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Before the days when every show was either centred around cooking, gardening or interior design There was nothing much in the way of reality shows on the television. However one programme which became a massive success and paved the way for interior design esqe programmes was changing rooms.
Changing rooms was aired on bbc. It was presented by a very young and smiley Carol Smiley. Basically the remit of the show was that two sets of neighbours would each be given a £500 budget and a interior designer in order to decorate the other couples room.
This show was where the likes of Lawrence Llywellyn Bowen and Linda Barker were first introduced to the viewers. All have now gone on to be household celebrities. But back in the day they really were dipping their toes in the interior designing water. Obviously with just £500 budget. Often the makeovers would end up disasterous. Many a time there would be tears shed. I think this is what made the show so popular.
Everything was made out of mdf. This was left up to cockney carpenter Handy Andy who also became a household name due to his wide boy personality. It just shows how popular this show became as Handy Andy brought out a cheesy remake of if I had a hammer and made it on to top of the pops.
Lawrence LLywellyn Bowen was always the flamboyant designer trying to turn a one bedroom in a flat into a guild enclustered boudoir. I used to laugh to myself at the body language of the participants when they realsied that Lawrence was going to make over their room. You could see the contimplation of making a run for it flash through their eyes.
The worst disaster of changing rooms which will forever be ingrained into my mind involved designer Linda Barker. She in all her wisdom decided to have a free hanging cabinet made out of mdf in order to display the owners priceless collection of tea pots. The room was left in order for revealing but just before they were due to go in they heard a huge smash and found the hanging cabinet had dismantled smashing every last tea pot on the way down!!!
I remember watching the show open mouthed. Feeling really awful for giggling slightly. (well I was only a kid.) but this was just cringeworthy television at it's best.
In all fairness this show was groundbreaking. It had everyone discussing colours and fabrics. Things that people wouldnt have had conversations about before. There was a huge surge in sales in diy stores where viewers were inspired to try out different colours in paints and fabrics.
This show also had a great fun element too it as well. The atmosphere was very informal which often led to some fun elements within the show. Carol Smilie was really fantatsic on this show. Her warmth and empathy really helped make the show more special.
Say what you like about changing rooms. Some of the designs were really awful. But this show was a groundbreaker in paving the way for interior design shows we have today. At the time this show was fresh and different and offered something exciting. I don't think I had ever seen a show of this kind before. Even as a young girl I would be filled with anticipation, wondering what the rooms would turn out like.
The show was also very honest. It didn't try to edit out the mistakes or skirt over the woman crying cause all her tea pots were smashed to smitherines!! No it was honest enough to admit it had made mistakes and offered the viewers an opportunity to see what was really going on.
Changing Rooms.
Even though it has been some years since i last saw this I can still recall it very well, It was a do it yourself programme with a twist , the twist being that it was two couples who swapped houses and redesigned a room in each others houses. It was presented by Carole Smille whom I think can be blamed for giving us the likes or Lawrence LLewlyn-Bowen , and various other so called interior designers, and not to mention poor old handy Andy.
Handy Andy was shared between the interior designers and if i may so managed to come up with some rather great pieces, in such a short time, it would amaze me if any of his creations were still standing ...actually come to think of it I think one actual piece of his work did collapse on the show ,sending some womans collection of Tea pots crashing to the floor!
But I do have to say I did find it enjoyable , so much so i even subscribed to the shows magazine and do have every issue, but flicking through it all that i tend to see is stencil upon stencil, which Is another thing we have to be thankful for , the good old stencil, how it can change a bare wall in to a master piece.
Although this programme has now finished I have to say what a loss it has been, the show was really entertaining , it used to make me sit on the sofa hiding behind the cushion as it came to the unrevealing of each others room , the one that really sticks out I think will be the room that was painted all in red with the checkered floor and the woman burst in to tears!
That really was the start i think of car crash TV , and I know it was at someone elses misfortune but after the initial shock I did chuckle to myself, I wonder if she is still friends with the couple she swapped with?
There was the occasional room that they reall did turn around and make better than what it was before the teams got to work and if i was in anoyone of the contestants shoes one room being decorated would get me on a mission to do the whole house, especially if it was decorated really well.
Overall if i could have a wish granted where a programme was concerned aswell as having Birds of a feather bought back this too would have to be in the running , It showed us the way to stencil and how to decorate sometimes elaborately but also did give us the stencil and the odd occasional short cut and some fantastic tips on how to jazz up a boring piece of furniture!
I must admit, the idea behind Changing Rooms seems to be pretty sound - until you see them in action and realise that most of what they do is like a cheap fix, a lot of it is tacky and that some people have actually disliked the new look so much they've actually had to redecorate all over again.
Carole Smillie, all teeth and smiles, introduces each half hour session where two couples - friends, neighbours or family - nominate a room in their home that the other (armed with a budget of £750 and a team of some of the most AWFUL interior designers known to man) will redecorate over the next 48 hours...
These designers, two of whom - Anna Ryder-Richardson and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, seem to have achieved some kind of celebrity status and yet one has to wonder why because most of what they turn out is awful and absolutely garishly rubbish. That any of the makeovers actually appeal to anyone is beside me, although a recent re-run showed a Japanese style bedroom which did look ok if you like that sort of thing.
The workmanship is very ship-shod, but then again , I guess with a budget of only seven hundred and fifty quid, what do you expect? There really is truth in that you get what you pay for.
Unlike Ground Force, which does seem to achieve some excellent results in the gardening department in the same 48 hour time frame and on limited budgets, indoor decorating takes time and preparation to do properly. You can't just slap a coat of paint over old wallpaper or old cupboard doors and expect perfect results. It doesn't work. Sometimes they've even stapled fabric to walls - give me a break. Do it properly or don't do it at all.
I find the whole team on this show annoying and for the most part, very untalented. I'm at a loss as to how this show ever got the following it did the first time around. If people were watching for d-i-y hints, they could do better by going to the local library and checking out a few books on the subject or looking in some of the many decorating magazines that are out there now. Maybe it was just to laugh at the awful results and to wonder what these people had done to each other to merit such awful makeovers. Maybe I've got it wrong - maybe they just all had awfully bad taste and were really doing their best. Then again, I could be wrong. It might even be that I'M the one with the problem - how silly of me not to think that garish purple and orange don't go together!
Back in the mid nineties this was must watch TV. I had totally forgotten about it until this weekend when I was clearing some books out and came across a changing rooms book I had been given for christmas one year.
The idea of the programme was that two sets of friends would swap houses for a couple of days and with the help of a designer and "Handy Andy" they would redecorate one room in the house with a budget of £500.
This would be no repainting of the wall from beige to mushroom - this would be painting the room bright red, puttling shutters on the windows, removing doors and making anything and everything taht you could possibly think of from MDF.
Some of the changes were readily accepted by the couples when the "big reveal" was done at the end of the programme, but the ones that were the best and funniest were the ones that the couples hated - the one that really sticks in my mind is the bright red and black bedroon that made the couple cry when it was revealed and they said that their bedroom looked like a tart's boudoire.
This was one of the mainstream designer programmes and really made people like Laurence LLewelyn-Bowen, Anna Ryder Richardson and Linda Barker household names. It was presented by Carole Smilie for whom this also became a sprinboard to many other jobs.
This programme whilst now out of vogue did make us all look at our own houses and realise we could do just as well - if not better than many trained designers!!!!!
Well...what can I say about Changing Rooms? A makeover show on the BBC. The presenters/decorators were Carol Smilie; Laurence Lewellynn-Bowen; Linda Barker; Handy-Andy Kane and a few others. The designers created some classy and memorable designs. However they were also guilty of creating some horrendous and revolting desings and many mishaps ensued. One of the most memorable mishaps was when a contestent wanted Linda to design and build some shelves for her valuable collection of Antique teapots. - What a BIG mistake! When they were finished the shelves looked lovely, but when the teapots were put on, the shelves suddenly gave way and all the reapots were runied. - Not one was spared.
When Linda told the woman she was absolutely crushed. - Not only did they have sentimental value; they were also worth a lot of money. - Oh yeah - I am not sure if she had them ensured either. They were irreplaceble. This moments has been shown on various count down lists and outtake shows.
Changing rooms was entertaining, but certainly controversial!
I would never in a million years let the Changing Room team touch any of my rooms - not even the guinea pig's hutch. First of all, they must have a team of a hundred workers out of camera view for all the work to be completed in the time they state. Smiley Smiley Carole Smilley - what a silly woman, flitting from house to houre, and not really doing much except a stint on the sewing machine. And where do they get the paint colours from? Yuck! Last night's programme had some green-tinge paint on a wall, then they shoved some gold paper stuff on it, removed it to leave a beautiful marble effect - ha ha, it looked more like the contents of a baby's nappy. They even covered a lamp shade with a fishnet stocking (yes, really tasteful I know). Then they bound the frame of a cheap mirror with even cheaper off-cuts of leather - oh dear! The only quite good thing last night was a concertina picture. Wife's picture one side and husband's the other, so whichever angle you viewed the picture from you would see either him or her - or, quite alarmingly a blend of both of them if you viewed it in the centre. Maybe if the picture was Brad and Jen it would be ok, know what I mean? A kind of insight into what their kids may look like - scary! I don't really think this programme would inspire you decorating wise - it would just steer you clear of what not to do in your home. Everything they make looks fit to fall apart!
I'm sorry but in some ways changing rooms is ruining my reputation! As a designer myself, I am down to earth but resently people persume that I'm going to rip them off, some think that I would be like Linda barker,Maybe its my hair colour! As for Linda barker she recently did a room in a fantasy theme but when the end results came up she had used tree branches going up a wall and half way across the ceiling, Then she called this design, Not if you have dogs. This woman is only trained in fine arts and all of a sudden shes a Interior designer, maybe shes in a fantasy land herself , " WORKS REALLY REALLY WELL ", I don't think so Linda . As for LAWERENCE He is the best. The rest of the designers are abit more down to earth and not as crazy as Linda barker. Changing rooms is a interesting watch, inspiring, just watch out for the crazy ones.
