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June 20th marked the death of Carla Fendi, one of the five Italian sisters who inherited and assisted in the transformation of their parent's small leather workshop into an international luxury fashion empire. Passed away in Rome, age of 79, unfortunately following a long illness.
However, her accomplishments are one to remember for a long time that progressed the company into the famous brand name it is. 1925 consisted of Adel and Edoardo Fendi opening their first shop in Rome, Italy. As, 1965 rolled around Carla and her sisters made the uprising decision to hire Karl Lagerfield as a designer.
"Lagerfield is the sixth Fendi child" – Carla Fendi,
Just from that clever decision, Fendi then became the worlds most famous furrier.
Carla served as Fend's president as well as the company's public face for its line of vibrant "baguette" bags that average at thousands of dollars. She concentrated on marketing the company's brand and logo, which instantly became an internationally familiar symbol for luxury. That was until LVM bought Fendi in 2001 worth hundred of millions of dollars bringing together some of the worlds greatest luxury brands. Carla still was known as an honorary Fendi president up until her passing.

subset: commoncrawl


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Elfin woods warbler
The elfin woods warbler (Setophaga angelae) is a bird, endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is a local and uncommon species. Discovered in 1968 and described in 1972, it is the most recently described species of New World warbler (family Parulidae).
|Elfin woods warbler
|Scientific classification
S. angelae
|Binomial name
|Setophaga angelae
|Range of the elfin woods warbler
Dendroica angelae
The species name, angelae, is a tribute to Angela Kepler, one of its discoverers. The species birds are insectivores, as they feed by gleaning small insects off the habitat leaves.
Due to its small populations and restricted habitats, conservation efforts were begun in 1982 to protect this species, but as of 2005, the warbler was still in need of protection. The species is not in immediate danger as the majority of its habitat is protected forest, but introduced species (such as rats and small Asian mongooses), habitat reduction, and natural disasters represent potential threats to the population.
Discovery and namingEdit
The elfin woods warbler is one of many species in the genus Setophaga of the New World warbler family Parulidae. It was first observed in 1968 by Cameron and Angela Kepler while they were conducting observations on two Puerto Rican endemic birds, the Puerto Rican amazon and the Puerto Rican tody. On May 18, 1971, a specimen was captured in El Yunque National Forest, which at the time was believed to be its only habitat. A year later Kepler and Parkes described and named the species, making it the most recent warbler of the genus Setophaga discovered in the New World.[2] Also, it is the first species described in the Caribbean since 1927 and the first Puerto Rican species described in the 20th century.[3] The specific name, angelae, is a tribute to Angela Kepler. Elfin-woods warbler is an alternative spelling, and Reinita de Bosque Enano is the Spanish name. The species was initially placed in the genus Dendroica, but in 2011 the American Ornithologists' Union reorganized the classification of the family Parulidae and transferred species in Dendroica to Setophaga.[4] This revised classification was adopted by the International Ornithologists' Union.[5]
A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA sequences from New World warblers has shown that, within the genus Setophaga, the elfin woods warbler is most closely related to the arrowhead warbler, a species which is endemic to Jamaica, and the plumbeous warbler, which is endemic to the islands of Dominica and Saint Lucia.[6]
The warbler's upper body is predominantly black with white areas, while its underparts are white with black streaks. Other identifying characteristics are dark brown eyes, white patches on its ears and neck, an incomplete white eyering, a white eyestripe, and two white spots on its outer tail feathers.[7] Characteristic of Antillean warblers (S. adelaidae, S. delicata, S. plumbea, and S. pharetra), the species features a long bill and short, round wings (53.8 mm or 2.12 in average). Among Setophaga spp., only S. adelaidae has a shorter wing length average (50 mm or 2.0 in) than the elfin woods warbler.[3] Juveniles differ from adults, retaining a grayish-green back for approximately a year and partially molting from July to October. The warbler's average mature length is 12.5 cm (5 in) and its average weight is 8.4 g (0.30 oz).[8]
The elfin woods warbler is often confused with the black-and-white warbler (Mniotilta varia), a non-breeding species in the Caribbean occurring in Puerto Rico from mid-September to early May. The main physical distinction is in the eyes. The elfin woods warbler has an incomplete white eyering, while the black-and-white warbler has a white band across the eye and a white lower half of the eyering. Another distinction is found in the crown, with the elfin woods warbler's being entirely black and the black-and-white's having a white band across. The latter species forages on larger branches compared with the elfin woods warbler's foraging in the canopy and on smaller branch tips.[9]
|Bird Call
|Elfin woods warbler vocals
The elfin woods warbler's song and call are difficult to hear.[10] The species has a subtle voice and its call and song resemble those of the bananaquit, the most abundant bird in Puerto Rico. The song is a series of "short, rapidly uttered, rather unmusical notes on one pitch, swelling in volume and terminating with a short series of distinct double syllables sounding slightly lower in pitch"[2] while the call has been described as "a single, short, metallic chip".[2]
The elfin woods warbler breeds from March to June. Both parents are involved in the construction of the nest and in feeding the chicks. Nests are built close to the tree trunk within dry aerial leaf litter, usually Cecropia leaves (a material used by no other Parulidae species), in Bulbophyllum wadsworthii trees. Nests are well-concealed and located 1.3 to 7.6 meters (4.3 to 24.9 ft) above ground level.[11] In 2003 a nest with four chicks was found inside a tree stump of Colorado tree, Cyrilla racemiflora, at Maricao. The nest was at about 15 feet above ground level, with little cover in a secondary forest area [13]. Nests are cup-shaped and made from small roots and twigs, dry leaves of Chusquea abietifolia and B. wadsworthii, and dry Panicum maximum leaves. The interior is made from fibers of C. abietifolia, dry leaves and other plant matter.[12] Females lay two or three white eggs with red-brown spots.[13] The chick's diet consists of insects—parents have been observed offering lepidopteran and orthopteran adults and lepidopteran larvae to hatchlings.[12]
The elfin woods warbler is commonly found foraging the middle canopy for insects.[8] While searching for food it often flocks with other birds, such as black-and-white warblers, Puerto Rican tanagers and Lesser Antillean pewees. Three maneuvers used for catching prey—gleaning, sally-hovering and probing—have been described.[8] Gleaning is described as a hunting maneuver made by a standing or moving bird. Sally-hovering is a hunting maneuver made by a bird in flight. Probing is a maneuver in which the bird, by digging with its beak, forages the substrate looking for food in a manner similar to chickens.[8] Gleaning, especially off leaves, is the maneuver used with more frequency by the elfin woods warbler while probing is the least used.[8]
Distribution and habitatEdit
When first discovered, the elfin woods warbler was believed to exclusively occur in the high elevation, from 640 to 1,030 meters (2,100 to 3,380 ft), dwarf or elfin forests of the El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico. The wind-clipped trees in these forests rarely exceed 5 meters (16 ft) in height and are characterized by stiff, thick twigs, leathery leaves and impenetrable, dense undergrowth ideal for hiding from predators. Later studies showed that the species migrated to lower elevations, between 370 and 600 meters (1,210 and 1,970 ft), in Tabonuco and Palo Colorado forests.[14] Three more populations were discovered in the Maricao State Forest (1972, largest known population), the Carite State Forest (1977) and the Toro Negro State Forest (late 1970s).[11]
The species is presumed extirpated from two locales, occurring only at El Yunque National Forest and the Maricao State Forest.[15] The elfin forest at El Yunque National Forest is characterized by high rainfall and humidity, low temperatures and insolation, and constant winds. It is found at mountain summits and is primarily composed of dense shrub and small trees with moss and epiphyte growth in its plants and floor. The species richness is low when compared to other types of forests (tabonuco, palo Colorado and palma sierra forests) found in the Luquillo Mountains. The elfin forest at the Maricao State Forest, located in western Puerto Rico, receives an annual average rainfall of 2,250 millimeters (90 in), a high amount considering that a rainforest, by definition, receives a minimum of 1,700 millimeters (67 in) annually. Since its soil has low water-holding capacity its vegetation is more xeric than expected. The species's highest density occurs in Podocarpus forests in the Maricao State Forest. Little information is available on the elfin forests at Toro Negro and Carite.[14]
Status and conservationEdit
In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo struck the central and eastern region of Puerto Rico, affecting three (the El Yunque National Forest, Toro Negro and Carite populations) of the four known populations of the elfin woods warbler. A survey conducted two years later in the Toro Negro Forest, located in the Cordillera Central, did not find any individuals.[16] Recent surveys suggest that, for reasons yet unknown, the populations at Carite and Toro Negro were likely extirpated.[11] Continued monitoring of the elfin woods warbler populations is achieved through bird counts performed every three to four years by the Puerto Rican Breeding Bird Survey (PRBBS). A survey conducted in 2001 found three individuals at the Maricao State Forest. An IUCN assessment of the elfin woods warbler, prepared in 2000, estimated a stable population of 600 mature individuals.[17] More recently the population has been estimated to comprise at least 1800 mature individuals, a figure which equates to at least 2700 individual birds.[18]
The survival of the elfin woods warbler faces two main threats, predation and the destruction or alteration of suitable habitat. Confirmed native predators are the pearly-eyed thrasher (Margarops fuscatus), the Puerto Rican sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus venator) and the extirpated white-necked crow (Corvus leucognaphalus), while unconfirmed native predators include two endemic snakes and several carnivores (from fossil records). Introduced species, such as cats (Felis domesticus), dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), black rats (Rattus rattus) and small Asian mongooses (Herpestes javanicus), are also potential nest predators.[12] These species have proliferated due to the presence of human-developed facilities, mainly for communication purposes, in the Maricao State Forest and El Yunque National Forest. Two factors contribute to the destruction of the elfin woods warbler's habitat: humans and nature. Human-related habitat destruction includes the construction of communication towers, acquisition of timber, and expansion of roads and trails. Nature's contribution comes from natural disasters such as forest fires and hurricanes.[2]
The elfin woods warbler was placed on the United States federal candidate list for the Endangered Species Act in 1999, and the announcement was published on the Federal Register of October 25, 1999, Volume 64, No. 205, pages 57535–57547. The USFWS started to consider the need to protect the elfin woods warbler in 1982.[19] In 2005, a group of scientists, scholars, artists and environmentalists petitioned the Bush administration to admit 225 species, including the elfin woods warbler, to the Endangered Species Act. Of these 225 species, more than one third have been on the candidate list for 20 or more years, and half for 10 or more years. Recent (2004) studies also show that since the creation of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, 114 United States species have become extinct, many because of lack of habitat protection by the federal government.[20]
The IUCN first evaluated the status of the elfin woods warbler in 1988. At the time, it was given a classification of lower risk/least concern. In 1994 its status was changed to lower risk/near threatened, and in 2000 its status was changed to vulnerable, where it remained until 2017.[1] The justification for maintaining the species' status as vulnerable was that "There are no direct or immediate threats, but the combination of a very small range and population may have important implications for its chances of long-term survival, and this species consequently qualifies as vulnerable".[17]
See alsoEdit
Cited referencesEdit
- ^ a b BirdLife International (2017). "Setophaga angelae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2017: e.T22721749A94728686. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22721749A118919769.en. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
- ^ a b c d Cuevas, Victor, M. (January 2002). "Wildlife Facts – January 2002 – Elfin-woods Warbler". USDA Forest Service. Retrieved March 19, 2006.
- ^ a b Kepler, C. B.; Parkes, K. (January 1972). "A New Species of Warbler (Parulidae) from Puerto Rico" (PDF). The Auk. 89 (1): 1–18. doi:10.2307/4084056.
- ^ Chesser R. T.; et al. (2011). "Fifty-Second Supplement to the American Ornithologists' Union Check-list of North American Birds" (PDF). The Auk. 128 (3): 600–613. doi:10.1525/auk.2011.128.3.600.
- ^ "IOC World Bird List Version 4.4: New World warblers & oropendolas". International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ Lovette, Irby J; et al. (2010). "A comprehensive multilocus phylogeny for the wood-warblers and a revised classification of the Parulidae (Aves)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 57 (2): 753–770. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2010.07.018. PMID 20696258.
- ^ Curson, Jon; Quinn, David; Beadle, David (1994). New World Warblers. London: Christopher Helm. pp. 155–56. ISBN 0-7136-3932-6.
- ^ a b c d e Cruz, Alexander; Delannoy, Carlos A. (1984). "Ecology of the Elfin-woods Warbler (Dendroica Angelae) II". Caribbean Journal of Science. 20 (3–4): 153–62.
- ^ a b Wauer, Roland H. (1996). A Birder's West Indies: An Island-by-Island Tour. University of Texas Press. p. 69. ISBN 0292791011.
- ^ To listen to the sound of this species click here [1].
- ^ a b c Anadón Irrizary, Verónica (2006). Distribution, habitat occupancy and population density of the Elfin-woods Warbler. MS Thesis. University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez.
- ^ a b c Arroyo Vázquez, Bryan (June 1992). "Observations of the breeding biology of the Elfin Woods Warbler" (PDF). The Wilson Bulletin. 104 (2): 362–65.
- ^ Rodríguez-Mojica, Rafael (2004). "First report of cavity-nesting in Elfin-woods Warbler Setophaga angelae at Maricao State Forest, Puerto Rico" (PDF). Cotinga. 22: 21–23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-10-03.
- ^ a b "Candidate and Listing Priority Assignment Form – Elfin woods Warbler" (PDF). 2001. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2006. Retrieved March 19, 2006.
- ^ "Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Form – Elfin woods Warbler" (PDF). 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 23, 2014. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
- ^ Arroyo Vázquez, B. (2001). Comparative study of foraging behavior and habitat selection of resident wood warblers (Dendroica) in southwestern Puerto Rico (Thesis). Fayetteville, USA: University of Arkansas.
- ^ a b "Species factsheet: Dendroica angelae". BirdLife International. 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2006.
- ^ "Elfin Woods Warbler Dendroica angelae". Species factsheet. BirdLife International. 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2012.
- ^ All Federal Register Documents for the Elfin Woods Warbler
- ^ Lucas, Tim (April 5, 2004). "A Coalition for Conservation". Archived from the original on November 7, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2006.
General referencesEdit
- USFWS, List of all Federal Register Notices for the Elfin Woods Warbler
- Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña – Reinita de Bosque Enano. Retrieved on June 15, 2006. (in Spanish)
- Oberle, Mark (2003). Las aves de Puerto Rico en fotografías (in Spanish). Editorial Humanitas. p. 24. ISBN 0-9650104-2-2.
Further readingEdit
- Arendt, Wayne J; Song, S Qian; Mineard, Kelli A (2013). "Population decline of the Elfin-woods Warbler Setophaga angelae in eastern Puerto Rico" (PDF). Bird Conservation International. 23 (2): 136–146. doi:10.1017/S0959270913000166.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service species assessment and listing priority assignment form: Dendroica angelae (PDF) (Report). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. April 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 23, 2014.
External linksEdit
- Media related to Setophaga angelae at Wikimedia Commons
- Data related to Setophaga angelae at Wikispecies


