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Information should be used as a guide only. Information is subject to change without notice and is in no way binding. Responsibility is not taken for inaccuracies in this information. Please contact the Visitors Information Centre on (02) 6799 6760 to check any details.
Cotton is planted in September and picked in April-May. In recent years the picking season has been very short due to the fact that drought has seriously lessened the amount of cotton that has been grown in eastern Australia.
Narrabri Shire is the heart of the Namoi Valley. Although most of the cotton grown in the area is irrigated, an increasing amount of being "rain grown". The irrigation water comes from two sources – underground and from the Namoi River which is fed by Keepit Dam (situated between Tamworth and Gunnedah.)
Because Narrabri Shire is the geographic centre of the cotton industry in Australia, much of its support infrastructure including research facilities, seed production and ginning is found in this Shire.
More information on the Cotton Industry can be found at the following links
Cotton Australia
Cotton Research and Development Corporation
Crop Consultants
Wincott - Women in Cotton
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<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2615 size-full" src="http://thepuppyplaces.cResume writing Priceom/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cantaffordcatBLOG.png" alt="I did the math, we can't afford the cat" width="572" height="700" /> "I did the math... we can't afford the cat."
Fun Stuff
Happy Dogs (and a Cat) fun with Pharrell's hit song 'Happy'
I dare you not to smile and tap along with these super cute dogs and one very cool cat! http://youtu.be/DePFiF-nNoE
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter, from our family to yours!
Dillie The Deer
While we ARE a blog for dogs, occasionally we come across a story that hits home and shows the beautiful relationships humans have with the animal world. In the story of Dillie the Deer, that is [...]
A Star Is Born
Yesterday was an excellent day for those of us at The Puppy Places, since we partnered with Paws With A Cause trainers and pups to put together a series of training videos for you! [...]
Guide Dogs Lead this Couple to the Altar!
This is such a fantastic story! As you may or may not know, I'm marrying the woman of my dreams in June. So maybe I'm just extra sensitive to stories like this. But who cares! This [...]
The world's cutest bulldog and her little girl!
A series of professional photography images by photographer Rebecca Leimbach. Check out the full series here: World's Cutest Bulldog and her little Girl
Cookie Monster
Happy Friday! How many of you woke up to this face today?
Bernese Mountain Puppies!!
Cuteness personified! http://youtu.be/Q4_njH7eDTg
How to walk your dog…. (It's Their Walk)
Here's a great video starring Molly Shannon and comedy writer Mike White that shows in a comedic but poignant way how a typical dog walk goes in our busy, hectic lives; and how with just a little more understanding, [...]

subset: commoncrawl


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Ground-based image of Comet ISON taken November 15, 2013
Image used with permission of Damian Peach.
Even though the Hubble Space Telescope can take awesome images of Comet ISON, right down to the very center of its nucleus, comets are most appealing from a wide-angle view. This image, taken by astrophotographer Damian Peach, give us the most stunning view thus far of Comet ISON. Hoping that it will make a big splash as a naked eye comet, this photo lends a huge thumbs up to the potential for ISON to be memorable as well as photogenic. Congratulations to Damian for such a great catch!
Learn more at our Comet ISON Blog


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Your thyroid is one of the largest glands in your body. It is responsible for the regulation of your metabolism, and weight control. Sounds pretty important right? That's because it is! Listen to today's Community Pharmacist Conversations as Pharmacist Jessica Astrup talks to you about thyroid health!
Join the conversation! Have a question you would like answered during Community Pharmacist Conversations? Ask Jessica on twitter @PharmacistJess or with the hashtag #sterlingnorthfield. Happy Listening!


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In the state of California, community property is defined as "all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property" (Fam.C. § 760), except some situations, like when it is acquired by gift, bequest, devise, or descent [Fam.C. § 770 (a)].
However, the form of the title of the property may give rise to a rebuttable presumption of its status, so unless ownership interests are otherwise established by sufficient proof, record title is usually determinative of characterization [Marriage of Lucas (1980); Marriage of Fossum (2011);Marriage of Brooks & Robinson (2008)].
For example, where title is taken in the name of one spouse alone as his or her sole and separate property, with the knowledge and consent of the other spouse, the property is rebuttably presumed to be the separate property of the spouse who is the record title holder [Marriage of Brooks & Robinson (2008)].
But this presumption, as have been previously mentioned, is rebuttable, only with "clear and convincing proof" (California Evidence Code § 662). Although it is possible, rebutting the form of the title is not an easy process, so it is best to work with an attorney who is an expert in divorce to properly and competently handle issues involving property rights during the petition for dissolution.


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Laois win All Ireland Tony Forrestal
Laois under 14 hurlers put in magnificent displays to win the Tony Forrestal All Ireland B U-14 title for the third time in four years at O'Moore Park on Saturday evening.
Having played five games and come through the group stages, the quarter and semi finals with impressive displays they came up against hot favourites Westmeath in the final and after a wonderful team display of heart, determination and displaying oodles of skill they won the title with four points to spare at the finish.
It was a thrilling finale to a wonderful days hurling and the young Laois lads certainly did themselves and their county proud all day but particularly in the final when with tired limbs they took the game to the favourites and beat them with a fine brand of team hurling.
In 2009 Laois won the title in Waterford after a long break and then retained it in Portlaoise a year later and lost last years final at the same venue. In all three finals Antrim were the opposition but this year Laois had to beat Antrim on route to the final and then take on Westmeath.
Westmeath were backboned by the Raharney side that had won the last two Feile na Gael titles and that had beaten Portlaoise in this years decider.
Managed by Andy Bergin, Jack Nolan, Enda Lyons and Ollie Hally the Laois development squad had been brought together this year and months of intense coaching had moulded them into a formidable unit.
See this week's Leinster Express for full reports on all Laois' games and extensive photographic coverage


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It starts with Go. The. Extra. Mile. Here are four simple truths in dating that will immediately change your experience for the better:
1. Looks matter. If you're the type of person who says 'this is me, take it or leave it', we're talking directly to you. That's just lazy and rigid. Just because your friends are sporting a certain look (long hair / beards / love handles / oversized shirts) doesn't mean it looks good on you. Change it up once in awhile (now). There's always room for improvement. As shallow as it seems, you are being judged. There's fierce competition out there so bring you're 'A' game so that YOU feel more confident, which is the best look anyway.
2. Being prepared is half the victory. We keep meeting singles who are completely unprepared for dating. They're not sure what they want in a partner, or they're unaware of the 'rules' of dating or how to be interesting on a date or show that they're interested, etc... Think about what you'd like someone to know about you (what are five things / experiences that define who you are?) and figure out how you're coming across (Needy or confident? Aloof or warm? Professional or relaxed?) and modify your behavior, if needed. Have some great questions to ask. Being a good conversationalist is so attractive.
3. Manage your mind, manage your love life. A lot of singles have the wrong mindset when it comes to dating. There are lazy daters, bitter daters, non-daters, needy daters, over-the-top-daters, etc…Most people just want to get it over with, few actually enjoy the process. The definition of adventure is 'participation in exciting undertakings or enterprises'. Approach your dates with a spirit of adventure and you will shift the energy immediately. Temper your expectations and vow to have a good time and find a point of connection with your date. We tend to find what we look for; so look for the good.
4. Live an interesting life. Most people cannot answer the question: "what's interesting about your life?" Working hard at your career and making money does not make an interesting life. One or two trips a year doesn't cut it either. The small choices you make in your daily life determine the overall quality of your life. You can tell immediately who has fun, passion and play in their life and who doesn't. Learning new perspectives, saying yes to new experiences, connecting with more people, asking questions and keeping your eyes, ears and heart open paves the way for a more interesting life. How can you build more meaning in your life?


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Bah, hum bug
I hate this time of year.
I hate this time of year.
Sleepless months
spent thinking of each
other, of family, of plans
Where does personal responsibility end? Do we just monitor our physical selves, and the potential effect we have on others through our words and our actions, or does personal responsiblity extend to taking action upon events we encouner in our day to day lives?


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You are here:
09 Aug 2019
PR & Communications
The Werks Professional Collection 2.0 is now available in the color of Deep Lake, symbolizing the dependability and intelligence in which these bags excel. Engineered specifically for today's demanding businessmen and women, the carriers couple innovative and elegant design with a choice of lightweight and resistant material. Extensive and convenient organizational capacities include removable pouches and expandable compartments.
Whatever the business scenario, from daily commuting and frequent travelling to fast-tracking from one meeting to the next, these carriers have the answer. A perfect testimony to this ingenuity, the 2-Way Carry Briefcase is a made of light but highly durable ballistic-weave fabric. It can be either carried or comfortably worn as a backpack. On-the-go professionals can quickly hide away its adjustable and padded shoulder straps for situations which require the look of a smart briefcase.
Essential items remain well-organized and easily accessible when needed, thanks to a compact and additional tri-fold organizer. This consists of a series of pockets, storage slots and accessory loops to store items such as cables and chargers.
For total convenience, a panoply of compartments and pockets in the main bag allow for easy packing and full protection of valuable electronic items. Laptops up to 15" / 38 cm and electronic devices up to 10" / 25 cm are housed in special protective pouches in the main compartment. A practical zippered pocket with a file divider is also integrated into this space. The second zippered area features an organizational panel with a key fob, whilst the front zippered pouch offers a further panel.
The bag also proves an ideal companion for professionals who need to carry more luggage on business trips. Its zippered rear pocket converts to a sleeve which they can conveniently slide over the wheeled handle systems of their cases. For the final touches, the leather-look haul handles and side handle provide a good grip and the zippers on the main compartment can be safely locked.
A further four multi-functional products round off the collection, consisting of two Crossbody Bags with a choice of tablet and laptop pockets, and two expandable Laptop Briefcases. Each item is available in the new hue of Deep Lake as well as classic Black.
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After purchasing SWF to FLA Converter please refer to the registration instructions to make your demo version fully functional
Thank you for choosing SWF to FLA Converter by Eltima!


