In the 1980s the parent group PMRC (Parents Music Resource Centre) formed from the "Wives of Washington", tried to ban songs containing 'obscene' lyrics, targeting Twisted Sister along with 15 other bands they dubbed "The Filthy Fifteen".  These parent groups (one of which included Tipper Gore) attempted to use the courts to censor rock music into oblivion.  Had they won the case, the PMRC would have chosen which music is appropriate and not appropriate based on their own particular values.  As a result of these hearings, the "parental advisory" stickers were born.

Note:  Dee Snyder says one swear word in this documentary.  I'm sure you've all heard it before but if you don't want to hear it, don't watch it!






The Glee Project doing "We're Not Going to Take It" by Twisted Sister.
This is not particularly appropriate as music for an "Idol" style reality TV show considering the history and the subject matter of the song.

This song was written to take a stand against the establishment, against narrow minded people and against unfair censorship.  It's a song about Rock N' Roll, freedom of speech and the right to choose your own destiny. 

Glee on the other hand is paint-by-numbers, establishment-endorsed karaoke, not Rock N' Roll.
And no, pretending to break a plastic guitar doesn't count. 

The fundamental problem with this picture is that PMRC would probably have endorsed Glee and its inoffensive, sanitised "Musical Theatre" show.

People on you tube have said that this Glee Project clip "Rocks".  They wouldn't know Rock music if they tripped over it.   


Here is the link to the actual song, performed as nature intended:
We're Not Going To Take It - Twisted Sister

technorati tags: twisted sister, we're not going to take it, glee project, glee, dee snyder, tipper gore, PMRC, parental advisory, explicit lyrics

Uggh!!  It's winter.  So instead of saying "ugg" perhaps it's time to start wearing them!!

I'm sure I'm not alone in not liking winter one little bit. But, it is a good time to stock up on essential winter wear.  Can you be fashionable AND cold?  Methinks so....

Winter Essentials:

Polar fleece blanket

Winter Essential #1: Polar fleece blanket
Perfect for putting over your knees in the car during those chilly early mornings.  Use them on the couch, on your bed for extra warmth, the possibilities are endless!

Ugg Boots

 
Winter Essential #2: Ugg Boots
Keep your toes toasty with fleecy uggs this winter.  Comfy for wearing around the house and getting cosy in front of the fire.


For some extra style points, get the Jimmy Choo Ugg

Jimmy Choo Ugg

American Eagle Outfitters Wool Coat

Winter Essential #3: Woollen Coat
If you are wandering around the place and it's 5 degrees outside, it's woollen coat time. I predict a resurgence of wool this year...

Wool scarf

And last but not least, Winter Essential #4:  Wool scarf
Protect your neck and ears from the cold with a warm and stylish scarf.  Top off your look with warmth and style!

technorati tags: wool, winter, scarf, jimmy choo, ugg, ugg boot, wool coat, fashion, accessories, style, polar fleece, polar fleece

As you may already have guessed, I am a fan of translations.  Especially when the result fails to convey the correct meaning of what you are trying to translate.  Especially especially when that result is funny....

Our friends at TVFix have put together an awesome collection of badly translated tv titles.   I feel it is my duty to share them with you:

GLEE = LOSERS
Curious English-Russian translation, however I'm inclined to think that Dave Grohl may agree with this one.
 

JERSEY SHORE = THE NEW JERSEY LIFE OF MACARONI RASCALS
Only Japan could come up with this one.  And I Love them for it.  I can be a macaroni rascal myself when I am hungry enough.  Oh, not that kind of rascal...

THE BRADY BUNCH = THREE GIRLS, THREE BOYS
This is a German translation, Germans being known for their outlandish wackiness.  If they wanted to be pedantic, they should have called it three girls, three boys, one lady, one man and one maid who makes wisecracks.  But they probably didn't have enough room...

BEWITCHED = IN LOVE WITH A WITCH
(German translation) I'm sure many people have had this problem. At least they didn't call it "Nose Wiggler"...

