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30 Household Items You Had No Idea Were Reusable
Save money and reduce your carbon footprint!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
Don't just throw these things away!
Sure, there are plenty of things you know are reusable—grocery tote bags, metal straws, reusable water bottles. But, in addition to products made specifically for that purpose, there are also plenty of other things you probably use all the time that can also be reused. Read on to find out the everyday items you shouldn't be tossing after one use. Plus, check out these reusable versions of things you use every day.
Tea bags
One tea bag can make two cups of tea—possibly even three or four. To get the most bang for your brew, continuously steep your tea in a teapot on the stove. If you only drink one cup in the morning, place your used tea bag in the refrigerator and re-purpose it later in the day to relax your eyes. Cool tea bags do wonders for eye puffiness and irritation.
Parchment paper
Got a birthday party coming up? Bake multiple batches of cookies on the same piece of parchment paper. Most brands are oven safe up to 450 degrees—and as long as there's nothing stuck to the paper that could easily burn, it's safe to reuse.
Clean Swiffer dusters
The pads that attach to the bottom of your Swiffer don't have to go in the trash when you finish your chores. Fill your sink with warm water and soap and swish the duster around to ready it for a second use. Roll the pad into a power towel to eliminate any extra moisture. Allow it to air dry. These are some more "disposable" items you need to stop buying.
Dryer sheets
Dryer sheets are just as effective when cut in half and can be reused at least once. That's four loads of laundry for the price of one!
Coffee filters
Most coffee filters can be reused at least four or five times before they stop working effectively, according to groundtoground.org. Try one of these extraordinary uses for the coffee grounds (or just discard them), rinse off the filter, allow it to dry, and reuse.
Shower curtain
Just because it's plastic doesn't mean it has to be disposable. Instead of tossing a soap scum–laden curtain, try this. Remove the curtain from its hooks and put it in your washing machine, along with regular detergent and a cup of baking soda. Rehang the shower curtain to dry. The same goes for plastic shower curtain liners.
Old towels
As your bath towels fade and accumulate holes, don't immediately throw them in the trash. Cut them up and use them as washable cleaning rags to take care of dirty floors, cars, pets, and more. If you're feeling creative, you can even turn them into DIY creations like bath mats and soft dog toys. Check out these 13 cleaning hacks you'll want to steal from professional house cleaners.
Your flowers and vegetables have uses beyond just their harvesting season. Let a few of your plants go to seed (if you don't harvest them, they will stop growing and eventually produce seeds); you can keep those seeds and use them for next year's crops. Plus, check out the easiest foods to grow at home.
Egg cartons
Egg cartons are designed to keep small, fragile items safe. Who says eggs should be the only things to get that protection? Use empty (and clean!) cartons to store small Christmas ornaments and lightbulbs, or turn them into organizing trays for screws and bolts. Here are more organizing tips you'll wish you knew all along.
Paper rolls
When expert crafters see paper towel or toilet paper rolls, they see endless crafting possibilities. But you don't need to have an artistic vision to reuse cardboard tubes. Slip them over wrapped cables and extension cords to keep them from tangling. Cut and re-tape tubes over the bottom of hangers to keep pants from creasing. Stuff them with the many plastic bags laying around the house. The options are endless. In fact, here are 18 brilliant uses for cardboard tubes.
Pickle jars
Give these a quick wash and you'll have a reusable glass storage container. Beth Nydick, founder of Blue Barn Kitchen, uses them to "store leftovers, homemade sauces, freezing soups, and dried teas." They can even be used as a small planter. Find out some more organization secrets professional organizers won't tell you for free.
Coffee mugs
Lisa Torelli-Sauer, editor at Sensible Digs, upcycles old mugs into small flowerpots. She says, "Old coffee mugs can be painted to perfectly match your home's decor. Repaint multiple mugs in coordinating colors or paint them in a matching theme. Coffee mugs are an especially good size for small succulents or herbs grown inside."
Water jugs
You can use water, milk, or detergent jugs as weights instead of going out to purchase expensive exercise equipment. This brilliant idea for stay-at-home workouts comes from Dr. Karl Smith, Director of Residential Well Living at Cortland Partners.
The author of Gilded Pearls (Vibrant Thoughts, Tips and Tidbits for a Full Life), Carol Gee, recycles old underwear and T-shirts as cleaning rags instead of purchasing towels. They are perfect for dusting, wiping countertops, and even washing your car.
Takeaway containers
When you order takeout, you can keep the containers and reuse them for storing your own homemade food or even future takeout orders in order to reduce resources. Adam Lumb of Cashcow suggests, "The first time you try this, make sure to call the restaurant to explain your intention. Keep in mind that they might ask you to arrive a couple of minutes earlier than usual to box your food. Once they get familiar with this request, you can go back to ordering online if you did before—with a note explaining that you will bring your own packaging." Unlike your collection of takeaway containers, here are some items in your kitchen you need to just throw out.
The Marketing Director of Toolbox Genomics advises using thoroughly washed and dried eggshells to drop in your morning coffee to reduce the acidity. This will improve the taste and make your morning drink easier on your stomach.
Citrus rinds
Take the rinds from citrus fruits, such as lemons and oranges, and boil them in hot water on the stove for a fresh-smelling house. Amy Bloomer, founder of Let Your Space Bloom, LLC, says, "I learned this trick from my Great Grandmother who had a lemon tree in her backyard."
Candle jars
Candles come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own recyclable purpose, according to sustainability blogger Kaitlyn Ray. Larger glass containers can be used to store food in bulk, while smaller jars with lids are perfect for coffee, loose tea, and spices. They can also be repurposed as bathroom storage for Q-tips and cotton balls or make for a trendy cocktail glass. On the other hand, check out some of the things you're keeping that professional organizers wouldn't.
Kitty litter
For all the cat owners who find the copious amounts of kitty litter to be wasteful, an eco-friendly way to make use of the excess product is to use it as a grease absorbent. Doron Wolffberg of We're All About Cats says, "Plain kitty litter is often used as an absorbent, which works well for cleaning up spilt grease or oil on driveways. It's great for the garden, too. Next time you find little sink holes in your garden, use a few scoops of kitty litter to even it out; or, if your lawn freezes due to cold winter, cat litter is a great substitute for de-icing salt."
Sleep experts at Bedroom Critic suggest that if you have a little extra time on your hands, taking apart a worn-out mattress has many alternative purposes. The buttons and fabric can be reused for sewing, while the stuffing serves as a sturdy protectant for transporting fragile items. Here are some home-improvement projects just about anyone can do.
Old toothbrushes can be used for cleaning. Will Tottle of Steam Shower Parts suggests using them for hard-to-reach places such as cleaning a shower head, removing grout, or on delicate surfaces. They can also be used to apply hair dye or even as an eyebrow brush.
These cardboard boxes, especially the ones with a flip-up lid, are a convenient way to store craft supplies.
Plastic zippered bags
The giant plastic zippered bags that you immediately throw in the trash when you buy new bedding or pillows are actually great for storage. Natalie Clausen, founder of Full Green Life, suggests storing winter sweaters in them during the warmer months.
Recycle newspapers or even old magazines to use as wrapping paper. The paper can also wrap fragile objects when moving to prevent scratches or breakage. Newspapers are also exceptional at absorbing odors. Leave small, balled-up paper in your stinky sneakers for a fresher smell in the morning.
Broken dishes
Channel your inner Pinterest artist and get creative! Broken dishes can be used to add some design to outdoor tables, flower pots, or walkways. You may even be able to repurpose it into some trendy DIY jewelry.
Tissue boxes
Use empty tissue boxes as a useful space to store plastic bags. This solution is neat and simple, and it will ultimately save you space.
Condiment bottles
Fill old, cleaned-out condiment bottles with pancake batter or icing to create an easy-to-clean breakfast or beautiful cupcake designs.
Prescription bottles
An empty prescription bottle can become a handy, travel-sized first aid kit with enough space for some Band-Aids, gauze pads, and ibuprofen. The small bottle won't take up too much space in a backpack and you'll be the hero of the group when someone scrapes their knee or has a blister on their foot.
Bottle caps
Fill bottle caps with wax to make tiny candles. These are especially great for large gatherings that call for a couple decorative candles on each table.
If your ladder isn't sturdy enough for you to climb comfortably, use it as a trendy shelving unit. Just lean it against a wall and fill it with books, plants, and photos. Don't miss these other extraordinary uses for household staples you already own.
- Ground to Ground: "Reusing Coffee Filters"
- Beth Nydick, Blue Barn Kitchen
- Lisa Torelli-Sauer, Sensible Digs
- Adam Lumb, Cashcow
- Doron Wolffberg, We're All About Cats
- Kaitlyn Ray, Life within my Lens
- Will Tottle, Steam Shower Parts
- Natalie Clausen, Full Green Life


