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How To Test The Sharpness Of Your Lens
Most often I hear photographers saying "my photographs are not sharp enough." Are you worried as well?
If yes, I have a simple but most practical solution. And the solution is…first test your lens for sharpness, as there's a high possibility that your lens is soft.
Most lenses are not very sharp at their widest aperture. Instead, they are sharp when stopped down by 1 stop or sometimes 2 stops. It's also referred as "Sweet Spot" of a lens.
Now the question is how you will know the sweet spot of your lens. There are 2 ways; one is a hard way, and other is an easy way.
Which one do you want? Of course, an easy one, isn't it? It's a no-brainer. The easy way is to check the lens sharpness performance by looking at its MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) chart.
Read how to read MTF charts for Nikon Lenses or how to read MTF charts for Canon Lenses.
The hard way is to test it yourself. It's not as hard as you might imagine. It takes only a few minutes to test. But the experience can be rewarding.
I would prefer the hard way for a good reason that it gives me a first-hand experience. Instead of depending on someone else's test results, why not rely on mine. What do you think?
Okay, now that I have convinced you to test the sharpness of your lens (have I?), let me give you a clear-cut guideline to do it.
Sharpness Test
Most lenses give optimal sharpness only when stopped down by 1 stop.
For example A 100-400mm or an 80-400mm lens set at 400mm might give you sharper results at f/8 than at their widest aperture setting of f/5.6. At the widest aperture, these variable aperture zoom lenses yield softer images.
Is it true for all the lenses?
No. All lenses are not made equal. Some lenses might perform very well at maximum aperture settings. Prime lenses like 300mm f/2.8, 400 f/2.8, 600mm f/4 and so on can produce sharper results at maximum openings. Even then, they seem to produce slightly sharper results when stopped down.
The key here is to find out how much of a difference is it?
If you can quickly deal with the softness (by sharpening it in the post), then it is okay to shoot at the maximum aperture. But, it's not always the case.
Simple Test To Check The Lens Sharpness
Here's a simple test. Remember to perform this test with a static subject. That way you can be 100% sure on the results you get.
Follow these steps:
- Place your camera and lens setup on a sturdy tripod.
- Place an object (like a vase, flower, toy, etc.) at the minimum focusing distance* (MFD) of the lens.
- Make sure there is enough light to get a decent shutter speed. At least 1/500th of a second or more is better. The faster, the better.
- Make sure that your subject is at least 10 feet (3m) away from the background. The farther it is from the background, the better it is.
- Make sure the background is complementing your subject and is clean. You don't want any distractions. You need a bokeh effect so that sharpness of the subject is easy to recognize.
- Set your lens at its maximum aperture.
- Put your camera in the live view mode.
- Focus perfectly on the subject.
- Zoom in to check if it is perfectly in focus.
- This is very important. Lock the Focus. Or, switch to Manual Focus so that focus remains the same throughout the experiment.
- Use a remote or the timer mode to take a photograph. You could even try using mirror-lockup.
- Take a photograph at the maximum aperture setting of the lens.
- Stop down the aperture by 1 stop. For instance, if the maximum aperture is f/5.6 then chose f/8.
- Take another photograph at this new aperture setting.
- Stop down the aperture by 1 more stop. For instance, if the maximum aperture is f/5.6 then choose f/11.
- Take another photograph at this new aperture setting.
* Minimum Focusing Distance (MFD) of a lens is the closest subject a lens can focus. This distance is measured from the focal plane in DSLRs, not from the front of the lens. A focal plane is normally denoted by the symbol Φ on the Camera body.
Check The Results On A Laptop/Desktop
Now check these photographs on a big monitor to check the sharpness. The bigger the monitor the best it is. How is the sharpness now? Is it sharp enough at the maximum aperture or when it is stopped down?
If it is not sharp at any setting, there are 2 possibilities. Either you didn't do it right or the lens is defective. I will hold you responsible! At least for now.
Now go back and perform the same experiment at least 10 times. Perform in different lighting conditions or with a different subject. Try changing the tripod. Make sure the background is too far so that you can get a nice and soft bokeh.
Find Out The Sweet Spot Of Your Lens
The above sharpness test, if performed as per the guidelines, should yield you a clear answer about the sweet spot of your lens. The sweet spot is nothing but an aperture setting at which your lens is sharpest.
Do you get sharp results now? You know which aperture to use? Use it. If the light is extremely poor in the field, go ahead and use the maximum aperture. The point is you should know what to expect.
Some Examples
Remember, prime lenses are often sharp at their maximum aperture. Here are some examples when I have stopped down to get the best sharpness possible.
Still Soft?
No matter what you do, if your lens is still soft at all the aperture settings, then blame the manufacturer. Get the lens serviced or get it replaced! I would prefer the latter.
Remember…you have paid a huge sum, and you want to get only the best. No two ways about it.
Did you understand how to test the sharpness of your lens? Good.
It's not enough to understand. Testing it is important. If you don't test it now, my whole point of writing this article is worthless. You have to take action. Only then I can justify my time and efforts. You have to take responsibility to make my efforts worth.
I hope you would do it. I have faith in you.
Have you done this sharpness test anytime? Let me know the results in your comments.
Talk to you soon.
P.S. Did you check the survey results yet? Here it is…
I like the information but I can't print it so I can try it. Thank anyway
I really appreciate the insight here in this post and confident it's going to be helpful to me and many others. Thanks for all the useful information
stupid question,
lets say you have decided that for your nikon 600mm fl F4 lens the sweet spot is around f8.
now you add a 1.4 TC. i know that now your maximum aperture is 5.6. is the sweet spot now f11 or does it stay at f8?
You can mention about VR switch (whether to keep on or off) in the test to check sharpness.
As you mentioned to keep it on tripod for tests. VR should be switched off to eliminate the VR/VC/IS effect as it is very stable.
I know that you are asking to keep shutter speed atleast 1/500th sec which may eliminate VR effect but still I think this point can be mentioned.
Veeranki Naveen.
Thank you so much for how to test the lens. The information was very useful. 100-400 with Canon 7D mark ll I used keep 5.6 f. Result was not happy.
Now I will adopt new methods.


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With numerous ways to pay online, your main concerns are alwayss protecting your personal data and successful transfer of funds (withdrawals and deposits). Whether you're paying for a product you ordered or a service you commissioned, there are plenty of method, focusing on simplicity, speed or safety where you can transfer money from your bank account to the intended recipient.
When it comes to online casinos, a wide soffering of online payment methods is a must. Catering to players from all over the globe, gambling sites that strive to be successful need to provide their customers with as many convenient choices as possible to ensure quick, safe, and easy transfer to and from their accounts.
In this article, we'll discuss some of the most popular payment methods, and briefly touch upon advantages and disadvantages of these methods. If you are new to online transactions, you should find plenty of useful advice here on how to get started and what method to choose as your personal preference.
Not all online payment methods are available or convenient for players across the globe and It is very important to keep this in mind when choosing how to deposit, to make sure you don't get burned on on fees, conversions, etc.
These days, players from the UK can finally use PayPal for their gambling transactions with many online casinos. PayPal is an excellent choice, if available to you, as it has a huge amount of street cred for fast, smooth and safe transactions. The big downside to Paypal are the charges for everyone, you get charged in every transfer and so do the casinos (a reason why a lot of them don't use Paypal).
Players from Canada or Australia are probably best off using e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller. There are also many country-specific methods you can use, like Qiwi, so you might look into those as well. They are safe, with minor charges and have a great reputation.
In the table below, you'll find our recommended payment methods for various countries.
Credit & debit cards
Credit and debit cards are amongst the most veteran online payment method, alongside bank transfers. Two of the most popular credit cards are certainly Visa and MasterCard. Most of us have at least one or two of these kicking around in our wallets, and paying with credit cards is fairly simple. Once you pick this method in a casino cashier, you'll need to enter the relevant information:
As long as you have enough money to cover your payment, money will be immediately transferred to your casino account.
Withdrawing to your card once you had used it to deposit is as simple as selecting this method in your cashier and entering the amount you wish to withdraw. However, keep in mind that MasterCard, in most cases, can only be used for deposits. Visa works both ways.
Those who'd rather not leave their credit card information with an online casino have an option to use one of many electronic payment methods. These work as an intermediary of sorts between your bank account or credit card and the casino. You'll use your card to load funds to your method of choice (often called e-wallet), and then you can use these funds to deposit to a casino or pay for goods and services online.
This way, you'll only have to share your card once, with the e-wallet of your choosing, which enhances the safety of your sensitive financial information.
As for the choices, there are quite a few available, including Skrill (former Moneybookers), Neteller, Click2Pay, Instadebit, Citadel, eChecks, and more. Not all of these methods work exactly the same, but it's the same principle, basically enabling you to never have to share your credit card info with any of the casinos you play at.
Prepaid methods, as the name suggests, allow you to load a certain amount of funds prior to depositing. One downside of these methods, like Ukash and Paysafecard, is the fact they can only be used to deposit funds. You'll still have to use an alternative method when cashing out.
The way prepaid methods work is really simple. You exchange a certain amount of money, usually at a local, land-based store, for a secure code. You can then use this code to pay for online goods and services or, in our specific case, deposit money with an online casino. The reason why you can't use Ukash or Paysafecard to withdraw is self-explanatory, as these are one-time codes that expire once you used up the cash, and there is no way for the casino to send money to your Ukash code.
Apart from all these methods, which mostly have been around for a while, lately we're seeing more and more mobile payment methods becoming available. Most of the e-wallets listed earlier also offer mobile access, so you can use them from your mobile device just as easily.
As for specific mobile payment methods, one option that's been fairly popular is PayForIt. This methods allows you to deposit funds using your prepaid balance or by adding the deposited balance to your phone bill at the end of the month. Usually, you won't be able to deposit large sums using this method, but exact limits mostly depend on your phone operator.
We truly believe that e-wallets are the future. They are simple, safe and versatile enough to be fully optimizable to mobile, the only downside is that some of them have restrictions on the withdrawal method – watch out for this.

