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I made these delicious cupcakes for a friends birthday recently. Instead of using regular cupcake patties, I baked them in mini heart shaped tins to make them extra cute and fun!
What You Need:
255g (8oz) unsalted butter, softened
200g (7oz) caster sugar
115g (4oz) self-raising flour
115g (4oz) self-raising wholemeal flour
1 tsp baking powder
4 egs
3 tbsp ground almonds
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp peanut butter chips
4 tbsp plain chocolate chips
250g (9oz) mashed bananas
For the icing:
200g (7oz) cream cheese, softened
175g (6oz) icing sugar, sieved
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla essence
115g (4oz) mashed banana
Shaved chocolate / nuts to sprinkle on top
Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Place 24 paper baking cases in muffin / cupcake tins (or directly into mini shaped tins as you desire).
Combine the butter, sugar, flours, baking powder, eggs, almonds, vanilla and cinnamon in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk until smooth and pale, about 2 – 3 minutes. Stir in the peanut butter chips and mashed bananas. Spoon the batter into paper cases (or tins).
Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove the cupcakes and cool on a rack.
To make the icing, beat the cream cheese and icing sugar in a medium bowl with an electric whisk until smooth and light. Add the lemon juice, vanilla and mashed bananas. Beat until well combined. Spoon the icing over the cupcakes, finish with chocolate or nut shavings as desired.
If you have any questions, just leave a comment or send me an email :)


