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You don't have to be the next Ernest Hemingway to write a powerful and effective business email. Even for those who think of writing with a roll of the eyes, there are some simple formulas you can follow that can make your next email come to life.
In December, the disaster recovery charity racing team Race2Rebuild partnered with nonprofit Team Red, White, & Blue in New York City for a joint-holiday social. We went ice skating and then over to a bar for some snacks and a pint. Race2Rebuild offered a free raffle just for showing up offering prizes like a t-shirt or socks. That was pretty cool.
Anyone who has served was taught exactly how to look great in uniform. But once we get out, dressing for success can be a little bit difficult.
Networking is the single most important skill to help ensure that you get a serious look from hiring managers in a weak economy. Unfortunately, it is also somewhat misunderstood. On the surface, networking may just look a lot like meeting and having conversations with people who do stuff that interests you --- or worse, that doesn't interest you --- and there's some truth to that. However, in the purest sense, networking is about building rapport, having substantive conversations, and finding commonalities with other professionals in a limited amount of time. Most importantly, when done properly, networking is neither sleazy nor forced. With practice, you can explain yourself to people in compelling ways and develop the starting points for new professional relationships in only a few minutes.Here are some key points that I wish I had known when I started out on my transition into the civilian economy several years ago:
It's not the most riveting topic for most of us, but it's still important to discuss the appropriate type of clothing to wear when you are preparing for a job interview or a job fair. While the position that you want will play a big role in how formal or casual you'll have to be, you should still look polished and presentable, no matter what you choose to wear on the big day.


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Secondhand Studio
I've alluded to this once or twice but I am not the most pulled together of bloggers. Major props for those who have a new weekly post or a set schedule for their entries- teach me your ways. Instead, I thrive on sporadic posts at varied intervals written between changing diapers and watching (and occasionally performing) Moana. Such is life. But as we wrap up our newest project, I feel compelled to share what we've accomplished over here at the house-in-progress.
My studio/our office is looking super duper fly. Like, really really ridiculously good-looking.
I went back recently and looked at the before pics and I can't even believe how far this room has come. When we bought our dump it was a carpeted, wood-paneled, drop ceiling hot mess. It was, as Addie would say, yucky. It desperately needed some loving.
Sugar & Spice
If you follow along with my oh-so-average life on Instagram, you may have noticed that we welcomed a second beautiful baby girl into our lives on May 28th! Yesterday marked three weeks since little Miss Emma's arrival and we're slowly adapting to life as a party of four. There's been a few extra hours of TV and a few less hours of sleep in our days. Aaron will continue to be outnumbered by the Hess ladies and I will continue to use my new favorite/pointless hashtag, #eventhedogisagirl.
Prior to welcoming our newest Nugget, one of my biggest goals was getting the girls' rooms done. I hesitate to even use that phrase because is a bedroom every really "done"? Especially a kids room? I certainly don't think so (I DO expect to be asked for princess bedsheets or boy-band posters or something like that in the future...). So instead I will declare that they are done for now.
from Purple Mess to Play Room
A few nights ago, Aaron finished installing the face frame on a new built-in bookcase I'd been envisioning for the last few months. Shortly after, he suggested that I write a new post, claiming I had a lot to share. "But nothing is finished!" I protested. I had enjoyed posting the progress of our gross foreclosure as we ripped out walls and tore down ceilings. The pictures were messy and tools were everywhere. But it was supposed to be messy. How was I going to convey the amount of work that went into our Fixer Upper without a messy backdrop for reference?
Six months in, its still a mess. Not in the same "help me I'm drowning in this mess" way that it was during the big overhaul. Nowadays its the mess that results from where our grand ideas collide with our measly budget (and where the power tools collide with the toddler toys). Ideally, we would go room by room, throw down the cash to git-r-done and be on to the next. Realistically, we cannot finish everything all at once. Lacking stacks of cash, we are instead ticking boxes off our project list in a much more strategic way. The progress is more staggered but still just as rewarding. Our addition of several new storage areas means that the last of our boxes has officially been unpacked and our day-to-day lives function a little smoother.
A lot of Love for a Little Space
The blog updates are few and far between these days but believe me when I say that the work has not stopped. Whether it's cleaning out the nooks and crannies we skipped during the initial renovation or completely overhauling a new piece of our house, the project list remains as long as ever. Not to mention, being 6 months pregnant (with another little girl!) has brought on a serious urge to nest.
So thanks to a burst of second trimester energy, we tackled a piece of our house that is small in square footage but a huge center of activity: our back entryway/landing zone/mud-room-esque space. It was small, as far as overhauls are concerned, but it packed a punch. What was once a useless (and gross) part of the kitchen cabinetry now serves as a fresh and functional landing zone for keys, coats, diaper bags, and shoes.
Decking New Halls
It's finally time for a long anticipated update- a before and after! Though I can guarantee that this "reveal" won't be nearly as exciting or flashy as an HGTV reveal. That's mostly because although I am calling it an "after" it's really more of a "in transition". When I look at (some) of the rooms in our house, I can hardly believe what they were during our first walkthrough. Or that we bought something to LIVE IN that was so upsettingly gross. I am eternally thankful that we didn't actually reside in our mess at it's worst.
As the year comes to and end, it's pretty clear that we are on the upswing, the other side, alive. There have been no major injures, no disasters, and no casualties (relationally or otherwise). And for that, I'm thankful. After our final transition from the apartment to the house in October, the work pace dropped dramatically. In fact, it stopped. We avoided Home Depot like the plague and re-introduced ourselves to our dear old friend, Netflix. For a whole month we sat on our behinds and did absolutely nothing. Nada.
Once we had given ourselves some time to heal from the stress of a four month reno crash course, we started up with some smaller (more enticing!) projects. Aaron began the process of building and installing built-ins in our master closet. I white-washed the brick on the fireplace. The studio floor was finished with a natural wood and black checkerboard. We enjoyed our first Halloween in our new neighborhood handing out candy- we even managed to make it to a few neighbors with a reluctant little latte.
With Christmas now upon us, we are focusing on organizing and cleaning, both the house and our workspaces. Our aim is to start the new year with a clear idea of what still needs to be done and what can take a backseat (for now). Looking back over the chaos that has been 2016, I can't say for sure that we would ever undertake anything like this ever again. Despite having zero experience, we managed to fake it till we made it. We Googled, YouTubed, and most importantly, learned from those who knew what they were doing. Our DIY skill set has been vastly expanded. And we're pretty confident this house will stand to see another 93 years.
Although having an active infant made the process challenging at times, this season was the right one for this undertaking. We still had the stamina for those late nights and long hours. The flexibility to meet contractors through the day. And the proximity to travel quickly between house and apartment.
For those of you who've kept up as we've gone along, thank you! I plan to keep up with the blog for a little while longer, as we do the more "fun stuff" (like hang art!). And I'll be sharing some "before" and "after" photos for a look back at just how far the house has come. So without further ado...
A Big Ol' Update
And we're back! After a several week hiatus, I've finally got a moment to sit down and write an update on what the heck has been going on (although I'm not entirely sure). So here's a chronology of the past month...
September 1, our planned deadline, came and went. We just accepted that, because it was pretty evident that we weren't ready to move, and extended the lease on our apartment for one more month. The best laid plans of mice and men, am I right? The disappointment of having to extend our lease an extra month was softened by our mini vacation weekend in Maryland. We attended a wedding, celebrated with good friends, and caught up on much needed sleep. Addie really enjoyed her hotel stay.
Cooking Up Something Fabulous
apologies up front for the corniest post title ever...
If anyone is ever interested in building their endurance in high stress situations, I highly recommend tackling a whole house renovation. We are now three and a half months into our biggest DIY ever. The house, while on the upswing, is still a construction zone. Meanwhile, the apartment is starting to resemble a small hoard as I empty our closets and drawers into boxes.
a Work in Progress
From as early as I can remember, I always loved to decorate my bedroom. I loved how a space could visibly reflect my personality. My first foray into room decor was in elementary school. I painted my whole room (ceiling and all) a denim blue AND I left it splotchy "to look like the sky". I'm giving my younger self a major eye roll. Though my "style" was questionable at times, my mom was supportive of my creative ventures. She drew the line at my "black walls with glow in the dark paint to look like outer space" idea; good call, Mom. As a high schooler I loved my room. Looking back, it was sensory overload. Two orange walls, another hot pink, and the fourth red. Band posters, stickers, buttons, collectibles... all thrown together to create my happy place. Incase you aren't imagining it:
Let There Be Light
You wouldn't know from its current state, but our house has come so far from where it was at the time of purchase. Sure, the house had walls, decent flooring, and some cool details. But that was it. When we bought our house we had no amenities, nothing. Since it was a vacant dwelling for the better part of six years, all utility services to the house had been disconnected, shut off, or stolen (adios, copper pipes!). I had always pictured us buying a fixer upper but I never thought that I would have to reinstate the basic amenities.
Eat, Sleep, Reno, Repeat.
Happy Tuesday everyone! There is literally so much happening and my life is in a constant state of disarray but somehow things are getting done!
Yesterday was August 1 and our move-in deadline is fast approaching. We still cannot legally live in our house. So come Septemebr 1, we may be squatters in our own backyard. In an effort to prevent that from becoming our reality, we're kicking it up a notch. Last night we pulled our first late night at the house as a family. Addie spent her first night in what will someday be her bedroom while I tiled like a madwoman and Aaron worked on rewiring the second floor. To obtain our Use & Occupancy, the house does not have to be "done" so much as "safe". And we've been working closely with our borough inspector to pinpoint just what areas we have to tackle before move-in. No matter what, we will be living in some level of reno well into the winter.
Following along on Instagram? Look for #HessFixerUpper
September 2017

