text:
5 Stocks About to Burst
>>5 Dividend Stocks Itching to Pay You More With that in mind, here's a look at five stocks that are setting up to break out and trade higher from current levels.Crocs One name that's trending very close to triggering a major breakout trade is Crocs (CROX - Get Report). This company is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of consumer products, mainly casual & athletic shoes & shoe charms, from specialty resins referred to as Croslite. This stock has been under control of the sellers for the last six months, with shares off by 23%. If you take a look at the chart for Crocs, you'll notice that this stock gapped down in late October from around $16.60 to a low of $12.61 a share with huge downside volume. Following that move, shares of CROX went on to make a low of $12 a share before rebounding sharply to its current price of $13.80 a share. That rebound has now pushed CROX within range of triggering a major breakout trade back above its gap down day high at $14.04 a share. Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CROX once it manages to break out above its gap down day high of $14.04 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above $14.04 a share with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 276,850 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then CORX will set up to re-fill some of that gap down zone that started at $16.60 a share. Traders can look to buy CROX off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some near-term support at $13 a share. One could also just buy CROX off strength once it takes out $14.04 a share with volume and then use a stop that sits near $13.50 a share. Inteliquent Another stock that's just starting to flirt with a major breakout trade is Inteliquent (IQNT - Get Report), which is a full-scale network solutions provider, offering intelligent networking to solve challenging interconnection and interoperability issues on a global scale. This stock has been destroyed by the sellers so far in 2012, with shares off by a whopping 79%.
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text:
Laurel scroll by melanipposWatch
©2014-2016 melanippos
This was a personal award for an individual within the SCA and probably constitutes about 45-50 hours of solid work. Gold gouache AND gold foil (which I really haven't much practice with) gouache and chinese ink.
Based on the Manuscript 1156B Latin held by the Bibliothèque nationale de France.
I enjoy doing these and am happy to take commissions in this line but let me warn you - They are NOT cheap: They are Exquisite.
Dude, I wish I got THIS kinda of hand-made epic award for achieving ANYTHING in MY life. This is a priceless PRICELESS gift!!
Or at least a very very expensive gift. The people that get these invest an immeasurable amount of time into researching and teaching their crafts or skills.
Your figure painting lived up to the promise of your pencil sketch. They are very lifelike, expressive and cute. It's gonna take Steffan forever to round up all those letters so he gets the secret message...
There's a secret message?! I'm sure it's in french if there is one which is why I didn't decipher it (All the letters are pretty much in the same location as they were on the original page bar a few changed around my figures)
Here you can see Pantalone fratenising with a servant girl, La Signora glowering at her husband, El Capitano cowering from a snail and Zanni getting on with the work that needs doing while Harlequin looks on.
Aughhh so amazing <3 I love it!

subset: commoncrawl


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Author Comments
Rated 5 / 5 stars
It's quite a good homage
I like it. I am fond of high contrast, yet simple styles. I think the contrast forces the id to contemplate disparity in many forms including what we see as both obvious and ambiguous at the same time. Of course, stretching my perception of reality on LSD may have had some side effects ;)
Rated 4.5 / 5 stars
this is cool
this reminds me of a bad salvia ( a hallucenogenic drug) trip. i like the simple design u put in it looks like it can be put on a t shirt
Not a bad idea. The shirt, that is. Thanks.


text:
tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2016-01-08T15:00:00Ztag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=332856Mike Martinhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+MartinFriday Night Fights: So much c-2016-01-08T15:00:00Z2016-01-08T15:00:00Z
Man... I want wings now. Maybe some pollo asada. I wonder if Hansen has a recipe for a good marinade for that... My fat gut aside, how the fuck y'all been? How was your holidays? What games you get? Did Mom pick the right color dildo for you? Did Grandma Edna get you the same socks again? That fucking cunt. Punch her in the neck next year, and ask her why she isn't dead yet. That'll make for a great holiday. Just do it after Mom gives you the dildo. Can't miss out on that.

So how about them games, eh? Personally I got sucked back into Destiny through the The Taken King. I enjoy Destiny for what is, and I really love the feel of the game. Sure it has problems and Bungie is intent on destroying it's fanbase... but... yeah. I likes its. Rolled with a Titan this time (was a Hunter before) and I'm really digging it. Especially that melee that gives you a shield. That's fucking sweet. Shit, what time is it... YEP! Gonna go play before work! Byesies!

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=327886Mike Martinhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+MartinFriday Night Fights - It is here! 2015-12-18T16:30:00Z2015-12-18T16:30:00Z
It is almost Christmas and there is a new Star Wars movie out. *drops mic*

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=317133Mike Martinhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Mike+MartinFriday Night Fights - You dirty rat edition2015-10-23T13:00:00Z2015-10-23T13:00:00Z
Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide releases today. Oh boy, am I excited. I've had a blast in my short time with the beta. Yes, the game is basically L4D Ratz Edition. The atmosphere, the fighting, and the characters make it stand out from that title though. The feeling of swinging my Dwarven axe and taking off a Skaven head or two, is a thing of beauty. Playing James Cagney sound clips during a game is something my teammates do not appreciate though. Damn savages.

Other than rodent slaying, I've been getting down with the League of Rocket. Rolling in my DeLorean, jocking da bitches, smacking da ho's. The iconic ride has a wide turn radius, but can easily be accounted for if you use the handbrake (unless you're Jinx :o). Bought that bad boy through extensive card farming the past week and a half. Made $19 as of this morning. It's gotten me 3 games and some DLC, and I'm probably going to grab something out of the Codemasters sale to cure my racing itch. Who gives a shit about that though? Let's play some games together!

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=312315Brett Makedonskihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brett+MakedonskiPlease send Dying Light devs your zombie apocalypse erotica2015-09-24T15:30:00Z2015-09-24T15:30:00Z
If you want to accuse me of thinking that Techland tries waaaaay too hard sometimes, I'm guilty, guilty, guilty. Lock me up and throw away the key. For every fine example of continued support for the community, there's a dumb marketing scheme like hiring a parkour expert to...I don't know. Teach the developers how to run and jump?

The latest ploy requires a little fan interaction. Techland wants you to write a 200-word letter as if you were a survivor in a rapidly decaying quarantine zone. All hope is lost, and you're saying goodbye to your loved ones. The best letters will be included in the Dying Light: The Following add-on in a post office setting.

Let's turn sad time into sexy time.

How about we inundate Techland with zombie apocalypse erotica? The developers want creative writing, so let's give it to them. Write your most boner-inducing Dying Light fanfic, and shoot it on over to the people who made the game. Guaranteed that they'll read it, because someone's getting paid to do that.

Letters are supposed to be submitted to the Dying Light Facebook page as a message. If you partake, why don't you copy/paste your special note in the comments? We'd love to know exactly what Techland has to parse through.

Dying Light [Facebook]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=289979Laura Kate Dalehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Laura+Kate+DaleStick Shift let me jerk off a car2015-04-03T15:20:00Z2015-04-03T15:20:00Z
Quivering with anticipation, I slowly insert my keys into his ignition slot. A few moments of anticipation, some stuttering as he turns over. A moment of all encompassing rumbling as I turn him on. The engine is running, my car is ready.

I firmly grab his gear stick with my right hand and try to slide it out of first gear. He slams to a halt, stopping me abruptly. I start over, attempting to better read his signs this time. I slide my hand up and down the hard metal shaft, watching his rev counter gradually rise. All the signs are that he's enjoying it, so I once again attempt to get into his second gear.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=287988Robert Summahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Robert+SummaBoobs and more boobs in Dead or Alive 5 Last Round video2015-02-20T23:00:00Z2015-02-20T23:00:00Z

If the latest Dead or Alive 5 Last Round trailer didn't have enough explosions for you, then check out this not-creepy-at-all video released by PlayStation Japan that could very well allow you to create your own private explosions.

In the awkwardly silent presentation, we get the pleasure of knowing just what the difference is between the PS3 version of the game and its PS4 counterpart. Here's a hint, it has something to do with the boobs.

Finally! A Scientific Comparison Of Boob Physics Between PS3 & PS4 [GAMEBREAKER]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=286265Bill Zoekerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Bill+ZoekerI unboxed the New 3DS XL and tickled its sensitive nub2015-01-15T16:45:00Z2015-01-15T16:45:00Z

After a Nintendo press event yesterday, I was sent home with a review unit of the New Nintendo 3DS XL. I figured it would be a good idea to record my opening of it so that I could share my trademarked cynical indignation with you all. So, sorry about that. But, you get to see what thing looks like right out of the box! Shiny toys!

It's a pretty standard package, with the glaring exception of the lack of an AC adapter. Nintendo gave IGN the predictable company line, "Rather than raise cost of New Nintendo 3DS XL by charging consumers for a component they may already own, we are giving them the option to only buy if they need an AC adapter."

Cool. You know, except that this device is an upgrade of an existing device, and people might want to sell the obsolete model. Not to mention, people who don't already own a compatible power plug will be praying there will be one in stock when they go to buy the New 3DS XL, and will probably get stuck with a shitty third-party knock-off.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=284141Jordan Devorehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Jordan+DevoreLink can wear skimpy shorts in the new Hyrule Warriors DLC2014-11-21T14:30:00Z2014-11-21T14:30:00Z
♪ I believe in miracles, since you came along, you sexy Link. ♪

Next Thursday's Twilight Princess pack for Hyrule Warriors will be one to remember. The DLC adds Twili Midna as a playable character, the Postman costume for Link (look at those legs!), the Ilia costume and Dominion Rod weapon for Zelda, and yet another Adventure Mode map, as if we didn't have enough content to get through already. I'm struggling to keep up.

