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My neurologist looks like he stepped off a the set of a Western. I wouldn't be surprised if, at any moment, he said "Saddle up, Pardner." In fact, I'm kind of hoping for it. It beats the shit out of all the depressing options for different options for treating my My Grains.
Also, I have diagnosed him with GERD. I can't remember anything about Nursing Diagnosis, but I remember most of the medical diagnoses we learned to get INTO nursing school.
My neurologist has GERD (gastroesophogeal reflux disease). I'm sure of it. I sort of want to tell him. I wonder if he knows…
Wow, these drugs all have incredible side effects, and in spite of the fact that he's not wearing a fringe jacket or a gun holster and is telling me about drugs that may kill me, I really, really like my neurologist. This makes my current tally for neuros that I like at 3/3. Must be a record.
Okay, after all of that, we're going to increase my Topamax dosage and add in a non-narcotic. Who knew narcotics could change headaches? Also, do you think he thought it was weird that I insisted that I DIDN'T WANT VICODIN over and over?
I was kind of the antithesis of drug-seeking behavior.
I was all "No, doctor who normally gives out pain meds, don't give me drugs!" I probably said it 50 times. Probably the opposite of what he normally gets. Heh.
Oh shit. Now he's asking me what I do for a living. Does "lazily pollute the Internet count?"
Phew. Went with "writer." That's an odd question.
OH. Now I see why. He's warning me that I'm about to get stupider. Except he said it all fancy-like. "Cognitive impairment." 1 out of 4 patients may experience cognitive impairment.
Well, now, I'm officially screwed.
Now I'm laughing like the village idiot. I mean, how do you get much dumber than this? Tears are coursing down my cheeks because I'm laughing so hard and the doctor is beginning to look alarmed.
Finally I catch my breath and explain that my stupidity is okay because no one's lives are at stake with my job anymore. Then I take my new script, walk into several walls, and try to get into 3 cars that are not my own before realizing that I sold that particular car 5 years ago.
But the guy totally has GERD. For sure. I should call him and tell him so.
*A Fsssssshhhhh.
66 Responses to What Do You Call A Fish With No Eyes*?
Most "artists" do their best work when they're at their craziest!
Maybe this will only make you super-genius when it comes to blogging – I think it could happen!
Well, maybe the cognitive impairment will cure you of the need to diagnose your neurologist. See, there's an upside to everything!
Has anyone suggested Elivil for your headaches?
What do you call a fish with no eyes? Amblyopsidae. *Grins*
Fsssshhhhh! that's so bad, it's great! and i'm curious, what gerd symptoms did the western neuro present with? hope your new meds work for your my grains!
I think some cognitive impairment might make some funny posts. Plenty of people drunk blog and that's cognitive impairment at it's cheapest.
Stream of consciousness, baby! You could be the next William Faulkner. Bring on the drugs!
Dddduuuuuuddddeeeee….should have taken the script for the pain meds. Do you know the street value of that shit??
kind of.
Drugs is gud! See, even stupid is understandable. Hope you get some relief.
I'm slightly alarmed that you are driving in your current condition…unless you tried to get into 3 cars that weren't yours before remembering you came by bus?
Haven't some of the best literary giants been on drugs while writing?? Like wasn't hemmingway hooked on Heroin.
Edgar Allan Poe – " I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so madly indulge. It has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason. It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom."
Sigmund Freud cocaine and other drugs..
I get the My Grains too. They suck. But I take the drugs. I also take a beta blocker that is actually for a tremor, and they switched it when I started getting the grains all the time now. Its called Nadolol. I maybe get one twice a year rather than twice a week!
I have cognitive impairment as a side effect. But I figure it's better than either the comatose state I'm in from a pain killer or the bitchy state I'm in when I try to suck it up.
I can't be that bad. The kids are clean, fed etc. My husband hasn't left me yet. I manage to find your blog everyday.
My point is…. Never mind, I lost my train of thought!
Well things are starting to get fun. Er, I mean more fun. Because you've been fun always. Shit.
Yeah, my doctors all look alarmed when I tell them I don't want Vicodin.
Because Pez is cheaper AND more effective…and it comes in those cute little dispensers.
I kept your blog to read last this morning because it is usually my favorite. I was right to do so. The Fsssssshhhhh joke made me laugh like you would expect a 7 year old to laugh. I am pretty sure there was an actual blog between the joke, but I was too busy trying to figure out who to tell that joke to to actually think about the rest of the blog.
I love going in and asking for NO MEDICATION. Then *my* doctors always follow it up with "What do you want me to do?". Next time I am asked that question, I'm answering "Your damn JOB!"
Hope that whatever Dr McGERD gave you works!
So how do you know he has GERD, that's what I wanna know.
And I'm looking forward to your cognitively-impaired posts!!
Awesome! A choice between pain so bad you want to stick an ice pick though your eye socket (if your my grains are like my my grains) or stupid. That's just wonderful. Besides I think my migraines already make me stupider. Thankfully, I only get one full blown want to die migraine every several months. Currently instead of a preventative I'm taking a ridiculous amount of B-2.
This fssssh kinda has eyes, but I dare you to find one sexier. PS, he's probably going to take up permanent residence in the cavity where your brain once lived.
So was this doc belching constantly? How did you come to the brilliant diagnosis of GERD? We are dying to know. I myself have GERD and actually, that just reminded me I'm supposed to call my doctor. Thanks Aunt Becky! What the hell would I do without you to remind me of things I'm supposed to do?
SO hope it helps!
Sorry I don't mean to laugh at your expense, but that was so freakin funny. However this is exactly why I refuse to take any medications. I hate not being in control. I hope everything works out for you.
Oooohhh…. this is gonna get good …… I'm a huge fan of Cognitive Impairment.
"Lazily pollute the internet" is so freaking genius I wish I had come up with it! Hilarious!
Also? Can't believe you're still struggling with your My Grains. Feel better Bex.
My sister has suffered with migraines her whole life. I never once doubted her pain. It wasn't until mid-menopause that I began to have them and it wasn't until I was cold, blue, puking and wrapping a heating pad around my head that my sister said "You know that's a migraine, don't you?" They plagued me for a year or so and then went away – mostly. My heart goes out to anyone who suffers regularly from these horrible headaches. I've seen my sister's eyes sink into huge, black circles and her face is so pale she looks deader than dead. She can't stand the light and staggers to the toilet to puke. I can't imagine going through that. Her meds put her totally to sleep and believe me, it's a blessing. If I had to suffer that pain, you bet I'd take a little cognitive impairment over the alternative. Besides, when they list side-effects everything under the sun is in there. The actual chances of you suffering anything like that are probably so minute as to not matter at all. Just keep going like you're going and tell yourself that none of that shit is going to bother you. Hell, even with some mental impairment you're still smarter than anyone living within 25 miles of me! The story of the International Stump-broke Cow Training Facility will have to wait for another day.
LOVE IT!!! So glad I found you – someone else knows that great phrase "Mommy wants vodka!" Here's another one I love to use, "Mommy doesn't need any ice in her drink." Look forward to more! pampersandpinot.blogspot
The topamax made me have crazy insomnia. I don't do so well with no sleep. It kind of makes me crazy. When I told my doctor, and the pharmacist that I couldn't take it and why, they both said that is not a normal side effect. WTF? Anyway, now I am taking, Amitriptyline, and it makes me so sleepy I go to bed at 7. CT scan and MRI showed nothing "unusual" so now my doctor thinks the headaches are all in my head. Duh, of course they are in my head, they are HEADACHES. Currently doctor shopping…
My son's neurologist is supposed to be a rock star of neurology….whatever that means……..If it means he has the bedside manner of a turnip….then YEP! He is the most famous of them all….Which reminds me I am extremely late at scheduling his appointment…like 9 months late……….I can't stand that guy. But he knows his stuff and has a team of doctors who will do anything for him….so I should probably call
Dude, whatever you are on, you must share; because that post was freakin' hilarious. Feel better soon, Bex!
I usually tell people "you don't know a migraine until you've had epilepsy." But I like you.
Topiramate is horrible for your kidneys. Personally, I couldn't write on it. It made me sort of crazy. You'll probably be fine.
Good luck with that.
My grains went away when my whore moans went away. Bummer, but that was a benefit of the flashes.
See I would go with the Genius makes you 'pollute the internet' 'cos we love you Aunt Becky!!!
Hello Vodka Wanting Mother:
Just stumbled across your blog for the first time today. I too am a topamax taker. Alas, I did not experience the coveted LOSING WEIGHT side effect. However, I often can't feel my feet, which is awesome, when say, jogging. It works though – once you figure out the proper dosage, etc. etc. My neurologist basically looks like a homeless woman – except that she is on staff at Mt. Frickin' Sinai. Smells clean though – and is very nice.
Just found this web site today. Found both of your comments SO funny. I did get the "lose weight" benefit from topamax..but now everyone who whispers behind my back that my diseases are probably all in my head; now had new fodder – a few believed I was anorexic. UNBELIEVABLE! Also, the husband, (whom I truly love) had not seen this skinny body in 20 years – he was "hands on" ALL the time, dry humping me like an 18 year old, constantly begging for sex.."you are so hot, etc" I had to hide in the closet to change and wear layers of baggy clothes. I know the male species is visually turned on, but he was making me crazy and I was beginning to think that for the past 20 years I'd been way beneath the "sexy bar" for my husband. (I am 5'9″ and usually weighed 150 to 170, I was a slim 120). Once I adjusted to the Topamax I went back up to 140 and have stayed there for 2 years. The sex maniac has backed off somewhat (I guess he likes the boney look), but I still dress in the closet and wear conservative PJs (I've been sexed up while on sleeping pills when going to bed naked..sneaky man!) I'm sure having a sick wife isn't his dream come true; but my self esteem can only handle so much. So, my message is "nothing is free". My headaches have really decreased and my body looks awesome (although I don't usually feel well enough do anything but just lie around and watch TV), but I am also an "anorexic, sex object".
