Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days: What To Do On A Day Off?

**SPOILER** Roxas goes to the meeting room, ready for another mission but theres no one in the room and theres a note on the window. Roxas looks at the note and it says "Day Off Today". Roxas surprised walks around the base and he runs into Axel and Xion. After talking to them, Roxas decides to head on over to Twlight Town. When he gets there he runs into Hayner and the gang in the Struggle pit. They convince Roxas to show his Struggle skills on the big ball (forgot whats actually called). After Roxas shows his moves XD, the camera shows Hayner and the gang again running around the train station. Then we see Roxas, Axel, and Xion on top of the clock tower eating Sea Salt Ice cream like they always do. **SPOILER** Man this the longest video I've made for Kingdom Hearts so far. Roxas first weilds a stick and now a Stuggle bat, whats next an umbrella XD Oh wait a sec...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_opb7OcHf4&hl=en

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Team Aura Fusion - Battle against Chestnut551(elena)!

yay! this is team aura fusion in action!!! good job chestnut551, but remember luxrays are physical attacker, if urs is not then give it some special evs, petaya bery, etc. OMG I JUST REMEMBERED THE OTHER DAY IT WAS SOOOO FUNNY LUXRAY'S THUNDER DIDNT KILL EMPOLEON!!! AND THAT GUY W/ THE BUCKET STARTED ATTACKING US O_O IT WAS SCARY My Team empoleon moveset: Surf ice beam Flash cannon hydro cannon gardevoir moveset: psychic tunderbolt shadow ball hidden power lucario moveset: aura sphere close combat psychic iron tail blaziken Moveset: peck ember Blaze kick double kick altaria moveset: dragon breath fly take down natural gift roserade moveset: grass whistle magical leaf giga drain her team luxray staraptor ninetales ditto poliwag golbat and no, i dont kno their movesets its time for some Q&A! Q: why did her luxray use crunch instead of an electric move? A: because she did not want to waste pp, and even if she used thuder, it wont take me out (she also forgot i was steel.) Q: why did i risk grass whistle so many times? A: because roserade had better speed than both luxray and golbat so i had a better chance of it not missing Q: How do u pwn a team like that? A: well, it was just that i had more experince and for the first time in my life, i got pretty lucky with thunderbolt. POKEMON BELONGS TO NINTENDO THE MUSIC BELONGS TO POKEMON PLZ YOUTUBE DONT DELETE THE SOUND/VIDEO



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7S1adp2LQo&hl=en

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Publicity Ideas For Your School Carnival - How to Get More Families and Community Members to Come

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Imagine spending all your energy planning your carnival and delegating tasks to get every activity flowing smoothly only to deal with empty booths and unsold merchandise. That's a horrible scenario that you won't have to deal with if you follow these next tips...

How to Create Publicity for Your School Carnival - Three Tips

1. Promotional materials

You've seen how the big businesses create beautiful flyers that ultimately end up in someone's trash bin? Here's a good way to make sure yours don't turn into someone else's trash: turn your flyer into an invitation that will contain a random number for a door prize drawing or a coupon for a free lemonade. The best part of this strategy is you can create the materials yourself as long as you have a printer at home that's loaded with colored ink. Get a few carnival graphics from royalty free photo sources for 1 dollar each and use them on your promo materials.

You can strike up a partnership with your local ice cream stand, and they can give away your promo brochures to parents and kids who buy from them. In exchange you can promote them or mention their business in one of the shows in the carnival. How about having a coupon for this business on your flyer in addition to your promo coupon as mentioned above? Remember, a little cross promotion goes a long way; particularly if you can get a popular family hotspot to promote you a few weeks before your carnival.

2. Get interviewed by your local press or join a radio show

Media hype will send you tons of prospects. If you have a local paper, you can approach the editor and arrange to be interviewed. Plan ahead and prepare an advertising budget for this. Investigate the cost and potential return on investment so you can get the other members of your parent teacher organization to agree.

3. Social Networking Online

With everyone and their moms joining Facebook and Twitter, you simply cannot ignore these places. Create a group on Facebook and invite your friends to join or be a fan. You can also create a separate account for your carnival and post photos of your previous events to encourage families to attend. Choose the photos that show families and kids enjoying the rides, the games and the other attractions in your carnival.

These techniques will create anticipation in your prospective visitors. With any luck, once you get the ball rolling with these tips, you can stop spending on promotion and simply rely on word of mouth to create excitement. A final reminder: with any marketing tool or tactic, you must never forget to put in the date and place of your carnival so your invites will not go to waste.  

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Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Vans

A quick insight into how the very best soft ice cream vans in the world are manufactured, how they operate and how they bring smiles to everyone all over the globe!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmA1iP5uuKk&hl=en

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Oh My Jonas Ep. 158 (Part 2)- That Thing Hates Me

Oh My Jonas Ep. 158 (Part 2)- That Thing Hates Me (AN: So, I just had some questions for you. Who has a Justin.tv account?? Cuz, I just got one. So, I'm just learning how to use it so it looks like you can have friends?? Haha, idk. But, would it be cool if I could do a live chat with you all? I have to go buy a webcam first so we'll see how that goes. But how would you guys like that if I could?? Anyways, I cant right now but we'll see. My account isssss www.justin.tv easy enough right? So, come be friends with me and lemme know if you are from Youtube! Please. Just so I know. Lemme know what you think about this in a comment.) Half an hour later, Nick wakes up and Joe does a few minutes later. Nick: How did you guys get in here? Selena: We asked for an extra keycard. Now get up and dressed. We're going out. Joe: To do what? Selena: Breakfast, then mini golfing, then lunch. Joe: Mini golfing? Selena: It'll be fun. Joe and Nick get ready and they get Kevin. Kevin: Where are we going? -They get in the elevator.- Demi: To breakfast. Selena: At the International House of Pancakes. Demi smiles. They go downstairs, they were all wearing sunglasses and hats. They went outside and got in one of the waiting Chevy Tahoes, Kevin volunteered to drive. Selena: That's a pretty sick hat you got on there, Joe. You don't look like yourself at all. Joe: I know, right? He was wearing a black ski hat and had all the hair pulled off his forehead and tucked under the hat. Plus a pair of Ray ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NGFZsivsrg&hl=en

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Child Nutrition

Like an adult, every child needs appropriate amounts of calories, proteins, minerals, and vitamins to grow. The new Food Guide Pyramid Guidelines outline the amount of grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats or beans people should eat daily. Children between the ages of four and six can usually have serving sizes recommended for adults, while younger children, who have smaller stomachs and lower nutritional needs, need smaller amounts of food. But apart from consuming the right quantity, parents should keep in mind that exposure to a wide variety of healthful foods early in a child's life can set the stage for more variety later. Since children are often reluctant to try new foods and would be happy eating the same foods every day, the role of the parent is that of a guide towards a healthy and nutritional food lifestyle.

First of all, it is important for growing children to get the full range of important nutrients, especially protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin A. Although appetite variations are considered by experts as normal and might increase during times of rapid growth, or diminish during periods of slow growth, the general rule of thumb is that a 3 year old needs not more than 1,300 calories daily, a 10 year old around 2,000 and an adolescent may require as many as 2,800 depending on the height, weight and daily activity level.

- Fruits and Vegetables: Have always available in the fridge, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that your kids can chew in case they are suddenly hungry or in-between lunches. Remember to keep fruit juice on one service daily since the sugar this drink contains has a lot of 'hidden' calories. Broccoli, carrots, and vegetables with bright colors, usually attract children's attention and help them fill their stomachs with something healthy instead of a bag of fried potato chips.

- Dairy products: Foods that are rich in calcium are essential for children and adults helping them build and maintain strong bones. Low fat milk and fat-free dairy products should be served daily and kids have to eat cheeses with 2-6 grams of fat per ounce. The needed calcium can also enter your child's organism if he or she consumes orange juice and eats yogurt. Treats made with frozen yogurt and fruits, or milkshakes made with low-fat milk are always welcomed and provide the necessary sweet taste children usually crave.

- Grains: In fact, your child's diet should be based on grains and starches. Whole grain products also contain iron that kids need and whole-wheat bread or pasta can give them the necessary grains for their bodies to function properly.

- Liquids: Remember to serve your child plenty of water and low-fat milk. Avoid sugary sodas and high-fat ice-cream milkshakes.

- Portions: Always serve appropriate portions and weight your kids often. Sugary foods or those containing high-fat ingredients should be generally avoided. Offer healthy snacks, like vegetables, fruits or a ball of whole-grain cereal and allow them to eat crackers with cheese and low-fat chocolate milk.

