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This is a "fun" suit
Got a lot of looks and positive comments. Really enjoy wearing this. Well constructed.
Valley, NE
Fit: Feels true to size
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Does Not Feel Like A 36
A beautiful suit that feels a bit big and looks even bigger when you take it off. I only hope it does not lose its shape so soon!
Maurice H B.
Clovis, CA
Fit: Feels too big
great quality
i enjoy these a lot, great stitching and a great fit
Myrtle Beach, SC
Love Them!
Bought these for my son and he wore them the very first day they arrived. Very comfortable and he likes the wider sides. Bright and colorful material. Wish he could compete in them.
San Jose
Great suit
Cool graphics
Lucky Racer
I use this for swim team practice. It fits true to size and I like the design. I find the elastic waist band a little bulky, but would still recommend the suit.
Santa Rosa, CA
Enjoying my new swimsuit
Tyr makes GREAT swimsuits and the fit is perfect.
Get an alert when we add new styles of TYR! Simply sign up and we'll notify you.
Founded in Southern California in 1985, TYR™ has since developed a reputation for high-quality products and equipment. TYR competition swimwear and triathlon gear have been a dominant force in their respective industries. The company is also known for its TYR goggles, swim apparel, triathlon wetsuits and a wide variety of swimming equipment.
TYR was the first company to introduce a pair of goggles designed to fit a woman's face (the TYR T-72). TYR was also responsible for the famous red bathing suits featured on the hit television series "Baywatch." TYR consults with current and former athletes when developing its products. Swimmers know that TYR is a leader in swimsuits, warm-up suits, and swim training equipment. The TYR Tracer Series is one of the most advanced technical suit lines on the market. The TYR Hurricane wetsuits and the TYR Torque collections include top-of-the-line suits for the competitive swimmer.
TYR has also moved into competitive running equipment. From running shirts to shorts, its apparel is designed with the runner in mind. Built with moisture wicking fabric and antimicrobial material, TYR running apparel is designed to give the athlete the most comfortable, dry clothing on the market.
The name "TYR" is derived from the Norse god of warriors, who is said to have embodied victory and glory. Much the same can be said about the athletes who started TYR. Executive Vice President, Steve Furniss, was an Olympian who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Summer Games, and captained the 76th U.S. Olympic Swim Team.


