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The new country home stamp set is one of my favorites in the 2018 Holiday catalog. I just love how country rustic the entire suite is! And it also reminds me of the cotton fields all around my home in Hutto, TX. We're doing another class to go featuring the Country Lane suite. Details in the video and below! … Read More
An Un-Chrimstas Card featuring Card Front Builder Thinlits
In just two days, you'll be able to finally purchase this wonderful bundle you've been seeing for the past month! Today I thought I'd show you a un-Christmas card featuring the new Card Front Builder Thinlits. I cased this card from a member of the Artisan Design Team, Maike Ulbrich, who originally make a gorgeous pennant banner! I just knew … Read More
Stacey's Top 3 Sale-A-Bration Picks!
It's no secret. I LOVE Sale-A-Bration! It's my favorite time of the year! And for good reason! When you spend $50 in my online store, you can select a free product from the 2017 Sale-A-Bration brochure! And this year there are so many great products to choose from! And, of course, I fell in love with them all the moment … Read More
2017 Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek
Welcome back, Stampers! Today we'll be looking at a selection of products that you can earn for free with your qualifying order beginning tomorrow! I'm talking about Sale-A-Bration, the biggest sale of the year! Did you miss the sneak peek series for the 2017 Occasions catalog? Browse through the 2017 Occasions Sneak Peek series! Review part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5 and part … Read More
2017 Occasions Sneak Peek: Part 6
Welcome back, Stampers! Today we're on part 6 of a 6-part series featuring sneak peeks from the upcoming 2017 Occasions Catalog and I have saved the best for last!! Be sure to bookmark this blog (hit Ctrl+D on Windows or CMD+D on a mac). Even though this is the last post in the Occasions sneak peek series, watch this space because I'll … Read More
2017 Occasions Sneak Peek: Part 4
Welcome back, Stampers! Today we're on part 4 of a 6-part series featuring sneak peeks from the upcoming 2017 Occasions Catalog. Be sure to bookmark this blog (hit Ctrl+D on Windows or CMD+D on a mac). I'll be posting sneak peeks twice a week leading up to the Occasions catalog launch on January 4th. Review part 1 here, part 2 here, and … Read More
Faux Metal Vintage Leaves Card and Gift Box
Welcome Stampers! Today's project features the Vintage Leaves stamp set along with some watercoloring and a faux metal heat embossing technique. Today we're hopping along crafty blogs with the Stampin' Friends Facebook Group! This is the second time I've been blessed to participate in the Stampin' Friends Blog Hop this year! Thanks for inviting me back to the hop, friends! … Read More
Peek-A-Boo Washi Tape Thank You Card featuring Affectionately Yours
Hi there, stampers! Quick project for you on the blog today, a peek-a-boo washi tape card featuring the Affectionately Yours Washi Tape, Suite Sayings stamps and the Elegant Butterfly punch! Now, I can't take credit for this idea; my wonderful upline Jennifer recently posted a similar card and I had to copy it to share with you! Start by adding … Read More


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Happy days and peaceful nights. I am happy to report that my journey into enlightenment, or higher spiritual thought or whatever you want to call it, is off to a good start. I really believe it started with the original blog to win the lottery, and it has already progressed so much farther than I expected. I feel so much lighter, so many burdens dissolving in the mists of my mind. I feel so up lifted, or brighter, if that makes any sense at all. It seems like every day another door or window opens to me. Everything from physical doors to spiritual doors, mental doors or windows, whatever the case may be. Slowly the past is disappearing in a real sense anyway. I am continuing to acknowledge its existence and pertinence in my life now, but in such a different light! The past is very relevant to my life right now, and not all of it is good. The more I read, and look into myself, I am beginning to realize that the only thing I am a victim of is myself. Bad things happen to everyone, but it does not have to be a snowball effect, unless that is, you decide it should be. I am working on taking those snowballs that come my way, and instead of creating an avalanche, making hot chocolate instead. I like that much better on a cold day. It seems that I have known it all along, but was unwilling to accept responsibility for my own actions. It was way to easy to blame some one else.
New days are dawning and a new horizon is fast approaching and I am really liking what I see so far. I feel so much lighter and brighter. Like a heavy burden has disappeared, and it has been replaced by a beacon. The light is so strong it is blinding, and the loss of weight is invigorating! I feel truly blessed and know in my heart that financial, mental, spiritual and physical freedom are just a blink away! Strange, how a simple thought or smile can really turn a world around! everything I read and educate myself with, also seems to be duplicated in my angel cards and tarot cards as well. It is really quite mind blowing!
On to other things, I have not received that big win just yet in the lottery, just waiting for the right number. I am thinking 36 mil is a good number! Have not painted in a few days, giving myself a break for a minute and doing some jewelry. It is something new to me, and it includes a passion of mine, which is recycling. As soon as I get some done I will share. Do not be discouraged however, more paintings are on the way. I just need to mix things up sometimes, it keeps me from getting stagnant. I have many more paintings in my mind, it seems that I must divide my other priorities and interests as well. All in the name of balance and self development. My physical self and spiritual self must also grow with me. My wish is to grow in all ways possible and to keep myself on track! Sending out my love to you all and those whom you love as well, as always, diana

subset: commoncrawl


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These are some of the dishes we ate lately that's worthy of mention. Some passed the taste test, while others only scored well in the presentation or originality department.Having said this, let us all be appreciative that we eat for fear of going hungry. There are many who are driven by hunger to eat, and at times continue to be hungry because there isn't sufficient food.
Hi Dominic,Great photos capturedWill love to know where I can enjoy the reality of the taste.
Thanks for visiting, Steven. Food can be found almost anywhere - but good food is rare. Then again, my taste may differ from yours. Have a great day, my friend
Yah saw most of your masterpieces. Very impressed - stunning professional and your gluttons' corner makes me drool - now I'm hungry
Thanks for visiting, Mr Loh. Don't be misled by the images - some are not that good. Look good only.
Welcome back, Dom! It's been so long that we thought you had become a monk! 😅
Thanks, Mark. But it's more the camera than the skills la. 😊
Beautiful pictures and wonderful memories of Hokkaido. Made more special by your camera and photography skills.


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Centering Prayer meets twice a month and offers an opportunity for about 25 minutes of silence, meditation, and awareness of God's presence. All are invited the second and fourth Tuesday at 8:15AM. Coffee served. Questions? Email Rev. Scott Owings.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: October 21EYC Hike
Later Event: October 24Wednesday Dinner & Eucharist


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A picture is worth 1,000 words and those enabling us to express ourselves visually deserve credit, so a Swiss city established a museum honoring photography and the inventors behind it.
Sure enough, a globetrotting and enterprising Lebanese made his mark and earned a place in the Swiss Camera Museum with a series of virtual images.
According to a plaque featuring the work of Georges Abou Jaoudé:
Digital photography doesn't exist, can't be seen, just like the partition of a musical instrument, that's but a description of what we hear, differently every time, thanks to a musician's talent. In the case of our photography, no paper or screen is perfectly identical, not to mention the talent or taste of the operator who'll transpose this description into an image.
Digitally, one can describe an image that seems like photography, but that isn't, the explanation goes on.
But if the description is the fruit of an artist who thinks, who perceives, like a photographer, who uses the language of photography, the result can be troubling, and photographic, it notes.
Abou Jaoudé is just that, polymorphous, an architect, an IT person, a digital photography expert from the outset, he remembers the initial installation of an Eikonix (digital imaging system) in his lab and his collaborations with the publisher Skira, but also as a photographer, he delved into fashion and is equally a war reporter in the Beirut of his youth where he was trained by Armenian photographers.
The annual Visual Arts Festival, Open Air Photography Biennial and the Vevey International Photography Award draw the expected eager crowds to these events.
But equally fascinating is the Swiss Camera Museum, nestled between similar quaint buildings in Vevey's old town overlooking the Grande Place where aficionados can enjoy all things still and moving photography.
A veritable treasure trove packed in four narrow but plentiful floors chronicles man's (and woman's) century-plus journey via a medium to faraway lands, bringing out reflections of the best and worst in humanity, and highlighting how big bulky cameras morphed into the tiniest hand-held devices capable of storing thousands of images.
The permanent exhibition covers over 500 square meters (5,382 square feet) of displays.
It provides visitors with a rich history of photography and the amazing equipment that's been used over the ages.
Accordion-like Kodak cameras from the early to mid-20th Century are a throwback to when photographers wrapped a roll of film into a spool, locked it in, closed the back, adjusted the aperture, made sure there was enough light, and shot pictures.
The Rochester, New York firm continues making cameras and has joined the digital revolution, but somewhere along the line, Kodak produced cute items called Instamatics.
In the 1960s one would drop a film cartridge in the camera and buy separate flash light bulbs that fit on top or into a pop-up holder to shoot indoors and at night.
The shutter release couldn't be depressed if there was no film in the camera.
Back then, it was cool technology and although it wasn't high-res, the pictures were decent.
If one wanted really instant pictures, one bought a Polaroid. In went the film, click was the shot, and out came the picture from the front of the camera.
Only one hitch: There was no negative to make multiple copies so one had to shoot good photos and make sure they didn't fade with time, which, they ultimately did.
Long before cloud storage, external hard disks and thumb drives, people spent fortunes buying albums to save their printed pictures and negatives, after having dished out for all manner of black and white and/or color films.
Some still do.
For the uninitiated, baby boomers and millennials, negatives are strips produced in dark rooms from developed rolls of film using pungent smelling chemicals. One can then print photos and make multiple copies after drying them out.
The Swiss Camera Museum is a must-see. It's home to a collection of over 500 Photochromes, mostly covering Europe, but also North Africa, North America and Asia.
The mix of vintage and contemporary equipment and images is a feast for shutterbugs' eyes.


