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  • Heritage: Two Egyptian tombs restored, opened to public

    Heritage: Two Egyptian tombs restored, opened to public
    Two tombs of ancient Egyptian high officials near the Great Pyramid were opened to public after the completion of their renovation work, announced Antiquities Minister Mamdouh el-Damaty Monday.

    Two Egyptian tombs restored, opened to public
    Relief showing daily life activities at the tomb of Neferbau Ptah 
    [Credit: The Cairo Post]

    Started in 2010, the renovation of the two tombs resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the political turmoil that followed the January 25 Revolution, head of the Projects Department at the Antiquities Ministry Waad Allah Abul Ela told The Cairo Post Tuesday.

    According to Abul Ela, “The restoration work on the two tombs included cleaning and reinforcing walls and installing lighting and ventilation systems. New ceilings and roofs have been added as well as wooden floor coverings.”

    According to the Antiquities Minister Mamdouh el-Damaty, “The first tomb belonged to Imery, a high priest and administrative overseer of the royal court during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu (2589 B.C.-2566 B.C.) while the second belonged to Neferbau Ptah, Imery’s eldest son who was an overseer of the royal estates and a superintendent of the royal palace during the 5th Dynasty (2494 B.C.-2345 B.C.)

    Two Egyptian tombs restored, opened to public
    Standing statue of Imery [Credit: The Cairo Post]

    The four-year renovation was carried out under the supervision Supreme Council of Antiquities, said Damaty.

    “The restoration work in Imery’s tomb included the removal of modern graffiti left by visitors on the walls of the tomb—particularly in the burial chamber—along with the removal of the old finishing mortar, which was falling from the walls,” Abul Ela said, adding that new mortar was then applied to the walls.

    Located in the southwestern corner of the western necropolis at Giza, the tomb of Imery includes a number of vividly colored paintings covering the walls representing most of the practices of Imery’s everyday life with his family, archaeologist Sherif el-Sabban told The Cairo Post Tuesday.

    Two Egyptian tombs restored, opened to public
    Offering scene at the tomb of Imery [Credit: The Cairo Post]

    According to Abul Ela, the tomb of Neferbau Ptah, which was unearthed in 1925, is badly damaged “due to the poor condition of the rock from which it was carved in the cliff and also due to the old-fashioned sanitation system installed in an unscientific method in the nearby Nazlet al-Samman suburb.”

    “The renovation work in this tomb included restoring and strengthening the paintings and fixing the fading colors,” he added.

    Neferbau Ptah’s tomb comprises five rooms and a crypt along with a life size rock carved statue in the western wall, Sabban said, adding that “the harvest scenes depicted at the tomb’s eastern wall are the most beautiful of the drawings in the tomb.”

    Author: Rany Mostafa | Source: The Cairo Post [April 29, 2015]

  • Modern mailboxes for your correspondence

    Modern mailboxes for your correspondence

    Mailbox

    Many consider, that absolutely the Internet can shortly replace all. But, the Internet can and will replace much, but all is far not. As dialogue for the person plays the big role, and direct contact can replace nothing to the person. And it is not important, whether there will be it usual conversation or the letter. Yes, start up we now not so often we write by hand, but nevertheless where it is more pleasant to receive "live" letters, than "electronic". And how we receive letters? Certainly, through a mailboxes. Here about a mail box today conversation also will go.

    Mailboxes today

    Whitehall mailboxesNow there is a possibility to find uncountable set of the given subjects what it is figuratively possible to name post cases. On the Internet there are sites of mail boxes which acquaint the buyer with last novelties in this area. As post cases are mounted how to use mail boxes, where to buy a mailbox — this information is in detail displayed on the Internet on these sites.

    At all there is no for you a problem a repair of mailboxes if it suddenly becomes necessary. As however, for you will not make the big work and to pick up to itself that model of a post case which for you will be the most convenient. Today depending on the purposes and problems you can make the order for a necessary mail box and manufacturing to specialized firm which today it is enough.

    Mailbox postsApartment houses or the big firms can conveniently receive the correspondence, using a mailbox posts. The given mail box is equipped by the big general door, and including has set of the numbered cells with cuts. Distinguish section, individual and street metal boxes the post horizontal. They can be made both in horizontal, and in vertical kinds.

    It is necessary to note separately post cases with fireproof properties (fire-resistant residential mailboxes). This kind of mailboxes uses huge popularity in apartment houses. To crack or get into an armour mail box difficultly enough as the given box is equipped by special protection.

    They provide access of the postman to all sections, and the subscriber only to a personal cell. Such specialized mail boxes in the best way allow to keep the correspondence and relieve of superfluous advertising production. You will receive only that correspondence which refers direct to you. And it is better, if it there will be the pleasant letters handwritten.

    Mailbox installation

    VIA «Modern mailboxes for your correspondence»

  • Mailboxes for apartments and cottages

    Mailboxes for apartments and cottages

    Commercial Mailboxes

    Mail boxNow mailboxes represent not simply storehouses for newspapers and the correspondence, and the aesthetic and capacious designs, capable to meet all requirements of tenants private or an apartment house. At building of new buildings the contract organization suggests to get to owners of apartments a mailbox.

    The box post in specialized supermarkets is realized or ordered on joiner's manufactures and mechanical factories. Has received a wide circulation a mail box metal, executed of a steel in the thickness of 1 mm, both horizontal, and a vertical design. The similar box becomes covered by a spherical paint which long time protects a surface from corrosion owing to damp conditions of environment.