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Looks – Teal with Blue, Slight Smoky Eye, for Stylistics
I used Teal pigment on lid, Aquavert eyeshadow on inner lid, Shimmermoss eyeshadow on middle of lid, Freshwater eyeshadow on outer lid, Deep Truth eyeshadow on outer crease, Carbon eyeshadow in outer crease, Aquavert eyeshadow above crease, Motif eyeshadow on brow, Aquavert eyeshadow on lower lash line, Mystery kohl power on lower lash line, and Graphblack technakohl on lower water line. I wore Springsheen blush with Peach Haze beauty powder to highlight and Sculpt sculpting powder to contour. I had Soft Pout lipstick with Vital Spark lipglass on my lips.
Discussion and debate are highly encouraged, and we expect community members to participate respectfully. When asking a question, please check the FAQ section (above) for information about purchasing, price, dupes, and the like. If you have general feedback or need technical support, please contact us.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Drawbar 350 – homage to the original Stylophone 350S
Rhythmic Robot has released Drawbar 350, a unique analogue drawbar organ instrument created from the overheated transistors of the enormous Stylophone 350S.
Drawbar 350 is both a homage to the original Stylophone 350S and a departure from it. You can imitate the original 350 perfectly by simply treating the drawbars as on / off switches – either fully out of fully in – and leaving the envelope controls set to minimum. (And why not? It's a classic, after all!) Or you can go to town and create washes, pads, soundscapes and textures. Or you can turn the whole thing up to 11 for a really aggressive, Punk 70s sound that all but leaps out of the speakers and strangles you.
The Drawbar 350 is without doubt a snarling, spitting, angry character at heart, full of attitude and malice. But we've given you the tools to tame it and bend it to your will. It's a sound that you simply won't find anywhere else: original and dangerous. Welcome to the world of the Drawbar 350.
Drawbar 350 features
- All eight voicings of the Stylophone 350S sampled at 24-bit.
- Drawbar control replaces the toggle-switches with 12-stage blend-able drawbars.
- Voices: Woodwind 16″, 8″, 4″, 2″; Brass 16″, 8″; Strings 4″, 2″.
- Transistor organ sound enhanced by specifically-chosen effects processors.
- Bite, Anger, Fury and Vibe settings to roughen or tame the sound.
Drawbar 350 for Kontakt (full version 4.2.3 or later required) is available to purchase for £8.95 GBP.
Rhythmic Robot releases Boss DR55, Magnus Reed Organ and StyloDrum Kontakt Instruments
Rhythmic Robot have released three new instruments for Kontakt 4.2.3 and later:
- Doctor 55: a sampled recreation of the Boss DR55 analogue drum machine.
- Magnus: a reed organ emulating a 1950s Bakelite Magnus organ and a 1970s plastic version.
- StyloDrum: a glitchy drum machine with four kits sampling scratches, crackles, pops and squeals from vintage Stylophones which have been pitched, looped and trimmed to form electronic drum sounds.
Doctor 55 costs £4.95. Magnus and StyloDrum cost £3.95.
Doctor 55 is a Kontakt version of the Boss DR55 analogue drum machine. It samples the original with great precision at 24-bit. Each of the four original kit pieces (kick, snare, hats and rimshot) are covered, plus an additional "hidden" snare sound that only showed up on the original during programming. This additional snare has been given its own Attack and Decay parameters, hidden on the rear panel, which allow the user to create brushed snare sounds or snares with long decay tails.
Additionally, as usual with Rhythmic Robot drum machines, multiple samples have been taken through the entire travel of the DR55's "Accent" control. These differently-accented samples can then be accessed either by tweaking the "Accent" control on the GUI panel, or by velocity from a MIDI keyboard (or by drawing velocity automation straight into a DAW lane). Accent amounts change the tonality of the kit pieces considerably, and can be dialed in on a per-kit-piece basis, which of course was not possible on the original instrument (where Accent functioned globally).
The Doctor 55 rounds things out with a Tone control, plus effects control over tube saturation, bit-crushing effects, Drive distortion and an output compressor / limiter for "gluing" and pumping effects.
- All the sounds of the DR55 captured through the entire travel of the Accent control.
- Kit pieces individually adjustable for level, pan and Accent.
- New "hidden" snare sound sampled, and adjustable for attack and decay.
- Velocity Retrofit button allows incoming velocity to vary the Accent level dynamically (for humanised beats).
- Bitcrusher, tube saturation, distortion and compression / limiting on the outputs.
Magnus is a reed organ instrument sampled from two vintage Magnus reed organs: a Bakelite model from the 1950s, and a red plastic model from the 1970s. The Bakelite model was Magnus Organs' first ever model and is extremely rare.
Magnus allows the user to blend the "Bakelite" and "Plastic" samples to taste via the front panel controls, and adds Tone and "Electrify" — which brings in tube harmonic distortion to the sound. Attack and Release controls are available for the amplitude envelope, and longer release times invoke a slight pitch drop-off as the sound decays, which mimics the behaviour of a real reed organ having its keys very slowly let up (air pressure through the reeds drops, and the pitch falls as a result). Stereo spread, chorus and phaser effects are available on the rear panel.
Magnus is designed for unusual organ sounds and breathy pad textures.
- Bakelite 1950s and Plastic 1970s samples can be blended to taste.
- "Electrify" control for adding harmonic distortion; Tone control for high-end roll-off.
- Attack and Decay parameters.
- Original pitch drop-off emulated on long ADSR release settings.
- Stereo spread, chorus and phaser controls on rear panel.
StyloDrum is an analogue drum machine built from sampled scratches, bleeps, bloops, fizzes, noises, crackles, thumps and glitches — all taken from vintage Stylophones. These have been pitch-shifted, looped, trimmed and fiddled with as necessary to turn them into old-school-style analogue hits. StyloDrum incorporates four kits spread over four octaves, each with at least two kicks and two snares. Most have hats, some have crashes, toms, claps or other "classic" sounds. Interspersed are a lot of random scratches, glitches and other Stylophone-based weirdnesses.
Kit pieces can be adjusted in level and pan position, and there's a comprehensive effects section with Saturation, Drive and "Pump" compression to really kick things into gear. StyloDrum is a unique source of left-field electronic sounds for any genre, with a glitchy, grainy edge.
- Four kits built entirely of Stylophone scratches, glitches, squeaks and squeals.
- Pan and level controls.
- Tube saturation, Drive distortion and "Pump" compression.
- Unique and unusual electronic elements for any genre.
New video of the Dewanatron Hymnotron Synthesizer
Checking out the Dewanatron Hymnotron instrument from Leon and Brian Dewan at winter NAMM 2012. The Hymnotron is a just intonation tone organ that uses a binary key arrangement.
The Dewans create unique handcrafted 'folk synthesizers' that explore areas ignored by the mainstream music industry.
NAMM: A whole range of new stuff from Clavia/Nord has been revealed – check them all out here
So NAMM has started and NORD brings us lots of goodies – including the previously teased Nord Drum
Nord Piano 2 – 88 key hammer action stage keyboard with Nord Sample Library support
The Nord Piano 2 HA88 lets you easily play, split and layer stunning Grand, Upright and Electric Pianos from the Nord Piano Library with sounds from the versatile Nord Sample Library. All this in a streamlined portable package with 88 Hammer Action Weighted keys.
The Nord Piano 2 comes with a wide range of quality acoustic and electro-mechanical instruments from the Nord Piano Library, all with their own unique character. The included Nord Triple Pedal features a dynamic sustain pedal that can also recreate the mechanical "stomp" and "sizzle" noises that occur when the lifting or releasing the dampener in an Acoustic Grand or Upright Piano. The Advanced String Resonance feature simulates the subtle phenomenon that occurs when piano strings cause other un-dampened strings to resonate, further adding to an amazing level of realism.
The Nord Sample Library offers more than 1000 high quality sample-instruments ranging from Strings, Brass, Synths and Basses to the legendary vintage sounds of the Mellotron and Chamberlin.
Both the Nord Piano and Nord Sample libraries are continuously updated and are available as free downloads for all Nord owners.
All of the sounds in the Nord Piano 2 HA88 are replaceable, making it an instrument that is built to evolve with you. It's even possible to create your own sample instruments using the Nord Sample Editor.
We think technology should be transparent to the user, which is why the Nord Piano 2 has dedicated buttons and knobs for all functions the performing musician needs instead of confusing menus.
We've made it amazingly simple to layer and split sounds, and there's a volume pedal input for sneaking in those strings while you keep playing.
The Nord Piano 2 also sports an extensive effects section, covering everything from Phaser, Wah-wah, Flanger, Chorus and Delay effects to a 3-band Equalizer, Amp Simulations, Compressor and Reverb
The Nord Piano 2 will be shown at the AM&S Nord Booth #6464 at NAMM Show 2012″
Nord C2D Combo Organ – Dual manual organ with drawbars
Complete with 2 sets of physical drawbars per manual the Nord C2D is the ultimate portable organ for musicians that play with their drawbars as well as the keys. The new left-hand preset sections offer an unsurpassed level of hands-on control and the upper manual and panel has been tilted for better ergonomics. A LCD-display has been added for easier access to programs and settings.
The Nord C2D features a redesigned simulation of the characteristic mechanical key clicks that are an essential component of the classic tone-wheel experience. Furthermore, the redesigned percussion model offers increased control over the percussion levels when playing near-legato.
The Nord C2D also includes a redesigned Rotary Speaker simulation of a vintage 122 unit.
Naturally, the Nord C2D also includes both the Vox and Farfisa transistor organ simulations and the sampled Baroque Pipe Organ from the acclaimed Nord C2 Combo Organ.
The Nord C2D will be shown at the AM&S Nord Booth #6464 at NAMM Show 2012″
Clavia releases Nord Drum Virtual Analog Drum Synthesizer
The Nord Drum is a revolutionary 4-channel drum synthesizer that is the result of a creative collaboration between Clavia and drum/music technology enthusiasts Bruniusson & Berg. With an amazingly vast sonic palette and an astounding level of playability it is guaranteed to change your perception of what's possible with synthetic, sample-free percussion.
The Nord Drum lets you create classic retro-futuristic percussion with analog waveforms or use the harmonically complex waveforms together with different colors of noise for results that both sound and respond stunningly organic. The Nord Drum is designed with the performing musician in mind and its extreme dynamic range and super-fast triggering add to the feeling of playing a real instrument.
4 high-sensitivity inputs and MIDI lets you play the Nord Drum with a wide range of Electronic Drum Pads, Acoustic Drum Triggers and MIDI-pads/Sequencers for easy integration into any existing drum-kit or the starting point for something completely new…
The Nord Drum will be shown at the AM&S Nord Booth #6464 at NAMM Show 2012″
Retro: Panasonic SG-123 Do-Re-Mi Portable Turntable & Mini Organ
"Cool vintage portable, ruining "Sleepwalk" by Santo & Johnny. Laughter/background vocals by the kids."
This apparently emerged in 1977: Simply great! Listen to your own favourites and play to them. A masterpiece of a time where mothers were happy and children were creative!
Via WTE
Yet another app gets the "i" – iOrgan
Let's perform a lead organ!
While pushing the keyboard, sound continues sounding eternally.
Ten kinds of tones can be chosen.
Moreover, two or more sound is sounded simultaneously and an effect like a pipe organ can perform easily.
The tone of a lead organ can be created.
– Ten kinds of sound can be chosen with plus and a minus button.
– Sound two or more sound simultaneously.
– Specify the range of the pitch of a keyboard.
– Choose the display of a pitch, and un-displaying.
– Create the tone of an organ by a pitch and volume.
It returns to the original screen by Auto.
Checking out the Top Octave Synthesizer
Feature of the TOS or Top Octave Synthesizer. In most electronic organs – and some synthesizers – from the 1970's the notes were generated by an integrated circuit that could make the top 12 notes from a single master frequency.
"In this video I make a version of the TOS using only standard components. I will use it for something later…
The music is something I made in 2003 using Yamaha HE-8 and Technics SX-C600 organs, Roland JX-8P synthesizer and CR-1000 drum machine."
Time machine: DEMO ROLAND RS09 – ORGAN / STRING –
More infos on : http://www.pianovintage.fr/fr/catalogue/article/244/roland-rs09
Quick test and demo, Roland RS09 fully operational, sounds great …
The RS-09 is an analog string and organ synthesizer (similar to the Saturn-09 which only produced an organ sound). It's old, it's cheap and they're usually worth finding! The string sound and organ sounds are nice, fatty analog sounds. The organ and string sections can be played simultaneously or individually. An ensemble/chorus effect and external sound input are welcome features. But aside from all this, there isn't much else left to this synth. A simple 2-vco architecture with simple and limited editable parameters, no patch memory and a small keyboard.
There are three versions of this unit. The one shown above is a V.3. The differences are mainly cosmetic and in the control surface; the V.3 uses touch-switches, the V.1 uses rockers and tends to be more reliable due to that. This instrument can be found for around $100, and they could add a nice flavor to any modern analog-electronic keyboard studio.
Hammond SK1 Organ – Exclusive Demo
The Hammond SK1 is the first "Ultra-Portable" organ in its history, weighing in at just 15 pounds, and the first Hammond portable to feature a wide range of Extra Voices. The "Drawbar" section is a complete Hammond Organ with all the traditional features: Real Mechanical Drawbars, Chorus Vibrato, Touch-Response Percussion, and the most authentic Digital Leslie we have ever offered. "Vx" and "Farf" combo organ models are also available, as well as an assortment of fine classical Pipe Organ voices derived from our 935 Church Organ. Acoustic and Electric Pianos, Clavs, Accordions, Vintage String Synth, Wind Instruments and Tuned Percussion round out the specification.
Vako Orchestron – Vocal Choir
This is the "Vocal Choir" sound on a Vako Orchestron model C, with hi-cut, lo-cut and pitch altering.
Sometimes I have a small pitch stability problem, this is due to a worn out belt in the motor part.
Background information:
The Optigan was a kind of home organ made by the Optigan Corporation (a subsidiary of Mattel) in the early 70′s. It was set up like most home organs of the period- a small keyboard with buttons on the left for various chords, accompaniments and rhythms. At the time, all organs produced their sounds electrically or electronically with tubes or transistors. The Optigan was different in that its sounds were read off of LP sized celluloid discs which contained the graphic waveforms of real instruments. These recordings were encoded in concentric looping rings using the same technology as film soundtracks. (Remember that sequence in Fantasia where the Soundtrack makes a cameo? Those squiggly lines are actually pretty close to what the real thing looks like.) As the film runs, a light is projected through the soundtrack and is picked up on the other side by a photoreceptor. The voltage is varied depending on how much light reaches the receptor, and after being amplified this voltage is converted into audible sound by the speakers. The word "Optigan" stands for "Optical Organ."
Optigan discs have 57 rings of soundtrack- these provide recordings of real musicians playing riffs, chord patterns and other effects. (37 of the tracks are reserved for the keyboard sound itself- a different recording for each note.) So when you want to play a bossa nova, you don't get those wimpy little pop-pop-chink-chink electronic sounds- you actually hear a live combo backing you up! The problem is that you only have a limited number of chords to choose from- C, D, E, F, G, A and Bb major, plus their parallel minor and diminished counterparts. (Actually, E and A major don't really count, because for economic reasons (or maybe avant-garde musical reasons, depending on how optimistic you are) they decided to recycle the D diminished chord for E major and the G diminished chord for A major. I guess they felt that most of the notes matched anyway, so why waste the extra disc space? Consequently, playing anything in A or E major sounds really questionable at best.)
Playing back recorded instruments was a pretty unique concept for the early 70′s. Technically speaking, the Optigan was a primitive sampler. Sort of. I tend to think of it more like a poor-man's Mellotron or Chamberlin. These are two famous keyboards from the sixties which played back recordings of instruments on lengths of magnetic tape. They became very popular despite some huge drawbacks. For one thing, the tapes only lasted a few seconds and, in the case of the Mellotron, could not loop. If you wanted your flute to keep playing, you would have to re-press the key after eight seconds. This also involved waiting for the tape to rewind, so up-tempo playing was generally not possible. Also, the racks of tapes themselves were pretty huge and unwieldy- changing from a choir to an oboe could take quite some time. Not surprisingly, these instruments were quite expensive to buy and maintain. But the sounds they made were worth it- and apparently still are, seeing as the current street value can easily exceed $2000.
Mattel marketed the Optigan as something of an adult toy- the sound quality was simply not good enough for professional use. They sold mostly through stores like Sears and JC Penny and were relatively inexpensive- about $200 to $400 depending on which model you chose. They came with a "Starter Set" of four discs, and extra discs were marketed like record albums. Official Optigan music books were also available to help you make the most out of the minimal talent you probably had if you had bought an Optigan in the first place. One of these books even has a spiffy arrangement of "Spanish Flea" ("for advanced players only") that includes all of the lyrics!


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Product Details
Prooflike quality 1 oz Platinum Engelhard bars are increasingly rare making them a favorite of investors. Update your portfilio with this top-of-the-line bar!
Bar Highlights:
- Contains 1 oz of .9995 fine Platinum.
- Bars will come in protective plastic in an assay card with a matching serial number.
- Eligible for Precious Metals IRAs.
- Obverse: Bold "E" logo or "Eagle" logo (our choice).
- Reverse: Diagonally repeating Engelhard logos.
- Conditions of these assay cards may vary and are appropriate to their age.
Protect and display your bar in style by browsing our presentation box category to find just what suits your needs.
This is a world-wide recognized product at an affordable premium. Add this attractive 1 oz Engelhard Platinum bar to your cart today!
Platinum -- why buy Platinum bullion from APMEX?Platinum bullion is a popular way to diversity one's wealth because it is one of the world's favorite bullion investments. Call our Account Managers toll free at (800) 375-9006 or click on the "Live Chat" button. APMEX is where to buy Precious Metals! Also, you can come to us when it is time to sell Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium.
|Product ID:
|Grade Service:
|Assay Card
|1 oz
|Mint Mark:
|Metal Content:
|1 troy oz
|3 mm
|N/A mm
|Inner Pack:
|Outer Pack:
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Comments about 1 oz Platinum Bar - Engelhard (In Assay):
First Pt bar I've bought
Service and delivery comments:
Reliable efficient service from APMEX, as usual.
Comments about 1 oz Platinum Bar - Engelhard (In Assay):
Comments about 1 oz Platinum Bar - Engelhard (In Assay):
Meant to say: too bad Englehard WAS producing before TEP. oops.
Comments about 1 oz Platinum Bar - Engelhard (In Assay):
As always, great product and delivery from Apmex. It's not their fault Englehard wasn't producing back the days before tamper evident packaging. Flawless piece.
We provide all of our customers with a refund, return and / or exchange on everything we sell including all bullion and certified coins. If for any reason, you have a problem, please feel free to call us. We will always do our best to accommodate you.


