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This doctoral thesis investigates popular romance, a mass-cultural genre with a large female audience. Popular romance is often considered "lowbrow" and is referred to by terms such as "porn" and "garbage". The female reader of this so called "sentimental trash" is often portrayed as naïve and unworldly. The thesis makes this derogatory view of the genre its point of departure, to investigate what cultural understandings of gender and sexuality the critique against popular romance entails. The thesis further investigates how these conceptions of gender and sexuality deviate from and challenge a culturally promoted and normative sexuality.
The thesis consists of six chapters. The first chapter describes the selection of the empirical material and the theoretical and methodological framework. The empirical material consists of the three novels in the popular series Fifty Shades of Grey and the four novels and five films in the popular series Twilight. The thesis places itself within the field of feminist cultural studies and queer theory. It makes use of the concept of masturbation (both literal and figurative) as an analytical entry point and as a method focusing on the "here and now" of romance reading.
The second chapter contextualizes the study by defining the term "popular romance" and by providing a brief historical overview of the genre. Previous research on popular romance is presented and discussed in relation to the derogatory view of the genre.
The third chapter studies the Swedish media commentaries on Fifty Shades of Grey and Twilight to define how the rejected romance reader is conceptualized, and how this romance reader is presumed to be reading. This "romance reader" is thereafter discussed in relation to the Western historical discourse on masturbation, "female illness" and (women's) private reading. The chapter closes with a discussion on the form of reading that the romance reader is associated with. This self-immersed, excessive and over-invested reading form is defined as "masturbatory".
The fourth chapter explores the act of romance reading when defined as a sexual activity. The romance community is compared to the "second wave" feminism of the 1970s in order to demonstrate how the genre establishes a separatist female community where relations, positions, and identifications are in motion, revealing both homoerotic and autoerotic elements to this homosocial context.
In the fifth chapter, a close reading of the material is performed with a focus on the "here and now" of the reading situation. The dichotomy of desiring subject and desired object is problematized in relation to looks and gaze. The thesis argues that the romance text uses detailed and intimate descriptions to instill a sexual charge and to freeze the flow of the storyline in order to make room for constant erotic contemplation. These "frozen moments" and the repetitiveness of the genre are discussed in relation to theories of queer temporality. The romance text constructs a room "outside of time" that privileges the overwhelming pleasures of the "here and now". This liminal room is not only available for the heroine and hero of the story, but for the romance reader as well.
The sixth and final chapter ties together the main arguments of the thesis in an overarching discussion on how conceiving romance reading as a form of masturbation challenges previous research on popular romance and the gendering of and contempt for mass culture.
We use the term regulatory traits to indicate traits that both regulate cultural transmission (e.g., from whom to learn) and are themselves culturally transmitted. In the first part of this contribution we study the dynamics of some of these traits through simple mathematical models. In particular, we consider the cultural evolution of traits that determine the propensity to copy others, the ability to influence others, the number of individuals from whom one may copy, and the number of individuals one tries to influence. We then show how to extend these simple models to address more complex human cultural phenomena, such as ingroup biases, the emergence of open or conservative societies, and of cyclical, fashion-like, increases and decreases of popularity of cultural traits. We finally discuss how the ubiquity of regulatory traits in cultural evolution impacts on the analogy between genetic and cultural evolution and therefore on the possibility of using models inspired by evolutionary biology to study human cultural dynamics.
We call "regulatory traits" those cultural traits that are transmitted through cultural interactions and, at the same time, change individual behaviors directly influencing the outcome of future cultural interactions. The cultural dynamics of some of those traits are studied through simple simulations. In particular, we consider the cultural evolution of traits determining the propensity to copy, the number of potential demonstrators from whom one individual may copy, and conformist versus anti conformist attitudes. Our results show that regulatory traits generate peculiar dynamics that may explain complex human cultural phenomena. We discuss how the existence and importance of regulatory traits in cultural evolution impact on the analogy between genetic and cultural evolution and therefore on the possibility of using evolutionary biology inspired models to study human cultural dynamics.
Behavioral "traditions", i.e. behavioral patterns that are acquired with the aid of social learning and that are relativelystable in a group, have been observed in several species. Recently, however, it has been questioned whether non-human sociallearning is faithful enough to stabilize those patterns. The observed stability could be interpreted as a result of various constraintsthat limit the number of possible alternative behaviors, rather than of the fidelity of transmission mechanisms. Those constraints canbe roughly described as "internal", such as mechanical (bodily) properties or cognitive limitations and predispositions, and "external", such as ecological availability or pressures. Here we present an evolutionary individual-based model that explores the relationships between the evolution of faithful social learning and behavioral constraints, represented both by the size of the behavioral repertoire and by the "shape" of the search space of a given task. We show that the evolution of high-fidelity transmission mechanisms, when associated with costs (e.g. cognitive, biomechanical, energetic, etc.), is only likely if the potential behavioral repertoire of a species is large and if the search space does not provide information that can be exploited by individual learning. Moreover we show how stable behavioral patterns ("traditions") can be achieved at the population level as an outcome of both high-fidelity and low-fidelity transmission mechanisms, given that the latter are coupled with a small behavioral repertoire or with a search space that provide substantial feedback. Finally, by introducing the possibility of environmental change, we show that intermediaterates of change favor the evolution of faithful social learning.
I år har den femte upplagan av Örebros konstbiennal OpenART gått av stapeln. Den är sedan 2013 den största konstbiennalen i Skandinavien och brukar visa verk av ett sjuttiotal konstnärer från olika delar av världen i stadsrummet och på museer. I år bidrog inte mindre än 13 kinesiska konstnärer och var därmed efter Sverige den mest representerade nationen. De två kinesiska utställningarna "Möten" och "Utan hämningar" fanns att beskåda 14juni–6 september och visade konstverk av Ai Weiwei, Chen Zhiguang, Cheng Dapeng, Chi Peng, Fu Zhongwang, Hu Weiyi, Li Binyuan, Liao Yijun, Song Dong, Wang Rui, Xu Bing, Yang Mushi och Yin Xiuzhen. Svensk-kinesiska föreningen var på plats och höll en visning i början av augusti. Här recenseras OpenARTs stora satsning på kinesisk samtidskonst.
By shedding light on accounts from unaccompanied Afghan asylum-seeking minors in Sweden who were child soldiers in Syria, this thesis explores and examines their narratives and their involvement in the civil war in Syria. The research aims to create a deeper understanding of how these children themselves made sense of their participation in the war by answering the following questions: How were the children approached by the recruiters?
What kind of reasons for joining the war are put forward by the recruiters and what strategies do the children encounter: a) economic; b) identity formation; c) social deprivation; d) feeling of vulnerability; e) militarization; f) mental development; g) ideology/ religious-sectarian; or all together?
How do the children perceive these encounters and make sense of their recruitment to the Shiite Fatemiyoun Brigade? To which extent has the ideology of Shi'ism played an important role for them in joining the Syrian War? This is a qualitative study based on in-depth interviews which combines procedures from two approaches and techniques: an ethnographic approach and a narrative approach that explores the interviewees' experiences in a period of time and also generates detailed insights.
Despite the fact that none of the respondents testified for being recruited at gunpoint or having been ill-treated, the respondents emphasized that they were forced to join due to the bad circumstances they were living in. In addition, many similarities with other cases regarding child soldiering in several countries have been explored in this thesis, for instance factors related to the socio- economic context and the experiences that are related to the children's development processes.
Differences can be located in various details regarding ideologies and indoctrination since the respondents did not share the politico-religious purposes of the recruiters.
Varios investigadores del campo de las ciencias sociales han señalado que la frontera de Rio Grande do Sul funciona como frente de expansión de las religiones afrobrasileñas para Uruguay y Argentina. Pi Hugarte, autor de una serie de publicaciones sobre las mencionadas religiones en el Uruguay, afirma que "la umbanda del Uruguay ya es un fenómeno cultural propio" (Pi Hugarte, 1992: 45). Eso coincide con la postura de Porzecanski (2008) que se refiere al "ritual afro-uruguayo de la Umbanda", lo que se puede interpretar como la designación de una modalidad regional de esa religión. Según trabajos anteriores, en los rituales de dicha modalidad regional se emplea el portugués, pero no encontramos investigaciones de carácter lingüístico sobre la difusión de esa lengua como consecuencia de la expansión religiosa o sobre el uso del portugués brasileño y la convivencia de esa variedad con el español regional en el ámbito afroumbandista. Fue así que surgió la idea de realizar un trabajo de campo para observar la comunicación ritual y juntar datos lingüísticos en una comunidad montevideana que se dedica a las prácticas religiosas denominadas Batuque Quimbanda y Umbanda. Aportamos datos empíricos de un estudio de caso para describir el uso del portugués en contextos religiosos entre hablantes nativos de español. Completamos los datos recogidos consultando estudios anteriores para poder ampliar el universo observado y presentar ejemplos de comunidades que no tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar. Las preguntas discutidas son: ¿En qué situaciones comunicativas y por qué razones se utiliza el portugués en contextos religiosos y rituales en el Uruguay? ¿Cuáles son los componentes lingüísticos que se destacan y cuál es su relación con las variedades de español regional y con el lenguaje que se utiliza en comunidades de religión afro en el Brasil?
Svensk kulturarvspolitik arbetar utifrån visionen för kulturmiljöarbetet 2030 att "alla, oavsett bakgrund, ska kunna göra anspråk på vårt gemensamma kulturarv". Vad har föranlett till den här visionen och hur har det sett ut innan? Den här studien syftar till att undersöka hur och om retoriken i det talade språket och den skrivna texten uttrycker en exkluderande eller inkluderande syn på nationellt kulturarv kopplat till identitet. Hur har synen på nationellt kulturarv sett ut och finns det en "vi" och "den Andre"– struktur i diskursen?
Källmaterialet består av tre olika kultur- och kulturarvspropositioner under åren 1996, 2009 och 2016. Det kompletteras med utvalda intervjuer och offentliga tal från tre olika kulturministrar under samma år: Marita Ulvskog, Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth och Alice Bah Kuhnke. Metoden för studien har varit kritisk diskursanalys hämtad från Norman Fairclough. Resultatet av undersökningen diskuteras med begrepp hämtade från postkolonial teori, främst Edward Said och Homi K. Bhabha.
Sökord: kulturarv, "den Andre", kulturarvspolitik, identitet, postkolonial, kritisk diskursanalys, kulturminister, nationalism
Is she looking as royal as can be? Dressing the part of a princess? Popular media texts, such as magazines completely devoted to celebrity matters, dealing with reports on who is wearing what at which occasion, provide the empirical outset for this textual study on the representations of the Scandinavian princesses of today: Mary (Denmark), Mette-Marit (Norway), Victoria (Sweden) and Madeleine (Sweden). In this article the princesses are, on a theoretical level, considered stars with their own images, images constructed in a similar way as film stars, with fashion and appearance as the focal point. In popular media texts, such as the Swedish woman's magazine Svensk Damtidning, the styles of the princesses are scrutinised, compared and evaluated. These mappings are in this way further examined, and the topics surrounding the representations are surveyed. The themes selected for supplementary examination are personal style and Cinderella narrative, as they emerge as intimately interrelated with fashion. The epithet princess, in the sense ''what a princess ought to look like'', is given in terms of aestheticised appearance: body, fashion and personal style, is thus discussed and theorised throughout the article. Hence, the purpose of this article is to examine the roll of dress and the matter of appearance concerning the representations of the Scandinavian princesses, relating to the themes of style and consumption, as well as the transformation narratives. How are these royal styles constructed, on a designer level as well on a thematic level?
Although webtoons have become one of the largest consumed media in South Korea, and many webtoons have been adapted to both film and television, there has been a lack of research on webtoon to television adaptations. This thesis will investigate the specific characteristics of the webtoon that make it suitable for television adaptation using the webtoon I Sneak A Look At His Room Everyday by Yu Hyŏn Suk and the television series Flower Boy Next Door directed by Chŏng Chŏng Hwa.By using narrative structure and character analysis the two works will be compared and contrasted to discover the similarities and differences that enable a smooth media conversion.The second part of the thesis looks into what a webtoon is and how it has evolved during the years. To explore the characteristics for media conversion the webtoon and the television series were analysed both separately and compared to find the commonalities and the differences.The results indicate that using similar storytelling methods such as story-arcs play a large role in the success of webtoon to television adaptation. Both media needs to keep their viewers on their toes to make them want to read/watch further.
This article examines the amateur photographer as a common figure in contemporary news photographs, focusing on how the amateur's gestures signify in journalism's coverage of media events. Drawing on theories of photography as performance and ritual, I argue that the presence of the non-professional in the news photograph destabilizes journalistic discourse by challenging the role of the professional photographer and by redefining the event and its meanings. This is especially critical in coverage of catastrophic events, when the amateur's gestures become a form of witnessing from a participant's perspective, carrying both private and collective meanings for how the event will be understood in the future, and undermining the authority of journalism.
Using a common pool resource game protocol with voting we examine experimentally how cooperation varies with the level at which (binding) votes are aggregated. Our results are broadly in line with theoretical predictions. When players can vote on the behavior of the whole group or when leaders from each group can vote for the group as a whole, extraction levels from the common resource pool are close to the social optimum. When players extract resources individually, there is substantial overextraction. When players vote in subgroups, there is initially less overextraction but it increases over time. This suggests that in order for binding voting to overcome the tragedy of the commons in social dilemmas, it should ideally affect the group as a whole.
In order to provide a framework for the whole volume, this introductory chapter promotes a shift of methodological focus from shōjo (girl) as a category of social representation to shōjo mediations, considering not only media for and by actual girls, but also shōjo as character type, code, and taste category. Firstly, shōjo research inside and outside of Japan is recapitulated with due regard to changes in both mediascape and critical orientation. Secondly, it is demonstrated that the word shōjo assumes its specific meaning in relation to other, historically changing Japanese names for "girl" and the employed media. Finally, the volume's individual chapters are introduced with particular regard to the conception of shōjo they apply, relating to Japanese and gender studies, genre theory, transcultural research on popular media, and performativity respectively.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, manga has gained global renown to such an extent that its name is now surfacing in various discourses. What is more, politicians, journalists, and even academics show an inclination to generalize about manga. In light of both the practical political and scholarly consequences which such generalization has, this chapter calls for differentiation, focusing on manga as media. Methodologically informed by the fields of manga studies, art history, and media culture, the notion of "media" applied here conjoins the aspects of material support and technology, traditionally referred to by "medium," with a consideration of the institutions, practices and interrelations underlying the production, distribution, and consumption of manga. Starting from historical notions mediated by the term manga, this chapter highlights how manga texts are conventionally positioned by format and site of publication, gendered and thematic genres, associated target groups and possible usages. Having proposed a tripartite classification, this chapter finally identifies a specific kind of manga that is in demand by fans on a global scale, a kind which not only matches the interactivity of the age of the internet, but historically also rests on a remarkable internal receptivity to non-Japanese comics in Japan.
Since the 2000s, the Japanese word shōjo has gained global currency, accompanying the transcultural spread of other popular Japanese media such as manga and anime. The term refers to both a character type specifically, as well as commercial genres marketed to female audiences more generally. Through its diverse chapters this edited collection introduces the two main currents of shōjo research: on the one hand, historical investigations of Japan's modern girl culture and its representations, informed by Japanese-studies and gender-studies concerns; on the other hand, explorations of the transcultural performativity of shōjo as a crafted concept and affect-prone code, shaped by media studies, genre theory, and fan-culture research.
While acknowledging that shōjo has mediated multiple discourses throughout the twentieth century—discourses on Japan and its modernity, consumption and consumerism, non-hegemonic gender, and also technology—this volume shifts the focus to shōjo mediations, stretching from media by and for actual girls, to shōjo as media. As a result, the Japan-derived concept, while still situated, begins to offer possibilities for broader conceptualizations of girlness within the contemporary global digital mediascape.
Enabled by a Minor Field Study scholarship from SIDA, this thesis examines indigenous involvement in ecotourism in the Ecuadorian Amazons. Indigenous people are the most marginalized social group world-wide, and coincidingly often live in resource rich pristine land. The oil-rich lands of the Amazons is called a resource frontier and is now increasingly important for the tourism sector, which comes to entail conflict of interests between the State and indigenous communities living in this area. Both the global call for sustainable development and national policies of "Buen Vivir" promotes ecotourism as an ecologically, socio-economically, and culturally sustainable activity. Scholarly opinion suggest that ecotourism generates potential tools of empowerment for the involved indigenous communities. With this backdrop and with the theoretical framework of the postcolonial debate, main opportunities and challenges are examined with the correlation of tourism ventures and socio-political implications in the local reality of indigenous organizations in Tena, Napo. Complex impediments are uncovered and analysed within the social field of indigenous ecotourism. The conviction of the study holds the call for attentive cross-cultural communication in order to continue the seemingly inevitable path of globalization in a more sustainable and non-discriminatory manner.
How do new media affect the question of social memory? Social memory is usually described as enacted through ritual, language, art, architecture, and institutions ? phenomena whose persistence over time and capacity for a shared storage of the past was set in contrast to fleeting individual memory. But the question of how social memory should be understood in an age of digital computing, instant updating, and interconnection in real time, is very much up in the air. The essays in this collection discuss the new technologies of memory from a variety of perspectives that explicitly investigate their impact on the very concept of the social.
This thesis will investigate the development of civil-military relations in Brazil since the democratization in 1985. The two most important previous studies, by Alfred Stepan and Wendy Hunter, will be presented and discussed. They where published in 1988 and 1997, respectively. There is therefore a need for a study that includes the development during the long period since these two books were published. The focus will be on three indicators, civilianization of government, how the role of the military has been defined, and military expenditures. The conclusions are that there are contradicting tendencies regarding the development of the civil-military relations, and that the strengthening of civilian institutions is paramount in order to consolidate democracy in Brazil.
Nombre de musées différents collectionnent et préservent les textiles, et collectent les données les concernant. Ils les interprètent également par le biais d'expositions temporaires ou semi permanentes, de publications et d'interventions sur des sites web. Ces interprétations se présentent isolément, ou sont parfois inscrites dans un cadre plus large qui englobe l'histoire de l'art et du design, la science et la technologie, ou encore l'histoire sociale et l'anthropologie, l'histoire locale et les cultures du monde (types de textiles et approches utilisées dans les grandes capitales de la mode – Londres, Paris, Milan, New York – possédant une longue tradition de production et de consommation textile, ou dans des villes manufacturières telles que Krefeld, Lyon ou Manchester, par exemple).
Malgré tout, les événements organisés autour des textiles attirent rarement l'attention du grand public ou les éloges de la critique – hormis peut-être certaines expositions novatrices telles que celles organisées par Jean-Paul Leclercq (« Jouer la lumière », Paris, Les Arts décoratifs, Musée de la Mode et du textile, 2001), Thomas P. Campbell, (« Tapestry in the Renaissance: Art and Magnificence, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2002), Amelia Peck et al. (« Interwoven Globe : The Worldwide Textile Trade, 1500-1800 », New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013-2014), ou John Styles (« Threads of Feeling », Londres, The Foundling Hospital, 2010-2011/Colonial Williamsburg, 2014). Cette discussion vise à tirer parti des différentes expériences culturelles des participants et des diverses formations disciplinaires qu'ils incarnent :
- Encourager le débat sur le rôle joué par les musées en matière de fabrication et de représentation de l'histoire des textiles. Les musées ne sont pas simplement dépositaires d'objets textiles : ils écrivent aussi leur histoire, qu'elle soit universitaire ou grand public, par le biais d'expositions et de publications. Comment ce travail s'articule-t-il avec la recherche universitaire et le partage des connaissances ? Tient-il compte des nouveaux apports de la recherche et alimente-t-il celle-ci ? Comment faire évoluer à l'avenir les échanges entre musées et universités dans différentes régions et cultures du monde ?
- Déterminer quels musées font preuve d'innovation (à l'échelle locale, régionale, nationale et internationale). En quoi consistent ces innovations, et peuvent-elle contribuer à déterminer de futures orientations, notamment en matière de collection et d'interprétation ? Par interprétation, il faut entendre ici tout type d'explication sous forme numérique ou analogique fournie pour contextualiser les œuvres exposées.
- Il est difficile, désormais, d'affirmer que seuls les historiens de l'art sont à même de proposer une étude dynamique des objets datant de la période post 1500, et l'intérêt quasi exclusif porté jusqu'ici aux textiles attachés à la tradition bien établie de la collection d'amateur d'art (essentiellement les tentures et tapisseries répondant à des commandes de prestige) est aujourd'hui remis en question par l'adoption d'approches plus globales par les historiens et les spécialistes de l'histoire du design et de la culture matérielle.
Outdoor play in a cross cultural perspective is in focus.