    Commercial Mailboxes for houses

    MailboxesThe mailbox in an entrance, according to the executed documentation, on a wall convenient for withdrawal of the correspondence is mounted. All access mailboxes realized in a retail network or made at the enterprises, should correspond to state standards. Not a secret that cases when section mail boxes from barbarous promptings break have become frequent, doors and lateral panels tear off.

    If clients want to get slot-hole mail boxes or products of other configurations, they can contact dispatchers by contact phone or send the demand for e-mail.

    Residential Mailboxes for cottages

    Mail boxesIn a private sector the street mail box reliably locked, rain waters inaccessible to penetration and an other atmospheric precipitation is necessary. Except all the rest, the paint by which the box metal is covered, gets out proceeding from durability conditions.

    Owners of own houses on general meeting of tenants often state a wish that the mail box has been executed in the general stylistics of the house. Trusting manufacturing of Commercial Mailboxes to any firm, it is necessary to state to masters all requirements, precisely having specified the sizes and product dimensions.

    Residential MailboxAs a rule, the organized groups of tenants choose either a mail box vertical, or a box post horizontal on a steady platform. If it is required to place a considerable quantity of products on the limited area, it is more preferable to choose a case post vertical, intended for street application.

    Now the mailbox is considered a synonym of good taste and durability. The material for a product steals up at leading steel-rolling factories. Each horizontal post case or a design of a vertical configuration should have the certificate of conformity from the manufacturer.

    VIA «Mailboxes for apartments and cottages»

  • No Makeup Week! (I mean, they like me with makeup, too. Oh, you know what I mean...)

     No Makeup Week! (I mean, they like me with makeup, too. Oh, you know what I mean...)

    No Makeup Week: Mint Julep Mask

    No Makeup Week: Mint Julep Mask

    Hey everyone! This is just a quick post to let you know what I have planned for this upcoming week. I'm going to be going away from Thursday until Saturday with my boyfriend and his family so I won't be posting those days. Because of this, I hope to be able to post a few times in the next few days!

    In high school, like many teenagers going through puberty, I was ashamed of my skin. One day it would be oily, the next day it would be dry - and there was always acne to deal with! Over the years I've tried many products and skincare routines, with varying success. In high school I desperately tried to cover up my natural skin with layers of makeup. Liquids, powders, blushes - I used everything I could!

    While I love what makeup can do to enhance an appearance, in the past two years I've realized that I love my natural beauty, too. I think going to college made me feel a lot more comfortable about going out without "putting my face on," because I was surrounded by the same people at all hours of the day. These kids have seen me when I wake up in the morning, when I'm in class, and before I go to sleep. They have seen me when I'm sick, when I'm just getting back from the gym, and even when I've gotten caught in a downpour running back from the library.

    And They Like Me — Without Makeup!

    What I'm trying to say is: I've gained a lot of confidence in myself in the past two years, and I don't feel the need to try to cover up anything with makeup. Yes, I love getting dolled up when I'm going to a party or going out on a date with my boyfriend, but other than that, I try to wear as little makeup as possible. Most days now I will only wear a brush of Physicians Formula pressed powder, a sweep of clear mascara on my lashes, and lots of lip balm.

    Which brings me to this week. I've decided that, starting today, I want to go a whole week without wearing any makeup. No powder, no mascara (colored or clear). The only things I'll allow on my face are cleansers, moisturizer, and sunscreen. I don't think this will be too difficult to do, especially considering that I will be on an island in the Adirondacks from Thursday through Saturday. I think it will be an interesting experiment, to concentrate on my skin and really learn to appreciate it as it is.

    A Week Without Makeup?

    Last year Rachel Rabbit White, a popular blogger and writer, pledged to not wear makeup for an entire week. Over 300 people took the challenge with her. You can read about that experience in this Huffington Post interview here. White brings up a lot of very interesting points about makeup in society today, so it's definitely a must-read.

    I'll be posting photos this week, along with any findings or discoveries. Any of you brave enough to try this, too? I'd love to hear your stories or share links on my blog to your own posts! Drop me a comment or send me an email!

    VIA No Makeup Week! (I mean, they like me with makeup, too. Oh, you know what I mean...)

  • A Majesty of the Mailbox

    A Majesty of the Mailbox

    Mail-box by WOW Barbie


    If the theater begins with a hanger, but the house of course begins with a mailbox. As though that may be, the real mail never replace the Internet, all because this type of the communication is a kind symbol of USA, thus various type of mailbox and posts is the lifestyle for Americans because it stylish and laconically.

    Custom mailbox by WOW Barbie

    Many countries have tried to adopt the similar symbolism, but few have succeeded. Not inculcate the habit of every morning to check the mailbox, it's hard work. An elementary part of given tradition exists in Great Britain, but this is a privilege of the aristocracy. It's expensive pleasure, but mailboxes have luxury style with rather democratic price.

    My mailbox by WOW Barbie

    In third world countries (Russia, Africa, Asia) a function of the mail performs a big mailbox with a slot for letters, nothing unique — a simple steel box. This box will open once a week and letter go to the addressees. All the matter in the low literacy plus the post services, which work slowly than turtle.

