Traditional maximaphily regulations (for EXHIBITING in FIP competitions, I might specify) PROHIBIT the use of folded cards (such as greeting cards) to create MAXIMUM CARDS / MAXICARDS. I would scrap that regulation / rule, along with a few more rules. I show you my non-traditional maxicard with a greeting card from the MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, picturing a child and a snowman

Traditional maximaphily regulations (for EXHIBITING in FIP competitions, I might specify) PROHIBIT the use of folded cards (such as greeting cards) to create MAXIMUM CARDS / MAXICARDS. I would scrap that regulation / rule, along with a few more rules. I show you my non-traditional maxicard with a greeting card from the MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION, picturing a child and a snowman.

"The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in the United States that grants wishes to children (3 years to 17 years old) who have life-threatening medical conditions.^[1] The charity now operates in forty-seven countries around the world through thirty-six affiliate offices."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make-A-Wish_Foundation

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Happy Pink Saturday! (still open on Sunday!)

^{Please visit "Pretty in pink"/ "Show us your pink" [objects, that is :)] meme here:}

^{http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/}

Poste Italiane - Filatelia. Papa Giovanni Paolo II in occasione della beatificazione. "Blessed Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish:Jan Paweł II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła (Polish: [ˈkarɔl ˈjuzɛf vɔjˈtɨwa]; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005), reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at 84 years and 319 days of age." Wikipedia. See also other maxicards issued and sold by Poste Italiane - Italian Post

Poste Italiane - Filatelia

Papa Giovanni Paolo II in occasione della beatificazione.

"Blessed Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II, Polish:Jan Paweł II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła (Polish: [ˈkarɔl ˈjuzɛf vɔjˈtɨwa]; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005), reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at 84 years and 319 days of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted 26 years and 168 days; only Pope Pius IX(1846–1878) who served 31 years, has reigned longer. Pope John Paul II is the only Slavic or Polish pope to date and was the first non-Italian Pope since Dutch Pope Adrian VI (1522–1523).

John Paul II has been acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. It is widely held that he was instrumental in ending communism in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe. Conversely, he denounced the excesses of capitalism. John Paul II is widely said to have significantly improved the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Though criticised by progressives for upholding the Church's teachings against artificial contraception and the ordination of women, he was also criticised by traditionalists for his support of the Church's Second Vatican Council and its reform of the Liturgy as well as his ecumenical efforts.

He was one of the most-travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. He spoke Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Croatian, and Latin as well as his native Polish. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the last five centuries. On 19 December 2009, John Paul II was proclaimed venerable by his successor Pope Benedict XVI and was beatified on 1 May 2011."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_john_paul_ii

See also other maxicards issued and sold by Poste Italiane - Italian Post:

http://e-filatelia.poste.it/showProdotti.asp?id_catalogo_prodotto=1461&id_categoria_prodotto=401&lingua=

BBC News - Euro crisis: US General Martin Dempsey warns of unrest. Crowd Control Techniques can get you only so far. Watchu gonna do, when the crowd will run out of options...and out of hope? Fatcats of the world, have you ever "gone to the dogs"? What if the "dogs" will come TO ya'? Metaphorically speaking, read how these "dogs" can have a tiger, and eat it, too: http://dorincard.blogspot.com/search?q=dhole

BBC News - Euro crisis: US General Martin Dempsey warns of unrest

Crowd Control Techniques can get you only so far.

Watchu gonna do, when the crowd will run out of options...and out of hope?

Fatcats of the world, have you ever "gone to the dogs"?

What if the "dogs" will come TO ya'?

Metaphorically speaking, read how these "dogs" can have a tiger, and eat it, too:

http://dorincard.blogspot.com/search?q=dhole

Home - Personalized USA Postage Stamps by my friend P.C.Elias

Home - Personalized USA Postage Stamps

by my friend P.C.Elias

Moral: jewelry as tool, jewelry as weapon...Consider wearing a necklace like this, exemplified by RAQUEL WELCH. Inexact, misleading headline: "Woman Survives Being Buried Alive, Digs Herself With Engagement Ring". More accurate headline would be: "She used her ring to cut the tape from her legs, then tore apart the box[, which she said was buried in about 10 centimeters (4 inches) of soil.]" News Videos - Yahoo!

