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Searching for Silver
A Typical New Brides Basket Frame
Most reproduction wholesalers offer look-alike Victorian silver plate. One of the most common new items is a reproduction of a brides basket frame. In this article well compare a typical new frame to the features of typical old originals.
Sterling Rattles
The 7-inch sterling silver figural cat rattle with bells is also a whistle. Other similar figurals exist, all are made in Mexico. New sterling silver ball-shaped rattles are marked JEM, both about 3 1/2 inches.
New Art Deco Silver Plate
New silver-plated objects in the Art Deco or Art Moderne style are now in the market. The new items are made in India and sold in the United States by a west coast importer.
Napkin Rings with Faked Marks
A business in New York is currently selling reproductions of figural napkin rings bearing trademarks and model numbers of original manufacturers. The companys 1997 brochure showed nine different figural rings available. Price is 55 each or four for 200. Originals of the reproductions sell for 200500. The new rings are being marketed by the manufacturer as limited edition collectibles with original markings.
Another Style of New Napkin Rings
There is another generation of reproduction figural napkin rings in the market. The key feature in identifying this new group is an extremely thin lightweight base with a pressed design (see Figs. 2 3).
Figural matchsafe update
Another group of figural sterling matchsafes has begun to show up at shows, malls and Internet auction sites. Unlike previously reported sterling figural reproductions, this group does not have the DAB touchmark or correct English hallmarks to identify and date them as new. All of the new safes are copies of well known and relatively expensive originals.
Reproductions, Fakes and Look-Alike Victorian Posy Holders - Tussie Mussies
The majority of reproductions are usually made to fill a demand for a hugely popular or hot product. Some recent examples being cobalt blue royal lace depression glass, Roseville pottery, Gall cameo glass and Pairpoint Puffy lamps. Originals in all those lines bring high prices and you can at least understand why they would be reproduced, copied or forged.
New Sterling Silver Ice Cream Scoops
A mail order firm is selling the above item as a sterling ice cream server. The catalog copy says it is antique sterling silver. What the catalog doesnt say is that its made from an ordinary butter knife with the blade removed and a stainless steel scoop added. Price $79. Dont be mislead by old hall sterling hallmarks. Wayne Smith, author of Ice Cream Dippers, says there never were any old scoops made like this.
Sterling Silver Matchsafes with Sporting Themes
Latest Reproductions Identified by New Hallmark - A batch of sterling silver match safes featuring sporting themes is available. The new safes first appeared in antiques markets and fairs in England. They have now been seen in American shows, malls, shops and many online auctions.
Silver Plate Toothpick Holder
This Victorian look-alike silver-plated toothpick holder is being offered by several mail order catalogs. Although generally similar to original turn-of-century pieces, ACRN could not find an exact old counterpart. There are no marks on the new piece. Silver plate is good quality but the finishing on the base is poor. Note how the marks on the base are parallel and perfectly aligned. This is a sign of power tools, not normal wear.


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Back in November 2012 we announced that the Xfam team in the UK was moving from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute to the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), just next door on the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus. On Tuesday we completed that move by switching off the Pfam and Rfam websites inside Sanger and redirecting all traffic to our shiny new home at xfam.org. You can now find the Pfam and Rfam websites at pfam.xfam.org and rfam.xfam.org respectively. Read the rest of this entry »
Posts Tagged 'dfam'
Moving to xfam.orgMay 1, 2014
TreeFam 9 is now available!May 3, 2013
We are happy to announce that TreeFam 9 is online and you can find it under http://www.treefam.org.
TreeFam 9 now has 109 species (vs. 79 in TreeFam 8) and is based on data from Ensembl v69, Ensembl Genomes v16, Wormbase and JGI.
This release marks an important step for TreeFam as it is the first release build since TreeFam has been resurrected.
Here is a list of the most important changes in TreeFam 9:
- New website layout (adopting the Pfam/Rfam/Dfam layout)
- Infrastructure move of web servers and databases to the EBI
- Sequence search against the library of TreeFam family profiles
- new tree visualisations in pure javascript using D3, e.g. see the BRCA2 gene tree here.
- Pairwise homology download
We hope you find all the information you are looking for. If you don't, please let us know so that we can include the information you want. The old website will remain online here.
If you have questions, suggestions or find bugs, don't hesitate to contact us through our new forum here.
Happy treefamming,
the TreeFam team
(Fabian, Mateus)
Dfam paper is an NAR "featured article"; RepeatMasker4 is outJanuary 12, 2013
We are pleased to announce that the Dfam paper ("Dfam: a database of repetitive DNA based on profile hidden Markov models") is now available in the 2013 NAR Database issue, and has been selected as a "featured article" (meaning the NAR editorial board thinks it is among "the top 5% of papers in terms of originality, significance and scientific excellence").
In other exciting news, two members of the Dfam consortium, Arian Smit and Robert Hubley (Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle), just released RepeatMasker 4.0. This is a major update that, among other important improvements, adds support for searching with Dfam and nhmmer. Go get yourself a copy at http://www.repeatmasker.org/
Posted by Travis
Dfam 1.1 releasedNovember 15, 2012
We are pleased to announce that we've released Dfam 1.1. This version represents a few important changes from 1.0, including updated hit results, a new tab for each entry page showing relationships to other entries, and improved handling of redundant profile hits.
Dfam: A database of repetitive DNA elementsSeptember 6, 2012
We are pleased to introduce Dfam 1.0, a database of profile HMMs for repetitive DNA elements. Repetitive DNA, especially the remnants of transposable elements, makes up a large fraction of many genomes, especially eukaryotic. Accurate annotation of these TEs both simplifies downstream genomic analysis and enables research into their fascinating biology and impact on the genome.

subset: commoncrawl


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When your child comes into Children's Dental Care & Orthodontics to restore a tooth, Dr. Carla LaLande and our dental team do everything we can to make sure your child has a comfortable dental appointment as well as a positive dental experience. With your help, this is possible.
While you're talking to your child about this visit, please avoid using negative words like pain, hurt, needle, shot, pulled tooth, etc. It's best to use words like fun, easy, tooth asleep, silver star, water spray, etc. If you use upbeat and positive words, there is a higher chance your child won't feel unnerved or frightened.
When you're at our office, Dr. Carla LaLande will explain the entire treatment to your child so they know what to expect. Because our doctor is a pediatric dentist, he knows how to painlessly deliver a local anesthetic. If necessary, he will also use oral sedation or nitrous oxide sedation to help your child feel calm and relaxed during the treatment. After the treatment is completed, our dental team will place a "tooth pillow," which is also known as a gauze pad, on or around the surgical site to stop any bleeding and prevent dental injury.
On your way home from our office, make sure you use positive words and praise your child. This will help them understand that there was no need to be nervous or afraid. For more information and details about the restorative visit we offer in Las Vegas, Nevada, please call our office at 702-254-8858 at your earliest convenience.


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Chris is a solicitor in the Church and Charities Team and advises charities and religious bodies on property matters.
Chris passed the LPC with distinction in 2011 and spent two years working as a paralegal for firms in Manchester and London. He trained with Dentons, completing seats in dispute resolution, banking and property, and qualified in 2015 into the property department. He joined Pothecary Witham Weld in October 2016.
On a personal note
Chris graduated with a masters degree in history from the University of Manchester in 2008. Outside of work, he enjoys music, reading and travelling, and supports Manchester United.
Email Chris or call 020 7821 8211


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Excellent looking about as you went on your walk.
When taking a early December walk in central Ohio one doesn't usually expect a very colorful experience. This is true even if the weather decides to become momentarily spring like. If no snow is present, the landscape takes on a monochromatic brown appearance. The distant trees almost remind one of an old sepia tone. But if you are patient, and look carefully, things really aren't all that bleak. Furthermore, some of what you see is hard to explain given the continuous subfreezing weather of the days before.
Many thanks to my wife Donna for sharing some of her photos from today's walk along Griggs Reservoir.
For the curious, all these pictures were taken with either a Canon SX40 or Panasonic FZ150.
Thanks for stopping by.
You've got some beautiful photos here. I don't think I've ever seen examples of your first two fungi, but I like them.