    The Postman

    In terms of promotion the mail of USA to great symbolism, the «Postman» (directed by Kevin Costner) — was endowed with great strength. I strongly recommend to see this cult movie. Over 2.5 hours the hero of Kevin Costner will deliver messages to custom mailboxes of Post-apocalyptic States of America, for restore the National Post Service and for revival of civilization.

    VIA A Majesty of the Mailbox

  • Heritage: More on Egyptian tomb falls victim to looters

    Heritage: More on Egyptian tomb falls victim to looters
    A wall relief fragment was hacked out from the 3,850 year-old tomb of Djehutyhotep, according to a Tuesday Facebook statement by the Catholic Leuven University archaeology mission.

    More on Egyptian tomb falls victim to looters
    Close-up view showing scratches made by tomb robbers 
    [Credit: KU Leuven - Egyptologie]

    The fragment in question measures 30 by 50 centimeters (12 by 20 inches.) The archaeology mission, currently carrying out excavations where the tomb is located, has posted photos of the wall and the fragment before and after the looting.

    “We have since been trying to get reliable information on this matter from the antiquities authorities. The reports we now have are consistent in confirming the grave news that the tomb has been entered and that a relief has been stolen,” said the statement.

    Co-founder of Egypt’s Heritage Task Force archaeologist Monica Hanna told The Cairo Post that she first reported the shocking looting and extensive destruction of the tomb on May 11.

    The tomb is located in Deir el-Bersha, an archaeological site from the east bank of the Nile to the south of Egypt’s Delta governorate of Minya, according to Hanna.

    “A small scene to the east of the entrance has been hacked out. It was damaged already in Newberry’s day (1891-1892), but it still showed the well preserved top part of a man carrying a chest towards Djehutihotep. It was also one of the few reliefs where the head of a figure was still in good condition,” said the statement.

    More on Egyptian tomb falls victim to looters
    Scene at the tomb showing Djehutyhotep standing and being purified. 
    To the right is a mark showing the fragment reportedly hacked out 
    [Credit: KU Leuven – Egyptologie]

    We have no photos at our disposal that confirm what the other walls of the tomb look like, according to the statement.

    Deir el-Bersha was the necropolis for the governors of ancient Upper Egypt’s 15th province during the First Intermediate Period (2160B.C.-2040B.C.) and the Middle Kingdom Period (2040B.C-1750B.C.), according to Hanna.

    Head of Upper Egypt Antiquities Department Aly el-Asfar has confirmed to the Cairo Post an attempt to loot the tomb but said the attempt was foiled by security forces, saying that the tomb is “sound and safe.”

    “The tomb of Djehutyhotep was penetrated earlier this month but the assailants did not take anything from the tomb,” Asfar said, adding that the police forces have arrested the assailants.

    Djehutyhotep was most likely a nomarch (province governor) during the reign of the 12th Dynasty Pharaoh Amenemhat II (1922B.C-1878B.C.) all the tombs in the area are badly preserved except for Djehutyhotep’s tomb, which is renowned for the great quality of its decorations.

    Author: Rany Mostafa | Source: The Cairo Post [May 26, 2015]

  • Robots, Gears and Bugs

    Robots, Gears and Bugs
    Doesn't that sound just like little boys?!

    This is my 600th post...they seem to be flying by. SO for this post i wanted to share something i have been working on. None of it is finished, just works in progress.

    seving
    This is the boy version of my nursery plan. Since we did not find out the gender of the baby it is my plan to make a girl version and a boy version. I had big ideas to make the whole thing like, what is now going to be used as or referred to as the dresser topper below....little squares inside big squares. But, my patience wore out as it usually does and i decided to just go ahead and feature the fabric by using big 8 inch blocks of fabric.

    seving

    I used Cogsmo fabric by Cosmo Cricket. I really love it and it appeals to my husband nerd sense with all the gears, and circuit boards. I just got some more of it in the mail so that i could finish it all up. So what started as a quilt idea for the baby has turned into a quilt, a dresser topper and a wall hanging. I hope i love it all as much when i am done.

    seving

    And this is the featured bug part of my post title....my son has had a knack lately for finding stick bugs. I had no idea we had them here in NY, as i have only seen them in the insect part of the zoo. But here is one of them...there are two named Camo and Flage. Mitch named them. They kind of creep me out when they are not in their container home. They are living together now, hopefully they don't duel it out to the death or loss of limbs!

    seving

    seving
    ***I am going to add this to sew and tell at Amylouwho's this week since it is the greatest amount of sewing i have gotten done in a long time. GO and check everyone else out. There is, as always, some really great stuff to look at.***

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  • Giveaway Day

    Giveaway Day
    seving

    Sew Mama Sew blog is hosting a giveaway day on December 2nd. I am so thrilled to be a part of this. I enjoy their sight so much and have found so much great inspiration through the blog and the links they share there all of the time.

    So for this giveaway day i am going to be giving away a Moda layer cake, Wonderland by Momo.

    Come comment on my post by December 6th and you will be entered to be part of my random giveaway. Become a follower and you will get and additional entry. If you are already a follower be sure to let me know in your comment so that i can count you in for two from the start.

    I am willing to ship internationally. Please be sure to leave me a way to contact you, ie e-mail address or blog address, in your comment so that i can notify the winner right away. Please remember that if i can not contact you i can not let you know you won!!!!!

