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Feb. 1, 2012
What's Up:
No. 18 Arizona is set to head down south to Denton, Texas to take on Texas Women's. The meet is set to take place on Friday at 7:00p.m. central time. The meet will be streamed live the day of the competition, and a link will be available the morning of the meet.
Scouting the Opposition:
Last week, Texas Women's earned a season high total 192.925 to beat the previously undefeated squad from Central Michigan University. The team scored a season best 48.775 on bars thanks to senior Rashanda Cannie with a score of 9.800 and junior Bethany Larimer and sophomore Courtney Cochefski with twin scores of 9.775.
The team has a lot of freshman talent - with three freshmen acting as main contributors in the win. Kayla Jones had the top mark for the team on vault (9.775) and the second highest beam score (9.750), Spencer Jones was the highest floor score for the team with a 9.800 and posted a beam score of 9.70, while Stephanie Repp had the second highest floor score with a 9.700, and took the beam title with a 9.775.
Last Week:
Arizona traveled to Tempe for an unfortunate loss to the devils 195.875-194.350.
The Wildcats started off counting a fall on bars, only posting a team total of 48.075 on the event.
The Cats kicked up the intensity on vault, however, and posted a season high vault total of 49.175.
The momentum continued on floor, with the team earning a combined score of 48.900.
In the final rotation (beam) Arizona had some difficulties, counting yet another fall to total a 48.200.
Event Titles and Career Highs and Debuts, Oh My!
Despite the overall loss, Arizona had a number of highlight performances in Tempe in the form of event titles, new career highs, and debut routines.
The Wildcat gymnastics team swept the podium by the end of the night taking first in every event except for all-around.
Vault went to junior Aubree Cristello, who tied her career high 9.875. Sophomore Jordan Williams tied for second with a new career high 9.850, and senior Rebecca Cardenas posted a new career high 9.825 to take third place.
Seniors Katie Matusik and Cardenas tied for first place on bars with a score of 9.825 (a tied career high score for Cardenas). Senior Deanna Graham tied for second on the event with a score of 9.800.
Matusik earned her second event title of the night on beam, with a stuck landing and score of 9.875.
Cristello shone on the floor, earning a new career high and joining the near-perfection club with a 9.925. This score marked the fourth score of 9.90 or better for the Wildcats this season (Graham 9.925 on vault and 9.925 on floor (1/20), Matusik 9.90 on beam (1/6).)
Another highlight was the debut of Kristin Klarenbach on floor. The freshman was put in the lineup minutes before the event, and posted a 9.800 - the second highest score for the Wildcats that night.
5 first place finishes (including tie)
2 second place finishes
1 third place finish
3 new career high scores
2 tied career high scores
1 debut
Out for the Count:
On the third rotation of the night (floor) senior Deanna Graham went down after her first pass - a double Arabian. She could not finish the routine, and had to walk off the floor. Whether or not Graham will be able to finish the season or compete again is currently questionable, pending information on a knee injury. Graham will not be competing in Friday's meet against Texas Women's.
2011 Review:
The Wildcats completed the 2011 season with an overall record of 13-12 and were able to make their 25th consecutive NCAA post-season appearance. Finishing fifth at the Pac-10 Championships and the NCAA Regional Championships, Arizona rounded out the season ranked No. 20 in the nation.
Major contributors included then RS senior Miranda Russell, and then-juniors Deanna Graham and Katie Matusik.
Russell, who had spent her RS junior season competing only on bars, returned to vault and floor in 2011, making a huge impact on the team totals with high scores of 9.875 on vault, two scores 9.90 on bars, and a career high 9.925 on floor. Russell also took fifth place on vault at the Pac-10 Championships, and sixth place on both bars and floor at the NCAA Regional Championships.
Graham was one of the team's top all-around athletes, posting a season high AA score of 39.100 at the Pac-10 Championships. Graham also tallied high scores of 9.925 on vault, 9.850 on bars, 9.90 on beam, and 9.90 on floor. Her performance throughout the season earned conference recognition as she was named to the first-team All-Pac-10 All-Around.
Matusik had a break out junior season as well, taking the title of "beam queen" for the season. Matusik earned three scores of 9.90 or better on the event, with a career high 9.925 at BYU (2/26). She also earned second place on beam at the NCAA Regional Championships with a score of 9.875, and was named to the first-team All-Pac-10 Beam Team. Lastly, Matusik was one of two conference athletes to be honored with the Pac-10 Sportsmanship Award for 2011.
A number of Wildcats were recognized by the conference throughout the season, including Matusik (Special Performance of the Week Feb. 21 - 27), Graham (Gymnast of the Week Feb. 7 - 13, and Mar. 7-13), then junior Aubree Cristello (Gymnast of the Week Jan. 31-Feb.6, and first-team All-Pac-10 All-Around), and Russell (Special Performance of the Week Jan. 24-30).
Look Out for New GymCats:
Arizona added a number of new faces this season, including Danielle Buchanan out of Lancaster, Calif., Allison Flores hailing from Addison, Ill., Edmonton, Alberta native Kristin Klarenbach, and Amber Wobma from Rockford, Mich.
Questions for Coach:
Each week, head gymnastics coach Bill Ryden sits down to talk with us to analyze the previous week's meet. This Coach's Show is available for free via the All-Access tab on the website.
This season Ryden is entertaining questions from the public. If you have any questions you would like to ask Coach Ryden - from the type of grips the girl's like to use to different coaching decisions - e-mail them to the gymnastics SID Valery Meusburger at firstname.lastname@example.com. Then, watch for your questions in the weekly Coach's Show!
Pre-season Rankings:
The Arizona gymnastics team headed into the season ranked No. 19 in the 2012 Women's Pre-Season Coaches poll. The Wildcats were one of six Pac-12 schools to place within the top 25 in the prelim poll, with UCLA ranked No. 1, Utah ranked No. 5, Oregon State at No. 7, Stanford at No. 8, and Washington falling in at No. 16.
Ryden's Record:
After the competition with ASU, head coach Bill Ryden bolsters a career record of 178-177-3.
What's Coming Up:
The Cats come back home to host the annual "Flipping for the Fight" breast cancer awareness meet. The meet will also feature a tribute to Mary Roby - a huge contributor to the gymnastics program, as well as athletics across the University. The meet is scheduled to take place Friday, February 10 at 7p.m. The meet will also be the second of two duel meets against ASU.


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Alright, it's official. I would like to unveil the 99% complete (and always tweaking) new blog, no longer hosted by blogger.
Please visit betterinrealife.com for your continued reading pleasure.
Thank you for your awesome support! I hope the new site lives up to expectation.
I'm Still Here
2 years ago

subset: commoncrawl


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Course Designation Process
The Service-Learning Course Designation
- Ensures that the service and learning components of a course meet the recognized best practices outlined in the S-L Course Criteria.
- Ensures courses utilizing S-L are supporting the Mission of NU and applicable areas of the Academic Plan.
- Provides a mechanism for tracking students' participation and certifies the completion of the experiential component of the General Education Curriculum.
The Process for Designation
- Submit syllabus and S-L related course material with necessary criteria incorporated into the document(s), to the Service-Learning Coordinator at email@example.com or 212 CP four weeks before registration begins for desired semester. The timeline will allow for approval of the request for designation and notation to be included in the course catalog.
Faculty new to utilizing S-L can start by contacting the S-L Coordinator for the S-L Course Development Form and to schedule a meeting to discuss best practices of incorporating S-L into the course and syllabus.
Course designation can be approved after the start of a semester; however, designation may not appear in the course catalog for the semester in question.
Approval for S-L designation will be granted
- for the specific course section of the faculty member submitting for designation. (If S-L is required for all sections of a course, but taught by different faculty, then each faculty member should submit his/her own syllabus and related material. This is unless the group of faculty are working from the same syllabus and related material with recognized criteria incorporated into their respective section.)
- only to courses for which S-L is required of all students.
Once a course receives S-L designation
- the course will appear with an "Experiential Learning" designation in the course catalog because S-L is counted as a form of Experiential Learning.
- the course does not need to seek approval each semester thereafter as long as the syllabus does not reflect significant changes in how S-L will be utilized or required in the course.
- If possible, the faculty member should also revise the course description to state that S-L is the form of experiential learning being utilized in the course.
Service-Learning Course Criteria
- Northeastern University employs a definition of service-learning and 'best practices' universally accepted by practitioners.
- Service-Learning (S-L) is an academically rigorous educational experience in which students, 1) participate in organized service activities/project(s) that meet needs identified by the community, and
2) reflect on the service activities/project(s) in such a way as to gain further understanding of course/program content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.
Adapted by Northeastern University's Service-Learning Advisory Board (2006), from Robert Bringle and Julie Hatcher, A Service Learning Curriculum for Faculty . The Michigan Journal of Community Service-Learning, Fall 1995, pp.112-122.
To that end, the following criteria must be present in a service-learning course at Northeastern:
Preparation and Orientation Component
Community Partnership and Service Component
|Reflection Component
|Assessment & Evaluation Component


