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06 Apr 2011
Event Photos ~ Young & Reckless Presents Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory Season 4 Premiere Celebration ~ Hollywood
Monday night Stephanie & I attended the Young & Reckless premiere celebration for season four of Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory on MTV. In case you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years. Young & Reckless is the apparel line that was launched by Drama who is
13 Dec 2010
Here is a sneak peek of the new line for SS 2011 for Big Black


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Success Stories
Success Stories
Student Media
Success Stories
Valeria Silva '90
Big-city superintendent
Valeria Silva graduated summa cum laude and quickly found her niche in Twin Cities education circles - teaching and helping improve achievement rates for immigrant and special-needs students.
Former St. Paul superintendent Valeria Silva '90 came to the United States from Chile a quarter-century ago speaking little English.
She directed the state's second-largest school district with 85 schools and programs that educate more than 39,000 students and employ nearly 5,400 staff. View her superintendent's webpage.
"I came here on the coldest day - it was below zero," Silva recalls. But her desire to learn English was stronger than her desire to return to a warmer climate.
Working at a Sartell nursing home she learned English language and culture from the residents, including a couple of retired elementary school teachers.
Silva entered St. Cloud State to earn her teacher's license and the 90 credits needed to complete a bachelor of elective studies degree, which she did in 1990.
"I was one of the few international students at that time to come with a degree from another country," she said. But the team formed by the international students helped open her mind in new ways. "I totally learned how to appreciate other cultures, St. Cloud State gave me confidence."
Silva began her career as a teacher at Adams Spanish Immersion School on St. Paul's west 20 years ago rising through the ranks to principal, director of the English Language Learner program from 1997-2006, eventually to become the district's chief academic officer.
Her experiences as an international student gave her the perspective to emphathize with immigrant students in St. Paul. "I see the world differently because I've experienced these situations," she said.
Recently, she was recognized by the Chilean newspaper, El Mercurio, as one of the top 100 female leaders for 2010. She was recognized alongside former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Cecilia Morel, Chile's First Lady.
In addition, Silva earned recognition from her school in Santiago, School of San Gabriel, with the alumna of the year award. Along with the award, the International Schools Association invited her to visit Chile in April to work on education issues in the country.

subset: commoncrawl


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Structures for sale
Ward County Commissioners approved a proposal by county engineer Dana Larsen to advertise for the sale of 19 structures, including 12 homes, that had been acquired by the county following the 2011 Souris River flood.
The homes will be sold as-is and are in various conditions, with one being described as being in habitable condition and another in a near-habitable condition. The structures must be moved off of each lot and each lot completely cleared of everything down to the driveways, foundation, and infrastructure like sewage and electrical lines. All will be done at the buyer's expense.
Although the homes can be found in several neighborhoods affected by the flood, the majority of them are in Robinwood Estates, west of Minot.
The structures will be advertised for three weeks, according to the executive summary of the proposal, and in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development rules and guidelines.
There are about 30 other properties that are not up for bid and will be demolished and cleared by the county. These structures are either too damaged to be moved off the lot or include hazardous materials like asbestos.
The sale of these structures would "basically be to offset the costs" incurred by HUD and the state water commission, said Larsen.
Interested bidders may attend a pre-bid conference in the Ex-Service Room on the ground floor of the Ward County Courthouse in Minot at 2 p.m. on April 17, and may obtain bidding documents at either the Ward County Highway Department at 900-13th St. SE, Minot, or at their website (www.wardnd.com/highway).
Other Business
– The yearly updates to the Ward County Jail Policy and Procedure Manual were approved by the commission. There was some concern over what the guidelines for work-release inmates are, but none of that was updated and may be reviewed separately at a later meeting.
– Ideas for sand bag availability, procedure, and even pricing in the event of another flood emergency this spring, but very little was decided on now. Some options included charging for what the bags actually cost and a little more for the sand, offer 200 bags free-of-charge to each resident and then approving additional bags on a case-by-case basis, leave the bags out and let people get them as-needed like in 2011. Any charges considered would simply be for the replacement of the bags if more are needed. Should sandbags be needed they will be available at the County North building.


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Ambassador John Herbst serves as the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization at the U.S. Department of State.
My name is John Herbst. I'm the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization in the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization at the State Department. This is a relatively new office. It was created not quite five years ago, and it was created in response to the problems we ran into in Afghanistan, and especially Iraq, providing civilian oversight for the activities needed to rebuild those societies.
S/CRS was created to do two things: one, to organize all assets on the civilian side of the U.S. Government for conducting successful stabilization operations to make sure we had the right plan, the right implementation group, the right strategy to reconstruct society; two, we were organized to establish a Corps of civilians with the right skills needed to deploy into a crisis. S/CRS has come a long way in the last almost five years, and we are in the process right now of building a Civilian Response Corps of 600 people. We have also created a system for organizing the U.S. Government – we call it the Interagency Management System – which has been thoroughly tested, and parts of which have been used in real-life crises.
S/CRS has an office now of over 100 people. And we have deployed our people to hot spots around the world. They have seen action in Darfur, in eastern Chad, in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Our people have gone to these different places to do different things. For example, in Haiti, we helped train police. We helped provide the equipment and the wherewithal for police to return to Cité de Soleil, which is the principal slum in the city of Port-au-Prince, a slum which had no policing until we helped put police back there. We sent an expert on the rule of law to Liberia to help develop the legal system there to run in a way which we all consider to be fair. We've had our most important deployments in Afghanistan. We have had as many as 12 people on the ground there. We've helped every American Provincial Reconstruction Team write a plan of civilian operations.
At our urging, the last couple of months, our Embassy in Kabul stood up an interagency group, called the Interagency Civilian-Military Action group – the Integrated Civilian-Military Action group – to help ensure that all American efforts in Afghanistan were fully coordinated – the efforts of the Defense Department, USAID, the State Department, Justice Department, and so on.
S/CRS is looking for people to staff the Civilian Response Corps. The Civilian Response Corps will have employees from eight different agencies. We will have a special component (inaudible). The inner core of this is what we call the active component. These will be people who have no jobs but to deploy to places in crisis. We are looking for people who have the skills needed in a country which has a very poorly functioning government, who have a sense of adventure to join the Civilian Response Corps. We're looking for people who are able to provide oversight in areas like engineering, the people involved in the rule of law, policemen, judges, corrections officials, attorneys. We're looking for public administrators, public health officials, for city planners, port operators, agronomists. We're looking for people with these skills, a sense of adventure, and willing to contribute to American national security by helping countries where we have great national security interests at stake to stabilize. This is the future, I think, of the State Department – this expeditionary capacity to put people on the ground in dangerous situations where American interests are on the line.
Jennifer S. in West Virginia writes:
This is fascinating and exciting. I visited the link provided and read about the three components/levels of the Civilian Response Corps: active, standby and reserve.
In the description of the Reserve component, there is a note that this component has not yet been funded. However, I notice that some of this info may have been listed during the previous administration as it lists President Bush and SOS Condoleeza Rice. Has this situation changed? Do you now have funding for the Reserves? If not, when do you anticipate that you might?
Would you have a need for teachers, instructors, journalists and/or those who are adept at using and teaching others to use various forms of new media and social networking technology?
Patrick in Maryland writes:
Hi, John H. and other States Department People.
The Office of Reconstruction And Stabilization sounds like a great place to work. I think your office is going to have it's hands full. There are a lot of counties that are going to need your help Now and in the Future. I hope you find some very good people to work with you. Your work with afghanistan and other counties must be very exciting, helping to rebuild a country's infer Structure
sounds like an extremely hard job.
I hope your Work in Afghanistan has a successful ending.
Keep up the Good Job, your making a better World.
....Cya John :)
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Wonderful idea...
...These will be people who have no jobs but to deploy to places in crisis..why does that sound familiar?
In any event, will these people be paid for their efforts, I don't quite understand. If they will be paid, at what GS level? If they will not be paid, what is the value?
Charles in Florida writes:
Wonderful to see Barnett's SysAdmin Force (http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/33) being put into practice. The real questions are: how do you pull professionals into the public sector? Even if you can identify innovative, problem solving, and team-oriented individuals, how will you provide relevant and timely procedural and linguistic training to keep the STANDBY and RESERVE folks ready to deploy?
These questions aside, maybe its time I look more deeply into these positions
Jesse in Colorado writes:
Great Idea.
Where can one find out more info on the S/CRS. Are these positions paid or volunteer? What budget does this funding come out of?
Thanks for the post.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
To John Herbst,
Some may consider this "the most rediculous item of the day" and some may see this as a microcosm of the human condition.
In any case I had no idea what catagory or thread this may apply to as no one's blogging from orbit, so forgive me for dumping this in your lap as it were.
In some strange way though, you may find relevance in your work that may provide a diplomatic solution to resolve a crisis in the making:
"The International Space Station, once a place where astronauts would share food and facilities, is said to be embroiled in a Cold War-like stand-off.
A Russian cosmonaut has complained he is no longer allowed to use a U.S. toilet as well as a U.S. exercise bike."
John, really this does not bode well for international cooperation....what if the Russian side of the station runs out of toilet paper? We won't share ours?
I know it's still April fool's and all, but I don't think this is a joke...
So please pass this on to the relevant dept @ state that deals with international space cooperation and ask 'em "What up with this?" if you'd be so kind.
Steve in Maryland writes:
Former PRT, Iraq. Senior Urban Planning Advisor, Salah ad Din. Primarily worked with MND-North on region-wide planning issues (roads, drought, improving understanding of national/provincial roles in Iraqi governmental essential services. Also worked with UNAMI Political Team, secunded from State.
Interested in helping, but have never seen any venues to do so.
William in North Carolina writes:
construction engineer, inspector, superintendent looking for way to apply for position. 25+ years experience from nuclear power plant construction to schools and heavy commercial building. Any information on where and how to apply will be appreciated
Catherine S. in Pennsylvania writes:
Was part of the Defense Contingency Support Team in Iraq from Jun 06 thru Nov 06 working in the Subsistence arena. I have extensive contracting experience (DAWIA Level III). Am looking to volunteer for Afghanistan if possible but cannot find any information.