Dear Aunt Becky,
As someone who lives with someone in chronic (and terrible) pain, someone who's taken the "new" drugs, like Lyrica, and the "old" drugs, like gabapentin, and who really only gets paind relief with slightly more vicodin than anyone really wants to prescibe, I am more than usually sympathetic, glad you bring this to your blog with a light and hilarious hand, and send you love and light for the goddamn things to just go away.
Angie at Eat Here
I hope the new meds work out for you! I recently started new meds for migraines and so far they are working wonders.
Looking forward to picking out signs and symptoms of cognitive impairment in your posts!
"Cognitive Impairment." Awesome. They are words doctors learn to make negative things sound not so bad.
Cognitive impairment? My migraine meds only suggest that they may cause heart attack or stroke in people with no known risk factors… your's sounds way more entertaining!
I couldn't form sentences or remember what I was talking about mid-sentence (when I did form them) when I was on Topamax. I am impressed you've lasted this long! And they are upping your dose! Good luck!
This was a great post, as always, but what really got me was what this was filed under! I think I may have passed out from laughing so hard!!
I'm so sorry. This truly sucks, my friend. I read somewhere that Botox was being used to treat migraines. Wild, huh? Know nothing about it, but it does seem like a win-win, doesn't it? Hope you find relief soon.
Hugs, Jayne
Hopefully the changes in medications work for you. I blame all of my cognitive impairment on the children.
In all honesty, I have taken drugs recently that made it really hard to focus and think. It was unpleasant. I would be standing there, having said half a sentence and waiting for the other half to come, and Kent would say something. Which would lead to a big argument about how he ALWAYS interrupts me. Good times, good times.
and the fish with no eyes. you so got me.
I get sorta migraines from a bad neck, and frankly I don't care what you call them or how they are treated if sht sore spots on the back of my head go away. I am going to try some physical therapy to "abort" the neck caused pain, and I just taker Percocet because I've been lactating. Soon I will quit making milk and try new stuff, so keep posting on this, please?
I get the trippy ocular migraines where you get a dazzling, Grateful Dead light show in one eye for exactly 20 minutes. The headache sometimes follows, sometimes not. When it does, it is the variety that feels like an ice pick has been deposited just above the eyeball.
I also have GERD, which totally blows. I figure John Wayne would probably welcome your suggestion that he look into that, since it might improve his quality of life. And possibly save his esophagus.
So sorry you're havin' the my grains. Have you ever tried to change your diet just to see if it helps? I'm trying gluten-free to see if it helps the GERD. Here's a link in case you haven't already explored this avenue. Hope you feel better on your fab new drugs.
I thought cognitive impairment was a prerequisite to blogging. **wink** (This is why I'm starting my own blog …)
Sorry about your migraines, MWV. I get nasty headaches on rare occasions and they knock me off my feet. They stopped for the most part when I cut most of the sugar and processed foods out of my diet and bumped up my intake of fruits and veggies. Would medical marijuana help at all? Fewer side effects if it's an option and I hear it makes people positively brilliant.
So I take it the Fssshhh was silent? I hope it wasn't deadly. Those are the worst. ; )
Just a thought – and if you want to dismiss this with the back of your hand, go for it. But have you considered holistics?
This would be okay with me…
"My neurologist looks like he stepped off a the set of a Western. I wouldn't be surprised if, at any moment, he said "Saddle up, Pardner"
The same would not be true if you replace neurologist with gynecologist. Having a GYN saying that in a cowboy hat and boots, "Saddle up." Hmm, Dunno. That would disturb me on so many levels, besides medically.
Anyhow – Topamax, some cognitive changes at different doses possible. Yes but not for sure and it can subside with time. And I don't know, they arent all dramatic – I transpose letters while I'm typing which is picked up fancily by spellcheck. Not a big deal, not even a deal.
i'm cognitively impaired but then again, i blame it on the vodka. and my lips are chapped too! i blame this on the vodka as well.
Should I be ashamed to admit that I would take get-dumber over the awesome side effect of appear-8-months-pregnant that I got to experience until the recent reduction of my dose of Prednisone?
This was preceded of course by half blind, sleep deprived, paranoid, anxious, short-fused and starving, with the constant feeling of urgency nagging at my bladder.
Now I just have
grew-a-tire-around-my-chin..which is only almost as awesome.
So, I am totally curious now. Topomax is part of my anti-seizure cocktail(I like to call it a cocktail, makes it sound way more apealling than massive amount of fucking meds I have to take to keep from zoning out and scaring my kids). I LOVE that whole not being able to eat, feel my hands and feet, or the random complete loss of my thought processes. NOT! Of course, with me they aren't sure which one of the cognitive altering drugs causes that last little issue. My last visit to the humorless but bemused neurologist last week I told him that I have been suffering from insomnia. I am capable of short catnaps throughout the day and night, but never any solid sleep, he says that is normal with my combined drugs and offered me some Ambien. I declined, as I have tried to make him understand on numerous ocassions I really don't like taking meds. SO, I left with the suggestion that I try to stop taking naps during the day!!! Hmmmm, why didn't I think of that??!!! Do you have trouble with sleep on Topomax?
Ohhh the Dopamax gives me the stupids for sure. When ever we increase my dosage I'm dumb for weeks until I adjust. Not to mention the numbness and tingling on one side or spots of my face. How much fun! I'm over due for an increase… I'm also avoiding making a follow-up appointment with my neuro. 😉
I prefer not to read side effects of the drugs I take. I discovered while pregnant I never had any of the side effects until I read about them or someone asked about them. "Hey – how's that pregnancy constipation?" "What?" Next day – I'm straining with the best of 'em.
Please please forgive me for the unsolicited advice because I know it makes me crazy to get this sort of thing. I don't even get real My Grains, I just get Head Aitch.
But. I take the topamax (100 in the a.m., 150 in the p.m. – doc upped the dosage after a 12-day h.a. during a visit to the outlaws – there is no drug strong enough to counter my husband's parents, alas).
And no, I have not lost the weight this time. I did a few years ago, then I stopped taking it, then I got married and here I am, built for comfort, not speed, but whatever, it's cold here and heating is expensive, so a little Milwaukee roll to keep me warm is not so bad.
My doc wanted me to take depakote. I did the research and saw what the side effects are, main one being weight gain. I tend to get all the side effects and none of the therapeutic benefits, so I knew I would be part of the 9% to gain. I declined.
She also recommended butterbur, which, although it is OTC, is still a drug, but there apparently is valid research on it.
I started taking butterbur last month on the same day that I stopped using artificial sweetener. I was a 10-15 h.a./month woman. Not crippling h.a., just enough to turn me into a bitch, which frankly, is not a long walk.
Since I've stopped with the Splenda and nutrasweet and started with the butterbur, I've had two h.a. I am hoping to get off the topamax, although the cartoon effect of the trails in the morning is kind of cool. I don't think it makes me stupid but I would be the last to know, wouldn't I?
So. For whatever that's worth. You may take this information with a grain of salt.
I hope the new treatment helps. As an aside, I spent ten minutes in Publix parking lot trying to get into a car that apparently wasn't mine and I don't take any meds, so…
ha! I love that joke! My husband and I tell it to each other all the time!
Also. It's no wonder you like your new neuro. People with GERD are awesome. I would know.
Hoping the new regimin works out!
Hey Aunt Becky!
I used to have massive issues with My Grains too (still do if I don't take my meds) and at one point we tried to Dopomax (which did give us The Dumb and didn't work either), what did work was getting stabbed repeatedly in the back of the head (by a doctor, with needles, and I believe a cortozone (I don't spell) shot). But they frown on that if you wanna have babies, and I did, so we had to find "alternative therapies" that actually work.
Here's what we found that worked – and I've got a healthy 8 month old baby to prove it:
1. 800 mg Magnesium Citrate. Take it at night and be warned it will make your life VERYYYYYYY liquid in the morning. I personally had to start at 400 mg and work my way up to 800 cuz otherwise I never left the bathroom. My body seems to have adapted though and I no longer have any unpleasantness in the bathroom department. (You know you wanted to know the graphic details….)
2. 400 mg B2 (aka Riboflavin) This one can take up to like 3 months to tell if its working. Take it at night w/ the Magnesium. Only side effect is that it will turn your pee BRIGHT orange (and depending on the brand, your poop too).
3. 200 mg CoQ10. This one works surprisingly quickly but you've got to spring for the good sh*t. The cheap crap from Walmart doesn't work for nothing. Go to the health food store, or hell go to Costco, and get a big bottle of the good stuff. Take it in the morning. Makes for a nice energy booster too.
You don't have to try it but its worked great for me and none of those drugs give me the dumb. FYI – these are all migraine preventers, once you've GOT the headache you're screwed- go with the Imitrex or whatever. But doing this I went from 3-5 migraines A WEEK to 1-2 migraines a MONTH. MAX.
My life is much better now. We don't like pain.
I'm glad you liked your neurologist, and I hope the meds help. I can't imagine what it would be like to spend years trying to get a headache treated. (I know this isn't a mere headache; but I've been lucky enough never to have a migraine and can only picture it as the worst headache ever.)
And I'm giggling way more than I probably should over the fish joke.
How old are you? 12?


