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Thursday, May 17, 2007
Spring Sales Meeting
When I worked at my last office job, we used to have a yearly sales meeting. It happened every spring, and it was a big event. We're talking months of planning and schedule coordinating. The corporate honchos would provide breakfast and lunch. All the sales reps would fly into Pittsburgh. It was the only time of the year when the entire staff was together in one spot.
I've heard this is common practice at magazines, although some of the more glitzy publications actually have their meetings at tropical resorts or at fun places like Las Vegas. Our staff, however, had to settle for donuts in a conference room, but hey, even that was a treat.
Anyway, at the meeting, we would all sit down and take stock of how things were going. Were we meeting our goals? What wasn't working? What was working? How could we make things better? Which advertisers needed extra attention? It would be a grueling day, and by 4:00 p.m., even the sugar rush of the left-over donuts didn't help.
I was never a fan of these meetings, and honestly, I found them to be a waste of time. By the next day, it was business as usual. Nothing changed from year to year. The brainstorming sessions were long forgotten as we were more concerned with catching up on all the e-mails and work that was left behind from the day before than implementing anything new.
But then I got to thinking, how can I use this concept in my writing?
Spring is a great time for evaluation, so I plan my own version of the Spring Sales Meeting now. I gather my characters together. I bring reference materials in the form of my outline and synopsis. I take stock of where I am in my writing and look to my characters for input on how to make things better. And yes, I order lunch for myself as a treat, although I've skipped the donuts because they aren't very figure friendly for a writer who spends her time sitting on her butt all day long.
I invite you all to schedule a Spring Sales Meeting for the sake of your writing. What would you do during the meeting? Who would you invite? Where would you have it?
4 comments:
- Joyce said...
I'm afraid if I scheduled a meeting, none of my characters would show up. If they did, they'd probably end up taking over. I can see it now.
"I have a great idea for the next chapter," I say. I go on to explain it.
"You have got to be kidding," Summer says. "There's no way I'm going to do that."
"Me neither," Bad Guy says.
There's a chorus of "Nos" from the other characters, too. Then they all get up and walk out.
End of meeting. Sigh. At least I tried.
Joyce: you should have remembered the doughnuts!
While I've been off work, I've done a Spring house-tasking. I've been doing all those little, annoying tasks that can wait but tend to wait for months and even years. Like dental appointments, or getting a replacement for the brooken second keyless remote for my car BEFORE the first one breaks, too. Yeah, it could wait, but I'll sure be grateful when the first one breaks to have my second one already!
Does that count?
Kristine, I think I'm having my spring sales meeting-----only it's called Revisions!
Tory, taking care of a problem before it's a problem? What planet did you grow up on? Because you could make some money setting up bus trips there.
Joyce: Even if your characters don't stick around, your meeting still counts. Your scene sort of sounds like how it was at the corporate meetings. LOL!
I'm surprised no one is jumping on the chance to have a meeting at a tropical resort. Money is no object during this exercise, you know.


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Swindon, United Kingdom - Hexagon PPM, c/o Intergraph UK Ltd.
04 September, 10:00 AM - 08 September, 05:00 PM
What will the course cover?
The Intergraph Smart® 3D Piping and Equipment Course is for piping designers who will create piping models, and other users who will create related reference data. The class features an introduction to the graphics environment, equipment modelling, followed by routing techniques for piping modelling and generation of isometric drawings.
What are the major topics covered?
- Overview of common graphics environment
- Defining a working set
- SmartStep commands and user options
- Interactive interference checking
- Equipment modelling
- 3D routing system
- General routing techniques
- Hangers & supports
- Change management
- P&ID integration
- Isometric drawing generation
How long is the course?
This is a 5-day course held at the Hexagon PPM Training Center, Swindon.
What are the prerequisites for attending this course?
- Knowledge of industrial piping design
- Familiarity with Windows user interface
- Knowledge of 3D plant design CAD concepts
Would you like to book?
Please e-mail to book your place, quoting the above reference number.

subset: commoncrawl


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Deep into the information age, Mac users have gathered an array of complex tools to help us deal with keeping track of everything. From Stickies to Yojimbo, we have access to everything we can think of and much we can't remember—all just a click away. The only problem is the complexity of the tools to help us. Rather, the lack of simplicity. TopXNotes is simple. And it works.
Keeping it sweet and simple is more difficult than it sounds. A couple of years ago I raved to my friends about how much I thought Yojimbo was the be all, end all of personal organizers.
Yojimbo, like Circus Ponies' Notebook, is very pretty. Very clever. Very good at storing any kind of information. And very, very complex, relative to what most of us need from a personal information organizer.
Tropical Software takes a different approach. True KISS.
TopXNotes is a throwback application for Mac users, those of us who can remember Desk Accessories. Like Dashboard Widgets of today, the old Mac Classic Desk Accessories usually did one thing and did it well.
Think of the information you need to save as notes. You need a note pad. But not just any note pad. It has to be organized, let you format text, let you create categories of notes.
That's TopXNotes. It's a note pad with a lot of different ways to take, retrieve, view your notes.
Nothing complex here, right. Create a note, put something in the note, save the note with other notes. Easy, huh?
There's More?
If all you wanted was notes then Apple's TextEdit would be fine. Except for all those notes scattered all over the place. TopXNotes keeps things organized with a NotesOrganizer. Duh.
Display one note, or view all your notes on a single page. It's just a click away to get either one.
Text can be formated just like a word processor; different size fonts and colors, different colored backgrounds for different categories of notes. There's even Quick Notes which is alway floating nearby.
TopXNotes won't be difficult to set up and use. The whole world revolves around notes; snippets of information you pick up from here or there. Notes you make to yourself about whatever, or create for others.
It's all about notes. Not movies. Not photos. Not music. After all, iLife gives us iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes for those, right?
There's QuickNotes, MultiView Notes. Categories of notes. Folders of notes. All organized simply in a single window which clicks and expands to reveal more notes in different views.
TopXNotes won't bore you to death with detailed Preferences, either. Set defaults for Text fonts, size, color, and justification. That's the most complicated tab in Preferences.
As I said, it's a throwback to simpler days, and that's the problem.
All That Glitters
I'll be the first person to tell you that many Mac applications and utilities are more glitter than useful. TopXNotes is useful, but doesn't glitter. It doesn't glitter anywhere. It looks exactly like a Mac utility from 1998.
Icons are decidedly Desk Accessorish from Mac Classics of the last century. For awhile I thought my Mac's screen had become a very large 128k Mac screen. In black and white. TopXNotes looks that old, save for the Aqua scroll bars.
You can do plenty with TopXNotes but the application will look worse than spartan among the glitter and glamour of other Mac software on your screen.
Functionally, TopXNotes works. Create notes, store notes, categorize and organize notes. It's not style over substance. Still, for the same $40 you can get the multi-talented Mori which is easier to organize and easier on the eyes.


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Living & Working in Great Places
Thanks for being here! The six of us at CoolWorks welcome you and wish you success in finding your Jobs in Great Places®!
Connect with Yellowstone buds or shake down Yellowstone alumni about working there.
Website: http://www.coolworks.com/yellowstone-national-park-jobs/
Members: 506
Latest Activity: Jul 24
Secret Yellowstone - website of helpful tips about the park
Started by Cass Cox. Last reply by Kari Quaas (Q) May 5, 2016.
Started by John Lattanzio. Last reply by Sunni Apr 22, 2016.
Started by Marissa Johnson. Last reply by Kari Quaas (Q) Feb 15, 2016.
I received a job offer at Yellowstone for a serving job I was looking to talk to anyone who have done that job before to get more information. Please message me back I would LOVE to talk to you! :) :-)
dorms suck... Drive for sure! then.. make sure you have a drink ready for me when I visit :)
i am coming toi work there on 04 /23 2015 firswt time in yellow stone at old faithful inn as a bartender what i do for dorms should i drive or is there other ways to get around
Haha. Well at least it sounds fancy! They could have told me I would be the equivalent of a Walmart greeter out there and I would have been fine with it.
Hey Elizabeth, yeah you'll check in in Gardiner so I guess I'll see you there! What the heck is a server assistant anyways? Is it like a hybrid host/food runner/busser?
Hey Jason, I haven't gotten my contract yet (I'm a current Xanterra employee and they send them via snail mail to us!) but I have a May 2 check in date for OFI so I imagine it will be in Gardiner as well! I will be working in the dining room as a server assistant! First season at YNP!


