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Volvo C70 Steering and Front End Issues
It feels like something is overheating.
Anyone else notice this? I have many more round trips in the immediate future, and wonder about the possiblity of electrical short out, or even fire.
I own a 2003 C70, HP turbo, manual trans. Although I knew that the turning radius was not great, like on the 240s, I was disappointed to start hearing clunking noises when turning both left and right to almost the turn stop. On uneven terrain, the noise is worse. Previous trips to my dealer fixes the issue temporarily...with the diagnosis being that the stops needed lubrication.
It is out of warranty, but don't want damage to be done when it might be an inherant C70 issue. Thoughts? Similar issues?0
still sounds like the stops need lubrication to me. I'm surprised it has turned up again so quick, though. How many miles has it been since last done?
I don't believe any damage will occur.
'19 Ioniq plug-in, '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '14 Town&Country Limited; '18 BMW X2. 50-car history and counting!0
It is due for service and I am taking it in this week. I will point out the need to lubricate the stops, but the lubrication does not last 3K miles, that's for sure.0
jimaustin Posts: 1I recently purchased a 2004 C70 with 8,800 miles on it...now has 13,300. Have noticed two problems and wonder how common these are.
1. steering pops when turned to extremes or hit a rough surface with wheel turned and
2. check engine light sometimes comes on...diagnosed as catalytic converter problem.
Otherwise, very impressed with car. Gets true 27 mpg (HT version) and runs on regular gas.
Any comments?0
see the couple of posts above yours for the possible steering issue.
i wonder why it would have a catalytic problem at only 13k miles? and i'm shocked you found an '04 with such low miles. congrats!
'19 Ioniq plug-in, '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '14 Town&Country Limited; '18 BMW X2. 50-car history and counting!0
I just bought a 2004 C70 with about 30,000 miles on it and noticed a wobble at about 45-50 mph. The dealer said it is probably tyre/wheel related. Wonder if anyone has had the same experience?
Also the Volvo dealership wants $590 for the 30,000 miles service which I think is a rip off. Does anyone know if a regular mechanic can do the same thing for less?
Otherwise it is just a dream to ride and if I figure out how to do it I'll try to attach a few photos.0
a wobble? yeah, quite possibly a tire out of balance. Cheap enough to have them checked at a tire shop.
As for the 30k mile service, your problem is that you are asking the dealer "how much for the 30k mile service?" What you need to say is "how much to change the oil, rotate the tires, and ... " I don't know the rest of the list offhand, but its whatever your owner's manual states should be done at 30k, NOT what the dealer states should be done.
In any case, as a volvo owner, yes, you should find an independent mechanic ... but one that specializes in volvos. They need to have the proper equipment/software to service your car.
'19 Ioniq plug-in, '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '14 Town&Country Limited; '18 BMW X2. 50-car history and counting!0
Thanks for that. I asked Volvo-USA customer service and they confirmed that as long as one keeps receipts, having the service done by an independent mechanic doesn't affect the 4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
The 30,000 miles service is check/replace all fluids and change the cabin air filter. How do the dealerships justify $600 for that is just amazing.0
ALL fluids? Are you sure that's what your owner's manual states? I'm pretty sure the coolant is 100k miles, and there is no reason to replace steering fluid. So I think oil change, brake system flush, and tranny service should be the end of it. At my Volvo dealer, that would be about $200-$240. I don't know how much for the cabin air filter, though.
'19 Ioniq plug-in, '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '14 Town&Country Limited; '18 BMW X2. 50-car history and counting!0
You are right, it's not all fluids but they do say they will flush the cooling system. Not sure what good that would do me in the no-snow-state but still :-)
In any case, there are two dealerships in Orlando, FL where I am and one asked for $440 and the other for $589 for the service. Go figure.
Which part of the country do you live in gbrozen?0
I'm in NJ.
'19 Ioniq plug-in, '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '14 Town&Country Limited; '18 BMW X2. 50-car history and counting!0
Just for the fun of it I called the Volvo dealership in Grand Rapids, MI where I used to live. Their price: $320 including tax.0
ladydi2 Posts: 1Yes, I know just what you mean. I have the same thing with turning into a parking space. It gradually got worse but has stayed the same for sometime now. I understand the lubrication did not seem to make much of a difference. My last volvo had a very tight turning radius. (94 850 Turbo)
jefe9703 Posts: 2I'm hoping for a little more info on the clunking. My 2004 HPT w/67k has the same issues. Sounds like hell and the turning radius gets worse when the wheel stops aren't sufficiently greased. The temporary fix that both the dealer and now the lube joint has used is to slather the wheel stops with grease. This alleviates the problem for a couple thousand miles but then its back. Is there a better way? Will replacing the wheelstops help?0
When I bought my C70 in May of 2007 I noticed the sticker on the window stating that Volvo equipped the car with high-performance tires and to expect a tread life of around 20,000 miles. It struck me as strange that Volvo would put such tires on any of their vehicles. I bought a Volvo to be safe and because it looked sporty and fun - not because I wanted or needed to go around turns at 75 mph. A few months after purchase I noticed a slow leak in one of the tires and visited a shop to have it repaired. I commented that I did not like the ride - too noisy, bumpy and as described on this message board, like "riding on rails." On worn streets with grooves, the car has flung itself to the side as the steering wheel turned by itself around 40 degrees. Really had to hold onto the wheel while driving - tough for someone who usually steers with his knees! Anyway, the tire expert (having been in the business for a few decades) fixed the tire for free and asked me to come back when I needed to buy tires. He mentioned that I would not get 20,000 miles out of the factory tires - he was right, at 17,500 miles I had 0/32nd's on the front. He promised that he would figure out what tire would be less noisy, give me a nicer ride and last longer. Yesterday he installed a set of 4 Hankook tires that are speed rated at 130 mph, as opposed to the Pirelli OEM's that are rated at a ludicrously high 160. I immediately noticed that they are quieter, smoother and less prone to being thrown across the lane. He told me the tires are touted as having a lifecycle of 50,000, but in real-world driving to expect a usable life of about 30,000 miles. And they were less than half the price of the Pirellis. Hope this story connects with any others who share the same feelings. Bob0
volvo_driver Posts: 34Thanks for the information Bob. Do you have the 17" or 18" wheels on your C70?0
Oops - should have included that information. I have the 18" Mizram wheels that undoubtedly contribute to the situation since they don't leave much room for rubber. BTW, the tire model # is Hankook Ventus 1004768 (235/40R18)0
rschleicher Posts: 79Yes, with the 18" Mirzam wheels you get high-performance summer tires, P-Zero Rosso's. These will indeed wear out pretty quickly, and are also pretty bad in cold weather (such as below freezing). I'm not positive, but the treadwear rating might be only around 200 or so on these. The 17" wheels come with longer-lasting, (Michelin, I think) all-season tires, albeit not cheap either, as they have the same high-speed rating (Z speed-rating?). I have the P-Zero Rossos, and like them in terms of handling, etc., but will probably go to P-Zero Nero all-season tires when they need replacing, which have a much better treadwear rating (something like 400).
Many tire stores will refuse to put on replacement tires with a lower speed rating than the car originally came with. I don't know if this is by law in some states, or just because the large tire store chains have legal departments that are trying to make sure they don't get sued. In reality a 132-mph H-rated tire is plenty, but I have an older Mercedes that originally came with V-rated tires, and the tire shops now refuse to put anything less on it. It is nice that you have a shop that will apply common sense.0
When the tire shop called to tell me what tire would be best he did mention that the speed rating was less than what was "required." He assured me that there would not be a problem. I don't know if he disclosed this for legal or ethical reasons, but either way I feek comfortable with the choice.0


text: Dubai's superlative hotels have earned a reputation for unbridled opulence and fully immersive grandeur. Beyond their dramatic facades and over-the-top lobbies, some of their most intriguing spaces are shrouded in mystery, reserved for world leaders, exalted royalty and worshipped celebrities. Step past the threshold in Dubai's most over-the-top hotels for a rare look at the suite secrets and exclusive amenities on the coveted top floors, and find out how we can help you gain entrée into these extraordinary hotels.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Description
- Reviews
Mosaic by AYANO has a unique translucent finish with tiny cubic patterns etched across the surface, which creates stunning shimmering effect. You can still see the color of the iPhone and more importantly, the Apple logo remains visible.
Unlike the standard clear hard case, the case will always remain scratch and smudge free. It has a super sleek appearance but it has the most optimal thickness to protect your device. Made of high grade polycarbonate, the case is very durable and protects the phone well.
(It does not include iPhone 6/6s)


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Kontakti i drejtpërdrejtë për produktet Lindab dhe sistemi në shtetin tuaj (gjuhët lokale).
LAD is an supply air nozzle suitable for ventilation of large areas where long throws are required. The nozzle can be used for both heated and cooled air. LAD has a standard MF measure and can be installed directly on a male spigot in the desired direction.
CADvent is an object-oriented AutoCAD© application with a complete toolbox for drafting, dimensioning, calculation, quantification and presentation of complete HVAC installations.
Download CADvent for 32-bit
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DIMcomfort is based on Lindab´s supply and exhaust air terminal device range, and provides calculation and design of diffusers based on the specified requirements.
Download DIMcomfort
+45 73 23 23 23


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New ORUEF
The Oral Roberts University Educational Fellowship (ORUEF) is a professional service organization that provides networking opportunities and support services to Christian preschools, elementary, secondary and Bible schools.
ORUEF seeks to instill within member schools an enthusiasm to be responsible and reputable leaders in the field of education: professionally, academically and spiritually. The goal is to strengthen Christian schools while enjoying the friendly exchange of ideas and dialogue among Christian school leaders, teachers and staff.
Contact Information
2448 E. 81st Street, Suite 600
Tulsa, OK 74137
|phone: 918.493.8880
fax: 918.493.8041
|e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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We use our own and third party cookies in order to improve your experience and our service. With the aid of cookies we analyze the typical use pattern of visitors to the website. Your continued use of our website shall be conclusively deemed acceptance of the use of cookies. For further information please read our Privacy Policy.
The KTM 690 SMC R raises the bar for street hooligans. The revised chassis and styling are boosted by the latest 690 LC4 motor and an updated electronics package, so whether you express your tarmac-sliding talent on mountain roads or on the track, you'll be drifting into the future with a maxed-out grin and your veins coursing with adrenaline. Handling is enhanced by the latest fully-adjustable WP APEX suspension, so all you have to worry about is focusing on the road ahead and twisting the throttle to the stoppers.
693 cm³ Displacement
74 hp Power in hp
- Engine
- Displacement
- 693 cm³
- Power in hp
- 74 hp
- Power in KW
- 55 kW
- Torque
- 73.5 Nm
- Design
- 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
- Bore
- 105 mm
The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost. All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice. No rights may be derived from incorrect statements. The consumption values stated refer to the roadworthy series condition of the vehicles at the time of factory delivery.


