BBC 3 Radio did a nice program on William Morris and Muslims that I listened to last night. It explored the impact of Islamic design and values on the life of the Victorian designer. Nice piece.

The NASA shuttle has started to tick away on my desktop once again.

When a British citizen needs to update his/her passport it is definitely a pain to do so. Dearest has had to make a trip into NYC to obtain the proper sized photo. Just about any passport photo produced by this countries photo shops will not meet the British standards – totally different than the US photo sizes. Wouldn’t it be nice that all passport photos be one size worldwide?

Nice and sunny today but cool this morning. Almost needed another quilt on the bed. :)

Bits and Pieces

Virgin Mary 'appears in tree stump' - here we go again
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8144214.stm

Speedy cheetahs put through paces
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8143451.stm?ls

Inside the clock tower of Big Ben - It’s 150 years old tomorrow
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8144078.stm

Herschel shows breadth of vision
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8143447.stm

How flowers conquered the world
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8143000/8143095.stm

How the turtle's shell developed
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8142664.stm

The view from a falling tree
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8138044.stm

Simply 'kiss the paper and hum'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8142000/8142082.stm

Mandelson asked if he's PM's Willie
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8138956.stm

Water fights, tub racing - it's Odd Box
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_8143000/8143469.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

The Los Angeles City Council setup a website asking for donations to help cover the cost of the Jackson funeral. Huh? Bill the estate, which, when all is said and done will come out in the black.

I was in the upstairs living room yesterday - having just fed the cats minutes before – and from behind me comes this gut wrenching puking sound. Morgan of course, but…guess where she decided to deposit her upchuck? Right on that nicely ironed stack of scrap material waiting to be cut into squares! Eeww!

It was late by the time I got to bed last night. After dinner I played with two types of trim for the shawl. Which one do you like the best – just realize when looking at the pictures that the shawl and trim samples are not yet blocked.

The first is a knitted corkscrew and the second is something called Sugar Drops


From Organic Bytes

Preservatives in Meat Linked to Dementia
http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_18470.cfm

Top 12 Food Additives to Remove From Your Diet
http://www.healthnews.com/nutrition-diet/healthnews-dozen-top-12-food-additives-remove-from-your-diet-3374.html

Bits and Pieces

Everything you ever wanted to know about bog roll
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/07/07/mf.toilet.paper.history/index.html

Uncovered: 350-year-old picture of dodo before it was extinct
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/5596737/Uncovered-350-year-old-picture-of-dodo-before-it-was-extinct.html

Daphne Du Maurier's 'Frenchman's Creek' home for sale
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/5777923/Daphne-Du-Mauriers-Frenchmans-Creek-home-for-sale.html

A glimpse of ancient dying stars
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8141395.stm

Australia town bans bottled water more communities should do this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8141569.stm

Jellyfish swarms flourish in heat
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/8140880.stm

Striking salamander species found
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8140000/8140003.stm

On board Germany's Science Express
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8140681.stm



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Yesterday’s promise sun did not last long. The clouds opened up and dumped a massive amount of rain upon us – all while we were doing the daily errands. Then, around 10 PM the skies opened up again with a massive amount of rain, hail, thunder & lightening. It kinda freaked out the baby kittens.

The Michael Jackson memorial invaded every TV channel yesterday, even my beloved BBC News. The boy was talented, but really, there are other things going on in this world.

I have a bone to pick with the BBC.co.uk news site. For weeks now it has been running the World Games ad in front of their videos that accompany the news items. I am getting really sick of this ad and especially its music. This dislike is exacerbated by having to reload the video because the ad does not properly transition into the news story. Errr!