text:
I tell my ukulele students if you want to develop a better rhythm hand you have to start listening to the drummer, start thinking like a drummer.
Drummers are telling you what the strumming pattern is, where the fills go, what beats to accent, it's all there just listen.
Just because you aren't the drummer doesn't meant you don't have to count.
And I leave you with this quote from perhaps the greatest rhythm hand in the business KEEF ... "Drums, eh," says Keith Richards. "Without it you're kinda nowhere'


text:
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Thank you Doug - I seem to have made a statement about animal welfare when I was aiming for "How would humans and aliens see each other?"ReplyDelete
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Shrimp plants are beautiful plants to grow in your garden or home. Learn all about shrimp plant care with gardening tips from a horticulturist in this free gardening video.
Hi, I'm Stan Defreitas - Mr. Green Thumb. One of the plants that we have that I think is really an outstanding plant is that of the Shrimp Plant, Bellpurina Gutatta. The Shrimp Plant, well it looks like - you can see where the name came from - it looks like a shrimp! And, it's one of those novelty-type plants. But it's also a toughie. It doesn't have many insects; it doesn't have many fungus problems. So it's a good plant, it' a good choice, for you when you're backyard gardening. It's also the one that your neighbors and friends and relatives are going to say, "Oh! It really does look like a shrimp!" And it does. It's one of those plants that will do well in full sun to partial shade. You want to make sure that you put it into a pretty organic soil, so peat, cow manure, really improve the soil. Make a ten dollar hole for your ten dollar plant, and this plant should last a good long time. It's not real cold hardy, so if you get anything near freezing, get your covers over and protect it. In really cold areas, I'd actually probably dig it up every fall, put it in a protected site, and then bring it back in the spring and summer. The Shrimp Plant's a good addition to your landscape. For on gardening, I'm Stan Freitas - Mr. Green Thumb.


