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Search results
Brad Bergefurd
Small Fruit Research & Development Program, USDA, North Central IPM and North Central Sustainable ... Ohio 45661 B.S., 1990, The Ohio State University, Horticulture Science M.S., 2011, The Ohio State ... strawberry harvest extension, aquaponics and hemp. His current research is funded by the Ohio Vegetable and ...
ACEL alumni board presents inaugural awards
program manager where manages the Ohio Military Kids programming and provides guidance to Older Youth ... Leadership Development. Prior to her role at Ohio State, Oberstadt was a 4-H Youth Development Educator for ... served as an organizational director for Ohio Farm Bureau earlier in his career. In May, he was named the ...
Joy Bauman
Rural Development and other rural economic development organizations to create and deploy programming to ... emerging cooperatives and rural businesses, develops and deploys educational programming on small business ... working with programs at the Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon. She is presently ...
Scheer named interim chair for ACEL
Ohio State's undergraduate minors of Community Outreach Education and Youth Development. He has also ... (CFAES) at The Ohio State University effective September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2020, or until a new ... Dr. Scheer is a professor in ACEL, and has been with Ohio State since 1996. He currently serves as Coordinating ...
2020 Hancock County 4-H Enrollment available as early as October 1
of 2019 may go to oh.4honline.com to reenroll as early as October 1, 2019. For those of you new to ... that can be found on our Applications & Forms page and return it to your club advisor. If you have ... been submitted? Please complete an Add Drop form found on our Applications & Forms page and return ...
First Centennial Endowment Project Selected
selected proposal, which designs a study abroad program to Trinidad and Tobago that will aim to provide ... ensure the continued evolution of educational opportunities, programs and curricula that best prepare our ... The selected endowment project will fill a current need for international programs that specifically ...
Kenzie Johnston
development videography Kenzie Johnston has been with Ohio State University Extension since August of 2018 ... 149 N. Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015 B.S., agricultural communication, The Ohio State University, ... serving as the agricultural and natural resources and community development educator in Delaware County. ...
Master's Degrees
Education, International Development, or Leadership. For an overview of the MS program requirements, review the MS ... Program Overview Our Master of Science (MS) in Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership ... In Person Master's Degree Programs ACEL offers both a Master of Science and a Master of ...
Dr. Jera Niewoehner-Green
program in leadership development at the University of Florida. Jera completed courses in leadership, ... Dr. Jera Niewoehner-Green Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for Community Leadership ... 2120 Fyffe Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210 B.A., Spanish, Sweet Briar College, 1999 M.Ed., Community ...
Kitchel completes Big Ten Leadership Program
leadership program, Ohio State's Big Ten ALP Fellows engaged with their university leaders on campus about ... of higher education at Ohio State and beyond." "The ALP is one of the jewels of the Big Ten Academic ... develop their leadership and managerial skills. Fellows are appointed to one-year terms, and funding is ...


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Shin An is all too familiar with the devil in the details. Her trained eye for perfection, plus her renowned dry-cutting technique and knack for sculpting styles to match face and body shapes, earned her a cult following in top New York salons like Mark Garrison and Paul Labrecque. But now that she's opened her own space in Santa Monica, An's obsession with visuals has manifested itself directly in the design of her eponymous flagship salon.
The project is a realization of an epiphany An had on a trip to L.A.'s beaches 10 years ago, when she says she felt drawn to "the mountains, the wind and the waves." She decided then that one day she'd set up shop here. So in summer 2011, she and her family moved west, where An immediately found the perfect spot on Montana Avenue.
Once the location was nailed down, An called upon her friend and architect Suhail Butt of Suhail Design Studio to create the 1,160-square-foot, bungalow-style space. His task included creating a luxury salon experience and honoring both An's Korean heritage and her love of nature. The result is turning more than a few heads.
"Everyone thinks [we're] a restaurant, which is great. I want people to be curious," says An, referring to the constant stream of passersby drawn in by the ambiguous wooden façade and mysterious side entrance, presided over by an arresting wood carving of a koi fish. "When we first opened, there were traffic jams outside. There's nothing like this on Montana."
The intrigue continues throughout the space, which is filled with iconic Korean cultural symbols like a serpentine dragon etched in lacquer prancing across a wall and a sprawling cherry blossom carving that greets guests at the entrance. Retractable screens between the six cutting stations emphasize client comfort, as do smaller details such as on-hand iPads and rollaway workbenches that maximize space. And out back there's a garden lounge. "If I'm going to live in California, I'm going to do hair outside," says An, who uses the deck for cuts and Keratin treatments. Come spring, she'll offer outdoor massages and mini facials, too.
"A true luxury experience to me is about how you're feeling," says An. "I couldn't wait to fine-tune everything I've learned in 18 years of doing hair and do it the way I wanted."
1025 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, 310.310.3128, shinhair.com

subset: commoncrawl


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August Mini-Session Reveal {Northville, MI, Ann Arbor, MI Portrait Photographer}/
A couple of weeks ago I held mini-sessions at the Matthaei Botanical gardens in Ann Arbor. The kids seemed to have a lot of fun - looking at flowers, searching for turtles in the creek, blowing bubbles, and catching butterflies. And I certainly did my best to keep up and capture their explorations and personalities throughout the gardens, despite the crazy humidity and heat we were having. Here's just a little reveal of some of the fun we had. Parents, thank you so much for joining me in the gardens for these mini-sessions. I hope you're as happy as I am with the results!
P.S. Stay tuned to the blog and my Facebook page for an exciting announcement and change to my service and product offerings. I can't wait to share what I have planned - I really think it's going to be a fun way to cap off your custom portrait experience with Christine Long Photography.


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Today All Due Respect talks with Paul Greenberg. A veteran of the short crime fiction scene, Greenberg's new collection Dead Guy in the Bathtub is available now.
ADR: Many of your stories take place near Boston. Why do you think this city has such a wealth of crime writers? Who are some of your favorite Boston crime writers?
PG: Boston is such a melting pot. Trouble can break out at any moment! The two biggest influences on Boston crime writing? The Red Sox and our much missed Combat Zone. Boston in the 70's was very hardboiled.
In the early 80's I would commute from the suburbs into Downtown Boston to work at Strawberries Records and Tapes and I always had one of the early Robert Parker paperbacks in my pocket. I felt like I was living inside those books. I also love the Kenzie/Gennaro series by Dennis Lehane and of course the greatest Boston crime novel, The Friends of Eddie Coyle by George Higgins. When Raylan Givens pulled a copy out of his desk in the last episode of Justified, I just about balled my eyes out for Elmore Leonard who always said that it was one of his favorites.
Dead Guy in the Bathtub contains many flash-length stories. What appeals to you about writing in the short-short form?
Flash is like a one round MMA fight. You get in there and stick and move. Then you throw a kick to the head and hope for a knockout.
Much of crime fiction these days is deadly serious. One of things I really enjoy about this collection is that it made me laugh. What draws you to this approach–stories that are often violent but also humorous?
I thinks it's my existential way of looking at life coupled with a very twisted sense of humor.
Are any of the stories in the collection autobiographical?
Yeah. A lot of it is autobiographical. I always picture local haunts when I write. My neighborhood is "where shopping carts go to die." I did see a mascot in front of a donut shop and then wrote, "Nice Job if You Can Get it," and I did have someone say to me, "it's OK, I'm a Doctor," like in "Customer Service."
If I recall correctly, you work in a call center. Have you mined this job for material?
Let me just say that if you sit near my cubicle, you're fair game.
One of my favorite stories in the collection is "Liar, Liar," which, as an astute reader would pick up, is about a character who lies frequently. How did you come up with this story?
I became neurotic about canceling a gym membership when I found out it had to be done in person. In my insecurity, I felt like I would have to make up some big excuse.As it happened they really couldn't give a shit. Small favors.


