Last week I borowed the vegan lunch box from the EVA-library.  It’ such an inspiring cookbook.  Although I don’t think I will ever get up one hour earlier than my usual hour, for baking and cooking.  I really need my time to get awake in the morning.  And half of the time I’m looking ahead of a nine hours working day. Back from work it’s time to cook again. My half hour lunch break is used for grocery shopping.  That means I usually eat my lunch at my desk. Mostly around 10h30 because that’s the time I really, really get hungry.  Instead of getting a snack I eat  sandwiches that I prepared at home.

Mostly I use spreads that I buy in a wholefood shop.  But inspired by the vegan lunch box, I made my own.  This spread takes only 5 minutes to make.

Van TofuParty spreads

Mash some tofu, add veganaise, tiny pieces of roasted red peppers (or a red pepper spread for bruchetta or something like that), some soy-sauce and black pepper.

“Oh, that sure looks nice,”

They all sit down, napkins spread

To stuff with stuffing

“The Ocean vs. Outer Space: Which Is Better?”

The College Hill Independent
OPINIONS Nov. 12, 2009

POSITION: OCEAN > SPACE

Badass. That’s the ocean. Everything about it—its direct beauty, its intense and original perfume, its physical and spiritual power to move, the way it crashes and cradles, its unbridled sexiness—so far exceeds the qualities of outer space as to render this writing unnecessary. Still, I will argue my case because wayward and misguided individuals have inexplicably elevated outer space’s dubious qualities above the profound pre-eminence of the marine realm. Such misplaced admiration is dangerous the way all undeserved admiration is dangerous to what is morally, philosphically, aesthetically, and physically better.

I will not insult my opponent here by asking, as some would, what proof he has that outer space actually exists. Let us be gentlemen and ladies and allow that both space and sea are necessary to earthly life—outer space by providing the conditions for the sea’s genesis; the sea for birthing all living ancestors who would one day sense and think and become tragically confused enough to actually believe that space is better. But to say that one came before the other and is therefore superior is a total non-argument. Anybody with a soul knows that life is richer than mere existence. Space is a zombie, a dementor, whereas the ocean is wine and chocolate. And sushi.

That settled, I present the ocean’s case. The ocean has everything good that space does not, beginning with sex. I challenge anyone to find the last time sex was had in outer space. Problems of momentum, of equal and opposite force, of mood music (I can think of few songs less sexy than “The Blue Danube”) are, if not insurmountable, certainly mood-killers. But the ocean—oh, the ocean is sexy. Trey Songz has nothing on it. Much love has been made in it, from the ecstatic spawning of barnacles to the undulating dances of whales. Love is being made in the ocean presently, in November, including among tropical corals, the endangered Atlantic salmon, yellow-foot limpets, and ocean quahogs.

The sea’s sexiness accounts for an unknown but astounding percentage of Earth’s living species. The teeming ocean covers about 71 percent of this planet’s surface, but encompasses 300 times the volume of terrestrial habitats. We don’t know exactly how much biomass floats and jets about the sea, since so many marine species remain undiscovered. This is a gross and tragic injustice resulting from the myth of space’s superiority: NASA’s annual budget for space exploration could fund NOAA’s budget for ocean exploration for 1,600 years. That we have so little curiosity for our Blue Planet—a fluid, endlessly morphing world all its own—is inconceivable. Robert Ballard, former Navy commander and current professor of oceanography at the University of Rhode Island, noted in a TED talk that 50 percent of the USA lies under the sea, yet “we have better maps of Mars.”

We ignore the ocean’s superiority to our peril. I mentioned sushi, but the food thing goes further. Despite our neglect, the ocean continues to provide 400 million people in developing nations with their primary source of animal protein. And those who somehow can’t abide the transportive ambrosia of a well-seared scallop may sprinkle sea salt on whatever. Everything tastes better with salt—everything except freeze-dried Tang.

Everyone’s all excited by the possibility that moving to Mars might save us if the Earth one day suddenly explodes. But the abused ocean is crucial to keeping Earth habitable by regulating climate, thus making our terrifying colonization of the sexless, joyless, atmosphereless outer reaches completely unnecessary, provided we stop burning inordinate amounts of fuel to insanely launch into the sexless, joyless, atmosphereless outer reaches. The ocean accepts greenhouse gases, tempers our coastal zones, brings us soothing winds. And it provides us with clues—via isotope analysis of corals, sediments and ice—to peer into the past and learn about a prior Earth.