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By Jayden Masciulli
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Accessories have the magical power to cheer up event the most lifeless look. The Fall/Winter 2010 scarves trends will make you feel hot in both sense, keeping you warm during the windy days and also guaranteeing the standing ovation paid to your outfit. Choose your favorite design from the knit, printed as well as other faddish styles and take accessorizing to the next level.
Super-flattering winter accessories popped up on the market, driving us into infinite shopping tours to update our wardrobe to the latest trends. The Fall/Winter 2010-2011 scarves trends make no exception when it comes of versatility as well as high class. Fashionistas will be thrilled to pack their shopping cart with the most dapper designs that fulfill both he practical as well as beauty function which is extremely essential if you look for universal and stylish fashion items. Take a glimpse at the cute repertoire presented below and make sure you embrace at least one of the looks and amaze your admirers with your signature and one-of-a-kind outfit.
Knit Scarves
Chunky as well as less bulky knits are both hyper-popular among those who are fond of the comfy experience it offers as well as the visual pleasure. These stylish knit scarves prove to be real dream buys if you're about to arm up your accessory box for the cold season. Define the length, thickness as well as knit patterns you would like to sport and don't forget bout the color either which should flatter your skin tone.
These factors all will play a chief role in the outcome of your makeover. The stores are stuffed with the stylish designs varying in shade as well as designs. From the XXL sized scarves to the classy and more feminine styles you'll find all of them near-at-hand.
Animal Print Scarves
Were you chasing an accessory that would complement more of your outfits and would reveal your fashion taste? These stylish animal print scarves would be the real deal if you wish to perk up your wardrobe with dapper and on trend prints. No style domain remained uncontaminated by the craze of snake, leopard, giraffe as well as other animal prints therefore it is a must to have them in your closet. Pair them with your stylish casual or urbane chic outfits. Leather jacket for a Rock chic look, whereas stylish capes matched with these cute scarves would create a minimalist and more lady-like impression.
Fringe and Tassle Scarves
Fringes and tassels are the ultimate must have details to look for when lusting after a seductress outfit. Turn yourself into a real blueprint for faddish street chic looks and sport these cool scarves decorated with the tiny accessories that add a cheerful and also Nomadic influences to your outfit. Gypsy and Bohemian chic scarves perked up with the traditional patterns echo a more nature-inspired and ethnic chi vibe. If you long for a Hobo style apparel make sure you have one of these designs in your wardrobe. Pair them with your cute jackets or capes and make sure you pay special attention to the selection of shades and prints to achieve a sparkling result when building up your trendy fall or winter outfit.
Purchase these dapper scarves from:


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Insurance Coverage Info
Most ReFocus locations accept a wide range of insurance; however, coverage can vary by provider. For the most accurate information, please find your specific provider here.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Featured Office
Our Danbury, CT, location has earned a 4.2-star rating on Google! Learn more about why their knowledgable care is embraced by the community.


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Savage Classical Guitar is now offering lessons with the following teachers: Richard F. Sayage, Christopher Gotzen-Berg, Mike Alessi and Dan Bouza.
Richard F. Sayage
I only offer lessons in my gallery location in Bohemia, and am making myself available for two days a week.
As of now, Wednesday evenings starting at 5PM (I'm trying to be flexible, but have a gallery to run as well!). The other day is still up in the air, but will be firmed up by the needs of my student base as I create my book.
What are my accomplishments? Huh, you know, it's weird to list your own credits. Who I studied with? Where did I go to school? Name it in and around NY, I've been there. Name guys from the 70's and 80's, yep, I probably studied with them. I have 55 books to my credit, and 2 books of composition. I have degrees in Music, Business, Economics, and Mathematics (and something else, but I'm not proving I'm a big ole nerd). I'm a published author in other venues, and yes, it's really weird to say all this out loud. I'm not big on any of it. I'm big on learning, teaching, and finding great guitars for people to play. Standing on a box, beating one's chest about this and that? Nah, not for me. Moving on…
Lesson rates are $75/hour for adults, $50/hour for younger students.
My thing is to conduct a class much like a Master Class for accomplished players, interpretation, angular attack, positioning, analysis, etc.
Younger and beginning students of the classical guitar will be prepped and taught a number of methods, including old school exercises focusing on the likes of Sor, Aguado, Carcassi, etc
True beginners of the classical guitar should purchase:
Classic Guitar Technique, Vol 1 (Book & CD) (Shearer Series) by Aaron Shearer – which should be available from SheetMusicPlus.com
We will work from this very simple yet effective method book for a number of reasons, but especially because I like the fact that there are duets that we can play together, while you are learning the technique. It can be a lot of fun and that's the whole point while learning.
My basic philosophy is simple, have fun, work hard, practice hard, play like an angel.
My address is listed in the sidebar. My direct line is 631-335-5447 – email is savageclassical at outlook dot com
Chris Gotzen-Berg offers lessons at his home studio in Massapequa, NY – Skype Lessons with Chris are also available.
Both Dan and Mike offer in home and skype lessons, based on your needs.
Please contact the teachers below for additional information.
Teacher Bios:
Christopher Gotzen-Berg
Christopher has been teaching guitar privately for over 20 years and has students of all ages and levels. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the Crane School of Music and was on faculty at the Crane School of Music as an instructor of "Functional Guitar", a course to help music education majors learn how to utilize the guitar within the classroom. Former students have been accepted at many prestigious colleges and universities including Florida State University, University of Southern California, Peabody, the Crane School of Music, Ithaca College, Indiana University, and the Hartt School of Music. He is now the Professor of Classical Guitar at Molloy College.
As a performer, Christopher has performed throughout the US, as well as on National Public Radio. His 2003 WEPA Records debut recording earned him an ASCAP award for original compositions. He is a Savage Classical sponsored artist and a Hill Guitar Company featured artist.
He can be contacted at [email protected]
Dan Bouza
has been playing, performing and teaching the guitar for over a decade. He is well versed in several styles of playing but specializes in Classical Guitar. He is an accomplished
Audio Engineer and Producer and brings his musical expertise to you. Dan works with all levels of musicians and all ages. Whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or playing the Aranjuez, 3 years old
or enjoying your retirement, his musical guidance is highly prized.
Before working
for Savage Classical Guitar, Dan studied with Dr. Douglas Rubio at the Crane School of Music, and has since gone on to a freelance career in Music. At Savage Classical Guitar Dan handles all of our recording, media, and web needs. Outside of the guitar, he is an active producer, audio engineer and owner of SteamWalker Studio. In his spare time Dan dabbles in web design and he finds a passion in reading novels that are far too long.
Contact Dan at [email protected]
Mike Alessi
studied for four years at The Crane School of Music under Douglas Rubio for classical guitar, and is also currently studying jazz, and flat-picking (blue/new grass) styles. Mike has extensive experience in teaching beginner and intermediate players, and truly enjoys sharing his knowledge with up and coming players. He teaches the necessary skills you need to be a well-rounded musician.
Originally attracted to the guitar by Muddy Waters, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The blues is what shaped him as a guitar player for years, but as time went on his tastes began to broaden and Mike started to enjoy other types of music. It was then that he began to branch out into other styles, shaping Mike into the versatile musician that he is now. He brings his originality and his diverse skills into this pedagogy.


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Debicella gets nod to oppose Himes
State Sen. Dan Debicella of Shelton has received the nomination of the Republican Party to oppose Demcoratic Rep. Jim Himes in the 4th Congressional District. No other candidate received enough support to get a spot on the primary ballot. Debicella received 77 percent of the ballots.
Four Republican candidates -- Debicella, Bridgeport businessman Rick Torres, Easton First Selectman Tom Herrmann and Norwalk businessman Rob Merkle -- mounted campaigns to gain the Republican nod to try to unseat incumbent Himes, who got his party's endorsement for re-election last week.
Two candidates, Rob Russo and Will Gregory, dropped out of the GOP race prior to the convention.
Since World War II, only three Democrats from the district have been elected to go to Washington -- Don Irwin, current U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, and LeRoy Downs, who served from 1941 to 1943.
Himes defeated veteran Republican incumbent Christopher Shays in 2008, capitalizing on the huge numbers of African-American voters in Norwalk, Stamford and Bridgeport who turned out to vote for Democrat Barack Obama for president.
Throughout the early stages of the campaign, Republicans took turns in linking Himes to Obama and castigating the Democratic incumbent for his support of the stimulus package and Obama's health care reform.
First-term congressmen typically are the most vulnerable of incumbents, and the Republican Party has kept up a drumbeat of criticism of Himes since virtually his Jaunary 2009 swearing-in.