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June 29, 2018
Winter update from the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme
Impressive progress made
The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme has reached the end of its second year, and already the progress that has been made is truly impressive. Across massive tracts of New Zealand's iconic tussock, and mountain landscapes, where only a short time ago the trained eye would have spotted the march of early wilding conifer invaders, there are now virtually no wilding conifers to be seen. In fact, in most cases it is hard to believe that there was ever wilding conifer problem in the first place!
The need to be able to show not only the substantial control that has been undertaken, but also the further spread that has been prevented by acting early, is a key challenge for the programme. With this in mind the team at LINZ have been working with partners to compile a national view of wilding conifer infestation and control activities. The various components of this are starting to come together and we are now starting to see the Wilding Conifer Information System's exciting potential to inform decision making and reporting.
The focus for the Programme over the coming year is on completing Phase I control work across the 19 areas already in the Programme. It is also now an opportunity for us to look ahead to what improvements are required in the lead up to Phase II of the Programme.
Wilding Conifer Group – a stakeholders' initiative
At the end of May, comments closed on the proposal to set up an independent stakeholder-led wilding conifer group - thank you to all submitters. Given the broad support for the proposal, an Interim Committee was formed to guide the independent group's establishment.
As reported our Autumn update, the Programme's stakeholder advisory group and the New Zealand Wilding Conifer Management Group (NZWCG) committee worked together on the proposal. On 7 June, the national programme's governance group agreed to dissolve its stakeholder advisory group to make way for the new proposed group. The working title is the "Wilding Conifer Group".
Links to the Terms of Reference for the Group's Interim Committee, and its list of members are posted on wildingconifers.org.nz. Richard Bowman, from the wilding trusts community (and formerly of regional government), has been nominated as Interim Chair.
A Wilding Conifer Group Coordinator will be appointed for a term of 12 months and recruiting is now underway. Is this you or someone you know? Help spread the word! The Coordinator role is a half time, paid position with flexible hours and location. Applications close 5pm on Monday 9 July 2018, and links to the job description and other details are posted on wildingconifers.org.nz.
Final decisions on the Wilding Conifer Group's establishment and programme of work will take place at the Annual General Meeting of the NZWCMG in October 2018.
Good progress in Kaimanawa
Wilding conifer control work in the Central North Island mountains is highly weather-dependant, with almost all work carried out being helicopter-based (either surveys or herbicide application).
Programme partners made the most of the few still days in Autumn to finish planned work in the Kaimanawa Management Unit (MU). Most of the operational areas have been under active management for some time, and the infestations are now much reduced from the early days of control work.
The results of active and sustained control efforts can be seen in the completed Otupae operational area. In 2017-18, 466 trees were found and controlled here, of which only 6 were coning – compared with 2014, where Horizons Regional Council found and controlled 1036 trees, of which 12 were coning.
The northern part of the Kaimanawa MU is managed by the Taupo office of the Department of Conservation. This year highlighted the success of ongoing treatment to reduce the infestation to only a few scattered trees, with control costing only 30-50% of what had previously been spent.
However there are control challenges in this mountainous region, particularly in Hawkes Bay's Kaweka Ranges, where contorta and other spread-prone species were planted for land stabilisation. DOC's Hawkes Bay office is running the operation to push back the spread from these dense and mature areas. The aim is to regain as much open country as possible and then to begin reducing the extent of source trees.
The dangers of operating in this environment have been reflected on, with sadness, by national programme partner Horizons, and many others involved in wilding conifer control. One of the programme partner landowners, Renata Apatu the co-owner of Ngamatea Station, passed away due to injuries sustained from a helicopter crash while undertaking unrelated farm surveillance.
Spring will bring detailed programme planning, with an aim to start early on control operations in the denser areas of the Kawekas.
Good progress made in the Kaimanawa Management Unit.
Spotlight on Marlborough
National Wilding Conifer Control Programme efforts
The national programme supports wilding control in the Molesworth area, one of the country's most wilding conifer infested regions.
In recent months, Aerial Basal Bark Application (ABBA) control wrk was done over a very large area in Dillon, McRae and Clarence – mostly on scattered trees. There has also been a focus on the Yarra area, which had to be tackled by dividing it into six smaller blocks (because of the vast amount of work involved).
In the Tarndale, control operations were carried out with an excavator which mechanically removes the entire tree with a clam bucket attachment. An assessment is planned on the cost effectiveness and efficacy of this method in flatter country, and if found worthwhile, then this method may be added to the control operations 'toolkit' for the region.
Work by wilding trusts
South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust have had a successful year working in the Awatere management sector. Working from Aotea up the valley to the southern side Mt Gladstone/Upcot Saddle. A number of trees/infestations have been discovered throughout these operations, and some have been in locations the contractor has been unable to safely control. This operational area has been mapped and will be put into the new Wilding Conifer Information System managed by LINZ as a part of the national programme.
Marlborough Sounds Trust is also very active, with a wide range of work from maintenance in many operational sectors in the Inner Queen Charlotte Sound, and initial control in the Outer Pelorus. The work plan for 18/19 will include Wharehunga Bay, also tying in operations along with the Cook 250 Trust.
Recording & reporting system update
The Wilding Conifer Information System (WCIS) holds information about infestations, operational areas and activities undertaken by the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme and its partners, and can be used for improving information sharing, collaboration and success of the Programme.
The System will give us a more accurate and detailed picture of the wilding problem across the country.
Throughout April, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) held training sessions in Taupo, Christchurch, and Queenstown for Fund Managers, Contract Managers & Principals, and others who'll be involved in recording data.
On top of this, there was an additional training session in Wellington, focussed on 'Insights' - the reporting element of the Information System.
Sign up to Wilding News
Know anyone interested in wilding conifer issues?
Forward them this link and they can sign themselves up to future issues of this quarterly newsletter from the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.


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Commentary: Security, coordination needed to avoid chaos in our Haiti response
Hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes. When it comes to death-dealing natural disasters, the nations of the Caribbean have seen it all, but the magnitude of the calamity afflicting Haiti has no precedent in modern times.
Survival and recovery will tax the remarkable endurance of Haiti's resilient people and the resources of the international community.
On Friday, the Obama administration took a bold and decisive step that will help immeasurably by granting temporary protected status to undocumented Haitians as of Jan. 12.
This will allow the tens of thousands of Haitians expected to qualify to stay here and work and send home money to help with the relief effort.
For the moment, though, with estimates of the dead now running at some 50,000 or more and virtually all essential services knocked out, the needs are far greater than available resources. The priorities at this time include coordination, security, logistics and preventing a horrible situation from getting worse.
Among the casualties in Haiti is the government and its public-security sector. The Parliament and the National Palace lie in ruins.
There is no effective goverment. Machete-wielding gangs have been spotted on the streets. Immediate action is required to stifle any violence.
U.S. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said a brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 2,000-strong 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are on the way to Haiti.
That may not be enough. The U.N.'s security mission in Haiti consisted of 6,700 military personnel and 1,622 police officers, but it, too, has been hit hard by the earthquake.
The U.S. military may have to assume responsibility for security in the country, in tandem with what's left of the U.N. forces, and that may require the deployment of reinforcements.
To read the complete editorial, visit The Miami Herald.