This DLC costs $7.99 standalone, or you can get it bundled with the other three packs (only one of which, the Master Quest pack, is out yet) for $19.99. So far, so good on the DLC front.

『ゼルダ無双』"真のミドナ"や"黄昏(たそがれ)マップ"が登場! "トワイライトプリンセスパック"が11月27日より配信開始 [Famitsu]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=279535Darren Nakamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Darren+NakamuraHere's what EA thinks is worth a press conference2014-08-13T03:45:00Z2014-08-13T03:45:00Z
At the EA press conference earlier, Peter Moore stood on stage and showed off various modes in The Sims 4. None of that was important though. This is the most important piece of information to come from the presentation. Behold: buff, shirtless Peter Moore.

You're welcome.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=270847Spencer Hayeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Spencer+HayesGentlemen's Club: We're giving away tons of Payday 2!2014-02-19T21:30:00Z2014-02-19T21:30:00Z
If you've been following my Twitter you know I'm absolutely head over heels for Payday 2. I came in expecting a crime themed Left 4 Dead-lite but what I got was one of my favorite co-op games. There' s something about planning out a heist only to watch it fall apart with your friends that is incredibly fun. Yeah, I'm not going to lie about it: Phil and I aren't great but that's only going to make tonight's show even more fun!

That's right, at 8pm pst we're giving away a ton of codes for the game and all of the DLC over on Dtoid.tv courtesy of our friends from Payday! It's going to be nuts! Watch the thrills and the spills as Phil shoots civilians, cry as I'm inevitably arrested., and rejoice as we give away games!

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=270500Spencer Hayeshttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Spencer+HayesVideogame Clubhouse: The Valentine's Day special2014-02-13T15:45:00Z2014-02-13T15:45:00Z
It's time for that annual occurrence of public shame and humiliation: Valentine's Day. If that sentence wasn't enough to tip you off then know that I'm not a big fan of the holiday. So what is a guy to do to prepare himself for tomorrow? Play some ridiculous games on the Videogame Clubhouse!

Last week we took everyone on an adventure in Dead or Alive Xtreme 2 and this week we're going even further over the top with the discomforting Rumble Roses XX. Yeah, we're going to embarrass ourselves and our sexy wrestlers. So, come find solace in the fact that you're spending another Valentine's day alone with a 40 and Twitch with us! We're live at 4pm pst over on Dtoid.tv! Get hyped to get lonely!

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=268996Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthLook at Lightning's many outfits in our music video2014-01-15T08:05:00Z2014-01-15T08:05:00Z

Yesterday, while working on our preview of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, I asked those in the office if I should make some kind of quick video to show off some of the costumes I've collected in the game. Everyone insisted that I should, so I did.

I also asked if I should put together a quick song to go with the video, and I found that Hamza was more than willing to share his lyrical ideas. All of his lines were pure gold, but not all of them fit with the song I wanted to do. I really wished I could have used "I wanna ogle your moogle," for example.

The only line I kept was his best one: "You J-poppin' my heart with those threads, girl."

The rest of the lyrics (as well as the lead vocals, background vocals, and instrumental parts) are all me in this cover of the Final Fantasy XIII main theme.

Sorry for this.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=267740Phil http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Phil+The Gentlemen's Club! The last one... for the year!?2013-12-18T21:55:00Z2013-12-18T21:55:00Z
Spencer and I are both two people who get really excited whenever our favorite non-denominational holiday rolls around. We have already been getting into the mood by listening to some of the greatest seasonal song hits from Bing Crosby to CeeLo Green (his holiday album is pretty great). So to celebrate one of our favorite times of the year we thought we would use a literal sack of games that came out this year and play random ones every 15 minutes. Have a game that came out this year that you were wondering if it were good or not? Chances are you will see it played tonight. We have a few great ones mixed in with a few horrible ones, and some import surprises as well! So come on by and watch as we check out 2013's video games 15 minutes at a time!

What game left the biggest impact on you guys this year? Good or bad, I am not too picky.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=267515Johnny Luchadorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Johnny+LuchadorRad Show: Kinnikuman Muscle Grand Prix Max 22013-12-15T17:30:00Z2013-12-15T17:30:00Z
When I was a child, I use to collect these small flesh colored rubber men. They were pretty odd, but they were all unique. They were called Muscle Men, and I had an army of them. Then my destructive self decided to let them meet their fate to an exercise bike wheel that acted like a grinder. The little figures melted on to the wheel as it spun. Today, we're gonna play Kinnikuman Muscle Grand Prix Max 2. I'll most likely get frustrated at not understanding foreign language, so we'll pop in Japan World Cup 3 for the rest of the show.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=266100Phil http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Phil+The Gentlemen's Club! Bears wearing armor, that's it2013-11-20T21:30:00Z2013-11-20T21:30:00Z
You guys may remember a movie called The Golden Compass. While out searching for games to play on a show Spencer and I came across the game based on this movie. This movie had bears wearing armor...BEARS IN ARMOR. So naturally we picked it up and wanted to share it with you guys. That was a year ago, now we are here, preparing to play a game that is presumably about bears in armor. Bears in armor. Bears. In. Armor.

Oh, and later on we may just switch it up an play a fighting game because Spencer and I are both pretty hyped up about the new Killer Instinct game Perhaps the newly released SoulCalibur 2 HD? Actually, yeah, we are probably going to play a lot of that, Golden Compass was just an excuse to put bears wearing armor in a header image.Think of it as a nontraditional ADD Friday throwback, on a Wednesday.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=265554Max Scovillehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Max+ScovilleThe Oculus Rift Tenga Falcon Rube Goldberg Sex Device2013-11-12T19:50:00Z2013-11-12T19:50:00Z
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As you might've heard yesterday, I am back with Destructoid as full-time Video Warlock. And so, I've wasted absolutely no time whatsoever abusing my newfound power, and here's the first episode of my new show: Sexy Video Game News Hole. It is exactly what it sounds like.

Today, we discuss the absurd contraption rigged up for the VR Japan Oculus Rift game jam this last weekend, which was basically a robotic arm and a Fleshlight rigged up as a peripheral for the popular virtual reality headset.

(I'm sorry, Mom.)

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=265065Phil http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Phil+The Gentlemen's Club! We are ruining our friendship live!2013-11-06T21:00:00Z2013-11-06T21:00:00Z
Spencer and I pretty much agree that Mario Party 2 is the best in the series. The characters cosplay depending on what stage they were in! You haven't Mario Partied until you see Donkey Kong in a wizard outfit, that's what I always say. So as soon as it was available on Club Nintendo a while back as a download for the Wii we had wanted to do a show on it. The only problem is that we value our friendship much more than that. Though, after all the waiting, we have finally decided play it, to put our friendship on the line, and we are doing it all for you guys.

So join us tonight, won't you? Tune in at 8 PST/11 EST for all the intense moments, backstabbing, thievery, and so many emotions even David Cage would feel intimidated. And also for what I hope will not be the last Gentlemen's Club.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=261340mrandydixonhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/mrandydixonYour PAX Prime 2013 group shot and community photos!2013-09-05T22:00:00Z2013-09-05T22:00:00Z
Look at that thing. LOOK AT IT. My god we're beautiful.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Dtoiders are the sexiest people at any industry event. E3? Check. gamescom. Czech. PAX? You bet your ass, check. And because we're so sexy, we love taking pictures of each other. ALL. THE. TIME. And this year's PAX Prime was no exception!

So please enjoy this gallery of community photos, courtesy of Mr. Gobbldigook and Meanderbot! Got any other photos to add to the gallery? Drop the link in the comments and I'll upload them!

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=260846Steven Hansenhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Steven+HansenKiller is Disappointed: Gigolo missions & token weirdism2013-08-27T16:00:00Z2013-08-27T16:00:00Z
I really like Killer is Dead. I want to like it more, but I'm increasingly unsure if I should. Unfortunately, the awful Gigolo missions are a big part of planting the seed of distrust in my mind.

 Hah! I bet you thought you'd avoided a tirade on why Killer is Dead's Gigolo missions are the worst thing since Reaganomics when Chris Carter only mentioned them in passing in his review. Allow me to Killer is Shed some light on the problem.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=259781Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceSenran Kagura Burst will hit retail AND digital in Europe2013-08-10T13:00:00Z2013-08-10T13:00:00Z
Gentlemen, get your oils and scented candles ready, because Senran Kagura Burst will be arriving in Europe some time in Q1 2014. Americans received a localization confirmation from XSEED earlier this week, seemingly leaving our brothers across the pond out in the cold. Publisher Zen United has thankfully taken up the cause of bringing 3DS schoolgirl ninja brawling to Euro Land.

Though the American version is slated to be digital only, the European version will receive both an eShop and retail release. You may remember back when XSEED executive vice president Ken Berry explained that a physical release of Senran Kagura would likely be out of the cards "due to the subject matter and difference in attitudes between Japanese culture and the more conservative culture here in the US." The whole of Europe apparently does not share the same attitudes, which cements the States as the biggest prudes in the developed world.

But at least now everyone will have the chance to purchase Burst. I've been legitimately interested ever since watching the manic gameplay clips on YouTube, so count me in.

