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The kids started school Monday. The Girl was super nervous. She even cried. It about broke my heart. She's really outgoing once she's comfortable, but when she's in an unfamiliar situation/environment, she's very shy. Since they were starting a new school and a new grade, she was really scared. I finally got her settled in her class and left for work, but my heart hurt. It was so sad seeing her looking all lost and alone.
Little Man is a lot more outgoing than The Girl. He's shy, don't get me wrong, but he's able to work through it better than TG is. I walked him to his class first (it was on the way to TG's room) and we met his teacher, then he was told to go out and play until the bell rang. We'd just made it to TG's class when LM caught up with us. Apparently he was a little nervous because he didn't know anyone on the playground.
After a few minutes in TG's classroom with us, he decided to go back to the playground. As I was leaving I saw him on the jungle gym, kind of staring longingly at some of the other kids that were playing. I walked over and said goodbye to him and then walked out to my car with tears in my eyes. Sometimes being a mom sucks.
When I picked the kids up after work, they told me they'd both made some friends, so I was less worried about them. We checked their backpacks when we got home and there was a bunch of paper work I had to fill out. LM said, "Mom, you have homework today!" I could tell he was awed that his teacher had the balls to give me homework. He's so cute.
TG also had a bunch of paperwork for me to fill out. I can't remember if I mentioned this last year or not, but TG hates doing homework. No, I mean she hates it. She's extremely intelligent, but she's also extremely lazy. If she can avoid doing homework, she will, no matter what she has to do to get out of it. I found homework hidden under the couch, under her mattress, under the bathroom sink, in the garbage, in the trunk of my car (I have an SUV, so she can just throw it over the backseat), etc. She's lied about not having homework, she's lied about how much homework she has, she even went so far last year as to tell me she got it done in class and tell her teacher I refused to let her do it at home because it's against our religion. No, she seriously said that.
Finally, halfway through the year, we all caught on to what she was doing. By that time she was behind over 30 assignments. After many, many weeks of hardcore battle, we finally got her straightened out.
Or so I thought.
But then, Tuesday morning I go to put her paperwork in her backpack and what do I find? A note from her teacher with a list of weekly homework and two math pages she was supposed to complete.
WTF? Already?? It was only the first day of school and she was already hiding her homework?
She tells me, "No, mom, that's not due until tomorrow!" I told her, "TG, your teacher this year is smarter than your teacher last year was. Because he sent me a list of what homework you have to complete...for the entire week. Sit down and do this!"
She was pissed, but she did it. But then I found another math page in her backpack. This one was something she completed in class. It was a timed division test she had to do to see what level she was at. I was dumbstruck, just staring at the top of the page. Finally I turned to her and said, "TG, who's is this?" and she said, "It's mine, mom."
I said, "Well, if it's yours, why does it say 'Belle' at the top?" She looks dead in my eye and says, "Well, that's the name I go by at school." WHAT? EXCUSE ME? I said, "Your name is not Belle. Your name is The Girl. You will go by The Girl, not Belle." She said, "It's too late now, mom. I already put it on my name tag."
Cripes. She done changed her name.
I realize that we all went through a stage (or most of us, anyway) when we hated our names and wished we could change it, but dude, none of us actually did. Did we?
I just don't know what to do with this girl.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Say My Name, Say My Name
The kids started school Monday. The Girl was super nervous. She even cried. It about broke my heart. She's really outgoing once she's comfortable, but when she's in an unfamiliar situation/environment, she's very shy. Since they were starting a new school and a new grade, she was really scared. I finally got her settled in her class and left for work, but my heart hurt. It was so sad seeing her looking all lost and alone.
Posted by Holly at 10:45 AM 22 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Back To School Stuff Sucks!
I have to go do last minute back to school shopping for the kids today. Luckily the Rat Bastard did all their clothes shopping while they were visiting him this summer, but he forgot to get them shoes and school supplies.
Quick Side Note: The RB has been making major progress lately. He's more attentive, less confrontational and is making a real effort to be a daily part of the kids' lives. I'm very happy about this - if still a bit skeptical - because they crave his attention. I guess we'll see as time goes on if this is a continuing trend. Gah, will I have to change his name if this is a permanent turn-around?...Naw.:End Side Note
I hate shopping in general, but shopping for school supplies is the worse, IMO. The kids want this and that and this and that and that other thing. Ugh. And you know, since I waited until the day before school starts (NOT MY FAULT! I swear, I didn't get the list of what they needed until yesterday, so I couldn't do any shopping before then...and before you say, "you could have just gotten what you thought you'd need" I'll remind you that the kids didn't need ANY supplies at their old school. Just a $5.00 monthly donation and Kleenex, so there!) everything will be picked over. Stupid back to school shopping!
I still have to get Little Man's hair cut. My mom trimmed his Mohawk the other day so it wasn't as long, but now it's all uneven. Plus, he and I agreed he could keep it during the summer but would have to buzz it off come school time. Actually, he's pretty excited to get his head buzzed so, "I can look like MM!" He's so sweet.
I also have to get the rest of my cleaning done today. I've been really lazy since I moved in with MM. I should have used the time while the kids were away to really scrub my house from top to bottom, but I didn't. I just did light surface cleaning. So I spent 5 hours yesterday scrubbing the two bathrooms and all the baseboards in the house. This bachelor pad thing is seriously disgusting.
For all you men out there....clean your baseboards and behind your toilets. Seriously.
But despite the 5 hours I spent on my hands and knees yesterday, I still have a good 5 hours of cleaning left to do to make the house "clean". I hate that. I still need to get pictures hung and the rest of the house painted, too.
Another Side Note: Did I tell you I'm going to hire someone to paint the rest of the house and finish up all the detail work? My ceilings are splotched with paint, all the window sills are covered and even the carpets and baseboards have splatters on them. The other day MM's BIL's Mom (take your time, figure that out and the come back...we'll wait) came over and MM said, "Please excuse our house. A blind man painted it". That's what it looks like, seriously. :End Side Note
Why do I feel like I'm suddenly drowning in things to do? That's what I get for being lazy for 2 months, isn't it? Will I never learn?
Anyway, Poor MM got called into work yesterday morning at 9:30 and didn't get home until after midnight, so I'm letting him sleep in today. He told me he wanted to get up at 11, but when I tried to wake him up I walked away afraid for my life (the boy is GRUMPY when he doesn't get enough sleep) so I decided to be kind and let him laze in bed until noon. I figure if I let him sleep any later than that we won't get our errands done today and he won't be able to sleep tonight. Which would be really bad, because he has court in the morning and has to get up extra early.
Poor guy.
Hmm, did I ramble long enough? Not quite? Alright then...
Next weekend Casee is coming to visit me. WOOOHOOO! She moved to Idaho awhile back and since then we've hardly seen each other. Dude, I'm hella excited. We're having a girls night on Friday. I think the plan is to have dinner and drink too much, then go shopping at Borders. We've tried this before and felt we managed to keep our street cred, so why not go for broke and try it again? Speaking of going broke, I think that's what happened to me last time I went to Borders with her....I came out broke. Case, no pushing books on me, you hear? Oh, wait. That won't happen this time. Know why?
Cuz last time we got drunk and went to the bookstore Casee bet me 50 books I'd be married (Hmm, or was it engaged?) by the end of the year and...she lost. Girl owes me 40 some books. HAHAHAHA!
Ehem. Moving on...
On Saturday MM and I are taking the kids to Legoland. We've never been, but I've heard good things about it. I can't wait to see what the kids think.
Alright, this has gone on long enough. See what happens when I have too much coffee on Sunday mornings?
Hope the rest of you had a good weekend.
Much love,
P.S. I'm being a rebel and not proofreading. Excuse any typos, k? Thanks.
P.P.S. I swear I've been reading all of your blogs on a daily basis, I just haven't had time to comment (for the most part). Hopefully after this next week things will settle down some and I'll be back in my routine again.
P.P.P.S. Does it seem ridiculous to anyone else to spend $60 for a pair of shoes that aren't going to fit your kid in three months? Just curious....
Posted by Holly at 11:35 AM 12 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thursday Thirteen - 13 Favorite Songs
13 All Time Favorite Songs (in no particular order)
1. Fool in the Rain by Led Zepplin
2. Walk the Line by Johnny Cash
3. Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley
4. Hotel California by The Eagles
5. Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin
6. In the Hall of the Mountain King
7. Blister in the Sun by Violent Femmes
8. Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
9. Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding (and bonus! You get a clip from one of my favorite movies, too)
10. Underneath Your Clothes by Shakira
11. Two Out of Three Ain't Bad by Meatloaf
12. Regulate by Warren G ft. Nate Dogg
13. Age of Loneliness by Enigma
I'm also going to give an honorable mention to Closer by Nine-Inch-Nails. Love that song. But I didn't want to post it here, because I hate the video. :)
What about you??
Posted by Holly at 10:30 AM 25 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I've Been on A Haiku*
I know it's been terribly quiet here recently, but I've had a lot of personal things going on in my life and haven't really had much to say in my blog.
I mentioned previously that my mom had to have surgery. She went in for some testing and they found a cyst on her left kidney that turned out be cancerous. The most pressing concern was that it would spread. 1 week ago, the day after my children came home from visiting the RB, she had surgery in LA to have her kidney removed.
Until yesterday we were waiting for the lab results to come back to tell us what kind of cancer it was and how aggressive it was. Thankfully the results came back and the cancer was isolated. We're all very relieved, of course, but the last few weeks have been...hectic to say the least. She's recovering very well, however. They were able to remove the kidney through laprascopic surgery and she was released from the hospital less than 48 hours after the surgery. This still freaks me out some, since I didn't think that was near enough time for a vital organ, but she's doing great - if going a little stir crazy stuck at home.
I'm still very concerned and hurt for my dear friend Loren, who's husband passed away last week. I think that's all of our worst fear. To get that phone call or knock on the door. My heart hurts for her.
In other news...
MM and I are now talking about doing something different for our wedding. Our original plan, you may remember, was to get married in October of 2008 at a local country club. There are a couple of reasons I'm not comfortable with this, but the main one is that it's going to be very expensive. Since MM and I are paying for this wedding, I just can't justify spending $30,000 for ONE FREAKING DAY! It's so not in me to do that. I could put a hefty amount of money into the kids' college funds with that. Or take a month long honeymoon to the destination of my choice. Or buy a new car. Or buy a(nother) closet full of shoes.
I realize our wedding day is meant to be special, and I realize it's an important day, but it's just not in me to spend that much on something that will only last a few hours. (yes, yes, I know, it sounds weak even to me, but it's TRUE)
So, we've been tossing around other ideas instead. We're thinking a Laughlin wedding on the river would be nice. We could still invite the same number of guests, but by doing a Charter with a cocktail hour afterwards instead of a huge reception with a sit down dinner, we could save a lot.
We haven't made a final decision about that yet, but that's what we're leaning towards.
We're also talking about moving the date up some. Instead of doing October, we're talking about doing March. Ever since I bought my dress, MM has been nagging me to do it sooner. I'm telling you, the boy has no patience. Poor guy. Anyway, we haven't made a final decision on that, either, but I think we probably will end up going that route.
I guess that's about it for now. More later.
*For an explanation on the title of this post, see here.
Posted by Holly at 3:00 PM 13 comments Links to this post
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Doin' The iPod Shuffle
Stole this from Mailyn..and no darling, I haven't forgotten that I still owe you the Sexy Meme. My problem is..I haven't found any men/women (with the exception of Angie) who'd I'd actually do. Some I'd stare at and drool, but not actually take to bed...capice? But I'm working on it, I promise. :P
* Open your iTunes or other music player and hit Shuffle...
* Answer each question with the song that plays...
* For each new question hit forward to get the next song...
l.) How am I feeling today?
All That I've Got by The Used
2.) Where will I get married?
I Walk Alone by Greenday
3.) What is my best friend's theme song?
Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding
4.) What was high school like?
Closer by Nine-Inch-Nails (LOL)
5.) What is the best thing about me?
Rockstar by Nickelback
6.) How's today gonna to be?
Stormy Monday by B.B. King
7.) What is in store for next weekend?
Shook Me All Night Long by ACDC
8.) What song describes my parents?
Crazy Bitch by Buckcherry (*snicker*)
9.) How is my life going?
I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi
10.) What song will they play at my funeral?
How You Remind Me by Nickelback
11.) How does the world see me?
It's Been Awhile by Staind
12.) What do my friends really think of me?
Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake
13.) Do people secretly lust after me?
Principles of Lust by Enigma (Totally landed on this one, I swear!!)
14.) How can I make myself happy?
Dirty Deeds (Don't Dirt Cheap) by ACDC (LOLOL)
15.) What should I do with my life?
Break it Off by Sean Paul feat Rhianna
16.) Will I ever have children?
Born On The Bayou by Creedence Clearwater Revival (HAHAHAHA!)
17.) What's a good advice for me?
Savin' Me by Nickelback
18.) What do I think my current theme song is?
If You're Gone by Matchbox 20
19.) What does everyone else think my current theme song is?
Rehab by Amy Winehouse (WTF?? LOL)
20.) What type of men do I like?
You Look Good In My Shirt by Keith Urban (OH.HELL.NO.!!)
21.) Will I get married?
Hips Don't Lie by Shakira feat Wyclef Jean
22.) What should I do with my love life?
Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel
23.) What's sex like?
Fading Like A Flower by Roxette (Poor MM)
24.) Where will I live?
Life Is A Lemon (and I want my money back) by Meatloaf
25.) What will your dying words be?
Son of a Preacher Man by (Hmm, it says Etta James, but I know it's not...)
Posted by Holly at 6:00 PM 6 comments Links to this post
Friday, August 17, 2007
My sister finally uploaded the pics of our wedding dress shopping excursion. I emailed the link to everyone who asked to see, but I may have missed one or two. Let me know if you wanted to see but didn't get an email from me and I'll forward it along. :)
More later, I'm busy right now with work stuff.
Much love,
Posted by Holly at 10:30 AM 5 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Thursday Thirteen
13 Things I Would Do Just For Me if I Won the Lottery
1. Rent this castle in Scotland for a month and invite all of my friends to join me. Just to laze around and drink wine and read books.
2. Drive a Race Car
3. Spend a week in this Switzerland Spa.
