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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

My Treasury


If I could ever get my 'draft' treasury onto Etsy this is what it would look like! I gave up after half a dozen goes! It is always full. I even used the Craftopolis Treasury Clock but that didn't help either!! It was going to have some snappy name with blue in the title - ha ha. Half these items are probably sold by now.

* Nb: I forgot to mention the first picture is one of Gret's purses - from A Little Red Ribbon

MTV's Disaster Date: Isn't This BET's Hell Date?

I watched MTV's new show Disaster Date this morning, and thought I was watching BET's Hell Date for a minute. It is the exact replica of Hell Date minus the little devil and all black cast. I'm not understanding how they got away with this...aren't they owned by the same company? Is this Viacom's doing? If so, I have a theory...

Hell Date didn't do so well on BET, but the idea was gold. Viacom's team went to the producer of Hell Date and cut a deal. They knew that they could take that show to MTV and bring in more viewers. MTV needed some fresh programs, and that show had the potential to be much bigger with some tweaking. That's a win/win. Viacom knew that the show would be more successful with the pop market so they placed it on MTV. I'm not sure which way it went, but Viacom either bought the rights to the concept from the producer, or offered him more money to co-produce with MTV. Either way, that's my theory...what ya think?

Lil Wayne's New Tattoo


Looks like Weezy gotta new shit stain on his face...what the hell is that?

Amy Winehouse Freestyling..

Girl, stop playin, stay off the coke, and get that new album done!

Surprising LeBron James Facts

  • Favorite Book: Shooting Stars
  • Favorite Movie: More Than a Game
  • Favorite Record: Music Inspired by More Than a Game
  • Play Count of "Forever" (according to iTunes since 8-27-09): 846
  • Basketball Championships Won by The Blowtorch Proprietors While Wearing LeBron James Shoes: 1

  • Basketball Championships Won by LeBron James While Wearing LeBron James Shoes: 1
  • Favorite Food: fusili with alfredo sauce
  • Favorite Gum (packaging): LeBron's Lightning Lemonade
  • Favorite Gum (taste): Quench Gum - Fruit Punch
  • Least Favorite Gum (taste): LeBron's Lightning Lemonade
  • Owns a Ferrari named "LeRrari".
  • Favorite LeBron from "The LeBrons": Business LeBron
  • Least Favorite LeBron from "The LeBrons": none
  • Favorite Harry Potter Book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • Least Favorite Harry Potter Book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
  • Favorite Comedian: LeBron James on Saturday Night Live
  • Least Favorite Comedian: LeBron James on the ESPYs
  • Headband is made of 2300 thread count Egyptian cotton.
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2009

    Pattern Review and beginners tutorial - Versatile Wrap Skirt


    Well here it is - My versatile wrap skirt! I am pretty happy with how my skirt turned out. It ended up being a quick sew, something you could definitely whip up in an afternoon and a great pattern for beginners (Pascale;). Although I have to admit when I first opened the pattern I was slightly annoyed there was no pattern pieces (you have to draft your own). I looked at the rather long a,b,c explanation of how to draft the pattern and and threw it aside for a while. Once I got over it, I dug out the pattern and had a better look, saw 3 easy diagrams with measurements and I was set.

    • I drew the pattern straight onto the material then cut it. I used the selvedge as the bottom line on each pattern piece, to make sure I had at least one perfectly straight line. I then traced those pieces onto large sheets of tissue paper for future reference.

    • These photos are for beginners!!

    This is how the 3 pieces sewn together are meant to look in step one.


    I cut my 6 x strips (which become your hem edging and waist edging/tie) in step three, out of my left over Birdie Sling plain material to contrast and even though it's not a perfect match it really makes the skirt I think. I again used the selvedge to guide me for a straight bottom line and then measured them all out and cut.



    This is after they are all sewn together in one continuous line and ironed in half.



    Attaching strip to the bottom of the skirt in step four.



    Step four (b)



    How the hem looks once attached. What a great idea to hem a skirt hassle free! You might just notice my seams are different in size, you might want to make the end seam bigger on the edging if you are a perfectionist and want them to align... perfectly :-)



    Step five - this is how the top tie/waistband should look when you have sewn it.



    The pattern doesn't say too but I clipped my corners for less bulk when I turned my tie inside out.



