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Presently, the resistance of Influenza A virus isolates causes great difficulty for the prevention and treatment of influenza A virus infection. It is important to establish a drug-resistance detection method for epidemiological study and personalized medicine in the clinical setting. Consequently, a cost-effective oligonucleotide microarray visualization method, which was based on quantum dot-catalyzed silver deposition, was developed and evaluated for the simultaneous detection of neuraminidase H275Y and E119V; matrix protein 2 V27A and S31N mutations of influenza A (H3N2), seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and 2009 influenza A (H1N1). Then, 307 clinical throat swab specimens were detected and the drug-resistance results showed that 100% (17/17) of influenza A (H3N2) and 100% (259/259) of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) samples were resistant to amantadine and susceptible to oseltamivir; and 100% (5/5) of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) samples were resistant to both amantadine and oseltamivir.
Citation: Zhang Y, Liu Q, Wang D, Chen S, Wang S (2013) Simultaneous Detection of Oseltamivir- and Amantadine-Resistant Influenza by Oligonucleotide Microarray Visualization. PLoS ONE 8(2): e57154. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057154
Editor: Joel M. Schnur, George Mason University, United States of America
Received: September 11, 2012; Accepted: January 18, 2013; Published: February 22, 2013
Copyright: © 2013 Zhang et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: This work was financially supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863 Program) of China (No. 2010AA022803), the National Science and Technology Major Project (No. 2012ZX09301003-005), and the Cooperation Project in Industry, Education and Research of Guangdong Province and Ministry of Education of P. R. China (No.2011A090200071). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: Shengqi Wang and QiQi Liu had served as consultants for Shenzhen Puruikang Biotech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China. This does not alter the authors' adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.
Influenza A virus significantly influences modern society and kills 500,000 to 1,000,000 people every year [1]. Though vaccination is a useful and primary strategy to control influenza pandemic, antiviral drugs have been shown to be effective for preventing and treating influenza infection. Presently, there are two categories of first-line influenza antiviral drugs used in clinical settings: neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir) and matrix protein 2 (M2)-ion channel blockers (amantadine and rimantadine).
As these drugs are used, influenza A virus produces different proportions of drug resistance. In the USA, from 2007 to 2009, 99.4% of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) was oseltamivir resistant, and 0.4–0.7% of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) was amantadine resistant; from 2009 to 2011, 0.9–1.1% of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) (A novel swine-origin H1N1 subtype of influenza A virus emerged in Mexico in April 2009) and 0.2% of influenza A (H3N2) were oseltamivir resistant, while almost 100% of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and influenza A (H3N2) were amantadine resistant (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/). In China, 100% of influenza A (H3N2) and 31.3–46.7% of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) was amantadine resistant in 2009 [2], [3]. None of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and 94.4% of seasonal influenza A (H1N1) was oseltamivir resistant in 2009. Therefore, resistance detection of influenza is very important for influenza prevention, treatment, and surveillance.
Most N1 subtypes that are resistant to oseltamivir have been associated with the NA H275Y mutation [4], while N2 subtypes have been associated with the NA E119V mutation [5]. Furthermore, more than 99% of amantadine resistance generally resulted from mutations V27A and S31N in M2 [6], [7], [8]. To ensure rapid resistance diagnosis, several molecular assays based on real-time PCR, microarrays, and sequencing have been reported for the resistance detection of influenza A virus [8], [9], [10], [11]. However, to the best of our knowledge, simultaneous detection of resistance mutations of oseltamivir and amantadine on a single assay has not been reported previously.
DNA microarrays, a technology with rapid, reliable, efficient, precise, and high-throughput characteristics, have been used for gene expression analysis [12], single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection [13], disease diagnosis [14], pathogenic microorganism detection [15], etc. Quantum dots, semiconductor nanocrystal, have been widely used for diverse bio imagine applications due to their robust fluorescence characteristics [16], [17]. However, microarray visualization technology based on quantum dot-catalyzed silver deposition has rarely been reported. In this paper, this microarray visualization technology was used for drug-resistance detection of influenza A virus.
Materials and Methods
Ethics Statement
This assay did not involve human participants or human experimentation. The only human materials used were throat swab samples collected from hospital patients with fever. Informed written consent was obtained from patients. Ethical approval for this research was obtained from the Research Ethics committee, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, People's Republic of China.
Specimen collection and processing
Clinical throat swab samples of influenza A virus were collected from the Yiwu Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of Zhejiang province, People's Liberation Army 301 Hospital of China, and People's Liberation Army 307 Hospital of China from April to December 2009. Total RNA, extracted by the TIANamp Virus RNA Kit (Tiangen Biotech Beijing Co., Ltd.), was used for molecular diagnosis.
Primer and probe design
A total of 305 NA gene and 607 M2 gene FASTA sequences of human influenza A (H3N2), seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and 2009 influenza A (H1N1) isolates were downloaded from NCBI's nucleotide database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genomes/FLU/FLU.html). Then, the sequences were aligned using AlignX (a component of the Vector NTI Advance 10.3.0). We designed degenerate primers to amplify the resistance-associated sequences of oseltamivir and amantadine, respectively, in the conserved upstream and downstream regions. Moreover, microarray probes ranging from 17 to 21 nucleotides were designed to detect H275Y, E119V, V27A, and S31N mutations, respectively, of the three influenza subtypes. Eventually, nine primers and twenty-nine probes, which were able to perfectly distinguish susceptible and resistant genotypes, were selected. All the primers and probes were verified by BLAST (http://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), and the sequences are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Microarray preparation
All microarray probes were synthesized by Sangon Biotech Co., Ltd. (Shanghai), and a repeat sequence of 12T with an amino-labeled 3′-end was connected to the 3′-end of all the probes so that it could be fixed on the aldehyde-chip surface. Probes, at 50 µM final concentration, were spotted on the aldehyde-chip after mixing with uniform proportional printing buffer (5% glycerol, 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 6×saline-sodium citrate buffer (SSC), and 2% (wt/vol) Ficoll 400). The microarray was placed in a dryer for 24 h at room temperature, and unbound probes were removed by washing once with 0.2% SDS and once with distilled water for 30 s each at room temperature prior to use. The microarray layout is shown in Fig. 1.
Capture probes were spotted in triplicate in rows and were grouped in three areas by subtypes. The sequence of 20T was repeated 20 times for quality control and indicated the situations of capture probes.
RT-PCR amplification
The resistance mutation fragments of oseltamivir and amantadine were respectively amplified by a RT-PCR system. Each RT-PCR was performed in a 20 µL reaction volume containing 10 µL of 2×1 Step Buffer, 5 µL of genomic RNA template, 0.8 µL of PrimeScript 1 Step Enzyme Mix (Takara Biotechnology (Dalian) Co., Ltd.). For the oseltamivir-resistant mutation fragment amplification, the RT-PCR system contained each reverse primer at 0.5 µM and each forward primer at 0.1 µM; while for the amantadine-resistant mutation fragment amplification, it contained each reverse primer at 0.75 µM and each forward primer at 0.15 µM. Amplifications were performed on a Veritil 96-Well Thermal Cycler PCR system (Applied Biosystems) using the following conditions: 30 min at 50°C; 2 min at 94°C; 45 cycles of 20 s at 94°C, 20 s at 55°C, and 20 s at 72°C; and a final extension of 5 min at 72°C.
Hybridization and signal detection
After the resistance mutation fragments were amplified, 2.5 µL of each amplification product of the two reactions was mixed with 5 µL of hybridization buffer (8×SSC, 0.6% SDS, 10% formylamine, and 10×Denhardt). A total of 10 µL of hybridization mixture was added to the hybridization region on the microarray, then the chip was placed in the hybrid-box, and it was incubated for 1 h at 45°C. Subsequently, the chip was washed once in turn for 30 s with 1×SSC and 0.2% SDS, 0.2×SSC, and 0.1×SSC at room temperature.
In this assay, we introduced two approaches (fluorescence and visible detection) to detect the microarray signal. For the fluorescence method, Cy3-labeled reverse primers were used in the RT-PCR amplification, and after hybridization and washing, the dried chip was directly scanned by a GenePix Personal 4100A (Axon Instrument). For the visible detection method, biotin-labeled reverse primers were used in the RT-PCR amplification. After hybridization and washing were complete, the chip was incubated with 15 µL of 25 nM streptavidin-quantum dots (Str-QDs, Wuhan Jiayuan Quantum Dots Co., Ltd.) for 10 min at 37°C. Then, the chip was washed with PBST (phosphate buffer, 0.05% Tween 20) five times for 20 s and distilled water once for 10 s at room temperature. Subsequently, 15 µL of aqueous silver acetate solution (Acros Organics) and 15 µL of hydroquinone citric acid solution (Acros Organics) were mixed before use and added. Eventually, the chip was washed with distilled water to terminate the reaction when the black signal point appeared. The dried chip was scanned by Image Scanner (UMAX, Amersham Biosciences).
The probe signal densities of the two microarray detection methods were calculated by Arrayvision 7.0.
Specificity and sensitivity evaluation
The specificity of this microarray was evaluated by positive strains of influenza (see in Table 3) and a panel of negative controls. These negative controls include common human respiratory viruses such as influenza B, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, adenovirus AD2, AD3, AD30, AD40, AD41, measles, rubella, parotitis, respiratory syncytial virus HK6 and B. In vitro transcribed RNAs of oseltamivir and amantadine-susceptible and resistant genotypes, which were defined by sequencing, were also used as templates to determine the reliability of genotypes detection results.
In these assays, Influenza A virus (H1N1) Nucleic Acid Detection Kit (coProbes Real-Time PCR) (Shenzhen Puruikang Biotech Co., Ltd.) and Influenza virus A Real-Time RT-PCR Kit (Shanghai ZJ Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.) were used as references for sensitivity evaluation. In particular, five dilutions (initial, 51, 52, 53, and 54) of the RNA templates, the clinical throat swab sample extracts of the three influenza A virus subtypes, were amplified to compare the sensitivity of our microarray with that of the Real-Time RT-PCR Kit. Subsequently, some of the samples detected by microarray analysis were sequenced to verify the subtypes.
In vitro transcribed RNAs (106 copies/µl) of oseltamivir and amantadine-susceptible and resistant genotypes mixed at different proportions (99∶1, 95∶5, 90∶10, 50∶50, 10∶90, 5∶95, 1∶99) were used as templates to evaluate the sensitivity of the microarray to distinguish the mixed population.
Specificity of the microarray
In this assay, the microarray was able to well distinguish the subtypes and resistance genotypes of influenza A (H3N2), seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and 2009 influenza A (H1N1) samples. The ratio of the arithmetic mean of all the wild probes to that of all the mutant probes for the definite subtypes was determined. If the ratio was greater than 2.0, the sample was considered to be wild-type, while if the ratio was less than 0.5, the sample was considered to be resistant. The microarray images of the three subtypes are shown in Fig. 2.
a b c All of the three viruses used for comparing the accuracy between fluorescence and visible detection were clinical throat swab samples.
The results of susceptible and resistant subtypes for in vitro transcribed RNAs showed the microarray was able to exactly distinguish the variants of these nucleotides (see in Fig. S1). All the negative controls showed the negative microarray results and which also demonstrated the specificity of this assay (see in Fig. S2).
Sensitivity of the microarray
For the sensitivity determination, we compared the two types of microarray detection methods with the real-time RT-PCR method, and we discovered that the Str-QDs and Cy3 methods possessed similar detection sensitivities as the real-time RT-PCR method. The sensitivity of the real-time RT-PCR kit was 1.0×103 PFU/mL; consequently, our microarrays had similar sensitivities. The sensitivity comparison results of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) subtypes are shown in Fig. 3.
