNICollege/MassageTherapyProgram/prweb2627664.htm.
|Source: PRWeb
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All rights reserved


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Amika oBLiPHiCa oiL Curl Defining Cream
Specially formulated for curly hair, Amika oBLiPHiCa oiL Curl Defining Cream provides conditioning and smooth separation without weighing curls down.
Obliphica oil or sea buck thorn berry is known for its regenerative and toning properties, nourishing the hair follicle and restoring hairs' natural moisture. Enriched with Moroccan argan oil and pro-vitamin B5, this curl cream can be applied to either wet or dry hair. Love your curls!
- Easy to dispense pump
- Concentration of obliphica oil
- Regenerates and tones hair follicle
- Provides conditioning and smooth separation of curls
- Does not weigh curls down
- Restores hairs' natural moisture and balance
- Enriched with Moroccan argan oil and pro-vitamin B5
- Made in Israel
- Light pleasant fragrance
- Environmentally friendly
- Not tested on animals
Apply on the palm of the hand and massage through hair (either wet or dry).
Folica stands behind the authenticity of everything we sell. Since 1998, Folica has made it our mission to provide you with an outstanding selection of hair and beauty products at highly competitive prices.


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Bounty, 2 minute mutiny?
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Re: Bounty, 2 minute mutiny?
Caleb thanks for posting this.
I avoided the endless Bounty thread because it was just endless speculation based on media reports of questionable accuracy.
But reading through the detailed accounts of witness and expert testimony you can't help but feel anger towards the captain and the ship's owners - especially when you read the testimony of the captain of the Picton Castle, a much more robust vessel, who advised the Bounty's captain NOT to put to sea.
Then when you consider she had a hogged back, rotted frames and poorly maintained pumps... Again it just makes you angry that an experienced captain would be so cavalier in risking the lives of his crew.
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HALIFAX - The restoration of the Bluenose II, heavily promoted as Nova Scotia's sailing ambassador, hit yet another snag Wednesday as provincial officials scrambled to explain why they had to nix a long-anticipated test drive at the last minute.
Kelliann Dean, the deputy minister for the province's Culture and Heritage Department, said the cancellation happened because of a lack of paperwork.
Dean said officials in her department thought they had been cleared to go ahead with the test in Lunenburg, N.S., when they received verbal assurances from a surveyor with the American Bureau of Shipping to proceed.
But Dean said what was actually needed was an inspection certificate from Transport Canada before the vessel could be allowed to leave the dock.
"I think everybody was doing everything they could to ensure that they had the appropriate documentation and approvals in place," she said.
She said officials became aware of the problem late Tuesday and it was made public early Wednesday. The test drive has been postponed until further notice.
The provincial government announced late Tuesday that the Bluenose II would undergo engine, steering and anchor tests in Lunenburg harbour if the weather co-operated.
The Opposition Progressive Conservatives blamed "Liberal incompetence" for the abrupt cancellation, saying the latest glitch was inexcusable.
"It's the minister's responsibility to ensure that his department is prepared for something like this," said Karla MacFarlane, the Tory critic for the Bluenose II file.
"Really? You thought that you could take it out with just a verbal agreement?"
Dean said the province would have to book an agent from the American Bureau of Shipping from either Montreal or Saint John, N.B., to conduct an inspection and issue the certificate. She said Transport Canada contracts out some services to the ABS.
She couldn't say how long the process would take.
The Bluenose II has been undergoing a multi-year restoration that's been plagued by budget overruns and repeated delays, the latest caused by a problem with the vessel's steering system.
The government said May 1 that a test drive would have to be completed before sea trials, the final phase of the project, take place.
Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince said last month that the project's cost had ballooned to nearly $18 million. Still, Ince said he was optimistic the vessel would be seaworthy for at least a part of the tourism season this year.
The iconic schooner was supposed to return to regular sailing in the summer of 2012 after an extensive two-year rebuild at a cost of $15.9 million, with $4.9 million from Ottawa. Since then, Nova Scotians have seen proposed dates for sea trials and official launches come and go.
In January, Premier Stephen McNeil asked the province's auditor general to review the restoration that began under the previous NDP government, calling the project a "boondoggle."
McNeil announced Wednesday that David Darrow, his deputy minister and the clerk of the Executive council, would assume oversight of the restoration.
Acting auditor general Alan Horgan also said Wednesday that his office was aiming to release the audit of the Bluenose II project as part of its fall report scheduled for November.
The department estimated the costs of Wednesday's aborted test drive, which included having crew on hand, at $15,000.
© Coast Reporter


