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I met Adèle near a commercial mall. She was leaving it. I was immediately attracted by her colorful clothes. I knew there was a interesting place further in the direction she was taking.
It is quite exciting to follow a stranger hoping he will go in a certain direction... and he is taking this direction.
I stopped her on a bridge which overlook railways and a street.
She accepted fastly informing me that she don't like to be photographed. She told me that she is a photograph amateur too and knows Flickr. She jokes hopping that the first photo taken would be the good one.
I took several shots and used a flash since the light was falling.
Finally showed her the photos and she exclaimed something that made me think she wasn't thinking I was going to make a real portrait, but a landscape shot with her in foreground or something like that.
She is in a school and work experience alternating and is only a week per month in my town so I was lucky to cross her way.
It is a fortunate coincidence that I took a shot of her a this place as the train (yeah, orange lights are on a train) in background reflect the fact that she seems to travel a lot. It would have been better to use a lower aperture and get more details of the train and railways to highlight this point.
Finally she refused the cookie I proposed to her because she was eating healthy at the moment (was going home after buying some ingredients for a salad) and our way separated.
Thank you Adèle!
This picture is #15 in my 100 strangers project. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page
The Red-Billed Gull in the midst of this trio was one rather sick bird...! Look at it's left-hand leg; it's sticking out at right angles and was totally useless...!
Also, look closely at the same Gull's neck; this bird was not looking very healthy at all...!!!
Thanks so much for the very kind and encouraging comments beneath this photo...! Your support is always greatly appreciated...!
" When your Far, the greatest gift you can give to your family is to be always being Healthy at all times"
Something a little different from me as I'm exhibiting the #StayHome orders recommended by state. I must say, I really do miss going out and taking pictures, especially when the only time I leave the house is to take the dog for a walk or to hit up the grocery store.
I hope that everyone is being safe and healthy at home.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
India, 2020: Madina, 7, smiles for the camera while staying healthy at home in Rajasthan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
© UNICEF/UN0389057/Vinjay Panjwani
Visit the UNICEF Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) information centre
for the latest COVID-19 news and resources, as well as tips to protect you and your family.
Less than healthy at present, a forlorn looking DW 103 sits just inside TC, but with a ‘Do Not Remove Parts’ sign in the window. With blinds removed however, it is unlikely to return to service.
Backpacking trips are good for the body and good for the soul. I have a hard time thinking of anything more healthy (at least for me personally) than multiple days out in the woods full of exercise, fresh air and mood boosting views. Add to that the fact that you are often forced to disconnect from technology and the ever more depressing world of current events.....yeah it's good for the mind too.
I move different on a backpacking trip. I use different muscles on uneven ground, stepping over logs or crossing streams. I stretch, squat, twist and bend much more than I do in my daily work life. There is no comfy office chair, but instead a grassy slope or flat rock.
I use my eyes differently. Much of my normal day I am looking into DSLR viewfinder or 24 inches away to a computer screen. Out in the backcountry my eyes stare at far away horizons, and size up everything from a snow capped mountain to a tiny wildflower the size of a fingernail.
I photograph differently too, more intently. I study the landscape and look for ways to provide perspective on how massive these objects and places are. I deal with dirt, dust and sweat. Hands lathered with sun screen and bug spray.
A backpacking trip is hard work (more so when you are carrying a Hasselblad) but the pay off is worth it. Not only do I love the images, but I also come back with a healthier body and mind.
Image with my Hasselblad 500cm.
Another very rare Honda with 8 Prelude AXs licensed, 3 declared off the road – this one is unlicensed so doesn’t appear in that data.
It doesn't look particularly healthy at the moment, definitely not as tidy as the '80 Accord, as it had flat tyres and a few signs of rust. I can't remember when either of these models were still a common sight on the roads, so it was a real treat.
The vehicle details for EAR 222Y are:
Date of Liability04 02 2011
Date of First Registration10 08 1982
Year of Manufacture1982
Cylinder Capacity (cc)1602cc
CO2 EmissionsNot Available
Fuel TypePETROL
Export MarkerN
Vehicle StatusUnlicensed
Vehicle ColourGOLD
While I'm at it I'll include the 5-door Logo details, which is a 2002 model. UK Logos were only sold from 2000-01 as 3-doors only, so this one is particularly special. Imported from new it seems, but unused now.
The vehicle details for LV02 UCF are:
Date of Liability01 06 2013
Date of First Registration25 03 2002
Year of Manufacture2002
Cylinder Capacity (cc)1340cc
CO2 EmissionsNot Available
Fuel TypePETROL
Export MarkerN
Vehicle StatusSORN Not Due
Vehicle ColourRED
Many of you know her story. It's been three years today Sadie was kicked by a moose and nearly died. Today she is very healthy at 16 years 3 months old. She's the sweetest thing and we have a very special bond. Our little miracle dog.
For those of you who do not know her story you can see.read part of it here, www.flickr.com/photos/dr_ozda/6094108479/in/set-721576184...
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
WEEK 24 – Southaven Gordmans Liquidation, Set II
Down the way in the last shot you could see this circle display area; here, we've moved forward enough to take a closer look at it, angled towards the back wall of the store now. What once was a dedicated showpiece now appears to be home to some random articles of clothing and abandoned fixtures. However, the sections adjoining it on the left and right seem to be healthier, at least... (cont.)
(c) 2017 Retail Retell
These places are public so these photos are too, but just as I tell where they came from, I'd appreciate if you'd say who :)
I was walking through Toronto’s Cabbagetown on my way downtown and paused to photograph a historic building across the street. I’ve walked by it hundreds of times but for some reason, today I saw it with fresh eyes and took my camera out of the bag for a photo. Just then this man walked by and paused to comment that the attached houses are beautifully built and each is probably worth about three million dollars. With Toronto’s crazy real estate prices and a near-downtown location I knew he was likely in the right ballpark. He pointed out that being attached saves money on heat in the winter (which is quite true). He added “I’ve lived in Toronto a long time and I’m familiar with the value of houses like this.” We compared notes on Toronto and when I mentioned my Human Family photography project he said he’d be happy for me to photograph him. This was all said with a noticeable French-Canadian accent. Meet Joe.
Locations were a bit limited for a portrait and I was already late for class. I decided to use a doorway of a neaby barbershop (which was closed). Joe seemed tickled by the whole business and said “I never thought at 72 I would have someone tell me I’m a good subject for a photo!” Well, he just hadn’t met the right people.
Once the photos were taken and reviewed, we chatted. I found out that Joe was born and raised in Grand Falls, New Brunswick. New Brunswick is a largely French-speaking Maritime Province of Atlantic Canada. He said where he grew up, potato farming was the main work. Why did he leave home at 13? He said “I was the youngest and my parents didn’t have a lot more to offer at that point so I went out on my own.” He said it without anger or bitterness but as a fact of life. Perhaps it had been a large family and his parents were truly exhausted. He wound up moving to Toronto because it was considered the land of opportunity and although he did not find the streets paved with gold, he did manage to get work as an electrician and said he worked many years for the United Way, the large charitable umbrella nonprofit which provided most of the funding for the social agency I worked for over many years. I felt a “click” happen when we made the United Way connection. “Touche, monsieur” he said with a handshake.
When I asked him the greatest challenge he has faced in life he said “Education. When I came to Toronto I could barely spell my own name and I knew very little English.” It must have been strange to feel like an immigrant in one’s own country, but he persevered and made a decent life for himself. When I asked what he is doing in retirement he said “Well, I’m not totally retired. I continue doing volunteer work for people who have drug and alcohol addictions.” I asked if he had a history of addictions problems himself and he said “No sir. I never drank and I never used drugs.” He banged his fist on his chest and said “That’s why I’m this healthy at 72.” I complimented him on the useful work he is doing in retirement and he shrugged. “I think maybe one in ten people I talk with manages to leave their addictions behind, but one in ten is better than none.”
We exchanged contact information and both expressed pleasure in having met one another. I thanked Joe for his time and for his participation in The Human Family on Flickr.
This is my 201st submission to The Human Family Group on Flickr.
You can view more street portraits and stories by visiting The Human Family.
My True Love is leaving and my heart is failing
Dhyana is slowly dying. Something is killing her. I don't know what it is. The veterian either. It is like the life inside of her is drifting out of her. I feel it in my guts. She is half of what she was since I came back from my vacations last 19 june and we are the 26 june. I was at the veterian and it gave her such stress. I tryied to help her in giving her steam showers but it only stress her even more. She cried so much ! She is to old to experience new things like that ! It was horrible... Then I tried to put into her little nose the salty liquid to ease her breathing but nothing seem to change. Her breathing is still the same. She eat, drinks and go less and less to the liter. She speak even less. She purr very quietly. Yes, kitty purr when they are dying. I know it now. He skin is strange, it is like carbord, hard and also sometimes very loose. It is not healthy at all. The food she takes does NOT goes to her, neither the water. It does not help her at all. I spent hours and wrote 6 pages on veterian text I found on the morphology of cats respitory system and the illness. Nothing of the clinic symptoms does make up. But last night she began hiding again behind the washing machine. A narrow place. Her right eyes was close, because her ulcer, seem to hurt her eye. I have nothing here to be sure. And I WONT put her back in that cage to the veterian. This would be such a stress it would kill her right away. I know you think I am crazy but no, she had been throught enough. I had enough to see her manipulated by people who don't really care about her. If they care, they will come at home and the will do it for free or not. I am very sad has you can see. So I called the veterian spoke with a technician this afternoon. It is sunday so the veterian do no take calls. But they concluded that she was invaded by the herpesvirose.zoster virus ; zoster viruses (pl) By the way this is my idea ! I suggest this to the technician and she told it to the vetarian. I will go get the meds and try it on Dhyana. But Dhyana won't go there. I have no more money also. This is the last call. Please pray for her. Thank you so much xxxxx
Simone xxxxx
============================================================
What are the treatments and how to control this disease? herpesvirus
The treatment consists of treatment of ocular signs with an antibiotic to prevent
bacterial infection, antiviral to limit the spread of the virus. If the viral infection by
Feline herpes virus is confirmed, it is recommended that prophylactic treatment: treatment
that will not cure the cat of the viral disease but will space the eye and make acute attacks
these crises less severe and easier to treat.
This preventive treatment consists of continuous administration (the life of the cat) by lysine
orally, mixed with food. This amino acid which disrupts the virus from multiplying in
the body and therefore maintains a quiescent (resting). There are also important
respect certain a healthy lifestyle for the infected cat: avoid or reduce any cause
stress. The cats are contagious to other cats (not for the dog, horse or human)
only in the acute phase of the disease. It must isolate the cats with clinical signs
to avoid contamination.