a The real-time RT-PCRs were amplified by the CFX96 Touch™ Real-Time PCR Detection System (Bio-Rad). Five dilutions (initial, 51, 52, 53, and 54) of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) templates, the extracts of clinical throat swab samples, were amplified to compare the sensitivity of our microarray with that of the Influenza A virus (H1N1) Nucleic Acids Detection Kit (coProbes Real-Time PCR) (Shenzhen Puruikang Biotech Co., Ltd.). All three methods could detect templates at 52 dilutions, so they had similar sensitivities. The sensitivity comparison results of the other two subtypes showed similar conclusions (the results were no shown).
The sensitivity of the method to distinguish the mixed population of the drug-sensitive and resistant was compared by detection of the mixed in vitro transcribed RNAs templates, and the results showed that the microarray detected the minor population (>1% for oseltamivir mixed RNA and >5% for amantadine mixed RNA; the compare results of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) see in Fig. S3).
Resistance detection of clinical samples
A total of clinical throat swab specimens of three subtypes of influenza A virus, collected from the hospital patients with fever who couldn't determine whether taking medication, were analyzed by our microarray. The subtypes results of these samples were 17 influenza A (H3N2), 5 seasonal influenza A (H1N1), 259 2009 influenza A (H1N1), and 26 negative and the drug-resistance results were as follows: 100% (17/17) influenza A (H3N2), 100% (5/5) seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and 100% (259/259) 2009 influenza A (H1N1) clinical throat swab samples were resistant to amantadine; 100% (5/5) seasonal influenza A (H1N1) samples were resistant to oseltamivir; and no influenza A (H3N2) or 2009 influenza A (H1N1) samples were resistant to oseltamivir. The resistance genotypes of 161 positive samples of the three subtypes were verified by sequencing (see in Fig. S4). V27A sites of two cases of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) (27V confirmed by sequencing) were not detected by microarray, while 31N and 275H were consistent with sequencing. The accuracy of consistency between sequencing and microarray was 98.8%. There were three genotypes of the 281 positive clinical throat swab samples: 27V-31N-119E for influenza A (H3N2), 27V-31N-275Y for seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and 27V-31N-275H for 2009 influenza A (H1N1) and all the statistics results of ratio for clinical throat swab samples are shown in column graphs (see in Fig. 4). The statistics showed that the ratios of wild-type sites were greater than 2 and these of mutant-type sites were less than 0.5.
The ratio of the arithmetic mean of all the wild probes to that of all the mutant probes for the definite subtypes was determined and the statistic results of 281 positive clinical throat swab samples were separately shown in two column graphs by the ratio range of resistance and susceptibility. The statistics showed that the ratios of wild-type sites were greater than 2 and these of mutant-type sites were less than 0.5.
All of the cycle threshold (Ct) values of the 26 negative samples, detected by real-time RT-PCR, were more than 35. The microarray detection results of clinical samples are shown in Table 4.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a method that simultaneously detects two types of influenza antiviral drug-resistance mutations of three influenza subtypes on a single DNA microarray. This microarray was fast and high-throughput, and the entire experiment, from extraction of samples to microarray detection, could be completed within 6 h. The detection cost per sample was less than five dollars. These characteristics will aid the treatment, prevention, resistance surveillance and epidemiological study of influenza A virus. In order to determine the reliability of the microarray, in vitro transcribed RNAs of oseltamivir and amantadine-susceptible and resistant genotypes, which were defined by sequencing, were used as templates to verify the detection results. Some positive strains of influenza A virus were also collected to verify the microarray results. Moreover, the sequencing results of 161 positive samples also verified the reliability of the microarray results and the accuracy between sequencing and microarray was 98.8%. But this accuracy result has some limitation due to the scant date of influenza A virus (H3N2) and influenza A virus (H1N1). In this assay, we compared the sensitivity and genotyping of two kinds of microarray detection methods, and they had similar sensitivities as the real-time RT-PCR kit. Though the Cy3 method had a shorter detection time and the simpler detection step, it required an expensive fluorescence scanner. In contrast, the Str-QDs approach could significantly reduce testing costs, and it also could be used for field diagnostics because the results can be visualized by the naked eye. Therefore, funded institutions are able to choose the Cy3 method, while other users can choose the lower cost Str-QDs method.
In this assay, multiple probe pairs were used for amantadine resistance detection of influenza A (H3N2) and seasonal influenza A (H1N1) since the existence of natural variants nucleotides near the resistance mutations and that maybe a limitation of DNA microarray methods compare with sequencing methods. However, for the mixed infection samples (infected two or more influenza A virus at the same time), which could not be detected by direct sequencing of PCR products, were able to well distinguish the subtypes and resistance genotypes by microarray. All of the cycle threshold (Ct) values of the 26 negative samples, detected by real-time RT-PCR, were more than 35, so the negative results detected by microarray may be due to these reasons: the concentrations of these samples below the microarray sensitivity, infected with other subtypes of influenza virus, or indeed negative samples. In addition, a small number of high viral load specimens, which could not exactly distinguish the resistance genotypes, could be diluted 20-fold before or after RT-PCR amplification to increase the discriminatory power.
NA inhibitors and M2-ion channel blockers are two classes of antiviral drugs that have been approved for specific management of influenza. In this study, all of the clinical throat swab samples were resistant to amantadine and none of the influenza A (H3N2) and 2009 influenza A (H1N1) samples were resistant to oseltamivir. However, all of the five seasonal influenza A (H1N1) samples, collected in 2009, were resistant to both oseltamivir and amantadine. Thus, zanamivir or other drugs should be selected to treat these dual-resistant virus-infected patients. However, the date for seasonal A (H1N1) was scant because only five seasonal A (H1N1) viruses were tested. Since 2009, influenza A (H3N2) and 2009 influenza A (H1N1) have increased more rapidly than seasonal influenza A (H1N1) to become the predominant epidemic strains of influenza A virus. According to the literature, multiple amino acid mutations are associated with drug-resistance of influenza A virus. In addition to the resistance mutations detected in this paper, there are some rare mutations that could lead to drug-resistance. For instance, I117V [18], I117M [18], S247N [19], I223R [20], N294S [21], and R292K [22] of NA have been reported to be associated with NA inhibitor resistance, and some of them had combinatorial, compensatory, or synergistic effects [18], [23], [24]. These effects significantly increased the virulence or resistance of influenza virus. Furthermore, the mutations associated to the response of influenza A (H5N1) and Influenza B virus to anti-viral drugs also could not be detected by this assay, which limited the suitable extent of the microarray. In this paper, oseltamivir-resistant clinical samples of influenza A (H3N2) and 2009 influenza A (H1N1) were not detected, but due to the limited number of specimens, the short time frame of samples collection, and the limited detection sites associate to resistance, we were not able to demonstrate any oseltamivir-resistant strains in China.
Presently, NA inhibitors are still considered to be the most effective drugs in treating and preventing infection of influenza A (H3N2) and 2009 influenza A (H1N1); and although M2-ion channel blockers have a high proportion of resistance, they are still commonly used in clinical settings in China. According to report, susceptible and resistant influenza infection studies in mouse models have shown that the efficacy of reducing mortality and weight loss with a combination of amantadine with oseltamivir and ribavirin was significantly higher than that of dual and single drug treatment; in addition, they demonstrated that the activity of amantadine against a resistant strain could be restored with the triple combination [25]. Furthermore, the combination of the three antiviral drugs could enhance a high genetic barrier to resistance; consequently, it continually suppressed drug-resistant viruses [26]. A clinical retrospective report also showed that the 14-day mortality of patients who received the triple-combination of the three antiviral drugs was significantly lower than that of patients who received oseltamivir mono-therapy [27]. Thus, although amantadine has a very high rate of resistance, it still possesses a great significance in the clinical treatment of influenza A virus infection.
For immune-deficient and severe hospitalized patients, rapid determination of virus resistance and monitoring viral clearance are extremely important. Furthermore, since currently there exists a shortage of antiviral drugs, resistance surveillance is essential for establishing appropriate treatment plans for patients, standardizing the application of antiviral drugs, and preventing abuse. Presently, hundreds of oseltamivir-resistant cases have been reported throughout the world [28], [29], [30]; so if we do not regulate the use of oseltamivir, the same situation as with amantadine could result in the near future – all influenza viruses could be resistant to oseltamivir.
Supporting Information
Figure S1.
The microarray and sequencing results to detect susceptible and resistant templates of in vitro transcribed RNAs. In vitro transcribed RNAs of oseltamivir and amantadine-susceptible and resistant genotypes, which were defined by sequencing, were used as templates to determine the reliability of genotypes detection results. The results showed that the microarray was able to exactly distinguish the variants of these susceptible and resistant templates.
Figure S2.
The microarray results of a panel of negative controls. The specificity of this microarray was evaluated by a panel of negative controls, which include common human respiratory viruses such as influenza B, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, adenovirus AD2, AD3, AD30, AD40, AD41, measles, rubella, parotitis, respiratory syncytial virus HK6 and B. The microarray results of these negative controls demonstrated the specificity of this assay.
Figure S3.
The sensitivity of the method to distinguish the mixed population of 2009 influenza A (H1N1). In vitro transcribed RNAs (106 copies/µl) of oseltamivir and amantadine-susceptible and resistant genotypes mixed at different proportions (99∶1, 95∶5, 90∶10, 50∶50, 10∶90, 5∶95, 1∶99) were used as templates to evaluate the sensitivity of the microarray to distinguish the mixed population. The results showed that the microarray detected the minor population (>1% for oseltamivir mixed RNA and >5% for amantadine mixed RNA).
Figure S4.
The sequencing results of 161 positive samples of influenza A virus. 144 2009 influenza A (H1N1), 14 influenza A (H3N2), and 3 Seasonal influenza A (H1N1) positive clinical throat swab samples were verified by sequencing using BigDye terminator cycle sequencing kit, version 3.1 (Applied Biosystems) in ABI 3730 Genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems), then the sequences were aligned by AlignX (a component of Vector NTI Advance 10.3.0) respectively.
We wish to thank the YiWu CDC of Zhejiang province, People's Liberation Army 301 Hospital of China, and People's Liberation Army 307 Hospital of China for providing clinical throat swab samples of influenza A virus.
Author Contributions
Conceived and designed the experiments: YZ QL SC SW. Performed the experiments: YZ QL DW. Analyzed the data: YZ. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: YZ QL DW. Wrote the paper: YZ.
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Our booking system allows you to keep your money with you for longer. This is how it works: there's no need to pay for the entire holiday course up front – all you do is pay a small deposit through our online booking system, and then pay the remainder directly to the course supplier as follows…Balance Due Date: On arrival, at least 30 minutes before the start of the courseSupplier Accepts: Cash (USD), Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard both with 5% transaction fee) or bank transfer (in advance)Further details of how and when to pay the balance will be given during the booking process and will be printed on your confirmation voucher.
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GoLearnTo is recommended by the National Geographic as they explore Solo Travel: Going it alone.
The Telegraph recommends GoLearnTo in their feature on 25 holidays that could change your life.
Conde Nast recommends GoLearnTo in their feature on the best learning holidays.
The Guardian features GoLearnTo in their article on 10 best language with activity holidays around the world.
The Sunday Times recommends GoLearnTo holidays in their feature on the 50 best holidays in Greece.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Jitney Elopement
Item #: CB36910
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|"Charlie's Elopement"
|Edna's father wants her to marry wealthy Count He-Ha. Charlie, Edna's true love, impersonates the Count at dinner, but the real Count shows up and Charlie is thrown out. Later on Charlie and Edna are chased by her father, The Count, and three policeman. The pursuers drive off a pier.
|Directed by:
|Charles Chaplin
|Jess Robbins
|Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Ernest Van Pelt, Leo White


