tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68047319515068474922023-12-29T00:44:19.501-08:00Uptown Coffy BrownGiving you a taste of my world with all the sugar and cream!Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-9503730390047743832018-10-03T11:13:00.002-07:002018-10-03T11:13:29.501-07:00I’m at SFO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arrived at the airport at just past 2am this morning. My flight left at 5am, so the recommendation is to arrive three hours early. But, nothing was open! I couldn’t check my bags, get any food, nothing!Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-73883804086703927792018-10-03T11:04:00.000-07:002018-10-03T11:04:08.048-07:00Welcome Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, you haven’t heard from me in a while! But, at this very moment, I’m heading to Paris. I decided to do a video log of the experience. So, check back here for videos of my trip!<span id="goog_954501380"></span><span id="goog_954501381"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-83169253719005537012016-09-09T14:06:00.000-07:002016-09-09T14:06:23.474-07:00Back at it !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I know that you haven't heard from me in quite a while. What can I say? Life got in the way. I went to Brazil in January and didn't even post about it. <i>(Lame, I know.)</i>. But, here's the good news. Although I haven't written in quite a while. I'm starting to miss it. With that in mind, I will be going to Marrakesh, Morocco in a few weeks and you my dear readers will be hearing all about it! This will be my first trip to Africa<i> ( Yes, Morocco is in Africa, not the Middle East)</i>.Why Marrakesh? Marrakesh was the top travelers choice destination for 2015.<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/24/travel/gallery/tripadvisor-top-world-destinations-2015/"> </a><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/24/travel/gallery/tripadvisor-top-world-destinations-2015/">Marrakesh Travelers Choice 2015</a>. And, I've always considered Morocco to be exotic, mysterious, and fascinating....<br />
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In any case, expect to hear from me in a few weeks and learn about my upcoming destination!<br />
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As always,<br />
Keep it hot and sweet,<br />
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Ms. Brown<br />
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<br />Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-61672325953146432232015-11-26T13:51:00.000-08:002015-11-26T13:51:59.706-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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O, Heavenly Father, </div>
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We thank thee for food and remember the hungry,</div>
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We thank thee for health and remember the sick,</div>
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We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless,</div>
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We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved,</div>
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May these remembrances stir us to service that thy gifts to us may be used to help others...</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving from</div>
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UtownCoffyBrown.com </div>
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<br />Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-88524883754461637312015-11-24T15:12:00.001-08:002015-11-24T17:51:39.854-08:00Black Folks in St. Louis and Mother's Milk in Berkeley<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's a bit of a secret about me. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Since I came to California as a baby, I have always considered myself a California Girl born and bred. I mean, when studying African American History , it's rare that I see the city of St Louis prominently featured in any art work, books, movies, etc. The city might get a passing mention, but it doesn't seem to be recognized as the pivotal contributor to the shaping of American History and art that it is. I recently attended a performance that inspired me to learn more about the city from which I hale. I'm going to give you a bit of the information that I learned about St. Louis and then, I'm going to tell you about the wonderful performance that inspired this post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">People of African descent have played a large role in St. Louis since it's founding in 1764. Early census figures show blacks both free and slave lived is St. Louis under French and Spanish colonial rule. In fact, black settlers were listed among those killed defending St. Louis from the British in the revolutionary war battle of Fort San Carlos which took place on what is now the Gateway Arch Grounds . By the 1820 census, 10,000 slaves lived in Missouri, about one fifth of the state's population. That same year, the Missouri Compromise admitted Missouri to the Union as a slave state while Maine was admitted as a free state. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 came about as tensions began to rise between the pro-slavery and anti slavery factions within the United States Congress and across the country. They reached a boiling point when St. Louis applied for admission to the Union as a slave state, which threatened to upset the delicate balance between slave states and free states. To keep the peace, Congress orchestrated a two part compromise, granting Missouri's request, but also admitting Maine as a free state. This in my opinion established St. Louis as ground zero in the battle between those for and against the institution of slavery.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #101010;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.8px;">St. Louis as a battleground for the perpetuation or discontinuance of slavery was further solidified with the Dred Scott case. After having lived in free states for an extended period of time. Dred Scott , a slave, made the attempt to purchase his wife and two children for three hundred dollars. <i>(the equivalent of eight thousand today.)</i> His owner declined leading him to seek legal recourse.The Scott v. Emerson lawsuit was filed in St. Louis Circuit court in 1847. The first trial found for Emerson</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.8px;">, however the judge of the case demanded a retrial and the second trial resulted in a victory for Scott. Ultimately, the case was appealed to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that any person of African descent whether slave or free was not a citizen of the United States. Further, African Americans should have no claim to freedom or citizenship and as non-citizens, had no standing to bring a lawsuit in court. The Dred Scott decision from a lawsuit that originated in St. Louis, dramatically increased tensions in the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions and was one of the catalyst that lead the country to Civil War. As we all know, the Civil War ultimately resulted in the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28.8px;">abolition of slavery and the fourteenth amendment which establishes all those born and naturalized in the United States to be citizens. All this, from a case that originated in St. Louis.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">St. Louis also has a rich artistic history. Part of that history is the musical genre ragtime. Considered the first completely American music, Ragtime, was popular towards the end of the 19th century and into the first two decades of the 20th century, roughly 1833 to 1917. It is the style of music that preceded Jazz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Structured in a way similar to the march, ragtime’s use of syncopation is largely what distinguished it. Its rhythms made it lively and springy, and therefore ideal for dancing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its name is believed to be a contraction of the term “ragged time,” which refers to its rhythmically broken up melodies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ragtime developed in African American communities throughout the southern parts of the Midwest, particularly Missouri. Bands would combine the structure of marches with black songs and dances such as the cakewalk. The music, which predated the explosion of sound recordings, became widespread through the s</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">ale of published sheet music and piano rolls. In this way it contrasts sharply from early jazz , which was spread by recordings and live performances. Although many artists performed and composed ragtime, there are three composers who were instrumental in growth of ragtime. they are as follows:</span></span></div>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 23px;">Scott Joplin </span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">was an </span><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">African-American</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"> composer and pianist. Joplin achieved fame for his </span><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ragtime</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"> compositions and was dubbed the "King of Ragtime Writers".</span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"> During his brief career, he wrote 44 original </span><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ragtime pieces</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first pieces, the "</span><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Maple Leaf Rag</span></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">", became ragtime's first and most influential hit, and has been recognized as the archetypal rag.</span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.4444px;"> Joplin ultimately found that the opportunities for steady work for black musicians were limited to churches and brothels. As a result, he often played in the red light districts of both Sedalla and St. Louis, Missouri. I</span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">n 1893 Joplin was in Chicago for the </span>World's Fair<span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">. While in Chicago, he formed his first band playing </span>cornet<span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"> and began arranging music for the group to perform. Although the World's Fair minimized the involvement of African-Americans, black performers still came to the saloons, cafés and brothels that lined the fair. The exposition was attended by 27 million Americans and had a profound effect on many areas of American cultural life, including ragtime. Although specific information is sparse, numerous sources have credited the Chicago World Fair with spreading the popularity of ragtime.</span><span style="color: #252525; font-size: 13.3333px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14.8148px;"> </span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">Joplin found that his music, as well as that of other black performers, was popular with visitors.</span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"> By 1897 ragtime had become a national craze in American cities, and was described by the </span><i style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">St. Louis Dispatch</i></span><span style="color: #252525; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> as "...a veritable call of the wild, which mightily stirred the pulses of city bred people.</span></span><span style="color: #191919; line-height: 23px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Perhaps the most famous composer of ragtime music, Joplin composed two highly popular pieces, " The Maple Leaf Rag" mentioned earlier and “The Entertainer” . Many people may be familiar with Joplin's Entertainer</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">composition as a result of the movie </span></span><span style="color: #191919; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Entertainer_(film)" style="line-height: 23px;">the entertainer</a><span style="line-height: 23px;"> that featured the piece.</span></span></span></li>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 23px;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23px;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">A prolific performer and outspoken personality, Morton made many recordings and his music is regarded as a bridge between ragtime and early jazz. His most famous pieces are “King Porter Stomp” and “Black Bottom Stomp.” Morton"s story is particularly colorful. </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22.4px;">At the age of fourteen, Morton born , Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe began working as a piano player in a brothel (or, as it was referred to then, a sporting house). In that atmosphere, he often sang smutty lyrics; he took the nickname "Jelly Roll", which was African American slang for female genitalia. <i>(Now, it's best not to get offended by the true meaning of Jelly Roll Morton's nickname. Why? Because the word Jazz is thought to have been derived from the slang word "Jasm" also spelled "gism " which means energy ,spirit or pep.and from that, it also took the connotation of sexuality or semen. And, although disc jockey Alan Freed used the term "rock and roll" to describe a new, dynamic style of music that he was playing, the term "rock and roll" was very common in the African American communities of the time in reference to sex. In fact, quite a few of the words that we commonly use today in reference to music have sexual connotations. )</i></span></span></span></li>
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<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22.4px;"> In any case,</span><span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 12.4444px;"> during the time that Jelly Roll worked at the brothel,</span><span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22.4px;"> he was living with his religious, church-going great-grandmother; he had her convinced that he worked as a night watchman in a barrel factory.</span></span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Morton's grandmother found out that he was playing jazz in a local brothel, she kicked him out of her house. He said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When my grandmother found out that I was playing jazz in one of the sporting houses in the District, she told me that I had disgraced the family and forbade me to live at the house... She told me that devil music would surely bring about my downfall, but I just couldn't put it behind me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Morton chose his stage name of 'Morton' to protect his family from disgrace if he was ever identified as a whorehouse 'professor'. Here is Morton's Black Bottom Stomp:</span></div>
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<li style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.4px;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="background: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">Blake's musical training began when he was just four or five years old. While out shopping with his mother, he wandered into a music store, climbed on the bench of an organ, and started "foolin’ around". When his mother found him, the store manager said to her: "The child is a genius! It would be criminal to deprive him of the chance to make use of such a sublime, God-given talent." The Blake's purchased a pump organ for </span>US$<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">75.00 ( the equivalent of $1900 today), making payments of 25 cents a week ( roughly $24 dollars a month today) . When Blake was seven, he received music lessons from their neighbor, Margaret Marshall, an organist from the </span>Methodist<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> church.</span><span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">At age fifteen, without knowledge of his parents, he played piano at Aggie Shelton’s </span>Baltimore<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> bordello. Blake got his first big break in the music business when world champion boxer </span>Joe Gans<span style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> hired him to play the piano at Gans' Goldfield Hotel, the first "black and tan club" in Baltimore in 1907.</span> Ultimately, Blake co-composed “Shuffle Along,” a 1921 musical revue that was the first Broadway hit composed by African Americans. I initially thought that perhaps the salesman was simply embellishing to make a sale when he proclaimed young Blake a genius, but in 1946, at the age of fifty-nine, Blake entered New York University and graduated in only two and half years. Here is Eubie Blake playing "Troublesome Ivorys" for a PBS special about ragtime in 1960.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course, St. Louis is far more than civil war history and ragtime. I'm sure that the anecdotes, tales and legends about the city are wide and varied. Fortunately, so are the life histories. On</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> November 4, 2015 I had the pleasure of enjoying a riveting story with St. Louis , Missouri as the back drop. On that date, your Ms Brown attended the opening of " Mothers Milk' at the Marsh Theater in Berkeley. <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.3px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Mother’s Milk”, is a Blues and Gospel riff on faith, doubt and unconditional love. It is a collaboration between award winning storyteller, Wayne Harris and Bay Area music icon Randy Craig. Directed by David Ford, this piece through story and song chronicles a young man’s journey to a true understanding of the gifts and lessons that only a mother can convey. Harris weaves a narrative that is visual and profound, through song , word, and expression. We travel with him from his days as a small boy living in Arkansas with multiple siblings and an abusive father, to the days living in St. Louis with a domineering but good at heart step father. We hear his mother through his voice, singing gospel songs, snapping peas in the kitchen and wielding her faith in God against her breast cancer. We despair at his homeless,mentally ill sister, failing to recognize her own children and we hear and see her children's heartbreak. None of them are physically present. But, they are emotionally present and flowing through Harris' words , expressions, and movement. We are transported to a time in St. Louis, Missouri when Union Avenue was bustling with activity-- bustling with black pride, activism and the turbulent struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. And next ,we mourn as we see Union Avenue, with boarded up storefronts, wearing all the vestments of economic decline. Mother's Milk is an emotionally moving, difficult and joyful experience. It is beauty and tragedy... and life. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.3px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24.3px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.3px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In closing, I heartily recommend that you take the time to see <a href="https://www.goldstar.com/events/berkeley-ca/mothers-milk-tickets">" Mother's Milk" </a>at the Marsh in Berkeley. You will not be disappointed. The cost is $20, ten on Goldstar<i> ( what I paid)</i>. There is a bar at the venue that sells very reasonably priced drinks and it's a very pleasant night out overall. They call St. Louis the " Show Me" state and " Mother's Milk " at the Marsh will certainly show you a good time. Until we meet again...</span></span></span></span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-82094057122231487352015-10-09T17:58:00.000-07:002015-12-15T00:22:09.954-08:00Coffy Brown in Espana y Portugal ! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I know that in my last post, I told all of you that I would be blogging every day from Spain during my vacation. Unfortunately, the trip that I took was such a whirlwind that I was barely able to catch my breath. In addition, once I arrived home, I really needed some time to process the trip and give you my observations. I have separated this into four sections. Firstly, an overview and the nuts and bolts of my Iberian Peninsula vacation ;what I didn't like, what I liked , and finally my recommendations on how to avoid the things that I didn't like, if you happen decide that you'd like to take a tour. Here goes!<br />
