The Lateest Pssst Posts

Pssst... "When I've kicked the bucket" list.

Pssst.com — 2012-01-23T07:28:20-05:00

Swerving away from the fashion of using a blog as a publishing platform for unfinished, seminal works of literature, Claire read some books, wrote some reviews, stared off into the distance for a few months, returned to reality, took up an imaginary career as a stalker in an epistolary novel, got a bit paranoid, thought about writing a blog entry on paranoia, didn’t know how to do it without sounding paranoid, tried to duck out of such circular thought patterns, ate, slept, took comfort breaks…

Well, she's definitely made the proverbial "Bucket List" here own. Take a ride on Claire's off beat side.

"Anyway, put off as I am by Bucket Lists which focus on life, I am partial to bit of planning when it comes to life after death."

Pssst.... The Flames of the Liberation

Pssst.com — 2012-01-22T09:16:56-05:00

One of Alexander L. Fred poems was chosen for publication in Stars in Our Hearts, a collection of poems from authors in 18 nations. His website is fresh with samples of his works and provides its readers a relaxing space in which to enjoy his writing.

"A place to "put my poetry, my prose, and even my basic thoughts on life out there for anyone anywhere to read. I put a lot of heart into everything I write and I truly hope that you enjoy."

Drop by and enjoy....

Pssst… The secret is out on Twitter!

Pssst.com — 2012-01-20T17:58:52-05:00

Stepxen opened up a Twitter account in March of 2009. He wasn’t really sure why other than he needed a Twitter account.

"I was very confused about the real purpose of it. I still see people today that are really confused about what the heck it’s even good for. I have learned recently that it is a pretty neat tool to have at your disposal."

"I’ve always kind of thought that having a Facebook account kept you in touch with everyone but we end up having friends, people who add us because we have friends in common, former friends, enemies, etc… And then we have to see what all of these people are doing or thinking, or they may comment on what we are doing ..."

"Twitter on the other hand is a little different, you follow someone that you want to follow, you see what they say… You just read a “tweet” from someone and keep going... "

So Stepxen gets it.. he get's Twitter... and wrote a nice explanation for us... Drop by and read his stuff!

Pssst.... Did you hear that gossiping may be good for you?

Pssst.com — 2012-01-21T09:51:34-05:00

There seems to be a fair amount of research into the benefits of Gossip.

Researchers at UC Berkeley have determined that water cooler chatter and idle office tattling can have stress-relieving benefits, provided it is the correct sort of gossip that is helpful to others and not demeaning.

Pssst.... Don't tell anyone.. Big Oil makes money.

Pssst.com — 2012-01-19T08:57:45-05:00

"The oil industry is in it for the money.

I know how shocking this must be for many of us.

But it’s true. Literally. The duty of Big Oil’s executives to their shareholders is to maximize their profits. There’s nothing wrong with that, in theory. They are in fact, quite good at it. The top five oil companies alone have made almost a trillion dollars in profit in the last decade.

You just need to remember that making money – not providing jobs or energy security for our nation – is what they’re all about. Therefore, if you want to find out what’s really going on with the oil industry’s latest pet project – Keystone XL – all you need to do is follow the money."

... and this is exactly what I (Chief Pssst Poster) thought might be going on with Keystone XL. But I'm still a big fan of the pipeline for it's jobs, revenues, profits and the fact that those profits are coming to American companies and not foreign companies. Part of any business is to keep its competitors from making profits.

Read all the details...

Pssst.... Christina Katz ~ The Prosperous Writer - Seen & Heard Around the Web

Pssst.com — 2012-01-17T17:09:05-05:00

Write, sell, learn, specialize, self-promote, micro-invest in your writing career, and succeed. In other words: produce your own success. That’s what Christina Katz - the Prosperouis Writter teachs no matter where she goes. That's "what I do, and what I have to say. I have have had several new posts and buzz around the extended writing community lately" …

Christina Katz is the author of three books from Writer’s Digest: The Writer’s Workout, Get Known Before the Book Deal, and Writer Mama. Her writing career tips and parenting advice appear regularly in national, regional, and online publications. She is the creator and host of the Northwest Author Series in Wilsonville, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, her daughter, and far too many pets. Check out her site for so much more information.

Pssst.... Just the Right Book (justtherightbook.com)

Pssst.com — 2012-01-16T13:04:18-05:00

Just the Right Book is where you can get personalized reading recommendations(based on your interests and our secret sauce) for readers of any age.

So, how do they do it? Experience.

Just the Right Book has honed its skills over the last 20 years while running R.J. Julia Booksellers, an award-winning, independent bookstore in Madison, CT. For the first time, this independent bookstore experience is now available to you online. In fact, they're so confident that they can pick out "just the right book", it's guaranteed.

Every reader who has a subscription to Just the Right Book gets personal attention from one of their trained book experts, who reviews your reading profile to find just the right books for you. You can update and change your profiles at any time to reflect your mood or interests.

JTRB has created a page just for Pssst.. sharing here some of their favorite books of the year in various categories.

Pssst.... Jenne Sue Designs

Pssst.com — 2012-01-17T09:33:12-05:00

A short Pssst... that jumps to a nice article on Esty for those considering starting a new business life. Deserves a read. There's a FB link too announcing her Valentines Day Sale..

Jenna Sue is a 20-something year old with a love for design, decor, art and home improvement. This blog is the product of her profession, her passions, and life experiences in photos. Go along for the ride and see if you find something of inspiration along the way! :)

Her "Snapshot" page is a nice peruse as well... Enjoy

Pssst.... Lady do you wanna buy a truck? (It's not what you think)

Pssst.com — 2012-01-14T08:55:25-05:00

Here's ya go. "Pssst.... Lady wanna buy a truck" ain't what you think. Yes it is a blog story about a film maker who retells her day wherein she goes looking for a truck... kinda. It's not the greatest story. But don't stop now.

What this little Pssst lead to was a very nice 15 minutes of reading and exploring the film crews website. "Displaced Yankee Productions was founded by Executive Producer/Director Heather E Connell. Their mission is to develop short films and documentaries that raise social awareness through compelling stories and visuals in the entertainment medium. Be it dramatic, comic or narrative - DYP looks to raise questions, create dialogue and inspire personal activism."

I recommend you take a few minutes and troll the site... Pssst. Then come back here and tell me if she ever found a truck?

Pssst.... What about your third act?

Pssst.com — 2012-01-13T09:14:57-05:00

Kirsty at "Wren And Her Friends.blogspot.com" has found a great TED video which anyone in their 3rd act might enjoy looking at.

Within this generation, an extra 30 years have been added to our life expectancy -- and these years aren’t just a footnote or a pathology. At TEDxWomen, Jane Fonda asks how we can think about this new phase of our lives.

Pssst.... Don't tell everyone about this bike ride

Pssst.com — 2012-01-13T08:56:50-05:00

Easily riding along a natural bench trail, crossing the occasional stream you can wind your way out of another hollow, the steep climb to get here is nearly forgotten, nearly. Pedaling past unique rock outcroppings and ancient trees you get the feeling that your glad you brought your bike on this trip to the Ozarks of Arkansas.

Why ride Arkansas? Because it’s the place that everyone else is riding and not telling you about. It’s a place Northern colleges send their cycling teams to train because the roads and weather are perfect in the late winter and early spring. It’s a place where in the dead of winter when many mountain bikers stare longingly at their bikes hanging in the garage, Arkansans are riding sweet ridge-lines with unlimited views, no studded tires, no heavy coats, no worries.

Pssst.... Progresso’s Souper You Contest!

Pssst.com — 2012-01-11T06:20:06-05:00

Are you ready for a souper new you? With the new year many of us have made resolutions to lose weight and Progresso’s line-up of 40 soups having 100 calories or less can help you do just that. In fact Progresso soups have helped many women to lose weight and feed their families with delicious soups that take the boredom out of trying to reach those goals.

