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A lush green carpet of mowed turf is almost synonymous with the American home landscape. Yet one of turf's virtues is also its weakness: it always looks pretty much the same. And to keep it looking the same requires considerable time and effort. If you don't need a lawn for children's play or for sports, you might consider an alternative ground cover. It goes by various names, including meadow or meadow lawn. My favorite name, because these gardens so often look natural and wild, is wildscaping.
One proponent of wildscaping is John Greenlee, founder of Greenlee Nursery in Pomona, California. "Meadows are more entertaining, artful, and -- with careful planning -- just as functional," Greenlee says. "Lawn care is more like carpet cleaning than gardening; I don't like all the chemicals and machinery that are required."
Neil Diboll, owner of Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin, agrees. "When you make a meadow, you enter into a joint venture with the natural world. You're building a plant community that is diverse, strong, dynamic, and at times stunningly beautiful. A wild or meadow garden consumes less energy than turf and so is more ecologically sustainable." Meadows also attract an abundance of bees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that feast on the nectar, seeds, and pollen of the native plants used in this type of landscape.
Even though a wildscape is ultimately one of the easiest kinds of gardens to maintain, it's not necessarily simple at first. Preparation, planning, and patience are required. Depending upon where you live, several years may have to pass before your wild garden is really established. Even then, it will likely need some regular tending, if only to remove seedlings of unwanted plants.
One of National Gardening's horticultural consultants, Rick Darke, maintains a wild-looking meadow as part of his Pennsylvania yard. "We constantly have to battle invading woody plants," he says, "but overall the amount of planning and effort is comparable to any type of low maintenance garden."
Fall is the best time to plant a wild garden. It's a good time to sow most grasses, and plant perennials and bulbs. Early-spring planting works almost as well, but leaves the new seedlings vulnerable to aggressive weeds like crabgrass.
Establishing a Meadow
If you need to remove your existing lawn, the surest and fastest way is to spray twice with a broad-spectrum contact herbicide such as glyphosate (RoundUp) or glufosinate-ammonium (Finale). When the grass dies after the initial spraying, water thoroughly, wait for more grass or weed seeds to germinate, and spray again. Rake away and dispose of the dead material.
Nonchemical methods are equally effective but are either more work or take longer. For instance, with a sod cutter (available at rental yards), you can cut existing sod into strips, then roll them up to compost or give away. Or you can smother the lawn with a sheet of black plastic or old carpeting.
Before sowing, rake away dead grass and weeds and lightly loosen soil. If necessary, use a tiller, but set it so it works soil no more than an inch deep. If your garden soil supported turfgrass fairly well, it should need minimal soil preparation. On the other hand, if your site supported little vegetation of any kind, it is unlikely to support even native plants. In that case, have your soil tested and then amend it accordingly.
Use seeds of any of the recommended grasses or wildflowers, but use plants of perennials. If the wildflower seeds are particularly small, spreading them evenly is easier if they're mixed with a carrier, such as builder's sand. Water the area the day prior to sowing, then immediately afterwards. Lightly cover the seedbed with weed-free straw to help keep soil moist and to protect seeds from birds. Keep germinating seeds moist.
In cold winter climates, such as USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 6, plant perennial plants and bulbs early, by mid-October, so they can become established before cold weather sets in. Mulch in early winter once soil is cold to prevent soil heaving, which damages new roots. Sow seeds late, in mid- to late November. The seeds will wait until spring before growing.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Because this type of garden is by intent a collaboration with nature, there is no single or right way to do it. Just don't try to plant everything all at once. Start with those plants you're sure will do well (see the recommendations for your region), and let nature take its course. Then gradually add more.
Until the meadow is well established, it's important to keep it adequately weeded and watered. While native grasses adapt easily to the weather in their area, it's best to water regularly for the first two months of growth April to June for both fall- and spring-seeded landscapes. Once the surface area dries out, water in the early morning for 15 to 20 minutes or until the soil is damp to 3 or 4 inches deep.
Learn to recognize which plants are in your meadow, and remove invaders regularly. During the first year, mow or prune to encourage branching, so plants grow no taller than 6 inches. In the Midwest or East, a meadow landscape is ideally managed by burning plants every two to three years, if local regulations permit. If you can't burn, mow the meadow to the ground in early spring, and rake off the mowings to expose the soil to the warming rays of the sun.
Regional Guide to Wildscaping
Plants for the Northeast and Midwest
* Grasses and Sedges
Sideoats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pennsylvanica)
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium
Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepsis)
* Flowers
Nodding onion (Allium cernuum)
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Shooting star (Dodecatheon meadia)
Smooth penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)
Plants for the Southeast
* Grasses and Sedges
Pennsylvania sedge 'Hilltop' (Carex pennsylvanica
gracilifolia 'Hilltop')
Sedge (C. perdentata)
* Flowers
Onion (Allium)
Dwarf narcissus, any kind
Bluebells (Mertensia)
Schoolhouse lilies (Rhodophiala
Plants for the Southwest
* Grasses and Sedges
Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)
California meadow sedge (Carex pansa)
Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
* Flowers
Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Farewell to spring Grasses and Sedges
Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)
California meadow sedge (Carex pansa)
Western meadow sedge (C. praegracilis)
Catlin sedge (C. texensis)
* Flowers
Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum)
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Sky lupine (Lupinus nanus)
Baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii)
Karen Dardick is a writer specializing in gardening that lives in Los Angeles.
Photography by National Gardening Association.


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Best price guaranteed. Exclusive advantages booking here.
[fun-tas-tic], adjective
1.extravagantly fanciful; marvelous:
e.g. to live a funtastic experience.
2.incredibly great or extreme; exorbitant:e.g. to spent funtastic holidays.
3.extraordinarily good:e.g. to have a funtastic time.
At Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel we do everything with love. We love Tenerife, we love what we do and especially we love people. They make everyday a special one. Our intention is to provide every guest with a perfect stay. Our guests are always the center of our attention and their welfare is the most important value for us.
Feel comfortable, relax on your holiday and enjoy our unique lifestyle! Spend a funtastic time with us!
Fun and happy time is expecting you during your holiday at Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel. It is a place with joyful people, full of positive thinking where you will have pleasant experiences that you will remember your whole life. A warm atmosphere surrounds you. Feel the fun in the air!. We are a huge family full of love, do you want to be part of it?
Live this first hand experience by yourself and have a funtastic holiday at Paradise Park Fun Lifestyle Hotel.
Come and feel like in paradise!
(+34) 922 757 227
(+34) 922 757 224
Calle Hawaii, 2, 38650 Arona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
(+34) 922 757 227 ext.1846/1936

subset: commoncrawl


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CRIED AT ADELE in Kite Flat. Had to leave the room a couple of times. "When We Were Young." Couldn't hear the words - it was just the subject, the thought, and the times we are going through with Sam. The obsession that excludes the retirement life I was so excited about, and the life that Jo doesn't have. And Sam; what does he understand of his life, and how does he try to influence the different people around him?
Manuel from Dominican Republic was on Charles - a really nice guy with a Spanish accent unlike any I've heard before. He has a five year old son who is on the spectrum. He was delighted with fish fingers, chips and peas prepared by Colin.
Colin was with me on Matt, who produced 5 wets and two soils. What happened to the days when he used to go to the toilet? He was laughing again at shift end.
Heavy spray-paint-rain gave way to a brilliant moon lighting up fractured white clouds against a black sky as I drove home. 21st Nov 2015
Friday, 25 November 2016
Late shift
Posted by Jonathan Player at 11:33
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Temecula CA Central Air Conditioning Systems - Units - Compressors
Welcome to Fire-N-Ice, the premier air conditioning repair service of Temecula CA! Here at Fire-N-Ice we offer a full variety of heating & air conditioning services to both residential and multi-family clientele. We offer a wide selection of central air conditioning systems and air conditioning units to chose from. It is very important to choose a high quality central air conditioning system for your Temecula home because of the extreme temperatures that we experience in this climate. Fire-N-Ice has a team of experienced air conditioning professionals to guide you through the entire process; from choosing the right air conditioning unit to installing the central air conditioning system into your Temecula home.
Because we are a full service central air conditioning company in Temecula, we also can supply our customers with the necessary parts and components to get their current central air conditioning systems back up and running. Whether you merely need a new air conditioning thermostat or a brand new air conditioning compressor, we will provide both the parts and labor to get your Temecula central air conditioning unit functioning properly. Please don't hesitate to contact Fire-N-Ice; the premier heating and air conditioning company in Temecula CA.
Call Today and Speak to an Experienced HVAC Professional!


