Monday, November 30, 2009

Surprised Kitty

Something to make you smile :)

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

Surprised Kitty

Something to make you smile :)

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

Genre Films on TCM (12.01.09)

Starting bright and early tomorrow (Tuesday, December 1st), Turner Classic Movies is running an interesting six-pack of suspense yarns. Check 'em out!

6:30 AM: The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
"A British family gets mixed up with spies and an assassination plot while vacationing in Switzerland." [Hitchcock]

8:00 AM: Union Station (1950)
"A secretary gets caught up in the hunt for kidnappers."

9:30 AM: The Lady From Shanghai (1948)
"A romantic drifter gets caught between a corrupt tycoon and his voluptuous wife." [Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles]

11:00 AM: Fourteen Hours (1951)
"A policeman tries to talk a desperate young man off the ledge of a New York skyscraper."

1:00 PM: Bunny Lake is Missing (1965)
"A distraught mother searches for her seemingly non-existent daughter, bringing her sanity into question."

3:00 PM: So Long At the Fair (1950)
"A woman searches for her missing brother in Paris despite the fact that nobody believes he exists."

HorrorBlips: vote it up!

The Strokes: Isle of Wight 2010

The Strokes will perform at the Isle of Wight festival in England on June 12, 2010. Pitchfork broke the news this morning, and Johnsina told me at work where I immediately flushed to the color of a tomato and started jumping around like a coneja for joy!

You know what this means, right? Album #4 is totally on, and all 5 Strokes will be together on the SAME STAGE for the 1st time since October, 2006... Albany seems like a lifetime ago. Let's hope for a Spring/Summer 2010 release and NYC tour dates, please please please. Make it happen, Ryan Gentles.

House, "Wilson": The Zeppo

Just when I thought I was out... Robert Sean Leonard pulls me back in! Some thoughts on the Wilson-errific "House" coming up just as soon as I stop thinking about German porn...
"I can handle it when things go wrong. You can't. And things can go very, very wrong." -House
I doubt "Wilson" is going to get me writing about "House" again full-time, because the things that made it so strong were (like "Broken") not something the show can do every week, or even ever again, period. But for one night, at least, "House" was compelling, and touching, and funny, and not really annoying at all.

"Wilson" was good because it showed us House's world through someone else's eyes - not in a gimmicky, Hey, look at our Very Special Episode! way like the Mos Def episode last year, but in a more thoughtful, organic way. We got to see what the cases we've grown so used to must look like when only seen in Wilson-sized bites (the overweight tennis pro on the popcorn diet, House appearing soaking wet), and we got to see what it's like for the sensitive, empathic to a fault Wilson to try to play House's game.

And, for that matter, we got to see what it's like for House to be the one on the other end of the differentials and the wrong turns and insane treatments.

And we got to see Robert Sean Leonard, who has said he likes the easy workload (and accompanying fat paycheck) of being in a couple of brief scenes a week, rise to the challenge of carrying the show for once, with Hugh Laurie gracefully, beautifully working in support of him.

An ongoing Wilson-centric series obviously wouldn't work. It was the contrast to what we've come to expect from "House" that made this hour so interesting, and, again, you can't go to that well more than once before it starts to feel as formulaic as the regular show.

But after being so frustrated with the last batch of episodes, "Wilson" at least reminded me why I keep watching this damn show even when I'm struggling to remember that I used to love it.

"Chuck" is back in this timeslot in January, and that's going to get my top viewing/blogging priority for the time being. But if this is going to be the last time I write about "House" for a long time, at least we're going out on a much higher note than "Ignorance Is Bliss."

What did everybody else think?

Huckabee, Killers, Affairs and Tools: Morning Intell



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Morning Intell


Morning Intell: Weekday Edition:
Monday - November 30, 2009


Yesterday's Morning INTELL: Climate Fraud, Bikini Break, Green Sheep: Morning Intell


TOP STORIES at: DBKP FLASH Headline News:
The Mathematics of Global Warming...why they don't work.