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Ever had a moment so nerdy that you needed to tell the Internet about it? Read more nerd confessions at Collegehumor, and send your submissions to dorklypwnmylife at gmail.
This Valentine's Day, my girlfriend and I hung out in my parents' basement, watched anime and ate Wendy's. It was the best Valentine's Day I've ever had.-Jonathan
The other day I was playing Fallout 3 and came upon a room with an iron. I picked it up, not quite remembering what quest I needed an iron for, but I remembered needing an iron for some reason. After looking through my quest log, I realized it had nothing to do with Fallout and that I needed to iron my pants for work the next day-Brian
Around third grade, my brother and I would go to a weekly Pokemon day at a local park. All the kids would bring their cards and straight battle and trade for hours. Being young and foolish, I traded my rare Kabutops for a lame Chansey I thought was cool. After my brother realized what I had done, he talked some sense into me, pointing out that that Kabutops was my best card and Chansey was awful. I begged him to get my card back. He had to give up his prized Charizard in exchange. I'm a sophomore in high school now and I still have that Kabutops on my desk. I keep it there to remind me how much my brother loves me.-Anonymous
I frequently have to turn cheat when typing papers for class with length requirements. I decrease both the font size and margins, and manipulate the sentence spacing so that it will be short enough.-Anonymous
When I was in 6th grade, Pokemon was just starting to become big. One boy in my class decided he was a Pikachu. He would say nothing but "pikachu" and it's syllables. The teacher even accepted this eventually and began calling him Pikachu. After a month or so we all got used to his antics, until one day when he fell on the ground and had what we thought was a seizure. Everyone in the class started screaming until he stopped shaking, stood up, and at the top of his lungs exclaimed, "Raichu!"-Allen
I recently played an intense Zerg vs Zerg game of Starcraft 2 online. After one battle left me weak, a single unit walked in and suicided on my hatchery, destroying it. I was so mad that I slammed my mouse down on the desk, breaking the piece that held the battery in and the mouse itself. Enraged further, I hurled the piece of junk across the room. It shattered. Then I got up to get a new mouse and stepped on a jagged piece of plastic from the one I had just destroyed. I got a new mouse, hopped back to my computer and finished the game.-Ryan
Today they announced that one of my favorite astrophysicists is going to guest lecture for my astronomy class in two months. I got a half chubby when i heard this news.-Kyle
And the "I Don't Get Jokes" Award goes to:Vegeta called Krillin a "front-tailed saiyan" in the Krillin's Wish comic the other day. Krillin is human.-Grayson


