text:
Netanyahu Asks for 'Red Line' on Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Thursday that Iran will have enough enriched uranium to make a nuclear bomb by next summer and urged the world the draw a clear "red line" to stop it in its tracks. Eduardo Kaplan has details on The News Hub. (Photo: AP)
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... the the ... the Lonski clinic ... the first day ... the many years ... but the completed a ... seventy percent of the way that ... another well into the second stitch ... and ... by next spring at most by next summer ... that could Enrich Madrid's ... newly finished ... the medium enrichment ... and move on to the final stage ... from there it's only a few months possibly a few weeks ... before they get enough enriched uranium ... for the first bomb ... some Benjamin Netanyahu Israel's prime menace to listen to and the United Nations' ... time the world how he sees a raid on a new RAM and a possible nuclear bomb while back and long ... right here right now on the New Saab good afternoon and welcome I'm Simon Constable ... with all ... unwanted Kaplan of the front desk at ... joining us to explain what was going on that I was a remarkable no longer the map this whole space that is making using that for all these explaining the way he sees it ... aam this has been a warrior distrustful long time ... yes the house and they have been publicly stating ... I'm demanding that the US in the West help out and stopping ... on Iran smokers missions ... Israel has been more vocal perhaps and ... other neighbors in the region of Badu ... heroes no conditions what is remarkable here is the on the use of the probe which is highly unusual ... aam ... is the fact that perhaps the ... baby in this case Mr ... Opinion who rather ... is is it as as as much as he has been saying that this is an urgent matter ... he said that he feels that he at least Israel feels that Iran may have nuclear capability by next summer which pushes the open the line a little bit I mean is it he's also sang about a dreadful line needs to be drawn to tell ... inland that they cannot have a new t ball nice to score ... red lines to meet a warm little red lines prevent war almond continues nothing could imperil the wild woman in U K on it why and ... what does he mean by a red line is that ... I mean the design saying you know the the West is can it do something to manage the troika of some of its engine echoes of all of the first President Bush's speech about the line in the sand mean in ... H W Bush ... ear and indeed it's it's it's not can perhaps to to say OK this is ... the youngest going to ... any other tends to stall ... Iran may be meant ... we've ... had a nuclear device because by then ... they run will be on and what will be ... capable ... of developing mobile to we have any of the reactions yet from from the U S from our allies in Europe in a sour allies nominal on this I mean several signing and saying ... yes with that with the war is a bit of a silence ... we haven't heard anything yet that has been reported as you know very well there is ... of what officials are gathering of the UN General Assembly right now on this a lot of meetings on the sidelines ... there's been some debate on the silence about Iran ... we haven't heard anything specific that ... we have heard that prison Obama was going to have ... a phone conference with Mr and that they know who in the next hour or so ... we haven't heard any new details from and I mean is that this is I'm one amended ... its relevance to today us really did say is historically back to Israel since its its its founding an ... aside it many times that it will stand up to but Walker Passi says the US have two hands on a warm and we we seem to be spent up and tons of money right ... absolutely and ... the U S The said repeated the southern on a hundred percent sure that this is necessary ... and that sections of what that that there's an interesting report today publish an Israeli media suggesting that the runs auctions have actually worked into tearing ... on Iran's nuclear ambitions ... soul ... it's interesting that ... while at the same token ... you ... Israel's prime minister is demanding a red line of government reports Mistral suggests that the sanctions have been working which is sort of ... the status of the Obama nutrition has been taking a twelveth assumptions ... Wells will have had an


text:
S: Jessi and Brad - October 1, 2011
BC: October 1, 2011
FC: Jessi and Brad October 1, 2011 Evergreen Park
1: About 370 attended the outdoor ceremony and tent reception at Evergreen Park. It had rained all day Friday; we had the rehearsal in the tent! But Saturday was crisp and clear...but a bit windy.
2: All this preparation... | Jen and Jessi gather wild grapes; an unexpected treat! I made grape juice from them and used it at communion. | Dad built the barnwood wall with old doors from the Lorencz farmstead the Saturday before the wedding...it was a beautiful day!
3: ...became all this ceremony!
4: The Outdoor Sanctuary at Evergreen Park along the Cass River. | Brady waits for guests, then for his turn to walk down the aisle.
5: The girls got ready at Aunt Beth's... ...and then hid in the fifth-wheel we borrowed from Dale Yoder.
6: Andrew Martin escorts the mother of the bride to her seat and the ceremony begins!
7: Madison Krohn, Tessa Severance, the flower girl, and Jelena Prescott. | Justin with Jelena and Madison, the two junior bridesmaids.
8: The Wedding Party | Bouquets were made of baby's breath and yellow mums. | Two new brothers...worked to create the sanctuary!
9: Ben and Whitney, Preston and Becky, Dustin and Rochelle, Jarod and Emily, Kyle and Megan... | Jessi made the boutonnières.
10: Sean and Katie
11: After Katie and Sean, Brad and then Tessa, we all waited as the old doors were closed and the bell rang 6 times. In days long gone, the 6 tolls proclaimed the death of a woman...at this point Jessi Essian is left behind and a new woman enters the opened doors...soon to be Jessi Lynn Severance!
12: The old doors open after the bell tolls revealing Dad and daughter ready to walk the aisle to a new future.
14: Pastor John presided wonderfully over the ceremony, sharing mightily the message of Jesus! The newly wed couple shared communion as happy onlookers listened to Emily and Katie belt out a touching rendition of "The Revelation Song" Randy Brown provided musical accompaniment, while Ryan Badgerow supervised the sound. | OK, it was a bit chilly and windy...we huddled during the ceremony.
15: Jessi's dress belonged to Deb Severance, who allowed her to alter it from the original design
16: They sang so beautifully.
17: Like the sign says, this is the Ceremony
20: Above right, Randy and Deb Severance with Sean and the newlyweds. Right, Art and Janet Severance, the grandparents with the new Mr. and Mrs. Brad Severance.
21: The Essians and the Severances.
30: All this preparation...
31: ...became all this celebration!
32: Mr. and Mrs. Brad Severance's first dance. | Daddy daughter dance.
33: Our dear friends, Rod and Lydia Kosovich. | THE COUSINS (in order)...Jennifer, Justin, Jessi, Katie and Angela.
34: Our darling dear Dusko with Danijela and Marija. Katie brings the house down with her toast. Auntie Donna, the Bride and Katie. Kyle Reif toasts the groom.
35: Pastor John ensures the marriage license is properly signed.
36: Pat, Justin and Aaron
37: The dessert table laden with Brad's Great Gramma's Carrot Cake, Jessi's Great Gramma's Chocolate Pistachio Cake, Cotton Candy, Caramel Apples, and other homemade goodies. | Mother of the Bride and MargaretGunden.. | Grampa Takacs and Justin
38: The next to be wed... Angela and Jeffrey. | Jennifer, Donna and Garry. Below is our Jen Essian holding Lana Nicole. Johnny and Livia near the page bottom.
39: The Beginning