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The official handbook of the Mountain Leader and Walking Group Leader schemes.
Packed with essential information and techniques in three parts: Getting Around in the Hills, The Upland Environment and Group Management.
The book is a reference tool for every walker as well as for those who wish to lead in the hills. Its functional design with easy-reference colour-coded pages, striking illustrations that complement the text and accurate relief and line maps make Hill Walking an indispensable guide to the skills required for summer hill walking.
Mountain Leader Training has been at the forefront in the development of walkers' skills for forty years.
Hill Walking is the first of a series of manuals for walkers and climbers and has been produced by collaboration between the authors at the Mountain Training Trust's centre, Plas y Brenin, and experts within Mountain Leader Training.
Steve Long is a professional climbing instructor and fully qualified International Mountain Guide, and is Chief Office for Mountain Leader Training in the UK. He has written many articles about rock climbing and contributed to several books.

subset: commoncrawl


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Philanthropist Annette Bloch will receive the 351st star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars today.
The star at 110 N. Palm Canyon Drive will be unveiled at 3 p.m. Bloch, widow of H&R Block founder Richard Bloch, is a breast cancer survivor, president of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation and oversees the Bloch Cancer Hotline.
Bloch established the Annette Bloch Cancer Care Center at the Desert AIDS Project in Palm Springs and the Richard and Annette Bloch Heart Rhythm Center, the Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Care Pavilion, and the Richard and Annette Bloch Radiation Oncology Pavilion at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.
Bloch is involved with the Palm Springs Art Museum, Jewish Family Services of the Desert and the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Bloch has three daughters, seven grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren.


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A few weeks ago, I noted that I found it interesting how extreme metal and folk music had found themselves intertwined. The combination of the two elements doesn't make a lot of sense, but yet the folk-influenced versions of extreme sounds are usually far more preferable than there more traditional colleagues. The introduction of new and unusual instruments does something that I think is of vital importance to extreme metal, something I find is sorely lacking in almost everything that falls under that umbrella; diversity.
What makes folk metal interesting is how it is the unlikely union of two things that should not go together. Metal is hard, brash, and abrasive, while folk music is soft, acoustic, and introspective. Folk would be at the bottom of the list of other genres I would expect metal to ever be paired with, given the fundamental differences between them, and yet there is a healthy and thriving scene of folk metal bands that have managed to forge a connection between the two styles.
Let's cut to the chase. Turisas' "Turisas2013" is a clear contender for Album Of The Year honors. There's no two ways about it. Yes, it has a sub-standard title, but let's not be shallow enough to let that get in the way. Everything about this record is wonderful, a surprising improvement over even the lofty accomplishment that was "Stand Up and Fight."
My wife is a very patient woman, who only takes a less-than-casual interest in heavy metal because it makes it easier for us to spend time together. The following conversation happened in our living room:
Me: "I'm not quite sure what to make of this album."
Her: "Who is it?"
Me: "Finntroll. It's their new record, it's all over the place."
Her: "Well, I don't hate it. It sounds kind of fun."
In the quickly multiplying and increasingly competitive world of folk metal, bands are given an early choice between two camps, each representing one of the possible idiomatic sounds of the genre. First, you could truly embrace the roots of the music you are channeling, incorporating an increased number of traditional or esoteric instruments and arrangement. The other path, equally valid in the halls of metal, is to bend more towards the melodic death metal trend, using the folk elements as garnish surrounding the main dish of metal being served.
Johnny, rosin up your bow and play that fiddle hard! There's a new Eluveitie album, which means it's time to grab your fife and fiddle and head out in the Swiss/Celtic countryside and play your heart out!
If "Stand Up and Fight" can't make you smile at least a little, you're taking yourself way too seriously.
Turisas manages to triumph valiantly on this new album through a combination of gigantic attitude, sense of the moment, dramatic construction and no small amount of rock and roll sensibility.


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Roberta Linder, Associate Professor of Education, joined the Wittenberg Education Department in August of 2009. She is presently teaching courses in reading assessment & strategies and phonics in the teaching of reading and writing as well as courses in the master's program. Prior to becoming a member of the Wittenberg faculty, Dr. Linder taught in the Master of Arts in Reading Instruction program at Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois, where her instruction focused on action research, word study, and reading instruction for diverse learners.
Experiences as a Title I reading specialist, high school special education teacher, middle school reading teacher, and reading tutor for school-age children and adults have provided Dr. Linder with the rich background that supports her instruction in literacy courses. Her recent research, publications, and presentations have addressed various facets of middle school education (e.g., multicultural literature), media literacy, and effective instruction in action research courses. Dr. Linder has presented at reading conferences sponsored by literacy professional organizations at the local, state, and national levels. She was the recipient of the 2006 College Reading Association Dissertation Award, presently serves on the Editorial Boards of the ALER Yearbook and Literacy Research and Instruction, and has reviewed for the Middle Grades Research Journal.
Dr. Linder received her B.A. in Education from Capital University, M.S.Ed. in Learning Disabilities from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, and Ed.D. in Literacy Education from Northern Illinois University.


text:
Jet 583247 LB-28 Lever Type Load Binder for 3/8" - 1/2" Chain
List Price: $96.00
You Save: $40.39 (42%)
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• Complies with US DOT regulationsDo not exceed working load limit. Do not use for overhead lifting. Do not use if any components are damaged or worn.


text:
JPMorgan settles Madoff fraud claims for $1.7 billion
NEW YORK — JPMorgan Chase & Co., already beset by other costly legal woes, has agreed to pay $1.7 billion to settle criminal charges that the bank ignored obvious warning signs of Bernard Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, federal authorities said today.
The $1.7 billion represents the largest ever forfeiture by a U.S. bank and the largest Department of Justice penalty for a Bank Secrecy Act violation, the government said. The settlement includes a so-called deferred prosecution agreement that requires the bank to acknowledge failures in its protections against money laundering but also allows it to avoid criminal charges. No individual executives were accused of wrongdoing.


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"Revolution" Ends, "TMNT/Batman:TAS" Begins in IDW's November 2016 Solicitations
Comic Books
Publishing | Direct-market comics sales fell 12 percent in July versus the previous year, with only Marvel's X-Men #1 breaking the 100,000-copy mark, thanks to incentive covers and heavy marketing behind a series relaunch. The sixth issue of DC Comics' summer crossover, Brightest Day, came in at No. 2 with about 94,600 copies.
The news is better in the graphic novel category, where sales climbed 3 percent, buoyed by strong performances by all six volumes of Scott Pilgrim — the final book in the series debuted with sales of more than 21,000 — and the 12th volume of The Walking Dead. Overall sales declined 9 percent in July. [ICv2.com]
Conventions | Wizard World Chicago Comic Con kicks off Friday in Rosemont, Illinois. Guests include Brian Azzarello, Art Baltazar, J. Scott Campbell, Gary Friedrich, Michael Golden, Mike Grell, Greg Horn, Joe Madureira, Bill Sienkiewicz, Jill Thompson and Ethan Van Sciver. [Daily Herald]
Organizations | The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has named Robert Corn-Revere as its new legal counsel. [press release]
Creators | Author Christopher Golden discusses Baltimore: The Plague Ships, the Dark Horse miniseries based on the Baltimore illustrated novel he wrote with Mike Mignola: "I spend a lot of my time looking at the old myths and the old folklore. I try to find the things that seem a little silly to me and expose them as silly, and then turn them into something fascinating. What we try to do in Baltimore is remind people that most stories have dark predecessors, grim folklore tales that are really creepy and entertaining." [USA Today]
Creators | Jeffrey Brown talks about his newest collection, Undeleted Scenes, the upcoming Cats Are Weird & Other Observations, Incredible Change-Bots and more. [TFAW.com]
Creators | Deb Aoki interviews Peepo Choo creator Felipe Smith about making manga in Japan, the grueling deadlines and his next projects. [About.com]
Creators | Chuck O'Donnell profiles longtime Archie Comics cartoonist Fernando Ruiz, who's drawing "The Man from R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E." arc in Archie. [NorthJersey.com]
Creators | Veronica cartoonist Dan Parent chats about Kevin Keller, Archie Comics' first gay character. [Kentucky.com]
Comics | Rich George and Jesse Schedeen rattle off their picks for the best indie comics and the best Vertigo titles. [IGN.com]
Remember the old days when comics sold BETTER in the summer? Not any more! Just one more sign that this business is in HUGE trouble. All you fanboys who think the industry is doing just fine can stay in denial all you want, but the numbers don't lie.
Comics have become a service industry serving the interests of a rapidly aging fan base and no more. At some point and time the movie well is going to dry up as well just like any other film trends of the lt century or so. Don't think Disney or Warner will continue to pour resources into comics if this happens either, cause their shareholders won't allow for it. Time to figure out how to bring in new readers and soon or else it will be loss of sales through attrition and nothing else.
As for IGN's indie list, I'm not sure Icon titles belong with "Indie", actually the closest to an actual indie title on the entire list is the Killer. But hey to me Indie means more DIY write, draw etc (Top Shelf, Fanta, D&Q, the late Buenaventura Press, and Picturebox are indie to me). Not that there aren't fine books on the list, in fact the only one I don't read in any form is GI Joe, but it would have been nice to see Echo, Tales Designed to Thrizzle, or Mome on the list.
You have to put out better product to entice new readers.
One of the 'only' reasons why comics are still selling is because the aging fan base is the only group who is still buys them… and they're buying them not because they are good but out of habit. But even the habitual readers have standards and the big two are putting out such bad material, even the collectors are dropping the hobby like a bad habit.
The first place to start attracting readers would be to begin telling stories that a) do not talk down to your audience and b) are not insulting to a person's intelligence, neither of which the big two are capable of achieving under current management.
PS. Joshf,
If comics were an industry that existed to serve the interests of an aging fan base, the product would be of a much higher quality. They wouldn't tell stories that have been told ad nauseum because writers and editors would know their audience wouldn't let them get away with it.
The problem is that industry management doesn't care about readers at all. Comics have become an industry that serves no audience except those who work in their offices. They exist only the live out the bad adolescent fanfic stories of current management, which is why most of the stories are so bad, they make sense only to their writers, editors and assistants.
I've been hearing this "comics are doomed" talk for 20 years and they're still here…
Have there been any studies on the impact digital comic distribution has had, regarding new readership? I guess it's still early- I know they've been around awhile, but I look at the iPad release/Marvel app release as a starting point because it received a lot of coverage.
The reason I ask is because I don't really see digital distribution having a big impact on bringing in new readers. I understand that the ease of downloading comics is attractive, but I just can't see comics standing out to an audience that has netflix, youtube, hulu, video games, and whatever else at its fingertips. I guess they fit in with books, but even with the acceptance of "graphic novels" (I hate that term), the larger book industry seems to look down on comics. Would "graphic novels" ever be available on something like iBooks, or are they stuck in their own app? I know that comixology has received great reviews for its comic reader apps, but it's an app that customers have to choose to seek out and choose to download and use- whereas iBooks could potentially recommend certain comic book stories to readers of other genres or long form novels. Wouldn't it be great if something like The Walking Dead was listed as a recommendation to someone who has purchased World War Z from iBooks?
Feel free to ignore this post, but that's my thoughts on finding new comic book readers. I could have done a better job of getting my point across.
Wood burning cars still have a fanbase too. There isn't much money in producing them but some people still like them. So, technically they're 'still here' too.
Wood burning cars? Really?
If I could expand upon what Jay said, I've been hearing comics are doomed for 40 years – and it still ain't happened. They said the same thing about radio when TV hit, BTW.
It may well be true that downloads will outsell physical comics. It may also be true that a lot of shops will lose business or even shut their doors, but comics will (IMHO) never die.
Comics exist primarily because the damned things are so expensive, though. At what price point will we all quit is the pertinent question to me.
@ Brett – good point, guess the old drug dealer habit analogy works best of all eh?
Not to say their aren't excellent books out there, but I feel the 3.99 price point, and flood of pure crap from the big two (which harkens back to the early 90's) is going to really show how much damage has been done.
Joe Shmoe is right, the numbers don't lie.
Comics are doomed, and have been for a long time. The reason their demise hasn't already happened is because the direct market came along and made it possible to profit from really low sales. I think we're close to hitting bottom though.


