Jay's Margarita Dreams

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />Hola dream analyzers! It’s been a week full of really strange dreams for the Jayman. So weird that he’s referring to himself in third person. Jayman likes to call these really weird dreams “margarita dreams” but he’s sure that they have some deep meaning. So, Jayman is sharing his dreams you, his friends today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbCMp2K5yDdl4LFrnBXFKvdlYdBtf8EEvx3iy6iYfNpCkul-BMM5cr1FJCjrRa1eESFh6wvPSdxx9ncuVgORn0rnP1Bf5R9J6BIwXGLZUrlXn5vwETg1dZbj98mUj-VsFVHK-qjd1kvA/s1600/Dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbCMp2K5yDdl4LFrnBXFKvdlYdBtf8EEvx3iy6iYfNpCkul-BMM5cr1FJCjrRa1eESFh6wvPSdxx9ncuVgORn0rnP1Bf5R9J6BIwXGLZUrlXn5vwETg1dZbj98mUj-VsFVHK-qjd1kvA/s400/Dreams.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>Dream 1:</b> Jay is waiting in line for something. He has no idea what though. Jay hates waiting in line. It’s probably Jay’s least favorite activity second only to getting kicked in the balls. Also waiting in line is some guy that Jay knows. Jay clearly doesn’t like this guy, but is being nice to him because they’re both stuck in line.<br /><br />Anyway, as the day goes on and Jay becomes more and more impatient, he starts realizing that this acquaintance of his is one of the reasons the line isn’t moving. Jay tries to be patient but he finally can’t stand it anymore and tells the guy to quit messing around causing the line to not move. The guy then says “Dude. Just be patient. We’re having a good time down here and you’re ruining it. We’ll get there when we get there.”<br /><br />So, Jay punched the guy’s lights out and the line moved right along with everyone stepping over his unconscious body.<br /><br /><b>Dream 2:</b> Jay goes into the kitchen, probably to get a Pepsi, and notices that a weed of some kind is growing up through the floor! WTF?? Jay stares at this for a few minutes then goes to Google to find out what to do. Jay decides that the best course of action is to use some needle nose pliers to pull the weed out of the floor.<br /><br />Well, when Jay starts pulling on the weed, the weed starts fighting back! It shakes and vibrates and then starts screaming! Finally Jay notices that the weed is bleeding! Then Jay gives the weed one more good yank and out it comes.<br /><br />Jay then takes the bloody weed outside and tosses it into the yard. Almost immediately a HUGE mushroom grows right where the weed landed. Jay freaks the fuck out for a bit then goes over and pokes the mushroom with his needle nose pliers. The weed deflates and then disintegrates right there in front of Jay.<br /><br />Jay then runs inside and checks the kitchen floor and finds that it’s in perfect condition. No hole where the weed was or any blood or anything on the floor. It’s like it never happened. Jay is a bit perplexed, but he’s more concerned with finally getting his Pepsi. <br /><br /><b>Dream3:</b>  Jay and the Jaymom are at some swanky hotel in New York, and the Jaymom is NOT happy about something. So Jay gets on the phone and calls the Jaymom’s doctor and finds out that he just put her on some new meds and thinks they are reacting to other meds she’s taking. Jay asks the doc what to do and he says he’ll call in a prescription for something that will put the Jaymom to sleep and allow her to sleep it off.<br /><br />But, the Jaymom is being soooooooooo mean to Jay and Jay can’t get her to cooperate at all. Even Jay’s sister comes by and gets yelled at so she just shrugs her shoulders and leaves Jay all alone with the Jaymom.<br /><br />Finally, a hotel employee dissolves the new drugs in the Jaymom’s hot chocolate and takes it to her. The Jaymom is actually nice to this guy and comments on how it’s a “sad day when a stranger is nicer to her than her own son.” Then she fell asleep and I woke up.<br /><br />Okay folks. Analyze that shit!<br /><br />Jayman<br /><a href="mailto:Jayman3768@gmail.com">Jayman3768@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayman_iws" target="_blank">@Jayman_IWS</a><br /><br /></div>

Jay's Margarita Dreams

Hola dream analyzers! It’s been a week full of really strange dreams for the Jayman. So weird that he’s referring to himself in third person...

Read more »

Monday, Monday

<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.archidose.org/wp/">A Weekly Dose of Architecture</a> Updates:</span><br /><br />This week's dose features <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2012/12/10/poetry-foundation/">Poetry Foundation</a> in Chicago, Illinois, by John Ronan Architects:<br /><a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2012/12/10/poetry-foundation/"><img alt="this week's dose" src="http://archidose.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Dec12-10.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="This week's dose" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The featured past dose is the <a href="http://www.archidose.org/May06/051506b.html">Little Black Pearl</a> in Chicago, Illinois by K2 Architects:<br /><a href="http://www.archidose.org/May06/051506b.html"><img alt="this week's dose" src="http://www.archidose.org/May06/pearl3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="featured past dose" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This week's book review is <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2012/12/10/building-inside-studio-gang-architects/"><i>Building: Studio Gang Architects</i></a> edited by Jeanne Gang and Zoë Ryan:<br /><a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2012/12/10/building-inside-studio-gang-architects/"><img alt="this week's book review" height="300" src="http://archidose.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/building-studiogang.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="This week's book review" /></a>   <a href="http://archidose.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-review-reveal.html"><img alt="this week's book review" height="300" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/book-reveal.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="This week's book review" /></a><br />(R): The featured past book review is <a href="http://archidose.blogspot.com/2011/04/book-review-reveal.html"><i> Reveal: Studio Gang Architects</i></a> by Jeanne Gang.<br /><br />: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">World-Architects.com U.S. <a href="http://www.american-architects.com/projects/reviews/41">Building of the Week</a>:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.world-architects.com/en/projects/project-review-detail/38993_the_bridge_building">The Bridge Building</a> in Nashville, Tennessee, by Hastings Architecture Associates:<br /><a href="http://www.world-architects.com/en/projects/project-review-detail/38993_the_bridge_building"><img alt="this week's Building of the Week" src="http://c214210.r10.cf3.rackcdn.com/files/projects/38993/images/900:w/bridgebuilding2.jpg" title="Current Building of the Week on american-architects.com" width="640" /></a>

