Lord, sometimes I just don’t understand
This grace that shows throughout every land.
But, Jesus, well, to tell you the truth,
I don’t see how You could use me, a youth.

I do just fine at work, though sometimes I make it my life,
And I do not struggle with creating great strife,
But, Father, sometimes I just can’t see why You
Love and care for me so — but You do.

I was tired and confused the day you sent the snows,
I didn’t see the beauty ’til you placed it on my nose.
You paint the sky with my favorite colors each night,
And send me flowers each spring on a breeze so light.

Your masterpieces are in every land: walking, swimming, flying.
Every child reminds me of your love though they may be trying.
I thank you, Father, for the ways You’ve loved me.
Please let me pass that on to these.

I’m headed down a slippery slope with my recent baseball card purchases.  I bought a handful of packs from the shop on Friday afternoon, and I couldn’t resist one of the weekend specials at Blowout Cards:

Only $15!! Seems like a good deal.  I absolutely loved the 2007 Masterpieces set, and a complete set of the 2008 version will be a perfect compliment.  I’m pretty sure there’s a relic in each box, which is nice, plus very nearly the entire base set (or the whole thing if you get lucky.) I purchased both a hobby and a retail box in ‘07, but if collating a set is the main goal, the retail boxes make a bit more sense.

Of course, at $15  a box, how could I buy just one?!

That’s right – I picked up two boxes of 2008 UD Masterpieces for a combined total of $35 with shipping.  I’d initially planned on getting one box of Masterpieces and one box of ‘09 Upper Deck X, but figured I could get X cheaply any day of the week.  Don’t know why, but I’ve had the urge to put together cheap sets recently. And even just in the time I’ve spent writing this entry I’m starting to change my mind about UDX and am already thinking of how I’ll spend the money (on something better) that I’ll save up as I slowly make my way through the two boxes of Masterpieces… yes, I tend to change my mind that quickly.

Anyhow, that wraps up my end of the year shopping spree. I’ve always considered myself a budget collector, so spending $65 on a whim in just one weekend nearly gave me a heart attack.  And I was just talking about not wanting to spend $81 all at once on an entire box of Sweet Spot, too.  Depending on how these boxes go I  may regret this purchase (or not making the other).  O’well, sometimes a deal is too good to pass up.  These won’t be arriving until after Christmas, but I’ll of course be posting a box break when everything has been opened.

ฟังก์ชันพื้นฐานของโรงแรมจะให้พักแรมและอาหารถ้าเป็นไปได้ในการเดินทางแต่มีโรงแรมที่เป็นตัวแทนกว่าที่พวกเขาได้กลายเป็นจริง-สร้างสรรค์ศิลปะ. นิตยสาร Forbes ได้เผยแพร่รายการของการออกแบบ "World's Best" โรงแรม.

Marques de Riscal (Rioho สเปน)

นี้เป็นห้อง 43 ตั้งอยู่ในพื้นที่ผลิตไวน์ของสเปนและถูกสร้างขึ้นตามโครงการของสถาปนิก Frank Gary (ผู้เขียน Guggenheim Museum ในBalboa).

หลังคาของโรงแรมจะตกแต่งด้วยแผ่นสีชมพู, สีเงินและทอง. ภายในมันรันในโทนสีเบจและทองแสดงเนื่องจาก minimalism และสองปีกของอาคารเชื่อมต่อโดยผ่านกระจก.

Winvian (ภูเขา Lchilfield, Connecticut, USA)

โรงแรมนี้ตรงบริเวณพื้นที่ 113 ไร่ที่ 18 กระท่อมเกี่ยวกับใจความ, สร้างโดยสถาปนิก 15 ต่างกันตั้งอยู่. หนึ่งในกระท่อมผิดปกติมากที่สุดคือชื่อ "เฮลิคอปเตอร์". มีแม้กระทั่งเฮลิคอปเตอร์เป็นในมัน (35 ฟุตยาวและ £ 17,000 ในน้ำหนัก) ที่ใช้สำหรับยิงของ "Top ปืน". มีบ้านไม้ไม้ที่สูง 35 ฟุตสำหรับเด็กที่เป็น.