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No enthusiasm need not apply./
I recently sat on an interview panel for a creative agency, who was interviewing for a Project Manager position. They had a candidate who didn't have any formal PM experience, and was coming back into the workforce later in life, now that her kids are grown. This is not an uncommon situation. And she was actually a pretty strong candidate on paper, regardless of the no direct experience. It wasn't her lack of experience that didn't get her the job. It wasn't that she was coming in later in life, to an industry that typically is a younger crowd. (As a matter of fact, I have a soft spot for people changing careers or re-entering the workforce later in life).
What made my mind up almost immediately was her opening statement when asked, "Tell us what you are looking for, and why you want to work with us." The response began with "Well, I need a job." Red flag, warning lights, brakes screeching to a halt! From there, the entire rest of the interview lacked any enthusiasm in her responses towards being a project manager, the industry, the company she was interviewing with, and it seemed like towards working in general.
Job seekers, regardless of where you are in your career, never, ever use the phrase "I need a job" when interviewing. (If that is your only criteria for your work by the way, then you should probably do a little soul-searching). If you are looking for a career, employers want candidates who are excited, who are passionate about the job, about the company, about improving their skills. They want candidates who are considering being with that company for a long-term commitment. Think of interviewing like dating. If you go on a date with someone, and ask what are they looking for in a relationship, and their response is "I'm just looking for a partner, I don't really care who or why", would you go on a second date with them?
I'm not suggesting to fake enthusiasm in interviews in order to get the job. I'm saying, be enthusiastic about where you are applying and what you are applying for. Go in to the interview curious about the position and the company. After all, this is where you will spend more than a third of your day. Be honest with yourself about if this is a place you really want to work. All of this will come through in your interview if it isn't. You can get by on little to no experience if you are open to learning. You can't "fake it till you make it" with your enthusiasm however. And if you aren't excited about this job or company, why are you looking there in the first place?