text: This software offers a solution to users who want to create a PowerPoint presentation about a strategic marketing plan. This software makes it possible to quickly develop some of the most common topics a marketing team should address: Communication Strategies, Packaging, Launch Strategies, PR, Market Summary, Product Definition, Competition, Positioning, International Distribution, Success Metrics, Schedule, Advertising, Promotions, Pricing, Distribution, and Vertical Markets. This software will save you time by providing you with several options. You may fill in the content with your own material using the template as a creative guide or use this complete template as a launching point to improvise your group presentation. Since this template offers a complete solution for a standard marketing strategy you can add or remove a small amount of content in PowerPoint to meet your precise needs. PowerPoint 2000 or higher required.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
My old friend Dave Jeffery (who wrote the brilliant 'Necropolis Rising', which I review on Goodreads here) has added another string to his bow recently, branching out into scriptwriting and co-forming a production company called Venomous Little Man.
Having dabbled in (ultra-low-budget) films myself, I'm a big fan of independent films and the first from VLM is "Ascension", a 31 minute slice of horror that started life as a story in Alt-Zombie from Hersham Horror Books. It's starting a tour of the festivals now and the trailer looks brilliant.
But the latest project from the team is a short called "Six Feet Under", which I've seen and really liked. It starts innocuously enough - a well dressed man (Mark Rathbone) comes home and greets his young daughter (Jaycie Braid) and wife (Carol Braid) - but then he climbs into the attic and things suddenly become a lot darker. Three people (Graham Woodward, Sofia Noreen and Laura Smith) are bound to the joists and our well-dressed man stands over them with a power saw.
Shot as a competition entry, the film was restricted to three minutes running time and director James Hart uses it well. We the viewer don't know anything about the well-dressed man (except that he loves his wife and daughter and he's called Footlocker in the very quick flash of credits) and there's minimal dialogue (the victims say more than our protagonist), but the film builds a good atmosphere, with evocative, mostly hand-held camerawork from Gary Rogers, tight editing from Richard O'Connor and well done, minimally used effects work from Carl Braid (vfx) and Ben North (make-up). All in all, it's good stuff and very impressive.
It's entered for the "666 - Shortcuts To Hell" competition, run by the Horror Channel, where the challenge was to submit a short film based on a series of key restraints (all revolving around the number 6, naturally). The best 6 films, as selected by Frightfest, Movie Mogul and the Horror Channel, are to be broadcast on the channel in the run up to the Frightfest Festival (in August 2013), where they will be screened at Leicester Square before a discerning audience. The winning film will receive £6,666 cash, publicity and the opportunity to develop a horror short or feature film idea under mentorship from Movie Mogul, for a possible 2014 production.
So why not watch the short film (posted below) and then follow the link to YouTube and give it a like? Dave's a good bloke, a great writer and Venomous Little Man Productions are putting out some good work. I'm certainly very interested to see what they could do with that kind of budget so I'm supporting them!
You can get to the YouTube page for this by clicking the logo on the film or by clicking this link.
And just in case you're interested, here's the "Ascension" trailer too!


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Mike Types To You
Sep 9 2013
I found this sort of extraordinary: I left my iPhone charger at the hotel in Dallas. Didn't realize it until we got to Houston. Yoops!
The day after Houston we (the Satriani band) were in Austin for a gig. NOW FOR SOME BACKGROUND: a couple of days beforehand, Kira Small put me in touch with an Austin musician named Steve McAllister, who wondered if I was available for a session when I got into town. There was no soundcheck on the day of the Austin gig, so I had the whole day free until 8:00 pm, and I told Steve "yup. Yup."
He picks me up at the hotel and I ask him, "hey, you aren't a Mac guy by any chance are you?" I thought he might know where the nearest Apple Store was so I could get a new phone charger. He reaches into the compartment between the front seats of the car and pulls out his Apple credentials – he works for the company. I do the session, his song is awesome, he pays me AND gives me a new charger. Things really go right sometimes.
To which you respond, "what do I care? What has this got to do with me?" Well, calm your ass down while I explain.


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Our Philosophy for Giving
God gave: He was generous to mankind with His best. The Bible encourages us to be generous with our time, spiritual gifts, money, hospitality and empathy.
Accra Community Church encourages its members to be generous with their financial gifts; to cheerfully give out of freewill and out of love.


text:
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein announced Monday that he has launched an investigation into Juul, an e-cigarette company.
He sent the company a civil investigative demand to ask for more information about Juul's marketing practices, retailers, contact with resellers, efforts to verify age before purchase, and any youth education and awareness programs.
He also asked for information about the number of North Carolinians using Juul.
This comes just weeks after the US Food and Drug Administration conducted an inspection of the company's corporate headquarters in San Francisco, seizing thousands of documents, many of which relate to the company's sales and marketing practices.
"The use of e-cigarettes among young people is increasing at staggering rates," said Attorney General Stein. "Juul dominates the market. I am extremely concerned about the way Juul has marketed its product to young people, who face increased risk for addiction and exposure to health problems."
According to the CDC, 2.1 million high schoolers and middle schoolers reported using e-cigarettes in 2017. By the fall of 2018, that number had grown to approximately 3.7 million minors using e-cigarettes.
"It's everywhere. And I don't think that kids or parents fully appreciate the danger that this product poses to young people. Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug, and just the change in the brain chemistry in a young person can lead them, can make them much more likely to become addicted to other substances down the road," said Stein.
One of the areas of concern is online retail.
"If somebody is selling into North Carolina, then they're subject to our laws, so we will be able to enforce the law against. them. What I want to know, does JUUL have protections in place to make sure that their products don't get sold by these online retailers who don't care about who they sell the products to? What we don't want is companies chasing a buck and putting the health of our young people at risk. It's unacceptable," said Stein.
On the local level, Wake County students are helping lead the charge to combat the growing use among teens.
"It's very easy concealable, and it's really portable, and it's just so common," Maya Nair, a senior at Enloe High School explained.
Nair is part of the Youth Advisory Council for N.C. Child, a statewide advocacy organization.
She met with the Wake County School Board to discuss the popularity of e-cigarette products and their dangers.
Her efforts helped lead to direct change both inside and outside of the classroom.
The district has expanded their tobacco policy to include e-cigarettes, and are working with students to update their curriculum to include lessons about e-cigarettes.
In the meantime, Nair is continuing to warn fellow students about the products.
"It's a lot more different when I'm talking to my friends and saying 'this is not good for you,' versus someone older saying 'this is not good for you," said Nair.
In a statement about the ongoing investigation, Kevin Burns, JUUL Labs Chief Executive Officer wrote,
"Our priority is the same as Attorney General Stein's - to keep nicotine products out of the hands of young people. Underage use of JUUL and any other vaping products is completely unacceptable to us and is directly opposed to our mission of eliminating cigarettes by offering existing adult smokers a true alternative to combustible cigarettes. We stand committed to working with those who want to keep nicotine products out of the hands of young people."
Stein said there is a similar investigation taking place in Massachusetts, and the two offices have been in contact.
The video in the media player above is from a previous story.
E-Cigarette maker JUUL under investigation for allegedly marketing to minors
Advocates pressuring FDA to limit e-cigarette usage among minors