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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Lifesharing in Greene County
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Western Region Office
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Description of Service
Lifesharing, also known as Family Living, supports individuals with intellectual disabilities to live with qualified unrelated adults who provide support in their home. Up to two individuals with a disability can live in a lifesharing home and be supported by ODP funding. Most lifesharing homes are licensed and inspected to ensure the health and welfare of individuals being served. Individuals in lifesharing also have supports coordinators to monitor the quality of services on a regular basis.
Lifesharing means living with and sharing life experiences with supportive persons who form a caring household. Lifesharing is recognized as both a close personal relationship and a place to live. Lifesharers offer individuals the opportunity to be part of a family and to participate in community life. Lifesharers and individuals are carefully matched and supported by qualified professionals to achieve the person's program objectives. Birth families are encouraged to be part of the matching process and continue to have close relationships with individuals who choose a lifesharing option.
Everyday Living options can be a variety of settings such as lifesharing, as well as support provided to individuals living in their own home, and in the homes of relatives and friends. Services in these settings are authorized based on individual support plans and monitored by supports coordinators on a regular basis as well. Individuals who choose these options come from a variety of places including community homes and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs/ID).
If you take part in Lifesharing

you will be matched with a person or family who wants you to be part of their lives

your Individual Support Plan (ISP) Team which includes you, your birth family, supports coordinator and others will help you find the best match

you will be living and sharing experiences in a private home, and have opportunities to be active in your community

the Caregiver in your Lifesharing home will help you achieve your goals and desires for an everyday life

your birth family can continue to be involved in your life

If you are a Caregiver in Lifesharing you will gain

a friend and companion

the unique gifts and talents the individual brings to the relationship

the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life

support of the Lifesharing community

a generous stipend

care breaks and training

County Provider
Greene ARC Inc.
For more information visit

PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

 Pennsylvania Lifesharing Coalition

Geographical Area
Intake Procedure
Call or visit website.
Client Information
Target Population
Intellectual Disabilities
You may be eligible for Lifesharing if…
You have an intellectual disability and are registered with OID
You would like to live with a qualified, unrelated, caring adult or family in a private home
You have a residential need in your Individual Support Plan (ISP) and funding (ex. ID Consolidated Waiver)
You are eligible to be a Caregiver in Lifesharing if you…
pass a criminal background check
have child abuse clearances
have time to support a Lifesharing relationship
have the space to support a Lifesharing participant
have the ability to support the Lifesharing participant's needs
complete thorough trainings including:
First aid and Heimlich techniques
CPR, if medically necessary
Individual Support Plans (ISP) and putting them into practice
Family interactions and building relationship
Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Contact Information
Contact's Name
Deneen Chulick
Contact's Phone
Contact's Email
Physical Site Address 1
301 Fifth Avenue
Physical Site Address 2
Piatt Place, Rm 490
Physical Site City, State, Zip
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Main Phone
Web Address
Affiliated Agency, Programs, and Services
Affiliated Agency:
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Affiliated Program:
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Western Region Office
This Service:
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services – Lifesharing in Greene County
Taxonomy Postings
Posted to Categories:
Residential Placement Services for People With Disabilities (BH-8500.7000)
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©2019 VisionLink, Inc.


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I am a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz. I remember when I was younger I would wait all year for it to come on TV. Back then it was a special thing because they only showed it once a year. No DVD or VCR tapes, TV only. It was almost like Christmas in my world. My Mom would pop popcorn on the stove, fix some drinks, and we would watch it as a family. Seeing The Wizard of Oz for the first time is a magical journey. You are whisked away into a land where anything is possible and by the end you are rooting for a group of misfit characters you just fell in love with.
I collected The Wizard of Oz memberobelia for years and one of my prized possessions is a Wizard of Oz Monopoly game. I still love to play Monopoly on it! I also love the spin offs, especially Wicked. I had the opportunity to see Wicked on Broadway and it was simply amazing! I guess you can tell I am probably looking forward to OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL! I saw the previews when we went to see Batman last year and I knew that I was definitely going to be going to see it! What better way to celebrate than an amazing and magical party!
Check this link for some AWESOME! AWESOME! party ideas! Just look how cute some of this is![wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id="" class="" style=""][/wpcol_1half_end] [wpcol_1half id="" class="" style=""][/wpcol_1half] [wpcol_1half_end id="" class="" style=""][/wpcol_1half_end]
Catch OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL in theaters March 8th!


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The company Lucky-invest.best makes investments into the Lucky-invest.best STOCKS. Our team consists of experienced specialists who not only make qualified market analysis, but also provide high results in getting good profits.
We monitor market daily and with help of that diminish the risks to about zero level when working on the crude oil trading market.


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Science Fiction and Communism Conference Opening
To celebrate the start of the conference, we are hosting a cocktail party at a downtown gallery in Sofia. Meet and greet with local academics, as well as science fiction experts, writers, and enthusiasts. The gallery is also a welcome point – where you can drop off your luggage upon arrival any time after 11 am on Friday, May 25 (those of you arriving earlier – please contact Ralitsa Konstantinova). Beside fine foods and wines, you will also be able to see the current exhibition entitled "Fantastika in a Time of Communism" displaying archival and artistic Sci-Fi works from the socialist period in Bulgaria.
9 p.m. Organized Transport Sofia - Blagoevgrad.
Full program of the event is available here.


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LAHORE - The Lahore High Court Thursday sought reply from the Punjab government by April 15 on a plea for raise in salary of watchmen.
The Anjuman-i-Chokidaran moved the court of Justice Shahzada Mazhar, saying that the government was paying Rs300 per month to the watchmen. Their counsel told the court that the government never heeded to such a sensitive issue. The counsel made a request to the court for directing the government to increase their salary to Rs10, 000 per month.


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RxAssurance, which gamified prescriptions, raises $500k
RxAssurance, which turned taking one's prescription medications into a game, has a unique new investor: the Colorado Health Foundation, an organization tasked with improving the health of Coloradans.
On Thursday, the Colorado Health Foundation said it invested $500,000 into RxAssurance, which becomes the second local company to join the organization's Private Sector Initiatives program. The first was online behavioral health company MyStrength in Greenwood Village, which was announced last year.
Said Jesse Wolff, the foundation's director of Private Sector Initiatives, it falls right in line with its goal to empower people to manage their own health.
"We also recognize the value of strengthening the delivery of comprehensive, person-centered primary care, and that includes innovative technologies that improve access to comprehensive and integrated care," Wolff said in a statement. "We feel that RxAssurance has the right leadership and the right suite of products to contribute to these goals."
RxAssurance's products can help reduce readmissions because doctors and care providers can use tools to check in with patients — and make sure they're taking their medicine — between visits. One product, RxCompanion, awards points for every completed task. Check in, take your meds and share how you feel and you can win a gift card to a local store. Next month, the company said it plans to launch OpSafe, a pain-medication management platform.
RxAssurance, which launched in 2012, plans to use the money for to improve its technology and grow its sales, the company said.


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Customer Service
At Absolute Steel we have only one objective and that's to have satisfied customers. Through all the years we've been in this business and all the customers, both residential and commercial that we've serviced with our metal buildings, carports, covered parking systems and portable buildings, we know we get that by offering superlative service and a quality product at a competitive price.
Believe it or not, we're not a company that has a customer service department. That's because every department or activity at Absolute Steel has to have customer service in mind and acts accordingly. We don't take shortcuts in the steel we use, the way we fabricate our steel products and we sure don't take shortcuts in the people who work here. Every person who works at Absolute Steel Texas knows they have a vested interest in your satisfaction.
In some cases we're working on sixth generation residential referrals and many of our commercial accounts have been with us for more than ten years. So it seems our simple, straightforward philosophy is about all it takes to be a leader in our industry.
Please look over some of our clientele and see for yourself.
We'd love to have you as a customer and will treat you accordingly.
Our Guarantee
We offer the best warranty in the business.
Our frame systems have a lifetime warranty and the steel panels we use have a paint warranty against fading, chalking or peeling for 20, 30 and even 40 years depending upon which panels you select.
Refund Policy
Of course we want you to follow through with your purchase with us but sometimes things happen in life that you can't control and they can happen after you've begun the purchase process with us. Realize that after you place your order we start to work on it and a part of that is the panels and trim which are specially cut in different lengths and they typically have their own unique colors as well.
This presents a problem that we didn't create and while we understand life's curve balls, the following policy is how we handle refunds:
If you contact us before the panels and trim are underway and before your frame is constructed, you will be refunded 90% of the purchase price you paid to us. Bear in mind this is just enough to cover our internal costs in the transaction.
If you notify us after the panels and trim are underway or the frame system is fabricated or packed for installation or delivery, there is a 30% charge against what you have paid to date.
Important Note: It is not possible for us to give you an exact number of days on any of the refund schedules described above. That's because production of the materials for your metal building, carport, covered parking system or portable building is varied based upon the time of year. During winter when we're not quite so busy, you've got to act fast in notifying us. During other times of the year, you could be okay notifying us within 10 days of placing your order.
There are no exceptions to our refund policy.
Local Purchases
We require a minimum of a 50% deposit at the time of purchase. The balance is due before the structure leaves our property. "Leaving the property" means when the installer picks it up for you, when you pick it up, or in the case of a pre-arranged delivery, before its loaded on the delivery truck or trailer.
Please review our shipping policy here.