    Step five (f) I recommend using a large safety pin to turn your tie inside out. It is easy enough to undo it and jiggle it out even though it is encased in your tie once turned completely inside out.



    Back darts



    Side seams on band



    OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
    • I originally made a button hole on the waistband to pass the long end of the tie through like the pattern suggested but when I tried it on it didn't sit right and for some reason the button hole ended up too far over.
    • I also found it way too bulky around my waist and because I have a narrow waist and a healthy rounded butt, so I found the best solution was inserting two little darts at the back (over each cheek;)
    • Fortunately the darts took care of my bad button hole alignment. I decided to go without a button hole for now.
    • The last photo is the waistband/tie at the side seams. Because of the shape of the top of the skirt (see 2nd photo) I had to pinch the material in where the side seams met and top stitch it because as I pinned/sewed the band it gathered. Sometimes you can work the material so that it doesn't but I found there was too much allowance in the tie. You'll see the angles in that 2nd photo where the sides meet.
    • I think I would prefer it slightly longer too, mine did not look as long as the picture on the front of the pattern. I am around 5'6 and it sits just below my knees.
    • I like my skirts to sit on my hips and not around my waist so I think I allowed a little more room width wise (choose medium pattern) but I probably didn't need to as I think it is generous in it's sizing and wrapping around your body!
    • I love that when you walk - it doesn't flash your knickers :-)

    Happy Sewing and I would love to hear your thoughts if you have also used this pattern.

    *Ed's note - 16th Feb 2011 - I took my measurements the other day and realised I probably should have made the small! I think that is why I had so many problems with the waist! silly me. I still love wearing the skirt.

    Khloe and Lamar Tie the Knot


    After only 3 weeks of dating, Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom tied the knot this past Sunday (Sept 28).

    Babyface serenaded the couple, and Kid Capri DJ'ed the reception.

    Things I Would Say If I Ever Encountered DeShawn Stevenson

    Photo via Truth About It
    • "Oh, hey. You're DeShawn Stevenson."
    • "Wow. There's a tattoo on your throat."
    • "I bet that hurt."
    • "Is that Abe Lincoln?"
    • "Hmmm..."
    • "Oh, there's a crack on your forehead."
    • "What's that about?"
    • "So, you don't crack, but you got a crack tattoo?"
    • "I'm kinda confused."
    • "You're saying the only way you crack is if you decide to crack yourself with ink?"
    • "I guess it kinda makes sense when you put it that way."
    • "What about in the winter, when your skin is really dry? I crack like crazy then."
    • "Chapstick helps."
    • "Not sure I get the 9 on your face."
    • "No, that's not right."
    • "No matter how far away I am, it's still a 9."
    • "Seriously."
    • "It's still a 9 from here."
    • "I really don't get your tattoos."
    • "Anyways, nice to meet you. Good luck with your face and neck tattoos."

    WOW!! Al Sharpton and LisaRaye Dating!


    Are you SERIOUS!! They've been spotted together at a few events since Michael Jackson's memorial, so I guess now its official! Here's what YBF is reporting:

    Here’s what we know: A few weeks ago our source (a MAJOR publicist in the industry who shall remain nameless) told us that Al and LisaRaye–both barely divorced–are indeed together now. When we asked the obligatory “WTF?! Why?” The answer is because Lisa knows she’s not getting onto any of these “society and political” events without a man who could bring her along. She’s also starved for attention from the media–surprise surprise–so Al is her “In” into that world. And Al–well he’s just happy to say he can have a chick that looks like LisaRaye on his arm and whose perm looks better than his. The two have been confusingly spotted at a few events together like the NAACP Image Awards and Michael Jackson’s memorial services… (YBF.com)

    WTF is wrong with this broad? She showed so much promise back in the 90s, but I guess when you're a washed up actress/stripper your options become limited.

    Fabolous Filming a Reality Show


    Well it looks like Fab is the next celeb to come out with a reality show. After a weekend filled with car accident rumors and food poisoning claims, Fab continues to give his all into his Twitter account and recently revealed that he’s been quietly filming a pilot.

    50 Cent "Hospitalized" After Hearing Fat Joe Record

    SMH. Fiddy is ri-damn-diculous. He pulled another stunt yesterday, saying he was hospitalized for "noise poisoning" after listening to Fat Joe's new record. Had his son in the video, ambulance and all...Something's wrong with that nucca.