Bits and Pieces

The witch job that earns £50,000
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8138665.stm

The art of book cover design
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-book-cover-design-1736014.html

Sir Terry Pratchett sets out a dignified way to go
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mandrake/5770474/Sir-Terry-Pratchett-sets-out-a-dignified-way-to-go.html

Giant hummingbird crop circle appears in Wiltshire barley field - nice art
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5755051/Giant-hummingbird-crop-circle-appears-in-Wiltshire-barley-field.html

Scientists claim sperm 'first'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8138963.stm

Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8133379.stm

Corot to Monet
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/default.stm

Tiger quadruplets at German zoo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8140392.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

I received a phishing email supposedly from the IRS yesterday with the subject line of: Tax Notification. It, of course was not from them since they don’t contact you via email. So be aware and don’t click any links in those type of emails. If you get one forward it to: phishing@irs.gov
And then trash it.

I am so glad I don’t live in LA. The place is going to be a madhouse today.

I have been looking for a way to do something knitting wise so have been doing technique research. Haven’t found it yet so it’s back to the library today for another book.

Gotta run. Lots to do today.

Bits and Pieces

Amazon Wants Patent For Inserting Ads Into Books - You know, every time I turn around Amazon just becomes more of an abomination. Now why would I want to see an advertisement in the middle of a book?
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/07/03/2232256/Amazon-Wants-Patent-For-Inserting-Ads-Into-Books?from=rss

Aquatic deer and ancient whales
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8137000/8137922.stm

Quacks and Cures
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8129447.stm

Hamster escape prompts 999 call
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8133679.stm

Lamborghini They are a hot little car alright. Maybe a little redesign is in order.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8138012.stm

Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

It was a quiet but very productive weekend.

I got to read my Dearest’s latest short story that made me laugh quite a lot. It will be included in an upcoming anthology.

Me? I continued cutting squares of scraps. Here is a selection of some of what I got done, a pile that still needs to be ironed, and some that will need to ironed again because Danu decided it was a great place to sit, lay and bathe.







And a pic of one of the visiting bears heading down the drive.



Lots to do today so I can’t linger. I am off to start my day.

Bits and Pieces

Newsweek's Top 100 Books: The Meta-List - well, not really. Some of these are the most boring books I have read
http://www.newsweek.com/id/204478

Sound Tunnel: Avant-Garde Park Portrait
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/arts/06sound.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

A sound clip of the tunnel can be suffered through here:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/attractions/public_art/sound_tunnel/index.html

Historic Bible pages put online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8135415.stm
or
www.codexsinaiticus.org

Inquiry into zoo's chimp escape
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8135603.stm

Spider builds life-sized decoys
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8135000/8135844.stm

Who is Neil Armstrong?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8133835.stm

Jackson's 'Smooth' leaning move really was patented
http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-30-jackson-patent_N.htm

Geek's tip for 'an ideal first date'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8129685.stm

Graffiti without the tears - oooh! I want one of these!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8121764.stm

Saucy painting bought for £5,000 - but where do you keep it?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/8133371.stm

Coffee 'may reverse Alzheimer's'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8132122.stm

Genetic clue to brain cancer risk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8132466.stm



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Yesterday I noticed that someone has nibbled some of my lily blooms right off the stalk in the back corner of the garden! Deer of course - unless it was one of the bears – and the scarlet runner beans are getting the same treatment. But just in case it wasn’t the deer…



Courtesy of http://www.glassgiant.com/wanted/

We have another sun filled day. What joy!

Pucca has shed her collar and hidden it somewhere in the house. I looked for it last night and have come to the conclusion that it will drive me nuts to keep looking for it – it will turn up one of these days. She is very well named. LOL!

Ok, I am back to cutting 2 ½” squares.

Bits and Pieces

A Ride-Along With Gay Talese
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/01/nyregion/05circle-audio/index.html

Street Farmer
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/magazine/05allen-t.html?th&emc=th


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

It has been a bear migration, first one and then another one through the yard yesterday, all heading up to Green Turtle Pond. Maybe they have their own 4th of July gathering.

At the moment we have people walking and sitting in our drive. The bus has broke down and is blocking our exit.

My Dearest made dinner last night and here I thought he was working away in his study. I had just resolved to put away the iron and not press any more scraps for the new project and he arrives tray in hand. What a sweetie pops!

Pucca is being mischievous at the moment and is crawling through the recycle pile!