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Open Bow with seating area to enjoy the ride and sun
Comfortable aft seating under the canopy for those who need a shade.
The remarkable "Rose"is not only big on fun, but big on space as well. A confortable bowrider ,built for chartering people who wants to have maximum for their money .
This boat is bound to accommodate friends and family with plenty of room to spare. Try the U-shaped layout with the swiveling captain's chairs for the utmost in cockpit comfort. Security is one of many feature the Regal 2700 ES will offers.. If you're looking to take weekend outings to the next level and be pampered every step of the way, the Regal 2700 ES is your ticket to the big show. We do half day & full day


text:
Entertainment that leaves people wanting more…
Did you ever hear one of the attendees leave one of your corporate events saying, "wow…that was amazing!"
I've been fortunate enough to have event planners tell me that is exactly what they've heard people say, and honestly, they've said it themselves.But how do you get to that point? How do you create a corporate event that leaves people "wowed?" For me, it's a collaborative process with the client.
I'll create that one special song, or develop that one memorable moment or special entertainment experience that has people clapping their hands and tapping their feet.
Whatever the event, I'll create customized songs that fit in with a strong brand presence, or key elements of a new product launch or trade show theme, or find a way to honor that someone special.
When you hire me, here's what you get: a seasoned professional who has built a reputation of making events an overwhelming success, filled with lasting memories for everyone.
Isn't that what you want when hiring a lead entertainer?
Of course it is. And I know corporate entertainment! It's a unique niche, and it's what I specialize in!
I work hand-in-hand with you to make sure the content, the music and the comedy is in line with your goals, your company and your audience.
There'll be no surprises, no red flags, no questionable content – nothing that will embarrass you or anyone in your company.
Once we decide on "the line," I won't cross it. So you can rest assured that everything will go according to the plan we develop together.
Sound like the professional entertainment you're looking for?
Let's talk about it!
I encourage you to give me a call at 773-527-7417. I'm here to answer any questions you may have, discuss the process or check available dates.


text:
Welcome on the associations' portal
The city of Luxembourg developed an online platform corresponding to an agenda exclusively dedicated to manifestations and events offered by the associations of the city of Luxembourg.
|Vie associative
The city council contributes to the establishment of a new communication platform for the associations and takes actively part in a renewed dynamism of the neighborhoods. The citizens can check the activities of the associations in their district and the ones in other districts of the city.
Services for the associations
- Registration of all associations on a single portal
- Individual management of advertisements and events
- Easy contact with the citizens
- Free promotion
- Clear view of all the events in one click
Register your association at the portal
Register your association. Your registration will be validated in the next days by one the administrators. You will receive a mail when your account is activated.


text:
brookelyn needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 42 designs submitted by 23 freelance designers.
Looking for a sleek, HIGH FASHION, flexible logo for our online store. We sell mostly high end designer shoes, but also handbags, clothing, and accessories so the logo should be versatile.
Tagline suggestions welcome
Desired Color Scheme:
Open to suggestions, but geared towards women shoppers. Black/Greys, Blues/Teals, Pinks/Magentas, Purples/Eggplant, Silver, Gold
Desired Style:
Sleek, Flexible, Bold, Couture, High Fashion, Designer, Sophisticated, Chic, Sexy
Accepted File Formats:
We sell women's shoes from designers including Gucci, Prada, Manolo Blahnik, Fendi, Chanel, etc. We also occasionally sell handbags, jewelry, and clothing. Our company name is BE-LUXE but the logo does not have to include the dash as long as BE and Luxe are distinguished as two words. BE are the initials of the owner of the company. We would like to logo to be very sleek, yet make an impact. Average sale is $600 so please keep this level of customer in mind.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
READING: Hosea 13
". . . then they forgot me."
Hosea 13:6
God brought His people out of Egypt in a dramatic way, and that story became central to Hebrew history. God had cared for them in the wilderness. He had provided all they would ever need. He judged them when necessary, but He also graciously kept them in His hand. Still, something happened in the midst of their receiving God's blessings: "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me" (Hos. 13:6). In their satisfaction with the blessings of God, they somehow became arrogant. Prosperity led them to self-centeredness, and their pride led them to forget God.
Seemingly, their blessings – blessings that came from the hand of God – became more important to them than the God who made it all possible. They had "stuff" – and who needs God when you have sufficient stuff?
I've seen it happen in my ministry, too. The homeless man who became a believer, got his first job in years – and promptly forgot God when it seemed he no longer needed Him. The faithful college student who pulled out of church as he sought to build his career. The committed family whose church service disappeared as they rose in economic status. Even the pastor friend whose walk with God became far less intimate as he grew in popularity and climbed his denominational ladder. In all these cases, they accepted God's blessings – but then allowed those blessings to hinder their walk with God. They forgot Him even as they received from Him.
Whether we want to admit it, we're all susceptible to this tendency.
- Determine if you're allowing the blessings of God to lead you into forgetting Him. If so, confess and repent.
- Thank God for your blessings – but spend much of your time thanking Him for His Son.
PRAYER: "God, thank You for the way you've blessed and satisfied me. Let all my satisfaction be found in Christ. "
TOMORROW'S READING: Isaiah 5-8


text:
Russ' Vintage Iron
Clean Your (Planter) Plate!
One of my uncles, after a long career in various roles in the dairy industry, decided to get into the antique business in his "retirement" years. I suppose this was a result of him attending farm/household auctions over a lifetime and always wheelin' and dealin' on items.
He rented a spot in local existing antique business before purchasing an antique/pawn shop in the his adopted hometown of Decatur, Nebraska, right along the banks of the Missouri River in the northeastern part of the state. If you are ever there, his shop is right on the main street; you can't really miss it.
One day he called my dad, his younger brother, and asked him if he had any old planter plates as he wanted to buy them and then sell them in his shop. I guess there must be some demand for them in the antique biz, perhaps as home decorations.
We have MANY planter plates in several bundles hanging on the wall in our one machine shed. There are old ones and newer ones and even metal ones and plastic ones.
My knowledge of planter plates and plate-type planters in general is fairly limited but I do know the plates were placed in the row unit and metered the correct amount of seed dependent upon the size of the seed. I remember many discussions between my dad and a different uncle about flats, rounds, large and small seeds to plant.
I never really studied all the plates but I would guess some of the metal ones are older International plates while others are John Deere. My grandpa bought a new Farmall M and had various IHC implements to go with it, including a planter.
He purchased these items toward the end of World War II and farm equipment was rationed, as nearly everything was during the war. The story goes he only got the yellow-painted tractor because his brother had a sandpit business and only he could buy it.
The IHC implements he bought for the M were purchased later on the so-called "farm equipment black market" from a neighboring town because there was no new implements available for farmers at the time because of rationing. How scandalous!
I know he also owned a John Deere two-row, loose-ground lister from probably the 1950s as we still use it to plant our sweet corn most every year. During the 1950s/1960s he probably had a few John Deere planters but I couldn't tell you the models.
I do remember my dad and uncle having a 494 or 494A planter in the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. I remember the distinct round seed boxes and they may have even had a couple of these planters.
Then they bought a John Deere 1240 planter on a farm equipment auction in the mid-1980s. I would have to ask my dad for sure, but I am pretty sure that 1240 was not a plate-type planter but instead it had the finger pickup planting mechanism. For me as a 10-year-old kid, the most obvious difference between the 494 and the 1240 was the newer planter had rectangle-shaped seed boxes.
The planter plates outlived all of these old planters -- well minus the two-row lister. The old IHC planter was probably gone long before me and the old 494 and 1240 planters were cut up for scrap iron many years ago.
Incidentally, I googled 494/1240 planters while researching this column and I found a site that had several 1240 planters for sale, including one for $2,300 although most were closer to $500 to $600. I guess we shouldn't have taken the torch to the old planters.
I don't know much about the other types of planters during this time but I would guess other manufacturers also utilized the planter plate during the mid-twentieth century. What was your last plate-type planter?
If you have any knowledge about planter plates and/or stories about using these vintage machines, please call, email or drop me a letter. I will run your stories in future columns.
Happy planting!
© Copyright 2016 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.


