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Autumn makes me immediately think of colour probably more than the summer months do, there seems to be an abundance of colour, texture and form and what more does a designer need than that , maybe just a little bit of autumn light and it can be just perfect. With this in mind I thought I would create an inspiration board based around the wonderful season of autumn. There is so much to chose from at the moment but here is just a small selection of autumn 2015, I hope you can take something from it and be inspired.
There are lots of vibrant oranges and yellows still around so I have included some West Elm cushions (you can find these at John Lewis a new designer in store). Moving forward into 2016 it looks like the metallic trend is continuing so I have included a lovely Tom Dixon candle (slightly cheaper than his lights which he is famous for) and you don't need a lot of copper to make an impact. I have also included some lovely Pouf's by Ugg which are great for additional seating in the home or work place, they also do some lovely cushions which will be lovely to snuggle up to. The botanical trend continues with succulents everywhere and probably for the next couple of seasons (I am looking forward to experimenting with them over the festive period so watch this space!) Leather is also continuing as a trend so I have included a leather mirror which adds another texture to any room be it hall, bedroom, bathroom or living room.
Tartan is always about at this time of year so check out this very vibrant armchair from John Lewis. I have also included a Tom Raffield light, he has taken inspiration from a fallen pine cone which is just perfect to represent this time of year, his lights are a work of art using only natural materials. The toad stool ornaments come from Asda (yes they do have some amazing home accessories) and the Kubus candle-abra is by Lassen of Copenhagen which brings in the Nordic/Scandi trend which always starts to filter through at this time of year.
I do hope you like my little bit of autumn inspiration (there is not a stag's head anywhere to be seen so I hope your not too disappointed)
I am off now to collect some brambles and harvest some more plums from our tree which has been amazing this year. I have given so many of them away but have made some Plum Brandy so I will give you an update in December how it turns out.


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I've been painting like there's no tomorrow.
She owns Doster Emporium ~
a vintage grain elevator/lumber mill
she turned into a fabulously quaint antique shop
- full of trinkets and treasures -
with a very interesting history behind it.
The Doster family has owned it for over 100 years.
Georgina knows all of the history behind this beautiful old building,
and gladly gives tours of the building and it's beautiful surrounding property.
(Or you can call her and she'll gladly open up the shop for you!
We plan on being vendors at the Allegan Antique Market at the May 2012 show
and will be taking a lot of my painted and her unpainted furniture with us.
Oh yeah, baby....
we're going to have the best booth there!
So....this is what I've been busy working on in my
Project #1 was a historical desk that had beautiful French bones,
but was stained a very strange orange color.
I failed to take a 'before' photo of it.
You wouldn't have wanted to see it, believe me...
But this is how she turned out with a little ASCP-love
and a couple repurposed porcelain knobs that used to be on my kitchen cabinets.
|ASCP in "French Grey" with "Old White" accents
Project #2 was a very old ho-hum rocker/glider.
|Yikes! Is that straw...or HORSEHAIR....?
With a little ASCP in 'Old White', Clear Wax, cushy new foam padding, and a piece of drop cloth,
it morphed in to a delicious French rocker/glider
I'm kind of getting into this reupholstering thing.
I love ripping into those old seats to see what's under there.
I loved the way she turned out,
and almost considered keeping her...
I didn't even have to use the painter's tape.
I just lined up my yardstick and drew stripes with the chisel tip.
(which I started painting before I remembered that I had to take a 'before' photo for you).
She morphed into a luscious French side-chair
with a faux grain sack seat made from more drop cloth ~
and yup, another FabricMate pen.
Are you still with me?
Ok, then.....
Pea-green. Really?
Good grief.
What are these people thinking....?
It was lovingly transformed into sweet French chicness.
|ASCP in "Old White" with a drybrush of "Paris Grey".
there's a Project #5.
Next up was an old gold frame that I whitewashed with ASCP in 'Old White'.
was dressed with 'Old White' and a little distressing.
It's a beautifully made, heavy mirror.
And last but not least,
a plain, old wood sconce was turned into a
sweet, Nordic inspired sconce
with a pretty blue tea light
(that smells like the ocean).
|ASCP in 'Old White'
A little paint + a little layering of color +
a whiz of a palm sander + a rub of wax +
a lot of elbow grease buffing to a satiny sheen =
French inspired transformations
perfect for your home.
Look for these treasures (and MORE!) at Doster Emporium
on Facebook.
(or just give Georgina a call!)

subset: commoncrawl


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You wake up along the beach and can hear the waves crashing along the shore. The breeze brushes upon your sun-kissed skin as the palm trees sway. Morning yoga classes will have you finishing with a heart-felt Namaste.
A getaway at Room2Board will certainly deliver more than you even bargain for. Listed as a hostel, it actually provides the ambiance of a hotel with the option of shared rooms for budget travelers, and private rooms for those desiring a more exclusive experience. It's a newly constructed building which is very well maintained, with the cleanliest of rooms and bathrooms for your comfort.
The 1st floor hosts their check-in area with an in-house restaurant and bar right by the pool so you can lounge and enjoy your favorite drinks and plates. Reggae music is often flowing out of the speakers to compliment the vibe of the beach side environment and you can also make special requests for music of your choice. At night, surf videos play on their big screen projector. Even if you don't surf, these videos are entertaining to say the least.
Room2Board is a great place to connect with fellow travelers sharing stories, laughs, and great times. No exaggeration - the friendships I've made while staying here have lasted far beyond our time in Jaco. I stay connected to many of the people I met here still to this day.
Besides making new friends, during the day you can sign up for surf lessons, walk along the beach, relax in the pool, explore the town, or enjoy an adventure on one of their many tours by going to see a nearby waterfall, riding horses, etc.
This is especially my favorite place to stay in Jaco because of it's location. You'll be right along the beach and it's just a few minutes walk into town. Also, on the way, you have to drive along a bridge that I call Crocodile Crossing. Stop here if you can and get out to see why! Pictures don't do it justice.
You'll know you're approaching it when you see colorful tapestries along the road. Plus, many people stop and get out here so if you see groups along a bridge, that's the spot :)
In addition to all this fun, (and this is what I love most) when you stay at Room2Board - you are just a short walk away from a hike to a glorious sunset view point.
Traveling up this nearby mountain, you're likely to cross paths with mountain-bikers, runners, and others walking and journeying to this majestic view that allows you to see Jaco in a way that can't be done anywhere else in town.
Rumor has it that a restaurant was meant to be opened at the top, but funds ran out so now what's left is pieces of it's coliseum type architect. Fortunately for us, it makes for a divine space to enjoy the Pacific coast sunset. It's about a 20 minute walk to the top view, and I consider it a MUST each time I'm in Jaco. Luckily, Room 2 Board is the closest stay to this point which makes it even more appealing to me.
In addition to the location, the environmentalist in me loves that they have recycling options in place (super important - help save our beaches by using plastic minimally and if you do use it, please recycle!). Light sensors are throughout the hallways and bathrooms to conserve energy, vegetarian options are on the menu.. And maybe they'd even be keen to add vegan options if enough people ask ;)
They also provide a communal kitchen with all the necessary utensils for people like myself who save funds by personally cooking most meals. Both the kitchen and in-house restaurant are fun atmospheres so you're bound to have dining experiences that you will much enjoy.
Just in case you want to venture out though, I also recommend Taco Bar or Namaste Cafe. Taco Bar offers an awesome salad / buffet and they have the option to sit on swings which I always find fun.
When the sun begins to set, if you're not interested in a hike, just head upstairs to Room 2 Board's third floor where you can also enjoy a great view and hammocks setup for your relaxation.
When I'm in Jaco, there is never a doubt that Room2Board is where I want to stay. Check out my video recap to see more of why.
Pura Vida!


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NSPE and MATHCOUNTS are sponsoring a 5,000-square-foot exhibition calledMathAlive!, presented by Raytheon and designed to show math at work as well as its endless possibilities.
The world premier of the exhibit will be at the Smithsonian Institution'sInternational Galleryin Washington, D.C., on Saturday, March 10 and will run through June 3.
The exhibit is designed for families and students. It features interactive and immersive experiences that show the math behind video games, sports, fashion, music, robotics, and more.
After the exhibit completes its stay in Washington, D.C., it moves to theArizona Science Centerin Phoenix (July 7 – September 3) and theU.S. Space & Rocket Centerin Huntsville, AL (September 22 – January 6, 2013).
Published March 8, 2012 by NSPE


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Dry Eye Center of Arizona
3805 E Bell Rd
Suite 1800
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone (602) 549-2020
Fax: (602) 325-5536
Or use our contact form.
Our office is open during the following hours:
Mon-Friday: 9AM - 6PM
Saturdays: 9AM - 1PM
Doctor's Hours: By Appointment Only
Dry eye is a complex disorder. Proper diagnosis and treatment requires a systematic approach and the latest technology. We have incorporated the revolutionary J&J TearScience® system and advanced technology from Oculus into one of the most comprehensive dry eye assessments available anywhere. All patients undergo a comprehensive eye examination either by their referring doctor or in our office.
We start by obtaining a complete health and ocular history including a specially validated dry eye lifestyle questionnaire. This helps us identify the causes and environmental conditions that contribute to your specific problem. We will carefully examine your eyes and eyelids using a microscope looking at your meibomian (oil) glands and the quality and stability of you tear film. We will also fully evaluate your ocular surface, which is often compromised in dry eye.
Next, our LipiView® interferometer is the first device of its kind to assess your tear film by capturing images that measure the actual thickness of the lipid (oil) component with nanometers accuracy. This process is non-invasive and takes about five minutes.
When we're done, we will know virtually everything about your eyes surface and tears. Understanding the cause of your dry eye will help us determine the best treatment option.
In a recent clinical study, 79% patients reported improvement of their overall dry eye symptoms within four weeks, ranging from 10% to 100% improvement.
For some patients improvement can be rapid and dramatic. For others improvement may take weeks or even months. Soma patients do not experience benefit even when improvement in meibomian gland funciton is evident. However, the majority of patients experience signficant improvement.
At the heart of the LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is the Activator (eyepiece). The Activator uses patented, precisely controlled heat applied to the inner eyelid with adaptive pressure encouraging your body to resume the natural production of lipids (oils) needed for your tear film. Its single-use design and built-in sensors ensure a safe, sterile treatment. The treatment is performed in a our office — and in some cases, on the same day as your evaluation.
Treating dry eye effectively can be challenging. The disorder is complex and often has several causes. Current thinking is that more than 85% of all patients who suffer from dry eye have excessive tear evaporation as primary or contributing cause. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) results in a lack of lipid and is the primary cause of evaporative dry eye. Traditional treatments for MGD including warm compresses and lid massage are generally of limited effectiveness due to the anatomy of the lids contributing to rapid loss of heat and inadequate glad expression when attempted at home. LipiFlow® is a breakthrough technology which has become a standard of care for evaporative dry eye.