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Cosmos and Budget Travel</h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Since inventing the budget vacation over 50 years ago,<a href="http://www.cosmos.com/"> Cosmos</a> has offered savvy, value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world's most captivating places - from the City of Brotherly Love to the City of Light…from the Great White North to Northern Africa…to tropical Hawaii, there are few places in the world that Cosmos doesn't go! Their incredible value helps travel buffs travel more often. Many people feel that travel, particularly international travel is far out of their reach. Because of companies like Cosmos, it isn't. They target the customer who wants to get out and experience the world and would rather have an extra day in an exotic location than a chocolate on their pillow and turn down service. Cosmos' vacation packages feature comfortable clean hotels,<i> ( some better that others)</i> , guided city sightseeing: a comfortable motor coach with free wifi, and many meals. Now, I will freely admit that I got everything that they promised in the brochure. But, there were some quality issues here and there. The final hotel that we stayed at in Madrid was an absolute DUMP <i>( but they did sell me an adapter to charge my phone for two euros which was a deal. )</i> The hotel in<a href="http://www.hotelroma.pt/index.php?lang=en"> </a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.hotelroma.pt/index.php?lang=en"> </a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.hotelroma.pt/index.php?lang=en">Lisbon</a> was lovely, but the service and food were atrocious. I honestly don't think that they liked Americans. The entire vacation , nine days, hotels and air fare with the services of an outstanding Spanish and Portuguese speaking tour director , was $3, 074. That includes a $400 single supplement and $100 trip insurance.<i> ( I always purchase trip insurance, you should too! That's a lie. I purchase it sometimes. ) </i>I was able to make a down payment and pay for my trip in installments with the final payment due forty-five days prior to departure. Being able to make payments on a vacation a year or two years in advance makes them much more attainable for most people. Now, let's get to the bad stuff first. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />The Bad News ( what I didn't like)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As I mentioned earlier, my vacation was a complete whirlwind and although it is absolutely what Cosmos promised, nine cities in nine days is a bit overwhelming. The hotel quality was not consistent. Every place was neat and clean, but the final hotel was extremely rundown and the elevators made a serious grinding noise which made me worry a cable would snap at any moment. The hotel in Lisbon which was very nice, had the most rude front desk staff that I have ever encountered and the food in most places left a lot to be desired. Now, some of my distaste for the food is cultural, <i>( not in Lisbon the food at Hotel Roma was just plain bad.)</i> They eat a great deal of pork on the Iberian Peninsula and they don't brown it. Where I come from, <i>"Thou Shalt Not Eat Rare Pork"</i> is the eleventh commandment. As a result, I ate a lot of fruits and vegetables on vacation and even ventured into a Hard Rock Cafe and a TGI Fridays while I was there. Oh, and Starbucks saved my life! <i>( If you want ice in a drink in Europe, Starbucks is your best bet . ) </i>I generally don't eat at American restaurants while on vacation, but after nothing but fruits and vegetables,<i>( which were actually very good by the way)</i>, I needed a steak. The time difference from Madrid to Oakland, CA where I live is nine hours. So, I was tired the first couple of days. And then, midway through, just to make things interesting, the time went back an hour upon our arrival in Portugal. I paid for several optional excursions while on vacation. There were a few that could have been better. A Fado <i> ( Portuguese folks music)</i> show with dinner <i>( the dinner was not impressive)</i>, a tour of Madrid where the tour guide couldn't seem to stop talking about the most gory aspects of bullfighting<i> ( even when we made it clear that we found bull fighting distasteful )</i>, and a tour of Seville that didn't really cover the areas of Seville that I wanted to see. I never saw the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropol_Parasol">Metropol Parasol </a>which was one of the attractions that I was most excited to see. Any formal city tour should have included it. I also think that they need to get guides who actually speak English. Now, many of them claimed to speak English, but as far as I'm concerned, their accents were so thick that what language they were truly speaking was questionable. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Steak sandwich that I ordered from the Hotel Roma. I took one bite and threw it away. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our Lady of Fatima</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the most polarizing stops on the tour was the visit to Fatima, Portugal. The name of the town and parish evolved from the Arabic name Fatima, the name of a Moorish Princess and ultimately, the daughter of the prophet Muhammad. <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">The history of Fatima is associated with three local children: Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, who on May 13, 1917 , while guarding their sheep in the Cova da Ina </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">, witnessed an apparition of a </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">lady dressed in white</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">The lady, later referred to as Our Lady of the Rosary</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">, indicated that she was sent by God with a message of prayer, repentance and consecrations. She visited the children on the 13th day of each month from May to October. The last apparition occurred on October 13, 1917, the 70,000 pilgrims in attendance witnessed the "Miracle of the Sun. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">".</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> Miracle of the Sun</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">was an event which occurred just after midday on Sunday , October 13, 1917, attended by some 30,000 to 100,000 people who were gathered near</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> Fatima, Portugal. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">Several newspaper reporters were in attendance and they took testimony from many people who claimed to have witnessed extraordinary solar activity. This recorded testimony was later added to by an Italian Catholic priest and researcher in the 1940s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 12.4444px; white-space: nowrap;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">According to these reports, the event lasted approximately ten minutes. The three children (Lucia dos Santos, Jacinta Marto and Francisco Marto) who originally claimed to have seen Our Lady of Fatima also reported seeing a panorama of visions, including those of Jesus, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and of Saint Joseph blessing the people.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">The event was officially accepted as a miracle by the Roman Catholic Church</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">on October 13, 1930. On October 13, 1951, the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> papal legate </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> Cardinal Teschini </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> told the million people gathered at Fatima that on October 30, October 31, November 1, and November 8, 1950, Pope Pius </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">himself witnessed the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> miracle </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">of the sun from the Vatican gardens.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">Our Lady of Fatima</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> gave the children a message that consisted of three secrets</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">: first, a vision of Hell, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> "where the souls of the sinful would travel" without prayer; the second, prophesied the beginning of the Second World War</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">; and ultimately, the mysterious Third Secret </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">, which Dos Santos transcribed in 1944, and has been held by the Vatican</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> since 1957.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;"> The Lady asked the children to do penance and acts of reparation and make personal sacrifices to save sinners. The children who were all no older than nine , complied by wearing tight cords around their waists, beating themselves with stinging nettles, abstaining from drinking water on hot days, and performing other acts of penance. This is my first issue with the miracle of the apparitions . Although I am a person of faith, I simply do not believe that God tells people <i> ( and certainly not children) </i>to harm themselves. Fatima, Portugal is now the most visited religious site in Europe. There is a fountain with miracle water and a thriving consumerist economy in Fatima, all based around the apparitions viewed by the children . This segways into my second issue with the stop in Fatima, Portugal. The water from the miracle fountain is free, however, you can buy all manner of bottles to put it in. There are also a plethora of religious artifacts available for purchase and there is an eternal flame where people can light candles and pray to the Virgin Mary for intersession with a problem. The candles are the standard length and some are as long as five feet. What is the religious significance of the length of the candles? The only difference is how much you can afford to pay to purchase them. The best description of Our Lady of Fatima in my mind is a " Mc Shrine". I felt more like I was in the temple with the money changers than a holy place. So, while many on the tour filled their bags up with bottles of miracle water, glow in the dark Rosary beads, and plastic key chains featuring the Virgin Mary and the Pope, I went and found a bar. <i>( Yeah, I said it.) </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.4px;">Basically, I could have done without this stop entirely. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Good News (What I liked)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, the Spanish way of life is vastly different from the way we live in America. They say that Siesta is the national sport of Spain. What is Siesta? Well, the Spanish actually take three hours out during the middle of the day in order to go home and eat lunch as a family. After the three hour break, they return to work/school, and work another three to four hours, finishing their workday around eight in the evening. This later scheduling and Siesta is the result of the location of Spain and it's relation to the sun. Here in America, noon is considered mid-day because that is the time the sun is highest in the sky. As such, noon, mid day is lunch time. The Spanish have lunch when the sun is highest in the sky as well. But, that doesn't happen at noon. The sun is highest in the sky at around 2:20 - 3pm. ,and that is when they take lunch and why lunch and everything else is so much later than what we as Americans are accustomed to. It can still be light out at 11pm in Spain. The Spanish enjoy a very social lifestyle. At the end of the work day, they head to the square and connect with friends and family. It doesn't matter that it's the middle of the week. No one waits until the weekend to enjoy life and have fun. In the evenings, the streets are filled with people out and about enjoying life. Side walk cafes and restaurants are bustling with activity and camaraderie. although it may take a while to get waited on in a restaurant,<i> ( the waiters often act as though you are bothering them when you sit down at a table)</i> the Spanish have a "Big Easy " sort of attitude where everything is taken in stride and timeliness is not as important as it is to us here in the States.<i> ( this may be part of the reason that their economy is not doing so well. )</i> Basically, the Spanish work to live, they don't live to work. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coliseum in Italica held 26,000 people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in Italica just outside Seville, Spain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man having a puppet show in Salamanca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seville , Spain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avila, Spain </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top of the hill in Coimbra, Portugal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the streets of Avila, Spain</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's an astronaut on the molding of the 300 year old church in Salamanca!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFrnSOTFQBrkF0d8W4O4cHI2DMg9cf_4Dmnzh-3ydMf_XbL4U4u-fHOgbojcXt-81DFPJ51ySwDShsA1LxtBTJq5Hk19h2Ic81DFiO4IvYgLBff6uteL0ENfN8wjIlw5KUzwDAlTbAQk/s1600/2015-09-18%25252019.55.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFrnSOTFQBrkF0d8W4O4cHI2DMg9cf_4Dmnzh-3ydMf_XbL4U4u-fHOgbojcXt-81DFPJ51ySwDShsA1LxtBTJq5Hk19h2Ic81DFiO4IvYgLBff6uteL0ENfN8wjIlw5KUzwDAlTbAQk/s320/2015-09-18%25252019.55.48.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A window in Salamanca, Spain. The entire city is made of that golden stone.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBbIMpvL9YKVXeLBdyVcrERHN-GJXyFWjD8Lwq61GXfXwWZNWVsgLAOO_KHG3BwHyhmGF4St5uPvQ2ZgNJdUXyRzVwT1Q2Jxr9CRwmFYUaYMUR5Stg4-qfJfF_mJHoDDs6i8wQjOK2JU/s1600/2015-09-18%25252019.54.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBbIMpvL9YKVXeLBdyVcrERHN-GJXyFWjD8Lwq61GXfXwWZNWVsgLAOO_KHG3BwHyhmGF4St5uPvQ2ZgNJdUXyRzVwT1Q2Jxr9CRwmFYUaYMUR5Stg4-qfJfF_mJHoDDs6i8wQjOK2JU/s320/2015-09-18%25252019.54.59.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes vines hanging from a balcony in Salamanca, Spain.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fB_Lw2fKDlZU481bB95MUYHGWwUnfo5Ko51eEqAjRw8EGg1nE-sUSAIDFZIruzRqRqWQoZqi4JMPRfor0NH3CHyHpdUNluNFhZllJfxpK3bDewBsBsPKeOQw-3xTKS5OOjUsK1MPfBs/s1600/IMG_20150918_041558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fB_Lw2fKDlZU481bB95MUYHGWwUnfo5Ko51eEqAjRw8EGg1nE-sUSAIDFZIruzRqRqWQoZqi4JMPRfor0NH3CHyHpdUNluNFhZllJfxpK3bDewBsBsPKeOQw-3xTKS5OOjUsK1MPfBs/s320/IMG_20150918_041558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river outside our first hotel in Madrid. The first one was nice. The second, was questionable.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT5PcZbu6VGFTPaWAWyUdEzFYRaZMjfmblxOFwndbd1rp4oHS0Qm4p_E9DSaGCk2c2mVKfg82fVCrgWCzEWy32F9y8xlSjZJ5utPzXmVHP12kBzXnvnPNNyOzxqI-cMUWjB3gt9A_uMo/s1600/IMG_20150920_203453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT5PcZbu6VGFTPaWAWyUdEzFYRaZMjfmblxOFwndbd1rp4oHS0Qm4p_E9DSaGCk2c2mVKfg82fVCrgWCzEWy32F9y8xlSjZJ5utPzXmVHP12kBzXnvnPNNyOzxqI-cMUWjB3gt9A_uMo/s320/IMG_20150920_203453.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at the top of the hill in Lisbon, Portugal before the Fado show.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u8si5L_pbVJyOiUczp9x1fF9W8NCdI6RyqXtAxizE6GURPeTpjCAruI85RFrbAhKhjSaIJjDjQmii6xtDSvH4pkFBjmrqSWOENrZzffl2hF0gUNhQq7WgDXIJaZoVrRypnV-uJSDHQQ/s1600/IMG_20150924_054004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0u8si5L_pbVJyOiUczp9x1fF9W8NCdI6RyqXtAxizE6GURPeTpjCAruI85RFrbAhKhjSaIJjDjQmii6xtDSvH4pkFBjmrqSWOENrZzffl2hF0gUNhQq7WgDXIJaZoVrRypnV-uJSDHQQ/s320/IMG_20150924_054004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Mosque Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap5yNDSAB5uN3rF_Gp2aCAcJbEw_ZBc2FTjGKKH1ZvtlgF4XLfKGRijWmm4T6QTPTdJHG3hS1ZjQuv2nsLzlGKCnnzA69Cu8qFSmMXcE0xSi0Z46JJcP31FsV4BS8P80g0AQbmkM0bMQ/s1600/IMG_20150924_051628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap5yNDSAB5uN3rF_Gp2aCAcJbEw_ZBc2FTjGKKH1ZvtlgF4XLfKGRijWmm4T6QTPTdJHG3hS1ZjQuv2nsLzlGKCnnzA69Cu8qFSmMXcE0xSi0Z46JJcP31FsV4BS8P80g0AQbmkM0bMQ/s320/IMG_20150924_051628.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Mosque Cathedral in Cordoba, Spain</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBbDQy38kYO0LYRKyBvErch-x-lMcTDGR0EFXg2X4xkKa24iUthAxWPFcXgl2lqg6TbMC-5i0yf1VPx3nwxXsSk23iZTXDjUqX1iZrdbqkXbGjYBdcd3j3RG3crUMTOUToP6XpZ5pv1M/s1600/statue+in+coimbra+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBbDQy38kYO0LYRKyBvErch-x-lMcTDGR0EFXg2X4xkKa24iUthAxWPFcXgl2lqg6TbMC-5i0yf1VPx3nwxXsSk23iZTXDjUqX1iZrdbqkXbGjYBdcd3j3RG3crUMTOUToP6XpZ5pv1M/s320/statue+in+coimbra+front.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Statue is a message that the musician should play the instrument in the same way that he would caress a womans's body. Coimbra, Portugal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger21PKwHE_meNuPoGM5-kVbk9IBbUXQvUbkUvYaFUSxQmkUssMlZ81yne931yUxPH6QgDJxbYEpVJfuzrZ3By6zXy5zaJzx11CAksHCXxdG35QW7IHW8_PNLPTxckmS4CZ4qDNDjwKUo/s1600/statue+in+coimbra+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger21PKwHE_meNuPoGM5-kVbk9IBbUXQvUbkUvYaFUSxQmkUssMlZ81yne931yUxPH6QgDJxbYEpVJfuzrZ3By6zXy5zaJzx11CAksHCXxdG35QW7IHW8_PNLPTxckmS4CZ4qDNDjwKUo/s320/statue+in+coimbra+back.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the above statue, Coimbra, Portugal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5WTUv4OvDXgFW0TgQsFnBYAlaIvP8-S1XRQMPRa1Q5i4yJFDa5yCVhsyTHw44f3zWqjpF0Is-zmhhB-9VH5i7iz4y5GflIa48uLPveDM-Uj9Z5ZMf7xlPsAgSa0eOTyZEQaCIRt2q3k/s1600/They+love+pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5WTUv4OvDXgFW0TgQsFnBYAlaIvP8-S1XRQMPRa1Q5i4yJFDa5yCVhsyTHw44f3zWqjpF0Is-zmhhB-9VH5i7iz4y5GflIa48uLPveDM-Uj9Z5ZMf7xlPsAgSa0eOTyZEQaCIRt2q3k/s320/They+love+pork.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They like pork in Spain and Portugal.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8fsXgrR5sJTnDBU16NBnFXFNUReHJKLRDXr1evRrs7-z5IKMFiFVPw4lchJQZ_Adi5esDqIVX_Txxrz3_hVFnFiLUQCHh-iMRnaIS8LU3Rt7Qaw-ZwzRFq9gtWTJs_TwKsTMY0FPKEQ/s1600/me+in+avila.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8fsXgrR5sJTnDBU16NBnFXFNUReHJKLRDXr1evRrs7-z5IKMFiFVPw4lchJQZ_Adi5esDqIVX_Txxrz3_hVFnFiLUQCHh-iMRnaIS8LU3Rt7Qaw-ZwzRFq9gtWTJs_TwKsTMY0FPKEQ/s320/me+in+avila.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of me in the ancient walled city of Avila.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvQfyXE_Okw_1nsrpajzYRLDBvFgdDJFRmp1ax6aPNXntbI4KfqpD0XRKTO_hTGw4-09tz-goVgmOrDPcSuZiE81TOHywSfCgdbqNv6WVdJGym71HxYyIVnnz0bmJ9SA06UfZp5_3hVw/s1600/Italica+swimming+pool+tiles+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvQfyXE_Okw_1nsrpajzYRLDBvFgdDJFRmp1ax6aPNXntbI4KfqpD0XRKTO_hTGw4-09tz-goVgmOrDPcSuZiE81TOHywSfCgdbqNv6WVdJGym71HxYyIVnnz0bmJ9SA06UfZp5_3hVw/s320/Italica+swimming+pool+tiles+II.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moasaic tiles at the from the bottom of a pool in Italica.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXl-CTn4RH88KcFU8J3Y6a_c-vGp6e2eVyHFpaB4zoRqUxki3nW6AqL0bn1UmZxtupK_SEG9joDjTB5vSX2VyReMIemMxWw7C3lYKso15-Ht5Z8wpOS_TRm78NAgaBdpdAtOgjzbVSKY/s1600/Coimbra+passage+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXl-CTn4RH88KcFU8J3Y6a_c-vGp6e2eVyHFpaB4zoRqUxki3nW6AqL0bn1UmZxtupK_SEG9joDjTB5vSX2VyReMIemMxWw7C3lYKso15-Ht5Z8wpOS_TRm78NAgaBdpdAtOgjzbVSKY/s320/Coimbra+passage+way.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A passage way in Coimbra.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwRSseApuwnhCKmQPRMb42UXDJwI2El9uEyeAB4sHMRjqTNTa55e6ZefFhevDGKFg9a_W3pI4C2seB4-OxgYz9da3erpq9JoZImpbl1JL1p-T23RdX8jhOZ8T7GcrHv92pzhgJ0iHqb4/s1600/Maggie+and+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwRSseApuwnhCKmQPRMb42UXDJwI2El9uEyeAB4sHMRjqTNTa55e6ZefFhevDGKFg9a_W3pI4C2seB4-OxgYz9da3erpq9JoZImpbl1JL1p-T23RdX8jhOZ8T7GcrHv92pzhgJ0iHqb4/s320/Maggie+and+I.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my friend Maggie from Egypt!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s7DQ747Lp3x3RoAS_OjFej9z7IAYX1zHOKQZnxJwZ-0x1_52PKYLuVBr_y3DVUySnZbCS1HCz_0Nlkk_1pSfPnhKiizyTK48x54cgpw3NPhVXTYHoyuorRpoe3C2OGea6Agro986amA/s1600/Obidos+Portugal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_s7DQ747Lp3x3RoAS_OjFej9z7IAYX1zHOKQZnxJwZ-0x1_52PKYLuVBr_y3DVUySnZbCS1HCz_0Nlkk_1pSfPnhKiizyTK48x54cgpw3NPhVXTYHoyuorRpoe3C2OGea6Agro986amA/s320/Obidos+Portugal.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obidos, Portugal</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_6CUDRJjWBkO2PkfyeSedQhWNqNnFQkGSbVOrOA4XAObGN1pKGtiP5Oa7pe8ubVKD6T7bSuDMivXy8-GaXPcCOkrRfTA-ihMktEWTGM8YAtMF-5XLAAjsxSGHb1amvL-5fhJtA05A04/s1600/Roman+entry+way+in+Obidos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_6CUDRJjWBkO2PkfyeSedQhWNqNnFQkGSbVOrOA4XAObGN1pKGtiP5Oa7pe8ubVKD6T7bSuDMivXy8-GaXPcCOkrRfTA-ihMktEWTGM8YAtMF-5XLAAjsxSGHb1amvL-5fhJtA05A04/s320/Roman+entry+way+in+Obidos.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Roman decorations on the entrance to Obidos, Portugal!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHO84ss7mzMIrN_i6ULcGig87TpyddIdeNGC8Vv_hzTlbAr_b8pKBRJ4A2ys1RzXKYT2nYQloiJA6h_b4Pjbk6jjTuMLWvVMK_-F-DJy7WcviI60VuWEKH6F9lTAk0cTH1rgZk5a_7tA/s1600/they+really+love+pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHO84ss7mzMIrN_i6ULcGig87TpyddIdeNGC8Vv_hzTlbAr_b8pKBRJ4A2ys1RzXKYT2nYQloiJA6h_b4Pjbk6jjTuMLWvVMK_-F-DJy7WcviI60VuWEKH6F9lTAk0cTH1rgZk5a_7tA/s320/they+really+love+pork.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They REALLY like Pork in Spain and Portugal.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChoGx6n93dUwEytjZgRGUxQrW2j72XQWXY8oYZCjGfT7BrBBWIOD_-9bI4ceIq9JUXw0FvXopXlUsmP8XGTdEYwh0qvHFG8YnLn7eW8RmiqRrCs_PG6XCcQpcOVmyxMzaVrEU-9kUacY/s1600/me+on+tour+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChoGx6n93dUwEytjZgRGUxQrW2j72XQWXY8oYZCjGfT7BrBBWIOD_-9bI4ceIq9JUXw0FvXopXlUsmP8XGTdEYwh0qvHFG8YnLn7eW8RmiqRrCs_PG6XCcQpcOVmyxMzaVrEU-9kUacY/s320/me+on+tour+bus.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on the tour bus in Lisbon, Portugal!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqqm7FnjmrZkH7ll0sr4JQZngW0MaUakJ_llFzYusiwYqSluudSe8OunrtMcMJvnq5zXbdz2bm9TWFLFabB4_cOlAd9dbuoT_t6Lskk4jGJzsRfyDLhHzdgxsVlvcpW5IM6LbJIUnQEo/s1600/woman+in+obidos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqqm7FnjmrZkH7ll0sr4JQZngW0MaUakJ_llFzYusiwYqSluudSe8OunrtMcMJvnq5zXbdz2bm9TWFLFabB4_cOlAd9dbuoT_t6Lskk4jGJzsRfyDLhHzdgxsVlvcpW5IM6LbJIUnQEo/s320/woman+in+obidos.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the residents of Obidos.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VNjqwTxOAuE1mwRrccPOISmwNNnH99Xvuf1SLZ1TUeiX7mNkhXZGTK0lQhHYOvJrOzXeogjARvj0MT69f0RCNvkgtpO5yKKTP9Z7-bNnoZI6O32ebJA9LelxXJcL5-2r1abWIEAuAP8/s1600/IMG_20150924_060343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VNjqwTxOAuE1mwRrccPOISmwNNnH99Xvuf1SLZ1TUeiX7mNkhXZGTK0lQhHYOvJrOzXeogjARvj0MT69f0RCNvkgtpO5yKKTP9Z7-bNnoZI6O32ebJA9LelxXJcL5-2r1abWIEAuAP8/s320/IMG_20150924_060343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cordoba, Spain<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Mosque Cathedral Cordoba, Spain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD653ubjhcwZQie8RDVq8bv1rqNwj8d9b7eoU9PxzwPGjuARMwqMP6G6pMheoUykNmOXDlWE5crBKXjxSW3sE7l5rZmOmAHv-8KI1Ppb6Vvf6wW2qeUgkBpw3-TwQnjcA1EnWbUUZzY_I/s1600/20150923_104204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD653ubjhcwZQie8RDVq8bv1rqNwj8d9b7eoU9PxzwPGjuARMwqMP6G6pMheoUykNmOXDlWE5crBKXjxSW3sE7l5rZmOmAHv-8KI1Ppb6Vvf6wW2qeUgkBpw3-TwQnjcA1EnWbUUZzY_I/s320/20150923_104204.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Mosque Cathedral, Cordoba, Spain<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I mentioned earlier, we visited several small towns, and even though I was in a whirlwind and dead dog tired, I am glad that we took time to stop and visit the small towns in Spain and Portugal. </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81vila,_Spain" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Avila</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coimbra" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Coimbra</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">,</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamanca" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Salamanca</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, and </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%93bidos,_Portugal" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Obidos </a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">took my breath away. They are old charming cities with beautiful architecture, and unlike in the larger towns, the inhabitants were very warm and welcoming. I suspect that tourism has a much more direct impact on what goes on the dinner table in the smaller towns and they truly did not appear to resent our presence. Also, the prices of goods were outstanding. I purchased handmade items for fabulous prices that would have easily cost me four or five times as much in the U.S. The small town residents also take pride in their cities and seem to enjoy it when they see appreciation mirrored in the faces of visitors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An additional aspect of the tour that I really enjoyed were the other people from all over the world who were on it. The only thing we initially had in common is that we all spoke English. I met people from Canada, Egypt, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Scotland. I am still in contact with a couple of them via email, and I doubt that I would have been able to have such an engaging experience with people from all over the world had it not been for this tour. One more cute little bonus was that I was able to see a couple of singles<i> ( Not Me)</i> make a love connection. They started out not knowing each other and by the end of the tour, they were taking all of their meals and tours together and romance was in the air. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The two sites that struck me the most during my vacation were the ancient Roman City of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italica">Italica</a> and the Grand Mosque of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/cordoba">Cordoba</a>. Italica is a Roman city that is around two thousand years old. At it's height, there were 250,000 inhabitants. Roman building techniques were so advanced that these people had indoor plumbing and the sewer system is still intact.