Monday, Monday

A Weekly Dose of Architecture Updates: This week's dose features Poetry Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, by John Ronan Architects: The...

Read more »

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock 12/10/2012

<ul class="diigo-linkroll"> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://blog.popplet.com/english-lesson-plan-ideas-with-popplet/">English Lesson Plan Ideas With Popplet | Poppletrocks!</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">Many elementary teachers I know talk about how much they love popplet. Here's a blog post about how teachers are using Popplet to teach English in their classrooms. Lots of ideas. </p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/engchat">engchat</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news.">news.</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/literature">literature</a></p> </li> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://www.jigsawplanet.com">Jigsaw Planet - Online Jigsaw Puzzle Games</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">A website that has online jigsaw puzzle games. You can also make them. </p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a href="http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/website">website</a></p> </li> </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='http://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='http://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock 12/10/2012

English Lesson Plan Ideas With Popplet | Poppletrocks! Many elementary teachers I know talk about ho...

Read more »

The skills employers are seeking in an IT professional

<br /><div class="ArticleHeadline" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-top: -30px; text-align: left;"><div class="hdr_org_bld" style="color: #ff6600; font: normal normal bold 18px/normal arial, helvetica;"><h1 id="articleHeadline" style="color: #000066; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="cbArticle_lblHeadline">The skills employers are seeking in an IT professional</span></h1></div><b><span id="cbArticle_lblByLine">By Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder Writer</span></b><br /></div><div class="ArticleContent" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="media-image" src="http://artstg.icbdr.com/sites/all/files/styles/large/public/IT%20skills_0.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div>Given the nation's growing dependence on technology and thirst for the next big technological breakthrough, it's not surprising that information technology is one of the fastest-growing industries.<br /><br />According to data from CareerBuilder's Supply & Demand portal, software engineer job listings are up 74 percent from 2011 to 2012. And it doesn't look like growth in the IT sector will slow down any time soon. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook shows that computer and IT occupations are projected to grow by 22 percent, adding 758,800 new jobs from 2010 to 2020.<br /><br />Yet even with today's sluggish economy, employers are struggling to fill IT positions, because there aren't enough workers with the right background and skills. "For IT positions, businesses are looking for individuals with experience," says Mark Relf, a Network Career Program instructor at<a href="http://www.computersystemsinstitute.net/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">Computer Systems Institute,</a> which has campuses in Illinois and Massachusetts. "Businesses want the complete package. This package is someone with proven IT skills, which can be shown through certifications and soft skills."<br /><br /><strong>Building a base of knowledge and skills</strong><br />To start an IT career path in the right direction, job seekers should seek educational programs that offer IT training. Earning a certification or associate degree in IT will give job seekers the basic knowledge needed to enter the workforce. Bachelor's degrees in IT are also offered via four-year university programs. Job seekers should do their research and find the right program that will help them reach their career goals, while also taking schedule, lifestyle and finances into consideration.<br /><br /><strong>Soft skills may matter just as much</strong><br />The hard skills that employers are looking for will differ depending on the specific job they're trying to fill. However, even if job seekers have the right education and experience, if they're lacking the necessary soft skills that employers are seeking, they could hit a brick wall.<br /><br />Relf lists verbal communication, time management, customer service and problem-solving skills as the soft skills that employers are looking for in a prospective IT employee. "The most important part to these skills is making them apparent on a résumé," Relf says. "The catch is that these skills are primarily shown through verbal communication and body language."<br /><br />To help students get an edge, some schools integrate soft skills into the curriculum. "The Computer Systems Institute works daily with our students in developing the hard IT skills but also [works] daily placing students into situations they can use to reflect on their résumés how they use these [soft] skills to obtain the desired results," Relf says.<br /><br /><strong>Getting a foot in the door</strong><br />According to Relf, one of the most sought-after positions in the IT field is <a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/computer+networking+engineer/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">computer networking</a>/<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobs/keyword/IT+systems+engineer/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;">IT systems engineer</a>. However, these jobs require certifications and years of experience. This can lead to the frustrating career Catch-22: You can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without having a job.<br /><br />So how does a job seeker break through this barrier? "The most common starting point for an individual within the IT industry is the help desk," Relf says. "This is where an individual develops that experience to become an IT systems engineer ... This is not the stopping point for any individual, but a beginning; from here an individual can move into any position they set their sights onto."<br /><br /><em>Debra Auerbach is a writer and blogger for </em><a href="http://www.careerbuilder.com/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;"><em>CareerBuilder.com</em></a><em> and its job blog, </em><a href="http://www.theworkbuzz.com/" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><em>The Work Buzz</em></a><em>. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.</em></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />

The skills employers are seeking in an IT professional

The skills employers are seeking in an IT professional By Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder Writer Given the nation's growing dependence on ...

