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|Oracle® Database Backup and Recovery Basics
10g Release 1 (10.1)
Part Number B10735-01
|View PDF
A copy of one of the filled members of an online redo log group made when the database is in
ARCHIVELOG mode. After the LGWR process fills each online redo log with redo records, the archiver process copies the log to one or more offline redo log archiving destinations. This copy is the archived redo log. Note that RMAN does not distinguish between an original archived redo log and an image copy of an archived redo log; both are considered image copies.
The mode of the database in which Oracle copies filled online redo logs to disk. Specify the mode at database creation or with the
ARCHIVELOG statement. Oracle automatically performs the archiving unless you execute
See Also: archived redo log, NOARCHIVELOG mode
The operation in which the archiver background process copies filled online redo logs to offline destinations. An offline copy of an online redo logs is called an archived redo log. You must run the database in
ARCHIVELOG mode to archive redo logs.
The persistent preconfiguration of RMAN channels. You can use the
CONFIGURE command to specify disk and tape channels. Then, you can issue commands such as
BACKUP and
RESTORE at the RMAN command prompt without manually allocating channels. RMAN uses whatever preallocated channels that it needs in order to execute the commands.
A mode of the database in which undo data is stored in a dedicated undo tablespace. The only undo management that you must perform is the creation of the undo tablespace. All other undo management is performed automatically.
(1) A database created from target database backups with the RMAN
DUPLICATE command.
(2) A temporary database that is restored to a new location and then started up with a new instance name during tablespace point-in-time recovery (TSPITR). A TSPITR auxiliary database contains the recovery set and auxiliary set.
See Also: recovery set, auxiliary set
In TSPITR, the set of files that is not in the recovery set but which must be restored in the auxiliary database for the TSPITR set to be successful.
See Also: auxiliary database, recovery set
(1) A backup of data, that is, a database, tablespace, table, datafile, control file, or archived redo log. You can make a backup by:
(2) An RMAN command that creates a backup set, proxy copy, or disk-based image copy.
See Also: copy, backup set, multiplexing, RMAN
The set of concepts, procedures, and strategies involved in protecting the database against data loss due to media failure or users errors. In a wider sense, backup and recovery also involves maintenance of backups and their associated metadata.
A backup of the control file. You can back up the control file with the RMAN
backup command or with the SQL statement
The database mode (also called hot backup mode) initiated when you issue the
BACKUP or
BACKUP command before taking an online backup. You take a tablespace out of backup mode when you issue the
BACKUP or
BACKUP command.
You must use this command when you make a user-managed backup of datafiles in an online tablespace. RMAN does not require you to put the database in backup mode. Updates to tablespaces in backup mode create more than the usual amount of redo because each change causes Oracle to write the entire block rather than just the changed data to the redo log.
See Also: corrupt block, online backup
A backup piece is a physical file in an RMAN-specific format that belongs to only one backup set. A backup set usually contains only one backup piece. The only time RMAN creates more than one backup piece in a backup set is when you limit the backup piece size using the
MAXPIECESIZE option of the
ALLOCATE or
CONFIGURE command.
See Also: backup, backup set, RMAN
See retention policy
A backup of one or more datafiles, control files, archived logs, or backup sets produced by the RMAN
BACKUP command. A backup set is a logical grouping of one or more binary files called backup pieces. Backup sets are in a proprietary format and can only be restored by RMAN.
See Also: backup piece, unused block compression, multiplexing, RMAN
An RMAN option that improves incremental backup performance. RMAN maintains a block change tracking file in the flash recovery area. This file logs a record of changed blocks, which RMAN can then read during an incremental backup so that it does not have to perform a full scan of the datafiles.
The recovery of specified blocks within a datafile with the Recovery Manager
BLOCKRECOVER command. Block media recovery leaves the affected datafiles online and restores and recovers only the damaged or corrupted blocks.
A connection between RMAN and the target database. Each allocated channel starts a new Oracle server session; the session then performs backup, restore, and recovery operations. The type of channel (
DISK or
sbt) determines whether the Oracle server process will attempt to read or write and whether it will work through a third-party media manager.
See Also: media manager, target database
A data structure that defines an SCN in the redo thread of a database. Checkpoints are recorded in the control file and each datafile header, and are a crucial element of recovery.
Control file records containing non-critical information used by RMAN for backups and recovery operations. These records are arranged in a logical ring. When all available record slots are full, Oracle either expands the control file to make room for a new records or overwrites the oldest record. The
CONTROL_FILE_RECORD_KEEP_TIME initialization parameter controls how many days records must be kept before it can be overwritten. The default for
CONTROL_FILE_RECORD_KEEP_TIME is 7 days.
See Also: noncircular reuse records
A backup of one or more database files taken while the database is closed. Typically, closed backups are whole database backups. If you closed the database cleanly, then all the files in the backup are consistent. Otherwise, the backups are inconsistent.
See Also: consistent shutdown, consistent backup
See closed backup
Recovery of one or more datafiles that applies all online and archived redo generated after the restored backup. Typically, you perform complete recovery when media failure damages one or more datafiles or control files. You fully recover the damaged files using all redo generated since the restored backup was taken.
See Also: incomplete recovery, media recovery
How RMAN conserves space by writing only used data blocks into RMAN backup sets. A newly created datafile contains many never-used blocks. When RMAN creates backup sets, it only includes blocks that have been used.
A whole database backup that you can open with the
RESETLOGS option without performing media recovery. In other words, you do not need to apply redo to this backup for it to be consistent. You can only take consistent backups after you have made a consistent shutdown of the database. The database must not be opened until the backup has completed.
See Also: fuzzy file, inconsistent backup
TRANSACTIONAL, or
NORMAL options of the
SHUTDOWN statement. A database shut down cleanly does not require recovery; it is already in a consistent state.
The automatic backup of the current control file that RMAN makes in the situations:
BACKUP command run at the RMAN prompt
BACKUP command within a
RUN block that is not followed by another
BACKUP command
The control file autobackup has a default filename that allows RMAN to restore it even if the control file and recovery catalog are lost. You can override the default filename if desired.
To back up a bit-for-bit image of an Oracle file (Oracle datafiles, control files, and archived redo logs) onto disk. You can copy in two ways:
cp or
COPY command
See Also: backup
An Oracle block that is not in a recognized Oracle format, or whose contents are not internally consistent. Typically, corruptions are caused by faulty hardware or operating system problems. Oracle identifies corrupt blocks as either logically corrupt (an Oracle internal error) or media corrupt (the block format is not correct).
You can only repair a media corrupt block by recovering the block and or dropping the database object that contains the corrupt block so that its blocks are reused for another object. If media corruption is due to faulty hardware, neither solution will work until the hardware fault is corrected.
See Also: block media recovery
The automatic application of online redo records to a database after either a single-instance database crashes or all instances of an Oracle Real Applications Cluster configuration crash. Crash recovery only requires redo from the online logs: archived redo logs are not required.
See Also: recover
A check to determine whether files on disk or in the media management catalog correspond to the data in the repository and the control file. Because the media manager can mark tapes as expired or unusable, and because files can be deleted from disk or otherwise become corrupted, the RMAN repository can contain outdated information about backups. Run the
CROSSCHECK command to perform a crosscheck. To determine whether you can restore a file, run
BACKUPSET or
See Also: validation
An incremental backup that backs up all the blocks changed since the most recent backup at level 0. When recovering with cumulative incremental backups, only the most recent cumulative incremental backup needs to be applied.
See Also: differential incremental backup, incremental backup
The online redo log file in which the LGWR background process is currently logging redo records. Those files to which LGWR is not writing are called inactive.
See Also: redo log, redo log groups
The thread checkpoint that has the lowest SCN. The database checkpoint guarantees that all changes in all enabled threads prior to the database checkpoint have been written to disk.
See Also: checkpoint
See DBID
The recovery of a database to a specified noncurrent time, SCN, or log sequence number.
See Also: incomplete recovery, tablespace point-in-time recovery (TSPITR)
The application of redo records to a restored datafile in order to roll it forward to a more current time. Unless you are doing block media recovery, the datafile must be offline while being recovery.
An internal, uniquely generated number that differentiates databases. Oracle creates this number automatically when you create the database.
A type of incremental backup that backs up all blocks that have changed since the most recent backup at level 1 or level 0. For example, in a differential level 1 backup RMAN determines which level 1 or level 0 backup is most recent and then backs up all blocks changed since that backup. Differential backups are the default type of incremental backup. When recovering using differential incremental backups, RMAN must apply all differential incremental level 1 backups since the restored datafile backup.
See Also: cumulative incremental backup, incremental backup
A hardware component that is responsible for controlling one or more disk drives.
A user-specified limit to the size of the flash recovery area. When the disk quota is reached, Oracle automatically deletes files that are no longer needed.
A database created from target database backups using the RMAN duplicate command.
See Also: auxiliary database
The extraction of logical data (that is, not physical files) from a database into a binary file using the Oracle export utility. You can then use the Oracle import utility to import the data into a database.
See Also: logical backups
An optional disk location that you can use to store recovery-related files such as control file and online redo log copies, archived logs, flashback logs, and RMAN backups. Oracle and RMAN manage the files in the flash recovery area automatically. You can specify the disk quota, which is the maximum size of the flash recovery area.
Oracle-generated logs, similar to archived redo logs, used by the
FLASHBACK command. Oracle can only write flashback logs to the flash recovery area. They cannot be backed up to disk.
A non-incremental RMAN backup. Note that "full" does not refer to how much of the database is backed up, but to the fact that the backup is not incremental. Consequently, you can make a full backup of one datafile.
An RMAN operation that updates the recovery catalog with all changed metadata in the database's control file. You can initiate a full catalog resynchronization by issuing the RMAN command
CATALOG. RMAN resynchronizes as needed when executing certain commands.
A datafile that contains at least one block with an SCN more recent than the checkpoint SCN in its header. For example, this situation occurs when Oracle updates a datafile that is in backup mode. A fuzzy file that is restored always requires recovery.
See online backup
See backup mode
A bit-for-bit copy of a single datafile, archived redo log file, or control file that is:
COPY command, an operating system command such as the UNIX
cp, or by the Oracle archiver process
A redo log file that is not required for crash or instance recovery because the changes contained in its redo records have already been applied to the database. The current online redo log is never inactive. If you operate the database in
ARCHIVELOG mode, the archiver process archives inactive redo log files.
See Also: online redo log, redo log, redo log groups
A separate version of a physical database. The incarnation of the database changes when you open it with the
RESETLOGS option, but you can recover backups from a prior incarnation so long as the necessary redo is available.
The recovery of a database in which you do not apply all of the changes generated since you created the restored backup. Is it the same as database point-in-time recovery (DBPITR).
See Also: complete recovery, media recovery, recover
A backup in which some of the files in the backup contain changes that were made after the files were checkpointed. This type of backup needs recovery before it can be made consistent. Inconsistent backups are usually created by taking online database backups. You can also make an inconsistent backup by backing up datafiles while a database is closed, either:
Inconsistent backups are only useful if the database is in
ARCHIVELOG mode.
See Also: consistent backup, online backup, system change number (SCN), whole database backup
An RMAN backup in which only modified blocks are backed up. Incremental backups are classified by level. An incremental level 0 backup performs the same function as a full backup in that they both back up all blocks that have ever been used. The difference is that a full backup will not affect blocks backed up by subsequent incremental backups, whereas an incremental backup will affect blocks backed up by subsequent incremental backups.
Incremental backups at level 1 back up only blocks that have changed since previous incremental backups. Blocks that have not changed are not backed up. An incremental backup can be either a differential incremental backup or a cumulative incremental backup. A cumulative incremental backup backs up all blocks changed since the last level 1 incremental backup. A differential incremental backup backs up all blocks changed since the last level 0 or level 1 incremental backup.
The termination of an Oracle instance due to a hardware failure, application error, or
ABORT statement. Strictly speaking, an instance failure occurs whenever the database is not shut down consistently. Crash or instance recovery is always required after an instance failure.
In a RAC configuration, the application of redo data to an open database by an instance when this instance discovers that another instance has crashed.
A utility that enables log files to be read, analyzed, and interpreted by means of SQL statements