Senran Kagura Coming to Europe, Retail Confirmed [Rice Digital via Gematsu]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=259511Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorXSEED to release Senran Kagura Burst in North America2013-08-06T21:00:00Z2013-08-06T21:00:00Z
Senran Kagura Burst is coming to the Nintendo 3DS in North America, XSEED Games has announced. The Tamsoft-developed side-scrolling brawler will launch exclusively via the Nintendo eShop this fall.

A two for one following a group of female ninja trainees, the digital release will include an enhanced version of the original title, Senran Kagura Skirting Shadows, as well as its follow-up, Senran Kagura: Crimson Girls. XSEED reports the titles will feature the original Japanese voice-overs with alongside English subtitles.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=258842Max Scovillehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Max+ScovilleRayman on PC, Incognita, Saints Row IV & More Oculus XXX2013-07-26T20:30:00Z2013-07-26T20:30:00Z
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Hey guys! I'm back! And here's today's Destructoid Show, gettin' nasty and stupid with its bad self.

Rayman Legends is hitting PC, which is great. The Oculus Rift is supported by a game about sexy maids, Saints Row IV has a season pass (boo) and an anal-probe gun (yay) and a very silly special edition. Super Smash Bros 4 is getting no cutscenes, for very dumb reasons, and Klei Entertainment showed off Incognita rather spontaneously. Finally, we go over the indie development situation on the Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Wii U.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=257096Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceDid Peach just orgasm?2013-06-27T03:00:00Z2013-06-27T03:00:00Z

Oh my God... what is happening in those first 10 seconds!?

Nintendo suddenly realized that it forgot to advertise the Wii U and has scrambled to put together a set of TV commercials. But the one for New Super Luigi U is just... take a look.

After the jump, you'll catch a few spots for Pikmin 3 and one for a brand new Nintendo Land / Wii Remote bundle. I'm guessing Nintendo hopes to recapture some of that ol' Wii Play magic.

These are just for Japan, but I can guarantee that Nintendo is readying another round of TV promotions for Western territories as well. Gotta build up interest going into the first-party-stacked second half of 2013. Or else.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=256606Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceJapanese artists think Wii Fit Trainer is smokin'2013-06-19T15:30:00Z2013-06-19T15:30:00Z
The fourth Smash Bros. was only announced last week, but fans the world over have already contributed a wealth of art based on the three new characters. However, Japanese art community pixiv has taken a particularly big shine to Wii Fit Trainer, proving that even bleached mannequins can be seen as sexy.

You'll find a number of pieces below showcasing the health-conscious vixen with cameos from the other two newcomers: Mega Man and Animal Crossing's Villager. Of course, Wii Fit Trainer is the star of the show, with her suppleness and perfect form catching the eyes of her associates.

Anybody in the mood for some hot yoga?

Super Smash Brothers' new fighters inspire Japanese nerds [Japanator]

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=251820Max Scovillehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Max+ScovilleBethesda's Next Game, Killer Is Dead-Sexy & Lobo DLC2013-04-16T21:00:00Z2013-04-16T21:00:00Z
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Hello boys and girls, here's today's Destructoid Show for you to rub your dirty little eyeballs all over. Mmmm. Yes, just like that.

Bethesda is done with Skyrim, and they've now begun teasing their next exciting mystery project. Killer Is Dead has dirty nasty sexy gigolo missions for you to do when your parents aren't in the room. Respawn Entertainment trademarks "Titan," whatever that means. XCOM promotional materials are disappearing from the web, possibly to pave way for a rebranding, and Lobo is the first DLC for Injustice: Gods Among Us.

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=249142Vito Gesualdihttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Vito+GesualdiCreator of Skullgirls porn officially joins Lab Zero2013-03-20T07:00:00Z2013-03-20T07:00:00Z
[Update: Skullgirls lead designer Mike Z has contacted Destructoid to say that ZONE's pornographic work was not considered during the hiring process. The writer apologizes for not making it clear that this was speculation.]

The Internet's so-called "Rule 34" stipulates that for anything you can think of, a pornographic version of it exists somewhere on the web. Knowing this, it's not surprising to discover that over-stimulated fans of Lab Zero's Skullgirls fighting game have been known to put the characters in various X-rated situations.

One of those fans is the popular flash artist known as ZONE (link NSFW!), who in August 2012 released a pornographic fan game featuring the  Skullgirls character Filia to his paid subscribers. More recently, ZONE has been actively helping promote the ongoing Skullgirls Indiegogo, even putting together an animated short urging people to contribute.

While most game companies would likely frown on pornographic material starring their copyrighted characters, Lab Zero Games was actually so impressed by ZONE's work that they've now brought the artist aboard as an animator. ZONE announced the news yesterday on his Twitter feed, following it up with more details in a tumblr post: "I'm extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with such a talented team, and I hope that I can do good work for them. And no, I can't add any frames with nipples in them, sorry. I will make sure that parts jiggle as much as possible though."

With such a well-known adult animator now on the team, could Skullgirls surpass Dead or Alive as the most pornographic fighting game of all time? We'll just have to wait and see!

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=246197Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceSpeed-painted Mario wants you to check his package2013-02-21T02:00:00Z2013-02-21T02:00:00Z

8bit Ego artist Josh Summana, who recently shared a time-lapse video of his killer Donkey Kong painting, has clued me into a new piece as part of his "Heroes" line. If you haven't already, do check out his "Villains" line as well.

What struck me most about this particular piece is that sly, almost sinister smirk on Mario's face. And that piercing gaze! Why does it look like he's trying to skull f*ck your soul? Then I noticed the thumbs-down gesture and realized he's actually directing your gaze towards his plumber's snake. Who knows whose pipes he's plunged with his Roto-Rooter.

God, Mario is a creepy man.

"Mario" by Josh Summana [deviantART]

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=244872Allistair Pinsofhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Allistair+PinsofWho are the hottest men in the games industry?2013-02-13T15:00:00Z2013-02-13T15:00:00Z
It's disgusting how men continue to be objectified in the games industry. Here's our latest example: meningameshotornot.tumblr.com

Despite all their hard work, award winning Tweets, and awesome review-score-giving abilities, this Tumblr account reduces these male journalists and developers to just being totally bangable studs (which they are especially that Game Informer guy; holy crap!)

I've had the pleasure of working with Jim Sterling, Chad Concelmo, and Jonathan Holmes; all of who are featured on this disgusting, sexist blog. These men are more than mere studmuffins with fine chiseled physiques that you want to pour honey, caramel, and other delicious condiments on -- perhaps, Nutella.

 Read more...tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=244690Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceMan with sexy voice croons about Rayman Legends' delay2013-02-12T04:00:00Z2013-02-12T04:00:00Z

The low-level echelon of so-called "gamers" have said their piece about Ubisoft's decision to delay Rayman Legends for the sake of porting it to the 360 and PS3. Now it's time for a real man's man to speak softly into your ear and say all the oh-so right things.

This man, by the by, is Andrew Eisen. He and his sexy man voice gained a smidgen of popularity back in 2011 when he chastised Nintendo for not letting him spend money on games that should have been localized. Whether you think his arguments are on the ball or not is irrelevant. He can say whatever the hell he wants as long as he continues to make sweet, passionate love to our ear holes.

Ubisoft Delays Rayman Legends For the Good of All Gamers [YouTube]

 tag:http://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=243631Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceSo sexy Donkey Kong time-lapse painting2013-01-31T04:00:00Z2013-01-31T04:00:00Z

Damn, Donkey, you so fine! Maybe peel my banana sometime!

Artist Josh Summana has been creating wonderful pieces like above and filming the process for his media company 8bit Ego. He's got a whole mess of these dudes, such as this badass villains gallery, but he's only released time-lapse videos of a few of 'em. Like Bison over here!

Sexy stuff, guy! Although do you mind telling me what is up with Sonic? He looks like an angry poodle that's been sitting out all night in the rain.

"Donkey Kong" by Josh Summana [deviantART]

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The Art of Maurizio Pollini / Beethoven & Mozart [Limited Edition]
3 CD / Deutsche Grammophon / 2012-01-10Works: Igor Stravinsky: Movements (3) from Pétrouchka; Frédéric Chopin: Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 25; Polonaise for piano no 5 in F sharp minor, Op. 44, CT. 154; Polonaise for piano no...
Performers: Pollini, Maurizio [Piano/Conductor]
Conductors: Böhm, Karl; Pollini, Maurizio; Katlewicz, Jerzy
This is a 3-CD limited-edition hardcover book, with repertoire chosen personally by the artist, consisting of complete works (not extracts or "bits and pieces") from...continue...
Mozart: Piano Concertos K 414 & 491 / Pollini, Vienna PO
1 CD / HBDirect Import / 2008-05-13Works: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto for Piano no 12 in A major, K 414 (385p); Concerto for Piano no 24 in C minor, K 491
Performers: Pollini, Maurizio [Piano/Conductor]
Conductors: Pollini, Maurizio
Here is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to Maurizio Pollini's acclaimed 2006 recording of Mozart's Piano Concertos in G, K. 453 and in C, K. 467,...continue...
Mozart: Piano Concertos K 453 & K 467 / Maurizio Pollini
1 CD / Deutsche Grammophon / 2007-04-10Works: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Concerto for Piano no 17 in G major, K 453; Concerto for Piano no 21 in C major, K 467
Performers: Pollini, Maurizio [Piano/Conductor]
Conductors: Pollini, Maurizio
Ensemble: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
"The performance of Concerto No. 17 is sensational--as lively and fresh an interpretation as you could ever ask to hear... Pollini's contribution is a model...continue...