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Comics Time: Giraffes in My Hair: A Rock 'n' Roll Life
Giraffes in My Hair: A Rock 'n' Roll Life
Bruce Paley, writer
Carol Swain, artist
Fantagraphics, 2009
136 pages, hardcover
Buy it from Fantagraphics
Buy it from Amazon.com
Pencil is not an easy medium to publish in for a cartoonist--just ask the superhero artists whose work looks like the proverbial cake left out in the rain when "digitally inked" or colored right off the original pencils. But Carol Swain makes it look easy, and I think it's because she's figured out a way to spot blacks with a pencil. Those sooty shadows and clouds and night skies and manes of wild hair suffuse her work in Giraffes in My Hair with a sort of negative-image glow, popping her foregrounded figures off the page with a barely-there white aura. Couple it with her ever-shifting angles and it's a damned effective way to create a sense of space and depth, reminiscent of similarly adroit strategies by Jeffrey Brown and Ben Katchor. If Swain's jarring close-ups make her panels less immersive than theirs, her porous gray shadings make up for it with atmosphere--an inviting softness, tinged with just enough smokiness to remind us that what's going on here isn't entirely pleasant. The overall effect works so well that I really had to stop myself and peer at her pages to figure out what made them tick. I was too busy being propelled along by the effortlessness of the art.
So Giraffes, a collection of anecdotes from Bruce Paley's teens and twenties on America's countercultural fringe, is a breezy read. But it's one rooted in an almost unchanging nine-panel grid with sparse, nearly monotone narration. At times this allows the comics to tip over into bluntness, particularly with the ending to some of the stories: The tale of how Paley avoided Vietnam ends with a shot of the Wall; a story of New York City's '70s heroin scene ends with Death itself offering us a bag of smack. But in general, the art and the writing are a perfect fit. Swain's art rarely calls attention to or gets in the way of itself, and in that it meshes seamlessly with Paley's deadpan "here's what happened" narrative style, his reluctance to overstate or oversell the import of the anecdote reminiscent of Harvey Pekar's. (Of course, Pekar's work rises and falls on the strength of his collaborators--Paley's got Swain, so there's not much falling to do here.)
Yet at the same time the presence of that subtitle indicates a unifying theme, which makes Paley's storytelling choices all the more interesting. The first story shows an 18-year-old Paley ditching college and leaving home to hitchhike cross-country with his girlfriend, but the home life that led him to drop everything and drop out is relegated to a quick line of dialogue and about half a page upon his return from the journey. As hippies give way to punks we suddenly discover that Paley's a habitual heroin user, but we never see his introduction to the drug. A story about an ill-fated attempt to import drugs from overseas sees Paley casually mention time spent in Tangiers, but up until that point his adventures had been strictly domestic. In some graphic memoirs these lacunae would be maddening; here's they're sort of the point.
Paley's not claiming anything spectacular about the life he lived or the stories he plucked from it. The way he tells it and Swain draws it, living on the edge feels like an interchangeable commodity with Pekar's life as a civil servant. An interesting conversation with the janitor may be replaced by doing speedballs with Johnny Thunders, but the game's the same: get by, find a little happiness when you can, and cling to the stories that comprise your life, the recounting of which has a value all its own.


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My daughter is 14 and is cutting herself and we asked why. She said she has a problem fitting in and this is her way of doing so. I need help!
I've never had this issue. My daughter is very outgoing and smart. I think it might be she does not know how to communicate with kids her age. She seems to get along with younger kids and older adults. She does have a few friends her age and I might be wrong on all of this. My temper is very high right now and I have not spoken to her about it. I need help to give the right lecture. I'm at a loss. She means the world to me.In Topics: Cutting
> 60 days ago
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April 2013 – SFX Independence
It's been a while since we put one of these together…what's going on in the world of independent sfx right now? Some people appear to have been on the same wavelength. ;)
Sonic Salute
Read More
All tension creaking, and breaking sounds in this library, were recorded inside a dense pine tree forest in Sweden. Particular for this hidden gem of a location is, that the distance to the nearest bigger road is apx. 10 Km, and further more, the location being surrounded by tall pine trees, makes the chance of any wind very low.
At night, all you can hear is the pulsing rush of blood beating in your own ears. Its so silent, its almost scary.
SPECIAL 48 HOURS DEAL!!! Purchasing the ICE Tension-Creaking-Breaking sfx library before Friday the 5. April 23:59:59 CET, will activate a coupon code to get the Footsteps Snow sfx library for FREE!!! (Already got this library? Don't worry. Please get in touch, and we will work out another free library deal).


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New And Noteworthy...
The Government of Fiji today became the 158th country to ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Fiji's Instrument of Ratification of the Convention was deposited at the Treaty Section of the United Nations in New York today by Fiji's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Peter Thomson.
Hon. J. V. Bainimarama, CF(Mil), OSt.J, MSD, jssc, psc
Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for ITaukei Affairs & Sugar
Bula vinaka my fellow Fijians.
Tropical Cyclone Winston has moved far to the west of our shores and is a lot weaker than it was when it hit Fiji. However, we are still experiencing heavy rain throughout our islands, and should remain on high alert for flooding in low-lying areas.
New York City


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Growing up as a child with extreme asthma, I spent my initial herbal learning years trying to understand the whats and whys of this condition. Was it stress, weak immune system, our animals, what? I grew up in a non smoking home with a health freak mother and an environment that was cleaner than any hospital. So why was I having such a hard time. Ultimately, I believe it was stress induced asthma, and I had to find a way to control it.
So, being dependent on an inhaler for what seemed most of my childhood, and despising that I felt 'addicted' to this silly breathing apparatus, I searched for alternatives. I first turned to eucalyptus essential oil to ease my breathing troubles. I found that by simply inhaling straight from the bottle, my whole body relaxed. This was simply amazing to me. I mean really...it really was amazing. I had control for the first time, not my inhaler. So now that I could relax enough to catch my breath, I thought, maybe I needed to strengthen my lungs and immune system. I was on the hunt for herbs and oils that were going to help me breath. I so wanted to just breath. Sounds silly to those who have never suffered an asthma attack, but for those who have, not being able to breath is hell.
I spent my time learning about asthma and what triggers it. Asthma can caused by all sorts of things such as allergens from foods, food additives, pollen, mold, dust, mites, and pet dander, smoke, air pollution and toxins, colds, flu, or pneumonia, strenuous exercise, weather; such as extreme changes in temperature, drugs, and even emotional stress and anxiety. There is also often a strong link between seasonal allergies and bronchial asthma. Those with other respiratory disorders such as chronic sinusitis, middle ear infections, and nasal polyps were also likely to have nighttime awakening due to asthma.
That was me, I had numerous ear infections and tubes put in my ears three times. I grew up in the city with all kinds of little pets and I'm sure there was pollen in the air and what not, but I really believe it was emotional stress, as stress is the one things I have manage to eradicate from my life. I strive to live simple, silly, happy and stress free... period. But the good news is, that I have over come my daily asthma and when I do have trouble breathing (usually after weed eating/heavy yard work, or sometimes during outdoor activities in the cold or snow) I am now better equipped to control it.
Below are some herbs and essential oils I have found over the years to be very useful between and during an asthma attack. Learn about them, they may be helpful for you.
There are herbs that will reduce attacks by strengthening the lungs and the immune systems as well as calming and relaxing.
Angelica - possess anti-inflammatory properties and increases immune system function; which is why the root is often used in treating allergies as well.
Anise - often an ingredient in cough syrups and lozenges as an expectorant, which means it helps in the coughing up of mucus in conditions like asthma, bronchitis, the common cold and whooping cough.
Coltsfoot - since the principal active ingredient in the plant is a throat-soothing mucilage, it has been used medicinally as a cough suppressant and remedy for asthma and bronchial congestion.
Elecampane - long valued as a tonic herb for the respiratory system. It is often used as a specific remedy for chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Elecampane soothes the bronchial tube linings and acts as an expectorant.
Horehound - anti-inflammatory and is often used to treat respiratory aliments such as asthma, bronchitis and whooping cough.
Licorice - has been used traditionally to restore breathing and calm the breathing passageways.
Lobelia - is a bronchodilator and antispasmodic which explains its popularity as a medicinal herb for asthma, spasmodic croup, pneumonia and whooping cough. It is thought to stimulate the respiratory center of the brain resulting in deeper and stronger breathing.
Marshmallow - a powerful anti-inflammatory
and anti-irritant. The
soothing and healing properties that are found in the mucilage in
marshmallow make it a valuable herb for many lung ailments such as asthma.
Mullein - contains antiseptic agents and is mostly used today for chest ailments including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy and whooping cough.
Passionflower - decreases the severity of lung spasms but also reduce
anxiety, thus lessening the chance of an attack.
Skullcap - due to its anti-spasmodic and sedative effects, it is also great for treating throat infections and incessant coughing.
Slipper Elm - has anti-inflammation and anti-irritant properties and is often recommended for lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, pleurisy, or lung bleeding.
Turmeric - powerful anti-inflammatory and it is believed to reduce inflammation. Shows a similar efficacy to cortisone.Wild Cherry - is an expectorant, antispasmodic, and antitussive. These properties indicate its usefulness as a preparation for bronchitis or whooping cough and can be helpful in coughs that accompany pneumonia. It is also helpful in coughs with influenza, where there is associated shortness of breath and or wheezing.
Aromatherapy Remedies
Aromatherapy can also be very beneficial in controlling asthma as a number of essential oils have healing properties that reduce inflammation, encourage emotional balance, ease pain, discomfort and the struggle to breathe, and cause bronchodilation.
**Always check with a trained aromatherapist when choosing the appropriate essential oils for treatment of asthma.
Bergamot - anti-inflammatory and is reputed to strengthen the immune system and combat tension and anxiety.
Chamomile- anti-inflammatory and some studies have shown chamomile to slow allergic reactions, such as those that trigger
asthma attacks.
Clary Sage - sedative and anti-inflammatory properties contains several estrogen-like oils that, when blended together, work for this condition. Blend these oils together for a massage oil or add them to bath water.
Eucalyptus - reduces swelling in the mucus membranes. A valuable oil for fighting respiratory inflammation.
Lavender - is relaxing, calming, anti-inflammatory and a gentle antispasmodic that soothes and comfort distress. Facial steams help open airways and the lavender can quickly relax lung spasms.
Pine Needle - in the bath or in steam inhalation or in a diffuser, will help reduce the incidence of attacks.
Rose Absolute - is an antispasmodic oil and can be used in steam inhalation to calm attacks due to stress.
As always, please email any questions to
Follow me on Twitter - MorganBotanical
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Jessica Morgan, M. H., Morgan Botanicals.
Disclaimer - The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information in this article for self-diagnosis or to replace any prescriptive medication. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem, suffer from allergies, are pregnant or nursing.
Jessica Morgan, M.H.


