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Friday, March 30, 2007
The last of mad March Claire
Re: The List….stuff and things are moving, and I'm hoping to get some of the things done in the not too distant. The eyeliner challenge is progressing…unfortunately the trial and error part of this means I wind up with panda eyes an awful lot of the time…
This may well be my last post for a few days, and my last from Englandshire for a couple of weeks. I'm typing this Thursday night - Peachy arrives tomorrow (heck yes! We've only got a little over thirty hours but I am super excited to see her :-). Lord bless research trips!), then it's London for the weekend, then I fly home Monday…and that will no doubt be when I update you beautiful people.
To amuse you in the interim, a meme, stolen unabashedly from the ever delightful Scott, of music loving and future couch donating fame.
1.Whats your name spelt backwards? erialc
2. What did you do last night? Watched The Apprentice (and worryingly started to concur with Rachel's summary of Alan Sugar), sang, watched Ugly Betty, didn't do any of the chores I meant to.
3. The last thing you downloaded onto your computer? The pics of B and I that I used in my last post.
4. Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery? No. Would you recommend?
5. Last time you swam in a pool? Last month. But now I'm back on the healthkickery wagon, that whole swimming in a pool thing should take off again. I'm looking forward to relocating those muscle groups!
6. What are you wearing? Pink plaid pyjamas. Oh yeah, Justin Timberlake is such a liar, for obviously it was I who brought sexy back!
7. How many cars have you owned? 0.
8. Type of music you dislike most? Misogynistic rap (oh man, how this pees me off – I *love* intelligent hip-hop, but when it's all b*tches and h*s? Ticks me right off) and happy hardcore (grrrr).
9. Are you registered to vote? I am, but I'm not sure where. I think I transferred it to the shire, although Forres would have let me rock the vote there, even though I'm usually there just six weeks of the year!
10. Do you have cable? Nope. But I do have a freeview box….sweet sweet American imports and Doctor Who reruns…
11. What kind of computer do you use? An HP laptop thing (thanks, school!).
12. Ever made a prank phone call? Only freshman year, and we all know those don't count.
13. You like anyone right now? I could, if you get what I mean? It's all a bit transitional and intangible and high-falutin at the current time ~ I'm managing to tie myself up in knots while the other party is blissfully unaware. I think! Why is it that when it comes to my 'love life' I seem to be stuck in thirteen year old girl mode?
14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? Bungee jumping scares the poop out of me (I think it's the whole "giant elastic band" thing ;-)), and I'd love to skydive but the double whammy of not loving heights and being hugely accident prone is putting me off a little at the mo….
15. Furthest place you ever travelled? Boswell, Indiana (Midwest, represent!).
16.Do you have a garden? Not personally, but the house I'm attached to has a gorgeous garden, which I get to live in the middle of. Seriously, it's award winning – people come from Holland and Germany to look round – and I just get to be here. I am a lucky girl!
17. What's your favorite comic strip? Calvin and Hobbes / Garfield / The Far Side.
18. Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Yes – both the English and the Scottish ones!
19. Shower, morning or night? Morning or night – I am always ready for a shower.
20. Best movie you've seen in the past month? Have I seen a movie in the past month? Nah, didn't think so. Country life, baby!
21. Favorite pizza toppings? Pretty much any / all, so long as there are no capers or anchovies involved.
22. Chips or popcorn? At home, chips (I blame Mlle Wilson, she TOTALLY gave me that addiction! :-)); at the movies, popcorn.
23. What cell phone provider do you have? O2.
24. Have you ever smoked peanut shells? Wha…..?
25. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? Third place Junior Princess, biatches! Hahaha, yes, I was in a pageant type thing once. And I placed. Oh man, that's hilarious!
26. Orange Juice or apple? Apple, guava, orange, mango, whatever. I'm still smirking at the Junior Princess memories here!
27. Who were the last people you sat at lunch with? Susanna and Caroline, at our meeting Tuesday.
28. Favourite chocolate bar? Cadbury's Fudge bars! Small, but perfectly formed. If you ever have to bribe me, just factor a fudge bar into the equation :-).
29. Who is your longest friend and how long? Natalie and Nell tie – we've been friends for almost 15 years now!
30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Last autumn – Janet and Bob grow amazing veg in their beautiful garden!
31. Have you ever won a trophy? Yep, a fair few.
32. Favorite artist? John Constable and Vincent Van Gogh….but I know far too little about art!
33. Favorite computer game? Hearts, Solitaire, Battleships….do you get that I'm not really into gaming? These are all the ones you get on Windows! Haha, dissertation fatigue memories!
34. Ever ordered from an infomercial? Almost…
35. Sprite or 7-UP? Am I meant to care?
36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work? Oh yes, multiple bad school uniforms, the 'sexy' park ranger outfit at Clarks (mmmm, synthetic fibres….) and the delightful blue tees at UGC.
37. Last thing you bought at the store? Dinner, soda, and a really, really crappy magazine.
38. Ever thrown up in public? Not in the last five years! Hee. And even before that only three times…including once in a minibus…gah, evil mode of transport.
39. Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love? Stupid question: I want to find true love with a millionaire, of course ;-)! Nah, true love will always trump money in my wee world.
40. Do you believe in love at first sight? I like the idea a lot.
41.Can exes just be friends? Yes, but it depends on the people and the situation.
42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? I have never visited anyone in hospital (touch wood), well not since way back in my childhood, and I can never date anything back then.
43. Did you have long hair as a young kid? Yep. At one point I could sit on my hair. Had it all lopped off when I went away to school.
44. What message is on your voicemail machine? Just me saying hi, and leave a message, please.
45. Where would you like to go right now? To bed. Oh hang on, I'm already here! And this meme is almost finished! Result!
46. What was the name of your first pet? Moshe. Originally he was Mo, but then he dropped a passle of kittens….hence, Moshe.
47. What kind of back pack do you have, and what's in it? I have a couple, right now I'm using my JanSport, in there is my wallet, some papers, lipbalm, keys…I've been using it to get stuff between work and home this week.
48. Last incoming/outgoing call on your phone? Susanna.
49. What is one thing you are grateful for today? Health and friends and freedom.
50. What do you think about most? The people I love.
And that would include you guys…!
And so to bed, to bed. Have a wonderful few days and I'll catch up with guys after the weekend.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A positive pity party?
I had my laptop at home last night and I wrote such a post. Such a whiny, bratty, self-indulgent post....the kind that makes me really glad that I don't have the internet at home just now, because reading it back is just plain embarassing. Note to self: Overthinking crushes, no matter the size or sensibility of said crush, and ACTUALLY COMMITING YOUR THOUGHTS TO PAPER is a bad, bad, idea.
I'm a goof, that's for sure.
Luckily I awoke in a much fairer mood, full of beans and joie de vivre...in other words, an awful lot more like me! Yesterday morning-afternoon I had a really productive meeting about my summer job / side project, and I'm now pretty excited about the July plans. I'm going to be working at a summer-camp-come-ladies-academy, and I really think it's going to be a blast. The girls are going to get to experience some amazing things (touring the House of Lords, visiting Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon and Oxford, all sorts of other delights) and I get to tag along, all in the name of work! Hurrah! I've got lots to prepare (dorm lists and etiquette classes and aerobics routines, oh my) but I am looking forward to a challenge. And a challenge which should pay for my trip to Canada and my driving lessons, with a little luck.
The driving is.....going, but as is the norm I do find it hard. But I'm improving and working hard, and I guess that's the best I can hope for. All good vibes in that area greatly appreciated!
So here I am in school, attempting to make sense of the paper based chaos (I'd take a picture, but it would scare you!), getting a handle on the term to come and looking forward to the weekend and beyond....Peachy arrives Friday night, we head to London on Saturday, lunch with Hoti on Sunday (before he heads off to Yemen in May....how fabulous is that?), flight to the north on Monday. I love Easter break - Christmas is busy and frantic and cold, summer is often too loooong (although, with my working July this year this should be much less of a problem)...Easter is just right. And involves chocolate. And whoop de doo, in a little over a week I can drink again....I'm fine off the demon drink, but I must admit the balmy sunny weather is calling to mind a chilled glass of wine or a pint of beer and some good chat. Here's hoping.
I'd better return to papercut and swearing at filing cabinets and attempting to shoot three-pointers into the recycling bin central now.
Hope this finds you all sunny and happy and generally springlike!
Monday, March 26, 2007
"Summer" Time.
RED = anger
1. Are you currently mad at someone?:
2. Which of your friends has the worst temper?:
Hmmm, that depends on why they are in a temper. Both Sian and Hannah can bring the rage, but they only do so when something major has happened and they are rightly peeved.
3. Have you ever thrown something at anyone?
Not in anger, no. On playground duty? ALL THE TIME. Why do you think we buy squidgy balls?
4. Does your face turn red when you're angry?:
Yes. And when I cry. And when I drink. And when I laugh. Rosey complexion agogo.
5. When you're mad do you prefer to stare angrily or yell and scream?:
In public I'd probably do the silent glaring, but when I got home I'd probably vent (rock music always helps).
ORANGE = excitement
1. Has anyone ever thrown you a surprise party?
I had a joint surprise party for my sixteenth, shared with my friend Alex. Our (very cunning) friends told each of us that the party was for the other, thereby meaning we were delightfully oblivious.
2. Are you easily excited?
Moi? Oh yes.
3. What event is coming up that you're most excited about?:
I am looking forward to Scotland, and Easter, and Spring Harvest, and (seven months to go!) Canada.
4. Which of your friends is most excitable?:
That depends on how many drinks they've had!
5. If you won a million dollars what would be your first thought?
Pay off mum and dad's house, pay student loans, give S and P ten grand each, and take an ammmmaaaaazzzzing holiday :-).
6. If you could have anything right now what would it be?
Pizza. Oprah did a special this morning, and now the cheese-fest is calling me.
YELLOW = self discovery
1. Name:
Claire (well, that's my off-duty name)
2. Where were you born?:
3. What's your main goal in life?:
To be happy, to be kind, and to be good.
4. Do you want to have children?:
Yes, please.
5. How do you want to die?:
I really don't think I get to choose! But I'll say...satisfied.
GREEN = opinions
1. Gay Marriage?:
Why not?
2. Capital Punishment?:
I'm conflicted on this one. But I think I'll go with….vaguely anti.
3. Abortion:
Pro-choice, with reservations.
4. Recycling?:
It's great, but I think the Government needs to make it easier for it to make a significant impact. We really need to follow the example of other nations ~ when I lived in Luxembourg I was so impressed with their approach to green matters.