Happily, President Obama recognizes the ocean’s singular importance. During Ocean Month in June, he announced the country’s first ever Interagency Ocean Task Force. Charged with creating a national policy that ensures the “protection, maintenance, and restoration” of America’s marine environment, the Task Force may at last give the ocean the attention it deserves. But we must be diligent! There are some who, like my opponent, remain convinced against all proof that outer space is better.

If a tree falls in space but nobody hears it, did the tree still make a sound? No, because it is in outer space, where there is no sound. People who like music, conversation, or the sound of waves crashing should fear the noneness of outer space. Embrace the sea. There is a wild spirit about the glimmering ocean, a profound energy—like a shotgun colt, a phosphorescent god. It soothes us in a deep and basic way, even during storms, calming us perhaps because it is itself an untameable, wandering thing, gulping and mawing, rocking and sliding, a partner to our hearts’ ill humors. The ocean is the truest reminder of our powerful and complex relationship with the natural world—it will destory us, it will nurture us. We can swim through it, sail over it, plunge into it, and come up gasping, laughing, startled and thrilled and scared, but we are tied to it, utterly. And in the end, we surrender to it. We release our hubris; we join it. Haven’t you noticed the way comets and meteors fling themselves, at last, into their watery graves?

______________________________________________

Call me KATIE OKAMOTO B’09.5.

7-9 Last week, 86-76 on the year.

(1-2 yesterday as I had the Packers, Raiders, and Giants)

FALCONS (-12.5) over Buccaneers

Are the Falcons a playoff team?  So many question marks surround this team as well as a sobering sophomore season for Matty Ice.  They take care of the Bucs this week, but if they don’t do it in convincing fashion, I seriously question this team’s ability to get to the playoffs.

Dolphins (-3) over BILLS

It seems the Bills are using the wildcat pretty effectively with Fred Jackson in the backfield.  But the Fins are the father of the modern wildcat, and we’ll see it Sunday.

BENGALS (-14) over Browns

Bengals coming off a loss to the Raiders; and now host the punching bag Browns.  We will not see a repeat of their earlier meeting this season.

Seahawks (-3) over RAMS

The Rams are terrible.  So terrible that the terrible Seahawks are giving three points here.

Panthers (+3) over JETS

I can’t pick the Jets until they win a game.  Last win still Jamarcus-led Raiders.

EAGLES (-9) over Redskins

Eagles keep on rollin’.

Colts (-3.5) over TEXANS

Trap game.  Can’t feel good about picking the Colts here.  Confidence is low on this pick.  Typically undefeated teams stumble against powerful middle-of-the-pack teams.  I can see this going either way, but I’ll pick safe since historically, Colts own the Texans.

Chiefs (+13.5) over CHARGERS

Sure, I’ll take 13.5 especially after coming off an elated win over the Steelers.

49ERS (-3) over Jaguars

The 4-6 host team giving three points to the 6-4 visiting team.  Odd.

TITANS (even) over Cardinals

Both teams very dangerous right now.  I’ll take the team who’s backfield carries Chris Johnson.  Can’t stop gushing over this guy.  We need to start exploring the possibility that if Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league, than Chris Johnson is 1b.

VIKINGS (-10.5) over Bears

I hate that I have to pick the Vikes.  I hate hate hate it.  I’m still bitter at the week 3 last second heart-torn-out-of-every-Niner-fan moment.  But the Bears are awful.  Cutler’s only touchdown last week came when he under threw his receiver while getting hit.  Every other important pass was overthrown by a mile.

Steelers (even) over RAVENS

Both teams are going to come out hitting hard.  I can see this game being either a staunch, defensive grind, or a high powered offensive explosion.

Patriots (+3) over SAINTS

The Patriots are going to win this game.  You heard it from me.  It’s a good thing for the Saints though, they’ll learn more from a loss here, then they will from a win.  The experience of the Patriots will be the difference maker.  Expect playoff intensity from both night games.

Had today’s games all lined up and forgot to hit “Publish”.  Sunday’s picks will be up…sometime before 10 AM PST on Sunday.  Happy Turkey Day!

