text:
A History of Midwestern Humility
Farmer and wife at the Tri-County Farmers Co-op Market
The people of the American Midwest are proud of their humility. This is a paradox that we shall overlook, the way they beam in the soft glow of adjectives like humble, modest, earnest, down to earth, and salt of the earth. The Midwestern disposition is often likened to earthiness. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the term 'Midwest' has been circulating since the 1880s to refer to twelve agriculture-intensive states in the center of America. Another term often applied to this region is 'the heartland.' Again, the connection between body and earth.
And such earth it is! A vivid green-tan landscape of low rolling terrain from the interior to the great plains, endless fields of grain in a humid continental climate perfect for farming and one day making airplanes, robots, and pharmaceuticals. When Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, etc. were seized and settled in the blurry sepia days of the 1840s, its new residents believed they had discovered the promised land. Everybody was proud of their their wise decision to abandon the urban heat and noise of the eastern seaboard in favor of gentle hills, quiet prairies, and long sunsets.
Some will tell you that Midwestern modesty is rooted in an agrarian Christian philosophy, particular the 'redemption through labor' Protestant strain. The regional newspapers and literature of the mid-1800s, however, reveal a different story. Headlines trumpeted the 'Good Fortune of Living in Heaven Today on Earth' and pamphlets and broadsheets carried titles such as The Superior Free Place and We are the Center of the World. When plotting the first transcontinental railroad in 1873, Cornelius Vanderbilt insisted on bypassing the Midwest. "They are of insufferable character," he wrote in his journal, "forever boasting about their natural bounty and roomy households." His advisers pored over numerous maps and prepared a forty-three page report detailing the impossibility of laying track from Philadelphia to San Francisco without passing through at least some of the Midwest. Few outsiders wanted to buy their corn, soybeans, oats, processed beef, and other commodities from the Midwest, for this often required enduring a lecture from the seller about why the Midwest was truly the land of Providence. Rumor has it that even John Pierpont Morgan wanted little to do with the region, unable to tolerate their 'provincial arrogance'. Hence the number of state-owned banks, local credit unions, and farmers' co-operatives.
By 1880, the economy of the Midwest region was a shambles. Enter William Francis Russell, a sturdy little schoolteacher who penned a long essay called The Revolt Against Pride which was soon republished in pamphlet form as The Modesty Manual. It begins: "We believe our history is a preparation for the magnificent era of which we Midwesterners are the salt and summit, yet we must live the words of St. Thomas Aquinas, who instructs to keep ourselves within our bounds, not reaching out to things above one, but submitting to the will of God." He provides a list of steps to achieve humility: "Discuss your faults, never your virtues. Serve others. Go last. Happily work longer hours."
The German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer responded to Russell with perhaps one of his most famous essays, published in Parerga and Paralipomena: "What is modesty but hypocritical humility, by means of which a man seeks to obtain pardon for merits from those who have none." And drawing blood with his pen, Schopenhaeur concluded: "No doubt, when Russell says modesty is a virtue, it is a very advantageous thing for the fools; for everybody is expected to speak of himself as if he were one." Devastated, Russell never wrote again. The Modesty Manual, however, quickly became a staple text in primary schools, church groups, and town meetings.
Paraphrasing F. Scott Fitzgerald, who hailed from Minnesota, the attitude of the Midwest began to change gradually and then suddenly. Business improved dramatically and the region was known as 'the breadbasket of America', feeding the nation and promising a more relaxed way of life. The phrase 'aw shucks' was introduced in 1951 by an Indiana farmer who appeared on Edward R. Murrow's See It Now, its origin stemming from 'shucks' as late-19th century slang for something valueless, e.g. 'not worth shucks'. Today the flat and unassuming speech of the Midwest is considered by many to be 'standard' American English, preferred by most national radio and television broadcasters.


text:
Modern medicine trumps 18th-century creepy concoctions
NEXT time you reach for an aspirin thank your lucky stars that you live in enlightened times.
Long after Shakespeare's witches stirred eye of newt and toe of frog into their bubbling cauldron our ancestors were still at the mercy of equally vile cure-alls.
A newly discovered book of remedies from 1720 reveals that even then medicine relied on concoctions of snails and earthworms, boiled swallows and calves' lungs.
Puppies too were in big demand as the basis of anti-wrinkle cream – "take four puppies seven days old, skin & slit and boil in milk…"
So 18th-century animals had good reason to keep away from hook-nosed old ladies for fear of becoming a magic potion.
Next week historian Sally Osborn of Roehampton University will detail the horrors of 18th-century medicine in a public lecture at Hestercombe House near Taunton.
She will delve into a long lost recipe book by Margaret Bampfylde (1694-1758), mother of the splendidly named Coplestone Warre Bampfylde who designed Hestercombe's 18th-century garden.
Margaret somehow lived to be a respectable 64 despite remedies that have more in common with Macbeth's witches than Dr House. Her "Drops for a Consumption and a Cough" use a pint of Oyle of Turpentine and four ounces of flower of Brimstone which must be stirred in a "fine Urinall".
I think I'll skip drinking that in my beer. A tickly throat isn't so bad. Dysentery was no problem if you could get an enema of red wine and herbs (good luck), swallows' oil helped heal wounds (tough if you were stabbed in winter) while TB could be seen off with calves' lungs or by reducing a drink of garden snails, earthworms, herbs, spices and sugar candy.
Gout, a Bampfylde family curse, required the ground remains of a crimson insect in "the best red port". Other elixirs included crabs' eyes and bezoar, a stone found in animal gut and hailed as an antidote to any poison.
Margaret, whose book is to be republished this autumn, treated cancer with ground "Corns of a Gelding" served in sack, a sort of sherry.
Actually that doesn't sound much worse than chemotherapy. But Hestercombe's archivist Kim Legate admits with admirable understatement: "My research suggests that few of the herb-based remedies that defined 18th-century domestic medicine actually worked."
Still, they'd have taken your mind off the original ailment.
Visit hestercombe.com or call 01823 413923. The lecture is next Friday at 7.30pm. Tickets from £8 or £21 for supper and lecture.
Birds signal the first signs of spring
WINTER may seem never-ending but the birds know better. My robins have paired up while the dunnocks are courting in a frenzy of wing flicks.
At the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust's HQ in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, this week the black-headed gulls were swapping winter white for spring's chocolate brown hoodies.
Bewick's swans were setting off for Russia and golden plovers seemed to be getting more golden by the minute, edging towards full summer splendour.
As I left I heard a warbler – a lone chiff chaff – singing for a mate. Winter may still have a sting in its tail but better days are on their way.
Multicoloured is the new black
CATS and dogs have one thing in common: they are hippies. They see in psychedelia.
Cats and dogs, hedgehogs and ferrets are among mammals that see the world through ultraviolet light, City University experts tell a Royal Society journal.
When a dog sees a black cat he sees a multicoloured ball of fur – and then chases it.
Elephants are gentle giants with trunks of sympathy
ELEPHANTS look after their own, say US researchers.
They will console a distressed herd member, reports PeerJ, touching its face and giving the equivalent of a hug by putting their trunk in its mouth.
The carers even make high chirping sounds, their way of saying: "Shh, it's OK."
Yet still these intelligent, social animals are being poached.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Russia (1918) Armored car – 33 built
The Soviet Austins
Russia was a customer and prolific user of the Austin series, imported from Austin Motor Co. Ltd, Great Britain since 1914. Production was reserved entirely for Russia (and on Russian specs). The latest, the series III, was ordered on 25 August 1916 and integrated the sum of experience collected since the beginning of the war. These were delivered in early 1917, yet in the meantime another order came for an enhanced series (which would have been the fourth) to be delivered in late 1917. The Revolution erupted before and the vehicles were kept in British service.
Series 3 Austin serving with the Cossacks, Civil War era (notice the front hood roundel). The series 3 was much heavier than the previous series 1 and had two turrets in a tandem arrangement.
In 1916, the decision was taken to order only the chassis from Austin, and the armored body was to be completed locally by the Putilovski Works at Saint Petersburg. Therefore, 60 Series III chassis were ordered and shipped. It was estimated their completion took place in July 1917. However, the turmoil of the Revolution brought all work to a halt, as stated by Staff-Captain Ivanov. It was eventually resumed by a few workers and the first two vehicles rolled out in March 1918, while Russia was no longer at war. Due to the lack of equipment, spare parts, even gasoline, all vehicles were transferred by rail to the Izhorski Works. Production resumed there from the summer of 1919 to spring 1920, after 33 vehicles had been delivered in total. Interestingly enough, the designation "Austin-Putilov" (Остин-Путиловец – Ostin-Putilovets) is not attested in any document, but was coined later by historians. Instead they were called Русский Остин – Russkij Ostin or "Russian Austins".
The Vrag Kapital, a surviving Austin-Putilov currently at the Artillery Museum in Saint-Petersburg.
The vehicles created by Putilovski Works and later Izhorski Works were virtually identical, integrating many ideas developed for the undelivered Austin series IV. They were characterized by a bulky, heavier hull and thicker armor (7.5 mm instead of 6.5 mm) and by diagonally opposed turrets with Maxim liquid-cooled machine guns. These gave a better field of fire, but also allowed the installation of a door on the right side of the vehicle. Overall weight was now 5.2 tons and the road speed remained about the same, with a maximum of 55 km/h (34 mph). The range was 200 km (125 mi). These Austin-Putilovs, just like the Austin series III they were derived from, were twice heavier than the 1914 series I Austins (2.66 tons)!
Captured Austin-Putilovets «Poznańczyk» near Bobruysk, Poland, 1920.
The vehicle had a crew of five. The commander sat next to the driver in the front, while two machine-gunners and one loader/mechanic were housed in the rear fighting compartment. In addition, there were duplicate steering controls at the rear for reverse driving, hence the protruding rear. Vision was provided by a large armoured folding windshield and side armoured shutters with four pistol ports. As customary, the machine-guns were protected by blocking screens in order to avoid any collisions when traversing. They had revised mounts, allowing full elevation and enabling them to provide AA fire. The interior was layered with felt in order to protect the crew from metal splintering. The front road wheels were also protected by fenders.
At the same period, the Austin-Kégresse was developed, as the first military half-track. Both shared the same chassis and hull. Originally, 39 Kégresses were planned, whereas ten Austins would have been delivered each month until 15 June 1917. The whole schedule was thrown off because of the late delivery of chassis. The first arrived in late January, and 20 had been obtained by February 1917.
The Austin-Kégresse, developed using the standard Austin-Putilov chassis and hull. It was the world's first military half-track.
In action
These vehicles were pressed into service by the Red Army in the Civil War, in motorized platoons called "armored automobile units" (броневой автомоильный отряд or bronevoy avtomobilniy otryad), with three MG-armed cars, one gun/MG-armed, four staff cars, five trucks, plus a tanker, workshop trucks and four motorcycles. They saw action against the "white Russians", but also independent groups or Ukrainian warbands and armies, and some were captured and reused by those. They also participated in the Polish-Russian war of 1920, and at least one was captured and stayed in service with the Polish Army until the 1930s.
By 1921, the RKKA (the future Red Army) had only 78 Austins still in use, Putilovs included. The last ones were retired from service in 1933. Today, the "Vrag Kapitala" (Enemy of the Capital) is displayed at the Artillery Museum in Saint Petersburg, falsely attributed to be the one on which Lenin stood for his famous speech. However, that vehicle also exists, and it is housed at the Kubinka tank museum near Moscow. Another one is displayed at the Izhorski Works, in Kolpino, St. Petersburg.
Links & resources
The Austin on Wikipedia (generic)
The Austin Putilov on Landships II
On derela.republika.pl
Austin-Putilov specifications
|Dimensions (L-W-H)
|4.9 x 2.03 x 2.84 m (16 x 6.8 x 9.4 ft)
|Total weight, battle ready
|5.2 tons (10,400 lbs)
|5 (driver, commander, gunners, loader/mechanic)
|Austin 4-cyl wc, gasoline, 50 hp (37 kW), 9.5 hp/ton
|55 km/h (34 mph)
|Operational range (road)
|200 km (124 mi)
|2 x 7.62 mm (0.3 in) Maxim machine-guns, 5000 rounds
|2×4 leaf springs
|4 to 7.5 mm (0.16-0.25 in)
|Total production
|33 in 1920
"Styenka Razin", 1920. It was captured by the 55th Infantry Regiment of the 14th Wielkopolska Infantry Division during the Soviet-Polish war and renamed "Poznańczyk". It was reused in the Wielkopolski Armored Car Platoon.
Another Austin-Putilov, in 1920, during the Polish-Soviet war. As customary, these vehicles were individually named by their crews. It seems nearly all have been delivered with a neutral grey paint, or possibly pale olive, photos can\'t really tell, but it's unlikely as the paint would have been available from the Naval stocks.