SOFTBALLS on CLEMENCY: Video: Huckabee and O’Reilly on the cop-killer clemency


ENQUIRER-TIGER WOODS MISTRESS CAGE MATCH! Tiger Woods Affair: Rachel Uchitel Exposed as Other Woman in Cheating Scandal


BOO! RACIAL BOOGEYMEN: Washington Times Runs Anti-Obama Birther Ad Featuring Racial Undertones
"Progressives" have never met a subject on which they disagree that didn't have "racial undertones" swirling about it. STILL, they only saw "undertones" and not "overt" racism. That's Progress!


ANIMATION of a RECESSION: The Decline: The Geography of a Recession
This has been out there for a month or so, but kept waiting for an embed code to appear....the wait is over, click on the link for an eye-opening minute that looks like the end of the old video game, Missile Command.


Frum Fulminates: Quotes of the day
David Frum: the search for faux Republican wedge issues continues unabated...IT's the RomneyCare, Stupid!


POLITICO on RON PAUL: Ron Paul gains mainstream steam
Politico notices that Paul's audit-the-Fed bill has gained 313 co-sponsors. Still, they have a hard time judging the political climate. Evidence?
"To be sure, Paul’s bill to abolish the personal income tax or to end the United States’ membership in the United Nations still puts him well outside the mainstream."
Should be amended to read "...well outside the Washington mainstream."
Which is a pretty good place to be these days...


SOLID GIBBS GOLD: Robert Gibbs Plays Baghdad Bob


MORE GIBBS! Robert The Tool Gibbs: Diary of a Tool, ClimateGate


HEALTHY: The Wonder Vitamin You’re Not Getting Enough Of


DBKP Report


DBKP Morning Intell




ClimateGate: Data Dump Convenient for Alarmists


Inside Job? Defense official communicated with WH crashers


Proof the BBC doesn't read the news: Major sea level rise likely as Antarctic ice melts


More Smart Power Results: Hezbollah blames U.S. for all terrorism


Smart Power gets results: UK yacht crew detained by Iranian navy


West Virginia Hillbilly White Trash: Johnny Knoxville’s “The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia”


PROGRESS a PROGRESSIVE WOULD LOVE: Obama FCC Internet Proposals: Free Speech Regulations Stalin or Mao Would Love


COP KILLER: Seattle Police Department on trail of Maurice Clemmons; Update: Family reportedly aiding Clemmons on the run


Thinking about Mark Twain on His Birthday
AmThinker: "They sure don't make American icons like they used to"


DBKP Report



VIDEO of the DAY: Leningrad Cowboys: Pretty Fly for a White Guy



Wonder if any Progressives think the title is racist?




DAILY HAH! Obamacare: Take An Aspirin And Call Me In A Decade




by Mondo Frazier

images: DBKP file




SPCA takes care of circus elephant Jumbo

Jumbo is a well known figure in New Zealand - where she has been the star of a touring circus for 28 years. This has not been without some controversy and finally she has been handed over to the SPCA’s care. She was moved to her new home at Franklin Zoo during the weekend. This 36-year-old African elephant is now one of only two elephants living in New Zealand. The other is an Indian elephant at Auckland Zoo. (They recently lost their other elephant, Kashin. )

Jumbo’s handler and good friend Tony Ratcliffe, who has been with Jumbo for 28 years, visits her every day.

"Jumbo is a middle-aged elephant. Elephants can live upwards of 60 years."

Tony has a strong bond with Jumbo and is the only one who can take her in and out of her truck, where she stays overnight.

"An elephant chooses her friends. Once they do that, they bond for life. You can’t just walk in and out of an elephant’s life."

As you can imagine, Jumbo needs a lot of food - in fact she costs about $200 daily. The SPCA has set up a special fund for the public to support the cost of her care and feeding. Donations can be made to the Jumbo Fund at any SPCA office or via the SPCA website at www.rnzspca.org.nz.