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The call for sites process has now ended.
Allensmore Parish
Council wishes to announce a Call for Sites for its Neighbourhood Development
Plan (NDP).
We would like to identify
land which has potential for new housing up to 2031. The results of the Issues and Options
Consultation indicated that a number of smaller sites would be preferred to a
single large site and therefore we particularly welcome submissions for small
sites (single dwellings or small scale developments of 2-3 dwellings). Overall
the NDP is required to support housing growth of at least 12 new dwellings over
the plan period – up to 2031.
Land must be within our Neighbourhood Area which
includes the settlements of Winnal, Allensmore, Cobhall Common and other small
settlement pockets. You can see a
plan of the Area on the Neighbourhood Development Plan here.
Anyone with land which meets the description above and who would like it to be considered within the Plan, is asked to submit an application. Please do so
using the Site Submission Form (word document) or Site Submission Form (pdf document) and providing a clear site plan with the
site boundary marked in red. (You may
find the map available on the Herefordshire Council website useful. See here ) This will give us the
information we need to make sure your site is properly assessed.
Please send your completed
Site Submission Form to Mrs A M Wright,
the Clerk to Allensmore Parish Council, Longfield House, Kingstone,
Herefordshire, HR2 9NE or email to firstname.lastname@example.com
to be received by 8th April
If you have a
site which has been or is currently the subject of a planning application, we
would also like you to complete a submission so that your site can be assessed
and considered along with any other new submitted sites.
All submitted sites will be subjected
to an independent technical site assessment process and measured against the
policies being developed for the NDP. Preferred Option Sites will be identified
for possible inclusion as proposed housing site allocations in the next draft
of the NDP and subject to further community consultation in the spring / summer


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Product Description
Clinically tested Perfect Magic Cover Fit Cushion provides 24-hour lasting coverage and hydration. Hyaluronic acid infused liquid foundation delivers luminous coverage. Hyaluronic acid and Lotus flower extract keep skin moisturized internally and externally while the formula promises long lasting high-coverage throughout the day.
Why this product?
67% serum formula offers optimal hydration to skin.
Revolutionized liquid foundation and puff together deliver convenient on-the-go coverage and easy midday touch –ups.
How to Use
- Apply after skincare routine.
- Gently press metal plate with included puff.
- Pat onto face and smooth out to blend. - Build to desired coverage level.
Made in South Korea
Delivery Information
It takes 1~2 working days to delivery within UAE.
Free Delivery starts from orders of 200 AED.


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Nationally Recognized S.T.E.M. Program
Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Creative Approaches.
Watch Streaming Video
Live and Recorded Sermons
2500 West Bryn Mawr Ave.
Chicago, IL 60659
View Map
St. Philip Lutheran Church
Serving Our Community
Saint Philip has truly been blessed as the Church touches the lives of many, known and unknown, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, through God's Word and Sacraments since 1893.
Chicago Private School
Expanding The Mind
The purpose of St. Philip Lutheran School is to provide an educational experience for children in a safe Christian environment. This experience includes more than just the academic segment of education
Early Childhood Center
Building The Future
We believe the care and experiences that the teachers and staff of St. Philip provide your child will be an enhancing and nurturing extension of your family. We work closely with our families to provide secure and loving care within a Christian environment.


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Mmegi Online reported and sources confirmed that the Trau Bros., which already has a 49 percent stake in Lazare Kaplan Botswana, plans to acquire the remaining 51 percent. The deal is pending regulatory approval.
Trau Bros. declined further comment on the transaction, except to say that the polished diamonds produced in Botswana will be used to serve its clients worldwide.
Lazare Kaplan said, "In this time of rapid change in the world and in our industry, LKI management constantly reviews the deployment of its resources."
Founded in 1890, Trau Bros. has been a sightholder with De Beers for 65 years and is one of the manufacturers authorized to cut De Beers' branded diamond, the Forevermark. The company also is a contract client with Russian diamond mining company Alrosa.
Trau Bros. is known for its expertise in fancy shapes and has offices in Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Dubai. Its brands include Jade Trau, the line produced in New York City by designer Jade Lustig, granddaughter of Solomon Trau.
Lazare Kaplan International Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in New York. The company was a pioneer of the ideal cut and was the first to inscribe diamonds. Its branded diamond is called the Lazare Diamond and it also sells high-pressure, high-temperature treated (HPHT) diamonds under the Bellataire brand name.
In recent years, the company has been involved in a number of high-profile lawsuits, including the ongoing $500 million legal battle with its former lender, the Antwerp Diamond Bank N.V.
In an 8-K filed Wednesday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lazare Kaplan noted that it recently notched a legal victory in one of these suits.
On Sept. 13, the company and the Gemological Institute of America settled the patent infringement lawsuit originally filed by Lazare Kaplan in 2006 against the GIA and PhotoScribe over the diamond company's inscription technology.
According to the filing, the GIA agreed to pay Lazare Kaplan $15.5 million while the diamond company granted GIA a license to use certain patents. The GIA will pay Lazare Kaplan a per-inscription royalty until July 31, 2016.
Lazare Kaplan has not filed regular financial reports since 2009 because of "material uncertainties" created by its ongoing lawsuits but stated in the 8-K filed Wednesday that it expects net sales and other revenue (including the lawsuit settlement) for the second quarter 2014 ended Nov. 30 to almost double year-over-year, from $15.6 million to $29.0 million.
Year-to-date, sales and other revenue are expected to total $42.5 million, up from $34.9 million last year.
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How much is a Facebook Fan really worth? When it comes to Facebook marketing, this is an answer that all business owners would like to know.
However, it's more difficult to calculate ROI on social media marketing because post impressions, Likes and comments can't always be directly tied to dollar and cents. Many have tried and here are some interesting results:
Although all these numbers, formulas and stats are interesting, I don't think that most local businesses can benefit from these facts. In fact, obsessing over these numbers could really distract from your marketing strategy. To me, this is like focusing on SEO ranking reports without looking at other factors, such as search volume.
Like many other forms of online advertising, Facebook marketing can't just be analyzed through one factor because one of the most important ones is pretty intangible and that is potential.
That's why I found this recent study by Hitwise to be so interesting. According to the study focusing on retailers, 1 Facebook fan means about 20 additional visits to your website over the course of one year. I find this to be useful because it comes from another angle on website traffic and doesn't focus so much on the $$$. This study also puts customer loyalty into perspective and that is also another important factor that you can improve by using social media.
Do you think these numbers and studies about the value of a Facebook Fan really hold true? In the end, it's about how much your Facebook fans matter to you and what you want to do about it.


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Robert Skeels from LA Progressive reports:
Using their positions of authority, Tuck, Horne, and Huppenthal closed down popular, research proven, Ethnic Studies programs. Tuck did it at PLAS schools like Santee High School when he was their "CEO." The other two did it while they were Superintendents of Public Schools in Arizona. Tuck went a step further than the others — he also restricted and shuttered both Heritage Language Programs and Dual Language Immersion programs. These important language programs were well regarded and research proven. The language program closures and restrictions were so egregious that a Uniform Complaint Cause of Action was filed jointly by Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Public Counsel Law Center on behalf of the families whose civil rights Tuck violated. Additionally, Tuck closed down other critical programs including health education.


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Marketing Apps 121 Apps found. category: Marketing ×
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This module allows you to perfectly manage your library, having an organized books management system.
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This module enables the user to select different outgoing mail servers for each mass mailing records rather than using the default server which is configured for Odoo.
Mass Mailing With Other Outgoing Server
10.00 €


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Happy July 4th no matter where you are or what you're doing. Hopefully it is something fun.
I made my July calendar so now I know what the date is. It's the 4th in case you didn't catch that. The 11th has a star because it is a little known national holiday--hubby's birthday.The Fine Print: Teddy bear stamp by Stampin' Up, calendar and elephant stamp by Taylored Expressions.


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Gourmet expert Seamus Mullen shares six winning techniques for making sound sustenance a devour for the faculties and your stomach.
I'm a firm devotee that most importantly, nourishment should be tasty. There is just nothing exceptionally rousing about a tasteless bowl of flavorless quinoa. No doubt, maybe it may be "sound," yet who truly needs to eat it? Where is the delight? Where is the delight?
As an expert culinary expert, I've viewed from a separation as the Internet has detonated with unlimited formulas for sound sustenance. And keeping in mind that there are a considerable measure of incredible thoughts and awesome dishes coursing,
I find that the little subtle strategies that we culinary experts get the hang of experiencing childhood in kitchens are frequently disregarded. Outfitted with a smidgen of smart and an all around tuned sense of taste, you can transform the normal into the unprecedented.
#1. Season, season, season
A standout amongst the most widely recognized errors home cooks make is not being self sufficiently assured with regards to flavoring. Regularly, some additional salt and pepper or even some daintily slashed herbs will go far to drawing out the characteristic kinds of a dish. Simply envision a meal chicken without salt and pepper. Blech! Presently include some coarse ocean salt, broke pepper, pounded thyme and rosemary, lemon pizzazz, perhaps some coriander seeds and sesame seeds. All of a sudden, that walker winged animal has turned into a delightful magnum opus.
#2. Be that as it may, season as you go, as well
You need to add salt in stages to manufacture enhance. Taste your salt to perceive how salty it is and modify the sums you add to your dish as needs be. Remember that teaspoon for teaspoon, better salts tend to include more saltiness.
#3. Begin with great salt
I lean toward ocean salt for its perplexing and focused saltiness and its wealth of minerals. My companions at Jacobsen Salt Co., in Portland, Oregon, reap all their salt from the perfect waters of the northwestern coastline. I frequently complete dishes with Jacobsen's piece completing ocean salt and truly like Jacobsen's claim to fame salts, especially the one imbued with phantom chile.
#4. Think about the four purposes of the compass of our sense of taste: salty, sweet, sharp, fiery.
Playing hot off sweet (think: mango and chiles) or harsh off salty (think: salt and vinegar chips) can make a dish truly feel adjusted and craveable. I don't generally have these components in a balance of. In some cases you need one flavor profile to overwhelm the others, yet having an adjust makes for a fruitful and energizing dish.
#5. Sustenance tastes better when it looks great
I'm not saying you should haul out tweezers to make particular plates out of nourishment, however you shouldn't dump the sustenance on a plate. There's a distinction amongst provincial and messy.
#6. Complete dishes with delicate herbs
They're truly solid, include a splendid pop and change the character of a dish to make it more delectable and all the more energizing. I include them toward the end so they remain splendid. Don't hesitate to utilize whatever you like or have available. To slash them, I run a blade through them sufficiently only to train them, or I just shred them by hand.Tags: Diet Food, Healty Food, Herbs Food, Taste a Healthy Food