I feel quite conned. When I first heard of Changing Rooms I pictured a girls sixth form swimming gala with hidden cameras. I am not a happy bunny. What I want to know though is why do they do everything so cheap? I think I would rather save up and get the job done properly. Oh yeah, and why do they stencil everything? Seems a bit weird to me. Would you trust your best mate or neighbour to do up your house? I wouldnt. I know for a fact that he would just put a couple of comfy sofas in my bedroom, a large widescreen TV and a massive fridge full of lager. I would never get rid of him. Especially because I would deck out his pad with freshly laid bandicoot manure and Barney the Dinosaur stencils. Carol Smillie is well fit though. I was chuffed when the Daily Star printed those topless pics of her from her younger days. I knew she was bit a bit of a minx on the quiet. And she has a Scottish accent which helps. Even though she's Scottish. Is it me or have carpet and wallpaper died a death? Its all bare floors and painted walls now. Soon we will all be living in mud huts again. Mark my words. Another thing that gets me is that when they have done everything they always give a price that seems well cheap, but they never take into account that for the audience to do it at home they would have to buy all the expensive tools. For the audience to do the DIY I mean. Actually, is it really DIY if your neighbour does it for you? I dont think it can be. Anyway, thats just about all you can say about Changing Rooms. A bit of a let down really. Unless you catch an episode where the couple obviously hate what has been done to their homes. Heh, heh, heh. Almost makes it worth watching.
Changing Rooms is a well know television program where two couples (usually family, friends, neighbours etc) swap houses and decorate a room in each others house. They are given a budget (£500 I think?!) and have two days to completely change the room. They are each 'given' a designer to work with. These designers are supposed to help but are more like instructors – "we are painting this room vomit green whether you like it or not". There's also Handy Andy who runs between the two teams helping with all of the hard work, i.e. building shelves/television cabinets/walls out of twigs and sticks. Carol Smillie presents the program and also helps out with all material type stuff – covering settees, making cushions/curtains etc. Obviously having such a low budget everything is bought on the cheap. They may get discount on the paint due to the fact that nobody else in their right mind would ever buy these colours and the shop had hundreds of tins of it left. Nothing is secured properly – curtains are put up using staple guns, things are glued on…. I can just imagine everything falling down a week after everyone leaves. I think the object of this program is to make the room look as garish and ugly as possible. The designers may have a secret plot and they are in hysterics afterwards down at the pub when they are discussing their days work, "I made them paint the room green and yellow", "I made some kitchen cabinets out of dirty rusty old chicken wire", and so on. And this is why we love the program. Don't you love it when they open their eyes and they are speechless – because they cannot believe the room could look so bad. And then they try and look pleased, "yes, it's really………nice??!?". We just like to see people upset – admit it! Why else would we have these programs? I think the desig
ners must be given a set of rules before each series starts: 1. Always find the most disgusting colour paint in the shop to use. Never paint the room just one colour and make sure there is something red or green in the room. Never use dull colours and never let the people on the team choose the colour. 2. Paint dries in 20 minutes. 3. Wallpaper does not exist. 4. Neither does carpet – although old thick factory flooring is acceptable. 5. There will always be a better floor underneath the carpet, that's why we put it there in the first place. 6. Staple guns will always hold heavy objects – like bookshelves – in place forever. 7. Glue things into place with superglue because we will never want to move them ever again. 8. Use dirty objects around the room – like beach pebbles that have been sicked on by kids and shat on by dogs. Do not wash them. 9. Always argue over who uses Handy Andy the most. Give him impossible takes to do like building a wooden fire place. 10. Use fairy lights behind wood to act as stars in every room because when one bulb goes we want to take the whole lot down and unscrew them all to find out which one it it. 11. Paint all of our expensive furniture a different colour. We never liked the original colour anyway which is why we bought it. 12. Build big cupboards to hide all of our junk away and then shove everything into it that you couldn't get in the room. 13. Build television cabinets that have closing doors because we never actually use the tele anyway. 14. We like dirty scabby chicken wire to be used in the kitchen next to the food. 15. When the room is finished use lots of fruit and flowers around the room to give it that 'fresh' feeling and to hide all of your mistakes. I would suggest NEVER volunteering to go on this program. Not unless you have just bought a new house and you don't mind it being wrecked.
It is funny watching other people have theirs done though.
what on earth does the BBC ever think that Changing Rooms is fashionable and gives the publis top tips on DIY. The programme is basically about 2 designers with their wacky ideas decorating (or should i say destroying) 2 neighbours houses. The concept sounds good, but the programme is rushed into the weekend - and surely this isn't very practical. A budget of £500 is given to each team and you can tell with the large amounts of MDF being used. When decorating the home i think about actually improving it - not making it look cheap and very tacky - but what do you expect with a can of paint, MDF and Handy Andy! None of the rooms which have be done look as if i want to rush out to the DIY shop and redo my bedroom - some of the things they do look worse than a 5 year old could achieve!
TV Rooms is on as I speak, I am sat here writing about it, as I am watching it. I have watched it over the past year, as I have just started getting in o DIY. It helps me quite alot as it shows me how to do simple DIY jobs such as putting various types of shelves up, and putting curtain rails up! Simple stuff, but it makes things alot easier when you have got something to refer to. Simply record it on video,index it by jobs done on that particular program, and when you need help, its at hand! The show is well presented and is done by a bunch of good looking ladies, and a few handy men. Carol smiley is just plain annoying, living up to her name! The other one, who always wears low cut tops!, is very nice indeed, but dont let that put you off your DIY. The basic idea of the programs is neighbours swap keys for a couple of days, and cahnge eachn others rooms with a budget of £500, they normally go over this by a few quid though! The program flows very nicely, and each section is defined using good graphics, I especially like the end bit, where they some up how much everything cost. The bit at the end is a bit cheesy, when they have to close their eyes, whlst in there new room. It was best when that guy with curly hair , Loi Bowen, did a room in REB and BLACK, and they hated it! And told him so on live TV, quality viewing, turn it on NOW!
Time for a winge I think. I do try to alternate my ops from outrage to wonderment. It keeps me sane and you lot guessing. Changing Rooms. Is it still going? Yes, I'm afraid it is. Do I still watch it? Yes, I appear to. Why? No idea, but probably the comedy factor. There is something quite vindictive about this programme. It seems a little more than bad fate that on each programme someone's lounge is painted the exact same colour that they plain and clearly said they hated. I reel in horror at some of the cheap tricks they try to get away with. Wooden floor? Ooh, bit pricey - anyone got a permanent marker and some bootpolish? Why sew when you can staple? Because it holds it together for longer than the duration of the show - that's why. Fetch me an antique - I'm thinking silver spray and stencils... MDF fireplace with marble paint effect - Mmmm, lovely, but watch out you don't get it near any naked flames! Let's paint the walls lilac - no-one's done that before... AS FOR THE TEAM. Carol Smiley (spellcheck! spellcheck!) saves the day by being blunt and cheerful at the same time. "Hmm, actually I think she said she hated orange? But Hey ho! I'm sure It'll look fab" (Cringe to camera) Laurence - not sure I want to talk about him - I met him once and he was very rude and arrogant. But I will. I was willing him to cut his hair for so long but now wish I hadn't. What a disaster. he's trying to be Duirmurd Gavin (again, sorry, no point spell checking that one) Congratulations, you have transformed yourself into eighties footballer meats cupid, you silly man! As for his crimes against interiors, well, there have been many. He's getting better but still has a nasty evil streak for leaving unfinished bodge jobs. STAY AWAY FROM MY HOUSE! Handy Andy is ne
cessary and suits his role really well as an all round, hard-done-by cheeky chappy. No complaints there. The other designers are fine in their own right. Perhaps a little too much bright pink on the side of the girls and overuse of pastel blue for the guy (what's his name?), but all in all, harmless experimentation. Actually, you know what...I've changed my mind. They can stay. You can paint my Monday nights any colour you like, that's fine. It makes me chuckle, cringe and feel ever so smug. Just don't touch my front room!
Take some nauseous presenters and "designers", add a whole lot of jobs NOT well done and you have the recipe for the disasters that pass as makeovers on this show. If you really think about it, the fact that two of these so-called designers flaunt their double-barrelled names at every turn, and are mired in their own self-importance, should give us all a warning. In the beginning, I do think the show tried to be useful, and Kim wilde guested oen time and her ideas were quite decent ... but does it have to be like panning for gold to get a decent makeover? would I want them in my home? Definitely not! And if I were a true friend or neighbour, would I wish these cowboys on someone I cared about? I think not. I must admit, the idea behind Changing Rooms seems to be pretty sound - until you see them in action and realise that most of what they do is like a cheap fix, a lot of it is tacky and that some people have actually disliked the new look so much they've actually had to redecorate all over again. Carol Smillie, all teeth and smiles, introduces each half hour session where two couples - friends, neighbours or family - nominate a room in their home that the other (armed with a budget of £750 and a team of some of the most AWFUL interior designers known to man) will redecorate over the next 48 hours.. These designers, Anna Ryder-Richardson and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen, seem to have achieved some kind of celebrity status and yet one has to wonder why because most of what they turn out is awful and absolutely garishly rubbish. That any of the makeovers actually appeal to anyone is beside me, although a recent re-run showed a Japanese style bedroom which did look ok if you like that sort of thing. The workmanship is very ship-shod, but then again , I guess with a budget of only seven hundred and fifty quid, what do you expect? There really is truth in that you get what you pay for. Unlike Ground Force, which doe
s seem to achieve some excellent results in the gardening department in the same 48 hour time frame and on limited budgets, indoor decorating takes time and preparation to do properly. You can't just slap a coat of paint over old wallpaper or old cupboard doors and expect perfect results. It doesn't work. Sometimes they've even stapled fabric to walls - give me a break. Do it properly or don't do it at all. I find the whole team on this show annoying and for the most part, very untalented. I'm at a loss as to how this show ever got the following it did the first time around. If people were watching for d-i-y hints, they could do better by going to the local library and checking out a few books on the subject or looking in some of the many decorating magazines that are out there now. Maybe it was just to laugh at the awful results and to wonder what these people had done to each other to merit such awful makeovers. Maybe I've got it wrong - maybe they just all had awfully bad taste and were really doing their best. Then again, I could be wrong. It might even be that I'M the one with the problem - how silly of me not to think that garish purple and orange don't go together!