subset: commoncrawl


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My third child, Daria Margaret, was born June 1st, with June attending. What a marvelous experience!! My first baby was born in the hospital with an epidural, my second baby at the local birth center and my third baby, and best birth, was in my home with June.
Having had a varied birth career so to speak I can say with confidence that the homebirth was by far the best, and June was a large part of that. I trusted June with my baby's birth because of her experience, her medical background and her calm, kind, and unruffled manner.
My husband and I had planned to interview three midwives, however after interviewing June we both felt we had no need to interview anyone else.
Also very important to me was how welcoming she was to my two boys 5 and 2 during appointments. They have to come with me, getting a babysitter for every check-up (as DRs prefer) would have been both difficult and expensive, but there was no need as June genuinely welcomed them to each appointment.
June encourage me to eat well, asking me about my diet, encouraging a little more of this and less of that, but she was not the health food nazi–-a perfect balance.
The birth went smoothly and was peaceful in the midst of the chaos of normal birth. June was a wonderful caregiver and was so helpful and gentle after the birth, helping me to shower and get back in my comfy (and re-made) bed with my new little sweatpea.
Thank you June for a wonderful birth experience!!


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Belle De Jour
Belle De Jour, Luis Buñuel's 1967 dark tale starring the beautiful Catherine Deneuve as Séverine, a woman who lives a double life. By night she plays the wife of a successful French Doctor and by day, she is "Belle de Jour," a prostitute in an exclusive Parisian brothel. An intriguing tale that explores the haunting desires that lie within us all and how our actions affect those around us. It definitely is worth seeing.
Belle De Jour has always been on my list of movies to see because it is continuously referenced in the fashion world. Catherine Deneuve's 60's era costumes, hair and makeup did not disappoint with her gorgeous tailored coats, shift dresses, pillbox hats, and oversized sunglasses. This is Parisian chic at its best and of course it was all due the genius of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent. Ms. Deneuve looked radiant in every scene with her pale blonde hair either in a voluminous blow out or a chic updo and her makeup consisting of a gray smoky eye, peach matte cheeks and a peachy nude lip.
Kate Winslet channeling Ms. Deneuve for Vanity Fair in 2008.
Coincidentally I have been loving the YSL Belle De Jour clutch. Timeless and chic, this clutch would go with anything and everything and is perfect for a night out or popping into a Sunday brunch. The only problem is that it comes in so many beautiful colors: Black patent, Gold, Jade Green, Eggplant. Quelle choix!


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Our talented friend Lonnie Webb took this dreamy photo of his Christmas dinner in Australia. When I saw this, I instantly wanted to be there.
For those of you who are:
Feeling lots of pressure to buy buy buy!
Working crazy hours at work when you just want to be at home.
Breaking up with a significant other.
Getting sick.
Losing your Job.
Losing a loved one.
You are NOT alone. Remember Christmas is not about buying gifts, going broke, putting on a fake happy face, or impressing people. Just surround yourself with people you love, if you are away from your family call them and tell them you love them. Thank God for your life.
If your friends are going through a hard time be there for them, love on them. I know this may sound crazy to some of you but when you feel depressed like you have nothing to give...that is the best time to go out and help someone else. Go volunteer at a shelter, go to an old folks home and just listen to them, go to a foster home and play with the children, help your mom clean the house. Try it.
Giving feels good, really good.
If you would like to download it for your wallpaper check out his blog. His gift to you. So if you didn't get to decorate this year and are trying to get into the Christmas spirit go over to Lonnie's blog, download photo (comes in black and white also) and go listen to some Christmas music.
Merry Christmas week everybody! We Love Y'all.
Why Is Christmas Important to you?


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Homosexuality - Does God Really "Hate Fags"?/
I am absolutely certain if Jesus was walking the earth today He would NOT ever be caught holding a "God Hates Gays" sign, and yes I am absolutely 100% certain of this! He probably would hold up a sign that said, "I Strongly Dislike Pharisees Types". :)
There are several areas I feel that we, as the Christian church, have done harm to our cause of spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to a hurting world! And one of those areas is in regards to the Homosexual issue. Homosexuals have been, in my opinion, abused by much of the Christian community. They have been treated like a Cancer, and it's wrong! It's sinfully wrong! And I want to apologize as an Evangelical Christian Pastor and say that I am ashamed for the way we have treated you and I am very sorry!
Here's the deal, whether you are FOR or AGAINST homosexuality is really not the issue here, at least not to me for this particular "note" anyway. Because even if you see homosexuality as sin there is no reason to be hateful and bigoted! For example, I am against divorce, yet I love those who are divorced. I come from a divorced home and so does my wife. Divorced people serve in Mercy Church where I serve as Lead Pastor. They work with our children, they sing on the worship team, they've even served on our elder board through the years. So, in my opinion if you are going to be hateful towards the gays then you are a hypocrite if you are not hateful towards those who are divorced, those who lie, or gossip, or are prideful, etc. It's ridiculous. I could go on here, but I would hope you get my point.
Hate is not a FRUIT of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Jesus also said in Matthew 7:16 "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"
Jesus also said that people would know us by our LOVE, John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Bottom Line: We as Christians should be known as the most loving compassionate people on the earth today, and it's not too late to start with that! Let's get going on spreading the Gospel message that Jesus intended us to spread!
Just my thoughts!
PS To all my gay friends, both personal and on facebook, I want you to know that there is a heterosexual Evangelical Bible Thumping Christian Pastor in Kansas City that loves you! For reals!