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|WHAT IS THIS? The CMU Daily - to which you are subscribed. Unsubscribe information is at the end.
NOTE: Make sure you 'enable images' to see this e-bulletin properly. CLICK HERE to read this online.
With the criminal investigation into phone hacking moving along at the speed of a number 73 bus on the Euston Road in rush hour, and the government's Leveson Inquiry on the issue so widely defined it's likely to achieve nothing, many have been hoping one of the civil actions in relation to the scandal would actually get a full court hearing.
But with News International handing there lawyers a multi-million pound pot of cash to buy off the litigious phone hacked celebrities and members of the public one by one (before the newspaper firm had even got round to admitting phone hacking was rife at its former Sunday tabloid), it seemed increasingly likely that the circumstances around the hacking scandal would never be exposed in the civil courts.
Even those c'lebs who insisted they were suing on a point of principle eventually took News International's dirty cash. Perhaps believing that the criminal justice and political systems now had the scandal covered, since the whole thing blew up big time last July, and maybe nervous about the private lives they were trying so hard to protect being aired in court, not the mention the legal bills that would be run up in the short term, perhaps it's understandable that even the more angry celebrities would take the easy way out.
But while a string of outstanding celebrity lawsuits were settled this week, legal reps for Charlotte Church and her parents have so far stood fast, and while that might be hardline negotiating tactics for a bigger pay out, you get the sense the Church family just want to see News International in court.
It's unclear whether the damages any court hearing will deliver will exceed the sums of money the newspaper firm is paying out voluntarily - as some of those settlements have been in the hundreds of thousands, probably not - but a court hearing will likely further tarnish the reputation of News International and, more importantly, it's parent company News Corp, the Murdoch family which control it, and all the news organisations within that empire.
Certainly News International's lawyers, having no out of court settlement with the Church family, tried every argument they could this week to have a court hearing delayed, but judge Geoffrey Vos was having none of it, telling the defendants "we're ready for trial". Preliminary hearings should begin later this month.
Church is one of the surprisingly few music types to have been pulled into the phone hacking scandal, and to give evidence to the government's Leveson Inquiry into press ethics, launched after the long simmering hacking story finally blew up last July, resulting in the dramatic closure of the tabloid at the heart of the scandal.
Church's motivation to hit back at the tabloid press that first hailed her as a child star, and then relished in dishing the dirt on the Church family as her fame grew, is particularly admirable, her key concerns being a string of stories about her parents' private lives that had a devastating effect on her mother's mental health. The singer reckons no less than 33 such stories in the News Of The World were based on illegal newsgathering.
News International now has mere weeks to persuade the Church family to settle before the court proceedings begin. Assuming it does go to court, a story which has only involved the music community on the peripheries so far, will become very much a pop courts affair.
Church isn't the only phone hacked celebrity still negotiating with News International. A handful of the first batch of phone hacking lawsuits are also yet to be settled, but technical issues mean they aren't ready for court. Meanwhile a whole load of new lawsuits - 50 in recent weeks, including one from James Blunt - have been filed, as the Metropolitan Police slowly alert other individuals seemingly hacked by the News Of The World. Several hundred more people could as yet file legal proceedings.
The majority of those cases will likely be settled out of court, though the conclusion of the Church case - should it be heard in court - would become highly relevant. While high profile litigants are rumoured to have received pay offs of hundreds of thousands from News International - and it's likely that's the sort of sum being offered to Church - the majority of lawsuits are being settled for tens of thousands. But if Church was to get six figures from the courts, that could set a precedent that would potentially multiply the cost of settlements for NI by ten.
As we wait to see if the Church case is the one that finally brings this whole scandal to court, the Leveson Inquiry rumbles on with its all-star list of celebrities, editors and journalists giving evidence. CMU Business Editor Chris Cooke recently gave his take on the Inquiry so far on PR website esPResso at this URL: www.espressoprnews.com/article/in-focus-some-leveson-thoughts/
The newish Warner chief, put in place last year by newish owner Access Industries, confirmed statements made by his predecessor Edgar Bronfman Jr, who said, on his last day as Warner Music's Chairman last month, that the major would fight both Universal's latest expansion bid and Sony/ATV's plans to buy EMI Publishing "tooth and nail".
Warner, of course, also wanted to buy the EMI record labels but was outbid by its bigger rival. Both the Universal and Sony/ATV deals are subject to regulator approval in the US and Europe, and Warner will lobby with the independent sector against approval being given.
Although Warner is now in private ownership, Cooper is still briefing City types on the music firm's financial performance for complicated bond-type reasons. He revealed that the major's revenues for the final quarter of 2011 were pretty much on par with the same period in 2010, which is considered good going in the context of the modern record industry. Core operating costs were down, though an increase in interest costs since the Access acquisition and the £3 million Warner spent unsuccessfully bidding for EMI meant overall losses were up.
Digital revenues being up 17% helped Warner slightly increase its revenues year on year but, Cooper said, he feared for the future of the emerging digital music sector if Universal gets the EMI labels and Sony/ATV the EMI music publishing catalogues, making the two biggest music companies in the world even bigger. According to CBS News, Cooper said that would "significantly impair" Warner's ability to compete, and would harm "consumers, industry employees, recording artists, songwriters ... and our emerging digital services".
It's expected that Universal and Sony/ATV's EMI bids will get the hardest time from European regulators, and the bidders' filings on that side are expected to be submitted imminently. It will be interesting to see what form Warner's opposition takes as the regulators go through the motions.
Coming up, winners. But first Radio 2 boss Bob Shennan with some words: "Folk music is enjoying a fantastic resurgence in popularity in the UK with a vibrant and varied scene. Tonight's event proves once again how important it is for Radio 2 to schedule our annual Folk Awards as well as our weekly folk show, and I'd like to congratulate all of the winners".
Folk Singer Of The Year: June Tabor
Best Album: June Tabor & Oysterband - Ragged Kingdom
Horizon Award: Lucy Ward
Produced by White himself, and featuring a brand new version of Jones' 2002 song 'Jezebel', the package will also include a big, brash and brassy cover of Howlin Wolf's blues standard 'Evil'. The latter also co-stars assorted members of The Raconteurs and My Morning Jacket, don't you know.
'Jezebel/Evil' is the latest product of Third Man's 'Blues Series', which last year issued a bizarre collaboration between US TV pundit Stephen Colbert and Insane Clown Posse.
Out on twelve-inch vinyl via Warp on 21 Feb, the remix roster on 'Dross Glop 2' will feature contributions from hip hop producer The Alchemist ('Futura'), rap collective Shabazz Palaces ('White Electric'), and British electro type Kode9 ('Africastle').
Stream Shabazz Palaces' immaculately good 'White Electric' redo here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwAHvNjrMUs
Says he: "I wanted to get away from the orchestration of my previous records and make a live album with two guitars, bass, drums and rocket noises".
She Brings The Sunlight
The band will pay a flying visit to London's XOYO on 21 Mar, before playing Manchester's Soup Kitchen the following day.
If you haven't yet done so, cast your eyes towards the brand new 'Gee Up' video here:
DEER SHED, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshite, 20-22 Jul: Deer Shed will this year house acts including Villagers, Cherry Ghost, Dutch Uncles, Beth Jeans Houghton And The Hooves Of Destiny and Treetop Flyers, with organisers promising to unveil further performers very soon. www.deerhshedfestival.com
LAST JUBILEE FESTIVAL, Bath Race Course, Bath, Somerset, 2-4 Jun: Held as the punk antithesis to the Queen's forthcoming Diamond Jubilee, this anarchic celebration of the 1977 Silver soiree has on its existing bill Buzzcocks, The Damned, Eddie And The Hot Rods, The Stranglers' Hugh Cornwell, and ex Sex Pistol Glen Matlock. The Selecter, Anti-Nowhere League, The Vibrators, Bad Manners and The Lurkers are also amongst those announced. www.lastjubilee.co.uk
NOVA FESTIVAL, Bignor Park, Pulborough, West Sussex, 5-8 Jul: Ghostpoet, Tune-Yards, Crazy P, Norman Jay and Jono McCleery are amongst the artists so far confirmed for the musical portion of this multi-arts fest, which has been created by some of the original Big Chill founders, including Katrina Larkin. Nova's inaugural programme will also feature lots of creative goings-on thanks to partnerships with The Roundhouse, Battersea Arts Centre and photographer Rankin's collective The Hunger. www.novafestival.co.uk
It's a partnership with Andre 3000 and LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy entitled 'DoYaThing', and is presented as part of Converse's running 'Three Artists. One Song' collaborations series, which has acts of diverse genres commune on one-off tracks.
As previously reported, Gorillaz's audiovisual Sound System associates will also appear live at London's Converse-supported 100 Club on 15 Feb. And lest we forget, Gorillaz have designed a range of four new Converse All Star sneakers, which is essentially the point of this entire venture.
'DoYaThing' will be available for free download at www.converse.com as of 23 Feb.
'Glee' actor and pop star Matthew Morrison has been named as 222's inaugural signing, and will release his second solo album through the new label in the spring.
Says Levine, who has named the label after his 222 clothing line and a numbered tattoo on his arm: "Starting my own label has been a long-time goal of mine, and I am thrilled to be at the point in my career where it is finally happening. Great things are in store for [Matthew] with this release".
Morrison also partakes in the label love-in: "Adam and I share the same vision as we begin working on my record together". How sweet.
This is an area the MU has been lobbying on for sometime, many musicians finding rules regarding taking instruments on flights - which currently vary from airline to airline - confusing and frustrating, and sometimes prohibitively expensive, with additional fees, where they are charged, sometimes only apparent when the musician arrives at the airport.
The confusion often covers both putting instruments in the hold and taking them on board as hand luggage (and for some musicians with instruments of high financial or emotional value, the prospect of having them stored in the hold is not especially attractive).
The MU agreed standards on the issue with the Department Of Transport in 2006 that would apply to flights under the UK jurisdiction, but those standards were merely guidelines, so many airlines still operate their own rules on this matter, some more consistently than others. In the US new laws force standards across the airline industry.
Calling for something similar in the UK, MU General Secretary John Smith told CMU: "We call on the UK government to consider introducing a similar act regarding instruments on planes as has just been passed in the US. Such a policy would make a huge difference to the lives of musicians, who often face a lottery when they fly with an instrument".
He stressed the biggest issue - over and above any fees musicians have to pay for the transit of their instruments - was the inconsistency on rules and fees.
He continued: "The main problem is the inconsistency between airports and airline staff. You might be allowed to take your instrument into the cabin with you at no extra cost, but then be charged an extortionate fee to put it into the hold on your return flight. This is particularly unfair given that most airlines allow sports equipment, such as skis, to travel for free. For a working musician, the fee can mean the difference between a concert or gig making or losing money - and that's without even counting the potential cost of a damaged instrument".
It would put the web giant more directly in competition with Apple, a once friendly rival of Google which has become a head-on competitor as both firms place more importance on their respective smartphone operating systems.
Amazon too, of course, is stepping up its efforts in the entertainment hardware space, so the launch of a Google device would escalate the battle between the three big players in online content, as well as pitching the web firm against more traditional entertainment device makers, many of which are now using Google's Android operating system.
It's thought a prototype of the device is already in production, and assumed that if and when it goes to market Google would hand the job over to Motorola, which it acquired last year but which has so far operated autonomously from its new owners.
Elsewhere in Google news, Broadcast reports that YouTube, which has been pumping its own money into original content for the first time in the last year via content partnership deals with media, brands and celebrities, is looking to launch 20 UK-specific channels, with £10 million set aside to make that happen.
Harrison briefly edited Q in 2000, and was involved with the title, along with Smash Hits and Mixmag, in his role as Editorial Director at the music mags' then publisher EMAP Performance from 2000-2002. He is also the former editor of Select, and has written over the years for the likes of Rolling Stone, The Observer, GQ and The Guardian, where he coined the phrase "landfill indie". Which is nice. He joins Q from The Word.
Announcing his appointment, Q's Publishing Director Rimi Atwal said: "Andrew's proven track record in magazine craft, coupled with his instinctive understanding of Q's eclectic audience and his long-standing passion for music, makes him the ideal choice as editor at an exciting stage of product development".
Harrison added: "I'm thrilled to be taking on the editorship of the world's greatest music magazine, and I'm looking forward to building on its unrivalled heritage of quality and character. Q is the gold standard of music journalism, and I'll be working hard with the team to burnish that reputation in the months to come".
Rees departure took many by surprise, he having been with the Bauer (previously EMAP) since 1991, working his way through the ranks at Kerrang! before becoming Q editor in 2002. Though that he is being replaced by an external appointment suggests Rees' exit has been anticipated for sometime internally.
Though this was the somewhat limp culmination of an afternoon's worth of hype and speculation stemming from this cryptic image - http://s13.postimage.org/55qir0vif/map.jpg - which circulated online and seemed to indicate that something 'Watch The Throne' related was taking place in the Shoreditch locale (actually, CMU HQ is in the middle of that photo, making us wonder if we'd accidentally invited Kanye and Jay round for tea and then forgotten to buy any biscuits).
As people speculated online as to what the cryptic message might mean, one of the more ironic rumours, as initiated by The Quietus, included that Kanye was set to perform at Chariots, the gay men's spa across the road from Shoreditch Station. Chariots then began trending on Twitter. Silly Twitter.
After all that, the station side screening was always going to be a bit of an anti-climax. All the more so given the video actually premiered online before the open-air preview began. And talking of said video being on YouTube, without any further fuss - bar a warning that it contains potentially hazardous flashing lights - here's the promo in question.
Maybe we should skip back a bit. Last year the original line-up of Black Sabbath announced that they were getting back together. It's not the first time they've done so, but previously they've only played live. This time, they announced, they would be recording a new album, the first featuring the original line-up for 33 years. Suddenly the get together was elevated above previous reunions, and had a much better PR angle.
When it was announced that Tony Iommi had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, the band insisted the reunion would go ahead, adding that they would shift recording sessions from LA to the UK, where Iommi was receiving treatment. And though the possibility of touring was now uncertain, they remained adamant that they would play their headline set at Download Festival as planned.
Which made Ward's statement all the more surprising. As far as anyone on the outside was concerned, the reunion was a done deal. But throughout all of this, Bill Ward was not even contracted to join in.
"At this time", he wrote last week, "I would love nothing more than to be able to proceed with the Black Sabbath album and tour. However, I am unable to continue unless a 'signable' contract is drawn up; a contract that reflects some dignity and respect toward me as an original member of the band ... Several days ago, after nearly a year of trying to negotiate, another 'unsignable' contract was handed to me".
Clearly this is not the sort of statement anyone puts out without thought. It was, presumably, an attempt to force the band's (or their management's) hand in the contract negotiations. Though it was a move that failed. The next day, the rest of the band issued their own statement, saying: "We were saddened to hear yesterday via Facebook that Bill declined publicly to participate in our current Black Sabbath plans. We have no choice but to continue recording without him although our door is always open".
Now, had they read Ward's statement properly, they would have seen that he had far from "declined publicly to participate" in the reunion. In fact, he said: "I am packed and ready to leave the US for England. More importantly, I definitely want to play on the album, and I definitely want to tour with Black Sabbath".
He also added, to defuse the obvious accusation, that he was not "holding out for a 'big piece' of the action (money) like some kind of blackmail deal", just that he felt he was not being given proper recognition for his role in the band.
Indeed, without Ward, the whole 'first album for 33 years' thing was kind of out of the window. It may be that the "door is always open", but will Ward want to take part now that the rest of the band have called his bluff? Is the reunion worth its salt without him? Clearly the rest of the band see him as an expendable member of the line-up, though many fans disagree.
What harm this will ultimately do the reunion, whether or not Ward rejoins, remains to be seen. If nothing else, such inter-band bickering highlights that they might not be doing the reunion thing just for the joy of being four old mates back together again, or just for the fans, but rather what's in the fans' wallets.
Whatever, most shockingly of all, yesterday afternoon Bill Ward's personal Facebook page was removed from the list of pages 'liked' by the official Black Sabbath page. Oh, the humanity.