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Among the different activities offered at Fluxus, those that can be described as psycho-physical play a fundamental role in their vision of using movement as a path to wellbeing. Training and practice are combined in a diverse range of disciplines related to personal growth through physical and mental activity. Yoga, Taijiquan (Tai Chi), Qigong (Chi Kung) and Pilates are some of the ongoing classes available, and the courses are developed throughout the year to build the student's knowledge and skill. Specialist seminars and intensive courses held outdoors are all designed to develop healthy habits and inner harmony in the students, many of whom appreciate the multidisciplinary approach the centre takes, allowing them to practice a range of disciplines in parallel. Members can take advantage of the different class schedules aimed at different levels and ages, as well as special offers for people wanting to learn manual techniques like shiatsu and complete 'body wellness'.
Training in I Ching, Shiatsu and Yoga is always available at the centre, taught by nationally and internationally recognised teachers in their fields, with the emphasis on reaching a qualification in these disciplines. Fluxus also offers other certified courses, run by the Tao Centre that specialises in yoga teacher training and shiatsu. The yoga teacher training course takes two years with the main thing that students learn being how to live in a different way – slower and more conscientiously, connecting with a way of life that is healthier and understanding that love, happiness and well being are not something you find around you, but are something that is part of your being. It is the natural state that we should be in, the essential state of being, and the course teaches how to connect deeply with this source of happiness. Ultimately the course is a period of transformation in which the student's life changes completely. Along the way there is a lot of learning, studying the discipline of yoga – the course is based around the study of Hatha yoga, how to give classes and transmit in public the key concepts of yoga. During two amazing years, there is a lot of work on the body and the student will see incredible changes. Self development, physical development, health and knowledge are available to anyone wanting to join on this journey.
The professional training course in Shiatsu is for those who have the desire to help others, and looking after their own health and wellbeing is an integral requirement to the course. Only this personal knowledge, based in health, happiness and harmony can be transmitted to the patient through the direct contact of Shiatsu. This course is also held over two years, one weekend a month, and as well as all the Shiatsu techniques, students learn different forms of chi kung and inner peace. The course is taught by Gleb Loginov, director of Tao Center and author of the books: "Yoga with Daniel" and "Hatha Yoga. The Art of Life." The school is associated with IYF and Cofenat, the Association of Natural Therapies. All courses and diplomas are recognized by these two entities. At Fluxus art and wellbeing work together to improve our quality of life and offer a space where people's free time can make room for improving all aspects of their inner and outer self.
c/ Paco Miranda, Málaga
Tel: 952 264 471
This post is also available in: Spanish


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Monday, April 15, 2013
Why is Gold and Silver pulling back? Whats next?
gold overshot the inflation. In 1980 there was a month where we could have gone back on the gold standard. Take the price of gold X's all the ounces of gold and it covered the currency supply. Right now in dollars gold only covers about 7.3 Trillion. Its not different this time that's the point, gold has done this over and over throughout history. Gold is the benchmark to measure value and paper currencies; you are using paper currencies as a benchmark for gold.
David covers the reasons behind the major pullback in metals on April 12 and where they may go from here I measure "true value" in traditional purchasing power, which can be observed throughout a 100 years of $300 - $800 when adjusted to inflation. Using such a formula, the current expansion of currency and inflation is already included in determining where Gold should be priced at. If there were a bank holiday tomorrow, and the USD lost half it's value, an inflation graph would show little to no fluctuation. The historic value would simply change to $600 - $1,600, in post-holiday dollars.
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Successful E&P depends on properly integrating the key subsurface elements required to predict and achieve commercially viable results from exploration wells and to efficiently develop and produce existing fields. It is imperative to reduce subsurface uncertainties at different scales (basin, field, reservoir) as a premise to successfully identifying and developing hydrocarbon assets. Predicting rocks and fluids, as well as quantifying properties such as porosity, permeability, pore pressure, fracture gradients and stress regimes, is critical to ensure an optimal return on capital in the modern oilfield.
Geoscientists and subsurface engineering consultants at Ikon Science have assisted many customers in identifying and enhancing oil and gas accumulations in plays around the world. With our unique geoprediction workflows, Ikon Science deploy cost-effective and scientifically-robust models, workflows, and best practices, including success and failure scenario assessments. Allow us to provide a comprehensive representation of the subsurface for your business.
Introduction: In May 2017 Ophir Energy announced that the ultra-deep water Ayame-1X exploration well had reached its total depth of 5394m TVDss. The w Read More
The Huntington Field is located in Block UK 22/14b in the UK Central North Sea. The reservoir is the Tertiary Forties Formation (a deep-sea fan interv Read More
Robust pre-drill pore pressure models are typically obtained using offset well data and seismic velocities. Recent feedback from the industry seems to Read More


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Katherine RobertsPhone: (214) 457-7878 Office: 5600 W Lovers Lane, Suite 224 Dallas, TX 75209 Email: email@example.com
Winner of State Fair of Texas Blue Ribbons and Best of Show in needlepoint, there is more than meets the eye with civic-minded Dallasite, Katherine Roberts. A top producing agent and founder of her own residential real estate company, Katherine's passion for homes and community translates to over $50 million in successful transactions since 2010 – ranging from vacant lots to multi-million dollar estates in the most exclusive neighborhoods in Dallas.
She gives back by raising puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and staying active in her children's schools, St. Mark's School of Texas and The Hockaday School. She has served as a member of the Board of Trustees at both institutions and, as former President of the Parents' Association at St. Mark's and of the Alumnae Association at Hockaday, she participated in critical decision-making to positively impact and enrich the lives of their students, including her son, Henry, and daughter, Alice.
Katherine's leadership skills and dedication to community are just as strong as her commitment to home buyers and sellers across North Texas. Her approach to real estate includes deep-rooted local knowledge, unmatched personal attention and impeccable responsiveness, earning her a reputation for always keeping her clients' best interests at heart. From selling homes in record time for the highest possible price to locating the perfect property in a neighborhood that suits both a client's needs and lifestyle, Katherine makes it her priority to connect people to places they'll love.
Born and raised in University Park and an alumna of The Hockaday School, Katherine is well-versed in the nuances of Dallas communities. The Colby College graduate obtained her real estate license upon graduation and was soon named "Rookie of the Year" for sales volume and awarded the "Rookie Spirit Award" by her peers. Today she continues in this tradition of excellence as a proven and trusted advisor, laser-focused on delivering a superior client experience. Katherine lives happily in Preston Hollow with husband of over 20 years, William, along with their two children. She enjoys travel and cooking for family and friends.


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Chat about College Hockey
Send your questions now and join INCH every Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET.
INCH Archive: Chats
Joe Gladziszewski (2:32 PM)
Welcome to another college hockey chat at ESPN.com. Inside College Hockey writers from across the nation are ready to take your questions. We hope you had a great holiday weekend and got to take in some of the exciting games.
John (Burlington, VT)
How does Maine lose three games in a row, and only drop 2 total spots in the rankings?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:34 PM)
Well, we also considered the first nine games of the year. They showed more consistency in that stretch than most other teams have shown at any point all year. The rankings certainly reflect slumps and streaks, but we also keep the big picture in mind.
Andrew (New York, NY)
Whats your prediction for the BU-BC matchup this weekend? Does Curry play both games even though he started on Tuesday?
Jeff Howe (2:36 PM)
Curry absolutely plays both games, no question. BU is entering this series with an extra edge after last year's 5-0 loss in the regional, but the Terriers just can't score right now. Percentages call for a series split, but be careful of a BC sweep.
Monty (Niagara U, NY)
The purple eagles played hard against some mediocre ECAC opponents in rout to winning the RPI tournament....But can they be the holy cross of the NCAA tournament, is the high scoring a factor?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:38 PM)
Fortunately I've had the chance to see two Niagara games already this season and their top line is sensational. If they were to make it to the NCAA Tournament, I am sure that there aren't many teams out there that would be too exciting about playing against the Purps.
Greg (Maine)
who is the best team in hockey east at the end of the season?
Jeff Howe (2:39 PM)
At the end of the regular season, it's hard to argue against UNH right now because of the way the team can score. But goaltending is a concern for any type of postseason run. BC has the most talent, so if the Eagles can get a run going, it might be them.
Tim (St. Paul MN)
Do you think Minnesota can keep it up for the duration until the tournament, or are they at risk getting tired with so many young players not used to the long season?
Jess Myers (2:40 PM)
Fatigue is always a risk, especially when key players like Jay Barriball are coming staight out of high school hockey and its 30-game season, as opposed to the 40- or 60-game slates elsewhere. On the flip side, I think that Lucia is conserving Kellen Briggs' energy by splitting his goalies now and may go more with the veteran down the stretch.
Peter (Quohog)
Dont the college hockey kids play for beans or something?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:41 PM)
Only the wicked good blue chippahs.
Sully (Boston, MA)
What can we make of the ECAC this year? Harvard, Colgate, and (to a lesser extent) Cornell have struggled out of the gate - are any of them still real contenders? And is Quinnipiac for real?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:43 PM)
Obviously there's still a lot to figure out about the ECACHL this year. After a few weeks I think that Clarkson, Cornell, and Quinnipiac will all finish in the top four, I just don't know what order. I think the stuggles thus far by Colgate and Harvard are legitimate. It's been an extended period of time. Both need to find a way to get some momentum. Whenever something good happens, they seem to slip again.
Gerard (Houston, TX)
Will Michigan Tech be a middle of the pack WCHA team this year or are they going to come back to reality and battle for cellar dweller? Thanks.
Jess Myers (2:44 PM)
The Huskies are playing well at home, getting great goaltending and have scoring so balanced that you can't key on one player or one line. Barring a rash of injuries, there's nothing I've seen to suggest that the Huskies won't battle for home ice or better all season.
Todd (Dallas)
How does RIT look this year?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:47 PM)
Better. Many of their better players are freshmen and sophomores as the Tigers are now in their second full season at the Division I level. They've already matched their win total from last season against Division I opponents, and it's not even December yet. They're not eligible for the NCAA or Atlantic Hockey tournaments this season, but will be in the spring of 2008.
Fred (VT)
After being pushed around the last couple of games, RPI is set to play it's first league series in about month this weekend. Will they turn it around, or is this more than a 'funk' for the Engineers?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:50 PM)
In many cases, it only takes one bounce to make the difference between a win or a loss. RPI's great start was partially due to new energy and new excitement around the program, and partially due to the Engineers getting some breaks on certain nights. I think they'll be in the middle ground when all is said and done ... maybe 7th or 8th in the ECACHL standings.
Joe Gladziszewski (2:50 PM)
... and isn't it interesting to note that things turned south for RPI after the revelation that Puckman was demoted?
Chris (Ithaca, NY)
Cornell split with Wayne State?? at Lynah Rink this weekend, that is unheard based on schafer's reign in Ithaca. Are they the elite of the ECAC and if so, is it a one bid league this year?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:53 PM)
I don't know that the ECACHL has an elite team, but Cornell will be fine in the long run. They've changed their style of play a little bit over the last few years. The concern is on the blueline, where the defense is very inexperienced, but I'm very impressed with Brendon Nash. For the league, I see at least two teams getting NCAA bids. The ECACHL has had a pretty strong non-conference record thus far.
Josh (Oklahoma City)
Who are some of the players that might be in the NHL next year?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:57 PM)
The hardest transition to make from the amateur or junior ranks to the NHL is at the defense position, but college hockey has two of the best pro prospects at that position in a long time. Minnesota freshman Erik Johnson (St. Louis Blues) and Michigan defenseman Jack Johnson (LA Kings) might make the jump next year. That depends on contracts of course, but we'd love to see them stay in college hockey for three or four years.
Tim (ATL)
The defending champs are strugglin so far, have you seen anything that makes you think they can turn it around and give the NCAA tourney a run?
Jess Myers (2:58 PM)
I watched Joe Pavelski score his third goal in four games last not. Sadly for Badger fans, Joe plays for the San Jose Sharks now. That's as clear an indication of why Wisconsin is struggling. I think that they are a very sound team defensively, but with the schedule they have in the next six weeks, I don't know if Wisconsin will be able to even get into the top half of the WCHA standings by the end of the regular season. What a change from a year ago at this time, when it looked like Bucky couldn't lose.
Tom Tuttle (Tacoma)
Say something nice about the Union College Dutchmen. Anything?
Joe Gladziszewski (2:59 PM)
Nate Leaman is a great guy with a hard-working staff and he is a promising young coach. They've got some good young players. There's three nice things.
Any thoughts on the Minutemen's hot start, can they keep it up in HE and finally gain the prominence that we expected when Calhoon came aboard or is the recent 2 game slide indicative of what we have?
Jeff Howe (3:02 PM)
First of all, I didn't realize the Minutemen were trying to hire UConn's men's basketball coach (Jim Calhoun), but they are playing significantly better early this season than at anytime over the last two years. Jon Quick is excellent in net, and the improvement from guys like Kevin Jarman, Cory Quirk, and Mark Matheson is astounding.
Joe Gladziszewski (3:03 PM)
Thanks for taking the time to write, and we're sorry that we couldn't get to more questions. We'll be back next Thursday at 2:30 eastern for another chat. In the meantime, follow college hockey all season long at Inside College Hockey.
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.