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More than 150 years prior, there was a battle in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Then it was for independence; now it will be for survival.
The people of a small prepping community just south of Sharpsburg should have been ready when the end of the world as we know it arrived. They had extra food and water; they had guns and plenty of ammunition. They had all sorts of the necessary supplies. If they only would have known just how bad things would become.
When the end arrived, all seemed well…at first. The community council convened, making sure that all needs were met. Shortly after that, things started to fall apart.
Working vehicles were nowhere to be found. Generators that should have provided power didn't. Even the presence of a former Marine and all of his survival knowledge didn't save them from hardships during the first harsh winter.
Spring arrives with a new set of problems. Discontent, deserters, arguments, and trouble from the outside world. As the situation worsens the group finds it must fight to survive, fight to keep what's theirs, fight to stay alive.
Who will be remain standing, who will live? Who will be The Remnants of Antietam?
Buy The Remnants of Antietam Here
e a lake's Website
Follow e a lake on Facebook
Follow e a lake on Twitter


text: Oberon's partners provide comprehensive wireless LAN integration solutions using Oberon products. Oberon's partners are comprised of regional Network Designers and Installers (NDIs), National Integrators and Distributors. The NDIs provide regional integration services to small and medium sized businesses. The NIs provide enterprise integration services to larger institutions and federal customers. Distributors provide product access and logistical support to NDIs and NIs.


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This sleek contemporary desk will be a wonderful addition to your home office, offering a clean look with great function.
58"L x 30"D x 30"H
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Work Accidents
We get results for injured workers in New Jersey
People throughout New Jersey go to work every day to earn money and support their families. But a work accident can turn their lives upside-down in an instant. Workers' compensation benefits are supposed to help workers during this difficult time. But getting the benefits you need can be challenging. A Cherry Hill workers' compensation attorney at Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen, LLC can help you navigate your way through the claims process.
A work accident can have a physical impact, leaving you with a serious injury. But it can also have a significant financial impact. The costs of treating your injury can add up quickly. And if you are unable to work because of your injury, you could experience a loss of income. Suddenly, it can become very hard for your family to pay bills.
While some jobs are more dangerous than others, an accident can happen in any industry, including:
- Manufacturing
- Health Care
- Transportation
- Pharmaceuticals
- Technology
- Hospitality
- Food Service
- Retail
- Police
- Firefighters
- Union Members
- Teachers
The workers' compensation system is designed to provide injured workers with medical treatment and temporary wages following a work accident. Ideally, an injured worker would receive all necessary medical treatment and would not have to worry about staying afloat financially while recovering enough to return to work.
But reality is often quite different. Workers' compensation benefits are usually paid by the employer's insurance company. And insurance companies are often only concerned with their bottom line. To keep profits up, they always look for ways to keep the amount of benefits they pay down. As a result, many workers don't get the help they deserve and they're left to struggle on their own.
Experienced attorneys who know how to get results
Since 1995, Kotlar, Hernandez & Cohen, LLC has been helping injured workers in New Jersey get the workers' compensation benefits they need and deserve. When we take on a case, we start with the end in mind. That means we prepare your case as if we will need to fight for you in court - where our trial attorneys have won many victories on behalf of clients.
Some of our attorneys - including founder Adam Kotlar - are board-certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the area of workers' compensation law. Board certification is not easy to get. Fewer than 3% of attorneys in the state are certified in any area of specialty. An attorney needs experience, references from judges and other attorneys, and continuing education, and also must pass a 7-hour exam.
We are only interested in a resolution of your case that meets your needs. Our team litigation approach gives you the benefit of our combined experience - including our board-certified attorneys and former defense attorneys who know the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying benefits. We also have established relationships with expert witnesses and medical providers who can give us an independent medical evaluation of your injury.
If your claim is denied, we will represent you at all appeals and hearings. If the insurance company delays providing you with needed treatment or medication, we will take swift action. You can expect a high level of professionalism and commitment from our law firm. Someone is always available during office hours to answer your questions. And our attorneys always return phone calls within 24 hours - usually much sooner than that.
Call us at 856-751-7676 for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your workers' compensation claim. When you've been hurt, our team goes to work - for you.


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City of Louisville, COHome Menu
"Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play!" - Mike Singletary
For more information on Youth Sports please click on the above link. There you will find schedules, links to other organizations and other useful information.
For more on Adult Sports please click the above link. Our Adult Sports page will include schedules for current leagues as well as the tennis court reservation schedule.
For sport descriptions please navigate to the online registration page and key word search that sport.
Rain Line: 303-335-4998
Rain Line: 303-335-4998
For more questions please contact Jesse DeGraw.


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Review for Tuck Everlasting.
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Paperback
Tuck Everlasting was a wonderful book to read. It tells youabout a family lives with a problem they can not fix or undo. The conclusion is that, you living forever is not the greatest thingin the world. It has its ups but mostly downs, but the story shows she had compassion for the living and that was the concern living for a frog, now thats what i call, a caring person for the living. She didn't think about her self but for a being of life, a life God created.
Pages: 16
Publisher: Scholastic
Natalie Babbitt
5 perfect stars!!!!
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Paperback
This book is really great. I think that what Annie did was so courageous and selfless. days and years she threw herself into the battlefields to nurse wounded soldiers. she deserves the medal of honor. what strikes me though is that she is a true story who really did exist. I will say one thing, and that is that i wasn't really interested in that kind of thing before, like the fictional civil war stories and such. but since i read, 'annie' i have been and now i'm even working on a book like that, too. it's called, "Promises: A Civil War Tale, great book...kudos to the author of "Annie"
Pages: 192
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Mary Francis Shura
"love means nothing when you live in a bird's nest"
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Paperback
"the artist of the missing" is good stuff. the story is filled with imagination, loneliness, curious illustrations, love and adventure. it has all the ingredients needed for a spectacular novel but doesn't follow a set pattern. the book takes twists in plot and is happily not formulaic. makes you think and wonder and realize and all that important inner stuff books should do. "the artist of the missing" is a good ride
Pages: 256
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Paul Lafarge
I live this Book Day after Day...
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Paperback
I'm reading this book now, i'm when Roger is crossing the Taurus to Jerusalem, and i make to myself the same question that, surely, makes a lot of people: Is this HI/story truth? or just a simple novell of a brilliant man like Stephen? cause, i been reading "Cabayo de Troya", from J.J. Ben?tez (spain) that tells a story about Jesus, that he say is true, but i have some doubts about it! . Please, i really wanna know... Thanks a lot. Deus le Volt!
Publisher: Pan
Stephen J. Rivelle
Nice in-depth coverage of inorganic and organic LED area
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Hardcover
I found this book to be very informative and comprehensive. It includes 5 reviews written by different research groups. Three of those reviews are dedicated to LEDs based on inorganic semiconductors, and the last two are about organic electroluminescence. As a person that is much closer to organic technology, I still found the reviews on inorganic electroluminescence to be very clear and easy to understand. Organic LED chapters would be easy to understand too, even for a beginner in the area. I could say the little drawback of at least this volume is that the inroganic thin film electroluminescence is completely ignored.
Pages: 331
Publisher: Academic Press
Gerd Mueller
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Hardcover
This work is a great help to those wanting to study the grammar and syntax of the Greek New Testament, relying on a variety of scholarship condensed into one volume. An extensive bibliography, attractive format, and durable binding augment the wealth of information this volume offers.In order to use this volume, one must be able to read Greek in Greek characters. The only apparent drawback to this volume is that it does not draw attention to variant readings and their impact on the meaning and translation of the text as a whole.
All in all, you get a comprehensive walk-through of the Greek New Testament, according to the text of UBS.
Pages: 704
Publisher: Zondervan
Jr., Dr. Cleon L. Rogers
Cleon L. Rogers III
Entrepreneurial marketing education at its finest!
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Hardcover
Lois Farese is quite simply one of the greatest entrepreneurial educators I have ever had the privilege of studying under. Mrs. Farese introduced me to `Marketing Essentials' when I took her Marketing I & II high school classes, and she inspired the slacker in me to become a DECA (http://www.deca.org) state finalist. Learning from this book gave me a tremendous advantage when I continued studying business at Babson College, and the lessons I learned from it have been applied countless times in several years of entrepreneurial practice since!
Publisher: McGraw-Hill/Glencoe
Very heart-wrenching and hard to put down!
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Paperback
I stayed up late a few times so I could get through some of the captivating places in the book. I think this book was wonderful and depicted very well the hardships of abusive relationships and having a child involved. I don't want to give a lot away, but I really recommend this to anyone. It is a hard book at places and will make you cry, and the ending will make you mad and make you think and make you want to re-write it, but it is very truthful in the way it describes life and living. Definitely a must-read!!!
Pages: 384
Publisher: Dell
Anna Quindlen
Laurell Hamilton just keeps getting better!
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Laurell Hamiltons take on monsters is fresh and fun. Anita
Blake is the kind of heroine anyone can enjoy.
Anita has a graveyard to raise, an apprentice to teach,
an amourous vampire with a werewolf servant, a randy faire
bartender with a secret and a serial killer to handle in
Branson, MO. So what does one "tough as nails vampire slayer"
do? She takes it one crisis at a time of course!
A must read for monster fans and fanatics.
Pages: 370
Publisher: ACE Charter
Laurell K. Hamilton
A perfectly wonderful diet.
Rating: 5/5
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
I went on Dr. Atkin's diet a year ago and lost 20 lbs. pretty quickly. I also suffered from migraine/stress/sinus headaches ALL THE TIME, but my headaches all but disapeared when I started this diet! I believe my headaches were a product of food alergies, but since I'm on a HMO, I can't seem to get anyone to agree to test me for food alergies. Anyway, if you're having trouble with sugar cravings, take chromium picolinate (I think Dr. Atkins recommends 600 mcg per day.) It took away ALL of my sugar cravings! Thank you Dr. Atkins! I'm now skinny and headache-free!
Pages: 417
Publisher: Avon Books