BLUE = dreams
1. What was your latest dream:
On Thursday I woke up and all I could remember was….a doughnut. Hilariously, according to dreammoods.com, this means: To see a doughnut in your dream, represents the Self. It suggests that you may be feeling lost and still trying to find yourself and your purpose in life.? Alternatively, it refers to growth, development and nurturance. You are not completely whole. Who knew baked good had such depth?
2. Have any of your dreams come true?:
Some of them, yes.
3. Do you usually remember your dreams?:
4. What was the weirdest dream you've ever had?:
Last weeks one, with the rain and the slums and the children and the flood, was pretty odd!
PURPLE = love
1. Straight, Gay, Bi?:
2. Do you have a bf/gf:
Not at the moment.
3. Do you have a crush?:
A little, yes. Despite the fact that I should know better!
4. Who is the best hugger that you know?: Hoti, Hannah, several of the kids in Year 3!
5. Do you believe in Love at first sight?:
Yes, I do.
6. Have you ever been in love?:
Q: how many beds did you lay in today?
A: Just mine….and I stayed in it far too long reading, writing a letter and watching Oprah.
Q: what color shirt are you wearing?
A: Grey/green Zombie Bunnies tee, rust coloured cardigan.
Q: name one thing that you do everyday?
A: Sing.
Q: what color are your walls?
A: Sunshine yellow.
Q: how much cash do you have on you right now?
A: None. In my purse, about 14 quid.
Q: hockey?
A: Thank heavens that term is over – bring on the rounders term!
Q: I can't wait till...?
A: Amber arrives – I can't believe I'm gonna see her on Friday :-).
Q: When was the last time you saw your dad?
A: January.
Q: Who got you to join myspace?
A: I have no idea. I've been on it a while though!
Q: What did you have for dinner last night?
A: A sauce I made out of baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onions, passata and herbs, over wholewheat pasta, with a sprinkling of mature cheddar. So, so good!
Q: Is Tom on your friends list?
A: No. Well, not that one.
Q: Look to your left. What's there?
A: A tennis ball, a remote, a calendar, a water glass and a lego block.
Q: What's the last piece of clothing you borrowed from someone?
A: A scarf from Jean.
Q: What website(s) do you visit the most during the day?
A: Yahoo. I tend to keep the 'fun' ones for evenings, holidays and weekends.
Q: Do you have plants in your room?
A: Lots of flowers in my flat at the moment.
Q: Does anything hurt on your body right now?
A: No, thank heavens.
Q: What city was your last taxi cab ride in?
A: Um…I don't know. Is Forres a city?
Q: Do you own a picture phone?
A: Yep.
Q: Recent time you were really upset?
A: Was down last week, but haven't had a good cry in a while.
1. Person you saw:
2. Hugged:
3. Shopped:
properly? In Oxford earlier this month.
4. movie watched:
5. Song you listened to:
Currently on Radio 1: 'I Wanna Have Your Babies' by Natasha Bedingfield. Far too catchy.
6. Person you kissed:
Well that happened last year, so it's hardly current!
1. What are you doing now:
Have been in work cleaning and clearing; now am emailing, blogging and sorting out the weekend with Amber.
2. What are you doing tonight:
I am going to make a kickass pizza, write some of my Easter cards, and I'm going to watch 'Save The Last Dance 2' – it's going to be awful!
3.What are you going to eat for lunch:
I had cookies and a Crème Egg. Mmmmmm, nutritious.
1. Is:
2. Got any plans:
A business meeting late morning, some paperwork and stuff in school, maybe dinner with a friend.
3. Goal:
To take all my displays down and hoover my flat (hahahahaha, uberglamour).
4. Do you have to work:
not as much as I do during termtime!
1. Currently love someone:
Not in that way. But spring is springing everywhere and I am so in the mood for some romance….
2. Like someone:
I like EVERYONE!!
3. Does someone like you?
Here's hoping!
Time for me to wrap things up and head home I think – have a lovely week, all!
PS Scottish contingent, let me know if and when you're available for visits / meals / drinks / shenanigans, please. I have missed you all!
Friday, March 23, 2007
And with that….
The last week of term has been frenetic, as always, but this term it barely registered – after the efforts of last week to get the show done, dusted and onstage, the rigmarole of the end of term palaver felt like a break! But the reports are written, the results have been calculated, and now I don't see my wee gang till mid April. Yeah, I am going miss them. They spoilt me once again – I have five or six eggs or little baskets of eggs and three very pretty bunches of blooms. It really isn't necessary, but it's always nice to feel appreciated!
Thank you so much for all the support with the list, gorgeous friends! Since the last post there have been emails and comments and texts, and I am so happy that some of the things may be being 'crossed off' in the coming year, let alone five. Other ones are going to take more work, but that's what makes it a challenge! I've linked to it, and I have a copy up in my room, and I'm looking forward to letting you guys know how it goes :-).
But now, I have an afternoon off….mmmmm….a bubble bath, some chocolate eggs, a cheesey magazine, a face mask and a nap beckon, so please excuse me. More soon!
Love you guys,
PS Today I got a myspace friend request from one of my tutees parents. That's a first.
PPS One of the Year 8 boys thinks I look like Rachel McAdams. He's so wrong, but all the same, YES! Go me!
PPPS Would you judge me if I ate some more chocolate eggs for breakfast tomorrow? I can't face the supermarket….
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The List
So….how are you all doing? Many thanks for the lovely messages after Saturdays wee episode – I think I was just very, very tired of feeling that way. I'm not good at feeling washed out and sad and blue.
However, I'm pleased to report that a big old think has been had, much sleeping and pondering has taken place, a dream was had and recalled (which I never do. It was a crazy-ass dream ~ some kids and I were hiding in a tenement and there was a box of possessions and a rainstorm and a flood. So I went onto dreammoods.com later that day and found out that the main themes were confusion, rebirth, destructive impulses, cleansing, renewal, fortune, love, a need to nurture my inner child and let some things go, and (direct quote) "neglect of my sexual nature". So, plenty of food for thought from my usually silent subconscious), and while I'm still here and still standing, there are some changes going on.
My priorities are shifting. I know what I want from life, I'm starting to understand what my priorities are…and now I just have to work on getting there….
And we all know how I like my targets. So here, in no order whatsoever, are the things I would like to achieve in the next 5 years. Some are hard, some are easy, some are completely mental, but for better or worse, here are the components of the 5 year plan:
I would like to be able to make good pancakes.
I would like to register myself with a doctor… DONE!
…and a dentist….
…and an optician.
I would like to take this blog to over 1,000 posts.
I would like to live abroad (whether only for a few weeks or many years, I don't know!).
I would like to sing a solo in front of a BIG crowd. DONE!
I would like to see at least two dozen gigs.
I would like to go on the London Eye at night, and look out over the city.
I would like to learn how to ride a skateboard.
I would like to fall in love, really and truly and without any bs.
I would like to run a 5 kilometre race for life.
I would like to get back up to swimming 50 lengths in one go (I am becoming such a wuss!).
I would like to read the favourite books of all my friends.
I would like to learn how to apply liquid eyeliner.
I would like to try golf….
…and bodyboarding…
…and abseiling. DONE!
I would like to be an extra in a film or TV show.
I would like to start playing flute again.
I would like to go ice skating.
I would like to have a child, or start putting cogs in motion to adopts in my mid-thirties (haha, this so comes late in the 5 year plan – if I had a kid now I'd probably misplace him or her ;-)).
I would like to learn how to drive. DONE!
I would like to drop another two dress sizes.
I would like to visit New York…
…and Athens.
I would like to read the whole Bible.
I would like to write letters to all my heroes.
I would like to watch all of the AFIs top 100 films.
I would like to be featured on a CD (singer / handclaps / lyricist / whatever!).
I would like to get back into producing video storyboards for songs I like – then if the opportunity ever arises I can have a portfolio to show.
I would like to learn how to speak Spanish.
I would like to have a poem published.
I would like to have really long hair (past elbows)….
…and pretty short hair.
I would like to be a godmother (buddies and friends, this one's on you!).
I would like to attend a film premiere.
I would like to design and produce a teeshirt.
I would like to sort out my finances.
I would like to watch 'Snakes on a Plane', even though the premise terrifies me.
I would like to join ebay.
I would like to visit the Houses of Parliament. DONE!
I would like to get into kite flying – loads of people have told me how fab it is!
I would like to take a course / read several books about web design.
I would like to learn how to play a half-decent game of tennis.
I would like to act onstage again.
I would like to learn about art.
I would like to have at least one thousand pounds saved for rainy days.
I would like to take my HNC in radio production / do work experience at a radio station.
I would like to write a children's book….even if it's just for my class.
I would like to learn how to make crème brulee.
I would like to see an opera. DONE!
I would like to be a bridesmaid (bring on the pouffy pastels!).
I would like to write a worship song.
I would like to have a review published.
I would like to learn how to knit.
I would like to make a photoblog where I take a picture every single day for a year.
I would like to climb Scafell Pike…
…and Ben Nevis.
I would like to beat Peter in a game of badminton. DONE!
I would like to raise some money for charity each year for the next five years.
I would like to get organised :-).
So that's going to keep me busy, right? It's literally everything I could think of – I'm going to link to it in my sidebar and every time I fell one (haha, I'm such a teacher – I am now setting myself targets!), I'll let you guys know.
So yes, I'm feeling better.
I'm still crazy though ;-).
Love you guys!
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Thoughts for a Saturday morning…
You can forget our future plans.
Night touch my hand with the turning Golden Skans,
From the night and the light, all plans are golden in your hand.
(Golden Skans – Klaxons)
I don't think this is enough anymore. I'm not sure this is where I'm meant to be. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate my life or my job or any of that….I just a little grey. A little off.
I'm fed up of feeling stifled. Of feeling less than. I feel grey and unfulfilled and low for far too much of the time, and I know that's not who I am. Reading back over the last couple of months on my blog, I can tell something's up.
I am by nature a happy, hard-working, kind and creative wee soul; but that's not really how I feel right now. And I want to feel that way. I want to be that way.
So I'm going to make some plans. Some different plans. I'm going to have a big think. I'm going to try and make sense of where I am, where I want to be, and how, exactly, I want to get there.
I have a feeling some changes may be afoot.
More soon,
PS 200 posts! Woo!
PPS Happy St Patrick's Day to you all!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
And I've been so long this way I can't make out just where I end or begin…
