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Appliance Leaks in Fork, Maryland
Got a pool of water under your refrigerator? Do you have a leaking appliance in Fork, Maryland? Whether behind the washing machine or under the sink, if you have water leaking from an appliance, don't ignore it. Small drips may lead to expensive problems. Accumulating water seeps behind walls and under floorboards. Before long, you'll have a water damage problem and potential for growth of mold and mildew. If you see that you have a leaking appliance, first call your plumber to fix the appliance. Next, call the Fork dry out professionals at Total Restoration LLC ASAP. We've been in the business of resolving water damage from appliance leaks quickly and effectively.
Call (443) 692-5682
24/7 Emergency Service
Small Leaks Result in Big Problems
Water damage claims make up a large percentage of insurance claim filings nationwide. Little leaks can lead to big problems if not resolved. If refrigerators, dishwashers, or clothes washing machines are dripping, that water is going somewhere! It seeps into drywall and into floorboards, where it pools and causes damage. When walls and flooring are exposed to prolonged moisture, mold spores can grow and spread, causing additional damage structures, compromising health and creating additional expenses to restore. If you suspect an appliance leak, call (443) 692-5682 for immediate service!
Total Restoration LLC responds with immediate action to remediate flooded properties in Fork from appliance leaks.
Common culprits are:
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators
- Ice boxes
- Washing machines
- Water heaters
- RO (reverse osmosis) systems
- and more! Call (443) 692-5682
Total Restoration LLC Resolves Fork Appliance Leak Damage Fast!
Because emergency dry out services in Fork is what Total Restoration LLC does best, we've seen it all. When we get a call for potential water damage due to an appliance leak, we take it seriously, because we understand the consequences of delay! We ask that you first shut off the appliance and the water at its source if needed. You may need to call a plumber to assist you with an emergency plumbing situation. Next, call (443) 692-5682 24/7 and describe your water loss and you will receive an immediate response from our team. Our Fork dry out crew is standing by and will be dispatched to your residence or office within minutes, fully equipped and prepared to dry your property and eliminate further water damage.
Call For A Quote Now
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The pricing for the repair was better than fair. I will call Alex again for my carpeting needs."
Barry M in Odenton, MD2019-01-07
★★★★★ - "I had a flood in my basement and within 24hrs they were on site cleaning and drying the basement...love the work and they save my basement"
Anonymous in Baltimore, MD2018-12-17
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★★★★★ - "I have 12 years experience in restoration work Total Restoration keeps it 100% honest with customers, also the work is great, best prices other company's overcharge and shortcut the job. I highly recommend total restoration for the job."
Elali B., Water Damage Restoration in Baltimore, MD2018-11-15
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★★★★★ - "They did a good job. They were thorough and my basement is totally dry. They arrived the same day that my basement flooded and worked tirelessly to get the basement dried out!"
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★★★★★ - "Excellent customer service knowledgeable of job dry my home in no time."
Devan M., Dry Out Services in Baltimore, MD2018-11-15
★★★★★ - "5★★★★★ - "Quality customer service and prompt in my time of emergency. #Water Damage #Thanks" 2018-02-23"
Anonymous, Water Damage Restoration2018-02-23
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CH in Reisterstown, MD2018-01-31
Call For A Quote Now


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City: Atlanta North
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Aveanna Healthcare
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Clinical Supervisor - Full Time
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Provide overall management and supervision of client care activities within the home care setting. Work in conjunction with other team members to ensure appropriate level of staffing and coordination of care in order to meet client goals. This position requires an ability to be flexible and work with all members of the health care team and provide ongoing supervision, clinical education, support, and evaluation to the nursing staff.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Before Dwyane Wade sets foot on the basketball court at the White House, he might want to check and make sure that posterizing the president is not a federal offense.
If not, then it is sure to be on. President Barack Obama has asked the Miami Heat superstar to come to the White House to participate in a Father's Day celebration this weekend, but we all know the real reason Obama is trying to get at Wade.
He wants to prove once and for all who is the baddest man out of Chicago with a basketball in his hands (Jordan doesn't count because he isn't a Chi-town native). The two have actually never met before, but will for the first time on Friday.
"I would just love to play with him, and have that conversation on the court that you have, and just see how he is," Wade told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Obama selected Wade to help out with the male mentoring event despite the NBA All-Star's recent marital problems and allegations that he is far from Super Dad. In court papers, Wade's wife, Siovaughn, accuses him of all sorts of nefarious things, including not spending time with his kids and being an adulterer. Wade was named Father of the Year in 2007 by the National Father's Day Committee.
We doubt any of those points will be brought up during the celebration weekend or on the b-ball court Obama had erected at the White House (unless Obama does some serious trash-talking).
For Wade's part, he said he won't need to talk any smack to the Commander and Chief, but not because he is afraid Secret Service agents will be waiting for him in the showers. Wade still plans to dominate the President on his home court.
"I would totally win, hands down. There's no need for me to trash-talk. It wouldn't be fair," Wade said. "It would be like him trash-talking to me in a debate. He would totally kill me in a debate, so why would he trash-talk to me. Just murder me with silence."


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We are so excited to be moving to 2 Sunday Services from Sunday 15th April 2018. As we continue to be invited to be a part of this great God-adventure of 'Bringing Life to Ashford', we are responding by making room for more.
- More Lives Changed,
- More Community Impact,
- More of the Impossible.
We are transitioning to two identical services from Sunday 15th April 2018: 9.30am & 11.30am (two 75 minute services, with a refreshment break at the crossover) and we can't wait to see what this new season will bring.
So let's all shuffle along the bench a bit, and make some room for MORE.
For more information on AV Sundays please click here
|Event Date
|Jan 13, 2019 - 9:30 am
|AV Sundays: First Service
|The Warehouse, Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, Brunswick Road, Ashford TN23 1EH


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Bean-to-cup machine with the De'Longhi patented automatic cappuccino system. At a touch of a button all your favorite drinks: espresso, coffee ,cappuccino, latte macchiato, caffelatte , milk or long coffee. Equipped with a 4 text lines display with the possibility to customize your coffee as you prefer, cup warmer and waterfilter.
Where to buy:
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© De'Longhi Appliances S.r.l. - Via L. Seitz, 47, 31100 Treviso, Italy - All rights reserved


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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2001 Press Releases > October 2001 > Couple leaves lasting legacy to Wayland in form of scholarship
Couple leaves lasting legacy to Wayland in form of scholarship
Ralph and Elizabeth Shannon never attended Wayland Baptist University. But their strong belief in Christian education led them to leave a gift that will benefit students at Wayland for years to come.
The Shannons left $206,000 to Wayland in their estate with the intention of creating an endowed scholarship. When Mr. Shannon died in February 2001, the scholarship was officially formed. Mrs. Shannon died in November of 1996.
The Shannon scholarship is for any student with financial need, good citizenship and a grade point average of at least 2.0. Special consideration is given to students who are studying for the ministry.
A native of Clarendon, Ralph Shannon graduated from Clarendon High School and continued his education at Panhandle A&M University in Goodwell, Okla. He began farming in 1938 in the Cousins community near Plainview.
In 1939, Ralph married Elizabeth Keniston, a native of Illinois who had lived in the Bellevue community near Plainview for many years. In 1948, the couple moved their farm to Halfway, where they farmed until retirement in 1980. As Halfway residents, the Shannons were devoted to the community and to the First Baptist Church of Halfway, where Elizabeth was church organist for 20 years and Ralph was a trustee until his death.
Though the Shannons never had children, they often encouraged young family members or children of friends to pursue higher education. Upon retiring, they agreed to establish a scholarship at Wayland to help make that goal possible for students.
"Ralph and Elizabeth loved students and they loved Wayland Baptist University," said Dr. Russ Gibbs, vice president for institutional advancement at Wayland. "Their desire to establish a scholarship to help deserving students is a lasting tribute to their generosity and a fitting testimony of their love for God and desire to make a difference in the world. Wayland is very grateful for their thoughtful estate planning."
An endowed scholarship is created when funds totaling at least $25,000 are accumulated and invested through the Texas Baptist Foundation. The interest from the fund is removed each year and awarded to a student according to the criteria the donors have established.
Gordon Benson, Ralph Shannon's pastor for the last few years of his life, spoke highly of his character.
"Ralph was a down-to-earth person and loved people. He was very supportive of his church, his family and the community. He was definitely one who gave of himself," Benson said. "He always wanted everyone to get the best education and to better themselves. He wanted to do what he could and felt this was how he could make the best use of their money."