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When deciding on where to go to watch the World Cup with fans of Brazil, there was really only one destination that I had in mind. Of course that would be Little Brazil on 46th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. This one street is home to a number of Brazilian restaurants and businesses and is always packed whenever the Brazilian national team is playing.
Brazil was taking on Cameroon in the third match of the group stages. As I made my way down 46th Street almost every restaurant had a sign up inviting people to come and watch the World Cup. It seemed as if a lot of people took the afternoon off as most of the restaurants were already at capacity and there seemed to be people coming from every corner wearing the yellow Brazil shirt. I headed in to a restaurant that was still letting people in called Chips and Salsa.
Once inside I noticed that all the waitresses and waiters were wearing either Mexico or Colombia jerseys. It turns out that Chips and Salsa was a Mexican and Colombian Restaurant. Regardless of this, the restaurant went with the flow and was showing the Brazil game on a big screen and all of the TV's downstairs.
The other match in group A was Mexico versus Croatia. With the third group games being played simultaneously, the Mexico match was being shown upstairs.
It was obvious that soccer was a regular feature of the restaurant as the walls were adorned with posters of various players including Lionel Messi, Enner Valencia, Cristiano Ronaldo and Javier Hernandez.
It didn't take long for the Brazil fans to get in to the match. When Neymar scored the opening goal in the 17th minute, the room went nuts.
Meanwhile, upstairs the Mexico fans were tense as they were battling Croatia for the chance to move on to the knockout rounds.
At halftime Brazil led 2-1 and the other match was scoreless.
Derek Isaac and Sam Hylton were sitting at the bar rooting for Brazil. They told me that they both live in the city, but thought it would be fun to watch the match along Little Brazil. Like me, they found most of the restaurants full and were shocked to find that the place across the street actually had the nerve to charge $50 just to get inside to watch the match.
One the second half began, Brazil dominated Cameroon and went on to a rather easy 4-1 victory.
Upstairs, however, the mood was tense as the game remained goalless. Finally in the 72nd minute, Mexico broke the deadlock when Rafael Marquez scored. Three minutes later Andres Guardado made it two for Mexico and the celebrations began. Adding to the joyful mood was the reaction of Mexico manager Miguel Herrera each time his team scored. Despite the heat and humidity in Recife and the fact that he was wearing a suit and tie, Herrera jumped around like a mad man. The final score was 3-1 to Mexico.
After both matches finished the street was packed with a lot of happy folks wearing Brazil jerseys and a couple of guys selling bootleg Brazil World Cup t-shirts out of the trunks of their cars.


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34 painful hits in 31 seconds
This clip from America's Funniest Home Videos shows you 34 nut-shots in 31 seconds... Don't blink your eyes...
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3. Comment rated too low. Show this comment happyidiot01 8 years ago
the video wuz 36 seconds
8. distortedsun 7 years ago
It`s like a hell of a pain out there
9. Hellion1982 6 years ago
That Priest who went -:Urk:- is my favourite. His Choir Boys will be safe now.


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Aug 15, 2012 10:15 AM
Going back to college means a lot of things. Pulling off the greatest beginning-of-the-year house party, signing up for those required classes, purchasing the required new wardrobe, and the task of buying oh-so-expensive new textbooks. Adding insult to injury, you know that trying to sell... [More]
Aug 8, 2012 9:01 AM
So where was this Tulle-Around Backpack ($60) when we were going back-to-school shopping in 1993? Our preteen selves would've rocked the heck out of those ruffles. Although, to be fair, our mothers would've known better than to buy a backpack that was so expensive and... [More]
Aug 2, 2012 11:15 AM
Lauren Conrad's new project, XO(eco), is a collaboration with BlueAvocado to create items both environment- and fashion-friendly. Reduce your carbon footprint by opting to carry your workday lunch in the XO(eco) Lunch Kit with Lunch Case ($29, pre-order). The darling bird design extends from the... [More]
Aug 1, 2012 9:20 AM
Even evil geniuses should sketch out their plans in pencil before solidifying them in pen. Pick up a pack of Evil Genius Pencils ($4) by The Carbon Crusader and still have plenty of funding left over for your freeze ray. What's a Cheap Thrill? Just... [More]
Aug 1, 2012 9:15 AM
The Crock-Pot Lunch Crock ($20) makes us so very happy! We've got nothing against the breakroom microwave, per se, but warming our food slowly and safely on our desks yields much more flavorful lunches. Our pasta leftovers don't congeal and separate, soups warm thoroughly, and... [More]
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Jul 21, 2012 9:05 AM
We're sure you've got your scheduling down pat, but if you're anything like us, a big, in-your-face, hard-to-miss reminder is sometimes absolutely necessary for date nights, dentists' appointments, and Dad's birthday. We've got a Chalk Calendar Wall Decal ($40, on sale) from PBTeen hanging in... [More]
Jul 13, 2012 8:06 AM
Is school starting soon? It's only been a week and we're already over summer vacation. Bring on new school wardrobes, fresh pencils, and spiral-bound notebooks! And especially bring on The Dot Print Backpack in Blue ($52). JanSport, we love you, but it's time to have... [More]
Jul 9, 2012 8:50 AM
Pack up your summer melon gazpacho in one of these darling Albertus Thermal Flasks ($25). They make us want to head outside on our lunch break and picnic under a tree. We may only have an hour before it's back to the grind, but we're... [More]
Jun 11, 2012 9:00 AM
If you had told us in high school (or even college) that we'd miss carrying around a backpack filled with a funky assortment of pens and notepads, we would have thought you were nuts. Yet here we are five years later, wishing we had a... [More]
Jun 9, 2012 9:04 AM
Sign us up for summer school, please! We don't think we can wait until fall to get our hands on this Anschtecka Backpack ($300)! We want to fill it with textbooks and spend our days curled up in the library reading postmodern American literature. Possibly... [More]
Apr 25, 2012 8:35 AM
Alicia Silverstone may have starred as Cher Horowitz, but there's nothing "clueless" about The Kind Diet ($12). From delicious recipes, to important information on why a plant-based diet is the key to being kind to ourselves, animals, and the environment, this book is a must-read... [More]
Mar 29, 2012 8:00 AM
This daringly green "pen" hides a secret: remove the cap, and with a flick of your ninja wrist, the Kum PenPass ($15) reveals itself to be not a pen at all, but a compass. It's a dream come true for the .0005% of the population... [More]
Mar 5, 2012 11:00 AM
We don't know about you, but we've got plenty of teacher friends who would get a big kick out of the You Shall Not Pass Self-Inking Stamp ($10). We suppose this would have to be a novelty gift, but we'd definitely hand it over with... [More]
Nov 15, 2011 9:45 AM
After that gazpacho incident this past summer, our lunch bags haven't been the same (Gazpacho: yums to eat...not so much to still be smelling in the crevices of your bag 3 months later...). We've been lazily looking for a new one and think we've settled... [More]
Oct 13, 2011 11:05 AM
You protect yourself with a raincoat, sunscreen, condoms, etc. Your protect your cat by keeping him inside. You protect your good jewelry by hiding it in your secret place at the bottom of your dirty laundry hamper. You protect everything that's worth anything to you... [More]
Sep 14, 2011 11:50 AM
Is the best part of a new school year not a fresh batch of school supplies? (Some of you may believe it's back to school clothes shopping, but those of us editors who spent our years in uniforms wholeheartedly disagree.) Get a little something extra... [More]
Sep 14, 2011 10:35 AM
Calling all college-attending Outblush readers! We dunno about you, but we used to go through MANY packages of highlighters each semester - we were a bit OCD about highlighting "important" bits of text. And more than once, we opened our backpacks to find that our... [More]
Sep 4, 2011 9:40 AM
We don't know about you, but when we were kids, we had about a million pairs of lace-trim leggings. Okay, not literally a million, but several. We wore them with baby doll shirts and scrunch socks. Old Navy is bringing them back this school season... [More]
Sep 4, 2011 9:35 AM
Okay, so one of these awesome PlanetBox Kits ($35-60) can be a little on the pricey side, but hear us out. First, it's stainless steel so it's not going to rust or leak or get beat up when junior bangs it against every seat on... [More]
Sep 2, 2011 8:20 AM
Get benta, de la Renta. The real Oscar is in town. The mere fact that they're calling this Oscar the Grouch Tin Tote ($9) a "tin tote" and not a lunchbox means that you are totally, completely, free and clear to get yourself one, even... [More]
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Baby Cakes Artisan Bakery
The Aroma. The Flavors. Just the way you remember them.
Baby Cakes offers an extraordinary patisserie experience bringing European confections to life through an impressive assortment of freshly made pastries, cakes, cannolis and much more. Baby Cakes also offers a variety of coffees and splendid homemade gelatos and artisan breads, as well as specialty breads and cakes for any occasion. The delightful scent from these delicious creations will draw you into this comfortably designed patisserie.
For a quick bite, choose from a variety of salads and sandwiches.
Follow your Nose!
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Hours of Operation:
- Everyday 24 Hours