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Don Lin Shide-Chua Chu Kang House Interior Space
At Design Interviews
Interview with Don Lin Shide : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. Don Lin Shide : The importance of this project is not about designing a concept but rather an experience of your personal lifestyle. The end result was to diversify the industrial visionary into a fresh modern approach. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. Don Lin Shide : Space efficiency is something I wanted to explore. By doing so, structure shaping has being examined to further magnify. With structure overlapping is not sufficient; the haptic pleasures of the materials was also measured, to converge a sense of presence .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. Don Lin Shide : Usually the process of developing a concept can be metaphor of complication, sometime it really depend on how you encapsulate it. For me, it takes days or it may take months .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Don Lin Shide : Every lifestyle is different and for me, every works that I designed will be a different philosophy approach .Frank Scott: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?. Don Lin Shide : From raw, it can only go even more raw. However my context of rawness is a sensation view towards a comprehensive state of art. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Don Lin Shide : I would consider to able to convert the ugliness of the element into the beauty of aesthetic touch. .
Don Lin Shide-Chua Chu Kang House Interior Space Images:
End of the article, click here to go back to previous page, or alternatively go back to Design Industrial homepage.


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Talented Danish Dubstep Dancers Will Blow Your Mind [VIDEO]
Now that the world is finally sussing out how exactly we're supposed to dance to dubstep (basically it's like doing the Robot, but way harder), it's time to take things to the next level. Denmark's Robotboys are seen here leading the way.
With the basics down, the Robotboys have added lights, costumes and a touch of theatricality to their dubstep dance performance.
Watch the video below to see the boys pop, lock, defy gravity and generally blow everyone's minds in a show from earlier this week.
[via Reddit]


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How Do I Explain Getting Fired?
Post date: Jun 28, 2012 12:57:03 PM
By Paul W. Barada, Monster Salary and Negotiation Expert
How do you explain getting fired to a prospective employer? While there isn't an easy answer to this interview question, there are two important steps you can take to minimize the potentially negative effects of being terminated, separated or whatever euphemism you want to substitute for the word "fired."
Be Honest
There's no good way to sugarcoat being fired, so the best course of action is to tell a prospective employer, as honestly, objectively and candidly as possible, your view of what happened. The worst thing any job seeker can do is to be less than honest about the reason for leaving an employer and then have somebody check your references and discover you lied. That's a sure ticket to the unemployment office.
Part of the difficulty in giving a simple answer comes from the multitude of reasons why people get fired. There is no stock phrase that fits every situation when it comes to explaining to a prospective employer why you left your last job. The only certain advice is, "don't lie about it!"
Being objective and not placing blame are key. Not every job is perfect for every employee, and no one can get along with everybody all the time. Sometimes personalities clash. Sometimes the realities of the job don't match the expectations. The list goes on and on, but more often than not, firings either involve personalities, performance or both. It is essential for the person who was fired to realize that the circumstances that led to it, more often than not, involved at least two points of view. That's where being objective comes into play. Every person who has been fired should take the time to calmly evaluate what actually happened and what his role in it truly was. In other words, it probably wouldn't be a good idea to tell a prospective employer, "It was all their fault. I was a perfect employee every day, and I was an outstanding performer in every aspect of my job. They were totally wrong to fire me!" Even if that were true, who would believe it? Remember the old adages: "It takes two people to have an argument," and "Nobody's perfect."
What Did You Learn?
To minimize the potential damage of being fired, be prepared to explain how you've gained wisdom about yourself and your abilities from the experience.
Once you've had time to take a good long look in the mirror, start thinking about what you could have done differently that might have led to another result and what you'll do differently in the future. If, for instance, it was a matter of personality clash, be prepared to talk about it in first person plural. "We just couldn't work together." That's how you let a prospective employer know you have critically evaluated both sides of the situation. Then, use that as a springboard to highlight the positives that came from the experience. It's critical to take some blame. You might say, "I didn't have a clear understanding of their expectations" as opposed to "they didn't tell me what their expectations were."
Nearly everyone can improve in some area, and that's what you want to stress to a prospective employer. Getting fired isn't the sin -- not learning anything from it is. So, the best advice is to be honest about what happened and explain what you learned from the experience. If you follow that, you'll find most prospective employers will be favorably impressed with you.


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Monkey brain area keeps count of kindnesses – "The primates have an altruistic 'tally chart' that keeps track of social rewards and gifts." – mine's on an excel spreadsheet. (~_^)
Are Babies Born Good? – "New research offers surprising answers to the age-old question of where morality comes from."
Xenophobia Upside: Ethnic And Religious Diversity Correlated To Less Environmental Action – "Scandinavian countries, low in ethnic and religious diversity, take more collective action than more diverse nations, like the UK, China and the United States." – reminiscent of putnam's findings [pdf]. via amren.
It's not the cads, it's the tramps – from jayman.
Latin Americans Most Positive in the World – "Singaporeans are the least positive worldwide" – from gallup.
Fluctuating environment may have driven human evolution
Shape of human hand may have evolved for fighting, scientists say
Birdsong study pecks at theory that music is uniquely human – "'[T]he same neural reward system is activated in female birds in the breeding state that are listening to male birdsong, and in people listening to music that they like….' For male birds listening to another male's song, it was a different story: They had an amygdala response that looks similar to that of people when they hear discordant, unpleasant music."
Virtual women reveal more skin, regardless of body proportions – "71% of male avatars covered between 75-100% of their skin, while only 5% of females did. In contrast, 47% of the virtual females they studied covered between 25-49% of their skin, compared to 9% of males."
Indonesia's Islamic spirit of tolerance – "Indonesia is rather middling in terms of attitudinal religious tolerance." – from the awesome epigone.
Are fathers necessary? – @mangan's.
DNA of Sandy Hook killer Adam Lanza to be examined for 'evil' gene in first study of its kind ever conducted on a mass murderer – "The study of the killer's DNA has been ordered by Connecticut Medical Examiner H. Wayne Carver who carried out the post mortems on all the victims. He has contacted geneticists at University of Connecticut's to conduct the study."
bonus: Judeo-Christian, Not So Much – from assistant village idiot.
bonus bonus: No heir to run the company? Why adult 'adoption' is big business in Japan
bonus bonus bonus: Why Do We Blink So Frequently? – "[B]riefly closing our eyes might actually help us to gather our thoughts and focus attention on the world around us."
bonus bonus bonus bonus: Even in same vineyard, different microbes may create variations in wine grapes – "Yeast species may cause differences in otherwise identical grapes from the same vineyard."
bonus bonus bonus bonus bonus: Buried Christian Empire Casts New Light on Early Islam – "Archeologists are studying the ruins of a buried Christian empire in the highlands of Yemen."
bonus bonus bonus bonus bonus bonus: Unsexing the Language – "Every day, the left is beavering away at the language. Fight back. Proudly use such sentences as 'Man is a mammal so he suckles his young.'" – heh! i love jared taylor. (^_^)
(note: comments do not require an email. second life hos.)


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Dark blue and red checked flannel shirt with pocket
Ref: B3001522514
Dark blue and red checked flannel men's shirt with pocket and navy blue placket detail. Made of 100% cotton fabric, buttoned collar, long sleeve. Made of natural fibers, this shirt can be worn with a pair of jeans or chinos.
Composition and Care
n Delicate wash cycle 40° H Do not use bleach E Iron max 150.ºC U Do not tumble dry K Do not dry clean
Shipping and Returns
Free delivery Portugal and Spain
Product rating
Rating summary


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Opening Week Thoughts
After Josh Beckett's stellar performance on Opening Day, I was excited to see what the rest of the pitching staff was going to offer. I can't say that I was thrilled with the three games that followed Josh Beckett's, but I can say that I'm optimistic for the rest of the season. It is obvious that the Red Sox are still coming together as a whole, and transitioning from the Spring Training atmosphere to the regular season atmosphere. But as Kevin Youkilis pointed out, I'd rather be off to a slow start than have a bad finish. "There are bright things to come".