text:
Having an attested Will notarized is not a statutory prerequisite to it's validity.
Rather, to be valid, it must be in writing, signed by the Testator, or another person at his direction and in his presence, and attested in his presence by at least two credible witnesses over the age of 14.
If an attested Will is simply notarized but not signed by two credible witnesses over the age of 14, it will be invalid, regardless of whether it is notarized.
A testator has the option of adding a self-proving affidavit to the Will. A self-proving affidavit is signed by the person making the Will and two witnesses before a notary public.
When a Will is probated, the self-proving affidavit substitutes for in-court testimony of witnesses as to the validity of the Will, which saves considerable time and expense. However, the absence of a self-proving affidavit does not invalidate the Will


text:
MCC-Longview welcomes Karen Goos to the position of dean of student development. Goos formerly served as the associate dean of student development at MCC-Blue River where she provided overall leadership and direction to the campus community involving all student development areas to maximize student learning and development. She has worked for MCC for over seven years, serving as registrar for Blue River, enrollment services manager for all five MCC campuses and college relations coordinator at MCC-Maple Woods.
"We are very excited about Karen joining our administrative team at Longview," says MCC-Longview President Fred Grogan. "Karen brings to us extensive experience in student development at MCC, having held positions at two campuses and the administrative center. Most importantly, Karen is clearly dedicated to student success, is bright and articulate, and eager to make a difference for our students."
Goos is a graduate of Doane College with a bachelor of arts in elementary and middle school education and holds a master of science from University of Central Missouri in exercise science. She intends to use her background to provide opportunities for a diverse student population to be involved in campus in a variety of activities. She believes that keeping students healthy and involved will keep them on campus and in school. "Involved students increase retention and completion rates," says Goos. Her confident statement hails from experience. Goos has overseen academic progress in former positions with three Midwestern college track teams.
Getting to know the staff and learning about Longview will be Goos' top priority in the first few months in her new position. "The staff and I will then be able to work as a team to tackle issues that arise," Goos remarked.
Higher education is clearly important to Goos, as she continues to pursue her own. Currently working on a doctorate from University of Missouri in educational leadership and policy analysis, she says she was inspired by her students at Maple Woods. She saw many of them attending classes while working full-time and having families. "If they can do this, so can I," Goos states.
Her doctoral work involves studying peer mentoring and how it improves student completion. She has done case studies of community colleges that do peer mentoring and has found it to be a high impact area affecting student involvement. Goos intends to bring those best practices to MCC.
Longview will welcome Goos to the campus with a reception in the President's Conference Room in the Campus Center on Thursday, Oct. 11, 1-2:30 p.m.


text:
January 24,2005
It seems like it has been forever. Today I spent the
last five hours getting this darn webpage up and running...no easy feat.. I had to re add most of my pics to the site and
let me tell you there is a lot here. It was three years ago next week that I started this site.
All is well with my family. John is thriving in Vermont
and Kara is thriving in New Orleans. I guess I am getting used to just being me and Ed again. I know that when
we are raising our children our goal is to make them, kind responsible adults who can find their way in this world.
Well that is exactly what happened here. I have two great kids doing their own things and doing them well. Then
how is it that there is a part of me that is sad?
This may seem like a rerun but I am still struggling and
still plugging away with my weight. The other day Ed and I were looking at some old pictures and I had really forgotten
what I had looked like back then. So below is what I looked like 4 years ago and now. This makes me realize
it is worth the struggle.


text:
"The energy work Elfi administers has the profound capacity to nourish the soul, creating a feeling of spiritual and physical bliss. Each session I've had with her feels like a complete release and leaves my body feeling more at ease, peaceful and aligned than I ever knew was possible." – AB
After more than 30 years as a Shiatsu Therapist and Teacher, Elfi Six is still intrigued by life expressing itself through patterns of energy flow and vibration in body and mind. Various fields of study are trying to describe and solve this phenomenon since it is also the base for discomfort and disease. In order to find the desired harmonic alignment for her clients, powerful Sound is added to her Touch Therapy.
Her clients say they experience a deep sense of emotional well-being and realignment, while finding relief from backache, depression, headaches, scar tissue, joint and muscle aches, and hormonal imbalances. They feel a general revitalization and reorientation in periods of stress.
Elfi is licensed as a Massage Therapist, a Licensed Teacher and Practitioner of the Acutonics® System, nationally certified in Asian Bodywork, and is a Certified Movement Analyst (CMA, Laban Institute NY). She is also certified in Medical Massage.
You are invited to enjoy the healing services Elfi offers. Her work will inspire you to find your way back to your true essence and wholeness—to be in Cosmic Resonance.


text:
Virtual Innovation
Our unique 'sandpit' model allows technology organisations to enhance their capabilities through virtual innovation, accessing academic research and the latest scientific and technology infrastructure. Our approach can be applied to engineering product development, production implementation, through to training and customer support. Our capabilities are complemented by accessing our extensive networks to maximise the opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
Partners bring their specialist knowledge and expertise to the VEC Sandpit, enabling them access to the latest research, technology, facilities and networks. The collaborative nature of the Sandpit sometimes enables the VEC to leverage funding to support activities through government funded programmes.
Organisations already involved in the VEC Sandpit have contributed through:
- Supplying data for collaborative programmes and projects
- Supplying innovative workflows and methodologies
- Supplying specialist hardware
- Supplying specialist software
We are always looking for new partners to join, explore and discover.


text:
Viva La Pasta Discount Coupon
Are you an authentic Italian food lover? Does Italian cuisine make your mouth water? You can fix that when you use this VIVA LA PASTA DISCOUNT COUPON. This coupon entitles you and someone else (a couple) to feast on their food for only $36.95! You have a choice of Cotoletta di pollo con melenzane, Scaloppine saltimbocca alla romano, spiedini di gamberi, Dentice alla genovese, or Linguini con aragosta. And that includes a bottle of wine starting with soup or salad. You cannot beat that! The wine comes in choices as well: Chardonnay, Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon or White Zinfandel. And then, you can have coffee and dessert. Oh my! If you're feeling romantic, this is a great place to go. All this food for little to nothing. It makes you say Mamma Mia! This is a value over $100 for less than $40. They have recognized budgeting families! Call up your sweetie or get your husband and wife and dress up for this special occasion. You can bet you will have a good time eating all this delicious food. Italy at its finest. It's hard to think that you can get all this food at such a low price, but it's right there for you to enjoy. This is so good that you can't possibly keep this to yourself. Spread the word and watch the masses come in! And it gets even better. This coupon is valid for up to 3 couples, so you can bring a couple of your friends and you can all enjoy a grownup night out on the town. That can be rare as you have daily demands. It's time to let your hair down and go enjoy some delicious food! Put it on the calendar.
Viva La Pasta discount coupon
- Romantic dinner for $36.95
- Includes wine, dessert and coffee
- Dine-in only