subset: commoncrawl


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Good Governance and Better Regulation in the Information Age: http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/regulating-code
Thursday, 3 January 2013
ITU DPI Threat to Freedom of Expression
Herdict Blog » Blog Archive » DPI Threat to Freedom of Expression: "The ITU's non-public development of a DPI standard is alarming given that the ITU is providing a standard for a technology that can and has been used for extensive fine-grained censorship and surveillance. Moreover, it is doing so without any accompanying discussion of how to preserve internet freedom. Perhaps this is unsurprising given how several countries recently tried to use the ITU as a vehicle for increasing filtering and government control of the Internet. Although these proposals were not implemented, it seems that the ITU may still be a vehicle for standardizing censorship through other means." 'via Blog this'
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text: Malaysia triumph in football five-a-side 08 December 2015 , By Simon Evans Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Despite scoring, Thailand could not overcome Malaysia in the Football 5-a-side final, losing 1-2 and had to settle for silver. Photo: Flona Hakim / SAPGOC Malaysia were crowned gold medal champions in the ASEAN Para Games five-a-side football competition on Tuesday after defeating defending champions Thailand in the final game of the group. The Malaysians were worthy champions in the competition for blind footballers which took place at the Marina Bay Sands Hall B. With the exciting 2-1 win, the Malaysians ended their campaign on top of the four-team group on seven points while Thailand finished a point behind. Ahmad Fikri grabbed the winner for Malaysia with a fine solo goal after Thailand's Kittikorn Baodee had cancelled out Mohamed Zamha's opener. Thailand had a chance to level things up near the end when they were awarded a penalty but Panyawaut Kupan was unable to convert. "We've developed the game since 2009 and we lost to Thailand in 2014. This joy is so meaningful," said Malaysian coach Shalesh Manickavasagam. Vietnam took the bronze medal after their 2-0 victory over hosts Singapore earlier in the day put them in third spot. The final day of Badminton action at the OCBC Arena Hall 2 concluded with Indonesia confirming their prowess on the court - they claimed a total of eight gold medals and 19 medals in total in the sport throughout the APG. There was a win for Indonesia in the women's singles SL4 with Leani Ratri Oktila taking gold and the men's pair of Dwiyoko and Fredy Setiawan won the men's doubles SL3/4. Both those events were all-Indonesian finals. Later in the mixed doubles Oktila and Setiawan teamed-up to win gold against the Thai pair of Seangsupa and Saengarayakul. Earlier in the day, Ukun Rukaendi won the men's singles SL3 for Indonesia. A memorable week in the OCBC Aquatic Arena came to an end with 17-year-old Thai starlet Anchaya Kekeaw making it seven golds out of seven races with victory in the women's 200 metres individual medley SM9. Vietnam ended with the best record in the pool with 19 gold medals - the final one being claimed by Vo Thanh Tung in the men's 50 metres S5 backstroke. Wednesday will see Thailand face Malaysia in the men's Goalball final after they won their respective semi-finals. Thailand beat Lao PDR 13-3 while Malaysia won a thrilling encounter with Indonesia 17-12. The table tennis action wrapped up on Tuesday with Thailand and Indonesia having dominated the medals. The Thais finished with 17 golds and 38 medals overall while Indonesia had the same overall haul but were two behind in golds. Wednesday sees a number of finals in team sports - Thailand and Malaysia clash in the final of the men's wheelchair basketball while in CP Football Myanmar take on the Thais. Thailand head the medal standings going into the final day of the Games.


