No Saturday Mail Delivery is Bullshit!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />Hola y’all! Uh, I had a really deep and thoughtful post planned for today, but my Hillbilly Neighbor Shastina came over this afternoon and was really upset. She said she really needed to get something off her chest so I said “Have at it” …<br /><br />HEYYYYYYYYY! This is Shastina again. Remember me? Jay’s “hillbilly” neighbor? I don’t know why he calls me that and honestly if he wasn’t so God Damn CUTE I would drag him about back and whoop his ass for it. Anyway, there are couple of things I need to get off my chest. NO MATT-MAN? IS THAT YOUR NAME? WHOEVERTHEFUCKYOUARE my shirt and bra are NOT what I need to get off my chest. I have a couple of things buggin’ me.<br /><br />First I’m not happy that my one and only for … foryeah? Shit, how do you spell … well fuck it … my one and only trip into the seedy internet world resulted in some motorcycle freak with 893 guns taking a shining to me. I was gonna just let it go but since I was going to be here anyway, I thought I would ask WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THAT? I had to get the locks on my doors changed just to be careful. Then I went out and bought a second .357 magnum just like my old one to keep in my car.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pE5sNW7tRtJ0-zlBTLeM2NK1mCvuH20ZyR2tR2ByOKZYVbUPva8PCVusVmG2nPxionNLTTKfDYKqiu1T1sEKY4-G6kSZDtgz9sNxKTKaqsN9Aev1UADQhTcRgF_CAL8C5DPZ4M1tuLg/s1600/Hot+Nude+Redneck+Girl+Banjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pE5sNW7tRtJ0-zlBTLeM2NK1mCvuH20ZyR2tR2ByOKZYVbUPva8PCVusVmG2nPxionNLTTKfDYKqiu1T1sEKY4-G6kSZDtgz9sNxKTKaqsN9Aev1UADQhTcRgF_CAL8C5DPZ4M1tuLg/s400/Hot+Nude+Redneck+Girl+Banjo.jpg" width="220" /></a>I knew the internet was full of fucking freaks and that’s why I don’t bother with it. At first I even blamed Jay despite the fact that he is just the sweetest thang ever. But, then I realized that a really fucking smart, sexy broad like me shouldn’t be taking the chances I took when I posted that. Jay had no way of knowing that I would become an internet sensation and guys from coast to coast would waggin their tongues and whackin their pathetic little willies over me. So, I forgive Jayman and am willing to prove it at any time. Well, as soon as he gets tested, but we don’t need to get into that shit again.<br /><br />Okay, so that’s the first thing. I don’t care how allurin and exotic you freaks out there find me, no stalking! You hear me motorcycle shitbag?  And just in case you don’t speak English …. NOLO EL STALKO ALLOWEDO! Got it?<br /><br />Okay, that’s all for that. Second thing I need to talk about is this whole no mail delivery on Saturday shit. Who was the liberal elitist panty waste who came up with this shit? Fuck him. He doesn’t understand how folks live and how important Saturday delivery is to some folks.<br /><br />See, my family runs a … what should I call it? A “home based business.” WINK WINK? If you know what I mean? OH HAIL! THEY MAKE AND SELL MOONSHINE AND METH JESUS FUCK YOU PEOPLE ARE SLOW! I swear, the more education and so-called sophistication you got the dumber you are.<br /><br />Anyhoodle, it may not seem like much, but Saturday home delivery is important in the home based business world. See? We get a lot of orders for our … product WINK WINK in the mail. And we get most of our orders on Saturday cause it takes about a week to manufacture our … product WINK WINK (I hope y’all are following me on this. You don’t seem all that smart.) and people like to have their orders by the weekend.<br /><br />I know you think we’ll adapt and overcome, and maybe we will, but it won’t be easy. Some of those backwoods folk don’t take well to change. They’re not like me, living up here in the big town, driving on paved roads being read by freaks on the internet. They’re simple people who like simple things and they don’t want NO FUCKING CHANGES!<br /><br />Well, that’s all I got. Thanks to Jay for lettin me speak my mind. Maybe I’ll give him a titty flash while he’s watching me through the peephole of his front door. Damn, that’s the way to stalk someone right there! Be subtle baby!<br /><br />And oh yeah, HAPPY FUCKIN BIRTHDAY TO MATT-MAN! I give Jayman permission to send you any undercover pics he takes of me. I don’t even know you and I’m giving you a fuckin present. Shit. Look what you internet perverts have done to me.<br /><br />Shastina<br /><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 /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, definitely check out yesterday's I'm With Stupid. It was all kinds of fun as we took down that stupid Favstar thing and people's desperate need for validation. Also, sweet and sexy Tantra Flower joined us for part of the show. You GOTTA hear her voice! AW YEAH! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.adobe.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="105" id="143577" name="143577" width="210"><param name="movie" value="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf?file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2Fplaylist.aspx%3Fshow_id%3D4371481&autostart=false&bufferlength=5&volume=80&corner=rounded&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/flashplayercallback.aspx" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf" flashvars="file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2Fplaylist.aspx%3Fshow_id%3D4371481&autostart=false&shuffle=false&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=210&height=105&volume=80&corner=rounded" width="210" height="105" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" wmode="transparent" menu="false" name="143577" id="143577" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><div style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 220px;">Listen to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/">internet radio</a> with <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid">Im With Stupid</a> on Blog Talk Radio<br /><br /><br /></div></div>

No Saturday Mail Delivery is Bullshit!

Hola y’all! Uh, I had a really deep and thoughtful post planned for today, but my Hillbilly Neighbor Shastina came over this afternoon and w...

Read more »

Skyscraper

This morning I was reading Martin Pawley's assessment of the 1989 Channel 4 documentary <i>Skyscraper</i>, made by Karl Sabbagh. Pawley referred to the four-part series as a must-see for its insight into the financing, technology, and architecture of <a href="http://petergof.com/nyc/world_wide_plaza.htm">One Worldwide Plaza</a> in Manhattan. I couldn't resist trying to find it online, and coincidentally all four parts were uploaded to YouTube exactly one month ago by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/DigiComTV?feature=watch">DigiComTV</a>. So here they are. Try not to be discouraged by the bad 80s TV soundtrack, or David Childs' postmodernism.<br /><br />Part 1:<br /><object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4-sGkfmIgzk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4-sGkfmIgzk?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Part 2:<br /><object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vuc7ok-4rdo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vuc7ok-4rdo?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Part 3:<br /><object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X8Z-rfLtYIY?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X8Z-rfLtYIY?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />Part 4:<br /><object height="480" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/77yhLMUAq-w?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/77yhLMUAq-w?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="480" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>

Skyscraper

This morning I was reading Martin Pawley's assessment of the 1989 Channel 4 documentary Skyscraper , made by Karl Sabbagh. Pawley referr...

