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Sorbet by Ethique Limited
By Brianne
I want to embed this investment somewhere
Investment: Product
Sorbet by Ethique Limited: We make premium, concentrated & sustainable beauty bars that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful.
by Brianne
Minimum target: NZ $150,000
Days left: Closed
Funded: NZ $201,150
Investment: Product
Sorbet by Ethique Limited: We make premium, concentrated & sustainable beauty bars that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful.
by Brianne
Minimum target: NZ $150,000
Days left: Closed
Funded: NZ $201,150
NZ $201,150 pledged
138 people pledged
NZ $150,000 minimum target
Pledges will only be confirmed if the target is reached by: 10/07/2015 at 7:00 PM (NZST)Make a Pledge
Sorbet by Ethique Limited
Welcome to our world
In 2012 Brianne started making unique solid formulas from her kitchen in Christchurch, New Zealand.
With her knowledge of chemistry & biology she wanted to create better cosmetics & wasn't afraid to do things differently.
We've now outgrown the kitchen and set up in our lab. Our core guiding principle remains the same: healthy products made with sustainable - naturally derived - ingredients.
Different is beautiful
What does that mean for us?
It's about ignoring the status quo & doing things your own way.
We started Sorbet because hair & skin care needed a shake up: simple, concentrated & sustainable products that deliver on results, without the packaging.
A fresh approach
Bars are our answer – no bottles, no harsh chemicals - just good things in high concentration.
We're all about taking beauty products & making them super dense. Each bar is packed full of only good things that will work to bring out the best in your skin & hair.
Why bars?
Solid cosmetics have loads of benefits. They last for ages because they're so concentrated. One bar of Sorbet can last as long as five bottles of its liquid relative and because there's no water, Sorbet doesn't need preservatives. 'First do no harm' is our priority, we can do that by making solid formulas.
For us, sustainability runs deep. We started making beauty products because we know they can be made better.
But it goes further than just formulas. We package our bars in water soluble paper and compostable boxes, the ultimate in no waste. Just run under the tap to dissolve the packaging or toss in your compost bin. Thus far we have prevented 32,000 bottles from being made and disposed of.
As you know, what goes down the sink ends up in the sea. That goes for our products too: the ocean is their destiny. Our ingredients are carefully chosen with this in mind. There's nothing in our bars that will cause harm to the environment.
Our lab is powered with 100% renewable energy and we're proudly certified climate-neutral.
What is 'natural'?
We love natural things as much as you do. In reality it's impossible to make a 100% chemical free product because everything is made of chemicals (yes, even you.) We use naturally derived ingredients that are effective, healthy and sustainable.
Here's what we do:
- Find ingredients from sustainable sources
- Put them through as few chemical processes as possible
- Source organic when possible
Sorbet doesn't contain:
- Sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate
- Parabens
- Pthalates
- Ingredients that form nitrosamines or dioxins
- Formaldehyde or formaldehyde donors
- Palm oil
- Petroleum byproducts
- Animal products
Sorbet is certified cruelty-free by PETA, SAFE & Choose cruelty free. We don't test on animals, or use ingredients that are tested on animals.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Something we feel passionate about is involving as many people as possible in Sorbet and its success. Our customers have given us product ideas, named various bars (In Your Face anyone?) and supported us every step we've taken. We need capital to take advantage of the amazing opportunities being thrown our way and this is the best way to do it.
What do investors get?
We are offering up to 200,000 non-voting shares at $1 each which will equate to a total of 16% of the shares in Ethique Limited (trading as Sorbet). The minimum number of shares you can purchase is 500 ($500).
We're sweetening the deal with shareholder discounts, the opportunity to try our newest products before release and of course, every shareholder is invited to our AGMs where you will be able to tour our factory and try out new products.
The non-voting shares do not give the holder the right to vote at meetings of shareholders. In very limited circumstances (to ensure the shareholder's core rights are protected) each non voting share gives the holder the right to one vote. This only occurs where there is a proposal or resolution:
- that will affect the rights attached to the Investor Shares
- to put the company into liquidation
- for the disposal of the whole, or a material part, of the property, business and undertaking of Ethique Limited
Non voting shares will give the holders:
- The right to an equal share in dividends and other distributions made by Ethique Limited (subject to the rights of any other class of share)
- The right to an equal share in the distribution of surplus assets of Ethique Limited.
The constitution sets out other terms that will apply to any shareholding in Ethique Limited. You should read the constitution before pledging for shares.
|Post-offer (fully subscribed)
|Brianne West
|Bryan Pearson
|Martyn & Janette West
|New Shares
About our Team
Brianne West. Brianne has a background in science (biology and chemistry) and has founded and run two businesses prior to Sorbet, both of which have since been sold. Her first business was also in the natural skincare industry and was started when she was just 19 years old. Brianne brings the passion and innovation to Sorbet and is rapidly gaining business nous.
Janette West. Janette is Brianne's Mum and came on board in February 2015. Janette is responsible for processing orders and is learning the manufacturing ropes. She brings a wealth of administrative and bookkeeping experience and keeps the lab looking tip top. Janette has a background in manufacturing & quality control. This involved implementing British safety standards and ensuring efficiency and quality across manufacturing systems.
Helen Rhodes & Danella Stewart. Helen & Danella are our dedicated wrappers. They ensure our bars are dressed in their best before they leave our lab. Both ladies are early childhood teachers with children of their own and are tremendous assets as they work all hours to make sure we are never caught short.
Bryan Pearson. As a company director, investor and consultant strategist, Bryan Pearson draws on more than 20 years experience in chief executive and governance roles in Australia and New Zealand. He has held a number of governance positions including Chairman of Mouton Noir Ltd (trading as MACPAC), independent director of J. Ballantyne and Co. Ltd and is currently a trustee of several third party private entities and Chairman at Lane Neave. In his capacity as consultant strategist he supports a range of public and private sector organisations in developing strategic direction, resolving strategic issues and mentoring leaders. "Boards, Chief Executives and Executive teams are often so busy doing they don't have the luxury of time to step back and engage the business in thinking through who they are, what they stand for and believe in, where they are going and what they want to achieve in order to have a clear, concise and compelling touchstone for all business planning, investment and decision making. They then need support to make it happen."
What we've done so far
Ethique Limited, trading as Sorbet, was started in October 2012 by Brianne out of frustration with the environmental impact of beauty products available on the market.
For two years Sorbet was run as a pilot program, whilst Brianne studied towards a bachelor of science in biology at Canterbury university. The products were concocted in Brianne's kitchen and over 8,000 fans on Facebook and 6,000 customers tested out what worked in the way of products and packaging. Rave reviews started piling in (over 700 five star reviews in just under two years) and it gave Brianne the confidence to enter the Entre 85k business competition run through the University of Canterbury. As part of the competition, businesses were given a mentor and had to develop a business plan and pitch for investment. One of those mentors, Bryan, came on board as an investor and director in March 2015. Bryan is an experienced CEO and board member, having held positions on the boards of Ballantynes, Macpac and Saint Andrews College. Bryan specialises in strategy and governance and, with his help, Sorbet is now set on a high-growth path.
Since launching, we've prevented 32,000 bottles from being made and disposed of.
What's next?
We aim to have completed fitting out and obtaining certification for our manufacturing lab by late August and will release our new branding at the same time. Then with all our ducks in a row we will be securing distribution in retail outlets, first in NZ, then spreading into Australia and further afield.
How will we spend the money?
Brand activation ($35,000)
We are currently developing some stunning new branding architecture, on which we will base our expansion. We have received feedback from retailers that our current branding will not cut the mustard for international expansion. We need to implement our new world class brand and get it right first time. It is important we have an easy to use and up-to-date website as the majority of our sales are online. This will be completed and released 1st of September. This includes new label, new packaging, a new website and PR.
Branded storage container ($13,000)
The number one request we get from our customers is to provide a container that they can use to store their bars in in the shower. We have been researching this for over a year and finally have sourced 100% compostable containers made from sugar cane. They will last up to five years in your shower, yet won't clog up the landfill when thrown away. To get 5000 of these made with our logo, it will be just under $13,000.
Lab development & GMP certification ($35,000)
If pushed we can get 1000 bars daily out of our lab at the moment. We need to extend this to 5000 and also achieve GMP (Good manufacturing practises) certification. This will enable us to export around the world and to keep up with the demand our expansion will create. We plan to have achieved this certification by August.
Operation Manager ($50,000)
We need to employ an operations manager who can take over the day-to-day running of the lab & office. We envisage doing this by the end of July. Could this be you? Email us for the job description.
Global Market Development ($50,000)
This is the ongoing process of finding & researching potential new markets for Sorbet and developing the best entry method. Refer to our three year strategy for more information.
We've also factored in $17,000 for working capital, and we're aiming to raise up to $200,000.
Our strategy includes:
New Zealand: FY16
It has been our strategy over the first two years to concentrate on developing our brand awareness with both our target markets and focus on conversions through our online site. We have turned away most retailer enquiries, thus we don't have much of a retail presence. When our new branding is finalised and packaging completed in late August, we will begin approaching retailers to stock our products. We have identified three channels which we will focus on; pharmacies, department stores and giftware stores. Our aim is to receive placement in thirty retailers by end of FY16, with an additional seventy by close of FY17.
To ensure continued awareness of the Sorbet brand, we will further develop and maintain relationships with influential media and bloggers through our PR company, Convergence.
Australia: FY16-17
In September when our branding is completed, we will begin approaching and securing placement in Australian stockists. We have identified three channels we would fit into, one chain of department stores, one beauty specific chain and a pharmacy chain.
We have a small customer base and two existing stockists over there already, but need to develop awareness of the brand. We will work with a small number of carefully selected chains and an Australian PR company to ensure we do this effectively and will manage it ourselves, not using distributors to ensure the best possible margin. If required, we will bring an Australian agency or account manager on board to facilitate relationships. To lower the shipment costs, we will secure warehousing in Australia and may open a factory outlet store such as the one currently in Christchurch. We expect to have secured placement in one chain (20 stockists) by end of FY16, and one other by end of FY17, with an approximate total of 60 stockists.
Singapore: FY17-18
We need to carry out more market research into Singapore to ensure it is the best option for our first foray into the Asian market. We have had talks with a large department store chain over there who are interested in stocking our product, but we are not willing to do so without further market understanding. We plan to work with NZTE and Katabolt (export specialists) to determine this.
Further international development
Our success rate in our first two international markets will determine whether we enter another within this three year plan. We have identified a number of opportunities (as above), in particular North America, but will need to complete more market research before making the final decision on the best way to enter these markets. Although we have had multiple enquiries from distributors in China, Taiwan & the Philippines, we are not willing to enter markets half heartedly as the fastest growing businesses do fewer areas, better. Once we have entered a country we will do it completely with the aim to dominate our sector.
Our forecasts and assumptions
Staff: We intend to add an operations manager in July this year, with seasonal help bought in for November & December to cope with the increased order load. We expect to bring another manufacturer on early 2016.
Location: Our current lease runs out in November 2016 so we will move into a much larger premises and have estimated market rate +10% for this.
Silver assumptions: Growth will continue to double year on year through word of mouth and continued PR & marketing. We will secure distribution through half of the stockists we expected in both NZ & Australia and begin to develop the second international market.
Gold assumptions: We will smash our retailer targets both here and in Australia and have developed significant inroads into our second international market.
Ingredient cost will decrease up to 50% with larger amounts purchased.
Download our business plan for our full forecasts and assumptions.
Risks and Challenges
Loss of key staff
Losing Brianne (our founder) would be a significant threat to Sorbet at this time. We plan to bring on an operations manager to learn the more specific parts of her role (which will also free her up to export Sorbet) by end of July. The existing team share Brianne's passion and drive for Sorbet so the brand would continue on. We have key person insurance should something happen in the meantime.
Copycat brands
At this point, we have decided not to patent our products as the costs will outweigh the benefits.There is the potential for this to change with new innovative products in the future. We have to rely on developing a great brand, great products and our customers loyalty.
Cash flow
Securing debt is difficult as our major shareholder doesn't have any assets. Whilst we will always exhibit caution and forward planning with budgets, we would consider a further capital raise in the future if necessary.
Manufacturing premises disabled by earthquake or similar disaster
The possibility of our Christchurch lab being disabled by a natural disaster is relatively high, but is easily solved. Our plant and fittings are all easily removed (or replaced) to quickly equip another premises. If it was inaccessible, we could use a contract manufacturer in NZ to produce our products for the shortest possible downtime.
Distance to market
New Zealand is one of the most remote countries on the planet, but manufacturing here does have the benefit of stamping 'NZ made' on the product. We expect we will open further manufacturing facilities in the future, in Europe and possibly North America to keep up with the demand.
Unusual product line
Whilst having an unusual product line has advantages, it is also a source of consternation for some new customers as to how to use the product, or why to choose a solid over a liquid. Consumer education will form a very large part of our PR and marketing plan, in particular when rolling out into new markets. This will provide excellent content to provide value and interest.
Note from PledgeMe
We have completed a Veda check on the company and their directors, as well as a Google check. There were no adverse findings.
You need to pledge to see this update.
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Only $20k to go!
22/06/2015 at 8:53 AM
We are so close to our target- just $20,000 to go.
We'd really like to hit $200,000 by the end of this week so we can get cracking on expanding; we have lots going on already and even more planned. So please share us around and help us spread the word so we can grow the empire!
On that note, if you know anyone who would love to work for us, let them know we are hiring: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=903193992
And once again... Thank you!
Thank you for helping us raise the bar.
17/06/2015 at 12:17 PM
Excitement in the Sorbet office this morning... we are over the line and have hit $150,000 in under a week!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I keep saying this, but it really means so much that you have so much faith in Sorbet, it only gives me the drive to work even harder.
We now have just 50,000 shares available before we hit our maximum of $200,000, so if you want on this amazing ride, jump on quick.
The extra will give us the oomph to get out there and start exploring the export options open to us.
Over 65% of those of you who have invested are already existing customers, which is exactly why we chose to crowd fund. We are so delighted to have almost 100 new team members join our fold, helping us save the world.
- Brianne
Nearly there...
16/06/2015 at 2:42 PM
Just over $7000 till we hit our target!
To those of you whom have pledged, thank you, we are so excited to have you on board. To those of you thinking about it... now is the time to take the plunge, it would be great to hit our goal in less than a week. If you have any questions/concerns/feedback, do let me know and I will answer as best as I can.
We are finalising our new packaging at the moment and have pushed the 'go' button on our in-shower containers. They are made with compressed sugar cane, so a 100% renewable, compostable container which will last up to five years in your shower.
Our experiments with the prototype showed they doubled the life of shampoo bars (when compared with a naked bar in no container but kept out of standing/running water).
- Brianne
Woohoo! Over $100k already!
14/06/2015 at 12:12 PM
Thank you so much, yesterday we reached just under $110k in under four days. The support you have all shown is incredible and I am so excited to bring you along on our journey save the world from cosmetic packaging!
It's been an amazing week and I know next week will be even better.
As you can see, Janette is very excited.
- Brianne
Off to a solid start!
11/06/2015 at 2:16 PM
Last night we launched our equity crowd funding campaign in the Ballantynes hair salon with our friends, family, customers and a bunch of people we'd never even met.
Launching the campaign was busy, exciting (and slightly nerveracking). The feedback so far has been incredible and we've had over $37,000 pledged to our campaign by 32 amazing pledgers making us over 24% funded in less than half a day. It's incredibly touching to see how many people believe in Sorbet as much as I do. And who want to help us save the world from the evils of cosmetic packaging.
Three of our early investors include a beauty editor, a long-time product tester, and a family friend. People from every part of our crowd are showing their support and helping us towards our goal of between $150,000 - $200,000 - here are a few of them so far:
Nate, who has been testing our products for over a year, was our second investor (by 30 seconds he adds). The first time he came to pick a product up was when Sorbet was still operating out of my home and I answered the door with a towel on, covered in foam, having forgotten he was going to turn up!
"I invested in Sorbet because I believe that the business will grow as well as outlined, if not faster, along with the fact that it is an amazing brand and amazing product."
Another one of our early pledgers was Jenna. Jenna is the owner of Oh Natural, a beauty boutique dedicated to natural products and reviewing brands. I've known Jenna for over two years professionally, but we've never met. I didn't even know she knew about the campaign yet.
"I love what Sorbet is about and can see the company going far. It is exciting to be able to support such an innovative business!"
I started Sorbet with the goal to prevent the incredible amounts of waste coming from cosmetic products.
Already we have prevented 32,000 bottles from being made and disposed of, a number I am incredibly proud of. We've also grown our company from a small home based start up, to a commercial set up which has already sold over $168,000 worth of product.
With the investment we hope to raise through PledgeMe, we are going to expand our manufacturing premises and activate our spectacular new branding, before beginning the push out into the world.
Please help us spread the word!
Offer Details
|Current Valuation
|Raise Minimum
|Raise Maximum
|Share Price
|Maximum Shares Offered
Explanation of valuation:
2.5 times third year earnings before depreciation, interest and tax. We have based our valuation on our silver forecast to try to make it fair and achievable.
Financial Summary
|Prev Year
|Current Year
|Est. FY 2021
|Est. FY 2022
|Operating Expenses
|Net Profit
Company Details
Company Name: Ethique Ltd (registered as ETHIQUE LIMITED)
Company Number: 3152626
Companies Office URL: http://www.business.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/3152626
Incorporation Date: 27 Oct 2010
Company Status: Registered
Entity Type: Registered
Constitution Filed: Yes
Annual Return Filing Month: June, last filed 23 Jun 2014
|Registered Office
Unit 2, 375 Wilsons Road
|Address for Service
Unit 2, 375 Wilsons Road
Company Documents
Director Details
|Profile URL
|Brianne West
|Managing Director
|Bryan Pearson
Ask a Question (You must login to ask a question)
Hey, it says to read the constitution but I cant find anything under that name. Is it the business plan?Posted on 11-06-2015 by Daniel Fleming
Hi Daniel, if you go to the details tab, it's the last document listed. Called 'Constitution_final'.
Cheers, Brianne
Answered on 11-06-2015 by Brianne
How will the share register be managed?Posted on 13-06-2015 by Scott Walsh
Hi Scott, our team at the Sorbet (Ethique ltd) office will manage it.
Answered on 13-06-2015 by Brianne
Followers of Sorbet by Ethique Limited
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"All the best for the future Brianne - Kat & Ant, Little Eclectic"
2015-06-17 13:27:16 +1200
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"Stoked to be the investor to put you over the line Brianne! Next stop $200k :-)"
2015-06-17 11:10:14 +1200
2015-06-17 09:46:32 +1200
"Fantastic feeling to invest in Sorbet! A company you can really get behind both for their products & ethics!"
2015-06-16 22:05:42 +1200
"Greetings from Tuvalu, can't wait to try your product and meet you when I get back. I may be able to help grow into a new market too."
2015-06-16 21:56:33 +1200
"Very excited to be a small part of your vision Brianne. All the best, Henry & Holly."
2015-06-16 19:09:18 +1200
"I believe in this company and its ethos and am proud to be a small part of it"
2015-06-16 18:36:15 +1200
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"Thrilled to be part of this amazing business"
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"Fabulous product well done team!"
2015-06-15 21:36:32 +1200
2015-06-15 20:53:08 +1200
"Love your products. Looking forward to an exciting future for Sorbet. "
2015-06-15 20:05:39 +1200
"Good luck Brie - you're getting so close to target! Hope this helps (Alex & Anna)"
2015-06-15 19:57:41 +1200
2015-06-15 15:15:09 +1200
This campaign has closed, but this company may choose to do more equity raises on PledgeMe in the future. If you're interested in investing in Sorbet by Ethique Limited, you can sign up to be notified when a new equity campaign from this company is published.
Investor Perks
5% shareholder discount on the ordinary retail price of products, invitation to AGM & after party. We'll also send you some sweet Sorbet branded apparel so you can show off your shareholder status.
10% shareholder discount on the ordinary retail price of products, invitation to AGM & after party. We'll also send you some sweet Sorbet branded apparel so you can show off your shareholder status.
I want to embed this investment somewhere
Investment: Product
Sorbet by Ethique Limited: We make premium, concentrated & sustainable beauty bars that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful.
by Brianne
Minimum target: NZ $150,000
Days left: Closed
Funded: NZ $201,150
Investment: Product
Sorbet by Ethique Limited: We make premium, concentrated & sustainable beauty bars that will leave you looking and feeling beautiful.
by Brianne
Minimum target: NZ $150,000
Days left: Closed
Funded: NZ $201,150


