text:
Social & Therapeutic Horticultural sessions and resources
At PoP gardens we know that:
Plants are essential to all aspects of our daily lives. We need plants for food, medicine, shelter, for the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Humans have an emotional connection with plants, flowers and wildlife which stems from our evolutionary process. In other words, it's in our DNA and dates back from when we were living in caves and foraging to survive.
We relate to plants in many different ways: some people like a particular family of plants, some people like hardy strong plants that virtually look after themselves, and some people choose plants for their good looks or for purely sentimental reasons.
After all plants are like us in that they need a solid foundation, a healthy environment that suits their needs, suitable companions, balanced nutrition, fresh air, sunshine and the ability to adjust in order to survive!


text:
CLIENT: MuscleFood.com
DATE: From July 2013 – ongoing
EDIT: We have now reached more than one thousand coverage items for Muscle Food.
We helped launch online retailer Muscle Food and have been working with them every month since they began trading, helping them attain the position of the UK's fastest growing sports nutrition brand.
There have been many milestones and amazing media coups along the way as we have helped spread the word about innovations such as Protein Pizza and Protein Beer.
We've also helped them attain serious business profiling with content including this excellent Daily Telegraph piece in June 2017.
As well as stunning PR results the brand has achieved huge traction on social media attracting more than a million social media fans including 730,000 Facebook likes and 200,000 Twitter followers.
We've come up with so many ideas which have led to media penetration for the brand but one of our favourites was when we named black pudding as the surprise superfood of 2016.
The story was picked up by every UK national news outlet and even led to questions in the House of Commons when Conservative MP David Nuttall, urged House of Commons Leader Chris Grayling MP to free up time in the Chamber for a full debate on the health benefits of black pudding.
He said: "Can we please have a debate on the health benefits of eating black pudding? You will no doubt have seen media reports this week that this tasty delicacy is full of protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc – so it is not only good for you, it's actually a superfood and a debate will enable us to ensure the benefits are more widely known."
It was the first time one of our stories had been debated in the House of Commons – proving what we've always known – that London PR campaigns really do go all the way to the top.
In total we have reached more than 650 million people with the Muscle Food message – not bad for an SME start-up.
EDIT: We have now reached more than one thousand coverage items for Muscle Food.
Read more examples of our work.
© London PR 2017

subset: commoncrawl


text:
If you're a homeowner these days--and almost two thirds of Americans are--the housing market generally doesn't fall into the realm of pleasant dinner conversation.
The once-booming industry has been bruised and bloodied from nearly every angle: Home prices have plunged 30 percent nationally over the past five years, millions of Americans have lost their homes to foreclosure, and millions more are on the brink with underwater mortgages. Still others are seriously delinquent on their home loans.
Things are bad, maybe the worst they've ever been, but there's likely to be more pain before there are any real gains for the housing market, experts say, primarily because of the giant inventory of homes on the market and the certainty more will be coming through the pipeline over the next few years.
Still, the U.S. economy is resilient. The recovery has absorbed a debt-ceiling fiasco at home, a near financial meltdown in Europe, and political chaos in the Middle East. The job market is also improving, consumers are spending more, and corporate balance sheets remain healthy, all of which are critical for the housing market to rebound.
The remaining puzzle piece is time and how much of it the housing market will need to recover. Here are some other hurdles the housing market needs to overcome before a rebound takes root:
Job growth/broader economic gains. After a bumpy several months, the employment outlook has started to improve, with the private sector adding more than 200,000 jobs in November, according to payroll firm ADP. That's certainly good news, but we're not out of the woods yet. The national unemployment rate is still sky high at 9 percent and the pace of job growth needs to double before it translates into the broader economic growth needed to bolster a housing recovery.
"The situation in the housing market is tightly bound with what's happening in the broader economy," says Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow. "A broader economic recovery is going to have to precede a recovery in housing. Really, job growth is so essential for housing demand."
Particularly important is the unemployment rate among young Americans between 25 and 34 years old.
"These are the people that are forming households and buying their first homes," says Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia. Due to the bad economy, more young Americans have been "doubling up," moving in with friends or living at home to ride out lean times. That's put the kibosh on demand, according to some, which is part of the reason why there's still so much housing inventory to work through.
Clarity on foreclosure processes. A group of states has banded together to sue lenders and mortgage servicers over what they claim to be improper foreclosure practices. Awaiting rulings in those suits, lenders have held back on foreclosures, slowing the pace and increasing the backlog. The longer it takes to get clarity on how to proceed with foreclosures, the longer it will take to clear that inventory and the longer it will take for housing prices and the broader housing market to recover.
December is an excellent time to look for Foreclosures!
affiliate program
Your Ad Here
affiliate program
affiliate program
Your Ad Here


text:
Your creative oasis!
Do you dream of being more artistic? Of finding time in your busy life to scratch that creative itch?
Even the best laid plans to use your days wisely can be thwarted. The washing needs hanging, you get an unexpected visitor who needs tea, the spare room isn't set up for art!
Why not come and create in a nice, relaxed environment? It's simple – bring the art work of your choice, share the space with others and spend the day creating. Whether you want to sculpt, roll, knit or sew; doodle, paint, weave or make – we should be able to accommodate you.
The session is untutored and you can use our facilities to work on your latest projects. Whilst James, Karin or Sally are happy to lend a hand where needed, they are often doing their own work, so if you need a lot of help we'd welcome a donation to cover our time.