See Also: archived redo log
A number that uniquely identifies a set of redo records in a redo log file. When Oracle fills one online redo log file and switches to a different one, Oracle automatically assigns the new file a log sequence number.
See Also: log switch, redo log
The point at which LGWR stops writing to the active redo log file and switches to the next available redo log file. LGWR switches when either the active log file is filled with redo records or you force a switch manually.
See Also: redo log
Backups in which an Oracle export utility extracts database data and then saves it to a binary file at the operating system level. You can then import the data back into a database with the corresponding Oracle import utility.
A backup that you want to exclude from a backup retention policy, but want to record in the recovery catalog. Typically, long-term backups are snapshots of the database that you may want to use in the future for report generation.
The desired time required to perform instance or media recovery on the database. A variety of factors influence MTTR for media recovery, including the speed of detection, the method used to perform media recovery, and the size of the database.
A physical problem that arises when Oracle fails in its attempt to write or read a file that is required to operate the database. Disk failure can affect a variety of files, including the datafiles, redo log files, and control files. Because the database instance cannot continue to function properly, it cannot write to the datafiles.
See Also: media recovery
A utility provided by a third party vendor that is capable of actions such as loading, labelling and unloading sequential media such as tape drives. Media managers also allow you to configure media expiration and recycling, and may also have the ability to control an ATL (automated tape library).
The application of redo or incremental backups to a restored backup datafile or individual data block to bring it to a specified time. Datafile media recovery always begins at the lowest SCN recorded in the datafile headers.
When performing media recovery, you can recover a database, tablespace, datafile, or set of blocks within a datafile. In
ARCHIVELOG mode, you have the choice of complete recovery or incomplete recovery. In
NOARCHIVELOG mode, the only option is typically to restore from the most recent backup without applying redo.
See Also: block media recovery, recover
Maintaining identical copies of data on one or more disks. Typically, mirroring is performed on duplicate hard disks at the operating system level, so that if one of the disks becomes unavailable, the other disk can continue to service requests without interruptions. When mirroring files, Oracle writes once while the operating system writes to multiple disks; when multiplexing files, Oracle writes the same data to multiple files.
The automated maintenance of more than one identical copy of the online redo log.
The automated maintenance of more than one identical copy of a database's control file.
The RMAN technique of reading database files simultaneously from the disks and then writing the blocks to the same backup piece.
The Oracle archiver process is able to archive multiple copies of a redo log.
See Also: mirroring
The mode of the database in which Oracle does not require filled online redo logs to be archived before they can be overwritten. Specify the mode at database creation or change it with the
NOARCHIVELOG command. Note that running in
NOARCHIVELOG mode severely limits the possibilities for recovery of lost data.
See Also: archived redo log, ARCHIVELOG mode
Control file records containing critical information needed by the Oracle database. These records do not change often and cannot be overwritten. Some examples of information in non-circular reuse records include datafiles and online redo logs.
See Also: circular reuse records
A backup of a tablespace or datafile made when the tablespace or datafile is offline and the database open. Run the
OFFLINE statement to take a tablespace offline, and the
OFFLINE statement to take an individual datafile offline.
When a tablespace is taken offline normal, it is taken offline using the
NORMAL statement. The datafiles in the tablespace are checkpointed and do not require recovery before being brought online. If a tablespace is not taken offline normal, then its datafiles must be recovered before being brought online.
A backup of one or more datafiles taken while a database is open and the datafiles are online. When you make a user-managed backup while the database is open, you must put the tablespaces in backup mode by issuing an
BACKUP command. (
BACKUP is an alternative when your database has many tablespaces, all of which need to be put in backup mode.) When you make an RMAN backup while the database is open, however, you should not put the tablespaces in backup mode.
The online redo log is a set of two or more files that record all changes made to Oracle datafiles and control files. Whenever a change is made to the database, Oracle generates a redo record in the redo buffer. The LGWR process flushes the contents of the redo buffer into the online redo log.
The current online redo log is the one being written to by LGWR. When LGWR gets to the end of the file, it performs a log switch and begins writing to a new log file. If you run the database in
ARCHIVELOG mode, then the archiver process or processes copy the redo data into an archived redo log.
See Also: archived redo log
The Oracle online redo log consists of two or more online redo log groups. Each group contains one or more identical online redo log members. An online redo log member is a physical file on the operating system containing the redo records.
A physical online redo log file within an online redo log group. Each log group must have one or more members. Each member of a group is identical.
See user-managed backup and recovery
The return of the whole database to a prior consistent SCN by means of the RMAN
FLASHBACK command or SQL*Plus
FLASHBACK statement. A database flashback is different from traditional media recovery because it does not involve the restore of physical files, instead restoring your current datafiles to past states using saved images of changed data blocks. The flashback database process uses flashback logs and archived redo logs.
A database file managed by the Oracle Managed Files feature.
A feature of the Oracle database which manages the creation, naming and deletion of Oracle database files within dedicated areas of disk, to minimize the need for DBAs to concern themselves with such specifics.
Backups that are unusable because they belong to incarnations of the database that are not direct ancestors of the current incarnation.
A form of recovery in which several processes simultaneously apply changes from redo log files. Instance and media recovery can be parallelized automatically with the
RECOVERY_PARALLELISM initialization parameter or options to the SQL*Plus
RECOVER command.
Allocating multiple channels for RMAN backup and recovery operations.
A type of resynchronization in which RMAN transfers data about archived logs, backup sets, and datafile copies from the target control file to the recovery catalog.
A file created by the
ORAPWD command. A database must use password files if you wish to connect using the
SYSDBA or
SYSOPER roles over a network. For a more comprehensive explanation, see the Oracle Database Administrator's Guide.
The datafiles, control files, and redo logs in a database at a given time. Issue the RMAN
SCHEMA command to obtain a list of tablespaces and datafiles.
A backup in which the media manager takes over the transfer of data between the media storage device and disk during RMAN backup and restore operations.
To recover a database file or a database is typically to perform media recovery, crash recovery or instance recovery. Can also be used generically, as in "recover your data," to refer to reconstructing or re-creating lost data by any means.
See Also: recover
When used to refer to a database file or a database, the application of redo data or incremental backups to database files in order to reconstruct lost changes. The three types of recovery are instance recovery, crash recovery, and media recovery. Oracle performs the first two types of recovery automatically using online redo records; only media recovery requires you to restore a backup and issue commands.
See Also: complete recovery, incomplete recovery
A set of Oracle tables and views used by RMAN to store information about Oracle databases. RMAN uses this data to manage the backup, restore, and recovery of Oracle databases. The recovery catalog is optional. If you do not use a recovery catalog, RMAN uses the target control file as the sole repository of metadata.
See Also: recovery catalog database
An Oracle database that contains a recovery catalog schema. You should not store the recovery catalog in the target database.
A utility that backs up, restores, and recovers Oracle databases. You can use it with or without the central information repository called a recovery catalog. If you do not use a recovery catalog, RMAN uses the database's control file to store information necessary for backup and recovery operations. You can use RMAN in conjunction with a media manager to back up files to tertiary storage.
See Also: backup piece, backup set, copy, media manager, recovery catalog
One or more tablespaces that are being recovered to an earlier point in time during tablespace point-in-time recovery (TSPITR). After TSPITR, all database objects in the recovery set have been recovered to the same point in time.
See Also: auxiliary set
A recovery window is a period of time in a retention policy bounded by the current time and the earliest point of recoverability. The point of recoverability is the end time for a hypothetical point-in-time recovery, that is, the point to which you must be able to recover following a media failure. A retention policy states that you must have enough backups and archived redo logs to be able to recover to any point between the current time and the point of recoverability.
See Also: retention policy
A redo log can be either an online redo log or an archived redo log. The online redo log is a set of two or more redo log groups that records all changes made to Oracle datafiles and control files. An archived redo log is a copy of an online redo log that has been written to an offline destination.
See Also: archived redo log, online redo log
Each online redo log member (which corresponds to an online redo log file) belongs to a group. A group has one or more identical members. A multiplexed redo log is a redo log in which the redo groups have multiple members.
The redo generated by an instance. If the database runs in a single instance configuration, then the database has only one thread of redo.
A set of backups enabling you to recover from the failure or loss of any Oracle database file.
In RMAN, the execution of a
DATABASE command in order to record the existence of a target database in the recovery catalog. A target database is uniquely identified in the catalog by its DBID. You can register more than one database in the same catalog, and also register the same database in multiple catalogs.
See Also: DBID
The RMAN metadata about backup and recovery operations on the target database. Either the control file or the recovery catalog can function as the RMAN repository.
See Also: recovery catalog
A method for opening a database that archives any current online redo logs (if using ARCHIVELOG mode), resets the log sequence number to 1, clears the online redo logs, and begins a new database incarnation. A database must be opened with the RESETLOGS keyword after incomplete recovery or recovery with a backup control file.
The replacement of a lost or damaged file with a backup. You can restore files either with commands such as UNIX
cp or the RMAN
RESTORE command.
The operation that updates the recovery catalog with current information from the target database control file. You can initiate a full resynchronization of the catalog by issuing a
CATALOG command. A partial resynchronization transfers information to the recovery catalog about archived redo logs, backup sets and datafile copies. RMAN performs resynchronizations automatically when needed.
A user-defined policy for determining how long backups and archived logs need to be retained for media recovery. You can define a retention policy in terms of backup redundancy or a recovery window. For example, if you need to recover the database to any point within the last 7 days, then at least one backup made 8 days ago or earlier must be retained. Also, you must retain all of the archived redo logs needed to perform the recovery.
Database segments that record the before-images of changes to the database.
The use of rollback segments to undo uncommitted transactions applied to the database during the rolling forward stage of recover.
The application of redo records or incremental backups to datafiles and control files in order to recover changes to those files.
See Also: recover, rolling back
System Backup to Tape
A copy of a database's control file taken in an operating system specific location by Recovery Manager. RMAN uses the snapshot control file to read a consistent version of a control file when either resynchronizing the recovery catalog or backing up the control file.
A sequence of RMAN commands stored in the recovery catalog.
A stamp that defines a committed version of a database at a point in time. Oracle assigns every committed transaction a unique SCN.
SYSTEM tablespace differs from other tablespaces in that all datafiles contained in the tablespace must be online for Oracle to function. If a media failure affects one of the datafiles in
SYSTEM, then you must mount the database and recover.
The recovery of one or more non-
SYSTEM tablespaces to a noncurrent time. You can use either RMAN or user-managed methods to perform TSPITR.
In RMAN, the database that you are backing up or restoring.
A file that belongs to a temporary tablespace, and is created with the
TEMPFILE option. Temporary tablespaces cannot contain permanent database objects such as tables, and are typically used for sorting. Because tempfiles cannot contain permanent objects, RMAN does not back them up.
The incomplete recovery of database files to a noncurrent time. Time-based recovery is also known as point-in-time recovery.
See Also: incomplete recovery, media recovery, recover
A feature that transports a set of tablespaces from one database to another, or from one database to itself. Transporting or "plugging" a tablespace into a database is like creating a tablespace with preloaded data.
A dedicated tablespaces that stores only undo information when the database is run in automatic undo management mode.
Backups made using a non-RMAN method, for example, using an operating system utility. For example, you can make a user-managed backup by running the
cp command on UNIX or the
copy command on Windows. A user-managed backup is also called an operating system backups.
A backup and recovery strategy for an Oracle database that does not use RMAN. This term is equivalent to operating system backup and recovery. You can back up and restore database files using operating system utilities (for example, the
cp command in UNIX), and recover using the SQL*Plus
RECOVER command.
A test that checks whether a backup can be restored. RMAN scans the backups and looks at the checksum to verify that the contents can be successfully restored.
See Also: crosscheck, media manager, recovery catalog
A backup of the control file and all datafiles that belong to a database.
See Also: backup