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I love a lot of Thanksgiving foods, but really it's stuffing that excites me the most. Once you get a good gluten-free bread (we recommend the crusty loaf recipe in our cookbook), this is just like a regular stuffing. Combining the eggs and stock makes this stuffing hold together well, like a savory custard. Add some gravy and you're good.
Shauna James Ahern
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|2 loaves gluten-free bread, diced into one-inch cubes, toasted and cooled
|1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
|2 large ribs celery, medium diced
|1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
|1 large yellow onion, medium diced
|1 cup chicken stock
|2 tablespoons good olive oil
|1 egg yolk
|2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
|1/2 teaspoon salt
|1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
|1/2 teaspoon pepper
Sautee the onion and celery in olive oil on medium-low heat until they are translucent. You will be able to smell the onions cooking at this point. (Take a deep whiff. That's a beautiful smell.) Add the garlic, as well as the rosemary, sage, and thyme. Stir these in and cook until you can smell the herbs, about one to two minutes. Remove from heat.
Bring the chicken stock to boil on high heat. Place the egg yolk in a medium-sized bowl and carefully ladle two to three ounces of the chicken stock to the egg yolk, slowly, while whisking the mixture. Add the rest of the chicken stock to the egg mixture at this point. (Ladling a small portion of the stock into the egg first, and blending it, will prevent you from having scrambled eggs.)
Add the cooled celery, onion, and herbs mixture into the stock and egg mixture. Toss the bread cubes into this mixture and stir it all around with your hands (or a spoon), to coat the bread. Add the salt and pepper and toss the bread again.
Place all of this into a greased casserole dish (big enough to hold 3 quarts) and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for twenty minutes at 425°, then remove the foil and bake for another ten minutes. Take a toothpick and stick it into the stuffing. If it comes out clean, the stuffing is done. If not, bake until the toothpick comes out clean.
Yummy recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion and more curated by iVillage staffers.
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- We are creative
- We are clever
- We are leaders
Digital Economy Principal Project Officer, John Williams
RDA Wheatbelt (Western Australia),
Speech Pathologists Queensland Annual Conference.,
Sporting Dreams, Marayke Jonkers
Madame Glamour, Aaron Weaver
NFTI Training (National First Aid Training Institute),
Redland City Council,
The Creative Collective has been recognised in numerous local, regional and national business awards programs including winning the Creative & Knowledge Base Industries category at the Sunshine Coast Business Awards in 2012 and 2010; the Employer of Choice Award at the Women in Technology Awards in 2012 and the founder Yvette Adams winning the ICT Woman of the Year Award at the industry's iAwards in 2013, the Entrepreneurial Award at the Women in Technology Awards in 2012, the Commonwealth Business Owner of the Year at the Telstra Business Women's Awards in 2010 (Queensland) against a field of 4200 applicants and being recognised as a finalist in the Asian Entrepreneur category of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business (http://www.stevieawards.com). She now promotes this awards program, which also includes the International Business Awards, the Sales & Customer Service Awards and the American Business Awards in the Australia and New Zealand regions. We have recently commenced entering business awards for our work, and are finalists in the 2014 Australia & NZ Internet Awards and are also a finalist in the 2014 Queensland Multimedia Awards. Go to this page to see a list of our many business awards and other accolades.
2014 © The Creative Collective