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New Calumet police chief fired
Roland R. Bekkala
HURLEY, Wis. – Roland R. Bekkala, age 86, of Hurley, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Marquette.
He was born May 20, 1926, in Ahmeek, son of the late Raymond and Lydia (Salonen) Bekkala. Roland was raised in the Ahmeek/Laurium area, attending schools there. As a young man, he worked for a bakery and a dairy.
In 1944, Roland entered the military, serving in the U.S. Army for the next 23 years. Roland was very dedicated to his country and was proud of his military career. He often talked about all the places he'd been at home and overseas and the fact that he'd served in three wars.
While in the military, he finished his schooling and finished a course in finance and accounting procedures, which he was able to use working for the military. After his retirement, he worked for Prudential/Bache on Wall Street.
In Sept. 1951, he was married to the love of his life, Marion P. Darby in Brooklyn, NY. They made their home there and in Scranton Island, NY. Roland was very close to Marion's family, "The Darby Clan" and often spoke of them with fondness.
After retirement, they built a chalet in Pocono Farms, Penn. where they lived until Marion's death in June, 1996. Roland then moved to Hurley to be closer to his family and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Roland is survived by two brothers, Roy (Paulette) Bekkala of Ironwood and Art Bekkala of Spokane, Wash.; two sisters, Lucille (Paul) Puuri of White Pine and Lenore (Don) Carlson of Brighton, Mich.; a sister-in-law, Margaret Darby; several nieces and nephews on both the Bekkala and Darby sides of the family, including a special niece, Peggy (Dave) Boshen.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bekkala.
At Roland's request, cremation has taken place at the Range Crematory in Hurley. Interment will be in Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst, Penn. with his wife, Marion.
The family would like to thank Sky View Nursing and staff in Hurley for the wonderful care Roland received during the last year of his life. He was very happy there.
Arrangements are by Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Ketola-Burla Funeral Home, Ironwood, Mich.


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Nov 262011
Congrats to Meredith Bay, the winner of the random drawing for a pair of tickets to the sold-out December 12 Wilco show in Chicago at the Civic Opera House!
Thanks to everyone who shared how they plan to give back to the community this holiday season, and to those who purchased The Whole Love Bundle. Your contributions will go to the Jane Addams Hull House Association, supporting our local community and making the season brighter for all.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.


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The Philmont Training Center (PTC) is excited to work with you as a PTC Ambassador. The Philmont Training Center Ambassador program is designed to help promote training center conferences within the local council. Approved by the Scout Executive, the ambassador promotes PTC opportunities to unit, district, and council volunteers and professional, utilizing resources provided to the local council for this marketing effort.
PTC is the national volunteer training center for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 1950, PTC has provided a unique environment for training volunteer and professional leaders, as well as a family program for every member of the family. Each year, more than 5,000 Scouters and family members visit PTC. Each conferences features the latest tools, techniques, audiovisuals, discussions, idea sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters.
2016 Philmont Registration Entries by Council
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America's premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country.
Health and Safety
Scouts in the News
Northern Tier
Florida Sea Base
Summit Bechtel Reserve
National Eagle Scout Association
Order of the Arrow
National Scout Jamboree
BSA Foundation
Boys' Life
Scouting Magazine
Philmont Webcam
Tooth of Time Traders - Philmont official store
Philmont Videos
Promote Philmont!
Working at Philmont
Philmont Staff Association
Full-time Employment Opportunities


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39th Annual Point-to-Point
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Thank you to everyone who attended this year's event! We are already looking forward to next year's! Save the date and we'll see you at the races.
Check out some of the great photos captured from previous Point-to-Point events. Photos by Jim Graham and Bob Hickok.
Contact us at email@example.com for more information.
Thank you to our 2016 sponsors
Read The Hunt magazine's feature on Point-to-Point.
In remembrance of a wonderful woman, Greta Brown Layton, who was instrumental in founding Point-to-Point, enjoy this article from Winterthur Magazine about her contributions to Winterthur.
Get your PTP gear for this year's event at the Winterthur Store online!
For the safety of our guests, jockeys, and horses, this event is a NO DRONE ZONE, any use of unauthorized equipment will result in prosecution.
Click here for the latest forecast from Action News!


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CLEARANCE - The Sicilian Defense - Grandmaster Repertoire 6Product Code: B0039QT
Book DescriptionGrandmaster Repertoire is a new series of high quality chess books based on the main lines, written by strong grandmasters.
The aim is to provide the reader with a complete repertoire at a level good enough for elite tournaments, and certainly also for the club championship. Grandmaster Repertoire provides a repertoire to last a lifetime.
Lubomir Ftacnik is a renowned opening analyst with great experience and expertise in the Sicilian Defense.
In this book he reveals his secrets to provide a complete repertoire for Black against 1.e4 with 1...c5. The meat of the repertoire is the Sicilian Najdorf - the perennial favourite of those who want to attack with Black.
It is no coincidence that Fischer, Kasparov and Anand have all relied on the Najdorf. Naturally, White's less critical tries are also covered, such as the 2.c3, 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+, and the Closed Sicilian.
Lubomir Ftacnik is a chess grandmaster from Slovakia. Despite his numerous international tournament victories, from European Junior Champion in 1977 to winning the World Open in 2008, he is most famous as an opening analyst.
Returns & Exchanges
This is a Specialty Item and All Sales are Final. No refunds, returns or exchanges are allowed.
Media Mail Eligible
Media Mail® shipping from the US Postal Service is the cost-effective way to ship Books, Software and DVDs. With shipping rates starting at only 4.00, it's the most affordable shipping method available.


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Cherry Clafoutis
- 1/2 stick butter, melted, plus more for baking dish
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for baking dish
- 1 pound fresh cherries, pitted and cut in 1/2 or 1 box frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Pinch salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon, zested
- Powdered sugar
- Ice cream or whipped cream, for garnish
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Generously butter and flour a 7 by 5-inch baking dish or 6 individual, wide, flat gratin dishes.
Add the cherries, in an even layer, to the prepared baking dish.
In the bowl of a food processor, add the almonds, sugar, flour and salt and pulse until they are coarsely chopped. In a large bowl, using a whisk, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla and lemon zest until they are homogeneous. Add in the melted butter and the flour mixture and whisk until smooth. Pour over the cherries.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with ice cream or whipped cream or both!
Oh cherry baby!
Recipe courtesy of Anne Burrell
Cooking Tips
More Recipes and Ideas
Cherry Clafoutis
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee
Cherry Almond Clafouti
Recipe courtesy of Anne Thornton


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Stamina AeroPilates with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder
Product Information:
Work toward the strong and flexible body that Pilates can help you achieve with the Stamina® Aero Pilates machine with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder. This low-impact workout is gentle on your joints and helps you reach your target heart rate. While lying down, you are able to experience less impact on your body throughout your workout. Perform effective strength and flexibility exercises with the Aero Pilates with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder.
- Reformer used to improve strength, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and range of motion
- Made of heavy-duty steel frame construction with four elastic cords with medium resistance
- Provides customizable user settings, including adjustable headrest, ropes, straps and hand grips
- High-density foam shoulder pads and padded platform, headrest and hand/foot grips for additional support and comfort
- Allows you to perform cardiovascular workouts similar to jumping on a trampoline but while lying down on your back
- AeroPilates stand allows you to perform advanced exercises to strengthen your total body
- Offers a low-impact, cardiovascular workout with less impact on your legs, hips and spine
- Features ultra-smooth rollers and gliders for a quiet, safe and effective workout environment
- Delivers the same benefits of a studio Pilates workout from the comfort of your home
- Easy to assemble, fold, unfold and roll into your storage area
- Includes AeroPilates stand, 2 Workout DVDs (AeroPilates Level 1 Workout DVD, AeroPilates Cardio Workout DVD), full-color workout wall chart and owner's manual
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- AeroPilates stand elevates 10" from the floor to the top of the carriage where the unit is on the stand
- Assembled Dimensions: 86.25" L x 20.5" W x 14" H
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 years frame and 90 days parts
- Model: 55-4650
- Stamina Products
Country of Origin: ImportedWeb ID: 11884794
Customer Reviews:
Rated 4.5 out of 5�by 2 reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5�by nanny AeroPilates with cardio rebounder I've really enjoyed the low impact of this product and yet I still feel like I'm getting a good workout. It's a nice change from my high intensity interval training and gives me a great variety of workout during the week. July 27, 2015
Rated 4 out of 5�by CJ Stamina AeroPilates It is a good product, but mine was already damaged when I received it. The one corner had been bent and already rusted, but you cover it with a plastic cap and you don't see it. December 18, 2014
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gfgb123 wrote:As for the "part of the furniture" comment, maybe that's why MAF has a chair on that CD cover.
A similar association had occurred to me
Now Cologne (sorry for insisting, but this subject is of some personal interest to me, as you might be able to imagine) is not just central Europe (and I don't know what accountants with ties of never-changing colours are supposed to do here ), EMI do - or at least did - have a dependency here. Crikey, I even went to see the building out of curiosity some decades ago because many of my favourite pieces of furniture, erm, acts, seem to record or at least have recorded with EMI. So I don't think Cologne is an epitome of anything, as you seem to think - at least not of what you think.
As for burning bridges, I don't think he's doing that - some time ago, some people on here accurately observed that they were getting (so am I) emails from PM from some "parlophone" address (I suppose all those who are registered at PM.com).