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Below is Activision Blizzard's stock forecast for 2020. Activision Blizzard stock #ATVI has created a very strong imbalance of around $59 per share. The stock might continue to rally and break an all-time high again. This is a long-term analysis of this stock and could be used for short-term stock trading and intraday stock trading.
It might take some time for Activision Blizzard stock to drop that much, and it might not do it at all. If you are using smaller timeframes to trade this stock, you might be able to find new buy opportunities as Activision Blizzard stock will try to continue to break all-time highs around $87 per share.
Activision stock (ticker: ATVI) thrived in the year 2020, as consumers shifted spending from leisure and travel to indoor and online activities such as video games. Remember that the video game industry is bigger than the music and cinema industries. The stock has run up 37% year to date, and that's a lot. The gaming industry has a positive outlook, and the same applies to recreational and gaming stocks like Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts. Below is the Activision Blizzard stock forecast for 2020.
Watch the Activision Blizzard video analysis using the monthly timeframe.
This is the kind of price action technical analysis you will learn in our trading community. You will learn how to locate new supply and demand imbalances and trade without using any indicators, no news, no fundamental analysis, no earnings announcements, no volume or VSA analysis. Just Activision Blizzard stock supply and demand imbalances.
Trading supply and demand imbalances are ideal for beginners and those with a full or half-time job. You won't need to stay in front of the computer all day long trying to move price action with your mind.
As supply and demand traders, we do not need to pay attention to the news, fundamentals or any earnings reports. Once a big timeframe imbalance has gained control, earnings do just the opposite and react strongly to those imbalances. Why do you see positive earnings and then the underlying stock drops like a rock, or a negative earnings announcement and the stock rallies like a rocket out of control? You are probably missing the fact that there are big imbalances in gaining control.
You should not worry about fundamentals or earnings announcements unless you are doing very short-term trading and scalping.
You can use these imbalances to plan your trades in lower timeframes. Trading is just waiting for the right trigger points and scenarios to present themselves, this game has got a name and it's called the waiting game. We need to patiently wait for the correct scenarios and setups to happen and wait for the price to pull back or dip into the price levels we want to trade, in our case these price levels are made of supply and demand imbalances.
Join our supply and demand stock trading course to learn how to trade using our supply and demand trading strategy.
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Any Advice or information on this website is General Advice Only - It does not take into account your personal circumstances, please do not trade or invest based solely on this information. By viewing any material or using the information within this site you agree that this is general education material and you will not hold any person or entity responsible for loss or damages resulting from the content or general advice provided here by Set and Forget, its employees, or fellow members. Futures, options, and spot currency and stocks trading have large potential rewards, but also large potential risk. You must be aware of the risks and be willing to accept them in order to invest in the Forex and futures markets. Don't trade with money you can't afford to lose. This website is neither a solicitation nor an offer to Buy/Sell spot Forex, cfd's, stocks or other financial products. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profits or losses similar to those discussed in any material on this website. The past performance of any trading system or methodology is not necessarily indicative of future results.
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text:
The G.E.O (Geological Environment Observer) is an Earth emulator to help comfort astronauts in LDSF. Made for NASA's Space Apps Challenge.
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Sharing the Downshifting Lifestyle with Sunlight, Grass and the Ocean
Dear b&b Three Heartfelt Promises Certification
Sharing the Downshifting Lifestyle with Sunlight, Grass and the Ocean
Features & Amenities
The lodging is currently only available in Chinese.
For other English reviews, please return to the search page; or you may close the window to enter the Chinese review.
Let the host know that you are a Dear b&b reader when booking, and you will get a limited postcard upon checking in!
Fengbin, Hualien
Discover the wonder of the lodging.
Driving along Provincial Highway 11, you wind down the car windows, seeing the sea view which is exclusive to the east—azure and shining. Children sitting in the back seats smiles happily; your hair is blowing in the gentle wind. Harboring the pure love for the ocean, you come to Hualien Boutique Ocean Inn whenever you have a vacation. This purity will create good mood. Slowly you drive up to the slope close to the highway. Before long a little yellow dog—Man Tou runs out to welcome you on the sunny lawn, wagging to show its hospitality. In front of you are two connected buildings standing opposite to the coast. The two attached houses comprising the quality of everyday and well-designed lives by the gorgeous sea unveil your vacation.
By the sea, meeting the hosts' ideal life
Along the sunny lawn to Hualien Boutique Ocean Inn, you meet relaxation and tranquility accompanied by the sea sounds. Louis, the host, is standing on the slope and facing the ocean; seeing you come up, he graciously waves at you. The grey stone construction with the Coastal Range on its back displays a carefree and confident look. Behind the slope are three opened black glazed doors; outside the building is a corridor to the semi-outdoor area with a huge wooden table. Nancy, the hostess, is arranging the house there. Ten years ago, the two visited Hualien and Taitung with their families. Since then, they have been in love with this particular ocean. They, thus, started to look for lands, design and supervise at construction sites, spending time on forging their dream with anticipation. At their retirement, Louis and Nancy finally make it to merging the warmth of home with nature, painting this refined landscape—sharing the aroma of life around the large long wooden table and bathing in the breath of the sea. This is their ideal life and also is the soul of Hualien Boutique Ocean Inn.
After entering the building attached to the host's host, it is a vast hall where you check in. With the pure music played, you can help yourself to the coffee or tea on the table, read the books on the shelves to spend the peaceful time or choose a sofa you prefer to chat with friends while staring the various layers of blue outdoor. The other part of this public area is the open kitchen where you can cook and share the food. In the refrigerator are the ingredients of breakfast prepared by Louis and Nancy, like the bagels and green onion pancakes chosen before your arrival. Jam, seasonings and various meat are also available. What's better, a pack of beer or a bottle of red wine is on the host. You can create your composition of breakfast with a variety of choices. Can't wait for the fun cooking time in the morning!
Three rooms: three ideal ways of a long stay in the East Coast area
Passing the public area with wooden table and full sea view, you walk along the grey stone corridor to the other house at the end of the slope. Three rooms are there: "Double Room: Xin She Rice Terrace," "Split-level Quad Room: Wave Jumping" and "Heartening Quad Room: Brownie." Named after the imageries of Hualien or the pleasant memories of the host's family, the quality space is built with simple and natural materials such as wood, stone and bricks, which makes it a comfortable and pleasant stay. With the hope that guests can stay long on the east coast, the longer the stay is, the better discount is offered. It is also the regard the host pays to those who can fully relish this fantastic accommodation at a slow pace.
Opening the door of "Xin She Rice Terrace," you are welcomed by a wall of French doors like a glass house. A delicate white bathtub in the open washroom immerses your body in relaxation and your mind in the boundless sea. A Soft white bed on the wooden floor lures you with the charm of downshifting travel pace. Back the door is the wooden stairs to "Wave Jumping." In the room, the bed frames are made of cedar wood whose fragrance surrounds the ones staying inside. It is a room for friends and besties enjoying a vacation together and realizing the dream of living by the sea. "Brownie" is created out of the joy the host gets from the moments when the family stays together making dessert. It is a washitsu in simple and heartening Japanese style. The separate bath and shower can be shared by different people simultaneously. The host furthermore sets a round bathtub facing the sea, in which the affection of the night can be savored.
Preparing the heartwarming breakfast together, sharing the delicious meal with the sea view
"Good morning!" Upon walking out of the room, you are greeted by the host who is walking the dog. Following your friends and family to the cooking area of the kitchen, you heat the pan while others whisk eggs and bake bagels. After the messy but funny cooking time, on the white china plates are a smooth omelette with rosemary, solid bagels with jam and vinaigrette and delicious pan-fried pork chop. Sitting around the long wooden table facing the sea, you appreciate the food made by your hands, which satisfies the life with good taste and creates another kind of travel pace.
One afternoon during your stay, you follow the host and the doggy to take a walk on the path in the woods. The golden sunshine scatters and things in your eyes are turned into gold. You stare the figure of ideal life standing by the sea remotely, feeling satisfied. Staying here, you have no worries and trivia but the sunshine, grass and the natural living circumstance built by the pure love for the ocean. Hualien Boutique Ocean Inn plans a cheerful trip for the heart, accompanying travelers to experience the slow life during vacations.
Room Type
Xin She Rice Terrace
2 guests
NTD 19,200 ~ 19,200/room
Breakfast included, Three-day trip package, On the 1st floor, Ocean View, In-room bathroom, Separate bathroom and toilet, 1 double bed, Single-person bathtub, Up to 1 extra person (with extra bed) (more)
Wave Jumping
4 guests
NTD 19,200 ~ 19,200/room
Breakfast included, Three-day trip package, On the 2nd floor, Ocean View, In-room bathroom, Separate bathroom and toilet, 2 double beds, Single-person bathtub, Up to 1 extra person (with extra bed) (more)
4 guests
NTD 19,200 ~ 19,200/room
Breakfast included, Three-day trip package, On the 1st floor, Ocean View, In-room bathroom, Separate bathroom and toilet, 2 double beds, Single-person bathtub, Extra person is not allowed (more)
Price List
Booking Info
Cancellation and Postponement Policy
By car
Enter the address for GPS navigation.
Public transportation
After booking is confirmed, please contact the host for transportation details.
Facilities and Services
House Rules
Contact Info
No. 5, 富光, 花蓮縣豐濱鄉, Taiwan
* Let the host know that you are a Dear b&b reader when booking, and you will get a limited postcard upon checking in!


text:
December started off very well for the New Jersey Devils and despite a sour end, it was a good month overall. The Devils started the month by going 6-1-1 in the first three weeks of the month. However, they slipped in the holidays by going 3-3-0 in their last 6 games of 2008. Nevertheless, that's a monthly record of 9-4-1 and that's not bad. The Devils climbed up from fourth in the division to third and are within striking distance of currently-second place Philadelphia and currently-first place Rangers. Truth be told, it was a pretty solid month, who now stand at 21-12-3.
For an additional perspective and a breakdown of each player, Scott Mackie has his December 2008 month in review at 2 Man Advantage.
The Devils began the month right after having a 5 game winning streak broken by Pittsburgh on November 29. How do the Devils respond? Another winning streak, of course! The Devils go on to win their next 4 games in a multitude of impressive wins. For starters, they beat the Flyers in Philadelphia and the Canadiens in Montreal in overtime. Not easy to do against two tough teams and especially on the road, but the Devils got it done. The Devils would then get some revenge at the Rock against Pittsburgh and soundly beat them 4-1, a win that gave me confidence for the next game. Then came December 12, one of the wildest games I've ever seen the Devils play and that includes November 15's 6-5 shootout win over Washington. The Devils dominated, got equalized, and then took over the game again to defeat Our Hated Rivals at the Rock 8-5. Needless to say, I and pretty much all Devils fans loved the game.
That would be the end of the good times for the time being, as Buffalo came to the Rock the very next night and did well, where the Devils didn't have much left, to win 4-2. And concern would mount as the Devils traveled up to Toronto, came back to tie it, yet lost 3-2 in a shootout. Two games the Devils didn't win in a row in a tough, competitive division. Did the magic stop? Would the Devils crumble? Would things turn, as they say, pear-shaped?
No. The Devils would go on to win their next three games: revenge on the road against Buffalo with a solid 5-3 win; the Devils dominating the then-goal-stingiest team in the league Ottawa by a 5-1 margin (to which many Devils fans elated, "YES!"); and the Devils scraping an extra point in the shootout against Philadelphia on a Sunday afternoon. The first two wins were examples of the Devils working hard and putting the opposition to the sword. The win over the Flyers, well, that was a sloppy game; but they got a result against a division rival and that's the important thing.
Then things went awry over the next 5 games. Like catching larengitis, the Devils forgot how to finish plays and got shutout in games against Boston and Pittsburgh at home. The Devils played some excellent defense in those games and were at least competitive with Boston; but the Devils were defeated by an inability to put the puck home with any of their scoring chances. The loss to Boston didn't bother me much since they are one of the best teams in both ends in the league - and it was only 2-0 (1-0 + Empty Net). Though, the Pittsburgh loss was particularly frustrating for a number (2) of reasons. The Devils would go on the road to end the month and, amazingly, the Devils' defense was actually pretty poor against St. Louis and Dallas as opposed to being nearly-rock-solid against Boston and Pittsburgh. The team conceeded too many chances, they didn't play smart hockey, and while the offense was able to bail the Devils out in St. Louis, Dallas' pressure was just too much for the Devils to generate many chances and got a deserved loss.
Oh, wait, I forgot that the Devils played 3 road games to end the month. It happened to be at MSG against the Rangers, and it was fantastic. A 4-2 win on the road against your hated rivals; re-discovering the ways and means to finish plays after two games where it didn't happen, and it was a crucial win as it helped New Jersey gain ground on everyone else going into St. Louis. I mention this last because I think what Devils will get out of this month is that, yes, they did very well to start the month; yes, they trended down to end it; yes, the Devils are still in the running in the Atlantic but didn't make a major move up in the division; the highlights of the month are definitely smacking the Rangers right in the mouth in the 8-5 and 4-2 wins against them. And, really, there isn't too much better than kicking your rivals around for a bit.
Now, that's the month in an incredibly large nutshell. Who was the best Devil in December? In my eyes, there are three worthy candidates. The first is Zach Parise, who had a splendid month. He remained as the Devils' leading scorer with 8 goals and 10 assists. His best games came on the 8-5 win against the Rangers and the 5-1 win against the Senators, where he put up 4 assists in each game. His hustle and tenacity to stay with the play is not only intact, but it has become contagious as other Devils (e.g. Dainius Zubrus, Brian Gionta, Travis Zajac). However, it's not him.
|2008 - Zach Parise
The second candidate is Scott Clemmensen. And why not? He's done far more to exceed expectations. Poor rebound control and a not-at-all confidence-inducing style of play, aside, you cannot argue with the results Clemmensen gets. He has gone up against some of the best forwards in the league and more often than not, he comes out of it with a save. And by starting all but one game in December, it's proof he can handle the workload of games. He currently has the fifth best goals against average in the league along with the eighth best save percentage; and he's been in net for all of the Devils' wins in December. You cannot attribute all of that just to the guys in front of him. Still, I don't feel he's been the best Devil.
|2008 - Scott Clemmensen
The best Devil in December was Patrik Elias. Don't get me wrong, Parise and Clemmensen has had excellent months and I appreciate them both. But Elias went from a strong November, 6 goals and 10 assists, and had an even better December. Elias compiled 9 goals - 2 game winners - and 10 assists, while playing in nearly all situations (even strength, power play, penalty kill, 4-on-4, and shootout). Elias has used his skill wonderfully in setting up his linemates with excellent passes, while using it himself to bury a chance when he's got nothing but the keeper in front of him. He gets involved in traffic and comes out of clean, as Elias' has been tagged for only 2 minor penalties this month. But the most impressive feat has been his 9 game point-streak in December. That streak actually began on November 29, so it was really 10 games; and it was only broken against Boston where no Devil got on the scoresheet. That is excellent consistency and he's been a big reason for the Devils' success in the beginning of the month. He's enjoying his hockey and it's for everyone's benefit. For all this, I name Patrik Elias the In Lou We Trust Devil of the Month for December 2008 for the second straight time.
Patrik Elias
#26 / Left Forward / New Jersey Devils
Apr 13, 1976
December 2008 ILWT Devil of the Month