    Now it just so happens that this post coincides with my 500th post. Yeah me!! I can not believe that this much time has gone by and that i have posted this much! Who knew i had so much to say and share. I have recently met lots of new people in blogland and have gained many new followers. I am so glad to know that there are people out there interested. It is what makes blogging fun for me...the comments, sharing ideas, being inspired. I can not wait to "meet" more of you through giveaway day!!!

    **by the way, family not included. cause i know you guys would do nothing with it!!!**
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  • Heritage: Egypt approves replica Pharos lighthouse plans

    Heritage: Egypt approves replica Pharos lighthouse plans
    The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that was badly damaged by three earthquakes, will be rebuilt nearby its original location.

    Egypt approves replica Pharos lighthouse plans
    The lighthouse is thought to have had three distinct sections, as this 2006 
    computer-generated image shows [Credit: WikiCommons]

    In its meeting last week, “members of the Permanent Committee of the Egyptian Antiquities have approved an old project, submitted previously by the Alexandria governorate, aiming to revive the lighthouse,” Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities SCA Dr. Mostafa Amin told Youm7.

    He explained that members of the committee agreed on reconstructing the Lighthouse on an area of land located a few meters to the southwest of the landmark’s original location. A comprehensive study has been completed and submitted to Alexandria governorate for final approval, he added.

    The Lighthouse, also known as the Pharos, was badly damaged due to a series of earthquakes hit Alexandria and the Mediterranean area between the 3rd and 12th centuries, Greco-Roman archaeology professor Fathy Khourshid told The Cairo Post Tuesday.

    “A severe earthquake in 1303 caused a huge destruction of the monument before the Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay in 1480 reused the monument’s ruins to construct a fortress (currently standing and bearing his name) on the original location of the Pharos northwest of Alexandria,” according to Khourshid.

    Built by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus for the purpose of guiding sailors into the harbor, the tower was completed and inaugurated during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285 B.C.-246B.C.), said Khourshid.

    “The original building comprised three stages: a lower square section with a central core, a middle octagonal section and a circular section at its top,” he added.

    Its top used to have a mirror that reflected sunlight during the day while a fire was lit at night in order to guide ships, said Khourshid.

    In 1994, remains of the original building were unearthed on the floor of the sunken part of Alexandria’s eastern harbor.

    With a height estimated at 130 meters, (420 feet) the tower was the tallest manmade structure on Earth for many centuries.

    Author: Rany Mostafa | Source: The Cairo Post [May 06, 2015]

  • Quilting for Australia

    Quilting for Australia
    sevingSome of you may have seen the news stories about the tragic bushfires in Australia. I think there is a natural instinct in all of us to want to do something when there are people in this much need. But, being so far away from there what could i really do? Then Friday morning while i was blogging around before the kids got up i found this project, the Bushfire Quilt Project. Generously put together by this wonderful lady at Camp Follower Bags and Quilts Blog.
    seving
    She had the idea to have a international quilting bee to make quilts for some of those people that are in need. A hug, if you will, of love and support from people all around the world.
    seving
    A tutorial was put out on how to make these "wonky stars". When i saw this i knew this could be my way of helping. Quilting is not much but it is something that i can do. This project was also nice for me because it was something i had not tried before and it stopped at piecing.
    seving
    I did not have to make a full top or quilt anything, so there is no unfinished project hanging over my head. It was all the satisfaction and none of the guilt. It is really nice to be part of something bigger that me.
    seving
    This one is my very favorite. I had these pieced and finished all in one day. And despite my usual aversion to the post office i had them ready to go out Saturday. This was foiled by the post office closing early, sunday and a holiday....but i will get them there tomorrow, i swear!
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  • Israel: Egypt sues Israel over 126 smuggled artefacts

    Israel: Egypt sues Israel over 126 smuggled artefacts
    Egypt has taken legal actions to restore dozens of artifacts smuggled to Israel amid the rising illicit digging activities carried out in several Egyptian archaeological sites following the 2011 uprising, sources told Youm7.

    Egypt sues Israel over 126 smuggled artefacts
    Damaged Pharaonic objects lie on the floor and in broken cases
     in the Malawi Antiquities Museum [Credit: AP/Roger Anis]

    The move comes after extended diplomatic talks, carried out between the Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv and officials from the Israeli government have failed, the source added.

    “In order to return the smuggled artifacts, the Israeli government stipulated the reinstatement of Egypt’s ambassador to Israel, who was pulled in protest at Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in November 2011,” according to the source.

    Head of the Restored Antiquities Department (RAD) Ali Ahmad told The Cairo Post that there are 126 artifacts in question spanning several eras of Egypt’s Paranoiac history.

    “These artifacts, including clay vessels, vases and figurines were monitored during a routine search of international auction halls periodically carried out by members of the RAD,” said Ahmed.

    In November 2014, former Egyptian Antiquities Minister Mohamed Ibrahim contacted the Interpol to “follow up with the responsible authorities in Jerusalem and to ask the Israeli authorities to conduct background checks on the proof of ownership and explain how it left Egypt as a prelude to reclaim,” AFP reported.

    Based on UNESCO’s 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, the Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv filed a lawsuit to restore the artifacts, the source said.

    “The lawsuit in order to proceed, the Israeli court is expected to summon an antiquity expert from Egypt to rule on the authenticity of the mentioned,” the source said, adding the Egyptian government also has to prove “the artifacts are registered in the antiquities ministry’s archives and that they were stolen from archaeological sites, museums and the ministry’s storerooms.”