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Home > UHLC Faculty
SSRN Author Page
Criminal Law Outline
Criminal Law Part 1
Criminal Law Part 2
Criminal Law Part 3
Property Video Review Part 1
Property Video Review Part 2
Property Video Review Part 3
Selected Works of David Crump
Procedure Review 1
Procedure Review 2
Procedure Review 3
2012 Procedure Review Part 1 (Audio)
2012 Procedure Review Part 2 (Audio)
2012 Procedure Review Part3 (Audio)
David Crump
John B. Neibel Professor of Law
B.A., Harvard University; J.D., University of Texas. John B. Neibel Professor of Law and Faculty Director, Continuing Legal Education. Professor Crump earned his B.A. from Harvard College, where he concentrated in Chemistry. Before going to law school, he was an aerospace engineer at the NASA-MSC. He received his J.D. from the University of Texas. Following that, he was a law clerk to a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a law professor at the University of California (Davis), and an attorney in private practice in Dallas. He served as an Assistant District Attorney of Harris County, Texas, where he tried cases ranging from minor misdemeanors to capital murders. Since that time, he has been a civil trial lawyer and has been affiliated with the law firms of Johnson & Gibbs and Haynes and Boone, among others, while teaching at the University of Houston. He has published ten (10) law school teaching books that are currently in use, on subjects ranging from civil litigation to real property transactions. He also has two (4) published novels and a book of children's poetry. He has been a director of the State Bar of Texas and chaired the subcommittee of the State Bar that generated the Minimum Continuing Legal Education plan for Texas.
COURSES:Civil Procedure Constitutional Law Evidence Criminal Law


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Gostas de aquecer o pescoço com cartoons? Então poe essa merda aqui!
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Looks like Lester wants to open things up a bit this season with Mettenberger under center.
I am looking for a LSU vs USC BCS Championship game in Miami. 'Bama might sneak in there too, but obviously SC and LSU are two of the best teams this season.
The way i see it about USC defense is anything better they do this season is a improvement over last year.
12 games they gave up 283 points, with one shut out against the worthless UCLA team some scores could have come in turnovers...etc without the D on the field.
But for what ever the reason is i don't see them having the Tampa defense Lane promoted his dad could build.
2011 season ranked 45th giving up points, avg 23.8 points per game.
To get to a NCG thats got to get better...
here guys, i know ur gonna love this comment...
"This NC STATE team is not better than the VOLS of last year."
Thats real.
Alabama's pro-style offense will likely be every bit as good as USCs.
. . . also, depending on how Mettenberger pans out for LSU, their pro-style offense will be right there at the top too.
Originally Posted by packers1992: well spice i have them losing to washington and Oregon
USC should put up 70 points in that game.....
I respectfully disgaree with LSU & Alabama offences even being close.
Matt Barkley, Marquise Lee, Robert Woods... 3 all Americans and you have George Farmer and 5 star stud that can start for almost any team in the nation fighting for the 3rd receiver spot.
Btw: Y are we giving Mettenberger credit before he's even played a game. There's 2 5 star players, QB Cody Kessler, Max Witteck on USC who are just as good if not better.
train thats my opinion. I see Kiffin having an impact in that game


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Balmain de Balmain II XS
|Model Line
|Balmain de Balmain II XS
|Women's Watch
|Movement Type
|24 months
Introducing the Balmain de Balmain II XS B4932.39.12, a quality women's Swiss made wrist watch with an analog dial and quartz movement. This premium watch has a 25 mm steel, yellow gold plating case with a highly durable sapphire crystal. The watch comes with a steel bracelet and yellow gold plated bracelet emphasizing its luxury look.
The timepiece is made by Balmain, a well-known and traditional Swiss watch brand. Balmain watches are certain to satisfy men and women seeking both quality and elegance up to par with the highest aesthetic standards. This watch belongs to Balmain de Balmain II XS model series.
Detailed product specifications of Balmain de Balmain II XS B4932.39.12:
- The watch is water resistant to 50 m.
If you are looking for a stylish and designer watch you are in the right place.
Alternative Options
Product Enquiries
Arrange a personal meeting at one of our shops to get the best customer service. Our sales assistants will be happy to take care of you during your visit. Don't forget to reserve a free parking card if you are coming by car.
Our Shops
We are looking forward to welcoming you in our brick-and-mortar stores in the centre of Prague.Václavské náměstí Štěpánská


text: University of Kentucky SIP METS submitted to KDL. University of Kentucky SIP METS and associated file(s) submitted in University of Kentucky Preservation Repository. Annual report. 1909 Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station Frankfort, Ky. : Capital Office, E. Polk Johnson, 1890-1948. 1909 journals text english This digital resource may be freely searched and displayed. Permission must be received for subsequent distribution in print or electronically. Physical rights are retained by the owning repository. Copyright is retained in accordance with U. S. copyright laws. Please go to http://kdl.kyvl.org for more information. Title from cover. Imprint varies. 2011 This volume is considered in the public domain in the United States without any constraints on use.


text: A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. Cataracts usually develop as a person gets older and may run in families. Other environmental factors such as smoking or exposure to toxic substances can also accelerate the development of a cataract. Cataracts can cause visual problems such as difficulty seeing at night, seeing halos around lights, and sensitivity to glare.


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Yasni Italia
Yasni is a people search site based in Germany that boasts search results for people worldwide.
What you need to know about Yasni Italy
View Privacy Policy
Yasni advocates that personal information you wish not to appear in their search results be deleted at the source. They update their results constantly, and anything not presently available will not show up. They are also willing to block active links if they violate the law or your rights. Visit http://www.yasni.com/index.php?action=help&content=findpersondel and send Yasni a message with the required information.


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Marie Antoinette
Rizzoli, Oct 10, 2006 - Performing Arts - 144 pages
Based on the book Marie-Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser, Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette is a powerful and sympathetic film of the tragic life of France's iconic and misunderstood eighteenth-century Queen. Shot entirely in France, much on location at the Palace of Versailles, the film is visually stunning, bringing together a cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn, and Marianne Faithful, and the extraordinary costume designs of Oscar-winner Milena Canonero (Barry Lyndon, A Clockwork Orange).
A moving story of naivety and responsibility, reputation and misunderstanding, Marie Antoinette is a film that Sofia Coppola has wanted to make for years. In a book that is at once the personal chronicle of a major work and a beautiful tribute to the potential of film, featuring elements of the director's own screenplay as well as captivating stills, the director's personal photos, and original designs for costumes and sets, Marie Antoinette is an essential companion for any lover of modern cinema.
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Common terms and phrases
32 MERCY Artois attendants aunts Austrian baby BARRY BITCHY COURTIER carriage charmed CHOISEUL CLOSE UP M-A COMTE D'ARTOIS COMTE DE PROVENCE COMTESSE DE NOAILLES COMTESSE DE PROVENCE Count Fersen court COURTIER O.S. crowd Dauphin of France Dearest Antoinette diamonds door dressed Duchesse eyes HALLWAY happy M-A husband JOSEPH V.O. King Louis King's Lamballe rushes Louis and M-A LOUIS Madame Louis XVI Louis's M-A and entourage M-A and Fersen M-A and Louis M-A continues M-A fall M-A hugs M-A laughs M-A leans M-A lies M-A looks M-A sleeps M-A stands M-A walks M-A'S APARTMENTS M-A'S BEDROOM MADAME ROYALE MARIA TERESA O.S. MARIA-TERESA V.O. MARIE-ANTOINETTE CONT'D MARIE-ANTOINETTE Oh MARIE-ANTOINETTE V.O. mask MERCY CONT'D MORNING mother NIGHT NOAILLES CONT'D PALACE BEDROOM PARIS OPERA PETIT TRIANON BEDROOM Polignac portrait is removed Queen of France ROHAN SALON SCHdNBRUNN PALACE servant silk tell underwear VERGENNES VERSAILLES DAY VERSAILLES GARDENS VERSAILLES PALACE


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Trine is a beautiful fantasy action platformer with a fairytale-like atmosphere, following the journey of three heroes - a Wizard, a Knight and a Thief - in a quest to save the kingdom from evil. The gameplay is based on fully interactive physics - each character's different abilities and tactics can be used to invent new ways to battle an army of undead and overcome obstacles, and restore the balance of the world.
No members were found matching the criteria specified. We suggest you try the member list with no filter applied, to browse all available. Join now to share your own content, we welcome creators and consumers alike and look forward to your comments.


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SYDNEY (MarketWatch) — Germany will close down all of its nuclear power plants by 2022, according to reports out Monday, as fallout from Japan's disaster continues more than two months after the event.
"There will be no clause for revision," Germany's Environment Minister Norbert Rottgen said, according to a BBC report.
The German government had been reviewing the role of nuclear power in the country's electricity needs after an earthquake and tsunami crippled Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex in March.
The power station's operator and the Japanese government are still struggling to control the situation at the reactors.
Tokyo Electric Power Co., or Tepco (9501) . TKECF, +4.50% — operator of the Fukushima Daiichi plant — won't be able to stabilize all reactors at the complex this year, Kyodo News reported Monday, citing senior officials. See report on outlook to contain Japanese nuclear reactors.
Tepco said in April it was aiming to bring the reactors at the plant into cold shutdown, or a stably cooled condition, within six to nine months.
Japan is currently facing power shortages, as nuclear energy provided around 30% of the country's electricity needs before the disaster.
Germany isn't as dependent on nuclear power as Japan had been, although the technology provides just over one-fifth of the country's electricity, the reports said.
China is also reportedly reviewing its nuclear energy policy after the disaster.


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I've blogged before about the general wonderousness of Purity Ring.
Their latest single is well up to their usual high standards and offers typically off kilter dream pop; all mysteriously murmured vocals, esoteric lyrics and hooks. The cavernous bass sounds excellent through a decent sub-woofer so remember to play loud. Get it now as a free download from their website.
It's great to see that the long-awaited debut album Shrines will be out on 24 July and is being released by indie legends 4AD. They were always a classic label who had the coolest music, and best design so that seems like a perfect fit. The equally exciting Grimes is a label mate and having been at the forefront of the best indie (Pixies, Mountain Goats, etc) they are cornering the market in experimental dance music.


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Traditionally, the 10th wedding anniversary was the tin anniversary, or aluminum anniversary. It is still traditional in some parts of the world (like the UK) to give gifts of tin, but this makes buying a little more difficult, given the narrowing options when it comes to finding tin anniversary gifts.
Our diamond anniversary gifts start at under $50 and are suitable for both men and women. You will find the perfect way to make a statement with our range of women's and men's custom rings, which also make stunning personalized anniversary gifts. Have the inside of the ring engraved for your beloved so she (or he) can wear your secret message of love close to her always.
Our women's Heart Locket makes a delightful 10th wedding anniversary gift for her, and serves as a keepsake for your future together. It features a genuine diamond and is engraved with her name. The locket holds two pictures – one of you and one of her, and has a magnetic closure. Lock away your love for each other and keep it close to her heart.
Show him that he means the world to you with our handsome stainless steel cufflinks. stainless steel cuff links, which each feature a genuine diamond, and are engraved with his name.
Also check out our 1st anniversary gifts, 2nd anniversary gifts, 3rd anniversary gifts, 4th anniversary gifts, and 5th anniversary gifts. You are sure to find just the right gift for the special couple! Celebrate your tenth anniversary with a cake and surprise your spouse with one of our elegant keepsakes.
Our other 10th anniversary gift ideas that think outside the jewelry box include our signature Diamond Flutes. In the same style as our serving set, these beautiful champagne flutes have a non-tarnish nickel-plated finish and are accented with large sparkling crystals. We personalize the flutes with single initials – the perfect his and hers tenth anniversary gift.
We have made creating personalized anniversary gifts so easy with our simple to follow ordering process, and our high quality standards and affordable prices; we will make your 10th anniversary memorable without breaking the bank. Choose from our affordable and elegant collection of 10th anniversary gift ideas and celebrate a decade of love and commitment in style.
Search for more personalized gifts today!


