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Last Updated: April 2nd, 2019
The time you spend on your digital devices watching TV and movies or browsing the Internet can really enrich your life—or not! You can become hypnotized by media and take on beliefs that aren't true to your goals if you aren't viewing consciously.
Media is a powerful resource for information, entertainment and education. TV shows, movies, magazines, and the Internet bring the sounds of the great composers, fitness routines and directions for do-it-yourself projects, not to mention suspense, comedy and action, right to your home. And they're doing a great job! But if you aren't paying attention, the media may subliminally plant some ideas in your mind that won't serve you well. Like someone in a hypnotic trance, you may begin to live by these beliefs without realizing that you even have them.
Eventually, you may unknowingly begin to compare your appearance, level of success, financial resources and relationships to those you see on the screen. The media's standards may become the standards that you measure yourself by, and that'll keep you viewing. But it can also keep you focused on pursuing ideas and goals that won't necessarily serve you in the areas of love, spending, politics, religion, fitness and family.
10 strategies for conscious media consumption
To keep you on the right track, I've come up with ten essential strategies for media consumption that'll help you avoid this problem, and consequently, allow you to live the life that you want.
Get curious – First, identify what you really want from life; then, approach what you see in the media with critical curiosity. When you view things like billboards, commercials, TV programs, movies, websites, and print publications, ask yourself if the messages you get from these line up with who you really are, or if viewing them is subtly veering you off course towards ideas that are currently popular or trending.
Strike a balance – You'll need to find a balance between media and real life that works for you. If you feel like you're too wrapped up in the world of media, start small and make one change each day that will nudge you back towards reality. This could be choosing to cut back your TV time by a half hour, or opting not to go online at certain times, just to name a couple of options.
Absorb yourself in TV shows, movies and websites that are congruent with your goals – You can continue to view media that's not congruent with your goals if you like, but do so very consciously, noticing what each medium is telling you. By doing so, you'll be able to notice the subliminal messages being presented, and make the choice to resist them if they're not helpful.
Trust your intuition – When you're not sure whether continuing to view something is appropriate, get in touch with your intuition—what choice is it telling you to make? If you still can't make a firm decision, go do something else for a while and return to the media later. If it feels OK to continue viewing, you could always work a physical activity in at the same time; for instance, by watching TV while running on your treadmill. This will help you avoid metabolic syndrome, which can arise due to too much sitting.
Expand your horizons – Make sure the media you consume entertains you and enables you to learn something. Focusing your attention solely on high-quality media that educates is better than taking in large volumes of lower-quality media.
Know when to cut things out – You may need to consider whether romantic movie marathons, shopping channels, online sale notices, political programs, or science fiction shows are helping define you or are just entertaining you. If something's just mindless entertainment, viewing it may be a waste of your time.
Note the consequences of poor choices – If you make the wrong choice in regard to viewing certain media, you may have, for example, nightmares about a scary movie, buyers' remorse, or strong concerns about your recent social media posts. Perhaps you may not be able to sleep through the night after taking in a great deal of media before bed. Make a mental note of when these (or similar) things happen to you, and avoid making the bad choices that led you into those situations again.
Don't get stuck in a rut – It's mind-numbing to view the same types of media over and over again. Seek out shows and other media recommended by groups and organizations that are compatible with your goals in order to keep your viewing life interesting.
Tell the media what you want – Do this respectfully, with clearly thought-out messages, blog posts, tweets and such. Direct the media with your words and thoughts, but don't be a "hater," insulting producers or any public figures. Communicate intelligently and people will listen to you.
Calm down –Take conscious viewing one step at a time. Don't worry if you slip up once in a while—after all, no truly conscious life is built in a day! You'll live longer and be healthier if you stay relaxed.
If you're working hard in your career and/or at home, while fitting in time for your family, a fitness routine, and social obligations, you may have a tendency to use media to decompress and relax. Your ability to focus and your willpower reserves may be used up by the time you get to your computer, TV, or smart device in order to catch the day's news. However, you must realize that your real life is news, too, at least to you and the people you care about.
Notice everything you tell yourself about your life. Are these things true, or are they based on ideas that have been embedded in your mind by outside media sources? Remember that your brain is in charge of your media experience, not the other way around. Once you become a conscious viewer, you'll find that going from getting reel to getting real can be more fun, enriching and empowering than you ever dreamed it would be.
Read more on this topic in HOW LARGE IS YOUR WORLD?: Using the media to enlarge and bless your world»


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Gaming & Hospitality
Bolstered by leadership with more than $1 billion in completed casino projects, Norwood's Gaming & Hospitality Division brings a holistic understanding to each project we undertake. We deliver first rate gaming and entertainment spaces by working discreetly behind the scenes to complete projects quickly and with minimal disruption to ongoing casino operations. By establishing concise budget and schedule controls along with tight subcontractor management, our team ensures the client's goals are achieved and their individual brand is fostered.

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The Search for Emak Bakia (2013)
- Studio: Independent
- Release: June 5, 2013
- Director: Oskar Alegria
- Writer: Oskar Alegria
- Cast: Unknown or Not Available
Video archive for the film The Search for Emak Bakia, which has a domestic theatrical release in the year of 2013. There is currently one video available for the film, of which one and only one is a trailer, as listed below. Happy viewing!
Featured Movie Terminator: Dark Fate


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Event Archive - Hip Hop Eh Documentary Premier:
Sun. August 19th 2012 @ Vic Theatre (No Minors)
8:00pm - 11:30pm doors at 7:30pm
$15 at the door only.
Event CategoriesMusic: Hip Hop / Rap Film:
This project has been 5 years compiling interviews and creating the story that is Canadian Hip Hop. The every day Canadian doesn't know much about the trials and tribulations of the Hip Hop scene in our great country of Canada. This documentary asks the question what is the identity of Canadian HipHop. Than the film goes through the history of the Canadian Hip Hop scene, the pioneer's, the underground, the radio and the state of the industry to give the viewer an understanding of the culture.