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Whether you're an experienced vocal arranger, a songwriter looking for that perfect backup vocal, or a composer experimenting with unique vocal effects, Harmony Engine Evo gives you entirely new ways to create the harmony parts you hear in your head.
Harmony Engine Evo incorporates Antares' groundbreaking Evo™ Voice Processing Technology for faster, more accurate pitch detection, smoother, artifact-free pitch shifting, and seamless, natural-sounding (if you want it to be) throat modeling. And with 5 channels of Antares' unique CHOIR Vocal Multiplier, you can create huge vocal ensembles out of a single vocal line.
With four independent harmony voices, a variety of powerful harmony generating modes, humanization features for natural sounding performances, and a flexible real-time preset system for harmony and vocal type, Harmony Engine Evo provides incredibly easy-to-use tools to quickly and easily produce virtually any vocal arrangement you can imagine. In fact, experimenting with different harmonies is so easy (and, dare we suggest, fun), you may find yourself using Harmony Engine Evo to explore harmonic alternatives you may have never otherwise considered.
A variety of innovative Harmony Control modes:
Fixed or Scale Intervals: Simply set the key and harmony voice intervals and let Harmony Engine Evo do the rest
Chord Degrees or Chord Name: Define your harmony chord-by-chord, complete with inversions and variable vocal ranges
Chord by MIDI: Define your harmony in real time via a MIDI controller or pre-recorded MIDI track
MIDI Omni: Directly "play" the four harmony voices as if they were voices of a synth or sampler
MIDI Channel: Use four separate MIDI channels for absolute control over each note of your vocal arrangement
Harmony Engine Evo. The quickest, easiest tool for harmony creation. From the worldwide leader in professional vocal processing technology.
The following reviews have been placed by customers who also bought this product from us. All reviews are provided through eKomi, Europe's largest independent customer review company.
Habe das Produkt erst wenige Tage im Gebrauch. Einen gewissen Suchtcharakter kann ich nicht leugnen. Das Ausprobieren diverser Möglichkeiten mit der eigenen Stimme macht einfach Spaß. Absolut empfehlenswert für Homerecording.
AAX Native (64 and 32-bit compatible)
VST (64 and 32-bit compatible)
Audio Units (64 and 32-bit compatible)
AAX (64 and 32-bit compatible)
VST (64 and 32-bit compatible)
Product activation
This Instrument requires an iLok Key!
This USB protection device is not included in the box of this collection, it is a separate item you have to buy additionally. So you'll have to order at least one iLok Key with your first purchase. It will be put inside the shopping basket automatically but can be deleted if not required. If you already own another iLok protection device you can use it for this instrument, too. Each iLok dongle can store up to 100 product licenses, the new iLok2 even up to 500 licenses. Licenses can be manged easily using the iLok Licence Manager and for protection against theft or loss we recommend you the Zero Downtime Protection with TLC
Additionally an internet connection on any computer and a free user-accout at www.ilok.com is required to authorize the product.


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Arthur Erickson Memorial Award 2013
From Western Living Magazine, September 2013:
"The Lanefab legend in a nutshell: Young designer and skilled carpenter sideswiped by recession spot opportunity when City of Vancouver legalizes laneway housing in a bid to deal with high housing costs. Pair design and build the city's first laneway home, which is subsequently traipsed through by more than 1,000 curious onlookers at an open house. Fame, acclaim and lots of alley-side dwellings result.
And the legend is true, as far as it goes. But it's much less than the whole story behind this year's recipients of the Arthur Erickson Memorial Award for an emerging designer, as a walkabout in the vicinity of Vancouver's Douglas Park neighbourhood illustrates. There, on two adjacent blocks, sit four projects by (designer) Bryn Davidson and (carpenter) Mat Turner. Two are indeed laneway houses, but the other two are equally smart-looking but definitely full-sized homes, one of which does not even sport a laneway addendum.
So let's update that legend. In fact, Lanefab's scope is broad enough that it could have called itself just plain Housefab. Among the roughly 30 projects Lanefab has completed, several sport solar panels and are net zero in terms of energy use, while plans are afoot for homes that will in fact be net positive—contributing energy rather than using it. Where once there sat two-car garages, people now live in great comfort and at virtually no cost to the environment. Meanwhile, how many design/build firms really do design the house, then build it, right down to the last screw? As Bruce Haden points out, Lanefab's pioneering work extends well beyond their early mastery of the laneway form. "This ambition is unusual for a young organization and exhibits a desire to take on a higher level of risk and responsibility." wl


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Spread the love
Animal Theme Parties are so much fun for kids of all ages. This super easy treat has all the ingredients that even picky eaters will enjoy.
The combination of sweet and salty in this kid-favorite snack mix recipe is always a huge hit. It's easy to make and can be served at the party in festive cupcake liners or package some up in treat bags as party favors. Include it when planning a zoo theme, circus party, jungle themed party or just for fun birthday party theme!
You'll Need:
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 3 cups Animal crackers
- 3 cups corn Chex®
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)
- 1 cup candy-coated chocolate candies
- 13×9 inch baking pan
- Heat oven to 300° F.
- Place butter in 13×9-inch pan and heat in oven until melted which is about 2 mins.
- Stir in animal crackers, corn cereal, pretzels and raisins until evenly coated.
- Bake approximately 10 minutes, stir the mix at least once while cooking.
- Cool completely.
- Add marshmallows and candies.
- Store in a covered container and serve in a fun cupcake liner or party cup or send the mix home in a snack bag as a party favor.
Be sure to check out all our fantastic animal party theme for kids.


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Inuit woman
An Inuit woman poses with some of the trapped furs at a remote trading post in the Arctic.
Fromage is the order of the day in this local Montreal marketplace.
First Nations Guide
First Nations (Indian) guides swap jokes dockside.
Rug Hooking
Traditional rug hooking techniques are shared with visitors.


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Enter your email here to receive 10% off today as well as great specials throughout the year from DFO Home! *Only one coupon per order.
Fall Sale! | $20 OFF Orders $199+! | $40 OFF Orders $399+! | Free Shipping on EVERYTHING!
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Hennessy Hammocks Explorer Deluxe A-sym is a foot longer than the Expedition Asym and was designed for anyone up to 300 lbs /136kg and up to 7' / 213 cm tall. It has the same durable materials, proportions and protection as the smaller Expedition A-sym at an affordable price. Also, a larger canopy designed for better protection from wind and rain makes camping a little easier. The Explorer features a large silicone nylon fly along with 10' long 2700 lb. test low-stretch polyester core ropes with polyester cover.
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iTunes gift card discounts are noticeably less common than they used to be, and while we do see 20% discounts from time to time, a $100 iTunes gift card for $85, is still a solid deal if you pay for apps, movies, Apple Music, iCloud storage, or Mario Run unlocks.
Commerce Content is independent of Editorial and Advertising, and if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. Click here for more.