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Ok, so its the running joke right now how there is a core of us small sports sedan enthusiasts out there desperatly waiting for a savior. Of course this car has been annouced for some time and we are just waiting to drive/buy it, but with stunning silence around the arrival of this car, noone can blame the people who got weak and bought cars from competitors, especially Benz with the hot selling CLA. This new set of videos from … Continue reading
THE AUDI A3 – THREE MILLION CARS AND COUNTING Incredible success of Audi premium compact hatchback is highlighted by three millionth example to leave the line in Ingolstadt Audi A3 number three million – a Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro – left the production line in Ingolstadt, Germany this week Pioneer of the premium compact hatchback class started life 17 years ago and is now in its third generation Latest, all-new car is the first to be available in saloon form … Continue reading
People mover translates to MPV or mini-van if you like. Reports from AutoExpress in the UK seem to say that Audi is indeed working on such a car, and that it will be based on the A3. Its not clear if it will actually wear the A3 nameplate, but hopefully not! Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a3…-a3-mpv-shapes
Autoblog has gotten their hands on the S3 and have posted their review online. Quote: Through the sport exhaust also clapped onto our test car, the 296-horsepower, 2.0-liter TFSI inline four-cylinder engine – a variant of the same EA888 motor as recently tested in the 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI – chuffs out an excellent song when the Audi Drive Select is switch to its Dynamic calibration. There is an exaggerated sound like a raspy gasp for precious air with every … Continue reading
Click on through to see all our full resolution unaltered and untagged Audi S3 Wallpapers. Make sure to click on the thumbnails to see the full resolution versions
Click on through to see all our full resolution unaltered and untagged Audi A3 Wallpapers. Make sure to click on the thumbnails to see the full resolution versions
Audi S3 Sedan Just a few months after the launch of the new sedan model series, Audi will introduce the top model – the S3 Sedan. The 2.0 TFSI produces 221 kW (300 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb ft) of torque. Its high-performance four-cylinder engine combines highly advanced efficiency technologies – dual fuel injection, exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head, the Audi valvelift system and a rotary valve module for thermal management. This version of the Audi S3 … Continue reading
The Audi A3 Sedan – Launch into a new market segment With the launch of the A3 Sedan this spring, Audi is entering the world's largest market segment, the class of compact sedans. The dynamic four- door car offers all of the strengths of the A3 model series – with low weight thanks to lightweight design, powerful and highly efficient engines and numerous high-end solutions for infotainment as well as driver assistance systems. The top model of the series is … Continue reading
At the 2011 CES Show in Las Vegas, Audi decided to reveal some good A3 news. Namely the new cockpit for the A3 and its certainly one of the best Audi has created to date. It looks snug and cozy and super sporty. Can't wait to get behind the wheel! [More Details and Photos]
According to an Audi AG board member, the A3 sedan / 4-door coupe is likely headed for the U.S. market. Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi AG board member for sales and marketing, told Autonews that the A3 sedan, based on the next gen A3 hatchback model, is a likely candidate for the U.S. market and could arrive in the US as early as 2013. [More Details Inside]


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I 'll never be a scrapbooker. I don't have time to print pictures let alone cut out little cute thematic pieces of paper to go with them. But those scrappy people, they are on to something with those die cut machines! I cut the flowers for this petal tee with my new Sizzix Big Shot. Like it?
(Gosh, thanks! Me too.) Here's how I did it.
- 2 matching tees from Target clearance. Yup, 2 bucks each
- Big Shot machine and Big Shot Originals die Flower Layers #2
- hand needle and thread
I did the first run-through with a piece of regular paper on top to help stabilize, but it turned out I didn't need it so did the rest with fabric only.
Then I made piles by size. For this project, I decided the smallest flower wasn't what I wanted, so I only used the big, medium and smaller flower. Then I layered them, either a big with a medium, medium with a small, or a a big with a small.
Threading a hand needle, I used a running stitch around the center of each 2-layer flower and pulled it to gather it up. What's a running stitch? Go up from the back at the base of one petal, down again at the base of the next, up at the base of the next, and down at the fourth. You've really just made 2 stitches in the flower, then pull it to gather.
Then I attached the flower to the neckline of the other shirt (you know, the one I didn't cut up into bits) with a backstitch. You don't want to use a running stitch all the way through or if your thread gets caught on something, the whole thing will bunch up. What's a backstitch? If you are adding the flowers right to left, as I am, put your needle down through the shirt fabric, then bring it up to the right of where you put it down. Catch some flower fabric, and put it back down to the left of your starting point. This picture shows the backstitch from the inside of the shirt, so it shows up (to the inside of the shirt), down to the right, then (catching some flower fabric) up to the left of the starting point.
Your needle's on the inside of the shirt now. Bring it up a little space away (about an inch and a half depending on what size flowers you're using).
Repeat until your flowers are all along the neckline.
I used about 16 flowers, starting with 2 smaller flowers near the shoulder and then randomized, then ended with 2 small flowers. Then I put my thread in my pocket, but that's an in joke, ha ha.
The back will look kind of messy, but who cares? Here's the back of a Banana Republic embellished tee I shelled out $40 for, and it's messy too.
Please link to me if you like this tutorial, or better yet, come to my etsy shop and buy scads of my PDF sewing patterns so I can buy more dies for my Big Shot, and I promise I'll post about more crafty things to do with it.


text: Road Trippin' Triathlete By Jené ShawPublished Mar 17, 2011 << Back to StoryOpen full size in new window. VP Hollis Lyman helps a new teammate with his freestyle stroke. Liz Hichens is the Web Editor of Triathlete.com. She is an Ironman and marathon finisher and fan of all endurance sports.Follow @lizhichensFollow on Google+All articles by Liz