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The Storage Space was dreadfully upset on behalf of poor long-suffering Karen, who had turned as white as a sheet.
But then the poor, long-suffering Storage Space shuddered again, and again, and again…though by all rights a building shouldn't be able to shudder in quite that same, animated if you will, way. Shift perhaps, reverberate in response to some subterranean influence or other, but not that quick animated shudder. Well, really, would its next move be a sneeze or a soliloquy?
That slithering again, then something nice again, a gentle prompt to comfort Karen. But the Storage Space was beginning to recognize a pattern.
So it waited.
And waited.
No odd thoughts. No inappropriate language. At last it relaxed just as the female detective and the old woman turned from their conversation to notice, as the Storage Space had previously, poor Karen's condition.
That single word, directed toward dear Karen with the utmost compassion, had come from three different sources at once, in perfect harmony. It was as if a conductor had prompted it from an orchestra. The lowest, though nowhere near as low as her previous speaking voice, was that female detective. The Storage Space rather liked to think of itself as a rare countertenor, though of course it hadn't spoken aloud but rather spoken directly into Karen's mind and, it hoped, her heart.
But of course the pièce de résistance was Amelia's gorgeous soprano, perhaps so high because she seems genuinely shocked to find Karen in such a state. She went on, dropping to a richly resonant contralto, "You don't want this extraordinarily kind officer of the law to get to the bottom of whatever's going on around here?"
Her voice was a veritable symphony. What remained of the grand old stage, hid under the stair creaked so deeply it was as if a lion purred. The poor, long-suffering Storage Space was feeling positively languid.
But the "kind officer" had stiffened after her last speech, as if she had been caught committing a crime when she spoke in a voice nowhere near as low as her previous speaking voice. Finally, with renewed vigor and her usual deep voice, she resumed her interrogation of the old woman Amelia.
Meanwhile the Storage Space comforted Karen the only way it knew how to comfort itself, with tales rich with the extraordinary, and long since gone, elegance of the 19th century.
The Storage Space paused after another odd shudder, cautious and waiting, but instead of odd, nonsensical thoughts and inappropriate language there was an eerie silence. It was about to go on describing the glories of a curricle with a matched pair of greys, when it noticed Karen's face flipping between terror and a rebelliousness that suggested she was having an argument with herself. Then, just for a moment as if the volume had been turned up too high but was quickly corrected, the Storage Space heard the words "tell them!" inside itself.
The detective was grilling Amelia about Le Grand Rat!
Karen leapt up to grab both of the detective's hands. "Irwin no longer works here because I killed him."


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Organic Pesticides in Your Home –Preventive Measures
The title may seem challenging, but on a second glance, it is very simple. Sustainable agriculture is not only an idea; it is a goal and a priority of modern civilization. There are many dangers humans put our planet in and sustainable agriculture is one of the ways we can preserve our world. One of the key factors involved in sustainable farming is the usage of pesticides, namely organic pesticides. For efficient and profitable farming, but without the danger of polluting the soil or the water, organic pesticides work best. Insects and other pests invade our homes, too. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of pesky intruders in your home and make sure you consult the Vladislav Davidzon website for more useful information.
The dangers of traditional pesticides
The reasons to exclude chemical pesticides from your home are more than obvious.When you use pesticides, you expose yourself to many dangerous chemicals. Common risks include brain damage, problems with the immune system, hormone instability, Parkinson's disease, birth defects and many types of cancers. Besides the health risks, traditional pesticides endanger many beneficial insects like butterflies and bumblebees. These have a very important role for pollination and it is impossible to replace them. Furthermore, chemicals in pesticides reduce the amount of food for amphibians and birds.
How to keep pests out of your home
Prevention is the priority. If you act with care and meticulousness, you will not have to resort to more serious measures. Acting preventively will remove the need for further intervention. First of all, you can remove any attractant to insects. Common ones found in your home are dirty dishes or pools of standing water, pet food or leftovers on the counters. Clean up all the places where you leave your junk and keep your trash cans clean. Wipe up any spills in your cupboards, too.
Check all windows and doors for any signs of openings or cracks. Seal them all up so insects cannot get inside. If you want to go the extra mile, populate your backyard with ladybugs, lacewings or praying mantises. These insects act as predators for all the pests which want to invade your home. Spiders are effective, too.
You can also use different insect traps, like glue traps and bait traps. Make sure you use the bait traps outside of the house and position the glue traps inside. Make friends with birds, too. Position a birdbath and a feeder on a strategic place in your backyard. Your new friends will have a great vantage point and, soon enough, you will have a few feathered guards standing by. Birds love to feast on insects.
Finally, another great strategy is insect-repelling plants. Plants with distinct scents, like Marigold and Thai Lemongrass work best. The aroma they spread keeps most kinds of critters away, even including mosquitoes. Plant them around the house and create barries of a pleasant smell. Well, at least for you, because the pesky critters will surely hate it and run away!


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Local to Global: Peace Catalyst's Widening Influence
by Rick Love
Martin Brooks, Director of the Midwest Region for Peace Catalyst International, got a phone call from the World Affairs Council. They heard that he was the "go-to" guy in Louisville when it comes to Muslims, so they asked him if he would host Muslim dignitaries sent from the State Department. He joyfully welcomed 15 International Muslim guests to his home for dinner.
Most of Peace Catalyst's work involves connecting with Muslim students, refugees, and professionals in the ten cities where we work. PCI Denver, for example, puts on peacemaking events with the Islamic Center of Golden, just ten miles down the road. Most of our work is local and at a grassroots level.
But since our vision is to ignite a global peacemaking movement, we also work with high-level Muslim leaders, like Martin did, partner with international organizations, and have even begun to engage diplomats.
We have cultivated a strong partership with the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD). Douglas Johnston, the founder and President, is often referred to as the "Father of Faith and Diplomacy." He has spent decades working in D.C., helping the State Department understand that religion is an important part of foreign policy.
We parter with ICRD to work for religious freedom in Pakistan and to speak against Islamophobia in the U.S. For example, through ICRD we have a relationship with Imam Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, a Pakistani peacemaker who leads a network of Imams numbering over 27,000. That is a high-level Muslim leader!
More recently I met Rabbi David Saperstein, the State Department's Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, and Shaun Casey, Special Representative to the Secretary of State for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In both meetings we discussed how PCI can partner with the State Department to work for peace and religious freedom.
Our goal in these initiatives is to engage with high-level Muslims in what is known as Track II Diplomacy. Track I diplomacy refers to official, formal discussions by high-level political and military leaders, whereas Track II refers to non-governmental, informal, and unofficial dialogue and problem-solving activities between private citizens. Track II diplomacy, especially between Christian and Muslim religious leaders, has huge potential to counter violent extremism.
God is opening doors for us and giving us increasing influence for the sake of peace. As we finish up 2014, would you consider giving a year-end gift to our Waging Peace Fund? We need your help to expand our efforts at Track II Diplomacy. Thank you for your interest and support.


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Daydream: Compost
For the last year or so, I have been intrigued by the idea of composting. My desire to intentionally decompose food scraps comes from three current problems:
1. Our apartment is small and we have a big trash can and the trash gets smelly before it's full enough to justify taking out the entire 30 gallon trash bag.
2. As my garden grows a little bit bigger each year and I try more container gardening, I need to purchase more soil and compost from the store. I don't actually know where the stuff is coming from that I put on my produce plants or that I am spending my dollars on. It could say great marketing key phrases like organic and compost, but how do I actually know?
3. Food waste sitting in dumps is only helping to grow greenhouse gasses that only helps global warming out a bit more.
I recently read a few articles from National Geographic on both food loss and food waste.
(See the US Environmental Protection Agency for more info on HOW to compost personally)
The process is pretty simple (I THINK). Here are a few tools from the more aesthetically pleasing end of the gardening/compost world.
1. This walnut food scraps box is intended to sit in your kitchen to collect produce scraps until you can take it out to your compost
There are a ton of different styles out there, but I like the look of the wood for our kitchen. I found a much cheaper version here
2. Coffee grounds are basically gold for your compost from what I have read. We use a new filter every day with our Chemex. These filters could be thrown right in compost
3. A scoop (for the spring when planting) and a turner for the weekly mixing of the compost
4. A wooden basket because it's beautiful and would get used for a multitude of things....
5. Charcoal filters to help with any sorts of smells
6. These clogs are mostly day dream for days spent in a large garden someday :)
7. Composting worms i.e. "nature's garbage disposal" - this is for big time compost
8. These are my kind of work gloves for gardening and handling weird food things
9. Lastly, the king of the process, this compost can is perfect for an apartment with an uninsulated storage porch attached! (That's very specific to our apartment...I am sure it will also work for your home as well)
Just daydreaming out loud here. Let me know if you're way into composting and want to share your wisdom with me! Projects that are personally satisfying and also beneficial to the earth's wellbeing (therefore our wellbeing) are the best in my book...
From Pleasant St. on a slow fall morning


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Gilmore, Kenny had 'full-scale row' over water bills
Former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has revealed how he and Taoiseach Enda Kenny had a "full-scale argument" across the Cabinet table over the setting of water charges.
In his memoir, 'Inside the Room: the untold story of Ireland's crisis government', Mr Gilmore admits water charges became "Labour's biggest political handicap in the local elections".
In an extract from the book in today's Irish Independent, he said Mr Kenny was "goaded" by the opposition into revealing how much average households would have to pay before the local elections.
"He [Mr Kenny] put the issue on the agenda for a Cabinet meeting without my agreement - the first time he ever did that. This resulted in a full-scale argument across the Cabinet table, between the Taoiseach and myself."
Tánaiste Joan Burton has moved to play down the damage of Mr Gilmore's tell-all book about their difficult working relationship.
The revelations come as the Coalition is now deadlocked over rent caps.
Irish Independent
Related Content
- Burton seeks to limit damage of Gilmore's book
- 'Cabinet leaks put me constantly on back foot'
- Drowning in Irish Water: how Eamon fought with Enda