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Natec PC Gaming Hardware Review
Affordable, robust, beautifully designed PC peripherals from Natec
There is a fine line between quality & price, something which has become all too apparent in this day and age. When it comes to PC gaming we all want something which stands out from the crowd. PC gaming is as much about style as it is about function, with companies chucking out bits and bobs left right and centre which look like they have come directly from the Nostromo.
We've found the perfect balance of style & price in PC gaming peripherals from a company called Natec.
Here we review four bits of kit from Natec.
Natec Genesis G33 Optical Wired USB Gaming Mouse
The Genesis G33 is an elegant, ergonomically designed USB wired mouse with a handy 2m long cable.
The mouse is designed as a gamers mouse with 6 buttons, 4 level DPI switch & comfortable side grips.
It also has increased weight, making movements more controlled.
The USB connector is gold plated, ensuring a better connection.
This mouse comes in at under £10 – and for that you would be silly to say no.
Natec Genesis V55 Optical Wireless USB Gaming Mouse
This mouse really is something of a beast.
With full speed USB 2.0, gold plated USB dongle connector and comfortable side grips being just the start of this behemoth we can do nothing but sing sweet, sweet praise for the V55.
Not only does this mouse look like something Predator might have attached to one of his shoulders, it features a 2000 DPI precision optical sensor, 4 level DPI switch & 7 mighty buttons for all your gaming needs.
This wireless gem is weighted to perfection, allowing you to get the most out of any PC game.
At around £20 we think this should be caressing your home PC set up.
Genesis R33 Usb Gaming Keyboard (PC)
The Genesis R33 looks stunning. It features 113 buttons, 9 of which are multimedia, solid feet, high key design and is waterproof – essential to any of those caffeine heavy gaming sessions.
What is wonderful about this keyboard is the added orange gaming keys – making identification of those all important directional & function buttons instant. Perfect for PC gamers pro and novice alike.
At under £15 this is the perfect all round home & gaming PC.
Gaming Headset Natec Genesis Hx55 (PC)
The last product in this Natec round-up is the Genesis Hx55 PC gaming headset.
This headset features virtual 5.1 surround sound, a handy remote with volume & mute, noise cancelling, soft ear pads & a very nice sturdy nylon coated 2.5m cable.
These cans are ultra comfy, great sounding and very robust.
For £22 you'd be wise to snatch up this great deal.
So there you have it. A simple review of some great hardware.
For more information on any of these products, head on over to the great http://www.whiteroomgames.com


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Most people who believe they've had an encounter with a higher power report lasting psychological benefits. more...
December 15 , 1791 : The US Bill of Rights was ratified. more...
Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
The request for information, or RFI, is a common business strategy that is designed to allow potential clients to collect data regarding the services and support offered by different potential providers. The exact format of the document will vary, based on the type and depth of information that the client wishes to obtain. Often, a request for information is a straightforward question and answer document that requires very simple answers, allowing the client to submit the request to multiple suppliers and easily compare the responses.
While the request for information shares some characteristics with the request for proposal or RFP, customers tend to use the RFI as a means of collecting basic data in preparation for deciding which vendors will be selected to receive an invitation to submit a formal proposal. The typical RFI does not provide much in the way of background on the client, and tends to focus more on general business practices, the range of goods and services available from the supplier, and sometimes the standard published pricing. In contrast, the RFP will usually go beyond this basic information, providing additional data on the client, requesting pricing based on volume usage, and inviting the suppliers to respond with solutions to specific needs of the client.
From this perspective, the request for information can be viewed as a means of collecting information that is then evaluated and utilized to determine the next step in the process. If the idea is to eventually seek out vendors for the establishment of a long-term contractual arrangement, the client may send the RFI out to multiple businesses that offer the basis products desired. Once all the responses are received, the client then compares the merits of each response, eventually narrowing the list of RFP candidates to a select few. At that point, vendors that successfully passed through this preliminary stage are invited to submit a proposal, typically using a request and a specified format supplied by the potential client.
A request for information can also be used as a basic business process to evaluate potential vendors where no long-term contractual agreement is practical. In this scenario, the RFI serves the purpose of identifying vendors who offer the most competitive standard pricing for goods and services that the client may need from time to time. For example, a local business may send out an RFI to all the local office supply stores as a means of finding out which one has the lowest price on general office supplies, which ones offer volume discounts if an order is over a certain amount, and who delivers orders with or without a delivery charge. The data is kept on file, allowing the small business to make decisions on where to purchase office supplies when the need arises.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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A fishtail french braid is the new dutch braid and a fresh fix from the traditional french braid.
Mixing things up and wearing a fishtail braid is a perfect step for the coming Spring. Create a tight braid for an ultra-chic look or wear it loose for a more carefree feel. Then finish it with a knotted side braid to change up that regular braid so you look more done up. It's a whole lot easier than it looks too so scroll down to the tutorial below and let's get braidng!
Fishtail French Knotted Side Braid
- Step 1 / Part the hair on the right side and sweep all the hair over the left shoulder.
- Step 2 / Pick up a section on the heavy side of the part and divide it into two strands.
- Step 3 / Take a small section from the back half, cross it over the top and add it into the front half.
- Step 4 / Separate a small section from the front strand, cross it over the top, and incorporate it into the back strand.
- Step 5 / Cross a small section from the back strand to the front strand and bring in a section of hair crossing it over to the front strand.
- Step 6 / Now repeat step 5 with the front strand.
- Step 7 / Continue braiding the hair down in a fishtail french braid until it reaches the bottom of the left ear.
- Step 8 / Once the braid reaches the ear, create a knotted side braid. To do this, twist the two strands forwards then cross them over each other in the opposite direction.
- Step 9 / When it reaches the bottom, tie it off the end with a clear elastic.
- Step 10 / Create a second rope braid with the remaining hair and tie off the end.
- Step 11 / Next, pull apart one of the rope braids to make a gap and pull the other rope braid through it.
- Step 12 / Keep pulling the braid through gaps in the other one so the two are combined.
- Step 13 / Tie the final braid together and remove the other two elastics.
- Step 14 / Gently loosen the sides of the braid to make it fuller and look more intricate.


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The hype over the WannaCry ransomware attacks in mid-May that ultimately disrupted 300,000 systems in over 150 countries has died down. Nonetheless, it is thought to be the largest ransomware attack recorded to date; taking the British National Health Service as one of its first and most severely assaulted victims.
5 Cybersecurity Lessons Learned from WannaCry
Topics: ransomware cybersecurity wannacryContinue Reading
3 Signs You're Ripe for a Ransomware Attack
2016 saw a surge in ransomware attacks. There were four times as many total attacks as in 2015. In 2017, the problem will get worse with experts estimating there will be a 25% increase in new ransomware families, providing more opportunities for hackers.
Topics: technology ransomware cybersecurity safetyContinue Reading