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Letters: DeMaio, energy, unions and more
DeMaio evaluates election results
In response to "DeMaio calls for a GOP renewal" (Nov. 24): Mr. DeMaio makes some reasonable arguments about how the Republican Party needs to change, but then, late in the article, the comments of [San Diego County] GOP Chairman Tony Krvaric highlight what is really wrong with the Republican Party. In calling Democrats the party of "collectivism and dependency," Mr. Krvaric is obviously using those code words to state his true belief that Democrats are really just communists.
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If the Republican Party really wants to become more relevant, their first move should be to send Mr. Krvaric and his ilk back to the 1950s where they belong. – Samuel H. Sheppard, University City
Someone please explain to Carl DeMaio that HE lost the mayoral election, not the GOP.
As a lifelong Republican, the recent election was perplexing. Due to liberal tendencies and years of backing the Democrat Party line, Bob Filner was definitely not my choice for mayor. However, over the past few years, I have found Carl DeMaio to be an extremely divisive individual. He has shown that he is prone to showcase a petty, almost petulant, "my way or the highway" attitude with little or nothing to back it up. He has been a "one-trick pony," claiming that public pensions are the lone reason for all of San Diego's financial woes, neglecting the fact that his political predecessors, not public employees, are the root cause of our fiscal instability. DeMaio's campaign was rife with verbal attacks on Filner, attacks on fellow Republicans, attacks on public employees and attacks on essentially anyone that disagreed with him. Add to that the total inability to "unite" anyone and you have a DeMaio loss.
Now, DeMaio wants to "renew" the GOP. As for the future of the GOP, here's an idea. Find candidates that are likable, who have a vision and an ideology that suits many people and not just a select few. Find candidates that are respectful to all voters, not just those they are beholden to. Find candidates that are the polar opposite of Carl DeMaio. THAT is why this Republican reluctantly voted for Bob Filner. – Jim Smith, San Carlos
Carl DeMaio needs to stop blaming the Republican Party and everyone else for losing the race for San Diego mayor. We believe he lost because people find him divisive, arrogant, and condescending, which is why we didn't vote for him. We live in his City Council district, and we knew as soon as he was elected four years ago that he was running for mayor. He did not focus on his district throughout his term. He spent the last four years "campaigning" for the mayor's office. Please, Carl, take responsibility for your actions and stop blaming others for your loss. – Linda Smith, San Diego
Live with less
In response to "Looming energy crisis requires innovation" (Opinion, Nov. 22): Creating new "peaker" energy plants for peak demand times is not the only solution. Try this on for size. Live with a little less! Make every house, or at minimum every house with more than one central air conditioning unit go on interruptable service. That enables SDG&E to shut off your AC unit temporarily during peak demand while the electric production recovers. So we have to sweat a few drops, boo-hoo, I think we can take it.
Consumers need to quit being treated like china dolls. People just need to live with a little less than the perfect temperature 24/7. In my neighborhood multiple AC units run excessively anyway. [I would] rather have interruptable service than more of the hideous towers like the Sunrise Powerlink that now cover our beautiful East County landscape.
By the way, I just installed solar a few months ago and it works great. And yes I have had Interruptable AC for the past nine years and I have lived through it. Just use less! – Brad Bach, Alpine
Unions have made contribution
Don't forget In response to "Protesters fail in effort to keep shoppers from Walmarts" (Nov. 24): Maybe labor unions have outlived their usefulness, but for all of you workers who have a jobs that pay a decent wage for a workweek of reasonable length, with mandated vacation time and, perhaps, medical and retirement benefits, you need to remember that absent agitation by the unions, often in the face of violent attempts at suppression by management, you'd likely be working six- or seven-day weeks, 12 to 16 hours a day, no vacation time, for wages that would leave you with zero disposable income and barely able to support yourselves and your families. I fear that without the labor unions, we might well regress to conditions that I doubt anyone wishes to revisit. – Conway Redding, La Mesa
[In response to P.J. Anderson (Letters, Nov. 24), who] found it "enlightening" regarding Walmart workers protesting working on "Black" Friday and wanting a union.
I wonder if that letter writer saw the video recorded at a Walmart somewhere in our country where people were acting like cattle being released from a tight space? Screaming, shoving, acting nothing like humans should act. Ever. Some workers were saying that is one of the reasons they don't like to work on this particular night. Can we blame them?
Also, I had a cousin who worked for Walmart. They prefer to hire part-timers so that they don't have to pay health care insurance. So, when someone at Walmart has to have medical care, they go to the emergency room. Who pays for that? Our taxes. The hospitals do NOT appreciate that; emergency rooms are overloaded enough.
So, when Walmart pulls in huge profits, let us not forget what unions have fought for in the past: a decent, living wage. How sad that that has become a phrase that makes us angry or sour about our fellow human beings. – Lydia Hollowell, Lemon Grove
Role of race in 2012 election
Ron Bonn (Letters, Nov. 23) states that significant numbers of people voted against Barack Obama, simply because he's black, "proving" that there are a lot of racists out there. Would it not be racist to vote FOR Obama, simply because he's black? When is the last time a candidate received over 90 percent of the black vote? Political correctness cuts both ways. – Pat Stewart, La Mesa
In response to Ron Bonn: This letter states President Obama overcame racial obstacles in winning re-election. My suggestion is that racial influences may have been an overall advantage for President Obama.
Unfortunately, there is no question that many voters were biased by race, but the suggestion that a black candidate is at a significant disadvantage is dated. There is no doubt some white voters favored Romney for racial reasons, but across ALL voters, including whites, there were also many who favored a black candidate for racial reasons. The manifestation of this is the 96 percent of black voters representing 13% of our population voted for President Obama and were decisive in this election. If black voters would have given the same level of support to Governor Romney that the white voters gave to President Obama, then Governor Romney would have won the election.
I agree with Mr. Bonn that it is unfortunate that racial preferences enter into elections, but not necessarily always to a minority's disadvantage. – John Porter, Borrego Springs
Reader Ron Bonn makes the unprovable assertion (Letters, Nov. 23) that "residual racism" caused significant numbers of whites to vote against Obama because of his race. Let us grant at the outset that Obama (whose mother was white and whose Kenyan father shared no affinity with American blacks) is because of his appearance widely considered to be simply "black." When we mull that over, a much more provable assertion becomes obvious, to wit, that true and undeniable racism motivated over 95 percent of blacks to vote for Obama.
Bonn goes on to maintain that Hillary Clinton will now have to contend with prejudice against females [if] she seeks the 2016 Democratic nomination. The fact is that anyone who lives in the real world knows that disproportionate numbers of females and frightened males will vote for Hillary simply because they are prejudiced on behalf of a female – this, despite her being manifestly unqualified for the presidency because of her obvious defects of character and temperament. – Tom Barbarie, University City
Ballerina deserves support
Fred Dickey wrote a wonderful article about a struggling and exquisite high school ballerina named Jessica Kelley ("Young dancer twirling through difficult life with amazing grace," Local, Nov. 12). She is to perform in the youth "The Nutcracker," one of the most sought after roles for any ballerina. Not only that but she is also an "A" student. All the while she and her mom have lived hand to mouth.
The article went on to say that even though money is tight, Jessica is always fed, implying that mom sometimes goes hungry just to make ends meet. I have been one of the lesser donors to her cause and I hope that anyone who have more substantial income will come to her aid. Though there have been people willing to donate: for food, expenses and maybe even a college fund, I hope more people will open their hearts and pocketbooks and give this well-deserving kid a leg up. She deserves it more than anyone I can think of, and NO ONE but her and her mom will get any of your gracious support.
For those who enjoy ballet, tickets for "The Nutcracker" with the Civic Youth Ballet are just $10 and can be purchased at sdcyb.org. Anything will help her and her mom. Skip one day of Starbucks and send it to her instead. The note you will receive in return will give you a much warmer, uplifting, feeling than that cup of Joe. – Paul Martin, San Diego
Pooh-poohing hope for progress
Although San Diego may be (have been?) America's finest city, its "enormous promise that emerging technologies offer mankind" ("San Diego and the coming Bio Age," Editorial, Nov. 23) cannot be met if all the workers are in jail for washing their cars or not picking up dog poop.
A recent [editorial] in the North County Times ("That dog may cost you $100,000 a day," nctimes.com, Nov. 12) reveals that there will be "fines of $100,000 a day [for] serial offenders of such new crimes as allowing sprinklers to hit the pavement, washing a car in the driveway, or, conceivably, failing to pick up dog poop promptly from their own backyards, let alone the sidewalk." And, "Cities throughout San Diego, south Orange and southwest Riverside counties must enforce the law, and set up 24-hour hot lines for people to report violations by their neighbors."
It's too bad that the Gestapo in Sacramento sees fit to blunt our otherwise enormous promise with spillover from U.N. Agenda 21 and attempt to force the populace into tattling on their neighbors in response to yet another ridiculous pile of regulations. – John Zentmyer, Lakeside
Bullet train is not best rail alternative
The Nov. 19 editorial "New reasons to doubt the bullet train" was of interest to me because it pointed out "new" problems that have been known all along. It will be unfortunate if this boondoggle moves forward using technology for hauling freight developed in the early in the 1800s. No wonder it will cost about $200 million per mile!
A big problem is that we do need affordable transportation up the coast. The price of flying has crept up until it is downright expensive, and it is still not too convenient.
I recommend designing around a reasonable budget that will keep fares affordable even if travel times get longer. Don't try to compete with airplanes, but please compete with automobiles.
I think people would pay $100 for a round-trip ticket to San Francisco that took six hours. With a great view and food and drink available, it seems a great way to travel.
Personally, I favor monorails to carry passengers because of their low environmental impact and inherent efficiencies.
Back to the drawing board! – Hugo Carver, Point Loma
Bill the stricken
I live very close to Cowles Mountain and watch climbers often as they make their way up the top, if possible. Several times a week I also see or hear firetrucks arriving at the base of the mountain to do a rescue of someone who was injured. [On Friday] someone fell and there were two firetrucks, one from San Diego and the other from La Mesa, plus a car occupied by the battalion chief, AND a helicopter! The helicopter alone costs thousands of dollars. Obviously there is no coordination of who is to arrive at the scene, and that means a waste of taxpayers' money.
Yes, the injured person needs medical care, but why is it not the obligation and cost to the injured person rather than to the cities? I asked one of the fireman who is liable for the cost of these rescues, and he said both the city and the injured, without a clear separation of costs. Maybe the city should put signs at the base of the climb saying "climb at your own risk" thereby alerting climbers of the consequences.
Frankly, I believe those in charge need to take a good look at this costly confusion and take proper action. How about our new mayor? – Dan Yelvington, San Carlos
Kudos to hospice
In response to "Growing hospice costs focus of audits," Nov. 19): Recently, San Diego Hospice has been critically reviewed by Medicare. I cannot comment on the details of those criticisms but I can comment on the value and efficacy of the SD Hospice.
For the past two years I have been the medical director of a palliative care program at one the major San Diego hospitals. We have seen over 1,000 patients and we work with hospice programs extensively. SD Hospice has been superb. Their inpatient facility is a national standard. Their nurses are knowledgeable and compassionate. Their physicians have been helpful and appropriate.
Historically, SD Hospice has made major contributions to this city. As we in our program have attempted to deal with the emotional turmoils of death and dying as well as the details of appropriate care, I have found SD Hospice to be extraordinarily valuable. Ironically, apparently Medicare was worried about money but hospice programs save money. – Donald J. Ritt, La Jolla
'Classified' for a reason
Most administration critics talking and writing about "who knew what and when" don't seem to understand that what we knew when is classified information for a very good reason. In the intelligence business, letting your opponents know what you know and when you learn it often reveals a lot about what your sources are. You must keep much of the information you have secret to protect your ability to gather new information. The administration must be vague about what it knew and when it knew it to keep our enemies off balance. The talking points were edited by the intelligence community to conceal what we knew from our enemies.
Recall the lesson we learned when we revealed that we located and apprehended Khalid Sheikh Mohammed by tracking what he thought were secure cellphone calls. The result was that terrorists the world over switched to more secure communications that reduced our capability to intercept and track their communications.
This need for secrecy conflicts with the public's right to be kept informed, but it's a compromise that must be made. The shameful thing here is that the people leading the attacks on the administration know, if they are competent in this area, that this is true. They are attempting to spin the administration's need to protect our information sources as a "cover up." This is politics at it's ugliest, people willing to compromise on national security to score political points. – Michael Snare, San Diego