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(And as it's mid-year, we're going for another 7 posts in 7 days. If I manage it again at Christmas it will look like I blogged all year …)
The Urban Dictionary definition of "thirsty" is "too eager to get something/ needy/ attention whore".
You know where this is going already, don't you?
Instagram didn't exist a decade ago so it's no wonder people are still deciding what's in it for them. And that we're still developing a decent Instaquette. Personally, although IG has been a wonderful a place of freedom and development for me, I've increasingly felt like I'm at the school gates of some ghastly faux-pawsh establishment full of desperate, competitive parents.
A while ago someone was so blatantly and nakedly ambitious on Instagram in a way they behaved with me that it took my breath away. So I asked people, what were the really trashy behaviours they'd come across online?
Here, for your delectation, are the results.
- Follow/unfollow
Yes, that old chestnut. It's happened to me since the very beginning and I thought I wasn't bothered by it until a writer for a well-known magazine did it to me recently. I was really hurt because it was someone I'd love to have made a connection with. And it kind of spoiled the magazine for me… If big hitters like Mother Pukka and BBC Woman's Hour can behave with dignity, why can't some piss arse mindfulness writer?
Admittedly I used to do follow/unfollow when I first started but only on really big accounts. I figured that Beyonce probably wasn't going to notice. I would never have done it to small accounts because it's rude and hurtful. And here we learn the first lesson of Instaquette. If you wouldn't do it in real life, don't do it on the gram. (NB. follow/unfollow didn't work for me, it won't for you. It never works).
- Hijacking someone's post
This was the action that certain nameless person did to me a couple of months ago and I was dumbfounded. I posted a picture and caption that caught some peoples' attention and there was debate going on with a decent number of comments. This woman (for it was indeed a she) hopped on my comments and without even liking my post or having the decency to leave me a comment directly, went down the list of messages and responded (in a fairly creepy fashion) to every single one of them. "Oh, hi! Yes, you're soooo right. I like totally agree with you. Why don't you take a look at MY feed?"
Now I understand networking but this is just fucking rude. If I were talking to you at a party and this woman walked up, pushed me out of the way and said "Oh hi! I'm here now so you don't need to bother with her…" would you think they were a lovely person? Possibly not. I deleted every single one of her comments. If you want to follow her, you'll have to find her yourself.
Others messaged me to say they hate it when people have a conversation with each other on a post that doesn't include them. This may be OK when the post in question has 350 comments and the poster is unlikely to answer them all. But when it's someone with a small feed and 5 comments, it's rather like being iced out at your own birthday party.
Once again, if you wouldn't do it in real life, don't do it on the gram.
- Living on the gram.
This one isn't rude, just a bit sad. And possibly my own personal prejudice? But clearly spending ALL your time on IG doesn't seem to me to be the best way to live the only life you're going to get. Even if you love it, even if you earn your living on it … posting 5 times a day plus 700 stories is a bit much. Liking and commenting like a bot is bit obsessive. (And not good business practice either; diversify people!).
It is personal bête noir of mine, I admit, that probably says more about me than it does about you. Once someone opined 'You obviously put a lot of work into your feed' and I almost choked. NOOO! That's just so uncool.
Having said that, IG posts about a life of IG posts isn't very exciting and can be rather 'pop has eaten itself'. We're very good at sniffing out inauthenticity (see number 5).
So ultimately, IG is fabulous in conjunction with real life. Not instead of it.
- The pointless call to action
Insta-gurus quite rightly tell you that you regularly need to post a 'call to action'. A what, I hear you clueless amateurs ask? A question that gets people interested and responding to your post. A way of opening up the lines of communication between yourself and your followers to foster communication. Also, the more comments, the higher up the rankings and more favoured by the algorithm you are. So win-win all round? Yes, but …
When done well, the call to action is fantastic. When thoughtful people post provocative, topical or caring questions, which really mean something to their followers then it can become a great space for debate and community.
On the other hand "Gummy bears!!!! Pink or Orange?" does not achieve this. The number of badly written posts with some stupid question attached to the end ("Wisteria, guys, what do you think?") renders the call to action a cliché of the worst kind.
Again this isn't rude. It's boring. Which is far, far worse.
- The Fake Cake Post.
Oh, you didn't really make that cake? Hmmmm. Stories abound of the Instagrammer spotted setting up a glorious picnic, photographing it, then packing it away and going to McDonald's. Sure enough, said post appears without even a whiff of the MaccyDs. So it was all a big fat lie…
I try to create beautiful images for Instagram because that's what I like doing. Acknowledging the creation is part of the fun. Pretending they're real is a bit naughty. Pretending you spend all your time doing yoga on the beach at dawn, when in fact you went once with 7 different sets of yoga pants, is a bit of a cheat. Pretending you spend your days drifting around the streets of Chelsea when in fact you spend most of them in Lidls and once a month haul yourself to the Kings Road for a 100 pictures is not entirely honest.
And why bother? People love a bit of authenticity. It must be insecurity. "My life is not good enough for Instagram so I'll create a fake one." And this does no-one any good, not the people faking it nor the people looking at it.
Just one big round of envy and lies.
There were lots of other behaviours that people hated on IG (from using too many hashtags, to reposting the same photo of fairy lights 1000 times, to showing their feet) but these top five encapsulate much of what's shitty about it. It might be good if we stuck a bit more to the "Real Life Rule". Have one, post one, be polite like it is one.
Why people are so thirsty on IG is a whole other post … so we'll do that later this week in "How to be a massive success on Instagram (but not in the way you think)".
In the meantime, keep posting (but have that drink of water first.)


text: Holidays and special occasions can bring out the grasping mind ! At these times we can get particularly attached to how things "should be" ( the ideal holiday / family /mood etc ) and we miss out on being with things as they actually are. Keep an eye open for this judging mind and notice how it feels to do a bit of accepting instead. For everyone who is having a wonderful holiday period I encourage you to relish it to the full ! Bring in the good.