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YubiKey basics
Meet the YubiKey! A fast-paced overview of the many uses of the YubiKey for developers, businesses, schools, governments, and personal use.
The YubiKey comes to iPhone Yubico offers strong authentication for in-house and customer-facing mobile applications across leading mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
FIDO2 passwordless login to Azure Active Directory with Security Key by Yubico The new Security Key by Yubico uses FIDO2 to authenticate to Microsoft Azure Active Directory, making passwordless workstation login simple and secure.
Discover the YubiKey! Take a journey with us under the ocean to discover modern authentication with the YubiKey, wherever you go!
Keep your Facebook account aafe with YubiKey! Take control of your identity. YubiKey protects your Facebook account with a touch.
Hak5 on two-factor authentication, FIDO U2F, and Google two step verification: find out what 2FA, U2F, and 2SV are all about!
YubiKey secure manufacturing: Rob the Robot manufactures 10,000 YubiKey per day in the forests of Sweden. Learn more
Stina Ehrensvard, Founder and CEO of Yubico, shares several Yubico stories, including how the YubiKey was invented and why part of the team moved from Stockholm to Silicon Valley to help develop FIDO U2F.
"Easy to Use, Impossible to Lose" by Alessandro Giordani involves a cup of water, a YubiKey, and easy authentication — you have to watch and see!
GitHub, YubiKey, and U2F: Shawn Davenport, VP of Security at GitHub tells us why the coding pioneers deployed U2F and YubiKeys to hundreds of their employees and their 11 million users. Learn more
Secure your GOV.UK Verify Account with YubiKey: GOV.UK Verify is a new simple way for UK citizens to access an increasing range of UK government services online. This is the first government service in the world to make support for the new open authentication standard FIDO U2F. Learn more
Introducing YubiKey and macOS Sierra: YubiKeys work for secure login to macOS Sierra using native smart card PIV support. Use the YubiKey PIV Manager tool to create credentials on any YubiKey 4 or YubiKey NEO device. Learn more
Introducing YubiKey for Windows Hello: Windows 10 Anniversary Edition includes expanded user verification options, standards-based authentication, and diverse management controls grouped under the name Windows Hello. YubiKey now works with this ecosystem. Learn more
Secure your organization with Centrify & the YubiKey: Stop breaches with Centrify and the YubiKey. Simple configurations for admins and easy for users. Learn more at yubico.com/centrify.
How-To Videos
YubiKey and Gmail (and other Google accounts): how to register your YubiKey with your Google Account and use it to secure Gmail, Google Apps, YouTube, Blogger, and more. Learn more
Login with FIDO U2F and OpenID Connect: protect your accounts on websites and services with YubiKey using federated identity services.
YubiKey and Dropbox: register your YubiKey with your personal Dropbox or Dropbox Business account to keep your files secure. Learn more
Dashlane Password Manager + YubiKey and U2F: make your Dashlane account extra secure with easy, one-touch, two-factor authentication. Learn more
YubiKey and Okta's Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication: a demonstration for both end users and administrators. Learn more
Using YubiHSM to store an encryption key by Authasas. Learn more
YubiKey for Salesforce App: protect your valuable Salesforce.com data with a free app from the AppExchange. Learn more
Programming the YubiKey with a Challenge-Response credential using Yubico's Personalization Tools. Learn more
Programming the YubiKey with a Static Password using Yubico's Personalization Tools. Learn more
Programming the YubiKey with an OATH-HOTP credential using Yubico's Personalization Tools. Learn more
Programming the YubiKey with a YubiOTP credential using Yubico's Personalization Tools. Learn more
Yubico Webinars
Webinar 02/22/18: GDPR: Achieving Compliance and Secure Authentication with 2FA & Customer IAM
Webinar 11/13/17: Uber Data Breach: Impact and Lessons for CISO's
Webinar 08/17/17: Using Open Standards to Comply with GDPR
Webinar 08/15/17: Enterprise Authentication: Understanding the Security / Simplicity Trade-off
Webinar 08/03/17: Case Study: FIDO, Federation, ID Proofing
Webinar 06/12/17: Why Something You Have is Essential
Webinar 11/02/16: YubiKey Smart Card Mode for Computer Login
Webinar 10/20/16: Securing Business Intelligence on Salesforce.com with YubiKeys
Webinar 9/29/16: Easy-to-Use MFA with Centrify Identity Service and YubiKeys
Webinar 07/27/16: Yubico and GitLab Security Webcast
Webinar 7/13/16: Versasec vSEC:CMS + YubiKeys = A New PIV Smart Card Integration
Webinar 5/24/16: Centrify Identity Service + YubiKeys = Easy to Use MFA Everywhere
Webinar 3/15/16: One Device, Many Functions — Inside the YubiKey
Webinar 2/16/16: Protecting the Education Sector with YubiKey
Webinar 10/27/15: Integrating U2F — From Concept to Implementation


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Apple Engineer Talks about the new iPhone 7
Get Started with Sharepoint Framework
In this PnP Web Cast we concentrated on showing in practice how to get started with upcoming SharePoint Framework. We demonstrated the preview tooling (*) for development and how the development cycle will work with SharePoint Framework.
Are you worried about you privacy?
As we all now, on these days is hard to know where our information is being saved when we use the internet. NSA, PRISM and many other institutions or programs are designed to collect information about the users on the internet and save this information for later "actions".
If you to send private information by email and you don't want to anyone else can read it or access to it maybe is time to begin to think about encryption.
What encryption does is to transform the text you write into complex and unreadable lines of text at the moment you send the email. On the other end, the receiver is asked for a certificate or password in order to decrypt the message and make it readable again.
There are platforms that claims to send encrypted messages (end-to-end encryption) like WhatsApp and other, but in reality what they do is encrypt the message that the user write but when this message reach the server it is decrypted and encrypted again before sending the message to the receiver. Thats mean there are not end-to-end encrypted.
There is a very good encryption service for emails, which is a real end-to-end encryption system called ProtonMail.
You can read more about ProtonMail here. and in theirs homepage
Be safe on the internet…
New SASS Videos has arrived!!
As you maybe already know, we are creating a basic tutorial about SASS.
After a long time we have added new videos and many more will be added in the coming days.
So, don't miss the chance to start learning SASS right now, visit the tutorial page:
SASS Get Started
Tired of Windows 10 defaults apps?
All of you that have Windows 10 may noted that the Microsoft's OS comes with a number of defaults apps like BingSport, Weather, Xbox and many more. And you may also noted that when you uninstall these apps, they comes back when you run windows update which is annoying.
There is a script that can uninstall these apps. Actually there are a few number of scripts that can improve Windows 10 by for instance making windows update more friendly, fix privacy settings and a long etcetera.
You can download the zip file from here
It is important that you read the Read me file because there are three previous steps you have to do before running the scrips.
Also is a good idea to read what every script does before you run it. The simple way is open it with notepad and read the short description at the beginning of each script.
How many Apple's products sells around the world every second ?
Here can you see how many products sells every second. Note how slow is the new Mac book pro selling speed. Not everyone is happy with the latest version of MBP.