text:
20 Years of Breast Cancer Advocacy
2018 marks 20 years of involvement with breast cancer advocacy for me.
In Australia today we have the McGrath Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA), National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) and Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA). We've come a long, long way in the last 20 years.
Back when I was diagnosed none of these organisations existed.
Trained Advocates
All of this has been made possible through breast cancer advocacy. The power of the collective use of voices of those affected by breast cancer to campaign, lobby and petition for change to happen.
The breast cancer movement took its lead from the highly successful AIDS lobby group and translated it into the breast cancer cause.
I was fortunate to be chosen to undertake the Advocacy & Science Training provided by the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – it was intensive and at times my poor little brain struggled to cope.
BUT….it was highly valuable.
It gave us, as advocates, the skills needed to lobby and to ensure we were able to represent consumers in a logical, rational and educated way rather than be operating on a purely emotional basis. Facts always win the argument!
Where am I going with this?
For a little while now I have been a tad concerned that the breast cancer advocacy movement is losing momentum.
I mean, there are so many great facilities these days that are taken for granted by those who access them. Services that what we fought for.
Not for ourselves but for others who would come down the path after us. Those who had yet to be diagnosed with breast cancer….like my young daughter and my nieces who are surrounded by a family history of this insidious disease.
It's GREAT that we have all the services BUT here's the thing…
Unless we keep our eyes on the ball they could just vanish. Some already have – almost without a murmur.
Why is that?
In my opinion, and you may like to disagree – that's quite fine…we have mainly forgotten, and many have never understood how difficult it was to gain those services.
The Survivor Story
The survivor story is powerful. Couple that with advocacy training and you have an unstoppable force to promote breast cancer awareness and education by personalising the statistics.
I am blessed to be a survivor, to have been in the company of wonderful pioneers of the breast cancer movement – Lyn Swinburn AM, Sally Crossing AM (dec), Anna Wellings Booth OAM (dec), Susan Tulley, Penny LaSette and Tere Jaensch (dec), and Carol Bishop.
It is important for survivors to lend their voices (not just money), to ensure that breast cancer remains firmly in the public eye until such a time a cure is found.
The pioneers and advocates from those early years are growing old. After all, it's been 20 years for me, and more for each of those wonderful women I've named above.
A new generation of consumer advocates is needed. I am worried when I hear women say "We are not interested. We just want to get on with our lives."
I can appreciate that sentiment.
But imagine if all of those pioneering advocates had not spoken up, had not taken those first steps? We would not have what we have today.
The Future
For some years now I've been worried about consumer advocacy – or to be more precise the apparent lack of successors and lack of interest by many consumers.
I guess because I have an established profile people tend to call me when they need something or want to pick my brains. More often than not, it's to alert me to something that is not as it should be at a clinic, chemo unit, doctor etc.
My response is always to urge them to speak out and make their voice heard. To talk to the staff, to document their concern, to contact their local advocacy group. and if necessary to lodge a complaint.
Unfortunately, most choose not to. I hear things like "Well, my treatment is over/almost over now. So I don't really need to worry about it." or "I really don't feel confident saying something".
I worry about what service might be lost next. After all, every cause is a good cause. The dollars flow where the demands exist and where the spotlight is shone. There is only a finite amount of money to go around for research and services.
As we all know, change only happens when someone sets the ball in motion. I am no longer at the coalface – I believe we need new blood, that change is good. New faces need to be encouraged to step up.
So what am I going to do about it?
I've learnt a few lessons along this journey of life. And the biggest one is if you want something to happen you need to be prepared to take ACTION.
SO…the action I am taking is this…
Facebook and social media did not exist back when I was diagnosed – yep 20 years ago was the times of the dinosaur. Although I did have a mobile phone – a Motorola.
But this dragon has learnt to embrace the opportunities that new technology offers us.
What I'm doing from now until the end of October – Breast Cancer Month – is sharing, on Facebook, a trip down Memory Lane – 20 years of breast cancer advocacy based on my experiences, memories and contributions from some of the amazing people I've met along the way.
I hope it will stir up some attention and inspire another generation to take up the advocacy mantle. Along the way, I'll be sharing some great memories of the people and places that have influenced me and have shaped the breast cancer movement. It was hard work but it was also lots of FUN!
My Personal Review 2017
New Year's Eve/Day means time for my annual update for all my friends and followers far and wide who are not on Facebook.
It's been a year of many different adventures and challenges. But I've coped and am extremely fortunate to be enjoying good health and wonderfully supportive friends and family. I am truly blessed and very grateful.
The biggest news this year is that my brother has FINALLY got his Australian residency. What a nightmare that has been, but we got there in the end. Phew! The icing on the cake is that Moorish Cafe where he is Head Chef won two Gold Plates Awards at AHA awards. How good is that?
2017 saw lots of commuting. I stopped counting once I got to 30 trips between Darwin and Brisbane. They were pretty much all night flights.
Once upon a time (10 years ago!), I was easily able to make that night flight then go straight into a full day of work, but it's getting harder each year not to need a nap when I get to the other end.
I've been spending more time in Qld as my parents are needing more support that it's just not possible – nor is it fair – for my sister to handle alone. On the whole, they are both pretty well but Mum has slowed down a lot since her heart operation and Dad's Alzheimers seems to be steady. But we just never know what each day is going to bring, so it's important for us to be around for them as needed.
I've also been able to spend more time with my niece, Ellie, and we have a lovely little relationship going which is nice. Really nice. I've introduced her to outrigging which she's very much enjoying – although she won't get out of bed and come to the 5.30 am sessions with me – so we do afternoons when her school schedule permits. 2018 sees her entering Year 12, her final year at school.
Even though this has been a very hectic year, it has also been a year that has seen me spending more time with both the immediate and the extended Van Buerle family. Including two trips to Melbourne to see my cousin Derek who sadly passed away on the 9th May.
Sasha has her first e-book published. The Short Story Press Collection showcases the wide variety of genres that she tackles.
It's been a long road and I know I'm biased, but I think she's pretty talented. If you choose to check it out, she would be thrilled if you leave her a review on Amazon.
Her first novel is still doing the rounds of publishers and novel number 2 was completed in November 2017 as part of Nanowrimo. It's about to go into the editing stage which is always the hardest part.
She edits for others on a professional basis, but to edit her own work is impossible.
Wayne continues to be troubled with his back and frustrated that he cannot be as active as he once was. This does not help with his mental health, but he is making good progress thanks to a great psychologist. Being close to his grandparents is also helping enormously in his recovery.
He occupies his time experimenting in the kitchen and has become a really good cook. In typical Wayne fashion, he is very exacting and hard on himself, but we love eating what he produces. No complaints from us. There are very few disasters, and I am most impressed by the array of dishes that he can turn his hand to!
Wayne & Sasha have settled nicely on Bribie. I have been here since mid-November without having needed to take any trips – it's been good to stay put for a bit! I still have not unpacked all my books, and at times struggle to find where I have put things in the cupboards.
Bali was another highlight in 2017 – two trips for the Refresh, Reframe & Relax Sojourns that I co-lead with Andrea Wicking. Although it is technically "work", it is also most enjoyable for me.
Christmas this year was a very first time experience for me. We celebrated on Bribie Island and even though Mum and Dad have lived here for 16 years, whenever I have been in Australia it's always been celebrated in Darwin with my cousin Cheryl, husband Darryl and son Jonathon plus Mum, Dad, Yvonne and Ellie made the trip to Darwin a few times over the years. In 2017everyone made the trek to Bribie – so it was same same but different – so nice!
My brother, Robert, also flew in on Christmas day, so it was a real family gathering.
New traditions have been started in 2017, and I think going down to the Pumicestone Passage for a midnight swim whilst watching the fireworks is going to be one of them.
2018 is shaping up to be a big year already and one of my key resolutions this year is to be doing a lot more personal writing – as it has always been one of my great loves.
May 2018 see you blessed with great health and much happiness.
Michelle xx
Thoughts…inspired by A Good Muslim Boy
Last night I had the pleasure of attending an author talk at the Darwin City Library – it was Osamah Sami, author of "A Good Muslim Boy".
I was keen to hear it because a part of my heart belongs in the Middle East. The land of my childhood.
The Muslim kids of my childhood are not what we read about in the press. The Muslim people I know are all kind, generous individuals. So you can see how the title of Osamah's book was bound to have caught my eye.
Now here is a man who knows how to use words. His first language was Arabic, but his English (learnt after he came to Australia as a 13 year old) is fluent. Yes, there's a trace of accent, but that's what makes us all unique – our accents.
It's a shame there were not more attendees, but the audience that was there was very appreciative of what Osamah shared. He read excepts from his book, it had us in fits of laughter at times and at other points, I think it safe to say that we were all deeply moved by the horrific and unimaginable experiences he had suffered.
I guess the sad thing is that Osamah tale of living in a war zone is not unique.Although the way he has told his story is absolutely unique. In the book he shares real and raw experiences – yes, I stayed up late last night reading it. He's a skilled storyteller and it's a well paced book that's easy to read.
Our world, and us as human beings, have committed so many atrocities. I think what makes it worse for me, is that these things continue to happen.
Surely to goodness we ought to have learnt our lessons from history? Yet, it seems we have not evolved enough. We keep repeating the same patterns.
Hmm – as I get older, I get more frustrated with how we are seem to be bounding ahead with technology, and yet humanity seems to be going out the window.
Hiding behind a keyboard, feeling the need to "conform" with popular (or at least what your circle seems to think is right) seems to be reaching epidemic proportions.
What happened to grit, to courage and having a backbone? Have we all gone soft?
We live in an affluent western country, yet it seems that those with less, have more moral fibre that those with more.
His father faced many challenges, yet retained a positive attitude and a very strong sense of what was the right thing to do despite all the setbacks and despite public opinion and pressures.
We hear these kinds of stories time after time. It's encouraging. There is hope and we each have a part to play in keeping that flame flickering.
GUEST BLOG: Darwin – My Home by Maisie Austin OAM
A lovely insight into what it was like to grow up in Darwin – thanks to Maisie Austin who features as a guest poster for our Lord Mayor this week.
Maisie, Austin OAM has been awarded The Order of Australia Medal, the Australian Sports Medal and inducted into the Northern Territory Sports Hall of Fame. I am honoured she has agreed to be my guest posters this week and shares her memories of Darwin and the uniqueness of what makes this place she calls home so very special.
Darwin is my home. It is unique, full of different nationalities, traditions, and cultures, where you can wear the same clothes all year round, with perhaps a cardigan or tracksuit pants on two or three days during the Dry Season.
The changes to Darwin have been many since my childhood days, from sharing a Sidney Williams hut with our extended family to now living in a 3-level house with sea views.
I lived at Parap Camp (now known as Stuart Park) since 1949 when my family returned to Darwin after having…
View original post 958 more words
Let me take you on a Tourney
Diary date for 2018 – looks like a great event!
It's been a while since I came back to Australia and officially put my travel blogging on hold. However once in a while, I get to enjoy some pretty neat things in my home country, and with my recent move from the Northern Territory to Queensland, I'm getting to enjoy lots of new things.
SO I thought it might be cool to reignite The Wandering Writer once in a while, starting now.
The Joust of Things
This past weekend on Sunday the 9th of July, I had the amazing experience of visiting the Abbey Medieval Festival. I've always wanted the chance to go and see a medieval festival and it was such a treat to be able to go with two of my cousins.
I'm especially grateful to Hans Electrical Service here on Bribe Island who, as sponsors of the event, kindly gave me a free ticket.
We arrived…
View original post 671 more words
Have you noticed that good manners seem to be going (or have already gone) out the window?
Call me old fashioned but manners cost nothing. Simple little courtesies like saying thank you, asking pemission, standing up to offer your seat to someone who is more in need. These are all little things that take hardly any effort, yet just make our world a little nicer.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for equal rights.
I don't expect a bloke to stand up to give me his seat. I am perfectly capable of opening my own doors, and standing up on a bus. BUT, what about heavily pregnant women, Dad's with their arms full of shopping and a toddler in tow that they are juggling on public transport and so on the list goes.
Yes, I'm on my soap box this afternoon!
Have you noticed the amazing propensity, especially on social media, for people to be very opinioned?
Yes, we are all entitled to our own opinions and to freedom of speech.
BUT, it has got to the point where what is expressed is often downright hurtful and inconsiderate. I was always taught that if I did not have anything nice to say I should keep my mouth shut.
Even when expressing a negative opinion, there are right and wrong ways to go about this. Name calling, swearing and involving children has no place in this.
Are we a world that is fast losing our emotional sensitivity? Is there any wonder that bullying and depression abounds?
What do you think?
PS When someone does open the door for me – I simply say "Thank You" and smile – as opposed to biting their heads off!


text:
Choose your country
Middle East
Log in to Vikan.comRequest a login
Requesting a password reset - we will generate a new password and email it to you
This site is optimised to run in horisontal view. Please rotate your device before continuing.
Ergonomically designed to improve the user's working position, this water-fed telescopic handle with quick-release coupling hose and comfortable grip is easy to adjust to the required length. Fits any water-fed Vikan product including the condensation squeegee (7716x).. Maximum pressure, 6 bars. Maximum water termperature, 50 ˚C. Do not use with acid or chlorine.
Vikan's Hygiene range of colour-coded cleaning tools are used by food & beverage companies worldwide to ensure cleaning tool segregation and improve food safety.


text:
Merry Christmas!
I said it. Now let's take a look back at Christmas 2013 and see what was in our skies pretending to be Santa.
Our first sighting is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The sighting report includes a video which I encourage you to check out. " I looked out my passenger side window and saw two orange round lights just above the city lights." The video included with the sighting report was filmed with a Cannon Powershot XS 150 and not just a regular cellphone camera. The video clearly shows two red/orange spheres in the sky on Christmas eve. Clearly not Santa.
Our next sighting of Christmas past is from Norwalk, Connecticut. The witness was letting his dog in from the out side when; "…I got up and went to the door bent over to un hook her from the cable tie out when I stood up to throw the cable over the hand rail I noticed a light in the sky heading towards me I said to myself UFO and then realized there was no red or green flashing light as a plane would have…"
Keep your eyes on the skies folks and Merry Christmas!


text:
A Public Sphere for Poetry, Politics, and Nature
Five of independent film's most adventurous filmmakers join forces to adapt each other's dreams for the screen. The results are, "like nothing you've ever seen with your eyes open." (Rolling Stone)
00:04:31 Black Soil, Green Grass (Directed by Daniel Patrick Carbone // Dreamt by Lauren Wolkstein)
00:23:22 First Day Out (Directed by Josephine Decker // Dreamt by Lily Baldwin)
00:33:45 Beemus, It'll End in Tears (Directed by Lauren Wolkstein // Dreamt by Frances Bodomo)
00:45:36 Everybody Dies! (Directed by Frances Bodomo // Dreamt by Josephine Decker)
00:55:41 Swallowed (Directed by Lily Baldwin // Dreamt by Daniel Patrick Carbone)
Animation & Credits By: Maya Edelman
Official Selections: SXSW, Maryland Film Festival, BAMcinemaFest, Cleveland International Film Festival, IFP Screen Forward, Atlanta Film Festival, Ashland Independent Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Independent Film Festival Boston, Montclair Film Festival, Galway Film Fleadh
Email subscribers may click on the title of this post to watch the video.