Green Bay Packers (-13) @ Detroit Lions
Green Bay’s busted defense vs. Detroit’s broken down offense.  Let’s take the points.
The Pick: Detroit (+13)

Oakland Raiders @ Dallas Cowboys (-14)
Might be the wrong call here, but I can’t help but take the points after Oakland stole one last week and Dallas looked like hell against the Redskins.
The Pick: Oakland (+14)

NY Giants (-6) @ Denver Broncos
I’m taking the Giants to cover simply because I don’t think Orton is healthy enough to be effective AND Denver can’t run the ball at all.
The Pick: NY Giants (-6)

Scopri il mondo delle Borse merci dove vengono scambiate le materie prime più diffuse

“Scopri il mondo delle Borse merci dove vengono scambiate le materie prime più diffuse”

Un ebook su una tecnica molto redditizia ma poco conosciuta: lo Spread Trading in Commodoties. Scopri attraverso dieci domande il mondo degli Spread, scopri come, con investimenti di tempo e denaro minimi, puoi incrementare le tue finanze riducendo al minimo i rischi

Autore: Marco Zaninetti Danin
Editore: Bruno Editore
Formato: Free-Ebook in 25 Pagine
Anno di Uscita: 2009
ISBN: n.d.

Categorie: Borsa, Economia

Time for my weekly NFL picks against the spread.  It’s coming a day early this week to get in before the slate of Thanksgiving Day games.  Went 9-6 last week, which isn’t that good if you taught yourself as being an NFL “expert”, but at least I don’t look like a complete idiot.  The Cardinals missed covering for me by half a point thanks to Matt Leinhart throwing the offense into neutral when he took over for Kurt Warner.  The Bears went the other way for me, losing by half a point too much, and the Lions also just missed covering.  I like everyone else, was totally blindsided by the Steelers loss, but not so much by the Raiders upset, which I mentioned in last week’s picks, but didn’t have the balls to actually take them.  Oh well, no guts, no glory and I didn’t have the guts to say with certainty that the Bengals would let down and succumb to the Bruce Gradkowski era in Oakland.  Lots went right though and teams performed much like I thought to both win games and by the right margin.  If you want to double check me, just scroll down to here.

We get treated to a full schedule of games for the usual Thanksgiving football feast, although I’d like to see some better matchups, there’s only one game on at a time, so I’ll watch what I’m given and like it.  The day will be a little more dampened, because I suspect both Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson will be out for the game against the Packers, so feel free to sleep in on West coast.  Sunday brings a lot of games that seem a bit odd to me.  The matchups are a mix of games that are typically good between rivals or usual contenders that just aren’t packing their usual punch (Falcons/Bucs, Dolphins/Bills, Eagles/Redskins), and odd matchups between two teams that have nothing in common, but are both good/interesting all of the sudden (Titans/Cardinals, Saints/Pats).  And of course there the epic matchup between 3-7 Seattle and 1-9 St. Louis.  We’ll see if the Hawks can make up some ground on a top 5 pick.  Without further ado, here we go:

Green Bay Packers -10.5 @ Detroit Lions – A lot of people are calling for Detroit to be axed from their permanent Thanksgiving Day scheduled game, but not me.  I like tradition and they have to get better eventually.  Maybe by 2012 we’ll have a good game.  All the good done for the Lions with last week’s great performance in getting a clutch win against the worst team in the league will not last into this game.  As I said before, Stafford and Johnson are both hurt and likely out, and without them the Lions couldn’t even beat the Browns.  If Brady Quinn can light up the Lions D for four TDs, then I can’t imagine what Aaron Rodgers will do in the three quarters he plays before the Pack brings in the second unit.  Prediction: Packers 45 – Lions 13

@ Dallas Cowboys -13.5 Oakland Raiders – Oakland is another team that got a big win last week that won’t be able to keep it going.  The upset with Gradkowski at quarterback was a nice story, but he’ll have to do a lot more to beat the Boys in big D.  The Cowboys typically play well on Turkey Day and have to really be itching to go after two straight poor offensive performances.  I expect them to come out and try to put a lot of points on the board.  Prediction: Cowboys 31 – Raiders 6

New York Giants -6.5 @ Denver Broncos – Eli Manning looked to be healthy and back in top form last week.  He and the Giants run game shouldn’t have too much problem against a smallish Broncos defense that is barely putting up a fight these days after their great start.  If the Giants can protect Manning against Elvis Dummerville like they did against the Falcons last week he should have a big day.  On the other side, the Broncos seem more involved fighting with each other than against the other team.  Denver is in a total free-fall right now and won’t be able to pull out against a quality opponent on a short week.  Prediction: Giants 28 – Broncos 10