text:
I love Peter's experience of walking on the roaring sea with Jesus. But the thing is, Peter's story is often misunderstood. Do you have a step you need to take?
Listen to this message I gave at a women's retreat to gain the fresh perspective you need to see Jesus in a new way! My FREE gift to you!
Its so easy to get caught-up in the whirlwind of our imperfect, complicated little worlds. Here I sit, its midnight and my mind is STILL racing trying to figure out if both boys bags are packed for our trip tomorrow…did I change the laundry? Did I get everything prepared for Sunday? Can I find a used computer for our check-in system? I need a haircut…we need more money….I really don't want to get the dumb oil changed!
Then it hit me…while rewriting our brochure for visitors, spreading the details of our children's ministry, I wrote the typical "Love God, love people" phrase (why not…all the cool churches are doing it…right? Hence hence Southland and Willow Creek…not to mention Saddleback…).
Yet it is true, isn't it? Have you visited the verses behind the mission craze?
Matthew 22:34-40:
34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
Hello and welcome to Step Out And Thrive Ministries! My name is Bethany Boring and I am proud to be called a child of God before any other title or role. I am a mom to 3 amazing boys. I enjoy writing for this Step Out And Thrive community and walking with you as we venture through the ups and downs of life together. I am an ICF trained Certified Professional Christian Life Coach (Christian Coach Institute Graduate), Motivational and Inspirational Speaker, mentor, Certified Human Behavioral Consultant (DISC Personality) and an author. As always - dare to do more than just survive, step out and thrive!