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As the old saying goes 'Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves'. But looking after the pennies is slightly trickier than it used to be and in these times of economic uncertainty, we're all looking for more and more ways to save.
Here are 40 small changes you can make in your daily life; if applied rigorously enough, they will alter the way you spend significantly. As a result, the savings you'll make will add up to give your bank account a healthy boost.
Credit: MorguefileMoney Saving Tips
1, Rather than splashing out on numerous expensive cleaning products, try using white vinegar as an alternative; it's dirt cheap and is actually more thorough than lots of the big brand cleaners.
2, If you pay for numerous digital/satellite TV channels, make a list of the ones you actually watch on a regular basis and cancel your subscription to all the others.
3, To get your dishes really clean, you rarely need to put a full dishwasher tablet in the machine; try using half instead and a pack will last twice as long.
4, Rather than paying for a fancy big name garage for your car check-ups, use a government MOT test centre, as they have no vested interest in prescribing repairs for your car so it's more likely to pass first time.
5, Do you spend a fortune on food during the working day? Get into the habit of making yourself a packed lunch. Do it the evening before to avoid the early morning rush.
6, Never leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary. You'll save tons of energy this way.
7, Don't leave electricals on standby overnight. It's a tough habit to break, but so many of us leave our laptops and TVs ready to go for hours and hours.
8, If you buy a certain magazine every week, consider taking out a subscription as it will usually work out cheaper in the long run.
9, For short distances, ditch the car and walk (or cycle). Money saving and healthy all in one!
10, If you are planning a holiday, consider camping as a fun, inexpensive alternative to the luxury beach resort.
11, Use rechargeable batteries in all your remote controls and battery operated goods.
12, Rather than spending a fortune on the gym, fill up empty fizzy drink bottles and use them as dumb-bells at home.
13, If you are preparing a meal using pans use plates as lids on the pans. This way, there's no need to use extra energy warming the plates in the oven.
14, When travelling long distances, look into the cost of a coach trip instead of taking the train. The savings are usually massive.
15, Look out for student nights at your hairdressers. No, you don't need to be a student to qualify; it's when the apprentice hairdressers get the chance to work at their craft on willing customers (who get a very cheap haircut, sometimes even free).
16, For staple long-lasting foods and non-fresh items (such as tinned and frozen goods), do a separate shop at a budget supermarket and stock up once a month.
17, Instead of toilet cleaner, use a cheap cola drink to make the loo sparkle. It will work just as well for a fraction of the price.
18, When using the oven, be economical and do a batch of cooking all at once. Cakes and meals can then be frozen and re-heated in the microwave.
19, Never have the windows open and the heating on at the same time. It sounds like common-sense, but you'd be surprised at the amount of people who do just that!
20, Instead of investing in books and DVDs, join a library and borrow them instead.
21, If you are only a semi-regular internet user, you can also use the library for online access rather than paying a monthly bill.
22, Don't overfill the kettle. If you are making one cup of tea, only use the amount of water required for that cup.
23, Start a car-share scheme with friends and colleagues from work. This will ultimately save you loads of cash and, as a bonus, you're doing your bit for the environment.
24, Do your shopping at the supermarket late at night when many items have been reduced for clearance.
Credit: Morguefile25, Cut out snacks and take-away coffees between meals. It's far healthier and you'll notice the savings within a week.
26, For the kids, try to find a local toy-lending library. Saves you money as you aren't actually purchasing the toys and the children get new toys every couple of weeks or so.
27, Ignore the 'rinse and repeat' instruction on your shampoo bottle. Once is nearly always enough.
28, Organise a clothes-swapping party with a group of friends. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
29, Opt for showers over baths. It will save you a fortune in water bills.
30, Use email as often as possible, as opposed to phone calls or texts.
31, Swap baby wipes for cotton wool and lotion or water.
32, Turn your central heating thermostat down by one degree. I bet you won't even notice the difference in the heat, but you'll certainly notice the difference when the bill hits the door mat.
33, Double check your TAX code. If it's not correct or out of date, you could be paying more than you need to.
34, Do a bit of research and find out about local co-operatives where a group can buy food in bulk and split it between them.
35, Sign up to money-off sites, for deals, vouchers and discount codes, but don't buy items simply because they have money off. Only use the vouchers on items you were already intending to buy.
36, Gather together all of your unwanted possessions and sell them on eBay or at a car boot sale.
37, Don't do the weekly food shop when you;re hungry.
38, When you hire any equipment (for DIY purposes for example), do it over a bank holiday so you get an extra day free of charge.
39, Try being a vegetarian for a few weeks, or at least cut down on your meat intake. This will detox your body and your purse.
40, Make sure all lights are turned off in rooms that you're not in.
Hopefully, applying these small changes will make life a little easier in the future and help you get a handle on your finances.