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Electrical Engineering Program Accreditation and Assessment
Program Mission Statement
The objective of the Bachelor of Science degree program in electrical engineering (EE) is to produce graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will ensure success in professional positions in business, industry, research, government service, or in graduate study as well as professional schools.
Click here to view the College Mission Statement and Assessment
The bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Program Assessment
Program Educational Objectives
The Program Educational Objectives (PEO) of the Electrical Engineering (EE) program at West Virginia University is to produce graduates who will apply their knowledge and skills to achieve success in their careers in industry, research, government service or graduate study. It is expected that in the first five years after graduation our graduates will achieve success and proficiency in their profession, be recognized as leaders, and contribute to the well-being of society.
Student Outcomes
Upon graduation, all Bachelor of Science students in Electrical Engineering will have:
Outcome EE-a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-b. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well
as to analyze and interpret data.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-c. An ability to design a system, component, or process
to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental,
social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-d. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-g. An ability to communicate effectively.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact
of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-i. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage
in life-long learning.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-j. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
View assessment plan.
Outcome EE-k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern
engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
View assessment plan.


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Alanyali & Alanyali Human Resources Consultancy, is one of the oldest, and leading consultancy company, in the field of Executive Search & Selection and Assessment Center in Turkey, since 1995, joined as a Turkish partner to AIMS International in 2001. AIMS International provides talent acquisition services in over 50 countries in five continents. Now, we are looking for a new team member to join among us;
• Supporting the consultants on searching processes for all level projects, • Making candidate search through different channels, • Realizing candidate calls and telephone interviews; organizing the meetings with candidates, • Making reference check interviews, • Supporting the business development activities, • Getting prepared the reports concerning recruiting stages and related with other stages, • Following up the developments in the field of human resources closely.
• Bachelor's degree, holding an MBA degree is preferred, • Fluency in English, • Dynamic, team player, having strong interpersonal skills, and being eager to learn, • Being analytical minded, and having skills in planning and making organizations, • Being decisive, patient and result oriented, • Having a good command of MS Office applications.
Send your resume about this position. / Bu pozisyonla ilgili CV'nizi gönderiniz.


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In this 129th episode, AC and CJ discuss some of the recent news in the Microsoft cloud world. After talking about a recent Office 365 federated identity vulnerability that was disclosed, they discuss the impact the cloud had on Microsoft's recently announced $20.5 billion fiscal quarter, a new Azure storage option and the upcoming .NET Core & ASP.NET Core RTM release. AC and CJ then comment on the importance of dogfooding and share how the podcast is implemented using Azure.
Be sure to download the new episode here: Episode 129 | Microsoft Azure and .NET Updates, Office 365 Vulnerability and How this Podcast Dogfoods Azure.
Remember if you have a question, send it in or leave a comment.comments powered by Disqus


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Photography Classes in Rockland ME
Interested in learning about photography in Rockland ME? No matter if you are a hobbyist, professional, or beginner, the most effective way to improve your photography skills is through hands-on training with skilled instructors.
There are many accredited and recognized photography schools in Maine. Photography classes cover subjects such as lighting techniques, digital capture, outdoor photography, exposure, composition, and many other basic and advanced camera techniques. Maturing into a skilled photographer can result in a successful professional career or lifelong hobby.
There are numerous Photography Classes in Rockland ME:
- Rockland Photography 101
- Rockland Digital Photography Classes
- Rockland Nature Photography Classes
- Rockland Editorial Photography Classes
- Rockland Studio Photography Classes
- Rockland Photojournalism Classes
Rockland ME Photography Classes
University of Maine at Augusta
46 University Dr
Augusta, Maine 04330-9410
Phone: (207) 621-3000
38.88 miles away


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We've been all type of hype about the opening of The Ungovernables. The exhibition, which officially opens today at the New Museum, functions as the institutions 2012 Triennial.
Over 50 participants (solo artists and collectives alike) are included, each born between 1975 and 1985 and representing the unique concerns of a generation which came to age after the revolutionary movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The artists all explore notions of impermanence and engagement, pushing what is possible through resourceful adaptation of all sorts of material. There are awesome works in clay. Tremendous installations of hammered copper. And, even love letters created from discarded photographs.
In total, The Ungovernables is about life in the city and what a city can be… boosted by an invisible energy that keeps progress moving and the past alive... through the eyes of young pan-cultural artists.
The Ungovernables: 2012 New Museum Triennial runs through April 22, 2012.
Photography: Cameron Priestley for Complex.


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Otley made a number of changes to their side with some players having to play out of position. With Ian Shuttleworth not fully fit, scrum-half Dave McCormack started at full-back. In midfield, the athletic No.8 Mike McComish filled the inside centre berth with Rob Whatmuff having picked up a knock in his return to action against Leeds. Max Lewis made his first start in the back-row since returning from his long-term injury.
The match was a heated affair which erupted from the kick off when Otley second row Paul Williams was dangerously taken out in mid-air as he rose to collect the ball. Otley maintained their discipline and concentrated on playing rugby whereas the Pirates were exposed into making a number of embarrasing mistakes which left many in the crowd wondering what their players and coaches do with their time all week.
Otley gained a line-out near the Pirates line after 7 minutes following a crunching tackle by makeshift centre Mike McComish on Cornish winger Rhodri McAtee. The Otley pack rumbled towards the line from the line-out and captain Dan Hyde (the former Churchill Cup England representative being one of the best players on the park) crashed over for the try. Tom Rhodes converted magnificently from out wide to give Otley a 0-7 lead.
Further indiscipline by the hosts saw Otley given a penalty 30 metres out and Rhodes stepped up to extend the lead to 0-10 after 10 minutes which silenced the home crowd.
Pirates were next to score after 15 minutes from a counter-attack which ended up with Rhys Jones taking the final pass to score. Jones converted his own try to make it 7-10 and then landed a penalty to draw his side level at 10-10.
Otley were camped on the Pirates line following the re-start and as the pressure was applied, home scrum-half Nick Griffiths was penalised for killing the ball. Cornish prop forward Daniel Seal then took it upon himself to jump on Otley's scrum-half Andy Brown as he tried to sweep the ball away before striking the Otley player on the head several times. This was one of the most disgraceful acts that will ever be witnessed on a rugby field and the culprit was immediately ordered from the field by the referee after seeking the input of the touch-judge who had witnessed the despicable offence. Griffiths was also sent to the sin bin for his part in the penalty which Rhodes subsequently converted to make it 10-13 to Otley.
As Otley tired towards the end of the first period, they didn't manage to clear the ball from the park and Cornish siezed on the opportunity to score their second try through Aisea Havili in the left hand corner. Jones converted to give his side a slender 17-13 lead at the interval.
Second half match report to follow.
Cornish Pirates: Vakacegu (Moore 62), Havili (Tuohy 68), Devlin, Winn, McAtee, Jones, Griffiths, Cook (Andrew 65), Dawdiuk (Elloway 48), Seal, Gilliver (capt), Senekal, Betty (Heard 29), Motusaga, Morgan
Otley: McCormack; Roberts (Whittaker 36), Dench, McComish, Smith; Rhodes, Brown (Whittaker 21-36); Trethewey (Fullman 55), Kay (Steele 50), Fullman (Wederell 50), Parr, Williams (Craig 50), Lewis, Hyde (capt) (Whiter 72), Baldwin.
Referee: Paul Knowles (RFU)
Cornish Pirates 55
Tries: Jones, Havili, Elloway, Morgan, McAtee, Moore, Tuohy
Cons: Jones (7)
Pens: Jones (2)
Otley 13
Tries: Hyde
Cons: Rhodes
Pens: Rhodes (2)
Click here for individual league records


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Individualized guidance that helps parents maintain a healthy lifestyle .
Inmate fathers and mothers who complete these classes and desire additional individualized parenting support are then linked to a "Brothers' Keeper" or "Sisters' Keeper." A personalized volunteer support system, Brothers' Keeper or Sisters' Keeper ensures that the parent will be connected with a positive influence, someone who will be a source of emotional support, spiritual guidance, hope, and encouragement. Brothers' Keepers or Sisters' Keeper serve as parenting coaches in assisting inmates as they parent their children from inside the prison and even after release, helps to maintain and strengthen inmate parents' personal commitment to be positive influences in the lives of their children. Learn How To Get Involved
- Break the cycle of crime within families
- Re-establish, strengthen and maintain the emotional connection between parent and child.
- Increase positive parental involvement in their children's education, behavior and well-being at home, in school and in the community
- Reduce the rate of recidivism
- Decrease the chances of self-destructive behavior
- Improve relationships between youth, parent and caregiver
- Improve school attendance and academic achievement
- Improve behavior in the home, school and community
Making a Difference
…in the lives of children of prisoners
- 94 % have shown notable academic improvement.
- 96 % of the children and teens stay in school.
- 96 % have demonstrated good behavior in school.
- 96 % of kids mentored by Parenting With Purpose remain crime-free.
- 100% of the children and teens are able to remain in contact with their incarcerated or released parent.
… in the lives of incarcerated parents
- 81% of the parenting program graduates are more involved in their children's school while incarcerated.
- 86 % of the released parents remain crime-free.
- 85 % of the incarcerated parents served rated themselves higher in their parenting skills after they completed the parenting classes.
- 91 % of the families involved in the mentoring program showed improvement in their family relationships.
- 100 % of the parents released acquired a job or schooling.
- 100 % of the released parents acquired safe housing.


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33 Downloads
Updated 18 Oct 2019
This package contains 5 MATLAB live scripts showing how to use the Live Editor and the Symbolic Toolbox to illustrate calculus concepts.
The lectures ordering is, by design, conventional, starting with functions and then defining limits, which in turn allow explaining continuity, derivatives and ending with integrals. Of course, according to the instructor's preference, other arrangements of topics are possible, such as leading directly with difference equations, defining derivatives with infinitesimals (as in nonstandard analysis), or introducing from the very beginning vectors and multivariable calculus.
One obvious way to improve these lectures would be to include more exercises and homework for the students, as for example is done by in the Calculus course Art Belmonte at TAMU http://calclab.math.tamu.edu/~belmonte/2017c_m151.html . I would warmly welcome any kind of collaboration on improving this material.
Other examples and ideas might be found in the Teaching Calculus with MATLAB page https://www.mathworks.com/academia/courseware/teaching-calculus-with-matlab.html.
Giampiero Campa (2019). Essential Calculus Lectures with MATLAB (https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/65834-essential-calculus-lectures-with-matlab), MATLAB Central File Exchange. Retrieved .
Modified the functions lectures to introduce symbolic variables and functions
Create scripts with code, output, and formatted text in a single executable document.