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About this Article
This article was originally published in the March/April 2016 issue of the Hearing Loss of Association of America's (HLAA) Hearing Loss Magazine. This article was shared with the permission of Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of HLAA. Read more about the articles author, Cynthia Compton-Conley, PhD, at the bottom of this post!
To view a beautifully formatted version of this article, download a free copy of the entire magazine (including the article) at the the website for Hearing Loss Magazine.
Cynthia Compton-Conley – Hearing Loss Magazine March/April 2016
The majority of advertising on the web, in-print publications, and on the radio and TV devalues the importance of proper hearing evaluation, needs assessment, counseling and overemphasizes discounts and promotions— and promises miraculous results with hearing aids only. Many of these practices can get away with providing a lower standard of care because consumers are focused on the wrong thing—the hearing aid—and they are not as educated (like HLAA members are) about what clinical services they should expect and demand.
As an audiologist and consumer advocate, my personal pet peeve is advertisements for "free hearing tests" or "free hearing screenings." First, there is a big difference between a hearing test and a screening. A comprehensive audiological evaluation should be done before any technology is recommended. Second, these so-called free tests are really not free as the time it takes to complete them is usually bundled into the cost of the hearing aids. It makes much more sense for consumers to determine just how comprehensive the testing really is and what it would cost if it were separated from the cost of the technology so that its true value can be discerned.
As I discussed in my article "Best Practices in Hearing Enhancement" in the July/August 2015 issue of Hearing Loss Magazine, there are certain things a consumer should look for when selecting an audiologist. While you are encouraged to review the article, in a nutshell the audiologist should perform:
- A comprehensive hearing evaluation to rule out any concomitant medical issues and to determine the type, degree and shape (configuration) of hearing loss
- Speech-in-noise testing to determine certain hearing aid features (such as directional microphones) and accessories (such as wireless remote microphones) that might be needed to improve hearing and understanding at a distance, in noise and in reverberation
- A comprehensive needs assessment to determine what technologies (hearing aids, Hearing Assistive Technology [HAT], etc.) and other strategies are needed to meet the patient's communication needs at home, in the workplace, at school, and in the community
- Real-ear testing to verify that the hearing aid fitting meets target
- Validate the fitting via outcome measures
How Do You Find the Right Audiologist?
It's one thing to know what services the audiologist should provide but how do you find an audiologist who uses these methods? It's not that easy to do as the profession of audiology has not standardized its training of new generations of audiologists. It is a rare graduate program that has an entire course in holistic needs assessment and the employment of technologies beyond hearing aids.
The data speaks. In 2011 at the American Auditory Society meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, I presented the results of an investigation carried out by myself and one of my doctoral students at Gallaudet University, Erin Beckman (Beckman, E. and Compton-Conley, C. 2011). We found that out of almost 300 audiologists who had graduated between 2005 and 2009, 72 percent reported that they received inadequate to no training in needs assessment and fitting techniques for HAT. We also found a significant positive relationship between the adequacy of needs assessment training and the frequency of Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) recommendations.
In addition, the majority of audiologists agreed that they would recommend HAT more often if they had learned more about it in graduate school. The profession of audiology knows this is an issue that needs to be fixed. But fixing it requires all 75 audiology programs to revamp their curriculums. Getting everyone on the same page is a huge task and will take time. But consumers don't have the time. They need answers now.
Hearing Tracker
Enter Hearing Tracker. In 2014, while walking through the Exhibit Hall at the HLAA Convention in Austin, Texas, I came across a booth being manned by a young man named Abram Bailey, Au.D. Dr. Bailey is the founder and president of Hearing Tracker. After exchanging pleasantries and finding out that we both graduated from Vanderbilt University, he gave me a tour of the hearingtracker.com website. Not only does the site offer informative and thought-provoking blogs on hearing enhancement technology, it also provides reviews on hearing aids and has a provider finder. By entering your zip code, you can search for a provider in your area who provides specific services. For example, you can do a search to find someone who fits hearing aids or who works with children, or who recommends HAT or all three.
To be listed on the site, providers must complete a questionnaire that queries them about their specialties. Consumers can then see if the audiologist meets his or her needs and make an appointment. Providers must agree to be rated and reviewed by the patient. Think Angie's List. Pretty cool, right?
This gave me an idea. Why not have HLAA partner with Hearing Tracker to help identify and promote hearing providers who embrace a more holistic approach to hearing care and to advertise services that HLAA offers? So, Hearing Tracker is in the process of inviting audiologists to opt-in to the free promotional program. They will need to prove that they are considering HAT with every patient, following best practices when implementing HAT solutions, and meeting each person's four needs:
- face-to-face communication
- the reception of media
- telecommunications
- alerting needs
Currently HLAA and Hearing Tracker, along with Dr. Michael Valente of Washington University, and the audiology staff at Mayo in Arizona are working together to create a comprehensive questionnaire and vetting process for this purpose.
Here's What You Can do to Help
- Try using HearingTracker and if you consult with an audiologist in the database, please be sure to rate and review that provider.
- If your audiologist is not listed in Hearing Tracker and you think he or she should be, suggest it!
- Also feel free to send your suggestions Hearing Tracker at email@example.com.
HLAA is hoping to leverage Hearing Tracker's impressive provider directory, including more than 20,000 audiologists and hearing instrument specialists, to help consumers find and connect with providers who can consistently provide a high standard of holistic care; and Hearing Tracker will be educating consumers about HLAA's extensive (online and off-line) support network, resources for those with hearing loss, and advocacy projects.
About Cynthia Compton-Conley
Cynthia Compton-Conley, Ph.D. is an audiologist who has had a distinguished career as an educator and consumer advocate. From vacuum tubes to Bluetooth®, she is unquestionably best known for expanding awareness of assistive technology for people with hearing loss. An acclaimed expert in this specialty area, her counsel and advice are sought worldwide. Visit her website for audiology consulting to learn more.
Last modified: March 23, 2016