Progresso wants to give you a little more incentive and are doing so with the Progresso Souper You Contest. A chance to win the ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood! Go find out more...

Pssst…. Wanna Make $12,000? Paint The Side Of The Dollar Tree Store!

Pssst.com — 2012-01-11T06:17:21-05:00

The City of Burien and Burien Arts Commission want someone to paint the side of the Dollar Tree Store on 4th Ave SW – and they’re willing to pay $12,000 bucks for it.
But put that extra thick Sharpie away Mr. Tagger – this is not an open call for random graffiti – this is a legitimate call for an Artist(s) to paint a real mural.
The Dollar Tree is officially located at 250 SW 152nd Street, but the mural is on 4th Ave SW, just across from the city hall garage.
There's a DEADLINE....

Pssst.... Come take a look at the "New" Barrington Beach House

Pssst.com — 2012-01-11T06:13:00-05:00

Saturday's (January 7) front-page story in the "Decor" section of The Providence Journal featured this huge half-page "after" photo of the Barrington Beach house project on This Old House!

Go take a look at the before and it's hard to believe, the two photos were taken from almost the same angle and location on the house lot.

Pssst…. Looking for a good deal on a used VIVA bus?

Pssst.com — 2012-01-10T09:53:33-05:00

For sale: one fleet of pre-owned York Region VIVA buses. All buses are in excellent running order, but are apparently no longer needed. Interiors are very clean with only minor scuff marks and fingerprints. Note: a number of these buses are coated with a thin film of guilt left by passengers caught without valid tickets*. This collection of deluxe Van Hool buses includes both 30-foot and 60-foot articulated models. Remember, these beauts would run you about $750,000 new, but they could be yours today for a song. No reasonable offer will be refused.

Pssst.... Ben. Call me crazy but..

Pssst.com — 2012-01-10T09:20:22-05:00

"Pssst…Ben. Call me crazy but I think they have figured out we are paying them back entering zero’s on that big computer in your office."

Credit to The China Money Report

Pssst.... La Belle Brocante

Pssst.com — 2012-01-08T12:00:18-05:00

La Belle Brocante...

Here's an interesting site... but I can't figure out what the site is actually about. The blog style site displays various artistic and antiques which are nice to look at. Perhaps you can post what you think here for me.

TO me it seems like an ongoing display of rare artifacts, pictures and odd historical memorabilia. The site is very nicely detailed and drew my interest, but mostly because of the odd nature of the items and the lack of stated purpose.

Good luck and love to hear your feedback.

Pssst.... How Images Improve Blog Traffic

Pssst.com — 2012-01-07T09:40:40-05:00

Robert Lee Brewer has posted a great article about how photos help to draw traffic to your blog.

Here are some reasons why images improve blog traffic:

▪ Improves blog content.
▪ Increases visibility on social media sites
▪ Provides additional traffic via search engines

Head on over to Robert's site for the full details...
_{(Pssst... Photo by Shirley Bittner. She's posted more today!)}

Pssst.... Copyright "Pssst" leads to quality photos

Pssst.com — 2012-01-06T09:09:48-05:00

While sleuthing ^{(looking for webpages that use "pssst" in places on the page other than in the Title, URL or Heading)}, I came across Shirley Bittner's photography website.

It's a nice site with great photos ... I recommend it for a few minutes reprieve from the days challenges.

Pssst.... All photos are copyright shirley bittner. Thanks for checking out her blog I hope you enjoy the photos. All she asks is that you don't copy or take photos without permission. If you'd like a print, please email her at shirley(at)bittnerdesigns(dot)com. Shirley was pretty quick to respond to provide us permission to use Ruffus's photo.

Pssst.... Paul and Thalia find Kate MccGwire's art.

Pssst.com — 2012-01-05T09:08:19-05:00

Artist Kate MccGwire creates molted bird feathers sculptures...

"I gather, collate, re-use, layer, peel, burn, reveal, locate, question, duplicate, play and photograph"

Kate MccGwire's practice probes the beauty inherent in duality, exploring the play of opposites - at an aesthetic, intellectual and visceral level - that characterises the way we conceive the world. She does this by appealing to our essential duality as human beings, to our senses and our reason, and by drawing on materials capable of embodying a dichotomous way of seeing, feeling and thinking. The finished work has a consistent 'otherness' to it that places it beyond our experience of the world, poised on a threshold between the parameters that define everyday reality.

Pssst.... Kim Harrison's Newest Drama

Pssst.com — 2012-01-03T09:38:37-05:00

"Pssst.... I’m not really here" says Kim Harrison

On December 22 Kim Harrison blogged that she was going to take some time off. "They say if you are too busy to take a vacation, that you’re not doing it right, so in regard to me (Kim) keeping a balance that enables me to get everything done and still stay reasonably sane, I’m going to sign off the drama box for a week or so to better enjoy my family. Trust me, I’m still working. Even though I try not to carry my work with me when I push back from my desk at the end of the day, it’s hard to shake it off, especially when you love what you do.

But she slipped back on to give us all a hint of what was to come in the next few days... "Seriously, I promised myself I would stay off the Internet until the first week of January was over, but I wanted to remind you that Harper Voyager is scheduled to release the first chapter of A Perfect Blood."

To receive notice of this and the rest of the chapters 2-5 as they are released over the coming weeks, sign up for Harper’s Author tracker...

Pssst.... are you awake?

Pssst.com — 2012-01-02T09:26:10-05:00

Sounds like Mommy DJ needs some late night advice herself? Do you have a foolproof remedy or do you just default to stareing at the ceiling too?

" I remember waking up as a kid and realizing my parents had been up for hours. It never made sense to me. I was thinking, Why are they up so early? How boring.

Fast forward thirty some years and I get it. The moment you have a baby, you sign up for sleep deprivation-forever. Even though the baby eventually sleeps through the night-you might not.

The New York Times reported that more mothers are using prescription pills to help get sleep. And you would think as exhausted as we can get it would be easy to fall asleep. Most of us are busy trying to keep it together. Stay at home moms are on call 24/7. Moms who work outside the home go from one job to another.

But even once you are in bed...the noise in your head continues"...

Pssst.... Be aware if you get a parking ticket

Pssst.com — 2012-01-01T11:02:22-05:00

Know your signs, and take lots of pictures

The crushing feeling of finding a ticket attached to the windshield of your car is enough to ruin any New Yorker’s New Year.

But there are ways to fight it, if you’re armed with the right information. While certain parking and meter regulations are suspended Sunday and Monday for the holiday, they’ll resume Tuesday.

Larry Berezin, chief operating officer of New York Parking Ticket LLC, believes city parking spots are scarcer than ever and tickets are up this time of year because of all the tourists in town for winter break.

“Visitors to my website have increased significantly over the last three weeks,” said Berezin, a lawyer whose company offers advice on fighting such summonses.

Pssst.... Mum's Gone to La La Land

Pssst.com — 2011-12-30T17:30:26-05:00

Mum's Gone To La La Land
Pssst is a funny little word and you find it in the oddest places. "Mum's Gone to La La Land" is one of those sites which on first look didn't qualify, I can say this because the "Pssst" just didn't measure up to being in a place that was of any interest ... to anyone. And that's what I'm here to do, find you interesting Pssst Posts. (I dare you to find the Pssst ob Mum's site).

A side benefit of searching for Pssst is that searching takes me to very ODD places. "Mum's Goes to La La Land" is exactly that.... ODD. She's gone around the bend ... and seriously FOUND La La Land! Mum has a twisted mind.

I encourage you to run the site... a guaranteed laugh.

Pssst.... Wanna Buy Premium Remodeling on Sale?

Pssst.com — 2011-12-28T15:30:39-05:00

We live in a society of supply and demand. Things that everyone wants to own (a Mercedes SLR) typically cost more than things no one wants (a Yugo). The same applies to services; a haircut from someone who cares about the details and has years of experience in creating the latest styles will demand a premium over a cut delivered by a beauty college student just starting out with scissors.
But what if you wanted that car, haircut, (or in our case, remodeling) that was the better quality option, but you wanted to secure it at a discount. Well, for the car, it might involve looking for a used model, for the latest haircut you might have to look for a coupon or promotion… but what about that finished basement, attic storage space, or outdoor kitchen/deck dream?