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- 6 updates
MPs criticise 'plebgate' inquiry
Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood was sharply criticised by The Commons Public Administration Committee for his investigation into former chief whip Andrew Mitchell's "plebgate" row with Downing Street police officers.
Live updates
Number 10: PM stands by initial 'Plebgate' review
"The Prime Minister remains of the view that it was the right review at the right time," is the answer Number 10 is giving to the Public Administration Committee's scathing report on the 'Plebgate' investigation.
The Committee says Mr Cameron should not have asked the overworked and under-qualified Cabinet Secretary, Sir Jeremy Heywood, to investigate.
It points out that the Adviser on Ministers' Interests, Sir Alex Allen, who has a background in intelligence, was the best man for the job.
Sir Jeremy's investigation did find that there were unanswered questions surrounding the affair. The Committee says he should have tried to answer them or find someone who could.
Heywood said 'plebgate' emails were 'unreliable'
Cabinet Secretary not 'appropriate' for 'plebgate' inquiry
The Commons Public Administration Committee chairman Bernard Jenkin, said: "This underlines the all-too-obvious truth that investigations into ministerial misconduct are not an appropriate role for the Cabinet Secretary to undertake.
"Given time, attention and with his relevant experience, Sir Alex Allan (a former chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee) might well have uncovered the truth."
MPs: PM should have been told 'wider inquiry' was needed on 'plebgate'
MPs list number of errors in 'plebgate' inquiry
The Commons Public Administration Committee listed a number of errors in Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood's inquiry into former chief whip Andrew Mitchell's "plebgate" row.
They included:
- The committee said it was "surprising" that Sir Jeremy had not been aware of a note of a conversation that the No 10 head of security and the Prime Minister's principal private secretary had with the officer concerned shortly after the incident.
- They said it was "equally surprising" that he did not establish whether a reported leak of the police log was actually true.
- Sir Jeremy should have advised David Cameron to refer the matter to the relevant police authorities so they could resolve any "discrepancies and inconsistencies", they added.
Heywood criticised over 'plebgate' investigation
Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood was criticised by MPs for his investigation into former chief whip Andrew Mitchell's "plebgate" row with police officers at Downing Street.
Sir Jeremy was not the "appropriate figure" to carry out such an inquiry and suggested that his role as an "impartial investigator" was compromised, The Commons Public Administration Committee said.
Mr Mitchell was forced to resign following claims that he swore at the officers and called them "plebs" after they refused to allow him to cycle through the main gates at Downing Street.
However, evidence has emerged casting doubt on the police account of events - which Mr Mitchell has always strongly disputed, insisting he did not use the word "pleb" and only swore once under his breath.


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how about where the equipment that your galaxydome team wears is highlited in the shop so you dont accidentally sell their equipment and then battle only to find that your power is decreased because of lack of equipment. Its happened to me a number of times and its very frustrating.
Suggestions and Improvements
6 posts


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Situated just east of the Pisgah National Forest, your new city is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton metro. Because of the close proximity of these two cities (Hickory 22 miles east and Lenoir 16 miles northeast), you'll find plenty of convenience in terms of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Don't get me wrong—Morganton is by no means a bustling city. With a population of a little under 17,000, it's got more of a sleepy small town vibe. If you're looking for more "big city" excitement, you'll have to take the 57-mile drive out to the nearby college town of Asheville.
With all these mountains and forests around, it's no surprise that Morganton is a big outdoorsy city. In fact, Morganton's economy relies on outdoor-loving tourists to sustain it throughout all four seasons. During the summer months, both you and the tourists will enjoy hiking, biking, and water activities at both the city and national parks, as well as nearby Lake James. During the winter months, you're within an hour drive of several ski lodges up in the Blue Mountains.
I have more good news for you! Morganton has decently low instances of crime, a low cost of living, and tons of cheap apartments. Now, the question you may be asking is "Where exactly should I look for my new place?" Well, that's what we're here for:
Downtown Morganton may not be the easiest or cheapest place to find a rental, but there are a handful of newly renovated condominiums located in quaint historical buildings throughout the city center — particularly along Sterling Street. These luxury properties frequently come with built-in fireplaces and high-end décor. Two bedroom apartments for rent here range from $1,300 - $1,500.
If you're looking for some cheap apartments for rent, check to the areas south of downtown, around both Western Piedmont Community College and Broughton Hospital. In these neighborhoods, you'll find several apartment complexes that offer everything from studio apartments to three bedrooms. You can also find rental homes in this area. Two bedroom rental properties here range from $500 - $700.
Because there's a tourist economy in Morganton, landlords and management companies anticipate travelers' needs. That means if you're looking for a short term lease or furnished apartments for rent, you shouldn't have too hard a time negotiating a home in many Morganton rentals.
Good news for pet lovers! Morganton's rental market is very pet friendly. Some furnished apartments for rent may have strict pet restrictions or require exorbitant deposits, but overall Morganton apartment rentals are both cat and dog friendly!
So welcome to Morganton! Enjoy all that your new scenic North Carolina city has to offer—regardless of the season!


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The World Resources Institute (WRI)'s coral reef-associated projects fall into two broad categories – a) mapping and modelling threats to coral reefs under the Reefs at Risk project series and b) economic valuation of coral reefs and mangroves. Our current threat analysis, Reefs at Risk Revisited, is global in scope.
Last Updated: 9 March 2014
ICRI Secretariat c/o Biodiversity Policy DivisionMinistry of the Environment1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-kuTokyo 100-8975, Japan P: + 81-3-5521-8274F: + 81-3-3591-3228


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Alabama freshman forward Shannon Hale has been selected as the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, league officials announced on Monday.
Click here for the original story.
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Shannon Hale Named SEC Freshman of the Week
Started by Tider27, Mar 03 2014 10:34 AM
Posted 03 March 2014 - 10:34 AM
Posted 03 March 2014 - 01:02 PM
He looks promising wonder if Grant runs him off at the end of the season or next?
"I didn't come to Alabama to win 10 games a year and be a contender. I came here to win championships, Conference Championships, and National Championships. I love it here because that's not just what I want, but what this fan base expects." -Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban
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Starting RA's Sonar 2006 Prologues is one of the Spanish festival's iconic pioneers Miss Kittin.
Dance music is going places it's never been before. Only a few years ago DJs that just toured the major clubbing capitals now wander far and wide, perking up new ears to the electronic beat. Steve Porter is an example of the new breed who are benefiting from the opening of these doors.
RA's Cameron Eeles sits down with Border Community boss James Holden.
Traum Schallplatten ("Dream Soundplates") is the Cologne-based family of labels run by DJ, producer and music writer, Riley Reinhold (aka Triple R) and Jacqueline Klein.
The Detroit-Berlin axis gets a lot of love, but what about sweet home Chicago?