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How can I contact customer services?
You may contact our US customer service by telephone at 1 - 888 - 520 2108, service open Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm or by email.
Is Karbstyle.COM a secured website?
Yes. All the information transmitted is secured using official Internet protocols. The website Karbstyle.COM does not store Credit / Debit Card information ‑ this is saved only on our financial provider's secured server.
What is Karbstyle's confidentiality policy?
You may use the Karbstyle.COM website without registering your personal information. However, when you open an account on the Karbstyle.COM website, we collect the necessary data relating to the billing and delivery of your order: your name, address, email address, etc. The Karbstyle.COM website will only share your personal details with entities involved in processing your order or to inform you about our news: banks, couriers, etc. Apart from this, Karbstyle.COM may also transmit your data in exceptional cases when it is legally required to do so, following a complaint, for example.
Forgotten your password?
To reset your password, follow the "Forgot your password" instructions on the "Account" page. Fill in your email address, and you will immediately receive an email. Click on the link contained within it to proceed to modify your password.
How can I modify my Karbstyle.COM account?
You may edit the information concerning your account at any time by clicking on "Account". After logging in, click on "Modify". Make the changes that you wish and then click on "Validate".
Where does Karbstyle.COM deliver?
Karbstyle.COM delivers anywhere in the United States and Canada. Please not that we are unable to deliver to Post Office boxes. We do not deliver to forwarding addresses. You can't find your country on the list ? You may contact our Customer Service by telephone at 1 - 888 - 520 2108 (Netherlands), service open Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm or by email.
What are the delivery costs and shipping times?
Delivery costs (quoted in USD): these vary depending on the geographical location and the method of delivery. A FedEx tracking number will be sent to you, as soon as the order leaves our warehouse (from Monday 9:00am to Friday 5:30pm). Please note, orders placed after 3:00 PM EST will begin processing the following day. Transit times do not include Saturday, Sunday or holidays.
For any further information, please contact our Customer Service by telephone at 1 - 888 - 520 2108 (Netherlands), service open Monday to Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 6 pm or by email
How can I return or exchange a product ordered on the Karbstyle.COM website? Can I return or exchange a product purchased on the Karbstyle.COM website in a Karbstyle boutique?
You may return any product ordered from the Karbstyle.COM website within 14 (fourteen) calendar days after the date of delivery, provided the return conditions specified below are met. The item must be in its original packaging and accompanied by the corresponding receipt. We offer FREE returns in the US and a return label is included in the original shipment. Returns are at the customer's expense for all countries outside the United States.Alternatively, orders can be returned for an exchange in one of our mainline boutiques within the US within 30 (thirty) days with your electronic invoice (see: Account/ Your latest orders) and the Return forms that accompanies your order. Exchanges will be made at the current retail price in the boutique where you return your item. However, if you exchange an item in a franchised boutique, only exchanges that do not require a Store Credit will be accepted. You may return your item by Fedex (for a reimbursement) for US order : please return the item(s) to us by simply using the Return label included with your order. Complete the Return forms and place the free return label on your package. You can schedule a Fedex pick up at your home address or drop the package off at the nearest Fedex location. Once we receive the merchandise, you will be sent an email to confirm receipt of your returned item(s). The reimbursement for the value of the product(s) returned will reach you within a maximum period of 14 days (shipping fees will not be refunded).
Which methods of payment are accepted on the Karbstyle.COM website?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit and debit cards. All payments are processed through a secure checkout system.
When will I be charged ?
Your card or other method of payment will not be charged until your order is accepted and shipped. However, it may reflect deduction of funds immediately upon order.
Karbstyle PRODUCTS
What are the ingredients in Karbstyle perfumes?
Karbstyle offers a range of perfumes with or without alcohol. Karbstyle Eau de Senteur (without alcohol) contains extract of orange flower water delicately harmonised with essence of petitgrain. Its ingredients are aqua, fragrance, polyaminopropryl biguanine, PPG-26-BUTETH-26, hydrogenated castor oil, disodium edta, bht, tris tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol citral, citral, citronellol, geraniol, limone, linalool. It is suitable for babies. The brand's emblematic perfume (with alcohol) is the first perfume for children aged 6 years and over. A veritable olfactory signature of the Maison, a unique, refined perfume made from the most noble ingredients and an essential oil derived from bitter oranges: Extract of orange flower water delicately harmonised with essence of petitgrain. For children aged 6 years and over This concentrate is an exclusive variety of the emblematic Eau de Karbstyle in its most noble and intense form. A concentrate of essence of Neroli and a rare extract of orange flower water. A formula containing alcohol without parabens, without phenoxyethanol and without diethyl phthalate. For children aged 6 years and over.
Can there be a difference in colour between the product photograph on the website and the actual product?
Each computer screen has its own individual setting, so there can be differences in colour. If you have a doubt about the colour of a product, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service.
What sizes are available on the Karbstyle.COM website?
Karbstyle.COM offers a selection of clothes, shoes and accessories for Baby, Girl and Boy, suitable for all children from newborns up to 14 years of age, and available from size XS up to size L for the Karbstyle Paris collection.
How do I know which size of Karbstyle clothes to choose?
To assist you, a Size Chart is at your disposal on the Karbstyle.COM website. If you have any doubts about sizing or the fit of a garment, please do not hesitate to contact our Customer Service. You will find our Size Chart on your item page.
Is there a gift service on the Karbstyle.COM website?
Karbstyle is the perfect place to buy gifts. If you would like your items to be gift packaged, please indicate that your purchase is a gift by selecting "Gift packaging" at the checkout. If you have selected "Gift packaging", you will have the opportunity to add a personal gift message to your order.
Karbstyle SKINCARE LINE
Who is the Karbstyle skincare line designed for?
The first line of Karbstyle skincare is specially developed for children and their sensitive skins. All these products are developed with a maximum of extracts of natural origin.
Is the Karbstyle skincare line suitable for children?
Yes, the Karbstyle skincare line respects babies' fragile skins. The Karbstyle skincare line is specifically adapted for the very sensitive and fragile skins of even the very youngest children.
Is the Karbstyle skincare line hypoallergenic?
Yes, the Karbstyle skincare line is hypoallergenic. All our products are tested under dermatological control, and formulated with the maximum possible amount of natural ingredients to give a real guarantee of safety.
Does the Karbstyle skincare line contain natural ingredients?
Products in the Karbstyle skincare line are made from a maximum number of natural ingredients, without parabens, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, silicone or PEG. They do not contain synthetic colourants or animal matter. Each product is enriched with a "gentle and protective" organic active core exclusive to Karbstyle with three organic flower extracts: orange, cotton and cherry blossoms and an association of different natural extracts of white flowers with complementary properties, depending on the products.
When and how is the Karbstyle skincare line designed to be used?
Karbstyle foaming cream is used at bath time. Apply it to damp skin and hair, avoiding the area around the eyes. Rinse thoroughly. Karbstyle milky bath oil is poured into the bath water, gently mixing it until a wonderful milky bath is produced. For the best results, do not rinse, and then dry without rubbing. Karbstyle relaxing massage oil is used on clean, dry skin. Apply it in the form of a wide, all-embracing massage over your baby's entire body. Karbstyle body cream is used on clean, dry skin. Apply it in a thin layer to the entire body, massaging gently until it is absorbed. Moisturising Karbstyle face cream is used on clean, dry skin. Apply it in a thin layer to the face. Then massage it gently until it is absorbed.
Karbstyle BOUTIQUES
How can I find my nearest Karbstyle boutique?
To find a Karbstyle boutique, visit the Boutiques tab situated in the top left-hand corner of the website page. Select your country and then your town or city using the filters. The list of Karbstyle boutiques corresponding to your search will be displayed, together with their addresses and opening hours.