So far, it is sunny with beautiful blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds.

I plan to do more prep work for the new quilt today so in keeping with the artful process here is the International Quilt Study Center & Museum. Go have a look through their collections.
http://www.quiltstudy.org/index.html


Bits and Pieces

The view from Lady Liberty's crown - it has reopened!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8133203.stm

Manhattan: An Island Always Diverse
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/04/arts/design/04manhatta.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

Rare Peek at Riches of Past in Rome
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/04/arts/design/04forum.html?th&emc=th

No safe haven for rarest antelope
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8132000/8132835.stm

Brazil's huge wetland under threat
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8130261.stm

Best of the Web from Click
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8133627.stm

Japan's fashion rebellion goes West - humm, why?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8132726.stm

In pictures: Gay Icons
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7966225.stm

Honeybee mobs overpower hornets
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8129536.stm

Ugly dogs & a giant shoe - it's Odd Box
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_8131000/8131799.stm

Five Minutes With: Tony Benn
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8133540.stm

Five Minutes With: Michael Portillo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7767347.stm

Five minutes With: Vince Cable
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7742505.stm



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

We copped out last night and had takeout for dinner. We snuggled down on the couch to watch a PBS Masterpiece Mystery, but thanks to Optimum IO, the guide was wrong and we ended up watching something else that was mildly diverting, of which I can not remember the name.

While all of this was going on I picked up the shawl and did more knitting. Later after Dearest went to bed I started to cut squares from all of the scrap I was given for ½ sq. triangle production. This will be a long process since it takes more than the 300 I cut last night. After I get some more cut I will make a sample block and post a picture. Don’t look for it any time soon though.

It rained again last night and into the wee hours of the morning.

Right before I climbed into bed Morgan suddenly sat up on the back of the couch and growled that low growl as she looked out into the darkness. She probably picked up the scent of our resident raccoons. Morgan does not like raccoons and gets all bushy tailed with hackles up when they are around.

I slept in a bit this morning so I am behind schedule. Better get a few things done.

Bits and Pieces

DOJ Opens Formal Investigation Into Google Books Settlement
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10278473-93.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

Government Bans Former Anti-terror Chief's Tell-all Book
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/jul/02/andy-hayman-terrorist-hunters-banned

Ole Time, New Masters - check out the quilts on the stage used a decoration/sets scenery
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/07/03/travel/escapes/20090703-fiddle-audio/index.html?th&emc=th

Climate change is shrinking sheep
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8130907.stm

New dinosaurs found in Australia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8131915.stm

Moon probe returns first images
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8131658.stm



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

According to my Dearest we had a big thunderstorm last night. Me? I slept right through it. And it is cold and dreary this morning…jacket on. LOL!

Days like this almost induce me to go back to sleep. Maybe I will play a bit later on a new quilt design.

Knitting problem fixed last night before we started dinner! I l almost got the portion I unraveled re-knit. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”

Dinner last night consisted of pork chops, golden beets and their greens and freshly shelled green peas. Yummy!

Bits and Pieces

Actress Mollie Sugden dies at 86
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8129617.stm

Hollywood actor Karl Malden dies
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8129710.stm

U.S. Nuns Facing Vatican Scrutiny- it’s a modern day inquisition!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/us/02nuns.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th

Gay sex decriminalised in India
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8129836.stm

TV news archive discovered after 30 years
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8130773.stm

Portugal drug experiment pays off - It’s care no punishment
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8129545.stm

An exciting stats website? Believe it
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8130554.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Not much to tell you this morning. Work got done yesterday until the heavens opened up in the afternoon accompanied by thunder and lightening. The computer was shut down. I looked at the weather forecast and the next three days have been declared “rain”. UGH!

On the knitting front…Before going to bed last night I found a small problem within a row of the shawl. Thus something today I will be taking off about 1 inch of the knitting and re-knitting it. I don’t get to upset by this process but it would have been nice to spot it sooner. LOL!

I am off to do some work.