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Lexington native Scott Sink has a passion for racing pigeons.
Several times a week, he takes the birds to an open field where he says he "conditions" them, as you would an athlete.
"You need to get them conditioned, like a marathon runner," he says.
The pigeon racing club that Scott belongs to, Tarheel Racing Pigeon Club, has been around since 1959. During racing season, he and the other club members gather for their preseason check-in, where the birds are loaded into a special trailer and taken to a release point, usually about 400 miles away. The birds are then tracked using electronic leg bands.
You may be wondering how they know where "home" is.
"I don't know, they do though," Scott explains.
Once the birds arrive at their final destination, receivers register the electronic leg bands.
Sink hopes the "sport" of pigeon racing will, literally, take off.
"They call it the poor man's horse racing!"
Learn more about Sink's Tarheel Pigeon Racing Club here.


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(c) Stacks. A stack is an isolated remnant of rock left standing on a wave-cut bench as the result of
erosion by waves on all aide of a wave-cut cliff.
(2) Depositional Features Created by Wave Action. Where there is an abundant supply of
unconsolidated material along the coast, the predominant geologic process is deposition. As waves approach the
shore head-on, they sweep up loose sediments and carry them landward. The return flow of water washes much
of the sediment back toward the sea. In addition, waves that meet the shore at an angle may create longshore
currents, which transport material parallel to the shoreline. This complex reworking of coastal sediments is
responsible for the development of several different types of depositional features (see figure 2-13).
(a) Bars. Bar is a generic term applied to any of a number of forms of elongate embankments of
sand and gravel built on the sea floor by the action of waves and/or currents. These depositional features are
further described by their positions in relationship to other coastal features. For example, a baymouth bar is a bar
that extends partially or entirely across the mouth of a bay. A crescent bar is a crescentic sand or gravel ridge that
forms between two promontories, or headlands. These types of bars are formed by the flow of seawater into an
inlet or bay; consequently, the curved outline of a crescent bar is concave toward the ocean. A cuspate bar is a
pointed bar with a tip that projects seaward. These bars are formed where there are conflicting shore currents. A
special type of bar, known as an offshore bar or barrier island, is a sand and gravel ridge that lies offshore and is
isolated from the mainland. Barrier islands commonly contain dunes, vegetated zones, and swampy terraces on
the lagoonside of the island.
(b) Tombolos. Tombolos are ridges of sand or gravel that have been deposited in such a way that
they connect one island to another or an island to the mainland.
(c) Spits. Elongate ridges of sand and gravel that project from the land to the sea are called spits.
Most spits are simply extensions of bars, and they are built as longshore currents deposit sediment in areas where
the water suddenly deepens, such as at the mouth of a bay.
Figure 2-13. Depositional features of wave action


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Lark Rise to CandlefordEpisode Guide »
When Dorcas is suddenly taken ill, Laura finds herself with more than one problem to solve. Afraid to admit that even she has limitations, Laura decides that she will not fail Dorcas. However, she soon realises that she must accept her own weaknesses if she is to succeed.


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When we began compiling our Best Albums of 2013 list, there were many differing opinions, and after briefly toying with the idea of pitting all our staff against one another in a Hunger Games fight-to-the-death scenario against the backdrop of Times Square, we conceded that the most diplomatic and least murderous thing to do would be to each submit our own list. You know, in the name of preserving a civil work environment and whatnot (not to mention our longstanding policy of avoiding contact with the human resources department). So while we didn't battle it out in a conference room or some such nonsense, each one of us faced an internal battle — choosing our favorite albums of the year.
As far as consensus is concerned, there were 39 LPs that appeared on multiple ballots, but only 10 that appeared on five or more lists:
- Beyoncé's BEYONCÉ, HAIM's Days Are Gone and Kanye West's Yeezus (9 ballots each)
- Lorde, Pure Heroine (8 ballots)
- Disclosure's Settle (7 ballots)
- Daft Punk's Random Access Memories and Vampire Weekend's Modern Vampires Of The City (6 ballots each)
- Drake's Nothing Was The Same, Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Collection Pt. 1 and Tegan & Sara's Heartthrob (5 ballots each)
Now, on with the show!
RAHSHEEDA ALI, Writer (@rah_li)
Toro Y Moi, Anything In Return — Anything In Return was an early 2013 entry, but it was too amazing to be forgotten by year's end. Toro Y Moi, also known as Chaz Bundick, had been known for pioneering the chillwave scene of the late aughts, but he expanded on his production skills on his third LP. Heavily evoking 80s synth R&B, Anything In Return is a funky ride through love's sometimes murky territory.
James Blake, Overgrown — In a year where we heard hits that harkened back to the sounds of yesteryear ("Get Lucky," anyone?), James Blake hurtled us toward a future landscape that was sonically sparse yet emotionally rich. However, the dubstep wunderkind wasn't completely moody on his second LP. He did manage to add a little bounce to keep our heads nodding.
Laura Mvula, Sing To The Moon — If harmony is your thing, Laura Mvula's Sing To The Moon has it in abundance. The British singer's vocals feel empowering on certain tracks and haunting on others. Many of the album's compositions feel almost orchestral, encompassing listeners and allowing you to lose yourself in the beautiful melodies.
Kanye West, Yeezus — Okay, we all know that Kanye was in total braggadocious mode all year, but we can't really hate on Yeezus, the rapper's sixth studio LP. You can totally feel that Kanye wanted to break hip-hop out of its comfort zone, with songs tinged with electronic and rock motifs.
Hiatus Kaiyote, Tawk Tomahawk — Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Hiatus Kaiyote made their mark this year with their soulful debut album. Tawk Tomahawk blends hip-hop, funk, and R&B in a way that can serve as the perfect soundtrack to any low-key house party.
SANDY ALOUETE, SVP Music & Talent Relations
1. HAIM, Days Are Gone
2. Johnny Marr, The Messenger
3. Lorde, Pure Heroine
4. Various Artists, Teen Beach Movie Soundtrack
5. Daft Punk, Random Access Memories
6. The Civil Wars, The Civil Wars
7. Disclosure, Settle