Come on, now, you really can't hope to get through an entire review of Changing Rooms and not talk about that jerk, Laurence Llewellwyn Bowen, now can you? So, let's get the embarrassing thing out of the way first. As awful television personalities go, Laurence Llewellwyn Bowen (Lewelin, Lewwelynn? Ah, who cares, Lozza will do for the little prat), just doesn't go far enough ... away that is. The man is an absolute joke, a farce, a fey, fawning fop with so little to commend him that you could wrap him up in silver paper and shove him through a key hole. How anyone could dream of making a STAR out of someone like that is totally beyond me, but that's what they've gone and done - Lozza is an awesome MEGASTAR of galactic proportions (as big as his floppy cuffs anyway). Okay, enough, I won't mention him again. The fad for TV makeover programmes daily passes new boundaries - in the beginning there was Ground Force and it washed up, put a bra on and came inside to admire le chaise longue - rechristened Changing Rooms and fronted by Carol Smillie, this has been a runaway, overwhelming hit like you wouldn't believe and is totally absorbing, but you know why don't you? The formula goes like this - two couples (and there's been some pretty tenuous versions of couples I can tell you) swap house keys for the day (Mrs dave27, you better get to bed - this could be a little racey for you - oh, I see, okay, Mrs dave27 you can take the leather off now ... your knuckles I meant) and make over a room in the other party's house in two days for 500 quid. They can't see it until it's finished and each couple gets a designer (well, they say they are, but I have my doubts) to help them realise their worst nightmare. The tension builds to those moments at the end of the show when Carol asks them to open their eyes and tell her what they think. Now you bloody well know what t
hey think don't you, but it's always WOW! Well almost always... you've got to remember that episode where it all went badly wrong and one of the victims took an unreasonably defiant dislike to their charming new abode and said so - classic television. I await the day when a harridan takes the scissors to old Lozza and does a makeover on his cuffs and locks - now that would be worth a view! I love Changing Rooms desperately, but I just wish the couples would be a tad more honest at the end. When they really let their feelings show this is wonderful, addictive telly and you know it's what we're all after - like on You've Been Framed when the women eff and blind.
Changing Rooms is perhaps the best known of the current suite of home makeover programmes currently on television. Presented by Carol Smillie, the basis of the programme is very simple. Two couples - who know each other as friends or family - agree to nominate a room in their house which the other couple then have two days and a budget of £750 to "makeover". The designs are overseen by one of a selection of regular designers, and there is also a resident handyman - "Handy Andy" - to help them do the trickier pieces of work. The show has been running for several years now and boasts a comprehensive catalogue of designed rooms - classic properties, foreign properties, churches - they've all experienced the Changing Rooms phenomenon at one time or another. So is Changing Rooms any good? Nope. Changing Rooms is a self-indulgent exercise in bad taste. Whilst I do not consider myself to have any qualified skills in interior design, I fully understand the principles of "You pay peanuts - you get monkeys". In Changing Rooms, cheap is good - everything should be done by re-using bits of old tat, or finding rolls of fabric whose price is only undercut by their revolting colour. The big failing of most television makeover programmes is that they seem to think that we all want to see how to "recreate that look at minimum cost" - and Changing Rooms leads the way. The limited budget not only extends to the supplies; it gets liberally applied to all the techniques too. Hideous wall paper is seldom removed from a wall - liberal coatings of purple paint are simply applied to its surface - strangely enough this causes a sort of wrinkly, "oh look my wallpaper's gone all bubbly" affect. There is no preparation or methodical work going on here - it's a race against time with every corner cut, shortly before being covered with MDF and sprayed silver. Personally speaking, I like to see thi
ngs done properly - if this means spending some money then so be it. The "designers" have one simple mission. Find out what the room owners hate - and then ensure that this comprises a major feature in the room. If they are told not to use pink, then you can bet your bottom dollar the one colour they will use is pink. "Leave my table alone" equals "Cut the legs off my table and use it as a South Indian mural". If I ever had the misfortune to hire these people they would be fired - or beaten to death with a roll of chenille curtain fabric - whichever was easier. It's always interesting to see what the designers' homes look like - if you've ever seen pictures or interviews, you will know that they never look like their designs. It's a bit like a hairdresser with a bad haircut - very off-putting. I will concede that a couple of the designers are genuinely likeable - Anna Ryder-Richardson is quite mad - but that doesn't increase my liking for the premise behind the show. In fact, most of the designers are rather pretentious - if that's possible with £750. This shows' one saving grace is the last minute - no, not because this means that the show is finally over - but because the contestants reactions have become established as one of those "Will they be honest?" moments that make compelling viewing. In a similar way to Blind Date - where you want the couple to hate each other - you are willing the Changing Room victims to break down, and mourn the loss of their beloved Three Piece Suite. There have been tears; fireworks and swearing as people realise the extent to which their friends have stitched them up. I long to go on the show, and play along for the whole show just to have my 60 seconds of glory, gradually scouring the room and exposing the wobbly bits of wood, peeling off the badly fitted wallpaper and tugging the crappy curtains so that they plop on to my "turtle-waxed floo
r". I have never quite been able to decide the target audience for this show. For those who are interested in interior design, I'm quite sure that most of the programme content is generally considered to be tripe (although I have this suspicion that Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen is revered in many quarters). If you were looking for some DIY tips, I would suggest that 30 minutes in B&Q would be a much wiser use of your time. For serious makeover-addicts, then surely Better Homes with Carol Vorderman is preferable, because they seem to have an unlimited budget. Nonetheless, Changing Rooms has provided great direction for all DIY fans out there. At least they all know how not to do something??


text: Welcome to the meet thread for our cruise! Welcome Aboard Fellow Cruisers! I will update this with everyone's information as you all start joining, as well as itinerary information, fish extender info and anything else related to our cruise! Disney Fantasy Western Caribbean Cruise March 1-8, 2014 [Saturday March 1, 2014: Port Canaveral all aboard 4:00pm Sunday March 2, 2014: At Sea Monday March 3, 2014: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands in port from 11:30am to 4:45pm Tuesday March 4, 2014: Costa Maya, Mexico in port from 1:00pm to 5:30pm Wednesday March 5, 2014: St. Cozumel, Mexico in port from 8:00am to 5:30pm Thursday March 6, 2014: At Sea Friday March 7, 2014: Castaway Cay, Bahamas in port from 9:45am to 4:30pm Port Canaveral http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/bahamas/ports/port-canaveral-florida/ Grand Cayman http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/caribbean/ports/grand-cayman-cayman-islands/ Costa Maya http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/caribbean/ports/costa-maya-mexico/ Cozumel http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/caribbean/ports/cozumel-mexico/ Castaway Cay http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/cruises-destinations/bahamas/ports/castaway-cay/ From the DCL Fantasy Page Building on the classic style of her sister ship, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy" is the regal fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. This 130,000-ton vessel offers: 14 towering decks 1,250 staterooms The capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengersalong with the over 1,450 Cast and Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each day Total ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet Building on the classic style of the previous ships, the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy is a majestic sailing vessel where early 20th-century designrecalling the golden age of cruisingmeets state-of-the-art technology. The cruise liner is designed with families in mind, combining sleek style and convenient facilities with splashes of Disney magic. Year-round, you and your family are invited to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise adventure aboard the Disney Fantasy. Here, you'll find the vast array of comforts, outstanding service and timeless beauty of a ship that's sure to capture your heart and imagination. For current Fantasy Deck Plans, click HERE. Yayasue- Susie 34, DH Billy 34, DS Alex age 9, DS Dylan age 6, DD Emma age 3. Hometown: Chambly, Quebec, Canada. Stateroom: 7102. Main dining. thepoohguy- Paul, DW Robin peja- Renata, DH Michael, DD Mikayla - at time of cruising 8, DS Maro - at time of cruising 6. kayaker35- Karen, DH ED, Hometown: Steuben, Maine Stateroom: 7572 Main Dining Celebrating 47th Wedding Anniversary The Lorax - Stefan, DW Jill, DD Izabella 13 (at time of cruise), DD Juliette 12 (at time of cruise), DD Maya 9 (at time of cruise). Hometown: Saint John, NB Canada Stateroom: 10082 First Disney Cruise! palloma- Liza 39 DH Simon 40 DS Alek 7 DS Kyle (5, but his birthday for 6 will be during the trip) Hometown: Quebec, Canada Stateroom: 8158 DaCharbonneau -Natacha, DH Maxim and DS Julian (at time of cruising 6) Hometown: Carignan, Quebec, Canada. Stateroom 8th Floor. First Disney Cruise! barbeaujo - Josee, DH, DD 12, DS 9. Hometown: Candiac, Quebec, Canada. Stateroom: 9620. Dining: Second Seating. 