Although the herpes virus in cats is a disease that can be treated (but not cured), this
viral infection can be very frustrating because all cats do not meet the different treatments
in the same way. Medications sometimes need to be changed to achieve better results
=================================================================
Quels sont les traitements et comment contrôler cette maladie?
Le traitement consiste en un traitement des signes oculaires par un antibiotique pour éviter une
surinfection bactérienne, un antiviral pour limiter la prolifération du virus. Si l’infection virale par l
Herpes virus félin est confirmé, il est recommandé de faire un traitement prophylactique : traitement
qui ne va pas guérir le chat de la maladie virale mais qui va espacer les crises aiguës oculaires et rendre
ces crises moins sévères et plus faciles à traiter.
Ce traitement de prévention consiste en l’administration continue (toute la vie du chat) de lysine par
voie orale, mélangée à la nourriture. Cet un acide aminé qui perturbe la multiplication du virus dans
l’organisme et le maintient donc dans une phase quiescente (au repos). Il y a aussi important de
respecter un certain une hygiène de vie pour le chat infecté : il faut éviter ou réduire toute cause de
stress. Les chats sont contagieux pour les autres chats (pas pour le chien, cheval ou homme)
uniquement dans la phase aiguë de la maladie. Il faut donc isoler les chats avec des signes cliniques
pour éviter la contamination.
Bien que l’herpesvirose chez le chat soit une maladie qui peut être traitée (mais pas guérie), cette
infection virale peut être très frustrante, car tous les chats ne répondent pas aux différents traitements
de la même façon. Les médicaments ont quelquefois besoin d’être changés pour obtenir de meilleurs résultats.
Merci de prier pour ma chatte
Dhyana
Si vous souhaitez m'aider
Il reste une chance
Mais elle ne sera pas transportée en cage. C'est fini.
Je refuse de lui faire subir cela encore une fois.
Aller à mon compte facebook sur Fund Dhyana et faite un don pour les antibiotiques. C'est tout. Je ne souhaite pas aller plus loin pour la sauver.
Simone xxxxxxx
ALL MY PHOTOS ARE NOW ON SALE!
I'll be sitting on set, minding my own business, when all of a sudden I'll see the sun doing some magnificent bit of...shining, it'll be in an excellent spot in the sky, maybe a few clouds up there, and I'll see someone taking a picture, maybe someone from the camera department, and I'll think to myself, "these folks, I could smoke them all, line us up, gimme a model, let me at that sunlight."
Even worse if someone's taking a picture of someone else on set. "I could smoke this fool so goddamn fast, go over there and show 'em how it's done."
If you can believe it, I was arrogant Before I became a photographer. Thousands of followers, likes, comments later...not healthy! Not healthy at all!
So usually, after I have a thought like that, thinking I could take the photo better, I'll have another thought: "I'm a worker among workers." One among many. It's not about who's better, or who's best, or who could do it "right". It's people enjoying themselves, expressing themselves. Nobody says, "I sure could ride that rollercoaster better than that other guy", because that's insane.
But that's art, that's what I gotta keep reminding myself, keep that little arrogance demon in its box. It's not about who's doing it better, it's about who's having fun. If you're having fun, you're doing it right.
9-11…remembered 11 years later…2012: potassium iodide
[Expanded and revised for 2012]
We were there.
We lived in NY; upstate, about 50 miles from The City, and my wife owned a gift store in the Bronx and commuted daily.
I still remember that morning as if it had happened today.
As per our usual routine we got up for our early morning walk; what a beautiful fall day it was! Everyone commented on the stunning blue sky and the beauty of the day. We also noticed that there was a strange stillness in the air, like the calm before the storm, and people commented on that, too: it was so still and quiet that morning. It was a portent of things to come.
I saw my Beloved off to work and then I planned to catch up on some chores around the house. Before that, however, as was my custom in the mornings, I spent some time in meditation and prayer, ironically enough sending thoughts and hopes and prayers out for…world peace…
It was while I was in the middle of chores that I heard the front door unlock and open. There was my wife with the strangest look on her face! I asked her, “Honey, are you okay? Are you sick?”
“You haven’t heard, have you?” she replied with an ominous tone in her voice.
“Heard what?” I asked.
“The World Trade Center towers have been attacked. They’re gone.”
* * * * *
When the attack had occurred my wife had wisely closed up shop and come home. How many more people would have made it out of the towers alive if they had obeyed their first instincts and ran instead of listening to those in authority tell them that everything was okay, to return to their desks and go back to work. People, if shit is hitting the fan don’t stay around to get splattered with it; get the hell out of there, fast!
I turned on the TV and we sat there in total shock along with the rest of our country and the rest of the world as the horror replayed before our eyes over and over. After saturating ourselves with the news coverage for hours on end we wondered: What in hell do we do now? Do we change channels? Is it okay to watch something else besides bodies plummeting from the sky as people jumped rather than burned? Suddenly Three’s Company re-runs didn’t make a hell of a lot of sense to watch at the time.
Do we go out to eat? Is that sacrilegious? Do we instead stay home and cook and return to the Box of Horrors and watch more of this gruesome spectacle?
I can’t begin to explain to you the rage that burned within me then, and still burns within me now, eleven years later. Get over it? Move on? Move forward? Move past it? You delude yourself. I will never forget; and I will never forgive. Those that pretend to do otherwise are cowards and fodder for bullies. They also bury their heads in the sand and pretend that things are okay, that the enemy can be “understood,” or “placated,” or “lived with,” that with enough tolerance and cultural understanding things will be okay. Well, things are not okay. 11 years later and we’re still dealing with terrorist threats in America and the world.
* * * * *
The New York nightmare continued, and my wife took some days off of work. When she finally decided to go back into the Bronx and open up her store she asked, and I simultaneously told her, that I was going with her. No way would I let her enter the city alone! If there was another attack at least we’d be together. We started our drive to the City, made it a few miles, and then discovered that the highways had traffic jams miles and miles and miles long, and that it would probably take us the entire day to make it the short 50 miles into the city, and we turned around and went back home.
And speaking of home...the many water reservoirs around NY State were thought to be definite terrorist targets. We spoke to many other New Yorkers who did the same thing: every day we put out fresh water for our pets; if they were still alive and healthy at day’s end we presumed the water was safe for us to drink for that day. That’s a really crappy way to live.
When we were finally able to make it back into the city and open up shop there were the inevitable stories that the rest of the nation saw on TV and in the newspapers: the memorials, etc. But it was how daily life had changed in its details that most people didn’t understand: crossing bridges into the city, for example. It would take an hour to two hours or longer just to cross over a short bridge. Every incoming truck, van, and car had to be examined for explosives, creating a huge backup of traffic. Coming back into the City from a business daytrip to New Jersey it took us 3 hours to cross a relatively short bridge.
Of particular interest to me was the fact that photographers, even press photographers, were screwed. The World Trade Center site was declared a crime scene and even press photographers were forbidden to photograph, and some were even arrested and their gear was confiscated. Those stories made nearly all of the major photography magazines. You weren’t allowed to photograph the bridges for awhile. I remember crossing over the George Washington and there was a sign posted forbidding photography. Smiling to myself at the irony I snapped a photo of it from our moving car. For a period of time photography of bridges, tunnels, and other sensitive areas was off limits.
* * * * *
We had a cruise scheduled, and we were greeted with heavily armed personnel who checked the underside of our car with a mirror plus an explosives-sniffing dog that investigated our car, our luggage, and us, thoroughly, when we parked in the parking lot before boarding the ship. Armed police were everywhere, and explosives-sniffing dogs patrolled the drop-off points where passengers and luggage were dropped off from taxis and private cars.
You got used to seeing heavily armed personnel everywhere: Grand Central Station; on the streets; bridges and tunnels. NYC looked like, and was, a war zone.
Tensions ran high: every dark-skinned foreigner could be a suicide bomber or an attacker. (Racism?? Bullshit!!! If white folk in blue suits had attacked us, I’d have been looking askance at every cracker mofo in a blue suit!) The cab drivers, mostly dark-skinned and “foreign-looking,” tried to protect themselves from this tension by investing in the best protection that they could think of: they festooned their taxis with American Flags, pleading solidarity.
And the fallout extended to all areas of NY, not just the city proper.
We went to West Point Military Academy for a crafts fair that was being held there in one of their buildings on the grounds. Armed soldiers looked under every single car with a mirror, looked in the car, in the trunk, looked you over, and physically examined your purse, camera bag, backpack, etc.
It became routine to be searched, inspected, delayed, scrutinized.
And then one day in the mail we received a large envelope from the government. Inside were our potassium iodide tablets with instructions on how to use them. You see, we lived within the fallout zone for the Indian Point nuclear power plant, and if it was attacked by terrorists, which obviously our government thought was a very real possibility, we were to begin taking the tablets immediately so as to prevent immediate radioactive damage to our thyroid glands, and then of course we were to evacuate as quickly as possible. We had pet carriers with food and water bowls and emergency bags packed and prepared and ready to grab as we fled.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_iodide
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Point_Energy_Center
And the nation was told, in the event of a massive chemical attack, to be sure that we had lots of plastic and duct tape to seal our doors and windows with. I wanted to be in a locked room with my aluminum baseball bat and whoever the idiot was that came up with that idea.
* * * * *
In the midst of all of this trauma, heartache, loss, sorrow, and grief, there were brief moments of humor; we flew a flag at our house even before 9-11 --- thereafter I lit it and flew it day and night, and added a hand-lettered sign underneath: “We will be victorious.” There was a restaurant with a small bar directly across the street from our house, and while I was sitting there at the bar, which featured large plate-glass windows that faced our home, one of the waiters looked at the sign and asked me: “What’s ‘Victorbus?’” In my haste I had misshaped some letters and spaced them too closely together, and from across the street the sign looked like it read: “We will be victorbus.” It’s a private joke my wife and I still laugh at to this day.
* * * * *
I have friends overseas who couldn’t understand America’s reaction and desire for revenge. Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me? But when the shit begin to hit the fan in their own countries, well then, this terrorism bullshit was suddenly no laughing matter, nothing to be complacent about, and they wanted something done, by God!
Life had changed. Life has changed. And for anyone who thinks that we’ll be okay if we just develop enough cultural understanding, patch over enough differences, change a foreign policy here and there…you’re wrong.
They haven’t quit coming, and they won’t quit coming.
But I, for one, will do everything in my power to ensure that this never happens to my home again. So should you. Let the true Militia rise!
Let Freedom Ring!
And never forget that in thousands of homes across this Nation there remain empty chairs around the dinner tables, and there are cherished memories of loved ones tearing at still-hurting hearts.
* * * * *
Do I believe in any of the conspiracy theories surrounding 9-11? I don’t know; there are sure some things floating around out there that sure do make me wonder.