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Av. Alemania S/N El Cortecita, Bavaro
Punta Cana
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
$200 in Resort Coupons
Applicable promotions will display with your room selection. Some restrictions may apply.
Complimentary Newlywed & Anniversary Package!
This complimentary package includes:
-Welcome letter
-Fresh fruit
-Bottle of sparkling wine
-Special turn down service
-Breakfast in bed with Mimosas (Reservations must be made in advance with concierge)
-15% discount on all spa treatments
To receive the offer, just enter "Newlyweds" or "Anniversary" in the Special Service Request section during check-out or call our Customer Care Center and we will be happy to make the notation for you.
Important Information: Couple will be required to present a copy of your wedding invitation or marriage certificate at check-in. 15% discount on spa treatments cannot be applied to spa packages or combined with any other spa promotion or offer. Travel must
occur over anniversary date or within three months of wedding date.
Perfectly situated on a palm-studded, sugar white beach in Bávaro, Secrets
Royal Beach Punta Cana offers adults a slice of true paradise. Built in a modern Caribbean style with vivid
colours and with chic contemporary accommodation throughout, this Unlimited-Luxury®
resort boasts a wealth of luxury amenities and services as well as endless day and evening activities. Guests also
enjoy full access to the facilities of neighbouring Now Larimar Punta Cana which gives an amazing choice
of up to 10 reservation-free gourmet restaurants, 17 bars and lounges and an entertainment choice
beyond compare.
Location: Located on Bávaro Beach. Approx. 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.
Check-in Policy - Hotel requires a credit/debit card authorization or cash deposit upon check-in for incidentals; this will place a hold on your funds.
Convention Policy - Individuals attending a convention cannot book this property for their stay. If found attending a convention, guests may be subject to higher room rates upon arrival.
Hotel Spring Break Policy - Spring Breakers are not permitted at hotel. A student group consist of those that travel without parent supervision or a responsible adult in each room. This could refer to but not limited to high school or college students
booking multiple rooms. The hotel reserves the right to deny lodging to any reservations of this type. This hotel cannot guarantee a spring-break-free environment.
General Information - Room taxes and service fees are included in vacation price. Minimum night stay restrictions may apply. Reservation changes may not be permitted unless authorized by the hotel.
*Important Information*
The Dominican Republic imposes various restrictions each year for Easter. They usually begin the Thursday prior to Good Friday and run a few days past Easter Sunday. The following regulations may be enforced:
-Motorized water sports may be banned
-Non-motorized water sports may be limited or banned
-Alcohol consumption may be restricted (most resorts get a permit enabling them to serve alcohol to nonnative people during the ban)
-Music may be limited or silenced
View: Tropical
Bedding: 1 King
Occupancy Limits: 2 adults, 0 children, 2 Total
• Furnished balcony or terrace with hydro-tub
• Air conditioning with in-room climate control
• Ceiling fan
• Nightly turn-down service
• Full marble bathroom and shower with double sink
• Hair dryer
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities
• Direct dial telephone
• Scale
• CD/DVD Player
• Daily refreshed mini-bar with beer, soda, juice and soft drinks
• Radio alarm clock
• Flat screen cable TV with remote control
• Coffee & tea maker
• Electronic in-room safe
• Iron & ironing board
• Work desk
• 24-hour room service
• Magnetic key door locks
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort
Bedding: 2 Double Beds
Occupancy Limits: 3 adults, 0 children, 3 Total
View: Pool
View: Partial Ocean
All Preferred Club suites offer the following additional amenities and services:
• Personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service
• Preferred status and amenities
• Upgraded mini-bar and room service menu
• Upgraded bath amenities
• Pillow menu
• Complimentary newspaper in room every day by request
• Preferred Club Lounge
• Daily continental breakfast in the lounge
• Afternoon hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, exquisite desserts and fine liquors in the lounge
• Complimentary iPad access in Preferred Club Lounge
• Seaside Grill open for breakfast and lunch for Preferred Club guests only
• One private, Preferred Club pool
• Pool concierge & bar service
• Preferred Club private beach area
View: Ocean Front
Occupancy limits: 3 adults
Bedding: 1 king-size bed or two double beds
Furnished terrace with hydro-tub. Full bathroom and shower with double sink. A small living area with a sofa with direct access to the main pool from their terrace.
Furnished terrace with hydro-tub. Full bathroom and shower with double sink. A small living area with a sofa with direct access to a private pool from their terrace.
Offering 6 bars and lounges serving top-shelf spirits.
Barracuda | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Relax with a refreshing cocktail at our beachside and pool bar
Freshco | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Swim-up bar located in the main pool
La Habana | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Enjoy the finest cigars in our open air lobby bar
Marlin | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Relax with a refreshing cocktail at our beach bar
Rendezvous | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Enjoy the finest cocktails at our lobby bar
The Lounge | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Swim-up located in the Preferred Club pool
• Exclusive use for clients staying in the Preferred Club
Eclipse Night Club | 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
• Chill out at this open-air lounge located by the swimming pool
Manatees Bar | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Swim-up bar for cool and refreshing cocktails, located at Now Garden
Moments | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• The main lobby bar at Now Larimar
Scores | 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
• Catch the game and a refreshing beverage at the sports bar
Showtime | During shows
• Watch a live show at the theater bar while enjoying your favorite beverage
Sugar Reef | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Pool bar located at Now Garden
Splash | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Swim-up bar located in one of the Preferred Club pools
• Exclusive use for clients staying in the Preferred Club
The Mix | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Grab a refreshing beverage at this seaside bar
The Reef | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Located by the Castaways beach restaurant, this bar offers premium brand cocktails
The Sandbar* | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Located in the most relaxing area
• *Exclusively for Preferred Club guests
Tortuga | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Swim-up for cool and refreshing cocktails
Himitsu | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Fusion of a la carte Pan-Asian and Hibachi delicacies with spectacular ocean views
• *Reservations are required for seating at Teppanyaki tables
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
La Riviera | Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• A buffet-style restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisine
• Closed air-conditioned restaurant with outdoor seating available
• Dress code: Casual
Oceana | Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Savour our exquisite gourmet cuisine in an elegant atmosphere
• Air-conditioned
• Dress Code: Formal
Portofino | Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Exquisite Italian gourmet dining in an elegant atmosphere
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Seaside Grill | Breakfast* 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Lunch* 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Authentic à la carte restaurant serving grill specialties
• *Breakfast and Lunch served for Preferred Club guests only
• Dress Code: Casual
Wine Cellar | Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Cozy private area with the possibility to taste a spectacular delicatessen dinner
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Additionally, guests may enjoy gourmet dining at Now Larimar Punta Cana and Now Garden Punta Cana:
Barefoot Grill | 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Delicious burgers and hot dogs served beachside
Bluewater Grill | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Capers | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• A menu serving a variety of gourmet a la carte Italian specialties
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Carnival | Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; Dinner 6:30 p.m. – 10:45 p.m., Late night bites 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
• Main buffet restaurant featuring a variety of local and international cuisine
• Late night bites are served à la carte including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, yogurt, salad bar, grissini, pretzels, soup, chips and fruit.
• Dress Code: Casual
Castaways | Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Located by the beach, this outdoor buffet restaurant and snack bar open for breakfast and lunch (open to Preferred Club guests only)
• Dress Code: Casual
Coco Café | 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
• Premium coffee & snacks in a casual and relaxed atmosphere.
• Dress Code: Casual
Mercure | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Enjoy gourmet à la carte French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere (adults only)
• Adults-Only
• Dress Code: Formal
La Trattoria | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Open-air Italian-inspired dining experience serving a wide selection of gourmet pasta and pizza
• Dress Code: Casual
Spice | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Asian cuisine featuring Teppanyaki tables in an elegant atmosphere
• Tepanyaki tables are restricted to guests age 12 and older
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Tamarindo | Dinner 6:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
• Tamarindo is an invitation to set off on a Mexican journey to delectable delights; the restaurant features a contemporary cool atmosphere
• Dress Code: Casual Elegance
Windows | Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Buffet restaurant featuring a variety of local and international cuisine
• Dress Code: Casual
Evening Dine Around Plan at nearby resorts
A free form pool winds its way through the perfectly manicured gardens and lush vegetation providing guests with the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Our pool and beach wait staff is at your beck and call.
Punta Blanca Golf Course
Designed by Nick Price, the Punta Blanca Golf Course is an ideally situated, inland course to provide an exciting game for golfers of all skill levels. The course was strategically designed around natural wetlands featuring wide fairways and large bunkers.
Cocotal Golf and Country Club
Six-time Spanish Champion Jose "Pepe" designed the Cocotal Golf & Country Club following the natural terrain on what was once a coconut plantation. Strategically placed trees, bunkers, mounds and gently rolling terrain provide well-defined fairways and greens
for golfers of all ability levels.
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Music can really set the tone for your wedding day. That's why finding the right wedding DJ is such a big deal. You'll want to find a wedding DJ who has great musical taste and can fill up your dance floor! The best way to find a great wedding DJ is to read reviews from past clients and select a few pros to interview.
" Making Your Event The Main Event " Host a musical entertainment event that everyone will talk about! Sound Illusions DJ Service has created the perfect mood for special events for over 35 years. Your event can be amazing, entertaining and professional. You can not only expect us to spin the tunes,... (Wedding DJs Washington)
Unique Blends DJ Service is a wedding DJ company based in Washington, Illinois. With its trained and experienced staff, the company is ready to help couples plan every detail of their dream wedding. Their professional DJs will make the celebration fun and lively by playing the right music, keeping... (Wedding DJs Washington)
Based out of East Peoria, Illinois, DJ King Productions is an entertainment company specializing in DJ and event services for weddings. No matter the size of your event, DJ King Productions' mission is to exceed your expectations by providing you with the special attention you deserve. They can... (Wedding DJs East Peoria)
B&B Productions is a wedding DJ company based in Peoria Heights, Illinois. They have been part of the wedding DJ industry since 2007, providing great music and professional lighting to wedding celebrations. They have experienced staff that oversee every detail, from start to finish, to give couples... (Wedding DJs Peoria Heights)
Top Hat Productions provides Professional DJ and Event Lighting Services for Wedding Receptions, Ceremonies, Parties and Corporate Events in Peoria, Galesburg, Bloomington and Surrounding cities throughout Illinois. At THP we have the experience and the know how to make your event a success. With... (Wedding DJs Peoria)
DJ4U is a highly trained DJ company located in Peoria, Illinois. The staff of professional event planners and mobile entertainers at DJ4U will ensure your event is a glowing success by paying close attention to detail, all while creating your vision. Since 1998, John Parkinson and his team of... (Wedding DJs Peoria)
Complete Weddings + Events is a wedding DJ business operating out of Peoria, Illinois. Providing a high-quality service, they aim to play great music, keep the celebratory atmosphere alive, and entertain the wedding party. Each DJ who represents this company helps to craft the occasion's ambiance,... (Wedding DJs Peoria)
MVP Mobile DJ Service is a wedding DJ company based in Metamora, Illinois. Since 2010, they have provided professional entertainment throughout Central Illinois. With a database of over 200,000 songs, they can play a wide range of genres, including Christian, country, jazz, oldies, pop, R&B, rock... (Wedding DJs Metamora)
Alan Hunt Sound and Lighting is a mobile wedding DJ based out of Bloomington, Illinois. Since 2016, Alan has been inspiring energy and maintaining that momentum throughout the night to make each event truly extraordinary. He will take your special day to the next level with personalized playlists,... (Wedding DJs Bloomington)
Right On Q Entertainment is a professional wedding DJ company based out of Bloomington, Illinois. This dedicated team of wedding entertainers works directly with their clients in order to craft the perfect soundtrack for their special day. Owner and primary entertainer, Jared, appreciates that every... (Wedding DJs Bloomington)