Read more »

Financial Analyst (Forecasting | Reporting | Budget | GAAP) (# 109066)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Position:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Financial Analyst<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Milpitas, CA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Full time<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Job Description:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">1) Forecasting - Group spending and headcount tracking. Responsible for bi-weekly snapshot and quarterly budget review.  Involved in annual strategic planning<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">2) Reporting - Quarter end financial close and management reporting with main focus on division expenses, headcount, assets, and internal inventory<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">3) Budget tracking - Work closely with the Group and Division controllers on budget tracking, analysis and reporting<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">4) Take on and lead Group level analysis and projects<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">5) Other ad hoc analysis<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Preferred Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1) The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in financial analysis. Experience in expenses management with a global manufacturing company is highly desired.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">2) Good understanding of GAAP and basic FP&A concepts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">3) Able to work independently and proactively.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">4) Attention to details and the discipline to meet deadlines with high quality work & Results driven.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">5) Strong communication skills and team work skills. Able to discuss issues with other finance personnel as well as business partners<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">6) Ability to adapt to changes within a fast paced working environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">7) Self-driven and motivated to invest time to learn best practice. Willing to continue improving existing processes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8) Strong analytical skills in financial analysis and technical skills in Excel modeling, Excel PowerPoint, SAP, TM1<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9) Experiences that are not mandatory, but highly desired: revenue recognition, cost accounting, cost of service.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Basic Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Kindly send your resume to <a href="mailto:raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com">raju.balaji@kla-tencor.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>

Financial Analyst (Forecasting | Reporting | Budget | GAAP) (# 109066)

Position: Financial Analyst Location: Milpitas, CA Duration: Full time Job Description: 1) Forecasting - Group spending and headcount tra...

Read more »

28 in 28 #6: West Coast Modern

<i>February is Book Month on A Daily Dose of Architecture. The "<a href="http://archidose.blogspot.com/search/label/28%20in%2028">28 in 28</a>" series features a different book every day of the month.</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gibbs-smith.com/West-Coast-Modern-Architecture-Interiors-Design-P1118.aspx"><b><i>West Coast Modern</i></b></a> by Zahid Sardar with photographs by Matthew Millman<br />Gibbs Smith, 2012<br />Hardcover, 248 pages<br /><br /><img alt="28-28_west.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/28-28_west.jpg" title="Book cover" /><br /><br />The name of this coffee table book with 27 houses is intriguing, for how can one define a modern architecture in an area as large as the West Coast? If we take Wikipedia's definition of the area to mean the area includes California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and Alaska, we're talking about mountains, deserts, coastlines, and some of the largest cities in the United States. Therefore the modernism that is found in these five states should ideally exploit the differences of each particular context. And thankfully that is what Zahid Sardar has done with this collection, dividing the houses into five chapters based on natural and human-made environments: Coast, City, Desert/Prairie, Ski Mountain, and Wine Country. If the author partitioned them up by state (different ones than Wikipedia, mind you), then it would have resulted in some lopsided chapters: California (17), Washington (2), Arizona (2), British Columbia (2), Hawaii (1), Wyoming (1), Alaska (1), Idaho (1).<br /><br />In grouping by landscape over political borders, the book prioritizes the environmental aspects that influence each design. This decision therefore questions the long held notion that modern architecture ignores the environment in favor of hermetically sealed boxes run on air conditioning powered by fossil fuels. These are big houses for people with lots of money, but they are not houses that ignore their context; they are aware of landscape, climate and, in the case of the last chapter, economics. But they are also homes accompanied by modern furnishings, so it's no surprise that when Matthew Millman moves inside each house, the photo captions describe what chair, lamp, or other piece is in the frame. Like <i>Dwell</i> and other magazines, this book offers a lesson in how to live in a modern house. Designing and building a house like Mayer Sattler-Smith's <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2012/03/12/house-for-a-musher/">House for a Musher</a> may seem like the hard part, but the owners can't just throw some IKEA furniture in there and call it a day. In this regard, the most interesting project in the book is Bade Stageberg Cox's <a href="http://www.bscarchitecture.com/artcave.html">Art Cave</a> in Calistoga, California; art enters the picture where mid-century and Scandinavian furniture predominates elsewhere.<br /><br />Sardar and Millman should be commended for a very good selection of houses beautifully photographed. It is a book that would be more home on the coffee table of a distinguishing client than the architects themselves. The book makes modern residential architecture accessible through the large photos and the words of both the architects and the clients. Ultimately the book reveals how the landscapes of the west have inspired architects to find suitable responses in a modern idiom, creating some stunning spaces that respond well to their environments.<br /><br /><b>US: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616890681/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1616890681&link_code=as3&tag=aweeklydoseof-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy from Amazon.com" border="0" src="http://www.archidose.org/books/buy-from-tan.gif" /></a> CA: <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1616890681/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1616890681&link_code=as3&tag=aweeklydoseof-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy from Amazon.ca" border="0" height="28" src="http://www.archidose.org/books/buy-from-tan-ca.gif" width="90" /></a> UK: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1616890681/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=1616890681&link_code=as3&tag=aweeklydoseof-20" target="_blank"><img alt="Buy from Amazon.co.uk" border="0" height="28" src="http://www.archidose.org/books/buy-from-tan-uk.gif" width="90" /></a></b>

28 in 28 #6: West Coast Modern

February is Book Month on A Daily Dose of Architecture. The " 28 in 28 " series features a different book every day of the month. ...