Do I believe that my government is doing everything possible, everything within its considerable power to keep me as safe as possible? No. I believe that our intelligence efforts could be vastly improved, as well as the defense of our borders, our available firepower, etc. Instead there is a bureaucratic bungle of red tape, and intelligence agencies striving for recognition at rates which border on a movie star’s never ending thirst for fame. That is fact. If you haven’t watched Michael Moore’s “Farenheit 9/11” I strongly suggest you do so:
If you’ve heard the criticisms about its supposed inaccuracies, let me say this: I watched, several times, “Farenheit 9/11;” and then I also watched, several times, the documentary on the 9-11 Commission which featured interviews with FBI agents, government authorities, etc. You might as well have been watching Moore’s “Farenheit 9/11” all over again! It’s factual folks.
Everything has become theater, and fodder for sound bites now. Religion, politics, business...it’s all a sham. It’s all become about those who can scream the loudest, denounce the most (while they practice what they preach against), get the most press and grab the most headlines, all the while making the maximum amount of money that they can at your and my expense while proclaiming over and over again all of the catchwords that have proven to be electoral hot buttons for many years: “Family values;” “conservative values;” “jobs for Americans;” and let’s not forget to throw in, after every phony tirade: “And may God bless America!”
Crap.
It’s indeed time for some real change in America; but until we get candidates running for office who actually give a damn about something instead of honoring their own agendas first and becoming oil for the Machine, we’ll plod stupidly onward, through the fog...and ain’t it the damn truth: “God help us all!”
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My photographs and videos and any derivative works are my private property and are copyright © by me, John Russell (aka “Zoom Lens”) and ALL my rights, including my exclusive rights, are reserved. ANY use without my permission in writing is forbidden by law.
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Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
Many of you know the story, but some may not. Two years ago Sadie was kicked by a moose; she suffered a punctured lung, several bruised organs and four broken ribs. The vet gently and tactfully suggested I let her go. I didn't really think she was ready. I was present during the entire surgery and helped where I could. I was overcome with emotion when I saw her little heart beating inside her chest. She recovered rather quickly and a couple of the vets began calling her "miracle dog." She's our Sadie-Girl, and it's somewhat ironic that she is the last survivor from that litter of pups, as we lost TwoSpot and then Wrinkle earlier this year. Sadie is very happy, very strong, quite healthy at 15+ years of age.
I've been trying to get a photo of her for the past week. Today the light was harsh and she was getting bored with me telling her to stay here or there. Finally she led me up the hill, following our powerline trail and it dawned on me that we were returning to the place where I found her back then, bloody and broken, to where her screams had led me. So this pic was made in that spot.
She's about the sweetest thing I can imagine.
Appears to be missing a few bits from the front end here, these MKIII Escorts had a huge tendency to lose the ends of their bumpers, I remember seeing loads of them back in the day with only the main piece of the bumper remaining. Looks fairly solid... but the valance looks pretty crumbly and that rust hole on the passenger side door does not look healthy at all, the tax disc just about visible on the windscreen suggests this came off the road sometime around May 2002.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
. . . This 2 or 3 year old deer looks very healthy at this point in the season, considering how much snow Michigan received this winter! This little one has been coming by all winter for our treats, and doesn't seem to be bothered by the lights and movement inside the cabin.
Have a great weekend Facebook and Flickr friends!
Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
Local accession number: 11_03_000078
Title: Our national bird as it appeared when handed to James Buchanan, March 4, 1857. The identical bird as it appeared A. D. 1861
Statement of responsibility: Woolf
Creator/Contributor: Woolf, Michael Angelo, 1837-1899 (Artist)
Genre: Political cartoons; Lithographs; Prints
Publisher: Entered according to act of Congress... by Thomas W. Strong, Depot 98 Nassau St., N. Y.
Date issued: 1861
Physical description: 1 print : lithograph ; 12 x 16 1/4 in.
Summary/Abstract: The iconic national bird, representing the Union, is strong and healthy at the beginning of Democrat James Buchananâs administration, but by the time Republican Abraham Lincoln assumed the Presidency, it is gaunt and emaciated reflecting the secession of 11 southern states from the Union. This political cartoon highlights the rising tensions over statesâ rights during the antebellum period and the ultimate dissolution of the Union in 1861. The fact that Buchananâs administration was riddled with corruption and charges of bribery and graft, only worsened the toll that years fighting over slavery and statesâ rights had taken on the nationâs vitality.
General notes: Title from item.; Caption on item: 'I was murdered i 'the Capitol.'
Subjects: Eagles; Politics & government; Secession
Collection: Americana Collection
Location: Boston Public Library, Print Department
Rights: No known copyright restrictions.
Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
This Optare Solo seen here at Barnard Castle, when the driver went to start it up he went into the cab, put the Master on, and then the ignition, then the click you hear from pressing the ignition button, he then got out and opened the engine flap, and started the bus from the switch inside the engine bay. So I am guessing the start button was not working. After all this carry on over with the driver fired the girl up. This solo not sounding very healthy at all. This bus has a private registration of S24BUS, it's original registration is YE52KPR. This bus is owned by the company Hodgsons Coaches of Barnard Castle.
Straight To Wavy, Normal, Medium hair needs a well balanced curling iron which is power packed to create lasting style but gently, without damaging your hair! Infiniti Pro by Conair Nano Tourmaline Ceramic Inch Curling Iron is just the one for you! Its ceramic tourmaline combination barrel gives you long lasting, shiny and smooth curls over and over again keeping your hair healthy at the same time. Click and explore all the interesting features it has especially for you!
www.mycurlingiron.com/curling-iron/curling-iron-reviews/a...
Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
today was pretty lovely. I like how all the tones in this picture are pretty much the same. and for the record, i am wearing a shirt. you just can't see it because of the foggy mirror. so this afternoon I had to take a 365, and my collab pic that I've been procrastinating. so as I was planning to take pictures outside, I came in happy with my collab picture, and then on my way to my room spotted this foggy mirror and took the photo op.
this morning I did get to sleep in, ate a lovely breakfast of shredded mini wheats. yum. cleaned up the kitchen, visited with my aunt and mom, and did some p90x with Calvin! (2 year old brother..ha) I'm really determined to get back on a working out schedule. I mean, it's summer. what else do I have to do? after a great lunch of pita pockets stuffed with turkey&cheese, and a shower, we all went to Target. except for Calvin. He stayed home and took a nap while my dad worked. we stayed at Target for a looong time...
random: today I decided I'm not drinking coke for a while. like, at least for the summer. except at the beach. because I'm not gonna freak out about being healthy at the beach.
so, at Target. we went there because Ryland had birthday money, and my aunt needed a few things. So basically for fun. Everyone got popcorn & a drink, as we usually do, but don't worry. I didn't get a coke. actually, I didn't get anything. only because I wasn't hungry at all. However, I *did get a VERY cute dress. I love it so much. and a cardigan to go over it. I'm sure I'll take a 365 in it sometime soon. Thursday- Hannah, Mal, Gordon & I plan on going out to dinner and dressing up and taking good pictures. since the other night didn't work out so well..:) ha. so I'm planning on wearing it then. I also got some awesome brown sandals. they're perfect. the exact style I've been searching for.
so, as you've probably guessed, I spent a lot of money today. and I really hate spending money, especially a bunch at once. but this was stuff I've been needing and finally found. and I LOVE all of it. so, yes. I don't regret it.
so when I got home I went outside to take my collab picture, and the best place for it was in the concrete of the culdesac. these two 6th grade girls walked by and were laughing at me. hahaha. but it's okay. because if I walked past a freak chic who looked like a hippie in a dress & bandana, barefoot with a camera and tripod, flowers, and sitting in the street taking pictures of herself, I'd laugh too. and I don't think I'd be able to control it as much as they did. but I can also relate to the crazy bold yet shy photographer. so, you know. either way.
but I got a good picture so it was worth it. came inside, took this, bathed the babies, ate dinner, and played Bananagrams with the family. except it wasn't that fun. and I was in a bad mood so I just went to bed when they moved onto Uno.
and that was my Monday.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
dear friends,,,
in this mind world of increasing complexity, i have found it is healthy at regular intervals to go back to what is simple,,, to find a resting place there and a solace.
more is not always better, especially when much of that 'more' is filled up with non-essential, distracting yet strangely consuming trivia.
when the continuity of life - that of a loved one, or your own - is suddenly called into question, there is often an equally sudden clarity that comes to the body and mind. instantly, it is clear to you what is important, what is valuable,,, and what is not. resources you had tied up in hurt feelings, accusations and justifications immediately untangle as you are drawn intensely into the present reality.
interesting to note: even if the threat subsides, or is discovered to be unfounded, that moment of clarity is just as real and striking.
so then, we can reasonably agree that such clarity is not dependent upon life-threatening circumstance, but can be called upon at any time by our choice,,,
we could call this choice a decision to simplify.
foremost, Webster defines simple as without guile, offering the synonym innocent. a beautifully keen description.
if we were to be completely honest with ourselves, we might agree that a large percentage of the suffering we both take upon ourselves and spread to those around us has roots in 'trivial', non-essential kinds of complexities. the cyclic frustrations and tiny agonies both, a product of our programmed perspectives. if we can agree to this, we might also recognize such consumption of our internal resources as a kind of guile - trading that which is precious for that which is valueless and even destructive,,,
is it possible that the worst crimes are the ones we commit against ourselves? the worst lies, the ones we tell ourselves? how can we hope to be true to others if we are not first true with ourselves?
i stood in awe today for several minutes watching a thousand thousand colors move, blend and change shape in rapid succession,,, listening to an orchestra of a thousand thousand players that never played the same combination of notes twice. no, it wasn't HDTV ; ) it was the tall tree outside my house, moving with a wind.
i looked at that undeniably gorgeous, living piece of work, and thought,,, it's been here all the while i've lived in this house,,, likely just as beautifully perfect and peaceful as it is right now. every time i was frustrated, angry, feeling sorry for myself, complaining,,, it was right here, being,,, alive.
and i laughed, spun and laughed, doing my human best to join the tree in its celebration. this is life, i thought. life is simple. as i looked up i saw also how incredible the clouds were,,, miles away, a thousand times magnificent, but moved by that same wind.
and somewhere in that turning, a decision,,,
every part of this tree is directly involved in the tree's benefit and growth. so will i resolve to ensure that every part of me is involved and contributing to my growth and aliveness,,, and those parts that are not, those i will resolve to let go of.
just as no tree would thrive whose leaves were eating away at its own branches,,, neither can we thrive by allowing the self destructive aspects of our nature to consume our health and resources.
if the beauty of humans is sometimes found in our complexities, surely there must be a balance, a careful watch to ensure those complexities don't disconnect us from the simple joy it is to be alive.
love to you my beautiful friends,,, from a heart resolved to grow as big as it can,,,
jesh *
Mingle Media TV and Misty Kingma were invited to come out and cover the 2012 GBK Golden Globes Gift Lounge at the L’Ermitage Hotel in Beverly Hills. GBK, the recipient of multiple BizBash Awards for “Best Gift Bag,” presented to its private list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an elite environment with gifts, beauty services and hors’ d'oeuvres while tending to its charitable causes.