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Dear friend,
I'm not necessarily against the idea of organic farming, but if you think you're being extra healthy by dishing out the big bucks for organic produce, you'd better think again. Organic produce may be the new popular kid on the nutrition block, but there are a few dirty little secrets that might just make you rethink the whole operation.
Back in 2004, the Journal of Food Protection reported on a study showing that organic produce was six times more likely to be contaminated with E.coli than nonorganic produce. That news didn't make headlines, but once people started dying from E.coli-contaminated bags of organic spinach, the world took notice.
The REAL culprit behind deadly E.coli outbreaks
It didn't take long to find out where the contaminated spinach came from. The search led investigators right to Natural Selections Foods, LLC, a supplier of packaged organic salads to retailers all over the country. But finding the cause of the contamination was another story altogether.
Testing determined that the cattle, streams, and even wild boar near the doomed spinach crops all had the same strain of E.coli-- O157:H7--that was found in the supermarket bags. Organic activists love to claim that the deadly O157:H7 strain of E. coli is caused by "factory farming." But the truth is, the USDA has found O157:H7 in every cattle herd it's tested for it--organic or not. And last year, a Swiss study found "no significant differences" in O157:H7 prevalence between organic and conventional dairy farms.
Once scientists knew the source of the E.coli, the question became how it could have spread to the crops. Speculation began in earnest, with some people even blaming the outbreak on wild boars that had trampled a fence surrounding the spinach field. Maybe their dirty little hooves spread contaminated manure from the cows to the crops, so the thought went. Hmmmanure on crops. Now THAT sounds familiar
Unlike their latest unwitting accomplices, the farmers intentionally spread dung on their fields--it's called fertilization. According to the rules that govern organic farming, the farmers are not permitted to use manufactured fertilizer on their crops. Instead, they use composted manure. Composting is a time-honored method. You could call composting "curing" as in cheese, or "fermenting" as in wine. Like these two processes, composting takes time. But composting isn't what it used to be.
With the old fashioned way, manure was composted for over a year before it was used as fertilizer. Not anymore. Current organic manure-handling regulations allow farmers to use manure that has been composted for as little as three days!
According to a report issued by the Hudson Institute, a highly respected and independent think tank, "Research determined that fruits and vegetables were 19 times more likely to be contaminated with E. coli if the manure was composted six to 12 months compared to produce fertilized with manure aged more than one year." (The report is from the institute's Center for Global Food Issues.) Imagine what the statistics would be for manure that had only been composted for three days!
Don't be fooled into thinking that you'll be safe if you thoroughly wash contaminated food, either. Rutgers University has shown that lettuce (and likely spinach) can take up O157:H7 via its roots and harbor the pathogens inside the leaves. In short, there is no practical way to ensure full safety in the food crops fertilized with manure unless it is composted for over a year.
Organic farmers are only human, so there's always the temptation to cut corners for a profit. I'm sure some of them believe they're going to save the world from industrial farming and the dreaded genetically modified (GMO) foods, but there isn't any hard evidence that organically grown food is any more nutritious than industrially grown food. And soon, the pesticide issue will be moot as GMO foods will make pesticides unnecessary.
Strike it rich in the booming world of "natural" products
Once again, so many of the investment advisors whose publications I subscribe to have their fingers right on the pulse of the current trends. One glance at the stock performance of Whole Foods Market will show you that the "natural" movement is a big one and that plenty of organizations are riding the wave of success.
On October 15, the Oxford Club Communique reprinted an interview with John Stossel, the best critic in the U.S. in the fields of economics, "governomics," and propaganda by all and sundry to protect their passions--whether it's anti-smokers, anti-nukers, global warmers, or just plain farmers protecting their organic farming niche.
In an interview with Mark Skousen, chairman and editor of Investment U (a superb and free investment advisory), Stossel had plenty to say about the difference between organic and chemically produced foods: "Our studies showed that in terms of health, there's no evidence that organic foods are better for you, cleaner, or less likely to have bacteria [than nonorganic foods]. But I'm a libertarian, and I don't see the natural foods industry as a threat and I'm perfectly happy to see them earn zillions of dollars. Whole Foods Market has a wonderful store here in New York, and it's a delight to visit. If people want to pay more for organic food, God bless them, but it makes me feel sad when mothers think they are cheating their kids because they can't afford to pay the higher prices for natural foods.
"And it's sad the way the organic industry has smeared the real heroes, the conventional farmers who use small amounts of pesticides and have performed a miracle in feeding people more cheaply than ever."
Luckily for the public, genetically modified foods will make organic farming superfluous. A good example of this is a recent momentous discovery in the GMO world. This is the headline I came across: "Root-knot nematodes defeated by GMO research." I thought it sounded important, so I looked it up.
Here's a summary: The microscopic worm-shaped parasites called root-knot nematodes are the world's most destructive group of plant pathogens. They attack at the roots of over 2,000 plant species, and although they don't necessarily destroy the crops outright, they do dramatically reduce the produce yield.
After 20 years of research, Dr. Richard Hussey of the University of Georgia and his colleagues succeeded in inserting into susceptible plants a gene that blocks the nematode. Dr. Hussey is certain to get a Nobel Prize for his work. It is a scientific revolution comparable in importance to the Gorgas' discovery of the cause of yellow fever in Panama, the discovery of DDT that saved tens of millions of lives, and Fleming's discovery of penicillin.
I'm bringing this up because people passionate about organic farming are, in general, opposed to GMO food production. But, sincere as they may be, they have been badly advised by the same environmental cuckoos who managed to ban DDT and nuclear power.
Some people have accused me of being "anti-organic farming" because I am pro GMO. Far from it. I am all for organic farming when it is practicable and useful for health. All I'm saying is that if you want to call your product healthy, it should be free of dangerous contaminants.
You can't prosecute the organic farmers since they're within the law. These irresponsible farmers will beat the rap, but I can't help but think they're shooting themselves in the foot. By the time all is said and done, practices such as these will be the death of organic farming.
Besides, the industry simply cannot deliver what the world needs--cheap, nutritious food. (I hope they don't shoot the messenger.) Like the drug industry, their products are expensive and have not lived up to the expectation of better health.
But that doesn't mean I'm against organic practices altogether. There are plenty of organic practices that I do support. For example, there's no substitute for raw milk--when it comes to both nutrition and safety. Also, beef from grass-fed cows is clearly superior to that from grain-fed cows simply because it contains as much as four times more essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Please don't misunderstand me. Organic farming should not be restricted by the government. It sets a standard--and a good one at that--for reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides, herbicides, coloring matter, and the heating and pasteurizing of fresh foods. It serves a purpose, and I hope the industry prospers. But unless they sanitize and conduct strict self-regulation, they will surely be destroyed.


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Scientists have determined that crocodiles evolved to become vegetarians at least three times in their existence. more...
December 10 , 1948 : The UN adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. more...
Learn something new every day
More Info... by email
Marriage self-help techniques can be learned by reading various articles and books. Although marriage therapy can be successful for some couples, this may not provide the best solution for all marriages. Many experts agree, communication plays an integral role in marriage self-help. Both partners need to be committed to improving their marriage. Discovering ways to enhance a relationship before problems arise can also be an effective strategy.
Mutual respect is an essential element to maintaining a strong marriage. While a couple might not agree on every matter, both partners must respect the other's opinion to maintain a healthy relationship. This means listening to the other person's concerns, beliefs, ideas, and fears. Couples who enjoy a successful marriage do not make the mistake of berating a partner's thoughts or beliefs. An important aspect of marriage self-help is appreciating each other's ideas and embracing diversity.
Experts agree a successful marriage requires equal parts of give and take. There are times when compromise will be necessary to keep a relationship well balanced and harmonious. Partners who give of themselves equally will be rewarded by knowing they have enriched their marriage.
Acceptance is an important aspect of marriage self-help. Partners who accept each other as they are often enjoy a healthy relationship. It's important not to view a personality trait as a flaw, but as a unique part of who a person is. Part of acceptance is the willingness to forgive a partner's small mistakes or imperfections.
One important rule for a maintaining a healthy marriage is to find time for each other. Enjoying activities both partners enjoy as a couple can strengthen a marriage. Designating a special day together without interference from work, children, or other distractions can help reinforce a bond.
A small romantic gesture or token of affection can keep things on the right track. An unexpected phone call during the day just to say "I love you" can mean a great deal, but this practice is often forgotten in a marriage. Self-help strategies such as subtle gestures expressed every day can improve a marriage.
More insight on marriage self-help can be found in various publications. Local libraries and bookstores have a wide array of books dedicated to marriage self-help strategies. The Internet can also be a useful tool for finding advice on improving a marriage. Some marriage self- help guides can be downloaded online. An e-book can be less expensive than buying a hardcover or paperback, and it is more discreet.
Post 3
I don't believe in love at first sight. I don't believe there is only one right person in the world for me. I do believe that the biggest step you can take toward a long and healthy marriage happens before you marry. Choose a person you respect and like as much as you love him, and you have a better chance of surviving marriage. That's my best self help marriage tip.
Post 2
All of the self help tips suggested in this article are good ways to make an attempt at strengthening your marriage. I agree that communication is one of the most important parts of marriage. However, I also think that both people in a marriage are going to change over the years and this is one of the biggest reasons marriages fail.
I know this isn't the right thing to say, but I think my husband and I would have grown apart in our marriage if we had not had our children to keep us on the same path. I'm not suggesting that you should have kids to help your marriage, but they do keep you focused on the same goals. You and your partner have to be a team and you have to have one another's back to raise the kids.
Post 1
The best self help for your marriage is for you to be true to yourself. Yes, you have to compromise and you have to communicate and work at the relationship. However, what I learned is that sometimes the best step you can take for your marriage is to walk away from it.
I know too many people who are miserable and have been miserable in their marriages for years but they believe they have to "keep working at it." How are you supposed to enjoy marriage when you are always busy working at making it work? You have to know when to throw in the towel, and move on.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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Friday, September 24, 2010
Pork Chops with Bold Mushroom Gravy
To be honest, tonight I planned on making my favorite Mustard Pork Chops but I couldn't find any hard cider so I saved half the mushrooms from last night's Steak with Topper. I am a sucker for any recipe with mushrooms in it. This is very similar to Chicken Marsala expect the obvious, it's pork and its much more zesty with the addition of Worcestershire sauce. Very easy to make. You can get dinner on the table in 15 minutes with the aid of using Angel Hair pasta instead of mashed potatoes.
Pork Chops with Bold Mushroom Gravy
1 package of thin pork chops (mine are boneless to cook faster)
1/2 package baby Bella mushrooms
4 TB Marsala wine
2 TB Worcestershire sauce
1 cup chicken or beef stock
4 TB butter
2 cloves of garlic minced (I actually added more but we are garlic freaks)
salt and pepper
2 TB milk or cream
Start boiling the water for the Angel Hair pasta. Do not add the pasta until you are almost down with the sauce. It only takes three minutes to cook once you add it to the boiling water.
Melt half the butter in a saute pan. Salt and pepper the chops on both sides. You could dredge in flour but frankly I dont have time and dont want flour all over my outfit. I have plans tonight.
Cook the pork chops in the butter over medium heat. You are looking to have them cooked.
Place on a plate while you make the sauce.
If you have butter left in the pan do not add more, I had to add more. Add the mushrooms to the pan. Cook until brown. Add the garlic to the pan and brown but do not burn.
Add the flour and let cook.
Add the Marsala, Worcestershire Sauce and Chicken stock. Keep stiring the entire time. Lower heat to a simmer. Add the milk.
Once the gravy starts thickening up, add the pork chops to the pan. You are looking to cover and warm then as they are already cooked.
Drain the pasta and serve.
at 8:00 AM
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revolutionary war
Take The Side Trail: Hike the A.T. While Enjoying Some Thrills on the Side
Have some extra money for splurging? Want to get a small dose of the days of old when you were one with society? It doesn't have to be all work...
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I'm desperatly trying to find a copy of "TypeTwister"
Although no longer produced, the only download site has been suspended.
Is there someone somewhere who has this programme, and doesn't need it any more. It has to be for PC though
Desperatly looking for TypeTwister PC version
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Tributes flow for vet who died after kick from horse
TRIBUTES have poured in for a veterinary surgeon who died after sustaining fatal injuries while treating an injured horse.
Gerard Long (61), from Lawlesstown near Fethard in south Co Tipperary, was described as a "hugely popular vet" and a "great family man" by friends last night.
The father of three sustained the injuries near Moyglass, not far from Fethard, where he lived with his wife Gail and their daughters.
It is understood Mr Long suffered a kick to the head shortly after 10.30am yesterday. He was pronounced dead at South Tipperary General Hospital.
The couple have three adult daughters: Jessica, Sarah and youngest daughter Elaine – who is understood to be travelling back from the US.
The HSA has launched an investigation into the death.
Irish Independent