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The grand prize winner is Jennifer Wilson!
The winner of prize one is Diana Fryer!
The winner of prize two is Betty Lewis!
Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com within two weeks to collect your prize. Congrats!!
Posted in Brotherhood of the Damned Series, Contests | 4 Comments »
Embrace of the Damned releases today!
Order Print at Amazon | B&N | or your favorite bookstore.
Order eBook formats: Kindle | Nook
A damned Viking warrior.
Centuries ago Broder Calderson committed murder. As punishment, he was given over to the dominion of Loki, the Trickster God, made part of the Brotherhood of the Damned and condemned to an immortal life of battle against the Blight, blood-drinkers from Hel.
A mysterious woman he can't resist.
One thousand years to the day he was damned, Loki allows him a woman as reward for his good service and repentance of his crimes. Once Broder sees Jessamine Hamilton, he is overcome with need. But Jessa is no ordinary woman, and the truth of who-and what-she is could have dangerous consequences.
A tormented man she can't deny.
Though a future together is impossible, the warrior's touch ignites an irresistible passion in Jessa. But every heated kiss pushes them closer to destruction. Forced to return to the brutality of his Viking past to protect her, will Broder surrender forever to his darkest impulses?
Review quote: "A tormented warrior and the woman who awakens his desires…. With vivid storytelling, [Bast] brings readers into the world of the Brotherhood of the Damned with its immortal warriors and blood-sucking demons. This novel grips you from the start." — 4 stars, RT Book Reviews
Review quote: "Anya Bast has created a dark and thrilling world of demons and damned men. The romance is H.O.T. hot! Embrace of the Damned is completely engrossing; I didn't want to put this book down." Kristie ~ Dark Faerie Tales
Usually I do a big contest leading up to a new release, but my life has been way too crazy lately for me to pull that off. I'm running this shorter term contest instead. It's really easy.
1.) Read the excerpt below and send the answer to the question BY EMAIL TO anyabastgiveaways(AT)yahoo.com. If you post the answer to the question here, I'll delete the reply and you won't be entered in the contest.
2.) For a second (third, fourth) chance to win the prizes, post this contest to Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or wherever and post the details here. You get a separate entry for each posting you do, so the more postings the better your chance of winning.
The prizes are as follows:
Grand prize ~ $100 GC to the book store of your choice
Prize two ~ Complete set of the Enchantment series, signed
Prize three ~ Complete set of the Elemental Witches series, signed.
~ Excerpt ~
Set up: Jessamine Hamilton has just escaped a demon attack in a parking garage, rescued by a leather clad man on a motorcycle. The problem is her rescuer seems more dangerous than the demon.
Just as she'd nearly reached the exit ramp, the rough sound of an engine reached her ears and a black motorcycle appeared in front of her car…and stopped, blocking her path.
Jessa slammed on the brakes, sliding on the pavement, hot rubber scenting the air and stopped the car a breath's space from Biker Guy's leg–he looked completely unworried.
Her breath shuddered out of her. She gripped the steering wheel and stared through the windshield at the man, taking stock. A chunk of her long hair had come free from her ponytail and lay over her face. It rose and fell with her panicked breaths.
He was tall and he was ripped. The roll of his muscles could be seen easily underneath his clothes. What was worse, and completely inappropriate, was how he made her respond–like a woman to a man. It was instant, primal and wholly unwelcome. This man made her whole body sit up and take notice.
Even so, he was definitely not someone she'd want to encounter in an empty parking garage late at night.
Biker Guy swung off the cycle, leaving the admittedly beautiful thing blocking her way, and stalked toward her, long worn leather coat trailing behind him like the wings of a fallen angel. He walked with anger set into his shoulders and with a hint of menace and easy arrogance in his swagger. That anger made his body seem like it would be hot to the touch, as if he identified so strongly with rage that it affected him physically.
She hoped his eyes didn't bleed black. She'd have a heart attack and save everyone the trouble of having to kill her.
"You!" he bellowed through the window. She jumped at the commanding sound of his voice.
"I don't know you," she said in a shaky voice, glancing at him, then moving her gaze to fix on the cycle blocking her path. "Move your bike. I gotta go."
"No." He paused. "Roll down the window." Absently, she noticed he spoke with an odd accent she couldn't place.
Jessa took a deep breath and tried her mojo–funneling all of it she possibly could at the man. She didn't know exactly how it worked, why she could do it, or, really how she was even able to do it, but if she concentrated hard enough, she could make people bend to her will. Sort of like a Jedi mind trick–this is not the woman you're interested in. Move away from the vehicle.
The man lifted his brows. "Roll down the window," he repeated, slower this time, as if she was an idiot.
Damn it! Why wasn't it working?
When she remained still and unresponsive, completely freaked out and unmoving, he tapped the glass. With effort, she peeled her fingers off the steering wheel and rolled down her window a crack. She glanced up at him. God, he was beautiful. Sculpted, strong jaw, full lips that compelled a girl to want suck on them, deep, oddly expressive brown eyes. Despite all that physical yumminess, he didn't look friendly. At all. He looked heartless.
"Uh, thanks…for your help. I appreciate it." She looked at his motorcycle. "Really. I have to go now. Can you move that, please?"
"Why was he targeting you?" The man's voice was deep and rough, like he didn't use it very much–like honey and gravel.
"Who? That guy back there? Listen, I'm still processing all that, okay? I have no idea who or what he was, let alone what he wanted to do with me." She set her jaw. Savior or not, gorgeous or not, this man was starting to piss her off. "Look, buddy, I'm all out of pepper spray, but I'm sitting in a car and I'm not afraid to use it." She looked meaningfully at the shiny, expensive Harley blocking her path.
His gaze traveled over her, catching on the painful, damaged sections of her skin. "You need healing."
"Yeah. I'll go the hos–"
He reached out and pulled her car door off the hinges, then threw it aside like it weighed nothing.
"No. Just no." Jessa shook her head and scrambled into the passenger side. "No, okay? No." She opened the passenger side door and prepared to run.
But he was there, blocking her path. "You don't understand. Where there is one of those things, there are more. You are in danger."
The man radiated a palpable aura of menace as he loomed over her. She gave him an up and down sweep of her gaze. He still had ice in his hair. "Clearly."
"You're not in danger from me."
"And my father was the Easter Bunny."
He grabbed her wrist and she yelped. Right below her wrist was one of the light gray expanses of skin. The area had the imprint of Fanged Thing's fingers on it, like she'd been marked with frostbite by his skin touching hers.
The man laid his hand over the injury and it warmed immediately. When he lifted his fingers, her skin was back to its regular peachy tan color.
Jessa took a step back, her eyes wide. "I didn't just see that. I didn't–"
He grabbed her other arm.
"Stop doing that!" By the time she'd uttered the sentence, her other arm was healed. Then he pressed his fingers onto the few places where Fanged Thing's saliva had dripped on her.
"Anywhere else?" he growled at her.
She shook her head, blinking rapidly with nervousness.
"You're healed."
"Thank you." She tried to step away, but he held her fast. "Uh, you can let me go now."
He stared at her as though he hadn't heard a word she'd said. Tipping his head to the side, he examined her with thorough interest. A strange, intense light had entered his eyes and she took a step backward.
There was something about this man that told her to back off–apart from the outward signs, the cycle, the leather, the scowl. There was something inside him that screamed danger, cross to the other side of the street no matter how heart-stoppingly gorgeous he was.
She had the urge to rip her arm away from him, but she stood her ground. He was so close to her that his breath stirred the fine hairs around her face. The heat of him rolled off and she absorbed it into her own skin. Despite the threat he emanated, her body started a slow, sexual burn. She tried to ignore it, push it away. Now was the not the time and this was definitely not the man.
And man, oh man. He was every inch a man.
The lines of his face were hard and cold, set in an almost cruel expression. This was a man who was both brutal and beautiful. But even though his expression was harsh, his brown eyes were filled with heat and emotion. It softened him.
As he stood staring at her, his eyes clouded, becoming distant, and a muscle worked in his jaw. As though he might be warring with himself over something. She'd never known brown eyes could look that hot. It made her whole body tighten with sexual awareness. Worse, his gaze probably mirrored her own.
Well, hell.
Then the man reached out, snagged her sweater with one big hand and pulled her flush up against his chest. His body heat rolled off him and enveloped her, making her heart rate speed up.
A huge, strong hand grasped the nape of her neck, the other hand going to the small of her back. She made a small noise in her throat, but it wasn't of fear–not exactly… not totally. She should have been frightened, should have been fighting him, but there something inside her that thrilled at this man's touch. She didn't want to get away, even though that desire made no sense at all.
Pulling her head to the side, he exposed the column of her neck, then slowly lowered his mouth to it. His tongue flicked out, tasting her skin. Goose flesh erupted all over her body and a shiver traveled up her spine.
This was wrong. This was so, so very wrong. She knew that, so why was her body reacting this way to him? He was a forbidding stranger and–
He gently bit her throat, almost as if he wanted to mark her, and she moaned, closing her eyes.
She should have been worried that fangs would suddenly erupt in his mouth. She should have been having post traumatic mental explosions of blood and flesh tearing –of icy, frostbite-giving skin and freezing saliva. Yet all she could think of was bare skin, tangled limbs, a bed….
What kind of magick did this man possess?
Kissing her skin, he murmured words in a foreign language that sounded tender, almost like endearments. His hand traveled up to cup the back of her head, his fingers raking through her long hair. He made a noise in the recesses of his throat, his body tensing, as though holding himself back from tearing her clothes off her. She wasn't sure she wanted him to resist his impulse.
Question: What's wrong with Jessa's skin and what does Broder do to it?
Remember to EMAIL the answer to me at anyabastgiveaways(at)Yahoo.com. Don't post the answer here. The only thing you post here are the details about where you pimped out this contest in order to get additional entries. Thanks so much. 🙂
This contest is, as always, void where prohibited and you must be 18 years or older to enter.
THIS CONTEST WILL END ON TUESDAY, MAY 8TH. Good luck!!!
Posted in Brotherhood of the Damned Series, Contests | 72 Comments »
Cross-posted from Between Fire and Ice.
In one week, Embrace of the Damned will release. Broder Calderson has written a letter of introduction to you.
Dear Reader ~
My name is Broder Calderson and I was once a Viking. I have lived for over a thousand years, most of them under the sadistic control of Loki, the trickiest and cruelest of the Norse gods. Loki stabbed a sliver of demon through my soul in punishment for my sins. It is a dark part of me I must always keep under control. Loki imprisons me through the sliver, along with other men, as warriors in a fight to prevent Ragnarök, an apocalypse for the gods. We are the Brotherhood of the Damned.
It's not like I didn't deserve punishment for what I did. My damning was born on a bloody night when I became something other than myself, a berserker of old, cutting down all those in my path. For that crime, I deserved death. Instead I got the never ending torment of eternal life and enslavement.
My advice to you, never offend the Norse gods.
I thought my suffering couldn't get worse, but then Loki decided to "reward" me. A thousand years to the day of my punishment, he unlocked my chains and allowed me a woman. Not just any woman. Jessamine Hamilton is the single most perfect creature to have ever walked the earth. With an attitude to rival any Viking female and curves sweet enough to make an immortal warrior cry, she's the one person in centuries able to bring me to my knees and make me surrender to my darkest impulses.
With Jessa, I see a future for myself, the first one I've seen for a thousand years that's worth living for. Before her, I only desired death. Yet our time is limited. Loki can yank on my chain whenever he chooses. For now I enjoy my time with Jessa, even though she drives me insane with lust. I try not to think about the time I'll have to let her go. No thought could be more painful.
And it's not just our limited time together that's a concern. Loki never does anything that doesn't cause chaos and Jessamine is no exception. She is much more than the human woman she appears to be. Her secrets run deep and the danger they cause run even deeper. I will be forced to return to my brutal Viking ways to protect her.
Sincerely, Broder
Posted in Embrace of the Damned, New Releases | 2 Comments »
(cross-posted from Fire and Ice) ….and it's that time of the year. Gardening time. As I sit writing this post, a man is out next to the house tilling up massive amounts of ground for me to plant things. I'm, erm, sort of being ambitious about my planting projects this year.
For years now I've been wanting to do a large, proper organic garden. I want to be able to grow food we can prepare and eat at our own table. We've recently moved and now I have all the planting space I need.
So…yeah, kind of ambitious. I'm planning to plant a row of raspberry plants, blackberry bushes, a strawberry patch, make a blueberry hedgerow, and grow a whole slew of vegetables. Oh, did I mention grapes, I'm going to grow those too.
And all of this will be done without pesticides or any chemicals that I, or my family, will have a chance of ingesting. I've done my research, but, honestly, I'm a new gardener with a limited amount of experience.
I know that in order to control for birds (berries, yo. Birds like berries) I'll have to set up scarecrows. I also know that to control for bugs and weeds, I'll have to lay straw beneath the plants and plant marigolds and garlic (repels bugs). The jury is out on the black weed-prevention material. People keep telling me it's not worth it.
As usual, I didn't wade in, I just threw myself headfirst into the deep end. I'll keep you posted on how it's going. (Hold me, I'm scared.)
Does anyone have any good advice for me? I need all of it I can get.
Posted in Life | 4 Comments »
I started off writing erotic PNR for Ellora's Cave. That was more years ago than I would like to think about. So long that I'm now beginning to get the rights back to all those novellas I published way back when.
I've been taking them one by one and updating them. Changing language I used back then, but wouldn't use now, changing scenes here and there. After that I'm having new covers commissioned and releasing them as self-published ebooks for the Kindle, Nook, and on Smashwords.
It's been interesting revisiting my older works on a number of different levels. I thought I would find the writing shakier, since I'd just been starting out and we all grow and develop as writers over time. While I have changed and updated certain things in these novellas, the writing was much stronger than I'd imagined.
The Embraced series has four novellas total. They follow the stories of four vampires. The first book, Blood of the Rose is set in the 1800s. The next two, Blood of the Raven and Blood of an Angel are contemporary. The final novella, Blood of the Damned, is futuristic. They all feature common secondary characters. You can do that with vampires since they're immortal. Love it. 😉
I'm excited to give new life to this series and also excited to be dipping my toes into the world of self-publishing.
Another title I'm re-releasing is Ordinary Charm. This novella remains one of my personal favorites because not only does it feature a witch as a heroine, Serena has a few more curves than you see in your average romance novel heroine.