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Arabic Translation Challenge: If You See His Fangs Bared …
For the seventh and final week of our #ArabicTranslationChallenge pilot project, you must face the lion's jaws:
By Kevin Blankinship
It has come to this: the final "pilot" week of the Arabic Translation Challenge. To be honest, I started the series for a selfish reason, namely, to connect with people on social media. I didn't expect for it to garner so much interest, and I certainly couldn't have predicted the kaleidoscope of styles, languages, and media that came in with such persistence and uniformly high quality. Thanks to the participants, the guest hosts, Marcia Lynx Qualey and ArabLit.org, and everyone else who's made curating the challenges nothing but unmixed pleasure.
To be clear: this is not goodbye but au revoir. The challenges will return soon, whatever reincarnation they happen to take. Hope to see you there.
At the risk of being selfish (and cliché) yet again, I wanted to put up what happens to be my favorite line in all of Arabic poetry, especially since it fits the theme of "CATS" for the fall issue of Arablit Quarterly. It's from a poem of `itaab, "scolding," typically from one friend to another (`itaab was its own poetic mode, almost like a subgenre) by al-Mutanabbi, the single most impactful poet in classical Arabic. Appearing in one of his sayfiyyaat, i.e. praise poems to his favorite patron Sayf al-Dawlah, it recuperates martial imagery to pit the poet against his rivals, whom he draws in with pleasing mien before the kill:
If you see the lion's fangs bared,
don't assume the lion is smiling!
Although this is the line that made such imagery famous, al-Mutanabbi wasn't the first to use it. Several centuries earlier, `Antarah ibn Shaddad, "the black knight" in Arberry's words, said of actual opponents locked in battle:
When he beheld me come down
in the field against him,
he bared his back teeth [nawaajidh]
and not in a grin, I may say (trans. Arberry)
And since the line by al-Mutanabbi quoted above comes from the same poem as another, his best known to posterity, why not put that up for translation, too?
Horses and night and the desert
they all know me
and sword and spear
and parchment and pen.
Please feel free to translate any or all these lines this week. Thanks again for your support and keep your eyes to this page for updates!
Kevin Blankinship is an assistant professor at Brigham Young University.


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The mystery is over. Today, PBS announced season four of Sherlock will debut on New Year's Day.
The new season reunites the famed consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), with his partner in solving crime, John Watson (Martin Freeman). The cast also includes Rupert Graves, Mark Gatiss, Una Stubbs, Louise Brealey, and Amanda Abbington.
Season four of Sherlock kicks off on January 1st.
From PBS:
Sherlock will return in "The Six Thatchers" on January 1, 2017 on MASTERPIECE on PBS.
Coming in 2017, Sherlock will return with three brand-new episodes that promise laughter, tears, shocks, surprises and extraordinary adventures.
Season four begins with the mercurial Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), back once more on British soil as Doctor Watson (Martin Freeman) and his wife Mary (Amanda Abbington) prepare for their biggest challenge yet: becoming parents.
Co-creators, writers and executive producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss say: "Whatever else we do, wherever we all go, all roads lead back to Baker Street, and it always feels like coming home. Ghosts of the past are rising in the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and terror and tragedy are looming. This is the story we've been telling from the beginning and it's about to reach its climax."
Sherlock is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock is produced by Sue Vertue and the executive producers are Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for Hartswood Films, Bethan Jones for BBC Cymru Wales and Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE."
It's not a game anymore. #SherlockPBS, Season 4 coming January 1, 2017 to MASTERPIECE on @PBS! pic.twitter.com/42V6F75Uo2
— PBS (@PBS) October 26, 2016
What do you think? Are you a fan of Sherlock? Are you excited for the new season?


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New Album/EP: The Fight – North America
When I came across Try by the Canadian five piece The Fight, I was immediately hooked and wanted to listen to more of the pretty cool indie rock. I got in touch with the band, inquiring about their EP scheduled to drop in August. Then it was September. Luckily, as a general rule in life, good things are worth the wait because North America got its digital release yesterday, and just right in time.
Bradey Feil (vocals), Todd Andrews (bass, vocals), Devin Fortier (guitar, vocals), Caleb Neumeier (guitar) and Erik Grice (drums, vocals) form The Fight, originating from Edmonton, Canada. Their EP North America contains six fantastic songs, almost all carrying a one noun title, with clear guitar hooks, driving beats and vocals that remind at times of The National and other baritone strong bands.
Listen to Ashtray, an instantly likable and super catchy track, with beautiful, deep vocals singing about making a relationship work and giving and receiving a second chance:
the ashtray it don't lie
i've been up all night
drinking all of the whiskey
sitting and shaking
what was i thinking
i want a conversation
maybe we could make a comeback
Another great track on North America is the earlier released Try.
it won't always be easy, honey
it won't always be easy
Listen to the whole album, follow The Fight on Facebook and/or Twitter and see them live:


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Mold Inspections & Treatment
ABC Cleaning and Restoration offers professional mold testing, inspection, and removal. Our thorough inspections include a visual inspection of the property focusing on areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and crawl space- anywhere water is normally present. Then we inspect with moisture detection devices and thermal imaging cameras along exterior walls. An exterior inspection is conducted to look for potential issues that could lead to moisture intrusions; whereas, a visual inspection of the crawlspace or attic if needed.
Residential Inspection Fees
$399 includes two samples for testing (additional samples $195 each if necessary), report with mold types identified and counted if present, and recommendations for remediation if a problem exists. If no problem exists, a report with counts and documentation is provided.
$499 includes all the benefits of $399 inspection along with attic and crawlspace inspection added.
Commercial Inspection Fees
For commercial inspections, call for pricing.
All information remains confidential
Characteristics of Mold Testing
Air sample test for mold – This sample is collected via an air pump and a spore trap. All homes have some levels of mold in the air and these samples determine if the airborne levels in the home are normal or if elevated levels are present. These samples can be collected from any conditioned space in the home and are judged against an outside control sample.
Surface sample test for mold – Surface samples can be taken of any area where visual discoloration or growth is observed. This is done by using a swab or tape lift. This helps when determining the source of airborne contamination levels.
After samples are collected, they are sent to a 3rd party laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within three business days, and the full report is provided from our mold inspection with recommendations.
Tips to Avoid Mold Problems in Your Home or Business
Repair plumbing leaks or water intrusions immediately upon discovery and dry all impacted building materials.
Maintain indoor humidity levels to less than 60%.
Keep gutters clean and free of debris.
Regularly inspect your attic and crawlspace to identify any water leaks or moisture intrusions.
Trust your nose – If you smell a mold or mildew odor, investigate further and find the source.
Ask questions and seek help from a trusted source for information.
The problem will not go away if ignored. In most cases, delays lead to larger problems that are more costly to correct.
Call ABC Cleaning & Restoration Today
Call us today to schedule an inspection or to speak to someone about your specific case. We offer inspections, testing, FREE estimates for remediation, and expert advice to people in Huntsville, Athens, Madison, Decatur, and the surrounding areas in North Alabama.
Mold testing is FREE if We Do the Mold Removal
Mold Removal & FREE Inspection
A mold can grow on many surfaces, on porous materials such as drywall or concrete, or within living organisms, and in decaying organic matter. The process of mold removal depends largely on the areas affected and the size of the mold exposure.
A visual inspection and evaluation of the structure should be done to determine the potential scope of damage and the cause and origin of the mold problem. It may be determined that a mold test is needed to get a better understanding of the scope of mold damage.
Mold testing will provide a protocol for mold removal which will be used to help estimate the scope and cost of your project.
Mold growth can begin in as little as 24 – 48 hours after water damage has occurred. Thorough drying and water removal under controlled conditions is important to eliminate the unnecessary spreading of the harmful spores if they develop or are already present.
Call us for FREE estimates! 256-682-0345
ABC Cleaning And Restoration is an IICRC and ACAC certified mold firm, specializing in the containment and removal of molds from your home or office. Preliminary microbial testing for mold.
From Our Customers
- Samantha Franceschi Brinkley
- Kimberly Wallace
- Amanda Humphrey
- Carolyn Dietrich
- Jonathan Pryor


