Cape Cod Cookies

In this day and age, I'm finding myself shopping online more and more. Places like Ebay and Amazon are a great place to find deals on hard to find items you can't find anywhere else. I'm a fan of purchasing DVD's and CD's as well. It's surprising how cheap some items are sold. So it's not unusual for me to come home and find a package waiting for me.

Typically I don't get excited when a new package arrives. For the most part, I know what's in the package before I open it. As I said, usually a CD or DVD. However when it comes to my children, they fight and argue over who gets to open the package. Certainly a mystery of what might be inside, "Why it could be anything!" As Ralphie's father would point out.

How surprised they were to find something quite different in the package this time - COOKIES! Hand made cookies to be exact. Neatly wrapped, and packaged with care. It was obvious the cookies were not only made with care, but carefully processed for shipment as well.

Despite being shipped from another state, the cookies were in one piece. Look how beautiful they turned out. I purchased from thecapecodcookie, which has many varieties available. I opted for the 'Orleans Oatmeal Raison' and the signature 'Cape Code Cookie'. So how did they taste?

A picture is worth a thousand words. As you can tell, my son really loved them. Of course he wasn't the only one who enjoyed the 'internet cookies'. Both my sons and I thoroughly enjoyed this special treat. We are looking forward to trying some of the other varieties soon.

I Tweet - Therefore I Am

At first I looked for someone to meet.
Now I know you, so I must tweet.
It might be about my tired feet,
or that I'm eating Cream of Wheat.
I stubbed my toe on concrete,
and tired of this summer heat.
When at work I'll be discreet,
Boss walks by, zing! Spreadsheet!
You sent me a DM? Oh how sweet.
My message retweeted? That's a treat!
Mindless banter I should delete,
Still, you gotta admit it's kinda neat.

J.A.Scott

CD Review: Fuse - Debut Album

It's not very often I find a CD I absolutely have to tell everyone about. My recent discovery is a group known as Fuse, and I am so glad I stumbled upon them.

Linzi Stoppard & Ben Lee are the musicians behind Fuse. Each with a fantastic ability to play the violin. But Fuse is not just any electric string group playing classical music. What they have done is take contemporary pop and rock songs and flipped them into masterful instrumentals.

Before you think the songs have been slowed down into dreary elevator music, think again. The handful of rock songs have maintained their beat and rhythm and if not careful, might find yourself dancing along. Several of the songs are even accompanied by drums or backup vocals. And if you think that's a guitar solo in the song Beat It, guess again.

It's a CD you can play anywhere and enjoy; on the commute home, at a dinner party, or even working out at the gym. Everyone can enjoy, from the kids up to the grans. Make sure you check this out.

As for me, I'm already looking forward to the next CD and would love to see Fuse in a live show. If anything, it'll give this American one more reason to visit the UK.

A few of the songs on the CD are Glorious, Beat It, Go Your Own Way, Going Home, Top Gun Anthem and Kashmir / Carmina Burana, plus many more. You can find the CD available at Amazon & Itunes for less than £10. Also, check their official website for updated news and information - Fuse Official

Classic Survivor Blunder - Erik

Survivor - Dumbest Move in Survivor History (Erik)

Oh my word! What an idiotic move! I can not believe the idiotic move Erik made. Normally when I recap a show I like to detail the accounts of the episode step by step before revealing the end, but how can I this episode? As far as I'm concerned the only thing of note is we got to see the dumbest person in Survivor history make the dumbest move. Hands down!

Okay, okay. Let me get a bit into the episode. With four girls (Cirie, Amanda, Parvati and Natalie) against the only guy on the island you would think the math would add up. The previous few weeks, the 'black widow club' has smooth-talked and outwitted the guys into not playing hidden immunities and placing their trust with them. Each time, the women have taken care of business and taken out another male threat. Last week Erik won immunity, thus saving him as the last male; as he was directly told. Adds up doesn't it?

Now back to last nights episode. Reward challenge was a trivia game of past Survivor episodes. Erik won the game and decided to take Amanda with him, and to send Parvati to exile island though he promised Natalie he'd take her on reward if he wins, or send her to exile island to look for the immunity idol. The reward is a plane trip and spa deal. Back at camp the girls talk amongst each other and come to learn Erik has been promising an alliance with each one. Erik's chance of survival look dim until he wins the next immunity challenge, a puzzle spelling out 'guaranteed final four'.