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Firearm Rights after Felony Conviction
Revised March 2014
This part deals with North Carolina procedures for restoration of the right to possess a firearm after conviction of a nonviolent felony (see Table 19). The restoration procedure, in G.S. 14-415.4, became effective February 1, 2010, meaning that a person who meets the criteria in that statute is eligible for restoration whether his or her offense or conviction occurred before or after February 1, 2010. See S.L. 2010-108 (H 1260), as amended by S.L. 2011-2 (H 18) (clarifying effective date). A person with a nonviolent felony conviction in North Carolina or in another jurisdiction may petition for restoration of firearm rights in North Carolina if the person meets the statutory criteria.[1]
An order granting restoration overrides G.S. 14-415.1, which otherwise bans a person convicted of a felony from purchasing, owning, possessing, or having any firearm or weapon of mass death and destruction as defined in G.S. 14-288.8(c). See G.S. 14-415.4(a), (b). Restoration also removes the felony conviction bar on eligibility for a handgun permit (see G.S. 14-404(c)) and for a concealed handgun permit. See G.S. 14-415.12(b)(3).[2] Restoration does not constitute an expunction or pardon. G.S. 14-415.4(i).
Federal law also imposes a firearms ban for felony convictions. 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1).[3] Federal law lifts this ban if a person's civil rights have been restored unless the restoration does not permit the person to ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms. 18 U.S.C 921(a)(20). Completion of a felony sentence alone does not lift the federal firearms ban because although North Carolina law restores a person's civil rights after the person completes his or her sentence, it continues to impose a firearms ban.[4] Whether North Carolina's restoration process lifts the federal firearms ban for felony convictions is beyond the scope of this edition of the guide. See generally Caron v. United States, 524 U.S. 308 (1998).
North Carolina's restoration process does not lift other federal firearms bans, including the federal ban for a conviction of a "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence." See 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9) (prohibition); 18 U.S.C 921(a)(33) (definition of covered offenses). Although imposed by federal law, this ban affects the application of state firearms laws. For example, a person may not obtain a permit to purchase or receive a handgun or carry a concealed handgun if barred by federal law from owning, possessing, or receiving a firearm. See G.S. 14-404(a)(1) (permit to sell, give away, transfer, purchase, or receive handgun); G.S. 14-415.12(b)(1) (concealed handgun permit). Nor may a state court judge, after the expiration of a domestic violence protective order prohibiting a person from possessing firearms, order the return of firearms to that person if the person has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence as defined by federal law. See G.S. 50B-3.1(f). North Carolina law requires that a person receive notice of the federal firearms prohibition if convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. See S.L. 2007-294 (H 1810); see also AOC-CR-617 (Dec. 2007) (Firearm Prohibition Notice).
North Carolina's restoration process for prior felony convictions does not cover misdemeanor convictions. A person with a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of violence would need to obtain an expunction of the conviction (discussed earlier in this guide); an appropriate pardon (discussed later in this guide); or other relief, such as an order granting a motion for appropriate relief (discussed later in this guide). See 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33)(B)(ii) (identifying these as grounds for relief from the federal firearms ban). As a practical matter, a petitioner who meets the eligibility criteria for the felony-based restoration often will not have a conviction of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence for federal law purposes. The reason is that under North Carolina law, a petitioner is not eligible for restoration if since the time of the felony conviction he or she has been convicted of any "crimes of violence constituting a misdemeanor," including any offense under Article 8, Assaults, of G.S. Chapter 14. See G.S. 14-415.4(d)(4); G.S. 14-415.4(e)(6). The state law disqualification, which covers any misdemeanor crime of violence, appears broader than the federal disqualification, which covers misdemeanor crimes of violence against a person in a domestic relationship. In a limited sense, however, the state disqualification may be narrower because it appears to apply only to misdemeanor convictions that occurred since the felony conviction that is the subject of the restoration procedure.[5]
A person who is not eligible for restoration of firearm rights under G.S. 14-415.4 may be able to obtain relief through a civil suit in some circumstances. The General Assembly enacted G.S. 14-415.4 after the North Carolina Supreme Court issued its opinion in Britt v. State, 363 N.C. 546 (2009), in which the court held under the North Carolina Constitution that the ban on possession of firearms by a person convicted of a felony was unconstitutional as applied to the plaintiff, who had one nonviolent felony conviction from 1979. Following the enactment of G.S. 14-415.4, the North Carolina Court of Appeals held, in Baysden v. State, ___ N.C. App. ___, 718 S.E.2d 699 (2011), that the ban was unconstitutional as applied to the plaintiff in that case, who did not satisfy the criteria for restoration in G.S. 14-415.4 because he had two separate felony convictions rather than one as required by the statute. Baysden is currently under review by the North Carolina Supreme Court. A person also may be able to obtain relief from federal firearms restrictions by filing a civil suit challenging the constitutionality of the restrictions as applied to him or her. See Jeff Welty, Constitutional Challenges to Federal Gun Laws, N.C. Crim. L., UNC Sch. of Gov't Blog (Jan. 20, 2011).
Table 19. Restoration of Firearm Rights after Felony Conviction
Matters Subject to Restoration of Firearm Rights
Principal Restrictions on Restoration of Firearm Rights
Applicable Statutes and Forms
a For a discussion of the length of the waiting period for a person convicted of a felony in a jurisdiction other than North Carolina, see [1].
[1] G.S. 14-415.4 contains some conflicting language about the length of the waiting period before a person convicted of a felony in another jurisdiction may petition for the restoration of firearm rights in North Carolina. G.S. 14-415.4(c) states that a person may petition the court for a restoration order if his or her civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm, have been restored in the other jurisdiction for at least 20 years. The AOC form, AOC-SP-620, reflects this language. Under this approach, if the other jurisdiction does not have a firearms restoration process, a person who is a resident of North Carolina and has an out-of-state felony conviction may have no right to use the restoration procedure in G.S. 14-415.4. If the state of conviction has a firearm restoration process but imposes a waiting period before restoration—for example, 20 years following the restoration of civil rights, as in North Carolina—then the person may have to wait for that period to expire in the other state, apply for restoration of firearm rights in that state, and then wait an additional 20 years before applying for restoration in North Carolina. G.S. 14-415.4(d)(3) also states, however, that the court may grant a petition by a person with an out-of-state felony conviction if he or she has had his or her civil rights restored for 20 years; it makes no mention of a requirement of restoration of firearm rights in the other jurisdiction. If this language is controlling, the same waiting period would apply to people with out-of-state and in-state convictions—that is, 20 years following restoration of the person's civil rights.
[2] A person who obtains a restoration order still must comply with other laws regulating use and possession of a firearm and other weapons. Thus, a person may not possess a weapon of mass death and destruction unless one of the exceptions in G.S. 14-288.8 applies and may not obtain a handgun or concealed handgun permit without satisfying the eligibility criteria in the statutes authorizing those permits.
[3] Federal law does not specifically use the term "felony." Rather, the federal firearms ban applies to people convicted of a "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year." 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1). Federal law excludes misdemeanors from this definition if punishable by a term of imprisonment of two years or less (18 U.S.C. 921(a)(20)(B)), which describes almost all misdemeanors in North Carolina. This guide does not assess how the quoted language from 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) would apply to North Carolina felonies in light of North Carolina's current and prior sentencing schemes. See generally McNeill v. United States, ___ U.S. ___, 131 S. Ct. 2218 (2011) (in considering whether a state conviction supports an enhanced sentence based on the possible term of imprisonment for that conviction, a federal court must look at the applicable imprisonment ranges at the time of the defendant's state conviction); United States v. Simmons, 649 F.3d 237 (4th Cir. 2011) (en banc) (in considering whether a state conviction supports an enhanced sentence based on the possible term of imprisonment under North Carolina's structured sentencing scheme, a federal court must look at the sentence the defendant actually could have received, not a hypothetical sentence that an offender with the worst possible record could have received); U.S. v. Carter, 471 Fed. Appx. 136 (4th Cir. 2012) (unpublished) (applying the approach in Simmons to a federal charge of possession of firearm by felon and holding that the defendant's conviction under North Carolina's structured sentencing scheme was not punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year).
[4] The North Carolina restoration statutes, G.S. 13-1 through 13-4, do not specifically mention any firearms restriction. Nor is there any mention of a firearms restriction in the AOC form, AOC-CR-919M (Dec. 2007), notifying a person of the restoration of civil rights. But, G.S. 14-415.1 makes it clear that a person who has been convicted of a felony is subject to a permanent firearms ban unless the person obtains relief from the ban. Consequently, completion of a felony sentence alone does not lift the federal firearms ban. See United States v. Newbold, 215 Fed. Appx. 289, 295–96 (4th Cir. 2007) (unpublished) (reviewing the "whole of state law" and finding that the defendant's completion of a North Carolina felony sentence did not restore the defendant's firearm rights under state law and therefore the defendant remained subject to the federal firearms bar).
[5] Another federal firearms ban applies to a person "who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution." 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(4). North Carolina has a firearms restoration procedure for people who have been involuntarily committed. See G.S. 122C-54.1. For a discussion of this federal firearms ban, see Benjamin M. Turnage, John Rubin, & Dorothy T. Whiteside, North Carolina Civil Commitment Manual § 12.3, at pp. 170–73 (UNC School of Government, 2d ed. 2011).


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Sandos Hotels & Resorts offers a wide range of services for incentive groups, team-building exercises and family reunions. Playa del Carmen is the perfect destination for private and public events, where you can surprise and impress your group no matter what style you're looking for…elegant, casual, professional or relaxed. Host fun parties and memorable gatherings with family, friends and coworkers in an all inclusive resort on the Caribbean Sea.


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Geek Feminism has posted a Sexism in Games bingo card made by @fireholly99 that is a must read. I will definitely be saving this one to whip out in the future!
[Trigger Warning: Disordered eating, bulemia]
In an amazing, thought-provoking and powerfully personal story, Jezebel republishes an article from Geek Feminism about geek women having eating disorders. This woman deserves a lot of credit for sharing her story with us, and some support to know she's not alone.
I've grown up through both geek and jock culture and they're both the same. Dominated by men, a thin varnish over pervasive misogyny. The only difference is where the jocks know the girls have eating disorders, but don't care; the geeks genuinely think that this part of the world cannot touch them.
So it's okay to make fat jokes, cos everyone knows you don't mean them, not when you're fat and 2/3rds of the room is too. And it's okay to mock girls who are "stupid" enough to want to starve or puke themselves pretty, because we all know that geeks are too smart to succumb to such base stuff as the desire for control and perfection.
Nicole Leffel guest authors for Kotaku about how developers should not be passing the buck to Japan in terms of misogyny in gaming. As always, avoid the Kotaku comments like the plague.
Blame Japan. And, well, why not? It's easier to imagine that vicious cultural problems are solely the product of some Over There place halfway around the world. Within the same minute Killian made another joke, this time dismissing the gratuitously sexualized camera angles used for female characters as a sign of improving technology. Again, the crowd laughed.
I hoped for the "But seriously…" moment that sometimes happens after someone makes a joke about an inflammatory topic, but it never came. There was no sobering transition to give the issue the weight it deserves. No examples were offered to show what's being done to address the problem. The moderator pointed out that this isn't just a problem in Japanese studios or with fighting games, citing StarCraft as another example of a game whose representation and community struggles with sexism. When nobody stepped up to challenge Killian's comments further, it was on to the next question.
Again at Kotaku, Leigh Alexander pleads for some acknowledgement of simply being a games journalist and not always a "female games journalist". She then followed it up with a post on her own blog giving more insight.
And yet on a regular basis I hear–-even from you guys who write to me and describe yourselves as my "fans" (sidenote: be fans of the people I write about who actually make things instead of people who just talk about them)… I hear myself described as "one of the most prominent female gaming journalists", or as a "feminist writer." When you guys come up to me at events you want to tell me about things you've read or games you designed that I might be interested in because they deal with gender stuff.
Which, I mean, okay, is fine. Obviously I'm concerned about gender inequity and prejudice in the gaming space or I wouldn't have spent words to get us here. I've written a lot about sex stuff, too. But again, you guys: I work all day every day and have done so for years. I write about business models, gaming and art culture, gamified apps (just in the past couple weeks!)-–and so many of you still think my gender is my most important adjective.
What else have you read that we should be talking about?