Bits and Pieces

Jackson body 'going to Neverland' - oh my, it just might turn in to a West Coast Graceland type thing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8128022.stm

Tags to help solve puffin decline
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8126331.stm

Ant mega-colony takes over world
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8127000/8127519.stm

Dinosaur mummy yields its secrets
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8124098.stm

'Cutting-edge science' show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8125651.stm

Kate Russell gives us her latest selection of the best sites on the World Wide Web
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/8114672.stm

How to keep zoo animals cool - have tea with a gorilla
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8127254.stm

Stout heart for Guinness contest
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8128131.stm

Vegetarians 'avoid more cancers'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8127837.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

It was a late night for this household. We spent a lovely evening with friends Barb & Randy and their visiting family. We watched Roo cook – not recommended by the way - and caught up with all of the family news from Roo’s sister and his niece. Upon returning home we were greeted by the grumpy cat pride that managed to stay stuck to us like glue until we went to bed. Well, one of them, Ms. Morgan was still stuck to my side like an appendage when I woke up this morning.

Another Airbus plane has gone down. Never have liked that type of plane and this provides a good excuse not to fly in one.

It is a nice sunny day outside. The hummers are having a feast at the feeder and the mourning doves are picking their way through the front garden. I want to be outside. Maybe later.

Ok, I have a press release to write - more on that later – and phone calls to make so I had better get to work.

Precious Ramotswe To Publish Her Own Cookbook
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/5675480/No.-1-Ladies-Detective-Agency-heroine-Precious-Ramotswe-to-publish-her-own-cookbook.html

Philip Roth features on 'booty-shaking' dance track - Author's 'Jewish shouting' set to techno grooveJust goes to show you how careful you should be during an interview. LOL!
The story - http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jun/29/philip-roth-booty-shaking-ringtone
The recording -
http://www.box.net/shared/flab2yrum7

A Green Way to Dump Low-Tech Electronics
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/science/earth/30ewaste.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

Blink Twice if You Like Me
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/science/30firefly.html?th&emc=th

Betraying the Planet
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/opinion/29krugman.html?em

It’s Time to Learn From Frogs
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/opinion/28kristof.html?em

Algae Farm Aims to Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel - Dow Chemicals…humm
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/business/energy-environment/29biofuel.html?em

Ukraine opens KGB archive
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8124068.stm

Behind the scenes at hydro scheme - Looks like the inside of Hover Dam to me
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8125066.stm

Most complete Earth map published
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8126197.stm

Exclusion zone for special whale
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8126237.stm

Tech Know: sparking music machine
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8125604.stm

Japan airport starts tricycle patrols
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8122975.stm

Cafe puts modern twist on food - OATCAKES! YUM, YUM, YUM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8124555.stm



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

On Sunday’s list of chores in this house were doing the last of the laundry, changing the linens and picking up around the house. Just hate doing laundry but it is so much better than doing laundry in an apartment building so I shouldn’t complain too much. The garden was on the list too but I never made it out there. I did get my exercise though shuttling the laundry from the top floor all the way down to the bottom of the house. You know, I would just love a laundry chute.

I did however make the eggplant pie thing I wrote about a couple of weeks ago – Quixotic Cheesecake. I can’t say it is the best thing I have ever eaten but it has possibilities. Thus I will be playing with the recipe in future experiments.

More shawl knitting done. Cats tickled and played with.

Dinner: Grilled chicken, a veg and potato salad. YUM!

The seed pods from the large Magnolia outside my office window are now starting to drop. When this first starts to happen every year it scares the heck out me until I realize what is actually going on. The bombardment started Friday even with one hitting the window. Yep! I jumped.

Watched a strange subtitled little movie last night. I am sure Dearest will write about one of these days. Afterward, the latest episode of the Bill and Sookie show, excuse please...True Blood. This is a solo exercise since Dearest is totally fed up with stories concerning vampires, werewolves and zombies and refuses to sit through it. So, what does have the head of a bull and the talons of a Velociraptor?