11th DCL Cruise!! Wow! tmasimmons - Tuesday, DH Michael, DD April 14, DS Thomas 12 Hometown: New Orleans Dining: Second Seating Scillycruisers Marian 49, DH Steve 49, DS 7 Hometown: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall UK Stateroom: 7580 Dining: Second Seating 4th Disney Cruise! FinFam4 - Cheree, DH Tim, DS Keagan 4, DD Brielle 2 travelinfam DH Phil 38, DW Brenna 38, DS Noah 10, DD Rachel 8 and best friends Orley 40 and Ethan 7 Hometown: Chicago, IL Staterooms: 6544 and 6546 Main Dining! jp3848 DH Jason, DW Kristi, DS Jacob 8, DS Jordan 8, Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Stateroom: Deck 8 . Second seating. 5th Disney Cruise! disneycruisegal Lissa, DH Brian Hometown: Massachussetts disneymomoffour Heidi (over 20) DH Don (over 21) DS Deven (18) DD Megan (16) DS Aric (9) Hometown: Monroe, La Staterooms: 6570 & 6572 Main Dining Dltgbates Dave, DW Liz, DS Terry (16) DD Gracey (10) Emily Hometown: Springfield, VA Stateroom: 8590 & 8592 Snowcar Nathan (39), DW Jessica (34) Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Stateroom: 9164 Second Seating scuba1968 Helen, DH Doug, DS Evan (8) Hometown: Waukesha, WI Stateroom: 9560 wehavesix Michele, DH Tom, Hometwon: Monroe, LA Stateroom: 9586 Celebrating 24th Wedding Anniversary! Lightning_McQueen Ashleigh 26 (Arilel_) Ally 27 Hometown: Glasglow, Scotland Stateroom: 7578 Second Seating. Honeymooners! 100percentDisney Kathy, DH Matt, DS David, DDIL Elizabeth, Granddaughter Ellie Hometown: Crawfordsville, IN Stateroom: 7130 & 7132 Ristons DH John 41, DW Lisa 38, DD Kati 19, DS Ally 16, DS Maddi 12 Hometown: Martin, Michigan Stateroom: TBA Second Seating 5th DCL Cruise! Algo DH Alain 48, DW Andrée 43, DD Marianne 12, DS Jérémie 8 Hometown: Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada Stateroom: 8584 pilotwife 02 Dawn 36, DH Michael 40, DS Braydon 7, DS Trevor 6, DS Caleb 3 Hometown: Columbus, OH Stateroom: 9th Deck Second Seating First DCL Cruise! kmcdougan Ashley 39, DW Maggie 40 Hometown: New Orleans, LA Stateroom: 8504 Second Seating JLKruisers Lori, DH Jeff, DD Casi DSIL Jason, DGS Dylon 14, DGD Morgyn 11, DGS Coltyn 7, DGD Logyn 18months, DS Ryan, DDIL Katelyn, DGS Hudson 7, DGD Andersyn 5 Hometowns: Minnestora and North Carolina Staterooms: 7670, 7672, 7674 Second Seating KathleenlovesMickey Celebrating 30th Anniversary tjmstandish DH Troy, DW Jessica, DS Marshall 10 Hometown: Northeastern Pennsylvania Stateroom: 12050 Second Seating ReneeandLori1226 Renee, DW Lori Hometown: West Haven, CT, Stateroom 8148 Second Seating It's A Small World Lori 42, DH Mark 43. DD Lauren 9, DD Kaitlin 7, Hometown: Philadelphia, PA, First Seating 5disneyorbust Marie 36, DH Erik 38, DD Haley 11, DD Emily 7, DS Brady 4 Hometown: Bristol, CT Stateroom: 8056 Travelling with: Cathy, Roberta Hometown: Bristol, CT Stateroom: 8058 goincrusin DH Keith, DD Chloe Hometown: Denham Springs, LA Main Seating tassma Tassma, DH Rick, DS Sebastien 10, DD Annalise 8. Hometown: Wyoming Stateroom: 10068 George Banks, Esq. Jaime, DH Steve, DD Payton 6, DS Drew 6. Hometown: Plainfield, IL Stateroom: GTY paulpad Paul (Grandfather), Cindi (Grandmother), Jen (Mom), DD Brooke 4 Hometown: Natick, MA Stateroom: 9070 mzlisap Idaholion Richard, DW Tanya, DS Sam Stateroom Deck 9, Second Seating theatheys Andrea, DH Stephan, DS Alexander 6, DS Joseph 3 Hometown Calgary, AB Stateroom: 8188 JonesFamilyCruises Emmie, DH Shawn, DS Mason 9, DD Kendra 8 Hometown: Maine Second Seating jckhalfpint Matt, DW Jen, DS Andy 7 Hometwon: WV Stateroom: 12528 First Seating Roll Call: To add your family to the Official Roll Call, please post in the thread as much of the following information as you desire: -Names, Gender and Ages of Cruisers -Hometown -Stateroom(s) -Dinner Seating & Showtimes If you have any questions or wish to add information to your Roll Call Submission, please contact me (yayasue) via PM or by addressing your concerns directly in this thread. Our Cruise Logo! Can be used on Shirts, FE Gifts etc.. Onboard Dis Meet and Group Photo: 3h30 PM EST on Boarding day at CAFE VISTA on the 4th Deck. See you all there! More events to come! ***This Section Under Construction*** Facebook Group http://www.facebook.com/groups/412735672137974/ Fish Extenders: FINAL DATE TO REGISTER FOR THE FE EXCHANGE IS JANUARY 15th 2014 To sign up please include the following information in a PM to yayasue: - Dis Name - Stateroom(s) - Names, Gender, and Ages (at least for the kids, adults' ages optional ) of participants - Last Name (surname, family name). If desired- some FE gifts will be personalized with Last Names! - Hometown (if desired) - Information you think might be helpful such as favorite characters, favorite colors, etc. - Does anyone in your stateroom have an food or other applicable allergies? Our CURRENT Fish Extender Participation List - Group A - Click Here Threads for fish extender info and ideas!!! FE Basics Q and A All you ever wanted to know about FE's and then some (LONG THREAD ALERT!) Homemade FE gifts thread More FE Gift Ideas

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Y-DNA-HAPLOGROUP-I-L ArchivesArchiver > Y-DNA-HAPLOGROUP-I > 2009-06 > 1245073860
From: "Ken Nordtvedt" <>
Subject: [yDNAhgI] 3 New I2a1 SNPs
Date: Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:51:00 -0600
The I2a1 M26+ "Sardinian" haplogroup just got three SNPs from a walk the y search over 118,000 nucelotide sites.
FTDNA has named them L158, L159, L160
I urge members of this clade --- I2a1 --- to test for these snps at FTDNA advanced lab. Price should be the normal snp price in their catalog, I believe.
That will enable us to find out for each of these snps whether they are: A) phylogenetically equivalent to M26, B) robustly divide I2a1 into sub-haplogroups, or C) are private-like and derived only for a recent family group? The odder your I2a1 haplotype the better. I2a1 haplotypes are the ones which normally have that strangely low 11 at YCAIIa and most often the 12-12 at DYS385.
I2a1 is an old clade and broken up into a good number of mini-clades based on STR haplotype motifs. But it has no strong clade divisions based on STRs. It's geography ranges from its stronghold in the western Mediterranean, up through France, and into northwest Europe and British Isles. It is quite rare in Scandinavia. Since the person's dna of the discovery of these three snps was from northern Europe background, Iberian, Italian, or French members of this clade are especially urged to test for these snps.
One of the goals of more snps for I2a1 M26+ is to figure out when and how often I2a1 folks moved north along the Atlantic seaboard from the western Mediterranean after the LGM.
I2a1 branch line left the rest of the y tree 20,000 years ago. So it was a favorable place to search for new snps (chances of success are proportional to branch length of tree being searched over). At the other extreme, some searches are going on in haplogroup I1. This haplogroup's MRCA is only abourt 4000 years old. So expectations in those I1 searches should be restrained by comparison.
This thread:
|[yDNAhgI] 3 New I2a1 SNPs by "Ken Nordtvedt" <>


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Shock poll: William is now popular than The Queen
PRINCE WILLIAM is now even more popular than The Queen, it emerged today.
A staggering nine out of ten people are satisfied with the way Her Majesty performs her job, but the Duke of Cambridge is the most popular royal.
In the Diamond Jubilee year, 90 per cent of people questioned in a new Ipsos MORI poll said they were content with the manner in which Queen carried out her duties, 7 per cent said they were dissatisfied and 3 per cent said they did not know.
Despite the monarch's high satisfaction ratings - no Prime Minister has ever scored more than 75 per cent and Prime Minister David Cameron's rating currently stands at 40 per cent - The Queen's grandson is by far the most popular member of the Windsors in recent history.
When asked to name two or three royals they liked the most, 62 per cent picked William, 48 per cent The Queen, 36 per cent Prince Harry and 23 per cent the Duchess of Cambridge.
William, Kate and Harry were all among the most popular royals in the poll
Ipsos Mori director Roger Mortimore, professor of public opinion and political analysis at King's College London, said: "A lot of people would like the idea of William succeeding straight away.
"He is young and good looking and popular.
Professsor Mortimore added: "After a rocky period in the Nineties, public support for the monarchy and the Queen now looks as strong as it has been for many years.
"Most of the public now expect the monarchy to survive well into the future and that is probably the best guarantee that it will do so."
The Prince of Wales, who is next in line to the throne, received 21 per cent and the Duchess of Cornwall just two per cent, ahead of the Earl of Wessex on one per cent, the research by King's College London and Ipsos MORI showed.


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Photographer's Note
I could have uploaded dozens of these scenes from Oia, but i'm just trying to spread them out from time to time.
This is another photo taken super early in the morning before every one else is even awake, before breakfast.
The classic blue domes make for great focal points among the architecture.