text:
(201) 488-8228
We know that our office is only as effective and as welcoming as the people who work in it, which is why we take pride in our friendly and well-trained team members! As a team, we are especially interested in making all our patients feel right at home! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment in a supportive and nurturing environment. We promise to speak candidly with you about possible treatments as well as any risks and associated costs of treatment, and how treatment can address your individual needs as a patient.
Our staff is uniquely trained and highly skilled, and we strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. Our staff consists of team members with specialized training and multiple certifications, and each one of our team members has years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.
To experience the difference that only a well-trained, professional and courteous team can deliver, schedule your appointment with our office today!
Tara has been at Riverside Dental Health since 2007 and has been in the field of dentistry for more than 20 years.
Born in Bogota, Colombia, Tara was fortunate to have been adopted and was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey before moving to Ridgewood. After working in the dental field for more than 10 years, Tara was so moved by the events of 9/11 that she enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and served in Kuwait, Iraq, Delaware, and California with honor and distinction.
Tara has become an invaluable member of the Riverside Dental team in both the clinical and front desk areas. She is dedicated and determined to help patients understand both the financial and clinical aspect of their treatment. She handles the daily operations of the practice and goes above and beyond what is expected to insure that every patient has a comfortable and positive experience.
Karen graduated from college with honors as a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been at Riverside Dental Health since 2006. Her knowledge and expertise in managing patient dental care, her gentle touch and her friendly demeanor make her a true asset to the practice. She is an outstanding provider of various periodontal treatments for our patients. Karen truly enjoys helping others and is treasured by our patients. We are certain that she will make your experience remarkable.
Karen is a lifetime resident of Bergen County. She has one daughter, Amanda. In her spare time she loves to spend time with Amanda, her family, and her beautiful dog, Maddie. Her outside interests include spending time in the great outdoors hiking, golfing and swimming. She also loves going to concerts, travelling and cooking.
Monica is a registered dental hygienist who has completed her education at New York University College of Dentistry. She is licensed in the states of New Jersey and New York. By showing extraordinary compassion in patient care she was awarded the Colgate Oral Health Adviser STAR Award. Monica enjoys traveling, baking and scrapbooking. She resides in Bergen County with her husband and Meshu, her pet Yorkie. She is fluent in Polish.
Sheryll joined our practice part time as our hygienist. Her charming personality is palpable throughout the office. When she is not working with us, she is the hygienist at RSDM in the Special Care Treatment Center where she has been treating patients for 12 years. Her patients say that she has "gentle hands", a "kind nature" and that they feel "extremely comfortable in the chair".
Sheryll is married to Sami Nacer and together they live in Clifton with two adorable children. She loves to read, cook, and explore with her family. She is a wonderful asset to our team!
Yelena has been a dental assistant at Riverside Dental Health since 2004 and has been in the field of dentistry for 15 years.
Yelena was born and raised in the country of Belarus. After having graduated college abroad, she decided to come to America. She pursued the study of dental assisting and went on to obtain her X-ray license. She works hard to provide exceptional service and care to our patients and is instrumental in making the clinical area run smoothly. She is fluent in Russian.
In her spare time, Yelena enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and gardening.
Tracy is a NJ Certified Dental Assistant with a NJ X-ray license. She prides herself on her fun loving, warm personality and enjoys taking care of her patients. Her dedication, enthusiasm and genuine caring ways with patients make her an invaluable team member.
Tracy grew up and resides in Bergen County, close to her family. In her spare time you can find her baking cakes, decorating or painting. Otherwise, she's spending time with her family, friends, husband and son Vincent.
Our newest member.


text:
We are more than desks. We are a community of passionate, motivated people - just like you!
Access to 40+ Industry Mentors
Free & subsidised entry to all RCL Industry Events (5-7 per week)
24×7 workspace within The QLD Startup Precinct
High Speed Internet (averaging 95mbps)
End of Trip facilities, bike storage, showers, lockers
Work alongside 150 + tech entrepreneurs
Access to Startup specific Office Hours from Industry Professionals
Sponsored fortnightly community coffee (mingle with your fellow members)
If you have confidence in your mobile, Internet, telecoms, or technology industry startup (and you've checked off all the must-haves in our criteria section) we would love to see you join our community!
For your reference, here are our basic house rules.
Coworking spaces around Australia
The heart of River City Labs is the co-working area
River City Labs is inarguably one of the points of gravity for the startup community in Queensland. They also hold their own on the national stage through not only the very real community that revolves around their bricks'n'mortar headquarters, but the endless advocacy and support of the wider tech community. This is evident in the abundance of events that are supported by, hosted at, or related to their commitment to building the capacity of the local community.David Ryan, Founder at Tech Tidal
Thanks for being such a great host on the weekend for our Beginner Coder Weekend Workshop. River City Labs is a perfect space for the workshops and your hospitality made it so easy. The students loved the workshop and I'm looking forward to coming back soon and teaching more people to code. If you're looking for a co-working space in Brisbane, River City Labs is the place to go.Pete Argent, Founder at Coder Factory
Elliot Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of Maxwell MRI
I've been at RCL for 4 years, through two startups, one accelerator program and three rounds of funding. Without a doubt RCL is the heart of the Brisbane startup scene and has shaped it into what it is today.
We were lucky enough to be the first customer signed by Steve at RCL. I remember meeting up with Steve in the half developed board room, before the premises was even finished. Since that first day, RCL has proved to be one of the key drivers to our current success. In fact, without RCL we would not be who we are today.Mark Fletcher, CEO & Co-Founder at Cohort Go
Nicholas Heany, Managing Director – Puntaa
The original and still the best. At the heart of the Brisbane startup scene, RiverCityLabs, has provided a foundation for countless startups to gather, form and scale. Serendipitous meetings, strong networks, continuous learning and people willing to pay it forward. If you are are in SEQ, there is no better place to execute your idea.


text:
Noteworthy Organic Beauty Brands | Why are They Best?
Organic stands for something that we obtain naturally. We cannot put our health on the line on account of some fancy marketing or commercialism. The fact of the matter is that manufacturers of beauty products use chemicals manufacturing most of the skin care products, which makes them harmful to our skin. It is high time we move towards natural products, replacing the synthetic ones. This organic talk has become more intense since everyone is ready to adopt natural ways of beautifying! Organic beauty brands have come to the limelight because of serious health risks of non-organic skin care products.
List of Organic Beauty Brands
- RMS Beauty
- ILIA Beauty
- 100% Pure
- Alima Pure
- Vapour
- Lotus Bio-Mineral
- Afterglow Cosmetics
- Au Naturale
- NU Violation
- Jane Iredale
This menace-free (chemical-free) list of brands can go on because the word has spread to every nook and cranny of the world. Most of these companies belong to the US. Moreover, these prestigious organic skin care lines have one mutual purpose of distributing safe healthy skincare products across the planet. Bentley Organic, Patyka (French Brand), Ila, Olivella, and Decleor are a few popular organic skin care lines for professional use.
Non-Organic Needs to Go Extinct!
Big brands in the skin care or cosmetic industry have been linked to incidences in which the consumers of their products were diagnosed with cancer. Cancer can't be taken lightly.
We need to be more conscious of what we are applying to our skin. With that being said, people are becoming increasingly sensitive to know the after effects of toxic chemicals in products. Nowadays, everybody reads the ingredients before buying an item.
The thing about non-organic brands is that they happen to smell terrific. The fragrance in itself is a chemical compound causing allergies or reactions. Don't let the sweet smell deceive you because organic products lack artificial fragrances.
Piling up Shelves with Organic can be lucrative for business
Several organic beauty brands have hit the skincare and makeup market converting even the little things such as lipsticks into safer beauty enhancers. Although, the struggle continues until the healthy substances posing no health risk are completely taken off the shelves. These brands are paving the way for healthier products to find a place on the market after the constant education of the masses about their benefits.
Humanity at Risk
Basically, synthetic or artificial substances settle down in our skin and do not to dissolve or become part of it. Our skin is the biggest organ and it needs natural materials nurturing and nourishing it in return. Furthermore, when we wash off those products, the chemicals become part of the ecosystem through our sinks, polluting the entire ecosystem. Similarly, the entire aquatic life is at risk. This kind of imbalance can cause diverse consequences for us, humans at the end of the food chain.
Basic Cosmetic Needs of Women in General
Organic beauty brands consist of a range of options catering to all the women's makeup and skin care needs. However, you only need a few products to keep your skin health in checks such as cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Furthermore, FDA, the US national regulatory authority is working to overcome this problem by taking steps to eradicate harmful products with hazardous chemicals.
A Few Harmful Chemicals Usually Found in Non-Organic Products
- Lead is the chemical that cosmetic product manufacturers use in the production of most beauty products, hence, organic beauty brands strictly stay away from it. It is normally found in lipsticks, toothpaste, and makeup. Lead can cause abnormalities in the brain, and stomach problems. Women are highly likely to suffer from reproduction issues, and lastly, kidneys may fail.
- Paraben is dangerous and mostly found in skincare products as a preservative. Europe is already 'zero tolerance' for such products. The rest of the world needs to wake up and do something about it. Parabens can cause cancer and disturb hormonal functions.
- Furthermore, even body sprays that we use in our everyday lives should be organic because conventional sprays contain a chemical formulation by the name of phthalates.
Therefore, organic beauty brands surpass all these obstacles by manufacturing skin-friendly cosmetics.
Treat Yourself to Luxury
Let us look at the organic beauty products list –
- W. Basics of Brooklyn Exfoliant
- Herbivore Botanicals Lapis Balancing Facial Oil
- Odacité Papaya Geranium Serum Concentrate
- Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum
- Earth Tu Face Skin Stick
- Juice Beauty Hydrating Mist
- May Lindstrom The Problem Solver
These famous are gaining recognition in the safety conscious beauty and skin care market. Your skin needs must be thoroughly met!
Furthermore, Organic beauty brands use naturally grown substances without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides.
For the ultimate natural skin care routine, it's very important to read reviews of the best organic skin care products. Therefore, make sure you do that before buying them. Enough information or knowledge can help you stay on top of your game. Furthermore, you will be shining even after the sun goes down.