Read more »

CheriBundi Review and Giveaway

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Winner is Ellen Beck!! </u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>CheriBundi Drinks</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnXmz0b_ocU/URLH37-wKXI/AAAAAAAAGLY/uFQgp0dZghw/s1600/cheri+bundi+package.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QnXmz0b_ocU/URLH37-wKXI/AAAAAAAAGLY/uFQgp0dZghw/s200/cheri+bundi+package.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was sent these wonderful juices to review by a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> company called </span><a href="http://www.cheribundi.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CheriBundi</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are you suffering from back pain?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you know that snacking on cherries can take the pain away just like that!?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cure was discovered at Cornell University by not only snacking on tart cherries but developed a juicing process so you could enjoy all of the tasty nutrients cherries have to offer in a juice!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether your eating healthy or training for a triathlon drinking CheriBundi juices gives you benefits to your everyday healthy lifestyle!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beliefs:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">doesn't boil away nutrients in the cooking process.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">tested on college students and professional athletes to aid in healthy life style</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">helps you live a naturally healthy lifestyle </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Facts:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you know that tart cherries are more powerful than other super fruits such as grapes, blueberries, pomegranates and the acai berries!?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They can make you sleep better and also recover from exercise!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">instead of eating 50 cherries a day drinking a bottle of CheriBundi will offer the same benefits!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Never made from concentrate and all natural! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They also have them in protein varieties, and light.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ones I was sent to review were the tart cherry juices.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Flavors:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Restore:</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Similar to the popular known drink athletes use called Gatorade. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Rebuild:</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Relax:</u></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Got too much stuff weighing on your mind lately?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No fear with CheriBundi's relax!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This sweet and delicious concoction helps you relax and fall asleep because it contains L-theanine which makes you feel more relaxed. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tart Cherry Juice light:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeMFTLYNGpo/URK-aHo1F9I/AAAAAAAAGK4/z_ZAmrWkib8/s1600/cheribundi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeMFTLYNGpo/URK-aHo1F9I/AAAAAAAAGK4/z_ZAmrWkib8/s200/cheribundi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">might be a bit tart but it sure is sweet and delicious!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Loved the flavor and how they come in little small jugs so you could take them anywhere with you!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Giveaway!</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Winner will win a case of CheriBundi!</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>1.What do you do to stay healthy?</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>Want an extra entry? </u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>2. Follow my blog.</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>3.Then also follow me via Twitter, here. https://twitter.com/kelli_bliss </u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>4. then tweet about the giveaway and make sure you use #CheriBundi</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><u>5. leave me a link here to your tweet.</u></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check them out online at the links below! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cheribundi.com/">http://www.cheribundi.com/</a></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/cheribundi">https://www.facebook.com/cheribundi</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/cheribundi"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://twitter.com/cheribundi</span></a></div>

CheriBundi Review and Giveaway

Winner is Ellen Beck!!  CheriBundi Drinks I was sent these wonderful juices to review by a  company called  CheriBundi . Are you suffering f...

Read more »

Will my house be in an ad?!

<p>Exciting news!  I have been approached by a Locations Company who have a client who is interested in having a photo shoot in our house.  It is an Irish Department Store and they will be shooting their homewares.  They are looking for a particular house with certain windows. </p><p> Fingers crossed that our house is suitable!</p><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvau_1s87FcIZyiGgSilknG8KogR3sJ2S_R07ly3qJXbqAjO-V22xERiHjOXVChDFZWVZZvQjGcFIRwqxb3iw7IlAD-eZIU8KlIeaTzJawSFlcpVyBJL0BFs6ipuArE8nyzslFEDWKEbT/s1600/ContactSheet-006.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvau_1s87FcIZyiGgSilknG8KogR3sJ2S_R07ly3qJXbqAjO-V22xERiHjOXVChDFZWVZZvQjGcFIRwqxb3iw7IlAD-eZIU8KlIeaTzJawSFlcpVyBJL0BFs6ipuArE8nyzslFEDWKEbT/s400/ContactSheet-006.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguaaqhSwyLtGuigG0myaDLkjasTxTVrB5gMEoKiC8Ab_v3c5Qx7w3igd-4RY8izxnYh3KkcG6xQ6R0YvsohVpBaj8UTaLHKMZySSRc6DQylqTnsqZMu7-42xCqMN2gRXRlsg2eR1Tg7gU/s1600/ContactSheet-001.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguaaqhSwyLtGuigG0myaDLkjasTxTVrB5gMEoKiC8Ab_v3c5Qx7w3igd-4RY8izxnYh3KkcG6xQ6R0YvsohVpBaj8UTaLHKMZySSRc6DQylqTnsqZMu7-42xCqMN2gRXRlsg2eR1Tg7gU/s400/ContactSheet-001.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYW0pFmPQuXHVhAznvHrxfHDSb5YedRNp_PjOncLG9ITpPOJbAWwhgMJyGXrhzN-O8P-97wok0SQwstnMVQEpLj5Fz1ziRAmMBTrFymTVhrXihgfsHkOWHDAzpWVO2Qrise8KsbXoT8Av/s1600/ContactSheet-005-1.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYW0pFmPQuXHVhAznvHrxfHDSb5YedRNp_PjOncLG9ITpPOJbAWwhgMJyGXrhzN-O8P-97wok0SQwstnMVQEpLj5Fz1ziRAmMBTrFymTVhrXihgfsHkOWHDAzpWVO2Qrise8KsbXoT8Av/s400/ContactSheet-005-1.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BbahExQsddBF9B7OiwFGLHYP5eRxtOTX7YOF6KqurwoIn7P-FRMsmNnm-BvlNAOgu1dHJbWy25gvj5vzn8fgbo6ZFz87bR7Z1e5EBZQSGeLycLFxAqfRpCqjK-yIRJP1uzTAIhE3GJB/s1600/ContactSheet-007.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BbahExQsddBF9B7OiwFGLHYP5eRxtOTX7YOF6KqurwoIn7P-FRMsmNnm-BvlNAOgu1dHJbWy25gvj5vzn8fgbo6ZFz87bR7Z1e5EBZQSGeLycLFxAqfRpCqjK-yIRJP1uzTAIhE3GJB/s400/ContactSheet-007.jpg" /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg15G5OKHzRS-zQ3MmV1Vb1HYIxDu8xKHZIJojli1M-02fQ2WH7O8yYkAi6vTdX1tgsIO6lTlz920I1aLUVZ1xNiwSNqlnOHQqa7pDhw1lZhALbxQHZsmJDCGzec7kA6v3lBj65iCleK0a/s1600/ContactSheet-008.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg15G5OKHzRS-zQ3MmV1Vb1HYIxDu8xKHZIJojli1M-02fQ2WH7O8yYkAi6vTdX1tgsIO6lTlz920I1aLUVZ1xNiwSNqlnOHQqa7pDhw1lZhALbxQHZsmJDCGzec7kA6v3lBj65iCleK0a/s400/ContactSheet-008.jpg" /> </a> </div>

Will my house be in an ad?!

Exciting news!  I have been approached by a Locations Company who have a client who is interested in having a photo shoot in our house.  It ...