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The Blue Moon Knights' First Anniversary!0 comments Posted by Iridium Blade at Thursday, January 31, 2013
Hello Everyone!
In 2012 about the same post time, I've created this spot to humbly share my original series, which has been following me for 4 years... We have met them and lived Four Seasons of pure adventure.
Anael is a sweet, innocent dreamy 14-year-old Guatemalan boy whose dream is to become a firefighter. After a strange incident on the woods of Tikal, Guatemala, he and his friends Thalas and Melchior become the Blue Moon Knights, swearing to protect Guatemala and all Latin America. He is also known as Elite Dragon.
Thalas is a rational and mysterious 13-year-old French Guatemalan who wants to become a well-known writer. His life has been all about fighting the prejudice he suffered for being half-breed, and Anael has been helping him ever since. He is also known as Electro Archer.
Melchior is a joker, cheerful and extremely intelligent 15-year-old Salvadorian boy whose dream is to become an astronomer, for he loves Physics. He met Anael and Thalas during Tikal's event, and became a Knight as well; Thalas did not get along with him at first, but they become quite friends as the days came by. He is also known as Elemental Alchemist.
Kimi is a discrete, aloof severe 16-year-old Finnish boy whose dream is yet to be figured, for he does not know for sure what he wants for his life. He met Melchior when he was a child, and the events made them meet once again, and Kimi became a Knight them. He is also known as Ice Guardian, and is the most thoughtful Knight.
Kaiser is Kimi's twin brother; a moony, naive, cheerful 16-year-old Finnish boy who wants to live of journalism. He became a Knight after a certain person released him from his eternal curse. He is also known as DarkStalker.
Maya is a shy, loyal sensitive 15-year-old Honduran girl. She was once enemy of the Knights; thanks to Thalas, she became the first female Knight of the group. Her dream is to become a teacher. She is also known as Black Witch.
Altagracia is a sweet, reckless, smart 9-year-old girl whose dream is to become an artist. She became a Knight thanks to the Finn twins Kimi and Kaiser, disobeying Anael's (her older brother) orders to stay out of the Knights' lives. As the youngest Knight, she kind of struggles to show her role in the group. She is also known as Lotus Flower.
Now, you know the basics about the Knights. The newcomers are ready to follow their adventures. The experienced ones have just to wait and keep sharing the story. Once more, thank you all for your efforts. I really, really appreciate.
Sakura Hayes
Labels: Articles
The Blue Moon Knights - Chapter Fifty Nine (Season's Finale)0 comments Posted by Iridium Blade at Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kimi arrived at his new property, which he bought with money casted by him and Kaiser; in a matter of days, they build a two-floor house containing a living room, a kitchen, a study room, two bedrooms (one for Kimi and other for Kaiser), two bathrooms and some guest rooms as well. Close to their school and to Anael's place, they chose the best place ever in Guatemala City.
Ice Guardian opened the front door of the house, announcing his arrival. Noticing that his brother didn't come to see him, he went upstairs slightly worried. He could hear music coming from Kaiser's room. His CD player was playing E Nomine's "Das Tier in Mir". His brother was lying in his bed with his legs bent, holding his pillow into his chest. The object hid part of Kaiser's face, letting only his right eyes in plain sight for Kimi.
"May I come in?" Kimi timidly asked.
Kaiser slowly nodded affirmatively and Kimi went on the room, sitting in Kaiser's chair.
"He saved my life..." Kaiser whispered "He sacrificed his own life in behalf of mine... He lied, he did all those awful things, but..."
"...He loved you still." Kimi completed Kaiser's sentence, causing his brother to sit in the bed, looking at his brother with sadness.
"He kissed me and said that he loved me...Is that normal?" Kaiser asked and Kimi sighed almost immediately.
"Ei" Kimi answered saying 'no' in Finnish "And I'll explain why." He grabbed some pens of different colors. At first he joined one blue and one red "See those pens? Imagine they are a couple. The blue is the man and the red is the woman. So far so good?"
Kaiser nodded affirmatively.
"Okay, these are Heterossexuals; standard couples. Here, everything explained in Biology classes happens. For they bring up their own children by natural ways and for being the greatest sexual majority, for they are attracted to their opposite sex, they are automatically accepted and encouraged." Then, he replaced the red pen for another blue one "Now, imagine that these ones are you and Lancelot. You guys are male homosexuals; your designations means that you feel sexually attracted to your own gender, which is male. Some people see you as creatures corrupted by vanity and perversion. In some countries, being a homosexual can cost your life."
"Why?" Kaiser asked.
"To be honest, these are only biological matters covered by religious accusations" Kimi replied "People believe that this kind of relationship is wasteful, bringing only lust and defying the society moral and religious beliefs, which I find hipocrit in my humble opinion."
"Kimi..." Kaiser had tears in his eyes "This is all confusing for me... I thought it was normal and now I'm finding myself different from the rest of society..." He sighed.
"Unfortunately, my brother... You live in a world which is not that accepting, though some countries already respect and accept you. There are mean people out there, Kai. Peolple that regardless of the human being you are, they'll always judge your sexual preferences and treat you as incarnated evil." Kimi replied.
Then, the room witnessed a moment of silence. Kaiser hugged the pillow stronger and some tears came out of his eyes.
"Will you accept me?"
"I beg your pardon?" Kimi asked with curiosity.
"I mean, are you comfortable with the fact you have a homosexual brother? Please, I need somebody to say that it's OK to be the way I am... I need your support, brother."
Kimi then gently took the pillow away from Kaiser and wiped his tears out of his brother's face.
"Why do you think I gave you all these pieces of information?" Kimi asked "I did because I want you to be comfortable with your own nature, Kai. Regardless of your sexual preferences, you are my family and I love you. And I always will."
"Have I said you are the best brother I could ever have?" Kaiser said crying and hugging Kimi.
"Well, it's hard, but I always try." Kimi replied.
Back to Anael's place, Melchior and Anael were sleeping on Anael's room. Elite Dragon was sleeping on his hammock and Melchior took a mat for him. Both of them had sad countenances.
Once more, Anael was dreaming; this time, he was at Tikal's ruins, near the Temple. Some trees were dying and the grass seemed brownish. Elite Dragon felt sorry for the environment and tried to use his Heart of Guatemala to cure them, but his efforts were useless.
"Who could have done this to you?"
Then, he heard a thunder; he looked up to the sky and saw the three Unholy Pieces: Tristan's Scythe, Lorcan's Blade and Lancelot's Gloves. Then, a strange symbol appeared behind them; a circle containing 5 stars and other geometrical symbols. The light became more intense and forced Anael to cover his eyes with his arms. Then, when the light went out, and a sceptre appeared where the three pieces originally were.
It had a skeletal grip, made out of two slightly pinkish bones attached to each other. In the first Bone's ending had a dark pink ring which had four feathers - grey, red, blue and green - attached to it. In the same ring, a skeleton with a green feathered headdress could be found attached to it. In the second bone's ending lied a pinkish blade, which seemed very sharp and poisonous.
A strange shadow appeared right behind the sceptre. It had a feminine shape.
"It is time for me to get what is rightfully mine, Moon'Seeker, and neither you or your friends will be able to stop me!"
"Dios Mio!"
Anael woke up breathless and sweaty. What was that dream all about? Would it be a new enemy coming out of the shadows?
End of Season Four
The Blue Moon Knights - Chapter Fifty Eight0 comments Posted by Iridium Blade at Monday, January 28, 2013
Anael looked at his foe with anger in his eyes. With the Heart of Guatemala still active, he conjured the Quetzal Spirit Sword, causing Tristán to smile at him in a mocking way.
"Oh, I see you've got a new sword for yourself..." He said "Do you really think that only a new blade will be enough to beat me?"
"Let's see" Anael replied.
Elite Dragon than made the first move, running towards Tristan and trying to hit his body with his blade. The Templar used his scythe to defend himself from Anael's assault. Anael then electrified his sword and increased the speed of his movements, causing Tristan to retreat.
"What's happening?!" Anael hissed at his foe "Are you afraid?"
"Afraid of what? You?" Illumina Dragon growled "Never!"
The Templar Dragon conjured light beams which struck Anael pretty hard. Then, Illumina Dragon flew upwards, looking at Elite Dragon with a wicked smile.
"Let's give the Guatemalans a sight they'll never forget!" He shouted "The sky is the only limit, Anael Moon'Seeker! Prove to me you are worthy of a fight!"
"As you wish..." Anael hissed when gaining impulse to fly upwards. His sword was charged and he tried to pierce Tristan, who evaded the blade.
The two dragons started to soar and fight in a wicked, bloody dance, witnessed by few Guatemala City inhabitants, who were returning to their homes when they spotted the light dots in the dark sky. Some ran scaried, but other either stayed to watch the phenomenon or called the authorities. One little child pointed at the lightining with an impressed countenance:
"It's Dragón de Elite over there! He is going to save us all!"
Back to Melchior's house, the Salvadorian Knight looked at the sky with a surprised countenance.
"What the hell?" He said.
Then, he ehard someone knocking on his door; it was his mother Lucia.
"Madre?" He asked "Que estás haciendo aquí?"
"I honestly don't care about what you've been up to and with whom you hang up" She was very upset "I did everything I could for you to stay out of trouble, and all you did was to lie and refuse my help!"
Melchior looked at her with anger.
"Don't look at me like this, young man!" She screamed "You know why I am lecturing you!"
"I am sick of being treated this way!" Melchior shouted "I am sick to be treated like a circus animal, casting spells and doing magic numbers only for you to get money! Look around, mother! I am the only one who works here!"
His mother slapped his face right after Melchior finished speaking. He slowly turned his face back and put his right hand in his left cheek, where he was hit. His eyes were soggy and some tears were attempting to roll through his face.
"Don't you ever repeat this again." His mother said "All of us work hard, Melchior. Just because you can do some tricks, that does not mean you are special... You are grounded, mister. No fooling around this time, do you understand?"
Melchior nodded affirmatively as his mother closed the door. He took a deep breath and prevented the tears to come out. His countenance showed pure anger. He then looked at the window, seeing the light rays in the sky, rapidly figuring out what was happening.
"If you think I'm going to obey you, Lucia..." He whispered "You are deeply wrong." He approached the window "I hope you are not expecting me to eat dinner... Elemental Alchemist has other plans for this night!"
He closed his eyes and put his hand in his chest, causing his Shaman marking - a bat with a quetzal near it - to glow and transform him into Elemental Alchemist. Then, he jumped off the window and casted a flying carpet.
Elite Dragon hit one rooftop really hard, causing its floor to crack; Tristan was laughing madly as he conjured light stakes to kill Anael. Elite Dragon used his sword to create an electrical forcefield, protecting him from the projectiles. He stood up and ran towards his foe, fighting him with his sword.
Their armors had some crackings in it; Trstan already showed some wounds in his body, and so did Anael, whose abdomen had a shallow cut which was bleeding. He tried to strike faster, reaching Tristan's wings; he then cut them between two of the bones which held the membrane wing, causing a lot of pain and bleeding to Illumina Dragon. Instead of retreating, however, the Templar Dragon used his tail against Anael, cutting Elite Dragon's tights and inflicting a wound in his chest.
Both stopped attacking due to their bleeding. They were puffying a lot.
"Tired already?!" Anael asked with a mischievous smile.
"Nope!" Tristan growled "But you don't seem so alright!"
Anael then felt pain in his chest; he put his left hand on his chest, right in his heart area; he was feeling as if he was having a heart attack.
"Something wrong with your heart?" Tristan mocked "As far as I can see, this battle already has a winner! All I need to do..." He grabbed his scythe and prepared to rip Anael's head off "...Is to finish you!"
Anael felt even more breathless and spit some blood on the floor. Tristan was approaching slowly and constantly. Then, Elite Dragon closed his left hadn, which was still on his chest, and started to intone.
"Kukulkan...You've trusted me the Heart of Guatemala... Allow me to use the Quetzal Spirit's power at full throttle... By your image, the Plumed Cobra... Give me your Blessings! Corazón de Guatemala!"
A turquoise Quetzal Spirit involved Anael, healing his wounds and preventing his heart attack; Tristan looked at the phenomenon with curiosity and fear; Elite Dragon was completely healed and he was standing up with a mocking smile and an overcharged sword, ready to kill him.
"No..." Anael replied "I am going to finish you!"
He ran towards Tristan and unarmed the Templar, throwing his scythe away; then, he attempted to cut him, but Tristan kept evading and trying to scratch Anael with his claws. Then, Elite Dragon used his sword to shoot a lightning beam, which struck Illumina Dragon really hard and dazzled him, giving Anael the opportunity to pierce his stomach, causing Tristan to spit blood and expire painfully.