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Sunday Talk Preview: Ferguson, Iraq
The continuing unrest in Ferguson, Mo., and the latest challenges for the U.S. in Iraq are expected to be discussed on this Sunday's news shows. Here are the guest lineups, as compiled by the Associated Press:
ABC's "This Week"
Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (D., Hawaii) and Adam Kinzinger (R., Ill.)
NBC's "Meet the Press"
Gov. Jay Nixon (D., Mo.); Reps. John Lewis (D., Ga.), and Michael Turner (R., Ohio); Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake of Baltimore; City Councilman Bernard Parks of Los Angeles.
CBS's "Face the Nation"
Rep. Mike Rogers (R., Mich.); NAACP president Cornell William Brooks.
CNN's "State of the Union"
Nixon; Reps. Peter King (R., N.Y.) and William Lacy Clay Jr. (D., Mo.)
"Fox News Sunday"
Gov. Rick Perry (R., Texas); Sen. Ron Johnson (R., Wis.)


text:
A Quote by Domus Ulixes on reality, mankind, and consciousness
We will need to look, beyond reality, to find the reality behind the axiomatic reasoning of mankind itself. Perhaps we even need to look behind Consciousness itself, to find what is the foundation of reality.
Source: questioning the single mindedness of buddha
Contributed by: Domus Ulixes


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PACIFICA -- An 84-year-old man was arrested Sunday evening in the stabbing of his wife at their home, police said.
Tony Lee was booked into San Mateo County Jail early Monday, hours after he was arrested in the incident, Pacifica police Capt. Joe Spanheimer said. Lee's 72-year-old wife was listed in critical condition Monday after being stabbed multiple times, though police say she is stable and expected to survive.
Officers responded about 5 p.m. to the couple's home in the 400 block of Griffin Avenue, Spanheimer said. Police found the injured woman inside the house, and she was taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.
Lee was taken into custody at the scene and booked into jail hours later, Spanheimer said. It was not immediately known what may have motivated the attack. A family member called police, officials said.
Pacifica police detectives continued Monday to investigate the incident, which has not yet been submitted to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office. Lee remains in jail on suspicion of attempted homicide.
Follow Erin Ivie at Twitter.com/erin_ivie.


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A four-season resort area
Nicknamed "Québec City's Great Outdoors," the sprawling regional county municipality of Jacques-Cartier, the Québec City area's green belt, lies just 20 minutes north of downtown. Here is an overview of the region, including both its well and less well-known attractions.
Jacques-Cartier is home to some of the Québec City area's most popular lakes.
To the east, Lac Beauport offers an ideal setting for kayaking, pedal boating, and sailing.
Toward the center, the region is popular among bird lovers, who visit the area to observe the 160 species that inhabit the wetlands of Marais du Nord.
If you continue along your way you'll come upon the Lac-Delage resort area.
At the northernmost point of the region, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier boasts irresistible recreational opportunities on the famous Jacques-Cartier River, where you can let the current carry you in a canoe, kayak, or an inflatable raft. You can even go fishing!
A little further east you'll find Réserve faunique des Laurentides, a wildlife reserve known for its brook trout fishing and, in the fall, small game hunting.
he Jacques Cartier region is famous for its outdoor recreational areas brimming with activities for the entire family, all year round. Its mountains, forests, and wetlands are perfect for hiking and horse riding enthusiasts, with many excellent trails and fine lookouts.
Stoneham Mountain Resort has a number of family vacation packages that feature everything from geocaching (a GPS treasure hunt) to high ropes courses, kayaking, rock climbing, and swimming in the pool! Once the snowflakes begin to fall, the resort plays host to skiers and snowboarders with its numerous runs and great night skiing!
Continue on on your way toward Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier and you'll come to Valcartier Vacation Village. It's the perfect place to cool down on hot summer days with its many waterslides, a wave pool, and its adventure rivers. You can also go white-water rafting, canoeing, or karting, and even camp onsite. During the winter months, the park turns into the largest snow-slide destination in the Americas. There's no better way to get in touch with your inner child!
Cyclists can access the 60-kilometer Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf bike path from this sector, or ride all the way into downtown Québec City along Corridor des Cheminots.
To the west lies Station touristique Duchesnay, a great destination for rock climbing, archery, hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, and geocaching. You can also observe black bears or go on an educational scavenger hunt in a giant wooden maze nearby!
The Jacques-Cartier region is also home to one outstanding golf course, Mont Tourbillon in Lac-Beauport.
Winter in the Jacques-Cartier region is a magical time. An abundance of snow make for exceptional outdoor fun at the area's two ski resorts and the snow slide parks. The white stuff also ensures great conditions on the snowmobile trails that wind through Réserve faunique des Laurentides, and the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails that criss-cross Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and Camp Mercier.
Those who like to skate in the great outdoors will love the Shannon ice oval and the 3-kilometer rink on Lac Beauport.
Or if you're itching for something new, you could also try out ice fishing or dogsledding, all of which are available locally. Dogsledding excursions are also available in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier and Stoneham.
In the Jacques-Cartier region, relax and recharge your batteries at one of the local spas. At the Manoir du Lac Delage Spa, you'll find a wealth of esthetic and massage treatments, with pools, saunas, and hot tubs all onsite.
For a relaxing experience in the heart of nature, try Le Nordique Spa Stoneham on the banks of Rivière Jacques-Cartier. Enjoy Finnish baths, Turkish steam baths, hot tubs, and Nordic baths all year round.
The Jacques-Cartier region is home to numerous inns, hotels, and B&Bs overlooking lakes and mountains. Cabins can be rented year-round.
It's also a great spot for camping. There's truly something for everyone, including full service lakeshore sites, basic sites alongside the river, teepees and yurts, and even luxurious Huttopia tents at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier.
Gourmet restaurants at local inns serve up exceptional cuisine, while numerous other restaurants—many with patios offering lovely views of the region's lakes and hills—feature international, local, or bistro-style fare. Time to start exploring!
For more information, visit the Tourisme Jacques-Cartier website.
What do you think of our tourist destination?
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This article was corrected | View correction
In this issue of THE JOURNAL, we are publishing a report1 of work that started 9 years ago, was concluded in December 1990, and the data from which were published in another journal in July 1995. Given that we at JAMA like to keep up-to-date and that we try never to republish what others have already put in print, the reader might well ask what is going on. The story necessary to answer this question provides a cautionary tale that illustrates the sharply differing views of research taken by the university researcher and the company sponsoring that research, if the company's product is at stake. At a time when an increasing proportion of research funding is provided by private companies,2 the story holds lessons for both, as well as for university faculties, administrators, regulatory agencies, and for physicians who prescribe on the basis of evidence.
See also pp
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text: Now that Stephen Colbert is officially exploring the possibility of running in South Carolina, his Super PAC, under the direction of Jon Stewart, has begun running attack ads. The first spot targeted Mitt Romney, who was likened to Jack the Ripper, and may have had an exaggeration or two. But that's not on Colbert's shoulders, after all, like all the other candidates, he isn't coordinating with the Super PAC.