text:
While Afghan municipalities have evolved in recent years because of targeted support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other donor programs, Afghanistan's municipal governments are still not performing at the level they must to meet rising citizen expectations and service delivery needs or to sustain (much less expand) recent gains in performance.
As Afghanistan enters the Transformation Decade (2015–2024), and as Afghan citizens have the opportunity to select the heads of their local governments, it is particularly important that municipalities be prepared to move forward on their own resources and capacity. Changes in leadership, policy, and personnel put a strain on governance institutions, challenging them to maintain existing performance gains, let alone continue to improve performance.
USAID launched the three-year Strong Hubs for Afghan Hope and Resilience Program (SHAHAR) to help fully realize the national government's vision for a nationwide municipal governance system that supports individual municipalities with standard policies and procedures; monitor municipal progress in improving capacity and performance; and provide technical assistance when progress lags. It will link individual municipalities together for information and knowledge sharing, as well as better linking them with their provincial and national counterparts.
The overall objective of SHAHAR is to create well-governed, fiscally sustainable Afghan municipalities capable of meeting the needs of a growing urban population. Targeted support to municipal governments, as well as the General Directorate of Municipal Affairs (GDMA) and Municipal Advisory Boards (MABs), is designed to lead to improved municipal financial management, urban service delivery, and citizen consultation in 20 provincial municipalities across the country.
As a major subcontracting partner, ICMA supports Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI) in implementing the three components of the program:
1. Assistance to GDMA: SHAHAR will further coalesce a system of municipal governance in Afghanistan, with GDMA at its center, and will build GDMA's human and institutional capacity to function as intended. As a result, GDMA will have the capacity to oversee the performance of all SHAHAR municipalities through a networked financial information system, promulgate guidance and standard operating procedures for municipal functioning nationwide, furnish training and technical assistance to municipalities, and properly fulfill its mandate under Afghan law.
2. Assistance to Mayors and Municipal Administrations: At the same time, SHAHAR will build the institutional and human capacities of Afghan municipalities to enable them to participate in a linked municipal governance system held together by GDMA at the center. With SHAHAR support, municipalities will develop the institutional resilience to effectively meet citizen priorities and service delivery needs in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and fully representative of citizen interests. The municipalities will have strategic plans developed in consultation with their citizens; a modern financial management system; and the tools, technologies, best practices, and professional networks that will facilitate the ongoing development of municipal leadership and staff long after SHAHAR assistance has come to an end.
3. Assistance to Municipal Advisory Boards: By supporting the Municipal Advisory Boards, SHAHAR will help lay the groundwork for elected municipal councils as permanent fixtures of Afghan municipal governance. This component of SHAHAR furthers the development of institutions that support an essential ingredient in municipal governance – the ability of citizens from all walks of life to collectively register their voices to municipal decision-makers and to hold them accountable for their actions.


text:
The transition from high school to college can be daunting. With picking a school, deciding on a major and prepping for a new coach and team, the work that goes into playing college football can seem overwhelming. The best way to overcome the stress of transitioning to college life is to start preparing as early as possible.
Collegiate Sports Data President Joleyn Smithing offered the following tips on how to start prepping for the recruitment process and making a college selection.
College coaches begin looking at players well before an athlete's senior year. Start making a list of realistic school options and get acquainted with the recruitment process. Smithing said athletes should begin talking to coaches during sophomore year – or even earlier.
"The more you know, the more helpful it is," Smithing said. "Then, you can be a little more relaxed about it as an underclassmen and have more time to explore all the options. Look at schools not just for their football teams but for other fits as well – campus, location, distance from home. It's very important as an athlete to be looking at what the school has to offer academically."
Plenty of athletes grow up dreaming of playing in a certain school or conference. While it's important set goals, make sure to stay flexible and maintain an array of options.
"Keep an open mind," Smithing said. "There are so many different football programs out there. Talk to people and get exposure at some of the college camps. It's a process, and there are so many kids out there that are looking for a spot on the same football teams. Be open to different options that you might not have thought about prior. The course of the recruiting path can change pretty quickly, and it often is outside the athlete's control."
Research colleges in depth and find out about potential teams online. Coaches are also looking online to seek out details on potential recruits. Be prepared for visits by finding out what coaches like or dislike before face-to-face meetings.
"Have all the information ready for coaches: contact information, family information, academic information. That is something that starts as early as freshman year, preparing your resume to play football," Smithing said. "I always go back to appropriateness on social media and thinking about anything that's posted out there is floating around practically forever. All of that is potentially something that a college coach is going to see."
There are a multitude of people who help prepare athletes for recruitment and college selections. Sit down with a guidance counselor, coach or teacher to start thinking about life after high school. Don't be afraid to seek out advice from unexpected places.
"Talk to coaches, learn about the paths other athletes have taken or even reach out to former athletes from that school and ask them what they might have done differently. That's a way you can learn through other experiences," Smithing said. "We find resources in surprising places. Maybe (someone's) parents work with a former college athlete or another teacher in the school was a college athlete. Hearing other people's experiences can be super helpful."
With classes no longer in session, now is the perfect time to focus energy on where, who and what teams will be the best options to consider. The earlier preparation starts, the less hectic recruitment will seem down the road.
This article originally appeared on USA Football.com. Click here to read the full article, or go to the USA Football website.


