text:
I have learned a few things on this glorious journey of biblical and wise womanhood and of it all, it would be not to fall into the foolish woman's trap. I know I must keep my wits about me and so must you--so I'd like to share them with you.
There is no one such woman that exists that is perfect--not I, not you, not Suzy Homemaker down the street. We all need the abounding love that comes from our omnipotent Father and the grace and mercy from one another.
I do not want to build a home to look down upon others or compete with others. My homebuilding is not a race, nor is it a track record of how well I am doing spiritually. It comes from a heart of love to do the right thing and heart of obedience to serve the Lord.
My homemaking is not perfect--nor is yours. Strive as we might, we cannot and should not mimic the staged scenes of the ever so popular and glossy magazines. There is so much more to homebuilding and that is cultivating and loving the tender hearts and atmospheres at our homes. If you stop by my home during the week you will see the imperfection I am speaking of! Toys on the floor, fingerprints on windows---yes, I would rather have that with happy children and husband than a neglected family and pristine home. In the past, I have known of godly women who purposefully make it a point to keep their homes 'imperfect' while having company to encourage the young ladies who visit ...what an encouragement, indeed!
And where shall I begin with imperfect children? Why, we all have them! They are the product of us--their imperfect parents. We should not be surprised when our children sin except be prepared for it so we can handle it biblically.
We do not want to ever fall into the trappings of pride. Prideful about our homes, our families our Christian walk, our material possessions, our so called 'good works'---it is the awful and seductive web of deceit that Satan spins enticing us throughout our days. I have heard it described as a yummy, enticing ice cream sundae---from afar you are tempted, its look soooo attractive with whip cream and cherry toppings. But as you get closer you see it for what it really is---it is not ice cream after all, instead you find that under all the whip cream, it was really manure! How could this be--what looked so great at a distance turned out to be a sham. And so how it is with Satan's allurement. It is but an ensnarement and a lie. At the end of the day, we need to ultimately measure ourselves through the eyes of Christ.
We need more grace and mercy towards one another. We have it with Christ, now we need to practice it...especially towards ourselves. So many of us are struggling right now with financial difficulties, layoffs, losing homes, and illnesses. Grace and mercy needs to be abundant in our lives. Our love needs to be evident and extended wholeheartedly in the way that Christ would want it, especially during difficult times.
I love to share what inspires me on this blog, but I never want even one of you to feel that you cannot measure up---these articles are here to encourage to help guide the way---to spur on, to inspire and most importantly--- give vision. Never to raise the bar so high that we feel we are miserably failing. NEVER!!! We need to take things with baby steps. Here a little there a little. Soon enough we will learn to 'walk' as we teach and train ourselves to do what is right and necessary to build a home that is pleasing to God.
It is with love that I share my heart on this blog, first to my children and then to you, my dear readers. May you always "hear" the undertones of this in my writings and know I am constantly praying for you. We are on this journey together--learning side by side--and what an honor to be able to do that with you...my dear friends...at the feet of Jesus.


text: Fans of both crossword puzzles and hidden object games will delight in the fusion of these two genres in Hidden Treasures Crossword! 37 different themed crossword puzzles provide the clues to figuring out the hidden objects. Search among dozens of immersive, beautifully detailed environments to locate the hidden treasures. Clever crossword clues are both educational and fun to play. The search for the hidden treasures is sure to provide hours of gameplay. Over 500 crossword clues and hidden objects make Hidden Treasures Crossword a surefire hit for the entire family!• Play this clever fusion of crossword puzzle and hidden object game• Use the crossword clues to identify the hidden objects• Enjoy over 500 clues and objects

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Alternative Titles
English: short SUNZEN!
Japanese: ショート寸前!
Type: Manga
Volumes: 5
Chapters: 20
Status: Finished
Published: 1999 to 2000
Genres: Shoujo
Authors: Sakurai, Susugi (Story & Art)
Serialization: Hana to Yume
Score: 7.071 (scored by 180 users)
1 indicates a weighted score. Please note that 'Not yet published' titles are excluded.
Ranked: #86772
2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #11597
Members: 590
Favorites: 2


text:
PITTSBURGH � At long last, Dick LeBeau has one foot in the door at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He�s one of 17 finalists for induction into the Class of 2010.
That news created quite a buzz Tuesday at Steelers headquarters as coach Mike Tomlin told the team in a pre-practice speech that LeBeau, their highly-respected defensive coordinator, took a major step toward football immortality.
�That�s great news and it�s been a long time coming,� defensive end Brett Keisel said. �There�s not anyone in the NFL who�s more deserving.�
�It�s awesome,� added strong safety Troy Polamalu. �Anyone who is closely in touch with football knows it�s about time. Who in the history of football is more deserving?
LeBeau, 71, is in his 51st NFL season 37 of those years as a coach. However, it�s what he did as a player for 14 seasons as a Detroit Lions cornerback that could get him into the hallowed halls in Canton, Ohio.
LeBeau is tied for seventh in NFL history with 62 career interceptions. He also holds the record for most consecutive starts at cornerback with 171. He played in three straight Pro Bowls from 1965-67.
�As a player, I did what I ask all players to do,� LeBeau said. �I�d chase the ball, and if I could catch up with the guy who had it, I�d try to get him on the ground.
�And yes, I could get the ball (for interceptions),� he added.
On Tuesday morning, LeBeau and former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little were selected as the two nominees of the five-person HOF senior committee. LeBeau and Little will join 15 modern-day finalists who have yet to be chosen.
To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, LeBeau will need 80 percent of the votes by the 44-member Hall of Fame selection committee. An induction class can be no smaller than four and no larger than seven.
LeBeau and the rest of the finalists will learn their fate on Feb. 6, one day before Super Bowl XLIV, when the final vote is taken in Miami, Fla.
�In my humble opinion, Dick LeBeau is a Hall of Famer,� Tomlin said. �This guy has had two distinguished careers. Of course, it�s well documented what he�s done as a player. Few people realize the number of consecutive games this guy played as a corner in the National Football League and how far out that record is. His interception total, etc., etc. � he has legitimate numbers that speak to a Hall of Fame career as a player.
�And quite frankly, he�s a defensive innovator and trailblazer as a coach. You couple all of that into one human being, and (add) the fact he�s an awesome person, he�s a Hall of Fame guy in my opinion.�
For years, LeBeau�s Hall of Fame credentials have been debated by football experts. Mostly, there�s been disbelief that LeBeau�s bronze bust isn�t already displayed in Canton.
Two years ago before the Steelers played in the annual Hall of Fame Game, several defensive players purchased Dick LeBeau No. 44 replica jerseys like he wore with the Lions. LeBeau and eight players wearing those jerseys posed for a picture at Fawcett Stadium in Canton.
�That�s my favorite picture of all time,� LeBeau said.
Then on Aug. 8 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, former Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson questioned HOF selectors for failing to vote in LeBeau. Woodson�s remarks on such a national stage certainly helped LeBeau�s cause.
�This is very humbling,� LeBeau said. �I�m not sure it�s hit me completely. But it�s a great honor to get this far no matter what the final outcome is.�


text:
Lately, when planning Date Night, I try really hard to think of things that my hubby would REALLY enjoy. It's so easy to get caught up in the lovey-dovey dates that any girl would LOVE...but when I step back and think about what HE would really like, I find myself planning a date centered around Batman. I know, right? What is he.. 5? But seriously... the latest Batman Trilogy is really entertaining and they are one of his top picks right now! So, I now present:
Date Knight: A Batman Movie Marathon
Hubby was welcomed home by a colony of bats hanging out in the entry way...
The others said things like:
You can "bat" it's gonna be a dark knight...
I'm "batty" for you!
This date is going to be a bit "batty"
You can "bat" it's gonna be a dark knight...
I'm "batty" for you!
This date is going to be a bit "batty"
As he walked into the living room, the bat signal was shining on the ceiling (I took one of my bat cutouts, stuck it to a toothpick, and held it in front of the flashlight at different angles until it showed the way I wanted it to!)
His Batman Attire (a t-shirt from Target) for the evening was laid out on the ottoman with some movie treats. (Batman themed candy and treats are all the rage now...super easy to find if you look!)
For dinner during the movie, I served... what else? "Bat" Wings from The Wing Stop.
*oh, ps--I was wearing all black with this little batman face mask when hubby walked in. you know, it's those details that count! ;)
And a little later, let's call it "intermission", we delighted in this decadent Dark Knight Chocolate Cake washed down with milk via DIY batman straws. Yum!
Oh, and this movie marathon took place over 3 nights. I can hardly stay awake through even one really good movie, let alone three.


text:
"Mothers On Musicians" Part 2: Helen Leicht interview Brian Kenneth's (of Fooling April) mom, Joanne Anderson
This month in honor or Mother's Day, XPN Midday and Philly Local host Helen Leicht has launched a five-part series called "M.O.M.s: Mothers On Musicians." Last week Helen spoke with Sylvia Thornton, Kuf Knotz's mom (which you can listen to here). Upcoming interviews include the mothers of Amos Lee, Mutlu and Matt Duke. Below, listen to Helen's interview with Joanne Anderson, whose son Brian Kenneth is in Fooling April.