The hero is pretty interesting too, since he's the physical vessel for a pagan god called Cernunnos.
Gotta love that, right?
I like the cover, too. Pretty eye-catching and straight to the point, don't you think?.
Posted in Whatever | 2 Comments »
Our family celebrates an extra holiday every year (well, actually more than one), and it's a very special one. It's Family Day, the day when we all became a family. We did that through adoption.
Five years ago, the sweetest little 9 month old baby was placed in my arms. She'd lived her whole life in a Social Welfare Institute with a bevy of nannies in Chongqing, China. Her name was "good luck flower." She was in shock that day, and sucking her thumb like mad. She wouldn't eat for a while and didn't cry. Instead of crying, after her initial shock wore off, she laughed, smiled and was incredibly adorable in general.
Most babies cry for attention, to be fed, to have their diaper changed. Our little girl had learned that charm got her the most attention in the SWI. It was a survival strategy, one she still displays today in certain circumstance. There were only two such babies in our group. The rest were hell raisers.
From the first moment I saw her picture, (that had been almost three months prior), she was mine, heart, body, and soul. To have her finally placed in my arms on the top floor of that hotel in Chongqing was like a hole being filled inside me. She's the sunshine in my life.
I worried and worried I would get pregnant during our two year process to adopt her. If I had become pregnant, the adoption would have become invalid and I wanted to adopt rather than have a biological child. It was like I knew my little good luck flower was out there somewhere; I just needed to clear the path for her to get to us.
So every year, we mark Family Day (and Chinese New Year and the Moon Festival, too). Her presence has upped the amount of celebrations in our life in more than one way. Every year I look for a special way to mark the event. We've made special keepsakes at Build-a-Bear (when she was really small), visited China Town, and had Dim Sum. I have five days to figure out something special this year, but I'm thinking jewelry in a keepsake box.
Do you have any holidays or mark special days that other people don't? If so, how do you celebrate?
Posted in Life | 3 Comments »
Winners of the "I Went Away, So You Get Cool Stuff Contest" are as follows:
1.) Niki Isaac
2.) Dawn Branscum
3.) Becky Jean
Whoever contacts me first gets her first choice. Second gets second choice, ect. Please email me at anyabast(at)gmail.com. Congrats!
Posted in Contests | 1 Comment »
Cross-posted from Fire and Ice.
In view of Valentine's Day, I thought I'd talk a little about that all important first kiss in a romance novel.
Kissing scenes are hard to write anyway, but the first kiss scene? Argh! The pressure! The expectations! It makes it all the harder. You have to get it just right, you know? The charged erotic climate. The blossoming attraction between the hero and the heroine that might, juuuust might turn into something more.
You have to nail the sensuality of it. The slow glide, lip to lip. The taste of each other's mouth. The scent of their skin. The slip of tongue against tongue that sends tremors of want through them both. The twining of their breath, a little bit of their souls. How to get it exactly right… What are their hands doing? Are his hands at the small of her back, holding her flush against his chest? Are hers curled into the fabric of his shirt at his shoulders?
It makes me crazy getting the details straight.
I'm not holding this one up as an example of a good first kiss scene (I'm way too critical of my writing to ever think that), but I do really like this one from an older, less popular title of mine, Water Crystal (Ellora's Cave).
The room was empty save for the two of them. Steam billowed from the surface of one filled tub. To its right side stood a shelf containing shampoo and soap. On the other side stood a rack of large towels.
Angelo uncuffed her and turned to leave, but hesitated at the door. "Let me check the boards on these windows, Bianca." He went around the room, making sure the windows were nailed tight enough that she couldn't pry them off.
"I'm not going to try and escape."
He turned and gave her a look of disbelief. "After what you pulled at Hank's, am I supposed to believe that?"
"Angelo, I swear. I'm much safer with you than without you at this point."
"I agree with you for the first time since we met."
"The water's getting cold," she complained.
"Just give me a few more minutes, okay?"
She gave him that sly, secret smile that was fast becoming her trademark. That smile meant she was up to something. "Well, if you won't leave me alone, I guess I'll just have bathe with you in the room."
Before he had a chance to protest, she unbuttoned her pants and sent them sliding down her legs to pool at her feet. Shapely calves flowing into strong, beautiful thighs met his view. Above that was a peek of blue material under her shirt, blue cotton with tiny, faded red roses.
She kicked her pants away with one slim foot and the smooth muscles of her legs rippled. He couldn't look away from her. Damn, he couldn't even move. There it was again—that tightness in his body, settling in his groin. He hated that she had such power over him. He hated it even more that she knew she had that power over him.
Her hands went to the bottom of her shirt, as she prepared to slide it up over her head. Her flat abdomen came into view.
His paralysis broke and he went to her in four fast strides. He caught her hands and pushed them down, forcing her shirt back into place. She looked pleased with herself. Too damned pleased. She knew that she had the upper hand, and that she could bring him to his knees if she tried hard enough. He knew it and so did she.
Playing with fire, that's what Bianca loved to do…but she could she handle the inferno once it was started? Angelo doubted it. Maybe it was time to turn the tables. Maybe it was time to push her buttons and reveal the truth at the same time.
Winding one arm around her waist so she couldn't step away from him, he caught her chin in his fingers and tipped her face to his. "Are you going to be ready for me, Bianca, when I finally call your bluff?"
She looked uncertain for a moment. That same raw look of innocence wounded crossed her features. A fake smile flickered across her face. "Bluff? What do you mean?"
He drew his thumb over her lower lip. It was soft and smooth. He couldn't help but think about how her mouth was going to feel under his, so lush, warm and wet.
"This is what I mean." He lowered his face toward hers, and he felt her stiffen.
"Look, I'm sorry I teased." She snaked her hand between them. Her palm pressed against his chest. "This is a bad idea, Angelo," she whispered so low he almost couldn't hear her.
He nodded his head slightly, his intent gaze on her lips. "It's the worst idea I ever had." He drew his hand from her chin to the base of her spine, and then pressed her into him while his mouth descended on hers.
Her lips were unmoving at first and then her body relaxed, curving to fit him perfectly. Her mouth moved under his, returning his kiss with a sudden urgency. He coaxed her lips apart and let his tongue explore within.
Her hands came up tentatively, fluttering against his arms as though she was unsure what to do with them. She finally curled the fingers of one hand into the hair at the nape of his neck. The other she pressed tight against the back of his shoulder. It almost seemed as though she was willing more of him against her.
Her tongue found his and moved against it artlessly. Her inexperienced strokes simply served to stoke the fire that was already burning hot and high within him. All his resolve about staying celibate dissolved like sugar stirred into water at the press of her lips and tongue against his.
He brought a hand around and cupped one small breast, brushing his thumb back and forth over her erect nipple through the material of her T-shirt. She moaned deep in her throat and arched into him. Reveling in the feel of her taut breast pushing against the thin fabric, he pressed his hard cock against her so she could feel what she was doing to him, and how much he wanted her.
She pulled away a little, gasped, looked surprised for a moment, then smiled and sealed her mouth back on his with a new urgency.
He found the edge of her T-shirt and pushed his hand under it to caress the skin of her lower back. She felt firm and warm. He wanted so much more than she was going to be able to give him. His body ached with the desire to lower her to the floor and help her discover all the ways a man and woman could find pleasure together, because for all her teasing she didn't know.
He'd been right all along about her. The truth of it was in her kiss. She wasn't ready for him. Suppressing a groan of frustration, he released her and backed away.
He looked at her and couldn't help but smile. Now who had the upper hand? It had nearly killed him to get it, but he'd savor it while he had it.
Posted in Craft | 1 Comment »
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Happy Birthday, Lauryl
Today is my youngest sister's birthday. As I've admitted earlier, I don't know exactly how old she is (24, maybe). But I remembered the day! Happy Birthday, Lauryl!
Today is my youngest sister's birthday. As I've admitted earlier, I don't know exactly how old she is (24, maybe). But I remembered the day! Happy Birthday, Lauryl!
Just because I've never posted from a bar during karaoke doesn't mean I shouldn't.
Appearing in the Georgia Organics Resource Directory, going to the printers tomorrow:
Boánn's Banks – A Natural Farm
Sustainable living on the Broad River.
Vegetables, herbs and eggs.
The Wagoners, www.boannsbanks.com
There's a temporary website up. A better one will follow shortly.
Falling, falling
Gonna drop like a stone
Falling through the atmosphere
On a warm afternoon…
I discussed film aspect ratios with my mom last night. She's seen The Lord of the Rings at several theaters now, and has noticed that some screens were showing the movie "wider" than others — that details were being dropped on the left and right on those screens not as wide. I hadn't heard of the movie being released with differing prints, so I suggested she was the victim of an incompetent projectionist. I still don't know, but Roger Ebert wrote an excellect article on the problem last fall.
David Chess has made me aware of Alexandra Kosteniuk's official site. As David says, Kosteniuk is to chess what Kournikova is to tennis, except that Kosteniuk wins a lot more often.
The Himalayas are big, even from space.
An article about the stressed relationship between drivers and bikers in Boston, passed on to me by a woman who says she feels less safe on the roads in Athens than she ever did in Boston. I've never ridden in Boston, but I have been hit by several inattentive drivers here. None of the incidents involved fist fights or injury, I'm happy to say.
Prostitutes and Leisure Suits — the campus paper promotes The Hot l Baltimore.
The Hot l Baltimore gets a mention in the Flagpole, our weekly alternative newspaper.
Attention Wallace and Gromit fans: Nick Park is producing twelve new one-minute films, to be released later this year on his web site.
It rained all day Saturday, so the barn-building was postponed.
The first weekend of the play went without a hitch. The actors are fantastic. The first two nights were sold out, and Sunday's crowd was larger than average. More than the usual number of patrons told me it was the best thing they'd seen here. I'm mighty pleased.
The local paper has an excellent article on my play: Down and dirty in an old hotel.
For those of you in places far, here's my director's notes from the program:
"It's not often you run across a play that presents people and places that are unquestionably real. There are many that try, but there are too many concessions made in the name of stagecraft. The characters may speak slowly in turn, or the plot is contrived to resolve itself in two hours, or the set may ask you to imagine many of the details. But when I first read this script, I was struck by how Lanford Wilson managed to fit reality onto the stage. The characters here are not shallow portrayals of a single human trait, they don't patiently wait their turn to talk, they don't force the plot, and they don't inhabit an imaginary world.
"But The Hot l Baltimore does not give us the most pleasant slice of life there is. The time is the mid-seventies, when America was in its famous malaise, and a "crisis in confidence" loomed. It was a hard time for a lot of people (my own family included, when my father got caught owning a gas station hot potato when the oil embargo struck), but especially so for those on the margins of society. It's those people that Wilson gives us here. The Hotel Baltimore was once a proud place, but now it's neglected and falling down; the "e" is missing from the marquee. It is here that retirees with no place else to go, prostitutes selling their most precious possession to make it another day, and transients on the move find a place of refuge. They're not people you may want in your home, but it's good to visit theirs, if only for a day.
"Often, community theater will only portray the "shiny happy people". That's not true here. These people have curse up a storm, fight and yell, interrupt one another, and sometimes break the law. But we all know people like that or even act like that ourselves on occasion. It can be a shock to see that presented on stage, though. When the shock wears off, I hope you'll appreciate the people that they are and remember (if you're not one of these whipper-snapper college kids) the times they lived in. Sooner or later, our national malaise will return, but maybe this time we'll be ready for it.
"As usual, it took a lot of your friends and neighbors to make this show happen. Many are listed here in the program, but most of our volunteers, such as box office personnel and ushers, poster hangers and prop gatherers, are not. I thank them all. Hope Vance was a spectacular assistant director, and will be a more-than-able director someday soon. Ben Teague, having just directed the previous mainstage show, still attended all of my set calls and was able to turn my vague concepts into the form you see on stage. Without his help, the hotel lobby would be a mere box. Bill Akin found the most unlikely of props and took photos for publicity. Bobby Harris squeezed in making the switchboard around a Christmas cruise, with help from Radio Shack. The cast and crew worked extra hard to negate the disadvantages of having the holidays fall right in the middle of rehearsal time. And my new wife Chris Wagoner was beyond understanding – it's not nice to get married and then disappear for two months. I've now directed five shows here in the last three years. I've enjoyed each one; directing is a stress release for me. (I get a lot of funny looks when I say that.) But, I'll move along for a while now, to devote more time to Chris and our new farm. I'll still be involved – I can't really stay away – though when you'll see me I'm likely to have a basket of fresh eggs and vegetables with me."
My W-2 tax forms came in today. Based on a quick calculation using forms downloaded from the IRS web site, the government thinks it can charge me an extra $700 because I got married at the end of October, rather than, say, getting married on the first of January. I guess this is the "marriage penalty" I kept hearing so much about.
$700 could have gone a long way on the farm, too.
Take real-life FBI wiretaps of two mobsters' phonecalls to each other, add a soundtrack by They Might Be Giants, and you've got the Frank & Fritzy Show, now playing at WMOB, the wiretap network.
Publicity photos for my production of The Hot l Baltimore, opening Friday evening, are on-line, thanks to Bill Akin.
Since a director's work is largely done when the show opens, this Saturday Chris and I are going to build a barn. The lumber was delivered to the farm yesterday. Ten cubic yards of composted peanut shells and manure were delivered today, but that's another project.
I don't mean to be laughing at other people, of course, but I'm very, very glad I didn't turn out like this fellow. So very glad.
Phrase of the night: "Random flaming simian event."
The show was fantastic. I've been waiting twenty years to see them, and they didn't disappoint.
Yeah, I'm a fan.
Chris and I received a number of lovely wedding gifts. It's been longer than Miss Manners would ever allow, but we are beginning to work on thank-you cards to everyone. One gift in particular I can share with you all: Dissection of a Monte Cristo. The El Camino restaurant, located in my former home of Socorro, New Mexico, makes the best version of the Monte Christo sandwich I have ever tasted. In Georgia, I've not found a place that makes *any* version, so it's been something I've been especially nostalgic for. Thanks to KScott, I can now make as many of these at home as I can eat. And so can you. Thank you, KScott!