subset: commoncrawl


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If you want to survive in the game of sports betting, Net Predictions For Today in South Africa then you have to use effective money management. I recommend that you follow these guidelines at all times.
- Only invest what you can realistically afford to lose. Best Prediction For Today Football Matches you have to remember that you really do not need to start with al a lot of money. I got started with only $100 dollars and I followed the system and my money has doubled over and over again over the course of years.
- Do not make your initial bet too high. Only invest 5% of your total bankroll for a flat betting system (in which you bet the same amount each time) and no more than 2% for a progressive system. You need to be patient here and allow your systems to do their slow and steady work.
- Increase your initial bets when your bankroll has increased by 25%. This will increase your earning power, Net Predictions For Today just remember to stick to the suggested percentages in #2.
- Remember to Diversify your portfolio. If you have a total bankroll of $1000 and 4 systems that you would like to use, then each system should be allotted $250 and you have to keep those amounts separate.
You have to be disciplined in your use of your systems and in your money management strategy. It can be difficult especially you are doing exceptionally well or if you are losing badly. You may be tempted to deviate from the systems or the money management guidelines in either of those situations. But do not, Today Soccer Result Prediction just remain diligent and the rewards are sure to follow.
Net Predictions For Today in South Africa?
Betting on horse racing does not mean that you have to be present right there on the racetrack. Today, you can place your bet online and in the comfort of your home.
This is the power of technology. Nowadays, everything can be found online. All people need to have is a computer and an online connection and they will be able to see the race action live on their small screen.
Even if it is not as good as the live one or as big as the ones you will see on television, it is very convenient for those who are on the move and do not have the right facilities for it. Just think. You will never again miss the action. You will have a minute-by-minute account on the race that is going on. Besides that, you will know first-hand if the horse you are betting on will win or not.
How does betting horse racing online works?
There are some sites that just need you to register into them and put in your deposit. Once the result is out, your losses or winnings will be debited or credited into your account.
Not all websites are like this though. There are those that require its would-be members to pay an initial fee. Some even require monthly charges depending on the frequency of your visit and stay.
Even if the betting horse racing is done online, the rules and regulations are still the same. The types of bets and race conditions are also the same as the ones you will see and get live.
Since the process is done through computers, you can expect a short delay on the tally of your bets based on the overall betting system. For those who cannot wait for the update, they are given a choice of the statistics to be sent directly to their cell phones.
But with the advantages that people get from betting horse racing online comes its disadvantages. They may be minors but it is still worth the glance.
1. Unsatisfying experience.
Some people find that nothing can compare to the feeling that they get when they are on the racetrack and is part of the action. You cannot really get that same feeling when you are just there watching it on screen.
Most of those who bet on this sport are after the excitement of seeing the race from start to finish. They still want to shout and cheer with the rest of the crowd gathered there on the stadium.
2. Miniscule screen.
Being confined in the small screen of your computer, you will not get a view of what is happening in the whole event. You will just rely on where and what the camera is focusing on. This is a total turn off for those who want to see every corner and every move around the racetrack.
Those who are intent on having a better view of the horse race choose to have their own satellite TV in their home to get a bigger and better view of the live happening in the racetrack.
3. Computer system problems.
Slow computers and outdated hardware installed in your computers are one of the factors that will hinder your betting horse racing online experience. If you do not have the most advanced features, do not expect your viewing to be as great as it should be.
However, if you can do away with these minor problems and your only desire is to cut the suspense and see the result as it happens, then horse race betting online is always there at your convenience.
Betting the House?
Do you want to make more money with your soccer bets using the Football Betting Tipsters service website? There has been an increase in activity of soccer betting in recent years with the introduction of better technology for punters to bet online. However, more than 95% of all punters lose money in the long term, but there are some seasoned punters who know how to make money from it consistently.Before you bet with real money on any online website, always be sure to research them carefully first to ensure that they are not scams. Luckily, most gamblers who try online betting are aware of the dangers. To try to make more money from my soccer bets, I decided to join this tipster membership site called Football Betting Tipsters.By becoming a member of this site, you will get access to professional and expert analysis on soccer bets that are based on reliable data. However, you should always be ready to accept occasional losses as they are inevitable and no soccer betting analysis website is 100% accurate. Ever since I started using the strategies provided by this site, I have been betting more logically with more consistent winnings compared to how I was doing on my own before.


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Rachel Zoe and Lauren Conrad Pictures at Veuve Polo Classic
Rachel Zoe Brings Skyler to Join Lauren Conrad and More For a Weekend of Polo
Rachel Zoe Brings Skyler to Join Lauren Conrad and More For a Weekend of Polo
Rachel Zoe showed her cute and inquisitive son Skyler the sights with dad Rodger Berman close by at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in LA on Sunday. Rachel took a short break from her own little one to coo over Selma Blair's baby boy Arthur, who was born at the end of July. Yesterday, Rachel also had a big announcement for fans of the Zoe Report — she's launching both accessories and beauty product based spin-offs of her daily newsletter this week. Ali Larter didn't bring along her son for the event while Jamie King, who has talked about wanting kids, had her husband as her date for the day. Lauren Conrad and best friend Lo Bosworth posed together for the cameras. Lo recently celebrated her 26th birthday and Lauren has her own exciting news this Fall. Lauren Conrad is reportedly dating Derek Hough, and the two were spotted out partying together just last Thursday.


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Masayuki Numao, Shoichi Takagi, and Keisuke Nakamura, Tokyo Institute of Technology
We demonstrate a method to locate relations and constraints between a music score and its impressions, by which we show that machine learning techniques may provide a powerful tool for composing music and analyzing human feelings. We examine its generality by modifying some arrangements to provide the subjects with a specified impression. This demonstration introduces some user interfaces, which are capable of predicting feelings and creating new objects based on seed structures, such as spectra and their transition for sounds that have been extracted and are perceived as favorable by the test subject.
This page is copyrighted by AAAI. All rights reserved. Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of all of AAAI's terms and conditions and privacy policy.


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Good Culture Cottage Cheese, 16oz
If you are placing a Christmas-time order please place this order separately from any other order and make your deposit conveniently via the online link at checkout.
If you are placing a normal, non-holiday order for curbside, please DO NOT make an online payment. Select "offline payment" at checkout. One of our team members will call you to schedule a pick up time and retrieve payment information.
Curbside orders are charged a $4.99 picking fee. Orders placed M-F by 2:00p will be ready to pick up the next day. Curbside is closed on Sunday and Monday.


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As the global coordinator for WFP's Purchase for Progress (P4P) pilot, I visited Malawi in July to review the challenges facing smallholder farmers and how P4P might build on progress made to date. These are a few of my observations.
Flying into Malawi, nestled between Africa's southernmost Great Lake and the lush hills of the Rift Valley, one can clearly see from the air the country's deforested hills and depleted soils. This combination presents daunting challenges for Malawi's farmers, most of whom rely on semi-subsistence rain-fed production to feed their families and earn a decent living.
One might say that the P4P pilot initiative in Malawi is experimenting with a two-track approach: one bottom-up by working directly with smallholder farmers' organizations and the other top-down by working through the Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa (ACE) to engage various stakeholders in using the commodity exchange as a marketing platform. A nascent Warehouse Receipt System (WRS), affiliated to ACE, provides guaranteed storage and quality control for buyers and sellers.
Value chain
WFP offers a reliable market opportunity for farmers' organizations (FOs) and to small and medium traders who can supply high-quality staple commodities, particularly white maize and pulses. Through P4P, we work closely with numerous partners at different points along the value chain to improve the capacities of smallholder farmers. To date, P4P and partners have provided hands-on training to some 15,000 farmers who belong to participating farmers' organizations. The farmers have been trained in various skills including : organizational management and business planning; improved production and post-harvest handling; quality control; storage facility management; marketing; and conservation agriculture.
Continuous increase in purchases from smallholder farmers
WFP Malawi purchases almost 70 percent of its food locally. Since the inception of P4P in 2009, WFP has purchased almost 52,000 metric tons of commodities through ACE or directly from farmers' groups, putting an extra US$ 14 million directly into the pockets of the smallholder farmers and into the local economy. The food is used in WFP programmes in Malawi and neighbouring countries for activities such as school meals, food for assets, refugee rations and maternal child health programmes. Purchases from farmers' organizations continue to increase as more FOs meet WFP's quality standards, minimal contract sizes and strict delivery requirements.
Applying knowledge from P4P training to other markets
During the visit, I met the members of Cheka FO in Ntchisi district. The FO had recently received a 'Certificate of Graduation' as a result of their good performance in marketing to WFP and others. This means that they have graduated from a 'direct purchase' modality (a negotiated contract), to a competitive procurement modality through the internet-based trading platform of ACE.
Matthews Kamphambe, the chairman of Cheka FO, told me that last year the FO sold maize to a large agro-dealer as well as to WFP.
"We got a good price, as we sold later in the season," he said.
He attributes this success to the training and experience he and his colleagues got over the past three years.
Cheka is now applying their improved knowledge of warehouse management and marketing to the other products that they aggregate.
"We offer our members the possibility of getting paid when they bring their commodities to the warehouse - or to wait to get paid a better price when we find a market," explained Matthews. Last season we didn't have any farmers asking for upfront payment because they now believe that it's better when we all sell together. And we always encourage our members to keep enough for their families before deciding to sell."
Optimism despite challenges
As part of the 'graduation strategy', WFP's P4P team in Malawi seeks to help farmers progress from semi-subsistence agriculture to become empowered market actors. As in all P4P pilot countries, many challenges remain, such as access to affordable financial services, poor roads and insufficient storage infrastructure.
Fortunately, many FOs in Malawi are steadily overcoming these obstacles through their own initiative, hard work and persistence. There is certainly enormous potential to strengthen WFP's partnerships with other organizations to support conservation agriculture, improve access to farm inputs and financial services, and to enhance further both production and market access.
Ken Davies, WFP's Purchase for Progress (P4P) Global Coordinator