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Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
The other day, a buddy of mine who has been blogging since 1997, wrote a piece about the inappropriateness of the Editor-in-Chief of our local paper beginning an editorial with a swear word.
My comment was: "How are we going to give the youth lessons when the grown-ups are caught in perpetual adolescence?"
When Wrong is Right and Right is Wrong
But, as it turns out in this topsy-turvy world, and as I have been reminded several times this week, there are actually some people who believe that children do not need instruction, shaping or guidance! In fact, far from needing our help and instruction, it is actually we who need to be taught and instructed by them!
Enter–whoever on earth Dr. Naomi Aldort is…
We truly are living in a world that is operating completely upside down and off the rails from what should be and from what traditionally has always worked.
The foundation of every society is the family unit. Destroy the fabric of the family and the society's fall is not far behind. I believe one of the ways this is happening is through precisely the advice offered by Aldort who probably got her cues from Dr. Benjamin Spock who's book "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care", promoted such ideas as child demand nursing schedules, delayed toilet training, freedom from punishment, and the promotion of self-esteem as the highest attainable virtue. This psychotic and I would argue satanic approach to raising kids has, in my opinion, helped cause a generation of adults to be depressed, suicidal, violent, and drug-addled. Precisely the things the Self Esteem Movement's approach were supposed to prevent.
Why? Because God knows that children need and actually desire healthy boundaries and limits. When they do not sense or see them, they misbehave in order to force the parent to take control and establish them. Well, in the 50 years since Dr. Spock's advisement, behavioral scientists have discovered that a child that is indulged and not given clear limits, instruction or appropriate punishment is more likely to become a dependent, anxious, neurotic adult, lacking self-control.
The Bible says in Isaiah 5:20:
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
In fact, in every facet of society, the foundations are being torn down while new ones are being erected. This is perceivable particularly with modern parenting philosophies which contravene God's instructions laid out in the Bible.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6: 5-9 and again later in the chapter:
In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?" tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the Lord sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.
According to God's word–the Bible, teaching and shaping children is not only correct, it is not optional.
In fact, an entire Book of the Bible–the Book of Proverbs, is given over entirely to a consideration of parental guidance and instruction to youths.
This week, in the same vein as above, someone named Shayna Tovah, associated with some homeschooling group said:
"Humans do not need to be taught. They need to be given the opportunity to explore and discover their true nature. For those new parents who are joining this movement.. go for it! It is well worth the effort."
Excuse me?! If humans do not need to be taught, why are you involved with a homeschooling organization?? Why should there be homeschooling or any schooling for that matter, if children, or more broadly, humans, do not need to be taught?! Why do we build libraries in order to pass along accumulated knowledge to the next generation or place a premium on education??
"their true nature"
The Bible, in Jeremiah 17:9 has this to say concerning our true nature:
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Therefore, she is commenting on matters of which she does not possess a fraction of an understanding.
Education Implies an Imposed Moral
My belief is that this attack against Biblical guidelines and traditional parenting stems from the fact that any instruction or educational setting, in itself, implies a morality be followed. The very reason that an instructor has authority to teach and the pupil has an expectation to pay attention and learn, while being orderly and respectful implies morality.
Do children need instruction, guidance and shaping, or was that just for Grandpa?
Obviously, humans, especially children, do need to be taught and shaped, and you do not need the Bible to figure that out.
My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. …


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- rice
- goat cheese
- vegetable broth
- Mushrooms
- spring garlic
- Ghee
cooking instructions
- Clean and chop the green garlic
- Wash the mushrooms with plenty of water, making sure that are clean. Then cut them into medium slices.
- Heat the butter and saute the garlic until golden brown
- Add the mushrooms. Stir the mixture until they are almost done, season and, if desired, add a splash of white wine and cook until reduced.
- Heat the vegetable broth together with water. We need triple the amount of liquid than rice.
- Pour the rice into the vegetable mixture and stir for a few seconds before adding the broth.
- Start to pour the broth: initially pour one third of the broth, stirring, monitoring the clock and slowly adding the broth for the next 16-18 minutes.
- 2 minutes before it is done, add the goat cheese grated or chopped, stir well.
- You want a rice that is tender.


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Home » Finland Vacations » Finland Travel Tips
Finland Travel Tips
Finland travel tips on money saving, personal safety, sightseeing, and enjoying your trip to the fullest from InfoHub suppliers and community members.
Gratuity & Service Charge Tips
Submitted by M08364Hotel and restaurant service charges are included in tour prices where indicated. End of trip gratuities to the tour escort and driver are left to the discretion of each tour participant. Tipping in service establishments is not a widespread custom in Scandinavia as service charges are normally included in the bill, but the tipping of small amounts to service personnel is becoming more prevalent.
Meal Tips
Submitted by M08364Scandinavian breakfasts are included in all hotel rates and tours and are normally served buffet style. Choices of cereals, eggs, cold cuts, cheese, breads, juices, coffee, tea are the norm. When lunch/dinner is included in the itinerary, it is normally a three course meal with a choice of two different entrees or served buffet style. Side orders and beverages are not normally included.