text:
By completing your order, you understand that the products(s) you are purchasing are U.S. models and may have power / voltage requirements different from that of your country.
Prices shown in currencies other than US Dollars are estimates based on current exchange rates. We will charge your credit card in US Dollars on the day your order is shipped, and the conversion to your local currency will be done at the prevailing rate by your credit card issuer.
ProSound and Stage Lighting will not mark your parcel as a "gift", declare a value lower than the actual price paid, or otherwise prepare false customs information.
A solid controller requires a solid partner en route. For exactly this reason, Reloop has cooperated with the world's leading DJ bag manufacturer UDG. With the Terminal Mix UDG Trolley at your side your 4-channel controller is perfectly protected and can be stored in a removable, padded bag. Notebooks up to 15,4" can be safely stashed in the sturdy laptop bag made of nylon.For All Your DJ Accessories
Furthermore the trolley offers many more stowage compartments for all your DJ accessories which can be rolled comfortably to the next gig. The integrated USB stick compartments and an extra removable bag for cables, interfaces, headphones or external hard disks are also very convenient.THE Controller Trolley for THE Pro DJ
Stylish and made of extremely resistant and water-repellent materials, the trolley offers smooth-running inline wheels and a full aluminium bar with extricable telescope handle.Features:


text:
Sleek and futuristic with a strong focus on sharp lines, Aurora by Leonardo Criolani, an industrial designer based in Aurora by Leonardo Criolani, is a striking light fixture. It shouldn't come as a surprise that its contemporary form is inspired by aircraft aerodynamics. Striking a balance between form and lines, it is a static object that appears to be in constant motion. This is due in large part to the effects of light as well.
Made out of metal, Aurora by Leonardo Criolani is available in two colors: black or white. Yanko Design reports, "A sculptural ornament during the day, the design comes alive at night with soothing hues of cyan and blue that mimic a natural aurora phenomenon." It is this nature-influenced feature that gave the Aurora lamp its name.
Aerodynamic Lighting
More Stats +/-
Modular Pendant Lamps
Modernized Traditional Lighting
Dripping Chain Lighting
Transparent Oar Illuminators
Swirling Solar System Lighting
Free 2019 Report & eBook
Get the top 100 trends happening right NOW -- plus a FREE copy of our award-winning book.
Our Research Methodology
This article is one of 350,000 experiments. We use crowd filtering, big data and AI to identify insights.
Aurora by Leonardo Criolani is Inspired by Next Generation Aircrafts
- By: Meghan YoungJun 14, 2014
References: leonardocriolani & yankodesign
References: leonardocriolani & yankodesign


text:
Struggling to improve the acoustics in your band room? Check out how the Medan Band did it.
Check out my guidelines
Unlike piano players, ear training is essential for wind band performers. But how many band directors bother to give their bands suitable exercises?
While tuning is simple act of adjusting a length of tubing on a wind instrument (often by reference to a single note), intonation is an ongoing process in which a player strives to match the pitch of others in the ensemble during performance.
A common misconception among wind players is to believe that the air moves through the instrument in order to produce the sound. This is simply not true.
The best way for a conductor to improve is in front of a live ensemble. The unfortunate reality, however, is that this is not always possible. Aspiring conductors therefore have little choice but to find other ways of honing their skills.
Sections 40-41 echo the material found in the introduction. There are some important differences, however. For one thing, section 40 is longer (eight bars instead of six) and there are powerful pedal tones in the bass. Like the introduction, section 41 is built upon an Em7b5 chord resolving on A. Rather than being in A minor however, the fact that the Bb is also present in the last bar suggests that the music ends in the Phrygian mode. This impression is reinforced by the absence of an F# or G# in the upward scalic passage in the woodwinds (last bar).
The sustained chord in the brasses (section 41) needs to be watched carefully to ensure that the crescendo does not come too early. This would ruin the effect
First Subject
Second Subject
First Subject Again!
The composer wastes no time launching into the first subject. As is usual in sonata form, it appears in the original tonic (A). Note the light staccato bass line. It thus has more in common with section 3 than section 4.
Section 32 forms the transition between the first and second subject. Here we hear the little theme that first appeared in the latter half of the first subject in the exposition.
Section 33 begins with an important modulation. Using the by now familiar bII-I jazz sequence (in this case the chords of Bb and A major) the key changes and the second subject begins (played by the saxophones once again). Note that it is in A major, not E major as in the exposition. This is a fairly standard practice in sonata form. We also have Gorb's usual interlude before the melody returns in the flutes and clarinets (section 35).
Note the interrupted cadence at the allargando. By this time the music has moved into B minor. The music here is probably more difficult to play than it looks. The tuba part (concert A and B) should come through clearly to enhance the cadential feel.
In section 37 we are reminded once more of the second subject by the dying sounds of the stopped horns.
This passage is built over a Bmajor7b5 (add 9) chord. A beautifully sad sound! Make sure all notes can be heard. The switch from C to D in the first trombones (which appears just after the poco rit.) removes the ninth and gives the chord a sort of resolution. It is almost as if some of the sadness and melancholy engendered by the chord has been removed. This prepares us psychologically for the more exciting music that is to come.
At the a tempo, the rhythm is reminiscent of the first subject. This impression is reinforced by the accompaniment in the woodwinds. The music appears to be in the Phrygian mode with A as the tonic. Notice how parts are added and the excitement builds right up to bar 358 before the composer greets us with complete silence – something totally unexpected! I think we should lengthen this silence a little for dramatic effect.
This is followed by a sort of jazz cadential formula (bII-bV-bI or Bb-Eb-Ab) in whole and half notes which gives the impression of a key change without actually making one (A is still the tonic):
Notice the different treatment of the whole notes (trumpets and upper trombones) and the half notes (lower trombones, tenor tuba and tuba). The whole notes are to be performed tenuto (played full value or even longer), while the half notes are accented. In any event, the section should not be rushed.
We are then thrown (almost literally!) into the blazing power of the first subject. This should be full of energy and highly rhythmical, even more than it was at the beginning when the first subject was introduced. Section 39 (the last part of the development section) is actually based on an extended tonic seventh chord (A7). The tonic seventh has long been a favourite of jazz pianists at the final cadence. Note how the upper woodwinds keep returning to the concert G. This is the note that gives the chord its character. At a distance of nearly four octaves, the G in the upper woodwinds is the 15th overtone of the fundamental (in this case A in the bass).
Variation I
Interlude I
Variation II
Interlude II
Variation III
Variation IV
Variation V
Like the development sections of other works in Sonata form, this section explores a variety of keys, many quite remote from the tonic A. However, the development section is also unusual in a number of ways. For one thing, it begins with a truncated (and slightly amended) version of the opening bars, suggesting that the composer is announcing the beginning of the recapitulation.
This variation begins at section 15. It is also unusual in that, instead of being some variation of the first subject, the composer presents us with material first introduced at the end of the first subject, just before the bridge to the second subject. This is in concert C.
I suggest that the trombones be encouraged here to play in a bold, brazen style.
Yet another interlude follows, this time heralded by the trumpets (section 16) in concert F. These trumpet passages should thus be played in a bold, declamatory style.
At section 17, the composer finally gets around to addressing the first subject. But instead of developing the melody, he takes the accompaniment to it (played by the upper woodwinds) and introduces entirely new material in the brasses (a descending bass passage). This material appears first in F major, then in concert Ab. It fades off in a series of scalic woodwind passages in Bb major.
Notice the cuivre section in the horns in section 18. How many bands in Singapore will get this right?
The "+" sign in the score indicates that the hand should be used to stop the sound, while cuivre requires an exaggerated, brassy effect. This is obtained by causing exaggerated vibration of the metal though a combination of lip tension and hand-stopping. Played properly, it can be quite effective!
Section 19 presents us with another fanfare-like trumpet passage, this time drawn out into more extended chords. These chords are difficult to identify, but the key appears to be concert E major. Once again, a declamatory style of playing is required from the trumpets. After all, they are announcing the end of one variation and the beginning of another.
Sections 20-22 suggest new variations on the first subject, this time using elements of the lower brass melody. The key in sections 20-21 is concert Db major. In section 22, the key changes suddenly to concert G major. Modulation upwards by an augmented fourth is a common gambit in jazz. In the circle of fifths, G is directly opposite Db.
At section 23 (especially the first half of the section) everything gets really complicated. The descending bass line (when it occurs) is vaguely reminiscent of the material used in section 17. The melodic line, if it can be called that, is played by the horns. It proceeds upwards by step, contrasting with the bass and recalling the more connected, smoother line of the second subject. The metre is in triple time (3/4). However, the two dotted crotchets in the bar played by the horns suggest a duple feel.
This is contrasted with running quavers in the saxophone and triplet scalic passages in the woodwinds. It is as if each section is battling for rhythmic control. This is a place where the band could easily come apart. I suggest it be conducted in one, and that the horns rather than the trombones and tubas lead the band.
Section 23 is in Ab, section 24 is in Gb. Notice the extended Db pedal in the lower woodwinds, tubas and piano in section 24. This pedal must be heard, since it functions as a dominant pedal, increasing the tension. Interestingly, this chord does not seem to resolve on the tonic (Gb), but moves instead to II#3 (Ab), then back to Db before sliding down a semitone into C7 at the beginning of section 25. This semitone slide is not unusual in jazz.
Section 25 introduces yet another variation. There is an abrupt change of key (to concert F) and a "walking bass" is introduced that has some similarity to the bass accompaniment of the first subject in the exposition (section 4). This time, however, the scoring suggests a heavier feel. How should the double bass and tuba parts allocated at section 25 and 26? I suggest one tuba on the double bass line and the rest play the tuba part as written. Similarly, there should only be one tuba covering the double bass line in section 4 and 7.
Much of section 25 is built upon a C7 chord (outlined by the piano and string bass), implying a modulation to F major. Then, just before section 26, C7 resolves on A7 (A minor would have been more usual), then D, the dominant chord of G major. Section 26 appears to be in the key of G. However, the absence of a G major chord suggests it is probably better understood as being in the Mixolydian mode with D as the tonic. The main chords in the section are A7 and D7. Section 27, which appears at first sight to be in E major, is similarly constructed to avoid the E major chord. I see this as being based on the Mixolydian mode with the tonic on B.
When the E major chord finally shows up, it comes in the form of series of quick (quarter note) imperfect cadences (I-V) in section 28. These suggest a rest or pause in the music. This is followed by a bII7-I sequence just before section 29 – a typical jazz ending.
This section is the easiest to recognize. It consists of a drum solo, with a brief pause at the end announcing the beginning of the recapitulation.
BBeginning at section 11, the bridge between the exposition and the development presents us with an interesting combination of themes, reminding us of what has gone before (subjects one and two) and giving us more hints about what is to come (remember that little theme buried at the end of the first subject – bars 43-48?). An extract from the first subject (slightly amended) is played briefly by the tubas and lower woodwinds in E minor (the original was based on a tonic A, remember?). This is followed immediately by the second subject, played this time by the oboes, first clarinets and (later) the horns in its original key (E major).
Section 12 introduces yet another interlude built on a B major seventh -- the "tear jerker" chord we first heard at the end of the second subject. In performance, I think that the major seventh (in this case A# in the piccolo, B# in the clarinets and so on) should be similarly emphasized. Sustained Bs in the lower woodwinds and (eventually) the horns prepare us for the key of B minor. Section 13 returns to that mysterious theme we heard briefly twice before (once at the end of the first subject and once in the bridge). Its incarnation here begins with the flutes at bar 110 and is echoed immediately afterwards by the oboe and then the clarinets and bassoon, producing a sort of cascade effect:
Soon afterwards, however, the music builds to a crescendo and it seems that something is really going to happen. The composer, however, cuts the theme short once again with a headlong rush into the development section.