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Zebra stripes are printed on faux fur to bring chic, supersoft style to your sleep space.
Mix + match our bedding to create your own unique look with our Design Your Own Bed Tool.
Final-sale items, identified by a price ending in $0.99, cannot be returned. Once placed, your order for any final sale items cannot be canceled.
|Fur Pillow Cover, 26x26, Zebra
|No Longer Available


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New Markdowns
view full screen
Captiva Tropical Bay Stripe Swim Tankini Top
Style: 570069918
Out of Stock
Sunset-hued stripes thrive on this soft, retro-inspired halter with a slight flare and ruched front.
- Halter straps tie at the nape.
- Soft cups.
- Sizes: S-XL.
- Swimwear available online and select Soma Boutiques. 87% Nylon, 13% Lycra. Hand wash, cold. Imported.
*Top and bottom sold separately.
Read more… Read less…


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Mrs. Flinger: A work in progress
UPDATE TO Mrs. Flinger October 16, 2015
Because the Universe has a wicked sense of humor, after this delcaration, my blog threw up all over my last upgrade.
So I'm starting over using Craft. Turning 40 and kid entering Jr High next year, sometimes it's just time for a change. These archives will still exist in the way the last child goes off to college and their room is the same for 20 years, but it's just time to move forward.
On the road again Mar 01, 2011
I remember visiting a family friend in Dallas when I was 10. I flew, on a plane, alone, to spend four days with their family. Looking at this now, I can not believe they let me go.
My mother planned ahead and mailed a letter to me, most likely days before I ever left. It arrived on the second day of my stay. The bottom of the letter was signed, "love ya, Mom."
That closing made me ache in homesickness. It spoke more to me about my mother than most of the letter. It was exactly how she spoke. "Love ya." It is not "Love YOU," just "love ya."
Twenty five years later, in Dallas, my husband emails me a simple reply to a question. We've talked multiple times a day during my stay, have access to each other in ways not conceived of in 1985. and yet, there is one letter, 2 sentences long, with a closing that stings my eyes during class.
The smallest familiarity can bring an ocean of homesickness and I'm blinking back tears.
Writing Conferences Mar 01, 2011
I'm humbled and honored to have had my blog be a finalist in four weblog awards since its debut in 2003. Since then I've had the opportunity to speak on writing topics such as Prompted Writing, Story Success, Keeping Your Audience Engaged, and Mom Bloggers and Brands. Writing is a passion so I take every opportunity to inspire and be inspired.
I pioneered a project for bloggers to get feedback from peers and inspire each other to write creatively. In the wake of two full time jobs, it didn't last as long as we'd like but the plan is to one day resurrect the Write-Of-Passage.
Today I lost my Mom Black-belt Feb 24, 2011
#Life#The Flinger Family#Working Mom
It's been a day. You know how people say this, "It's been a day," and nobody ever says, "oh, what do you mean?" It's like The Pill. Someone says The Pill and you know that means THE PILL. Not headache medicine, not Vitadmin D, but THE Pill.
It's been a day.
And while I can certainly give you details, let's face it: You KNOW what that means. There's a list of things that started out great and went to crap. Quickly.
There's a joy and a sorrow of working at home. It's that on one hand, you can do a podcast for work while wearing a snuggie. On the other hand, if the children don't have school because of snow, you might end up seeing something akin to a nuclear paint explosion in the family room. Just for fun, let's say, they might toss in four hundred and three straws because that's how they roll.
Maybe there is blue paint dotting the kitchen floor from one end of the room to the other.
And maybe, just *maybe* there are a few big deadlines and a few additional gray hairs that bring one particular mom to her wits end about the time her daughter loses her absolute blessed mind and refuses to go to karate.
She loves karate. *LOVE* She was going on and on and on the entire way to Karate. "I smile because I love Karate!" "I love it when I get to kick!" "I'm learning so so much!" So when we pull up, I tie on her Gi, and turn to usher her to class I'm floored when she starts pulling on my arm crying. "What on earth?!" I have no patience. I look in to my daughter's terrified eyes and I question their sincerity. "WHAT is going on?! Go. You will go. This is not acceptable. Not ok. No, you just told me how much you love this. What are you doing here? Oh, comon, you WILL STAY and watch. Sit like you are respectful." I got hard on her. I went all 1972 on her. I was channeling Okinawa and playing the hardest cards of all, "Do this or you don't get any more hot chocolate. EVER!" Ok, so I got lost in the moment.
She stayed. She did not participate. She sat, tearfully afraid, the entire two hours until her dad picked her up. I ask them at home, "So what was going on? Why didn't you participate?" I'm fire and brimstone. I'm seeing her 15 year old self backing out of commitments. I'm playing the Future. "I was afraid of breaking the boards today, Mommy."
My heart broke in bits as I hugged my honestly scared daughter.
"Oh honey. You need to tell me what is going on so I don't get mad and think you're playing me." Her eyes, big, round, soft, nodded. She hugged me. "I can understand being afraid, sweetie. But you need to say that to me. Don't make excuses about being too tired. Let me know, ok?"
There are times a parent will think they are doing their children the best of intentions. I am making you strong! I am helping you get over your fears! I am not letting you fake a way out of your commitments! And sometimes there are times the parent will get the biggest lesson of all: I am not listening to your fear. I am not understanding your voice. I am lost in my own world.
There is a joy and a sorrow of working at home. Today I had both. Thankfully, there is one moment I did not fail to appreciate:
Some things truly do not change.
It's like starting all over again. You can be whomever you want to be. And other lies. Feb 23, 2011
It's funny the things people will say when you enter a difficult situation. My family was uprooted from the upper-middle-class subburbs of a major metropolitan city with 300 days of sun at the end of Jr. High. We settled in a mill town in a small rural area of a state that sees 30 days of sun a year. The entire time my parents sang chorusses of "But you can remake yourself! You can be anything you want! You get to start fresh!"
Dude, I was 13. I was fresh. I had no idea who I was in the first place. Also, these people don't peg their pants like we do and why aren't they wearing neon?
Did I mention it was 1989?
Similar in a way only I could make the metaphorical leap, learning Java in grad school brought me to tears. I remember telling people I'd rather have sharp pins stuck under the bed of my toe nail for fun. "But you'll refresh yourself! You'll learn something so useful! You'll be renewed!"
Did I mention it was 2004 and Java was the defacto language for All Things Ever? And oh, memorize this chart and create a program like pong. Thank you.
I feel the same queasy, uncomfortable awful when I'm asked to write a bio about myself. "You can be anything! Put your strengths out there! Say who you are but, you know, better!"
Oh god, so don't write a professional bio that says I sweat more than most women when I'm nervous, forget about calling it the "glow" and oh, can you hand me a towel because I need to dab my armpits.
There is no cussing in a professional bio. This greatly limits the number of words I can think of to exclaim my powers.
I enjoy writing. Writing is, in my case, the way my brain organizes thought. I do it daily. I write to remember dates, bill, commitments. I write to create flow charts of thought from jumbled masses of uncertainty. I write because it is the one expression I have which freely flows above second guessing and doubt.
So why do I clam up in a sweaty gassy mess when I have to write a bio?
I've been meditating on my bio for the past two weeks. Literally. I'll sit in yoga in child's pose and try to picture what it should say. This is not as morbid, but nearly, as trying to write your obituary. Only I have to be accountable for the words I write and I don't get to say glowing things like, "The greatest accomplishment of Leslie's life was catching the Rainbow fart of a Unicorn. For this, she won a nobel prize." Instead, I have to live with the consequences of this one pass intro to who I am. I have an entire blog full of WHO I AM but here I sit, dumfounded, trying to tap out a 3 line bio.
Who knew asking such a small, normal task would lead to so much self inflicted doubt and struggle?
I'll just be sitting here…
Ethics and Values Feb 14, 2011
#Life#The Flinger Family#Working Mom
People so often lump a person's "core" within boxes. Boxes of artificial labels society places on ideals. "Republican." "Pro-Gay-Marriage." "Working Mother." "Christian." "Athiest."
Our values in my family are above labels. They are paragraphs of ideals, gray areas of judgement. They are curated over years and formed through connections. They are intangible but visible.
Between work and family and bills and co-workers and clients and rainy drizzly days and sick kids, it becomes rare if not impossible to have those conversations. The lists stack up, the mail remains unread, the dishes grow hard with food someone didn't finish. Perspective is lost and ideals get boxed. Identities fail.
Within that space, the failure, the questioning, the near-palpipal-self-doubt, I boarded a plane to Glens Falls last Tuesday to work with a firm I've freelanced for two years with. And, more importantly, within that firm I've had friendships deep and connecting above labels and distance.
Arriving in obvious discomfort of my own skin, sharing a hug by littles who barely know me, and a glass of beer of a website I helped build, I found again the conversations, the gray areas, the perspective. Within hours the labels dropped away and connections cleared and values were defined. I was refreshed.
As the week sped too quickly along, I remained optimistic. Exclaiming beauty at every space. The snow! A ski resort a mile away! The sun! Lovely people! And the office, oh the glorious office filled with humans who work and laugh and rally. A lovely office of people I've known and connected with two years ago and work so well together who have the same taste in music sans a few Country Songs.
It's painful to see the alternate versions sometimes.
The grass beneath the snow in a state three thousand miles away beaming greener and more fresh smelling than your own.
The children who face-time with friends they've met once and squee and exclaim love for me and mine.
The hospital with the blog I coded.
The Brewery with the owner begging us to move there, bring our family, stay in Glens Falls and thank you for coding his award-winning site.
The sun beaming in the windows of the office above the store anyone should be proud to own and support those whose craft and brand are breathing it to life.
The underground bar owned by a couple of wit, sass, and class as comfortable to be around within minutes as a friend you've known for years.
The lines blur. Home. Values. Family. Truly, there are places just as fitting and as lovely as the one we're in now. Some days, perhaps, possibly, even more so.
As I come back to my own, the reality of the days catch up again. My husband, my rock, the amazing man who takes our small children while I pursue so many dreams and propel in a career I could not have without him, takes his turn to work on his own boxes. He leaves for work an hour after I arrive, after hugs, and kisses, and I miss-yous. He trudges to work and stays over-night tackling his own deadlines and expectations.
These are the values we own. These are the labels we wear proud. We work hard. We love our family. We snuggle and exclaim with joy our children's delights. We go above and beyond the expectations and push ourselves to achieve more than we thought. So long as the days continue to march, we teach our children the value of ethics.
I count myself thankful for all those who share this core. Who remind me it's possible. Who dance with their children and believe in their work. Those who also connect above boxes and labels and share a belief over beer.
Did I ever tell you about the time… Feb 04, 2011
#Life#Best Of#Things Kids Say#Those Little People
My children were playing "little fucker" at Home Depot?
Now, look, before you get all judgy, let me just preface this with a post I wrote two years ago to prove I have no idea what I'm doing as a parent. Ok? I had a plan. I had a theory. That theory sucked.
In retrospect, the "time and a place" mantra could work. Teaching your children that anyone can say anything as long as it is the appropriate time and place is rather discerning. I don't want to shield my children from the world but would rather teach them how to navigate the gray areas of society including cussing, standing up for oneself and when an appropriate toilet joke is funny.
I guess at 5 and 3 they're not discerning yet.
Case in point:
Mr. Flinger and I took the entire family to Home Depot. (Clue One: that's best to do on a date because children lose their ever-loving-minds.) We have expectations that mimic parents of the 70's. We tell you to sit in the cart and you will sit, wait, talk quietly among yourselves until we have thoroughly discussed the options of shiny silver and chrome for the new locks to the house AND YOU WILL LIKE IT.
The children looked at us with wide eye, "But we don't have any toys," LB gasped. "Use your hands. You know what makes a good toy? Your hands. And? You won't lose them and you'll never get them taken away," Mr Flinger solves the problem. (Side note: This has been repeated to me half a dozen times so it did in fact make an impression.)
The children begin playing "where is thumpkin" and other hand gesture games appropriate for their age.
The discussions went forward about types of locks, shiny locks, keyed locks, locks of what size and shape and on and on and on until I hear, or I think I hear, one child say, "Hey.. Fucker!" and the other reply back, "Hey! Fucker!" I glance up at two men standing next to the cart where the children are sitting. Their expressions are both half laughing half shocked. I stride over, "Did they just say…." "I think so," replied one man. "Oh, uh, I don't know WHOS kids those are. No, I'm kidding, I'm the proud mother." He looks me up and down and says, "Oh, you're their mom?" "Yes, and .. uh.. I'm sorry… Uh.. lemme just move them…"
I lean forward as the children continue their "little fucker" play which involved a thumb telling the other thumb he's a little fucker and then the other thumb quips, "hey! fucker!"
A proud mother indeed.
Since that time I've changed some things around here. I now say "Oh MOTHER OF PEARL" and "For PETES SAKE" and "HOLY MOSES." I like to think I'm still a little badass. In fact, sometimes I know I'm in the company of other mothers when someone shouts out, "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!" in exclamation.