text:
Surgical Techniques1, 3, 6,11
The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position and the pelvis is approached via a long anterolateral or posterolateral incision (see below) or in some cases, both. Nerves and vasculature must be carefully dissected.
- Median operative time is close to 7 hours
- Blood loss ranges from 450-5000cc in most cases1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 16
When the pelvis is exposed and depending on whether the lesion is primary or metastatic usually determines the margins of the osteotomy. Wide margins can be curative in primary neoplasia, whereas in metastatic disease, margins are not as important.
The incision, black dotted line.
How much resected bone is too much?
The stated range of native ilium bone stock needed for insertion of a saddle prosthesis varies per surgeon. Most commonly, at least 2-4cm of native bone stock is needed. Rarely, the region may need to be stabilized with bone graft and screws.1, 3, 6, 11
The PAR prosthesis needs more native bone stock that the traditional saddle prosthesis to accommodate the large wings.


text:
September 25, 2011
September 21, 2011
Every year I say we are going to take advantage of Restaurant Week, and every year October 1st comes and goes without us dining o' round. If we make it downtown this year you may find me here, here, or here.
Posted by Alissa at 7:41 PM 1 comments
Labels: PSA
September 15, 2011
apple picking
Amelia and I went apple picking today in Heber. We scored nearly 100 lbs of organic apples. Now we just have to figure out what to do with them...
*post edit
We made 21 quarts of applesauce, 9 quarts of apple juice and lots of dehydrated apples. Kind of wishing we had picked more apples :)
Posted by Alissa at 9:16 PM 5 comments
Labels: the hohls
September 12, 2011
lotoja 2011
Ryan decided to do Lotoja again this year. He convinced me to do support, so Amelia and I made a road trip out of the infamous Logan to Jackson. We had a great time. Stopped at local gardens, the Oregon Trail Museum, chatted it up, and ate tons of bad-for-you snacks. Oh yeah, we handed the boys water bottles and gels, too. The riders did great. All had their best times and Justin even made it on the podium. Ryan felt strong, but had really bad luck and got not one, but two flat tires. He ended up stopped on the side of the road for nearly 20 minutes. But still, he did great and we had fun together. We stayed in these cool cabins--"glamping" they called it. Sweet.
Ryan's already planning next year...maybe someday I'll join him. Or maybe not. 206 miles in a car might be more fun than 206 on a bike.
Thanks to Drama and Drampa for watching the girls. You know you've got it good when the worst behavior is when your child sobs for 10 minutes when she discovers it's time to go home. Love those grandparents.
Posted by Alissa at 9:51 PM 1 comments
Labels: Ryan
September 11, 2011
wolka dots
The other day Ella and I were driving in the car and I heard her say, "No, no no. You don't say 'wolka dots.' It's 'polka dots!'" "Ella, what did you say?" I ask. "Ah keeps saying 'wolkadots' and I am just telling her that they are 'polkadots.' She always calls them 'wolka dots'."
Nice work, El. Nice work. Way to keep that Ah in line.
Posted by Alissa at 9:25 PM 2 comments
Labels: ella stories
September 6, 2011
Big day today. Real preschool. With real artwork. Artwork that can really clutter my already cluttered home. So I'm going to do this.
Source: remodelista.com via Alissa on Pinterest
Scan in her artwork, save it digitally, and toss the original. When I have enough we will make a cool piece of art to hang in her room.
Day 1:
Posted by Alissa at 11:51 AM 6 comments
Labels: preschool, Stolen ideas
September 1, 2011
Ella turns 3
Some things about my darling Ella Jane
- She has a remarkable memory. She gets it from the Packer side, that's for sure.
- The imaginary friend thing is evolving. She now has Ah, Va, Da, Sa, Na and Eda-pho-Eda (who knows where she came up with that one). They are her "kids." She converses with them on a regular basis. And today she took it to a whole new level when she told me that she had to crawl on the table because Ah wanted the balloon.
- Potty training, oh the joy. Here's where we are at: She feels the urge to go. She tells me. We take off her panties and...put on a diaper. She relieves herself, we remove the diaper and put the panties back on. She can't figure out how to go sitting down. She can sit on the potty and hold it for HOURS. She's not stubborn, she honestly can't figure out how to control the muscles while sitting down. Yesterday I asked her to practice sitting in her diaper and going and she told me, "I can't. That's not how my diaper works." Preschool starts in 5 days. Don't think we'll make it.
- She is very very thoughtful. She loves her friends and her sister. She remembers what everyone's favorite color is, and then tries to match their popsicle/balloon/cookie/toy/napkin to it
- The only food she wanted for her birthday dinner was strawberry soup. She hadn't ever had it before, but that's what she she wanted.
- The morning of her combined birthday party 2/2 guests called in sick. We managed to have a great time anyway. Lots of hand sanitizer was involved.
- She has nearly given up her nap. She needs it every third to fourth day. Shed a little tear.
- She is fun, smart and sweet. Love you, Ella Jane.
Posted by Alissa at 7:46 AM 6 comments
Labels: ella by months, Ella's birthday
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Galt17 needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 134 designs submitted by 33 freelance designers.
Econometric/statistical analysis of real estate/market data. In finance, the Beta (β) of a stock or portfolio is a number describing the relation of its returns with those of the financial market as a whole.
No red or orange please. Might include something relating to financial, mathematical, or statistical symbols/graphs.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Promoting research management best practices in universities and PRIs
This page is currently under construction.
The IPP's Communities of Practice (CoPs) provides live and interactive spaces where you can participate in events, learn about projects and topics related to innovation policy, contribute to blogs and discussions and share documents. Welcome!
Select a CoP through the quick access menu on the left or browse our directory using the following options:
This page is currently under construction.


text:
Midnight Rides
An Anthology
8 INTENSE tales of horror, urban fantasy, love, fear and otherworldly creatures!
- An assassin disturbed after a kill shows why that's not a good idea.
- A mind reading dragon, talking fox and sassy girl take on a weather demon bent on their destruction.
- Nightmares spill over into real life and blur the line between waking and sleep.
- The Chronicles of Sin: Gluttony, an excerpt.
What happens when the seven deadly sins want to quit?
- A heartbreaking love story of a man, his dead wife and the horse that stood between them.
- Priceless, an excerpt.
Children who go missing without a trace are tracked by one with supernatural abilities.
- A hiking trip leads to an alien abduction.
- Cursed, an excerpt
A family bound by a wicked Curse seeks a way to break free, even if that means employing a bad ass demon.


text:
Read More
Dustin Kensrue is probably best known for the lead singer, lyricist and guitarist for the post hardcore quartet Thrice. Thrice was formed in 1998 and was always Dustin's main passion. However in 2004 he began to experiment with acoustic sounds as a solo act...
Read More
"The theme of the record is togetherness, working together, and being a family," he reveals. "I want our listeners to know they're not alone. We're all going through it with them." – Austin Carlile (Lead Vocals)
New music video from Of Mice And Men called "Another You...Read More
Red gives us a new Christian Rock Music Video, "Yours Again", which is from the bands latest album "of Beauty and Rage".
"Yours Again"is an intimate and honest song about loosing the love and passion for God along the journey, then coming back to that place where you give yourself to God one more t...Read More
New lyric video from Flawed by Design titled "The Great Return" off their new album "A New Creation." From Hickory, North Carolina, Flawed By Design is a Christian hard rock metal band with a message.Using a unique medium, they are telling their story of salvation, redemption and Christ's love...Read More


text:
We want to ensure that every person that uses our services and every person we employ is treated fairly, equally and with respect. We want to be an organisation that people continue to trust, that values differences and that reflects the communities we serve.
Equality Diversity & Human Rights Strategy
Our Equality and Diversity Strategy 2017-2020 has been developed in consultation with staff, patients and local community organisations. It sets out how we are going to meet our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010 for all our patients and our workforce, and ensure we support potentially vulnerable groups.
For our previous Strategy 2013-2017 click here
The strategy also outlines the key equality actions we want to implement to support our equalities agenda, which will enable us to move beyond legal compliance, identifying ways in which we can improve the experiences of both staff and patients.
Equality Objectives
After reviewing previous equality and diversity actions, listening to the needs of patients, staff and local community organisations and examining local health data, we identified six equality objectives:
*Revised to reflect changes in EDS2
Key Actions
The following key equality actions will help us to understand the needs of both the communities we serve, and the staff that we employ.
Creation of three Staff Support Networks- Lesbian Gay Bisexual & Transgender, Black Minority Ethnic, Disabilities: to empower staff who may belong to these protected characteristic groups. They will help to raise awareness of any issues staff may be facing and also be able to advise the Trust on equality and diversity.
Launch of Training Equality Champions: who will all play a pivotal role in sharing knowledge and good practice and also in generating feedback from colleagues.
Creation of Community Equality Panel: consisting of members from the community who have specific understanding of the needs of people from the nine protected characteristics, the panel will help shape our equality and diversity plans. It will help us to understand barriers and identify gaps so that we in turn can identify equality actions that can be put in place to support people who access and experience our services.
Workforce Race Equality Standard
Workforce Disability Equality Standard
Equality Annual Report
The actions identified in the Equality Strategy will be reviewed and monitored, and we will publish our progress in our Annual Equality Report.
The Equality Diversity & Human Rights Annual Report
The Equality & Diversity Workforce Equalities Data Report 2015-2016
The NHS Equality and Diversity Council has worked with patients, carers, volunteers and staff to create an Equality Delivery System (EDS) to review and monitor E&D progress. We have adopted this system, and created actions within it to help identify gaps and barriers which may impact upon the access and experiences of our patients and our workforce.
Progress is reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis, and will be submitted to Healthwatch Wirral annually for its comments and external grading.
The community panel and equality task group will also play a key role in reviewing progress and identifying any other equality actions that will assist progress.
Equality Delivery System 2 (EDS2)
Following an Equality and Diversity Health Summit on Tuesday 1 December 2015, the presentation of evidence of how the trust is meeting the public sector equality duties using the EDS2 Framework was agreed.
The Health Summit was organised with the support and co-operation of HealthWatch Wirral. The trust would like to thank the delegates who attended and for the support they showed.
The trust is continuing to ensure that the work it has begun in meeting the duties continues and we look forward to presenting further progress in 2016.
EDS2 assessment 2014 - 2015 July is available here.
The Trust has adopted a new and consistent approach to undertaking Equality Analysis and is currently embedding this new framework across the Trust.
Staff involved with Equality Analysis are receiving training. As this new approach develops and Equality Analysis are produced, they will be published here.
The buttons below will take you to the Equality Analysis Reports of each section.
Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Patient Equalities Data
Wirral Community NHS Trust (WCT) has a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 - to promote equality of opportunity, foster good relations, and to eliminate harassment and discrimination.
The Equality Act protects the same groups of individuals that were protected by previous legislation. However, the headings of age disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex (previously termed gender), sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity are now known as protected characteristics.
As part of the Trust's legal duty we must prepare and publish annually an equality profile of our patients to better understand the equality issues in service delivery. In particular, the aim is to identify any under-representation of access to key services.
Patient Equalities Data Report 2014-15
Patient Experience Questionnaires 2013-14
The following patient Equality and Diversity information has been sourced from Patient Experience Questionnaires. These questionnaires are available to patients at all or our sites and services across Wirral.
2011 Census ONS (for comparison)
Trust 2012/13
Trust 2013/14
White British
White and Asian
White and Black African
Indian/ British Indian
The equalities data for 2012 – 13 was sourced from information gathered by Unplanned Care and Therapy divisions at first point of patient contact. However, this information was limited, as few E&D questions are asked during appointments. Hence for 2013-14 we are using the more extensive E&D data gathered from patient experience questionnaires. New questionnaires have recently been introduced, and when we come to report 2014-15, we will have even further data around the nine protected characteristics.
Last Updated: Thursday, 03 October 2019 12:55