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Darling in the FranXX - Anime Review
Darling in the Franxx Episode 11 - Anime Review
Mar 24, 2018
3.699 views
OMG! Kokoro is such a bad girl! This week's episode is mainly focused on Mitsuru and Kokoro. Their character development is amazing. I had a grudge against Mitsuru because of his dick-move in episode 3. However, after seeing this episode I think he is in fact a good guy. Adding to that, the Kokoro x Mitsuru ship is sailing strong!
This week's episode starts with a flashback of Mitsuru's childhood. He admired Hiro as a boy. However, now he regrets, that he was so fond of Code 016. In a narration he orders himself, not to give Hiro that look of admiration. Mitsuru wakes up from what appears to be a nightmare. He has obviously a high fever. After the opening, we see Ichigo reporting their results on the battle field to Nana. Today, they have killed 25 Klaxosaurs. Nana finds the results very impressive. She even speculates, that the good results must be the product of dr. Franxx's tests. Without a doubt, Team 13 is the most proficient team in killing the monsters. However, the result of Mitsuru an Ikuno is not at the level of the others. This is obviously due to the bad relationship between the two. After the briefing, we jump again into battle. Before the attack by the Klaxosaurs, Futoshi and Kokoro promise to each other, that they will stay together as partners for ever. As the Klaxosaurs attack, Mitsuru and Ikuno lose their connection immediately. Mitsuru is promptly send to the nurse station. There we find out, that he got injected with a performance enhancing drug called Elixirs. Back in the dorm, the other kids are talking about Mitsuru. Apparently, the injection he got, has a mortality rate of 85 percent. Furthermore, we learn from Goro, that Mitsuru used to hang out a lot with Hiro. During a dream sequence, we learn about the promise Mitsuru made with Hiro. The next day, Nana and Hachi decide to shuffle the partners. The kids are free to choose whit whom they want to try to pilot the Franxx. Futoshi obviously says to Kokoro: "We don't have to shuffle. After all, I've already promised to protect you forever." Cutting to the main couple Hero and Zero Two, their relationship seems to be in trouble. Zero Two appears to keep her distance from Hiro. She says to her darling: "We can understand each other just fine by piloting Strelizia." After the decision time, Ikuno proposes to pilot with Ichigo. Kokoro, surprisingly, volunteers to pilot with Mitsuru.
Futoshi is obviously not happy about it. This puts an entirely new dynamic into the group. After the tests, the boys discuss their new team-ups. Futoshi is crying his eyes out while Zorome states, that his behaviour might go on Kokoros nerves. In the greenhouse, Mitsuru catches Kokoro playing with a doll. They have a short discussion on why the adults might have stopped making children. However, Mitsuru asks Kokoro, why she wants to pilot with him. Their discussion is abruptly ended by an attack. During the battle, Zero Two is acting very recklessly. The others have trouble to keep up with the Klaxosaur. Especially Kokoro and Mitsuru are in trouble. They lose their connection. Mitsuru doubts himself. He thinks, that their situation is hopeless. He says to Kokoro: "If you place your hopes in me, you'll only be let down in the end." We learn about the entire backstory of Mitsuru. He wanted to pilot with Hiro. He even got the injection to get better at piloting the Franxx and they made a promise to each other. However, Hiro got some treatment as well, which lead him to forget about the promise. This devastated Mitsuru, who swore to himself to never trust somebody again. In the Franxx, Kokoro and Mitsuru have a heartfelt conversation.
The girl explains: "I'm not the nice, gentle girl that you all think I am." To prove her point she goes full stampede mode. Mitsuru promptly get Kokoro out of trouble. After reconnecting, they are able to get the best connection possible. After the battle, Futoshi punches Mitsuru in the face, who doesn't dodge.
- Mitsuru used to admire Hiro very much. He wanted to pilot the Franxx with him. Both of them promised each other, that they will pilot together. However, after some sort of treatment, Code 016 forgot about the promise he made to Mitsuru. Mitsuru was so devastated that he swore to himself never to expect something from somebody else.
- Kokoro is a bad girl. After she promised to Futoshi, that they always will be together, she immediately brakes her promise and volunteers to pilot with Mitsuru. During the scene with Mitsuru in the Franxx, she even admits, that she is not the innocent girl everybody thinks she is. She explains, that she has imperfections to.
- Ikuno has the chance to pilot with Ichigo. However, the test didn't secceed.
I not usually the sucker for drama. However, the developments of this episode are extremely interesting because they unset the entire balance of the team. It is the first time that the main characters are going behind the backs of each other. I am very curious to see how this dynamic will develop in the future. Let's talk a bit about Ikuno. Am I the only one who thinks that she is unjust and mean to Mitsuru. I know, her partner is not very likable at best, but come on! Provoking Mitsuru this much in front of the only person he wants to impress, is just plain evil.
Nevertheless, in this episode she has the chance to pilot a Franxx with Ichigo, who is of course the girl she has a crush on. This test didn't succeed, and Ikuno is unsurprisingly very disappointed. Addressing Futoshi, he is just a poor guy. It pains me to see him this broken after the betrayal of Kokoro. Of course, his relationship with Kokoro was very unhealthy, because he glorifies his partner too much. Kokoro However, is like all human an unperfect being. The girl realises that and acts against almost all her character traits I imagined her to have. I really liked the scene inside the Franxx, where Mitsuru and Kokoro have the possibility to talk about their emotions. I really disliked Mitsuru until now, but his character had a huge development in this episode. Again, this series keeps impressing me. I am a huge fan. I can't wait till next week.
Images: Screenshots from the anime
With the click of this button you will proceed to the media-reporting form.
Nanatsu no Taizai Season 2 Episode 8 - Anime Review
The Seven Deadly Sins are still chasing after Diane, who ran off to try to remember her past. She must now face alone the Commandment of Truth Galand, who is eager to kill the giant once and for all. Will Diane be able to survive? This episode was not flaw less but it was still very enjoyable.
1 year ago
4071 views
Nanatsu no Taizai Season 2 Episode 9 - Anime Review
Wow! Wow! Wow! We finally get to see Meliodas very emotional. To be honest, I almost chocked up seeing the heart wrenching scenes with Liz. In my opinion, this was the best and most emotional episode of Nanatsu no Taizai yet. I am so pumped up to see the Seven Deadly Sins develop even more.
1 year ago
3650 views
Nanatsu no Taizai Season 2 Episode 7 - Anime Review
It is again time for my favourite shonen anime of this winter season of anime 2018. Will Diane be able remember King or any of the Seven Deadly Sins? What will happen to Gowther who, as we know, is the cause for the amnesia of Diane.
1 year ago
3597 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 5 - Anime Review
This episode has a lot of characterisation and interaction between the main characters. We finally see the darker side of our bets girl Zero Tow and it's apparent, that she is not a good girl.
1 year ago
3230 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 6 - Anime Review
In this episode we got again glorious battle scenes, which were expertly animated by Studio Trigger and A1-Pictures. However, with this episode I am quite worried for the future of this series. Hiro's tumour just vanished, without any consequences for our protagonist. I hope that the characters of this series don't get a to big of a Plot-Armor, which would ruin the vibe of this 24-episode long anime. Having said that, I am very pleased with this episode and I am looking forward to next week.
1 year ago
2618 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 2 - Anime Review
The second episode of Darling in the FranXX by A1-Pictures and Studio Trigger has finally aired. The visuals of this series are great and the story though not so unique was still very entrancing.
1 year ago
2503 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 8 - Anime Review
The tale of fanservice continues for our mech pilots. Sexuality and nudity are the main themes in this episode. After a wardrobe failure, the girls are trying to keep their distance from the boys. However, Zero Two, being best-girl, is doing everything she can to sabotage all the effort by the girls, which results in formidable and enjoyable situations. Man, I would do terrible things to be Hiro.
1 year ago
2385 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 10 - Anime Review
In this week, we get a Zorome focused episode. I didn't quite enjoy this episode as much as the last one, which was really epic. However, there was a lot of world building and clarifications on the purpose of adults in this world. Zorome had a lot of screen time in which he had a lot of development.
1 year ago
2201 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 9 - Anime Review
Wow, wow, wow! This episode had so much going on. The romantic tensions in the last episodes got finally their pay off. And damn, it was beautiful to see Goro coping with his feelings for Ichigo. I admit, I am completely addicted to this show!
1 year ago
2183 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 3 - Anime Review
Darling in the FranXX continues to be my favorite show of this season. The pacing is rather slow but well managed, the imagery and animation are absolutely breathtaking.
1 year ago
2069 views
Violet Evergarden Episode 8 - Anime Review
This was the first episode of Violet Evergarden to deliver the same level of spectacle and emotional intensity as the premiere. The final moments came almost out of nowhere, even if they have been foreshadowed for a while.
1 year ago
2037 views
Nanatsu no Taizai Season 2 Episode 5 - Anime Review
This week we got again a very good episode of Seven Deadly Sins season 2. How can you defeat some overpowered heroes? With more overpowered villains obviously.
1 year ago
2011 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 4 - Anime Review
Here we have it! I believe it's safe to say that Darling in the FranXX is the anime of the season. There were so many things going on in this episode. The romance is better than in most dedicated romance-anime, the cinematography is as good as "Eureka Seven" and the action is breath-taking.
1 year ago
1855 views
Darling in the Franxx Episode 7 - Anime Review
Ii is the round number seven for Darling in the FranXX and it is time for the mighty (I believe it is even mandatory in japan). This is usually a huge turn down for any anime Fan who doesn't really care for the fanservice everybody else is craving for. Will this episode be bad or are Studio Trigger and A1-Pictures able to pull it off?
1 year ago
1683 views
Relationship Quotes to Reignite Your Love
Relationship Quotes to Reignite Your Love
6 months ago
1284 views
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The Weinstein Company has released a final, extended trailer for The Master, currently playing in theaters nationwide. This four-minute clip takes you deep inside these enigmatic characters, such as the troubled Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix), the title character's wife Peggy Dodd (Amy Adams), and the man himself, Lancaster Dodd, a.k.a. The Master (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
The Master Extended Trailer
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- in Movie News


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|Message view
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|Jerry Lam <chiling...@gmail.com>
|Question on Scanner REST API Usage
|Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:31:17 GMT
Hi HBase community: I have a few questions on the usage of Scanner via REST API: - From the XML schema ( http://hbase.apache.org/apidocs/org/apache/hadoop/hbase/rest/package-summary.html#xmlschema), we can set the maximum number of values to return for each call to next() by specifying the batch attribute. Is there a way to set the number of rows for caching that will be passed to scanners (setCaching)? - Also, I cannot find a way to get all columns of a single row for each call to next(). Can someone tell me if this is possible? Note that setting the batch size won't work because, for example, some rows might have 10 columns and the other rows might have 5 columns, setting batch to 10 will include cells that are from other rows. I want a API that behaves like the Java native API that will get all columns of a row when I call next(). Any help is greatly appreciated. Best Regards, Jerry
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A story of sense
The famous Dans le Noir ? restaurants chain (Paris….) partnered with Mercure Sophia Antipolis to open the 1st Dans le Noir ? restaurant in the South of France, close to Nice, Cannes and Antibes, in the heart of Sophia Antipolis scientific park !
This pop-up restaurant closed its doors to customers on November, 1st 2018 but we stay open to companies and private groups which want to come and taste our surprise menus in complete darkness, guided by our team of visual impaired waiters or to organize other types of innovative and creating-value projects.


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...I mean, how can you possibly stay indoors when the skies are like this....? There is so much to do in the vineyard at the moment. Each year I am equally surprised how quickly the vines turn from bare and dead looking trunks to vibrantly green and lush. If we don't stay on top of it, it quickly becomes a completely unmanageable jungle.
Despite being busy with too many iron's in the fire, I have managed to sneak a teeny-weeny bit of stitching time here and there.
A few more sand hills are filling the ground around Lone Tree. It is nice watching the bland ivory ground turning into rich shades of ochre and burnt orange...
I am loving creating the various textures with the stitches. Most are really simple, basic stitches: stem, chain, couching and running stitches - with one or two hills in burden stitch thrown in because I love the brick like bumpy texture is creates. A super fine gold thread added to the laid thread gives it just that tiny bit of sparkle, like sun rays reflecting on shiny pebbles.
The hill I am working on at the moments is close rows of twisted chain stitch. I am using a firmly twisted variegated silk from Colour Streams called 'Nasturtium' - it is the same thread as the middle hill in the picture above. Isn't it just a glorious colour? It makes happy every time I use it.
So it is getting there...
...slowly but surely.
I have packed it away again, though. The next few days are earmarked for packing kits and preparing for the Partridge workshop at the end of the Month.
Have a wonderful weekend,


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Moving home
If you are moving into or out of your home, it's important for you to contact Irish Water so we can set up a new account or update your existing account. It means we can contact you in the future about any outages or issues in your area.
When you are moving home, please call us on Callsave 1850 448 448 or +353 1 707 2828, our lines are open from 9am - 2pm Monday to Friday. You'll need to provide your name, the address you're moving into or out of, your contact details and your Irish Water account number if applicable.
Please visit our Get Connected section regarding connections to and disconnections from the public water mains.