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Home > About us > How Cefic is organised > Colette Alma-Zeestraten
A great part of her career, Colette Alma worked for Shell. From 1981 onwards sheworked at the Royal Shell Laboratory in Amsterdam, Shell Chemicals Netherlands,NAM, Shell Research and Technology Centre Amsterdam and Shell Netherlands,where she worked in areas like R&D, Planning, Environmental management, Qualitymanagement, Organisational development, Training and Public Affairs.From 2000 until 2004 she was director of NIDO (National Initiative SustainableDevelopment).
In September 2004 Colette Alma started as general manager at the VNCI (Associationof the Dutch Chemical Industry). She also represents the VNCI in several boards ofnational and international associations and organisations in the field of the chemicalindustry.
Getting responsible chemicals management recognised throughout the entire supply chain of the chemical industry under a "proportionate framework"
» Learn more about Regulatory Framework
The 2018 Cefic European Facts & Figures provides an analysis of the latest competitive trends in the European chemical industry.
» Learn more about Facts and Figures
The Responsible Care ethic helps chemical companies to operate safely, profitably and with due care.
» Learn more about Responsible Care
Copyright 2019


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The Federal High Court Abuja has ordered the DSS to immediately release the director of the Indigenous People of Biafra and director of Biafran radio, Nnamdi Kanu. Justice Niyi Ademola at a hearing of a case filed against the Federal government by his lawyer this morning, said Kanu was being held unlawfully by DSS and should be freed immediately.
Only yesterday the Magistrate court in Wuse zone 2, Abuja, dropped all charges of criminal conspiracy, intimidation and leading an unlawful society brought against Kanu by the federal government after the DSS appealed to the court to strike out his case so he can be taken to a higher court that can entertain charges bordering on terrorism.


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This may be a unique and strange phenomenon in the Mediterranean: an island that escaped the dreaded tourist masses and happily has entered the XXI century untouched and unmoved by port expansions, shopping marinas and traffic gluts in her sinous and scarce roads.
Pantelleria is not a recognizable beauty spot and does not compete in glamour with any of her more popular siblings of Southern Italy. She stands alone, volcanic and abrupt in the middle of the Straits of Sicily and equidistant from the Tunisian and the Sicilian coastlines. A throwback to a nostalgic past or a harbinger of new Gaia philosophies? In the latter case, the miracle occurred without too much ideological baggage. Culture here is too old and the present inhabitants may not have heard of a militant love for the soil.
There is an insolent beauty, an old and majestic glimmer in her waters and a serene aura in any of her corners. The terraced fields of tomatoes and capers, the rustic architecture of the damuso and the dark and rocky shores subjugate the chance visitor. Panteleria enters the soul and stays there.
Giorgio Armani, Ricardo Mutti, the photographer Fabrizio Ferri and his ballerina wife, Alessandra, are among the famed residents of this singular place. Carole Bouquet , the French actress, produces the local passito wine and olive oil.
The austere topography of the island enshrines much of that raw beauty that does not belong to the post card kind. It also hides other precious things. Like an evening at the moorish patio of Zubebi, a discreet resort, sipping a glass of Sicilian Maurigi wine and tasting their luscious "fritto misto". Then, you realize a share of paradise can drop on your lap during your earthly existence.


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Just before the end of the first act of The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), actor CJ Bergin plopped down on the front of the stage and spoke directly to my literature-loving parenting heart. I'm paraphrasing here, but young-ish CJ said it was easy for him to recall the gloomy days of classroom entrapment while being forced to read Shakespeare.
Not a half-hour earlier, during the drive to the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, I had assured one daughter who had just slogged through Julius Caesar in sophomore English, that this would be different. The eye-roll was strong, but having seen a similar (abridged production) at the Modllin Center years ago, I knew we were in for some serious laughs.
This Shakespeare mash-up from Quill Theatre is showing at the Cultural Arts Center through February 12. That means you have two more weekends to talk your kids into seeing this production so they can a) actually laugh so hard they cry while watching Shakespeare, and b) gleefully report to their middle school or high school English teachers that they not only saw Shakespeare, but that it was awesome.
During the production, which runs about two hours including a 10-minute intermission, three actors portray an infinite number of roles while careening though the Bard's slate of tragedies and comedies. To his credit, the aforementioned CJ Bergin wears an infinite number of bad wigs really well in his roles of Ophelia, Juliet, Desdemona, Cleopatra, and others. Virginia Rep veterans Dixon Cashwell and Joseph Bromfield complete this trio of superbly talented improvisational specialists. I did want to stay for the talk-back and ask them if they considered themselves improvisational specialists, but alas we had an indoor soccer game. (Bergin is a regular at Richmond Comedy Sportz.)
The beauty of this mad-cap, high-speed roller coaster ride through Shakespeare is two-fold: it moves so quickly, you don't have even a minute to fathom what you don't know about the individual play before you're smacked in the face with the next one; and the audience participation is so well-crafted and fast-paced that you (and yes, your kids) are allowed no time whatsoever for embarrassment.
The first act covers the comedies (in one fell swoop) and all the tragedies, except Hamlet, which is saved for an exclusive treatment in act two. Our favorite skits (although that word might seem a little basic to describe the scenarios, they really are skits expertly woven together) were the Titus Andronicus cooking show, the Othello honky rap, the Shakespeare kings playing football (including the ejection King Lear received for being the only fictional king on the field), and the backwards presentation of Hamlet.
With veterans like Maggie Roop directing, James Ricks production managing, and Catherine Dent as stage manager, it's no wonder the show went off without a hitch. A special shout-out goes to costume designer Anna Bialkowski, as it must have been a challenge to get these actors in and out of costumes as they flew by backstage.
The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) is showing at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen through February 12. It's very funny, a little salty, and we decided, best-suited for thirteen and up due to some adult language and themes (conveniently, this is also about the time most kids are first forced to read Shakespeare in school). As a parent, I have to say it is completely worth the time and financial investment, if only to hear your child admit she enjoyed seeing Shakespeare on stage. Go HERE for showtimes and tickets.


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Drum roll please....
Comment #13
"Oh and I forgot to mention I am a follower of your blog"
You have won an AMAZING prize from the gorgeous
"Vintage Kid"
Some divine Winter Pyjamas!
Please send me a message via Facebook to claim your prize!!!
Thank you to everyone who entered and most of all
thank you to the very generous Bernice from "Vintage Kid" for this fabulous prize!!
"My Pigeon Pair" have a full week this week, starting today the relatives are flying in for Little Miss A's 1st Birthday!!!
The blog also has an exciting announcement later in the week!
Stay tuned.....