Read more »

Best eggs in Dublin!

We had breakfast in Fumbally Cafe this morning. I adore their eggs! The cafe itself can be a bit hit and miss in regards to service and it is full of hipsters and posers but the food really hits the spot!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiI8HxKS5h30_7TUAfFVvBkdREj83BPHGZg68o9cfTaHRUQDGoWkG42UkJUTDKtJsVQ8WF0zxNP5vft74eioCccf1EeRh7iwzZbgAqQH3-0WefuvmHztTF6Gun2ON01JQTDpIyb8gVyvY/s1600/20121210_122604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiI8HxKS5h30_7TUAfFVvBkdREj83BPHGZg68o9cfTaHRUQDGoWkG42UkJUTDKtJsVQ8WF0zxNP5vft74eioCccf1EeRh7iwzZbgAqQH3-0WefuvmHztTF6Gun2ON01JQTDpIyb8gVyvY/s400/20121210_122604.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8VCsHmF7OUIM-kOb5YWX7UAH5Dil8_gqYJffgjirFjF_owYhjmMYdaGJIlqUitji36LtDkXSBKEvFiC0R8uWM54dfq5oFAgTBnQYgL1ZxxL8vC0TX0sBGqG_rFmFnANHFE_P0cZrspWW/s1600/20121210_122612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8VCsHmF7OUIM-kOb5YWX7UAH5Dil8_gqYJffgjirFjF_owYhjmMYdaGJIlqUitji36LtDkXSBKEvFiC0R8uWM54dfq5oFAgTBnQYgL1ZxxL8vC0TX0sBGqG_rFmFnANHFE_P0cZrspWW/s400/20121210_122612.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioefTfjsZutUIP2hIQiFAZ56XyqasLLimT-zpCwYEbOEprDlKDcXLUCCiq0BBRI_jLJOn9NefLfNpW4kKQzfWJrSz7muEpzTMbRDnlo1_CPl0OH6NVFmDebqGWHhUzNLM1Ca0zxVfTW0-T/s1600/20121210_122421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioefTfjsZutUIP2hIQiFAZ56XyqasLLimT-zpCwYEbOEprDlKDcXLUCCiq0BBRI_jLJOn9NefLfNpW4kKQzfWJrSz7muEpzTMbRDnlo1_CPl0OH6NVFmDebqGWHhUzNLM1Ca0zxVfTW0-T/s400/20121210_122421.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMaKa2yMjjdPS81ufMU4NKYZvXSC0kDBvdZO-dPNB-TvV9eFRjx8rwZzBrypS1fyxYte92q_8u6byXZTK2PiQNuvBQ9uy-bKFRwokR8ebBfF2ubyGvaryTEi3LslGUC0kRXsCz7BsiHPb/s1600/20121210_122415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMaKa2yMjjdPS81ufMU4NKYZvXSC0kDBvdZO-dPNB-TvV9eFRjx8rwZzBrypS1fyxYte92q_8u6byXZTK2PiQNuvBQ9uy-bKFRwokR8ebBfF2ubyGvaryTEi3LslGUC0kRXsCz7BsiHPb/s400/20121210_122415.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_4b5tby5JgHTfX-Y2JE0hHT4VMjcUFXs8TBYy0CEXFKJzharbirpAcue1S_lGUN0sSr3zm_Re9zzwcWH7z_pzKjLWv8D6hP0Kf7l77wJHyN7ywg2AIDBasJZYwdjrJcLh2th4FzeirsF/s1600/20121210_125106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_4b5tby5JgHTfX-Y2JE0hHT4VMjcUFXs8TBYy0CEXFKJzharbirpAcue1S_lGUN0sSr3zm_Re9zzwcWH7z_pzKjLWv8D6hP0Kf7l77wJHyN7ywg2AIDBasJZYwdjrJcLh2th4FzeirsF/s400/20121210_125106.jpg" /> </a> </div>

Best eggs in Dublin!

We had breakfast in Fumbally Cafe this morning. I adore their eggs! The cafe itself can be a bit hit and miss in regards to service and it i...

Read more »

Vampires need your blood!

The Irish Blood Bank put out a call that they were short of blood.  Ciaran and I were off work today so we called in to donate.<br />My iron levels weren't right so Ciaran had to donate on his own.  I went to the refreshment lounge while he donated.<br />The blood bank is situated in the centre of Dublin City in the Lafayette Building.  Check out the view of the Spire and O'Connell Street!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7zuW97wGq__B67YeSKWCDnnfIFVOpGck_AmCqQLFUFMTUJW_IJCIyZxmOEGmZ492-HUfC2tz0RFzhqQ6Hz7Ek7OjZ4JwTlgI2H96tpbW1g8HoXIoZRzpNdlnkkuGhjJDuRY0W492Eyoq/s1600/20121210_140749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7zuW97wGq__B67YeSKWCDnnfIFVOpGck_AmCqQLFUFMTUJW_IJCIyZxmOEGmZ492-HUfC2tz0RFzhqQ6Hz7Ek7OjZ4JwTlgI2H96tpbW1g8HoXIoZRzpNdlnkkuGhjJDuRY0W492Eyoq/s400/20121210_140749.jpg" /> </a> </div>

Vampires need your blood!

The Irish Blood Bank put out a call that they were short of blood.  Ciaran and I were off work today so we called in to donate. My iron leve...