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"One of the 100 best books of the year." —The Times Literary Supplement
"A welcome reappraisal of Columbus and his legacy." --Kirkus Reviews
"Carol Delaney's Columbus and the Quest for Jerusalem...elegantly tells a familiar story--with a twist...The result is a revealing new view of Columbus." Times Literary Supplement, Books of the Year
"A brazen attempt to construct a parable for our times." --Booklist
"A decidedly different approach to the man who discovered America." –The New York Post


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Browsing wedding venues is among the very first steps of planning your big day. But with so many wedding venues to choose from, how do you find The One? First, consider the style of venue you'd like: Garden or beach? Ballroom or barn? Then, read reviews of wedding venues in your desired city and select a few to tour in person. Happy venue hunting!
WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE YOUR DAY "SPECIAL"! Whether inside our beautiful cedar lodge, or lakeside under majestic oaks and sky high palms in the presence of a glorious sunset, romance is in the air. For Weddings and Receptions, we are the perfect choice for those seeking a premiere... (Wedding Venues Haines City)
The Lake Eva Park Banquet Hall is located in the Heart of Central Florida, overlooking beautiful Lake Eva and Haines City's exciting newly renovated Lake Eva Park. This state of the art 30,000 square foot facility can host a variety of events from weddings and parties to meetings and conventions.... (Wedding Venues Haines City)
The Country Club of Winter Haven is a wedding venue in Florida that would suit couples seeking to have their wedding at a venue that comes complete with the best of the indoors and outdoors. A great setting for both large and small wedding parties, there is ample room for a number of different types... (Country Club Weddings Winter Haven)
Venue 650 is a historic wedding venue located in Winter Haven, Florida that was originally home to The Florida Chief newspaper, dating back to 1911. While it boasts plenty of charm, the venue also boasts the convenience of being near the big cities of Tampa and Orlando and all the activities and... (Historic Weddings Winter Haven)
Blue View Barn is a wedding venue located in Winter Haven, Florida that provides a true country setting, This family-owned and operated blueberry farm sits on 28 acres with tall pine and oak trees Facilities and Capacity Blue View Barn offers a one or two day event venue which accommodates up to 150... (Barn & Farm Weddings Winter Haven)
Town Manor on the Lake B&B is a historic lakeside wedding venue in Auburndale, Florida, which is centrally located between Tampa and Orlando. The intimate waterfront inn overlooks the pristine Lake Juliana, creating the perfect setting for classic and vintage-inspired weddings. Their team is devoted... (Mansion Weddings Auburndale)
The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is a hotel and wedding venue in ChampionsGate, Florida. Located in a beautiful, master-planned community, this resort will impress even the most discerning wedding couple with attentive service, exceptional banquet room facilities and luxury guest... (Hotel Weddings)
Sunny Acres Lodge is a rustic wedding venue located in Tampa, Florida. Established in the 1960s, this elegant ranch is set in the heart of Central Florida on 1,200 beautiful acres, offering a unique lodge space and stunning scenic views. Their expert staff will create and design a wedding that is a... (Hotel Weddings Polk City)
The Club at Eaglebrooke is a country club wedding venue located in Lakeland, Florida. This venue provides couples with a number of special event spaces, including multiple banquet halls that can be combined for larger weddings. This country club offers couples stunning views of their surrounding... (Country Club Weddings Lakeland)
Oak-K-Farm is a stunning wedding venue located in Lakeland, Florida. This venue is perfect for couples wanting a unique vintage farm-style wedding experience. From the beautiful scenery, trees, antiques and rustic wedding reception hall, your celebration will be unique and leave your guests with... (Barn & Farm Weddings Lakeland)
Rocking H Ranch is a vintage-style wedding venue located in Tampa, Florida. This rustic venue is conveniently located minutes from town, but also provides a serene, private atmosphere featuring lush gardens, magnificent 100-year-old grandfather oaks, and a tropical paradise flair. Facilities and... (Barn & Farm Weddings Lakeland)
S Bar S Barn is a rustic, outdoorsy wedding venue located in Tampa, Florida. From the beautiful outdoor setting to the spacious, authentic wooden barn, this venue provides vintage charm and a breathtaking backdrop for your once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Their expert event planners will handle every... (Barn & Farm Weddings Lakeland)


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These past couple of days, I've been trying to build a morning routine, which consists of a simple set of activities. I put the morning routine on Trello, one of the new productivity apps I'm crazy about. I can write a lot about Trello or about this morning routine, but let's reserve that for future posts, shall we?
What I'd like to highlight, though, is the bits on Meditation and writing on my journal. Keeping silent and meditating for 5-10 minutes daily had been helpful so far. It's helping me be more focused and mindful of the things I need to do. Couple that with the practice of writing on a journal and I become better at thinking through my goals, my frustrations, and even the source of my frustrations and personal issues.
It's also helping me be more vulnerable.
Vulnerability. It's a scary word. And when I try it, even on the pages of my journal, I run into a blank, thick wall inside my mind. The words won't flow and I hesitate to proceed. I have a suspicion where this hesitation comes from.
You see, I am a Preachers' Kid (PK). Both of my parents are pastors in our denomination. Growing up as a PK, most people look at us and expect to see a halo over our heads and wings folded behind our backs. That is to say, that they expect us to display the BEST behavior ALWAYS! It's as if we don't have any right at all to do what normal kids do–get naughty and boisterous.
With that setting, I learned to always put my best foot forward, burying my flaws, while fearing that when people discover my deepest, darkest, secrets, people will shun me and they will blame my parents for being bad pastors and parents.
I'm doing way better now. I have come to terms with my PK upbringing, but every now and then the fear to be vulnerable rears its ugly head and I tend to erect my barriers quickly.
Then, I heard about Brene Brown's TED Talk while listening to the On Being Podcast with Krista Tippett. "Courage is borne out of vulnerability, not strength."
Here's the TED Talk of Brene Brown where she talks about the importance of vulnerability.
That is such a powerful affirmation for a writer. To get a story, an anecdote, and simple thoughts on paper, we risk vulnerability. We risk being misunderstood. We risk being judged. The cynical me could always say "I'm used to that!" In lighter moments, I could also say "I have a reputation to keep", you know, being suplado and all that. But even while saying that, the hesitation to write, to be vulnerable is always there.
Being vulnerable is definitely difficult, but the path to courage lies there. This is the reason why I'm reviving this blog so I could post more personal rants and reflections beyond the stuff I usually write in my books and at PinoyYuppie.com and PinoyYouth.org


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Subscribe To Super Meat Boy Dev Says They Won't Work With Microsoft Again Updates
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Team Meat, now known for their widely popular PC and Xbox Live Arcade title, Super Meat Boy, has openly dissed Microsoft. That's right, joining Sony on the mudslinging wagon, the developer says they won't be working on the 360 or with Microsoft again.
The story comes courtesy of Develop, who interviewed co-founder, Edmund McMillen. He confessed that the commercial partnership between Team Meat and Microsoft is over...
"I don't think we'll work with them [Microsoft] ever again,"… "We've not had one [discount] sale [on Xbox] since our initial launch, and I don't know if that's going to happen,"…"Whenever we ask, and we actively ask monthly if we can be included in a sale or get any kind of promotion, they say no."Basically, they refuse to work with Microsoft again unless they get a little bit more creative and marketing control, but I doubt that's going to happen. Edmund also admitted that no one at Microsoft seemed to care and only one producer helped them out during the transition of getting the game on the Live Arcade.
This is just another of the many surmounting public-bash sessions on Microsoft and the Xbox platform, following in the footsteps of Sony and Valve's Gabe Newell. Even Ubisoft acquiesced that the current generation consoles have been limiting to their creative visions.
A few readers believe that Team Meat burned some bridges going public about Microsoft's practices and/or lack of support, while other readers tend to think that it serves the industry well to public put Microsoft on the spot for bad business practice.
For now, though, Team Meat is working on The Binding of Isaac and they seem to be happy with the sales they're receiving from Super Meat Boy being on Steam. You can learn more about the developer and their games over at the Official Website.