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Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes (includes 1 hour chilling time)
Yield: 16-20 bars
For the crust
1 cup butter, melted (2 sticks)
3 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup Smooth Operator peanut butter
For the topping
1 large jar of marshmallow fluff
1 (12.5-ounce) bag of chocolate chips
3 tablespoons shortening
1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Microwave the butter until melted.
3. In a bowl, combine the butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour this mixture into the baking pan. Pack it down firmly with a spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Spread the marshmallow fluff over the crust. The easiest way to do this is to first heat the marshmallow fluff in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Then dip the spatula into a glass of hot water and use that to spread the fluff. Re-dip as needed to prevent the fluff from sticking to the spatula.
6. Heat the chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the chocolate until all the chips are melted.
7. Pour the chocolate over the marshmallow fluff, using a spatula to evenly spread the chocolate.
8. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
9. Once the bars are set, remove them from the pan using the tin foil and cut into squares. I recommend dipping a large knife into a bowl of warm water to prevent the marshmallow fluff from sticking to the knife. Re-dip as needed.
10. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What other kinds of no-bake treats would you like to see us make?
Leave a comment below with your answer to enter for a chance at winning a jar of of Smooth Operator, the peanut butter used in this recipe.
– The giveaway is open to USA residents only and will run until Thursday, June 25th, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST.
– One entry per person.
– Winner(s) will be generated via a random number generator and notified via the contact email provided on the comment form.
– Winner(s) will have until 7/2/15 to claim their prize or we will choose another winner.
– Winner will win one jar of Smooth Operator peanut butter. Product will be shipped by Peanut Butter & Co.
– No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age to enter. See Official Giveaway Rules.
Tags: Chocolate, Dessert, No Bake, Peanut butter, Peanut Butter & Co., recipe, s'mores, Smooth Operator, Snack, Summer, Sweet, Sweets, Treats
17 Responses to No Bake Peanut Butter S'mores
I would love to see some kind of white chocolate oatmeal cookies or bars!
It would be delicious to try a No-Bake Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Dessert! 🙂
I would like a no-bake cheesecake.
My brother used to make something he called Donkey Drops with oatmeal, chocolate and peanut butter that was no bake.
a now bake raw brownie recipe
something with coconut, chocolate, maybe chopped nuts..
I love to try no bake breakfast cookies/bites.
Fruit Parfaits
Could you do a breakfast or a smoothie/shake?
These bars look delicious! How about a crispy treat jazzed up with peanut butter.
a peanut butter "dirt cup" would be good!
No bake cookies or dark chocolate peanut butter bars
I love the cinnamon raisin peanut butter so I was thinking oatmeal cookies!! Yummy!!
I would love to see ideas for peanut butter used in savory dishes. Peanut butter goes surprisingly well with chicken.
I have a great recipe that uses an oriental style peanut butter sauce to marinate skewered chicken in. My husband loves it so much he puts it on another recipe I have for cashew chicken. It has become a favorite, and I would love more ideas for savory dishes.
Puppy chow! (Chocolate and peanut butter cereal, also called muddy buddies!)
How about no bake peanut butter granola bars!
Peanut butter fudge! Maybe with white chocolate wonderful.


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The Chiltern Hills are an area of outstanding natural beauty stretching from Hitchin in north Hertfordshire to Goring-on-Thames in south Oxfordshire. The area is bounded on the south by the river Thames. The countryside is renowned for its sweeping chalk grasslands and wild flowers, its magnificent beech-woods, sparkling chalk streams, deeply wooded valleys, and quiet lanes ideal for cycling.
The Chiltern Society cycling group, mainly retired, cycle during the week along the many quiet roads and bridleways in the Chilterns. They have over 50 current members of their 'Easy-Rider' Thursday group as well as over 20 members for the speedier Monday 'Road' group and the Tuesday 'Off-Road' group.
"We are a disparate mix of Lawyers, Doctors, Surgeons, Engineers, Housewives and Wood-turners but we enjoy each other's company and most of all cycling in the beautiful Chiltern Hills."
They normally cycle from 10.30 to 1pm and then stop for lunch at a local pub – they have built up an impressive list of preferred eating places in the Chilterns. The Easy Riders normally cycle between 20-25 miles before lunch where they sort out all the current affairs of the world.
Go to their website for more information


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The Scottish referendum saw a level of political participation unrivalled in recent years. The population was energised not just in Scotland but throughout the United Kingdom and it has sparked an unanticipated constitutional debate.
The West Lothian question asks why English MP's should tolerate Scottish MP's voting on English issues while they have no say on the same matters in Scotland. It is a historic question that dates back to the first Irish Home Rule bill in 1886 when William Gladstone argued:
"If Ireland is to have domestic legislation for Irish affairs they cannot come here for English or Scottish affairs."
The same logic was not applied to Scotland and, in a constitutional sense, England has been under-represented ever since the devolution bills of 1997. The West Lothian question is no longer a question, it is an ignored reality. In the wake of a referendum deciding Scotland's future, attention has shifted towards England.
There is one fundamental problem. The West Lothian question is easy to ask but it is another matter entirely to answer it. A separate English parliament seems unlikely due to the additional cost and bureaucracy yet change, it seems, is on its way and so is heated debate. The three main parties are already bickering about reform despite weeks of apparent unity during the referendum campaign.
Federalism is one option. We could devolve powers to regional assemblies to vote on local issues, thereby answering the West Lothian question. The electorate could also vote for MPs to sit in the Westminster parliament in the same way that the Scottish are represented by MSPs and MPs. There are many options and the preferred system can be debated and perfected with time. The fact that we are having this debate at all is the important thing.
Alex Salmond, despite his obvious disappointment, gracefully accepted Scotland's decision to reject independence. He is a divisive figure and will continue to be so as he looks to hold Westminster to its promises. However, as Tony Blair once said: "when you decide you divide and that's just the way of it." Salmond decided. It wouldn't be surprising if he goes down in history for engineering more change than even he suspects.
The Scottish referendum campaign has prompted the British electorate to ask questions that have long been ignored. Constitutional change is overdue but it is on its way and in this climate of reform perhaps we can finally review the state of The House of Lords too. Whatever the outcome, it is wonderful to see these questions finally being raised and fascinating to anticipate the results. We are on the cusp of witnessing historic change. Thank you Alex Salmond, thank you Scotland.