text: The decorative garage door hardware set includes (4) 24" Rustic Mission Style Strap Hinges & (2) Diamond Ring Pulls is the most popular set in the Rustic Series. Great for high moisture applications. All hardware sold includes stainless steel color matched powder coated fasteners. Available in five powder coded color finishes. A color ring of actual metal color finishes is available for purchase anyone wanting to see custom finishes in natural light. The cost of the ring is refundable upon placing a custom color order. Restrictions apply. We reserve the right to changes without notice. FREE SHIPPING! If you are ordering 3 or more sets, contact us for discount code BEFORE ordering. We cannot apply discounts to placed or shipped orders.


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Hi Beauties,
I hope you're all having a great weekend.
A few weeks ago I uploaded a photo of my new bookshelf (which I managed to put together by myself - although there was a lot of swearing and sweating involved!).
I thought I'd give you all a closer look at the books that I have displayed (note: I have so many other spread out across my room but the ones displayed are some of my favourites :) )
Happy browsing!
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128 A fully renovated apartment situated in the historic centre of Barga.
Barga — Media Valle del Serchio
The price of this property has recently been reduced.
nessun elemento presente
nessun elemento presente
Property description
A fully renovated apartment situated in the historic centre of Barga. This apartment, approx. 100mq. in size, has been renovated to a very high standard.This top floor flat is accesses almost at street level due to the fact that the historic palazzo, it forms part of, was been built on a hillside. The entrance is shared with a neighboring property. The property consists of hallway with a feature wall which divides the day-area from the night-space, bright kitchen/dinning fully fitted, large sunny living room with wonderful views of the town and the surrounding hillsides, 2 bedrooms, main bathroom, service bathroom with washing machine plus there is third bedroom used as a study. Included in the sale is a shared cellar space.
This property is an ideal 'lock up' and go in one of Tuscany's more beautiful and unique locations.
Asking price €215'000
Property features
- Area100 m2
- Rooms6
- N. bathrooms2
- Terrace n/a
- Garden n/a
- Balcony n/a
- ConditionsRenovated
- Energetic classG
- KitchenHabitable
- HeatingAutonomous
- Boxn/a
- Floor1
On the map
- Address
centro storico
Barga — Media Valle del Serchio
Lucca (Tuscany)


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Plastic Surgery Special Offers
Attention Ladies!
Complementary Botox or Latisse for you and a friend!
Patients who schedule a silicone breast augmentation will get an extra "perk!" You will receive your choice of either 20 units of Botox Cosmetic, or Latisse.... the only prescription grade eyelash enhancement on the market! Plus...you will be able to offer the same gift to any friend or family member you would like. (Must be a new patient to the practice.) It's one of the greatest specials yet... so if you have been considering breast augmentation surgery with our Naples plastic surgeon, this is the right time!