subset: commoncrawl


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Elliot S. Tarloff is a partner in Jenner & Block's Communications, Government Controversies, and Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practices. Mr. Tarloff advises clients in regulated industries on a variety of state and federal regulatory proceedings, including merger reviews, rulemakings, investigations, and enforcement actions.
Mr. Tarloff has represented clients in the telecommunications, cybersecurity, defense, financial services, and hospitality industries. He has experience counseling clients on issues before federal regulators, including the FCC, SEC, and FTC, and state regulators, such as public utility commissions and attorneys general.
Communications, Internet, and Technology: Mr. Tarloff has represented parties to several prominent telecommunications transactions, including the merger between Charter Communications, Inc., Time Warner Cable Inc. and Bright House Networks, LLC, providing guidance on strategic and procedural issues. He has experience advising clients on transaction structure, preparing regulator-facing advocacy and discovery materials, and working closely with business units. Mr. Tarloff also has provided strategic counseling and drafted comments for numerous significant FCC proceedings regarding telecommunications infrastructure, universal service fund auctions, data breaches and cybersecurity, wireless spectrum, practices of broadband Internet access service providers, and broadband consumer privacy. He also has experience with telecommunications-related litigation.
Government Controversies: Over his career, Mr. Tarloff has been involved in several internal investigations, addressing allegations of fraud and other regulatory violations. For three years, he has assisted in the monitorship of a global financial institution, including by overseeing and reporting on the institution's compliance.
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity: In addition to his work on telecommunications-related data privacy and cybersecurity issues, Mr. Tarloff has advised multiple clients on the design and processes for their "bug bounty" programs, and he has counseled clients on the litigation and prosecution risks of other emerging cybersecurity tools and authentication methods. He also has provided counseling regarding U.S. sectoral privacy laws and international privacy regimes, including the EU GDPR.


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Replacing the Cosmopolitan as Lincoln's very good collection was the 1954 Lincoln Capri It had newly constructed ball joint front suspension, jumbo drum brakes, recirculating-ball energy steering, and rode a state-of-the-artwork 123-inch-wheelbase chassis. Let's take a quack look – er, I mean a fast look – at a number of the funniest and cleverest cartoons from almost a century of awesome animation, as I count down my Top 10 Cartoon Birds. Motoring organisation RAC offers vehicle inspections for members from £99 whereas the AA costs from £128 to take a look at automobiles. Sat, Apr 30 – Zion Christian Church Annual Car And Bike Show, 10:00 am, 5200 Quaker Drive, Suffolk. And I am properly happy that you appreciate my article about Cool Classic Muscle Cars.
Made for play, racing Hot Wheels vehicles downhill on the customized tracks, sending them over jumps and through the loops often led to spectacular crashes that resulted in chipped paint, bent axels and lacking wheels. My quickest automotive was a 'fifty three Studebaker with a Chevy 283, a Duntov cam, two 4 barrel carbs, a Cadillac/Lasalle tranny, and a 4:fifty six differential. Sat, Apr 30 – Open Doors Presents All Wheels" Car Show, First Colonial Advance Auto Parts, 12 – 3:00 pm, 550 First Colonial Rd, Virginia Beach. To associations just like the Classic Car Club of America, there are inflexible parameters.
With automobile purchases, taking the automobile with you upon shopping for is one of the best method of assuring nothing happens to your basic automotive. To dream you can't control the automobile can mean you are feeling you wouldn't have control over your life or the path you're headed. Homemade aprons have been a preferred use of material remnants and made welcome gifts or sale gadgets at church bazaars. Its success marked the lengthy-overdue return of a genuine, moderately reasonably priced British sports car.
The appendix includes the addresses of producers and golf equipment around the world which is informative and invaluable in your own equipment automobile building adventures. This stylish automotive stars off high-quality, but will get trashed on a highway trip with Pinto, Boon, and Otter. Also how do I tell what hp my moter is a four barrel and has the twelve bolt rear runs and drives like a dream the title sais 55402 miles on it and i bought the automotive from california.
Ideally situated just off the M1 at West Gosford, Gosford Classic Car Museum is the right venue for a time out, car club meeting or even your marriage ceremony! There are hundreds of individuals within the auto business who're antique automotive buffs and there are actually many causes to get involved with amassing vintage vehicles. The DMC 12 i feel is #1 i really like the DB 5 its a good looking automobile but the DMC 12 is extra memorable i think.


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August 24, 2010
Sprouted moong stirfry
When I come back home after work, it's hard to cook for the night from scratch. That's because I want to feed the little one, spend time with him, take him out for a walk etc. So it helps if things are half done and that's one of the reasons I like this recipe so much. Not to mention that it is a healthy side with either chapati or rice.
I can get the sprouted moong ready the night before. Then it's quick to make this delicious and easy recipe.
Here's how to do it:
1 1/2 cups sprouted moong
1 medium onion - chopped
1 medium tomato - chopped
1 tspoon grated ginger
1/4 tspoon turmeric powder
1/2 tspoon cumin seeds
1/2 tspoon cumin seed powder
2 green chillies - slit
1 tbspoon chopped cilantro
salt to taste
1 tbspoon oil
1/2 cup water
Wash and clean the sprouted moong. Heat the oil in a pan and temper it with cumin seeds and green chillies. Then add the ginger, onion and saute for a few minutes till the onions turn soft, but not brown. Then add the tomatoes and let it cook till the tomatoes turn soft.
Add the sprouted moong, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Add about 1/4 -water and let it cook till moong is cooked. It shouldn't turn mushy though. Add more water if needed.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with a wedge of lemon.
August 15, 2010
Banana Almond Flour Bundt Cake
This is the story of three over ripe bananas. Sitting in the hot kitchen they debated if they will be used in a milkshake or with yogurt or as baby food. They didn't know that the chef had completely different plan for them.
The little one just turned six months and to celebrate the first half birthday, I used the bananas to make banana and almond flour cake. I looked around for recipes and found a good one at Elena's Pantry. I tweaked it a bit for my taste and convenience and made it over a weekend afternoon. I must say it felt good to be baking again after a long hiatus. It helped that the cake turned out great too!
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tspoon salt
1 tspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs
1 tbspoon vanilla extract (you can also use almond extract)
1/2 cup yougurt
3 bananas mashed
Preheat the oven to 350 deg F. In the meantime in a large bowl, mix together almond flour, flour, salt and baking soda.
Then combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract. Then stir in the mashed bananas. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring constantly.
Prepare a cake pan and pour in the cake batter. Bake for 40 minutes or till the toothpick comes out clean.
Remove from oven and cool.
On another note, Ameya has started eating solid food and I am always thinking of new combinations and starter foods for babies. What worked for your little one?
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Spoil your lamb and impress the judges!
A huge thank you to Dougal Scott from NRM for supplying us with some stock feed.
Grow your lamb big, healthy and strong with either the lamb Starter Mix or the lamb Performance Pellets. Starter Mix is available now at just $2 for a kilo bag. Lamb Pellets will be available next week.
Please note this is an additional feed. Your lambs will still need to be fed their milk replacer, have grass or hay and water available to them.
News > News Flash >


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Other Projects
Other Projects
Poster for Levitate Me Lions in Bangkok
Poster for Cosmic Child's Hong Kong-China tour, designed with Shauna Goh
Album artwork for Linus Hablot's Just Call, released under Middle Class Cigars [and it just hit 2.4m plays!]
Website design for #vinyloftheday's store
Collaterals for Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
Identity for matchmaking app Us/Voytin
Layout design for Poached Mag Vol. 1
Poster for Singularity, a jazz showcase by Hummingbird Concepts
Poster for Middle Class Cigars at Urban Ventures, designed with Miki Charwin
Prototype for a yacht-on-demand service
UI/UX design for Definition, a dictionary app released in 2011
Mixtape artwork for #vinyloftheday
Identity for Newton Leaders' Women Leaders Mentorship


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Anti-Bacteria Solutions That Can Be Used With a Waterpik
If you have gum disease, a Waterpik is vital for cleaning under the gums, where a toothbrush is ineffective. Waterpiks are also useful in cleaning around braces. Using an anti-bacterial solution, instead of just water, gives a Waterpik the added ability to sanitize your mouth. Review the user's manual to ensure that your Waterpik is approved for use with anti-bacterial solutions. Acceptable solutions for Waterpiks include those that do not contain bleach or iodine.
Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Antiseptic mouthwashes are alcohol-based solutions. Active ingredients commonly found in antiseptic mouthwashes include menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol. Antiseptic mouthwashes quickly and efficiently kill bacteria; however, you may want to avoid alcohol mouthwashes if you are prone to dry mouth, as alcohol absorbs moisture. Many major producers of antiseptic mouthwashes sell fluoride and children's formulas.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you prefer a non-alcohol mouthwash, use a solution of 1 part three percent hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water in your Waterpik 2. Hydrogen peroxide has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties 2. In addition to fighting bacteria, hydrogen peroxide is a suitable disinfectant for cuts and sores in the mouth 2. It will also keep the inside of your Waterpik disinfected.
Chlorine Dioxide Mouthwashes
Used to disinfect public water supplies, chlorine dioxide mouthwash has strong antiseptic properties. Its oxidizing power also makes it effective in fighting halitosis. Chlorine dioxide mouthwashes are sold as either "stabilized" or "active." Active mouthwash is a purer form of chlorine dioxide, whereas stabilized mouthwash is made with a sodium chlorite substitute 3. For optimum oxidizing ability, choose active solutions.
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images


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About Us And euroPLX
euroPLX® (short for European Pharma License Exchange) is a Brainchild and Europe registered trademark of RauCon.
As a specialist consultancy for providing and organising collaborative opportunities, RauCon caters to international pharma and biopharma business development and licensing executives, with organisational tools for the optimisation of the business development process, advice, and career support.
Having organised partnering events in Europe, North America, and Australia since 1987, RauCon has pioneered the Pharma License Exchange concept in 1995, a novel business development platform for the pharmaceutical industry. Since then each single euroPLX Partnering Conference was meticulously planned and prepared by Dr. Norbert Rau and Mrs. Anke Rau who have an up-to-date perspective on the industry since three decades.
Their personal attention to detail and continuous innovation, and their focus on their customers' needs to achieve results have made euroPLX Partnering Conferences the recognised leader in partnering events with almost 17,000 facilitated partnering negotiations per year and an unmatched appointment-per-attendee ratio.
RauCon GmbH & Co. KG
Rudolf-Diesel-Str. 9
69115 Heidelberg
Tele-marketers: Please note that as a strict policy we do not place any orders following a cold call.