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It is satisfying for American pilots to look across the Atlantic Ocean at the cost of flying in England. Consider the experience of Martyn Draper, who was born in England but got his certificate in the United States where he now lives and flies.
Draper returned to the United Kingdom a few years ago for a vacation and got a shock. It cost him $13 to land at Headcorn Aerodrome, a grass field with no facilities. When he returned to Lydd Airport 18 miles away, he got a bill for $260 for the Cessna 172 and instructor he'd hired for eight-tenths of an hour.
There are landing fees, touch-and-go fees, and fees to practice an instrument approach. Draper discovered it would have cost him more than $700 to do six instrument approaches for 2.5 hours with an instructor in a Cessna 172.
Then there are the rules. To taxi the aircraft from its parking spot to a fuel pump, Draper was required to radio the flight school's front desk for permission. He couldn't walk out of the FBO to fly an airplane without wearing a safety vest, although it wasn't needed for preflight. When flying overhead or near a nontowered airport, he had to report how many souls were on board as part of his position transmission.
Draper's experience came six years ago. In December 2010 at the Biggin Hill School of Flying near London, a Cessna 172 without a glass cockpit rents for $164 an hour, but there is a VAT (value added tax) of $36, a full-stop landing fee of $36.84, and a "per-circuit" fee (touch-and-go) of $12.21. In addition, the fuel surcharge for nonstudents is $19.59 per hour (fuel is $9.75 per gallon). The total hourly cost including one touch and go is $268.64.
An ILS approach at Biggin carries a fee of $78, so to make an approach and actually land the cost is $114.84. Biggin Hill School of Flying instructors take their students to a less expensive airport and practice ILS approaches for $25.75 per approach. To British pilots, America is still a bargain.
Agreement has been reached by parent company Teledyne Technologies on a proposed sale of Continental Motors and Mattituck Services to Technify Motor, a unit of the AVIC International Holding Company of China. AVIC had $6 billion in sales in 2009 and has substantial business operations in aviation.
The company is to be sold for $186 million in cash. The 80-year-old company is to retain its service centers in Fairhope, Alabama, and Mattituck, New York. The sale is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011. It must be approved by the Chinese government, and must receive clearance in the United States under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. It must also be approved by the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
If the sale is completed, Continental Motors will remain in Mobile, Alabama, and retain current senior management. The proposed owner has pledged to continue investing in technology development, including diesel engines.
AVIC is a partner and supplier to Boeing, Airbus, Honeywell, and engine manufacturer Snecma. The purchase promises entry into the potential China market. There are 230,000 general aviation aircraft in the United States; China has as yet only 900 small aircraft. That market is expected to grow over the next decade.
Continental produced its first commercial engine in 1929. There are several foreign companies operating factories in Mobile, including Germany (ThyssenKrupp's steel mill and Evonik Degussa's chemical plant), Australia (Austal USA shipbuilding) and Singapore (ST Aerospace Mobile). The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company has Airbus engineering centers in the Mobile area.
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, has opened a normobaric "altitude chamber" that's open to the public. The High Altitude Lab doesn't reduce air pressure like a hypobaric version does. Instead, it simply removes oxygen from the air to simulate the lack of oxygen at altitude. Participants will feel the effects of hypoxia and see its effects on others. Since the lab does not reduce pressure, participants do not experience trapped gases or decompression sickness ("the bends") as with traditional altitude chambers. Of course, the downside to this method is the inability to simulate a rapid decompression that could occur in pressurized airplanes. This course offers an excellent opportunity to experience hypoxia symptoms in a safe, controlled environment employing airline-style oxygen masks for recovery. However, it does not satisfy the FAR 61.31(g) high-altitude signoff, which requires tasks in a flight simulator or flight-training device.
While air machines extract oxygen from the lab enclosure, students are given cognitive, motor, and flight-related tasks to perform while noting the onset of hypoxic symptoms. There is also a Frasca flight simulator in the lab that replicates a Cessna 172 with a Garmin G1000 cockpit. Besides the lab portion, the four-hour course provides instruction in flight physiology similar to the military programs. ERAU says it is coordinating with the local flight standards district office to allow pilots to receive credit toward the FAA's Wings program.
Cost of the program is $375 per student, and the lab can seat up to eight. Candidates must be 18 years or older and hold an FAA medical certificate. Contact Assistant Professor Glenn Harmon or call 386-226-6843. —Pete Bedell
Dr. David B. Nichols discovered his mission early in life. As a young medical student in Canada, Nichols visited his parents who had moved to Virginia and toured Tangier Island, located 10 miles off the state's coastline in the Chesapeake Bay. While there, Nichols learned that the remote island had no reliable medical care. From that moment, he decided to earn a medical degree so that he could provide care to people who lived on the island. He completed his residency in Virginia and earned his pilot certificate so that he could fly to the island to provide care. For more than three decades, he faithfully flew a Cessna Skylane or Robinson R44 to the island nearly every Thursday.
AOPA turned to him for assistance in its General Aviation Serves America campaign, and he helped film a commercial about the important role small airports play in helping him provide medical care on the island. He was the focus of an article and accompanying video in the September 2009 issue of AOPA Pilot.
Nichols, 62, died in his Virginia home December 30 after a battle with cancer.
Last June, Nichols was featured on National Public Radio. Soon after the feature aired, the unexpected news of his terminal illness was announced. Then, the well-deserved recognition came pouring in. He was highlighted on NBC Nightly News "Making a Difference" and recognized by local, state, and national dignitaries and aviation associations during the clinic's opening ceremony. He also was honored with the first "Country Doctor of the Decade" award.
AOPA presented Nichols with a Presidential Citation for the use of general aviation in his humanitarian efforts.
Nichols had a plan for a state-of-the-art medical clinic to be built on the island—the rundown 50-year-old clinic he had been practicing in for 30 years just wouldn't do any longer, he decided. For five years, Nichols, his friend Jimmie Carter, and the Tangier Island Health Foundation worked to raise $1.7 million to build a clinic. The David B. Nichols Health Center opened in August, just a few months after Nichols was diagnosed with the terminal disease.
"Dr. Nichols' generosity, selflessness, and dedication to the people of Tangier Island were nothing short of extraordinary," said AOPA President Craig Fuller. "He used his skills as both a physician and a pilot to their highest purpose, and his life will continue to be an inspiration to all of us in the aviation community."
Nichols, who knew his time with the island residents was running short, reassured the Tangier community of his love and dedication during a bittersweet speech August 29 at the clinic's grand opening.
"While I will leave you in body, I will never leave you in spirit," he said in his closing remarks. "I will keep an eye on you." —Alyssa J. Miller
Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBC) has acquired the first test aircraft and initiated design engineering on its $2.24 million high-performance upgrade for Hawker 400XP and Beechjet 400A aircraft.
"Based on strong customer interest, we are speeding up the pace of the 400XPR development," said Christi Tannahill, HBC vice president for customer support. "Our design and engineering team is already modeling and evaluating winglet shapes and other aerodynamic improvements, along with preliminary powerplant considerations. The market is ready for a factory designed and supported performance enhancement of this proven light jet."
The Hawker 400XPR, which is expected to receive certification in 2012, will offer improved range and runway performance while reducing noise and emissions. The existing Pratt and Whitney JT15D-5 engines will be replaced with new, more fuel-efficient Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines. The upgrade also an optional flight deck with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics.
Plastek offers an inexpensive EZClear Instrument Cleaner kit for cleaning glass cockpit screens and instruments, although you probably don't fingerprint your instruments as often as the glass cockpit screens.
As tested by AOPA staff, it works well. You tear open one of three airtight "wet packs" containing a moist paper towel soaked with cleaner that meets Garmin pilot guide specifications for cleaning. That means it contains no ammonia and will not damage antireflective screen coatings. The company has taken care to assure it is not too wet and not too dry.
Moistening the screen once is followed by immediately drying the screen with a provided green polishing cloth. We found that one application of cleaner was enough, followed by one pass with the polishing cloth, to remove greasy fingerprint smears. The directions caution that if the instruments or screens are hot, such as just after a flight or in flight, or in the sun, the solution will dry too quickly and leaves spots. Wait until they are cool. After the initial application, customers report that just the use of the polishing cloth seems to take care of future finger smears for weeks, according to Plastek President Christy Hiller, who uses the product in her family's Bonanza.
The kit costs $12.95 and includes three sealed moist towels. To learn more, visit the website (www.plastekllc.com), order from Aircraft Spruce, or call 888/252-5327 and order directly. —Ian J. Twombly
Test yourself with these aviation quiz questions
By AOPA Pilot staff
Let's say you love flying but you experience airsickness that you don't think you can get over. The National Dizzy and Balance Center in Edina, Minnesota, thinks it has the solution.
The center runs a two-day evaluation and treatment program for pilots specifically to combat the symptoms of airsickness. By desensitizing patients to the outside visual cues, the center says it can treat airsickness with a very high degree of success.
As of now, only pilots and student pilots are allowed to participate in the program, but the center does offer other avenues for passengers. Visit www.stopdizziness.com for more information. —Ian J. Twombly
Do you have suggestions for aviation quiz questions that will stump other pilots? Send your questions (and answers) to [email protected].