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When you become a parent, or at least an involved parent (fuck you, mom! You were never there for me!), your life and priorities and rhythms change so dramatically that it's almost as if your very brainwaves shift dramatically. It feels like being a parent affects you on a cellular, physical, as well as intellectual and emotional level. Perhaps that explains why, two years into beginning the magical adventure of parenthood (and though I write this on a site devoted to comedy I am not kidding, as I am hopelessly sincere in my parenting) Sesame Street is rapidly threatening to replace The Simpsons as my all-time favorite show and the show I am most influenced and obsessed with.
My love of Sesame Street borders on unhealthy and pathological. I already sense that I am enjoying the show more than my two-year-old son Declan. He'll start wandering away after the third episode in a row and I'll be all, "Come back! They haven't done 'Elmo's World' yet! Don't you want to see what Dorothy the Goldfish imagines Elmo as? I bet it's adorable."
At this point I know "Elmo's World" the way Trekkers know Spock and Captain Kirk. I can time down to the split second all of the segment's various features, from Elmo asking a pre-verbal baby the question of the episode, then wandering away satisfied despite the tot doing nothing but gaze fondly but uncomprehendingly at him, to the moment late in the show where Elmo's pet goldfish Dorothy imagines what Elmo would look and sound like if Elmo were a wide variety of people, animals, creatures, and things.
I've watched "Elmo's World" enough to realize that while the show is educating small children (its target demographic is kids ages one to three) about simple topics and counting it's also a miniature museum of different, anachronistic forms of comedy. Elmo is a three-and-a-half-year-old red monster child with the sense of humor of a 57-year-old white dad/vaudevillian. He is forever cracking corny jokes and indulging in eye-roll inducing wordplay. Elmo is always cracking up at himself like a monster version of a young Adam Sandler. In his quest for knowledge, Elmo asks a member of the Noodle family, a group of silent physical comedians, all played by Tony winners, a simple question they answer enthusiastically but incorrectly, because they appear to be mentally challenged and have a terrible time grasping even the most basic adult concepts. The Noodles are a throwback to vaudeville but they're also mimes in the ancient and annoying tradition.
There's also a strong streak of absurdism coursing through "Elmo's World." Every episode ends with a merry sing-along in which Elmo insists that his silent yet extremely important pet goldfish Dorothy wants them to sing a song to the melody of "Jingle Bells" (more or less) but lyrics that consist of one word or phrase repeated over and over again, to the point of madness. And this is no stranger than anything else on the segment.
"Elmo's World" is not exactly "funny" but a lot of Sesame Street is genuinely amusing, and not just by the lenient standards of children's entertainment. Chances are good that many of your favorite comic performers have already appeared on Sesame Street, and in roles and contexts that sometimes reference their real-world fame. I'm thinking specifically of Will Arnett, who plays the hapless Max the Magician, a subtraction-based sleight of hand artist who, in a capper the average Saturday Night Live writer would murder their mother for, gets frustrated and climactically disappears and returns to his own realm, as he's somehow both a terrible magician and genuinely magical.
Popular favorites like Samantha Bee, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Peter Dinklage, Donald Glover, Jimmy Fallon, Ryan Reynolds, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari, and many, many more have appeared on the show, sometimes in mere cameos, sometimes in more ambitious roles, as when Dinklage played THE imperious "Simon" of Simon Says fame and Glover appears as a one-man burlesque of the two-man party-rocking dynamo that is LMFAO.
Sometimes Sesame Street manages to get the hot young stars of today before they become famous. Before Hamilton made him the most important artist alive, Lin-Manuel Miranda was a song-writer for Sesame Street and turned in a memorable guest appearance as a rapping, magical real estate agent for birds who doesn't stop hard-selling Big Bird until he's prepared to say goodbye to Sesame Street for a new habitat in the rain forest. Not every episode features a rapping magical bird real estate salesman, but that level of absurdism is in keeping with the tone of the show, and its flexible approach to reality.
Sesame Street catches flak for being more airbrushed and commercial and tidy than it was back in the 1970s, when the show was so gritty and authentically urban that in some episodes, if you look closely, you can actually see some of the extras rolling doobies in the background. The "Street" element now is more metaphorical than real and as a Gen-Xer I miss Kermit the Frog just as much as everyone else does.
But if the grit and grime and some of the soul of the old show has been sacrificed in the shiny new incarnation, a lot has been gained as well. Spoofs of Boardwalk Empire and Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark are undoubtedly targeted more at parents than children excited for Elmo to help teach them how to count. But if Sesame Street routinely does more than just wink at the grownups in the audience, these relatively hip, contemporary references do not feel like they are coming at the expense of both entertaining and educating children.
In its contemporary iteration, Sesame Street does a fine job of appealing to both children and parents. This is not one of those noxious CGI cartoons that spends so much time desperately pandering to children and adults alike that they end up insulting both groups simultaneously. No, it's a show that respects children enough to speak up, rather than down to them, but it also respects the adults in the audience as well and makes sure they're not forgotten.
Sesame Street features celebrities at their charming, kid-friendly best, although it can be weird seeing noted creeps like Terence Howard (who may be a fine actor, but has a lot of horrible ideas about women, and a terrible way of acting them out) palling around with Elmo and, in a particularly nightmare-inducing tableau, wearing a full-on Elmo costume. But I am happy to report that Howard is the exception rather than the rule and that on the Street of Sesame even Adam Sandler is once again a lovable man-child goofball rhyming sort-of words with a delighted Elmo and not the soulless husk of a man perpetrating The Ridiculous Six and Grown-Ups 2 and The Cobbler on a world that has done nothing to merit such abuse. Well, I guess we are thinking about electing Trump president so maybe we do, actually, deserve such torment.
Sesame Street is understandably subtle and understated in its politics, although I can imagine Trump flying into one of his patented rages if he knew just how extensively the show celebrates being Hispanic and Mexican culture and multiculturalism in all its forms. Sometimes, however, the show is accidentally both political, prescient, and even satirical and cutting in its genial, perpetually family-friendly and family-oriented comedy.
That was the case in episode from over a decade back where an incongruously suit-clad Oscar (why bother with appearances when you literally live in a trash can?) and his fellow grouches excitedly and grouchily await the arrival of their hero and role model. And who do these miserable grouches revere? Why that would be The Grump himself, or as he is otherwise known to his deplorable fans, Donald Grump.
Donald Grump is famous for having the most trash of any grump in the world, and there's a blunt if forceful bit of sledgehammer satire endemic in replacing money, which Trump swears to God he has, and seems overly proud to possess, in excessive amounts, with, literally, garbage, rotten eggs, dirty diapers and everything else we throw away for a reason.
"His name is on every piece of trash in town!" Oscar crows of his role model, which could also describe Donald Trump's longstanding strategy when it comes to naming his buildings. Then Donald Grump appears sporting a weird orange thing on his head that sort of resembles both a glob of hair and also a small woodland creature, and introduces himself by sneering, "I'm Donald Grump and I have more trash than all of yous, so nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah!" which is really not that dissimilar from Trump's appeal to voters.
The segment is a parody of The Apprentice that finds Donald Grump arbitrarily firing people who aren't even in his employ yet. Then Elmo, that furry little red ball of sunshine, swoops in and wins the game by throwing himself guilelessly into the competition while the grouches bicker counter-productively.
While simultaneously teaching counting and spoofing one of the biggest shows on the air at the time, the show illustrates allegorically how pandering, self-aggrandizing evil can be defeated not by good people lowering themselves to the level of the evil in their midst but rather by holding onto their values and innate goodness. Alternately, they can fight awfulness with awfulness, as the other grouches do when Donald Grump finally seeks their approval and they, in keeping with their grouchy nature, tell him "You're fired." And as if that isn't impressive enough, there are incisive gags that cut even deeper now, like Donald Grump's followers and worshippers and wannabes not understanding a college word like "Apprentice" so they substitute "helper" instead. It's kind of sad, if not particularly surprising, that when it comes to speaking truth to corrupt power, Jimmy Fallon has nothing on Elmo.
Sesame Street isn't just maybe the best kid's show of all time and arguably a third parent to my two-year-old son. It's also genuinely funny and engaging and has helped make being a father such an utter joy.