<i> ( the palace at Versailles was built hundreds of year after Italica without one single bathroom. ) </i>Next, the Grand Mosque at Cordoba. Cordoba was the capitol of the entire region under Moorish Rule. At a time when England had eight thousand inhabitants and Paris had four thousand , Cordoba had one million. Being in Cordoba, the ruins of Italica , Avila, Coimbra, Obidos, Salamanca was like walking in a living breathing artwork by one of the old masters. And, although I would not recommend that you take the whirlwind trip that I did, these cities are something that everyone should see once in their lifetime . They were magnificent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Recommendations</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, as I mentioned earlier, my trip was a whirlwind. Even though we spent overnights in five cities, I still was barely able to catch my breath. One of the reasons for this was all of the optional excursions that I took. I toured Lisbon and attended a Fado show, toured Seville and also attended a Flamenco Show, toured the Grand Mosque at Cordoba, and attended Madrid by night with Tapas<i> ( that meal was delicious. We ate pork cheeks. But, they were well seasoned and well done, so I<span style="background-color: white;"> thought t</span>hat I was eating a pork roast.) </i>I participated in all of these excursions along with the excursions included in the tour. If I had it to do over again, I would not have signed up for any additional excursions. I could have visited Italica, and the Grand Mosque of Cordoba without being on an organized tour. I would have enjoyed both more just observing and going at my own less accelerated time table. In fact, lets talk about the itinerary. Since our schedule was so tight, we had a number of very early wake up calls, something that I don't like <i>EVER</i>, but certainly not on vacation. We spent more time on the tour bus than I would have liked. The tour director was very entertaining and the motor coach was air conditioned and comfortable with WIFi. But, that was time that I could have spent just enjoying the cities that we visited. Now, with all that being said, I would take another tour. Traveling as a single, a tour gives you added protection . There is someone there looking out for you and if you want to make friend, most other folks are very welcoming. Especially, other singles who are looking for someone to hang out with. Of course, the next tour that I take will be of a different type and this is what I would also recommend to you. Many tour operators, including Cosmos offer <a href="http://monograms.com/about/">Independent</a> tours. I actually have my eye on one that includes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.friendlyplanet.com/dazzling-dubai-bangkok.html">Dubai, Bangkok with an extension to Phuket</a> for next year. What will be the difference? In an independent tour, the tour company arranges your hotels, and flights. There is a local point person to give you suggestions on what you might like to do and what restaurants are good, but once you arrive in the city, your time is your own. There might be a short train ride or flight from city to city, but you won't spend extended time rolling along the countryside. You get the benefits of packaged pricing which is almost always better than purchasing airline and hotels individually but, you are on your very own schedule. Next time, I will also pay a tad bit more in order to get nicer accommodations. In fact, the tour that I am considering offers very nice hotels and AMERICAN breakfast every morning as a part of the package. <i>( No more undercooked bacon for me.) </i>An additional issue on my tour that some might find challenging was the age demographic of most of the attendees. I think the average age was fifty-five with a few folks in their thirties and forties and quite a few who were retired. The way to get around that, if you're not interested in an independent tour is to try <a href="http://www.contiki.com/">Contiki </a>tours. Contiki has an age demographic of eighteen to thirty-five years old with most attendees somewhere in between. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In conclusion, as I stated earlier. Yes, I absolutely without a doubt, would take another tour. In spite of some challenges, I would not give up the experience I had on the <a href="http://www.cosmos.com/tour/jewels-of-spain-portugal/6790/">Jewels of Spain </a>and Portugal tour for anything in the world. Travel changes you. It enhances who you already are. It expands you in ways that no other experience can. And, your Miss Brown is no exception. I am a richer, bolder and a more flavorful version of the force of nature that you already know. And , once you step out and view another part of the world, whether in the states or abroad, you will be too! That's all for now..<span style="background-color: white;">..as </span>always...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Keep it Caliente y Dulce!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">PS- if my photos seem to not have any rhyme or reason with regard to placement, simply a reflection of my whirlwind experience. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-80018329810995917862015-08-19T17:36:00.000-07:002015-08-19T17:36:11.704-07:00Judi Oshowole on life in Barcelona<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v5bpid5BKEc" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Judi Oshowole founded Barcelona International Black Sisters, a group of women of African descent living in Barcelona, Spain. I will be visiting Spain next month, and I must admit that I am very curious about the black experience there. I won't be going to Barcelona, but I will be going to Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Coimbra, Obidos, and Lisbon, Portugal. My post will be a bit different while I'm on vacation. I plan to give you a daily log of my adventures. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I will!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As Always...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mantenerlo Caliente y Dulce,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ms. Brown</span>Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-69102777395249412072015-08-04T18:19:00.000-07:002015-10-11T18:17:38.243-07:00Get Waisted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZemKdFRSzKyirJwm0GH-_ht-Mf3q0hP_IeJnX37QZbw8BetL-LMIafULjPMCuWwOPqpuk5tzqtMuijSDxb3tydVCEr4ZP_WmEcox-5rsxfyfDqgEoQV3ZvwpbZtBDEfFiGLWdUk_TJI/s1600/2015-08-03+16.26.23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZemKdFRSzKyirJwm0GH-_ht-Mf3q0hP_IeJnX37QZbw8BetL-LMIafULjPMCuWwOPqpuk5tzqtMuijSDxb3tydVCEr4ZP_WmEcox-5rsxfyfDqgEoQV3ZvwpbZtBDEfFiGLWdUk_TJI/s320/2015-08-03+16.26.23.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> It seems that the hourglass figure has once again become en vogue <i>( keeping it real, it never went out of fashion in the black community) </i>and as with any other form of beauty, women are making great efforts to achieve it. One trend that I have noticed of late is the craze toward waist training. Waist training is the gradual process of waist reduction using a waist cinching corset.The waist training practice came into prominence in Victorian times but has made a something of a comeback in recent years. The resurgence of this trend interested me, and I thought that I would do a bit of research and tell you about it. As I said earlier ,the waist trainer is merely the modern day equivalent of a corset. Corsets have been around for at least four hundred years. I am most fascinated with the corsets of the Victorian era and the resurgence of corsets today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tight- Lacing</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUOONAjzqsMOjE0uGh4TmfNZiR_MdKBN7oqLje7GG0AK_0xmhvCV0vKrRuFVUEp07hSRlZFDAnB3uADNhMRNMoUDmBJCozFER0oec0ib8FZso3MfjXVuFOHfCSzxaVrqM8eZGnphP9KM/s1600/2015-08-04+17.45.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUOONAjzqsMOjE0uGh4TmfNZiR_MdKBN7oqLje7GG0AK_0xmhvCV0vKrRuFVUEp07hSRlZFDAnB3uADNhMRNMoUDmBJCozFER0oec0ib8FZso3MfjXVuFOHfCSzxaVrqM8eZGnphP9KM/s320/2015-08-04+17.45.44.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Garden Corsetry Customer tight-lacedl</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prior to 1850, corsets had the role of bra. As opposed to narrowing the waist, <span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">corsets were shaped with bust cups and made from materials still used today. They were closed with elastic laces and elastic thread was often used in the material to give the fabric more stretch. At the time, exaggerated shoulders and skirts made the waist appear narrow. When the exaggerated shoulders disappeared, the waist had to be cinched more tightly in order to achieve the same effect. This is around the time that the practice of "tight lacing " began to appear. "Tight lacing" is the practice of wearing a tightly laced corset. It is done to achieve cosmetic modifications to the figure and posture or to achieve the sensation of body restriction. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><i>( Yes, some folks are aroused by having their bodies tightly restricted. But, with the advent of "Fifty shades of Grey" this should not come as a surprise.)</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A typical training routine begins with the use of a well-fitted corset and very gradual decreases in the waist circumference. Lacing too tight too fast can cause extreme discomfort and short-term problems such as shortness of breath and faintness ( hence all the swooning and the fainting couch that we have heard about in historical fiction), indigestion, and chafing of the skin if a liner is not worn. It should also be noted that lacing too tight or too fast can irreversibly damage a corset and they should be seasoned appropriately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The primary effect of tight lacing is the decreased size of the waist. The smallest waist recorded is that of Ethel Granger, who </span></span>tight laced<span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> for most of her life and achieved a waist of 13 inches (33 cm): a reduction of over ten inches. Such extreme reductions take a very long time to achieve. At first, corsets with waist measurements four inches smaller than the </span></span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">tight-lacer's natural waist size are recommended. The length of time it will take a tight-lacer to get used to this reduction will vary on his or her ( yes, men wear corsets too) physiology; a large amount of fat on the torso and strong abdominal muscles will mean that it takes longer for the </span></span>tight-lacer<span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> to wear their corset laced closed at the back. Thereafter, reducing another couple of inches is not much more difficult, but each inch after a six-inch reduction can take a year to achieve.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh415LeNdS4TxK_h6beouW2b5VLNQlo2wnjLcKOcKtDkjUrPpvroFlSgF768ejAAz57yomgyx_J3U4Qm00aoV8grFSn22cuOcrMyvAbZj6Djl_j_Rt2TkXl8M47rktYAgKR7TqBmu7PPn0/s1600/2015-08-04+17.53.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh415LeNdS4TxK_h6beouW2b5VLNQlo2wnjLcKOcKtDkjUrPpvroFlSgF768ejAAz57yomgyx_J3U4Qm00aoV8grFSn22cuOcrMyvAbZj6Djl_j_Rt2TkXl8M47rktYAgKR7TqBmu7PPn0/s320/2015-08-04+17.53.46.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight-Lacing </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqxM_0sbVR0GqPzfsNIAFS3flBm7pPMZgLgOTPyGcqf0cc1Fs2asT7NRBgIf9YBtevyV-oPb_yn4jKk9ufJthu-7h3tfaBd5GdNr2O92sVPf0sRsbcszwn_GbKe900Wqmz2hBIgNcIXo/s1600/2015-08-04+17.52.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqxM_0sbVR0GqPzfsNIAFS3flBm7pPMZgLgOTPyGcqf0cc1Fs2asT7NRBgIf9YBtevyV-oPb_yn4jKk9ufJthu-7h3tfaBd5GdNr2O92sVPf0sRsbcszwn_GbKe900Wqmz2hBIgNcIXo/s320/2015-08-04+17.52.48.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight -Lacing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7Ud_PsYOxmu1nz7DpKChMKAQ36L8XpOLKXWrBG8MbP1xDx-6DhehhM1IfXba6uFIQNK8YPoDLb1bQJFkD2DGQS9DI-Nn3MfM55EdsLmYPkRuK_XmFyqDTdW1NtN3styYSnA7bxM917I/s1600/2015-08-04+17.52.18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7Ud_PsYOxmu1nz7DpKChMKAQ36L8XpOLKXWrBG8MbP1xDx-6DhehhM1IfXba6uFIQNK8YPoDLb1bQJFkD2DGQS9DI-Nn3MfM55EdsLmYPkRuK_XmFyqDTdW1NtN3styYSnA7bxM917I/s320/2015-08-04+17.52.18.png" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Gibson Girl Tight-Laced. Gibson Girls were the beauty ideal in the 1900s. This photo would have been pornography. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The diminished waist and tight corset reduce the volume of the torso. This is sometimes reduced even further by styles of corset that force the torso to taper towards the waist, which pushes the lower ribs inwards. As a consequence, internal organs are moved closer together and out of their original positions in a way similar to the way that a pregnant woman's expanding uterus causes the organs to be displaced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The volume of the lungs diminishes and the tight-lacer tends to breathe with the upper portion of the lungs only, rather than the whole. This sort of breathing is what gives the image of "heaving bosoms" </span><span style="line-height: 12.4444446563721px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><span style="line-height: 12.4444446563721px; white-space: nowrap;">that are so often mentioned in historical romance novels. </span><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> Due to the lower portion of the lungs being used less there is often a bit of a mucous build-up there; a slight and persistent cough is the sign of the body trying to clear this <i>(and might also have led to the Victorian hypothesis that corsets caused tuberculosis.)</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The liver is pressed upwards. As it continually renews itself, it adapts to fit its new position, and in a long-term tight-lacer it can develop ridges where it rests against the ribs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The compression of the stomach reduces its volume, and some find that eating too much gives them indigestion and heartburn; foods like carbonated drinks and beans can easily cause trapped wind. The compression of the intestines can cause constipation that usually resolves upon removal of the corset. Many tight-lacers will alter their diet in order to avoid these problems, for example going from three large meals a day to six smaller meals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waist Trainers</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">What has helped waist trainers become so popular of late is the wide endorsement of many celebrities. <a href="http://www.thecorsetcenter.com/kim-khloe-kardashian-waist-training-corsets/">Kim and Khloe Kardashian</a>, <a href="http://www.etonline.com/news/165883_kim_zolciak_loses_4_inches_off_her_already_tiny_waist_by_waist_training/">Kim Zolciak</a>, <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-body/news/snooki-waist-training-after-birth-of-second-child-photo-20141811">Snooki</a>, and <a href="http://www.vh1.com/news/25520/blac-chyna-wears-waist-trainer-at-photo-shoot-instagram/">Blac Chyna</a> have all admitted to wearing corsets and firmly endorse them. <i>( Okay, so the jury is still out on whether or not any of these people are bonafide celebrities, but I suspect that their firm advocacy has certainly cemented the waist training craze in popular culture.) </i>There are three basic types of waist trainers:</span></div>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Latex waist trainers -</span> are considered to be the “starters”. They are more flexible because they only have a few weak bones which allow you to move more freely. Still they may show from under clothing because they make some weird wrinkles on the sides. It is also advised to wear something under the latex model because it can be irritating to the skin. Latex are considered to be the best trainers to wear in the gym during workout<i>.( In the gym during a workout? Yeah, right...)</i></span></li>
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style-type: disc; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Corset waist trainers-</span> have more layers and are more rigid than latex trainers. They can have decorative elements like lace and drawings but their fabric allows skin to breathe. Because they are more rigid they don’t wrinkle and they keep the waist tight in.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px;">The first two waist trainers that I mentioned run in pricing from about $10 to $150 dollars. I basically consider them to be the Walmart<i> ( latex)</i> and Macy's <i>(corset)</i> of waist trainers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Lato, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 26px;">Dark Garden Corsetry and Couture</span></span></h3>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 26px;">So, the third type of waist trainer is the Ribbon Corset waist cincher. This is a corset that can be customized after your body shape and size. It has lacing at the back <i>( just like in the movies)</i> and can tighten to the preferred size.<i> ( it is impossible to put these on or remove them properly</i> <i>alone.)</i> So , if latex waist trainers are the Walmart of Corsetry. And, a basic corset is the Macy's of Corsetry, then<a href="http://www.darkgarden.com/"> Dark Garden Unique Corsetry</a> located on Linden St. in San Francisco is the Sex, Chocolate, Beyonce of Corsetry. On Sunday, July 19, 2015, your Ms. Brown attended their Annual Corset Rummage Sale and I had a blast! Since it's inception in 1989, Dark Garden has established itself as one of the world's leading corsetiers, specializing in custom figure shaping foundation garments. Each corset is designed to function as a corset should, without sacrificing comfort. Dark Garden has a reputation for making structurally sound yet comfortable corsets which has attracted the attention of celebrities and corset enthusiasts the world over. There are three distinct collection at Dark Garden; The Signature starting at $315, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26px;">Risqué starting at $430, and the Dolly Mop starting at $365. All corsets come in 18" to 38" which roughly is a size 2 to 22. Dark Garden also makes custom corsets in 12" to 40" inch sizes. The price starts at $895. They also have a full bridal salon. The sale began at 11 am and I'm told that the line was approximately four hours long. I arrived in the afternoon and waited only about twenty-five minutes. The issue with that of course is that many of the best items were probably sold by the time that I was able to enter. In any case, the people in line were <i>sooo</i> nice. Someone brought donuts and they were happy to give me the ins and outs of corset wearing. Now, I was surprised to find that both men and women wear corsets, but hey, clearly there is an entire culture of corset wearing with which I'm not familiar! Once I got in, I was fitted for my corset by Tiffany! After doing my research on corsets and waist training culture, I must admit that I was a bit concerned about wearing one. Ms. Brown will not wear anything that prohibits her from breathing or eating.Those are two activities that I enjoy immensely. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could breathe easily and I honestly could see myself enjoying a meal in the garment with no problem. It actually felt <i>good</i> to have the additional back support. Now, as you can tell, Dark Garden Corsets are not inexpensive, even when they're on sale. But, they were definitely in a class by themselves with regard to fit, style, and quality. So, if you're in the market for a corset, I would recommend that you hold on to your money until you can get one from them. Take it from me, i tried on a cheap one and it was not the same. I have my eye on getting this leather corset custom made<i>.( I don't think that I've seen anything more bad ass in my entire life or at least not since <a href="https://youtu.be/J9Ul4ZPUnZY">Naomi Campbell</a> walked the runway for Atelier Versace in 2013) </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"><i>Here are some photos from the event : </i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetexgsOa-BZhtbGpy3U_35cHVqY1OUtqgPbDOcvjSZEqKmv3LYVMmbeyjyid9hSg5JJbPHnwvX6kCZJ5ztciox8n_6o0uEsMU8TLJpb97bS4_t8GjUAAKW9cL0yaiDAmJI-oHFFfxsTE/s1600/2015-08-03+16.28.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetexgsOa-BZhtbGpy3U_35cHVqY1OUtqgPbDOcvjSZEqKmv3LYVMmbeyjyid9hSg5JJbPHnwvX6kCZJ5ztciox8n_6o0uEsMU8TLJpb97bS4_t8GjUAAKW9cL0yaiDAmJI-oHFFfxsTE/s320/2015-08-03+16.28.18.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of satisfied customers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI1x2VoGBkbhaRLqere9bgQUahA7jrj3MmfEVK1BYDGZ-6dW4n_AAAfToKMX-dKWaJp635Fuqjn1NVhR_zADLA09VuIiO8c0MEpklqMK6m88kPvE9cnURDXHzW9AUaHP2pIiAUlaxY0E/s1600/2015-08-03+16.27.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpI1x2VoGBkbhaRLqere9bgQUahA7jrj3MmfEVK1BYDGZ-6dW4n_AAAfToKMX-dKWaJp635Fuqjn1NVhR_zADLA09VuIiO8c0MEpklqMK6m88kPvE9cnURDXHzW9AUaHP2pIiAUlaxY0E/s320/2015-08-03+16.27.29.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of pricing. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q8bRwKvSZOtHRaY5xG6gFmlJ5otFeT-xVFJ2_q7ThyemFyl4kJ57LgxKPRD-MRema4si6j_ARVihts786L64E_88wk3neSeEkXEHhZJAaqmnDJcXwZS1vcc7Z61L6z6WomGBJrqVat4/s1600/2015-08-03+16.27.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q8bRwKvSZOtHRaY5xG6gFmlJ5otFeT-xVFJ2_q7ThyemFyl4kJ57LgxKPRD-MRema4si6j_ARVihts786L64E_88wk3neSeEkXEHhZJAaqmnDJcXwZS1vcc7Z61L6z6WomGBJrqVat4/s320/2015-08-03+16.27.00.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The store from the loft! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZidfI6WcUcYxGRNQJ6Hb0Qiy3x7r568d_85MEqA0oO49FGc9Dc-k-KB6LQjEyF9gD_lEfCTtqu6Bqd6cxpF5FwGnLY-xfX2GGdBo4qHxxZm7TOxsAosGvU7rEnkL81aaNzE_kYIFUrRQ/s1600/2015-08-04+17.38.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZidfI6WcUcYxGRNQJ6Hb0Qiy3x7r568d_85MEqA0oO49FGc9Dc-k-KB6LQjEyF9gD_lEfCTtqu6Bqd6cxpF5FwGnLY-xfX2GGdBo4qHxxZm7TOxsAosGvU7rEnkL81aaNzE_kYIFUrRQ/s320/2015-08-04+17.38.27.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Garden Sales Associate working it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6R-qaj4nmBdG2jQu8jRAn9tXPlbDh6pjhd-K8Dqy0inJ1GdsZIhVVvFlQ_wstxjn43rlTw2uRvRYix2My-Xr0Bv1bpE7DbEBeH1HA00-_Nz5oeCDKrRNPmxGY6BtvyoYH3Tj48vV5xc/s1600/2015-08-04+17.40.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6R-qaj4nmBdG2jQu8jRAn9tXPlbDh6pjhd-K8Dqy0inJ1GdsZIhVVvFlQ_wstxjn43rlTw2uRvRYix2My-Xr0Bv1bpE7DbEBeH1HA00-_Nz5oeCDKrRNPmxGY6BtvyoYH3Tj48vV5xc/s320/2015-08-04+17.40.11.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiffany the Fabulous! She's the sales associate who assisted me! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KXT1z56CLsHhO9aJ-Z_QmjRm4J2AAxhwKrvEO2wJKqg-EO164QIcjD2rCFWqrprLRi3_2AEG4YjnkSji15104jwawGeSJw4Dglr-kcPHhHBj_p0HdDfaHypYRNVeK430TfCbxsPFEhQ/s1600/2015-08-04+17.39.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KXT1z56CLsHhO9aJ-Z_QmjRm4J2AAxhwKrvEO2wJKqg-EO164QIcjD2rCFWqrprLRi3_2AEG4YjnkSji15104jwawGeSJw4Dglr-kcPHhHBj_p0HdDfaHypYRNVeK430TfCbxsPFEhQ/s320/2015-08-04+17.39.10.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Dark Garden Customer sharing pastries while we waited in line!,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVqIgxNLL-bQknisyAwn8VEJ8-6bndIQzdUXS8s_lWGLyIrIOs2DRX8YfAu2ChESo6qyCJxg3eesWa4K9n05s7dsqaNyP2mgawtMMlwsfT5UNKqJMOaH4PiZobWkhUcbl_uVXKPdzV7I/s1600/2015-08-04+17.36.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVqIgxNLL-bQknisyAwn8VEJ8-6bndIQzdUXS8s_lWGLyIrIOs2DRX8YfAu2ChESo6qyCJxg3eesWa4K9n05s7dsqaNyP2mgawtMMlwsfT5UNKqJMOaH4PiZobWkhUcbl_uVXKPdzV7I/s320/2015-08-04+17.36.55.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This leather corset was EVERYTHING! I'm saving up for one ! They're custom made. Retail $1200. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 26px;">Let me be clear, the effects of waist training are not permanent and I don't know if it's a good idea to wear anything <i>( other than gym clothes) </i>with the goal of taking ten inches off of your waist. It honestly sounds unrealistic and painful. But, if you're looking for something hot, unique, and sexy to wear to the next event<i>( that you know everyone won't have)</i>, I would heartily recommend a Dark Garden Corset. Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Get Waisted!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ms. Brown</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLHvmjCCvjJHip289VdTN2rja8Obc6Tej2KocBSgBhYXu_71krB7CrWVGxpEu_NA3XyRGEmIKubhzOFcCutb8voutJEI-9fN6x18qUen-vkkNF8Sy02Zj7uVJemmJ-F5l8VCiwAMgxrM/s1600/2015-08-04+18.35.48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLHvmjCCvjJHip289VdTN2rja8Obc6Tej2KocBSgBhYXu_71krB7CrWVGxpEu_NA3XyRGEmIKubhzOFcCutb8voutJEI-9fN6x18qUen-vkkNF8Sy02Zj7uVJemmJ-F5l8VCiwAMgxrM/s320/2015-08-04+18.35.48.png" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "I got Waisted at Dark Garden " Tee<br />