text:
Growth Groups
Growth Groups are small groups which meet in homes or the church building to study the Bible, pray, have fun, and support each other in life. Groups typically study a Bible passage together based upon the Sunday preaching, and explore how it applies to everyday life.
Group 1 Meeting in homes - various addresses (8.00 p.m) .
Please contact us through our contact page for further information.


text:
Just a quick post to show you my outfit from the other. I'm not a big skirt wearer and although I love this royal blue one I reserve it for work. It's versatile and comfortable when you're spending the day sitting at a desk but also pretty enough that it looks like you've made at least some effort!
One of my favourite colour combinations is royal blue and magenta. They just seem to compliment each other so well. These tights from City Chic are the best I've ever owned. No small statement! They're thick, stretchy and high waisted and actually fit my thighs in them! I'm not generally a fan of coloured tights but I do like this pairing.
And as you probably already know about me I love a good slouchy shrug or jacket. This one is super comfy for a manic Monday.
Shrug: Mika & Gala
T-shirt: City Chic
Skirt: SWAK Designs
Tights: City Chic
Shoes: Sportsgirl


text:
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Méditerranée Chanel Collection 2015 - My Picks - Photos and Swatches
10 comments:
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG eeshaaaaa the picsss ..ReplyDelete
killlll me plsReplies
Oh thanks a ton Rashmi :-)Delete
Nice picks and beautiful pics :)ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks and glad you like the pics :-)Delete
- Anonymous25 June 2015 at 15:24
Larier Rose looks loooovely! It doesn't crease at all?ReplyDeleteReplies
Hi Melissa.. yeah it doesn't crease on me, which is very surprising, as I have very oily lids.Delete
Great picks, Eesha! I have the bronzer, Rose Paradis, and Coquelicot. For me personally, Chanel made the best summer collection this year! Please show a look. I'd love to see it!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks Sunny. I was quite inspired by your picks from the collection. I am really waiting for the Autumn collection now :-DDelete
I so love how pretty the bronzer looks and I am sure it will look gorgeous on you :)ReplyDeleteReplies
I love the soft focus glow that this bronzer imparts Aarthi. Did u pick anything from the collection??Delete
Your comments are always exciting and inspiring.
However, a humble request. Please ensure that your comments are someway related to the post, not derogatory or disrespectful by any means and hurt any one's sentiments. When I say this, I do not mean that I will not accept positive criticism which will help me improve content of the blog.
If you are commenting and appreciating, I have right to know you. So, please do not comment as 'anonymous'. Anonymous comments will be deleted and be reported as spam.
Thanks for stopping by and do stay around. Your comments mean a lot to me.... xoxo


text:
Cloud-based, multichannel commerce platform for SMBs Shopify yesterday announced strong Q4 and FY 2016 financial results.
Shopify brought in $130.4 million in total revenue in Q4, up 86 percent year on year. In the same period, Shopify's revenue for its Subscription Solutions segment grew 63 percent to reach $56.4 million.
Shopify now hosts over 375,000 merchants on its eCommerce platform, with over 133,000 net new merchants selling on Shopify in 2016.
Merchant Solutions revenue grew a whopping 108 percent to $74 million, driven primarily by the growth of gross merchandise volume (GMV), the company said. GMV per merchant grew 25 percent year on year in 2016. Likewise, average revenue per user rose 15 percent to $1,243 in 2016.
"Our work at Shopify is to help entrepreneurs thrive in a space that's changing all the time, and we did our job especially well this past holiday season," said Tobi Lütke, founder and CEO of Shopify. "That eight of our 10 top sellers over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend were merchants that had upgraded from lower-priced plans reminds us that today's startups become tomorrow's superstars."
For the year, revenue grew 90 percent to $389.3 million, with Subscription Solutions revenue growing 68 percent to contribute $188.6 million across 2016. Again, Merchant Solutions revenue was the star growth sector of the year, up 115 percent to $200.7 million in 2016. GMV for 2016 hit $15.4 billion, up 99 percent over 2015.
In addition to bringing on new merchants in 2016, Shopify has also integrated a number of new sales channels for merchants to use, like Facebook Messenger and Amazon. During the year, Shopify also launched Shopify Capital, providing merchants working capital for growth, along with Apple Pay for the web. By the end of 2016, over 150,000 of Shopify's merchants offered Apple Pay at checkout.
Looking forward, Shopify expects revenues to hit in the range of $120 million to $122 million in the first quarter of 2017. For the full year of 2017, Shopify projects revenues in the range of $580 million to $600 million.
Latest Insights:
Our data and analytics team has developed a number of creative methodologies and frameworks that measure and benchmark the innovation that's reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem. In the November 2019 Mobile Order-Ahead Report, PYMNTS talks with Dan Wheeler, Wahlburgers' SVP, on how the QSR balances security and seamlessness to secure its recently launched WahlClub loyalty program.


text:
After falling head over hooves in love with Giselle, Elliot's road to the altar takes a slight detour when Mr. Weenie is kidnapped by a group of pampered pets determined to return him to his owners.
Season 1 | Episode 7 Ed, Gordo, and Danielle struggle with an extended Jamestown mission.
Season 1 | Episode 10 Bumpy blackmails the mob in an effort to secure the safety of himself and his family. President John F. Kennedy is assassinated. Teddy performs at the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Season 1 | Episode 5 The alethiometer sends Lyra and Iorek on a new path, leading to a shocking but vital clue in her search to find her friend Roger and the other missing children.
Season 1 | Episode 6 While helping her friend Jane through a marital crisis, Eve is distracted by a series of flirtatious texts. Brendan and Chloe have a study date.
Season 4 | Episode 9 Fsociety faces off against Deus Group.
Season 7 | Episode 3 Ray gets closer with Molly Sullivan when he realizes their family connection. Claudette comes to New York and discovers that Daryll is on Detective Perry's radar. Bunchy tries to leverage his heroism for a pay raise. Bridget gets closer with her music producer boss, and Terry goes on a trip with his new spiritual guide.
Season 10 | Episode 4
Season 6 | Episode 6 A major event puts PiperNet's capabilities to the test. Monica confronts Jian-Yang over his use of Pied Piper's name.
Season 2 | Episode 13 The Titans battle Deathstroke & more in the season finale.
Season 2 | Episode 9 Officer Nolan's trust is tested when he tries to help the previous owner of his home reconnect with his family. Meanwhile, Officer Harper has finally earned an overnight visit with her daughter that is put into jeopardy when her past undercover life resurfaces again.
Season 1 | Episode 7 Under Lady Trieu's care, Angela undergoes an unconventional treatment while Agent Blake chases down a lead. Elsewhere, The Smartest Man in The World delivers a stunning defense of his past actions.
Season 3 | Episode 10 Holiday-themed incidents include a shopper pushed over the edge, a woman who is literally having a "Blue Christmas" and a luggage handler accident on a tarmac; Maddie revisits her past to embrace her future; Bobby receives shocking news.
Season 6 | Episode 9 Hakeem raises concerns over Lucious' changes to the Empire movie script, causing Lucious and Cookie to come together to recount the events that lead to the evolution of Empire. Andre turns to Kelly Patel to help him gain controlling interest in the company, as Teri grows increasingly suspicious of Andre's role in signing Prophet the Poet. Meanwhile, Bossy Media considers taking on a silent partner to help with their financial issues and Philly Street confronts Lucious about the info he received from White Tracy.
Season 8 | Episode 7 Oliver's mission takes him to Lian Yu where he tries to ignore the repercussions of the looming Crisis until he receives help from an old friend. Meanwhile, a united Team Arrow faces a recognisable villain.
Season 1 | Episode 10 Knowing that the "Junkyard Killer" was in cahoots with his father, Malcolm goes against the FBI's wishes and continues to investigate. His findings reconnect him with a disgruntled ex-detective who was once heavily involved in the search for "The Surgeon," delivering them both into danger.
Season 6 | Episode 8 With The Flash freshly infected by the monstrous Bloodwork, Iris and Cisco battle to help Barry take control of himself before he's lost forever to Ramsey's influence. Meanwhile, the rest of Team Flash fight to reclaim control of Central City from Bloodwork's growing army.
Season 3 | Episode 10 Shaun visits his father on his deathbed and the family reunion reveals unexpected results. Melendez, Park, Reznick and Claire treat an injured star NFL player with severe spinal damage. Claire addresses her mental health.
Season 1 | Episode 8 Doug tries to save a target. Edwards and Haynes are hunted. Soyun goes undercover.
Season 3 | Episode 9 Conrad comes under fire when a former patient files a malpractice lawsuit against him, putting Bell in a difficult position with Red Rock. The doctors perform a risky brain surgery. Mina discovers that Adaku has a dangerous heart condition.
Season 1 | Episode 3 Max's nephew suffers a breakdown after the drowning of a fellow cadet at a military academy. The police department refute suspicions but Max shows Oskar a pattern of violence and believes that they're looking at a murder investigation.
An astronaut travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. He uncovers secrets which challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.