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Fifty Shades of Grey caused a huge stir when it first arrived on the shelves, and the publicity it generated just by word of mouth had avid readers, who normally wouldn't condescend to reading such trashy novels, running to the nearest Waterstones to grab a copy. There were very mixed reviews as well, some people suggested it was a glorified Mills and Boon for the very modern age, while others called it light pornography.
The first in a trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey introduces the suave Christian Grey who is rich and powerful but also flawed. The heroine of the story, a naïve and innocent virgin, is swept up in emotion that she doesn't understand on her first encounter with the handsome Mr Grey. Add into the mix a sex chamber with chains, whips and butt plugs and S&M is introduced into a modern day relationship that is anything but conventional.
The idea that a formula is being followed in this romantic novel, is quite clear when you compare it to a typical Mills and Boon, whereby the hero is handsome, clever, strong, rich, and independent, and the heroine is in need of saving. The story is a tool to highlight the notion that love conquers all and as in these formulated romantic novels, Fifty Shades' is no different, unless of course you read the chapter on Sado-masochism, or S&M as it is nicely abbreviated.
In many ways within the novel we see the heroine Anastasia Steele, being submissive and controlled by Christian as she navigates through her sexual experiences with him having never experienced sex with anyone else. The idea that S&M received bad press because of this novel is also something to be aware of when thinking about whether or not this novel served to empower women or whether it makes them look weak and helpless.
Rachel Cusk denied that Iris Murdoch was a women's writer, stating that she had made a choice to ignore the fact of her sex when writing and therefore lived as an intellectual which may not have been possible had she written as someone like Virginia Woolf who lived a very 'ordinary life, she spurned the intellectual shelter of academic institutions, she lived and hence she wrote as a woman.'
The same could be said of E.L James (Erika Mitchell). Not that she is an intellectual, although she clearly saw a niche in the market for a novel like hers and her marketing of such a product was genius, but that she is not a women's writer. I however, believe that she is a women's writer. Whether she writes for women by empowering them through the concept of sexual liberation and freedom of choice or whether she aids them in escaping the mundanity of their own lives and for a brief period, allows them to disappear into a world of fantasy where anything is possible, this really is writing for women.


text: gengwall Report post Posted January 11, 2005 Wow - what a great thread.I agree with most of the difficulties listed above reconciling the garden scene with the Jesus portrayed in scripture. So, I'll leave that alone. Two other things I found troublesome in the play and, to change tone, several things I found encouraging.1. Jesus line to the disciples at the arrest is one of the furthest from reality I can think of "Don't you know that it's all overIt was nice but now it's goneWhy are you obsessed with fighting?Stick to fishing from now on"I don't think anyone believes Jesus thought that "it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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You have only been able to buy the iPhone 5 today, and stock is limited, yet someone has still decided to try and break their brand new Apple smartphone by dropping it repeatedly on to a hard floor.
The good news is, that new frame has made the iPhone 5 pretty durable, and it survives multiple drops with very little damage occurring. The display doesn't crack until they start throwing it with force at the floor, which you are unlikely to do by accident. The main takeaway from this test is accidental drops probably won't break your iPhone 5 .
The other test carried out here is the scratch test, which sees a couple of sharp objects rubbed over the display. No scratches appear on the screen as far as we can tell, but that doesn't mean you should drop an iPhone 5 in your pocket next to some keys, and a screen protector is always a wise investment.
A lot of people will opt to put their new iPhone in a case, but what the video above suggests is you can probably get away with a thinner case and a screen cover rather than one of those military-grade solutions that really add bulk to the phone.
I'm hoping this is the only drop test we see as it really is a waste of a device, and a device that many others are desperate to own. The point has now been made: the iPhone 5 is pretty durable.
via 9to5mac


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CreatorIQ Integrated Search gives you access to Discovery Search in your network portal. This means that you no longer have to leave your current browser to access discovery search.
Just select ON to activate discovery search directly from the CreatorIQ platform.
Discovery Search allows you to pull data from outside of your own network for a more robust set of results aggregated into one place.
Find new influencers to add to your own network using keywords and/or tags.