So, how am I? Let me put my thought train to you in the form of a bongo-poem. (NB bongo-poems were a major factor of my youth – John and I would grab an item to be the bongo (a chair, a box, a member of the public), then go stream-of-consciousness on everyone, punctuating each statement with a drum beat or seven). If Yoda were a poet, he'd be all about the bongo poems.
Yes I was a geek growing up, why do you ask? ;-).
Claire's Bongo Poem for today:
Brain swimming with words and numbers.
Reports already? Bad idea. Surely only one month since last ones? How many ways to say "needs to sit on chair properly"?
Am Rudolph apparently. Thanks Jordan!
Easter holidays soon. The north beckons. Home!!!!!
Boarding tonight, tuck shop.
Not sure if this is where I want to be.
Who will triumph in the pool stakes?
I miss him. But I can't tell him. Shut up, self.
Need more lemsip.
Mmmm, lemsip.
Is it hometime yet?
Heheheh, I am such a loser. Hope all is well with you guys, just wanted to check in. A more coherent post at the weekend (well at least I hope so) – all good vibes for the shows and for a bounce back from this flu greatly appreciated.
Back to the books!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Singalong Saturday, 10th March...
If I had entitled this post though, I would probably have quoted a lyric; "Sometimes I feel so full of love, it just comes spilling out". It's from the track 'Wonderful World' by James Morrison, a song that just seems to be following me around. The next line of the lyric goes, "It's unconmfortable to see, I give it away so easily". And I guess that's a pretty fair call on how I lead my life (well, it must be how some people view it!). I'm a great writer of letters and emails, texter, blog commenter, hugger, maker of mix CDs, sender of packages....but then in other ways I suck at communicating the love I feel for people - I am petrified of letting anyone get closer to me than 'just friends', I can be awful at phone calls, I'm exceptional at keeping myself just busy and distant and involved enough to ensure no-one can get close enough to hurt me. But I'm working on it!
I swear, I am such a headcase some days (but then, who isn't?). But I am sure with blogging, baking and all that jazz, it will work out in the end....
1. Us ~ Regina Spektor.
I <3 this song, to go all emo kid with the symbols for a minute. It was on a mix my friend Rosco gave to me earlier this year, and this was one of the tracks on it I just couldn't get enough of. I am such a sucker for a piano, violin or guitar heavy track! Plus I love Spektor's voice..in a world of vocoder madness and productions so slick you could ice skate on them, a vocalist with a distinctive voice with an unusual timbre is a joy to cherish.
While we're on female vocalists, have you guys heard Natasha Bedingfield's new single? C'est tres, tres bizarre, and is all over the cheesey music channel that is my Achilles heel late at night. Anyways, I like Bedingfield (I think this karmically link to the fact that she is loosely connected with Hillsong London, a church I was once lossely connected with. Circuitous and residual, huh?), I think she churns out fairly unoffensive pop stuff, but her new track is odd. And catchy. Long story short, it's called 'I Wanna Have Your Babies'. Way to put that out there, Tash!
2. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning - Carly Simon.
Hmmmm, torch song. I love Simon's vocal line (heheheh, can you tell I watched American Idol yesterday?), and every time I watch this I just want to go and watch 'Sleepless In Seattle' again. That movie makes me cry so very, very much, but it's a firm fave chez moi...Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, cute kid, old school soundtrack, NYC, what's not to love? Note to self, have a movie nght soon....
3. LDN - Lily Allen.
Aw, I like Lily. I love that she and La Winehouse have both stomped onto the scene, are confident and talented and all that good stuff... Go, girlfriends!
Anyways, back to the mad chickflick love...tomorrow I am so breaking out the popcorn and the ginger ale (haha, since I can't have wine I go for a beverage beloved by Enid Blyton characters...I am such a nerd) because Channel 4 are showing two of my favourites - 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding', which is so cute and sweet; and then 'Amelie', which is one of my favourite films of all time!
4. Bootylicious - Destiny's Child.
To quote my friend (now Dr.) Laura - "Dancefloor, now!" '
Amelie' just ticks so many boxes. It's sweet and French and quirky. It has a KICKASS score. It's beautifully filmed (I had such a thing for good cinematography when I was studying!). I stars Mattheiu Kassovitz, actor genius, director par excellence and my favourite piece of Gallic eyecandy ever. And it's set in Monmartre, my favourite part of Paris, my favourite city in the world. I'm sooooooo there, Monday morning tiredness be damned! And I own it on DVD, so if I do nod off, I can always catch up another time.
5. Songbird - Eva Cassidy.
Sigh. Such a beautiful song, and one of my favourites to sing, I have to say. Cassidy and I have fairly similar ranges, so I love learning songs that she did. She was such a great talent, I always think it's a shame she only found fame after her own lifetime. But her music is a true gift to the world - no matter how many times I hear her songs, I always listen.
However, American-Idol-X-factor-etc. contestants need to stop doing her version of 'Over The Rainbow'. Enough! Why not do one of her other versions?
6. Precious Things - Tori Amos.
Heh. From love and songbirds to "Just because you made me come it doesn't make you Jesus". Sometimes I fear my music collection is just a little schizophrenic!
I do love when I hear one of my quirky favourites crops up in a TV show or a movie though. Many of my friends and workmates haven't heard of anyone I'm into, so it warms my little geek heart to hear 'Such Great Heights' on an Film4 promo, or the opening bars of 'The First Day Of My Life' in a scene of 'Skins', or 'Still Fighting It' in an episode of 'Scrubs' (OK, so I appreciate Ben Folds is fairly big, certainly bigger than Bright Eyes or the Postal Service, but not round here!).
7. Hoodoo - Muse.
Muse are just so good at churning out awesome rock (as always, YMMV). I love that while everyone else is mudslinging and posing and dating supermodels and going to rehab, they're busy making kickass albums and selling out enormous shows. Plus, I love Matt Bellamy's voice - in the quiet moments of this he conveys such frailty and nuance, but then he has the power for the big stage stormers also. Man. I am a total singing geek.
I've really been trying to get back into singing now. The cold I had for near on a month really did me in, but I think I'm starting to make up ground now. Just a few practices a week and the stuff I do at church for worship band and youth, but it's good to feel I'm doing something. I just wish I could get involved in a band, even just singing backup or doing a colloboration, but I don't think that's going to happen in this neck of the woods. I need a challenge!
8. I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic! At The Disco.
A friend of a friend thought this band were called Picnic at the Disco. How awesome wuld that be? Heh.
This is the kind of stuff I will be listening to tomorrow - after church I am going to Brett and Rowena's for an afternoon of sweatpants, snacking and girly chat. Brett (coolest almost 17 year old ever!) has decided she's going to emo me up, because tomorrow I'm going to the big Youth Church with the youth from our church. She reckons I could pass for 19.....haha. I'll let you know how that goes!
9. Candy - Ash.
I am so excited to hear the new Ash album. They are one of those bands I loved in sixth form (see also Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, and, um, 5ive?). And they still kick so much butt. I love it.
Speaking of things I love, look what my kids drew for me while I was out at a rehearsal the other day:
Dude. It's official. Everyone needs a gang of seven-and-eight-year-olds in their world.
10. You Know I'm No Good - Amy Winehouse.
Nothing but love for this track....and nothing but love for you gorgeous people!
Hope you are having a gorgeous weekend so far,
Friday, March 09, 2007
Barely grazing the ground....
Non-stop, wall-to-wall, equally tough and random, work, work, work, play, work.
I am simply exhaustimipated, but finally, I've reached a lull. Which is why I am hiding in my lovely cool classroom, scribing a quick post, supping a Diet Coke and listening to Kate Bush. Mmmmm, angsty.
Since Monday.... I've done at least 12 hours of rehearsing with the beloved Year 7s this week. I've booked trans-Atlantic flights. I have taught over twenty hours and left cover / done the marking for another fifteen. I've done a four hour parents' evening. I've had two two-hour band calls. I spent a whole day at a really cool Islamic centre (fascinating, really, fascinating. I learnt so much). I spent two hours in a debrief meeting on some random psycho-socio-whatsimajiggle testing we've all done (apparently I'm creative, inquisitive and friendly! Wait, I think I already knew that ;-)). I have barely seen my flat.
But now it's the weekend, and after the jumpy jumpy fun-ness of last weekend it's a lowkey one here....a night of pizza and 'American Idol' beckons (mmmmmm, 'American Idol'); tomorrow's work, friends and driving (and an early night, woo!); Sunday's church and friends. Love it! And tonight I'll get to sleep for more than four or five hours....
I literally cannot wait!
Hee, I am so easily pleased.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend planned!
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Short but sweet....
Yay holidays! Yay a different continent! Yayness all round!
PS Any ideas of what I really NEED to see while I'm over there....let me know!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
If a picture tells a thousand words....then here are about nine thousand...
Monday, March 05, 2007
And I watched the world being reborn 'till one a.m.
I arrived mid-afternoon and was met by the superlatively beautiful Jean (I kid you not...a skinny yet curvy blond braniac with a penchant for dancing and good literature, the girl's a legend). Walking then tea then walking then dinner then walking then a gig.
And what a gig it was. I have been in love with Tilly and the Wall for about half a year now, but oh my gosh, they are totally brilliant live. What their CDs cannot capture is the sheer passion and banter and virtuosity and f**k the world attitude - they were like a spangly, beautiful, one-of-a-kind musical whirlwind. Their support band (The Little Ones) were good also, all power pop and guitars and percussion coming out the ying yang; and the lead singer is a total sweetheart. But Tilly were simply amazing - everything was even better than I was hoping, the harmonies, the tapdancing, the jumping up and down, the all. Jean and I also had amazing positions - two or three people back, right in the thick of it :-). If you want to have a great night, go to an end of tour gig by these guys and enjoy pogoing up and down for the whole of 'Nights Of The Living Dead', lingering especially on the final chorus of 'I wanna f**k it up, I wanna f**k it up'. I am officially in love with this band. I am officially back in love with gigging (how can I have stayed away so long?). And I think I have a bit of a crush on Nick from Tilly and the Wall! Hehehe.
Photos to follow!
The rest of the night was walking through a balmy Oxford, looking at the lunar eclipse, and having a long and random and deep chat, which continued till way past two. Then a Sunday of shopping and relaxing and Italian food and yet more chat. I love hanging out with old friends ~ they've always got plenty of opinions to share!
And now we're back to school ~ the play I am ADing is next week, so as well as school and reports and the whole crazy thing, I've got props and playlists and programmes a-plenty to deal with. Thank heavens Easter is just around the bend!
I hope you all had a great weekend too! And thanks again for all the bloggy love - last week kind of sucked!