    According to Ahmed, if an artifact was found on an e-commerce website or listed at an auction house abroad, the RAD contacts Interpol, the Egyptian tourism and antiquities police and the Foreign Ministry’s cultural relations department which, in its turn, informs Egypt’s embassy in the country where the artifact has been detected to stop the sale until it is proven the artifact left Egypt in a legal way.

    “In order to stop the sale of an artifact, Interpol requires information including the laws of the country where the artifact was detected. Among required information is when and from where the artifact was allegedly stolen along with a full description of the registered artifacts,” according to Ahmed.

    The artifact’s provenances (document that trace an artifact’s chain of ownership back to its excavation), is among the evidence required to prove Egypt’s legibility.

    Egypt’s political turmoil since the January 25 Revolution in 2011 and its consequent security lapses left much of the country’s cultural heritage vulnerable to looting. In spite of the efforts of the Egyptian government in tracking smuggled artifacts inside Egypt and in auction houses abroad, many items are unaccounted for.

    Author: Rany Mostafa | Source: The Cairo Post [May 25, 2015]

  • Happy blog birthday to me, happy blog birthday to me!

    Happy blog birthday to me, happy blog birthday to me!

    Happy birthday!

    In case you haven’t realised by now, yes, it’s my first blogversary. It seems insane to think I started this unusual blog on this day a whole year ago. Alas, 286 posts later, here I am still ranting and raving about anything semi-movie related. Over the past few weeks, when my brain has gone for a wander mid-conversation, I’ve pondered about what to write/do on my blogversary. I tend to get uncomfortable when it comes to celebrating my own birthday so I figure there is no harm in celebrating this one properly. That is, I have caught and trained 13 marsupials and shaved this web address into their fur. I intend to release them at the entrance to the nearest shopping centre and let their frenzied rampage be its own kind of celebration/marketing ploy. My plan does not go into effect until 2100 hours. In the meantime, I thought I would share some personal reflections about this blog.

    • Surprisingly, I’ve kept to my original mission statement and avoided any posts about the exploits of my personal life. Except for the post about my friend who broke her vagina because, well, that was simply too good NOT to share.
    • Originally I was inspired to start this by the brilliance of good friend Rickis’ much wittier and substantial blog. That has not changed, however, the pool of writers who now inspire and entertain me has grown to include the likes of Siamese Saffron, King Of New York Hacks, Fuck You Penguin and Little Bohemian.
    • A fitting tagline for this site finally occurred to me a few weeks ago in a dream which may or may not have featured Mark Wahlberg.
    • Within a year some friends have gone and others nearly been lost which makes me appreciate having this outlet to write about things I love, however trivial that may seem to some.
    • I have maintained this site for a year, which is approximately 11 months and 15 days longer than any relationship I’ve maintained with a member from the opposite sex.
    • A newspaper journalist by trade, I founded art & architecture as a way to improve my writing and vent all the film thoughts I had going on in my head. After the first few months I began to realise how much I loved writing about movies and started treating this blog as a portfolio of movie related stories. Without revealing too much, a year on this site has helped me take those few important steps closer to my dream career.
    • Damnit! I did not want to get soppy and here I am preaching about dreams coming true if you work hard enough and blah blah blah.
    • Thanks to this blog I have met an awesome bunch of like-minded people on the 20 something bloggers network. They were even helpful enough to suggest some ways to celebrate my first blogversary. These included strippers, a vlog (which it turns out is not a vampire-hog like I originally presumed), commemorative post, getting hammered, strippers, give-away’s and strippers. Er, thanks guys.
    • I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing up and coming filmmakers, actors, producers, special-effects experts and bring their work to you. With an exciting trip on the horizon, I hope to give you some more juicy juice in the next month.
    • 365 days does not change the fact that despite being of indigenous France heritage, I do not appreciate being called `cuz’ or `Maori-a’. Unless it is amongst the select group of friends with whom racist and parental jokes are allowed.
    • I have broadened my readership from two faithful subscribers to a bunch of peeps from all around the globe. I hope you continue to find something mildly interesting on this site so you keep coming back and sharing your opinions with me.

    VIA «Happy blog birthday to me, happy blog birthday to me!»

  • Heritage: Cairo’s Blue Mosque opens after 6-year restoration

    Heritage: Cairo’s Blue Mosque opens after 6-year restoration
    The 14th century mosque of the Amir Aqsunqur, better known as the Blue Mosque, has been opened to the public Saturday after the completion of a six-year renovation project.

    Cairo’s Blue Mosque opens after 6-year restoration
    The Blue Mosque in the Bab al-Wazir district of Cairo, built in 1347 
    by Amir Aqsunqur [Credit: Marc Lacoste/WikiCommons]

    The mosque had been closed since 1992 due to damage it had suffered from an earthquake in the same year.

    As part of the Al-Darb al-Ahmar Urban Regeneration Program, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has commenced the renovation work in 2009.

    The mosque was inaugurated in presence of Antiquities Minister Mamdouh el-Damaty, the Aga Khan, the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network, Cairo governor Galal Saeed.

    Cairo’s Blue Mosque opens after 6-year restoration
    The restoration was completed by AKTC as part of the larger Al-Darb al-Ahmar 
    Urban Regeneration Programme. The Mosque had been closed since 1992 
    due to damage suffered from an earthquake [Credit: WMF]

    “The restoration of the Amir Aqsunqur Mosque was executed by a team of 60 to 80 craftsmen and conservators. They had first to remove the temporary supports installed after the 1992 earthquake – and then to implant seismic retrofit measures to protect against future earthquakes. They worked to conserve extensive roofing and facades on the one hand, and delicate marble panels and Iznik ceramic tiles on the other,” said the Aga Khan.