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Frequently Asked Questions
Empowering Minds offers a comprehensive, standards aligned social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum with professional development that is Teacher Led, Evidence-Based, and Integrated with Academic Curriculum.
How do I use this page?
Just click on any topic below. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, use the form on the right.
How does Empowering Minds compare to other programs?
What makes the Empowering Minds curriculum unique?
Empowering Minds is the only SEL curriculum that blends mindfulness, cognitive behavioral theory, brain-based learning, and restorative practices. It is also the only curriculum available that is fully aligned with CASEL?s best practices for schoolwide implementation.
Is Empowering Minds standards aligned?
The Empowering Minds curriculum is aligned with the National Common Core Standards, the Colorado Academic Standards, and the P21 Partnership for 21st Century Learning Student Outcomes. Standards alignment can be found at the end of each Academic Extension lesson.
Empowering minds is also fully aligned with the principals, best practices, and 5 Core Competencies described by The Collaborative for Academic & Social-Emotional Learning (www.casel.org).
What grade level is the Empowering Minds curriculum? Is it differentiated?
Empowering Minds is a K-8 Mindfulness-Based Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum. The curriculum is differentiated into three grade level tiers, including: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
Each grade level tier includes 30 Core Content lessons and 30 Academic Extension lessons that cover similar themes to allow for schoolwide coordination of lessons.
What topics does the Empowering Minds curriculum cover?
The curriculum blends the best of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral theory, and neuroscience (brain-based learning). The lessons are designed to teach directly to CASEL?s 5 Core Competencies of:
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
- Responsible Decision Making
See the comprehensive curriculum scope and sequence here.
Do I need to be a mindfulness expert to teach Empowering Minds?
No! A central tenet of mindfulness is the ?beginners mindset? ? an attitude of curiosity, openness, and non-judgment and the willingness to make mistakes. With this mindset, you do not need to be an expert to teach mindfulness, and can in fact learn alongside your students.
The only pre-requisite, however, is that you are sincerely bought-in to the process and believe in what you are teaching.
Empowering Minds was developed to be easily accessible for any educator to successfully implement the curriculum. Each lesson is fully scripted, includes a video tutorial, and all of the information needed to quickly and easily prepare for teaching.
In addition, Empowering Education offers professional development opportunities to equip schools with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to help shift the school-wide culture tobe more in line with social and emotional competencies.
What is the theory of education for the Empowering Minds curriculum?
Empowering Minds is founded on the best practices of SEL implementation as described by CASEL, including:
- explicit skills instruction
- integration into academic curriculum
- school-wide implementation
- teacher instructional practices (high-quality training and ongoing support)
- organizational, climate, and cultural strategies
- family and community partnerships
SEL educates the heart, while traditional academic learning educates the head. The 21st Century model of educating ?the whole child? is the process of bringing these two together. Our mindfulness-based curriculum is designed to support both the social-emotional and academic growth of your students.
The three theories we have chosen to inform our curriculum are mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and brain-based learning. These are currently considered the most ?evidence based? lenses for understanding and teaching SEL. Each theory serves a unique purpose and when taken together can offer students a well-rounded understanding and experience of SEL topics.
The combination of mindfulness, brain-based learning, and CBT provides students with the necessary knowledge and tools to:?
- increase self-awareness and self-regulation on a moment to moment basis.?
- modulate behavior based on an understanding of the biological underpinnings of human behavior and emotions.?
- make responsible decisions based on an understanding of the dynamic interplay between thoughts, emotions and behavior.
What supplementary materials do I need to implement the curriculum?
Empowering Minds embeds many supplementary resources (book suggestions, learning links, videos, articles, etc.) within each core content lesson, academic extension lesson, and our online library.
Examples of resources in our library include: glossary, dialogue journal strategy template, implementation guide, reading lists for teachers, SEL journals, standards aligned writing rubrics, and writing self-assessment checklists.
Several lessons utilize additional supplies such as balloons, ropes, or markers. These resources are optional and are not necessary for successful implementation. A list of materials, including links for purchase, can be found in the supplementary materials section of our library.
What technology is needed to implement the curriculum?
Empowering Minds is an online curriculum, and requires the use of the internet to access the lessons.
To view lessons in full screen:?Click the square icon in the upper right-hand corner of the lesson to view in fullscreen (see attached picture)
To save the file as a PDF:?Click the?print icon (see attached picture). Select "Print all pages" and then click "Print", this should prompt a dialog box from your computer. In the drop-down menu, there should be an option to "Save as PDF."
To print the lessons: Click the?print icon (see attached picture). Select "Print all pages" and then click "Print", this should prompt a dialog box from your computer. Select your printing options and click print.
Each lesson also includes a 5-10 minute video tutorial featuring clips of the lesson being taught in a live class and additional information to provide an overview of the lesson for teachers. The videos are hosted on vimeo.com and should play in a standard web browser. These videos are intended as a reference for teachers rather than videos to show students.
Do you have hard copies of the Empowering Minds curriculum?
To further our mission of sustainability and reduce or ecological footprint Empowering Minds is only available online. If you would like a hard copy, you may choose to print the lessons as needed.
To print the lessons: Click the?print icon. Select "Print all pages" and then click "Print", this should prompt a dialog box from your computer. Select your printing options and click print.
Is the Empowering Minds curriculum evidenced based?
Empowering Education has partnered with the?Center for Practice Engaged Education Research (C-PEER)??at the University of Colorado Denver for the 2016-2017 school year to obtain the highest standard of program evaluation available in the industry. We are dedicated to providing evidence-based programming and refining our curriculum in response to formative assessments along the way to provide your students with the best possible experience.
Our previous third-party evaluations reveal statistically?significant?increases on measures of?Persistence, Self-Control,?and?Social Competence.?Download the full research reports here for more information.
Pending results of our most recent program evaluation, Empowering Education is seeking designation as a CASEL evidence based curriculum.
Empowering Minds is also heavily notated with research and articles. Every attempt has been made throughout the Empowering Minds curriculum to cite the author of original source material. Empowering Education is committed to recognizing individuals and organizations in the field that are pioneering efforts to advance social and emotional learning in our schools. We regret any oversights that may have occurred and will be pleased to rectify omissions immediately.?
Do you have pre/post surveys for use in my school?
The?pre/post?survey used in our pilot study is located here.
It includes both a student?pre/post?survey?and a teacher?pre/post?evaluation (to be completed by the classroom teacher for as many students as possible.) There are instructions included in the link above about how to administer the?surveys?and interpret data.
What is the difference between an ?Individual Seat? and ?School-Wide? purchase?
Core Content Lessons: Every lesson is scripted using effective teacher language and includes notes on tone, body language, and other delivery factors. The hope is not that teachers rely on the script, but rather that it provides a solid foundation for even the most inexperienced teacher. We strongly recommend that teachers review the script before teaching, create their own teaching outline, and then make the lesson their own.
Academic Extensions: Each lesson includes extension resources designed to enhance, deepen, and reinforce the core lesson concepts throughout the week and school year. We?ve done the work for you in locating and assembling complementary lesson resources.
Video Tutorials: Our video tutorials provide instant access to concise, high-quality coaching specifically tailored to each lesson, as well as the chance to see the lessons in action at our pilot schools. Teachers can use the tutorials to ?train? at their own pace and even review moments before teaching.
Library Access: The library includes :
- Student resources
- Teacher resources
- Partner resources
- Extended writing tasks:
- opinion-argumentative writing rubrics and checklists for teachers and students
- informative/explanatory writing rubrics and checklists for teachers and students
- narrative writing rubrics and checklists for teachers and students
- Dialogue Journal Strategies
- Summer reading list for teachers
- Glossary
- Scope and sequence
- Empowering Minds overview
- SEL Journal
School-Wide Implementation: Ongoing support and guidance from EE in forming a dedicated SEL Leadership team to take ownership over the planning and implementation of SEL efforts, policies, and practices. Ideally, this team will include school administration, school mental health staff, and teacher representatives. Assistance in developing a clear vision, commitment and honest re-evaluation of everything from school culture and discipline practices to details like daily schedules and effective transitions. These changes typically require time and dedicated leadership, and will be unique to your schools? needs.
Do you offer professional development opportunities?
Empowering Education offers engaging, high-quality professional development trainings designed with educators in mind. Our expert facilitators create dynamic learning experiences to generate teacher buy-in and deliver practical strategies. Professional Development trainings are designed for teachers, youth serving professionals, parents, adults, and anyone curious to learn and expand applicable knowledge on SEL and mindfulness.
Each workshop is tailored to the unique needs of the school and audience. Typical themes include:
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Mindfulness
- Trauma Informed Schools
Contact Empowering Education to learn more.
We are in the process of developing an online learning course for educators.
Do you have resources for home-school?
While our curriculum is designed for classroom use, the Empowering Minds curriculum can readily be applied to the home-school environment. Our Academic Extensions includes a wealth of resources designed to enhance, deepen, and reinforce the core lesson concepts throughout the week and school year, and to fit your student?s needs.
How much time does it take to teach each lesson?
The Core Content lessons are designed to be taught once per week and have an average duration of 20-30 minutes (some lessons in the 6-8 curriculum may take up to 40 minutes). The lessons were designed to leverage existing blocks of time such as morning meeting, advisory, or homeroom.
The Academic Extensions lessons do not have a specific timeframe and can be applied and modified at the discretion of each teacher throughout the school week. Ideally, students and teachers will practice SEL skills daily.
See the comprehensive curriculum scope and sequence here.
Do you have resources for parents and families?
Empowering Minds curriculum includes an at-home resource worksheet for each lesson. School-family partnerships are strengthened by bringing social and emotional learning (SEL) into the home. We also offer mindfulness and SEL workshops for PTA and families.
What are the benefits of school-wide SEL implementation?
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated significant academic, behavior, social, emotional, and economic benefits to school-wide implementation of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL). These benefits include:
- An average 13-percentile gain on standardized achievement tests
- Improved social & emotional skills; improved attitudes about self, others, and school; and increases in positive classroom behavior.
- Decreases in conduct problems, aggressive behavior, and emotional distress
Results of a 2015 study show statistically significant associations between kindergartener?s SEL skills and key young adult outcomes across multiple domains: Kindergartners who were stronger in SEL competence were more likely to:
- graduate from high school
- complete a college degree
- obtain stable employment in young adulthood
And less likely to be:
- living in public housing
- receiving public assistance
- involved with police
- in a detention facility
What is the yearly cost to renew curriculum access?
Our curriculum renews at full price each year. However, discounts are available for 3 year and 5 year contracts. Contact us for more information.
How long does the curriculum license last?
The Empowering Minds curriculum license lasts one year from the purchase date.
Do you offer non-profit/sliding scale rates?
Empowering Education?s mission is to provide high-quality SEL and mindfulness to as many students, educators, and families as possible. If cost is a barrier for your school, please contact us to discuss sliding scale options.
I have purchased school-wide access and/or multiple teacher seats - how do I access the curriculum online and add users?
To access, go to?https://empoweringeducation.org/account/ and login with your credentials. Once logged in you will click on your membership option > Members.
From here, you can enter user names and emails to grant your staff access to the curriculum. Once you click save they will receive an email with a system generated password. We've documented this process in a short video as well:?https://vimeo.com/210694459?
How do you print a lesson?
To print, click on the printer icon on the top left side of the lesson.
How do you access the library?
To access the library resources, go to the curriculum drop down menu in the top bar of the website and click on the ?Library? link.
How do I use the academic extensions?
There is no standard way to use the academic extension lessons. The literature recommendations, writing tasks, learning links, and teacher resources can be used at the discretion of each teacher/school. We recommend reviewing each lesson and deciding if, when, and how you plan to integrate the extensions.
Is mindfulness religious?
No. While practices of focused attention and mindful self-awareness can be found in many cultural and spiritual traditions worldwide, the practice of mindfulness itself is secular and does not require, nor conflict with, any particular belief systems.
Mindfulness is used in settings such as the Mayo Clinic and many other hospitals and universities to prevent and treat everything from low back pain, depression, and anxiety to PTSD, obesity, and auto-immune disorders. In the past few years alone there have been several thousand peer-reviewed, scientific articles describing the benefits of mindfulness (ranging from actual physical changes in the brain and improved immune system functioning to decreases in stress and increased in overall wellness).
Are you teaching meditation?
No. While meditation is a form of mindfulness, mindfulness is simply the practice of paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment.
In Empowering Minds, students learn mindfulness through various practices such as mindful body, mindful listening, mindful eating, mindful breathing, mindful coloring, and mindful walking; however, we do not specifically teach meditation.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment. Mindfulness is learned by focusing attention on one specific aspect of experience at a time (e.g. breath, sounds, body sensations, thoughts, emotions, etc.). With continued practice, we enhance our capacity to purposefully and skillfully direct our attention and awareness – a skill that is universally helpful.
For more information and videos you can visit our mindfulness page.
Do you provide implementation recommendations?
Yes, our Practical Guide to Schoolwide Implementation provides resources, research, and best practices to achieve high-quality implementation at your school.


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Go to Indicator definition
Share of home purchase loans that have an APR (annual percentage rate)
at least 3 percentage points higher than the interest rate of U.S.
Treasury securities of the same maturity.
Due to changes in the definition of high interest loans, this indicator only reflects loans with application dates before October 1, 2009. Includes only originated, first-lien loans for owner-occupied, 1-4 family homes or manufactured homes.
Analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
Institute for Child, Youth and Family Policy • The Heller School • Brandeis University
Waltham, MA • email@example.com
Copyright 2020, diversitydata.org
>> For a wider selection of data on child wellbeing, visit our partner site, diversitydatakids.org.
diversitydata.org is powered by Velir's Datacenter.


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While the late Malcolm X has been referenced numerous times in Hip Hop, according to a recent interview with West Coast spitter Ab-Soul, he personally learned a lot from the minister and his famed The Autobiography Of Malcolm X.
The Top Dawg Entertainment emcee spoke on Malcolm X and a variety of other topics while being interviewed by HardKnock.TV.
"I'm not like a racial person by any means, you know what I mean? I really try to stress equality, but I kinda feel like every black person just kinda goes through this black power phase, in my generation per se," Ab-Soul explained. "You kinda just go through this little enlightenment about wanting to know your history and where you wanna come from. The story is deep with African-Americans. So Malcolm X was a real courageous figure. We heard a lot about him in school and so something told me to really just crack that book open and hear what he had to say. And I think it just taught me a lot."
Ab-Soul also shared the details on how his "Jimmy Iovine" collaboration with Seattle rapper Macklemore came about. The rapper revealed that he linked up with Macklemore while touring and the two shared similar interests in sparking a conversation within.
"Well, I met Macklemore on the Groovy Tour with Q," said the TDE rapper. "He's a real cool guy, very intelligent guy. You know what I mean? I think he, like I, is trying to spark a lot of those conversations. Of just within, within yourself. And that song he just sent me the record…And I thought that was a brilliant song. That's how serious people are to get into this business. It's almost like that. They're almost willing to catch Jimmy Iovine slipping outside the club. Like, 'what's up?' So I think that was an important record to do."
RELATED: Ab-Soul Credits His Extensive Vocabulary To His Mom, Speaks On Alori Joh


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Policies and guidelinesACWA accreditation is available for diploma and higher education courses in the areas of community services, aged care, mental health, disability, youth work, HACC and other relevant streams. Accreditation is valid as long as the annual course registration requirements are met.
If you are considering accreditation there is some helpful information below. If you would like to gain accreditation, however, but do not believe your course meets the assessment criteria, our assessment team is happy to work with you to achieve your goal.
Policies and guidelines
Course accreditation requirements for Diploma and higher education courses
Fieldwork placement requirements for Diploma and higher education courses
Course and campus audit policy
Packaged qualifications requirements
Australian community workers' Code of ethics
TimelinesACWA will process your application within 6 weeks providing: the application form is correctly filled in; all the required documents are provided with the application; and the appropriate fee is paid.
You will be contacted if we need more information or documentation. Where accredited course status is granted you will be issued with accreditation documents and the ACWA logo which you may use in your marketing materials. Your course and campus details will be listed on our accredited course finder.