"This is for all people you've hurt..." Anael hissed "This is for Lancelot, for my friends, for my sister and... For Consuelo..."
"How?!" Tristan gurgled as blood filled his body "How could you overcome me?"
"I have something you don't own and even deserve: strength of will and love." Anael replied removing his sword from Tristan's body, causing the Templar to fall on his knees "All your life you used other people's feelings and weakneses to fulfill your desires, and yours only. I pity you."
"Someday..." Tristan said with blood in his throat, speaking with difficulty "Someday, Moon'Seeker...You'll understand me...You'll see that the world does not treat Dragon descendants very well..."
"What do you mean with that?" Anael was surprised "Dragon descendants?"
"You don't really think that your dragon-like treats are mere illusions, do you?" Tristan spitted more blood and his body was starting to become paler "We are dragons de facto, Moon'Seeker, and you are not very different from me. Someday, you'll understand me. When this day arrives...You better hope to still have friends to count on..."
The Templar didn't resist much longer to answer Anael: he bent his body and his face fell in the floor; he died. His blood was spreading throught the floor. Anael looked at him with a lifeless, reptilian gaze. Then, his Elite Dragon outfit disappeared, the Heart of Guatemala reappeared in his neck and he fell on his knees, very weak. He used his sword to prevent fainting. Then, he heard someone calling for him.
"Anael?! Anael!" It was Melchior who was screaming. The Salvadorian was running into his direction "What happened?! Is that...?!"
Anael was about to faint and fell on the floor, but Melchior held him in his arms.
"Tristán Cárdenas..." Anael replied with a weak tone of voice, puffying "He was Illumina Dragon all this time." Anael closed his eyes "It's over, Melchior. We made it..." Elite Dragon then fainted in Melchior's arms.
The Salvadorian verified if Anael wasn't having a heart attack; he sighed relieved when figured out that it was only a mere faint. Elemental Alchemist then snapped his fingers near his right ear, conjuring his Golden Communicator. He then typed Drive Four in order to talk to Ice Guardian.
"Kimi?" Melchior said "It's over, man! Anael has just killed that bastard Illumina Dragon! Also, I think that Pythius Dragon is gone, for he hasn't appeared all day long!"
"That's great news!" Kimi replied "We have just arrived in the city. Starfire Dragon was also beaten...However, we didn't murdered him."
"Then who did?" Melchior asked.
"Illumina Dragon." Kimi replied disgusted "The bastard killed his own teammate. This guy had no honor. May his soul be restless in the dephts of Hell. And how's Anael?"
"He is unconscious." Melchior replied "He fainted after killing Tristán. I'll take him to his home, and maybe stay for a while. Turns out that I may have been kicked out of my place... Well, it happens. See you guys later on Anael's. Try to warn Thalas; I haven't been able to speak with him on the past couple of hours."
Melchior then hung up the communicator. With Anael in his arms, he tried to find the Proscript Scythe, which belonged to Tristán; however, it disappeared from the rooftop. Elemental Alchemist then conjured a flying carpet and took Anael out of there with him.
To Be Continued...
The Blue Moon Knights - Chapter Fifty Seven0 comments Posted by Iridium Blade at Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Meanwhile, in the scariest part of Xibalba, Lorcan was being fought by someone he would never imagine to be so strong: Maya Altahuela at her full throttle, adopting the name of Chalchiuhtlicue, also known as the Mayan Voodoo Mistress.
She started using Pythius Dragon's power against him, by manipulating the Nightmare Webs, which chased him down and trapped him. Immediately, she threw corrupted stakes at him, piercing his wings and cutting his flesh, causing Lorcan to growl and scream in agony.
"Release me!" He growled "You will regret every single action of yours!"
"Oh, no... No, I'm not..." Maya repeatedly snapped her tongue against her palate before speaking "You are the one who will regret... You will regret the sorry day you've been born... You'll also regret taking Electro Archer away and trying to tear us apart..." She conjured a corrupted violet shard, which she was going to use as a javelin "Now, I am going to fix the mistake God commited when he allowed you to be born!"
She was about to pierce Lorcan's heart when the Templar managed to get free from the webs and jump on her, causing Chachiuhtlicue to fall on the ground. They started to punch their faces as either one of them put the other on the ground. The Voodoo Mistress then used her knees to hit Lorcan's belly and throw him away from her. Blood was all over her face due to a broken nose and a bitten tongue. She cleaned the blood and conjured another shard which she stuck on the ground, causing a trench to open and release six demonic skeletons.
Lorcan used his blade to attack them, but they seemed to recover immediately after Lorcan took one down. They started to scratch, pierce and cut Lorcan, who was bleeding a lot and screaming more than ever. Meanwhile, Chalchiutlicue conjured a doll version o Pythius Dragon. When she did that, the skeletons held Lorcan's legs and arms, becoming a hard rock from which the Templar couldn't get away.
"Let me out!" He shouted "Let me out, bitch! Fight me with your bare hands if you can!"
Again, Maya snapped her tongue against her palate.
"Oh, such a fool..." She said in a wicked, yet calm tone of voice "Let's see how you deal with the experience of dying without being able to prevent it..."
She scratched the black needle from the doll's chest bone to its belly button, creating a huge, deep wound in Lorcan, who bled even more and felt the greatest pain of his entire life.
"Stop this..." He shouted, becoming paler and paler; he was loosing to much blood.
"Tell me..." The Voodoo Mistress approached the bleeding Dragon "Where the hell did you take Thalas?"
"Xibalba's...Prison..." He whispered breathless "If you use...a Nightmare...Necklace...You...You...Can conjure...A vortex...To reach it...Please... Let me out..."
"You don't learn, do you?" She said with disdain and a wicked smile on her face "It's funny to see you begging for your life after taking mine as if you were the most powerful being in the Universe...Look at you. You are pathetic." Then, she took his Haunted Blade from his belt and the bloody Nightmare Necklace from his neck "I'm going to keep these as rewards; actually, I need this to obtain what's rightfully mine." She started to step away from the dying Dragon, who was on the edge of his existance "I wish you a merry trip to Hell, Lorcan Odense."
She laughed maleficently as she walked away; then, she stopped few steps away from Lorcan, conjured a violet shard and used it as a javelin, throwing it agains Lorcan's heart, hitting the mark.
"Bullseye!" She screamed, laughing madly; she then spinned on her heels and went away with a wicked smile in her face.
She conjured a vortex and entered in it, finding Thalas trapped in Nightmare Webs, with his arms and legs tied in it.
"Don't worry..." She whispered "I am going to release you..."
The Voodoo Mistress conjured a small violet shard which she used as knife, cutting the webs which tied the French Guatemalan's legs. Then, she approached the unconscious Thalas and gently kissed his lips. Then, she stepped away and cut the webs which were holding his wrists, causing Electro Archer to fall in Chalchiuhtlicue's arms, who conjured another vortex to return to Guatemala City...
Kimi, Altagracia, Kaiser and Mr. Zelaya were still in the woods of Tikal; they were pretty shaken and shocked about Lancelot's death. Now they realized how dangerous Tristan were, for he'd mercilessly eliminate anyone only to fulfill his wishes. Kaiser was still holding Lancelot in his arms and Kimi tried to comfort his brother by embracing his shoulders. Altagracia was holding Mr. Zelaya's waist and crying a lot.
"I am sorry for not bringing you guys earlier..." Mr. Zelaya mourned "This was my fault..."
"No..." Kaiser said in a serene tone, cherishing Lancelot's pale face "It was not your fault... See, you guys prevented him from dying much earlier... If you hadn't made your way here with my brother... I don't know what would have happened."
"Can't I cure him?" Altagracia asked with tears in her eyes.
"I don't think so, Gracia." Kaiser answered with a sad smile "His life was taken. Though you can restore his body, his soul already went elsewhere... He is resting somewhere peacefully, I guess..."
"I don't want to sound heartless, but we have to do something with his body..." Mr. Zelaya said.
"You are right..." Kaiser replied with sorrow. Then, he looked at his brother "Could you conjure an ice skiff for Lancelot?"
"Of course." Kimi replied.
Ice Guardian first conjured a woolen rug in which he put Lancelot. Then, he blew over the Canadian, freezing his body. He took about five minutes to create a huge block of eternal ice containing dead Starfire Dragon.
"Lancelot O'Higgins was someone admirable and important in Canada" Mr. Zelaya pointed out "We'll need to report about his death..."
"Better not..." Kimi replied "If we do so, they'll investigate, and they might get suspicious at us. I don't like lying, but this is one truth that's better to be hidden... Altagracia, please?"
The Guatemalan young girl created a light ball in her head and threw it to the sky, causing its smaller rays to hit the ground and summoning trees nearby, hiding Lancelot's grave. Mr. Zelaya then asked the Knights to get into his car; Altagracia and Kimi went first, but Kaiser took a bit longer.
"Rest in peace, my love..." He whispered "I promise I'll visit you as much as I can. The ice which covers you is going to preserve your youth... It will preserve the memories we had together. We spend short time together, but it was the best time of my life..."
"Kaiser, let's go!" Kimi shouted from Mr. Zelaya's car.
"I'm coming!" Kaiser replied, running towards the car. He jumped on the backseat and Mr. Zelaya hit the gas.
Meanwhile, in Guatemala City, Anael Moon'Seeker was feeling the greatest sadness of his life. His eyes closed and tears came out of them; he was using a large tree in the city's sidewalk to support his body and prevent falling on the ground.
"Why?" He thought "Why she did this to me? Why didn't she understand that I did what I did only to keep her safe?"
His eyes partially opened as the sun went away; the sunset was finishing and the night was only beginning. He snapped his fingers and conjured the Jade Communicator; then, he typed the Seven Drive in order to talk to his sister.
"Hola, this is Lotus Flower"
"Hola, mi rayo de Sol..." He said in a sad tone "Where are you?"
"We are returning to Guatemala City, hermano mayor..." She answered "See, something very sad happened... Kai discovered that his friend Lance was Starfire Dragon! Moreover, Illumina Dragon appeared as well..."
"Oh,Really?..." Anael asked in a hissing tone "Tell me more...Where were you?"
"At Tikal's woods..." Altagracia answered "Actually, we are almost in the city..."
Anael then realized a shadow behind him. He turned the communicator off and stood up in a proud pose without looking back.He looked at the ground, and the shadow had some of Tristán's treats. There were no doubts in Anael's mind.
"So, you didn't have courage to tell your sister who I am?"
"Tristán..." Anael hissed when looking at his foe "You came here to fight or to flee?"
"I'll give you one last chance to prove you worth fighting..." The Templar answered showing his Nightmare Necklace and using it to transform into Illumina Dragon.
"Very well" Anael replied showing him the Heart of Guatemala "Corazón de Guatemala!"
The two Dragons stared at each other eager for a fight. The second round of the greatest reptilian battle was about to begin...
To Be Continued...
The Blue Moon Knights - Chapter Fifty Six0 comments Posted by Iridium Blade at Monday, January 21, 2013
"No!" Kaiser screamed, conjuring vortexes which dragged the stakes.
"Oh, so your 'friend' is coming in your behalf?!" Tristain said with disdain "No matter, he'll die with you!"
The Templar conjured more stakes and throwed them against Kaiser and Lancelot, who were protected by a magic forcefield conjured by none of them, but Kimi Das Vaali, who had just arrived with Altagracia.
"Brother!" Kaiser screamed "Thanks Lord you arrived!"
Tristan continued to hi the forcefield and it started to shatter. Then, Lancelot walked a few steps towards Tristan's shadow.
"Kaiser, leave with your brother. I'll take care of this" The Canadian was determinated.
"Lance, I can't!" Kaiser said with a tear in his face "If I leave you, you may end up..."
Lancelot smiled and blinked to the Finn.
"Trust me" He said with a serene countenance "It's the only way... Besides, I need you to take these away..." He removed his gloves and threw to Kaiser, who got them "Without them, Tristan's plan will fail..."
Tristan's stakes hit the forcefield harder and harder. Moreover, their numbers were growing as large as Tristan's anger.
"Traitor!" He hissed. "Miserable, ungrateful bastard!"
Kaiser refused to leave, shaking his head in negative way. Then, Lancelot conjured a firewall, forcing DarkStalker to retreat.
"I am sorry, Kai..." The Canadian said with a sad smile in his face "Sorry for not being honest from the beginning... Sorry for leaving... I am Sorry... For saying 'goodbye' so soon."
"Lancelot, please don't!" Kaiser screamed and ran towards the flames, but Kimi held his brother, who started to cry.
The forecefield was broken and three of the stakes hit Lancelot in his heart, left lung and right kidney, causing him to die instantaneously; Tristan cut the air and opened a yellowish vortex in which he entered and got out of Tikal, leaving a dead traitor behind.
Kimi let his brother go, and Kaiser ran towards the dead body. Mr. Zelaya, who had stepped out of the fight, removed his hat and slowly came near the fight scene, following Altagracia's lead. DarkStalker held Lancelot's corpse in his arms. The dead Templar still had his smile in his face. His blood painted Kaiser's overcoat, but the Knight didn't seem to care. Instead, he gave him a kiss. The last one he would ever give Lancelot.
"Hyvästi, Lance..." He said with tears rolling down his face "Farewell, my beloved friend..."
To Be Continued...