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A strategic alliance between The Keyes Company and Shelter Mortgage Company allows us to offer the best financing options and the most competitive interest rates so that families can achieve their dream of homeownership.
Home owner's insurance is a must. We pride ourselves on finding quality, appropriate coverage at the most reasonable prices for our customers.
When you choose Keyes Property Management, you can rest assured that your most valuable asset is being cared for by South Florida's most experienced and knowledgeable real estate experts. Our property management team is highly-trained and backed by the most modern approach to record keeping and accounting.We have built a reputation as a company that gets results because "we manage your property as if it were our own."
Immigration into America provides a specialist immigration service for individuals who want to move to the USA. We work closely with our team of experienced US immigration attorneys and a number of EB-5 regional centres ensuring that you feel confident in your decision, and that your transition overseas is as smooth as possible.
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The security experts at ADT provide top-notch protective services to safeguard your property. We work closely with ADT to deliver unique security solutions for our customers and their families.
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As a leading credit repair company, CreditUs is dedicated to providing you with the fastest and most effective credit repair services. We help improve your credit reports and boost your credit score by working to remove negative and inaccurate items from your credit reports
Keyes Concierge's dedicated staff will provide guidance and do all the research to make your move stress-free and easy. This complimentary service will assist you with anything from your utilities to pest control services.


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Find the most common forms, lists and manuals in our Downloads and Resources section.
In an ever-changing and complex pharmacy benefit landscape, Express Scripts Canada is committed to making prescription drug use safer and more affordable.
Our Knowledge Centre helps you stay up to date on the latest trends, developments, opportunities and risks by:
- applying techniques from the behavioural sciences
- analyzing drug trends
- conducting monthly reviews of all new drugs approved by Health Canada
What is member waste?
Insurance industry professionals who partner with Express Scripts Canada (ESC) provide benefit management solutions to employers. These employers ultimately choose solutions that they believe best fits their business needs. These solutions balance a number of objectives, including benefit plan sustainability and cost management. Some cost management solutions offered by ESC to its insurance industry partners are uniquely designed to preserve plan member choice and reduce waste.
Waste occurs when plan members spend more without improving health outcomes. For example, waste is created when members choose to use more expensive medications when less expensive alternatives will provide them with similar health benefits. In addition, plan members often make expensive pharmacy choices, use less-than-optimal dispensing intervals and fail to take prescription medication as prescribed. These decisions result in significant health consequences for plan members and enormous financial tolls on employers. The solutions offered by ESC's insurance industry partners can influence better decisions while balancing costs and serving the needs of plan members.
Learn more about comprehensive and tightly managed plans.


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You must be the global administrator in the global zone to perform this procedure.
Become superuser, or assume the Primary Administrator role.
To create the role and assign the role to a user, see Using the Solaris Management Tools With RBAC (Task Map) in System Administration Guide: Basic Administration.
In the global zone, use pkgrm to remove the package.
Add the package without using the -G option.


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- Free Delivery & In-Home Setup*
- Removable Seat Cushions
Also in the Darcy collection/ SET DISCOUNT APPLIED
Darcy Sky Loveseat
Regular Price: $665.00
Free Delivery & In-Home Setup*
Part of Darcy Collection from Ashley
Sky finish
Fabric Content: 100% Polyester
Exposed feet with faux wood finish
Corner-blocked frame
Loose seat and attached back and armrest cushions
Ultra soft upholstery
High-resiliency foam cushions wrapped in thick poly fiber
Polyester upholstery
Tapered feet
Firmly cushioned
Cushion cores are constructed of low melt fiber wrapped over high quality foam
Removable seat cushions
Sweeping padded arms and plush pillow back design
Fine lines and great curves
Striking flared frame
Comfy pillow top armrests
Frame constructions have been rigorously tested to simulate the home and transportation environments for improved durability
Components are secured with combinations of glue blocks interlocking panels and staples
Seats and back spring rails are cut from mixed hardwood and engineered lumber
Stripes and patterns are match cut
All fabrics are pre-approved for wearability and durability against AHFA standards
Cushions are constructed of low melt fiber wrapped over foam
About this Collection:
View More Products by Ashley Furniture
View more Loveseats
- Loveseat 67"W x 39"D x 40"H - 104.6lbs.
- Seat Depth 22"
- Seat Height 21.50"
- Distance Between Arms 38"
- Top of Cushion to Top of Back 18"
- Arm Height 31.50"
- Minimum Width of Doorway for Delivery 32"
- Leg Height 3"
- Color Blues
- Style Contemporary and Modern
- Manufacturer Signature Design by Ashley
- Sofa Type Stationary
Ashley has been leading the way on stylish and modern furniture collections that are budget-friendly, and this line is one of their most popular. Signature Design by Ashley has something for everyone, whether you're looking to add a special decorative touch with an accent piece or searching for the right set for a new room. You'll find bedroom furniture perfect for your master suite or child's room, dining and bar options that are sure to turn your home into your friends' favorite place to congregate, plus sofas and sectionals, all in a variety of colors and styles. Be sure to also check out Signature Design's mattresses to complete the purchase of your new bed. Whatever you're looking for, this line has it, and we offer free shipping and in-home delivery so you get it on your time.
- Great Value
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For an extended warranty please click here
With proper care and attention, you will be able to enjoy your new Signature Design by Ashley Furniture for years to come.
Casegoods (Bedroom, Dining Room, Occasional Furniture etc):
Frames Used In Upholstered and Leather Products:
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Recliner Mechanisms:
Sleeper Mechanism:
Sleeper Mattress:
Upholstered Fabric:
Finishes and all other furniture products
Electrical Components
Unlike other furniture companies, Coleman Furniture never charges for delivery. Since our humble beginnings in 1999 we have grown to become one of the largest online furniture stores in the US. We offer two distinct delivery options that sets us miles apart from the competition.
Smaller items (and office furniture from Bush and Bestar as well as ALL TOV ORDERS), that list "FREE HOME DELIVERY" will ship via Fedex, UPS, or LTL service. If assembly is required it will be the customers responsibility to assemble the furniture. Only a small percentage of our orders ship this way, however, we do offer items that it's simply not economical to do a white glove delivery.
Where do you deliver?
We deliver anywhere in the continental 48 states. Delivery is currently not available to Alaska or Hawaii. However, we have many international customers whom heard about us, or found our great deals online. Coleman Furniture will work with your selected freight forwarder, and will deliver your order to them at no charge!


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Man involved in Brevard standoff to return to Delaware
Officials: Man's arrest ends 3-state crime spree
A man on the run who was involved in a six-hour standoff with Brevard County officials will be returned to his home state.
A SWAT team took down 40-year-old Kenneth Wood of Delaware Tuesday night in the 500 block of East Merritt Island Causeway.
Wood had not seen his Brevard County relatives for 20 years when he showed up at a Merritt Island trailer park after police say he escaped from a work release program in Delaware. Officials said Wood pulled off three armed robberies on the way to Florida.
His half-brother said the family wanted nothing to do with him, but he moved in anyway.
Members of his family said deputies also roughed up an 81-year-old man living in the trailer during the arrest.
"He said he doesn't have to come out of his home, no one can make him, so they forced him out," said a neighbor. "I have seen them dragging him out and on the ground."
A Sheriff's Office spokesman said 81-year-old Roger Edstrom got combative and refused to leave the trailer. They said they had to remove him in order to arrest the dangerous, armed criminal.
Authorities said they used a stun gun, but it didn't hit Edstrom, and he wasn't injured.
"It broke his wrists, both of his wrists. They shouldn't have done it to him," said a neighbor.
Edstrom did cooperate after the incident and gave them information they needed about Wood. He was charged with resisting arrest and spent the night in jail.
Wood waived extradition and is now awaiting trial.


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I have a question on the storage requirement for running Xcode and working on Application development.
I am planning on upgrading my Macbook Hard disk to a Solid State Drive (SSD) for an increase in speed. Would it be enough if I have a 128GB SSD , or should I go for the 256GB SSD (which is more expensive) ? Could anyone help me with this ?


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Good day all. Here's the 3rd and final part of this series on getting started playing Lead Guitar. This video covers some introductory techniques and a break down of the example solo note for note.
Next week will start looking at some blues rhythm guitar playing.
Have a good week.