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BLADE trailer coming soon!
Introduction of the LED Light Tower Trailer - Hybrid XL
Introduction of the Hybrid Led Light Tower BUCKET
New production facility
Verdegro USA LLC
The BLADE TMA was launched according MASH
Introduction Hybrid Light towers
The Truck Mounted Attenuator-US was launched according NCHRP 350 TL-3
Launched the new MLS
Opened new crash facility
Introduction of the Auto Cone
Since 2008, the year we moved to Etten-Leur (the place where we still do business), Verdegro is one of the largest producers of mobile traffic systems in Europe.
Over the years the list of innovative hybrid products has grown and that has led to many breakthroughs in traffic engineering. Our systems are characterized by safety, innovation and environmental awareness.
Verdegro is your designer, manufacturer and supplier of traffic safety systems, impact absorbing systems and LED displays. Of course you can also contact us for service, maintenance, failure and repair of such products. We are available 24/7!
Once in Roosendaal Verdegro got the largest European tender for the supply of mobile traffic systems in the history. This was the provision of 320 car-Drips which you can still see on daily basis in the Netherlands. Again there was a tremendous growth of the company.
Introduction of the Truck Mounted Attenuator- EU
First solar power arrowboard trailer
The foundations of Verdegro were laid in 2003 by Gerrit Verwijs and Sjoerd de Groot. It was initiated with the development of mobile traffic systems. In the meantime, the company name Verdegro raised up, which arose from the surnames of the two founders.
Three years later Verdegro belonged to the larger players on the market. Thanks to the development of the first LED arrow trailer on solar energy, which very soon became a great success, the need came to move into a larger building with better facilities, which was found in Roosendaal.
Founded (by G.C. Verwijs & S. de Groot)


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We look forward to hearing from you.You can also send a message or request an appointment through the boxes at the bottom of this page.
General Contact Info:
Get Driving Directions:
Send a Message:
Request an Appointment:
Contact Us: Telephone: (509) 662-8854 Fax: (509) 662-8999 Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
© 2020 Littrell & Bailey, P.S. All Rights Reserved.
Web Builder CS: Websites for Accountants


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Achievement gaps for students with disabilities: Stable, widening, or narrowing on a state-wide reading comprehension test?
Publication Date
Publication Details
Schulte, A. C, Stevens, J. J, Elliott, S. N, Tindal, G. & Nese, JF. (2016). Achievement gaps for students with disabilities: Stable, widening, or narrowing on a state-wide reading comprehension test?. Journal of Educational Psychology,108(7), 925-942. United States of America: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000107
Reading comprehension growth trajectories from 3rd to 7th grade were estimated for 99,919 students on a state reading comprehension assessment. We examined whether differences between students in general education (GE) and groups of students identified as exceptional learners were best characterized as stable, widening, or narrowing. The groups included students with disabilities (SWD) from 8 exceptionality groups and 2 groups of academically gifted students (AG). Initial reading comprehension achievement differed for all exceptionalities. Controlling for sociodemographic variables, small, but statistically significant differences in growth rate were observed, with SWD groups growing more rapidly and AG groups growing more slowly than GE students. Given that differences in growth for SWD were small relative to the magnitude of the initial achievement gaps, the observed pattern of growth was one of stable differences. There was evidence of some narrowing of the achievement gap for students identified with learning disabilities in reading. The findings were interpreted within the simple view of reading where increases in word recognition skills for SWD in the grade range examined may have accounted for their more rapid growth in reading comprehension relative to GE students. The findings suggest that similar expectations for rate of reading growth for GE students and SWD might be incorporated into growth-based accountability models, but they also suggest that reading comprehension growth sufficient to have an impact on SWD achievement gaps does not routinely occur in typical educational practice.
Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education
Document Type
Journal Article
Access Rights
ERA Access
Access may be restricted.


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Online applications are invited by the Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi for the recruitment of Assistant Professors and Senior Residents posts. The selection process will consist of written test and interview.
1. Assistant Professors : 34 posts.
Departments : Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Anesthesia, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, GI Surgery, Endocrinology, Radiology, Urology, Rheumatology, Clinical Haematology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cardiac Anaesthesia, Pathology and Ciritical Care.
Qualification : MD / MS / DM / M.Ch. with minimum 3 years of relevant experience. Age should be below 45 years.
2. Senior Residents : 47 posts.
Departments : Cardiology, Gstroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Clinical Haematology, Vascular Surgery, Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, GI Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Biochemistry.
3. Blood Bank Officer : 1 post.
Qualification : MBBS with MD / DNB in relevant discipline. Age should be below 40 years.
The application fee is Rs. 500 which should be paid through online only. Candidates are required to apply online through website : www.rgssh.in. Clsong date for online registration is 6th February, 2016.


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Video: Adam Ondra climbs Change 9b+ at Flatanger
The video of Adam Ondra and the first ascent of his route Change 9b+ in the Hanshellern - Flatanger cave in Norway.
On 4 October 2012 Adam Ondra required 29 minutes to free Change, the superb route he discovered and bolted in Norway's massively overhanging Hanshellern cave (also known as Flatanger). Almost a half-hour battle, intense and raw, which give birth to a moment that after five weeks of frustrating attempts marked a fundamental stage in the 18-year-old's climbing career. Change - the name couldn't fit better - graded 9b+ and undoubtedly one of the hardest climbs in the world with a crux section that according to Ondra "seems to have been naturally made specifically for me."04/10/2012 - Adam Ondra makes his Change!


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Children's Picture Books for Easter 2015
by Susan Stephenson, www.thebookchook.com
There's still time to grab some of these very recently published children's picture books to help your kids celebrate Easter in fine style!
Those Pesky Rabbits, written and illustrated by Ciara Flood, and published by Koala Books for Scholastic, 2015. RRP: $24.99. It's not easy living next door to a houseful of cheerful rabbits when you're a grumpy bear with a Go Away welcome mat outside your house. Luckily Mr Bear learns about being friends and sharing in this fun tale kids are sure to enjoy.
Alice in Wonderland Down the Rabbit Hole - a modern retelling by Joe Rhatigan and Charles Nurnberg, originally written by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Eric Puybaret, published by Koala Books for Scholastic, 2015. RRP: $24.99. Part of the Alice in Wonderland story is re-told here more simply, while retaining the salient features of the original.
Ten Easter Eggs, written by Vijaya Bodach, illustrated by Laura Logan, and published by Scholastic Inc, 2015. RRP: $12.99. This sturdy board counting book has 10 brightly patterned plastic easter eggs, with each page revealing a newly hatched chick.
Ten eggs.
All is quiet. Not a peep.
Nine eggs.
One chick hatches. 'Cheep, cheep, cheep.'
Where's the Easter Bunny? by Louis Shea, published by Scholastic Australia, 2015. RRP: $16.99. Some kids want a book that doubles as a game and this is where puzzle books can be great. In Where's the Easter Bunny?, there's a brief story set up in comic panels, some text, but not too much, describing each problem, and basket-loads of things for kids to find. The detailed illustrations have so much humour for young readers to giggle over, this is sure to be a favourite!
Little Barry Bilby by Colin Buchanan and Roland Harvey, published by Scholastic Australia, 2015. RRP: $19.99. This is a children's book with accompanying CD. Colin Buchanan riffs on the Peter Rabbit song , only it's Little Barry Bilby with a fly upon his nose, and other assorted bush bugs on various Australian animals. I love it when children can hear a song, and follow the words in books at the same time because it's great reinforcement for beginning readers. Roland Harvey's illustrations are, as usual, absolutely beautiful!
If Easter books aren't on your needs list just now, be sure to check out the books in my post, Excellent Resources for Anzac Day 2015, earlier today!


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When bugsly is traveling, you can reach her via email.
This morning my Dad and I returned our rental car and then went to the Australian Museum. They had a special exhibit about pearls. There was a natural history exhibit as well with lots of taxidermied animals like crocodiles, kangaroos, and many animals in jars in preservative. It was gross! And it also smelled bad in that room…
There are three types of "Kiwi's" in New Zealand. Kiwi birds, Kiwi fruit and the New Zealanders call themselves "Kiwis"!
Want more information? Check out my brothers blog travelingmichael.com


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This post was originally posted on Virgin.com
We are now 16 days at sea. Six salty sailors and I are navigating our way from Spain to the Americas on a small sailing sloop.
The lack of wind brings opportunity. After weeks of staring at the big blue we're going to feel its magic from a different perspective. We put a line out for safety – I step over the railing and jump.
I splash into the 4,000-metre-deep water of the Atlantic Ocean, hundreds of miles from the nearest shore. The feeling of refreshment and freedom is indescribable. With limited water and space, I have not showered or moved much these past weeks. I feel alive, small and on top of the world at the same time. The water is like tea: so warm. What is beneath me? I put on my mask and dive under. There is nothing to see except the butts of my fellow crew and the colour of deep ocean, blue with beams of light shining through.
Driven by my deep sense of curiosity I sail the ocean, freedive into the deep, kite surf the surface, and explore distant shores. My discoveries on, in and underneath the water have taught me about the challenges it is facing.