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Hello there! My name is Amy, and I'm yet another guest blogger while Mollie is away, sunning herself on the beach and hopefully not contracting swine flu! Yikes! You can usually find me over at Just A Titch but I told Mollie I'd help her out while she is away. Like our previous lovely guest blogger, I met Mollie through our Operation Muffin Top(ple) group, a lovely group of girls trying to get skinny.
As part of my personal mission to get thinner, I signed up for a new gym. No, this isn't just a typical gym: it has classes and trainers and you have to work with other people. This, my friends, is where I've found a problem.
Pretty sure I've gone twice, and everybody hates me.
The truth is, I'd hate me too. Here's why: I'm the fat, slow kid. Don't get me wrong---I've been picked last for many a game of dodgeball and all that, seeing as how I've always been a little on the fat side and a lot on the non-atheletic side. The first day I went to the gym, my girlfriend came with me, so it wasn't so bad. She and I paired up to complete a billion arm exercises and speed wasn't an issue. The next day, this was not the case. We were expected to do Agility Drills in groups. And let me tell you what: I DRAGGED DOWN THE ENTIRE GROUP. Badly. If your team is only as strong as your weakest link, with me on your team, you are SCREWED. Big time. Everyone tried to be nice as they lapped me and gently scooted me over so they could leap over things or zig zag around cones as I huffed and puffed, but I could tell they were wondering who let the fatty in to ruin their workout.
In case you're wondering, no, I am not the *least* bit paranoid.
Still, I did my thing, and damn, I was sore afterwards. My crowning glory moment came when we were split into two large groups and had to alternate running with ab exercises. Basically, if you were crunching, you had to work until everyone came back from running a quarter mile lap.
Guess who got eye daggers as she dragged her fat ass in from that lap?
The good news is that I don't care. They can hate me as much as I want to, but I'll still be showing up, if not only to screw up their workout. And someday, when I'm thin and hot, I'm totally going to lap a fatty.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Muffin Top(ple) Monday
Hello there! My name is Amy, and I'm yet another guest blogger while Mollie is away, sunning herself on the beach and hopefully not contracting swine flu! Yikes! You can usually find me over at Just A Titch but I told Mollie I'd help her out while she is away. Like our previous lovely guest blogger, I met Mollie through our Operation Muffin Top(ple) group, a lovely group of girls trying to get skinny.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Another Guest Post You Say: Mollie must be on Holiday
Hi there, I'm LizSara and I blog over at If Music Be. Mollie told me to tell you that I'm guest blogging for her while she is (and I quote) "sunning my ass on the sand like a beached whale and can't roll my way to a computer to blog lol"
So here I am.
I met Mollie (in the same way as Lisa) through Operation Muffin Top(ple). When she asked for guest posters I jumped at the chance because OMT has been such a great expereince for all of us so far I wanted to do something for her. I'm all about spreading the blog love you know.
Anyhoodle, I was going to post about what OMT has been doing for me but you've already had one of those posts from the delectable Lisa, so instead I am going to tell you why I am the polar opposite of Mollie and why that doesn't matter because when you blog you get friends because of who you are, not what you've done in life.
See I was always a bit of a slut-in-training when I was at school. I stared smoking when I was 13 and drinking not long after. I was never off the rails, I always came home on time and never talked back to my Mum (oh yes, I say that because I'm English sorry should have mentioned that part too) and I was always at school when I was supposed to be, but my social life wasn't exactly how my family thought it was.
If Mollie was the white sheep of her family I was definitely the murky grey one of mine.
When I left home at 17 I did it because I wanted to have a greater freedom than living with my family would allow. So I moved in with a boyfriend and some friends, got engaged and then slept around the town I lived in until my relationship broke up. I spent the majority of my university years doing much the same thing, always looking for the next high.
By the time I hit 24 I was bored with that lifestyle, and wanted to settle down so I moved in with a guy who was an alcoholic, left my friends 50 miles away and tried to be a Stepford Wife.
You can guess how that turned out can't you?
Fast forward to now, I'm 31, I live alone, I have the greatest boyfriend that I don't get to se nearly enough because he lives 100 miles away, hardly any friends through total fault of my own and I am finally living the fiscally responsible, sensible life my family always wanted for me.
Do I want to break out sometimes...of course I do, you can never change your personality, only which bits of it you show to the world.
So I say, through experience; Live the life that makes you happy, not the one that makes them happy, whoever they are and you won't go far wrong. You can make friends with whomever you choose, you only need to know what they're like as a person, not have shared experiences with them...sometimes it's those people who make the worst friends.
Life is all about what you do with it, you, only you can make yourself happy
Much love
Friday, April 24, 2009
The importance of motivation
What's up, Peeps! My name is Lisa, infiltrating Mollie's blog while she's sunning herself on a rock in paradise. If you want to check out my blog, you can mosey on over to Just Lisa, No Filler. It's the story of me, my husband Wylee, our daughter The Allie Cat, and our struggle to add a fourth one to the mix.
I know the crazy cat lady from this thing called Operation Muffin Top(ple). It's a group of awesome ladies that are trying to lose some weight. I've been struggling to lose weight for years, starting with an event that happened when I was still young and single. I was on a date, and while I was at the restaurant, wolfing down my cheese tortellini, I noticed that my date was staring at me. Did I have alfredo sauce dripping down my chin? Was there a bit of cilantro stuck between my teeth?
"What's the matter?" I asked, self-consciously dabbing my napkin around my mouth.
"You're quite pretty," he answered, carefully observing me. "You would look sensational if you worked out."
There it was, right smack in front of my face. The classic "you-have-a-pretty-face" syndrome. The nice way of saying, "Your butt's getting too big for the chair."
Don't worry. There was no second date.
The very next day, I went to a local gym and asked for a tour. I was really hoping for a tour guide who resembled an Adonis, like in the movies, but unfortunately I ended up with Barbie's twin. I could give this woman the twenty pounds that I wanted to lose and she still would have been the skinniest girl I had ever seen.
"OK, let's go!" Barbie said in her best cheerleader voice. "This is the best decision you've ever made! Let's get started!"
For me, the key to working out is the proper motivation, and I have to say that I would be much more motivated to go through the pain and torture of working out if I had a golden boy with the arms of Brett Favre and the chest of Tito Ortiz encouraging me along. "I'm really not ready to make a commitment," I said. "I just want to look around and see if this is the right place for me."
Barbie just giggled at this. "Looking around isn't going to make those hips any smaller, Silly."
Sigh. I was defeated.
Barbie took me around to each machine and showed me how everything worked. She made me do as many reps as I could on each machine and then set goals for me to increase my levels of strength and endurance. Then she measured every possible area of my body, pinched muscles that I didn't even know I had, and figured out my body fat (something that I will never share, even with you).
I noticed throughout the tour that there were women everywhere. Large women, small women, young women, old women, pretty women, not so pretty women, women, women, women. I felt like a demented Dr. Seuss. Where were all the guys? "Excuse me," I said to my spandex-clad tour guide, "Is there a certain time when there will be more, um, guys?"
Barbie could barely contain her laughter. "There isn't going to be any guys here," she managed between giggles. "Didn't you know? This gym is for women only."
That was the last time I stepped foot into a gym. Like I said, motivation is an important thing for me. I absolutely have to have something to look at as I sweat. And if Adonis isn't going to be there, I have to move on.
Yeah, my hips are getting a little big. But hey, I'm married now! Joke's on Wylee!
(Thanks for letting me play, Mollie! Hope you're having a great vacation! ~Lisa)
Monday, April 20, 2009
Muffin Top(ple) Monday
I have done relatively good though. I've been eating more healthy and exercising more, but still have no real weight loss to speak of. I'm sure it didn't help that I ran out of my thyroid medicine and didn't get it filled until over a week later. Nothing puts the kibosh on dropping pounds quite like an under active thyroid. But as far as actual pounds lost, it just hasn't happened.
Saturday Matthew and I did a bit of a juice fast. We stocked up Naked Juice and had that for breakfast and lunch, then did taco salad for dinner. Saturday afternoon we walked to an art festival in downtown Mobile. It was 1.3 miles each way, plus we walked around for about an hour so I figure I got in 3 miles of walking this weekend. I'll blog about the festival later.
I'd planned on doing the 30 Day Shred this week until I left for vacation on Thursday but in the last block home Saturday I twisted my ankle so now I will be taking it easy instead. I plan to do a butt load of walking up and down the beach in Puerto Vallarta and I'd rather not limp the entire time.
So that's it for the diet & exercise update. Now we're going to talk about something else.
Saturday afternoon as Matthew and I were getting ready to leave the Arts Alive festival to come back home we ran into two old friends of his from high school. The guys were twins, dressed alike. Apparently they were freshman when Matthew was a senior so that would make them 21(ish), still entirely too old to be matching. But that's just my opinion.
Anyway. They guys and Matthew were super excited to have run into each other and did the "OMG wow it's been forever, it's so good to see you, how've you been" thing. Matthew introduced me to them (as his girlfriend *giggle*) and they chatted for a few minutes more.
You may be wondering what in the world any of this has to do with Muffin Top(ple) Monday. Just stick with me, we'll get there.
Well when we got a few blocks down the street I asked him, "uhh honey, what was wrong with those guys?".
He looked at me, confused. "What do you mean what's wrong with them?".
"Well, are they, like, you know, slow, or something? They way they were acting was just weird. Not... normal."
Turns out one of the guys was valedictorian of his senior class. They were super smart, super friendly and apparently always super excited about life.
I'll cut out the nasty parts, where I imitated *read - made fun of* his friends and he got pissed at me, and I ended up walking home alone and skip to the point of this post.
Something about the way those guys acted bothered me. And for some unknown reason I felt the uncontrollable need to imitate them. At the time I wasn't thinking of what I was doing as 'mocking' or 'making fun of' them, but in reality that is what I was doing and my honey, defender of humanity that he is, called me out on it. The result was not pretty.
I didn't consciously intend to make fun of his friends, and him calling me out on doing exactly that had the effect of making me feel like a big steaming pile of pewp. For years I've always gotten angry when I heard people making fun of someone for the way they looked, or dressed. Making fun of the mentally handicapped is sure to get me steamed and I will call you out on being an ass. So for him to call me out on an action that I so intensely disliked from others struck a nerve.
Then on the way home karma had her bitchy way with me and I tripped on an uneven piece of sidewalk and fell flat on my face, scratching my hands up and bruising my knee.
In spite of me being a total jerk, when I came in crying Matthew went right to the medicine cabinet and proceeded to gently doctor me up. Then he held me while I sobbed my little heart out because I felt awful about being a jerk. God has truly blessed me with this man.
So how in the world does this tie into Muffin Top(ple) Monday?
Let me tell you..
When I first signed up for Operation Muffin Top(ple), I was directed to this blog post. For the purposes of this post, I want you to scroll about 3/4 down the page and look at the picture of women who are exhibiting obvious signs of Muffin Top malady. I'll wait for you.
When I saw those pictures and read the post I reacted in two ways.
1. I thought - man someone should tell those poor girls they're wearing the wrong size.
2. I thought - people probably think the same thing when they see me.
What I didn't do, in spite of thinking how similar my full length photos look to those, is think how wrong it was. The incident this weekend brought me back to those photos. And THAT is where this all ties in together.
I'm not entirely certain what it was about those two guys that bothered me so much. I have no idea why I felt a need to make fun of them, however unintentionally, but what I do know is that poking fun at the expense of another is never ever EVER OK.
To be as huge as it is, the Internet can at times be a very very small place. What if those women blog? What if they happened across the blog where their photos are plastered all over a post as a 'motivation tool' to diet and exercise so you don't end up looking like them??
How would they feel? How would I feel? How would you feel?
I know I'd feel horrible. I may act all tough but my self-esteem is more often than not only a few flushes away from being in the crapper. Seeing my picture on a blog emphasizing how someone didn't want to end up looking would result in some pretty severe self-depreciation.
So what is it about things that make us uncomfortable in other people that lends to thinking it's ever ok to make fun of them? Now you may be saying "Aw come on Mollie, it was just an example, it's not like anyone is really getting picked on. It's not like those chics know their pictures are on the web being used as an example of why not to eat Twinkies".
But what if they did? And even if they don't and never do, so what. Why does that make it OK? It doesn't. I was so horribly disappointed in myself when I realized that regardless of what I thought I was doing, I actually was making fun of those guys. I can't stand those kinds of people, so to have it smack me square in the face that I was being one - not OK.
It all comes down to self-image. Those guys were super excited to see my boyfriend. But instead of being happy that my man is so fantastic that after not seeing him for four years someone would be that stoked to run into him, I was bothered by their exuberance. I am a fairly calm, mellow, laid back kind of person. My passions run deep, but they run deep quietly.
During our argument about my, to quote @iamdiddy, 'bitchassness' behavior Matthew made the comment "Well they're my friends and I accept them for who they are". So why couldn't I? I actually said something along the lines of "Well I just wouldn't be able to hang out with someone like that".
Like that?
Like what? Happy? Full of joy? Loud? Not normal?
Who the hell am I to say what's normal or not? Most people think I'm not normal because I play life so close to the vest and am usually entirely too serious. But that's just me. That's how I am. Loud and boisterous is how those guys are. Overweight and wearing too small shirts is, at least at that particular moment, how the women in those pictures were.
I think I've strayed a bit but the whole thing just really got me thinking.
"They're my friends and I accept them for who they are."
Is the reason we have such a hard time doing that to people who we view as odd, or different, or whatever kind of characteristic that stands out to us as not 'OK', because maybe we don't accept ourselves as who WE are so we point out the flaws in others to compensate?
It's definitely something to think about.
Someone who points out and pokes fun at the differences in people is not the kind of person I want to be.
When I told Matthew he shouldn't be with me, that he deserved someone better because I wasn't a good person, he said this - "You're as good as you want to be". Then he told me was with me because he WANTED to be, regardless of whether I thought he should be or not.
So I guess the next step is figuring out just how good of a person I want to be and start working on getting there. Then thank God each and every day for blessing me with such an incredibly wonderful man.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Take two aspirin and meet me in the bedroom
My favorite part of being in a relationship.
Ok, my most favorite part is spending time with my wonderful boyfriend, but sex is a very close second. I love you honey! ^_^
I whined in my last post that Jillian Michaels is kicking my ass doing her 30 Day Shred workout. That woman is a machine when it comes to working out. The girl is unstoppable.
Well I'm kind of like that when it comes to sex.
I love sex.
I've come to realize that maybe my sex drive is a bit above average for a woman. Hell it's probably above average for a man. My sex drive would in fact probably put the energizer bunny to shame. I would be perfectly happy to have sex every single day. Morning sex, afternoon sex, before bed sex. Heck even brunch and before dinner sex.
When my ex-fiance and I first got together it was like having a newborn. We had sex like every 2 hours, every night. If we went to bed at say 10pm, we'd have sex before going to sleep, then wake up at midnight and have sex again, then around 2am, 4am, and then again when woke up to begin getting ready for work.
This lasted for a good six months until the lack of sleep started catching up with me and sheer exhaustion demanded more than 3-5 hours of sleep each night. After that we toned it down a bit but still had sex every night, usually once in the middle of the night and when we woke up. On the weekends it wasn't uncommon to be watching TV and just go at it in the middle of the day. We pretty much had sex at least once a day every single day for the entirety of our relationship. We were together for three years.
Now Matthew isn't quite the horny little bunny that I am and we also work opposite schedules so it's often hard to find time to fit in as much lovin' as I'd like. I work 8am-5pm, he works 1am-9am so when I'm home he's at work and vice verse. When I get home from work he's normally only been asleep for a few hours. I wake him up around 8pm so we can have dinner together and just spend that time enjoying each other's company. Then I go to bed at 10pm and he lays down with me to get a couple more hours sleep before work.
We are both off on the weekend so I've pretty much issued a mandate that lovin' will be had on those days. And he's more than happy to oblige. And he obliges well, if you know what I mean- wink.
There has been the rare occasion in the middle of the week where I'll come home from work and attempt to wake him up for a little lovin'. Some times I get what I want, some times I get "but honey I'm tireddddd". Which brings me to today's topic.
A few weeks ago my boss was being more grumpy than usual and one of the guys in the office and I were chatting about it, wondering what had brought on the increased sourness in his mood. I made the joke that maybe he wasn't getting any at home.
My co-worker replied that it was more likely the opposite and his wife giving him hell about it was probably what was responsible. He went on to inform me that the media had it all wrong. Movies and TV shows portrayed men always wanting to get it on, and women always having headaches, but in reality men just didn't really need it that much and it was women who were the sex fiends.
I think it's important to note that my co-worker is a healthy viable 25yr old male. He and his girlfriend live together. He's fit and handsome, she's gorgeous with a great body. He said that more often than not he tries to beat his girlfriend to bed so he can pretend to be asleep when she comes in, because if he's awake when she gets in bed he's almost certainly going to have to 'put out'.
You know how Scooby Doo tilts his head to the side when he's confused? That was me right about this point in the conversation. The rest of it went something like this.
I asked him,
"Do you just not like sex?".
"No, I love sex. I enjoy it."
"Then what's the problem?"
"Guys just don't need it that much. We'd rather be sleeping"
When did this role reversal happen? When did the universe flip upside down and women take on the role of sexual aggressors and men fill the 'honey I'm too tired' roles?
Have movies, magazines and TV always had it wrong? Is there some master conspiracy to make women think that men are just horn dogs when they could really care less if they get any or not? Or to make men think women are more often than not going to 'have a headache', so they may as well resign themselves to alone time in the bathroom with a good 'article' from Penthouse?
Or do I just live in some randomly freakish rip in the solar system where my boyfriend and the men I work with wish their women didn't think of them as sex machines? Matthew has actually said those very words to me when I asked him if I could 'get some loving'. "Gosh honey, I'm not a sex machine". He says he can 'love on me' without always having to 'sex me up'.
And he's right. Spending time cuddled on the couch wrapped in each others arms is in its own way just as satisfying as some really great sex. Sometimes even more so.
But that doesn't mean I wouldn't still like to be getting 'sexed up'. ;-)
Anyway, what's your take on this? Men, women... I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Are you really OK with just getting it every once in a while or do you wish your chic would buy stock in Tylenol and get over the 'headache'?
How often would you like your man to 'sex you up'? Once a day? Once a week? A couple of times a month?
I know I can't be the only closet nymph out there.
Can I?
*crickets chirping*
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Muffin Top(ple) Monday
So I did great with the walking thing for 2 whole days. Then I woke up late one day and didn't have time to exercise before work and that's all she wrote.
It's amazing to me how easy it is to get OUT of shape and how incredibly little motivation or effort it takes, but how extremely difficult and time consuming it is to get IN shape. Personally I think it should be the other way around. Being in shape should just be the way of things, and you'd have to work really hard at getting fat and lazy. Once upon a time I could jog a mile with relative ease. And by relative ease I mean being slightly winded at the end but not doubled over gasping for breath, which is how you'd have found me after this morning's workout.
I got up at 6am and did day 1 of the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels.
Jillian Michaels, winning trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser, helps you lose big – up to 20 pounds in 30 days! Her 30 Day Shred DVD includes three 20-minute circuit-training workouts that burn mega calories and build strong, lean muscle. Each level contains a 20-minute workout based on Jillian's exclusive 3-2-1 Strength/Cardio/Ab training circuit: 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of ab work. There's also a brief warm-up session and a cool down stretch. Follow Jillian's program for 30 days and you will see amazing results!
You can buy this DVD on her website for $10 or if you have Comcast, you can get it for free on OnDemand. I have Comcast. Yay Me.
I need to lose a lot of weight. Any toned muscle I once had has long since turned to flab so I figured just walking in place, however energetic the walking, probably wasn't going to get me the results I wanted. At least not in this decade.
So I decided to turn it up. The intensity of my work out that is. When I starting typing that sentence I was originally typing 'turn up the..' but couldn't figure out how to finish it. Changing the wording of the sentence didn't stop one of the cheesiest 80's songs of all time from popping into my head.
"Pump up the volume, pump up the volume, pump up the volume.
Dance! Dance!"
Sorry, I had to share the torture.
Moving on.
So I thought the 10 minute mile I did last week was a decent work out. It got my heart rate up, accelerated my breathing and I broke a little sweat doing it. Psh!
Half way through Jillian's 20min shred I was gasping for breath and holding on to whatever hope I could find that my arms wouldn't disconnect from my body, fall off and flop on the floor. Ole Girl Kicked. My. Ass.
After finishing the workout and peeling myself off the floor, I managed to roll up my yoga mat and drag my butt to the shower. Barely. I may or may not have fully bathed. I couldn't keep my eyes open and it took every bit of concentration I had to try and return my breathing to normal so I know I got wet and I know I got soapy but that's about all I recall of this morning's shower.
I knew I was out of shape, but damn. If the workout I got this morning is even half the crap she puts those tubbies through on The Biggest Loser no wonder they're dropping 10-15 pounds a week!
Her claim is you can lose up to 20lbs in 30 days by doing this workout program. I don't know much my arms weigh, but I imagine them falling off would be close to, if not a few pounds more than 20, so this video just might live up to it's promise.
The good news is - in spite of the piece of cake I had at my niece's birthday party slash Easter egg hunt and the brownie I had at Matthew's mom's Sunday evening, my scale says I've dropped just under 4lbs since Friday. And that was BEFORE I let Jillian beat me like Mommie Dearest. I'm going to do my best not to weigh again until Friday, but I imagine if I can keep up with the 30 Day Shred I'll have dropped a few pounds by then. Or at least an appendage.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Beautiful you..
Let me clear up any possible confusion, that statement has nothing to do with bread.
Matthew is often telling me how sexy he thinks I am. How much he loves 'all of me', just the way I am.
I am often contradicting him, telling him he's crazy, that there is just nothing even remotely attractive about fat.
There's this song I've been hearing on the radio lately that I love. I know all the words, I sing along and dance in the car when it comes on, but for some reason until this morning I apparently haven't really been hearing it.
If you've been around my blog the last few days then you know that I've joined up with a group of fellow bloggers/tweeters in a friendly competition to lose our muffin tops.
What is a muffin top?
That thing hanging out between the bottom of her shirt and the top of her pants.
Maybe it's the new found determination to get back into shape and improve my health, maybe it's that I have a wonderful man at home who never fails to make me feel loved, or maybe it was just the right time for the lyrics of that particular song to click into place but whatever it was, it got me thinking.
Who was it that made me feel less than beautiful because I have a little extra to love? Ok so I have a lot extra. But so what. Right?
I had to do a little digging and if you're one of those people (like me) who cringe at the site of a little cellulite you may want to prepare yourself, but I finally found some pictures that show just how far we've come - or fallen - in the idea of what is and isn't beautiful.
Here are 3 paintings from the Renaissance period, I believe.
Charites, known in Greek mythology as The Three Graces, goddesses of such things as charm, beauty, and creativity.
These women were considered beautiful. Heck the first painting reflects women who were thought to be goddesses. Goddesses of charm, beauty and creativity! They are NOT stick thin size 6 women. Hell they're not even size 8 women. More likely they were closer to a 14-16. They have tummies, and thick thighs. They have curves and shape. And they were beautiful. They were art!
So what happened? When did we, society start thinking that 'thin was in'? And when did we, women start believing that rubbish?
I'm the first to say that I don't find fat attractive. Seeing myself naked is enough to threaten my lunch to return from whence it came. Yet my boyfriend finds me beautiful. He enjoys my naked body, rolls and all. Just last night I was in the kitchen cooking and he came up behind me and slid his arms around my waist and told me how awesome I was, while rubbing up and down on my tummy.
I'm not, nor have I ever been attracted to heavier guys, even though I'm far from small myself. My ex-fiance gained a good bit of weight after we'd been together a while and seeing his body go from relatively fit to flabby completely turned me off.
Was it that seeing his flab reminded me of my own? Was it that I'd been conditioned to buy into the crap that in order to be attractive, sexy, handsome, you have to be a certain size or shape?
I've never been "thin", have honestly never wanted to be. I'm perfectly ok, happy even being a thick chic. But there's 'thick' and then there's 'fat'. And fat is where I feel I am now. Fat is what makes me want to turn out the lights when the clothes come off and the lovin' comes on. Fat is what makes me stand in front of my closet dreading having to find something that camouflages my 'muffin top' and back fat.
But to the man who loves me - I am perfect just the way I am. I am beautiful.
That's where the song ties into all this. It talks about a little girl, and then a young woman who've bought into the crap the media feeds us that we have to look a certain way to be beautiful, then the chorus says "There can never be a more beautiful you... You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do. So there could never be a more beautiful you."
So I'm issuing a challenge, and it's one I'm going to take myself. Tonight when you get home, or tomorrow when you get up - get undressed and stand in front of a mirror. Oh Shut up, it will not crack, break or shatter. And yes you DO have one big enough. But look at yourself. Look at yourself in the way that someone who loves you does. See what they see.
I'm not in the best shape I've ever been in and my need to lose weight is more based on health issues than worrying about my appearance, but I'm just as guilty of looking in the mirror and feeling ugly because my body doesn't look how I'd like it to. But in spite of my extra jiggle and the rolls that have nothing to do with dinner er ok, mostly to do with dinner, but you know where I was trying to go with that - for those who are like ummm huh?
Get it - rolls...dinner..
Dinner rolls
ok where were we?
Right, naked. Naked and beautiful. Because no matter what size you are, how much cellulite you have, if you've been guilty of stuffing your extra top stomach into your pants so you look like you have some sort of a waist line You ARE BEAUTIFUL.
God created you for a specific purpose. You have a reason for being on this earth, a place that no one else can fill. So if you need to drop a few pounds to feel better about yourself, or get in better health that's one thing, but if you're starving yourself and dragging ass at the gym every morning because you think losing a bit of fluff around the middle will make you 'prettier' then give yourself a swift kick in the ass sister. Drag yourself to a mirror and say these words...
Because it's true
More Beautiful You
Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight
Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are
There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you
Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead
Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are
So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl
Monday, April 06, 2009
Muffin Top(ple) Monday
Operation Muffin Top(ple)- Day 1
I hit snooze
5:54am the alarm goes off
I hit snooze again
Rinse and repeat
At 6:15am I finally drag my butt out of bed and shuffle into the living room, wiping sleep from my eyes.
Grabbing the remote I click the OnDemand button and scroll down the menu until I get to the exercise and fitness channel. For the next ten minutes Leslie Sansone and I exuberantly, ok she exuberantly, stomped out one mile in my living room. The guys and gals on the video had a variety of weights to increase the intensity of the 'workout'. Anything from free weights, waist bands, elastic string looking things to weighted balls. I had oranges.
For weights, I held the oranges for my weights.
Surprisingly enough, you can build up a decent sweat in ten minutes. It's not like you just stand there and walk in one place. You do knee lifts, kick backs and side steps. Not to mention ol' girl is trucking it. This ain't no leisurely stroll around the neighborhood type walk. Throw in lifting your arms in every direction (with my orange weights) and you get a decent little work out.
Once upon a time I could jog a mile without being winded. Those days are long gone, so I'm starting slow, building up my endurance again so I don't burn out and give up. I figure I'll do the walk for a week, then try to move on to the one mile jog. I know that seems like a lofty aspiration but jogging in place (sort of) has to be a little easier than running around the block. Here's hoping anyway. But if not, I can always slow it down to a brisk walk until I catch my breath, or the swelling goes down in my eyes from beating my face in with my boobs. Which ever comes first.
Healthy eating is another part of this quest, but I'm sure I've bored you enough with my workout recap so I'll save the food stuff for later.
I have to say, as much as I resisted getting up early, after doing my little exercise this morning I felt really good. I also felt proud, after months of doing nothing but whining about how fat my ass is getting it feels really awesome to be doing something about it.
I also have to give a HUGE thank you to my honey Matthew FKA The Editor. He is and has been an incredible support, lifting me up and encouraging me to get active and take the right steps to get healthy.
Soon we'll be busting out that 15 Minute Hell video together like it's a walk in the park.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Operation Muffin Top(ple)
It's the beginning of April and I'm embarrassed to admit that I've failed miserably. I worked out ehh twice. Once with Matthew and once by myself. After several years being carbonated beverage free, I've picked up drinking pop again (soda or coke for your southerners), and have gone from eating fast food once or twice a month to once a week. At least.
Add that to one of the many lovely side effects of Loestrin that my gyno put me on for PCOS and instead of losing weight, I've gained 20lbs. Add those 20 to the 70 I already needed to lose and you have one fat ass Crazy Cat Lady.
Well thank God for blogging, because two fabulous ladies who's blogs I adore have issued a challenge and I'm signing up!
Catherinette and KiKi have put out the word that dunlap disease is simply not acceptable this summer. If you don't know what dunlap disease is, it's when your belly 'dun lapped' over the top of your pants.
I've never been a small girl. I've always been fairly 'thick', but still very fit. I played sports for most of my youth and was very athletic. I've gained and lost a considerable amount of weight (60lbs give or take) twice since the age of 24. I'm back at the gained part of that cycle and I'm not happy.
Here is me in 2003
I don't think I'm being conceited when I say I looked damn good.
Here is me with my sister, b-i-l, and cousin at a concert last August.
I have surpassed the muffin top, and have moved on to the King Cake.
People, I have become a beast. And it is simply NOT acceptable anymore. So I've had Matthew dig up some Tae-Bo torrents and Billy Blanks is now on my computer ready to punch, kick and jab my ass back into some semblance of shape, other than round. But I've realized I can't do it alone. I simply do not have the discipline to drag my butt out of bed at 5:30am to exercise before getting ready for work, and I've tried working out when I get home in the evenings and it is just not for me. I'm tired after working all day. I want to curl up on the couch with my honey and watch tv, not wiggle my jiggle.
Here's where my blog/twitter pals come into play.
This is the welcome e-mail I received after expressing my interest in joining Operation Muffin Top(ple)
Good morning, fellow fatties. You have all expressed interest in participating in Operation Muffin Top(ple)! Kiki and I are delighted to announce that it is in fact in full swing. You can read more about the logistics by going reading the post on The Catherinette Chronicles or I'm Not Kidding.
Remember, this is all in the spirit of fun, and in hopes that we all shed those extra pounds that make us look more like Star Jones' before pics than the after ones.
Here's the skinny on how this is going to go down (twss).
Send the following to firstname.lastname@example.com :
A brief explanation of what you hope to accomplish, gain from this. Example: "I want to lose my fat muffin top so I can parade my slim ass in front of the bar where my ex-boyfriend hangs out and make him feel like an ass for being...well...an ass."
Your favorite recipe for those of us that are trying to lose some weight. Think cocktail recipe. Think cheese. Think chocolate. Recipes will be posted weekly on Monday's.
This part is optional...Submit a funny before pic to firstname.lastname@example.com or send it to 555-555-1234(that's my cell). The pic will NOT be posted. It doesn't have to be a full body shot. It can just be your muffin top, a saddle bag, your chubby fist throwing out those peeps, whatever.
Preferred method of communication: Kiki and I will be sending you "motivational" messages throughout the duration. Let us know if you want those in a text or email.
An idea of what you'd like to contribute to the prize package. We're thinking it would be fun if everyone sent in a little something (cheap) to include in the grand prize. We're thinking peeps, cheetos, something fun, whatever. You tell us.
Our hope is to have a Magical Muffin Giveaway on June 21st. We'll be looking for you to send in after pics along with what you gained (which will hopefully not be more weight) during the experience. Extra points for snarkiness.
If you have any questions, feel free to let us know!!
Let's do this, bitches!
These heifers aren't playing around. I've yet to get my honey to take a full length pic of me to send in, but plan on sobbing my way through that particular joy tonight. I've edited the phone number in the e-mail for privacy but left the Muffin Top(ple) group e-mail in case you want to sign up. The more fatties who sign up, the better the prize! Oh yea and the more support we can be to each other. The real prize will be getting in shape of course, for me anyway. Some of these gals will actually be strutting their stuff in a bikini by summer.
I'm too late to banish the belly rolls in time for my vacation to Puerto Vallarta (in 21 days!!!), so I'm shooting for my birthday instead. June is when the winner will be announced for Operation Muffin Top(ple), but I have a feeling I've got a lot more dunlap to delete than some of the other ladies, so I plan to keep on going until I reach my goal.
If you've been wanting to shake your shimmy and the shimmy be the only thing shaking but just haven't found the motivation to get off the couch then join us and make the only rolls on the beach this summer belong to someone else!