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Car Care Tips: Battery Care
If you want your car to keep on starting, take care of your battery.
Basic Battery Car from Popular Mechanics
There's nothing but a loud buzzing noise coming from under the hood when you try to start your car. Jumper cables get you up and scurrying to work--but you need another jump to get home. Time to pull some maintenance on the battery.
Automotive batteries have a finite life span. Undercharging, overcharging and heat all team up to degrade your battery. Poor electrical connections make it more difficult for even a good battery to do its job.
Start any battery maintenance program by checking open-cell voltage, either with a dedicated battery tester or a voltmeter. With the battery fully charged and all electrical drains-dome light, warning buzzer, etc.-shut down, the voltage across the terminals should be 12.5 to 12.6 volts. If the battery is not completely charged, but still adequate to turn over the motor, you may see a voltage closer to 12.0 volts.
If the battery shows less voltage or won't take a charge, it's time to get out the hydrometer. This device checks the proportions of sulfuric acid and water in the electrolyte, which is a precise indication of the level of charge. Pull up the battery fill caps--if you can. Add distilled water to any cells in which the level of electrolyte isn't touching the bottom of the fill port. Use only distilled water. The minerals in tap water will eventually reduce a battery's capacity.
If your battery is one of the so-called low-maintenance varieties, you may not see any filler caps. These batteries claim to never need water added. While it's true that they have a slightly different chemistry that consumes less water, and the level of electrolyte in the cells is deeper over the top of the plates, eventually these batteries run out of water and die. Look carefully and see if there is a way to pull up a set of filler caps. They may be hidden under a sticker that can be slit open. Others are permanently sealed shut.
If the level of electrolyte is very low, suspect a charging system that's generating too high a voltage. The maximum voltage you should see across the battery terminals with a fully charged battery and an engine running well above idle is about 14.6 volts. Another cause of low electrolyte is excessive heat. Sun Belt drivers should top up battery levels regularly because underhood temps will climb high enough to drive water out of the battery very rapidly, even if the charging system is doing its job correctly. If your vehicle came with an insulator around the battery, be sure it's in place and in good shape.
Car Battery Care - Family handyman
How to take care of Automotive Batteries - WikiHow
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Car Care Tips: Battery Care
Posted by Unknown at 7:00 AM
Labels: Battery, Car care, Maintenance
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Functional Rehabilitation
If you are like most of us the majority of your day is split between sitting in a car, working at a desk, and finally relaxed on a couch before starting over again. It makes sense that these poor postures and habits will take their toll over time. Your body's structure directly affects its ability to function optimally. Unfortunately, many people wait until their bodies break down before seeking professional advice.
First Move Well, Then Move Often
Once we have a complete understanding of what brings you in we will literally start from the ground up and guide you one-on-one through a targeted program to rehabilitate your specific issue for good!
Many patients remark the common sense approach and level of detail are completely different from previous experiences with physical therapy. At the conclusion of your care you will know how to avoid common movement faults that get people into trouble, and ultimately how to keep your problem from coming back!


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For the 5th Annual Deaf Awareness Day, we celebrated the day with some new and old traditions! Thank you to over 200 community members who braved the rain and cooler temperatures to watch Guilford County Deaf Education students sign the National Anthem, to see the first pitch by Dr. Sharon Contreras, meet the signing Frog Princess, to chat with friends, to spend Babe's Bucks, and to enjoy live fireworks!
The CSDHH team values the collaboration of our community partners: Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Greensboro Regional Center and Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Davidson County for their planning efforts to make this event accessible and community centered. Additionally, we appreciate all of the UNC Greensboro students who volunteered their time to help ensure that all attendees had a safe and fun experience!
CSDHH would also like to recognize Reserving Royalty, located in High Point, and Sorenson Communications for making meaningful donations towards Deaf Awareness Day! Thank you for your support towards this annual community event!
See you next year!


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REC Solar will open its 11th office in California to meet the growing demand for solar in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Residents of the Inland Empire can go solar with little to no upfront costs, saving money on their electricity bills immediately. REC Solar will hire up to 50 sales and marketing professionals in the Inland Empire region to meet local demand for solar.
"With abundant sunshine, the Inland Empire is an ideal place for clean, affordable solar energy to thrive," said John Bumgarner, Regional Sales Manager for REC Solar. "REC Solar has already worked with over 150 homeowners in the region to install solar systems that reduce electricity costs. With a 100 percent satisfaction rate from local customers, we've made the decision to open a regional office and hire area residents to better serve this expanding market."
Thanks to a partnership with solar financing company Sunrun, Inland Empire homeowners can go solar with no to low upfront costs and reduce their energy bills from day one. Area residents can also finance their solar installations through HERO Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, a program sponsored by the Western Riverside Council of Governments that offers low cost, fixed rate financing for solar and efficiency home upgrades that is repaid through an assessment on homeowners' property tax bill. As of spring 2013, more than 6,000 homeowners had been approved for HERO PACE financing.


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So this is Christmas....Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Rather, I should be saying "So this was Christmas..." since it is now New Years Eve and I am finally sharing some photos from Christmas. On the day that was supposed to be our fourth Christmas dinner, my hubby was very sick with a virus. He's doing a lot better now after three days of over-the-counter drugs and lots of TLC. So, we will be celebrating our fourth dinner tomorrow. Christmas doesn't always have to be on or around Christmas, right?
I must say that Christmas 2013 was a very sweet one: not nearly as hectic as usual and hubby and I had a lot more time to sit and enjoy our family. On Christmas Eve, we visited my Grandparents' nursing home. We had a nice room to ourselves and this was the first time I got to see my brother since he arrived home the previous week. Seeing him was the single best Christmas gift this season! I've been making it a point to take a group family photo each year. So far we're two for two on the 'group family photo.' Bazinga! I also made it a point to take a few 'not looking at the camera' photos this year. I really love how the below three came out: my Mom showing my brother old photos of our family, and my sister and cousin spending time together. They're besties!
We always have two dinners on Christmas Eve. I don't mind it because I really enjoy both of them very much. The second dinner is on hubby's side and always drags long into the night. I love that we honor some of the Polish traditions like breaking the Oplatek, and play Steal the Present and sit on Santa's lap. Every year I beg my hubby to take photos with Santa, so I'm thrilled these were captured! (And I especially love the left photo of my hubby with Santa because this year, Santa was played by his brother!)
Most of Christmas Day was spent visiting Alex's Grandma and Great Aunt at their respective nursing homes. Before I left home, I spent the morning wrapping gifts and watching 24 hours of a Christmas Story. Being able to watch the entire movie in one sitting is like winning the lottery! While I was out, my hubby took some photos of our bunnies, Murphy and Maria, exploring underneath the Christmas tree. Our gift to them was giving them access under the tree, which was off limits all the other days our tree was up.
Definitely not another get-together, but the day after Christmas, my brother, cousins, and I went exploring in downtown Chicago. I find Chicago simply magical during the holiday season and we went to the Bean, visited Marshall Field's (now known as Macy's, but will always be Marshall Field's to true Chicagoans) and the Christmas Tree, and went ice skating. We bought Frango Mints (my favorite chocolate ever!) and did tons and tons of walking. By the end of the day, we were completely exhausted!
The following day, I visited my other Grandparents. I know I am more than blessed to have all four of my Grandparents still around and never take advantage of that. Being able to squeeze so much family time into my holiday makes my heart endlessly happy. But now we say farewell to the holiday and farewell to 2013. So, I wish you and yours a very happy 2014!!
Kelster Jean


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30 riders contest the last 2015 St Neots CC Time Trial
(N.B. Start Time for 27th August is 7pm and not 7.15p)
Compared with the previous week the conditions were almost tropical for the 25 riders ready to contest the penultimate TT of the 2015 season. However what could not be ignored was the wind which had an impact on almost all the riders.
Tuesday 18th August saw the Second V.C.C. Chevaliers circuit race at Alconbury. The club turn out was impressive to say the least.
In attendance were Simon "C(o)unt" Rinaldo, Gary "Anyone seen my HRM" Newman, Adrian "Don't tell Vicki about the wheels" Lancaster, Richard "Road Rash" Ostler, David "What do you mean we all go off at once?" Lindsay, Lee "Swiss army bike" Houghton, Wayne "Fluro is fast" Tunnah, Chris "Anyone got a tube?" Green, Paul "everyone looks fast" Haynes, Mark Mossop and Daniel Grant, I'm sure there were more but I missed them, so apologies if I've not named you.
N.B. Start Time for 20th August is 7pm and not 7.15pm
Conditions were not ideal for the 15 riders ready to contest the third last TT of the season. The heavens had already provided an early indication that rain, thunder and lightning were in the air, however they all held off for the start at 7.15pm.
The club is very pleased to announce that we have been accepted for affiliation to the Central Cyclocross League for the coming season; one of the main 'cross leagues in the country and with races for all ages and abilities which will allow SNCC members to compete both individually and in team events 'closed' to non-affiliated clubs or riders.
25 riders were ready at the start line to contest one of the few remaining TTs of the 2015 season and despite the reasonably favourable conditions the course only yielded 6 PBs for the 18 SNCC club members in attendance. First home in a time of 26:04 was the ever consistent Nic Pillinger with two of our regular guest riders, Jason Stuart and Karl Hiner, taking second and third spots respectively with times of 26:14 and 26:38.
The dreaded traffic lights made yet another appearance on the 11.2 mile Abbotsley TT course this evening, therefore curtailing the length of the time trial course and we started on the flat area before the hill into the village. So no PBs this evening. However, this did not prevent some very good performances from a number of riders and at the end of the evening a number were speculating as to how they would have performed on the full course.
There was an excellent turn out of 29 riders this evening to test themselves on the challenging 11.2 mile circuit around Abbotsley and with 22 points on offer for the best Handicap time this was an excellent night to set a PB or be close to your PB to be in contention for the 2015 Handicap Trophy.
There were 26 riders at the start line this evening, and with the prospect of the wind behind the riders for the first three miles, it was likely that PBs would be a feature of the night. Of the 18 SNCC riders 9 managed to push themselves to PBs.
The Ashman Trophy dates back to 1938 and is now awarded to the rider with the best handicap time following two laps of the 11.2 mile Abbotsley TT course . The handicap time is twice your handicap time from the Thursday evening TTs. The 2015 race was held on Sunday 12th July and the weather around 7am did not augur well for a dry course to allow the riders to perform to their best.