Read more »

i paint my own jewels

Happy Monday to ya. Hope your weekend was good. If it was half as crafty as mine, I bet you are nursing a few glue gun burns as well. We Christmas'ed up the place and are now in full holiday mode. And all this week I'll share the results. Super exciting, I know.<br /><br />First up is a little Pottery Barn hack.<br /><br />I was looking at my 7th Pottery Barn catalog of the month on Thursday and feel in love with these mercury glass votives. I instantly thought of Mary McDonald ala Million Dollar Decorators. Loving the jewel tones. And of course the mercury glass, I'm always a fan of mercury glass.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41FzKUb4wQDUXqW1f58Dy8O4tpwk9OrhcRE1P8VYC1Z8O3lDWyjicRYZuwt4ILnGdteBZxvq9LHTzVau7_1qlHEugXJd1d9-z79uzPMT3ofVXUOJL0ZeTIK1gYxBXXPWo6mfdFkKSYDZN/s1600/img58o.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41FzKUb4wQDUXqW1f58Dy8O4tpwk9OrhcRE1P8VYC1Z8O3lDWyjicRYZuwt4ILnGdteBZxvq9LHTzVau7_1qlHEugXJd1d9-z79uzPMT3ofVXUOJL0ZeTIK1gYxBXXPWo6mfdFkKSYDZN/s400/img58o.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/jeweled-mercury-glass-votive-cups/?pkey=choliday-mercury-glass-shop&cm_src=holiday-mercury-glass-shop||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a></td></tr></tbody></table>However, the last thing I need are more votives, and I've got way bigger fish to fry...or gifts to buy right now. (I've got rhyme skills) So I recycled the catalog and went on with my day. It was very responsible of me.<br /><br />When I started pulling out Christmas stuff the next day, these fell out of an overstuffed cabinet. I mean, I noticed them perfectly in line on a shelf labeled votives.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmregkV92XHdrH0a9efT3qhr71xRstyOdXQ3X_HFjTIBqNuCHJMKQ-cT4wz2u4glDoj08NgDMkT8aGsTjhb6SF5Z2Y986wv-1fvwKuwaeDiFl8zKM4I0gEwgxdCR0HDfn9vkN5WETNRJx/s1600/MercuryGlassbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmregkV92XHdrH0a9efT3qhr71xRstyOdXQ3X_HFjTIBqNuCHJMKQ-cT4wz2u4glDoj08NgDMkT8aGsTjhb6SF5Z2Y986wv-1fvwKuwaeDiFl8zKM4I0gEwgxdCR0HDfn9vkN5WETNRJx/s400/MercuryGlassbefore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I got about 10 of these from the dollar bin at Target a couple years ago. And it just so happens I also have a drawer full of <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/04/seeing-spots.html" target="_blank">paints left over</a>.  I could hear Mary McDonald's voice in my head, 'jewel tones. I'm in love with jewel tones.'<br /><br />Who needs stinkin' Pottery Barn?  I can make my own colorful votives damn it. It was all very Norma Rae. Before I knew it I was painting one, and then another. I did it all so quickly that I didn't even take any progress pictures. Although, what is there really to photograph? Dip your brush in some paint and paint the inside. The end.<br /><br />To give them a bit more of a weathered vibe and stick to the spirit of the mercury glass, I did make sure not to put on too much paint. Just a washed out effect.<br /><br />Now I didn't have the exact colors I wanted so I mixed a few and made due with others. Not exactly jewel tones, but certainly jewel tone inspired. (Have you started a drinking game with the word 'jewel tone' yet?).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJeg4f2VXznxFT8GA9m20iSQZ0TG1XDveUD91SRb3wQiaRDo0MfTfD02KGo9KqCtsh9QZ7ariLMZfURPkDJZKm_jDaxfxuzshRBWxhEMLWJYRpYn4x_OE9u5Qklyr9y8V5DX6JjviDi6w/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJeg4f2VXznxFT8GA9m20iSQZ0TG1XDveUD91SRb3wQiaRDo0MfTfD02KGo9KqCtsh9QZ7ariLMZfURPkDJZKm_jDaxfxuzshRBWxhEMLWJYRpYn4x_OE9u5Qklyr9y8V5DX6JjviDi6w/s640/IMG_0822.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />They look magnificent lit up, and work perfectly with the 'theme' of this year's mantel. (Although I really hate decorating with themes, so I shouldn't use that word). Anyway, take that Pottery Barn.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDDGMYy4UxUTRATQbLQWkIx1WzQN-I7MaYe_2a-X8zKrjzxLYOAaAB9mOJk6BPSDRO15sKiak1-8LcGhkTwnG5XimR99kE6xBOWruTK7pDI30Ou-UiBD53p_WqxtAPWAHnJnmqlK7ZmdP/s1600/MercuryGlassAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDDGMYy4UxUTRATQbLQWkIx1WzQN-I7MaYe_2a-X8zKrjzxLYOAaAB9mOJk6BPSDRO15sKiak1-8LcGhkTwnG5XimR99kE6xBOWruTK7pDI30Ou-UiBD53p_WqxtAPWAHnJnmqlK7ZmdP/s640/MercuryGlassAfter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Come back tomorrow and I'll show you the mantel...if you show me yours.<br /><br />Any luck with holiday DIY? What is your favorite holiday project? Need any votives? I've got a bag full of the suckers from IKEA circa 2002 and I'm STILL not out of them.

i paint my own jewels

Happy Monday to ya. Hope your weekend was good. If it was half as crafty as mine, I bet you are nursing a few glue gun burns as well. We Chr...