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By Kangaroorex
2020 has-been rough on everyone but some people have had it rougher than others. A friend of mine is disabled and has had a really hard time just trying to keep basic necessities done.
I thought I would send her a little friend who's got simpler an cuter problems. Purple is her favorite color. He goes out in the mail on Monday
Hope you like him too...
By Glitterwolf
Welcome to Getting to Know You, NOVEMBER 2020 Edition.
The rules as they currently stand ( we all know most of you rebellious lot will ignore most of it, but one can try)
1. Every day, or so (unless I am out or ill or something) I will post a question.
1.5. Should I be unable to post a question for the day a crack team of deputy quisitors, former quisitors, and random forum members are all chomping at the bit to step in and post one...
2. In theory there is a 24 hour span to answer that question before the next question is posted.
2.5. (Rule 2 is the most frequently ignored rule.)
3. Questions are going to be posted between 8:00 hours and 12:00 hours CET. ( Central European Time)
4. Everyone is encouraged to suggest future questions to be posted via PM to me...
5. You do not have to answer every question to play...
6. If a question is TMI or N/A simply wait for the next question.. ..or post that you decline to answer (clues regarding why can be fun...unless TMI).
7. Weekend questions will usually take the form of two or three day quests, starting on Friday or Saturday.
All HAIL WOOF!
By Kuroneko
A long time ago, in March 2019 to be exact, @NomadZeke set a painting challenge for that years April Fools Day. Paint something ridiculous.......20 months later I finally finished my entry for it He's based on a Pathfinder Huge pawn holder for ease of use in games.
I absolutely adore this mini, in my opinion it's the best Huge sized dragons on the market and one of Julie Guthrie's most stunning sculpts
I humbly present to you, Kyphrixis the multi-hued Rainbow Dragon!
Hope y'all like him, as always all comments and criticisms are happily received
By Kangaroorex
continuing my quest to paint down some of my metal mountain of dragons is my second Green Dragon II from Grenadier. I wound up with multiple copies of this dragon (I wont say how many but i still have another in its original box...) so when i noticed that i had primed this one a while ago, i decided to try the painting method from Mocha's painting a Rocky class during Reapercon (thanks @Mocha I am getting a lot of use out of that technique and it has definitely helped me with contrast in everything I paint) of starting with the darkest colors and working up to the brightest. This is the result of my trial with the dragon of the month series . I decided that since they liked swamps and other watery environments, i would give her a bed of dry river rocks in an underground cave. (hey everyone likes a comfy bed but nobody really likes a wet bed!) so i started with the base the miniature came with and expanded from there bringing the rocks out from there. The first pass had them all a monotone color which left the base looking almost black and white against the green dragon. Interesting but not what i wanted. Some colored inks later and we have a nice bed of various colored rocks!
She comes out really vibrant with lots of shadow and contrast really nice! About my only fault is i haven't given much thought to handling a different colored belly scale and how a significantly lighter scale would work given the steady darkening as the light lowers past the widest parts of the model. Oh well, maybe next time.
For comparison, this is the same dragon I did about a decade ago:
I like both but i dont have to guess about which one will catch the most attention, even though it took far less time and skill. I am happy to give both of them a home, though i should probably give the older one a new base and maybe fix a few of his chips and dings (honorably gotten eating unwary PCs and their horses!)
Hope you enjoy them!
By Kangaroorex
As the year wears on i continue to complete my personal challenge of 12 dragons in 12 months. (I have to go count but i think i am there... not sure though so I keep it up!) this is another oldie but goodie from the third Dragon of the month series by Grenadier. this was the January offering, the black dragon. I decided that this dragon liked his underground layer so the base is done as a broken river skree. the large open space made me add a small geode, just to see if i could do it.
The dragon is painted with dark blacks and Purple shadow (which actually looks darker than the black so there!) Then i used some new wax paints i acquired to bring up the colors on the highlights to give him a shiny scale and brightness. I think this is the first time i have created a dragon that actually looks black but still has lots of texture and contrast.
Again congrats to grenadier for acquiring some really lovely sculpts and turning them out back when high definition was not a popular feature. there is a lot to see on this dragon, right down to the small row of teeth that line the edges of his closed mouth. I had a lot of fun painting him. I hope you enjoy him too!
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Hello once again Good People Who Still Read This Blog
Hawkwind -"Space is Deep" a great song and a great little film (apologies for environmentally unfriendly rockets but they are cool)
How are you all? If there is a name for a really terrible blogger who has deserted their dedicated readers like an auntie they have guiltily abandoned since early adulthood even though they still get a yearly fiver tucked into their birthday card… then that must be me.
I am sorry, my life has changed and so has the world but even if my posts are rare I am still here somewhere in the known Universe.
I miss my blog oh yes I do! and I miss also doing my own music…
This morning started well, oh what a laugh! A smug capitalist politician being drenched in green custard, wonderful stuff! Even better was that the eloquent woman who did this actually got on the BBC news. She explained how "Mandy" had done some sleazy deal to get the third runway to Heathrow the go-ahead even though there was so much opposition and let's face it our planet is slowly dying and if we don't do as much as we can our children and grandchildren won't have any food, water, air…very grim.
However the green custard episode really cheered me up. "Mandy" used to live right next to me and he used to throw some loud parties with really good psychedelic music so he has no excuse. If he can listen to sixties psychedelic music he ought to be a hippie but alas as one can tell by endless prats wearing Led Zeppelin T-shirts to look cool and trendy in an ironic-retro way, musical taste does not equate actual thinking in the brain as in the days of yore ( or "Yes!" I wish there was a Roger Dean font then I could write "" and my entire blog with it…this one is levitating against my will) .
In case you didn't catch the clip of the spectacular " Event"( n.b. that should read "Green Event" Steve Hillage has nothing to do with this event and is entirely blameless but I have temporarily invented my own "Logo of 70s Rock" font and will no doubt be sued by anyone who manages to find me using the new and wonderful totalitarian fascist terror digital surveillance services)
As I was saying if you didn't catch it here is the wonderful clip..
BEFORE= "smug" AFTER =" a bit humiliated and definitely greener".
Please note my quote of the day" The only Green thing about Peter Mandelson is the Green slime coursing through his veins" ( and dripping down his face.):
There's a lot of cool psychedelic events coming up but some of them are clashing!
I hope they don't mind me using their posters after all I am giving them free publicity.
First of all in March….
The clash of two events I want to go to, I definitely need a helicopter or maybe an old Star Trek style transporter room, or a Tardis with Jon Pertwee navigating would be even better.
On Saturday March 28th (2009 in case you are reading this some light years away from now from another planet that has internet access)
the truly lovely people from"Born To Go" (no relation) in Hitchin are running their own fantastic psychedelic gig/club night. When I went before they certainly knew how to put on a lavish show, all they need is lots of people!
Here's their flyer:
Here's some Nukli:( not much audience but festival gigs can be like that)
This is from the Born To Go myspace site :
"NUKLI – veterans of the golden age of free festivals with full-on psychedelic grooves, and soaring guitar, they take you on a trip back to the Pyramid Stage, the Tibetan's and Club Dog all rolled into one cosmic jam.SHOM play psychedelic dub space techno rock. Featuring blistering guitar and deep dub rhythms they never fail to get any audience dancing.PEYOTE GURU are a true jamming band, in fact the 'band' consists of 3 core members and whomever is willing to play along on the day. Loose jammed tracks emerge from the underlying synth textures to evoke the sounds of the festival scene of old.Alongside the very best of space, prog, kraut and all thing psychedelic spun by our DJ Kozmik Ken, psychedelic lights, videos, great vibe, happy smiling faces – all the usual you've come to expect from Born To Go!"
However I am torn between this and Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy doing a chill-out set as Mirror System on the very same night!
When I saw them at Solfest in 2007 , they did a fanstastic chill-out set including their first live performance of "Rainbow Dome Musik " since its release in 1979.
What a terrible psychedelic dilemma!
If that wasn't bad enough….
This Summer Solfest 2009
my definite favourite festival ( helped by the fact that I can be one of the crew backstage and mingle with some great people and have hung out with some of my favourite musicians of all Time and Space and Universe) is also clashing with Hawkwind's 40th Anniversary gig
I am a bit puzzled by this because their 30th Anniversary was on the 21st of October 2000. I was extremely p***** off at the time as everyone I knew went but only told me afterwards because I had a gig to do and it was around my birthday too. However I was told by all those who didn't tell me beforehand what an absolutely amazing gig it was and how even Terry Ollis and Mick Slattery were there and why wasn't I there etc..etc..
Will there be a Hawkwind and old Hawkwind reunion this August? I hope so.
So this time I am going to the ball, like some kind of psychedelic cinderella , but I'll probably be in Morrocan sandals rather than glass slippers. But Solfest is also my key event to the year, it's like my equivalent to Crufts to strange people who breed dogs into weird shapes, or Ascot to posh ladies wearing silly hats ( I don't know why they don't go to one of the above gigs, I'm sure there will be odd hats there).
What will I do?
Well I guess I'll take one day at a time… as they say at Narcotics Anonymous.."clean and serene"
or "falling over in festival mud and fun" as I prefer to say.
I'll go see Hawkwind and then see if there's any way I can easily get to the middle nowhere in beautiful blue mountain and lake surrounded Solfest.
Lastly there is a gig or a series of gigs that is INCREDIBLY EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!
"GONG" are WITH SOME OF THE ORIGINAL MEMBERS ..including Hillage yey!!!!! They are touring the UK from the 19th to the 29th of November 2009..
( http://www.artistticket.com/link/?s=gong )
The Hawkwind 40th Anniversary gig is sold out although there are other dates outside London
I want to leave my home and go on tour and write books about the entire history of all these people, bands and intersections via Ladbroke Grove in the 60s and 70s.
Well I have been interviewing again …if I get time and permission I'll put some clips up here in the meantime here is the Gong Flyer
Here's them at them in June 2008 with Steve Hillage…another gig I missed…please email me about these things!
Here's another with dialogue from audience commenting on HUGE HEADS and the like:
Love and Peace