4. Buy this house in Ireland and spend at least 3 months a year there.
5. Spend at least a year traveling the world.
6. Fly a Fighter Jet
7. Go on an African Safari
8. Buy a McLaren F1
9. Rent this Island for my honeymoon and spend at least two weeks alone there with MM.
10. Road Trip across the United States for an undisclosed amount of time, visiting all the states.
11. Build a dream home in Montana for MM to spend time at...with heated floors for me. :P
12. Play football with the Packers (they're my favorite..shut up)
13. Hire a live in Housekeeper so I never have to clean another toilet or wash another load of laundry.
What would you do??
Posted by Holly at 10:45 AM 26 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
PB &J, Snuggling and Alf
AKA: MM is such a girl sometimes.
Last night I started getting ready for bed around 10:00. I got a glass of water, brushed my teeth and headed in the bedroom to take a shower. Just as I was getting in the shower MM got home from work. He was on the phone with Alf, his BFF (*snicker*). He said hi, and then I got in the shower. He came back in the bedroom just as I was getting out of the shower and he was still on the phone.
I'd just like to point out here, before I go on, that MM and Alf are both guys.
Turns out MM called Alf just as he was leaving work and had been on the phone with him ever since. We're talking like...more than an hour and a half. Did I mention they're both guys? I thought there was something attached to the penis that didn't allow men to talk on the phone for more than 5 minutes at a time. I guess I missed a memo.
In the course of conversation, somehow my blog got brought up. MM gave Alf the link and now I have a new stalker...scary, isn't it? I told Alf he should guest blog. I mean, the two of them grew up together and I bet Alf has way better MM stories than I do. He's considering it.
I have to tell you, however, I was a little uncomfortable with MM staring at me naked while on the phone with his mistress. Alf assured me he's not the jealous type so I shouldn't worry, but sheesh. Talk about an awkward moment.
I was ready for bed long before MM even got home, so I crawled underneath the covers just as MM and Alf were hanging up. MM told me he was going to take a shower. "Don't go to sleep yet!" he said. I explained that I was tired and he was SOL, but he asked me to "please" not go to sleep yet because he "really wants to snuggle".
Yeah, that's what I said, too. "Baby, I'm too tired for sex" he said, "I want to snuggle, not have sex. Just wait till I get out of the shower."
Sure enough, he rushed through his shower, then crawled into bed next to me and said, "Roll over on your back so I can put my head on your chest. I like that". Total girl.
We snuggled for awhile then I made him move so I could roll over and get more comfortable. 2 minutes later I was sound asleep. :)
MM was making his lunch when I got up this morning to make coffee. He was making sandwiches and I asked him to make me one, too. He said, "Ok, even though I'm running really late, I'll still do it. But you're getting strawberry jelly". So I ate PB & J for lunch. He is so my bitch.
All joking aside, though, I've missed him. We haven't had a chance to just...snuggle and talk in quite awhile. I felt a lot better this morning when I got up. Less stressed and more relaxed. Ok, ok, maybe I'm his bitch, too. Then again..you didn't see me making him a sandwich, now did you?
Posted by Holly at 12:45 PM 7 comments Links to this post
There Are No Words
Monday night my very dear friend Loren called me around 10:30 p.m. Her husband was killed in a car accident at work.
I have no idea what to say. I mean, what can you say?
Unfortunately for me, she lives in Missouri, which means I can't just run over to be with her, which is what I'd really like to do. I feel so inadequate during times like these, not because it's all about me, but because I want to make it better...and nothing can.
Loren, I love you. I so wish...well, you know what I wish. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Posted by Holly at 9:30 AM 10 comments Links to this post
Monday, August 13, 2007
What A Weekend
I drove to Vegas Thursday after work to get the kids. It's about a 3 hour drive from my house. I was supposed to leave work at 2, but because DW and my boss were both out, I was swamped and didn't actually leave until closer to 3. I think I finally headed out to Vegas around 4ish and arrived just before 7 p.m.
I went directly to the RB's hotel to get the kids and it was very bittersweet for them, but way exciting for me to pick them up. We went to our hotel (we stayed at Treasure Island) and checked in, then had dinner at the buffet. We watched Shrek the 3rd in the hotel room and went to bed fairly early (around 10:30ish) Thursday night. We were all pretty wiped out after traveling all day.
Friday morning we got up around 7:30ish, had breakfast at the hotel and checked out around 11. I was extremely unhappy with the Bell desk when we left. I called down at 10 to 11 to have them come get our bags and they didn't show up until 5 to 12. Then it took them 30 minute to get our bags down to valet. Who does that?
Anyway, by the time we grabbed lunch and actually got on the road it was close to 1:30. We were home by 3:30 and I dumped the kids on MM and left again for LA a 4:30.
About a month and a half ago, my mom found out she had some health issues and this past weekend she had to have surgery. As you can imagine, this has been a very trying time for our family. I know I've been neglecting both this blog as well as Book Binge, but things have been so crazy around here lately I just haven't had time to do anything.
My boss and my mom were both out last week, so my workload was tripled. Now my boss is back, which means considerably less work for me, but DW is still out, so my workload is still doubled. Such is life, but it doesn't leave much time for blogging and emailing.
In any case, by the end of the week I should have the pile on my desk dwindled down and the kids back in a routine, so I'll be back to (normal) by then.
DW is fine, btw, and at home resting and recovering. She won't be back to work for at least two weeks, but health wise she's much better now.
PS. The Girl and Little Man came home with a few surprises for me: 1) I don't think their fingernails or toenails were clipped once during the summer...YUCK! 2) They left their table manners at their dad's 3) Little Man has a semi-mohawk that's so long it looks like a horse mane 4) The Girl is more overly dramatic than when she left and has a serious attitude problem that will require adjusting in the near future..the very near future.
Kill me now...
Posted by Holly at 7:15 PM 13 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 09, 2007
I'm leaving in a few hours to get the kids. WOOHOO ME! Unfortunately, I'm swamped at work. I have to be in LA tomorrow and for the entire weekend, so I'll be out of the office this afternoon and all day tomorrow. With DW and my boss both on vacation, my workload has tripled, which means I'm way behind. But I have to drive to Vegas to get the kids and I have to be in LA for the weekend, so there isn't much I can do.
I've been trying to get in here to post an update, but I just ran out of time. So, I'll be back Monday, with the kids home (finally) and hopefully in a much better frame of mind.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
Much love,
Posted by Holly at 10:30 AM 7 comments Links to this post
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Isn't It Strange...
...when you find you have nothing to say to a very good friend?
I recently fell out of touch with a very good friend and I find that now, I really have nothing to say. We seem to be at cross purposes lately and whenever I think about contacting said friend, I honestly can't think of anything to say.
I find that rather sad, to be honest. I used to be able to speak to this friend about anything, but now I don't even want to talk about mundane things.
I suppose I'm just reflecting on the changes we as humans go through. As little as three months ago, I would have said I couldn't imagine not speaking to this friend every day. But now? Well, it's been quite awhile and....well, I guess I just don't have anything to say. Weird.
Moving on...
Friday night MM and I had dinner with Joey and Isabel. Daphne joined us, as did Izzy's cousin, sister and her cousin's boyfriend. We went to Dave and Busters and had dinner, then played games. We had a grand time, as always. MM and Joey, competitive though they are, got whooped by us girls. I love it when that happens.
Daph beat the pants off all of us in a racing game, coming in first place with MM a close second and myself in third. He was all red when it was over and slightly pouty. *snicker*
Then we played a few shooting games. Daph rocks at those, too. Well, the ones where you have a handheld gun (i.e. pistol, etc). I rock at the ones using a shotgun/rifle. Such as the Extreme Hunting, where you hunt large game and the Old West Shooting Game, where you try to hit targets with a shotgun. I kicked MM's butt at both of those. *snicker* Poor baby was all upset, too. haha Although, to be totally fair, it was really close in the Extreme Hunter game. I bagged three deer, and he only bagged one, but the deer he got was much larger than mine. So in essence, I had to shoot three to get as many points as he got for one. But the bottom line? I won, he lost. haha
Yes, I know it's childish. I don't care. LOL
Izzy's cousin was very impressed with my shooting skills when it came to the Old West game. At one point my score was 220 and MM's was 140 when the game ended. Tee hee.
Anyway, we had a great night out and got home kind of late. I always love spending time with Daph and Izzy. And Joey and MM are always a riot.
They played the Star Trek game together. It's the kind where you climb into a little booth that has curtains that close on either side of the bench seat. When Izzy and I saw them playing I told her to go take a pic (my camera batteries were dead) and Joey and MM closed the curtains to avoid pictures. MM later told us he had a "gay" moment after that, when someone was peeking in the windows and he felt like him and Joey were being caught together. haha
Poor MM.
Anyway, that's about it, I guess. How lucky am I that I got to see Izzy and Daph Friday night and got to spend more time with Daph Saturday night? We seriously don't see each other often enough.
Posted by Holly at 11:30 AM 15 comments Links to this post
Sunday, August 05, 2007
I Bought A Freaking Dress!
My mom, sister and I went to San Diego this weekend to the beach for a girls weekend. We went to Mission Bay and shopped a bit and relaxed on the beach. Daphne met up with us yesterday and had dinner with us last night before going home. It was nice to play in the ocean and relax in the sun. I even got a bit of a tan (nice!).
This morning we decided to stop at David's Bridal in San Diego before heading home, so I could try on a few dresses and get an idea what style I liked...only, the 4th dress I tried on? I loved it. No, seriously loved it! We set it aside while I tried on a couple others and the 6th dress? Loved it! Loved it a lot!
It was comfortable and fit well and flattered my shape...but so did the 4th one. :P
Since I hadn't planned to buy one at all, having two dresses I loved was strange, but I figured I could buy one later once I'd made up my mind. I mean...hello, I have a year. lol
I asked my sister to try on a few bridesmaid dresses so I could see how they looked with the two dresses I liked and so I could get an idea of what looked good on her (I don't want my bridesmaids looking ugly, that will only reflect bad on me). I put the first dress back on to see how it looked with the dress I asked my sister to buy and well...I didn't really like it anymore. After the simplicity of the second dress...well, it just didn't work for me.
I tried the second dress on again to see how it looked with yet another bridesmaid dress and...well, I didn't want to take it off. I figured that was a sign and..I bought it.
How crazy is that?
My sister took pictures of me in it, so if anyone wants to see it, just email me and I'll forward the pics on (She hasn't emailed them yet, though). I know a lot of you wanted to see the dress when I bought it, but I can't take a chance MM will see. :)
I'm exhausted from the weekend, though, so I'm off to bed early. Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Posted by Holly at 9:00 PM 20 comments Links to this post
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Dear Folgers/Black and Decker,
As you can see, I wasn't quite sure to whom I should address this letter. I've been a fan of your ground coffee and appliances for years. As time has progressed I've seen your respective companies grow and expand and feel I have had a small part in making those expansions and growths happen.
Currently I wake up to the Coffeehouse Series Breakfast Blend - which is light and gives a great kick start to my mornings - that I brew in my VersaBrew Plus 12 Cup Programmable coffee maker. In the afternoons I savor the original Classic Roast while sitting at my desk. Sometimes I add Hazelnut Coffeemate creamer to enhance the flavor, sometimes I drink it black. It just depends on my mood.
As a long time customer of both of your companies, however, I am slightly disappointed in your labeling. Let me explain.
This morning my (former) Fiance and I were preparing to start our day, and he offered to brew the coffee for me, he himself not caring much for the taste (I know, the horror!). I happened to notice him intently staring at the recyclable (where programs allow) container of grounds, but as I was running a bit late I didn't think to question him about it.
As it turns out, this was a grave mistake on my part.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. If you look closely at the label, Folgers, on your Coffeehouse Series Breakfast Blend container, you will notice there are instructions for brewing, a notice advising us, your loyal customers, that the container is recyclable and the weight (in oz, lb and g), in both English and Spanish.
Black and Decker, in your owners manual in the Important Safeguards section, you mention the proper use of your appliance, the caution one must take when handling water near the plugged in cord, to not use the appliance if said cord is damaged, and a number of other things that might perhaps be useful to owners such as myself, if, that is, we aren't engaged to the man I happened to be (formerly) engaged to.
What both products seem to be lacking, however, is a disclaimer. Perhaps you've seen such disclaimers on other packaging? McDonald's, for example, clearly states that the contents of their cups are extremely hot and could possibly burn you if said contents come into contact with skin.
As my (f0rmer) fiance found out earlier this morning, combining your two products does in fact produce an extremely hot liquid that can scald bare skin. I find it extremely erroneous on your part that you didn't mention this in your packaging.
It is because I feel I'm a loyal customer of both companies that I write this letter now. I don't believe I could live with myself if, due to your negligence, a person not quite as forgiving as myself sued either of your companies and caused you to go out of business, or at the very least face steep legal fees and large out of court settlements.
Therefore, I am suggesting you include the following disclaimer on all packaging from this day foward:
Brewed product will be extremely hot. Do not attempt to stir the finished product with your penis, as this could cause series harm or bodily injury.
I think (former) fiance's like mine the world over would very much appreciate the advanced warning.
Holly Mercer
Formerly Engaged in Southern California
**disclaimer: This post is a work of fiction created by myself based on the very twisted mind of MM. **
Posted by Holly at 11:45 PM 16 comments Links to this post
Thursday Thirteen: 13 Pet Names
- Pudding Pop
- White Trash Queen
- Redneck Princess
- Jerkyface
- Baby
- Babycakes
- MIHF (Mother I HAVE F*cked)
- Honey
- Crazy Bitch
- His "girl"
- Dorkface
- Sexy
- Popsicle
Posted by Holly at 9:15 AM 20 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
The kids are coming home next Thursday. It's been a loooong summer without them. I can't wait!
Once again they're flying into Vegas and I'm driving down to pick them up. I can't wait to see how much they've grown (and yes, I'm dreading that a bit, too) and how much they've changed.
Hugs of commiseration to all you mom's out there who lose your kids for long periods of time to a non-custodial parent. It bites the big one.
In other news:
Kristie(j) could use a hug right now, I think. She's an amazing person and I hate that she's hurting. Although I know it's bound to happen, it still doesn't make it easier for her - or for us, her friends.
Much love, Kristie. I hope things start looking up for you.
Posted by Holly at 12:16 PM 4 comments Links to this post