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Apple Cinnamon Cake
Difficulty: Medium
Servings: 1-2
Preparation Time: 20 mins
Cooking Time: 30 mins
|For the cake:
|For the custard cream:
1. Preparing the cake:
- Pre-heat oven to 175 degree Celsius.
- Beat 1 cup of sugar, butter, vanilla and cream cheese at medium speed in the Bosch kitchen machine for about 4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Sift them.
- Add the flour mixture to the cream mixture and beat at low speed until blended.
- Combine ¼ cup of sugar with cinnamon. Mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl and stir the apple mixture into the batter.
- Pour batter into pan lined with parchment paper. Place walnuts on batter and sprinkle remaining cinnamon mixture on top.
- Bake at 175 degree Celsius for 1 hour. Cover with aluminium foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Cool cake on rack.
2. Preparing the custard cream:
- Boil the milk and grated lemon zest.
- Beat egg yolks and castor sugar till white.
- Sieve cake flour and corn starch together. Divide into 7 portions and add each portion at a time into the whisked egg and sugar mixture. Mix well.
- Slowly add the milk into the egg mixture. Whisk to combine.
- Cook the custard over a double boiler and whisk constantly. Wrap and cool the mixture in the fridge.
- Whisk whipping cream and icing sugar till soft peaks form.
- Combine Kirsch with the whipped cream and custard mixture.
Product Used
Sold to millions – tested by millions
Whatever your needs, Bosch offers the right kitchen machine to give you perfect results when preparing meals.


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Hong appointed UH Hilo Vice Chancellor for Student AffairsUniversity of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Dr. Rose Y. Tseng, (808) 974-7444
Posted: Dec 3, 2007Dr. Rose Y. Tseng, chancellor of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, today announced the selection of Dr. Luoluo Hong to the position of vice chancellor for student affairs, effective January 1, 2008.
Hong is presently dean of student affairs for Arizona State University's (ASU) West campus, which serves as the University's liberal arts learning center for 8,200 students. Prior to joining ASU, Hong served as dean of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Shepherd College, and director
of wellness education and outreach services at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.
Hong received a BA in psychology from Amherst College, earned a master's in public health in health promotion, policy and resources from Yale University, and received her PhD in educational leadership and research from Louisiana State University.
Hong's achievements at ASU's West campus include the record enrollment of 558 full-time, first-time freshmen in Fall 2006, the development of a strong student-centered partnership between academic affairs and student affairs, and assumption of oversight for campus residence life programs from a third-party private vendor which increased residence hall occupancy by 38
percent and doubled lease renewal rates.
"We're very pleased to have attracted a candidate with such outstanding qualifications for this important position," Tseng said. "Dr. Hong's expertise in managing enrollment and improving student services will enable us to continue building on the gains we've made in these areas."
In addition to her current duties as dean of student affairs, Hong serves as a clinical associate professor of criminology and criminal justice. She has also been a nationally known speaker, trainer and consultant since 1995, providing programming and services to colleges, universities and regional/national student conferences in the areas of leadership, health, and social justice.
"From the first time I stepped foot onto the campus of UH Hilo, I knew that this was a very special place," remarked Hong. "I cannot say enough how honored and excited I am about the opportunity to help continue its forward momentum toward expansion and excellence. I am looking forward to working
with all of the students, staff and faculty at UH Hilo."


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Hey there. I'm looking to start a game and thought you might be interested. Check out the post and if you have any questions ask me.
Hi Cyan, You're not interested in trying a new game? If you change your mind, please check out my profile and drop me a note, telling us about what you would be looking for and maybe some about yourself. We are looking for imaginative and interesting players.


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Spanish and French authorities on Tuesday arrested 23 alleged members of the Kurdistan Workers Party on suspicion they engaged in extortion to finance the operations of the rebel group seeking autonomy for Turkey's Kurds, officials said.
Six of the suspects were detained in Madrid, Barcelona and the southern city of Murcia, Spain's Interior Ministry said in a statement. Authorities also raided seven places linked to the suspects, who are accused of levying a "revolutionary tax" on fellow Kurds in an extortion scheme aimed at buying arms and explosives for use in terror attacks in Turkey, the statement said.
In France, Agnes Thibault-Lecuivre, a spokeswoman for the Paris prosecutors' office, said 17 people had been arrested by Tuesday evening. They were detained in the southwestern cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse.
She said the arrests, involving counterterrorism police, were the first stemming from a preliminary French investigation opened in March into alleged extortion to help finance the Kurdish rebel group.
French authorities also seized at least (EURO)28,000 ($37,600) during their operation, she said.
The conflict in Turkey between the group, also known as the PKK, and government forces has claimed tens of thousands of lives since 1984 when the rebels took up arms with the aim of gaining autonomy in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast. The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by the European Union and the United States.


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Once again, Israel stands at the brink of a major military conflict with its neighbors in the Gaza Strip. Once again, an American president is calling for Israeli restraint. Once again, lives have been lost and many more placed at risk, and the chances of another major Mideast war have risen dangerously high.
It is essential that Americans understand that this time around, as far too often in the past, it is Hamas, a terrorist organization dedicated to Islamic fundamentalism and the destruction of Israel, that is fomenting the violence.
Founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, or uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, Hamas has waged a relentless campaign for political and military control of those territories, and consistently rejected opportunities for peace with Israel.
Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza Strip in September 2005, more than seven years ago, leaving the territory wholly under Palestinian control. But the power struggle that followed saw Hamas outmaneuver the more moderate Fatah movement.
Sadly, a majority of Palestinians voted to give Hamas political control of Gaza in 2006, giving a political stamp of approval to the organization�s terrorist methods. Under constant attack by rockets from Gaza, Israel in 2008-09 launched a three-week incursion into Gaza that destroyed a significant amount of Hamas� military assets, cost more than 1,400 Palestinian lives, as well as 13 Israeli lives, and damage of some $2 billion.
Hamas, undeterred, has continued its campaign of terror.
Now, with their ideological allies, the Muslim Brotherhood, having taken power in Egypt, Hamas enjoys an essentially open border for the flow of munitions from the Sinai Peninsula onto Israel�s doorstep.
This week, the world has once more witnessed the deadly impact of those munitions, as rockets fired from Gaza have killed three Israeli civilians. Worse casualties may be only a matter of time and bad luck.
And worse casualties have already been inflicted in retaliatory strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces, who have taken out Hamas� military leader and other fighters in actions that have also claimed several civilian lives. Israeli officials met yesterday to discuss the call-up of thousands of reservists for another possible ground offensive into Gaza.
The violence, on both sides, is a tragic reminder of the years of mistrust that exist between Israel and her neighbors, as well as the ongoing inability of the world�s major powers to bring about a lasting peace in the region. Indeed, the regime change in Egypt has placed at serious risk that nation�s peace treaty with Israel, forged through the Camp David Accords of 1978.
No one wishes to see another costly and destructive conflict engulf the Mideast, but a true and lasting peace cannot prevail so long as the forces of Hamas and radical Islam continue to press for the destruction of Israel. World powers must understand that the choice before us is a clear one, between an appeasement that eventually leads to destruction, or making clear that terrorism will be confronted and made to retreat, by diplomatic means if possible, and military ones if necessary.


text: It appears to be a perfect match — a small city wants to enhance its sense of community, and a couple of local entrepreneur-brothers want to build a business where people come together. The Drip Drop Coffee Shop held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony last week in Richland to a packed house of well-wishers and supporters. The mayor, aldermen ...Read More »


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Welcome to F.I.E.L.D.- the First Ismaili Electronic Library and Database. Guests are not required to login during this beta-testing phase
His Highness the Aga Khan delivering the Founder's Address at the Pan Africa Media conference, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Nation Media Group.
Source:AKDN / Gary Otte
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So sorry to have been derelict from duty. Running around like a crazy thing as the family gathers for a great 21st, the Highland games are almost on us, and I have guests. Always a bugger when real life gets in the way.
If you want to know what I have been doing in the last couple of days, you can see some pictures here:
Back next week.
Yesterday, at Perth, one of the loveliest racecourses in the world:


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Community service awards honor Tahoe Truckee advocates
TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. – The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee (CCTT) is pleased to honor Laura Brown, Excellence in Education Foundation Director, Maria Torres Bernal, North Tahoe Family Resource Center, and Cecilia Morales, Tahoe SAFE Alliance for their outstanding community service.
The CCTT Partner of the Year Award is given in recognition of regional collaboration and vision for the community. Laura Brown has demonstrated initiative and leadership in the education field regionally for the past eight years as the executive director of Excellence in Education. During the past year, Laura led a coalition of public and private agencies to develop a regional plan to address third-grade reading proficiency which resulted in the National Civic League designating the Tahoe Truckee region an All-America City. The community coalition included the Excellence in Education Foundation, Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation, Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Placer and Nevada County Health and Human Services and First 5 Nevada and Placer County. Through Laura's leadership, the coalition, now called Tahoe Truckee Reads, developed a comprehensive strategy to boost third-grade reading proficiency focusing on school readiness and attendance, summer reading, public awareness and increased coordination and systems change to better assess and track data in each of the target areas.
The Chris Ballin Award is given in recognition of those persons who advocate for cultural competency, equality and social justice in our community. Chris Ballin is remembered as the founding and longtime director of La Comunidad Unida (The United Community) formed in response to growing racial tension on the North Shore. Chris was an enthusiastic collaborator who had creative ideas, experience, and knowledge for working with communities and those in need. Maria Torres Bernal, with the North Tahoe Family Resource Center, is a steward for social justice through her work with Community House clients, where she has furthered the cultural competency, equality and social justice of the North Tahoe Community. Bernal became involved in her community as a volunteer in 1995 for La Comunidad Unida. She has been part of the North Tahoe Family Resource Center since 2001. Working as a family advocate, Maria helps community members with a variety of support services, including translation, information and referral and case management.
The CCTT Public Service Award of Excellence is awarded this year to Cecilia Morales of Tahoe SAFE Alliance. Cecilia has been helping immigrant victims of abuse apply for protected status through the U-Visa Program. She has been persistent in advocating for her clients with Placer County Sheriffs, Placer County District Attorney's office, the Department of Homeland Security, Placer County CSOC and immigration attorneys. Cecilia has been dedicated to assisting her clients in accessing this life-changing program. Cecilia moved to the Tahoe Truckee region 1989 and is originally from Nicaragua. Her first job in the area was at AAA as an insurance underwriter, and started volunteering with Tahoe SAFE Alliance for five years before becoming a full-time employee. Cecilia works directly with the victims of violence and sexual assault, helping with issues from restraining orders, medical issues and financial assistance. She also identifies individuals and families who can qualify and benefit from the U-Visa Program.
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The Community Collaborative of Tahoe Truckee is comprised of 45 health, education and social service agencies who work together to address the fundamental needs of families in the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee region. For further information contact Alison Schwedner at email@example.com or call 530-587-1776. The Community Collaborative is a program of the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation.
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SRVWEN necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 150 diseños de 35 diseñadores freelance.
We are a small company working in the sector of cultural exchange programms (language travel, highschool exchange programs, work & travel...). One of our projects is the website (currently under development) http://www.sprachreisen.info (which is German for "language travel").
Language travels consist of learning a foreign language in a specific target country for a certain limited time (e.g. learning English in the U.S.A, Canada, GB e.g. for Germans for 2 or 3 weeks ).
The website is all around that topic: legislation on language travel, companies offering language travels (affiliates), market statistics, user feedbacks....
Pupils, Students and Grown ups willing go on a language travel.
The website needs a new logo, which should be kind of clear, sympatic but trustfull and which needs to contain the domain name:
For example an icon/symbol like mouth (or two) or something accordingly could be added to the logo. But I am not a designer, feel free what your have in mind when thinking of language travel.
You can find the website CI on the screenshot which has been attached. But CI is not that strict. The logo just needs to be in harmony with the sites CI.
Enjoy it. :-)
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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14 April, 2014
R.I.P. Michael Hutchence!As many fans knows, as many fans don't know, this is written to INXS' frontman, Michael Hutchence, died on 22nd November 1997. If anyone knows the tragical story, they also can relate to the lyrics. You can really feel that pain Bono express to his close friend, they really was close friends both. Michael was actually "stucked in a moment, he could get out of." A quote from Bono and Rolling Stone magazine: "Bono told Rolling Stone that Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of was inspired by the mysterious death of INXS singer Michael Hutchence, and that the pair discussed suicide prior to his death and decided it was "pathetic". 'We discussed suicide a few times and we both agreed how pathetic it was.' He said they had 'kinda promised each other' neither would ever kill themselves. 'Stuck In A Moment... is an argument,' he said. 'It's a row between mates. You're kinda trying to wake them up out of an idea. In my case it's a row I didn't have while he was alive. I feel the biggest respect I could pay to him was not to write some stupid soppy fucking song, so I wrote a really tough, nasty little number... slapping him around the head. And I'm sorry, but that's how it came out of me.'" And found this quote at @U2, also by Rolling Stone magazine: "I think other people who have lost a mate to suicide will all tell you the same thing-just the overpowering guilt that you weren't there for that person. As anyone around here will tell you, friendship is a thing that I hold very sacred. Cocteau, I think he only wrote one serious essay in his life, and it was on the subject of friendship-friendship is higher than love... Can you really be that busy that you don't notice your mate on the slide, as it were?... I just remember feeling this overpowering sense of guilt. And then anger. and then annoyance. That song is an argument. It's a row between mates. You're trying to slap somebody around the face, trying to wake them up out of an idea. In my case it's a row I didn't have while he was alive." - Bono, Rolling Stone 2001"
08 December, 2013
Favorite videoThis is easily one of the best U2 videos ever and the best song off of ATYCLB


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Morning MarketBeat: Wall Street Eagerly Awaits Election Outcome
Pre-Market Brief:
MARKET SNAP: At 5:50 a.m. ET, S&P 500 futures up 0.3%. Treasury yields unchanged. Nymex up at $85.67; gold up 0.2% at $1,687.35. In Europe, FTSE 100 up 0.6%, DAX up 0.8% and CAC 40 up 0.8%. In Asia, Nikkei 225 down 0.4% and Hang Seng down 0.3%.
Overnight action: U.K. economic data disappoint; BMW shrugs off high costs as profit rises; Tata Steel fined more than $1 billion.
Watch for: U.S. presidential and Congressional elections. ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly chain store sales index (7:45 a.m. Eastern Time). Johnson Redbook weekly retail sales index (8:55). September Job Openings & Labor Turnover survey (10:00). Global services PMI (11:00). Treasury auctions: 4-week bills (11:30 a.m.) and 3-year notes (1:00 p.m.)
Earnings: Boise, Cablevision, Calpine, Church & Dwight, Computer Sciences, CVS Caremark, DirecTV, Discovery Communications, Dish Network, Liberty Interactive, Louisiana-Pacific, Marathon Oil, News Corp, NYSE Euronext, Office Depot and OfficeMax.
For more MarketBeat and other streaming markets coverage from The Wall Street Journal, point your mobile browser to wsj.com/marketspulse.
The Breakfast Briefing
The big day has finally arrived.
Today's presidential election is expected to lift a cloud of uncertainty that has recently been hanging over the market. Major stock indexes have dropped by more than 3% since mid-September, as traders and investors say they have been more cautious than usual while waiting for the election's outcome.
"We've been stuck in the mud of this pre-election purgatory," Daniel Genter, chief executive at RNC Genter Capital Management, which oversees $4.3 billion in assets, told MarketBeat.
But once the election passes, several Wall Street strategists expect stocks to rally through the end of the year. Deutsche Bank, for instance, predicts the S&P 500 will finish the year at 1450 if President Barack Obama is reelected. If Republican rival Mitt Romney proves victorious, the firm would be even more bullish and anticipate the S&P 500 rising to 1500 by year end.
The S&P 500 is up 13% this year, and on Monday finished at 1417.
No matter who takes the election, the market historically has a good track record on Election Days as well as the year that follows.
Since 1896, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has averaged a 0.76% gain on presidential election days, far greater than an average day's performance, according to WSJ Market Data Group.
On an even longer time horizon, stocks tend do well in the year after a presidential election. In Bill Clinton's first year in office following the 1992 election the Dow rose 15%. The blue-chip index advanced 30% in the year following the 1996 election, and it jumped 6.8% one year after President George W. Bush's reelection in 2004.
Even during the depths of the financial crisis, the Dow still managed a sizable gain after that election, rising 8.3% from November 2008 through the end of 2009.
The one recent outlier, though, was the 2000 election. That was when the race was too close to call on election night, which prompted Bush's victory to be called weeks later by the Supreme Court.
Not surprisingly, the stock market wasn't so forgiving back then, as there was lingering uncertainty over who would be the next president. The Dow fell 8.5% from November 2000 through the end of 2001.
To be sure, past performances aren't necessarily indicative of future moves. And there is plenty for investors to currently worry about regarding the turbulent U.S. economy, Europe's turmoil and China's slowing growth that could hurt stocks.
"Regardless of who wins the election, the primary underpinnings of the economy won't change overnight," Genter cautions.
Polls show the current presidential race will be tight. A repeat of 2000 would be a worst-case scenario, investors say, especially as indecision over new leadership would coincide with the looming fiscal cliff.
"That would be the worst outcome of all," Uri Landesman, president of Platinum Partners, a New York hedge fund, told MarketBeat. "The market hates nothing more than indecision. If someone is not declared president by [Tuesday] night, the market will go down big time.
"You can take that to the bank."
Morning MarketBeat Daily Factoid: On this day in 2001, Michael Bloomberg was elected mayor of New York City.
–Steven Russolillo[wsj-responsive-more-in tag="Morning MarketBeat" category="" ]
Stocks to Watch
AOL is expected to report third-quarter earnings of 19 cents a share, according to a consensus survey by FactSet.
CVS Caremark is forecast to post third-quarter earnings of 77 cents a share.
News Corp. is projected to report fiscal first-quarter earnings of 37 cents a share.
Overnight Headlines (Links)
Obama, Romney Make Final Appeals
For the Winner, Tough Calls on Debt Await
Current Account: The U.S. Dollar Is Still King, For Now
Ahead of the Tape: Election Likely to Leave Housing Unmoved
Heard on the Street: Netflix Pill Should Give Shareholders Pause
MF Global Suit Adds PricewaterhouseCoopers
Abbott Unit Sells $14.7 Billion in Debt