text:
Stacks Process - Requesting Enhancements
Stacks is committed to continuous improvement as part of our premium SaaS offering. Included is website maintenance, bug fixes, compatibility checks, improvements, new features, and integrations as well as new themes. Enhancements to Stacks are driven by the needs and insights of the Stacks Community, including all new features which are built in partnership with customers.
Enhancement requests are managed by the Stacks Support Team and are evaluated and scheduled according to the following:
Value to the greater Stacks Community
Scheduled as priority feature/improvement
Size and scope of Enhancement influences scheduling
Value to many customers but not critical or essential in nature
Scheduled into the standard development queue/backlog as bug or improvement (~30-120 days)
Responsive bugs are given higher priority
Value but little strategic value (not enough customers/prospects)
Set for review for next quarter
Added to Long-Term Roadmap
Value to single customer with no value to others or prospects
Professional Services required
Must be in line with Stacks best practices
Please note that all Enhancements must be in line with Stacks best practices and mobile-friendly to be fully supported. Some requests may be declined for reasons relating to standards, best practices, and technical feasibility.
A review of all requests is completed quarterly to influence the following quarter's development cycles. Popular requests may move up in the queue at any time.
Instructions for Submission
Customer → Submits Ticket with Enhancement request to Stacks Support Desk (http://support.stacksdiscovery.com/helpdesk)
Stacks Support Team → sends initial response based on evaluation outlined above
(allow for two business days for a response to be provided)
Stacks Support Team → responds with appropriate information/update; resolves the ticket.


text:
21 February 2018 | Follow
An artist's impression of the new campus might look
People in Maybole and North Carrick are being given their say on proposals to transform education in the area. A consultation is now underway on proposals which, if approved, will lead to the creation of a new Maybole Community Campus in the grounds of the existing Carrick Academy.
The £42 million project would have capacity for an estimated 1,400 pupils at a new Carrick Academy, an amalgamated Cairn Primary and Gardenrose Primary, a new St Cuthbert's Primary, alongside associated early years provision, two full size all-weather pitches, and shared community facilities.
A public consultation is being held until Friday 20 April 2018 where people will be able to have their say on the proposals. The outcome of this will be considered by Councillors this summer for a final decision.
Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning said the proposals presented a once in a lifetime opportunity, "We're committed to providing young people with the best chances in life and while the standard of education in Maybole is high, the existing schools are badly in need of significant investment.
"By creating a brand new community campus, we'll create a network of schools on a par with similar projects that have been completed or are underway across South Ayrshire, and which are already helping to transform the way people are taught.
"I'd urge anyone with an interest in these proposals to make their comments known through the consultation process, as their comments will be considered ahead of a final decision being made later this year."
The project will also consider the impact of Scottish Government's plans to double early years childcare to 1140 hours per child by 2020, an issue that will be explored in a separate report.
Public meetings have been arranged for parents/carers and other stakeholders to discuss the proposal in detail:
Interested parties are invited to make written representations on the proposal no later than Friday 20 April 2018.
Full details of the proposal are available online here.
Follow us on Twitter.
Sign up to the weekly newsletter and stay informed about the latest news, events and more.
Is this page helpful?YesNo
How can we improve the page?