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During the First World War the composer John McCormack made famous the song "It's a long way to Tipperary". When those lyrics were written they weren't lying when they said it was a long way! I chose to do the Cork and Blarney Tour and I met up bright and early (well not so bright because it was raining but just as early) beside the Molly Malone statue. The guide called out for the Cork and Blarney tour and I jumped aboard. As the bus pulled off, aside from the driver, I realized I was the only Irishman on board! Not a big deal, until the guide started asking questions!
As we made our way through Kilmainham and on towards the motorway the guide told the group that his name was Cathal and that there would only be one man on board who would be able to pronounce it correctly (hint hint)!!! We made our way through the rain and darkness across the Curragh plains where the guide told us that it was where the Irish army did a lot of their training and quite a lot of the film "Braveheart" was shot such as the opening battle of the film. After that the lights dimmed, the music was lowered and i was time to catch a few Zzz.
At around 9am we pulled into the town of Cashel and towering above the tower stood the famous Rock of Cashel. As soon as we got off the bus we darted inside and the guide booked us in. The welcome area was part of the old vicarage hall and from there we made ourselves to the other side of the hall to the audio visual theatre which gave a great insight to the history of the Rock of Cashel entitling it "Stronghold of the Faiths". I've seen quite a few OPW audio visuals in my touring experience and I have to say this was one of the best, the type you would go out and buy it if you could!
Afterwards we made our way around the Rock itself taking it all the amazing structures. It's just a shame we couldn't really experience Cormac's Chapel with all the conservation works going on but in the long term for tourists it will be worth it. I had heard from a previous tour that had come to the Rock about an abbey hidden beside it and when I eventually caught sight of it I made my way down to take a snap of it, making sure I didn't slip down the embankment on the wet grass. In medieval Christian architecture there are normally two styles, Romanesque and Gothic. But at the Rock of Cashel you get a unique Irish style called Hiberno-Romanesque. No matter what comes into Ireland we always seem to put our mark on something! The Rocks height made it exposed to the heavy winds that had been battering us the last few days but you could see why the Kings of Munster chose this site for their inaugurations. It was really cool to hear about Brian Boru's connection with the Rock, as he was declared King of Munster, because of my previous workings with Viking heritage it was nice to hear about his rise from Munster to High King and finally his final battle at Clontarf in 1014.
As we pulled out of Cashel the guide gave us a run through Irish history from the Mesolithic Stone Age through to modern Ireland. He decided to ask the bus who brought Christianity to Ireland? After a few seconds of silence he looked in the rear mirror towards me and said "I'm sure someone on here knows"!!! I decided to end it their and shouted out "St Patrick" to which I was told correct! Next stop for us was the famous Blarney Castle.
On our arrival at Blarney Castle it was straight up to the stone for me, get it out of the way before the crowds descended upon it. One of the information panels mentioned an attack on the castle by one of Oliver Cromwell's generals and I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have been one of the attacking soldiers when I realised how far it was to the top. After climbing the 120 or so steps I made my way towards the famous stone. The story of the stone is that its origins come from Scotland when Robert the Bruce won the Battle of Bannockburn and he awarded the Irish who helped him with a rock, although the Irish term for a rock was a diamond or jewel, typical Scots!
When it came to my turn to kiss it I didn't realise how far down into the parapet it was. Every time I leaned back the man kept saying "further" until I felt like I was going to fall through (even with all the safety bars they have now). One of the information panels explains that it is one of 99 things to do before you die, so only 98 more to go for me! Next up was a walk around the castle grounds which were still nice to look at despite it being a bleak winters day. One of the places is called the Poison Garden that has a big crossbones and skull sign saying do not touch or smell these plants! I thought it best to avoid this, lest the little Irishman inside says "sure what's the worse that can happen, in a poisonous garden". The gift shop is no different to any other gift shop you'll get at a heritage site, but I was attracted by the books on Irish history and folklore! As it was approaching half 12 it thought it was best to stop for lunch and Christy's Bar is definitely worth a visit and I highly recommend their toasted BLT. As soon as lunch was finished it was back to the bus for me and our departure for Cork City.
As we came into Cork City our guide gave us a brief run through about how Cork City got its colours, saying that the colours red and white come from the red sandstone and white limestone used on St Anne's Cathedral. When we were dropped off in the city it was straight to the English Market for me and I couldn't get over the smell of meat, it just hits you when you go in, I don't know how Queen Elizabeth II could hack it in here, she doesn't strike me as a woman who likes butchers! It was chill out time for me in the city until it was time to head off home. Our guide had one final cool fact before our departure, which was the origins of the Cork accent. Apparently because the city was frequented by merchants from all over the world the Cork accent is a mix of all the accents who had paid the city a visit while trading there. It was now home time for us and a time to rest our weary bones! Around 7pm we pulled up outside College Green and it was time to make our respective ways home and contemplate on an enjoyable day trip.


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History of Astrology Babylonian Astrology: The Babylonians believed that the sun, moon and planets (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Mercury and Mars) are phenomena for the communication of God with the humans.
Extracts from this document...
(1) History of Astrology Babylonian Astrology: The Babylonians believed that the sun, moon and planets (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Mercury and Mars) are phenomena for the communication of God with the humans. Each of these planets used to represent God for the Babylonians. * "Jupiter (Marduk) * Venus (Ishtar) * Saturn (Ninib) * Mercury (Nebo) * Mars (Nergal)" Babylonians were the first to name the days of the week in relation to the sun, moon and planets. * "Sunday (day of the sun) * Monday (day of the moon) * Tuesday (day of Mars) * Wednesday (day of Mercury) * Thursday (day of Jupiter) * Friday (day of Venus) * Saturday (day of Saturn)" The Babylonians also considered to the first ones to begin the 12 houses and they gave them names that represent things in real life: 1. " Life (2) 2. Profit/lose 3. Brothers 4. Parents 5. Children 6. Illness/health 7. Wife/husband 8. Death 9. Religion 10. Dignities 11. Friendship 12. Enmity" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_astrology ) (http://astrologynotes.org/Babylonian_astrology ) (1)* Chinese Astrology: There are two different stories about where the names of the Chinese zodiac came from. The first one is that Buddha before dying invited all the animals and only twelve of them came, so he decided to name each year after each of these animals according to the sequence they came with which is: (The rate, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and ...read more.
* Sekhmet (God of War and Conquest) (27 November-26 December) * The Sphinx (God of the Nile) (27 December-25 January)" (http://www.hogglewick.co.uk/Catalogue/List133.aspx) The modern astrology in Egypt started when Alexander the Great conquered Alexandria in 331 BC. During this time, the Babylonians astrology merged with the Egyptian one forming a new system called "horoscopic astrology". The attempt of this new system was to know the horoscope of the person by studying the position of the planets and stars at the same time this person was born. This new system was then distributed to other part of the world as Europe, Middle East and India. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_astrology) (5) (5) Indian Astrology: Greek astrology was transmitted to India in the 2nd and 3rd centuries by means of several Sanskrit translations, of which the one best known is that made in AD 149/150 by Yacanesvara and versified as the Yavanajataka by Sphujidhvaja in AD 269/270. The techniques of Indian astrology are thus not surprisingly similar to those of its Hellenistic counterpart. But the techniques were transmitted without their philosophical underpinnings, and the Indians modified the predictions to be applied to Greek and the Roman society. In particular, they took into account the caste system, the doctrine of metempsychosis (transmigration of souls), the Indian theory of five elements (earth, water, air, fire, and space), and the Indian systems of values. ...read more.
The clock consists of three main parts; the astronomical dial representing the position of the sun and the moon, calendar that has been added to the clock in 1870 representing the months and figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures. The background represents the earth; the upper blue part is the sky above the horizon and the yellow and black part represent the sky below the horizon. "During the day time the sun site over the blue part, during the night it site over the black part and in dawn or dusk the position of the sun is over the yellow part." As moving from inside to outside, first to meet is the black circle that represents the 12 zodiac signs. Then the background that have curved lines that divide the circle into 12 parts and 1/12 of these hours represent the different time between sunrise and sunset also in this background there is numbers written in Roman form and with gold. Finally a black edge that having numbers from 1 to 24 also written in gold. There is a small sun attached to a golden hand. This sun represents time in three different ways. First when the sun is over the outer black edge it gives Old Czech Time. Second when the sun is over the curved lines in (8) the background it gives unequal hours. Finally when the sun is over the numbers written in Roman in the background it gives the current time in Prague. ...read more.
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Month End Wrap Up
There is more going on just in this last week that I can keep track of. Facebook is still dropping on the stock exchange; http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-05/D9V3R9JG0.htm It's at the point now where it was initially...
Trojan'd Anonymous Web Surfing Tool
This is something that I always think of when people are using tools like this, if you are really trying to hide this is the last thing you need to happen. http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/05/29/spying-trojan-targets-iranian-web-surfers-dissidents/ It's really not the ones that we know...
Interview with a lock picker
I have always been fascinated with the mechanics of locks, key and rotation. I have never tried much with keyed locks but I have spent a lot of time to rotation locks. You can feel the mechanisms inside of the rotation locks if you work them slowly enough, then try a feel out the numbers...
Skywiper / Flame Info
Here is some more, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18253331 Again this looks like the work of a nation state, I am sure there will be more sophisticated software then this discovered this year.
Skywiper write up
Excellent write up on skywiper it has some pretty advanced features and it's longevity is astounding. http://www.crysys.hu/skywiper/skywiper.pdf I am sure there is more malware of this caliber still out there and undetected. With more big players coming in to the arena I am sure sure there...
Hardware Malware
I can't say that this is surprising, if the shoe was on the other foot they would be doing it to them. https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~sps32/sec_news.html#Assurance This is a clear sign that the current supply chains are a bad idea, just because it's cheaper does not mean its the best solution. A...
Military Singles Hack
I had no idea this site even existed until this attack was announced. Anyway here is the article. http://www.imperva.com/docs/HII_Dissecting_a_Hacktivist_Attack.pdf Much of what was used you will find on many of the war game sites I have previously posted.
Even bad guys take the weekend off
http://blog.fireeye.com/research/2012/05/1q2012-email-attack-trends.html As for system penetration from personal experience I find that there is more activities on the weekend and even more so along...
Explanation of battle.net login processes
I would try to provide something constructive but the last battle.net game I got was Diablo 2, its a little dated and he covers it already.
Deadly Cell Phones
I had no idea there was so many deaths on these towers. In my ignorance I assumed that there was little to none. Sad. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/cell-tower-deaths/