Watch: News Videos - Yahoo!
Inexact, misleading headline: "Woman Survives Being Buried Alive, Digs Herself With Engagement Ring".
More accurate headline would be: "She used her ring to cut the tape from her legs, then tore apart the box[, which she said was buried in about 10 centimeters (4 inches) of soil.]" News Videos

Moral: jewelry as tool, jewelry as weapon...
Consider wearing a necklace like this, exemplified by RAQUEL WELCH:

http://dorincard.blogspot.com/search?q=raquel+welch

Don't grow up with a little princess mentality, life as a fairytale, waiting passively for Prince Charming, gorgeous wedding, happily ever after...

Your presumed Beau might turn out to be a BOO!, who one day might give you a last phone call from his Black-bury [you alive]...then again, jewelry as a tool!

Better yet, grow up with realistic expectations and DIG yourself out of any trouble, if possible...

=======================

Happy PFF (Postcard Friendship Friday)!

Please visit: http://thebestheartsarecrunchy.blogspot.com/ (wait until Beth posts the today's Linky tool for the meme, then make your entry, if you want to join).

MAXICARDS for sale, by topicals@alice.it

Home page

Look at the prices, too.

The Covert Intelligence War Against Iran | STRATFOR

The Covert Intelligence War Against Iran | STRATFOR

The JAGUAR (Panthera onca) is the largest feline in the Western Hemisphere, and an APEX PREDATOR. Stronger than any leopard, any cougar or any jaguarundi [of course :) ]. See my new personalized stamp from Zazzle, with a full-body photo, so you can assess the muscles, under the spotted fur. Please refrain from connecting the dots

The JAGUAR (Panthera onca) is the largest feline in the Western Hemisphere, and an APEX PREDATOR.  Stronger than any leopard, any cougar or any jaguarundi [of course :) ].  See my new personalized stamp from Zazzle, with a full-body photo, so you can assess the muscles, under the spotted fur. Please refrain from connecting the dots.

Do you see any heart shape in the above image?

If not, wadda heliz rong wid yu? [:) kidding]

.

.

.

.

I see at least 3 hearts on the tail alone...

plus a tilted one on the belly flap...

and think how many more might be on the other side of the JAGUAR...:)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Panthera_onca_at_the_Toronto_Zoo_2.jpg

This yawning JAGUAR has at least one heart shape on him...play by the ear...:)

Read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar

Please visit (thank you, Clytie!)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2011

Fireplace Heart and Random Acts of Kindness

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2011

Guest Heart Thursday #87

Welcome to Guest Heart Thursday -
A place to share YOUR heart!

"Yesterday's Trash" is where Michelle shares her "unique art made from found and everyday objects". But it's so much more than that. Michelle's art is definitely unique, and the work she does AMAZES and inspires me!

Michelle posted this heart along with a wonderful heart-warming story in keeping with "Random Acts of Kindness" - I urge you to read her post, and keep the circle going!

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your art ... and your heart!

Gail found this little stone on the beach on the Washington State Coast last summer. It was about the size of a quarter and caught her eye immediately. Gail had so much fun seeing all the hearts in her world that she created a special place to share them!

Please come visit Gail over at "My Hunt For A Heart!" You'll love the amazing hearts she has found!

Thank you, Gail, for sharing your hearts!

When Laura sent me a link to "Ecobirder's" blog, I was curious.
When I visited, I was enchanted - and not just by this beautiful dragonfly heart!!!

Ecobirder is a self-proclaimed "Nature's Paparazzi", whose goal is to "use photographs, facts, and stories to entertain, educate, and inspire people about the natural world around us."

Thank you, Ecobirder, for sharing your inspiration ... and your heart!
Thank you, Laura, for finding him, and sending me the link!

Dorincard makes beautiful postcards ...
and posts them on his blog, along with research about his subjects ...
I am always amazed by the wealth of information he comes up with - and I learn something I didn't know - every time I visit his blog!!!

But my favorite posts from Dorincard are his Guest Heart Thursday posts ...
because Dorin finds hearts that I probably would have missed ... like the PERFECT heart he found on this turkey ... do you see it? (Hint: It's red!)

Thank you, Dorin, for sharing your heart!