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Millwall loan watch: Pavey nets two in two for Shots
ALFIE Pavey scored his second goal in two games since his loan move from Millwall as Aldershot won 2-0 at Macclesfield in the National League on Saturday.
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Fragments of the following marked hiking trails run through Wolsztyn Forest District:
- Blue tail: Nowa Wieś Zbąska - Grójec Wielki - Wielka Wieś - Kopanica - Wilcze - Rudno - Świętno - Kaszczor - Wieleń - Olejnica - Górsko - Boszkowo. The trail of total lenght of 60.4km is one of the longest lowland trails in Poland. The initial part of the trail run through the western part of the Obra valley to Kopanica. The remaining pierce stretches through the woods and towns by the Zbąszyń Lakes chain. Past Świętno the trail crosses the valley of Southen Obrzański Channel. The final part goes along the banks of "Przemęt lakes"
- Yellow trail: Świętno - Obra - Wolsztyn - Karpicko - Ruchocki Młyn - Kuźnica Zbąska; 33.3km long trail constitutes the piece of a longer trail. At first the trail leads through a forested region of inland dunes, then through the Southern Obrzański Channel, later through Dojca valley and forest areas to finish with wooden areas along the Dojca valley.
- Red trail: Osetna Młyn - Zawada - Zachodzko - Miedzichowo - Łomnica - Przychodzko - Strzyżewo - Czarny Dwór - Dąbrówka Wlkp. - Bronikowo - Chlastawa - Kosieczyn - Nowa Wieś - Nowa Wieś Zbąska - Perzyny - Przyprostynia - Zbąszyń - trail 57.5km long.
The following cycling trails and marked cycling trips trails run through Wolsztyn Forest District and lands of its territorial range:
Within Wolsztyn commune boundaries:
- Yellow trail - "Crane Trail" - 10.5km long by Wolsztyn Lake and along overflow areas of River Dojca. On the way you may see numerous nature monuments and nesting places of cranes and other rare birds.
- Blue trail - "Bird Paradise" - 9.8km long runs by Bierzyna Lake mostly through reeds and brushwood where rare birds like European bitterns, common redshanks and green plovers nest.
- Brown trail - "Knutla bathing beach" Wolszyn - Niałek Wielki - Święte Lake - Obra - Berzyna - Wolsztyn. Circular trail of 17.2 km leads from Wolsztyn to the bathing beach by Święte Lake (Knutla). On the way one can see numerous nature monuments e.g. complex of post-Cistercian sacred buildings.
- Red trail - "Lily-of-the-valley trail" Wolsztyn - Karpicko - Tłoki - Stara Dabrowa - Nowa Dąbrowa - Wroniawy - Borki - oak by Middle Channel of Obra. The trail of 19.5km partly leads through enbankments of old river bed of River Obra. The most impressive spots on the trail include palace and park complex from 19th century in Wroniawy.
- Green trail - "Swedish earthworks" Wolsztyn - Karpicko - Tłoki - Stara Dąbrowa - Gościeszyn - settlement "Swedish earthworks" - Błocko - Gościeszyn. Trail of 21.3km leads throug a series of tourist curiosities of the region e.g. urban park in Wolsztyn, ecological lands "Kobyle Błoto", palace and park complex in Gościeszyn, 8th and 9th century settlement near surface nature monument.
Within boundaries of Siedlec commune:
- Bike trip no. 1: Siedlec - Grójec Mały - Grójec Wielki - Wąchabno - Siedlec (32km).
- Bike trip no. 2: Siedlec - Stara Tuchorza - Nowa Tuchorza - Boruja - Mariankowo - Siedlec (30 km).
- Bike trip no. 3: Siedlec - Kopanica - Podborowo - Rów Grabowski - Jez. Kopanickie - Kopanica (20 km).
- Bike trip "Nature attractions": Siedlec - Reklin - Stara Tuchorza - Tuchorza - Belęcin - Zakrzewo - Godziszewo - Chobienice - Wojciechowo - Nieborza - Siedlec (22 km).
- Bike trip "Places of rememberance": Siedlec - Żodyń - Kopanica - Wielka Wieś - Mała Wieś - Wąchabno - Grójec Wielki - Chobienice - Wojciechowo - Nieborza - Siedlec (20 km).
- Bike trip "Wooden folk buildings": Siedlec - Reklin - Stara Tuchorza - Tuchorza - Nowa Tuchorza - Boruja - Karna - Wojciechowo - Nieborza - Siedlec (20 km).
Within boundaries of Zbąszyń commune:
- Yellow trail "Greater Poland insurgents' trail" - 19km long leads from Zbąszyń to Miedzichów and initially runs through a tarmac road to Nowy Dwór later to switch to forest dirt roads all the way to Miedzichów. Landmarks include 18th century wooden church dedicated to St. Wawrzyniec of Łomnica.
- Green trail - "Lake Błędno trail" - 20km long around Lake Błędno (Lake Zbąszyńskie).
- Black trail - "Cottager buildings trail" - 25km long, runs from Nowy Tomyśl through villages with historic wooden buildings in cottager style e.g. Paproć, Chojniki, Grubsko, Chrośnice all the way to Zbąszyń. The trail partially runs through forest lands of the Forest District.