text:
Choose Your Quest
Pick a quest, find a trip, get the gear. Go!
Life should be awesome; stop burning it up on Facebook. Wouldn't you rather be out doing the amazing things your friends are posting about, anyway? Our 2014 Adventure Bucket List lines out 30 inspiring ideas, including scenic pilgrimages, adrenaline-pumping peaks, and expeditions that push the boundaries of self-discovery. Want more? How 'bout the latest gear to get you there, along with fitness tips to pump you into serious shape. We'll even guide you to the best places to relax and toast your achievements. It's time to be the envy of Internet, not the other way around.
Carve Tracks Under a Full Moon
Night skiing in the old days meant skinning to the top of Loveland Pass, Colorado, at midnight to carve fresh tracks under a full moon. Though we've recklessly done that, we now know better. We do, however, endorse the euphoric rush of night skiing inbounds, the best outer-body experience you'll have without introducing foreign substances into your system. Do it with experienced, well-equipped friends on a stable slope.
The Trip: Ski on illuminated slopes in Niseko, Japan.
The Gear: Preserve your memories (and your noggin) with the Giro Edit helmet.
Ride a European Gran Fondo
There's no better country than Italy for a big ride. Roads close, entire towns shut down, cowbells clang, and wine flows. A faster, more upscale version of a century, gran fondos are timed (riders wear chips) and the finish line food is fancier—think artisanal bread, cheese, and exquisite local wine in abundance. Best of all, there's always a killer view. Gran fondos often climb the same thigh-searing passes and ramble through the same stunning European countryside as the world's most iconic bike races.
The Trip: Conquer Italy's ultimate gran fondo, the Maratona d'les Dolomites.
The Gear: Look sharp in Rapha's Pro Team Jersey and Bibs.
Rent a Cabin, Any Cabin
Your cabin fantasy might be hiding out in a log house in a pine forest with a significant other, splitting wood next to a shack on a mountainside, reading in a light-filled cottage on a lake, or sharing a Montauk beach house in the Hamptons. Whatever your idealized summer digs, make that magic vacation happen. Life is short and summer lasts a nanosecond—so secure your cabin now, if only for a weekend.
The Trip: Get cozy in a cottage on Sweden's West Coast.
The Gear: Take it all in (without going anywhere) with Leupold's BX-3 Mojave Binoculars.
Test Yourself on a SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest-growing sport on water. The ultimate test is Hawaii's 32-mile Molokai2Oahu race in July. "Extreme adversity is one of the best ways to learn about yourself, what your mental fortitude is made of, and how far you can go past your physical limits," says legendary waterman Dave Kalama, a top contender in this year's race. "Are your will and heart unbreakable? Does your soul have the depth of character to succeed? All of these questions will be answered when you cross the finish line of Molokai2Oahu."
The Trip: Learn to SUP with the best at Molokai2Oahu.
The Gear: SUP it all—lake to ocean—on the SIC Bullet 14.
Race Boston
Of more than 500 annual marathons around the world, Boston is the world's oldest and most prestigious. Founded in 1897, the Boston Marathon the pinnacle of elite road racing, with more than 500,000 spectators and 27,000 entrants who earned the right to be there by qualifying at a previous race. The iconic event holds even more meaning after the 2013 bombing, in which three people were killed and 264 were injured. Racing Boston is the perfect way to honor them.
The Trip: Do it up big at the Boston Marathon.
The Gear: Hit that qualifying time with the cushy Brooks PureFlow 3.
Unplug—And We Mean Completely
In 2014, active cell phone accounts will exceeded the number of people on the planet. If you don't live in France (where a new labor agreement forbids some employees to check work emails after 6 p.m.), it's time to find your own digital escape route. A deserted island in Indonesia where wireless isn't an option offers the ultimate digital detox.
The Trip: Drop off the grid on Indonesia's Krakal Island.
The Gear: Look cool while chilling out. Proof Ontario Sunglasses are just the ticket.
Suffer Through a Skimo Race
Alpine skiing used to be all about the downhill. No longer. It's slightly masochistic, but it's supremely satisfying to skin up a mountain fast. Self-propulsion also cuts down on lift lines, and as 2014 Gore-Tex Grand Traverse co-champion Bryan Wickenhauser says, "Racing in the cold winter night through avalanche terrain with your teammate for 40 miles and over 8,000 vertical feet of climbing makes you really appreciate your arrival in Aspen."
The Trip: Rough it at the Gore-Tex Grand Traverse in Colorado.
The Gear: Keep it light and fast with Dynafit's TLT 6 MTN Boots.
Crush a Century
Centuries celebrate a noncompetitive, laid-back community vibe and are open to everyone, so obsessing over your time might be considered bad manners. But such is life in a Strava world, this obsession with the clock. So, if you're going to ride a century, hammer one out in the dream time of four hours, preferably in a pack of skilled riders so you can practice your paceline.
The Trip: Take on Santa Fe's Century race.
The Gear: Crush it on our favorite bike of 2014, BMC's Teammachine SLR01.
Tame a Wild River
Few skills are as counterintuitive and difficult to master as an Eskimo roll, which allows a kayaker to right a capsized boat. Once you've got it down, there's no going back. "It's profoundly satisfying to execute a roll," says Peter Sturgis, founder of Otter Bar Lodge Kayak School on the banks of California's Salmon River. "Beyond the safety issues, it enables one to visit hidden and magical places like the Grand Canyon. It's all a bit of Zen and is certainly a metaphor for our struggle to overcome obstacles in life."
The Trip: Perfect your water skills and stargaze at California's Otter Bar.
The Gear: Scramble in and out of the water in Astral's grippy Brewer Shoes.
Tag the Top of a 14er
For an aspiring mountaineer, a fourteener, of which there are 58 in Colorado, 12 in California, and one in Washington, can be just as challenging and rewarding as any of the world's most epic climbs. "We consider these peaks as the approachable Everest," says Lloyd F. Athearn, executive director of the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, a nonprofit that helps build trails. And they can be just as dangerous. "In late June through August, there are thunderstorms almost daily that can be incredibly violent," says Athearn. "By noon you definitely want to be off the summit."
The Trip: Summit the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado.
The Gear: Ecco Biom Terrain Plus GTX boots will protect your feet through as many 14ers as you please.
Survive an Obstacle Course Race
Obstacle course racing is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with an estimated three million people crossing an OCR finish line in 2013. Join their ranks in one of many race options, from the beginner-friendly 5K Warrior Dash series, which involves mud, beer, and wild hats, to the 10- to 12-mile Tough Mudder courses that include ominously named obstacles like the "Electric Eel" and "Kiss of Mud." No matter the distance or difficulty, all are designed to bring out your primal beast. As Outside correspondent and Spartan Beast competitor Gordy Megroz says, "It certainly doesn't get any more primal than the monkey bars."
The Trip: Defeat the obstacle race from hell in Killington, Vermont.
The Gear: Prepare for the worst by training with Ironskull Fitness Kettlebells.
Kill, Dress, and Eat an Animal
"If I've learned anything about hunting and eating meat, it's that it's even messier than the moralist thinks," writes Michael Pollan in Omnivore's Dilemma. "Having killed a pig … and now looking forward to eating that pig, I have to say there is part of me that envies the moral clarity of a vegetarian." If Pollan's quandary is your quandary, try stalking, killing, dressing, and eating an animal. It'll either solidify your status as a carnivore or turn you into a vegan.
The Trip: Join a wild boar hunt in France.
The Gear: You're gonna need a good knife—it should be Havalon's Piranta-EDGE.
Ride Bottomless Powder
Skiing resort powder—the kind that falls on a groomed slope and holds no surprises—is mindlessly sublime. But out-of-bounds powder, the kind you find with an AStar helicopter on a remote slope in Alaska's Chugach Mountains, exponentially amps the high. "It's like you're swimming in the ocean by yourself on a deeply personal mission," says Tait Wardlaw, general manager of Chugach Powder Guides. "It's the closest thing to flying you can do without leaving the ground."
The Trip: Immerse yourself in Alaska's deep-snow powder bowls.
The Gear: Plow through the powder seamlessly with DPS Lotus 120 Spoons.
Bike to Work Once a Week
Make one four-mile round-trip by bike a week. You'll be healthier. And much happier. "I love it," says Stephen Regenold, the "Gear Junkie" who has bike commuted in Minneapolis year-round for the past 15 years. "We're a one-car family, and I have to get to work in any weather, so it's my little time to be active and commune with some sort of nature thing in the city—even in 30 below."
The Trip: Bike with plenty of company in Portland and Minneapolis.
The Gear: Wear Black Diamond's Alpine Start Hoody and unexpected weather's got nothing on you.
Float an Endangered River
Gone are the days when we can take for granted a free-spirited float down a free-flowing river. Between water shortages, dams, pollution, and diversions, rivers are under siege. See the crisis firsthand by paddling one of American Rivers' 10 most endangered waterways of 2014. Topping the list is the San Joaquin River, Central California's largest, which originates in the Sierra Nevada and flows through the fertile San Joaquin Valley. The river is so endangered that it runs dry in stretches, making it hard to float.
The Trip: Take an expedition down the Upper Colorado.
The Gear: Master rough water with Aire's incredibly stable 143R Raft.
Hike the Haute Route
There are plenty of multiday treks in the world, but few are as challenging and beautiful as the 119-mile Haute Route, which connects Chamonix, France, to Zermatt, Switzerland, and Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. "The Haute Route is a scenically spectacular, physically challenging, and incredibly rewarding journey," says Bill Abbott, founder of Wilderness Travel, the company that pioneered trekking the Haute Route in style by using inns along the way. But it's still not easy even without a 50-pound backpack—daily elevation change is 5,000 to 6,000 feet.
The Trip: Backpack in high comfort along Europe's Haute Route.
The Gear: Stuff all the necessities (and then some) into the hardy Granite Gear Nimbus Trace.
Run an Ultra
Technically, an ultramarathon is anything longer than 26.2 miles, which includes everything from the Rut 50K in Big Sky, Montana, to the 205-mile Tor des Geants, a point-to-point race in the Italian Alps. Check out the International Association of Ultrarunners' calendar for more than 1,000 races in countries as far-flung as Qatar and Uruguay. What makes these uber-distances so attractive? Most of the world's estimated 100,000 ultrarunners would likely say it has everything to do with testing your limits and conquering a new frontier. Training five hours at a time is also a brilliant escape from the mundane realities of life.
The Trip: Take on the original ultramarathon path in Greece.
The Gear: Stay quenched with the slosh-free Marmot Kompressor Speed Hydration Pack.
Sip from the Source
A recent discovery of Stone Age beer jugs from the Neolithic Period (10,000 BC) has led some scientists to believe that beer preceded bread as a dietary staple. Whether this finding is entirely factual or not, one thing is still certain: Alcohol has played an essential role in human history as a thirst quencher, source of nutrients, medicinal beverage, and miracle healer for centuries. It's time to go beyond buying a bottle of artisanal spirits at the local liquor store and instead head straight to the source.
The Trip: Taste the world's best pisco in Peru.
The Gear: For beach-worthy comfort and bar-worthy style, choose OluKai Pahono Shoes.
Take a Summer Ski Trip
Some years, the skiing is so good (or so bad) that, come May, you can't bear to lock the boards away in the storage closet for five months. That's why there's a Southern Hemisphere. Somewhere on the planet, the powder is dumping right now, and it's likely in the Chilean Andes. Olympic athletes regularly pilgrimage to resorts like Portillo to extend their training season. You can, too. And, unlike an Olympic athlete in training, you can drink carmenere with lunch.
The Trip: Heli-ski in Chile.
The Gear: Salomon's X-Pro 120 Boots will give you a custom fit.
Rip the Highest Mountain Bike Race
The Leadville 100, with a course that starts at 10,152 feet and climbs to 12,424 feet, tops the pain-o-meter. "Leadville can chew you up and spit you out," says two-time racer Janine Sieja. Fun? Hardly. But still, "There's something extraordinary about Leadville that you can't fully appreciate unless you actually participate," adds Bahram Akradi, six-time participant and founder of Life Time Fitness, which owns the Leadville 100. "It's one of the most difficult athletic events ever created, and yet there's a powerful camaraderie in so many bodies moving together on a focused path."
The Trip: Start your bid for the 2015 Leadville 100 in Colorado.
The Gear: The Specialized S-Works Epic 29 bike will get you to the finish line.
Snorkel with Whale Sharks
A few fun facts about whale sharks: They average 20.6 tons (roughly the weight of a dinosaur), can be up to 40 feet long (about the length of a school bus), and, as a species, are 60 million years old. Whale sharks also swim with their five-foot mouths wide open. Lucky for humans, their preferred menu is plankton, which is why it's such a thrill to swim alongside the largest fish in the sea.
The Trip: Snorkel and show your solidarity with whale sharks near Mahe Island.
The Gear: Get your fish on with high-performance WaterWay Captain NEMO Power Fins
Outfit a Camper and Take It Somewhere Beautiful
If tacky "McMansion on Wheels" comes to mind when you think of camping in anything more luxurious than a tent, think again. Campers these days come in all sorts of beautiful designs—with most of them kitted with a bed and cooking equipment. And check this out: In the United States, there are 29,000 campsites in 401 national parks, 221,000 campsites in 7,800 state parks, 4,300 campgrounds in 155 national forests, and 264 million acres of BLM land. That's a lot of open space to explore.
The Trip: Take a 30-day tour of the U.S. by camper.
The Gear: Bring back a classic adventure vehicle but with loads more power: the Subagon.
Try an Off-Road Tri
XTERRAs are triathlon's raw, off-road cousin, take place in stunning landscapes like Maui, and involve open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. "XTERRAS are unpretentious, honest, and true," says 2013 XTERRA East Champion, South African Dan Hugo. "I love how varied the experience can be. Uncertainty is always in the script."
The Trip: Conquer Maui's tropical tri.
The Gear: Suit up Olympic-style in the TYR Hurricane Category 5 Wetsuit.
Cleanse Your Body and Mind
Who doesn't want to hit reset and completely detoxify the body from coffee, margaritas, Snickers bars, and the myriad other junk we dump into our system? The ways to do this are many and controversial, from medically supervised water fasts to colonics to juice cleanses. Experiment with whatever works for you, but we recommend starting with a full-body detox for the heart, soul, mind, and spirit, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and plenty of time outside.
The Trip: Plan an oceanfront boot camp in Malibu, California.
The Gear: In classic cleanse style, juice it all with the Omega VERT VRT350.
Tackle a Big Nordic Ski Race
The rest of the world doesn't always get it, but Scandinavians and Midwesterners have always understood the grace and athleticism of Nordic skiing. In winter, it's a warm and invigorating way to be in the wilds, from the Maine woods to Washington's Methow Valley. It's also a killer workout. The noblest Nordic skiing competition on U.S. soil is the American Birkebeiner, a 50.25-kilometer sprint through the Wisconsin woods, often in subzero temperatures.
The Trip: Ski all day in Washington's Methow Valley.
The Gear: The North Face's sweat-wicking, breathable Regulate Jacket will be a lifesaver.
Tease Gravity on a Mountain Bike
There's a decadent rush to riding a mountain bike downhill, with the ever-present terror of an endo always close at hand. But if you're a skilled rider with sound judgment and state-of-the-art body armor, the chances of a major crash are diminishing. Mountain biking has never been safer and more enjoyable. "The latest technology in downhill mountain bikes is truly incredible," says Chris Winter, founder of Big Mountain Bike Adventures. "It's like riding an F1 race car meets monster truck bombing down a mountain while teasing gravity."
The Trip: Ride British Columbia's Singletrack Mecca.
The Gear: Strap on Smith's hot weather and accessory-friendly Forefront Helmet.
Raft Whitewater in the Wilderness
Rafting whitewater—in a boat with a highly skilled guide—is a relatively easy way to get big thrills with little experience. But once you've committed, there's often no way out. Start gradually on a one- to two-day trip in Class I–III whitewater. If that feels right, eventually work your way up to Class IV–V whitewater in a wilderness setting. The beauty of being on a raft is that space isn't nearly as limiting as a kayak, so you can eat and sleep like a king even in remote places.
The Trip: See Alaska by raft—and maybe skinny-dip.
The Gear: The Kokatat Maximus PFD will keep you safe but stay out of the way.
Take a Winter Hut Trip
The payoff for all those early morning dawn patrols is a hut trip booked with a half-dozen buddies somewhere in a sublime high-alpine setting. There's a hut for everyone, from rank backcountry beginner to extreme rider. Some huts require entering a lottery system, others charge stiff fees, and some need a helicopter assist. It's hard to go wrong with any hut in any mountain range, even if you're snowed in for a day or five.
The Trip: Set up camp at Colorado's Opus Hut.
The Gear: Have Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on hand. Enough said.
Race a Beer Mile
It sounds like the perfect recipe for hurling, but beer milers have been surreptitiously running around tracks while simultaneously downing brews for the past 20 years. The drink-and-run race format has become so popular worldwide that the first-ever Beer Mile World Championship will be held sometime this fall in Austin, Texas. What, exactly, is a beer mile, you ask? Each competitor alternates drinking a can of minimum 5 percent-alcohol beer and running a lap around a track. The time to beat: 4:57, the world record set by Canadian James Nielsen.
The Trip: Chug it and lug it with the fastest Beer Milers in Australia.
The Gear: Keep your brews fresh in our favorite Hydro Flask.
Eat an Invasive Species
Of the 7,000 or so introduced species that have arrived in the United States, about 1,000 are trashing the country at an absurd rate. Rather than sit around and fret about the havoc invaders like nutria, zebra mussels, Asian shore crabs, and Asian carp are wreaking, pick up a fork, adjust your taste buds, and dig in to the brave new world of braised Burmese python.
The Trip: Do your part with a gourmet invasive species feast.
The Gear: Spice up your invasivore meal with Sriracha sauce and vodka (yeah, that exists).