Pssst.... Arteriole does calligraphy.

Pssst.com — 2011-12-28T09:38:49-05:00

Arteriole is a student with a love of science, art, and good tunes to hum along with. Michelle René has launched a new store and gets our thumbs up partly because she's used the power of "Pssst", but also because both the quality of her site and most importantly her work. Clearly one can see that Michelle has a passion for creating truly custom work.

Show the girl some love!

Pssst.... Wanna Buy a Baby?

Pssst.com — 2011-12-28T09:14:08-05:00

ADMIN: I generally shy away from posting forum posts because they don't bring quality to your attention. But this Pssst Post screams out to be posted. It seems that Erin & Will have hit a wall in their quest for adopting. Maybe a @PssstPost followers can help. Here's what caught my eye...

"Okay that was probably a shocking thread title, but that is what the call with a referral service felt like today. Their first question was how much are you willing to budget followed by what do you want. (Gee is this like ordering a new mattress?) The entire contact left me feeling....icky. It was implied that we'd need to go out of state and that we should up our budget at least another 15,000 (OMG are you kidding me!) I mean they might as well as said, how much will you pay, right?

We've been looking at other options since our match failed from changing agencies to using a referral service. I feel kinda disheartened by the process..."

Can anyone help?

Pssst.... Kirstie's Pssst blog

Pssst.com — 2012-01-04T08:45:13-05:00

When You Lay Awake at Night Waiting for Your Child to Come Home (or WYLANWYCCH)

KIrstie is a *Pssst*.com'er and gets our support as such.

Today's blog entry is rife with a personal expression but holds words we can all hold dear in our own lives.

"I want a house where everyone is considerate of one another. I do not want a house of rules but of principles. How do you balance that with authority?

I want a house where the parent holds respect and therefore authority. I don't want a house of dictatorship but one with a respected authoritative presence. How do you balance that with yourself, your short-comings?"

Pssst.... Santa wears a bra. And panties. And sometimes pumps

Pssst.com — 2011-12-27T10:13:52-05:00

That's because he is a she.

Has to be. Take a look around - there's no other way to explain it. All around the U.S., women are frantically planning for the holiday season.

And men...aren't.

I hate to sound sexist. So I'll just perpetuate a male/female stereotype. This time of year, women cook. We clean. We decorate. We bake cookies for entire school districts. We plan gourmet menus for people we hate.

We deck the freaking halls.

Pssst.... How to Propose: A Grooms Guide

Pssst.com — 2011-12-24T09:18:18-05:00

Maybe XMas is the day you'll propose?

That time has finally come in your life and you start to sweat…..

No sweat! …here is a guide to get you there:

Part One

Think about her…. Remember: This moment will be a zillion times more important to her than it could ever be for you—stuff of legions…. and will be retold by her and her sister again and again—so really consider what SHE would like….and waiting until half-time of the big game is probably not the direction….think ‘romance’….Drew Brees is cute but! I think you get the point. If you think about it, I’m sure she’s probably dropped a hint or two and will appreciate any effort you make to personalize the proposal in a way that says, “Yes, I ‘hear’ you …and totally ‘get’ you”.

Read on to Part two...

Pssst.... Australia have you heard?

Pssst.com — 2011-12-23T12:21:39-05:00

Dita von Teese will be returning to Australia in March 2012 to launch a lingerie line for Target! She will walk the runway at the Loreal Fashion Festival on March 10, 2012, and the pieces themselves will be arriving instore in February, with new product lines to come in March and April. The line will be titled "Von Follies by Dita von Teese", and will come in a wide range of sizes.

Prices will start at $17 and go up to $79 for fitted corsolettes. Word is that the collection will include proper garter belts, overwire bras, high waisted briefs, corsetry; and the colours will encompass black lace over nude, leopard print, and dreamy pale pink satins. It will be available for purchase both instore and online, which is a lifesaver for women like me who are right now reading about the delicious details and fretting they might not make the product launch!

Pssst.... A Pssst Photos Blog!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-20T09:10:24-05:00

We love finding Pssst domains!

Paul and Thalia share song sound and scenery with you from Down Under. A sort of "in the eyes of the beholder" travels site.

Pssst.... Anya Shares

Pssst.com — 2011-12-19T09:28:06-05:00

Anya seems to adore a lot of things but mostly photography, eye catching design, interiors, a bit of fashion and her gorgeous family. She sharing her daily finds and treasures and hopes you love them as much as she does.

Just to get away from the tinsel and mulled wine of the season In this blog post Anya shares her find of H&M Home textile collection SS 2012

"The vintage flower prints are so trendy and so Liberty. If you like bold colours you can find textiles with spots, stripes and chevron. If you prefer a more classic look you might enjoy the stripe collection."

Ps(s)st….over here! Welcome to (her) bitchin kitchen

Pssst.com — 2011-12-19T09:15:37-05:00

She is a self proclaimed foodie who lives (and loves) to cook! This mother of 3 beautiful kids and the wife to a wonderful husband invites you to her bitchin kitchen. Grab a fork and dive right in.

Shrinking violets need not apply!

Pssst.... All you need is love...

Pssst.com — 2011-12-16T15:02:02-05:00

Shannon and Vikki are from California and adore the sunshine. They think being event planners is the best thing since sliced bread. They love their husbands and find inspiration everywhere. Yes everywhere.

They are slightly obsessed with all things wedding blog related. They laugh at ourselves and one another often while secretly thinking they are pretty awesome (Shh!) They believe the most awesome people we know are brides.

"We are swooning over this one! Have your flower girl deliver a secret message to your groom before you walk down the aisle!"

Pssst.... French National treasures on display

Pssst.com — 2011-12-16T08:48:54-05:00

The Grolier Club of New York City has fostered interest in, and support for, book arts for more than 125 years. It also offers regular exhibitions, displays, lectures and publications on publishing, printing, libraries, book art and the book trade at its elegant East Side location.

This December, French national treasures from the Imprimerie Nationale will be on public view in the largest exhibition ever presented at the Grolier Club. Highlighting the history of the Imprimerie Nationale, arguably the most important printing house in Europe, the comprehensive exhibition Printing for Kingdom, Empire, and Republic: Treasures from the Archives of the Imprimerie Nationale lavishly documents nearly five centuries of printing art and craft. These books, manuscripts, and objects from their archives have never before left France and will be seen for the first time at the Grolier Club, New York City.

Pssst.… a little bird told me about bikes.

Pssst.com — 2011-12-16T08:41:55-05:00

BaikBike.com is Malaysia’s No.1 Online Cycling Magazine and on a mission to promote cycling from a different perspective!
The magazine views Cycling as a new means of transportation, Bicycle as a “green vehicle”, and Community Cycling as a social activity. Whether or not if you are an Eco-cyclist, an extreme biker, OR a leisure rider - BaikBike.com engages in prominent support for Malaysians who wants to cycle, bringing to them convenience within a few clicks – from information & tips sharing, purchasing process, products’ comparison, community events’ updates, to the cycling news in Malaysia.
Most importantly, BaikBike.com is on a mission to delight your cycling experience, making your resources available anywhere you go.
We’ve got wind of product leaks that may well only see the light of day in 2013.

Pssst.... Four Little Walls

Pssst.com — 2011-12-15T15:05:06-05:00

I (Sherbert Lemon) write today's post sat virtually on top of an oil heater and a blanket over my lap, like the old woman I am clearly destined to become.

There's muttering of snow. This does not thrill me, as I'm sure is the case for many of you, there's still far too much to do before Christmas close-down to be getting snowed in!!

Besides the usual Sherbet lemon based potterings and life in general there's been another project going on behind the scenes, one that I'm very excited about and have been looking forward to sharing!!