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"Transcendental Blues" by Steve Earle (2000)
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Transcendental Blues couldn't be a more apt title for a Steve Earle record. From Guitar Town to hell and back, through six marriages and a stint in the big house--Earle is perhaps the world's foremost authority on the blues (the emotional kind). It may be a high price to pay, but it is a price that has bought him greatness. For the past 15 years the troubled troubadour has been the best thing about country music--period.
A true transcender and a huge thorn in the side of Nashville--Steve's always been too Country for Rock, too Rock for Country and too beloved to be stopped. He is a great songwriter and performer in the same vein as Dylan or Lennon, Tom Petty or Neil Young--it's just good stuff, regardless what you decide to call it.
With the possible exception of Train A' Comin I think this latest offering is his best yet. TB is big armful of Steve at his best--hummable melodies and sing-along choruses--lonesome highways, love lost, catch me when I fall's, broken hearts, joys and regrets and a glimpse of hope at the end of it all.
Joining Steve on "When I Fall" is his sister Stacey Earle--an accomplished artist in her own right. From good hard rockers, to bluegrass rambles, to quiet ballads--Steve exorcises his multitude of demons and with Transcendental Blues proves once again that he can still go for the heart and make you feel as if you've traveled every hard mile right by his side.
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Great discussion! Just out of curiosity, I made a king cake run to Nonna Randazzo's in Covington after reading these comments this morning. Didn't identify myself as a TP staffer, just a regular customer. I asked one of the employees putting the king cakes out: Is your king cake the same as Manny Randazzo King Cakes in Metairie and Randazzo's Camellia City Bakery in Slidell? "Totally different," she told me, before launching into a detailed history of Randazzo family bakeries.
It's too complicated to detail in a comment post, but we'll do a story about tha Randazzo family tree before the king cake challenge ends. In the meantime, think of it as analagous to the Brennan restaurant family. A lot of Brennans have restaurants, and some of them cross-promote. But if you were picking the best gumbo in New Orleans, you wouldn't lump all the different gumbos at Ralph's on the Park, Palace Cafe, Redfish Grill, Mr. B's, Commander's Palace, Cafe Adelaide and Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse under the heading "Brennan's." Same family, each with a different take on a traditional favorite. Similarly, each Randazzo bakery puts its own individual stamp on king cake, the one common denominator being that they're obviously all very popular. We didn't anticipate Randazzo's dominating the poll to this extent, but given that the poll is set up to limit one vote per computer, we take the results at face value.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful comments about this. We've had a lot of discussion about it in the newsroom as well. Hope this clarifies what our thinking is.
Sorry, Eddie ... harried editor (me) forgot to add an info box that appeared in the print version of this story to the blog. It's there now and includes pricing information. Basically, as with most cruises, it can run anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on dates of travel and how luxuriously you choose to travel. Thanks for pointing out the omission.
I'm surprised we're more than 50 comments in and nobody has mentioned one of my favorites, DiMartino's (West Bank and north shore). Very similar to R&O's, but the gravy isn't quite as dark. I'm a sucker for lightly toasted French bread so I usually head to one of these two places when I'm craving a roast beef. They're both good and sloppy, but never soggy.
Quick update: a release from the P.R. agency representing the Hyatt Regency New Orleans says the hotel will have what sounds like a sports-themed bar called Vitascope Hall when it reopens Oct. 19. Cutting and pasting from the press release:
"Named after the world's first for-profit movie theater built in New Orleans in 1896, Vitascope Hall touts a state-of-the-art entertainment system with 25 flat-screen TVs and historically modern American cuisine ... Specialty sandwiches include the signature Vitascope Hall Burger; an eight ounce custom ground Angus and Kobe beef potato chip curst burger served with brie cheese and caramelized onions, slowly Cooked Pork Belly Sandwich, and Po-Boys with choice of Shrimp, Fried Oysters, BBQ Beef or BBQ Pulled Pork. All-day small bites include Crawfish and Pork Sausage Pigs in a Blanket and Homemade Potato Chips. A highlight of the Vitascope Hall menu is its ... raw bar, offering a seasonal selection of locally sourced Louisiana seafood and ... top-quality sushi, nigiri and sashimi. The ... bar also features some of the state's best crafted beers, as well as ... cocktails exclusively conceived by the bar's mixologist. With 210 seats and an abundance of flat-screen TVs broadcasting ... sporting events, news and music videos, Vitascope Hall is an ideal setting for a mid-week lunch, after-work drinks or a football-filled Sunday."
The old Hyatt at one time had a bar called Hi-Tops that was a hot spot on game days. Here's a link to Gambit's blog post, which includes an artist's rendering of the new space:
My guess is they'll work hard to attract a CBD lunch crowd. Just checked out their New Orleans menu online, and it's a bit more ambitious than their B.R. location ... they obviously know they can't survive on Superdome gameday crowds alone. Here's a link if you want to check it out.
I second the love for Lee's. They make every burger fresh and cook it on the onions rather than just topping the patty with sauteed onions -- much more flavorful than the Five Guys burger I tried. My favorite north shore burger of the moment is one that probably not a lot of people have tried -- the patty melt at Toad Hollow in the old Del Porto space on New Hampshire Street in downtown Covington. Made with kobe beef ... killer.
Bigger replay screens! Every other new stadium has massive wide-screen high-def Jumbotrons in the endzones. The Superdome has a (relatively) small square screen flanked by two giant billboards. Basically, we're giving up replay space for advertising space. Not cool. It's the only aspect of the Dome renovation that is not totally first-class. Replays are such a huge part of the game ... this is NOT the place to penny-pinch.
In the spirit of bipartisanship, I offer this compromise: flat-screen TVs in the rest rooms, so that at least we don't have to miss any of the game while we're standing in those ridiculously long lines!
I'm an "Idol" fan (and a country music fan) but I've got to agree with the commenters -- weakest Top Two performances in memory. Series started strong this year but came off the tracks during the competition phase.
OK, you got me on that one, but could I get a little credit for spelling "Les Mamelles de Tiresias" right? Thanks/sorry/fixed.
Bad brain, not bad fingers! Corrected. Thanks.
Props to the NOLA.com readers for accurately picking the bottom three!!! We'll post a new poll every Wednesday night after the performances -- check back every week and keep voting.
FYI, for anyone who missed them, I also added the YouTube videos of Jovany Barreto's and Jordan Dorsey's performances to their previously posted recap here: http://www.nola.com/tv/index.ssf/2011/03/american_idol_contestants_jova.html
You know what? You're right. We embedded the video under the poll. Thanks for the suggestion.
Am I the only one who came away from last night's show thinking this was one of the BEST groups of male singers "Idol" has ever had? I count at least a half-dozen guys who are totally legit, and two -- Casey (the red-headed dude with the beard) and Jacob (the histrionic Luther Vandross wannabe) -- whose performances were just off the charts. The judges' chemistry is so much better than the last couple of seasons, too. I'm an unabashed "Idol" fan, and I'm loving this season so far.
I agree, neverland911. Didn't know what to expect from Steven Tyler and J-Lo. But the judging this year has been really credible. The only cut I don't get at all is Paris Tassin ... they passed through a bunch of people who bombed their "one shot" because they showed promise in earlier appearances, but Tassin got the quick hook after one pitchy performance. Weird.
Since everybody's posting Pick Six memories, here's mine: I got to cover the game as a columnist writing from a fan's point of view. So when he gave me my media credentials, Sports Editor Doug Tatum gave me a stern warning about this being a working press box, no cheering allowed. I wasn't about to screw up this plum assignment, so I assured him that I would be on my most professional behavior.
The "press box" at Sun Life Stadium was a section of stands in the corner of the end zone that had been retrofitted as a working press area with tables, electrical power and Internet access installed in front of the regular box seats. Well, when Porter picked off the pass and started sprinting directly toward our end zone, I surged back and grabbed ahold of the temporary table to keep from jumping out of my seat. I'm pretty sure I levitated. But by God, I didn't cheer in the press box.
I looked to my right, and there was Bob Marshall, crusty veteran sportswriter, standing and screaming something that sounded an awful lot like, "Go! Go! Go!"
"Whatever happened to 'No cheering in the press box?'" I said. "I'm just the outdoors writer," Marshall cracked. "That doesn't apply to me."
It takes a lot to move a sportswriter. But that play did it. I'll never forget it.
clo Pa, what an awesome memory! I had completely forgotten about that. I was in the stadium after the game writing a deadline column, and "Iko Iko" stopped me dead in my tracks for two minutes. It was surreal. I was too busy to truly savor the moment but remembering it now gives me the chills.
(Very) late update: The special recently became available as an iTunes video download for $1.99. To purchase, you'll need to have iTunes loaded on your computer. After you launch the program, go to the iTunes store and type "america's game 2009 saints" in the search field, and follow the one-screen instructions.
I've only eaten Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant once -- a few years ago at La Provence when Chris K was the chef. The meal was amazing of course, and Chef Chris worked the dining room, basically making the whole restaurant feel like home. But if I don't have a crummy Detroit Lions game to watch and a couch to collapse on, it's just not Thanksgiving dinner.
HA! I love it, dawg!


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Torre Catalunya Gran Hotel
Casa Mathilda
Booking.com $105
- 0 Hotel
Possibly the most comfortable 4* hotel in Barcelona, this tower offers stunning panoramic views across the city and is strategically located right next to Sants Railway Station – a major transportation intersection of Barcelona – meaning, it is only a short ride from the city center and the beach. It is also near the famous Olympic area of Montjuic and a 5-minute walk from the Fira exhibition grounds, Plaça Espanya and the beautiful Arenas shopping and leisure center. Its 274 spacious rooms are the largest of their category in Barcelona, all exterior-facing and come with ample bathrooms with a bath and a shower. It's the limited number of rooms per floor, the excellent soundproofing, the large beds and the natural daylight entering each room through the wide windows that allow the hotel offer you a 100% comfortable stay and restful nights. Here is a little tip: Rooms from the 12th floor up have excellent panoramas of Barcelona. And of course, there is the famous Restaurante Visual on the 23rd floor – the highest restaurant in the city, offering outstanding contemporary cuisine with unparalleled 360° views.
Price range
NameTorre Catalunya Gran Hotel
AddressAvenida de Roma 2-4, 08014, Barcelona Spain | 1.5 miles from city center | Show on map
Telephone: +34(93)6006966 | Fax:+34(93)6006977 | Official Homepage
- EC/ Maestro/ Debit card
- American Express
- Mastercard
- Visa
Suitable for
- Business People
Top 9 Features
Room features
- Bathroom with bathtub,
- Bathroom with shower,
- Ironing board,
- Television,
- Hairdryer,
- Central heating,
- Electric kettle,
- Air conditioning,
- Soundproof windows,
- Mini-bar,
- Radio,
- Satellite TV,
- Desk,
- Small lounge,
- Telephone,
- Room safe,
- Stereo system/ CD player,
- Internet,
- WiFi in the rooms,
- Cost of wireless internet in rooms
Hotel features
- Business center,
- Cafe,
- Entrance hall/ lobby,
- Express check-in/ out,
- Elevator,
- TV lounge,
- Gym,
- Parking lot,
- Hotel bar,
- Hotel bar with a view,
- Hotel safe,
- Conference rooms,
- Non-smoking rooms,
- PC with internet,
- Restaurant,
- 24-hour reception,
- Quiet rooms available,
- Snack bar,
- Deck chairs/ Sun loungers,
- Laundry service,
- Wellness Center/ Spa,
- WiFi in Lobby,
- Room service,
- 24-hour room service,
- Car rental at the hotel,
- Concierge
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Pavello Mies van der Rohe
The Pavilion is one of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's seminal Works and a key point of reference in the XX-century architecture. The famous German Pavilion was designed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exhibition and reconstructed in 1986 on its original site. Its innovative architectural structure marked a radical change in the layout of space and greatly influenced the development of modern architecture. Furthermore, the Pavilion exhibits the Barcelona Chair, also designed by Mies van der Rohe, along with a bronze reproduction of Georg Kolbe's sculpture Morning. The Fundació Mies van der Rohe veils for the conservation of the Pavilion. VISITING HOURS Every day from 10.00 to 20.00h. ENTRANCE (2012): General public: € 4.75, Students: € 2.60, Under 16: free, Annual subscription: € 8. Entrance fee for groups: More than 20 people with reservation required: € 4, Guided tours for groups of up to 25 people with reservation required: € 60. DISCOUNTS: 20% off with Bus Turístic, 20% off with Barcelona Card, 20% off with Barcelona City Tour. TRANSPORTATION Underground: Espanya L1 and L3, Bus: Plaça d'Espanya, 13 and 50, Bus Turístic: stop CaixaForum - Mies van der
La Fuente Mágica de Montjuic
La Fuente Mágica de Montjuic or The Magic Fountain is a fountain in Barcelona that is located on Montjuic Hill in the middle of Montjuic Gardens. From here there is an elevated view across the city. The fountain was designed by Charles Buigas and features a mixture of light, music and water. Its first performance took place in 1929 and today is a popular tourist attraction. There is no charge to watch the performances and shows take place on Fridays and Saturdays in the winter between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and in the summer and from Thursday to Sunday between 9p.m and 11.30 p.m. Surrounding the fountains are several gift shops selling souvenirs.