Finally, you have to check if your child is gaining the normal amount of weight as it grows up and that it exercises often. Outdoor activities and a healthy diet plan are enough to provide your kids with the necessary amount of energy they need and build strong bodies.

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Sparking Your Child's Interest in Bowling

Whether you are looking for a new family activity for Games Night, or you want to expose your child to new things, there are several different ways you can spark their enthusiasm for the game of bowling.

A few ways you can get your kids started with bowling include having a bowling party, buying them some cool gear, trying unique variations of the game, or using bumpers to help them build confidence.

Bowling Parties

Most bowling alleys are equipped to host birthday (or other) parties for kids. Like any other birthday party, you'll have cake and ice cream, and presents, but unique to a bowling party is the way team work is encouraged. The kids will have a great time keeping score and shouting wisdom and encouragement to each other. You can rent a few additional lanes, and the adults can join in the fun too. Call your local lane to get details on what they provide.

Bowling Gear

Children tend to become more interested in a new activity if it involves getting new (or new to them) stuff. Think about buying your child their own bowling ball. For one thing, you'll be sure there will always be a ball light enough for them to use, and they'll feel special having their own.

Disney makes a great, inexpensive line of kids bowling balls featuring your favorite Disney characters.

Creating family team bowling shirts, or buying them their own bowling shoes is another easy and inexpensive way to get them more involved in the sport.

Bowling Variations

There are always ways to make the standard game of bowling a little more interesting. Something as simple as dividing into teams may do the trick. Or, try no-tap variations for the kids (knock 8 or 9 pins down, score it as a strike). Check with your local bowling alley, as they also might have some great ideas to spice the game up a little for your kids.

Bump Up Their Confidence

Most bowling alleys provide at least a few lanes with "bumpers" for kids. In these lanes, instead of gutters, there are bumpers or padded rails. Since most kids have difficulty keeping the ball straight and in the lane, the bumpers ensure that no one gets a gutter ball.

Because there are usually limited numbers of these lanes available, call your local alley. You may need to make reservations.

Family Friendly Programs

Many bowling alleys have special bowling theme nights that are great for family nights out. Rock and Bowl, glow bowling, moonlight or cosmic bowling are just a few variations. Again, check with your local lanes to find out dates and times of the events available.

Probably the best advice is to have fun. Regardless of how competitive you might be, remember that your kids are just there to spend time with you, and maybe learn a new skill. The easiest way to make sure they have a great time, is to have a ball yourself! 

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Find Recipes For the Waring Ice Cream Maker

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Food has always been something that individuals actually learn to understand. The palette of each person is different from all the others. The trick here is to finding recipes for the Waring ice cream maker 50bc that everyone would bring supreme joy. This Waring machinery is what people from the business industry and even those at home rely on.

Although adults can play with it and the Oster as well since this is what they like to do, children too can join in the fun. They can be the ones to find the needed attachment from this Italian ware or the kitchenaid in their pantry. Children love to help and it is your job to make sure that they do what you tell them. Make them realize that they too have a role in the family, and they must carry out.

Finding recipes for the Waring Ice Cream Maker is easy. You can just log in the internet, and you would have a list of recipes in no time. Asking some friends about it is also something you can do. They may be able to teach you a thing or two about the machinery. You can also experiment in creating your own cold snacks.

Altering or substituting the ingredients is also fine as long as you are able to follow the instructions. Bear in mind that there are some ice creams that would not become what you expect so do not feel bad about it. Take it as a challenge for you so that your friends would come over to your place and ask for some advice.

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The 10 Most Difficult Clients You Meet on Earth

As a consultant, you meet all types of executives in business -- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Driven by big egos, big jobs, and big money, some C-level honchos can be tough cookies.

Even though the vast majority of them are smart, savvy, intuitive, charming, talented, persuasive, and colorful, there are a few enfants terribles who have elevated bad business practices and behavioral eccentricities to an art form. These "execs gone wild" can severely strain business relationships and make your life profoundly difficult.

Consultants are often brought on board to solve a problem in times of rapid growth and impending crisis. While their ostensible goal is to confirm the client's problem, suggest a path or a process to tackle it, and implement a solution that will produce tangible, measurable, and desired results, their real objective is to make sure their clients don't impede or undermine their efforts.

Corporate Archetypes

This paper profiles the types of clients who create irritating potholes and fissures on the road to business success and reveals the behavioral patterns that characterize their so-called "worst practices."

These archetypes are drawn from behaviors all too common in the business world. The most difficult executives are an amalgam of these archetypes and share several commonalities: distrustful, controlling, aggressive, inflexible, paranoid, and occasionally tyrannical. It is facile to suggest that these behaviors are always intentional or driven by a sense of malice. Rather, it is fear, ignorance, insecurity, and thoughtlessness that are at the root of the most egregious worst practices.

The Bureaucrat

Native habitat: Large, mature company

Status: Middle and upper management

Modus operandi: To preserve the status quo; protect one's turf and job

Traits: Myopic; slow-moving; risk-averse

Bureaucrats are easy to spot. They seek shelter with the herd and are rarely found in one-to-one settings. However, don't underestimate their ability to throw a monkey wrench into your project and sabotage your best-laid plans. They have a penchant for making eleventh hour changes and questioning the earlier decisions of others.

Recommendations: Since procedure means the world to these individuals, avoid confrontation and play into their strengths. Ask them to explain the rules. Get everything in writing, including sign-offs. Acknowledge their status while establishing mutual expectations. You'll find that you can work with them as long as you don't violate any deeply-cherished institutional edicts.

The Autocrat

Native habitat: Small to mid-sized company

Status: CEO, COO

Modus operandi: To exercise control; interfere; intimidate others

Traits: Imperious; egotistical; aggressive; capricious

Autocrats rule by whim. They flourish in a relatively flat organization and find it difficult to delegate to subordinates. Autocrats will subvert the rules in order to assert authority and control, and are convinced of their own self-importance and infallibility. Autocrats use intimidation to keep you off balance (e.g., calling before and/or after business hours, making unilateral changes to written agreements, changing strategy without warning, etc.).

Recommendations: The best way to handle Autocrats is to stay calm, hold your ground, and negotiate new ground rules. Warning: Autocrats won't change their ethics overnight. At a certain point, you simply may have to walk away.

The Know-It-All

Native habitat: Any size company

Status: All levels

Modus operandi: To show superiority; be right; maintain control

Traits: Impatient; arrogant; inflexible; micro-managerial

Know-It-Alls "know" what's good for their business and can't wait to demonstrate their capabilities to you. They'll challenge your ideas, devalue your work, and sometimes even do your job for you. No matter what you accomplish for the Know-It-All, it's never good enough.

Recommendations: Build a contingency into your contract to ensure you will be paid for any work beyond the scope of the agreement. Know-It-Alls perceive outside expertise as a threat. Be that as it may, they really do need help. Since Know-it-Alls have the final word, strive for agreement every step of the way, and be sure to present alternate concepts and approaches. They may like what you show them, but, ego aside, it was their idea from the start.

The Waffler

Native habitat: Large company

Status: Middle and upper management

Modus operandi: To avoid conflict and making mistakes; protect one's job

Traits: Indecisive; distrustful; insecure

Easily the consultant's worst enemy, Wafflers can be a major roadblock. Despite their position, they are not born decision makers. Within their own company, they are often lauded as a team players and consensus builders; however, for consultants, they represent delay, doubt, and indecision. Wafflers will not go out on a limb for you. They won't even go out on a limb for themselves. This can seriously affect the progress of your work and the success of your project. Wafflers have a difficult time committing to anyone or anything, especially if it means making a bold decision for which they'll be held accountable.

Recommendations: Wafflers needs reassurance and a lot of hand-holding. Give them a milestone chart and deadline reminders, and reemphasize the objectives of the project. If roadblocks still persist, move up the value chain and seek alignment with more responsive and committed contacts within the client company.

The Tight Lip

Native habitat: Small, private company; start-up

Status: C-Level; Upper management

Modus operandi: To hide and protect company secrets; keep you at arm's length

Traits: Guarded; uncommunicative; aloof; cryptic

Signing an NDA with a client doesn't mean you'll be told everything you need to know to do your job well. Tight Lips are notorious for not communicating the essentials--business trip schedules, company plans, valuable feedback, etc. This situation is exacerbated when their native language is different from your own or when their communications abilities are minimal at best. When Tight Lips are paranoid about their company's supposed intelligence, you're going to find yourself out of the loop. A high degree of confidence is required before a new consultant can be entrusted with privileged information. Until such time, expect to be informed on a "need to know" basis and greeted with a veil of secrecy surrounding most company decisions and transactions.