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College Hockey:Offense From Defense
During a given week, there was a direct correlation between the number of friends the Shattenkirk brothers invited to their home in New Rochelle, N.Y., and the amount of money Barbara and Patrick Shattenkirk had to spend on window glass.
"We used to play mini-hockey in the basement," said Kevin Shattenkirk, a sophomore defenseman at Boston University who learned the game from his older brothers Eric and Keith. "I always played against an older brother or one of their friends and it helped me out tremendously.
"But we took out a couple of windows here and there with some pucks."
Chances are "couple" is an understatement.
In retrospect, that might have been money well spent considering what Kevin Shattenkirk has accomplished in his time on this planet.
For example:
In his first season (2005-06) with the U.S. National Development Program, he posted 13-20-33 totals in 53 games for the U-17 Team — which earned a silver medal at the Under-17 Hockey Challenge (he accounted for four goals and three assists in seven games).
The following season he led all NTDP defensemen in goals (12), assists (22) and points (34) and was named the captain for the U-18 Team that won a silver medal at the IIHF U-18 World Championships.
At the end of the World Championships, he was voted the Best Defenseman and was named to the All-Tournament Team.
After recording 4-17-21 totals last season for the Terriers, he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
As his stats might indicate, Shattenkirk is an offensive defenseman.
"I think that would be a good classification, my being an offensive defenseman," Shattenkirk said in response to a question. "I try to jump into the rush as the second wave of attack with the forwards.
"That one area has been my strength. It's one area that's helped me play at this level."
Which he has done very well so far, although he admits learning when to jump into a rush and when to play back is a constant process.
"That aspect of the game is a trial-and-error kind of thing," said Shattenkirk. "There are times when I recall getting caught up in the play and the puck wound up in the net.
"A lot of it is experience. You must be in position where if the play does go the other way you can recover. Being an aggressive player, you must think a couple of steps ahead."
Shattenkirk credits associate head coach and BU alum David Quinn with helping him make a successful transition to Division I hockey.
"Coach Quinn definitely has been a major help for me," said Shattenkirk. "His knowledge of the defensive side of the game is better than any coach I've had.
"He's taught me a lot of little things that you need to play at this level and the next level. That's one of the things that drew me to BU."
And why BU beat out the likes of Boston College, Michigan, Harvard and Colorado College for his services.
While Shattenkirk, who checks in at 5-feet-11 and 200 pounds, might not have the build of a classic defenseman, the fact he participates in a strenuous offseason workout program plus the semi-recent rule changes make him a player to be reckoned with on the ice.
"I always focus on trying to getting stronger off the ice, especially during a summer workout program that I follow, but I'll always be one of the smaller guys," said Shattenkirk, who was selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. "But as a defenseman, it's nice now with the rule changes to see guys my size playing defense.
"You have to be a lot smarter than somebody who just goes in and knocks another guy off the puck. Granted, you always want to get stronger but you must know there are some brains that go into playing defense, as well."
Shattenkirk also learned that something else goes into playing hockey, regardless of position — that elusive quality called respect.
In a sense, it hit him over the head like a brick when his U-18 teammates voted him captain.
"It's a tremendous honor to have the 'C' on your jersey," said Shattenkirk. "And it's a great feeling to know that your teammates have that kind of trust in you."
The lessons he learned that season while wearing the "C" carried over into his freshman year at BU.
"Coming in as a freshman and being on the low end of the food chain, you want to find your niche and make sure you're not stepping on anyone's toes," he said. "The kind of approach I took was to earn the respect of my teammates and not scream at my teammates. That loses respect for you and they won't listen.
"It definitely helps having that respect with your teammates and knowing when to speak up. Having that respect is the most important part of leading a team."
Good point.
The following is a self-policing forum for discussing views on this story. Comments that are derogatory, make personal attacks, are abusive, or contain profanity or racism will be removed at our discretion. USCHO.com is not responsible for comments posted by users. Please report any inappropriate or offensive comments by clicking the "Flag" link next to that comment in order to alert the moderator.
Please also keep "woofing," taunting, and otherwise unsportsmanlike behavior to a minimum. Your posts will more than likely be deleted, and worse yet, you reflect badly on yourself, your favorite team and your conference.


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celebrity life
Sophie Monk becomes the first Australian celebrity to have an alleged cyber stalker charged with harassment
- From: The Sunday Telegraph
- December 28, 2013
SINGER and actor Sophie Monk has become the first Australian celebrity to have an alleged cyber stalker charged with harassing her on social media.
James McCabe allegedly bombarded the 34-year-old new face of 2 Day FM with up to 150 sexually explicit and threatening posts on Twitter daily.
@JoelMadden wat do u do bro wen u get charged wiv stalking sophie monk. Know wat? Ask if the good in gc lifeover plows cold terror into love— scantfukwiv (@slitz52) December 19, 2013
But noo too late soph fucn opted for dont like my ways ur finished cops tonnes of em raided me charged me.only help better run wiv it!tysofi— scantfukwiv (@slitz52) December 19, 2013
McCabe allegedly used his Twitter account to produce streams of sometimes indecipherable rants over a five-year period in which he said he pursued Satan and told the actor and one-time singer to "pray pray pray".


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No. 10 Stanford (11-1, 3-1 Pac-12)
No. 4 Utah (7-0, 4-0 Pac-12)
Monday, Feb. 17 – 2 p.m. (PT)
Maples Pavilion – Stanford, Calif.
TV – Pac-12 Network
STANFORD, Calif. – No. 10 Stanford will play host to No. 4 Utah for the first time since 1998, when the Cardinal takes on the Utes in a Presidents' Day dual meet Monday, Feb. 17 in Maples Pavilion at 2 p.m. PT.
Stanford (11-1, 3-1 Pac-12) is coming off its second-highest team performance, posting a 196.825 to defeat Washington last Saturday in Seattle. The Cardinal recorded its second-highest scores of the season on bars (49.275) and beam (49.300), and had gymnasts finish first in each event.
Utah (7-0, 4-0 Pac-12) is off its best start since 2008, winning each of its first seven competitions. The Utes defeated Arizona last weekend, 197.825-194.425. The 197.825 Utah scored was the third-best in the nation this year and the program's 10th-highest all-time.
Follow the Action
• The competition will be televised on the Pac-12 Network and live stats will be available via gostanford.com. Fans can follow along on Twitter @StanfordWGym and #gostanford.
Stanford Stunning in Seattle
• Stanford outscored Washington (2-4, 0-3 Pac-12) in three of four events and Stanford gymnasts recorded individual victories in each event.
• Kristina Vaculik continued to be a rock for Stanford in multiple events and put together an outstanding all-around performance to earn a collegiate-best 39.600. Vaculik finished first in the all-around, bars (9.925), beam (9.925) and floor (9.900). Her score on beam set a collegiate best and her score on bars tied a collegiate high.
• Vaculik has scored a 9.800 or higher in 19 of 21 events this season and accumulated nine scores of 9.900 or higher in the past four meets.
• Nicolette McNair claimed her third consecutive victory on vault with a 9.900. The freshman has been a force in her debut season and has scored 9.850 or higher on vault, bars and beam over the past two meets – including three scores of 9.900 or higher.
• Amanda Spinner scored 9.900 on beam to finish second at Washington. She has scored 9.850 or higher in all six meets this season, highlighted by a collegiate-best 9.975 at UC Davis (Jan. 26). She has hit 100 percent of her routines throughout her collegiate career.
• Shona Morgan had a great meet against Washington, finishing second on bars (9.875) and floor (9.875), and tying for fourth on beam (9.825). She has competed in all six meets on bars and beam, and five of six competitions on floor.
Reaching 200
• Stanford head coach Kristen Smyth earned the 200th win of her career when Stanford defeated Washington last weekend. Since Smyth arrived as Stanford's head coach in 2002, the program has had unprecedented success. Now in her 13th year with the program, Smyth has posted a 200-53-1 all-time record.
Saturday's Opponent: No. 4 Utah
• Utah scored a season high in its most recent meet to defeat No. 13 Arizona, 197.825-194.425. The Utes are averaging a 197.135 as a team through five meets.
• Utah is ranked first in the nation on vault (49.495) and floor (49.430), based on the average of its scores.
• The Cardinal is 5-21 all-time against Utah but won the only meeting at Stanford between the two teams in 1998, 195.550-194.275. Stanford last defeated the Utes at the 2012 NCAA Super Six in Duluth, Ga., 197.500-196.300, to finish fourth and fifth, respectively.
• Utah beat Stanford in two matchups in 2013, first in a dual meet at Utah (197.300-197.075), then at the Pac-12 Championships (197.075-196.625).
• Utah co-head coach Greg Marsden became the first NCAA women's gymnastics coach to reach the 1,000 win plateau when the Utes defeated Arizona State on Feb. 1, 197.200-194.900. In 39 years with the program, he has accumulated a 1,001-199-7 record and won 10 national championships.
In the Rankings
• Stanford is ranked in the top 25 in the following events based on the average of its scores:
Vault: 12th, 49.121
Bars: 12th, 49.038
Beam: 8th, 49.054
Floor: 20th, 48.942
• Stanford gymnasts are ranked in the top 25 in the following events based on the average of their scores:
Kristina Vaculik, T-14th, 39.300
Kristina Vaculik, 6th, 9.896
Amanda Spinner, 6th, 9.883
Kristina Vaculik, 14th, 9.890
Taylor Rice, T-19th, 9.875