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The Legal Advocacy for the Disabled [LAD] Unit of the Erie County Department of Social Services is dedicated solely to assisting low-income persons with the Social Security Administration's Disability application process.
- LAD receives referrals from within the Department of Social Services and from community agencies.
- Persons referred to LAD have their cases assigned to a paralegal for investigation by the directing attorney.
- Paralegals schedule and conduct detailed interviews to determine if an application for SSI and/or SSD is appropriate.
- If a case is opened, the paralegal works in conjunction with the applicant and the Social Security Administration, assisting at all steps of the application and appeals processes.
LAD re-reviews all submitted applications at every level of the decision making process in order to determine the merits of the claim for future appeals.
Contact LAD - Community Agency Referrals
Legal Advocacy For the Disabled
95 Franklin St. - 11th Floor, room 1130
Buffalo, New York 14202
[716] 858-2270
Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. [Monday - Friday]
Questions can be addressed by emailing the unit at email@example.com
Community Agency Request For Referral Link
You can get additional information regarding disability at www.ssa.gov


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Two new faces will arrive in Haven for the upcoming fourth season.
Actors Christian Camargo and Emma Lahana will join the Syfy series this year.
Camargo is best known for his work on Dexter and will play the estranged half-brother of Haven mainstay Duke Crocker. The character is described as charming, driven and slightly devious successful and good-natured businessman at the top of his game. However, Wade is a Crocker through and through and could be tempted by a dark and lethal family secret that could be his undoing.
Lahana appeared in Hellcats and will play Jennifer Mason, an eccentric, energetic and off-kilter woman pulled into Haven's mysteries when she beings hearing strange voices in her head. They lead her to cross paths with a town fixture who suspects her "condition" could provide clues about Audrey's whereabouts. As Jennifer digs into her own personal history, she learns she may have a bigger role to play in the strange happenings in Haven.
They will also join actor Colin Ferguson as new additions for the upcoming season. Ferguson will have a recurring role.


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Walter Kerr Theatre
219 W. 48th Street,
New York,
2 people favorited this theater
Related Websites
Walter Kerr Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Shubert Brothers Theater Company
Architects: Herbert J. Krapp
Functions: Live Theater
Styles: Adam
Previous Names: Ritz Theatre
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
Manager: 212.239.6200
Nearby Theaters
The Ritz Theatre, designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp was opened on March 21, 1921 with "Mary Stuart", which ran for 40 performances. The theatre was built for the Shubert Theatre Corporation. Closed during the Depression, it was reopened on February 16, 1937 as part of the Federal Theatre Project with "Murder in the Cathedral", and closing with "Pinocchio" on June 30, 1939. Later in 1939, the theatre was used for radio broadcasts and in the 1950's as a TV studio. In the 1960's it became an adult movie theatre.
In the 1970's the Ritz Theatre was home to the Robert F. Kennedy Children's Theatre which screened movies. The Ritz Theatre was renovated in 1983 and from April 16, 1990 the name was changed to the Walter Kerr Theatre in honor of Walter Kerr, Pulitzer Prize winning critic and playwright.
Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
LostMemory what about the Hilton? and the former Royale?
Lost Memory: If you check the "Gigi" listing in IMDb, under "external reviews" the Variety review lists the opening of the film at the Royale Theatre on a roadshow basis. That may be the only film that ever played there, so in may not qualify the theatre as a "cinema", but at least one major picture played the house.
"GIGI" indeed played the Royale for most of 1958 before moving to the Sutton. The Royale should qualify as it was not a special event booking, it was a roadshow run.
I had similar misgivings about submitting the Konover in Miami Beach. It was a hotel theatre and lounge that became a Loews theatre in the mid seventies for about a year before going back to live shows.
I am not sure what the policy is but this NYT review shows the "GIGI" premiere at the Royale.
I'd like to know more about the movies shown. Were they just screened for members or at an event or were they regularly scheduled and advertised to the general public. If not the latter I don't see the Kerr as an appropriate listing for CT.
They were mainstream movies advertised in the New York Times. "Jaws" was one of them.
I'm looking at a NY Times article dtd 2/17/72 welcoming the Ritz back to Broadway. Other than a brief porn mention there is nothing about the screening of films. Maybe the porn was 16mm.
As far as mainstream films the RFK had special matinee programs of mainstream films but the prime ad found for same listed these as being screened at the Bert Wheeler Theatre (is that on CT) on 43rd Street. Most RFK events were members only, and the small number of
members they had doomed the operation.
Al, since you have located an ad for Jaws at that site would you please direct me to it.
The Ritz screened films for a brief period after 1972. I came to New York in 1974 and at some point probably a few years later, the Ritz once again started screening movies, possibly Kung Fu pictures. I remember going to one just to see the theatre itself. When I went to the balcony I found the projectionist was someone I had worked with in another theatre. He was sitting outside the booth in one of the theatre seats, with the booth door open. It was one of the most sparsely furnished booths I've ever seen, without even a chair or stool for the projectionist to sit on. Just two 35mm machines, and perhaps a motorized rewind or just hand rewinds. They may have requested Bill as a projectionist because he was Asian-American, and they might have felt he would be more familar with the material. It was fairly obvious that this wasn't designed to be a long term operation, and indeed in a few weeks (if that long) the theatre closed as movie venue, which would explain the lack of ads or newspaper mention other than the original story about the theatre's going back to running movies.
You will find the NY Times ad for "JAWS" on Friday, April 2, 1976, when the Robert F. Kennedy was the only Manhattan run.
It's funny, that main photo is of the show "Lysistrata Jones" that ran for about a month! That's the one show I saw there. We were towards the left part of the balcony in the first row. From what I remember, that might have been an interesting angle at which to see a movie, way back when.
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.


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Tips to Prevent Voice Problems
and DONOT use alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.
and Drink plenty of warm water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.
and Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke.
and Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. It is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm, the wall that separates your chest and abdomen. Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.
and Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus (GERD)
and Use a humidifier in your home or take steam inhalations. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates.
and Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.
and Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.
and Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.
and Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.
and Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.
and Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.
and Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may be the result of a problem that mouthwash can't cure, such as low grade infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as from gastric reflux from the stomach.
and Consider using a microphone. In relatively static environments such as exhibit areas, classrooms, or exercise rooms, a lightweight microphone and an amplifier-speaker system can be of great help.
and Consider voice therapy. A speech-language pathologist who is experienced in treating voice problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and instruction in proper voice techniques.
Common causes of Voice changes and fatigue
and Tonsillitis
and Sinusitis
and Laryngitis
and Nasal allergy
and Reflux of acid from stomach (GERD)
and Asthma and bronchitis
and Rarely polyps and tumors in the upper airway passage
If you are having problems , consult an ENT surgeon for advice.


text:
Daily Blog - Tiger Software
6, 2007
Short Selling Techniques:
That Will Make You Money
Back to
Home Page
Index of All Tiger Blog Topics
If you like our stock market insights, think how
much you will like our Software and Hotline.
have asked me to write a Daily Blog.
They seem to want me to give them a thought
or two each day. About what? Well,
we'll just
have to wait and see. As, I see it, a blog is a
personal statement. I will try to make it enter-
taining and relate it mostly to the stock market.
I do promise not to belabor the
obvious. So,
I hope these thoughts, reflections and finds are
worth your time. I will give you my best.
Send any comments or questions
to firstname.lastname@example.com
At this point in his career, Darvas was frustrated with his attempts at analyzing stocks.
Jones and Laughlin, he had put a value on the stock and expected the price of the stock to
as he expected. When the stock price fell instead of climbing as expected, Darvas finally
accepted that
his method wasn't working. He decided there wasn't much worth in analyzing stocks by
trying to assess
their value. Annoyed with information from tip sheets, friends, so called experts, and
even Wall Street
maxims, he decided to shun most of these common sources.
In 1956 Darvas embarked on a two-year tour of the world to showcase his ballroom dancing.
During this time he developed his famed Darvas Box method of screening stocks. Wanting to
keep up
on his holdings in stock he already owned and always on the lookout for new stocks, Darvas
looked for
ways to get American stock quotes while he traveled. This was a daunting task, but
arrangements were
made to obtain a copy of Barons or the Wall Street Journal through United States
Embassies, and
Brokers wired time sensitive information when needed.
Without brokers, friends, or other investors to influence him, Darvas developed a method
of picking
stocks based solely on the stock's price and volume. It was based on stocks rising above a
set of highs and letting the stock rise afterwards, using a stop sell below earlier lows.
By the time he
returned to New York in 1959 he had made about $500,000. After Darvas returned to New
people who were amazed with his success began to give him hot tips and stock
advice again. Darvas
listened to them, and took huge losses on the fortune he had made. This was also a
period of time
when the overall market was weak.
Realizing that it was the human element in stock trading that was his downfall, Darvas sequestered
himself in Paris in February of 1959. He made arrangements with his brokers to make all
his trades via wire
and get the day's highs, lows and closing prices. Using very little data, and a lot of
intelligence and discipline,
Darvas perfected his Box method of picking stocks. Within six months, he had turned a
profit of two
million dollars.
New Lows Trading Systems
to Trade Using Fibonacci Retracements
Leonardo Fibonacci was a 13th century mathematician who, among
other things, noted
that there are certain ratios that tend to reoccur in nature. The
common ones that he identified
were 38.2%, 50%, and 61.8%. For example, the distance from your
fingertips to your wrist
is 38.2% of the distance from your fingertips to your elbow. There is overwhelming
of Fibonacci ratios operating throughout nature.
We can us these naturally recurring ratios to help us anticipate stock market activity.
What we can do is watch for retracements to these levels. For
example if a stock has just completed
a 10 point run, say from $90 to $100 and is now pulling back. We
would expect the stock to
retrace to $96.18 (38.2% retracement from $100) if it does not turn there we would next
at $95 (50% retracement from $100) and the next level would be $93.82 (61.8% retracement
Short sellers would notice when a stock retraces more than 67% of its gain. That
would suggest
a test of the lows. The Tiger charts let you produce these retracement levels.
After a chart is on the
screen, chose Operations and Likely Retracement Levels. Then point the
mouse at the most recent
lows and click. Do the same with the most recent highs. The resulting chart
shows where a simple
33%, a 50% and a 67% retracemetn level would be, The 50% retracemetn is probably
more than any other by professionals.
Short sellers will often pounce on a weak stock that makes a 33%
recovery of what it has lost. See this in the chart of ALOY. As it turned out
9.5 was a good point to sell short and that was on a 33% retracement of its
decline from 12.7 to 7.7.
In the charts below, consider a reverse Darvas System.
Sell short on a
confirmed new low and hold short so long as stock does not make a
week closing high and intra-day high.
MER short at 75 now 55.
BLG short at 20 now 8.
to be continued...
Short An Internally Weak Stock on A Tiger Automatic Sell or
when it crosses back below its
falling 50-day ma with a negative
Accumulation Index.
Hold It Short so long as it does not rise above
its blue 50-day ma with the
Accumulation Index positive.
This is demonstrated below.
When the market looks dangerous, I
pick short sales among stocks
that are making new lows for 12
months with a current Accumulation
Index below -.15 and with the OBV
confirming the new lows. Consider
relative strength. The first
stocks making new lows are the most
vulnerable. And pick stocks
in weak groups.
Other materials are available in my
book on Short Selling and its supplemental