Read more »

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock 02/06/2013

<ul class="diigo-linkroll"> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://www.technologyrocksseriously.com/p/school-signs.html">technology rocks. seriously.: School Signs</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">Teacher Sarah Thomas on Facebook got the link to these incredible free classroom posters from a "pin buddy" - if you click the link, you can download the PDF. Don't bemoan your budget is cut, get up and print and laminate your own signs!!! This site has them for just about every subject. Love it!</p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/Teaching">Teaching</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/math">math</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/science">science</a></p> </li> </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='https://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Teach This! Teaching with lesson plans and ideas that rock 02/06/2013

technology rocks. seriously.: School Signs Teacher Sarah Thomas on Facebook got the link to these in...

Read more »

*EVENT* Teacher Career Fair - West Hartford Public Schools

<strong>*EVENT* Teacher Career Fair -</strong> <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>West Hartford Public Schools</strong></span>. Conard High School, Thursday, March 7, 2013, 4:00PM to 7:00PM, 110 Beechwood Road, West Hartford, CT (Exit 41 of I-84). Those interested in school library media specialist positions in West Hartford, please bring your resume and a copy of your CT certification.

*EVENT* Teacher Career Fair - West Hartford Public Schools

*EVENT* Teacher Career Fair - West Hartford Public Schools . Conard High School, Thursday, March 7, 2013, 4:00PM to 7:00PM, 110 Beechwood...

Read more »

Look Like an Architect with Superfocus

While waiting for my bagel this morning, the TV behind the cash register had a commercial for <a href="http://superfocus.com/">Superfocus</a>, in which Joel Grey, Penn Jillette, and others were hawking glasses that resemble what architects were wearing half a century ago. Lo and behold, the <a href="http://superfocus.com/superfocus-frames">Icon Collection Frames</a> go by the names Bauhuas and Corbu. Some screenshots and descriptions from their website.<br /><br /><img alt="superfocus-bauhuas.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/superfocus-bauhaus.jpg" title="Bauhaus frame at Superfocus" /><br /><blockquote><i>Named Bauhaus in appreciation of the iconic movement created by design master Walter Gropius in Weimar in the 1920s.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>The Bauhaus has been a profound worldwide influence in art, architecture, graphic design, and last but not least, product design.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>We believe that Dr. Gropius would have approved of the sleek, utilitarian look of these Superfocus glasses.</i></blockquote><img alt="superfocus-corbu.jpg" src="http://www.archidose.org/Blog/superfocus-corbu.jpg" title="Corbu frame at Superfocus" /><br /><blockquote><i>We proudly call this style Corbu. Named after Le Corbusier, one of the great pioneers of modern architecture, whose signature look was his famous, round, dark-rimmed glasses, with the temples centered on the circular rims. Look familiar?</i></blockquote>It looks the only difference between the two frames (besides the optional finishes) is the where the arm connects to the rim. So if you pick up one of these "superframes," don't be surprised if people mistake you for Gropius when you're wearing Corbu, or vice versa.

Look Like an Architect with Superfocus

While waiting for my bagel this morning, the TV behind the cash register had a commercial for Superfocus , in which Joel Grey, Penn Jillette...

Read more »

Tsunami strikes Solomon Islands; 5 reported dead

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="title" style="font-family: 'Futura Today Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;">From: www.usatoday.com</div><div class="title" style="font-family: 'Futura Today Bold', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; text-transform: uppercase;">STRONG EARTHQUAKES ROCK SOLOMON ISLANDS REGION</div><div class="chatter" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 5px 0px 0px;">Today's 8.0 earthquake was the most powerful of a cluster of 7 in the region over the past four days, according to the USGS. There have been 10 earthquakes worldwide that were 6.3 or higher in the past 30 days. Several people died when a tsunami hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, part of the Solomon Islands nation.</div><div class="chatter" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 5px 0px 0px;"><img src="http://i.usatoday.net/_common/_notches/2f5643ea-8e03-48bf-8b0f-7aee4691c722-01b.png" /></div><div class="chatter" style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 5px 0px 0px;"><div class="source" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-left: 8px;">Source: USGS</div><div class="credit" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-left: 8px;">By Kevin Kepple, Denny Gainer and Jeff Dionise, USA TODAY</div><div class="credit" style="background-color: white; color: rgb(153, 153, 153) !important; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-left: 8px;"><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">A powerful earthquake off the Solomon Islands triggered a tsunami of up to 5 feet that damaged dozens of homes and killed several people in the South Pacific island chain Wednesday.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Authorities canceled warnings for tsunamis on more distant coasts.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;"><i>CNN</i> reported, citing a director of a hospital in the main town of Lata, that five people -- four of them elderly and one child -- died after a strong wave hit the Santa Cruz Islands, which are part of the Solomon Islands nation. The death toll was expected to rise.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Solomons officials reported two 4 foot, 11-inch waves hit the western side of Santa Cruz Island, damaging between 70 and 80 homes and properties, said George Herming, a spokesman for the prime minister. Many villagers had headed to higher ground as a precaution, Herming said.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Earlier, Solomon Islands Police Commissioner John Lansley said local police patrols had reported that several people were presumed dead, though the reports were still being verified.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"Sadly, we believe some people have lost their lives," he said. "At the moment we potentially know of four, but there may of course be more."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">One of the people presumed dead was fishing in a dugout canoe when the first wave hit, sweeping him out to sea, Herming said. Officials were searching for his body. Another woman was believed to have drowned when the water rushed into her village, Herming said.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Four villages on Santa Cruz were impacted by the waves, with two facing severe damage, Lansley said. Other areas of the Solomons did not appear to have been seriously affected.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Disaster officials were struggling to reach the remote area after the tsunami flooded the airstrip at the nearest airport and left it littered with debris.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The tsunami formed after an 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the town of Lata, on Santa Cruz in Temotu province, the easternmost province of the Solomons, about a 3-hour flight from the capital, Honiara. Temotu has a population of around 30,000 people.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami of about 3 feet was measured in Lata wharf. Smaller waves were recorded in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The center cancelled earlier warnings for tsunami waves further away.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Richard Dapo, a school principal on an island near Santa Cruz, said he lives inland but has been fielding calls from families on the coast whose homes have been damaged by the waves.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"I try to tell the people living on the coastline, 'Move inland, find a higher place. Make sure to keep away from the sea. Watch out for waves,'" he said.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">He said he's heard the waves have swamped some smaller islands, although he's not aware of any deaths or serious injuries at this point. He said it's difficult to contact people because cellphone coverage is patchy in the region.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">In Honiara, the warnings prompted residents to flee for higher ground.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"People are still standing on the hills outside of Honiara just looking out over the water, trying to observe if there is a wave coming in," said Herming, the prime minister's spokesman.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Atenia Tahu, who works for the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corp. in Honiara, said most people were remaining calm.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"People around the coast and in the capital are ringing in and trying to get information from us and the National Disaster Office and are slowly moving up to higher ground," Tahu said. "But panic? No, no, no, people are not panicking."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Dr. Rooney Jagilly, the medical superintendent at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, said the hospital asked about half its 200 patients to leave and stay with family or friends as a precautionary measure because the hospital is located near the shoreline. Those patients who weren't mobile enough to move stayed, but the hospital remained ready to evacuate them.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Jagilly said there had been no flooding and he hoped the hospital would return to normal Thursday. He said his staff was ready to mobilize to Santa Cruz because the small hospital there has no doctor after the previous one recently died.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">An official at the disaster management office in Vanuatu said there were no reports of damage or injuries there.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">More than 50 people were killed and thousands lost their homes in April 2007 when a magnitude 8.1 quake hit the western Solomon Islands, sending waves crashing into coastal villages.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The Solomons comprise more than 200 islands with a population of about 552,000 people. They lie on the "Ring of Fire" — an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones that stretches around the Pacific Rim and where about 90 percent of the world's quakes occur.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The U.S. Geological Survey said Wednesday's quake struck 50 miles west of Lata, at a depth of 3.6 miles</div></div></div></div>