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Coffee tables, seating, storage, lighting, accessories, and more: Bungalow 5 features an impressive range of products, all sharing two common characteristics: high quality and inspired design. Drawn up in New York but globally inspired and produced, each Bungalow 5 piece combines a fresh, new aesthetic with a little inspiration from the past — perfect for a range of environments, from urban loft to cozy cottage. The result: a timeless quality that makes each piece a versatile investment you'll happily live with for years.
Whether you're redecorating your place or shopping for gifts, this home decor sale covers many bases. Get inspired by these great designs.
Whether you're redecorating your place or shopping for gifts (or both), this home decor sale covers many bases. Get inspired by great design at serious discounts.
These essential furniture pieces will truly anchor a room. We've got something for every style, whether you're looking for contemporary lines in bold color or classic wood and upholstered pieces. Take your pick, and you'll be well on your way to a room that's inspired by design.
Whether you're a frequent entertainer or just want the best for your everyday dining routine, don't miss this chance to snag everything you need for your table


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Category: "Tantrums"
Justin Bieber was placed in a chokehold & kicked out of Coachella
Tom Cruise goes 'berzerk' over those Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx hookup rumors
Justin Bieber: 'I'm 19 & it must be scary… to think that this is just the beginning'
Justin Bieber cancels another concert, this time in Portugal: is Bieber off the rails?
Justin Bieber wears a gas mask, has a major Twitter meltdown in London
Kanye West throws a hissy fit about his ranking on MTV's 'Hottest MCs' list
Is Brad Pitt is acting like a tantrumy baby during the 'World War Z' reshoots?
Chris Brown was a gigantic, violent baby at a club before the Billboard Music Awards
Lea Michele threw a temper tantrum before & during the Met Gala
Chris Brown's West Hollywood neighbors hate him, want him out of his condo


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Company category
Buyer's guide > Condensed matter > Semiconductors
Showing company 21 to 40 of 205 in Semiconductors.
Result page: « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next »
Lucid Thoughts 01-Mar-2012
Science communication, writing.
HVS Helium Leak Detection 01-Mar-2012
HVS Leak Detection has over 25 years of experience finding the most difficult to detect leaks in pressure systems, vacuum systems or hermetic systems. We provide leak testing services for Linear Accelerators, Glove Boxes, etc.
Hiden Analytical Limited 11-Jan-2012
For 30 years Hiden Analytical has been a global leader in the design and manufacture of scientific instruments for research, development and production applications.
Janis Research Company Inc 09-Jan-2012
Janis Research is a manufacturer of cryogenic research equipment ranging from simple storage dewars to sophisticated dilution refrigerator systems.
Goodfellow Cambridge Limited 06-Jan-2012
Goodfellow supplies a comprehensive range of Metals, Alloys, Ceramics, Polymers, Compounds and Composites to research and industrial markets. They are available in an wide range of forms including sheet, foil, film, lump, powder, rod, wire and tube.
Oxford Instruments NanoScience 27-Sep-2011
Leading supplier of dilution refrigerators, 3He inserts, superconducting magnets, optical and spectroscopy cryostats and an increasing range of Cryofree® products.
NTT Carbon Fiber Group 13-Dec-2011
Carbon Fiber and High Tech Fibers specialties for Aerospace and Industrial applications. It provides its KORE carbon fiber and related services from the Engineering up to the final application of special items tailored on customers needs.
COMSOL, Inc. 08-Jan-2010
The COMSOL Group provides software solutions for multiphysics modeling. They are a fast growing high tech engineering software company with a proven track record and a vision as a future leader of the industry.
DVI Fiber Optic inc 22-Nov-2011
We supply DVI Extender over Fiber, the DVI fiber optic extender can transmission DVI over fiber up to 20km with single-mode fiber.
Control Systems Design & Integration Inc. 15-Nov-2011
Develop control systems for industrial applications including electrical design, functional descriptions, programming and commissioning.
Photonic Cleaning Technologies, LLC 31-Oct-2011
First Contact Polymer Solutions Protect and clean precision optical, aerospace and precision surfaces. No Residue. Safe. Easy. Pour or spray on, peel off. Low Adhesion. Safe on nanosurfaces. Nanoreplicant.
Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. 31-Oct-2008
Lake Shore develops innovative measurement and control solutions, producing equipment for cryogenic temperature and magnetic field measurement, and physical property characterization of materials in temperature and magnetic environments.
Attolight 30-Sep-2011
Attolight provides spectroscopy instruments featuring nanometer spatial resolution. The company manufactures the first quantitative cathodoluminescence system. It is fully integrated with cryogenic and time-resolved capabilities.
Ultramat Advanced Materials and Technologies Ltd. 12-Sep-2011
Specializes in Refractory Metals, Tungsten, Molybdenum, Tantalum and Niobium, Engineered Ceramics, fine chemicals etc. Ultramat offers a wide assortment of Engineered Ceramic .Alumina, Zirconia, Silicon Carbide according to drawings and specs.
Mantis Deposition 22-Aug-2011
We are a specialist instrumentation company developing deposition components and vacuum systems for the thin film coating community. Our products are designed for nanocoatings, MBE, Surface Science, PVD… and pre-production coating applications.
ADCAP Vacuum Technology.,Co.Ltd 15-Mar-2010
We manufacture of apply UHV application for scientific apparatus.
Imina Technologies 23-Jun-2011
Imina Technologies designs, manufactures and distributes complete lines of micro and nanomanipulation equipment for SEM, FIB and light microscopes.
eFiberTools.com 05-Apr-2011
Fiber Optic Tools and Supplies
LASER COMPONENTS (UK) Ltd 04-Apr-2011
A manufacturer and distributor of UV to FIR optoelectronic components, including, laser diodes, fibre optics, laser optics, detectors, electronic modules, measurement modules, and accessories such as safety goggles, converter cards and fibre tools.
PREVAC Ltd 07-Feb-2011
PREVAC formed in 1996 as a world leading manufacturer of UHV scientific research instruments and systems for the investigation of chemical and physical properties of solid state surfaces, thin films, interfaces and nanomaterials.


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HE-EEEY, PARTY PEOPLE: Today you can link up your Christmas trees over at Restoration House.
Here is our tree for 2012 keeping with our glam holiday theme:
All the ornaments are various sizes of silver and gold balls with a few stars mixed in. The top of the tree we made a simple bow with some glittered ribbon and added a few embellishments.
My favorite ornaments this year have to be these mirrorball ones! I have them all over our house.
I also love how the metallics stand out against our navy wall.
Nothing beats a Christmas tree as a backdrop for photographs either.
Merry Christmas!!
I always get so excited the first night I see the Christmas tree lit up in all it's glory! We have a tradition in our family that we camp out by the tree the first night and the last night it is up. It is a little bittersweet to take it down every year, but I start to crave order and the great purging of stuff inevitably follows.
So, come on and join the party. Just click on the link below in the graphic:
Here's a button for your post:


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Ocean Genome Legacy
Marine DNA empowers cancer research
The Ocean Genome Legacy is excited to be collaborating with the Austrian Academy of Sciences to study marine genomes in the search for new cancer therapies.
Marine biologists develop portable kit to preserve coral DNA at sea
DNA extraction kits developed by the Ocean Genome Legacy are being used aboard the Okeanus Explorer on its current mission to explore marine life off Hawaii.
Northeastern hosts DC briefing on urban coastal sustainability
MSC faculty and leadership recently traveled to Capitol Hill to talk with legislators about how the impacts of climate change affect coastal cities
Researchers discover new digestive strategy in shipworms
OGL Director, Dan Distel, has discovered a novel digestive strategy in a wood-boring clam that may be a game-changer for the production of clean biofuels.
Ocean Genome Legacy and MSC hit the press
As featured in today's Boston Globe, there are many mutual benefits to the Ocean Genome Legacy's move to the Marine Science Center.
Ocean Genome Legacy at Northeastern University
Check out this great video about the Ocean Genome Legacy (OGL), which relocated to the Marine Science Center in January.
Why bacteria are beautiful, and why we need them
In a special event on Monday, Nobel Laureate and Northeastern Distinguished University Professor Sir Richard Roberts spoke of his love of bacteria.
Q&A with Sir Richard J. Roberts
The NU student newspaper, "The Huntington News" recently sat down with Ocean Genome Legacy founder and new Distinguished Professor in the College of Science, and here's what he had to say.
MSC and OGL featured on WGBH's "Greater Boston"
WGBH recently traveled to Nahant to check out the Marine Science Center and the Ocean Genome Legacy.
New publication for OGL executive director
Dan Distel, executive director of Ocean Genome Legacy, is a co-author on a recently published article about shipworms. The OGL team recently joined the University, and the team continues to build its publicly accessible biorepository of DNA samples from ocean species.