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Phillip Lim's vision is to refine instead of define by creating looks that are unexpected yet completely relevant and effortlessly chic. In 2006, he was awarded first place in the Women's Designer "Rising Star" category by Fashion Group International. In 2007 Phillip received the CFDA Swarovski Award for emerging talent in women's wear. In 2012 he was awarded the CFDA Swarovski Award again, this time for menswear. In 2013 Phillip created a successful collaboration with the department store chain, Target. Today he has stores in L.A., New York, Tokyo, and Seoul.www.31philliplim.com
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Designer: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Perfumer: Nathalie Gracia-Cetto
Series: 2: Places
Release Date: 2010
The freshness courtesy of peppers and citrus combine with the white patchouli and incense like a collage. Casual and easy to wear to work but sensual and sexy enough for a night out.
Italian Bergamot, White Pepper Extract, Madagascar Black Pepper, Juniper Berry Oil, Magnolia Accord, Indonesian Patchouli Oil, Virginian Cedarwood Oil, Incense@15% Eau de Parfum
View full product details


text:
This week, the Prime Minister launched a bold 25 Year Environment Plan, with a strategy for a cleaner, greener Britain that will leave our environment in a better state than we found it for the next generation.
This includes a pledge to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042, encouraging supermarkets to introduce plastic-free aisles, extending the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags to all retailers and issuing a consultation on taxing the most environmentally damaging plastics. All this builds on the Government's work in recent months for environmentalism that is central to conservatism.
The steps in the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan:
· Pledge to eliminate all avoidable plastic waste by the end of 2042. We know that we must reduce the demand for plastic, reduce the number of plastics in circulation and improve our recycling rates and that is why we have taken this significant step.
· Encourage supermarkets to introduce plastic-free aisles in which all the food is loose. This will give people the choice to make greener decisions and promote the use of less damaging plastic packaging.
· Extend the 5p carrier bag charge to all retailers in England. To date, nine billion fewer plastic bags have been used as a direct consequence of introducing the charge.This has led to a reduction of 83 per cent and £95 million has been donated to environmental educational, and other good causes.
· Call for evidence next month on a new charge or tax on single-use plastic items, such as takeaway containers. This will encourage industry to take more responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products and make them easier to recycle.
· Inject new funding into plastics innovation through a bid into the government's £7 billion research and development pot.
· Support a Northern Forest. It will be a new community woodland for Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire, provide a new and enduring amenity for the growing population of the north of England, and act as a carbon sink for the UK.
· Allow young people to learn more about the natural world, targeting schools in disadvantaged areas first. This will be supported by £10 million of investment.
Actions the Government has already taken to help our environment:
· Supporting further restrictions on neonicotinoids and have banned microbeads. These are significant steps toward protecting bees and our marine environment.
· Providing £3.5 billion to support measures to improve air quality. Investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and new charging technologies, supporting the roll-out of low carbon buses, and expanding cycling and walking infrastructure. In the last Budget announced a £220 million Clean Air Fund, paid for by tax changes to company car tax and vehicle excise duty on new diesel cars.
· Ending the sale of all new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
· Doubled maximum litter fines to £150. From April, the new range will be £65-150, with a default of £100.
· Releasing beavers to the Forest of Dean, to help reduce the risk of flooding and enhance biodiversity. Beavers are to be introduced into a 6.5 hectare secure enclosure in the Forest of Dean in the spring.
Overall this plan and existing actions are the boldest and most radical plan to support the environment brought forward by a Government.


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159. on picking your nose
a sometimes irresistible urge
at times unconscious
we have been told a million times not to do it
yet, sooner or later, we all fall to temptation
just because the finger fits the hole, doesn't mean you have to stick it in there
it's hard to grow up
153. san francisco national cemetery
a metaphor of our own
as the fleeting butterfly beats its own wings
so does the heaving chest expand and contract
moving the same air
in and out
sending it forth
all the triumphs, all the failures
in, out
let them all be sources of wonder
every thought
every feeling
every moment
let it be
140. sunset in alamo square
sunrise, sunset
sun rises, yet again
a beautiful gift, one more day
one more time
one more chance
one more gift we receive to give love
to live life
what a blessing
what a miracle it is
that we get to live every single day
one more time
use this gift
make love, give love, be love
138. gandhi
whenever you think your task at hand is too overwhelming, remember gandhi
he did not stop at words, concepts or theories
turning thought into action
he set his intentions on peace, freedom, rights and equality for all
through the tools of satyagraha – holding on to the truth, and ahimsa – nonviolence
he moved the hearts and minds of countless beings, opening the world's eyes to remind us of the oneness of everything
let us remember we are all one
as such, let us be only love
have only love to give and receive
in mahatma's words, let us be the change that we want to see in the world
132. create
seek to consciously be with your creation
you are always creating
you are a creator, whether you intend to or not
consciously or subconsciously, you are creating your world around you
seek your art, discover it, work it, explore it, share it, give it to the world
do not let yourself be stopped by obstacles
distractions and diversions will always be there
pour your love into your creation
let your light shine and let it be a guiding force for you and everyone around you
130. park(ing) day 2010
last friday, communities all over the world gathered around to put people first, cars second
we took two parking spots, and made a public park for a day, with picnic benches, plants, balloons, laid back chairs, people and pizza
biking back home that day, i stumbled on this beautiful metaphor of a parking spot
a red sports car, covered in earth and grass, with a pig playing on top
imagine the possibilities
imagine the beauty that our cities could bring to our life
if instead of being surrounded by ominous machines, having our sidewalks embraced by grass, benches and art coming to our soul's rescue.
to see our park(ing) spots, go here
127. off the deep end
there is a time for everything in this life
most times are for being balanced, safe and sound, warm dry land underneath your feet
yet every now and then comes a time for diving on to the cold water, into the unknown
if you have an open heart and mind, these are the times that help you grow
to be fearless and lovefull
taking the leap, steadfast in your love, in the present moment, at one with all
being truth, light and joy
these times, when anyone else would just but see darkness and cold, are the moments when you illuminate and thus bring light into this world
126. labor day
today is a day for fun, rest and relaxation.
for some people.
others, like don beto, are pushing their ice cream trucks up and down dolores park in hopes of a few dollar bills to send back to their family.
let us not just enjoy and be thankful for this beautiful day, but also remember those less fortunate who do not have the luxury to spend it in leisure, with friends and family.
as we go back to our daily jobs, let us work towards a day where poverty, hunger and ignorance are no longer part of anyone's daily life.
let us love one another like we love our own.
let us share and care for one another.
let us remember that we are all one.
let your love shine and fill this world with brightness.
123. flora
a beautiful metaphor of life, the flower.
starts out as nothing, until the plant senses that conditions are perfect.
it then quickly unravels, an explosion of aroma, texture, color and shape.
twisting and curving, shining like the sun, a gift to this world.
the flower is a universe that mediates the union of male and female to reproduce.
and, like all life on this planet, it comes, it grows, it blooms, and it dies.
121. language
how do we communicate?
we attempt to use numbers and figures, words and symbols.
but only too often, these are the grounds for miscommunication, which leads to confusion, fear, hatred, violence.
how else can we understand one another?
the language of the heart is universal.
if we could all tune in to our hearts and learn to love each other as one, communication would be easy.
a compassionate smile can say and do more than all the words the mind has ever created.