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Online Learning
Browse by
The Online Learning Consortium's premier journal dedicated to the development and dissemination of new knowledge at the intersection of pedagogy, emerging technology, policy, and practice in online environments.
The Globethics.net library contains articles of Online Learning as of vol. 1(1997) to current.
Recent Submissions
Research Ethics of Twitter for MOOCsThis study examined the ethical considerations researchers have made when investigating MOOC learners' and teachers' Twitter activity. In so doing, it sought to addresses the lack of an evidence-based understanding of the ethical implications of research into Twitter as a site of teaching and learning. Through an analysis of 31 studies we present a mapping of the ethical practices of researchers in this area. We identified potential ethical issues and concerns that have arisen. Our main contribution is to seek to challenge researchers to engage critically with ethical issues and hence develop their own understanding of ethically- appropriate approaches. To this end, we also reflected and reported on our own evolving practice.
Impactful Leadership Traits of Virtual Leaders in Higher EducationUniversities are increasingly leveraging virtual teams into the organizational structure and strategic framework for many functions including academic administration and faculty leadership. One benefit of a virtual workforce is the ability to hire the most qualified individuals regardless of where they are physically located. As the virtual workforce expands, leaders may intuitively rely on traditional face-to-face approaches and strategies for employee oversight and motivation. These techniques may be ineffective or challenging to use in the virtual environment necessitating new approaches. Leaders of virtual teams need to understand the intricacies associated with these groups and be cognizant of factors that assist in creating cohesiveness, trust, and communication amongst virtual teams. This qualitative phenomenological study explores leaders' perceptions surrounding competencies needed to effectively lead virtual teams in online education. A decisive sampling method was used to identify 10 experienced academic leaders who supervise virtual teams. As a result of the interviews, seven major themes emerged: (a) training and development; (b) trust; (c) emotional intelligence; (d) communication/team building/technology; (e) employee recognition and motivation; (f) leadership styles; and (g) virtual leadership competencies unique to higher education. Based on these themes and further evaluation the need for specific soft skills and robust technology emerged. Specifically, organizational success partially hinges on comprehensive training for virtual leaders, the significance of trust, emotional intelligence, and effective, respectful communication.
From Proprietary Textbook to Custom OER Solution: Using Learner Feedback to Guide Design and DevelopmentThis study presents the initial needs analysis and formative evaluation of the beta version of an open educational resource (OER) textbook solution. The OER textbook, created by the authors, replaces a proprietary, paper-based textbook and is delivered to students digitally, within a learning management system. Findings show that students are concerned about cost and convenience, and are likely to seek course content online before reading material in traditional course textbook. Many do not purchase assigned textbooks at all. Students also want mobile access to course readings, and for those readings to be brief and targeted, covering just the necessary content for completing coursework. Students provided positive feedback on the OER textbook, indicating that it helped them meet course learning objectives. The online integration of reading and other content materials within the LMS encouraged use. Students reported higher rates of access and appreciation that it was free. These findings suggest that instructors should consider the cost, format, length, and relevance of assigned readings in courses, whether they are ready to adopt, adapt or create open digital textbooks or continue to use proprietary, paper-based ones.
The Collaborative Mapping Model: Relationship-Centered Design for Higher EducationInstructional designers list one of their primary obstacles as collaborating with faculty (Intentional Futures, 2016). Additionally, instructional designers experience a high degree of role misperception and struggle to advocate for clear and defined roles (Drysdale, 2018). In order to address these challenges, I created the Collaborative Mapping Model (CMM), a model of instructional design for higher education instructional designers that puts relationship at the center of design and addresses issues of scale, quality, and empowerment. I first identified four primary roles of instructional designers in higher education by evaluating the industry standard models of instructional design, comparing their structure and usage for relevance to the consultative role designers assume in higher education. The collaborative designer role had no associated model of design, and led to the development of the model. Development was informed by several key theories, including authentic leadership theory (Kiersch & Byrne, 2015), shared leadership theory (Bolden, 2011), and appreciative inquiry (Kadi-Hanifi et al., 2014). After several years of implementation and refinement, I developed an action research study to determine the effectiveness of the model. I administered a mixed methods survey to a group of 50 faculty who had designed a course in partnership with an instructional designer through the CMM. Among other results, 92% of respondents (n=37) indicated an improvement in the quality of their courses and 73% (n=37) saved time by working with an instructional designer in the CMM. Key themes from the qualitative survey question included value and respect for the expertise of the instructional designer, a significant improvement to the online courses designed and developed through the CMM, and enthusiasm for continued collaboration with instructional designers. This study describes the development of the model, an overview of theoretical influences and processes, and the effectiveness of the Collaborative Mapping Model of instructional design.Keywords: instructional design, instructional design models, collaboration, faculty partnership, advocacy, leadership, course mapping, curriculum design, professional roles
Putting Theory into Practice: Incorporating a Community Engagement Model into Online Pre-professional Courses in Legal Studies and Human Resources ManagementAs part of community-engaged educational partnerships, students are paired with community members in instructor-focused activities linked to an academic curriculum. Scholars widely agree that this type of approach can significantly improve the learning experience for students while simultaneously having a positive impact on the community. As faculty in higher education implement this pedagogical tool, it is a natural progression for it to expand into online classrooms. In particular, while there is a growing body of research related to community engagement in online healthcare and science-related fields, less research exists on the incorporation of community engagement in other types of online pre-professional courses. This paper explores student perceptions in online pre-professional undergraduate courses in the legal studies and human resources fields in which community engagement projects were utilized. These experiences should lead to a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of community-engaged online classrooms and give guidance for developing future projects.
The Efficacy of an Online Cognitive Assessment Tool for Enhancing and Improving Student Academic OutcomesWith technology at the fingertips of most undergraduate students, it has been difficult for instructors to fully engage students in the classroom, which has resulted in the creation of several innovative assessment platforms, such as mTuner. mTuner integrates several cognitive learning strategies within an assessment, with the goal of actually enhancing learning, as opposed to just measuring it. In the current study, students' level of engagement and performance with mTuner were compared to their final multiple-choice paper and pencil exam mark to determine the efficacy of mTuner in achieving improved learning outcomes. Results indicated that students had high performance scores on the mTuner assessment despite their limited engagement in the cognitive learning features, putting to question mTuner's facilitation of long-term learning. Implications and future recommendations of mTuner implementation in educational environments are discussed.
ASSESSING TEACHING PRESENCE IN A COMPUTER CONFERENCING CONTEXTThis paper presents a tool developed for the purpose of assessing teaching presence in online courses that make use of computer conferencing, and preliminary results from the use of this tool. The method of analysis is based on Garrison, Anderson, and Archer's model of critical thinking and practical inquiry in a computer conferencing context. The concept of teaching presence is constitutively defined as having three categories – design and organization, facilitating discourse, and direct instruction. Indicators that we search for in the computer conference transcripts identify each category. Pilot testing of the instrument reveals interesting differences in the extent and type of teaching presence found in different graduate level online courses.
Design of Net-learning Systems Based on Experiential LearningThe theory of experiential learning is briefly reviewed and a model of the learning process is presented. The paper then discusses and characterizes a virtual learning environment and its relationship to experiential learning and learning styles. An approach for designing virtual learning environments is presented taking into account the technology for learning. A prototype for a virtual learning environment designed and built by the author and known as LeProf is then discussed along with its application in the design of an educational site for learning electrical circuits.
Enabling Curriculum Re-design Through Asynchronous Learning NetworksThis paper considers existing processes in Higher Education and the opportunity for using Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) to re-design the curriculum. A curriculum model based upon experiential learning, that explicitly links theory and practice, is promoted as the basis for considering the application of technology. The Computer Supported Experiential Learning project at the University of Central England is explained, and appropriate technologies considered at each stage of the learning cycle. Fundamental to this paper is the view that technology should be used to add value to the learning process, and not to simply automate existing processes. The opportunities for experiential learning to take place are considered a priority in the curriculum design process, and the starting point in deciding upon the use of technology.
COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND DISTANCE LEARNINGThe goal of community colleges is to serve local needs. Community colleges' low tuition helps keep higher education affordable for a diverse population. Distance learning holds the promise of providing yet another mechanism by which community colleges can bring education to a non-traditional student body. This paper explores the role of distance learning opportunities in community colleges within the context of today's current environmental scan.
AN EXAMINATION OF SENSE OF CLASSROOM COMMUNITY AND LEARNING AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN AND CAUCASIAN GRADUATE STUDENTSHigher education administrators and faculty members seek ways in which to advance student learning in online courses, and student affairs professionals seek ways to promote a sense of belonging and connectedness of students to their schools. The present study examined how a set of three classroom community variables were related to a set of two student learning variables in a predominantly White sample of 108 online African American and Caucasian graduate students. Using canonical correlation, the two subscales of the Classroom Community Scale and the mean number of messages posted each week to the online course's group discussion boards were found to be related significantly to perceived learning and total points earned in the course along a single dimension. Moreover, African American students scored significantly lower across all five variables than their Caucasian peers, suggesting that the achievement gap that exists in many traditional educational programs also exists in graduate ALN programs and that this gap extends to sense of community.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF NONTRADITIONAL RESPONDERS THROUGH SUCCESSFUL ONLINE COURSES IN BIOTERRORISM RESPONSEThe Monroe County (NY) Health Alert Network (MCHAN) and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) recently completed their second year of a Centers for Disease Control grant-funded project that offers a series of instructor-led asynchronous online learning courses. The courses are designed to enhance the workforce competencies of local and state health department staff and other nontraditional responders in planning for and responding to bioterrorism and other health emergencies. The project meets an important need for critical skills and knowledge training in this field and demonstrates how partnerships of higher education, government, and industry can deliver such training online. Contrary to the results of many e-learning initiatives, the vast majority (84%) of students involved in the program successfully completed the courses they started. Student and instructor evaluation surveys show high degrees of satisfaction and success; they also provide useful information on how to improve the courses. A critical element in the success of the courses was the employment of a program coordinator to manage course creation, instructor training, marketing, and registration. If one considers project costs relative tocompletion rates, this project has been highly cost effective despite the added cost of paying instructors. Overall, project results indicate that the asynchronous instructor-led online course model can be implemented successfully in many corporate and government e-learning initiatives.
Institutional Policy for ALNFor the past five years, Stanford has been involved in developing the capability to offer courses to remote learners over the Internet. This has evolved into a robust operation, which over the past year has offered 180 courses to approximately 4000 distance learners. More recently, the Department of Electrical Engineering has extended its offerings so that it is now possible to earn course credits sufficient to obtain a Master's degree and academic certificates entirely online. In this paper, we discuss the issues of institutional policy which have emerged as we have gone through this evolution. Our experience at Stanford will be discussed within the broader framework of institutional policy and of the general institutional resistance to change in higher education. A version of this paper was presented at the Fourth International Conference on Asynchronous Learning Networks held in New York in November 1998.
INCREASING ACCESS IN ONLINE HIGHER EDUCATIONThis paper investigates how access to higher education in the United States can be increased through further integration of online education. The search for opportunities to increase access to online education examined multiple prospective higher education contexts. A series of papers produced by participants in the 2005 Sloan-C summer workshop is synthesized and presented in this overview. Individual papers are included in the publication, providing analyses of specific opportunities.
CONNECTING GRADUATE STUDENTS TO VIRTUAL GUESTS THROUGH ASYNCHRONOUS DISCUSSIONS - ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIENCEInformation technologies provide unique opportunities for higher education faculty to rethink the resources that are available to re-envision their pedagogical techniques. One such promise is the ability of the faculty member to invite virtual guest speakers or experts into the graduate course through web-based conferencing. The virtual guest can host asynchronous interactive discussions with students in the course for a specified period of time. These technologies provide students with the ability to interact with guests in new ways by expressing individual concerns and discussing them without time and place constraints. This paper describes in quantitative and qualitative terms one such experience in a graduate course where three virtual guests were invited to interact with the students over the eleven-week course.
Doctoral E-mentoring: Current Practices and Effective StrategiesEffective mentoring has been the cornerstone of a successful doctoral experience. Traditional doctoral education uses an apprenticeship model for mentoring to help students learn what is required as an academic professional. However, online environments present unique challenges to creating and maintaining mentor-mentee relationships. Using keywords specific to e-mentoring and online graduate education, literature searches were conducted to isolate relevant research from the last decade. From this literature, it was possible to synthesize current practices in e-mentoring and identify effective strategies to use for doctoral students conducting research. Using Yob and Crawford (2012) framework, results were organized into the following six independent categories: Competence, Availability, Induction, Challenge, Communication, and Emotional Support. Other aspects that impact the mentoring relationship are also discussed.
Integrating UDL Strategies into the Online Course Development Process: Instructional Designers' PerspectivesThis qualitative case study design examined the perspectives that instructional designers at a 4-year research institution in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States have about integrating UDL strategies into the online course development process. The participants were six individuals involved in the online course development process: four of the participants were instructional designers working for the Instructional Design Team, one participant was an assistant program manager in the Office of Distance Education, and the other was an instructional designer working in the College of Health and Human Services. The interviews focused on the participant's perspectives on the integration of UDL strategies and how they believe faculty perceived such practices. Using a series of semi-structured interviews and document analysis, three distinct themes emerged: (a) the importance of the instructional designer/faculty member partnership, (b) the number of factors impacting faculty adoption of UDL strategies in their online courses, and (c) faculty resistance to changes in how classroom accommodations are addressed in the higher education classroom. In addition to highlighting factors impacting the integration of UDL strategies, the findings also revealed techniques that could be useful in improving faculty adoption of such practices.
Social Network Analysis and Online Learning Communities in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature ReviewThis paper presents the results of a systematic literature review which sets out to explore the use of social network analysis (SNA) for investigating online learning communities in higher education. The impetus for such a review originated from an increased interest by researchers in SNA techniques to investigate interactions and learning engagement in various types of online communities. However, the researchers often omit to ground their research and SNA methods in community based learning frameworks such as communities of inquiry (CoI) and communities of practice (CoP). We identified a handful of studies that integrate SNA methods and key constructs from these frameworks and examined: SNA measures and corresponding theoretical constructs used; other analytical techniques used; limitations and; suggestions for further research. We found that while SNA is effective in detecting prominent participants, sub-groups and certain aspects of a CoP, a specific SNA measure cannot be correlated with a particular presence in a CoI. Therefore, SNA needs to be complemented with a qualitative analytical technique. Whether SNA can be used as a stand-alone technique for identifying communities remains to be seen. We also find a lack of consideration to attributional and performance variables in existing studies. In conclusion, we propose the development of a fully integrated research framework for a holistic analysis of online learning and teaching.
Teaching to Connect: Community-Building Strategies for the Virtual ClassroomA sense of community is central to student engagement and satisfaction. However, many students struggle with developing connections in online programs. Drawing on interviews with 13 instructors, this paper explores the strategies that they use to help students develop a sense of community in synchronous virtual classrooms. Four strategies for building community online are identified: reaching out to students often, limiting time spent lecturing, using video and chat as modes to engage students, and allowing class time to be used for personal and professional updates.
A National Study of Online Learning Leaders in US Community CollegesOnline learning has become a major endeavor in US higher education. A 2016 national study of leadership for online learning explored a new leadership role that Presidents and Provosts at US universities have established to coordinate and direct their efforts in this vital area. But a significant portion of online education is offered by two-year schools, so this systematic national study of online learning leaders at our community college will complement the first study and contribute to our understanding of this vital academic initiative in those institutions.