text:
I went to Kemp Lake today. It was a good day for commando kayaking: good weather and lots of room on the little community bus. There was someone out on the water in a canoe when I got there. I began setting up my little inflatable kayak, as the canoeist turned toward shore. As he grounded, the canoeist put aside his fishing rod and began throwing stones onshore. Big stones, head-sized, that were in the bow of his canoe. He had like five of them.
"Nice day for fishing," I said.
"Yup!" he said cheerfully. "I had lots of action."
Dunno what bait he was using to get rocks that size, but it sure worked.
He dragged his canoe up to his truck, tied it down quickly, and drove away as a little car arrived. Out popped a mother and two little boys, who stared bright-eyed at my inflated kayak. Yes, it looks really cool, and has go-faster stripes. "Would you like to float in my boat while I hold the rope so it stays close to shore?" I asked.
Of course they would! And their mother was pleased. One boy popped in to the kayak and I took hold of the painter, which is a line about 15 feet long. I walked along a little dock as he paddled gently, thrilled to be in a real kayak. Then his little brother took a turn. During the summer I saw a trout here, but today we didn't see any fish around the dock, what with all the paddling and talking.
Dunno what I was trollng for, but I had good bait.
We waved cheerful goodbyes as I finally got into my boat and set off to circle the lake. Here's a link showing my location part-way 'round. It's not too big. I took about an hour to make a leisurely circuit complete with pauses to eat a snack and drift peacefully.
As I came ashore, a couple was arriving for their turn at the lake. If I'd known there'd be this much traffic on a Thursday in October, I'd have made a reservation. They pulled two Pelican kayaks out of their van and set up their fishing gear. The couple had many good things to say about their Pelicans, as very stable and practical boats. I am not convinced, as without bulkheads or flotation devices these are not ideal for safety. "No, they're stable and safe, we've had 'em out in waves this high," insisted the husband, but he admitted: "Once you get water in 'em, you can't empty it out. They don't really sink, they just stay there under the surface."
Yeah. I let it go, didn't take the bait, and packed up my boat. Time for a commando departure as I headed to the bus stop. There I ate another snack, while keeping an eye out for bears. I have no interest in bringing a bear out of the forest to find my smoked cheese or candy. There have been fifty bear sightings a month since summer in this area, and that's not an unusual number. Funny, how kayakers have to think about bears AND car traffic on the same day trip. And so, home for a lovely dinner made by my spouse. All in all, caught a good day.


text:
You will be booking with:
Canards Hotel is located on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet and it offers quality accommodation combined with excellent surroundings to enjoy food and drink.
The Canards is to be found on the outskirts of Shepton Mallet (A37) within a mile or so of the Bath and West showground, 2 miles from the Glastonbury festival site and 5 miles from the cathedral city of Wells. Shepton Mallet is a delightful mixture of old and new; a combination of ancient market town and modern indus�trial community, nestling in a fold towards the western edge of the Mendip Hills. We are commited to customer care and offer anything from fresh fish, locally raised beef and pork dishes to traditional pub grub.
We offer the areas widest range of ciders and perry\'s as well as a varied selection of lagers, real ales and an extensive choice of whiskies, cognacs and wines galore. The hotel has 11 en-suite bedrooms and 5 suites on two floors. They are all being constantly updated to maintain today\'s standards of comfort and convenience and are all tastefully decorated with elegant furnishings and fabrics.
All of our rooms have delightful views of the Menip Hills and pleasing aspects over the hotel\'s countryside surroundings.
From: £58.00
Room Facilities
Tea and coffee making facilities
Colour television
Business Facilities
Dining Facilities
Breakfast (Full cooked)
Breakfast (Continental)
Child Facilities
Pet Policy
No pets
Get Directions on Google maps
View on:
Google maps (area overview)
Get an Ordnance Survey map covering the Shepton Mallet area.
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low-exceptional) on historic interest
Evercreech, St Peter's Church - 2.5 miles (Historic Church)
Milton Clevedon, St James Church - 3.5 miles (Historic Church)
Batcombe, Blessed Virgin Mary Church - 4.3 miles (Historic Church)
Wells Bishop's Palace - 5.2 miles (Historic Building)
Leigh on Mendip, St Giles Church - 5.3 miles (Historic Church)
Wells Cathedral - 5.3 miles (Cathedral)
Gants Mill and Garden - 5.6 miles (Historic Building)
West Pennard Court Barn - 5.7 miles (Historic Building)
Bruton Dovecote - 5.9 miles (Historic Building)
Milton Lodge Gardens - 5.9 miles (Garden)
Other Nearby Accommodation
+ Heritage Rating + ?
We've 'tagged' this accommodation to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned in the description.


text:
Oxford Dictionary of Slang
Dave Wilton, Friday, January 05, 2007
Ayto, John. The Oxford Dictionary of Slang. 2003 reprint ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998.
A dictionary of slang terms organized by subject. Primarily definitions with one usage citation per entry this source is not great for etymology, but it does include the date of first known appearance.
« Previous Entry | Main | Next Entry »
Powered by ExpressionEngine
Copyright 1997-2019, by David Wilton
Copyright 1997-2019, by David Wilton


text:
U.S. Military Antichrist Christmas 2013
by amongthenumberedsaints
Officer to US Troops: Don't Say 'Christmas'
VA hospital refuses to accept 'Merry Christmas' cards
U.S. Senate's Homosexual And Transgender Employment Bill Threat To Religious Liberty
Apple has approved a gay social networking app that claims to be safe for children as young as 12, and aims to lead adults, teens and tweens to places that are "clean, social and fun."
Apple Approves Gay Dating App For Children Ages 12
Conservatives Say Utah Polygamy Ruling Confirms Their Worst Fears
A record 2 million Christians visited Bethlehem in 2013. Why do the ancient prophecies say this "little town" is so important?
The Gold Rush Spreads From China And India To Saudi Arabia
Almost Every Passenger On A Flight From Dubai To India Was Found Carrying 1 Kilo Of Gold
By taking away I will make an end and I will utterly consumeand sweep away all things from the face of the earth, says the Lord.
3 I will consume and sweep away man and beast; I will consumeand sweep away the birds of the air and the fish of the sea. I will overthrow the stumbling blocks (the idols) with the wicked [worshipers], and I will cut off mankind from the face of the earth, says the Lord.
4 I will also stretch out My hand over Judah and over all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place and the name of the idol priests with the [false] priests,
5 And those who worship the starry host of the heavens upon their housetops and those who [pretend to] worship the Lord and swear by and to Him and yet swear by and to [the heathen god Molech or] Malcam [their idol king],
The word of the LORD that came
That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16 A day of the blast of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the high towers and battlements.
17 And I will bring distress upon men, so that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's indignation and wrath. But the whole earth shall be consumed in the fire of His jealous [a]wrath, for a full, yes, a sudden, end will He make of all the inhabitants of the earth.
Mortgage Applications Down 66% From Highs To New 13-Year Low
Retail Traffic Plunges By "Staggering" 21% In Week Before Christmas
What Bubble: Average New Home Sale Price Rises To All Time High
The sad truth – something unusual in this new normal – is that regular gas prices (at $3.258) have never been higher on Christmas Eve. It seems context does matter…
Will The Consumer Rise In 2014?
DHS Security: All States Must Comply With Federal REAL ID Biometric Beast Tech By 2017
From Biometric Identification To Medicine Made From DNA — IBM Puts Positive Spin On Beast Tech, Saying "Digital Guardians" Will Keep Benevolent Eye On You Immediately Following 2017
Another Neanderthal Genome Discovery Revealing Unknown (Nephilim?) Human Lineage
December 14, 2013 Scientists discover secret code hidden in human DNA A research team led by Dr. John Stamatoyannopoulos, University of Washington, announced yesterday they have discovered a second code hiding within human DNA. This second code contains information that changes how scientists read the instructions contained in…
Computerizing people may be next step in tech – man has two radio frequency identifier inplants in his hands which he uses to unlock his car, computer and door to his Seattle home
NSA Review Group Member Wants to Expand Data Collection Program
If Someone Wanted To Destroy America On Purpose…
"Let's say somebody were [in the White House] and they wanted to destroy this nation. I would create division among the people, encourage a culture of ridicule for basic morality and the principles that made and sustained the country, undermine the financial stability of the nation, and weaken and destroy the military. It appears coincidentally that those are the very things that are happening right now."
-Dr. Ben Carson on March 16th, 2013
That quote by Dr. Ben Carson does a great job of capturing what is taking place in the United States right now. If you wanted to destroy the most powerful nation on the planet, the best way to do so would be to destroy it from the inside out. Right now, America is more divided than it has been at any point in any of our lifetimes. Anger and frustration are growing to unprecedented levels, and one recent survey discovered that the level of trust that Americans have in one another is at an all-time low. Our families are falling apart and moral decay is systematically rotting the foundations of our society. Meanwhile, the U.S. national debt is on pace to more than double during the eight years of the Obama administration and the rest of the world is losing more respect for us with each passing day.
Obama Signs Order for Federal Worker Pay Raises in 2014
House and Senate Quietly Passes Bigger & Badder 2014 NDAA
Pakistani Terror Group Threatens Deadly Attacks on New York, Washington, D.C.
Kerry to present 'framework agreement' to Israel, Palestinians later this month
Abbas Blame Jews' Prayers for Rain for Halting Peace Talks
Socialists See Pope Francis As Champion Of Their New (End Times) Revolution
Man Found 2 Bear Cubs Beside Their Dead Mother. Words Can't Describe What Followed.