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A rectangle glass vase filled with moss or white gravel with a trio of assorted premium succulents.
Arrangement Price: $105.00
Note: Varietals may be substituted based on the availability of certain elements. We strive to provide you with the freshest and most seasonal blooms available. See our Substitution and Delivery Policy here for full terms and conditions


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3x10: Lantern
Jimmy tries to turn his decisions back, as Kim takes some time off. Meanwhile, Nacho risks his future.
Datos sobre el episodio y opinión
We do not have a review about this episode yet, but... You can collaborate by writing your own review! You can upload it by clicking here
Caution: the comments section is located below this text. It is impossible for us to moderate everything said by the users due to high traffic volume. Please, if you did not watch the episode yet, be careful with spoilers


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Most-hosting Chris Hardwick, the stand-up comic, "Talking Dead" zombiesplainer and host of Comedy Central's "@Midnight," brought the social-media skewering game show to South by Southwest again, this time to a much larger audience.
The comedian noted that last time "@midnight" was here, in 2016, it was at The Parish, it was for about 100 people. On Friday night, it was Facebook Live-broadcast to the tune of about 139,000 views as of this writing and thousands in person at the much-larger ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
If you're a fan of the Comedy Central show, it was perhaps a slightly looser version of what you'd expect: jokes about some of the best Internet memes and a supremely entertaining panel of contestants, which included Thomas Lennon ("Reno 911!") as well as stand-up comics Whitney Cummings and Nick Swardson. Swardson did a short stand-up set before the game show started, as did Hardwick, and the whole affair, which included audience interaction and jokes about Mark Zuckerberg shutting down the feed when an extremely creepy eBay doll of him was shown, made for a fun time and a good start to SXSW Comedy. Hardwick's positive exuberance went a long way toward keeping a fun vibe throughout: as usual, he made for a funny, engaging ringleader who's not above a really, really dirty joke about Thomas Lennon and a pair of microphones.
You can watch the whole episode below:


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Hot Tips for a Smoother Capital CotY
Do :
The CotY process is now fully on-line so no more actual binders being brought out to the NARI office. This on-line process is much easier then before and should you desire to have your project go to NARI National for either/or a Regional CotY or a National CotY that submission is merely a push of a button.
Get ready early – summer time !! Notify the homeowner well in advance. Advise your clients that photography will take place after the job is complete. Plan on having the job photographed at least 1 month before CoTY entry deadline.
Don't force a project that shows it as not finished. Wait another season. You have a 3 year window now.
Consider showcasing a portion of a larger project that is superior such as a bathroom, exterior, basement, etc. instead of entire job. Have a separate contract for each CoTY entry.
Utilize categories that have fewer entries – interior, exterior, speciality, green and basement.
Have plenty of before photos from many angles. Think about where best "after" pictures will be shot from. The quality of "before" pictures is not important.
Review past winning entries on NARI website as these can be good tips on what the judges tend to appreciate.
Attend "How to Win a CoTY" seminar whether it is on-line of face to face.
Use after photos of similar views as before's. Place before and after pictures on same spread. Make after pic larger.
Use descriptive captions for all photos. Maybe explain an angle if it cannot match with befores.
Use labeled before AND after plans. Judges will discount your project if they can't tell what you did or are confused about what you implied you did.
Use a detailed mission statement outlining scope of job: goals, needs, and requirements, level of difficulty and outline areas of success in addition to answering required questions.
Use homeowner's opinions and sound bites of approval or reference how contractor went beyond scope of work or used creative approach to achieve greater results.
Tell a compelling story with words and pictures that can easily be understood in 10 minutes or less by anyone over 12.
Show "completed" binder to others for feedback and critical analysis THEN make improvements.
Seek advice from past winners – look at their winning binders.
Encourage NARI partner members to be Team Members and share in the glory of winning.
Complete checklist BEFORE you submit. You don't want to get disqualified for missing paperwork.
Keep trying…just because you didn't win in one category doesn't mean you won't win next year for the same or similar binder in a related category.
Don't :
Attempt to complete binder in a day. Well executed entries take planning and creative presentation. Interview homeowners, designers and workers for insights.
Use poor grammar, spelling errors or architectural terms incorrectly. The Judges will notice and mentally discount your project for lack of effort and intelligence.
Submit poor quality photographs. Photographs are the most important element of binder.
Print pictures on cheap photo paper, use pictures too small to see details, use too many pics on a page.
Repeat same views over and over. Show multiple viewpoints.
Place all pictures in front or rear of binder. Do use text to balance it out as if looking at a magazine article. Open with a "wow" transformation sequence and close with an exclamation point of view.
Highlight unfinished or poor quality areas. Just shoot around weaker elements or don't present areas that will distract from best quality portions.
Include logos, signs, equipment, dirty areas or employees. Exception – commercial signage.
Use too many "during" shots – use only to show key obstacles or elements that will be concealed later. During shots are confusing and messy.
Submit project in wrong category – read entry form carefully, especially additions and "speciality" projects = portion of larger project.
Submit same project in 2 categories. Note – there are a few exceptions- Creative Solutions and Green projects. If submitting whole house and then a "speciality" element from same project – DO NOT show same pictures of both areas in 2 entries.
Showcase rooms that are unfurnished or contain broken or unsightly furnishings.
Submit a project that is incomplete, dirty, unpainted, untidy or in disrepair.
Attempt to get homeowners signature at the last minute.
Rush to submit binder at deadline. Submit the day before with fewer hassles.
Expect to win on first try or with every project.
Remember the DC area is perhaps the best remodeling region in the country. Competition is fierce. We will have many fabulous projects; we will have several winning regional awards and we will have several winning National CotY awards.
Step up to the plate and take your place as an annual Capital CotY winner!


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By Kim Laura Kühne
"It started with your name @ByLeavesWeLive & became a tree...
... We know that a Library is so much more than a building full of books ... a book is so much more than pages full of words...
This for you in support of Libraries, books, words, ideas .... a gesture (poetic maybe!?)
The used book is unknown, but in the broken egg, there were individual words put together from the poem "A Trace of Wings" by Edwin Morgan.
The Poetree was followed by 9 other book sculptures. All gifted to different cultural venues of Edinburgh. We still don't know who created the sculptures but there are some theories about it.
The fourth sculpture was found at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, and it's still on display there. The sculpture is made from a copy of Ian Rankin's book, Knots and Crosses. The message on the tag says:
"For @scotstorycentre – A gift in support of libraries, books, works, ideas….. Once upon a time there was a book and in the book was a nest and in the nest was an egg and in the egg was a dragon and in the dragon was a story….."
The fifth and the sixth book sculpture were both found at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2011. The fifth one shows a tray with a cup of tea on a cake stand, a cupcake and a teabag. If you have a closer look you can notice some sentences. It says on the top of the tea:
"Nothing beats a nice cup of tea (or coffee) and a really good BOOK" and next to the cupcake on the tray: "except maybe a cake as well". Another thing is written on the tag of the tea bag, which says: "by leaves we live", which is the twitter name of the Scottish Poetry Library.
The used book is unknown and the tag on the sculpture says:
"To @edbookfest 'A gift' This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…… & festivals xx"
The sixth sculpture is a child sitting under a tree. I It is made from an Everyman's Library edition of The Private Memories and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg. The tag says: "To @edincityoflit 'A gift' LOST (albeit in a good book) This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…. "No infant has the power of deciding….. by what circumstances (they) shall be surrounded.. Robert Owen".
Both sculptures are on display in the Central Library.
Sculpture number seven was found in August 2011 as well, but at the Central Library where it is now on display. The sculpture is a magnifying glass on a stand on top of an old book. The used book is unknown, but the words on the book are from Edwin Morgan, which is mentioned on the tag. Some words on the book are also shown in the lens of the magnifying glass: "When I go in I want it bright, I want to catch whatever is there in full sight". Written on the tag is:
"For Central Library 'A Gift' @Edinburgh_CC This is for you in support of libraries, books, words, ideas…. Libraries are expansive". The word 'expensive' has had the E crossed out and replaced with an A.
The tenth and final book sculpture was found in November before number eight and nine. It was in the Scottish Poetry Library, where the first sculpture appeared. The staff figured out about the sculpture because of a note in the guest book: "Hopefully next time I'll be able to linger longer – I've left a little something for you near Women's Anthologies X. In support of Libraries, Books, Words and Ideas…."
And there it was, a cap made of paper feathers and a pair of gloves with bees. The tag with the sculpture was written on both sides. It describes the inspiration for the sculptures with the quote from the poem "Gifts" by Scottish poet Norman MacCaig: "To @ByLeavesWeLive....... The gifts 'Gloves of bee's fur, cap of the Wren's Wings.......' Norman McCaig .... maybe sometimes impossible things... In support of Libraries, Books, Words Ideas...." and "10/10".
Along with the sculpture there was also the following longer note:
"It's important that a story is not too long ……does not become tedious ……. 'You need to know when to end a story,' she thought. Often a good story ends where it begins. This would mean a return to the Poetry Library. The very place where she had left the first of the ten. Back to those who had loved that little tree, and so encouraged her to try again …….and again. Some had wondered who it was, leaving these small strange objects. Some even thought it was a 'he'! ……. As if! Others looked among Book Artists, rather good ones actually……. But they would never find her there. For though she does make things, this was the first time she had dissected books and had used them simply because they seemed fitting…. Most however chose not to know….. which was the point really. The gift, the place to sit, to look, to wonder, to dream….. of the impossible maybe……. A tiny gesture in support of the special places…. So, here, she will end this story, in a special place … A Poetry Library …. where they are well used to 'anon.' But before exiting …a few mentions. There could be more, because we have all colluded to make this work……. Just a few though.
- the twitter community who in some strange way gave rise to the idea in the first place
- @chrisdonia who gave the story a place, a shape and some great pictures
- and not least @Beathhigh whose books and reputation have been shamelessly utilised in the making of a mystery …….
Another day later they found an eleventh sculpture even though the artist said the series consisted of 10 sculptures. The eleventh one was addressed to Ian Rankin.
Almost a year later the artist was back. She left fifty paper flower sculptures at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, each with the Oscar Wilde quote "… freedom, books, flowers and the moon" and on the backside of the tag "A Gift For You" and a limited edition number of /50.
In November 2012 it was announced that the artist had been contacted via an anonymous email account and had agreed to create five more sculptures for Book Week Scotland. The sculptures were hidden around Scotland, the finder of it had to forward it to a literary institution. However, each finder would get another small sculpture as a prize.
In November 2012 there was another gift for the Scottish Poetry Library. It's a girl sitting under a tree, wearing a crown and reading a book. This is constructed on the book A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson. The open pages show the poem "To My Mother". In the tree are the words, "You in a garden green" and "With me were king and", and on the girl's crown is the word "Queen". On the trunk of the tree are the words, "Were hunter, soldier, tar" and the inside of the small book reads, "And all the thousand things that children are". Some bunting from the tree read "But time, which none can bind, While flowing fast away, leaves love behind." All those lines are from Stevenson's poem "To Willie And Henrietta". The tag belonging to the sculpture reads: " .... For the Love of Books. Every ending marks a new beginning." You can find the sculpture in the Scottish Poetry Library.
In 2014 as part of the Macmillan Art Exhibition "Inspired", another sculpture appeared. An open book out of which butterflies flew out - "Butterflies on the move". The sculpture was auctioned and bought by the Mackenzie family, owners of Hi-Fi Corner and the Movie Rooms. They decided to tour this sculpture so that a wider audience could see it. During this tour, the artist wanted the public to create paper butterflies and send them in till 31 July 2015.
It turned out the artist used the butterflies for the final sculpture "The butterfly tree and lost child". This sculpture is 6'6' high tree with butterflies as leaves. This final sculpture appeared at the Edinburgh Book Festival in August 2016. The sculpture is now on display in the Central Library.