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This piece was published on the Africa Geographic blog in July 2014.
Heralded as one of the continent's most remote and untouched regions, the northernmost Mozambican provinces of Cabo Delgado and Niassa are unknown, rugged and more beautiful than the reputation that precedes them. Characterised by untrammelled wilderness, sublime tropical islands and a sprinkling of logistical headaches, this region is as magical as it is transient – courtesy of the natural gas discovery.
While organised activities and 'Big Five' wildlife sightings remain limited, what is left are the idyllic conditions for intrepid, independent (and fully self-catering) adventurers. Having spent months exploring Northern Mozambique, these five regions are what I would absolutely prioritise visiting:
Ibo Island
As the only inhabited island in Mozambique's Quirimbas Archipelago, Ibo – debatably a Portuguese acronym for the 'well organised island' – is a mangrove-laced sanctuary of ocean activity, on-land adventure and sensational cuisine. Life here is entirely guided by the habits of the tides and the skills of the fishermen. It is however, hardly inexpensive. Five star retreats and three course meals are most certainly the norm, though the ever-charming Baobibo Guest House does provide a happy rest for budget-savvy wanderers. In spite of having no more than 15 other visitors on the island at a given time, this is the most popular destination in the region.
Rolas Island
If you are seeking remote and uninhabited islands, you will have to sail further afield from Ibo on a privately hired dhow. Though the logistics are complicated – and 'uninhabited' is no longer entirely accurate – the tiny island of Rolas remains more than delightful. I could spend days snorkelling the perfectly clear waters, searching for the delicate seashells that allegedly possesses the soul of Samora Machel. Nights were a welcome relief from the unforgiving sun and limited island shade. Hours quickly disappeared around a fire with a fish caught by our captain, while the stars and moon lit up the ocean around us. Had we more supplies, we would have likely stayed far longer.
Niassa National Reserve
Touted as one of the last remaining 'true' African wildernesses, Niassa captures the hearts of those who crave uninterrupted and unmaintained bush. While wildlife remains elusive and skittish beyond the main camp perimeter, hiking opportunities up granite inselbergs are innumerable. A minimal park authority leaves this reserve entirely yours to discover. Bring a GPS, a well-cushioned food supply and extra petrol – supplies and support are both distant and limited, as we learned the hard way. The bush however is not. Upon straying from the primary road, dirt roads provide potential days of exploration through woodlands, rocks and rivers.
On the mainland of the Quirimbas National Park, it feels as though a human presence in the park is almost expanding into what should technically be wild and remote. A few tiny undisturbed havens do remain for those who look, with Mareja being arguably the most successful among them. A semi-converted Portuguese colonial farmhouse acts as a rustic base for walks twice daily into the bush. While chances of spying a resident elephant or kudu are low, signs and sounds of activity are plentiful, keeping the search exhilarating and authentic. Management of this lodge is generally haphazard, but if you appreciate independence and immersion, you are likely to be as delighted as I was.
Wedged between the edge of a fishing village and coral point in the Indian Ocean you will find Hashemi's campsite. Palm fringed with an ever-evolving sea view that shifts dramatically from cobalt to a vibrant sky blue, a few thatched mud huts and shaded tent sites make for a basic yet restorative retreat. The daily deliveries of lobster, squid and octopus to my sandy doorstep by fishermen still drenched and with snorkels in hand was routinely a highlight. While of course, human waste and garbage do knock a few points off my imagined paradise scorecard, the village's seclusion and authenticity make it one of the essentials on my top five list.


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Friends With Benefits
(Longform Improv) West Palm Beach, FL
We get off on scenic improvisation and playing with our scene partners. Our focus is on strong scene work rooted in the art of "who gives a f&%*." We take improv, but not ourselves, very seriously. Our goal is to create intelligent, playful theatre that the audience can get lost in.
Saturday, January 19 @ 7:00 pm - SPOTLIGHT STAGE Tickets $10 BUY TICKETS


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A Gap in the Void
She had a nagging thought that her life would end at 42, she grins as she tells me. From that came the work, A Gap in the Void. The documentation of a poignant struggle to achieve a balance between the fear of death and the hope for survival: a record of the changing years in a series of 42 ceramic heads.
Even as I wonder at the heads encased in glass cubes, almost 'trapped' in the water and oil, I realise that with each element she yearns to show how it feels to fear dying at 42: to bring near that sense of claustrophobia, of breathlessness. This is why the water is sheathed, in an almost sinister way with a layer of oil, not allowing it to evaporate. It is, as if, the artist felt, that placing the heads (and her fears) in boxes would kill the possibility of untimely death.
In the Blue Head, the crackled turquoise glaze is the only makeup this face wears, contrasting, and so beautifully encasing the dark brown head. And though pretty in texture, the form is one that disturbs: the mouth looking as if stitched shut, stifling voice and opinion. And yet, on the back of the same head is another mouth, open to speak, though not loudly, not in revolt. As if the mouth of someone crying for help, or learning to speak for the first time. A juxtaposition of one's own fear of speaking on the timid self that would try, hesitantly try, to make a sound. There is a sense of restrained pain, untold pain, bound inside this head without a body and it leaves you unsure if the voice will escape.
Yardena Kurulkar deals with a subject that most of us do not want to think about, our own mortality, the changing shape of life. As I contemplate each head, fascinated and, sometimes, running out of words, she nods, "It is okay to say you do not know how to react."
The next head I see, seems as if it wears a mask on the back, as if there are two personalities in there, residing comfortably together. One is a bit harried, the other almost looking like Socrates in profile, seemingly living life as it comes, stoic and in thought. The bald ceramic surface with its cracks denote experiences that life etched into that mind, that part of her life.
You do see her, the artist, in the pieces and sometimes not. You see the cherub she once was and the older person she might turn out to be. And yes, at some points the work reminds me of the Portrait of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde's story, where a painting takes on the years of the artist, his fears that turn into wrinkles, his joy that turn into laugh lines.
And a piece that I like to call Holding her Breath illustrates that well: the image of what seems a person too slothful or satiated to bother exerting himself to face the work of life. Its relatively smooth skin (surface) and plumpness imply a life given to pleasures.
Unlike her early work, A Gap in the Void deals with her study of man's denial of death even as he fights for life. How the certainty of dying betrays life's fragility. How life and death co-exist.
Yes, Kurulkar has shown before. At the Clay Talk group show at Sheridan Russell Gallery, London, as part of the Ceramics Contemporaries 4 touring show, London, UK. More recently, though the heads were part of a group show at The Gold Coast City Gallery, Australia and at the Queen Gallery, Toronto, Canada.
The heads, as she has created them, are reflections of her own stubble-marked one. I can imagine her, creating moulds of her own face in an experience that could only be personal and intense. It was as if, in using her own face, she wanted to breathe herself and emotions into that clay. And she did. Even so, you do not see her, but stages of life, emotion.
Her own journey with ceramics began in 1997 at the Golden Bridge Pottery, Pondicherry, India. Later, looking for a wider approach to the material, she did her MA in Ceramics from The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK, followed by post graduate studies at the same university. That and her year of residency at The Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, Canada influenced drastic changes in the content of her work.
While the earlier work focused on the material, there is concept at the soul of these pieces. When you remember that each head originated from the same mould and is yet so different from the other, you see each again as a chapter of a person's life, each depicting a different characteristic of that individual. Take for example the almost cherubic head, holding its breath under water.
Cheeks puffed out, mouth pursed, at first glance it seems as if it wants to come up for air and, then as you study it further, you notice there is a sense of peacefulness about it. As if, even though she is under water, she is in no hurry to come up for breath. The gentle curves of the head, the smoothness of the face, tell of a Buddha-like knowledge: there is no point in hurrying, that the silence is good and restful and that cocooning watery silence could be home.
The heads disturb you, they make you want to look away, unsure. I can imagine people strolling away, looking for lighter stuff and smoking a cigarette later. This is not gossamer and spring. This is dark, melancholic - one head looks gaunt with an eye that seems hollowed out. True, something you would not want to put in your living room, but if this was a part of a series of emotions, this would be the one that would evoke quiet fear.
But it does not leave you indifferent, somehow getting into your unconsciousness. A Gap in the Void is a personal journey, put up there bravely for all to share. The question is, how many will want to stare away from the mirror of life and into the one called death.


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The High Court has ruled against a man who is seeking to change the law on assisted suicide.
Noel Conway, a 67-year-old man, wants doctors to help him commit suicide because of his terminal illness.
The decision was welcomed by pro-life group Care Not Killing, which said: "This is not a day for celebration. This was a troubling case that sought to usurp the democratic will of Parliament.
'Troubling case'
"The current laws on assisted suicide and euthanasia are simple and clear. They exist to protect those who are sick, elderly, depressed, or disabled from feeling obliged to end their lives."
Two High Court judges ruled against Conway, but one, Mr Justice Charles, ruled in his favour.
Conway's legal team argued that the current law is not compatible with his basic human rights.
However, Lord Justice Burnett said it remained "institutionally inappropriate" for a court to make a declaration of incompatibility when Parliament has recently expressed its view on the matter.
A Bill to legalise assisted suicide was soundly defeated in the House of Commons in 2015. Following a lengthy debate, MPs voted 330 to 118 against Rob Marris' Private Members' Bill.
Conway, who has motor neurone disease, has already signed up with assisted suicide facility Dignitas, in Switzerland.
He was supported in his case by Dignity in Dying, formerly known as the Voluntary Euthanasia Society and says he will appeal the Court's decision.
UK vote
Assisted suicide remains illegal in the UK.
Under the law in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a person who intentionally encourages or assists the suicide or attempted suicide of another person, commits an offence which carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years.


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Reading a friend's Facebook updates about a PRO3 driver who he was coaching and finding oodles of time brought back memories of just how positive PRO3 racing was for me. Add to that the number (license) plate I saw on this UK car this weekend and I thought it was right to talk a little about what this great racing class means to me.
PRO3's platform is the BMW E30. A fantastic car for any racing series and in PRO3 spec, a formula that allows for some upgrades that address both driver skill and car setup but maintain a core emphasis on driver development. Having been part of that series for many years, a 40 car grid isn't an unusual occurrence and PRO3 is often the largest grid in any ICSCC weekend. With great car counts and fantastic drivers, the racing has always been superb.
PRO3 taught me so much about racing. Not necessarily about driving a car, that came as a result of the competitiveness of the class, but about racing itself. How to drive door to door, nose to tail, to learn about your competition and to battle it out with some really skilled racers. Whether battling for the lead or racing for 15th position, PRO3 was - and still is - superb fun. I learnt from some of the big mistakes I made on track and it formed the basis of the other key aspects of racing, such as sharing the track with faster and slower cars as well as respecting your fellow racer.
PRO3 wasn't without it's controversy but I have to say that despite any angst that may have existed, PRO3 was and remains a superb group of people. I met and made some of my best racing friends in PRO3 that have translated into opportunities to have fun together elsewhere. The camaraderie still seems as strong as ever and I hope that it continues long into the future.
Some might ask "why aren't you still running PRO3 after writing these words" and the answer remains the same; I wanted to be part of something brand new in SPEC E46 and grow it from the ground up. That doesn't mean to say that I don't miss PRO3 from time to time and will always relish the chance at the chance to race in the class as some point in the future.
I'll leave you with one of my favourite videos of a PRO3 race I was in. This was taken from Chuck Hurley's car (2014 PRO3 Champion) of the first 15 minutes of a race at Oregon Raceway Park.