text:
Manitou Springs Public Library's fifth annual Author Fest of the Rockies doesn't move into the Cliff House until Oct. 1, but event chair Laura Ettinger is starting the party now.
This week Manitou is hopping with reading-related activities, from tonight's VIP reception at the Avenue Hotel to the ongoing sale of special Author Fest-labeled bottles at D'vine Wine.
Meanwhile, keynote speaker and local author Cicily Janus can't wait for the traditional Friday open mic night at Kinfolks.
"Last time it got raucous and it turned out really, really fun," she says. "It's another way people can see, yeah, we're not going to sit there and read love poems to each other."
To people already acquainted with our literary community, it'll be no surprise to see Author Fest strike a balance between red pencils and red wine, the lively and the literary. But the schedule itself, Ettinger says, will be full of surprises — or at least new authors, topics and features. This year's speakers have introduced a variety of innovative lecture formats, including how-tos and Wheel-of-Fortune-meets-Mad-Libs writing exercises. Meanwhile, moderators will lead discussions on storytelling and Southwestern writers, and local high-schoolers will give their perspective on the future of reading.
Throughout the conference, readers are encouraged to approach authors and have conversations — for most, anything goes. Janus characterizes Author Fest as a backstage pass to the world of publishing. The goal, Ettinger says, is to pique the interest of prospective attendees and seasoned veterans alike — or not so alike. There are conference tracks for both readers and writers, but Ettinger anticipates a lot of crossover.
"Some people may come with the idea, 'I'm just a reader so I want to go to these reader sessions,' but they may pop in on 'How to Get Self-Published' or 'How to Start Plotting Your Novel,' so ... maybe they think, 'I can do this too,'" she says. "Maybe they're inspired or encouraged by an author who was once just like them."
Between the atmosphere of discovery and the lack of barriers, this year's conference-wide emphasis on social media goes far beyond the limits of a how-to presentation. But even as convention staff Tweet from the lecture halls and attendees with Flip cams flit about the corridors, authors and readers will be making the most of their chance to connect the old-fashioned way.
"There's nothing better than hearing someone just flap their jaws in excitement about what they're doing," Janus says. "It's like, 'Yeah, what are you working on?' That's always my first question. And there's no pretense behind that. I just want to know."
Since she's the keynote speaker for Saturday's luncheon, one might expect Janus to be more focused on the authorial wisdom she will impart during her lecture. Fresh from the release of The New Face of Jazz, a monumental undertaking that won acclaim from Wynton Marsalis and NPR literary reviewer Will Layman, Janus will emphasize the importance of original thinking and creative networking in turning an idea into a published volume.
But in fact, Janus plans to do most of her inspiring and encouraging in a more casual environment.
"I'm probably going to be sitting on the porch with my laptop writing, when I'm not giving an address or talking to a group. Yeah, come up, approach me. That's the way it should be," she says, adding, "[Writing] is a real accessible art, and there is a real need for everybody to be a part of it. And Author Fest makes authors, published and non-published, into one accessible bunch of people."
"We have close to 50 presenters this year," adds Ettinger. "Anyone who has a love for the written or spoken word is going to find something here."
That includes tomorrow night's event at Kinfolks, which is free to the public.
"Last year the mayor [Marc Snyder, of Manitou] showed up," says Ettinger. "I was like, 'What are you doing here?'"
His response?
"'What? I like to read.'"
Showing 1-3 of 3