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Boy Sand Industries
Homeboy Sandman - Actual Factual Pterodactyl (CD)
"This was my first real album. My technical first album had originally been a 9 track EP then I added 5 more songs. Actual Factual Pterodactyl was my first body of work all released at the same time all recorded with my go to engineer Alejandro "Sosa" Tello. I was having a lot of fun. I didn't care what anybody thought. I wasn't concerned with concepts. I didn't lay out any plan. I just found hot beats and rapped. I didn't care about any type of sonic or thematic uniformity. All I wanted was for everything to be ill. I found my voice on this album. Before this you could hear my songs and tell who my influences were, but on Actual Factual Pterodactyl all this shit was some straight Homeboy Sandman shit. " - Homeboy Sandman


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The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and blocks any mandatory labeling of foods made with genetically engineered crops, also known as GMO foods. Instead, labeling of GMO foods and ingredients will now be on a voluntary basis.
Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.), who authored the bill, called mandatory labeling laws — which have already passed in Vermont, Connecticut and Maine — unnecessarily costly given that GMOs have been deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"Advances in technology have allowed the U.S. to enjoy the safest, highest quality, most abundant, diverse and affordable supply of food and fiber mankind has ever known," Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-TX), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, said in an article. "With the world's population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, biotechnology is an essential tool for our farmers to meet this demand in an environmentally sound, sustainable, and affordable way," he added.
However, opponents have pushed back against the legislation, saying it will keep consumers from knowing what's in their food and stop FDA from crafting a national GMO-labeling solution.
According to another article, consumer groups are instead calling the bill the Denying Americans the Right to Know Act, or the DARK act.
"American families deserve to know what they are eating and feeding to their children," Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in the article. "The FDA already requires clear labeling of over 3,000 ingredients, additives and food processes. GMOs should be no different."
On the other hand, proponents of the legislation, claim a patchwork of labeling laws at the state level would drive up food costs.
The article goes on say that the Grocery Manufacturers Association recently explained that state-level GMO labeling mandates would increase grocery prices for a family of four by as much as $500 per year and cost food and beverage manufacturers millions of dollars to change food labels and supply chain systems.
The House also rejected two amendments that could have enhance GMO-labeling requirements including one that would have banned the use of "natural" on foods that contain a genetically engineered plant. Another proposal that would have forced any U.S. company that labels a product as containing GMOs in a foreign country, to label the equivalent product the same way, was also voted down.
Those in favor of mandatory labeling also said in an article that among their concerns about GMO foods is a worry that the herbicide, glyphosate, which is widely used on genetically modified crops, is harmful to human health. Residues of the pesticide have been detected in foods and a World Health Organization (WHO) research unit said glyphosate is "probably" cancer-causing for humans.
For more information, click here.


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Are We (Am I) Self Absorbed?
Thought 1295
Before my accident I was a little too… selfish and self-absorbed and for me, to now be at the place where I can kinda give back and inspire people. I'm blessed. I'm really blessed.
adj: preoccupied with one's own
thoughts, emotions, life, etc.
synonym: self-involved,
egocentric, egoistic, egotistical,
(limited to or caring only
about yourself and your own needs)
A friend challenged me a while ago to look at the things I write in my "Thought For The Day" section because of their concern that at times my writings seemed self-absorbed. Now my first reaction was to feel surprise that this would be the perception I was generating and then my second thought was to really look back at my writings with more than my heart and mind's eye, so to speak!
I guess any time we discuss of issues of faith, there is a somewhat self-centered slant to the notion of just exactly what faith means. Faith is a very personal matter. What I define as faith for me may differ tremendously from what your definition is. Some see faith as being opposed to reason while others view faith as merely a positive assumption as a result of logical reasoning. I see faith as reality which is beyond the range of what many would see as normal experience and understanding.
The things I write every day are simply my view of how the spirituality that God ignited within my being is changing the way I conduct my life every day. Now I try to share a message with you that challenges you to think about what I am saying as it applies to your own life too. I try not to be too "in your face" about that message. I'd rather nudge you with an idea and then hope that it ignites something within you to change one tiny way in which you live. Some times that nudge may be a bit harder than at other times, and sometimes I might just fall flat on my backside as I poke you. But either way, my hope is that you reach the end of my story thinking about my words and hopefully, my message! And to quote Katherine Graham, "To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun? " And I also would add, how could anything be more impactful and important?
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2: 106 NIV
Copyright © 2011-2014 "MandysPath" Ministry


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You probably know this already: relationships matter.
As non-profiteers, we already know the good work that we do. It would be delightful if we lived in a world where our merits were able to speak for themselves and understanding of our accomplishments and goals were universal. Money would fly in the door and we could spend all our time doing what we do best.
That's not the world we live in. For example: a business could make the best doughnuts in the world, but if its customers don't know about them or if their brief encounters with them aren't memorable or pleasant, there's a giant hole in their business model (and it's not just in the middle of their doughnuts).
It's time we start thinking about grant funders in the same context. A compelling grant is like a compelling doughnut: you'll be more likely to take a bite if you like the person who made it.
While some grantors may reside behind web-only applications and may never provide a face-to-face or even voice-to-voice meeting, many funders still value a more analog experience with the agencies and programs that they fund. These individuals want to know about your background, your program's background, why you do what you do and who else in the community you are working with. It's with these individuals that your agency really has the opportunity to shine.
At dotted i we've been on both sides of the funding process: begging for money and handing it out. Here are our top tips for making your relationship with a funder strong and your likelihood of getting funded go up exponentially.
1. Remember the Human
Bankrolling a program or agency to the tune of several thousand dollars is a big deal. Soliciting funds may be a routine part of your job. As a result, it might be easy to mistake the foundations and organizations that provide funds as yet another relay-race with cash prizes at the end. Big mistake.
These organizations are made up of real people who represent very specific interests. They want to see their community improve and grow by investing not only in the programs that further their causes but in the people who make those causes happen. If you convey more concern about cash than the cause, it's time to re-evaluate why you're in this business in the first place.
If you or your team members treat your funders or their employees more like a means to an end than like valuable human beings, even a sterling grant could wind up in the reject pile.
2. Be A Dateable Organization
A contact at one of our favorite foundations once told us, "We like to date before we get married." Sure enough, we had a nice, long courtship before we finally moved forward.
Getting funded can be a nerve-wracking and uncomfortable experience, which is probably why the metaphor of dating is so apt. You just want to be loved. They want to avoid a relationship with a trainwreck.
So if you want to impress on your early 'dates' with a funder, all the rules of regular dating apply to make sure you put your best foot forward with each and every interaction:
- Make sure you listen as much as you talk (if not more).
- Be present. Stop trying to think about your next answer or speech. Take a deep breath and just engage with the other party.
- Highlight similarities between your organization and their areas of interest.
- On the flip-side: there's no point in discussing topics that extend beyond the areas of interest of your 'date' or their involvement with your organization.
- Be ready to answer difficult questions.
- Avoid making any statements that could potentially be offensive.
- Dress like your organization's future happiness depends on it.
- Speak in a way that conveys intelligence.
- Even dating bill-paying etiquette should come into play if meeting over a meal, coffee, or drinks: offer to pay the tab or at least 50%.
- Don't expect a financial kiss at the end of the first date.
3. Use Your Leadership To Your Advantage
Make sure early meetings with your funders include the decision makers in your organization: executive directors, heads of programming, or even highly-engaged board members.
Donors want to know that their gifts are being taken seriously. Who you bring to your meetings should show how invested your organization is in the partnership with this new funder.
Your ED and Board should have a comprehensive knowledge of your programs and strategic plan. They should be prepped on the background of your funder and prepared to answer any questions they may have. And we mean any question they may have.
Your management team should be able to quote information about funding sources, program outcomes, organizational scope, board roster, long-term vision, success stories, and more. There are few things that look worse to a funder than an organization's leader not knowing what's going on in their own organization.
4. Know Your Philanthropic Neighbors
Your organization might be doing great work but your funder is going to want to know about your impressive outcomes in the context of your mission within the communities that you serve.
It's up to you to know your local philanthropic landscape. Who else is doing what you do (within a few degrees of separation)? How are your missions aligned? How do your missions differ?
If a few other agencies in town are providing nearly identical services, be prepared to explain how you aren't replicating services for the same population. Be open to your funder's expectation that organizations don't provide the same service twice.
Highlight partnerships and communication channels with these other agencies (if they exist). If possible, bring these partnerships up before your funder even has to ask.
5. Talk About The Mission When You Talk About Your Finances
There are very few trade secrets in the nonprofit world, especially when it comes to your financial spreadsheets. Your finances are an open book. If you have 501(c)3 status, you are already familiar with your tax returns being open to the public. Your funder can provide an impromptu audit at any time and may have already done it before your first meeting.
Be ready to answer questions quickly. Be familiar with the tax returns for the past few years. Also come prepared to chat about expenses and funding streams in vivid detail.
Chatting about money will probably be the least enjoyable part of your conversation. It's dry, tedious, and sometimes confusing.
While it is your job to convey the cold, hard facts of your finances, your job will also be to translate how these funds impact your organization. If your program serves kids, how many kids can be served with $500? For how long can $2,000 keep the lights on? Make sure every number is attached to the core mission of your organization.
If you are trying to fund administrative costs like a new staff member, a new website, or fundraising software, take a tip from this amazing TED Talk by Dan Pallotta. Let them know that you want to grow your infrastructure to make sure that they aren't your last donor. Let them know that you don't want to put a cap on your capacity to serve. Be passionate. Communicate the merits of return on investment, but also stress the importance of being able to grow the reach of your mission.
6. Be Communicative
There are a lot of distractions in the nonprofit world. Staff are often performing multiple duties. Programming consumes time that might otherwise be spent fundraising.
However, when a funder asks a question or requests a document, the financial health of your organization depends on your ability to be timely, prompt, and engaged.
You'll have to answer the same series of questions for a number of donors. Some donors will have extra hoops for you to jump through. We understand how taxing that can be, especially when combined with the other stresses of your job.
One of the best ways to make sure your communication is prompt and efficient is to make sure you are organized. There can be no surprise when a funder asks to see your board roster, tax returns, budget, or program description. Have these items ready to go in an easy to find location (be it a stack of papers or a file-folder on your computer). Anticipating requests means you'll be more prepared to respond in a timely fashion when the moment arrives.
Just to reiterate point #3: make sure there is executive involvement in as many points of communication as possible. Leadership showing interest in your funder will help you immeasurably.
7. Hire A Seasoned Grant Writer
This may sound self-serving, but it is nonetheless true. Working with knowledgable and personable grant writers will save your staff time to do the million other things that they need to do. Most importantly, they will increase your odds of receiving a grant by communicating professionally with your funder. A third-party grant writer is going to be able to see your organization from an outsider's perspective that can intuitively identify what questions need to be more thoroughly answered.
When hiring a grant writer, look for expertise within your community's funding landscape, mastery of grant writing best practices, and experience with writing for similar organizations. Take your time, do your research, and make sure you have a good personality match with the writer you finally work with. You'll be spending a lot of time together.
At the end of the day, it is up to your organization to make sure you hold up your end of the bargain with grant writers. They can only work with the materials you give them. Financial records, board rosters, graphics, program stories, photos – these are things your grant writer can't create for you. However, they can arrange a cyclone of paperwork into a cohesive document that represents your organization well. They can help you find funding opportunities where you are the most likely to find traction. Once the money is in the bank, they can make sure you have done your due-dilligence in keeping the funder happy so they will be likely to give again.