text: Thursday afternoon Gov. Terry Branstad signed into law House File 495, otherwise known as the "Landlord-Tenant Bill," which updates legal protections for both landlords and tenants.ĀHF 495 passed the House and the Senate unanimously. Rep. Greg Heartsill, who brought the bill out of committee and managed it on the House floor, attended the bill signing ceremony. Heartsill commented, "A lot of work went into this bill behind the scenes to get the various groups on board with it and to muster strong bi-partisan support.ĀThe governor handed me the first pen that signed the bill into law to recognize my efforts in passing this legislation.ĀThat was quite an honor."

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Certification in Music (K-12)
The successful completion of this program will prepare students to teach K-12 music.
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RE: Veganism?22nd February 2012, 01:32
(22nd February 2012, 01:24)reverendjeremiah Wrote: This is a pic of the kitty I just fed two slices of deer meat to:
Yes... we call her "rug" sometimes. She likes to lay in the middle of the living room floor on her back with her arms and legs stretched out and she snores.
OMG, that has to be like the cutest cat ever! Well, besides mine!


text:
Home » Office Equipment & Supplies » Supplies » Notice & Bulletin Boards » 300PGT1
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You are hereBlogs / dlindorff's blog / Return of the Malaise: Up to Our Asses in Alligators
Return of the Malaise: Up to Our Asses in Alligators
By John Grant
It's a sad reality of our day that denial and bullshit seem the most useful talents to getting elected and to govern in America.
Bullshit is meant in the sense used by Harvard philosopher Harry Frankfurt in his popular book titled On Bullshit. He defines bullshit as language with no basis in truth or fact focused on obtaining power. A liar knows the truth and tries to sell falsehoods; bullshitters simply don't care what the truth is.
Some of the most popular candidates for the Republican Party (think Rick Perry and Michelle Bachman) are classic bullshitters who completely disdain rational analysis. For them it's OK to say anything, like Perry and others' denial of evolution and global warming. Reason and responsible history are for the weak.
Even "liberals" like Barack Obama are masters of bullshit. You can't be elected President of the United States as a "peace" candidate and then run three wars, expand the use of lethal drones and special ops assassination teams and attempt to jail NSA whistleblowers, without being an excellent bullshitter. Obama's bullshit is less the counter-Enlightenment stuff of Perry and Bachman; his bullshit is the art of seeming to fight for change as he really nestles into the status-quo.
In such a climate of bullshit is it any wonder Americans are living through such unprecedented stress and difficulty? And all indications suggest it will only get worse before it gets better.
The problem is the current raft of bullshitters insist on propagating a master narrative from the 19th and 20th centuries that no longer works for the reality of the nation as it moves into the 21st Century. Master narratives are based on national myths and are found in the nostalgic assumptions of identity that people believe and want to keep alive in the future. The key myth in this context is the Myth of American Exceptionalism that says we Americans are the best of history and humanity -- a super-nation at the pinnacle of global political evolution destined by our affluence and narcissistic assumptions of greatness to be the world's role model and policeman.
Dig a little deeper and read some responsible history and it becomes clear we're a complex nation -- like all humanity, a struggle of opposites like good and evil -- founded and sustained by ambition, violence and conquest. Now, in the unfolding 21st century, the whole project is running low on gas. The sense of exceptionalism is becoming more nostalgic, making sustaining the myth more costly and more detrimental to a good future. This means greater and greater amounts of bullshit.
For the rest of this article by JOHN GRANT in ThisCantBeHappening!, the new independent online alternative newspaper, please go to: www.thiscantbehappening.net/node/750
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Hey kidz!!! So, what is Abe "You're an Anti-Semite if WE HATE YOU" Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League? LIAR . . . or BULLSHITTER??? . . . ;-)
John Grant writes:
"He (Henry Franfurt) defines bullshit as language with no basis in truth or fact focused on obtaining power. A liar knows the truth and tries to sell falsehoods; bullshitters simply don't care what the truth is."
So, what do we call this latest indepth "Defamation" piece from Abe Foxman? Lies? Disinformation? Partrial Truth? Propaganda? . . . . or just flat out . .. . "BULLSHIT"??? . . . ;-)
(clipped headline and article from the ADL website)
"Ten Years After 9/11, Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories 'Alive And Well'
New York, NY, August 30, 2011 … Ten years after 9/11, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories surrounding the attacks are 'alive and well' and fueled by an entrenched propaganda industry, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which today issued a new report showing how these theories have grown and evolved over the last decade.
In 'Decade of Deceit: Anti-Semitic 9/11 Conspiracy Theories 10 Years Later,' ADL looks at the individuals who continue to circulate distorted conspiracy theories about 9/11, including the claim that the Jews or Israel perpetrated the attacks instead of Al Qaeda. A new chorus of voices – who claim not to be anti-Jewish but simply anti-Zionist – have become the most popular promoters of these ideas."
(link to full article)
Once again, Abe Foxman is promoting that very tired "Conspiracy Theory" that any criticism of Israeli CRIMES is "anti-Semitism" . . . and that "Israel = 'The Jews'" . . .Is this considered a LIE . . . or just BULLSHIT?
Notice that once again Abe Foxman is careful to not mention anyone like "Architects and Engineers for 9-11 Truth" and their VERY successful international "Remember Building 7" campaign in this ADL article.
My grandmother always called this "Lying by omission" . . . or did she call it . . . "BULLSHIT"???? . . . ;-)
(link to video -approx. 15 minutes)
"Architects & Engineers - Solving the Mystery of WTC 7 - AE911Truth.org"
Also not mentioned by Abe Foxman is anything about internationally known and admired 9-11 TRUTH champion, Anthony Lawson, who no one could call an "anti-Semite" . . . yet, he has long argued that Israel definitely had a hand in 9-11.
(link to video - approx. 10 minutes)
"Criminal State - Part 1 of 3: A Closer Look at Israel's Role in Terrorism
You kidz may remember both Jeff Gates and Anthony Lawson before they were "run off" by the Senior Editorial Staff at Veterans Today. Now it seems Gordon Duff, VT Senior Editor prefers the writing styles of 9-11 BULLSHITTER Jim Fetzer instead.
Now, Abe Foxman talks a great deal about Gordon Duff and Jim Fetzer as if they are really big leaders in the 9-11 TRUTH MOVEMENT. Meanwhile Veterans Today appears to be purging its readership with vicious ad hominem attacks while getting rid of all those writing staff that many of us had come to know and TRUST. All the while, loading up its pages with stories that highlight the weakest possible aspects of the 9-11 TRUTH MOVEMENT. . .. flavored with Jim Fetzer's bogus science and fanciful theories like "Hologram planes, No planes, space weapons, mini-nukes with no fallout, etc."
Perhaps the 9-11 TRUTH MOVEMENT is getting set up for that particular type of BULLSHIT known as a "Poisoning The Well" tactic. I guess time will tell. . . . ;-)
Of course, North Carolina Film Maker Ryan Dawson is totally "defamed" and slandered by Abe Foxman in this ADL article for his very factual documentary "War By Deception" . .. even though Mr. Dawon took great pains in this project to remove anything and everything that could possibly construed as "anti-Semitism" . . .
Watch it for yourselves, kidz . . .and see if Abe Foxman has a case for his "defamation" of this AMERICAN film maker who is merely trying to get to the TRUTH of the matter. Perhaps, Mr. Foxman just doesn't like Mr. Dawson's conclusions. . . ;-)
(link to video - approx. 3 hours)
"War by Deception Director's Cut (911 and Iraq lies from the same cabal)"
Decide for youselves if Abe Foxman is a LIAR . . . or a BULLSHITTER!!! . . . ;-)
"I'm sick to death of seeing things
From tight-lipped, condescending, mama's little chauvinists
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth now
I've had enough of watching scenes
Of schizophrenic, ego-centric, paranoiac, prima-donnas
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth"
- "Give Me Some Truth" by John Lennon
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text:
Quote, originally posted by thompo » i wouldn't trust 99% of the trainers i've met to properly spot me on a big squat.
that's not a comforting feeling.
No kidding. Nobody wants to get up close and personal. My neighbor can do it, and I met a another guy who will, but a lot of the dudes at my gym don't know how to do a squat, let alone help me out if I stall.