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Much is always made of the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916 in which the British and the French secretly connived to split the Middle East like a ripe melon, dividing what is now Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordon, Israel, Gaza and the West Bank between them. The fact that neither controlled or had any legitimate right to this vast expanse was of little import in London and Paris; they planned to seize control of it soon enough from the waning Ottoman Empire.
It was a facile agreement, to be sure, and dramatized the mad scramble for the region and its resources, but the game was already on when Sir Mark Sykes, a 30-something baronet who passed himself off as a Middle East expert, drew his infamous line in the sand connecting Acre on the Mediterranean coast with Kirkuk in the heart of what was then known as Mesopotamia. Decades previously Britain had taken control of Egypt and Cyprus, and World War I would be the catalyst for gathering more low hanging fruit. The security of the Suez Canal and access to oil, the fossil fuel of the future, were the prime motivations. Wherever the line was drawn, the Middle East was in for big changes.
In his second book, A Line in the Sand: The Anglo-French Struggle for the Middle East 1914-1948, James Barr vividly portrays the convoluted and often deadly game played by these ostensible allies. The locals were often a sidelight to this main event. If the Arabs were revolting in the Levant against the French, the British could hardly have been less helpful. Later, when the Zionists rose against British rule in Palestine, it was the French who were blasé, and then some – indeed, many were only too happy to aid Jewish terrorists bent on killing Britons.
The Brits may have helped France twice against the Germans, but they weren't as keen on sharing the Middle East with their historic rival. France, for its part, was desperate to regain its pride and status as a world power after a bumpy century highlighted by its humiliating collapse in World War II. At times, the Syrian front seemed more important to Frenchmen like Charles DeGaulle than the fight against Hitler.
To make matters more confusing, when the British and the Free French invaded Syria in 1941, the Vichy French forces in control of Damascus fought their fellow countrymen with a vengeance. In 1945, when the British intervened to stop French efforts to put down a Syrian revolt, DeGaulle seethed, telling a British official: "We are not, I admit, in a position to open hostilities against you at the present time. But you have insulted France.... This cannot be forgotten."
Barr, who is a British journalist, depicts the tenor of Anglo-French antipathy with telling research, engaging profiles of key players, and entertaining anecdotes. Of Sykes' French counterpart, François Georges-Picot, he writes, "The British, in whom Georges-Picot's 'fluting voice' and condescending manner triggered an allergic reaction, pointedly ... called him plain old 'Monsieur Picot.'" Touché.
While Barr travels some well worn historical territory, his use of recently declassified government materials infuses new details into the depth of the geopolitical intrigue that helped to form – or deform – the modern Middle East. Colonialism in the 20th century needed to be a bit more politically correct than it was during the unashamed scramble for African colonies in the previous century. When the Bolsheviks make the Sykes-Picot Agreement public in 1918, the embarrassed British and French made the proper noises about helping the people of the region transition to self-rule.
But mainly they rigged what few elections or plebiscites that were held to install accommodating Arab rulers. The British established Sunni leaders in Iraq to rule a majority Shiite population and included in the newly created nation Kurdistan and the city of Mosul, which was well north of the Sykes-Picot line, not because it made sense for the locals but because there was oil up yonder. The British, in Orwellian fashion, also changed sides based on strategic considerations.
Supporting Zionism seemed like a good means of projecting influence in 1917 in Palestine, but by 1939, with Germany threatening the Middle East, the Arabs were deemed a better bet. British policy changed accordingly.
What was good for Britain and France – or what was perceived as such by them – was seldom good for the people in the region. Barr sums it up nicely: "Britain's sponsorship of the Jews in Palestine and France's favoritism of the Christians in Lebanon were policies designed to strengthen their respective positions in the region by eliciting gratitude from both minorities. The appreciation they generated by doing so was short-lived, but they deeply antagonized the predominantly Muslim Arab populations of both countries, and the wider region, with irreversible effects."
David Holahan is a regular contributor to the Monitor's Books section.


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With the largest network of locations nationwide, excellent 24/7 customer support, competitive pricing and an easy-to-use and reliable device, Intoxalock ignition interlock devices are the best value on the market.
Need an ignition interlock device near Hammond? Intoxalock is available at Cashio's Chevron Inc, an official Intoxalock ignition interlock installation location. We can install your breathalyzer in cars, trucks, vans and other vehicles.


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Redskins stage last-minute drive, drop Bucs to 1-3 with last-second, game-winning field goal
With the game on the line, Robert Griffin III moved the Washington Redskins right down the field and to the second victory of his young career.
Billy Cundiff redeemed himself for a horrible day kicking, making a 41-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining and the Redskins snapped a two-game losing streak with a 24-22 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Cundiff missed three earlier attempts, including a 31-yarder that wound have put the Redskins (2-2) up by two scores early in the fourth quarter. He also missed first-half tries of 41 and 57 yards, but was on the money after Griffin drove his team into position for the winning score.
Tampa Bay (1-3) wiped out an 18-point deficit to go ahead 22-21 on Connor Barth's third field goal, a 47-yarder with 1:42 remaining.
But Griffin wasn't finished. He completed three straight passes to move the Redskins from their own 20 to the 41, then ran for 15 yards to the 26. Cundiff kicked the game-winner two plays later.
Griffin threw for 323 yards without an interception and scored on a 5-yard run while Washington was building a 21-3 lead in the second quarter.
Pierre Garcon recovered a fumble by the second overall pick in this year's draft in the end zone for the Redskins' first touchdown.
Alfred Morris rushed for 113 yards and scored on a 39-yard run.
Josh Freeman threw for 299 yards and one touchdown, leading the Bucs back from their big deficit with help from Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson, who scored on a 7-yard reception late in the third quarter.
Jackson finished with six catches for 100 yards, and Williams had five receptions for 115 yards.
Griffin was sacked six times and was hit hard after handing off on some option plays, prompting coach Mike Shanahan to ask the rookie to take some precautions on the field to protect himself.
With regular officials back on the job, the Bucs were flagged twice for unnecessary roughness on the Redskins quarterback — once on a throw out of his own end zone and the other when he was picked up and dropped for a 2-yard loss by Tampa Bay rookie safety Mark Barron on a designed run.
Barron read the quarterback keeper perfectly, but was flagged when he lifted Griffin into the air before dumping him to the ground and falling on top of Griffin. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner bounced right up, clapped his hands, then threw for 20 yards to Garcon on the next play.
Largely on the strength of containing Cam Newton and limiting Carolina to 10 yards on the ground in a season-opening victory, the Bucs entered Sunday allowing a league-low 47 yards per game rushing.
They gave up almost that much alone when Morris took a pitch from Griffin and started off left tackle before cutting back to the middle of the field on his TD run.
Tampa Bay's offense sputtered until Freeman connected with Williams on a 65-yard pass that led to the TD pass to Jackson that trimmed Washington's lead to 21-13.
Two more completions to Jackson, this time for 54 and then 22 yards, set up LeGarrette Blount's 2-yard TD that helped the Bucs pull within 21-19.
Griffin began the winning drive from the Washington 20 with 1:42 left. He completed passes of 15 yards to Santana Moss, 20 to Fred Davis and 4 to Evan Royster before taking off on his big run that got the Redskins into field goal range.
The Redskins played without safety Brandon Meriweather and receiver Aldrick Robinson, who were declared out after colliding in the end zone during pregame warmups.
The teammates remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped to their feet and walking to the locker room. Meriweather missed the first three games of the season with a sprained left knee.


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From the moment I heard about Grey Beard his days were numbered. He had killed eight people by then, three of them skilled hunters who were seeking to bring him down. He had tasted the flesh of humans and his hunger could never be sated. He roamed far and wide, unstoppable and unafraid. But now, sitting on a topless beach on eastern Maui, admiring his beautiful girlfriend silhouetted against the glimmering blue and white of perfect waves, sat the apex hunter, the killer of killers, the one man in the world who could bring the beast down – me. And now I knew he was alive. And now it was my job to change that.
Less is the new…
Less is the new More.
Real Magic
Real magic is not complicated, but it is mysterious. It flows through our veins like sap in a tree: sweet and sticky below the surface, locked inside of us like a golden secret.
Sometimes, we have just enough magic for a normal life.
Sometimes, we have so much magic that it bursts out of us and changes the world.
When your magic touches the world, what kind of magician are you?
Working from everywhere.
When you're self employed it's like every day's a weekend – and you work weekends.
Life's great mysteries #687
I've been told there are "rules" regarding when to use a comma.
The leprechauns only accept payment in unicorn tears.
The Two Ron Perlmans
In 2006 I interviewed Ron Perlman for the behind the scenes features for the Afro Samurai DVD. I asked for an early call-time but the interview schedule was set by the producers of the TV show for Friday at 4:30 PM after Ron's day-long voice over session. Ron, the camera man, sound man and I were all crowded into a small stuffy room with no AC because the rest of the facility was in use. Ron was hot, tired and had very little energy after working on his feet all day and made it clear to us that all he really wanted to do was get the interview over with as quickly as possible so he could get home and be with his son. The interview ended up OK and we got footage we could use, but I was a fan before that day and always wished my interaction with him had gone better. I had always heard he was a great guy, an energetic interview, affable, quick with a joke and really engaging. That was not the case at 5:00 PM on that Friday. It wasn't Ron's fault or my fault; it was just the circumstances in which we found ourselves.
About a year later I was producing behind-the-scenes footage for Disney's Turok game for Xbox 360 and had the opportunity to interview Ron Perlman again as he was portraying one of the main characters in the game. The interview was on a Wednesday at 11:00 AM, before his recording session, and it was a completely different experience. We were set up in the posh main room and had plenty of space. We were both starting the day fresh and well rested. Ron was a great guy, an energetic interview, affable, quick with a joke and really engaging. We both had a blast and the interview footage was great! Same two guys, same purpose, different circumstances and it made all the difference in the world.