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NEW YORK (CBS.MW) -- Shares of Gtech Holdings Corporation GTK, +0.00% rose more than 5 percent to $25.29 after a joint venture it participates in was selected as the preferred bidder to provide equipment and services for a national online lottery in Thailand. Loxley Gtech Technology Co. Ltd., of which Gtech owns 49 percent, was chosen by the Government Lottery Office of Thailand following a competitive procurement process in which five consortia submitted proposals. Subject to the signing of an agreement, the venture would provide online lottery technology and services to Thailand under a five-year license.
Gtech gets lift from potential Thailand lottery deal
Quote References
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I don't really have the money to pay for life coaching sessions. I was watching a video and this guy was talking about the benefits of having a life coach. I've always wished I could talk to someone who'll understand me, give me advise and help me be who I want to be. I'm volunteering because I'm hoping I will at least get a glimpse of that. I am 29 and have a BCOM degree but have struggled to find employment,or rather a job that is in alignment with it.
Comments for Client: Philile Cibane, Kwamashu, Durban
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Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Trainee Practice Coaching Market.


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The Wireless Paradox Beam NVR780 incorporates two independent, side-by -side passive infrared detectors into a single housing. Covering up to 24 meters (12m for each side), and configurable to report as a single unit (2 sides of the unit report to a single zone output) or dual units (each side reports to a separate zone output), the NVR780 provides flexible and accurate boundary protection.
NVR780 Paradox Wireless Outdoor Beam
- Brand: PARADOX
- Product Code: NVR780
- Availability: In Stock
- Ex Tax: R2,267.21


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Simple Knitting Tips: Where is your yarn??
I was peacefully knitting myself a pair of my (Mostly) Ridge Rib Socks one day, when I glanced down at my needles to see that the yarn was not where I thought it was, and consequently not where it should have been. And I thought, it's a good thing I caught this because it would have made a mess that would have been hard to trace, diagnose, and fix. And naturally it turned into a blog post. Naturally.
How many mistakes have been made--and could have been avoided--because our yarn was not where it should have been. This applies to both the working yarn and the tail yarn.
Some scenarios:
1. Knitting with the tail.
One of the first things we teach beginners, yet seasoned veterans still find themselves doing this occasionally. Awkward.
2. Working yarn is in the wrong place for knit stitch or purl stitch. Yarn front to purl, yarn back to knit. Unless the directions say otherwise--in so many words.
3. Yarn in the cat's mouth.
Pets and knitting is not always a happy mix. I have a friend who has cats who will dig in the knitting bag for yarn then run off with it. Needless to say, she has to use knitting bags with zippers!
4. Yarn caught in a dpn.
This is what happened to spark this blog post. I was two stitches into the pattern on one needle and must have set the sock down and picked it back up and when I did, the working yarn had gotten wrapped around the needle not in use. Because the yarn was dark, (and the needles were, too, come to think of it), I didn't see what was going on immediately. My Spidey senses were tingling though and I've learned to pay attention to them. They were asking me, "Where is your yarn?!?!"
5. Yarn wrapped too many times around the needle.
Intentional yarn-overs are lovely things, aren't they? The unintentional kind are not. I've seen the yarn wrapped too many times before working the rest of the stitch as a result of paying too little attention to the process of the stitch. And maybe also a result of there being an adult beverage in range. Just maybe.
What about you? What other ways has your yarn wandered away from where it should be while you were knitting with it?
Also, the (Mostly)Ridge Rib Sock pattern is a free pattern, available to download from Ravelry HERE.


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- Why it's great
Cosytoes PJ Bottoms
Gentle 'no twist' waistband with covered non latex elastic
Soft double layer feet and ankles to minimise damage from night time scratching
Protect against secondary infections and prevent scarring
Flat seams inside and out for extra comfort
Soft natural colour with rainbow stitching
Fabric weight 180gsm
Machine wash at 60c
Cool tumble dry
Can be boiled
Made in the EU for Cotton Comfort
- Help With Size
- Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews 2 item(s)
- 2 year old wears these most days
These leggings have been a Godsend during the day when legs, ankles and feet usually get scratched to pieces. Soft, wash well and don't shrink in the dryer, and they're organic. Fab! Highly recommend these for house wear or even bedtime. Only downside is the design - not very attractive to wear in company or out of the house.
Quality Price Value
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I bought mitten tops, footed leggings and gloves.
Planning to buy PJ bottoms with feet as these will be easier for trips to the toilet.
Respite from the scratching is otherwise impossible.
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Mid-Illinois Corvette Club
April 9, 2018
Membership Meeting Minutes
The April 9, 2018 meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM by club vice-president Jimmy Lowry in the absence of president Steve Rees. There were 62 members present and 1 guest, Ron Zimmerman. Welcome all!! The meeting was once again held at the temporary location for Uftring's in the shop area. If there are any corrections to information posted on the website, please send an e-mail to the club email - email@example.com.
Program – No program.
Treasurer's Report – Treasurer John Hanson gave the treasurer's report for March 31, 2018 including a detailed breakdown of all transactions. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept as presented.
Secretary's Report - The March 2018 meeting minutes, which were e-mailed to the membership or mailed to those not having e-mails, had no corrections needed. A motion was made, seconded, and approved to accept.
Governor's Report – Sandy Arnold reported that the NCCC "plastic" membership cards were mailed to all members in March. If you did not receive yours, contact Sandy. This will be the last year that the cards will be mailed. Starting next year the cards will only be available electronically.
Activities – Chairman Rich Anderson reported that on April 14th the club will go to Sicily's Pizza in Washburn. It will be a buffet and they only accept cash.
If you plan to go to "Vettes on the River" on August 25, you should register on Sunday, April 15th as they will be limiting the parking on the levee to the first 350 that are registered to make sure your Corvette is parked safely. All others will park on the street. They are expecting 600+ cars.
There are plans for a Kentucky Derby Party on May 5th at Kep's.
The JC Whitney Car Show in LaSalle will be on May 6th.
The last meeting for the St. Jude Drive is on May 8th - this is a mandatory meeting.
A 25th Club Anniversary party is planned for Saturday, June 23 at Timberlake.
Rich also reminded everyone that help is still needed for the Car Show on May 26. They need volunteers to go to several businesses in the Willow Knolls area and Peoria Heights asking for donations. They are also in need of sponsors for a trophy which are $40. Contact Rich if you are interested, or if you are able to help on the day of the show. All proceeds go to St. Jude!!
Membership – We welcomed a new member tonight, Ron Zimmerman. He stated his Corvette was a member before he was as his Corvette was formerly owned by one of our members! Welcome Ron. Our membership is now at 177 members in 98 households.
Webmaster – Don Karnes and Rich are working on getting the website up to date.
Member Spotlight – Jimmy and Jessica Lowry & John and Connie Haase were in the Spotlight tonight. Both of the guys stated that their love of Corvettes happened more by accident, but now they are true Corvette lovers.
Old Business – Reminder that the last meeting for the St. Jude Drive is on Tuesday, May 8th. Mike Branham also mentioned that you can still reserve a seat on the bus until Fri, April 13th.
The 2018 Proposed By-Laws were approved by the members. 171 ballots were passed out/mailed and we received 119 back. The new By-Laws will be e-mailed to the members or mailed to those not having e-mail.
New Business – Gary Uftring went with a group to the Chevrolet National Convention and was impressed by the changes coming up. The redesign of the 2019 pickup is just one example. They also learned that within the next 5 years, 50% of the cars will be all electric!
Work continues on the plans for the new dealership buildings – Chevrolet has to approve every inch of the new building. There are 2 local contractors who are joining forces so the building can hopefully be done by January. They are so appreciative for the support of the city and the firemen who worked long, hard hours to bring the fire under control. Through the sale of T-shirts, they were able to donate thousands of dollars to the many fire departments that helped them so they could replace equipment that was damaged in the fire.
Announcements – Dan Hittenger had a "Thinking of You" card for Dale Nelson, one of the founding members of the club, and passed it around for everyone to sign. Dale was in the nursing home but is now back at home.
Trivia and 50/50 – Trivia question: In which year did Chevrolet not issue a Corvette due to remodeling?
A) 1983, B) 1973, C) 1990, D) 1966. The correct answer was A) 1983 and was worth $20. Dale Baillez answered correctly and donated it to the shoe fund. Thanks Dale!
The 50/50 drawing was for $41.00 tonight and was won by Buddy Turner, who donated it back to the shoe fund. Thank you Buddy!
Adjournment - A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marilyn Carls, MICC Secretary


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Having some activities with all family members in the outdoor area of your home will become favorite events for all people who come to your home. You must be able to design your outdoor area near your home as best place to gather with all family members. You can do some activities such drinking tea, sharing with all family members, having barbeque party and some other activities. When you are often to do outdoor activities then you need backyard fire pit too.
There are some designs of backyard fire pit that you can choose. You can choose to make rustic backyard fire pit. It will make your outdoor area looks classic and you will create warm place in your backyard area. You can also make fire pit in outdoor of your home and you need to add outdoor seating. You can add outdoor seating and give some pillows too to add comfy feeling for all people who enjoy fire pit.
For all of you who want to enjoy your lonely time in your backyard of your home, you can put fire pit and add one chair for you only. All people will know that you want to enjoy all things alone and you don't want to share your feeling to other people.