text:
Maximising your customer service queries
Before transitioning to the tech world, I always viewed customer or tech support as something to be avoided. A button to click or address to email only in the most desperate of times, when things just were not working. It would end up being a hassle, special numbers or passwords would be required, and responses were often lacking helpful solutions.
Since then, I've spent a couple of years providing customer happiness for Watu, immersing myself not only in customer service but also the wonderful world of software. In addition to being an eye-opener with regards to this magic little button of tech support, the industry has also come a long way in terms of customer appreciation, transparency and openness. Now, in fact, there isn't just one access point to customer service – you have access via chat, tickets, Twitter, email and more.
Zappos' incredible customer service focus has inspired others to give the 'wow' factor and suppliers have realised the value of happiness. And not just happiness in clients. Software companies like Automattic, Buffer and Baremetrics are leading a cultural revolution, hiring happy folk who genuinely have a passion for helping others. We don't want to just answer your questions and close your ticket. We want to solve your pain point, make your day, ease your workload, simplify steps and put a smile on your face.
So how do you, as the customer, make the most of this change in heart? And what exactly do those responses you're receiving actually mean? I've read through blogs and analysed my own experiences to provide 3 suggestions for decoding your tech support and maximising your customer service experience.
Your feature suggestions
Like most other startups, we have a path laid out for our app, but it's a flexible one. One that can be scrubbed away and redrawn, or at least one that might ocassionally take a detour. This is where clients play a crucial role: the app is for you. Especially if you're a heavy user and pay for the more expensive version of the app when available. It's not that paying more means your ideas are more valid, but rather that you are clearly invested in the product, use it regularly, and therefore can provide the most applicable suggestions.
The fact is, maybe we, on the software team, have some grand ideas that we think will benefit you, but in reality if all our customers are pleading with us for X feature, chances are, we need to listen.
So what really happens when you put in a feature request? Well, check out the response tone to see if you can decode it. ¨Your request is being sent to developers for review and we may take it on.¨Ok, this is the most open-ended. What does it mean? Quite literally what it says. Your request will get added via another software platform like Trello or Jira as an idea for developers. Gain enough traction via requests from other clients, or a developer being particularly keen, and it may get the thumbs up. But don´t hold your breath.
What if the response isn´t so positive, yet more polite – something along the lines of ¨Thanks so much for submitting. That idea isn´t in the pipeline at the moment, but we´ll bear it in mind.¨ Dear clients, this is the gentle let down. The customer service equivalent of ¨It´s not you, it´s me.¨
The fact is, an app has many clients. And each client has their own specific workflows and needs. But most startups provide platforms, not customised software. What you suggested may be a brilliant idea for your business. But it could be completely irrelevant for everyone elses'. So it´s a no, and not just because developers´time is expensive, but because platforms have features that must be the same across the board, for all clients and the teams behind the product want to avoid ´product bloat´. Make a change in the former, and suddenly all clients have this appear in their account. And if you´ve requesteed a cat gif giving a high five for every win you make, the others may not appreciate it so much.
Errors in the account
This is normally why the support button is sought after and clicked. You´re running into a problem and it may be a bug, it may be your browser, it may be…anything. That´s the support team´s role to don the detective badge and find the source. But we don´t want to just find it. We want to find it with as little delay, with minimal communication (i.e. interruption to your day) and as efficiently as possible. Therefore the information that you provide can play a huge role.
The safest default in this case is: the more detail, the better
Providing the support team with a background – what were you clicking? Your stats (not 36-24-36…) like what internet browser are you using? Desktop or mobile? And what the error was, as in, what exactly did the error state and when did it occur? If you want to put a bow on top, throw in a screenshot. I, in all my geekiness, love a screenshot as it helps me to almost immediately diagnose a fix the error.
In our staffing management platform, for example, we might get tickets like the following:
Client: Your site isn't working
Support team's first reaction: Hmm. Which part isn't working? It's not loading? Or it's displaying in a strange way? A specific feature isn't doing its job?
Client: The staffer isn't showing as booked on her job
Reaction: Which staffer? Which job? Which manager booked her, and when?
Client: There's an error when I download payroll
Reaction: What type of error? Can you screenshot the page when it's happening? Which payroll run? When?
You can see the pattern and what's missing. Detail, detail, detail. The above type of ticket normally takes 2-3 more messages between myself and the client to determine the problem and provide a solution vs an initial email detailing everything that happened and, most likely, a response from myself saying it´s been fixed. I think we can all see the appeal of the latter.
To add to it, our software along with many others, have clients based around the world and that introduces something rather tricky: timezones. On most days, my clients submit and get a response with 24 hours, if not just a few hours. But sometimes, throwing varying workig hours and time zones into the mix means this back-and-forth can delay solutions tremendously. And that doesn´t usually lead to client happiness.
So overshare, spill it all, get verbal. Send us the whole story, and we´ll get back to you with a solution.
What about a good ol´ fashioned helping hand
The previos two points – feature requests and solving errors – applies to most tech software companies. As the customer happiness rep for Watu, I also believe wholeheartedly believe in the following for our service:
Get in touch.
Not just to report a problem, not just to suggest a feature. ¨Get in touch¨ isn´t just a canned mssage line or a polite way of signing off an email. It´s a genuine welcome, an open arms, encouraging clients to reach out for any help they may need in the software.
My goal isn´t to just solve your problems and have you on your way. I want to do this, and have you confidently using the software, making use of all the fine detail, and taking advantage of everything we have to offer. I know the software inside out and I want to share this knowledge. In our case, I relish the opportunity to take a pain point of a client and turn it into a task they didn´t realise could be so simple. Asking me the optimal way to build a complex job in the system, for suggestions on what type of questions to ask as part of their staff application form, if I can review their account and provide better workflow ideas. All of these are valid support team questions and offer me the chance to apply my knowledge creatively, whilst providing clients a step-up with the system. It´s a win-win.
So don´t hesitate to click that support button. Drop us a line (or rather, many) and give us that satisfaction of making our clients the happiest. Take advantage of all these ridiculously friendly customer support teams and share your questions, thoughts, and doubts. Go on, will you please get in touch?
Recording a video interview for an agency
Agencies are turning more and more to video interviews to accommodate nationwide growth as well as to make for easier logistics of both managers and staff. If you haven't already made one, chances are you'll come across a request to film a video next time you're registering with an agency. So what are important points to keep in mind? What do agencies look for?
As a former booker at a London agency before making the move to Watu, I used to be one of the recipients of our video interview applicants. From the weird and wacky to the downright brilliant, I have seen a lot. And whilst they were wildly entertaining, only a small number could actually be forwarded on to the client. From errors that are easy to oversee – like someone's knickers in the background – to the more inappropriate-for-client's-ears type mistakes, I thought I'd share with you the in's and out' s of creating a video interview that gets seen and shared.
The Video Set Up
First step is to set the scene. Choose a private, quiet space far from kids, animals, or a TV. Then focus on what shows on screen. Hint: the less, the better. Background props may highlight your personality, but they're actually distracting from what you're saying. Not to mention, you don't know which brand you'll be representing week-by-week, so what if you have their competitor's poster stuck to the wall behind you? Best to keep it simple by having a blank wall behind you meaning you'll be the centre of attention.
Next up, secure your device so that it's stable whilst filming. This is probably easiest from a laptop, but if using a mobile device, simply use a stand or create one using books or shelves. You want to ensure the camera height is equal with your eyes so you're looking straight ahead, and not craning your neck or showing the clients a tour of your nostrils.
You're ready to record, but what software do you use? Almost all phones or tablets have a built-in recording software via the camera button. If using a computer, Mac users can go to imovie or Photobooth, whilst Windows users can use Quicktime, Windows Movie Maker or other options detailed in this WikiHow.
But before you hit the red button, do a check first. Practice answering a question, then watch yourself. Is the sound coming through ok? Is the video clear? Check it over, fix whatever is going wrong, then get started.
What to say in a video interview?
Chances are you've been given some guidance along what to say, or even handed some questions to answer. Even if this is totally open to interpretation, do a few practice sessions first. The goal isn't to come off sounding robotic, but to make sure you're confident and speaking smoothly. And after saying it a few times to yourself, you may realise a better way of wording things.
If the agency asked you to answer specific questions, answer these as you would in an in-person interview, and remember, even if an agency gives off a 'fun vibe', it is still business and clients may not feel the same. Think fun, but professional. For example, if they ask the classic "what is your weakness", don't mention that you're always running late. That's not a weakness, and it's definitely not something managers or clients want to hear.
Also, bear in mind the industry. Promo requires confident people who aren't afraid to speak up, be engaging and have their voice heard. You have one video to demonstrate that you can do so – and what better an opportunity than this? Beats having to fill out another 'about you' section where you say how bubbly and outgoing you are.
Presenting yourself in a video interview
Equally important to what you say is how you present yourself. Clients and agencies are looking for people-people…that is, people who genuinely like to, and know how to, engage with others. Body language is a huge part of this communication so here's how to get it right.
Look directly into the camera and think of them as the eyes of your interviewer. Looking at your screen comes out appearing awkward, as if you're trying to avoid eye contact (it seems as if you're always looking down), and looking near your camera but not at it looks like you got confused as to where your camera actually is, or like you may be distracted.
Saying that (and this was one of the more common – and creepy – mistakes) please, please remember to blink! Not blinking leads people to think you memorised your answers, are super nervous, or are just really strange which is not a quality of promotional staff. In short, be natural. Look at the camera, look briefly away (think about it…do you stare directly into someone's eyes all the while you're talking to them? Because that can be really intense) and blink. Treat the camera like a person you're interacting with.
Have you ever had someone snap candid photos of your whilst you've been speaking? Notice how you pull some really awkward faces? Video, although fast moving like in-person, has the option to be paused or re-watched, and with the addition of the viewer focussing mainly on your face. In fact, this is one reason why, during photo shoots, models are asking to pretend to talk rather than have a real conversation. Fact is, we can be pretty expressive and this doesn't come off well on camera. I noticed once after filming myself how many goofy face I pull and maybe I can get away with this in a live interview, but for a short interview clip, my expressions looked out of place. The next time, I kept in mind "smile as a default" and presto, I looked like the more secure, confident and happy candidate that I know myself to be.
Ok so your video is filmed – now what? Check how the client would like it to be submitted. If the question asks for a link, that means you have to upload the video to be hosted on a site like youtube or vimeo after which point you can just paste the video link in the application form. Or, if there's an upload button, simply upload your saved video directly from your computer.
Keeping it real
Agencies want to see your personalities, your individuality and your vibrant selves. But there's that fine line between recording a few memorised lines whilst you stare into the camera, versus dressing up in your favourite anime outfit before bursting into scene to show off your creative, artistic self.
With a bit of planning, a clean set up, and a few minutes of effort, you'll be able to set these boundaries, stay within the lines and yet still let your personality shine through. Even if your agency doesn't explicity state they will show your video to clients, treat this task with the same importance and with the knowledge that they just might in the future. And by doing so, you just might land that dream campaign.
Recycling branded clothing in the promotional staffing industry
Campaigns often call for branded uniforms and what the client asks for, is what must be delivered. T-shirts, hats, trousers, jackets and more are churned out of factories and branded with the sole purpose of adorning field staff for, generally, one particular campaign.
But come the end of the campaign road, what happens to this gear? Usually, it's destined for the rubbish bin instead of any recycling, due to the sensitive nature of the branding. Surely there must be alternatives to this incredible waste, though? Nearly-new pieces of clothing headed for the dumpster, when it could be used by so many, feels the wrong thing to do in today's interconnected world full of recycling opportunities.
The promotional and events industry is not alone in this. Vendors for major sports events often create 'winning gear' for both teams to maximise immediately sales. Their challenge also lies in the sensitive nature of the rejected product – donating it within the home country would be seen as bad PR, and wouldn't put these businesses in a favourable position with the losing team.
Similarly, Office Depot in the UK found themselves facing potentially 3 tonnes of uniform waste each year. For brand sensitivity, as well as security (they didn't want to offer the chance for any donation recipients to pose as a delivery worker), they also could not simply donate the clothes to charities. And yet, they didn't want a small logo to prevent the clothes from reaching new owners rather than the landfill. Their solution was one that took time and a fair amount of effort to reach, but eventually they came to an agreement with Goodwill Solutions, a CIC, concluding that Goodwill would cover the logos in exchange for offering the clothes to their team of volunteers.
As a staffing agency, what are your options?
It's true that there are not a lot of choices right now. Often, clients are the first hurdle. Separated physically from the piles of leftover clothes, as well as the task of throwing them away, it's easier to say "chuck 'em out". But if you're able to convince your clients, there may be some alternatives.
Partner with a CIC or charity: Give those sweaters and caps a home locally via a charity or a CIC like Goodwill. Perhaps they cold be used directly for those in need, or you could be offering an item of value to volunteers who work within the charity itself. Explore the possibility of a donation in exchange for the covering up of the logo.
World Vision or another large charity: Alternatively, offering the goods abroad may rule out the need to cover branding. Often, second hand clothes are sent to local markets where local people can sell them to make a living. In the US, World Vision offers corporate donation opportunities thanks to their extensive and well-executed logistics infrastructure. In the UK, family-run recycling company LMB offers a similar option, exporting clothes or turning them into textiles.
Clothes for Charity: Another UK option is Clothes for Charity, which is the most convenient if your clothes aren't branded, or if your client isn't worried about any logo. Donations are much more straightforward than dragging sacks to a local shop. Instead, Clothes for Charity sends you a bag, you fill it up, then use their easy online booking system to arrange a pick up. They resell your clothes and donate funds to your charity of choice. Easy to do, allowing you the option of supporting a charity within your interests, and very time-saving, this is a winner for when the opportunity arises.
Upcycle: Some businesses focus on upcycling clothes or in other words, using them as scrap to create new pieces. You can ask them to remove the logo with a simple snip and know that not only are the materials being re-used, but you'll be supporting local businesses. One example of this is Elisabethan in Colorado – they take donations mainly from thrift shops (though they're always looking for new sources) and magically cut and sew them into funky new pieces.
Secure disposal: But what if the answer is still no – NO donations no matter where the destination? Present to your clients the option of 'secure disposal' via recycling. One such firm that offers this is J&G Environmental, who shreds old uniforms and reuses them in carpet underlays and other such materials.
As a staffing agency, is it your responsibility?
Well, technically, no. You could take those bags brimming with goodies and throw them in the bin, but the business world values social responsibility, as does the world itself. Setting up a process to recycle might be the most time-consuming part, but once you've identified your solution, you'll be playing your part in social and environmental care, not to mention adding value as a business in general.
It can be an uncomfortable topic, but generally these are the ones that bring about big changes, and in this case, change for the better. We all – as people, and as businesses – have a responsibility to take care of our planet and each other, and this current end-of-the-line for uniforms presents us with the perfect opportunity. With a bit of dedication and a belief in the better, we can transform this dead-end into a new beginning for these threads.
Blab for staff training
As part of brand immersion and as well as ensuring staff are on an equal platform in terms of product knowledge, brands will often request for a training session to be held between clients, the agency, and the field staff. Whilst very beneficial for all players in the game – the client have the confidence that the staff are trained, the agency knows the staff are knowledgeable and engaged, and the staff are clued up about the brand – organising these training sessions can be an agency headache.
Traditionally, training is held in person, gathering the team together and squeezing them into the headquarter's meeting room. But this requires coordinated availability for at least half a day between all three parties (especially unappealing for field staff who prefer full days of work to half day training) and can be costly across the board after the hours spent travelling and attending have been tallied, along with the training rates and travel pay offered to staff. What's more, this time spent out of the agency office by managers means less focus on other jobs and clients who may also have upcoming or live events needing their attention.
Skype or Google Hangouts offer an alternative, but these feel more like software that can be used for training, not software meant for training. The user experience might be a bit rough, with too many faces and voices on the same platform and the ability of only one route of communication – speaking – which can lead to interruptions, inefficiency, and maybe some awkward pauses.
What is Blab?
Now the makers of Bebo, after a genius night sitting around the bar, came up with Blab. In their own words, Blab "let's anyone have their own show." With users ranging from Basecamp's CEO who performs interviews, to Heidi and Spencer who host podcasts, Blab provides an online platform through which the hosts direct the show, but allows for audience participation too.
How does Blab work?
Getting started is super simple – I signed up and set up my first session in a matter of minutes. Using Twitter to create an instant account, Blab then walks you through setting up your first meeting along with making it clear what options you have.
First, you tell the programme four basic points: what is your subject, theme tags, an image, and when you want the session to happen:
If you don't want your meeting to start immediately, it's very straightforward to choose another date and time:
Once set up, you'll see the countdown to your next meeting. Here you can also see the page set up including the availability for messages, mentions and questions from the audience, as well as a map detailing where everyone is located. The meeting can be shared either through an embedded link, Twitter or Facebook, or by sharing the URL.
Blab for staff training?
So can Blab replace in-person staff training? Very possibly. In one example scenario, the client representative, agency rep, and event manager could join as the hosts of the Blab and run through a discussion of the product, goals of the campaign, and any other key points to highlight. The audience could then use the question feature to fire across any specific queries throughout, or at the end of a session. With many more detailed features available, the opportunity to run a smooth show is yours through this simple (and free) software – encourage staff to get involved from the comfort of their home, commenting, questioning and discussing brand questions with the management teams. Without the potential for awkward breaks in the training flow or untimely interruptions, Blab allows for management led training with to-the-point staff involvement.
Saying that, there is one big drawback that I've found so far which is that Blabs cannot be made private. All Blabs are open to the public so there is potential for others to view the training session. However, I do wonder what the chances of members of the public actually coming across, and joining, a staff training session are. Or, as Blab is such a new product, perhaps there is room for development in the future along the private session path.
This is just the briefest of introductions to Blab, which has already garnered a huge amount of interest as well as well-known users. Luckily for you, much more in-depth guides are already available and these delve into the potential of using Blab as a social media tool as well, offering insights into sharing, growing an audience through keywords and URLs, and other marketing tips that you may or may not want to take part of. If you do give Blab a try for your next training session, we'd love to hear about it!