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Customer Reviews
2 Item(s)
- great deal Review by ajh
Price Value Quality
product was perfect and great deal will shop for other tractor parts here
(Posted on 10/16/2014)
- Great product fast shipping Review by Ken
Price Value Quality
This exhaust pipe fit my Ford tractor well, came quickly, and overall best buy for the $$. My muffler was non standard so I took this pipe to a muffler shop and had it expanded to fit. Great experience.
(Posted on 11/2/2013)
2 Item(s)


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Last edited by WestPablo; 06-14-14 at 11:48 AM.
The other consideration is that there are CX bikes and there are CX bikes. There is a vast difference in versatility and handling between a full race rig like a Ridley X-Night on Zipp 404 tubulars and a general purpose bike like a Redline Conquest Disk on aluminum clinchers.
Admittedly my CX bike spends more time commuting on skinny slicks than racing on knobbies but I never regret the purchase.
There is a lot of overlap between different bike styles. And you can push that envelope with thoughtful customization, tuning, and of course riding skill.
I ride off-pavement on 3 different bikes:
1) FS Cannondale MTB, for trail riding with obstacles, jumps, etc. This bike can handle gravel roads fine, but isn't fast or efficient, even with the head-shock locked out.
2) Rigid MTB (88 Schwinn KOM). This bike just floats over the gravel on 2.1" semi-slick tires. It rides a lot faster with drop bars. I can get low and put down plenty of power now, which was tough before (maybe due to the high BB).
3) Rivendell Road 650b conversion. This bike is fast over everything, and comfortable (on 38 mm tires). It floats well on gravel, but not as well as the KOM. But it's a lighter, faster bike, so it's kind of a wash between which is a better gravel bike.
A new "gravel" bike seems to be a fat tire road bike. This isn't new, but in the recent past we've had to buy touring or CX bikes (or Rivendells, $$$) to get a versatile any-road bike. The "gravel" bike seems to be a tourer (minus the heavy duty frame), or a CX bike (minus the high BB and other CX-specific traits). Or maybe a Riv-style "country" bike (minus the retro style).
You can ride gravel on lots of different bike types, not just "gravel" bikes.
And you can ride "gravel" bikes just fine as roadies.
I love that bike designers are considering versatility and practicality again! There were too many years with "skinny tire roadie" and "fat tire MTBs" and not much in between (besides hybrids. yuk, don't get me started!)
First post here. I am excited to see the "Gravel Bike" category come into existence. Certainly, the type of riding is nothing new. Neither is the type of bike (Bridgestone RB-2 back in the 80s). But it is fun to have a new type of event being media hyped. I think this is good for cycling overall.
Many people get into cycling because of certain "aesthetic." For example, mountain biking in the 1980s refreshed cycling to the masses. Whereas road racing appeared very snobby and elitist (the rules actually dictated that what color and length of shorts were permissible), mountain biking appeared to be adventurous and free. Mountain bikers didn't have to shave their legs, could wear baggy shorts, and sleeveless jerseys. To the public, this was fun, new, and approachable. Mountain bike sales went through the roof, even though only a small percentage of new riders would ever venture off road.
Today there are so many categories of bikes and events, but the difference between them all is subtle. Only the competitive racer or hardcore enthusiast could fully take advantage of the benefits of one type of bike when the categories overlap so much. A road racer could easily race on a cross bike with road tires, it would get the job done at 90%+ of a true roadbike. Likewise, a cyclocross bike or gravel grinder or even hybrid can perform well in most places you would take a 29er. Most people on bikes will not ever be sprinting for a crit win or bombing downhills. Therefore, for most people a CX bike or Gravel bike are the perfect all around machine.
Since this thread is about terrain, I will share today's ride with the bike I will use: Miles: 35-40. Terrain: 60% paved roads, 20% groomed trails at city maintained "wilderness" park (some light single track and a few hills, mostly dirt and gravel paths), 20% technical single track, very rooty, many drop offs and short steep climbs (this is a reclaimed strip mining pit). Bike: Pake C'Mute with 12-29 casette and 36x46 chainrings - dropped bars. Marketed as a "versatile Cyclocross" bike... same target buyer as a Surley cross Check.
I have always preferred to have "the right tool for the job" as opposed to an all around bike. However, having my Cross/Gravel build makes it so I can have fun mixing terrain on the same ride.
Used to, in the mid '70s (my early20s) ride a Fuji 10 speed w/ 27x1.25" tires all over the place! Across uneven terrain, on gravel roads, along & through ditches/canals, state park trails, etc. This was also my commute bike for riding across town to and from (6p to ~midnight) work while going to A&P school. Bikes are pretty versatile vehicles.
Old Fat Guy In Tights.
When I ride STXC (on a full rigid or HT MTB) CXers almost always slow me down if I'm behind them in tech sections. Conversely they always drop me like a bad habit on a long straight, flat section of grass or hardpack. So I gotta try to get an idea how much of each a course has. Then I gotta remember where on the course such sections are. Definitely worth it to hammer past a CXer to beat him into a tech section but a waste of energy if a long flat is coming up, for those I just wanna do my best to suck wheel 'til the next tight turn or steep hill or rooty section where I'll want to pass.
A couple of Kermesse races are coming up. I'm surely gonna be way out back if I ride rigid MTB for those. I'm thinking of riding my road bike with 30mm cx tyres on for the next one. Should be the best bike I have for that job (since I have no CX rig) unless it rains, then the mud will probably pack in on the caliper brakes and be a real drag.
1980ish Free Spirit Sunbird fixed * 1996 Mongoose IBOC Zero-G * 1995ish Park Pre Pro 825 * 1997 KHS Comp * 1990-ish Scapin * Lemond Buenos Aires Triple
I love riding my Cross bike on trails/singletrack and/or lightly technical MTB stuff. It is much less fun over extended roots section, big rocks, etc. I came across a forum on elsewhere on the interwebs dedicated to people who ride cross bikes on MTB trails. It was pretty cool.
Where I live it's fairly clear (to me) what is mtb terrain versus cx. The mtb places are singletrack where most people drive there, park, and ride the singletrack. There are 5-10 'known' places like this within a 45 minute drive of where I live. At these places I choose a mountain bike. There are enough twisty climbs and descents with rocks/roots that the mountain bike thrives...and I know my cx bike would struggle (I have tried). The cross bike is ok at portions of these trails, but why bother...if I'm going to drive the car there, might as well bring the hog. I like my cross bike on adventure rides and usually leave from my house...I ride paved roads/paths, gravel roads, and dirt/gravel multi-use trails. I connect these for slightly different routes each time. Some of these rides have singletrack, but very non-technical.
sales of CX bikes has been good, few out side of the hot bed places , like Santa Cruz is/was And Portland is , will ever see an organized closed loop Cross race.
those are mostly about mastering the flow of the course and getting around it, each lap, faster than your competitors.
Gravel grinders are hip, now in the fly over states ... have fun irregardless..
For cyclocross racing they own more than 1 bike.. as they may need a muddy heavy one hosed off every few laps .People who race buy a bike that offers them a competitive advantage.
or hand off one that is not working right and pick up their spare , in the pits .
Last edited by fietsbob; 08-12-14 at 10:25 AM.
I misspoke. It was a thread, not an entire forum. Here it is
Cross Bikes on Singletrack - Post Your Photos
I did Kruger's last fall. I did it on a hardtail, which only did well in the blueberry field area. Yeah, I had a great time and poor results too. I actually had a cold and considered bailing but figured it was dry so my cold wouldn't get any worse
Did most of the PIR STXC races this year. I did much better on the courses with fewer long, flat sections. I've been training by adding about a mile of grass field riding to one of my regular rides. Seems to be helping quite a bit. I'm so used to resting in those areas but a lot of riders tend to hammer those areas then coast through the tech bits. I'm trying to find inspiration to go hard across boring expanses of grass.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 08-04-14 at 12:28 PM.
1980ish Free Spirit Sunbird fixed * 1996 Mongoose IBOC Zero-G * 1995ish Park Pre Pro 825 * 1997 KHS Comp * 1990-ish Scapin * Lemond Buenos Aires Triple
Touring bikes have been used for many years on gravel roads, single track, rocky mountain roads, etc. to good effect. I've used mine personally to ride several hundred miles of gravel trails of various surface qualities many times. I've ridden mine on the Katy Trail more then once, Steamboat Trace in Nebraska, gravel roads in Colorado, Nebraska and West Virginia as well as other places without any issues whatsoever. If the route that I were choosing were the Great Divide Trail or some of the passes of Colorado, I'd choose a mountain bike but for relatively smooth gravel, a touring bike is every bit as good as the current crop of "gravel bikes".
Stuart Black
New! Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
New! Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Days of Wineless Roads. Bed and Breakfasting along the KATY
Twisting Down the Alley. Misadventures in tornado alley.
An Good Ol' Fashion Appalachian Butt Whoopin'.
Stuart Black
New! Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
New! Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Days of Wineless Roads. Bed and Breakfasting along the KATY
Twisting Down the Alley. Misadventures in tornado alley.
An Good Ol' Fashion Appalachian Butt Whoopin'.
Great thread.
if you can ride comfortably on a CX geometry then go for it, the choice is larger. Gravel grinders are, as others have said, lower BB and more relaxed fork angle.
As for terain, if we are talking recreation on trails and a bit of road commute, I'd go for the relaxed bike and suffer a few seconds/mile speed loss on the CX rider.
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria


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Local woman faces heroin charge in NYBy Darren Marcy
Staff Writer | July 12,2014A Florence woman and a New York man were charged with heroin possession after a traffic stop in Fort Ann, N.Y.
Police said the heroin was destined for distribution in Rutland.
New York State Police arrested Emily R. Newton, 20, of Florence and Raydell Antonetti, 28, of Bay Shore, N.Y., after a traffic stop early Tuesday on Route 149.
Trooper Mark Cepiel said officers stopped Antonetti, who was driving a gray Audi with a Vermont temporary plate on the rear, for failing to dim his headlights and for lacking a front plate.
Police said Antonetti gave a fake name and date of birth, claiming he didnt have any ID.
As one trooper dealt with Antonetti, police said, another officer smelled burned marijuana on Newton and in the car.
A drug-detection dog with the Washington County Sheriffs Department arrived and alerted to other drugs in the vehicle, Cepiel said.
Troopers said they found a plastic bag containing a large quantity of a substance packaged in such a manner as for distribution.
Police said they found about 3.5 ounces of heroin.
Its unusual to have that amount, but lately were seeing that more and more, Cepiel said.
Newton and Antonetti were arrested and each charged with two felonies: criminal possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell.
During their search of the car, troopers found a New York state benefits card bearing Antonettis real name and date of birth, Cepiel said.
Antonetti was wanted for parole violations in Suffolk County in New York and had prior felony convictions, police said.
Troopers also charged Antonetti with misdemeanor counts of false personation and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, as well as operating without insurance, equipment violation for having tinted windows and for dazzling headlights, the arrest report said.
Antonetti and Newton were arraigned in the Fort Edward court and held in the Washington County jail.
Antonetti was held without bail. Newton was held on $75,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond.MORE IN This Just InROCKINGHAM Wildlife will be celebrated at the 17th annual Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival... Full StoryBURLINGTON Vermont police say a Burlington man is charged with a hate crime after they say he... Full StoryMONTPELIER A working group created to determine if Vermont should try to buy more than a dozen... Full Story
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Okay, so it's not like Citysearch was ever one of my favorite restaurant "review" sites out there. It's not like I ever put great stock in their pinpoint analysis of where I ought to go for a dozen cupcakes or a wicked girl's night out. And as far as their user-generated reviews went, I lumped them in with all the other user-generated reviews out there and took them with a high degree of suspicion or simply dismissed them entirely. I know that full-time, staff restaurant critics are growing rarer and rarer these days. And I know that some of you out there feel as though I never had any business getting this job in the first place, what with my potty mouth, my ego and my annoying tendency to write about restaurants more than five minutes away from your house.
But still, there's something to be said for having someone in the chair that does this for a living--that has spent decades cooking, eating and writing about it and has no connection to any of the places they write about. There's something to be said for an editorial structure that gives at least a passing glance to the words before they get fired off into the great, wide world. And there's something to be said for the ethics, rules and plain human morality that stops someone from just flat-out making shit up. For an editorial staffer, writing is their career. For a user posting a 500-word screed about some dumplings that pissed him off, it's just something he's doing during a commercial break on Hell's Kitchen.
At least that's how I look at these things. The folks at Citysearch, though? They have a rather different opinion.According to Techcrunch, Citysearch (now apparently going by the name CityGrid Media) announced on Monday that it would be laying off somewhere between some and every-fucking-one of their editorial-side employees--the folks who write all the original content that used to appear on the Citysearch main page. Things like a list of the Best Restaurants in the U-District (apparently there are only three), Seattle's Best Teriyaki and where to go and get hammered in public without having to clean up your own messes.
Techcrunch reports that this these layoffs are actually not layoffs at all (at least according to Citysearch bosses), but rather "an outgrowth of the philosophical restructuring of the group's editorial component"--which has just got to be one of the best semantic gymnastics routines of the entire recession.
What this means is that Citysearch plans on dumping all of their actual content (the stuff written by people paid to do so by Citysearch), and replacing it with "a more automated experience," according to Kara Nortman, Senior VP of Publishing at
Citysearch CityGrid Media. No, not robots (or at least not yet...), but freelance writers who'll get a nickel for copying restaurant information from the Yellow Pages, user-generated reviews and aggregated local content.
Prior to Monday, there were around 400 people working on the editorial side of the Citysearch operation. And while it isn't completely clear precisely how many of those are now collecting unemployment benefits and updating their resumes, it's safe to say that most of them are already gone--making working food writers (even fairly innocuous ones paid to write about restaurants open on Thanksgiving and where to find tacos for people who really don't like tacos) an even more endangered species than they were a week ago.
UPDATE: Just got word this morning from one of the PR people working for Citysearch (Jenny Davis from Dotted Line Communications), and she informed me of a couple things.
First, that figure of 400 people on the editorial side? That's wrong. Citysearch has around 400 staffers total, not just working in editorial. She (meaning Citysearch) wouldn't say how many people, exactly, there were on the editorial staff, only that the layoffs affected the edit side and that "less than 15 members of the editorial staff were let go."
At this point, that's all the info that Citysearch is releasing. And Davis had nothing at all to say about the possibility of Citysearch/CityGrid employing blog-writing robots to beef up their local content--which, to me, means it has to be true.


text: Linsanity! The Best and Worst Jeremy Lin Photoshops and GIFs By Ralph Warner Ralph is a former associate editor at Complex. More Info: Twitter / Google+ Share Tweet 0 0 Watch Now Tags: Galleries, Lists, Jeremy Lin, Memes, NBA, New York Knicks, Art & Design Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Twitter Show Comments


text:
Proposed 2017 Revenue Stabilization Act
Click here to review the proposed Revenue Stabilization Act for 2017
2016 Fiscal Session Important Dates
February 1: Official General Revenue Forecast.
March 8: Budget Hearings start in Big Mac Room A/ Executive Balanced Budget.
March 14: Appropriation Bills and Identical Resolutions may be pre-filed.
April 13: Fiscal Session Starts.
April 13: Deadline for filing Identical Resolutions for Non-Appropriation bills.
April 27: Bill filing deadline for Appropriation bills and Non-Appropriation bills for which an Identical Resolution has been approved.
May 12: Last Day of Fiscal Session, which is 30 days, unless extended 15 days by a 3/4 vote.
May 27: Days from the start of Session which is the longest a Fiscal Session may last if extended.
Find Your Representative
Our new Find Your Rep tool is now active. Check it out Here.
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Latest Tweet
The proposed Revenue Stabilization Law for 2017 is now posted at https://t.co/3PuWqtfNhI


text:
Sights and Scenes from Welcome Week
David Conley | Oct 02, 2012 | Comments 0
With a busy Welcome Week coming to a close, check out some of the moments captured by our wonderful photographers here at the New University! Click on the image thumbnail to see a larger version!
Filed Under: Feature Photos • Featured Big


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At a briefing in Washington, D.C., Singapore's ambassador to the Unites States Ashok Kumar Mirpuri said trade is what plugs in smaller economies and opens selling opportunities for United States firms.
A CSX freight train carrying hazardous materials went off the rails along a busy route in Northeast Washington, D.C. early Sunday morning, spilling sodium hydroxide and forcing the suspension of service on the Metro's Red Line.
More than 100 neopanamax ships have already made reservations to transit the waterway's new larger locks following the historic inauguration and first voyage, according to the Panama Canal Administration.
Registration takes less than 1 minute.
Ocean carriers CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen Line and OOCL revealed they will form a new alliance next April.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is calling for carriers and shippers to work together to find a solution so exports are not left on the docks for lack of verified gross mass documentation come July 1.
The House subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation will hear testimony on April 14 about the International Maritime Organization's controversial verified gross mass requirement, which goes into effect July 1.


text:
Biker in hospital with serious head injuries after hit-and-run
A biker is in hospital with serious head injuries after a suspected hit-and-run with another motorcyclist in south London.
Moment brazen fly-tipper dumps tonnes of waste on south London street
CCTV footage captured the moment a brazen fly-tipper dumped three tonnes of waste in the middle of a residential side street.
Man 'with knife' chased by police and Tasered in south London street
Fears grow for missing 14-year-old girl last seen in Primark
'Croydon cat killer' could be keeping heads and tails as trophies
Robber used sword and knife to hold up fast food stores
Croydon man jailed for 'brutal' hotel murder with piece of wood