text:
Yep! I'm white and if I were walking home at night, minding my own business, some creepy guy I didn't know took such a keen interest in me, and was following me, i'd be concerned for my safety too. If I knew he were armed, even more so.<quoted text>If Martin was WHITE would you be as biased in your judgement?
So, the only person who had a reasonable fear for their safety that night was Martin. Zimmerman caused this ... Got his pussay a$s beat as a result (Cause he isnt shyte without his gun)... then he murdered some kid who was just defending himself.
Coulda been my kid or anyone else's kid. Color of skin makes no difference to me.


text: Scandinavian drama quiz: do you know your Borgen from your Bridge? Get ready for BBC4's repeat of Borgen with our fun, no expenses spared Scandi-drama quiz Comments Written By 3:10 PM, 13 June 2012 Hot on the heels of its Bafta win, BBC4 is repeating the first season of Danish political thriller Borgen, kicking off tonight at 9:00pm. Over the last few years drama has seemingly become one of Scandinavia's principal exports, with shows like The Killing and films such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo proving so successful around the world that they've even attained that holy grail of all international TV producers: the American remake. And these dramas are attracting their fair share of obsessive fans too. I mean, take a look at all these photos Killing fans sent us of themselves dressed up as Sarah Lund. But how well do people really know these dramas? Think you know your Borgen from your Bridge? Well have a go at our quiz, keep a mental tally of how many answers you get right, and check your total at the bottom of the page to find out how you rate as a Scandi-drama expert... 1. Name the actress who plays Sarah Lund in the Danish version of The Killing: Sofie Grabol REVEAL 2. Which two countries were connected by The Bridge's titular structure? Sweden and Denmark REVEAL 3. What political rank does Birgitte Nyborg attain in Borgen? Prime Minister of Denmark REVEAL 4. Which author's novel was the basis for Morten Tyldum's film Headhunters? Jo Nesbo REVEAL 5. Name a blockbuster sci-fi film which stars The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo lead Noomi Rapace: Prometheus REVEAL 6. What is the name of the lead male character in the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Mikael Blomkvist REVEAL 7. By what title is Stieg Larsson's trilogy of books about Lisbeth Salander known? Millennium REVEAL 8. Where in the United States is the American remake of The Killing set? Seattle, Washington REVEAL 9. Who starred in the 2005 Swedish TV version of Wallander? Krister Henriksson REVEAL 10. And which actor played the title role in Wallander's British remake? Kenneth Branagh REVEAL 11. Who directed the Danish film A Royal Affair, which is released in cinemas on Friday? Lars von Trier REVEAL 12. What is the anglicised name of Den som dræber, which was broadcast in this country on ITV3? Those Who Kill REVEAL 13. What condition does The Bridge's Saga Noren suffer from? Asperger's Syndrome REVEAL 14. Which novelist created the character Kurt Wallander? Henning Mankell REVEAL 15. In which Danish city was The Killing filmed? Copenhagen REVEAL 16. In which Stieg Larsson film adaptation does Lisbeth Salander start writing her autobiography? The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest REVEAL 17. Which channel broadcast Sebastian Bergman in the UK? BBC4 REVEAL 18. Name the Scandinavian drama about a New York mobster which was Netflix's first original series: Lilyhammer REVEAL 19. Which British sitcom featured a cameo from Sarah Lund in 2011? Absolutely Fabulous REVEAL 20. Which James Bond actor starred in the US remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo? Daniel Craig REVEAL Scores: 15-20:Tillykke! ("Congratulations!" in Danish). But with a score this good you probably knew that already. You really know your Scandi-onions. 10-14: Utmärkt ("Excellent" in Swedish). You might not be quite as on the ball as Sarah Lund, but you're not far off. 5-9: Rom for forbedring ("Room for improvement" in Norwwegian, at least according to Google Translate). Don't worry though - a few more nights in front of BBC4 should set you right. 0-4: Poor ("Bloody awful" in English). Never mind, there's lots of other stuff on the box besides Scandi-dramas. Maybe you're stronger on movies? Have a bash at our movie taglines quiz and let's win you back some self-esteem... Like this? Share it. Facebook Twitter Google Tumblr Pinterest Blogger Reddit VKontakt Print Email


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By Gillian Vine
A weekend celebrating a century of Presbyterian Support Otago was an opportunity to renew acquaintances and exchange stories, and also learn about the current work of the organisation, chief executive Gillian Bremner says.
At the beginning of the 20 th century, life was harsh in Dunedin for those on the margins. In the absence of any government assistance, there was a need for charitable relief in the form of food, clothing and medical care. The plight of orphaned and neglected children moved a group of deaconesses, headed by Sister Mary McQueen, to open a series of children's homes under the banner of Presbyterian Social Services Association (PSSA), now Support.
Their work marked the beginning of a developing social conscience and the recognition that the Presbyterian community had a role to play in alleviating social ills.
That vision for Otago was New Zealand's fi rst and the services provided so successful that it was replicated throughout the country.
The first centennial function, on September 22, was the launch of a history of Support Otago, Making a Difference by Jane Thomson and Ian Dougherty. Launching the book, former Support Otago director the Rev Ken Irwin said: "I salute Jane Thomson, who died while working on the book. Thanks to Jane, there's a framework and a precision… that makes a platform for the book."
About 130 people attended the launch, at which copies of the book were given to life members, board members and special guest Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin, who spoke of his involvement with Support, including his present role as a member of its Ethics Committee.
On the Saturday evening, Lin Hatfield Dodds, national director of UnitingCare Australia and president of the Australian Council of Social Services was the speaker at a centennial dinner. She spoke on the role of a faith-based social service agency.
The following morning, 400 people gathered at First Church for a thanksgiving service, a feature of which was a procession of 12 banners made over the past year to depict a locality, group of people or area of Support service.
As well as the continuing redevelopment of Ross Home, Support continues its work with children and young people through its new initiative, Family Works. Children, young persons and their families, through such services as the Buddy programme, Cameron Centre welfare and counselling, and YouthGrow. A unique youth training programme teaching horticultural and retailing skills, those at YouthGrow are paid proper wages, not just training rates.
Family Works is also responsible for research and advocacy programmes to tackle issues of poverty and the need for adequate housing for low-income families.


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SOPRANO, 14, MAKES TOWN HALL DEBUT; Elaine Malbin, Brooklyn Schoolgirl, Delivers Numbers With Surprising Poise
Elaine Malbin, 14-year-old soprano, who is a high school student of Brooklyn, made her debut in a recital given before a large and responsive audience yesterday afternoon in Town Hall. It was unusual for so young a vocalist ...
April 01, 1945
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Looking to play tennis and enjoying beautiful Sacramento weather. I am down for Saturday or Sunday. Let me know if any one is excited and interested in playing tennis.
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We hope you'll visit us again and again. Sweet Couture is focused on providing high-quality product and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet and exceed your expectations.
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- 1 large sweet potato (1 pound), peeled
- 1/2 cup matzo meal
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 1 1/4 teaspoons wasabi paste
- 1 1/4 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peppery sprouts, such as radish sprouts
- 2 ounces wasabi tobiko (see Note)
In a food processor or on a box grater, coarsely grate the sweet potato. In a large bowl, combine the matzo meal with the sugar, flour, salt, baking powder, cayenne and pepper. Stir in the egg, egg white and milk. Stir in the sweet potato.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until shimmering. Drop packed teaspoons of the sweet potato mixture into the skillet and flatten them with the back of a spoon. Cook the latkes over moderately high heat until the edges are golden, about 1 1/2 minutes; flip and cook until golden on the bottom, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato mixture, adding more oil as needed.
In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche with the wasabi paste, rice vinegar and salt. Arrange the latkes on a platter and top each one with the wasabi cream, a pinch of sprouts and a little tobiko. Serve warm.