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Referee Neil Swarbrick deemed the pitch unplayable less than an hour and a half before kick-off following a spell of heavy rain and after consultation with managers Martin O'Neill and McDermott.
But with 11 of 12 local non-league fixtures going ahead across the North East, the decision to call off a Premier League game in August for weather reasons raised eyebrows across the country. McDermott criticised the surface, saying the game would have gone ahead at the Madejski Stadium.
Sunderland have successfully turned the Stadium of Light into a concert venue to increase revenue streams outside of the football season, but having hosted Coldplay, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Bruce Springsteen in May and June, the pitch could not be re-laid as early as other clubs, which may well have contributed to the drainage problems.
Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne said: "We will meet with our pitch consultants immediately to carry out a full analysis of today's events."
The club last night said they were not willing to divulge the name of their pitch "consultants", but a club source claimed the concerts were not to blame, insisting they have been holding similar events at the stadium since 2009.
McDermott said: "It was really surprising. It's a brand new pitch and they've obviously got a problem with it." When asked whether the amount of rain would have led to a postponement at other grounds McDermott added: "I wouldn't have said so, there must be something else [wrong]. I don't know what they are going to do there. It's very unusual to call a game off in August.
"There is no way the game would have been called off at Reading . There is obviously something fundamentally wrong with the pitch there and it's something for Sunderland to sort out.
"There was no way they could play the game, the water didn't look like it was going away. I don't know if they have got a problem with the drains.
"I'm not annoyed, I can't affect what goes on at another club. Martin O'Neill will be really disappointed because I know he wanted the game to be played and he will look at that from his own club's perspective." Although the amount of rain to fall was unusually heavy for the time of year, modern grounds normally have excellent drainage and most would expect a top flight pitch to be able to cope with the amount of rain that fell.
"We spoke to both Martin and Brian about our thought processes, and as soon as we walked out onto the pitch with them they could understand our concerns and the issues with the pitch," said Swarbrick.
"The pools of water were getting larger and longer, and we agreed straight away that the game should be called off."
Sunderland, who have another home game against Morecombe in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night, apologised to fans who travelled before it was called off and said all tickets will be valid for the re-arranged fixture.
O'Neill added: "We trained at the stadium on Thursday afternoon to get a feel for the pitch and it was fantastic. There has been a lot of rain. We arrived here about the same time as Reading and the referee had serious doubts in his mind.
"He just wanted to confirm with myself and Brian McDermott. It's the right decision to make but it's a blow to us."
The Premier League will wait until they receive the referee's report before deciding whether any disciplinary action needs to be taken against Sunderland for the condition of the pitch.
Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson added: "The decision was taken by the referee, in discussion with both managers. He assessed the condition of the playing surface and must have decided it wasn't safe for the players so the only option was to call the game off."


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Earlier in the week, 50 Cent made mention of his cousin and fellow rapper Continental Five during an interview and stated that Continental Five was trying to emulate his past lifestyle in his music and revealed that he's not a fan of his cousin's records "because he has never been through the things he's talking about."
Continental Five recently responded to Fifty's comments in a video interview with Forbez DVD and also explained his side of the story. According to the rapper, the lifestyle he raps about is one he lives with every day and even suffers from paranoia due to the "beef" 50 Cent involves himself in.
"Whatever stories you hear about this nigga, I deal with it on an everyday basis," Continental explained. "I deal with that shit. So, when he's gone and doing the rap shit and he's starting the beef and he's igniting all that, I'm still here…I've been paranoid. I don't be out like that because—I'm worried about if a nigga would try to do it. None of the beef that I'm gripped up for or be running around with is not mines. I'm not outside starting trouble. This is somebody else's problems I inherited."
The rapper went on to address 50 Cent directly as he shot down comments made in regards to what Fifty believes was his desire to be a gangster rapper. Continental Five also called out 50 Cent for causing issues that he'll never be forced to deal with.
"So, to a nigga listening, nobody's trying to be a gangster. I want to get the fuck away from this. I'm trying to do my thing," said Continental. "So, when you see me rapping it's not me rapping about trying to portray something. No nigga, this what's gon' get me to get the fuck out the situation because I'm still in that situation. So, while you're in your bulletproof and you good and you somewhere else, the reality is I still gotta deal with the shit that comes with your issues."
The full interview with Continental Five can be found below.
RELATED: 50 Cent Recalls Losing His Mother, Has "No Interest" In Meeting Father


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Posts Tagged 'Gangster Squad'
Gangster Squad Quick Review
Posted January 15, 2013on:
From the director of Zombieland, this past weekend was spent in the movie theater or rather in a supersaturated 1949 Los Angeles as I viewed Gangster Squad.
The story centers around a secret crew of police officers off the books and under the radar working together to take down the ruthless mob boss Mickey Cohen who runs the city.
Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Nick Nolte, and Sean Penn round out the cast as the battle between good, honorable cops and ruthless gangsters rages on the streets of Los Angeles.
It was very obvious that director Ruben Fleischer also directed the critically acclaimed Zombieland, his first feature film. Splashy stylistic violence and boundless entertainment – it was much more humorous than originally thought when entering the theater – Gangster Squad paid homage to the gangster films of the past while bringing a freshness to the subject manner.
It was a violent, dramatic ride that kept me glued to the screen through its running time. Gangster Squad was fun and stylish, though if you are looking for deeper storytelling look elsewhere.


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A work in progress, this graphic novel tells the story of
two very different cultures in the heart of the Florida Everglades.
Released Spring 2015, this is the untold story of Spiritual America Gallery, full color with rare artist portraits.
See www.spiritualamericacatalog.com for info
Don't Tell Me How I Looked Falling: The Ballad of Peter La Farge
The untold story of La Farge with never before seen letters, photos and quotes from a who's who of the folk world.
Slink Publishing Spring 2012
Now available on Amazon Kindle
Honest Injun is now an Amazon Kindle ebook
Honest Injun:
Hollywood, History, and the Great White Lie
Like the recent controversial books Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word by Randall Kennedy and Cowboy: How Hollywood Invented the Wild West by Holly George-Warren, Honest Injun takes a hard look at how the entertainment media in the U.S. has viewed Native Americans since the 1900s.
Meticulously researched, generously illustrated, and powerfully written by a seasoned entertainment journalist, Honest Injun shatters the made-in-Hollywood legends and circles the wagons around the ignorant laws, attitudes, and culture with bracing courage and intelligence.
The Native American Culture of Music (2002)
From the red earth of the reservations to the glitter of the Grammys, the heartfelt music of Native America is getting into the mainstream. In these pages are visions of some of the major Native American players, artists, musicians, activists, and singers as diverse as Bill Miller, Rita Coolidge, Joey Ramone, John Trudell, Hank Williams III, and Wayne Newton.
Native American music. It's not just for powwows anymore.
Signed books are $15. To order Kokopellis book please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com or order through Amazon.com


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Kit Thompson
Rural Property Consultant
Kit is a Registered Valuer (non practicing) who qualified from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 1989 with an Associate Diploma in Valuation (Distinction). He has extensive experience in both the valuation and rural real estate industries having come from a practical farming background in New Zealand with a Diploma in Sheep Farming from Massey University of the Manawatu.
After 10 years in practical farm management in the Northern Midlands he worked with Webster Limited in Rural Property Sales and Valuation for 12 years before entering into private practice as a Certified Practicing Valuer and Property Consultant specialising in Rural Valuation. Kit has returned to Tasmania having spent the past 7 years working as a valuer in Victoria.


text: Hello readers! Have you recovered from the holidays yet? I think I have, but now I'm having problems with my blogs. I can't upload any photos! And what good is an after-the holidays-photo show without the photos? I'm having a few other problems, too, so I need to address them and see if I can get them fixed. Thanks for your patience and see you soon,


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Alexi puts out some of the best drift and race content from Japan. I always look forward to watching his videos – they are both entertaining and informative. His Twitch channel is also entertaining and pretty funny at times. In this particular episode, Alexi shows us a bunch of Hachi Roku Ae86′ at a Hachi Roku drift and race festival which took place at Tsukuba Circuit in Japan. He not only shows us all the awesome Corrollas but also interacts with the owners! Also, it was pretty cool seeing the WMD Hachi Roku crewneck… seemed to be a hit at the event!
Make sure to follow the Noriyaro channel on both Youtube and Twitch.