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Speaking with Sherman Holmes is like speaking to an old friend. He's warm, he's funny, he breaks into laughter—at both his own jokes and yours—and he's quick to invite you to be a part of his world, even if it's just to stop by and say hello after his next appearance at the Folk Fest.
This year, he's the first performer to be announced in the lineup on the Union Bank & Trust Virginia Folklife Stage (the rest of the line up will be released in September). While he doesn't much mind being the first or the last, the performance itself is something he cares about very deeply. It's the celebration of two lives lived—well, three to be exact. His brother, Wendell Holmes, and his other brother (not by blood, but by heart), Popsy Dixon, played together their whole lives before officially uniting in 1979 as a recording and performing group called the Holmes Brothers.
His laughter quiets down a little when he talks about the two men, both of whose talent he considers himself lucky to have even been near. Wendell, the guitarist, and Popsy, the drummer, both passed away in 2015. Holmes can wax nostalgic about the times they spent growing up in Saluda, Virginia, scrambling for gigs in Harlem, and then traveling the world. "The only places I can think of that I haven't been are Mexico and Jamaica," he says quite seriously. "Russia, Singapore, Turkey—my favorite country—and just everywhere."
But for Sherman Holmes, who cut his teeth on the clarinet and would go on to play bass and keys, it's been hard to get his bearings in a world without his brothers. They played in juke joints as children, resorting to the classical music they'd learned when they'd run out of songs to play. It was a little extra spending money and good practice for what was to come, a half-century career that only grew and grew. The Homes Brothers had their families and their roots back in Middlesex, but they spent more time on the road with each other than they did with their own wives and children. That's just the business, he explains. You take the good with the bad.
"I used to tell my children, 'When I go to work, everybody claps, and when I leave, everybody claps. That's a really good job!'" he remembers. "But when my brothers died, I was at a bit of a loss. I mean, I really was bent out of shape."
Then two events happened that started to bolster his spirits. He was partnered with fellow Middlesex County resident, Whitney Nelson, as part of the 2016 Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship program, and the energy he picked up from the talented 11-year-old gave him the jump-start he needed.
"It does feel strange to do a record without my brothers,"
At 77, energy is something to be treasured. That's why when Virginia State Folklorist Jon Lohman suggested that he help Holmes record his very first solo album, Holmes recognized it for the opportunity it was. Something to keep him energized, creating, and moving. And most of all, as he discovered during his experience with Whitney, something to get him collaborating with other talents again.
"It does feel strange to do a record without my brothers," admits Holmes. "I think about them every day." But when he walked into a recording studio to lay down an impressively eclectic collection of tracks, he was faced with another surprise. The entirely new group of musicians that Lohman had put together brought the right amount of harmony Holmes looks for in all aspects of life. "Maybe because I was so much older than them that they felt like they needed to show me a lot of respect. A lot of them tell me that they feel really privileged to work with me, but I don't know why they would feel privileged! I'm just an old man rumbling along!" Holmes laughs with characteristic humility. "But they was almost like a family. It was like we knew each other all the time."
The new album, called The Richmond Sessions brings the listener everything from R&B to country to blues to gospel. Jon Lohman, who produced the album, sought Virginia-based guests who already admired Sherman Holmes and would mesh well with his vision. The Ingramettes' rich 50-year tradition of gospel stands alongside Grammy-nominated Rob Ickes, IBMA Banjoist of the Year (multiple times over) Sammy Shelor, and organist Devon Harris, aka DJ Harrison, who's spent time behind the Hammond B-3 with the likes of the Roots. Up-and-coming talent, which Holmes loves to have around him, include Jacob Eller on bass, Brandon Davis on guitar, and multi-instrumentalist Jared Pool.
"We have to keep moving on."
The finished result is something Sherman Holmes is so proud of, but is almost reluctant to call a solo affair. That feeling when you're able to work well with others to produce something beautiful is what he'd been so afraid of losing after his double loss two years ago. When Folklife apprentice Whitney Nelson took her turn on the stage in 2016, just after The Richmond Sessions had wrapped, and performed well under Holmes's mentoring eye, Jon Lohman suggested that Holmes get on up and do a song himself. A piano was found, and Holmes began to play and sing "Liza Jane," changing the name to more resemble that of a little girl he knew in the audience.
When he turned around to see the rest of the stage at last, he was surprised to see the Ingramettes and others he had recorded with and some he didn't know at all, ready to pull together for an ad hoc performance. "It was just a wonderful experience for me. I just thank the Lord for the opportunity to learn and to have another career at this age."
This year, Sherman Holmes is looking forward to being more prepared, but he's still "taking it as it comes."
"We don't know what tomorrow's going to be. We have not a clue!" He laughs again, but there's a note of earnestness in his voice. "We have to keep moving on."


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On being my own biggest time suck.
Perhaps the thing I hate most about grading--much of which experience, for me, is taken up with having grading to do but very actively not wanting to do it--is that it helps enable my worst time-sucking capabilities. Or at least so I tell myself, here at the end of a weekend wherein I swore I would finish a batch of papers that, realistically, there was no way I'd finish. I'm approaching the halfway point, which should feel like a small triumph, and I'm chugging along through it and doing my very best--as, it turns out, did my students. It's possible that I've never received such a strong batch of essays all from one class. And so I sit here and hold myself down for one paper and then let myself float off for a few minutes, and then I hold myself down for another paper and then let myself float off for a few more minutes. Right now--as you surely must know--I'm floating. Off.
On the other hand! If I didn't have to grade, not only would I stop getting paychecks, but I'd also probably never discover things like this:
The dude at 1:11 is priceless.


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New York, NY, March 29, 2011 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the decision by Facebook to remove an anti-Israel cause page calling for a "Third Palestinian Intifada" against the state of Israel and urged the social networking site to vigilantly monitor their pages for other groups that call for violence or terrorism against Jews and Israel.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
Facebook's decision to remove the cause page calling for a "Third Palestinian Intifada" is a welcome development.
We applaud Facebook's willingness to continue to engage and consider this important question and we deeply appreciate their responsiveness. By taking this action, Facebook has now recognized an important standard to be applied when evaluating issues of non-compliance with its terms of service involving distinctions between incitement to violence and legitimate calls for collective expressions of opinion and action. As it continues to monitor its pages, Facebook should be able to apply this standard in response to complaints about other pages with similar content. We hope that they will continue to vigilantly monitor their pages for other groups that call for violence or terrorism against Jews and Israel.
We look forward to continuing our dialogue with Facebook on issues of mutual concern, including hate speech, Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism.