MURDER, SHE WROTE = MURDER IS HER HOBBY
Suddenly I'm looking at Angela Lansbury in a new way...  She seems so nice and unassuming... This is also a German effort.  Again, they must have run out of room from trying to call it "Writing about murder is her hobby"...

KNIGHT RIDER = EL AUTO FANTASTICO (THE FANTASTIC CAR)
I'm willing to go along with this one.  That car IS pretty fantastic...


And I've saved my favourite one for last:

THE X-FILES = AT THE BOUNDARIES OF REALITY
French translation.  Talk about taking the awesomeness out of a title.  Why didn't they just go with "Exciting stuff that nobody ever hears about",  "FBI guys with torches who discover weird things", "Nobody believes me that aliens are actually real", or "Even though I have an implant in my head I seem quite normal to passers by".  Again, probably a space thing...  (yuk, yuk!)

I have somehow managed to strike gold with my Feng Shui search, all I was looking for was plants for balconies and outdoor furniture configurations.

What I found however, was this brilliant gem of what I would assume/hope are erroneous machine translations:

"Feng Shui to help you see how to become Warren"

Good.  That's something I've always been wondering about.


"Do not tank, and the home clash fortuna"

Ok, I promise.  I won't tank.  It sounds kinda dangerous.


"...The toilet, as fierce caused the most scary."

I may just never go in there again.


"...investors are ecstatic, including many never fried anyone"

I know this one, its a Doobie Brothers lyric...


"Non-home Feng Shui is Not Never Trap"

...and hippocampus sends its regards to your kumquat hamster flap.


Following the site's advice to 'fix' a balcony, all you need do is:

"cut the so-called days of evil...just like a knife cut in half the roof..."

Sounds like a lot of work. I think I'll just put in a jade money plant and be done with it.

All text in bold quotations credited to "fengshui-lab.com"

technorati tags: feng, shui, feng shui, balcony, jade plant, chinglish, machine translations

After watching a TV show about sweat shops and hideous working conditions for skilled sewers/tailors/seamstresses, I realised that its easy to forget where our clothing comes from while being caught up in the excitement of shopping online.

I don't want to wear a shirt that took some poor worker 2 hours to make in a stinking horrible room.  I don't want to be responsible for someone sleeping on the floor under their sewing machine and getting paid 2 rupees for something sold at an obscene profit.  

So what is the solution?  How do you avoid the sweat shops and give your money to the companies that profit share with their workers?  How do you ensure that your clothes were not made using child labour?

The answer?  Make the switch to support Fair Trade clothing.

Your purchase can make a huge difference in creating supportive, ethical working environments that empower the workers and fight against poverty, mistreatment and exploitation.



How to check to find out if your latest online purchase is Fair Trade:

1.  Look for the Fair Trade logo







2.  Go to the company website and check in the "about us" section.   If it mentions supporting workers co-ops or profit sharing with the workers, you are on the right track.

3.  Check YouTube for videos of the company's profile and working conditions.

4.  If in doubt, call the company and ask the questions.

Fair Trade Alpargatas (Slippers)
Supports a worker-owned Buenos Aires Co-operative.

Fair Trade "Wear No Evil" T-Shirt

100% Organic Fair Trade cotton.  Made by accredited Fair Trade producers.

You can take this ethos to your everyday shopping as well:

The Ethical Consumer Guide
At a glance, Australian consumers can now check the track record of the companies behind their favourite brands.  Your weekly supermarket shop can make a difference.

technorati tags: fair trade, sweat shop, workers co-operative, profit share, ethical shopping, organic, eco-friendly

This arrived in my inbox this afternoon after a long session of house hunting and going a bit mad.  So you can imagine my delight when I received this little gem in my humble hotmail account...



"Chat on Messenger and you could meet Justin Bieber!"


OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Or...

....I could embrace a moving chainsaw.