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Posted at: 07/01/2013 12:54 PM
Have you ever wanted to go to happy hour after work but instead had to go home to take care of the dog?
Well, after you walk Fido, why not bring him to the happy hour and enjoy a puppy-friendly atmosphere? The Pups and Pilsner event is coming up on July 10 at Easy on East.
Press play on the video player for Rebecca Leclair's interview with the organizer, Bethany Munt --but more importantly -- watch for Chloe!


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Berkeley County sheriffs deputies are investigating an apparent drug-related shooting that occurred this afternoon, leaving one man with a serious wound to the neck.
The incident stemmed from a drug deal that went bad around 1 p.m. in the so-called 41 section between St. Stephen and Bonneau, sheriffs spokesman Dan Moon said.
The victim drove off in a maroon Lexus and the gunman gave chase, Moon said. At some point, the gunman caught up with the Lexus and opened fire, wounding the victim, he said.
A friend of the victim somehow came to his aid and drove him to a road off U.S. Highway 17A beside a county office building, Moon said. The building houses an office of the state Department of Social Services, but despite some initial reports, there is no indication the shooting had anything to do with that agency, he said.
Its not clear why they ended up there, as the victim and his friend passed a medical center along the way, Moon said.
Investigators have suspects in the case but are not ready to release any names, Moon said.
Moon did not release the name of the victim. One of the mans relatives said he is around 19 years old. He was airlifted by helicopter to an area hospital for treatment.
Check back with postandcourier.com for more information as it becomes available.
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Chefs Tiffany MacIsaac and Kyle Bailey, who are married, try out appliances at Fretz, a test kitchen in Columbia. Photograph by Erik Uecke
Choosing appliances is a key step in remodeling a kitchen or building a new one. Should you go for practicality or looks? What might you splurge on--and where could you save money?
To answer these and other questions, we enlisted the help of husband-and-wife chefs Kyle Bailey and Tiffany MacIsaac. Bailey--Food & Wine readers' pick for the best new chef in the Mid-Atlantic in 2011--is head toque at Birch & Barley in DC's Logan Circle; MacIsaac is executive pastry chef at several restaurants in the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, including Birch & Barley and Buzz Bakery.
We gave the couple an imaginary budget of $35,000 each and took them to Fretz, an appliance showroom and test kitchen in Columbia that specializes in Sub-Zero and Wolf products--two favorite brands of home chefs. The large showroom has hundreds of items in 13 kitchens--from sleek spaces heavy on stainless steel to rustic decors with appliances tucked behind wood cabinetry. The appliances aren't for sale, so you can browse or test them without pressure to buy.
Each chef brought a handful of ingredients--cookie and biscuit dough, brined pork loins, risotto--to try out with different cooktops, ovens, and gadgets such as steamers and warming drawers. Here's a look at what they liked--and didn't.
Ovens: Gas or Electric?
Bailey and MacIsaac went into the test kitchen leaning toward a gas oven. Most restaurants use gas ranges because of their durability and the lower cost of fuel, so both chefs had more experience with gas.
Beth Korwek, a consultant at Fretz, explained that one of the advantages of electric is that when you set it to convection bake, internal fans evenly distribute the heat. MacIsaac tested buttermilk biscuits in both. The batch pulled from the gas oven had browned on the bottom and was tough to pull apart, while the electric yielded toasty rounds that crumbled perfectly. She was sold.
Bailey was skeptical of all the flourishes on the electric--Wolf's version has ten cooking modes, from roast to dehydrate--and preferred the no-frills gas oven, which didn't even have a timer. But after roasting a pork loin in each, he discovered that the meat cooked faster in the electric. "The longer meat sits in the oven, the more it dries out," he said. He ended up picking electric as well.
Choosing a Cooktop
There are three main categories of cooktops: gas, electric, and induction. Because most kitchens can be equipped to mix fuel types, you can pair an electric oven with a gas or induction cooktop.
Electric tops use coils to apply heat to a ceramic surface; they're considered easy to clean and energy-efficient. In a gas cooktop, raised grates can trap food and grease and allow heat from flames to escape. But it takes much longer for an electric cooktop to heat up and cool down, and it can be difficult to cook simple dishes such as rice that require you to boil water and then quickly lower the temperature to a simmer.
Induction cooktops are just as easy to maintain as electric, and they conserve energy even better--a magnetic current directly heats the cookware, not the glass surface, so no energy is lost. A downside of induction is that it requires special cookware. If you're trying to stay within a budget, this can make the already expensive induction cooktop even pricier.
Bailey and MacIsaac were drawn to the gas and induction cooktops because they allow you to apply heat at precise levels. Bailey made risotto on the induction, noting how quickly his water warmed and how cool the glass surface became when the pot was removed. Still, he preferred sweating over a flame: "With gas, you can find your perfect setting by sight and feel."
Avid cooks also like the fact that gas stoves offer some unique options. One is a French top: a flat plate of heavy steel in the middle of the cooktop that's placed on top of the flames. Burners are on either side. The French top's 800-degree center allows for quick cooking. Bailey liked that he could fit multiple pans on the flat surface, which gets cooler as you move away from the center. "This is where it's at," said Bailey. "Feel the power on this thing!"
"It's beautiful," said MacIsaac, "but it's redundant because it's basically all hot burners." Korwek noted that French tops have other drawbacks: They can take more than 30 minutes to prime and cool, and they're hard for novices to gauge their exact temperature.
MacIsaac preferred a cooktop with a charbroiler, griddle, and burners. The charbroiler acts like a miniature gas grill that sears food on a grate and gives it a smoky flavor, while the griddle is a temperature-controlled flat surface similar to what you might see in a diner. Bailey was turned off by the potential messiness of the griddle--it can require a heavy slick of oil to prevent a burger from sticking--but MacIsaac liked the versatility of the setup.
Both chefs included in their budgets hoods with in-line blowers, which minimize smoke and odor.
Keeping Things Chilled
When it comes to storing perishables, there are more options than ever. Many of the choices are aesthetic--whether you want your wine chiller or refrigerator hidden inside cabinetry or on display for all to see. Other options are more practical, such as inserting fridge or freezer drawers in convenient spaces throughout the kitchen.
"This is so cool--no one has these," said Bailey of a glass-doored refrigerator, a design that lets you see all the items inside. To complete the industrial-chic look, he picked freezer drawers with stainless-steel panels.
"It's a nightmare--no way!" said MacIsaac, who liked the more discreet integrated fridge and freezer covered with cabinet-like wood panels.
One thing the couple agreed on was the need for wine storage. MacIsaac opted for one under-counter unit with both temperature and humidity control, while Bailey splurged with his make-believe money and went for two.
"This is perfect for making charcuterie," he said, sticking his full arm inside. "Salami, a whole leg of prosciutto--the possibilities are endless."
Fun Extras
While appliances such as stoves and cooktops are must-haves, extras such as a warming drawer or built-in steamer are less functional--but can be fun. Are they worth the money?
Bailey's rule is that every appliance in the kitchen should have at least two purposes. MacIsaac discovered that the "proof" setting on the warming drawer--most commonly used for heating plates or keeping cooked food warm--sets the temperature at the perfect point for rising yeast in dough. "You could also do an ultra-slow braise by wrapping a beef brisket in plastic and letting it go for 36 hours," added Bailey.
He quickly cooked green beans in the steamer and noted that the device could also be used to slow-cook meat by lowering the temperature and using aromatic stock in place of water.
Bailey decided to add the warming drawer to his list because of its versatility. MacIsaac wasn't convinced by either of the gadgets and opted to leave them off her budget.
Two Experts Pick Appliances
Kyle Bailey and Tiffany MacIsaac were given an imaginary budget of $35,000 each to buy appliances. Bailey came in just under that amount, packing in such amenities as a warming drawer and wine storage and opting for lots of refrigeration and stainless-steel panels. MacIsaac preferred to keep the appliances in her dream kitchen simple, and she liked a softer look, with things designed to be hidden behind cabinetry. She came in nearly $10,000 under budget.
MacIsaac's Picks:
• Wolf 48-inch semi-sealed burner rangetop with charbroiler, griddle, and four burners: $4,550.
• Wolf 30-inch double electric wall ovens: $6,865.
• Wolf 48-inch professional-style wall hood: $2,045. Additional Wolf 1100 CFM in-line blower for use with hood: $795.
• Wolf convection microwave: $775. Additional Wolf 30-inch trim kit for convection microwave: $440.
• Sub-Zero 36-inch fully integrated refrigerator/freezer for use with wood panels: $7,190.
• Sub-Zero 24-inch under-counter wine-storage unit with glass door and wood overlay: $2,860.
• Asko dishwasher, fully integrated, for use with wood panel: $1,230.
Total: $26,750
Bailey's Picks:
• Wolf 48-inch gas range with French top, four burners: $4,940.
• Wolf 30-inch single electric wall oven: $4,635.
• Wolf 48-inch professional-style chimney wall hood: $2,350. Additional Wolf duct cover and CFM in-line blower for use with hood: $1,285.
• Wolf standard microwave: $550. Additional 30-inch trim kit for microwave: $395.
• Wolf 30-inch warming drawer: $1,795. Additional Wolf stainless-steel front for warming drawer: $395.
• Sub-Zero 36-inch refrigerator with glass door, in stainless: $7,020.
• Sub-Zero 27-inch under-counter freezer drawers: $3,810. Additional Sub-Zero stainless panels for freezer drawers: $525.
• Sub-Zero 24-inch under-counter wine storage unit with glass door, in stainless: $3,335.
• Sub-Zero 24-inch under-counter beverage center with glass door, in stainless: $2,095.
• Asko dishwasher, in stainless: $1,445.
Total: $34,575
This article appears in the October 2011 issue of The Washingtonian.