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Latest Security Gadgets
Make your choice from our wide range of products from self defence equipments, anti-theft systems and GPS trackers, to surveillance systems, and even spyware.
- Sale!
Multipurpose Swiss Knife – 11 tools
Xcalibur Stun Gun Baton₹5,000.00
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MyBuddy Personal Safety Device- SOS & Live Tracking
- Sale!
Electra V-2.0 Laser + Flash Light Stun Gun
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E-Wave V-2.0 Stun Gun
- Sale!
Rego – Spike Baton with torch and glass breaker
EG02 E-Bike GPS Alarm₹4,900.00
Wireless Shutter Sensor₹2,950.00
GSM Multi-Shutter Siren₹13,600.00
GSM Shutter Siren Power₹11,400.00
GSM Shutter Siren Plus₹9,150.00
GSM Shutter Siren Standard₹7,000.00
Wireless GSM Multi PIR Home Siren with Fire Safety₹14,700.00
GSM PIR Home Siren With Fire Safety ( Plus)₹11,400.00
Whom Do You Want to Protect?
We provide curated set of safety products to serve your complete security needs.
Featured ProductsSee All Products
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MyBuddy Personal Safety Device- SOS & Live Tracking
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Hybrid-5 Wireless anti theft alarm system for Home security
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SMART CAR Dash Camera
Fingerprint Padlock Wireless Bluetooth Lock₹4,000.00
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A9 mini GPS tracker
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Neo – Smart Watch Children GPS Tracker
JC200- Live Cam GPS Trackers₹16,900.00
- Sale!
AT4- Wireless Asset Tracker
What Do the People Say?
"This can come really in handy. I reside on the outskirts of Kolkata, used Xboom personal safety alarm once , it was really loud enough to gather people."Deepthi Iyer
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"Gave this to my sister as a present. Now she has an extra aid to her karate moves !"Sultan Alimuddin
"Must buy products ! To be kept with females at all times, looking at the current scenario."Joyeeta Neogi
Recent Posts
Xboom- A one stop shopping destination for safety and security products
Security and safety in the need of the hour, with the increasing cases of crime being reported it has become essential to equip oneself with self-defense and security gadgets. Women safety is a big concern for our country India, we must take some strong steps to fightback crime.
What Can You Buy From Xboom?
Self Defence Products
Empower yourself with our diverse range of self-defence gadgets! From our carefully curated collection ranging from your traditional self-defence tools such as pepper spray and stun guns; to cleverly designed batons and paracord accessories, we are positive you will find your perfect fit in our catalogue.Our products are manufactured with dedicated compliance to the highest industry standards, and we have taken great care to ensure that no matter your skill level, you will find your self-defence tool of comfort, providing you with a sense of safety and security in your everyday life. Checkout our self-defense products collection
Pepper Spray
The pepper spray works in a very straightforward fashion. The non-lethal chemical formula contained within the canister is an irritant that immediately causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin. The sensitivity of regions such as the eyes, nose and mouth would present an increased discomfort when in contact with the chemical formula. We also provide cleverly designed canisters that could pass off as lipstick, and be easily concealed within a handbag!Most importantly, their use is 100% legal and permissible by law in India so make sure you exercise caution and protect yourself! Buy Pepper Spray today !
Stun Guns
We provide a variety of high quality stun guns available for online purchase and doorstep delivery! We carry models that range from the regular stun gun that is depicted in movies and TV shows, to complex models that expand from a baton into a stun gun cum flashlight. As these prove to be some of the most effective weapons against a physical threat in women safety, we also have a cleverly designed model that houses both a powerful stun gun and a flashlight – easily concealed in your purse. Best of all, this is a 100% legal self-defence weapon in India so make sure you take steps to protect yourself! Get yourself a stun gun/ electric shock device.Baton
baton is a cylindrical club that is a highly effective defence tool. Commonly used by police and law enforcement, it requires minimal training to be used effectively and provides you with a compelling means of fighting back against an attacker. Our expandable version could easily fit within a standard sized purse or backpack for everyday carry, and the use of a baton for self-defence is 100% legal in India, so purchase one today!Checkout our collection batons
Personal Safety Alarms
Personal Safety alarms are a simple security system. They can be purposed handily as key chains or handbag tags, and readily activated in a time of need. We carry a variety of attractive Personal Safety Alarms – some of which contain flashlights for navigation in a dark, unknown location. The alarms are quickly activated and raise a loud sound that can be used not only to gain attention from potential witnesses but also to scare off an attacker.Gift yourself and your loved ones personal safety alarms.
"Paracord" is a colloquial term used to identify safety equipment made from the cords used in parachutes and landing gear. This material is extremely durable and can be repurposed from a clever design into a multipurpose survival tool. Our paracord accessories come in many variants – from belts and key chains, to bracelets and weapons. These can be unraveled for use as a rope, a hiking aid, fishing line, etc. Ideal for adventurists and avid hikers, paracords form an important survival tool that can withstand incredibly heavy loads. Explore the self-defense paracords tools.
Personal Safety Combos
Our Personal Safety Combos have been specially crafted with Women Safety in mind. From multiple packs of our Advanced Pepper Sprays, to combination packs containing various best seller items, the personal safety combos have been curated to address the average Indian woman's safety needs.All the items in these packs can be used by any woman, regardless of skill levels or training, and also make for great gifts to give your loved ones. Check out our money saver sel-defense tools combos below!
GPS Trackers
Equipped with state of the art technology, our GPS trackers come in multiple sizes for a variety of purposes. Not only do we stock models that meet governmental regulations for use in vehicles, we also carry smaller models that can be used to track your assets, your luggage, your pet, or even your children! We have made both wireless and affixable models available for your selection; rest easy with the security of the knowledge of the location of both your possessions, and your loved ones. Explore the largest collection of GPS trackers available online
Vehicle GPS Trackers
For use by everybody from private owners and business persons, to governmental agencies regulating traffic, a vehicular GPS tracker is a useful safety investment. From "lite" models that can be discreetly concealed in the vehicle and transmit a location over significant distances, to models equipped with cameras, and ones that can remotely disable the vehicle, our GPS tracker collection curates a wide variety of systems. Built with state-of-the-art technology and with complete regulatory compliance, not only are our trackers of the highest quality and durability, they are affordably priced for online shopping and doorstep delivery. Buy GPS tracker for your vehicle today.
Personal GPS trackers for kids, pets and luggage
Our personal GPS trackers are built to be discreet and effective. From models that can track luggage over great distances, to those that can alert you if your pet has breached a particular physical boundary, we have a diverse range of trackers that serve a variety of purposes. We also have cleverly designed trackers concealed in jewellery, ID cars, or watches that can be used to track the movements of the wearer. Ideal for use by children running busy schedules or single women travelling by themselves, the trackers provide real time location tracking on Google Maps. The systems also allow for dispatch of an SOS signal in the event of danger that sends an immediate signal to be sent to a preprogrammed phone number. For more personalized use of Personal GPS tracker systems, check out our collections here for Women Safety, Child Safety, Elder Safety, Pet Safety, and Anti-Theft! Checkout personal GPS Trackers
Anti-Theft Products
Security is the name of our game, and we at XBoom hope to serve every conceivable security need that you might have! Our Anti-Theft range contains everything from locks and trackers, to security systems equipped with powerful alarms. Now not only can you ensure the safety of your belongings while you travel, you can rest easy in knowing that your home is secured as well. Easily usable by everybody from young working women and children, to senior citizens living by themselves, our state-of-the-art systems are easy to set up and highly effective. Purchase one today! Buy Anti-theft products
Essentials & Spyware
Complete your own 007 mission with our cool range of essentials and spyware products. From baby monitors and personal safety alarms; to mini fire extinguishers, detection devices; and even hidden camera and concealed recording devices, we carry a diverse array of products to fit every security concerns you may have. Manufactured to meet global standards, our products are effective and highly durable, boasting cutting edge technology that can be used to keep you and your loved ones safe. Need spy gadgets ?
Since the legalization of the commercial use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India from December 1, 2018, we are proud to present our range of drones manufactured specially for aerial photography and videography. Increase the security of your property, or take your photography to the next level; our DJI UAVs can serve as a faithful companion wherever you want to take them. Buy drones online.


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Since it's friday, as we did 2 fridays ago with the "29 ways to stay creative", we would like to share with you another beautiful video.
This time it's an animation of the alphabet made with different Fonts made by a design studio based in Turin / Italy and focused on Design, Graphic and Animation: n9ve
If you want to dig out more about the creation process of the video, here some screens for the concept and the background animation.
Despite this, which is your favorite font? As you know we already love Helvetica so far 🙂


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Did you know that there's this entire world out there other than work and Blogger? I know it's hard to believe, but it's out there. It's a beautiful sunny day following a few blah days of rain.
Went to Barnes & Noble, where I go two or three days a month just to unwind and look around. As I was looking around, these questions ran in my head:
*If Larry the Cable Guy wrote a book, then why can't I?
*What is sudoku and why am I seeing it everywhere?
*Where are the blogging and HTML books?
*Is that my high school french teacher?
Why it was. He was with family and I really didn't know him that well in school, so I did not say hello. I took three years of french, and I don't remember any of it. His classes were fun, though. The only reason I took it was that I knew some people also taking it. It's not like now, where kids are taking three languages when they're five years old. He's still got those facial tics that the students would make fun of, but they are less so now as he has gotten older. As he got up from the table with his family, I saw the cane that he was using. It looked like he really didn't need it -- maybe a sign to distinguish his age and wisdom -- as he told us when we were in his class so many years ago. Au revoir, Monsieur...
After some lunch, I went to the driving range. Golf is definitely something that relaxes me. I put on my iPod, turn off my cell phone, and lost two hours there.
Finally, I had to make an electronics run -- Best Buy and Circuit City. And, I'm proud to say that I was so relaxed following golf that I did not give in to the impulse to buy the next latest and greatest. I wouldn't call myself an early adopter, but maybe the next level, whatever the name of that was.
Ahh, the peace of the weekend. Hey, what's that? Golf on TV. Gotta go...


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Brahms (1833 - 1897)
Vital statistics
: May 7, 1833 in Hamburg, Germany
: April 3, 1897 in Vienna, Austria
: German
: Romantic
Johannes Brahms (7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) was a German composer and pianist. Born in Hamburg, Brahms spent much of his professional life in Vienna, Austria, where he was a leader of the musical scene. In his lifetime, Brahms's popularity and influence were considerable; indeed he is sometimes grouped with Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven as one of the "Three Bs".
Brahms composed for piano, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestra, and for voice and chorus. A virtuoso pianist, he premiered many of his own works; he worked with some of the leading performers of his time, including the pianist Clara Schumann and the violinist Joseph Joachim. Many of his works have become staples of the modern concert repertoire.
Brahms is often considered both a traditionalist and an innovator. His music is firmly rooted in the structures and compositional techniques of the Baroque and Classical masters. He was a master of counterpoint, the complex and highly disciplined art for which Johann Sebastian Bach is famous, and of development, a compositional ethos pioneered by Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and other composers. While many contemporaries found his music too academic, his diligent, highly constructed works were a starting point and an inspiration for a generation of composers.
Useful links
Wikipedia article
Download sheet music
Listen to performances
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text: I think Claudine Hellmuth's collage art is soooo fun! I especially like her personalized pieces where she creates custom pieces with your photos! Gah lee... how super for those really "hard to buy for" people! You should take a peek at her website! These are some examples of her artwork... just click on one to find out more! They make me smile!


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"Jonathan and Lauren's story began a little over 11 years ago. Details aside, their love for one another definitely forced the hands of fate. They realized that life seemed perfect with the other in it, and their love for one another was unstoppable." I met this couple for the first time and knew that this wedding would be off the charts! The ceremony and reception was held at The Prairie Street Brewhouse in Rockford, Illinois. When planning the ceremony they wanted to do something non-traditional so they wrote their own vows which included a "Beer Ceremony" instead of a traditional unity candle. They wanted the largest dance floor they could have and planned to be on it all night long. With that said ~ that is what exactly happened! What a transformation we made. The original color palette started with a pale yellow and gray with a little bit of the vintage look. Halfway through our meetings the colors came alive and below is what we ended up with. Such a whimsical and fun look! The day called for rain in the forecast but all that we ended up with were some pretty blustery winds!!
Wedding Planning and Coordination Services: Accent on Events
Photography: Heirlooms by Stephanie
Venue: Prairie Street Brewhouse ~ Rockford, IL
DJ and Lighting Services: Luxe Productions
Florist: Event Floral
Specialty Linens: Beautiful Day Linens
Cake: Sweet Pans Shoppe
Officiant: Ryan Krause ~ Elegant Wedding Services
Catering: Famous Dave's
Best ~ Laura


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Would you rather continue to spend your advertising dollars on less targeted media to get greater reach and awareness, or focus on a narrower but more potent audience? Here are six great reasons why you get the most bang for your buck with Facebook Advertising!
1. Find People Easily. You can choose the audience that you want to see your ad. Facebook allows you to narrow down your audience by demographics, location, interests, income, contact information, and more! Figure out your target market demographics and create targeted ads to reach your ideal customer.
2. Choose your marketing objective. Facebook offers multiple objectives to choose from to help you reach your goals: Get people to like your facebook page, or claim a coupon/offer, or target people on Facebook that have visited your website. Here you can see the multiple options:
3. It's affordable for any size of practice. You decide exactly how much to spend. You can begin as low as $5. As an example, you can choose to spend $50 per day for three days or $100 total for a week. Test various different creative ideas in advertising. Start with a very small budget and with several different pictures and headlines to determine what works best. You can always pause or change your settings of your ad. Link ads to both your Facebook page and your website. How much should you spend on marketing? Business to Consumer services spend an average of 9% of sales revenue on marketing and 2% of that marketing budget is spent on social media.
4. Your ads will appear on Instagram also. On Instagram, your business can use photos, videos and ads to inspire people, build awareness and drive action. Facebook owns Instagram, so when you create a Facebook ad it gives you the option to also run that same ad on Instagram, even if your business doesn't have an Instagram account.
5. Build beautiful ads. Whether you want to use video, photo or text—or a combination of those elements—there's a Facebook ad format for every story. Make sure the video or picture is eye-catching and keeps your attention. Don't use pictures with text on it (Facebook won't boost it if it has more than 20% text). Get inspiration from these successful ad campaigns: https://www.facebook.com/business/inspiration
6. Measure your ads. In your Ads Manager dashboard, you can measure how the ad is performing. Measure leads, purchases, clicks, engagement, etc. As I mentioned earlier, use A/B tests to determine which ad strategies perform best and find ways to improve your future campaigns.
Jeremy Yost from Yost Enterprises in Charleston, IL has seen great success spending most of his advertising budget on Facebook for his apartment buildings. "Facebook advertising has changed the rental business! Our company advertises our family properties through Facebook and we have been able to lease up multiple buildings and keep solid occupancy at our properties."
Don't be intimidated with social media advertising. Dip your toe in the water and start with a smaller budget. Create an engaging eye-catching ad, track your results, and reap the benefits!