It's really up to me I suppose.


Leaning towards the chainsaw actually...  metaphorically of course!!

Vito Genovese by Resart
See more Shots Mugs

I found this hilarious Mug Shot Mug on zazzle today. A mug... with a mug shot... A "Mug" Mug!!! Waahaha!! For some reason I find that extremely amusing. A great way to start the day. Staring into the face of a rather frightening crime boss gangster dude.  Still, I don't think I'll get over the idea of having a "Mug" Mug.  I think it would make the coffee taste even better...

Melvita have created a beautiful range of certified organic floral water containing all natural ingredients sourced from organic farms.  These organic cosmetics are perfect for those who want to move away from chemical-based cosmetics and skin care and support organic farming in the process.

The floral waters are distilled from dried or fresh plants to preserve the unique aromatherapy benefits and healing properties of each plant.  French women have used floral waters as part of their skincare for hundreds of years.  Perhaps it's time we caught up!

The most popular in the Melvita floral waters range is the Eau florale de Rose (Rose Floral Water)

Rose Floral Water

This delicate floral water can be used for skincare or aromatherapy purposes.  The floral water is distilled from rosa damascena petals, known for their astringent and anti-aging properties.

Other floral waters include chamomile for dry skin, lavender for normal/combination skin and cornflower to calm irritated skin and pamper the under-eye area.

If you are thinking of making the switch to organic skin care products, you will be choosing products that are natural, safe, free of petrochemical derivatives.

Best of all, you will be supporting organic farming, using an all-natural product that is free from pesticides and is readily biodegradable.

I have been wanting to try out Skechers Shape Ups for ages now!  Finally I got my chance in December last year and I haven't taken them off since!  Okay, well I did take them off to sleep.  But apart from that, I wear them when I walk short distances, longer distances, I wear them on the treadmill at the gym - basically whenever I get the chance.

Now to address the claims of XF (Extended Fitness) Skechers Shape Ups:

















Burns more calories - I can definitely confirm that these shoes help to burn more calories.  I have lost around 3kg (6.6lb) since wearing these shoes.  And that includes still eating chocolate, ice creams and croissants!

Tones Muscles/Improves Posture - This is the area where the shoes really come into their own.  How can a shoe tone muscles?  Well, it's all about the posture.  The shoes improve the posture, straightening the back and activating under-used muscle groups.  Muscle groups I never knew I had, in fact!!  Since I've been wearing the Shape Ups, my back is stronger, my calves are thinner and my ankles have become more tapered. 

The shoes simulate walking on soft sand, the bottom of the shoe rolling to create a more natural walking movement.  The shoes are so comfortable that I find myself creating excuses to go for a walk!  My shoes are the XF (Extended fitness) type and they sit at number 1 (lowest intensity) on the burn meter.  Check the burn meter for the intensity that's right for your lifestyle.
    

Burn Meter Ratings

XF (Extended Fitness For Walkers) - Burn Meter #1 (lowest intensity)

XW (Extended Wear - For Working On Your Feet All Day) - Burn Meter #1

AT (All Terrain For Trekking) - Burn Meter #2

SRT (Skechers Radius Trainer For A Higher Intensity Workout) - Burn Meter #3

S2 (Lightweight Design For Super Calorie Burning) - Burn Meter #4 

The Original Shape Ups (To Supercharge Your Workouts) - Burn Meter #4 (highest intensity)

technorati tags: skechers, shape ups, buy shape ups, workout shoes, toning shoes, tone muscles, shape up,skechers walking shoes

Sometimes, all you want on your feet are a pair of sandals. In the crazy humid weather we've been having, it's the closest thing to having bare feet! So why not be stylish while you're at it? Havaianas' range of women's sandals is extensive, colourful and fun!

There are so many cute styles to choose from, which makes for a rather tough choice!    I have tried to narrow down my selection and show my fave five picks (in no particular order - that would be just too hard!):


Fave #1:  Fit Style White

This is a classic and classy white pair of sandals, good to go with sarongs, a martini and perhaps a yacht.