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"I am an enjoyer (not really a collector) of classics. I enjoy working on them as much as anything, drives my wife crazy.
I discovered Jim's Classic Garage on Hemmings Motor News which I subscribe to on my email. He had a 1940 Chrysler Windsor that really caught my eye, nowhere near show quality, barely even a driver, but a solid car to work on and enjoy.
The thing that impressed me the most about Jim and his crew was their attention to this sale, their assistance with shipping and all around general good nature. This was not a real money maker for Jim by any means, we're talking a $6000 car here, but I felt just as well taken care of as if I had been buying a $42000 Corvette.
I hope to continue to keep in touch with Jim and build on a friendship that started with this business deal.
Jim is a straight shooter, there is no fluff or baloney, what he shipped me was exactly as advertised. Whatever your classic car needs might be, you won't do much better than Jim's Classic Garage."
Rick R, California
"I collect 1950's open two-seaters and right now have eight in my collection. Jim and his guys have worked on several of them, and I have always been extremely happy with both their work and their pricing. Some of my cars are a bit esoteric, but that hasn't stopped Jim from doing his research, learning my cars, and then doing excellent work. I can highly recommend Jim and his guys to any classic car owner who wants his or her classic car well maintained.
As with all extremely good classic car shops, Jim's is very busy, but that workload has never interfered with Jim getting my cars back to me in a timely fashion. I've also been in great need of storage assistance as I've built my garages to house my collection and Jim, purely out of generosity and concern, helped with that as well. Whenever I visit the shop everyone makes me feel right at home and they're always willing to spend time with me discussing options and plans going forward. I highly recommend Jim's Classic Garage—super guys."
Craig M, Washington
"As a dedicated multi-car classic collector, I searched long and hard for a quality service shop where I felt comfortable letting my investments be worked on and cared for by others.
After doing my research, and visiting Jim's shop on several occasions I was convinced I could trust in his service and would be pleased with the outcome. While any shop can claim to do quality work, I feel its the complete service package that is the most important feature and the area where Jim and his team excel.
The staff at Jim's Classic Garage is knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly. They truly care about every aspect of the collector car hobby and it shows in their service. As part of my due diligence I observed the shop on several occasions, and always found it clean and organized. One of the other areas I was impressed with is the communication. Jim would call or text with updates along the way which was greatly appreciated. His updates included pictures so I could feel comfortable of any work needed. The work completed was top notch and the car was clean and ran perfect when picked up. I even got a follow up call from Jim making sure all was good.
I highly recommend Jim's Classic Garage to service your classic. I know I will use his services again and I am confident my experience, as well as yours, will be to your satisfaction."
Steve K, Washington
"We purchased a disassembled 1949 Cadillac Coupe De Ville from Jim. I found the car for sale on eBay. I knew the car from previously looking at it at the former owner's house. I watched it for some weeks on eBay and finally called when it had not sold. Jim was easy to talk to from the first conversation. After a period of time my wife and I went to look at the car and see if we could make a deal after another car on the other side of the country fell through. We made a deal with both us happy and since this car was totally dissembled there was lots of work to do after the sale to get it all moved out. Jim was very accommodating to our every request for moving the parts which had to happen on weekends. He even offered to have some of his crew help with the loading, but that turned out not to be necessary. Jim did help with both pickup trips. From our experience we can recommend Jim for any of your buying and selling of classic cars."
Brad and Hyang Cha I, Washington
"It was a pleasure doing business with Jim's Classic Garage. I was impressed with how smoothly our transaction went and I look forward to doing business with you guys in the future and thank you for being so easy to work with!!"
Sam and Misty D, Texas
"My red '56 GMC classic truck loved being in Jim's Classic Garage. It reveled in the TLC it got to so many of its leaking, aching and slipping parts and it was thoroughly entertained listening to Jim and the crew there educate me in the nuances of carburation, fuel filtration, transmission linkages, rust management and so on. In the end it runs better than it has in the 15-20 years I have had it. As for me- I just had fun and will miss an excuse to go by the shop to see what they are up to on my truck as well as all the others."
Rob L, Washington
"Jim and his crew did a wonderful job of restoring my '69 Mustang to the way it looked when I bought it 46 years ago. He kept me informed throughout the process and was amenable to my wishes."
Linda G, Washington
"I am so glad that I had Jim sell my 1967 GTO. I could not have done this on my own. Jim was so good to work with. He took my car to his classic garage and went over every detail so that I could get top dollar on the sale. He was so helpful in contacting various buyers that my car sold within two weeks."
Janet C, Washington
"Jim, Madison, and the entire team were professional from start to finish with selling my '51 Chevy 3600 truck. The mechanics did a great job evaluating the condition and recommending the right things to insure the best possible outcome for both myself and potential buyers. Jim has an excellent network in the classic car market and worked hard finding a good buyer. I would gladly recommend Jim to both sellers and buyers with confidence. Very positive experience."
Andy Stockton, Washington
"This letter is written to express my satisfaction with the work you have performed on my 1948 Plymouth. Until being referred to you, I had been unable to find anyone capable of performing a simple routine service, let alone anything requiring mechanical or body work. I'm happy to say that I have found you and your staff to be knowledgeable in your handling of problems related to these old cars, and that your work has been realistically priced. The car always looks a little better when I pick it up than it did when I came into the shop. Messing about in old cars should be fun, and you folks help to keep it so."
Thomas S, Washington
"My name is Rod McGee and I was trying to sell my 1992 Corvette Convertible myself. After 4 weeks of little interest I saw an ad for Jim's Classic Garage in the Gig Harbor Living Magazine. They rebuild classic cars and also take consignments. So I decided to give them a try. They detailed the car and it looked brand new. They also took 30+ photos of the car. Top, Bottom, all sides, undercarriage, suspension and interior. They posted it on eBay and Huntington motors. My car sold within 3 weeks. They are great to work with."
Rob M, Washington
"I want to take this opportunity to tell anyone who is interested in selling their collector car that Jim's Classic Garage is the place to go. His professionalism is beyond reproach. Jim will do whatever it takes to accomplish a job in a very timely manner. I would not hesitate in referring Jim's Classic Garage to anyone who has an interest in selling their collector car."
Doyle H, Washington
"I contacted Jim Sullivan at Jim's Classic Garage to ask him about handling my 1963 T-Bird for sale. I wasn't aware of Jim, his company and their love of all things cars. It has been a pleasure working with him and his crew from the first phone call through final sign off of title. They are fun, knowledgeable professionals who love classic cars and are sensitive to each unique store of car, seller and buyer. Expertise and trust are 100%. Car sold in first week and I know I cried when he called me; it was beyond all my expectations. I am delighted and am recommending them to all of my friends."
Dawn R, Washington
"I have bought the poppy red Mustang about two months ago. I could already make some wonderful springtime-trips. As you can see, I just changed the tires to original. I just wanted to give you a short feedback. The mustang has now completed its long journey from the US to Switzerland and we both have a lot of fun together. If you have the opportunity, I would be glad if you could tell me some more details about its history. You've done a great job! I wish you well and thank you in advance."
Othmar Werner, Switzerland
"We purchased our very first classic car from Jim Sullivan at Jim's Classic Garage and it was the best experience we could have ever hoped for! We were a bit nervous about making this type of purchase due to not knowing a whole lot about "classic" cars. However, I am thrilled to share that Jim made it an easy and comfortable process for us. He has been so wonderful to work with! His extensive knowledge, solid work ethic and expertise are absolutely top notch! We were so appreciative and grateful that we were lucky enough to have found Jim. My comfort level and trust is 100% with Jim Sullivan. In the future, we will ONLY be working with Jim's Classic Garage for all of our car needs for our beautiful 1960 Ford Fairlane 500. The experience and journey has been amazing and we owe it all to Jim Sullivan."
K&J Stein, Washington
"We have purchased two cars from Jim's Classic Garage (1966 Corvette & 1963 NOM Corvette). We used the 1966 Corvette as a trade-in toward the purchase of the '63 Corvette. The restoration work and overall condition of the '63 Corvette is of the highest quality. Jim Sullivan owner of Jim's Classic Garage prides himself in the quality of his work. He Stands behind his work and does whatever it takes to make sure his buyers are completely satisfied with their purchase. He is very accessible, easy to talk to and takes the time to understand your car needs and interests. He knows what he is doing and this is why Jim's is the only place we will have our Corvette serviced. We would recommend Jim's Classic Garage to anyone in the classic car market."
Robert & Shann W, Washington
"I was very satisfied with the work that Jim did in helping me to sell my 1947 Hudson. I had been trying to sell it on my own for over a year and a half with no luck. I knew that it was going to be a hard sell because it really is a unique car that needs that special buyer. Jim was upfront and honest with me about the challenges we could face, as well as what we could expect along the consignment process. We were able to get my car advertised and sold within 4 months of me dropping it off at his garage. During the time that my car was with Jim, we were able to stay in contact by phone so I knew how the advertising and sale was progressing and didn't feel left out of the loop. Once a buyer was found (across the country), Jim was able to help facilitate all the haggling, paperwork and shipping for us to help make this as easy a process as it could be. A big thank you to Jim and his staff for all their hard work, and if I am ever in the market for another classic I know Jim's Classic Garage will steer me right."
Chuck H, Washington


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McDonalds Marketing Billboard Fail
If there was ever an unfortunate pairing on advertising billboards then the most recent award must go to the McRib burger which is advertised next to one of the NHS's latest anti smoking campaign posters.
Social Media Awash With Tweets About The Marketing Disaster
You might be thinking what can be so bad about this, until you get a look at it and realise that they kind of look the same. On twitter one user wrote:
"Saw two ad posers next to each other. One for smoking rotting your insides. The other a mcrib. They looked scarily similar"
Whilst another tweeted:
"I can't help but think the Stop Smoking billboard campaigns just looks like the "Here's how your McRib will really look" campaign
With McDonalds already coming under fire in recent years due to customers commenting that their food looking nothing like their appetising posters this latest marketing fail will only add fuel to the fire.
Read More Here:
McRib and anti-smoking billboards in case of unfortunate juxtaposition