So with out further ado, I present to you Four little walls!!

Pssst.... Now for What your client really thinks

Pssst.com — 2011-12-16T08:37:05-05:00

I started my copywriting career in the days of dragons, wizards, hot-type and later, Compugraphics typesetters. Most of you weren’t born yet. In fact, many of your parents were probably still virgins.
My first weekly column was in a weekly tabloid magazine in Texas, and part of my job was to set my column on the Linotype the night before they went to print.

When they invested in a new technology called the Compugraphic typesetter, that portion of my job became much easier. So much so, in fact, that I sometimes composed my column “on the fly” (which drove my editor nuts!)

After nearly a year...

Pssst.... Covert photos form inside the Powerhouse Museum!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-14T09:28:12-05:00

dark, intense, mysterious ...
amazing to have taken pics ...
doesn't the second shot look like a large G string?

The horse hair, the truck, the engine, the last shot above ...
all amazing.
Have you been, love to hear your opinion?

Pssst.... Stephanie Hansen at PssstOverHere.com has a pet... don't ask. Just go see.

Pssst.com — 2011-12-14T09:21:13-05:00

Two things you guys might not know about me: I have a pet artichoke. He’s frozen, stem in tackt, in a mason jar in the freezer. He goes by Francis. Second, I’ve got some ink on my hip, the kind you keep forever, says “this is all that I am.”

I was reminded of both the big black letters and my frozen friend this evening when my coach said “Steph, do you wanna be able to do this?” I laughed. “Then decide you can fucking do it. No, decide you’ve done it. Go.” I stopped laughing. He was serious as a mountain lion and I’m certain he believes with his whole body that you are what you decide to be. I’ve had similar conversations with several friends, shit, I got a piece of that idea tattooed to MY....

Pssst.... See what Haneesa is up to..

Pssst.com — 2011-12-13T17:06:46-05:00

These pretty jars will soon be filled with yummy candy pillows! you can give them as door gifts or little christmas presents!

The girls at the Awesome Project would like to welcome you to their blogging journey! Bringing you a varying array of insights, perspectives and topics. Their aim is to share their interests and learn together as their team of writers investigate everything from cooking to crafts, from hijab styles to fitness, and from smoky eyes to cupcakes.

Pssst.... We’ve Got A West End (London) Christmas Secret

Pssst.com — 2011-12-13T17:01:46-05:00

Okay, I’ll (Claire Williams) admit it. I love Christmas. I love everything about the festive season: the twinkly lights that adorn every shop window, the fires that crackle in cozy local pubs, the one-click ordering on Amazon that sorts everyone out their presents without me ever having to leave my dented spot on the sofa, and the beauty of Sky+, saving me ever having to miss a single corny Christmas movie whilst I party the nights away at various festive events.

One thing that signifies Christmas to me the most is our annual trip to see a show in the West End. Every year my friends and I traipse through the crowds in Leicester Square and queue up with everyone else in front of one of the variety of neon-lit theatres that decorate the streets. The only thing that lets it down? The less-than-great drudge of restaurants offering numerous variations on, let’s face it, the same congealed pizza and pasta rubbish over and over again.

Pssst.... Sometimes you just need the advice of The Bad Ass Mama

Pssst.com — 2011-12-12T15:45:44-05:00

Academic success does not necessarily prepare one for motherhood.

Let me explain.

I (Sherice, otherwise know as One Bad Ass Mama) am a firm believer that there is a difference between book smarts and street smarts. Academic learning and common sense, knowledge and wisdom. Each is valuable in its own way, and not all folks are created equal when it comes to any of the above. I'd like to think that I have a good balance of book smarts and street smarts, and just enough common sense to make me dangerous. But my true strength is traditional academic learning. I'm a nerd, a geek, bookworm, teacher's pet. You name it, I've been called it and have LOVED every minute of it....

... It hit me on the way back from gymnastics this weekend. The teacher let me know that Angel only got 3 stamps (instead of 4) because he was not following directions during the parachute activity (I was changing Victor's pamper, so I didn't see him through the window). She told me that, while his skills were very strong and he did a great job in the smaller group stations, he tended to wander during larger group activities. This, of course, was nothing new to me but I was hoping that it was just a phase that he would magically emerge from. Like, tomorrow.

Pssst.... Something for those menopausal power surges

Pssst.com — 2011-12-12T09:34:07-05:00

Fabulous Find

This spring, I (Sharon Lovejoy) hosted the UK Herbarium group blog party one month and my dear friend Rita contributed her recipe for elderflower cordial to the party. When our elderflowers bloomed I gathered some and followed her recipe. Simply delicious and I began to just crave a nice cold glass of water mixed with the cordial in the evenings. Coincidentally, I started sleeping like a newborn baby… I eventually ran out of the cordial … and started sleeping poorly again…

Pssst.... Wanna know what writers think

Pssst.com — 2011-12-12T09:23:14-05:00

Baby Sitter's rules applied in business?

When I was younger, my sister and I had the babysitting market cornered in our little town. Supply and demand. There were two of us and tons of them; each week we had our pick. I am a bit embarrassed to say that we actually had a rating system.

Pssst.... Sports fans.. This you did NOT know.

Pssst.com — 2011-12-10T16:34:31-05:00

AUSTRALIAN sports fans are well aware of the young Donald Bradman's exploits with a cricket stump and a golf ball, but a new local history book has shed light on the early sporting adventures of tennis legend Margaret Court in Albury. June Shanahan — Margaret's older sister, a former ABC local radio producer and history buff — has published a book Ancestors of a Wimbledon Champion detailing her sibling's deft use of a fence paling that the family used as a cricket bat in backyard matches. That's the future Grand Slam winner in our photo wicketkeeping for her sister, moving June to say it must have been one of the rare times she and her two brothers were able to prise the bat away from Margaret.

Pssst.... Highland Angel has a Pssst Blog page

Pssst.com — 2011-12-08T09:21:26-05:00

Highland Angel is about having fun, a contemporary take on classic jewelry pieces. Their jewelry can be personalized to remember a special occasion or to carry a personal message - unique pieces which will become treasured keepsakes.

Drop by and you'll find pieces to complement your individual style, jewelry that's original, fun to wear and a joy to give and receive. Every purchase is beautifully packaged in a white highland angel gift box or bag, tied with white organza ribbon.

Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, you can be sure you're buying something special.

Pssst.... Spread the word

Pssst.com — 2011-12-08T17:05:41-05:00

Sometimes we have to Pssst Post news we've found.

Get free fashion jewelry by giving your friends and family a 20% discount toward their first purchase from Aristocracy Couture!

Pssst.... PDZ Peeps... It's time for the Portland Bazar

Pssst.com — 2011-12-07T16:49:54-05:00

sfgirlbybay is a San Francisco-based blogger, photographer, photo stylist, design junkie and bonafide flea market queen. Victoria Smith is editor of sfgirlbybay, one of the West Coast’s leading interior design blogs, featuring new product reviews, shopping tips, including art, photography and design resources, as well as home entertaining and lifestyle stories, with a ridiculously loyal readership that includes social media butterflies, top magazine editors, shoppers, and industry professionals.

"This weekend i have portland envy. i so wish i could head up north for the first ever Portland Bazaar, organized by those very crafty kids matt pierce of wood & faulk, Greg Hennes of Antler & Co. and Grace Bonney of design*sponge."

Pssst.... Free Books by the Snell Sisters

Pssst.com — 2011-12-08T12:00:51-05:00

Janet Snell is a graduate, magna-cum-laude, of the Maryland Institute College of Art, where she studied painting with the late Ed Dugmore. She has shown her work in venues such as The Drawing Center in New York City, Strathmore Hall in DC, Asterisk Gallery in Cleveland, the Massillon Museum and Summit Art Space in her hometown of Akron. Snell is the author of FLYTRAP (Cleveland State University Press Poetry Center) and the e-book HEADS (March Street Press). Cheryl Snell and Janet Snell are sisters who, in addition to solo projects of art and writing, collaborate on chapbooks for Scattered Light Library.