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Materials Science Applications
VASP is a plane wave ab initio code for quantum mechanical molecular dynamics. It is highly scalable and shows very good parallel performance for a variety of chemical and materials science calculations. VASP is available to NERSC users who already have a VASP license. Read More »
Quantum ESPRESSO/PWscf
Quantum Espresso is an integrated suite of computer codes for electronic structure calculations and materials modeling at the nanoscale. It builds on the electronic structure codes PWscf, PHONON, CP90, FPMD, and Wannier. It is based on density-functional theory, plane waves, and pseudopotentials. Read More »
LAMMPS is a large scale classical molecular dynamics code. Read More »
SIESTA is an O(N) DFT code for electronic structure calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations for molecules and solids. It uses norm-conserving pseudopotentials and linear combination of numerical atomic orbitals (LCAO) basis set. Read More »
ABINIT is a package whose main program allows one to find the total energy, charge density and electronic structure of systems made of electrons and nuclei (molecules and periodic solids) within Density Functional Theory (DFT), using pseudopotentials and a planewave basis. Read More »
WIEN2k performs electronic structure calculations of solids using density functional theory (DFT). It is based on the full-potential (linearized) augmented plane-wave ((L)APW) + local orbitals (lo) method, one among the most accurate schemes for band structure calculations. Wien2k was developed at the Institute for Materials Chemistry at the Technical University, Vienna. Read More »
Qbox is a C++/MPI scalable parallel implementation of first-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) based on the plane-wave, pseudopotential formalism. Qbox is designed to run on large parallel computers. Read More »
CPMD is a plane wave/pseudopotential DFT code for ab-initio molecular dynamics simulations. Read More »
CP2K performs atomistic and molecular simulations of solid state, liquid, molecular and biological systems. It provides a general framework for different methods such as e.g. density functional theory (DFT) using a mixed Gaussian and plane waves approach (GPW), and classical pair and many-body potentials. Read More »
PARATEC is a parallel, plane-wave basis, density functional theory (DFT) code developed at Berkeley. PARATEC is one of the DFT packages supported by the BerkeleyGW code. PARATEC supports many traditional DFT features and exchange-correlation functionals. PARATEC uses norm-conserving pseudopotentials that can be generated with the FHI pseudopotential program. Read More »
Wannier90 computes maximally-localised Wannier functions (MLWF) following the method of Marzari and Vanderbilt (MV). It can be used in conjunction with Abinit, Quantum ESPRESSO, PARATEC and BerkeleyGW to computer Wannier functions and a k-point interpolation of various quantities. Read More »
Description The BerkeleyGW Package is a set of computer codes that calculates the quasiparticle properties and the optical responses of a large variety of materials from bulk periodic crystals to nanostructures such as slabs, wires and molecules. The package takes as input the mean-field results from various electronic structure codes such as the Kohn-Sham DFT eigenvalues and eigenvectors computed with PARATEC, Quantum ESPRESSO, SIESTA,Octopus, or TBPW (aka EPM). How to Access… Read More »