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I just watched the third act of Siegfried tonight, having watched Acts 1 & 2 earlier in the week. Siegfried is Wagner's coming-of-age opera, wherein a young, brave warrior raised in the woods by dwarf slays a dragon and learns the meaning of fear when he encounters his first woman– Brunnhilde.
I enjoyed Siegfried's encounter with Brunnhilde. Look at the shiny armour. It's a man! Here, I'll take off his helm, it must be heavy. Gee, that breastplate looks heavy, too. This is not a man! And thus he is filled with fear at the sight of a woman.
I've never read any Wagnerian scholarship, so I may be off the mark on some of my observations, but very telling in this opera, this third act of the third act (Siegfried is the third of the four operas of the famous Ring Cycle), is Siegfried's encounter with Wotan, Der Wanderer, his great-grandfather. In this encounter, Siegfried shatters the Runestaff, which was both symbol and reality of Wotan's power over the universe, as we had previously learned in Act 1 when Wotan tells Mime, the dwarf who raised Siegfried, all about it.
With the breaking of the runestaff comes the shattering of Wotan's power. We have learned already that this same staff when up against this same sword (Notung, which Siegfried reforged at the end of Act 1) on a previous occasion (Die Walkure) shattered the sword, leading to the death of Siegmund, Siegfried's father.
How can Notung break the runestaff now? All I can think of is the Ring. Siegfried, having slain the dragon Fafnir, took the Ring of the Nibelung from Fafnir's hoard in Act 2 (along with the Tarnhelm, of course — the Tarnhelm that had enabled Fafnir to turn into a dragon in the first place).
With the Ring, we were told in Act 2, Siegfried can rule the world. And so the power of man rises as the power of the gods falls. The gods diminish, as Wotan prophesied to the all-knowing Wala, Brunnhilde's mother, at the beginning of the Act.
After Siegfried got over being afraid of Brunnhilde, he revived her with a kiss (true love's kiss?). Eventually, he convinces this shieldmaiden who has dropped her shield to drop the whole maiden bit as well. With her loss of virginity will come Brunnhilde's loss of power. The gods diminish.
This diminishing of the gods is brought to these old myths by Wagner. It is not present in the Nibelungenlied or Tolkien's The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun. From the synopsis I've read, it doesn't seem to be in the Volsunga Saga, either. The rise of man and the subsequent (necessary?) fall of the gods is Wagner's 19th-century German humanism, not ancient or mediaeval heathenism.
Why need we have a Gotterdammerung? Do the gods really need a twilight? Can man not rise without necessarily supplanting the divine? I understand that the Gutrune story needs to be told, but it doesn't mean twilight for the gods. Rather, it means twilight for Siegfried and Brunnhilde.
I know that this theme of man's rise vs. the gods exists elsewhere. We see it in Zeus' resistance to humanity gaining fire, to note the Classical example. But could not humanity rise with the gods? Could we not rise with the assistance of the gods? (The Augustinian way.) Or rise without their assistance but as a testimony to their power as the creators and sustainers of the universe? (The Pelagian way.)


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Anigozanthos 'Bush Pearl' – Kangaroo Paw
Pearl has a dwarf habit with branched stems and prolific non-stop blooming performance. A reasonable garden plant but an outstanding kangaroo paw in a pot. Lovely, bird attracting pink flowers, which also make good cut flowers. Clean up dead flowers by cutting the stem plus the leaf fan that contains the stem close to the ground. Feed with a good native or general purpose fertiliser through the warm months and water when it is hot, dry or windy (or all three). A plant that produces as much floral display as Pearl needs proper food and water to be at its best.
See my article on Renew Your Kangaroo Paw for maintenance tips>>>
|Scientific Name:
|Common Name:
|Kangaroo Paw
|Plant Type:
|Clumping perennial, Bulb or bulb-like
|0.6 ~ 0.8 metres
|0.5 ~ 0.7 metres
|Flower Colour:
|Flowering Time:
|All year
|Ph Level:
|Acid, Neutral
|Soil Type:
|Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Potting mix
|Plant Environment:
|Courtyard, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Drought resistant
|Climate Zone:
|Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean
|Sunny, Light shade
|Growth Habit:
|Evergreen, Dense foliage
|Soil Moisture:
|Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage
|Frost Tolerance:
|Tolerates light frost
|Plant Usage:
|Feature plant, Border plant, Wow factor
|Special Uses:
|Cut flower
|Attracts Wildlife:
|Bees, Nectar eating birds, Butterflies
Visit our shop to browse our plant range now.


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Seamless silver globes will carry you through an evening of Gatsby magic. Made with silverized agate, platinum plated rock quartz and Swarovski crystal. Stack with the other 5 Lotus bracelets.
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Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Collecting seashells at the shore is an age-old vacation pastime. Some people bring home their collections to display as decorations or to use for crafts. In this case, vinegar has several uses. Vinegar can aid in both cleaning and colouring seashells. However, the acidic liquid can also dissolve seashells when used for extended periods.
Seashells are sea animal shells, mostly mollusc shells made of calcium carbonate. Seashells are considered to be exoskeletons because animals use the shells as their covering and then, in most cases, vacate the shells. That's when they may wash ashore.
Vinegar is an acidic liquid made through the oxidation of ethanol in wine, cider or beer, and the combination of additional acids such as citric acid and tartaric acid. Most commonly used in cooking, it can also be used for cleaning and for medicinal purposes.
When vinegar and seashells are combined for an extended period, vinegar can cause a seashell to dissolve because seashells are made mostly of calcium carbonate, which reacts with the acid in vinegar. When seashells are soaked in vinegar for several days, the reaction between calcium carbonate and the acids in vinegar cause carbon dioxide bubbles to form and the seashells to slowly dissolve. However, seashells that are in contact with vinegar for just a few minutes will not begin to dissolve.
Vinegar is also used to clean seashells. Washing the inside of the shell with vinegar, followed by a combination of warm soap and water, will help to clean the seashell of debris and may help remove the smell that often accompanies seashells. Boiling seashells in salt water helps remove bacteria and odour. White vinegar is most commonly used for cleaning.
Some crafters choose to colour or dye seashells to create a different look. Vinegar can assist in the dying process by etching the surface of shells so the dye penetrates into the pores of the shell. When colouring shells, mix vinegar with hot water and food colouring or egg-colouring kit mixture. Use only a drop of vinegar to avoid dissolving the shell when it soaks in the mixture.
Most recent
- Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images


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We can now replace multiple or single teeth using dental implants faster and with more predictable results and shorter healing times.
Today's digital dental technology allows most patients to replace teeth with dental implants quickly and with little discomfort. In some cases patients can transition to their new permanent smile in just one day.
Are you embarrassed to laugh or smile in public? Are you in constant dental discomfort or pain? Has your mouth been affected by gum disease? Gingivitis? Periodontal (bone) disease? If this sounds like your situation, all on 4 implant dentistry may be a permanent solution for your mouth. All on 4 is a medical/dental procedure where your dentist places a fixed bridge or denture that is supported by dental implants. We call this procedure all on 4 because we normally use 4 or more implants to secure your new teeth.
Believe it or not, the entire all on 4 dental implant procedure can often be completed in just one day! Using new technology, we are able to extract the existing teeth, place the implants, and actually place a temporary bridge all in the same day.
This means that in just one day, we can give you a beautiful, functional smile without any parts that you need to remove at night.
All on 4 Advantages & Disadvantages
- function comparable to your natural teeth
- Often no need for grafting of bone or tissue
- Temporary bridge can be provided the same day as surgery;you never have to be without teeth
- Replaces the entire tooth; roots and crowns, in one day
- Removes infections and diseased areas of gum and bone
- Helps to preserves healthy bone other tissues
- You cannot get cavities!
- We can customize a beautiful and natural smile
- You are able to eat the same foods as with your natural teeth
- Easy to clean at home using toothbrush and waterpik
- Your dentist can remove easily for your yearly checkup and for your hygienist to clean around the implants
- Time - there is a healing period of approximately 4-6mths before a permanent bridge can be placed
- This procedure does require surgery, usually with sedation


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Caramba Tequila Extra Anejo
Image courtesy of referenced tequila brand
A new classification added in the summer of 2006, labeling any Tequila aged more than 3 years an "Extra Añejo". Following the same rule as an "Añejo", the distillers must age the spirit in barrels or containers with a maximum capacity of 600 liters. With this extended amount of aging, the Tequila becomes much darker and obtains more of a Mahogany color.
This process makes the tequila so rich that it becomes difficult to distinguish it from other quality aged spirits such as a fine Cognac. After the aging process, the alcohol content must be diluted by adding distilled water.
These Extra Añejo's are rare, extremely smooth and complex. To be enjoyed in a snifter.
- Distillery: Leticia Hermosillo Ravelero
- Region: Lowlands - Central
- Distillation Steps: Triple
- Barrel/Cask: Canadian Oak
- Alc. Vol: 40%
- Website: carambatequila.com