    Diary Entry #2 - Appreciate Those You Love

    Last Thursday, I woke up to news that my brother had been stabbed four times in the abdomen. My initial reaction was disbelief. Nothing like that had ever happened to someone close to me, I had only seen that in the movies or heard about it in the news. It was so unreal that something so devastating happened to my brother. As soon as it set in that he had been stabbed, I automatically assumed he didn't make it. By the grace of God he did, but not without permanent damage. Even after knowing he'd be OK, still everytime I thought about him having to endure that pain made me sick to my stomach. Thank God that he's alive, but ignorance in the streets almost took my brother away from this earth.

    Even now, days later, its still hard to believe that he was stabbed - that someone actually attempted to stop him from breathing. That was quite traumatizing, and I hope to never feel that fear, sickness, and heart ache again. My only prayer is that he's learned from this experience, and is mindful to stay clear of situations that could end him up in the hospital again, or potentially take his life.

    I want to take this opportunity to thank my Twitter friends that offered their support and prayers during that difficult time. You'll never know how much your sincerity and thoughts meant to me. Its so refreshing to know that people like YOU ALL still exist, and you know what? God is going to bless you all for blessing me. Much love to:

    @djstrike803
    @OrganicDC_rap
    @TraxxonDekk
    @BRMHipHop
    @DrummaSC
    @TRANSFERS
    @Fab_Missez
    @MaOfficial
    @thecarleeshow
    @LaLa803
    @MizzThang28
    @Dominant843
    @amcnair00
    @thejournalist44
    @Mehkavelli
    @mrfrontpage
    @dutchdinero
    @djblord
    @MistaFAB
    @SCKingz_VandG
    @TheProFession
    @kellz29142


    @TrapSTAR1 -
    Aw man I feel bad for you. Seems like such BS is goin on in the world. Be strong stay prayed up. & No Matter What never stop believing. I just hate that yall goin thru this. You do so much to help ppl that it just pisses me off when youre not ur usual self. Im prayn 4 ya.

    @JOISTHEFUTURE -
    Oh wow, I just saw your tweet, and I didn't know what had happened so I checked your page. You definitely have my condolences, and I hope you, your brother, and your family/friends will be alright. Seems like so much negativity is happening all around us, but I pray we can all Use these experiences as motivation to do double the positive. God bless..


    A note to all: cherish those you love while they're still here. In the blink of an eye they could be gone. Life is so short, tell them you love them everyday and let pettiness go...it's just not worth being upset over anything.

    Monday, September 28, 2009

    Retail Therapy




    I hate early morning starts and 5.30am wasn't my idea of a good start to the morning. My poor little babe wet through to her PJ's which is fine, we dealt with that promptly but normally she goes back to sleep snuggled in with us quite nicely... not this morning. Aghhh.... Anyway, I am trying my best not to be grumpy and would definitely like a shopping fix to brighten my day - however shallow that may be... a girl can dream. It is supposed to be spring here in Canberra but it's been freezing... the weekend was a killer. So these Anthropology pieces might help me feel I am heading into summer and a little retail therapy never hurt anyone.

    Catching Up with Mike Dunleavy, Jr.

    I recently had a chance to chat with Mike Dunleavy, Jr. of the Indiana Pacers basketball team. He was very kind to answer a bunch of my questions, and was very earnest in doing so. In an age of irony and sarcasm, Dunleavy's sincerity should be applauded. Here's the highlights.


    On how long our interview would be.

    "Two minutes. 120 seconds."
    On his mental state during his knee injury recovery.

    "I've got the right attitude."
    On his favorite part of being a basketball player.

    "You know, I just like meeting people."
    On watching other teams' games.

    "I get League Pass, so I can watch all the games at my house. There aren't enough NBA fans left."
    On the difference between college basketball and the NBA.

    "If you say college basketball is better, you're stupid."
    On what he would be doing if he weren't a basketball player.

    "Tax accountant."
    On being told he resembles a young Liam Neeson.

    "Hey, I consider that a HUGE compliment."

    Diddy Speaks on Shyne

    Ya'll know Shyne comes home next week right? Mmm hmm, somebody sound a little nervous...