Read more »

Christmas window display

Gorgeous window display in Terenure Office Supplies<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk-fkLWYG7_aUQswmDmBieVzEoatMZpWg4d5_07pTU1bexb62UUelcyBSaaD2j9UoQCgS75MlU3WMPgQIRmV-mqEQEU0ZhB9i0MJo3-kK93nGmUMK6pJWrjtfvaaTvRmyODF-RYjw7Tc_/s1600/20121208_095319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk-fkLWYG7_aUQswmDmBieVzEoatMZpWg4d5_07pTU1bexb62UUelcyBSaaD2j9UoQCgS75MlU3WMPgQIRmV-mqEQEU0ZhB9i0MJo3-kK93nGmUMK6pJWrjtfvaaTvRmyODF-RYjw7Tc_/s400/20121208_095319.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhqJ3JUq0rz2gjXRJP1tS-5cct30JDfL5rvDNqGagVITbFrDhOgGs6WkHlGfhOyrGKdhZ6XByk60erJZmi6YITQg4-aPCZQRrJW2GF1p7H7CQrdyM9ODGQ1Db8vy7GaAPh3cZ-hm3xb42/s1600/20121208_095411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhqJ3JUq0rz2gjXRJP1tS-5cct30JDfL5rvDNqGagVITbFrDhOgGs6WkHlGfhOyrGKdhZ6XByk60erJZmi6YITQg4-aPCZQRrJW2GF1p7H7CQrdyM9ODGQ1Db8vy7GaAPh3cZ-hm3xb42/s400/20121208_095411.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUql3ScUNDPAi3IV2JmOs4iGe4_KGhyphenhyphenDWDfH38l2wwyTqrST4XQR8HAcpWZk6V1bLMNP1JT2ZLPypLiYJGNUV6U-EgKd9tCip7Nn6wgkvOq4GFCcEwCc9UJRwzlsMIDrm2UwFlsimDyP7G/s1600/20121208_095247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUql3ScUNDPAi3IV2JmOs4iGe4_KGhyphenhyphenDWDfH38l2wwyTqrST4XQR8HAcpWZk6V1bLMNP1JT2ZLPypLiYJGNUV6U-EgKd9tCip7Nn6wgkvOq4GFCcEwCc9UJRwzlsMIDrm2UwFlsimDyP7G/s400/20121208_095247.jpg" /> </a> </div>

Christmas window display

Gorgeous window display in Terenure Office Supplies

Read more »

Open House

We had our Open House on Saturday. We were so happy with how it turned out.  We got to meet a lot of our new neighbours and the ODKM Architects got to showcase our house to interested parties.<br /><br />The contractor, kitchen designer and our lighting consultant also met with lots of perspective clients.<br /><br />Have a look at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.460873767282298.91793.122333021136376&type=1">pictures</a> of the event.

Open House

We had our Open House on Saturday. We were so happy with how it turned out.  We got to meet a lot of our new neighbours and the ODKM Archite...

Read more »

Trim the tree!!

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My tree is </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love putting up the tree and looking at all the deorations that I have amassed over the years.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Zq2jcVHHMn1h-Ib9DlijMpISRsN0noN6I_f79pAzu6n2knfjaM5fgN93dYCLJjsoGjhxm7zn2gWs6vl_qECmmbwxAzvk0MkXJr8cJKRL4vdk42qOcoEuJ_AIb418_rSG2wubK7uO9X_/s640/20121209_172520.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6Zq2jcVHHMn1h-Ib9DlijMpISRsN0noN6I_f79pAzu6n2knfjaM5fgN93dYCLJjsoGjhxm7zn2gWs6vl_qECmmbwxAzvk0MkXJr8cJKRL4vdk42qOcoEuJ_AIb418_rSG2wubK7uO9X_/s1600/20121209_172520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0OwdXvtGEjnBaQVzvb5QbGoAkyucLwifDdS7oEVkA19NflGNyYsX7QMGyHptFfylsylHMvAqpEYjXWk8pl-xEA5b8kKqll7H7FFDJVqFYgu_XLA2H44SP3yTqTUO3k4-HRqkRQHiR5Zr/s1600/20121209_192124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0OwdXvtGEjnBaQVzvb5QbGoAkyucLwifDdS7oEVkA19NflGNyYsX7QMGyHptFfylsylHMvAqpEYjXWk8pl-xEA5b8kKqll7H7FFDJVqFYgu_XLA2H44SP3yTqTUO3k4-HRqkRQHiR5Zr/s640/20121209_192124.jpg" /> </a> </div>

Trim the tree!!

My tree is  I love putting up the tree and looking at all the deorations that I have amassed over the years. Add caption

Read more »