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Tajikistan overland tours
From gentle mountain streams flowing through narrow gorges to raging rapids; this lesser explored Central Asian country is determined to take your breath away. With over 90% of the country covered by rugged snow capped moutains it truly is an exotic country and a great place for the Intrepid traveller to explore.
Tajikistan is dominated by two main mountain ranges; the Pamirs and the Fann Mountains. The Pamirs take up almost the entire eastern part of the country with many peaks over 6000 metres. Home to the elusive snow leopard, the ibex and the worlds largest wild sheep, the Marco Polo, it is a tough and harsh environment for wildlife and locals alike to live in.
The Fann Mountains are a much smaller mountain system in the west of Tajikistan and more accessible to get to from the capital Dushanbe. Known for its stunning iridiscent lakes, the best known are the Alaudin Lakes, Kuilikon and the beautiful Iskanderkul Lake named after Alexander the Great!


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Organised to coincide with the London Art Fair, 'Art of Angel' will occupy the length of the concourse at Angel Underground, transforming the walkway into a public gallery space. Not only will the exhibition be available to the many London commuters, but also to the thousands of visitors making their way to the London Art Fair.
'Art of Angel' will also be exhibiting at Candid Arts Trust, situated just behind Angel Underground, from 19th to 22nd January 2012.
More details to follow shortly.


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Home – Canada
By Dylan Ratigan, Reader Supported News
The Supreme Court looms over our political landscape like a giant, immovable object. Americans have traditionally respected the court's purview, believing that it serves justice, dispassionately. Yet the most controversial decision of the last twenty five years – Bush v. Gore – has profoundly shaken that sentiment. And other decisions, like the Citizens United ruling that prevented restrictions on corporation and labor outside expenditures in elections, are inviting further skepticism. Just who does the … Read more »
By PAUL KRUGMAN – New York Times.
For decades the story of technology has been dominated, in the popular mind and to a large extent in reality, by computing and the things you can do with it. Moore's Law — in which the price of computing power falls roughly 50 percent every 18 months — has powered an ever-expanding range of applications, from faxes to Facebook.
Our mastery of the material world, on the other hand, has advanced much more … Read more »
By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog
The biggest question in America these days is how to revive the economy.
The biggest question among activists now occupying Wall Street and dozens of other cities is how to strike back against the nation's almost unprecedented concentration of income, wealth, and political power in the top 1 percent.
The two questions are related. With so much income and wealth concentrated at the top, the vast middle class no longer has the purchasing power … Read more »
By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog
Wall Street is still out of control, and why Obama should call for Glass-Steagall and a breakup of big banks.
Next week President Obama travels to Wall Street where he'll demand – in light of the Street's continuing antics since the bailout, as well as its role in watering-down the Volcker rule – that the Glass-Steagall Act be resurrected and big banks be broken up.
I'm kidding. But it would be a smart move … Read more »
When Voting Against Job Creation Just Isn't Enough.
As we've been documenting, Republicans keep voting against millions of American jobs. But it doesn't stop there! The bills they've managed to get enacted — namely spending cuts through taking the entire government hostage and threatening to shut it down — have actually killed 370,000 jobs according to a new report from Scott Lilly, a longtime Capitol Hill staffer and Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress.
Here's the rundown, via … Read more »
By PAUL KRUGMAN – New York Times.
A few years back Representative Barney Frank coined an apt phrase for many of his colleagues: weaponized Keynesians, defined as those who believe "that the government does not create jobs when it funds the building of bridges or important research or retrains workers, but when it builds airplanes that are never going to be used in combat, that is of course economic salvation."
Right now the weaponized Keynesians are out in full force … Read more »
By Eliot Spitzer, Slate Magazine
Some people on Wall Street, and at the Wall Street Journal, speak as if the financial crisis never happened.
The art of the "big lie" is to repeat something often enough, and with a powerful enough megaphone, such that your distortions are not challenged. So it is with the Wall Street Journal's obsession with attacking and misrepresenting the multiple cases that I brought against both AIG and its former chairman and CEO, Hank Greenberg.
At … Read more »
By Michael Moore, Open Mike Blog
Portrait, Michael Moore, 04/03/09. (photo: Ann-Christine Poujoulat/Getty)
From time to time, someone under 30 will ask me, "When did this all begin, America's downward slide?" They say they've heard of a time when working people could raise a family and send the kids to college on just one parent's income (and that college in states like California and New York was almost free). That anyone who wanted a decent paying job could get one. … Read more »
By JOE NOCERA – New York Times.
You know what they say: Never negotiate with terrorists. It only encourages them.
These last few months, much of the country has watched in horror as the Tea Party Republicans have waged jihad on the American people. Their intransigent demands for deep spending cuts, coupled with their almost gleeful willingness to destroy one of America's most invaluable assets, its full faith and credit, were incredibly irresponsible. But they didn't care. Their goal, they … Read more »
(Updated 3 August)
Did you know Barbra is on Twitter?
Not only can you follow her career updates – but Barbra is also using Twitter to share her political thoughts. Be sure to check in frequently for updates from Barbra over the coming months.
Here are some of Barbra's recent tweets:
Why does the media never ask the GOP why they insist on hurting working people and helping only Wall St. and the rich?
The GOP will destroy this country … Read more »
Barbra has officially joined Instagram! Follow her at instagram.com/barbrastreisand!
Barbra's critically acclaimed Back To Brooklyn concert is available on CD/DVD!Get your copy now at Amazon.
Want a tiny sneak preview of Barbra's Back To Brooklyn concert special? Watch this highlights clip, and don't forget you can pre-order your copy before the official November 25th release at http://smarturl.it/backtobrooklyn
The "Greatest Star" Returns Home in Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn on Great Performances Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9 p.m. as Part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival.
The legendary singer is joined by Chris Botti, Il Volo, and son Jason Gould for two hours of hits, including nine songs she has never performed on a concert stage.
"I love people from Brooklyn. Because they're real. Down to earth. They tell it like it is." So Barbra Streisand informs … Read more »
BY DANIELLE BERRIN – JewishJournal.com
On the Monday evening before Kol Nidre, the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance invited two dozen Hollywood VIPs to preview their new Anne Frank exhibit prior to its October public opening. The guest list, created by Dreamworks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg and vice chairman of NBCUniversal Ron Meyer, included both Barbra Streisand and Tom Cruise. Cruise was the first to arrive, solo, dressed elegantly in a suit and red tie. During cocktail hour, he … Read more »
By Noga Gur Arieh
Have you ever seen a real, live legend? I have. This Saturday, I went to see Barbra Streisand live in concert. Earlier in the week, she landed in Israel to participate in President Shimon Peres's birthday celebration. But unlike many of the other famous guests, Streisand spent the week in the Holy Land, toured the country and gave us a once in a lifetime opportunity to see her performing live.
She does not perform very often. … Read more »
June 16: Barbra Arrives In Israel
On Sunday afternoon, Barbra arrived in Israel, in preparation for her first ever live concerts in the country.
Barbra will perform two shows at the Bloomfield Stadium on June 20th/22nd. Barbra will also receive an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem on Monday.
June 16: Barbra visits the Kotel (Western Wall)
Shortly after arriving in Israel, Barbra visited the Kotel (Western Wall).
The two photos from the Kotel were taken at … Read more »
Alexi Rosenfeld, AJR Photography.
אלקסי רוזנפלד
AJR Photography… Read more »
I was very saddened to hear of Allison Waldman's passing Monday. She had been struggling bravely for many years to beat cancer.
I knew Allison over the years as a very good writer and a kind and loyal fan of mine who created and wrote "The Barbra Files" magazine and "The Barbra Streisand Scrapbook"… she was always wonderful to me. She was dedicated to the accuracy of the news she conveyed, and she shaped her stories with great style.
I … Read more »
Following her dazzling North American tour of 2012, BARBRA STREISAND LIVE! will visit Europe this summer for five exclusive engagements with additional dates and venues to be announced soon.
Appearing for the first time ever in Israel, Cologne, Amsterdam and returning to London for the first time in over six years, Barbra Streisand Live promises to be a magical evening of timeless hits, combining her elegant voice, with self-deprecating humor and charming banter. An additional date has also just been … Read more »