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GROSS BECOMES PRESIDENT OF GU MARKETS was named president of GU Markets here last week, announced Rick Cohen, chairman of the company. Gross was executive vice president of GU Markets since 2001. He will be responsible for all aspects of the operations and will report to Ed Albertian, chief executive officer. Gross will continue to be the executive vice president, chief financial officer and general counsel of C&S Wholesale Grocers, Brattleboro, Vt., an affiliate of GU Markets. KROGER ...
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First Battle of 2013: Why Revengeance is better than DmC (Demo Impressions)
Which hack 'n' slash rises victorious?
by Arthur Kotsopoulos
©2013 Arthur Kotsopoulos
Let it be known that I've had the chance to check out multiple codes and play the latest demo offering with Metal Gear Rising Revengeance whereas with DmC I've only played the demo that was recently released on Xbox Live and PSN.
However, after spending the better of a few hours on both demos (note they can be finished within 30 minutes), I can safely say that of the two, Revengeance is the premiere hack and slash title to look forward to this year.
Dante May Cry
Developed by Cambridge-based Ninja Theory, the studio responsible for Heavenly Sword and Enslaved, DmC is set in a parallel universe that has little to do with the original Devil May Cry series which featured blond half-human, half-demon Dante.
In the latest DmC , released this month, we have a young foul-mouthed punk-rock looking Dante, who is half-demon and half-angel, better known as Nephilim, living in Limbo City.
In the shadows demons control Limbo City through the various comforts of life. CCTV are littered through the city, corporations promote unhealthy drinks among the population and fear is spread throughout the television media. (ED: So nothing like our world today then….)
Almost instantaneously I had the vibe of John Carpenters They Live.
I have to hand it to Ninja Theory in that the one aspect of DmC that I did enjoy was the shape-shifting city, which continually manipulated itself everywhere you went.
The presentation and environments in this game are of the utmost highest quality; it's just a shame that every thing else has paid the price.
Devil May Sigh?
Not only did I find myself completely bored with the bland and uninspiring enemies but I was taken aback by how clunky and slow combat felt. The core of the Devil May Cry series has always been the combat, the fast hack and slash antics of Dante, stringing together multiple combos with your sword or Ebony & Ivory.
I loved spending hours to improve your combat score and mastering the art of fighting.
DmC with its lower locked frames-per-second has given us a combat mechanic that feels awkward. Sure you can still string together combos but obtaining high scores and SSS ranking seems all too easy.
Nephilim difficulty provided little to no challenge and whilst I don't consider myself a pro at hack and slash I do enjoy a good challenge that requires a little more than just button mashing.
Both bumper buttons allow Dante to dodge and it's annoying when many other titles include a lock on feature, because you'll continually find yourself pressing either of these buttons only to realize they don't lock on.
Demon Inside
Being a half-demon and half-angel does have its perks though, as by holding down the left trigger you'll equip Dante with the angelic scythe, Osiris, whilst holding down the right trigger will equip the demonic axe.
This opens up a multitude of extra moves at Dante's disposal and if the combat was paced faster and the enemies weren't as bland as they are I could enjoy the combat more. You'll find annoyance in two things with these extra weapons; holding down the trigger to activate it becomes tedious and regardless of how many hours you spend you'll always forget you need to hold the trigger down to have the weapon equipped.
Secondly the Y and B button are mapped for attacks whilst X activates the weapon's alternate function. I found myself during combat pressing away at the X button only to realize I was just latching onto enemies or pulling them towards me.
Due to the nature of Limbo City, you'll be required to traverse the city using these alternate functions on a very regular basis. The scythe features the ability to pull yourself towards enemies and blue circled points of interest whilst the demonic axe allows to latch onto enemies or red circled interest points and pull them towards you.
It adds a little variety to the usual run and jump on walls but many games have done this before so it isn't anything new. Devil May Cry hasn't been a game with quality voice acting but DmC is just borderline painful to listen to. The dialogue before the boss fight (the second offering in the DmC demo) made me want to slice my ears off and throw them in a barrel of fire; I just couldn't sit through it.
I know a demo isn't a representation of the final code but the DmC demo did not do anything to keep my hopes up for this reboot. I found myself bored of the combat, uninterested in the enemies and offended at such horrible dialogue.
Metal Gear is SOLID
When you compare it to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance there's just no competition. Both demos do an absolutely wonderful job of highlighting the contrasts between Japanese and Western development studios though.
Revengeance is developed by Japanese developers Platinum Games, the team behind Bayonetta, which was a surprise hit.
Sure its story was a tad cliche but the combat and stylish action was just awe-inspiring. Revengeance was in a little bit of hot water early on in its development stages but once Platinum Games had been brought in, the ball got rolling.
What we've got is a fluid third person swordplay action game where players can seamlessly enter Blade Mode, a bullet time-esque scenario allowing you to slice and dice opponents into hundreds of little pieces or easily block opponents attacks and perform combos.
The demo for Revengeance features the option for a quick tutorial to accustom you with the combat of the game. It's nothing too difficult or tedious and you'll be in action before you know it.
Metal Gear Cut-Scene
The island level opens with a lengthy cut-scene (something that isn't alien to the MGS franchise) which explains some of the back-story behind Raiden, the game's story and the PMC he's working for. Again the productions value in this cut-scene alone is of the utmost quality.
To block an enemy's attack you're required to flick the left thumbstick in the direction of the attack and tap 'X' and the right moment.
It's frustrating at first but once you stop frantically pressing everything you can and time it right you'll find that in light of no function to dodge blocking will be your new best friend.
Through out the 20-30 minute play through I came across rocket launchers, grenades, battle multiple enemies and Gekkos and fight- an extremely tough and intelligent cyborg tiger with a chainsaw on the tip of its tail.
Metal Gear Hard
Much like Ninja Gaiden 1 and 2, Revengeance requires you to time your attacks and blocks. If you're playing on a harder difficulty enemies will relentlessly attack you and you'll need to be at your best.
This isn't a game where you can sit back mash some buttons and progress through the story, it's a game of skill. It's evident in the boss fight that you'll need to time your blocks and attack when the opportunity arises.
Due to the ferocious speed LQ-84I attacks you, blocking and knocking LQ-84I off its feet for a few seconds allows you to attack it. It is a rinse and repeat tactic but due to the fluidity of the combat it isn't entirely tedious.
The demo packs some punch and proceeds to give the player a multitude of options to experience with the game.
Holding down the left trigger activates Ninja Run which essentially allows you to jump over small obstacles, run up walls and traverse the environment with ease. Again many games have done this before but due to how fluid Raiden can traverse walls and run over cars it doesn't feel like a chore.
Almost every object in the environment is destructible so if you see a large crate or container, approach it enter Blade Mode and slice away, best chances are there's nothing in it but other times you'll find items.
Action isn't just limited to just chopping up almost everything with Raiden's High Frequency Blade though; you can heal Raiden is by injuring an enemy and pressing the B button to rip out a neon blue spine like repair unit straight from their cyborg bodies.
Injuring Gekkos until all 3 parts are light blue in colour allows you to enter Blade Mode and slice them into tiny pieces. There's quantity and all of it is backed up by quality.
Multiple completions allow you to get an idea of the final product and there are a few avenues which can and I hope are polished (lip-syncing seems to be way off during multiple cut-scenes) when the final product is shipped February 2013.
The foundation has been laid and the product has shaped up, and it's definitely an action oriented game with very minimal stealth mechanics.
If I were to choose between DmC and Revengeance based off of my impressions on both of these demos, I would definitely choose Revengeance.
To me it's just a much more engaging game with a better combat mechanic.
If I'm spending countless hours swinging my sword at enemies, I not only want to enjoy doing it but I want to appreciate the effort I've put in to perform combos and stunning air defying stunts.


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A review of RPN Havoc
(Update 09/16/2014) Havoc by RPN is becoming increasingly difficult to find. Good news however, there are comparable replacements that have similar or better results. For example M1 Alpha by Andro Pharm has a Four star rating overall with 15 Five star reviews!
If you are looking to buy prohormones then it makes sense to see what is available out there.
RPN havoc is a prohormone who's main ingredient is 2a,3a-epithio-17a-methyl-5a-androstan-17b-ol. The benefit of this analog is that it provides incredible strength and muscle gains while limiting the undesired side effects.
Users that have done a cycle of this supplement have found some pretty incredible results, some of the users have said-
"Strength gains have been excellent. "
"I would say that I am extremely pleased with the results and will cycle this again in 8 weeks. "
As with other prohormones for sale, Havoc is made to boost your testosterone production.
Boosting your testosterone has obvious effects in mass gains and power gains, especially in men over the age of 30.
Other users that have run a RPN Havoc cycle have said-
"Havoc has been reaping positive results for me. I take a lot of test boosters and use Havoc in between cycles to ward off any side effects one gets from pumping themselves full of hormone stimulating supplements. Would recommend the test stack btw, the ingredients tell the story"
"This stuff will get you big and vascular. The best part is that you're not putting yourself in the cross-hares for gyno (AKA: Bitch-Tits). You still need to get all your assist supps lined up but there are far less sides associated with this PH."
"Good gains all the way around. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking to get stronger and bigger without compromising your health"
The bottom line is that for the price (only around $30) you cannot find a better over the counter testosterone boosting product.
The product has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars and has nearly 40 different reviewers who took the time to rate the product and more than half of them rated the product a full 5 stars!
Our opinion, if you are looking for a product that is mild on the side effects, low cost and has a good reputation in the industry then RPN Havoc is the product for you!
Best of luck and build that muscle!


text:
Yarn Profile: Hand Paints
First Impressions
The label simply said The Alpaca Yarn Company. Curiosity piqued, I asked the woman behind the cash register if she knew more about the yarn and the company.
As luck would have it, that woman was Beth Lutz, who co-owns Uncommon Threads and has a small alpaca farm in South Central Pennsylvania. When the Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America announced plans to sell its yarn division as part of a major reorganization, Lutz purchased the company and relaunched it earlier this year as The Alpaca Yarn Company. All the products she sells are currently sourced in Peru.
What caught my eye at the festival was this hand-painted DK-weight alpaca. Although there were loads of hand-dyed yarns at the show, very few were of a professional caliber—and this was one of them.
Beth chose some of the most gifted people in the business, but they prefer to remain anonymous.
Knitting Up
Blocking / Washing
Their faint vinegar smell (a frequent occurrence in some hand-dyed yarns) took several washes to dissipate.
Although alpaca fiber is reported to be softer than cashmere, this yarn did have a faint brassy overtone when held against my sensitive neck.
From a durability perspective, Hand Paints get my thumbs-up. I gave my swatches an inordinate amount of abuse, and all they did was develop a little surface matting. Some careful plucking and fluffing of loose fibers brought the fabric back to life, and it appeared softer and fuzzier as time progressed.
This yarn is currently available in five colorways, and I'd love to see even more. Although the market is rich with alpaca yarn importers, very few include such a skillfully hand-dyed offering.
At the moment, The Alpaca Yarn Company yarns are mostly being sold in small alpaca farm shops, but I suspect this will change as Beth continues to grow the business. If Hand Paints is any indication, she's off to a good start.
Yarn name
Hand Paints
The Alpaca Yarn Company
Fiber content
100% alpaca
5.5 stitches per inch on US 6 (4mm) needles
Average retail price
Where to buy online
The Alpaca Yarn Company
Weight/yardage per skein
100 g / 220 yards
Country of origin
Manufacturer's suggested wash method
Hand wash in cold water, do not bleach, and use low iron. Or dry clean.
Review date
Color used in review
Wholesale distributor
The Alpaca Yarn Company


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chinese laundry shoes
From trendsetting, ultra modern designs to refined classics with a slightly sexy twist, Chinese laundry shoes continually release the hottest shoe designs. Transitioning effortlessly from workplace to weekend, it's a cinch to make a bold statement with Chinese Laundry shoes. Always attune to the latest designer trends, Chinese Laundry shoes carefully integrate classic, sexy and unique while avoiding every conceivable shoe cliche'. After all, shoes can say alot about a person.
Chinese Laundry shoes use of color and detailed embellishments is nothing less than genius. Bold brights combined in surprisingly delightful combinations, buckles and zippers zigzagging through muted metallics and intense color in fade to black color sequences, provide an endless assortment of Chinese Laundry shoes in styles ideal for today's fashion-forward gal. Be sure to check out the daring style of chic ankle and mid boots for a stunning high heel stiletto that pairs beautifully with a conservative pencil skirt or narrow boot cut jeans.
Go classic formal or trendy chic with ShoeMall's head-turning collection of Chinese Laundry shoes. Flats with fringe, whimsical wedges and towering tall boots are the perfect way to show your playfully sexy side. Sweet sandals and impossibly cute kitten heels are the way to go for demure charm. Shop ShoeMall's selection of Chinese Laundry shoes today for effortless, sophisticated footwear for the smart shopper.
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