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The King's Good Graces
In the United States and other Western countries where the church has long held sway, we see increasing attempts to silence the Gospel. Our task to be salt and light even in the political realm remains, but let us take ...Read More
An Audience with Jacob
Jacob's age and the presence of God with him both count for the reasons why Pharaoh shows deference to him in today's passage. Scripture exhorts us to hear older people because their many years of walking with the ...Read More
A Possession in Egypt
Are you discouraged this day because you believe your remaining sin makes it impossible for the Lord to use you? Do the apparent victories of your foes encourage you to give up your service to God? Has a work you ...Read More
Joseph Feeds the Earth
According to John Calvin and Matthew Henry, the famine and relief described in today's passage remind us that we live and die at God's mercy. It is easy to forget that we live, move, and have our being ...Read More
The Beloved Leader
John Chrysostom explains what will come to lay people who are a special blessing to their pastors. "If anyone renders a service to those afflicted for God's sake and carrying the dignity of priesthood, he will …[enjoy a reward ...Read More
Fruitfulness in Egypt
Israel, called to be a new Adam, failed to keep covenant and increased transgression (Rom. 3:9–20; 7:7–13). As our perfect representative, Jesus succeeded where Israel failed, and in so doing, He also succeeded where Adam failed ...Read More
A Father's Last Request
John Calvin offers comments about the patriarchs, saying that "not even death itself could extinguish the power of their faith." All of us must look beyond the end of our own lives and trust God to keep all of His ...Read More