text:
This Baby Did an Immediate U-Turn Back to Eden!I see no reason for anyone to buy this product. You get exactly what you pay for. I now plan to save up and buy a quality double ended dildo that is just as safe as it is affordable. If I could give it a rating of zero or below I would.
Great size, smooth texture and the right balance of firmness/flexibility.
Horrid, pungent odor. Because it's rubber, it's hard to clean.
I wish I had more to say regarding this product , but unfortunately I never even got the chance to use this item. When I opened the package, there was a very strange, pungent odor that simply would not go away. This dildo looked amazing in its package, exactly as it was shown and described on the website, and if it weren't for that weird chemical-like odor that assaulted me as soon as I opened the package, I'm sure I would have truly enjoyed using this toy on my own and with my girlfriend.
Material / Texture
It had a glossy look to it, and a smooth, rubbery texture. It was a nice balance of being not too firm and not too flexible. Unfortunately, I never got to really experience this toy beyond trying everything I could to remove that horrible smell. The odor was so overwhelming, and I swear it clung to anything and lingered even after I got rid of it.
Design / Shape / Size
This toy is one that is excellent for both beginners and for experienced users. It's great for solo, couple or group play. Due to the size of this item, I'm not sure how travel friendly it would be. Plus the odor is so strong and offensive that I'm sure it could arouse suspicion.
Everything about the toy was exactly as it was described on the website. The size, color, texture and everything was just as the website described it to be. If it weren't for that odor I'm sure I would have loved to use this item.
Care and Maintenance
Due to this being a rubber dildo, there aren't many options as far as cleaning goes. The most that I was able to use when I was trying to rid the toy of its odor was antibacterial soap and warm water. If I had been able to use the item, I probably would have used condoms in order to keep it as sanitary as possible.
This content is the opinion of the submitting contributor and is not endorsed by EdenFantasys.com
Wow with the caps! It's a bit hard to read with the caps like that, you might want to go back and edit with normal capitalization.
I had a Doc Johnson product with that horrid smell too. Mine was a TPR one that was like that. I sadly can't use it either because the smell makes me want to gag
That really sux! Thanks for the heads up
Sorry that you didn't like it. Thanks for the review.
Sorry it didn't work for you. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the review!
Ouch. Thanks for the brutally honest review.
Thanks for the review
No discussions yet.
Forum Category
- See all discussions
Thank you for viewing Smooth double header – sex toy review page!


text:
Cool, Leisure Things To Do On Your Next Business Trip
Leave it to the experts (Forbes.com Travel rocks) to compile this superb list of tips for enjoying the cities of your next business trip. After all, the reporters went to the pro-concierges at the cities' leading business hotels for recommended local activities. Brew a local beer in Berlin, play polo in Buenos Aires, ride an elephant in Delhi, have a suit made by the famous tailors of Saville Row in London, star in your own Western in Houston and swim with sharks in Capetown. The possibilities are endless.


text:
Paul Johansson ("One Tree Hill"), Taylor Schilling ("Mercy") and Grant Bowler ("True Blood") have been cast as John Galt, Dagny Taggart and Hank Reardon respectively in the independently-produced film adaptation of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" reports Variety.
Producer John Aglialoro had to get production going on this film adaptation of one of literature's most famous works by this past Saturday or lose the feature rights. Well he met the date, with the $5 million-budget "Atlas Shrugged Part One" kicking off its five week shoot over the weekend with Paul Johansson directing from Brian Patrick O'Toole's script.
The project has dwelt in development hell for decades until this year when Aglialoro quickly decided to make the film on his own without any studio backing. As a result, the cast is essentially made up of mostly unknowns including those three above.
Joining them are Michael Lerner ("A Serious Man") as lobbyist Wesley Mouch and film director Nick Cassavetes as Richard McNamara. Matthew Marsdan, Graham Beckel, Edi Gathegi, Jsu Garcia, Rebecca Wisocky, Ethan Cohn, Patrick Fischer, Neill Barry, Christina Pickles and Nikki Klecha also star.
The film is the first of a planned trilogy based on Rand's book set in a dystopian U.S. where Government control of industry has collapsed society.


text:
Beauty and mechanics are the main focus in Palram's latest hobby greenhouse. Welcome the Bella, an elegant and stout addition to your growing space designed for extending your season.
Factory Direct Price!
FREE Fast Shipping!
Warning: Last items in stock!
Availability date:
Beauty and mechanics are the main focus in Palram's latest hobby greenhouse. Welcome the Bella, an elegant and stout addition to your growing space designed for extending your season. A healthy head-start on your garden begins with effective light management through Palram's market leading twin-wall polycarbonate. Twin-wall polycarbonate is the leading choice for quality hobby greenhouse coverings because of its durability, light diffusing properties and heat retaining ability. The twin-wall roof and side panels on the Bella block 99.9% of harmful solar UV radiation and create a system of even-light. Even-light helps maximizes plant growth and eliminates the risk of plant burn and shade areas. Palram's version of this virtually unbreakable polymer is made only with virgin materials that won't become brittle or discolor over time. The bell shaped aluminum frame not only adds an elegant look to your backyard, it helps reduces wind impact and snow build-up. With an 8' wide frame and four available lengths, you are able to customize the perfect hobby greenhouse. Corrosion resistant and durable, keep your focus on growing and not maintaining. A 5 year limited warranty and US based customer support will give you piece of mind. Palram also offers a complete line of accessories to make your Balance greenhouse the perfect fit for your growing wants and needs.
Limited Warranty:
5 Years
Size (Rounded):
8 x 20
Square Feet:
240L x 96W x 86.1H (Peak)
Door Opening Dimensions:
45.8W x 67.8H
Total Product Weight:
Roof Color:
Roof Material:
6mm Twin Wall Polycarbonate
Sides Material:
6mm Twin Wall Polycarbonate
Frame Color:
Frame Material:
Ship Method:
LTL Motor Freight Only, Curbside Tailgate Delivery
Total Box Qty:
Product Includes:
No customer comments for the moment.


text:
Tessa Rose Natural Playspaces Blogspot
Designing a Natural Playspace
Rocks, Bees and Trees!!!
EYLF and natural environments
Natural Play videos
Essential reading
Resources and Links
The world of natural playspaces and designers
Previous projects
Nature, Play and Playspaces on Pinterest
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Today's four-year-olds often 'not physically ready' for school, experts warn | The Independent
Today's four-year-olds often 'not physically ready' for school, experts warn | The Independent
The full article can be read through the hyperlink above
"Children today are moving less, they're developing less well, and they're learning less; we need to do something drastic to make sure children now and in the future get the movement they need to develop properly physically, intellectually and emotionally."
Posted by
Tess Michaels
Email This
Share to Twitter
Share to Facebook
Share to Pinterest
Post a Comment
Newer Post
Older Post
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Sunday is a carbon copy of Telugu movie
About Anukokunda Oka Raju
She realizes something is amiss only when, a few days later, she gets chased by unidentified men who try to murder her. The rest of the story is all about unveiling the mysterious happenings that occurred on that night where she went to party.
About Sunday
Sehar's (Ayesha Takia) world turns topsy-turvy when she gets a clue about the missing Sunday of her life, which points to a possible violent attack on her. A C P Rajveer (Ajay Devgan) takes up the case to sort out the complicated and jumbled up threads of Sehar's life.
It comes to light that on Sunday, different people interacted with her and amongst them, one could be the accused. The lot included Ballu (Arshad Warsi), the taxi driver and his friend, Kumar (Irrfan Khan), a struggling NSD actor, Ritu (Anjana Sukhani), Sehar's close friend, a scary and suspicious character who resides in Sehar's society, and the group whom she had come across while partying at the discotheque.
However, Sehar cannot remember anything about this 'Sunday'. A dubbing artiste by day, is 'Sehar' also a serial killer by night? Is Seher really innocent as she claims to be? What if one day went missing from your life?


text:
Played 695 times
SkyClimber game information:
The Sky Climber is climbing a building and trying to go as far as he can. Unfortunately, the higher he goes the more people there are in windows trying to knock him off.
How to play:
Check description.
Add this game to your website or blog!
Popular Tags
Latest Games
- Knf Santa Claus Christmas Gift Escape
- Help The Santa
- Santa Double Adventure
- Liberation Of Santa
- Recover The Gift
- Memory Loss Santa
- Xmas Pass Over
- Perfect Winter Trendy
- Santa Arctic Adventure
- Knf Winter Wooden House Escape
- Santa Way 3
- Bart Shootout
- The Hulk Differences
- Princess doll house 2
- American Trucks Memory
- Sailor Ship Escape
- Defend Kindom Wars
- Deadpool Jigsaw
- Offroad Race Truck
- House Cleaning
- Kings Castle 20
- BMW F32 Jigsaw
- Art Gallery Escape
- Fairy Beauty Salon
- Daredevil Jigsaw
- Semi Truck Jigsaw
- Lexus RS 350 Jigsaw
- Land of the Monsoon
- Kings Castle 19
- Italy Palazzo Escape