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Part-Time For State Lawmakers?
People will start circulating the petitions to try to get the issue of a Part-time Legislature on the ballot in November.
Norman Kammaraad tells WOOD Radio that his committee wants to "restore" our state government to the "citizen-driven" legislature it used to have. He says, "Five decades of failed policies, failed economy, and more than a million people leaving the state" are proof that full-time lawmaking failed.
He says "independent polling" shows 85 percent of Michigan voters want a part-time legislature.
He says his group wants to collect more than 400,000 signatures to get the proposal on the ballot.


text:
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|26th March 2011, 10:03 PM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Black Hole in your listening room; room treatment
Hey Guys,
I went to Audio World '11 today and, during one of the lectures, was shown some sound damping board that blew my mind.
It was about 1.25-1.5 inches thick, the front side of which was veneered and had tiny holes in it while the back looked like a thin piece of MDF with much larger holes in it. Upon looking through it, I couldn't see any light through it so obviously there's something going on inside of it, but it was amazingly light; kinda like holding a frame made of balsa wood.
Anyways, the room was really noisy (people chatting, projector fan, etc) and when I held this board 12" away from my ear (veneered/tiny holed side) the room went completely quiet; ALL background noise disappeared. It was the most amazing thing that I'd never not heard. It was like there was a black hold next to my ear absorbing all of the background noise and the speaker's voice (the guy speaking at the front of the room) was the only thing I could hear.
I got my wallet out ready to buy as much of it as I was sure to be unable to afford but was (thankfully) told that it was still under development and wasn't available on the market and what he had was a sample given to him by the company that's developing the concept.
Unfortunately, I forgot to write down the name of the designer [and have since forgotten] but are all room treatments this dramatic or does it sound like I'm exaggerating (which, I assure you, I'm not... it really was that good)? I was told that it's not useful for lows but it works great for mids/highs.
What really impressed me was that not only was it really effective at killing the errant sound bouncing around the room, it looked amazing with the wood veneer on the front... it is definitely something that would be wife-approved, on looks alone.
This was the first time I'd heard something like this so I'm not sure if this kind of experience with room treatment solutions is common. Does anyone know what this stuff is or if this experience is pretty common with room treatments?
|27th March 2011, 08:05 AM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Blackburn, Lancs
This may be similar.
|27th March 2011, 10:27 AM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Yes, those are very similar and might even be the company that does them.
The stuff that I was holding had holes that were about 0.5mm wide and 2-4 mm apart so it became difficult to see the holes from not too far a way (10 feet or so). The smallest holes on that one are 1.5mm wide and 8mm apart.
But net-net is that it's pretty close. I think I might buy a few and make some panels for the livingroom (provided that they are not prohibitively expensive that is).
PS - I found another company that does them also: Timber Veneered Acoustic Panels from Salex Acoustics
But 67mm thickness is about twice that of the panels that I saw.
|27th March 2011, 02:33 PM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jackson,michigan
Those are very nice looking panels indeed and I bet rather pricey aswell.
They use a technique called "perforated panel absorber" and "Helmholtz resonators" and are very effective in reducing room reverberations.
Much nicer looking than some of the common charcol grey egg crate foam (like sonex ) that I used in my studio back in 1995.
Let me introduce you to the book " The Master Handbook of Acoustics 3rd edition" by F. Alton Everest from Tab Books, ISBN 0-8306-4438-5 AND ISBN 0-8306-4437-7 (pbk.)
This book is loaded with data and how to's of construction of such panel absorbers as well as many other types.
Such as Quadratic diffusers, slot diffuser, diagphram absorbers ,helmotz resonaters,tube traps for bass, how to properly build walls, aswell as an overwelming ton of data on material absorbtion and reflection coeffceints.
You name it,it is in that book.
I call it the bible (if you will) on sound room treatment.
Using the data from this book (mainly, aswell as few few others) is what I used to transform my house into a recording studio.
The sound we got rivaled many (if not all) of the local studios in my area and I,m not talking about your average garage band studio.
I'm talking about ones that were well built and well thought out and executed.
On several ocassions a,vocalist or guitarist or the engineer himself, would come by to check the place out and say "what did you do? We can't seem to get the same sound that I got over here at my place and we tried everything ,what are we doing wrong?" ( and of course I would say "why are you recording over there in the first place ha,ha,ha,ha") sorry I don't mean to gloat a bit ,but, facts are facts and that is a true story as we were very good friends with all of the local musicians and recording studio people , some very famous.
But all joking aside it was all because of that book.
Aswell as this one "Sound System Engineering 2nd edition by Don & Carolyn Davis" from SAMS, ISBN 0-672-21857-7 .
Both of these are execelent and are a must have on anyones bookshelf intrested in audio. jer
|28th March 2011, 07:09 PM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
@geraldfryjr - Amazon thanks you, SWMBO glares at you angrily and I'm stuck somewhere in the middle.
|29th March 2011, 12:02 AM
diyAudio Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jackson,michigan
Well,ya gotta have whatcha gotta have.
I have one other good book around here too but it is still in a box somewhere when I find I'll just pdf it for you and send it to ya super mail,how's that. jer
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Originally posted on CBC Music by Andrea Ratuski on Jun 17, 2013
Chris Foley is a senior examiner and teacher at the Conservatory and an avid blogger on playing piano, so he has a pretty good idea of what goes into a successful exam. Here are his dos and don'ts, in his own words.
DO choose repertoire that you love.
Let's face it: if you're going to be spending months learning and perfecting a piece, it should be quality rep that has some kind of resonance for you. Taking the time to learn a wide variety of rep every year is a big help. The 2008 piano syllabus (the latest edition) also has suggestions at each grade for popular repertoire, teacher's choice and substitutions. Taking advantage of these can help you to find works that inspire you to a new level of intensity
DO memorize your music.
For most disciplines, there are marks to be earned for performing repertoire from memory. For example, in grades 1–7 piano exams, you get two extra marks just for playing your pieces from memory. In other words, even if you choke in your Sonatina, play it from memory and you still get the extra two marks. On the other hand, in the higher grades you can often get burned with mandatory mark deductions if you use the score.
DON'T neglect your technical requirements.
Just as most martial arts consist of a mix of punches, kicks and throws, music consists largely of scales, chords and arpeggios. Practising your grade's technical requirements can help you to not only get a better mark, but gain a better understanding of the building blocks of the pieces you play. Not to mention the pride of being a technical master of your instrument.
DO work on your ear tests and sight reading.
Royal Conservatory exams are all about building the complete musician. Working on your ear tests can help you develop that all-important faculty of discerning musical detail. Being a confident sight reader can help you drastically minimize the amount of time needed to learn a piece and experience a lifetime of discovering new and interesting music. And did I mention that these are worth as much as 20 per cent of the final mark?
DON'T play too fast.
Getting high marks on rep isn't just about speed. It's about notes, rhythms, steady pulse, beauty of tone and knowledge of musical style. If you've spent time learning about articulations in baroque dance forms, balance in sonatinas, and rubato in Chopin, chances are much greater you'll be able to get your marks into the stratosphere for each piece.
DON'T leave practising to the last minute.
I'm no fan of last-minute preparation. The earlier you learn your notes and get your program off the ground, the earlier your teacher will be able to work on artistry and fine-tuning. Instead of yelling, "Learn the bloody notes!," your teacher will be advising, "A little more aquamarine at bar 25, please."
DO run through your program in advance.
Each exam follows a specific order of events. For example, most piano exams are either technique/studies/repertoire/ear/sight or repertoire/studies/technique/ear/sight. Find which order works for you and do practice runs with your teacher. Once you get comfortable with the flow in practice exams, the real thing will be like just another dry run, with far less panic.
DON'T arrive late.
Come on, people. If you show up late, you're holding up not only the examiner, but the rest of the day's exams as well. Worse yet, you might even lose your exam time. A best practice is to allow plenty of time to check in, use the restroom and compose yourself for the main event.
DON'T wear cut-off jeans and a Rolling Stones T-shirt.
What you wear won't affect your final mark, but it sends a clear impression to the examiner about your commitment and attitude. It's better to wear something professional. You'll feel like a winner and show the examiner that you mean business.
DO take your time during the exam.
Examiners have busy days. I will often hear more than 25 people daily, and one of my job skills is staying on time through the morning and afternoon. That being said, don't let the examiner rush you. If you need a few extra seconds to find the dominant seventh of B major or to take a breath before you start your Bach invention, take that time. Your composure and focus are more important than anything else once you're in the room.
Best of luck to everyone playing, accompanying, and organizing Royal Conservatory exams this June!
Dr. Chris Foley is a pianist, teacher, vocal coach, and blogger. Chris is a Senior Examiner for RCM Examinations and a member of the Studio Company at Tapestry New Opera, where he's involved in the creation, rehearsal, and performance process of many new works for the opera stage. Over the last few years, Chris has also adjudicated numerous festivals. Full Bio
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Journalism Without Walls in China
About the Program
Journalism in China is part of "Journalism Without Walls," a program of Stony Brook University's School of Journalism. It provides journalism students an opportunity to learn their craft outside the classroom. The goal is to provide student journalists with a broader and deeper understanding of the world. Previous projects have included: A week-long exploration of Havana; a month-long exploration of St. Petersburg and Northern Russia and a three week long journey along China's legendary Silk Road.
Learn about modern China in the Greater Beijing area, now one of the important regions of the world. This program is based at Communications University of China, one of the country's leading communication universities. Students will not only explore Beijing, a city of 20 million people rich in history and culture; they will also explore the important region around the city, including the Great Wall.
This program is designed to expose students to the rich complexity of modern China and to teach students how to report and publish sophisticated stories from the road, using the latest in media technologies, including laptops, cellphones and iPads. Students' work will be professionally published on the Journalism School's web site. In addition to meeting real Chinese people from all walks of life - including Chinese journalists, students will also learn about Chinese media and culture.
Course of Study
- JRN 390 Special Topics: Issues in Contemporary Journalism (3 credits)
- JRN 487 Independent Study (3 credits)
Map It!
Course Information
Various Locations in Beijing
|Language of Instruction
|Language Proficiency
|Program Type
Group experience led by SBU faculty
|Program Dates
June 4th - June 25th
|Living Arrangements
Students are housed in shared hotel-style accommodation throughout their stay
2.0 GPA and above
|Other Requirements
|Application Deadline
March 1st
Program Cost
|Application Fee
|Tuition Rate
|$270 per credit for NY residents ; $988 per credit for non-residents
|Program Fee
|Administrative Fee
|$200 (non-refundable)
|International Health Insurance
|Included in the Program Fee
|Other Fees
|Travel Costs
Estimated Airfare: TBA. All student participants will travel together to the study abroad site. Students who do not abide by this policy may be dismissed from the program.
Costs are estimates for planning purposes of the student and are subject to change at any point.
Program Highlights
- Meet Chinese people from all walks of life, including journalists and students.
- Learn how to interview and write or produce sophisticated international stories.
- Learn how to compile professional multimedia reports.
- Learn how to publish your work in a way the world can read and see.
- Learn about modern Chinese media and culture.
More Information
Credits earned on this program will calculate toward a student's GPA at Stony Brook University. Non-SBU students are advised to check their home university policy on grade and credit transfer.
Links and ResourcesView WebsiteApply Now
Contact Information
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, N.Y.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, N.Y.