Until December 20, Writer's Lair Books is offering Shiva's Arms and other books absolutely FREE. You pay S&H, that's all. Season's Greetings!

Pssst.... Can I annoy you for a second?

Pssst.com — 2011-12-08T09:16:58-05:00

You might be surprised to find out that there has been very little research done on what causes people to be annoyed. Fearful, happy, sad, trusting, and surprised you can find, annoyed, not so much. There would seem to be an unending treasure trove of behaviors these days that could be construed as annoying or perhaps worse, as I think as a society we are rapidly experiencing a dramatic rise in annoying behaviors. So there really is no shortage of possibilities for study. Being annoyed at something at work doesn’t rise to the level of “I’ll quit over this”, but does make you feel like shouting “give me a break!”
While it was not scientific at all, I asked some of my colleagues to list off some of the things that organizations and bosses do that annoy them. I began to compile a list and categorize them. Here are just a few of the one’s that popped out for me, some of which I would quit over.

Pssst.… The holiday issue of Rue Magazine is live and as bright…

Pssst.com — 2011-12-07T09:12:34-05:00

Rue Magazine is a great looking read. Lots of great ideas.

But just a great a site is Shelterholic. Both have some great inspiration.

Visit Pssst Post: Get there through Shelterholic.com. Great site as well.

Pssst.... Can I share something very special with you? Leeha Francis

Pssst.com — 2011-12-06T18:42:07-05:00

I am just this week releasing my book, “Textures, inspirations & practices for a Life Richly Lived” and this little juicy gem will truly help you rediscover the layers and depths to your own Self Love.

This is something I am very passionate about and want YOU to experience all that I have with these authentic and personal inspirations and practices designed for YOU.

I’m ready to share it with you NOW; click the link to preview my introductions and receive your free chapter to Textures!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... A Celebration of Women

Pssst...! Cheryl Cole exclusive!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-06T08:44:11-05:00

Don’t tell anyone we showed you this, but here is a hot-off-the-press picture of tomorrow’s fabulous bumper issue of Grazia (extra glossy, extra glam, extra gorgeous)… and the best bit is that it’s got nearly ten pages of exclusive Cheryl Cole content, in celebration of her eagerly awaited shoe collection, out tomorrow. We’re honestly so excited we can hardly type…

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst! Cheryl Cole exclusive!

Pssst.... TMJ Hope’s Forum is Up!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-06T09:29:13-05:00

Guess what? The TMJ Hope forum is up!

It has a new coat of paint (actually, it has a whole new engine too) and we’ve made it a bit more simple to choose which forum to post in.

Visit Pssst Post: The TMJ Hope Forum

Pssst.... Over here!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-04T07:49:24-05:00

Tucker, would you please tell our Mrs. Owner
that we are STARVING down here?

Maybe if I stare at the house she'll
get the message and come out.
Mrs. Owner.... come feeeeeed us!

Doesn't she know how cold it is out here?
My hooves feel like blocks of ice.

Yeah, she sits inside that house where
it's all nice and warm...
and we're stuck out here.

Come feeeeeeed us!

We're hungreeeee.....neeeeed feeeeed!

Visit Pssst Post: Horse Humor

Pssst.... Damien loves Molly

Pssst.com — 2011-12-04T07:40:45-05:00

We shot Molly and Damian on a very cold October afternoon. We were planning a pumpkin patch shoot, but woke up to 1-2 inches of snow. SO, we decided to check out the Fall Flower show at Phipps in Oakland! Fortunately, the snow was gone by the time that we had finished indoors, so we got to walk around outside a bit too!

Molly and Damien we had such a blast with you guys and we can’t wait for the wedding!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Damien loves Molly

Pssst…. Hey, it’s Diana Gabaldon here, at the Ball!

Pssst.com — 2011-12-03T08:48:18-05:00

Diana Gabaldon is the author of the New York Times #1 best selling, international award-winning OUTLANDER series (including the Lord John Grey novels), described by Salon magazine as “the smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting “Scrooge McDuck” comics.”

Here’s what Diana has to say about her newly released novel: I’m thrilled by the advent of THE SCOTTISH PRISONER. I never like to do things I’ve already done, and I haven’t here; SCOTTISH PRISONER is a hybrid novel–something between the “Big” books of the OUTLANDER series and the shorter Lord John ones. It’s set in 1760, and is an adventure/crime/historical novel (with occasional sex and more frequent violence), featuring Jamie Fraser and Lord John in equal measure. If you’d like a brief preview, the first 19 pages are available on Scribd, here:....

Best of all, Diana will be giving a free copy of THE SCOTTISH PRISONER to a lucky Debutante Ball reader. The contest is open to everyone. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst…Hey, it’s Diana Gabaldon — here, at the Ball!

Pssst.… Need a Cheap Couch to Stay in NY? } Illegal

Pssst.com — 2011-12-02T10:23:50-05:00

Bunking in other people’s apartments is a growth industry. There’s a whole (and growing) online universe of apartment-swapping, of sublets, of short-term rentals, promulgated by firms like Airbnb.com. And, as it turns out, nearly every such deal is illegal here. Last spring, a law went into effect that bans the rental of New York City apartments for fewer than 30 days, providing what the mayor’s office described as “a clear definition of what constitutes transient and permanent occupancy.” Yet “the legislation hasn’t changed behavior,” says Paul Gottsegen, president of Halstead Management Company, adding that his firm continues to field complaints from neighbors about illegal renters. Stuart Saft, president of the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums, says that owners in buildings he represents have begun demanding that their boards act upon transient guests.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst... Need a Cheap Couch to Stay in NY? } Illegal

Special Credit for finding this Pssst Post goes to: Adam Foxie

Pssst.... Word of mouth can either build or break a brand.

Pssst.com — 2011-12-01T14:09:11-05:00

Consumer generated advertising is quickly growing and many brands are relying on their consumers to promote their products via social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
As holiday shoppers continue their ventures on finding the perfect gift for their loved ones, Dave Williams of adage.com analyzes how word of mouth advertising can pump up a companies sales during this holiday season.
But what about the rest of the year?

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Word of mouth can either build or break a brand.

Pssst.... I am a Professional Procrastinator

Pssst.com — 2011-11-30T14:28:25-05:00

10 Worse Ways To Procrastinate
An odd approach to the best ideas to succeed. This list details the best ways to fail at being a procrastinator. Its a reverse of what you might first think, unless you are a genetically wired procrastinator.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst! I am a Professional Procrastinator

Pssst.... It's called gimp.

Pssst.com — 2011-11-27T10:46:11-05:00

And if you see it on your piece of mid-century furniture, it has probably been recovered at some time in the past.

Gimp is a flat decorative trim or braid that conceals upholstery fastening points, such as staples or tacks, and it was almost never the trim chosen by mid-century designers. Instead, they favored less fussy piping, double welt cord or no trim at all.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...It's called gimp.

Pssst.... I have a secret ... and I'm telling Everyone!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-23T08:16:16-05:00

Ron Rizzo,the new name in innovative jewelry and his brand new:"Pleve" collection:

With Christmas around the corner and Santa’s wish list still lying empty on the kitchen counter, I suggest you pen this in and then underline it in red:

Ron Rizzo and his magnificent“Pleve” collection .

These are exciting times especially when a creator can envisage a revolutionary method in diamond assembling or “diamond sculpting” as Ron calls it, without relying on the tried and tested traditional methods . What he has created and I am sharing here with you is a fresh and unique approach in hand sculpted jewelry.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... I have a secret ... and I'm telling Everyone!

Pssst....

Pssst.com — 2011-11-25T08:11:50-05:00

Are we ready to decorate now?