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EIGHT HUNDRED WOMEN in the southern district of Nyaruguru, who underwent training in various fields under the support and guidance of an international women organisation, said the skills acquired are positively impacting their lives.
The women were on Friday awarded certificates after almost a year of study, training and support.
Over the period, they acquired various life skills including, entrepreneurship, marketing, literacy, human rights and vocational skills.
They also trained in various practical fields, such as tailoring, basket weaving, pearl and jewel making, commercial farming as well as beekeeping, honey processing and packaging, among others.
The one-year programme was championed by Women for Women International (WfWi), an international non-governmental organisation that works to uplift the lives of vulnerable women.
The group is now expected to become independent while the organisation will help another group acquire similar skills.
It was celebration, hope and tales of a journey from a destitute and desperate life to better living conditions as the 'graduates' gathered in Kibeho and narrated what they have achieved over the past year.
The women, who also organised a small exhibition of their products–mainly jewellery, processed honey, agriculture products and baskets–said they have already started utilising the acquired skills to transform their lives.
Resource management
Helena Mukamuyenzi, one of them, said the business skills she acquired helped her in better management of her resources, which she said has significantly impacted her life.
"I was poor and used to waste even the little resources I had," Mukamuyenzi said.
"But thanks to this programme, I have known how to better utilise the little I have to increase my revenues and improve my living conditions," she said, pointing to a well-maintained house and a cow in her backyard.
"A year ago, I didn't have all that and there was no hope to achieve them. But what I live today is a totally different life. Contrary to the time when I used to spend my resources without any plan, today every step I take and every action I make is calculated and I plan before anything."
Change of purse fortunes
Nikuze Renatha, another beneficiary who trained and is currently practicing beekeeping, said getting money was in the past very difficult and looked like a dream for many of them.
"Today, we have invested our efforts in beekeeping and the returns we are getting help us to live better," she said.
"Our children have clothes and shoes, they go to school and we have capacity to meet our other needs. We have now grounds to envision a better life."
Antoinette Uwimana, the WfWi country director, said their interventions are dictated by the need to impact the lives of vulnerable women with the overall aim of improving family welfare.
"We want women to be involved in income generating activities to sustain their lives and contribute to improving the welfare of their families," Uwimana said.
Nyaruguru vice mayor for social affairs Angelique Nireberaho called up on the beneficiaries to utilise the acquired skills and work hard to uplift their livelihoods.


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Where Does Security Rank When Choosing Your New Language?
Here in Portland, Oregon, we just completed another OSCON conference, where functional languages received even more attention than previous years.
As our system architect, I try to keep an eye on these trends, particularly if they can help our Tripwire engineers become more effective coders and most importantly, more secure coders.
I found the following papers and article have some interesting things to say about secure programming with functional languages:
- Functional Programming and Security by Yusuf M. Motara
- Functional programming techniques can improve software security by Chad Perrin
- Secure Programming using a Functional Paradigm by Jay-Evan J. Tevis
At Tripwire, we have a variety of technologies that make up the foundation of our products. Some of which is tucked inside our appliances, some of which is obvious when running our products. For example, Tripwire Log Center is founded on Microsoft's .Net stack (mostly C#) and Tripwire Enterprise uses JVM languages extensively.
Both have some very interesting functional options: .Net has F# and the JVM offers Scala and Clojure. Clojure has been a personal favorite of mine and one we are carefully considering here at Tripwire (but that's another story for another time).
Cigital Principal Aaron Bedra put together a great presentation on the security of Clojure web applications at the most recent Clojure/West event, which sparked some great discussion on yCombinator news.
Mr. Bedra speaks to the security (or lack thereof) in popular Clojure libraries used for building websites. These days, it's fairly easy to leverage other libraries using Clojure's Leiningen build tool and the Clojars repository.
However, your system is only as good as its constituent parts. The same goes for the security of your network, which is only as good as the systems on that network.
Another important aspect of security in languages is, as Chad Perrin says in his article:"Among many of the most dangerous bugs in a typical imperative program are those that arise because, while we write code, we must be careful to reconcile and account for all the state managed by our programs — and sometimes we fail."
Clojure, as well as other functional style languages, help simplify managing program state by (ironically) raising data into a first-class citizen by separating it from functions. In doing so, I believe it should enable creating more secure systems.
By the way, isn't it also ironic that the object-oriented Java VM is the host to many of these functional languages? Are you planning on trying out functional programming? And lastly, does security make "the cut" when evaluating a new language?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
The Executive's Guide to the Top 20 Critical Security Controls
Tripwire has compiled an e-book, titled The Executive's Guide to the Top 20 Critical Security Controls: Key Takeaways and Improvement Opportunities, which is available for download [registration form required].


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Update #19 — wow, has it really been that many, this long? The numbers have begun to escape me, and it was the nurse yesterday who figured out that I'm halfway through the Taxol segment, 3/4 of the way through chemotherapy. Already? And *still* going on?
The two Anna's hummingbirds continue to visit. We've named the second one Teapot because it's short and fat, like the vessel in the children's song, "I'm a Little Teapot." So now we have Robin Hood and his sidekick…. Teapot.
Since I felt energetic this morning (still the steroid high) and the rain let up, I did some yardwork, and it felt wonderful to be out there in some sunshine (though I may regret this activity later). I used to wonder why my mother enjoyed — no, thrived — on yardwork, when as a child I wondered just how many times you had to rake a yard in the fall. (At least we got the reward of roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over the burning piles in the outdoor fireplace, back when you could burn leaves.) With my situation now, being outdoors has taken on even greater meaning — all that green life out there, and the clear air. I took off my hat and let the breeze blow through the peach fuzz on my head.
The Popsicle Report: The Popsicle wizard has been looking out for me this week. When I peeked in the freezer at the infusion center, I counted FOUR boxes of the tastiest Popsicles, the boxes that harbor my favorite flavor. This time, I thought I'd be adventurous and try a new flavor: blueberry-strawberry. Very good, but the blueberry-lemon is still best so far.
The infusion center was a busy place yesterday, with a couple of patients going through their first rounds of chemicals and getting the initiation talk from the nurse and the Cancer Society rep. Listening to the routine made me feel like a veteran. Already? There are far too many of us traveling this road.
The white cell count is a healthy 6.7 with one shot of the Neupogen last week, so we'll stick with the routine of one booster a week, which should help keep me swine-flu free. That's a good thing, since since the vaccine is nowhere to be found here for us regular folk. The red cell count continues its slow downward trend, but I seem to be adjusting OK as long as I don't do too much.
So while I had my imitation Palmolive finger soak (thankfully no neuropathy as yet), I listened again to my iPod:
- Jazz duets by Itzhak Perlman and Oscar Peterson
- The Squirrel Nut Zippers, who hit the charts about a decade ago with their lively swing-style music (good for dancing, in my mind, at least, if I can't do it while I'm soaking my fingers)
- The mellow trombone of Tommy Dorsey
- Some Bruce Hornsby (who gave up basketball for jazz piano)
- Melissa Etheridge (another survivor of breast cancer who quit the Taxol part of her regimen because of neuropathy. Tough to play a guitar when you can't feel your fingers.)
- Just for fun: Elvis' Blue Suede Shoes, Ricky Martin (also good for dancing), Leon Redbone, Blondie, and the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo, who also hit the charts about a decade ago with their CD of Gregorian chant.
- And finally, more Paul Simon, in "Cool, Cool River," singing this heartbreaking lyric: "Sometimes, even music cannot substitute for tears."
While I listen to music, some people use visualization during their infusions to help their healing along. In one of his books, Dr. Bernie Siegel describes images his patients described. One person imagined the white cells as sharks preying on cancer cells. Others imagined polar bears or laser light, and a little boy said his were white cats pursuing the "cat food" cancer cells. A friend said she was told to think of stomping out the cancer cells with stiletto heels, while someone else imagined the chemo drugs as white knights on horses, doing their heroic battle with the cells (and winning, of course!).
This week, it was hard to miss the news from the government task force that released its guidelines on mammograms, guidelines that starkly contradict the recommendations from the American Cancer Society and practically all other breast cancer organizations (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091117/ap_on_he_me/us_med_mammogram_advice).
These guidelines made my blood, and all its resident chemicals, boil. And then I remembered: the mammograms didn't work for me anyway, so the new recommendation about starting mammograms at 50 would have made no difference in my case. It does, however, make a difference for those women whose disease would be caught by mammograms during their 40s, and though the task force doesn't think this number is significant, I suspect it would make a huge difference to the women whose lives would be affected. As I've commented before, mammograms aren't always effective, but it's better than nothing, which is what these guidelines seem to recommend, even saying self-exams are of no use. Gee, nothing like the feeling of being a sitting duck. Given that so many women are affected by breast cancer (the popular statistic says 1 in 8, but that's over a lifespan of 85 years), you'd think the government could come up with a better recommendation, perhaps even start looking into better methods for early detection.
OK, off my soapbox now.
In my continuing play with headwraps, I tried a public experiment a couple weeks ago. At night, after I've donned my pajamas, rather than put on another hat or scarf, I usually take my black shawl and wrap it around my head and shoulders, in the Middle Eastern style of the hijab. It supplies a surprising amount of warmth and privacy, if wrapped well. One morning, I met a friend for breakfast in a very public setting, the local I-Hop, and I decided to wear the hijab, wondering if there would be any reaction since it was the day after the awful shooting at Ft. Hood. In all the time we sat and chatted, not one person stared, commented, or seemed disturbed by my appearance. Who knew that a non-event could be so heartening.
It was also heartening to find a poem that reflects my desire to be in a different situation. Apparently even characters from fiction have that wish:
Fictional Characters, by Danusha Lameris
(published in The Sun magazine, November 2009)
Do they ever want to escape?
Climb out of the curved white pages
and enter our world?
Holden Caulfield slipping in the side door
of the movie theater to catch the two o'clock.
Anna Karenina sitting in the local diner,
reading the paper as the waitress
in a bright green uniform
serves up a cheeseburger and a Coke.
Even Hector, on break from the Iliad,
takes a stroll through the park,
admires a fresh bed of tulips.
Who knows? Maybe
they were growing tired
of the author's mind,
all its twists and turns,
or they were finally weary
of stumbling around Pamplona,
a bottle in each fist,
eating lotuses on the banks of the Nile.
Perhaps it was just too hot
in the small California town
where they'd been written into
a lifetime of plowing fields.
Whatever the reason, here they are,
content to spend the day
roaming the city streets, rain falling
on their phantasmal shoulders,
enjoying the bustle of the crowd.
Wouldn't you, if you could?
Step out of your own story
to lean for an afternoon against the doorway
of the five-and-dime, sipping your coffee,
your life somewhere far behind you,
all its heat and toil nothing but a tale
resting in the hands of a stranger,
the dingy sidewalk ahead wet and glistening.
Though we may not be able to step out of our lives like these characters, we can at least dance. This group, especially the guy with the mop, makes me like the color pink again:


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Private Employer Health Plans- and Implementation of the Public Health Services Act and the Accountable Care Act Mandates in 2014
Department of Labor requirements mandate that employers who offer ERISA health and welfare plans must report plan data in an annual Form 5500, which includes plan enrollment, funding, and other information. Form 5500 filings are required for pension and health and welfare plans. Generally employers who have 100 or more employees in their health plan must report, but self-funded plans with fewer participants must also report. And some other types of benefit programs, like Section 125, 127, or 129 flexible benefit plans may also require Form 5500 reporting, depending on the benefit program. This article uses information from Form 5500 filing data to provide a profile of private employer health plan status, with a view toward changes next year.[1]
Department of Labor Health & Welfare Plan Reporting
Department of Labor(DOL) Form 5500 plan filings are typically reported ninety days after the end of the plan year, so generally between March 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011 for the 2010 plan years. The 2011 fiscal year 5500 reports were not due until as late as the fourth quarter of 2012, and hence not yet available as of this publishing date. The DOL indicates that 41% of private employers with health and welfare plans reported self insured plans under Form 5500. To be considered a self-insured plan the risk portion which funds the payment of health care services is separated from the administrative expenses of the plan. Another 4,000 employers had partially self funded plans, which are a cross between a fully insured and a self-insured plan. The remaining 25,000 employers reported traditionally insured health plans, like HMO's.
ERISA or self-funded plans and Affordable Care Act Mandates
The Affordable Care Act amends portions of the precursor, the Public Health Services Act of 2010 including section 715 (a) (1) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to require self-insured or ERISA plans to conform to certain health plan mandates.[2] These stipulations apply for plan years after January 2014:
1. Waiting Period before an employee is enrolled on a health plan cannot exceed ninety days
2. Employees who work 1,200 hours per year are considered full-time for purposes of qualifying for health plan participation
3. Public Health Services Act Section 2708 provides guidance for determining when an employee working variable hours must meet the criteria for inclusion in the health plan, including the 13 month rule when a variable hour worker must be added to the plan[3]
4. DOL Technical Release 2013-01 extends the compliance phase-in period for the Uniform Health Carrier External Review Process as mandated by Public Health Services Act section 2719 (b) (1) from January 1,2014 to January 1,2016 if the organizations comply with the temporary National Association of Insurance Commissioner Standards.
Final Regulations for Qualifying Health Plan Wellness Programs
The Public Health Services Act section 2705 mandated Wellness coverage for medical insurance plans effective January 1, 2014. On November 26, 2012, Department of Labor regulations for the Accountable Care Act wellness benefit mandates for health insurance plans were issued, including amending HIPAA from 2006. Wellness plans may include any of the following components:
1. Cost of membership in a fitness center
2. Diagnostic testing which reward participation and do not punish participants for their outcomes
3. Monthly no-cost health education programs
4. Health risk assessment
5. Smoking aversion programs
6. Rewards for health contingent wellness plans, such as logging miles per week, weight loss, etc.
For more information on the regulations for the wellness plan mandates please feel free to read all 123 pages of the federal regulations.[4] This article has provided employers with some crib notes on the pending 2014 health care reform mandates, but for more information, read Unraveling U.S. Health Care-A Personal Guide, available July 14th on Amazon or pre-order now from Rowman and Littlefield.
And this is the healthpolicymaven signing off. Feel free to share this article with others.


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Applications Now Available
Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program
Urban Green and Community Garden Grant Program
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the next round of competitive grant funding to assist municipalities, land conservation organizations and water companies with the purchase and preservation of open space lands, urban green space and community gardens through the state of Connecticut's Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program (OSWA).
Details and links to OSWA grant applications are HERE.
For more information about DEEP's OSWA Program contact Dave Stygar at (860) 424-3081 or Allyson Clarke at (860) 424-3774.
Mark your Calendar!
October 13 - Windsor - 10am-12pm
October 20 - New Haven - 1-3pm
Details are HERE
DEEP Requests Proposals for Recreational Trails Grants
Applications for trails projects due by December 15, 2016
DEEP is now accepting proposals for Connecticut's Recreational Trails Program Grants. Applications will be accepted through December 15, 2016.
Connecticut Recreational Trails Program funds may be requested for projects including:
- Construction of new trails (motorized and non-motorized).
- Maintenance and restoration of existing recreational trails (motorized and non-motorized).
- Access to trails by persons with disabilities.
- Purchase and lease of trail construction and maintenance equipment.
- Acquisition of land or easements for a trail, or for trail corridors.
- Operation of educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection as related to recreational trails.
- Planning and design of trails.
Pending availability of funds during 2017-2018, grants may be made to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments. Grant amounts vary.
Further details and applications may be found HERE or contact Laurie Giannotti, DEEP Recreational Trails & Greenways Program at (860) 424-3578.


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Thought dead months ago, "A Little Game" has gotten new life over at Focus Features reports Variety.
Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz were set to play the leads and Gabriele Muccino ("The Pursuit of Happyness") to direct the project.
The stars then abruptly left the production weeks before it was set to begin shooting and Muccino was dismissed.
Now, Ang Lee ("Brokeback Mountain", "Hulk") has become attached and will get started on it once he wraps work on his current project "Lust, Caution".
Focus co-chairman James Schamus is rewriting the romantic comedy, an adaptation of a French play called "A Little Game of Consequence."
The story centers on a happily engaged Brooklyn couple who decide to play an experiment on their friends.
When a rumor goes around that they have broken up, they play along to find out what their pals really think of their coupling.


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Copyright © 2002-2017 Roger Stein.com - (All Rights Reserved)
The Roger Stein Show
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morning. One full hour of action packed thoroughbred information, broadcast live from Southern California's leading tracks,
with up to date information, and handicapping to help you solve the many equine puzzles of the day.
The "Roger Stein Show" is now on Podcast every Saturday and Sunday morning. The show is published and listed on
and can be found at the following link.
The Roger Stein Show
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The Story of Roger Stein
Co-Host and Handicapper
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Hospital ditches EMC Centera for long-term archiving
UHCS in Augusta, Ga., is replacing its Centera archiving system from EMC with IBM's GMAS product after performance, reliability and cost issues forced it to seek alternatives.
Like most large hospitals in the U.S., University Health Care System (UHCS) in Augusta, Ga., is challenged with new regulations requiring it to archive thousands of medical records -- a job the company initially chose EMC Corp.'s Centera system for until performance, reliability and cost issues forced it to seek alternatives.
UHCS is recognized locally for its cardiovascular services -- it developed the area's first cardiac catheterization lab in 1974 and performed the region's first angioplasty in 1980 -- but like all hospitals, it must balance a limited IT budget against the ongoing requirement for a reliable, high-performance infrastructure.
"Our demands are high," said Bill Colbert, chief information officer at UHCS. The hospital serves a 25-county region in Georgia and South Carolina, and every year supports approximately 200,000 patients, delivers 3,000 babies and performs more than 5,000 cardiac interventional procedures, among many other services. The demands on its IT infrastructure, and more recently its storage systems, are daunting.
"We didn't realize how much we would be storing; we filled up our Centera very rapidly," said Ken Sweatman, lead systems programmer at UHCS. The hospital currently archives close to 15 terabytes of medical images on its Centera with no let up in data growth. However, "the scaling [of Centera] was not cost-effective long term, there's no built-in hierarchical capability that would allow us to move data off to tape," Sweatman said. "EMC's answer was to buy another Centera."
In addition to cost concerns, UHCS ran into technical issues with the product. To archive application data on Centera that does not support the product's proprietary application programming interface, Centera users must install a gateway that converts the archive into an NFS or CIFS so that the application can archive and retrieve data.
Gateway outages
"We experienced performance problems with the gateway," Sweatman said. "There were gateway outages … it's not redundant, so we had a few hours outage at a time."
Roy Sanford, vice president of content-addressed storage at EMC, notes that users should buy a second gateway for redundancy purposes. "Hardware fails, that's why you should do protection," he said.
However, this wasn't the end of the issue for UHCS. The hospital had been using a tool from EMC to monitor the utilization of its Centera through a Web GUI. "They had a problem with [the information it was collecting] being accurate and removed the feature from the product," according to Sweatman. "Part of our support issue with EMC was that they weren't explaining why they were doing what they were doing … the feature went away and there was no process for putting it back … They didn't work with us on it."
Sanford explained that the tool UHCS is referring to is most likely a diagnostic product used by EMC's professional services arm. "It is not given to Centera users … the information it delivers is extremely difficult to read, it's a core dump …the equivalent of taking hex data off a mainframe and trying to read that … it's not a customer-friendly tool," he said.
Meanwhile, EMC is looking at ways to provide users with more information on what's going on inside the product. Centera Seek, launched in March, was a step in this direction.
Still, it was too little too late for UHCS, which seemingly experienced poor support from EMC. Sanford conceded that "some channel partners are more educated on [selling and supporting] Centera than others."
IBM GMAS replaces Centera
UHCS began looking for a replacement about a year ago, and with considerable investment in IBM technologies already, it decided to check out Big Blue's Grid Medical Archiving Solution (GMAS). This product was not available when UHCS bought Centera.
The GMAS package includes IBM x-Series servers, storage and grid-based, fixed content archiving software from Bycast Inc., a Canadian company. Bycast's software turns the storage into a network-mounted file system that performs three key functions when data is pumped into it: It generates a digital signature to ensure the integrity of the data throughout its life; it replicates the data according to defined business rules; and it caches a local copy of the data on a gateway node to boost performance.
UHCS chose IBM's DS4100 SATA array for the back-end archive, but Bycast's software actually works with any storage. Hewlett Packard Co. (HP) offers a similar bundle using HP servers and storage called HP Medical Archiving that's also powered by Bycast's software.
Sweatman argues that the benefits of GMAS over Centera are numerous. It uses industry-standard protocols that protect against high-priced, proprietary components, he said. It includes a native hierarchical storage management module for archiving to tape enabling UHCS to reduce its costs over time; and it can retrieve as many as 35,000 large (100 MB+) images per hour, through low latency streaming transport, and dynamic load balancing across storage, bandwidth and CPUs. "Stability and recoverability are No. 1 for us, and IBM has just been more responsible and reliable," UHCS' Bill Colbert concluded.
The hospital has been running GMAS in production for two months, and while it plans to maintain the Centera it has, it will not be purchasing any additional systems. "Our archival strategy going forward will be GMAS … There's not been a lot of noise around it, which generally indicates it's a sign of success," Colbert said.
Bycast has around 10 direct customers of its StorageGRID software, but many more through OEM partners. Most StorageGRID implementations span multiple sites. For example, one customer, BC Cancer Agency, ingests data from more than 30 hospitals and stores the data in a grid spanning five data centers.
Areas for improvement
UHCS said a lot of the "prep work" for the GMAS installation was done at Bycast and not on site. "In the second phase, we'd like more control," Sweatman said. He'd also like to see IBM support other applications with Bycast's software besides just medical systems. "We'd like to add our financial info to a system like this, not just healthcare data."
Next Steps
EMC Centera channel charges ahead
Nexsan unveils affordable CAS with encryption
EMC secures access to Centera content