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Course Details
|1 hour
|License Options:
|Single Seat (90 days access)
Multi-seat (1 year access)
Course Description
This course explains your rights and responsibilities as a worker on the job in Ontario, and what the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires from workers, supervisors and employers.
It is important to understand what the law says and means so that you know your roles and responsibilities, and how this knowledge helps you to stay safe at work. You also need to be aware of common hazards in the workplace, and what to watch out for.
Managers, supervisors, and employers are encouraged to take the Health and Safety Awareness for Ontario Supervisors course.
Topics include:
- The rights of workers under the OHSA: the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse unsafe work
- The duties of workers under the OHSA
- The duties of employers and supervisors under the OHSA
- The roles of joint health and safety committees and health and safety representatives
- Common workplace hazards and occupational illnesses
Upon completion of the course you will:
- Know your health and safety responsibilities and rights in Ontario
- Understand the importance of the the internal responsibility system (IRS), and the duties of the employer, supervisor and worker
- Be aware of common workplace hazards, including repetitive movements; slips, trips and falls; working near vehicles; using or working near machinery; and workplace violence
- Know where to go for help
Average time to complete this course is approximately one hour.
Under the new Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation of the OHSA, which comes into force on July 1, 2014, all employers in Ontario must ensure that their workers complete a basic health and safety awareness training program. This course meets this requirement.
Case studies, quizzes and a final exam help to measure and encourage learning. Upon finishing the course, participants will be able to print a Certificate of Completion. With the purchase of a multi-seat account, employers are able to track and demonstrate that their workers have successfully completed the course.
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This course is recommended for Ontario workers and joint health and safety committee members. Managers, supervisors and employers may also find this course helpful.
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This course is delivered as an on-line e-learning course. All you need is a computer, access to the Internet - and you are ready to go! This e-learning course is designed to help you learn at your own pace and in your own environment at your own convenience.
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CCOHS courses are unique in that they are developed by subject specialists in the field, and reviewed by representatives from labour, employers and government to ensure the content and approach are unbiased and credible.
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Vubiz offers other related e-learning courses that may also be of interest to you. Read about them in the Vubiz Catalogue of e-learning courses.


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One of my favorite assignments this year was photographing Clyde and Janet Beal at their historic Britain Mill on Turnback Creek. It was a feature for Feast and you can read more about the mill on their site. Clyde and Janet purchased the mill, which has been there in one form or another since 1840, as a retirement project and have done an amazing job restoring it. I have a big interest in old houses, barns and traditional buildings so it was a joy to spend the afternoon at the mill.
Turnback Creek


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A Zero-Index WaveguideOctober 11, 2017
A zero-index waveguide stretches a wave of light infinitely long, creating a constant phase throughout the wire.
(Image courtesy of Second Bay Studios/Harvard SEAS).*
In 2015, researchers at the lab of Prof. Eric Mazur developed the first on-chip metamaterial with a refractive index of zero, meaning that the phase of light could be stretched infinitely long. The metamaterial represented a new method to manipulate light and was an important step forward for integrated photonic circuits, which use light rather than electrons to perform a wide variety of functions.
Now, the researchers have pushed that technology further – developing a zero-index waveguide compatible with current silicon photonic technologies. In doing so, the team observed a physical phenomenon that is usually unobservable — a standing wave of light.
The research is published in ACS Photonics**. The Harvard Office of Technology Development has filed a patent application and is exploring commercialization opportunities.
When a wavelength of light moves through a material, its crests and troughs get condensed or stretched, depending on the properties of the material. How much the crests of a light wave are condensed is expressed as a ratio called the refractive index — the higher the index, the more squished the wavelength.
When the refractive index is reduced to zero the light no longer behaves as a moving wave, traveling through space in a series of crests and troughs, otherwise known as phases. Instead, the wave is stretched infinitely long, creating a constant phase. The phase oscillates only as a variable of time, not space...
*Continue reading "A Zero-Iindex Waveguide: Researchers Directly Observe Infinitely Long Wavelengths for the First Yime" by Leah Burrows, October 9, 2017. https://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2017/10/zero-index-waveguide.
**O. Reshef, P. Camayd-Muñoz, D.I. Vulis, Y. Li, M. Lonc̆ar, and E. Mazur, "Direct Observation of Phase-Free Propagation in a Silicon Waveguide," ACS Photonics (Oct 9, 2017) DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.7b00760.


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LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Rookie Oscar host Seth MacFarlane casually slung a string of zingers at some of Hollywood's biggest names, including a musical tribute to female frontal nudity in the movies, as he launched the Academy Awards show Sunday on a decisively edgy note.
First-time Oscar producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan recruited MacFarlane in a bid to inject a greater sense of the unexpected, and hopefully bigger television ratings, a year after veteran host Billy Crystal performed his ninth stint at the helm of the live broadcast.
And MacFarlane fully embraced his role as provocateur-in-chief.
In an opening monologue and package of song-and-dance numbers obviously calculated to live up to, and even lampoon, his own reputation for pushing the boundaries of taste, MacFarlane put his biting, sardonic brand of humour front and centre.
He started off joking that Best Picture front-runner and eventual winner, "Argo," about a real-life clandestine CIA operation to rescue American hostages from Iran, was "so top secret that the film's director is unknown to the Academy."
The barb was a not-so-subtle jab at members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for failing to nominate Ben Affleck as best director for the critically acclaimed film.
"They know they screwed up," MacFarlane added, as the camera panned to a shot of Affleck, looking somewhat uncomfortable in his seat. "Ben, it's not your fault."
The edgy quotient quickly escalated as MacFarlane described another best-film candidate, "Django Unchained," as the slavery-era "story of a man fighting to get back his woman who has been subjected to unthinkable violence - or as Chris Brown and Rihanna call it, a date movie."
The punch line reference to the physical abuse involved in the relationship between the two R&B singers - Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna in 2009 - drew an audible groan from the star-studded Dolby Theatre audience.
"Oh, no, that's what we were afraid he would do," MacFarlane dead-panned.
Lustier groans came later in the evening when MacFarlane, talking about the portrait of the 16th president of the United States in the Oscar-nominated film "Lincoln," quipped that "the actor who really got into Lincoln's head was John Wilkes Booth."
"One-hundred and fifty years (since Lincoln's assassination) and it's still too soon, huh?", MacFarlane laughed, seemingly taken aback at the response.
MacFarlane's performance should not have come as too big a surprise. The comedian, actor and singer made his mark as creator of the animated TV series, "Family Guy," a show known for its ribald satire, much of it aimed at Hollywood conventions.
And MacFarlane, 39, wasted no time in sending up his own risqué persona, in a comedy bit with actor William Shatner, who joined the host on stage via a video screen in the character of Captain Kirk from the sci-fi TV and film series "Star Trek."
In his fictional drop-in visit from the future, Shatner warns MacFarlane he is "destroying the Academy Awards" with jokes that are "tasteless and inappropriate."
But the interlude segued into a song-and-dance number by MacFarlane showcasing his vocal chops to a tune called "We Saw Your Boobs," in which he rhapsodically ticked off the names of various A-list Hollywood actresses who have bared their breasts in films over the years.
Admonished by Shatner to sing songs that celebrate the movies rather than mock them, MacFarlane proceeded to deliver a more respectful rendering of the showbiz standard, "The Way You Look Tonight," joined on stage in elegant dance by actress Charlize Theron ("Snow White and the Huntsman") and actor Channing Tatum ("Magic Mike").
In the way that many cartoons, including MacFarlane's own "Family Guy" series, operate on different levels for kids and their parents, this year's Oscar telecast seemed especially designed to play to more than one TV audience.
Early reviews of MacFarlane's maiden performance were mixed. The Washington Post called it "a fairly middle-of-the-road job as host," while USA Today said it appeared to be an "audition for his own variety show."
The Los Angeles Times was more upbeat, saying he "alternated between making hamburgers out of Hollywood's sacred cows and showing fealty to good old-fashioned showbiz spectacle."
MacFarlane's more provocative turns were offset by some of the more traditional pomp typical of Hollywood's biggest night, including a 50th-anniversary montage salute to James Bond films, capped by veteran singer Shirley Bassey, now 76, reprising her title song from the 1964 film "Goldfinger."
In another highlight of the evening, songstress, actress and director Barbara Streisand, 70, took the stage to perform her signature hit "The Way We Were," from her 1973 film of the same name, in a tribute to the song's Oscar-winning composer, Marvin Hamlisch, who died last year.
In addition to hosting, MacFarlane was a best-song nominee himself this year for writing the lyrics to the song "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from his R-rated comedy hit film "Ted," about a pot-smoking, foul-mouthed teddy bear.
The award went to "Skyfall," the title song from the latest Bond film, performed at the Oscars by British vocalist Adele.
Additional reporting by Lisa Baertlein and Eric Kelsey; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra Maler