    The blue tiles at the mosque’s interior eastern wall lend this mosque its alternative name, Islamic history professor at Minya University Fathy Khourshid told The Cairo Post Sunday.

    The World Monuments Fund and the Selz Foundation were also key supporters of the restoration of the Amir Aqsunqur Mosque.

    Cairo’s Blue Mosque opens after 6-year restoration
    One of the Aqsunqur Mosque's arcades [Credit: AKTC/Gary Otte]

    “Covering the Qibla wall from the floor to the ceiling, these tiles are in the style of ceramics manufactured in the Turkish town of Iznik which is famous for blue tiles,” said Khourshid.

    Located in Islamic Cairo’s modern district of Al-Darb al-Ahmar between Bab Zuweila and the Citadel of Saladin, “the mosque was a part of a funerary complex, containing the mausoleums of its founder Shams El-Din Aqsunqur, his sons, a number of children of the Mamluk sultan Nasir Mohamed and that of its principal restorer, Ibrahim Agha al-Mustahfizan,” according to Khourshid.

    Author: Rany Mostafa | Source: The Cairo Post [May 03, 2015]

  • What I Made This Year...

    What I Made This Year...

    Here i go, jumping on the end of the year, wrap up blog post wagon....Everyone is doing it!

    seving

    This year, lots of things were made. Quilts were quilted, and assorted things were crocheted and sewn but most important of all...my most crafty endeavor by far....i made a baby!! She is the sweetest and cutest one you will ever lay eyes upon ( of course i know all you other mothers feel the same about your own little ones!! and that is ok, we will just agree to disagree!).

    Who knows what this coming year will hold. I don't make resolutions because i really need nothing else to feel guilty about in my life when i inevitably don't accomplish it...so i will set some goals. Small ones are very likely, and crafty ones and perhaps a few that have to do with being healthier. I can't commit to any just yet, perhaps that will be another post.

    Have a happy new year everyone...you all have been wonderful blog friends. I hope that you are doing something fun tonight. I will be back soon with some more baby updates, of course, and a giveaway to start the new year.
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  • As Promised

    As Promised
    ***this has been one crazy busy week...fun but busy. We have had lots of friends and family here visiting for thanksgiving. It has been a wonderful time. Yet, somehow in the middle of everything i managed to get something made. Can you believe it!! SO, i don't have a new post for today but i wanted to link back to another post i had from this week to share with everyone what i made. So, here is my addition to Sew and tell this week!! Go on over to check out lots of great finishes and some really yummy recipes.***
    seving

    I feel like i finally have gotten a little quilting motivation back. It seems to come and go around here. I wanted to make something for one of our little neighbors and since i know that her mom does not read the blog i am safe to share.
    seving
    I had a small stash of Heather Bailey's Mendocino line. I was never sure of what i wanted to do with it. I really love it...the little mermaids are so sweet. I wanted to feature the patterns as best i could so i cut them to varying sizes and pieced it as a simple strips quilt. When i was done piecing and trimming i made a little improv block baby doll quilt to match with the scraps.
    seving
    There has also been some crafting of a different kind going on. My sister came for Thanksgiving and brought all of her wool felting supplies. Her 9 year old wanted to teach us to make gnomes. I was on board as soon as they said gnome. I love them, they are adorable. We all got busy making them...my Mom, sister, little and big kids, me and even my sweet husband. I love family craft nights!!! The mushroom was made by my sis...and the old man with the fuzzy whiskers was made by the hubs. The rest i did. Cute right?
    seving
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  • New post | Art

    New post | Art

    VIA «New post | Art»

  • Two Lovers, The Hangover, Bruno, Harry Potter, Drag Me To Hell, and My Sisters Keeper

    Two Lovers, The Hangover, Bruno, Harry Potter, Drag Me To Hell, and My Sisters Keeper

    Ah I don’t know what has gotten into me lately – I have been blogging like a mad woman! At least two posts a day for the past weekish. There are stints when I find little to no movie news or reviews that interest me but lately... lately there has been tonnes. Dawn French tonnes. If there hasn’t been a new cinema-plex opening or a new movie worth reviewing, then there’s hordes of news which interests me and I want to write about it. I’m hoping this post will satisfy my insatiable urge to write blog posts at the moment and I intend to have at least a day break after this. But seriously, I just HAD to give you the run down on some up and coming new releases. I had a YouTube binge last night and caught up on a bunch of trailers I hadn’t seen and rewatched some I had. Anywho, here’s my selection of MUST SEE movies for the months of June and July.

    Two Lovers

    Two Lovers

    James Gray, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Nay, let me count the films; Little Odessa (digged), The Yards (blew my freakin' mind), We Own The Night (adored). Now we have his latest offering and Joaquin Phoenix’s alleged last foray in to acting, Two Lovers. The theme of love and the dark comedic elements are new features in a Gray film which has previously dealt with family relations and crime. However, Two Lovers does look like a splendid adult-drama with a juicy cast. It was released in Australia last week but won’t be screening on the Gold Coast until this Thursday (if we’re lucky).