text:
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text:
I received the following e-mail from a Texas state official who recently toured the border area where the mass crossings are taking place. This is an excerpt from his note (he asked that his name be withheld):
What we saw and heard was maddening, frightening, and pathetic.
The pictures shown in the media of the conditions at the BP [Border Patrol] facilities is accurate. We saw several hundred youths crammed into holding cells, with the spillover out in the loading dock area. While we did see some infants and small children. the vast majority were teenage males. Although the [redacted] facility was terribly overcrowded, sanitation seemed adequate at the time, but BP officers were concerned about the spread of disease.
BP officials and line officers were clearly demoralized by what is going on. BP folks were very candid in saying there was nothing they could do about the kids pouring across the border unless there was a change in policy in DC. BP officials almost begged us (us being state officials and staff) to help get the policy changed. They readily admitted that none of these kids were ever going to be sent back and that our border is wide open for unaccompanied minors. BP also said that the drug cartels are certainly taking advantage of the situation. The BP personnel, including senior officials, we talked to were very demoralized. In contrast, the Texas Department of Public Safety is doing a great job of trying to pick up the slack ... in fact I was told by one BP official that if it wasn't for DPS there wouldn't be any security on the Texas border. That is sad and pathetic.


text:
The Apex Police Department "Community Well-Check Program" was started in 2020 as a program to help with the day-to-day safety and well-being of community residents who live alone in the city limits of the Town of Apex. The program is designed to provide additional support for seniors, persons with medical disabilities, or persons who have special needs.
This program provides an automatic daily check by phone for the participant. If the participant does not respond to the automatic check by phone, the Apex Police Department will contact the emergency contact for the participant. If no contact can be made with the participant or their emergency contact, the Apex Police Department will dispatch an officer to the participant's address in an attempt to make contact with the participant to ensure they are safe.
For more information on the Resident Well Check Program please email the Well Check Program or call (919) 249-1150.
1. RegisterThe participant can register online or by completing a paper application.
2. We will call youThe Apex Police Department will call you at designated time each day,
3. If you don't answerIf we cannot reach you we will call your emergency contacts to check on you.
4. If we can't reach anyoneAn officer will be dispatched to your home to check on you.


text:
The Margaritaville Beach Hotel project is located just a few blocks north of the Jacksonville Beach pier at 715 1st Street North. The property consists of an 8 story, 200,000+ sf, 202 guestroom units, beachfront hotel with 5 levels of guest units above a 3-level parking garage. This full-service hotel will include structured parking, a two-story LandShark restaurant and bar, retail space, Grab and Go store, a pool at grade along with fitness center, an outdoor recreation area with a pool and fire pits and meeting space amenities located on the 4th floor.
The overall design is intended to provide a unique, fun, quality experience for the guests that want to stay in Jacksonville Beach. The unique Margaritaville brand brings a sense of relaxation, comfort and escapism with an overall tropical and nautical flavor. Images of warm woods like the teak tones you find on a sailboat or the warm grays found in driftwood along the beach serve as inspiration for the accent architectural materials along the exterior. Large teak-toned metal picture framing accents group balcony elements providing interest and warmth along the exterior. The custom garage screen in the warm tones mirror driftwood allowing passive ventilation of the garage. The primary exterior material is stucco; bringing in a sense of beachy and local authenticity to the project.
With the "u-shaped" plan, this beachfront hotel offers the majority of guests a stunning ocean view from a variety of balcony types. By varying the balcony designs, it brings interest, variety and new experiences to returning guests. The 4 corner end units are much large suites that offer deeper balconies that wrap around the building providing different seating opportunities fro the guests. The 2 end center suites will offer a spacious 5-fixture bath primed for luxury.


text:
Here is a bottle pic, and you can see the purple tons better, it really does look just like this on the nail.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Orly Royal Velvet gets funky...
Here is a bottle pic, and you can see the purple tons better, it really does look just like this on the nail.
35 comments:
Gorgeous! I've been meaning to pick this up!ReplyDelete
Love it! Another polish on my list.ReplyDelete
Looks great on you! So glowy. I love it with black tips.ReplyDelete
HAHA, I didn't get funky with mine but my NOTD is Orly Royal Velvet also. I also did a blog post about it. This is a gorgeous polish. I called is a multichrome. You can see blue, purple, green and teal in it. Again beautiful!ReplyDelete
that looks really good!ReplyDelete
That is absolutely gorgeous! I saw that shade the other day and almost picked it up..... I definitely want it now.ReplyDelete
I sooooo need this polish! *-*ReplyDelete
The black tips fit so perfectly with this, love it!
I've been hunting this one down for a while. Every time I go to Ulta or Sally's, I see it on the swatch plate, but no bottles on the shelf.ReplyDelete
Hi! Such a cool color, I like it with the black tips. Just wanted to let you know that I credited you in my blog, I was using scotch tape to do a manicure, and you are the one who I always think when I see scotch tape manicures.. If you wanna see it, my blog is http://miu-miun.blogspot.com/ReplyDelete
So classy with the black tips very nice :)ReplyDelete
- Kristina MMarch 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM
First I love love love your site!! You are so creative and I'm jealous of your nail polish collection. I see that you love SV. I've noticed as I get half way through the bottle that it starts to get thicker and it makes my nails chip so much faster. Do you have a solution? Thanks!ReplyDelete
Ohh, that is super pretty. You always take the best pictures. I'm in awe of your nail polish skill!ReplyDelete
what kind of nail polish do you use for your black tips?ReplyDelete
you should try white tips on this :)ReplyDelete
Very pretty! This is the only one that caught my eye, too, but I haven't gotten it (yet).ReplyDelete
Soo amazingly pretty! =)ReplyDelete
Great swatches of a great polish!ReplyDelete
Thanks everyone!!ReplyDelete
For Me, It Works, that really is so funny. I saw your post and it looks great on you!
miu, thank you so much! I'll be sure to check it out!
Kristina, yeah SV does tend to get goopy fairly quick. All you need to do is add some polish thinner, and it will be good as new :)
Jessi, awww, thank you so much!!
Joonzeboo, I use Sinful Black on Black for my fave go to black :)
Monkey, that's not a bad idea, maybe the next time I do a lighter color mani, I'll do white tips :)
That is such a pretty color. It is still in my untrieds though I don't know why. It was the only one I HAD to have but now I think I need Ancient Jade as well.ReplyDelete
I love the black tips with thisReplyDelete
- Cammy YloMarch 24, 2011 at 7:38 PM
What a beautiful blue! I might just have to pick this up, haha.ReplyDelete
Love this color!! I'll be on the search for it now. I would love to know how you get the black tips to come out so perfectly and even. When did mine, each nail was different?! How do you know how far down to put the tape??ReplyDelete
omg, i LOVE blues & purples, this one is gorgeous!!ReplyDelete
Thanks you guys!!!ReplyDelete
Judy, it really is all about lining the tape up right across your tips. It takes practise to know how far back looks good. Try and start off by making your nails all the same length, or as close as you can.
I can not figure out how to do the taped off tip without jacking up the under color or taking two hours to let it dry in between.ReplyDelete
Try one coat of OPI's Last Friday night. It's amazing looking and goes SO well together!!!ReplyDelete
Thanks for the tip!!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 5, 2012 at 11:04 PM
my dumb question... what is "SV"? thanksReplyDelete
what do you use to make your french tips (by hand or form)?ReplyDelete
Thanks for theReplyDelete
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
Click here
سعودي انحراف
شات عسلي
سعودي كول
شات صوتي
شركة نقل عفش
اهم شركات مكافحة حشرات بالخبر كذلك معرض اهم شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام والخبر والجبيل والخبر والاحساء والقطيف كذلك شركة رش حشرات بالدمام ومكافحة الحشرات بالخبر
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة الجوهرة من افضل شركات تنظيف الخزانات بجدة حيث ان تنظيف خزانات بجدة يحتاج الى مهارة فى كيفية غسيل وتنظيف الخزانات الكبيرة والصغيرة بجدة على ايدى متخصصين فى تنظيف الخزانات بجدة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بجدة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام
شركة نقل عفش واثاث
- AnonymousSeptember 23, 2022 at 11:22 PM
Gorgeous! I'll have to get some. I also love Hush by ILNP. I wear it to make a statement about suicide awareness (lost my 25 y/o son in 2019). The duo chrome changes from purple to aqua and is exquisite. You'll have to check it out as well.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 23, 2022 at 11:24 PM
Btw, I'm Karen^^^... didn't realize it wouldn't publish my name automatically.ReplyDelete