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We have a guest blogger who has been living in apartments and would like to offer his experiences and his thoughts to pass on to apartment management and those interested in Apartment Careers. Reid Nichols is the author of The Green Middle found on Multifamily Insider.
Apartment Careers Blog
1 Comment Click here to read/write comments


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The letter discussed in this release is available online at http://bit.ly/1fiRbq2
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 27, 2014: More than 30 labor, civil rights, environmental, good government and other groups today released a letter urging Senators to support candidates for the federal judiciary who bring diverse professional experiences to the bench.
An event in February hosted by Alliance for Justice and 13 other organizations brought to light the need for more federal judges who have experience working on behalf of the public interest, whether as public defenders, attorneys who represent individuals like employees or consumers, civil and human rights advocates, or lawyers at public interest organizations. President Obama's 2014 judicial nominees will help to meet this need, as three-quarters of them – nine out of 12 – have experience as criminal defense lawyers or plaintiffs' attorneys.
"President Obama's 2014 nominees are an important step toward bringing a balance of backgrounds to the federal judiciary," said AFJ President Nan Aron. "Today, we join more than 30 other organizations in urging Senators to use their vital role in the nominations process to help President Obama keep up the good work."
The letter explains the value of professional diversity on the bench:
When a judge decides whether a claim is "plausible," or whether a witness is "credible," or whether police officers, when they stopped and searched a pedestrian, acted "reasonably," her determination is necessarily influenced by the nature of her work as a lawyer up to that point. Thus, when judges have varied professional backgrounds, they are equipped to understand the views of each litigant before them, and to render more informed, thorough decisions.
And it zeroes in on the key role of Senators, noting that
…the professional diversity of the president's district court nominees depends largely on the selection process of each home state senator, and the candidates they recommend to the White House for nomination.
The letter urges Senators to:
- Actively recruit and encourage lawyers with professionally diverse backgrounds to apply for judicial vacancies in their home states;
- Consider whether a candidate's experience would add needed professional diversity to the judiciary before making a recommendation to the president;
- Consider professional diversity when assembling judicial selection commissions, and select commissioners who themselves have public interest experience; and
- Support nominees both in their home states and in other states who have worked in the public interest and advocated for civil and human rights.
The letter is signed by:
Alliance for Justice
American Association for Justice
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC)
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
Brennan Center for Justice
Center for Justice and Democracy
Common Cause
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Defenders of Wildlife
EarthRights International
Equal Justice Society
Equal Rights Advocates
The Feminist Majority
Human Rights Campaign
Justice at Stake
Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW)
National Education Association
National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA)
National Women's Law Center
People for the American Way Foundation
Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund (SALDEF)
The UAW
Voices for Progress
Alliance for Justice (www.afj.org) is a national association of over 100 organizations, representing a broad array of groups committed to progressive values and the creation of an equitable, just, and free society. Through our justice programs, we lead the progressive community in the fight for a fair judiciary, and through our advocacy programs, we help nonprofits and foundations to realize their advocacy potential.


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Dubuque, Bottom's Up!/
Would you believe I spent time trying to come up with a catchy headline and that's what I settled with? Meh, it's Friday at 5:15pm. After much prep and updates, changes, material, and ink. We finally finished my latest t-shirt design. I wanted to create a tourist shirt that lets people know what Dubuque's all about. Da-booooze Iowa.. get it.. ok, I'm done.. I'm stupid.. no more workie.
If you are interested in purchasing one they are exclusively sold at Murph's Tap in Dubuque Iowa.
*T-Shirts printed at FGC Creative in Dubuque, Iowa.


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Outlander is encouraging more people to live and work in the Highlands thanks to a huge boost in interest created by the hit sci-fi series, a recruitment internet firm claims.
The Outlander tours season is just starting .
HIJOBS says the time-travelling Jacobean epic – which has made household names of actors Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser and Caitriona Balfe as Claire Fraser – has had major implications for the job market in the area.
Legacy of the Jacobites online course launched by Edinburgh University and National Museums of Scotland
Outlander gifts , including mugs, t-shirts, prints and posters are online now
Arguably one of the biggest stars of the series and the biggest scene-stealer has been Scotland itself with its stunning landscapes and historic buildings, towns and villages.
Outlander has boosted the economy, visitor numbers and now jobs
HIJOBS' Laura Saunders says: "Things are looking good at the start of the 2018 tourist season. As Visit Scotland has said, the 'Outlander effect' continues to benefit many places featured in the cult TV series, as well as others with Jacobite connections.
"The Glenfinnan Monument, just 16 miles from our Fort William office, saw a staggering 58 per cent increase in visitors last year; Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre is up by 28 per cent, year-on-year; Castle Fraser by nearly half, and Glasgow Cathedral by a third."
The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions announced that visits to its member sites rose dramatically in 2017 for the fourth year running.
Meanwhile the film company is currently working on the next Outlander series.
At its base – a former Cumbernauld factory – a field nearby was turned into the Culloden battlefield.
Falkland and Culross were also amongst communities experiencing the Outlander magic for themselves.
Venues used have included Blackness Castle, doubling as the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall, which has seen visitors rise year-on-year by 44 per cent.
Doune Castle , doubling as Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan, saw numbers up 42 per cent.
The latest available figures show that spending by tourists in Scotland generates around £12 billion of economic activity for the wider Scottish supply chain and contributes around £6 billion to Scottish GDP, representing about five per cent of total Scottish GDP.
The tourism industry in Scotland supports more than 217,000 jobs accounting for around 8.5 per cent of employment in the country.
Laura added: "We have the two-year Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund due to start in the coming financial year. This is all good news for the Highland economy and job market."
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said when announcing the project: "The tourist boom that our country is enjoying is great news.
"It means more jobs and investment but it can also mean pressure on transport, services and facilities – especially in rural areas. The Scottish Government is determined to help."
Spending on film and TV in Scotland hits record high
Fiona Hyslop Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs added: "Last year was another hugely successful year for our world-class visitor attractions. Tourism is of vital importance to communities throughout Scotland, stimulating economic growth."
Visit the Kelpies


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What Do I Need to Know About Life Insurance Inside a Qualified Plan?
Qualified retirement plans are designed to encourage employees to save money now so that they will have enough to sustain themselves when they are no longer working.
A plan like this meets all the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, which means it is eligible for certain tax benefits.
Employer contributions are deductible for the employer and tax deferred for employees, within certain limits. The money that employees authorize their employers to divert into these savings plans – called elective deferral contributions – is tax deferred.
Earnings on these monies are also tax deferred. Participants pay income tax when they receive distributions from their plans.
In simpler terms, a qualified plan is a tax-favored accumulation vehicle. Permanent (cash value) life insurance can also be used as an accumulation vehicle. In these cases, premiums are paid with after-tax dollars, and the death benefit is income tax free.
However, paying life insurance and annuity premiums with qualified-plan dollars is controversial. Why put an accumulation vehicle that enjoys tax-deferred treatment inside a plan that, by definition, is tax deferred?
Life insurance and annuities are relatively expensive, in part because agents who work off a commission sell a majority of them. This leaves producers open to allegations that their sale pitches may be aimed more at filling their own wallets, rather than helping customers.
When asked why he targeted banks, bank robber Willie Sutton, as the legend does, replied, "Because that's where the money is". Miners headed to California in 1849 because they heard that gold was there.
Selling life insurance is a tough, but financially rewarding job for those who master their field. Selling annuities is easier, but the temptation to sell high-commission life policies is also there.
The truth is, commission payouts are life and annuity producers' bread and butter. The fact that this business is highly commission-driven draws the attention of regulators who are increasingly focused on market conduct.
The plaintiffs' bar (i.e., attorneys) already has noticed that life insurance and annuities are being sold within qualified plans. Complaints have been filed and cases are pending.
Qualified plan – including employee stock-ownership plans – offer life insurance to participants as long as the U.S. Treasury's "incidental benefit" rule is being met.
Meaning, life insurance must be secondary to the plan's mission of providing retirement income. The incidental rule is generally satisfied if the cost of the life insurance is less than 25 percent of the cost of benefits under the plan.
In addition to the 25 percent rule, there's also the 100 to 1 test, which means the initial amount of life insurance protection cannot exceed 100 times the monthly annuity payable upon retirement. It does not limit the death benefit, but instead, it provides a safe harbor for plan trustees.
On or before retirement, the plan must surrender the life insurance and use the cash value to provide retirement benefits or distribute the policy to the participant. In general, the cash value of the life insurance policy must be included as taxable income in the year the distribution is made.
However, a better measure of the value of the life insurance policy may be the policy reserve maintained by the life insurance company.
Only recently have annuities inside qualified retirement plans become controversial. In some cases, annuities are the traditional funding vehicle.
For example, two of the three permissible investment vehicles for most 403(b) plans are annuities-fixed, variable annuities, and mutual funds. The controversy focuses on variable annuities, which typically have considerably higher expenses charges than mutual funds.
Again, the argument centers on funding a tax-deferred plan with a high-expense investment vehicle – a variable annuity. This is a fair concern, since there are several alternative investment vehicles that have lower expense charges than variable annuities.
Solving this problem is theoretically easy.
If you must find a qualified plan with variable annuities, make sure the cost is comparable to the mutual fund alternative Several companies offer low-cost variable annuities, but they don't pay any agent commission.
Therein lies the problem.
We have come full circle back to the fact that this is a commission-driven business. Logically, variable-annuity sales should be a tiny fraction of what they are. A fee-only financial adviser usually recommends a variable annuity, only when the client has a maximized qualified pension plan and individual retirement account contributions – and has cash left to invest.
Quite simply, the public does not seek out variable annuities; agents sell them to the public. The same is true about life insurance.
Producers often urge affluent clients to allocate some of their qualified retirements funds to life insurance and annuity contracts. The sales pitch inevitably stresses the tax benefit of purchasing these products within a qualified plan.
Keep in mind that most tax professionals will say that letting tax considerations drive the decision-making process is a bad idea. It always comes back to haunt you.
Including life insurance inside a qualified plan in fraught with complexity. Absent careful planning, the ability to avoid estate taxes and some income taxes on the death benefit will be lost.
The combined effect could mean loss of 70 percent to 80 percent of the death benefit and/or the accumulated value.


text: Early adopters, leaders and curiosity seekers that have vested interest in the city – join us on our path to innovating Detroit. Welcome to Detroitisit, a digital communication lab for how cities and the individuals that comprise them interact with one another. We're activating content to activate you and those around you. This is where storytelling and digital tools intersect for immediate and long term civic and social impact.