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List of best and affordable swift development companies ranked based on proven skills & metrics. Identify leading Swift Development firms & plot their abilities.
We design, develop and deliver creative user-centric websites and mobile applications. Our prowess spans across all things digital, ensuring pinpoint and strategic results. We at B..
It was nice working with BrancoSoft. — Marketing Manager, productivity Company
Crafting Technology-Agnostic Solutions Techugo is a global technology leader that partners with brands and enterprises to help them achieve their business goals using emerging tec..
After researching a few app development companies we made the choice to go with Techugo, and it was an accurate choice indeed... They listened to what we needed.. — Executive - Admissions & Communications, education Company
Being Top ranked on leading platforms like AppFutura and Clutch, AppInventiv is an ISO certified mobile app development company. Bestowed with the team of 120+ mobility experts, A..
I was very much impressed by AppInventiv's great project management and robust development skills. They were always open minded and very creative when it came t.. — Owner, entertainment Company
Octal IT Solution, an ISO 9001:2008 & D&B Certified Company is the name of an established and leading custom Web & Mobile Application Development company with registered offices in..
Octal delivered a platform of websites and apps, for both iPhone and Android, to spec and on time. They made extraordinary efforts to meet our precise requireme.. — Product Owner, medical & healthcare Company
We, Mobulous, are the top rated mobile app developers having 5 years + expertise in creating innovative and out of the box native applications. With over 300 + native android and ..
Great team — Seun Banjo, CTO, TeflonHub
The Ninehertz is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified app Development Company since 2008 and providing the best possible solutions for any web and app related query since last 9 years. We m..
Working with Ninehertz was a great experience. Their experience made our application better than we originally visualized. — Mauricio Garcia, CEO & Founder, CookIN Technologies Inc
Konstant Infosolutions is an award winning web & mobile app development & consulting company with 16+ Years of experience. We have been nominated in Top 5 Mobile App Vendors 2018 &..
I would recommend Konstant for your development needs. They are a very committed and responsive team. I worked with the team while launching our website and pos.. — MD, Director & CEO, e-commerce Company
Peerbits is a global IT solution company delivering web development, mobile application development and IT consulting services of any complexity to clients worldwide. Peerbits has ..
Highly recommended. Skilled Team, professional and desciplined approach. — Devendra Pandey, Founder, Indiref HR Services Pvt Ltd
RipenApps success is a mirror of quality and satisfaction we have delivered to our clients while delivering their products, whether it has been a Mobile Application in iOS or Andro..
I was impressed by the level of commitment of RipenApps. They managed to develop the app in an agile way and put the extra effort to meet the tight deadlines! — Founder & President, retail Company
Matellio is a global software development, engineering & consulting company with expertise in Web, Mobile, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) & Embedded..
Matellio is one of the best organizations I have had a chance to work with. Their unique approach to becoming an integrated extension of our corporate programmi.. — CTO, marketing & advertising Company


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"Steve has had a long standing relationship with his sub contractors and they with him. That loyality pays great dividends during the build." Steve and Julie Reed Joplin, M0.
"If you value exceptional knowledge with the ability to do critical problem solving, and a golden work ethic, you should talk to Steve before beginning your project. In short, as well as knowing the principles of construction, Steve is a highly principled individual." Susan and Gary Duncan Joplin, Missouri
28 Years of Local Continued BusinessCustom Homes and Commercial Buildings
I have been building custom projects in the four state area for approximately 28 years. Between my carpenters, and myself, we have well over 60 years of experience.
We would welcome the opportunity to work with you on your dream home, new office building or next renovation.
Steve Robbins


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WASHINGTON U.S. President Barack Obama met the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, at the White House on Wednesday in spite of a warning by China that this would damage diplomatic ties, a White House official said.
The meeting was due to take place in the White House Map Room, where diplomatic functions are often held, instead of the Oval Office where the president normally meets world leaders.
A White House official confirmed the meeting had taken place, but gave no other details.
China's Foreign Ministry said earlier it had lodged diplomatic representations with the United States over the planned meeting, saying it would damage Chinese-U.S. ties.
China considers the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader a dangerous separatist, and ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a regular briefing the meeting would encourage "separatist forces".
The meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China over Beijing's assertive pursuit of territorial claims in East Asia.
Obama met the Dalai Lama at the White House when the latter visited Washington in 2014 and angered China then when he vowed "strong support" for Tibetans' human rights.
Lu said China urged the United States to abide by its promises to recognize that Tibet is part of China and cease any support for Tibet independence.
The Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, says he wants genuine autonomy for Tibet, not independence.
The Dalai Lama told Reuters on Monday that Obama was "a long-time friend" whom he admired for his work to normalize relations with Cuba, and on Iran, and for his recent visits to former U.S. foe Vietnam and the site of the Hiroshima atomic bombing in Japan.
(Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison.
Updated Date: Jun 15, 2016 23:01:49 IST


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Dance Classes for Hen Parties in Oxford
If you're heading to the beautiful city of Oxford for your hen do, make sure you treat yourself to a lively hen party dance class that all your girls can get stuck into and enjoy.
With well over 40 unique dance themes to personalise your Oxford dance hen party, including the ever popular Single Ladies and Grease themes!
What's Included
- Nice fun warm up
- Instruction from an experienced dance instructor
- Introduction the dance theme you have chosen
- Learn some moves
- Rehearse the dance moves as you go
- Then put all the moves together for the final performance
- Don't forget you can singalong as well
- Private room in a city centre venue
- Spectators are free of charge
- Dance Themes include:
- Beyonce Single Ladies, 80's, Grease, Burlesque, 90's, Charleston (1920's), Belly Dancing, Bollywood, Cheerleading, Dirty Dancing, Irish Dance, Kylie, Madonna, Spice Girls, Strictly, Street, Thriller, Disney, Boyband, Musical Theatre, MTV Divas, Little Mix & more!
Top 10 Hen Party Dance Themes in Oxford
Fun & friendly dance lessons are always a hit with the ladies, whether it's your own hen party or you're organising a surprise for the bride-to-be, it's a super easy way to inject some life into the celebrations. Everything is organised for you with these dance party ideas, all you need to worry about is dressing to impress and bringing your best moves – fancy dress is heavily encouraged girls! We'll allocate you with a city centre venue, where you'll meet and greet your instructor and get stuck straight into the fun part.
To limber you up, the guide to your dance lesson will kick things off with a fun warm up to get a grip of your skill level and get to know the girls. From the warm up all the way through to the final performance, every move and piece of music will tie into the theme you have chosen, so you'll never have to break out of character. Learn some moves, rehearse your hearts out and feel like a true queen with the help of your instructor. The whole session can be filmed by any lovely spectators who fancy coming along for free to watch you bust a move.
When you're confident you've got the routine down, throw everything you've learned into one dramatic final performance with the girls – don't forget to sing along as well! A hen party dance class is the perfect combination of fun, adrenaline and light-hearted giggles, plus guests of any age can join in with the session so you can bring everyone along.
What to wear
Dress up to the dance party theme, plus some of the dance parties include props and accessories to use during the class. Gym wear, trainers / pumps are perfect.
Oxford Hen Party Bundles
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- Life Drawing Party
- Old School Sports Day
- Zorb Bubble Games
- Disco Dodgeball
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Dance Class & Cocktail Making
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- City Centre Venues
- Dance Class Party
- Cocktail Making Party
- £54.00
Life Drawing & Dance Class
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- City Centre Venues
- Life Drawing Party
- Dance Class Party
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Oxford Hen Party Weekend Packages
Dance Party Hen Weekend
What's Included
- 2 Nights Accommodation
- Dance Party
- 2 Course Meal
- Local Bar Guide
- Nightclub Entry
- 3 Star Hotel
- Central City Locations
- Hot Breakfast
- Restaurant & Bar
- Close to Nightlife


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Advertising at the Airport
It's always prime time here!
With over 60 million passengers a year, Frankfurt Airport is not only Europe's third-biggest aviation hub but also Germany's largest platform for airport advertising.
You aren't likely to find this combination of a huge variety of creative products, enormous innovativeness, and intense contact with target groups anywhere else. We have been market leaders in the field of airport advertising for over 40 years, during which time we have gained extensive experience in pioneering new media at international airports.
We meet all of the prerequisites for successfully implementing your advertising campaign at Germany's largest airport:
Discover the opportunities offered by Frankfurt Airport as a marketing platform. For details, please visit our website at www.media-frankfurt.de.