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst... (nothing more necessary to be said)

Pssst.... we havez the stuffz

Pssst.com — 2011-11-24T08:07:35-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... we havez the stuffz

Pssst.... Wanna know a secret?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-23T08:01:55-05:00

Brace yourself, this secret is a goodie! Yoga Flirt is NOT about the pole. I know, shocking right?

In any form of yoga, the asanas or postures, the physical stuff we do with our bodies, isn’t what yoga is all about.

Let me explain.

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means to yoke or create union. So with yoga we are creating a union with our mind, body, breath and spirit. Yoga Sutra 1.2 offers this definition, “The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is Yoga.” What this means is that the goal of yoga is to have a calm, still mind. Not empty or blank, just one-pointed focus.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna know a secret?

Pssst.... wanna buy a shyrdak?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-23T07:55:11-05:00

What seems like many years ago now, I was driving up to Naryn and as we passed through the town of Kochkor, I saw a sight that made me smile. Draped over the fences were row upon row of colourful shyrdaks, felt carpets. There were even shyrdaks laid on the side of the road. I mentioned this when we got to Naryn and I was told that they were cleaning the carpets. Apparently, twice a year you should shake the carpet and beat it with a carpet beater, stick or tennis racket, then lay it out in direct sunlight for about three hours. You shouldn’t try washing it with soap and water nor use a brush or a vacuum cleaner because this can destroy the felt.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... wanna buy a shyrdak?

Pssst.... Charly

Pssst.com — 2011-11-23T09:41:53-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Charly

Getting a Pssst.... From Santa

Pssst.com — 2011-11-22T09:27:20-05:00

It goes against my entire being to even bring up the name Santa before our Thanksgiving turkey has been carved, but the magic of Christmas has captured the heart of my dearest one.
Call me crazy, but I took Ellie to the Southern Christmas Show on Friday for one purpose: to visit Santa.
Visit Pssst Post: Getting a Pssst.... From Santa

Pssst.... You There!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-22T09:22:58-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... You There!

Pssst.... Introducing Vanity Fragrance

Pssst.com — 2011-11-22T05:36:52-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Introducing Vanity Fragrance

Pssst.... Want to know one for next year's Paddy Power?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-22T05:33:11-05:00

Prozac and counseling are all very well but spending a few minutes with a racehorse trainer is not a bad way to combat depression either.
Not just because once you hear their gruesome tales of bad jockeys, bad payers and bad prize money your own woes pale into insignificance.
But also because they always have high hopes for the future - they have to or they'd give the game up - and it is easy to be swept along by their optimism that a big winner is just around the corner
Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Want to know one for next year's Paddy Power? A Racing Report's Column.

Pssst.... You've got something on your shoulder!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-21T08:29:45-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... You've got something on your shoulder!

Pssst.... Have you been looking for me?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-17T08:45:59-05:00

Oh my…I am sort of embarrassed of my disappearance…but a thing called life… took over me:) I have so much to catch up on…so much to share…but for now, this post is for my sweet friend, who kindly reminded me that I hadn’t updated my blog since April:) Really, has it been that long? I hope this makes up for it:)

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Have you been looking for me?

Pssst.... "Tell me a story"

Pssst.com — 2011-11-16T08:56:18-05:00

And what is a story? It’s a life lived. Story is about risk and hope and fear and struggle and love and loss. It’s about heart and soul and the real reasons behind things. Peruse the site...

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... "Tell me a story" - how narrative and context works for design.

Pssst.... Can you keep a secret?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-16T08:51:43-05:00

Pssst... Can you keep a secret?
Try Tim & Woody!
If you are looking for today’s current news and information, boy did you find the wrong station, and the wrong morning show! Every Monday to Friday; Tim and Woody will entertain and… well mostly just entertain. Highly interactive, highly provocative and highly… high. Wanna wake up to a starters pistol loaded with laughs, then they may be your morning show! Free samples heard every weekday morning on 94.5 Jack FM Regina.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst! Can you keep a secret? (audio)

Pssst.... Everybody’s Creative. Just Don’t Tell The Creatives

Pssst.com — 2011-11-15T11:33:02-05:00

In advertising agencies there is a label that is used in an interesting and pretty clear-cut way. If you are a member of the creative department, you are called a creative. As in “the creatives are in a brainstorming session,” or “see if any of the creatives can fit this project in by end of day,” or “where the heck are all the creatives? oh, out at the ping pong table in back.”

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Everybody’s Creative. Just Don’t Tell The Creatives

Pssst.... I hear he likes you.

Pssst.com — 2011-11-15T09:09:15-05:00

Have you ever been told someone likes you? Admires you? Someone that you may not have noticed before? Better, still, has anyone you hadn’t previously noticed said nice things about you directly? Chances are, if he or she did, you looked at them in a different light. You may have even begun to think about them in a more positive way. After some time, you may have felt attraction toward them.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... I hear he likes you

Pssst.... I wubs you! (It's a Jigsaw Puzzle)

Pssst.com — 2011-11-13T10:01:21-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... I wubs you! (It's a Jigsaw Puzzle - Serously Have some fun.

Pssst.…The City’s “Refreshed” Website Is Up

Pssst.com — 2011-11-12T09:14:09-05:00

The City of San Carlos introduced its website facelift….in stealth mode.
The refresh “went live” on Monday, November 7th. Four days later, the City sent out an e-notify email inviting resident subscribers to check out the “refreshed page.”

The new look is part of the city’s new branding campaign that aims to “market local businesses.” This includes a redesign of the City’s new logo, emphasizing the tagline, “The City of Good Living.” The website has a prominent slider of photos with captions that read: “Live Here. Dine Here. Play Here.”

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst…The City’s “Refreshed” Website Is Up

Pssst.... You can buy this Silent Servant

Pssst.com — 2011-11-12T09:08:31-05:00

Pssst.... You can buy this Silent Servant

Visit Pssst Post:

Pssst.... ACTA pass it on.

Pssst.com — 2011-11-12T09:00:58-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst... ACTA pass it on.

Pssst.... Have I got a program for you?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-11T15:19:02-05:00

I experienced many powerful moments while attending the Arts, Science and the Brain Conference last week in Toronto. The gathering, convened by Artssmarts, sought to engage participants in questions about how learning in the 21st century could be informed and enriched by current understandings of brain science. In particular, I was inspired by a focus on how the brain is affected by participation in artistic experiences, a focus which helped to frame the conference's perspective and approach.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst... Have I got a program for you?

Pssst…. Thank you, Pass it On!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-10T09:00:37-05:00

I once heard a very wise man say that in order to be successful, you need to enlist others to help you and you do that by sharing your dreams and vision. My dream is to make the world better by helping YOU have a wonderful, rich life by connecting to your history and the world around you, starting with Indianapolis. Seems every week, I get an email with a question or comment about something that sparked a conversation, action or previously unknown interest of an H.I. reader.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst… Thank you, Pass it On!

Pssst.... Dear Joe

Pssst.com — 2011-11-10T08:56:58-05:00

I was walking hurriedly and hopefully to reach the class before the starting of the lecture, while I was making my long and wide steps I noticed her behind doing the same, I opened the door and stepped into the class and stayed seizing the handle waiting for her to pass through, when she became beside me for my surprise she rewarded me with attractive smile that woman can give to a gallant man like me who value deeply that sensitive creature who called ”the woman”. After the conclusion of the lecture and without intention I vow, the same scenario repeated itself once again and I think at this point we exchanged few words outside the class for the first time and it was the beginning and for my astonish I started replacing that impression of that stern woman who have nothing for all!!!!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Dear Joe

Pssst.... We love fairy mist!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-09T09:48:44-05:00

Has one of your little darlings ever felt down in the dumps? Were they in need of a magic fairy to make their day all better? Then let me let you in on a little secret. Over here in my class where we are always trying to make the sun shine, we use rose water for its aromatherapy benefits.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... We love fairy mist!

Pssst.... It's the sugar, not the fish.