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by Sabrina
February 5th, 2016
Finding the Right Garter Belt for You!
Back in Autumn, Dreamer Zaffie covered the many accessories we carry to keep thigh highs from falling down. Today we're going to take a closer look at our selection of garter belts. We currently carry seven garter belts on our site from five different brands, all of them a little unique in their own right. Shopping for garter belts (also referred to as "suspender belts") can be particularly challenging when it comes to selecting a size. Understandably so, since where you wear your garter belt is really a matter of personal preference. Some folks prefer to wear their garter belts higher around their waist while others prefer to wear theirs lower on their hips. To prep for purchasing a garter belt, there are two key measurements you will need to know: your hip measurement and your waist circumference. Once we've got those two numbers, we can start taking a closer look at our selection of garter belts.
Industrial Suspender Clip Garter Belt
To start off, let's begin with our Industrial Suspender Clip Garter Belt, made in the USA exclusively for Sock Dreams. This sturdy belt lacks frills, however, it more than makes up for it in terms of durability. Its straps extend 5.5-9 or 10 inches, including the suspender clips. The Velcro closure is constructed so that the rough side of the Velcro faces your clothing. Currently, this item comes in four sizes:
- Small: 24-28 inches
- Medium: 32-36 inches
- Large: 37-41 inches
- Extra Large: 43-47 inches
What people love about it: the suspender clips are designed to firmly hold up socks with thick cuffs, such as our Extraordinarily Longer Thighs
What people didn't love so much: the clips can be rough on sheer, delicate thigh high styles
Left: shown worn lower on the hips with the straps shortened
Right: shown worn higher, closer to the waist, with the straps extended
Industrial Garter Belt
Much in the same vein as the previous belt, the Industrial Garter Belt is also a sturdy, practical way to keep up those thigh highs. The straps extend 5-9 inches long and instead of the suspender clips, these have a traditional button and loop fastener. For an extensive look into the difference between these clips, please see our "What is a Garter Clip?" post. The Velcro closure is designed with the rough side facing you, so depending on the fit you may want to consider wearing a camisole underneath this belt. Currently, it comes in three sizes:
- Small: 22-30 inches
- Medium: 32-44 inches
- Large: 44-60 inches
What people love about it: while it's not best suited for thigh highs with doubled-over cuffs, this durable belt can hold up most medium-weight cotton styles such as our Long Cuffable Scrunchable Socks
What people didn't love so much: the vinyl tab on the garter clips isn't permanently attached (and, sadly, we do not have any replacement tabs) so make sure to keep them securely snugged after taking your garter belt off
Left: shown worn higher on the waist with the straps extended
Right: shown worn lower on the hips with the strap shortened
Deep Lace Suspender Belt
Taking a step back from our industrial styles, let's jump right into the Deep Lace Suspender Belts from Miss Naughty. These beautiful belts are six inches wide and made of sultry, stretchy lace. The straps extend 6-11 inches long with button and loop garter clips that are disguised with a pretty little ribbon. The belt closes with eight hook and eye fasteners with three adjustable sizing options. This item comes in six different sizes, so having your waist and hip measurements is really important for these:
- Small: 25-32 inches at the top and 42 inches at the bottom
- Medium: 30-42 inches at the top and 47 inches at the bottom
- Large: 32-44 inches at the top and 49 inches at the bottom
- Extra Large: 34-47 inches at the top and 53 inches at the bottom
- 2X: 42-54 inches at the top and 61 inches at the bottom
- 3X: 43-58 inches at the top and 63 inches at the bottom
What people love about it: in addition to coming in a variety of sizes, the super soft and stretchy lace was a plus among those who reviewed it
What people didn't love so much: the garter clips are plastic, not metal, which means that they can break if you try to force them to clasp socks with thick cuffs (this style works best with light-medium weight thigh highs like the Roll Top Extraordinarily Longer Thigh Highs)
Bear in mind that this belt is six inches long, so having both your waist and hip measurements is super useful when choosing the correct size
Lace Garter Belt & Thong
Staying with this lace theme, let's move right along to our most affordable garter belt, the Lace Garter Belt & Thong from Leg Avenue. This basic garter belt has straps with button and loop garter clips that extend 4-8 inches long. This belt only comes in one size, with an adjustable strap in the back that closes with a hook and loop:
- One Size: 34-45 inches
What people love about it: those who reviewed this item were pleased with the pretty lace detailing and overall fit of the belt
What people didn't love about it: the metal clips are very small, so while thinner or fishnet styles work wonderfully, medium-heavy weight socks will not fare very well
Left: shown worn high around the waist with straps extended
Right: shown worn lower around the hips with straps extended
(lace thong not pictured)
Satin Suspender Belt
If lace is not exactly your thing, you may be interested in Miss Naughty's Satin Suspender Belt. The straps extend 6-11 inches long with button and loop garter clips that are disguised with the same pretty ribbon accent as the Deep Lace Suspender Belt. This belt closes with two hook and eye fasteners at the back, with three adjustable sizing options, and comes in six sizes:
- Small: 23-28 inches
- Medium: 27-37 inches
- Large: 31-41 inches
- Extra Large: 34-48 inches
- 2X: 43-55 inches
- 3X: 48-60 inches
What people love about it: not only is this garter belt comfortable, the traditional cut provides a flattering fit
What people didn't love so much: the plastic garter clips aren't well-suited for medium-heavy weight socks and the sizing is a little tricky for these, so please feel free to contact us with any sizing queries you may have
Left: shown here worn lower on the hips
Right: shown here worn higher on the waist
Rago Six Strap Garter Belt
This silky garter belt from Rago is lightly reinforced along the stomach area with decorative edging along the elastic for a chic finish. It features six glorious straps that extend 4.5-8 inches long with button and loop garter clips. Unlike the rest of the belts we've covered, this one doesn't have a closure, it just slips on. This belt comes in nine different sizes, all listed for the waist measurement:
- Waist: 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42
- Rago recommends: choose the next largest size if your waist is 10 inches smaller than your hips or more
What people love about it: the ingenious six strap design was very well-received by reviewers and the loop on the garter clips is made from metal, which works very well for our medium weight styles, such as the Ribbed M Stockings
What people didn't love so much: while great for medium weight styles, this belt isn't really great for socks with doubled-over cuffs
Due to the sizing, having both your waist and hip measurements is important to finding the perfect fit
Rago Cincher Garter Belt
Our last garter belt is the perfect balance of utility and beauty. This cincher comes with removable garters that extend to 5 inches long. The cincher itself is 12 inches long, so you will definitely need both hip and waist measurements for this one. It closes in the front with hook and eye fasteners and currently comes in eleven different sizes, all listed for the waist measurement:
- Waist: 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46
- Rago recommends: choose the next largest size if your waist is 10 inches smaller than your hips or more
What people love about it: the removable garters are great because you can easily swap them out for Double Grip Clips if you want to wear this with thicker socks
What people didn't love so much: some of our reviewers wished the garters could extend longer (they are 5 inches in length)
Left: shown worn lower on hips
Middle: shown worn higher around waist
Right: Double Grip Clips can be used in place of the removable garters
For more information regarding measuring yourself, take a look at Dreamer Brenna's post about the Tips and Tricks to Measuring. Sometimes determining your size can be difficult even if you know your measurements, so please feel free to contact us with any and all sizing queries you may have. Should you receive a garter belt that doesn't fit or work for you, please see our Returns Policy in order to review your options.
by Rosalind
January 27th, 2016
Socks for Self Care
There's just something about a fresh new pair of socks that can really make a person feel good, but have you ever wondered what more socks have to offer in the feeling-good department? As it turns out, socks are kind of the cheerleaders of the wardrobe. Not only can they be bright and cheerful to lift your mood, but the right socks for the right occasion can make all the difference in how you feel physically! Today we're going to take a look at what your socks can do for you, with Socks for Self Care!
Starting with the basic concept of "nice feeling socks make you feel nice", we've assembled some of our softest, comfiest socks for when you're sick at home, dragging your tired self to doctor's appointments, or just need a pick-me-up. Quite a few of these options feature wool or other animal fiber blends, as wool has a great way of regulating temperature, so that it keeps you warm in cold weather, as well as cool in hot weather. It also dries very quickly, making it a great choice for folks who find their feet perspire more than they'd like.
Rainbow Striped Wooly Socks
Cashmere Tabi Socks
Orkney Angora Thick Thermal Socks
Lexy Wool Boucle Stripes
Alpino Merino Mousse Crews
Lattice Basic Crews
Not everybody enjoys wool, though. In fact, some people just have a sensitivity to animal fibers in general, so we've rounded up some vegan options as well. In addition to thermal knit and acrylic as great wool alternatives, we've got a pretty decent selection of bamboo styles! Bamboo yarn or rayon from bamboo is super soft and enjoyable to wear, but it's also great in hot weather, for those of you who just aren't willing to try the whole "wool socks for summer" thing.
Icicle Thermal Knit Knee Socks
Dreamy Bamboo Crews
Dreamer Acrylic Slouch Socks
Most people's feet see an awful lot of use, so it's no surprise that injuries can occur. While some people suffer from bunions or plantar fasciitis, others have trouble with circulation in their feet or metatarsal pain, and we have socks for these things!
Revolution Compression Tabi for bunion relief
Plantar Ease Firm Compression Crews for plantar fasciitis relief
Circulator Compression Knee Highs
Argyle Compression Knee Highs
Meta Cushion Compression Knee Highs with metatarsal pads
Other people have sock-specific sensitivities, which makes things like bulky toe seams or tight cuffs a big no-no. Nothing makes a bad day worse like socks that rub your feet the wrong way! For this reason, we have entire categories dedicated to "woven toe seam" socks, with a completely flat toe seam, as well as "non-constrictive".
Easy Does It Midcalves are non-constrictive with woven toe seams
Good Witch Crews feature woven toe seams
Cushy Lounger Crews feature a roll top and woven toe seams
But what if it's your toes rubbing up against each other that is causing discomfort? Believe it or not, toe socks are great for this! It might seem like they just add extra bulk between your toes, but much like wearing flip-flops, the more you do it, the more used to the feeling you get. We also carry some extra-thin toe socks, which can be more comfortable for those of us with more sensitive feet, in addition to providing relief from the friction of your toes rubbing each other. If you find that you experience discomfort from your toes rubbing together with regularity, you might want to take a look at how your shoes fit, too. Shoes that are too narrow or short in the toe box can cause a lot of pain over time, and while socks can help, they can't change the way your shoes fit.
Lightweight Running Toe Socks are extra thin
Sport Micro Toe Socks
Because this is a blog on self-care, it's only natural that we list some options for when you're too far under the weather to leave the house. Whether you're sick in bed, or just not emotionally prepared to face the outside world (hey, it happens, and there's no need to feel ashamed!) a nice pair of slipper or bed socks can keep your feet comfy and clean, as well as giving you something cheerful to look at while you recuperate.
New Zealand Bed Socks with Grip Treads
Pook Super Socks with polar fleece lining
Fox Slipper Socks
Over the years some of us have learned the importance of preemptive self-care, which can go a long way. Sometimes you just feel too crummy to get out of bed or take a shower, but when you're feeling up to it, take the time to pamper yourself! Try these quick and easy steps to treat yourself to a spa day, using older, less beloved socks and stockings, or items from our Crafty Bundles:
- Snip the top cuff off of a nylon thigh high, and use it to keep your hair off of your face while you give yourself a facial.
- Use an old clean sock, or snip the bottom 6 inches or so (including the toe) off of a thigh high or pair of tights. Fill it with fragrant herbs, and tie off the top so they're trapped inside. Now you can run yourself a herbal bath, and easily remove the plant matter which would otherwise try to make it down your drain.
- Back in 2013 Dreamer Brenna brought us this quick and easy tutorial for a DIY heat pack, which only really requires a long sock and some rice! You can also put your rice pack in the freezer, for low-intensity icing of aches and pains (for best results, we suggest icing, then heating achy muscles, to bring down swelling).