text:
Skip to main content
Outbound Travel Alert
OTA currently in force
Supplementary Information
Residents who plan to visit the country or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid travelling to places with large gatherings of people and pay attention to announcements by local authorities.
Residents in Nepal who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit (AHU) of the Immigration Department at (852)1868 or contact the Chinese Embassy in Nepal at consular protection hotline: (977) 9801037888.
Since 11 July 2019, torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides across Nepal, causing casualties and damages.
On 26 May 2019, multiple explosions occurred in Kathmandu and resulted in casualties.
On 22 February 2019 and 8 March 2019, two explosions occurred in Kathmandu, resulted in casualties.
In late April 2016, anti-government demonstrations occurred in Kathmandu.
In late September 2015, protests broke out in southern regions in Nepal. Blockade of the main border crossings between Nepal and India lasted for months, resulting in a series of clashes and casualties.
On 25 April 2015, a powerful earthquake hit Nepal, resulting in massive damages and casualties in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Widespread disruptions to telecommunications, transport, essential services and infrastructure have been reported. Dangers of aftershocks and avalanches remain. Another major earthquake struck the east of Nepal on 12 May 2015, causing further damages and casualties.
Frequent strikes and demonstrations occurred in mid May 2012.
On 30 April 2012, an explosion in Janakpur, south-eastern Nepal, resulted in casualties.
In late February 2012, an explosion in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, resulted in casualties.
[ current OTA issued on 26 April 2016, 18:00 ]
Registration for Outbound Travel Information (ROTI)
Before departing Hong Kong, residents may register via
their travel itineraries and contact details to receive updates on OTA and related information. The Immigration Department may contact and assist the registrants in an emergency.
Hyperlinks to other travel advisories:
Outbound Travel Alert of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (Chinese only)
Travel Advisories of Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (English only)
Travel Reports and Warnings of Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (English only)
Travelling and Living Overseas of British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (English only)
Travel Health News from Travel Health Service of the Department of Health
Relevant Press Releases


text:
Halloween Bark Recipe
Halloween is a time for ticks and TREATS. Here is a special treat for you to make just in time or Halloween night that only takes minutes to make! Halloween bark is the perfect treat to snack on for adults, kids and guests on Halloween night. Ingredients 12-14 orange and black Oreo cookies (broken up into large chunks) 1 cup pretzels (broken into pieces) 1 pound almond bark or white chocolate melts 1 ½ cups candy corn 20 candy eyeballs 1-2 tablespoons of orange, yellow,...Read More »


text:
En blocs should push everybody up.
Read on ... in my Nov 2007 blog update ...
difference between Gahmen "being right" versus "doing right" ....
and difference between Singapore's and South Korea's en bloc laws.
Singapore is NOT the only country that needs urban renewal!
"Uniquely Singapore" is in fact NOT that unique!
En blocs should NOT pull everybody down! ... ending up as Squatter, Refugee, Downgrader or Downsizer after an en bloc.
En blocs should NOT push up ONLY SELECTIVE PARTIES! ... viz, Gahmen who load up public coffers from hefty development charges and multi-transaction stamp duties from incessant en bloc cycles every 15-20 years, Developer-Buyers who get prime land unlocked and handed to them on a silver platter, marketing agents/lawyers who earn fat commissions, and crass en bloc flippers who speculate wildly at other people's expense. QUESTION:
In the face of (i) sub-prime mortgage woes in the US spinning off into credit crunch on both sides of the North Atlantic and investment jitters which surfaced globally only in 2H 2007 and (ii) anticipated global economic slowdown in 2008 in varying degrees, why are predatory marketing agents and Developer-Buyers still lurking and sniffing around our private residental estates? No doubt, these predators are more subdued but they are no less determined!
These marketing agents and Developer-Buyers in the real estate industry may know something that we ordinary folks don't!!!
Singapore's five-year Master Plan 2003 is coming up for review in 2008. What goodies and/or nasty surprises are in the upcoming Master Plan 2008 is for the Gahmen to know ... and for the rest of us to "guess" until around 2H 2008!
Pursuant to URA's announcement in Nov 2003 , the new definition of Development Baseline will come into effect on 1 Jan 2008 (ie, 4+ years later). Instead of computing the Development Baseline by taking the highest value from (i) Master Plan 1958, (ii) Master Plan 1980 or (iii) approved development, the new definition will be pegged only to the last one (ie, value of approved development). Based on the current Master Plan, this change only affects 1,700 land plots (2%) - mostly in the city area - but it corrects an existing anomaly by levelling the playing field and collects more Development Charges for the Gahmen.
Within this change, however, there is an embedded goodie to mitigate the impact for those estates whose approved development is lower than Master Plans 1958 or 1980 because that portion of the historical values of 1958 or 1980, not exceeding that in the current Master Plan 2003, will be offset from the new computed DC payment by way of a Development Charge EXEMPTION within the allowed use and intensity of such current Master Plan. Figure 1 in Question 5 of the following link illustrates the answer most graphically:
In Jul 2007, the Gahmen sprang a surprise hike by revising the Development Charge rate from 50% of appreciation in land value to 70%. As part of the semi-annual review cycles, the Gahmen further hiked the actual Development Charge rates in Sep 2007.
Looking from the Gahmen's perspective, there are three chess pieces to shuffle around:
(a) Development Charge which they have moved in Jul and Sep 2007;
(b) Development Baseline which they will be playing in Jan 2008;
(c) Development Ceiling parameterized by plot ratios and storey height controls which they may OR may not tinker with in Master Plan 2008 underpinned by 55 Development Guide Plans within Concept Plan 2001 (NOTE: Concept Plan 2001, drawn up for the next 40-50 years, was based on 5.5mn population in 2001, not the latest announcement in Feb/Mar 2007 of 6.5mn "target" population!).
Here are some summary points largely distilled from my 4-part Nov 2007 blog update:
1. The underpinning rationale for en bloc sales. The concept of " Dào Lǐ " (道 理) ("rationale" in Mandarin) comprising of – " Dào " which denotes "the Way" under the Chinese philosophy of Daoism and " Lǐ " which denotes "Logic" – as applied to the sense and sensibilities of enforced en bloc sales.
Urban Renewal
through En Bloc or SERS
= Being right
Squatter, Refugee,
Downgrader or Downsizer
= NOT doing right
Cash or 1-4-1 Exchange Option
(through serious increase of plot density ratio and
incentive scheme for plot amalgamation)
= Doing right
(leave the choice to "Qualifying Owners" as to whether we'd want to
cash-out now OR cash-out in the near/distant future
OR keep our rebuilt homes in the same locale)
2. The defining difference between Singapore's and South Korea's en bloc laws (and comparison between Singapore and Hongkong). Like Singapore, the city of Seoul also needs urban renewal. Interestingly, South Korea's en bloc laws mandate 1-4-1 exchange as the first option. In South Korea, if an owner wants cash instead, the onus of proof is on that owner to justify it.
MinLaw learned of this South Korean en bloc law just before the amendment bill went for the 2nd/3rd parliamentary reading in Sep 2007. Whatever "practical difficulties" there may be in 1-4-1 exchange option (as per Law Minister Prof S Jayakumar), they are NOT exclusive only to Singapore. If the South Koreans can do it, why can't we? The South Korean law makers have exhibited a Sense of Rectitude TO DO RIGHT by their people through such "Hapdong Redevelopment" (the etymology of this Hanguel phrase of "Hapdong" traces back to the Chinese word for "Cooperation, Partnership" - now, that's the spirit of it all, won't you say?). Surely, our Singapore Gahmen who - as per MM Lee Kuan Yew - "shares the trials and tribulations of our populace" will NOT lose out to their South Korean counterpart, right? One can hope, eh???
Our closest economic rival, Hongkong (already much more congested than Singapore) has even more intense urban renewal needs! Like Singapore, Hongkong announced in Jun 2007 increased population target by 40% from their present 7mn to 10mn in the coming decades! With its laissez-faire colonial legacy and despite being part of Communist China's "one-country-two-systems" framework - Hongkong (similar to South Korea) has a complex set of ordinance, rules and regulations to "manage" and "govern" urban renewal. Singapore's amended en bloc law pales in comparison! Check out HK's URA link added to the list in the right-hand column of this blog (other new links: NMP Siew Kum Hong's blog, MinLaw's responses to the Public Consultation exercise, other en bloc estates).
3. Tripartite effort. An en bloc sale is a truly ingenious way to achieve PUBLIC URBAN RENEWAL at PRIVATE COST - this is a NATIONAL CAUSE as it is part of the mammoth task of Re-Making Singapore in the Third Millennium. Hence, is it too much to expect that it would be a TRIPARTITE EFFORT involving:
- INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS who SACRIFICE (in the case of Minority Dissenters, they are obliged by law to sacrifice) their homes/real estate investment assets bought with PRIVATE FUNDS (viz, WITHOUT a single cent of public funding/subsidy);
- CORPORATE CITIZENS who must therefore shoulder some SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY as they merrily reap the benefit from such individual citizens' sacrifice, thereby unlocking current land value for Developer-Buyer companies and consequently swelling their corporate profits;
- GAHMEN who must correspondingly make some DIRECT CONTRIBUTION by substantive increases of plot density ratio, imaginative incentive schemes to not only facilitate but also motivate (!!!) meaningful and attractive 1-4-1 exchange options with a good rate of acceptance by qualifying owners (eg, through Development Charge rebates, additional bonus Gross Floor Area for plot amalgamation, etc), thus DOING RIGHT by her people, inculcating a sense of community as part of our NATIONAL VALUES and NOT messing up the long-term financial/retirement plan of citizens who bought private residential property with a huge chunk of their CPF/private savings and who may NOT want to liquidate their real estate asset at same time as (1) the 80% (90%) majority of flipping serial en bloccers and opportunistic owners of smaller-size units (facilitated in no measure by the authorities with their hands-off laissez-faire policies in respect of apportionment of collective sales proceeds), (2) cash-strapped frantic businessmen, (3) cash-poor frightened retirees and (4) a motley bunch of frazzled owners who are worn-out/"sotong"/"kiasee" (patois for "clueless" and "afraid-to-lose-out", respectively)? The Four F words - Flipping, Frantic, Frightened and Frazzled! Prim and proper F words!
The Gahmen has already taken the lead with HDB's 50-storey public housing project at The Pinnacle @ Duxton. And private residential redevelopments at recent en bloc sites are still averaging 25-30 storeys (other than the 54 storeys of super-luxury apartments at The Orchard Residences)??? Geez ... do keep in mind the Gahmen's "target" population of 6.5mn people in the next 40-50 years (announced in Feb/Mar 2007, this is a 45% increase from our present 4.5mn) and 17mn tourist arrival target by 2015 (a ten-year target announced in Jan 2005; Singapore just hit 10mn tourist arrival in Dec 2007)! Based on 2006 statistics, Singapore's population density (ie, excluding tourists!) stands at 6,369 persons per sq km (presumably yet another feather in our cap for being the 2nd most densely populated country in the world ... in comparison, Hongkong has 38 persons more per sq km)! If you are already feeling squashed with our present 4.5mn population, you don't need a terribly vivid imagination to envisage how you'd feel when our population hits 6.5mn target in the coming decades ... not forgetting the growing obesity trend and the shrinking room sizes in new developments! In other words, there will be more of us growing old ... and fat together ... in smaller rooms!!! Daunting Singapore Dream, eh? Yeh, it already is starting to haunt me.
As the amended Land Titles (Strata) Act now stands, it is ONLY the individual citizens who are being led to the sacrificial altar ...
... willingly as a Majority Consenter who die-die-must-sell for immediate cashflow/liquidity needs or purely exploitative reasons,
... half-willingly as part of the consenting herd on the basis that if-you-can't-beat-them-you-might-as-well-join-them, or
... unwillingly as a Minority Dissenter who die-die-don't-want-to-sell for personal reasons of rootedness or sense of community or capital preservation as part of their long-term financial/ retirement planning!
Just as 20% of the Singapore electorate who are NOT living in HDB estates may cock their heads at the priority basis for HDB Lift Upgrading Programme, so too will 80% of the Singapore electorate who are living in HDB estates commiserate with us. Singapore is very small ... ripples have a way of enlargement, more potent at the centre and less distinct at the outer circles but nonetheless there. Yet, some wonder why Singaporeans are " the most dissatisfied people" despite enjoying "the highest per capita income in Asia, short of Japan"!
4. Red flags. In Part C of my Nov 2007 blog update (scroll down to past Green Froggy), the issues of the amended en bloc laws are discussed in terms of what's there and what's missing. In Part D of my Nov 2007 blog update (scroll down to the Hanging Orang Utan), there are "tips" on what to do and what NOT to do under the amended en bloc laws. Work within the law but outside of the box!
To tamp down the speculative level, the Gahmen (finally) withdrew the Deferred Payment Scheme on 26 Oct 2007 after a near-decade since it was first introduced and after the property market run-up for more than a year from 2Q 2006! What does the market do? Well, market will do what it does best ... outsmart and outwit the Gahmen! These days, Developers offer Interest Absorption Scheme! Without going too much into the technicalities of financial risk weightages and loan structures, the bottomline remains that home buyers only pay 20% of purchase price upfront and start paying interest and principal installments upon issuance of Temporary Occupation Permit. DPS or IAS ... To the flippers, it's "half cati, eight taels" in the East and "eight ounces or half pound" in the West. Mark Twain was dead wrong - East and West did meet on this score!
If you can't get bank financing for your 4th real estate investment purchase, there are ways to get round it if you know how!
Do NOT be tempted into "penny wise, pound foolish" situations. Under the amended law, MinLaw tried to accord Owners with more protection in en bloc sales by requiring lawyers to take on more duties. Guess what ... some lawyers are very wary that if they slip up real bad in handling an en bloc deal, they may be sued for hundreds of millions or a billion dollars or more. Compared to marketing agents, a lot more is at stake for lawyers because they may be disbarred and/or made bankrupt. No amount of professional indemnity insurance can cover a law firm for such quantum! So under the guise of cost-savings for the Owners, they get the Developer-Buyer to bear the legal fees. Ahh ... effectively the "financial contract" is now between the Developer-Buyer and the lawyer. Errr ... but the "representational contract" is between the Owners and the lawyer! To whom do you think the lawyer owes a duty of care in such an en bloc sale? This is quite a novel "conflict of interest" situation that skirts round the present prohibition of the same lawyer representing both the buyer and the seller ... one wonders what the Law Society will do, ugh?
Ditto for marketing agent's commissions.
In en bloc sales, it's the flip side of Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) ...
it is very much a case of SELLERS BEWARE!!!
Although the en bloc laws have been amended, MinLaw's Study Group has NOT been disbanded. No less than the Minister for Law has made the promise that MinLaw, together with the other agencies, "will monitor very closely the operation of these new provisions" and "if it is necessary to make further amendments", MinLaw will have "no hesitation" to do so. MinLaw's e-mail contact is in my Nov 2007 blog update - keep talking to MinLaw! Maybe ... just maybe ... we MAY have an occasion to celebrate a champagne toast with MinLaw in the not too distant future!
Drawing from the lessons of Citibank and Goldman Sachs in the sub-prime mortgage debacle in the US quoted from the Harvard Business in my Nov 2007 blog update (scroll to above the Soaring Seagull), I repeat my prayer for Singapore to have enough "courageous and thoughtful leaders" (the likes of Frank C Blankfein of Goldman Sachs) who will stoutly shoulder their "core leadership responsibility" and "doesn't keep dancing just because everyone else does"! If I may quote Shakespeare: "Virtue is bold, and goodness never fearful"! And not forgetting AWSJ's quote of a University of Pennsylvania professor who was commenting on the credit crisis in the US that "reputation matters until you get to some serious pain" and that "it matters if the stakes are low" but "somewhere between US$25mn and US$1bn, it shifts".
[PS: Two recent cases of Minority Dissenters winning at Strata Titles Board tribunal hearings can be found at the end of my Nov 2007 blog.]