Keating (San-Diego California, USA)

Pininfarnia บริษัทที่รับผิดชอบในลักษณะของ Ferrari และ Maserati ของรถยนต์ได้ติดต่อกับการออกแบบของโรงแรมนี้. ลักษณะเฉพาะตัวของโรงแรมนี้เริ่มต้นด้วยห้องด้วยผนังที่เคลือบสีแดงและสูงเพดาน. ในโรงแรมมี 35 ห้องกับมีสีแดงผนังอิฐหน้าต่างรอบชุดทีวีและอิเล็กทรอนิกส์รูปแบบบางและ Olufsen.

อินน์ในราคาอาคาร (Bartlesville โอกลาโฮมา, USA)

การออกแบบห้องพักที่โรงแรมนี้ 21 ถูกสร้างขึ้นตามโครงการของ Wendy Evan ยูซุฟสถาปนิกของการล้างเผ่าพันธุ์พิพิธภัณฑ์ในวอชิงตัน (อำเภอ Columbia). อาคาร 7floor เองทำคอนกรีตและ coppers คือการสร้างที่มีชื่อเสียง Frank Lloyd ขวาผู้อิทธิพลต่อการพัฒนาของสถาปัตยกรรมตะวันตกมากที่สุดในช่วงครึ่งแรกของศตวรรษ XX. มีหน้าต่างที่มีขนาดใหญ่เป็นผนังและเฟอร์นิเจอร์กับชิ้นทองแดงในห้องทุก.

Faena โรงแรมและจักรวาล (Buenos-Aires, อาร์เจนตินา)

ฉางในอดีตปัจจุบันเปิดอาคารนี้ในโรงแรม (โครงการของสะกิดสิ้นเชิงและออกแบบแฟชั่นอาร์เจนตินา Allan Faen). ทางเข้ามันเป็นกรอบโดยม่านหลังที่ร้านอาหาร El ร้านอาหารและห้องเขียนแบบที่ตกแต่งด้วยโคมไฟตลกมีอยู่. ในองค์ประกอบของการออกแบบห้อง 110 'pillows กำมะหยี่สีแดงม่านลงและ chandeliers ศตวรรษ XIXth เป็น.

Gaia Napa Valley แอนด์สปา (Napa Valley, California, USA)

โรงแรมนี้สร้างขึ้นโดย Mickey Meningom, amazes ทันที – เข้ามันมีการตกแต่งด้วยหลังคาเหล็กผิดปกติ writhed. Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa คือ na นิเวศโรงแรมและชื่อจะแปลจากภาษากรีกเป็นแผ่นดินแม่ "". มี 133 ห้องในโรงแรมที่มีการเชื่อมต่ออินเทอร์เน็ตมีเคเบิลทีวี, ตู้เย็นและไมโครเวฟ. โรงแรมอยู่ตั้งอยู่ในหมู่บ้าน Napa, ชื่อเสียงเทียวไร่องุ่นของ.

New Majestic Hotel (Singapore)

ป้อนล็อบบี้ของโรงแรมให้แขกเห็นผนังสีขาวอย่างที่แฟน Compton เกลียวและเพดานปกคลุมด้วยเหล้า. จิตรกรท้องถิ่นมีการซื้อขายกับการออกแบบของห้อง 30. ในหมู่พวกเขามีสิทธิน้ำในศูนย์และเตียงจะระงับการให้เพดาน. บรรยากาศเสร็จจากเก่าเฟอร์นิเจอร์แฟชั่นทำของ pop-ปูนเปียกศิลปะ. โรงแรมตั้งอยู่ในไชน่าทาวน์ที่เป็นพื้นที่ประวัติศาสตร์ของสิงคโปร์.

Setai (Miami, Florida)

สร้างโดยสถาปนิกมาเลเซีย-Jan มิ Gati โรงแรมที่ตั้งอยู่บนชายฝั่งนี้ embodies สไตล์เซี่ยงไฮ้ของสถาปัตยกรรมศาต Deco. ส่วนหน้าของโรงแรมเป็นอย่างขาวแต่ภายในแขกอาจดูทั้งหมดร่มเงาของเทา, คอลัมน์สีดำด้วยกระเบื้องโมเสคบรอนซ์และชั้นทำด้วยหินอ่อน Shanghai.
มี 125 ห้องมีห้องน้ำและพื้นไม้สักเป็น. ลานภายในโรงแรมมี sloshed โดยสีส้ม.