Having children truly does change you in ways you never could anticipate. It's true. Those little fuckers.
When our stories merge and I remember that blogging is not futile. Jan 22, 2011
#Life#The Flinger Family#Working Mom
"WHY is Mommy wearing her scarf and coat and shoes? WHY?!" The question comes from my small man wrestling on the couch with his dad. It's one of his favorite games to play. "Wrestle with me, Daddy!" He's as joyful as he gets, rumbling around dictating points and I wins and no, that's a tie. As happy as he gets so long as we're all there, together, in the room. "Mommy is going to go finish up some work, Buddy." The answer send him screaming to the kitchen. "NO! I WANNA GO WIFF YOU! NO! I WANNA GO, TOO!"
It's been weeks now that I've kept this schedule, working while the children sleep, on weekends, after my other job. I've explained to the children that sometimes you have to work a lot. It's OK. It's not forever. Right now, we NEED Mommy to work. And I LIKE my work. I don't mind diving in to code on a Saturday morning sipping coffee and watching cars whiz by the window as people do their own weekends. I'm OK with this.
My son, he is not.
I sneak in moments while he is home sick with me I take ten minutes to play race car. I use a break to sit and eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with him. I rub his back while he goes down for a nap and I'm there as he opens his eyes three hours later oblivious to the tasks I've completed in that interval.
I emailed Amanda this question. "Just logging in [to work] as Buddy is having such a hard time with me not being around him. Do you think that's normal?" We are so similar in our work. Hell, we work TOGETHER and I'm sending gratitude for these coding jobs and she's sending gratitude for my working on them. It's a wonderful system. I appreciate getting the work and she appreciates the work getting done. In between we share our struggles as working moms with little people, goals we know we'd have if we didn't work and reassurances that we're not alone. No, no, I just had a melt down yesterday. And oh, yes, good, go work out. Balance. Support. Yes.
I pondered the futility of blogging just this morning. Ironically, I contemplate not blogging nearly always around upcoming blog conferences. I begin to wonder what the point is, everyone is so determined to make money on their own words and voice and I do not. I start thinking there is not room for ONE MORE THING as I pull myself away from my clinging preschooler. And then I read Amanda.
Her entry, "Not this minute" unglued me. THIS. Yes. This. While formulating my reply, clarity as shiny as crystal formed. I do not favor my son. I have patience with his clinging that I did not have with my daughter. I do not mind being the only person who can kiss his booboo and the only one who he wants to lay him down in bed. I don't mind that I am the center of his world, no. While my daughter was never a snuggler, so independent and pushing pushing to just go, walk, run, dance. She's as lovely as flowers and generous with her affection but she is independent, now wanting her own space and offering to help her brother get his teeth brushed or grab a class of milk. I see how the change happened, in only a year or two from needing to being. It is because of this knowledge that I cling to my son's dependance as much as he clings to me.
This will fade, change, mature. He will push me away one day and the thought wets my cheeks with salty tears almost immediately. My daughter will have kisses from boys and dance with other people and I barely know that reality. Nor do I want to.
These thoughts, swirling in a confusing pensive of work, bills, todo lists, unable to form actual words finally make sense as I read this. It's not just the words but the yes, ohmygod yes, I understand, I know, I am. Suddenly blogging is not futile at all. It is what my life finds security in: Friendships, understanding, sometimes clarity and knowledge.
One day my children will not beg for my attention, for my immediate participation. On that day I will look at this entry, I will re-read Amanda, I will call her and we will laugh and cry simultaneously because yes, remember that? Yes.
Why Three Year Olds Don't Blog Jan 20, 2011
#Life#The Flinger Family#Baby O
"Actually, I don't wear boobies right now because I'm a little kid. You wear boobies because you're a mommy. When I grow up and are a Mommy I will wear boobies, too, right? And OH LOOK my race cars just crashed that was funny. Whoever gets to the side of the closet first wines. Are you still getting dressed? Oh, you're wearing a red shirt like I am! Look I'm wearing red, too! Did you see? Now can you see? I'm wearing red, too! SEE? IT IS RED? DID YOU SEE IT? RED. RED. Oh, can we do pizza tonight. Now can you play race cars with me? Why are you still getting dressed. It takes FOR EVER TO GET DRESSED, hu. Why are you brushing your hair? I brush my hair, too. See? Now can we do race cars?"
My Mind Enema Jan 10, 2011
"Um, do you have sage?" I ask at Whole Foods. It seems logical that if one would need something to cleanse spirits, Whole Foods would have it.
You know: Hippies and all that.
"You mean for burning?" I clearly don't know what I'm talking about. I think you burn it. I'm not sure what I'm looking for but I've been told by at least four people to try a sage cleanse for our house so this year will be infinitely better than the last. Sage cleansing. I couldn't even bother to look it up before I go marching in to Whole Foods to buy it.
"Here you go," says the thin, purposefully unkempt girl working at the Yuppy-Hippie-Overpriced-Grocery-Store. She leaves and I'm faced with a decision; two small sage sticks or one large stick? "We need all the cleansing possible," I mutter and grab the biggest sage stick I can find.
It sounds cheesy, and it is, I'm sure. Sage cleansing our house? As if I believed in spirits and karma and life forces and such. Bah.
Except, ..... what if?
Mr. Flinger and I decided to try our very own Mind Enema this year. After two coincidental clicks pointed us to The Secret, the documentary, we watched with small cynicism and large wonder. "Well isn't THAT ridiculous," Mr. Flinger says at the close. "But, what the hell, right?"
Right. This is how we embrace our future. "What the hell!"
What the hell indeed.
So going forward, decided to think only positive thoughts. "Think about what you WANT not what you DO NOT want." This is my mantra.
"I will.. I am.. I shall… I have…" Not "I don't.. I won't… I refuse… I hope… I fear…"
It's such a subtle adjustment, such a tiny switch. The answers come quickly and quietly.
"I miss Yoga. I will find a new Yoga studio," I said during Kick Boxing a month ago. Two days ago a new friend informs me of the new Power Yoga studio down the street. It's amazing. It's perfect. My new friend and I hit it off on yet another level and I proudly add her to the list of people I'm thankful for.
The list is growing with my appreciation and joy.
"The Condo will close." I say it with confidence. I do not jinx it. I am not afraid to say it with pride. The Condo Will Close. The home we have been selling for nearly a year is ready to go to new hands. The home we brought our baby boy home to is ready for a new family. The home we first knew here so far from our friends, became a place of familiarity, friendly playdates, many holidays. It now goes to a new set of memories and we let it go. Friday: The Condo Will Close.
We celebrate.
The list goes on and on. We say things with confidence and power and love. We declare our lives as worthy and joyful. We tell our family they are loved and strong and beautiful. We work together, actively making goals reality.
"You're working so much." "You're always working." "It sucks you have to work so much." I've heard this from no less than 18 people in the past month. I'm working, working a lot. I'm fulfilling my full time job and a part time freelancer job on top of being a mother and a woman who strives to work out and find harmony. Harmony in the midst of chaos and deadlines and bills. Harmony and Joy.
I *am* working too much but I am thankful for it. Working too much right now is the appropriate solution. It's not forever, I tell my children. Mommy has to work a lot right now because we need it. Right now I am thankful to have venues to bring in money, to get our family in a new situation, to grow beyond the last year of turmoil. However much the world tries to get us down, I am thankful for the opportunity to prosper.
We are prospering. In spite of all the financial heart-ache, emotional frustrations, negative energy surrounding us: We. Are. Prospering.
I went for a run today. I looked up as the clouds parted for an entire twenty minutes. The sun spoke down to my skin with kisses and warmth. Joy. Happiness. Heaven.
How are we doing, you ask? We are fine. We are. Perfectly. Fine.
Who you should nominate for teh Bloggies. Jan 10, 2011
This time of year makes my skin itch. Mainly because the heat is always on and the air is so dry, but ALSO because the weblog awards come out about now and everyone gets all weird about it. Everyone says "those are SOOOO 2004." But let me tell you, I was in them (ok, one) in 2004, and I'm not proud to admit that I buckle under the pressure of a pretend award like the zipper of my jeans do on Thanksgiving.
That doesn't stop me from nominating you, though.
As "they" say, I hope it truly is just a joy to be nominated because you have been.
In no particular order, I will tell you who to nominate. Not only will you do so (waves hand as if using the force) but you will tell others to do so as well. (waves hand back)
Here, ladies and gentleman (one) is my predication for the final contestants of this year bloggies.
Photo Blog:
Clearly, Chookooloonks is a must. I've known Karen since 2004 when she first adopted her daughter, Alex. I love Karen's spirit and joy and positive nature. I fly to her like a moth to light. Sometimes she even hugs me.
Rachel Divine is another amazing photo blog. She shares tips on how to be great and lets us follow her life in Australia in one blog. Truly worthy of a look for everyone.
Mishi: Secret Agent Mama and Lotus photograph amazing stories and are pure and wonderful as the art they produce. Both are a must to add to your inspired list.
Best Writing
Please, please, read and nominate Amanda Magee at The Wink. She's profound, well spoken, and brings so much positive light to my day, I seek her out when I feel frustrated or down. She's truly someone who reminds you, in amazing voice, to be thankful for your life. She's funny as hell to boot.
You can't think of writing without thinking about Megan at Velveteen Mind. She's long winded in a poetic sort of sense. She won't write daily, but when she does, you'll sit down to read the entire.thing.
Do you remember those commercials, "If you love [over-priced well known fragrence], you'll love [enter awesome but less expensive smell here]"? I feel like that with Blythe. She's as funny as The Bloggess, as witty as Louis C K and more approachable than your best friend. She's that awesome. Also? She's my cyborg. (You'll have to ask her to explain that.) Without a doubt, Blythe Jewell deserves the humor nomination as well as your undivided attention.
New Blog
Someone who sort of just sprint in to the blogging scene with confidence and sparkle, for her writing and personality, is Jessica of Mamma's Gone City. She's adorable, her children are adorable, and she's taking New York City by storm. Entertaining and Sassy, Jessica is living the opposite Pioneer Woman as she dives in to city living from her suburban home.
Hey Laura What started this year as well. It's a wonderful resource for whole foodie types, hippies, family people, and smart people in general. Laura researches everything applicable to every question she receives giving advice on things from amber teething rings to making the best damn soup ever. Go ahead, research on her site, ask her anything you want, and be amazed at the wisdom that flies back at you. No, seriously.
Best Kept Secret
A best kept secret is here in Seattle. Sizzle is a blogger's blogger. She's entertaining and thoughtful and engaging. It's almost like sitting at the coffee table with her. I swear she is talking DIRECTLY TO ME. Not you, no, well, maybe both of us. But her conversational style makes me think I talk to her every day. I wish I did.
The Spohrs are Multiplying is a fabulous journal about Heather and Mike and their new daughter Annabele. We watched in horror as their Maddie passed away and mourned with them as they leaned on the Internet for support. We loved them when they announced their pregnancy and we gave Annabele a high five in utero (ok, maybe that was just me.) Her writing draws us in but her family makes us stay. We love their humanism, we revel in their joy and we hope for their delight.
This category is easily the hardest one to narrow down so let me help you here. Lean close and listen carefully 'cause I'm only gonna say this once. .... Today.
Busy Mom is a long standing blog of awesome. Consistently funny, smart and honest in a down-to-earth way, you can't go wrong knowing Elizabeth. She's a strong person with a great family going through the tweens and teens and defining herself as the person between them all. We've been there through her parents' health troubles and watched her youngest grow from busy baby to busy school boy. You'll love Elizabeth from day one and you'll keep reading for five years. (If you're anything like me, that is.)
Lea (ahem) embraced motherhood with more passion than most people I've read. We know her as Lea, the girl who is dating Simon, but her blog has grown along with her home. Watching her family take form is part of what makes her a friend. She shares her life of being a working mom and living in California. Her blog is as homey as her personality and I love going there. It's like walking in to an old friend's house where she already knows how you take your coffee.
Ok, look, everyone reads Amalah, right? I'm sure you do. But? If you don't? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU. Amy doesn't really NEED any sort of pimping at all but the thing about Amy is that it's been, Oh, I dunno, FOREVER, and she continues to be amazing. She's sort of what mommy blogging was before it was MOMMY BLOGGING OMG. Also? She's pregnant again and that makes me every sort of happy because she makes adorable babies and we're done growing human beings in our house. I'll just snuggle hers. No, that's not weird or anything.
Honestly, there's more. But my leg hair has grown about seven inches during the writing of this one post and my children are currently jumping off high things with sharp objects yelling "TARZAN" and I'm pretty sure I was just fired from work because I forgot to show up yesterday. Oh, wait, yesterday was Sunday? Great. I need that job.
Go forth and spread joy, people. Spread the joy, the nominations and if nothing else, recommend a few good reads. We can all use more distractions, if they're quality ones.