Hope you like this HDR shot
COSTANTINO, Angshu, dta, annjackman, ikeharel, besnard, tyro, danos, PiotrF, bukitgolfb301, timecapturer, Didi, asajernigan, pierrefonds has marked this note useful
Critiques | Translate
daddo (28618) 2014-07-16 6:24
Hi Craig. Magical place and you did it great service by producing this excellent impression so early in the morning and thus accentuating the architectural,illuminated shapes against the deep blue backdrop. Impressive composition and POV. Best wishes. Klaudio.
Giustiniani (3632) 2014-07-16 6:26
Bonjour Craig,
Santorin est une île superbe et la lumière y est sublime. Excellente mise en image de cette partie de lîle.
Hello dear friend
magical place almost dreamy
what a beautiful photo taken super
early in the morning
I love the classic blue tones
with impressive pov
have a nice time
Angshu (56760) 2014-07-16 6:37
Hi Craig
A marvellous view from Oia..I've seen marvellous pictures of this place from Brian (timecapturer) & you add to that fine gallery of this place. The early morning light is soft and creates a tenderness on the whites and pinks, before these colours become harsh. The small white cross stands out against the blue waters.
dta (86526) 2014-07-16 7:04
Hello Craig ,
. For sure , early morning and late evening are the best moments to take pictures in this iconic village . The contrast of the white buildings with the darl blue BG is superb . Perfectly framed and composed , too .
snunney (113572) 2014-07-16 7:28
Hello Craig,
What's not to like about this well presented composition? An image that truly evokes the Greek Islands. I like the enhanced tones against the dark background.
dkmurphys (69733) 2014-07-16 7:36
Hi Craig,
A fine iconic image from Greece. I like the contrasts of early sunlight. Good catch!
annjackman (21903) 2014-07-16 8:21
Hi Craig,
Now this place is definitely on my list of 'must dos'. The HDR is not overdone and suits the image. Love the colours of the buildings and gorgeous sea. Well done for another of your classic early morning shots.
Kind Regards, Ann
besnard (57866) 2014-07-16 9:18
Bonjour Craig
Une belle carte postale de cette superbe ile avec une vue plongeante sur le village et son église.
Amitiés et bonne soirée.
tchefi (1841) 2014-07-16 11:13
Bonjour Craig
Une bien belle carte postale de Grèce qui change un peu de ce qu'on voit habituellement: d'autres couleurs que le bleu et blanc et un magnifique arrière plan. Merci
tyro (26392) 2014-07-16 12:04
Hi Craig,
Well, if you have dozens of these gorgeous photographs, then go ahead - I for one certainly shall never tire of seeing them!
And well done you for getting up and about so early in the morning when most tourists would have been still abed (and perhaps enjoying a cormorant). The light is glorious and the contrast between the brightly lit buildings and the darker sea and sky is magnificent.
A fine diagonally divided composition with glorious light and colours and exceptional details and sharpness.
Kind Regards,
P.S. As always with your HDR shots, you do not make it obvious - which, I suppose, is really the name of the game. So I can only presume that you used it in this case to reduce what otherwise would have been excessive contrast between the white buildings and the much darker sea and distant land.
claudeD (43418) 2014-07-16 12:23
Hello Craig,
wonderful colors, clarity and sharpness for this amazing picture. Gives really holiday feelings to me.TFS.
With regards from Luxembourg
elenimavrandoni (0) 2014-07-16 12:34
Craig, a little masterpiece!! greatly captured to show the beauty of Oia, the great contrast and the amazing moment of immense tranquility!! a place made from Gods, for us to enjoy!!
thank you very much for visiting me, I really appreciate it!!
danos (105238) 2014-07-16 12:37
Hi Craig,
Ohh what a beautiful scene fom the beloved Oia.I like the tight frame,the contast of the colours as the endless view from over there.The light and the colour management ae captured superb.
mesutilgim (98542) 2014-07-16 12:52
Hello Craig,
Very nice capture from Oia with good pov and layout.
All Aegean colors dominates your compo.
TFS and best regards
PiotrF (28424) 2014-07-16 13:34
Hello Craig ,
another nice view of Oia.Early morning is a good time to shoot:)
Nice warm light, no large contrasts, perfect exposure and fine composition.
photoray (13981) 2014-07-16 18:16
Howdy Craig,
Fine cliff side view of Oia, classical Greek village architecture in saturated whites, blue tile domes, yet one individual outside the tradition in pastel yellow.
Enhanced by the Mediterranean backdrop of deep blue sea and rocky islands.
Good job,
bukitgolfb301 (47363) 2014-07-16 21:44
Hi dear Craig, how are you?
Sorry for long time no reply due to so crazy busy.
Fantatsic postcard preseunting Greece's chacteritics so well. So impressive image of nice / warm color and very reasonable framework as usual.
All the best and have a good day! Takero from Tokyo
ktanska (30903) 2014-07-16 23:02
Hi Craig,
I would not have guessed that this is HDR, but now that I think it the brightness difference between sunlit white walls and dark rocks must be big.
This one shows well how the village is placed high above the rocky shoreline.
jjcordier (79297) 2014-07-16 23:07
Le HDR très discret est ici un plus pour l'image de ce joli coin d'Oia. Le bâtiment jaune fait presque figure de rebelle ici!
emka (114737) 2014-07-16 23:53
Hello Craig, I am sure you could show us the views from Oia during a year. Another beautiful composition with great colours. Always worth getting up early when all are still in beds. marvelous blue domes. Have you visited other places on Santorini?
Warm regrads Malgo
timecapturer (49288) 2014-07-17 4:22
Hi Craig
Yep! know the feeling so many shots of Oia and what one to upload. This is a real beauty as it captures the mood and quiet that only comes early morning here in the warmer months. Stunning clarity and lovely soft light to enhance the tranquillity.
Regards - B.
Royaldevon (48467) 2014-07-17 5:12
Hello Craig,
This is a good HDR, for it is not obvious that that method had been employed.
Have you ever seen houses looking seaward with such interest! They are crowding to get the best view of the early morning sun!
A fine composition with good dof.
Have a great day,
Bev :-)
Cricri (133158) 2014-07-17 22:52
Hi Craig
La beauté de la Grèce mis en image, j'aime ces bâtiments bleu et blanc, il semble que le propriétaire c'est tromper de couleur avec sa couleur jaune :-), belle vue sur la mer et les montagnes
Belle journée
jemaflor (108461) 2014-07-17 23:32
Hi Craig,
Beautiful photo about this lovely island, well composed with these different architecture and colors, good light capture.
Didi (60992) 2014-07-18 10:54
Hi Craig
Very nice one for this old village
Good lights ambiance
It will be also interesting to make a large panoramic view
Best regards
asajernigan (21427) 2014-07-20 5:12
Hello Craig,
This is a great scene and you have captured it beautifully. The bright colors of the buildings are contrasted nicely by the deep blue of the sea. The lighting is great and the photo has fine sharpness.
wolf38 (30) 2014-07-20 22:21
Hello Craig. What fantastic colors and light. The view over the houses out of the sea is fantastic. Well seen and presented.
Rgds, Wolfgang.
eldancer1 (36343) 2014-07-21 7:32
Greek are very unique and beautiful. I like your capture of those brightly painted roof against blue sea. Good side lighting and sharp details. Well done, tfs.
dip (23892) 2014-07-22 1:48
Hi Craig,
I don't know how many photos exist from there,but I'm sure everyone want to take a photo frm there,
this motive pulls like a magnet the photographic lenses..:)
well done!
pierrefonds (76215) 2014-07-31 17:15
Hi Craig,
The distance between the church and the horizon is gioving depth to the composition. The point ofview is showing the details, the colors of the houses and of the church. The good luminosity is bringing out the colors, Hacve a nice day.
Photo Information
- Copyright: craig macintosh (macjake) (77703)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2014-05-13
- Categories: Architecture
- Camera: Pentax K7, Pentax DA 16-50mm f2.8
- Exposure: f/10.0, 1/250 seconds
- Details: Tripod: Yes
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2014-07-16 6:19


text:
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SHEPHERDSVILLE - Technology Integration Specialists with Bullitt County Public Schools will again present at a prestigious state conference.
District TIS' Susan Jenkins, Christie Turbeville and Keith Barnes have the spotlight during portions of the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education (KySTE) Conference March 7-9, 2012 at the Galt House East in Louisville.
FRANKFORT - Kentucky students headed to college in the fall have a new resource to help them through their first year on campus.
Surviving College, a guide to students' first year, is now available free from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).
The 36-page booklet includes the following sections:
· Majors and class schedules;
· Staying healthy and safe on campus;
NICHOLS - With $5,000 from Lowe's Toolbox for Education Program, expect the landscape around Nichols Elementary School to change dramatically.
Thanks to Principal Sheri Hamilton and District Grant Writer Juliann Vachon, students and staff at the small western Bullitt County school are eager for spring to arrive so they can spruce up the grounds.
HILLVIEW - When current elected officials think about the problems they have in running government agencies, a pair of Hillview veterans can still remember the battles waged over the years.
From having a television reporter standing at the corner of Brooks Hill Road and Interstate 65 telling viewers that the lives of children could be at risk due to a rezoning request to sitting through a county rezoning case that lasted until the early morning hours, Richard Terry and Dale Russ have lived through it all.
HIGHVIEW - You can't score if you don't shoot.
The Bullitt Central Lady Cougars shot the ball plenty on Tuesday evening and they scored more than enough to turn back the Southern Trojans in the 23rd District basketball semifinals at Moore Traditional School.
The 56-33 victory advanced the Lady Cougars to the championship game on Thursday and cinched a spot in this week's Sixth Region tournament.
SHEPHERDSVILLE - In the world of accounting, the city of Shepherdsville will not show a loss when the 2010-11 audit is released on Monday evening.
In reality, the city of Shepherdsville still has some work to do to get its financial house in order.