text:
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Shining India
Posted by Amrita at Wednesday, August 31, 2011 13 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Photo Diary
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Sunday Blessings- Aradhna- Adoration
New King James Version (NKJV)
The Beatitudes
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
We live in an an age where cross-cultural musical projects are a dime a dozen, and all too often they result in a half-baked, watered-down muddle of eclectic instruments banging into each other. The sitar was introduced to rock and roll way before many of us were born. World music has been around long enough to go in and out of style many times over. Western attempts at eastern music is an arena where many more fail than succeed. It's a road that is fraught with cultural and aesthetic baggage that ensnares all but a few who have managed to produce something worth listening to. Aradhna is among the few who have created a new and enduring sound out of diverse musical traditions of North India and North America.
Somehow, Aradhna has been able to glide past the subterfuge of globalization and establish itself as a band that is genuinely interested in creating cross-cultural dialogue through the arts. They are the real deal and they sing in a bunch of languages and people from all over the world are listening to their music.
In the spring of 2000, Deep Jale′ was recorded, which they decided to release in the U.K. over the course of a three-month tour. Aradhna was born, and the ardent response to their album and performances encouraged them to continue arranging traditional bhajans and begin composing songs of their own for their next release Marga Darshan (2002). After performing extensively in India and North America, Aradhna's touring expanded to the South Asian Diaspora in South Africa, Guyana and Suriname where East Indians have lived for over a century.
Posted by Amrita at Saturday, August 27, 2011 6 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: /Sunday Blessings, /Video
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
I want this Poster on the Wall of My House
Posted by Amrita at Wednesday, August 24, 2011 14 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Photos
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
In Nature 's Lap - Lucknow Zoo
The Central Zoo Authority, Govt. of India, categorizes the Lucknow Zoo as a large zoo. It has an area of 71.6 acres. It has two veterinarians who look after the health and general up keep of the zoo inmates. The diet is properly checked, sterilized and supplemented with vitamins from time to time. The animals are regularly checked for diseases and worms and preventive and control measures are adopted accordingly.
The Zoo has a newly constructed Nature Interpretation Center where "Touch Table Programmes" are held every Friday for school children. Here, children are given hands-on experience and information about the skins of various animals, eggs of birds/pheasants, tusk of elephants, plaster cast of Tiger pug marks, etc. and also shown one wild life movie. The nature Interpretation Center also houses trophies of various wild animals, a press gallery giving information about the present and past status of the zoo. The site available outside the Nature Interpretation Center is developed as Jurassic Park where different animals/birds, that are extinct or are on the verge of extinction, are displayed in the form of models.
To Provide additional entertainment to the visitors in the Zoo, especially the children, a Toy train was started since 1969. The rolling stock consisting of engine and two coaches is the gift of Railway Board. The train was inaugurated on the Children's Day Nov. 14, 1969 by the then Chief Minister, U. P. the length of the track is 1.5 km. and has crossings and signals. Rides start from Chandrapuri station and this toy train is attracting huge visitors and has proved to be an asset for the zoo over the years.
The initial collection centered around the arts of Avadh and objects related to the customs, habits and mythology of India. Gradually, it expanded to include excavated antiquities from Piparahawa, Kapilavastu, where the Buddha grew up. Today, this has evolved into a multipurpose museum with sculpture, bronzes, paintings, natural history and anthropological specimens, coins, textiles and decorative arts. From the vast number of displayed objects, some hundred are rare and of great value. These include an inscribed wine jar bearing the name of Aurangzeb Alamgir (17th century), a jade chamakali with the name Jahangir and the date 1036 AD, a 16th century painting of a scene from the Kalpasutra depicting an elephant rider and a Jain mum, a 16th century copy of the Harivansha in Persian with nine illustrations, rare silver and gold coins, a prehistoric anthropomorphic figure and a fossilised plant. However, what thrill visitors most are the Egyptian mummy and wooden sarcophagus (1000 BC).
Posted by Amrita at Tuesday, August 23, 2011 9 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Photo Diary
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Sunday Blessings - Is Jesus the Only Way?
Jonathan Dodson » God Worldviews Culture Apologetics
Answering the Question Socially
If the answer is: "Yes, Jesus is the only way to God" a line is drawn where we would rather have things remain fuzzy. Why would we prefer this particular claim to fuzziness? In many cities there are an array of religious beliefs: Mysticism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, just to name a few. The presence of so many different religions in cities leads many people (Christians included) to the conclusion that all religious paths lead to God. Why? When we meet people from various religions who are kind and sincere because of their religious beliefs, it seems arrogant to insist they are wrong. After all, their religion appears to have made them very enjoyable, respectable people. I, for one, have met many people I would consider more generous and sacrificial than some Christians I know.
A Theological Decision Based on Social Experience
When people of other faiths rival Christian character, we face a tendency to affirm all religions as valid ways to God. We make a theological decision based on social experience. Rather than investigate the answer to one of the most important questions, we prefer to glaze the question with inch-deep reflections upon the character of people we meet. Understandable…but not wise.
What if our generation became known for not only posing great questions but also grappling deeply and sincerely with their answers? Many Christians claim that belief in Jesus is the only way to God. Others insist there are many ways to God. In the next post, I will explore more on why some people insist there are many paths to God.
Posted by Amrita at Sunday, August 21, 2011 6 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Sunday Blessings
Friday, 19 August 2011
The City of Princes (Nawabs)- Lucknow
Located in what was historically known as the Awadh region, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city are well known amongst Indians and students of South Asian culture and history. Lucknow is popularly known as the The City of Nawabs. It is also known as the Golden City of the East, Shiraz-i-Hind and The Constantinople of India.
Today, Lucknow is a vibrant city that is witnessing an economic boom and is among the top ten fastest growing non-major-metropolitan cities of India. It is the second largest city in Uttar Pradesh state. The unique combination of its cultured grace and newly acquired pace is its most promising feature that augurs well for the future.
Lucknow is placed among the fastest growing cities and now it is metropolitan city of India and is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing, commercial and retailing hub. This unique combination of rich cultural traditions and brisk economic growth provides Lucknow with an aura that refuses to fade away.
Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah (1775-1797)[11]After 1350 AD the Lucknow and parts of Awadh region have been under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Nawabs of Awadh, the East India Company and the British Raj. Lucknow has been one of the major centers of Indian rebellion of 1857, participated actively in India's Independence movement, and after Independence has emerged as an important city of North India.
Until 1719, subah of Awadh was a province of the Mughal Empire administered by a Governor appointed by the Emperor. Saadat Khan also called Burhan-ul-Mulk a Persian adventurer was appointed the Nazim of Awadh in 1722 and he established his court in Faizabad[12] near Lucknow.
Awadh was known as the granary of India and was important strategically for the control of the Doab, the fertile plain between the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers. It was a wealthy kingdom, able to maintain its independence against threats from the Marathas, the British and the Afghans. The third Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula fell out with the British after aiding Mir Qasim, the fugitive Nawab of Bengal. He was comprehensively defeated in the Battle of Buxar by the East India Company, after which he was forced to pay heavy penalties and cede parts of his territory. The British appointed a resident in 1773, and over time gained control of more territory and authority in the state. They were disinclined to capture Awadh outright, because that would bring them face to face with the Marathas and the remnants of the Mughal Empire.
Many independent kingdoms, such as Awadh, were established when the Mughal empire disintegrated. Awadh's capital, Lucknow rose to prominence when Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth nawab, shifted his court here from Faizabad in 1775. The city was also North India's cultural capital, and its nawabs, best remembered for their refined and extravagnt lifestyles, were patrons of the arts. Under them music and dance flourished, and many monuments were erected.[13] Of the monuments standing today, the Bara Imambara, the Chhota Imambara, and the Rumi Darwaza are notable examples. One of the more lasting contributions by the Nawabs is the syncretic composite culture that has come to be known as the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.
Nawab Saadat Khan IIIn 1798, the fifth Nawab Wazir Ali Khan alienated both his people and the British, and was forced to abdicate. The British then helped Saadat Ali Khan to the throne. Saadat Ali Khan was a puppet king, who in the treaty of 1801 ceded half of Awadh to the British East India Company and also agreed to disband his troops in favor of a hugely expensive, British-run army. This treaty effectively made the state of Awadh a vassal to the British East India Company, though it notionally continued to be part of the Mughal Empire in name until 1819.
Wajid Ali Shah (1847 - 1856)[11]In 1856 the East India Company first moved its troops to the border, then annexed the state, which was placed under a chief commissioner - Sir Henry Lawrence. Wajid Ali Shah, the then Nawab, was imprisoned, and then exiled by the Company to Calcutta. In the subsequent Revolt of 1857 his 14-year old son Birjis Qadra son of Begum Hazrat Mahal was crowned ruler, and Sir Henry Lawrence killed in the hostilities. Following the rebellion's defeat, Begum Hazrat Mahal and other rebel leaders obtained asylum in Nepal
Those company troops who were recruited from the state, along with some of the nobility of the state, were major players in the events of 1857. The rebels took control of Awadh, and it took the British 18 months to reconquer the region, months which included the famous Siege of Lucknow. Oudh was placed back under a chief commissioner, and was governed as a British province. In 1877 the offices of lieutenant-governor of the North-Western Provinces and chief commissioner of Oudh were combined in the same person; and in 1902, when the new name of United Provinces of Agra and Oudh was introduced, the title of chief commissioner was dropped, though Oudh still retained some marks of its former independence.
The province of Awadh (anglicized to Oudh) was annexed by the East India Company in 1856 under the Doctrine of Lapse and placed under the control of a chief commissioner. In the Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the First War of Indian Independence and the Indian Mutiny), the garrison based at the Residency in Lucknow was besieged by rebel forces. The famous Siege of Lucknow was relieved first by forces under the command of Sir Henry Havelock and Sir James Outram, followed by a stronger force under Sir Colin Campbell. Today, the ruins of the Residency, and the picturesque Shaheed Smarak offer reminiscences of Lucknow's role in the stirring events of 1857.
Because of its historical importance, commercial activity, and cultural activity, Lucknow has frequently been a center of political activity, prominent in the independence movement. The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was negotiated there, between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League to support pressuring the Raj for greater autonomy, a marked shift for the Muslim League.
The Khilafat Movement had an active base of support in Lucknow, creating a united platform against the British rule. In the Khilafat Movement Maulana Abdul Bari of Firangi Mahal, Lucknow actively participated and cooperated with Mahatama Gandhi and Maulana Mohammad Ali.
Posted by Amrita at Friday, August 19, 2011 8 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Hello Photos, Streetwise
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Rain washed country side
Posted by Amrita at Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10 Fertilize my soul Links to this post
Labels: Hello, Photo Diary