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Private Banking
The history of development and existence of the Private Banking Institute dates back to the 18th century. In an attempt to constantly develop and find a balance between its traditions and innovations, this service has turned into a subtly adjusted financial service that takes into account the smallest features of servicing of exclusive clients.
By expressing its gratitude to its regular clients, Altyn Bank offers its Private Banking services in the new Status department.
The Status is a place where you feel as a guest at your trusted partner and where you can discuss business matters in comfortable conditions. Its atmosphere includes mutual respect, fine and thought out to the last detail interiors, highly skilled and experienced bank employees.
Client focus is one of Altyn Bank's main values and therefore we use an individual approach to each client.
Private Banking Servicing is, first of all, a personal financial consultant, a bank employee specially assigned to you and having a main task to quickly resolve your current issues and possible future tasks.
We offer you a wide range of traditional banking, investment and insurance services from Altyn Bank and Halyk Group. We will be glad to help you to resolve other daily tasks and to provide a number of privileges intended only for our clients.
Status is the best choice for those who have a strong sense of their worth and time!


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Yesterday I presented two sessions for aspConf 2012. The first was a new talk I haven't given before on ASP.NET MVC Solution Best Practices (which I dubbed the Solution to the Solution Problem). The second one was a talk on Common ASP.NET Design Patterns, which is basically I talk I've given for at least a year now on Common Design Patterns, adapted slightly for ASP.NET (mainly MVC). The slides are shown below. The sample code for the MVC Solutions talk used a simple Guestbook application found here. The samples code used in the Design Patterns talk is a fork of the MVCMusicStore application found here.
ASP.NET MVC Solution Best Practices
Common ASP.NET Design Patterns
Video of the presentations is supposed to go up on Channel 9 at some point – I'll update this post once that happens.


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Roof - Sheathing cost
KurtHeckman.Roof - Sheathing cost
The Roof Sheathing Cost calculator computes the approximate cost of 4x8 sheets to cover the area of a roof based on the length and width of the area covered by the roof, the pitch of the roof and the unit price of 4x8 sheets (e.g. plywood or OSB).
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose your preferred units and enter the following:
- (W) Width of the area covered by the roof.
- (L) Length of area covered by the roof.
- (P) The pitch of the roof.
- (uP) The unit price of the roof sheathing boards (see Unit Pricing below)
Total Sheathing Board Cost: The calculator returns the total price of sheathing boards in U.S. dollars. However, this can be automatically converted into other currency units via the pull-down menu.
General Information
This formula is only accurate if the both gables have the same pitch, which puts the ridge in the middle. For roofs with different pitches, calculate each side ( roof - area (one side) ) separately.
Unit Pricing
One should always use the local pricing available for constructions. However, for convenience a survey is periodically made for material costs. The following was identified for the price of 4x8 boards.
- The price of a 5/8" 4x8 plywood board was observed at $Error processing constant: [Could not locate page KurtHeckman.PRICE plywood 4x8 5/8 inch 4ply cdx].
- The price of a 1/2" 4x8 plywood board was observed at $25.05 USD.
Equations and Constants


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Hockey StickEdit Post
Contributed by on Jun 02, 2016
Three readers love this post.
I created a cocktail for all 4 of the Ninja Turtles over the past 4 days. In reality I totally could have stopped there, but as I mentioned in an earlier post, our family really likes Stephen Amell and since he is playing Casey Jones in the TMNT2 movie I just knew I have to create a cocktail for him too. Tonight I did just that, so Stephen Amell if you are reading this (right Jen, like he's a faithful long time reader of your blog.....in your dreams), this cocktail is for you!
In my mind, if Casey Jones was to go to a bar after a long night of being a vigilante and fighting crime, he would order a cocktail that had whiskey in it. Once I decided that I was going to use whiskey, I opened up my bar and there it was front and center......Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey! It's like it knew I needed to use it or something.
So I added Honey Whiskey, orange juice and lemon juice.
I shook it up real good to give everything the perfect chill and strained it into my mason jar.
After that was all said and done my husband called. While we were on the phone I was telling him about what I used in tonight's cocktail and he gave me the name Hockey Stick. Pretty clever...
Don't forget to check out my other turtle cocktails: TMNT Raphael, TMNT Michelangelo, TMNT Leonardo, TMNT Donatello as well as my Ninja Turtle cocktail.
Here is my recipe for a Hockey Stick:
- 1 1/2 ounces honey whiskey
- 3 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
Fill a cocktail glass up half way with ice cubes.In a shaker, add ice and all of the ingredients above. Shake and dump everything into the cocktail glass.
Here's to all four Ninja Turtles and Casey Jones!
The Cocktail Lady


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Learn more about us and get our contact information.
Mission Statement
With arms outstretched, the goal of Joshua Tree Feeding Program is to provide nourishment to low-income HIV+ residents of Maricopa County. We provide balanced meals from our pantry as well as medical and community resources to encourage self-sustainability of our clients in a social, supportive and welcoming environment where privacy, cultural, spiritual and religious values are respected.
Our expanded services give assistance to our client's pets, and provide food and supplies to keep the pets in low income homes to maintain the comfort and support they provide to those with HIV/AIDS.
Board of Directors
Contact information for Joshua Tree Feeding Program, Inc.
help navigate the site
Joshua Tree Feeding Program values your privacy and does not share your personal information.


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How We Work
As our name suggests, we're dedicated to overcoming any of the obstacles that might stand in the way of your creative concept becoming a reliable and beautiful digital product or service.
We're not locked into specific vendor solutions, we're experienced in a wide range of technologies and can always choose the right tool for the job.
We provide full-service web and software development solutions for our clients, from wireframes through to go-live and beyond. We're also more than happy to work with your existing branding, marketing or graphic designer team to get the best results.
We love building long-term partnerships with digital agencies and designers. They can focus on marketing and creativity, while we bring their projects to digital life. On-time and on-budget.