text:
Heatwave Cups
Our Heatwave Cups are printed in vibrant process inks, which are all specialised to be food safe and odourless.
We also use the highest resolution we can to make the images on your personalised paper cup appear professional, flawless and a display of the highest quality that your business can be proud of.
Available in runs of 50,000+ units, they feature a corrugated paper, fully branded wrap which provides a premium brand presentation.
Increased speed and cost efficiency: no need for a separate sleeve or double cupping.They provide a more comfortable experience in the customer's hand.
Perfect for extremely hot beverages such as Black Tea or Mulled Wine.
Available Size: 4oz, 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 20oz
Please contact our friendly team for your unique and/or personalised design and quote on 020 8547 0011 or email


text:
100 New Year's Eve Party Dresses You Can Buy on a Budget Now
Shop your New Year's eve party dress right now. We've got 100 New Years party dresses that you can buy now on a budget. ... Read More →
Get Beyoncé's Lion King Look: 7 Blazer and Skirt Combos You Can Shop
Here are some glamours blazer and skirt outfit ideas inspired by Beyoncé's Lion King premiere look. ... Read More →
Zara Launched an Online Store in Egypt Just in Time for Your Eid-Shopping
Now you can do all the shopping you want from Zara with a click of a button. We're over the moon about our Eid shopping! ... Read More →
11 Maternity Items Perfect for Ramadan That You Can Find at Stores
Check out these maternity clothes that are perfect for Ramadan and it's spirit for your gatherings and events. ... Read More →
Winter 2018-2019: These 10 Pieces Are Taking over the Stores Already
From the comfort of your own couch, here are the top 10 trending winter fashion pieces you will find in the stores this season. ... Read More →
Eight Stylish Things to Buy Yourself This Eid, Because You Deserve It!
We picked out all the must-have items for your Eid holiday from your favorite shops, so you don't have to! ... Read More →
35 Pieces You'll Want to Buy from Zara's Spring Summer 2017 Collection
Check out the best shopping picks from Zara's Spring Summer 2017 collection. You'll be completely obsessed! ... Read More →
Your Shopping Guide to Buy Stylish Holiday Sweaters for Christmas 2016
Look your best this holiday season with the most stylish Christmas sweaters. Click here to know where to buy them. ... Read More →
Every Hijabi's Guide to Shop This Winter's Fashion Trends
Stop wondering where you'll get the trendiest hijab outfits, because we got you more than 30 hijab fashion items you can buy this winter! ... Read More →
Where to Buy the Top Fashion Trends This Winter, on a Budget!
Know where to buy the hottest trends this winter, without breaking your budget or going broke! Get your winter shopping list ready. ... Read More →
25 Stylish Zara Pieces Every Woman Needs to Buy for Fall 2016
Want to get your hands on the best pieces from Zara's Fall 2016 collection? We did the research so you don't have to! ... Read More →
Printed Coats Are Trending Now More Than Ever
Patterned coats can literally brighten up your winter look! Because printed coats are trending now more than ever, click through to know the chicest picks. ... Read More →
Knitted Cardigans for a Cozy Winter Look
Get the ultimate cozy winter look with our selection of the most stylish knitted cardigans. Tips on how to wear them also included! ... Read More →
Dress Up Your Outfit with Stylish Winter Boots
After seeing what we selected for you, you will definitely dress up your outfit with stylish winter boots. ... Read More →
Outfit Inspiration for Your First Day of School
Make one hell of a stylish impression on all your classmates and teachers with this funky looking outfit. ... Read More →
Adorn Yourself with Pearls
What better way to pamper yourself than putting on a statement pearl necklace, red lipstick and hit the town. ... Read More →
How to Wear a Dress at the Office
The trick to wearing a dress to the office revolves around a few simple tips and tricks, do them right, and you will pull off a fashionably sophisticated look. ... Read More →
Dresses to Wear the Morning After Your Wedding
The morning after your wedding is still a very special day. Here are a few dresses that will look fabulous on a glowing newlywed. ... Read More →
What to Wear on Your Spring Break Vacation
Instead of staring at your closet and thinking what to wear on your spring break vacation, we've prepared a couple of outfit ideas. ... Read More →
Trend Alert: Slip-on Sneakers
The shoe you owned as a teenager is now back on trend! Check out our favorite slip-on sneakers in the market. ... Read More →
© 2013 Fustany.com, All Rights Reserved
Back to Top ↑


text:
Sadly, this is a frequently used expression as we work with couples in counseling.
Married, yes, but yet experiencing a disturbing sense of "isolation".
Isolation is the opposite of "Intimacy", so instead of experiencing a deep connection with a spouse, too often couples have lost ground over time and end up feeling lonely, separated and solitary even while yet married.
The following is a brief informal quiz that might help point to the need for ACTION:
-A feeling that your spouse isn't hearing or understanding you
-An attitude of "who cares" or "whatever"
-A feeling of being unable to please or meet your spouse's expectations
-A feeling of being taken for granted
-A feeling that one of you might be going their own way
-A refusal to deal with what is perhaps the real issue
-A feeling that keeping the peace by avoidance is better than the pain of dealing with
the reality
-A feeling that as a spouse, you are not being prioritized
-A sense that meaningful touch has all but exited your marriage
-A feeling that you are spiritually traveling alone
Now don't panic if you answered yes to more than a couple of these statements, help is available. Start by reaching out to your spouse in a loving way and communicate your concern, but avoid attacking or blaming.
The book "Staying Close" , Stopping the Natural Drift Toward Isolation in Marriage by Dennis Rainey is a really good resource for couples.
If these attempts to address what you are experiencing fail to get his/her attention, we can help and are very well equipped and experienced with dealing with this phenomenon.
Someone once said: "Getting Married is easy, staying married is much more challenging, staying HAPPILY married is considered among the "Fine Arts"
Keep pressing forward!
If we can help, please don't hesitate to reach out.


text: On my last two flights from IAD-MHT my checked suitcase on United did not make my flight. In both cases, they delivered it to me the next day. Aside from the pure annoyance and inconvenience, this is part of travel is so unnerving. We are forced to choose our most prized possessions to take with us. I can't bring 10 outfits and make a choice based on mood, local weather, or feel of the environment so I must pick before I leave. And so I pick the best ones, often favorite things. I bring items that symbolize comfort and confidence - my form of consolation – to help me forget the things I miss back home. But then, every time I check a bag, board a plane, or pack and unpack in a hotel, I must be willing to lose those treasures and never see them again. It is such a cruel game of detached attachment.


text:
Creating despicable characters we could care less about
|Writers' Theatre presents
|Do the Hustle
|Written by Brett Neveu
Directed by William Brown
at Writers' Theatre, Glencoe (map)
thru March 20 | tickets: $ | more info
Reviewed by Katy Walsh
A father and son scuffle over a cup of hot chocolate. The boy walks out in a rage. The cashier bonds with the dad over tough parenting. In response, the father pulls a fast one and steals $10. Writers' Theatre presents the world premiere of Do The Hustle. Eddie is teaching Sam the family business. The mark, the build-up, the take, father teaches his son the important elements of the perfect con. The duo executes a progression of swindles to get to the big pay off. The scamming hits close to home when the rip-offs get personal. Who is zooming who? Do The Hustle is a series of dark, biting stings that swell into a big ouch.
Playwright Brett Neveu penned a chain of seedy intrigues. Playing the audience, the con within the con within the con surprises and baffles. How did they do that? The repeated dialogue is authentically redundant and natural family-speak. The dysfunctional relationship between father and son is well-established. The missing nut in this shell game is the connection. Neveu has created truly flawed characters. They are distinct and despicable. But Neveu comes up short on the big score by cheating the audience of a person to care about. It is no "catch me if you can' – "the dirty rotten scoundrels" run "the sting" under a "paper moon." The con artist can be an endearing good bad guy! The double-dealing father, the scheming son, the bitchy grandma, the addict mom: whether they are the confidence men, shills or victims, no one bamboozles empathy.
Under the direction of William Brown, the long con is paced dynamically. Set-ups transition into the next with movable doors (scenic designer Kevin Depinet) that illustrate the location. Andrew Hansen (sound designer) aids in the placement with doors opening to street noises. With minimal furnishings and props, the door generated sounds set the scene. The focal point is the action. And Brown directs it to loathsome heights. Francis Guinan (Eddie) is perfect as a fast-talking louse. Patrick Andrews (Sam) acts out cons of cons with masterful earnest but malicious intent. Joe Minoso and Karen Janes Woditsch excel in multiple roles. Minoso goes from invalid to pawn to rifleman with extensive versatility. Woditsch plays shrew from every angle. The cast is wonderful! I just don't like any of them. In the end, Do The Hustle had a great beat but I couldn't dance to it.
|Rating: ★★½
Do the Hustle continues Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Wednesdays at 2pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm and 6pm, with performances occurring at Writer's Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. For more info, visit www.writerstheatre.org.
Running Time: One hundred and five minutes with no intermission
Filed under: 2011 Reviews, Katy Walsh, World Premier, Writers' Theatre | Tagged: Andrew Hansen, Brett Nevue, Charles Cooper, Do the Hustle, Francis Guinan, Joe Minoso, Karen Janes Woditsch, Katy Walsh, Kevin Depinet, Patrick Andrews, Rachel Anne Healy, William Brown, Writers' Theatre | Leave a comment »


text: Located in Colorado, the snowboarding in Vail is known for three cool snowboarding destinations. The best Vail snowboarding based on popularity are considered to be Vail Ski Resort, Beaver Creek Resort, and Ski Cooper Ski Area. For a detailed snowboarding resort description and printable piste run map, just select a Vail snowboarding resort below.