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Information For
Financial Fitness > Establish Good Credit > What's in Your Credit Score?
Your credit report information is used to determine your credit score. Your credit score is based on a mathematical calculation that estimates how likely you are to repay a new loan based on your past history. Credit scores typically range between 300 and 850, and scores higher than 720 show responsible debt management. To learn more about your credit score, visit myFICO.com.
If you want to get an estimated credit score, try out the FICO estimator.
Lincoln Park Office
Schmitt Academic Center
2320 N. Kenmore Avenue, Room 101
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 325-8640
Loop Office
DePaul Center
1 East Jackson Blvd., Room 9100
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8610
2001-2012 DePaul University | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Emergency Plan | Consumer Information | Privacy Statement Editor Login


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If you're a city girl, you know the havoc pollution wreaks on your skin – hyperpigmentation, blackheads, dryness, premature aging and overall lackluster are all things you can blame on living in a polluted city. While you may be familiar with particle pollution, which is the smog and exhaust gases that linger in the air, there's also, as it turns out, ozone pollution to worry about, which is a mix of UV rays from the sun and chemicals emitted by cars at the ground level. Ozone pollution tends to be trapped by your skin which, over time, works to break down collagen, the stuff that keeps your skin springy and youthful.
The relatively recent discovery of ozone pollution and its effects on the skin is responsible for the slew of new products which work to target it by companies like Estée Lauder, eco-friendly luxury brand Tata Harper and French skincare favourite Thalgo.
Featuring antioxidants like Vitamin C, revestarol (the compound you find in red wine that's partly responsible for that glowing French girl skin), green tea and Vitamin E, add a couple of the products below into your daily mix (with a good cleansing brush, like this favourite of ours) to really de-gunk your pores. Finally, use a broad spectrum sunscreen to round out your anti-pollution skincare squad out nicely.


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We have put together an incredible team of volunteer support staff and practitioners to guide you through the weekend.
Shawna Rich-Ginsberg – Retreat Support
Shawna has been with Rethink Breast Cancer for almost 6 years, working to support and advocate for young women at every stage of the disease. With a background in grief and bereavement work, Shawna brings a deep understanding of the nature of trauma and what it is like to experience a loss of identity and self due to illness. Prior to her work at Rethink, Shawna worked with children, youth and families in helping them to cope with adversity and transitional events that impact their daily lives. She is always looking for ways to empower women and help them to make their own choices around their illness and lives.
Shawna is also a mother of two boys, an avid runner and has a moderate yoga practice. She is excited to carry Jasmin's legacy forward with Stretch Heal Grow and can't wait to see firsthand how transformative yoga and building community can be for young women with breast cancer.
Leo Mowry – Yoga Teacher, Reiki Master, Author
Leo owns Village Yoga in Toronto, where she teaches private and group classes, specializing in helping people relieve chronic pain with therapeutic yoga. She is the host of A Brand New Day, the empowering yoga-inspired TV show on Rogers TV. Leo is also the co-author of "Advancing Your Yoga Practice: The Art of Slowing Down", the fifth book in the world-renowned Anatomy and Asana series, and the creator of "The Voice of Relaxation, Volume 1", her first cd of guided relaxations.
She is a certified Reiki Master, the Yoga Director for the Toronto Trails Festival and Ontario Walks, a 2-time lululemon ambassador and an ongoing contributor of expertise and articles for various TV shows, web sites, and publications. To learn more, visit www.villageyoga.ca. You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/leomowry
Shastri Jil Amadio – Meditation Instructor
Jil is a practitioner of mindfulness-based disciplines since 1989 and has been training Meditation Instructors and offering mindfulness training since 1995. Known for her warm heart and keen insight, she provides support for mindfulness teachers and meditation students alike, leading workshops in both the US and Canada. Jil previously served as Practice and Education Director for the Shambhala Meditation Centre of Toronto before being appointed Shastri (senior teacher) by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in the Shambhala tradition. Jil's corporate life is is in Marketing and Strategic Communication, working in areas such as crisis and change management, branding, and media skills training. She sits on the board of an international NGO that works in child rights advocacy. Jil is inspired to help people authentically touch their lives, helping dissolve the barriers between ourselves and a joy-filled life, amidst whatever challenges we encounter.
Jen Lagzdins – Retreat Logistics
Jen has worked at Rethink Breast Cancer for over 6 years, with her role evolving alongside the organization from support & education program development to volunteer management and fundraising development. She has participated in building Stretch Heal Grow since it was just a new, twinkling idea and adores the constant opportunities to strive for change and work with and for so many inspiring women.
Jen is passionate about holistic health and loves to help others get in their bodies: she is certified in Thai Yoga Massage, an avid dancer (anytime. anywhere), an expert hugger, and has a yoga and meditation practice that spans nearly 20 years. She is hopelessly in love with life and all of it's beauty and adventure, Mama to a fiery wild child, and probably eats too much chocolate. Building and participating in community is one of her greatest passions and if you want to try out a paddleboarding (or any water sport) at Trillium's gorgeous Devine Lake – she's your gal
Melanie Gordon – Photographer
The incredible photography for the 2016 Retreat and on this website courtesy of Melanie Gordon Photography. "I am a collector of unscripted moments. For the past 20 years, I have been inquiring into the nature of time, the meaning of home, and the shifts in my own identity as a woman, mother and artist. My current photographic practice involves exploring the space between reality and imagination while connecting with the magic of the natural world with my daughter. My photographs have been described as intimate and magical tellers of stories. My work has been exhibited in galleries and published in magazines and books in Canada and internationally."


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Discover Something New at Home in Philadelphia
New Restaurant: Talula's Daily
Talula's Daily is an all-day cafe on Washington Square that serves fresh scones, muffins and coffee in the morning, salads and sandwiches and hot entrees for lunch, and a set five-course "supper" for $50. The look of the place is shabby chic, courtesy of Philadelphia-based retailer Anthropologie, which provides the dishes, glassware and other accessories (and sells them there).
Newly Hip Hood: Fishtown
Fishtown continues to evolve into the one of the city's hippest nightlife destinations, with the intersection of Frankford and Girard avenues as its anchor. Here, you can grab a burger and see an indie rock band at Johnny Brenda's, chow down on dry-rub-style barbecue from Brooklyn transplant Fette Sau, throw back German beers around the fire pit at the indoor-outdoor Frankford Hall or sample the much buzzed-about pizza at Beddia, a tiny storefront with just two tables that locally sources all the ingredients for its thin-crust pies.
Word on the Street
In this sports-crazy town, locals are debating new restaurants and food trends with the same fevered pitch they discuss the city's teams. There's a constant buzz around the food scene, with restaurateurs and chefs like Jose Garces, power couple Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran and "Top Chef" contestants Jason Cichonski and Nicholas Elmi getting boldface treatment and bloggers breathlessly chronicling every development. Before making dinner plans, catch up on the latest kitchen fires on Foobooz.com.
A longtime Philly resident who has written for The Washington Post, USA TODAY and Gayot.com, Robert DiGiacomo makes it his personal business to steer tourists away from the overrated cheesesteak stands in favor of another classic sandwich, the Italian hoagie. He also admits to being overly fond of the city's bakeries, a habit he tries to counterbalance with long walks around town with the mighty Mabel, his chihuahua-mix puppy, by his side.


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All of my art pieces seem to have a theme of sadness. I don't know why I gravitate towards the sad things of my life but to me they hold the most emotion. They give me the reason to pick up a paint brush.
I don't think I would have to inspiration to create without going to the dark places of my mind. In some weird way it fuels all this creative energy in me. I think I'm even a good kisser because of heartbreak..lol I know.. I know… lol
The Story of this painting: The Kitty ask Annie to come play and Annie said sadly,"I can"t move from this spot!" Why can"t you move, said the kat. "Because mommy said not to move". Kitty said, "Well where is your leash to keep u from moving?" Annie thought about for a moment.. Oh I know! It's in my mind! "Eye Love Your Eyes" by Salkis Re


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- The Village
- What's On
- Things to do / Facilities
- News
- Your Parish Council
- Useful Links
- Get In Touch
The Battle of Stamford Bridge Society
Meetings are usually held on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Cricket Pavilion, Stamford Bridge starting at 7.30 pm.
For more information please contact Chris Rock on 01759 377534 email firstname.lastname@example.com
There are no events coming up at the moment.
There is no news yet, but we'll be posting some soon.
At the moment, we haven't uploaded any photos.


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Open Monday to Friday 8:30 - 4:30
In Cobourg, we are all about shopping local. If you operate a business in Cobourg and don't already have a business profile, let us know and we'll provide you with details on how to create and manage your profile. This will allow you to perform updates at any time, add your logo and advertise your in-store promotions.
If You Have A Question Regarding the Business Directory
Contact the administrator at email@example.com or 905-372-5481 ext. 303.
Wholesale/retail trade, safety supplies, safety footware, first-aid supplies, chainsaw safety, fall-arrest


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Give your child the gift of confidence, leadership, respect, focus & discipline with our Kids Martial Arts classes.
Our Small Samurai Class (for children ages 3-5) introduces the children to karate basics in a fun environment.
Our Adult Karate and Self-Defense class blends the fantastic benefits of traditional Japanese karate with the self-protection skills needed for the street.
Check out our NoVictimsHere YouTube Channel. Kaizen Karate has filmed several videos demonstrating techniques and possible scenarios that can be covered in our self-defense classes. We invite you take a look, and contact us if you have questions or want to inquire about our Women's Self-Defense Classes.
Wrist Grab Abduction Scenario
Protecting Yourself from Being Choked with a Bag/Purse Strap
Protecting Yourself Against a Double Collar Grab Attack
Protecting Yourself Against a Sucker Punch
Protecting Yourself Against a Front Choke Attack
Protecting Yourself Against an Attempted Abduction
Protecting Yourself Against an Headlock / Attempted Abduction
Address: 1180 W. Ash Street #100 in Windsor (behind Taco Bell)
Phone: 970.217.0501
Email: email@example.com