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There might be one fully functional brain between Chris Russo and Kara Ellsworth, as the Sacramento couple like to joke.
In brief encounters, few would guess that Russo, the 28-year-old owner of Russo's Shoe Repair in downtown Sacramento, and Ellsworth, a 36-year-old nurse at a local hospital, had suffered tremendous brain injuries several years ago.
Their injuries aren't visible – no more wheelchairs or walkers. But pieces of their brains are forever missing.
Russo mysteriously contracted meningitis and encephalitis – two potentially fatal infections involving brain inflammation – and drifted in and out of a coma for a month at the age of 20. Ellsworth had vasculitis – inflammation of blood vessels – and then a stroke at age 27.
"You're thinking that you're in your 20s, starting to work full time and everything's looking good," Ellsworth said. "Then you're hit with an illness and everything's changed."
Physical therapy sessions turned out to be more than just helpful for their recoveries. Russo and Ellsworth met in a speech therapy group in 2006 and fell in love almost instantly.
"I saw sparks," Russo said. "We locked eyes for a split second, and I thought, 'I'm going to marry her.' "
The two exchanged contact information, and emails turned into text messages, which turned into long phone calls lasting until the wee hours of the morning. They bonded over similar effects from their different injuries – food tasted weird and for some reason they couldn't stop counting things.
They learned each other's limits. And perhaps against their better judgment, Ellsworth decided to test herself in a swimming pool one night – she used to swim competitively – but the motion made her sick. Cleaning up her vomit, Russo proposed.
Russo and Ellsworth married in 2008. Russo, a third-generation cobbler, opened up his popular shop in fall 2010 and Ellsworth recently bumped up her working hours to full time.
They spend their evenings together quietly, walking their dogs and going on drives. Common activities they once enjoyed – like swimming for Ellsworth or bar hopping for Russo – are no more. They avoid crowds and excessive noise such as live concerts, blockbusters at the movie theater and busy restaurants.
But now these lifestyle changes feel normal.
"We've been doing it for so many years – it just seems like part of us," Ellsworth said. "We used to both go out and have a good time, but now we have to watch the brain."
Ellsworth is missing more than half of her cerebellum, the portion of the brain that controls movement and balance. Encephalitis took scattered spots of Russo's brain.
This brain damage is permanent, said Dr. Piero Verro, a UC Davis Health System neurology specialist.
"The brain doesn't regenerate itself," he said. "Once you kill the brain, it's dead."
Ellsworth and Russo both have trouble multitasking – too much going on and they get dizzy – and Russo experiences occasional memory problems. Ellsworth's balance and spatial perception are sometimes off.
There is no such thing as a full recovery, but their brains have adapted.
"The brain kind of rewires itself – we call it plasticity – where other parts of the brain function in ways they normally wouldn't," Verro said.
What made them so sick, anyway?
No one really knows. Verro affirmed that ages 20 and 27 are young for brain injuries and infections, especially such unusual ones. And Ellsworth and Russo tell nightmarish tales of their initial misdiagnoses.
With headaches, throat aches and low energy levels, Russo thought he had mononucleosis – "the kissing disease" – and was prescribed four rounds of amoxicillin. Then he got into a motorcycle accident – without a helmet.
"I woke up one day and didn't know who my mom was, what year it was, anything at all," Russo said.
For Ellsworth, doctors thought her months of headaches and vision loss might be linked to vasculitis. To test for the disease, a cerebral angiogram was necessary. The procedure had less than 1 percent chance of a stroke, but ultimately, Ellsworth fell into that 1 percent.
Her test came back negative for vasculitis, despite persisting symptoms. Years later, a different doctor made the correct diagnosis.
Ellsworth was often told she would never walk again. Russo's parents were told to prepare for their son's death.
"One doctor told me he didn't believe in miracles, but that there was no other excuse for me getting better," Russo said.
After her experience, Ellsworth feels she's become a better, more empathetic nurse. In the future, Ellsworth said, she would like to work with people who have suffered brain trauma.
"I don't even care about the little things I used to worry about," she said. "You always have to remain positive no matter what."
Call The Bee's Janelle Bitker, (916) 321-1027. Follow her in Twitter @JanelleBitker.


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Hi everyone.
I ride a Kona Blast hybrid thingamajig (I have been for the last three years). I ride a Raleigh 20 for fun. I've cycle-commuting for nearly ten years (even longer if you consider all of the years spent riding my bike to grade-school(s) and high-school and university. I started riding when I was five and have honestly yet to stop. I don't know what I'd do without my bike.
I'm interested in cycle-touring, especially now that I've got a little person to train on a bike... just can't wait until he can put his feet on the pedals.
I love old bikes and really tricked out bikes. My (current) cycling dream is to put on an extracycle and to maybe someday make a Dr. Suess style Zike-Bike.


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For you... by Arei-chanWatch
©2012-2016 Arei-chan
I drew a fanart... comic... heh. >////<
Tumblr: [link]
People don't like to reblog things from me. >_>
Do IIITTTT
Tumblr: [link]
People don't like to reblog things from me. >_>
Do IIITTTT
That is adorable! ^^
Poor John XD
sherlock in a nutshell...
well at least he was happy with his gift john. look on the bright side.
Made MY DAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Made MY DAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
>////< oh dear. Too kind. I shall give you some sort of human gesture that symbolizes my appreciation. XD
Dawww poor Jawn! His face in the first panel... SO ADORABLE. AGGHH. <3
Naww! x'D! Poor John<3! But this is really funny >w>'...Sherlock would sooo do that xD!
aw!~ Poor john!~
OMG! I love this!!! I love the second panel best an John's face. Oh god John's face is making me squeal I love it so much
Awww, poor John. Sherlock will never quite understand.
No. I guess not. Well not until John is very very forward about it.
Yeah, I suppose so.
hasynugfweyrhwey YES OMG. XDDDD
That's what you get for having the same writers for two awesome programmes
Yes. But I trust Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss with my fandom heart's life. I know they will always make both of my favorite shows perfect. Because they are them.
I have to agree with you on that one. There is only one other person I trust with my fandom heart.
Benedict Cumberbatch.
If he's in it, it will be awesome.
Benedict Cumberbatch.
If he's in it, it will be awesome.
Well at least Sherlock appreciates John picking the flower for him... Sort of...
oh so cruel!
I don't think he realized it was a gift/ you aren't suppose to dot hat. and, accidentally, John provided him with something that actually meant something to Sherlock. Which is better than a useless flower that will shrivel and die. But you know.
♥ I'm glad you like it >_<
♥ I'm glad you like it >_<
Awww so cuuute I love it
Hehehe This is so cute! <3