    Mashonda Openly Discusses the Swizz/Alicia Keys Betrayal


    Mashonda took to her Twitter account to openly discuss the love triangle that is her, Swizz Beats, and Alicia Keys: (heads up, its long)

    After having a great evening with my son and enjoying some fun twit chat, I decided to sign off and get some work done. However, a few hours later I was advised that I should check @aliciakeys twit page. I’ve never reached out to her on twitter before. I feel our issues are a lot more serious than a website conversation. Not to mention that I’ve reached out to her many times in the beginning of this whole thing, as any wife would do. Unfortunately, I never succeeded in getting a response. The 1st time I meet AK, my husband introduced us to each other at an event. ( I have no choice but to call him my husband, until he is not anymore) In the messages that I sent to her (AK), I made it very clear that on the contrary of what she might be hearing, I am still married to my husband, living with him and just had a child. Its been two years and I still have not received a response. What I do receive, is constant displays of selfishness and disconcern to me and my son.

    I was a fan of AK’s last album, we were both signed to J Records and I always checked up on her projects. I sang her songs and admired her for creating Superwoman and Karma, I would never deny her, her talent. I believed in her until I found out she was possibly sleeping with my husband. The affair was denied by both, until it was finally admitted months later.

    Already I can hear some of you saying ” why are u blaming her, You cant make someone leave their wife, You cant break something thats broken”. Well, my marriage was not broken, as far as I knew we were celebrating our sons birth and getting ready to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary . Call it blind love, whatever. I call it being a devoted wife.. As far as me blaming her and not blaming him, thats false. Me and my husband have worked out our differences. We are in a good place as people and as parents. I accept his choices and I am comfortable enough with myself to move on. I am so very blessed in many ways.

    My concern with AK is no longer the fact that she assisted in destroying a family but that she has the audacity to make these selfish comments about love and wanting to be with someone, even after knowing their situation. How is this the same Superwoman that I sang out loud with in my truck? I ask myself sometimes.

    If you are reading this Alicia, let me start by saying, you know what you did. You know the role you played and you know how you contributed to the ending of my marriage. You know that I asked you to step back and let me handle my family issues. Issues that you helped to create.

    Im not saying everything was perfect all the time but no relationship is perfect. We made a vow to God and I believe you should have respected that, as a woman. I know you owe me or my son nothing but I just wish you would’ve handled things more carefully. I’m not judging you, I put you and the whole situation in the hands of God, the Higher Power. Just know that as a woman, I expected so much more from you. I never had intentions on reaching out to you this way but after reading your twits tonight, and the constant disregard, you left me no choice. I feel that after 1 and a half years of you hiding this affair and acting like it doesnt exist, that now is the time to confront it, since you talk so openly about it now

    This is not a publicity stunt, I dont have a record coming out. I just need to close this chapter in my life and that means confronting our issues. There is a small child involved. His dad loves him to death and he wants to spend more time with him but hes afraid because he knows we don’t have a relationship. This is my main concern. My son NEEDS his dad and I NEED to be comfortable with you. For him!

    I know many will see my point and many will not be able to look into what’s real because they only want to see Alicia Keys the celebrity, not the human. This is not for the “people”, this is for you. Like I said I was left no choice but to reach out to you this way. By now, Im sure you want to find a balance in this as well.

    I read your tweets tonight and I felt they were very insensitive. You have no idea how much pain I was caused because of this affair. Its baffling to me that you don’t understand what I might have gone through with this situation. I dont consider myself a victim anymore, Ive learned alot from this! I just ask you to try and be a bit more realistic and delicate to the situation, at least until my divorce is final. I felt me attending the party would have been a starting point for us, since you shook my hand after I offered it, but I suppose I was wrong.

    If its so, that you and my husband are meant to be together, then God bless you both and I hope you never have to deal with what I did. I would not wish it on my worst enemy. If you two being together forever is the case, its more of a reason for us to get along, because I’m not going anywhere. Theres a child to be raised.

    To answer your tweet, choose smart over spark. Sparks burn everyone, be smart! Its simple actually, just think of the shoe being on the other foot.

    Stay blessed and lets work this thing out with respect and dignity.

    Diddy Signs New Deal With Interscope


    Sean “Diddy” Combs throws his arm around Interscope Geffen A&M head honcho Jimmy Iovine at a screening for LeBron James’ documentary More Than a Game at The Grove in Los Angeles on Saturday (Sept. 26).