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The Dall Sheep (originally Dall's Sheep, some
King of All He Surveys
(Click to see the King up Close)
Research has shown that the use of these subspecies designations is questionable. Complete colour integradation occurs between white and dark morphs of the species with intermediately coloured populations, called Fannin's Sheep (Ovis dalli fannini), found in the Pelly Mountains and Ogilvie Mountains of Yukon Territory. Mitochondrial
The latter half of the Latin binomial dalli is derived from William Healey Dall (1845-1927), an American naturalist. The common name Dall Sheep or Dall's Sheep is often used to refer to the species Ovis dalli. An alternative use of common name terminology is that Thinhorn Sheep refers to the species Ovis dalli, while Dall's Sheep and Stone's Sheep refer to subspecies Ovis dalli dalli and Ovis dalli stonei.
The sheep inhabit the subarctic mountain ranges of Alaska, the Yukon Territory, the Mackenzie Mountains in the western Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia. Dall sheep are found in relatively dry country and try to stay in a special combination of open alpine ridges, meadows, and steep slopes with extremely rugged ground in the immediate vicinity, in order to escape from predators that cannot travel quickly through such terrain.
Male Dall Sheep have thick curling horns. The females have shorter, more slender, slightly curved horns. Males live in bands which seldom associate with female groups except during the mating season in late November and early December. Lambs are born in May.
During the summer when food is abundant, the sheep eat a wide variety of plants. During the winter diet is much more limited and consists primarily of dry, frozen grass and sedge stems available when snow is blown off, lichen and moss. Many Dall Sheep populations visit mineral licks during the spring and often travel many miles to eat the soil around the licks.
The primary predators of Dall Sheep are wolves, coyotes, black bears, and grizzly bears; golden eagles are predators of the young.
Dall Sheep can often be observed along the Alaska Highway at Muncho Lake and at Sheep Mountain in Kluane National Park and Reserve, as well as near Faro, Yukon (Fannin's Sheep).
We saw all 3 types on our driving trip to Alaska. You need to have a really good reason to want to go to Faro, Yukon. It's a beautiful drive but out of the way.
I probably should have saved this for Skywatch Friday because you have to watch the ridge line to see them silhouetted against the sky.
Troy and Martha


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Manhattan Banquet Table -1520mm dia
The Duratop Manhattan Banquet Table is made with a blow moulded polyethylene top. This table is shock proof and constructed to withstand heavy loads. It also has a powder coated steel frame with welded joints making it structurally able to optimise the weight resistance ratio. The Manhattan Banquet Table is a great option for outdoor functions due to the light weight structure and collapsible assembly it boasts. This table is available in two different sizes, 1520mmDIA and 1800mmDIA (both at 740H). It also comes with a guaranteed 2 year structural warranty.
- Brand: Duratop
- Made in China
- 2 Year Warranty
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor commercial use
- Top: High density durable polyethylene blow moulded top
- Frame: Heavy duty steel frame
- Dimensions: 1520DIA and 1800DIA x 740H
- Unit Weight: 1520DIA: 25 kg 1800DIA: 32 kg
- Supplied assembled
- Easy folding leg system
- Stocked In: White with powder coated grey frame
- Replaceable feet
- Storage trolley available – holds 12 tables
Need help? Need further information/images? Call us on 1300 559 965


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Tuesday, July 3rd , 2007
small plants growing, I see the earth. I see the soil.
Today, July 3rd, I went by to check on the plants. I have not needed to water since a week ago, because of the rain. All is well, growing and there has but no destruction. This has been a slight fear, since the inefficiently made table, was broken after the 24th of June. One of the branches I chose, as one of the legs of the table, was in effect, not solid enough, It would not have taken much, such as someone sitting on the table, (I think) for it to break. So the table was fixed and a more solid branch was replaced as the leg of the table.
The table is made of found and remnant pieces of wood materials. The table top was found in the garbage, with parts of the wood in the process of decomposing. When I began to construct the table, by securing the branches, as legs, to this decomposing table top, spiders and other bugs starting emerging from the wood. The table is a home to insects, as well as serving the LIVE DINING project. Insects are so important to the growth of plants and the health of soil, that give us healthy, nourrishing food.
The LIVE DINING table was constructed in an inefficient way, not all the screws screwed in, because of knots in the wood, bits and pieces fitted here and there. And yet it is functional and serves the purpose of a table.
Monday, July 9th, 2007
All was relatively well in the urban agriculture space, the polyculture (as opposed to monoculture) space, the LIVE DINING space. But some raccoons, had destroyed 3 corn plants.
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007
Saturday, July 21st, 2007
I met with Speranza, to have a meal, made up of leftovers from our homes. We heated up the leftovers on a stove in the LIVE DINING space. And we harvested one bean that was ready, shared it and hate it.
Sunday, July 22nd, 2007
Yes, and it is about plants growing, that produce our food, ... seeing the process, through images....
And then,
something disappeared....between July 17th and July 19th 2007....
details of what was there, but is no longer.....and of course what is there and continues to grow.....
What the LIVE DINING installation, agricultural polyculture space looked like with the chair removed
Monday, July 23rd, 2007
it was dark, we lit candles. We had lemon balm and yarrow tea, that we harvested from the LIVE DINING space. We were myself, Catherine and my two sons. My younger son took pictures by candelight.
Wednesday July 25th, 2007
MADE BETWEEN JULY 22ND AND JULY 25TH, AND INSTALLED ON THE MORNING OF JULY 25TH, 2007, in the LIVE DINING installation
..... more to come on the installation of the Stool-chair, ... and... LIVE DINING with Suzanne Harwood and Suzanne's friend Karen (from London)... ........
The LIVE DINING furniture
The fact that one of the original chairs put in the LIVE DINING for articule, was taken or stolen, made me think about writing further about the furniture of LIVE DINING at articule.
every chair is different - as a representation of diversity
some found
some used
some new
some fallling apart and solidified
some rusting
some made of plastic, or aluminum, or vinyl, or fiberglass, with or without paint, with or without color
and the new live dining chair goes with the live dining table in front of articule
*The new live dining chair is meant to be uneven, imperfectly made, to sink into the earth, to be on the soil.
the new Live dining chair is called the stool-chair to replace the stolen, found modified chair
One of the stool-chair's legs, the front leg, is a lilac tree trunk part, which dates from 2004, 3 years ago. It had been left outside on the earth, and became a home to an ant colony and other bugs. So it is decomposing, like the table top I found, but it is still very solid for now, and one of the main legs of the stool-chair. In that way it watches the table, which relates to the idea of matching items, colors and forms in our home, to create an aesthetic dining, living experience.
The idea of decomposition and awareness that the chair will not last, is one of the ideas that comes out of the concept of live dining. decomposition is emphasized in when we prepare the harvest for cooking, and the non-edible parts and put onto the earth in the garden, to validate their process of decomposition that will occur after the particular live dining moment over the duration of the live dining garden and the season.
I decided to make the stool chair because I did not have a found chair that seem to fit. In the same way i was inspired to make the table, I felt inspired to have a chair that carried the same concept as the table, which is a table made out of found and discarded, imperfect pieces of wood and branches, that are bits and pieces that have odd measurements and branches that have been pruned or cut from trees or scrubs in the goal of maintaining and controling growth or for reasons of wanting a "clean", orderly, pleasing to the eye, perfected, efficient look.
the Stool-Chair (that replaced one of the original live dining chairs, in front of articule)
The Stool Chair is made of branches from pruning, a 3 year old rotting trunk of lilac tree, which was cut down when redoing the foundation of a house, a good chunk of bark, with the fresh, flesh of wood from a 50 year old maple tree that fell down during a very windy, rainy storm around March 2007, and the rest are discarded pieces of pine and cedar wood, with twigs of a cherry tree and dryed stem of an unidentified sunflower species of plant from fall 2006.
Live Dining clarification
Live Dining is in process. There was the live dining performance at the launch june 23rd
where, vegetables placed on the soil, were picked from the soil, as a symbolic act of harvesting.....
the live dining performance at the end will be with the harvest from the space
the end of July and beginning of august there will be live dining performances upon request or when i know when people are coming to visit live dining installation
So to clarify, i will not be live dining everyday. The process is the plants growing . Live dining is the plants growing. live dining is the chairs and table in the earth. live dining is when people come sit and dine from harvests from the live dining agricultural space, having herbal teas harvested from the live dining ground or food made from vegetables growing in the ground. live dining is the interaction that takes place as passersby engage with those sitting, through the medium of the plants growing - the plants that are our food, through a smile, through a questionning look, through saying what a nice garden, and asking the question: what is this about. It is audience engaging with me, with the work, with questions, together.....
Live Dining in process
the urban agriculture polyculture space is growing.
Everyone refers to it as a garden. I use the words agriculture and polyculture to remind of our connection to food production systems that do not have to be large scale, nor in the countryside (in rural spaces).
The concern for high yields, for the amount of food a plant can produce – the amount of vegetable or fruit that comes out of a plant seems to be a concern in the world of agriculture and farming.
But if yields are not a concern, if we get smaller yields, less yields, less food, is it okay?
When we farm on a very small scale, and gardening in the city we come to call small scale urban polyculture agriculture, maybe we accept what is growing well and what did not grow so well (smaller yields) and it is okay. We relinquish control over how much food we get and which crop specie did best and which did not, We accept to not control yields or the amount of harvest we get. For the point here is not about dollars, profit on the export market for the agri-food businesses and related corporations, who profit from monoculture agriculture and value of promoting high yields, the most veggies per plant crop. So if you want to get as much out of your soil and plants, you will want to use the fertilizers and best breed seeds and monoculture – one crop harvesting and transforming efficiency
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007
On tuesday July 31st, Kirsten Forkert joined me for lemon balm tea and a "french cuisine" style dining, on beans and flower, a bit of basil and nasturtium leaves. That is, only 5 beans were ready to harvest, and they were delicioius! Placed in a plate, the uniqueness of each bean, it's color, shape, size, I felt we appreciated and then savored, after being boiled slightly in water.
Gerard Leckey, taking a break from doing some work inside articule, also came to join us for a break


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Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning
Definition - What does Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning mean?
Wet abrasive blast cleaning is one type of abrasive blasting that refers to forcibly propelling a high-pressure stream of abrasive material against a surface to:
- Smooth a rough surface
- Roughen a smooth surface
- Shape a surface
- Remove surface contaminants
In the case of wet blasting, water is used as the abrasive media along with compressed air to achieve the desired surface finish.
Wet abrasive blast cleaning is also known as wet blasting and vapor abrasive blast cleaning.
Corrosionpedia explains Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning
There are two types of abrasive blast cleaning techniques:
- Wet blasting or wet blast cleaning
- Dry blasting or dry blast cleaning
Abrasive blasting is a method used to clean or prepare surfaces prior to use. Mechanical force is used to propel blast media at the surface to be cleaned to remove contaminants.
Abrasive blasting systems typically include three essential components:
- Abrasive container (blasting pot)
- Propelling device
- Blasting nozzle


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Trim work: Add trim work at the corner of the room to create a column effect. It's a great touch that helps separate the rooms, and wall colors, without taking up any real space. is creative inspiration for us. Get more photo about home decor related with by looking at photos gallery at the bottom of this page.
We are want to say thanks if you like to share this post to another people via your facebook, pinterest, google plus or twitter account.
Right Click to save picture or tap and hold for seven second if you are using iphone or ipad.
Full size is 518X640 (Link to full-size image) pixels.