text:
Spring Break in Benzie County "Northern Michigan Preserved®" offers Sun, Snow, Celebrations, and Exploration
Benzonia, Mich. (February 22, 2018) – Spring break is right around the corner. For those who plan to stay home this year, consider a last-minute getaway to Northern Michigan's Benzie County where outdoor activities are fun and the travel time is just a few hours away.
Most everyone has been enthralled with the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. Try out outdoor activities during Spring Break that are part of the winter games. At top-rated resort Crystal Mountain there are lessons one can do in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Crystal Mountain named one of the "top ten best ski resorts for families in the U.S. and Canada" by Conde Nast, features superb downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, ice hockey, fat tire bike trails & rentals, snowshoeing, as well as, children's activities. Adults love their luxurious spa services at the award-winning Crystal Spa and superb dining at Thistle Pub & Grille and Wild Tomato Restaurant. (Baby-sitting services are also available through the resort.)
Each weekend in March, Crystal Mountain will feature family friendly events sure to make an impression with kids of all ages and adults.
- March 2 – 3, 2018 Crystal Mountain will be celebrating Mardi Gras. Mask making, costume contests and a scavenger hunt for beads will light up the slopes during the day. A DJ Party, BBQ and Seafood Boil and Adult Live Music from 8 p.m. to midnight will highlight the evening hours.
- March 9 – 10, 2018 it's Crystal Mountain's Spring Carnival. With spring skiing in full swing, the family can enjoy cardboard sled races (all sleds are required to be made of just cardboard and duct tape!). There will also be a slush cup race where contestants gleefully sport costumes and ski into ice cold water! Evening events include a DJ Dance party and BBQ, with hula hoop and limbo contests for those who love to compete. From 6 – 9 p.m. a concert with Nashville's best act in country music Drew Hale will perform with his band slopeside under a big tent.
- March 16 – 17, 2018 enjoy a fun-filled Celts and Kayaks St. Patrick's weekend at Crystal Mountain. The headline event is kayak races down the mountain (equipment provided), and for the tykes, day long children's activities at the Park at Water's Edge. Late afternoon a DJ Party will begin, and after that, an evening adult concert featuring Brena, a six-member band performing oldies, current top-40 hits, classic rock, R&B, country and more.
- March 23 – 24, 2018 tops off the month with Retro Weekend at Crystal Mountain when everyone gets decked out in retro attire including neon, vintage sweaters, ringer tees, vintage jeans and more. Skiing challenges, fat tire bike racing, a DJ Party, BBQ and a karaoke contest are all a part of Retro Weekend action.
There are many lodging choices in Benzie County, including quaint cottages, cozy cabins, inns, motels and condos. Centered in Frankfort's historic Main Street, just two blocks from iconic Lake Michigan, sits the Hotel Frankfort, a boutique hotel with 17 guest rooms. The Hotel Frankfort's Romantic Run-Away-from-Home Package includes a 2-night stay in a luxury suite including jacuzzi or hot tub with sauna, a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Call Hotel Frankfort at 231-352-8090 for information.
For an entire listing of unique lodging, see www.visitbenzie.com. For assistance with lodging choices, call the Benzie County Visitors Bureau at 800-882-5801. Sign up for the Benzie County Visitor's Bureau E-Newsletter at Special page.
More Spring Experiences in Benzie County
Escape to a beautiful place at Crystal Mountain for outdoor art and peaceful hiking at Michigan Legacy Art Park within the grounds of Crystal Mountain. The Art Park, located on a densely wooded 30-acre preserve, includes 1.6 miles of hiking trails and features over 50 sculptures, poetry stones. (The art park has an outdoor amphitheater where, in the summer months, a concert series is held.) Admission is $5 per adult, children and Crystal Mountain houseguests can explore for free.
Starting in April, Spring is the time to renew the body with relaxing and inviting special spa services. Starting April 1 through May 15, 2018, the Crystal Spa at Crystal Mountain will offer Spa Days with select massage, body and facial services starting at just $69. Crystal Spa, a 18,500-square-foot, Leed-Certified oasis at the heart of Crystal Mountain honors the art and natural beauty of northern Michigan in a setting that awakens and inspires. Within the comforts of this elegant retreat, Crystal Spa guests enjoy a welcoming, attentive staff and complimentary Eucalyptus steam rooms, infrared saunas, an indoor relaxation lounge, and a mosaic hot tub garden as part of the Spa Days experience. Spa Days special pricing includes an Espresso Mud Body Scrub, an Herbal Remedies Massage, Deep Tissue massage, Relaxation Massage, Spa Days Facial, an Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial, as well as special pedicure and manicures.
For hikers and mountain bikers, Springtime opens up many great trails in Benzie County.
The Betsie Valley Trail is an easy to moderate 22+-mile trail that runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville. The Betsie River Pathway is an easy to moderate trail winding through the Pere Marquette National Forest. The Lake Ann Pathway, is a 6-mile picturesque forest trail with easy to moderate terrain and views of lakes, bogs, and the Platte River, and the popular Michigan Legacy Art Park is a 30-acre preserve art park within the grounds of Crystal Mountain featuring over 50 sculptures, poetry stones, natural woods and spectacular views. (no bicycles)
Benzie County's bird migration will be at its peak from early April until mid-May. One hundred species of birds will be making their way to and through Benzie County. With its rolling hills covered by forests and fields, numerous lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, marshes, and coastline along Lake Michigan, Benzie County is ideally situated for migrating birds. In past years, as many as 168 species have been reported in one day by area bird societies. Benzie County has also had the highest bird count reported of any other county in northern Michigan. Public locations for bird sightings include the iconic Point Betsie lighthouse, Elberta's Marsh and Betsie Bay. Sightings of waterfowl include loons and long-tailed ducks, Sandhill Cranes, American Bitterns, Sedge Wrens and Willow Flycatchers. Woodland species in the spring that can be sighted along Peterson Road in Northern Benzie County include Hermit Thrushes, Common Nighthawks. Blackburnian, Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers and Olive-sided Flycatchers.
Numerous natural areas in Benzie County reveal beautiful wildflowers – trillium, jack-in-the pulpit, lady slippers and pitchers thistle. And, for those who possess luck and a keen eye, edible wild morel mushrooms and leeks can be found in Benzie County's woods and forests corresponding to spring's seasonal temperatures.
Art is also alive in Benzie County in the springtime. The spring season allows ease to explore unique galleries within the town of Frankfort, and villages of Beulah, Benzonia, and nearby Empire. Among the many noteworthy galleries are those where artists are in residence including Ellie Harold Fine Art (located in the artist's home!), Focus Gallery with stunning photography by Drew Smith, and State of the Art Framing and Gallery featuring the creations of ArtPrize winners Ann and Steve Loveless. A trip to Benzie County wouldn't be complete without a visit to the historic studio of Gwen Frostic, well-known Northern Michigan artist who made the Benzie County area famous with her nature inspired artwork. Another exquisite Empire gallery is Sleeping Bear Gallery with works by many Northern Michigan and Midwest artists. The Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts in Frankfort, located along the Betsie Bay and just steps from Lake Michigan, also features art exhibitions by Northern Michigan artists, as well as classes, workshops and a gift shop. And, of course, there is Michigan Legacy Art Park within the grounds of Crystal Mountain.
After spa-ing, nature walks and art inspired journeys, take in some of the memorable watering holes – Benzie County's St Ambrose Cellars, Stormcloud Brewing Company, Lake Ann Brewing Company or Iron Fish Distillery. Then settle in at one of many unique cozy restaurants in Benzie County to make your relaxing journey complete. Among the many unique and locally owned restaurants, food is inspiring at Stormcloud Brewing Company and the Fusion in Frankfort, The Cabbage Shed in Elberta, Cold Creek Inn in Beulah, Roadhouse Mexican Bar and Grill in Benzonia, Platte River Inn in Honor, and the Thistle Pub and Grille at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville.
General Information about Benzie County
Benzie County is a perfect vacation getaway with quaint towns and villages such as Frankfort, Elberta, Honor, Thompsonville, Beulah, Benzonia, and Lake Ann plus the majestic Crystal Lake. Benzie County has spectacular beaches, miles of biking and walking trails, views of Lake Michigan, and great restaurants and shops. Perfectly situated along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Benzie County has nearly 30 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, 57 inland lakes, approximately 200 miles of rivers, and 22 miles for biking along the Betsie Valley Trail. Outdoor activities in the spring, summer and fall include fishing, golfing, biking, hiking, running, kayaking, and much more.
Benzie County is only 130 miles north of Grand Rapids, 235 miles north of Detroit, 290 miles north of Chicago, 295 miles north of Fort Wayne and 380 miles north of Indianapolis. Plan a couple of days or more and get a true flavor of the relaxed pace and exquisite natural beauty of Benzie County.