Retail: $25</td></tr>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-66557291652769753362015-07-17T17:00:00.000-07:002015-07-20T10:33:54.884-07:00Come Out to The Castro Walking Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUhs4WGXfFBhDqj_ybb2BSWOU3o4d7LtT12VkQZh9hABuKlJfRfWcN4S1BM8bluJacR0hNeaxQC0h96XA6WDWWuRa6sn9xSz1Y_jGItwbUevuuv6nSwONcsHmFtVpyGZ31ixGQObk8QY/s1600/2015-07-17+15.14.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUhs4WGXfFBhDqj_ybb2BSWOU3o4d7LtT12VkQZh9hABuKlJfRfWcN4S1BM8bluJacR0hNeaxQC0h96XA6WDWWuRa6sn9xSz1Y_jGItwbUevuuv6nSwONcsHmFtVpyGZ31ixGQObk8QY/s320/2015-07-17+15.14.53.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The Castro District commonly referenced as The Castro is a neighborhood in Eureka Valley in San Francisco, CA. The Castro is one of the first gay neighborhoods in the United States and has been one of the most lively for several decades. But, the Castro has not always been the epicenter of the Gay community and activism.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> I became curious about how the Castro became such a prominent symbol of of gay activism and events in the world. So, I decided to learn more about it. to that end, on Saturday, July 11, 2015, your Ms. Brown decided to take the Come Out to the Castro Walking Tour. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><b>The Gold Rush</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Castro Street and was named for Jose Castro </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">(1808–1860), a California</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> leader of Mexican opposition to U.S. rule in California in the 19th century, and alcalde</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> of Alta California </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> from 1835 to 1836.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 11.1999998092651px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The neighborhood now known as the Castro was created in 1887 when the Market Street Railway </span><span style="background-color: white;">Company </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> built a line linking Eureka Valley to downtown. However, much of the growth of San Francisco and the expansions that later took place were the result of the now world famous "Gold Rush". </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> California Gold Rush </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">(1848–1855) began on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span class="mw-formatted-date" style="color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;" title="1848-01-24">January 24, 1848</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, when</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> <u>g</u></span>old<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">was found by</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> James W. Marshall </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> Sutter's Mill </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">in</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> Coloma, California. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">All told, the news of gold brought some 300,000 people to California </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">from the rest of the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> United States </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">and abroad.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Of the 300,000, approximately half arrived by sea, and half came overland from the east.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The effects of the Gold Rush were substantial. San Francisco grew from a small settlement of about 200 residents in 1846 to a boom town of about 36,000 by 1852s <span style="background-color: #f1e9d9; color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> However, that boom town did not feature many women. The men often found ways to entertain themselves. One of the most favorite past times was square dancing. The men used an at first a simple handkerchief code. A mustard yellow hanky in your left pocket meant that you were the lead while dancing. The same hanky in your right pocket meant that you took the more submissive role in dancing and were the follower. Eventually, these codes transitioned into meaning other things of a more sexual nature. In fact today,the hanky code has become quite extensive. Below is the partial list of hanky codes and what they mean: </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFj6VSbaFeTC1gr28zvuo0qywAVAe6zT1UNJoA6v5xCnauQ-MUEybXgXbcOg2xos5yZHtWs2U_h7QWILrjpc2UmEG8wtUvTgRm3OUoVlllj4GKhca2M2YZm9j1BPx9ZG8IoG2baE5btg/s1600/2015-07-17+14.33.34.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFj6VSbaFeTC1gr28zvuo0qywAVAe6zT1UNJoA6v5xCnauQ-MUEybXgXbcOg2xos5yZHtWs2U_h7QWILrjpc2UmEG8wtUvTgRm3OUoVlllj4GKhca2M2YZm9j1BPx9ZG8IoG2baE5btg/s320/2015-07-17+14.33.34.png" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For a full list of handkerchief codes and meanings along with events go to :</span></div>
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<a href="http://sf-eagle.com/storm/index.php"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Eagle San Francisco</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>P. S.- if you don't know what something means, don't ask me. I don't either. As I always say, that's why God created Google. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Working Class Neighborhood</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After the Gold Rush, the Castro District transitioned into an average working class community. <span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">In the early 20th century - especially from c. 1910 to 1920s - the Castro District of San Francisco and some of the surrounding area was known as Little Scandinavia</span><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, because of the large number of residents of </span>Swedish<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">, </span>Norwegian<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> and </span>Danish<span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> ancestry. Later, the Castro became home to a large number of Irish Catholic families. Much of the Irish Catholic roots of the area can be seen in the large number of bars that exist in the Castro presently </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">(no shade.)</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Those establishments and their corresponding liquor licenses are remnants of the large number of Irish Pubs that existed in the community in times past. One establishment that clearly exhibits the Irish Catholic Roots of the Castro is the <a href="http://www.twinpeakstavern.com/">Twin Peaks Tavern </a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">located on the corner of Castro and Market. The tavern features vintage antique woodwork throughout along with corresponding vintage furniture. If you visit the Castro, let me just suggest that you at least go into the Twin Peaks Tavern and take a look. The woodwork is outstanding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">World War II</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">World War II provided a big impetus for the development of San Francisco's gay community. One and a half million soldiers, 10%+ of which were homosexual, were able to find each other more easily in the marginal districts of San Francisco. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #1b1818;">M</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">any soldiers and sailors came to the area and some formed gay relationships. Later, they were discharged for homosexuality. Ultimately, the U.S. military dishonorably discharged thousands of gay servicemen from the </span>Pacific theater<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> in San Francisco during </span>World War II<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> (early 1940s) because of their sexuality. Upon their discharge, the Military sent a letter home to the serviceman's family members detailing why they were discharged. Rather than returning home where they would be stigmatized, many stayed on and after the war were joined by thousands more who had discovered new identities during the war. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #252525;"> </span><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">The city was always known for its </span><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">relatively libertine attitudes towards sex and pleasure. The Barbary Coast and the waterfront brought together travelers, sailors, transients, and other casual encounters far from the prevailing rules "back home". Hundreds of houses of prostitution flourished from the Gold Rush through the early 20th century,followed decades later by the rise of topless bars and strip joints, the pornographic film industry ( <i>The Mitchell Brothers being the best known)</i>, all contributing to the sexual openness that gave San Francisco a reputation directly challenging the sexual repressiveness that prevailed in the rest of the country.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;"> This in turn made San Francisco an attractive destination for those deemed "outlaws" by the dominant morals of society. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">San Francisco ultimately developed an established gay community in numerous areas including Polk Street, the Tenderloin and south of Market Street. The 1950s saw large amounts of families moving out to the suburbs in what became known as the "White Flight", leaving open large amounts of real estate and creating attractive locations for gay purchasers. By 1963, the Castro's first gay bar was opened called the "Missouri Mule".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Castro's graduated to it's status as a gay mecca began during the late 1960s with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_of_Love" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Summer of Love">Summer of Love</a> in the neighboring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haight-Ashbury" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" title="Haight-Ashbury">Haight-Ashbury</a> district in 1967. The two neighborhoods are separated by a large mountain, topped by Buena Vista Park. The hippie and free love movements had fostered communal living and free society ideas including housing of large groups of people in hippie communes. Androgyny became popular with men even in full beards as gay hippie men began to move into the area. The 1967 gathering brought tens of thousands of middle-class youth from all over the United States to the Haight which saw its own exodus when well-organized individuals and collectives started to see the Castro as an oasis from the massive influx. Many of the hippies had no way to support themselves or places to shelter. The Haight became drug ridden and violent, chasing off the gay population who looked for a more stable area to live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The gay community created an upscale, fashionable urban center in the Castro District in the 1970s. The neighborhood previously known as Eureka Valley, became known as the Castro, after the </span>landmark theatre by that name<span style="background-color: white;"> near the corner of Castro and Market Streets. Many San Francisco gays also moved there after about 1970 from what had been the formerly most prominent </span>gay <span style="background-color: white;">neighborhood , </span>Polk Gulch<span style="background-color: white;">, because large </span>Victorian houses<span style="background-color: white;"> were available at low rents or available for purchase for low down payments when their former middle-class owners had fled to the suburbs.</span><span style="background-color: white;">I</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">n 1962 police and alcohol control board harassment led to the establishment of the </span>Tavern Guild<span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">, consisting of the owners of primarily gay and bohemian establishments. The Guild became the first overtly gay business association and provided one of the first organizational backbones of the gay community. Earlier, in 1955, the </span>Mattachine Society<span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;"> <i>(one of the first ever gay organizations) </i>had moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to San Francisco and eventually spawned </span><i style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">The Advocate</i><span style="color: #1b1818; line-height: 18px;">, the nation's first gay magazine. The Daughters of Bilitis, the first openly lesbian organization, was founded in San Francisco, also in 1955. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resident in the Castro who does doll displays!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim, our tour guide wearing the boa of fame!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first winner of the boa of fame!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, the above is just a teaser of all the information that I took away from the "Come out to the Castro Tour'. And truly, we discussed far too much to insert into one blog post. I learned that the size of each patch on the AIDS quilt is equivalent to the size of a grave. I learned that the Walgreen's in the Castro is the most profitable in the country as a result of filling prescriptions for AIDS and HIV medications. I learned that Jewish Holocaust victims who were gay were forced to wear pink triangles.<i> ( Google Pink Triangle Park)</i>. And, all the information was presented in a fascinating and engaging form. We had funny quizzes and jokes that each tour participant were challenged to answer or perform. The winner was allowed to wear the "boa of fame". I never answered a question correctly, so I never had my turn with the stupid "boa of fame". <i>( I'm still bitter, can you tell?) </i>The "Come out to the Castro " Tour happens every Saturday. The price is thirty dollars per person or fifteen on Goldstar<i>(what I paid.)</i> I had a fabulous time, learned a lot, and got a bit of exercise in the sun. I plan to take all of the other walking tours of various neighborhoods in San Francisco, and perhaps I will get the 'boa of fame" or some similar achievement next time! One can always hope! As Always...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ms. Brown</span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-87256208884048687882015-07-04T12:00:00.000-07:002015-07-04T12:00:04.380-07:00Happy Independence Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-48547844971029269392015-07-01T17:50:00.000-07:002015-07-02T11:28:41.646-07:00Google Plus, Hashtags and Change<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I was looking at my calendar the other day and realized that I have officially been blogging for three months. I thought that it might be a good idea to reflect, reassess and adjust. So, in the spirit of reflection and growth, let me tell you what three months of blogging has taught me. #reflection</span><br />
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1. Social Media</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blogging takes up a great deal of time. The writing is not time consuming, maintaining a Social Media presence is. Why is a Social Media presence important? Because that is the way that you market yourself . If you want readers, you have to be active on Social Media. Why are readers important? If I didn't want readers, I would just write diary. I'm writing a blog to share my thoughts with the world. ( by the way. you can find me at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/icedcoffy">www.facebook.com/icedcoffy </a>, <a href="http://www.twitter%2Ccom/coffy_brown">@coffy_brown</a> on the twitter, and on Google+ at <a href="http://www.google.com/+coffybrownsugar">www.google.com/+coffybrownsugar</a>) Just saying...#justsaying</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Many people think that Google Plus ( Google's Version of Facebook) is a vast empty wasteland. This may have once been the case, but there is a whole interactive world going on in the land of Google Plus. Millions of people are interacting on it every day. And, because many of the heavy hitters think that it's not worth their time, it's easier for a relatively unknown person like me to get a signal through and have an impact. I even have a couple of groupie stalkers. So, that should tell you that I've arrived. #groupiestalkers</span><br />
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3. Hash Tags</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay, perhaps I'm late. But, I never fully understood the importance of a hash tag until I had to figure out how to get more people to read my content. It's easy. Always use a hash tags after your posts. That is how people searching for the topic you're writing about locate you. #alwaysuseahashtag #always</span><br />
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4. Social Pleasantries and Rhetorical Questions</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You know how people sometimes walk up to you and say, " Hi, how are you?" It's just a social pleasantry. They don't really want to know how you are. Well, the same can be said for event coordinators and businesses that encourage you to email them with questions on their website or events page. They have the email addresses listed on the website, but anything you send them goes into a black hole never to be seen or heard of again. And, it is certainly never responded to. #crickets</span><br />
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5. Klout-</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Klout is a website that measures Social Media Influence. The more influence that you have on social media, the higher your score. Everyone says that your Klout score doesn't matter. But, mine has been mentioned to me more than once by people and businesses that I'm blogging about. and of course, I'm savvy enough to know that the reason it keeps coming up is because it's insignificant. #NOT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Blog Names</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I've been reading a great deal about blogging and one of the things I've noticed is that most blogs have short catchy names. Now, mine is long on the catchy side, but there are some opportunities for evolution and enhancement with regard to the short issue. So, in the spirit of reflection and evaluation, I have decided to shorten the blog name.. I had planned to do it after a year, but everything I've read says that I should do it as early on as possible. #changeisgood</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Business Cards</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't purchase too many business cards when you first start a project. You will be stuck with them if you decide to re-vamp the name. #teachablemoment</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I think that ends my reflective phase. Onward and upward. I'll be talking to you soon! Oh! I bet all of you were waiting for the new blog name. Okay. Well, henceforth, <i>(well, actually tomorrow)</i> Around Town with Ms Coffy Brown shall be known as Uptown Coffy Brown. Both of the names have www.com web addresses that work. If you go to the previous address, it will simply forward you to the new one! Well, now, I think that it's time that I signed off. Lots of work to do for tomorrow!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#KeepItHotAndSweet ,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P. S. The photo at the top really doesn't correspond with the post. I just thought that it was badass. #HBIC</span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-39998109121596447292015-06-24T18:28:00.002-07:002015-10-12T08:08:46.138-07:00The Hippest Trip in America & Oakland<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soul Train</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> represents our proudest examples of the partnership's consistent pursuit of our common goal of creating extraordinary exposure opportunities for minority and other recording artists on national television.” –Don Cornelius</span></h4>
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The Hippest Trip in America</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I mention the hippest trip in America, there are few people in America who don't know of the phrase and it's pop culture roots. Of course, I'm talking about none other than<i> Soul Train</i>. <i>Soul Train</i> was an American variety musical show that showcased the best and brightest in R&B, soul, and hip hop. The show was created, written, and produced by its host Don Cornelius and aired in syndication from 1971-2006. <i>Soul Train</i> is credited with glamorizing soul music and featured a myriad of artists from Aretha Franklin to Alicia Keys. It encouraged audience members to take note of performers, pop culture, and politics. And,was also on the cutting edge of trend setting in dance and fashion.<i> Soul Train</i> has the honor of being the longest running first run nationally syndicated program in television history with over 1,100 shows produced from the shows debut through it's 2005-2006 season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don Cornelius</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The path to ' Love, Peace, and Soul" was not an easy one. Before its inception, Don Cornelius took what he considered to be a gamble by enrolling in a broadcasting school in Chicago. He enrolled in the Spring of 1966. In spite of being advised that he and the majority of those enrolled in the course might never get jobs in broadcasting, Cornelius decided to give the course his best shot. Being a radio announcer had always been his dream. Later, after completing the course, Cornelius was hired as a part time news reader and radio disc jockey at WVON in Chicago. <i>(Lesson here? Follow your dreams. Don't listen to the peanut gallery.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Around the same time that Cornelius began officially working in radio, WCIU-TV, a new television station in Chicago began airing two youth oriented dance programs: <i>Ki</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>ddie-a-Go-</i>Go-</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Red Hot Blues. </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These programs--specifically the latter, which featured a predominately African American group of in studio dancers would set the stage for what was to come to the station a few year later. Don Cornelius was hired by WCIU in 1967 as a news and sports reporter. At the time, Cornelius was also promoting and emceeing a touring series of concerts featuring local talents <i>( sometimes called record hops)</i> at Chicago area high schools. He called his traveling caravan of shows "The Soul Train". WCIU-TV took notice of Cornelius' outside work and in 1970 allowed him the opportunity to bring his road show to television. The station provided a small studio space and Cornelius produced the original pilot at his own expense. <i>Soul Train</i> became an instant hit across Chicago television audiences , which attracted the attention of George Johnson, founder and President of Johnson Products Company <i>( Ultra Sheen/ Afro Sheen hair care products)</i>. Johnson proposed an advertising partnership that would involve taking Soul Train in a direction toward national syndication. Cornelius began commuting to Hollywood in search of better production facilities, and in the summer of 1971, he secured a facility and an experienced production crew. The syndication went on the air on October 2, 1971 and it was an instant success with audiences. The first episode of the program featured Gladys Knight and the Pips, The Honeycomb, Bobby Hutton, and Eddie Kendricks. You can see Don Cornelius DJ roots in this clip from the very first episode: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Soul Train Line</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the fifth national episode of<i> Soul Train </i>that aired on October 30, 1971, a segment was introduced that became a mainstay of the show and has become a staple of parties throughout the world. That segment was the legendary <i>Soul Train Line. Soul Train</i> host and creator Don Cornelius said that the <i>Soul Train Line</i> was popular at the parties that he attended in Chicago, so when the program debuted locally in Chicago, Cornelius presented the line dance on his show. Cornelius had no idea what he started when he began showcasing the Soul Train Line when it aired. The show aired nationally in seven markets in the US and ultimately reached over twenty-five markets by the end of 1972. The first Soul Train Line song played on the national broadcast of the program was the popular Staple Singers hit <i>" Respect Yourself"</i>. As the beat of the song kicked in,couples grooved enthusiastically down the Soul Train line, wearing the latest in brightly colored suits, platforms, bell bottoms, and mini skirts while sporting perfectly coiffed large and small Afros, French Braids and Afro Puffs. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here is the clip of the first Soul Train Line! </span><br />