text: If you are considering the purchase of a short sale or if you are an listing short sales, 2012 may be the year for you. First off, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which protects certain short sale sellers from tax liability, is set to expire at the end of the year. The Treasury has amended the HAFA guidelines for those short sale sellers interested in participating in the government's HAFA short sale program. Bank of America also alleges that they are now moving along swimmingly. And now, this past week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will adopt new policies to streamline short sales starting in June. Want more articles like this? Create an account today to get BiggerPocket's best blog articles delivered to your inbox Sign up for free Beginning in June, mortgage servicers must review and respond to requests for short sales within 30 days, according to the announcement. Servicers will also be required to provide weekly status updates if the short sale is under review for more than 30 days, and servicers will need to make their final decisions within 60 days of receiving an offer. According to FHFA Acting Director Edward J. DeMarco, "These timeline and borrower communication announcements set minimum standards and provide clear expectations regarding these important foreclosure alternatives." What will this mean for buyers of short sales? This may mean improved processing times, and quicker closings. But, this also may mean quicker short sale rejections if those individuals processing the short sales do not provide Fannie and Freddie with the information necessary within the specific time frame. What will this mean for agents processing short sales? While the aim of this announcement is to complete the short sale processing more quickly, this latest announcement might actually mean that short sale decline (or rejection) letters will be fast and furious. The servicers continually require updated bank statements, pay stubs and tax returns. Those that cannot provide the information quickly and efficiently may receive their rejection with in the 30-day period in order to meet the new servicer guidelines. There is no doubt that short sale processing has significantly improved since 2007 when lenders would not even share employee email addresses and short sale packages could be faxed multiple times without ever being received. With all of the different short sale programs underway, things have definitely improved for short sale sellers as well. Summer is generally a fun time, and it will be lots of fun for short sale processors across the nation if this new announcement makes short sales get approved more quickly and efficiently. Photo: Klearchos Kapoutsis