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Employees are our greatest asset: we recognize the importance of each person's contribution to the success of the organization, while we believe that the skill of our employees – whatever their role – enables the company to move forward through dynamic changes and market challenges.
Would you like to feel what is new? Why don't you meet us and… we will unveil it!
Do you own an engineering degree or equivalent?
Graduated from university in Computer Science, Electronics/Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Telecom's?
At Teoresi you can be part of a dynamic, growing company that values its employees and their quality of life.
We offer you to work in a challenging high technology context, facing innovative environment of the engineering world, both domestic and international involvement.
How to proceed?
If you have the qualifications, skills and qualities we require and you are interested in our open vacancies, please
- Take a look to our hot openings for a specific position
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Are you a chocolate lover? A fashion victim? Are you keen on discovering the hidden story of places? Or maybe you would rather jog around town than just walk while sightseeing. Then… why not take a guided themed tour to enhance your Barcelona experience? There is a wide array of tours of this kind available in the city for you to enjoy at a reasonable Price.
How to book your themed Barcelona guided tour
To begin with, perhaps you are not sure which Barcelona guided themed tour you should choose, so you can either visit the website www.barcelonaturisme.com or go to the Tourism Information Office at Plaça de Catalunya in order to be informed about the different activities offered, their features and prices and how to book them.
Once you have made up your mind, we advise you to be quick to make a reservation, as places are generally limited for each tour. However, if you have already made your booking, you get the assurance that the activity will under no circumstances be cancelled.
What do these Barcelona tours consist in?
With friends, in a group or alone, you will be able to see Barcelona in a different light, and take advantage of the experience to start a hobby or discover a new passion: gastronomy (including the popular tapas), architecture, literature, sports, arts, history and shopping. For the brave ones, there is even a Ghost walking tour at night.
The price of the cheapest theme tours in Barcelona is as low as 20 euros, but the most expensive ones may rise over 100 euros. Even so, the included transport, radio-guide, free tapas, welcome drink or personal shopper will largely compensate you for having paid such fee.
This exclusive experience is also within the reach of non Catalan-speakers or non Spanish-speakers, as themed tours in Barcelona are offered in English as well. With a duration of approximately two hours and taking place mostly on weekends, they provide a unique opportunity to live Barcelona (http://www.bcn.cat/en) as a local while becoming an expert in the area of your choice.


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While the world was going ga-ga for James Bond in 1965. There were other Bonds of import. Brooke Bond Tea ,Samantha Bond -the actress,Ronnie Bond of the Troggs, the Premium Bond and of the course Graham Bond. and his Organisation.
What a great selection of musicians played within- Jack Bruce,Dick Heckstall , Ginger baker , John Mclaughlin and Jon Hiseman. What a great band and what a loss was his (Bond's early demise. We have possibly the 2 best Bond pieces in our shop . 'There's A Bond Between Us' and 'The Sound of '65'. Check out what you've been missing here and now!


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November 2015
State-owned Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has named four companies as the preferred bidders for three of the four packages for its $5.2-billion Liwa Plastics Industries Complex (LPIC) project, a report said.
Tecnimont, JV GS Engineering & Construction Corp, Mitsui & Co and Punj Loyd are the companies that were selected for the project by Orpic, added the Oman Daily Observer report.
The three packages include the Natural Gas Extraction Unit in Fahud, the NGL pipeline between Fahud and Sohar and the three plastics plants in Sohar, said the report.
Orpic intends to sign the final engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contracts after finalising the agreements and receiving Final Investment Decision on the project but before year end.
In the coming days, Orpic will be announcing the preferred bidder for the largest package (Package One) which includes the steam cracker and associated utilities in Sohar, it added.
Eleven strong bidders submitted financial tenders for the three considered packages and after a thorough evaluation process the preferred bidders were presented to Orpic's Major Tender Board.
The Tender Board studied the detailed bids and subsequently approved the names of the bidders. Soon, a detailed discussion will be held with them in order to finalise the contracts.
The final package for the steam cracker will be announced soon, the newspaper said in its report.


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2017 BMXA National Series – Rnd 2 TV Show
BMX Australia
07 Mar 2017 19:00 AEST
Don't miss the highlights from the second round of the BMXA National Series brought to you by Epicentre.tv!
Watch Australia's best riders battle to take out the number one plates in the country.
With the new calendar year comes a clean slate for Australia's best BMX athletes, and in two days time the national BMX season will roar into life with the first round of the Chambikx/Probikx UCI as well as the inaugural round of the Grands Assault National Series at Nerang BMX Club, Queensland.
For some riders this season will be about improving on their 2016 performances, making amends for missed chances, or simply continuing to show winning form for another year!


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PRINT your 2014 Men's NCAA Tournament bracket
The 68 teams have been chosen for the 2014 NCAA Tournament — so now it's time to print your bracket.
NCAA Tournament play begins on Tuesday, March 18th.
Print your NCAA Tournament bracket.
Duke, UNC, N.C. State, North Carolina Central and Coastal Carolina are all in this year's tournament.


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|Club saving
|Club price
|£20.87 (30% off)*
* Club Members can expect a 13% discount from Urban Surfer even on sale prices! Savings shown are approximate. See full terms of the Urban Surfer discount.
The Mi-Pac Classic Backpack in Microdot combines both fashion and function. A tough and durable woven backpack with a faux suede bottom. It features adjustable padded shoulder straps to the back and a top carry handle for versatile wear. It has a zipped front pocket and a large main compartment with an internal padded lap-top sleeve. It is also water resistant. Perfect for all your school or work needs.Height 410mm x Width 300mm x Depth 150mm17L CapacityWater ResistantPadded Laptop CompartmentFully LinedSuper Strong Padded StrapsDual Zip Opening to Main CompartmentZipped Front PocketInternal Media PocketHeadphone Port
All product information is direct from Urban Surfer. Merchant's category is Bags.
Backpacks/Luggage: From a day trip to a round the world expedition, we have the perfect luggage for you. Backpacks to suitcases, holdalls to bum bags you know we have you covered. Wheeled bags offer the easiest way to get your gear from A to B, or why not utilise the go anywhere, do anything possibilities of a hiking rucksack. For those heading back to school, we have plenty of packs and shoulder bags with integrated Laptop pouches and epic styling meaning you will be looking awesome on the first day of class.


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The T'N'T Tour
Presented by the Capital Region Blues Network and WEXT Presents
An explosive blues double bill featuring Tommy Castro & The Painkillers and Tinsley Ellis
Over the course of his career, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tommy Castro – a six-time Blues Music Award-winner – has played thousands of shows to hundreds of thousands of ecstatic fans. Castro, along with his band, The Painkillers — bassist Randy McDonald, keyboardist Michael Emerson and drummer Bowen Brown — plays music that is guaranteed to fill the floor and raise the roof. With seemingly telepathic musicianship, the Painkillers bring an unmatched passion to Castro's blue-eyed California soul and hard-rocking, good-time songs. Delivering the songs from his brand new Alligator release, Stompin' Ground, Castro both looks back with autobiographical originals and cover songs that inspired him, melding contemporary lyrics with blistering blues-rock. No Depression says, "Castro plays gritty, string bending blues like a runaway soul train…a glorious blend that rocks the soul and lifts the spirits."
Southern blues-rocker Tinsley Ellis may speak no evil, but he sings and plays with the conviction of, as Billboard wrote, "…a man possessed." Over the course of eleven albums and literally thousands of live performances, Ellis easily ranks as one of today's most electrifying blues-rock guitarists and vocalists. He approaches his music with rock power and blues feeling, in the same tradition as his Deep South musical heroes Duane Allman and Freddie King and his old friends Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. Atlanta Magazine declared Ellis "the most significant blues artist to emerge from Atlanta since Blind Willie McTell." Since first hitting the national scene with his debut Georgia Blue in 1988, Ellis has toured non-stop and continued to release one critically acclaimed album after another. Tinsley Ellis wears his Southern roots proudly. Born in Atlanta in 1957, he grew up in southern Florida and first played guitar at age eight. He found the blues through the back door of British Invasion bands like The Yardbirds, The Animals, Cream, and The Rolling Stones. He especially loved the Kings — Freddie, B.B. and Albert — and spent hours immersing himself in their music.
Tickets are on sale now at The Egg: tickets.theegg.org


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This very interesting article in the Washington Post by a public school teacher in Northern Virginia makes the point that the degree of difficulty of the Virginia Standards of Learning tests is, if anything, too low, and that passing the SOLs is nothing for the kids or the school systems to brag about.
These conclusions seem credible as statements against interest, in the language of the rules of evidence. Teachers and school administrators (and newspapers who want to make trouble or side with the teachers' unions) have some incentive to complain that the SOL tests are too tough.
I've heard a similar discussion in connection with the degree to which law school students should be prepared for the bar exam during law school, which prompted one fellow to say that if they learn what's on the bar exam, at least they will have learned something. The same can be said of students who pass the SOLs - at least they learned something.