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

SPCA takes care of circus elephant Jumbo

Jumbo is a well known figure in New Zealand - where she has been the star of a touring circus for 28 years. This has not been without some controversy and finally she has been handed over to the SPCA’s care. She was moved to her new home at Franklin Zoo during the weekend. This 36-year-old African elephant is now one of only two elephants living in New Zealand. The other is an Indian elephant at Auckland Zoo. (They recently lost their other elephant, Kashin. )

Jumbo’s handler and good friend Tony Ratcliffe, who has been with Jumbo for 28 years, visits her every day.

"Jumbo is a middle-aged elephant. Elephants can live upwards of 60 years."

Tony has a strong bond with Jumbo and is the only one who can take her in and out of her truck, where she stays overnight.

"An elephant chooses her friends. Once they do that, they bond for life. You can’t just walk in and out of an elephant’s life."

As you can imagine, Jumbo needs a lot of food - in fact she costs about $200 daily. The SPCA has set up a special fund for the public to support the cost of her care and feeding. Donations can be made to the Jumbo Fund at any SPCA office or via the SPCA website at www.rnzspca.org.nz.

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

DopeSauce: Chris Barz - Dreamers x School Ain't Workin






Something dope for your eardrums from the homie Chris Barz. Two tracks to hold you over til the much anticipated release of "Class[Sickz] Out The Dark" coming on Christmas Day 12/25.

Dreamers Ft. Jesse Boykins III

Download Dreamers

School Ain't Workin

Download School Ain't Workin

Peace*Love&Spaceships

iLL ORANGE ProPhet


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Stephen King's "The Colorado Kid" Coming to TV.

Just a quick nugget of Stephen King news.

Variety announced today that (ugh.) SyFy has picked up 13 episodes of the upcoming series Haven, a series based on King's short novel The Colorado Kid.
 "'Haven' centers on a spooky town in Maine where cursed folk live normal lives in exile. When those curses start returning, FBI agent Audrey Parker is brought in to keep those supernatural forces at bay -- while trying to unravel the mysteries of Haven."
Click here to read the whole story.



HorrorBlips: vote it up!

*LatePass* DopeSauce: Nike Nando - Amsterdam & Dilla Freestyle



So clearly during my loafage to update my blog I missed sharing sum absolutely classic music. One song I definitely missed was this track by Nike Nando called Amsterdam. There aren't a lot of songs that really capture my attention and cause me to stop whatever I'm doing to listen. This happens to be one of those songs. Nando spits with vigor and energy over the sleepy relaxed beat. A great combination for hip rock music. Super Nike Nando is still spitting "compf-table" on these tracks. Download "Amsterdam" after the jump and also check out his most recently released track "Donuts Freestyle" which is also produced and a tribute to the legendary Stones Throw producer James "J Dilla" Yancey.



"Amsterdam"

Download here "Nike Nando - Amsterdam"

"Dilla Freestyle"

Download here Nike Nando - Dilla Freestyle

Peace*Love&Spaceships

iLL ORANGE ProPhet


Twitter
@ILLPROPHET
Facebook Personal Profile
Illyus Prophet
Ill Prophet Music Page -
www.ILLPROPHETMUSIC.com
Ill Prophet Fan Page -
www.ILLPROPHET.com
Ill Prophet Facebook Group
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Robert The Tool Gibbs: Diary of a Mad Tool; ClimateGate



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ROBERT "THE TOOL" GIBBS






Posted originally at DBKP: Robert The Tool Gibbs: Diary of a Tool, ClimateGate



Robert Gibbs'

Diary of a Tool

November 30, 2009


Dear Diary,

That smarty-mouth Major G. asked me today at the White House press conference about the 6,000 scientists who dispute climate change. I had a snappy answer ready.

"There's no real scientific basis for disputing it (climate change)."

Stuff that in your piehole, Major!

Can I get any cooler? Tomorrow's another day....






MORE: Gibbs on Climategate: The science is settled

by Mondo Frazier

Can you guess the new blog logo theme?

Okay, you probably can, as I've followed one of the more esoteric logo themes to date with one of the more obvious ones. I'll just be curious to see how quickly someone can correctly identify all four characters depicted.

And, as a reminder, I have links to and explanations for all the previous logos in this post. I'll weigh in on the comments in this one once it's clear people have either figured it out or are somehow completely stumped.