    The Hangover

    The Hangover

    Looks like this little gem from the director of Old School is shaping up to be the surprise comedy hit of the year, but it’s still early days. The trailer is hilarious and in the US it opened to a $46 – $53 million weekend ahead of the Will Ferrell blockbuster Land of the Lost. The critics are frothing for The Hangover too with the almighty Empire giving it four stars. Pretty impressive for a comedy-formula that seems tired. Apparently one of the many benefits here is instead of covering the dramas of a bachelor party, The Hangover starts once the party is over and the three mates have lost the groom (and their memories). Sounds a like a frat-pack version of Memento but the trailer is very appealing, plus Bradley Cooper is great in pretty much anything he’s in.

    Bruno

    Bruno

    Try and ignore the controversy if you can, but you simply cannot ignore the brilliance of the Bruno trailer. There are few times I have laughed so hard during a trailer. I enjoyed Borat but from the snippets of Bruno I’ve seen, I think Sacha Boren Cohen’s latest character will trump him. The best recommendation I can give this movie is the trailer, I particularly love the African American scenes.

    Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

    Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

    Everytime I watch this trailer I get goosebumps. Whether that's because the trailer is actually good or because I'm a massive fan of the books, it's hard to know. I do know this, this movie begins to build towards the Harry Potter series climax which will come to life on screen in the from of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (to be released six months apart respectively). I’ve never been a huge fan of the films but the last two have certainly improved my expectations dramatically and this looks Potteriffic.

    Drag Me To Hell

    Drag Me To Hell

    Easily the film I’m most excited about on this list. Long before director Sam Raimi did the Spiderman films he dominated the horror genre with his Evil Dead series (among others). Apparently Drag Me To Hell is a hilarious and horrific return to form for one of the genre’s heroes. It premiered at Cannes and since then has got rave reviews from every Tom Dick and Harry film critic. Horror is one of my favourite genres but recently there have been only a handful of decent films. Going off the trailer, Drag Me To Hell looks like an awesome ride and I can’t wait to be genuinely scared at the movies again. Its been too long.

    My Sisters Keeper

    My Sisters Keeper

    I know, it’s hard to get past the vomit-inducing movie poster complete with Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz looking cute. My Sister’s Keeper has been a long awaited adaptation of Jodi Piccoult’s best selling novel. I heard great things about the book and was sincerely disappointed upon finishing it. The book was drawn out, self-indulgent and overly soppy. To my surprise, the trailer looks like its done a much better job of compacting the themes and storyline of the novel. Cameron Diaz looks like she’s about deliver a stellar performance but one of the major reasons to see this film has to be Sofia Vassilieva. Here she plays cancer-ridden Kate but most of you would recognise her from tv’s Medium. She’s a superb little actress and I look forward to seeing this movie despite the misleadingly happy poster (when really this is a film about cancer, death and family relations).

    That Land of the Lost shiz is out this Thursday too and as much as I love Will Ferrell, I don’t think I can sit through two hours of him trying to do a Brendan Fraser in Journey to the Centre of the Earth. There’s this other movie you may or may not have heard of, Transformers something? Transformers 2, that’s it. The Bayhem hits screens on June 24 which is, like, so soon for the fanboys patiently waiting. Ew.

    p.s. Mickey Rourke’s turn as Russian baddie Whiplash certainly makes Jack Sparrow look straight as a ruler. This, dear readers, is the latest image off the set of Iron Man 2, the sequel to the Robert Downey Jr hit of `08. Rourke stars as the thorn in Tony Stark’s metallic side for the sequel along with Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. This is the first look at Rourke as Whiplash and was pointed to off Jon Favreau’s Twitter account. I must say, the get-up is a bit... erm... campe? With Scar-Jo in leather as Black Widow and Rourke rocking the bondage, it seems the sequel will be catering to all fetishes. Bunuel would be proud kinky has gone so mainstream.

    VIA Two Lovers, The Hangover, Bruno, Harry Potter, Drag Me To Hell, and My Sisters Keeper

  • Back from the dead: Astonishing pictures show how Japan is recovering just three months after tsunami