The Touchable Earth project touches down in SA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="133"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYWsr0gG37NCoaR1AFjnkbVfhWuXA8C5Hb-Us2Y5ysn6ebOdf6L1zOvcnHQeP4AkLKefDI4Xu6kF5aqTSHH2xAnOYFrBKhNLmm2RLTEaoX0iQ86jAZHqfR2_nDcXQZuM6igyic-5AFPs/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clip_image002" border="0" height="35" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb43fQqm0NZ9LtEa6IsO6U2mMRujPBefq9K-0ELuEYhFRcGZLOEFsQF9uAKCAY9hXIOS43yXs-KyHBNlfS8BWw4DuWFDEBgINZwB92CX6YnHgKwviMMM_8_YdHSEAbil58aRfrRnwnzGQ/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image002" width="240" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="133"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4xCTLHRekOsMM8H8EhiWmC1-y7RU5WVqnLgXbj6tLbSNueuuPuww55cHJ_9yrNOewfZc9y4XE0GwSnqicl7T3cHz0JsYzEoYGx0uOm0NQf4xEuGL43yJq3bMKZ_Vk4HBsC6tCWrGDq8/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9IMiQ4P36-X83J8BAaEenj5tNglYNgSISZwIt0Y-IO07ph094Rf6t6LbZ30qiGgCvbRWtbbsQsBtPYa6Uzv9HUMEQalticGl-vXf-jgrh00biCBXS2PyV9iwmkao583YR_SAYzcOpZk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="109" /></a></td> <td valign="top" width="133">                               </td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 400px;"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="200"></td> <td valign="top" width="200"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><i>Submitted by Janet Thomson CEO of SchoolNet</i><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tudor Clee from New Zealand returned to South Africa this week - bearing tablets!</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9FiJ6m7mHq4moUWyIadb5vGEv_Pentrx6gvNjf7dnhUWf74OfxN1tx1Fi3p-hQm-6f1kZWz_DZhNjIAaGxnWA2cc17_HD0krQRlTHpABn-8BII2rFpfq7476Heaet0B4yEr9AjXkXSc/?imgmax=800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image008" border="0" height="147" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9FiJ6m7mHq4moUWyIadb5vGEv_Pentrx6gvNjf7dnhUWf74OfxN1tx1Fi3p-hQm-6f1kZWz_DZhNjIAaGxnWA2cc17_HD0krQRlTHpABn-8BII2rFpfq7476Heaet0B4yEr9AjXkXSc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image008" width="244" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SchoolNetters will remember in July we reported about the development of a digital world atlas application for tablets that would allow children from around the world to teach each other about their own countries. You can read the blogpost <a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2012/07/schoolnet-hosts-tudor-clee-who-is.html">here</a>.  SchoolNet had become involved through Ed Gragert of IEARN (International Education and Resource Network). Now, the developer, Tudor Clee has made another flying visit to South Africa; this time to donate 10 Google Nexus tablets to each of the schools that took part in the creation of videos for the world atlas app. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RexsmEy39L2JwaF6J-gfp-q1XWrXVcQMcCRZ_32cgTNaPzZgfxPuvtVbCcKOqpMIkTsaRa2LiM_nq8bh1E6jYVcV1D82lLed-e1FLw-Kx2F0V2qBqyFkf1xN3W0Z9yHOpHDLG9oTX-4/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Touchable Earth</i></b> is an application for tablets that provides engaging, hands-on information for children in countries across the world. The project has captured children in their authentic environments showcasing indigenous culture, schooling, friends and every day facts about their country. Now it was time to test the app and find out whether it really is as easy and as engaging as everyone had hoped. </span><br />  <br /><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Delivery to Lakeview Full Service Primary – Soweto </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyEXZfBJs5QiQickcJ7X4cNfsvSzF81Q9yo1lxuQl91vsD6oA4Ag-x1cEzDA72tzBZn1LokFhlf10zKJLPWyBYMO02EGq7uV9rT03pHifU9S1xBFNlkX4_qfODHlLAyUVLD7DgCs2chI/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image012" border="0" height="197" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIry03Lehtqr9ldVhNxjWNnKVOFY_j3nhV9qN68ZTxTdJB_XKzF3Cgvf70SuAC6Dfbm-6tH1QuSywzv-RD0HT5xg1n_BIZK8spDvDAPW07ktrHlbx9p9dj9L12mjJM40rRqNaWCb_05Co/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image012" width="244" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tudor arrived in Johannesburg after a whirlwind sprint from Auckland via Sydney, New York and London. He sourced the hardware in New York and arrived at O R Tambo with 30 tablet computers as carry-on luggage. Once in Johannesburg SchoolNet’s Omashani Naidoo helped him source some serious antennae for boosting the internet speed to the schools and then spent many hours configuring the devices and loading <b><i>Touchable Earth</i></b>. They then sped on to Soweto, to Lakeview Full Service Primary school where Tudor donated 10 Google Nexus tablets. </span><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 215px;"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="213"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNuOWMVGJVbqkvZJb-UB6HTeMT7CpCg5Yvk-25p4ABx0B6loIIu4qBRzpi6KzShHY35rgXFEFNrlPXkVj6M5EWmD2pVNAjWXdeIlaJk65w3_c5qVqBw2mKSRBsIwyUjMjlpnTNQvYPNY/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image010" border="0" height="244" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAXrVJUhp5KnGnuc0PTNwdYjEr39H5yIg1WOHPL7RvTdjHLnIuW3fOg0lNkyOZUYioUnXrLwAMLvG-4Vqr6OTr2rJd15q8nkirk9AqM39LuNNpVCCTdcVIgDr4KSMvkL811aFJYnOHcE/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image010" width="208" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off they had to ensure that the wi-fi was connected and was working. A Gauteng thunderstorm prevented installation of the antenna. However the router was installed and tested. Tudor and Omashani tested the connectivity and speed using Skype video conference. This connection proved stable for up to 20 metres from the principal’s office. One of the amazing anecdotes is a little boy who arrived to see Tudor talking via Skype and he was given the tablet to play with. He was awe struck that he could talk and see someone without physically being next to him. He kept looking behind the tablet for the physical Omashani. After playing on the Touchable Earth app he remarked, “I am going there to Nepal” </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkp-ITRUR8UGDnru9WZLI1qm895jT6C-CHyml3lbBrMzgN7Xm1lUBNi-sZFC12TvSl2UUL6jwYzCPLEd2RyB9H8YXwOzPD4GLEAzvYQkt0XXVyqDemPQEgSCr_AENNbxN4HI5PwypuLE/s1600-h/clip_image014%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image014" border="0" height="197" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGl6DHoo4XgSD7zoDWTcT10U5xsRJUigBaSWufmBoYQ1yA7Yn5isoGE9uvuOGm9x0vCVDSBeuRV9Cussd89av9rUOglfCypGLDlu3up5xFGFAo8ln7wQnV5h1bTgtjdxKM3R-UeBX7VwI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image014" width="244" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the antenna was finally installed a download speed of 5 mbs was achieved. This is a phenomenally good speed and Tudor remarked that this is what he gets in New Zealand. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ms Elizabeth Shiburi, Deputy Chief Education Specialist in the E-Learning Unit of the Johannesburg Central District was on hand to receive Tudor and expressed her gratitude for connecting Lakeview to the world.</span><br /><h3></h3><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3><h3><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Delivery to Isibongo Primary School in Mpophomeni </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoO2bZsFy6CViO2_J8q6AsiguJes7cGH5mHY5oG_yAFBJVDsiJkZD_Du45nCm3Twk0M3Tv7MQl8FdkkzNc8EEmBe_KzrMo39XsLYZW9bqQtuNVDUNaxzaGd_EGeUmRCuTAKQ8PAuxGZUM/s1600-h/clip_image016%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image016" border="0" height="244" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzJ0tSoVVGwa1bLbVu5P4ec23yFjC0rijBgjP3o7iN-fBmEZpgVWxKqsVs9KxpM5bW6j813X8Seeg50KZWR6Q4V2lYBd62OiVSjCNFZ456jtDKk_sJ28_OITtWcYY1OvJLvL56vGOiPY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image016" width="178" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With his load a little lighter now, Tudor was able to fly to Pietermaritzburg and arrived at Isibongo Primary, Mpophomeni in the KZN Midlands carrying all the tablets, the modem and the rest of his connectivity paraphernalia. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mrs Ndlovu, principal of Isibongo welcomed Tudor warmly to the school and was the first person to eagerly use the tablet, soon followed by other teachers and ably assisted by Hlengiwe Mfeka from SchoolNet SA. Mrs Nldovu expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school and the Department for the generous donation of tablets from Tudor. She promised to make every effort to ensure full use of the potential for these new devices. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Tudor spent time with the handyman erecting the antenna outside, those children who had taken part in the filming for the South African part of the project, were called into the principal’s office to see themselves on video for the first time and to see how other children around the world would see them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" width="385"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKT1zGZxAOsNZI67-Zs62oicPgBNjXWvwJ1G7ctg70V0WqAvunfHtJt6mDQWc5SJzfwovKHFhdSyclH_Ml5_9sRni8Ru1ic0Ed49yYO_ELzWJE8PogPGJu3-zR8tG1iqaKRNxluMOqfQ/s1600-h/clip_image018%25255B3%25255D.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="clip_image018" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0BcoO6v1lVHyHJygkEVuqr1oqjGxwgOG7NpvcKlAZwPIA3WSI3SnGVotNYbpjx3-OTtDnCbL-agcN4jbdp6bpf97A6iw-khysRzZk5GqvxyqtVYb2dF1q7eCdM8Vg0rUZsTa77DZWas/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image018" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Siphokazi seeing herself on video for </span></i></div><div style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">the first time</span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td> <td valign="top" width="385"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrTb2pFGzzl17RhRreSB2_RZe4scRlCACGfwoqErsuJ8ATOTMXpq-w8wSLmCvyKdV767GAneSU4LPubb7G8DIf4Ic0f1wCjjpkd2JoTvAsF2g8qFjV0-NA9hmz_KfgvUI_bXNFTmFQZo/s1600-h/clip_image020%25255B3%25255D.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="clip_image020" border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwWLZAyHywlorbtV-yagRMb1qCp9hYjd6P2-zEpSZnoVL9nHBKHkulqgvjKsL5DBnAzGXDOSKBrE6GqydJdO2brJgcSeAZPgxpgISuu5RzlHLVgVFHz6-ZrpNRkQslS_Jyr0WCK9QYn8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image020" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hlengiwe Mfeka, Nokuthula Buthelezi and Mrs Ndlovu (principal)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="385"></td><td valign="top" width="385"><br /></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="385"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kLt7GuAwxFOLElR_iv-HlG2pdMkHdbq0p6H8r3hS8TDwWR6CPjtNbYcAdeucpKPuA1ndVUoJMRF8xxm-dylYph1x89MB1kXHCpFnownCsAsisFocd_qwtETsgBn4qvvaZSvGXCEnYq0/s1600-h/clip_image022%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="clip_image022" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rsaEiQn4kKRT_IAq6GH5foOxQI3_qXA1pKS_qYBxInX9pVYMkVh84kYUywg4Xr_T_S-5glILJ9Q_LTkYV2oom2eykf1NZSr6JBtcw7MFaSodd62ikNGsfuYpWaNZlmDp9ccQNfpe4ks/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image022" width="210" /></a> </td> <td valign="top" width="385"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe8Ey3WC6XiidhSJWFgv5K_TzPsnucBBog7VFT3YoPXAIcS3b-JET7Z7-Mfe0YyygHaNX3Q-uelGMg5S4gM0qAXhrbpN4P98cx1dnbiAPdfpJGEn8TKD1nAIsk60yZaODdt5z7KNsZWy8/s1600-h/clip_image024%25255B3%25255D.