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Norma,Your experience with the crust coloration issue reminds me of an extensive series of experiments that one of our members (who hasn't been around on this forum for quite a while) conducted and discussed at the PMQ Think Tank a few years ago. Like you, he used a natural leavening system although in his case he used a rather unorthodox and elaborate preferment system that included using a natural poolish and a natural sponge in series before incorporating the combination of preferments into the final dough. Like you, after much experimentation he got good crust flavors and textures but came up short in the crust coloration department. He was using some 00 flour as part of his flour blend (about one-quarter of it with the rest being a high-gluten flour), and he baked primarily in a steel pan, so there were those differences. He was already using a lot of honey, without much success in generating the desired crust color. He eventually tried using more honey, along with sugar, dried dairy whey and diastatic malt, in separate experiments, all with little improvement in the crust coloration. What I took away from his experiments is that if the "window" between the time the preferment (the first one in the member's case) is made and the time that the final dough is used to make a pizza is too long, as it appeared to have been in the member's case, the greater the risk or likelihood of ending up with too little residual sugar to contribute to final crust coloration. Based on what I believe I learned from the above experience, my first instinct was to think about a way of shortening the "window" in your case. That is why I asked you if the latest milk kefir Lehmann poolish pizza was the best of the ones you have made. If you had said that it wasn't the best iteration of the milk kefir poolish Lehmann dough, I might have suggested using less milk kefir poolish or even switching from a kefir poolish to a kefir sponge with a lower activity level. The more kefir poolish that is used, as you did with your last experiment, the more of the formula flour is subjected to the prefermentation process. As a result, and given that a sponge preferment is more active and works faster because of its high hydration (100%), there is likely to be reduced levels of residual sugar in the dough at the time of baking. Also, a factor in your case is that, for some reason, the lactose in the final dough is either diminished or rendered ineffective in contributing to final crust coloration. Whether it is the "friendly bacteria" that is responsible we really don't know. But, given that you were happiest with the last iteration of the milk kefir poolish Lehmann dough, and the "window" you used, I would like to see if we can come up with a solution within that framework. One possibility that occurs to me is to use a lower bake temperature and a longer bake time, while being ready to use a pizza screen if necessary to lift the pizza off of the deck floor to keep the bottom of the crust from browning too much or even burning. I think your honey level should be able to tolerate that approach and if that approach works I think you should get better top crust coloration although that might be accompanied by a somewhat dryer crust. If that approach doesn't work, then you might try using more honey, again along with a pizza screen if necessary. Next, as another approach, would be to use more diastatic malt. I can't say that I am overly optimistic about this method, although it might contribute some additional crust color.As you know, I am not an advocate of changing more than one variable at a time in my experiments since I can't tell what affects what, which means that I don't really learn from the experience. So that suggests conducting more than one experiment to sort things out. But that is your call. Ultimately, we may find that we have to find a way of shortening the "window" in some way, if not in time in some other way that is equivalent, such as using a different preferment to slow down the overall fermentation performance.Peter
Norma,Did you use honey again thist time instead of sugar?Peter
Yes, I did use honey again instead of sugar. Should I have figured out the formula differently?
Norma,If you used weight as you did before, you should be fine. 4.19g/0.15 oz of honey comes to a bit under 5/8 t.Peter
Norma,Just to refresh my memory and to be sure that we are on the same wavelength, can you outline the fermentation protocol you are now using?Peter
Do you want me to PM Tom Lehmann with my questions about coloration when using the milk kefir poolish. I know he is a very busy man and has answered many of my other questions.
Norma,I would be curious to hear Tom's advice and comments. It is unlikely that he will read this thread to see what you have done to date but if you lay out the process in a general way with timelines, and you tell him in general what measures you have already taken, such as using sugar, honey, diastatic malt, lower oven temperature, etc., he might be able to zero in on a possible solution. Peter