subset: commoncrawl


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Now that I've (just about) caught up with my planting, stuffing the last few unfortunates into the ground in the hope that being kept in their pots hasn't hurt them over-much, I decided it was finally time to make a start on the weeds. I actually don't mind weeding, especially on a nice day, but I knew this was going to be a full-scale war. Especially with the creeping buttercup. Oh how I love and hate thee, creeping buttercup. Beautiful flowers, horribly invasive. If it stayed in my lawn I'd honestly let it do it's thing – same with clover and daisies – I'm not one for a 'manicured' lawn – I even leave the 'annoying to cut' bit at the side to go a bit wild as the birds seem to like it. When those weeds start invading my veg bed, though…
From a quick look on the internet, I think I can say with fair certainty that I found these weeds: creeping buttercup, dandelions, daisies, hairy bittercress and / or thale cress, sheep's sorrel, bugle, white clover, groundsel, rosebay willowherb, broad leaved willowherb, sow thistle, cleavers, bramble, and possibly pineapple weed, I'll need to go back out and smell it. Oh and marigolds (calendula) since I've taken up nearly as many of those as all the rest of the weeds combined. There were others, but I caught them either too small to be identified or I have too fuzzy a memory of them to guess at what they might have been.
Some of the weeds I just trim back, knowing they'll try to invade my growing space again but enjoying their flowers too much to remove them entirely – like the buttercups, rosebay willowherb, clover, & daisies. I never touch the bugle as I really like it and it isn't very weedy in my garden.
The last and biggest 'weed' I took out was this privet branch:
Our next door neighbour's privet hedge has remained untrimmed for a few years and is now very tall – I totally don't mind this as it's beautiful when in full flower and the birds and bees love using it as a nesting site / perches. However, when there was heavy snow, a lot of it started to overhang my fence. Most of it popped back up but I think the weight of the snow and heavy winds finally took their toll and this branch was half snapped-off by the time I took a saw to it. Now my berry bushes are less shaded and I don't have to worry about them being dropped on from above. I have absolutely no idea what to do with a small-tree-sized piece of privet, though – pretty sure my mini-shredder won't manage it ;)
As if that wasn't enough for me, I've also been over to volunteer a couple of times at Jupiter Wildlife Centre in Grangemouth… where I've been mostly weeding! It's just that time of year, I suppose – everything is flourishing, especially the weeds.


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Our Causes
Social ServicesSocial Services staff participate in on-going meetings with public agencies, as well as other social service providers, in order to collaborate and better determine the changing needs of the community. The ARS Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center is housed in the Glendale headquarters. Those social services clients requiring mental health services due to stresses, anxiety or adjustment issues, can seek help at the Guidance Center. Financial support is provided through federal, county, and local grants, private foundations and individuals. The first social services offices opened in 1979. The main office in Glendale and its auxiliary centers in Hollywood and Pasadena have provided 41 thousand to 54 thousand client services annually.$20.00 donated
Armenia/ArtsakhSupporters have funded and continue to fund new births at the center at $150 per newborn. Seventy percent of the sponsored orphans by the ARS-WUSA resided in the following towns in decreasing order: Hadroud (the most); Askaran; Mardouni; Martakert; Stepanakert; Shoushi; and Yerevan. Initially, the sponsorship for the Sponsor-A-Child program was $120 per year. The ARS 68th International Convention, held in Montreal, Canada, raised the sponsorship to $200, to account for the cost of living increase in Armenia and Artsakh.$0.00 donated
JavakhkThere are two working youth centers in Javakhk. The Akhaltskha & Akhalkalak Armenian youth centers were inaugurated in 2006 and 2007, respectively. A new center in Bogdanovka was purchased in 2010.The three centers were bought and repaired by the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee of the Western USA.The Centers serve to strengthen & enrich the knowledge of the youth of Javakhk. Approximately 250-300 young people of different ages, from nearby Armenian villages attend different activities free of charge.$5.00 donated
Saturday SchoolsARS Saturday Schools utilize textbooks, workbooks and guidebooks for Western and Eastern Armenian published by the Western Prelacy Board of Regents. These textbooks are provided to the students by the schools. Teachers are invited to attend in-service training with other Prelacy School teachers, and additional opportunities to enhance their knowledge with other ARS teachers.$0.00 donated
ARS "Soseh" Kindergarten Rebuilding ProjectThe rebuilding project is creating a pathway to the future for these children and your involvement touches their lives and those of generations to come. The community's support is invaluable and will make a difference in advancing this worthwhile cause.$0.00 donated
Merit Recognition of High School Graduating SeniorsEducating the youth continues to be one of the primary objectives of the ARS. Along with operating Saturday or one-day schools, providing assistance to Armenian day schools and higher institutions, the ARS continues to assist needy day-school, college or university students with scholarships. The amount of the available funding depends on the interest earnings of the past year or donations received for that purpose. In addition to the awards noted below, the ARS WUSA members and sponsors contribute to provide awards to needy or orphaned college students in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk.$0.00 donated
Child, Youth, and Family Guidance CenterRecognizing the need for professional help is a good first step towards improvement. Therapy can be of real benefit, providing help for a wide range of problems, such as depression, loss, marital problems, parent-child concerns, anger issues, relationship issues, substance abuse or emotional distress. It can also help fulfill aspirations for personal growth or self-improvement. Sometimes we need to talk to someone who can help: When we feel like we cannot do it alone; When we feel trapped, with nowhere to turn; When we worry all the time, and never seem to find the answers; When the way we feel is affecting our sleep, our eating habits, our job, our relationships, and our everyday life; When even the advice offered by family or well-meaning friends does not really help us feel any better. To make an appointment, please call (818) 546-2744. Referrals can be faxed to (818) 500-9134.$0.00 donated
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Latest News
ARS 13th Armenian Cultural & Food Festival (Bilingual)
ԿԼԷՆՏԷՅԼ.- Հայ Օգնութեան Միութեան Արեւմտեան ԱՄՆի Շրջանային Վարչութիւնը, իր ժողովուրդի բուռն փափաքին ընդառաջելով, որոշած է վերսկսիլ անհամբերութեամբ սպասուող տարեկան երկօրեայ իր փառատօնը, որուն կազմակերպչական դժուարին աշխատանքները վստահած է փորձառու միութենական…
ARS Awards Students with Scholarships (2018)
Glendale, Calif.- The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA held its annual Outstanding High School Graduates' Awards Ceremony on June 4, 2018 at the ARS Regional Headquarters in Glendale,…
Mental Health Workshops by ARS Social Services Engages Community (Bilingual)
Հոգեկան Առողջութիւնը Բարելաւելու Աշխատանիստեր՝ ՀՕՄ–ի Ընկերային Ծառայութեանց կողմէ Կլենտէյլ, Քալիֆորնիա,- Հայ Օգնութեան Միութեան ԱՄՆ Արեւմտեան Շրջանի Ընկերային Ծառայութեանց բաժանմունքը, Մայիսը՝ որպէս Հոգեկան Առողջութեան ամիս, նաեւ բարելաւելու շրջանի բնակիչներուն հոգեկան իրավիճակի…
ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Honors Haigoush Kohler with the Lifetime Achievement Award (Bilingual)
ՀՕՄ-ի Ջաւախք Հիմնադրամի Յանձնախումբը կը պարգեւատրէ Հայկուշ Քոհլըր-ը Կեանքի Ծառայական Իրագործումերու մրցանակով Կլենտէյլ, Գալիֆորնիա – Հայ Օգնութեան Միութեան Ջաւախք Հիմնադրամի Յանձնախումբին զօրակցողները հաւաքուած էին Կլենտէյլ, Գալիֆորնիոյ Լեկասի սրահը, Ուրբաթ Մայիսի 11,…


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Welcome to our Party Packages page,
On this page, we have a wide selection of parties to choose from to make your little one's day extra special.
You get an all-inclusive party package service so don't think of what you're spending, think of what your saving in time, money and energy trying to plan it all yourself!
This is why we have our Parent promise guarantee, to make it a STRESS-FREE party experience that both you and your child will love!
ALL Party Packages include:
- Room Hire
- 25 Party Invitations
- Expert Party Host
- Disco and Lighting
- Bubble Machine
- Games & Prizes
- Craft Activity
- Party Food & Drink
- Decorations
- Cake Ceremony
- Tea & Coffee for parents
- Clean up service
- Photobooth
All you need to do is bring the cake and enjoy!
All Party Packages are priced for up to 20 children, additional children can be added for as little as £3 per guest!
Classic Party Package
- £199 -
All the classic party activities and then some, to make your child's party extra special. We play lots of classic games with our own unique twists for even more fun!
- Bubble machine
- Fun & Games
- Craft activity
- Food
- Cake ceremony and photos
- More games including Danger Pass the Parcel!
- Disco Dancing
Themed Party Packages
- £249 -
These specially crafted parties each have their own unique adventure story where we play games, make crafts and have fun in these magical stories!
All themed parties include...
- Themed Invites
- A unique story told through games & activities
- Themed magnetic scratch art craft for your guests to keep
- Themed Decoration
- Expert party hosts in costumed characters to suit the theme.
- Themed Danger Pass the Parcel
Once Upon a Time Party
- £249 -
Calling all Unicorns, Princesses, Dragons and Knights we need to help us defeat the evil Marshmellow Monster and find the enchanted crystal ball!
Heros & Villians
- £249 -
HELP! Heros and Villians we need you to unite to save the day, capture professor poison and get Nicky Noodles Super Powers back!
Enchanted Forest
- £249 -
Down in the forest where the fairies and goblins play, there is an adventure waiting for some magical creatures ready for a mystical adventure.
Under the Sea
- £249 -
Mermaid or Pirate, What will ye be? It's time to Party, Under the Sea!!
Join us on a deep sea adventure to locate the Magical Lost Pearl and we need the help of brave pirates and mermaids to make it an awesome adventure.
Dino Adventure
- £249 -
Join us explorers and journey back in time to the land of the dinosaurs to search for the mysterious Appleasourus-Rex!
You'd be daft to miss out on the RAWR-some Party!
Speciality Parties:
These parties go above and beyond your standard parties, with as much uniqueness as your child.
*** NEW to 2019***
Sensory Play Party
- £229 -
Perfect for ages 1-3 years, these parties for parents and tots to play and celebrate together through Sensory Storytelling, Singing, Lights, Dancing, Crafts and a bubble show!
This Party is also fantastic for SEN Children.
The 'Greatest' Party
- £269 -
This party package is inspired by the ever popular 'the greatest showman' film. The party was a Limited edition one but was so popular we had to keep it!
Party includes:
- Live circus performances by Nicky Noodles
- Themed Invites
- Costumed party hosts dressed for the show
- Circus themed games
- Dance and sing along to your favourite showman tunes
- Themed Party Decorations
- Circus craft activity
UV Glow Party
- £269 -
This party is immensely popular with the older children
Party includes:
- Glow in the dark UV Lighting
- Themed Invites
- Glowing decoration
- Glowsticks
- Glitter Tattoos for each guest!
Limited Edition Party Packages
*Frozen Party*
- £269 -
Available Sept 19 - March 20
This party package is inspired by the always new movie release of Frozen 2.
Party includes:
- Party host Princess Anna
- A unique themed adventure story with lots of games.
- Themed Craft activity for the kids to take home
- Frozen party decorations
- Classic Party invites, with directions
- Teas and Coffees for the grown-ups
- Special guest visit and sing along with Queen Elsa!
The limited-edition parties are the best way to keep up to date on the newest party trends, but book soon these parties will change and update every 6 months!
#Trending #Supercool #DownWithTheKids
If there's a particular theme you would like that is not listed let us know and I'll see what we can do. If a party theme is popular enough we will make them a permanent fixture.
20% off* - Weekday Special Offer!
On a tight budget? Can't get the date your wanting? Or just prefer to keep your weekends free for the family?
20% off* our Classic Party Package booked on a weekday. Contact Us direct to arrange your weekday party.
*Discount excludes menu upgrades & extras.
Next: Pick a Menu
This is should be a prospective customer's number one call to action, e.g., requesting a quote or perusing your product catalog.