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Paul Kavanagh
Paul started painting with Brian McCarthy and soon developed an interest in Still Life, painted in a realistic manner.
Over the years he has focused on composition and the effect of light, shade and how a detail can draw the eye into a picture and how the use of everyday objects can bring a picture to life.
He paints in oils and while he has painted landscapes and other subjects his main focus in on Still Life concentrating on details such as fabric, marble tabletops and the finish that can be achieved with colour, texture and highlights.
Paul has exhibited at many galleries and his work has sold in Auction with Adams, DeVeres and Whytes Art Auctions. His work is held in private and corporate collections in the United States, France, Scotland and England and of course Ireland.
He is a member of the Dublin Painting and Sketching Club and The Dublin Art Society.
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Monday, August 31, 2009
7 comments:
Very neat! I love your rainbow! Your blog is so inspiring! :)ReplyDelete
So beautifulReplyDelete
Brilliant post - totally love it! I cannot believe your "green bird photograph" - totally love it!!!ReplyDelete
I'm just loving the green hummingbird and violet clouds. Gorgeous! Thank you for sharing these.ReplyDelete
I LOVE this... a world in color.ReplyDelete
Blessings and magic.
I love it :-)ReplyDelete
Rainbow days...how wonderful that we *see* them!ReplyDelete
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hi i am trying to work out how to get a mc (with a button inside) to rotate using the coords of where the user has clicked on it and not the registration point of the clip.
any ideas? thx in advance
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Thread: rotating around a mouse click
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Look out America — the Dukan Diet is about to hit shore.
Since its launch last May in the U.K., the book has sold more than 250,000 copies, a success largely attributed by the author — Dr. Pierre Dukan — to Middleton's promotion. Next month, the U.S. will likely follow the throngs when a North American version of the popular diet book is released in the U.S. and in Canada on April 19. (The book rights alone sold for a remarkable $1.3 million.)
But what is it? Well, if you remember the Atkins craze from several years ago, this one won't seem too different. The Dukan consists of four different phases; the attack, cruise, consolidation and stabilization. You lose weight aggressively on a protein diet then you shift to a longer-range weight loss and then to a stabilization period. Lean meat, zero-fat dairy, non-starchy veggies and lots of water and oat bran are on the menu.
While experts say you can definitely lose weight on the plan, they warn that it is not an all-around healthy diet.
"A once-daily multivitamin will not compensate for the nutritional goodness from fruits, whole grains and healthy fats that are inadequate in The Dukan Diet," Keri Gans, MS, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association told WebMD.
"Constipation, bad breath, dry mouth and fatigue should be a red flag that this is not a healthy diet," she says.
Agreed — don't buy into the hype, don't part ways with your cash. The secret to dieting is cutting out the fat, dropping the sugars, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and exercising several times a week. It's as simple as that — and a whole lot more nutritious, too.


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The training process should be continuance to increase candidates' capabilities on their present jobs, and at the same time prepares them to take an additional responsibility in future. Developing talent reserve takes time but assumes having the best, ready to step into positions of greater responsibility when needed. Training approach used to be a form of job enrichment, but in focusing on investment's return, there is a wide spread feeling that training must yield tangible economic results; to accomplish this, training must concentrate on showing people how to solve specific problems in their organizations. Hence, there should be a serious approach to the training program, as to time and money investments, an investment which can't afford a loss, which certainly is a good start. The vital aspects to be considered are:
- Training as a response to current needs. The best ways to determine what training should accomplish is to find out, what your present employees feel, as to what their own preparation lacks.
- What areas should training cover? In areas of knowledge, to consider which are success essentials in employees' role, and those areas where they need additional training. Can we say the nature of job and performance strengthening?
- How do employees spend their time on the job? The activities which consume the most of their time are those that should receive top priority in training.
However, training should have sensitivity in it, i.e. influencing trainee's behavior by creating self-awareness. Sensitivity training has both, zealous advocates and equally outspoken critics.
The major goals in it include:
- Helping participants to improve their understanding of human behavior and their ability to predict reactions.
- Engaging them in analysis of the processes in which people relate to each other.
- Demonstrating and analyzing the processes in which people relate to each other.
- Increasing participants' awareness of the impression they create.
- Heightening their sensitivity to the opinions and feelings of others.
- Increasing the personal satisfaction they receive from their relationships with others.
Therefore, we say that one course or program usually brings out the need for another. As new problems are constantly arising, and new techniques continue to be developed, does not mean that a nonstop series of course training should continue. But interest in problems, means that they should be kept alive by further courses on special issues; by discussion meeting with management experts, specially, organization's problems and policies, and by encouraging staff to keep them up-to-date.
Malek A. Tabbara (CPC)
LFS – Training Manager
Customer Service
It's not your boss
Who pays your cheque
It' your customer
For Business
Promise only what you can deliver
Deliver more than you promised
New beginingsIn Life
In Life, what sometimes appears
to be the end
Is really a new Beginning


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May 2011
Best Draft Picks
David Schoenfeld at the always interesting SweetSpot baseball blog on ESPN.com has posted his list of the best MLB draft picks ever at each of the (now) thirty draft slots. Remember the draft started in 1965 when there were twenty (20) big leagues clubs – so some of these spots were once in the second round.
(Trivia Question: Who was the first player selected in the first-ever MLB Draft of 1965 and by what team?)
Of the thirty spots the Royals hold down three – not bad huh? Here they are:
- The Best #9 Pick – Kevin Appier (1987)
- The Best #18 Pick – Willie Wilson (1974)
- The Best # 29 Pick – George Brett (1971)
Just six other clubs had more than one slot on the list and the Royals joined the Phillies as the only two organizations with three. All three of the Royals are of course now members of the Royals Hall of Fame.
(Trivia Answer: Rick Monday, then an outfielder from Arizona State University, was the first player ever drafted when his was taken #1 overall in 1965 by the Kansas City Athletics)
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)
Paul Splittorff
Paul Splittorff is one of the few people that have played a key role in helping define what it means to be a part of the Kansas City Royals from the beginning – literally the very start of the organization. Paul was selected by the Royals in the 25th round of the June 1968 Baseball Draft, the year before the the club played it's inaugural major league game. He is the gem of the Royals first draft class.
After signing with Kansas City, Paul made his professional debut with the Class-A Corning Royals of the New York-Pennsylvannia League. He led that pitching staff with eight wins – the first ever minor league team of the Kansas City Royals Organization.
- Splitt is the first Royals pitcher to post a twenty win season (1973 20-11)
- Splitt is the first pitcher to win a post season game for Kansas City (1976 ALCS Game 2)
- Splitt is the winning pitcher from the game that won Kansas City's first AL Pennant (1980 ALCS Game 3)
- Splitt is first on the Royals all-time wins list (166)
Tonight Paul Splittorff is first in the thoughts and prayers of all Royals everywhere.
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)
Harmon Killebrew
Harmon is unquestionably an all-time Twin (and Washington Senator where his Hall of Fame career began), but once a Royal always a Royal – he is one of ours as well.
Keep him and his family in your thoughts.
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)
New York, New York
The Royals are headed to the Bronx for our lone visit to Yankee Stadium this season – starting a three game series later tonight (TV-FSKC; Radio-KCSP/Royals Radio Network 6:10pm). Here are some interesting notes from the Royals first-ever trip to the Big Apple in 1969.
Monday, June 9, 1969
Royals 7
Yankees 2
Roger Nelson threw a complete game giving up only five hits – the lone run coming on a second inning home run by first baseman Joe Pepitone. Cather Ellie Rodriguez led the Kansas City offense with going 2-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored.
Tuesday, June 10, 1969
Royals 7
Yankees 6
Royals centerfielder Lou Piniella (a future Yankee himself) was the star of the game. Sweet Lou got the Royals off to a quick start with a first inning bases loaded double of Yankee starter Stan Bahnsen. Piniella later scored on an Ellie Rodriguez single and the Royals were up 4-0 before the Yankees had an at-bat.
Wednesday, June 11, 1969
Royals 4
Yankees 5 (11 innings)
Lou Piniella was at it again with his third four-hit game of the season. However the Royals blew a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth. It was pinch-hitter Bobby Cox the doubled in the winning run for New York with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning. Yes – that is the same Bobby Cox who would later manage both the Blue Jays and of course the Braves to many post season appearances.
At the time New York was in the midst of one of their longest stretches without a championship team . They finished last in the ten team American League in 1966; 9th in 1967; and 5th in 1968. They would finish 5th in the six team American League East in 1969 – the first year of divisional play following expansion.
Yankee Stadium drew 24,612 – for the entire three game series (8,355 Monday; 7,588 Tuesday; 8,669 Wednesday)!
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)
Royals Debuts – Historical Perspective
With all the excitement of Eric Hosmer's debut this weekend at 'The K', I thought it would be interesting to look back at some other Royals debuts – of both the names we all know and a few that time has forgot. Let's start at the top with #5 George Brett.
We can start here but as many of you know George was not #5 when he debuted for the Royals instead he wore #25 on Thursday August 2, 1973 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. He had been called up due to a nagging ankle injury to third baseman Paul Schaal who had not played since July 22. That being said the call-up was a bit of a surprise and seemed to come as a spur of the moment decision – especially for George. He is what he said at the time:
"I was sitting in the aprtment with (Mark) Littell, my roommate when (Omaha Manager) Harry Malmberg came in. He walked around for a while and said he wanted to see if our apartment was anything like his. I thought he was just coming over to tease us or something, maybe Mark because he had won last night."
"He didn't say anything for awhile, just walked around and then he said, 'Congratulations you're going to the major leagues.' He didn't say it to anyone , and I thought he meant Mark was going back up. I was thinking, 'Oh, no, I'm going to lose another roommate' – because the last time it cost me about $100 in deposits moving to another place."
"When he said it was me, I must have left in five minutes. I took a shower. I took about three shirts with me. I left the airport at three and got here a few minutes ago (about 6:15). Harry said, 'Take your time, you won't be starting.' I couldn't believe I was when I got here."
Of course Royals Manager Jack McKeon did have George in the line-up for that first game and Brett would collect his first hit in his second at bat – a fourth inning single of White Sox hurler Stan Bahnsen. The Royals won the game 3-1 which vaulted them into first place at 62-48 and one game in front of the Oakland A's.
George only played in three more game before being returned to Omaha. He was recalled again in September of 1973 and played in nine more games finishing with five hits in forty at-bats for a batting average of .125. He didn't make the big league club out of spring training in 1974 either.
His final recall come on May 3, 1974 a couple of days after the Royals traded third baseman Paul Schaal to the Califonia Angels. One interesting note most probably don't remember (though George might) – Over his late 1973 call-up and his first two games in 1974 George was 0-18 here at Royals Stadium. His first hits at home came on May 5, 1973 against the Yankees (of course) when he went 3-4 in an 8-2 Kansas City win.
And the rest is beautiful Royals history…
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)