Accountant Bob Ryan spoke with members of the Shepherdsville City Council on Thursday in advance of his presentation tonight of the audit.
OKOLONA - Rallying from 13 points down laste in the third quarter, the North Bullitt Lady Eagles grabbed the biggest win in the program's history on Thursday, beating Bullitt Central 48-39 in the championship game of the girls' 23th District Tournament at Moore High School.
HIGHVIEW - There have been a lot of "firsts" this season for the North Bullitt Lady Eagles.
With a school-record 21 victories, Amber Courtney's team advanced to the regional tournament for the first time since 2004.
The berth in the Sixth Region tournament this week was secured with a 62-37 semifinal victory over the host Moore Mustangs.
North Bullitt would face Bullitt Central in the championship game Thursday with both advancing to regional play this week.
SHEPHERDSVILLE - Six months after the initial steps were taken, owners of nearly 140 acres of property off Highway 61 have finally won approval for a rezoning request.
However, an appeal is almost certain on the decision made Thursday night by the Shepherdsville City Council.
With a unanimous vote of 5-0, the council voted to approve a limited IG General Industrial zoning for property owned by Zoneton Developers, Debra Ann Shaw and the estate of Oma Lee Shaw.
FRANKFORT - On March 6, juniors attending Kentucky public high schools will take the ACT, a national college entrance exam. The ACT assesses students' ability to perform college-level work. Scores may also qualify students for a bonus award through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program.
To do their best on the ACT, students should follow these tips from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), which administers the KEES program:
Copyright © 2017
The Pioneer News Online is your source for local news, sports, events and information in Bullitt County and Shepherdsville, KY, and the surrounding area.


text:
Ian Ayre feels Liverpool's transfer policy is improving thanks to owners
Ian Ayre insists Liverpool's transfer policy is improving and admits owners Fenway Sports Group 'took a leap of faith'.
Last Updated: 18/04/13 4:29pm
The American group that took over in October 2010 had no previous experience of the sport, with the Boston Red Sox baseball team its primary interest.
Since the takeover, Ayre feels Liverpool's transfer strategy has changed significantly.
"There were two phases to what's happened since the change of ownership," said the managing director.
"In the first phase we talked about the knowledge of soccer and that takes time so we probably spent a year with the owners taking a leap of faith to a certain degree of other people telling them what they should be doing.
"Within that year we then get to a situation where the dust has settled and people start to see what is and isn't working.
"I think the fundamental shift particularly around player acquisitions and disposals was that we took the view that it needs to be more of a science.
"Your biggest expenditure line can't be the whim of any individual."
FSG's first transfer window saw the club spend in excess of the £50m transfer fee for Fernando Torres on Andy Carroll (£35m) and Luis Suarez (£22.75m).
And the following summer £60m was spent on acquiring Stewart Downing Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Jose Enrique and Sebastian Coates.
While there has been less activity in the last two windows, although spending has still been close to £50m, Ayre denies FSG have ever wanted to transfer their 'Moneyball' strategy that worked well for them in baseball.
"I don't think there was ever anyone at Liverpool using the word Moneyball, but plenty of other people were using it," he said.
"Despite what people think and read, it's not a whole bunch of guys sitting behind a computer working out who we should buy.
"It's a combination of old-school scouting and watching players - and that's Brendan, his assistants, our scouts - with statistical analysis of players across Europe and the rest of the world.
"By bringing those two processes together you get a much more educated view of who you should and shouldn't be buying and, perhaps as fundamentally, how much you should be paying and the structure to those contracts.
"I think we've had relatively good success since we deployed that methodology. We're getting better all the time."


text:
Printable View
kill the process in task manager.....
That's not a nice prank, though, because it will probably take forever to find out what's wrong and might even lead to the computer being phased out.
Hah, as a gubbermint employee I can guarantee you that's what we'd do.
"Is broke?"
"Is hardware AOK?"
Even we need a hardware retirement policy :D
He has a twitter feed! ;) https://twitter.com/comingfromzion
Not a pic but hey who cares. Check out this awesome new js compiler!


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about us
You Indie is a daily music blog dedicated to sharing information about independent music, bands, record labels from a variety of genres, and, on occasion, clothing, kicks and accessories that we appreciate. Contributors to this blog are seasoned independent music fans, photographers and journalists and budget counterculture fashionistas who have been published in a variety of publications including Ghettoblaster Magazine, New Noise Magazine, Dayton City Paper, Rolling Stone on-line, Strength Skateboarding, Alternative Press, Substream Music Press, Delusions of Adequacy webzine, DoneWaiting blog, etc.
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The blog has been featured in alt-weeklies such as The Dayton City Paper and Columbus' Alive!.
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text:
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Enter your registration to check prices and reviews, and get your Hummer booked in today!
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Very good work by L & J Autos. Excellent value too. Highly recommended.
Nice guys, did what they said they would do and had my car back in a couple of days. Recommended
My car broke down in work these guys picked up my car from where it had broken down with no hassle at all. They fixed my petrol pump for me and even put on a new window wiper for me for free which I never mentioned was broken. The guys who picked my car up for me and dropped it back off we're great and they even dropped my car back to me at my work all done in a day and for a good price to I'll be calling these guys again if I break down again and to m.o.t my car in future, will be recommending to my friends & family to. Thanks guys :)
We are based in Llanelli but do offer a collection/ delivery service our business is MOT's Servicing and Repairs, car sales and body work. We pride ourselves on offering value for money, motoring giving the customer the most cost effective solution to their needs.
Wherever possible will give fixed price before commencing any work, we also offer 12 Months or 12,000 Miles whichever occurs first warranty on our work using O.E. quality parts.
To be completed
Very helpful garage!
Re-Gas was ok but it still Aircon wouldn't work. said I'd be better off going to a specialist.
All fine, would recommend and use again
Contacted the garage to arrange a combined 3rd service and mot. They provided me with a quote for the work and the offer of free collection and delivery of the car. They did advise they would call if anything else needed to be done which did happen as I had already anticipated the brake pads would need replacing. They told me the cost of parts and labour and I accepted. At the end of the day, they delivered the car back to me with all paperwork. Great service from a local and trustworthy garage with friendly people. Highly recommended.
"Welcome to Mikes Mobile Mechanics, total car care at your home, at your work, at your convenience. Let me take care of your cars servicing needs while you put your feet up in the comfort of your own home or continue to carry out your employment without the need to take time off to drop off/pick up your car.I have just completed 23 years in the British Army as a mechanic working on a wide variety of equipments, including many modern cars, and have many qualifications in automotive studies, electrics, air conditioning and diagnostics.I value honesty and integrity and endeavour to provide a reliable and professional service that will lead on to repeat service and referrals from satisfied customers. I am fully insured with Motor Trade Road Risk insurance and also have Public Liability and Service Indemnity insurance for your piece of mind."


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Tyrone Howe: Northampton contingent behind signs of English revival
Ireland's limitations and South Africa's lack of ambition indicate that they will struggle to be proper contenders in next year's World Cup.
Over in Twickenham, however, we saw two sides who gave glimpses of real quality. We associate this with the All Blacks, but after they recovered from their dreadful start, England's players suggested that they might just be getting their act together.
It will come as little comfort to Martin Johnson, but maybe the biggest compliment his players can take is that they proved that, when under pressure, even the mighty All Blacks can be rattled.
For this, England's head coach can thank his young Northampton contingent. Courtney Lawes shone like a beacon in the lineout; Ben Foden was dynamic in counterattack and added real and much-needed pace to the backline; and Chris Ashton made the crowd buzz every time he got the ball.
Finally, supersub Dylan Hartley came on and galvanised the whole team. He oozed competitive spirit, lifted his teammates, and ran with utmost belief for his try.
Hartley's flash of indiscipline showed that other side of his character and it surprised me, as his captaincy of the Saints seemed to have sorted out this tendency to over-exuberance.
While I have nothing but admiration and respect for that true warrior Lewis Moody, I would let the Bath flanker concentrate on performance.
Hartley exudes leadership and, come the Six Nations, he would be my man to take on the captain's armband and lead England into the World Cup.