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- Day trip (destination A to B)
- Informative, friendly and professional guide
- All entrance fees included
- Pickup from a centrally located meeting point
Entering the 11th-century city walls encircling Avila, notice how the 90 fortified towers and circular turrets look like they've stepped out of a storybook, and hear how Avila is an important pilgrimage site as the birthplace of the mystic writer Saint Teresa of Jesus (1515–82). Then explore two of the best examples from the astounding array of Romanesque and Gothic churches in Avila, packed with one of the highest concentrations of Romanesque and Gothic churches in Spain.
Your guided visit to Avila's churches takes you to San Vicente Basilica, a Gothic masterpiece and home to some of Spain's most prized examples of Romanesque sculpture. Then see how Gothic and Romanesque architecture combine in Avila's celebrated cathedral, with its fortress design and alabaster chapels and tombs.
Continue your Segovia day trip to see one of the finest Roman-era monuments in Spain -- Segovia's Roman aqueduct. Admire the scale of this incredible feat of engineering, built entirely without mortar during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century AD, and see how the aqueduct originally had 118 arches and was 10 miles (16 kilometers) long.
Your guided tour of Segovia also takes you to the famous Alcazar, a beautiful 11th-century medieval fort that inspired the design of Disney's fairytale castle. One of the finest Moorish fortresses in Spain, it's also at the heart of one of the most significant group of medieval buildings in the country. Step back in time and imagine the medieval tournaments that once took place here, and the heroic knights who fought in the court of the kings of Castile who ruled from Segovia.
Complete your Segovia guided visit with a look at the city's impressive cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain and known as 'the Lady of the Cathedrals'.
On this day trip to Segovia you have the option of including a tourist-style lunch of stuffed veal or a superb gastronomic meal featuring local Segovian specialties such as roasted suckling pig.
Recent Photos of this Tour
Schedule details
Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.
Pricing information
Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
Tour only in English
Code: ENG945T
Avila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid with Bilingual-speaking guide
USD $87.37Pricing details
Tour & Tourist Lunch English
Code: ENG945TL1
Avila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid including Tourist Lunch with Bilingual-speaking guide
USD $104.84Pricing details
Tour & Segovian Lunch English
Code: ENG945TL2
Avila and Segovia Day Trip from Madrid including Segovian Lunch with Bilingual-speaking guide
USD $115.76Pricing details
Pricing information
Avila and Segovia
- Avila visit and entrance fee to Basilica of San Vincente
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Segovia visit and entrance fee to the Alcazar, with its Artillery Museum and Church of Vera Cruz
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for those with limited mobility
- If the Cathedral in Avila is being used for exhibitions or other events, it may affect the normal flow of your visit. In this case, another monuments in Avila will be visited instead.
- Infants aged 5 years and under, are free of charge provided they do not occupy a seat
- Operated by a bilingual guide in Spanish and English
Tourist Lunch:
- La Granja white beans
- Beef cooked 'Segovian style'
- Dessert
- La Granja white beans
- Roasted baby pig
- Segovian cake
- Mineral water, wine and coffee
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
Traveler Reviews
Reviewed by: Venkatadri B, December 2016
Worth it if you have an extra day.
Reviewed by: Randy Y, December 2016
All around enjoyable day. Guide was knowledgeable with a sense of humor. Tour bus was clean, safe driver, and ran pretty much on time. The delicious Segovian lunch was served in a nice festive Christmas Eve restaurant.


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The previously unheard song "Fake Your Death" will be available at iTunes in the evening on Monday the 17th. Get it here on that day. If you've pre-ordered the album through mychemicalromance.com, you'll get the song delivered to you that day. - from Warner Bros Records.
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posted by siteadmin on Feb 10, 2014 11:48am


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This combo is the ultimate destination for all gift searches. You can never go wrong with a perfect love bouquet with 1/2 kg Black fotest Cake and 15 yellow rose in vase along with your message on it to the receiver. As yellow color is the symbol of friendship; so it is the best gift for your friend.
Fill the day of your dear ones with lots of joy and happiness by sending this delightful combo to them from Winni with our same day cake delivery in alappuzha or eggless cake delivery in alappuzha services.
You can order this cake for midnight cakes delivery in alappuzha.
* The photos are indicative only. Actual design and arrangement might differ based on chef; seasonal elements and ingredient availability.
* All the cakes are recommended to be consumed within 4 hours of delivery. After that cake test might not be the best even if you keep cake in refrigerator/deep freezer.
* Any complain related to cake quality to be raised within 4 hours of the delivery. Post 4 hours of delivery; no complain related to cake quality will be entertained.


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Keitech Salty Core Tube 6pk
Packed full of salty attractant, the Keitech Salty Core Tube is a solid bodied tube bait with an enticing action and an alluring scent. Fished in the traditional Texas-rig fashion, the Salty Core Tube moves over rocks and through heavy cover with a dynamic swimming action that draws curious bass in for a closer look. When reverse rigged, the Keitech Salty Core Tube perfectly emulates feeding prey with its unique backsliding motion. Effortlessly gliding through the water, the Keitech Salty Core Tube is a bass-catching machine when it comes to pitchin', flippin', and skippin'.
8 Colors
More From Keitech Soft Plastics
Customer Reviews
Comments: Amazing tubes. They are the best that I have tried so far because of the added weight from the solid core, it gets to the bottom faster to produce a reaction bite. Works on both large mouths and small mouths as well as the occasional pike here in Wisconsin. Traditional green pumpkin color works the best so far with my experience. I either use a size 4 magnum trokar wide gap hook or a size 5 vmc swimbait hook along with a 1/4 oz bullet weight to get the right fall. This bait works well on outrageously crappy when there are 3 to 4 foot waves and the bass are holding tight to cover. I have tried strike king coffee tubes, yum tubes, zoom tubes, and ISG dream tubes. But these have had the best results. Try them out if you're a tube guy. With a screw lock swimbait hook, they last longer, but on the wide gap hook, your hook up ratio is better.
From: Alfred: Madison, WI 9/23/14
Comments: Just purchased these with my recent TW order and they look and feel amazing. I have not tried them out on the water yet but with a name like keitech you can't go wrong. The OP was correct about the weight these things by themselves are heavy!! Almost a 1/2 ounce I can't wait to go fishing this weekend at the lake I am going to flip and pitch these around big timber in hopes of enticing a big one!!! Amazing bait
From: CJ: PA
Comments: These baits are great for skipping docks. They weigh a 1/2 oz by themselves. these are the best tubes ever!
From: Nick: Mineola, NY


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Sunshine Week
No sooner do elected officials proclaim their regard for a free press and an informed public than they begin chipping away at their constituents' right to know. That has been the history of our states and nation.
Seldom has the right to know been under a comprehensive assault such as has been taking place during the past few years, however. Even as the government demands to know more about us, often cloaking the scheme in programs such as Obamacare to convince the public it's all for our own good, the door to accountability through the right to know is being closed, inch by inch.
This next seven days have been designated as Sunshine Week by various organizations concerned about erosions of the right to know. The goal is to remind Americans of how vital it is that government not be conducted in secret and how frequently the right to know is assaulted.
Public officials never, ever proclaim that the founders of our nation and states were wrong about the importance of an informed public – and a free press to keep it that way. Instead, they chip away, bit by bit reducing to rubble guarantees such as those in the First Amendment and in state Freedom of Information laws.
A local meeting closed "for personnel reasons" here, an exemption from state Freedom of Information laws "to protect privacy" there, with a refusal to provide federal records "for national security" thrown in, and pretty soon, you're talking real, serious limits on the public's right to know.
Efforts to limit the public's right to know will affect us all directly – in the taxes we pay, how our children are educated, whether government officials are honest and even in matters of personal safety.
So, not just during Sunshine Week but whenever you talk with public officials, tell them you won't tolerate attempts to conduct government in secret. Remind them it's your right to know – and you intend to protect it.