@ Atlanta Falcons -11.5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tampa just fired their second coordinator this year.  Not a good sign.  I can’t imagine how they are going to successfully convert back to a cover 2 in one week.  They simply don’t have the talent to defend in the NFL.  Matt Ryan actually looked to be back on track last week in the loss to New York, not throwing a pick for the first time in a while.  The Falcons are too good, too well coached, and need this one too much to let down.  They need to build up some confidence again and the Bucs should be a big help.  Prediction: Falcons 34 – Bucs 14

@ Buffalo Bills +3.5 Miami Dolphins – Most signs point to the Dolphins winning this game, but think it’ll be an upset.  The Dolphins do more with less than anyone, but eventually that catches up with you and you can’t quite do enough one game.  Miami historically struggles in Buffalo and I think it’ll happen again this week.  I doubt Ricky Williams old bones will be as productive in the cold this week as they were against Carolina.  Despite losing, Buffalo had some good things happen last week.  They committed to Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB, who is a better choice than Trent Edwards for this season.  They got some plays out of TO, and the defense was solid as usual.  If they can get anything out of the running game, they should win this game for sure.  Prediction: Bills 20 – ‘Phins 13

@ Cincinnati Bengals -13.5 Cleveland Browns – I do think the Browns have some confidence from last week and found some things that work for them getting the ball down the field with Brady Quinn.  That being said, The Bengals are too good a team to not recover after losing a game to the Raiders that they had no business losing.  Cedric Benson should be back this week and they will look to pound their in state rival into the ground.  Going for a perfect record in the division should also be a big motivating factor.  If anything, the Browns performance last week will doubly help Cincy make sure to take them seriously.  Prediction: Bengals 28 – Browns 16

Seattle Seahawks -2.5 @ St. Louis Rams – I am not confident in my Seahawks this week, which is totally understandable for me and anyone that watched us in Minnesota last week.  They just can’t lose to the Rams though, can they?  The Rams have been playing better lately.  In their last three games they beat the Lions, then lost by just five to New Orleans, and lost by eight to Arizona.  I have a bad feeling the Rams are going to win, but I just can’t imagine the Seahawks talent not getting their way.  Hasselbeck is too good and smart to let them get to him and I think Justin Forsett has a big game to cement his spot in the starting lineup.  The Rams defense is playing pretty well recently, but they don’t have the kind of pass rushers that is needed to really throw off the Seattle offense.  I think the Hawks prevail.  I keep telling myself that.  Prediction: Hawks 27 – Rams 17

Carolina Panthers +3.5 New York Jets – The Jets really miss having Kris Jenkins plugging up the middle.  When he went down was really when and why their season has gone downhill.  It will be especially apparent this week as Carolina’s duo of Williams and Stewart run all over the Jets D.  Especially DeAngelo William, who has been running great the last five or six weeks and should get the ball a lot.  If the Panthers keep it on the ground no matter what, limiting the damage Jake Delhomme can do to them, they can win this game even if they have to come from behind.  Prediction: Panthers 24 – Jets 17

Washington Redskins +9.5 @ Philadelphia Eagles – I’ve been taking the Redskins against the spread and winning the last two weeks, so let’s let it ride again.  Their defense is playing their butts off out there, a real tribute to the defensive coaches in Washington.  I figure the offense gets double digit point every once and a while, and that’s all it should take to stay within 10 of Philly.  Hopefully Philly doesn’t score too much and the game stays close, because they run the ball and control the clock.  It’s equally as likely that it’s will be because Andy Reid forgets the run, throws it 55 times with little effectiveness, mismanages the clock in the fourth quarter, and the Eagles win despite it.  Prediction: Eagles 20 – ‘Skins 14

@ Houston Texans +3.5 Indianapolis Colts – It just seems like they’re both due.  Houston has been too close too often the last couple weeks to not have won, while the Colts have been too close the last four weeks to not have lost.  I think the Texans will have too big a lead in the fourth quarter and Peyton Manning’s comeback attempt will fall short.  It’s just the kind of game that usually gets an undefeated team late in the year.  They’ve proved all they need to prove in the regular season.  They’ve stepped up and won the big games, and are too good to let down for the bad teams.  In comes a good but not great division rival that knows them well, doesn’t inspire a lot of emotion, and just wants it more.  The Colts have owned Houston for their entire existence, winning five straight and 14 of 15 overall.  Redemption this week for a Texans squad that has been on the brink of breaking through for years now.  The undefeated Colts fall.  Prediction: Texans 27 – Colts 20