text:
Call Us For A FREE Quote: 0131 202 9177 or 07908 593672
Call Us Now On:
0131 202 9177
Or Click Here to
E-Mail Us!
Electrical Installation Condition Report
- Previously known as Periodic Inspection Reports.
PAT Testing
- Portable Appliance Testing.
Landlord Certificates
- Repairs, rennovation and maintenance.
At Aspect Electrical, we believe that no matter how large or small the job we carry out may be, it is important to us that our customers have peace of mind that the work we are undertaking is to the highest possible standard.
For that reason, we offer a guarantee of 12 months on all the work our qualified electricians carry out for our customers.
Aspect Electrical Services (Scot) Limited.
0131 202 9177
07908 593672
Aspect Electrical
Bonnington Bond
2 Anderson Place
Click Here to E-Mail Us!
Back to Top


text:
Central Penn capped off the weekend with a number of firsts! The Panthers had an offensive explosion, highlighted by both Cory Madison ('98), and Sam Mutkius ('00) scoring their first JR hat-tricks, and Patrick Swain ('99) getting his first JR Play-maker. Gavyn Harris ('98) scored his first JR goal, and goalie Wayne Adkins ('99) saw his first JR game Action.
"Today was a great team effort", said Wil Younger, the team General Manager. "after yesterdays disappointing third period, coach had the boys ready to go, and it showed for sure, we got production out of the entire line-up".
To view the 2016-17 NA3AHL Schedule you can click here.


text:
These Healthy Turkey Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs are juicy little protein bombs packed with flavor. They're super easy to make and ready in just 40 min. Add a little tomato sauce, crumble them in a salad, or just wrap them up and bring them on a hike or picnic. However you decide to eat them, they taste great!
How to make healthy turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs
Most turkey meatball recipes call for breadcrumbs, but I don't have the patience to make breadcrumbs from scratch and it's almost impossible to buy any that don't have a lot of unnecessary ingredients (like sugar! Why would you put that in your breadcrumbs??).
Instead of breadcrumbs, I simply use good old-fashioned oats in my healthy turkey meatballs. You don't have to do anything to the oats except fold them into the ground turkey meat, and they do the job perfectly. And these are the juiciest turkey meatballs I've ever had!
Here is how to make clean eating turkey meatballs:
Step 1 – Chop onion, garlic, and celery finely (or use a food processor) and put it in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2 – Add ground turkey, egg whites, oats, and spices to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Make sure there are no pockets of spices or oats in the mix.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to use a ground turkey with a bit of fat in it. You can get 99% lean ground turkey but it doesn't have a lot of flavor and tends to get a little dry when cooked. I typically use the 93% lean ground turkey but the 85% lean taste even better and doesn't have that many calories more per serving.
Step 3 – Chop spinach, peppers (clean out the stem and seeds first) and parsley. The pieces should be the size of a dime. Add the veggies to turkey mixture and combine well.
Step 3 is where you can get creative. You don't have to use the same veggies and herbs that I do. If you have something else in the fridge that you want to use, go for it!
Step 4 – Roll the turkey mixture into 15 balls (about the size of golf balls) and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes at 350F (175C), until cooked through.
That's it! I told you that making healthy turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs is easy!
Spice it up!
You can use this recipe as a template for all kinds of different-tasting meatballs. The spice combination I used was really delicious, l but you can add just about any spices you like and still get a good result (well, if you really go crazy with the spices, the result may be more "interesting" than good 😀 ).
A classic taste combination for turkey meatballs is just paprika, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder, so if you want something really simple, that's a good place to start.
Add a little sauce
I often just eat the turkey meatballs as-is for a quick snack, but it definitely doesn't hurt to cook up a little whole-wheat pasta and put some tomato sauce and perhaps even a little parmesan cheese on top.
Because these baked turkey meatballs are almost pure protein, adding a few carbs and a little fat just turns them into a perfectly balanced meal that your whole family will love (or you can be like me and eat them all yourself…).
Tips for making healthy turkey meatballs
- Make a big batch! The meatballs can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen to use later. Just put them in a ziplock and defrost them when you need them. They taste great both cold and reheated.
- Use fresh herbs. I have made them with dried herbs as well and they still taste great, but fresh herbs like parsley or basil take the flavors to a different level.
More healthy turkey recipes
I LOVE turkey! It's such a tasty lean protein and I use it in a lot of different recipes. The turkey patties with avocado are one of my all-time favorite recipes, while the turkey chili is the perfect easy meal for a cold winter night. The marinated turkey breast is really easy to prepare ahead, so it's perfect for a mid-week meal.
When you've tried these healthy turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs, please don't forget to let me know how you liked them and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Healthy Turkey Meatballs (Without Breadcrumbs)
- 20 oz. ground turkey
- 3.5 oz. fresh or frozen spinach
- ¼ cup oats
- 2 egg whites
- 2 celery sticks
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ green bell pepper
- ½ red onion
- ½ cup parsley
- ½ tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. mustard powder
- 1 tsp. thyme
- ½ tsp. turmeric
- ½ tsp. chipotle pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C)
- Chop onion, garlic, and celery very finely (or use a food processor) and put it in a large mixing bowl
- Add turkey, egg whites, oats, and spices to the bowl and mix thoroughly. Make sure there are no pockets of spices or oats in the mix
- Chop spinach, green peppers (clean out the stem and seeds first) and parsley. The pieces should be the size of a dime
- Add the vegetables to the bowl and mix it all together
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Roll the turkey mixture into 15 balls (about the size of golf balls) and place them on the baking sheet
- Bake for 25 minutes, until cooked through