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At this years Carbon Management Institute Conference 2017, International Gold Standard CEO Marion Verles outlined how sustainable development can be a powerful lever to unlock more ambitious climate actions by corporate entities.
In her keynote address, Marion outlined how we can bring people together around the difficult conversations about climate change and emissions management - by drawing a clear link to things they care about - like jobs, health, access to energy, water, food, biodiversity and basic issue of human well-being.
She also outlined how companies investing in significant climate mitigation programs to offset emissions can deliver a stronger story to their stakeholders if their investment also has high social benefits.
But she stressed the need to tell those stories in a way people want to hear. Oftentimes companies detail their commitment to carbon management, without making the causal link between the reduction of emissions, a healthy planet and a healthy global community; and this is a missed business opportunity of the highest order.
Verles spoke passionately, but rather than speaking about carbon management specifically, she spoke about sustainable development, equity, climate change and how these relate to corporate climate strategies. She spoke about building strong brand trust and the business case for sustainability, and, most starkly, about the 'care factor'.
In her own words.
"… how do we make people care about the climate? We make people care about the climate by drawing a clear link between what they care about – jobs, health, energy, water and food security, biodiversity… and climate change. We make people care about the climate by telling them: 'everything you care about is not going to happen unless we solve the climate crisis'."
From Verles' perspective these social values are universal. All over the world, when people are asked what they care about - jobs, health, food and energy security, safety for family and education are key. So if this is the reassurance that communities are wanting, why then are corporations trying to 'sell' stories about corporate social responsibility and emissions management?
In speaking to the corporate audience, Verles stressed that people care about inclusive, sustainable growth that brings benefits to their generation and the generations to come, and her message was clear. A well-designed, socially responsible story that uses sustainable development as a lever can unlock the marketing potential of a corporate climate strategy.
According to Verles, as a concept, people don't necessarily 'care' about climate change. It's an abstract idea that people find difficult to relate to their personal situation – something removed from their everyday experience. So the challenge for corporate entities is that of communicating their climate ambitious in a compelling way to their customers. Using their climate strategy to build trust and customer relationships.
From this perspective she outlined that companies may well be selling their climate strategies short if they are solely focused on carbon impacts and mitigation.
"The truth is, communicating the sustainable development impacts of your climate strategy creates a virtuous circle. It helps you get more traction with your stakeholders by telling them about things they actually care about."
As an analogy, she likened telling customers only about carbon management and emissions reduction to telling your friends that you went to Paris, and then proceeding to only describe the airport – entirely missing the parts of the story that would charm and influence your listeners.
She advocated telling a story that showed the broader influence of a climate strategy. For companies who invest in Gold Standard projects, like the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor, this might be communicating new industries created in vulnerable farming communities, or the biodiversity values of the project. If it were an international project in a developing country the human stories around jobs creation, energy, water or sanitation benefits to marginalized communities might be the more powerful.
But Verles cautioned that, as important as storytelling might be to create brand trust, it will not fully influence a customer to invest in a project or company unless it actually makes sound business sense, so communicating the business case of investing in high impact, low carbon interventions is key to 'selling' a company's carbon management message.
Not so long ago sustainable development was considered secondary to the real work of nation building. Increasingly however it is being recognized in global markets as not an optional consideration, but an essential one – a mainstream concept, fast gathering momentum.
Verles recounted a conversation with her predecessor, Michael Schlup, the first CEO of the Gold Standard, who told her:
"when we started back in 2003, people told me: it's nice but this is a side game'. 14 years later, Gold Standard's approach to sustainable development has been copied time and again."
This is borne out by the increasing number of leading corporations willing to pay premiums for high impact offsets that are leading the way in the quantification and certification of climate and sustainable development impacts through the Gold Standard. From Verles' perspective this is as a result, in the main, of the business case for sustainable environmental management.
"It's all about risk management and future proofing your business. Every single business is going to be impacted by climate change, most businesses already are. You're not going to manage the transition by keeping a narrow focus on carbon emissions. This goes beyond carbon. This is about transitioning your business from where it is today to one that is compatible with a 1.5 degree world and the 2030 agenda for sustainable development."
Investing in high impact climate actions can help corporates be recognized and trusted by their stakeholders and to ensure customer and employee retention.
It can inspire investor confidence. Each year, more investors are looking for information from companies on what they are doing to mitigate climate risks, not just to protect against issues like stranded assets but also from exposure to carbon tax or other compliance obligations that are evolving. Analyst tools like ESG ratings are also accelerating around the world, which moves beyond carbon mitigation into assessing what companies are doing to contribute to society's shared goals.
Verles takeaways from the conference were these:
That the story of sustainable development is a powerful lever to unlock climate ambitions, but that this must be coupled with making climate action meaningful and motivational for stakeholders.
That this marks a shift from stories of obligation to inspiration; from telling a customer that they have a responsibility, to showing a customer that by investing in your company, they can change the world.
This turns an impost into something motivational and desirable that can build brand power.
But that beyond brand awareness and trust, or even mitigating shareholder risk, a company investing in carbon mitigation is helping the global community achieve the world we want; the world we need. While this might sound trite, it's proven that more stable, inclusive societies are better for business.
Verles left delegates with a clear message to consider carefully their climate strategies and their motivations with the view to the end game not being the business case alone; but a driver for real stewardship, social change, climate security and sustainable development for all.


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Zingas Zoo Bottle Caps
Scrapbooking Top 50 Australia :: Buy, Swap and Sell :: Top 50 Crafters Market! :: November 2011 :: Zinga Zoo
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Zingas Zoo Bottle Caps
Zingas Zoo bottlecaps
Bottletops 3 per set (image size 1 inch) and topped with epoxy resin cover.
they are all picked randomly and are all 3 for $2.50 AUD. not including postage.
Within Australia, postage is usually $0.60c AUD for 1 set and $1.20AUD for 2 or more within Australia. I dont plan to make money on postage so you will be charged the price it costs me!!!
ok - so here are the bottlecaps ....
Little BirdiesFor a bit more fun... here are the Little Birdies playing in the garden - lots of bright coloured flowers and sweet little birdies.. again they are 3 for $2.50.(AUD)
Big Birdies Range.....these ones are Big Birdies {3 for $2.50(AUD)} and are beautiful colours of chocolate brown with stunning other muted colours such as blue, apricot, yellow and beige. These are a stunning addition to a more traditional page...
Down in the Valley RangeIn the summertime -you might be lucky to meet some of my very sweet new friends.
We did a little photo shoot and their images are now available on the funky bottle caps for you to add to your scrapbook pages, cards, journals or whatever you like.
In your pack you will receive a random batch of three Valley Friends bottle caps to enjoy. It is a random selection, but all of them are way cute!!
Let me introduce them to you....
Vintage Range..
A beautiful selection of aged and "tea stained" vintage labels featuring cloth patches, vintage bottle cap lids and ephemera... for those of us who love vintage!!
You will be given a selection of these picked randomly.
Postage is $0.60 for a set. Happy to combine orders for my products.
PM me with order.. they will be filled in the order they are recieved!!
Thanks for browsing the shelves at Zingas Zoo!!
- Posts : 41
Join date : 2011-08-17
Re: Zingas Zoo Bottle Caps
Love those birds Mel!
Cheers, Sue
You can find me blogging HERE
Re: Zingas Zoo Bottle Caps
Love the valley friends do you accept sucking up to choose the ones we like most for these too??
Re: Zingas Zoo Bottle Caps
Love the Big Bird range
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Out of Hours Unit Friskney All Saints Primary School, Lincs
This new nursery creates a Out of Hours unit facility for parents and children as part of the local community in Friskney. The building provides daycare nursery facilities as well as an extended schools service for the primary school; it includes internal and covered external play areas, kitchen, office, staff and ancillary facilities. It has high levels of insulation and natural ventilation. All spaces have good levels of natural daylight, with roof lighting to the central access and main play space, reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of space.