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When I was a kid I loved to play red light green light.
My friends and I could play that game for hours.
Just a bunch of young troublemakers running up and down the street.
Little did we know that we were building a bad habit.
In business today there's a lot of stop and go.
A lot of do this—don't do that.
Basically, red light green light adult style.
It's like the childhood game has followed us into the future and into our daily lives.
It's everywhere.
When it comes to the tech in your business starts and stops can really mess things up.
You're left with things half done.
You're left with things in a state of broken.
You're left with workarounds and Band-Aid's.
Getting the tech right in your business is about developing a constant flow.
Keeping a steady pace.
It's about finding that rhythm in your business and then maintaining it.
Don't get caught up in a game stop and go.
Find your flow and stick with it.
You'll be glad you did.


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There are number of supplements available which are meant for bodybuilding. Among them Anadrol and Dianabol are very popular and they are usually compared based on their efficiency.
Among the oral steroids available in the market today, Anadrol is considered most powerful and fastest. This steroid is classified into Schedule III drug. It is mainly used for individuals who are suffering from reducing amount of red blood cells since it is very effective in increasing this count.
In the same way it helps bodybuilders to gain size, shape, and strength very quickly by increasing red blood cell production. If followed properly, that is 50 mg per day of Anadrol bodybuilders can easily achieve at most 30 pounds in a month. This steroid is considered as most desirable among trainers and athletes. It is also believed that it is the most potent steroid.
But when it comes to its usage Anadrol is not very flexible. It must be used as per direction in very few specific cycles. If used improperly gains may get wiped out and some individuals may not even experience any gains.
Similar to Anadrol, Dianabol is also classified into Schedule III drug. But it is slightly different from Anadrol. Dianabol is very effective in enhancing and improving nitrogen balance in the blood stream. This results in increased oxygen availability in the blood and there will be drastic increase in protein metabolism as well.
That is Dianabol is very effective in burning protein through muscles which results in gains. It also avoids the wastage of consumed protein. Dianabol along with enhancing physical health it also helps in improving mental health in an individual through increasing the oxygen availability in the blood stream. So individual will experience more confidence, good appetite and better mood than before after using Dianabol.
Anadrol vs Dianabol:
When it comes to usage both these are oral steroids, they both help in enhancing weight and strength in users. One more similarity is they both are classified into schedule II drug class. So one should have prescription before they go and by either Dianabol or Anadrol.
The other way is to buy through online retails. If an individual is looking for cheap products then they can rely on retails from Eastern Europe. When it comes to binding with androgen receptors both Dianabol and Anadrol are poor at this. When used properly, both these steroids will not result in significant issues.
But compared to Dianabol, Androl is harsher and more powerful. This is because Anadrol is more toxic. So when we consider the impact on liver Anadrol does this more than Dianabol. This doesn't mean that Dianabol has no impact on liver but comparatively it is lesser. In both the cases, individual should use minerals and supplements to protect both intestinal tract and liver. Read review of Anadrol vs Dianabol.
Comparatively there will be enhanced sense of well being when an individual uses Dianabol. This is the right choice for individuals who are suffering from anxiety and depression. The reason behind these effects is the enhanced oxygen availability in the blood stream.


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The Elder Scrolls 6 may have gone into development, finally. There is a new job listing posted by ZeniMax, the publisher of Bethesda Softworks, which indicates that a new AAA title is in development. The publisher is looking for a tools engineer to create an "AAA development environment."
Previously, Pete Hines made it clear that The Elder Scrolls 6 is not in development. He confirmed that there focus is on other projects. However, now that we know which projects are coming out in the near future, is it time for The Elder Scrolls to shine in the limelight again?
Hines also confirmed that there are two big projects they have for release before The Elder Scrolls 6 goes into development. Interestingly, those two projects are on the verge of release – The New Colossus and Quake Champions – so it is good chance that The Elder Scrolls is in early production now.
Bethesda Game Studios Montreal is seeking a qualified Build/Tools Engineer for our team. The successful candidate will have knowledge of and experience in the design, implementation and continuing support of cross platform build systems, continuous integration build systems, automated testing, automated performance measurement and trending, profiling tools, patching systems, asset dependency and packaging systems, multiple branched environments, and source control integration. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to work on game code/systems to support our initiatives to create a AAA development environment.
Whether this game is The Elder Scrolls 6 or some other project cannot be said for sure. The Elder Scrolls V released 6 years ago and to this day it is one of the most popular games in the modding community. It recently received enhancements on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
Would you like to see The Elder Scrolls 6 after The New Colossus and Quake Champions?


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Tag Archives: rain
Staten Island Ferry
Waiting for the Staten Island ferry on Tuesday afternoon, I am overcast and scattered showers. How can I describe it? I left my home for home to see my brother who left home to come home but briefly. There are … Continue reading
Posted in fall, new york, Poetry, travel Tagged Ferry, home, poem about ferry, Poetry, rain, Staten Island 2 Comments
Shift Dreams
Last night I forgot my goodnight prayer, just peeled out of my shift clothes and fell into sleep. I wasn't struck by wild nightmares, just the drone of tomorrow buzzed all night long. Sometimes I wake up having dreamt all … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry, Summer Tagged how to protect your dreams, nyc waitress, rain, when you can't sleep 1 Comment


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SoftPosted: March 15, 2016 Filed under: Balance, Control, Emotions, flow, Foundation, Openness, Strength, Yoga Leave a comment
The highest compliment my daughter Sara can pay is that something is "so soft!" Whether it's the cat, her favorite blanket, pajamas, or a shirt she covets at the mall, it just doesn't get better than that.
We tease her about it, but you know, she's on to something. Softness is underrated. Everything is about being harder, tougher, sharper. Everyone strives for a hard body, not a soft one.
But really, we all need more softness.
I was thinking about this today because I woke up stressed about everything I needed to accomplish. I imagined myself surging through the day like a battering ram.
But then I realized that wasn't going to work. If I've learned anything in this life, it's that rigidity will get you nothing but hurt. When you steel yourself, something is bound to snap.
The way to real stability is through introducing something soft. You need to be supple and flexible in order to be strong.
So I tried that as I moved through my day. I sat in front of the screen working for an hour, but then I went to yoga, which got my blood flowing again and my mind refocused. I took a break for lunch and let my mind wander while I ate instead of trying to multitask on my phone. Then I turned my favorite music up loud in the car on my way to an appointment.
And now I'm sitting here working again, but I've stolen away from the copy to write this.
It would seem to make sense that you should "buck up" when you need to get through something, and maybe sometimes that does work, because being rigid does protect you from feeling things. If that's what you want. But if you remind yourself to be soft and open, at least some of the time, you have a chance at feeling something.