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="clip_image024" border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvtTRf6LqGpkAiNw9b58VSMrzvT7-KFsH2Hg1rSiXWdphQ3ukRBIR-SsqLd1r5a4rG9rByD9UucXHHLgltgR0nylYe4RazRah6SAVN3WouKEIgAsedXWLo22qwKChKy9bBy9wQxpwkUo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image024" width="244" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">They did not tire of watching, listening and reading</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr> <td valign="top" width="385"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Nandipha seeing herself  for the </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">first time on Video</span></i></td> <td valign="top" width="385"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gradually more and more children squeezed into the principal’s office to crowd around the tablets. There was delight combined with a little self-conscious embarrassment when children first saw themselves on video but before long they were hooked on exploring the lives of other children from around the world. They also had considerable interest in the footage of children from other parts of South Africa and were soon trying to replicate the dancing and the singing that they saw in the videos. Four girls quickly leant a song with actions about a butterfly that they watched being sung by a grade 4 learner from Nepal.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The learners occupied the principal’s office for hours and hours; some of the boys were eventually lying on the floor to carry on watching, listening and reading, simply because they were too tired to stand or sit in the same position any longer. At four in the afternoon the tired bodies were sent home after reluctantly handing back the tablets. The learners said they could not wait to get back to school next year! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a YouTube video that Tudor uploaded to the Touchable Earth Facebook page.Tudor says, "<i>This is Isibongo Primary School in Mpophomeni township South Africa. Touchable Earth with great assistance from SchoolNet South Africa and iEarn.org have just donated 10 Google Nexus tablets with Touchable Earth preloaded. The kids are seeing themselves in the videos as we made the program here. We are installing 3G Internet prepaid for a yea</i>r."</span><br /><br /><br /> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gcIYky-B3BQ" width="420"></iframe> </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Further uses in the classroom</span></b><br /><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFpAEnq3C6WtXF9HYbVzOsRSO97mAgx1gNT6IbZjA62ss3jVnR2ZN39T9v82UaczsDMgFZGuaMy30XapMgnY7uY0rEc4GdTR57E53wreY3eiI9t5u_tEZLcEd5c1U_UI9_pjzZa9dYQA/s1600-h/clip_image026%25255B3%25255D.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="clip_image026" border="0" height="175" hspace="12" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPgsGGrJ0odJyEAAoEMIigCnjADl6kmJPcef6TK96O_WGikZDNHCucS5_bJ3jh1KO9LUGj4qhUhC3jWB_u0pTKzBJZc0g7MyRRNwLvvWFm0R7WhstCdyiY2wXo7_Zr-0ijqRQwfysPB8/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clip_image026" width="244" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SchoolNet SA has worked closely for many years with all of the high schools in Mpophomeni and will now be supporting teachers at Isibongo Primary. SchoolNet has donated 25 netbooks to the Zenzeleni Community Centre for use by those primary schools in Mpophomeni that still do not have any technology. Hlengiwe Mfeka will be assisting teachers to explore other effective learning uses for the donated tablets - apart from using Touchable Earth. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-size: large;">choolNet's tablet course for educators  has been developed</span></b></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qwz7nNOrAv30WjWbH_6BQkNgrqp30vV8Z3WAre9ucTqFYViib6oiPjJVPCAH9xt3D5u1nlntR2466zr19cy5RuktNcUgW6MJYZTknzH59X5e3icDEvPwpzliFsZktfQcYNGSOztVfCM/s1600/tablet+course.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qwz7nNOrAv30WjWbH_6BQkNgrqp30vV8Z3WAre9ucTqFYViib6oiPjJVPCAH9xt3D5u1nlntR2466zr19cy5RuktNcUgW6MJYZTknzH59X5e3icDEvPwpzliFsZktfQcYNGSOztVfCM/s320/tablet+course.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SchoolNet SA has recently developed a comprehensive course for teachers to help them use tablets in the curriculum and in their professional lives generally. The course takes teachers on a learning journey through the use of a tablet as an e-reader, a planning tool, a writing tool, a creator of content (using the camera and the recorder) as a communication tool, for research and assessment as well as an educational content provider. SchoolNet will be sourcing digital content and e-text books as well as allowing the teachers to join the SchoolNet Premium Membership programme that provides resources and peer support for teachers using technology in their teaching. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The potential of the tablets to revolutionise learning is well-documented in first world countries but the <i>Touchable Earth</i> initiative has given children in some of the poorest areas of South Africa the chance to participate in this digital revolution. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><h3><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Touchable Earth… moving forward </span></h3><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although there are a number of countries already available and featured on the app, Tudor is promising to have <b><i>Touchable Earth</i></b> updated with more countries included over the next few months. He is leaving South Africa immediately to continue on his whirlwind tour to deliver tablets to children in other parts of the world. His next stop on Sunday will be Iraq. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit these Facebook pages <a href="http://www.facebook.com/touchableearth">http://www.facebook.com/touchableearth</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/schoolnetsa">http://www.facebook.com/schoolnetsa</a> as well as SchoolNet’s website <a href="http://www.schoolnet.org.za/">www.schoolnet.org.za</a></span> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>You can link from here to more information about </i></b><a href="http://www.schoolnet.org.za/reports/touchableearth.pdf"><i>Touchable Earth </i></a></span> </div>

news The Touchable Earth project touches down in SA

                               Submitted by Janet Thomson CEO of SchoolNet Tudor Clee from New Zealand returned to South Africa this ...

Read more »