text:
Scott Karp realizes he needs help if hes ever going to collect any of the revenue he earns participating in Googles AdSense advertising program.
So now his Web site encourages tipping.
What Karp and a growing number of other Web site operators do, in actuality, is leave a note on their sites encouraging visitors to click on Google-placed ads, especially the ones that actually interest them.
Tipping seeks to take advantage of Googles AdSense, which is one of the first do-it-yourself online ad programs.
With each click of an AdSense ad, a few more pennies of revenue to share flows into a Web site operators AdSense account.
But AdSense participants can only collect when their accounts exceed $100, according to the rules Google sets for AdSense.
While the Internets dotted with testimonials of AdSense profits, the growing numbers asking for tips speaks to how many more Web site operators will never reach the $100 figure, and therefore collect their revenue share. Rather, Google keeps it all.
Google created the $100 rule because the Mountain View, Calif.-based firm sought to allay frustration.
The firm envisioned circumstances where a Web operator might get a check from Google for revenue so minuscule, it would exceed the amount a bank charges to cash the check.
But the rule has generated a lot of headaches, too. For many small-time sites with very little traffic, ad revenue accounts build so slowly they seem to stagnate. In Karps case, he seems stuck at around $23.
Some Web operators write about just giving up on reaching the $100 level; some write of not even ever bothering to check on just how much AdSense revenue theyve earned.
But others are more proactive.
"Help me get my money from Google," Karp writes in a recent posting. "Remember, unless I hit $100, Google gets to keep it all."
Virtual tipping began a few years ago as a kind of private joke and was practiced by Robin Hood-type characters that swoop in to rob from the rich and give to the poor.
This wasnt what Google had in mind when it created AdSense, which to a large degree is targeted at small-time Web operations or Internet hobbyists that dont have the resources or know-how to create an advertising campaign.
Instead, Google built AdSense to do all the heavy lifting for these sites.
As an incentive to participate, Google shares the revenues with Web site operators.
But as Karp and other examples show, its not only given rise to tipping, but now tipping is no longer practiced in secret.
In fact, some Web operators are so bold as to leave virtual tip jars.
Tipping poses a complex problem for Google. For one, its a version of click fraud, in which nefarious means are used in order to inflate the number of times it seems an advertisement is viewed.
As tipping shows, it can earn someone ill-gotten gains, albeit a very small amount.
Yet, tipping spotlights quite a potential gold mine for Google.
It would appear that a certain percentage of AdSense accounts never actually exceed $100.
So, all those tiny accounts could add up to a lot of profit from the Mountain View, Calif.-based company.
A Google spokesperson had no immediate comment when asked what percentage of AdSense participants never exceed the $100 threshold, how many dollars all their accounts add up to, and just what Google does with the money.


text:
Not Not California?
Over a decade ago, a certain Richard Gregory made an excellent little film about surfing in Brighton called Not California. The title was inspired by the answer he gave to a passer by who asked 'What's the surf like, mate?' while he was trudging up the beach after a.......[read more]
Paddle Round The Pier – surfers giving something back
Since 1996 there's been a group of surfers paddling their boards and other weird and wonderful craft around one or other of Brighton's piers. Founded by Dave 'Sandals' Samuel, it started as a fundraiser for Surfers Against Sewage and has now grown into the biggest free beach festival in.......[read more]
The Pack Instinct
My last session was on a Saturday morning – a small, clean swell caressing the groynes, sandbars and piers of my local spots. Given the fact there was probably only enough swell to last one tide, there were limited options for enjoying this late Autumn present from the surf.......[read more]
Happy Hurricane Anniversary
Twenty five years ago today, the south of England was hit by a great storm. Most people called it a hurricane, although technically it wasn't. It is probably most famous for the way BBC weatherman Michael Fish dismissed the prospect of a hurricane hitting the country, rather than the.......[read more]
Just one more wave…
'One more wave and I'm going in' I think to myself when I know I should be making tracks. After that one, I think, 'That last wave was a good one. Maybe just one more wave.' After that one, I think, 'Hmm, there's still half an hour of tide.......[read more]
Brighton's waves threatened again – please help to protect our waves
Even though the value of the waves at Brighton Marina (a local and regional resource) are recognised by the local City Council, the proposed Rampion offshore windfarm could reduce wave height by nearly a quarter. This shocking prediction has emerged in a revised draft Environmental Statement published by the.......[read more]
Surfing for good
My blog was originally going to be called the Grumpy Old Surfer but someone got there first. I know I can whinge a bit about some of the baggage that comes with our beautiful and inspiring sport / pastime / way of life. But 2 events happening this weekend.......[read more]
BBC…calling the world
Brighton Beach Culture is calling the world this week. The Brighton Festival and Fringe Festival – the 2nd biggest arts festival in the UK – is in full swing and befittingly there is plenty of beach culture to indulge in. Brighton lays claim to be one of the.......[read more]
Bone Idol
Martin was the first person to talk to me about surf boards, he opened his shop in an arch on Brighton sea front in '92, is still designing and manufacturing his own range of clothes – another little fish surviving in a big pond.....[read more]
One of the first community surf sites in the UK, James Onslow has been providing Brighton surfers with surf reports since 1999 and winning awards for it ever since!....[read more]


text:
There truly are no mistakes in crafting - just creative opportunities.
I've found that when something doesn't go as planned, that's the best time to start looking at what I'm doing from another direction.
Often I end up turning what I thought was a mistake into something even better than I had originally planned...
"Mistake" 1: I glued down the paper squares before really playing with them, and ended up having to remove them from the card base and rearrange them. Unfortunately, that caused some tearing of paper. Instead of giving up, I simply edge distressed everything. I think the rough edges look cooler than what was originally there.
"Mistake" 2: Originally I had wanted to incorporate this month's Stamp of the Month into the card. However, no matter what I did, nothing felt right. But I liked the squares and the colors, so I just took away that one element that was blocking me and focused on what I liked.
"Mistake" 3: I wanted to create fun clusters of embellishments, but I had used up most of the embellishment packs I had that went with the colors. The few embellishments I did have looked sort of strange floating around on the upper and lower corners, and I really didn't have anything that could ground them. So I went to my scrap stash and cut a few circles - that allowed the card to flow and the limited embellishments to stand out.
Don't be afraid of imperfections - often they end up turning your projects into something even better in the end!


text:
In the wild, common house geckos, which are indigenous to southeast Asia but have become invasive species in the United States, Australia, and parts of South America and Africa, eat various types of insects and spiders. Mediterranean house geckos, which have also spread around the world from their native habitats bordering the Mediterranean Sea, prey on moths, roaches and other insects.
Because the common house gecko is native to the tropics, it thrives in hot, moist climates. It frequents rotting wood in search of the insects it preys upon. On the other hand, the Mediterranean house gecko is attracted to lights on houses where at night it preys upon the creatures drawn to the lights.
In captivity, either species of house gecko can be fed fruit flies, silkworms, mealworms and crickets. Before being fed to house geckos, crickets should be gut-loaded, or fed nutritious food, and also dusted a few times a week with a calcium supplement and once a week with a multivitamin supplement. Young geckos should be fed every day, but adults can usually be fed every other day. The amount can be judged by how much they eagerly consume. Besides the food, they should have clean water daily, and ideally, their habitat should be humidified with regular misting.


text:
40 years later, a sequel to S.F. Brownrigg's 1973 cult classic DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT as come to life thanks to his son, Anthony, who wrote and directed the film. I think it's safe to say that this one flew completely under the radar as it already has a trailer out and it looks pretty solid! The trailer delivers on some pretty gruesome imagery and a look at the continuation of the story now that it has been 40 years since shit hit the fan back in 1973. Watch the trailer below!
Written by Anthony Brownrigg and Megan Emerick, the film picks up..
…after the end of the first film, 40 years later. After Sam is moved to a new asylum in 2013, strange things begin happening there to the patients as well as the doctors. One doctor must find out what's causing everyone go delve even deeper into insanity before it overcomes him as well.
Andrew Sensenig, Frank Mosley, Arianne Margot, Willie Minor, Jr, Camilla Carr, and Megan Emerick star. The film is expected to release sometime this Fall. We'll keep you posted!


text:
I sit here with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat, trying to make sense of the mass shooting at an Orlando gay club this past weekend. Those who know me well, know that this hits very close to home.
I feel the anger running through my veins, boiling right beneath the surface, violently looking for a way out of this enclosure of skin and bones. It stings my tongue as I bite it to prevent myself from spreading this poison. I want to scream to the seven winds how disgusted I am by the human race. I want to use words like hopeless, hate, revenge and punishment.
I feel it in the corners of my eyes as it floods my tear ducts, begging for an escape. I inhale deeply as I attempt to reason with the beast. I exhale in a loud and steady release focusing on the image of my chest compressing as this smog leaves my body. I wait for a long moment without a single drop of air in my lungs and naturally, my attention shifts to the next breath that I so desperately need as I prepare to slowly inhale once again as I visualize my chest rising, filling up with healing light that diffuses the cloud of poisonous gas trapped inside my rib cage. I do this over and over again until the deafening pounding of my heart subsides and I unclench my fists, blood rushing back to the white knuckles. I look down at my hands and I realize I'm trembling.
I do this over and over again until I can feel my anger slowly gather itself and retreat to the corner of my mind. I notice that in its place, fear was left behind. It is a small, soft, trembling creature that rocks back and forth as it hugs itself while it whimpers. At this point, the tears in my eyes don't feel like acid anymore and I weep. I weep for the victims and all those who love them. I weep for humanity and for my unborn children. I weep for my fear, and your fear, and anyone who has ever feared for their life simply because of who they are (race, religion, sexuality). I weep because I take this personally and so should you.
I weep until there is nothing left but silence. My chest continues rise and fall with each breath and I do this until the stillness in my mind reveals one single question, "How can I help?"
How can I help? How can you help? How can WE help?
This question has probably crossed your mind as you search for answers in the face of tragedy. In the midst of our busy lives, and how small, disconnected, and fearful we sometimes feel, we may come up short with answers.
When I displaced the anger, and tucked my fear away, there was nothing left. In the desolate silence of my soul, and between every breath, I realized that how I choose to fill the space once occupied by anger and fear is entirely up to me. It is up to us to choose the frequency to which we tune ourselves into. Love, by nature, simply feels better than anger, hate and fear. The frequency of love, although not always louder, is stronger and resonates more, it knows no barriers and always goes the distance. When you create, speak, think, and live from that source of love, which is found inside all of us, you become part of the change. When everything we do comes from love, we become a part of the solution.
When the world terrifies you and leaves you feeling sick and hopeless, choose love.
When anger takes hold and fills your insides with cement, don't give in. Don't give up!
This may all seem abstract and great in theory but you may be wondering, "How does choosing love help me battle the evil of the world?"
By spreading it:
Lets acknowledge each other: Eye contact, a warm smile and a greeting can make or break someone's day. It may inspire that person to warmly greet another stranger. It is the most basic of human interactions and it's somehow getting lost in our culture of busyness and distrust. It's all a chain reaction.
Kindness is the antidote: Rude people need it the most. When facing a rude/angry individual, give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they're having a bad day. Don't stoop to their level, help them rise to YOUR level by showing them how the situation can be addressed without the need for rudeness.
Spread the light: Keeping kindness in the forefront, it is your job to educate others. That coworker that constantly complains and talks about other people all day long? Pull them aside one day and nicely point it out to them. Tell them they're doing a disservice to themselves and that they're spreading negativity. Educate them on the benefits of keeping a positive attitude. You can also choose to write them a note if you don't feel comfortable addressing it with them in person. Some people are so chronically negative that they forget that there's another way. The positive way!
Language: This is a big one for me. I do not tolerate hateful speech in my presence so I take it upon myself to politely put in check those who are using derogatory words to describe homosexuals, women, people of color, Hispanics, disabled people, etc. I remind people that words have power and as adults, it is up to us to lead the younger generations by example. I have been often told I can't "fight" everyone. My response to that is that I'm not fighting anyone as my actions come from love and not from anger or hate. I'm spreading awareness and educating others. They may choose to not listen and continue using foul language in public or, I may have left an imprint on them and they may think twice about it next time. Also, it goes beyond the person committing the offense. Those in your presence may become inspired by how eloquently and nicely, you embarrassed and put a foul-mouthed, ignorant a**hole in his place. They may be inspired to do the same. Again, as we've seen time and time again it's all a chain reaction.
These are just a few simple things you can do to spread the message of love. They do not require religion, talent, money or significant amounts of time. Keep fighting to be the change you wish to see in others. Live your life in that light and watch the love spread.
Sending my healing energy to all those affected by the tragic events in Orlando.
Until next time. Namaste.