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Art Association
Free "Art 101" classes offered with membership
Bartlesville Art Association is calling all artists in Bartlesville area to join or re-join the BAA, and as a benefit members will get to take a free "Art 101" class.
"Art 101" classes are introductory level classes taught by BAA members.
BAA annual membership is $30 for individuals. Members may take one of the following "Art 101" classes for free and sign up for more "Art 101" classes for an additional $30 per class. To join and enroll in an "Art 101" class, email email@example.com or for more info visit http://www.bartlesvilleartassociation.org.
Art 101 classes for 2018:
"Beginning Watercolor": 1-3 p.m. Jan. 17 with Martha Reyburn
"Acrylic Painting": 10 a.m. t0 3 p.m. Jan. 20 with Ashley Droigk
"How to Make an Artist's Website": 1-4 p.m. Feb. 3 with Celeste Cleary
"Hand-built Clay Project": 1-3 p.m. Feb. 16 with Sheetal Kulkarni
"Beginning Oil Painting": 1-4 p.m. Feb. 17 with Anne Spoon
"Using Saran Wrap with your Watercolor Paintings": 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10 with Cheryl Bryan
"Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor": 1-5 p.m. March 27 with Jim Buchan of Green Country Watercolor Society
"Double-walled Basket": 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21 with Kathy Barham
"Theatre Art/Scenic Painting": 2-4 p.m. May 4-5 with Rose Miller
"Small Knitted Project": 9 a.m. to noon May 19 with Pam Carrico
"Photography": 9-11 a.m. May 26 with Gary Gibson
"Beginning Drawing": 6-8 p.m. July 28 with Steven Graham
Free Christmas tree mulching available at Sooner Park
The City of Bartlesville will offer free Christmas tree mulching again this year at the upper level parking lot of Sooner Park, Parks and Recreation officials announced recently.
Undecorated trees may be dropped off at the designated fenced area, located just east of Madison Boulevard. Trees will be accepted until Jan. 22, 2018, and mulch will be made available to the public.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 918-338-4154.
Bipolar-Depression Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month
The Bipolar-Depression Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Disciples Christian Church, 5800 SE Douglas Lane in Bartlesville. Call Gary at 918-809-5023 for more information.


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Kings Hill Football Club gearing up for new season
After a very successful last season, Kings Hill Football Club is looking forward to even greater success in 2012/13, thanks to the support of Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust UK Ltd.
Liberty will be sponsoring the Club's Under 12's FC team, funding their away kit and helping towards the cost of their mid-week training.
"This is the Club's 10th anniversary and since it was founded we have certainly seen some growth," said Chairman Dan Mason. "This season we have over 60 volunteers covering 22 teams, made up of 300+ boys, girls and men who are committed to playing for, and representing, the community at Kings Hill.
"Last season was exceptional in terms of success for us and we are producing more winners of cups and league champions every year, throughout all age groups. More importantly we remaincommitted to the development and enjoyment of the game for all the boys andgirls in the local and surrounding community.
"We are delighted that Liberty is sponsoring one of our teams again."
Andrew Blevins, Liberty's managing director said: "We like to support as many community groups from Kings Hill as possible. The Kings Hill Football Club is a tremendous success, building itself up into such a popular club, and we aredelighted to be one of its sponsors again this year.
"It is great that so many people at Kings Hill are willing to devote their spare time to providing sports activities for the children."
Last season, Liberty sponsored the Under 11's FC, helping the team with all new home kit, a season long booking of a 3G all-weather training facility and training sessions with Soccer Elite Football Academy. It will continue its support as the team becomes the Under 12's FC.
Kings Hill Football Club also has a Vets team and for the first time, in season 2012/13, will have an Adult Men's team. For more information, please visit www.kingshillfc.org
Work is progressing well on the construction of the new sports facilities, with five grass pitches nearing completion and it is anticipated that works will starts on the sports pavilion and artificial grass pitch before the end of the year.
The Heath Farm amenities – which include allotments - have been gifted to the community by Liberty and Kent County Council and will be run by the Parish Council.