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It's not long now until Christmas so I thought I'd post 7 quick tips on taking better group photos on Christmas Day that might be useful to you, even a couple small adjustments to the way you take these photos can have massive visible results.
1. Time it well: Group photos are usually taken at the end of the evening or day when everyone is looking at their worst. For a 'fresher' shot take it once everyone has arrived.
2. Plan ahead: think about where you might take the shot, your home will likely be all twinkly with lovely decorations so be sure to include some of your favourites to give the photo some context, make sure you choose a position where your group will fit and where there is enough light for the shot (windows light is great, make sure the group are facing the window).
3. Pose the group: In most cases your group will pose itself pretty naturally (we've all done it before). Tall people will go to the back, short people to the front. But there are other things you can do to add to the photo's composition: Make sure no ones head is hiding behind another person and tell everyone to raise their chins a little – they'll thank you later when they see the shot without any double chins!
4. Continuous shots: One of the best ways to avoid the problems of not everyone looking just right in a shot is to take multiple photos quickly. I often use my iPhone in 'burst mode' when taking photos of people and shoot in short bursts of shots. I find that the first shot is often no good but that the one or two directly after it often give a group that looks a little less posed and more relaxed.
- To use burst mode on an iPhone:
- Launch the camera app from your iPhone or iPad's Home screen.
- Hold down the Shutter button or Volume button to take a burst of pictures.
- iOS will automatically choose the best photos from the burst. If you don't like photos it chooses, you can choose your own.
5. Go outdoors: If you don't feel that your house has the space for everyone in front of the tree, take your camera outdoors for a lovely pre or post dinner wintery family walk but remember the sun goes down just before 4pm in December so make sure you go out before that.
6. Smile
Yes YOU should smile! There's nothing worse than a grumpy stressed out person taking photos. Have fun and enjoy the process of getting your shots and you'll find the group will too.
Get ready to enjoy better group shots!
P.S. You are probably feeling a little bit stressed out trying to think of what to get everybody for Christmas at this point, well.. I can help you with some amazing Christmas gift vouchers for mums of young children (or young children who love to dress up)..
Our limited edition mini studio shoots are fun themed shoots, perfect for children and available on different dates throughout the year, check out our mini shoot page for ideas of what they could do.. (think, fairys, superheros, disney princesses....)
You can choose vouchers from the following:
£195 – a themed mini session of her choice plus a 16×20 wall box frame – a luxe gift that will let them hang their favourite image in their house right away. Perfect for a family who just moved, added a new member, or deserves special attention.
£100 – a mini session plus a set of 3 archival prints – perfect for someone who would love a mini session, but who might not have space for a large piece right now or you aren't sure what they'd want.
£25 – gift someone a session with one print. Perfect for repeat Happy Photography customers who are already familiar with the photography process.
Just call us on 01289 302832 we can arrange this over the phone and post out the gift voucher pack to you.


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Wagga Wagga City Council is committed to the principals of Ecologically Sustainable Development. The Local Government Act of 1993 defines Ecologically Sustainable Development as the effective integration of environmental, economic and social considerations in the decision-making process.
The environment team at Wagga Wagga City Council aims to increase the sustainability of the City of Wagga Wagga through on ground projects to improve efficiencies as well as community education of sustainable practices.
The Council administration is equally committed to reducing our operational footprint. Initiatives include:
- Paper Reduction Program - aims to reduce our consumption of paper products and printing.
- Office Recycling - Waste products are separated including paper, mixed recyclables and organic waste.
- Energy Efficiency - retrofitting to energy efficient light bulbs.
- Sustainable transport - bicycle fleet available to staff for business trips within the CBD.


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Postcard from... Dubrovnik/
The terrace of the house looked down across the bay towards the narrow streets of the old town. Orange, lemon and kiwi fruit trees provided shade, as did the line of laundry flapping in the breeze blowing in from the sea. Standing at the fence, I was ware of a presence at my shoulder. My host nodded at the fence.
"The hole. This was made by a shell," he said softly. "You can still see shrapnel holes in the drainpipes over there. I had to completely re-do the terrace."
"Were you here at the time?" I said, and he nodded.
"Upstairs, in the house. I was deaf for a week afterwards. The house next door…" he paused for a second. "There were five of them eating their dinner when the bombardment started. All of them died."
I didn't know what to say. It seemed impossible that this beautiful place had housed such horrors in the not-too-distant past. But the signs were there; in the traces of damage to houses; in the brighter roof tiles where there had once been smoking holes; in the city map that guides you from one direct hit to the next; in the memories of my host, of his neighbours, and my own of the nightly news.
Dubrovnik is possibly Europe's most picture-perfect city, and there are likely to be many visitors today who don't think of those days of war in the final years of the 20th century. But knowledge of events, never mind direct experience, cannot but shape our interpretation of the place. From the moment the first shells were fired the city was changed, regardless of how successful the rebuilding and many traces have since been removed. So long as we remember, the ghosts will remain.


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Editor's note: Due to a poorly designed web interface from wordpress, an incomplete, incoherent, and unedited first draft version of this post may have been sent to your inbox if you are an email follower to the blog. So if it reads familiar that is why I'm sorry about that, and about the multiple emails from me tonight. please give it another try for me. Here's the blog as it should read.
The principal of Liam's school during a very heated and contentious meeting that also included the director of pupil services and the superintendent of school for the city of East Providence (yes, even the supt of schools, you don't want to piss me off when it comes to giving Liam the services he needs, he deserves, and he has a right to) once told us that she was offended by the fact that she had heard my wife describe our interactions to demand the wheelchair lift that she had promised as "battles".
My son was being made to leave his school building up to 5 times a day to re-enter through a different entrance to be on the floor where his other classes (art, library, music) during rain and cold weather but she was offended by our use of the term "battle".
Her solution, as winter quickly approached and there was still no accessibility for Liam and the handful of other students who use wheelchairs in the school, was to put him in the 3rd grade class for those subjects. 3rd grade, for a developmentally disabled kindergartner, because those classrooms were closer, as if he were a piece of furniture. yet SHE was offended that we used the word "battle".
During the same meeting this principal was caught flat out lying to us about whether or not Liam was already being put into the classroom with third graders without our permission (helpful to have a nurse follow Liam's every move and texting us when something feels hinky) yet she was offended that we used the term battle.
It was a battle and we told her so again.
It was a battle that we won.
The wheelchair lift was installed over the holiday break in january. We haven't had to interact with the principal since. I'm sure she's thankful of that. But the next time we do have to cross paths. that will be a battle as well.
Because when it comes to making sure that Liam gets the services, the equipment, the supplies and even the medicines that he needs, it is always a battle.
One that his mother and I are perfectly suited for, and happy to fight.
The equipment company that takes over 10 months to fix the armrests on Liam's chair after his orthopedist and physical therapist alerted them that his original rests were unsafe and he was at risk for getting his arms caught and/or dislocating his shoulders during a seizure. After months of phone calls and emails, and not only one but TWO scheduled appointments for an equipment technician to come to the house to fix the chair where the tech was a no-call no-show (with Liam staying home from school specifically for both) the tech finally, on the third try, arrived at our house with parts, only the parts that he brought weren't the new ones, they were the exact same armrests already on his chair. Then we got to start from the beginning all over again, signatures from doctors, approvals from insurance companies, months and months of opportunity for Liam to be injured with unsafe conditions in his chair. Being blown off by uninterested "customer service reps"
A battle in every sense of the word.
It shouldn't take a full school year to switch a part on a wheelchair when multiple medical professionals deem it unsafe, but this is the system we fight.
Twelve days ago the armrests on Liam's chair were finally replaced.Still, after 10 months, I have a hard time calling that battle a win in our column.
The pharmacy that despite knowing that Liam has been on a med for over four years refuses to carry a full refill supply of it. Whether for the saving of shelf space or a refusal to pay for it until it has been paid for by my insurance, every time we call for the re-fill we are given a "partial order". 'We can only give you a few doses. Come back in two days for the remainder' they say, increasing the chance of an error.
Three days ago we were told that they would not re-fill Liam's prescription. We should have enough for 14 more days the insurance company computer told them, and they would not give us any more until then. End of story.
Or so they thought. Karin can be very persuasive. She has to be. Our sniper of phone calls. Explaining to the poor sap working his part time shift as a pharmacy tech that he was plainly wrong, and that they had to go back and recheck how much volume we were given in our last 'partial' fill. That not only would we not take no for an answer, but that we would hold him and his company responsible when Liam would need to be admitted to the intensive care unit the next day because of the withdrawal he would experience if they failed to fix their mistake.
Yesterday they called and explained that they did an inventory of their supply and found that, what do you know, they did owe us 14 days worth of Liam's medicine. found a whole bottle with his name on it and everything.
That happened this week, but similar situations with prescriptions have happened dozens of times before. Liam takes 11 different perscription medications, Many of them in large volumes that for some reason this enormously recognizable corportaion refuses to keep in stock. The battle against incompetence is very real.
The medical supply company that provides Liam's everyday supplies like trachs, trach ties and vent circuits, suction catheters and feeding pump bags, pulse oximeter probes and fenistrated gauze sponges. All the things that keep Liam in his home and not in a hospital but that you can't just roll up to your local megamart and buy if you run out of them. Again, if we run out of many of these supplies our recourse for keeping Liam alive is a trip to the hospital until we recieve these supplies, so you would think that a person going on vacation or leaving the company for another job wouldn't put my son at risk but of course, you'd be wrong.
Because even if these companies cared about the patients that rely on them (which they don't) the patient is not their customer. The patient's insurance company is and as long as those reimbursement checks and approvals keep coming in, they can and will treat their patients like garbage. Including sending out Liam's monthly order of necessary items with invoices showing that they have been paid for, but many of the items just happen to be on "back order". Nearly every other month, when we are washing and reusing what should be disposable felt ties that hold Liam's trach in place at an exposure point for infection, it gives me such comfort to see that the company has already received the funds for those products. Essentially removing the motivation for them to rush those type of products out to us.
The patient is not their concern, their shareholders are, the insurance companies are, medicaid is. But make no mistake, it isn't my son that they care about.
So they don't like hearing my voice on the line, every month when we run out of the things that keep Liam alive. Where Karin is our sniper in battle over the phone; I am our nuclear bomb.
The oxygen delivery service that brings Liam his oxygen every other week decided last month that instead of delivering on Thursday they would be switching our delivery day to Tuesday. I shouldn't be the one who has to point out to them that if you are changing us from thursday to tuesday that you have to make that change on the tuesday BEFORE the normal thursday delivery, or else we will run out of oxygen. I shouldn't have to be since you would think the dispatch and delivery department for an oxygen delivery company would understand that people's lives rely on them doing their job correctly.
You would think that, but you'd be wrong.
The job doesn't get done correctly without a fight. Without a phone call. Without a battle.
School departments, insurance companies, medical supply and equipment companies. "Partners" in care. They arm themselves with bureaucracies, with paper, with seemingly automatic denials only to approve to anyone with the audacity to appeal. (how many people get an insurance denial and don't think they can appeal? The math must work out in their favor.) They defend themselves with red tape, with their "policy", with the incompetent at best and inconsiderate and uncaring "customer Service reps" at worst, and every single time, it puts my son's life in danger.
Which is why we fight. Which is why we arm ourselves with emails, and phone calls, and documentation. It's why I can be such an asshole on the phone. We fight incompetence with aggressiveness.
And we always win. We have to.
Our son's life depends on it.


