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Temp Hiatus
2008-01-18 17:23:00
Hello,Recently (or maybe not so recently), Blogger has been having some problems. Some people's blogs are disappearing, there are bugs, and/or something is broken within the blog template / page elements.I know it's a free service...but well, I've my standards :PI think I'll be moving all four of my blogs onto their own hosting and domain. This will take some time.If I work really fast, this could mean 2 weeks. However, I'd like to take my time finding a nice WordPress theme, and things like that. Oh yippee, more cutting and pasting with HTML and .php!I'll post a note when everything is settled. Thank you for your patience.Jess.
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Geek Gifts
2008-01-17 14:50:00
Here are hi-tech gifts that are functional and look great too. The products are from Fractalspin -- geekcessories galore!1. Microcontroller Cufflinks & Tie TackThe set of black cufflinks (and a tie tack in black and silver, shown above) are made from real microcontrollers. The tie tack costs $35.00 (~ € 25.41).Microcontrollers are tiny, self-sufficient microprocessors that take up little space. The Basic Stamp controller is the most well known. It contains the memory and interfaces needed for simple applications.2. Duct Tape Hybrid BiFold WalletA clean, minimalistic wallet that's super strong, being made of Duct Tape. The Ducti wallet uses Super Duct Tape so it won't peel or leak adhesive -- which can be a problem with traditional duct tape. There's room for credit/debit cards, cash, and there's a picture window for the owner's ID.3. Odin’s Rage WatchThis LED watch (LED=light-emitting diode) substitutes a large inner dot for the hour hand position, and a small outer dot...
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Heart Necklaces
2008-01-16 20:46:00
Whimsical Heart NecklaceThis is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA."Piece of My Heart" NecklaceThis is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost $16.95, but is now going for $12.95.Shona Standing CoupleMuseum Shop also has sculptures such as the Shona Standing Couple. This is handmade in Zimbabwe and fair-trade imported. The Shona tribes of...
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Love-ly Cookies
2008-01-15 20:36:00
Jungle Love Colossal Cookie Wow, that's really a huge, tempting, sweet-looking cookie. The cookie weighs more than one pound (450 grams), and is hand decorated. Nice way to bring out one's wild side ;)The giant cookie costs $34.95, and costs $48.95 if you include 12 additional mixed cookies.Love NotesYes, these love note cookie cards are edible. They cost $14.95. Each fresh baked sugar cookie is covered in white chocolate, with a card design and border of candy hearts and sprinkles.What's nice about this one is that there is an Edible Food Writer included to personalize your own special cookie card message. The gift box is tied with coordinating sheer chiffon ribbon. An optional, personalized (non-edible) gift card is included with the purchase.Order early -- shipping prices start at $9.99, for 0-3 lbs gift items. You can check the shipping rates on each individual gift page before checkout as well.Coincidentally, Presentville Gifts was established on Valentine’s Day 2005. Shipp...
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Glass Bear in a Box
2008-01-14 19:31:00
1. Tiny Glass Angel Bear Here's the first feature for Valentine's Day 2008.These products were added to the catalogue of The Gift Haven in October 2007 -- so they're pretty new additions!The glass bear above sits inside a ruby-red velvet box. The "My Sweet Heart" poem is viewable by clicking on the image above (a larger image will appear). The item stands at 2.25 inches (5.7cm) high, and is just $7.95.2. A Rose from the HeartIn this rose & heart glass gift, two eternal symbols of love are brought together. It stands at 4.75 inches (12cm) high, and costs $24.95.Many other items at The Gift Haven can be gotten below $20. They have a Valentine's Day category too. Shopping at the store and finding the right items are a breeze.All gift prices are 20% or more below the suggested retail price. Shipping costs are not inflated, which means the cost is not reflected back onto customers.Holiday: Valentine's Day, 2008

5
2008-01-13 14:41:00
Last year, I missed out on gifts by holidays/seasons. In the next few weeks, I'll be looking for V-Day related products. Hopefully I'll be able to find what I want, heh.I don't think I'll be tagging each post according to the holiday though. There's something about a too-long list of categories that I find a little irritating.Maybe I'll have a general category called "Holiday Gifts", then have a footnote at the end of each post, so if you run a search in the blog for "Valentine's Day", all the related posts will be listed. I did this on The Galeon -- Robin Hood and King Arthur etc. don't have their own labels, they all belong to one category titled "famous people".Man, I like to spend time organizing, about organizing.~Before I get started on that, I’m adding this here since I was tagged by Haney. According to the person before her:List the original link plus 5 additional links. And the 5 additional links listed need to list 5 links of their own.Means that the links will g...