GBK’s sponsors include a wide range of creative, luxurious and select companies who will share their products and accomplishments with industry taste makers and celebrities while giving back to a greater causes such as poverty and education. This season's GBK Gift Lounge is filled with premium sponsors, supporting celebrities and a wealth of media which will once again support “good will“ while enjoying a true Hollywood experience. "GBK will be making a donation to Clinton Global Initiative for this event and a local education fund in FIJI.” Stated- Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Productions.
#GBKGlobeGiftLounge
For more coverage of this event and other Mingle Media TV Red Carpet Report Coverage, watch our video interviews from the Red Carpet and follow us on Twitter and Facebook here:
www.minglemediatv.com/redcarpetreport.html
www.facebook.com/minglemediatvnetwork
Sponsors include:
· Air Pacific will be giving a round trip ticket for two for all Nominees and Presenters to FIJI. They will be staying at one of the exclusive 5 Star Island Resorts, including: Yasawa Island Resort and Spa, Vomo Fiji Island Resort, or Tadrai Fiji Island Resort.
· 5Star Responder is a first-of-its-kind wireless, portable device that is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to better protect yourself or those closest to you, at home or on the go. By simply pressing the button on the Responder, users are immediately connected to highly-trained Certified Response Agents who will identify them and their location, conference in family or friends, dispatch 9-1-1 emergency services, access a nurse, or provide any additional assistance, if needed.
· Adult Chocolate Milk is a premium, pour-and-serve vodka-based cocktail with a unique taste and retro-chic appeal that was launched in 2009 by busy moms and lifelong friends Tracy Reinhardt and Nikki Halbur.
· Beyond The Rack is North America’s premier online shopping club, offering men and women top designer brand clothing, accessories, beauty, home décor and consumer electronics up to 70% off retail. Gifting clothing for men and women by some of Beyond the Rack’s great brands including Dex, Coupe, Triple 5 Soul, and My Tribe.
· Bota Box are premium, award winning wines in 3L box and 500ml tetra pack, convenient, portable and environmentally friendly packages.
· Crizal® No-Glare Lenses Designer Sunglasses with Crizal SunShield™ No-Glare Lenses. Brands include Fendi, Prada, and Burberry.
· Bread Basket Cake Company - Chocolate fudge and French vanilla cream filled dessert topped with a raspberry.
· Ajinomoto North America, Inc. Glysom™ is a safe, effective, scientifically-proven and physician-distributed dietary supplement for deeper, sounder and more satisfying sleep without morning drowsiness* that leaves you fully refreshed for the day ahead.
· eos Products - Highly moisturizing, delightfully packaged skin care products, including lip balms, hand lotions, body lotions, and shaving cream.
· Centerville Pie Co. - A Centerville Pie Company signature Chicken Pie made with over a pound of chicken meat, covered in savory gravy & wrapped in a hand-rolled flaky crust.
· Cocopotamus Chocolate - Handmade Cocopotamus dark chocolate fudge truffles.
· DNA Imprints - A canvas print transformed from a celebrities DNA and married to stunning colors.
· Earths Berries - An environmentally friendly, organic cleaner that helps keep your whole home clean and safe.
· G Wear - Eclectic, hand-sewn, one of a kind woman’s tee shirts and scarves with design appliqués made from recycled tee shirt materials.
· Glymed Plus® Advanced Aesthetics - The GlyMed Plus FOR MEN Essentials Travel Kit & DNA Reset Face & Neck Cream.
· Haan Therapeutics - Latest innovation in Anti-Aging skin care.
· HAYARI PARFUMS - First French Fragrance Floral Oriental for women by Hayari.
· Macadamia Natural Oil - Stylish canteen shoulder bag containing Healing Oil Treatment, Deep Repair Masque, Rejuvenating Shampoo and Oil infused comb, all you need to quench your hair needs.
· Mojo Boost International/Gentech Pharmaceutical - Mojo Boost & Mojo Chill; PhenTabz, weight loss pills; fast, effective, safe weight loss.
· NVEY ECO - A collection of high performance, long lasting pure organic makeup, formulated without the use of chemical ingredients such as petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances.
· Q Handmade - Custom jewelry specializing in hand-stamped necklaces.
· RevitaLash ADVANCED - Newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED; eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. Introducing a new hair product; Hair by RevitaLash a conditioner that gives you thicker and fuller hair. Also RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer that helps mascara adhere better to eyelashes and enhances eye color.
· Sandra Brooks Collection - Handcrafted one-of-a-kind gemstone and pearl jewelry for men and women, creating juxtapositions of organic elements and glitz, modern and traditional, casual and formal elegance.
· Sparkling ICE - Naturally flavored sparkling mountain spring water, zero calories with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
· Voskos Greek Yogurt & YoGreek - Award winning Greek yogurt presenting YoGreek which is a mix of delicious Voskos Greek yogurt & crunch!
· TC Intimates - Today’s shape wear for today’s activities, work, play or an evening out. Shaping that leaves you looking sleek, smooth and comfortable.
· The Artisan Group - All handcrafted jewelry, stationery, photography, art and other products.
· The Comphy Co. - The chosen favorite for micro-fiber bedding; by leading resorts, spas and celebrities nationwide.
· Robert Graham - Presenting X Collection by Robert Graham, the newest men's sportswear line by Robert Graham.
· Tweezerman - Preview of the new Fashion Color Slant Tweezer - in Geranium (launching in May) and their beloved ProCurl Curler.
· VIE® Magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication focusing on human interest stories and celebrating the “people and places.”
· The Fresh Diet - Free trials of premium healthy at-home meal delivery service.
· Exclusive Sedan Service - A gift certificate worth $100 for chauffeured luxury ground transportation which can be used anywhere in the LA metro area.
· AquaHydrate - Purified and refreshing, AquaHydrate is uniquely fortified and engineered to replenish the body differently than traditional bottled water. Raised to an alkaline pH of 9+, and then fortified with electrolytes and minerals it is the WATER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Gifting gift certificates for 1 year supply of their water.
About GBK:
GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to www.gbkproductions.com.
Being crazy is healthy.
At least, that's what they say around here.
To me.
So it must be true.
Even though I'm not crazy myself.
Just everybody else.
Photos courtesy of Missouri City
A new LED message sign, monument wall and landscaping now grace the entrance of City Hall.
Missouri City’s Successes Shine Bright in 2012
Missouri City continued its march of excellence in 2012 with an array of successful fiscal, civic, business and public safety accomplishments that kept the “Show Me City” on the list of the state’s and the nation’s premier municipalities.
Safe streets, best budgets, thriving companies, dynamic diversity, pristine parks and A-plus amenities remain hallmarks of the City, and have an impact on its infrastructure projects and retail and commercial sectors.
Showcasing the richness of our cultural, educational and economic strengths, a groundbreaking Rice University study this year found Missouri City has surpassed Houston in diversity.
“Our diversity brings different ideas and traditions to the table, and we are united in the direction of our community’s future,” said City Manager Edward Broussard. “With 20 parks, two championship golf courses, first-class amenities and rich historical traditions, we encourage everyone to discover Missouri City.”
City Council continued to provide strong leadership for citizens and staff in 2012. From left are Councilmember Don Smith, District B, Councilmember Bobby Marshall, District A, Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt, At Large Position 1, Mayor Allen Owen, Councilmember Danny Nguyen, At Large Position 2, Councilmember Floyd Emery, District D, and Councilmember Robin Elackatt, District C.
Additionally, MONEY Magazine and CNNMoney named Missouri City one of 2012’s Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in the nation for homebuyers and “we are steadfast in our commitment to remain a premier location with scenic neighborhoods, low crime, top-rated schools and expanded quality recreational opportunities,” Broussard said.
And, when it comes to living healthy lifestyles; citizens are up to the challenge. Residents and staff formed a winning partnership this year to earn a second place honor in the Healthy at H-E-B Challenge, a statewide initiative aimed at getting Texans to become active and stay fit.
Another recreational accolade was earned by the award-winning Quail Valley Golf Course, which has hosted record rounds again this year. Avid Golfer ranked the El Dorado fairway as the No. 1 “Best Value Under $50”, and No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Intermediate-Priced • $36-$50”. And, the magazine ranked the La Quinta greens No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Value-Priced • $36-$50”.
QVGC is also now the third location for the First Tee of Greater Houston, a youth development program that teaches life lessons such as the importance of honesty, sportsmanship, perseverance, responsibility and judgment.
“We all know that Missouri City is a special place and these honors reinforce what those of us who live here know,” said Mayor Allen Owen. “As we move forward, our synergistic relationship with our families and business partners will continue to make Missouri City one of the best cities in America.”
Fiscal Fitness
Strong fiscal management earned the city a Double A rating for its general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation, a high rank based on sound budget policies and procedures that give the City a bright financial outlook for the future.
For more than 25 years, the City Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report have been recognized annually by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for their detail on City services and programs and the City’s financial condition. And, for the second year in a row Missouri City has earned a “Gold Star” award for financial transparency and online reporting from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Maintaining fiscal excellence is a top priority for the City, with all departments focused on the effective and efficient management of financial resources.
A police officer, left, shares safety information with a resident. Firefighters, at right, perform a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Protecting the Public
Proactive public safety programs protect, educate and engage citizens, often providing a glimpse into the work of our first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
In 2012, the Missouri City Police Department hosted a series of safety seminars, including a citywide crime prevention meeting, ensuring citizens are prepared to safeguard their families and property.
And, this year brought a significant first for the Fire & Rescue Services as they hosted their inaugural annual open house. Hundreds visited Fire Station 1 and experienced how to handle a fire hose, learned about life-saving equipment, watched a vehicle extrication demonstration, toured the firehouse and practiced fire exit drills.
Another highlight was the graduation of the 26th Annual Missouri City Police and Fire Academy. This year’s class of 27 is now qualified to join the Police and Fire Auxiliary and Citizen’s Response Team after completing a free six-week training program that took them “behind-the-scenes”. The residents learned about traffic and criminal law, CPR, firearms, and the dangers associated with fighting fires and solving crimes.