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America in the Age of Descent
By Edward Luce
291 pp.Atlantic Monthly Press. $26.
In 1990, Japan was at the peak of its prosperity. It seemed an unstoppable force. But the boom turned out to be a bubble. Remember MITI, Japan's economic planning agency? It's now defunct, but then it was the envy of "competitiveness" gurus the world over. MITI, plus public-private cooperation, plus thrifty citizens and dedicated workers, plus demanding schools and diligent students, plus a sheltered domestic economy, plus ferociously competitive exporters — all worked together to create a new variety of capitalism, one destined to eat America's lunch. Or so it seemed.
If you stepped into any bookstore in Tokyo, however, you saw stacks, veritable towers, of a discordant book. "The Sun Also Sets," by Bill Emmott, sold spectacularly in Japan. The Japanese felt that something was amiss; they (and Emmott, later the editor of The Economist) were right.
So now, two Japanese lost decades later, a generation has passed. Again Americans are worried about decline; again we fear that an Asian economic superpower — now China, of course, not Japan — will eat our lunch. For those old enough to have lived through the competitiveness debate of 20 years ago, Edward Luce's new book, "Time to Start Thinking: America in the Age of Descent," will seem awfully familiar.
As with Japan then, so with China today. Its advantages include a nimble government, a shrewd industrial policy, enormous investment in infrastructure, motivated and diligent students and workers, piles of savings. Meanwhile, the United States hobbles itself with laissez-faire dogma and government-bashing ideology. America is hemorrhaging manufacturing jobs. Bad enough that we no longer have a shoe industry; worse yet that we are handing our competitors the industries of the future — computer chips (a generation ago), clean energy (today). "If America is to restore its competitiveness," Luce writes, "it will need to do many things, few of which will be possible without a much more effective federal government. In today's world, smart government is a critical ingredient of national competitiveness. Unless America can address government's role in a more pragmatic light, it may doom itself to continued descent."
Luce is British, but he has lived and worked in the United States for years (as a columnist for The Financial Times and a speechwriter in the Clinton administration's Treasury Department). He knows the country well, and he wishes it well, too. A result is that he leavens his yearning for smarter, more nimble government with a realism not always found among Europeans. He recognizes that the accumulation of interest groups guarding the status quo, and the remarkable increase in partisan polarization (especially on the right), are structural changes, difficult, at best, to reverse. No politician wielding cries of "Change!" — whether that politician is named Obama or Gingrich — can make decades' worth of governmental and political sclerosis go away.Continue reading the main story
So where does that leave the country? Not in a great place, if Luce is right. Jobs are disappearing, median household income is declining, skills are in short supply, health costs hobble competitiveness, outsourcing and offshoring and automation marginalize working-class men, and through it all political leaders either sit by helplessly or actively oppose remedies. And that's just in Chapter 1. Later sections bring us dysfunctional schools, demoralized government, burdensome debt and deficits, failing innovation, hidebound regulation, crumbling infrastructure, a paralyzed Congress, a broken campaign-finance system and more, much more.
Luce is a good writer with a vacuum-cleaner for a notebook. His book could not be bettered as a compendium of American problems, at least as filtered through the center-left sensibilities of a pro-American European. But a narrower, more focused approach would have gone a long way. As I marched through the list of failures and obstacles, I began to think a better title for the book might be "Time to Start Drinking."
Still, out of Luce's mass of stuff, two parallel but distinct diagnoses of "descent" emerge. One is the case for American relative decline: relative to emerging economies in general, and especially relative to China. No one can doubt that this is happening. But can it be stopped? Not by nimble MITI-style bureaucrats collaborating closely with pliable private-sector executives; that is not how America works, as Luce himself acknowledges. A generation ago, the journalist James Fallows got it right: If America rises to the Asian challenge, it will be by being "more like us," not more like them.
In any case, China's relative economic rise is a good thing, certainly compared with the alternatives. True, China's geopolitical power will grow, and that will be a nuisance. If we want to worry, however, the more appropriate worry is not that China will succeed but that it will fail. As was true of Japan a generation ago, only much more so, China's obvious strengths cover underlying flaws and weaknesses. Its government is corrupt, rigid and (of course) authoritarian. Its economy is rife with politically imposed distortions. Its schools, like Japan's, rely heavily on rote instruction, good for playing economic catch-up but not so good for taking the lead. Its infrastructure buildup, also like Japan's, feeds on an unsustainable diet of political cronyism and environmental depredation. And its message to the rest of the world is less "Give us your huddled masses" than "Give us your precious minerals." If I had to bet on one system being in decent working order a generation from now, it would be ours, not theirs.
No, this is not an argument for complacency. Luce is right: America's economy and political system are both in worse shape than they have been in a long time, and their dysfunctions seem to feed on one another. His more compelling case, and the country's bigger worry, concerns absolute decline.
True, declinism has been wrong in the past (and I was among those who said so). America has an almost miraculous capacity for self-renewal. Right?
This time, however, that's not so clear. In recent years, productivity improvements have decoupled from incomes, so that between 2000 and 2007, as the economist Robert J. Shapiro notes, "for the first time on record, the incomes of most Americans stagnated or fell through ostensibly good times." Men have seen their earnings drop and have been withdrawing from the work force. Inequality has grown markedly, with not only the incomes but the lifestyles and lifetime prospects of the top and bottom bifurcating.
No one is really confident of what to do about these things, any one of which would be a challenge. Pile them atop one another, then layer over them the recession and a growing debt that will take years to dig out of, and spice liberally with political polarization and Republican looniness. Even optimists need to wonder if this time America is entering its own lost decade, or two.
For all its overkill, "Time to Start Thinking" raises the right questions at the right moment, which is what books are supposed to do. It deserves an audience in America. And I wouldn't be surprised, too, if it ends up stacked on the best-seller tables in China.
America in the Age of Descent
By Edward Luce
291 pp.Atlantic Monthly Press. $26.


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I found a recipe for Huckleberry Coffeecake from The Complete Cooking Light Cookbook (pub. 2002) that has become a staple recipe for Blueberry Coffeecake in my household. Huckleberries are similar in taste to blueberries, therefore the reason I substitute them in this recipe! This recipe is moist, tender, and sweet. I love it hot from the oven or cold! The cream cheese is what I believe makes this recipe so good. I noticed that Cooking Light substitutes low fat or no fat cream cheese in many recipes as a fat replacement – which I think is an awesome idea!
I could not find the recipe on the website itself, so I am putting it here in case you would like to try it!
Huckleberry Coffee Cake
The Complete Cooking Light Cookbook
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
1/4 cup stick butter, softened
4 ounces block-style fat-free cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder (I buy the aluminum free baking powder and think it works much better)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh or frozen huckleberries (I use blueberries. The recipe also says if frozen to unthaw – but I never do and the recipe turns our just fine)
cooking spray
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Beat margarine and cream cheese at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. Add egg; beat well. (my hand mixer broke and I didn't feel like pulling the kitchen aid out for this, so I just mixed by hand – works just as well. How do we think they did it in our grandmother's (or greats) day??)
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife.
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into margarine
mixture. Stir in vanilla; fold in berries. Pour batter into a 9-inch round cake pan coated with cooking spray. Combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over batter.
For those counting WW points – this is 5 points per serving. So worth the points!


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NRF Foundation Chooses Cornerstone OnDemand's Industry-Leading LMS for Global Training Initiatives
NRF University wired provides 2,000 retailers and foreign governments worldwide with easy access to online courses and certifications covering key aspects of retail
Santa Monica, Calif., January 8, 2010 – Cornerstone OnDemand today announced that the NRF Foundation, the research and education arm of the world's largest retail trade association, the National Retail Federation (NRF), is using Cornerstone's industry-leading learning management system (LMS) as the exclusive platform for NRF University wired. Through University wired, the NRF's extended enterprise of more than 2,000 global retail members across the world have convenient online access to a large selection of courses and certifications for retail associates and executives at all levels. NRF also is using the system to collaborate with agencies in countries such as Egypt, India and Israel to train instructors on best practices of the retail market and, in turn, support training of retailers in each country.
For small and mid-sized retailers who do not have the budget or resources to invest in their own LMS, the NRF Foundation is offering interested parties the ability to create a secure, personalized portal using Cornerstone's Web-based software to train, develop and certify their employees. In addition to licensing courses, clients also have the ability to add their own learning content to the portal.
At 24 million people, U.S. retailers employ more workers than any other industry. While the economic climate has forced many to manage costs through headcount reduction, retailers are finding that in order to survive and remain competitive, they must develop and retain a high-performing workforce.
"Having a well-trained workforce helps businesses build customer loyalty, differentiate themselves from their competition, and achieve profitability and growth goals," said Kathy Mance, Vice President, NRF Foundation. "Through this partnership, we aim to encourage the professional growth of retailers and their employers all over the world."
Cornerstone offers the NRF Foundation a flexible and reliable Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based solution that makes it easy for clients to sell and deliver online courseware to retailers and other partners around the world. Course topics include retail management, human resources (HR), buying and merchandising, and a host of other pertinent retail-specific courses.
"We choose courses based on industry standards, peer reviews and essential retail-related topics, and Cornerstone's LMS makes it very easy for us to publish and seamlessly run this content in our system," said Mance. "The software's user-friendly interface, support for multiple languages and online delivery also allows our users to quickly and easily access the courses they need with little to no training. And thanks to Cornerstone's superior configurability, scalability and ability to support multiple administrators, we're able to offer our members the opportunity to create their own personalized learning portals."
Part of Cornerstone OnDemand's comprehensive talent management software suite, Cornerstone's learning platform allows organizations to create, manage and deliver targeted training and development activities for an organization's employees and extended enterprise of customers, resellers and distributors via a blend of different formats – such as e-learning, virtual class rooms and instructor-led training. Cornerstone is positioned in the "Leaders" Quadrant of the 2009 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Corporate Learning Systems (CLS) report, which positions vendors according to their ability to execute and their completeness of vision.1
"We look forward to supporting the NRF Foundation as they foster success in the retail industry through convenient, on-target training and development," said Adam Miller, President and CEO of Cornerstone OnDemand. "In today's competitive environment, training programs don't stop with your internal employee base. We have a long and successful history of working with top-tier organizations all over the world to help them deliver training and certification programs to their extended networks."
Cornerstone OnDemand (booth no. P14) will showcase its learning and talent management software at the NRF's 99th Annual Convention & Expo, Retail's BIG Show 2010, to be held January 10-12 at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The NRF Foundation also will demo NRF University wired in the NRF's main booth at the conference.
The NRF Foundation is the research and education arm of the National Retail Federation. A non-profit foundation created in 1981, the Foundation conducts industry research, develops education and workforce development programs, professional certification programs and promotes retailing as a career destination.
About Cornerstone OnDemand
Cornerstone OnDemand empowers people around the world with on-demand, integrated learning and talent management software and services for connecting, developing and performing in the workplace. Cornerstone's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based solutions span the workforce lifecycle, including onboarding, learning, social networking, compliance, performance, compensation and succession planning. The company also provides extended enterprise solutions to help companies better train and collaborate with customers, vendors and resellers. Available in 16 languages and supported by global, 24x7 customer care, Cornerstone is used by more than 3.1 million active subscribers in 141 countries. The company is headquartered in Santa Monica, California and has international offices in London, Paris, Munich and Tel Aviv.
Cornerstone® and Cornerstone OnDemand® are registered trademarks of Cornerstone OnDemand Inc.
1. Gartner, Inc. "Gartner Magic Quadrant for Corporate Learning Systems," Carol Rozwell, 10 September 2009
Press Contact:
Michelle Haworth
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.