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Cancer Health Center
Fertility Issues
Although chemotherapy causes ovarian damage, there appears to be no risk of toxicity to future offspring of women treated with these agents before pregnancy.[9]
When the testes are exposed to radiation, sperm count begins to decrease and, depending on the dosage, temporary or permanent sterility may result.[4] Men who receive radiation to the abdominal or pelvic region may still regain partial or full sperm production, depending on the extent of injury to the testes. Unlike the germinal epithelium, Leydig cell function may be more prone to damage from irradiation in prepubertal life than in adulthood.[3] Testicular radiation with doses higher than 20 Gy is associated with Leydig cell dysfunction in prepubertal boys, while Leydig cell function is usually preserved with doses of as much as 30 Gy in sexually mature males.[12] Exposing the testes to ionizing radiation at a dose lower than 6 Gy causes disturbances of spermatogenesis and altered spermatocytes with recovery periods dependent on dose;[4] doses higher than 6 Gy cause permanent infertility by killing off all stem cells.[13] For patients with testicular germ cell cancer, using modern radiation techniques (radiation doses to the para-aortic field <30 Gy) and testis shielding providing testis scatter radiation (<30 Gy), radiation-induced impairment of fertility is very unlikely.[11] Sperm counts are typically lowest at 4 to 6 months posttreatment; return to pretreatment levels usually occurs in 10 to 24 months, with longer periods required for recovery after higher doses.[9] Total-body irradiation (TBI) as a conditioning regimen for stem cell transplantation causes permanent gonadal failure in approximately 80% of men.[14] For men, gonadal toxicity can be evidenced by the following three measurements: testicular biopsy, serum hormone assays (levels), and semen analysis. When male infertility is the result of abnormal hormone production, the use of hormone manipulation may lead to the return of sperm production.[15]
For women, a dose of 5 Gy to 20 Gy administered to the ovary is sufficient to completely impair gonadal function, regardless of the patient's age; a dose of 30 Gy provokes premature menopause in 60% of women younger than 26 years.[16] In a study of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer, female 5-year survivors were significantly less likely to have ever been pregnant when compared with their siblings. Survivors who received hypothalamic/pituitary radiation doses of 30 Gy or higher or ovarian/uterine radiation doses higher than 5 Gy and those who were treated with lomustine or cyclophosphamide were less likely to have ever been pregnant.[17] Women who are older than 40 years when undergoing treatment have a smaller pool of remaining oocytes and require only 5 to 6 Gy to produce permanent ovarian failure. TBI, when used before stem cell transplantation, is associated with more than 90% permanent gonadal failure in women overall and an incidence of pregnancy less than 3%.[9] The outlook for recovery of ovarian function before puberty is more favorable, particularly if radiation is delivered in several fractions.[14] Measurement of gonadal toxicity in women is more difficult to assess due to the relative inaccessibility of the ovary to biopsy (which would require laparoscopy). Therefore, menstrual and reproductive history, measurements of serum hormone levels, and clinical evidence of ovarian function are the criteria most commonly used to determine ovarian failure. Several authors provide reviews of gonadal dysfunction in patients receiving chemotherapy [15] and the effect of cancer therapy on gonadal function.[4]


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Xpro halves with Agat-18
Walking and having fun. How simpler could it be?This photo was shot on film. Taken by adash with a Be Lomo Agat loaded with rollei digibase cr200 film in Sofia, Bulgaria. These tags describe this photo: xpro, crossprocess, x-pro, cross, process, street, and car. Date: 2012. Time: Afternoon. This photo can also be found in the album The Cross-Processed Halves.
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Favourite Holiday Destination: Bulgaria
In 2012, I was lucky enough to take a brilliant holiday to Bulgaria, where I managed to hit …
Photo Treyman: A Favorite Place For Film Lovers In Sofia, Bulgaria
A small and cozy shop in the center of Sofia, Photo Treyman, is a favorite place for photogr…
Summer in Bulgaria: Sofia
This summer I was lucky enough to spend two weeks touring around Bulgaria with three other p…