The importance of Missouri City’s public safety investment in commercial areas also is demonstrated via the new Police Mini-Station on Texas Parkway. The station serves as a daily reminder to citizens that the City is dedicated to keeping them and their businesses safe.
Business is Booming
Continuing to build a sustainable business base is critical to future growth and development.
This year, Missouri City’s commitment to private-public partnerships was recognized with the prestigious 2012 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The “Show Me City” won the distinction for its successful bid to attract Niagara Bottling Company, the second largest water bottling firm in the United States.
In making its decision, TEDC cited Missouri City’s “team effort” in partnering with the Greater Houston Partnership, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development Group and Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 to interest Niagara in opening its doors in Lakeview Business Park, located near Fondren Road and Sam Houston Parkway.
The plant is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, it will encompass more than 356,000 square feet, with water processing, bottle manufacturing, warehousing and a distribution facility.
A few miles away in the Beltway Crossing Complex on South Gessner Road, another major company is preparing to open its doors. Ben E. Keith Foods will complete the first phase of its 500,000-square-foot facility in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, the company, which was honored in 2012 by having Beltway Road renamed Ben E. Keith Way, will be the City’s largest employer.
Other new companies choosing to locate here during the past 12 months include Twin Star Bakery, Southwest Electronic Energy Corp., Fort Bend Brewing Company, Warren Alloy/Allied Fittings, Stream Realty and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
And, to create an ongoing dialogue with the business community, the City has launched Business Briefing Breakfasts. These monthly meetings focus on economic growth and development and are hosted in the City Centre at Quail Valley. For more information on the breakfasts, call 281.403.8530.
Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure improvements were a priority citywide. A major accomplishment was the official opening of the City’s new $50 million Regional Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the “Show Me City”. The project was the result of an unprecedented level of cooperation among 40 government and private sector groups.
The facility, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, was built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by Jan. 1, 2014. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.
During a grand opening ceremony for the plant in August, partners raised their glasses—filled with water processed at the facility. Plant engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed that of the groundwater residents currently drink with 33 types of tests conducted each day to ensure the water is safe to use. And, in recognition of its excellence, the RWTP won the Texas Public Works Association’s Project of the Year Award for “Environmental Projects at least $25 million but less than $75 million”.
Other infrastructure upgrades completed citywide include:
*Raised medians constructions on Highway 6 and Texas Parkway. The Texas Department of Transportation managed these mobility projects that improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. The projects included the installation of new traffic signals and six Dynamic Messages Signs along Highway 6, and the installation of new turn lanes along both roadways.
*Implementation of the $2.8 million Intelligent Transportation System to help synchronize traffic signals and manage traffic flow citywide.
*A showcase Missouri City monument wall was added to the entrance of the City Hall Complex, which has been revitalized with the addition of a new LED sign and landscaping. The monument wall is the latest of several new ones that now grace major thoroughfares helping to brand and beautify the area.
*Next year, Lexington Boulevard will be extended. Plans call for a decorative traffic signal at Texas Parkway, a four-lane boulevard roadway with sidewalks from Texas Parkway to Scanlin Road, as well as drainage structures. Fort Bend County has agreed to pay all costs of the $3.3 million project through the Fort Bend Mobility Bond program.
Other key infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of El Dorado Bridge, the installment of flashing yellow arrows along major roadways and the construction of Fire Station #5, which is being fully funded by the Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District. The station is expected to open in late 2013.
Another mobility milestone involves the METRO Park & Ride stop located in the Fort Bend Town Center at Fort Bend Parkway and Highway 6. Ridership on the service is steadily increasing, providing convenient, stress-free commutes to and from the Texas Medical Center and Houston’s central business district for hundreds of residents.
Pristine Parks
City Council followed through on its commitment to citizens that construction of the City Centre at Quail Valley and the Recreation and Tennis Center would be completed this year.
Since Missouri City’s new first-class amenities opened their doors, they have received rave reviews.
Missouri City’s premier City Centre at Quail Valley can host all of your special events.
As Fort Bend County’s premier events venue, the City Centre at Quail Valley, located at 2880 La Quinta Dr., has hosted dozens of festive occasions including weddings, business meetings, birthday parties, tournaments like the 2012 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
To plan and schedule a function, individuals and businesses can call 281-403-8517.
Missouri City’s first-class Recreation and Tennis Center can help you stay fit with lots of fun activities.
The state-of-the-art Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., continues to draw new members and has hosted tennis tournaments for local and regional organizations.
The Center, which was featured in the August edition of Athletic Business, has a Kid Zone, a full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, tennis courts, batting cages, the latest cardio and weight equipment, an outdoor walking trail and tennis clinics. To join, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.
Many distinctions set Missouri City apart from other municipalities, and the City’s pristine parks are among the area’s best.
The Edible Arbor Trail, which features groves of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts, remains a favorite. It was recognized as an innovative project this year by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and received an Honorable Mention for “On-the-Ground Projects” from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The trail was also featured on Ch. 13’s Hometown Live Report.
Another parks project that has been popular is the expansion of Oyster Creek Trail. The 2.31 mile pathway, an outdoor haven for residents who enjoy a scenic hike, bike, walk or jog, underwent a revitalization that added a paved bike and pedestrian trail along Oyster Creek Bayou between Dulles Avenue and Cartwright Road.
Improvements made to the Cartwright Road Bridge extended Oyster Creek Trail under the bridge and connected it to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.
Scenes from the Snowfest Festival, left, and from National Night Out, right. Below, MCJCF founding board members kickoff the group’s golden anniversary at a VIP Reception. Pictured from left, are Michael Mouton, Councilman Don Smith, who is Founder and Chairman, Sonja Thornton, Pamela Poole, Charles Swindell and Derrick Woods.
Treasured Traditions
Annual traditions build lasting bonds citywide and this year, these successful events helped form a strong sense of civic pride:
* The 29th Annual Snowfest Festival drew more than 5,000 to the City Hall Complex and featured a tree-lighting ceremony, colorful fireworks, bicycle raffles, the world’s tallest snowman bounce house, a snow hill, a toy drive and Santa! And, the Snowfest Parade drew hundreds and featured colorful floats, local bands, community groups and trailers decorated in holiday themes.
*The July 4th Festival was a fantastic celebration in Buffalo Run Park full of fun and fireworks. Thousands of families gathered to see the sky light up with color at dusk. Children also enjoyed a moonwalk, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull.
*The Fourth Annual “Operation Thanksgiving—Stuff the Squad Car!” put the unity in community as “Show Me City” citizens, businesses and staff partnered to fill 15 police patrol cars with canned and nonperishable food items to assist area families in need. The Second Mile Mission Center, Bethel Ministry and the Powerhouse of Love Food Bank benefitted from this benevolent event.
*The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a focus on families and their core contributions to our communities. At the Community Service Awards Gala tribute, retired NBA star Charlie Ward was the guest speaker. Other special celebrations were the Scholarship Golf Tournament, Family Fun Day in the Park and Night Out, Festival Under the Stars and the One Mile of Smiles Parade.
*And, neighborhoods across Missouri City held National Night Out block parties featuring good food, fellowship and fun on the 29th annual observance of the crime prevention initiative. NNO helps neighbors get to know each other and to partner with police officers, firefighters, City Council and staff to discuss and implement measures that help combat crime.
A Bright Future
In 2012, professionals in all departments honorably represented the City with pride and were recognized by their peers in the region, in the state and across the nation. They include:
*Police Officer of the Year Jessica Berry
*Firefighter of the Year Michael Jaster
*Recreation Superintendent Shane Mize, who won the 2012 National Recreation and Park Association Rising Professional Award
*Director of Municipal Court Services Cathy Haney, who is the Texas Court Clerks Association’s 2012 Gulf Coast Chapter Clerk of the Year
*Street Technician II Lyford “Nickey” Hayes, who was recognized as Operator of the Year—Heavy Equipment by the American Public Works Association
*City Secretary Maria Gonzalez, who became President of the Salt Grass Chapter of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc.
*The Communications Team won the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers’ Silver Star for Electronic Report, the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ second place award for Best Use of Web, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ third place award for the video “Bob on Biz—LEED Certified Building”, and the group’s honorable mention award for the “Show Me Missouri City TV Website”.
*The Information Technology Team managed the installation of the Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning suite of software. It includes efficiency programs for accounting, payroll, human resources, document management, mapping, permits, licenses and code enforcement.
In 2013, Missouri City will continue to provide citizens with excellent programs and services. A committed City Council and award-winning staff will progressively move forward into the future, ensuring the “Show Me City’s” ongoing success.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the City’s websites: www.missouricitytx.gov and www.missouricityready.com, the “Show Me Missouri City” citizen newsletter, regular and annual homeowner association meetings, Missouri City television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) and 1690 AM.
Families and visitors are invited to have breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at the City Centre and to maintain a focus on fitness at the Recreation and Tennis Center. And, to make those memorable moments in life even more special, citizens should plan to host their celebrations in one of the City Centre’s elegant rooms—the magnificent Magnolia Ballroom, the amazing Azalea Room or the beautiful Bluebonnet Grille.
Schedule your next tee time at the championship Quail Valley Golf Course.
And, golfers can always enjoy a great game at the renowned Quail Valley Golf Course. For greens fees, visit www.golfquailvalley.com or call 281.403.5910.
As the City partners with the community to start a New Year together; high-standards will continue to be set and met in the “Show Me City”.
The rumor about palm trees being here has come to pass, as here they are installed by the revamped front patio. For some reason I was expecting 8 to 10 ft. tall trees here, not these little Charlie Brown Christmas tree things! Oh well, they are cute (and healthy) at least. And against all odds, there actually is another business not too far from this location (a pool and spa place) that has palm trees in Southaven: albeit much less healthier looking (yet much bigger) than these.
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Former Burger King, 1986-built, St. Line Rd. at MarketPlace Dr., Southaven MS
He was eating dinner
at the counter of the old
Sitton's North Hollywood Diner
on Magnolia in North Hollywood. I was
there with my wife, Leslie, and my always
beamish and delightful son, Joshua Zollo,
who had a hot dog, french fries, a chocolate
milk shake and for dessert, cherry pie. An
essential and iconic American meal it was,
and heaven for a little kid. I had a tuna-melt,
which, while certainly not healthy at all,
was delicious.
I saw Robby from a distance - he had this
great long straggly hair, and was wearing an
earthen brown sweater vest over a white shirt
with a red paisley tie, oddly formal for an Angeleno
diner. He was watching the other patrons, the
waitresses and the prize-fight being broadcast
on the little color TV over the counter.
Though my wife doesn't like it when I
interrupt our familial functions to take somebody's
photo, I couldn't resist - and with my son's
encouragement - he always welcomes my
photographic proclivities - I went over to
Robby, discovered he had great green eyes,
and asked if I could take his photo.