Belgian MAXICARDS. CATALOGUE 2011 - GASTON - Picasa Web Albums

CATALOGUE 2011 - GASTON - Picasa Web Albums:

'via Blog this'

To Create Something Exceptional, Do Sweat The Small Stuff | Fast Company

To Create Something Exceptional, Do Sweat The Small Stuff | Fast Company

Microsoft Woos Developers To The (Upcoming) Windows Store | Fast Company

Microsoft Woos Developers To The (Upcoming) Windows Store | Fast Company

The Can Van Will Bring Craft Beer To The Can-Loving Masses | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

The Can Van Will Bring Craft Beer To The Can-Loving Masses | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Siri, Why Can't You Understand Me? | Fast Company

Siri, Why Can't You Understand Me? | Fast Company

Yes, Si-ri! :)

3 Ways To Win In A Brutal Economy | Co. Design

3 Ways To Win In A Brutal Economy | Co. Design

Cute non-traditional MAXICARD with a greeting card showing 2 small rabbits in deep snow. Infamous kumquats stamp and nice Year of the Hare (YOTH) pictorial postmark from West Nyack, New York

Cute non-traditional MAXICARD with a greeting card showing 2 small rabbits in deep snow. Infamous kumquats stamp and nice Year of the Hare (YOTH) pictorial postmark from West Nyack, New York.

See also: http://dorincard.blogspot.com/search?q=yoth

U, as in Understanding each other.

============

Please visit and join the ABC Wednesday meme!

http://abcwednesday-mrsnesbitt.blogspot.com/

Amazing! Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change?

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change?

Wow! You should see this movie! Food, Inc. | TakePart - News, Culture, Videos and Photos That Make the World Better

Food, Inc. | TakePart - News, Culture, Videos and Photos That Make the World Better

Angelina Jolie Explains Choosing 'Blood and Honey' for Directorial Debut (Video) - The Hollywood Reporter

Angelina Jolie Explains Choosing 'Blood and Honey' for Directorial Debut (Video) - The Hollywood Reporter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslavia

Philatelica | Dan N. DOBRESCU. See some interesting philatelic items from his collections and websites

Philatelica | Dan N. DOBRESCU

Please explore -I did it, and I'm glad that I found unusual philatelic items, like "Computers on stamps", and more.

maximaphily = collecting maximum cards (postcard + stamp + postmark)

maximaphily = collecting maximum cards (postcard stamp postmark)

4 Reasons Why The Future Of Capitalism Is Homegrown, Small Scale, And Independent | Co. Design

4 Reasons Why The Future Of Capitalism Is Homegrown, Small Scale, And Independent | Co. Design:

'via Blog this'

"If you add up all the trends under way today, I believe we are beginning to see the start of something original, and perhaps wonderful. It may prove to be the economic and social antidote to the failed financial capitalism and crony capitalism that no longer delivers economic value in terms of jobs, income, and taxes to the people of this country."

Online Stores Turn Savvy Shoppers Into Gamblers With Vegas-Style Tactics | Fast Company

Online Stores Turn Savvy Shoppers Into Gamblers With Vegas-Style Tactics | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

Can Hip Urban Crafts Help Revitalize Rust Belt Manufacturing? | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Can Hip Urban Crafts Help Revitalize Rust Belt Manufacturing? | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation:

'via Blog this'

StumbleUpon's Mobile Growth Rockets 800%; Company Unveils Major Redesign With 250 Brand Partners | Fast Company

StumbleUpon's Mobile Growth Rockets 800%; Company Unveils Major Redesign With 250 Brand Partners | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

5 Disastrous Moves That Will Botch Your Pitch | Fast Company

5 Disastrous Moves That Will Botch Your Pitch | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

The Postal Picture: Bridges of Ancient China

The Postal Picture: Bridges of Ancient China:

'via Blog this'

10 Top Tools for Digital Photography Lovers

10 Top Tools for Digital Photography Lovers:

'via Blog this'

BBC News - Kepler 22-b: Earth-like planet confirmed

BBC News - Kepler 22-b: Earth-like planet confirmed

Egypt and the Idealist-Realist Debate in U.S. Foreign Policy | STRATFOR

Egypt and the Idealist-Realist Debate in U.S. Foreign Policy | STRATFOR

Taiwan Republic of China pictures by dorincard - Photobucket

Taiwan Republic of China pictures by dorincard - Photobucket

Is red panda red enough for the Ruby Tuesday meme? :)