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Heart Studies
Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans today, and heart attack is the most visible sign of heart disease. Looking at specific age groups, cardiovascular disease is No. 1 for age 65 and older; second for ages 25-64; third for ages 0-14 and fifth for ages 15-24. Heart disease is also the number one killer of American women.
The American Heart Association says the body likely will send one or more of these warning signals of a heart attack: uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes; pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms; chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a unique noninvasive imaging technique that can produce three-dimensional images of the living heart, bran or other organs at work. PET scans are often used in the diagnosis and management of cancers, certain brain disorders and heart disease. Cardiac PET scanning is generally similar to other types of non-invasive stress tests to help determine the presence and extent of CAD.
It has two major advantages over the more common nuclear stress tests. First, the images are less likely to be distorted by parts of the patient's body (large breasts, obesity etc.), so abnormal results are more reliable. Second, it is an excellent tool for determining whether portions of the heart muscle are still viable (living and functioning). The scan can also measure how well those viable portions are functioning after a heart attack or other event in which there is a lack of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. PET scanning is not as readily available as more conventional nuclear imaging because of its greater cost and the need for a cyclotron device, which produces necessary isotopes on site.
How Does PET/CT make a Difference?
Positron emission tomography of the heart allows the study and quantification of various aspects of heart tissue function. Clinical studies show an important role for PET in diagnosing patients, describing disease and developing treatment strategy. Two areas of clinical application have emerged:
PET is the most accurate test to reveal coronary artery disease and impaired blood flow or rule out its presence.
PET is the gold standard to determine the viability of heart tissue for revascularization. PET can determine whether bypass surgery or transplant is the appropriate treatment.
Contact Us
For more information about the PET/CT scanner or to make an appointment, please call the Division of Nuclear Medicine at (410) 328-6891.


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What did we ever do without apps? I mean, aside from enjoy the outdoors and talk to our families or whatever. The transformation of portable phones from conversation devices to fully functional mobile computers has created a tiny software economy that's producing hundreds of new apps every day. While the great majority of those apps fade into obscurity within days, some become part of a global conversation. It's hard to imagine life without Instagram or Dropbox, for example. Others, though, become big stories for other reasons. Some apps are just such bad ideas that people can't stop talking about them. Some become popular for no reason that we can see. And some are just amazing.
Whether they had massive user bases, dominated the news media for a cycle, or just pissed people off a whole bunch, these apps made people straight up lose their minds.
Sometimes an app fad sweeps through social media and it's enough to make you want to throw your phone out the window. In April of 2015, you couldn't click without seeing a selfie made with wildly popular Chinese app MyIdol. The software — which was never intended for U.S. audiences and features no English text — lets you take a picture of your face and put it onto a creepy 3D mannequin, which could then dance or do other animations. The end result was both hilarious and unsettling.
MyIdol enjoyed a brief flirtation with the global zeitgeist – you can't find anybody using it anymore – but it's a great first example of an app that made people lose their minds. It didn't do anything useful and in fact infringed on multiple people's intellectual property (we truly doubt they paid Disney for the rights to "Let It Go"), but something about it just made it the biggest thing online for a week or so.
Unlike some of the other apps on this list, SketchFactor never made a huge splash on the App Store. That's not for lack of trying, though. Creators Allison McGuire and Daniel Herrington released the product in 2014 to a media blitz that quickly boomeranged on them. Sketch Factor was sort of like a Yelp for muggings – users could mark maps of their city with warnings about garbage, homeless people, street harassers and crime, and then other people could use that data to avoid those locations.
Needless to say, this wasn't received well by the people actually living in those so-called "sketchy." It also didn't help matters that the app's logo was a black bubble with big white googly eyes. Accusations of racism began pouring in, and even though the app got decent downloads, many users were just making fun of the creators. By October of 2014, the duo stopped working on SketchFactor, chastened by the experience.
The biggest lesson to learn from the app economy is that you don't have to make something that's actually useful to be successful. Case in point: Yo. The messaging app, which launched in 2014, was created in just eight hours. After you downloaded it and gave it access to your contacts, it gave you the ability to do one thing: send the word "Yo" to your friends. And, if they wanted, they could also send the word "Yo" back to you.
When you put it that way, it's patently idiotic. But venture capitalists rewarded the Yo guys with $1 million in funding. What exactly they intended to do with that was anybody's guess. Adding additional features to the app would basically ruin it, and how much server space do you really need for two letters? The creators tried to jazz things up with a location feature, but nobody really uses Yo anymore.
Flappy Bird
This one is the best illustration that an app doesn't have to be good to make money. By all standards, Vietnamese developer Dong Nguyen's Flappy Bird was a bad game. It was infuriating to control, one-dimensional, and featured artwork blatantly ripped off from Super Mario Bros. But something about it plucked a string in the human heart, and in January of 2014 it hit the top spot on the App Store and stayed there, making its developer a reported $50,000 a day in advertising money.
Flappy Bird mania swept the world, but its creator didn't feel comfortable in the spotlight. First he tried to make the game more interesting with different colors and a "night" theme, but eventually he just gave up and on February 9th pulled it from the App Store. His subsequent titles haven't come anywhere near that level of success.
A waiting list for an email app? That's ridiculous, but when Mailbox launched in 2013 a staggering 800,000 people queued up to use it. The app was billed as the ultimate way to use your iPhone to handle external email accounts, and creators Orchestra promised it would offer cutting-edge features like swipe-based sorting. On launch day, it was the second most downloaded program in the App Store and quickly built a userbase of nearly a million people.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of those people couldn't use it. You see, Mailbox had a waiting list, and at its peak it consisted of almost every single person who downloaded the app. The developers did that to slowly roll out access and test the scaling of their network, but the end result was a whole lot of people with an app on their phone that only told them their place in line and didn't let them get their email. Orchestra eventually got bought by Dropbox, who shut down the service for good.
Anonymity is one of the most precious currencies on the Internet. You can be whoever you want online, and in a perfect world it could never be traced back to you. We don't live in a perfect world, though, and there are many examples of people being humiliated in real life over stuff they posted on the Web.
That's where Whisper came in. The app, which launched in 2012, allows people to post confessions completely anonymously to a dedicated social network. People use it to vent on all kinds of things that wouldn't be acceptable to say in public, and when the Iraqi government blocked other social networks, users in that country turned it into a real-time news reporting platform. In 2015, though, the limits of that anonymity were tested when the company helped track down a 15-year-old girl who had made school shooting threats on the service.
Reputation management is a big deal in the digital world. Putting your best foot forward online is important for getting jobs, finding romantic partners, and basically everything else. So when an app called "Stolen" launched that let you buy people's Twitter profiles and write anything you wanted on them, things got a little hairy. No, you couldn't actually post on Twitter as these people — just on their page on the Stolen app. But it was enough to get privacy-minded users a little incensed.
Being able to hijack someone's online identity and use it for your own messaging was serious enough that tech insiders and even US congresspeople spoke out about it, and in January of 2016 the app's makers closed it down. They hadn't predicted either its popularity or the fact that it would be used for nefarious ends.
Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
Mobile games are all about fads. Somebody will come up with a new addictive mechanic and then it'll be cloned a million times, saturate the market and eventually go away. But nobody could have predicted the wild success of Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. The stardom simulator looked like just one in an endless series of cash-in apps emblazoned with a famous person's name and likeness, but it proved to be one of the most popular mobile apps of all time.
The basic narrative of Kim K: Hollywood wasn't anything new — and, in fact, was cannibalized from an earlier title from developer Glu Mobile. But Kardashian's heavy involvement helped make it a staggering success, with revenues of $200 million per year. It seemed like everyone was playing the game for a month or two, and then it was gone.
When Vine debuted in 2012, plenty of people were confused as to exactly why people would want to watch six-second videos. By the time of BeMe's release in 2015, that was down to four seconds. The social platform, developed by YouTube star Casey Neistat and the ex-VP of Engineering at Tumblr, let people take insanely brief snippets of their life and upload them, but with a catch: you couldn't even look at the videos first. BeMe activated by covering the iPhone's proximity sensor, not pressing a button, and the videos were shared like Snapchat where after viewing they were deleted.
It sounds idiotic, but at launch the app skyrocketed up the charts, and 1.1 million videos were shared in the first week. Invite codes were being sold on eBay and breathless thinkpieces were written about the platform. After a few months, interest dropped almost completely.
The thing about these insanely viral apps is that if you blink, you'll miss them. In the middle of January, it seemed like just about everybody was signing up for an account on Peach. The app, developed by one of the guys who came up with Vine, was a new kind of social network that had no "public" feed and no way to discover users aside from already knowing their names. It was billed as "a place for friends" (wasn't that Myspace?) and the big draw was a text-based command-line interface that let you type "magic words" to get GIFs or count the number of steps you took.
And then, just as suddenly as it came, it was gone. Despite all of the cool stuff you could do, nobody really needed to use Peach. We were already using Twitter and Facebook and what have you, and being able to do animated GIFs wasn't enough. In addition, the first wave of people snapped up all kinds of usernames, including those of major brands like Domino's Pizza, so they couldn't use them. After a week of activity, the buzz on Peach pretty much fell off the tree.
Let's close this one out with an app that made people insane before it even launched, and may never see the light of day. Peeple was the brainchild of Nicole McCullough and Julia Cordray, who announced their plans in September of 2015. Peeple was designed to be like Yelp for individuals — you could post reviews and ratings of private citizens, positive or negative, and they just had to sit there and take it, no matter how nasty.
Needless to say, this didn't go over well with privacy and anti-harrassment advocates, and a deluge of negative press washed over the Peeple people. They tried to make changes to the platform — declaring it would be opt-in only, and individuals could approve or hide negative reviews — but the damage had already been done. They still claim to be launching later in 2016, but we wouldn't put money on it.
Did we leave anything out that controlled your life, or, at least, your news cycle? Sound off in the comments below.