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Now, on to the Halloween fun!!! We had our annual Halloween Bash at our house last night! I was extremely STRESSED trying to get everything ready for the party in ONE DAY (we travelled 6 hours away to WV for the funeral services) , but I got it done & everyone had a spook-tacular time!
We had 8 little ghosts & goblins & lots of adult spooks as our guests! We had a make-your-own chili bar, chicken nuggets for the little ones, and a ton of sweets & treats! The highlight of the evening was a moonlit & chilly hayride around our neighborhood!
Here's my Lil' Pumpkin dressed as Thomas & all ready for our guests.
{Treats Table}
For the Treats Table, I covered my buffet table with cute Halloween fabric & the backdrop fabric was black and sparkly! I made or enhanced all of my serving dishes except the cupcake stand. My favorite is the black & white polka dot candy dish (I followed the i heart naptime's tutorial). For my two trays, I bought round gold trays for $1.25 each at the Target Dollar Spot & spray-painted them black. I used my Dollar Tree apothecary jars for the rest of my treats!
{Owl Smores}Remember the post I did about these cuties ~ they were a hoot!
{closeup of the candy dishes: candy corn & Hershey's Minis added festive flair}
{Spirit Pops}I made white chocolate ghost-shaped suckers following a tutorial on Martha Stewart's Halloween TV special. (Sadly, there were 11 ghost casualties as I tried to peel them off the wax paper before I figured out how to do it.) I anchored them in one of my jars full of candy corn kisses.
{my cheater cupcakes}I recently saw a party designed by Amanda of Shindig Parties to Go. She suggested using store-bought, pre-packaged goodies & dressing them up, so that's exactly what I did. It turned out great because I wouldn't have had time to make lots of treats anyway! For my cupcakes, I bought chocolate & orange Hostess Cupcakes, added my cupcake wrappers & toppers (on black coffee stirrers). I tied black tulle to my cupcake stand, added my cupcakes, and voila, DONE!!!
{Spook-eos & Baby Spider Cakes}I bought vanilla Oreo Cakesters, rolled them in sprinkles, and stuck sugared owls on top with a bit of icing. I also bought 100 Calorie Pack Brownie Bites and added sugared spiders to the top of them. I displayed them on my black tray with a scrapbook paper placemat underneath (looks kinda like a spiderweb, don't you think?)
{Chilling Chili in a Cauldron}For the dinner buffet, I draped my countertop with a cute orange & white ghost tablecloth. I set my crock pot inside a plastic cauldron and my hubby drilled a hole in the back for the cord. I used my chalkboard frame for a cute sign.
{Bewitching Beverages}The kiddos loved the pumpkin straws (from Dollar Tree). We served juice boxes for the little ones, apple cider, sweet tea, and water.
{Make-your-own Chili Bar)To accompany the "Chilling Chili," guests could choose to add "Monster Fingers" (fritos), "Squished Ghost" (sour cream), "Blonde Witch Hair" (shredded cheese), and "Frog Eyes" (olives) to make their meal complete!
{favor bags}I saw the idea for this Moon & Bats treat bag a long time ago, but apparently, I didn't bookmark it, & I can NOT find it again, so if anyone knows where it came from, please let me know so I can give credit! I was planning on making black & orange playdough for each child, but with the time restraints, I just bought the mini playdough containers. So, each child got some playdough, a Halloween cookie cutter, and a jack-o-lantern mini notebook.
{Outdoor Decor}We had haybale seating around our bonfire & cute Halloween paper lanterns for spooky ambience! How cute is the Cowboy Family? ~ i love it!! I hope everyone had a fun & 'boo'tiful evening!
If you had or attended a Halloween party & have pictures to share, I would love to feature you! Send them to firstname.lastname@example.com!


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TORONTO (Reuters) - Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had one more surprise in his bag of upsets, beating Roger Federer 7-5 7-6 (3) to cap a scintillating march to the Rogers Cup title on Sunday.
After knocking off world number Novak Djokovic in the third round, taking out twice champion and eighth seed Andy Murray in the quarters and seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov in the semis, Tsonga claimed the biggest scalp of all in denying 17-time grand slam winner Federer a landmark 80th career title.
Certainly there was no disputing that Tsonga's win was well-deserved the 13th seeded Frenchman's hit list including players who had won seven of the last 10 Canadian titles (Djokovic 2012, 2011, 2007; Murray 2010, 2009 and Federer 2004, 2006).
In 16 career meetings Tsonga had beaten the Swiss maestro just five times but three came on the Canadian hard courts.
It was 11th career title for Tsonga but his first this season.
Editing by Gene Cherry