Recommendations: There is no simple solution here. Probe, ask questions, throw out a few assumptions to see whether they stick to the wall, and hold the Tight Lip to account when important details are glossed over. If you've crossed over an imaginary line, you'll know it.

The Hand Wringer

Native habitat: Large and mid-sized company

Status: Middle management; project management

Modus operandi: To avoid trouble and being judged; protect status quo

Traits: Skeptical; pessimistic; anxious

Hand Wringers predict catastrophe wherever they go. They see the glass as half empty and are shocked when things go right (a deviation from the norm). They trust no one, have little or no confidence in themselves, and tend to second guess their own judgments. Like many other archetypes, Hand Wringers are high-maintenance and need a lot of reassurance. If you're the impatient sort, you may not enjoy the constant phone calls, questions, whining, and complaints.

Recommendations: Stay positive, communicate clearly, and focus on achieving realistic goals. Break the project down into bite-sized chunks that are palatable and digestible. Sure, it's nice to be a tower of strength and a beacon of understanding, but, remember, you're not a panacea for the Hand Wringer's anxieties. In order to deflect negativity and incessant worrying, you need to remain impassive and firm in your beliefs and expectations.

The Absentee

Native habitat: Small company; start-up

Status: CEO/Managing Director/Owner

Modus operandi: To be busy and in control

Traits: Detached; self-absorbed; unfocused

Nothing is more frustrating than having a client who doesn't give you straight answers, won't return phone calls, and is constantly inaccessible and unreachable. Absentees are elusive control freaks who wield their authority from afar where you can't get a handle on it. But, then again, maybe you can. After all, you're the one controlling the work, especially its outcome.

Recommendations: Don't use e-mail to communicate with Absentees. Instead, leave very brief and matter-of-fact messages on their personal cell phones (try to get the number). Talk about consequences with a sense of urgency that they can understand, e.g., the impact on their bottom line, their company's credibility, and the market opportunities they're missing. Whatever you do, don't get bogged down in minutia. Eventually, Absentees will resurface or come down from the mount. When they do, be prepared to move with speed, determination, and an unflagging sense of confidence in your ability to get things done.

The Perfectionist

Native habitat: Small and mid-sized companies

Status: Upper and middle management

Modus operandi: To be secure and right; maintain order; preserve status quo

Traits: Self-critical; fearful; obsessive

Some people can live in chaos and confusion. This isn't the case with the Perfectionist. Perfectionism, however, is only a symptom of a deeper disorder - a desire to control people and events coupled with a fear of change. Without getting too deep into psycho-babble, let's talk about this in practical terms. Your job is to manage the project and, as evidenced in this paper, manage the client. Perfectionists typically like to be assured that everything is proceeding on course according to their expectations.

Recommendations: Keep Perfectionists in the loop and in control by meeting with them in person. It is extremely difficult to manage this relationship by phone. Let them throw in their two cents and make the operationally mundane decisions governing your project. Acknowledge their need to tweak, fiddle, and keep order. However, give them forced choices so they can choose the best option. If you keep things too open-ended, they'll never be secure in their decisions.

The Exploiter

Native habitat: Small and mid-sized companies

Status: Upper and middle management

Modus operandi: To extract blood from a turnip

Traits: Demanding; conniving; manipulative

Industrious, prodigious, and hard-working consultants beware: At some point, your client will take advantage of you and your goodwill. Assuming that you have an agreement which spells out your work and fees in detail, Exploiters will still try to get more out of you. They'll leverage whatever they can -- your friendship, your expertise, and your good nature - and do it with a smile. That makes it really difficult to say "no." If you cave in too often, though, you're in danger of becoming an indentured servant.

Recommendations: Remember, the Exploiter will keep pushing until you push back. When you do push back, keep an eye towards compromise. There are a few favors or freebies you can throw in that won't eat up your time, but will satisfy the Exploiter's need to extract more while the day is young and you're still under contract.

The Emotive

Native habitat: Large and mid-sized companies

Status: Middle management

Modus operandi: To elicit sympathy; manipulate feelings

Traits: Sensitive; impulsive; dramatic

If you think the Hand Wringer is tough to manage, the Emotive will try to push all of your buttons at the same time. This is a person who really believes that high drama will lead to greater understanding and stronger business relationships. These histrionics may work with friends, family, and a few colleagues, but not with a steely-eyed consultant like you. Still, be on guard. Emotives are looking for a crutch - a person who will listen, intervene on their behalf, and share their pain.

Recommendations: Don't get involved in company politics or the personal problems of your clients. Keep your wits about you, stay above the fray, and remain a neutral party. Sympathy is fine, but empathy crosses the line. Keep the relationship on a professional plane and refrain from responding to emotionally-laden appeals or outbursts. As long as you're the paragon of cool judgment and impartial observation, your status as a consultant will not be compromised.

Lessons Learned: The 10 Consultant Commandments

Everybody needs rules, principles, or commandments to guide them in business. These principles don't have to be written in stone, but they should form the backdrop of your decision making. Below are ten rules to minimize, if not neutralize, the effects wrought by difficult executives.

Get it in writing.

Most agreements don't need to be long, legal instruments; however, they should contain caveats to protect your interests and compensation. Spell out the scope of the work and cover yourself for any additional work requested. If you have out-of-pocket expenses and want reimbursement, then mention it. If you have specific billing and payment terms, be as unambiguous as possible in describing them. In the event that your contract gets terminated, it's important to have a cancellation clause to make sure you're paid for work completed to date. If any disputes arise, then consider adding a clause that spells out how any disputes might be arbitrated. Avoid lawyers at all costs. This is all common sense, but it bears repeating: Get the agreement signed and dated, keep the hard copy, and remember where you file it.

Get paid in advance.

Cash flow is everything. If a project is 45 days long and your payment terms are net 30, that's a month and a half before you see any money. Don't get behind the eight ball. If you have recurring work, make sure you get a retainer paid at the beginning of each month. If you're engaged on a project basis, then ask for one-half or one-third in advance. You can also seek additional protection by sending a progress bill if the project is delayed beyond its initially expected duration.

Set expectations.

The understanding you reach with your client at the very beginning of an engagement is critical to ensuring its success. Since many of the mutual expectations that you discuss initially will not be found in a written agreement, put them in an e-mail or a statement of work. Explain your process, define your deliverables, and describe the kind of resources and support you'll need from your client. Be sure to gauge the level of urgency and buy-in. Find out who the decision makers are and who will be reviewing your work. Get to know the Accounts Payable person and others who could serve as valuable allies. Walk in with both eyes open, and you'll be prepared for any unpleasant surprises.

Don't give away the store.

To maintain a viable consultancy, you need to know one thing - what you're worth to the client in dollars and "sense." Although your value to the open marketplace may be considerable, an individual client may think otherwise. Whatever you charge, you need to feel comfortable with it and have a minimum threshold you're willing to accept. Don't ever sell yourself short. By the same token, never tell the client everything you know. Sure, you may be able to solve multiple problems in one fell swoop; however, if it's beyond the scope of the agreement, keep mum and show some restraint. You don't want to blow your wad and lose out on future engagements. In other words, don't give away the store. Knowledge is golden. Hold some of it back for your own sake.

Keep selling.

You've honed your craft. You're competent at what you do. That doesn't mean your client perceives your true value. Just because you got the consulting gig doesn't mean you'll be around in a few months. To ensure your desirability, keep selling. That means demonstrate your value whenever possible and show your client the depth of your understanding and resourcefulness. Sometimes that will require reinventing yourself and your offerings from time to time. Tell your clients something new and don't let your pitch get rusty.

Seek win-win situations.

You've heard this all before, but it's a lot easier said than done. Every engagement into which you enter is a negotiation. You need to get what you want (terms, schedule, payment, etc.) as does your client. Since things never go as planned, misunderstandings are likely to develop and you may be asked to accelerate the work schedule, perform extra duties, or redo portions of your work. In other words, you need to be flexible. Keep in mind, though, that you're an equal partner in the win-win equation. It's advisable to meet the client a little more than halfway, but never all the way. Remember the wisdom of the following forced choice: good, fast, or cheap. Tell your clients they can pick only two of them.