He smiled at me with a bewildered smile,
but rather than ask me what my purpose was,
as people often do,
he simply allowed me to take his picture. Wanting
to know more about him, as is my way, I asked him,
if he was a writer. I didn't think he was,
but asking anybody if they are a writer, actor, model
or musician in L.A. is always a good way to break the
proverbial ice,
and is often answered in the affirmative.
Robby said no, he wasn't a writer. He said he worked
at the St. Paul's Church, which is on Magnolia,
not far from this restaurant. He didn't expand into
details of what he did in the church, and whether it was
even a paying job, or if, perhaps, he considered
prayer and confession a form of work. I know for some it is.
He didn't have much
more to say, but he kept smiling at me warmly,
and somewhat curiously, as if waiting for what was
to happen next.
But I had a family sitting in a naugahyde booth to
return to, so I thanked him, and he thanked me in
return, and kept smiling at me and staring,
and as I tasted Joshie's milkshake, I saw
Robby ever so slowly creep towards the cash
register, where he paid his check, and then almost
hypnotically he sluggishly
sloped towards the door to leave. Before
making his exit, however, he stopped to wave
at us with a flourish,
and I waved back, as did Joshua. And then
Robby stepped out into the evening sunlight, still
bright in this Junetime even at 6:45, and he stopped
outside of the window, fixed his glance on us, and then
waved again before walking off
down Magnolia.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
We haven’t been 100% healthy at the same time since Em fractured her wrist last October. We were out on what we call “the burn,” taking down four peaks in the Tatoosh in a matter of a few hours and the next day her school athletic director called me and it was off to the ER. The injury cost her a basketball season, a ski season and I kept her out of the rock wall gym all winter.
We did mange to get out for some winter mountain fun over Christmas break, then in January we bailed early on a snow camp up on Rainier due to what turned out to be a wicked storm that claimed the lives of four people who didn’t, or couldn’t get off in time. We wound up in Portland for the rest of that week end checking out the new line of Mt. Hardware gear, staying in her fave hotel and eating at her fave restaurants. We ended with a long run on Willamette River across from the hotel and a trip to OMSI. It was a tough weekend though as that was no substitute for snow camping at 10,000 ft. on Rainier and she really put a good deal of energy into the debate over my decision to bail early.
That week was to become known as the “snowpocalypse” as the winter storm that had forced my decision a few days earlier worsened and hit western Washington hard. A sledding accident on the beach road resulted in Emma re-injuring her wrist. We did enjoy the snow that week, but each night we’d look to see how the SAR efforts for the missing on Mt. Ranier were proceeding. The news was always dismal. When the weather broke and they were able to get some air support for SAR efforts we pretty much knew it was over for those four poor souls. Emma didn’t say much, but she was quite obviously shaken. Later she would tell me that she always thought they would find them all alive.
February found Em on the mend, and about the time we began talking about a winter summit, it was my turn for an injury. What started with a calf pull, turned into a severe achilles tendon problem that took me six weeks to train my way through.
It was April before we were both 100% fit and we set our sites on an early spring summit of St. Helens. We spent a pretty sleepless night in a cold camp sitting out a snowstorm before our summit push. In the morning we geared up and set out in the dark, under clouds, with snow flurries hitting us every few minutes. We took turns breaking trail in knee to thigh deep snow for about a half an hour when somewhere up-slope to our south we heard a small slide, not much later we had some tumblers roll past us and while neither one had said a word to the other neither of us felt real good about the condition of the snow. I remember thinking “get ready for an argument” right before I said “Ok, kiddo, we’re done, let’s turn this thing around and head down.” She just looked at me through her goggles and balaclava and said “yep, lets get out of here!”
We burned back to camp broke it down, hiked out to the car and drove around to the other side of the mountain. We were giving up the summit but not our time in the hills. Dropping our tent at a nearly empty state park near the St. Helens Visitors center and changing into lighter gear and smaller packs we drove up to the Boundary trailhead and spent the day chasing Elk, scrambling Johnson Ridge all the way to the deserted and closed visitors center. We had a late lunch watching all the cars drive up to the gate 2000 feet below and wondering what part of “Johnson Ridge Observatory Road is closed” these people didn’t understand when they’d seen it on a half dozen signs during their 40 mile drive to the locked gate.
On the way out, near dusk, Emma says “hey dad, you made the right call on Mt. Rainier, if we had stayed there would have been six people that died that weekend, not four.” We had a long, talk about all the reasons that might not be true, and there are many, many reasons I think we would have survived, the important thing is that she understand that the risk wasn’t acceptable and that we could choose to get off the mountain. There may be other times in other storms on other mountains where the risk is the same or greater, but the choice to retreat doesn’t exist.
I twisted my knee a few minutes later when the loose slope gave way under me. Back in camp, eating a marvelous dinner we laughed that between injuries and poor weather we hadn’t a break in the hills since the day we did “the burn” back in October.
A couple of weeks later I really tore the knee up running the stairs at the local stadium. I was pretty bummed there for a while. I mean really thinking that there was no way I was recovering in time for climbing season. I put Em in an open gym for girls at the high school three nights a week so she could keep her training up - adding two nights with a trainer to work the weights.
Meanwhile I rethought my own training regimen. The knee wasn’t going to let me run, but I could power walk at 4 mph pace 5 miles at a wack, and I could still cycle. For another six weeks she did her thing and I did mine.
The weekend before Memorial day we base camped out of the car and did 9 miles of trail running to test the knee. The Saturday following memorial day, still feeling like I might be a liability, I soloed a local crag to test my knee on descent.
This was Saturday. We’re 30 fast minutes off a summit that required both altimeter and compass to locate because the visibility was so poor. We made the choice to down climb this little avalanche chute and then bisect our route up the snow field 3 or four hundred below the ridge. We’d down climbed almost 600 ft – farther than we thought we would be able to and reached a place where continuing down the chute wasn’t feasible. The clouds had opened up enough for us to see the 100 plus yards of loose wet rock and scrub we were going to need to traverse to put us back in the safety of the snow field. We both knew that any mistake crossing that 100 yards would result in disaster.
Once in the snow field, the slope wasn’t quite as steep and we could plunge step the 300 or so feet down to where we needed to traverse to the south to reach the trail proper. And we’d be in the trees for that part of the route.
This 1.18 video seems almost macabre. This is an odd place for a father to be, and for daughter as well I think. The truth is when we put ourselves in situations where each of our lives can depend on the actions and decisions of the other a different sort of bond forms – one where there can be no lies.
What’s ironic is that in a couple of months – when the snow is gone this peak will be a trail run with a fanny-pack, a couple hammer bars, and a liter of water. The other irony is that this isn’t really anything more than a “workout.” This is conditioning for the real peaks we have planned for the summer.
really though, it's being completely free of any distraction beyond simply being and feeling alive.
Photos courtesy of Missouri City
A new LED message sign, monument wall and landscaping now grace the entrance of City Hall.
Missouri City’s Successes Shine Bright in 2012
Missouri City continued its march of excellence in 2012 with an array of successful fiscal, civic, business and public safety accomplishments that kept the “Show Me City” on the list of the state’s and the nation’s premier municipalities.
Safe streets, best budgets, thriving companies, dynamic diversity, pristine parks and A-plus amenities remain hallmarks of the City, and have an impact on its infrastructure projects and retail and commercial sectors.
Showcasing the richness of our cultural, educational and economic strengths, a groundbreaking Rice University study this year found Missouri City has surpassed Houston in diversity.
“Our diversity brings different ideas and traditions to the table, and we are united in the direction of our community’s future,” said City Manager Edward Broussard. “With 20 parks, two championship golf courses, first-class amenities and rich historical traditions, we encourage everyone to discover Missouri City.”
City Council continued to provide strong leadership for citizens and staff in 2012. From left are Councilmember Don Smith, District B, Councilmember Bobby Marshall, District A, Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt, At Large Position 1, Mayor Allen Owen, Councilmember Danny Nguyen, At Large Position 2, Councilmember Floyd Emery, District D, and Councilmember Robin Elackatt, District C.
Additionally, MONEY Magazine and CNNMoney named Missouri City one of 2012’s Top 10 Most Affordable Cities in the nation for homebuyers and “we are steadfast in our commitment to remain a premier location with scenic neighborhoods, low crime, top-rated schools and expanded quality recreational opportunities,” Broussard said.
And, when it comes to living healthy lifestyles; citizens are up to the challenge. Residents and staff formed a winning partnership this year to earn a second place honor in the Healthy at H-E-B Challenge, a statewide initiative aimed at getting Texans to become active and stay fit.
Another recreational accolade was earned by the award-winning Quail Valley Golf Course, which has hosted record rounds again this year. Avid Golfer ranked the El Dorado fairway as the No. 1 “Best Value Under $50”, and No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Intermediate-Priced • $36-$50”. And, the magazine ranked the La Quinta greens No. 2 among courses in the category of “Top-5 Value-Priced • $36-$50”.
QVGC is also now the third location for the First Tee of Greater Houston, a youth development program that teaches life lessons such as the importance of honesty, sportsmanship, perseverance, responsibility and judgment.
“We all know that Missouri City is a special place and these honors reinforce what those of us who live here know,” said Mayor Allen Owen. “As we move forward, our synergistic relationship with our families and business partners will continue to make Missouri City one of the best cities in America.”
Fiscal Fitness
Strong fiscal management earned the city a Double A rating for its general obligation bonds and certificates of obligation, a high rank based on sound budget policies and procedures that give the City a bright financial outlook for the future.
For more than 25 years, the City Budget and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report have been recognized annually by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for their detail on City services and programs and the City’s financial condition. And, for the second year in a row Missouri City has earned a “Gold Star” award for financial transparency and online reporting from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Maintaining fiscal excellence is a top priority for the City, with all departments focused on the effective and efficient management of financial resources.
A police officer, left, shares safety information with a resident. Firefighters, at right, perform a vehicle extrication demonstration.
Protecting the Public
Proactive public safety programs protect, educate and engage citizens, often providing a glimpse into the work of our first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
In 2012, the Missouri City Police Department hosted a series of safety seminars, including a citywide crime prevention meeting, ensuring citizens are prepared to safeguard their families and property.
And, this year brought a significant first for the Fire & Rescue Services as they hosted their inaugural annual open house. Hundreds visited Fire Station 1 and experienced how to handle a fire hose, learned about life-saving equipment, watched a vehicle extrication demonstration, toured the firehouse and practiced fire exit drills.
Another highlight was the graduation of the 26th Annual Missouri City Police and Fire Academy. This year’s class of 27 is now qualified to join the Police and Fire Auxiliary and Citizen’s Response Team after completing a free six-week training program that took them “behind-the-scenes”. The residents learned about traffic and criminal law, CPR, firearms, and the dangers associated with fighting fires and solving crimes.