Belfast Telegraph


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Written on: 08/11/2017 by MathewHolman (1 review written)
I had been looking around the internet for a cheap place to build a computer a couple of years ago i wanted and came across Arbico. Easy to navigate and very helpful customer service and had no problems with the computer I've chosen from their wide range of stock available. Recently I had a small problem and contacted Arbico as a last resort of a lost windows key and they sent me my key within minutes on email with kind words and a friendly service. Would definitely recommend… Read Full Review
Written on: 28/02/2017 by SteamStoker74 (1 review written)
I am now on my third PC from this company any problems are quickly sorted out and dealt with. Sufficient to say when I am ready to get an updated machine they will be my first port of call. I have just received it back after returning it back 3 times in the last 6 weeks, but non of this was their fault, mainly due to couriers mishandling of the package. After each of the first two times that it was returned and didn't work I called them and it was collected 2 days later, that's excellent… Read Full Review
Written on: 10/09/2016 by Kristenq412 (1 review written)
Recently purchased my second Arbico desktop CPU. After plugging mouse etc & loading software all systems go. Impressed… Read Full Review
Written on: 15/02/2015 by grigby1622 (1 review written)
When I wanted my first computer too many years back, Arbico pressed all the right buttons. Blimey, were PC's expensive then. Being a novice and not really knowing what I wanted, they guided me through the options. What a brilliant piece of kit I had. Anything was better than my now defunct Commodore 64! (remember them)As the years went by and learnt more about PCs, fiddled and faffed with replacing bits and bobs, now realise that the experts know what they are doing rather than this daft old 66… Read Full Review
Written on: 25/06/2014 by Myers35 (1 review written)
I would like to thank you for the wonderful customer service I have had from Arbico Computers since I first ordered a PC back in March. The service has been excellent and I would recommend it to anyone… Read Full Review
Written on: 27/01/2014 by Gretik (1 review written)
While searching for a new computer, I looked at building one myself and pre-built computers. I happened across the Arbico website during their fantastic Boxing Day sales. Using their custom build option, I constructed something very close to what I'd call my dream computer and submitted my order. Over the next week there was some to and fro communication as the staff at Arbico helped me optimize the build, offering to swap out components and suggesting alternatives! When that was finalized… Read Full Review
Written on: 12/12/2013 by J.R.Taylor (1 review written)
It's always good to know you can buy with confidence, and this certainly applies to Arbico. I've purchased a new PC each time I've needed to upgrade Windows and I've now had three Arbico PCs and accessories. My latest PC arrived this week and is of top quality as I knew it would be. I need to use a PC for many hours each day and the Arbico units have never let me down once. In short, what I've come to learn by experience is that here is a company that works to the highest… Read Full Review
Written on: 29/11/2013 by smorantz (1 review written)
I bought a computer from Arbico because I wanted to have it the way I wanted and to get good value. I shopped around and found that it is difficult to get a business computer 'made to measure' as most assemblers focus on gamers. Arbico seemed the best bet and I have been very happy with the service, build time and quality of the computer. They have also helped with some after sales advice not directly related to the product I bought at no charge! I was nervous buying from an unknown small… Read Full Review
Written on: 17/05/2013 by EssexSoul (1 review written)
Having struggled on over the last couple of years with an ancient Mesh tower PC which had definitely reached the limits of its capabilities I decided to treat myself to a new machine. It would have to fulfill my somewhat odd requirements as I live in a rather bijou bachelor apartment and space is at a premium. Small form factor was therefore essential, as was decent graphics capability since my HDTV doubles up as my monitor. I started to look around the big box stores, found plenty of PC's… Read Full Review
Written on: 11/07/2013
Arbico charges well above the odds on components, I have found them to be unreliable, dishonest and ignorant of their own hardware (specs/limitations).
If you bundle the above with shoddy customer support I am sure you will find a lot more other companies just as local that will rip you off.
Written on: 03/02/2013
My son wanted an Xbox for Christmas but then with a couple of shopping days left he changed his mind and wanted a gaming PC instead. Lucky a colleague had bought a gaming PC from ARBICO which he highly recommended. So on the last shopping day before Christmas I contacted their sales department and explained my predicament. Not only did they offer a high quality gaming PC for a very affordable price but they managed to delivery the custom built and tested PC a few days later which made my sons… Read Full Review
Written on: 05/01/2013 by cajgiles (1 review written)
I received my second computer from Arbico two days ago and I can see that they haven't let standards slip at all. I bought my first Arbico PC more than 4 and a half years ago and it served me really well. I'm a gamer and a bit of an animator, so in that time it handled a great deal of demanding work. However after four and a half years it was time for an upgrade. After shopping round, I ended up back at Arbico both because of price and because they offered greater choice of components… Read Full Review
Written on: 21/12/2012 by -OneLife- (1 review written)
I usually buy my own parts when buying/building a new PC. This time I needed to use a finance option so I decided to find a company that would build me one, for a good price and with a finance option. After going through quite a few companies I realized that Arbico was the best value for money. After picking my parts, I called them to make sure that everything is OK and boy...what a surprise. The customer service was a true 5 star one! On top of that I have been advised about possible upgrades… Read Full Review
Written on: 15/12/2012 by clicon357 (1 review written)
Looking for a gaming PC for my 14 year old son I was recommended to Arbico Computers by a father of my sons school friend who had used them. I had shopped around at other suppliers and even looked to build one from separate components but came back to Arbico on price and spec. We basically bought a stock system and then lightly customized it from the (easy to use) menus on the website. After placing the order we received of course, the obligatory confirmation email. What was impressive what… Read Full Review
Written on: 29/11/2012 by David_C (1 review written)
Been wanting a good gaming PC for a long time, finally had the opportunity and decided to buy a custom PC from Arbico based on their reputation and prices. Customer service was fantastic from the start, I had a number of questions about components and specifications and all were answered in hours. On ordering I was offered several further upgrades for reduced prices. Build was completed well within the 10 days stated on Arbico website, and I was kept updated at every stage of the build… Read Full Review
Written on: 18/11/2012 by SeanCase (1 review written)
I ordered a new desktop off the arbico website and found it very easy to use with many customisable options. The system itself that I chose was great value for money, as were several other systems listed on the site. After ordering, you are kept up to date with every stage of the testing/preparation of your new system with regular emails and you are also given several options of delivery dates. My pc arrived dead on time and any follow-up queries I had were dealt with via email in a matter of… Read Full Review
Written on: 15/09/2012 by Scotty001 (1 review written)
Just a short review to say that, like many other reviewers here, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Arbico and their builds based on my experience with them so far. I set out to buy a middle-of-the-road i5 gaming rig and settled on an Arbico due to both the price and quality of the components for the spec I required. From start to finish the customisation and ordering process was simple, with detailed info and clear costs on each component presented upfront. Once ordered I was kept informed of… Read Full Review
Written on: 01/09/2012 by bramble19 (1 review written)
The ordering of the computer was easy giving a large choice of components and case types, including a number of m/boards and cpu's. While waiting for delivery, I was kept regularly informed, by email and texts of the progress of the status of the computer at every stage. The computer was delivered exactly on time (actually 10 seconds before the earliest time quoted!). I would have not qualms about recommending this company for their efficiency and courtesy they run their business… Read Full Review
Written on: 30/08/2012 by methuselah (1 review written)
Arbico built and tested the kit as specified and delivered within the times and on the day specified. Email notifications kept me informed throughout. And it's still working well as i type this :)… Read Full Review
Written on: 28/08/2012 by TerryInskip (1 review written)
I would just like to say that I am well pleased with the PC built for me by Arbico... great service throughout.... and excellent piece of kit, well put together and does everything I had wished for. Audio sounds wonderful through my Marantz Network Audio Player and my photos on screen look terrific. The case is well built and I love the transparancy of the side panel. It's fast and has more than adequate storage space... What more is there to say...... … Read Full Review
Written on: 24/08/2012 by RGBM (1 review written)
I am very happy with the service I received from Arbico. They clearly take customer service very seriously. The PC I ordered was built and delivered on time and as agreed. I had some problems with the set-up but the customer services team talked me through it over the phone and everything was sorted out. I would definitely recommend this company for those looking to buy a PC… Read Full Review
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Gift Pick of the Week: Field Notes Pocket Ruled Notebook
30 Nov
29 Nov
I love fountain pens. Ever since I first held my father's Mont Blanc those years ago, I fell in love with the way a fountain pen smoothly passed over the paper, the gentle flow of the ink. Ever since that day I have used a fountain pen for all my personal and professional writing and editing.
For everyday use, I use a Pilot Varsity fountain pen; they come in a variety of colours and if I should happen to misplace it, I can replace it with no big financial burden. For my personal writing and editing, I use my father's old burgundy gold nibbed Mont Blanc.
I came across the LAMY AL-Star dark purple fountain pen as I was perusing the European Paper website. I had never used a Lamy pen so I was intrigued and wanted to experience it. I've heard fantastic things about the AL-Star and wanted to use it for myself. I fell in love with the colour first and knew I had to have it! I ordered it and eagerly anticipated its arrival. The pen came in a simple cardboard-like box in an envelope mailer.
This pen is everything I could have wanted or imagined! It is sleek, a lovely deep purple, and it comes with a cartridge of deep blue ink. I had ordered the medium sized nib and was writing in a Moleskine Squared Folio Notebook. As I started writing with it, the solid feel of the nib as it moved across the paper was smooth, the ink didn't clump or run dry as I wrote, it slid across the paper, fluid and with a precision that belies its modest price.
I have used this pen for everything – for writing checks, to signing grocery receipts. I keep it in my purse and use it to write in my journal. The ink doesn't bleed across to the other pages, and dries almost instantly so it doesn't smudge.
This pen is a fantastic investment; I would recommend this writing instrument to any one – new or seasoned.
Meet the Writer: Akhila Jagdish is a writer and editor in the process of starting her own editorial services company, The Crafted Word. She loves making lists, collecting journals, reading, drinking wine and cooking.
26 Nov
19 Nov
Now you can have the best of both worlds: a notebook and sketchbook in one with the Clairefontaine GraF It Sketch Pad!
Available in four sizes – pocket (4 x 6), large (6 x 8), A4 (8 x 12), and A3 (12 x 17) – and each with 80 micro-perforated sheets of 90 gsm Clairefontaine white, acid-free paper, you can sketch, doodle, and write to your heart's desire. Use your favorite pencil, pen, fountain pen, and other writing instruments to fill the matte pages.
The GraF It Sketch Pads are both glued and stapled at the top so the cardstock front cover and the sturdy cardboard back cover never fail while giving you proper support. Clairefontaine's GraF It Sketch Pads come in assorted cover colors and designs. Check them all out here –>
17 Nov
We've been working hard behind the scenes to give you an early holiday gift. You already love our premium international selection and now with our new website design it's faster than ever to zero in on your favorite products. Plus, discover new products at the same time!
Of course, we still have the friendly, expert customer service and fastest shipping around you've come to know and love. And if that wasn't enough, learn about the fascinating stories of the brands we carry throughout the entire website and connect with others in the paper community on our blog (right here), Facebook, Twitter, and more!
15 Nov
Have you ever been writing in your journal or notebook and noticed the disturbance of the lines? One of the biggest downfalls of customary paper is that the lines on the paper are simply too prominent. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way lessening the importance of the lines, as I am a huge neat freak when it comes to writing. I like everything clean and readable and straight. However, when looking at writings and drawings on traditional paper, the text looks anything but clean. After putting things down on paper, the lines' assistance completely goes away and they become more of a limitation than an asset. Enter Whitelines.