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High School Profile – The Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts Community
Burnham Wood Charter School District serves the educational needs of the city of El Paso. Located in one of the state's fastest growing areas, the district enjoys a diversified economic base. Currently, the District has one elementary, middle and high school utilizing K-4, 5-7 and 8-12 models. The student body is culturally diverse with a population that is 82.3% Hispanic, 3.0% African American, 10.6% white and 3.4% Asian.
Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts is a comprehensive four-year public high school enrolling 440 students in grades 5-12. It is part of the award-winning Burnham Wood Charter School District, which opened the first El Paso charter school in 1998. Admission to Da Vinci is free and by lottery. Da Vinci School for Science holds membership in the College Board and the National Association for College Admission Counseling. An innovative four-year engineering curriculum was developed by the Da Vinci STEM leadership under the direction of Professor Shamsnaz Virani from Penn State. This Innovative Engineering Curriculum for High School [ICE-HS] has been recognized by engineering professionals on both national and international levels. Da Vinci teachers and leaders, along with Dr. Virani, have been invited to present this curriculum at ASEE conferences over the past two years. Da Vinci is designated by the Texas Education Agency as a Distinguished T-STEM Academy. This accolade is based on the school's strong commitment to STEM education, as well as a rigorous curriculum that includes four years of high school engineering, technology, and the Arts for all students.
The Leadership designed a ground-breaking teaching model that focuses on STEM education: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The arts are also integral to our daily curriculum and include classes in music, dance, drama and the visual arts.
Da Vinci began operations in August 2006. Since our inception, Da Vinci students have out-performed traditional district public schools on statewide exams. Students are enrolled in Dual Credit with University of Texas at Permian Basin. All students are also expected to participate in all Pre-AP and AP courses offered.
The following AP® courses are offered: Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, English III and English IV, United States History, Government, Statistics and Environmental Science. AP world language and culture courses offered are Spanish Literature and Culture. AP is an open-enrollment program.
Da Vinci students participate in a number of academic competitions including the University of Alabama at Huntsville's InSpiress Program — a NASA-sponsored design competition. In 2012, one of Da Vinci's four participating teams was awarded second place.
FIRST Robotics and First Technical Robotic Competitions are offered every year. Da Vinci teams have been cited for their design and operational attributes. In addition, several student Arts and Performance competitions for band, strings, choir and the visual arts are offered annually, bringing recognition for their quality work.
The Da Vinci School's philosophy states that all students can learn, and that high schools must take responsibility for the students' learning rather than lowering expectations which ultimately leads to lower standards at the college level and higher dropout rates.
- Excellent, 90-100%, 4.00
- Above average, 80-89%, 3.00
- Average, 75-79%, 2.00
- Below average, 70-74%, 1.00
- Failure, 0-69%, 0.00
All high school students are ranked on college 4.0 scale.
GPA is computed using the above quality points. Beginning with grade eight, all high school subjects, whether passed or failed, are included in the computation. A minimum of 26 credits are required for graduation. In addition, each student must complete a 30-hour community service and 40-hour internship as non-credit graduation requirements. In addition, every senior must apply and be accepted to a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution in order to graduate. Successful completion of AP courses result in additional GPA weights.
Students are awarded:
- 3 points if the AP students take test toward GPA
- 6 points if they score three or higher, on AP Exam, toward GPA
- Exam fee refunded if student passes test
- 80 or above, in classroom grades will earn 10 points toward GPA
Class of 2012 (First Graduating Class )
There were 17 graduates in the Class of 2012.
- 5 earned a 4.0+
- 11 earned 3.5–3.99
- 1 earned 3.0–3.49
Advanced Placement Results
- In May 2012, 11 took AP Exams
- A total of 19 exams were taken in 6 subjects
Post High School Placement
- 100% matriculation to a four-year university
Da Vinci School for Science and the Arts Graduates from 2012 were accepted to the following Colleges:
- Austin College
- Central Texas College
- Colorado School of Mines
- New Mexico State University
- New Mexico Tech
- Northern Arizona State
- Park University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- St. Edwards
- St. Johns
- St. Mary's University
- Southwest Assembly of God
- Swarthmore College
- Renssalear Polytechnic Institute
- University of Incarnate Word
- University of Texas Austin
- University of Texas El Paso
- University of Texas San Antonio
Cumulatively, our seventeen 2012 graduates received more than $450,000 in scholarships and grants.


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Spine surgeons are noticing an increase in patients with neck and upper back pain, likely related to poor posture during prolonged smartphone use, according to a recent report.
Some patients, particularly young patients who shouldn't yet have back and neck issues, are reporting disk hernias and alignment problems, the study authors write in The Spine Journal.
In an X-ray, the neck typically curves backward, and what we're seeing is that the curve is being reversed as people look down at their phones for hours each day, said study coauthor Dr. Todd Lanman, a spinal neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles.
"By the time patients get to me, they're already in bad pain and have disc issues," he told Reuters Health.
The real concern is that we don't know what this means down the road for kids today who use phones all day. …
While in a neutral position looking forward, the head weighs 4.5 to 5.5 kilograms. At a 15-degree flex, it feels like 12 kilograms. The stress on the spine increases by degree, and at 60 degrees, it's 27 kilograms.
"For today's users, will an eight-year-old need surgery at age 28?" Lanman said.
"In kids who have spines that are still growing and not developed, we're not sure what to expect or if this could change normal anatomies," he told Reuters Health. …
– excerpt and image from 'Smartphone-related neck pain on the increase', CBC, 14 April 2017
The article goes on to suggest ways of improving posture while texting … Texting less (or not at all) gets no mention! – AS


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Basic Principles of Our Compliance Management System
With our compliance management system that is valid worldwide, Sartorius ensures that the members of its individual boards, executives and employees comply with all legal regulations and codes, and perform their activities in accordance with the company's internal rules and guidelines. Targeted training and awareness-raising prevent any misconduct, as well as economic damage and loss of image.
Sartorius makes every effort to ensure optimal risk management by using a combination of approaches: a preventive compliance approach designed to proactively stop any potential breaches before they occur and a repressive compliance approach intended to continuously monitor compliance with our rules. These processes are closely intermeshed, creating a standardized compliance management system that aims to offer the best possible protection against potential violations of our rules and regulations.
Sartorius has developed a Code of Conduct as a preventive component of our compliance management system and has committed to an Anti-Corruption Code.
Sartorius Code of Conduct
The Sartorius Code of Conduct specifies the requirements on the responsible conduct of all employees of the Sartorius Group. This set of rules provides them with guidance on how to act in a legally correct and ethically appropriate way in their daily work.
Sartorius Code of Conduct (136.63 KB)
Sartorius Anti-Corruption Code
This Anti-Corruption Code serves as the basis for making all employees aware of the risks of corruption, while providing guidance, instructions and help to enable them to take the appropriate action to prevent and fight such corruption.
Sartorius Anti-Corruption Code (566.36 KB)
Sartorius ensures that all Group employees worldwide are thoroughly familiar with both Codes by requiring them to complete online training and earn a certificate.
Sartorius adheres to the principles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Global Compact, the world's largest initiative for human rights, labor standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption. The company's internal principles, such as its Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct for Suppliers, are derived from these global tenets.
In addition, Sartorius has made it a policy to require its business partners to adopt its standards of compliant conduct as well. For this reason, Sartorius performs third-party due diligence or so-called business partner checks; i.e., the company reviews the integrity of business partners on a risk-oriented basis.
Code of Conduct for suppliers
The Sartorius Group also expects its suppliers and service providers, in particular, to comply with internationally recognized social and environmental standards, to abide by the laws, uphold the tenets of fair competition and to respect human rights. Our company excludes existing or new suppliers who are determined to be the source of considerable risks regarding compulsory, forced or child labor, other violations of human rights or negative effects on society. These requirements are set forth in our Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Service Providers.
Sartorius Code of Conduct for suppliers (215.15 KB)
An internal system is available for reporting any suspicious circumstances involving potential compliance violations.
Whistleblower Portal
In addition to having set up established routes for reporting compliance-related concerns to the Compliance Department or managers, Sartorius has created a whistleblower portal to enable employees, suppliers, customers or partners to report any potentially damaging conduct 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This specially secured portal is made available through an external provider who is specialized in handling confidential data securely. Every whistleblower can decide whether or not to report compliance-related concerns by giving his or her name or by doing so anonymously.
Compliance Hotline
Sartorius employees, suppliers, customers or partners can use our telephone hotline to contact our Compliance Department directly. There they will receive answers to questions concerning compliance and can report damaging conduct, also anonymously, if desired. This hotline is available free of charge worldwide.
The repressive component of our compliance management system is designed to ensure comprehensive monitoring and efficiency review of the control mechanisms mentioned above. The key elements of Sartorius' internal control system consist of a combination of process-integrated and process-independent monitoring measures. Among the most important organizational measures that have been anchored in Sartorius' corporate culture for a long time is the rule of separation of functions, taking into account the "four-eyes" principle. In particular, the Supervisory Board and the Legal Affairs & Compliance Department play a key role in process-independent monitoring and review activities. Within the Supervisory Board, the Audit Committee, in particular, is tasked with reviewing internal control processes. In addition, this committee intensively focuses on reviewing the annual and consolidated financial statements and the quarterly financial reports. To ensure systematic, prompt identification of risks, Sartorius moreover has a monitoring system in place, pursuant to Section 91 II of the German Stock Corporation Law (AktG), for early group-wide detection of risks that have the potential to jeopardize the company's continued existence.