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Please send questions or comments using the form below, or call the ACMA National Office.
American Case Management Association
11701 W. 36th St
Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
501-907-ACMA (2262) • Fax: 501-227-4247
Connecticut Chapter Annual Conference LinksOctober 24, 2020
Event Information | Pricing and Policies | Register
Schedule & Sessions | Brochure
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Attendee Registration is open.
Exhibitor Registration is open.
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Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Spotted on Movie Date Together [VIDEO]by Thomas Chau | PopCrush
If there was any doubt that Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were back together again, it seems we have a definitive answer.
According to Just Jared, a fan at the Westfield Century Mall in the Los Angeles area captured Bieber and Gomez as they exited a movie theater with security accompanying them. As they walk away, Selena puts her right arm around Bieber's back.
Yep, it seems they are DEFINITELY a couple again.
According to superfan 'Stalker Sarah' on her Twitter account, the two were enjoying the movie 'Think Like a Man Too' and also posted a selfie with the two superstars.
Is this or IS THIS the most beautiful couple in Hollywood??? @justinbieber @selenagomez pic.twitter.com/owxRzOZ9t0
— Stalker Sarah (@SarahMOnline) June 21, 2014
Sarah's tweet caught the attention of Beliebers and Selenators worldwide, as her name and tweet trended on Twitter for a period of time last night.
What do you think, Jelena fans? Is this the right move for both of them?
See Justin Bieber's Sweetest Baby + Childhood Pics


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The annual Barbeque Festival on the Neuse starts Wednesday morning.
A fierce battle with East against West has been ongoing for decades, but it seems the East is taking the lead right here in Lenoir County.
Kinston�s Hog Happenin� cook-off is purported to be the largest barbecue competition in the state � beating out the western tomato-based competitions by a few boar bristles.
The cook-off is the highlight of the four-day 32nd annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse, which will start Wednesday and features 80 barbecue teams competing on Saturday.
�We are busting at the seams,� said Tammy Kelly, chairwoman of the cook-off. �If we keep the number at 80, that would make us the largest whole hog barbecue cook-off.�
The event is sponsored by the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce and sanctioned by the N.C. Pork Council.
Jan Parson, director of the festival and special projects and events with the Chamber, said she expects about 25,000 people to attend this weekend and hopes the hotels will be filled.
�It�s important to have a signature event,� Parson said. �Also, people identify Kinston with hospitality.�
That hospitality doesn�t include the acceptance of Western N.C. barbecue, according to Lenoir County Manager Tony Sears, who called the sugary red western sauce anywhere beyond Chatham County �shameful.�
�Eastern North Carolina barbecue is made with vinegar and a kick,� he said, naysaying the �communist propaganda� that the famous Lexington barbecue is better.
Jeff Yourdon, program chairman for Lenoir Community College�s culinary arts program and a native of upstate New York, said he had to thin out his tomato-based sauce over the years at the festival competition because he just wasn�t winning.
�In the cooking part,� he said, �if I placed in the middle, that�s first place for me.�
Frank Gregg of Newport, on the other hand, is a regular winner at competitions around the state, and so is his daughter Taylor. He won first place in Kinston last year and equates his success with �trial and error,� and, of course, it�s Eastern-style barbecue.
The festival will have several new events this year, including the Sauce Boss competition, wine garden, Teen Nation Tour 2013, arts and crafts market, Inners rides and a third stage on Herritage Street near Blount Street.
�This event is going to be bigger, better and greater than years past,� said Laura Lee Sylvester, executive director of the Chamber, �because we have many more activities added to the schedule.�
The Sauce Boss, sponsored by Our State magazine, has already attracted 23 applicants. Festival-goers can sample the sauces and vote for their favorites by purchasing a $5 wristband.
The sauce competition is named in memory of Jim Ferrell of Newport, also known as the Boss Hog, who passed away recently, Kelly said.
�We thought this would be a cool way to honor him,� Sylvester said. �I mean, he really has done a lot for our contest.�
Samuel Jones of Ayden�s Skylight Inn will be pit-cooking a farm-raised pig to be sampled with the competition sauces.
�That sauce competition,� Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy said, �should bring out the egos and the spoons.�
Six North Carolina wineries will be selling samples of their products by the glass behind the Red Room on North Street.
The Teen Nation Tour will feature seven teen recording artists, including Tristan Blaine and Riley Roth, who will be promoting anti-bullying through music on Saturday. Teen Nation can be found on Facebook.
The arts and crafts market will be open Friday and Saturday at 118 W. Blount St., featuring artisans from across the state on Friday and Saturday. The Community Council for the Arts will have a table set up as the official site for festival poster sales. Plein air paintings and artwork created by individuals from Caswell Developmental Center will be available for purchase.
A documentary film produced by Cynthia Hill of Pink Hill � �Tobacco Money Feeds My Family� � can be viewed at the market, as well.
There will be a dozen carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, in the middle of Pearson Park.
4-H donkey drop bingo is a new game where each participant pays $5 to rent a piece of �property� in hopes that Snickerdoodle, the 4-H donkey, will drop her business there. The winner will receive half of the ticket sales. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Cooperative Extension Center on N.C. 11 South or by calling 252-527-2191.
An opening ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday will include Col. Joe Tyson, chairman of the Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority and mayor pro tem of Kinston. Contact Bonnie and Herman McLawhorn to participate in the Walk of Honor/Salute at 252-560-4440.
The farmers market will be open and statewide members of Got to be NC can set up around the market, Kelly said.
Murphy will be giving away at least one golden key award at 1 p.m. Saturday on the main stage to someone who has benefited the community, but hasn�t been recognized for it.
There will be lots of entertainment, including the highlighted bands The Entertainers on Friday and the Seaside Band on Saturday.
Adrian King, executive director of the Pride of Kinston, said the downtown restaurants, in particular, benefit from the festival.
�It�s a big economic boost for the town,� he said. �� It�s how a lot of people get acquainted with the town.�
Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.
BBQ Festival on the Neuse Schedule of Events
9 a.m.-5 p.m. � Plein Air Paint Out, Neuseway and Pearson Park at Gordon and Mitchell streets
5-11 p.m. � Amusement Rides, Mitchell Street
1 p.m. � Caswell Center Foundation Golf Tournament, Falling Creek Country Club
6-9 p.m. � Evening with the Stars, The Red Room, 220 N. Herritage St.
5-11 p.m. � Amusement Rides, Mitchell Street
Noon (arrival time) � 32nd Annual Wil King Hog Happenin', Pearson Park
Welcome � Miss Kinston, Festival on the Neuse hospitality team.
5-9 p.m. � The Arts and Crafts Market, Ellis Carriage Bldg., Blount and Herritage streets
5-10 p.m. � Wine Garden, garden behind The Red Room, North Street
5-11 p.m. � Amusement Rides, Mitchell Street
5:30-9:30 p.m. � Kid's Fest
6 p.m. � Teen Nation Tour 2013 concert/autographs, Herritage Street stage
7th Annual Chamber Burger and Brew Bash, Pearson Park
Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party, Pearson Park stage
6-9 p.m. � Art Fest, Herritage Street between Blount and North streets
Karaoke with KG
6-10 p.m. � Farmer's Market, Herritage Street
6:30 p.m. � Welcome/Introduction of Cook Teams and Sponsors, Herritage Street stage
6:30, 8:30 � Ring City Roller Girls, behind Mother Earth in parking lot
7 p.m. � Chief Cook briefing, Pearson Park, main stage area
7:30 p.m. � Ghost Walk Tour, Farmers Market area, reservations in advance $6 per person, call 252-527-1131
Showmanship Competition, Pearson Park
7:30-9:30 p.m., 10-11 p.m. � The Entertainers, Pearson Park stage
8-10 p.m. � Top National ATV Riders Meet and Greet
9 p.m. � Lizzy Ross, The Red Room stage, North Street
9:30 p.m. � Fireworks, Herritage Street and Pearson/Tiffany West Park
7:30 a.m. � Bicycle Fitness Ride for Scholarship, registration, 9.5 mile or 22.5 mile ride
8 a.m. � Hog Happenin', on-site barbecue judging
Emcee Martha Bishop/TACC 9, Farmers Market stage
8:25 a.m. � Fitness Ride lineup
9 a.m.-4 p.m. � The Arts and Crafts Market, Ellis Carriage Bldg., Blount and Herritage streets
9 a.m.-1 p.m. � Open Car Truck Show, registration, call Diane Jones, 252-560-0782
9:30 a.m. � 2nd Annual Corn Hole Tournament, first toss 10:30 a.m., St. John's Masonic Lodge No.4 A.F. & A. M.
10 a.m. � Opening Ceremony, National Anthem, Walk of Honor stage
Welcome � Col. Joe Tyson, chairman, Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority
Walk of Honor/SALUTE!, call Bonnie and Herman McLawhorn, 252-560-4440
Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party, Pearson Park stage
10-noon � Amusement Rides, Mitchell Street
10 a.m.-1 p.m. � Heritage BBQ Pit, Pearson Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m. � Special Festival shopping events, Herritage Landing merchants
10 a.m.-4 p.m. � Art Fest, Herritage Street between Blount and North streets
Kid's Fest
Farmer's Market, Lenoir Co. Farmer's Market, 100 N. Herritage St.
Wine Garden, garden behind The Red Room, North Street
Vendor's Market, Gordon, Mitchell, North and Herritage streets and in the park
Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment exhibit
�Tobacco Money Feeds My Family� Outdoor film, Ellis Buggy Bldg.
Karaoke with KG
Overland Gallery studio opening, Herritage and Blount streets
10 a.m.-5 p.m. � CSS Neuse II Living History event, Gordon and Herritage streets
10 a.m. until � The Nature Center/Planetarium/Big Daddy Train
10:30 a.m. � Ring City Roller Girls, behind Mother Earth in parking lot
10:30 a.m.-noon � Kinston Public Safety fire engine display, Caswell Street near Queen Street
11 a.m.-2 p.m. � Civil War Battlefield guided bus tours, CSS Neuse, Herritage Street
11 a.m.-4 p.m. � The Seaside Band, Pearson Park stage
11 a.m.-4 p.m. � BBQ plates $7, sandwiches $3, pound $7, advance bulk orders, call 252-527-1131, Pearson Park, Farmers Market, Herritage Street behind Mother Earth, Blount/Mitchell streets
11 a.m.-6 p.m. � Brewery Tours, Mother Earth, tours every 30 min., 311 N. Herritage St.
Noon � Teen Nation Tour 2013 concert and autographs, Herritage Street stage
12:30 p.m. � Ring City Roller Girls, behind Mother Earth in parking lot
1 p.m. � 3rd Annual Golden Key Award presentation, Pearson Park stage
Mandolin Orange, The Red Room
1:30 p.m. � Sauce Boss competition, Pearson Park, main stage, to compete, call 252-527-1131
2 p.m. � 4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show, farmers market, to enter, call 252-527-2191
2:30 p.m. � Ring City Roller Girls, behind Mother Earth in parking lot
2:30-4 p.m. � Public Safety fire engine display, Caswell Street near Queen Street
3 pm � Car/Truck Show awards, Car Show stage
4-H Donkey Drop Bingo, Mitchell Street
4 p.m. � Great Neuse River Rubber Duck Race, Riverfront by farmers market, call Bill Ellis at 252-939-3332
7:30 p.m. � Nnenna Freelon Concert, Kinston Community Council of the Arts
Wyse Fork Battlefield guided tour, reservations recommended, call Jane Phillips 252-468-1424
CSS Neuse Interpretive Center special event, 100 N. Queen St.
For information, visit bbqfestivalontheneuse.com