Fave #2:  Slim Peacock (Navy/Silver)

The peacock eyes are always watching you. It's kinda spooky but I like it!



Fave #3:  Fit Style Pink

These are bold, fun and colourful.  Gladiator style.  What more do you want?  And the straps are adjustable too!



Fave #4:  Slim Matryoshka

These are too cute for words - the Russian doll motif in pink and dark blue.  Perfect for a sunset rendezvous in Hawaii...   *sigh*



Fave #5: Summer (Navy Blue)

These sandals are made for beach walking, paddling in the surf...  lazing about on the sand... come to think of it, what am I still doing here?  I'm off to the beach!

On the 19th of March, 2011, I catalogued a bunch of files and went shopping.

On the 19th of March, 2011, according to the Salisbury Post, a man named Richard Donald Blanscet was arrested after being chased by the police at high speed. 

His reason for speeding? 

Well....

Dr Phil apparently came on the TV and spoke to him in a high pitched voice, saying that the earth was under attack from aliens.

 

So logically, he got in his car, drove over 120 mph to save his girlfriend.  From the aliens.

Unfortunately the police (who were "in on it" at the time, according to Blanscet) managed to foil his plans and stop him (albeit in a crash) at an intersection.

 

Now....

It may surprise you to hear that drugs were involved.


He had smoked "Mr Nice Guy", a synthetic and reportedly legal blend of "natural/safe" drugs.



I'm guessing this is going to skyrocket sales for Mr Nice Guy or get it banned.

Perhaps they should rename it to "Mr Truth Is Out There Guy"

As the legend goes, L'Occitane discovered the 'immortelle' flower that never fades and created the Divine Collection of anti aging skincare products.

The most popular of the L'Occitane anti aging skincare range is the Divine Cream.  The Divine Cream contains the 'immortelle' flower and myrtle essential oils to create a product that is reported to increase radiance, skin firmness, and skin smoothness.



L'Occitane Divine Cream


Another popular product in the 'immortelle' range is the 'Regard Divin Divine Eyes'.   User reviews on the site report a reduction in under eye bags, a brightening of the under eye area and an overall moisturising effect.  This eye cream uses buckwheat wax to combat under eye puffiness, ash tree extract to counter under-eye circles and rose floral water to soothe the skin.  Only a small amount is needed for each eye so use sparingly!

L'Occitane Divine Eyes


L'Occitane Divine Extract, another popular anti aging skin cream contains vitamin C and parsley extract to improve and even out skin tone, and hyaluronic acid to plump up the skin.

L'Occitane are also giving away two free product samples with every order.  You can choose from perfume, skin care creams, face mask and hand cream samples.

I recently discovered a site called BidRivals. It's an e-commerce website featuring 1500 penny / cent auctions per day.

As soon as I saw a Navman GPS system sell for $15.72, I wanted to know more.  The object of the exercise is basically to make BidRivals lose money.  Sound confusing?  It's not really.  Try to pay as little for each item as possible and save as much money as possible on each auction.

The first thing to remember about BidRivals is that you will generally pay a fraction of the retail price. Only a nutter would keep bidding after the price gets to equal or above the RRP.  If you don't want to join an auction you can "BuyNow".  Read the FAQ regarding BuyNow and auctions before bidding so you are well prepared and understand how it all works.

Auctions can be quick.  Some can last as little as one minute.  If you are the last bidder when the timer reaches 00:00, you are the winner.

It works like this: You buy a pack of "bids" before the auctions.  Then bid on the items you want.  Each bid costs 0.67c AUD and raises the price of the item by 0.13c.  Each person is allowed to win 4 items each 24 hours, just in case you go a bit nuts with the excitement and try to buy everything at once! 

You can set up "BidAgent" for each auction, allowing a spending limit and automatic bidding for when you can't attend a live auction. 