    Puff is expected to officially announce his new deal with Interscope in the coming weeks after his recent departure from Warner Music. Puff has been with Warner Music since the beginning of his career, and his move to Interscope was a surprise. But now that he's the newest addition he's given them more fire power. Diddy joins 50 Cent, Paramore, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Fall Out Boy.

    Sunday, September 27, 2009

    Happy Birthday to my dear Dad



    Oh I love my childhood photos - these are from the 70's in Africa. I just love how Dad is not only reading to us but he is in the cot with my sister and I (top picture) and he has hair :-) I have my father to thank for passing on his creativity among many other things. He is the most reliable, friendly, trustworthy, giving man you will ever meet (other than my husband;). It's a beautiful thing seeing him in action as a Grandfather, because when I see him love my daughter I get to imagine what he was like with me as a very small child. Dad is a sucker for babies, my youngest brother and I call him the baby-hog! Love you Dad, Happy Birthday!

    Khloe Kardashian Wedding Photos

    Khloe Kardashian's wedding photos are worth a six figure sum, according to Celebglitz.com. Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian's manager-mom brokered a deal with OK! magazine to sell Khloe Kardashian's wedding photos for $300,000.

    Lamar Odom, Khloe Kardashian's husband, will not get one cent from the deal. Khloe Kardashian's wedding photos will land an easy $300,000 in the youngest Kardashian sister's pocket.

    You have to admit that Kris Jenner does a good job managing her daughters. Khloe Kardashian's whirlwind relationship with LA Laker's Lamar Odom was announced to the world just a short week ago. In the meantime, rather than freak out over her daughter's decision, Kris Jenner jumped on the ball and sold Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures for $300,000.

    I know I would really like to see Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures. What type of dress did Khloe wear? Did Lamar wear a tux? Who was in the wedding party other than Khloe's sisters Kim and Kourtney?

    Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures will make issues of OK! magazine fly off the shelves. The Kardashian sisters have become a household name, as many people enjoy popular E! series Keeping up with the Kardashians and Kourntey and Khloe Take Miami.

    There's no doubt that Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures are beautiful. Khloe shares the same exotic Armenian features as her sisters, making her very beautiful. As for Lamar Odom, I am sure that Khloe would not let her beau look any way but fabulous on their big day.

    Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures are not available on line as we speak, but they could surface as paparazzi and other bootleg photographers undoubtedly tried to hunt the couple down on their big day.

    For one, I am surprised that Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures are not available on the E! Web site. After all, E! is the channel that airs Keeping up with the Kardashians and Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami.

    Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures will be a hit as soon as they surface. The world is very interested in Khloe Kardashian's wedding pictures and everything else that has to do with this hard working family.

    Khloe Kardashian Wedding Photos

    MACRO Monday - Freesias


    I bought these Freesias from our farmers market last weekend $6 - still lovely. They are one of my Mum's favourites, I always made sure I grabbed her some at the markets when they were in season - back in my floristry days. They give the room a soft pleasant, perfume.

    It was freezing here over the weekend - what the hell happened to Spring? Thankfully we didn't have the crazy dust storms like the photos I saw of Sydney and Brisbane. Ours were rather mild. We grabbed some more goodies at the Lifeline book fair on Sat - proper second hand book prices. All in all it was a good weekend.

    College Football Blotter Report: Preseason-itis Attacks



    Chaos abounded this week, as 6 of the 23 ranked teams that played falling prey to the upset bug.  Or the flu bug perhaps.  Or maybe even more accurately, they fell victim to the #1 cause of early season upsets; Preseason-itis.

    To understand what Preseason-itis is, you must first comprehend what an upset is.  On its most basic level in college football, an upset is when a game occurs wherein a ranked team loses to either a lower ranked team or an unranked team.  Well, duh.  You see, I have to elucidate this point because otherwise some people may not comprehend why a game like Ole' Miss losing to South Carolina was a huge upset.  The #4 team in the country losing to an unranked team that had already lost once this season?  Huge upset, right?

    Nope.

    Two pesky things get in the way of calling the Ole' Miss loss an upset; facts and logic.  These two teams played last year, returned all of the same core players (minus Ole' Miss losing two first round NFL draft picks), and the result was exactly the same as it was last year; a one score South Carolina victory.  So if this same Ole' Miss team lost to this same South Carolina team, why was there such a huge disparity in their rankings?