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A-LIST 2018: Editors' Picks
Our editors got in on the fun, too. We called out our picks for Dine Local, Fun, Services, Shop Local and Head to Toe.
A lot of people and a lot of opinions make up Tulsa. But, one thing is for sure: It's home, and we can't deny our love for it.
The following pages are the results of the 2018 A-LIST readers' choice voting. Readers named their favorite businesses in 100 categories. The top five winners in each category are listed, with exceptions made when a tie occurred.
Our editors got in on the fun, too. We called out our picks for Dine Local, Fun, Services, Shop Local and Head to Toe.
Dine Local
Nibbles, beverages and dishes the editors can't get enough of
7 Terrific Taco Joints
Los Primos
1028 N. Sheridan Road
514 S. Boston Ave.
Tacos Don Francisco
4008 E. 11th St.
Mr. Nice Guys
111 E. M.B. Brady St.
Calaveras Mexican Grill
2326 E. Admiral Blvd.
Mi Cocina
1342 E. 15th St.
Tacos San Pedro
1402 N. Harvard Ave.
Most Clever Restaurant Name
I Don't Care Bar and Grill
11015 E. 590 Road, Catoosa; idontcarebarandgrill.com
Most giggle-inducing drink order
Ediblend Superfood Cafe's "Sexy Yowza" made-to-order blend,
2050 Utica Square; 10115 S. Sheridan Road, Suite C; ediblend.com
Where the ambiance is as good as the food
Amelia's Wood Fired Cuisine
122 N. Boston Ave., amelias.us
Best new pizza
Prairie Fire Pie's meatball pizza — a taste sensation.
1303 E. 15th St., prairiefirepie.com
Best new thing I didn't know I wanted
Lone Wolf's soft serve ice cream at its downtown location. Rotating weekly flavors that we can't lick enough: toasted marshmallow and salted caramel. 203 E. Archer St., lonewolftulsa.com
Best vegetarian and vegan options
Chimera's menu bursts with veg-friendly options, starting at breakfast with the Twinster's Vegan Plate. It's a tofu scramble with mushrooms, potato and adzuki strips over arugula and adorned with avocado. You can't go wrong with their take on grilled cheese, the Monsieur Fromage, for lunch. 212 N. Main St., chimeratulsa.com
Ice cream lovers rejoice! Rose Rock Microcreamery always has four vegan options in its case. 502 E. Third St., Unit 35; roserockcreamery.com
Ri Lê's has been around for more than 30 years. It's dedication to flavor and freshness — and no doubt its dedicated vegetarian section on its menu — has kept customers coming back. 4932 E. 91st St., 918-496-2126
Robust salads, perfect pita sandwiches and succulent smoothies have been a mainstay at Big Al's Healthy Food for 40 years. 3303 E. 15th St., 918-744-5085
Successful sips
Polo Grill has been culinary couture since 1983. The Utica Square mainstay is known for its impeccable service, flavorful fare and extensive wine list. The restaurant's wine inventory totals more than 22,000 bottles and 1,100 labels. 2038 Utica Square, pologrill.com
Drink with a view: Some of our favorite spots to sip at sunset
Open Container
502 E. Third St., Unit 39
The Penthouse Bar at the Mayo Hotel
115 W. Fifth St.
In the Raw South
6151 S. Sheridan Road
The Rooftop
214 S. Main St., Broken Arrow
Best appetizers
Bodean's salmon pate and crostinis, 3376 E. 51st St., bodean.net
Tableside guacamole (or bacon guacamole!) from Bravos Mexican Grill, 4532 E. 51st St., 8010 E. 106th St., bravosmexicangroup.com
Smoke. Woodfire Grill's bacon jam, 1542 E. 15th St., smokewoodfiregrill.com
Andolini's Pizzeria garlic knots, 1552 E. 15th St.; 500 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 100, Jenks; 222 S. Main St., Broken Arrow; 12140 E. 96th St. N., Owasso; andopizza.com
Sweet sandwiches
There are no lack of ice cream options in Tulsa, but Sweets and Cream at 1114 S. Yale Ave. is special. It might be the kindness of the staff or affordability of the treat. To us, it is the simplicity of DIY ice cream sandwiches combined with the endless options. Try mint-chocolate chip ice cream between two chocolate-chocolate chip cookies, or vanilla inside lemon and strawberry cookies. sweetsandcream.com
Worth the wait
Torchy's Tacos: The line's long, but the tacos are legendary. 3330 S. Peoria Ave., torchystacos.com
Best use of cheese
Bakeshop's ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich made with fresh sourdough bread. Find it at the new Mother Road Market, 1124 S. Lewis Ave, when it opens this summer. bakeshoptulsa.com
Cheese Whiz never tasted so good. Phat Philly's does it classic PA-style with its cheesesteak sandwiches. 1305 S. Peoria Ave., phatphillys.com
Don't be a dip. Dip into cheesy goodness at The Melting Pot. 300 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 190, Jenks; meltingpot.com
The Brook's cheese fries are legendary … and delicious. 3401 S. Peoria Ave., 7727 E. 91st St., brookrestaurant.com
Decor for the win
Tally's Good Food Cafe takes Tulsans on a trip down memory lane as they eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the classic diner favorites are served, with neon and vintage vibes courtesy of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.
6100 S. Sheridan Road, 1102 S. Yale Ave., tallyscafe.com
Bucket-List Meals
Burn Co.'s baby back ribs, grilled potato salad, and mac and cheese.
1738 S. Boston Ave.; 500 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 135, Jenks burnbbq.com
Chicken fried steak, smothered in creamy gravy, courtesy of The Bros. Houligan.
4848 S. Yale Ave., 2508 E. 15th St. broshouligan.com
Prime dry-aged rib-eye steak cooked to perfection at Fleming's Steakhouse.
1976 Utica Square, flemingssteakhouse.com
Favorite Cheap Eats
Golden Gate Express
2620 S. Harvard Ave., goldengatetulsa.com
QT Kitchens
multiple locations, quiktrip.com
Burger night every Wednesday at McNellie's
7031 S. Zurich Ave., 409 E. First St., mcnellies.com
Shop Local
Editors dish on their favorite finds.
All things stationery
The Inviting Place
3525 S. Harvard Ave.
Find your next heirloom
Buying quality furniture is an investment. Big box accessories come and go, but quality pieces are passed down through generations. Many would find an Ethan Allen stamp on their most cherished pieces. Tulsans can shop the 86-year-old brand at Castleberry's Ethan Allen, locally owned and operated by the Castleberry family for decades. The shop, located at 6006 S. Sheridan Road, boasts a showroom of timeless pieces with a modern spin. Plus, their design team is second to none. 6006 S. Sheridan Road, ethanallen.com
Where to get framed
Ziegler Art and Frame
6 N. Lewis Ave.
A mug to love
Joe Staskal is a potter, painter and sculptor whose FatCityClay mugs boast a collection of one-liners. The painted and stamped hand-thrown mugs are made in Tulsa. You've likely seen Staskal at the Tulsa Farmers' Market. He has been a vendor there for 19 years. We love "Mug life," "Namaste bitches," "Tulsa AF" and various other Okie themes. The Nest also carries Staskal's line, like the one pictured. 918-855-1632
The right stuff
The old Archer Building along East Archer Street between North Detroit Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd. is the "new kid on the block" when it comes to downtown revitalization. The building underwent millions of dollars in renovations thanks to the George Kaiser Family Foundation, and is now home to some of the hippest digs in downtown. Magic City Books, Lone Wolf, Press, Made are open on the ground floor, with artist studios filling the top level. A board game cafe, Shuffles, will soon join the lineup.
Where to get registered
On A Whim
9146 S. Yale Ave.
Most curiosity-inducing store
The Hussar, 6029 S. Sheridan Road, sells military miniatures, military history books, diorama supplies and much more. www.thehussar.com
Best local source for kilim pillows
Jo and June
2313 E. Admiral Place
5 date-worthy shopping destinations
With a helpful staff, these five shops help us in our time of need — whether we're prepping for a dinner date or a romantic weekend getaway.
1701 S. Boston Ave.
Donna's Fashions
10051 S. Yale Ave.
Amaranth Collection
8007 S. Sheridan Road, Unit G
On the Corner
106 S. Main St., Broken Arrow
J. Spencer
8303 S. Memorial Drive;
1722 Utica Square;
870 Hillside Drive, Broken Arrow
Favorite longtime shop
2058 Utica Square
Houseplant heroes
These local shops are keeping our offices and homes stocked with live plants that provide a dash of color and good ol' oxygen.
Retro Den
1216 S. Harvard Ave.
Southwood Landscape and Garden Center
9025 S. Lewis Ave.
Ted and Debbie's Flower Garden
3901 S. Harvard Ave.
1502 S. Cincinnati Place
Customizing queens
There are plenty of furniture options in the Tulsa market, but where do we go when we want something customized for our home? Luxe Furniture and Design's staff take customers through the steps of designing custom home furnishings to match any style or existing pieces. The locally owned store at 9922 Riverside Parkway is a mecca for the design inclined and a refuge for those in need of help. luxetulsa.com
Head to Toe
Treat yourself with these editors' picks.
Healthiest way to get glowing: Slate Organic Tanning
Sun-kissed, beach-vacay skin: Good! Skin cancer and premature aging: Bad! Slate can transform even the pastiest among us into bronze goddesses, just in time for summer. With its brown-sugar derived formula, Slate delivers an airbrush tan that looks natural, and never orange. 3638 S. Peoria Ave., 918-992-5192, slatetulsa.com
Best salon experience for the littles: Kuts for Kids
Mr. Will of Kuts for Kids is a legend among Tulsa parents. He can convince even the wiggliest toddler to hold still for a haircut, and he's fast. His brightly colored salon offers kids their choice of vehicle — car, firetruck or motorcycle — to sit on while getting their "ears lowered." 8122 S. Lewis Ave., # A; 4936 W. Kenosha St., Broken Arrow. www.facebook.com/Kuts4kidsBA/
The most fun you can have at -220 degrees
Here's where to find cryotherapy, which safely uses liquid nitrogen to cool a user's skin and environmental temperature. Proponents say health benefits include reducing inflammation and increasing circulation.
CryoMed Clinic
4785 E. 91st St., Ste. B; cryomedclinic.com
Cryo in Motion
a portable cryosauna based at Oklahoma Fit, 820 W. Main St., Jenks; cryoinmotion.com
three locations in midtown, south Tulsa and Broken Arrow; recovertherapy.com
Men's pick for pampering: Elephant in the Room
Members of this locally owned men's salon receive a monthly haircut and treatments such as a scalp massage and a hot towel treatment. An Xbox room makes this salon feel part man cave, part zen oasis. Three locations, eitrlounge.com
Favorite fragrant fizzies: Bombdiggity
These Tulsa-made bath bombs will ruin you for all other brands. Throw one in the tub and watch your worries fizz away. They're kid friendly and use natural products. Find Bombdiggity at select local retailers or at bombdiggityok.com.
For real results: BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center
When exercise, diet and determination just aren't getting you the results you want, the specialists at BA Med Spa know what to do. A consultation might direct you to some of the most innovative techniques known today, like CoolSculpting. 510 N. Elm Place, Broken Arrow; baweightspa.com
Best way to rejoin the conversation: The Hearing Doctor
Are your conversations a rendition of "Huh?" or "What?" Perhaps it's time to talk to an audiologist who can help you rejoin the conversation. The Hearing Doctor, Dr. Brandy Vowell, urges those with hearing issues to schedule an appointment. It's the first step toward better communication with the people you love most. Don't miss out on your grandchild's laugh anymore. 521 E. Main St., Jenks; thehearingdr.com
Best reason to give up waxing: Best Threading Place
Threading is a method of hair removal that has been used for centuries in Eastern countries. A skilled technician, like Best Threading Place owner Sandy Patel, twists cotton thread rapidly over a row of hairs, removing them quickly and by the root. It's (mostly) pain free and perfect for facial areas. The shop is clean, quiet, affordable and quick — everything you want in a salon experience. 731 W. New Orleans St., Broken Arrow; facebook.com/bestthreadingplace
3 feet treats
Drop into Sole Massage's new Center 1 location (pictured) for a seated foot massage with organic massage cream and optional essential oils, 3509 S. Peoria Ave., Suite 200; solemassagetulsa.com
The Elemental Nature Pedicure at Ihloff Salon and Day Spa isn't your regular pedi. An additional massage, exfoliation and foot masque bring your feet back into balance. Three area locations, ihloffspa.com
More than a foot soak, the Ion Detox Foot Bath at Emerge Medical and Well Spa is said to pull out toxins and restore the body to optimal health. 9124 S. Sheridan Road, emergemedicaldayspa.com
Where to train up
Fleet Feet Sports
5968 S. Yale Ave.;
418 E. Second St.;
303 S. Main St., Broken Arrow
Where to tone up
525 S. Main St., Suite 101
Editors divulge who they call when in need.
Easy way to win dog mom of the year
Groomingdales Pet Salon
8162 S. Harvard Ave.
Relive the past
Gone are the days of VHS. But what do you do with all those home movies and tapes of important family events? Take your VHS tapes to Video Revolution. A/V experts will digitize your tapes to DVD. 7030 S. Lewis Ave., videorevolution.com
11th hour saviors
Your computer crashed, and your presentation is tomorrow morning. Who you gonna call? Mobile Macsters. 4817 S. Peoria Ave., Suite A; mobilemacsters.com
Find your best color: House of Colour
Should you avoid or embrace the color blue? Oklahoma's House of Colour consultant, Tulsan Crystal Smith, helps clients determine which colors make their eyes pop and their skin dazzle. A color analysis and makeup session uncover which shades are right for you. An optional personal style consultation helps clients match a new wardrobe to their color recommendations.
email@example.com, 918-740-4246
Girls just want to have fun, not be made to feel stupid
Besides having one of the catchiest local jingles, Robertson Tire is King of the Road when it comes to service. Several of us ladies have taken our cars in for service or repair and felt like the friendly folks at Robertson weren't trying to haggle with us or make us feel like we're road hazards. Plus, they just do a good job. What more can you ask? 14 stores across metro Tulsa, robertson-tire.com
Complimentary gift wrapping
These local shops do more than just sell us great merchandise. They generously save us from gift wrapping. That's service!
3525 S. Peoria Ave.
Summer Snow Gifts and Decor
4111 S. Harvard Ave.
Kiddlestix Toys
3815 S. Harvard Ave.
The Perfect Touch
4932 E. 91st St.
Car Care
With these businesses, your vehicle is sure to sparkle and shine from the inside out.
EcoGreen Mobile Detailing uses nonabrasive, environmentally friendly products to detail your vehicle. The best part? They come to you. ecogreentulsa.com
Rocket Lube and Wash has friendly staff, gives a comprehensive clean and has a gift shop to peruse while you wait. 4529 S. Peoria Ave., rocketlube.net
Gentleman's agreement
Sure, Travers Mahan is known for exquisite men's apparel and casual attire. But it's more than just the name brands that has kept customers returning for decades. It's the service. From complimentary beverages and snacks to a rose for your darling on Valentine's Day, the service at Travers Mahan harkens back to a familiar time. 8146 S. Lewis Ave., traversmahanapparel.com
Fun For All
The editors name their faves.
Our summer 'must' list
Fair Meadows
Live horse racing June 7-July 28; family-friendly fun. 4145 E. 21st St., exposquare.com/fairmeadows
Tulsa Geoscience Center
An appointment-only museum in the middle of downtown Tulsa. 610 S. Main St., Suite 200; tulsageosciencecenter.org
Tulsa Zoo
A summer isn't complete without a trip to Tulsa's award-winning zoo. 6421 E. 36th St. N., tulsazoo.org
Sno-cone from Josh's Sno Shack
A cool-down treat that comes in 20 exclusive flavors, plus dozens more. Multiple locations, joshssnoshack.com
Folds of Honor FreedomFest
Celebrate America with the largest fireworks display in the area. 2100 S. Jackson Ave., riverparks.org/freedomfest
Inexpensive, yet educational
In Tulsa, we're lucky to have Gilcrease Museum and Philbrook Museum of Art, both with free weekend events that boost our culture quotient. Philbrook's Second Saturdays boast free admission and themed kid's activities, including a fantastic LEGO exhibit. Funday Sunday at Gilcrease is the third Sunday of the month. The family-friendly event includes art-making stations with teaching artists. Gilcrease Museum: 1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road, gilcrease.org | Philbrook Museum of Art: 2727 S. Rockford Road, philbrook.org
Favorite daytrips
Get out of town and discover the great state of Oklahoma. These daytrip destinations are easy jaunts from Tulsa and offer a
little something for everyone.
Sequoyah State Park
1 hour southeast of Tulsa near Hulbert
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve/Pawhuska/The Pioneer Woman's Mercantile
1 hour northwest of Tulsa in Osage County
1.5 hours east of Tulsa
Grand Lake
1.5 hours northeast of Tulsa
Talimena Scenic Drive
3.5-hour drive from Tulsa to Mena, Arkansas
Best temporary art display
"Prairie Schooners" by Patrick Dougherty at the Chapman Centennial Green, East Sixth and South Main streets. The whimsical structures will remain until March 2019.
Best behind-the-scenes art
Get a first-hand look at artist studios in The Refinery at Tulsa Artist Fellowship, 109 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., tulsaartistfellowship.org
#Tulsa never looked so good
Grab your friends and your phone. Here are some great Instagram-worthy spots around T-Town.
Civic Center courtyard mural (as you enter Cox Business Center via parking garage), 100 Civic Center, coxcentertulsa.com
The white block walls near The Vault, 620 S. Cincinnati Ave., vaulttulsa.com
The greenhouse at Tulsa Garden Center is filled with succulents and other tropical plants, 2435 S. Peoria Ave., tulsagardencenter.com
Soundpony's women's restroom with its graffiti-laden walls and dramatic lighting, 409 N. Main St., thesoundpony.com
The Boxyard's shipping container shops have a modern, industrial vibe, 502 E. Third St., tulsaboxyard.com
The shops at Center One provides a minimalist backdrop on Brookside, East 35th Street and South Peoria Avenue, center1tulsa.com
Our favorite feline: The CASHnip Kitty
Strolling down East Third Street, you'll see folks passing dollar bills through the doors of GuRuStu. The dollar bills attract CASHnip Kitty, who resides inside the marketing company offices. Donations are collected and donated to the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. So far, CASHnip Kitty has donated $3,507.09 to the nonprofit. 628 E. Third St.
Paw-casso perfection: Project pet
Our fur babies deserve the royal treatment — a portrait, that is! Pinot's Palette offers Project Pet, a class specifically designed to help you paint Fido. Instructors help with tips and tricks to painting perfection. 1621 E. 15th St.; 212 S. Main St., Broken Arrow; 300 Riverwalk Terrace, Suite 160, Jenks; pinotspalette.com
Places we miss
Since it closed in 2011, we've been itching to go back. Nothing says the Sooner State more than a live performance of "Oklahoma!" under the stars. Rumors have swirled about its revival, but nothing official has surfaced.
Petty's Fine Foods
In 2016, the doors to the third-generation business closed for good. Gone are its impeccable customer service, easy grab-and-go commodities and its neighborhood appeal.
Miss Jackson's
The three-story department store, its high-end fashions and its warm customer service hearkened back to yesteryear.
The colors of Tulsa
Tulsa is a vibrant city. Just check out the plethora of murals that have cropped up all over town.
East 25th Street and South Harvard Avenue
A scissortail flycatcher and Indian Blanket wildflower cover the Harvard Square shopping center's north façade.
Hader's Gonna Hade
Tucked behind Two Guys Bowties at East Sixth Street and South Peoria Avenue is a mural dedicated to showman and Tulsa native Bill Hader.
Soul City Gastropub
The gastropub and music venue at 1621 E. 11th St. exudes its cool on its façade. tulsasoul.com
First Street Flea/Gateway building
Home of the original Habit Mural Festival, numerous murals and tags adorn the multi-purpose building at 860 E. Admiral Blvd.
The original Tulsa flags
Tulsa's mural craze dates back to 1984, when artist Jim Corlett painted 17 colorful flags across from the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
The mural says it all. Kiddlestix Toy Store's colorful mural displays the energy inside Tulsa's toy store at 3815 S. Harvard Ave. kiddlestixtoys.com
Habit created a collage dedicated to one of Tulsa's most famous products, Hanson. Located outside their studio at 209 N. Main St. 3cgrecords.com
Pearl District Revival
Reinvention is the theme of the massive mural on the Tulsa Beef and Provision Building at 1537 E. Seventh St.
Culture comes to TIA
The Tulsa International Airport has a dose of color and whimsy in its wall of murals at the departure terminal. tulsaairports.com
Love equality
Celebrating all forms of love and unity, this adorns the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. Fourth St. okeq.org