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A closed-type Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), such as the Dinex DiSiC or DiPEX holds back 99% of the particles and particulate matter from the exhaust gas. Eventually the filter will block up and needs to be regenerated. This is a catalytic reaction the burns the trapped matter and reduces it to soot.
Both filters are offered in a number of configurations with different Regeneration Strategies, to suit different driving patterns. Whether you filter can regenerate depends on whether your operation of the vehicle corresponds to the requirements of the Regeneration Strategy. I.e. a passive regeneration strategy will not be sufficient for inner city driving.
If you are experiencing problems with your filter and lack of regeneration (often diagnosed by excessive back pressure in the exhaust system), you should contact Dinex to discuss whether your driving pattern suits the configuration that your filter has been installed in. Find contact details above.


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Fight acne with this DIY essential-oil spot treatment
by Tamim Alnuweiri, September 15, 2017
"Geranium oil is wonderful to help soothe acne blemishes when they're not open—when they're growing or they're healing."
For fighting acne, tea tree oil is key—but there's a catch. Amy Galper, a certified aromatherapist at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy, says that while tee tree oil is "really powerful, anti-microbial, and has a lot of skin-balancing and wound-healing properties," it can dry out the skin. That's why her spot treatment also includes equal parts geranium and palmarosa oils.
"Geranium oil is wonderful to help soothe acne blemishes when they're not open—when they're growing or they're healing," Galper says. As for the palmarosa oil, it's anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and promotes healing. An equal-parts combination of the three oils is ideal since "the palmarosa and the geranium together lessen the drying effect of the tea tree."
To make sure you're not inadvertently making your blemish worse, Galper says to not touch your face. Instead, apply your spot treatment onto a cotton swab, lightly apply it to your blemish, and watch that zit go from angry to the most relaxed.
Here's what you need to DIY your own spot treatment.
Create your own spot treatment
Can't get enough essential oils? Fill up a chic diffuser with Miranda Kerr's favorites.
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The single best activity Estes Park and RMNP have to offer in the winter! If you can ski/snowboard blues at a resort and don't mind gentle walks in snowy mountains then you are ready to come touring with us! We will head to the old ski area Hidden Valley (closed/lifts removed in '92) where we will learn how to ski "skin" uphill to find the best conditions for all ability levels. Guides will instruct on equipment use, how to avoid avalanches, how to stay warm, and in general have a really good time. The majority of days at Hidden Valley are as good as the best resort conditions of the year, plus, no crowds and no I-70 traffic!
Packages include:
Packages include:
- 1-night discounted stay at The Stanley in your choice of room accommodation type
- Transportation and entry into the Rocky Mountain National Park
- Private KMAC guide


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The NCAA Football schedule is primed and ready to go for Saturday morning, and as a sports fan, undoubtedly you'll want to check out the online sportsbook betting options before the games start, as plenty of great action in the Top 25 will be enough reasoning to place a few bets to make the best games even that much more exciting today! Moving quickly into Week 9 already, we're rapidly approaching a critical time in the BCS standings for the top teams in the nation, and with more and more Top 25 teams doing battle in the weeks to come, along with a few remaining undefeated teams still looking to remain perfect on the season today, no doubt there are bound to be some upsets, changing of the guard in the Top 25 rankings, and all the wild and crazy action that can be expected on any given Saturday of College Football. For today's online sports betting picks on College Football, we're hitting up the Sportsbetting.ag Sportsbook, one of the longest standing online sports betting sites reviewed here, based on its great customer service, solid bonus opportunities and easy methods for depositing and withdrawing funds, and of course a staple of the best online sportsbooks, a simple, clean and easy-to-use sports betting website. After a great cap to the 2011 World Series last night saw the St. Louis Cardinals prevail on the last day of the baseball season in Game 7 to win their 11th World Series title, we'll fully switch gears over to football, by taking look at the top College Football offerings, along with a number of great NFL Football wagers set for this Sunday, but also get ready for some UFC 137 action tonight, NASCAR racing to come, and much, much more for betting on sports.
Starting with the top picks of the day for College Football, the big game with the most upset potential has to be undefeated #5 Clemson on the road trying to shut down the high-powered offense of ACC rival Georgia Tech. Both teams are very well balanced in the offensive and defensive games, averaging around 40 points per game while giving up 24 points per contest. Georgia Tech is also unbeaten at home this year, and coming of two tough road losses in a row, watch out for a great clash as the 5th-ranked Yellow Jackets running game tries to bowl through a confident, well-coached Tigers defensive unit. Moving on to other big action in College Football for online sports betting, watch out for #3 Oklahoma State at home against Baylor, where the 7-0 Cowboys take on the high-scoring Bears in what should be a great run-and-gun game to watch, and look for a breakthrough of the over wager even with a whopping 82 points setting that line. Catch a huge Big 12 match-up at Kansas State as the #8 Wildcats try to stop the #9-ranked Oklahoma Sooners, who seek to bounce back quickly from their first home loss in 6 years, and hope for some other losses from the Top 5 teams to keep their national title hopes alive. Make sure to also look over the betting lines for #11 Michigan State ad #14 Nebraska, in what will be the biggest game left on the schedule for the Big Ten opponents.
With more action in store for betting on sports including 13 NHL Hockey games, find great contests to look over, with exciting match-ups featuring the Washington Capitals and the Vancouver Canucks in a possible Stanley Cup preview(yeah, I'm calling it early!), the surging San Jose Sharks looking to stay hot on the road facing the New York Islanders, and the Pittsburgh Penguins powering forward without their top offensive producers against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With so many hockey teams coming out of the gates strong and starting early season winning streaks, take advantage of riding some coattails of success by placing wagers on hot teams out of the gate, as you can always pick up some good money, even if you're not completely in tune to NHL Hockey, by simply following team trends, potent scorers, and stingy goalies. Add in to your online sports betting repertoire today the action in Las Vegas with UFC 137 on tap and take a look over the fight cards for the best picks in the Octagon for what should be another exciting MMA showdown from Mandalay Bay. As always, expect a bevy of even more excellent options for online sports betting at Sportsbetting.ag, and a great Saturday of watching and betting on sports to come!