Bits and Pieces

I love this house
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/06/26/realestate/0628-habi-audioss/index.html

Rebellion on the Range Over a Cattle ID Plan
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/us/28livestock.html?th&emc=th

Light goes out on solar mission
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8121625.stm

School’s Out, Cricket’s In – my Dearest will be so happy to hear this
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/06/28/nyregion/1194841233622/school-s-out-cricket-s-in.html?th&emc=th

The 'world's ugliest' dogs - from my Dearest.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8123218.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

For the moment the sun is out but we will probably see more rain later in the day.

It is almost time to head off to the farmers market. I will continue this Saturday rambling later.

Well, it is now after 6 PM and I am just getting back to this.

We picked up kale, golden beets, peas in the pod and a couple of other things at the farmers market. Came home and stashed them and then I headed off to do some research at the garden centers. After returning home we made a quick run to the big yard sale at the church so Dearest could look through the books – one huge bagful came home and then to the library to drop off some books and finally a brief stop at the supermarket for tea.

Upon my return I cut the weed patch, deadheaded the roses and was about to cut the weed patch on the top terrace and it started to rain. I gave up and took a shower with the full intention of taking a nap. No such luck.

My Dearest is making dinner this evening which invariably means…fish. I will join him in the kitchen as soon as I get this posted.

Now for a bit of fun. Friend Barb is becoming a grandma this year and here is the baby quilt she just finished. I just love the lambs! The second quilt is a doll quilt she did.






Who Owns Seeds?
http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/who-owns-seeds/

From the above articles you can link to graph showing who has been buying up the organic food producers and their seeds. This is a revealing graph.
https://www.msu.edu/~howardp/organicindustry.html

Bits and Pieces

Cloud clue in space blast mystery
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8119097.stm

Dolphin 'super pod' seen in firth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8120523.stm

JW Waterhouse at the Royal Academy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8116369.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

It is raining…again. And HUMID beyond belief.

Went to the yard sale at the Presbyterian church this morning and came way with fabric, a bit new storage jar and a summer dress.

My sweet Dearest made dinner last night and surprised me with a summer salad chocked full of veg. So we ate dinner after having shut down the computers because of a large and noisy thunderstorm.

There is progress. I measured the shawl last night before going to bed and I now have officially knit 37” of the 40 required. It is getting there, slowly though because the stitch number increases with each row.

Well, Michael Jackson keeling over was a shock, not because of who he was, but because of his age. And then there is just the sadness that we can’t seem to come up with a cure for cancer that takes the lives of so many including Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett this week.

The BBC News reported that internet actually “slowed down” from people checking to confirm the news of Jackson’s death.
Web slows after Jackson's death
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8120324.stm

Today the House will vote on H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. It is hoped that this august number have finally realized that the writing is on the wall for Mother Earth instead of continuing to be the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand. Quite frankly, if your Representative does not acknowledge through his/her voting record a willingness to help address this problem they should be ousted from office. If you feel like picking up the phone to give your rep a piece of your mind on the bill you can access a toll free number by typing in you zip code here:
http://tools.advomatic.com/13/hr2454-vote-house

( Pictures )

Bits and Pieces

Need a bit of Shakespeare in the Park? - I Love You, You’re Perfect. You’re a Girl?
http://theater2.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/theater/reviews/26night.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1246026469-irY2/4HsgvBUvZy2wS+dQQ

Water skiing gran - it's Odd Box
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/newsbeat/newsid_8119000/8119910.stm

'Stoned wallabies make crop circles' - OK, this has to be the best news story of yesterday. LOL!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8118257.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Today is my long-time friend Nancy’s Birthday celebration…and it is a “big” one. We will help celebrate later taking her many helpful items to assist someone that old.

LOLROF! Her birthday is next month! It got put into the calendar wrong.

Paul was visiting my office yesterday afternoon and our discussion was interrupted by a big bear coming across the drive. Obviously it is not the one that has been making mincemeat out of my gardening supplies since it did what all good bears should do…head up the hill into the back 40. Good bear.