text:
STINNETT - William B. May, 70, died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, in Amarillo.
Services will be at 10 a.m. today in Stinnett Church of Christ with Zeb Sailors officiating. Burial will be in Stinnett Cemetery by Brown Funeral Directors of Borger.
Mr. May was born May 4, 1937, in Red River County to William Boyd and Kate Stafford May. He served in the U.S. Navy in Korea. Mr. May was an oilfield mechanic and a member of Stinnett Church of Christ. He married Betty Bickle on Dec. 29, 1960, in Monahans.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Bill David May in 2006 and John Boyd May in 1985; and two sisters, Charlene Cruz and Billie June Neathery.
Survivors include his wife, Betty May; a son, Paul Steven May and wife Karen of Amarillo; a daughter, Pam Goodwin of Stinnett; a brother, Jimmie Glenn May and wife Mary of Conroe; five grandchildren, Christopher W. Goodwin, John D. Pomeroy, Heather Hays, Keri Hays and Katie May; and two great-grandchildren, Jacey Goodwin and Leila Goodwin.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children's Home, P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, TX 79114-7448; or to the American Cancer Society, 3915 S. Bell St., Amarillo, TX 79109.
Casket bearers will be Louis Dodson, Ted Gaddis, Bobby Montgomery, Troy Smith, John Stover and Charlie Evans. Honorary casket bearer is Tony McCall.
Amarillo Globe-News, March 1, 2008
© 2016. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If this Jaromir Jagr rumor is true and the Wings sign him, I'm going to lose my s***.
Fortunately, s*** is one of those things you don't really worry too much about trying to find if you lose it. Unless you're one of those people where things you lose turn up in the damndest places later... then you really don't wanna lose your s***.
"Oh, here it is, turns out it was in my pocket the whole time!"
- 55fan likes this