text:
TechFaith Schedules 4Q 2012 Financial Results Conference Call
BEIJING, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- China TechFaith Wireless Communication Technology Limited (NASDAQ: CNTF) ("TechFaith" or the "Company") today announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results for the fourth quarter 2012 and its business outlook.The dial-in number for the live audio call, which will begin on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time ( 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2013 in Beijing), is +1-617-213-8849 or +1-866-203-3436. The conference call passcode is 38061147. A live webcast of the conference call will also be available on TechFaith's website at www.techfaithwireless.com. A replay of the call will be available approximately 2 hours after the conclusion of the live call by telephone at +1-617-801-6888, with passcode 86477094. A webcast replay will also be available at www.techfaithwireless.com. About TechFaith TechFaith (NASDAQ: CNTF) has three primary businesses. The Company is a leading global mobile solutions provider for the global mobile handsets market (previously called the ODP (Original Developed Product) business)). The Company is a leading developer of specialized mobile phones for differentiated market segments, including the rapidly growing smartphone market targeting wireless mobile phone network operators and end users; the Company also serves sports enthusiasts with a tailored line under the Jungle brand and the teen market under licensed brands. Under the Company's 17FOX brand (previously "17VEE"), the Company has built a leading intellectual property based motion gaming business ranging from Bluetooth-enabled motion gaming controllers and software to a planned proprietary set-top motion game box. For more information, please visit www.techfaithwireless.com , www.17 fox.cn Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "outlook" and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and strategic and operational plans of TechFaith and management quotations contain forward-looking statements. TechFaith may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 20-F and 6-K, etc., in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about TechFaith's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those risks outlined in TechFaith's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. TechFaith does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
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text:
fiona on instagram
June 21, 2015
I've been posting on Instagram a lot lately. Thought I'd share my feed here…
I've been posting on Instagram a lot lately. Thought I'd share my feed here…
Easter is a great time to get a little creative with baking. This year's creations included a cake and a tart, based on the caramel filled easter eggs that are a long time favourite in our house.
The cake is a chocolate cake with a caramel mouse filling, covered with swiss meringue buttercream and chocolate ganache.
My Easter Egg tart has a caramel filling, covered with chocolate ganache and salted caramel swirls.
A few little tarts were made as well, with a little left over caramel mousse...
And lastly, a favourite baking treat I've been making for years, the Easter Egg cupcakes... pop a small solid chocolate egg into the batter of cupcakes, bake and you'll have a little chocolatey surprise inside. If you'd like to see more about these cupcakes, I wrote a post several years ago which you can read HERE.
Hope you have a happy Easter!
Thanks for visiting.
[Story 4 / 50 stories for 50 years]
This morning I stood on my front verandah and waved goodbye to Phoebe as she drove off to her LAST first day back to school.
Today's the day I have sort of been looking forward to, but also not.
We've had 16 first days in the family. Emily started Kindergarten at our local primary school back in 2001. Phoebe followed her three years later. There were some tears and some excitement (that was from me, not the girls) when they both started school. They seemed so grown up to be starting school... looking now at the kids starting kindergarten, they seem sooo tiny. And I remember thinking that 13 years of schooling for each of them was going to take FOREVER. But of course, it didn't take forever, it has actually flew by, and here we are in 'our' last school year.
Of course, being the dutiful mother, I have documented most of these very important first days back to school with the 'first day back to school' photos. And while there have been some years that Emily and Phoebe groaned when I've wanted to take a photo of them returning to school, I persisted. Not all photos have shown happy smiley kids returning to school. Some showed their true feelings of leaving their long summer holidays of freedom behind them!
But there were many photos where my girls obliged, smiling for the camera, either sitting on our front steps or standing in the garden. I have watched as school dresses have gotten shorter (or my girls have gotten taller), school hats floppier, hair styles have changed and braces have been put on the teeth and then taken off.
And then, of course, I sometimes think back to my own first day of school. Well, I can't remember anything of it, to be honest. But I do have a precious photo taken by my dad on the morning of my first day. It was 1971 and I was 4 1/2 years old, heading off to Burnside Public School in North Parramatta. Green was not a favourite colour and yet I wore it for six years!
I may not remember my first day of school, but here's a few random things that make me smile when I look at this photo:
And I'm so glad I persisted taking those photos of my girls. They may not remember that much from all their school days in years to come but the photos I've taken may just bring back some little fond memories, just as my dad's photo of me has done.
There is something about the first day back to school for the new year. It brings the idea of new beginnings, new learnings and more responsibilities within the school community. But this year it's also bringing in the end of an era in the Carter household. Our last year (or really, only 3 terms) of school has just begun!
Thanks for visiting.
[Story 3 / 50 stories for 50 years]
Lamingtons... a classic little Australian cake enjoyed all over the country! We seem to see more of these delicious little cakes around Australia Day these days, they've almost become a national dish for our day of celebration... along with Aussie lamb, of course!
My first exposure to making lamingtons was in the late 1970's. One of our neighbours, who was in her early 20's at the time, had entered into the old Queen of Hearts competition. Back then it was a fundraising competition for, I believe, the Heart Foundation. Young women who entered the competition raised money for the foundation, and who ever raised the most money was crowded the Queen of Hearts for that year.
Anyway, this neighbour organised a lamington drive as one of her fundraising activities. She sold lamingtons in the hundreds, and then gathered as many people from the neighbourhood to help her make the lamingtons to fulfil the orders. I was only about 13 or 14 years old at the time. I remember vividly walking into her house and seeing the sheer scale of the lamington production line in her kitchen and dining room. I sat round their dining room table dunking squares of cake into the giant vat of chocolate icing, then putting the chocolate dripping cake cubes into a huge tray of coconut. It was the next person in the production line's job to ensure the lamingtons were coconut coated perfectly.
When ever I make lamingtons, I think back to this evening. It was one evening a long time ago, one little memory... it was the first time I was exposed to 'cooking' on such a scale. I loved it, loved sitting round the table chatting to our neighbours, loved being busy and loved being part of the lamington production 'team'.
I've been making lamingtons this week.
I altered the usual formula of sponge cake with a runny chocolate icing. My lamingtons were made from a vanilla cake which was lightly flavoured with orange. I then soaked the slab cake with a fresh coconut milk panna cotta (inspired by Flour and Stone, who use a vanilla panna cotta with their delicious lamingtons). I then coated the cake squares in a dark chocolate ganache before coating them in the coconut.
I also decided to take the humble little lamington to another level this year by creating a lamington cake.
In between two layers of vanilla cake is a raspberry and white chocolate mousse. The cake was then coated with a milk chocolate ganache, coconut and dark chocolate ganache drips.
The origins of the lamington are a little uncertain, but it seems as through the chef of Lord Lamington (Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901) created these little cakes. There are a few stories, however, the story I favour is that they were created by accident. The chef dropped some sponge cake into chocolate and sprinkled coconut over them to try and make this 'disaster' more appealing.
One of the best disasters in history, in my opinion!
Thanks for visiting!
[Story 2 / 50 stories for 50 years]
Hello 2016!
It's going to be a year to celebrate this year. By the end of this year.... I'll be 50. Yes, 2016 is the year I turn the big 5-0!
This year is one year I've been anticipating for a while now, not only for the 5-0 thing happening, but by the end of this year our family dynamics will, once again, change. You see, this year my daughter will finish high school, I will no longer have a school-aged child. She will be 18, and my other gorgeous girl will be 21 and almost finished her university studies. Both girls are planning exciting things once they have finished their studies. For the last 15 years we've been involved in school-parent activities, and by the end of this year, that will have finished.
I've been reflecting about my blog for a few months now.... I started this blog over 10 years ago, back in June 2005. At the time I'd just returned from a holiday in the US. I was working as a Creative Editor for Scrapbooking Memories magazine and used my blog to chat about my crafts, scrapbooking, cooking and my family.
Over the few years that followed, I started my business, Ribbons Galore, life got busy. My girls got older, and there came a time when I didn't want to share so much about them on my blog. I needed to respect their privacy as they moved through high school. My blogging slowed...
Then five years ago I was involved in a car accident, and that really stopped me for a while! A driver who didn't stop at a stop sign hit me. She drove into the driver's side of my car. I had no broken bones, thankfully, but I was left to rebuild my aching body over the next few years. The headaches, neck aches and short term memory loss was painful. I functioned, just enough, to keep my business running, but even that was hard. During that time I vowed if I were ever to get better (as in not having throbbing headaches which lasted for days, for example), I would grab opportunities as they came by (and sometimes ever run after them), to try new things, learn new skills, go to new places.
So I've been thinking of a way to "celebrate" 2016, turning 50 and how life changes as different stages start and finish. I'm going to attempt to write 50 stories in my 50th year, here on my little old blog. There'll be stories about anything I feel like sharing... personal stories, tales of our travels, maybe even a recipe or two from my latest baking experiments. Earlier this month we returned from a lovely family holiday in San Francisco, I might start with a few stories from that wonderful city.
That's the plan, anyway...
Wish me luck!
Fiona x
Because I think a blog post should have a photo or two, here's a couple of photos of me with my gorgeous girls, at the start of my blogging days (June 2005) and now (December 2015).
[Story 1 / 50 stories for 50 years]
The house is quite, everyone's returned to school, uni and work today. I'm back to work too, I'll be packing Ribbons Galore orders today.
But just before I get back into work, just wanted to share a little story.
My gorgeous 17 year old, who had a lovely few days in Byron Bay with friends last week, went to the Three Blue Ducks for lunch and, knowing how I love a photo of good food, sent me a beautiful image of her lunch. It looked so delicious, it made me want to jump in the car and drive to Byron to have lunch!! (see below, pork, crackling, apple… I was dissecting the photo when she sent it through)
Continue reading "The Blue Ducks cookbook with a chocolate and beetroot brownie" »
The school holidays are almost finished which means back to school... back to making some snacks for the lunch/morning/afternoon teas. I've just realised that I have just over one year left of school lunches/snacks, with my baby getting towards the end of her high school days. I'm sure I'll still be making muffins long after our family's school days have finished, though!
Muffins are quick to make, easy to mix, and as long as you don't over mix the mixture, are delicious, moist, tasty and tender. You can pack them with different flavourings as well. A favourite in our house is the classic muffin flavour combination of raspberry and white chocolate. I've been trying to make a lot of new bakery goodies lately, and this is a newish muffin recipe which I've been experimenting with.
Continue reading "muffin monday : raspberry and white chocolate muffins" »
A couple of weeks back I returned to Cook Republic HQ for another workshop with Sneh Roy. This time it was a practical food styling and photography workshop directed by Sneh. (You can read about my first Cook Republic workshop HERE).
We started the morning constructing our own morning refreshment. We were presented with table of delicious fruits, nuts, granola and yoghurts that we styled and then photographed.
Sneh discussed several food styling methods and we were encouraged to style and photograph each one. Styling with only one prop was interesting…
Continue reading "100% hands on fun food photography & styling workshop with Sneh Roy " »
Last week I attended a food writing and food photography/styling workshop taught by two very talented ladies, Katrina Meynink and Sneh Roy.
Before we started workshopping, writing, styling and photographing we were treated to a delicious morning tea prepared by Sneh.
Katrina lead the food writing discussion, giving us insights into the different food writing styles. Sneh chatted about food styling, lighting and photography before giving us full access to her kitchen and props.
This lead to our first assignment…. styling a scene with the focus on tomatoes. I used both my DSLR and iPhone to take the photos.
Continue reading "food writing + food photography/styling workshop with Katrina Meynink and Sneh Roy" »
I've made a few crocheted granny square blankets over the last few months, which I'm now selling. I've listed them in the Quite Contrary Handmade store at Ribbons Galore, or you can contact me directly if you are interested.
Each blanket is made from beautifully soft cotton yarn, which is machine washable.
If you are interested in a blanket made with your choice of colours, please email me. I have a large selection of coloured yarn which can be used to create a custom designed blanket.
The first blanket I've made is my rainbow blanket.
This blanket is finished with a white edging.
Rainbow granny square blanket is approximately 71cm (28") square.
The next blanket is the peach and teal granny square blanket.
The peach and teal granny square blanket is approximately 70cm (27.5") square.
My third granny square is a blue, red and grey blanket.
This granny square blanket is approximately 72cm (28.5") square.
These blankets are a perfect size for babies and toddlers, or as a throw or lap rug.
Visit Quite Contrary at Ribbons Galore for more details.
Thanks for visiting...
Fiona x
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I look forward to hearing from you. Fiona
This is the deliciously refreshing smoothie I made this afternoon. I usually make a cup of tea in the afternoon when I'm finishing up my work for the day, but today I felt like some thing a bit cooler (maybe something to do with daylight saving?).
I've been making a lot of smoothies lately, I'm finding them very nourishing, so I thought I'd start sharing some photos of what I've been making and drinking.
Hope you're having a great day.
Fiona x


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I'm using Akka and Play Mini (which is just a REST layer on top of Netty). I'm using it from Java. The syntax is simple, covered in their readme on GitHub:
This is working fine, but means that all URLs will have to be only long paths. I found this thread that has some people claiming parameters are verboten and others saying they absolutely are not. I wish the play docs just stated their position, but alas. I am looking for the ability to support a url in the format of:
Maybe the regular Play docs address this. Will keep searching..


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The previous reviewer is incorrect, the packaging does state 'thermal' and i consider this to be lightweight thermal, what I was looking for. Just because it is wicking fabric does not mean it is not thermal. The fabric is described as polyester/spandex and that's exactly what it is, which is what I expected.
- Did the product fit true to size? yes
- How is the quality of the product? good
- Was the product free of any manufacturer defects? yes
This item is listed on Overstock as thermal but the packaging doesn't mention thermal at all. This item is a very thin wicking material. It is no way thermal. Not worth the money unless you need it for wicking.