At the Farmers Market we picked up some wonderful looking beets. Well, I can now report that they were wonderful in taste as well. My Dearest had never eaten beet greens before and has now fallen in love with the new food proclaiming that more will be picked up at the next farmers market.

This is what the shawl looks like at the moment, well almost. I knit a few more rows before going to bed last night. :)



Can't wait to get to the point where I can knit the lace to the sides and then block it.

I have some packages to wrap, well, after Nuit gets through giving me a bath. She is a pill. Have a good day!

Organic Bytes - there are some must reads in this batch of news!

( Organic Bytes Must Reads )

Bits and Pieces

Is Amazon finally about to get some heavyweight competition?
http://mhpbooks.com/mobylives/?p=7565

Many sharks 'facing extinction'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8117378.stm

'Oldest musical instrument' found
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8117915.stm

Stone Age wells found in Cyprus
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8118318.stm

'Misty caverns' on Enceladus moon
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8115148.stm

Legless frogs mystery solved
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8116000/8116692.stm

Avoiding 'wheelies' slows animals
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8115530.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

I must be getting old. Now don’t laugh. I receive regular updates from Wolfgang’s Vault of new concert recordings that they have posted and I am finding that I much prefer my CDs to the live concert recordings. I remember the concerts I went to when younger – you could not keep me away from the likes of Genisis, Eagles, Zappa and many more to numerous to mention, any concert within close proximity of where I was – I was always on the go. Now I think you would have to drag me by the hair to get me through the turnstile. LOL!

OK, LJ users, it is election time. I highly recommend that you vote for kylecassidy.

My Deareast has a short story in Norliana’s newest anthology Under the Rose. It is edited by friend hutch0 - see the proposed cover art here:
http://norilanabooks.livejournal.com/66653.html

I also got an email from Peer [Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility], regarding the contamination of the water supply by pharmaceuticals that are disposed of via the household drain. Here is a a good overview of the situation and what the contamination is causing.
http://www.peer.org/docs/dc/may_09_appeal.pdf

Ed McMahon passed yesterday.

Last night we watched Garbage Warrior (2007) that tells the story of Michael Reynolds fight to introduce sustainable housing in New Mexico. It certainly highlighted the stupidity of the governmental process and certain elected individuals who should be ashamed of themselves. It is showing on the Sundance channel. Catch it if you can.

Pat Sloan posted about 851 London ukulele players trying to smash the record for most uke players playing all at once. It kinda cracked me up so I repost it for you – just pure silliness.


Bits and Pieces

Are Changes In Earth's Main Magnetic Field Induced By Oceans' Circulation? - an very interesting hypothesis.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615094038.htm

Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Eating Raw Refrigerated, Prepackaged Cookie Dough - OK, when cookies are so easy to make why do people buy the prepackaged crap anyway? Ha! And it was a Nestles product
http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2009/0622.html

Deep in Bedrock, Clean Energy and Quake Fear - in my opinion the money spent on this project should have been put into solar or wind energy. Be sure to watch the interactive feature. Anyone want to bet on an earthquake?
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/business/energy-environment/24geotherm.html?_r=1&th&emc=th

Elgin Marble Argument in a New Light
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/arts/design/24abroad.html?pagewanted=2&th&emc=th

Evolution faster when it's warmer
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8115464.stm

Dog reunited after 550-mile trip
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8115122.stm

Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

OMG! SUNSHINE! Happy dance! I am going to try to get outside today. The weed patch needs mowing again and the roses need to have the dead blooms trimmed off.

The bratty bear was back the other night. Found the new bag of Plant tone on the ground. Dearest brought to my attention that the wheel on my wheel barrow was deflated. It is a brand new wheel as of this spring. The only thing I can think off is that the bear is teething. But why does he have to use the tire? Honestly!

Watched the movie Home last night after dinner. I think it should be mandatory viewing for both the House and the Senate.

My Dearest was a sweetheart and took the garbage down to the curb this morning. He didn’t wake me up to help.

Pucca can't seem to make up her mind this morning. She has been on and off my lap a countless times.