Granados 83 (Barcelona, Spain)

นี้ avanguard โรงแรมแล้วสำหรับการผจญภัยของ amateurs และแฟนของอาหารดี. มันตรงบริเวณอาคารเก่าของโรงพยาบาล. คอลัมน์ต้นฉบับจะปกคลุมด้วยเหล็กหินอ่อนสีแดงกระจกและเหล็ก. กระเบื้องหินสีขาวและดำใช้ในการพื้น. วัสดุเช่นหนังอิฐและหินอ่อนใช้ในการเปิดห้อง 77. เฟอร์นิเจอร์ปกคลุมด้วยท่อเหล็กบาน.

An extract from the book

By Cara Sulieman

SCOTLAND’S oldest surviving book is set to go on display tomorrow (Friday) for the first time in over forty years.

The pocket-sized medieval book of Psalms is often described as Scotland’s Book of Kells due to the vivid and detailed coloured illuminations that cover the pages.

Dating back to the 11th Century and thought to have been made at the monastery on Iona, it is part of a display at the University of Edinburgh celebrating their extensive collection.

Experts believe the book could have been commissioned for St. Margaret, Queen of Scotland.

Rare Shakespeare

Even without its original binding, the psalter’s script is clear and can still be read despite its age.

Other exhibits going on show include a rare copy of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet published during Shakespeare’s lifetime.

And two more firsts for Scotland are featured, including the first book printed in Gaelic and the first printed book.

The exhibition – entitled “Masterpieces 1” – opens December 11 and runs until March 14.

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

Yakov G. Chernikov (1889–1951), was a Russian artist, designer, and architect learned in classical and modern styles. As a draftsman he was on par with Piranesi and Rembrandt; his most forward-thinking drawings resemble the style of Yoshitaka Amano. This combination of knowledge and skill made him one of the most accomplished Russian Constructivist writers and architects; Chernikov designed sixty buildings—although most were not built—and wrote numerous books about architecture and graphic design.

In the late 1920s the state-controlled world of Soviet architecture began to turn against the Constructivists. In 1932 Stalin tired of the pointless political debate between Constructivism’s remaining supporters and many critics. He barred architects from political speech and limited Soviet architecture to classical revival. Unable to practice in his Constructivist style, Chernikov began drawing architectural fantasies that were usually not intended to be built. But he still needed work free from politics and in the 1940s he began to study and draw typefaces, an activity unlikely to draw attention.

Intended for used in an architecture textbook Chernikov’s typeface drawings are examinations of historical alphabets. These are not the overly rationalized alphabets of the renaissance, although Chernikov did examine the alphabets of Durer and Tory. Chernikov’s letters are modeled on historical forms, drawn onto grids with notation about proportion and geometry. The grids are arranged as tables for easy comparison. Consistent with Chernikov’s belief that graphics are superior to words these tables can be understood without Russian literacy. Most of the alphabets are Russian Cyrillic but there are also examinations of Slavonic, Latin, Greek, Phoenician, Persian Cuneiform, Cypriot, Demotic, Hebrew, Burmese, Samaritan, Tibetan, Syriac, Ethiopic, Palmyrian, Manchu, Arabic, Formosan, Iberian, and Georgian alphabets.

Chernikov also excelled at non-objective drawing, leading him to develop complex ornaments in a new constructed style. His ornamental drawings reveal a powerful imagination and great technical skill. Chernikov achieved accuracy and beauty that rival great Islamic ornamentation without aping it. At a glance these ornaments resemble Spirograph drawings; examination reveals myriad circles painstakingly drawn along a path combine to form lively gestures. Chernikov drew by hand what today can seem only possible with a computer.

Graphic Masterpieces of Yakov G. Chernikhov: The Collection of Dmitry Y. Chernikov is composed primarily of images from the collection of Dimitry Chernikov, one of Yakov Chernikov’s sons. For the first time it presents all of the typeface drawings at full size and in color. Also shown are architectural drawings and ornaments collected from a notebook and two other books. Facsimiles of a sketchbook and a diary supplement the book.

An essay by architecture historian Dmitry Chmelnizki discusses Chernikov’s life and work. Essays by Dmitry Chernikov illuminate his father on personal and familial levels. These writings are short and to the point, putting Chernikov’s work in the political context of its time without getting mired in Soviet history.