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For a long time before now, music has been certified and recognized to be effective stress and anxiety reliever. If you are working on taking your mind of certain situations, try music, and your mind will be off them in no time. Music can be used to benefit different experiences such as helping writers focus, helping runners maintain their pace and even assist in mindfulness practices like meditation.
These days, there are a lot of courses, apps and meditation practices, and the only thing they all have in common is music. Meditation music is now being included as a key part of meditation sessions as a way to derive the full benefits of meditation. Initially, meditation music was used to heighten the senses of an individual in a meditated state, and so far, music has proved to be highly beneficial into meditation practice.
Meditation music is scientifically known as psychoacoustics which is the branch of science that studies the effects of sound on an experience. Unlike other types of music, meditation music is specially created to fit specific meditation practices and have maximum effects on the senses as much as possible.
Meditation music gives you the chance to get into your meditation deeper and create another layer of experience. One of the well-known and effective types of music recommended for meditation is the Binaural beats which work with the brain to generate a frequency that aids relaxation.
How does music help with relaxation?
Music helps reduce stress-hormones
According to studies, listening to music helps reduce the levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the hormone that causes anxiety and stress. For instance, in some situations that can make individual feel anxiety such as pregnancy, music has helped keep the stress level low. Some researchers have even discovered that patients who listened to music during a surgical procedure had low cortisol levels, unlike other patients who did not listen to music.
Other than the ability to reduce anxiety and stress levels, music also helps people sleep better. It can be used to cure insomnia and listening to music some minutes before sleeping helps achieve a better sleep pattern.
Music is an effective therapy for the brain.
Music has the power to change the speed of the brainwave thereby creating a brain activity that has a therapeutic effect on the entire body. During meditation, slow rhythmic music can change brain activity to send a person into a trance to help them relax better.
Music triggers the feeling of happiness
Listening to your favorite music can trigger hormones that will make you feel good. Music stimulates the release of dopamine which is responsible for the feelings of excitement and happiness. It is even more effective when the music is new to your ears and senses.
If you would like to introduce music to your meditation sessions, below are some examples of ways you can do this.
- Classical Music: This is soft and smooth music that is suitable for long-term relaxation to ensure total concentration during the meditation session.
- Nature Sounds: This is quite commonly used for meditation purposes. It comprises of different nature sounds from different places, and its outcome is effective, calming and relaxing.
- Gregorian Chanting: This has been in use for so many years, and it helps people focus and retain energy when meditating.
- Primordial Sounds: This is a type of chanting which helps an individual under meditation achieve a mindset and mental state.
Knowing the right type of music to use for your meditation can help you achieve a much-improved state of relaxation and mindfulness.
For more information please call Maggie Pollio – Houston Piano Consultant at 832.594.7267.


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This was my first official week of cooking from Passionate Vegetarian. First up on the menu - Zwiebel Kuchen (German Onion Tart) and Moroccan Carrot Salad. Don't you know my partner decided he is going wheat-free for awhile immediately after I make the decision! Oiy.
My second issue, after reading the recipes (of course, AFTER selecting them!), was that I don't own a food processor and the instructions indicate mixing the pastry dough in one. So, I immediately launched into researching food processors and then decided I've made enough bread in my life that it's unlikely I would totally mess it up by just mixing it by hand. Food processor purchase tabled, for now.
Third challenge- easily remedied- I was short on cumin. Mental note to self - verify quantities of ingredients before beginning the process!
I might be a slow cooker - it took me the better part of Saturday to make both things, of course I had to make the pastry for the tart, too (does this count as three recipes?). I wonder if I'll become more efficient as time goes on. Both recipes were delicious, although I probably could have done a better job making the pastry look nice.
I used the pre-cut carrot chips, instead of grating carrots (maybe when I have a food processor I will try it the other way). I am inclined to try it with the 4 épices seasoning we bought at Caravane Epices in Morocco back in February. We've used it on vegetables in the past and it's delicious. So much so that we'll be ordering more of it in the near future! We also bought their 30 spice blend - Ras Elhanoute. I've used that on one of my favorite grilled tuna steak recipes (see below) instead of cumin. I think that spice blend made it even better than the original recipe!
I started a wine club back in the late 90s in Richmond with a good friend - it was a catalyst for starting LBDC. I barely drank wine at the time, but over the years I've learned quite a bit and been on several wine-influenced vacations. I don't claim to be an expert, but I know what I like. I can generally put together a decent pairing, but I ALWAYS ask at the wine store what they recommend. This time, I got a real winner! Essay from South Africa - a Chenin Blanc with a touch of Viognier - is what they suggested. Not only did it pair very well (recommended with creamy pasta and spicy food), it was only $10 a bottle! I liked it so much I think I would be happy to drink it on the patio sans food.
Ben and I have been trying to use up things in the freezer, so when he saw the leftover buttermilk (why isn't a small container available?) he suggested I choose something to use that up. First thing that comes to mind - biscuits. So, despite his wheat-free commitment, I'll be making Buttermilk-Oatmeal Whole Wheat Rolls with a Salt-Honey Glaze! I think my babysitter will be benefitting from his dietary change!
Cumin Tuna Steaks with Lime Cream and Salsa
Tuna Steaks
Serves 4
4 thick (1 1⁄2 inch) tuna steaks (about 2 lbs total)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons freshly ground cumin (preferably from toasted seeds)
Lime Cream (recipe below)
Mango Salsa (recipe below)
1. Preheat a grass grill to medium-high. Position the grill rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
2. Meanwhile, season the tuna steaks on all sides with salt and pepper to taste. Evenly dust the steaks all over with the cumin, patting it firmly into the fish to encourage it to adhere.
3. When the grill is ready, lightly oil the rack. Lay the steaks on the rack. Cover and grill, turning once, until done to your liking, about 6 minutes total for medium-rare.
4. Transfer steaks to plates. Generously drizzle the lime cream onto and around the steaks. Spoon a generous dollop of salsa alongside each steak.
Lime Cream - Can be made up to a week in advance.
Makes 3⁄4 cup
6 tablespoons sour cream
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove, crushed through a press (optional)
Pinch of salt
1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning, it should be tangy. Refrigerate in a covered container. Return to room temperature before serving.
Mango Salsa - I have bought mango salsa or a fruit salsa at the grocery as an easy alternative!
Makes 3 1⁄2 cups
6 long green chiles such as Anaheim or New Mexican, roasted, steamed, peeled, and chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large, firm but juicy-ripe mango, peeled and cubed
1 large, firm but juicy-ripe tomato (about 12 oz) cored, seeded and coarsely chopped
3⁄4 cup diced onion
1 to 2 fresh jalapenos, stemmed and minced
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3⁄4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients
2. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour to blend the flavors. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro and adjust
the seasoning.
Happy cooking,
Chef Christine, LBDC CEO


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Baked whole soy and strawberry SoyJoy bar
|All Natural
Gluten Free
Real Strawberries
|130 calories
4 grams of protein
3 grams of fiber
|SoyJoy is made with whole soybeans which means the whole bean is used.
retails:$0.99 to $1.29
Baked in Southern California bakery
This is a product that I received in my Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox(http://www.influenster.com/) . I have seen SoyJoy products practically in every store that I have been into. I saw it but never bought it. The word "soy" did not appeal to me very much. I am glad Influenster teamed up with SoyJoy to put this delicious snack bar into the Spring Beauty VoxBox. I ate it before I did 2 classes at the gym. Oh my gosh, it was so good. I liked that I could taste the strawberry in every bite, even the last bite. I liked that it was not crunchy and it did not leave a mess in my car. SoyJoy was just what I needed to keep me going in the gym. You can easily find SoyJoy at Krogers,Wal-Mart,Target and CVS just to name a few.