text:
Flensburger Brewery
Premium-quality beers from Northern Germany
500 years of German Purity Law
Learn more about the origin of the world's oldest food law and how it provides the basis for all of our Flensburger beers.
Let's talk about six
Since our foundation in 1888 we brew our fine beers in accordance with the German Purity Law. The premium quality of our Flensburger beers is not only due to our more than 125 years of brewing expertise but also to our carefully selected raw materials, such as the barley malt from Northern German coastlines as well as the soft water from our own glacier spring. The distinctive plop' sound when opening a bottle of Flens has long been our trademark and stands for the inimitably fresh and rich taste of our independent brewery's beer.
Our History begins in 1888
There were good reasons why five citizens of Flensburg signed the document that set up the Flensburg Brewery on 6th September 1888. They had found an ideal site, a glacier spring with crystal-clear water for brewing and a way of obtaining the ice needed for the lagering cellars ...


text:
Phwoar, look at the varnish on that!
A new poll has found that British people find the sight of a spick-and-span house more satisfying than sexual intercourse with another human being.
The results, which also revealed that a clean home was valued above going on holiday, or socialising, will spark fears that mankind is losing sight of its evolutionary imperative to go forth and procreate.
36 per cent of people polled by household appliance manufacturer Beko said that a tidy home was their greatest pleasure, compared to just 18 per cent who chose sex.
Here on the IV Drip we feel compelled to add something to the scientific literature around this topic, so have prepared the following test. HOUSE or HOTTIE?
Now, stop your quivering, and tell us - where do you stand? The passing joy of human flesh, or the eternal satisfaction of cleanliness?


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Positive Feedback ISSUE 68
New Releases from PentaTone, NCA, Sony, Tudor, and
Franz Liszt. Piano Concertos No.1 and No.2 plus Totentanz and Fantasy on Hungarian Folk Tunes. Orchestra: Radio Symphony of Berlin. Conductor: Alain Altinoglu. Pianist: Nareh Arghamanyan. PentaTone PTC SACD 5186 397
This is the first one I chose to listen to this month. The reason was simply that it had been a long time since I had gotten to hear Liszt's piano pieces for piano plus orchestra. Arghamanyan recently reviewed by me of Rachmaninov's piano pieces had me hoping for the same degree of success with Liszt's extroverted show pieces. Actually it has been quite some time since I had gotten to hear Liszt's outstanding piano music. He was a showoff performer and outstandingly good and some of his compositions were tough enough to create problems for other performers and he knew it. I believe that the above listed Totentanz was one of those compositions. As I listened, the feeling that these performances were audibly not quite the equal of her previously released recording. I think I was expecting the sound quality to be its equal and recorded at the same time. It is good, very good but repeated listening revealed it not to be its equal. That happens when even if the recording engineers are the same, the other factors such as a different setting just can not sound exactly the same. In this case the other location in the Netherlands was probably a bit better and the engineers captured that. As usual the PentaTone SACD recording is excellent though not quite the equal of their very best. There is a slight lack of mid- bass palpable fullness, richness and presence, though not enough to prevent recommendation and it deserves and it now has it.
Franz Liszt. Orgelwerke (Organ Works) Vol. No.1. Organist: Martin Haselbock. NCA 60157-215 SACD Hybrid CD
Slightly different organ recording, as no effort is made to appeal to audiophiles. A nice variety of attractive music for music lovers with beautiful recorded audio quality. Most of the compositions are not well known, just good music by Liszt. So music lovers can simply listen and enjoy. Natural sound quality is offered as it should be, so enjoy it all, music lovers. Performances and audio quality are both quite excellent, no caveats needed… and it is full range..
Gustav Mahler. Symphony No.7. Orchestra: Bamberger Symphony. Conductor: Jonathan Nott
The fine combination of Nott conducting the Bamberg symphony results in an almost relaxed version of this fine large scale Mahler symphony. Together they make this Mahler seventh possibly the easiest version to allow the melodies to be fully enjoyed while pretty much playing it straight and widely appealing and letting the melodies to be easily grasped. A fine recommendation is easily awarded and many may now find serious enjoyment with an unexpected selection. The usual excellent playing of the Bamberg Symphony with Nott conducting as would be expected. Easily recommended with excellent audio quality, also as expected. Consistency is so nice to find in reviews.
American Harp. John Williams: The Lanes of Limerick. Hannah Lash: Stalk (world premiere). Lowell Liebermann: Music for Harp Op.116 (premiere). Stephen Paulus: Bereuse (world premiere). Norman Dello Joio: Bagatelles. John Cage: In a Landscape. Elliott Carter: Bariolage. Harpist: Yolanda Kondonassis. Azica Records CD ACD-7128
Do not automatically dismiss this unique recording of some new contemporary recordings by some of America's best living composers. What comes to mind when you think of music for the harp and played on the harp? Well, you are wrong this time. Contemporary, modern, or avant-garde invades music for solo harp here. New or different is how much of these unique compositions will sound to you. At times you may not even tell what instrument is playing. You may be shocked or simply intrigued. See if you, modern and harp make a threesome. It certainly is different and unique. Much of the time I could not begin to guess how well the recording was treating the harp. Definitely appealing to those who like or love "different".
More Immortal Beloved (Starring Gary Oldman). (Featuring more music from the film plus other great Beethoven classics). Excerpts from Symphonies No.3,Eroica, No.5 No.6 Pastoral, and No.9 Choral. Violin concerto plus string quartet Op130. Sony SK62616
More of the music from the soundtrack of Immortal Beloved plus a variety of other Beethoven compositions not heard on the movie soundtracks. We could almost call this a Beethoven sampler album though I think it misses that unique album designation. Probably best recommended for those searching with more Beethoven compositions in mind. Overall quality is surprisingly good. If you liked the original film sound track you should like this one also that's why the made it though it is a bit more on the serious classical side and if it helps you to enjoy classical music, that is just great, enjoy!
Szymanowski. Symphonies No.1and No.2. Orchestra: London Symphony. Conductor: Valery Gergiev. LSO Live SACD Hybrid 0731
The composers name is sure a new one and if you think it is a Polish name you are correct. You might remember that the word "polish" changes drastically "Polish" when capitalized. Basically I am treating his two symphonies as if they were one. The first contains only two movements. Karol Szymanowski's second symphony seems to have about nine movements. Listening to this fine recording you just might have trouble knowing just where you are listening. None of his symphonies has the traditional four movements. These two have some rather contemporary passages though not to extremes. Each of them are pretty much as with the classical music you are used to, though not completely. You should be able to listen your way through 'new classical' music that your friends may have never heard. Try it, the audio quality is simply just fine with a few audiophile show off passages.
Stravinsky. The Firebird (Complete Ballet). Fireworks. Orchestra: Seattle Symphony. Conductor: Gerard Schwarz. Naxos CD 8.571221
Excellent all around audio quality from deep bass to fine details of ambience as from the original of the Delos recording of some years ago. Still extremely good with solid palpable detailed listening quality. The performance is equally solid and excellent as is common with Schwarz. Definitely recommended. The LSO Live recording of Szymanowski will probably arrive in a couple of days at a few dealers..!