text:
[b]Heated Pool[/b] Enjoy our heated pool in season! From Memorial Day through Labor Day lounge and swim from dawn to dusk. We also have two tables with umbrellas for pool side picnics.
[b]Sports on Property[/b] Play Pickle-ball, Basketball, Shuffleboard, Air Hockey, Horse Shoes, Volley Ball and more on property. Play Bags, Bocce', Frisbee, and several other lawn games on our beautiful lake front lawn. Buzz's offers a selection of men's and women's bicycles to rent for a modest fee. Ride to Duck Lake State Park or the Lighthouse Museum on the Channel to Lake Michigan.
[b]Waterfront Sports and Activities[/b]Buzz's offers paddle boards, Kayaks, and bikes for rent. We also have lawn chairs available to relax and enjoy the lake views with a good book. Swimming in White Lake is awesome and much warmer than Lake Michigan.
[b]Docks for Fishing and Boats[/b] Catch Bass, Pan Fish, and who knows what right off our dock. We have spare rods if needed. Bring a boat and keep it on our floating docks if space is available. First come first served. Gas is available near by at Shoth Shore Marine.
[b]Golf at White Lake Golf Club[/b] Guests of Buzz's can have access to the private White Lake Golf Course. A relatively short (5739 yards) but challenging par 71 right across the street from the resort. Golf professional Bill Borgman is available to give private lessons on the soon to be opened new practice facility.


text:
If you're a Buffy fan (and why wouldn't you be?!) you may be shocked to hear that Warner Bros. have announced that they are moving forward with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer "reboot" …without the involvement of Joss Whedon *gasp*
What are they thinking?!
I mean it's not as if he spent years writing the original Buffy scripts, and has tried and tested writing and directing a motion picture before (Serenity) …so why on Earth was he not the natural pick for involvement? Unless of course, they're going to crucify the whole story…
Here's what the legend himself had to say on the matter:
This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths—just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.
Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, "Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson? This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER." Apparently I was misinformed. Then I thought, "I'll make a mint! This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!" Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow. But seriously, are vampires even popular any more?
I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie. Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.
Leave me to my pain! Sincerely, Joss Whedon.
If you're interested, HERE is the original story, aptly titled 'Worst Idea Ever?'


text:
CPC License #1458896
Nick Liantonio, Sr. and Nick Liantonio, Jr., Owners & Operators
Serving Orlando, St. Cloud, Oviedo, Winter Park, Winter Springs, Geneva, Chuluota and surrounding cities in Florida.
Email: [email protected]
Visit Corporate Site
Swimming Pool Franchise Information
Each location is independently owned and operated.
ASP respects your privacy and never shares your information.


text:
Climategate 2.0 etc November 26, 2011Posted by honestclimate in Discussions.
Tags: climate change, Climategate, global warming
Climategate 2.0 etc
The big news of the week is of course, the release of a further batch of emails onto the internet, almost 2 years to the day of the release of the original Climategate emails.
Read about it below:
Also, other newsworthy articles worth a read (unrelated to Climategate):
Via Mail Online
Climate change fears 'have been exaggerated' and doomsday predictions are overestimates, say scientists, click to read
Via The Australian
- 1. Midia@Mais - December 6, 2011
New tool for Climategate search: check it out at:
- 2. Rapture - February 5, 2012
Interesting to know the furnace was also heated seven times more- Read the Scripture Daniel 3:19, and Isaiah 30:26 shares the light of the sun shall be sevenfold.
Isaiah 30:26
(Moreover the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun)
(and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold)
(as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound)
Read More: The End Of The World


text:
Film Decent from a certain perspective
This review concerns the 1997 original.
As a horror film, this isn't anything special. Downer Endings are par for the course in the genre, so the bad guys winning is no surprise. The victims aren't very developed as characters; we only have a few minutes to see them interact as a family before the killers show up, and nothing really happened in that time to make me care for them. We do get some legitimate Character Development near the end after Peter and Paul leave momentarily, when the son has been killed and the father and mother share a kiss, but by that point it was too little, too late, as far as I was concerned. I also find the family's reactions to their situation hard to understand, but I've never been in such a situation, so I can't judge.
Peter and Paul, on the other find, are absolutely fascinating, recalling Leopold and Loeb. Like the Joker from The Dark Knight, they could simply be demonic forces of evil from another dimension. Paul is cracking up and grinning one minute and staring with cold eyes the next, and Peter seems like someone you can trust, but perhaps underneath, he's even more dangerous than his cohort. These two are the characters that make the film interesting to watch and a worthy experience.
Regarding the You Bastard message; forget it. I've never given anything to that trope, and don't feel obligated to really empathize with fictional characters. On the other hand, as a narrative taken on its own merits, Funny Games is quite engaging, if a bit boring, and I enjoy it for the story it has.


text:
Oral Expression and Listening
Discussions contribute and expand on the ideas of self and others
New information can be learned and better dialogue created by listening actively
Reading for All Purposes
Fluent reading depends on specific skills and approaches to understanding strategies when reading literary text
Fluent reading depends on specific skills and approaches to understanding strategies when reading informational text
Decoding words with accuaracy depends on knowledge of complex spelling patters and morphology
Writing and Composition
Exploring the writing process helps to plan and draft a variety of literary genres
Exploring the writing process helps to plan and draft a variety of simple informational texts
Appropriate spelling, capitalization, grammar, and punctuation are used and applied when writing
Research and Reasoning
Reference materials help us locate information and answer questions
Questions are essential to analyze and evaluate the quality of thinking
Number Sense, Properties, and Operations
The whole number system describes place value relationships through 1,000 and forms the foundation for efficient algorithms
Formulate, represent, and use strategies to add and subtract within 100 with flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency
Patterns, Functions, and Algebraic Structures
Expectations for this standard are integrated into the other standards at preschool through third grade.
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
Visual displays of data can be constructed in a variety of formats to solve problems
Shape, Dimension, and Geometric Relationships
Shapes can be described by their attributes and used to represent part/whole relationships
Some attributes of objects are measurable and can be quantified using different tools
Physical Science: Forces and Motion (Relationship Change)
Changes in speed or direction of motion are caused by forces such as pushes and pulls.
Life Science: Plants/Animals and their habitats (Interactions or Interdependence)
Organisms depend on their habitat's nonliving parts to satisfy their needs
Each plant or animal has different structures or behaviors that serve different functions
Earth Systems Science: Weather and Seasons (Influence or Interactions)
Weather and the changing seasons impact the environment and organisms such as humans, plants, and other animals
Identify historical sources and utilize the tools of a historian
People in the past influenced the history of neighborhoods and communities
Use geographic terms and tools to describe space and place
People in communities manage, modify, and depend on their environment
The scarcity of resources affects the choices of individuals and communities
Apply decision-making processes to financial decision making
Responsible community members advocate for their ideas
People use multiple ways to resolve conflicts or differences
Observe and Learn to Comprehend
Artists make choices that communicate ideas in works of art
Characteristics and expressive features of art and design are used to identify and discuss works of art
Envision and Critique to Reflect
Visual arts use various literacies to convey intended meaning
Invent and Discover to Create
Use familiar symbols to identify and demonstrate characteristics and expressive features of art and design
Relate and Connect to Transfer
Expression of Music
Expressively perform simple songs in small groups or independently
Perform simple rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic patterns
Creation of Music
Create musical phrases in the form of simple questions and answers alone and in small groups
Identify rhythmic and melodic notation patterns
Theory of Music
Comprehension and use of appropriate vocabulary for dynamics, tempo, meter and articulation
Comprehension of beginning notational elements and form in music
Comprehension of vocal and instrumental tone colors
Comprehension of beginning melodic and rhythmic patterns
Aesthetic Valuation of Music
Demonstrate respect for individual, group, and self-contributions in a musical setting
Articulate reactions to the elements and aesthetic qualities of musical performances using musical terminology and movement
Demonstrate increased awareness of music in daily life or special events
Movement Competence and Understanding
Demonstrate the elements of movement in combination with a variety of locomotor skills
Demonstrate control and balance in traveling and weight-bearing activities using a variety of body parts and implements
Use feedback to improve performance
Physical and Personal Wellness
Recognize the importance of making the choice to participate in a wide variety of activities that involve locomotion, non-locomotion, and manipulation of objects outside of physical education class
Identify good brain health habits
Emotional and Social Wellness
Demonstrate positive and helpful behavior and words toward other students
Prevention and Risk Management
Apply rules, procedures, and safe practices to create a safe school environment with little or no reinforcement
Douglas County School District Nondiscrimination Notice: The Douglas County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, genetic information, or physical characteristics, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to, treatment of, or employment in educational programs or activities. The School District's Compliance Officer is Ted Knight, Assistant Superintendent, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, email@example.com, 303-387-0067. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees and members of the public.