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A creative template for a corporate or freelance site, though could be used for a variety of things. All original illustrations by myself, no stock used.
Template is valid XHTML 1 .0 Strict, CSS tableless design. CSS is easy to understand and nested for clarity. Comes with coded homepage, about page, services page, news page and contact page. CSS rollover images have been included for 9 common page titles so that the navigation and pages can be easily changed.
Final file includes the complete PSD file for further modifications if needed.


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A complete hotel in the heart of the Gothic district in Barcelona
Hotel Gótico Barcelona, located in the heart of the Catalan capital, in the Gothic district, is a fully equipped and elegant hotel. Just a 2-minute walk from Barcelona Cathedral, it has all the services that you need for a perfect stay.
Stay at Hotel Gótico Barcelona at the best price guaranteed by booking on our Official Website.


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David Hall: The 1937-S is one of the key dates of the Washington quarter series in both circulated and mint state grades. In the 1960s, when markets were made in circulated rolls of all better date then modern coins, a roll of circulated 1937-S quarters was a "hot" item. In fact, in circulated condition, this issue was considered the third rarest of the series after only the 1932-D and 1932-S. The buyers focused on the fact that this issue is the third lowest mintage of the series...and probably rightly so. Today, an argument can be made that the 1934-D and 1935-D are as rare or rarer in circulated condition. They certainly are rarer in Gem condition. In mint state condition, and in Gem MS65 or better for that matter, the 1937-S is about tied with the 1935-S as the second rarest S-Mint Washington quarter with only the 1932-S being rarer. While this issue is not common in Gem condition, it is not as rare as the 1934-D, 1935-D, 1936-D, and of course the 1932-D and 1932-S.
The 1937-S was occasionally available by the roll in uncirculated condition in the 1960s and 1970s, but was much less available than most of the other issues of the 1930s. You can find frosty white, well-struck Gems and truly superb specimens are occasionally available.
Jaime Hernandez: The 1937-S Washington Quarter is the third lowest mintage quarter in the series. It is also considered one of the key dates in the series because of its low mintage. At the time it was struck, people were already collecting Uncirculated rolls of coins and thanks to them, many Uncirculated examples of this issue still exist today.
Due it its low mintage and Uncirculated examples being saved early on, the coins were always very difficult to find in circulation. In low grades it commands about 5 times more than the generic dates in the series and in Uncirculated grades it commands even higher premiums than the most common dates.


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In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, I knew a security officer who searched far and wide for second-hand American movies. He did so not only because he liked the movies, though he often did, but also because he used them to practice his English. In Afghanistan, on a country road north of Kandahar, I knew a foreman who read hip hop magazines to expand his vocabulary. His goal, like that of my Kurdish friend, was not merely to be able to communicate in English, but to be able to participate in his own in way in what he saw as the global economy.
Global awareness is increasingly important, perhaps even essential, for career competitiveness. U.S. students to the count of 283,332 studied abroad last year, and they will bring home with them a greater understanding of global opportunities. At the same time, current correlates of globalization, including urbanization and the dispersion of power to individuals, civil society and the private sector, mean local nuances and knowledge are more valuable than ever. Those students will also bring with them an appreciation and valuable understanding of local phenomenon, from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the alleys of the Oxford. Their chances of seeing far afield and around the curvy corners of global changes, while not guaranteed, are certainly improved.
Today, as many as 820,000 international students attend U.S. higher education institutions every year. They study in every state, injecting upwards of $24 billion into the U.S. economy. Like their counterparts who study abroad, U.S. students who study alongside international students gain an appreciation for cultural exchange, but also for global challenges and opportunities.
Boston is currently a global capital of education. Last year nearly 40,000 international students studied in the city, ranking behind only Los Angeles and New York. Once, however, it was a capital of shipping, with tall ships delivering goods from all over the world. It subsequently became a hub of the American industrial revolution. Today, in part because it attracts students from all over the world while distributing them similarly, it sits as a leading city in, among other things, finance, healthcare and biotechnology.
The American revolutionaries who founded our Republic were the beneficiaries of the so called ''republic of letters,'' a network of thinkers who exchanged letters across continents and oceans on topics ranging from philosophy to physics. Today U.S. students similarly benefit from the exchange of knowledge, an exchange that promotes not only mutual understanding, but economic opportunity.
Of course, it also comes with unpredictable benefits. "We honeymooned in San Francisco," a short story author in New England wrote, "Here's what it was like for me: I still root for that city's teams." If the same is true for studying in a city, and you studied in Boston, you probably had a very good year.
About the Author: R. Ian Klaus serves as a member of Secretary Kerry's Policy Planning Staff.


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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (322 votes).
In short: A fabulous race - PB potential - worked for me!Date of review: January 2, 2008
In short: A nice race. Not too many people, reasonably well supported.Date of review: October 28, 2007
In short: Really enjoyed this one,lots of fun and a bit of work too.In full: I didn't know what to expect having never run over in the North-West,but I'll be back for sure,there were a couple of problems-cattle grids uncovered and as the race organiser admits the race entry is probably up to bursting point for the course it's run over-however it's a really friendly race with a couple of sharp climbs that get the legs going,finishing on a track is always nice as was the numerous water stations,large crowds and very well stocked goody bag.A few people have taken issue with the start but I thought it was fairly obvious as to where it was and liked the walk en masse towards it which seemed to help get rid of the stop/start/shuffle that many large fields cause.Lots to see on the way round with a couple of decent views too.Date of review: October 22, 2007
In short: great raceDate of review: October 21, 2007
In short: Always very good though park start a problem.Great memento Date of review: October 21, 2007
In short: Excellent day out, decent crowds, good atmosphere, good organisation and an bvery good goody bagg at the end!In full: this was my forst great cumbrian run and i will be back in 2008 for another go! Organisation was good in nearly all regards. Had no problems parking, picking up race number and getting to the start. Only a few problems of not covering some cattle grids though you could run to the side - but this was an oversight and is normally done. Shame the park areas were not wholly closed off to cars so there were one or two that were encountered but where i was in the field it seemed easy to avoid them. Course was good and scenic, mildly tougher than the Great North Run which i did 2 weeks prior but not too hard that it should out anyone off, and i finished in a similar time. Goody bag at the end was generous and finished up nicely what was a good run and a great day. I only travelled 60 miles for this but it is worth a longer trip. See you there in 2008!Date of review: October 17, 2007
In short: Good course with sound marshalling and plenty of water. Good size to ensure plenty of company without crowdingIn full: A good well organised race over a fair flattish course.Major Pluses:* The course* The marshalling* The finish* The water stations* The gift Minor gripes* A marshal on the entrance to the Sands centre car park sending people to the empty park next door would have been an idea as everyone turned into the Sands centre and had to come out again2) Not sure about walk to start3) A tent to drop bags in at the stadium would have been handy4) Why not have registration at the stadium - there's plenty of room.These really are minor suggestions in the great scheme of things. Thanks everyone for organising a cracking race.Date of review: October 17, 2007
In short: Well organised, friendly, relaxed atmosphere yet feels like a big event.Date of review: October 17, 2007
In short: Great event for a beginner but we missed out on a medal or glass presentation somehow.In full: Preferred the finish last year where we were channeled in through the tents to receive goody bag etc. we just seemed to wander around at the finish this year. Still really enjoyed the day though, thanksDate of review: October 16, 2007
In short: Another great day at this friendly and thoroughly enjoyable eventIn full: This was my second year at the Carlisle Half, and once again managed a PB there in excellent conditions - dry and bright and amazingly mild for October. The race organiser had taken on board a number of comments from last year, leading to several improvments, including an overhead banner at the start line, improved bag storage and chip timing. With a field of around 2000, the race is big enough to provide a sense of occasion while remaining small enough to retain a friendly atmosphere. As the organiser has acknowledged, the numbers have outgrown the current course, as the front of the pack ran into the back of the field on the initial loop round Bitts Park and the return section along the A road was a bit tight for space, requiring a check for traffic before overtaking. These are minor niggles though, as the sections through Rickerby Park and the Eden Valley villages are glorious. Definitely one of my favourite events - I'm looking forward to next year already.Date of review: October 16, 2007
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The United States Olympic Committee and Deloitte announced that the professional services firm will continue as the presenting sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Committee's Paralympic Military Program through 2020. This follows the announcement in April that Deloitte would renew its commitment as the Official Professional Services Sponsor of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams through 2020.
The sponsorship renewal was announced at the 2012 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte, a key event of the Paralympic Military Program, on Monday, April 30, by Robin Lineberger, CEO Deloitte Federal Government Services.
"With Deloitte's backing, the Paralympic Military Program will continue to offer sports programming to our nation's wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. "We're grateful to have such a strong partner committed to both advancing Paralympic sport and supporting our service members."
Deloitte is currently in its third year of presenting the Warrior Games - a multi-sport competition designed to support the recovery of wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. Hosted by the USOC, the games are supported by the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
"We are honored to continue our support of the men and women who compete in the Warrior Games; their courage and commitment are inspiring," said Lineberger. "As a professional services sponsor to the USOC, Deloitte has the opportunity to give back to the communities we serve and help injured military personnel and veterans get back on the road to recovery through Paralympic sports programs."
Approximately 220 athletes representing all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Special Operations), plus a group of 20 athletes from the United Kingdom Armed Forces, are gathered in Colorado Springs in an effort to promote opportunities for growth and achievement among those injured in service to their country. Competition will run through Saturday, May 5.
The Warrior Games presented by Deloitte were created in 2010 as an extension of the daily programming being provided at the installation and community level for injured service members and veterans by the United States Olympic Committee Paralympic Military Program, in partnership with the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and more than 150 community sport organizations. The competition has become a springboard for many service members and veterans to continue participating in sports programs in their communities after the event. For more information, visit USParalympics.org.
Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., the U.S. Olympic Committee serves as both the National Olympic Committee and National Paralympic Committee for the United States. As such, the USOC is responsible for the training, entering and funding of U.S. teams for the Olympic, Paralympic, Youth Olympic, Pan American and Parapan American Games, while serving as a steward of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements throughout the country. For more information, visit TeamUSA.org.
Deloitte subsidiaries rank among the nation's leading professional services organizations in audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services across more than 20 industries. Deloitte's 45,000 professionals serve the majority of Fortune 500 companies, helping them address their most critical and complex business challenges, while playing a crucial role in informing the investing public and protecting capital markets. Known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, Deloitte is dedicated to helping clients and people excel. For more information, visit Deloitte.com.