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#SWKE 2016: Three growth impulses
The development of the society can be attributed to trade. Communities which didn't need to fight for everyday survival but were able to interact with surrounding tribes instead, exchanging goods or know-how, experienced a much faster growth. Famous ancient folks emerged from these communities. The trade and the need to record the harvest, important transactions and home accounting let to evolution of writing, education and to the establishment of institutional schooling.
Later it were the schools that enabled further growth of states and empires through preparing state officials who were needed to manage the state apparatus.
In modern history inventors and innovators created new equipment and technologies that brought more ease and quality into the life and work of people.
Trade – education – innovation. A modern society of tomorrow needs a combination of these three elements if it wants to continuously flourish. Institutions of middle and higher education are to produce educated and labour ready offspring. On the other hand especially the universities are expected to closely cooperate with the industry and develop new technologies that will help the local economies gain a position in the global marketplace. Sometimes the most important enterprises emerge from the least probable business alliances. All that is needed are the right business plan and commercial thinking.
It's a good thing that Kosice has one such institution which focuses on research and development and is always ready to help with startup iniciatives and university spin-offs. The Technical University of Kosice founded their own startup centre and every year holds a contest of the student startups. Besides that TUKE is a stable partner of the Startup Weekend Kosice, providing their facilities to the contestants for the fourth time. It will be the third time that we meet in the wonderful space of the university library.
TUKE simply interconnects all three growth aspects in the right way and we are thankful for that.
#SWKE 2016: The beauty in our lives
Small and medium sized enterprises are the backbones of our economy. They employ the majority of the population, keep the money in circulation, and improve living standards. But is it really enough to keep the citizens satisfied? You probably know the crawling need to buy some nice home decorations, to plant a flowerbed in your fore garden or to go out in the evening and visit some exquisite performance or exhibition. The beauty around us is the famous cherry on top of the cake that makes our lives complete. That's why it is so important to support culture and art around us.
In this sense our big appreciation belongs to Creative Industry Košice. Their mission is a heritage of Kosice as European Capital of Culture 2013. Today CIKE tries to help creative people to become true professionals and enable them to further develop the cultural environment of Kosice.
The artists but also entrepreneurs are offered study trips abroad or courses with local and international mentors. They are shown how artist bring new insights into business and how business helps the artists to succeed.
If you feel that you are missing a little expertise or creativity, visit the web pages of Creative Industry (www.cike.sk) and find out what they have in store for you. Surely they will be able to help you strengthen the backbone of your business. Sometimes solutions to seemingly difficult problems are beautifully simple.
#SWKE 2016: The rule of the environment
Have you ever read motivational books? Just don't admit it. I know managers who are strongly against it. But I have a few such books under my belt and I realized there is one thought that repeats quite often – the environment can influence us. In the books one could find many examples of drug addicts, poor or miserable people who left their home town, community and family and became happier.
Well, it´s hard to believe these stories, but there is one slightly different thought that I personally have experienced many times: five people you meet the most determine who you are. Now, I don't mean the door keeper you walk around 4 times a day. Nor is the number 5 important. But think for a moment, who are the people you talk to the most. Who do you go out with? Whom do you ask for advice and why? Did people think that you were brothers with your best pal? My best friend and I were mistaken for twins. 😛
I believe the people around us are important. Even more important is to belong to a community that will support us. You can´t find one? No problem with that. Have you realized how all around Kosice new hot spots are being created? Creative coffee shops, co-working spaces, regular business meetings. But if you think about starting your own initiative it's easier said than done.
The first centre to be build for startups was Eastcubator. I was partly involved and to this day I am wondering how the guys managed to launch it successfully. From the beginning it was up and down from enthusiasm to disappointment when looking for the right space, raising money, slightly missing the right timing, looking for new people to join in. But the founders stuck together and supported each other and in fact proved what the Eastcubator would be about even before it was open. It's about help, support and about a shared space where startups can come, meet and learn from each other and from the community.
I might not believe in American motivational tales of miraculous transformations but I do believe the power of the environment. It's a good thing we can choose who we want to meet with.
#SWKE 2016: The social startup
There is no codified definition for a startup. Usually it's an organization focused on growth – growth of the team, production, sales or profits. And mostly it's funded by raised capital in several rounds. So much the theory. But what if the goal of a startup is not to generate millions in revenues, but rather to help millions of people?
In the last years a new term is often used – the social startup. Different concepts can be connected to the term. For example a company that produces low cost solar batteries affordable to African families living off grid. Great mission with a downside – the low price won't bring much in revenues. Another startup created equipment with pheromones that is able to keep the pests away from tea trees and thus increase the production of small traditional farmers. But those couldn't afford it. So the team members shifted their attention to big "tea houses" and talked them into buying the equipment for the farmers. Now these can produce bio tee which the houses distribute as premium quality products. It's a win-win for all parties.
A third option is to start a non-profit organization which will be helping people with the use of technologies. Just like Aktivita zvyšuje úspech does. It was founded by university students who wanted to secure more on-the-job training for their peers. Via a dedicated web platform companies could post internship offers for anybody to answer. But besides the big players like T-Systems or U.S.Steel AZU wanted to address small, often overlooked companies which also have projects to help with and can offer a unique insider look into the real business.
One might oppose that AZU was just a project, but not a startup. Well, let's take a closer look. 1. Growth – while the original project was aiming at three universities, today AZU can be found in 8 cities and is slowly crossing over to Czech Republic as well.
- Scalability – besides internships the web page azu.sk today informs about interesting events focusing on students' development, publishes projects, job offers and suggestions for thesis focus from companies and the local coordinators regularly organize meetings with students and different mentors and speakers.
- Talent – just like any company or startup the non-profits like AZU need all the talent they can get to secure a sustainable and long-term development.
- Money – securing grants, sponsorship or non-financial help is a No. 1 topic, because the business model isn't really working yet. But show me a startup which didn't face the same problem.
Azu is trying to help the students, make them more active and secure them more experience. From the feed-back it is apparent that the project is good. So let's hope they won't meet the fate of many startups which quit because they run out of money or the team breaks up.
#SWKE 2016: A Healthy Pivot
If you saw the Google Talks with Eric Ries, you probably had a laugh a joke he cited: A woman says to a guy 'I'm not leaving you; I'm just pivoting to another man.' According to Ries the word pivot in Silicon Valley is widely overused. Everybody who is experiencing some difficulty simply pivots their project, adjusts the product in some way and tries once more. In Google Talks Ries explains his concept of lean startup and tries to show how the pivot is helpful only if it enables the growth in number of clients.
But you don't need to pivot only if your business slows down. Great example of a healthy pivot answering the market needs is the story of Peter Šoltés and the company Promiseo. Although at the time when Peter was starting, he probably didn't have a clue about the words startup or pivot.
At the age of 13 Peter started a web page. After the first request to publish an online advertisement he suddenly found himself looking for strategies to increase traffic on his pages and earn money on advertisement. Later he acquired customers and helped them to increase the number of visitors on their internet pages. His 18th birthday Peter spent at filing forms to establish his company Soltes.eu s.r.o.
The company grew in number of employees and their services extended from SEO to PPC campaigns, A/B testing or social media management and creating of buzz campaigns. The growth of the company and entrance to new markets abroad required another change – the name. And so Promiseo came to existence, a name much more attractive to home based as well as foreign customers.
In startup world the pivot is perceived as a way how to keep the company afloat when the product is sinking to the ground. But there is a second option that should not be forgotten. Pivot for the sake of extension and further growth of business.
Written By: Dorota Liptáková
#SWKE 2016: Starting in your slippers
What's the best way to start a startup, project, business? Ideally, on a sofa in your slippers. It's just more comfortable 😀 Why, seriously, you can start a business essentially anywhere. Remember Amazon or Apple? They are referred to as garage companies for a reason. The founders of Google first met at the university and after establishing Google Inc. they opened their first office – guess where – in a garage of some woman!
Do you want a Slovak example? The biggest Slovak web hosting provider Websupport started in the founder's dorm room at Mlyny. Later they moved into a house but seeing the pictures it reminds me more of a concrete tomb. Their next office was suited in another house's cellar (!!!). The space was nicer, though. But the founder of Websupport Michal Truban admits they had been ashamed inviting clients to the office and the clients had been afraid to visit them anyway 😀
Today the offices of Websupport are a different story. No wonder. They have to accommodate 45 employees with a couple more on its way. How else could the company serve the market in four different states? And some more space is needed for their never ending pranks or else they would have to take cover from the Nerf shots behind the screens of their computers.
The lesson to take from this is – when starting your project you don't need fancy offices and overpriced business cards. It's a business idea with a heart that you need in the first place. If your product answers to some problem and helps your customers, that's when you are on the right way. And there is no reason why you shouldn't be walking it in your slippers.
Written By: Dorota Liptáková
#SWKE 2016: The small fish are eaten first
Startup freshmen usually have a very romantic vision about their future. They can see themselves with empty pockets, pitching their great idea in front of a big investor who will be so amazed he will momentarily hand over a blank cheque and they all live happily ever after. There is just a little problem with the idea, the pitch and the money in this story.
Unfortunately, most startups today can be launched with zero costs. Programming software and launching the test version can be done from your home without a CEO salary. Of course, hardware prototyping or projects from the field of nanotechnology are a different category. But they all have one in common – the future investor wants to see/feel/touch a project that is real and has a potential to succeed.
But first you would have to get to the investor and catch his attention. It's easy to replay your awesome speech in your head. But if you don't really know what you are doing, you will lose the attention of the old guns quickly.
Then there is another small catch – what are you willing to give up for the money? Or did you think it's that easy? No sweetheart, you can lose shares, ownership, or the right to make decisions…
Did we just discourage you from running your own startup? Here is a simple cure. Don't go in there blindfolded, keep swimming with the current first and take notes. Hang out with the startup crowd, find yourself a mentor, go to competitions and investors' meetings. And if you still feel lost in the ocean, find yourself a bigger friend.
One of the global top four auditing and consulting companies established its Startup Studio right here in Kosice. The company KPMG has connections and position in the market that enables them to seek talent and act as a bridge to new partnership. They help the startups to communicate their goals, give legal advice and schedule meetings on neutral grounds.
You probably ask 'where is the catch in this'? No catch. Of course they want their percentage, but only after you have filed for success. It's up to you to decide what big fish you will swim with. We from Startup Weekend Kosice are happy to have KPMG on our side once more.
Written By: Dorota Liptáková
#SWKE 2016: Pink karma
My brother-in-law is all crazy about the show My name is Earl. I am trying to avoid TV as much as possible but hearing Earl I usually join. I like the main idea of the second series – karma will get you. Help all the people you were mean to in the past. If you don't do it, you will be hit by a car. But basically it's a funny show 😀
I do believe in karma in the sense that what you invest will come back to you one day. You can invest in your business, in your children, other people, colleagues, students… Slovak teachers fight these days (it's been years actually) for higher salaries, but also for dissipating the differences between regional schools and for the possibility to earn extra credit for extracurricular activities with children. Because children are our future. But is it really that easy? Why don't teachers ask the parents to pay more attention and really raise the children? Where is the appeal to young people to thoroughly plan their studies and future carrier? Who will force the leaders to make space for young generation so they can gain experience and grow in practice? The whole society has to cooperate.
Luckily, in Slovakia we have examples of best practice companies. T-Systems is one of the biggest employers in Kosice. They can shovel in the received CVs. Nonetheless, they are intensely interested in education, for years they have been offering internships and thesis consultations for university students. They are also one of first companies in Kosice to cooperate in the dual education system. Inside the company they create space for their employees to engage in their own micro projects or even independent businesses. Continuously monitoring development in the IT world they never miss an opportunity to support initiatives or public competitions such as Hackathon or Startup Weekend. Why?
The easy answer is: to find the best people and keep the most capable employees. The answer with a touch of karma: they support the whole community. They enable new initiatives and businesses. They teach kids as well as old-timers to open their minds and start new projects. And one day those might bring to T-Systems new clients or new and more experienced employees.
Well, karma will get you. It's better if you are friends with.
Written By: Dorota Liptáková
The Christmas time joy
Christmas is here. Just like every year. And just like the last time, shops are overcrowded, car parks full, and on every step X-mas ads have been following us for more than a month already. But it´s a tradition.
Some people celebrate the birth of Christ, some eccentrics might celebrate the pagan solstice, and then there are those who worship the fat gentleman in red who has been hijacked by marketers and is turning our children´s sense of generosity into greed. But it´s traditions, so what.
Thanks God there are different traditions as well. And our Startup Weekend Košice is becoming one of them.
The first event in Košice was organized by some other folks. Then, after one and a half year we took over and it´s the same people (with small additions to the team) who are planning the already 4th Startup Weekend.
The X-mas offers and advertisements usually start about 1 month beforehand. We start preparations for the weekend at least 3 months in advance. It´s THE project. It´s like our baby that we care for. We watch it closely, we can see how she grows and with every new event it´s reaching a whole new level. For this we stay faithful and keep coming back because we can´t wait to see what surprise is hiding in the next event.
We want to share our joy and keenness with you. People relax, slow down, celebrate. Instead we start working, planning and looking forward to seeing the next volume of Startup Weekend Košice.
Enjoy the holidays, step into the New Year with the right foot and circle the date 23th of December in your diaries.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from
Startup Weekend Košice team
#SWKE: Don´t let the Summer time distract you
Don´t let the Summer time distract you
June is here and theSummer is approaching with the school holidays, vacations, free time and lots of outdoor activities. Temperatures are luring people into the city centers to get some ice cream or cold drinks under the sunshades of street cafes. And the poor startupist is being torn between two strong pulls – the temptation of Summer time and the aspiration to execute their startup.
To get you inspired and working again – remember our Startup Weekend finalists? 54 hours and a good team were all they needed! Here is a short overview of their ideas:
ELI´S – Fresh pet food delivery service.
FreshTeam (SmartMask) – A mask protecting people from breathing polluted air designed especially for markets such as China. It differs by modern design and is based on better filtration than the current respirators on the market.
Lift Me Fast – A smart elevator solution. The startup brings mobile app for saving time when using the lift as well as offers functionalities that give them a competitive advantage.
Passbox – Convert all your plastic loyalty cards to Passbook electronic cards.
SuperTricks.TV – Video blog to present cool outdoor activities which can do parents with kids. Portal to share content from users and sell products.
TerraMercata – Displaying shop customers visually on the map, for better info about them.
TrueStreamer – WebRTC-based media streaming platform for fast streaming without using plug-ins.New technology competing with providers such as Adobe Media Server, Wowza and many others in the field of providing online content.
Webding – Website helping organize weddings by compiling information in one place.
Our Winners!!
We still didn´t mention the best of the best, our winners. Three places were granted, each awarded with special prizes. All three teams were granted vouchers for web hosting services from our platinum partner Websupport and for online marketing services from another platinum partner Promiseo. First team also won a 6-month stay at the startup center Eastcubator and vouchers for consultation services with IT developers and consultation services with Project Managers from gold partner Fpt Slovakia. The second place was granted a 6-month stay at the Startup Center of the Technical University of Košice. After the weekend they all could make a good use of the natural products provided by EZO or the vouchers from the online book store Martinus. Hopefully they also found useful our welcome packages which were given to all attendees. They included different presents such as eco-friendly cups provided by MIZU and LocalB, books and publications from Creative Industry, KPMG and ZMPS, and many other small presents.
One of the teams also made a very strong impression on our platinum partner KPK – reklama. Coincidentally it was the winner of the third place, who was additionally granted supporting services worth of 10,000€ by the KPK- reklama company.
Now what did these teams do to get so much attention? This is a short description of top 3 startups.
TaskyFlock 1st place
"Challenge your days." This is the basic idea of this project. Ordinary people get engaged in new exciting activities by fulfilling short tasks given by strangers, or giving tasks by themselves. They connect, interact and have fun. Thanks to the project they experience new activities, traditions and culture and most importantly – change their days for the better.
Emomime 2nd place
Emomimeis a 3D virtual character – avatar, who will replace the manikins and other uninteresting shop windows of retail chains. Kinect will detect passing people and recognize their gender, emotions, age, clothes and based on this profile choose behavior that will attract the people into the store.
AdRocket 3rd place
Small enterprises can start intensive communication towards their customers in a professional manner – build the brand and awareness of the values provided. AdRocket is about applications and other environments for creating advertising campaigns.
So, Ladies and Gentlemen. We are not saying you have to stay at home in front of your computers. Go out, explore the world, look for problems or gaps your future startup could be solving. But work on it, think about it, create.
Meanwhile we will contact your attendees to find out how they are doing.So stay tuned in and check back later to hear about their stories.