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Campanula trachelium: 3′ high x 2′ wide / full sun to half shade / zone 4
This is another large and easy bellflower to grace the back border of a garden. The young leaves and pretty blue flowers make a fine addition to salads, and the older leaves can be added to cooked dishes. It's traditionally gathered from the wild in its native Italy for use in spring soups.
Price: $4
Fiddlehead Nursery
235599 Grey Rd. 13
RR#1 Kimberley, ON
Tel. 705-441-1217
© 2019 FiddleHead Nursery.


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The Sims
|The Sims
The Sims series logo (2014–present)
|Life simulation
|Electronic Arts
|Will Wright
|Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, macOS, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, Java ME, Android, BlackBerry OS, Bada, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Windows Phone
|First release
|The Sims
January 31, 2000
|Latest release
|The Sims 4: Discover University
November 15, 2019
|See below
The Sims is a series of life simulation video games developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. The franchise has sold nearly 200 million copies worldwide, and it is one of the best-selling video game series of all time.[1]
The games in the Sims series are largely sandbox games, in that they lack any defined goals (except for some later expansion packs and console versions which introduced this gameplay style). The player creates virtual people called "Sims" and places them in houses and helps direct their moods and satisfy their desires. Players can either place their Sims in pre-constructed homes or build them themselves. Each successive expansion pack and game in the series augmented what the player could do with their Sims.
The Sims series is part of the larger Sim series, started by SimCity in 1989.
- 1 Development
- 2 Games
- 2.1 Main series
- 2.2 Spin-offs
- 2.3 Console and handheld versions
- 3 Legacy
- 4 See also
- 5 References
- 6 External links
Game designer Will Wright was inspired to create a "virtual doll house" after losing his home during the Oakland firestorm of 1991 and subsequently rebuilding his life.[2][3] Replacing his home and his other possessions made him think about adapting that life experience into a game. When Wright initially took his ideas to the Maxis board of the directors, they were skeptical and gave little support or financing for the game. The directors at Electronic Arts, which bought Maxis in 1997, were more receptive—SimCity had been a great success for them, and they foresaw the possibility of building a strong Sim franchise.[2]
Wright has stated that The Sims was actually meant as a satire of U.S. consumer culture.[4] Wright took ideas from the 1977 architecture and urban design book A Pattern Language, American psychologist Abraham Maslow's 1943 paper A Theory of Human Motivation and his hierarchy of needs, and Charles Hampden-Turner's Maps of the Mind to develop a model for the game's artificial intelligence.[2]
|The Sims
|The Sims Online
|The Sims 2
|The Sims Life Stories
|The Sims Pet Stories
|The Sims Castaway Stories
|The Sims Carnival
|The Sims 3
|The Sims Medieval
|The Sims Social
|The Sims FreePlay
|The Sims 4
|The Sims Mobile
Main series[edit]
The Sims[edit]
The Sims was the first game in the series. Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, it was released for Microsoft Windows in February 2000. The game used dimetric projection and featured open-ended simulation of the daily activities of one or more virtual persons ("Sims") in a suburban area near SimCity. Seven expansion packs and two deluxe editions with exclusive content were released. It was repackaged in several different formats, and different versions of it were released on several different platforms. By March 22, 2002, The Sims had sold more than 6.3 million copies worldwide, surpassing Myst[5] as the best-selling PC game in history at the time. The original game, all seven expansion packs, and the two deluxe edition content packs constitute the first generation of the series on the PC. All PC releases were developed by Maxis. By February 2005, the game had shipped 16 million copies worldwide.[6]
The Sims 2[edit]
Electronic Arts released The Sims 2 on September 14, 2004. The sequel, developed by Maxis, takes place in a full 3D environment as opposed to the dimetric projection of the original game. Sims age through seven life stages, from infancy to old age and subsequent death. Another major feature is the aspiration system. Each Sim exhibits wants and fears according to its aspiration and personality. Consequently, the level of the aspiration meter determines the effectiveness of a Sim at completing tasks. The fulfillment of wants provides aspiration points, which can be used to purchase aspiration rewards. In addition, the game features clear days of the week, with weekends when children can stay home from school and vacation days when adults can take time off work.
The Sims 2 is set some 25 years after the original game. For instance, the Goth family has aged significantly with Bella Goth mysteriously vanishing ("dying") at some point in the 25-year period. Because the entire game has progressed from 2D sprites to 3D models, all content in The Sims 2 had to be created from the ground up. Due to this, The Sims 2 was not made backwards-compatible with any content from the first generation of the main series. However, some objects and features from the original series were remade for the sequel.
Electronic Arts released eight expansion packs and nine stuff packs for The Sims 2. Over 400 items were also released for the game via The Sims 2 Store. In addition, items including pre-order items were released over the life cycle of this generation.
The Sims 3[edit]
Electronic Arts released The Sims 3 on June 2, 2009.[7] The sequel was announced by EA in November 2006. The game is set 25 years prior to the original game, and features an open, seamless neighborhood, improved tools for Sim creation, enhanced build and buy mode functions, and the introduction of wishes and goals. The game introduced a new form of directed gameplay through small, step-wise goals presented as opportunities which the player may choose to pursue or refuse. The Sims 3 sold 1.4 million copies in the first week, making it the largest release in PC gaming history at the time.[8]
Eleven expansion packs and nine stuff packs were released for the third generation of the series. In addition, many items are available online for additional fees at The Sims 3 Store.
The Sims 4[edit]
Electronic Arts announced The Sims 4 on May 6, 2013.[9] The announcement stated that the game was in development by Maxis. The Sims 4 takes place in an alternative setting from the previous installment of the game. Later in 2014, further details on features and gameplay were announced. A release date of September 2, 2014 was announced at E3 2014.
As of November 2019, eight expansion packs: Get To Work, Get Together, City Living, Cats and Dogs, Seasons, Get Famous, Island Living, and Discover University. There are eight game packs, and fifteen stuff packs have been released for the fourth generation of the series. Updates have added content that was previously absent due to time restraints, such as basements, ghosts, pools, modular stairs, toddlers and terrain tools. New careers have also been added.
The Sims Online[edit]
In December 2002, Electronic Arts released the Maxis-developed The Sims Online, which was later named EA Land. It recreates The Sims as a massively multiplayer online game, where human players can interact with each other. The spin-off did not achieve the same level of success as the original. Reviews for The Sims Online were lackluster. Many reviewers likened The Sims Online experience to an enormous chat room. On August 1, 2008, EA-Land's shops were closed.
The Sims Stories[edit]
The Sims Stories is a series of video games from The Sims series released in 2007–2008 that is based on a modified version of The Sims 2 engine. The modified game engine is optimized for play on systems with weaker specifications such as laptops. As such, its system requirements are lower than that of The Sims 2, but it can still be played on desktops.[10] The series is introduced mainly for three segments of the market: those who wish to play The Sims 2 on their laptops (which usually have lower specifications); those who wish to engage in other activities such as instant messaging while playing the game, and; those who are new to the franchise. In addition to a Free Play mode with classic, open-ended game play, the games contain a structured, linear Story mode where players are required to complete a series of goals in order to progress in the storyline. While Life Stories and Pet Stories each contain two separate stories, Castaway Stories contains one story that is double the length of any one story in the first two games. As an introductory series, major features are removed or modified from those in The Sims 2. For example, fears are completely removed in all three games, and the elder life stage is completely removed in Pet Stories. Officially, the save files from this series are not compatible with the main The Sims 2 games. However, players have experienced success at adapting some files.
Three games have been released to date.[11]
The Sims Carnival[edit]
The Sims Carnival was a casual games brand of The Sims. It had two separate product lines. First, it was an online community of crowd-sourced web games. Second, it was a line of packaged game titles sold via retail stores and digital download.
The Sims Medieval[edit]
The Sims Medieval is an action role playing spin-off game released in 2011. It is set in medieval time, and although it is based on The Sims 3 engine, it plays very differently. The Sims Medieval has one expansion pack, Pirates and Nobles.
The Sims Social[edit]
Launched in August 2011, The Sims Social was a Flash-based game developed by Playfish for Facebook. EA announced the game was upgraded from Beta to Live status in a press release issued on August 23, 2011.[12] Due to negative responses from players, the game has been shut down and was removed from Facebook on June 14, 2013.
Console and handheld versions[edit]
The Sims era[edit]
The Sims is the first console release that shares the same name as the base game in the first generation of the main series.
The Sims Bustin' Out is the second title in The Sims console series. Bustin' Out was released for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and N-Gage in the fourth quarter of 2003. Sims can get out of the house to visit other locations such as Shiny Things Lab or Casa Caliente. There are two modes. Bust Out Mode which has mission based gameplay and Freeplay Mode which is open-ended gameplay very much like the original The Sims PC game. It was the second Sims game to not be on the PC; it was a follow up to The Sims, which was very similar to Bustin' Out, except the aims were shifted to getting job promotions and constantly fulfilling goals to get ahead in the game. The PlayStation 2 version also features the option to play online, though EA no longer supports it.
The Urbz: Sims in the City is a game focused on Sims living in an urban setting, presumably within Sim City. The player must earn reputation and complete tasks for characters. It was released for Xbox, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, and Game Boy Advance. It features The Black Eyed Peas as NPCs.
The Sims 2[edit]
The Sims 2, The Sims 2: Pets, and The Sims 2: Castaway have been released for various platforms including the Wii, PlayStation 2, PSP, Xbox, and Nintendo DS systems. The Sims 2: Apartment Pets, considered a sequel to The Sims 2: Pets by Electronic Arts, was only released for the Nintendo DS.
In addition, EA has released several The Sims titles for the iPod Nano (3rd and 4th generation), the iPod Classic, and the iPod (5th generation). Some of these titles include: The Sims Bowling,[13] The Sims DJ,[14] and The Sims Pool.[15]
MySims is series of console games created by EA for the Wii and Nintendo DS (with SkyHeroes being the exception). They feature Chibi-like characters (a tiny bit smaller and similar to the Wii's Mii avatars). The first game in the series was released in September 2007. It is also known for being the first Sim game released in Japan. MySims SkyHeroes, the newest addition to the MySims line of games, was released in September 2010.
The Sims 3[edit]
The Sims 3, The Sims 3: World Adventures, and The Sims 3: Ambitions were released for the iPhone/iPod Touch. In addition, The Sims 3 was also released for Android mobile systems and the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo DS in October 2010, and the Wii in November 2010, and the Nintendo 3DS on March 25, 2011 in Europe. The 3DS version of the game was launched with the console. The Sims 3: Pets was released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo 3DS.
The Sims 4[edit]
Versions of the game for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles were released on November 17, 2017
The Sims FreePlay[edit]
The Sims FreePlay, a freemium version of The Sims for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android phones (and tablets), and Kindle Fire, was released worldwide on December 15, 2011 for iOS devices, and on February 15, 2012 for Android. The game made it to Kindle Fire in October 2012 and to BlackBerry 10 on July 31, 2013. Unlike other Sims games, The Sims FreePlay runs in real-time and takes real time to complete actions. Players can progress through 55 levels and unlock new content, create up to 34 Sims, build town map buildings, complete goals to earn Lifestyle Points, Simoleons, Social Points, and XP (Experience Points). All of these,(except for Social Points) can be get by baking, planting, going to school (Only for preteen and teens) or going to work. To get Social Points, you will need to go to neighbouring houses or add your Facebook friends.
The game is regularly updated with new content and has many events and competitions, announced at official Facebook page. Several updates for the game have been released.
The Sims Mobile[edit]
Released for Android and iPhone smartphones, The Sims Mobile was announced on May 9, 2017 in a launch trailer, and was released on March 6, 2018. It features a combination of multiplayer and story mode elements to give the player an experience more like that of the PC versions.
The success of The Sims has resulted in Guinness World Records awarding the series numerous world records, including, as of 2017, "Most Expansion Packs for a Videogame Series" and "Best Selling PC Game Series", with sales estimates ranging from 36 to 50 million units.[16] As of October 2019, all The Sims games combined generated lifetime sales of more than US$5 billion.[17]
Cancelled film[edit]
A live action drama film based upon The Sims was announced in 2007.[18] On May 25, 2007, it was announced that The Sims film rights had been purchased by 20th Century Fox.[19] It was to be written by Brian Lynch and produced by John Davis.[20][21] In 2019 following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox's assets, the film along with numerous video game-based movies in development at Fox were cancelled.[22]
See also[edit]
- ^ "2016 World Video Game Hall of Fame Inductees Announced".
- ^ a b c Seabrook, John (November 6, 2006). "Game Master: Will Wright changed the concept of video games with the Sims. Can he do it again with Spore?". The New Yorker. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- ^ "Inspired to make The Sims after losing a home". Berkeleyside. October 17, 2011. Retrieved December 20, 2014.
- ^ Charlie Brooker's How Videogames Changed the World. Channel 4. November 30, 2013. Event occurs at 67 minutes.
- ^ Walker, Trey (March 22, 2002). "The Sims overtakes Myst". GameSpot. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- ^ "The Sims Franchise Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary and Continues to Break Records" (Press release). Electronic Arts. February 7, 2005. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved October 8, 2008.
- ^ "The Sims 3". GameRankings. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ Reilly, Jim (July 13, 2009). "The Sims 3 Dominating PC Software Sales". IGN. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ "Maxis Unveils The Sims 4". EA News. May 6, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
- ^ "About – The Sims Stories". The Sims 2 (EA). Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007.
- ^ "About The Sims Stories: Coming Winter 2008". Yahoo! Games. Archived from the original on June 3, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007.
- ^ "Sims Social get "Live" Status!".
- ^ "The Sims Bowling for iPod". EAmobile.com. Electronic Arts. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ "The Sims DJ for iPod". EAmobile.com. Electronic Arts. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ "The Sims Pool for iPod". EAmobile.com. Electronic Arts. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ Guinness World Records 2017 Gamer's Edition. Guinness World Records. 2017. p. 169.
- ^ Valentine, Rebekah (October 29, 2019). "The Sims franchise surpasses $5b in lifetime sales". GamesIndustry.biz.
- ^ "The Sims Coming to the Big Screen". ComingSoon. May 25, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007.
- ^ ""The Sims" to move from PC screen to silver screen". Reuters. May 28, 2007. Retrieved October 31, 2007.
- ^ "Producer John Davis Gives Updates on THE SIMS Movie, the Aliens vs. Predator Movies and Jason and the Argonauts! | Collider". September 21, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ "The Sims movie planned". Retrieved August 9, 2016.
- ^ Switzer, Eric (August 8, 2019). "Disney Just Scrapped Mega Man, Magic: The Gathering, And Sims Movies".
External links[edit]
- Official website
- The Sims at the Wayback Machine (archived June 3, 2002)
- "The Sims". Archived from the original on February 6, 2001. Retrieved December 17, 2013.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
- "The Sims". Archived from the original on November 9, 2000. Retrieved November 10, 2013.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)
- "The Sims". Archived from the original on October 8, 1999. Retrieved November 10, 2013.CS1 maint: unfit url (link)