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The Great Hunt (The Great Hunt #1)
By: Wendy Higgins
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: March 8th, 2016
Format: ARC
Kill the beast. Win the girl.
A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson's hand in marriage.
Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there's no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.
Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He's determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear.
Inspired by the Grimm Brothers' tale, "The Singing Bone," New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people.
I believe a lot of people at this point have heard of Wendy's first series, the Sweet series, and I had one unfortunate friend who took the hit for me and read it and warned me to not touch it with a ten foot pole. Thank you, Alex, for your sacrifice. Taking that into account, I approached this book warily, not knowing what to expect, but, god help me, I am a sucker for fairy tale retellings and didn't stand a chance. I'm glad I approached it warily, my expectations weren't too high, so limited room for disappointment. Except for the ending, that part sucked.
So we have Aerity, who is fantastic, and Paxton, who is grumpy and rude, and his little brother Tiern, who was great. I loved Aerity, and I loved how at every turn she proved Paxton wrong, but not in an unrealistic way. It's just that Paxton expects the worst and Aerity easily falls short of his expectations in the best way. She is a genuine character, to the point that she doesn't easily hide her feelings, and her caring and devotion to her family and her people was felt in her words as well as her actions. Paxton himself doesn't really grow on you, his big secret was an easy one to guess and it was obvious why he would be so hostile, but his reasoning at some points during the story was questionable. His repeated attempts to literally run away from his problems was a mixture of self preservation and apparent immaturity. Also, the male main character that sleeps around is so overdone. Tiern on the other hand was a little shining light of a sunny disposition and his character easily balanced out his brother's sulky attitude.
The plot followed and expanded on The Singing Bone; there was a beast to hunt, two brothers, and the king's daughter was up for grabs as a reward, but luckily no fratricide. Instead, some elements that reminded me of the Island of Dr. Moreau and a magical element, as well as a repressed subset of the population, were introduced that I was not expecting. I am curious as to where the next book will go, as Aerity is in a situation that is not ideal at all, and some interesting elements of The Singing Bone, like, say, the actual singing bone, were left out and I want to see if Wendy will be including these and continuing with her original inspiration or if she will incorporate another fairy tale.
Now I really want to talk about the ending, so if you hate spoilers, cover your eyeballs. Now, the ending was going every which way. I had a clue early on that the beast only killed men, and since then I had hoped that Aerity herself would be the one to kill the beast, and it looked like this would be true and I was very much looking forward to a very happy ending where Aerity would get her freedom of choice back. Unfortunately, Aerity gets knocked out cold in the middle of the final fight. Wendy then pulls the rug out from under your feet, again, when it looks like Paxton will be the one to kill the beast, but he gives up this chance to bring his brother back from the dead. Instead, the turd from the north kills the beast, and poor Aerity wakes up to find that the man who prefers her cousin, who herself just lost her "great love" but moved on pretty quickly, to her, and plans on having a relationship with her cousin after they are married, is going to be her husband and that Paxton has run off.
The Great Hunt was a not satisfying fantasy retelling and the second book is a questionable read. I need to know how Aerity and Paxton will be reunited, how Aerity will get out of this awful marriage arrangement with Lief, preferably he will just die, and how Aerity and Paxton will end up together. I really, really need that to happen. Just because I want Aerity happy at least because I liked her. I also really, really need for there to not be any extra love interests on either side, because that would be the perfect way to run the story into the ground for good.
If you like what you read above, please follow using one (or more) of the social media sites in the sidebar!
Disclaimer: The synopsis and cover picture were pulled from the book's Goodreads page. Neither belong to us.


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If you haven't yet been able to figure out how to change the fonts and font colors in your Thesis 2.0 skin Editor, this helpful video will show you where to look.
Thesis 2.0's Skin Editor keeps all of the font settings and colors for your site in tidy little packages of CSS styles which can be easily edited.
Let's quickly cover how to change the fonts and font colors of your site using the Thesis 2.0 Skin Editor.
Open the Thesis 2.0 Skin Editor
1. So first, you need to go to:
Thesis > Skin Editor
2. Then click on the CSS tab.
Under CSS is where you will find all of your appearance settings for the font styles, margins, and any other CSS stylesheet information for your Thesis site.
Changing Fonts & Colors in the Document Body
So let's do an example:
If you wanted to change the fonts over the WHOLE Body,
First you would click on the "&body" package in the CSS screen.
Now, if you click on the "Options" tab you'll see all of the font settings located here. Just click on the arrow under "Font Settings" to open the font settings.
Thesis 2.0 Font Color Settings
Select a different font from the font dropdown box
By default, the Text color box is using the $c1 variable in the classic skin.
You can either just change the color in the box to a specific color using the web hex color codes… OR…
To make fonts change over ALL of the CSS packages, you can also go change the font color in the $c1 variable.
If you want to only change the fonts and colors in one or two sections, you just need to find the package that element is in, and you'll have font and colors choices in the options for those packages also, same as for the body package.
So for instance, let's look at the post styles package. You have settings for the headlines, sub headlines, lists, and overall fonts.
Don't forget to check the "Additional CSS" settings tab for the package too.
Once you have made all the changes you want to make, click on the "Save CSS" button to recompiled your stylesheets. The changes will now show up on your website.
I hope this tutorial has been helpful to you! If you liked it, or have questions, please leave me a comment below this post 🙂


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Bacon and Cheese Scones
While most people think of scones as sweet treats, they can also be filled with savory ingredients, like these irresistible rounds of meat-and-cheese goodness, for a delicious change of pace. For a sinfully delicious treat, spread halved scones with sweet onion or bacon jam.
- 3 thick slices applewood-smoked bacon, cut crosswise into
1/2-inch (12-mm) pieces
- 2 cups (10 oz./315 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (4 oz./125 g) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 8 Tbs. (1 stick) (4 oz./125 g) cold unsalted butter, cut into
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup (6 fl. oz./180 ml) heavy cream or whole milk
Preheat an oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a fry pan over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to paper towels.
In a large bowl, using a fork, stir together the flour, cheese, baking powder, pepper and salt. Add the butter and toss it well to coat with the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs the size of small peas. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and cream until blended. Pour the egg mixture over the flour mixture and stir with the fork just until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle the bacon over the top and use your hands to fold and push the dough to distribute the bacon. Bring the dough together into a ball. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough into a round about 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick. Using a 3-inch (7.5-cm) biscuit cutter, cut out as many scones as you can. Pack the scraps together and reroll them to cut out more scones. You should have about 12 scones. Space the scones evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the scones are golden brown, about 12 minutes.
Transfer the scones from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm. Makes 12 scones.
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Bake Good Things (Weldon Owen, 2014).