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Oakland</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, you may ask, what does Oakland, CA have to do with the <i>Soul Train </i>Legacy. Well, I'm glad you did! We already know that Oakland, CA has an abundance of Soul. On Saturday, June 20, 2015, we proved it in a big way! Three hundred and thirty seven dancers <i>( including yours truly) </i>showed up to<span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;"> at DeFremery Park to beat the Longest Soul Train Line record of 298 dancers. Philadelphia has held the title since 2012. The number was short of the 500 people the event's organizers had hoped to attract, but it was certified by Guinness World Records Ltd. on Saturday afternoon that Oakland's affinity for the "Soul Train" television show's classic dance platform is record-breaking. Here are some photos from the record breaking day!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hip Couple at the Soul Train Line!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dancer in the Spirit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling that Seventies Soul Train Vibe!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Team was the last team to go down the line to break the record!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team Green Celebrating the win!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Team Green Celebrating!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;">Beating the record for the longest "Soul Train"-style line was the brainchild of the Friends of DeFremery Center, whose mission is to provide activities at the park for low-income people who use its services. The event, dubbed Oak Train, was a fundraiser for kids to go to a five-week camp that usually costs about $500 per child, and keep other activities free. </span><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;">Each dancer got a T-shirt -- orange, purple, pink, yellow and blue -- so the record keepers could keep track of their numbers.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeFremery Center offers Summer Camp for Oakland Youth!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeFremery Center also offers Free Meals!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;"> Once the dancing started, some of the first down the line were former "Soul Train'' dancers Jeffrey McCrimon, of Brentwood, and Sally Achenbach and Nellie Gonzales, both of Los Angeles. During their run on the show, from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, the dances of the day were the robocop, running man, Roger Rabbit, the tilt and the sledgehammer. But, there were folks there doing the bump, the four corners, the cha cha, the dougie, and the wop! In other words, varied age ranges were represented and to quote Hedda Hopper, ' A good time was had by all". If you would like to learn more about the Friends of DeFremery Center, donate money or attend other events, more information can be found <a href="http://www.oaktrain.org/">here</a>! Your Ms. Brown will certainly be making an attempt to get over their way a bit more. One thing is for sure, when you attend one of the Friends of DeFremery Center events, you can bet your last money, it's gonna be a stone gas honey!' In parting, I wish you...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;"> Love, Peace, and Soul!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.6520004272461px;">Ms. Brown</span></span></div>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-5072105529703532022015-06-10T20:17:00.000-07:002016-09-08T19:44:35.949-07:00There's an App for that...hood style...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So, my mother called me Friday morning really excited. What was the good news? Apparently, my cousin La-A ( pronounced La Dasha) and her baby daddy Ray Ray <i>( real name La Raymond) </i>were getting married <i>( about time, the "baby" is twenty-two)</i>. Here's where I came in. They wanted to have a pre-wedding luncheon for La-A and the wedding party before they went down to City Hall to tie the knot. And, my dear mother had volunteered ME to plan it! As if that wasn't enough, next came a laundry list of requirements. There had to be food, the ability to Skype at the venue, so the rest of the family could share in the event and finally, everyone in attendance, in person or by Skype needed a memento of the event.<i>( Geez..would you like me to walk on water and negotiate world peace too?)</i> All of this needed to be done in four hours before Ray Ray changed his mind.</span><br />
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I was in a real conundrum. I mean, I already had a lot of things on my plate. I had planned to use the day to go apartment hunting, I was expecting an important package and I needed to ship back a vase that I'd ordered that wasn't the correct color. Plus, little Coffy Brown Jr. had a violin lesson that day ( she's a <i>child prodigy</i> ) , and our dog coffybean needed to go to the Vet. How on earth was I going to get all of this done! I didn't panic. Here's what I did:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://liquidspace.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjwndqrBRC16IyeqPicp3ASJAB-vB-cHbAGEcPyn93Qxh4Y5YGbZoVZ6TsEgPveptY7wZTGOBoCkS_w_wcB"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="https://liquidspace.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjwndqrBRC16IyeqPicp3ASJAB-vB-cHbAGEcPyn93Qxh4Y5YGbZoVZ6TsEgPveptY7wZTGOBoCkS_w_wcB">Liquid Space</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLskXQNKrtijnsNHtZdgRdjOY18Dg7rDvXS4U9nls011F0VushtC9QV3f8t-SYB2yMAze8IsTBDNAXLDr4rqBT13BQEbiumGRKW0LuIAQj4ed8vuIFIQj8mKB-GQa1Aho3uBKRN0vysfo/s1600/2015-06-10+17.56.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLskXQNKrtijnsNHtZdgRdjOY18Dg7rDvXS4U9nls011F0VushtC9QV3f8t-SYB2yMAze8IsTBDNAXLDr4rqBT13BQEbiumGRKW0LuIAQj4ed8vuIFIQj8mKB-GQa1Aho3uBKRN0vysfo/s320/2015-06-10+17.56.58.png" width="253" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I took out my trusty smart phone and hit the app for Liquid Space. <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;">LiquidSpace is the leading real-time marketplace for flexible workspace. You can instantly find and book a great place to meet or work.</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"> Thousands of work spaces are available to rent by the hour, day or longer - across 600+ cities in the U.S., Canada and Australia. I found a nice meeting room fully equipped for any type of presentation including Skype at a local upscale hotel. I rented the room for three hours, ordered food through the app, paid and sent out an email to all attendees with the address! </span></span><br />
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<span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> Next, I hit the Rad Pad app on my Smart phone. RadPad is a photo-based mobile application where renters can find a new apartment, condo, or home easily via a transparent process with property owners. Renters can pay rent through the app on a major debit or credit card. I scrolled through and found a place in the area that I wanted to live in, sent the owner an email, got a phone call back and went to view the place. I liked it. So , I hit a button and paid the deposit and fees all through my Rad Pad app. </span></span></div>
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<span class="_Tgc"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.doorman.co/">Doorman</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span class="_Tgc">As I said earlier, I was expecting an important package that would probably be arriving at the start time for the luncheon. But, I remembered that I had used my doorman app to have it delivered. </span><span style="color: rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.670588); letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">Doorman has re-imagined package delivery for e-commerce by perfecting the most important moment of shopping: when you actually get your stuff. You can schedule home delivery of your online purchases until midnight, 7 days a week, same day or weeks away. They give customers a new shipping address to use whenever they shop online, and once your packages arrive at their depot, you simply use the Doorman app to schedule delivery to your front door up until midnight, in convenient 1-hour windows, 7 days a week. The price is $3.99 per package or you can pay a monthly fee of $19 for unlimited deliveries with a two hour window, or $29 for unlimited deliveries with a one hour window and unlimited returns. I hit that app and rescheduled the delivery for 11:30 pm that night. Got that covered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 21.6000003814697px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.shyp.com/">SHYP</a>,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">You will recall that I also needed to ship a vase back to Pottery Barn.For that I used my SHYP mobile app. What is SHYP? SHYP is the easiest way to ship your stuff. The mobile app provides an easy on demand shipping experience. You take a photo of the item and make a request thorough the app. A SHYP representative comes to you <i>( they call them heroes)</i>, collects your item, takes them away to be professionally packed and shipped to your destination. The cost for this service is a five dollar flat fee plus the cost of shipping. Now, let's get to shipping costs, SHYP has a </span><span style="background-color: white;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"> Low Price Promise</i><span style="line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">: they price compare across all major shipping carriers to give you the lowest rate possible. Shipping cost is determined by weight, dimensions, destination and your selected shipping option. Slight variations among these factors can significantly change shipping costs. Shyp considers all factors and selects the service that meets their reliability standards, while ensuring the package is delivered in accordance with your selected shipping option.Someone arrived within an hour to pick up and ship my vase. Done.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://shuddle.us/">Shuddle</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb9g1Le8HD2zxTDGQbpfAtJcF4kCusdfDubHRdXK1hP4QlWhYiJnimw7KPdvh-40flOTh0rUYSEC7_EN2cKXsygBg6v2vVK745kkHv_-j5_F6yCOYnD_yLQTlYEwage2Hd7vo4LOgGbo/s1600/2015-06-10+17.57.49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb9g1Le8HD2zxTDGQbpfAtJcF4kCusdfDubHRdXK1hP4QlWhYiJnimw7KPdvh-40flOTh0rUYSEC7_EN2cKXsygBg6v2vVK745kkHv_-j5_F6yCOYnD_yLQTlYEwage2Hd7vo4LOgGbo/s320/2015-06-10+17.57.49.png" width="236" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 23.7999992370605px;">So, with all of that handled, I just needed to find a way to get Coffy Brown Jr. to her violin lesson. I then remembered that I had already scheduled the ride yesterday with Shuddle. Shuddle is the only transportation service designed for busy families. It's </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">a new Uber-like service that arranges car rides for busy families. S</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;">huddle, which does not yet offer on-demand ride hailing like Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, and the like, allows parents to arrange scheduled pickups for kids. Rides from home to school or school to soccer practice are Shuddle’s bread-and-butter. In its first metropolitan area of San Francisco, prices are $9 per month, plus regular per-ride fees. Most rides run in the $20 range depending upon distance. Once I scheduled the ride, I received a bio and photo of the person who would be coming to pick up my child. Shuddle only hires people who can provide good references in a child care related field. ( teacher, nanny etc) Each person is given a face to face interview, a criminal background check, a motor vehicles records check, vehicle inspection, and an in person training. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.4519996643066px;">Once the passenger reaches the final destination, a message is sent to you and Shuddle HQ to confirm that the ride has ended safely. You can track the ride in real-time via GPS. You say you're still not comfortable allowing your child to ride with a stranger? You actually know more about the Shuddle driver than you do about the carpool, school bus, or city bus driver that your child rides with every day. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1j3RCwZiBDJNcDLY7y4mcKUw7H6WO3jazIT9oZmJSBpWUfhP3gi4DUjVWmgHZAdMMvVfskonmCJBW67jYj6rD7bBNeVl5goVfrWjoQ8ZT2oqq3Tne3H3_lWGvkwqcpZDat4RP4mpUeU/s1600/2015-06-10+18.53.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1j3RCwZiBDJNcDLY7y4mcKUw7H6WO3jazIT9oZmJSBpWUfhP3gi4DUjVWmgHZAdMMvVfskonmCJBW67jYj6rD7bBNeVl5goVfrWjoQ8ZT2oqq3Tne3H3_lWGvkwqcpZDat4RP4mpUeU/s320/2015-06-10+18.53.40.png" width="271" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25.4519996643066px;">So next, I need to get the dog to the Vet. Well, as the saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat. I just hit my Vet Pronto app and scheduled an appointment. A Vet arrived within an hour. </span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #3e433e; line-height: 26px;">Vet Pronto offers on-demand house call veterinary services for dogs and cats, allowing customers to skip a visit to the clinic or just see a vet at a more convenient time – like on evenings and weekends, for example.A house call is $150 dollars , this includes the visit, comprehensive exam, unlimited questions and answers, and any consultations or prescriptions required. They also offer a full range of other veterinary services at an additional cost. However, veterinarians receive a flat rate of $100 per house call, so there is no incentive to sell you additional items that your pet doesn't need. For now, the service is only offered in San Francisco, but as the idea catches on, I'm sure that will change.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #3e433e; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So, with all of that handled, I was ready to get dressed and go to the event. When I arrived, everything was set up exactly as I had arranged. The food was delicious but, then I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten the dessert and the party gift. No worries. Here's what I did:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBzv4axBX9J_qWoaRNBDQILBlpPXB8YdjFP7LvxlbWljmnej8gtfj2lyh7hQcQblyKAgrpGUbaJHtlmA9keymrXEv2rXqKmfau5keMBCFdSCl3ffiWysf3-qHWMt_5X1ocWiP5cw74zE/s1600/2015-06-10+17.58.44.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBzv4axBX9J_qWoaRNBDQILBlpPXB8YdjFP7LvxlbWljmnej8gtfj2lyh7hQcQblyKAgrpGUbaJHtlmA9keymrXEv2rXqKmfau5keMBCFdSCl3ffiWysf3-qHWMt_5X1ocWiP5cw74zE/s320/2015-06-10+17.58.44.png" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3e433e; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; line-height: 26px;">I went in to my browser and found the doughbies website. Doughbies delivers freshly baked goods on demand- in twenty minutes or less. You can send a gift, or have something delicious delivered for yourself <i>( or in my case, some demanding folks at an impromptu luncheon.) </i>Everything is handmade by their team of local bakers with a focus on the utmost care and quality.They deliver fresh baked goods in twenty minutes. The dessert arrived right on time, and no one knew that I had forgotten! Next, I had to deal with a memento for each guest! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.socialprintstudio.com/">Social Print Studios</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg33tXE6tLGoiyY7tV_qDS11Qtm2HzNpQZ7R9MEy2x4o7O0sDwYHlDgP8cI26lPA00P68HLd8K-h1dibqIJjFOiMxuylQ8Fr9vkN0OVPZToShtOiFeNqyXFjFA1ErTwtfjrhyphenhyphenCcs4HWA/s1600/2015-06-10+18.54.23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg33tXE6tLGoiyY7tV_qDS11Qtm2HzNpQZ7R9MEy2x4o7O0sDwYHlDgP8cI26lPA00P68HLd8K-h1dibqIJjFOiMxuylQ8Fr9vkN0OVPZToShtOiFeNqyXFjFA1ErTwtfjrhyphenhyphenCcs4HWA/s320/2015-06-10+18.54.23.png" width="203" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> For that, I used my Social Print Studios mobile app . Social Print is an app that allows you can print photos from your social media accounts and turn them into masterpieces. They make a variety of items, posters, stickers, magnets, tshirts, framed prints,gift cards, greeting cards,you name it! I ordered each guest a mini keepsake booklet for $12.00 a piece featuring photos that I had taken during the event. I ordered the bride and groom a large photo book which was $25.00. Later, to the delight of everyone present, I kindly informed each guest that their keepsake mementos would arrive at their homes in four to six weeks. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTmN9aDd4_cn7WgQLzojj-dyy7dSxPtSNVjQBXY7pGwL7eKKUy8-HLyGakBW7itQjDafOi_oXDLy26PME9-cW_-jNs9e5_jwAr40hpAbFIkI1zGzm-4tDLEH4X4N9Ei8Fc92_GpVzy-o/s1600/2015-06-10+17.59.27.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTmN9aDd4_cn7WgQLzojj-dyy7dSxPtSNVjQBXY7pGwL7eKKUy8-HLyGakBW7itQjDafOi_oXDLy26PME9-cW_-jNs9e5_jwAr40hpAbFIkI1zGzm-4tDLEH4X4N9Ei8Fc92_GpVzy-o/s320/2015-06-10+17.59.27.png" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So, as it stands, few family events can go off without a little drama. Ray Ray's other baby mama Caprice showed up insisting that their baby was in the car sick and that he needed to leave immediately with her to take the baby to the doctor. <i>( just FYI, this baby is also twenty-two. They call those "ghetto twins")</i>. I told Caprice to bring the "baby " in to sit a moment and while she was having her drama queen fits, I hit my Heal app. Heal is an on demand house call family doctor and pediatrician service.I hit the request a doctor link, paid $99 and a highly qualified doctor was there to see the "baby" within an hour. Caprice was livid. Honestly, it was the best $99 bucks that I've ever spent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.zeel.com/how-zeel-works">Zeel</a></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">After that, La-A and Ray Ray went off to the courthouse and got hitched.I was exhausted and just went home. But, once I arrived, I was still a nervous wreck. I pulled out my phone and hit my Zeel app. What is Zeel? Zeel delivers a top quality massage to your home,hotel, workplace or event in as little as an hour. They offer a variety or techniques and options including couples massages and back to back massages. Meaning that you can have a couple of girlfriends over and do your own little in home spa day.Zeel massage therapists are the best in the industry. They are licensed, screened,background checked, and fully vetted by the Zeel Team.Their therapists are chosen for their excellence and further trained by Zeel to reach the highest levels of customer service and experience.<i>(Ahem, clearing throat)</i> All that being said, professional massages are the <b>ONLY</b> fee for service option that Zeel offers. no funny business.The price starts at $99 dollars . Prices can vary depending upon length of massage and other options.But, payment is made online and includes the tip. So, you don't need to have any cash on hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In all honesty, I don't really have a cousin named La-A and,if anyone volunteered me to set up a wedding luncheon in four hours, the answer would be "hell to the no"! But, the reality is that we live in an increasingly demanding world and being able to order and receive goods and services on demand is not only the wave of the future, but it relieves a lot of <span style="background-color: white;">stress</span>. Besides, the fact is, having a doctor, or a vet, or a cookie delivery at home is certainly not a new practice. Once upon a time, doctors made house calls and there was a milk man who collected empty milk <span style="background-color: white;">bottle</span> and brought fresh milk. Now, I know that you're going to say that everything that I ordered in my imaginary scenario cost money, but the fact is, the most valuable commodity that you have is not your money, it's your time. In closing, if you find yourself in need of some of these on demand services one day, you now know that they're available. I'd like to thank the folks at <a href="http://www.techinmotionevents.com/">Tech in Motion</a> for hosting the event where I was able to learn about all of these fabulous services. And, I'd also like to thank the folks at <a href="http://geekdomsf.com/">Geekdom</a> for providing the venue. Until next time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Keep it hot and sweet,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ms Brown</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">African print, popularly known as Ankara, has gained popularity in the global fashion scene since 2010. The fabric is primarily associated with Africa because of the tribal-like patterns and motifs. However, the<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> acclaimed fabric is not actually of African origin; it was manufactured by the Dutch people of the Netherlands for the Indonesian textile market, but as with new trends, West Africa was the first to catch the Ankara fever, after the Turks made a cheaper version of the fabric and changed the name from ‘Dutch wax print’ to what is now their country’s capital, Ankara.