Restaurant Furniture
2008-01-11 17:04:00
Affordable Seating is a store where you can actually buy restaurant furniture. These can be purchased for businesses, and home use as well.The chairs, barstools, table tops and bases, are of a sturdy design and elegant simplicity. They are customizable too. Affordable Seating has an online frame finish/seat options preview tool which allows you to tailor the item/s, to meet your design expectations.Some of the finishes available for the Henry Wood Barstool (featured above) are mahogany, walnut, and cherry. The list of vinyls and fabrics for the seat option is a long and generous one. You're likely to feel spoiled for choice. Grade-A Vinyls include cranberry, dark plum, and spicy brown. All colors are viewable in the form of small thumbnails.Prices are competitive, most ranging from approximately $20-$50. The high quality and expertly crafted wood barstools average around $80.Additionally, the store has a Quickship program that offers a short delivery time of 7 to 14 days on selecte...
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badge review
2008-01-10 17:12:00
The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review -- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):1) has a really good eye for design, and2) really knows button badges!Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.
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Discount Designer Upholstery Fabric
2008-01-10 16:22:00
Design Diva Fabric s is a fabulous online retailer of discount brocade upholstery fabric.The team behind Design Diva has been involved in prestigious design organizations for over 30 years. Their love for interior fabrics shows in their relentless search for out-of-the-ordinary fabrics and trims around the globe.The soothing blue in the above photo is a 100% Silk Dupioni from France. There's a hand-woven patchwork crewel (used for bedding, drapery, upholstery) -- a Design Diva exclusive.Other products include (and aren't limited to) hand-woven Italian brocades, and detailed hand-embroidered Oriental patterns. There's velvet, faux fur, and selections from designers such as Kravet and Scalamandre too.Many of the items are usually available for purchase by designers and architects only."Mandalay" Oriental design | 50% Linen 50% Cotton, from Monaco.The online catalog is divided according to brand, style, and type. Locating a product is a fuss-free process.What's also delightful is th...
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Website No. 7
2008-01-09 16:06:00
Well, apparently I have quite a bunch of things to say/write about webhosts and webhosting, and related subjects. I was initially planning on just leaving the articles on this blog, but I think they should have their own spot.And so they do, at: WebHost Monkeys [http://webhostmonkeys.blogspot.com]It's very new, and there's not much material on yet. I don't know how often I'll be posting there, because I have a lot of learning to do myself. We'll see.Man, I never thought I'd have more than 2 websites...
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Unique Japanese Gift
2008-01-08 15:09:00
A nice way to discover the exotic world of Japanese cuisine (sake in this particular case), is with this seven-piece sake set. The bottle measures about 7 inches (17.7cm) tall, and the cups are 2.25 inches (5.7cm) tall. The set is handcrafted in Japan.AsianArtMall.com deals exclusively in Asian Arts and Crafts. Most of the products are directly acquired from the artists or production houses. This allows AsianArtMall to offer their items at affordable prices, without compromising on quality control. Some of the products are even custom made for the company, and only available on their website.They have a special "For Her" section too, which features jewellery imported from Thailand, Bali, Japan, and China. Each piece is hand selected for its uniqueness.AsianArtMall has full-time buyers which are located throughout Asia. If there's a product somewhere out there, they'll be able to find it.PS: Sake Bar Hakkaisan is a place where you can read more about the art of drinking/appreciatin...