Signups at BidRivals can get up to 25 free bids to start the process and new users are eligible to participate in "beginners" auctions for new members only. 

technorati tags: auction, bid, auction site, buy, bidding, online auction, shop, shop online, discount, bargains

According to Yahoo Style Trends, 2011 has some interesting INs and OUTs.


So, without further ado, here's what is IN and OUT for the coming year:

 

Vampires - OUT

Well there's a relief. I always thought of vampires as nasty things for slaying with wooden stakes, not as eligible bachelors, but that's just me.  The point is, nobody has got it right since the Buffy TV series.  It had everything, vampires, Hellmouth, nerds, librarians and awkward nerdy and charming exchanges.  It seems that the latest Twilight movies and vampire TV shows in their own heavy handed and lacklustre way have elevated vampires to a desirable status.  The point is, vampires aren't really that attractive.  They don't tan (no beach trips), they drink blood (so dinner is right out of the question), they are always at risk of turning you into one of them, and they get a bit messy when they go out for a bite with their friends.

Communal Tables - OUT
Well yippee with maple syrup on it!!  I could never stand communal tables.  It was always a stupid idea.  I remember having to endure my own birthday party sharing a table with a bunch of noisy eating crusties because the restaurant "doesn't take bookings man, everyone shares the tables".

Well bollocks to that.  If I pay to go to a restaurant, I want a table for one, two or a group.  That is, people that I actually want to share a table with.  People I actually know and like.  The idea of eating food next to complete strangers with questionable table manners is my idea of hell.  I'd rather get take away or cook something myself until the restaurants can get it together to work out that people don't actually want to share a massive bench with strangers.  If I wanted that I'd go to a mess hall.

Austerity Weddings (ie. Kate and Will) - IN
I'm not sure I can count this $40 million "do" as "Austere".  Perhaps the article was being ironic?  Maybe it's more austere than $50 million...  

Anyway, if you as a slightly less royal person, want to get married, why pay a ridiculous amount like $30,000?  Can't you think of better things on which to spend your money?

Option 1:
1 big poncy day, lots of toasters and glassware and a highly pressurised (you HAVE to have a perfect time) holiday.  And leftovers bits from the $500 cake.  A large bottomless hole in your savings account or credit card.

Option 2:
A set of Callaway golf clubs, relaxed holiday, simple registry do.  Money in the bank.  Gee, let me think now...

photo courtesy of kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Ballerina Fashion - a'la "Black Swan" - IN
Pulled back hairdos, tu-tus and lots of makeup.  Hmmm.
Little does he know it, but I think there's a weirdo guy in Fitzroy who hangs around Brunswick street that's about to become extremely fashionable.

If this takes off, the whole of Melbourne will be like going out for a ciggy at College of the Arts or the National Theatre.  I hope that distinctive dancer's walk doesn't take off as well, it kind of looks like Charlie Chaplin on Ritalin.  That is, if Charlie Chaplin got rid of his walking stick, was really thin and wore his hair in a bun. 




SaveSaveSave's IN and OUT for 2011:

IN

Ferrets
Carmen Miranda fruit hats
Protective padding for vague people who text and drive or walk across busy streets
Leaves
Skin
No nail polish and short fingernails
Roses
Salt crystal and lava lamps
Queens of the Stone Age
Rock N' Roll in general



OUT


Stamps
Flat pack furniture
Australian/American/whatever Idol
Highlighter pens
Grass
Holidays in Ibiza
Guy Sebastian
Dance Clubs
Auto Correct
LOL, BFF, OMG

technorati tags: black swan, ballet, style, in, out, 2011, trends, fashion, accessories, the new black, queens ofthe stone age, rock n roll, charlie chaplin, carmen miranda, kate, william, wedding

This post brought to you by TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love Tabasco Original Red.  Ever since I could eat hot things (which was very early indeed!) I developed a taste for Tabasco on just about anything.   Recently I have been developing my repertoire to include simple things like toasted cheese sandwiches with Tabasco.   It changes a simple toasted sandwich from okay to simply amazing!  A lot of people think of Tabasco as "hot" and leave it at that.  However Tabasco is so much more than that.  A dash of Tabasco can unlock the flavour in all your favourite foods, bringing out the best so you can get the best out of every single bite.  Tabasco can bring out the best in virtually any dish, the only limit is your imagination!!