More knitting done while watching the movie. The shawl is getting really big now and I will have to measure it later to see how close I am getting to the stipulated dimensions.

Yesterday I started a small sewing project for a friend. Pictures after I give it to her. And yes, if you are wondering, I changed the pattern a bit.

Bits and Pieces

Ashmolean given restored Titian
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/8113357.stm

Splendour of Saturn- beautiful!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8113627.stm

Return of the royal Barbary lion
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8109000/8109945.stm

Street lights wreck space research
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8114095.stm

Tweeting mouse trap and window
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8113914.stm

'Largest' Holy Land cave discovered
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8113670.stm

Hockney turns to mobile artwork
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/arts_and_culture/8114741.stm

Himalayan glacier studies commence
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8109389.stm


And now for silly stuff that is or has being auctioned.

Loo used by Camilla is auctioned
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/sussex/8005147.stm

Diana's school eraser to be sold
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8114265.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

We had a quiet weekend. It rained, thus not too many outings. Dearest made an excellent dinner of salmon last night.

I think it is about time that I replace my office chair. The hydraulic lift seems to be failing.

I have lots to do today, including a bit of sewing.

During dinner we watched a bit of The Flock. A very odd movie, at least the part I saw. Unfortunately we did not catch the beginning.

Got some more knitting done on the shawl. It is getting there but I am not quite to the point of 60” across the top and 40” down each side of the triangle.

Bits and Pieces

US tries to stop Geronimo lawsuit - Well, it might be interesting to trace back just where the justice department people who are asking for the dismissal went to college and any of them belonged to the Skull and Bones.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/8112051.stm

Judge pushes Google book settlement hearing date to October from June
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/economy/ap/48683197.html

What a racket - Yes, this is one of the most annoying parts of the game of tennis.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8110998.stm

Bats avoid flying by streetlight
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8108912.stm

Barbican goes green for eco show
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8110349.stm

Italy hit by extreme weather - we are not the only ones hit b strange weather
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8112837.stm

Garden fox blamed for 'burglary'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8109817.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Happy Father’s Day to all you dads!

This morning sunrise marked the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It would have been really nice to see it but it is still raining here.

Here is an interesting take on what farmers face in the everyday world by Joel Salatin. Farmer, defined as a non-factory farm, you know, the real thing. Thanks to dsmoen for pointing me in its direction.
http://www.acresusa.com/toolbox/reprints/Salatin_Sept03.pdf

I am going to have to rev up the old shredder. I now have a foot high pile of junk mail sitting here in my office.

Got two floors of the house accu-sucked yesterday and have just finished the bathrooms. Need to accu-suck the lower level but I am just in the "thinking" stage about that. I am going to have some lunch and sit a bit before tackling anything else. Laundry needs doing too so I should probably go get a load and throw it in when I go down to make lunch.

Almost forgot...finished Corduroy Mansions!

Bits and Pieces

Record crowd for Solstice sunrise
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8110646.stm


Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how

Just returned from the farmers’ market with Dearest purchasing a load of Crispin apples. Of course some were eaten on the drive home - they are really good.

We got there late but I was happy to run into my friend Leslie – aka woolmountain on Ravelry.com and Woolmoutain Studio on Esty - selling her wares at her very own booth. I just love her free form hats and I know that I have mentioned them before. She now has patterns up on Ravelry so go check them out. If you are not on Ravelry check out her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=73132&ga_search_query=woolmountain&ga_search_type=seller_usernames
Leslie’s a journal at: http://zanygreyffcrochetandknit.blogspot.com/
And her new website at:
http://www.woolmountainstudio.com/

I also had a brainstorm on the way home about embellishment for the shawl I am making. I may have mentioned that I will put a lacy edging on it but since it is so plain I was thinking of adding some 3D flowers on the back. Leslie and I were talking about buttons and then I remembered my stash of rhinestone buttons. Flower centers!

Time will tell about the final product. LOL!



Change the world one loan at a time – visit http://www.Kiva.org to find out how