text:
Really, though. It's one day for 8.5 hours. You'll get over it.
If you're working in a locked factory for 18 hours straight, or down in a non-ventilated coal mine. Yes, strike. Demand your rights.
But having to eat a Thanksgiving lunch instead of dinner? Missing the big football game? Come on, you'll live. By Saturday I'm sure whatever emotional scars you have from being forced to work on a holiday will be healed.
They want something, something reasonable, and they have the guts to put their jobs on the line to get it.
Haven't you ever stood up for yourself - you sound like a human doormat.


text:
Harold "Hank" Naughton '82
Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr., is a major in the U.S. Army Reserve and a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. He represents the 12th Worcester District including Boylston, Clinton, Lancaster, Northborough (Presincts 2 & 4) and Sterling (Precinct 2).
In the Massachusetts State Legislature, Rep. Naughton currently serves as the chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Previously, he served as the chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
Hank began his career of public service while still an undergraduate at Assumption. In 1980, he was elected to the Clinton Planning Board and served on the board until 1985. He was then elected in 1984 to the Clinton School Committee, holding the position of chairman from 1986-1987. In 1991, he received his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston.
Following his graduation from Suffolk, Rep. Naughton began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in Worcester County serving from 1992 to 1995. Throughout his years with the District Attorney's office, he prosecuted a wide gamut of cases ranging from vehicular homicide to narcotics trafficking to assault and battery. Rep. Naughton has a law practice in Clinton, open since 1995.
Rep. Naughton and his wife Ellen (Murphy) reside in Clinton with their four children, Harrison, Tiernan, Clare and Eamon. For a full bio visit http://haroldnaughton.org
Last updated 9/4/13


text:
|Email address
|Phone number
|+607- 238 0448
|Fax number
|+607- 238 7389
|Year of establishment
|Amitabha Centre HQ Administrative Department Johor 59 B, Jalan Galasiar, Taman Tasek, 80200 Johor Bahru, Johor
- Recyclable Papers
- Recyclable Metal
Who are we
Amitabha centre was founded in 1998. With a single objective to help the needy, a home to house and fed old people with no home and no income was set up. This perseverance of continuity had eventually moved people from all walks, soon more people join into this objective to help, and to help, Amitabha Centre has become one of the most prominent charity in Malaysia today. Amitabha Centre has since set up a numerous charitable facilities and services, still with the same perseverance of continuity, perseverance of helping people in need.
Amitabha Centre aims to create the betterment of society. Irrespective of religious belief, creed and color, Amitabha Centre presents itself as a mechanism of helping lives, feeding the hunger and indeed a solace for the homeless and underprivileged.
To date, Amitabha Centre had set up installations across Malaysia solely to help people. These charitable facilities include old folks home, haemodialysis clinics, scholarships and free clinics
Our needs
Volunteers in the following fields
1) Individuals who have special skills like languages, writing, photography, cooking (vegetarian) etc.
2) Individuals with technical knowledge and skills like electrical, construction, renovation, carpentry etc.
3) Individuals with a big heart willing to travel to give help to others and contribute time to do it on a regular basis.
4) Individuals to assist in fund raising activities they do on a half-yearly basis.
Recycling, it changes life!
Yes, the papers and metal that you had thought nothing of could change lives. By recycling, you had not only contributed efforts to reduce wastage and global warming, but also give a meaningful gift to charitable causes. Starting today spare a second before throwing anything away, remember every effort no matter how small, helps! Call us to locate a charitable recycle near you today.
Johor Bahru +607-238 0448
Amitabha Centre Johor is seeking the following types of donations:
- Recyclable Papers
- Recyclable Metal
- Reusable Electronic Appliances
- Reusable Furniture
- Used Clothes
They need your help!
Your donation to Amitabha Centre can give hopes to many sufferings. 100% of the donation WILL goes to the development of new shelters and medical centres, adopting more students and to take care of the poverty-stricken families. Theirr recycling activities and other corporate sponsors help pay for the everyday costs of running the organisation: staff, transport and office.
Other contacts
Orphanage Home in Johor Bahru:
115 & 115A, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: +607-332 9667
Fax: +607-332 9662
Our Facebook page, here.
One Comment
Hi,i am 55 years wanted to be volunteer with children during weekend and school holidays in johor bahru, tq