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At Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani we will serve you our best.It is our pleasure to surround you with all cares, comforts, conveniences and class. Stay here to feel the difference.
Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani is uniquely situated just next to the North-South Highway in South Sungai Petani. We welcome you to experience its history and charm. For adventures, vacations, or even hustle&bustle city escape, Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani is the perfect year round destination.
Bed choices include queen, twins or single. Luxury category rooms are the most generous in size and offer sofas , extra tvs with living room and two bedrooms. Most rooms have whirlpool baths ,smoking and non-smoking floors and exclusive captivated view of "Mount of Jerai".


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{View Larger} {View the PDF} {View Black & White} {View the Black & White PDF}
{More Marisole Monday & Friends Paper Dolls}
Happy Friday!
It seems only proper to close out the week of steampunky paper doll goodness with a ballgown, don't you think? I mean, after all, it is the most formal of the formal. Ballgowns were just below Court Dress on the formal scale and Court Dress was pretty much as formal as it got.
Plus Court Dress came with crazy rules like it had to have a train and at one point, it had to have panniers and… I could go on.
Since it amuses me (and that's all that matters), let's continue this week's tradition of 19th century style explanations of Monica's steampunk or neo-victorian outfits, here's my ballgown description:
An elegant ball or evening dress suitable for a young matron or unmarried lady in pale leaf green trimmed in lavender. The bodice is two tones of green with a lavender side lacing and the skirt is cut in the mermaid silhouette with curved frills of satin flaring elegantly to the floor in pale blue, lavender and green.
One of the great things about all the outfits this week is that they are in the same color scheme, so if you wanted too, you can mix and match say the bodice of yesterday's dinner dress with today's skirt for a whole different look. Or I think Monday's walking suit jacket would look dynamite with yesterday's skirt. And those are just the first two ideas that came to me.
Quick reminder: Black and white versions can be downloaded at the top of the post. 🙂
Monica's Neo-Victorian Wardrobe
I do want to address one other thing. I was asked my a few people (one comment, one email) if it would be possible on Friday's to combine all the outfits of the week into one page for ease of printing. The answer is No, for two reasons. Reason 1: I actually started this format to get away from having to do layout work which is super time consuming.
Reason 2: (And this is the cool reason) These pieces wouldn't fit on one page. Back in the old system, I would have draw two skirts and then four tops, two shoes and then a smattering of hats and other accessories. Over the course of the week we've had four skirts, four tops, five hats, two pairs of shoes, two parasols, one walking stick and a bag. That's 15 pieces!
You are actually getting MORE paper doll content this way AND its less time consuming for me. Everyone wins!
By the way, I want to add that both people who asked these questions were super nice about it and I don't mind at all getting questions and thoughts from you all. Please keep them coming.
So, on that note, questions? Comments? Thoughts? Let me know.