- Mix equal parts sugar and oil (olive or coconut oil work well for this) and scoop into the toe of an old sock or cut-off nylon pantyhose, and tie off opening. Now you can use this as a "sugar scrub" exfoliant in the shower or bath. Add a drop or two of your favorite skin-safe essential oil for scent, if desired.
- Generously apply lotion or oil (baby oil, jojoba or olive oil are good choices) to feet, paying special attention to heels or other dry/cracked areas. Put on a pair of clean cotton socks and either go to bed, or just wait for a few hours if you're not into sleeping in socks. Your feet will come out feeling much softer! Just be careful to wash your feet off before you go walking barefoot on any slick surfaces, as getting injured in a fall is the opposite of what we're going for.
from Dreamer Brenna's 2013 heat pack tutorial
Just as everybody has different ailments and challenges, we all have different self care needs, so feel free to drop us a line at email@example.com. We'll be happy to help you find the socks you need. What are your favorite socks for self care? Share your answers in the comments!
by Zaffie
January 20th, 2016
So Much Fleece!
While we love wool, we realize that it's not for everyone. Those with allergies, sensitivities, or who choose not to wear animal fibers deserve an alternative material. Synthetic fleece, often made from polyester or nylon, was designed to mimic the insulating properties of real fleece by trapping warm air near your skin. Last year Dreamer Brenna wrote a sock journal about the fleece items we had at the time, but since then we've gathered together a large selection of polar fleece and fleece-lined products that will make your chilly legs toasty warm.
So it's cold outside, but your regular pair of opaque tights just aren't doing it for you. That's where fleece comes in! Fleece-lined tights and leggings are a true treasure for those of us who live in cold, wet climes. The thick, opaque fabric is smooth on the outside—just like a standard pair of tights—but inside it is lined with fluffy and warm fleece.
• Foot Traffic Fleece-Lined Legging •
• Thermo-Lined Tights •
• Tapestry Fleece Leggings •
If you want something a little different from the standard fare, we have 90% Cotton Fleece-Lined Leggings with a cloud-soft inside reminiscent of your favorite vintage sweatshirt. Then there are the Thermal Fleece Leggings which have a faux-fur lining that's as plush as a teddy bear. We even have these cozy Fleece-Lined Knee Highs, for those of us who prefer socks to tights or leggings!
• Fleece-Lined Knee Highs •
• Thermal Fleece Leggings •
• Cotton Fleece-Lined Leggings •
Polar Fleece
Last week Dreamer Rosalind wrote a great piece on Polar Feet, a Canadian company that makes socks completely out of polar fleece material. We became avid fans after giving them a try. Not only do they come in awesome patterns, but there are tabi socks, kids' sizes, and even narrow and wide calf knee highs. But don't think we've neglected your hands! Talismana Designs has two styles of beautiful elfin gauntlets to warm your wrists while going about your day.
• Polar Feet Brand •
• Leaf Pattern Fleece Arm Warmers •
• Chevron Rivet Fleece Arm Warmers •
Wool and Polar Fleece
Finally, for those customers who are not adverse to a little wool, the marriage of the two materials is quite special! Pook's Super Socks are lined in a thin polar fleece which keeps the delightfully scratchy and insulting wool outer sock off your your sensitive skin.
• Pook Super Socks •
We hope this has opened your eyes to all the warm possibilities fleece can bring! Make sure to check out our entire selection of fleece and fleece-lined items right here.
by Lucy
January 13th, 2016
Socks for: Roller Derby
As we roll in the New Year, we're excited about something else rolling in—namely, the start of the home season for Portland's local roller derby team, the Rose City Rollers! Their season opening is this Saturday, January 16th, and to celebrate this occasion, we thought it would be fitting to highlight some of our favorite derby styles.
Show some league pride with the I Love RCR Knee Highs!
One of the reasons that we love roller derby is that, in additional to awesome ladies kicking butt, witty names, and a delightful mix of camp and serious sportsmanship, roller derby's got style. Leagues are getting more and more formal and streamlined with their uniforms, but in most areas, legwear is still where derby ladies (and gents) define their personal style.
Although roller derby has come a long way from the sensationalistic sports-entertainment of the 70s and 80s, it still draws heavily on punk and rocker fashion from those eras. A delightful contrast of masculine and feminine, with a healthy serving of attitude all around. Whether you're tearing down the track or cheering from the bleachers, we've got a lot of derby-inspired styles to choose from.
Tights or leggings are a must for the player who wants to avoid rink rash, and they're a good opportunity to don your team colors. Fortunately, we have a few styles that come in a variety of colors, so you can play to your own preferences.
Opaque Tights
Signature Cotton Leggings
Color Tights
You can't go wrong with a good fishnet, and we've got some other excellent netted styles that will look fetching over a colored tight, or add a little protection to a bare leg.
Spandex Fishnet Pantyhose
Fencenet Pantyhose
Floral Vine Net Tights
Stripes are also a classic way to accessorize your uniform, and boy do we have stripes—tights, thigh highs, knee highs…we've got something here for everyone!
Striped Tights
Extraordinary Striped Thigh Highs
Curvy Stripes Knee Highs
If you're looking for a sporty look, it's hard to beat a good tube stock, and we've got three great options from our DreaM Stockings line.
Dreamy Knee High Tube Socks
Top-Striped OTK Tubes
Dreamy Striped Tubes
And if you like the top-striped look of tube socks, but would prefer something with a formed heel, the Skater Stripes knee highs or the Sporty Striped over-the-knees may be perfect for you.
To round-out your look, we've got plenty of knee high socks to fit any taste.
#$@%! Knee Highs
Mix It Up Knee High 2 Pair
Bad Ass Knee Highs
We're seeing more and more junior leagues popping up (Portland now has two, the Rose Petals [age 7-12] and the Rosebuds [age 12-17]), and we have some special recommendations for those derby juniors out there!
Harvest Rainbow Kids Knee Socks
Unicorn Knee High Socks
Dream Kids Knee High Socks
Hopefully this will get you all geared up for the new season of derby (whenever the season starts for your league). You can use our advanced search to narrow our selections down by color and length (and a few other options as well–just use the check-boxes on the left!). As always, feel free to drop us a line if you'd like help tracking down a specific color combination or style–we love doing sock research! If you're looking for large quantity of socks for a team, you can also ask us about our bulk pricing.
And finally, a special shout-out to all the local Portland fans suiting up to cheer on our league—here are some suggestions to represent your team in style!
Vertical Striped Cotton OTKS in black/dark blues for the Heartless Heathers!
Elvis Striped Cotton Midcalves in yellow for the High Rollers!
Harajuku Checkered OTKs in black w/ white for the Break Neck Betties!
Striped Knee Highs in black & pink for the Guns N Rollers!
While we hope that every sock sold gets lots of love, we understand that sometimes it just doesn't work out. Maybe those sparkly tights don't match the dress you were planning to pair them with or those legwarmers arrived and they don't fit? Perhaps you were lucky enough to be gifted some novelty crews but you've really been eyeing our selection of bootsocks? Whatever the reason may be, we're here to help guide you through the returns process and let you know what your options are!
The Basics
If the item in question hasn't been actively worn or washed, it is eligible to be returned to us within 6 weeks from the purchase date. While we pride ourselves on offering free shipping where we can, we do not offer paid postage on returns. As you are responsible for shipping the return, it might be a good idea to snag a tracking number from the Post Office because we cannot offer credit for items we don't receive. Please include a completed Return Authorization Form with your returned item; they are printed on the back of every invoice we ship out and they are also available on our Returns Information page. Once you have filled out the form, simply mail it with the socks you wish to return to:
Sock Dreams: Attn. Returns Dept.
Order # __________
7980 SE 17th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
The type of reimbursement you qualify for depends on the condition of the socks you return:
Unopened Items
If the item has not been opened or tried on (tags haven't been removed/packaging is still intact), it can be returned for a refund or store credit. Items that have never had the tags removed and have intact packaging will be considered "P" as noted on the Return Authorization Form for "Packaged" and considered eligible for reimbursement in either form.
Opened Tights/Leggings
A new caveat to our returns policy this year: we are now accepting tights that have been tried on for reimbursement in the form of store credit. As long as they haven't been actively worn or washed, they can be tried on and returned to us for a store credit. Leggings and tights that have had the tags removed or have been removed from their packaging will be considered "O" as noted on the Return Authorization Form for "Opened" and will only be considered eligible for a store credit.
Opened Socks/Gloves/Legwarmers/Petticoats/etc.
Any socks, gloves, legwarmers, petticoats, or other accessories from our site that have been tried on can be returned to us for a store credit. This policy stands for all the items described above except for those from our house brands, as explained below.
Dream Stockings/Dreamer Socks
Our house brands, Dreamer Socks and Dream Stockings, are made in the USA from recycled cotton and we think they're pretty great. So great, they can be returned to us for a refund or store credit even if they've been tried on, as long as they haven't been actively worn or washed. If you're not sure if the item you purchased is from one of our house brands, you can recognize them by the designated "DS" or "SD" in the beginning of their part code from your invoice.
Unfortunately, in order to speed up the returns process for our customers and eliminate some frustrations due to out-of-stock, back-ordered, or discontinued items, we no longer issue direct exchanges for returns. If you haven't removed the item from its packaging and you need the item right away, we recommend purchasing it now, and requesting a refund for your return. If your item has been tried on, you can request store credit, and purchase the new item after we've emailed you with the code for your credit.
Returning a gift?
If you are returning a gift you probably won't be interested in a refund, as we can only reimburse the purchaser's account. If you do not have the original invoice, please include the gift-giver's full name on the Return Authorization Form so that we can associate your return with the corresponding order. Additionally, you'll want to enclose your email address so that we can email you the store credit code once your return has been processed and completed.
Returning to the shop?
If you live in the Portland area and would like to return your item back to our shop location, the wonderful Shop Dreamers will be there to assist you every day from 11 am – 6 pm. Please note that our shop is unable to issue refunds for online orders in-store. They can, however, process your return for store credit that you can then use in the shop.
Wrong or Missing Item?
Maybe your item arrived and there appears to be a hole or a pair of tights arrived in the wrong size? Perhaps a pair of socks is missing from your order, altogether? In case any of these were to happen, please contact us right away! We will replace the defective or incorrect socks and send you a postage paid return mailer to send back the defective or wrong items. Please note that defective or wrong item claims need to be reported to us within seven days of receipt so that we can best resolve the issue for you.
Once your return has been processed and completed, we'll send you a confirmation email. Please bear in mind that January is a very busy month for returns; while we do our best to ensure each one is completed in a timely manner, processing can take 4-6 weeks this time of year. We appreciate your patience and thank you in advance! Our lovely Customer Service Department is available to answer any and all questions you may have via email (email@example.com) or telephone (888.717.6257). Cheers to bringing in the New Year with new socks!
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A teenage father Joshua Cooper, 18, was taken into custody after allegedly biting off the nose of his 1-month old son because "he was frustrated with the infant's crying."
Although charges have not been formally made, Terry Ray, Solano County Chief Deputy District Attorney told reporters that she intends to charge him with child abuse and aggravated mayhem during his arraignment on Monday.
According to reports, Fairfield police received a call from the baby's distraught 17-year old mother early Thursday morning stating that her infant was bleeding from his nose. The boy was rushed to Oakland Children's Hospital, where doctors discovered that not only was 1/3rd of his nose ripped off, but he was also suffering from a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage. He is now listed in stable condition, and remanded to the custody of Solano County Child Welfare Services.
If convicted, Cooper could face up to 12 years for child abuse. In addition, the aggravated mayhem charge carries a potential penalty of life in prison.