Back at camp the girls contemplate a long-shot. They suggest to Natalie she try and convince Erik to give her the immunity. Natalie feels stupid even listening to such a suggestion; who in their right mind would actually give up immunity this late into the game. She is convinced she can work her 'magic' and decides to give it a try. Erik says he's not even going to consider what she is suggesting. But when she tells him it is the only way to prove his trust so Cirie will vote with them, he starts thinking about it.

Flash-forward to tribal council now. After the typical banter and a few eye-rolls from the peanut gallery, Jeff asks Erik if he is going to keep his idol. Erik says he needs to prove his trust and show everyone how sorry he is for playing all sides. He hands the immunity necklace to Natalie, and the jury is visibly excited, knowing what is to come. For the first time ever, every vote is shown as it is cast. Yes, the vote is obvious and unanimous. James exclaims he is no longer the dumbest person in Survivor history. Erik has been voted out and his closing remarks are him gushing over the fact he has been able to play with the Survivor favourites, his idols, and he is so excited they actually acknowledge him. Yes Erik, they acknowledge you are an idiot!

London - Day 8

My last full day in London so I make the best of it by heading to the famous Abbey Road.


What else is there to see on Abbey Road other than Abbey Road studios?


Zebra crossing on Abbey Road.


After my time at Abbey Road was over I walked to Hyde Park, despite it starting to rain.


Speakers Corner in Hyde Park gives anyone who wants to, a chance to speak whatever is on their mind.


Hyde Park is lovely. Lots to see and do or just enjoy a leisurely walk. At the moment I'm enjoying a walk around the pond.


On the other side of the pond, I ran into the 'Princess Diana of Wales Memorial Fountain'.


A closer look at the fountain.


One last shot of the park before I head back to hotel and start packing for my trip home.


While leaving I saw the Isis statue and had to take one final, last picture.

London - Day 7

Back in London the following day, I decide to spend the day at the British Museum.


I haven't even entered the exhibits and I'm already impressed.


From a second level I take another picture of the atrium.


Nothing I love more than ancient weapons and armour.


Okay, I also have a soft spot for ancient Egypt.


Ancient stones with ancient writing. I want to start blogging on stones.


Spent more time here than the Louvre, but enjoyed it so much more. Had to take a break for lunch. Chicken curry and a piece of cheesecake.


One of the few busts without the nose broken off. Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm thinking it's Augustus.


So much to see, really wish I had taken notes. Was impressed with these structures.


Ancient armour, ancient writing and now ancient coins. What else is there to see at the British Museum?


Oh that's right, the awesome sculptures.


The day was drawing to a close so I stopped at a local park to rest and reflect.

Paris - Day 6

Riding the Chunnel to Paris. This is a bit of the French country-side.


First stop of the day is the Louvre. I'm guessing no matter what time of the year, it's always busy.


It's a slow and steady process, but you almost have to fight your way through a crowd to get close to the Mona Lisa.


Mission accomplished, I got a closer picture of the Mona Lisa. It's true what they say, it does look smaller when you actually see it up close.


Almost walked past this till I realized what it was. What can I say? I was on a mission and had lots to do. Venus de Milo


It was just a day trip to Paris and this was next on my list. The Arc de Triomphe, built in honour of those who died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.


One of the few times I actually posed for a photograph.


From the top of the Arc de Triomphe you can see the Eiffel Tower.


Many of the roads surrounding it lead directly to the Arc de Triomphe


One last photo as I look towards the Eiffel Tower. Guess where my next stop is?


On my walk to the Eiffel Tower I stopped to get some authentic French Pastries.


Getting closer to the Eiffel Tower I'm impressed by the size. Photos do not do it justice.


The Eiffel Tower is a popular place. The queue is almost a three hour wait. At least you don't have to leave the line to find a trinket to purchase.


On my way up, I take one last look.


On top of the Eiffel Tower, I take a look out over the city. Such an impressive view.


It's tradition to enjoy a glass of champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower. So I had to order one.


Cheers from the top of the Eiffel Tower!