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Series 2
|Nothing is a worse season than series 2. Colin Baker's first season is better than series 2. The shitty divergent universe arc where big finish got too big in their ideas and fucked up royally was better than series 2. A compilation of Pertwee's worst serials put together as a season would be a better season than series 2. Peter Capaldi could make out with Alex Kingston for a solid hour once a week for 12 episodes and a Christmas special where he cops a feel as well and I'd still enjoy it more than series 2. There's nothing gold about series 2 besides the composer's name in the credits, just a few dim flakes of silver in a collapsing mountain of shit and mediocrity.
— Steven Moffat, Doctor Who Confidential
|Season 28
|Welcome to your future.
About Time
|15 April 2006
|8 July 2006
Series guide
|Series 1
|Series 3
Season 28 (Series 2 to scrubs) was the introduction of David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor after Rusty bumfucked too many crew members for Eccleston's taste. Rose stuck around though, and she seriously fell in love with the Doctor, which was much bullshit.
|Episode Title
|Written by
|The Christmas Invasion
|Russell T, Davies
|The best part is the spinning deadly Christmas tree, because that's Doctor Who as fuck, amirite? I liked that part anyways. David Tennant spends most of his time in bed after having regenerated and the Sycorax (a name stolen from Shakespeare and a moon of Uranus) ROCK! or so they claim. The Doctor loses his hand and is forced to wear a chainsaw attachment for the rest of Ten's run.
|New Earth
|Russell T Davies
|Chips and the Doctor go to a New Earth with apple grass. That sheet woman comes back and makes Rose touch her arse. Also plague zombies and some bullshit 'if I cover myself with every cure I can make some negative cure spell'. It's terrible.
|Tooth and Claw
|Russell T. Davies
|Wose and the Doctah make jokes while werewolves kill people in 1879, meeting Queen Victoria in the process; she is not amused and creates Touchwood to deal with them.
|School Reunion
|Toby Whithouse
|K-9 and Sarah Jane Smith show up at a school where the badguy aliens are bats that eat children. Muh Roes gets pissy at this because *gasp* the Doctor knows ANOTHER WOMAN! :O
Also starring that British bloke from Buffy The Vampire Slayer tv show.
|The Girl in the Fireplace
|Steven Moffat
|Moffat peaked exactly here. Pretty comfy.
|Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel
|Tom MacRae
|Parallel dead relatives = drama, the story involves Rose lamenting for 45 minutes about how sad it is that a version of her father that wasn't SPLINKED existed, then some Cyberdudes invade her dad's mansion in a fucking awesome sequence that is ultimately pointless since Lumic can control almost everyone via earpods anyway.
|The Idiot's Lantern
|Mark Gatiss
|The Impossible Planet
|Matt Jones
|The Doctor fights the Devil...
You thought I was joking, but the second part is literally called The Satan Pit.
|Love & Monsters
|Russell T. Davies
|The perfect episode to get any new friends into Doctor Who.
|Fear Her
|Matthew Graham
|For what purpose was this made? Legend has it this was a last-minute script written
|Army of Ghosts/Doomsday
|Russell T. Davies
|Once again, Rusty sets up some great hype and fails to deliver on it. But the journey to the let down is pretty great. The Cybermen clash with the Daleks, in an epic war to determine which is the superior monster, it's like Alien Vs Predator, and like Alien Vs Predator, the more interesting creature is utterly neutered and reduced to fodder, making the fight completely one sided and boring. Still, Rusty banishes Rose "forever", so there's that.
|Eras of Doctor Who
Season 1 • Season 2 • Season 3 • Season 4 • Season 5 • Season 6 • Season 6B • Season 7 • Season 8 • Season 9 • Season 10 • Season 11 • Season 12 • Season 13 • Season 14 • Season 15 • Season 16 (The Key to Time) • Season 17 • Season 17B • Season 18 • Season 19 • Season 20 • Season 21 • Season 22 • Season 23 (The Trial of a Time Lord) • Season 24 • Season 25 • Season 26 • Season 26B
BBV • Big Finish Productions • Comics • Death Comes to Time • Devious • Dimensions in Time • Doctor Who Magazine • Doctor Who: Last of the Time Lords • Lost in the Dark Dimension • Reeltime Pictures • Scream of the Shalka • Shalka Doctor • TV Movie • The Curse of Fatal Death • The Stranger • Virgin New Adventures
Series 1 • Series 2 • Series 3 • Series 4 • Series 4 Specials • Series 5 • Series 6 • Series 7 • Series 7 Specials • Series 8 • Series 9 • Series 10 • Series Dubs • Series 12 • Series 13 • Series 14 • Series 16 • Series 17


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Essay heading: "Examining the Lack of Application of Path Goal Theories of Leadership in Corporate Panama".
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August 17, 1999
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As we have analyzed in class and our findings, we can state that Leadership theories, seen from the perspective of motivation, and Goal Pursuance within a group, is susceptible to constant changes, development, and radical evolution. Having said that, Path Goal Theory can be described as the constant evolution of the Expectancy Theory which translates into the ability of the leader to inject motivation into his/her subordinates based on the ability to create a picture clear image of the Goal at hand, validation on the subordinates capabilities to perform the tasks at hand, and the rewards to be obtain once the Goals are met...
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Recent studies have derived a latter theory called the Hope Theory (HT) which is also based on Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is interested in the study of the drivers that has made individuals, societies, and civilizations to prosper and Flourish (Helland & Winston, 2005). The interrelation of the Positive Psychology, the Hope Theory, and the Path Goal Theory is a very symbiotic one...
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QUEBEC — Yves St-Denis, a Liberal member of the Quebec legislature, has been forced to leave the ruling Liberal caucus following allegations of sexual misconduct.
According to 98.5 FM and Cogeco News, the MNA for Argenteuil reportedly sent a photo to a female Liberal employee that appears to show a man receiving fellatio from a woman.
The employee told Cogeco journalist Louis Lacroix that it happened shortly before the 2014 provincial elections after a conference call that brought together candidates from the Laurentians area north of Montreal.
Says photo was from pornographic movie
In his defence, St-Denis, 54, said the photo was not of him, but is actually a picture of a pornographic movie he had been watching, and that it was supposed to be a joke.
Cogeco also reported that St-Denis is accused by other party employees of verbally abusive behaviour, including sexually charged comments.
Both the Quebec Liberal Party and National Assembly have opened investigations into the claims.
Sources told The Canadian Press that St-Denis was told he would be expelled at a caucus meeting Tuesday afternoon if he didn't leave of his own accord.
Tuesday morning, St-Denis sent a news release announcing he was stepping down.
The MNA has represented the riding of Argenteuil, north of Montreal, since 2014. He will now sit as an independent. His replacement as parliamentary assistant to the Quebec labour minister is expected to be announced in the coming days.
Complaint filed in December
Liberal caucus whip Nicole Ménard, who enforces caucus discipline, confirmed that she received a call from his employee on Dec. 1. Ménard "strongly advised her to file a complaint" and referred her to the National Assembly's harassment policy.
She did not, however, meet with St-Denis to ask about his version of events.
Québec Solidaire spokeswoman Manon Massé questioned why the Liberals waited for the story to come out in the media before acting.
"It's called sexual harassment. This is what women live at many moments in their lives and it must stop," she said.
While Liberal colleagues were mostly silent about the case, cabinet minister Robert Poëti said St-Denis' resignation from caucus was necessary. "Under the circumstances, with what I heard this morning, it's an excellent decision," said Poëti.
What a pervert!Nathalie Roy
Opposition politicians were less restrained. "Sending pornography to an employee? What a lack of judgment. What a pervert!" said Coalition Avenir Québec MNA Nathalie Roy at a press conference.
The Quebec Minister for the Status of Women Hélène David, who has been stressing the importance of denouncing sexual harassment, said there is "zero tolerance" for this type of behaviour.
David defended Ménard's choice to refer the employee to a complaints process, but conceded that the process can always be improved.
Unruly legislative behaviour
Some elected officials said they had problems with St-Denis' partisan behaviour in the past.
His behaviour during question period was so disruptive that the party had to move his seat in the National Assembly.
A ruckus caused by St-Denis in 2016 was so unruly that Québec Solidaire leader Amir Khadir came to the defence of a CAQ colleague in the legislature. Khadir called St-Denis a "goon" and accused him of "harassment" after the incident.
St-Denis is the third member of the Liberal caucus to be forced out due to allegations of sexual misconduct. MNAs Gerry Sklavounos in 2016 and Pierre Paradis in 2017 were also removed.
The two men are still sitting as independent members of the legislature and have not been charged with any wrongdoing. Neither of them have confirmed if they plan to run again in this year's provincial election.
With files from The Canadian Press
Also On HuffPost:


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Lynda Hesketh, Chair and founder member of Chester Adult Phab Club, a social club for people with and without disabilities was presented with The Order of the British Empire Medal by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Mr David Briggs at the Investiture held at the Town Hall, Chester on Tuesday 15 November 2016.
The award is in recognition for her services to Chester Adult Phab Club over 27 years and was granted to Lynda in the Birthday 2016 Honours List.
Lynda quoted 'The investiture was a memorable day and I am delighted to receive such a prestigious accolade', she also quotes – 'Phab is an amazing charity enriching and transforming many lives'.
Lynda and her guest Kate were invited to The Royal Garden Party 0n 1 June 2018.
Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'BEM'.
The honours system recognises people who have:
- made achievements in public life
- committed themselves to serving and helping Britain
They usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.
For more details on how to become involved in this volunteer led organisation, please telephone
Lynda Mob Tel No: 07828 571952 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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This Sunday, my family will try. We're planning a "nice day" together, but the resentment, sulkiness and "why-can't-I-just-be-with-my-friends" sentiments are palpable already. At the moment, my family is awfully far away from a greeting-card, Pinterest-worthy Mother's Day celebration.
Listen. My oldest child is 17 and in the throes of his adolescent "identity crisis" (Erickson, 1968). I am 46; the evidence of aging in my body and in my parents--all of whom I expected to stay young and healthy forever--hits me daily like so many unexpected and violent slaps to my wrinkled face.
Lately, our little family has struggled with death and disillusionment; some of my core beliefs have been shaken as if by hurricane winds; we've been battening down hatches and trying to get some footing in the storm. Even the dog is going senile, doing his personal best to unravel my sanity with his barking (at everything, at nothing, all the livelong day).
A Mother's Day full of appreciation and warm feelings and "I love you, Mommy" breakfast-in-bed is deeply unlikely. The children who honored me by making me a mother? Well, they resent my very existence, and most especially the mother-y things I do. It's confusing. We'll spend part of the day celebrating my mom, of course--which is right and good--but even that is confounding. I don't know about you, but patterns of misery with my adolescent children tend to agitate miserable memories from my own mis-spent youth.
I know this much: expecting an imperfect Mother's Day celebration is the only way to guarantee a good time. Sunday will be special because my husband and I will do our best to remain present and open--even in the midst of adolescent grumbling--to the spontaneous joy of being together. The more I let go of commercialized visions of My Perfect Mother's Day, the better my day is bound to be.
In the meanwhile, here are a few authentic Mother's Day sentiments my teenagers might express if they thought they could get away with it. Because sometimes, keepin' it real is the best way to face the hype of the holidays.
You don't even have sense enough to drink when somebody brings you a cup of consecrated chicken soup — which is the only kind of chicken soup Bessie ever brings to anybody around this madhouse. - J.D. Salinger, Franny and Zooey


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Measuring the Success of D&I (beyond quotas)
The mantra persists that the success of D&I cannot be measured – or only with a few key personnel figures. In fact, measurements of corporate culture and involvement are already taking place. D&I success measurements make sense – and are important – from various perspectives.
Whether as SWOT analyses of the initial situation, for reporting or as a control instrument for project or process management. Success measurements are core elements of effective change approaches.
"All the more, it is astonishing that even after twenty years of professionalisation in D&I, this area still appears to be underdeveloped." Michael Stuber
For your company, our differentiated D&I success measurement approaches offer the best opportunities to supplement the topic on the basis of facts.
Measure achievement of D&I targets: KPIs for diversity, openness and inclusion
Defining diversity as a goal seems obvious at first, but questionable in view of D&I's value chain. In addition, strict requirements trigger the perception of inverse discrimination. Our approach to measuring the success of D&I is therefore based on the Propelling Performance Principle and, in addition to diversity, also covers the perceived openness in the corporate culture and the experienced involvement in cooperation, by managers and in processes.
Measure D&I progress: Implementation and effectiveness
Like other change topics, D&I also suggests evaluating the progress of implementation and the effectiveness of the measures. We usually measure the success of programs and initiatives by the achievement of the communication or action goals set in each case. For trainings or events, we often apply a gain of knowledge and transfer of implementation. For mentoring or networks, we use increased visibility or development of the participants.
Measure added values of D&I: Financially quantifiable cost-benefit analysis
In both success measurements, the final building block is the quantification of the added values achieved. Your company designs diversity, openness and involvement with the aim of using potential in the best possible way and implements D&I measures to realize improvements. The increases in individual productivity, team effectiveness or market success can be related to the costs of the D&I programs. The results of the calculations show that D&I initiatives typically have a significantly higher ROI than comparable mass or mainstream programs.
What is directly related to sucess measurement:
- What are the measurable benefits of D&I
- The Success Factors for D&I: Culture & Leadership
- The value-chain of D&I"The Propelling Performance Principle"
Verwandte Themen
Further Reading
Method toolkit: How the success of D&I can be measured (German)
What metrics for Inclusion we can get from employee survey data