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Let�s see if I�ve got this straight. There seems to be a national stink about having the names of gun owners on lists being made available to the general public, by way of publishing them in a newspaper.
Some Connecticut newspaper folks acquired a list by way of the Freedom of Information Act and published it for everybody to see. We can only guess as to what their motivation was, but that�s not the topic of discussion here. The justification was that since the lists were already government records, then the public or anybody else who�s interested could submit a request and obtain this information � legally! So they did!
Let�s for purposes of discussion say that the government decides to uphold this freedom-of-information policy with regards to gun owners, as is being proposed, in addition to the already mandated registration � and voila, we have the creation of �The Government List.�
The first thing you know, the government will want to put our names on a list for all sorts of stuff! And anybody will be able to access it. So let�s test a possible scenario. I want you to answer the following questions: Do you have an alarm system on your house? Your name goes on a government list.
Do you have any gold, silver or precious coins stored at your house? Your name goes on a government list. What about rare stamps or currency? Stocks or bonds? Your name goes on a government list.
How about jewelry or precious gems or pearls, or antiques or antique automobiles? What about valuable works of art or sculpture? Your name goes on a government list. How about a workshop full of tools? Your name goes on a government list.
What about fur coats or designer clothing, jackets and hats? Your name goes on a government list. How about computers and expensive electronics and games, or 60-inch HDTVs with theater surround-sound systems, or stereos? Your name goes on a government list.
What about thousands of dollars worth of golf clubs or bicycles or tennis rackets and all the paraphernalia that goes along with sports equipment, or Babe Ruth�s autograph? Your name goes on a government list. Or how about a gigantic super-sized riding lawnmower with AM/FM stereo CD and a drink holder? Your name goes on a government list.
What about guns and ammo? Your name goes on a government list. Have any of it insured? Your name goes on a government list.
Do you get the picture? Anything that you consider valuable could become a part of a published list, and you�ll become a target. And this could include small business owners, too!
All of this directly violates your privacy and your right to own and defend your personal property. If these actions go unchallenged, then the floodgates of government information-gathering will open and everybody will know everything about everybody else, and what they own! Where will this encroachment upon our freedoms stop?
As was recently noted, this did cause some problems in Connecticut, one of the most tightly controlled states for gun ownership in the country. Seems that people�s homes were being invaded by thieves, because the bad guys were able to identify who had what weapons, and who did not. Their logic was �Do we go after the houses with guns or those without?� I�m not going to pretend to understand how they ultimately decided, but in either case, somebody loses something and/or somebody potentially gets hurt. Fact is, the thieves should not have had access to that information in the first place � not by way of the newspapers or any other way.
We all have a right to own any or all of these things mentioned above, and frankly it�s nobody else�s business that we do! That being said, I urge the Gaston County Commissioners to vote for the resolution to not allow the publishing of gun ownership and permit records � or for that matter, anything else that might become a target for the nefarious elements of our communities.
Pass is a resident of Gastonia.