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Of course, the textile had to mirror the lives of its consumers, hence the cultural and artistic designs of the print. Initially, Ankara was primarily used for special occasions like traditional ceremonies as it was thought to be far too colorful and vibrant for everyday wear.But, eventually, in the post-colonial era of many West African countries, it began making appearances in workplaces and business districts and on every day occasions.The independent African countries began building their own textile factories to forge designs that would more fully embrace their culture. In fact, many Ankara fabrics have meanings within African culture in the same way that tartan may denote lineage in </span>Scottish culture. T<span style="background-color: white;">ourists, eager to get a souvenir of their visit to Africa quickly purchased the beautiful and inexpensive fabric. </span><span style="background-color: white;">By the year 2000, African fashion designers were becoming more prominent and started using it to create exclusive designs. Soon Ankara blouses and shirts were worn over jean trousers and Fashion designers began to promote the fabric through their work to international acclaim. Around 2010 many celebrities like </span>Beyonce<span style="background-color: white;">, </span>Rihanna<span style="background-color: white;"> and Alicia Keys were already rocking the material. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Solange </span><span style="background-color: white;">Knowles has been renowned for her apt blending of Ankara fabric patterns in her outfits. It has entered men’s wardrobe too, a drastic change from the 90’s when wearing Ankara everyday was a ‘woman’s thing’. It has become an African identity. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Stella Jean</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I mentioned earlier, many celebrities have been seen wearing ensembles made of Ankara or other African prints and textiles. The prices run the range from extremely expensive to much more reasonably priced. One designer that I would like to call your attention to is Stella Jean. Jean has established her signature aesthetic as the merging of the exoticism of her Haitian creole heritage and the craftsmanship of her Italian roots. The result is classic feminine tailoring-cinched-in waists and dirndl skirts infused with bold tribal prints and color. Pictured below are Rihanna and Beyonce both wearing Stella Jean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.stellajean.it/">Stella Jean</a> won Vogue Italia’s Who Is On Next talent contest in 2011 and her dresses swiftly sold out when they landed at Matches Fashion for the last two seasons. But her story is no overnight success.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 24px;">The self-taught Italian-Haitian designer twice failed to qualify for the talent competition, part of the Alta Roma schedule, but it was third-time luck when she finally qualified, and won. She has since garnered the support of fashion icons Beyonce and Rihanna who have both been seen in her garments on numerous occasions. Her most recent line is fabulous and the prices of her garments range from $65 for a bracelet to $750 per item. She also carries swim wear and a line for men and children. Some of her garments are pictured below:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Jean, who uses her mother’s maiden name for the brand, rather than her given surname </span>Novarino<span style="background-color: white;">, often seeks inspiration from her cultural identity, and uses sustainably sourced fabrics, aimed at helping trade workers in developing communities.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;">Ruben Ruel</span></h4>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;">So, let's say that you're not able to pay $750.00 for a single clothing item but still want to indulge in the latest African Textile trend. Let me tell you about Rueben Ruel and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DemestiksNewYork?source=aw&utm_source=affiliate_window&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=us_location_buyer&utm_content=78888">Demestiks New York.</a> Ruben Ruel is a Brooklyn based designer who has created the brand Demesticks. Primarily sold on Etsy, his women's wear line is based on Dutch Wax Prints and other classic African Patterns. Both Beyonce and Ledisi have been seen in his designs. Ruel began making garments for the women he met at church in his hometown of Virginia Beach. He would take their orders on Sunday after church and create one of a kind garments based on what each client needed. As word of mouth spread, he developed a loyal following of locals. In 2009, he moved to New York to launch his own brand. With his bold use of color and feminine aesthetic, his work has a vintage girly quality to it. It draws on the bolder elements that came out of the seventies and eighties.- peplums, dolman sleeves, and oversize bows. He is an equally beautiful and less expensive option to Stella Jean. His signature mantra is to make clothing that is comfortable for women of all sizes that aren't items that you will see every day and he has no plans to place his clothing in stores. He wants to be a global vendor and feels that selling his items online is an easier way to make his clothing accessible to women all over the world. Also, since Virginia, where he got his start didn't have a lot of toothpicks walking around, he designed his clothes to look good on women ranging from size XS to 4X. He still does. Some of his designs are pictured below:</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: normal;"><i>Ledisi in Demestiks New York</i></span><br />
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<i>Beyonce in Demestiks New York</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcb4YuMBbVoHvty6ahBoz5MQzHs4N4bqYpgOa0pS8fXJN67psV30q2_C4_AZ2-eCEBz6kwE2WQ3cWfGm7hnqYLVv6mNQ6x2ko7u-w1OpB-UApbYKmfekQfHufpwSw9-YNjI2DzJID__M/s1600/2015-06-02+17.54.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcb4YuMBbVoHvty6ahBoz5MQzHs4N4bqYpgOa0pS8fXJN67psV30q2_C4_AZ2-eCEBz6kwE2WQ3cWfGm7hnqYLVv6mNQ6x2ko7u-w1OpB-UApbYKmfekQfHufpwSw9-YNjI2DzJID__M/s320/2015-06-02+17.54.51.png" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF227MfqY-HyygPZvzp32ih_nvfrnJRnOHjbqVwPued7qYshPBuHR6MiteAu_TD5Mo6AB2Zt6ioPCFCJZS7VaYuvQXuFtnvLriPPGThF06pUKdFXO0iRUMRXKPUhuP608HECzdHxPn_g/s1600/2015-06-02+17.47.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF227MfqY-HyygPZvzp32ih_nvfrnJRnOHjbqVwPued7qYshPBuHR6MiteAu_TD5Mo6AB2Zt6ioPCFCJZS7VaYuvQXuFtnvLriPPGThF06pUKdFXO0iRUMRXKPUhuP608HECzdHxPn_g/s320/2015-06-02+17.47.50.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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Indeed, each and every one of the garments pictured above can best be described as wearable works of art. And, each garment can be paired with items already in your wardrobe to create your own unique fashion statement. After all, fashion can be bought, but style one must possess. And style, is your way of telling the universe who you are without ever having to speak. So, if you want to tell the world that you are a vibrant, bold, fabulous global citizen, I would say that Ankara and other African textiles and prints are definitely for you! Remember, the most important part of a dress is the always the woman who's wearing it! Until next time...<br />
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Keep it hot and sweet,<br />
Ms. Brown<br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-18005425775381750532015-05-26T17:01:00.000-07:002015-05-26T17:04:07.240-07:00Naked Wines and Carmen Stevens<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-76i_UHIHyrla9k4ak1bPlVOpMw3dFRTUK66TMr2nWSxAPuKYbs4_LcY_TAQCeyyWcFYXCmZuSsE0Pz1wFot_k0zGZmxbrU9veLavwC9NekXukD2oojIP94vXDTjYx8-_aMvar3E_8Q/s1600/2015-05-26+15.19.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-76i_UHIHyrla9k4ak1bPlVOpMw3dFRTUK66TMr2nWSxAPuKYbs4_LcY_TAQCeyyWcFYXCmZuSsE0Pz1wFot_k0zGZmxbrU9veLavwC9NekXukD2oojIP94vXDTjYx8-_aMvar3E_8Q/s320/2015-05-26+15.19.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Naked Wines</h3>
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On Thursday, May 14, 2015, your Ms. Brown attended a wine tasting, naked. Oh! My mistake! I attended a wine tasting presented by Naked Wines. What is Naked Wines?, To give you a clear picture of Naked Wines, I must begin with a little background on it's founder Rowan Gormley. Rowan Gormley is a South African entrepreneur. He went to work for Richard Branson of Virgin Group in 1994. Later, while working for Branson ,he set up a business with two business partners. This business was dubbed Orgasmic Wines. Orgasmic Wines became Virgin Wines in 2000, when Richard Branson bought into the business. Then, in 2005, Virgin Wines was purchased by Direct Wines, although it retained the Virgin Wines brand name. We all know that there is often collateral damage in the cut throat world of mergers and acquisitions. As such, by 2008, Rowan Gormley was fired and in need of a job.He decided to start yet another business. Now, economic times were tough during this season. People were extremely prudent with their money. This compelled Gormley and his business partners to be bold and innovative. They started something completely different and profoundly better than what was already being done. Their idea was a crowd sourcing model to sell wines. Consumers pay money for wines by wine makers they're unfamiliar with and try wines that they otherwise would have never tasted. A model such as this requires transparency and from the need for transparency, the name Naked Wines was born.<br />
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So, how does it work in the real world? Basically, "Angels" (<i> what investors are called in the Naked Wines World),</i> pay a monthly fee against future purchases of wine offered at lower prices. In the United States it's $40.00. Angels can spend the money on wines whenever they choose. or, if they choose not to purchase wine, or discontinue the relationship, any money remaining in the Naked Piggy Bank is fully refunded. Period. <i>( There is no shortage of investors. In fact, there is a waiting list.)</i> The pool of money is then funneled to talented wine makers who need capital to start up their brand or expand. Naked Wines 600 plus selections are exclusively for Angels. You won't find them in wine stores, bars or restaurants. You can get more information on how you can become a Naked Wines Angel at <a href="http://www.nakedwines.com./">www.nakedwines.com.</a>.<br />
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Carmen Stevens</h3>
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Wine professional <a href="https://us.nakedwines.com/winemakers/carmen-stevens.htm">Carmen Stevens</a> <i>( pictured with me at the top of the article.)</i> is one of the beneficiaries of Naked Wines advanced funding model. Carmen is the first black woman in South Africa to graduate with a degree in wine making. As you can imagine, the road to her degree was not an easy one.When Stevens entered University and throughout her schooling, she was challenged on many occasions. She got a lot of aggressive in your face questioning about her chosen career path, an issue that she really struggled with . She even wondered if she was making the right decision getting into the wine industry.Would she ultimately be happy with her chosen career path? However, from the first day that she started meeting with the wine makers of South Africa, she states," I was totally and completely amazed at being a female, being from a completely different background, not being a white person, I was respected for what I was trying to get into my life. I have never been to a winery where people asked me ' what are you doing'...Nothing like that. As a matter of fact, I only get the opposite. I am welcomed. " She now works for a premium American owned award winning winery in South Africa and is recognized as one of South Africa's most exciting wine making talents. She also makes her own private label which can be purchased through Naked Wines.<br />
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I was able to sample sample some of the fruits of Steven's labor at the wine tasting, while naked. <i>(Oops, there's my dyslexia again. I mean the Naked Wines Wine tasting.)</i> And, each one that I tried was in my opinion, excellent. I also sampled some very tasty selections from wine maker <a href="https://us.nakedwines.com/winemakers/luis-vieira.htm">Luis </a><u>Vieira </u>of Portugal .However, I must say that every wine that I sampled <i>( and I sampled a lot)</i> was outstanding. Now, let me begin with my disclaimer. I am in no way an expert on wines. My knowledge on the subject is extremely limited and I do not profess to be a wine connosseuir. In fact, I haven't been wine tasting in six months! I am attaching a photo at the end of the post from the last time that I went wine tasting. It's a shot of me in the wine caves at Mumm Champagne in Reims <i>( the Champagne Region)</i> France<i>.( Yes, seriously.)</i> So, take my novice opinion on wines for what it's worth. Well, looks like that's all the time that I have for today! As always...<br />
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Keep it hot and sweet,<br />
Ms. Brown<br />
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<br />Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-86468880397765971882015-05-18T18:14:00.000-07:002015-05-19T08:01:44.218-07:00Vintage Clothing Faire, Antiques Faire, and Rock Wall Wine Company<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Vintage Clothing Faire</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On Saturday, May 16, your Ms. Brown attended a Vintage
Fashion Faire at Michaan’s Auction House in Alameda <i>(Michaan’s is located on the old Alameda Naval Air Base</i>). I have always liked fashion
from different eras. As a child I used sneak and watch old movies just to look
at the clothes. I say sneak and watch because if my siblings had caught me
looking at something that, dare I say it, <i>old,</i>
I would have been relentlessly teased. <i>(By
the way, Lucille Ball may have acted crazy, but she was the sharpest chick</i> <i>in town on I Love Lucy.)</i> Now, this Faire
was no disappointment. I felt as though
I was stepping into a living time capsule! There were over fifty vendors
present, selling a vast array of items; mink coats, funky seventies ponchos,
and even a feather muffler from 1890. Seriously, both women’s and men’s
clothing was available , couture, jewelry, accessories, vintage textiles, McCall’s patterns, and fine linens. I was also pleased to find that there was
something there to fit every budget and clothing size. Ms. Brown is a voluptuous woman ala’ Jane
Mansfield, Pam Grier, or America’s Next Top Model contestant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toccara_Jones">Toccara</a>, (prior to her sell
out weight loss of course....I’m not bitter.) Sorry, just had to get that
little passive aggressive dig in. Many
of the items looked brand new even though they were clearly vintage. <i>(I’m a fashion expert. I can tell the
difference between a vintage item and a new item designed to mirror</i> <i>a vintage item. Don’t get it twisted.)</i>
There were also a few extra perks that made the Vintage Fashion Faire much more
enjoyable. Namely, the free very large Vintage Fashion Faire reusable clothing
bag, the wine and champagne bar,<i> (shopping
and mimosas, what’s bad?),</i> and the Vintage Costume Contest. Although there
were prizes for all entries, the Grand prize was a $100 dollar voucher, good
for any booth at the Faire. Some of the ensembles were outstanding. You will see them pictured below. So, let’s
talk about price. The cost was $5.00
dollars at the door or $2.50 on Goldstar <i>(
what I paid).</i> Children sixteen and under get in free with a
paid adult admission. Oh, and parking is
free! The event only happens twice a
year and the next one will be October 16 &17, 2015. You can get more information on the Vintage
Fashion Faire <a href="http://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com/blog/vintage-fashion">here</a>. I will be attending and I plan to enter the costume
contest. <i>( I would tell you what I’m wearing but I don’t want the competition</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> to
get a leg up. )</i><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"> Alameda Point Antiques Faire</span></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Now, if you can’t wait until October to attend the Vintage
Fashion Faire, but adore all things vintage, let me suggest that you go antiquing. <a href="http://www.michaans.mcjr.net/services.php#.VVp3Jkg0-Cd">Michaan’s</a> Auction House presents
an Alameda Point Antiques Faire on the first Sunday of Every Month. The Alameda
Point Antiques Faire is the largest antiques show in Northern California. It boasts
over eight hundred dealer booths and all items for sale are twenty years or
older. You can shop for vintage and antique home decorations, clothing,
furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books, and collectibles. There is no
admission fee and both free parking and shuttles are available. Also, the event is family friendly. The next
Antique Faire is Sunday June 7, 2015. You can find more information <a href="http://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com/">here</a>. Now,
if you think that Antiques are out of your budget, Michaans holds regular
auctions, I checked the selling prices for their last event on May 9, 2015. The
least expensive item sold for $153 while the most expensive sold for in excess
of $7,000. Michaans has sold items for prices far in excess of $7,000
dollars. But, I counted fifteen items in their last auction event that sold for
under $200 dollars. My only point is that I believe there is something there to
fit every budget. Let’s say that you have an item that you want appraised and the Antiques Road Show on PBS isn’t coming to the Bay Area any time soon. Michaan’s offers free verbal appraisals for up to five items every Wednesday, from 10am to 1pm. If an item is too large, you are welcome to bring a photograph. You never know, you may have a vintage treasure in your home sitting in plain view. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><br />Rock Wall Wine Company</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Speaking of vintage, after antiquing, let me suggest that you mosey a few feet down the way to the <a href="http://www.rockwallwines.com/TastingRoom">Rock Wall Wine Company</a> Tasting Room and
have a sip or two. The tasting fee is $15.00 but is waved with the purchase of
a bottle of $25.00 or more per guest. Brought your kids? No worries. The Rock
Wall Wine Company tasting room is family friendly: They have games, coloring,
and beverages just for the kids. My only suggestion is that you go antiquing before
going wine tasting. ( I had wine before my tour of the Good Vibrations Antique
Vibrator Museum and it was…well, I won’t go into specifics, let's just say that it was no bueno.) Wow, looks like I've given you all the makings of a lovely Sunday afternoon. <i>( you're welcome.)</i> That's all the time I have for today. Talk to you soon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As always, keep it hot and sweet,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ms. Brown</span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-91373116234378292282015-05-09T16:25:00.000-07:002015-05-09T16:25:26.594-07:00Happy Mother's Day<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A mother is not a person to lean upon, but a person to make leaning unnecessary. "</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dorothy Canfield Fisher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Mother's Day</div>
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from Coffy Brown</div>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-41835723566883375622015-05-07T12:59:00.000-07:002015-05-07T12:59:05.617-07:00Upcoming Event Alert : Rock Wall Wine Company presents Food Truck Frenzy: Mother Trucker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Tomorrow night, I will be attending Food Truck Frenzy: Mother Trucker. What is that you ask?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It's an evening of wine tasting, gourmet street food, and dancing set against the San Francisco Skyline! The event takes place in Alameda and admission includes a souvenir wine glass. However, beverages and food must be purchased separately. <i>( They had me at the complimentary wine glass.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This is a family event that is open to all ages. Children age five and under are free but must be supervised at all times. You must be twenty-one or over to purchase wine. <i>( Whew! I'm glad that I just turned twenty-one last week!) </i>Age will be verified at admission. No dogs allowed. The event also features a Mother's Only Lounge where Moms can kick back, relax and enjoy complementary massages, mini makeovers, and skin consultations. Now, although your Ms. Brown is not technically a mother, she will be availing herself of the Mothers' lounge and I don't foresee anyone challenging her on the issue. <i>( I wish a Mother Trucker would.)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Wine by the glass, flights and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for an additional charge at their Wine Bars and flight tables. <i>( a flight is selection of wine usually between three and eight glasses presented for the purpose of sampling and comparison. Ms Brown</i> <i>has class.)</i> Non- Alcoholic beverages are also available. Food can be purchased directly from the trucks.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The cost is $6.00 per person in advance or $12.00 at the door. You can get address and location information along with advance tickets <a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-wall-wine-company-presents-food-truck-frenzy-mother-trucker-2015-tickets-16355945072">here</a>.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The following is a list of all the food trucks that will be participating in the event. If you can't make it to Mother Trucker but would like to sample some of the food, I have included links to each of the vendors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.sweettreatstop.com/">Sweet Treat Stop</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Burnt-Ends-BBQ-Food-Truck/379690728850949?fre">Burnt Ends BBQ</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/smotheredsf">Smothered SF</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.artiscoffee.com/">Artis Coffee</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.scolarisgoodeats.com/point/">Scolari's At the Point</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.kennysheartandsoul.com/">Kenny's Heart and Soul</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SpiceAffairs?fre">Spice Affairs</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://wheresthefist.com/">Fist of Flour</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.littleredridingtrucksf.com/#!truck-menu/cwld">Little Red Riding Truck</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.bombziesbbq.com/">Bombzie's BBQ</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://munchindia.com/">Munch India</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.docsclassic.com/">Doc's of the Bay </a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nuttawee.taasevigen.7?fre">Hoson on Wheels</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino; font-size: small; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://www.savouriestreetstruck.com/">Savourie Streets</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: small; font-weight: 700;"><a href="http://gostreatery.com/">Go Streatery</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So, you now have all of the information that you need to attend Food Truck Frenzy: Mother Trucker. If you decide to attend and see me there, please take a moment to say hello! If you can't attend, you know where to come to hear about it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Keep it hot and sweet,</span></div>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-43220449740140124202015-05-06T17:52:00.000-07:002015-05-07T10:43:49.316-07:00Summer of Love , How Weird Street Faire 2015, and Orgasmic Meditation<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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Summer of Love</h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>noun</i><b>1</b>.