text:
Super Mario Galaxy 2 Makes Us Happy By Adding Drills And Yoshi
We play a good chunk of SMG2, and experience power drilling, Yoshi-riding, and upside-down mayhem.
It is, in all likelihood, a nostalgia thing. I prefer to believe it as a testament to the purity of a Mario game; how it can combine the feel of player movement, the design and layout of the world, and the (wonderfully) wacky tools to navigate the world and its obstacles with. I basically can't help but grin when I have Mario buttstomp an enemy, or jump his way past some rotating firewalls, or duck underneath a nasty Thwomp, or any other marquee Mario moment. I already am a bit giddy at seeing the new Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer below, but here are some specific things that just made me smile while playing.
The drill is a great way to tour the worldOne of the newest items that SMG2 introduces is the drill, which lets you zip right through a planet. Not only is it just a neat-looking effect, but if allows for even more variations in planet design for SMG2; some are discs that you can't simply walk over the edge for. Others are filled with massive protuberances that require a good eye (and a head for 3D space, so Khan is out of luck) to figure out how to drill into. Sometimes, using the drill lets you explore the planet's core for even more coins.
The level design gets zanierI thought New Super Mario Bros Wii did a lot of stuff with the level design that added both freshness and stress to gameplay; like level 8-1 where The Nothing (well, technically, a lava cloud I guess) is eating up the level, or cramming an airship level with crazy amounts of bullet bills. SMG2's level design gets even crazier at times -- it probably helps that SMG2 is allowed to feature all sorts of crazy locales with the blanket "it takes place on worlds across multiple galaxies!" excuse.
One of the more memorable levels is essentially a 3D version of the beginning of World 4 in Super Mario Brothers 3, where normal-sized Mario is made teeny-tiny due to every block and enemy being humongoid. This is probably one of the few times where I felt a bit intimidated by a screen-filling Piranha Plant.
Another level that stands out (both in aesthetics and difficulty) is a 2D-style jaunt through a place that flips gravity. As you run-and-jump, you either get pulled downward when in front of a blue-wall with arrows pointing downward, or you "fall up" when in front of a purple wall with arrows pointing up. Some of these walls slide around, so you might find yourself traversing a long hallway without really touching the floor or ceiling. One particularly devious passage changes gravity every few seconds; you'll need proper timing to get past intricately placed electric panels along this shifting wall.
The boss battles are imaginative as well
The boss design, in this more freeform "anything goes" Mario title, range from solid uses of existing mechanics to expected "you got a new item, use it effectively here" matches. For the former, there's a pretty crazy fight with Gobblegut (thanks, Nintendo Treehouse personnel, for clarifying the boss names), a giant dragon where you have to smash apart his multiple (and bulbous) pink bellies. All this fight requires is a spin attack, but the way this damn dragon chases Mario around the tiny planet, or at times through the planet, make the act of hitting the glowy red bits an actual challenge.
Then there's this Digg-legg, a giant robot with equally giant legs that stomp around the once-again smaller-than-you-need planet. While this dude is quite big and uses both his massive legs and his drill-based minions to fight you, he's also greatly exposed between said legs. This logically follows a level where you've been using the new drill, and therefore you use fine timing to dodge his legs/minions, and drill through the planet and into his exposed robot area. But by far, my favorite boss battle, Mallettoid, incorporates classic Mario mechanics and new SMG2 elements in this next point...
Yoshi is back!
While Yoshi was pretty neat in New Super Mario Brothers Wii, he's back in 3D and even spiffier in SMG2. The main gameplay tweak that Yoshi brings is that your pointer turns from a starbit gatherer into a Yoshi Tongue Guidance System. Simply place the pointer over the bad dude that you want Yoshi to grab, and hit B. You can do this for a great many enemies (and then have Yoshi expel them into a poof of starbits), and even for things like fruits or switches. In fact, one world requires Yoshi to eat Bullet Bills in-flight, and then spit them out at breakable objects like glass containers or Bullet Bill launchers.
As mentioned earlier, Mallettoid is a giant clown-bot that Bowser Jr pilots, and you take him down by having Yoshi swallow Bullet Bills, and spit them at Mallettoid's three critical spots -- which then exposes the cockpit for the final Bullet Bill loogie. The whole time, he's using his giant mallet-hands to smack the stage around while his many cannons fire Bullet Bills all the while.
In addition to grabbing bad guys, Yoshi can also use his tongue to grab onto objects; sometimes you'll need to flip a switch from the very platform that the switch controls. Other times, Yoshi will latch onto a flower (a reference to the flowers from Yoshi's Island) and his tongue serves as a rope to swing across chasms with.
Though, besides using his tongue, one other feature I check out is having him eat blimpfruit, which expands his stomach and allows him to float around (with his mouth, not his posterior, as the exhaust port thankfully) as a balloon for a limited time. This seems restricted to the more 2D-style worlds; the main showpiece for the blimpfruit is a world that resembles a giant tree. In it, as you collect pieces of a warp star, you need to use the "blimped out Yoshi" (Nintendo Treehouse localization fellow Nate Bihldorff's turn of phrase) to gracefully float past the many spiked plants and collect warp stars. Though, since the level is a giant log, you can't "fall" off it; in fact, you need to take advantage of its large cylindrical shape and "strategically fall" onto the right platforms to grab all the star pieces.
While I play several levels of the game, all it really takes is the simple act of having a 3D Yoshi snatch Bullet Bills and spit them back at the crazy giant robo-clown for me to feel happy while playing a Mario game.
See all Super Mario Galaxy 2 Previews >
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Full Version:
The BUST General Knowledge Base
The BUST Lounge
Media Whores
May 9 2006, 10:31 PM
okay, does anyone know anything about dishwashers? I put some tupperware in there and it got caught on the heating coil and burned up and smelled like crap. I breathed some of it in and that's my first question. am I going to be allright breathing in melting plastic? and second, is my dishwasher going to smell like burnt plastic every time I use it from now on and is it safe to go on using it? anybody ever had this happen to them or am I the only dimwit??
May 9 2006, 10:38 PM
i feel like this happened ALL THE TIME in my house when i was a kid.
and i'm still alive.
and i don't remember my parents calling a repair-person or declaring the dishwasher off limits or anything.
i'm guessing you could maybe peel off the melted plastic once it's hardened and the heating element has cooled down? or maybe you could run the dishwasher on super-hot with nothing in it a few times till the plastic completely melts away? you might also need to let it de-gas over night by leaving it open (and maybe a window open nearby if you're sensitive to the smell).
all in all, though, you're probably going to survive.
May 9 2006, 11:56 PM
i used to take piano. Royal Conservatory up to grade two. Anywhere I can get these songs off the internet (it's classical, so I'm SURE it's public domain)
I have been trying to play from memory- but I can't remember so much, and I had the best time practising today. Or Free Sheet Music off of the internet? I would love to play some more....
May 10 2006, 08:52 AM
clover, call or email the manufacturer. they'll be able to tell the what's up straight up.
May 13 2006, 11:30 PM
thanks bklynhermit and pepper. I ran it on hot and it still smells a little but I think it's okay. I called the manufacturer and that's what they said to do. whoo-hoo! we're back in business!
May 20 2006, 10:30 PM
Hey. Does anyone have any idea how someone would find out if someone else had died? What local governmental agency would be responsible for keeping track of that? I heard my ex-husband might have died recently and want to confirm it...
May 21 2006, 09:07 AM
falljackets, you might want to try contacting the local paper's obituary department.
May 21 2006, 05:59 PM
Here we have this government office that registers all births deaths and marriages - I bet you peeps have something similar that performs that task?
May 21 2006, 06:08 PM
sometimes if you google their name it will come up also.
May 21 2006, 06:29 PM
May 22 2006, 11:39 AM
hey guys. thanks. i found it on obitsarchive.com. i appreciate all your help.
and yes, he's dead.
May 22 2006, 11:41 AM
by the way, lot, that is a great resource! i just entered his info again and there it was. thanks.
May 22 2006, 12:54 PM
FJ, I'm sorry -- that must be odd news for you, to say the least.
May 23 2006, 01:58 PM
okay, i'm suprised, honestly, that there's not a thread for it, but who knows anything about CARS? i just got a new job that's nearly a two-hour bus ride away (by car it would be about half an hour) so i need to get a car.
i really want a biodiesel, but i just am not going to have the time to collect and filter oil--when i go freelance, that's the first thing i'm doing though!
anyway, if anyone knows anything about which used cars are known for being the most reliable, best mpg, all of that, i'd love to hear about it, or if anyone knows of any resources where i could find info. i really don't have any preference beyond runs well, gets good mileage, and won't fall apart or kill me.
May 23 2006, 02:16 PM
Mouse, try cartalk.com, the website of Click and Clack, The Tappet Brothers (aka Tom and Ray Magliozzi). The brothers do a wonderful radio show on cars (among other things) on NPR, and the website is an outgrowth of the show. Click on "Actual Car Information," then "Buying," and all will be revealed. Or something will be revealed, anyway. You can also listen to the show online, if your local NPR station doesn't carry it at a convenient time.
They oughta pay me for this plug. Fat chance.
May 23 2006, 03:58 PM
May 23 2006, 08:46 PM
Mouse, another fairly good source for auto info are the Lemon-Aid Car Guides, carried by most mass-market retailers and also stocked in public libraries.
Phil Edmonston is the author;
is the website (but unfortunately, he no longer has model-specific analyses on the site, replaced with general info on the auto industry, secret warranties, recalls, etc.)
For diesel and biodiesel info, chat and forums, check out
and also
There are machines that can help you make your own biodiesel, one of them available from
~North "just a car guy at heart" pole~
May 23 2006, 11:50 PM
thanks north!
lovecraft bio fuels
is right down the street from my house, and they either convert your car or sell you pre-converted cars that run on diesel, biodeisel, or vegetable oil. it's pretty much the most brilliant thing ever, even if it does make your vehicle smell like a french fry. my problem is, i just don't have the time right now (full time job and freelancing on the side) or space to collect, filter and store my own veggie oil. i'm hoping to work up to only freelance in a few years, and then i'll absolutely sell whatever car i get now and go veggie.
i hope we all end up running on deep fryer grease within the next ten years. we have to get off oil.
May 24 2006, 05:42 AM
Y'know, I don't think I'd mind having a car that smelled like french fries. Or I've often heard, doughnuts. Better than those nasty little trees or faux vanilla or strawberry.
May 24 2006, 09:18 PM
That's also a very good site, Mouse, thank you!
Ah, yes, time: the one thing we never seem to have enough of
~North "mmmmmmmmmm donutssssssssss" pole~
May 24 2006, 09:29 PM
turns out they're opening a fueling station in my neighborhood......$1.50 a gallon AND good for the environment? i may be getting a biodiesel car after all. *excited*
May 25 2006, 07:56 PM
You *absolutely* have to keep us up to date with how you like the car (when you get it), and maybe even a pic or two?
As a Canadian, and therefore one of the biggest consumers of energy per capita, I'm always interested in honest, reliable first-hand accounts of these sorts of technologies.
~North "$1.50 a gallon is MUCH MORE attractive than the $1.00 a LITRE! I'm paying now!" pole~
May 25 2006, 08:02 PM
Need appliance advice- a couple weeks ago, I accidentally put out my oven's pilot light. I had a water bath in there because I was making a cheesecake and the water sloshed and put out the light. Eventually, it came back on by itself, but a few days later, my boyfriend put it out again when he was pulling the waterbath out of the oven (oops, I forgot it in there!) and it sloshed again. Ever since then, it won't light without us manually lighting it. Any advice?
I've lived here less than a year and have had to replce two appliances- I don't want to have to do anymore for awhile!!
May 26 2006, 12:54 AM
our old stove when i was growing up needed to have the pilot light lit everytime we wanted to use it, and we did that for years. my point is that while it's really inconvenient, if you don't have the money to replace it or even to have a repairperson look at it, you could probably just keep lighting it every time for quite a while without any really ill effects.
May 26 2006, 06:41 AM
yeah, the old oven at my parents was like that too, but this one is extra annoying because I have to light it by getting down and going through the broiler. Usually, you can just take off the panel at the bottom of the oven, move that deflector panel and light it. I can't loosen the screw on the deflector panel, though. Grr.
May 26 2006, 12:59 PM
Polly, try checking out the manufacturer's website to see if you can download an owner's manual. It sounds like something got knocked out of place if it keeps going out. The manual should have the specifications as to location of the pilot, the ignitor and the thermocouple. If any of these are out of place, you'll encounter these sorts of problems.
Alternatively, perhaps your natural gas or propane supplier (not sure which one you're using) can be of help. Here in Calgary, our natural gas supplier will do free inspections/service calls for any natural gas appliance in your house. I'm not telling you to lie, but they'll often come quicker if you mention that you can't get it to light at all. Otherwise, you may have to book an appointment, and that can be a couple of weeks into the future.
Definitely if you smell gas, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE AND THEN CALL THEM!! Don't use a phone in the house, because even the small spark of a telephone making contact can ignite the gas.
You may find that the thermocouple could have been damaged by having water splashed on it. Hopefully not!
~North "hee hee hee she said 'gas'" pole~
May 29 2006, 10:28 PM
okay busties, I need some advice. I got an email from PayPal saying that I owed such and such amount blah blah blah for a purchase that I did not make. It looked exactly like a paypal email. I went to dispute it and it asked for my credit card # which made me suspicious so I checked the email and it wasn't a real email, it was a picture. SCAM!! now who do I report it to to stop these scammers? thank goodness I noticed just in time! this is a good scam b/c the email address is only two letters off from the real PayPal address.
May 29 2006, 10:40 PM
Cloverbee, check out the different ways to contact PayPal on their website. I dug this up there:
~North "let's shut down the scammers!" pole~
May 30 2006, 06:56 AM
Cloverbee, you were right to be suspicious and you did the right thing by checking it out. I get these scam/spams from fake Paypal and Ebay addresses all the time. They are NOT legitimate. They are annoying and potentially dangerous--don't respond by clicking any links in them, and above all don't send them any info about yourself or bank accounts etc. These things are called "phishing" and are an attempt to get you to give them access to your money.
You can report these to
, and their security folks will reply, reminding you that Paypal and Ebay do NOT email stuff like this to you. If you have real messages from them, they will be accessible on your account. Log in as usual and see if you have messages. The security departments at Paypal and Ebay make an effort to catch these thieves, but the best defense is just to delete any email that looks phony. Unfortunately, it usually is.
One other thing: A lot of these phishing attempts appear to come from banks. Same deal.
May 30 2006, 11:55 AM
I had the same thing happen. Change your password right away.
Jun 1 2006, 05:43 PM
Does anyone know if those Lacroix sparkling waters are sweetened with anything, and if so, what do they use? Sugar or an artificial sweetener?
ETA: I think I may have found the answer- they are sweetened with artificial sweeteners (I think- the lacroix website has no info, so I'm not sure if what I found was accurate.)
My boyfriend is trying to kick his pop addiction, so I'm looking for something that maybe has a little sugar (as long as it's less than a coke), no artifical sweetener and low in calories- any ideas? Maybe I'll start making iced tea at home and he'll have to get a bottle to keep it in.
Jun 1 2006, 06:33 PM
Hi everyone..I'm posting this here, hoping you guys can help..
I'm a grad student and I'm starting a "large-scale research project" (read: dissertation) on personal zines. I'm looking for zinesters who put out personal/journal zines to talk with me about their experiences writing and publishing the zine.
Does anyone know of good online message boards or web communities where I could post this message and find some zinesters who are willing to chat with me? Or..do any of you BUSTies put out a personal zine and would be willing to share your experiences with me?
Thanks for any ideas/help...
Jun 2 2006, 02:45 PM
I put out a personal zine...send me a pm and we can talk.
Lynn Bomb
Jun 4 2006, 07:49 PM
how can I find someone w/out paying money to do so? I have tried the white pages and every other free service but no luck??
Jun 6 2006, 09:35 PM
(cross-posted in the Music Thread)
I need some suggestions- my boyfriend is doing a video editing job for a friend of a friend- he's taking this guy's family pictures and videos and throwing some music over it as an anniversary present for the guy's wife. The guy picked out two songs and left the third song up to my boyfriend to choose.
Problem is, he picked some music that isn't really our taste, so we don't have any idea what will go with the other two songs. The two songs we have are "You and Me" by Lifehouse and "100 Years" by Five for Fighting. They're nice songs, but a little overproduced and sappy for our tastes (no offense if you're into this stuff!)
Any suggestions for a mid-tempo romantic song, preferrably something sorta contemporary and about four and a half minutes long?
Jun 6 2006, 10:14 PM
polly -- try pandora.com. You type in the name of a band/artist and it finds other music that you (or in this case your friend of a friend) might like.
Jun 6 2006, 11:11 PM
Polly, U2-One. that's my 2cents.
Jun 7 2006, 01:08 AM
ingewillow, don't know if this is helpful to your project or not, but you might be interested in the Independent Press Resource Center or Reading Frenzy (a bookstore specializing in independent press and zines. Both are located in Portland OR.
Jun 7 2006, 03:35 AM
polly...just a few thoughts off the top of my head...remembering that I'm kinda getting old so "contemporary" prolly means something a little different to me!
Fields of Gold - Sting
Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
I'll Be Your Lover Too - Van Morrison (not contemporary, but v. romantic)
Jun 7 2006, 04:00 AM
polly - "one" is a good call by cloverbee
If it was Sting, I'd go for "Every Breath You Take"
Contemporary? "You're beautiful", James Blunt?
eta: What's Simple is True", Jewel
Jun 7 2006, 08:58 PM
Thanks for the suggestions- he ended up going with that cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" by the Hawaiian singer, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. That version always makes me cry!
Jun 7 2006, 11:27 PM
Hee...I wasn't going to post this, but I feel compelled...I'm not sure whether using Every Breath You Take on an anniversary video is a good idea...since Sting wrote it about his divorce! LOL!
Jun 8 2006, 12:00 AM
Yeah, it's like, one of the high holy obsessive love songs of all time. I bet Thefedupex has that particular Police track on repeat! I'd go with "Everything She Does is Magic" first if you're going for the Police...
Jun 8 2006, 12:57 AM
well, I like it!
Jun 8 2006, 12:51 PM
help! i'm at my work computer and it's doing that stupid thing when it remembers my username when i type the first letter. how do i turn that off?
Jun 8 2006, 12:53 PM
catsoup, I forget, but it's called "auto complete," so you could do a search for "turn off auto complete." Though I'm sure someone who knows/remembers how to do it will post in here soon.
Jun 8 2006, 02:02 PM
go to - internet options > content > autocomplete.
clear your forms and your passwords.
Jun 8 2006, 02:24 PM
Ok, thanks!
Jun 10 2006, 07:22 PM
Can anyone tell me how safe it is to eat meat/poultry that's been frozen in a deep freezer for over a year? How about if it's been there for 2 years?
Jun 10 2006, 08:13 PM
Um, I'ma figure freezer burn has set in in that amount of time. I wouldn't eat it.
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Japan Authorizes $2M to Study High Speed Train In MarylandJapanese Ambassador to the United States Kenichiro Sasae says Japan has authorized $2 million to support a feasibility study of building a high-speed train between Baltimore and Washington.
MTA Launches New Bus Routes Around Baltimore SuburbsToday marks the start of Governor Larry Hogan's makeover of the Maryland Transit Administration's bus routes.
MTA Suspending Service This Weekend Due To StormThe MTA is temporarily suspending all service through the weekend due to the snowstorm in Maryland.
Bay Bridge Deemed Safe To Drive Over Until 2065No reason to worry about the structural safety of the Bay Bridge -- at least not for the next 50 years.
A Guide To Seeing The Pope In Philadelphia
Annapolis Greyhound Bus Stop To Find New Location In CityOfficials say Greyhound buses will soon no longer stop at the Annapolis Department of Transportation.
Maryland Transportation Chief Briefs LawmakersMaryland's transportation secretary says he believes a light rail in the suburbs of Washington will be built to meet more cost-effective stipulations.
Maryland Governor Details 43 Possible Purple Line CutsMaryland's governor is detailing some of the potential cuts aimed at reducing Purple Line costs by $210 million.
Hogan: Purple Line Will Happen, Nearly $2B Invested In Maryland RoadsGov. Larry Hogan announced plans to spend nearly $2 billion on roads, highways and bridges throughout the state of Maryland, a state senator who has been informed of the announcement said Thursday.
Bay Bridge Delays Expected Due To Charity Motorcycle RideTransportation officials in Maryland say motorists should be prepared for Saturday traffic delays at the Bay Bridge as a result of a charity ride involving motorcyclists.
Cuts Proposed For Charm City CirculatorOne of the city's most popular freebies is running low on money. Cuts are proposed for the Charm City Circulator, which links points of interest in the downtown area.
MARC To Increase Service Between Washington, BaltimoreIn an effort to improve transportation between the DC and Baltimore areas, the MARC train is expanding routes.