text:
April's birthstone is Diamond obtain from the Greek word meaning "invincible", which is a suitable way to describe those born in the month of April. Our Diamond CZ jewelry collection features studs, sparkling hoops & more diamond and CZ jewelry styles.
All prices are in USD. © 2019 Artune Jewelry Online | Sitemap
Powered by BigCommerce


text:
I posted this on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon from the Portland Temple in Lake Oswego, Oregon. I sincerely and humbly appreciate the incredible response I received from friends, family members and other kind-hearted people. I hesitated whether I should even share this post, but I received such a beautiful deluge of love that it made me really happy I did. It was heartwarming to read each and every comment or message sent my way from those who are members of my faith and also from those who have other belief systems. While I still plan to post photos of my temple tour (read below) on social media, I'm also going to write about my experiences on this blog. I'd call it Man vs. Temple, but that sounds more adversarial than I'd prefer for this topic. Here's to some great trips to LDS temples around the nation!
Facebook: October 25, 2016
It's been a long time since I've been to an LDS temple. [Read more…]


text:
22 May (Part 2) - My prediction for Blackfen and Lamorbey
the election campaign I heard from
Mick and Elwyn and Nicholas
several times. Over the past 36 days only two (Good Friday and Easter Monday) have not seen them campaigning on
doorsteps and in shopping centres. If effort is translated into votes they will
be elected with ease but alas it doesn't work that way.
Mick Barnbrook, as reported earlier, saved an old lady with a quick 999 call but a handful have told him to **** orf in a posh upper class voice. Rather more told the three of them to **** off because it was the third time they'd been approached in Half Way Street.
Of the many hundreds spoken to, only two said they were Labour supporters, one in a strong Newcastle accent, adding that they could never do anything else. Not even stop and weigh up the issues presumably.
Apparently most votes were won over by the story of the rejected 2,219 signature petition, the proposal to rein in excessive salaries, which Bexley council chucked in the bin, proposal undebated.
The cancellation of the Danson Park Festival ran it a close second, you'd have thought most people would know about it already but apparently not. The state of the roads and parking costs and penalties was another hot potato. Politicians never seem to realise that one unfair parking ticket can mean alienation for life; and the numbers are adding up fast.
Quite a lot of people were under the impression that their current councillor Peter Craske had been found innocent of obscene blogging and they were were suitably disillusioned.
What will happen in Blackfen and Lamorbey is anyone's guess, there is a huge mountain of Tory votes to climb but if even half the people who promised to vote Independent are true to their word, Mick and Co. will have made their mark. The one thing that can be predicted with some certainty is that if any upstart party or independent takes a seat from the Conservatives in Bexley the latter will report them to the police for some imagined or otherwise breach of electoral law. Actually that is not so much a prediction as a leak, it came to me from someone very close to one of the Tory agents.
Given that Bexley police have been prepared to risk their careers to save the skin of Bexley councillors, that one, if it comes to fruition, should be fun.
That the Tories would play dirty was one of the Bexley Action Group's first thoughts and from the very beginning the Blackfen Independents have been in regular contact with the Electoral Commission for advice and guidance. As a mere reporter, I am hoping Craske and Co. will be true to form and do something spiteful, I need another story like that to maintain the old site strapline, 'Dishonest, Vindictive, Criminal' through to 2018.


text: Many health-conscious cooks opt for ground turkey because it has less saturated fat and cholesterol than ground beef. But that lack of fat is the reason turkey burgers have gotten a bad reputation for being dry and tough. The solution? Mix a small amount of olive oil into the meat before cooking. F&W's guide offers this and other tips that will help you make the perfect burgers, casseroles, chilis and meatballs.


text:
G1176LN finished!
At last my compressor unit is finished! The knobs are in place, and the resistor in series with the VU meter lamp is mounted. The only thing left is whether I want to engrave the front plate, but I'll try to use it for a period and figure out whether it's worth it. After all, I have to dismount all the pots, switches and the VU meter, let alone the engraving-process itself (which I have never done before). We'll see.
G1176LN test
I calibrated the G1176LN unit yesterday night and performed my first function test, compressing some tracks in Cubase.
It works REALLY well, especially with some tracks with accoustic guitar we recorded with my band recently 😀
What remains is to mount the PCB and toroid transforme. I'm also waiting for a power resistor and replacement lamp for the VU-meter. I managed to f**k up and not take in consideration that the VU Lamp output on the PCB puts out ~35VDC and not 12V the lamp is rated for... oh well, you learn as you go...
G1176LN Update
I'm getting there... got the 19" enclosure and have started drilling/dremeling holes in it and fitting the components. Status so far:
G1176LN DIY Compressor
I've started building a 1176-clone based on Gyraf Audio's fantastic work.
The PCB is almost entirely populated, and while I'm waiting for a 19" enclosure, I'm doing what I can.
Will put up a project page in a little while.


text:
6 thoughts on "I'm a Working Class Feminist and You Need To Stop Patronising Me"
Thank you! As a feminist who also grew up on a council estate but now lives a rather middle class life I can really relate to this.
I grew up in a very working class area, went to a state school. I don't consider my background to have held me back in any way and I very much identify myself as a feminist. I can see the point trying to be made by this teacher as she is best placed, as someone who teaches in an inner city school, to observe the behaviour and attitudes of today's young women and men. Maybe her experience is one of trying to encourage independent thought to a majority of girls who aspire to be a WAG/singer/actress/model. However, it is dangerous to over generalise as I think it's very much about the individual, benefit claimant or not.
Perhaps equally as "dangerous" to over generalise that the majority of girls aspire to be a WAG/singer/actress/model. Besides, choosing to do any of those is individual choice and shouldn't be the subject of prejudice from any feminist.
Um, it's definitely not 'prejudice' for a feminist to think that aspiring to be a footballer's wife is bullshit and that working to change society so that young girls aspire to fulfill their own potential and be independent, not to be defined by a husband or partner, is a worthwhile goal. The other professions that Lucy Nation mentions are ones where women are defined by their looks (this clearly shouldn't be the case for a singer, but overwhelmingly is). I think it's important that young girls don't see themselves as valuable only for their looks or sexual capital and it's not an attack on individual choice to believe that society should change to value talent and intelligence in its young women – this would, naturally, have an impact on the aspirations of those young women.
Um, have you checked the definition of prejudice lately? "preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience"
This article was a breath of fresh air. Not only am I from a working class background but I'm black as well and I think it's important to address how feminism relates to someone from my background. Also how it could engage with people from my background. I've got a professional "middle class" job now, and I find it difficult to talk about my single mother who works claims benefits, or sometimes works part time minimal wage jobs. I tend to lie and say she is a secretary, and I know that I shouldn't be ashamed because my mother worked had to make sure I got everything I need, but I usually do because I wouldn't like her to be judged. I think this is why feminism should be intersectional and inclusive whatever class, race or religion you are.