Maintain your distance.

It is said that familiarity breeds contempt. This is no less true when it comes to consulting. To avoid smelling like a dead fish, keep cordial and maintain a proper distance. If you don't need to be on the premises, get out of Dodge. You don't want to be treated like an employee but, rather, the highly-talented, objective consultant that you are. Just like the Western hero whose special skills are required to fix a problem the townsfolk can't solve, you're a hired gun who engenders feelings of trust and admiration. You're paid to do a job. Keep the client happy, dazzle them with your expertise, and then leave town. However, since clients have a short memory, be sure to stay in touch down the line.

Cultivate a sense of humor.

A good sense of humor and the perspective that comes with being an objective outsider can really grease the skids in a business relationship. After all, it's just a job and you're not buying the place. Use humor to diffuse a situation, put clients at ease, and demonstrate that you take your responsibilities, not yourself, seriously. Consultants should act more like ice cream vendors. Every client has a sweet tooth. Your job is to touch a nerve, increase receptivity, and leave them smiling.

Take the high road.

Clients can act atrociously if they want, but you're the consummate professional. Even though it's tempting, put down the mud patty and try to live up to the highest of standards. Let them rant and rave. They're entitled to their opinion. But at least they can never say you've been unethical or unprofessional.

Know when to walk away.

Sometimes damage to the business relationship is irreparable...and it's not just a question of stubbornness. Not everyone is reasonable - or even rational for that matter. When all else has failed, it's better to cut your losses and call it quits. Deselect and decompress. Make it sound like a mutual decision (i.e., "it's better for the both of us" or "you need a different kind of agency or consultant"). Wish your client the best of luck and then move on.

Summary

Good consulting starts and ends with clear and open communications. A successful consultant is part salesperson, part psychologist, and part gunslinger. Managing the project and excelling at the work is only a small part of the equation. Understanding the vagaries of human nature and the fragility of the human ego are just as important. That includes "knowing thyself," too. After all, you're just as human as the next person.

Consulting is all about building and sustaining business relationships, the cornerstone of which is a healthy dose of common courtesy and mutual respect. Real people are more than the sum of their behaviors or the instructions on their archetypal labels. However, when you do run across the above mentioned eccentricities, see them for what they are (ugly little distractions), try to invalidate them with just the right word, gesture, or consulting agreement, and get on with the business at hand.

© 2007 Eric Stephen Swartz. All rights reserved.

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For Widows Only--6 Ways To Have A Happier New Year

Happy New Year! Yeah, I know. You're thinking what's with this writer? Life sucks without Him by your side. How dare she use the H word and wish me a Happy New Year.

Well, I feel your pain. Really, I do, because I am a widow, too. But, I'm here to tell you, everything will be alright. No, it won't be like it was before He left. But yes, you can and you will get through 2007--With a smile.

Here are 6 ways to have a happier New Year:

Control Your Tears.

Take a deep breath. Every time you feel a tear attack, poke your eyeball, take a step back. Inhale. Exhale.
A deep breath will help relax you. It will remind you to focus. And it will help you regain your self control.

Reduce Stress

Carry a notebook. Begin today.
No notebook? Carry 3x5 index cards. And don't forget a pen. Tote one of those too. Every time you feel pressured, write your feelings down. The time you take to write out what troubles you when it is happening will create a personal time out -- For you! What better way to reduce stress? Later, when you sit quiet reviewing your notes with a cup of tea at the corner diner, you will better be able to identify the things that irk you most. Think walk in the park. When you know to avoid that shiny 3-leafed plant that causes itches, you enjoy your outing.

Create A Family

Got family? I sure hope so. Having a healthy happy family support system is essential to heal a broken heart. Okay. You say all you got is a small brat dog and his little cat. Well, thassamifamileee2!

Write a schedule for whatever people and/or creatures that make up your family. Setting aside time for breakfast with your daughter before she leaves for work, is a start. Mark time for your son. Invite him for dinner. But be sure to pencil him in, just in case the wintry weather turns from rain to sleet and snow.

Remind yourself - be flexible, be prepared to change plans.

Schedule a time to walk doggy. Write it in your personal calendar box as a reminder. Be sure to bundle doggy, collar and leash him, and zip your jacket. Then get out the door and follow that four-footed fur ball twice around the block.

Keep up the good work.

And be sure to compliment yourself. Remember you're your own best friend. Take time to make time especially for you. Mark a box to pamper you. Fill your bathtub with chocolate kisses *hey, just checking to see if you're still reading* light two candles, one for you, one for Him. Then sink under the foam with a good book.

Prevent Grief Attacks

Sorry. There is nothing a widow can do to prevent a grief attack. You know those floppy flashbacks that flood our brain when we least expect it? Like death and taxes, flashbacks are here to stay. But, if you give yourself permission to feel sad, to feel ugly, to feel pain, it will make the occurrence feel less threatening and help you get back to living your life, at least for the rest of the day.

Eat Healthy Foods

Widows love chocolate. Widows love ice cream. Widows love whipped cream, heavy cream, and Oreo cookies, chips, dips, and frosted donuts with rainbow colored sprinkles. When there's no one to answer to, no one to cook for, no one to love us back, it's easy to fall into bad habits. So be vigilant, be strong, be reminded. Don't do it. Be your own best friend. Serve yourself a healthy salad, a grilled salmon steak, a leafy vegetable at least once a week. Save the carbs, the sweets, as your reward for making it through one more year without Him by your side to tell you you look great in that sexy red dress and 2" high heels.

Take Ten

Set aside ten minutes every day to write an entry in your JOY-nal. Write something about Him. Write something to Him. Perhaps, write something for Him. But do it. Mark your calendar. Check the battery in your watch. Then open your Joy-nal. Fingerhug your pen. And go.

I know it's hard living life without Him around to tell you how wonderfully important you really are. But take it from me, you really are. And if you follow my 6 ways to have a happier New Year outlined above, you will feel it, too. I promise.

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Playin ball with my TODO :)

She says she WON on this day and I had to buy the ICECREAM! I did not mind ;) 01-28-2010



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mvkxiFdWaU&hl=en

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"Weird Al" Yankovic - Since You've Been Gone

Since you've been gone Well, I feel like I've been chewin' on tinfoil Since you've been gone It's like I got a great big mouthful of colt-liver oil Oh well, I'm feelin' like I stuck my hand Inside a blender and turned it on You know, I've been in a buttload of pain Since you've been gone I couldn't feel any worse if you dropped A two-ton bowling ball on my toes It couldn't hurt anymore if you shoved A red-hot cactus up my nose Since you've been gone Well, it feels like I'm gettin' tetanus shots everyday Since you've been gone It's like I've got an ice cream headache That won't go away Ever since the day you left me I've been so miserable, my dear I feel almost as bad as I did When you were still here



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aVhtz3YK0s&hl=en

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Zelda OoT - Windmill Hut Ice Cream Maker

Me being a dork with my friend's ice cream maker



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U16NO6e6F8I&hl=en

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Grandma's Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing

When I was growing up as a small child, I always looked forward to the homemade chocolate cakes that my grandmother would make for my Birthday. In our family, my grandmother was a dedicated baker and would bake something for us every day. Thankfully, she passed on her love for baking to me.

This recipe is done the old-fashioned way and is topped off with some delicious chocolate icing. Once your cake is cooled, you will want to store it in a cake container. If it's hot and humid outside, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator.

Cake Ingredients:

1/2 pound butter, softened
5 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup evaporated canned milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Slowly add in the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Slowly add 1/2 of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat for 1 minute. Pour in the 1/2 cup of milk and beat again, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat again. Finally, stir in the 1/4 cup of evaporated milk and beat until all ingredients are well combined.

Note: If your batter seems really stiff, add a little additional milk.

Lightly spray a 9 x 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes or until cake is done in the center. Cool cake on a wire rack.

Chocolate Icing Ingredients:

2 1/2 squares baking chocolate
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large saucepan, melt the baking chocolate over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 to 3 minutes or until a soft ball forms when dropped into cold water. Remove pan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Beat icing by hand until it is thick enough to spread on your cooled cake.