text:
I've made a video for my website www.cast-drawing.com
It's a cast drawing of the ear plaster cast that I am offering in my shop and which is the best selling product of them (besides the skull). You can also see this ear in a drawing by Heather – I wrote about it here.
Another cast from my shop is the mouth piece – here is a cast drawing of the mouth with critiques. And also a Beethoven cast drawing.
For my drawing I used a regular fine 185g/m² drawing paper from a drawing pad and 3 pencils H, HB & 2B and it took me about 8 hours. The editing of the video took even longer 🙁
In my little studio (attic) I just have flourescent light tubes that don't make a spotlight. Instead of mounting a regular bulb for a spot light source I just wrapped some black card board over the excess tubes. Since flourescent tubes don't become hot I wasn't concerned about burning my studio down.
Not shown in the image: I also covered the window to be able to work during the day without changing light conditions. So here is a quick sketch of this setup:
First I taped the paper onto my multi purpose chipboard and then the cast was mounted on the board with a screw. Simple but good.


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|Starting For newcomers to the CrossFit methodology
|Thread Tools
Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
I have been doing CrossFit for 13 months. Initially, I had to scale everything. At this point I generally do 2/3rds of the WODs or so prescribed. Starting in, I was weak and my cardio was pathetic. I have gained some strength: a 45% improvement in my 3x5 squats (up to 116 kilo/255 lbs), 50% improvement in 5 rep maxes for deadlifts (up to 150 kilo/330 lbs), etc
Today we did a WOD (as well as some core work, and a rowing tabata) that entailed 3 rounds of 6 deadlifts, 6 high pulls, 6 front squats, 6 push jerks, and 6 back squats. The weight was 60 kilo/132 lbs. I didnt find the weight to be so much the problem, and my technique was good throughout, but I got so winded that I had to pause often to catch my breath. So I was struggling with failing, not because of muscle fatigue, but for lack of air. It took me almost 15 minutes to complete, while the other guys who did it prescribed were in the 6 ½ to 8 minute range. I find that is often the case. I was happy to do Murph last Saturday, prescribed, but it took me forever (72 min). In all fairness, muscle fatigue played a bit more into Murph.
I find strength still limiting in many movements. I cant do handstand push ups, unassisted dips, and can do only a limited number of strict pull ups. A muscle up is something Id like to accomplish by year end. My cardio still seems to hold me back in most WODs. I am seeking opinions. Do I drop weight and go for more reps and better speed? In my mind the purpose of that would be to increase my respiration and heart rate, which should benefit my cardio. On the other hand, doing prescribed WODs when I can, even though slower and with lower reps, I still end up puffing like a steam locomotive and my heart rate does definitely increase, so I dont know whether it is still a gain. I do seem to recover within a few minutes after ending (cardio, not musclesthey take longer to recover).
I would like to continue to get stronger and have a lot of room to do so, but also need to get my cardio better. Do I stick with what Im doing? Or, do I scale and go for higher reps and lower times? Your responses will be appreciated.
BTW: I am 50 years old, had a good 15-20 years of sedentary living before starting CrossFit, and at 58 and 200 lbs am on the high side of the wrong kind of heavy.
Comments will be appreciated.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
You said the weight wasn't really the problem, you were just too winded throughout. If that is true then it lends me to believe the weight is o.k. for you on that workout and you just need to keep working to improve your cardio fitness. If you were having to stop because the weight was heavy, and you can only do a few reps at a time, then I'd say drop the weight--but that doesn't seem to be the case with this particular workout.
Try going slower next time and just smoothing out the reps so you don't have rest so much. Strategy might help you finish faster. Watch some video of Froning in the regionals and see how he often starts workouts slower than others. He is a master of picking a sustainable pace so that he maintains it when others get too gassed and start to slow down.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
Just because you can lift the rx weight doesn't mean you should flounder around with it during the wod/metcon.
https://www.againfaster.com/blog/201...mpaign=article WFS
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
Pacing is something I could work on. Because the weight was light for deadlifts and highpulls, I did blast through them very quickly and that left me set up winded for the rest. It is something I run into with box jumps and a number of other movements as well. In some I see I've learned to slow down a bit and more consistently accomplish reps. It is something I obviously need to do with barbell work as well. It is in my nature to try to sprint. I've not the conditioning do do that in most of the WODs.
Greg, if by floundering, you are referencing a compromise of technique, I agree. I'm pretty religious about technique and will stop and drop weight in a workout if I start getting sloppy. We warm up to the WOD weight and then do the full range with that weight. It helps us to know if it is realistic for us. Our coach really won't allow us to mess with this. If we start trying to muscle up our cleans rather than dropping under the bar, for example, he will correct us pretty quickly. Good technique makes it easier (a relative term) anyway. That article does seem to be written for me.
I think you are both right. I need to slow down, and in some workouts, I need to go lighter. We have strength training outside of the WOD, so I may need to adjust my mentality of using the WOD to build strength. It will do that no doubt, but in my case it is not what I should focus on. Much appreciated.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
I'm curious about your current routine. How many WOD's are you doing per week? What, if any, work are you doing besides the WOD's to work on your wind?
Looking at that workout, there is really no rest. 135 may seem light for the dead lifts, and maybe even for the sumos, but there is NO rest in that WOD. That is where pacing becomes important. You can't get ahead of your wind or it is very difficult to recover.
Tell us a little bit about your 74 minute Murph. How do you break up the sets? I did 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 squats for 20 rounds. Did you do all 100 pull-ups first? What were your run times? What took the longest?
I have found that there are somedays where I probably **could** do the prescribed weight, but it might take forever. In these chases, I split it up 50/50. Half the time I do the RX weight and just do it slower. The other half I do a lighter weight but try and really sprint through it. It should be one or the other I think.
Also, I suffered from many of the same problems until I worked up to 5 days a week. Since then, I've really improved a lot.
Good luck!
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
I do three WODs a week. We spend probably 15- 20 minutes on weights as well (usually before the WOD) and may have a tabata, dead bugs, some specific technique work, etc... Last summer and fall, I did extra strength conditioning on a couple of off days. If I can get my insane work schedule tightened down, I will probably go back to it. It made a huge difference in my technique. That contributed to strength, which is good, but not to the cardio.
I've not been doing any cardio outside of the box and no doubt that will have to happen if I am going to really continue to improve like I would like.
I did Murph prescribed. 1 mile run, 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats, and another mile. I am not a fast runner, so that no doubt ate up the time. Pull ups: I did a few reps of five and then the lion's share of three pull ups with maybe 5 to 10 seconds rest between sets. My hands tore up a bit at about 80 and the last fourteen I would do one, drop for a couple of seconds and then do another. Push ups, I believe, were what took me the longest. I did them in sets of 5 to 10 at a time, but that was where the muscle fatigue got me the worst. Squats I hammered out at around 30 at a time. I got a pretty good knot in my right glute about half way through those and it took me about a quarter of a mile of the last run for it to workout enough so I could actually run.
That is the only time I've done a hero WOD without some significant scaling and will no doubt continue to be for some time. I did Murph knowing it would take a long time and that it wouldn't give me the best benefits of a workout. Murph is just a personal thing for me. Lt. Michael Murphy's story resonates with me and I just wanted to push my self through it out of respect for that guy and his team. Next year (assuming some improvements) I may even do it with a 20 lb vest to more closely mimic his "body armor" workout. It is my sacrifice workout where I will sacrifice the physical benefits for the mental benefits of pushing through it.
With the input so far on this thread, I am going to start scaling more and I know I have to get some cardio in out of the box. I will also probably add weights back in on off days. I enjoyed it a lot.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
I agree with you about Murph - it is a total mind game and thinking about the hero's that lost their lives help us all push through when we want to quit.
Unless your box specifically does not allow it, I would do Murph as 20 sets of 5 pull-ups, 10 pushups and 15 squats. We have some guys that do it straight through (all 100 pullups, then all 200 push-ups), but I don't think that is a good idea for me or you. We are trying to get through it and resting your hands while doing squats and your legs while doing pull-ups is a great advantage. Check out the Murph thread in the "workout of the day" section and you will see that most break it up somehow.
Remember to gauge your progress against yourself. You cannot necessarily say "I'm not getting better because I cannot catch Steve." The thing is that Steve is in there making improvements too, so catching someone you use as a benchmark is tough without some extra work outside of the box.
Keep track of your progress in MyWod or with a notebook and I bet you are improving more than you think.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
We were encouraged to do Murph however we wanted. As I did, as I did but scaled, 20 rounds of Cindy, as partners or team, partial. Just come participate I just wanted to do it as I did. I am getting better at not comparing myself to others. I realize that I'm actually doing pretty decent for my age (given how long I basically sat at a desk and had little activity) compared to the twenty somethings. I have felt that I am plateauing on the cardio so that prompted the original post. I've noticed, tracking my tabatas, that I've not improved in many of those over the past 6 months. And of course, the ever present windedness during the WODs. All of our results are tracked by the box and we can access them through the website. I've gotten some great advice on this thread and think that it lend to more improvements.
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
I know you side work is demanding but mathematically if you go from averaging 3 WODs a week to 4 WODs a week it is a 33% increase. Makes a big difference. Even if you added a day of varied running once a week that would help.
At 5'8" and 200 with your strength numbers I'm guessing there is a fair amount of body fat to drop. Get serious about your diet. At 5'11" and just shy of 200 I'm about #10 heavier then the last time I did Murph. I felt every one of those #10.
The last thought is everyone gets hung up on RX weights but really there are RX times as well. To truly RX a WOD you need three things:
1) Full weight
2) 100% reps with good form
3) Hit the correct time domain range
I would recommend some days go for RX weight and other days go for RX time with less weight.
If you never do a sub 4 minute Grace you will never improve at going all out for 4 minutes.
Train smart and understand time domains.
Nomadic CrossFit Coach
Re: Prescribed vs. scale/ strength vs. cardio
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Sarah Goodyear
Sarah Goodyear is a Brooklyn-based contributing writer to CityLab. She's written about cities for a variety of publications, including Grist and Streetsblog.
If you had to make an educated guess about where they're building the apartment complex with the most bike parking in North America, you might put your money on Portland, Oregon. Bingo!
As reported on the Bike Portland blog, a 657-apartment project planned for Portland's Inner East neighborhood will have a whopping 1,200 bike parking spaces, an acknowledgment of the city's cyclo-centric culture.
One of the architects of the project, which is being developed in a part of town where "mid-century planning principles called for surface parking lots in lieu of dense, walkable communities," explained:
"The demographic that we expect to show up here is going to be young urban professionals and it's going to be, we think, young families as well," said Kyle Andersen of Portland-based GBD Architects. "They all have bikes. When I think about my own neighborhood, the families I see riding there, if you move those people into a building they're still going to have a bike. I think you have to be ready for that demographic to be there, otherwise you're restricting yourself."
Andersen added that more bike parking might eventually be required for the building, which will be called Hassalo on Eighth. "I think this is just the minimum that we need."
Portland is already a leader in bike parking. The Go By Bike valet parking service, operated under the sponsorship of the Oregon Health & Science University, offers free guarded bike parking to nearly 300 people on a busy day. It is small in comparison to similar lots in the Netherlands. But at this point, it looks like it holds the North American record for daily bike valet parking.
Users, who can swipe in with a custom app, also have access to bike repair services (for a fee). Most are OHSU workers and students who connect to an aerial tram that takes them up the hill to the university. As you can see in the above video from Streetfilms, that might be another North American record holder, this time for the continent's most awesome commute.
Top image: A rendering of Hassalo on Eighth. Courtesy of GBD Architects.
Some renters and homeowners are getting financial assistance during the economic disruption from the coronavirus pandemic. What about landlords?
In places where most child cares and schools have closed, in-home family daycares that remain open aren't seeing the demand — or the support — they expected.
Janitors, domestic workers, housekeeping, and office cleaning crews are on the front lines of the battle against Covid-19. Can they protect their own health?
Will COVID-19 change how cities are designed? Michele Acuto of the Connected Cities Lab talks about density, urbanization and pandemic preparation.
We must prepare for a protracted battle with coronavirus. But there are changes we can make now to prepare locked-down cities for what's next.