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I'm running out the door to the dentist, so this Wednesday is also going to be almost wordless! This is a new baby quilt, which started around 10pm the other night when inspiration took hold of me and commanded I start cutting. What are you gonna do? Argue with inspiration?
The aftermath - around midnight!
Looking for things has already proven to be great fun!
Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced...


text:
When people enter the new home of Carnegie Mellon Qatar in Doha's Education City, they're often overwhelmed by the structure's beauty. And coming this year, they'll also be greeted with "hello" or "marhaba" from a robot named Hala.
"Hala," whose name means "welcome" in all Arabic dialects, is the new "roboceptionist" in Education City. A "sister" robot to "Tank," who debuted at Newell-Simon Hall on the Pittsburgh campus in September 2005, Hala is part of a new project sponsored by the Qatar National Research Fund and Qatar's Undergraduate Research Experience Program to investigate human-robot interaction in a mixed cultural setting.
She's able to answer questions in English and Arabic about both Education City and Carnegie Mellon's home campus in Pittsburgh. Brett Browning, a senior systems scientist with the Robotics Institute in Qatar, says the goal was to devise robots that can interact with visitors in culturally appropriate ways.
Using cameras and pattern recognition software, Hala can detect whether an approaching guest is male or female. She's also able to tell if someone is wearing traditional Gulf dress or Western clothing. That helps to determine whether she initiates a conversation in English or Arabic. Because gestures and facial expressions carry different meanings to Arabic and English speakers, Hala is also tuned to react in culturally sensitive ways, Browning says.
Hala is being developed by an inter-campus, multi-national team. In Pittsburgh, the team includes Reid Simmons--research professor of robotics and developer of Carnegie Mellon's first roboceptionist in 2004--and robotics doctoral student Maxim Makatchev. The Qatar team includes associate teaching professor Majd Sakr; Browning; and research staff Ameer Abdulsalaam, Imran Fanaswala and Wael Al Ghazzawi. Undergraduate students Hatem Alismail (CS'09), Keghani Kouzoujian (CS'09) and Wadha Al-Adgham (CS'09) also contributed.
Alismail and Kouzoujian went to Pittsburgh in the summer of 2008 to work alongside the creators of Tank. "I wanted to learn more about robots and get more involved in research," Kouzoujian says. "The roboceptionist allows us to put things into action in a way that will have a lasting impact on campus. And it's pretty cool, too."
Hala has a pan-Arabic personality--her gestures reflect a variety of middle Eastern influences instead of one specific nation or culture--and speaks without a local dialect. The team made her female since most students at Education City are women.
Although Hala isn't mobile, Browning envisions the day when she might have wheels that allow her to move freely around the building. "Not only could she tell people where they needed to go, she could actually show them," he says.
Browning also hopes the Hala project and the monetary support from the Qatar Foundation will entice other students to join the culture of research being cultivated in Qatar. "This is just the start of introducing robots to the Gulf," he says. "Qatar is a society that is transforming itself in an unprecedented way. It's a great place for robots and artificial intelligence to have a huge impact."
Jason Togyer | 412-268-8721 | firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
WRAPUP 4-Fuel to Paris reduced as French protests escalate
* Supply cut at fuel pipeline to Paris
* Airport worker strike grounds some flights
* Police arrest dozens in student protests
(Adds arrests and strike call by Air France union)
By Catherine Bremer
PARIS, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Striking French oil refinery workers shut down a fuel pipeline supplying Paris and its airports on Friday and airport workers grounded some flights as protests mounted to derail an unpopular pension reform.
France's airport operator played down worries of fuel shortages, but strikes at all of the country's 12 refineries and fuel depot blockades prompted motorists to stock up on petrol.
Truck drivers also were set to join the fray as momentum built for a day of street rallies on Saturday.
The widening protests have become the biggest challenge facing President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is struggling with low popularity ratings as he tries to appease financial markets by stemming a ballooning pension shortfall. Continued...


text:
All Six Big Ten Men's Gymnastics Teams Ranked in 2011 GymInfo Preseason Poll
Oct. 14, 2010
All six Big Ten men's gymnastics teams have earned top-10 status in the 2011 GymInfo Preseason Coaches Poll with defending national champion Michigan leading the way at No. 2. The Wolverines tied with top-ranked Stanford for the most first-place votes in the poll, receiving seven.
Reigning Big Ten champion Illinois is not far behind in the top-15 poll, checking in at No. 4. Ohio State makes its 2011 debut at No. 6, followed by Penn State at No. 7, Minnesota at No. 8 and Iowa at No. 10. The 2011 poll marks the 10th straight year that all six Big Ten squads enter the season as top-10 teams.
The 2011 Big Ten men's gymnastics season begins on Jan. 8, as Penn State hosts Army in the first meet of the new year. The five other Big Ten teams open regular-season competition at the Windy City Challenge in Chicago on Jan. 15.
Schools Illinois Indiana Iowa Maryland Michigan Michigan State Minnesota Nebraska Northwestern Ohio State Penn State Purdue Rutgers Wisconsin
Men's Sports Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Gymnastics Hockey Indoor Track & Field Lacrosse Soccer Swimming & Diving Tennis Outdoor Track & Field Wrestling
Women's Sports Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Golf Gymnastics Indoor Track & Field Lacrosse Rowing Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis Outdoor Track & Field Volleyball


text:
School Bus Driver Grabs Student by the Neck
A Levy County school bus driver is suspended after police say she grabbed a ten year old by his neck and dragged him off the bus. Williston police are investigating what they say were the unusual actions of a school bus driver trying to break up a fight between elementary school kids on a bus January 14th.
According to police a fight broke out on the back of the bus at 7:30am in front of Williston Elementary as students were being dropped off. When the driver went back to break it up, she was elbowed by another student. Soon after, police say, she grabbed the ten year old boy by the neck and dragged him off the bus.
Investigators say the boy had been in trouble on the bus before, but that this was the first time in twenty years the driver had done anything questionable. The driver has been suspended with pay until the investigation is complete. The boy is back in school.
Related Stories
- Private School Bus Company Meets with Bus Drivers
- Report: 15-Year-Old Race Car Driver Broke Neck, Suffered Severe Head Trauma
- School Officials: Bus Driver Broke the Rules
- Alachua County School Bus Drivers Get Small Pay
- Driver hurt, kids OK in Lake City school bus crash
- Driver killed after rear-ending school bus
- School Bus Beatdown, Levy County Driver Fired
- Parents say kids aren't safe with school bus driver
- Parents catching drivers pass stopped school bus on video
- 12 Students Hurt in Putnam County School Bus Crash


text:
For great training in Sydney, Australia go to www.bondidojo.com.au for excellent, BJJ, MMA and Muay Thai
No PRIDE. No Life
Beep Beep Beep!!!!!
I'm no gynecologist but I know a cunt when I see one.
When I'm famous I'm going to do an appearance I reckon, someones long lost brother from Britain who doesn't get on with the locals but eventually earns their trust before he gets killed in a surfing accident but leaves a character pregnant ...... you know the usual soap stuff lol
...ideally you will get the surf club renamed after you or some monument of local significance, as a memorial...
"It's all in the hips....It's all in the hips"
Chubbs Peterson (Happy Gilmore)


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X-Men: The Last Stand (also known as X-Men 3 or X3) is a 2006 superhero film, based on the X-Men superhero team introduced in Marvel Comics. The film, distributed by ...Directed by Brett Ratner. With Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart. When a cure is found to treat mutations, lines are drawn amongst the X-Men ...The Battle of the Little Bighorn, known to Lakota as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, and commonly referred to as Custer's Last Stand, was an armed engagement between ...The biggest threat to French free speech isn't terrorism. It's the government. The murders at Charlie Hebdo, while tragic, aren't the problem.'Thank God our children are safe': Three terrorists and four hostages dead but - amid the carnage - a moment of heart-wrenching relief Hostages pictured fleeing ...Directed by Edward Zwick. With Ken Watanabe, Tom Cruise, William Atherton, Chad Lindberg. An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to ...Pain Francais (French Bread) From Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Volume Two by Julia Child and Simone BeckFunniest French Comedies. List of comedy movies from France organized by rating, year and laugh-o-meter. Includes reviews.Benjamin Freedman Welcome to The French Connection and Daryl Bradford Smith's Zionist Studies Program. We are the anti-Zionist's "think tank." We are an important ...Formula1.com uses cookies to help give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to browse this site you give consent for cookies to be used.
the last stand french
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Rating: 2.3/5 (Total votes: 48)
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This is a variation on the Salty Dog and the Greyhound created at Ruby, a cutting-edge cocktail bar in Copenhagen. The name, in fact, refers to a Danish long-distance bus called the Graahundbus, or "Greyhound bus." The original calls for a dill-based aquavit from a local micro-distiller rather than the usual caraway-based aquavits you find in the United States. However, Spirits columnist Jason Wilson says that widely available brands such as Linie, Aalborg or Krogstad work well, though he recommends garnishing with a sprig of fresh dill.
Servings: 1
- Ice
- Salt, to garnish the glass
- 1 ounce aquavit
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, preferably ruby red
- 1 ounce Campari
- Sprig fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
Fill a mixing glass halfway with ice. Rim an old-fashioned or rocks glass with salt, then fill it with ice.
Combine the aquavit, grapefruit juice and Campari. Stir vigorously, then strain into the salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish with the dill, if desired.
Recipe Source
Adapted from Ruby, a cocktail bar in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Tested by Jason Wilson and Michael Taylor.
Email questions to the Food Section at firstname.lastname@example.com.