Kansas City Chiefs +13.5 @ San Diego Chargers – The Chiefs are much improved from the team that got shellacked 37-7 at home in week seven.  They are free of both the mental and offensive burden that was Larry Johnson and really seem to be clicking under new coach Todd Hailey now (clicking as much as a team with that little overall talent can).  The enigmatic Chargers have been getting big wins lately and are probably due to let down a bit and have an off week.  The talent gap is too wide for the Chiefs to get a win, but they should acquit themselves well and make a game of it.  I expect them to be able to move the ball, but Cassell will take too many big sacks when they get closer to the end zone and the Chargers bring pressure.  Prediction: Chargers 28 – Chiefs (upgraded from Chefs this week) 17

@ San Francisco 49ers -3.5 Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jaguars have been playing solid defense lately, but it’s mostly with a combination of smoke and mirrors and bad offensive opponents.  The last time they traveled West, they go punched in the face in a 41 point shutout in Seattle.  Frank Gore will punch them in the mouth this week, and Alex Smith should be able to find the weaknesses in the Jag secondary.  I think this one gets away from the Jags early and just gets worse.  Prediction: ‘Niners 34 – Jags 10

@ Tennessee Titans -0.5 Arizona Cardinals – This Titans team is on a mission after their 0-6 start and I believe in them.  Vince Young isn’t putting up great numbers, but he looks much better than he used too.  I actually saw him look at more than one receiver on multiple plays last week.  Arizona is better on paper, and they’re running the ball well.  It’s the defense that will let them down on the road this week though.  I just think Tennessee finds a way at home.  Prediction: Titans 31 – Cards 24

@ Minnesota Vikings -10.5 Chicago Bears – The Bears are 4-6 and on a slippery slide downhill right now.  Cutler looks like he doesn’t have any confidence in his receivers or himself and they rest of the team feels the same way.  The Bears seem loaded with overvalued weapons on offense.  Cutler is a not that good a QB, Matt Forte is not that good a running back, Hester is not a very good receiver, and their offensive line is below average to boot.  You have to be real good and totally on your game to beat Minnesota, especially in Minnesota.  The Bears are neither.  I think the Vikings are playing the best football in the league right now.  Prediction: Vikings 34 – Bears 7

@ Baltimore Ravens -2.5 Pittsburgh Steelers – Without Troy Palomalu, the Steelers defense is just average.  The Chiefs moved the ball very effectively last week, as did teams in the weeks he was out early in the year.  Without their start safety, Pittsburgh is a .500 team.  The Ravens actually are a .500 team right now, but I think they are better than that.  They haven’t been playing great for the last half season or so, but this is the biggest game of the year for them.  A win would tie them with the hated Steelers and put them back in the driver’s seat for a wildcard berth.  I think Joe Flacco studies hard this week and doesn’t make the mistakes he has in recent weeks.  Ray Rice should be able to be as, if not more, effective than Jamaal Charles was last week, and the Ravens band will be playing victory songs into the night.  Prediction Ravens 27 – Steelers 20

New England Patriots +3.5 @ New Orleans Saints – This should be a great game.  If it were in Foxboro, I’d say Patriots for sure, but the Super Dome crowd should give the Saints an edge.  New Orleans secondary is too depleted for the Pats to not put up a lot of points, and they can put up points against good, healthy defenses.  I expect the Saints to bring their A game too though and make it a shootout.  Really hard to say who will win, but if you give me points, I’ll take New England in any game.  A close one just like against Indy, but without the controversy.  Maybe an instant classic.  Prediction: Saints 41 – Pats 38

Last week = 9-6; Record after three weeks = 24-19.

Nella mia attività di consulenza indipendente fee-only, ho scoperto negli anni che uno dei servizi di più alto valore aggiunto ed apprezzati dai clienti è la formazione finanziaria fornita ad ognuno di essi.

È vero che i miei clienti hanno capito la differenza tra la consulenza e la vendita, capiscono bene il valore della consulenza. Però molti fanno fatica a capire il senso della pianificazione, a definire il loro orizzonte temporale e propensione al rischio, hanno scarsa conoscenza dei prodotti finanziari e fanno fatica a capire perché alcuni strumenti vengono da me definiti rischiosi quando a loro non sembra così (pensiamo al prodotti strutturati ad esempio).