text:
Seaweed / Sea Buckthorn Body Cleanser by Haeckels
A low-foaming formulation containing extracts of indigenous plants and locally harvested seaweed extract / 300ml
Sea buckthorn, seaweed and tea tree help to repair skin and improve the complexion with strong anti oxidants, vitamins and antiseptic qualities which will purify the skin. Rapeseed oil is quickly absorbed to make nutrients reach the lower layers of skin faster for effectiveness. Parsley seed and lavender create a pleasant natural aroma that will uplift and refresh your senses as well as your skin for the rest of the day.
Haeckels is a natural fragrance and skin care brand that only use & distill locally growing botanicals that offer the very best anti-oxidant properties. Based in Margate, they hold one of the two licenses in England to harvest seaweed from the English coast. Built on a giant 14 mile long Jurassic chalk reef making up 20% of the UK chalk reefs, means they are able to nourish families of seaweed not found anywhere else in the world. Hand harvested Seaweed forms the base ingredient of the entire skin care range based on the tradition of Thalassotherapy derived from the Greek word meaning 'sea' or 'ocean'. Thalassotherapy treatments use ocean water, seaweed, ocean mud and marine minerals to treat ailments and enable the body to replenish, remineralise and revitalise to enhance good health for body and mind. All the products are tested on ourselves, no animals.
Ingredients: Fucus Vesiculosis (Bladder wrack Extract), Olea Europaea (Olive Oil), Simmondsia Chin- ensis (Jojoba Oil), Coriandrum sativum (Coriander Seeds), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli Oil)


text:
Here's a nice blast from the past -- I guess former KKK grand wizard and Louisiana pol David Duke hasn't gotten the message that his seal of approval isn't exactly a plus.
He's jumping into the fray over the election of Derek Black to Palm Beach County's Republican Executive Committee. He's the son of former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Don Black, who declares that he's not a white supremacist, but he "would describe myself as a white person who is concerned about discrimination against white people."
That worldview -- and the fact that Derek Black refused to sign a loyalty oath pledging he would not do anything injurious to the GOP -- has made GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein hopping mad.


text:
- wopgAsked on March 08, 2011 at 02:26 PM
When integrating JotForm with other databases, by means of the custom thank you page capturing the POST data, field names are really a problem as these are not very descriptive (JotForms uses the first letters of a field label and numbers for field names). One has to dig through the POST data and try to make sense of it all (I use krumo for this, but it still a pain).
It would be really wonderful to have the possibility to set custom fieldnames, and a great a addition to this very amazing tool!
- JotForm FounderaytekinAnswered on March 10, 2011 at 02:01 AM
Thank you for your suggestion. It is something we discussed a lot. In the end, we are always striving to be the best form builder for people who are not programmers. We can provide a lot of these kinds of features for advanced users. As programmers we also want to do that. But we have to find a balance and stay away from providing too many options.
Anyways, I added your suggestion to feature requests list.
One possible solution might be to add this PHP code to your Thank You page:
<? print_r($_POST); ?>
This will give you a list of field names you can use.


text:
Hot Cheetos Kids Rap School Bus Limo Rhymes
The latest back-to-school rap from Da Rich Kidzz, the group of kid-rappers from Minneapolis who found fame with their song "Hot Cheetos & Takis," have a new rhyme about their affinity for school buses — "My Limo." The video is sponsored by Kmart, and shows the kids rapping in and around school buses, referring to them as "their limo." What do you think of the video? Think its good for the limo industry maybe in the future? There have been some clever marketing strategies towards kids in the past, like offering top students a free ride, or even using a limo as a canvas for a class art project. Maybe "My Limo" can create a new appeal. Read More
The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.
The best online networker to find quality affiliates worldwide and market your company.
Click on any state to see the latest industry news and events in that region.
Get the latest news and most popular articles from LCT delivered straight to your inbox.
Current newsletters:


text:
Church: (210) 342-5271; Fax: (210) 342-0542
Email: email@example.com
School Office: (210) 342-0281; Fax: (210) 308-7177
Facilities may only be reserved for Parish Ministries. Reservation requests must be submitted at least one week in advance. You will be notified when the reservation is approved. Please call the Parish Office for any request to use the Church or the Adoration Chapel.
Prior to submitting your reservation request, please check the calendar of events below for availability.
To submit your reservation, print, complete, and return the "St Gregory the Great Catholic Church Event/Meeting Reservation Form" to the Parish Office (copies of the form are also available in the Parish Office), OR
Submit your request via email to email@example.com, include the following information...
1. Facility being requested:
PARISH OFFICE - 2 meeting rooms are available (Office is open 9 am-5 pm)
PARISH HALL - Please contact Hope Rodriguez 210-342-0281 ext. 326.
GYM - School and CYO use only. Key must be picked up at the Parish office. (Office is open 9 am-5 pm)
SENIOR CENTER - Key must be picked up at the Parish office. (Office is open 9 am-5 pm)
2. Organization Name
3. Organization Head
4. Name of person submitting request
5. Phone number or e-mail where you can be reached
6. Date of event/meeting
7. Preparation time/start time
8. Clean up time/ending time


text:
TREND REPORT: The Color Blocking Trendy Show
2 diálogos
HELLOO!!! FOLLOWED YOUR BLOG ALREADY HUNNIEE! please keep in touch with my blog,ResponderEliminar
as i promise to,
i will recommend every posts in your blog to google.
leave a comment in every posts too!
btw i abseloutly love your header!!!
Color blocking really is all the rage, and I am so in love with every single color featured for Fall! It's a good season!ResponderEliminar


text:
Financial Planning and Investment Advisory Services offered through DeYoe Wealth Management, Inc., A Registered Investment Advisor doing business as Happiness Dividend.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Some posts were originally created by Peak Advisor Alliance and edited by DeYoe Wealth Management. Peak Advisor Alliance is not affiliated with DeYoe Wealth Management. There is no assurance that the techniques and strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
Jonathan K. DeYoe's CA Insurance Licence Number is #0C21749.
Form ADV Part 2A – Firm Brochure – HD 2019.03.01
Jonathan is the author of Mindful Money and wholeheartedly believes you can create a roadmap to wealth and increase your happiness dividend by making mindful financial choices. Visit his website.


text:
The Mental Game: Bob Tewksbury
Featured Photo by Sporting News via Getty
During his 13-year Major League career as a pitcher, Bob Tewksbury was known for his control. In 1992, his best year in the big leagues, Tewksbury walked only 20 batters in 233 innings, one of the best walks-to-innings pitched ratios of all time. Throughout his career, Tewksbury always appreciated the importance of an athlete's mental approach. In fact, when he retired, Tewksbury earned a master's degree in psychology at Boston University and went on to become the sports psychology coach of the Boston Red Sox. Now the mental skills coach of the San Francisco Giants, Tewksbury's new book, Ninety Percent Mental looks at baseball from inside the mind of an All-Star athlete.
What inspired you to write Ninety Percent Mental?
Immediately after my career ended, I had some stories that I could share, purely from a pitching perspective. When I went to graduate school and got my masters in Sports Psychology, I thought the combination of both my experiences would really be a good story, so it enhanced the project even more.
How has baseball changed since you first became a Major Leaguer?
When I signed in 1981, you really didn't have any strength and conditioning programs. I don't think we even had shoulder programs or preventative stuff. It was kind of like, "go play, run and throw," and we just played baseball. Then in '86, when I went to my first big league spring training, that's when strength and conditioning started to come around. So that went through the 80s and into the 90s. Now, mental skills have really come on.
Why did mental skills become such a critical part of baseball?
Ken Revizza, Charlie Maher and Harvey Dorfman, were all pioneers in getting mental skills into baseball. Back then, it wasn't a collective position amongst the teams, because I think every team either saw value to it, or didn't value it, or even want to fund it to begin with. We also had to break through stigmas around the term psychology or mental performance. I'm happy that it's now in the collective bargaining agreement, and that teams must have this resource available to the players. We all know Yogi Berra's quote (Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.) For years, we've said that baseball is a mental game, but no one's ever really done anything about it. So now people are being hired and put in positions to facilitate that side of the game.
Do you think that your own career would have had a meaningful benefit from having a mental skills coach?
I was always going to be a good pitcher. I don't think I would have ever been great, but I could have been better. I could have won more games. I probably would have had less lonely nights of fretting about my existence as a baseball player or what I did wrong, if I had someone to talk to about the things I was feeling, especially as a young player.
You mentioned the benefit a mental skills coach would have had on you during your younger days. Do you think a young player or a veteran player benefits most from having a mental skills coach?
Veteran players have already had success. They understand their own challenges and how to overcome them. It's the young players, the players that are rookies up until probably their third or fourth year in the big leagues that are still trying to find their way. They're the ones who still aren't quite sure that they belong in the big leagues. They're the ones that have options to get sent down to the minor leagues. They're the ones that aren't making the big contracts—they're making good money, but they're not making megabucks. So the ability to help those players settle in is incredibly important.
In your book, you mention that Joe Torre was as close to a skills coach as there was back in the early 90s. Was there anyone during those earlier days of your career that you felt functioned as a mental skills coach without necessarily being one?
Yeah, I'd say some of the veteran players, that's naturally what they try to do. When I was with the Twins, as a veteran player, LaTroy Hawkins was just a rookie. He went on to have a great long career, and I used to mentor him because people mentored me. But to be honest, you had to figure it out yourself and survive and it (mental skills) wasn't talked about then. I would have really benefited from somebody to help with that. I think a lot of that comes from the manager too, especially as a young player. The reason I said that about Joe Torre, is that as a young player, I came up with Lou Piniella.
What was it like coming up under Lou Piniella?
Lou really didn't like pitchers, especially pitchers who didn't throw hard. So I made the team, but I wasn't on his list of favorites. Then I went to the Cubs, and I was hurt and never really gained the confidence that I needed. When I got to St Louis and I was healthy, I had the opportunity to work with Joe Torre. He gave me permission to be successful. I think that's something that has to come from somebody that you respect and that believes in you. Other players can do that, but they have their own stuff going on. I think you almost need an elder.
Do you find more players being willing to discuss their mental health issues than in the past? It seems that athletes are beginning to speak publicly about their struggles with playing in such a pressure-packed environment.
In a general sense, yes, more players are admitting they may need help with a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety. Teams have been more active in addressing the mental health area by hiring resources for the players. These resources are "go-to people" in the organization, and they are there so players don't suffer alone as many have done, and unfortunately, still do.
Do you have a favorite part of your job now as the mental skills coach for the San Francisco Giants?
When you connect with somebody, when there's that one guy that comes in and says, this really helped me. That's what keeps me going. It's such a great feeling to help somebody in that way. And that may only happen after one visit. You may talk to a guy one time, I may make a difference in one day, and that feels good.
What do you hope the reader takes away from your book?
The mental game is an important part of the game that hasn't been talked about, at least not openly. In the book, there's some big-time players that are really successful at talking about how important mental skills are. I want the reader and the fans to have an inside look into the mental part of baseball, from my experiences as a former player, and then my second career of helping the players of today. I think it's a unique look inside the game.
Bob Tewksbury's new book, Ninety Percent Mental (Da Capo Press) is available at Amazon.com.