Dexter, "Lost Boys": Correcting a mistake?

Spoilers for last night's "Dexter" coming up just as soon as I remind you that "Project Runway" is on...

Okay, here's my issue with "Lost Boys" (which is more of an issue with the series as a whole): in previous years, the show made it clear that Dexter didn't kill bad guys because he was worried about their victims, but because he had a need to kill, and Harry had drilled it into him that these were the only people he could/should kill. That he was saving other people's lives was a byproduct, but one that meant little or nothing to him. This point was made most explicitly in season two's "An Inconvenient Lie," when Dexter didn't really want to alter his killing timetable even if it meant he would stop the evil car salesman from claiming another victim. So seeing him so torn up about saving the little boy didn't ring true to me, even though part of Dexter's inner struggle was the realization that this killing would be his fault for having foiled Arthur's suicide attempt.

"An Inconvenient Lie" was also notable for giving Frank Lundy (RIP) a speech that tore to shreds any attempt by Dexter - or the audience - to justify his murders as some kind of social good, back in a time when the series viewed Dexter with a lot more moral ambiguity than it does now.

These days, the show is mainly interested in pitting Dexter against other killers so despicable that the audience won't have any compunction about seeing our man put them down. Every time the writers introduce the idea of Dexter killing outside The Code of Harry, they quickly dance away from the implications of that and distract Dexter and us with that season's big bad.

On the one hand, I don't want my TV characters to remain stagnant. So the idea of a Dexter who's growing - who's more aware that he has emotions, who can form attachments to people like Rita and her kids, who feels empathy for his target's victims - could, in theory, be really interesting. But in practice, it mainly feels like part of the ongoing attempt to make Dexter into a more palatable serial killer, so Showtime can justify keeping their biggest hit around for many more years to come.

So as good as Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow have been this year, I find it harder and harder to care about what's happening on the show - which is why I wanted to stop reviewing it in the first place.

Talk about it if you want, and maybe next week I'll just do an open discussion thread and save myself the aggravation.

What did everybody else think?

Obama FCC Proposals: Free Speech Regulations Stalin or Mao Would Love



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[ABOVE: Click images to enlarge]


OBAMA'S FREE SPEECH ASSAULT: COMING SOON TO AN INTERNET NEAR YOU!

The Obama administration has proposed another set of regulations that infringe upon Free Speech. DBKP has written about some of them previously.
* Next FCC Target: Hate Speech in the Media
* Obama, Free Speech: U.S. Votes for UN Restrictions on Free Speech
* Free Speech and the Internet Under Assault from Multiple Sources

Mark Hyman, American Spectator, lists a few of the most odious items in the coming FCC Internet Free Speech Assault. They are almost unbelieveable--almost.

From The Plan to Silence Dissent:

More than 150 bureaucrats at the Federal Communications Commission are in the final stages of planning how to deliver broadband Internet to the estimated 3-6 million people who do not have access. A formal plan will be unveiled in early 2010 but one proposal being discussed is deeply alarming as it threatens First Amendment freedoms.

The FCC is contemplating the notion that some or all of the electromagnetic spectrum occupied by radio and TV broadcasters is the perfect real estate to launch a national wireless broadband service. The price tag is $350 billion. That is as much as nearly $120,000 per person to be connected. Apparently, the FCC has not heard of the "$99 Triple Play."


Nowhere are both the "heavy hand" and "invisible foot" of government more evident than in the many regulations being proposed for the last frontier of Free Speech: The Internet.



This administration has accepted the task of controlling disagreeable political speech with a zeal. Whether it was Regulation Czar, CASS SUNSTEIN's 'timely' publication of the booklet "Rumors"--a screed that pimped for the necessary regulation of disagreeable "rumors" on the Internet--or these latest proposals from the Obama FCC, this White House doesn't seem to miss a trick when it comes to stamping out dissent.

Especially, on that unregulated monster, the Internet.

Barack Obama soulmates, Stalin and Mao, would be proud.