Pertanto è successo negli anni che gli incontri personali con i clienti non sono stati organizzati soltanto per vedere i risultati o per fornire consigli già pronti. Invece ho finito per dedicare molto tempo alla formazione dei miei clienti. Solo per fare alcuni esempi, ho insegnato loro  come usare strumenti di copertura sul rischio di cambio (utile per investimenti in azioni quotati in valuta estera, ad esempio). Ho insegnato loro come valutare lo spread denaro lettera quando comprano obbligazioni e azioni in banca, in modo da poter valutare da soli se e quando inserire limiti di prezzo nelle compravendite. Ho insegnato loro cosa sono i CDS, come operare sui mercati azionari americani…

Oltre a questa formazione “personalizzata” per i singoli clienti, ho iniziato ad inviare commento brevissimo sui mercati ogni settimana a tutti i clienti dove spiego come funzionano alcuni strumenti che penso di consigliare nel prossimo futuro. Questo permette al cliente di capire e “assorbire” lentamente le notizie e le novità, in modo che ottimi strumenti finanziari a lui sconosciuti fino a quel momento possano essere capiti, valutati, e diventare adeguati a lui.

Si potrebbe pensare che più i clienti  diventano preparati, più diventano autonomi, e più si rischia di perdere il cliente che non ha più bisogno della consulenza. Invece la mia esperienza ha dimostrato esattamente il contrario. Più i clienti sono preparati e autonomi, più diventano fidelizzati. Credo che sia proprio la maggior consapevolezza che spinge ad apprezzare di più il valore della nostra consulenza. Inoltre, ho riscontrato che più sono preparati i clienti, più sono sereni e tendono a non modificare rapidamente la loro propensione al rischio in funzione dall’andamento dei mercati. Questo permette al cliente alla fine di condividere davvero le soluzioni proposte dal consulente, e in media permette al cliente di ottenere rendimenti più elevati proprio perché non è più l’emotività a dettare le scelte ma la consapevolezza.

Ida Pagnottella – CFI Advisors – www.cfiadvisors.it – Pescara

This is the best tzatziki recipe I’ve found, and according to the Kalyn’s Kitchen, the best in the world. Check out her blog for helpful pics.

photo from kalynskitchen.blogspot.com

Ingredients
(Makes about 3 1/2 cups. You can cut the recipe in half, but it’s so good, you really shouldn’t. Recipe courtesy of Georgette.)3 cups Greek Yogurt (or regular plain yogurt, strained as described below)

This is such a wonderful x-mas gift for everybody. It is not too sweet, but simply yummy.

150 gr dark chocolate (min 70% chocolate)
100 gr butter
30 gr roasted coconut flakes
50 ml coconut milk
1 pinch chili powder
2 tablespoons of acacia honey

Melt chocolate with the butter over a water bath. Add the coconut flakes, coconut milk, chili powder and acacia honey and make a homogenous mass. Fill it into jars and let it cool down.

The spread is a little hard when he stands in refrigerator. Get it out of the fridge a bit before having breakfast.

Mash about six cloves of garlic and add to half a cup of butter. Then add chopped chives or parsley, form into logs, wrap in plastic and freeze. Slice as needed to add to meats or vegetables or use as a spread on bread.

Amerie  Chopped It Up With Honey Magazine About Her New Album, Relationships, and Staying True To Herself..More Pictures And Excerpts Under The Hood…

On Here New Album Love & War
It’s pretty much about the ups and downs in a relationship. Not so much the ups, but it’s more about the downs of the relationship or coming to the other side after going through trials and tribulations. It’s definitely a less idealized viewpoint of relationships — just the things that we go through to grow as individuals, being individuals and being in a relationship and what that means.

It’s pretty personal. I mean [the album is about] things that I’ve gone through, my history of past relationships. There’s also stories from lots of my friends and their issues in their relationships. I wanted each song to have a facet of a relationship. It’s not like the entire album is one relationship. It could be, but it also could be different relationships. I wanted each song to tell a specific story. So it was really important to make sure I kept that in mind when I was writing, so I didn’t go off and become too varied and lose what the story was.