Earthquakes Tsunami strikes Solomon Islands; 5 reported dead

From: www.usatoday.com STRONG EARTHQUAKES ROCK SOLOMON ISLANDS REGION Today's 8.0 earthquake was the most powerful of a cluster of 7 in ...

Read more »

Lindsey Vonn heading home, surgery expected next week

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="asset-metabar-wrap" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin: 20px 0px 23px 70px;"><div class="asset-metabar" itemprop="author" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" style="border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(230, 230, 230); display: table-cell; margin: 20px 0px 0px; width: 888px;"><span class="asset-metabar-author asset-metabar-item" itemprop="name" style="float: left; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 14px; margin: 6px 0px 5px; padding: 2px 10px; position: relative;">Andrew Dampf, Associated Press</span><span class="asset-metabar-time asset-metabar-item " style="border-left-color: rgb(225, 225, 225); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #999999; float: left; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14px; margin: 6px 0px 5px; padding: 2px 10px; position: relative;">9:06a.m. EST February 6, 2013</span><span class="asset-metabar-time asset-metabar-item " style="border-left-color: rgb(225, 225, 225); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: #999999; float: left; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; line-height: 14px; margin: 6px 0px 5px; padding: 2px 10px; position: relative;">From: http://www.usatoday.com</span></div></div><div class="asset-double-wide double-wide" itemprop="articleBody" role="main" style="color: #222222; float: left; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 10px; position: relative; width: 600px;"><h2 class="lead-in" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 27px; margin-left: 60px; margin-top: -2px;">U.S. champion skier Lindsey Vonn is facing surgery next week for her serious knee injuries</h2><div class="article-metadata-wrap" style="float: left; height: auto; margin: 0px 30px 0px 60px; position: relative;"><aside class="single-photo expandable-collapsed" itemprop="associatedMedia" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/ImageObject" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 20px; position: relative; width: 180px; z-index: 100;"><div class="image-wrap" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; box-shadow: rgb(200, 200, 200) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: pointer; padding: 3px; position: relative;"><img alt="Vonn 2-6-13" class="expand-img-horiz" itemprop="url" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/02/06/vonn-2-6-13-4_3_r536_c534.jpg?1b79b3da202957124496e3768cfb7b67cdb10c81" style="border: 0px; max-width: 100%; min-height: 131px; vertical-align: middle;" /><span class="toggle" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/sprites/asset-sprite.png); background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; bottom: 0px; height: 21px; position: absolute; right: 0px; width: 21px; z-index: 200;"></span></div><div class="image-credit-wrap" style="color: #646464; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 16px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px 5px 0px 0px;"><span class="credit" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 400;">(Photo: GEPA/USA TODAY Sports)</span></div></aside><div class="article-metadata" style="position: relative;"><aside class="comp story-highlights " style="clear: left; float: left; margin: 0px 0px 20px; min-height: 60px; width: 180px;"><h3 class="hlts" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #999999; font-family: 'Futura Today Bold', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px auto; text-transform: uppercase;">STORY HIGHLIGHTS</h3><ul class="hlt" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; left: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">Lindsey Vonn left Austrian hospital late Tuesday, and in statement said she's "grateful" for all the support</li><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(212, 212, 212); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">Team physician left open possibility of more than one surgery but does not expect it to go that way</li><li class="hlt-item" style="background-image: url(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/static/images/components/story_highlights_bullets.png); background-position: 0px 17px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; color: #646464; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px; padding: 12px 0px 12px 15px;">Vonn said to be a little banged up and sore from bruises</li></ul></aside></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">SCHLADMING, Austria - American skier Lindsey Vonn will head home for surgery next week after tearing two ligaments in her right knee and breaking a bone in her lower leg in Tuesday's crash at the world championships.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Vonn was released from the hospital late Tuesday and returned to the team hotel.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"I am grateful to my fans for the outpouring of support, which has really helped me stay positive," Vonn said in a statement Wednesday, a day after her crash here.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"I can assure you that I will work as hard as humanly possible to be ready to represent my country next year in Sochi" at the 2014 Winter Olympics.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">U.S. Ski Team physician William Sterett, who has been treating Vonn since she was a child, was with her on the snow after the crash, then at a Schladming hospital where she was airlifted to.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"She'll be heading back to Vail (Colorado) and I will be doing surgery on her knee early next week," Sterett told The Associated Press on Wednesday.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">He would not set a return date to skiing for Vonn until after the surgery. Other doctors have speculated that Vonn could be looking at six to eight months before she's back on skis.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Sterett also left open the possibility of Vonn requiring more than one surgery, saying that with these types of injuries "that's always a possibility."</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"I plan on returning to Vail as soon as I can to have the necessary surgeries," Vonn said in her statement, although the plan for now was only one operation.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;"><img alt="None" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2013/02/05/lv2-4_3_rx512_c680x510.jpg?0f5c31de35bf4ef88a50c2e35ee3bc4da4bf3083" /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">On the same slopes Wednesday, American Ted Ligety produced a blistering finish to win his first super-G, taking a lot of risks in the turning final section and mastering the Planai course in 1 minute, 23.96 seconds.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The crash in Tuesday's women's race had not been on his mind, Ligety said.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"It's very sad for Lindsey because she was doing great but it didn't matter for my race," he said. "You have to move on. I am sure she will be back next year. As a ski racer, you can't let that affect you too much."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Vonn tore her anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in her right knee. The broken bone was described as a "lateral tibial plateau fracture."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"The fracture is called an impaction fracture," Sterett said. "It should not require any surgery. It just needs to be non-weight on crutches."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Sterett said Vonn got great medical care here, as did Vonn in her statement: "I want to say thank you to the amazing medical staff that cared for me."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The team said it expects Vonn, the four-time overall champion, will be back for the next World Cup season and will compete at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"Best wishes to my Minnesota buddy @lindseyvonn...Good luck with the surgery! Thinking of ya! U.S. tennis player Mardy Fish tweeted Wednesday.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">The harrowing accident came after Vonn landed off a jump in the opening race at the championships, the super-G. As she hit the ground, her right leg gave way and she spun down face first, throwing an arm out to protect herself. She ended up on her back as she smashed through a gate.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"The hospital staff did an excellent job with X-rays, MRI," Sterett said. "She had very good care and they were very, very helpful."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Sterett said Vonn was "a little banged up, and sore everywhere," without going into details on her bruises.</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">"She's in good spirits and upbeat. She's intently focusing on the next step and the next step now is getting from point A to point B, with point B being next season," he said. "She's determined and upbeat."</div><div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 60px;">Sterett said that due to intense media attention, he won't say when Vonn will leave Schladming.</div></div></div>