=================

Please visit and join Ruby Tuesday meme!

http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Fresh Copy: How Ursula Burns Reinvented Xerox | Fast Company

Fresh Copy: How Ursula Burns Reinvented Xerox | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

The Case For Girls: A Mock Ad Aims To Become A Legitimate Campaign With Global Impact | Fast Company

The Case For Girls: A Mock Ad Aims To Become A Legitimate Campaign With Global Impact | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

Infographic Of The Day: Walmart Dwarfs Entire Industries And Nations | Co. Design

Infographic Of The Day: Walmart Dwarfs Entire Industries And Nations | Co. Design:

'via Blog this'

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Phone: A Case For Writing Things Out | Fast Company

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Phone: A Case For Writing Things Out | Fast Company:

'via Blog this'

Zappos' Tony Hsieh Will Pay A Lot Of Money Today To Save An Ocean, If You Will Too | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation

Zappos' Tony Hsieh Will Pay A Lot Of Money Today To Save An Ocean, If You Will Too | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation:

'via Blog this'

GREECE, a BASKETBALL powerhouse. "They were runners-up in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and they have won the European Championship twice, in 1987 and 2005. They are currently placed fourth in the FIBA World Rankings." - Wikipedia. I show you a cool MAXICARD from my friend Spyros (GREECE), showing the team (it's all Greek to me, although I see a black dude in the photo of the stamp on the right), and their autograph facsimiles

"In the 2006 FIBA World Championship, Greece were glazed to win a medal that had closely missed in their last two participations in the tournament and reached once more the semi-finals with a record of seven consecutive wins, some of them impressive. In the semi-finals, Greece defeated the popular odds-on United States in a 101–95 upset, rallying back from twelve points down, and qualified for the final, but they proved to be exhausted from their dramatic game with the Americans and lost 70–47 to Spain, ending up with the silver medal. Despite the loss the players were greeted enthusiastically by celebrating fans on their return to Greece, due to their first medal in a World Championship and their glorious win over the United States."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece_national_basketball_team

Team spirit and better individuals performance have prevailed again against reputation.

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and all the other NBA stars from Team USA have seen, once again, that WHITE MEN CAN JUMP. 

And WIN.

Hellenic Republic Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Elliniki Dimokratia
Flag National emblem
Motto: Eleftheria i Thanatos, (Greek: "Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος", "Freedom or Death") (traditional)
Anthem: "Ὕμνος εἰς τὴν Ἐλευθερίαν Ýmnos is tin Eleftherían Hymn to Liberty1"
Location of  Greece  (dark green) – in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the European Union  (green)  —  [Legend]
Capital (and largest city)		Athens 37°58′N 23°43′E
Official language(s)		Greek
Ethnic groups		94% Greek, 4% Albanian, 2% others[1][2][3][4]
Demonym		Greek (Officially: Hellenic)
Government		Unitary parliamentary republic
-	President	Karolos Papoulias
-	Prime Minister	Lucas Papademos
Legislature		Parliament
Independence from the Ottoman Empire
-	Declared	1 January 1822, at theFirst National Assembly
-	Recognized	3 February 1830, in theLondon Protocol
-	Current constitution	11 June 1975, Third Hellenic Republic

"Modern Greece traces its roots to the civilization of ancient Greece, generally considered the cradle of Western civilization. As such, it is the birthplace of democracy,^[11] Western philosophy,^[12] the Olympic Games, Western literature and historiography, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, Geography,^[13] Biology,^[14] university education, coinage, and Western drama,^[15] including both tragedy and comedy. This legacy is partly reflected in the seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Greece, ranking Greece7th in Europe and 13th in the world. The modern Greek state was established in 1830, following the Greek War of Independence.

A developed country with an advanced,^[16][17] high-income economy^[18] and very high standards of living,^[19][20][21] Greece has been a member of what is now the European Unionsince 1981 and the eurozone since 2001,^[22] NATO since 1952,^[23] and the European Space Agency since 2005.^[24] It is also a founding member of the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,^[25] and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

Athens is the capital and the largest city in the country (its urban area also including Piraeus)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greece

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Happy Blue Monday! (meme)

Please visit:  http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/