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Rival Crock Pots
2008-01-08 14:27:00
One of the first impressions I got of rival crock pots -- was its nice brand name.But on to its functionality -- one third of About.com's "Top 9 Guide Picks to Slow Cookers and Crock Pots" are products belonging to Rival. These picks are the 5-Quart Slow Cooker, 6-Quart Slow Cooker, and 5-Quart Programmable Crock Pot.The 3.5-Quart slow cooker (ranging from $22-$30) has a ranking of 97/100 on the website.The crock pot is a real time saving appliance. I know because I've used it. All you are required to do (in terms of actual cooking) is fill it and turn it on. A few hours later, your home is filled with delicious aromas and the meal is more than ready to be served.A very important note -- remember to defrost all food items before cooking.For a bunch of useful crockpot tips, you can check out Crockpot 101 by Linda Larson, of About.com.

CouponChief.com
2008-01-08 12:36:00
CouponChief is an online coupons website that covers a wide variety of stores. Here are a few of my present favorites.This one is newly added (more deals can be found under Macy*s coupons) and expires by the end of January 08. To get 25% off Calvin Klein basics, enter the Coupon Code: CKMEN when checking out.Another current nice one if you've a sweet tooth like me -- Chocolatesource coupons. Chocolate is a gourmet chocolate company, created by and for chocolate lovers (mmmm). 10% off orders of $40 or more, valid until February 1st. Enter the Coupon Code: LOVE to order at checkout.At SmartBargains.com, you can get a 600 threadcount Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set and Duvet Set for $49.98. The coupon will be activated upon clicking the link from CouponChief.Last but not least, a Creative Labs Zen 8GB media player can be purchased at a 25% discount at $149.99 (with free shipping). This one expires on January 21st.

Difference between "http://" and "http://www"
2008-01-08 12:15:00
I'll soon write a post on configuring the DNS of a (blogspot) blog -- it took me a while to "get" how that worked. I spent many hours fiddling around trying to get that right...urgh. I'll also have a post on adding the trailing slash behind a URL.For now, this is an SEO-tip.[http://] versus [http://www]Keep in mind that there *is* a difference between http:// and http://www, the prefix to your domain name. The search engines read the two as two different domains.For maximum search engine optimization, you should decide on one and stick to it. Try to ensure that all the links pointing to your website have this same prefix before the domain name.If you have 50% of your links pointing to http://oonique.com, and 50% pointing to http://www.oonique.com -- this literally means that the strength of your page (links-wise and SEO-wise) is cut in half.Note that I've my own advice to take here :P. But yeah, from today onward, I'm sticking to the http://www prefix for all of my websites.Pref...
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Tanglewood Conservatories
2008-01-07 19:00:00
As seen here, every single detail of a custom conservatory design by Tanglewood is a work of art.Tanglewood Conservatories is based in Maryland. The company builds world-class exquisite conservatories for an international clientele. The designs are often intricate, and of an unmatched quality. Each project is most certainly one of a kind -- the conservatories are not mass produced.The company founders have a deep respect for the talent of each architect and artisan, while the production teams are master craftspeople carrying on a 300-year-old tradition of artisan woodworking.Viewing Tanglewood Conservatories' online portfolio is a real treat for the senses. The portfolio is quite the architecture masterclass.The details of the featured projects are discussed -- such as how leaded glass windows add to a conservatory's unique character, and a design strategy that involvs utilizing a glass entryway as a "link" between structures (to name two examples). The team's lavish attention to...

Web Glossary - Common Terms
2008-01-07 17:17:00
Over the next few weeks, I'll be adding to this list of (the most) common Internet terms -- so that you know what FTP, GIF, WYSIWYG, ETC (as in et cetera :P) are.~BandwidthThe amount of data you are allowed to send via an Internet connection. When you view a web page, you are using that site's allocated bandwidth to display the files.DNS (Domain Name Service/System/Servers)A web server database that translates domain names into IP addresses.The Internet's machines are concerned with IP addresses. If you type in the shared IP address for Dragonsinn.net, you will arrive at the machine that contains the web server for the site (along with a whole bunch of other websites, because mine isn't a dedicated IP).Domain names are actually a human convenience.FTP (File Transfer Protocol)The sending of files between two computers.FTP ServerA web server you log onto, and upload files to (or download from). Anonymous FTP allows files to be downloaded from an FTP server without a user account.I...