Pssst.com — 2011-11-09T09:44:42-05:00

Ever since I saw the film Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead (which I loved), I've been binging a bit on nutrition documentaries. One I caught recently is called Chow Down. It follows three people with serious health conditions who are put on a program to see if they can improve their health through a vegetarian diet.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... It's the sugar, not the fish

Pssst Music - A Pssst Site!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-09T09:37:48-05:00

Pssst Music was founded by Chocolate Puma's Zki & Dobre in 1995. Check 'em out!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst Music

Pssst.... Paris, Ed Loves You!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-08T08:42:54-05:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Paris, Ed Loves You

(Cringe... Posted to be consistent)... Yes... Paris Hiton, Ed loves you!

Pssst.... Hair sneak peek... Do you like it?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-06T09:13:37-05:00

REDHEAD BOUQUET
Hair sneak peek. I can’t decide if i should leave it like this—intentionally kind of two-toned and decidedly inelegant (but i sort of love it)—or go over it with the blonde dye i have. (Head to site to see the new doo)
Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Hair sneak peek... Do you like it?

Why young people pirate (Pssst: It's not just about money)

Pssst.com — 2011-01-10T16:56:13-05:00

Why do the younger generation and students pirate music, software and television and movies? Failing main street shops? Or plain old exploitation of weak systems? It’s not all about the money.

Visit Pssst Post: Why young people pirate (Pssst: It's not just about money)

Pssst.... Why Is My Teen Keeping Secrets From Me?

Pssst.com — 2011-07-31T16:50:41-04:00

Parents are typically shocked when they discover that their teen is keeping secrets from them. You instantly ponder questions like: Why would she keep this from me? Doesn't she trust me? Suddenly parents begin to question the relationship with their teen and the very existence of the trust they once shared. Let me ease the pain by assuring you that it's not only normal, but also an important part of human nature to keep secrets from those we care about.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...Why Is My Teen Keeping Secrets From Me?

Pssst.... Wanna Know About the New Apple Store?

Pssst.com — 2011-08-06T16:47:33-04:00

New Yorkers are protective of Grand Central Terminal, that Beaux-Arts masterpiece built in 1913 and restored in 1998. So, when word seeped out that Apple planned a store in the balconies of the great hall, there was bound to be a lot of curiosity. We certainly were curious. What did Apple have in mind? A large glass apple rivaling the great clock?

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna Know About the New Apple Store?

Pssst.... Gossip Might Serve a Useful Function

Pssst.com — 2011-05-19T16:43:07-04:00

Gossip can be malicious and mean, but it also may serve a protective purpose, forcing the brain to focus on people who might be threatening, a new study suggests.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst... Gossip Might Serve a Useful Function

Pssst.... Want to buy a 16-foot statue of Lenin?

Pssst.com — 2011-09-14T16:40:15-04:00

He ruled Russia almost a century ago, and yet, somehow, a statue of communist leader Vladimir Lenin found its way to Seattle.

It's not one of the city's more famous landmarks - like the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. Instead, the 16-foot-tall statue of the divisive dictator is tucked away in a more residential spot in Seattle's Fremont district.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Want to buy a 16-foot statue of Lenin?

Pssst.... Got Peanuts?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-18T16:36:45-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Click on photo to go to site.

Pssst.... I'll tell you something

Pssst.com — 2011-11-04T09:46:43-04:00

I'll tell you something: Whenever I see a tall man, I check him out. Always.
I'll tell you something else: I always check out the tall men because I am married to one.
You wanna know another thing? I never knew how difficult it is to outfit a tall person, until I married one.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... I'll tell you something

Pssst.... Wanna Take A Shortcut?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-04T09:44:08-04:00

NaNoWriMo is upon us, and while I'm not taking part this year, I am going to use the premise of NaNo to set an almost impossible goal for myself for November.

By the end of the month I will have my 85,000 word manuscript revised to 60,000 words. Much of the revision entails new writing, because ...anytime you change something at the beginning of a novel, it has a ripple effect, much like dominoes falling.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna Take A Shortcut?

Pssst.... Wanna Buy a Dangerous Security Hack?

Pssst.com — 2011-09-30T14:45:26-04:00

A cyber worm experts believe was designed to knock out Iran's nuclear facilities has the security industry seeing red -- and rightly so. Replicating the virus would be easy, say experts, thanks to an easily accessible black market for destructive programming code.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna Buy a Dangerous Security Hack?

Pssst.... Rare IPv4 Addresses For Sale!

Pssst.com — 2011-09-05T14:44:25-04:00

In February, the news broke that the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority had allocated the final blocks of IPv4 addresses to the five Regional Internet Registries to be distributed to parties within their respective geographic zones. Since then, some of those registries have depleted their pools of allocated addresses; the rest will likely run out soon. Simply put, the demand for IPv4 addresses from businesses, organizations, Internet users and others has exceeded the available supply. This is, of course, a problem. But what does it mean at a practical level?

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Rare IPv4 Addresses For Sale! Get Them While You Can!

Pssst.... Google is testing new "social search" feature, steering away from pure S.E.O.

Pssst.com — 2011-02-17T14:42:39-05:00

Web publishers are starting to believe, according to The New York Times, that the most effective way to build a following is to find readers on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, an approach being coined as S.M.O., or social media optimization. This could have multiple effects, one of which is setting a standard for the quality of articles floating around in cyberspace and crawled by Google, since the best way to get links on Twitter is to write something people want to read and share with friends.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Google is testing new "social search" feature, steering away from pure S.E.O.

Pssst.... YOUTUBERS

Pssst.com — 2011-06-07T14:38:49-04:00

Hey everyone! We're launching a new YouTube channel showcasing clips and videos from the Urban Homestead. You can find it at: http://www.youtube.com/urbanhomestead Be sure to subscribe to catch the newest upload!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... YOUTUBERS

Pssst.... Heard Any Good Gossip Lately?

Pssst.com — 2011-01-03T14:35:42-05:00

No, I'm not talking about that juicy tidbit of gossip that tastes so good when first swallowed but sours one's spirit as soon as it is digested. Moreover, I'm definitely not talking about that news that makes you secretly rub your hands together because you just 'knew' the 'truth' would come out about that person who you hoped would one day fall. Destructive, manipulative, vindictive gossip is never good. There is enough teaching and more than enough scriptures warning and commanding us to keep away from this sort of speech. We are cautioned to keep away from such evildoers that would speak slander and delight in seeing the downfall of others.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...... Heard Any Good Gossip Lately?

Pssst.... The Best Secret Bars in New York

Pssst.com — 2011-01-11T14:32:33-05:00

For many out-of-towners, speakeasies are the things of history books and old-time movies, but for in-the-know New Yorkers, they’re where some of the best cocktails in the city are hiding. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path hang out or want to impress your out-of-town friends with your secret bar savvy, check out some of these New York speakeasies….but shh…please don’t tell!!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst....The Best Secret Bars in New York

Pssst....

Pssst.com — 2011-02-08T14:23:04-05:00

Visit Pssst Post:

Pssst.... “Got Milk?” is a Trademark

Pssst.com — 2011-09-02T14:21:36-04:00

Don’t mess around with the Got Milk slogan.
Got Milk?
This slogan has become such a cultural mainstay that we see variations of it all the time.
But what many people don’t realize is that it’s trademarked. California Milk Processor Board has multiple trademarks to the slogan and related slogans.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... “Got Milk?” is a Trademark

Pssst.... Don’t tell the creationists, but scientists don’t have a clue how life began

Pssst.com — 2011-02-28T14:19:51-05:00

Exactly 20 years ago, I wrote an article for Scientific American that, in draft form, had the headline above. My editor nixed it, so we went with something less dramatic: "In the Beginning…: Scientists are having a hard time agreeing on when, where and—most important—how life first emerged on the earth." That editor is gone now, so I get to use my old headline, which is even more apt today.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Don’t tell the creationists, but scientists don’t have a clue how life began

Pssst.... Wanna buy a stolen Rolex or diamond?