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For syndications, it is the Syndication Manager's responsibility to check the entitlements and advise the Membership Department – prior to each race meeting – of the names of all Syndicate representatives who will be attending the race meeting and claiming tickets.
If no list of representatives are provided, then any available tickets will be distributed according to a 'first come, first served' basis.
Please complete the below, scan and email to email@example.com or fax to 9663 2754, PRIOR TO THE RACE DAY. This email address and fax machine is not attended on a raceday.


text:
Sunday, 17 August 2014
10. When Carrie falls down at the fashion show but gets right back up again and laughs it off because she is too fabulous to care
9. When Carrie gets a little too comfortable around Big and farts in front of him in 'The Drought'
8. When Miranda announces to the girls that she couldn't go through with the abortion, and Charlotte, who is having problems conceiving herself tears up and exclaims 'we're having a baby?!'
7. When Carrie bumps into Mr. Big outside a club, she asks him if he's ever been in love. 'Abso-fucking-lutely' he replies.
6. When Smith Shaves his head in 'Out of the Frying Pan' to show Samantha that he can cope with her cancer and wants to go through it with her.
5 In 'Hop, Skip and a week' When Harry bumps into charlotte at a local singles night for Jews after their break-up. He adds a twist on the classic Casablanca line when he sees Charlotte 'of all the Synagogues in all of New York, you had to walk into mine' and then exclaims that he can't live without her and proposes, it's all very romantic.
4 Harry and Charlotte's wedding sparks one of the most beautiful and funny episodes across all of the series. After a series of unfortunate events at Charlotte's wedding, Carrie walks in on her crying in the bathroom. 'I just wanted the perfect wedding' Charlotte exclaims. Carrie reassures her that she already had the perfect wedding with her previous husband Trey, and the marriage was awful. 'I think, the worse the wedding, the better the marriage'.
3 In the episode 'One' when Miranda realises that Steve is 'the one' at Brady's first birthday party.
2. Samantha's speech at the Cancer benefit. In true Samantha style, she says it exactly how it is. Inspiring the whole room to remove throw their wigs in the air in a sort of twisted graduation-like manner.
1 The ultimate Sex and the City moment, of course, is in the final episode 'An American in Paris (Part deux)' When Mr. Big shows up in Paris to confess his love and bring Carrie back to New York in true fairy tale manner.
So there we have it, my top 10 ultimate Sex and the City moments! I hope you enjoyed this post, lest me know in the comments what your favourite Sex and the City moment is!
Follow me on Bloglovin here
Abigail x
15 comments
Aww I love SATC so much I normally watch all the seasons and the movies every year at some point havent done it yet this year! Love all these moments xReplyDelete
Hey! I nominated you for a Liebster award thingy:) Questions are on my blogpost! http://nestabaaby.blogspot.co.uk/ReplyDelete
- Anonymous17 August 2014 at 18:25
Oh, these were so lovely to read through - especially as I've only ever watched the SATC films and haven't yet viewed the series! The first one where the model steps over Carrie is hilarious and has featured across the internet SO many times.. it's nice to know where it came from! :)ReplyDelete
- Thanks for following on Bloglovin', I've happily done the same for you!! -
Aw I love SATC too! So much! My favourite moment is probably when they're shopping for Miranda's wedding presents and everyone is being negative so Charlotte suggests wrapping a stapler in brown paper and smearing dog poo on it - classic! xReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
I loved that show so much :) great blog, I have followed you with Bloglovin and if you ever get a chance to check out my blog I would be delighted, thanks!ReplyDelete
Camille xo
I love satc and your top 10 moments are pretty much the same as mine are except mines might be in a slightly different order! I still live for the marathons on E! And I watch reruns literally all the time!ReplyDelete
Modern Beauty Girl
Mines are nuber 7, 9 and of course the first one ^.^ I haven t watched an episode in so looong! So, guess what I ll be doing this afternoon :DReplyDelete
OMG I am swooning over all these!! Definitely the last two episodes of SATC made me cry :)ReplyDelete
So sorry I had to delete my earlier post as the link to my blog that I posted had a typo and was directing it to a different site.ReplyDelete
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Vivienne Westwood reportedly failed to recognise rapper Kanye West when the pair were introduced after her show at Kensington Olympia last weekend.
West has become increasingly involved in the fashion world and has announced plans to move to London to complete an apprenticeship at Louis Vuitton on Bond Street.
A source told thelondonpaper: "Kanye went straight over to Vivienne and began telling her he was a huge fan and he had enjoyed her show.
"But Vivienne had to ask a friend who he was, telling them: 'I think he's famous in America.'"
Westwood recently enlisted former Playboy covergirl Pamela Anderson as her muse for her upcoming fashion collection.