    Preseason-itis.

    My number one pet peeve in college football is early season polls.  With the presence of these polls, voters will fall victim to one of three basic human instincts in their voting, which completely skew having an accurate poll early in the season:

    1. The Desire to be Right:  Filling out a ballot is a significant investment of time and reputation for a voter.  So when someone goes out and puts a team like Florida #1 on their ballot in the preseason, naturally they will want to keep them there until they lose.  Even if after 4 weeks it is obvious to everyone in the country that this is not the same Florida team as last year, and that Alabama is going to steamroll them by four TDs in the SEC Championship Game.  (Purely hypothetical of course)  This is the same kind of thinking that is occurring right now to fantasy football owners; I am certain that there are those of you out there that are holding on to LT right now, even though every logical bone in your body is telling you he is not going to do anything this year, because dammit, you spent a 3rd round pick on him and you don't want to look like an idiot.

    The symptom that arises from this aspect of Preseason-itis, is the gradual creep of unworthy teams up the polls, sometimes to absurd heights.  This year has seen three such instances already.  Ole' Miss had ZERO reason for being ranked #4 in the country, Penn State had no business being #5, and LSU has no business being #7, much less getting moved up one or two spots this week because the two aforementioned impostors were exposed ahead of them this week.  All three of these teams were able to attain these heights though, because for voters to drop them while they were winning would be to admit the one thing nobody likes to admit; that they were wrong.

    2. Pack Mentality:  There is a certain magic to poll voting in college football.  Somehow the AP Poll, the Coaches Poll, the Harris Poll, and heck, even the "Blogger Poll" on CBS Sportsline, look stunningly alike.  Why is that?  Did all of these diverse groups of people make the same mistake of putting faith in Ole Miss?  In Oklahoma State?  In Penn State?  In some ways yes, put in one big way, no.  They made a different mistake; they wanted to be like everyone else.  So they look at the other polls from the week before and they slot winners up (even if they looked bad) and slot winners down (even if they looked good), because that is what the group-think decrees.  The reason for this is because going out on a limb is scary, and people tend to point and laugh when you do.  For example, Doug Lesmerises was killed in the media this week because he casts a daring, reactive ballot in the AP poll.  He committed such acts of blasphemy as ranking Florida #5 (gasp!) and ranking USC as #25 (the horror!).    Funny thing is though...want to know two of the teams Doug had ranked lower than almost anyone?  Penn State and Ole' Miss, who coincidentally both got "upset" this week.  Mr. Lesmerises isn't looking so dumb now, is he?


    3. Voting for the Story:  Ah, now we are on to the big elephant in the room.  Everyone sees it.  Everyone knows it.  Nobody wants to admit they are going it though.  Why is Boise State ranked 8th in the country?  Why was a garbage Notre Dame team ranked 18th earlier this year?  Why was USC ranked 3rd earlier this year, after losing their starting QB, top 2 two WRs, and almost their entire linebacking corps from last year?  Simply put, voters vote for the story many times, not for the teams.  Non-BCS team making noise?  That's a story.  Perennial  power rising in the rankings coming off a bad year (Notre Dame, Michigan)?  That's a story.

    Now here is a story nobody is talking about; for all intents and purposes, as a result of Preseason-itis, Boise State has already clinched a BCS berth.  What?  Boise is already solidly within the top 12, and does not have a single scary opponent left on their schedule.  So on the strength of beating one ranked team (at home mind you), Boise is going to go to a BCS Bowl.  The only worse case of this phenomenon was in 2007, when Hawaii went to a BCS bowl in a year when their best non-conference win was against a 4-9 PAC-10 team.  Yes, that actually happened.

    You see, voting on Boise this year has exhibited all three symptoms of Preseason-itis.  They were ranked 14th going into the season, so they have moved up because people want to be right.  They are staying in the top ten because of the pack mentality.  And they are most clearly a result of voting for the story (you don't think voters aren't thinking of that Orange Bowl upset every-time they vote for Boise?), because their ranking falls victim to one huge logical flaw; they should be ranked behind TCU.  Why?  Well, TCU was ranked higher than Boise at the end of last year, and in fact BEAT Boise just 9 months ago in a bowl game.  Yet somehow both teams are undefeated, but Boise is ranked 7 spots higher.  Why?  They are a better story than a TCU team that the country is not familiar with, that's why.  The real problem is that if TCU does go undefeated, they would have a much stronger resume than Boise (@UVA, @Clemson, @BYU, and vs. Utah), but would fail to get a BCS bid due to poor voting habits.  And that would be a true shame.