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Callosa d'en Sarriá
Callosa d'en Sarriá
- Autonomous region: Region of Valencia
- Province/Island: Alicante - Alacant
Its origins can be traced to an Arab farmstead. From the start, this was always a coveted region, due to the rich, abundant and pure waters of the Algar river, also known as the "river of health". The relief of Callosa d'En Sarrià is marked by the course of two rivers: the Algar, which forms the waterfalls popularly known as "Fountains of Algar", and the Guadalest river. In addition, the region is surrounded by breathtaking sierras. The town is also known for its delicious loquats, with their own Designation of Origin. On the highest point of the historic quarter of Callosa d'en Sarrià we find the archpriestal church of San Juan Bautista, rebuilt in the middle of the 18th century. Remains of the original wall of an ancient castle are preserved nowadays in Plaza de Castell. This fortress was home to all the lords of Callosa, until it disappeared in the 18th century. Houses were then built, using the remains of its walls and outbuildings. In the historic quarter, typical Mediterranean houses line the streets, and we can visit the "poador", where women used to go wash their clothes and fill their pitchers to carry home some water. Since 1860, this town celebrates the festivities of "Moors and Christians", declared to be of National Tourist Interest, on the second weekend of October.
- See all the information on the destination at:
- http://www.turismocallosa.com/bienvenido.htm
More info
Must see views in: Callosa d'en Sarriá
In the following map you'll find the locations of all the incredible views that we have recommended. Don't miss a thing!
L'Estret de les Penyes Canyon (Alicante)
Have fun in a different way at the same time you enjoy ...(+See more)
Callosa d'en Sarrià


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A story hit today that is painful to read… the National Park Service is set to get the ax once again. Now, this really isn't a surprise, because many have seen the writing on the wall for quite some time, but to see it in print is a painful reminder.
The strange part of this is, just yesterday, I spent a good many hours onsite at Harpers Ferry, completely immersing myself in some sort of personal "bubble in time".
For anyone who follows this blog… and/or me personally… even via FaceBook… they know well that HF is my favorite site. Sure, I embrace other sites as well, especially when I can find personal people connections. And, yes, there are many such connections with many a battlefield… from both the 19th and 18th centuries… but I also claim connections to other non-war places, such as the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It just so happens that the intersect point (at least it seems to me) of my greatest historical passions seems to rest right smack dab in "the hole", or the site of "Mr. Harper's ferry".
Each site may not recount the tales of my ancestors… but those tales are quietly woven into stories of the place. In some ways, I think that might be more appreciated by those who have gone before… their subtle part in the bigger story. "We were here, and while playing a small role, we did have our place in the story". Then too, these places offer me a chance to elaborate on the stories of those people, at least to the best of my ability in bundling what little fragments I might know. I especially enjoy relating those stories to my family members when they are with me, and tell them… in the hope that they can feel within themselves, something close to my passion for the place, and feel a little closer to their/my/our people. It may be fleeting; it may be enduring… but if I can stir the soul just enough, then I've been able to put a little something in the back of their mind. It might not be fully appreciated on that day… it might even result in eyes rolling back in the head… but, perhaps it will at some later point in life. If I can only grab your attention… spark the imagination… just for a bit. Perhaps, one day… they will remember what I shared with them, and relate the same to someone else who is special to them.
No doubt, I enjoy the buildings and earthworks… the monuments and the markers… the fragments of the past and the reproductions that still bring the past to life… but I also enjoy the nature… the trees, the water, and even the earth itself. It is the one thing that continues to be alive, literally… breathing life in these places, as they (or, when speaking of the trees… dare I say… their ancestors) did in years past.
Sometimes, however, it is neither the place or the features that matter… well… they are facilitators at that point, I suppose. Rather, the experience together becomes paramount in the place. I may not talk history, but be skipping rocks with my girls along the Shenandoah, just off Virginius Island, and am moved by that experience. Whatever else goes on… or went on, in the past… around that place… well, it's nice too, but, it's secondary. Indeed, we continue to return to that place to skip more rocks, and walk in the river, from boulder to boulder… trying to catch minnows, and avoiding angry geese… and with each return visit our story begins to weave with the story of the place. It becomes more and more our place, though we actually share the space… our history with or separate from the existing history of the place. A new and different history intersecting with the old… each of equal value and significance.
Now, one can say that this can be the case with any particular place that you might haunt… and, you would be right. You can make any place you want a rich place of memories, and yes… that place might even have a long history prior to making your own at that same place… and it might not be a NPS site. But, there are some places that hold a magic that is deep and rich, going back, tying so much together. To me, it's bringing it all together, in one spot. My people of the past, with their stories interwoven to place, intersecting with my people of the here and now. When that is bundled, it is a huge experience… at least to me.
These places hold value, though the measure of that value of place is different and varies for each person and their experience.
But, we can't forget what makes these places possible for us to enjoy, today… the staff and volunteers of the NPS. Without them and that protected property… that holds so much value to our story as a nation and as a people… we lose. Those elements enable us and the history to exist, side-by-side. It might be for little more than an hour, a few hours… or it might be a lifetime. I have my personal connections to place, other people have their connections to place… maybe the same place… but that ability to have those connections, intersecting with the past and place, is made possible by the National Park Service and its people.
It is critical that we support our national treasures… our National Parks, and the people of the National Park Service… who give us a chance to enjoy the places that help define who we are as a nation and as people…


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So if you could open your heart and let people listen in, with words and music....what song would be you???
Some people might say what does your soul sound like, but I prefer to call it my essence, because I don't so much think about a soul per se....
And if you don't think you can come up with just one, please just post some of your favorites!!
This should be fun, and maybe hard, but here it goes for me....
Views: 848
This song was posted already, but here's the proper version. :)
Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...
Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one
This is one I identify w/, the way it continues to layer and layer until the full orchestra comes in and plays a counterpoint to the raw guitar solo, and the dissonant, chopped off ending that makes it sound as if the adventure has not yet ended.
OK.. I'll take a stab at it...
This one matches my mood most of the time
There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
The corn is as high as an elephant's eye,
An' it looks like its climbin' clear up to the sky.
Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way.
Repeat chorus
All the cattle are standing like statues,
All the cattel are standing like statues,
They don't turn their heads as they see me ride by.
But a little brown mav'rick is winking her eye.
Repeat chorus
All the sounds of the earth are like music,
All the sounds of the earth are like music,
The breeze is so busy it don't miss a tree,
And an ol' Weepin' Willer is laughin' at me.
Repeat chorus
And I am really not that old! I am not yet a grandfather.
Or Maurice Ravel's "Bolero"
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Earth house
July 1, 2008
Earth House is a project from a Swiss architect who's aim is not to live under or in the ground, but with it!
The Earth House is a very flexible construction which can be built according to the wishes of its owners, being environmentally friendly construction, energy saving and it's using the surroundings as an advantage. The house is shaped in order to preserve the natural environment.
Although they are build from earth the houses features the latest interior finishing like modern kitchens, bathrooms and house-control systems.
I really like this idea because it is eco-friendly and doesn't harm the environment when it is built. We should think more of using old techniques of construction because sometimes they are the best.
And YES, I would live in a house like this .


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Soulja Boy Stuntin The People With The New Xbox 360 Special Edition Sidekick LX With Resident Evil Game!
Soulja Boy says hes the first with the Xbox 360 Special Edition Sidekick
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Kristian Bomholt Skater Profile
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Hometown: Copenhagen Denmark, Stance: Goofy, Age: 40, Status: Pro
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Back to the Granary Burial Ground in Boston, where this tombstone can be found (click the picture for a larger version):
Here's the FindaGrave record for (the Rev.) Dr. (Mather) Byles, who starts off the list (be sure to check out the note left by a visitor to this page; also note who created this record). Here's the record for Azor Archbald, whose tomb is pictured.