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New Zealand Skills in Demand - NZ Jobs
New Zealand Skills In Demand Limited is a Kiwi-owned and operated company with permanent offices in Christchurch and London.
New Zealand Skills In Demand specialises in connecting job seekers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, South Africa, Canada, USA and other countries to great New Zealand companies. It works with employers and recruiters across all sectors operating in both the South and North Islands of New Zealand.
New Zealand Skills In Demand's London-based team consists of Susanna Dyson and Rachel Beattie. As Candidate Managers they both work closely with candidates who are looking at making the move to New Zealand.
In Christchurch we have Glenn Davis who is the Account Manager for New Zealand Skills In Demand. Glenn is constantly establishing new relationships with companies and assisting new arrivals. Guy Lemon is a Candidate Manager who has recently moved to Auckland after spending a few years in the London office.
Susanna and Rachel will be representing New Zealand Skills In Demand at all of the This Is New Zealand Seminars/Webinars and will be speaking about job opportunities across New Zealand.


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There are currently over a hundred stadia across the world under planning and/or construction. This degree will help you gain an understanding and research different international stadia, design processes, pitch construction, architectural challenges, and other important factors such as health and safety constraints. You will cover topics such as international retailing, international stadia and football infrastructures, the challenges of dealing with differing stakeholders, cultural differences and attitudes to corporate social responsibility.
Lastly you will learn how to understand and formulate successful bids for global football competitions and events, developing your operational understanding of sports law with an international perspective, for example, international player transfers and migration and the development of a global strategy.
For UCFB undergraduate degree programme (Bachelor):
Los Studios de Grado en las Unversidades Publicas with a composite score (la nota de admision) of 6.
We also accept international qualifications, such as A Levels (240-320 UCAS Points) or the IB Diploma (24-28 Points)
English language qualification (IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subsection)
Personal Statement
Academic Reference
How to apply
All students apply through a UK university wide system called UCAS.
When you fill in your UCAS form, make sure you quote the UCAS institution name (our academic partner, Bucks New University) and code: BUCKS B94. Quote campus code D for UCFB Wembley and campus code F for UCFB Burnley.
There is a common core across the degrees in the first year so that all students benefit from a broad exposure to the fundamentals of business management. You will develop a chosen specialism as well as an understanding of how this fits in with other core disciplines in the football and wider sports industry. The special features of the football and sports industry are also identified in each business studies module, exploring the core fundamentals of the football and sports sector.
In the second year, the study time is divided between the football and/or sports business pathway and your chosen specialism.
The third year includes a football or sports business research project (dissertation). You will graduate with the satisfaction of having researched a pressing issue in the football and sports industry through having had the opportunity to discuss your work decisions and recommendations with those in the football and sports business grappling with the very same question(s).
The football business is a multi-billion pound global industry, which is growing exponentially all over the world. A country-by-country breakdown finds that the sports industry is growing faster than GDP both in fast-growing economies, such as the booming BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and in more mature markets in Europe and North America. The key drivers which fuel this market growth will be studied. These include understanding the nature of 'fandom', the growth and development of the international football industry, and the development of a global strategy.
There are over 200 member associations all over the world who each govern and manage football in their country. Therefore, you will examine all of the international licencing schemes and regulations of the Global Confederation (OFC, AFC, CONCACAF, CAF, UEFA, FIFA), along with the implications of cultural differences linked to commercial and sponsorship opportunities. To support your learning, there will be opportunities for work experience both in the UK and internationally, between your second and third year.
Furthermore, during your three years at UCFB Wembley, there will be opportunities to interact with global events at Wembley Stadium and Orlando City Soccer Club, Florida, thus applying your knowledge and increasing your competitive edge in the workplace.
Your studies will provide you with an understanding of the broader global football industry and its history as well as contemporary challenges to provide a solid foundation for your degree. You will cover topics such as the nature of 'fandom', the growth and development of the international football industry and sports sponsorship specific to international markets. You will explore marketing in the football industry with an international perspective as well as an appraisal of the different types of league structures and franchises such as in the USA.
¡Infórmate ahora sin compromiso!


text:
Now that health care reform has been passed ...
"There are" enough votes in the House to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", Rep. Tammy Baldwin tells the San Diego Gay & Lesbian News.
" 'As someone who has actually counted the votes, I believe that there are,' Baldwin said. 'That's one of the things the LGBT Equality Caucus does is to [focus] attention to making sure we can tell [House] leadership, with accuracy, what the vote would be if they bring the measures up to the floor.' Baldwin and Rep. Barney Frank established the LGBT Equality Caucus in June 2008. It now includes nearly 90 members of Congress. President Barack Obama has recently met with both the Congressional Black and Congressional Hispanic caucuses, but not yet with the LGBT one. Baldwin says this is because 'we haven't put a spotlight on it of late.' She said the group 'probably' would press for a meeting with the president in the future. Pressure has grown dramatically in recent days for a spotlight on LGBT-related issues in Congress."
Last Thursday, Lt. Dan Choi, Capt. Jim Pietrangelo and activist Robin McGehee were arrested during civil disobedience demonstrations to pressure the White House and Congress to act on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". That same day, activists were arrested in sit-ins in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco and Capitol Hill offices to pressure the Speaker to move ENDA to the floor for a vote.
There's also this in DC Agenda's report on last week's civil disobedience demonstrations. The newspaper interviewed the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor (HELP) where ENDA has been stalled since September. "Moments after the arrested protesters were taken away, Rep. George Miller (D-CA) was seen walking along a nearby street. He chairs the House Education & Labor Committee, which is handling ENDA. Asked by DC Agenda when ENDA would advance to a markup, Miller replied, 'Right after health care.'"


text:
Itel it5311 is a new keypad phone that is launched by Itel. The phone has a 1900mAh battery and wireless FM. It has a price tag of Rs 1610. Usually, the companies are focusing on the smartphones, however, there is a set of the user who are still looking for keyphones. Especially when the smartphone battery dies. This phone comes with dual SIM slot with 2G support.
Itel it5311 2.8-inch display having QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) resolution. It is powered by MTK6260A processor and has a 64 MB RAM. It has 64 MB internal memory as well which can be expanded up to 32 GB via microSD card. Camera wise, it has a 1.3 MP camera at the back with LED flash.
The Itel it5311 has a metallic brush finish and connectivity wise it has GPRS/EDGE. The phone also has features like Wireless FM, Smart Auto Call Auto Recorder, and Privacy Lock feature. The device also has support for Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati language apart from English.
As mentioned above, the phone is backed by 1900 mAh battery. According to Itel, the device provides 2 hours of talk time with a charge of 10 minutes. It comes with 1A charger that can fully charge the phone under 3 hours.


text:
The Needle Vinyl Lounge
The Needle Vinyl Lounge
Interior murals inspired by legends of music were spray-painted direct to the walls of this historic building for The Needle, a live music venue in Edmonton, AB, Canada. Custom signage invoking vintage record label logos or clean, contemporary restaurant fare were designed and hand painted or installed.
Some photos courtesy of Brendan Ryder
(Click through photos for full versions)