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With the help of magician Dan Martin, you'll learn the steps to escape from a straitjacket!
We're back with another episode featuring special guest Dan Martin! This week, Brian and Dan explain step by step how to get out of a real straitjacket, as well as debunk some myths and legends associated with the stunt.
First off, it's important to note that straitjackets are rarely designed to be "escape-proof". They're mainly used to prevent psychiatric patients from hurting themselves or others. As such, carefully thinking through the process of the escape (along with having some patience and flexibility) should make it possible to escape from most regulation straitjackets.
In this video, Brian and Dan break down the escape step-by-step, showing exactly how each of them pulls off Houdini's classic stunt.
Add this episode to your queue to receive more information about
How to escape from a straitjacket! and we will let you know when it becomes available.


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Context. Train re-scheduling during disturbances is a time-consuming task. Modified schedules need to be found, so that trains can meet in suitable locations and delays minimized. Domino effects are difficult to manage. Commercial optimization software has been shown to find optimal solutions, but modied schedules need to be found quickly. Therefore, greedy depth-first algorithms have been designed to find solutions within a limited time-frame. Modern GPUs have a high computational capacity, and have become easier to use for computations unrelated to computer graphics with the development of technologies such as CUDA and OpenCL.
Objectives. We explore the feasibility of running a re-scheduling algorithm developed specifically for this problem on a GPU using the CUDA toolkit. The main objective is to find a way of exploiting the computational capacity of modern GPUs to find better re-scheduling solutions within a limited time-frame.
Methods. We develop and adapt a sequential algorithm for use on a GPU and run multiple experiments using 16 disturbance scenarios on the single-tracked iron ore line in northern Sweden.
Results. Our implementation succeeds in finding re-scheduling solutions without conflicts for all 16 scenarios. The algorithm visits on average 7 times more nodes per time unit than the sequential CPU algorithm when branching at depth 50, and 4 times more when branching at depth 200.
Conclusions. The computational performance of our parallel algorithm is promising but the approach is not complete. Our experiments only show that multiple solution branches can be explored fast in parallel, but not how to construct a high level algorithm that systematically searches for better schedules within a certain time limit. Further research is needed for that. We also find that multiple threads explore redundant solutions in our approach.


text: Light power move with a dynamic duo SOO FP7 and DM&IR 316 SD-M cleaning off the bridge on the way north to get empty coal cars out of storage along the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Ownership of the 316 was transferred from the Missabe Railroad Historical Society to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum during a ceremony on Saturday April 6th, 2014 during the annual Clean Team event. Photo by Todd Mavec.


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Designing a Kitchen: 10 Factors to Consider—
A meal is as good as the love with which it was made. Since meals are prepared in the kitchen, the ambiance certainly affects the mood one has when cooking. Commercial and residential kitchens have undergone evolution in style and themes. To cook in the kitchen is easy for a good chef, but to design a kitchen may not be as simple.
There are several items to consider, and it is always wise to seek help from professionals when you begin to design a kitchen. From choosing a theme to selecting the appropriate lighting fixtures, you'll have a clear plan in mind for your kitchen design after reviewing the list of design considerations shown below.
10 Considerations of Kitchen Design
The following are some of the most important factors to consider when designing a kitchen.
Consideration #1: Theme
It helps to design around a theme as the decisions you'll make about the other features will depend on your chosen theme. Among the most popular themes for kitchens are Tuscan, Mexican, Vintage-Look, Italian, and Oriental.
#2: Space
Know the size and shape of the kitchen itself and the countertops. These will determine the size and placement of the appliances and fixtures in the room. Space management is important and there should not be a lingering feeling of being cramped in the room. One should have ample space to cook.
#3: Flooring
Select the appropriate material for the kitchen floor. The color and pattern of the kitchen flooring has a big effect on the beauty of the kitchen as it reflects everything in the room. The texture should be able to handle possible food spills also without retaining any stains.
#4: Cabinets
Choose cabinets and countertops well. The size, color, design, and the material of the cabinets and countertops must be taken into consideration. Accessibility, usability and storage capacity for the cabinets should also be factored into your decision.
#5: Faucets
Faucets and the sink should remain true to the motif of the room. Consider their overall look and feel and make sure that they are a good match for your kitchen's theme.
#6: Color
The dominant color of the kitchen has a big say about the ambiance created in the room. This factor, of course, depends on the chosen theme for the kitchen.
#7: Appliances
The appliances, their size, and color, should also relate well to the theme of the kitchen. Their location must be selected properly so that you'll have easy access to them during cooking.
#8: Lighting
Lighting should be ample and emphasize certain areas of the kitchen you wish to feature.
#9: Decor
Ideally, decorations found within the room will remain true to the chosen theme. This includes curtains, mats, pots and vases, paintings or photos, and even the chairs found within the room.
#10: Money
Financing, of course, may be one of the biggest factors in the design of a kitchen. All other factors considered, the budget you set will determine if a certain kitchen design is chosen over another.
Your kitchen should be stress-free, beautiful and have everything readily within reach during the cooking process. You may want to visit websites offering ideas on the design of a kitchen or actual showrooms to view some designs in person.
It is still best, however, to seek professional advice to design a kitchen. By doing so you'll be able to discuss the ideas you have and get valuable insight from the design and/or building professional to improve and eventually to realize the kitchen of your dreams.
Craig at Schoenberg Construction is one of the best Kitchen Remodeling experts in St Cloud. Craig always gives honest, fair bids with no lowball, fake pricing, plus there's no sales pressure, EVER. He never uses cheap materials and never engages in sloppy workmanship, and his company is known as one of the top home renovation companies in the Saint Cloud Minnesota area because he INSISTS on doing every job EXACTLY right.
Give him a call today at 320-252-0911 for your no-obligation consultation.