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OK.. I really like this wall! Good luck in the contest
1600x1200 Wallpaper
Artist Comment
My submission for Vector Wallers' contest. My theme was "Loneliness and isolation", and I hope I came up with a good idea.
The wallpaper as a whole took about a few hours to put together. I made the sky, cage and character separately, since PS froze every time I tried to open 2 of these pictures simultaneously OX In the end I managed to piece everything together.
The rose vectors and the textures are the only things I didn't make in this wallpaper (and the font, of course). Credits are below.
The title is inspired by Kylie Minogue & Nick Cave's song "Where the wild roses grow". I love that song, it's very sad and I wanted to portray a kind of melancholy here. Ahiru is a bird who was captured, but managed to escape from her cage. However, even when she's up in the sky, she still feels trapped (hence the cage). Story made up by me, it has nothing to do with the Princess Tutu anime XD
As you can see, I desaturated the colors on the vector, because they were too intense. I left them a bit intense, though, since I wanted her to stand out. I don't know why, but Tutu reminds me of a rose - maybe that's why I choose this song to illustrate my theme.
I'm so tired... Good thing I'm finished with this one, at first I thought I wasn't going to finish it ^_^' I think I can concentrate on my future Kaleido Star projects :D
Vector: here, made by me, more details on the page
Cage: vectored by me from this scan, 6 layers
Sky: vectored by me, 9 layers, default PS CS2 textures
Rose vectors: red rose from font and pink rose from Tutu's hand, both by anolibb, changed the color of the one from Tutu's hand (it was originally yellow)
Total # of layers for wallpaper: 26
Widescreen version: click here
Dark Wallies | Vectory | Vector Wallers | User Page Skin Designs | Sola Fans
More Princess Tutu Wallpapers
Browse Princess Tutu Gallery: Recent | Popular.
XIMEmiya Jul 11, 2007
Sinever Jul 11, 2007
what a lovely concept :o
I like how everything is put together & the vector is very clean :)
well done & good luck ;)
Omone Jul 11, 2007
i really like your idea..
woderful =D
and very clean vector too
keep up your great work!
take care and have a nice day
+fav of course
smallworld Jul 14, 2007
I like this wall!
Good idea of having it this way
Great job!:]
moonlightdreamer Jul 22, 2007
this wallpaper is really something special, it's simple but oh so eligant.
waveside Aug 30, 2007
The background and cage are very well made, though Tutu kind of stands out a bit too much. Overall, exquisite.
Rubymagic3 Dec 14, 2009
if the girl wasnt there i would take it
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Apple's Schiller: White iPhone Coming This Spring, But is it iPhone 4 or 5?
Apple has said for months that its white iPhone will be available in the spring, but with the white iPad 2 on shelves but no white iPhone in sight, some have questioned whether Apple has ditched the idea of a white iPhone altogether.
Now a top Apple executive has weighed in on the debate - via Twitter, no less. Phil Schiller, senior vice president for worldwide marketing at Apple, tweeted this afternoon that the white iPhone will indeed be available soon, in all its glory.
"Hi Eric. The white iPhone will be available this spring (and it is a beauty!)," Schiller said in response to a follower's question about where he could get the white iPhone.
Schiller had few other details to offer about when exactly we'll see a white iPhone and on what version of the popular smartphone the color will appear. Apple typically introduces new iPhones in June (the iPhone 4 made its debut on June 7, 2010); spring runs until June 21 this year, so technically, Apple could introduce a new iPhone in early June and still be in its spring timeframe.
The white iPhone has been troubled since the start. When Apple announced the iPhone 4, it said the device would be available in black and white models. By month's end, however, Apple issued a statement that said the white models "have proven more challenging to manufacture than expected." At the time, Apple promised to release them by the second half of July, but by the time July 23 rolled around, Apple said the white iPhone would not actually be available until the end of the year.
In October, however, Apple said the white iPhone had been delayed until spring. People got riled up about the device again in December when some Apple Store placards that say the white smartphone would hit stores in spring 2011, but that was nothing new.
When Verizon announced its version of the iPhone in February, some speculated that a white iPhone might also be included in the mix, but to no avail. Apple instead surprised everyone by unveiling a white iPad 2 - and actually delivering it to stores.
As PCMag audio analyst Tim Gideon wrote recently, one of the most widely believed, if completely unconfirmed, rumors about the white iPhone 4 is that the white back panel reflected too much light from the LED flash, resulting in overexposed images. The back of the white iPad 2, however, is brushed aluminum.
"So, if we ever do see a white iPhone, it will likely need a bit of an overhaul, with an aluminum back panel and only a white frame around the screen, a la the iPad 2," Gideon wrote.
If that's the case, a white iPhone 5 makes the most sense, but we'll have to wait until spring to actually find out.


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Master Used Cars For Sale In Karachi
Master Cars in Karachi: Master Cars for Sale in Karachi. Search good condition, cheap, discounted, low price second hand new model Master used cars for sale in year 2019 in Karachi Pakistan. Largest stock of genuine local and Japanese model Master cars for sale in Karachi Pakistan at Gari. Master Cars in Karachi are available at bank lease & loan installment to buy online.
Sort By:
22000 km
Rs 16.25 Lacs
2800 cc
Oct 24, 2019


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$88.00 $69.00
Item# FRANCO-W4
Wrinkled Calf Leather Belt
Additional Information
The distinguished design and accent stitching of the FRANCO men's belt in wrinkled calf leather is guaranteed to elevate your style. The rich Italian textures of this stand out accessory will bring any look together. Made in the Mountains of Italy.
- Wrinkled calf leather construction
- Polished hardware
- Width: 1 ⅓ inches
- Waist size: (MED) 38 (XLG) 44 - must be custom cut for size (S)
- Made in Italy


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- This event has passed.
Prater's Mill Country Fair – Sunday
October 13 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm$7.00
The Prater's Mill Country Fair focuses on mountain music, Southern foods, living history exhibits, & the handmade crafts & original art of 170 talented artists & artisans. Crafts demonstrations include blacksmithing, quilting, wood-carving, weaving & hand-tufting, a cottage industry that evolved into the tufted carpet industry centered in Dalton.
At the fair, visitors take self-guided tours including the water-powered, operating grist mill, Shugart Cotton Gin, 1898 Prater's Store, Doctor Lacewell's Office, Caboose, Westbrook Barn, & Goodner-Smith Farm Collection. Across the road from the mill is the Prater's Store. In a cabin near the store, Dalton Pike Church of God members serve authentic Southern meals of chicken & dumplings, collard greens, & cornbread cooked on a wood stove. Elsewhere throughout the fair are other specialties, such as barbecue everything, fried pies, apple cider, & churned ice cream.
During the fair, families enjoy pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, & "Little Texas" kids' train ride. Educational exhibits include working antique tractors, antique cars, antique plows, & "Peacock Alley," a clothesline display of hand-tufted bedspreads. Continuous entertainment will be on stage with Appalachian-style cloggers, as well as country, blue-grass & gospel artists. On the porch of the Mill, you can find dulcimer player Pat Bryant & grandchildren performing.
For Information about the fair and becoming a vendor navigate to the FAIR tab in the main menu


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More than half of Americans now say he deserves to be re-elected, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll taken after US Navy Seals killed the al-Qaeda leader.
In worrisome signs for Republicans, the president's standing improved not just on foreign policy but also on the economy, and independent Americans – a key voting bloc in the November 2012 presidential election – caused the overall rise in support by sliding back to Mr Obama after deserting him for much of the past two years.
Comfortable majorities of the public now call Mr Obama a strong leader who will keep America safe. Nearly three-quarters – 73 per cent – also now say they are confident that Mr Obama can effectively handle terrorist threats. He also improved his standing on Afghanistan, Iraq and the United States' relationships with other countries.
More than half of Americans now also approve of his stewardship of the economy, despite a sluggish recovery from the recession.
Mr Obama's political boost comes as he embarks on his re-election campaign for 2012.
At a fund-raising event in Austin, Texas, Mr Obama wove the killing of bin laden into his political pitch.
"Because of the extraordinary bravery of the men and women who wear this nation's uniform and the outstanding work of our intelligence agencies, Osama bin Laden will never again threaten the United States of America," he said.
Earlier in Obama's speech, a man shouted from the crowd to the president "Thank you for getting bin Laden."
Mr Obama replied "It should inspire us to finish what we started."