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Hogan's Heroes
Cynthia Lynn, Hogan's Heroes Actress, Dies
Originally posted 03/12/2014 08:35AM
Cynthia Lynn, one of the last surviving cast members of the 1965-71 sitcom Hogan's Heroes, died Monday in Los Angeles after suffering from hepatitis, reports Variety. She was 76.
Richard Dawson Diagnosed with Cancer Only Three Weeks Before Death
Originally posted 06/05/2012 11:40AM
Three weeks ago, Richard Dawson thought he was suffering from heartburn.
The late Hogan's Hero actor-turned-game show host, fondly remembered for his lips-on approach to his Family Feud contestants, then found out he had esophageal cancer, according to his children.
"It all just kind of happened really quickly," his son Gary tells Access Hollywood. Dawson, 79, died Saturday night due to complications related to his cancer. "Luckily, he didn't have to go through all the bad treatments and stuff."
The most buzzed about stars this minute!
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Vivid Seats is proud to provide all the best in Latin Music concert ticketing. Enjoy the Movimiento Alterado show!


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March 07, 2005
Strings for the Deaf, The String Quartet Tribute to Queens of the Stone Age
Compulsive purchases are so often wrong that I nearly put this one back on the shelf. I'm glad I didn't.
Following in the footsteps of Apocalyptica, this string quartet transforms the music of a hard rock band into something resembling chamber music. Queens of the Stone Age, the world's most famous stoner rock band, is best known for their bouncy pop rock song, "No One Knows," and have been making sludgy heavy metal music for years.
The droning nature of their music (referred to as robot rock by Queens cornerstone, Josh Homme) makes them a surprise candidate for a string quartet. Luckily, the instrumental representation of the vocals adds complexity and depth to what would otherwise be repetitive and bland.
While I am in no position to make judgments about the skills or renown of the musicians involved, the music is a joy to hear. The sound is warm and involving, although on cheaper speakers the tone of the violin quickly becomes tinny. This is a disk best experienced with good quality speakers or headphones.
Whereas the opener, "First it Giveth," feels a touch abrupt in execution, most of the rest of the album works to capture the aggression of the originals without sacrificing the grace and beauty of the strings. "Hanging Tree" is one of the most harsh songs on Songs for the Deaf, on Strings it becomes a more gentle and nuanced things. "Mosquito Song" translates particularly well, as does "Go With the Flow." Both are gorgeous and surprisingly intricate. On occasion--"Song for the Deaf," for example--an electric guitar fills out the sound behind the cello and violin. The trick is used only to supplement the overall sound, but never to dominate the song.
The finest song on the album is the well-developed rendition of "Gonna Leave You." The layers and the structure are perfect. Its only downfall is that at two minutes, forty-seven seconds, listeners are likely to want more.
The most notably bad thing about the album isnt the occasional song that doesnt translate well; the worst thing is the copywriting on the packaging. "Queens of the Stone Age have dished out a new taste of rock and roll that has grabbed the ears and attention of folks young and old, picking up many new fans along the way."
Aside from that lapse in taste, this is a fun, new way to hear the music of Queens of the Stone Age. Recommended.
Note: This CD cannot be ordered through Amazon. Ordering directly through Vitamin Record's site unveils the thriving cottage industry of hard rock-to-string quartet music.Posted by zombyboy at March 7, 2005 01:33 PM
Didja pick up the tribute to Slayer?Posted by: matt at March 7, 2005 10:41 PM
|All content ©2003 by the authors of ResurrectionSong.com except where noted.