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Lead by @Sirena
How To Request A Signature,Avatar and/or GFX
We have a form below that you will have to fill out.Please fill it out completely and make sure all links work so we can work on your request.This speeds up the process but please be patient.Sometimes things come up out of our control.NO PIC, NO GFX If you do not supply a picture then we will not work on your request.No exceptions on this.
If your request is not been claimed by one of our GFX Artists by one week please post it again as a reminder.Sometimes we forget or a artist chooses not to take it due to it not being their style or catches their eye.If your request is still not taken by 2 weeks please tag myself (Catacombs) and I will take care of it.
You have the right to reject what the Artist has made for you but please be polite when doing so.We do this because we enjoy it and what to do something nice.
Please thank the Artist that completed your request.You don't have to pay them with AL points unless you want to.Just simply saying thank you will be great.No one likes doing things for someone that can't say thank you.Honestly we are doing this to be nice and the experience.Must have atleast 25 posts in order to request an GFX.If you have under 25 posts please wait.We will not take your request til you reach this.It will be placed on hold til then.The images that you give us should be good quality.If it is too complicated or low quality we will reject it and ask you to provide another.
Please no stealing other people's images.Get permission from the Artist before asking us to work on it.Good places to find renders and stock photos can be found at the following sites:
a) http://planetrenders.net/
b) http://bakarenders.com/renders/
c) https://www.deviantart.com/
d) Google and Yahoo search
Request Form:
GFX Type: (sig, avatar, set, clan banner, userbar, etc.)
Username/Name: (Only add this if you want it in the GFX)
Design: (what do you want it to look like?)
Text: (no more then 7-8 words)
Image(s): (What pictures do you want used?No copyright material unless you have permission from the creator)
Size: (No higher then 300 height x 800 width.You may choose size smaller but not higher.)
Extra: (Anything specific you wanted added on? Emphasis is good here)
Preferred Artist[s]: (Only put a name or more if you have anyone specific that you want to work on your request.A list of our official Artists is listed below.)
Please wait atleast 3 weeks before requesting anything else.If we have time to complete the request before then we will let you know.So please ask if you can before filling out the form. This gives us time to complete other requests.
All finished products will be posted in this thread.Please check back regularly.We will mention you when the request is done and posted.
Username: @Sirena
Samples: Sirena's Creative Exploits
What your talents are: Signature,avatar,wallpaper,YouTube cover art,userbars,banners,Badges/Rewards,GIFs,"out of box" GFX
Style: Various.I love learning and using different styles.
Other: Learning how to work with gifs.I can't always edit.But I do as much as I can each week.I like editing atleast 3-5 edits a week and I can usually keep up with it.
Status: ACTIVE
Username: @xWickedNekox
Samples: My Artsy Stuffles!
What your talents are: Avatars, Signatures (regular & gifs), Banners (big or small), Awards, and Smilies...
Style: A lot of my stuff is either cute or creepy but I'm sure I can do other styles if I tried lol...
Other: All that I ask for is a render of the main subject of your request or mention what/who it is in your request so that I can google a render of it/them... :3
Status: ACTIVE
[CENTER]Username: PharaohAtem
Username: Ran Kami
How To Become An Official AL GFX Artist!
message this only.applying post will not be looked at
You don't have to be an Assistant in order to be an Official GFX Artist.Judge purely on talent.If you get rejected it may not be because of your skill.It could be that we are full and/or there are too many Artist in the same genre.Yes,we do reject people.We do it calmly and respectively,Please act the same if you are rejected.We may accept you at a later time but not if you act poorly the first time.If you get it please act humbly.It isn't nice to gloat.
Application Form:
Samples: [Need to have atleast one.It helps if you submit one in all areas that you are good at. ]
What your talents are: [Blinkies, userbars, animation, etc. List what you are good at and what you are not.]
Style: [Clean and crisp? Grunge? Preppy? etc.]
Other: [Anything else you what the requester to know?Like many how much time or days you can work on requests.Ect.]
If you are to be inactive please message me immediately.This way someone doesn't request you when you are inactive.There is no shame in taking time for yourself but I really do need to be informed.When you return please let me know and I will put you as ACTIVE again.
As of right now there is no payment for being an GFX Artist other then mine and the requester's gratitude.The requester can choose if they want to thank you in AL points or not.This is not expected nor required.All GFX Artist will get a banner in the color scheme of their choosing that says "AL GFX Artist" that they can choose to use in their signature.This may change in the future and we may be able to offer more.
Please contact @Sirena if you have any questions or concerns!
Last edited by PharaohAtem; 09-20-2019 at 08:38 PM.
~*Sirena's Slaves,Loves & Pets*~~THE VAMPIRE KITTY & DARK PRINCESS~***** BEEN ON AL SINCE DECEMBER 2004 *****--------------Overlord Kujo: IRL Best FriendRyn - MY ORIGINAL ACCOUNT/RP ACCOUNT GraceMellody - THE WIFEY & AL'S IDOLQueen LikkleMel: AL's Queen and Goddess *worships her*Stolen by FerefireGraceMellody,Saduka,Ivory: My fellow KittiesUsagi: friend without a neat titleDragonofDojima: I am his Vampire Kitty in the group of Kitties!Fate: Kindred Spirit
~*Other Ways To Contact Me*~DISC0RD: Neko-chan #1911STEAM: Spellbound KittyFETLIFE: BrattyLilWitchSKYPE: SirenaPSN: Catacombs1988 Gaia Online: Dark Kitty SirenaEMAIL/FACEBOOK/NUMBER: Ask Me
I will be active again as an GFX Artist by next week
GFX Type: Award
Username/Name: VG (stands for video games)
Design: whatever kind of background looks best I'll be happy with I"m not picky.
Text: VG
Image(s): I tried to get the smallest pic, if there is a problem let me know.
video game simple award.png
Size: award size.
Preferred Artist[s]: I'm cool with anyone.
These are my AL Friends
Firewolf is Sharla's long time friend
Bender: The COOKIE STEALER
Mistress Karana:
Ceara is an awesome sister
Janista is an awesome friend
Natsura: Salamander-natsu is a good sister
Lillium is awesome (blazing the way with Ponyta!)
[optionl]Kessa is also awesome[/option]
Rukia: Is very cool
SacredDragon: Great friend
MoV: Crazy, but awesome
Arya: The evil planner
Selina: Best Friend
MetalGear Dan: Is my hot baber
Madkeepa: Craziest person on the forum
Priest... So Bamf
Isadro: A crazy, but awesome friend!
Fizz: Likes to mess with the boards
Rukia: A crazy, but awesome friend!
Vee: A buzzing bee with a dangerous sting
Lilith: The romantic
[opiton]RedHat: My man[/option]
Sammi: My Friend
Anni: The Awesome One
Originally Posted by PharaohAtem
GFX Type: Award
Username/Name: VG (stands for video games)
Design: whatever kind of background looks best I'll be happy with I"m not picky.
Text: VG
Image(s): I tried to get the smallest pic, if there is a problem let me know.
video game simple award.png
Size: award size.
Preferred Artist[s]: I'm cool with anyone.
If no one gets to it by Sunday I will do it
GFX Type: Award
Username/Name: VG (stands for video games)
Design: whatever kind of background looks best I'll be happy with I"m not picky.
Text: KH (kindom hearts)
Image(s): I tried to get the smallest pic, if there is a problem let me know.
kindom hearts award.png
Size: award size.
Preferred Artist[s]: I'm cool with anyone.
@PharaohAtem when do you need both badges by?
I might have time tomorrow but if not then Wednesday.
Bigger images are better for making badges.
Hurry, hurry come play with me in RoleplayNation and lets have fun together
I was always told small. *sigh*
If you can't do it tommaroo then Wednesdays fine, I'm not in a hurry really.
I can easily resize it to the size it needs to be but sometimes small isn't good
I'll remember that and try to do larger then.
The Key to making great badges is resolution.
Bigger images can create smaller images with higher resolutions. Resizing isn't an issue. But you cannot give an image better resolution. Instead you need to use filters to mask the lack of resolution.
But it's why low resolution images are choppy when enlarged.
Pretty much everyone has 1K but a 300 to 600 is usually good enough. After all there is a data size limit too.
GFX Type: Set
Username/Name: Ivory
Design: cute, playful etc
Image(s): https://imgur.com/OXe1lvv
Size: Somewhere around my current sig size? or whatever size necessary.
Extra: Have fun with it? ^^
Preferred Artist[s]: I guess @xWickedNekox or @Catacombs ? ^-^
|General Discussion| |AL Radio| |Chatroom|
Set made by xWickedNekox <3
~*~*~*~Ivory's box of toys and trinkets~*~*~*~
Kaze - his pet kitty always <3 *purrs quietly*
Kairi - my pretty princess! <3
lolin - sister from another mister <3
Banri - older brother and journal spam buddy :3
DragonofDojima - guardian dragon spirit! *is protected*
Tanya - overprotective older brother! <3
TheRedWarrior - my ninja warrior cuddle buddy! <3 *cuddles*
[option]I have my very own Moulder's voodoo doll! *brushes hair*
Arya & MoV - My two favorite AL "oldies" <3
Just ask if you'd like to be added!
Need to talk to me? Check here.
Skype: email@example.com
Disc0rd: Stephychan#7538
WhatsApp: Ask for number
Instagram: lady_yukihyo
Originally Posted by Ivory
GFX Type: Set
Username/Name: Ivory
Design: cute, playful etc
Image(s): https://imgur.com/OXe1lvv
Size: Somewhere around my current sig size? or whatever size necessary.
Extra: Have fun with it? ^^
Preferred Artist[s]: I guess @xWickedNekox or @Catacombs ? ^-^
Yes!... That render is adorable... I will start working on it soon... :3
☆Click Here & Join Us In The AL Journals! We Have Cake!☆☆ClanNation Sign-Ups! ~ AL Idol Club Sign ups! ~ Tempest Signups! ~☆My Journal! ~ My Artsy Journal! ~ My Alt Account!☆♡Wicked's Box of Family & Friends!♡ ♡Chadwynn (not a member), The love of My Life! ☆xDracoMalfoyx, My Alt Account! ☆Izzy, My Lovely Sister! ☆AisakaTaiga, My Onii-san In-Law! ☆Chlobo, My Sister In-Law and Servant Forever! ☆Kitty, My Sister In-Law and Fellow Wolf Pack Member! ☆komodoangel, My Sister In-Law and Favorite Cake Goddess! ☆TheRedWarrior, My Ninja Onii-san! ☆Papa Jupiter, My Adopted Son! ☆omfgzergrush, My Adopted Daughter! (This Space for Rent!) ☆Shifty, My Adopted Nephew/Fellow Reindeer Rider! ☆Kyle, My Adopted Nephew! ☆D Va, Reindeer Rider Sister! ☆Ryuji, Unofficial Reindeer Rider Bro/Nephew/Dad! ☆Vespy, Reindeer Rider Bro! ☆Heldawn, My Senshi Dragon and Ghostie bro! ☆Chibi Angel, My Favorite Angel! ☆YukiChan, My Favorite Ninetails! ☆Kuudere Senpai, The Favorite Senpai! ☆Lilblossomcub, My Favorite Wolfy Cub! ☆Jacy, My Magical Mermaid Sister! ☆LikkleMel, My Magical Mermaid Sister! ☆LordSchmee, My Ghostie Bro! ☆Morning Rose - My Lovely Niece! If you want to be in here just ask...
☆Other Ways To Contact Me!☆Disc0rd - xWickedNekox#0310Line - IzzaninjaSkype - xWickedNekox
@PharaohAtem Sorry for the delay for these...
I can take simple requests right now
Still finishing up installing my fonts and Photoshop brushes though.So I am limited to what I can do or it will take a little longer while I do install what I need for it.
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Julia Oldham combines feminism and science through art
Corinne Byrne, Contributor
October 23, 2018
Multimedia artist Julia Oldham spoke to students and staff in the Digitorium in Griffin Hall Thursday about past, present and upcoming projects. Oldham grew up with a physicist for a father who told her bedtime stories about the beginning of the universe. This sparked her desire to blend science and...
Tags: Art, Digitorium, femisim, Griffin Hall, julia oldham, laika, NKU, photos, she-wolves, the loneliest place
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Soar through the skies and create clouds of your own with the aptly named Cloud Series! This awesome lineup of e-Juice is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an explosion of flavor; we're Cirrus!
Every juice in the Cloud Series is a Max VG Blend.
Bottle Size: 30ML
AltoStratus: This smooth, subtle fruity blend gives you a fruity burst with a mild sour finish. Playful yet classy, this flavor will leave you wanting more.
Cirrus: An awakening blend of berries with a cool menthol finish that tantalizes the tongue.
Cumulus: Carrying hints of tropical fruit with a smooth berry finish, Tropical Island relaxation is where this island fruit mixture will take you.
Nimbostratus: Carefully constructed for the most discriminating of tastes this melon mix with a spun sugar finish is subtle and airy, perfect for experienced palette.
Stratus: Calling all cloud chasers, if you like to blow clouds with a fruity, smooth simply elegant mix, this blend of berries and bananas will take you to infinite horizons and beyond.


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LOUISVILLE, KY. - Two Conference Carolinas softball players were named to the 2019 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division II All-Southeast Region team, the association announced Thursday (May 9).
Erskine College and Lees-McRae College each placed one selection on teams. Lees-McRae's Kara Cunningham was named a first team selection, while Erskine's Hannah Houge was named to the second team.
First team and second team selections are now eligible for All-America considerations. Below are the Conference Carolinas selections. Full NFCA release can be read here
2019 NFCA Division II All-Southeast Region Team
First Team
UT - Kara Cunningham, Lees-McRae
Second Team
P - Hannah Houge, Erskine
About NFCA
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play.