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Microsoft To-Do on Windows and the web is making it easier to keep up with your backlog of emails. In the latest update to the task manager, work and school accounts can now have their flagged Outlook emails automatically synced up to To-Do in their own task list.
Upon updating to To-Do version 1.52, you'll see a prompt asking if you'd like to turn on the flagged email feature. Once enabled, you'll see a new list for flagged emails appear amongst your other lists. Any time you flag an email in Outlook with your work or school account, it will then automatically appear in the flagged email list as a task with the title and body text, along with a shortcut to open the email in Outlook.
Flag an email in your work or school account and, in the blink of an eye, you'll find it in your Flagged Email list on To-Do! Enable it today with our latest Windows or web updates (1.52)—https://t.co/tK0seXPRo7 pic.twitter.com/XhfAJjKygu— Microsoft To-Do (@MicrosoftToDo) March 12, 2019
According to Microsoft's support document, you can have up to 10 emails flagged from the last two weeks at any given time. Once they're converted to tasks, you can add due dates, reminders, and otherwise interact with them as you would any other task.
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In photography, lighting is key! From the amount of light used, to the way that light hits the subject, each variable affects the final outcome of your photo. In today's photography tutorial, we are going to take a look at the two main light sources that impact your photo. So let's have at it! :) Natural Lighting The sun is the biggest source of light we have, so of course it's one of the best! However, just going outside and shooting whenever the sun is out isn't always the best approach. The brightness and location of the sun can definitely work against you. At noon, for example, the sun is high in the sky and casts dark shadows under your subject's eyes. If its too bright outside, your photos may be over exposed, blowing out the details you had hoped to capture in the background. The brightness can also cause your human subjects to squint and frown, which we're sure isn't the photo you're hoping to capture. With these things in mind, here are some tips on how to make this natural light work for your shot.
The setting sun allows you to capture all the details of the building without all the shadows.
Wait till the sun is low in the sky, casting light on your subject from the side. Side or angled lighting will prevent the look of a harsh spotlight. The "magic hour," which happens during early morning and late evening, is a great time to schedule a photo shoot. Side lighting is present because the sun is low and there is the extra benefit of a beautiful sky backdrop.
Notice the sun "rays" and the slight rainbow effect the sunflare has caused.
Try your best to keep the sun diagonally behind your subject. This prevents squinting, provides great lighting, and reduces the chance of sunflares in your photos. Sunflares cast a haze on your photo, showing the rays or rainbow-like streaks (similar to a prism) in your photo. If you choose to backlight your subject (having the sun directly behind your subject), check your photos to make sure your subject's face isn't too dark. If this is the case, you may need to use a reflector or flash to bring light to their face. Depending on your budget, you may want to invest in a lens hood. This device is attached to your lens and decreases the chances of sunflares appearing in your photos. If you're on a tighter budget, try creating your own lens hood with cardboard or using this printout.
The window prevents the sun from being seen, but lights up the bracelet beautifully.
Natural lighting can be achieved in an indoor setting as well! Shoot photos near a window to achieve side lighting, while capturing the sun's natural light. Open up all the curtains or blinds to let the light flow into the room you're using. The natural light will bounce off the walls and the room will appear brighter!
Artificial Lighting Unfortunately, the sun is not always at our disposable, so there will be times when artificial lighting will be needed. Enter the flash (no… not the quick red super hero, but that bright light on your camera :)). Personally, I try to avoid using the flash as much as possible because the camera's built in flash is usually set too close to the lens, creating a harsh light with strong shadows.
The flash has been moved far above the band, allowing you to capture the subject, while still keeping some of the background.
If your camera allows, move the flash further away from the lens. A softer light can also be achieve by pointing the flash in a different direction from your subject. The light isn't shone directly on the subject, but the flash still goes off to illuminate your surroundings. If possible, bounce the flash off a wall to create a luminous effect. Doing this will make the space brighter and help to achieve side lighting, instead of direct lighting.
The background is dark, busy and in the distance, preventing the strong outline the flash creates.
If you must use the flash, be mindful of your background. If you are photographing against a light wall, the shadow the flash creates will be more prominent. To avoid this, position the subject away from the wall or choose a darker background. Shadows are less noticeable on a darker wall or amidst other objects. For point and shoots, where the flash is built into your camera, try turning your camera upside down. This will allow the camera's flash to illuminate the subject from underneath, instead of putting a spotlight directly onto your subjects face. The shadows the flash normally creates will be filled instead.
Understanding your light source and knowing how it affects your shot will help to improve your photography skills. Experiment with the tips we've mentioned above and you'll soon notice an all around improvement in all of your photos! If you don't believe us, start a Mixbook to track your progress. Any of our portfolio themes provides a great way to view your photographic progress. Tune in next week to find out how to manipulate your light source to get the perfect shot!