    Back from the dead: Astonishing pictures show how Japan is recovering just three months after tsunami
    By EMILY ALLEN
    ©The pleasure boat ''Hamayuri'' washed up on the rooftop of an inn by tsunami and a building have so far been removed in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, on April 6, top, and on June 3, bottom.
    Japan's economy shrank 0.9 percent in the first quarter but recovery is expected between July and September
    Just three months ago Japan was plunged into chaos after a cataclysmic earthquake sent a merciless tsunami crashing through towns and cities up and down the east coast.
    The unforgiving tide of water obliterated tens of thousands of buildings, devouring almost anything in its path. Thousands of people died and hundreds of bodies have never been recovered.
    The heart-breaking images of families desperately searching for loved ones amid the rubble of their homes sent shockwaves around the world.
    Now, three months on, these images show the Japanese people remain undaunted by the havoc nature has wreaked on their homeland as step by step they rebuild their nation.
    ©
    A Shinto shrine gate and surroundings in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture three days after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the same spot on June 3
    But despite their progress, stark reminders of the work left to do means the resilience of this Asian country is still being tested.
    Headway in the clean-up has been made in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture where the pleasure boat ''Hamayuri'', which was remarkably washed up on the rooftop of an inn, has been removed, along with a building shattered by the the wall of water.
    Further down is an image of a Shinto shrine gate in the town three days after the March 11 disaster.
    The same spot on June 3 which shows thousands of tonnes of rubbish, which had lay smouldering in an almost post-apolcalyptic landscape, has been cleared, roads re-laid and power lines restored.
    Civilisation appears to have returned in Natori in Miyagi prefecture too. The first image shows a towering wall of ocean crashing through trees devastating homes and businesses lining the coast, tearing down power lines and drowning anything in its path.
    ©A residential area being hit by the tsunami in Natori, Miyagi prefecture, top, and the same area, with only one house remaining on June 3, bottom
    ©A parking lot of a shopping centre filled with houses and debris in Otsuchi town, Iwate prefecture two days after the earthquake hit and the same area picture on June 3
    Astonishingly just one house survived the wave and a lone digger is pictured having cleared away the once thriving community reduced to rubble. Hundreds of cars parked in the foreground remain abandoned and appear to be the only reminder of the devastation.
    Similarly, the striking image of a ship atop tonnes of rubble in the Kesennuma in Miyagi prefecture on March 20 was projected around the world and became a symbol of the disaster.
    The photograph shows grey smoke filled skies above a path of destruction, but three months on, much of the debris has been cleared, power lines restored and hope is on the horizon.
    A car park in a shopping centre, filled with houses and debris in Otsuchi town in Iwate prefecture is also back on its feet and signs of life are returning. Parking spaces are clearly visible where piles of wood, bricks, and vehicles lay strewn just a few weeks ago.
    ©A view of earthquake and tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture on March 15, top, and the same area pictured on June 3
    The final image shows local people walking through debris on a street in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture to get water 48 hours after the disaster. The same image on June 3 shows the massive tank which lay in the road has gone and a damaged house on the left side of the street has been cleared and restored.
    The 9.0 magnitude earthquake caused the worst crisis in Japan since the Second World War and left almost 28,000 people dead or missing.
    The clean-up bill is expected to top £184 billion and radiation fears from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant are still growing after four of the reactors were damaged leading to radiation leaks.
    This week, an earless bunny was born near the reactor in north east Japan raising concerns the radiation could have long-term side effects.
    Following the blast and initial leaks Japanese officials told people living near the plant to stay indoors and turn of air conditioning and also to not drink tap water.
    High levels of radiation are known to cause cancer and other health problems but scientists are not yet clear if the defect in the rabbit is linked to the blast.
    ©Local residents walking through debris on a street in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, to get water 48 hours after the disaster, top, and the same area on June 3 where a large tank and a damaged house on the left side of the street have been cleared away
    Japan's economy slipped into recession following the devastation and new data shows it shrank 0.9 percent in the first quarter of this financial year but experts say a recovery later this year as industry kicks into action.
    Industrial output rose one per cent in April from a record decline in March.
    Manufacturers are making progress in restoring supply chains and ecnomists are predicting Gross Domestic Project to begin expanding again between July and September.
    ©
    A view of earthquake and tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture on March 20, left, and the same area after the building and debris was removed on June 3
    Australian Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami devastation

    source: dailymail

    VIA Back from the dead: Astonishing pictures show how Japan is recovering just three months after tsunami

  • A Quilt of Love

    A Quilt of Love
    seving
    I have been planning and working on this Recess quilt (this link is not where i bought the fabric but shows it off the best) for some time now. I planned it before i even knew my wonderful friend Dee was having a baby girl. I was hoping because i thought that this would be perfect for a girl and it was the fabric i had my heart set on.
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    The sun was shining on it the day i finished so i was able to get some good shots of it. The quilting shows up really well in this light. This was the first time i used warm and natural batting and i think i am hooked. It made so much of a difference and quilted nicer than many of my other quilts.
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    Chris was doing what i wanted to be doing with it here(which i think is what E tried to do when he helped his momma open the pacpkage)...i wanted to wrap myself in it and keep it, but alas it had a better home. SO off to the post office i went. I know Dee loves it and that it will be loved there for many years to come.
    seving
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  • New skirt and a sale!

    New skirt and a sale!
    Sewing
    Sage requested a new skirt the other day, so I let her pick out the fabrics for one.
    I loved what she picked out.

    Sewing
    The skirt itself is from a bedsheet I bought at Urban Outfitters. And the apron part is from the Orla Kiely tablecloth I used to make my kitchen curtains.

    Sewing
    The hubby and I had some time to ourselves last night. We went to Star Trek, I was surprised I actually thought it was an alright movie. Have I told you before that my husband is a really big nerd? Well he is :) maybe I'll do a post just about that sometime soon, I have proof of the nerdness :) Anyways, we had about an hour or so to kill before the movie started and we were at my favorite place, The Gateway in Salt Lake. Anthropologie is there and I can't go to the Gateway without stopping there:) They were having a sale and these bowls were $2 a piece, so cute. I also got a few napkins that I am going to repurpose. And as always, I come out of that store with so many ideas of things I want to make.
    Have a great weekend!
  1. How I Do Psychological Damage to my Children
  2. Stickin' It to Ya...With Supah Style
  3. Tasty Tuesday-A Healthier Way to Do Pancakes
  4. Answering Questions and Filling in the Blanks...Good Times
  5. This One Goes Out to the One I Love
  6. "But, What About Her????"
  7. What is Your Egg? Plus OYHT Link
  8. Breaking The Chain of Gossip
  9. Breaking News
  10. To The End