Here is a recipe for my famous "Tabasco Omelette"
3 eggs
dried oregano
parsley
grated cheddar cheese
salt
pepper
TABASCO® Original Red

Mix up the ingredients except for the Tabasco and cheese.  Add the cheese on top when the omelette is in the pan, frying.
I usually add the Tabasco just as I am serving the omelette.  It brings out the combination of the eggs and cheese to give it that extra zing.  I highly recommend this omelette recipe.  Add the Tabasco according to your individual tastes.  (I use a lot!!)

But the ideas don't end there.  Many times when I have ordered a pizza I find it doesn't have the right "zing".  Easily fixed!  I get the Tabasco out and after a few shakes the pizza is turned into a masterpiece.    For more pizza ideas, be sure to check out Pizza Perfected. 
For the best food ideas for your next party or gathering, check out the excellent Game-Day Party Menu.
For breakfast and a quick pick me up, I like fried eggs with Tabasco, mushrooms and spinach on toast.  You can't go wrong with this combo!

For a snack, Tabasco can spice up anything toasty, cheesy, even antipasto!!  (I love Tabasco with olives!)

And for the piece de resistance, my "Tabasco Red Virgin Mary":
Tomato or V8 Juice
Tabasco Original Red
Ground black pepper
stick of celery
Combine and serve with the celery stick (the celery stick also double as a stirrer)
But don't just take my word for it.  Try these recipes yourself or come up with your own creations!

The recent floods in Queensland and Victoria have devastated homes, businesses and lives.  When the waters subside, the damage will still remain and there is much rebuilding to be done.

One way you can help Queenslanders is to donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. This appeal is for financial donations only.


If you wish to donate goods/clothing, go the givit website.


Another way to help is to offer accommodation to those affected by the floods: oz flood help


You can also volunteer to help with the flood recovery in affected areas in QLD.


If you have been affected by the floods in Queensland, you can use this form to apply for flood relief.


You can help in the Victorian floods by registering as a volunteer to help with the emergency cleanup, donate funds or offer accommodation to those affected in Victoria.

The most important aspect of donating is making sure your donations go to the right place and to the right people. If you are unsure of any charity or organisation, you need to check out scamwatch and be informed about who is legitimate and who is not. 

technorati tags: qld flood, vic flood, flood relief, disaster relief, queensland, victoria, flood, donate, volunteer,charitable donation, flood assistance

I have discovered through experience with my own startup sites that choosing server hosting is much more important than we might think. If you just choose the first hosting plan you come across, it may be cheap now, but it may also cost you in the future. Which begs the question - why do I need a dedicated managed server?  The main reason is that with a dedicated server, you will not have to share bandwidth or server space with other sites.

You may be wondering "How could a managed server help me with my website?"
If you run your own internet business or are looking to start up a store or memebership site, you can take advantage of a dedicated server package to add shopping cart software, databases and the like.  It basically leaves you free to add features as your business grows. If you do not pick this option, your website may be limited in the future as new technologies become available and more space is needed.

A dedicated server plan can keep your online business running constantly, leaving no room for downtime. You do not want to be competing for bandwidth against other websites and losing out on traffic and customers as a result. Another welcome feature is the added security, firewalls, monitoring and backup service that come as part of the dedicated server package. You can also opt for unlimited hosting and never worry about bandwidth or disk space again. If you have questions you can discuss custom requirements to suit your business and get the best advice to ascertain which plan is the right choice for your website.