Every image in these volumes is wonderful. Most of them appear at full size; this makes the typeface drawings especially useful as every small number, letter, and line is perfectly legible. Seeing the architectural drawings at size reveals Chernikov’s ability to draw gesture and detail with equal skill.

The notebook and diary facsimiles are a brilliant addition to this set. How often does one wish to peruse the notebooks of a genius? Now we can see right into Chernikov’s process. The diary will not be useful to those who cannot read Russian, but I expect that those who can read it will be happy for the chance.

Designer Daniela Donadei has taken advantage of the grand scale of Graphic Masterpieces of Yakov G. Chernikhov (335mm x 458mm) to create a monument. Text is laid out like a lectern bible typeset in Akzidenz-Grotesk. Few books show so much respect for their subject. The set comes in a box that is attractive, sturdy, and will protect the notebook and diary. This design is exquisite and perfectly executed.

Graphic Masterpieces provides a fabulous presentation of genius. As an art book it provides eye candy of the highest caliber. As a work of book art collectors will adore it. I can find only one notable flaw: an edition of 500 should prove far too small.

Parmalat founder Calisto Tanzi is pictured at his first trial for fraud in November 2008. He was sentenced to 10 years in jail for market-rigging. The 2003 failure of his dairy empire was Europe’s biggest bankruptcy at the time. (Antonio Calanni/Associated Press)

Tax police in Italy have seized a secret stash of masterpieces, said to be worth $150 million US, from the founder of the collapsed dairy conglomerate Parmalat.

Police in the city of Parma, located about 200 kilometres southeast of Milan, showed the results of their investigation to reporters on Saturday at the headquarters of the milk empire of Calisto Tanzi.

Among the 19 works unearthed were pieces by the likes of Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and Modigliani.

Tanzi was convicted of market-rigging in 2008 in wake of the 2003 collapse of Parmalat.

Authorities say the executive was largely responsible for what was termed Europe’s biggest bankruptcy at the time. Many investors lost their life savings.

Tanzi was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for fraud. His trial on other charges ? fraudulent bankruptcy ? is underway in Parma.

Earlier this week, Tanzi denied he had a secret art collection.

Police said they tracked down the treasure trove using phone interceptions.

Parma prosecutor Gerardo Laguardia said officials believed at least one of the paintings was about to be sold. “We got lucky. We learned that there were negotiations underway to sell one of the paintings,” said Laguardia.

Tax police say it’s likely all of the paintings were about to be sold.

Police say their phone tapping targeted Tanzi’s son-in-law, Stefano Strini, who is now under investigation for handling the artwork.

They say Strini led them to three apartments in Parma, belonging to friends of the family.

With files from The Associated Press

Quebec money manager probed in BermudaLawmaker escorted out of UT game

From the age a person learns language, questions are quick to arise. Questions about life, purpose, nature, God, bodily functions. And no matter how old or intelligent you are, there will always remain things that baffle the mind.

Although I love just about every sport with a passion, okay, a borderline obsession, you are SO right, I’m not a fan of NASCAR. Not in any way. My extended family is huge into it, HUGE, crazy red necks that they are. They go down to races every year, watch it whenever it’s on, stock up on paraphernalia and Wheaties, and have NASCAR keggers with heaps of buffalo wings and tortilla chips. The way they carry on, you’d think NASCAR drivers were Masters of the Universe or something.

I’d watch races if my husband were into it, but incidentally, I follow more sports than he does, so I thank the Lord, I don’t have to go there.

I understand the burn of a diehard fan. I’m totally diehard for more sports than I care to mention, so I can identify with the craving to see events. But NASCAR on the radio? Really? NASCAR…on the radio. As if it’s not thrilling enough on TV, now you get the Audio Experience. I don’t get it. I mean I listen to contact sports on the radio, though football is a little hard for me to follow with so much going on, but I can’t imagine a race, be it runners, horses, kayaks or cars. On the radio. Can’t you find out the standings on the evening news? It’s not like a sport where a bad play or call matters. It’s a race. A race. On the radio.

I also don’t get why spandex and jelly shoes were ever popular in the 80’s, considered wicked stylish even, and why they’re back with a vengeance, invading shopping malls everywhere. That’s about the worst synthetic garb you can find. Put them together, and fashion police will be hunting you down, to ticket you for such a faux pas.