text:
Korpisalo stops 37 shots as Columbus beats Vegas 4-1
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Columbus backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo had lost three straight starts since his last victory on Jan. 18. He found out Tuesday morning he'd be playing in place of a sick Sergei Bobrovsky against the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights, and he turned in a gem.
The 23-year-old Finn stopped 37 shots, and the Blue Jackets beat Vegas 4-1 and hung onto the second wild card in the Eastern Conference.
"The team likes playing in front of him," Columbus coach John Tortorella said. "There have been a few struggles here and there, but he was solid right from the get-go tonight."
Korpisalo got some offensive help in a tight-checking game that reflected the urgency for the Blue Jackets, who are battling Florida and Carolina – both of which lost Tuesday – for the final wild card.
Artemi Panarin and Pierre Luc-Dubois each had a goal and two assists, and Zach Werenski and Ian Cole also scored for the Blue Jackets, winners of two straight and four of their last six.
"A lot of times this year, I think, (Korpisalo) went in and he was playing well but we weren't playing our best hockey," Dubois said. "For him to play so good tonight and to get that win, I know everybody in here is happy for him."
Marc-Andre Fleury – a Blue Jacket-killer in the playoffs last year for Pittsburgh – had 17 saves for the Golden Knights, who have lost four of five.
"Overall I think we got better and better as game went on," Vegas winger David Perron said. "We just couldn't get that second goal."
Panarin slammed in a rebound for his team-leading 21st goal of the season just 16 seconds after the opening faceoff.
Vegas, in its first visit to Columbus, knotted the score 90 seconds into the second period when Erik Haula snapped in a shot from the slot for his 24th goal. Haula is one of five Vegas forwards to have 20 or more goals this season.
Werenski put the Blue Jackets up 2-1 at 8:01 of the second when he powered a one-timer through Fleury's pads from beyond the left circle after a pass from Panarin. The tally by the 20-year-old Werenski was his 13th of the season, a franchise record for defensemen.
Cole made it 3-1 at 9:47 of the second with his first goal as a Blue Jacket after being acquired at the trade deadline. Dubois capped the scoring with an empty-net goal with 2:21 left.
"It's been tough the last four weeks," Korpisalo said. "To finally get a win and help the team, it felt good. It's something I can build on right now."
NOTES: Vegas' leading scorer, William Karlsson, was cheered during first trip back to Columbus after being snagged from the Blue Jackets in the expansion draft. … Vegas F Reilly Smith left the game in the second period and didn't return after taking a hit from Columbus D David Savard. His condition was not available. … A goal by Dubois at 6:14 in the first period was waved off after a replay determined Cam Atkinson was offside when he carried the puck into the zone. … G Jeff Zatkoff dressed after an emergency recall from Cleveland of the American Hockey League to back up Korpisalo. … Vegas F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare returned after missing seven games with a hand injury. … Atkinson has 15 points in his last 19 games after missing 11 games with a fractured foot suffered in late December.
Vegas: Plays at Detroit on Thursday night.
Columbus: Hosts Colorado on Thursday night.
More AP NHL hockey at https://apnews.com/tag/NHLhockey
Follow Mitch Stacy at http://twitter.com/mitchstacy


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Spoon #10
Spoon #10
Hand built ceramic spoon with a stoney matte glaze. This spoon has a nice wide full moon style bowl. The spoon is finished with a wrapped waxed twine handle and a loop on the end for hanging.
These ceramic spoons are best for either light use or as decorative art objects in the kitchen.
Measurements: 2.5" bowl, 8" handle, 10.5" total length
Care: wash by hand
sold out


text:
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To join a Munroe Sutton network, give us a call or email us at your convenience.
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text:
I ran this blog last year around the holidays and think it's worth running again.
Most of us have overnight guests at some time or another during the holidays. Here are some simple, fun, inexpensive ways to make them feel more at home.
- Get the bed ready:
Give your guests a comfy, fresh place to recharge their batteries. Put fresh linen on the bed (even if no one has slept in it. If the sheets have been on there awhile, they will smell musty and not so fresh.
- Pop for some new pillows:
Get rid of the old, flat, hand-me-down pillows and replace with some new fluffy, fresh pillows.
- Freshen Up:
Right before you guests arrive, spritz the bed with some linen freshener. Not only will be the bed smell great later when they hit the hay, but the whole room will smell fresh!
- Provide Necessities:
Make a traveler's goody basket and include some bottled waters, a local newspaper, a magazine or two, some chocolate or other yummy snack. Also include some of the necessities like a disposable razor, a toothbrush, small toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
- Power Up:
Make sure an outlet is easily accessible and be sure and plug in a multi-plug adapter so your guests can charge all their gadgets easily. Don't forget to leave a note with your Wi-Fi info easily available and any passwords they may need to access other things in your home (i.e., specific cable channels, etc.)
- Make Room:
Make some closet space available with some empty hangers standing ready. If possible have a drawer or two available for non-hanging items. If this isn't possible, place a bench in the room where they can set their suitcase up off the floor and within easy reach.
- Scrub-a-dub-dub:
Give everything a thorough cleaning to make it all fresh.
- Clean Liner:
Change out your shower curtain liner—an inexpensive way to make the showering experience much nicer.
- Offer Suds:
Provide a fresh bar soap in the shower and plenty of hand soap on the bathroom counter.
- Make a Basket:
Set out a pretty basket with small shampoos, conditioners, special soaps, and some lotions, shaving cream, etc.
- Slow Your Roll:
Make sure the toilet paper is stocked and an extra roll is easily accessible.
- Need a Tissue?
Check that a full box of tissue is available.
- Be Dry And Be Merry:
Provide plenty of fresh, fluffy towels to make your guests feel pampered.
Also, remember to stock up so you have plenty of coffee, creamer, water, tea, soda, wine, beer, liquor, snacks, etc., and prevent that last minute oh-my-gosh run to the store.
Follow these simple steps and your guests will feel totally and properly welcomed—and probably a little spoiled, too!
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
Have design questions for me? Submit them here - or share your project on The Redesign Habit Facebook Page, we would love to hear from you!


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Well, I have to tell you that I absolutely love this dessert.
It's French.
I like French.
I like dessert.
It is actually a classic French breakfast dish...or brunch.
But...also, can be a dessert as well.
I just wanted to say...
it is sweet
it is tart
it is dense
it is moist
it is very
easy to make.
You will love it.
You will like it.
You will lovey dovey like it spike it.
Okay, that just makes no sense at all!
Anyhow, I really think you should try this recipe this summer.
All you need is a variety of summer berries...whatever you like.
Some flour, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, milk, melted butter, and powdered sugar.
Oh, and you need a blender.
I don't know why the blender.
But it just might be an important factor.
That's what the recipe said to use.
I questioned it.
I wondered about it.
I stopped wondering and stopped questioning.
I used the blender.
And got amazing results.
1 cup strawberries, washed, hulled and halved
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 pint red raspberries
1 handful blueberries
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 tsp. lemon juice
2 Tbsp. melted butter
powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 or 10 inch pie pan with butter. In a small bowl toss strawberries with cornstarch. Place strawberries, cut side down, in prepared pie pan. Sprinkle raspberries and blueberries all around the strawberries. Blend the remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour over berries. Bake 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Remove from oven and dust with powdered sugar. Allow to cool and serve warm.


text:
As today's threat landscape grows ever more complex, defending federal government agencies becomes increasingly challenging. With some of the most critical assets and intelligence to protect, federal agencies need advanced threat protection. And they need to achieve this with limited budgets and resources – all while mapping to federal compliance and regulation mandates.
In this paper:
Whether they are launched by hostile nation-states or organized crime, advanced attacks jeopardize the nation's most sensitive information. In many cases, compromised agencies are oblivious to persistent threats that lurk inside their enterprises for extended periods — sometimes as long as several months. According to the Verizon 2013 Data Breach Investigations Report, 66 percent of breaches are not discovered for months. A big contributor to that delay is the sophistication of today's advanced malware, which easily bypass traditional signature-based defenses.1
Download the White Paper


text:
Memoir exerpt: "I'm in Here"
*I didn't post the prologue because of many reasons. They are just poems. Maybe later though. For now, here is a little bit (a few poems) from PART I. I'm posting this, because I'm not scared of it anymore and I refuse to be ashamed by it.
I have to get away from here.
This place is a prison
and I'm not saying that
because they won't let me stay out
later than two in the morning.
I miss my sister.
I miss my old life.
I miss feeling alive.
I have to get out of here.
Jaywalking is the best.
Mostly because Donna and I
almost died trying to get
across the highway to McDonald's
to get breakfast.
We were almost flattened
by two eighteen wheelers.
But we still manage to snap pictures of us
and send them to our sisters
waiting three hours away.
I hold onto the egg McMuffin
like it's gold.
A year ago,
I would not have
done this.
A year ago,
I wouldn't have
wanted breakfast.
I would have said
I wasn't hungry.
Bulimia is a bitch.
I wonder what people
I know would think
if they knew I am/have been:
having anxiety attacks,
burning myself,
and picking at my thumbs.
Not even my sisters know
and I trust them
with everything I have.
Last night I met a guy
in the bus station.
I sat with him for two hours
and talked endlessly on the bus ride.
I let him hold me,
nothing more than that.
Even though I told my sister differently.
I don't want her to worry about me.
She does that a lot.
But I said goodbye to him
in the end.
To be held
in a crowded place
and then let go is freeing.
No strings attached.
No feelings at stake.
Except I feel guilty.
Michael is at home
and I feel like
I've done something wrong.
I don't tell all of this to Donna though.
We chat over
making fun of the crazy people
in the Montgomery bus station.
There's this person
and we can't tell if it's a man or a woman.
They never put any money in the pay phone,
but talk endlessly to no one.
I think they're schizophrenic.
Plus, they snatch their jeans
and walk like a pimp.
I hate times like this,
not knowing whether
someone is a man or a woman.
I think I will call them
I am very cautious of them
and so is Donna.
And we stick together
because we look like the only sane people
besides Will from Cornell.
He's our age too.
He is gorgeous and nice.
We talk in the bus line
about how ridiculous all of this is
and make fun of the incessant infomercials
playing on the only television
that keep replaying
© 2011 Nicole Easterwood
In : Writing
Tags: memoir truth life bulimia depression anxiety teens people