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ALBANY — A 41-year-old Albany man faces five years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to a weapon charge, the Albany County District Attorney's office said Thursday.
On Aug. 25, Albany police responded to a party on Orange Street for a noise complaint. Eric Berkley tried to brush past one of the officers, who felt the handle of the gun underneath his clothes, prosecutors said. Berkley had a Charter Arms .38 Special loaded with three rounds of live ammunition, the DA's office said.
On Thursday, he pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted criminal possession of a weapon, a felony. Sentencing is Oct. 31.


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Spanish Sentence Magic is required listening for anyone who wants to learn Spanish fast. (I think that's more than 3 words. Sorry.)
I think that Spanish Sentence Magic should be REQUIRED LISTENING in every high school or college level one and level two Spanish class.
Here's an English example of how this great Spanish sentence building program would work if you were learning English: It teaches you / It teaches you to speak / It teaches you to speak and understand / It teaches you to speak and understand Spanish. Language Audiobooks does it in increments. In easy-to-understand building blocks that you can customize yourself for original communication in Spanish.
There is a very clear explanation of what is coming up right at the beginning. Immediately you start to make short but complete original sentences that cover dozens of topics: eating, sleeping, wanting, liking, doing, going, and so forth. Building on these simple, concise sentences (I want to eat, I want to go, I want to order, I want to do, and so on) the teachers then lengthen them: I want to speak with you; I want to do it now/right now/later; I want to see/I want to see something new; I would like to eat/I would like to eat something else. With simple nouns and verbs as your sentence foundation you are taught to add words and phrases so that you can say longer and more sophisticated sentences. Your own sentences. The words are phrases that you learn all apply to a wide variety of real life conversation situations.
Language Audiobooks also puts out a program called POWER SPANISH CONVERSATION – INTENSIVE. The INTENSIVE program is a perfect follow-up to this Spanish Sentence Magic program. I was a little afraid that the INTENSIVE program might be too much for me, but Spanish Sentence Magic prepared me well enough to be able to handle the INTENSIVE program pretty well. Feel free to read my review of the POWER SPANISH CONVERSATION - INTENSIVE audio program. In the meantime, if you are not already at a strong intermediate or at an advanced level you should get this Spanish Sentence Magic program right away.
SUPER for practicing your Spanish speaking and conversation skills. But you don't have to be advanced. This is for intermediate and more advanced students of Spanish. One of the native speakers tells you to Enjoy the Process. You can do just that with this intensive conversation program.
The program starts out with a section where you just listen to the teacher and to the Spanish speakers. The Spanish speaker talks so fast that I at first thought Oh No I am not going to be able to follow this. But to my surprise and delight the very next section takes the same material and slows it down so that you can repeat after the speaker. The speaker says each sentence three or four times speaking just a little bit faster each time. All you have to do is to try to say each word or sentence at the same speed and with the same pronunciation as the Spanish speaker. You speed up as you go along.
The whole program is like that. It shows you what it sounds like at normal speed then it slows it down and then speeds it back up a little bit at a time. I was astounded at how that made it pretty easy to able to mimic the native Spanish speaker both in my speed and in my pronunciation. The teacher regularly reminds you to focus on your accent/pronunciation. The final section wraps up the program with a comprehensive review of everything that you've learned.
Beginning language programs have to give you the material in little bitty bites because you know nothing or almost nothing. You are saying the words but at a beginning level it's hard to feel like you are really speaking the language. This program gives you nice big bites one at a time, but not too big. It makes you feel like you are having a real life conversation in Spanish. Come to think of it you are!
Power Spanish Conversation Intensive is truly INTENSIVE without being overwhelming. If you listen to this Spanish learning audio program several times your ability to speak Spanish and your confidence in speaking it will increase several fold. This is really SUPER great practice for people who are tired of just repeating simple words and phrases but who want to REALLY START SPEAKING Spanish in a real world way. And who want to Enjoy the Process as they learn.


text:
October 8, 2008
The housing woes of America's families extend beyond higher mortgage payments to include large increases in a wide-variety of other housing expenses, according to a new study entitled Stretched Thin: The Impact of Rising Housing Expenses on America's Owners and Renters. Conducted by the Center for Housing Policy, the research affiliate of the National Housing Conference, the study reveals that mortgage payments are only one of several factors contributing to the challenge of rising housing expenses, and that this problem is adversely affecting virtually all segments of the housing market – homeowners and renters, new and longtime homeowners, and households with and without mortgages.
Specifically, between 1996 and 2006, all the major categories of homeowner expenses increased faster than incomes. Mortgage payments increased 46 percent, utilities 43 percent, property taxes 66 percent, and property insurance 83 percent. By contrast, homeowner incomes increased by 36.3 percent. Rental costs also increased faster than incomes. Rents increased by 51 percent between 1996 and 2006, while renter incomes increased only 31.4 percent over the same period. The study further found that large increases since 2006 in the cost of heating oil, natural gas, and gasoline have further stretched families' budgets.
For detailed data about the impact of rising household expenses, please go to:
1. Media Release: Housing Woes Extend Beyond Mortgage Payments, Families Facing Sharp Increases in a Variety of Housing Costs
4. Key Utility Findings– Natural Gas, Fuel Oil, Electric and Water
Rising utility costs affect household budgets for people of all income levels and at all housing market segments – including homeowners and renters, new and longtime homeowners, and households with and without mortgages. The new study entitled Stretched Thin: The Impact of Rising Housing Expenses on America's Owners and Renters reveals that the utility bills of homeowners, which include electric, natural gas, fuel oil (also commonly referred to as heating oil) and water, rose 43 percent from 1996 to 2006 compared with a 36 percent increase in their median income. Renters paying separately for these items experienced similar increases.
The study further notes that fuel oil and natural gas costs have been rising in recent years. During the 1996 to 2006 period, fuel oil prices increased 131 percent, from $1.05 to $2.43 per gallon, and jumped another 52 percent to $3.69 per gallon in 2008. Over the same period, natural gas prices more than doubled from $6.34 per thousand cubic feet in 1996 to $13.75 in 2006 and further increased to $14.30 in 2008. Electricity comprises a large share of household utility usage in the South and West, but its average price has held relatively steady. Households in the West tend to spend more on the combination of water, sewer, trash and septic bills than other regions.
For specific information about Regional Utility Usage Trends and Fuel Oil, Natural Gas and Electricity Price Increases, please see the following Fact Sheets:
The Center also thanks Kathryn P. Nelson for her comments on an early draft of this report. The advice and comments of Jeffrey Lubell, executive director for the Center for Housing Policy, and Mary Cousins, director of membership and administration for the National Housing Conference, were also greatly appreciated.
AcknowledgementsSupport and development for "Stretched Thin" was provided by the Chicago Dwellings Association.
Additional Relevant Resources From the Center for Housing Policy:
Visit HousingPolicy.org – an easy-to-use online guide to state and local housing solutions developed and maintained by the Center for Housing Policy.
Why Housing Matters: Housing's Connections to Health and Education
Center for Housing Policy's "Housing Solutions" Handbook (PDF)