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The Court's Decision in California Case On Limiting the State
Excerpts from the Court's opinion and the dissent in Crawford v. Board of Education of the City of Los Angeles follow.
Justice Powell delivered the opinion of the Court.
An Amendment to the California Constitution provides that state courts shall not order mandatory pupil assignment or transportation unless a federal court would do so to remedy a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The question for our decision is whether this provision is itself in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
This litigation began almost twenty years ago in 1963, when minority students attending school in the Los Angeles Unified School District filed a class action in state court seeking desegregation of the District's schools.[
- ] The case went to trial some five years later, and in 1970 the trial court issued an opinion finding that the District was substantially segregated in violation of the State and Federal Constitutions. The court ordered the District to prepare a desegregation plan for immediate use. [
- ]
On the District's appeal, the California Supreme Court affirmed, but on a different basis, Crawford v. Board of Education, 17 Cal, 3d 280, 551 P. 2d 28 (1976). While the trial court had found de jure segregation in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, [
- ] the California Supreme Court based its affirmance solely upon the Equal Protection Clause of the State Constitution.[
- ] The Court explained that under the California Constitution "state school boards ... bear a constitutional obligation to take reasonable steps to alleviate segregation in the public schools, whether the segregation be de facto or de jure in origin." [
- ] The court remanded to the trial court for preparation of a "reasonably feasible" plan for school desegregation. [
- ]
On remand, the trial court rejected the District's mostly voluntary desegregation plan but ultimately approved a second plan that included substantial mandatory school reassignment and transportation--"busing"--on a racial and ethnic basis.[
- ] The plan was put into effect in the fall of 1978, but after one year's experience, all parties to the litigation were dissatisfied. [
- ] Although the plan continued in operation, the trial court began considering alternatives in October 1979.
In November 1979 the voters of the State of California ratified Proposition I, an amendment to the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the State Constitution.[
- ] Proposition I conforms the power of state courts to order busing to that exercised by the federal courts under the Fourteenth Amendment:
"No court of this state may impose upon the State of California or any public entity, board, or official any obligation or responsibility with repect to the use of pupil school assignment or pupil transportation, (1) except to remedy a specific violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, and (2) unless a federal court would be permitted under federal decisional law to impose that obligation or responsibility upon such party to remedy the specific violation of the Equal Protection Clause. ...[
- ]
Following approval of Proposition I, the District asked the Superior Court to halt all mandatory reassignment and busing of pupils. [
- ] On May 19, 1980, the court denied the District's application. The court reasoned that Proposition I was of no effect in this case in light of the court's 1970 finding of de jure segregation by the District in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment. Shortly thereafter, the court ordered implementation of a revised desegregation plan, one that again substantially relied upon mandatory pupil reassignment and transportation.[
- ]
The California Court of Appeal reversed. [
- ] The court found that the trial court's 1970 findings of fact would not support the conclusion that the District had violated the Federal Constitution through intentional segregation.[
- ] Thus, Proposition I was applicable to the trial court's desegregation plan and would bar that part of the plan requiring mandatory student reassignment and transportation. Moreover, the court concluded that Proposition I was constitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. [
- ] The court found no obligation on the part of the State to retain a greater remedy at state law against racial segregation than was provided by the Federal Constitution. [
- ] The court rejected the claim that Proposition I was adopted with a discriminatory purpose. [
- ]
Determining Proposition I to be applicable and constitutional, the Court of Appeal vacated the orders entered by the Superior Court. The California Supreme Court denied hearing. [
- ] We granted certiorari. [
- ]
We agree with the California Court of Appeal in rejecting the contention that once a State chooses to do "more" than the Fourteenth Amendment requires, it may never recede.[
- ] We reject an interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment so destructive of a state's democratic processes and of its ability to experiment. This interpretation has no support in the decisions of this court.
Proposition I does not inhibit enforcement of any federal law or constitutional requirement. Quite the contrary, by its plain language the Proposition seeks only to embrace the requirements of the Federal Constitution with respect to mandatory school assignments and transportation. It would be paradoxical to conclude that by adopting the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, the voters of the State thereby had violated it. Moreover, even after Proposition I, the California Constitution still imposes a greater duty of desegregation than does the Federal Constitution. The state courts of California continue to have an obligation under state law to order segregated school districts to use voluntary desegregation techniques, whether or not there has been a finding of intentional segregation. The school districts themselves retain a state law obligation to take reasonably feasible steps to desegregate, and they remain free to adopt reassignment and busing plans to effectuate desegregation.[
- ]
Nonetheless, petitioners contend that Proposition I is unconstitutional on its face. They argue that Proposition I employs an "explicit racial classification" and imposes a "race-specific" burden on minorities seeking to vindicate state-created rights. By limiting the power of state courts to enforce the state-created right to desegregated schools, petitioners contend, Proposition I created a "dual court system" that discriminated on the basis of race.[
- ] They emphasize that other state-created rights may be vindicated by the state courts without limitation on remedies. Petitioners argue that the "dual court system" created by Proposition I is unconstitutional unless supported by a compelling state interest.
We would agree that if Proposition I employed a racial classification it would be unconstitutional unless necessary to further a compelling state interest. "A racial classification, regardless of purported motivation is presumptively invalid and can be upheld only upon an extraordinary justification." Personnel Administrator of Massachusetts v. Feeney [
- ] (1979). [
- ] But Proposition I does not embody a racial classification.[
- ] It neither says nor implies that persons are to be treated differently on account of their race. It simply forbids state courts from ordering pupil school assignment or transportation in the absence of a Fourteenth Amendment violation. The benefit it seeks to confer--neighborhood schooling--is made available regardless of race in the discretion of school boards.[
- ] Indeed, even if Proposition I had a racially discriminatory effect, in view of the demographic mix of the District it is not clear which race or races would be affected the most or in what way.[
- ] In addition, this Court previously has held that even when a neutral law has a disproportionately adverse effect on a racial minority, the Fourteenth Amendment is violated only if a discriminatory purpose can be shown.[
- ]
Similarly, the Court has recognized that a distinction may exist between state action that discriminates on the basis of race and state action that addresses, in neutral fashion, race related matters.[
- ] This distinction is implicit in the Court's repeated statement that the Equal Protection Clause is not violated by the mere repeal of race related legislation or policies that were not required by the Federal Constitution in the first place. In Dayton Bd. of Education v. Brinkman, 433 U.S. 406, 414 (1977), we found that the school board's mere repudiation of an earlier resolution calling for desegregation did not violate the Fourteenth Amendment.[
- ] In Reitmen v. Mulkey, (1967), and again in Hunter v. Erickson, (1969), we were careful to note that the laws under review did more than "mere[ly] repeal" existing anti-discrimination legislation.[
- ] In sum, the simple repeal of or modification of desegregation or anti-discrimination laws, without more, never has been viewed as embodying a presumptively invalid racial classification.
Were we to hold that the mere repeal of race related legislation is unconstitutional, we would limit seriously the authority of States to deal with the problems of our heterogeneous population. States would be committed irrevocably to legislation that has proven unsuccessful or even harmful in practice. And certainly the purposes of the Fourteenth Amendment would not be advanced by an interpretation that discouraged the States from providing greater protection to racial minorities. Nor would the purposes of the Amendment be furthered by requiring the States to maintain legislation designed to ameliorate race relations or to protect racial minorities but which has produced just the opposite effects.[
- ] Yet these would be the results of requiring a State to maintain legislation that has proven unworkable or harmful when the State was under no obligation to adopt the legislation in the first place. Moreover, and relevant to this case, we would not interpret the Fourteenth Amendment to require the people of a State to adhere to a judicial construction of their State Constitution when that Constitution itself vests final authority in the people.
Petitioners seek to avoid the force of the foregoing considerations by arguing that Proposition I is not a "mere repeal." Relying primarily on the decision in Hunter v. Erickson, they contend that Proposition I does not simply repeal a state-created right but fundamentally alters the judicial system so that "those seeking redress from racial isolation in violation of state law must be satisified with less than full relief from a state court."[
- ] We do not view Hunter as controlling here, nor are we persuaded by petitioners' characterization of Proposition I as something more than a mere repeal.
In Hunter the Akron city charter had been amended by the voters to provide that no ordinance regulating real estate on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin could take effect until approved by a referendum. As a result of the charter amendment, a fair housing ordinance, adopted by the City Council at an earlier date, was no longer effective. In holding the charter amendment invalid under the Fourteenth Amendment, the Court held that the charter amendment, a fair housing ordinance, adopted by the City Council at an earlier date, was no longer effective. In holding the charter amendment invalid under the Fourteenth Amendment, the Court held that the charter amendment was not a simple repeal of the fair housing ordinance. The amendment "not only suspended the operation of the existing ordinance forbidding housing discrimination, but also required the approval of the electors before any future [anti-discrimination] ordinance could take effect." [
- ] Thus, whereas most ordinances regulating real property would take effect once enacted by the City Council ordinances prohibiting racial discrimination in housing would be forced to clear an additional hurdle. As such, the charter amendment placed an impermissible, "special burden on racial minorities within the governmental process." [
- ]
Hunter involved more than a "mere repeal" of the fair housing ordinance; persons seeking anti-discrimination housing laws--presumptively racial minorities--were "singled out for mandatory referendums while no other group ... face[d] that obstacle." [
- ] By contrast, even on the assumption that racial minorities benefitted from the busing required by state law, Proposition I is less than a "repeal" of the California Equal Protection Clause. As noted above, after Proposition I, the State Constitution still places upon school boards a greater duty to desegregate than does the Fourteenth Amendment.
Nor can it be said that Proposition I distorts the political process for racial reasons or that it allocates governmental or judicial power on the basis of a discriminatory principle. "The Constitution does not require things which are different in fact or opinion to be treated in law as though they were the same." [
- ] Remedies appropriate in one area of legislation may not be desirable in another. The remedies available for the violation of the antitrust laws, for example, are different than those available for violation of the Civil Rights Acts. Yet a "dual court system"--one for the racial majority and one for the racial minority--is not established simply because civil rights remedies are different from those available in other areas.[
- ] Surely it was constitutional for the California Supreme Court to caution that although "in some circumstances busing will be an appropriate and useful element in a desegregation plan," in other circumstances "its 'costs,' both in financial and educational terms, will render its use inadvisable." It was equally constitutional for the people of the State to determine that the standard of the Fourteenth Amendment was more appropriate for California courts to apply in desegregation cases than the standard repealed by Proposition I.[
- ]
In short, having gone beyond the requirements of the Federal Constitution, the State was free to return in part to the standard prevailing generally throughout the United States. It could have conformed its law to the Federal Constitution in every respect. That it chose to pull back only in part, and by preserving a greater right to desegregation than exists under the Federal Constitution, most assuredly does not render the Proposition unconstitutional on its face.
The California Court of Appeal also rejected petitioners' claim that Proposition I, if facially valid, was nonetheless unconstitutional because enacted with a discriminatory purpose. The court reasoned that the purposes of the Proposition were well stated in the Proposition itself.[
- ] Voters may have been motivated by any of these purposes, chief among them the educational benefits of neighborhood schooling. The Court found that voters also may have considered that the extent of mandatory busing, authorized by state law, actually was aggravating rather than ameliorating the desegregation problem. It characterized petitioners' claim of discriminatory intent on the part of millions of voters as but "pure speculation." [
- ]
In Reitman v. Mulkey, [
- ] (1967), the Court considered the constitutionality of another California Proposition. In that case, the California Supreme Court had concluded that the Proposition was unconstitutional because it gave the State's approval to private racial discrimination. This Court agreed, deferring to the findings made by the California court. The Court noted that the California court was "armed ... with the knowledge of the facts and circumstances concerning the passage and potential impact" of the Proposition and "familiar with the milieu in which that provision would operate." Similarly, in this case, again involving the circumstances of passage and the potential impact of a Proposition adopted at a state-wide election, we see no reason to differ with the conclusions of the state appellate court.[
- ]
Under decisions of this Court, a law neutral on its face still may be unconstitutional if motivated by a discriminatory purpose. In determining whether such a purpose was the motivating factor, the racially disproportionate effect of official action provides "an important starting point." [
- ]
Proposition I in no way purports to limit the power of state courts to remedy the effects of intentional segregation with its accompanying stigma. The benefits of neighborhood schooling are racially neutral. This manifestly is true in Los Angeles where over 75% of the public school body is composed of groups viewed as racial minorities. Moreover, the Proposition simply removes one means of achieving the state-created right to desegregated education. School districts retain the obligation to alleviate segregation regardless of cause. And the state courts still may order desegregation measures other than pupil school assignment or pupil transportation.[
- ]
Even if we could assume that Proposition I had a disproportionate adverse effect on racial minorities, we see no reason to challenge the Court of Appeal's conclusion that the voters of the State were not motivated by a discriminatory purpose. In this case the Proposition was approved by an overwhelming majority of the electorate.[
- ] It received support from members of all races.[
- ] The purposes of the Proposition are stated in its text and are legitimate, nondiscriminatory objectives. In these circumstances, we will not dispute the judgment of the Court of Appeal or impugn the motives of the State's electorate.
Accordingly the judgment of the California Court of Appeal is
The Court of Appeal also rejected the claim that Proposition I deprived minority children of a "vested right" to desegregated education in violation of due process. [
- ] Petitioners no longer advance this claim.
In the Los Angeles school district, white students are now the racial minority. Similarly, in Los Angeles County, racial minorities, including those of Spanish origin, constitute the majority of the population.
Of course, if the purpose of repealing legislation is to disadvantage a racial minority, the repeal is unconstitutional for this reason. [
- ]
The Hunter Court noted that although "the law on its face treats Negro and white, Jew and gentile in an identical manner," 393 U.S., at 39, a charter amendment making it more difficult to pass anti-discrimination legislation could only disadvantage racial minorities in the governmental process.
Vol. 01, Issue 42
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Apache Server SSL Security from DigiCert
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That is especially helpful in deployments where you will probably need to secure more than one server, or more than one type of server.
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You can save time and money by using either a Wildcard Certificate or a Mulit-Domain SSL Certificate to secure your websites on a single IP address. Apache allows you to secure more than one domain name on the same IP address as long as all of the domain names that you are securing are included in the same certificate. Wildcard and Multi-Domain SSL Certificates can secure different subdomains and domain names respectively. Both certificate types are fully supported by Apache.
Para ayuda en español a escoger un Certificado SSL Para Apache.