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Everytime I looked at Poonam Dhillon, I felt that it is her pristine beauty that would be her nemesis. Everytime I smiled at the innocent romance of Noorie and Yusuf, I was scared that their love would never experience the joy of marital bliss.
But, I kept expecting miracles to happen. Even when the debauched Bashir Khan spots Noorie and wants to conquer her, I pray that the devil will not ravage his prey. But something about this 1979 film screams tragedy. When you have director Manmohan Krishna at the helm (the one who plays the storyteller), I think that is what you can expect. He turns a perfectly romantic drama into a tragedy without steam. He makes the film look like himself. Sad and sorry, just like his depressing eyes!
I thought Farooq Shaikh was a miscast. After having reveled in this talented actor's performances in Chashme Buddoor, Kisise na Kehna and Katha, I was expecting a lot from him. But apart from a few pleasant romantic sequences, some tragic scenes and the climactic action, Shaikh didn't have much to do. Yes, he looked charming as Yusuf, but that was about it. His character was not developed much. I wonder how Vijay Anand or Raj Khosla would have dealt with Yusuf's persona?
And, I wonder what these two directors, so well adept in handling thrillers, would have done with the denouement? For, Krishna's ending is too tepid and predictable. Devoid of twists, turns and excitement.
The best source of entertainment I believe, is Khairoo, the smart dog. Watch his antics and be floored. He drinks tea, goes to work with his master and protects Noorie responsibly. Note the scene where Ghulam Nabi is being buried and your heart will melt seeing the canine's reactions. I'd say this simple story gets its high points when Khairoo gets into action mode and ensures justice. Little wonder then that he is shown as the hero who plots revenge so that the evil Bashir Khan gets his rightful due...


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I suggest this video to get what Shiroyasha – Gintoki means before continuing.
Today we have Shiroyasha – GEM Series from MEGAHOUSE.
Yep, Real flaming stuff!
One response
That's an awesome setup that you've created there.good that the figure wasn't damaged with all the fire, at least I hope so.
judging from the AMV I should give Gintama a try, even though its very…very long ^^
June 14, 2012 at 6:34 pm


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|Pretty scenery...65 miles from home, what's not to love about the Grand Valley Marathon?
|I run so fast the crowd is blurry...
Imogene 2011
The nerves set in when I stopped in Sports Authority the afternoon before. This is really happening. An event I had deemed in my mind as "off in the distance," was suddenly upon me. Miles of training, hours of focus and fretting all coming down to the next day. I couldn't have felt less ready. It took me 30 minutes just to decide what to wear—and not from a fashion standpoint. All bets are off at 13,000 feet. You never know what you will encounter.
The morning of the race, I was jittery, but excited. My two main fears: not making the cut off time and the guaranteed difficulty of the race. I rode to Ouray with a fellow runner/friend, Iradia. It was a cool 42 degrees. The streets were lined with runners, family members, dogs, and spectators. I felt excited just to part of it as they called off all the hometowns of participants. Of course, I cheered for Montrose.
When the gun went off, it was surreal. I began trudging along, thinking "maybe I can at least run the first mile before I am forced to walk because of the incline." Well that lasted about half a mile. We began ascending a steep trek, and we were toe to toe with no room to pass. We finally hit the main road again, and we all began to spread out and find our "place." The first five miles, while not easy, seemed to pass quickly with many areas where I was able to run. I maintained a good pace, pleased with my time to this point. When I reached the Lower Camp Bird aid station, I filled up on water and a couple slices of fresh peach. I was beating the cutoff by 30 minutes at this point. I felt pretty good about my pace and was on my way. Beyond mile five is when things started to get "real" as I like to say…..
Steep grade and climbing in elevation with less oxygen with every passing step. Somewhere around mile six there was a nice downhill/flat stretch where I was really able to let loose and run. The break in stride felt great and I had a heighten sense of confidence—momentarily. The next hill was upon me, and by this point in the race I had learned to walk the hills and run any part that was flat, downhill, or a very slight grade. Most of the runners around me followed this same rule.
By Upper Camp Bird, I pretty much hated my life and my decision to run this STUPID RACE!!! Whose idea was this anyway? What kind of idiot would purposefully put themselves through something so masochistic?! My thighs were burning. My back was aching. The only thing I had going for me was making the cutoff, which I was almost wishing I hadn't at that point. I had no idea how I was going to make the 2.4 miles to the top, let alone run another 7.1 to Telluride. So I fueled up on more Gatorade, water, peaches and performance gel. I took a few moments to rest and then headed up to the top. Little did I know, the next 2.4 miles would be the most trying, self-defining, and humbling miles of my running career.
But there was no running in those 2.4 miles. I take that back, there were two small gullies about 30 yards long I jogged across. This was the first part of the race where I had to stop and rest at certain points. To say my legs were in pain would be an understatement. My heart was pounding out of my chest and my lungs were screaming for some sweet oxygen, which was pretty much non-existent. I wondered how disappointed my family would be if I just laid down right there and let someone haul me off that stupid mountain. They had us write our "in case of emergency" contact on the back of our bib. I kept imagining my husband getting that dreaded call. I moved forward step by small, weak step. When I hit the orange cone signifying we had reached mile eight, I looked up to the top. The runners marched one by one, like little ants at a painstakingly slow pace. Yet even more painful was the thought of making it another step. Or two miles… just to the top. And I kept going. I thought about what it took just to get that far. I thought about my family waiting at the finish for me. And mostly, I thought about how mad I would be at myself if I did not finish. So like Dora in Finding Nemo…I just "kept swimming." I dug deep. About mile nine, I met up with my most favorite runners of the entire race. There was a man in his 70s who was running it for the 12th time. He was dressed in running shorts—and that was it. And let me tell you: I was freezing my butt off at this point. Then there was a woman in her late 40s/early 50s. We got to chatting and I learned it was her first time, and like me, it was a Bucket List item. As we talked about our SERIOUS regret in putting this on our Bucket List (haha…ha ha ha), the old man turn around and smiled. That man lead me to the top. Another favorite moment in the last mile was a guy about my age (also first timer) who was struggling as I was. Without saying anything else, he suddenly said, "have you ever seen Finding Nemo?" LOL! I told him "YESS!! I have been screaming JUST KEEP SWIMMING in my head all day!!" It felt good to laugh.
Finally we reached the single track about two tenths of a mile from the top. My lady friend said, "okay let's do this." The "lane of pain" she called it. And it was. The four of us trudged up small tiny step by small tiny SLOW step. We finally reached two women beating cowbells dressed in parkas with Hawaiian grass skirts and coconuts on. "You made it to the top!!" Sweet sweet words. At the top, there were thirty mile an hour winds. It was cold to say the least. The aid station had hot soup, which was SO lovely. I stocked up on fluids, fruit, and two pretzels. I was excited. This is the point when I knew I would finish the race. I took a look back over the last ten miles I just conquered, took a quick photo and bailed off towards Telluride at 3:04 hours into the race.
It felt good to run downhill. And the view was incredible. One thing that had inspired me to run Imogene was a picture of that view featured in Runner's World magazine, it was definitely breathtaking.
The terrain was rocky, loose, and treacherous. For the first mile, my pace was great. I felt confident in a strong finish. Then the downhill started to take its toll. My knees started to ache. I kept on moving though, didn't stop. At the final aide station 2.6 miles out, I shed my jacket. I kept jogging at a slow pace, praying my knees would hold for the remainder of the race. My tank was empty. I didn't think I had anything left. When I hit mile 16, something came alive inside me. I made sure I did not leave ANYTHING out on that course. I kicked it into another gear and hauled ass to that finish line. Just about that moment, I heard it. The cheering. The yelling. I could taste the end.
I kept on trucking, moving my little legs as fast as they would carry me. As the finish came into view, I was elated. It was a sight for sore legs! And thirty yards before the finish line, I looked to my left to see my husband standing there. My husband who was not supposed to be at the race. My heart swelled with pride, and I blasted through the finish line. VICTORY!!! 4:28 hours of pain and suffering, and completely worth it.
My husband came around to the end, and I met him with tears and a hug. Such an emotional moment. My family was there too. I told them I would never run again…but I lied.
So today, as I hobble around on two battered and abused legs, I reflect. Never will I forget Imogene. I walk away from the mountain with respect, humility, and a newfound belief in myself. They say character is what you do when no one is looking. Character is also finding the strength to go on when quitting appears to be the only option. Imogene proved me wrong.
Thanks to everyone for all your love, support, and prayers. I love you all.


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New Music Tues. Giveaway - Asher Roth, Pet Shop Boys, et al
Have I ever mentioned that I have a LAST.FM account? Well I do. And if you send me a friend request, along with Twitter you can fully stalk my terrible listening habits and random thoughts.
Better yet, why don't you join:
The New Music Tuesday Giveaway is the product of a Pretty Much Amazing and Amazon Music coupling. Every Tuesday, we will give away the in best new releases. I will also give each album a two-listen verdict, for those looking to purchase. Remember, I listen twice because I'm nice! This week we're giving away Asher Roth's debut "Asleep In The Bread Aisle,"Pet Shop Boys' "Yes," and Depeche Mode's "Sounds of the Universe."
If you are interested in winning these 3 releases, leave your name in the comments! It just dawned on me that I didn't put a closing date! Entries will be accepted until Friday, April 24th at NOON PST.
Asher Roth, Asleep In The Bread Aisle
Two-Listen Verdict: "Asleep In The Bread Aisle," is not a horrible album, but the sometimes witty Asher Roth and the sporadic good lines can't save this bland, boring album. 5.2/10
Pet Shop Boys, Yes
Two-Listen Verdict: It's been a while since PSB have released an album that has been so modern, classic, and downright danceable. Just so you know, this deserves for than just two listens. 7.7/10
Depeche Mode, Sounds Of The Universe
Two-Listen Verdict: It happened. Depeche Mode have released two back to back albums that shoves everyone's "washed-up" remarks back into their despicable faces. It's tremblingly dark and starkly original. 7/10


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Dr.Don White
Dr. Don White is a licensed Chiropractor serving the Beaverton community.
Dr. Don White has been freeing people from pain in the clinic in Beaverton, OR. As a Chiropractor with experience, Dr. White is committed to promoting optimal health and well being of patients.
Dr. White uses a 'whole person approach'. This approach to wellness means looking for underlying causes of any disturbance or disruption (which may or may not be causing symptoms at the time) and make whatever interventions and lifestyle adjustments that would optimize the conditions for normal function. Using this unique approach, Dr. White is able to help you to accelerate and/or maintain your journey to good health.