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Aluminum Screen
ADFORS aluminum screen is strong and durable, rust resistant, and will not sag.
ADFORS aluminum screen has a protective finish that prevents corrosion and provides strength.
Color(s): Bright, Charcoal, or Black
Available in:
84" Ready Rolls 25' Economy Rolls
Widths: 24", 30", 36", 48" 24", 30", 36", 48"
16 Rolls/carton 9 rolls per carton
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This is probably the best welcome home gift ever!!!
This is my favorite scent in the whole wide world. So much more also because they offer everything I need to get ready for my day. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, candles, matches, diffuser and even linen wash!!!
Granted my scope of experience with this brand has not been all of it, however one day, this will be the only product I use in my home.
If you hear me, please produce hand soaps! Oh and large formats of the linen and hair products! I want a 33oz lump bottle of the Kai Shampoo and Conditioner lol.
Kai Home Reed Diffuser, One Size


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Fudgy Dark Chocolate Holiday Brownies
Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.
Brownies are one of my all time favorite desserts. Especially if they are warm out of the oven and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I'm salivating just thinking about it! These Dark Chocolate Holiday Brownies are the perfect treat for any of your gatherings throughout winter. Make them for a party ahead of time, or save the decorating as a party activity (the kids would love topping the brownies with melted chocolate and sprinkles). The addition of Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams is the secret ingredient that will knock everyone's socks off! Happy baking!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies
For the brownies:
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1/3 cup Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams
For the decorations:
Chocolate almond bark
White chocolate almond bark
Holiday sprinkles
Sanding sugar
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- 2. In a large bowl mix together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar and baking powder.
- 3. Stir together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Add Peanut Butter & Co Dark Chocolate Dreams & chocolate chips.
- 4. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, blending well.
- 5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely in pan.
- 6. For the snowflake brownies, melt white chocolate almond bark in microwave in 30 second increments until completely melted. Spoon into ziploc baggie & snip corner. Using a cookie cutter, cut into snowflake shapes. Decorate with white chocolate & sanding sugar.
- 7. For holiday sprinkle brownies melt chocolate almond bark in microwave in 30 second increments until completely melted. Spoon into ziploc baggie & snip & snip corner. Drizzle brownies with chocolate & top with sprinkles.
The post Fudgy Dark Chocolate Holiday Brownies appeared first on - Peanut Butter & Co. Recipe Blog.
Tags: Chocolate Dessert Peanut Butter & Co. Treats Uncategorized


text: This gigantic forest products company has sold or will sell many operations and assets to reinvent itself as a maker of packaging and uncoated paper. By Jeffrey R. Kosnett, Senior Editor March 7, 2007 Exactly four years ago, as the stock market emerged from a long dark period, International Paper traded for $34.80 a share. On March 7, 2007, IP (symbol IP) closed at $34.90. You're not looking at typos. The stock is up a dime over the past four years. And there wasn't much up-and-down action for traders to exploit, either. The more things changed in the market, the more they stood motionless for investors in IP. Despite the expanding economy, paper is a tough business. Weak demand and wide substitution of cheaper grades hurts, as well as pressure from e-mail and online publishing. Orders for newsprint (not one of IP's businesses) are sinking. Plus, rising energy costs clobber this industry. No wonder many of the stocks in the paper and forest-products sector appear both cheaply valued and deeply out of favor, says manager Peter Langerman of the bargain-hunting Mutual Shares fund. Yet IP is on his list of buys, and if you look closely, you might add it to yours. Since 2005, and more frequently in the past few months, IP has sold or put up for sale a list of what it considers either lousy businesses or distractions, such as chemicals, kraft paper (the stuff of grocery bags), plywood and lumber, and forest land, among others. Some have gone to competitors and some to private-equity investors. The result: $10 billion in cash, which IP is using to retire debt, buy back shares, shore up the pension fund, and invest overseas. Business is strong at the remaining operations -- uncoated free sheet paper, one type of which is used in computer printers, and all sorts of boxes and cardboard packaging, from coffee cups to industrial-shipping boxes. Advertisement IP is essentially betting that simple is better. It hopes that investors will find it more attractive and easier to understand as a smaller company with a healthy cash position rather than an unwieldy giant with the burden of being the world's largest paper and forest-products company. IP stock isn't easy to evaluate because the company is changing so radically. Ignore the full reported fourth-quarter profit number. Much of it came from proceeds of selling assets. If you consider what Standard & Poor's calls core operating earnings (from continuing businesses), IP still sells at 26 times the past 12 months' profits -- way too much for a company with low-margin operations and so many uncertainties, from the cost of electricity to a growing number of operations in such emerging nations as Brazil, Russia and China. But improved profit margins at the remaining businesses, cost and debt reductions, and better management that is able to focus on fewer businesses should help boost profits. SP thinks that IP can earn $2.15 per share from operations in 2007. That would be a more reasonable P/E of 16, a good price for a stock that also yields an above-average 3%. IP hasn't raised dividends since 1995, but it hasn't cut them, either. Corporate makeovers don't always do much for ordinary shareholders, but here's a case where the old plan -- or lack of planning -- was shaky. The new International Paper sounds like a better version.


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activity, Babies, blogging, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Photo, Photography
(Eddie and Ayssa)
.. I am happy only because it's warm and sunny outside! I don't need lots of reasons!
Eddie celebrated on the 12 of June 2 and a half years, he's a big boy now.. and unfortunately last night he wet the bed.. but okay, it happens. He was upset enough so I didn't argue about it this time..
Last days we just stayed around the house having friends over,some small shopping, and lots of cleaning in the house.
*CLEANING* and time spending for me means:
–vacuum twice a day, rarely once.. (having a baby in the house that is everyday on the floor makes you do that)
-the daily washing dishes… next kitchen item is a washdisher because it will make more time for us to spend with Eddie or together. we already wanted to buy last year,but with all this moving around..we decided to postpone..
– do the laundry ..almost everyday..
– cooking..daily
-playing with Eddie..any given moment, every day!
– toy gathering from all over the house..every evening..
-prepare and put Eddie to afternoon sleep, every day 🙂
– prepare and put Eddie to night sleep ..every night 🙂
-waking up in the middle of the night if Eddie has a problem..me..that's my job, but it happens rarely.
-time spending with Eddie-non stop
…wondering if I have time for me… hmmmm RARELY! (and I only have one child!)
I barely have time to shower,wash my hair,take care of my skin and think what to wear on a daily basis.. not to mention going to a hairdresser or have time to paint my nails,or time to make -up..
24 hours a day..not enough for me! and I am sure it's the same for any other mother in my situation.
So when a VIP woman (actress,singer,model…whatever) says she's doing it all… and still looks gorgeous..and has time to socialise…I'm really having doubts!
-a cooker, a maid and babysitter are definitely part of her everyday life.
…wondering how I post on the blog?! don't get me started! sometimes it takes me days to write an entire post! 🙂 (seriously)
wishing I was richer ???? HELL YEAH!
…Sunday I stopped near a field of these beautiful lavender.. I had to bring some home..
Wishing You all a really Great Weekend!!!


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Analysis of Car Insurance Premium
Due to the number of variables that have a high impact on the car insurance premium, it becomes
one of the most complicated insurance policies to buy. Over the years, car insurance companies
have started to introduce easy-to-navigate platforms for online car insurance for users so that they
can compare the motor insurances and then make the choice. So, let's have a look at what really
makes care insurance premium.
The three main components of car insurance premium are as follows:
1. Third Party Claim
2. Own Damage Claim
3. Accidental Cover
Now let us delve deeper into the factors of car insurance premium.
1. Location: India has been divided into 8 metros and the rest of the cities according to the
Motor Insurance Act. The premium asked for the 8 metros is comparatively higher when
compared to the rest of the country. In cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata,
Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Ahmedabad, the risk factor is more. So normally, the
premium is calculated on the basis of these locations. Though, there are few car insurance
companies that charge more premium is your vehicle is registered in say Punjab or Delhi
where the chances of accident or theft are more.
2. Engine CC: The third party component of the car insurance is more for vehicles which
have higher engine displacement (CC). The classification thus is as follows:
i) Rs 670 for >1000cc
ii) Rs 800 for 1000 to 1500 cc
iii) Rs 2500 for more than 1500 cc
3. Car's Age: Depreciation in accordance to the age of the vehicle also plays an important part
in framing the car insurance premium. The depreciation value reduces with the increase in
the age of the car and along with it, the own damage component of the car insurance also
4. No Claim Bonus: Policy holders who have no claims or lesser claims are rewarded by the
car insurance companies. In fact, up to 50% of rebate is offered by the car insurance
companies if there has been no claim in the past. The rebate is endowed on the own damage
component of the car insurance.
5. Car's manufacturer: The car insurance companies keep a flawless track over the kind of
claims which might be higher for one car's manufacturer or model in comparison to the
other car manufacturer/model. So premium also depends on this fluctuating ratio. For
example, the premium which you have to pay, say for Mahindra Scorpio would be higher
than that charged for Honda City or Maruti.
6. Profession: Sometimes, 5% discount is offered for car owners who are in Central
Government jobs. At the same time, the age of the driver/owner also plays an important
part in deciding the premium for the car insurance policy.
Keeping all these facts in mind, always compare the care premiums offered by the different car
insurance companies with strict scrutiny. The comparative analysis of car insurance companies is
indeed a must in order to avoid later hassles.