On relationships
I think in general I’ve always pretty much had a good handle on what’s going on in a relationship. I’ve always trusted my intuition and I’ve always known that my intuition is right. Now whether I decide to go with that or not is a different story. But I always knew, and I tell women this all the time, intuition will never lead you astray. Never. We have it for a reason. But we choose to try and turn it down or try and turn it off. And that’s something that I’ve always known but it wasn’t until I got a little older that I learned to just listen to that, because I think we all hear it. Women, we always know what’s going on. Whether we choose to act on that is a different story.

Something that my Dad always told me a long time ago…. guy is always going to show you his cards. Whether you choose to look at those cards for what they are or whether you just choose to act like you don’t’ see them, a man will always show you his cards. So don’t act surprised later when something happens, because you saw it already in the beginning and you chose not to heed that. And that is really true. So how did that change me? I didn’t hang around and try and figure a guy out a million different ways, like maybe this or maybe he was sick or maybe he just whatever. It’s like, it is what it is. We’ve got to start wasting time and energy on a situation when there’s nothing to figure out. And we tend to do that all the time. We’re so good at that.

On staying true to herself
I always made a decision early on that I wouldn’t try to forget who I really am, that I wouldn’t try to just lose myself in everything. I’m not into secret marriages or big relationships for press and all those things. I’m into just doing me, being me and creating my music. And that’s it. People happen to take a picture of me walking around, that’s cool. None of those things bother me. As long as I don’t lose my sense of what’s real. Whatever that means, as long as I have my own sense of me then everything can just be put into perspective.

Check Out Honey Magazine For The Full Article

Pixie Geldof for Vogue UK September 2009 by Alasdair McLellan

“Ripped Slashed Studded Pinned Fashion Gets Hard As Nails” Dazed & Confused July 2009

A most fashionable soda and staple of the American diet…though I have to say I prefer Coke Zero

CL and Minzy of 2NE1 performed their new hit Please don’t go at Spread the love. It was just as good as yesterday’s performance at the MAMAs so were their outfits.

A list with the pricing will be posted soon, but for now just search the item name on google. The prices of the items are around $28.00- $800.00

Check out the performance here:

Happy Shopping!

Hwaiting!!

So this have nothing to do with what I usually post about, but this is kinda hot!

Though sadly he changed his mind about doing a full frontal nude shot, and the pictures that he smiles in are not a good look!

Anyway here’s the whole collection!

Close Up

This is one addictive and simply delicious recipe for all of you pesto lovers. I was introduced to pesto at my Aunt’s house one evening. My husband and I was immediately hooked to the deliciousness of this sauce. We shopped for it and amazed at how expensive pesto is. So I decided to look for an easy recipe since it would be my first attempt at making it. The recipe that jumped out of me had one of my favourite things in the recipe, GARLIC. That night, with all the right ingredients ready, I made this awesome sauce. I did make my usual alterations to the recipe to fit my taste buds and my pocketbook. Everyone knows how expensive pine and Brazilian nuts are, so I substituted those nuts for that super-food, almonds. This is one recipe that you can make quickly and easily using a blender or food processor. You can use it in so many other recipes, like Pesto Bread sticks. It also makes for a great dip or spread. I ended up mixing pesto in with wheat penne. The second time I made this, I served the pesto over vegetables, chopped cooked chicken and linguini. Very yummy!

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Ingredients:

• 3 Cups Chopped Fresh Basil Leaves

• 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for a thicker pesto, reduce oil by 1/4 Cup)

• 3/4 Cup Almonds (original recipe calls for 1/2 Cup Pine & 1/8 Cup Brazilian Nuts)

• 2/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (you may substitute ready to use cheese like Kraft Parmesan Cheese)

• 3 Tablespoons Minced or Chopped Garlic (original recipe calls for 2 Tablespoons)

• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder

Directions:

1. Place the clean basil into blender or food processor.
2. Pour 1 Tablespoon of oil in with basil and blend into a paste.
3. Gradually add nuts, cheese, garlic and chili powder.
4. Slowly pour remaining oil into blender/food processor.
5. Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.
6. Scrape sides and continue to blend on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes.
7. For best taste, pesto should be heated up in the meal it’s being prepared with.
8. Serve as soon as possible.
9. ENJOY!

Served!

Here we have Sarah Jessica Parker for the December issue of Elle. Though I do think she looks good, something tells be there’s been a little Photoshop magic going on…Especially on her hands…