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An earlier Leaf Collecting post recalled a speaker on a long-past edition of BBC's Newsnight who suggested that a major reason why World War One was being still remembered after a century was the number of its soldier-poets who were still studied at school.
A more recent piece on the BBC website by poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan wondered whether our common view of the World War One experience as one of horror and disgust is actually false, and whether it has been skewed by one single poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen.
Part of McMillan's argument is that it was two poetry anthologies published independently in the 1960s, by Brian Gardner and Ian Parsons, which established and emphasised this bleak pessimistic view of the war. This was in line with the anti-war views shared at that time by many liberal writers, academics and broadcasters. This was an era of fear of nuclear war prompted by the Cuban Missile Crisis, the first wave of popularity of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and protests against the Vietnam War. The social and political climate also boosted the popularity of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem.
McMillan's view is shared by Tim Kendall, who has edited a recent collection of World War One poetry. Kendall suggests that Brian Gardner actually provided false information about Owen, for example that the latter was prone to share "horror photographs" with contemporaries who had less combat experience. He adds that the Latin epithet which is part of Owen's title was used 20 years earlier in a newspaper report by the rather more bellicose Winston Churchill and therefore its application here was not quite as "original" or "revolutionary" as Owen fans have suggested.
My own collection of the poetry is a later one, The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry, in a revised edition from 1996. As well as the familiar names, it includes female poets and combatants from Austria, Germany, France and Italy.
Whose poetic experience is the more authentic? When I was young, my impressions were in line with McMillan's: it was Owen who was the orthodoxy, the accepted spokesperson, with Isaac Rosenberg acquiring some status as the only significant poet who was not an officer. Recently it appears that David Jones and In Parenthesis have been pushed further towards the top of the pantheon.
The one weakness in an argument that earlier readers of Owen inherited the flawed critical perspectives of the 1960s, in my opinion, is that many more of those readers had direct experience of war. Men and women alike might have served in the forces or in reserved occupations at home during World War Two, and others had done National Service. School-age readers had fathers or older relatives who had served – although admittedly, if they were like my Dad or David Hepworth's, they never spoke about it.
I was really struck when I saw Mike Leigh's 1950s-set film Vera Drake by that pub scene where men discuss briefly their different war experiences: such moments must have been a powerful and intimate bond between many of those more introvert individuals.
The status of particular works of art keeps changing, because the ways audiences respond keep changing. Except for that one crucial fact, that far fewer readers or viewers of war stories today have had personal experience of the hardship and danger and sacrifice which are being described and presented to them.


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Do's and don'ts when chasing the Northern Lights!
I think most of you are familiar with the 'bucket list' concept. (Yes, this list of things that keeps on growing, because no matter how many topics you get to cross off, there's always more to discover in this world).
Are the Northern lights on your bucket list?
- Yes? Great! Now put it in your top 5 and stop making excuses on why this won't be possible yet.
- No? Are you from another planet? Put it on your bucket list ASAP!
The Northern Lights, officially known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon, caused by the collision of magnetospheric charged particles and solar winds. I won't get into the scientific details here, but I guess you could compare it to a cocktail. If the right ingredients are put together, you get an amazing result.
The Northern lights will go from bright green, to red, pink and purple. You'll see them passing by in different shapes, winding and twirling from lines to curls, glowing strong one moment and dissapearing the next. The real magic however happens when they seem to fall down from the sky like curtains. This is truly a jaw-dropping, magical experience! One of those things you have to experience to feel the true impact it has on you.
Unfortunately there's never a guarantee you'll see the Northern Ligths, but we did want to give you some useful tips on how to chase them or capture them on camera:
- Check the Aurora activity forecast.
When in Iceland, make sure to regularly check the vedur.is website!
In order to see the actual light show, the Aurora activity needs to be intense enough. This is measured by the Kp index, a scale of numbers between 0 (very few or none activity) and 9 (Major Aurora activity). We were lucky to hit a 5 and (as you can see on the pictures) get a great show!
- Embrace the darkness.
Lights make it impossible to witness the Aurora so :
- Wait until nightfall
- Find a spot where there's no light pollution (in other words: leave town!)
We went to the coastline near Grótta, a little place not far from Reykjavík.
- Make sure the sky is clear.
The Northern Lights appear way above the clouds, so you won't see anything if the sky is covered by a fluffy white blanket.
- Be patient.
Should you be dealing with a cloudy sky, then don't give up immediately! The first time we saw the Northern Lights (in Norway), the sky wasn't clear either. However, we were so determined to see them (as it was our last night out there), that we persisted on waiting. Around midnight, the wind created some clear spots, granting us our very first glimps of the Aurora. So worth the waiting!!!
- Be Positive but realistic.
If the above topics are in your advantage, chances are you'll get to experience the Aurora. However, don't be too disappointed if you don't! You can't force the Northern Lights to pop up into the sky. At Vik we had an activity 3 and a clear sky, so by the time it was 23h, we were at the beach, cameras ready, prepared for at least some action. In the end, we didn't get to see anything, not even a green glow...it made us realize how lucky we had been that first night).
- Get layered.
Being excited about possibly seeing the Northern Lights might keep you warm for a while, but a few hours underneath a clear sky can be freezing cold! We were wearing gloves, a hat, a scarf and our warmest clothes and we still had to do an entire fitness program of jumping jacks to stay warm enough.
- Turn around.
If the activity is high enough, there will be lightshows all around you, so make sure to look in every possible direction! There was this moment, where we didn't know where to look first and we kept on pointing out different directions to eachother, saying: 'Wow, look over there and there and theeeeere!'.
- Take the right gear with you and know how to use it.
Yes, it's dark when you're out there watching the Northern Lights. No, this doesn't mean you need a flash to take pictures! Place your tripod and let a long exposure do the work!
- Enjoy it!


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Under the Dome
Abortion-rights advocates rally at NC Governor's Mansion
Planned Parenthood and NARAL chapters in North Carolina rallied outside the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh on Monday to pressure him not to sign a pending abortion bill if it passes the legislature.
About 50 people attended and spoke on their concerns, with the backdrop of a 20-foot billboard truck reminding Gov. Pat McCrory of a campaign promise not to sign into law any further restrictions on abortions.
Abortion-rights groups are watching House Bill 465, which would triple the waiting time before an abortion can be performed to 72 hours. It would also require doctors to send to state officials ultrasound images of their patients' uterus if an abortion is planned after 18 weeks.
"When Gov. McCrory promised to veto any new abortion restrictions, North Carolina women believed him," Planned Parenthood South Atlantic spokeswoman Alison Kiser said. "They won't forget it."
The bill, whose key sponsor is Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer, a Republican from Charlotte, has passed the House and is awaiting consideration in the Senate. Hear her explanation for why the bill is needed in the video, shot by Benjamin Brown of The Insider.
State Sen. Terry Van Duyn, a Democrat from Asheville, was among the speakers at the rally, which was part of a statewide tour to oppose the bill.
The state Republican Party issued a statement criticizing the rally as a publicity stunt for the news media by a liberal advocacy group, Progress NC Action. The group helped organize the event.