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Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker with Bluetooth for $124.99
After the Xiaomi Mi TV Bar was a big flop for Xiaomi fans in Europe, there is now a second Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker from the Chinese manufacturer. Unlike Xiaomi's first TV bar, this one is not equipped with an operating system and should work well with your TV or smartphone.
- Xiaomi Mi TV Audio Bar
- at GearBest for $124.99
Technical specifications
|Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker
|830 x 87 x 72 mm
|1,925 kg
|Bluetooth 4.2, AUX, Toslink, RCA, S / PDIF
|2 x 14 watts
|Frequency range
|6 ohms
Immediately noticeable that the Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker is not intended for distribution outside of China. The accessories include a manual in Chinese, a power supply with CN connector (no adapter included), an S/PDIF cable, as well as dowels and screws.
Compared to the Xiaomi Mi TV Bar, which we have already tested, the new Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker with a weight of 1.925 kg is half as heavy and with the dimensions of 830 x 87 x 72 mm handier than its big brother.
On the back of the speaker, there are two mounting points at a distance of 416 mm to hang the speaker against a wall.
The Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker is overall very well made; it has no material defects or other weaknesses. It is only available in the color combination white/gray. Unfortunately, there is no other version, at least a second variant in black/gray would be desirable.
The driver of the Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker
Behind the chic textile cover, there are a total of four speakers. Two tweeters with a size of 0.75 inches, which have been implemented on the left and right outside and two mid- and low drivers, every 2.5 inches in size. Also, Xiaomi has given his TV Speaker four passive emitters, which should provide for deep and rich bass.
Xiaomi indicates the power of the speaker with 2 x 14 watts, which sounds like little power first. In our experience, the performance of Chinese manufacturers anyway is not a good indicator to make statements about the sound quality.
In the test, the speaker has performed solid overall. Due to the length of the speaker, the drivers are quite far apart. As a result, the sound, in comparison to small Bluetooth speakers such as the JKR KR - 1000, much more spacious.
The four passive radiators develop a good bass, which unfortunately tends to oversteer at very high volume. During regular use, however, you notice nothing of it. If you put the bass about the size of the speaker, there could be more in it. High and mid tones I like, they are clear and in a solid vote to the low tone and scratch not.
Overall, the sound of the Xiaomi Mi TV speaker is good. About the size and the price of the Soundbar I hoped for more. The sound is similar to a JBL Extreme or the Xiaomi Mi Network Speaker, which is much smaller and already available for about 60 €.
Connections - something for every TV!
The Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker is equipped with a variety of connectors. In addition to the standard connections such as AUX and Bluetooth 4.2, the speaker can also be connected via RCA, Toslink or S / PDIF with a TV/receiver.
As already mentioned, unfortunately, only one S/PDIF cable is included in the scope of delivery. If necessary, additional cables must be procured on own account - here Xiaomi was already generous. In addition to the audio connections, the DC power connector is also implemented here. A battery was unfortunately not installed, so the speaker is designed only for stationary use.
Overall, the speaker has seven control buttons. Each playback source has its button, very clear! There is also a volume up or volume down button. Unfortunately, these are not duplicated, so cannot be selected by Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker the previous or next title.
Why Xiaomi has not developed a corresponding remote control for this speaker, which is advertised as a TV Speaker, is a mystery to me. In the test, we connected the soundbar to the TV via Toslink as well as with the included S / PDIF cable. The adjustment of the volume via the TV remote control, unfortunately, did not work with both connection possibilities. Thus, one has no choice but to change the volume each time by pressing a button, a pity!
The new Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker is a TV bar that is also interesting for Xiaomi fans in Europe. Thanks to the versatile connectivity options, the soundbar is in principle compatible with any TV or receiver. An annoying operating system, such as the Xiaomi Mi TV bar, falls away.
Although I like the sound overall, it could have been more in relation to size and price. Especially when you consider that the Xiaomi Mi Network Speaker with a more compact design and around € 30 savings produces a similar sound. As with ever thinner TVs less and less space for internal speakers remains, I lean so far out of the window that the Xiaomi Mi TV Speaker probably still represents a sonic update for almost every flat screen.
Annoying is the fact that there is simply no way to remotely control the soundbar, especially regarding volume but also because of the different connection options. A remote control, like the TaoTronics TT-SK017 Soundbar, could have been in there. Running to the TV to make the sound quieter / louder is pretty 1960 and does not usually look like Xiaomi at all.


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Congratulations to Dick Cvitanich for earning the 2017 Crystal Apple Award from WSPRA. Dick serves as the Superintendent for the Olympia School District. Here is his nomination letter, submitted by Susan Gifford, Director of Communications and Community Relations.
Olympia School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich has spent the past 42 years supporting K-12 public education, including serving as a mentor to other school superintendents, a cheerleader for school public relations, and an advocate for statewide legislation in support of students and staff.
His teaching and administrative career, which comes to a close with his retirement this June, empowered school district colleagues and communities across the state ranging from Sequim, Silverdale, and Shaw Island, to Vashon, Highline, Puyallup and Olympia.
The veteran educator also left a lasting impression in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he served six years as superintendent for a district of nearly 4,000 students. During that time, Cvitanich articulated an instructional and facility vision for the Lake Pend Oreille School District and was nominated as Idaho State Superintendent of the Year.
Cvitanich began his teaching career in 1975 as the K-8 Head Teacher in the Shaw Island School District in Washington. In 1977, he became a sixth-grade teacher at Silverdale Elementary School, followed in 1980 by a two-year role as a middle school English teacher in Sequim.
He quickly moved into administration two years later when he was hired as a middle school principal in the Vashon Island School District. Five years later, he took on the high school principalship in Vashon.
In 1991, Cvitanich joined the Highline School District, first as an elementary principal and three years later as an area administrator. In 2004, he moved to Puyallup as that district's assistant superintendent for teaching and student learning. After two successful years, he went east to Sandpoint, Idaho as the Lake Pend Oreille School District superintendent.
Cvitanich's professional career brought him back to the Evergreen state in 2012 as superintendent of the nearly 10,000-student Olympia School District. Olympia knew they had someone special at the helm when he started his new post with a tour of the schools. Not any tour, mind you. The new leader hopped on his bicycle and rode to schools and through neighborhoods to meet community members, staff and students.
Since that opening bike tour five years ago, he has experienced successful levy and bond proposals, including the 2016 levy and bond election that had record high voter approval rates, among the highest in the state.
He also engaged school parent group (PTA/PTO) leaders through quarterly luncheon meetings; invited religious leaders to meet, share their concerns and address sensitive subjects; hosted a luncheon with retired teachers to educate them about school district initiatives and share ways they could remain connected and involved; and, through an inclusive group process involving parents, staff, students and the community, developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan supporting districtwide instructional improvement.
He rarely misses a school event, reads the WSSDA eClippings daily to stay abreast of statewide issues and opportunities for he or his staff to advocate for students and staff, and participates with numerous community groups, including serving as a longtime Rotary member and a cast member in the annual Olympia School District Education Foundation theatre production.
Cvitanich has demonstrated success throughout his career in school administration, curriculum development and implementation, facility management, personnel selection, fiscal management and instructional improvement.
In his final year as superintendent, Cvitanich has continued to implement and respond to critical issues in K-12 education. This includes the formation and participation with a district equity visioning team, the initiation of an early learning study including input from city officials, the continued support of transgender students and their rights, and a heartfelt message to parents, staff and the Olympia community addressing immigration rights and the belief that our district's role is to create "a safe and positive work environment for all students. All means all."
His kind demeanor, yet firm leadership style, has won the hearts of those who have worked closely with him, as well as those who have met him briefly —parents, business leaders, and others — at a school bond or levy forum, or a strategic plan focus group.
We thank Dick Cvitanich for his more than four decades of service to K-12 public education and appreciate your consideration of him as this year's WSPRA Crystal Apple Award.


text: Theology on Tap Every month join other young adults for food, drinks and friendship as we learn more about the Catholic faith. Theology on Tap takes place in a bar/restaurant setting where we listen to a different speaker each month on a topic related to faith. It is free to attend. You only cover the cost of any food or drinks you order, however, a purchase is not necessary. These events are open to anyone ages 18-35. You do not need to be Catholic. If you are new to the faith, a committed follower of Jesus, or just looking for an evening of intellectual stimulation and meeting people, you are welcome. Feel free to come alone or bring friends. If you are interested in organizing and hosting a Theology on Tap in your area of the Archdiocese of Detroit, click here. Contact Us Office of Young Adult & Campus Ministry Archdiocese of Detroit 12 State St, Detroit, MI 48226 email@example.com (313)237-4647 Facebook Group: Detroit Catholic Young Adults Twitter: @aodyacm Instagram: @detcya Check out our schedule for 2019. Specific topics and speakers for each event will be updated as the event gets closer.


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Transformers : Universe – Under The Hood Episode 2 – Featuring Peter Cullen & Frank Welker
In the run-up to the release of the new Transformers Universe multiplayer online game the folks behind the game are starting to pull out all the stops on marketing. This time, in their second 'Under The Hood' installment, we get a look at the people behind the scenes; including everyone's favorites Peter Cullen & Frank Welker. Enjoy!
Credit – Transformers Universe
Bainreese has been an Admin for the Allspark for nearly 10 years.He considers the Allspark his internet home.When he isn't transforming the latest new Transformer in his collection he likes to run, bike, and paddle.
Latest posts by Scott (see all)
- Additional In-Hand Images of MP-21 Masterpiece Bumblebee – Showing Transformation - October 23, 2014
- Sentinel Co. Ltd. Gigantic Action Scorponok – Gallery - October 21, 2014
- Toyworld D01 Roar – a.k.a. Snarl – Video Review - October 21, 2014


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Browse all Knowledge Base topics »
by James Wilson
Buildings contribute to social sustainability by providing environments that support communities in meeting their social needs. It's generally easy to understand how the design, construction, and operation of buildings affect the environment. A building's energy use or carbon cost, for example, are objective and quantifiable. But the building's impact on social value is often less immediately obvious and harder to measure.
Generally speaking, social value derives from outcomes that have a positive effect on collective quality of life and relates to those things that impact livability—like health and wellness, security and resilience, equity and accessibility. Just as project teams make design decisions based on the impact on energy use or carbon cost, they can also factor impacts on social value into their decisions. At a minimum, a project should strive to do no harm to the existing community. Ideally, the project creates additional positive outcomes for the community.
Published July 9, 2018 Permalink
Client Values
The Big Picture
Social Responsibility
2018 AIA COTE Top Ten Build Community
Climate Justice Heats Up in NYC
Community-Scale Sustainability: Accelerating Change for People and Planet
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Ethnography: A Creative Tool for Human-Centered Design
Is That Drywall "Just"? New Label Aims for Social Equity
Green Design: What's Love Got to Do with It?
Building for People: Integrating Social Justice into Green Design
Future-Proofing Your Building: Designing for Flexibility and Adaptive Reuse
A Wider View of Social Justice