text:
Jan 08 2009
Day 319: Lodge Update
I've gotten so used to taking my daily trip to the Lodge for update photos, I'll probably continue it until the year 2098 if that's okay by you.
By then I might actually have hung some stuff on the walls.
Here's the half-bath in the front of the house. The tall mirror was Jerry's idea. That dude has so many tricks up his sleeve!
And yes, this sink will eventually have…a faucet.
The runway/concrete countertop in the kitchen has three coats of sealer…and needs another one. That concrete was parched!
Here's part of the chopping block countertop.
Our cabinet guy came and picked up this section of butcher block, so he could cut out the hole for the vegetable sink. I haven't shown you the sink yet, but you're gonna laugh. I think I've finally lost my marbles.
Missy and I bought this lamp at Pottery Barn the day after Christmas. I like it. I'm not sure it belongs right here, but I like it.
Jerry put up some large mirrors in the bathroom. I miss the old rustic ones, but I love the way it expanded the "view" in the bathrooms!
I'm wearing my hair in a bun in these photos. Don't ask—I was pretending I was back in my ballet days and…
Those little dots around the frame are screw covers; we'll stain them to match the mirrors.
I grabbed some simple brushed stainless knobs to go with the stainless countertop in the laundry room. And finally, today we'll be running the washer and dryer through its first cycle.
I might shed a tear.
These are the beds I got for three of the bedrooms at the Lodge. I ordered them…get this…ONLINE the week of Thanksgiving, and the truth is, I had no idea what I was getting.
I was so happy to see that they were extraordinarily well made, and so sturdy, they don't move a lick if you try to shake them.
One of my very few successful online Hail Mary purchases.
345 Comments
Kara On Thursday, January 8 at 10:00 pm
I love all the latest touches: mirrors, beds, lamp — it all looks fantastic! I agree with the others that said you should use the bronze spray paint on the screws/screwcovers.
Beth On Thursday, January 8 at 10:02 pm
There are some Longhorn shaped drawer pulls in the Cabelas Bargain Cave for $1.88 right now that you NEED in this house. Check em out- they are a steal!
Beth On Thursday, January 8 at 10:03 pm
There are some longhorn shaped drawer pulls in the Cabela's Bargain Cave right now that are only $1.88 each. A STEAL of a deal, and they would go perfect in this house somewhere. Check em out!
Sydney On Thursday, January 8 at 10:10 pm
Nice! I love it!!
Linda On Thursday, January 8 at 10:16 pm
Ree says: "I'll probably continue it until the year 2098 if that's okay by you." Are you kidding??? If that's okay??? Watching the Lodge updates is one of the things I look forward to the most every day! I will be disappointed when the Lodge is complete and there is nothing new to see… Thanks for sharing the entire process with us!
Megan On Thursday, January 8 at 10:23 pm
Ok I MUST get those candle sconces you used it your bathroom. I am currently planning a master bath re-do and have looked EVERYWHERE and cannot find anything I like. Please tell where you located these. Thank You & simply mahvelous darling!!
Nancy On Thursday, January 8 at 10:35 pm
Are you living in the lodge or not? Or is it a second home?
Cindra On Thursday, January 8 at 10:35 pm
It's all coming together so beautifully. I don't know how you find the time to do it all. It's beautiful!
Big Blue House Girl On Thursday, January 8 at 10:36 pm
I seriously feel like this lodge is my home-away-from home, I've seen so much of it. I've been to your lodge more than I've been to my mother's house.
But a visit to your house is MUCH less painful for me…
martha On Thursday, January 8 at 10:37 pm
Great beds. Perfect choice for a lodge.
Kristi On Thursday, January 8 at 10:45 pm
Where did you order those beds?!!? I really like them.
I also love your butcher block counter top – such a fantastic idea!
Sandy On Thursday, January 8 at 10:51 pm
Mirrors looks nice. Love the beds! Where did you get them??
Sandy On Thursday, January 8 at 10:52 pm
Ree, I am watching HGTV, You ought to submit a video to them and you can have the lodge on TV!
lidia On Thursday, January 8 at 11:01 pm
It looks just awesome, Ree!
Caffeine Drip On Thursday, January 8 at 11:11 pm
Someone has probably said this already, but:
You could make a bunch of money renting that place out to folks, or running a B&B in it. I mean, you live in the country. You can't be all THAT busy and surely have time for a B&B.
Stephanie On Thursday, January 8 at 11:31 pm
I love the beds! Nice work!
Mary S On Thursday, January 8 at 11:39 pm
I love the roominess of the place…big counters…big all around..and not chopped up and cramped. So nice.
Chris On Thursday, January 8 at 11:55 pm
I can't believe I'm first!!!! Oh wait… na just joshin' I like to tease all the dorks that get here early! Anyway, I think you should open up bed and breakfast. You could also incorporate some of the ranching stuff… people dig that, I know I do. Work our hineys off with MM and then pampered by Ree!!!! Tell me where to sign up!
AussieShell On Friday, January 9 at 12:05 am
Those beds are to die for!!!! Can't wait to see them with pillows and bed linen.
Francesca On Friday, January 9 at 2:41 am
I hope it doesn't bother you that somewhere out there, one day, there will be a total copy of your lodge that I will own.
I dragged my beloved to the screen to show him that beautiful, fancy chairs with zebra pillows and a welcoming, warm lodge look can coexist not just happily, but perfectly. Every time I point and drool at something the least bit "East Coast uppity," in his words, he imagines an English tea parlor and people in powdered wigs. I tried to describe in words how a girl can mix — mix! — but it took your pictures to get it through his skull. Thanks doesn't even cover it.
Kathy On Friday, January 9 at 7:17 am
Love the beds. Have those exact same knobs on all the cabinets/drawers in my house. LOL!
Anne McCoy On Friday, January 9 at 7:19 am
A job well done on the Lodge!! I'm very happy for you!
TeiLea On Friday, January 9 at 7:32 am
How exciting to be so close to finishing! The lodge looks wonderfully inviting and cozy. I LOVE love LOVE the beds – where on earth did you ever find them? We are getting ready to do an overhaul on my boys' rooms and those would be perfect!
Nett in K.C. On Friday, January 9 at 8:08 am
I have fallen head over heels in love with the lodge. I want to come and stay and work on the ranch, ride horses and cook with you!
A ree-al working vacation retreat:)
And you've already advertised to tens of thousands!
Jen On Friday, January 9 at 8:19 am
I was thinking that the bun was pioneerish. Next you might where a white apron, or not!
Nikki C On Friday, January 9 at 8:20 am
Absolutely beautiful!!!!!
Stef On Friday, January 9 at 8:46 am
I Actually really like the little pegs on the mirrors a different color.. I say leave them as is!
Judy@In His Grip On Friday, January 9 at 8:49 am
The beds are perfect for the lodge and the faucets in the bathroom look so good! You are awesome.
Chris A. On Friday, January 9 at 9:32 am
Hey, I'll come and help you take pictures (LOL), but they wouldn't be as good as yours! It just looks fabulous (as in Bill Crystal's impersonation)! I like the lamp, too, and I think it goes with everything – kinda rustic! Those beds are fantastic – link, please, please, please!
Couldn't post in Confessions – dang girl – couldn't find the end to post. Just wanted to say I love the yahoo's pics the best. Don't get me wrong the girls are fabulous, but those yahoo's!
Sarah S. On Friday, January 9 at 9:46 am
the beds are beautiful
Rachel On Friday, January 9 at 10:12 am
I really like the tall mirror over the sink. And the bedframes are beautiful! I prefer darker wood stains and those are so elegantly simple. (and like everybody else that's asking…where did they come from?)
Trudy On Friday, January 9 at 10:15 am
Ree what are your plans for the lodge? Maybe I missed that somewhere. Is it for personal visitors, a new cooking show in the works (like Ina in her barn kitchen) or are you going to have weekend Lodge giveaways? wink wink
Sharon On Friday, January 9 at 12:48 pm
I actually really like the lamp…for the lodge that is. Wherever you decide to place it make sure to run the cord down the back of one of those legs so it's not so dangly and visable…..kind-of looks akward right now. Love all the aspects of the lodge – you guys did great!
Beth On Friday, January 9 at 3:38 pm
fidget On Sunday, January 11 at 12:49 am
I am in LOVE with those beds
Debbi On Tuesday, January 13 at 9:54 pm
Rebecca On Tuesday, January 13 at 10:04 pm
Joseph Cotton. Kindergarten.
sara On Wednesday, January 14 at 7:30 am
Teri On Wednesday, January 14 at 8:21 am
Jumbo! ( and now my husband of 34 years!!)
Amanda On Wednesday, January 14 at 9:43 am
John, and he is now my husband!
Panster On Wednesday, January 14 at 9:43 am
Jim – and he done me wrong
Lori Gearheart On Wednesday, January 14 at 11:20 am
Terry Davis – Ohio
Love your ceilings and floors.
Tricia M. On Wednesday, January 14 at 1:35 pm
His name was Kevin and I am happy to say I didn't marry him.
Alison On Wednesday, January 14 at 5:12 pm
First "bf": Jeff. In middle school though, so not sure that counts. :]
AuraLee On Sunday, January 18 at 3:57 pm
Did we ever determine where those beds came from?? Did I miss it??


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Click to expand
What do you think? Give us your opinion. Anonymous comments allowed.
Reply+11#102 - MindFuckingBricks (05/04/2010) [-]
U guys dont see it, The Guy GOT HIS SAMMICH! **** YEAH!
Reply-1#145 to #130 - MindFuckingBricks (05/04/2010) [-]
But dude, HE GOT THE FFING SAMMICH!! means he made BIG WIN for MANHOOD! his death is just a small sacrefice for a greater deed!
#566 to #202 - MindFuckingBricks (05/05/2010) [-]
Put it in one word and you get...FAGGET!no man shoud make their own sammich.. -. -
#567 to #566 - FatterKid (05/05/2010) [-]
Pfft bullcrap. We had to make our own country, our own weapons, our own freedom, and a good chunk of our lives today. I think we can get off our asses and make our own damn sandwich. Plus women were made as a counterpart to reproduction, not as servants. Put you're comment in one word and you get SEXIST. Get out of your mom's house, get a job and girlfriend, and finish highs school for god sakes. By the way, Fagget isn't a word you faggot.
#579 to #567 - MindFuckingBricks (05/06/2010) [-]
That doesnt change the fact that you still think like a FAGGET... No man shoud make his sammich...And i bet liek 80% of FJ APPROVES!
#580 to #579 - FatterKid (05/06/2010) [-]
*facepalm* Mispelled it again. Also, only a faggot wouldn't make his own sandwhich, because HE'S TOO WEAK TO DO IT HIMSELF. Just like you! Pull this **** in real life, and you will never get a girlfriend. If you do perchance pick up some unsuspecting bimbo who WANTS to put up with your dumb ass, she'll be unfaithful, stupid and diseased. I've had girlfriend because I treat them like humans, and I doubt you've ever had one. Don't even lie, cause if you say you've had, or have one, It's impossible for me to believe you.
#583 to #580 - MindFuckingBricks (05/07/2010) [-]
tsch, Just og listen to yuor Justin Bieber and shove you vagoo and butthole full of tampons...LameFag
P.S If you reply to this, then you really have no life at all
*reminds The South Park Episode (How can you kill that which has no life?!)...o.o No My GAWD!*
P.S If you reply to this, then you really have no life at all
*reminds The South Park Episode (How can you kill that which has no life?!)...o.o No My GAWD!*
#588 to #586 - MindFuckingBricks (05/09/2010) [-]
Oh My God! It can ALSO TALK! o.O


text:
August 5, 2015
HOUSTON (AP) - Many Houstonians like Belinda Fernandez have fond childhood memories of watching baseball games at the city's iconic but now-shuttered Astrodome.
Fernandez was one of many people Monday who wrote down their Astrodome memories inside a truck dubbed the "Dome Mobile." The truck will be traveling around the city during the next couple of weeks to educate people about a Nov. 5 ballot measure on the landmark's future.
Voters will decide whether to approve a referendum authorizing up to $217 million in bonds to turn the stadium into a giant convention center and exhibition space.
Houston-area leaders say the Astrodome will more than likely be torn down if the ballot measure is rejected.
Fernandez and other Houstonians on Monday said they plan to vote in favor of the referendum.
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