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After a long sabbatical, I plan to post new snippets with some holiday recipes from around the world. May your upcoming holiday preparations be interesting and fun. Stay happy and healthy until I write again.
Tag Archives: Food
Mushroom Holiday Appetizers
I thought I would share this recipe that we've used at holiday parties and at Christmas Eve and New Years Eve buffets. These are nice either served cold or warm and can be kept hot in a chafing dish. I prefer them cold. Put them on a nice platter that is lined with a colored foil and some sprigs of herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a nice presentation. They're a little work, but well worth it. Puff pastry in different brands can be found in the frozen section of your supermarket. It usually comes four large rectangular sheets to the box.
2 packages frozen puff pastry
1 pound mushrooms, finely chopped
1/4 cup of butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion (white or Vidalia)
1/4 cup white wine
1 large egg, beaten together with 4 Tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
celery seeds (in jar in spice section of market)
1 garlic clove or two teaspoons jarred chopped garlic
Defrost the puff pastry according to package directions. Saute the mushrooms and garlic in butter; add the parley and onion. Season the softened mushroom mixture with salt, thyme and pepper. Saute further until the liquid evaporates. Add the wine and cook the mixture until it becomes dry. Let cool. On a floured rolling surface, roll out 1 pastry sheet to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 24 circles with 2 inch round cookie cutter (if you do not have one, use a glass with a 2 inch rim dipped in flour). Place teaspoon of mushroom mixture on each piece of pastry dough leaving a 1/4 inch edge. Using a second piece of pastry, roll out and cut 24 more circular 2″ pieces. Use these for covering the first batch of filled rounds. Press down the edges and use a table fork to seal the edges. Put pastries on large ungreased baking sheets and brush with beaten egg, cream mixture. Cut a slit on top of each pastry to vent the steam. Repeat the process using the second package of pastry.
Bake in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 14 minutes or until mushroom appetizers are puffed up and golden.
When lightly browned, remove to wire baking rack to cool. Serve warm or cold, but not do not refrigerate unless you are planning on serving them a few hours later. You may also freeze these in between sheets of waxed paper after they have cooled and reheat in a conventional oven. They do not microwave well.
I hope these are a big hit at your next holiday gathering.
Open House Antipasto Salad
Whenever it is time for a holiday gathering, especially for those open house parties that are held at the end of the year, we like to serve up a variety of salads. One of our favorites is this Italian style antipasto salads of which you can mix and match the vegetables and meats to suit your own tastes. This one features traditional Italian cold cuts that can be obtained at your supermarket deli counter or in Italian food specialty shops. Sometimes, I switch the ingredients around, using julienned turkey or reduced salt ham and cheeses for the saltier Italian cold cuts and replace the plain iceberg lettuce base with varied leafy greens to line the platter as a base. It's you choice whether to make the traditional Italian style salad or whether you would rather have the reduced-salt, lower calorie version. As long as the vegetables are the marinated version, the taste should remain close to the original. I often use leafy greens like iceberg, romaine, red leaf and Bibb lettuce as well as the mixed greens like Mesclun, spinach and Italian blend that come in large bags at warehouse stores.
The amounts of ingredients in this salad can be increased so the measurements are not exacting. Change the ingredient amounts to suit your taste. We use less cold cuts and more vegetables to make a colorful display. Serve up with a fancy spoon and fork set and a colorful platter. (We sometimes use a turkey platter). The recipe is as follows:
Lettuce (of your choice)
Large jar marinated mushrooms
Black olives (Sicilian, Greek, black pitted, or green olives)
2 large jars artichoke hearts – drained and cut in half
2 jars roasted peppers, slice in strips
one jar anchovies, drained (amount used to your taste)
1 small onion – peeled and cut into rings
1 pound Genoa salami – sliced into strips or matchsticks
1 pound prosciutto – sliced into strips or matchsticks
1/2 pound capiccola – sliced into strips or matchsticks
1 pound Provolone cheese
(your may also use turkey, any cheese desired, ham, or other deli meat as desired)
Line a large platter with layers of lettuce or greens making salad as large as you like. Place in order on top of greens – peppers, artichokes, olives, mushrooms, onion, peppers, and anchovies. Decoratively top with sliced cold cuts.
I use a homemade Italian dressing to top this, but some like just a bit of olive oil and vinegar with the addition of a bit of oregano.
You may use any dressing that suits you or serve with a variety of dressings presented with holiday spoons and bowls.
I hope your holiday parties are fun and festive. Happy Holidays from my house to yours!!!
Gingerbread Cookies
I've used this gingerbread cookie recipe for a long time to make gingerbread men and women, and also to put together gingerbread houses for the Christmas season. If done right, it makes up into a dough that cooks up crisply and that will hold up to the rigors of being frosting glued into a holiday gingerbread house. I'm not wonderful using pastry bags to frost too finely, so I resort to using those plastic tubes of frosting that can be found in the baking section of a supermarket. They come in all colors and some even have changeable tips to make different decorating effects for the finished cookies. Use whatever shape of cookie cutters move you, but I still prefer the gingerbread men and Santa's to make gingerbread shapes that can be punched with a hole and hung as decorations, too. The recipe is as follows:
1/4 lb. pound unsalted butter (not margarine)
1 cup molasses
1 cup brown sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 large egg well beaten
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dried ginger powder
1/4 cup boiling water
Cream butter and sugar until blended and light. Add the egg and molasses. Mix well. Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water. Sift the flour with the salt and ginger powder and add the hot water to the first mixture and then stir this into the dry ingredients. Chill this for at least one hour. Roll the dough very thin and cut with a cookie cutter of your choosing which has been dipped in flour. Bake in 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 15 minutes being careful to watch closely as these can burn quickly. Cookies should be firm but not overly browned.
Cookies can be used as walls and roof for a gingerbread house with either a pre-bought kit or cut freehand from your own pattern.
Serving amount dependent on size of your cookie cutters. I use a 2 inch cutter. You can also make ornament shaped ones using a 2 inch glass rim dipped in flour and then decorated with sugar frosting and sprinkles.
"The snow had begun n the gloaming.
And busily all the night
Had been heaping field and highway
With a silence deep and white.
Chafing Dish Meatballs
Here is a good little recipes that will leave your guests raving. It tastes great and can be kept warm either in a chafing dish or just use your crockpot to keep it warm. These come out best when done on the stove top and really aren't too difficult. We've used them a lot for Christmas Eve buffets and they go over just as big on New Years Eve. These can be made ahead and refrigerated of frozen with the meatballs held in one container and the sauce in a different one. Thaw sauce and meatballs and put the dish together at the last-minute.
3 lbs. lean ground beef
1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs
1 cup onion chopped
1 cup canola oil
12 ounces evaporated milk
2 teaspoons salt
3 medium green peppers – diced
1 cup chicken bouillon granules
8 chucks canned pineapple – juice drained
4 Tablespoons soy sauce
4 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon seasoned salt (such as accent)
Mix the ground beef, cracker crumbs, evaporated milk, onion and salt together until thoroughly blended. Shape mixture into tiny meatballs. Brown in frying pan in canola oil. Remove from heat. Drain oil from skillet reserving about 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add bouillon, green peppers and pineapple. Cover and cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes until softened. In the meantime, mix cornstarch, soy sauce, seasoned salt (accent) vinegar, pineapple juice, sugar, salt and pepper. Add the mixture to the pineapple, bouillon, and green peppers in skillet and simmer, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Return meatball to sauce. Serve in chafing dish or keep warm in crockpot. Use cocktail picks to serve. These go good with cocktail bread or tiny croissants.
Yields: Approximately 25 servings
May your holiday season be a joyous one. I hope you like these as much as we do.
Mocha Coffee Punch
For a different punch while you, your family and friends put up the Christmas decorations, I've opted for a cold punch instead of a hot one. This punch serves 40 punch cup servings (or less in 6-8 ounce glass). Even though the punch can be used for the summer, it has a heavy-bodied feel that is nice in the winter, too.
1 gallon strong coffee – chilled
3/4 cups sugar
1 gallon chocolate ice cream
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 pint whipping cream (heavy cream) whipped
and sweetened
grated nutmeg
Combine the sugar, coffee and vanilla. Stir to dissolve. Refrigerate mixture. To serve, scoop ice cream into the punch bowl. Add refrigerated coffee mixture and then gently fold in the whipped cream. Sprinkle the top with grated nutmeg to taste.
Servings: 40 punch cups full
I serve this up in an antique milk glass bowl, but it also looks great in a cranberry glass bowl and ladled up with a silver ladle.
Some appetizer recipes are to follow.
Happy decorating. It's time to bring tree, ornaments, and lights from the storage room!!!
Holiday Fruit Cake
I've decided to broach the subject of the dreaded Christmas fruitcake which I know is not all as popular as it was years ago. I'll start by giving a brief history of the lowly fruitcake's origins.
Fruit cake originated, it is believed, in ancient Rome in a much simpler form. It started to be called 'fruitcake' in the Middle Ages when spice, honey and preserved fruits were added to it. With the discovery of America and the sugars that were produced in the colonies and the abundance of fruits and nuts, the fruitcake began to come into it's own. It was now possible to obtain inexpensive sweeteners and many different types of ingredients to add to the cakes. In the 1700's nuts were often added to the fruitcake to celebrate good fortune and the abundant harvests. A great many different types of fruitcakes were produced, varying from light to dark, according to what type of fruits, flours, and nuts were used. Traditional fruitcake are soaked in liquor to flavor and preserve the cakes, with brandy and rum being most often used for soaking. Many fruitcake recipes have been handed down through generations of a family.
The following fruitcake recipe is at least seventy years old. It is up to you whether you want to further soak the cake with brandy by drizzling it slowly over the top until it is moistened:
1/2 lb. dates, chopped
1/2 lb. dried apricots- chopped
1/2 lb. red and green candied cherries- chopped
1/2 lb. red and green candied pineapple- chopped
1/2 lb. dark raisins
1/2 lb. walnuts – toasted and chopped
1/2 lb. pecans- chopped
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup softened butter
1 orange, juice and grated rind
1 lemon, juice and grated rind
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 large eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon mace
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons brandy
2 Tablespoons Curacao
2 Tablespoons dark rum
Measure out ingredients in advance for easier preparation.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Thoroughly grease two 8″ x 5″ x 3″ loaf pans. Dredge the fruit and nuts with flour and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Sift the remaining flour with spices, baking soda and salt. Add to the creamed butter and sugar mixture alternating with adding the liquor, spices, and vanilla. Fold the floured fruit and nuts into the batter. Pour into prepared loaf pans – put the loaf pans into a large pan of hot water and bake for about 2-2 1/2 hours or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool ten minutes and gently remove cakes to a wire baking rack to further cool.
When cool, fruitcake can be further soaked in brandy or rum by drizzling liquor onto cake and letting it seep in to moisten.
Wrap cakes thoroughly in plastic wrap. They can be aged for several weeks for flavors to meld. Good served with cream cheese or butter.