Originally posted at FLASH Headline News: Obama FCC Proposals: Stalin and Mao Would be Proud


by Mondo Frazier
images: bbc.chinatoday.com







Reviewing the revamped 'Scrubs' - Sepinwall on TV

In today's column, I look at the new season of "Scrubs":
You can look at the new season of "Scrubs" either as a continuation of the series that aired its alleged finale last spring, or as a spin-off with the same name and many of the same faces.

I prefer the latter view, and not just because creator Bill Lawrence lost a fight with ABC to rename the show "Scrubs Med" to clearly delineate between the two. If we treat the new season - which relocates Sacred Heart Hospital to its nearby medical school campus - as a separate show, then we don't have to take anything away from the resurgent final season, or from the funny and poignant finale. Nor do we have to worry about the new incarnation threatening the legacy of the original show, any more than "AfterM*A*S*H" or "The Golden Palace" sullied the reputations of "M*A*S*H" and "Golden Girls."

Which isn't to say that "Scrubs Med" (whether ABC calls it that or not) is an abomination on the level of either of those shows. It's a solid little comedy, in which "Scrubs" fans can recognize the spirit of the show they loved, even if it's not "Scrubs" at its best.
You can read the full "Scrubs" review here. I'll have a post tomorrow night on the first two episodes.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Antonia Steeg.... New Zealand animal and rural photography.

This site has some wonderful pictures of animals and Antonia also features interesting views of rural New Zealand scenery. I have put up one of her horse pictures, but it is probably easier to start at the gallery to see more of her wide range of topics:)
Have a look at http://www.antoniasteeg.com/gallery.htm

Really, really tired at the moment - and it doen't help that people think we must be sitting around at work twiddling our thumbs because classes have finished for the year. Yeah right!!!! Shame about all the interviews, marking, submitting final results, assessment and handout planning we get to do instead! Another long day... bring back the classes!!! The stress levels have been sky high and I landed up having a good cry last week... not sure it helped, but it did help to remind me just how tired and stressed I was... still am, but trying to pace myself more. I spent a quiet weekend catching up with friends and my parents - but still slept badly and got up at about 5....too much to think about I guess.
This week we are also interviewing for a new staff member to join our small team. Sadly, my long term friend and colleague is cutting back to being a part time casual tutor, so I need a new office mate and programme leader. Times change, but I will miss her being around greatly.

On top of it all, the summer has abandoned us here... it is cold, and damp and grey, even though it was incredibly hot last week. . Tonight, we have even lit the fire - I am grateful for the cheerful warmth and a cosy room!
:)

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

Antonia Steeg.... New Zealand animal and rural photography.

This site has some wonderful pictures of animals and Antonia also features interesting views of rural New Zealand scenery. I have put up one of her horse pictures, but it is probably easier to start at the gallery to see more of her wide range of topics:)
Have a look at http://www.antoniasteeg.com/gallery.htm

Really, really tired at the moment - and it doen't help that people think we must be sitting around at work twiddling our thumbs because classes have finished for the year. Yeah right!!!! Shame about all the interviews, marking, submitting final results, assessment and handout planning we get to do instead! Another long day... bring back the classes!!! The stress levels have been sky high and I landed up having a good cry last week... not sure it helped, but it did help to remind me just how tired and stressed I was... still am, but trying to pace myself more. I spent a quiet weekend catching up with friends and my parents - but still slept badly and got up at about 5....too much to think about I guess.
This week we are also interviewing for a new staff member to join our small team. Sadly, my long term friend and colleague is cutting back to being a part time casual tutor, so I need a new office mate and programme leader. Times change, but I will miss her being around greatly.

On top of it all, the summer has abandoned us here... it is cold, and damp and grey, even though it was incredibly hot last week. . Tonight, we have even lit the fire - I am grateful for the cheerful warmth and a cosy room!
:)

Posted via web from Fiona's posterous

Journalism Work from November 2009

A selection of images shot for the Winnipeg Free Press this month. Some of these are my favourites from the month, and some are ones I like, but didn't make it to print. The majority of photography posted on my website, and this blog can be purchased as prints, as well as be licensed for commercial use. I am also available for freelance work. E-mail me by clicking here.