    Unranked Victims of Preseason-itis:

    To stay on the theme, here are four teams that should be ranked, but are being held out of the polls:

    1. Iowa:  While Iowa will probably be ranked by the end of the day due to their upset of Penn State, they should have already been ranked, and ranked highly.  Why?  Take a look at their schedule.  They are 4-0, with wins over Penn State, Iowa State, and Arizona.  Ok, who cares about Iowa State and Arizona?  Voters should; the four teams that Iowa has beat this season are a combined 12-0 this year against teams not named Iowa.  Now there is some food for thought.

    2. Auburn:  Auburn is 4-0, with a trip to Tennessee this week that should be another easy victory.  So far this season they have defeated two BCS teams (Miss. State and West Va.), and have shown an explosive offense that has gone for totals of 37, 41, 49, and 54 points so far this season.  You are telling me this team isn't better than Nebraska or UNC?

    3. Wisconsin:  Wisconsin always plays ugly football.  They play defense, and grind it out on the ground on offense.  As a result, voters never think of them as a sexy pick.  The Badgers stand at 4-0 this year, playing their typical brand of un-sexy football while beating Michigan State and Fresno State already this year.

    4. South Carolina:  The other USC's only sin this season has been a 4 point loss on the road to a pretty good Georgia team.  Other than that, they have beat a better than you think NC State team on the road, as well as "upset" #4 Ole' Miss.  How are they not ranked?

    On the Field Heisman Rankings:

    Oh how the mighty have fallen.  A big shakeup in the rankings this week, as Jacory Harris and Jahvid Best both had disastrous days in upset losses to fall out of the rankings.  The real story in the Heisman race however, is that there is no story.  Nobody seems to want the darn thing this year.  Colt McCoy keeps throwing Interceptions.  Tim Tebow has not had a single Heisman worthy game.  Sam Bradford has missed to much time already to even be considered.  So who is left?  Tony Pike actually, the only man in the country that has looked like a Heisman winner every week thus far:


    1. Tony Pike, Cincy:  Pike's resume gets stronger and stronger every week.  Adding to his 300+ yard, 3 TD performances over Rutgers and Oregon State earlier this season, Pike put in another outstanding performance against Fresno State.  Pike passed for 300 yards and 3 TDs and added another 22 yards on the ground.

    2. Case Keenum, Houston:  Things didn't look too good for Case, down 28-23 to Texas Tech in the 4th quarter last night.  Keenum didn't crack under pressure though, leading the Cougars on a game winning drive late in the 4th to pull ahead 29-28 against the Red Raiders.  Keenum put up his typical video game numbers (457 total yards, 2 total TDs) and now has two big time performances against Big 12 teams on his resume.

    3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech:  You might be shocked to see Williams here, but the numbers don't lie; in three games against ranked opponents so far this year he has put up 412 total yards and 5 TDs.  Pretty good for a Freshman that only got the job due to an injury to the incumbent.

    4. Greg McElroy, Alabama:  McElroy is ranked 3rd in the country in QB rating (first amongst BCS QBs) and has looked deadly for what I believe is the best team in the country.  With wins against Virginia Tech and Arkansas on his resume, he is looking as good as any QB in the country.

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    Thursday, September 24, 2009

    Be Careful with Serena Williams Outburst

    As a tennis fan, you may be curious about how angry Serena Williams of the line judge when she competed in the semifinals of U.S. Open and want to see the video. Reportedly, the judge scolded Serena with a pointed line.

    But be careful if you enter a keyword Serena Williams Outburst! Lest you be taken to a domain name pixnat.com that looks like original website. According to Symantec, the site had been hacked and storing fake antivirus scanners.

    Hon Lau (Sr. Security Response Manager Symantec) explains, the site that visitors will get a warning threat from pop-up browser and download the program offers a fix. However, the software was actually offered a fake antivirus, which aims to retrieve your personal information and your computer hostage.

    "This attack, which is also known as the 'SEO (search engine optimization) poisoning', is an attack used by the opportunistic criminals to take advantage of the natural curiosity of people," said Hon.