text:
Now a venerable old man, my father, whose nearly ninety years of age can't keep him from drinking a glass of red with each meal, used to tell me years ago that wine from the Priorat region was the best. At the time, two decades ago, perhaps even more, few people would have shared his opinion. Mostly because, back then, it was an unknown wine produced in a sandy, marginal, poor and inaccessible region in the south of Catalonia, Spain. It was produced just as it was created in nature, without major enhancements, or any regulations of production or sale other than those satisfying the subsistence economy of the working peasants, owners of vineyards they inherited from earlier generations. Moreover, the wine producers of the Priorat sold their product wholesale. Sold by the gallon, it was available in small stores before supermarkets replaced them. Customers would ask for the desired amount and the store attendant, usually a big-bellied man wearing a blue robe, would open the barrel's faucet –with the word 'Priorat' written in chalk– and then fill up the five gallon glass vessel, supported by a lucerne carrier that one had to bring. During this operation, the wine the funnel couldn't swallow was inevitably shed and, along with the moistened wood, would make for the smell of confined humidity that is characteristic of cellars. The price was a few pesetas, an amount that would be absolutely ridiculous in today's terms.
The Priorat's red wine was sometimes offered to winegrowers from other areas at a clearance price, to increase the volume of production. Back then, it was very difficult to imagine that this long-ignored humble wine, coarse and sharp – even disdained –, could experience the mind-boggling progression it has gone through over the last 15 years, to become one of the most sought-after wines. Still, as it was usually the case –and although it was often hard for me to recognize it –the future proved my father right.
What makes the Priorat one of the most appreciated wines? The answer is best given by the enologists of the region. It seems to be a concurrence of alchemical circumstances: First of all, the warm and dry Mediterranean weather fluctuates almost twenty degrees, contributing to the grape's optimal ripening. Also, the shire is protected from the northern winds by the Montsant mountains. But, above all, it's the composition of the soil, which is made up of a grey and angular rock: a kind of slate known as licorella. The rocks broken into pieces help avoid erosion and allow cultivation in very slanted, well drained and sunny surfaces.
When the slopes are too steep, terraces are built to support the vineyards so they can settle their roots deeply and find the hydration guaranteed by the fragmented rocks' shadow. Since the steep relief doesn't favor a mechanical cultivation, production delivers very scarce returns: an inconvenience that nevertheless gives the wine its very special identity.
In the 1970's, a group of expert winegrowers –some of them real celebrities– became interested in the Priorat's huge potential and decided to restore the vineyards. They planted new vines, like those of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah, aside from the ever-present Grenache and Carignan. Years after their first investments, they harvested the grapes and the first great wines saw the light.
The result exceeds all expectations and generates unanimity: we stand before a star in the modern wine-producing universe; new, and yet the possessor of an ancient civilization's knowledge, as the monks of the Scala Dei charterhouse already produced this wine in the year 1000 (some architectonic vestiges of this charterhouse still remain in the form of a majestic renaissance-style, carved arch made of raw stone). Nowadays, the Priorat as an appellation of origin, extends to the ancient monastic vineyards, and the wine domains belonging to eleven different villages, extending almost two thousand hectares.
A little over a year ago, my father and I decided to visit this region, to which I was returning after 30 years. We rented rooms in a masia: a big house, with thick walls built three or four centuries ago, located in the midst of the forest, olive trees and vineyards; close to Porrera. During the day, we visited some of the sites suggested by the travel guide --but mostly wineries to taste wines and restaurants. Otherwise, we could always go back to the masia where the owner, Pilar, and her husband, had prepared lunch or a homemade country meal: simply exquisite. Pilar was the granddaughter of the last resident of the country house. Her grandfather had to emigrate to Barcelona's industrial belt, along with many other neighbors of the area in the mid-20th century, to find a job and overcome poverty. Born in Barcelona, she dreamt of going back –and eventually had the opportunity, thanks to the new possibilities the region offered. She rebuilt the family house her grandfather left and turned it into a lodge. I still had the memories, from my first visit three decades ago, of an extremely depressed area, where only a few old people had resisted the exodus. I reencountered the landscapes of fundamental beauty, the silence and sense of prolonged time, but it seemed as if poverty had been exiled. In the cellars and during our strolls on the streets and in the plazas of Porrera or Gratallops, my father and I found some moments of stillness for conversation and company, far from the clamor of the cities and their traffic that mark, for better or worse, our daily life. Tasting these exquisite wines –products of patience and rigor– not only did we find the pleasure of something well done, but my father, with characteristic reserve and modesty, also tasted an intimate and old conviction: these wines were certainly the best of the best. Another impression filled me with satisfaction: to see how a very poor region had developed. Now, it offers new possibilities to the residents, even to the sons of immigrants and others who restored the villages and gave them new life with businesses and stores that complement the wine-growing industry. Still, one thought wouldn't leave me: development can't be achieved without culture, in this case the wine culture --a lesson to many other places across the planet, suffering from underdevelopment because they have yet to find within themselves the source of their livelihood.
Illustrations by Camila Valdeavellano.


text:
Cute, cool and stylish <33
Love the happiness in the wallie.
1600x1200 Wallpaper
Artist Comment
Someone translated the TV version!
I got to be free all right. Yes I wanna be a star
I hop onto a machine called epoch
I got to be free all right. I decided to be a star.
This absurd game I've been playing all my life is what I live for.
^ Sounds better in Jap. :p
Full-view, please
Anywho, I guess this is my entry for Vectory's Battle of the Bands challenge. The song is actually the first ending of Eyeshield 21, which is a cool song, not exactly my favorite of all time, but I like it~
Completely vectored, textures from DA and I can't remember
where I got the patterns from, but I think it was from devART :\ I'll check later on.
Time: 6 hours
Layers: 15
And I'm pooped, I'm going to bed!
Comments welcome!
More resolutions available at EDD!
Chosen by Saikusa and euna
This is a wallpaper that is so simple, yet full of vibrance and details.
You could take a quick glance at the thumbnail and think, "Oh, it's just a simple vector wall," but when viewed in full, you'd find something much more in this wall than you'd have imagined. Careful choice of patterns and textures overlayed over flawlessly vectored image are the highlights of this wall. Just like saikusa has pointed out, "You could use this wall and keep finding something new with it every day," so go ahead and appreciate this wonderful wallpaper :D
More Air Gear Wallpapers
Browse Air Gear Gallery: Recent | Popular.
Kitaan Retired Moderator Jun 11, 2007
Cute, cool and stylish <33
acid-awakening Jun 11, 2007
Another pink one.
This reminds me of a dandruff ad, a dude was listen to hardout music and his dandruffs were all jumping out and someone asked "Are your dandruffs on full blast?" Lol but anyway, this is really cool XD
rika23 Jun 11, 2007
Yaddaa~ no pinku again! *get electric shock*
wai~! good vectoring,
nice put texture and burshie desu~!
omg. everybody geting into the contest O_O
boku must find something to vector now XD
Sinever Jun 11, 2007
lovely work Chloe-chan XD
the vector is awesome & its very nicley done :)
good job XD & best of luck in the contest :)
DarthTofu Jun 11, 2007
I like it. Very nicely done.
Good luck with the contest.
Someday I plan on watching Eyeshield because I've heard lots about the awesomeness.
MadoshiKurefu Retired Moderator Jun 11, 2007
Very stylish! ^.^ Good luck!
MapleRose Retired Moderator Jun 11, 2007
funky design ^__^ nice use of textures and patterns :)
nice vector, did you blur it a bit? (I'm not too fond of that actually, 'cause it makes it look kinda hazy)
pamkips Jun 11, 2007
Oh how I <3 this :D
Pink, plus crazy patterns and textures, oh yes
kiokorenay703 Jun 11, 2007
haha wow man this is SOO uwsom! ^^ I love it Alot. Pink is my fav color, there for this... Rocks my world! Great work, and a new fav for me :)
monicayurie Jun 11, 2007
Sugoi, Chloe-chan!
Pink definitly is THE color!
I loved it! + fav!
Bye... :)
rubenz Jun 11, 2007
ur works always great chloe san xD
fawna-chan Jun 12, 2007
That's so...CUTE! XD
Sorry, I'm in a squealing mood right now and I am squealing about this incredibly nice wall. Looks great with the vector. :D
yui20 Jun 12, 2007
This is soooo cute !
I am totally fall in love with the concept and patten u use in this wallpaper XD~~
gaara-no-shukaku Jun 12, 2007
Yay for funky design! Love the bold lines. Nice choice of patterns, very pop-art-ish and really inspiring. I think the slight blurriness is cool cause it gives a delicate style to it. Nice simple-ismy-type wall, and good luck with the contest. (I haven't started anything yet +_+ )
IzumiChan Jun 12, 2007
This thing of "___ is the new ____ " sounds so Paris Hilton-like~ XD XD
Loved her glasses! It's rare to see a pink-haired glasses girl... o.O
Lovely patterns (the one in her hair is just tah best! :D ) and great vectoring! :D
Just wished there were more musical notes on the right part... it's kind of empty... o.o
Graet work! :)
alterlier Jun 13, 2007
I like the patterns and the fact that it's not a disturbing pink, looks very retro, clean and smooth, yeah..
rachtsume Jun 14, 2007
this is way pinkilicious, very funky stuff, luuuuv it!
sailorchiron Jun 14, 2007
I actually like the title...This is fab, great job. I love the colors and the blurriness of the lines.
annakee Jun 14, 2007
i like the little blurry fx. the colors are giving a warm feeling at see it. nice wallie ^_^
Saikusa Retired Moderator Jun 14, 2007
So cute! I could tell straight away that this wasn't just the colour cover scan, but I was really blown away by the quality when I downloaded it! I love the way you've given it a light blur that makes it look almost as if it's a Shitajiki scan! :D
Wonderfully vibrant, and full of detail. You could use this wall and keep finding something new with it every day. Love it!
norine07 Jun 14, 2007
omg! XD really kawaii~~~ lovely texyure and all, lines are nice, neat and clean~
the quality is really good~ and the scan really pretty~ XD thanks for sharing~
p.s: i love the pink! XD
evilchunli Jun 14, 2007
thats really cute. i love the soft pink :)
Fran Retired Moderator Jun 14, 2007
Cool one ^^
It looks so retro and the patterns are so stylish
<3 :3
MallieChan Jun 15, 2007
No! Chloe-chan dont think the title is wierd its really cute
and fits with ringo i think lol
I love the patterns <3 its such a cute wall! make more air gear walls! please!
you break out the excitment the anime has !
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text:
Posts Tagged 'Barack Obama'
Daddy in Chief
Posted January 24, 2009on:
I'd like to keep the political content of the Amazing Pudding as low as possible, but I thought this video from the Bush girls to their father was well worth sharing. As an author at Dad-o-Matic put it, "At the end of the day, like him or not, even the President of the United States of America is still just a dad".
Tags: Barack Obama, daughter, father, George W. Bush, president