Lindsey Vonn Lindsey Vonn heading home, surgery expected next week

Andrew Dampf, Associated Press 9:06a.m. EST February 6, 2013 From: http://www.usatoday.com U.S. champion skier Lindsey Vonn is facing surger...

Read more »

Mary Leakey’s 100th Birthday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Posted by </span><span class="fn" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/author/ahowley/" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #044e8e; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Posts by Andrew Howley">Andrew Howley</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> of NG Staff in </span><a href="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/blog/explorers-journal/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #044e8e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Explorers Journal</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> on </span><abbr class="published" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="2013-02-06T07:48:29+00:00">February 6, 2013</abbr><br /><abbr class="published" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="2013-02-06T07:48:29+00:00">From: </abbr>http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com<br /><img alt="Louis Leakey, Mary Leakey and another team member pose behind prehistoric elephant bones encased in plaster. Photograph courtesy Leakey Family Collection. " src="http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/files/2013/02/mary-leakey-elephant-bones-600x402.jpg" /><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #777777; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;">Louis Leakey, Mary Leakey and another team member pose behind prehistoric elephant bones encased in plaster. Photograph courtesy Leakey Family Collection.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #777777; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">When Mary Douglas Nicol was born 100 years ago today, the idea of human physical evolution was only a few decades old, and very little evidence of any human-like creatures beyond ourselves and living apes had been discovered.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some specimens of Neanderthals had been found, but the most complete belonged to an aged, worn, arthritic man. This contributed to a common view that whatever ancestors we had were, like Hobbes’ image of primitive life itself, “nasty, brutish, and short.”</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Through a life of dedication to research and exploration of Africa’s Rift Valley, Mary met and married Louis Leakey and together they brought to light some of the most significant and spectacular remains of ancient human ancestors more apelike, and more clearly energetic and capable than many had ever considered possible. The discovery in 1960 of <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Homo habilis,</em> the “handy man” marked the earliest known expert stone tool makers, and the footprints at Laetoli revealed for the first time a snapshot of our apelike forebears in action. Throughout the years she was supported by more than 25 grants from the National Geographic Society. </div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Her son, Richard, continued the work and has been a champion for Africa’s people and animals for decades. His wife, Meave, has made significant discoveries as well, and has continued to be a leader in paleoanthropology. Though Mary Leakey herself died in 1996, her granddaughter Louise continues the family legacy.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 16px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Today Louise and Meave are National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, continuing to push the boundaries of what we know about early human ancestors, and perhaps more importantly on a human level, how we think about them. 100 years ago today human beings knew very little about our ancient origins. Because of the life and example of Mary Leakey, we know ourselves better now, and continue to learn more every day.</div></div>

Mary Leakey Mary Leakey’s 100th Birthday

Posted by  Andrew Howley  of NG Staff in  Explorers Journal  on  February 6, 2013 From:  http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com Louis Leake...

Read more »

IHOP gives away free pancakes for charity Tuesday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://widget.newsinc.com/single.html?WID=1&VID=24323908&freewheel=69016&sitesection=selatimes&w=600&h=400" width="600"></iframe> <div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><span class="byline" style="color: #292727; display: block; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span class="byline" style="color: #292727; display: block; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">By Tiffany Hsu From http://www.latimes.com</span></div><div class="date" style="color: #930000; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; line-height: normal; margin-top: 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="dateString" style="display: inline;">February 5, 2013</span><span class="dateTimeSeparator" style="border-left-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; display: inline; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-left: 6px;">, </span><span class="timeString" style="display: inline; text-transform: lowercase;">6:00 a.m.</span></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">Early bird today gets the pancakes. A stack of them. For free from <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/economy-business-finance/ihop-corporation-ORCRP007634.topic" id="ORCRP007634" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" title="IHOP Corporation">IHOP</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">And it's all in the name of charity. The restaurant chain is trying to encourage diners taking advantage of the complimentary meal to donate $3 million to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which raises funds for 170 nonprofit children’s medical centers.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">The company, owned by Applebee’s parent DineEquity in Glendale, has been hosting the giveaway for eight years and has raised $10 million. <br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">The more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants will offer a complimentary tower of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. IHOP has dubbed Feb. 5 to be National Pancake Day -- a holiday it says is based on a tradition several centuries old of making pancakes to use up all the dairy products forbidden during Lent.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;"><a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/entertainment/miss-america-pageant-EVHST0000159.topic" id="EVHST0000159" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" title="Miss America Pageant">Miss America</a> 2013 Mallory Hagan is scheduled to help flip and serve pancakes at a Hollywood IHOP location Tuesday.</div>Other food-service chains have recently begun to test business models that include do-gooding.<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">The <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/economy-business-finance/panera-bread-company-ORCRP011770.topic" id="ORCRP011770" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" title="Panera Bread Company">Panera</a> Foundation, an offshoot of the popular sandwich company, now has five "pay-what-you-can" restaurants in the country that operate on donations. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">Within two weeks of <a class="taxInlineTagLink" href="http://www.latimes.com/topic/economy-business-finance/starbucks-corp.-ORCRP014398.topic" id="ORCRP014398" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;" title="Starbucks Corp.">Starbucks</a> launching its Create Jobs for USA Fund in 2011, customers had donated more than $1 million. The effort raises money for loans to small businesses to boost employment.</div></div></div>

IHOP IHOP gives away free pancakes for charity Tuesday

By Tiffany Hsu From http://www.latimes.com February 5, 2013 ,  6:00 a.m. Early bird today gets the pancakes. A stack of them. For free from...