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Betty's Version of Maker's Mark Bourbon Balls Recipe

In this video, Betty demonstrates how to make delicious and seasonal Bourbon Balls, made from the recipe of Maker's Mark. I received this recipe when Rick and I went on a tour of Maker's Mark Distillery at Loretto, Kentucky. (If you are interested in the tour, please view my video, Bettys Trip to Maker's Mark Distillery with Rick.) I wanted to share this recipe with you, because it is a perfect candy to have on hand as the holiday season approaches. This candy freezes well, so you can make it early on, and have it ready for guests at a moments notice! I also like them when I have a taste for just a little something sweet. I actually like them better frozen! Ingredients: 1 pound box confectioner's sugar 1 stick melted butter ½ cup Makers Mark Bourbon whisky 1 cup chopped pecans (Also needed: chocolate and parafin for coating) Soak nuts in Bourbon overnight. Combine all ingredients (except coating materials) and refrigerate until firm. Roll in small balls and dip in Bakers semi-sweet chocolate melted with paraffin. (I used a 12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips, mixed with 1 oz. paraffin in a double boiler. I then coated the Bourbon balls with the chocolate mixture, and placed them on waxed paper to set up. I placed a single half-pecan piece on the top of each piece of candy, and pressed it lightly while the coating was still hot. I let the finished Bourbon balls cool. You can use a refrigerator or freezer to speed up the process. Then I placed them in a candy dish for ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lm98H8FtiM&hl=en

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Alice Cooper Seven & Seven Is

"Seven & Seven Is" is a song from the band Love, written by Arthur Lee and recorded on June 20, 1966 at Sunset Sound Recorders in Hollywood. I think Alice does a great cover. The lyrics very from Website to Website so I just winged it. If I screwed up in some places, sorry. Hope you enjoy it, as always comments welcome. Year: 1981 Album: Special Forces.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u71I_OpaKJc&hl=en

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Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes - Discover the Best Two Recipes of All Time

Image : http://www.flickr.com

I love vanilla ice cream just like most of us do. I never get tired of it, which is why; I sought a way to have an endless supply without hurting my budget. I looked for vanilla ice cream recipes, studied them and then started making them. These are my favorite 2 of all time! I hope you enjoy them too!

Here are the ingredients I use in making my specialty ice cream.

4 egg yolks
250ml of milk
250ml of heavy cream
100g caster sugar
1 vanilla pod

Pour the milk into the saucepan over a medium heat. Wait for it to boil then slice the vanilla pod in the middle before putting it in. Let the two combine totally, it may take around 15 to 20 minutes, set the temp to low now.

While waiting, mix the egg yolks and the sugar in a bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes fluffy and light. The milk should be ready by now, remove the pods and scrape the seeds into the milk then pour it into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking slowly.

When everything is well blended, pour the mixture back into the pan in low fire. Do not let the mixture boil; continue stirring until you see film forming, you may then turn of the stove. Allow it to cool before mixing in the heavy cream. Place everything in your ice cream maker and let it freeze, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instruction. Once done, get a big serving and enjoy!

Here is a really fast and easy one...

4 eggs
4 cups cream
2 1//2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla
6 cups milk
½ teaspoon salt

In your ice cream freezer can beat eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Then add the rest of the ingredients. Freeze as directed.

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A-Trak - Ice Cream On Blast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Zk6wD2UXI&hl=en

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Doc at the helm

Stuart throws the ball downfield



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IheWAuxzvz4&hl=en

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The Cuisinart Ice 20 Ice Cream Maker

The Cuisinart Ice 20 is an ice cream and frozen yoghurt maker that can be used at home each and every day with minimum effort. It is easily adjustable for any type of frozen treat you'd like to give yourself or your children and best of all, once it's bought, making delicious ice cream really becomes dirt cheap since all the ingredients you need are really not expensive and can be bought in larger quantities if you wish.

The Cuisinart icecream machine works as most icecream makers do, by refrigerating and mixing a liquid preparation until it is frozen but smooth, just like real ice cream should. Now how does it work? Well, firstly you take the cooling battery and put it in the freezer for a few nights where it'll freeze and charge itself with cooling power. Then this battery is taken out of the freezer and put in the machine. Now the liquid preparation you made is poured into the machine, where it will start to freeze. In order to accelerate the cooling process and prevent the liquid from becoming a frozen block of ice, the machine mixes it all around for up to an hour, and there you go: You just made a wonderfully smooth and creamy ice cream. Whatever you start with, be it yoghurt, cream or simply fruit juice, you can make tasty and wonderful treats with the Cuisinart Ice 20.

The most important thing to consider here is of course the low price tag of the ice-cream, the fact that it is available whenever you want it and the freshness and natural qualities of that ice-cream. Why would you want to give your children those chemically sweetened and flavored industrially made ice cream sticks when you can provide them with a wonderfully tasty and fresh treat without any chemical additions? They're already exposed to enough chemical waste and food additions, so when they're at home they should at least be able to eat something healthy and tasty at the same time.

Just imagine these summer heats when you don't know where to go or what to wear and you're sweating your way through the day? How wonderful is it then to make some wonderfully creamy ice cream in a matter of hours, a big box full you can eat all over the day and put back in the freezer whenever you feel like it? Well, this freedom is exactly what the Cuisinart Ice 20 offers you, and believe me when I say: You'll never eat "normal" ice cream anymore once you tasted homemade!

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Instant Sanka Coffee with Lucy & Desi

Three things I can't stand are pre-popped popcorn, cheap ice cream or instant coffee!! That said, I wonder what this granulated stuff in the ugly jar taste like?!? But I enjoy watching Lucy and Desi plug it, with Desi's three manicures in one day...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOSIcmk27rM&hl=en

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Cuisinart ICE-30BC 2 Quart Ice Cream Maker - A Great Idea for a Kitchen Gift

Who doesn't love ice cream? Or frozen yogurt and sorbet? Know someone who spends a lot on it? At 5 or $6 a tub, it can add up very quickly. Think of how happy they would be to get an ice cream maker? A great kitchen gift idea, right? And you would likely get to share in the bounty as well!

The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Maker would be a great addition to anyone's kitchen. Hmm, homemade ice cream in less than 25 minutes. It would take you that long to drive to a parlor for two scoops, or to drive to the grocery store and back, if you didn't have your freezer stocked already. And you can make whatever flavour you want! You're not constrained to what others are offering. And it's dead simple to use the CUisinart 30BC. All you do is add your ingredients, turn on the machine, and in a short time you could have 2 quarts of premium product.

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Features

Fully automatic machine also produces sorbet, frozen yogurt
Housing is made from brushed stainless steel
Heavy duty motor
Large spout makes adding ingredients easy
2 quart freezer bowl is double insulated
Freezer bowl and mixing paddle remove for easy cleanup
Transparent Easy-Lock lid lets you watch the process
Nonslip rubber feet hold the base in place while in use
Cord can be stored in the base of the unit

Cuisinart ICE-30BC Specifications

Measures approximately 8-1/4 by 8 by 11-1/4 inches
Weighs approximately 12-1/2 pounds
3 year limited warranty
Instruction book and recipes included

The Cuisinart 30BC is a Great Kitchen Gift Idea!

Convinced yet, that this is a good idea when considering kitchen gifts? Of course, as with anything else, you can't please all of the people all of the time, so you might want to read some of the negative reviews before you buy this. But believe me, they are far surpassed by the great reviews.

Not sure that this is the right ice cream maker? There is a full lineup of Cuisinart Ice Cream Makers, so you are not limited to this model. The Cuisinart ICE-50BC Supreme is their deluxe model.

Here's a tip from one reviewer. She states that she bought the Ben and Jerry's Cookbook and has been using the recipes from that to make her own ice cream. But another complains that now they have too much ice cream because this machine does such a good job. Who ever heard of such a thing? How can you have too much ice cream? Seriously though, this machine is as good as it gets in its price range.

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Coffee Ice Cream - The Ultimate Summer Treat

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Coffee ice cream has to be one of the most refreshing summer treats available. This tasty, frozen dessert combines the refreshing coolness of ice cream with the tantalizing flavor of coffee. Factor in a little energy boost from the coffee...and you've got yourself a super summer treat!

Thinking that frozen coffee treats are just reserved for specialty shops and that only gourmet chefs can churn out this fantastic treat, it's a wonderful surprise to taste the product of this recipe for the first time! Yup! You can make this great tasting dessert in the comfort of your own home!

Whether you're heading out to cut the grass, you've just come in from weeding the garden, or you just want a chilled bowl full of frozen goodness...you'll be happy to relax with the tasty treat made from this simple recipe. You'll be surprised that you made it yourself!

This recipe is versatile. You can make it to suit your "coffee tastes and preferences." Some people like their coffee weak; others will only drink it strong. Some people are adamant regular flavored coffee drinkers; others love the variety of flavored coffee now and then. Some people choose espresso over coffee.