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Window Coverings
2008-01-04 16:06:00
Select Blinds is the company that provides window coverings for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They are the fastest growing brand of window fashions online.Currently, there is a 25% discount of every item in the store -- input "extreme25" in the shopping cart. This expires extremely soon on Sunday.The nice part is that the prices of the window blinds/coverings aren't as extravagant as the products look. Here are two that I like very much.These white blinds are premium textured vertical blinds. These are going for $38.42 at the coupon price.The collection of custom vertical blinds are practical, contemporary, and versatile. Vertical blinds combine elegance, easy maintenance, good light control and privacy. The blinds are made in the USA.These are express faux wood blinds, which are $26.63 at the everyday price, and $19.97 at the current coupon price. The decorative crown valance adds to the refined look.Faux wood blinds have a high resistance to heat and moisture, which makes them...
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Violin Table Lamp
2008-01-04 15:20:00
Here's something a music lover would find gorgeous!This is one of AbsoluteHome's current Featured Products -- a violin table lamp priced at $46.40.The authorized dealer is Trend Lighting. Trend Lighting specialises in creating attractive, unique products. They cover many styles too, from urban contemporary to classic traditional. High quality workmanship and innovation is always a superlative combination.This is a warm light fixture that would illuminate any home, and make it that much more inviting and cozy.* Height: 12 1/2" (31.75 cm)* Width: 4" (10.16 cm)* Lamp ing: 1 - 15 watt candle* Finish: antique brassAbsoluteHome is a huge website, that proudly states being the online source for everything in the home. They offer a large selection of luxury brands, totaling over 500,000 products in various categories such as Kitchen, Bath, Lighting, Appliances, etc.
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Coupon Jelly
2008-01-03 20:41:00
CouponJelly is a new website that compiles online coupons for the convenience of online shoppers. It's one of the spiffiest I've seen so far.The list of popular stores and categories (from Accessories & Clothing, to Movies, and Software coupon/promo codes) are neatly arranged by the left sidebar.The website is designed very well -- you can find what you want easily, the pages are organized, and there are few superfluous additions throughout. I had a pleasant time surfing, and I appreciate that the coupon expiration dates are shown.There are short write-ups on each store, along with the brand logo. This is situated at the top of each respective store page before you view or click on the link to activate the coupon. As a customer, I really like having this information given, instead of having to go into each and every store's "About Us" page to read more about the company.Here's one of the current cool deals. You can get instant savings of $100-$350 (or more), using the Dell C...
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No Such Thing As Unlimited Bandwidth
2008-01-03 18:15:00
Man alive, I'll try to compile this better in the coming weeks. I'm just blogging whatever I know so far about webhosting companies (webhosting monkeys, rather), so that other people can get their way around certain things too.Whenever you see a webhosting company advertising "Unlimited Monthly Bandwidth " -- rest assured this is never technically true.It is impossible and very silly in the business sense, to provide this FREE "unlimited" bandwidth to any customer and their website being hosted. What if 599 of your 600 customers happen to have really, really, huge and popular websites? Someone has to pay for that server space...You take a risk when signing up for such hosting plans, which are usually inexpensive. Chances are, you're going to face problems if you do start getting more traffic. Chances are, your domain name is going to be "owned" by the webhosting company too. Initiating a domain transfer in future may prove to be, well, difficult.It's alright signing up for one of...
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Free Piano Chords Newsletter
2008-01-03 14:49:00
If you're looking for piano lessons & piano chords, in the form of a free newsletter, this website has it.PlayPiano .com is run by Duane "Pianoman" Shinn. Mr. Shinn is the author of over 500 (phew!) books, CDs and DVDs that are related to piano playing.The website publishes a free e-mail newsletter on piano chords and chord progressions. It is sent out every 5 days or so and lasts for 101 issues. The actual course is valued at $510 -- so if you have to pay for it (which you don't), it calculates to about $5 a week, which you aren't likely to find anywhere.Just input your name and e-mail in the sign-up box, and you're good to go. The privacy policy states that your e-mail addresses will not be sold to any third parties -- because the people at PlayPiano.com "don't like that sort of stuff."Full piano courses (like the 52-week Home Study Crash Course) are available on DVD for purchase as well.