Read more »

Weigh In update

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR5yDSr_KO0/URJElkMYByI/AAAAAAAAGIs/sicZ5r94V_E/s1600/jan2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AR5yDSr_KO0/URJElkMYByI/AAAAAAAAGIs/sicZ5r94V_E/s320/jan2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you may know I am a member of Curves Gym and have been for a year now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, I can't believe it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Would be so lost without it too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so proud of myself for sticking to it when I just wanted to throw in the towel when it seemed like it's too much work, but I stuck with it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not easy losing weight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be times when you just want to give up.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be times when you feel like food is your best friend and just want to eat whether your bored or feeling down.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's OK just as long as you pick yourself back up and continue!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a year and I did not give up and will not!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am in it to win it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last week I weighed myself and had measurements done. (haven't done measurements since July)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so proud when I saw the results.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even better I got a copy of it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drum Roll please................</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lost 19 pounds and 16 inches!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like I said it's not easy but you can stick to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Weigh In update

As you may know I am a member of Curves Gym and have been for a year now. Wow, I can't believe it. Would be so lost without it too. I am...

Read more »

That KIND of teacher

<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="http://instagr.am/p/N_EYIItR2i/" target="_blank" style=" "><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1360151885947.7698" src="http://distilleryimage6.s3.amazonaws.com/3ad38c36dfbc11e197621231381b4865_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes a KIND teacher is like a rainbow on a grey day. Enough brightness to help everyone else feel hope. Be that KIND of teacher. </td></tr></tbody></table> <p> You can tell a lot about a teacher at the copier machine. People are watching you and certain small things earn a great amount of respect because they tell a bit about you. When you have a school full of this KIND of people, things just run smoother.</p> <p><strong>When the copier runs out of paper, do you load just enough for your job or do you top off the copier?</strong></p> <p>Think about it ... if everyone loads just enough for THEIR job and the copier is used 50 times a day, that tray is opening and closing 50 times. Then, you have 50 times that people are frustrated that SOMEONE ELSE didn't top off the copier. Your copier breaks more often and people are MORE on edge. If just 2 or 3 people topped off the copier, wouldn't your day run much more smoothly? I know of people that just pop in and load the copier when they are waiting on something else ... it seems little, but I notice how much paper people put in the copier because it says whether they think of others after them or just themselves.</p> <p><strong> Do you have labels that you use consistently for students and other teachers that are limiting your thoughts and interactions?</strong></p> <p>Label maps not people. People can change, but not when you try to hold them in a certain place. Smart. Hard working. Sorry. Lazy. Struggling. Emotionally unstable.</p> <p>There are some teachers who consistently use certain terms relating to kids. "Lazy" is one of those terms I just cannot stand. A child may not be doing your work, but are they really lazy? What if you're so boring that they have to pinch their arms to stay awake, like I did with a history professor in college? What if they are so lost they don't know where to start? What if they think you hate them and they're just trying to get by? What if you make fun of them every time they try something and make them feel like an idiot in front of the class? What if they had to take care of their little brothers and sisters while their parents fought again last night? Can you honestly condense your assessment of a student down to the word "lazy."</p> <p><strong>Do you go to bat and help those teachers who are so tired they can't even get out of the dugout?</strong></p> <p>There are times when there is so much work to be done, or a teacher is so loaded down, they can't see straight. Right now is one of those times for me - I'm so tired I can't see straight. </p> <p>I had a down day and a teacher did something for me. When it dawned on me what she had done -- I looked at her and said "thank you, I can't believe you did that for me" and she said, "I went to bat for you because you're worth it." I could have cried, what she did for me was huge.</p> <p>Another teacher jumped in and helped solve a problem for me with a few minutes of her time...she went to bat for me too. Another offered to keep a class for me during what will be a very busy time...she went to bat.</p> <p>Do you notice who is losing their mind with work and worry and do you come up under that burden for them? My sister brings me a diet cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper when she knows I'm having one of those days. She shows up at my desk, puts in on my desk, smiles, says "I love you" and leaves. I know what it means. She loves me and she loves me enough to give up her (and my) favorite soda. She goes to bat. She is that KIND of sister.</p> <p><strong>What kind of teacher are you?</strong></p> <p>Teaching is tough. Tough, but very rewarding. We put up with the yucky stuff kind of like you put up with those dirty diapers on your toddler - you love the squirming, sometimes fussy little child that makes those awful packages. We have students and stress and that means we have someone to teach. Because we teach, we have all these extra stresses and worries. The kids are worth it.</p> <p>But when other teachers take a moment to be unselfish in little ways, it makes a difference. Because the KIND of teacher who is KIND makes that KIND of school where everyone wants to work. Not a perfect school but the KIND of school where mutual respect and kindness underlie the very hard work that we're called to do.</p> <p>Let's be that KIND of teacher - whether people notice or not. Whether they say thank you or not - let's love and be the KIND of teacher who is helpful to others. </p> <p>During stressful times that KIND of teacher may just make all the difference in a school.</p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad</a></div>

Teaching That KIND of teacher

Sometimes a KIND teacher is like a rainbow on a grey day. Enough brightness to help everyone else feel hope. Be that KIND of teacher. You ...