Sierra Noble performs during the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards Friday night at the MTS Centre as part of Manito Ahbee festival.



Tracy Bone performs during the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards Friday night at the MTS Centre as part of Manito Ahbee festival.



Gordon Tootoosis presents Buffy Sainte-Marie with the lifetime achievment award during the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards Friday night at the MTS Centre as part of Manito Ahbee festival.



Sue Manwaring and Barry Chisholm walk next to the water at the Forks Friday morning.



I believe that this is the first time I have photographed the bridge!



Skatepark @ the Forks.



Tibetan weaver Mingyur Tsering weaves as part of a demonstration of his special craft put on by Provincial Floorcraft in the Festival Hall at the Manitoba Museum Saturday morning.



Local artist Aliza Amihude works on her jewlery Tuesday afternoon in her studio.



Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson for article about the 4 years of his wine column in the paper.



Manitoba Moose Cory Schneider during practice after returning from a stint playing for the Vancouver Canucks.



Sweet condo on River Ave, for the homes section.



Bird on a stick.



Cabinet Shuffle @ Legislature building.



Police Horse Titus. There are two Police officers that patrol the city on horseback 4 days a week, every week for the entire year!

out on my skateboard the night is just humming

I don't know why I love "Range Life" so much because on the record Stephen Malkmus totally disses Billy Corgan (which you won't see in this version) but I'm uploading Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain onto my iPod now, and I gotta say, this song hooks itself into your brain and doesn't get out. I always liked the 2nd verse best of all.

"run from the pigs, the fuzz, the cops, the heat

pass me the gloves cause crime it is never complete

until you snort it up or shoot it down

you're never gonna feel free

out on my skateboard the night is just humming

and my gum smacks are the pulse i'll follow if my walkman fades

but i've got absolutely no one, no one but myself to blame.

don't worry, we're in no hurry

school's out. what did you expect?"

MAN, I wish I had gotten Summerstage tickets. Epic fail.

DopeSauce: Lupe Fiasco Mixtape - Enemy of The State:A Love Story


CHECK 1, 2 AWW NAH!! YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE/YOUR ATTENTION I NEED IT/SO I CAN SIT YOU IN A POSITION FROM WHICH IM SEATED - Lupe Fiasco

HE IS BACK and so am I.
This is a long awaited return for Lupe to the airwaves. The Chi-Town superstar gave your eardrums something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving. Enemy of the State: A Love Story drops with 12 (including intro) tracks with Lupe running headfirst into music from Clipse, Slaughterhouse, Radiohead (personal fav), and a couple others. This is not even the tip of the iceberg of what to expect from Lupe Fiasco in 2010.
Check out "Turnt Up" and download the mixtape after the jump.
Enjoy

Lupe Fiasco - Turnt Up




Link - Lupe Fiasco - Enemy of the State:A Love Story
Link courtesy of www.DJBOOTH.net

Peace*Love&Spaceships

iLL ORANGE ProPhet


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wishlist time!

its that time of the year to bring out the wishlist! okay quick disclaimer before people jump on me about the prices. this wishlist is extravagant. so extravagant that its more of a pretty list because i know for a FACT i'm not getting any of it! but if some generous trillionaire wants to give a little love, then here's a few ideas! hah..

Photobucket
juicy couture

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toywatch

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tiffany & co.

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bebe

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bebe (great option for perfect new year's dress!)

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chanel

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steve madden

Photobucket
yazmo.com

can't a girl dream????

wishlist time!

its that time of the year to bring out the wishlist! okay quick disclaimer before people jump on me about the prices. this wishlist is extravagant. so extravagant that its more of a pretty list because i know for a FACT i'm not getting any of it! but if some generous trillionaire wants to give a little love, then here's a few ideas! hah..

Photobucket
juicy couture

Photobucket
toywatch

Photobucket
tiffany & co.

Photobucket
bebe

Photobucket
bebe (great option for perfect new year's dress!)

Photobucket
chanel

Photobucket
steve madden

Photobucket
yazmo.com

can't a girl dream????