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Minnesota Twins owner Jim Pohlad's reverence for Terry Ryan has been evident for almost two decades, steadfastly supporting his general manager with a commitment uncommon in today's game.
As the struggles on the field piled up over the last five years, even that enduring respect wasn't enough to keep Ryan with the Twins.
Ryan was fired on Monday with the team holding the worst record in the American League and on pace to lose 100 games. The Twins entered the day 33-58, 21 games out of first place in the AL Central. Only Atlanta had a worse record in the majors.
"Sometimes you may have to do things that are hard," Pohlad said. "I never try to shy away...


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This is a discussion on BIND Zone Merging and Other Issues - DNS ; After years and a number of mergers, I've been asked to take over the corporate DNS. I have proposed some minor changes that would improve responsiveness but have met some resistance. I suspect that the resistance is based on the ...
After years and a number of mergers, I've been asked to take over the
corporate DNS. I have proposed some minor changes that would improve
responsiveness but have met some resistance. I suspect that the
resistance is based on the way BIND used to work.
BIND Zone Merging
In earlier versions of BIND, child zone data would be merged into the
parent zone. For example, if you had a 10.IN-ADDR.ARPA zone defined
containing delegation records, data from the delegated zones would be
merged into 10.IN-ADDR.ARPA zone. In which version of BIND did this
BIND RFC 1918 Built-in Feature
If you are not using RFC 1918 private addresses, BIND will return
NXDOMAIN and not forward the query to the root servers. In which
version of BIND did this become a standard feature?
If a name server is the master for 96.168.192.IN-ADDR.ARPA, is this
built-in feature disabled for all RFC 1918 address ranges or just the
168.192.IN-ADDR.ARPA zone address range?
If named.conf includes a global forwarders statement, is the RFC 1918
built-in feature disabled when no RFC 1918 zones are defined?
BIND Global Forwarders Statement
The current DNS architecture is based on forwarding DNS queries to
three regional DNS servers. All name servers that are in the Western
US, forward all queries to the Western US "master" name server. If it
is inaccessible, they will fall back to the Central US and then the
Eastern US "master" name servers.
I understand why one might want to do this for Internet DNS queries.
I have issues with this for internal DNS queries. The "master" name
servers are all located at the sites with the highest volume of
network activity, i.e. the most overloaded sites. Wouldn't it be
better to have each name server download the delegation information
from the "master" name servers and use BIND to determine the "best"
server to query?
zone 10.IN-ADDR.ARPA {
type slave;
forwarders { none; };
file "slave/arpa.in-addr.010";
zone CORPORATION.COM {
type slave;
forwarders { none; };
file "slave/com.corporation";
Assuming that zone information is not merged, wouldn't the above
provide a more robust DNS architecture and reduce, to some extent, the
volume of traffic sent to the "master" name servers?
Diatribes on the "evils" of forwarding are understood but not needed.
I am looking for information that will produce a more robust solution.
Merton Campbell Crockett


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Thursday, January 31, 2013
House Speaker Bobby Harrell said this week that the first weeks of the legislative session were like a duck on the water. Above water, everything looked nice and smooth, but below the water, everything was moving fast. In the span of three legislative days, there were 24 legislative committees meeting in the House office building to advance legislation.
This week, House Republicans approved a bill that confirms our party's opposition to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's state health exchanges, more commonly referred to as Obamacare. In last November's elections, voters told us unequivocally to oppose the implementation of Obamacare. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the states have the option to reject the Medicaid expansion and reject the healthcare exchanges.
My Republican colleagues and I have made a commitment to support and uphold both of those Supreme Court rulings. This was a small step in that direction with more coming.
The House Caucus Ethics Study Committee gave preliminary approval to recommendations on restructuring our ethics enforcement system. I will write more about this when all of the details are finalized. But in a nutshell, investigations into ethics complaints will be done by the Public Integrity Unit in the Attorney General's office and findings of fact will be given back to the appropriate ethics body. In the case of the House and Senate, the constitution currently requires each body's ethics committee to be the final adjudicator, so the Public Integrity Unit will forward its findings to the committees.
The committee also recommended that a constitutional amendment be approved abolishing the House and Senate ethics committees. That will take a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate, and then be put before the voters in 2014.
The final details of the ethics reform legislation have not been finished, and more recommendations are coming. This week's restructuring of the investigation procedures, coupled with last month's overhaul of the membership and structure of the House Ethics Committee, is a major move toward reforming the ethics watchdog functions. Our ethics laws are some of the strictest in the country, but they have not been updated since they were first approved in the early 1990s. While the technical realities of how the public process has changed dramatically with the widespread use of things like the Internet, our laws have not changed to manage those new realities.
On our pledge to restructure government, a House Judiciary Subcommittee approved legislation to shorten the legislative session. The House Republican Caucus has approved measures shortening the legislative session in every session since voters gave Republicans control of the House in 1994. Some of those proposals were ambitious.
All of them, such as the bill last year that shortened the legislative session by a single week, have died in the S.C. Senate.
This year's bill cuts the first and last month from one of the longest legislative sessions in the country. If approved by the General Assembly, the session will begin on the second Tuesday of February instead of the second Tuesday in January. The session will end on the first Thursday in May instead of the first Thursday in June. The weeks we cut in January would still be open for legislative committees to debate and move legislation so the full House can hit the floor running when it convenes in February.
The bill is also a constitutional amendment and will need a two-thirds vote of the House and the Senate, and if approved will also go to the voters for approval during the general election in November 2014.
If approved, this will be the 10th time the House has approved legislation shortening the session.
(Representative Mike Sottile (R) represents the area in the S.C. State House of Representatives. Mike Sottile can be contacted at Isle of Palms at 886-8759, in Columbia at 803-212-6880, or via email to email@example.com.)
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Customize art for your walls
We recently rejuvenated a client's living room with artwork and more. The room had great bones and major pieces already in place. The homeowner wanted to introduce another accent color in the room, but did not know quite where to start.
She had a base of charcoal and red. We introduced turquoise, which really pops in her room. With a color this intense, you only need a few pieces, so we brought in turquoise pillows and a few other accent pieces -- a vase and a decorative plate.
Her sofa sits on a long wall and was begging for the perfect piece of artwork to be mounted above it. It needed to be a large piece because it would be above the sofa and on the longest wall in the room.
The homeowner had searched for years for the perfect piece with just the right blend of colors and subject matter. Even after searching all of the local stores and looking online at various art outlets, nothing struck that perfect chord to bring the room into harmony.
We suggested commissioning a piece from a local artist. She could have it all; the colors and subject matter could compliment her color palette and decorating style. We contacted local artist Jodi Sindelar for the perfect piece. She is well-known for her mural at the Erie International Airport.
Sindelar also has done paintings for clients, commercial spaces and charities to raise funds from gift auctions. She gets her inspiration from nature, magazines, online photos and clients' personal wishes.
First, we narrowed down the focus of the subject matter for the painting. There are so many options, such as landscapes, abstract, florals, architectural or modern. Within each of those categories, the options are limitless. Our client narrowed her focus to architectural subject matter and more specifically a staircase. Sindelar found a picture online of a spiral staircase with a wall of books, and the process began.
Soon, the wheels were turning to really personalize this piece. The painting was done on five different-sized canvases, all pieced together like a puzzle to form the final painting. The panels have a unique structural element.
Next, the two family dogs were added. My favorite is the one on the open book -- it really brings this painting to life. Sindelar added all of the family members' birth years to a book. Also, each family member's last name is represented on the wall of books. Finally, some books are labeled with the client's and her family's favorite books titles.
Sindelar's works are priced typically between $400 and $1,000. The price depends not only on the size of the piece, but also the difficulty of the subject matter.
The next time you're looking for that perfect piece of artwork, consider having a local artist create a piece just for you. It will be a treasure enjoyed for generations.
You can reach Sindelar through firstname.lastname@example.com.
SABRINA FISCHER is the owner of the Sassy Peacock and the Peacock Furniture Galleria. E-mail her at email@example.com.


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Blame it on the distracting iridescence of the real estate bubble. The premise of this situation comedy is perfectly okay, if standard-issue slick: A guy named Ben (Josh Cooke) inherits a Manhattan apartment from his grandmother and invites three friends to move in, creating the equivalent of Friends with a frat-house ambiance. But you may very well sit there, barely minding the bland surface perfection of cast and writing—the show was created by the same duo who cooked up Will & Grace—and think about the apartment itself. What's the square footage? How many baths? What did the grandmother pay originally? Wouldn't now be the time to sell, before the market slows, stalls, sinks? Why sacrifice such a great investment opportunity for the sake of three roommates?
Oh right, the roomies—the show. Seth Green, so good in the Austin Powers films, is the standout. He looks a little like a less tidy version of the young Michael J. Fox, and he delivers his lines in sharp yaps of frustration.