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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Crossville Spaghetti Monster in Rolling Stone Magazine? What?
8 comments:
- writesnews said...
Very nice! You should still by 5 copies for your mother - even though it isn't on "The Cover of the Rolling Stone." This is by far the most impressive display of government reaction to the FSM! Kudos to you :)
- April 16, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Ariel, I'm so proud. I am glad that a true separation of Church and State will now occur. But, it is sad that displaying diversity caused such a knee-jerk reaction from the government officials of our community.
- April 16, 2008 at 6:47 PM
A true piece of art , or statement worth saying is exampled by the mural painted on the wall of a main street building. It was not that you were trying to make free speech,open forum, or to express yourself aside from the norm. That is not what the problem was. The problem was that the piece you did reperesents the gross neglegence and moral of yourselves. It is a direct and open expression of your inner ids. " MAy It's noodley appendages touch you?" Which sick mind thought that up? You or your sister? MAybe a mysterious third party? Whether you are an Atheist, Christian,Buddhist, or Hindu, even Mooney for that matter, you have shown that you have no respect for anything by the way that you art was portrayed. Your piece was more tasteless then the mutt toilet of the dada movement. But, you got your month of fame. And you made an impact. You added a piece of culture, but decidely took away more. Thanks.This town was bad enough before. And I really feel sorry for these people makeing 'pilgrimages' from distant towns to see your trash. Gas is to expensive to drive that far to see a steaming pile of 'whatever' you want to call your abomination. Also any 'real' Christians who find delight in this abhorrence,obviously, don't know much about what they preach. Have A nice day. And please take your garbage out on the first of the month. Your Spaghetti monster is starting to stink.....
- April 23, 2008 at 8:57 AM
- Nathaniel's mom said...
I have been watching the progression of this since a little after you put it up. I am glad that you had the guts to put this up. It is also still amazing to me that in the year 2008, we still have people that are so close-minded that they only see things one way. If I was still religious I would not have seen the FSM as a blow to my faith or religion I would have laughed and thought that is was a witty idea. And it seems that while the end result is saddening you did indeed prove a point. Parts of the US are still closed minded when it comes to anything that is not the typical faith to them. I am sure that if someone had put a pentacle statue or a walking fish (darwin) statue there, the board would have made the same decision. It just shows to me even more what bigots some followers of the Christian faith are. They are so throughly offended by anyone else who happens to speak openly about their beliefs or lack thereof, but never once do they themselves stop to think that maybe they are being offending by thrusting their beliefs upon everyone else. It is still amazing to me that a religion that is supposed to promote love and understanding is filled with such hateful people.
But to Ariel, I think you did a wonderful thing. You made them realize that people that believe differently from the norm are out there and we are starting to stand up for ourselves and our freedoms that this country has given us. We must at all cost stand up to such people who would choose to promote one faith over another and protect our rights as Americans. That is the biggest problem right now, some christians see things like this as a personal attack upon their religion, it is not that. It is merely us standing up to protect our own religions and beliefs, that are always being infringed upon. Though they(majority of christians)do not see it that way.
And to all the hatefilled anonymous commenters, is this really what Jesus would want you to do?? To vehemently attack others?? I remember being taught that Jesus was love and he loved all people and that the best way to get people to see how truly wonderful loving God was that they needed to be loving themselves. It seems like the tides have turned and the (some)christians are the hateful spiteful ones and the people that believe other things have become the peaceful protesters, saying to to the hateful ones "Can't we all just get along?"
And to those that feel that anyone who is not christian do not have morals? Look at yourself, at least I don't need a book with a list of rules in it to tell me how to live without killing my neighbor to take his wife and property, it is not some belief and fear in a God that keeps me from cheating on my husband. I live my life with mutual respect and love for all people, not just for the ones who think like me, but for all.
Maybe we could all learn something from the church of the FSM.
Great job of showing that people are still willing to stand up for freedom of speech and religion.
- April 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
What you have showed is one, if you trully do believe the spaghetti monster created the universe' Mockasin bin is never to far away. If you really believe that,which I hope you don't, we have enough loony sickos here with adding you to the list. The other thing proved is that people are too open minded. It is good to keep your mind closed to some things. If your head is an open hole that can let anything into it, then you are gonna have a lot of problems. There are a great many things in this world looking for a doorway. I ,personally, will not play medium to anything someone feels justified to do. I bet alot of people are open minded to homosexuality too. And drugs, and drinking piss as a vitamin. Or maybe even sticking popsicle sticks in their ears and running around naked singing yankee-doodle dandee' all in the name of expression or proveing a point. If you are one of those people, Iam sure you will be the next to comment.And to Nathaniel's Mom, Jesus said have no god's before me. He went into the temples and smashed all abhorrences there. So, I don't think if he was here that he would go and pet the spaghetti monster on his head.
- April 24, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Mainly, what I have been trying to say is that creating up a graven image of something, whether you are religous or not, and presenting it as a idol, is not the best thing for you to do. That is if you believe in the sowing of seeds, or Karma if you will, which I don't know if you do. I get the point that you don't want any certain idealism shoved down your throat. I understand the subject matter you were articulateing on. I just believe the way that you presented it as a jokeing kult thing was a 'little' grosse and uneccessary.But, you felt it would work, and it did bring the worm from wood.Didn't it? So kudos. What's next? Hopefully something more tastefull. But, we won't be seeing it on the courthouse lawn anymore,will we?
- April 25, 2008 at 3:05 PM
- April 16, 2010 at 9:43 AM
Why ????? Was it taken down. I guess no Pastafarins in the area....
- November 21, 2010 at 3:19 PM


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New league starting Feb 3, hit it up here if you're interested https://www.reddit.com/r/pathofdiablo/
I remember we all played D2 that one time years and years ago, might be fun to play again if people are still around. Also if you play PoE hit me up. ARPGs are the only games I can really enjoy anymore (non-blizz devs aren't utterly retarded).


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By Thomas Neumann
Page 2
Page 2 is once again entrusting you, dear readers, to determine which player has the coolest name in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Our criteria for coolness are similar to how Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart described obscenity in 1964: You know it when you see it. A great basketball name should be fun to say, fun to spell, or funky and unusual.
We've selected our 64 favorite player names from this year's NCAA tournament field for your balloting entertainment -- feel free to blame the selection committee if your school got snubbed.
Last year, Purdue guard Bubba Day captured the crown, completing an unlikely run as a No. 15 seed. This year's tournament is wide open, especially because prohibitive favorite God'sgift Achiuwa missed out on participating when St. John's failed to qualify for the Big Dance.
Without further ado, Page 2 presents the Coolest Name in the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket.
Vote in the Dallas Comegys region at the bottom of this page, and use the links below to vote in the other regions. First-round voting ends Thursday at 10 p.m. ET. Check back Friday to vote in the second round.


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Monarch Habitat Handbook
Monarch Habitat Handbook: A California Landowner's Guide to Managing Monarch Butterfly Overwintering Habitat
By Lincoln Brower, Mia Monroe, and Katrin Snow
Produced as part of the Xerces Society's Monarch Project, this handbook is a guide for California landowners who wish to practice wise stewardship over their Monarch butterfly overwintering habitat, preserving it for future generations to enjoy. It begins by describing the Monarch migration and current scientific knowledge of Monarch biology and overwintering. It then offers information about how best to manage and protect the overwintering habitat.
The handbook provides suggestions for further activities and answers to commonly asked questions. This resource includes a list of individuals who are willing to share their knowledge of Monarch butterflies and their habitat. 16 pages, 6″ x 8-1/2″, full-color photographs.