text:
Take what you like and leave the rest. I use this blog to help release the pain and secrets built up from mental illness.
Im only as sick as my secrets!.
Just got back from the mission. Running low on money. Grateful there is a place to eat.
Feel like a Hobo; like the year of homeliness I endured and the stay in the park talking to the trees; a rough experience, wasn't enough> Hmm... That was a long time ago.
EBT card is low. Walmart took out the self checkout. I don't like running a food stamp card to the checkers, Im to embarrassed.
Social phobia is alive and well in the outside world.
My small apartment is thrashed again, that didn't take long. This usually happens when symptoms are up. I feel aloof, like a loft in Paris with easel and canvas, In denial, I imagine Im living the bohemian life style. I could never invite anyone over. They would never come back.
My self worth is nothing. That is why I have such a hard time with people. Yet, I know Im worth a great deal. If that isn't DBT, I don't know what is.
In my room with the computer screen as the only light, as I lay down in the corner on an old cushion fusion pillow floor bed, the computer and I are one. On the computer I can be who ever I want to be. I am safe to be the better me.
In the real world I am nothing. Im a shadow on a bicycle going to the mission to eat. I escape alone, I return alone. I am a fantasy illusion.
I am the King of 12 step meetings. I get two messages: " If you can speak, why aren't you working" and " Why do you still have problems. How long have you been here?". ###$ them. ######6 Pu##ies.
I do not feel safe around people. I do not like them. I don't!. I feel like most of them are low self esteem recipients lying/hiding behind fake material facades. Seems like so many have altered motives.
Nothing changes;
My biggest problem with social experience: I cannot come to grips with my endless poverty. I cannot come to grips with the judgement of others that see nothing of character direction. These people are viewing from a distance; They judge according to outside appearance. And Im not talking about therapists or the mental health system, Im talking about people with the same potential I have.
At times I feel Im doing well. Then I realize; thats on the computer. When I go outside into the real world. I cant function and I have no status to speak of with anyone. Im almost completely alone.
The real world is an electric fence I cannot compete against.
Im in a kind of denial. Like a King sitting on a thrown in a gutter of a lonely big city street. Sitting in a fantasy. Telling those that pass by how superior I am to everyone. They look the other direction in contempt and walk away as fast as possible, Thus , I remain alone and bewildered.
I forget about reality. I forget about the honest easement of my condition. I forget about who I am in the outside world. Im attempting to get back to Zero.
What determines my worth. God/myself. Is this enough!
2 years ago:
I studied attraction techniques, I became quite proficient at it. How to dress, clean up, what shoes, what bling bling to wear. How to hold myself in a group of people. how to talk,how to walk, how to emote, how to work a room.
I created a giant front of interest from several small hordes of women. It worked!.
The actual goal was not dating. The goal was to brake through the dissociative barrier in order to interact with people. After praying about it, God brought me a goal. The carrot on the stick of interest. Women! Women indirectly saved my dissociative life.
A young women took interest in me. She was sensitive and unique and beautiful. I could see the small girl in her looking at me, wanting me to take her. She chased after me twice. In two, 4 month periods.
I could create attraction from a distance. I could not talk to anyone. I was to dissociative. She tried to talk to me. She tried very hard. She finally gave up and went out with the main stud in the room. I was of no interest anymore. I was looked upon with contempt as being a weirdo and a weakling. I tried the best I could. I really did. I really appreciated that girl for noticing me. I fell deeply in love with her. I wish I could have known her. Status blocked any further association with her. It has been made clear; I am of no importance in that direction.
What good was it to put on this act. all of those suits and sweaters and expensive shoes, and that expensive attitude. I could not back it up. I attracted all the women I could have wanted. Yet, I was no further then before. I was no more then a HOBO wearing nice clothing. This poverty remained. The poverty freaked me out.
I could not let someone into my poverty life, Not with all the porno, all the freaky behavior of dissociation. The disaster wreckage apartment. Yet, it was more then that. I was afraid A women would think I was a looser and leave. I cant defend against that. I cant defend someone thinking Im a looser based on outside accomplishment, or lack of.
I continue to pray and contemplate my next move.
Next morning:
The first thing Im thinking about is:
1. work issues
2. women: I see women leaving me. Looking at me as an opportunity that falls through. When she realizes there is no money. She's gone.
3. The past: When I try to move forward, I see a past that was ripped away from me. They tried to kill me. It almost worked. They erased everything about my life. About my way of life. Thus is growing up with the sociopath. Dealing with PTSD memories.
4. drumming and other things I like to do. Brings up lots of PTSD issues, like every other topic.
5. To lesser extent and still an important subject, friendship. Friendship is that thing that keeps me out of loneliness. I have found that I can have all the hobbies in the world; no friends = no happiness. Loneliness kills everything, and kills the purpose.
I know people that wont hangout with me, be my friend simply to create torture. They know I need a friend for the right reason, that I not be alone. Its a power thing for people. They use it as a weapon against people. Against decent people.
Those are the main issues. My blogs head towards these things to scope at greater detail.


text:
With Thanksgiving around the corner, the holidays just beyond that, and winter starting to creep around the edges of Fall, I'm feeling the need to find ways to get cozy and hunker down for winter. Some of my favorite winter treats to indulge in are: hot chocolate, sleeping under a down comforter, sticking oranges full of cloves… and pulling my cozier pair of slippers out of the closet.
With these thoughts in mind, I've decided that my next crochet project will be a pair of cozy slipper boots. I found a great pattern in one of the books on my bookshelf at work and I can't wait to give it a try. Anyone want to try it along with me? 🙂 If you do click below to download the project for free… and stop back here afterwards and post pictures! I'll do the same…
Crochet Free Project Download – Cozy Slipper Boots
If you feel particularly inspired, check out the full book – it's got several great projects like this one!


text:
VANCOUVER -- What do you do if you see your stolen bike advertised on Craigslist?
If you're Kayla Smith, you steal it right back.
Smith's new, $1,000 bike was stolen from a rack outside a friend's apartment in Vancouver's Olympic Village sometime before midnight last Wednesday. She filed a police report.
When a friend saw Smith's distinctive bike in a Craigslist ad at 11:30 a.m. the next morning, Smith didn't stop to think. Within 45 minutes, she was posing as a buyer, meeting the seller in a McDonald's parking lot just blocks from where the bike was stolen.
Smith, who works as a bartender/manager in Gastown's Portside Pub, didn't even stop to call the police. She isn't usually a vigilante, she said, but "I didn't want to wait and I didn't want to spook him."
"I'm not going to say my heart wasn't pounding," said Smith, 33. Once she was sure the bike was hers, she just hopped on and kept on pedalling.
"I thought this is it, you're not going to get it back," she said.
The seller had scabs on his legs, scabs on his arms, was unclean looking and wore dark glasses, Smith said. He was five foot nine and had a pockmarked face and blond hair.
Smith, five foot two, who describes herself as "125 pounds and tough as nails," was just too mad to worry about the man beating her up.
"I just figured once I got away, I was going to be OK," she said. "I hid around the corner with my girlfriend Jen. He took off running."
Vancouver Police Const. Brian Montague said about 1,700 bicycles were reported stolen in the city of Vancouver in 2012. So far this year, 794 bicycles have been reported stolen.
"We recover a lot of bicycles every year," he said, but police often can't return bikes to their owners because many people neither record the bike's serial number nor engrave the frame with an identifying mark such as a driver's license number. "With a serial number, it can be recovered anywhere in Canada," he said.
Montague said Vancouver Police would have preferred working with Smith to recover her stolen bicycle.
"We're glad that she got her bike back and we're very glad that she was not hurt in the process," he said.
Smith has not yet replaced her solid chain lock. "Being a modern day Robin Hood takes a lot out of you," she said.
But she figures she's learned her lesson.
"I don't think I'm ever going to be locking that bike again," she said. "If it's not coming inside, I'm not going out."