(especially in the 1960s) a person of unconventional appearance, typically having long hair and wearing beads, associated with a subculture involving a rejection of conventional values and the taking of hallucinogenic drugs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">The Summer of Love was a social phenomenon that happened in San Francisco during the summer of 1967. As many as 100,000 people converged on the Haigh- Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> T</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">he city became even more of a melting pot of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> politics, music, drugs</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> creativity, and the total lack of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> sexual</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">and</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> social inhibition</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">than it already was. As the hippie</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> counterculture</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">movement came farther and farther forward into public awareness, the activities occurring became a defining moment of the 1960s,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 11.1999998092651px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">causing copious numbers of 'ordinary citizens' to begin questioning everything and anything about them and their environment. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">This unprecedented gathering of young people is often considered to have been a social experiment because of all the alternative lifestyles which became more common and accepted such as gender equality, communal living and free love. Many of these types of social changes reverberated on into the early 1970s, and effects echo throughout modern society. The hippies sometimes called flower children were and eclectic group. Many were suspicious of government, rejected consumerist values, and generally opposed the Vietnam War. A few were interested in politics; others focused on art ( music , painting and poetry in particular) or religious or meditative movements. All were eager to integrate new ideas and insights into their daily life, both public and private.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Although I didn't attend the original Summer of Love, I had the privilege of experiencing it through the How Weird Street Faire in San Francisco which took place on Sunday, April 26, 2015. How Weird is a menagerie of attractions, including a world renowned music festival featuring ten stages of different styles of music, an open air art festival filling an expanded Art Alley, a unique market of interesting vendors and delicious food, and a platform for performers of every type. The Faire is one day only and runs from noon to 8pm. my best description would be a combination the Summer of Love with a little S&M on the side. I saw people of all shapes and sizes in all manners of dress ( and undress. )</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 25.6000003814697px;"> There were far too many artisans, vendors and booths for me to get to. The Faire lasts from 11am to 8pm, but fret not, there are plenty of reasonably priced food vendors. And, if you're vegan or vegetarian, because you equate eating or wearing animal products with enslavement and raising cattle produces methane that contributes to Global warming, there were numerous non- meat or non-animal product options. You say you prefer to eat foods that are a naturally occurring , holistic, part of your environment? There's a guy named "freeway" walking around disguised as a tree who sells salads where the greens were culled from cracks in the sidewalk. Now for me personally, my root </span>chakra<span style="line-height: 25.6000003814697px;"> was not in spiritual alignment with the vegetarian or vegan options (<i> because I'm a CARNIVORE! If God didn't want us to eat meat,</i> <i>He wouldn't have created bacon.</i>) so I had a steak sandwich. Now, let's get to the cost. The How Weird Street Faire is an annual event and tickets can be purchased months in advance at discounted prices. The early bird ticket is $12.00 (what I paid) on Eventbrite and can be purchased using Credit or Debit Cards. Or, if you feel that electronic money is yet another mind f**k unilaterally imposed on us by the power elite with the sole purpose of creating a paper trail for " The Man", tickets can be purchased for $20.00 dollars at the door. The non-advance ticket line is extremely long. But, on the bright side, there's this really cool old naked dude walking down the line handing out free brownies.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Orgasmic Meditation</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">By far, the booth that I found to be the most interesting was <a href="http://www.onetaste.us/">www.onetaste.us</a>. As I stated earlier, many of the flower children focused on religious or meditative movements like yoga. One Taste teaches Orgasmic Meditation. Orgasmic Mediation is a wellness practice( like yoga or pilates) that is designed for singles or couples to experience more connection, vitality, pleasure and meaning in every aspect of their lives.The practice is simple, specific, and repeatable, focusing on the female center for power, a specific part of the female anatomy ( <i>the slang name rhymes with sit.</i>) and pleasure. One Taste offers Orgasmic Medication Workshops. They are arranged so that the participants can stop thinking, and instead follow the feeling, listen to their bodies and be present. Since you can't attend the How Weird Street Faire until 2016, you will be pleased to know that a one day workshop in Orgasmic Meditation can be yours for a mere $149.00. (<i> remember, Mother's Day is coming up. Gift Cards are available</i>.)</span><br />
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The beginning philosophy behind OM</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Introduction of a new definition of Orgasm — the difference between Climax and Orgasm</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Exploration of OneTaste principles: Attention, Simplicity & Desire and how they relate to your OM practice</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The benefits of an OM practice</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The 4 Laws of Orgasm and how they relate to OM and life</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Live demonstration!</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Introduction to the 1 o’clock spot</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Step-by step clothes-on demonstration of OM</span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 24px; list-style-image: url(http://3u800a4aa0nn1t00nj32gtjl138c.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/themes/genesis-sample/style.css); margin: 0px 0px 0px 25px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Basic Stroking Technique</span></li>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">If your Mom isn't into the formalized workshop sort of thing, she may like one of these shirts instead!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://onetaste.myshopify.com/products/tshirt-penetrate" target="_blank">Mother's Day Gift Option I</a><br />
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<a href="http://onetaste.myshopify.com/products/tshirt-pbo" target="_blank">Mother's Day Gift Option II</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://onetaste.myshopify.com/products/tshirt-pussy-knows">Mother's Day Gift Option III</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Geez, look at the time. I've got to run! I'm meeting my new friend Crimson Rainbow down in the Haight to pick up some of his special recipe cookies. He doesn't sell out of traditional stores because he's been off the grid and a little paranoid since he had a bad LSD trip in '69. Talk to you soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As always, keep it hot, sweet, and groovy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ms. Brown</span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-82394157019762934622015-04-27T18:07:00.000-07:002015-07-02T11:39:10.783-07:00 Norma Jean Baker, Silent Disco, and Bad Neighbors<div class="vk_ans" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large !important; font-weight: lighter !important; margin-bottom: 0px;">
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<span data-dobid="hdw">trans·for·ma·tion</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">ˌtran(t)sfərˈmāSH(ə)n/</span></div>
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<i>noun</i></div>
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<i>a through or dramatic change in form or appearance; metamorphosis</i></div>
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Norma Jean Baker </h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">On Friday, April 24, 2015, your Ms. Brown attended an event at the Monroe Lounge in San Francisco. When I think of the event, nothing strikes me more profoundly than the word transformation. With transformation, through a nuclear process, an element can change from one form to another, a </span>caterpillar<span style="background-color: white;"> undergoes a metamorphosis to a butterfly, and cute home town girl Norma Jean Baker became bombshell icon Marilyn Monroe. And, so it is with the Monroe Lounge. Prior to 2011, the Monroe Lounge was a place known as the Dragon Bar. The Dragon Bar was a somewhere you went to if you wanted your feet smashed and your night ruined. </span><i><span style="background-color: white;">( seriously, there were stories of women performing fellatio on the </span><span style="background-color: white;">doorman just to not have to pay the cover. Classy place, I know)</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"> In 2011, the Monroe came under new ownership and went through a dynamic transition . Charles </span>Doell<span style="background-color: white;"> of Mister Important Design redesigned the interior. Mr Important Design is a concept and interior firm with an </span>ebullient<span style="background-color: white;"> and </span>eclectic<span style="background-color: white;"> perspective. They are known for designing exuberant interiors that are created to be remembered and talked about. Some of their clients include the W Hotel , Playboy International, Hard Rock Hotels as well as projects in Dubai, </span>Mumbai<span style="background-color: white;">, London and throughout the United States. The Monroe is an outstanding example of Old Hollywood style that is glamorous, true to the period and contemporary with out being unapproachable or stuffy. Although the Monroe is not an overly large venue, I found the space and size to be just right.<i> ( Loved the patio!</i>) The drinks were affordable and bartenders were readily available with friendly laid back attitudes. The atmosphere is just as vivacious, playful and entertaining as Miss Marilyn Monroe herself. You can find information on the Monroe <a href="http://www.monroesf.com/" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<i>Some of the striking wall art at the Monroe Lounge.</i></div>
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Silent Disco</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Now, let's get to another transformation. I'm speaking of the reason that brought me to the Monroe Lounge, namely, Quiet Clubbing. Quiet Clubbing has undergone it's own transformation. In Europe, it is known as " Silent Disco". William </span>Petz<span style="background-color: white;">, the entrepreneur who brought Silent Disco to the the United States first experienced it on a Caribbean Cruise and initially didn't think that he would enjoy it</span><i style="background-color: white;">( probably has something to do with the name. No one goes to anything named Disco in the States.)</i><span style="background-color: white;">.But, as you can probably guess, in spite of the name, he had a blast! The concept was tweaked, </span>rebranded<span style="background-color: white;"> and caterpillar Silent Disco became butterfly, Quiet Clubbing. The idea is truly unique. Quiet clubbing is a live music event where three DJ's </span><span style="background-color: white;">spin different genres which are streamed through wireless headphones. Glowing colored LED lights indicate which station someone is listening to. If you don't like a song, try another station. If you want to have a conversation with the cutie standing next to you, you can do so without screaming and actually hear and understand each other. Best of all, you as the party goer control the volume and are able to give real time feedback to the DJ by simply switching stations. If a </span>D.J. <span style="background-color: white;">doesn't see his color on the dance floor, he knows that he better up his game. Despite noise ordinances, ,clubs, bars, private residences, roof tops and out door venues can now host parties without fear of the neighbors complaining or the police showing up. Now, don't be fooled. People enjoying themselves make noise. The quiet is not absolute. But, there is no window rattling bass that prevents you from sleeping or watching Empire in peace. So, how can you have your own Quiet Clubbing event? There is a rental process where you can order individual head sets via mail. The head set rental is five dollars per unit. The set up is extremely easy and user friendly. You can just hook up an </span>Ipod<span style="background-color: white;"> or any music player and dance away. The company can provide </span>DJ's <span style="background-color: white;"> at additional cost if you are in San Francisco or New York ( they have access to over fifty.) however, most people who do private parties use their own </span>D.J.<span style="background-color: white;"> or play music through an </span>ipod<span style="background-color: white;"> or an </span>ipad<span style="background-color: white;">. </span><i style="background-color: white;">( If you are still concerned about how to operate the system, go get an eight year old, they are all technology experts and I'm sure would be happy to help you out.)</i><span style="background-color: white;"> Let me just say that Quiet Clubbing was </span>Da<span style="background-color: white;"> Bomb! I loved it . I honestly can't remember when the last time was that I've had so much fun! You must try it! I enjoyed </span>D.J.<span style="background-color: white;"> Blue Joe </span>Quijano<span style="background-color: white;"> the most. But all of the </span>DJ's <span style="background-color: white;">were fabulous and had listeners. You can find more information about Quiet Clubbing </span><a href="https://www.quietevents.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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Here are some photos of folks having a blast at the event!<br />
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<i> This couple has lived in San Francisco for just over a year and the wife in the photo is nine months pregnant! She was due the day after the event! They're from Belgium.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF6czYHak_tsjcLmtBd5uTZfQw_AvdUv49RGJR9KNVEMKLQxWEIKsa-KSJxlHmNpjnFcmtE6U63NgJ4VIkNH7yR9xa0mNaM4uPFuaRFB5QbufHmBFnflWAC-Xn-y9LWxWZQaTIaW_euw/s1600/Old+Hollywood+II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYF6czYHak_tsjcLmtBd5uTZfQw_AvdUv49RGJR9KNVEMKLQxWEIKsa-KSJxlHmNpjnFcmtE6U63NgJ4VIkNH7yR9xa0mNaM4uPFuaRFB5QbufHmBFnflWAC-Xn-y9LWxWZQaTIaW_euw/s1600/Old+Hollywood+II.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
<i>Folks grooving with Old Hollywood as a backdrop.</i><br />
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<i>Girls night out!</i><br />
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<i>Coffy Brown and DJ Joe Quijano! Aka- DJ Blue</i></div>
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Bad Neighbors</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I just wish that I had known about Quiet</span><i style="background-color: white;"> </i><span style="background-color: white;">Clubbing a few weeks ago.</span><i style="background-color: white;"> </i><span style="background-color: white;">My next door neighbors wouldn't have had to move. They enjoyed having loud parties.</span><i><span style="background-color: white;"> ( "Somebody" placed </span><span style="background-color: white;">an ad on </span>Craigslist<span style="background-color: white;"> claiming to be them. In the ad they stated that they practiced Witchcraft, Idolatry and openly socialized with democrats. But...they wanted to know Jesus. It requested that good God fearing Christians come by for prayer and bible study any day of the week between 2am and 5am and listed their name, phone, number and address. The ad also stated that if no one answered the door, they were fine with hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ from their front lawn.)</span></i><span style="background-color: white;"> I would go out and serve the extra caffeine Jet Fuel coffee along with bagels to the folks who visited and once they were good and comfortable with shouting The Word from a bullhorn, I'd go inside the house and call the police.My neighbors didn't stay long after that. </span><i style="background-color: white;">( You're not going to believe this, but some of the folks who showed up to preach at 2am were CRAZY.) </i><span style="background-color: white;">In any case, I have to run. I've got an early morning tomorrow. Reverend Billy and the Choir of the Stop Shopping are coming by to pay my neighbors across the street a visit. They're trying to run a car wash from their house and using my driveway to park the cars waiting to be serviced. </span><i style="background-color: white;">( I told Reverend Billy about their whore mongering consumerism and he agreed that it was an abomination. He can't wait to get here.) </i><span style="background-color: white;">So, until next time.... </span></div>
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Keep It Hot and Sweet!</div>
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Ms. Brown<br />
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Here's a clip of Reverend Billy:<br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-10092342697067694822015-04-23T16:16:00.002-07:002015-05-16T10:09:26.560-07:00Whispering...Quiet Clubbing...<br />
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People have always said that Ms. Brown marched to the beat of her own drum. <i>( They've honestly said that I marched to the beat of my own marching band., but hey, haters gonna hate.)</i> However, the latest trend in clubbing might be tailor made for me. What is it? Quiet Clubbing! Quiet clubbing is a cutting edge new way to party! Partiers receive a set of headphones at the door of the event, via radio frequency, each headset can be tuned to one of three live D.J Stations. The headsets are also equipped with three colors of LED lights that indicate which of the three stations party goers are listening to. The individual controls the volume and the station. Want to flirt with the cutie across the way? Just take the headphones off. Instead of having to yell to communicate, you can actually hear each other. Trying to make new friends? Your tribe probably has the same color emitting from their head phones as you. And, best of all, you have the option of giving the D.J. real time feed back by changing the station if you don't like what they are playing. If they look out on the dance floor and don't see their color, that means that they need to up their game.Quiet Clubbing was created in Europe. There, it was called Silent Disco. Of course, few people under sixty are going to attend anything named disco here in the states. So, the name was changed and extra D. J.s were added.<br />
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Quiet Clubbing will be returning to San Francisco tomorrow night.. The party is going down at the Old Hollywood style Monroe night club. ( named after Marilyn). Three D.J.s will be spinning Hip Hop, Electronic Dance Music, and throw backs from the 80's and 90's. The Monroe is located at 473 Broadway in San Francisco. The entrance cost is $15.00 at the door or $7.50 on Goldstar <i>( what I paid)</i>. I'm looking forward to not leaving the club with hurt ears and a sore throat! Don't tell anyone, but if this works, it may just be the wave of the future. Shhhh....<br />
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Quiet Regards,<br />
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P.S. I'm posting one of my favorite songs from the Whispers just because I think it's fits this post! Lol. And yes, I went old school! <br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-70399229254864339982015-04-21T11:25:00.000-07:002015-04-22T22:03:20.019-07:00Killer Heels and Various Other Syndromes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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On Tuesday, April 14, 2014, your Ms. Brown attended a
lecture aptly titled, “Killer Heels- a History, Images, and Film look at
Fashion’s Most Provocative Accessory. The Event took place at the Jewish
Community Center of San Francisco, and Nordstrom was nice enough to bring some
of their most provocative killer heels, along with some Champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I thought that the Nordstrom display
was a little heavy on the Louboutin’s, I thoroughly enjoyed the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a note, Christian Louboutin was not the
person who invented the red bottom shoe. King Louis the 14<sup>th</sup> wore
only red bottom shoes and demanded that the rest of the court at Versailles do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are three basic forms of
high heel and EVERY high heel is a version of one of these three archetypes. They
are: the wedge, the platform, and the stiletto. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the three of these, I found myself most
fascinated with the stiletto, as such, I decided to make our love
/hate/covet/despise relationship with the stiletto the focus of this post.</div>
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Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t know who invented the
high heel, but we women owe him a lot.’ I know when you read that quote; you’re
thinking the exact same thing that I’m thinking. That’s right. Textbook case of
Stockholm syndrome. Stockholm syndrome or capture-bonding is a psychological phenomenon
is which hostages express empathy, sympathy and have positive feelings toward
their captors, sometimes to the point of defending and identifying with the
with them. When it comes to a sexy sculptural stiletto, we women stand glassy
eyed and vacant just like Tom Cruise at a Scientology convention. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shoes ache and hurt are bad for our backs
and posture, yet we pay exorbitant amounts of money to be in possession of the latest
red bottom or Jimmy Chu. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do it too. When it comes to
a sexy stiletto, I am indeed your sister in the struggle. (<i>Cue group therapy
theme song. all together</i><i> now! You are not alone… I am here with you… Michael
Jackson sure knew</i> <i>how to sing about dysfunction and make it pretty.</i> <i>Yet another
thing for which we can thank Joe. )</i> Christian Louboutin says,” I would hate to
have someone look at my shoes and say, Oh, my God, they look so comfortable!”