When it comes to this recipe, you can adjust it to suit your likes and churn out a treat that's perfect for you!

Do you like your coffee strong or weak? Use more or less coffee to suit your preference!

Are you in the mood for flavored coffee? Simply use your favorite flavored instant coffee!

Do you like coffee or espresso better? Use your favorite instant coffee or espresso!

Ingredients

1 cup milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp instant coffee or espresso (2 tbsp for a weaker flavor, 2 1/2 tbsp for a moderate coffee flavor)
2 cups heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions for Making Homemade Coffee Ice Cream

Step 1: With an electric mixer or whisk, mix milk, granulated sugar, and instant coffee until the sugar and coffee have completely dissolved.

Step 2: Stir heavy cream and vanilla extract into the coffee mixture.

Step 3: Pour mixture into your ice cream maker.

Step 4: Mix ingredients in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's directions. Ice cream will be thick when finished.

Step 5: Dig in and enjoy!

With your bowl filled to overflowing with this tasty bowl of homemade coffee ice cream, you can sit back...relax...and enjoy the beautiful day!

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Street on Shinjuku, Tokyo + vending machines

Street on Shinjuku, Tokyo + vending machines



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=287HwnSXjf8&hl=en

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Wintergreen

As we drove along the dirt road north of our farm one Sunday afternoon, the color of the sky reminded me of Mom's silver cream and sugar servers when they were tarnished and needed to be polished again.

Since morning, the sky had been cloudy, but now at mid-afternoon, the clouds had grown much thicker and darker. Earlier in December we had gotten a little snow. Several forty-degree days had melted most of it, and the landscape was a combination of dun-colored grass, black tree branches and the russet color of certain oak leaves.

Every year in December, Dad and I went on a Christmas tree expedition, and we were on our way now over to what we called our 'other place' to cut a tree. During the summer, I made frequent trips to the other place, a second farm my parents owned that was about a mile away, to help Dad with the haying or just to tag along when he checked on the corn or the oats or the soybeans.

But after school started, I rarely went to the other place, and it always took me by surprise how different it looked in the winter. Instead of green alfalfa and timothy and clover waving in a warm south breeze, what had grown back after third crop was now brown stubble that trembled in the face of a north wind. The fields were strangely silent now, too, without the songs of meadowlarks and bobolinks, and the bobwhite quail which lived in the narrow section of woods lining the road.

We were only about five minutes into our journey when Dad shifted the pickup truck down into first gear and then eased into the field driveway. The rutted track that ran along the edge of the hayfield was so bumpy that a merry jingling came from the glove compartment -- probably a few bolts and washers, along with a couple of wrenches and maybe a screwdriver or two. When you're a farmer, you never know when you might need a wrench or a screwdriver or a bolt.

"Is it going to snow, Daddy?" I asked. Now that we had gotten past the trees lining the road, the sky had opened in front of us again.

Dad leaned forward to look up through the windshield.

"I'd say there's a pretty good chance," he replied.

"How much?"

My father shrugged. "Don't know. Maybe quite a bit. Wind's out of the east. And that usually means we'll get at least enough to shovel. Could be a lot more, though."

When we reached the pine plantation at the other end of the field, Dad turned the truck around, driving forward a few feet then backing up, then driving forward and then back again, forward and back, until we were facing in the direction we had come. He let the engine idle for a few seconds before shutting it off.

"Daddy?" I said, as we started walking toward the rows of planted red pine. "When do you think it will start to snow?"

Dad stopped and tipped his head back. "Soon," he said, "that wind feels raw and damp."

When my father said 'soon,' I was not expecting it to start snowing within the next ten minutes. At first, while we were cutting the tree we had selected, only a few random flakes drifted to the ground. By the time we reached the truck and had securely stowed our Christmas tree in the back, it was already snowing harder.

"If it keeps up like this all night, you won't have school tomorrow," Dad said as he started the truck. He slowly let out the clutch, and soon we were retracing our route along the field driveway. He turned on the windshield wipers, and with each pass -- clickety-snick, clickety-snick -- the wipers cleared an arc through the wet flakes plastered to the glass.

After we had pulled onto the dirt road, Dad shifted into second gear, although when we reached the 'Y' -- where you could either turn left to go toward our farm, or right to go toward the house that had at one time been part of our other place -- he shifted into first gear again.

"Hope we make it up the hill," he said, glancing at me. "Wet snow makes the road kind of slick."

It was touch and go for a few seconds when the back wheels started spinning, but finally we reached the point where the hill leveled off. Trees grew on both sides of the road here, and to the right, a steep bank gave rise to a small wooded hillside.

"Look," Dad said, pointing toward the bank. He inched over to the side of the road and stopped.

I peered through the curtain of falling snow. The bank looked pretty much the same as it always had -- exposed tree roots, patches of moss and bare spots where flat sandstone rocks had slid toward the road.

"What do you see?" I asked.

"Wintergreen," Dad answered. He shut off the truck and opened the door.

Wintergreen?

The first time I had tasted wintergreen, I decided that it was my favorite flavor. Peppermint was a little too sharp, although candy canes at Christmas were all right. Spearmint didn't taste like much of anything. Wintergreen, it seemed to me, was just right. In my opinion, Teaberry gum was the best, with wintergreen Lifesavers following as a close second.

Dad liked wintergreen too. Lifesaver books were popular gift exchanges at school for our Christmas party, and if the person who had drawn my name gave me a Lifesaver book, I would trade with other kids who had also gotten books. Sometimes I managed to acquire several extra rolls of wintergreen. Then I would share them with Dad. I thought Teaberry gum was better than candy because the taste lasted longer, but Dad preferred Lifesavers. Gum, he said, stuck to his dentures.

During the summer, every time I went to town with Dad to grind feed, I hoped he would buy a package of my favorite candy or gum. Not at the feed mill, of course. They didn't sell Teaberry gum or Lifesavers at the feed mill. But if we went to the restaurant for pie while we waited for our feed, or if Mom had asked Dad to pick up a couple of things at the grocery store, I would try to talk him into buying some gum or candy.

Going to the feed mill with Dad was a summertime activity, however, and there were long stretches during the school year when I never even saw a package of Teaberry gum or a roll of Lifesavers, much less had any in my possession.

So what was Dad talking about when he had stopped the truck and said, "wintergreen?"

I stared at the embankment and then at the hill beyond but I couldn't see anything out of the ordinary. I shut the truck door behind me just as Dad scrambled nimbly up the bank into the woods.

"It's growing all over here," he said, pointing to the ground. "They've got berries, too."

I struggled up the bank behind him to get a closer look. Underfoot were small plants with shiny green leaves.

"That green stuff is wintergreen?" I said.

My father nodded.

"Like what they use to make gum?"

"Yup. Here. Taste."

He reached down and picked a couple of small, pinkish-red berries, popping one into his mouth and handing one to me.

I sniffed the berry. It smelled like wintergreen, all right, but I wasn't one bit sure about eating the thing.

"Taste it," Dad urged. "You'll be surprised."

So, I ate the berry. It had a strange consistency -- sort of dry and mushy, all at the same time. . .and then my mouth was filled with the marvelous taste of wintergreen. The same as my favorite gum, but different, too. More delicate.

"It's good!" I exclaimed, grinning. Then I frowned. "How come we haven't seen it before?"

"Usually too much snow by this time," Dad said.

"What about in the summer, though?"

"Too much underbrush and other green things."

"And this is really the stuff they use in gum?" I asked.

Dad took his cap off, slapped it against his leg to rid it of snow and then put it back on his head.

"Well. . .they probably don't go into the woods and pick wild wintergreen. People probably raise it and sell it, and I think they might use the leaves rather than the berries, but yes, this is the stuff."

By now the snow was falling so hard it made a hissing noise as it struck the copper-colored oak leaves above us. Unlike other trees, some of the oaks, I had noticed, keep their leaves until spring.

"How do you know so much about wintergreen?" I asked.

"Oh," Dad said, "when we were kids, we used to pick it so we could make ice cream."

I turned to look at him. "Ice cream?"

"Our kind of ice cream, anyway. A little dish of snow with winter-green berries mixed in."

Suddenly I struck upon a wonderful idea.

"I know! I can try some right now."

I took off my mitten, picked a few wintergreen berries and scooped a small handful of fluffy, fresh snow. I put the berries in the snow, and -- well -- I have to admit it was pretty tasty.