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Ideally positioned in the heart of the city of Georgetown, the Tropicana 218 along Macalister Road seems to be gaining popularity rapidly for its scenic view of the sea and the Penang Bridge. We editors of PropertyReviews.my are suckers for properties with sea views, and we jumped at the opportunity to take a closer look…
The property is close to the Millionaires' Row (or its formal, albeit less glamorous name, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah) on the northeast side and a short drive away from Gurney Plaza, State Mosque and the Kek Lok Si Temple while world famous hawker stalls and the Komtar building is several minutes away by foot. The airport is also easily accessible and normally takes less than an hour of drive to get to.
The Tropicana 218 Macalister which feature serviced residential units, a premier business hotel and cozy neo suites together with a plethora of high class retail shops, restaurants and cafes. The integrated development concept in the Klang Valley has hit Penang it seems. 🙂
Freehold, Penang Property = $$$
Tropicana 218 Macalister occupies a highly coveted two-plus acre of freehold land – and with land in Penang available for development now as scarce as condom machines in Vatican city, prices seem to go nowhere but up, up and up. Use this guide to help you nail down the fair market price for this property.
This project is to be built in several phases will eventually rise as a magnificent structure blending inherent town characteristics and contemporary layout and designs. Expected to be completed for the first phase are 71 units of neo suits, followed by 88 units of serviced residences during phase two and lastly, 140 neo suites, 20 retail spots and a heritage mansion for the final phase. The heritage mansion reminds us of the comparable Manor in Pulau Tikus, but that's the topic for another review. 🙂
Both commercial and residential units will enjoy special features which include:
- Infinity swimming pool
- Wading pool
- Multi-purpose hall
- Gymnasium
- Children's recreation playground
- Landscape garden
- Jacuzzi
- 24-hour security
[customx name="Tropicana 218 Macalister" rating="3.5″ best="5″ worst="1″ pricerange="$$$" count="831″][/customx]
Build up for the units will range from 378 sq. ft. to 1,312 sq. ft. The suites will be housed in two towers (nicknamed A and B) and will occupy floor areas between 683 sq. ft. and 1,299 sq. ft. Retail spaces, on one hand, will occupy two floors in Tower A and sizes will vary from 378 sq. ft. to 1,312. sg. ft.
Upon completion which is slated in 2017, there will be 208 hotel rooms plus 211 commercial suits and 88 units of apartments available. Launch and asking prices aren't confirmed yet for residential units but its open for registration and will be subject to availability of units. For the suites, price is said to be set at Rm 1,000 per sq. ft. and retail spots are attached with a RM 2,000 per sq. ft. price.
Now the RM1,000 per sq. ft. price point may well be reflective of median KLCC property prices, and we figured that it's a matter of time before the upmarket segment of Penang will catch up, and it does seem that Tropicana 218 is leading the way.
What's Nearby?
In addition to its breathtaking view overlooking the city, the bridge and the sea, Tropicana 218 is even more coveted for the topnotch amenities nearby including two hospitals (Loh Guan Lye and Gleneagles), a number of schools (KDU College Penang, The One Academy, Uplands International School and University Sains Malaysia), two malls (Queensbay Mall and Strait Quay Mall), temples and recreational spots such as the Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club and the Botanical Garden.
If more efficiency and exclusivity is what you need, taxis can be hired as they are practically found everywhere and can take you to the city's renowned amenities within a short drive. Walking is also possible but there are underdeveloped footpaths to look out for.
About The Developer
Formerly named Dijaya Corporation, Tropicana Corporation Berhad is Tropicana 218's developer. Backed with a sterling portfolio and a 20-year proven track record, the developer for the much anticipated luxurious mixed development has a solid reputation for building homes and offices across the country.
Current developments include the AstonVilla Residences (not sure if it's related to the venerable football club, but it is in Penang also) and the Hillside Island Resort while future projects include the Penang World City, Tropicana Bay Residences and the aforementioned Tropicana 218. In the Klang Valley, it's most well known for its projects in the, well, Tropicana area (Casa Vista, Tropicana City, Merchant Square, Casa Tropicana).
The Tropicana 218 Macalister project seems to be further cementing Tropicana's legacy of luxurious and contemporary living. Not only does the developer deliver but Tropicana is also actively involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives. In fact, the developer has recently supported the long enduring Penang Starwalk as its contribution to the community.
Considering that Georgetown is Penang's transportation hub, getting in, out and around the city is well organized according to Malaysian standards. There are public aircon buses at Komtar building and express buses at Sungai Nibong operating whole day while the Jelutong Expressway connects Tropicana 218 Macalister to Bayan Lepas and Penang International Airport.
Our Final Analysis
Tropicana 218 has got three things going for it – (1) freehold, upmarket niche in Penang is on the rise, (2) integrated development is the way to go as far as Malaysia property is headed, and (3) a brand-name developer. The rather steep price point clearly positions it in the upper tier even for a Penang property, and this niche is currently wide open for Tropicana 218 to occupy and perhaps dominate.
Penang properties may have been overshadowed in the past two years with the emergence of the Iskandar region which is buzzing with new launches almost on a weekly basis. Tropicana 218 would perhaps bring Penang back into the limelight, but we shall see how it fares…


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He was raised by the mother of my neighbour. When she passed they could not take him as they already had a cat, so they asked me. I had been condsidering a cat anyway so after a few days deliberation I agreed to take him in. Already having a catflap made the choice easier.
His very first evening, Sat 6th Aug 2011. He is very confident in his new home.
Settled in very quickly.
I kept him indoors for a few days to acclimatise and then let him out into the garden for the first time. Slightly concerned that he might run off so I stayed nearby. Absolutely nothing to worry about, he stayed right by me for the duration and came back I when I called.
Various mugshots - a very handsome boy.
He could sleep anyhow, anywhere..
He liked tea and I was always having to drag him off my cuppa.
A big boy. Rather heavy on the lap though.
Boys have one hole, girls have two and ex-boys have three.
Like most cats he was a champion sleeper and would often want to be touching me as he drifted off.
Rubbing his left ear always got the blep..
He loved the catnip mice I bought him from the petshop in town, usually ripping the tail off immediately.
He also hunted rats and rabbits in the surrounding fields and gardens - at least this one was finished outside rather than on the only decent rug I own.
Then in April 2017 he stopped eating at his normal rate. Bad breath as well so I was worried about his teeth and booked him into the vet for 4pm to get them checked. The vet discovered his kidneys were enlarged and ran some tests, his blood work showed abnormal results so an ultrascan was done. This showed multiple cysts on both his kidneys, they had pretty much shutdown and the reason for his bad breath was the amount of waste still in his blood.
So at 6.30pm, the hard choice was made and the drug administered. He feel asleep in my arms - his head just dropped forward and he was gone.
Still a handsome boy even when cold in his grave.
Buried in his blanky with a catnip mouse, some treats and his favourite blue duster that he used as a surrogate girlfriend..
Wildflower seeds on the grave, I hope they make a suitable display later.


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Haigh Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland, A96 C8X7
Located in the 1837 Mariners' Church, here exhibits tell the story of Robert Halpin, who captained the ship that laid the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1866. Also on display are a huge clockwork-driven lens formerly used at Howth.
Read more about National Maritime Museum | View Map of Area


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Should I Eat Wheat?
By Brook Rivera, HHC What do millet, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, rice, and corn all have in common? They are gluten-free grains.
While a gluten-free diet is typically for those with Celiac or gluten sensitivities, refraining from gluten or wheat can be a useful approach for any healing process, including cancer.
Avoiding gluten completely can be a complicated ordeal, as it is hidden in many ingredients like "natural flavors." Since wheat compromises the bulk of gluten in a standard American diet, simply avoiding wheat can make huge shifts in your health and healing.
Since modern wheat has been hybridized and semi-dwarfed, most people's systems can't effectively process and digest wheat. It acts as an intestinal toxin, contributes to inflammation throughout the body, and initiates the blood sugar-insulin cycle -- all of which slows down the body's ability to heal.
According to Dr. William Davis, wheat – even whole wheat – spikes blood glucose levels as much as sugar. This causes an extreme imbalance in the body and contributes to inflammation. In turn, all of the body's resources occupy themselves with returning the body to homeostasis. In terms of healing, this means the body's systems are NOT available for fighting off infections, bacteria, and other pathogens. Nor are they available for repairing damaged cells.
If you are interested in pursuing a wheat-free diet, start by eliminating processed foods (like crackers, bread, and cereal), and incorporate gluten-free whole grains (like millet, quinoa, and amaranth into your meals. New to these grains? Register for our next nutrition class, "Preparing Uncommon Grains" to learn some easy and delicious recipes using gluten-free grains.


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I absolutely love going to a local restaurant called Little Brother, they serve a gluten-free seeded loaf with various toppings to choose from. It's so dense and filling, I know I'll be set for a few hours when I have that and some of my favorite proteins like smoked salmon, crispy ham or poached eggs with fresh herbs.
After the last time I went, I asked myself why I haven't tried making it yet since I love it so much and I didn't have a good reason, so I went home and made it! Having a keen taste and some culinary expertise from all the cooking electives and food science classes I took while completing my graduate schooling, I was well-prepared for recreating a recipe and it turned out well after my first attempt!
The Seedy Oat Loaf
2 cups Steel-cut oats (quick cooking)
1 cup Pumpkin seeds, divided
1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
1/2 cup Flaxseeds
1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
1 egg
2 cups Water
1 tbsp Sea salt
1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Baking soda
Equipment: blender/spice grinder, large bowl, small bowl, loaf pan
Pre-heat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a blender or spice grinder, grind 1/2 cup of the pumpkin seeds and all of the flaxseeds.
In a large bowl, pour in the ground flaxseeds, the ground and whole pumpkin seeds, oats, sunflower seeds, water, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Allow to soak for 5-10 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and the egg. Then pour this and the baking soda into the large bowl.
Stir the contents of the large bowl until well-mixed.
Pour the contents of the large bowl into the loaf pan and bake for 65 minutes.
Allow to cool enough to separate from loaf pan then place back in the oven on a wire rack for another 10 minutes or until the moisture at the bottom has dehydrated.
Enjoy a slice with some goat cheese and poached eggs/smoked salmon/prosciutto or with butter or liver pate.