The importance of Missouri City’s public safety investment in commercial areas also is demonstrated via the new Police Mini-Station on Texas Parkway. The station serves as a daily reminder to citizens that the City is dedicated to keeping them and their businesses safe.
Business is Booming
Continuing to build a sustainable business base is critical to future growth and development.
This year, Missouri City’s commitment to private-public partnerships was recognized with the prestigious 2012 Community Economic Development Award from the Texas Economic Development Council. The “Show Me City” won the distinction for its successful bid to attract Niagara Bottling Company, the second largest water bottling firm in the United States.
In making its decision, TEDC cited Missouri City’s “team effort” in partnering with the Greater Houston Partnership, the Fort Bend Economic Development Council, Fort Bend County, CenterPoint Energy Economic Development Group and Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 to interest Niagara in opening its doors in Lakeview Business Park, located near Fondren Road and Sam Houston Parkway.
The plant is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, it will encompass more than 356,000 square feet, with water processing, bottle manufacturing, warehousing and a distribution facility.
A few miles away in the Beltway Crossing Complex on South Gessner Road, another major company is preparing to open its doors. Ben E. Keith Foods will complete the first phase of its 500,000-square-foot facility in the first quarter of 2013. When complete, the company, which was honored in 2012 by having Beltway Road renamed Ben E. Keith Way, will be the City’s largest employer.
Other new companies choosing to locate here during the past 12 months include Twin Star Bakery, Southwest Electronic Energy Corp., Fort Bend Brewing Company, Warren Alloy/Allied Fittings, Stream Realty and Bimbo Bakeries USA.
And, to create an ongoing dialogue with the business community, the City has launched Business Briefing Breakfasts. These monthly meetings focus on economic growth and development and are hosted in the City Centre at Quail Valley. For more information on the breakfasts, call 281.403.8530.
Infrastructure Improvements
Infrastructure improvements were a priority citywide. A major accomplishment was the official opening of the City’s new $50 million Regional Water Treatment Plant, the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the “Show Me City”. The project was the result of an unprecedented level of cooperation among 40 government and private sector groups.
The facility, which has the capacity to store 100 million gallons of water, was built to meet regulations set by the Fort Bend Subsidence District, which mandates that groundwater withdrawals must be no more than 70 percent of total water demand by Jan. 1, 2014. By January of 2025, withdrawals must be reduced to no more than 40 percent of water demand.
During a grand opening ceremony for the plant in August, partners raised their glasses—filled with water processed at the facility. Plant engineers say the quality of the refined water should exceed that of the groundwater residents currently drink with 33 types of tests conducted each day to ensure the water is safe to use. And, in recognition of its excellence, the RWTP won the Texas Public Works Association’s Project of the Year Award for “Environmental Projects at least $25 million but less than $75 million”.
Other infrastructure upgrades completed citywide include:
*Raised medians constructions on Highway 6 and Texas Parkway. The Texas Department of Transportation managed these mobility projects that improved safety for motorists and pedestrians. The projects included the installation of new traffic signals and six Dynamic Messages Signs along Highway 6, and the installation of new turn lanes along both roadways.
*Implementation of the $2.8 million Intelligent Transportation System to help synchronize traffic signals and manage traffic flow citywide.
*A showcase Missouri City monument wall was added to the entrance of the City Hall Complex, which has been revitalized with the addition of a new LED sign and landscaping. The monument wall is the latest of several new ones that now grace major thoroughfares helping to brand and beautify the area.
*Next year, Lexington Boulevard will be extended. Plans call for a decorative traffic signal at Texas Parkway, a four-lane boulevard roadway with sidewalks from Texas Parkway to Scanlin Road, as well as drainage structures. Fort Bend County has agreed to pay all costs of the $3.3 million project through the Fort Bend Mobility Bond program.
Other key infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of El Dorado Bridge, the installment of flashing yellow arrows along major roadways and the construction of Fire Station #5, which is being fully funded by the Sienna Plantation Municipal Utility District. The station is expected to open in late 2013.
Another mobility milestone involves the METRO Park & Ride stop located in the Fort Bend Town Center at Fort Bend Parkway and Highway 6. Ridership on the service is steadily increasing, providing convenient, stress-free commutes to and from the Texas Medical Center and Houston’s central business district for hundreds of residents.
Pristine Parks
City Council followed through on its commitment to citizens that construction of the City Centre at Quail Valley and the Recreation and Tennis Center would be completed this year.
Since Missouri City’s new first-class amenities opened their doors, they have received rave reviews.
Missouri City’s premier City Centre at Quail Valley can host all of your special events.
As Fort Bend County’s premier events venue, the City Centre at Quail Valley, located at 2880 La Quinta Dr., has hosted dozens of festive occasions including weddings, business meetings, birthday parties, tournaments like the 2012 Fort Bend Chamber Challenge and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
To plan and schedule a function, individuals and businesses can call 281-403-8517.
Missouri City’s first-class Recreation and Tennis Center can help you stay fit with lots of fun activities.
The state-of-the-art Recreation and Tennis Center, located at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., continues to draw new members and has hosted tennis tournaments for local and regional organizations.
The Center, which was featured in the August edition of Athletic Business, has a Kid Zone, a full-size gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, tennis courts, batting cages, the latest cardio and weight equipment, an outdoor walking trail and tennis clinics. To join, visit the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov or call 281-403-8637.
Many distinctions set Missouri City apart from other municipalities, and the City’s pristine parks are among the area’s best.
The Edible Arbor Trail, which features groves of trees and shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts, remains a favorite. It was recognized as an innovative project this year by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and received an Honorable Mention for “On-the-Ground Projects” from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. The trail was also featured on Ch. 13’s Hometown Live Report.
Another parks project that has been popular is the expansion of Oyster Creek Trail. The 2.31 mile pathway, an outdoor haven for residents who enjoy a scenic hike, bike, walk or jog, underwent a revitalization that added a paved bike and pedestrian trail along Oyster Creek Bayou between Dulles Avenue and Cartwright Road.
Improvements made to the Cartwright Road Bridge extended Oyster Creek Trail under the bridge and connected it to the existing trail south of Cartwright Road.
Scenes from the Snowfest Festival, left, and from National Night Out, right. Below, MCJCF founding board members kickoff the group’s golden anniversary at a VIP Reception. Pictured from left, are Michael Mouton, Councilman Don Smith, who is Founder and Chairman, Sonja Thornton, Pamela Poole, Charles Swindell and Derrick Woods.
Treasured Traditions
Annual traditions build lasting bonds citywide and this year, these successful events helped form a strong sense of civic pride:
* The 29th Annual Snowfest Festival drew more than 5,000 to the City Hall Complex and featured a tree-lighting ceremony, colorful fireworks, bicycle raffles, the world’s tallest snowman bounce house, a snow hill, a toy drive and Santa! And, the Snowfest Parade drew hundreds and featured colorful floats, local bands, community groups and trailers decorated in holiday themes.
*The July 4th Festival was a fantastic celebration in Buffalo Run Park full of fun and fireworks. Thousands of families gathered to see the sky light up with color at dusk. Children also enjoyed a moonwalk, a rock wall, and a mechanical bull.
*The Fourth Annual “Operation Thanksgiving—Stuff the Squad Car!” put the unity in community as “Show Me City” citizens, businesses and staff partnered to fill 15 police patrol cars with canned and nonperishable food items to assist area families in need. The Second Mile Mission Center, Bethel Ministry and the Powerhouse of Love Food Bank benefitted from this benevolent event.
*The Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation commemorated its 10th Anniversary with a focus on families and their core contributions to our communities. At the Community Service Awards Gala tribute, retired NBA star Charlie Ward was the guest speaker. Other special celebrations were the Scholarship Golf Tournament, Family Fun Day in the Park and Night Out, Festival Under the Stars and the One Mile of Smiles Parade.
*And, neighborhoods across Missouri City held National Night Out block parties featuring good food, fellowship and fun on the 29th annual observance of the crime prevention initiative. NNO helps neighbors get to know each other and to partner with police officers, firefighters, City Council and staff to discuss and implement measures that help combat crime.
A Bright Future
In 2012, professionals in all departments honorably represented the City with pride and were recognized by their peers in the region, in the state and across the nation. They include:
*Police Officer of the Year Jessica Berry
*Firefighter of the Year Michael Jaster
*Recreation Superintendent Shane Mize, who won the 2012 National Recreation and Park Association Rising Professional Award
*Director of Municipal Court Services Cathy Haney, who is the Texas Court Clerks Association’s 2012 Gulf Coast Chapter Clerk of the Year
*Street Technician II Lyford “Nickey” Hayes, who was recognized as Operator of the Year—Heavy Equipment by the American Public Works Association
*City Secretary Maria Gonzalez, who became President of the Salt Grass Chapter of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc.
*The Communications Team won the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers’ Silver Star for Electronic Report, the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ second place award for Best Use of Web, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors’ third place award for the video “Bob on Biz—LEED Certified Building”, and the group’s honorable mention award for the “Show Me Missouri City TV Website”.
*The Information Technology Team managed the installation of the Tyler Technologies Enterprise Resource Planning suite of software. It includes efficiency programs for accounting, payroll, human resources, document management, mapping, permits, licenses and code enforcement.
In 2013, Missouri City will continue to provide citizens with excellent programs and services. A committed City Council and award-winning staff will progressively move forward into the future, ensuring the “Show Me City’s” ongoing success.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the City’s websites: www.missouricitytx.gov and www.missouricityready.com, the “Show Me Missouri City” citizen newsletter, regular and annual homeowner association meetings, Missouri City television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) and 1690 AM.
Families and visitors are invited to have breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at the City Centre and to maintain a focus on fitness at the Recreation and Tennis Center. And, to make those memorable moments in life even more special, citizens should plan to host their celebrations in one of the City Centre’s elegant rooms—the magnificent Magnolia Ballroom, the amazing Azalea Room or the beautiful Bluebonnet Grille.
Schedule your next tee time at the championship Quail Valley Golf Course.
And, golfers can always enjoy a great game at the renowned Quail Valley Golf Course. For greens fees, visit www.golfquailvalley.com or call 281.403.5910.
As the City partners with the community to start a New Year together; high-standards will continue to be set and met in the “Show Me City”.
China. Guizhou.
Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
Leishan County
Traveling from Leli to Kaili.
My personal comment: over commercialized, to be avoided if you don't want to be trapped amid busloads of very loud mostly Chinese tourists with big zoom lenses, smartphones and tablets. If you like fake and dress up parties, this is the place to be.
Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Shang Village is situated beside a crystal stream. Several roofed wooden bridges, called "Wind and rain" bridges by the locals, stretches over the stream. Several stone grain mills and mill wheels have been built on both sides of the stream. Ducks can be seen here and there, flapping the wings happily in the water. On the waist of the slope facing the village is a 150-meter-long racecourse and a flat ground, whose area is about 8 mu (mu is a traditional unit of area, equaling to 0.0667 hectare or 1/6 acre). On March 5th of the lunar calendar every year, thousands of young Miao people from the region where the four counties, Leishan, Kaili, Majiang, and Danzhai, have a common boundary, come to the place. They climb the mountains, sing musical dialogues in antiphonal styles, and race horses.
The Langde Shang Village is located at the foot of a mountain. There are five “flower roads” leading to the village. A wood gatehouse, called the "village gate", is built at the eastern, western and northern entrances of the village. Row upon row of wood houses (those propped up by wooden supports with ladders leading up) makes a picturesque scene. The roads and courtyards in the village are paved with cobbles or bluestones. There are a drum ground and a Lusheng (the reed-pipe wind instrument used by Miao, Yao and Dong nationalities in southwestern China) ground, built in the pattern of ancient bronze drum surface. Twelve short tracks, paved with blue-brown cobbles, stretch to twelve directions, symbolizing the twelve rays of lights. A cobble pattern of galloping horse is inlayed at the end of the drum ground and the Lusheng ground.
Visitors to Langde Shang Village have to drink the "block-the-way" wine (a local custom of welcoming the guests) when they arrive. Twelve tables are placed in the middle of the path from the roadside of the highroad to the gate of the villages. Several full-dressed young people will propose a toast to the guests with two bowls of wine, wishing them happy and healthy. At the last table to the village, people will use a big cow horn to hold the wine and propose toast to the guests. So the guests should drink a lot before they enter the village. However, those who are not good at drinking don't have to worry. If they don't want to drink, they can put their hands at the back, bend forward a little and touch the cup with their lip, and say " dousemo" (Miao language, meaning "thank you"). Then they can pass the table. The villagers are very hospitable, but they will never make the guests drink if they can't.
The welcoming ceremony continues when the villagers set off firecrackers, play Mangtong (a kind of local musical instrument), and sing song of toasting the guests. Then the villagers will dress up and lead the guests to the Lusheng ground. The young villagers will have the traditional dances, Lusheng dance, wooden stool dance, wood drum dance, bronze drum dance, and so on. Finally, all the villagers will go the ground and form several circles and dance. They will also invite the guests to join them. After the dancing ceremony, guests can go to the villagers' home to observe the creaking spinning wheels and the weaving machine and enjoy the quiet village life.
www.chinatravel.com/southeast-guizhou-attraction/langde-s...
My House.
This is the front of the appartmentcomplex where I live. The little pyramid on the left is actually the roof of the garage. And in contrary to popular beieve not healthy at all. :-)
shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self then you bring some friends shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self commit to a healthy future! shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self Michelle Obama is into it! shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self you can win free shit like bras shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self Bethenny Frankel's signed DVD! Oh hell, I have no idea what it is about. Its in the very back shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self there is no mention of it on the cover. Let's move on shall we? Editorial Staff: One of the editors at Health is a newly certified "Jazzercise" instructor? This shit still exists? Sign my ass up! WTF? Some stupid "British" research says that women can burn up to 20,000 calories a year shopping, yeah! (Until you realize in America we have food courts shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self broke people roaming the malls. Nice try though, next.) I Call Bullshit: Cover line that reads "Wow! The #1 Flattering Swimsuit is Under $15" Said bathing suit is okay, not wow. shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self they have the brass balls to include this 'Dynasty"-inspired shite in the mix under the gently titled "Butt Blaster" section. Please to enjoy: Story I Want to Be Included In: "8 Happy Hour Treats Under 80 Calories." Anyone who takes the time to calculate the calorie count for my Thursday night end-of-week shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self before Bravo TV marathon binge is after my heart. Please to enjoy: "Happy Feet": A whole article about keeping your feet healthy at every stage of your life. What-evs. "Yoga for Your Jiggly Bits": The title alone makes me smile. Very nice yoga moves that just about anyone can benefit from. "Your Best Gyno Visit Ever": I like Dr. Wu but my visits with her don't have to be the best. (Actually a good heaping of advice for the Gyno phobes that exist out there. Good on you Health magazine editors!) Overall Grade: A solid B. Love the cover model shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self good advice throughout . Could have done without the lame "car" story or the "bouncing back fast" feature which is a little rote by now, no? Posted at 06:35 AM in Celebrity, Diet, Fitness, Health | Permalink | Comments (0) Technorati Tags: Bethenny Frankel, Health magazine, Mariska Hargitay, Michelle Obama Reblog (0) Favorite Digg This Save to del.icio.us Tweet Share bit.ly/9zuWlb on Twitter The URL bit.ly/9zuWlb has been shared 0 times.View these Tweets. Like " "04/29/2010 What Did We Learn This Month Dick Smothers? American Fitness magazine May/June 2010 American Fitness magazine; May/June 2010 The official magazine for members of the American Fitness Association of America {A.F.A.A.} (That's right Bitches! I am certified to teach!) Cover Model: They don't need underfed starlets or any Hollywood beefcake at American Fitness. Not when you can get Dick Mother-Fuckin' Smothers as the exclusive! Look out, we are gonna party like it's 1969! What Does Dick Eat or Do to Stay a Silver-Haired Fox? Dick Smothers shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self his brother Tommy were a comedy duo popular with the counterculture movement in the 1960s shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self therefore were probably dirty hippies in my gr shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self father's eyes. Dick is now 72 shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self is looking hot shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self sexy because he spins (!), does resistance training shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self is a personal fitness trainer to boot. (Get his ass on Dancing With the Stars, stat!) Unappealing Real Cover Line: "Teaching Clients: There is Always Time to Exercise." ("People Get Thirsty Sometimes: Show Them Where the Water Fountain Is") Yes the sentence is technically true but you can't make it sound just a little snazzier? It's a cover line for fuck's sakes! Good Advice Given a Shitty Spot: Vitamin D is one of the few supplements we really SHOULD add to our regimen every day. In fact most of us should get at least 2,000 IU per day when the current U.S. guideline is 400 IU. This should not be hidden on the back page American Fitness layout people! (I will get to you in a minute.) Big "Stretch" Story: Stretching good. Not stretching--probably bad. They have a side-bar on different kinds of stretching for different activities but when I tell you how fugly shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self jive the layouts are in this magazine--PU! I will show you. Look at this ugly nonsense, can you even read it? What is this fuckery? Is anyone even looking at it before it goes to print? Sheesh! Dumb Trend Story: "Drums Alive: How Music, Movement shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self Rhythm Help Exhilarate the Mind shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self Body" I have seen at this every Grateful Dead show I have been to. It's obvious primal rhythms make people feel good shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self want to dance. Who cares? Next! Great Biking City: Portl shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self , Oregon is the biking mecca of America. Normally this would be enough to convince me to move there but shitty weather shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self overage hippies will keep me away. (Gr shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self pa, can you hear me?) Brooklyn Fit Chick Wants This: A st shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self ing desk. Please? N.E.A.T. (Non-Exercise Activity Thermo-genesis): Simply put, every activity in your life technically burns calories so don't just think of BIG numbers shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self super intense activities. Instead, remember that every single movement throughout the day is important. Here is a list of what these common activities will burn calorie-wise in an hour. I don't know anyone who showers or makes copies for more than an hour a day but you get the idea. My friend Kevin is a dog walker for a living shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self he can eat a whole pizza pie every day shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self stay slim. (68 calories per hour if you have a frisky pooch who needs a stroll around the block.) Overall Grade: B- Some good solid information throughout but seriously, get a real designer to put it together. {Apologies to the person who has the job now. I'm an asshole.} Posted at 05:52 AM in Celebrity, Diet, Fitness, Health, Science | Permalink | Comments (1) Technorati Tags: AFAA, American Fitness magazine, Tommy Smothers, Trek Desk Reblog (0) Favorite Digg This Save to del.icio.us Tweet Share bit.ly/bv3ylR on Twitter The URL bit.ly/bv3ylR has been shared 0 times.View these Tweets. Like 104/27/2010 What Did We Learn This Month: Prevention May issue Prevention magazine; May 2010 Cover Model: shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self ie McDowell What Does She Eat or Do to Stay Thin: Hiking the Appalachian Mountains, walking her 100-pound Anatolian shepperd three miles every day shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self yoga. (It works, she is 52 shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self stunning!) Magazine "Award" Story: The"Picture of Health" which is a profile of five people who have a commitment to healthy living. (Read their stories on prevention.com/pictureofhealth shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self vote for your favorite. Winner gets $5,000 for themselves plus $5,000 for the charity of their choice.) Best Advice: Dr Arthur Agatson explains why we do NOT need to take as many vitamins as previously thought. This message needs to get out more. Holy Shit!: One story describes why neti pots should not be used every day. I am so screwed if that is true. Work-Out Pages: Very good. I am going to use some of the core moves in my own class. Overall Grade: A solid B (Excellent advice shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self well-researched. Points taken off for being a bit dry.) Posted at 01:50 PM in Celebrity, Diet, Health, Science | Permalink | Comments (0) Technorati Tags: "The Picture of Health", shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self ie McDowell, Prevention magazine Reblog (0) Favorite Digg This Save to del.icio.us Tweet Share bit.ly/duVoAi on Twitter The URL bit.ly/duVoAi has been shared 0 times.View these Tweets. Like " "04/26/2010 What Did We Learn This Week: US Weekly April 26, 2010 US Weekly magazine; April 26, 2010 Cover Story: Justin is cheating on Jessica with Cameron. (Yeah, I need to know about this. Yawn.) Big Diet Story: Ruby Gettinger (star of Style Network's Ruby) talks about her diet "journey" going from 700 pounds to just over 300. This article discusses the fact she has virtually no memory of her life before the age of 13. (I will write my own "Ruby" rant one day but for those of us who watch her show--this is playing things out way too long. You see she doesn't remember shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self she can't recall. For over two seasons now. Hire a private eye already!) DWTS Hot Body Secrets: Basically nice photos of the Dancing with the Stars cast shopping_yahoo_the-5-outfits-guys-secretly-hope-youll-wear www.imdb.com/name/nm2835841/#Self how hot their bodies are now. I admit it makes me want to learn the fox trot! Hedi Montag Story: Something about her big boobs in Vegas. "Jersey Shore Glam?"Snooki, J-Wow Rihanna Sam Botta