For so long we have simply accepted traditional writing paper without questioning the fact that the lines of the paper, created to provide a foundation for your writing and drawings, acts as an interference forcing your thoughts and ideas to compete with the lines of the paper for attention.
Years ago Olof Hansson, the founder of Whitelines, was doing sketches of a new invention of his. Annoyed by the dark lines disturbing his creation, Olof became astutely aware of the hindrance of customary writing paper. He set out on a mission to create paper that did not impose limitations.
The obvious solution to this problem was to take the dark element out of writing paper. Still desiring the support and functionality of lines, Olof turned to a slightly colored paper with white lines. Quickly Olof found that not only did these two light elements provide a solid foundation for both note-taking and drawing and provide a strong contrast between the paper and the writing, but the paper also gave an enhanced reading and writing experience. The eye and the brain, without having to decipher between the writing and the lines of the paper, can process the information more effortlessly, making it easier on the eyes. Additionally, the gray tone of the paper delivers less glare. Whitelines was born in January of 2006.
Whitelines paper is for all those that want a supportive writing paper. The reason Whitelines is so popular among so many groups of people is because the paper makes the writing and reading process more pleasant for everyone. Students find note-taking and organization much more agreeable. People in the office place enjoy the ability to scan and fax the paper with the lines disappearing leaving only their writing. And the creative folks – they just get it. No longer do their drawings and creations have to fight with the constraints of traditional writing paper.
So go ahead and give it a try. Test out the paper for yourself to experience a writing experience without limitations. A bit of a forewarning: once you start using Whitelines paper, it's difficult to go back to the distracting lines of traditional writing paper. With so many options to choose from (Hard Covers, Soft Covers, Wire-O), we don't think you'll have a problem finding a notebook for each need of yours.
Meet the Writer: An avid list-maker and moderate risk taker, Kaylee Bergstrom handles all of the logistics for Whitelines North America and, having never heard of Whitelines prior to her current position, has become hooked on the unique design of the notebooks. Rarely spotted without a good tube of mascara, an A5 or pocket notebook and her Jack Russell / Shih Tzu puppy Russell, Kaylee enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, getting hooked on a good book series or catching a mind-bending thriller.
14 Nov
12 Nov
The most important thing to keep in mind when writing a letter of recommendation is that you are writing to present new information; not to confirm information that is already available. Let's go through some scenarios:
Many graduate-level education programs don't highly consider recommendation letters that simply confirm information available in a student's transcript. This means information like grades and test scores.
If your student has an A in your class, it's best not to write something like:
"Student is very conscientious, arrives to class on time, has never missed a lesson and is 3 out of 67 students academically. He would be an excellent addition to your program."
The above example is simply confirming what's in the student's transcript. One can easily tell this student is really good at being a student. But is that all they can do? Are they able to be anything else? The emphasis should be on their ability to apply their knowledge in the real world, and it should reference their enthusiasm and interest in whatever their course of study is.
Your first step is to ask what the letter is for. Is this for another internship? If so, where? Or is this for admission into some sort of educational program? Your letter of recommendation will be more valuable if you are able to write it with an understanding of what its purpose is for.
Your letter should be concise and thorough. It's actually OK to mention a weakness as long as you are emphasizing the positive. When mentioning a weakness like "She/he doesn't always know when to ask for help," be sure to end with a positive solution like "She/he doesn't always know when to ask for help, but after we paired her/him with a senior-level manager to mentor them, we saw immense development of skills and ability. Their leadership skills grew as a result and their contribution to the team multiplied tenfold."
A letter of recommendation for an employee is not a request to state that the employee showed up on time or did their job. It's a request to understand more about the character and ability of the person. They want to know if this person is likely to persevere through difficulty, or give up. If they're able to adjust to changes and adapt to new situations. If they can work with a wide range of personality types and still keep projects moving forward. They don't want to hear that they took no sick days in 2012. They want to hear that the applicant is not only capable of working independently, but also able to ask if they're unsure of something.
A volunteer is special. They are giving up their most precious resource—time—to your cause or organization. Keeping that volunteer volunteering is vastly important. If they're ready to move on from your organization, it's your job to make sure they continue giving their time somewhere else. Volunteers are precious resources!
Writing letters of recommendation for volunteers should involve two things: statements about the volunteer's character and information about your organization. Each organization or group that utilizes volunteer time is built differently. How your group is structured may not align with how another's is. It's important for the person reading the letters of recommendation to not only get a feel for the volunteer's character, but also to understand the inner workings of your organization.
It's generally useful to provide a paragraph's worth of information about yourself. How you know the person you are recommending and a little about how you interacted/worked with them. But that's it. No need to get into specifics. The letter is about them, not about you.
Be formally concise. Your first paragraph is the statement of recommendation. Your second paragraph covers who you are and how you worked with the person being recommended. The next 1-3 paragraphs should each detail a specific example (all positive) of situations or events that clearly demonstrate certain aspects of the character of the person being recommended. Your final paragraph should serve to summarize: restate your strong recommendation on the basis of the person's demonstrated strong character and positive attitude.
Simply, don't write a recommendation letter for someone if you don't mean it. You will waste their time and yours. If you need a way to decline writing a letter of recommendation, you can simply say that you do not have enough time to write an adequate letter.
Meet the Writer: Cole Imperi is a business owner and a proponent of the handwritten word. When not at Doth Brands, a Branding & Identity firm catering to the health, wellness & deathcare professions where Cole works as Owner and Creative Director, you might find her on her yoga mat teaching yoga or behind a laptop writing for Simplicity Embellished, a letter-writing and lifestyle blog.
Editor's Note: This article is part of the How to Write series. Read the others here:
How to Write: Ideal Business Correspondence Notes
How to Write: Friendship / Appreciation Notes
How to Write: With a Fountain Pen
How to Maintain Your Pen Collection
How to Write: Improving Your Cursive Skills
9 Nov
Whether it's for a close family member, a faraway penpal, or your busy boss, Rhodia No. 12 notepads are easy to gift! Staplebound with 80 gsm acid-free paper, Rhodia notepads are micro-perforated on top for easy and clean tearing. The stiff back cover provides the support required, and the staples do not appear on back. Each pad contains 80 sheets for drawing, doodling, note-taking, and list-making. At 3.375 x 4.75 inches, the Rhodia Top Staplebound No. 12 Notepad is the perfect little notepad to pop into your luggage, stash in your purse or briefcase, and leave on your desk at work!


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Choosing between two awesome boards like the Rhythm and the Propaganda can be a hard thing to do. That's why we created the all-new Icon series. It's the perfect hybrid with reverse flat camber technology, tip to tail wood core and ABS sidewalls. This board is an all around fun machine fit for slaying any part of the mountain. From top to bottom, The Icon is quick edge to edge through the tight trees at the top, then strong bombing through the slow signs to the park, snapping ollies like sticks of Slim Jim. Once you've entered the park, the Icon becomes a forgiving teacher as you learn new tricks through the rail and box section. Soon, you're at the bottom, unstrapping and skating as fast as you can to the lift so you can do it all over again! Trust the Icon, it's a one stop shop.
We give back 1%. Academy Snowboards is proud to announce that we are offering a Regional Scholarship. We know it's tough to go to college while trying to keep the shred dream alive and having to work to pay for your textbooks, so hopefully we can help out a little. 1 % of ALL Academy Snowboard Sales go back to funding the scholarship, so spread the word, buy Academy Snowboards and hopefully we will be able to offer more $ for scholarships every year. - See more at: http://academysnowboards.com/scholarship/#sthash.H0jMCP4u.dpuf
Snowboarding has defined our lives and given us so much that we like to give back to it as much as possible. From our Collegiate Scholarship Programs to our Spring Snowboard Camps and local Cash For Kids contest series, we are all about helping out snowboarders and having fun. Our trinity logo stands for QUALITY, PROGRESSION and INDIVIDUALS.
Here at Academy Snowboard Co, we are all a little bit different, but what ties us together is the love of snowboarding. The stoke for the shred drives us each and everyday to make better, more innovative products that make snowboarding even funner! (Take that English teacher.)
Thanks for supporting the Academy cause and making the world a better place. See you on the hill!
P.S. Learn something new, everyday!


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|Reviews for Old Spice: I'm In A Story
| Edgardo the Brawler chapter 1 . 10/9/2011
| Arlothia chapter 1 . 9/11/2011
Okay, that was sheer awesomeness! I wish this Old Spice guy could stay on forever! Have you seen the new one? I haven't but apparently his name's Fabio...I'm scared!
It's hard for me to choose which is cooler: Old Spice man or Iron Man...I'll just say it's a tie! Keep it up!
| SoNoEcho chapter 1 . 8/2/2011
I keep imagining Iron Man on a horse and the poor horse breaking its back from the weight. XD LOL
| dyslexic-Carmie chapter 1 . 2/13/2011
You wrote a good summary.
| stravvberry chapter 1 . 1/13/2011
well after reading the discription I just had to read your story.
I love how you keep consistant to the actual commercial and it is like the comercial verry funny.
Iron man WTF? that blew me away "I am Iron Man, and as good as that guy is, I'm gooder" plus the drinkable deodrant made me laugh too.
This was really a verry funny fic
| iwas13andiwantthisgone chapter 1 . 12/25/2010
| some.one.you.know.well chapter 1 . 8/24/2010
well that took a turn for the weird
| buttsaurus chapter 1 . 8/17/2010
XD That was freakin' hilarious! Loved it! :D
| AgentInvaderMinionofDoom chapter 1 . 8/13/2010
XD Go, Iron Man! XD
| Spicy Chicken chapter 1 . 8/12/2010
I freaking love these commercials. You just made them better. xD