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Saudi oil research center has a 'big data' role to play
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) opened in 2013, but attracted little attention until it released a research study, "OPEC's Impact on Oil Price Volatility: The Role of Spare Capacity," that caught the eye of international media.
That study found that OPEC's spare capacity reduces oil price volatility and generates up to $200 billion of annual economic benefits for the global economy.
Then, in early November this year, details came to light about another study that is considering the possibility of Saudi Arabia withdrawing from OPEC and what the implications of that might be on the global oil market and world economy. The study is being undertaken independently by the center and has attracted considerable attention throughout the energy industry.
The center has confirmed that the study was not commissioned by the Saudi government and OPEC had no comment to make on the research. However, knowledge of the existence of the study came at a crucial time for the global oil market, which depends on Saudi Arabia to keep prices and supplies balanced in order to stabilize the world's economy.
Almost two years ago, I wrote an article entitled, "KAPSARC — A Budget Yet Larger Than the Outcome," which dealt with the disappointment felt after the center was ranked toward the bottom of a list of leading think tanks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the "2016 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report." The center languished in this low position because of the poor quality of its studies, which could not find publication in well-known journals.
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center cost about $2 billion to set up and has a huge annual operational budget. The research center was created with much fanfare, from its headquarters which was given LEED Platinum status by the US Green Building Council to the scientists who were "lured away" from top positions in other countries.
In 2013, an article about the center and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) said: "Top people in the energy universe are moving to Saudi Arabia. It is going to be a developing story." With all the planning and investment that went into launching the research center, there were expectations that it would be in the top tier of the regional think-tank rankings, not the bottom.
Being near the bottom of the rankings has led to talk that it might be a good idea to take advantage of such an elite physical facility and transform the center from a think tank to a consultation center — at least to reap some of its fruits. That would not be best for the Kingdom, however.
Energy data analysis and research requires a certain caliber of qualifications, which already exist in Saudi Arabia. Experienced outside talent is needed to ensure that research is well structured and then conclusions are derived and publicized in ways that add value both locally and globally. Until now, the center still lacks periodic publications. Its research should be at the foundation of global energy analysis, and its Saudi experts should become leading names in the industry.
Saudi Arabia is undertaking huge social and economic reforms while entering a new phase in energy policy. With Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has witnessed remarkable developments in the utilization of technology and the empowerment of local talents. A local think tank carrying out prominent research is needed to provide Saudi Arabia with the knowledge required to ensure that the Kingdom is making the most of its resources. Saudi energy strategy must be data-driven, with local analysis and independent energy intelligence, not based on the capricious nature of global agendas and oil market sentiment that affect oil outlooks, coupled with oil prices that are detached from physical oil market fundamentals.
Surprisingly, not only Saudi Arabia but also the GCC producers lack independent analysis on crude oil markets, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals and shipping. This is a role that the center can easily undertake with Saudi talents who can become experts in the oil industry and real-world global market forces.
The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center will be able to help Saudi Arabia assume a strong role as the leader in the global energy market and it can also earn good revenue in the process.
Faisal Mrza
The Kingdom is the world's largest oil exporter. It makes sense that the center would be an independent organization playing a prominent role in providing periodic publications on market intelligence and insights that are required daily, weekly, monthly, or on ad-hoc request. More than 80 percent of the global oil media is about Saudi Arabia, and most articles and reports come with negative conclusions. The center can contribute so that Saudi Arabia is not only the largest oil exporter and the most reliable oil producer, but also produces the most reliable oil analysis.
The Kingdom is a major refining and petrochemical hub. However, not only Saudi companies in these industries but also other GCC national oil companies, international oil majors, refineries and the regional petrochemical complexes rely on unreliable secondary sources which monopolize data. Such secondary sources take on critical, market-moving roles in outlooks, pricing and strategies.
The center could have the right Saudi talents and systems in-house to handle big data analysis focusing on energy. It is unfathomable that "talking heads" in other locations with little understanding of the intricacies of today's global energy industry are still able to cause massive market swings, simply based on past reputation. While to be credible the center must function independently, at least it would put forward correct information when the world's energy media gets the facts wrong, as they so often do when it comes to the Kingdom's oil policies. This won't be in contradiction with the center's main objectives.
Weak analyses, which are not underpinned by a fact-based foundation, should no longer be able to dictate market fundamentals or market sentiments that weigh heavily on the movement of oil prices. The center will be able to help Saudi Arabia assume a strong role as the leader in the global energy market and it can also earn good revenue in the process. This will encourage it to be financially independent and alleviate its huge budget burden on the Kingdom.
It is natural that there will be more than one research center, many partnerships and considerable cooperation in the global energy industry. But with the Kingdom investing billions of dollars annually to ensure steady upstream projects to meet global energy needs and the future growth in oil demand, it is only fair to ask: "What is the return to Saudi Arabia?" That return is not just financial. It should be reputational, too. The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center must take its place at the heart of Saudi Arabia's reputation in the global energy industry.
- Faisal Mrza is an energy and oil marketing consultant. He was formerly with OPEC and Saudi Aramco. He is the president of #Faisal_Mrza Consulting. Twitter: @faisalmrza


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Today's (12/1/09) New York Times article by John Tierney, "E-Mail Fracas Shows Peril of Trying to Spin Science," points to the self-serving efforts of British climate scientists to block perfectly legitimate requests by other scientists to see the raw climate data on which their public proclamations about man-made global warming were based as well as their "plotting revenge against those who question the dangers of global warming" and planning "retaliation against the journal and the editor" who dared to publish a skeptic's paper.
As any 9th grade science student knows, silencing of other points of view and ad hominem attacks are the opposite of the open debate and access to raw data that is essential to true scientific debate and progress.
But, on World AIDS Day, it's important for us to realize that man-made global warming is not the only sphere where official dogma reigns, or where suppression/misrepresentation of data and alternative viewpoints are practiced.
Consider the suppression by leading journals and UNAIDS of reports and articles by researchers like Ted Green and Norman Hearst showing that the condom strategy for reducing the spread of AIDS in generalized epidemics such as exist in sub-Saharan Africa was failing and that the ABc approach emphasizing abstinence for youth and monogamy/partner reduction among the sexually active was having lifesaving success in reducing the prevalence of HIV infections in Uganda by two thirds (from 15% to 5%). The stubborn and blind refusal to consider a new approach because of political or ideological agendas in the U.S. and at the United Nations has contributed to the deaths of millions of Africans.
The recent CDC report "Group-based Interventions to Prevent Adolescent Pregnancy, HIV, and Other STDs," which stated the effectiveness of programs that include condom instruction, is another example of agenda-driven science, released just in time to affect proposals in Congress to cut funding for abstinence education programs and to shift it to "evidence-based" programs that promote condom use.
The CDC refuses to release the underlying statistics for public scrutiny by other scientists. Sound familiar?
In the supposedly open and democratic West, which prides itself on basing public policy on evidence, reason and legitimate science, that shouldn't be acceptable, but most of the media docilely accepts pronouncements from experts whose proclamations we are supposed to accept on faith. Shame on the "scientific priesthood," shame on much of the media and shame on us for allowing unexamined claims and half-truths to endanger the physical and emotional health and lives of youth in this country and around the world.
Richard Panzer, Ph.D.
Moderator and Director
Free Teens USA


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- Fonds
- [1993] – 2017
The Barbara Cook fonds includes the following series: an Alumni questionnaire [1993]; Dance Collection Dance article (2015); and obituary and funeral service bulletin (2017).
6 results with digital objects Show results with digital objects
The Barbara Cook fonds includes the following series: an Alumni questionnaire [1993]; Dance Collection Dance article (2015); and obituary and funeral service bulletin (2017).
The Viola Busday Robertson fonds includes the following series: souvenir programme (1952); scrapbooks (1941-1993); Canadian International Trade Fair (1948); biographical information (1943-2017); Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (1943-1990);...
The Harrison James fonds includes the following series: newspaper and magazine articles (2011- 2017); Dance Downtown (2011); and a photograph (2011).
The Peter Lancksweerdt fonds includes a newspaper article (2017).
Lancksweerdt, Peter
Binscarth Knox United Church fonds
The records of Knox United Church held at the conference archives include: Sacramental Registers (1946-1972); Membership Rolls and records of the Session (1900-1978); records of the Official Board (1918-1955); records of the Annual Congregational ...
Binscarth Knox United Church
The Evelyn Hart fonds includes the following series: biographies; newspaper articles (1980-2017); competitions (1980-1991); awards (1982-2007); Royal Winnipeg Ballet reviews (1977-2005); publicity and schedules (1974-2005); International Dictiona...
The Mary Jo Purves fonds includes an obituary (2017).
Digital video recordings and group release forms of the C2C: Two Spirit and Queer People of Colour Call to Conversation with LGBT and Allies conference sessions held October 20-22, 2017 at the University of Winnipeg.
Kindzierski, Amanda
The Max Wyman fonds includes the following series: resume (1987); newspaper articles (1998-2003); reviews (1988 - 1990),correspondence (1979); Revealing Dance promotional material (2001); biographical information [2017]; and records of the Max Wym...
Fonds reflects Dr. Young's career as an academic historian. In that role, he taught and lectured as a professor, both at the University of Winnipeg, as well as academic conferences or lecture series. He published a breadth of scholarly literature...
Young, Robert


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My research focuses on learning, control, and optimization methods with applications to cyber-physical human systems such as smart buildings, smart grids, and urban systems. See see my publications.
New paper on cybersecurity for power grid "Boundary Defense against Cyber Threat for Power System Operation".Jul 2019
Paper to appear in Proc. 58th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control "Towards Robust and Scalable Power System State Estimation".May 2019
New paper on robust graph convolutional network "Power up! Robust Graph Convolutional Network against Evasion Attacks based on Graph Powering".Feb 2019
New paper on power system state estimation "Scalable and robust state estimation from abundant but untrusted data".Oct 2018
New paper on stability certfied reinforcement learning "Stability-certified reinforcement learning: a control-theoretic perspective".Aug 2018
Presentations at the International Conference on Applied Energy: "BISCUIT: Building Intelligent System Customer Investment Tools" (paper | slides) and "Advanced Building Control via Deep Reinforcement Learning" (paper).Jul 2018
Presentation at the 23rd International Symposium on Mathematical Programming, Bordeaux, France: "Vulnerability analysis and robustification of power grid state estimation" (slides).Jun 2018
New paper on power system vulnerability analysis "Power Grid AC-based State Estimation: Vulnerability Analysis Against Cyber Attacks" accepted in IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control.Mar 2018
New paper to guarantee safety of smooth RL in real-world systems like power grids: "Control-theoretic analysis of smoothness for stability-certified reinforcement learning."