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Custom Exteriors Installs Installation into the Sales Process
October 1, 2009
SPECIAL FEATURES | Operations, Close-Ups
|Custom Exteriors has always used the best processes and materials for its installation, but the dealer has found that setting homeowners' expectations is an important part of the sale.
A good installation comes with good products, a well-trained team of installers and a management team that rewards quality over quantity. Custom Exteriors, a Pleasanton, Calif., dealership, has perfected this recipe with one additional ingredient in its secret sauce—taking the time to set its customers' expectations.
Far from an afterthought, Custom Exteriors winds installation into its entire sales process—from relatively simple things like a slide show on its Web site depicting the installation steps homeowners can expect to more complex initiatives like the centerpiece of its showroom—the company proclaimed "Wall of Install." The company does this because the management believes that just as important as the installation itself is eliminating any anxiety homeowners may have about the process.
"We want to show people the meticulous effort that goes into our installations," explains Rod Mills, general manager for the replacement specialty dealer. "People want to know what we're going to do to the interior and exterior of their house. Preparing them eases their worries and takes that anxiety out of the equation immediately."
For years, Custom Exteriors has had on its Web site a relatively simple slide show outlining the steps of installation with big pictures, simple captions and some peppy background music. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, technologically speaking, but it gives potential customers a sense of what happens during the measuring and installation process. "Anybody can sell windows, but we're selling the whole customer service program," Mills says. "And the install program is 50 percent of the sale."
A 2006 Window & Door Dealer of the Year for overall excellence in serving homeowners, Custom Exteriors sells windows made by Anlin, Marvin, Andersen and Milgard, and doors by ThermaTru, T.M. Cobb, Andersen and Marvin. In the 13 years since it was founded by owners Kevin Gundry and Jeff Kendall, the San Francisco Bay area dealer has placed a priority on getting installations right, using the best materials, training its crews to InstallationMaster guidelines and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among its in-house installers. The company has a comprehensive incentive program for its installation crews based on the principle that the crews with the best feedback ratings from homeowners are assigned the most work, and thus earn the most money.
Treating its installers with respect and providing appropriate incentives means that many of the same crew members that started with the company years ago are still executing Custom Exterior's installations; the workers that potential customers see in the online slide show are the ones who actually show up to do their installs. "We get thanked for that slide show all the time," Mills says. "People tell us they chose our company because of referrals and because of our install guarantee."
Because of the lifetime guarantee it offers on its products, Custom Exteriors is additionally committed to making sure its installations are done correctly the first time, every time. "We don't want to have to go back," Mills explains. "We want to show our customers that we buy the top-of-the-line low expansion foam and the top-of-the-line caulking. This isn't the stuff you can buy off the shelf at a big box store."
The fact that homeowner expectations are set so early in the sales process also serves to guide installation crews day-to-day, Mills explains. "Everyone's entitled to a bad day, but the crews are fully aware of the homeowners' expectations," he says. This includes making sure all steps of the process are executed as rehearsed, from the initial knock on the door to the final, thorough cleanup.
While Custom Exteriors has always made installation a priority in the business, the leadership recognized an opportunity to take it to the next level when they recently embarked on a showroom re-design. The Web site slide show and a couple of additional videos about the company in general appealed to potential customers surfing the Internet and conducting initial research. The in-home presentation and sales process wove in some additional clarification about the measuring and installation process, as well as outlined the details of the company's lifetime guarantee and how that stems from quality, consistent installs. But Mills, Gundry and Kendall sought a way to position the company's installation process as a "deal closer" for customers that are evaluating other options in a competitive marketplace.
|A focal point of its showroom, Custom Exteriors designed a "Wall of Install" to help potential customers visualize what goes into the installation process.
This is why they designed what has since been coined the "Wall of Install" as the focal point in its expanded showroom. The wall features full-sized windows with various glass packages so the sales team can use heat lamps to educate customers, but it also has areas around the windows exposed so homeowners can see what happens behind the trim. Visualizing how windows fit into a wall helps them understand the importance of proper installation and insulation, Mills explains. "Most showrooms are there to show the products in the best possible light, and that natural partner to that is the installation process," he says. "Sure, people come to the showroom because they want to see what kinds of windows we offer and their choices. But when I see the sales reps going over to the Wall of Install, you can see a lot of nodding and you can see the relief and release of tension."
The education and expectation setting that comes from the Wall of Install is so important to the company that they offer customers a $100 credit for their orders just for visiting the showroom. "People walk into the showroom expecting to be sold, but the Wall of Install is educational," he says. "When a sales rep goes into a home with corner samples, people see what the profile is but they don't really 'see' the window. We want them to see the actual window frame, and how we take care of the air, the water and any gap that naturally occurs."
The result, the dealer has found, is that customers are buying the installation just as much as they are the products. According to one customer testimonial on the company's Web site, the installation was what primarily contributed to his overall satisfaction. "I can't say enough about how pleased we are with the crew that you sent to do the job," writes Stuart Rowley of Walnut Creek, Calif. "These guys were courteous, respectful, and incredibly hard working. They clearly took great pride in their work and went the extra mile to get everything to work out. ... I feel that I received an excellent price and am very happy with the quality of the windows and doors. However, what really makes your company's product standout is the quality of your installation crew."
Custom Exteriors has seen several of its local competitors close their doors in the last couple of years, and the company itself, like many companies in the industry, has had to take a hard look at its costs in order to avoid staffing cuts. But Mills says cutting corners on installation will never be an option for Custom Exteriors—it's just too much a part of its value proposition. "You can buy your windows from other places, but the installation is the proof in the pudding."
Click here to see our other 2009 Dealers of the Year.


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About Us
1. The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, that was written by men divinely inspired by Him and is, therefore, the only infallible authority in matters of faith and conduct. We believe that the Bible should be the sole authority of our faith and practice.
2. God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in God the Father, almighty Creator of heaven and earth, eternal in His being, perfect in holiness, infinite in wisdom, measureless in power, and ever-present. We rejoice that He concerns Himself mercifully in human affairs, that He hears and answers prayer, and that He gives eternal life to all who come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal and only Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, of virgin birth, sinless in His life, making atonement for the sins of the world by His death. We believe in His bodily resurrection, His ascension into heaven to the right hand of God the Father, and His imminent, personal, and visible return to the world according to His promise.
4. The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who came forth from God to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. In His ministry the Holy Spirit regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, teaches, empowers for service, and comforts those who believe in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells each person that accepts Christ as Savior
5. Salvation
We believe that all people by nature and by choice are sinners, but that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life". We believe in the resurrection of the dead and that those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior will rejoice forever in God's presence and those who refuse to accept Christ as Lord and Savior will be forever separated from God in a literal Lake of Fire. We believe that every human being is ultimately responsible to God alone in matters of faith.
6. The Church
We believe in the universal church – a living spiritual body of which Christ is the head and of which all regenerated people are members. We also believe in a multitude of local churches, each a company of believers in Jesus Christ associated for worship, work, and fellowship. We believe that to these churches were committed the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the task of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world. We believe that each church should be autonomous and free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority.


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As a creative type, I've come to the conclusion that there is something missing in the creative mind. It's a block that other people, the more left brained, constrained type appear not to have. It's that mechanism that keeps them from standing in the middle of a parking lot and staring at the clouds' formations or the color of the late summer sky. It's that awareness of what others will think if they stop and talk to the small child who is pretending that he is a star warrior, not only stop but add to the kid's tale.
I've always been considered odd by my family and "creative" by my friends. As people become familiar with me, they come to consider it typical for me to stop and watch a dandelion fluff burst into flight. To pull out a scrap of paper and scribble something on it after walking past a couple arguing or cuddling or walking hand in hand. So, I've come to the non-scientific conclusion that I have something missing.
I'm convinced that most people see the same things I do. But their reactions are almost always different from mine. A "typical" day can become inspiration for a story or a scene or, even better, a source of joy for me. I love walking and watching, seeing life evolve around me. For others, a leaf twirling on the end of a tree branch doesn't warrant several minutes' observation. But for the creative mind, it's a wonder, a priceless gift of the day.
I used to think I was something less because I had that "mechanism" missing in my brain. I stood out as a bit odd, a little different from others. Now, as I become older, I'm convinced God blessed me with a gift. The gift of seeing the small things. Of feeling the joys and sadness that life's foibles bring.
It's a two-edged gift, of course. I also feel the intense sadness of life. But, for now, I choose to see the happy face of a flower as it blooms in the rain and will stand in a down pour to commune with nature.


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Precious Puppy and Cheetah Cub Form Adorable Friendship (VIDEO)
You wouldn't think a puppy and a cheetah cub would get along. Or maybe you would. Hell, stranger things have happened. But it's rare that cuter things have happened.
In this video, we meet Kumbali and Kago, a cheetah cub and a precious puppy who live at the Metro Richmond Zoo. Naturally, they come from very different backgrounds. Kumbali was hand-raised at the zoo after it was determined that his mother wasn't producing enough milk to sustain him. Meanwhile, Kago was adopted from a pet rescue organization at 10-weeks-old. Together, they were raised in a zookeeper's home so they could be closely monitored, before being moved to an outdoor enclosure. Throughout it all, they maintained an easygoing friendship that's as cute as it is endearing. Watch the video and hear their story below:
What do you think of the video? Sound off in the comments!
And if you liked this video, watch the adorable friendship between a tiny puppy and an even tinier kitten!