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Your Top Breastfeeding Insurance Questions—Answered
From providing the perfect mix of nutrients to sharing beneficial immune boosters to enhancing bonding, breastfeeding is one of the most important things you can do for your baby. And thanks to mandated insurance changes by way of the Affordable Care Act, breastfeeding support and tools are more accessible to new moms than ever. Here, answers to the most common breastfeeding insurance questions.
How is the Affordable Care Act changing breastfeeding insurance coverage?
Insurance carriers are now required to provide breastfeeding insurance coverage to new moms without cost-sharing (read: no co-pay).
I'm not a first-time mom. Am I still eligible for breastfeeding insurance?
Yes! You're entitled to breastfeeding insurance coverage each time you give birth.
What, specifically, is covered under breastfeeding insurance?
With breastfeeding insurance, healthcare providers are required to cover the cost of breastfeeding support and breastfeeding equipment. That means you're entitled to lactation education and counseling by a trained professional, either during pregnancy or after giving birth. You're also entitled to a breast pump.
Will my insurance carrier give me the breast pump I want?
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance carriers to provide new moms with breast pumps, but it doesn't specify the type of pump they have to provide. Your individual plan will determine whether you're eligible for a single manual pump (the least expensive type), a single electric pump, or a double electric pump. Still, insurance companies are starting to show some flexibility on pump options, so you shouldn't be afraid to ask for the pump you want. Find the best breast pump for you.
How can I find out the specific breastfeeding insurance my carrier offers?
Every insurance carrier is different, so it's crucial to review the specifics of your individual plan. Call your insurance provider's customer service line or visit their website to find out the breastfeeding products and services you're entitled to. Find a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider about breastfeeding insurance coverage.
How do I find out where to get my breast pump?
It's easy. To find out where to obtain your insurance-covered Medela breast pump, use the Insurance Pump Lookup tool at medelabreastfeedingus.com. Just choose your insurance provider and the state you live in, and find the answers you're looking for.
This article is sponsored by Medela.
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I'm thrilled to report that my latest score, the soundtrack to the TV film, Who Is Simon Miller?, will air on NBC, Saturday August 6, at 8pm.
This is a family-friendly thriller set in various parts of Europe, and it features Christine Baranski, Skyler Day, Loren Dean, Robyn Lively and Drew Koles. It was true joy working with the production team from Montreal's Muse Entertainment, and getting a chance to sit and work with the talented director, Paolo Barzman. His directions really helped shape the sound of the soundtrack, which features dramatic virtual-orchestra cues, rocked by guitar and driving rhythms. Here's the promo (not my music):


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ST. LOUIS – Wayne Hunter hadn't even seen the New York Daily News article quoting anonymous New York Jets players bashing backup quarterback Tim Tebow. In fact, he'd only heard about it minutes prior to being asked about it by a pair of reporters.
Still, the St. Louis Rams' offensive tackle, traded from the Jets this August after a rough preseason, had the same reaction as Jets coach Rex Ryan and used the exact same word –"cowardly" – to describe it.
STILL BUDS: Sanchez has Tebow's back
BRENNAN: Play Tebow more
"I get sick of guys doing that – anonymous. Be a man about it and put your name to it," Hunter said after practice Wednesday. "When I was there, there was a couple of guys that did it. … I spoke out about it. I hate that.
"It sucks because it's cowardly, very cowardly."
Hunter, again serving as a backup and extra tight end now that starter Rodger Saffold is back from a knee injury, is now with a 3-5-1 team with almost the same record as the Jets (3-6), yet there's a completely different feel at the team's facility, particularly after they nearly knocked off the San Francisco 49ers in an unsatisfying-but-encouraging tie on Sunday.
In Florham Park, N.J., it's borderline chaos in an organization perceived to be on the verge of crumbling. Here at the Rams' facility in the community of Earth City, there's a sense new head coach Jeff Fisher is building toward something.
Hunter didn't imagine it would be this way for the Jets. In fact, he honestly believed in the element Tebow would bring.
"When I was with those guys, the system that came in with (offensive coordinator Tony) Sparano coming in, you just felt a sense of success coming our way with the Jets," Hunter said. "It's hard to speak for those guys because evey team struggles. There are teams that come with super-hype and all of a sudden they're just being talked about so much because they're in the spotlight."
The latest anonymous-quote story certainly won't make the spotlight go away. It'll only make it hotter.
"But then Rex gives an open locker room," Hunter said of Ryan's allowing players to speak freely. "He's always believed that, so he's going to treat it like he believes he should."
Don't expect any sympathy from Hunter, who was as vilified as any Jet player when he struggled late last season into this preseason and was basically run out of town.
"I support the guys as my friends, but as a team and as an NFL perspective, you're happy that they're struggling," Hunter said. "It kind of gives us the upper (hand) coming into this Sunday."


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If you're a runner, Brooks attire is perfect for you. If you enjoy comfort and support in your lounging and active wear, Brooks is perfect for you, too. Brooks Sports offers high-performance fashions that meets the needs of active people. With their activewear innovations that promise to keep you comfortable during your workout and their fashionable designs, Brooks is a must-have in performance wear.
Brooks Equilibrium Fabrics help to achieve the highest performance possible. Brooks aims with their active and sports wear for the temperature to always regulate to your body. HVAC Synergy in some of the fashions starts with UV protection to keep you shielded from the sun. Antimicrobial fibers fight odors while X-Static fights static. Vapor-Dry Plus wicks away moisture and is silky soft for fluid movement. Epiphany/Revelation has flat seams, UV protection and wicks away moisture quickly. Shelter fabrics have anatomically designed stretch constructions, wind protection and water-repellent finishes. All of these fabrics work together in the different styles to keep you going no matter the weather.
Brooks Sports, Inc. began in 1914, founded by Morris Goldenberg. The name Brooks was selected by Goldenberg as an Anglicized substitute for his wife's maiden name of Bruchs. Brooks began producing bathing shoes in 1917 and moved into sports wear in the 1930s with baseball and football cleats. Brooks is famous for their shoes worldwide. Brooks running shoes are famous for breakthrough advancements like HydroFlow FLX, a technology that delivers unsurpassed cushioning; Diagonal Rollbar and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a pioneering midsole material that?s now an industry standard. Besides their famous shoes, Brooks innovates sports wear as well. Brooks has been showcased in many online blogs, magazines and television shows. Top runners sport their Brooks active wear. Many future Olympians wear the sports wear in training.? Designed to elevate your running and active experience, Brooks designs their sports wear to perform as hard as you with many exciting technological innovations.
Brooks attire is split into different collections according to temperature. The Be Warm X (40? & below) fashions are high performance, protective outer layers for very cold conditions. The Be Warm (40? to 65?) styles are made of fast-drying, weather-resistant fabrics. Be Cool (65? and above) fashions are lightweight and breathable while they wick away moisture keeping you cool and dry. The Be Dry fashions are built to repel precipitation so you don't have to worry about the rain ruining your workout. The Be Seen fashions are made with contrast color and retroreflectivity to boost visibility.
Brooks fashions are offered in many different colors so you can always find what you love. Being the perfect temperature helps you work harder. Even if you aren't one that enjoys to workout, Brooks fashions will keep you comfortable and stylish while you lounge. Shop HerRoom for the latest styles from Brooks.


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In a past column, I took on the topic of rewards credit cards and came down neutral to negative on the concept. Basically, I believe in keeping my finances idiot-proof - that is, as simple as possible. I know I'm more likely to make good financial decisions when they're not motivated by something external like earning a few points here or there.
In a past column, I took on the topic of rewards credit cards and came down neutral to negative on the concept. Basically, I believe in keeping my finances idiot-proof - that is, as simple as possible. I know I'm more likely to make good financial decisions when they're not motivated by something external like earning a few points here or there.
So you may not be surprised to hear that I'm not a big fan of customer loyalty programs, either. These are the incentive programs that your grocery store, coffee shops, airlines and hotels are always asking you to sign up for. They may be as small as a punch card at the local coffee shop or as big as a "platinum level" travel rewards program that requires you to spend hundreds of dollars a year.
As the technology website PandoDaily has reported, the average American household has 18 loyalty program memberships, of which fewer than half are active; these carried a combined $50 billion in cash equivalent "points" in 2010.
Here are five good reasons to put all of those punch cards and key fobs back in your junk drawer:
1. They can lead to signing up for too much credit.
During back-to-school shopping, you may have faced multiple offers to sign up for a store credit card in exchange for a 10 or 15 percent discount. But having too many credit card accounts can just get you deeper in debt in the long run.
2. You may buy things you don't really need, just to get points.
Corporations structure rewards programs carefully, like a game, with multiple points, and levels like gold, silver and platinum. There is an entire science devoted to creating "illusory progress."
They are using basic psychology to get you to buy their products even if you don't need them, just for the short-term pleasure of building up points and reaching new rewards levels. The biggest offenders are probably warehouse grocery stores, which sell food in such large amounts that much of it ends up wasted.
3. You stop comparison-shopping when you take your business to just one company.
The marketing wizards don't offer loyalty programs just to thank you for being such a good customer. They want to ensure that you automatically choose their car rental company, pharmacy or grocery store without hunting around first to see if you can get a better price. The "lock-in" effect makes people into less effective shoppers, and it is the retailers, not the customers, that benefit from that.
4. You will be the target of nonstop marketing efforts, junk mail, spam and maybe privacy violations.
Privacy considerations have been very much in the news lately, but it's not just on the Internet that you have to worry about computers tracking your every move. Keep in mind that when you sign up for a loyalty program you are voluntarily handing over vital personal information. With the use of that little key fob in the checkout line, a company like Safeway or Starbucks has the ability to track everything you've ever purchased and use that information to market to you in the future or even sell it to other marketers. That means more spam, junk mail and telemarketer calls for you.
5. Businesses that don't offer loyalty programs are often better businesses.
In a recent article in Slate magazine online, Brian Palmer pointed out that loyalty programs thrive in markers where there are very few important differences among competitors, such as your average chain grocery store. By contrast, Palmer argues, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's don't have any loyalty programs. They inspire loyalty the old-fashioned way: quality, service, selection and, in the case of Trader Joe's, low prices.
Contact Anya Kamenetz, author of "DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education," at email@example.com.