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In 1960 Jim Sundquist was part of the duo known as the Fendermen, and had a world-wide hit record called "Muleskinner Blues." Like many other musicians, he was constantly exposed to the "nite life" of playing music in bars and clubs. By the time the 80s rolled around, the alcohol and drugs had nearly claimed his life. All that was near and dear to him was gone. His life had become empty and meaningless.
"Road to Heaven" is available, along with the rest of the current Fendermen catalogue, from :
Jim & Sharrie Sundquist
Little did he know that the turning point in his life would be meeting his future wife, Sharrie, who was presenting a gospel meeting for a nursing home. She had spent her entire life in Gospel Music, and would never have met him in the bars he was used to playing in, nor would he have gone into a church to meet her! After meeting her, he decided to commit the rest of his life to God, and within a few weeks, they began writing new songs, songs with meaning and purpose. They were married in the spring of 1991, and have, to date, written over 115 Christian songs. They give God all the credit for this miracle.


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Track Listing:
No Regrets
Ashtrays & Cigarettes
Burning Red
Headlights Like Stars
Sleep When I Want To
Daniel Kloza. Jenine Cali. KC Wells. Las Vegas, NV. Taking from the punk, new wave and alternative movements of the 80s and 90s, the three have incorporated bits and pieces ......more.


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* A boxscore, play-by-play and updated season / career stats are available in the LINKS box to the right, and a more detailed recap will be posted shortly.
EUGENE - Inspired by Jessica Moore's fifth shutout of the season, the No. 12 University of Oregon softball team (36-13, 8-9) ended a 10-game losing streak to No. 12 Stanford (37-12, 9-8) in Saturday's 2-0 win at Howe Field.
The sophomore right-hander from Sutter, Calif., struck out eight - a team season high in league play - walked one, scattered five hits, and raised her record to 19-8 on the season.
"It was good to get back on the winning track," Moore said. "The coaches challenged us this morning, so we were a little fired up, and wanted to bounce back (after Friday night's loss). The defense did a great job, and made several great plays."
Saturday's decision moved her into sole possession of ninth all-time for UO for wins in a season, and like-wise on the career chart with 35 victories. Her 10th career shutout also moved her into a tie for eighth career-wise with former great Dennise Jones.
"Jessica did a great job," Oregon head coach Mike White said. "She had great location, and really went after their hitters. We played great defense, and were more composed at the strike zone and that made all the difference."
Oregon scored single runs in the first inning on junior Kelsey Chambers' home run and third inning on senior Kaitlin Vitek's single. Sophomore Kaylan Howard touched home plate on the latter play after she doubled to left field - her fifth two-bagger of the year.
Chambers' team-leading 11th round-tripper of 2011 moved her into a four-way tie for eighth all-time for UO in a season and into a tie for ninth on the career list (24) with former Duck Ann Marie Topps.
At game's end, senior Monique Fuiava (2-for-3) staked her 12th multi-hit game of the season and led the Ducks in hits. Sophomore Samantha Pappas was among a quartet that hit safely once with Chambers, Howard and Vitek.
After beating UO three times last year, Stanford starter Ashley Chinn (16-4) took the loss in her 12th complete game of the campaign. The senior right-hander struck out three, walked three, allowed seven hits, and both of her runs allowed were earned.
At the plate for the Cardinal, the first two hitters in the line-up - Sarah Hassman and Ashley Hansen - both had two hits, and Alix Van Zandt claimed the team's other hit to lead off the seventh inning.
Hansen was retired only once for the second straight game, and Saturday's out was only her fourth via strikeout this season.
Going back in the recent rivalry, Stanford had swept the three-game season series in 2008, '09 and '10, and also won Friday's contest, 4-1. Oregon's last victory over the Cardinal was a 5-4 decision by Alicia Cook in May 2007 in Palo Alto.
Looking ahead, the two teams return for Sunday's finale that starts at noon at Howe Field.
As part of Sunday's Mother's Day game promotion, fans can pick up a Bi-Mart 2-for-1 G.A. ticket coupon at area stores, while a ticket stub from Saturday's Duck baseball game is good for free admission.
Sunday's game is also 'Strike Out Cancer Day', and fans are asked to wear pink.
#12 OREGON 2, #10 Stanford 0 (May 07, 2011 at Eugene, Ore.)
#10 Stanford........ 000 000 0 - 0 5 2 (37-12, 9-8 Pac-10)
#12 OREGON.......... 101 000 X - 2 7 0 (36-13, 8-9 Pac-10)
Pitchers: Stanford - Chinn, Ashley and Gerhart, Kelsey. OREGON - Moore, Jessica and
Peterson, Alexa. Win-Moore, Jessica(19-8) Loss-Chinn, Ashley(16-4) T-1:50 A-547
HR ORE - Chambers, Kelsey. Weather: 59, partly sunny, wind 1-4 mph.
- www.GoDucks.com -