text:
On a rare day when it wasn't storming or pouring with rain Tom, his mum, Wilf and I visited West Bay. It was so sunny, the sky was bluer than blue, it probably looks like I've added filters to these shots of the sky but it was just nature being cool.
We took a little walk to the beach and harbour before hot chocolate and cake at a beach cafe. It kind of reminded me of my teenage year hanging out on the beach in Aberystwyth and New Quay with my friends, I guess a sunny winters day and a beach cafe will do that to you.
I ripped this coat as I was helping Wilf with something or other, which is a shame. Although I did get it from a charity shop about four years ago so it's been doing pretty well. It's given me an excuse to look at coats in the winter sales though, unfortunately I feel in love with one totally out of my budget but a girl can always dream. Anyone know where I can find a vintage style coat in duck egg blue under £100? I will probably love you forever if so!


text:
Visual Art
All students are artists.
Our visual art program provides inspiring learning experiences through which students grow in their artistic perception, creative expression, and cultural awareness.
Young artists develop these skills by taking in new details from the world around them, exploring elements and principles of art and design, and making use of a variety of media and tools.
Our student creators enjoy working on individual projects and in collaboration with others. Time and space are given for the artistic process to take shape, honoring individual paths and preferences while pursuing a shared learning goal.


text:
2016 Spring Music Festival
Tickets are on sale NOW and during Coffee Hour in April and early May for our fabulous Spring Music Festival 2016! The concert is at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary at United Lutheran Church. Don't miss this fun evening featuring a cavalcade of your favorite UTUUC performers. The wonderfully talented Bill O'Connor will serve as our MC for the evening. Proceeds from the Spring Music Festival fund UTUUC's annual vocal scholarship competition and will provide support for our wonderful UTUUC music program. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children (13 and under). Bring your friends, neighbors and extended family for an incredible night of entertainment. Tickets are also available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2534523. For additional information contact [email protected].
United Lutheran Church
Saturday, May 7, 2016 - 7:00pm


text:
Every time I've been audited, David's won.
I've never had to pay the government any more money than I owed them.
David Schach
Learn More >
I thought that David really applied some very brilliant solutions for our needs
David is passionate about what he does, we got personal attention from David.
Jerry Lerch - Malpractice Attorney
Learn More >
You don't feel like you're one of their numbers.
It's business, but it's friendly.
Evelina Gara
Learn More >
I have had a few accountants in my time and David is definitely the best we've found.
He really goes to bat 100 percent to help his clients.
Dr. Gary Ross
Learn More >
I sleep just fine knowing David Kupferman's my guy.
I trust David implicitly.
Greg Suhr, Police Chief
Learn More >
It's on a first-name basis, it's a family.
There are no surprises at the end of the year.
Marwan Hannon
Learn More >
What impresses me about David is his total commitment to his clients.
He analyzed the complexity of my problems and broke it down, and explained it to me in a way that I could understand.
Rodel Rodis, Attorney
Learn More >
I was up against the wall with an issue with the IRS that my prior accountant had completely dropped the ball on...
...David jumped into that immediately, took care of it, got it resolved.
Debra Lerch - Malpractice Attorney
Learn More >
....I am very happy to have come across him, because he has been very very helpful.
Gabriela Camara
Learn More >
David has done my taxes for more than 11 years.
The IRS hates my type of business so I am always a target. David hasn't lost to the IRS in over five audits I have had to endure. 5-0 is a great record. David is the best in the business. I wouldn't have anyone else touch my records.
David S.
Learn More >
How lucky can I be to find a neighborhood CPA as good as David?
I used to do my own returns, then tried H&R Block in the neighborhood when my returns became more complicated, and I became less interested in DIY. They botched it. They have people.
With my tax life becoming more complicated, responsibility for a dying father and aged mother, startup drills, partnerships, etc., I needed good help, bad.
So after having walked past David's "Accountant" sign for the umpteenth time, I decided to give him a try. Wow! Here's the upshot... David really enjoys helping people get out of tight spots. And he's good at it. He knows how to deal with the various tax agencies. I once got into a heap of back tax/penalty trouble and he worked his magic, helping me put together a convincing case to waive a large penalty. He and his staff (David has people too) gently, but persistently, remind me to get my paperwork in order so that I can stay out of trouble in the future.
As far as I'm concerned, I've found the CPA for the rest of my life.
Learn More >
I have known David since 1996 and he has helped deal with me and my business accounting. He is like a super CPA!
David is like a connector, strategist, and therapist.
His experience with startups, creative firms, and Fortune 500 companies gives him the insight needed to help build a roadmap for the future.
James T.
Learn More >
I was referred to David Kupferman, CPA through the best attorney a girl could want. It was one of those instances where luck begets luck.
David was ready and willing to tackle my very complex and detailed tax filings, and managed to eke out all those tasty deductions.
I would grunt "Had to sell that pig" and he would inquire "Travel expenses, selling commissions, depreciation?"
And so it went that I have my trustworthy, and last accountant I will ever need.
I hope this review doesn't make his rates go up!
Jennifer N.
Learn More >
Doing my own taxes used to be a tedious, frustrating exercise each year.
It was almost impossible to keep up with the changes each year in the tax code. For the last 11 years, David and his friendly, very capable staff have made April a less stressful month. They send out organizers in January, I fill them out at my convenience, and submit them with enough time to review. I have confidence that they are up-to-date with all of the tax code changes and incentives that I would otherwise miss. I would highly recommend them for any and all tax matters.
Learn More >
David has been my financial advisor and tax consultant since 2003 and I couldn't be more pleased.
David has a friendly and knowledgeable staff who always accommodate my last-minute requests. He not only does my taxes, but he advises me on how best to structure my assets. He is patient and explains things so that a non-financial person can understand. I have absolute trust in him and his abilities, and recommend him highly.
Learn More >


text:
Drum roll please...the winners of the Qdoba Gift Cards worth 4 entrees each are...
1. joshrosborne
2. tipsytumbles5
3. cjsonson
4. monkeetrouble7
5. photogaznm
I have contact information for each of these folks and will be in touch shortly about getting your mailing address to send you the gift card.
Congratulations to all that entered and thanks especially to Qdoba!
If you didn't win - not to worry - I have Evol burritos and Klosterman Bakery products to come!


text:
Let's Start Your Project
The following items are intended to help guide the direction of initial design for your project. Please provide what you can from these items, but feel free to skip anything that is not relevant or that you don't have readily available. We can work with whatever amount of detail you want to provide; simply – the more you provide the more you will influence the final design. If you decide to send a lot of information, keep in mind that we may not be able incorporate all of it.
Note that we tend to focus on the home page during initial design. We will cover further page and sub-page content and design in later stages of the project.


text:
The below player sustained an injury during a match/training.
If the injury is a HEAD INJURY they should be observed closely by a responsible adult for the next 48 hours.
The following symptoms are often experienced in head injuries:
If you have any concerns advice should be obtained from a GP, NHS direct or a local A&E Hospital. Should a player be injured a parent or guardian can decide if they continue to participate, however if the supervising coach or first aider has concerns the player will not participate further. A copy of this will be retained by the club.
Injury Report Form
143 Coombe Lane, Raynes Park,
London, SW20 0QX
Tel: 020 8879 0700


text:
THE Safer Corridors Project is a Centro-led initiative to target main routes across the city to create alternative travel options along and around them.
Ramblers' Get Walking Keep Walking staff and volunteers have been working with a variety of groups to explore some of the finest places to walk in the city. Amongst these is my personal favourite, the Rea Valley route. Tomorrow we'll be leading a short taster walk starting from the British Oak pub at 11.30am. Everyone is welcome to join us on this route which has been developed by dedicated Rambler volunteers who have included local history facts to keep us amused along the way. You could always then spend the afternoon relaxing along the river – or snooping around the busy Stirchley high street in search of a bargain.
Start: British Oak, 1364 Pershore Road, B30 2XS
Duration: 45 minutes
1. Turn left and walk along Pershore Road and turn left into Hunts Road. Walk down to the bend in the road facing Hazelwell Recreation Ground.
2. Continue left to the junction with Hazelwell Lane and cross. Turn right into the park and over the footbridge. Turn left with the river to your left.
3. Turn left into Cartland Road and cross. Go straight ahead and rejoin the River Rea route, going through Dad's Lane Recreation Ground.
4. The path ends at Dogpool Lane/Moor Green Lane, where you turn back the way you came.
5. After crossing back over the footbridge opposite Hazelwell Lane go straight over into this road passing an industrial wasteland and boarded up houses. Turn left at Stirchley Working Men's Club and return to the start.