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Proving that death and jail time won't stop that entrepreneurial spirit, two friends of Michael Vick are borrowing the formerly imprisoned NFL star's jersey number for the name of a new sports-themed restaurant in Lynchburg.
The restaurant -- simply named "7" -- is scheduled to open for business on Friday. No word on whether the menu will include a signature sandwich -- hot dogs served on a PETA.
The two friends opening the restaurant are Andre Kendrick and Marcus Revely. Kendrick is Vick's former Virginia Tech teammate.
While Vick has no financial stake in the restaurant, Kendrick said the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback will make an appearance in Lynchburg and the restaurant sometime next month.
"This is not his establishment," Kendrick told The News & Advance in Lynchburg. "All I want to do is bring this guy in for a good cause and talk to the kids."
Right, because naming your restaurant after him will do wonders for kids throughout Lynchburg, showing them that even if you receive prison time for bankrolling and participating in a dogfighting ring, people will still crave your attention and want to make money off of your name.
At least it should make for a great episode of his new reality series on BET.


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Sunday, September 19, 2010
Probably More Than You Want To Know, But I'm Going To Share Anyway
I was all excited as we entered Walmart. That's right, Walmart. You see, I was never able to buy a "cheap" bra at Walmart. Heck, I couldn't buy an expensive bra there, either. They didn't carry my huge size. I always had to go to the department stores in the mall, where the sales ladies would look at me like I was a freak. (If you are a big girl who doesn't wear expensive clothes and you have to shop in a department store, you know the looks I am talking about) Anyway, I headed to the bras, and was overwhelmed by the selection. My only problem was, I had no idea what size to start with. I know I am pretty big around, but I have no idea what cup size, so I grabbed a bunch of different sizes and styles and headed for the fitting room.
Not one of them fit right.
The first one I tried on wasn't thick enough under the arms. When I had my surgery, they cut me from under one arm to under the other arm. My skin kind of comes to a point now under each arm, and the thin straps were not comfortable. They didn't cover enough and cut right into that skin. So, off that one went and I tried the next one. The cups were too big. It was a "C". The next one was a "B", and the cups were fine, but the same thing was wrong with the side part. And the same thing was wrong with all of the rest I had in there.
My excitement quickly turned to frustration when I realized that I wouldn't find a bra that fit properly. Resigned, I headed over to the sports bras, and still didn't find any that I liked. Of course, they didn't have the style I am currently wearing, and they are really comfortable. I guess I'll have to make a trip to the mall and deal with the stares as I try to find a bra that will fit properly.
I am not looking forward to that at all...
6 comments:
- Dawn said...
Well, damn !! I am having the same problem you are having because I have already been to Walmart. So, stinking frustrating !!!! My first post-op, his assistant suggested Kohl's or Target. Do you have one of those ? Also, she mentioned Lane Bryant. But, I haven't tried any on yet. I go back a week from tomorrow ! I just can't wait !!!! I am tired of sleeping, eating and living in my compression bra. I also can't wait to sleep on my side !! I am NOT going to tell you to hang in there or anything, because I know it will be frustrating, too !! I will let you know what I find when I start looking!
- September 20, 2010 at 11:04 AM
- Crystal said...
To Jenn and Dawn, I got my sports bra at Academy. A lil pricey but so worth it! Zips up the front and the shoulder's,sides are thick and not small straps. When I went to look for reg bra's I found LOTS at Kohls on the clearance wrap for DIRT CHEAP!!!! I love Kohl's!!!
- September 20, 2010 at 3:38 PM
- jenn said...
Dawn ~ my goal was to buy a cheap bra, just because I have never been able to before. I am resigned to just waiting until we get our taxes back next year to go looking again, that way I have some extra money to spend.
I hope you find some that fit. Let me know if you do!
- September 21, 2010 at 11:00 AM
- jenn said...
Crystal ~ they ZIP? And comfortable? I've never seen any that zip before, but then again, I have only shopped for fishing supplies at our Academy, lol! I know we have a Kohl's around here somewhere, though I don't think I've ever been in it. I'll keep that in mind the next time I go bra hunting.
- September 21, 2010 at 11:01 AM
- Staci said...
I'm a C to a D cup based on brand, and I've never had luck with Walmart or Target bras. There's no uniformity to the sizing, even in the same brand. I've just resigned myself to the fact that I have to go the JCPenney's or Belk's, spend an hour trying on $30 bras, and end up buying one or two because I can't afford more and wear it until it falls apart. I've also resigned myself to the fact that they never seem to fit the same when you get home. In other words, bra buying is the worst, no matter what your size.
- September 26, 2010 at 7:21 PM
- jenn said...
Staci ~ before my reduction, I was the same way, and it sucked. Now that I am a B cup, I really want to buy some "cheap" bras, and it's frustrating trying to find the right ones. I haven't looked at Target yet...but I have a feeling I won't have any luck there, either.
- October 3, 2010 at 4:54 PM


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Françoise Appoline GaboritAge: 58 years1808–1866
- Name
- Françoise Appoline Gaborit
- Given names
- Françoise Appoline
- Surname
- Gaborit
| January 25, 1808
|Historical Event
War of 1812between 1812 and 1815 (Age 3 years)
Note: War of 1812 between the Americans and the British. The Creek (or Red Stick) War in Alabama had different origins, but it coincided with the war of 1812, and the U.S. treated it as a part of the larger war, with Jackson and his forces also in charge of defeating the Creeks - http://goo.gl/cu6BNB
|Historical Event
Trail of Tearsbetween 1830 and 1830 (Age 21 years)
Note: The Trail of Tears is a name given to the ethnic cleansing and forced relocation of Native American nations from southeastern parts of the United States following the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The removal included many members of the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, among others in the United States, from their homelands to Indian Territory in eastern sections of the present-day state of Oklahoma. The phrase originated from a description of the removal of the Choctaw Nation in 1831. In 1831 the Choctaw were the first to be removed, and they became the model for all other removals. After the Choctaw, the Seminole were removed in 1832, the Creek in 1834, then the Chickasaw in 1837, and finally the Cherokee in 1838. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears
|Jean Guédon — View this family
Type: Religious marriageJune 22, 1832 (Age 24 years)
|Historical Event
Cholera Epidemic1832 (Age 23 years)
Note: Cholera killed 4,340 people in New Orleans & over 3,000 in New York City - http://goo.gl/0602J7
|Historical Event
The Texas Revolutionbetween October 1835 and April 1836 (Age 27 years)
Note: The Texas Revolution (or Texas War of Independence) was fought from October 2, 1835 to April 21, 1836 between Mexico and the Texas (Tejas) portion of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The Texas Revolution erupted in 1836, after Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Mexico responded by invading Texas, where General Santa Anna won decisive victories in the battles of the Alamo and Goliad. The war ended at the Battle of San Jacinto (about 20 miles) east of modern day downtown Houston) where General Sam Houston led the Texas Army to victory in 18 minutes over a portion of the Mexican Army under Santa Anna, who was captured shortly after the battle. The conclusion of the war resulted in the creation of the Republic of Texas - http://goo.gl/4B84q9
| Birth of a son
|Jacques Guédon
February 23, 1842 (Age 34 years)
| Birth of a son
|Hubert Guédon
calculated 1843 (Age 34 years)
|Historical Event
Mexican-American Warfrom 1846 to 1848 (Age 37 years)
Note: The Mexican-American War was an armed conflict between the United States of America and the United Mexican States from 1846 to 1848 in the wake of the 1845 U.S. annexation of Texas, which Mexico considered part of its territory despite the 1836 Texas Revolution - http://goo.gl/dGxJ1k
|Historical Event
Influenza Epidemicbetween 1857 and 1859 (Age 48 years)
Note: In 1857-1859, there was an extremely severe worldwide outbreak of influenza - http://goo.gl/XVwD6F
|Historical Event
American Civil Warbetween April 1861 and May 1865 (Age 53 years)
Note: In the spring of 1861, tensions between the northern and southern United States over issues including state's right versus federal authority, westward expansion and slavery exploded into the American Civil War - http://goo.gl/ETtxkC
| August 15, 1866 (Age 58 years)
|Family with Jean Guédon
Jean Guédon
Françoise Appoline Gaborit
Birth: January 25, 1808 — Moncoutant, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes
Death: August 15, 1866
Marriage: June 22, 1832 —
10 yearsson
Jacques Guédon
Birth: February 23, 1842 34 — Cirières, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes
22 monthsson
Hubert Guédon
Birth: calculated 1843 34
- Generation 1
Françoise Appoline Gaborit was born on January 25, 1808 in Moncoutant, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes and died on August 15, 1866 at the age of 58. She married Jean Guédon on June 22, 1832.
Children of Françoise Appoline Gaborit and Jean Guédon:
- Jacques Guédon (1842–)
- Hubert Guédon (1843–)
- Generation 2back to top
Jacques Guédon, charpentier, son of Jean Guédon and Françoise Appoline Gaborit, was born on February 23, 1842 in Cirières, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes. He married Marie Maupilier, daughter of Louis Monpillier and Louise Guérit, on November 26, 1867 in Le Pin, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes. She was baptized on October 18, 1845 in Le Pin, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes.
Children of Jacques Guédon and Marie Maupilier:
- Léontine Marie Louise Guédon (1873–1877)
Hubert Guédon, tisserand (in 1867), son of Jean Guédon and Françoise Appoline Gaborit, was born calculated 1843.
- Generation 3back to top
Léontine Marie Louise Guédon, daughter of Jacques Guédon and Marie Maupilier, was born calculated 1873 in Le Pin, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes and died on July 1, 1877 in Cerizay, Deux-Sèvres, Poitou-Charentes.