See, they know that they are torturing us, but they hold us hostage anyway and
we stand in line at the Mall just for the privilege of allowing them to do
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, a 100 pound woman in high
heels exerts more pressure per square inch when walking than a six thousand pound
elephant. The more you weigh, the greater the pressure. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maybe Mr. Disney was thinking of us when he named Dumbo.) </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now, the next phase of our collective psychosis
is Helsinki Syndrome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helsinki syndrome
is actually a case of group think and intentional blindness to the negative in
order to achieve some perceived benefit. For us women, we collectively ignore
the pain and discomfort of the stiletto and make people rich creating coping
mechanisms for us to be able to walk in them successfully without pain. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Let’s be real, there is no way that the
human body can exert the same force as a walking elephant and not feel pain.
But hey, why bother with reality when the delusion is sooo</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">comforting.)</i> There are tips and
tricks such as, taping your third and fourth toe together with medical tape in
order to take pressure off of the ball of your foot while walking. In
theory , this should make the shoe more comfortable. There is Victor Chan, a former
shoe designer for Ralph Lauren who has branded himself, “The Stiletto Whisperer”.
He charges $ 50.00 per session to teach women how to walk in high heels. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(The classes are only offered in New York.</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sorry.)</i> But, you can view a
video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpLFwnc_8sw" target="_blank">here</a> (<i>You’re</i> <i>welcome.)</i> And finally, there is a product called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Style-Foot-Numbing-Spray-Stilettos-Relief/dp/B00JN8SMKA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429562701&sr=8-2&keywords=heel+no+pain" target="_blank">“Heel No Pain</a>’
a spray that claims to relieve the pain associated with high heels for up to
three hours per application. It uses the medical numbing agent Lidocane HCI. (<i>I
haven’t tried it. I’m waiting for the upgraded version that comes with a
morphine drip.)</i> But, remember, above all else, no matter how much it hurts when you’re walking,
Relax, Your, Face. You can find a video of supermodels showing just how it's done below.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3wJT7_cIO-U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3wJT7_cIO-U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now for the last in the series, there is what in my opinion is the
most interesting in our obsession with the stiletto—Lima Syndrome. In Lima
Syndrome, abductors <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(men and sometimes
women shoe designers)</i> develop sympathy and an erotic fascination with their
captives. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Okay, so, the erotic fascination</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">part of Lima Syndrome isn’t exactly true,
but everyone knows that if the situation doesn’t fit the</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">facts, just alter the facts. What? No one has ever heard of Enron or Deloite and Touche? Just as an aside, any time accounting is described as " Bold and Innovative" it actually translates into two very intricate and complex accounting terms that they use in the business and finance world. They are called stealing and lying.) </i>Back to
what we were discussing, although men design and create stilettos and enforce a
paradigm that encourages us to ignore the fact that stilettos are in fact the
anti- Christ, in Lima Syndrome; men are actually captivated and helplessly drawn
to the very objects that they use to oppress and control us. Case in point,
Foot Night at Club Joie in Los Angeles. Every few months for the past twelve
years, the hottest ladies come out and allow their feet to be fondled,
massaged, and lovingly caressed. Although feet that are dirty and smelly have
their own special following, hot ladies whose feet are enclosed in pantyhose
and Stilettos seem to garner the most attention. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(By the way, in their advertisement, they mention the dirty and</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smelly feet right before the “delicious
buffet”. Not the best product placement in my view, but,</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">whatever works.)</i> Men, or occasionally
couples pay twenty dollars for every ten minutes of female foot related
activities. Foot models at the event generally pull in sixty to three hundred
dollars per night. Don’t think I’m serious? Check out these photos of Miss Foot
night 2015. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please take note of the pink
Stilettos. I think that’s what pushed her over the edge to victory after she
aced the talent competition.)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>If a sixty dollar per night foot party is not
your forte or you’re interested in a home based business, let me call your
attention to EBay. As of Thursday of last week, there were twenty –three pairs
of used <i>(Ahem...yes, used means exactly what you think it means. WORN )</i> pantyhose up for sale on the site. The panty hose listed for sale below
were the only ones with bids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seven men
placed twenty-seven bids for these hose and they ultimately sold for $32.00 plus $3.00 shipping. Interestingly, this item is </span> the only one in which the ad depicts a woman in pantyhose AND Stiletto heels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly, opportunities for stilettos and the
men who love/ obsess over them abound.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
don’t despair. There is hope. The treatment for Stockholm, Helsinki, and Lima Syndrome
is very similar to the treatment for addiction. Often, medication and psychotherapy
are prescribed. I have created a dynamic cutting edge twelve step program called "Retail Therapy". (<i> Catchy...I know.)</i> Feel free to schedule with me for a session! I have to run now! Spirituality and faith are a huge part of recovery and I'm meeting the support group down at Sak's for a "Shopping in the name of Jesus" workshop. <i>( Hallelujah!) </i>Talk to you soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Solely Yours (Pun Intended),</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ms Brown</span><br />
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-5517706825556217532015-04-20T10:28:00.001-07:002015-04-21T11:38:39.096-07:00OPEN CASTING CALL ( Yes, Seriously and the part is paid)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New television drama " Mission Local" is looking to cast six leads, supporting roles, and background extras for its plot episode. The production will be accepting Union and Non-Union submissions. No experience necessary. Each role will be cast with no preference toward age, race, or gender.<br />
<br />
94110 imagines the story of six leading technology executives living learning and loving together in San Francisco's Mission District.94110 production is scheduled on location in San Francisco for summer 2015. There is no payment for the casting call, payment upon production.<br />
<br />
The Casting Call takes place Saturday, May 16, 2015 and Sunday, may 17, 2015 from 11-5:30 PM.<br />
<br />
Location is SFAQ [Project Space]<br />
449 O'Farrell St.<br />
San Francisco, Ca 94102<br />
For additional info Contact: 94110official@gmail.com<br />
<br />
Now, many of you may not know that the multi-faceted Ms. Brown is also a thespian. I act in community theater from time to time as a hobby, so, I won't be there looking to quit my day job.However, I will be there auditioning on Sunday, May 17, 2015. and writing about the experience is this blog. If you see me, please say hello and tell me a bit about yourself. I am interested in featuring some of the folks auditioning in this blog.<br />
<br />
Break a Leg,<br />
<br />
Ms. BrownRemy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-66652935325782880232015-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:002015-04-18T06:30:50.266-07:00Eargasms and Eyegasms!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night, your Ms. Brown attended the Monthly Piedmont
Avenue Stroll in Oakland. The Piedmont Avenue Stroll occurs on every third
Thursday of the Month and is a wonderful way to support local artists and
independent businesses within the Oakland Community. Attendees experience a
variety of art, music, trunk shows and much more while supporting local
restaurants, salons and retail stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Last night, I was privileged to hear the music of performer <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Augusta Lee Collins. Collins is a born and
bred blues artist from the San Francisco Bay Area. He jokingly says that he is
from the south. And then clarifies, by saying South Fillmore &Eddy in San
Francisco. To understand Collins’ story, you have to understand a bit about the
blues. When you think of the blues, you think about hardship, betrayal and disappointment.
You lose your job, your dog dies, someone takes your Facebook photo and uses it
in an ad for a transsexual porn site in the Czech Republic. You know; the
regular stuff. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Hey, don’t blame me! I want to force them to take it down but I don’t
speak Czech.! Besides, I have better pictures, so the joke’s on them!)</i><br />
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While blues lyrics often deal with individual misfortune, the music itself goes
far beyond self-pity. The blues is also about overcoming hard luck, self expression,
releasing frustration, letting your hair down, and simply having fun. The best
blues is intuitive, therapeutic, and arousing. From unrestrained elation
to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>infinite misery, no form of music
communicates more authentic emotion.</div>
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This brings me full circle to Augusta Lee Collins. Collins has
experienced his fair share of hardship. He has been homeless and dare I say it,
used alcohol as one of his favorite food groups at one point in his life. In
spite of those things, he has always used music, specifically the blues to pull
flowers out of the cracked concrete of his existence. One day in 2008, while
homeless, Collins and his friend were sitting in Old Man’s Park on 10<sup>th</sup>
and Jefferson in Oakland, casually enjoying their favorite beverage when
Collins looked at his friend and said,” Aren’t you tired of this way of life?”
His friend <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>heartily agreed and on that
day, on that park bench, they wrote’ 1000 miles from nowhere", a poignant blues ballad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
result of that song, Collins walked out of Old Man’s Park and never went <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>back. “1000 Miles from Nowhere” has been
critically acclaimed and has one of the baddest guitar riffs you will ever
hear. In order to get the full impact of the song, it has to be heard live! And
upon hearing it, I assure you that an eargasm will be in your near future. Collins
performs throughout the bay area and information on his upcoming shows can be
found <a href="http://augustaleecollins.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Eyegasms</b></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The aforementioned musical
artist- Augusta lee Collins performed inside a unique venue. Namely, Lireille- Gallery of Contemporary
Jewelry and Art. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I said gallery. The
pieces available for purchase at Lireille are stunning, one of a kind and can
only be described as wearable art. The gallery showcases the work of over forty
artists. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lireille goals are twofold.
Yes, they are in business and want to sell the works of many accomplished
artists, but, they are also dedicated to promoting art jewelry awareness and
availability to the general public. . Ideally, the goal is to do this while
also pushing creative boundaries with art jewelry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prices range from $60 to $6,000 dollars
which means that there is an item at Lireille that can fit most budgets. The gallery
also presents art jewelry in engagement rings, commitment and wedding bands. If
you are someone who prefers design and individuality, Lireille is the place for
you! Perhaps you’re getting married and don’t want the cookie cutter wedding
sets that you find in the Mall Jewelry store or you have something unique and
specific in mind, they can create a custom design. Now, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> e</span>ndorphins are a group of substances in the
body that naturally relieve pain. They have a similar chemical structure to
morphine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>General thinking is that endorphins
are released while laughing, eating chocolate and orgasming. You can now add
another endorphin inducing activity to that list. Powerful endorphins scientifically
termed as an “eyegasm” are also released when visiting Lireille Gallery of Contemporary
Art and Jewelry. Information on their hours of operation can be found <a href="http://www.lireille.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.
Well, that’s all for now,<br />
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Keep it hot and sweet,</div>
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Ms Brown<br />
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By the way, here I am wearing some of the outstanding pieces
from Lireille in the photos below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSJWip5vDRkn4ilkZA2Gt6lUnLoqUIjDNwU74PptsdJ-xJvmg6vkFN19CnWBR9vKIb954MPvpwZIgP2ePyarFC6QY6ogqviGAJWMUgWY5sk3nN5iWDFvHAB4USerPHCK9Y04sJivW3RI/s1600/2015-04-17+13.05.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSJWip5vDRkn4ilkZA2Gt6lUnLoqUIjDNwU74PptsdJ-xJvmg6vkFN19CnWBR9vKIb954MPvpwZIgP2ePyarFC6QY6ogqviGAJWMUgWY5sk3nN5iWDFvHAB4USerPHCK9Y04sJivW3RI/s1600/2015-04-17+13.05.36.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcpAfT6WPOtSFOgVwDcvCrbmsyXNf2wdlQDAKuyhgcIglauo0ZGFg1JYpxJtqbTfZ5eX3RHMC9vPWjS1Gprq4N7IIXPVMSRandu6l9aVjGZB-cIkbtqXSlRGlE0lYAASYFen7GiwJPMY/s1600/2015-04-17+13.07.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcpAfT6WPOtSFOgVwDcvCrbmsyXNf2wdlQDAKuyhgcIglauo0ZGFg1JYpxJtqbTfZ5eX3RHMC9vPWjS1Gprq4N7IIXPVMSRandu6l9aVjGZB-cIkbtqXSlRGlE0lYAASYFen7GiwJPMY/s1600/2015-04-17+13.07.24.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Mnp9mt15oCQtMWmW428NglN6fIn4EZ9OSLRYkvbq6X2FI02-EPLWf90fS1TOkxI2kWElVoqGxUbvX74YMj4fSfHoZArZS_-LUYbzI-NACQDeYSzl6hg1-fKx-xhsCKhECmMwONwGJc/s1600/2015-04-16+20.11.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68Mnp9mt15oCQtMWmW428NglN6fIn4EZ9OSLRYkvbq6X2FI02-EPLWf90fS1TOkxI2kWElVoqGxUbvX74YMj4fSfHoZArZS_-LUYbzI-NACQDeYSzl6hg1-fKx-xhsCKhECmMwONwGJc/s1600/2015-04-16+20.11.06.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804731951506847492.post-14097849723881475062015-04-13T17:02:00.000-07:002015-04-13T22:10:40.984-07:00Reach Out and Touch Someone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgLTbqIumatmuKgIfWjCKtfR8PSIAXO3oM0s4zfQlRQQTlzdmuigWsnrVUSgiUQnUTCo1cP6D4-MBUJilRKh2earzoH3HcvKIC3bbePKkkVMmhS1DfmMkcxfiMwKQknvBaqoBT690I7w/s1600/iphone+and+Coffy.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgLTbqIumatmuKgIfWjCKtfR8PSIAXO3oM0s4zfQlRQQTlzdmuigWsnrVUSgiUQnUTCo1cP6D4-MBUJilRKh2earzoH3HcvKIC3bbePKkkVMmhS1DfmMkcxfiMwKQknvBaqoBT690I7w/s1600/iphone+and+Coffy.PNG" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br />" A magical and revolutionary device at an unbelievable price"</b></h4>
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In my quest to generate the best reviews that I can, I came across a product that compelled me to "re-think possible". I honestly don't think"sexting" will ever be the same! What is this "Solution for a Small Planet" ? I am speaking of course about the blue Motion Long Distance Couples Vibrator by OhMiBod. It's a tech enabled remote wireless vibrator controlled by Blue-Tooth connection to your smart phone ( <i>with an app for both the iPhone and Android</i>.). It allows a user to control the device from afar-- twenty-six feet if you're using the Blue Tooth connection and <u><b>anywhere</b></u> in the world via WI-Fi. The vibrator comes with pre-set vibrational patterns, but you can also tap and record new patterns, record audio,and direct the toy to vibrate to the rhythm of pre-selected music. Instead of using a remote, you control the vibrator by moving your hand around your touch screen phone.. Would you like to see the device in action? Of course you would! Here's a <i>(tasteful)</i> video!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kCF79-opw14/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kCF79-opw14?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Once the device is purchased, the code for it can be shared with anyone you choose, anywhere in the world. As long as they have downloaded the app, the device will work.This could be a valuable item that would allow many couples who are separated for long periods of time to remain connected. Examples would be people in the military or people in prison. The price is $129.00 which seems like a steal if it saves your marriage.</div>
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<b>" Go Places. Google Things"</b></h4>
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Now,"making it all make sense". Enough of the chatter about the latest technology. Let's go antiquing!On Sunday,April 19, 2015, I will be attending the Docent Tour at the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum. The tour is led by Curator Dr. Carol Queen.The vibrators in the collection date from the late 1800's to the 1970's. The event is free and although the Museum is open daily,the tour with Dr. Queen only occurs once a month and space must be reserved prior to attending. You can get more information on tickets <a href="http://antiquevibratormuseum.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<i> (Let's be clear, the only reason that I am going to an event at Good Vibrations is for all of <b>YOU</b>. I generally don't spend time at places like these and the only reason that I have a frequent buyer discount card from their store is because they have the best moisturizer and my skin is very sensitive! So, get off my back! And, don't call me defensive! Whoosah...)</i> Okay, I'm better now. At present, you should have all the information that you need to visit the Good Vibrations Antique Vibrator Museum. Or, if antiques are not your thing and you prefer state of the art technology," Sprint" on down to your local Good Vibrations store and pick up the "OhmiBod Long Distance Couples Vibrator." You can also " let your fingers do the walking" and find one <a href="http://www.goodvibes.com/display_product.jhtml?id=1-2-AJ-1401" target="_blank">online</a>. I hope that you enjoy this new way of "Mobilizing Your World!".</div>
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Can you hear me now,</div>
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Ms. Brown</div>
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<b>By the way, stay tuned for my next review Killer Heels!</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q38l1ScKduf3wdk2pN1PEE-H_HjVSW_wrgM6mVFNwAX_793eQIiHhvXvguTIkMOwyTjHUmUI5h6dhVCYmEuE_mxqxxgshOhV_G_coF5YmmckvFDVUzDI7YZN4kYX7RLsQs0NyMa4UXg/s1600/Killer+Heels.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2q38l1ScKduf3wdk2pN1PEE-H_HjVSW_wrgM6mVFNwAX_793eQIiHhvXvguTIkMOwyTjHUmUI5h6dhVCYmEuE_mxqxxgshOhV_G_coF5YmmckvFDVUzDI7YZN4kYX7RLsQs0NyMa4UXg/s1600/Killer+Heels.PNG" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remy Jeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07310349126099086652noreply@blogger.com4