text:
serves 2
2-8 oz. swordfish, steaks, skinned
1 cup ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1/2 cup whole olives
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh basil, minced
1 Tbsp fresh mint, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
To Prepare:
1. Season swordfish with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
3. Sear the swordfish on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and keep warm.
4. Lower heat, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and garlic to hot pan. Cook until translucent, about 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes, olives and herbs. Cook for just a minute, stirring occasionally.
6. To serve, place swordfish on plates; coat with tomato and olive sauce.
7. Garnish with minced fresh basil and mint.


text: This image looks very warm and inviting compared with our West Coast weather. It has been living up to the its reputation of Wet Coast. It feels like it has been raining since the beginning of December which is making "A Year in Photos" (under Image Portfolios) or a 365 Project into a real mind stretching challenge. I am persevering but which will win…the rain or me.


text:
This week the mobile chicken coop that broke got fixed. I put a new frame on the trailer with new roosts. Our first batch of Cornish Cross meat birds went out on pasture in their movable floor-less shelters. The shelters keep them protected from rain, wind and predators. Also, this week our first batch of pastured rabbit went into their movable shelters. The pigs are still in the hoop house, but I connected the two houses so that they have more room. And more importantly so; that they dig up the bedding in the rabbit hoop house. Thanks for watching!
Leave a Reply.
You have reached the official site for Botany Bay Farm news and updates. Be sure and subscribe to our RSS feed. And don't forget to join our email list (at the bottom of the page) to receive regular updates about our products straight to your email inbox.
October 2017


text:
We've all heard for a long time about a coming collapse of confidence in the dollar and its displacement as the world's leading reserve currency. I even wrote a book about that in 2014 called The Death of Money. Events are definitely moving in that direction, but I also make the point that the process does not happen overnight; it can take years.
A good example is the process by which the dollar displaced pounds sterling as the leading reserve currency in the first half of the 20th century. That process began in November 1914, not long after the start of the First World War, when gold flows, which had moved from the U.S. to Europe at the start of the war, reversed and began moving from Europe to the U.S. The process culminated in the Bretton Woods agreement of July 1944, which enshrined the U.S. dollar as the only currency pegged to gold (all others were pegged to the U.S. dollar and only indirectly to gold). That process of the dollar displacing sterling took 30 years, from 1914–1944.
Displacement of the dollar, probably by the IMF's special drawing right (SDR), has started, but it will not take 30 years; it will happen much more quickly. Still, it's a matter of small steps, or straws in the wind. This article highlights an important step in the process.
In 1974, President Richard Nixon engineered the petrodollar deal with help from Henry Kissinger and Treasury Secretary William Simon. Under that arrangement, the U.S. agreed to defend Saudi Arabia militarily and to support higher oil prices. In exchange, Saudi Arabia agreed to price oil in U.S. dollars and to deposit those dollars in U.S. banks, where the dollars could be "recycled" as loans to developing economies that would purchase U.S. manufactured goods and crops. Since everyone needed oil, everyone needed dollars to pay for the oil.
That demand for dollars sustained the dollar's role as the leading reserve currency after the collapse of the original Bretton Woods arrangement in 1971. As this article reports, the petrodollar deal is now coming undone. China is the largest oil buyer in the world and is Saudi Arabia's biggest customer. China is now seeking to pay for its oil in yuan. So far, Russia is the only major oil exporter that has agreed to accept the yuan for oil. They will not be the last.
For now, the market for oil priced in yuan is small but growing. This is the beginning of the end of the petrodollar deal. The irony is that the U.S. does not seem to care because we are now an oil exporter ourselves. The U.S. is asleep at the switch as China does to us what we did to the British a century ago.


text: Each active domain name is registered on the name of a person and during the registration process numerous details are submitted - the owner's names, address, e-mail, mobile phone number, and many others. This information plus the registrar company name and the registration/expiration dates is recognized as WHOIS of the domain and in accordance with the policies of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) it needs to be current and correct. If a domain name has incorrect WHOIS details, it can be reported and if the details are not corrected, the domain name could be erased or the registrar company could take over its ownership. By default, the WHOIS information is public and can be seen on various lookup Internet sites, or for a smaller number of country-code extensions - on the sites of the respective Registry businesses. All businesses that provide registration services are required to provide a simple way for their customers to access and modify the WHOIS info of any domain address they own as much as the particular TLD allows it.


text:
Although it has been a number of years since we first heard about the latest recession and the dreaded credit crunch, cash is still tight across the nation. For those who're traveling somewhere where you will need tickets, like amusement parks or a play, look for methods to have them ahead of time. Analysis the place you wish to travel and the way a lot it would price you per day and put collectively a rough plan. Iranian writer Azar Nafisi, a professor of English literature who has lived within the United States since 1997 and became a U.S. citizen nine years later, said the ban was opposite to American values.
The Division of Homeland Security mentioned about 375 travelers had been affected by the order, 109 of whom were in transit and were denied entry to the United States. On-line protection is necessary for any form of travel blog and so be sure to select an internet supplier who has an sufficient quantity of safety enabled on their site. Last but not least, when you're not sure about where to eat, or what to eat, in no way should you keep away from consuming great native meals, after all it's all part of the travel experience.
Travel works greatest if used alongside on-line greatest practices to maximize your net presence. Such discounts could be availed whereas flight bookings are executed through calling up the travel managers of Skylux Travel. For travel agency specifically, an online B2B travel portal has grow to be very vital because it gets built-in & distributes content to a vast community of world travel companies.
I have co-chaired Atlantic Canada Showcase an International Travel Commerce Present, managed 450 volunteers for the Tall Ships Visit in July 2000, and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Yr by the Tourism Trade Association of Nova Scotia. One downside with Hulu is that in case you like to travel often or are located outdoors of the United States, it's pretty much off limits.
In the event you're traveling by auto, keep the chicken in the again seat away from airbags in case of god-forbids." Hold it strapped with a seatbelt to avoid sudden motion. My feelings are that the travelling public feels typically that they will get a greater deal" by reserving the travel themselves on the web, please learn cheaper, than they'll by booking their holiday by a travel agency or they'll pay more reserving by way of a travel agent.


text:
Purple Rain (1984)
Saturday Aug 9, 2014
KiMo Theatre
423 Central Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 768-3522
Website: Click to Visit
Contact:Phone: (505) 768-3544
More events at KiMo Theatre
Film follows talented musician Apollonia (Prince) trying to make it in the business. Part of the Route 66 Summer Fest.
A young man with a talent for music has begun a career with much promise. He meets an aspiring singer, Apollonia, and finds that talent alone isn't all that he needs. A complicated tale of his repeating his father's self destructive behavior, losing Apollonia to another singer (Morris Day), and his coming to grips with his own connection to other people ensues.
Rated (R)
111 Min
Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day


text:
Big Oil aka Storm One aka Fur Seal has been involved with music and record collecting from an early age. Family and friends supplied his first LPs and turntable to begin listening, enjoying, and understanding music of all forms. Discovering the art of hip hop would lead him to the love and understanding of turntablism, and eventually beatmaking. With many influences and mentors; including Dj TopSpeed and the elusive Smaze One, he has spent many years honing and mastering his own recognizable style and sound.
Born and bred to be one of the illest producers on the planet, Big Oil has become that. His versatile taste in music has allowed him to craft his style to many different forms of rhythm and syncopation. He has produced several underground classics and continues to work even harder at his craft. Big Oil aka Storm One was the premier beat maker in the group Tree City All Stars of Bloomington. He produced every track on STAK's first project Rich Mocha, Jet One's first project, No Runs, No Drips, No Errors, and most of the tracks on Tree City's only album. He finished making all of the beats for Rich Mocha 2, and The MONSTARRRS, but is now branching out to include some R & B singers. So be on the lookout for that Tree City Swing. He is also responsible for the art you see in the slide show below. His talent as a graffiti artist is legendary, and he must be considered as one of Indiana's premier artists.
Big Oil is here!
2014 – Rich Mocha 2
2013 – Big Oil Is Here
2008 – The Shire
2005 – Rich Mocha


text:
The Departament de Matemàtiques i Informàtica of the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) calls a selection process for one-year post-doc research position in Algebraic Geometry, Commutative Algebra and Topology within the project "Àlgebra i Geometria Algebraica" (Project number 2017SGR585).
The contract will be for 12 months, starting as early as possible from 1 September 2018 and preferably no later than 1 December 2018.
Details can be found at https://mat.ub.edu/matapps/openpositions/ofertes/.
The deadline for application is April 31, 2018.


text:
We're always looking for talented people to join our team!
If you are looking for a fun, fast-paced atmosphere that you can thrive and develop your professional skills, Media Acadien is the local media company where you want to work. We work hard. We play hard. How do we succeed? We succeed by our top talent and continually invest in training and encourage professional growth. Media Acadien is home to sales executives, journalists, marketing masterminds, digital experts, number crunchers and so much more! There's truly something for everyone here, and we invite you to come take a look and explore the possibilities of being a part of our team.