Here are other burning questions:

Why does every IHOP look like a Dutch house? If it’s International, shouldn’t there be some variety? Why do the Dutch get all the glory for superb pancakes and waffles?

Why is Denny’s still in existence when there’s IHOP? Do people really think it’s normal to wait hours for cold eggs and scorched coffee to arrive? Maybe these are the people offended by Dutch inference.

Why are the New Kids on the Block on a comeback tour? Sometimes you have to just let the dream die. Bye, Bye, Bye. Oops. Sorry. Wrong band. Really. Give it up.

Why do the rich and famous give their babies hideously strange names? As if they don’t have enough attention already.

Why did Coca Cola think it was a good idea to change the formula for Coke in the first place? Wasn’t it #1 in taste tests?

Why on 9-11 was the U. S. military unable to protect the Pentagon, the most guarded air space in the world, after two planes had already struck the World Trade Centers and it was clear we were under attack?

Why did David Lee Roth ever think he could make it as a soloist?

Why did Journey ever think they could make it without Steve Perry?

Why is Sid from R&D at Comcast stalling on the remote button issue? A pager on the cable box to easily find that lost sucker would help all mankind.  Don’t ya think? It’s a great idea. Get it done, Sid. Be a hero!

Why do women think Johnny Depp is hot? Or Hugh Grant? Ick. Gabe Kapler now. There’s some eye candy.

Why did the Little House writers hate Mary so? Poor thing. It’s difficult to find a character who’s suffered more affliction. My heart still breaks for her.

Why are you still reading some freak’s post?

Why did Starbucks get rid of their coconut mocha frapp? Even the brownie one is gone. It’s a specialty drink nightmare. I have to go all the way to Gloria Jean’s now to get tongue-tickling drinks like English Toffee or Turtle.

Why is my dad in yet another network marketing company?

Why is Vanilla Coke so hard to find? Oh right. Those CC pushers get you hooked so you’ll have to buy cans.

Why is America using the same playbook for the Afghan war that was used in Vietnam? Everyone knows how that turned out.

Why are pomegranate salesmen not getting MEGA bonuses? They’re obviously working overtime. That stuff’s in everything now.

Why is there no Red Lobster within 100 miles of me? I hate it. Those buttery herb rolls rock the house. They’re the best ever.

Why is Taylor Swift winning so many awards? She’s okay in her talking-not-really-singing way, but the BEST? The BEST?

Why am I not a published author yet? Or better yet, Sybil? All her books are great reads.

Why is it taking me so long to finish one stinkin’ book?

Why are there no After School Specials? So many topics could be dealt with today and kids are under more pressure than ever.

Why is Sinbad not being used in more movies? He’s soooo funny. Check out Houseguest if you haven’t.

Why does my husband continue to root for his losing football team?

And I don’t get perception, how you can hang a painting by a three-year-old in a museum and have passersby gush in awe when they assume it’s by an esteemed artist. Art is so subjective, but if we can’t tell the difference between preschool art and an impressionistic masterpiece, what does that say of skill or beauty? Doesn’t that dump them into a realm where excellence and technique don’t matter?

Writing is also a subjective art form because readers have different tastes. Some people only consider literary fiction to be worthy enough for their delicate eyes, and perhaps classic literature, but definitely NOT that icky, annoying genre fiction, that actually moves somewhere rather than showing a slice of life or arc in time.

I cannot imagine telling a story without plot. I need to have a point. Even literary fiction or allegory should have some kind of point or destination, ultimate resolution, even if it’s simply an epiphany. The most resonating works for me as a reader are those with good plots AND strong characters, which don’t sacrifice one over the other.

Why is there a belief and air that literary fiction is more sophisticated and excellent than genre or general fiction? A good story is a good story. Sacrificing plot for literary merit and recognition is just writing pretty words and building great characters for a minimalistic storyline. The purity of the story can get buried under all the glitz and purple prose. Yes, you can certainly strive to create great literature, but also take time to cut loose.

Whether you’re a dancer, figure skater, painter or writer, you need to break free sometimes and find a style all your own beyond technique, to touch base with the thrill of the art.

That’s why three-year-olds can produce masterpieces. Such wall-worthy art is born out of pure joy and carefree gusto, and really, it is no less beautiful or sophisticated. Just ask the gushers at the museum or the moms who hang them on the fridge.

~ CV