I put my mitten back on. "Didn't you have real ice cream when you were growing up, Dad?"

My father smiled. "Sure -- sometimes. Not store bought, though. We made our own with a hand-cranked ice cream freezer. But that was mostly in the summertime. We thought wintergreen ice cream was an awful lot of fun."

Dad had been the middle child among several older brothers, an older sister, and three younger sisters. My grandparents had worked as cooks in a lumber camp in northern Wisconsin in the early 1900s. Many years ago, long before I was born, Dad had made his living cutting pulp wood.

"Daddy? How did you see the wintergreen from the road?" I asked.

My father hesitated before answering. "I didn't see it. Not today, at least."

I stopped trying to adjust my mitten so the thumb lined up like it was supposed to and turned my full attention toward Dad.

"Remember last fall, when the county forester came out here?" he asked.

"Yeah, I remember."

Just on the other side of the small wooded hill was a two-acre stand of tall red pine with a couple of rows of white pine next to the road. Dad said the trees were among the oldest of the plantations in the county that had been planted just after the Great Depression to keep the sandy soil from eroding. Nearly every year, the forester would come out to check on them. One year he used Dad's pine trees to demonstrate a brand new trimming device to foresters from other counties.

Well," Dad continued, "while we were out here, I decided to take a little walk. I don't get much of a chance just to walk around back here."

"And that's when you saw the wintergreen?"

Dad nodded. "I was waiting for the right opportunity to show it to you."

He turned back toward the truck. "It'll be dark soon. We'd better get home. The cows are waiting to be milked."

As we slid down the embankment, I glanced over my shoulder.

Wintergreen.

Growing in the woods not far from my house.

And in that instant, I knew gum and candy would never again taste quite the same.

From the book: Christmas In Dairyland (True Stories From a Wisconsin Farm)
http://ruralroute2.com

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Coca Cola 36000BPH

Dear Sir： This is Shirley from Hong Guan Machinery Co., LTD. Now I am writing for you to seek the opportunity to establish the business relations with your company. We are one of the largest professional food machine manufacturing company in China and Taiwan. We have 40 years of business experience. We not only manufacture machinery, but also we provide professional planning, design, and support. Our quality of service and technological standards are stable and innovative. Our company has not only one factory in Taiwan but we also have another producing line equipments in China Hefei and Zhangjiagang city. We specialized in producing line of drinks, beer ,orange, dairy and water equipments We approach you today in the hope of establishing business relationships with you and expect, by your joint effects, to enlarge our business scope. In order to acquaint you with our business lines, we really warmly welcome you for coming here and visiting our factory. We really feel honored when we cooperation with your large and famous company together. Our products are as following: HOMOGENIZER 250L--20000L/HR Integrate systems of Liquid Processing 2000 ~ 36000 BPH / PET, Glass Bottle for Tea (Juice) Hot Filling Line. 2000 ~ 48000 BPH / PET, Glass Bottle for Carbonated Soft Drink Filling Line. 3000 ~ 36000 BPH / for Mineral Water Filling Line. 3000 ~ 48000 BPH / PET, Glass Bottle for Beer Filling Line. 2000 ~ 30000 BPH / Beverage and Aluminum Can Beer Filling Line. 2000 ~ 18000 BPH ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YPt4RF5VYo&hl=en

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YouTube Poop: .....All Because of Dexter's Pickles

Dexter YouTube Poop Will Dexter ever gonna get an ice cream from the ice cream man who got pissed off at him because he paid him with pickles?!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mAOLf9aSBc&hl=en

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trouble maker weezer with lyrics

lyrics in description no copyright intended Put me in a special school Cause I am such a fool And I dont need a single book To teach me how to read Who needs stupid books They are for petty crooks And I will learn by studying The lesson in my dreams So turn off the TV Cause that?s what others see And movies are as bad as Eating chocolate ice cream They only sicken me Dont let me play football Ill sack the quarterback And jack the brother of the ball Im a troublemaker Never been a faker Doing things my own way And never giving up I?ma troublemaker Not a double taker I don?t have the patience To keep it on the up I picked up a guitar What does this signify I?m gonna play some heavy metal riffs And you will die You wanted arts and crafts How?s this for arts and crafts Thats right Im growing out my hair Im movin? out to Cherokee Im gonna be a rock star And you will go to bed with me Cause I cant work a job Like any other slob Punchin in and punchin? out And suckin' up to Bob Marrying a bitch Having 7 kids Giving up and growing old And hoping there?sa God Im a troublemaker Never been a faker Doing things my own way And never giving up Im a troublemaker Not a double taker I dont have the patience To keep it on the up Im gonna be a star And people will crane necks To get a glimpse of me And see if I am having *** In studying my moves They try to understand Why I am so unlike the singers In the other bands Im such a mystery As anyone can see There isnt anybody else Exactly quite ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohRramIaBLg&hl=en

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Fun Wedding Favor Ideas

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Have you started looking around for your wedding favors yet? The selection can be overwhelming. There are wedding favors available for every theme, idea, location and personal taste.

One thing you most likely want from your wedding favors is that they are not only practical but fun too. You want your guests to really be glad they've received this memento from you to remember your wedding day and how special it was for not only you ' but for them too.

The best way to guarantee your guests will look back fondly on your wedding day is to give them a fun, but practical wedding favor. Think of practical wedding favors as items that may be used in your guest's houses as the occasion arises.

A few great examples of practical wedding favors are bottle stoppers, measuring spoons, coffee scoops and candles. Now, let's add the fun factor to these same practical favors. If you're having a beach themed wedding, beach ball wedding favors are sure to bring a smile to the faces of your guests. Imagine how cute those little beach balls will look perched on top wine bottles at this summers picnics and barbecues.

Ice cream scoops are fun just as they are. What could be more fun than a scoop of your favorite ice cream any day of the year? Having the ice cream scoop in the shape of a heart adds even more fun factor to this particular favor.

What about the coffee drinkers of the world? Are you a Starbucks fanatic? Then for your wedding favor you may want to choose a cute coffee scoop that may be used with either an Espresso Machine or coffee pot. This coffee favor is sure to be used just about daily in your guest's homes. Coffee, not quite your thing but tea is? An adorable little tea infuser in the shape of a heart would be the perfect fun favor for your wedding.

Luggage tags are the perfect fun wedding favor idea. Just looking at a luggage tag allows you to daydream of that perfect vacation. Although your guests may not see this particular fun favor everyday like they would a coffee scoop, you can be sure they will put this cute little luggage tag favor right on their suitcase for future vacations and adventures.

Candle wedding favors are at the top of the list for fun. Think of the many wonderful candle themes available for your wedding. Having a nautical themed wedding in the Northeast? Choose a sailboat candle as your party favor. How about a Hawaiian Luau wedding reception? Then the flip flop candle favor is the fun choice for you.

Are you the princess of the ball at your wedding reception? There are many fun, fairytale party favors you should take a look at. How about a carriage candle favor that will remind your guests of the magical time they had with you on your wedding day. Another fun option for a fairytale wedding could be a teacup candle favor that is so adorable your guests will want to display it in their homes.

If you keep fun in mind when selecting your wedding favors, you are sure to choose a favor that your guests will love to take home with them. Happy Favor Hunting.

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Irresistible Chocolate and Ice Cream Tastes

If there is something that everybody loves it has to be chocolate and ice cream, a delight for all seasons, holidays or no holidays. It is a great gift to a loved one, whether in Christmas season or at the commemoration of Valentine. Chocolates and creams are a treat for the whole family and a wonderful package for the journey. What's more, you can even send it as a gift through making an order online and it will be delivered to your loved one.

Some chocolate best sellers worth checking out include Mango Mini Cup, Fleur de Sel Caramel, and Black Licorice among other great choices. With Fleur del Sel Caramel Choice Ice creams, you have chocolate and Cream in one, offering you a chance to enjoy a most irresistible product. It is blended into the Caramel Ice Creams with a great chocolate coating, perfected by caramel ribbons with accents from the exotic French sea salt.

This product, known as Haagen Dazs, is crisply enriched with salty nuances and creamy caramel to give you a combined salty and sweet taste. The interesting part is that Fleur de Sel or simply the 'salt flower' is one of those rare salts in the wide world, harvested carefully by hand on the Coast of Brittany in France.

Ever tried the Ciao Bella Mango Sorbet (Alphonso)? It is a realm of tropical goodness in your mouth, luxurious and magnanimously refreshing with a smooth quality about it. The Ciao Bella offers you the chance to treat your taste buds with a sensational fruity choice, elevating your senses all the way.