    Friday Favourites - Sarah Jane


    I bought this print for Anya's first birthday last year. I love it and smile every time I walk through her bedroom door and see it. Sarah Jane was one of the first blogs I followed (still do) and the first thing I purchased on Etsy I think!?! I just adore her work and plan on adding another lovely print to Anya's wall sometime soon - don't you love the Aussie dollar's value at the moment!

    João Freitas à moda da Madeira...


    O colega João Freitas (CAB) deu uma entrevista em que falou à moda da Madeira, isto é disse algumas verdades ...

    Passo a citar as mais importantes :
    " O panorama da competição parece-me, contudo, que em pouco se vai alterar. As dificuldades das equipas em arranjarem e desenvolverem projectos credíveis vai ser uma realidade. Penso que assistiremos em muitas equipas (mais uma vez) a uma cultura de quase sobrevivência."

    "A crise não pode servir como desculpa para se fazer menos. Em tempos de crise é que se vêem as lideranças fortes e competentes. Na ausência destas então a crise far-se-á notar ainda mais. Mas penso que a crise em que nos encontramos é muito mais grave do que a crise económica geral. "

    "A glória dos treinadores dos clubes de menor dimensão é contribuir para a valorização das suas equipas e dos seus jogadores. Porque títulos é cada vez mais difícil. Se neste processo os jogadores se valorizam, então temos parte da nossa missão cumprida. "

    "Para mim essa sempre foi uma falsa questão. Vejam os plantéis das equipas da ACB. Espanhóis que são só campeões europeus e do mundo. E vejam a constituição das melhores equipas das melhores ligas europeias. Vejo que todos esses países já ultrapassaram isso. E nós aqui, coitadinhos dos portugueses, que a culpa dos nossos males é dos malvados dos estrangeiros. Haja paciência para tamanhas enormidades. Defendo e sempre defendi que competência não é nacionalidade e não é assim que quem quer ser jogador de basquetebol de alto nível vai trabalhar mais ou ser melhor.

    "Isso prova o quanto baixámos nos nossos níveis competitivos. Hoje as competições europeias são vistas como mais uma despesa que os clubes têm em vez de projecção do seu nome e do Basquetebol do País que representam. Mais um exemplo do tão baixo que chegamos. E mais grave, dos treinadores nem um palavra sobre isso. Também não admira. São cada vez menos os que têm capacidade para dizer que sim ou que não " .

    Wednesday, September 23, 2009

    Versatile Wrap Skirt



    I just finished making the Versatile Wrap skirt by Make it Perfect. I did a few things differently and will put a little tutorial up next week when I take some photos of the end product! I ended up using the material I had intended for a gum drop pillow and scraps of plain fabric from my Amy Butler birdie sling :-) Soooooo happy to finally make something for me :-) Now it just needs to get warm!!

    Rick Ross Gets Robbed by 3 Women!

    LOL...how ironic! The Florida "boss" gets robbed by three women of all things! Maybe this will serve as a lesson to these rappers to stop messing with boppers.

    A Businessman and a Business, Man

    Somewhere in New Jersey or Russia...

    Excuse me, sir. Are you Mr. Jay Z?
    For shizzle, my nizzle.

    Excellent. I am a successful Russian entrepreneur and I have some questions about your basketball squad. Where do you dribble?

    Down in V-A.

    I was lead to believe that you had ownership of the New Jersey Nets basketball club. As English is not my native language, perhaps I am confused. Is New Jersey part of V-A?

    Ha-HA!

    I assume that laugh is one of sarcasm, meaning that V-A and New Jersey are separate locales. I am interested in purchasing all or part of your New Jersey Nets basketballing club. I would not like to purchase your dribbling organization in V-A.

    We don't believe you, you need more people.

    Quite the opposite, Mr. Z. As I mentioned before, I am a successful Russian businessman. I have amassed a small fortune by selling Americans things that they think are extremely Russian. Items such as vodka, communism, eagle head soup, and tickets to ballet shows. This has proved to be very lucrative. So lucrative in fact, that I hope to replicate its success in my homeland. My first order of business is purchasing an American sports team that no one cares about, but that Russians think Americans care about. Hence, I'd like to offer several billion dollars to own these New Jersey Nets basketballers.

    (puts on glasses)
    Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Hov.