text:
Paul Semugoma, MD, is a member of African Men for Sexual Health & Rights and operates a private practice in Uganda. discusses the status of HIV/AIDS, it's treatment, and sexual politics in Uganda and central Africa, and his experience as an advocate on the global stage.
For access to video click on link below –


text:
Home › Forums › Vietnam Daily Life › Pa Then Ethnic minority, what you need to know
This topic contains 0 replies, has 1 voice, and was last updated by tamlan 7 years, 1 month ago.
December 21, 2011 at 9:43 am #20447
Pa Then, an ethnic minority people concentrated in northern Vietnam's Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces, are known for their skill at producing cloth an clothing, there are about 5 ,000 Pa Then people in Vietnam today, all of whom live in mountainous areas. Like many minority groups in Vietnam, the Pa Then is traditionally nomadic. Their lives revolve around nature and the seasons, as they survive by farming, Cotton is their crop.
Vacation to Vietnam[/url:2e3nftke] | Vietnam Adventure Vacation[/url:2e3nftke]
Known for their skillful hand-weaving, sewing and embroidery, the Pa Then place a great deal of importance on their clothes, as revealed by a Pa Then legend. According to this tale, a Pa Then woman once married a dog and bore his child. Sadly, the baby died, and the woman was so bereft that she took to carrying a puppy wherever she went. When the puppy grew larger it tore the woman's skirt, leaving a paw-shaped tear. Upon mending this rip, the woman realized that the mended area looked pretty and would serve as a reminder of her lost baby. From then on she began to sew motifs resembling dogs' paws onto her clothes. Known as ta-leo, this pattern is typically embroidered onto the skirt hems of Pa Then women.
The Pa Thens' traditional clothing is bright red. To make the red dye they chop the trunks of pa-xi-mung trees into pieces and boil them until the water turns red. Raw cloth is soaked into this water, and then dried in the sun. This process is repeated until the desired shade of red is achieved. Today, chemicals are sometimes added to the solutions to makes the red darker and colorfast.
Unlike many other ethnic groups, the Pa Then wears their everyday clothing at festivals. For this reason, rich and poor are indistinguishable. Even on her wedding day, a Pa Then girl will wear the clothes that she stitched for daily wear. The top is called the Ke-o-po and the skirt the Ket-tanh. Wedding guest might it hard to identify the bride and bridesmaids.
Pa Then women wear a distinctive turban, which contains two parts: an inner, indigo-dyed towel cloth, known as the Ke-so, measures about 0.3 meters by 5 meters and is folded widthwise five or six times and wound around the head. The outer scarf, known as su-chi, is about 1.5 meters long.
Pa Then girls are taught to weave and embroider from an early age. A little girl's outfit resembles that of an adult but with simpler embroidery patterns. As a girl grows she is encouraged to express her creativity by embroidering new designs on her skirt, as well as learning traditional patterns. For this reason, the clothing of Pa Then women follows similar designs bit with individual flourishes.
The ket-tanh skirt is fashioned from pleated red cotton and features sophisticated embroidery patterns. Motifs include squares, lozenges, triangles, stars, combs, bridges, rooster legs, crabs, silkworms, calves, and dog's paws.
The belt or to-he-to measures 1.5 to 2 meters in length and is black or white. Black ones are used every day and white ones during the lunar New Year or at festivals. Jewelry completes a Pa Then woman's outfit and reveals her wealth. Woman's from wealthy families may pile on a half dozen silver bracelets and necklaces, and sport some eye-catching gold teeth.
The Pa Thens' clothes are very different from those worn by other Mong – Dao people. The Pa Then cut their clothing from large pieces of cloth and embroiders it with motifs set in horizontal rows. White, blue, yellow and black designs stand out against a bright red background, making these clothes instantly recognizable as belong to the Pa Then. Among the many a making outfits created by Vietnam's 54 minority groups, those of the Pa Then are among the most striking.
This article is written by lan nguyen from Vacation to Vietnam, for original article please visit:
<!– m –>http://www.vacationstovietnam.com/laste … -know.html<!– m –>
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.


text:
Hotel | Bounds LakeQuality Inn Trussville
United States > Alabama > Trussville > Quality Inn Trussville
Quality Inn Trussville
4730 Norrell Dr
Trussville, AL 35173
Trussville, AL 35173
Nightly Rates: 87.00 - 87.00Currency: USD
Hotel Description
Get more for your money when you stay at our pet-friendly Quality Inn hotel in Trussville, AL, conveniently located off Interstate 59. Our hotel is near the Trussville Sports Complex, Trussville Civic Center, and Barber Motorsports Park. We offer every guest a free hot breakfast, free WiFi, seasonal outdoor pool, exercise room and business center. Unwind in one of our cozy guest rooms, all of which feature a microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer and HDTV. Also, earn rewards including free nights and gift cards with our Choice Privileges Rewards program. Pet Accommodation: 20 USD and Per Pet. Pet limit: A maximum of 25 pounds, and 2 pets per room. Pool is now closed for the season.
Check In: 2:00 PMCheck Out: 11:00 AMTime Zone:
Number of Floors: 2Number of Rooms: 60Number of Suites: 0
Photo Gallery
Hotel Amenities
• Alarm clock • Balcony/Lanai/Terrace • Bus parking • Business center • Cable television • Coffee/Tea maker • Complimentary full american breakfast • Exercise gym • Free high speed internet connection • Free parking • Hairdryer • Iron • Microwave • Outdoor parking • Outdoor pool • Pets allowed • Telephone • Truck parking • Vending machines
Room Info
: Handicap room, Connecting rooms, Desk, Non-smoking
Hotel Map
Area Attractions
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth Int
Barber's Motorsports Park
Talladega Superspeedway
Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
McWane Science Center
Alabama Sports Hall of Fame
Bass Pro Shops
Shops of Grand River
Pinnacle Shopping Center
Trussville Civic Center
Homestead Hallow
Quick Links
Bounds Lake News
Bounds Lake Photos
Bounds Lake Videos


text:
Leonardtown Volunteer Tom Mattingly featured in a new Fire Service Book
October 16, 2016—Emmitsburg, MD.
Thomas Mattingly Sr., a Volunteer Firefighter of the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department is one of 50 fire service professionals to be profiled in a new book released on October 16, 2017 by Rizzoli New York (Welcome Books). American Firefighter is a series of written reflections of each subject, accompanied by a photograph by Paul Mobley, one of our nation's most gifted and prominent portrait photographers. Mobley and his crew traversed the United States in 2016 to capture the images in book. Very few American professionals have had the honor of being presented in Mobley's captivating manner. Joining the department at age 16, he has continued to serve for over 54 years in many positions at Leonardtown and at regional and state association levels. From his early years and continuing today, his passion for public fire education, fire service training and his department's history have been his greatest interest. While the volunteer fire service has changed greatly, he said his desire to serve has not.
A portion of the sales of each book will help support survivors of firefighters who have died in the line-of-duty by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017.
There are well over a million fire service professionals in the United States. Our Maryland fire service should be very proud that Tom was chosen as an example of this wonderful and amazing profession. American Firefighter is available to be ordered on-line, or can be purchased at all major book sellers.
If applicable, the book should be cited as follows:AMERICAN FIREFIGHTERPortraits by Paul MobleyIn association with the National Fallen Firefighters FoundationText by JoEllen Kelly, Ph.D.Hardcover / 8½" x 11" / 240 pages / 270 color photographs $45.00 US / ISBN: 978-1-59962-137-1 / Welcome Books, a division of Rizzoli New York / October 2017 www.rizzoliusa.com


text:
Have a beloved pet that you love talking about? Check out the Pet Plaza board!
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
'ello! welcome to FT!Where are you from?
Welcome to FT! What are some of your favourite movies and TV shows? If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to contact the staff
Greetings and welcome!Do you like to art?
I usually listen to video game OSTs, thanks for asking!
Page created in 0.088 seconds with 24 queries.


text:
Hayward Tri Star Pump Seal Plate, SPX3200E
No. 15 Image SPX3200E Hayward Tristar Seal Plate Used on Hayward Tri-Star pumps, SP3200 Series. Seal Plate mounts to motor and seals up the shaft. See all Hayward Tristar parts in our Pump parts department.
Related parts recommended for installation or repair
5/8 Buna/Carbon Seal Assembly of Northstar - PS3890
|From $14.99
|More info >


text:
Imagine a world where you don't have to google the same topic again and again. (ex: live scores, news, box office, movies, music, trailers, jokes, etc)It's now possible with Machaao!
Just share a #Mood [#NBA, #CopaAmerica, #Election2016, #ProKabbadi, #TriSeries and more!]
Sit back and relax as our configurable bots serve you near real time updates / live scores / news / articles and much more!
#BeSmart As the owner of the mood, you have full control of the conversation, deleting a mood deletes it from all the devices even your friends. [Great for those one-off private conversations]
#AutoCleanYou can now share moods with expiration and Machaao will delete the conversation from every device once your the mood expires. [Great for events / small get togethers]
#BeCurious Curious? Find and follow new moods and get updated on new trends every day through our Discover feed!
#BeSocialTalk to new people or just invite your friends to talk over a quick mood you both love!
Get Machaao and Share a Mood today!
www.machaao.comwww.facebook.com/MachaaoP.S. Machaao is great fun with friends and family!