With chocolate, you are spoilt for choice. Some great tastes to check out include the Banana Ice cream in Fudge Chunks and Walnuts, Chocolate and Vanilla cream anointed with Chocolate Chip Gobs, Peanut butter cream cup, The New York Super ice creams chunks as well as Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. They are great tastes that will make somebody feel appreciated at any time of the day and in any season of the year.

There are so many Chocolate tastes to checkout, with local or foreign blends, but all have one thing in common: Irresistible

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How to Get a Six Pack in 2 Weeks to a Month - 5 Tips

Six Pack abs is a dream for many today. So how is it possible to get a set of rock-hard six pack abs then? First of all you need to burn off your unwanted belly fat, which is hiding your six-pack abs. There are several ways to do this, and I'm going to help you on the way with this today. In this article you can find 5 tips to help you get a six pack in 2 weeks to a month successfully.

1. Regular Crunches.

This is a technique that most people know how to do. To perform crunches, you need to lie down on a flat surface, and keep your hands on your chest or behind your head. Then remember to concentrate on your abdominal muscles as you contract your abs. Keep you abs concentrated for about 2 - 3 seconds, and then lie down on your back again. Repeat this routine for a couple of times.

2. Bicycle Crunch.

This is a similar technique to as when you ride your bike. To perform a bicycle crunch you need to lie down on a flat surface, and raise your knees up to a 45 degrees angle. Then perform a pedaling motion just like when you ride you bike.

3. Side Crunches.

Side crunches can help you burn off unwanted fat from the sides of your abs (or your love handles). This is a similar technique as with the regular crunches, but instead you will be crunching to either side of your abs.

4. Use a Stability Ball or Medicine Ball.

A stability ball can be a great tool to help you make your crunches more effective. You can use a stability ball when you make regular crunches or side crunches. Here you will also lie down on a plain surface, but instead put your legs on top of the stability ball. The contract your abs in the same way as with the regular crunches or side crunches. This is also a way to help you improve your balance, as well as make your crunches more effective.

5. Add Proper Nutrition to Your Menu.

The food you eat will also have a big impact on your future success or not. If you want to get rid of your unwanted belly fat, and reveal your six pack, it's important to make healthy food choices, as well as to replace junk foods that easily can be stored as fat on your belly (or at least eat them in moderation.) Try to replace fried foods and fast food with lean meats, fish & chicken, as well as add plenty of vegetables and fruits to your menu. Fruits can for example be a great choice as snacks instead of cookies, ice cream & other goodies. This will also help you increase your chances to get a six pack in 2 weeks to a month successfully.

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How to Have a Cooler Day With a Krup Ice Cream Maker

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During a hot day, people just want to relax and forget about the heat for even a minute. They do this by eating cold snacks like ice cream, making the fan face them or chill out in the pool. One of the best things that a person can do is to whip up his very own icy snack using the Krup ice cream maker.

Eating these cold snacks like those coming from dairy queen is something most people enjoy doing. It helps them ease themselves of the warmth and humidity surrounding him. In addition, they too can turn this hobby into their own business thus making them earn more money.

Other type of cold snack is like a drink but it is made out of ice ball and then there is just syrup poured on top of it. The ice turns into water enabling the customer to drink it easily.

Lastly, such cakes are another way to have a cooler day. You can even make one your own. You just have to find an article on how to make it and you can do it yourself afterwards. Besides, how hard is it to make one if you already have it.

The Krup ice cream maker is just one of the much equipment you can use to create your very own wintry snack. A frosty snack is what everyone needs during a hot day. More so, you can experiment on what other cold snacks you can have by using the ingredients that you have in your fridge or pantry.

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How to Make Your Sushi Business a Success!

Starting a sushi business isn't as easy as it may seem. Yes, you may have the passion for making sushi, but it is not all that it takes to put up the business. Most of those who solely based their interest in starting their sushi business on this passion ended up as failures.

For those who are dreaming of setting up sushi establishments, as well as those who want to boost the productivity of their existing business, it is important to realize the key success providers. They are considered by the experienced proprietors, and these may give you success in your business quest, too.

First, you need to practice our managerial skills. Lay down your plans, your visions and your objectives, and then set priorities. Do you want to add some more lighting in your bar? Do you want more space for your establishment? Put them all down, your ideas and goals, and try to work on them each on a certain time. You may want to hire sushi consultants to back you up with the right advices on how to keep your business rolling. Just be sure that you get the results you want from them. You may research on the internet on various sushi business consultancies to know about their background in the business and how much are their fees. A Japan-based consultancy firm is usually the most reliable, but you may still try on others since sushi consulting fees vary by proximity and demand.

Second, boost your marketing strategy. Are your prices and promos good for a certain time? Are your prices reasonable? Before making a major decision in your marketing strategy, study first the previous performance of your sushi business. If it's doing well during those times, put on hold your decision to change your strategy until you notice a blip in your success meter. Welcome some advices from your sushi business consultant. Also, observe the buying pattern of your customers. One marketing strategy is to showcase your sushi products in the local market. You may decide if the products to be sold in the local dry market will be higher or lower than their actual prices in your restaurant. This is a strategy not only to expand your market, but also to promote your sushi business.

Lastly, make use of the available technology for your sushi business. This may include sushi making machines-the maki roll cutter, origini or rice ball machine and the wrapping machine. A sushi conveyor belt is a plus, but this may put a crimp in your capital. Sushi conveyor belt is expensive, and it will continuously cost you bills for running its motor. However, such highly-priced equipments are all valuable to your business, especially if you are planning to run a mass-producing sushi restaurant. The said equipments will save you time, manpower and labor costs while performing twice your speed and efficiency. It is also advisable that you negotiate first with a sushi machine supplier. Your supplier will have the idea of what you might need in your sushi restaurant and he will suggest the right machines that are suitable for those needs.

With all these key success providers working for you, you are now prepared to take steps further for the success of your venture.

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Batman is in Gotham City, and the Party is On!

Batman is a timeless classic that never loses his appeal. Batman cakes, party decorations, party favors, and party packs are easy to find in party supply stores, online, or in department stores. Invitations are easy to make. Just purchase black construction paper, cut into bat shapes, use a silver gel pen to invite the guests to "Gotham City" to help Batman and Robin fight crime!

Send invitations early, at least two weeks in advance, and send a reminder, including a map with directions to "the bat cave" specifying again the date and time to drop off and pick up guests. Enlist the aid of neighborhood babysitters, teenaged siblings, or relatives to help direct the Gotham City traffic, and the caped crusaders are certain to be victorious!

Batman Party Games and Activities

Using inexpensive 36 or 45-inch wide black fabric, such as double knit, cut out simple capes (rectangles that can be tied by the corners) with pinking shears, and have one of your helpers paint on mask outlines and/or small bats, onto the faces of the guests.

Simple games are the best for younger children's parties, and "Follow the Joker" is always a hit. Each child can have a turn at being the leader.
Put small bat stickers (bats can be cut out of black construction paper, and glued with crazy glue, if you can't find bat stickers) on the lens of inexpensive flashlights (easily found at dollar shops) so that when the room is dark, each child can send his own Gotham City bat signal!

Using a large clear or white sheet of plastic, paint a black bat in the center, and put it in the middle of the floor. Allow each guest to make an airplane out of black construction paper, then each gets several chances to fly their plane onto the bat to win a prize.

A fun and easy game is a pass the "bat-ball" relay. Guests divide up into teams of five or so. Each team is given a plastic ball, onto which you have affixed batman stickers, painted names of villains, like Joker, Penguin, and Cat Woman. The teams form a line, with the person at the head of the line holding the ball. The first player passes the ball over his head to the person standing behind him. That person passes it between his legs to the next person, continuing until the person at the beginning of the line is again holding the ball. Prizes can be given for the first team to complete the game, and all the runners up.

BATMAN PARTY FAVORS AND GOODY BAGS
Fill a Batman party favor bag with batman stickers, toy "bat-a-rangs," comic books, coloring books, and washable bat markers, and Batman fruit snacks and other related toys. Consider giving the batman balls used in the bat-ball relay as gifts for the big game winners.
Bat Menu

Poison Ivy Floats, made with ginger ale, Lemon-lime soft drink mix, and lime sherbet.
Bat Sandwiches, simple PB&J sandwiches cut out with a bat cookie cutter.
Bat Cake and ice cream.

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