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Skills summary:
o Extensive experience in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, particles, shaders, and in-engine implementation.
o Understanding of form, volume, weight, and scale.
o Familiarity with traditional art. Drawing, painting and sculpting.
o Well versed in the technical aspects of video game art such as topology, edge flow, UV unwrapping, texture efficiency, polygon efficiency, and modular modelling techniques.
o Strong knowledge of technical & artistic concepts unique to video game development.
o Experience with rigging, skinning and animation.
o Programming and scripting experience. Both in-engine and development of external tools and applications.
o Strong background in programming tools for content creation software such as Photoshop, Unity3D, 3ds Max, Maya, and MODO; as well as tools for engine editors such as Unity and Unreal.
o Experience as a software engineer in the development of client-server model applications, frontend and backend.
o Reliable problem-solving and technical skills.
o Have used Scrum and Agile methodologies. Familiarity with version control software such as Perforce, Plastic SCM, SVN, and Git.
o Excellent team work skills. Able to communicate and resolve complex problems as they arise.
o Great passion for video game development.
o Language skills: English (Fluent), Spanish (Fluent), French (Intermediate), Japanese (Intermediate).
Professional Experience:
Sep 2019 - Present | Technical Artist / テクニカルアーティスト - Wise, Inc.
Nov 2018 - Sep 2019 | 3D Simulation Engineer / 3Dシミュレーションエンジニア - Ascent Robotics, Inc
o Development and maintenance of simulators and related tools with the purpose of data generation and AI validation. Worked directly with the AI team.
o Research and evaluation of technologies and solutions for further simulation development.
o Infrastructure and automation related tasks for source control systems and continuous integration
o Technologies: Maya, Unreal Engine, C++, Python, Git, Plastic SCM, Ubuntu
Nov 2017 - Apr 2018 | Freelance Technical Artist - Mech Mocha - Hello Ludo
o Visual development tasks for defining the look and feel of the game art and VFX.
o 3D modelling, texturing, animation, and rendering of assets for real-time in-engine implementation, as well as pre-rendered sprites and VFX.
o Had full ownership of the whole game art pipeline, tech art, animation, and VFX set up.
o Planned, produced and implemented most of the game VFX.
o Shader programming and optimization for all visual elements and VFX.
o Planning and development of Unity editor tools for faster testing and implementation of art and tech.
o Full ownership of all the gameplay frontend systems and engineering. Implemented in its entirety the gameplay frontend and its interaction with the gameplay backend.
o Documented and maintained all technical documents related to the frontend API and all the art, animation and VFX tech set up.
o Coordinated with the gameplay engineering team to plan, implement, test, and debug all gameplay features.
Sep 2017 - Dec 2017 | Freelance Tools Programmer - Numik
o Planning and development of software tools for 3ds Max.
o Tools were designed with the client's specific workflows and involved automating tasks such as texture and model processing, lighting, and the usage of tool data and settings across multiple workstations.
o Tools also interacted with external 3ds Max plugins and software such as ForestPack, RailClone, and Redshift Renderer.
o Tool development done primarily in MAXScript, as well as with the integration of external .NET libraries.
Jun 2017 - Oct 2017 | Freelance Environment Artist - Studio Kikito
o Modelling, texturing, lighting, and implementation of stylized environments in the Unity engine
o Development of custom shaders as needed for the environments
o VR project
Jul 2017 - Jul 2017 | Freelance Software Engineer - Rolamix
o Backend development for a web/mobile application
o Implemented missing features and endpoints (such as authentication and Algolia Search implementation)
o Cleaned up old code, added unit tests, and documented all the API's endpoints and features
o Took ownership of the backend portion of the web app mid-way through its development
o Technology stack: JavaScript, NodeJS, S3, and MongoDB
Dec 2016 - Jul 2017 | Software Engineer - Wizeline
o Front-end development of a complex web application (My Home) using NodeJS, and React Redux for Realtor.com.
o Coordinated and worked alongsite Move's team in the development of the web application.
o Was also involved in designing and developing chat bot web applications for specific clients.
o Worked with the UX and engineering teams to implement and develop both the backend and frontend components of the bots' interaction.
o Integrated the chat bots on the clients' websites and deployed them using Docker.
o Documented the internal APIs and the instructions on the usage of the applications.
o Technology stack included JavaScript, NodeJS, React Redux, MongoDB and RethinkDB as the main technologies.
Aug 2016 - Dec 2016 | Freelance 3D Artist & Technical Artist
o Games2Win: Was involved in modelling, texturing, optimization, and engine implementation tasks of 3D vehicles for their car-themed mobile games.
Apr 2016 - Sep 2016 | Freelance Motion Graphic Artist – WeCO
o Was involved in planning, producing, and polishing motion graphic animations for the Kickstarter campaign of the project.
o Troubleshot and volunteered for smaller technical tasks such as video formatting and caption production and implementation.
May 2016 - Aug 2016 | Freelance 2D Digital Artist
o Produced 2D banners and promotional material for the following clients:
Earth Children for the Planet
Earth Children for Humanity
Vegans & Elephants
Feb 2015 - Apr 2016 | 3D Artist & Technical Artist - Unannounced Mobile Project - gumi Canada
o Was involved in graphics programming tasks such as shader programming, post-effects programming and development, rendering systems among other tasks.
o Programmed and implemented in-engine systems related to the visuals of the game, such as lighting processes, modular environments, procedural 3D art, and dynamic VFX systems.
o Designed, modelled, textured, lit, implemented, and troubleshot 3D environments and props used in the game. Iterated through them constantly according to the art & design direction of the game.
o Designed and implemented some environment-related VFX, as well as providing the necessary tech for their implementation.
o Supported the character department with rigging, skinning, scripting and some tool programming tasks.
o Optimized, implemented, and troubleshot processes related to the external software packages.
o Developed and supported both in-engine tools and external tools for designer and artist specific workflows.
o Worked with art, design, and programming teams to establish efficient workflows and processes, and constantly improved them as the project evolved.
o Troubleshot and supported the art and design teams with any art-related technical issues.
Jul 2014 - Feb 2015 | Technical Artist - RBI Baseball 15 (Console/Mobile) - HB Studios
o Developed and implemented art related pipelines and workflows.
o Designed, created and maintained art related tools and scripts that improved specific workflows to achieve the visual targets.
o Provided and implemented technical solutions for art related features in-engine such as specific special effects, shaders, engine scenes, lightmapping solutions, etc.
o Troubleshot art related technical problems and implemented solutions.
o Participated in modelling, texturing, lighting, rigging, and skinning tasks related to characters, environments, and front end assets to be used in-game.
Oct 2010 – Dec 2011 | Game Designer & Programmer of a 2D Flash videogame for an NGO - EL MURO AC.
o Designed a point & click adventure of 21 scenes.
o Programmed the entirety of the interaction using ActionScript 3.0.
o Coordinated with the artists to ensure an efficient and problem free workflow.
Jan 2013 – Feb 2014 | Diploma in Computer Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design - Think Tank Training Centre.
o Specialized in Environment Art for games.
Aug 2008 – Dec 2012 | Bachelor's Degree in Digital Art and Animation - Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education.
o Video game development concentration.
o Participated in several experimental video game projects, responsibilities included planning, production, programming, 3D modelling, texturing and implementation tasks.
Software & computer languages skills:
3D Content Creation
3ds Max
3D Coat
World Machine
Motion Builder
UV Layout
2D Content Creation
nDo 2
Substance Painter & Designer
Digital Scultping
Game Engines
Unreal Engine
Programming Languages
Video and 2D Animation
After Effects
Extra activities, Honors and Achievements
2004 - Present | 11+ years of Martial Arts experience.
o Apr 2019 - Present - Mugen Ryu Karate
o Nov 2016 - Mar 2018 - Goju Ryu Karate
o Mar 2015 - May 2016 - Tae Kwon Do
o Jul 2014 - Feb 2015 - Uechi Ryu Karate
o Mar 2013 - Jul 2014 - Sport Kickboxing Federation
o Jan 2009 - Apr 2009 - Aikido
o Nov 2004 - Mar 2011 - Goju Ryu Karate
2014 | Finalist on CG Student Awards 2014 Next-Gen Gaming category.
o Game environment demo reel successfully considered as a finalist of the category.
2014 | Work featured on Cryengine's CryDev community's news and front page.
o Game environment demo reel featured on Crytek's official community on February 21st of 2014.
2009 | Was awarded Black Belt (Shodan) in Goju Ryu Karate Style by Goju Kan Karate Do Jalisco.
o Successfully tested for and received black belt after 5 years of consecutive training.


text:
Long Grove Real Estate is moving fast now. Don't miss the property at 5605 Black Walnut in Long Grove It is the perfect place to call your home.....It is located in the Edgewood Pond Subdivision of Long Grove.
The gorgeous Family Room at 5605 Black Walnut in Long Grove boasts a custom fireplace, new carpeting and picturesque windows. Perfect for entertaining, the gorgeous Kitchen features newly refinished cabinets, granite countertops, a center island and stainless steel appliances. The beautiful views of the backyard at 5605 Black Walnut continue through the house into the eat-in Kitchen. It really makes this Long Grove Real Estate the best on the market in its price range.
The Master Bedroom Suite located on the first floor is highlighted with a wall of windows. The French doors leading to the Master Bathroom add to the charm of the room. The Master bath has been recently remodeled with Marble tiles, counters and floors. Italian glass tiles add to the elegance of this Bath Room.
Also located on the first floor adjacent to the Master Bedroom, is a versatile room which can be a Den, Library, Study or Office depending on your personal life style. The finished English Basement is a phenomenal space for a Home Gym, Theatre Room, Entertainment Area, etc. There is also a spacious unfinished storage area.
Upstairs, you will find 3 additional spacious bedrooms as well as a wonderful hall bath.
5605 Black Walnut feeds the Award winning school system District 96 and Stevenson High School.
Prepare to love this Long Grove Real Estate located at 5605 Black Walnut in Long Grove. Priced to sell quickly! If you would like more information regarding this gorgeous home, please call Judy Greenberg at 847-602-5435 for your own private showing
If you would like more information homes in the Stevenson High School District ,including Real Estate in Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, Lake Zurich and the surrounding suburbs, please do not hesitate to call Judy Greenberg of Coldwell Banker at 847-602-5435 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Judy's websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills-homes-for-sale.com will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller
All rights reserved. No copy writing permitted without written permission.
The above blog post was written by Judy Greenberg.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
4192 IL Route 83 #F – Long Grove, IL 60047
Oh, by the way, I'm never too busy for referrals!


text:
Get Camera Ready! Photo Shoot tips for New Bloggers/
Spring is almost here! Creating content is soooo much harder in winter, especially trying to shoot street style looks in the cold. Some of you have seen my behind the scenes insta-stories, and seen the kind of freezing, icy, snowy conditions I've shot in! As blogger you are constantly in front of the camera so it's crucial to get the most out of your photo shoot session. Here are a few of my tips for killing it at your shoots. If you are a new blogger or just looking for some tips to slay a shoot with a pro, this list is for you! And for this post I'm using a few of my favorite images, more on my Instagram story!
Control Your Image
I'm a blogger, not a model. That distinction means that decisions made on a shoot (location, styling, makeup, how I pose) are pretty much mine. Even when you are working with a brand, they've hired you because they like your organic content and style, so you have creative freedom. So don't feel pressure to do anything, wear anything, or try anything that you have doubts about. You want to make sure you feel 100% confident on camera. Style your hair in a way you know you will like, and don't try any new trends or makeup that you are on the fence about. If you have any kind of doubt or insecurity about your look it will show on camera and you won't be happy with the end results.
Be Prepared
I do a seasonal mood board that helps give me general direction and inspiration for my upcoming shoots, and helps me keep the feed cohesive. It also is a helpful reminder of what content themes I may need to fit in - trends, upcoming holidays, events, etc. Spending a little bit of time to get organized before a shoot will help make sure you get the content you want. And if you are shooting multiple looks in 1 session, make sure you have undergarments that go with each look! You don't want to forget you need a strapless bra or change pants and see a ton of VPL!
Practice Makes Perfect
If you have never had a professional shoot before, you may want to spend some time practicing before you get in front of a pro! I shoot myself using my tripod sometimes, and it would def come in handy to get a feel for your best angles on camera. Even better if you can do a fitting/styleout the day before a shoot and actually practice how you want each shot in each outfit to look.
Plan in Advance
As a blogger you are always under pressure to keep creating new content, but you have to make sure you are managing your timelines and expectations. Most photographers aren't going to give you photos back the day after your shoot, so save yourself the stress by planning a few days in advance. I try to give them at least a week or 2 to turnaround photos, even more during peak times like engagement/wedding season when photographers tend to get busier.
Have fun!
Let's be real, it can be stressful and time consuming, but getting dressed up and having amazing photos taken is a ton of fun! Loosen up, smile and enjoy it!
If you are a camera ready pro feel free to weigh in with your tips as well! And photographers, anything else you'd like to share about prepping for a shoot?


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It stands back among the trees, guiding passerby's to....?
I'm sure one of my readers can fill me in on the history of this huge sign.
What an amazing metaphor for life; we are often are pointed in a direction we don't yet know the destination.
Just enjoy the journey, and watch for signs to guide you.


text:
For the third year in a row, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business ranked George Shipley as one of the leading litigation attorneys in the country. In the 2015 edition, George is called "a serious trial lawyer" who is "very well respected." Additionally, Amy Snell is recognized as "Noted Practitioner" in Litigation: Commercial – Texas and Litigation: Energy& Natural Resources – Texas. This is Amy's first year to be noted in Chambers.
As the Chambers results consistently show, Shipley Snell is big enough for the most challenging litigation and arbitration by honoring the best traditions of legal excellence while providing clients with a fresh and tailored approach. Learn more about how Shipley Snell Montgomery is making a difference for its clients.


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The suspect in a robbery Wednesday morning in Greenville County is in custody, according to Sgt. Ryan Flood.
Flood said deputies were called about 11:40 a.m. to the Bank of America on Wade Hampton Boulevard about a man who went into the bank and implied he had a gun.
He demanded cash and left with an undisclosed amount, Flood said.
Flood said just before 1:30 p.m. that the suspect was in custody.