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Posted on 8/19/2015
Sisters Code's mission is to educate, entice and empower women ages 25 – 85 to explore the world of technology.
After college, I was an aspiring mortician working at a local funeral home at night and substitute middle school teacher during the day. Out of the blue, someone told me that a local company called Compuware Corporation was offering a professional development program where I would learn to program in seven languages in 13 weeks — and all I needed was a degree. I would be lying if I said I knew what coding was or even knew what I was signing up for. However, the company offered me a salary and benefits, so I decided to make believe that I could do it. During the program I learned JCL, COBOL, DB2, CICS and IMS, and at the age of 25, I emerged as a mainframe programmer. Technology changed the trajectory of my life and offered me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams.
As a speaker, I have been asked to speak at many programs to empower young girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), but I didn't see many venues for older women to hear about the possibility of becoming a coder. Thus, Sisters Code was born.
Sisters Code is open to all women, regardless of race, social status, career level or educational level. We offer a "Weekend Website Warrior Experience" where women are introduced to HTML, CSS and JavaScript while developing an interactive website. Our classes are very diverse, which makes for a dynamic and rich experience. We have had stay-at-home moms, attorneys, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, police officers and women looking to re-enter the workplace. My favorite Sisters Code success stories involve a 67-year-old participant who went from retiree to tech entrepreneur, and a Zumba instructor who is now a systems analyst.
We teach the basics in a fun environment as a way to empower women to believe that they can learn something new, and that they, too, can excel in the field of technology. We also take the "digital divide" into consideration by offering classes where we provide all of the needed hardware and software, ultimately annihilating all excuses.
My personal belief is that if I'm not giving back in every endeavor I'm involved in, I must do so some soul-searching to uncover my true intent and evaluate if the project is worthwhile. As a form of empowerment and real-life experience, and in the spirit of giving back, our advanced students develop websites free of charge for small neighborhood businesses in the city of Detroit that have no Web presence. This affords our program participants an opportunity to practice their new skills and build their portfolios, but most importantly, it helps businesses who are in need of assistance with engaging customers via the Internet.
As a participant at SXSW put it, "Sisters Code is not just a coding program, it is a vehicle to empower women to believe in themselves and learn a skill that could ultimately change their lives, the lives of their families, and neighborhoods.
Our next Weekend Website Warrior Class is September 12. Please visit our website, sisters-code.org, for registration information as space is limited.
Marlin Page
| Sisters Code
Marlin Page is the founder of Sisters Code, a global social enterprise with a mission to educate, empower, and entice women ages 25 – 85 to explore the world of coding and technology. Here she talks about why she started Sisters Code, what goes on at the "Weekend Website Warrior Experience," and how Sister's Code gives back to the community.
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Earlier this month, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Obama to discuss Iran's nuclear arms proliferation. It seems the President became angry with the Prime Minister's message, which was taken as a lecture.
'The encounter enraged Obama, who felt, in the words of one administration official, that "the dignity of the office [of president] was insulted." The Daily Beast
How can there be any "dignity of the office" of a liar? Whether it is George Bush or Barack Obama, there is no dignity in dishonesty, corruption, greed, narcissism, or even the wars we pursue.
The dignity of the office of the POTUS has diminished with its loss of credibility. This began many years ago, both Republicans and Democrats are responsible.
As the world gets sick of America's self-seeking influence and its destructive tendencies in their cultures, we are becoming the scourge of the earth. And I don't disagree with them!
Denney Crane
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Mr President doesn't like
being lectured...
being lectured...
Posted by Denney Crane at 6:00:00 AM
2 comments:
I agree..
Americans don't understand the rest of the world does not see us as we see ourselves. We are the crazy people with nukes because we are the only country to EVER use them.
- March 14, 2012 at 9:55 AM
I say it is time to pursue isolationism.
Walk softly and carry a big stick.
- March 14, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Star Boy artist Efya finally drops her much anticipated single dubbed UNTIL THE DAWN,a midtempo reggae jam you gonna fall in love with. In the song,she talks about a man she wanna make love to and be with . i dont wanna talk much ,just cope the Maleek Berry produced jam and enjoy
Efya – Until The Dawn (Prod By Maleek Berry) [DOWNLOAD]


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Happy Monday, friends. I hope you guys had a great weekend. We sure did.
On Saturday, we loaded up and headed to my Mom's and spent the afternoon with her. Remember that pizza place we tried over the summer? She took us there for lunch and it was just as good as before. Yum!
Fun mirrors are fun.
Came home to find Cat super cozy.
Sunday was just a super lazy day. We didn't go anywhere, we just hung out at home, baked stuff, played games, and watched movies. We did squeeze in a walk to the park because the weather was nice.
And I made enough potato/ham soup yesterday for dinner tonight too! Win!
How was your weekend?


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Time after time I find myself settling for what I know is less than I deserve. That is with everything- jobs, grades, friendships, and especially relationships. I don't if it's because of the extreme laziness I suffer from, of the lack of motivation but I am almost always just settling. I want to know why. I am really trying to excel in many facets of my life but I can't do that if I don't recognize and address my issues.
Ready? Because this is going to go from a cute little blog post to like my real life, every day, personal issues..
Mostly, the issue lies within my relationships with friends, family, and young men. (Swear I wish I could lock them all in cage and throw them in the middle of the ocean. I just don't have the time.) Anyways, my last relationship lasted about a year and half. We met and instantly connected. I was head over heels in love. I just knew in my heart that we would be together for the rest of my life. We were so good together though. We spent everyday together and when we didn't we talked on the phone. Real cute, #relationshipgoals, right? Yeah, tell me about it. Well, clearly that didn't happen as we aren't together any more. Fast forward: I go to college and meet someone who comforts me in my time of need. It was just a friendship but over the months, feelings were developed and things got a little more confusing for me because you know, it already wasn't confusing enough.
I think all of my problems stem from my indecisiveness. I am the worst at decision-making because I weigh every option. If it has a pro I'll weigh towards it, if another option has a pro I'll lean towards that. I feel so much pressure to decide even in the simplest situations that I think I just decide without taking into account the pros and cons I come up with. I totally disregard them and end up making an "easy" decision by settling with what I'm comfortable with.
Perfect scenario: I have two very special guys. The right and wrong is plain as day, but of course I think about it every single day of my life- I have it rough. I'll scale it back a little but for this most part, here it is, all of it.
Guy #1
Pros: Literally the perfect gentleman. He calls just to check on me and see how my week is going. He doesn't pressure me into making certain decisions or doing things I don't want to. He supports everything I do. He has been my #1 supporter since the day I decided I want to create this blog. I haven't known him that long, but he would probably give his last to make me smile.
Cons: There aren't too many but the few that are are a big deal to me. He's too nice. I had this issue when I first got with my ex so I thought it would eventually fade but it still hasn't. Like tell me no and mean it, get mad and raise your voice, something like I need a little aggression. I hate having to be in this position because I feel like I unknowingly take advantage of it and begin to depend on him for things I would normally do on my own. I like them a little rough around the edges and I think he is missing that edge.
Guy #2
Pros: Have so much history together. He knows everything about and is so close with my family. I love that we can sit and chill and do nothing together. I can completely be myself around him and he can do the same. He likes to go out and have a good time and I love to get out as well. He lets me do what I want; not clingy or pressy. I fell in love with him the first day I met him and I can't seem to fall out of it. Our personalities are perfect for each other. We finish each other sentences because we've been around for so long that we know how the other thinks, acts, talks, everything.
Cons: There may be too much damage. He holds on to the past, even though he says he doesn't. He uses the past to judge what may or may not happen in the future. I hate a pessimist. He used to me so he's never super happy to see me and he doesn't put heart eyes under my pictures. I know that's childish but I need my boyfriend to hype me up, make me feel like Kim K every time to send you selfies.
I don't want to let go of Guy #2 because I know how happy we once were and I want that happiness back. I have hope that we can get there if there is a mutual effort. It is what I'm used to and most comfortable with. I also don't want to let go of Guy #1 because he is super, super sweet and he doesn't deserve to be "picked". He deserves someone who gives just as much as he does and doesn't have to "weigh" their options.
I don't want to make a decision because I don't hurt one or other. I also don't want to ruin our friendship. I have developed friendships with both of them and I don't want to lose them in that way either. I also feel like I can't be "just friends" with one if I decide to be with the other. My heart and my brain are telling to go in two different directions and I just feel torn most of the time. Times like these are when I wish I was a kid again and my mother made all my decisions for me.
I know that I deserve someone that supports me and makes me genuinely happy. I deserve someone who doesn't just overlook me as if I'm just any random person. I deserve someone who will love me unconditionally. At this point, do I want happiness or comfortability?
Both of these guys follow my blog and read it so I'm pretty sure I just made the decision for myself. They're both going to be like, oh I'm competing? Goodbye. So yeah.. But anyway, I've made it a summer goal of mine to beat this indecisiveness. Maybe not going to start with relationships, but I'll start somewhere simple first.
Until next time,


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Menthol flavoured e-juice infused with high quality CBD.
Also available in:
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- 10ml bottles – 100mg, 200mg, 300mg, 500mg of CBD
These products contain no nicotine.
The CBD in this product is full tested and the highest quality is guaranteed. View test certificate.
Vape this product throughout the day. Do not exceed more than 200mg of CBD per day.
PG (Propylene Glycol), VG (Vegetable Glycerine), CBD, Flavourings.
CBD E-Liquid - Menthol 1000mg
£45.99 Regular Price
£31.99Sale Price