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13 avril 2015
Versailles and Vienna
You might vaguely remember these posters. The music school organized a concert at the beginning of February whose theme was "the Royal Celebrations of Versailles". It was such a success - the first classical concert of the year, so 250 people came - that the university centre in Mayotte bought the concert too. We repeated the concert in the university amphitheatre at the end of last month. I don't think I've ever made so big a mess of a concert, and I wasn't the only one.... [Lire la suite]
09 février 2015
Still playing.
On January 24th, we had our Annual Fest-Noz. With capital letters. It's a huge and terrifyingly-organized evening centred around Breton music and dancing, it needs so much work put into it that there is only one per year (compared to several per week in every region of mainland France) and it attracts a disproportionate number of people of which about a fifth come from Brittany. This year, it was held in a room which is half covered by roof, half exposed to... [Lire la suite]
22 septembre 2014
Here we go again...
This time, it all started with a football match. Majicavo and Kawéni, two neighbouring villages, were playing against each other. Majicavo was winning 3 - 0 when the referee gave a player a yellow card instead of the red card he should have given him. The supporters exploded and everyone went wild. The colour of the card was just a pretext: the two rival villages have hated each other for years, so the two gangs were overjoyed to have a reason to... [Lire la suite]
24 mars 2014
Two Classical Concerts Went To Market...
This week-end and last week-end, there were two concerts. Not the same one repeated but two different ones. The common denominator was the music school director's sister, Odile, who plays first flute in the Avignon orchestra and who sings too. She was in Mayotte on holiday for ten days, so they wanted to show her off as much as possible while she was here. She and the cellist, Kerstin, a Swedish lady I've already played with a couple of times and who is lovely, have been working together for the... [Lire la suite]
17 février 2014
Playing the violin on stage.
On the first day of February, the music school in Mamoudzou held its second classical concert. We'd managed to bring together quite the orchestra, with different - complementary - instruments, and different nationalities. One of the violinists was French, the other was Mexican. The violist was Greek and the cellist Swedish. Clarinetist and trumpeter were French, the girl on the recorder was English and the lad on the piano and organ was an Algerian Jew. We also had a couple of pupils from... [Lire la suite]
10 février 2014
Dancing Nyota
There's been a folk-dancing workshop for the last few years here. It started the year I arrived in Mayotte, and was under the name of the Bretons de Mayotte association. Now, it's led by a man who has lived all over France, travelled all over Africa, speaks eighteen languages such as Indonesian, Malagasy, Bislama, Dioula, Wolof, Mandarin Chinese, Tamil, Fulfulde and Quechua along with English, French, Italian and Portuguese, and who seems able to do anything from plaiting leaves to make... [Lire la suite]
11 novembre 2013
Breton Rock
I've been playing quite a bit of music recently. You see, a group I'd never met and I were hired for a "Breton rock concert" at a bar. We were hired on Sunday. The concert was to be on the following Friday. The group was already formed, and I was supposed to join it just for this concert. This got off the ground because I happened to know one of the musicians. Out of six musicians, only two had ever played rock before. Two others were classical musicians,... [Lire la suite]
28 octobre 2013
Wedding Dances
Last Saturday, something rather exceptional happened. The Blue Mango, my music group, is followed around by the Dancing Lizards, who are a group of folk dancers who come to all our concerts to dance. One of these dancers is a Comorian lad called Halidi, nicknamed Tony to make him sound Western. And on last Saturday, he invited us all to his cousin's wedding. Weddings in Mayotte aren't as exclusive as weddings in Europe. Generally, the whole village is invited, and each guest is free to invite... [Lire la suite]
22 juillet 2013
The Blue Mango Strikes Again
On Friday, the musicians had a party at one musician's house including all musicians and dancers. I think everyone had a good time, there was certainly a lot of dancing going on. On Saturday, we planted ourselves in the middle of the monthly farmer's market to play together. The reason for these photos and festivities involving the Blue Mango was the departure of Laurence, our violinist, who has finished her 4-year contract and who is now on her way to Angoulême, where she will be a... [Lire la suite]
04 mars 2013
Aria Sopra la Bergamasca
That was fun. I hadn't played in a "real" concert for ages. The sort of concert where you're in a church, everybody on stage is dressed in black and the atmosphere is very serious. You're not supposed to laugh, cough, say anything or even look anywhere except at your sheet music or your fellow musicians. Performers and audience all hastily clear their throats and take photos between movements or pieces. I love it. The main music-related events I've played at... [Lire la suite]


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Journey To The Heart - Cacao Gong Ceremony
This is a ceremony to connect us back in with our loving selves through our heart centre, to take us out of the realm of the mind and connect us back to the heart.
The ancients of the south and central Americas would drink cacao to commune with their gods and similarly we can drink Cacao to commune with our'selves'. When we ingest this sacred plant medicine we enable a deeper connection to our our intuition and our inner guidance system as Cacao takes us from a place of 'thinking' (the mind) to a place of 'feeling' (the heart), aligning us with our true essential nature, love.
Sound and Cacao work together to deepen your connection to your intuition and to the subconscious realms. Cacao releases energetic blocks in the body and coupled with the healing frequencies from the Gong Bath we experience a release of blockages around the heart, enabling energy to flow freely in the body.
We begin by silently setting our intentions for the session. When we state our intention a strong message is sent out to our subconscious mind which will help us in achieving our goal. Then we will mindfully drink the Cacao experiencing it's warmth and presence in the body, before chanting together to begin to gently open the heart chakra. You will then lie down to bathe in relaxing, therapeutic vibrations from the gong as the cacao does her healing work and you take an inner voyage with the gong as your guide.
Comforting tea and biscuits will be provided after the ceremony as we enjoy some time to share and write down any insights or wisdom, whilst basking in the cacao glow.
Please bring a blanket and anything else that will deepen your cosy comfort : )
• Cacao contains theobromine which stimulates the system much in the same way as caffeine can. If you have a sensitivity to caffeine then please consult with me and we will discuss if you can still participate and have a low dosage.
• Cacao can react with anti depressants causing headaches so please let me know if you are on any medication before booking.
• Please inform me if you are pregnant so I can give you a lower dose of cacao.


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Enlightenment in one day
The Enlightenment in one day workshop builds upon the Insight in an Hour curriculum by introducing the Moral Science and the Power Management Program. Moral Science introduces a new way to understand human behavior. Moral Science recognizes that all human behavior works to resolve conflict unconsciously. This new conceptualization provides a framework for understanding both the science of the mind, but also the nature of morality. Moral Science offers us a format to scientifically evaluate morality and develop more moral normative systems. The Power Management Program is a training program that guides individuals to understand their own behavioral patterns and to optimize their systems of resolving conflict. Concepts are illustrated with a guided tour through Museum Exhibits, including, The Sculptural Trail in the History of Love, The Sanctuary of the Wizard and of Wisdom. Sessions are held weekly on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, from 1 PM to 4 PM. Attendance requires completion of the Insight in One Hour Workshop. $75 per person. Contact us to register.


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We love hearing from you. Whether you've seen a film of ours and want to share your thoughts or you have a documentary idea you need to tell someone about, reach out!
We thought so. Sign up to get news about our screenings, films and other worthwhile updates. We promise, we don't email often and when we do, you'll be happy we did!
We respect your privacy & would never share your information with anyone.


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Just a quick note to let you all know that I did some sewing on Friday night at the FNSI hosted by the wonderful Wendy, Thanks Wendy!
I finished this "Snenesse" I started at the retreat last weekend.
It turned out very nice!
måndag 23 mars 2015
FNSI and "Snenesse"
Upplagd av Carin@Ullhärvan kl. 02:13
7 kommentarer:
- Helen sa...
It looks wonderful !!
- 23 mars 2015 11:07
- Ullfull sa...
Snygg väska!! / Kram
- 23 mars 2015 19:49
- Anthea sa...
Great sewing there for FNSI, Carin!
Lovely pic of the cranes too... is that near your home?
- 24 mars 2015 14:58
- Josie sa...
Love your "Snenesse" such pretty colours. Look forward to hearing more about it and your retreat too. Great photo of the cranes. We have herons here and they too are so difficult to photograph. Hope your days are less gloomy soon..... xxx
- 24 mars 2015 17:37
- wish2stitch sa...
Your snenese looks nice and bright. Glad the weather is improving for you. As your weather becomes warmer, ours is finally cooling down. I am enjoying Autumn.
- 28 mars 2015 00:42
- apple blossom sa...
nice job bags are so popular these days
- 4 april 2015 17:31
- Kaisievic sa...
Okay, I will bite! What is a Snenesse?
- 5 april 2015 02:02
Prenumerera på: Kommentarer till inlägget (Atom)


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O compilatie funny :)
Unele dintre poze mai mult ca sigur ca le stiti deja, dar in mod sigur gasiti ceva nou printre ele. Asa ca vizionare plina de zambete sa aveti 🙂
One Response to "O compilatie funny :)"
To begin to close the $1 trillion a year ouuptt gap, U.S. GDP will need to expand faster:U.S. Real GDP Growth2008 0%2009 -3.5%2010 3.0%2011 1.7%2012 2.0%?From the trough in 1991 to the peak in 2007, annual U.S. real GDP growth averaged about 3.2%.According to the Fed:Fed Watch: Fed Still Lowering Potential Output Growth Estimates?March 20, 2012″Last fall, Dudley thought that growth somewhat above 2.5% would not bring unemployment down, while 2.75% would only have modest impacts. That suggests an estimate of potential growth around 2.6-2.7%.We need sustained growth above that rate to absorb the substantial amount of unused productive capacity."


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I've spent the last week between various poses on my sofa and my bed due to the worst bout of influenza I have ever experienced, in fact, one of the worst bouts of any illness I've ever had.
Never having had malaria or dengue fever or anything truly exotic, I learned how it felt to have a fever so high that my head pounded mercilessly throughout the night. I shivered, I shook, I sweated, tossed, turned and vomited – and then in the morning had to be taken to the hospital by my endlessly supportive better half.
In my first real experience with the Finnish medical system, I learned several cultural and organisational differences with any of the medical systems I've encountered before. Of course not everything was unpleasant, I did receive some efficient and friendly service but through the veil of 39.3oc fever, the good things are harder to recall.
However, I survived and I'm still recuperating on my sofa desperately hoping I won't have to go through this every winter because daytime television is utter torture.