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The golden hands of Doron Merdinger 16 June 2013
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The golden hands of Doron Merdinger
The golden hands of Doron Merdinger
Gold, porcelain, crystal, wood and precious stones get unified in Merdinger's heirloom designs now on sale at his new Tel Aviv shop.
Inside the new Doron Merdinger shop on Kikar Hamedina
By Avigayil Kadesh
The Louis Vuitton, Gucci
and other high-end stores lining
Tel Aviv's tony Kikar Hamedina (State Square) have a new companion – the golden paradise of kabalistic designer
Doron Merdinger
The small shop was designed by its owner with the same sort of sophisticated imaging software he uses to envision his gold-enhanced heirloom table settings and gift items, jewelry and furniture.
"Traditionally, makers of high-end dinnerware have found it difficult to maintain the integrity and consistency of a single design throughout all the pieces of single-theme collections," according to a 2008 article in Robb Report magazine. "The solution to this problem," says Merdinger, "lies in the use of 3D computer imaging in the design process. Employing the technology yields greater consistency during the manufacturing phase."
Merdinger explains that he founded his business on insights gleaned from Jewish mysticism and advanced sciences such as quantum theory and game theory. "I tried to learn as much as I could about the universe, seeing the parallels between spiritual and physical approaches," he says.
In 2005 he discovered
new computer-assisted design (CAD) software, which held the key to realizing his dream to create a collection from the two-dimensional geometric grid of the classic arabesque shape --
an Islamic form of artistic decoration based on rhythmic linear patterns
He points to the first result, a delicate sculpture called "Fallen Leaf" whose design is evident throughout his work.
"I was able to create it not in the ordinary way, from a real leaf or from a model of a real leaf, but with CAD technology to create the proper depth," he says. "I felt with this arabesque grid I was able to explain to the computer how nature behaves. Then I took it forward to introduce the world's first fully integrated tableware collection using these 3D files for production, and very advanced technologies such as laser cutting."
A Merdinger place setting
His methodology was 180 degrees different than the typical design process, he says.
"Usually you learn to understand a certain material – porcelain, for example -- and how it will behave, and then you learn the technology. For me, I had to create tools to make a virtual image and then played with the colors and materials virtually so I could be very accurate. I am very confident that the material doesn't matter. It is my privilege that I have always been able to create everything I saw in my head."
Merely the channel
Merdinger considers himself a channel for this new methodology rather than its inventor. "I understand that this is my mission on earth," he says. "I'm merely the one who found it, so I had to be very loyal to the origins of it. When I am designing, I try to focus on very small dots in the virtual space that you cannot see or feel or even understand with the mind."
He did, however, come to his new design direction with a solid background managing the well-known Hazorfim silversmith chain that his father had founded after arriving in Israel in 1949 from Czernovitch, Romania. Doron was only 19 when his dad passed away. With the encouragement of his mother and older brother, after finishing his service in the IDF – where he worked in virtual three-dimensional spaces -- he went off to study business administration first in San Diego and then at New York University.
When he came home, he put in six years changing the total look and packaging of the family chain. Becoming general manager, he then began transitioning Hazorfim from a mostly Judaica business into a worldwide giftware company.
Doron Merdinger
"I redefined the core goal and set very high standards and directions, and then started introducing new items," he says. "To materialize my own dreams and pursue my own goals I then decided to leave the company, during the same week the oldest of my three boys was born."
Spiritual quest
Merdinger, born in 1968, says he was a nerdy kid who had one of the first personal computers in Israel and used to win a lot of drawing, sculpture and LEGO construction contests.
"I stayed home from school a lot because of my asthma, and my room was like a lab. I used to dismantle everything in the house, including the crystal chandelier." In high school, he studied microelectronics and computers, and during his military service he dealt in 3D imaging.
He began studying kabala while at Hazorfim, in a quest to understand the universe from both a physical and spiritual perspective. He became obsessed with locating a copy of Sefer Yetzira (Book of Creation), the earliest extant book of Jewish mysticism, ascribed to the patriarch Abraham himself. It describes how God employed "32 wondrous ways of wisdom" to create the world, and delves into the deeper meanings of the 22 Hebrew letters; the 10 Sefirot that form the basis of kabala; the four basic elements; the planets and the Zodiac.
"I couldn't find a copy anywhere, and then one day it was waiting for me at the entrance to my studio in Jaffa," Merdinger relates. That studio, which he estimates to be about 3,500 years old, had an eight-pointed Star of Abraham design embedded in the floor.
One result of his reading this miraculously obtained book was making four silver ritual objects for the Temple Institute in Jerusalem. These are facsimiles of items found in the ancient Jewish Temples and meant to be put into use in a future third Temple. "I have a mission that when it will be built, I will be part of it," he says.
Another result was his adoption of the Star of Abraham as his logo. This ancient design has been discovered in excavations in the Sumerian city of Ur, the birthplace of the patriarch Abraham. Merdinger explains that this symbol, in the three-dimensional sphere, evokes the divine chariot by way of its two pyramids, one pointing up and one pointing down, as well as the four elements of water, earth, wind and fire.
"I made huge discoveries about how the world was created, and I was able to connect it to mathematical approaches such as the zero-one, zero-one logical code," says Merdinger. In other words, he figured out how to capture the ancient arabesque form in the binary language of computers.
Noble metals
Why did he switch to gold from silver when he opened his own design house?
"Silver and gold are both noble metals, so the shift wasn't dramatic," he explains. "Silver is a mirror while gold is more dominant, has more luster and doesn't get a patina. There is something very spiritual for me about gold. According to kabalistic approaches, you are drawn to this metal. I felt gold is more fitting for this collection."
He also employs precious stones, porcelain and crystal, using not only his modern tools but also classic metalworking equipment inherited from his father.
The hardest part of his work, he says, is amalgamating different materials -- porcelain with gold, glass with wood. "It is the same as in life – it's very hard to make a unifying connection between man and woman. So the real secret is about combining and connecting materials, and this is where I found my passion. I especially like doing things people say cannot be done."
Merdinger's Arabesque collection is also sold at Thomas Goode in London, and through his own base of operations in Switzerland that allows him to deal directly with clients in the Arab world. And there are plenty of them: Pieces from the Arabesque tabletop collection have pride of place in Abu Dhabi's deluxe Emirates Palace Hotel, in Dubai's King Stores luxury shops and at a palace in Turkmenistan. Following a design lecture Merdinger gave in Calabria, Italy, he fielded inquiries from Iran and Syria.
The most inexpensive item in the store is a credit-card holder he made for Centurian American Express (about NIS 350/$ 97), while the most expensive single item is a gold-inlaid table, with a price tag of NIS 33,000 ($9,100). You can spend much more on sets of Merdinger creations, such as a $50,000 coffee set and a quarter-million-dollar dinnerware set. He also produces custom designs upon request.
One of his most dazzling items is a necklace he designed for pop star Madonna after he sat next to her at a kabalistic gathering in Israel in 2004. The
silver and gold
piece has
72 black diamonds, in the center of each is etched one of the three-letter mystical names of God, using atomic reactor technology. In the middle is her adopted Hebrew name, Esther.
"I didn't give it to her," he admits. "I was too shy. I don't know if she knows about it." He gave the piece to a Hazorfim assistant who was supposed to get it to Madonna, but he never heard from her.
Merdinger designed this 72-diamond necklace for Madonna,
but he's not sure she received it
Married to a fitness instructor and living in the Tel Aviv suburb of
Karmei Yosef, Merdinger sells his wares to
art collectors and Russian oligarchs, princes and aristocrats from all over the world. He would like to
open branded concept stores in every major city's prime street, such as Madison Avenue in Manhattan, Petrovsky Boulevard in Moscow and Bond Street in London.
Though he is proud of his heritage and his homeland, Merdinger takes a more universal view of his craft and has produced a
short video
to illustrate it.
"I don't present myself as a Jew or an Israeli," says Merdinger. "My message to the world is that there is a God and he does not belong only to the Jews, the Christians or the Muslims. We need to understand that we need to share Him, not fight about Him. My creations are a symbol of the higher world since their morphology is unique -- they were created in the virtual reality, the higher world. They show there's more to life than physical items."
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You guys know by now that I have a bit of an obsession with Publix, so I wanted to pass on info about another snazzy sales event they're doing. (I'm a little late on posting this one - it ends the 19th!) The Fresh Savings event seems to pop up a few times a year, and it focuses on adding fresh foods to convienient products you already use (adding fresh fruit to your cereal or oatmeal at breakfast, fresh veggies or meat to your pasta at dinner). I love this event because Publix is known for having an awesome produce section - most of my Florida friends consider it their go-to for fresh fruits and vegetables!
The event includes coupons that you'll find both in the store and in the weekly ad (Those are good till the 26th, so you have some time!) and online by clicking here! My personal favorite? "Save $2 on a Publix® Bakery item with the purchase of any Breyers product". Oh fine, I'll have cake and ice cream if you insist, Publix! It's so rare to find coupons for things like produce and bakery items, so grab these discounts while you can!
That one on the left is called "Strawberry and Peach Sensation" and I need it in my life.
Publix was lovely enough to send me a gift card for telling you about the sale, and I intend to put it to good use next month by stopping for snacks to take to the beach with me! Woohoo!
Disclosure - The above information and a gift card to facilitate my post have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.


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Human beatboxer and Hip Hop artist, Shodekeh has been using his body as a musical instrument since he was nine. Self taught with no formal musical education, he channels various concepts of instruments and sounds through the human voice. He can embody many musical tools and emulations, including drum kits, ocean waves, crickets, turntables, and sleigh bells.
Travels to such places as Oberlin College in Ohio have kept moments increasingly challenging and stimulating for Shodekeh. He is always seeking to interface his music with genres foreign to his own, bridging gaps between everything from blues to avant garde to classical.
Currently, Shodekeh works as an accompanist for modern dance and ballet classes at such places as Towson University and the American Dance Festival. He is also a musical interpreter and artist-in-residence at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore, where he actively creates original interpretive works of visual art.


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"True Blood" ends its run next week with episode 710, "Thank You." On Sunday, Aug. 17, HBO released a new preview teasing what is coming up in the show's final episode.
First of all, let's recap the highlights of the penultimate episode of "True Blood." Bill continued to refuse to drink the cure for his Hep V, even with everyone trying to convince him. Instead, he was ready for the true death, and as the episode ended, he arrived at Sookie's house.
Meanwhile, after dealing with other people's relationship problems, Eric returned to Fangtasia to find the Yakuza had chained up Pam and had her moments from death because they knew Sookie was more than a fangbanger. Eric admitted Sookie knew about the cure, and they wanted her address.
Elsewhere, Hoyt and Jessica reunited after she told him about their past while Jason learned how to be in a bed with someone but not have sex thanks to Hoyt's (ex) girlfriend Bridget.
In this next (and last) episode, Sookie weighs a future with and without Bill. Meanwhile, Eric and Pam struggle with their uncomfortable partnership with Mr. Gus, Sam makes a choice and Andy comes upon an unexpected inheritance.
The "Thank You" promo asks the question, "Will it end in true love or the true death?" and there are enough hints for either scenario. "You deserve everything," Bill tells Sookie. "You deserve the world." The only problem? She doesn't want the world. "What if all I want right now is to see you live?" She asks him. With this being the last episode, it's only right that there are a number of glimpses at their past.
Meanwhile, Pam clearly survives her near-death experience (if the episode synopsis didn't give that away), and Eric asks if she's with him. But what's he planning to do? Well, it looks like he's going to have Sarah Newlin at his mercy at one point.
"True Blood" ends next Sunday at 9 p.m. on HBO. What do you think of the series finale "Thank You" preview? Are you ready to say goodbye to Bon Temps?
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- 'Rookie Blue' 'Moving Day' review: Movie day
- 'Perception': Eric McCormack previews the 'shocking' summer finale and season 3B
- 'Legends': EPs on #DontKillSeanBean, the question of identity and more
- 'Constantine': EPs on Zed and her backstory, Liv, a big bad and more


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This is a gallery of my textile works. From fiber art to fashion accessories! Take a glance and tell to your friends!
I felt in love with weaving many years ago and up to now I'm still a passionate weaver! Fiber art and home plus fashion accessories are my main interest.....so wide!
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INTRECCI Published November 13, 2011


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> Wedding Fabric Sweetheart Satin - Mustard
Sweetheart Satin
Wedding Fabric Sweetheart Polyester Satin in Mustard
Sweetheart Satin Dusty Mustard: We here at Beverly's discount fabric store are delighted to unveil to you yet another phenomenally gorgeous satin solid from with the Sweetheart Satin collection. This beauteous 100% polyester satin fabric is in a radiant mustard hue that embodies a regal almost golden sheen that is ideal for giving your upcoming formal event a sensibly royal accent! Try it out today!
Sweetheart Satin Wedding Fabric: Sweetheart Satin is fantastic collection of outstanding basic satin solids that are attainable in a vast and seemingly boundless array of truly vivid color ways to choose from including everything from sage green to dusty pink! Sweetheart Satins are woven using the finest 100% polyester fibers, giving them an unbeatably lustrous look and feel. These satin solids possess a remarkably graceful quality that makes them perfect for sprucing up formal events and apparel. In summation, the Sweetheart Satin collection is a phenomenal assortment of positively gorgeous polyester satins that will without a doubt aide you faithfully in all of your upcoming creative ventures. Order a few yards online today from us here at Beverly's, your one stop discount fabric shop!