text:
Considering how important peak oil is to our society and our future, I'm constantly amazed at how few people have heard of it, much less understand it. I'm no expert on the subject, and most of the information in this piece comes from the Internet – I won't even bother to reference much, you can get it all from Wikipedia. But I thought a brief summary of the issues involved might raise the level of debate when the issue comes up.
What is peak oil?
Peak oil is simply the point at which petroleum production is at its historical and future maximum. It is not an end to oil production, only a point in time when the market changes dramatically. In fact, it's roughly the point at which half of all oil that will ever be extracted has been extracted. The consumption of oil has increased almost continuously from the day a use for it was discovered, and at the point of peak oil this will have to change. Continue reading "The Peak Oil Post"


text:
"We are excited to welcome Donnavan back to the University of Miami," said Coach Jim Larrañaga. "He is an experienced front court player who excels at running the floor, blocking shots, and scoring in a variety of ways. Donnavan is passionate about the University of Miami and we look forward to working with him as he pursues his master's degree."
Kirk, who began his collegiate career with the Hurricanes in 2009, was ranked among the top 30 power forwards in the country out of Detroit Country Day. The Pontiac, Mich., native competed in 17 games over two seasons with the Hurricanes before transferring in 2011.
Kirk played in 23 games in 2011-12, averaging 5.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. The 6-foot-9 forward enjoyed a breakout season in his final year with the Blue Demons in 2012-13, starting 30 of 31 games and leading the team with 50 blocks. He finished the year averaging 6.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
Click here for bios on all of the 2013-14 Miami men's basketball players.


text:
Ann George appreciates the importance of owning a television
My sole experience of having a television in the home was when my mother rented one for about 18 months when I was 13 years old. She sent it back to the shop because no-one watched it. In many ways Auntie's television suffered the same fate. To be honest, there was not much to watch on television in Jerusalem if you didn't speak good Hebrew; in fact, the only time I actually remember seeing the television working in Auntie's front room was for the broadcast of Princess Diana's funeral.
The television was very small and square, with an aerial balanced on top, reminiscent of the first one I had watched, at the age of 6 in a friend's house, when I was bewildered by an episode of 'The Lone Ranger'. The day of Princess Diana's funeral Auntie had decided to invite both her lodgers, the Italian lady and me, to lunch, and the Italian lady was firmly ensconced in an armchair directly in front of the telly watching the live broadcast from Westminster Abbey when I walked in. I watched and listened rather fitfully whilst helping Auntie to set the table and bring the food in. By this time the service had well and truly started, and I suddenly realized that under no circumstances could I sit and eat Auntie's marvellous lunch to the accompaniment of national mourning and Book of Common Prayer phraseology. I asked for the television to be turned off. Auntie was perfectly willing to do so and Uncle was already focussed on his lunch, but the Italian lady demurred. In the end, in desperation, I said, 'I'm sorry, Auntie, but if that television stays on I shall have to leave. None of you have any idea what they are actually saying and singing in that service; it is not an entertainment and I can't eat to its accompaniment.' Auntie immediately turned the television off and the Italian lady sulked and pouted all through lunch.
It must have been the following summer, soon after the episode of the eclipse, when the television again became an important topic in the courtyard. It was the last day of the school year: American Graduation Day, indeed, and very boring it had been, too. My role in this school occasion was to make sure that the junior pupils sat quietly on the grass and didn't get sun-stroke while the Y13 students 'graduated', and finally threw their mortar boards into the air. I wandered back home with nothing more in my mind than a cool shower and a sit-down, but soon realized that I was not going to get either very quickly when I turned into the courtyard and heard the most terrific row.
I had never heard Auntie rant at Uncle before. She had to speak very loudly to him in the usual way, because he was very deaf and also losing his sight, but at this moment she was obviously very, very cross. I peeped into the front room and saw Uncle lying propped up on his mattress by the door, eyes shut and looking rather the worse for wear. Auntie saw me and immediately started to towards me, but Uncle growled in English, 'Woman, bring me arak!' Auntie turned aside, picked up the bottle of arak and filled the glass on the table beside him. Then she came out to me, sat down at the white plastic table and prepared to bare her soul.
It was a sorry tale. It seems that, many years ago, Uncle decided to sell his barbering business in the Old City and retire. He sold it to a man who, as part of the agreement, said he would pay the tax due to the Israeli authorities from the transaction. Uncle had told Auntie that the tax had been paid…..but it hadn't. Now, many years later, and after many changes of ownership of the business, the tax-man had caught up with Uncle, and a posse of customs officers had turned up in the courtyard demanding the unpaid tax, with interest. When Auntie had said that she did not have the money to hand the customs officers had confiscated the television set.
At that point I had great problems in stopping myself from laughing out loud. Auntie was incandescent with rage, however, both with Uncle (who was now very, very drunk) and with the customs officers for daring to walk off with her property. She told me that she had been informed that, in order to redeem the set, she had to go to the customs office with the money – cash only – and she was going to go the next day, Friday.
I was concerned that she was going alone. I certainly would not have wanted to have dealings with Israeli customs on my own, and in my mind was my recent memory of her distress during the eclipse episode. 'Auntie', I said, 'If you go on Sunday I can go with you, but I can't do it on Friday as I have a meeting at school.' Auntie thanked me politely but assured me she was perfectly capable of redeeming her treasured television set on her own.
And she was. When I returned from school on Friday lunchtime it was back in its place on the table, the aerial balanced on top of a lace-trimmed mat, and Auntie all ready to tell me of her triumph. However, she was a little put out; it seems that the customs officers were extremely surprised to see her, especially when they found out how much money she was giving them in return for a 1950s television set.


text:
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Star Charm Amethyst Bracelet - Lilac Star
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Artisans Magaly and Rebeca Valverde in Costa Rica create this pretty beaded bracelet for natural gemstone lovers everywhere. They knot polished nuggets of amethyst and tiny glass beads on lilac cords to create the bracelet, which features a stainless steel star charm. A sliding knot allows you to adjust the length as desired.
- Amethyst, waxed nylon cord, glass beads, stainless steel
- 0.06 oz
- 5.5 inches min L - x 12 inches max L x 0.4 inches W
Artisan Organization: Magaly and Rebeca Valverde
Country: Costa Rica
"We are sisters Magaly and Rebeca Valverde Piedra from Costa Rica. We are friendly, happy, fun and dreamy, with many desires to get ahead. We grew up in the beautiful San Isidro del General Valley with our parents and siblings. Our life has not been easy; we have lived through very difficult times, but we have always learned to see in every difficult situation an opportunity to learn and gain experience.
"We are an enterprise made up of two Costa Rican sisters who are dedicated to the production of handicrafts and souvenirs. The idea arose in 2011 in the city of San Isidro, Pérez Zeledón as a need to find a source of income. It later became a business opportunity, and little by little ideas for new products and places to market the product emerged. Today it is a business that helps to support our needs and to which we dedicate our full time, with the satisfaction of creating and designing our own articles and enjoying what we do.
"Our father was dedicated to handicrafts; he made animal carvings in wood and basketry. From there we inherited our taste for artisan creations. Our mother dedicated herself to domestic work.
"My sister Rebeca began empirically making items such as earrings, necklaces and purses. I joined her project and learned many things from her, and we both formed ideas that we complement to create new items and designs. The painting that Rebeca does on the purses was improved by taking painting classes with a teacher; and the finish of the purses was improved by taking some sewing advice from more experienced people in the area.
"We use materials such as natural stones, cotton, waxed cord and steel. My sister and I divide our work; one of us makes the bracelets and the other the purses. Sometimes we hire extra help. At the moment the designs are made entirely by us, but eventually we would look for people who have the same skills and do them well, in addition to having great enthusiasm and a desire to learn. It is interesting to create articles using our own creativity, and seeing the result at the end is gratifying; especially when we see the expressions of gratitude from our clients. This work attracts us, since we feel comfortable where we work, outside of the stresses that other jobs entail. And we know that we are doing what we like.
"Some of our articles reflect a part of Costa Rican flora and fauna, with the idea of making our country known to people from other countries and being able to share our natural wealth with them.
"Our dream is to consolidate our business in such a way that we can generate employment for many people, since in our canton there is the problem of unemployment, especially for women.""