Pssst.com — 2011-08-16T14:17:51-04:00

Wanna deal on a diamond? Time to get a new Rolex? Sure, they might be stolen goods, but it’s all perfectly legal.
Seriously.
Say what?
Police departments nationwide recover all sorts of stuff when they arrest bad guys and there are some real gems amidst the eclectic array of goods that gather in evidence rooms. Enter PropertyRoom.com, a site that has grown exponentially over its dozen years of life.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna buy a stolen Rolex or diamond?

Pssst.... Does Starbucks have a secret menu?

Pssst.com — 2011-09-11T14:14:24-04:00

I’ve been drinking Starbucks coffee for nearly fifteen years, and I’ve never heard of a “chocolate dalmatian” or a “green eye” — both of which are apparently included on the coffee chain’s secret menu.
Neither had the Starbucks barista I talked to this afternoon, but maybe he’s just on the outs with company secrets.
In case you were wondering, a chocolate dalmatian is a white-chocolate mocha with java chips and chocolate chips, and a green eye is simply three shots of espresso in a drip coffee. (That ought to wake you up.)

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Does Starbucks have a secret menu?

Pssst.... Hey, Buddy, Wanna Buy a Space Shuttle?

Pssst.com — 2011-03-09T14:04:46-05:00

Or maybe the right metaphor is a used car salesman on late-night TV: “Come on down to Crazy Bolden’s! [Flings money in air] We’re givin’ em away!”
Because, in point of fact, they are. Not counting tax, title, and license, of course, which in the Space Shuttle’s case amount to some $28 million.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Hey, Buddy, Wanna Buy a Space Shuttle?

Pssst.... Lego Lovers Can Trade Minifigures at Legoland

Pssst.com — 2011-11-02T08:51:23-04:00

Two-year-old Greta Wormsley stood amid 30 million Lego bricks forming clusters of buildings twice her height, yet her alert blue eyes zeroed in on a plastic figure less than 2 inches tall.
Greta, a buoyant girl with curly blond tresses, pointed at the miniature Lego figure, or "minifig," on the chest of a Legoland Florida employee. Within seconds, the minifig -- a hybrid of a cave woman and a police officer -- was hers.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Lego Lovers Can Trade Minifigures at Legoland

Pssst! Peek at Banana Republic’s Spring Collection

Pssst.com — 2011-11-02T08:49:15-04:00

Banana Republic recently took the fashion press behind the scenes to look at the spring 2012 collection. And by behind the scenes, we’re talking - model fittings, styling, hair and makeup tests and how a vision and design sketch can bloom into a collection of real clothes.
The styles, inspired in part by BR’s own “Mad Men” partnership this year, include ‘50s-era silhouettes, full linen suits, peplum lace tops (did I just say that?), bright colors and a killer four-button safari jacket that I plan to buy as soon as they let me.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst! Peek at Banana Republic’s Spring Collection

Pssst.... It’s Your Body Here. Can You Hear Me?

Pssst.com — 2011-11-02T08:46:33-04:00

Most people are keenly aware of the seasonal changes that occur throughout the year. Our brain indicators are: the month of the year, what the news reports tell us, how the holidays are advertised, how the weather patterns and temperatures change, and even the labels that society have put on them. For instance, right around now is commonly known as “the flu season” or “the cold season” while spring is notoriously labeled “the allergy season”. With so much bombardment of “outside indicators” telling us what time it is, what we should feel at this time, what we should be doing at this time, whether we should get sick or not at this time, do we ever really have to listen to our bodies? Seems not. But what if you tried it? What do you think you would hear?

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst! It’s Your Body Here. Can You Hear Me?

Pssst.... Here's What The London Olympic Medals Are Really Made Of

Pssst.com — 2011-11-02T08:42:52-04:00

Recently the designs for the Olympic and Paralympic medals were unveiled and – they look good! Despite the continued use of the not terribly loved London 2012 Olympic logo, seeing Olympic medals still gives me goosebumps. They are, after all, the physical embodiment of a lifelong dream, so that’s something, and the fact that each Olympic Games uses a slightly different designs for their medals (well, the winter designs are all very different) just means that winning one of these is even more special.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...... Here's What The London Olympic Medals Are Really Made Of

Pssst.... A whole domain with pssst in the .com name! We love'em!

Pssst.com — 2011-11-16T08:51:00-05:00

UPDATED TODAY

The photo blog at PssstOverHere.com is an interesting read from one photographer's perspective. Great site to peruse, although the opening image might cause some to wonder if they want to proceed. Overall it's a pretty safe site.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Over Here!

Pssst.... A secret chart that shows how George Soros runs the world.

Pssst.com — 2011-10-28T10:29:23-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...... A secret chart that shows how George Soros runs the world.

Pssst.... I'll tell you a secret.

Pssst.com — 2011-10-28T10:28:23-04:00

There really is a land filled with fairies and pixies. It's not just in my head. It's real. See, here's a picture. This darling little pixie lives to clean dishes.

Or maybe she lives to make piles of dishes in your sink. Hmmm, suddenly I'm not sure.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst...... I'll tell you a secret

Pssst.... It's Free! Teens apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy

Pssst.com — 2011-10-28T10:26:28-04:00

Disney wants to ignite a Teen’s dreams with the Disney Dreamers Academy.

The program includes an immersive 4 day program at the Walt Disney World Resorts. One hundred teens will be selected from applications to attend. It is sure to inspire and empower the attending youth to reach for their dreams!

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst....It's Free! Teens apply for the Disney Dreamers Academy

Pssst.... Want to know the secrets of the latest in trendy clothing?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-28T10:25:06-04:00

For the most part, women and teenage girls are devotees of fashion trends. We peruse the fashion magazines, watch what celebrities are wearing and dream of having that fabulous wardrobe which sets us apart from the crowd. Avant garde. Daring. Classy.

Unfortunately, for the majority of fashion fans, our budgets just don’t stand up to the prices of the latest designs off the Paris runways, or even the knock offs at your local department store! What to do, what to do? When the money in your wallet won’t get you the fashionable wardrobe of your dreams, it’s time to make lemonade! The answer to the slimmest of budgets is used clothes! The used clothes market encompasses such diversity, mixing decades of stand out fashions from which you can concoct a wardrobe that catches the eyes of everyone interested in fashion.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Want to know the secrets of the latest in trendy clothing?

Pssst.... Want to know a secret about raspberries?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-28T10:22:00-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Want to know a secret about raspberries??

Pssst.... Allyson West-Giant Fail?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T10:08:20-04:00

oh, i was thinking about "Said Date" recently, noticing that I hadn't anything too terribly Eventful to blog, when I realized, actually, that besides movie dates, I had been the one to initiate the last date.

and oh my god, wasn't it a big FAIL on my part.

I invited Said Date over for dinner.
with my "parents."
("parents" only because my birth-parents live in Texas. and these "parents" are undeniably my parents here.)

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... allyson-west-giant-fail?

Pssst.... Wanna know a secret?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T10:00:20-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Wanna know a secret?

Pssst.... Secret Confession

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T09:50:34-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Secret Confession

Pssst.... It's EST Magazine

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T09:34:25-04:00

Number one son and I like narrow gauge railways in Wales.........I cannot believe we have confessed to this....but there we are. It's part of our heritage...we come from engineers, both sides of the family, all of whom loved steam engines. One grandad even worked on one of the narrow gauge welsh railways as a chief engineer for many years......so steam is sort of in our blood really.

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... It's EST Magazine

Pssst.... Have you heard of Entangled Publishing?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T09:23:00-04:00

Okay, I’m a little late. Got news to share! (Yes, I know some of you know already!)
I admit, I’m not the most punctual person. But as of September 26th Entangled Publishing had offered me a contract for True Connections! You wanna know more? lol

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... Have you heard of Entangled Publishing?

Pssst.... do you want to buy a banana?

Pssst.com — 2011-10-27T09:16:05-04:00

Visit Pssst Post: Pssst.... do you want to buy a banana?