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Domain Transfer Tips
2008-01-03 13:08:00
Domain Transfer sCurrently I own a small bunch of domains, but it definitely is more annoying than before when I only had one domain [http://www.dragonsinn.net] to think about. Anyway, here's a short ramble that will probably be a yawn for advanced folks, but which might turn out to be useful for somebody in the same spot that I was...My current registrar (affiliate) for [http://www.thegaleon.com] is WebsiteSpot.com.What I like about WebsiteSpot is the FACT (as seen in the above snapshot) that your authorization code is there for you at anytime you wish to retrieve it.* What's with this authorization key, and why's it so important?In recent years, there's been a security addition regarding domain transfers. You have to obtain a unique number from both your gaining and losing registrar. In theory, this means that no one else but you (provided you are listed as the admin contact for your domain -- I'll get to that in a bit) can authorize a domain transfer.* What's this about adm...
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Discount Inkjet Cartridge Deals
2008-01-02 14:58:00
InkjetDeals.info lists available promotions of online ink cartridge and laser toner stores. The way InkjetDeals.info works is by collecting and listing coupon and promo codes, which you can use when checking out at an online store.The merchants' products include the HP printer ink cartridge, Canon printer ink, Dell laser toner, and many other popular printer brands/models.Other printing supplies that can be gotten at a discount include paper (and photo paper), printable greeting cards, envelopes, and cables, depending on which online store you go into.I happened to click on the "Myinks.com" shop link first though -- coincidentally, the coupons on that page had expired. It'd be nice if the "Expires" column on InkjetDeals.info listed the actual date of expiry, instead of a "?". This would save time and be less irritating, keeping in mind that the average web surfer usually takes all of (or less than) 7 seconds to decide whether they'd like to re-visit a website or not.The website'...
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Fender: Hello Kitty
2008-01-01 16:46:00
Hello Kitty Fender sI've always liked Fender. I'm not the biggest Hello Kitty fan on the planet, but this famous kitty logo has been around for ages and has come a long way, and it looks neat. I was delighted when I first knew about these guitars and bass guitars (currently the bass is the Badtz-Maru brand) a couple of years back.The Hello Kitty Fenders come in pink or black. Those two colours always make a cool and rocking combination. These are some of the specs of the Hello Kitty Stratocaster --* script Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of pink body* collage Hello Kitty logo artwork on back of black body* white knob on pink guitar* black knob on black guitar* pink dot position inlays on pink guitar (a tiny but sassy detail)The site also has a "Fender Players Club", where you can learn the basics of guitar playing. There's a lesson on playing the riffs from "Just a Girl" by No Doubt, and "What's My Age Again?" by Blink-182 for bass players.Sidenote: Now I know Gwen Stefani is a ...
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Sour Tang
2007-12-31 15:54:00
The homepage of Sour Tang welcomes you to the store for handmade, whimsical and fun jewelry, and accessories for the child at heart (as well as everyday independent woman)!This is the first time I've seen a faux pearls combination of this sort. To me, its quirkiness and the adorable pink hue turned out to be very interesting. I used to have the notion that pearls were for a chic and mature look -- but pearls with a twist can brighten up an outfit too.Sour Tang has a range of funky earrings, bracelets, and keychains. Regarding earrings, there's something about star-shaped ones that's entirely and uniquely hip.This is a simple, calming necklace with a turtle charm as the centerpiece. The necklace was donated to Craft for China, a lovely arts & crafts fundraiser for Chinese orphans. The necklace sponsored two girls, Gracie, and Emma.Sour Tang is a one-girl indie business started by Kelly Tang. Kelly has been selling her creative jewelry and accessories online since 2004. She hop...