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Stockist Services
The Services Available
If you are a bridal wear stockist, LeannMarieDesign can offer a range of services to help you meet the needs of your brides.
The stockist services include:
- Dress refurbishment and repairs, prior to sample sales
- Dress alteration and remodelling services for your customers
- Bridal, Bridesmaid and Mother-of-the-Bride accessories from the LeannMarieDesign collection or on a bespoke basis
Being able to confidently recommend a good seamstress can be an important part of the sales service you provide to ladies, whether they are a bride, a bridesmaid or a mother-of-the-bride. Most dresses will need minor adjustments, such as hem shortening. But some will need more extensive work to make them just-right. A bride is more likely to make an order if she feels safe in the knowledge that her dress can be adjusted to meet her exact vision and that you can offer a tried and tested recommendation.
Ways that LeannMarieDesign can aid your customers:
1. Private ffittings
Fittings are conducted privately and by appointment only. This especially suits nervous brides or ladies who are size and/or body conscious. There are no shop-floor fittings and no walk-in interruptions.
2. Flexible lead times
It is recommended that alterations are conducted 6-8 weeks prior to the wedding. However, late appointments can also be scheduled for ladies who anticipate weight change or have a late dress arrival.
3. Group services
A bride may have a number of bridesmaids and other wedding party guests who also require alterations. Group bookings can be made so that everybody involved is catered for. This also includes trouser shortening services for men's suits and also customised cravats and ties for the groomsmen.
4. Out of hours appointments
In recognition of the varied work schedules for different customers, fittings can be arranged for weekdays, evenings and Saturday mornings.
5. Free ffitting and estimates
After the initial fitting, an estimate of all charges is issued in writing with no obligation. Work will only begin once a customer has confirmed that they are happy to proceed.
6. Alterations
With a wide breadth of experience, no alteration is too big or too small at LeannMarieDesign. Advice on all the options will be carefully explained to customers, whether it is to improve the fit, or just the length.
7. Design changes / remodelling
Sometimes a dress is almost perfect… but not quite. Design changes such as creating sleeve caps, adding straps or perhaps introducing some surface embellishment can all assist you in your endeavour to meet your customer's exact needs, and make a final sale.
8. DBS checking
Although minors will always be fitted with another adult present, for peace of mind DBS checks are conducted on any staff that are likely to interact with young people.
Additional to the refurbishment and alteration process, LeannMarieDesign can supply you with accessories for sale in-store. The product range includes:
- Bridal veils
- Bridal boleros and toppers
- Mother-of-the-Bride and Bridesmaid boleros
Being able to offer suitable accessories that compliment a brides dress can boost your in-store sales and, at the same time, make a brides experience much easier. LeannMarieDesign approaches the supply of accessories in a different way to bigger trade-suppliers and the capsule collections are specially designed with the needs of stockists in mind. Our products extend into petite and plus sizes and extend beyond typical bridal shades, for those ladies wanting something a bit different.
For a price guide and to find out more information about our Stockist Services, contact LeannMarieDesign for a stockist pack.


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Sarawak Borneo will amaze you with its culture and natural beauty. The Island of Borneo has probably one of the most richest and diverse ecosystems I ever seen, but unfortunately many of its forests have been lost for oil palm, putting wildlife and people in danger.
I started my trip in the capital Kuching and I used bus, boat, motorbike, bicycle, and mini vans to travel, this are the places I visited :
🚌 Kuching / Santubong peninsula / Bako National Park / Semenggoh Nature Reserve/ Bau / Kubah National Park
Explore Kuching and it's old colonial charm by foot, loosing yourself in its magnificent streets from china town, indian neighbourhood and the river front. I highly recommend you to visit the museums they are really good, look up for street art and don't miss the sunset in the river front.
To visit the other side of the river, get one of the local boats (1RM each side), go for a walk, enjoy the view and try a traditional Kek Lapis (layer cake).
In Kuching you can rent a motor bike in the city for 40RM a day to explore the the small villages around including Santubong Peninsula, a nice quite town with great views and beaches.
I went to the Matang wildlife centre but I don't recommend it at all, they may do a good job at rescuing and helping the animals but they are all in small cages, I found it quite depressing.
We got the red bus nº1 stopped in front of the open market in Kuching to Bako National Park (3.50RM) the park entry is 20 RM, and the boat 40RM both ways (runs from 8 to 15h). You defenetly need to spend at least a day there and do a couple of trails. The park as beautiful mangrove swamp, luxurious rainforest, streams, waterfalls, and if you're lucky (like me ) you may see proboscis monkeys in their native habitats. This park has an incredible biodiversity, which includes almost every vegetation type in Borneo.
We went to Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat for that we got a bus from Kuching (4RM) at 7:20 from the open market stop. Once in the reserve you need to walk to the feeding point, the entry is 10RM. Be aware that you may not be lucky enough to see them. They have 2 hour-long feedings, 9am to 10am and from 3pm to 4pm.
Next stop was Bau, the bus from Kuching takes an hour, the bus is an old one so expect a sweaty journey (4.5RM). Bau is a small clean and organised town, has a good market, food court and a Chinese temple that deserves a visit.
Once in Bau we realised that was difficult to find public transports to take us to the different caves so we started walking and hitch-hiked. Hitchhiking was safe and we meet really nice and interesting people. We visited the fairy cave (5RM), a really nice and impressive open mountain cave, no light needed. then we took another lift to the wind cave Nature reserve (5RM) for this one you need a torch, there is plenty to see and lots and lots of bats.
If you plan to come buck to Kuching by bus, the last one departs at 3:20, but never trust the bus schedules 🙂 they often leave early.
To go from Kuching to Kubah National Park, get the bus K21 (4RM) and its an hour ride.The entry is 20RM. The park is gorgeous with lots of hills, ups and downs, I personally found it quite tiering, so get your legs ready. The park offers several trails from one hour to several hours, you can't buy food or water in the park, so bring something. I did a couple of trails including the trail to the waterfall where you can get refreshed and visited the frog pond. The last bus the kuching is at 1:30 but if it doesn't appear you will have mini bus passing and you can ask them to stop (5RM)
Sarawak is not known for its beaches, I went to Damai beach but I don't recommend it at all.
photography – all rights reserved – Ana Rocha
Information and testimony about being a vegan in Sarawak – A vegan in Sarawak


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If it snows in London, it's like a sprinkling of wet confectioner's sugar.
Frozen precipitation is inevitable during the winter season, yet Londoners always seem completely unprepared.
When I lived in the city, sidewalks became skating rinks as I walked to and from work in far from suitable shoes for slippery conditions.
So, on one occasion when I sat on a flight from Boston, Massachusetts to London, the weather forecast for England caught my eye—cold, it said, snow flurries, frost, and the possibly of icy roads.
Instead of freaking out, I smiled.
I can shovel snow and throw ice melt like a local. 2015 was the worst winter on record; I plowed through it like a pro.
I now know how to handle snow.
It would be easy for me to laugh and mock the efforts of my fellow British citizens as they slip and slide on one inch of snow when I can step sturdily in a season of one hundred inches of the white stuff.
But, when we are experts, we should coach not condemn.
So, how do we prepare for the inevitable, not the improbable, in the seasons of life? Not what is unlikely to happen but what is likely to happen.
What do you need to be ready for in this coming year? Is it a new school, marriage, work, starting a family, raising kids, teenagers heading to college or leaving home, welcoming your children's partners, becoming a grandparent or something else?
With a little bit of preparation we can be ready for the predictable and unpredictable.
Being prepared means feeling confident we can do it instead of being apprehensive or fearful we're inept.
So, here are three suggestions for gaining confidence for the year ahead, so your next steps don't take you flying off your feet:
1. A heap of observation.
See how others do it and learn from their experiences.
For years I've watched my three older siblings and learned from them. I've seen how they've dealt with their children, my nieces and nephews, going off to college, starting jobs, getting married, and having their own families. It's given me assurance as I've settled my own children into their dorm rooms because I know what to expect.
2. A ton of determination.
We need to venture out and strive to do our best. We might slip over, but unless we try, we'll never learn. And, don't let scaremongers dictate how you feel. One person's experience is not necessarily going to be your own.
3. A little seed of faith.
The Bible tells us, a tiny seed-size faith is all it takes. But, we need to have faith in the right things. Not in ourselves, not in other people, but faith in a God who promises if we trust in him, then we can move mountains.
Sometimes the smallest things, like a sprinkling of snow, can trip us up. But have hope and optimism; seasons come and go.
As you start a New Year, who can you learn from? Where can you be determined? Where do you need to trust God?
Do you need help finding unshakable confidence despite your fears and failures? Check out the new book Make Your Move from author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker Lynn Cowell!
Read Lynn's #BeBoldGirl post here