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Your kids have worked hard getting up early to catch their bus, or walk the sidewalk trail to that big brick school building for the past nine months. They have sat through lecture after lecture and brought home mountains of homework and projects. Now that the sun is shining brighter in the evenings and the temperatures are rising, school is ready to let out for the summer, and your kids are ready to take advantage of it!
No doubt you and your family have already started to plan out some of the amazing road trips that you will embark upon this summer. While a family vacation can be extremely fun and bring the family together, it is important to consider the portion of your road trip or vacation that takes place in the car.
In order to help families prepare for their next road trip, RadRoadTrips.com has created an activity book especially for kids. This book was designed to keep kids entertained and engaged in your road trip while they are in the car. Not only will they be busy solving puzzles, but they will also engage the entire family in games, questions, get to know you activities, etc.
Don't let the drive to your vacation fall out of your radar this summer. Make the road trip an important part of your family memories.
Feel free to download the PDF version of our activity book and print it out for your children. If your printer supports booklet printing, it can make a handy little 5.5 x 8.5″ booklet. Whether or not your printer can support that type of printing, you can also print out an 8.5 x 11″ version of the booklet with the same PDF file.
All you have to do is print out the book and staple it together. Make sure the kids bring a few pencils and maybe some crayons or colored pencils. Print out a copy of the book for yourself also as you may be engaged with the children as they work through their booklet.
The booklet does contain a page of coupons that you can use if you choose. Simply fill in the reward that your child can earn without coupon. It can be as simple as earning a snack, a treat, a happy meal at your local McDonald's, or even another activity book that you may have purchased for extended vacations.
Remember, a family road trip is a great tool to build memories that will last with your children their entire lives. Not only will they look upon your trip with fond memories, but it can build the relationships between you and the children today.
Summer 2011 Trip Activity Passport
road trips are amazing. i want to go on one right now
Tried to open, but both my Adobe programs said the file was damaged and could not be opened.
This is not really for younger kids do you have some Ideas for 6-8 yrs old? We are going on our 1st family road trip and need some Ideas to keep them busy!
It say that there was a error opening the document. The file is damagedand could not be reparied. I thought I would let you know.
I downloaded the file, but was not able to open it. HElp!
I've been seeing little clipboard sets with downloadable pages (for a fee) all over the last few months. I thought, "why in the world would I pay for that when I can just put free activity sheets on a clipboard?" I've been doing just that! These will be a great addition.
Looks like the downloads are working now. Thanks for fixing it!!
Love this! Thanks so much. Several pages printed with solid black blocks – 7, 11, 17, 21, 23, 25. The text would be visible but not the puzzles. For instance, the Bingo grids were solid. I was printing it in full color. Would grayscale work? I hated to just try it, b/c we have a printer with outrageous ink. Thanks again for doing this.
I did try. It didn't help. It is the weirdest thing, because puzzles and grids with lots of white are printing solid. Thanks for checking though. We'll the ones that worked for us. 🙂
Thanks so much!! This looks like the perfect busy-work for my two (7 & 4) for this summer's trips. Can't wait to hit the road & try it.
I'm trying to save to a flash drive because I don't have internet access at home and don't want to spend $0.10 per page for b&w prints at the library. I'm getting "This file cannot be found" messages in either Explorer or Firefox. Help, please! (By the way, thanks for the links for younger children.)
Page 26 needs fixed. The word search has the same words as the other word search for baseball terms.
Page 26 needs fixed….it should have the word find for letters g-z, but it has the same list of words for a-f, but the word search is different. Thanks so much.
Receiving the following message when I try to download: "Sorry, the page your requested could not be found, or no longer exists."


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So you've finally got your hands on a brand new iPhone 5. And it's almost great.
Unfortunately, you're finding that due to the exceptional performance of the iPhone, the battery life suffers. Sound familiar?
Here I've rounded up the tips I've discovered or researched that can help you improve the battery life of your new iPhone.
Update: if your problems started only after updating to the latest version of iOS, then check out my post on solving battery problems after updating.
- Screen Brightness
- The backlight on the screen makes it look incredible, even in full daylight. I'm sure you remember a time when that wasn't possible with an old phone! But it's battery intensive.
- Turn your brightness down by going to Settings > Brightness and Wallpaper.
- Tip: you may also want to disable Auto-Brightness so that your phone doesn't change back without you noticing!
- Disable Connections
- Any radio connections that aren't being used are wasting battery life big time. Here are the main culprits
- Bluetooth – if you're not using any bluetooth accessories in your car, or never connect to other devices via bluetooth, turn it off. It's under Settings > Bluetooth > Disable Bluetooth.
- WiFi – be careful here, since you want to remember to enable wifi when you're at home or plugged in to avoid massive data fees, but if you're not connected to a WiFi network, then allowing your phone to search for nearby networks is wasting battery.
- 4G LTE – Yes, I know. You bought the iPhone for its 4G LTE Capabilities and Apple claims that being connected to LTE shouldn't hurt your battery life. But when you're only receiving a 3G connection or no service at all, the radio in your phone is constantly scanning for a nearby LTE connection. This is an energy-intensive job. Wasting Battery. To Disable, go to Settings > Network > Enable LTE > OFF.
- Personal Hotspot – This should go without saying, but if you're broadcasting your personal hotspot, you're using up extra radio resources and that means battery time.
- Airplane Mode – Really Desperate to make it through the afternoon? Switch to Airplane Mode to disable all connections incoming and outgoing. It makes your phone into an iPod though, so don't forget to check your messages now and then.
- Push Notifications
- Push notifications are a great way of staying up to date with your favorite apps but any Apps that you rarely use should be disabled.
- Go to Settings > Notifications to see what Apps are currently listening for these notifications.
- This also has the added benefit of keeping your notification center neat and tidy!
- Location Services
- Many Apps ask to track your location so they can do stuff like find the nearest Starbucks or add Geo-Tagging to their social network.
- The list of these apps can be found at Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
- Disable as many as you want (they will just ask you for permission again if they need to) or disable all location services using the override switch.
- Tip: only the Apps displaying the location icon in the list are actively using your location so it is only these apps that are really affecting your battery. But every bit helps and you can disable the rest too if you want.
- Quit Background Applications
- When you hit the home button and exit an App, it automatically enters the background of your iOS device. This means that the Application is running only the bare necessities in the background, but it is still running.
- The only way to actually quit these applications completely is to Double-Tap the Home Button, then press and hold one of the icons in the Application Tray that pops up (as if you were going to delete it). It will come up with a little red and white quit icon which you can tap to actually quit that App and regain bonus battery minutes.
- Fetch Mail Less Often
- Your email is probably set to be constantly listening for new emails to retrieve in order to alert you as fas as possible that you've got mail. This is great, but may be hurting your battery a bit.
- Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data and disable push, then choose a less frequent interval for fetching your emails.
- If you have push enabled for fetching, this will be particularly bad for your battery. Basically, when push is enabled, your phone is constantly checking back to the mail servers to see if there is any new email available. That's network activity which eats up your battery.
- This is a known cause of significant battery drain in iOS 6 versions 6.1.1, 6.1.2, and 6.1.3.
- Shorten the Screen Auto-Lock Time
- The screen lock time won't make a huge difference, but when the phone is unlocked there are more processes likely to be running.
- Set the screen lock time in Settings > General > Auto-Lock.
- Disable Siri's Raise to Speak Function
- This is another feature that is constantly in the background waiting for you to use it. Generally, if you raise your phone to your ear Siri will perk up and listen for instructions.
- Disable this in Settings > General > Siri > Raise to Speak.
- Reset your Wireless Router
- Some users have noticed their phone switching rapidly between WiFi and 3G/LTE. This seems to be caused by a bug in their router's firmware. Try to reset your wireless router, and if you feel comfortable, reinstall the router's firmware.
More suggestions? Any ideas or feedback?
Leave a comment below!
Want more iPhone – Tips and Tricks?


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Summerfest's new Uline Warehouse stage to feature Jana Kramer, Rick Springfield
The inaugural lineup for Summerfest's new Uline Warehouse stage will include TV-star-turned-country-artist Jana Kramer, Christian-influenced alt-rock group Switchfoot and a pair of newly announced headliners: jam-heavy blues rock group Blues Traveler and '80s power-pop idol and Milwaukee favorite Rick Springfield.
The list of headliners, announced by Summerfest officials Tuesday morning, features: »Read Full Article(2)
Video: Lollapalooza 2013 Day One Highlights, Plus Watch Saturday and Sunday Webcasts Here
Even if you're lucky enough to have snagged a ticket to the sold out Lollapalooza, you can't see everything. So the fest is doing what it can to get people access to a variety of shows. »Read Full Blog Post
Wisconsin 'second-best beer state'?
Speaking at a panel of the National Governors Association meeting in Milwaukee Saturday, Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri acknowledged that Wisconsin is both the Badger and Dairy state.
But Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, wanted another title from Nixon for Wisconsin, namely the "beer state." »Read Full Blog Post(11)


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Killzone 2 Download for PS3On: PS3
Sony's FPS is coming to the PlayStation 3. Despite a lukewarm reception on PlayStation 2, this is one of the most hyped games for the system.
Review Verdict Read Review
9Out of 10Back to game info
Download courtesy of:
Download: Killzone 2: VC21 Bolt Gun Gameplay
Category: HD Video
A look at the firing and reload animation of the VC21 Bolt Gun.
Download File
File Size: 4.21 MB


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Oct 15, 10 Mia 1 Comment Fans, Gallery Updates, News & Rumours
on 1 Jan, 1970
Once again Marion Cotillard is on the cover of French Elle. The 8 page feature with a brand new photoshoot looks really great! I can't wait to pick up the issue and scan it. Here's the feature on the Elle Website.
• Marion pleine de grâce, Elle, Octobre 15
One Response to "On the cover of this week's Elle"
Hands down, French Elle tops US Elle and also UK Elle. Love the pics. ThanksOct 16, 10 at 10:28 pm
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Kate Winslet Shows Off Wedding Ring in Hempshire, England
Loraine Pavich
| February 5, 2013 - 10:51 am
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