Read more »

one room challenge - week 1

And so it begins.<br /><br /><div class="p1">The time for teasing is over, let the sharing begin! I’m thrilled to say that my dear friend <a href="http://mycraftyhomelife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Linda</a> has asked me to participate in the One Room Challenge. And let me just say, I’m in some amazing company.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxrGxEdlMQsSvRS1uBcI9KVdJsGv6e71gmv7vnpYlZ7AOfcrSxmDERVnCBFmuU82qTbSr9yOZZnPbaZP_9QtNYPqwVeqsLaqiVpZz3uykHX2rgYkLrTq3Md4HQW_Xl9X1ChYETdqWaEI9/s1600/ORC+Banner+Blog+Headers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxrGxEdlMQsSvRS1uBcI9KVdJsGv6e71gmv7vnpYlZ7AOfcrSxmDERVnCBFmuU82qTbSr9yOZZnPbaZP_9QtNYPqwVeqsLaqiVpZz3uykHX2rgYkLrTq3Md4HQW_Xl9X1ChYETdqWaEI9/s640/ORC+Banner+Blog+Headers.png" title="One Room Challenge" width="640" /></a></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1">If you haven't followed this series before, the concept is simple – pick a room in your house that needs some attention and redo it entirely in just six weeks. Why are my palms already sweating?<br /><br />Each Wednesday I, and the 19 other ladies, will share our plans, report on our progress and probably try to stall for more time. Ending the whirlwind with the big reveal of 20 beautiful spaces just six (short) weeks from now. Again, gulp. </div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p1">This couldn’t have come at a better time as it gives me the chance to tackle number 3 on my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-goals.html" target="_blank">2013 goal list</a> – redoing the girls’ bedroom.</div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhredMKrfKcwolROYOP_KQUOHQnSd3HB1Y4S4VUZST6S4xCsiQkdu6ykb7dAE6LyW5q7jrGpT4il6Xdt9AaDSbSOMdWIF_h6RgyqYsL0cKL7s4MfhG4U14xARr5eu8Dbew7ZbOZmB-lit/s1600/girlssharearoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhredMKrfKcwolROYOP_KQUOHQnSd3HB1Y4S4VUZST6S4xCsiQkdu6ykb7dAE6LyW5q7jrGpT4il6Xdt9AaDSbSOMdWIF_h6RgyqYsL0cKL7s4MfhG4U14xARr5eu8Dbew7ZbOZmB-lit/s400/girlssharearoom.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><div class="p2"><br /></div><div class="p2">Here is the keeping it real picture. (highlights Amelia's idea of cleaning her room - putting everything on top of her bed)<br /><br />Eve is ready to move into her big girl bed (she already prefers to sleep in Amelia's bed instead of her own) and Amelia constantly complains that her room looks too "baby". Don't tell her this, but I'm ready for a change too. This room is a hodge podge and I need a bit more cohesion  I've got two busy girls in this space so organization will be a high priority. </div><div class="p2"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMgma8oBFMEjwAVZoZUBLP7rPk2LrQGG5CoKpGUmJYrNThVgkrWW6_c_P8LlV0U-5LTYSHNZ8koXWbT0S9uA6h7FlfKvASCa2GHb1S5aOIyqWeD6G1sRcaV7wFI1Ppsaa2UGuoObasR3U/s1600/girlsroombefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMgma8oBFMEjwAVZoZUBLP7rPk2LrQGG5CoKpGUmJYrNThVgkrWW6_c_P8LlV0U-5LTYSHNZ8koXWbT0S9uA6h7FlfKvASCa2GHb1S5aOIyqWeD6G1sRcaV7wFI1Ppsaa2UGuoObasR3U/s400/girlsroombefore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="p2">These are really bad pictures, but aren't all before shots supposed to be extra bad? (Emily Henderson, I listen to you!)</div><div class="p2"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQjIa0QgwQVh9WNbzBPHFGoM2O_42DletXa4SDIzHMY43NUVlLgjq5FOdAujYlu2p4npPpWvJPt0EdITZC1T_N55NNyPcM8ru7n6J-n2CeDGT_dQ2pmZXxoG3SCEkL_-gUJZtgDL4xBtm/s1600/crowdedbookcase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQjIa0QgwQVh9WNbzBPHFGoM2O_42DletXa4SDIzHMY43NUVlLgjq5FOdAujYlu2p4npPpWvJPt0EdITZC1T_N55NNyPcM8ru7n6J-n2CeDGT_dQ2pmZXxoG3SCEkL_-gUJZtgDL4xBtm/s400/crowdedbookcase.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="p2">The list for this room is long and there are several head scratchers too. In no particular order, here is what we've got to do. Yes, I said "we". You are coming over to help right?</div><div class="p2"></div><ol><li>Come up with functional floor plan</li><li>Paint walls/ceiling/trim</li><li>Paint dresser (new hardware?)</li><li>Update vanity (maybe some fun color or hardware)</li><li>Find curtains and add trim</li><li>Add a rug and new bedding</li><li>Hang art and create some personalized pieces</li><li>Find/Install new light fixture (buh bye ceiling fan)</li><li>Reupholster chair and possibly add comfy floor cushions </li><li>Find/Make lampshade(s)</li></ol>Here is my inspiration board. I'm going White, Pink and Blue (with some yellow and green thrown in for good measure.) As many of you know, I'm all about color, so this will be fun.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI9en5KRMrQ_65mku19hpwXhQO4lblfKo_Iq44yFCYTSv1G1C4xPV4wCwdXcU1oalj48YwY8Oj_0XNz1F-nB_g0_e3fmqNYMwGrEhjOsek9GDc05kiO4J5MdZ26YXltxSSykeBNoNyGGz/s1600/LittleBlackDoorGirlsRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI9en5KRMrQ_65mku19hpwXhQO4lblfKo_Iq44yFCYTSv1G1C4xPV4wCwdXcU1oalj48YwY8Oj_0XNz1F-nB_g0_e3fmqNYMwGrEhjOsek9GDc05kiO4J5MdZ26YXltxSSykeBNoNyGGz/s640/LittleBlackDoorGirlsRoom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So now it's out there, floating in the world of the web. I guess that means I have to get started. Make sure to check in with all the other wonderful ladies below and see what their plans are too.<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chattafabulous</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Chinoiserie Chic</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.classiccasualhome.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Classic Casual Home </a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://laurenleonardinteriors.com/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the Cottage Mix</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://cottageandvine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Cottage & Vine</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://designindulgence.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Design Indulgence</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.designmanifest.com/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Design Manifest</span> </a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://everythingleb.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Everything LEB</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.markovadesign.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Hodge Podge</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://kimmacumberinteriors.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kim Macumber Interiors</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.mattersofstyleblog.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Matters of Style</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://mycraftyhomelife.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">My Crafty Home Life</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://scottdesigns.ca/blog/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Nicole Scott Designs</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://blog.pacificfamilyhomes.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pacific Family Homes</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pawleys Island Posh</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.thepeakoftreschic.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the Peak of Tres Chic</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://blog.thepinkpagoda.us/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the Pink Pagoda</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.powellbrower.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Powell Brower Home</a> </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://simpledetailsblog.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Simple Details</a> </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, who's coming over to help me? I will accept wine donations in lieu of painting attendance. </div>

one room challenge - week 1

And so it begins. The time for teasing is over, let the sharing begin! I’m thrilled to say that my dear friend Linda  has asked me to partic...

Read more »