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Interviews & Shows
[Audio] Accidental Locavore Show
A locavore is someone who eats food that has been grown within 100 miles of where they live. As the Accidental Locavore, Anne Maxfield shares her insights, tips and food adventures with you. Knowing how to navigate local farm markets and being able to pick the best...read more
[Audio] Love by Intuition Show
In this episode, we discuss Bounty from the Box, a remarkable Hawaii CSA farm that helps the homeless, Mi Ae's other life in traffic safety advocacy, and much more.read more
[AUDIO] The Donna Seebo's Warriors for Peace Show
Host Donna Seebo interviews individuals dedicated to making this world a more balanced, sustaining environment that supports the ultimate objective of peace. In this episode, we talk about the key role of CSA farmers and agriculture in America, including GMOs, food...read more
[AUDIO] Tom Douglas's Seattle Kitchen Show
A foodie's dream! Chefs Tom Douglas and Thierry Rautureau, both winners of the prestigious James Beard Award, review the Puget Sound's best restaurants, share recipes based on a special weekly ingredient, and answer your burning culinary quandaries. Listen to the...read more
[AUDIO] The Hope and Wellness Show
Each week, hosts Dr. Vicki Reese and Mr. Anthony Brooks discuss a variety of topics related to health and wellness. On this show, we discuss what a CSA farm actually is, the importance and joy of eating seasonally and locally, what influences the flavor of your...read more
[VIDEO] Fire It Up with CJ
CJ is a bridge between science and spirit, Western and Eastern, as well as logical and intuitive. Her diverse guests reflect her commitment to engage, challenge, entertain, and enlighten. Get practical, actionable ideas, and get moving into creating a better world...read more
[VIDEO] How To Buy Winter Veggies
Perfect for novices who know nothing about vegetable and how to cook them. How to clean winter veggies? How to store them? In this 44-minute YouTube video, Host CJ Liu and I go over some of your winter produce favorites and what to do with them, including parsnips,...read more


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If I really have to pick one, Owen. (Sorry, Owen!) It's not that I hate him; I rather loved his S2 arc when he mellowed at least a bit and A Day in the Death is perhaps my favourite S2 episode, but even in S1 he wasn't an unmitigated jerk; his obsession with finding Lizzie Lewis's killer while everyone was busy with the 'ghost machine', or his insistence to uncover the murder series in Greeks Bearing Gifts because he couldn't forget his first dead body, showed that he wasn't as egocentric and superficial as he tried to appear, and that his painful past revealed in Fragments wasn't just pasted on as an afterthought. But he's also someone who not only carelessly hurts people, but very deliberately (and consistently) hits where he knows it'll hurt most. He's perceptive, and uses that relentlessly when he wants to, and that makes him someone I'd keep a wary distance from in real life. There's something about him, his anger, his moods, that puts me off the character a bit.
Day 01: Favourite Torchwood Member
Day 02: Least Favourite Torchwood Member
Day 03: Favourite Series
Day 04: Favourite Episode
Day 05: Least Favourite Episode
Day 06: Something You Liked That Most People Didn't
Day 07: Favourite Alien/Villain
DAy 08: Favourite Minor Character
Day 09: A Scene That Made You Cry
Day 10: A Scene That Made You Smile
Day 11: A Scene That Made You Angry
Day 12: Favourite Quote
Day 13: Favourite Promo Picture
Day 14: Favourite Couple
Day 15: Favourite Couple Scene
Day 16: Favourite Piece of Music
Day 17: Something You'd Like To Re-write
Day 18: Character You Relate To The Most
Day 19: Favourite Outfit
Day 20: Favourite Gwen Moment
Day 21: Favourite Ianto Moment
Day 22: Favourite Jack Moment
Day 23: Favourite Owen Moment
Day 24: Favourite Toshiko Moment
Day 25: Shag/Cliff/Marry?
Day 26: A Torchwood Geek Moment You've Had
Day 27: Favourite Location Or Set
Day 28: Where You Think The Series Should Continue To
Day 29: Best Torchwood on Doctor Who Moment
Day 30: Why You Love Torchwood
In other news, sore throat is still sore, and now my nose is clogged and I'm beginning to sneeze. I think I'll be spending New year in bed.


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Wild rumor teases a full wireless iPhone 13 with no ports at all—and I believe it
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the iPhone 13 Pro Max won't have a single port.
Anker's excellent Soundcore Liberty Neo True true wireless earbuds are just $35 on Amazon
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Neo True Wireless Earbuds offer great value, especially with today's $15 discount on Amazon.
iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro rumors, and more
We're got iPhone rumors, iPad rumors, and MacBook Pro rumors. All this and more on this episode of the Macworld Podcast.