text:
Brion Gysin said "Writing is fifty years behind painting", as quoted by William Burroughs referring to the cut-up technique. Now that the BBC's Big Painting Challenge has begun, it's obvious that in this world, painting is 50 years behind Art.
But if you paint, you're an Artist, right? Or should we differentiate and just call them 'painters'? But aren't painters Artists? Yes. I was going to say 'in the old world' but Artists still paint, I believe, despite everyone else making videos, installations, performance and whatever else Artists do instead of getting their paws mucky with paint.
In The Big Painting Challenge painters are told to paint things and each week the worst one gets kicked off. Everyone must be judged these days. On TV anyhow. It's a winning formula....cake-makers...businesspeople...sewers (that's people who sew, not the methods by which waste is disposed of, although judging those might be next, or rather, sewage maintenance workers...to see who does the best job...and the worst get kicked off and told they're "full of shit!" - ha-ha. Sorry.)
TBPC is like watching paint dry, which is what you're doing, literally. People like watching amateurs perform. They even like watching people watching TV as in Gogglebox (Brit series in which we watch various people reacting to TV programmes...no, I'm not making this up). I think the participants should be shown watching themselves on Gogglebox...then the following week be shown that footage ad infinitum...a TV eternal reflection concept. What do you think?
Meanwhile, painting. It's cosy Sunday night TV, just like the other Sunday perennial, Antiques Roadshow. "These artistic ideas are bloody antiquated!" a sniffy hipster shouts at the telly. Not me. That's not me doing that. OK, it is, as I forget that at 6 0'clock on a Sunday evening no-one wants their ideas of painting, never mind Art, challenged. Future episodes are unknown to me, apart from this week's portraiture theme, but I doubt they'll be asked to 'do an abstract' in the future. That would be too modern. In this world of Sunday painters, collage would come across as the shock of the new.
I'm not knocking the amateur painters, honest. It's the idea of the show that's annoying. The idea that Art on TV must be this old-fashioned. The Great Art Challenge would be far more interesting...and challenging, for the viewers, at least. Imagine the complaints regarding what's 'not Art!'. It would be like the old days when a pile of bricks made tabloid news. Assuming, that is, people can still be shocked and baffled by Art after the success of Damien's shark. I suspect there's only room for one novelty superstArtist per generation, though, which means any other Not Art-ist upstarts would still upset Mr & Mrs People.
I do find the show entertaining. I would have bet that the guy in the hat was on his way out but instead it was the ex-graphic designer (I think that's what he did). The poor bugger was almost as bad as me at painting. Well, not that bad. Representational painting, I mean, although in my defence, when I paint it does represent something, I'm just not always sure what, exactly. And besides, the drawing skills that lead to 'proper' painting are passé, aren't they? I'm guessing students today are free from those shackles. Which is not to say they will make anything more worthwhile than a badly rendered castle.
Seeing what this week's 'reject' could do, I wonder what the general entry standard was like. Now that I'd love to see, like the X Factor auditions, only would-be painters instead. How did judges know that the worst efforts were not actually knowing post-modern statements regarding the worthlessness of Old Art techniques in the modern world?
It's not about Art, but I sense I'll be trying to watch every episode of The Big Painting Challenge. It's a win-win situation for viewers. They can marvel at even the worst efforts if they can't paint themselves and if they're contemporary-minded, they can feel smugly superior because they know that representational painting is old hat.


text: I picked out this catalogue solely down to the use of colour and layout. Using such a bold, vibrant yellow immediately attracts you to whats in front of your eyes, and takes away the effort of reading the information displayed. If i was to see this much text on a white background I'd be put off to read it because I don't find it at all visually interesting. I definitely need to experiment with brighter colours in my work!


text:
Barra brava
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)(Learn how and when to remove this template message)
Barra brava is a name for organized groups of supporters of football teams in Latin America. Their behavior is similar to European ultras and hooligan groups. It includes standing throughout the match, singing, and other enthusiastic behavior such as waving flags.[1]
The phenomenon originated in Argentina in the 1950s and spread throughout the Americas. Similar groups in Mexico are called porras and torcidas organizadas in Brazil. Barras bravas are common in Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Colombia and have spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.
Groups of Argentine fans that stood out for their fervour from the rest of supporters spontaneously began to appear during the 1920s. These groups were labeled Barras by the media; a term that is equivalent to the term gang in Argentina and Uruguay, but that in its original meaning, was used to describe an informal group of people without any relation to crime who meet regularly. One of those groups named La barra de la Goma ("The barra of the rubber"), was created in 1927. They supported the San Lorenzo de Almagro football club. The name comes from the rubber of bike inner tubes (filled with sand, and tied with wire at the ends) to attack rival fans. They would throw objects to their team's goalkeeper to bother him when he should intervene in the game.[clarification needed]
The actions of this group were limited to stadiums, during home matches, and they did not follow the team to other cities. They did not intend to provoke violence, as it arose spontaneously usually during games that were difficult for their team, as a way to influence the score through intimidation of rival players and referees with insults and blunt objects. Occasionally they entered the pitch (playing field) and assaulted opposing players. They intimidated rival fans who tried to bother players on their team. At the end of the same decade, a few newspapers described this group as "brave" (Spanish for fierce).
The Barras became a traditional part of the Argentine football crowds and evolved until, in the mid-1950s, they started to receive financing from the football clubs to attend away matches. Their goals expanded to include provoking violence against rival players and fans, repelling police and defending against attacks by rival supporters. They thus became the first organised, violent, football support groups.
Argentine journalist Amílcar Romero stated that, before the appearance of such groups, when a team played away, they were intimidated by rival fans. Barras bravas were a response to this pressure. Each club had its own barra brava, financed by the club. These groups were given tickets and paid travel to the stadiums. Access to these benefits was controlled by the group's leadership. To obtain prestige, the member had to be violent.
In Argentine football it was institutionalised that, if you played away, you were pressured inexorably. Although it was not about barras bravas as we know them today. Home fans pressured you and, police, if was not watching to another place, also pressured you. That had to be compensated with a theory that in the next decade (the 1950s) was rife: to every operating group with a Mystical Ability to produce violence, the only way to counter it is with another minority group, with as much or more mystique to produce violence.— Amílcar Romero.[2]
In 1958, media and society noted existence of this groups after riots during a match between Vélez Sarsfield and River Plate (at José Amalfitani stadium) at which 19-year-old Alberto Mario Linker, was killed by police (he was hit in the chest by a tear gas grenade) when cops tried to disperse River Plate fans who were causing unrest. Newspaper La Razón denominated River Plate's organised supporter group as a Barra Fuerte (strong gang), differentiating them for the first time from the traditional barras.
Barra brava appeared in Argentine media, in the 1960s, but became a popular term in the 1980s.
Argentina has the most dangerous organized fan groups in the world.[3][4] In 2013 all visiting fans were banned from matches.[5] Through August 2012 Argentine football has experienced 301 hooligan related deaths.[citation needed] Several such deaths and shootings were the result of rival factions within the same clubs.[citation needed]
These groups display and wave flags (that in Argentine football slang are called trapos -cloths-) and umbrellas (with team's colours), and use musical instruments such as bass drums and, since the mid-2000s, trumpets) to accompany their chants. They occupy terraces where viewers must stand. In all-seater stadiums (rare in Argentina and many other Latin American countries), barras bravas stand throughout the match.
The most characteristic flags are shaped like giant strips several meters in length (called trapos largos -long flags- or tirantes -suspenders-), that are deployed from the top of the terrace to the bottom. Barras bravas usually also have a flag with the name of the group.
Traditionally, many members stand upon the crush barriers (paravalanchas -avalanche-stoppers- in Argentine slang) that are placed in terraces to prevent crushing. They hold a "suspender" with one or both hands (this was the purpose to make this flags shaped like strips), or to the body of someone else who is fastened to the flag, or even some supporter who is standing below (on a step).
They start and coordinate every chant and wave the most important and big flags. Barras Bravas always are located in the center of the terrace that occupy.[6] When the group enters the terrace before the match, the center is traditionally left empty by the other fans (even if the terrace it is almost full), showing respect to the barra brava.
Originally these groups were not numerous, violent, or powerful. Over the years, this changed. In some cases the barra brava decided who would be the club's chairman. Since the 1980s and 1990s, hooliganism has grown and some groups engaged in illegal activities such as extorting money from club leadership, players, and hawkers that work at the stadium. They also may participate in drug sales and thefts. They often provide services to political and union leaders who hire them as agitator groups (during rallies and mass meetings, that in Argentina traditionally have people chanting like football crowds, playing drums and even shooting firecrackers), goon squads (clashing with supporters of other political parties, unions or police during demonstrations, protests, rallies and strikes), bodyguards, etc.
They are funded by club leadership, which may give salaries to some members or even a percentage of the profits. Usually they are responsible for stadium security during non-football events.
In Argentina, in the 2000s they faced violent disputes among some of members for control of the group. A large percentage of deaths related to football since that time were related to internal disputes within barras bravas. Some sell tickets on the black market for profit; a head of the River Plate barra had money equivalent to over 200,000 British pounds confiscated by the police in November 2018, leading perhaps to anti-Boca Juniors violence a day later.[7]
The size of the barras brava is generally related to the level of the club's popularity. However, some clubs have big supporter groups even they are not generally popular. This usually occurs when the club has, at least, a relatively high popularity in a neighborhood. Group sizes range from a few dozen to more than 1,000.
See also[edit]
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ultras.
- ^ "La Barra Brava: Why US football fans chant in Spanish – BBC News". BBC News. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- ^ "Las barras aparecen con la industrialización del fútbol" [Barras appears with industrialization of football]. Página/12. July 13, 2003.
- ^ Magallón, Enrique López (10 October 2007). "Los hooligans más peligrosos del mundo están en Argentina" [The most dangerous hooligans in the world are in Argentina]. Deutsche Welle. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ User, Super. "About Us". www.barra-brava.com. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
- ^ "Argentina bans football away fans". BBC News. 2013-06-12. Retrieved 2018-11-28.
- ^ Kelly, Annie (20 August 2011). "The barra bravas: the violent Argentinian gangs controlling football". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
- ^ https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46341666