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Toggle shoutbox NYJETSFAN BANTER
Rainbow Six Vegas 2!
Posted 21 March 2008 - 03:37 PM
Posted 21 March 2008 - 04:34 PM
While he was slogging through stop-and-go traffic at the entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, the car next to him was violently rear-ended. The quarterback threw his car into park, hopped out and ran to the woman whose car had been hit. She was wearing, of all things, an Esiason jersey, and was utterly shocked when he tapped on her window to check on her.
"Are you OK?" he said, trying to keep calm. "Are you OK?"
"Boomer? Is that you?" she asked the Good Samaritan, sounding disoriented. "I think I'm OK, but . ... "
But what?
"But you guys sucked."
Welcome to the New York Jets, Tim Tebow.
Posted 21 March 2008 - 07:32 PM
Posted 21 March 2008 - 07:35 PM
But I do like the campaign, I am waiting for when me and my Friend can play co-op together. Tom Clancy makes the best First person shooters, period.
I think that game N-War looks sick! But I am a fan of strategy games.
I unlocked the M-4 today, that is my favorite gun. American made baby!! Instead of using those *beep* French weapons!!
Posted 21 March 2008 - 07:51 PM
Posted 21 March 2008 - 08:12 PM
Bro.. I'm 29 with a 5 year old daughter and a fiance. My life as clubbin' bar fights and bangin' broads that I don't even know their first name are over. Now-a-days it's all about saving my loot and chillin. Recreational vids are kinda my thing. 6 pack a beer and some online xbox 360 and I'm good. I had a good 10 year run of throwing my d!ck into random broads,overnight visits in the drunk tank and waking up having to soak my knuckles and face in rubbing alcohol.
Posted 22 March 2008 - 12:48 PM
Posted 22 March 2008 - 02:42 PM
The TAR21 is the best gun if you don't have anything unlocked really. I just unlocked the M8 (which is my gun gun of choice is RB6) and the L85. Thats all I need.
If I'm rolling in campaign mode I like the Tar21 or M8 as my assault rifles and the mp7 or mp5 as my sub.. Most of the time in campaign I roll silenced.
Posted 23 March 2008 - 01:12 AM
If I'm rolling in campaign mode I like the Tar21 or M8 as my assault rifles and the mp7 or mp5 as my sub.. Most of the time in campaign I roll silenced.
jesus.. you've played enough to get the M8 already? that's the one I wanna work towards. I keep playing ranked, but it's lame because it goes much slower than expected. Luckily the rounds are 5 minutes, and I've averaging 4 to 5 kills per round.. but still. Then I try and play Player matches and get stuck against clans. T-Hunt is where it's been at for me lately.
and 0099 -- the rooftops ain't safe for you, homeboy. lol. i know you were callin' me a campin bitch in Kill House.
Posted 23 March 2008 - 01:21 AM
and 0099 -- the rooftops ain't safe for you, homeboy. lol. i know you were callin' me a campin bitch in Kill House.
Yo honestly I was just like you. When you sent me that message on live when I told you I was dippin' to go get it, man you ain't neva lie!.. I couldn't kill sheet!.. so what I did was beat campaign mode and by the time I was done I had the m8,L85,mp7 and all that... the ending of the story is nice!!!.. Ubisoft out out another good ass game!
I really like terrorist hunt this year. The A.I is much better and it's hard a f*ck!... Generally if I don't have none of my hitters online I'll just run some deathmatch to sharpen the skills
Posted 15 April 2008 - 03:08 PM
$60 feels a bit much for what's clearly an expansion pack. When I think about it, this game feels rushed to hold down buyers between CoD4 and GTAIV. Don't get it twisted, I enjoy the game.. but the bugs and glitches are a bit much. The fact that I didn't get 2 achievements bothers the f*** out of me. I didn't get Freedom Shall Prevail for beating the game on realistic, and I didn't get Private First Class since I was automatically given points and rank for beating the first game. So as an act of spite and vengeance -- I'm boosting my rank to Elite to get the other achievements. Take that YouBeSoft!
Posted 15 April 2008 - 09:13 PM
If you like running around aimlessly holding the sprint button like rambo then COD4 is for you. However if you like REAL sim style strategy then RBV6 is for you. Is slowed down and very tactical and thats what draws me to the game AND!!!!... the COD franchise WILL be going to back to their world war 1 style games with 1 shooter guns and all of that ancient crap. RBV6 will always be modern and thats what I liked. Let me ask you a question... where was the COD franchise before COD4?, ON THE BACK BURNER... why, because they catered to a vintage war style game that doesn't appease to a mass population.
COD's story mode is a amazing but online rainbow is way better. I guarantee if you stick with it and play it more you'll like it better.
Maybe u guys are just playin the wrong games, cuz alot of people i have played with really work together in COD4, and rainbow is just to slow to get used to, and the features of not being able to hit someone or melle them when they u sneak up on them is kinda lame. Also before COD4 there was a very very good game in COD2, #3 sucked but 2 was awesome, it came before RSV1 and alot came from COD2. the one and only feature i do like from RSV is the get up against the wall and peek feature thing. But if u are not one of the best online, than its no fun to play, mainly because, u run out of one room and there is always a guy just waiting for u. Or even if u shoot someone, they always seem to have the better guns, in COD4 u can earn new guns, but are started off with good guns, which u could be able to use throughout the game...But everyone has there own preferences, such as us being Jets fans and others being Pats fans, its just wat YOU like.
"No sugar? Damn. Y'all ain't never got two things that match. Either y'all got Kool-aid, no sugar. Peanut butter, no jelly. Ham, no burger. Daaamn." -Smokey
Posted 16 April 2008 - 10:55 PM
Gauze on the knuckles makes it hard for me to play video games


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quote darknintendomanGood times, good times.I find link's amusing. Imagine getting trapped in a magical triangle. Then the mighty swordsman starts hacking and slashing at you like crazy. As if being cut so badly wasn't bad enough, he stabs the sword foreword, and as the triforce shatters, your good-as-dead body rockets off the stage. I call overkill
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Shark Bath Mat
- Overview
Let kids step onto this open-mouthed ocean creature, styled in bold hues, and designed to be soft and absorbent on their feet.
- Bath mat is made of plush ring-spun cotton.
- Backed with slip-resistant natural latex.
- A mixture of cut and looped pile adds texture and dimension.
- Imported.
- Machine washable.
- Dimensions & Care
- 20" wide x 32" long
- Machine wash in cold water; gentle cycle.
- Use only non chlorine bleach, if needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat; remove promptly.
- Do not pull loose ends or pulled loops, clip them with scissors.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.


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Inaugural Asheville Marathon - Page 2
Important Race Details
Race entry includes all-day access to the Biltmore House and grounds. The inaugural Asheville Marathon is limited to 1,300 runners. Participants must complete the race within 6 ½ hours. Prize purse offered totaling $6500. A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Mission Cancer Center.
The Biltmore Estate prides itself on its upkeep and knowledgeable staff. Take the time and visit the mansion and get a sense of the life George Vanderbilt lived. You can be the judge as to whether you'd like it or not.
Admission includes self-guided tours of the mansion, gardens and Antler Hill Village.
Getting There
Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the race when you stay at the Race Headquarters Double Tree by Hilton. Directions: http://ashevillemarathon.com/travel/directions/
Race Headquarters: DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville — Biltmore and other Biltmore Farms Hotels. http://ashevillemarathon.com/travel/hotels/
What goes better with trail runner than beer? Asheville's beer culture precedes them. It was recently named "Beer City USA." Visit Asheville Brewing Company, Craggie Brewing Company, and/or the French Broad Brewery for recovery.
Other Trails to Hit Up
Bent Creek Trail at the North Carolina Arboretum
Over ten miles of hiking and biking trails sought out by tourists and locals alike.
Mountain to Sea Trail
The Mountain to Sea Trail is a 900-mile trail connecting the Smokey Mountains to the Coastal Plain in the eastern part of the state. Most of the sections are labeled "moderately rough" so expect this network to be gnarly.
The Appalachian Trail
Just 20 miles north of Asheville, runners can hit up the AT for as long or as short as you'd like.