text:
We had about 30 visitors with us today. Many exciting things were seen, including a dead water monitor lizard.
Just before the trip started, Ley Kun found the kapok tree. (Sorry, no pictures from me) When the fruit of the kapok tree explodes, it releases fluffy materials that feels like cotton wool. If I am not wrong, my parents used to buy these fluffy materials from shops to make pillows.
Right at the first bend of the mangrove boardwalk, there were a cluster of garbage bags placed at one corner.
|Cluster of garbage bag


text:
I made a fantastic peanut butter cake this weekend for my friend's birthday. The recipe is one that my family has made for years from a xerox of a military family cookbook – it is credited to "Jean Spietsm, USMC Faculty/Staff." I tried out making frosting for the first time using Tracy Larsen's Creamy Chocolate Frosting recipe; it had 4.5 stars after 733 reviews, so I figured it was worth a shot.
I've reproduced the recipe and some photos below, along with some hard-earned advice after about 3 hours of baking and my own tweaks to these recipes (in italics).
Jean Sprietsma's "Peanut Butter Chip Cake"
- 1 Betty Crock Supermoist yellow cake mix
- 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
- 1 c. creamy peanut butter
- 1 c. water
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 c. chopped peanuts (optional)
- 1 (6 oz.) pkg. chocolate chops (optional)
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 13 X 9″ pan or 2 (8″) square pans. (I heated mine to 325 because my oven burns everything, and I still burnt the top.)
- Beat cake mix (dry), brown sugar, and peanut butter in a large bowl on low speed until evenly crumbly. Reserve 2/3 cup of this mixture. (I wanted to make frosting to go with this, but I ended up putting this reserved peanut butter deliciousness on top of my frosting. I also chopped up a bowl full of reese's peanut butter cups to put both in the cake and on the cake.)
- Beat remaining mixture, water, oil, and eggs on low speed; scraping bowl edges often. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. (My husband did this step after I accidentally dropped a whole egg shell in the cake batter and had to painstakingly fish it out. No harm done.)
- Pour batter in pan. Sprinkle crumbly mixture on top (also chopped peanuts), and chocolate chops. (I added chopped up reese's peanut butter cups, and I did not put the crumbly mixture or the peanuts on anything. Keep those suckers in reserve.)
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. (As I said, my oven cooks hot, so the top was burnt and the middle was squishy. I used a knife to cut off the top of both round cakes and put them back in the oven to cook some more. The crumbled cake tops are pictured below.)
After the cakes were in the oven for the second time, I started making the frosting.
Tracy Larsen's Creamy Chocolate Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth, then gradually beat in sugar mixture alternately with evaporated milk. Blend in vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. If necessary, adjust consistency with more milk or sugar.
I frosted the bottom layer, and put crumbly mix and reese's peanut butter cups across the top. Then I added the next layer of the cake and sprinkled the crumbly mix and reese's peanut butter cups on top of that, and had a pretty respectable cake (and a lot of crumbs on the floor) at the end:
I learned several things in this process:
(1) Don't sweep the floor until you're completely finished. Sweeping half way through is just kidding yourself – those crumblies go everywhere.
(2) When you think it might be fun to make your own frosting, just be thankful that Betty Crocker did it first.
(3) If you ask your husband to help you make cake and he is a contractor, he may tell you that hecould have made $500 by now and that this is now the world's most expensive cake.
And last but not least,
(4) Don't overfill the round cake pans. It's much easier to just have smaller cake than it is to painstakingly remove the burnt top and re-bake to get it cooked through.


text:
That Time I Was In A Parade + Free St. Patrick's Day Coloring Pages | Word Search
Did I ever tell you about that time I found myself smack dab in the middle of a St Patrick's Day parade in Savannah, Georgia? I was driving from South Carolina to Florida and I was running on fumes. I'd just finished mid-term exams in college and I was headed to Florida for spring break all full of excitement and feelings of freedom.
And then exhaustion set in sooner than expected.
So I got off the interstate and went in search of a hotel. Traffic was crawling and I couldn't figure out why so many people were lined up on the streets. There were people wearing green, people throwing beads, green beers in hand, and shamrocks everywhere. Blame it on midterm exam exhaustion but it slowly hit me. It was St. Patrick's Day. In Savannah.
If you're not aware, Savannah celebrates St. Patty's Day like it's 1999. At the time the city of Savannah was founded, there was a huge Irish population. Savannah folks don't forget their roots so they celebrate "their holiday" every year in true Éire style. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah was held in 1813 and in the 200 years that's followed, Savannah has fine-tuned their merriment.
The traffic I found myself in the middle of?
It was actually part of the parade. When I looked a little closer, I realized that I was four cars behind a St. Patrick's Day float that housed dancing leprechauns throwing out beads with a giant rainbow backdrop that moved up and down.
It was not my brightest moment in the history of Kim moments.
In my defense, those were some killer midterms. Neuropsychology FTW!
So every year, about this time, I think back to when an exhausted college student inadvertently found herself in a St. Patrick's Day parade. In Savannah, Georgia.
In honor of all who celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I've made you some fun printables (including coloring pages) to get your Irish on. Minus the traffic and dancing leprechauns, of course. 😉
The first is a four-leaf clover "mandala-style" coloring page.
Next is a fun word search.
Kiss Me! I'm Irish =)
Here's a shamrock coloring page:
How about a Word Scramble? I even included the key at the bottom of the page.
Want more St. Patrick's Day goodies?
Four Leaf Clover Template and Irish Wall Art
St. Patrick's Day Tags, Washi Tape, and Irish Blessings
St. Patrick's Day Facebook Covers
Note: Thank you to The Teacher's Corner for the use of their worksheet generator and to Billy Bear 4 Kids for use of the green graphics.


text:
Athena Consulting
Athena Bargaining Update
As many of you may know, we are currently engaged in contract negotiations with your employer Athena Consulting LLC. Initially when we started negotiations in February of this year we were confident that you all would have a contract by now. Nevertheless, we're close...
Athena Election Certified
We received notification from the National Labor Relations Board that your election has been certified. We will make a request to begin official bargaining soon.
Congratulations Athena Brothers and Sisters! You are now members of UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO!
You voted overwhelmingly to accept Local 1994 as your voice on the job. The final vote was 55-16. The National Labor Relations Board must certify the results of the election (this step takes about 10 days) and, soon after certification, we will make our request to...


text:
What's an average day like in the 4MAT office for you?
In the mornings (sometimes very early) I check things, fix things and help people out with any tech or software issues that they might be experiencing. In the afternoons, I push forward my projects, which might involve research, coding, testing or a mix of all three! Some evenings I have to work on infrastructure so that it doesn't impact staff or services.
There's been a lot of technical developments recently, with Apple introducing ad-blockers and Facebook users being given an opt-out choice to not have their data tracked. This will stop them from receiving targeted adverts based on the things that they like, share and comment on. What impact do you think this will have on marketers in general?
From a marketers' perspective, the Apple decision only affects 15% of the market (albeit a lucrative segment based on those who can afford iPhones). In addition, it only affects mobile websites and not apps (research currently suggests that around 90% of people use apps). Users also currently have to install the blocker on anything other than the latest model, so there's a chance that these ad-blockers may not get installed!
Out of the two, I'd say that the Facebook decision was probably more significant! However, they're continuously coming up with other ways of generating income such as using the 'like' and 'share' buttons. This method allows third party sites to send browsing data back to Facebook which is then used to create targeted adverts to users via Instagram, based on their 'liking' and 'sharing' activity online.
However, marketers are now moving towards the creation and implementation of interactive adverts which offer immediate rewards to users. While the current discussion around ad-blockers seems to have generated a seemingly negative reaction it could, in fact, lead to a overall improvement in the quality of digital advertising and how it targets specific segments and users.
In the past few years, let alone decade, we have seen huge advances in how technology has fundamentally changed our lives both personally and professionally. Do think that we can expect to see this surge continue or could we reach a point where technological advances might not be seen as innovative?
I think it still largely depends on how widely you regard the term 'technology.' At this moment in time, we're obviously still getting used to the web, the positive and negative effects, as well as its potential.
Right now, we're probably not too fascinated by what happens from a human interactive perspective, but it's important to remember that the 'Internet of Things' is only just taking off.
With regards to technological developments, we're already beginning to see the potential in internal medical sensors, smart homes, energy savings, driver-less cars in our households and everyday lives. I still think that there's still more room for us all to be wowed.
What future tech trends can we expect to have a significant impact on how businesses operate?
The 'Internet of Things' is already, and will continue to have a significant impact on the way that business operate both now and in the coming future - that's inevitable.
Other impacts are quite varied and include businesses not having to own/manage physical assets (e.g Uber), agile logistics processes (e.g drones – although they do cause their own legal issues!), smart supply chains (e.g things can tell you when they're nearly empty), masses of data to store and analyse. The latter is definitely an opportunity, that will count as a cost that businesses will have to put on their balance sheets.
All of the above will definitely be opportunities for new types of businesses who use new models (such as Uber). In addition, it gives way to the rise of virtual businesses who solely operate online and work as agencies.
These will present challenges, so it won't be straight forward. Where there are challenges, there will be opportunities to learn new skills and scope for new ideas to be had.
How can we help?
At 4MAT, we create experience rich, fully functional and mobile optimised websites for employers and agencies, which are designed to provide candidates with a great user experience.
To find out how 4MAT can help create a bespoke website that will drive traffic and increase conversions, please contact our Client Development Team.